Sculpted by starlight: A meteorite witness to the solar system's birth

In 2011, scientists confirmed a suspicion: There was a split in the local cosmos. Samples of the solar wind brought back to Earth by the Genesis mission definitively determined oxygen isotopes in the sun differ from those found on Earth, the moon and the other planets and satellites in the solar system.

Early in the solar system's history, material that would later coalesce into planets had been hit with a hefty dose of ultraviolet light, which can explain this difference. Where did it come from? Two theories emerged: Either the ultraviolet light came from our then-young sun, or it came from a large nearby star in the sun's stellar nursery.

Now, researchers from the lab of Ryan Ogliore, assistant professor of physics in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, have determined which was responsible for the split. It was most likely light from a long-dead massive star that left this impression on the rocky bodies of the solar system. The study was led by Lionel Vacher, a postdoctoral research associate in the physics department's Laboratory for Space Sciences.

Their results are published in the journal Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta.

"We knew that we were born of stardust: that is, dust created by other stars in our galactic neighborhood were part of the building blocks of the solar system," Ogliore said.

"But this study showed that starlight had a profound effect on our origins as well."

*Tiny time capsule

All of that profundity was packed into a mere 85 grams of rock, a piece of an asteroid found as a meteorite in Algeria in 1990, named Acfer 094. Asteroids and planets formed from the same presolar material, but they've been influenced by different natural processes. The rocky building blocks that coalesced to form asteroids and planets were broken up and battered; vaporized and recombined; and compressed and heated. But the asteroid that Acfer 094 came from managed to survive for 4.6 billion years mostly unscathed.

"This is one of the most primitive meteorites in our collection," Vacher said. "It was not heated significantly. It contains porous regions and tiny grains that formed around other stars. It is a reliable witness to the solar system's formation."

Acfer 094 is also the only meteorite that contains cosmic symplectite, an intergrowth of iron-oxide and iron-sulfide with extremely heavy oxygen isotopes -- a significant finding.

The sun contains about 6% more of the lightest oxygen isotope compared with the rest of the solar system. That can be explained by ultraviolet light shining on the solar system's building blocks, selectively breaking apart carbon monoxide gas into its constituent atoms. That process also creates a reservoir of much heavier oxygen isotopes. Until cosmic symplectite, however, no one had found this heavy isotope signature in samples of solar system materials.

With only three isotopes, however, simply finding the heavy oxygen isotopes wasn't enough to answer the question of the origin of the light. Different ultraviolet spectra could have created the same result.

"That's when Ryan came up with the idea of sulfur isotopes," Vacher said.

Sulfur's four isotopes would leave their marks in different ratios depending on the spectrum of ultraviolet light that irradiated hydrogen sulfide gas in the proto-solar system. A massive star and a young sun-like star have different ultraviolet spectra.

Cosmic symplectite formed when ices on the asteroid melted and reacted with small pieces of iron-nickel metal. In addition to oxygen, cosmic symplectite contains sulfur in iron sulfide. If its oxygen witnessed this ancient astrophysical process -- which led to the heavy oxygen isotopes -- perhaps its sulfur did, too.

"We developed a model," Ogliore said. "If I had a massive star, what isotope anomalies would be created? What about for a young, sun-like star? The precision of the model depends on the experimental data. Fortunately, other scientists have done great experiments on what happens to isotope ratios when hydrogen sulfide is irradiated by ultraviolet light."

Sulfur and oxygen isotope measurements of cosmic symplectite in Acfer 094 proved another challenge. The grains, tens of micrometers in size and a mixture of minerals, required new techniques on two different in-situ secondary-ion mass spectrometers: the NanoSIMS in the physics department (with assistance from Nan Liu, research assistant professor in physics) and the 7f-GEO in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, also in Arts & Sciences.

*Putting the puzzle together

It helped to have friends in earth and planetary sciences, particularly David Fike, professor of earth and planetary sciences and director of Environmental Studies in Arts & Sciences, and Clive Jones, research scientist in earth and planetary sciences.

"They are experts in high-precision in-situ sulfur isotope measurements for biogeochemistry," Ogliore said. "Without this collaboration, we would not have achieved the precision we needed to differentiate between the young sun and massive star scenarios."

The sulfur isotope measurements of cosmic symplectite were consistent with ultraviolet irradiation from a massive star, but did not fit the UV spectrum from the young sun. The results give a unique perspective on the astrophysical environment of the sun's birth 4.6 billion years ago. Neighboring massive stars were likely close enough that their light affected the solar system's formation. Such a nearby massive star in the night sky would appear brighter than the full moon.

Today, we can look to the skies and see a similar origin story play out elsewhere in the galaxy.

"We see nascent planetary systems, called proplyds, in the Orion nebula that are being photoevaporated by ultraviolet light from nearby massive O and B stars," Vacher said.

"If the proplyds are too close to these stars, they can be torn apart, and planets never form. We now know our own solar system at its birth was close enough to be affected by the light of these stars," he said. "But thankfully, not too close."

###

This story has been published on: 2021-07-06. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
ARPHA expands to computer science with International Journal of Universal Computer Science

The scholarly publisher and technology provider Pensoft and its self-developed publishing platform ARPHA welcome The International Journal of Universal Computer Science (J.UCS) to their portfolio. With this addition, the publisher, best known for a wide range of biodiversity-themed journals, steps into the field of computer science.

Since 1995, J.UCS has been publishing, digitally and in print, research articles and editorials on all aspects of computer science. With a free-of-charge policy for both authors and readers, and a review process usually taking between 6 and 10 weeks, its volumes have been documenting, connecting and reflecting novel aspects of computer science. J.UCS' peer-reviewed monthly issues, as well as special issues on selected topics, continuously serve as one of the major knowledge bases for the research community in computer science. Currently, its Impact Factor stands at 1.139 (2020), and its CiteScore is at 2.0 (2020).

The journal is already publishing on a brand-new, user-friendly website7/6/2021 under Pensoft's scholarly publishing platform ARPHA. Its latest issue features a model for forecasting air travel demand with machine learning; an analysis of the effect of different stimuli, such as video and sound on a user's sense of presence in a virtual environment; and a new approach for solving the 15-puzzle problem using the artificial bee colony algorithm.

By moving to ARPHA, J.UCS now enjoys a long list of high-tech perks, which dramatically enhance the entire publishing process, from submission to publication, distribution and archiving. All users of the journal's system - authors, editors, and reviewers, can benefit from ARPHA's integrated approach, which ensures that once submitted, each manuscript goes through the whole cycle: from manuscript submission, review and copy/layout editing to publication, dissemination and archiving, without ever leaving ARPHA's collaboration-focused online environment.

The easy-to-use platform offers features such as papers available in a machine-readable XML format, automated data export to aggregators, automated notifications and reminders, usage metrics and web-service integrations with major global indexing databases, which ensure that published articles are easy to discover, access, cite and reuse by both humans and machines all over the world.

"Since its foundation, J.UCS has built on and even created innovative features for digital libraries. By moving to the ARPHA platform, the J.UCS community can take advantage of the latest publishing features and technologies, including long-time archiving and review acknowledgement. Thus, the J.UCS team can concentrate on the journal's core business and content quality, and can rely on professional service and support. Moving to the new platform was only possible due to the financial support of our consortium partners Graz University of Technology, ZBW,American University and California Polytechnic State University, and by in-kind support from Internet Studio Isser and photographer Christian Trummer for their graphical design contribution," said Christian Gutl, Managing Editor-in-Chief.

###

Follow The International Journal of Universal Computer Science onFacebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Additional information

About ARPHA:

ARPHA is the first end-to-end, narrative- and data-integrated publishing solution that supports the full life cycle of a manuscript, from authoring to reviewing, publishing and dissemination. ARPHA provides accomplished and streamlined production workflows that can be customized according to the journal's needs. The platform enables a variety of publishing models through a number of options for branding, production and revenue models to choose from.

About Pensoft:

Pensoft is an independent academic publishing company, well-known worldwide for its innovations in the field of semantic publishing, as well as for its cutting-edge publishing tools and workflows. In 2013, Pensoft launched the first ever end to end XML-based authoring, reviewing and publishing workflow, as demonstrated by the Pensoft Writing Tool (PWT) and the Biodiversity Data Journal (BDJ), now upgraded to the ARPHA Publishing Platform. Flagship titles include: Research Ideas and Outcomes (RIO), One Ecosystem, ZooKeys, Biodiversity Data Journal, PhytoKeys, MycoKeys and many more.

Contacts:

Christian Gutl, Managing Editor-in-Chief of The International Journal of Universal Computer Science

c.guetl@tugraz.at

Lyubomir Penev, founder and CEO at Pensoft and ARPHA

l.penev@pensoft.net

This story has been published on: 2021-07-06. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
South Africa: SAPS vaccination programme gains momentum

Two days after launching COVID-19 vaccinations for its members, the South African Police Service (SAPS) Vaccination Programme is gaining momentum.

This comes after just over 1000 more SAPS personnel received their jabs on Tuesday.

On day two of the programme, a total of 2055 vaccines had been administered to police officers and support personnel at both the Orlando Stadium in Soweto and the SAPS Tshwane Academy vaccination sites, the SAPS said in a statement.

At Orlando Stadium, 760 members were vaccinated, bringing the total number of members who have been vaccinated over the first two days at the site to 1 285.

At SAPS Tshwane Academy, the second vaccination site, a total of 770 members had been vaccinated over two days.

Constance Makhaye, a cleaner at the SAPS Tshwane Academy, was among those who got vaccinated on day two. The 58 year-old with 25 years of service said she was elated to have finally received the vaccine.

"I feel very happy about today, I was initially scared to vaccinate, now that I have recieved my vaccine, I am going to encourage my other colleagues to come and be the next in line to get vaccinated," she said.

Captain Daniel Dhanarajan, a 48 year-old trainer attached to the SAPS Atteridgeville Academy, expressed equal delight.

I feel very strong and relieved to know that my colleagues, family and I will be safe and guarded against the severe effects of this virus," he said.

As of Tuesday evening, the number of members that have tested positive for the virus remains at 32 565. The number of recoveries stood at 30 955.

However, the number of those who succumbed to their COVID-19 illnesses rose to 673.

The SAPS reiterated that while vaccination is voluntary, it will continue to encourage all members to get vaccinated in a bid to operate optimally in serving and protecting the people of South Africa.

Vaccinating our members does not mean we should stop adhering to the non-pharmaceutical health and safety protocols. The service will continue to ensure that all health and safety protocols at all service points remain in place and are adhered to by members, it said.

The SAPS said there is an exclusion criteria for vaccination, this means that there are those who will not qualify to be vaccinated.

Among the excluded were those who had contracted COVID-19 in the last 30 days, any person who had received a flu vaccine within 14 days, and any member who had been vaccinated prior to the SAPS vaccination rollout programme commencing.

The police will continues to monitor preparations in place for the nationwide rollout at all 108 registered sites. The provincial rollouts will commence on Thursday in eight provinces. Gauteng will begin administering jabs on Friday.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-07-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
South Africa: Cape Town set to open mass vaccination centre

The City of Cape Town and Discovery Health on Tuesday conducted an oversight visit at the Cape Town International Convention Centre mass Vaccination Centre of Hope to check on its preparation ahead of its activation today.

Between July and December this year, this mass vaccination centre is expected to administer over 750 000 vaccinations in Cape Town, playing a critical role in the Western Cape and South Africas vaccination programme.

The oversight visit was attended by the Premier of the Western Cape Alan Winde; Provincial Minister of Health, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo; Mayor of Cape Town, Dan Plato; Community Services & Health MMC in the City of Cape Town, Zahid Badroodien; Discovery Group Executive, Adrian Gore and Discovery Health CEO, Dr Ryan Noach.

A virtual tour was also conducted with the public and the media, who joined online, to help create awareness.

Winde said the Vaccination Centre of Hope is a pioneering collaboration that shows what is possible when the private and public sector work together.

I am so proud to see this collaboration take shape, demonstrating what is possible when we work together with the private sector to deliver quality services to our residents. I hope this is the beginning of many more joint projects in this space.

All eligible residents, whether they have a medical aid or not, will be assisted at this site. No person will be left behind because every life matters, Winde said.

The City of Cape Town worked to make the site fully operational before handing it over to the Western Cape Government and Discovery Health.

The Western Cape government will be primarily responsible for overall coordination, supply of vaccines, clinical and facilities management, while Discovery Health will be responsible for client experience, various aspects of the technology solution and administrative functions.

Plato said he is looking forward to the site becoming operational, helping vaccinate hundreds of thousands of Capetonians across the city.

The city, province and Discovery Health are ready to provide a significant boost to the vaccination campaign and we have urged national government to increase its procurement and rollout of vaccines so that more age groups can access the vaccine.

I am proud of all the city officials who made this site a reality through intensive and time-pressured project management. The success of the COVID-19 vaccination drive relies on a joint effort between all stakeholders, including government, the private sector and our residents.

An expanded and ramped up national vaccination rollout would bring an end to the need for further national lockdowns that harm livelihoods and impact the recovery of the economy. As a fully vaccinated resident myself, I encourage residents to come forward to receive the vaccine as soon as possible, Plato said.

The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) Vaccination Centre of Hope will be one of the largest and most sophisticated vaccination sites in the country, leveraging the combined resources and capacity of both the public and private sector, and thereby accelerating access to vaccination for greater numbers of residents.

This is a welcomed boost for South Africas vaccination programme. When it comes to the national mass vaccination rollout, there is strong alignment between saving lives and saving livelihoods  two inseparable priorities.

This site will contribute significantly to the national target to provide access to COVID-19 vaccination for 41.7 million adults in South Africa, to reach population immunity and prevent further waves of infection, Noach said.

He said they are encouraged by early vaccine efficacy data analysis on Discovery members who have been vaccinated, which provides strong evidence of the protective effect of the COVID-19 vaccination.

Preliminary data analysis shows 47% reduction in COVID-19 infection rates among vaccinated populations 21 days after receiving the first Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine dose, and an estimated 50% reduction in hospitalisation post first dose.

These findings are congruent with international experience and highly encouraging from a South African perspective, Noach said.

How the CTICC vaccination centre will work

The CTICC Vaccination Centre of Hope will be one of the biggest vaccination sites in the country.

Fifty vaccination stations will be operational at the site, with the related administrative and support staff in place to support operations.

This will mean that more than 4 000 people can be vaccinated per day when it reaches its full operational capacity.

Onsite registration will be possible at the site to help those who need assistance.

Vaccinations will be free of charge for everyone visiting the site, enabled by payment agreements between medical aids and the Western Cape Department of Health to provide a hassle-free experience to all residents.

The site will have sophisticated cold-chain refrigeration, waste management processes and IT infrastructure, and the capability to administer both the Pfizer-BioNTech double dose and Johnson & Johnson single dose vaccines.

The COVID-19 vaccines used in South Africa are approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and are safe. They are also proven, through rigorous tests, to provide excellent protection against severe COVID-19 related illness. That is why it is important that every single person gets vaccinated as soon as possible.

I urge you to register when it is your turn, so that we can fight back against COVID-19 and continue to save lives and livelihoods, said Winde.

Everyone over the age of 50 is currently eligible to register for their COVID-19 vaccine on the Electronic Vaccination Data System, and is urged to do so by using any of the following steps:

 Visit http://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za/ (which can also be accessed on www.westerncape.gov.za)

 WhatsApp the word REGISTER to 0600 123456

 Dial *134*832*ID number# if you dont have internet access.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-07-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
South Africa: SA joins forces with US to tackle economic crimes

The United States (US) Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) enforcement division are joining forces to fight tax and economic crimes affecting the two countries.

The two agencies on Tuesday said they are working together to identify, investigate and bring to justice criminals with a nexus to both countries.

Some of the crimes under investigation include international public corruption, cyber fraud, and money laundering. The newly formed partnership has already uncovered emerging schemes perpetrated by promoters, professional enablers, and financial institutions.

The global fight against financial crimes is not one that can be fought alone by any one country. Our partnership with the South African Revenue Service will soon reveal operational results made possible by our strong alliance and collaborative efforts.

Taxpayers and tax professionals using offshore and other sophisticated schemes to evade US and South African laws will be uncovered and prosecuted to the full extent of the law, said Guy Ficco, IRS-CI Director of Global Operations.

SARS Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter, welcomed the collaboration, saying it would assist in the renewed focus on non-compliant high wealth individuals and offshore holdings.

One of our strategic objectives is to make it easy for taxpayers to comply with their tax obligations and hard and costly for those who wilfully do not comply.

We trust that this partnership will yield results and also in terms of augmenting our internal skill sets, as we clamp down on illegal activities affecting both our countries.

A major component of the collaborative effort between the two countries includes an ongoing training initiative led by the IRS-CI.

The US tax agency continuously shares financial investigative techniques, trains South African law enforcement officers and government officials, and highlights adjudicated international case studies relevant to both countries.

Earlier this month, IRS-CI delivered an offshore tax evasion training webinar to approximately 40 SARS enforcement officers.

The training illustrated a complex pyramid scheme highlighting egregious levels of greed, deceit and nefarious coordination efforts orchestrated by businesses.

The training incorporated multiple areas of transnational financial crimes specific to offshore banking schemes, tax evasion and conspiracy, said SARS.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-07-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Hong Kong: Govt preparing for electric ferries

The Government is preparing for testing the operation of electric ferries in four in-harbour ferry routes and an electric ferries pilot scheme is expected to start in 2023.

Secretary for the Environment KS Wong made the statement in response to lawmakers' questions in the Legislative Council today.

He noted that to further promote the use of green transportation technologies in ferries, the Government has earmarked $350 million in the last fiscal year to launch a pilot scheme for electric ferries.

The Government will fully subsidise the four ferry operators for the construction of electric ferries and the associated charging facilities, as well as the operational, maintenance and repair expenditures incurred by the operation of the electric ferries during the 24-month trial period.

The participating routes include the ferry route plying Central and Tsim Sha Tsui by the Star Ferry, the ferry route plying North Point and Hung Hom by the Sun Ferry Services, the ferry route plying Sai Wan Ho and Kwun Tong by the Coral Sea Ferry Service and the Water Taxi plying Kai Tak, Hung Hom, Tsim Sha Tsui, Central and West Kowloon by the Fortune Ferry.

The Government has established an inter-departmental working group to work out the pilot scheme details, oversee its progress and evaluate the performance of the electric ferries.

The Environmental Protection Department has also engaged a consultant to design the electric ferries and the associated charging facilities, and assist the ferry operators to prepare technical specifications for issuing open tenders for the construction of electric ferries.

In addition, the Government has set up an expert panel comprising a local naval architect and academics as well as the working group members to assess the design proposals of electric ferries.

Mr Wong said based on the current progress, the Government anticipated that the design proposals for the electric ferries and associated charging facilities will be completed within this year.

The ferry operators and the Government will be able to issue open tenders for the construction of electric ferries and the associated charging facilities later this year.

Taking into account the lead time to construct the electric ferries and the associated charging facilities, the pilot scheme will commence in 2023 tentatively.

This story has been published on: 2021-07-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Study: Oil spill impact on Canadian arctic, the environment and indigenous peoples

The growing rate of ice melt in the Arctic due to rising global temperatures has opened up the Northwest Passage (NWP) to more ship traffic, increasing the potential risk of an oil spill and other environmental disasters. A new study published in the journal Risk Analysis suggests that an oil spill in the Canadian Arctic could be devastating--especially for vulnerable indigenous communities.

"Infrastructure along the NWP in Canada's Arctic is almost non-existent. This presents major challenges to any response efforts in the case of a natural disaster," says Mawuli Afenyo, lead author, University of Manitoba researcher, and expert on the risks of Arctic shipping.

Afenyo and his colleagues have developed a new method that could help managers predict the risk of pollutants from increased shipping activity. The paper describes how they used it to assess the socio-economic impacts of a potential oil spill in the Rankin Inlet region of the Canadian Arctic. This area is a critical regional hub for Arctic shipping where traffic has been increasing since 2010. For their analysis, the researchers simulated the conditions of the Exxon Valdez disaster in 1989, when an oil tanker released 11 million gallons of oil into Alaska's Prince William Sound. It should be noted that an oil spill of the magnitude of the Exxon Valdez has not occurred in the Rankin Inlet; this study is a simulation to project the potential impact of such a spill.

"One of our key findings was that the negative socio-economic impact of an oil spill in the Arctic accelerates quickly with time if there is no intervention," says Afenyo. "Our study also showed that an oil spill in this region has serious social impacts--affecting the family dynamics, hunting traditions, and culture of vulnerable indigenous communities."

Cleaning up a spill in the Arctic is different from that in other parts of the ocean due to the harsh nature of the environment and the remoteness of the region. Oil from a spill can move under the ice, between ice, get absorbed by snow, and become encapsulated in ice. This makes response efforts and long-term monitoring difficult and expensive.

Using two different risk assessment models, the researchers evaluated the probability and consequences of an oil spill in the Rankin Inlet. To estimate the probability, they reviewed past incidents and scientific reports about oil spills and also surveyed scientists, government workers, insurance specialists, and rights holders who live or work in the Arctic.

To estimate the consequences of a spill, they used a multi-period model to predict the socio-economic impacts over a period of five years if no recovery efforts were conducted--one of the most probable scenarios for this area based on current conditions. "This worse-case scenario analysis gives decision-makers the opportunity to put into place intervention that will help mitigate risks to a bare minimum," Afenyo explained.

All of the consequences of a potential spill were incorporated into an influence diagram to help managers assess the risk of a spill in terms of U.S. dollars. It includes such impacts as the destruction of flora and fauna and the disruption of hunting and culture for indigenous communities in the region. In the first year following the spill in the Rankin Inlet, the cost with no intervention was estimated to be $500 million. By the fifth year, this figure rose to $7.5 billion.

"Our method is very comprehensive as it uses both qualitative and quantitative inputs and can be used to assess not only the socio-economic impacts but also the environmental consequences," says Afenyo. He adds that it can serve as a decision-making tool for policy makers, insurance companies, and government institutions responsible for risk assessment and emergency response.

In their analysis, the researchers identified an urgent need to develop a good communication network between indigenous nations within the region, the Canadian federal government, and companies looking to work there. "The challenge will be determining how the Canadian federal government should collaborate with indigenous people to respond rapidly to an oil spill," says Afenyo.

In future research, the team plans to develop an app to help decision-makers assess the socio-economic impacts of shipping spills in the Arctic and examine how different policy responses could minimize the negative impacts of those spills. This would help marine insurers develop practical tools to help accurately calculate risk and insurance premiums for ships traveling through the Arctic. The newly constructed Churchill Marine Observatory will be an important source of data to further improve the accuracy of the model.

###

The paper is co-authored by Changmin Jiang of the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba and Adolf K.Y. Ng in the Division of Business and Management at Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (China). The joint Sino-Canadian research is part of the GENICE project (Microbial Genomics for Oil Spill Preparedness in Canada's Arctic Marine Environment) led by the University of Manitoba and the University of Calgary.

About SRA

The Society for Risk Analysis is a multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, scholarly, international society that provides an open forum for all those interested in risk analysis. SRA was established in 1980 and has published Risk Analysis: An International Journal, the leading scholarly journal in the field, continuously since 1981. For more information, visit http://www. sra. org .

This story has been published on: 2021-07-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
New clues to why there's so little antimatter in the universe

Imagine a dust particle in a storm cloud, and you can get an idea of a neutron's insignificance compared to the magnitude of the molecule it inhabits.

But just as a dust mote might affect a cloud's track, a neutron can influence the energy of its molecule despite being less than one-millionth its size. And now physicists at MIT and elsewhere have successfully measured a neutron's tiny effect in a radioactive molecule.

The team has developed a new technique to produce and study short-lived radioactive molecules with neutron numbers they can precisely control. They hand-picked several isotopes of the same molecule, each with one more neutron than the next. When they measured each molecule's energy, they were able to detect small, nearly imperceptible changes of the nuclear size, due to the effect of a single neutron.

The fact that they were able to see such small nuclear effects suggests that scientists now have a chance to search such radioactive molecules for even subtler effects, caused by dark matter, for example, or by the effects of new sources of symmetry violations related to some of the current mysteries of the universe.

"If the laws of physics are symmetrical as we think they are, then the Big Bang should have created matter and antimatter in the same amount. The fact that most of what we see is matter, and there is only about one part per billon of antimatter, means there is a violation of the most fundamental symmetries of physics, in a way that we can't explain with all that we know," says Ronald Fernando Garcia Ruiz, assistant professor of physics at MIT.

"Now we have a chance to measure these symmetry violations, using these heavy radioactive molecules, which have extreme sensitivity to nuclear phenomena that we cannot see in other molecules in nature," he says. "That could provide answers to one of the main mysteries of how the universe was created."

Ruiz and his colleagues have published their results today in Physical Review Letters.

A special asymmetry

Most atoms in nature host a symmetrical, spherical nucleus, with neutrons and protons evenly distributed throughout. But in certain radioactive elements like radium, atomic nuclei are weirdly pear-shaped, with an uneven distribution of neutrons and protons within. Physicists hypothesize that this shape distortion can enhance the violation of symmetries that gave origin to the matter in the universe.

"Radioactive nuclei could allow us to easily see these symmetry-violating effects," says study lead author Silviu-Marian Udrescu, a graduate student in MIT's Department of Physics. "The disadvantage is, they're very unstable and live for a very short amount of time, so we need sensitive methods to produce and detect them, fast."

Rather than attempt to pin down radioactive nuclei on their own, the team placed them in a molecule that futher amplifies the sensitivity to symmetry violations. Radioactive molecules consist of at least one radioactive atom, bound to one or more other atoms. Each atom is surrounded by a cloud of electrons that together generate an extremely high electric field in the molecule that physicists believe could amplify subtle nuclear effects, such as effects of symmetry violation.

However, aside from certain astrophysical processes, such as merging neutron stars, and stellar explosions, the radioactive molecules of interest do not exist in nature and therefore must be created artificially. Garcia Ruiz and his colleagues have been refining techniques to create radioactive molecules in the lab and precisely study their properties. Last year, they reported on a method to produce molecules of radium monofluoride, or RaF, a radioactive molecule that contains one unstable radium atom and a fluoride atom.

In their new study, the team used similar techniques to produce RaF isotopes, or versions of the radioactive molecule with varying numbers of neutrons. As they did in their previous experiment, the researchers utilized the Isotope mass Separator On-Line, or ISOLDE, facility at CERN, in Geneva, Switzerland, to produce small quantities of RaF isotopes.

The facility houses a low-energy proton beam, which the team directed toward a target -- a half-dollar-sized disc of uranium-carbide, onto which they also injected a carbon fluoride gas. The ensuing chemical reactions produced a zoo of molecules, including RaF, which the team separated using a precise system of lasers, electromagnetic fields, and ion traps.

The researchers measured each molecule's mass to estimate of the number of neutrons in a molecule's radium nucleus. They then sorted the molecules by isotopes, according to their neutron numbers.

In the end, they sorted out bunches of five different isotopes of RaF, each bearing more neutrons than the next. With a separate system of lasers, the team measured the quantum levels of each molecule.

"Imagine a molecule vibrating like two balls on a spring, with a certain amount of energy," explains Udrescu, who is a graduate student of MIT's Laboratory for Nuclear Science. "If you change the number of neutrons in one of these balls, the amount of energy could change. But one neutron is 10 million times smaller than a molecule, and with our current precision we didn't expect that changing one would create an energy difference, but it did. And we were able to clearly see this effect."

Udrescu compares the sensitivity of the measurements to being able to see how Mount Everest, placed on the surface of the sun, could, however minutely, change the sun's radius. By comparison, seeing certain effects of symmetry violation would be like seeing how the width of a single human hair would alter the sun's radius.

The results demonstrate that radioactive molecules such as RaF are ultrasensitive to nuclear effects and that their sensitivity may likely reveal more subtle, never-before-seen effects, such as tiny symmetry-violating nuclear properties, that could help to explain the universe's matter-antimmater asymmetry.

"These very heavy radioactive molecules are special and have sensitivity to nuclear phenomena that we cannot see in other molecules in nature," Udrescu says. "This shows that, when we start to search for symmetry-violating effects, we have a high chance of seeing them in these molecules."

###

This research was supported, in part, by the Office of Nuclear Physics, U.S. Department of Energy; the MISTI Global Seed Funds; the European Research Council; the Belgian FWO Vlaanderen and BriX IAP Research Program; the German Research Foundation; the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council, and the Ernest Rutherford Fellowship Grant.

This story has been published on: 2021-07-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
New type of massive explosion explains mystery star

A massive explosion from a previously unknown source - 10 times more energetic than a supernova - could be the answer to a 13-billion-year-old Milky Way mystery.

Astronomers led by David Yong, Gary Da Costa and Chiaki Kobayashi from Australia's ARC Centre of Excellence in All Sky Astrophysics in 3 Dimensions (ASTRO 3D) based at the Australian National University (ANU) have potentially discovered the first evidence of the destruction of a collapsed rapidly spinning star - a phenomenon they describe as a "magneto-rotational hypernova".

The previously unknown type of cataclysm - which occurred barely a billion years after the Big Bang - is the most likely explanation for the presence of unusually high amounts of some elements detected in another extremely ancient and "primitive" Milky Way star.

That star, known as SMSS J200322.54-114203.3, contains larger amounts of metal elements, including zinc, uranium, europium and possibly gold, than others of the same age.

Neutron star mergers - the accepted sources of the material needed to forge them - are not enough to explain their presence.

The astronomers calculate that only the violent collapse of a very early star - amplified by rapid rotation and the presence of a strong magnetic field - can account for the additional neutrons required.

The research is published today in the journal Nature.

"The star we're looking at has an iron-to-hydrogen ratio about 3000 times lower than the Sun - which means it is a very rare: what we call an extremely metal-poor star," said Dr Yong, who is based at the ANU.

"However, the fact that it contains much larger than expected amounts of some heavier elements means that it is even rarer - a real needle in a haystack."

The first stars in the universe were made almost entirely of hydrogen and helium. At length, they collapsed and exploded, turning into neutron stars or black holes, producing heavier elements which became incorporated in tiny amounts into the next generation of stars - the oldest still in existence.

Rates and energies of these star deaths have become well known in recent years, so the amount of heavy elements they produce is well calculated. And, for SMSS J200322.54-114203.3, the sums just don't add up.

"The extra amounts of these elements had to come from somewhere," said Associate Professor Chiaki Kobayashi from the University of Hertfordshire, UK.

"We now find the observational evidence for the first time directly indicating that there was a different kind of hypernova producing all stable elements in the periodic table at once -- a core-collapse explosion of a fast-spinning strongly-magnetized massive star. It is the only thing that explains the results."

Hypernovae have been known since the late 1990s. However, this is the first time one combining both rapid rotation and strong magnetism has been detected.

"It's an explosive death for the star," said Dr Yong. "We calculate that 13 billion-years ago J200322.54-114203.3 formed out of a chemical soup that contained the remains of this type of hypernova. No one's ever found this phenomenon before."

J200322.54-114203.3 lies 7500 light-years from the Sun, and orbits in the halo of the Milky Way.

Another co-author, Nobel Laureate and ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt, added, "The high zinc abundance is definite marker of a hypernova, a very energetic supernova."

Head of the First Stars team in ASTRO 3D, Professor Gary Da Costa from ANU, explained that the star was first identified by a project called the SkyMapper survey of the southern sky.

"The star was first identified as extremely metal-poor using SkyMapper and the ANU 2.3m telescope at Siding Spring Observatory in western NSW," he said. "Detailed observations were then obtained with the European Southern Observatory 8m Very Large Telescope in Chile."

ASTRO 3D director, Professor Lisa Kewley, commented: "This is an extremely important discovery that reveals a new pathway for the formation of heavy elements in the infant universe."

Other members of the research team are based at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the US, Stockholm University in Sweden, the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics in Germany, Italy's Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica, and Australia's University of New South Wales.

###

This story has been published on: 2021-07-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
New 6G research center unites industry leaders and UT wireless experts

Teaming up with industry titans including Samsung, NVIDIA, and more, researchers at The University of Texas at Austin are launching 6G@UT, a new research center to lay the groundwork for 6G, the next generation of wireless technology.

5G is just emerging as the dominant cellular technology after years of research and innovation that includes important contributions by UT Austin wireless researchers and alumni. With new technologies on the horizon such as self-driving cars and air taxis, holographic video conferencing, ubiquitous robotics and immersive augmented reality, UT Austin is cementing its leadership in wireless innovation with this major research effort on 6G.

"The advances in both wireless communications and machine learning over the past decade have been incredible, but separate," said 6G@UT Director Jeffrey Andrews, a professor in UT Austin's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. "Coupled with vast new sensing and localization abilities, 6G will be defined by an unprecedented native intelligence, which will transform the ability of the network to provide incredible services."

Founding 6G@UT affiliates Samsung, AT&T, NVIDIA, Qualcomm and InterDigital will each fund at least two projects for three years at the center. Researchers from the companies will work alongside UT faculty members and students to develop wireless-specific machine learning algorithms, advanced sensing technologies, and core networking innovations that will be the backbone of 6G.

Click here for comments from the founding affiliates' leaders on the impact the new 6G research will have on the wireless ecosystem.

The next generation of wireless will be infused with technologies that have come of age during the past decade: ubiquitous sensing, machine learning and the ability to use higher frequency spectrum at mmWave and THz bands. These technologies will be at the heart of the research happening at the 6G@UT center, and they will play a critical role not only in the devices and applications running 6G but in managing the network itself.

Radio waves not only facilitate communication, but also sensing and localization, via radar and GPS, for example. The introduction of THz bands and the superior sensing resolution through massively dense antenna arrays will allow carriers to better monitor the quality of their networks in different places -- from office towers to busy downtown areas to far-flung rural locales. 6G networks will be loaded with radar, vision, audio, lidar, thermal, seismic and broadband software-defined radio sensors that will provide unprecedented situational awareness to applications and devices running on the network.

"5G's vision of sensing has been insufficiently bold," said Todd Humphreys, associate professor in UT Austin's Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics. "6G should begin with the premise that sensing is not just for reacting to conditions, but anticipating them, so that vital links to automated vehicles, AR/VR headsets, and other latency-sensitive applications can be maintained with utter reliability."

Other major pillars of the new center, and crucial parts of 6G, include the need to open new spectrum and low Earth orbit satellite links to improve coverage across rural and urban areas and design new network architectures to enable better resource and infrastructure sharing.

The 6G@UT center is spun out of the Cockrell School's Wireless Networking & Communications Group, a 19-year-old research center with more than 25 faculty members and 130 students and researchers. WNCG has established UT Austin as a global leader in wireless technology, and its researchers have made important breakthroughs that helped enable 4G and 5G technology. Students graduating from UT Austin have played important roles in creating and standardizing these technologies at WNCG's industrial affiliates.

Faculty members involved with 6G@UT are Jeffrey Andrews, Todd Humphreys, Sanjay Shakkottai, Gustavo de Veciana, Francois Baccelli, Al Bovik, Constantine Caramanis, Sandeep Chinchali, Alex Dimakis, Brian Evans, Hyeji Kim, Aryan Mokhtari, Lili Qiu, Sujay Sanghavi, Atlas Wang, Haris Vikalo, Jon Tamir, Andreas Gerstlauer, Joydeep Ghosh, Jose del R. Millan, Edison Thomaz and Nanshu Lu.

###

This story has been published on: 2021-07-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
A unique study of ancient diamonds has shown that the basic chemical composition of the Earth's atmosphere which makes it suitable for life's explosion of diversity was laid down at least 2.7 billion years ago.

Volatile gases conserved in diamonds found in ancient rocks were present in similar proportions to those found in today's mantle, which in turn indicates that there has been no fundamental change in the proportions of volatiles in the atmosphere over the last few billion years. This shows that one of the basic conditions necessary to support life, the presence of life-giving elements in sufficient quantity, appeared soon after Earth formed, and has remained fairly constant ever since.

Presenting the work at the Goldschmidt Geochemistry conference, lead researcher Dr Michael Broadly said, "The proportion and make-up of volatiles in the atmosphere reflects that found in the mantle, and we have no evidence of a significant change since these diamonds were formed 2.7 billion years ago".

Volatiles, such as hydrogen, nitrogen, neon, and carbon-bearing species are light chemical elements and compounds, which can be readily vaporised due to heat, or pressure changes. They are necessary for life, especially carbon and nitrogen. Not all planets are rich in volatiles; Earth is volatile rich, as is Venus, but Mars and the Moon lost most of their volatiles into space. Generally, a planet rich in volatiles has a better chance of sustaining life, which is why much of the search for life on planets surrounding distant stars (exoplanets) has focused on looking for volatiles.

On Earth, volatile substances mostly bubble up from the inside of the planet, and are brought to the surface through such things as volcanic eruptions. Knowing when the volatiles arrived in the Earth's atmosphere is key to understanding when the conditions on Earth were suitable for the origin and development of life, but until now there has been no way of understanding these conditions in the deep past.

Now French and Canadian researchers have used ancient diamonds as a time capsule, to examine the conditions deep inside the Earth's mantle in the distant past. Studies of the gases trapped in these diamonds show that the volatile composition of the mantle has changed little over the last 2.7 billion years.

Lead researcher, Michael Broadley (University of Lorraine, France) said "Studying the composition of the Earth's modern mantle is relatively simple. On average the mantle layer begins around 30km below the Earth's surface, and so we can collect samples thrown up by volcanoes and study the fluids and gases trapped inside. However, the constant churning of the Earth's crust via plate tectonics means that older samples have mostly been destroyed. Diamonds however, are comparatively indestructible, they're ideal time capsules".

We managed to study diamonds trapped in 2.7 billion year old highly preserved rock from Wawa, on Lake Superior in Canada. This means that the diamonds are at least as old as the rocks they are found in - probably older. It's difficult to date diamonds, so this gave us a lucky opportunity to be sure of the minimum age. These diamonds are incredibly rare, and are not like the beautiful gems we think of when we think of diamonds. We heated them to over 2000 C to transform them into graphite, which then released tiny quantities of gas for measurement".

The team measured the isotopes of Helium, Neon, and Argon, and found that they were present in similar proportions to those found in the upper mantle today. This means that there has probably been little change in the proportion of volatiles generally, and that the distribution of essential volatile elements between the mantle and the atmosphere are likely to have remained fairly stable throughout the majority of Earth's life. The mantle is the part between the Earth's crust and the core, it comprises around 84% of the Earth's volume.

Dr Broadley continued "This was a surprising result. It means the volatile-rich environment we see around us today is not a recent development, so providing the right conditions for life to develop. Our work shows that these conditions were present at least 2.7 billion years ago, but the diamonds we use may be much older, so it's likely that these conditions were set well before our 2.7 billion year threshold".

Commenting, Dr Suzette Timmerman (University of Alberta, Canada) said:

"Diamonds are unique samples, as they lock in compositions during their formation. The Wawa fibrous diamonds specifically were a great selection to study - being more than 2.7 billion years old - and they provide important clues into the volatile composition in this period, the Neoarchean period. It is interesting that the upper mantle already appears degassed more than 2.7 billion years ago. This work is an important step towards understanding the mantle (and atmosphere) in the first half of Earth's history and leads the way to further questions and research".

Dr Timmerman was not involved in this work, this is an independent comment.

###

The Goldschmidt Conference is the World's main geochemistry conference. It is hosted alternately by the European Association of Geochemistry (Europe) and the Geochemical Society (USA). The 2021 conference (virtual) takes place from 4-9 July, https://2021.goldschmidt.info/. The 2022 conference takes place in Hawaii.

Astrobiology, Astrochemistry,

Please follow Astrobiology on Twitter.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- In 2012, Chinese automobile exports reached 1.056 million units, which have not been exceeded up until now. A main factor accounting for the bottleneck is that Chinese cars have not been good enough to compete head-on with those from Europe and America, Cui Dongshu, secretary general of the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), said at the 13th China Auto Bluebook Forum (CABF).

Cui Dongshu, secretary general of the China Passenger Car Association; photo credit: China Auto Bluebook Forum



The volatile global situation also cramped a continual growth for Chinese auto exports. According to Mr. Cui, China's automobiles were mainly exported to the markets of Africa, West Asia, and South America, rather than the U.S. and Europe where Japanese and South Korean automakers are main players. However, Chinese automakers were forced to pull out of their overseas markets temporarily before their products were fully accepted by local consumers and a mature after-sale service system is built due to some unexpected local and international political and financial reasons. For example, Chinese automakers performed well in Russia in 2010, while then had to retreat there because of the tax policies issued by Russian government.

Automobile is born to be a globalized industry that requires the international division of labor and cooperation. New challenges in capital, technologies, management, and cultural integration keep emerging as many countries have requested automakers to have cars locally manufactured and auto parts locally sourced.



Zhang Peng, general manager of JAC International Co.,Ltd.; photo credit: China Auto Bluebook Forum

For China, the immature linkage of production, supply and sales, the supply constraint of core parts like chips, the rising production cost led by the growth in the prices of raw material and labor forces, the container shortage, and the surging logistics cost have all put a brake on auto export growth, said Zhang Peng, general manager of JAC International Co.,Ltd.

Chen Jingyue, executive vice president and secretary-general of CEATEC (China-Europe Association for Technical and Economic Cooperation), shared the challenges the CEATEC has found out when it was tracking the China-made vehicles exported to the European Union.

Firstly, there are few means of transportation for Chinese companies to export their NEVs. Currently, China-made NEVs are mainly transported by ro-ro ships, leading to high transport costs and long shipment duration due to the insufficiency of available shipping routes. It is also rather difficult to carry NEVs with containers as exporters have to go through extremely complex administrative procedures.

China-Europe freight train for Chery's exports; photo credit: Chery Holding



Although the China-Europe freight trains are playing an important role in the goods trade between China and Europe, some lithium batteries would be malfunctioned during the railway transportation. Our China-Europe freight train department is organizing relevant experts in order to solve this problem as soon as possible, said Chen Jingyue.

On the side of capital, companies are also vexed by several issues. Due to the expanding export business and the high value of NEVs, enterprises are posting growth in accounts receivables. Besides, companies pour billions into the R&D of NEVs designed for different overseas markets and spend a long time on market trials, thus a large proportion of their capital cannot be flowed. In addition, the difficulty for China-made NEVs to get overseas financial services, such as consumer credit and financing guarantee, is another obstacle confronting Chinese exporters.

Furthermore, the vehicles to be exported have to get their charging ports retrofitted to meet the European or American standards which are mainly adopted by the China's current destination markets and potential target markets.

With the China-Europe trade cooperation being gradually deepened, laws and regulations have been frequently adjusted by authorities of European countries and the European Union, said Chen Jingyue. Therefore, Chinese companies need expend a great deal of money in employing lawyers and accounting firms to help them comprehend and comply with local laws.

Nonetheless, there are many opportunities juxtaposed with challenges for China's auto exports.

Compared to the old days, Chinese cars have already made major headway in quality and brand influence.



Wang Lingyu, general manager of China FAW Group Import & Export Co.,Ltd.; photo credit: China Auto Bluebook Forum

The momentum of brands moving upscale is sure to bring an expansion in traditional trading market scale. For example, the cars we used to export to Middle Eastern countries were mainly priced between $7,000 and $10,000 per car. However, local consumers are gradually accepting cars priced above $20,000, said Wang Lingyu, general manager of China FAW Group Import & Export Co.,Ltd.

Besides, Europe has become an important market for Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) makers to make breakthroughs. Policy and consumers purchasing power are two main factors taken into consideration when people decide whether to buy NEVs or traditional fuel-burning cars. The European Union and many European countries have offered substantial subsidies on purchasing electric vehicles (EVs), and their consumers have congenital advantages over Chinese in terms of buying power, said Wang Lingyu.

Chen Jingyue expressed a similar viewpoint. She thought Europe would be a blue ocean (referring to a market for a product where there is no competition or very less competition) for NEV business.

Aside from the aforementioned governmental incentives, another main contributing factor to the huge potential is the stringent carbon emission standards issued by the European Union which compel automakers to work on the transition to EVs, said Chen Jingyue.

As a mature auto market, Europe has a great deal of consumers who place strong emphasis on quality of products and functional values such as usability and safety, while less care about what the brand it is.



Chen Jingyue, executive vice president and secretary-general of CEATEC; photo credit: China Auto Bluebook Forum

By tracking some vehicles exported to Europe, we found out that China-made NEVs feature better intelligence functions and higher cost effectiveness than Europe-built models. Thus, those made-in-China NEVs for sale have very little rivals there, so that their demand is short of supply, said Ms. Chen.

The export of used cars is also a potential business deserving further exploration. For instance, Japan had a raft of pre-owned cars sold in developing countries in such regions as Central Asia and Southern Africa, most of which are left-hand drive markets. As Japan-made right-hand vehicles have to be modified before hitting the roads, many countries are mulling over to replace Japanese cars with other countries, offering a chance to Chinese second-hand vehicle exports, said Ms. Chen.



SAIC's cars ready for export; photo credit: SAIC Motor



To grasp the opportunities, Chinese auto industry should further strengthen its R&D and manufacturing capabilities for local brands, said Zhang Peng. Spurred by governmental policies and the new round of consumption upgrading, China's intelligent vehicle business has grown to a massive market scale with a complete industrial chain. Additionally, the crossover innovation and the positive edges in intelligence and electrification areas also make Chinese auto brands more competitive, he added.



He also suggested that Chinese automakers should endeavor to shore up its weak spots while enhancing advantages. To be better accepted by local markets, they should work on meeting the requirements and restrictions of local policies and regulations, integrating local resources, building Internet ecosystem available to local market climate, protecting users' privacy and receiving the oversight over data. Issues must be solved with patience, Zhang Peng said.
HCM City ready for citywide social distancing amid pandemic complexities

Ho Chi Minh City has geared up plans to ensure that peoples life will not be affected once citywide social distancing is imposed, Chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong told a videoconference on July 7.













Members of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control at the videoconference with HCM City officials on July 7 (Photo: VNA)

At the meeting with standing members of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, Phong said 107 sites in 22 districts of Vietnams most populous city have been put on lockdown in the fourth wave of outbreaks.



He noted that among the 7,450 infection cases confirmed by the Ministry of Health, 82 percent are recorded in quarantine sites or sealed-off areas, 4 percent found via screening tests in the community, about 13 percent detected via screening at hospitals, and nearly 1 percent are imported cases.



The pandemics complexity, high population density, and economic vibrancy are posing numerous challenges to HCM City in the disease combat, he said, adding the local administration held that it is necessary to take more drastic and stronger actions while sacrificing short-term interests to guarantee long-term development and safety for people.



To keep peoples daily life stable, municipal authorities are working to increase goods supplies for modern distribution systems and activate the market stabilisation programme, the chairman said.



The city has also finished examination and arrangement for 43 enterprises with 56,000 employees to concurrently carry out quarantine and sustain production activities in export processing, industrial, and hi-tech parks as in line with Ministry of Healths guidelines, according to Phong.



Deputy Minister of Transport Le Anh Tuan asked HCM City and other localities to ensure smooth transportation of goods while Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen urged the southern city to seriously carry out social distancing measures in each family and each residential area.



At the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, head of the national steering committee, told the city to continue preparing for higher-level social distancing and make stronger moves to curb the outbreak sooner but still guarantee peoples life.
US sends Vietnam 2 million Covid vaccine doses

The United States sent Vietnam two million doses of Covid-19 vaccine Tuesday, the White House said, in its latest assistance to countries struggling to tame the pandemic.













A woman is given Covid-19 vaccine in Bac Giang Province





The Moderna vaccine shipment -- part of a first 80 million doses that President Joe Biden has pledged to allocate worldwide -- should arrive in Vietnam this weekend, a White House official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP.



"This is just the beginning of doses being shipped to Southeast Asia," the official said.

A million doses went to Malaysia on Monday and last week the White House announced delivery "soon" of four million doses to Indonesia.



Other regional countries in line for a share of the 80 million doses are Cambodia, Laos, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Thailand.



Vietnam, which borders China, was initially seen as a model for resisting the pandemic. However, vaccination rates are low in the nation of about 97 million people and the last few weeks have seen infections rise sharply.



The Biden administration official said the delivery to Vietnam, made through the World Health Organization's Covax program, is part of a strategy aimed at "ending the pandemic everywhere."



The donation is not a so-called "vaccine diplomacy" contest with China and Russia, the official said, although both Beijing and Moscow have been using their domestically produced vaccines to deepen influence across the world.



"We are sharing these doses not to secure favors or extract concessions. Our vaccines do not come with strings attached," the official said, repeating the White House's established line.



'The right thing'



The United States has largely gotten the pandemic under control at home, after running up the world's biggest death toll at more than 600,000 people.



Biden argues that U.S. vaccine largesse abroad will ultimately benefit Americans by helping the whole world to finally stop viral transmission.



"It's the right thing morally, the right thing from a global public health perspective, and right for our collective security and well-being," the White House said.



While critics say even the eye-catching figures are still too little to reverse the coronavirus in under-served sections of the world, the White House says it is leading the way.



In addition to the 80 million doses already set aside, the Biden administration has committed to donating $2 billion to Covax.



It is also purchasing 500 million Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines for the African Union and 92 poorer countries. At the recent G7 summit in Britain, U.S. partners agreed to donate another 500 million doses.



In total, the United States has so far delivered about 40 million of the doses to countries as far apart as South Korea and Honduras, the White House says.



Announcing the Vietnam batch, the White House noted that its donations abroad total "significantly more than any other country has sent."
Ensuring grain security for Chinese people's "rice bowl"

Xinhua) 13:36, July 06, 2021

A farmer checks newly-harvested wheat in Tancheng County, Linyi City, east China's Shandong Province, June 23, 2021. (Photo by Zhang Chunlei/Xinhua)

BEIJING, July 6 (Xinhua) -- A handful of wheat and a bowl of rice mean much to Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission.

Some five decades ago, when he worked in Liangjiahe Village in northwest China's Shaanxi Province as a farmer, Xi saw how villagers struggled to fill their stomachs.

Local villagers wished for enough chaff to eat so that they no longer had to go hungry, and their dream of having meat on the table once in a while seemed almost impossible to realize, Xi said.

"At that time, I did all kinds of work -- reclaiming wasteland, farming, hoeing, herding, hauling coal, mounding and carrying manure," Xi recalled. In order to enlarge the farmland, he led the villagers in standing barefoot in ice during the winter to clean the dyke foundations.

The experience gave Xi an inspiration that has endured throughout his life. He has always kept the people's "rice bowl" in mind.

In the early 1980s, Zhengding County in Hebei Province was known as a poor county with a high grain yield. At that time, the country purchased more than 35 million kg of grain annually from the county. After meeting the nation's annual purchase quota, farmers did not have enough food for themselves and had to buy grain from elsewhere at higher prices.

After he took office in the county, Xi wrote a letter to the country's top leadership, reporting on the situation. The purchase quota was later lowered by 14 million kg, which largely reduced the burden on farmers.

"We would rather not have the crown of 'national high-yield county' and let the people live a good life," Xi said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visited the farms and land reclamation administrative bureau of Jiansanjiang, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 25, 2018.(Xinhua/Yan Yan)

In 2018, Xi inspected Jiansanjiang, an important grain-production base in Heilongjiang Province. In the rice field, Xi talked with farmers about grain production and asked about their livelihoods.

"It is necessary to speed up the development of green agriculture and work to avoid the loss and degradation of black soil," Xi said. "China should always have control over its own food supply."

In 2020, the COVID-19 epidemic brought great challenges to the global food market.

"The more risks and challenges we face, the more we need to stabilize agriculture and ensure the safety of grain and major non-staple foods," Xi said.

Through hard work, China has secured a bumper harvest for 17 years in a row, with its annual grain output exceeding 650 million tonnes for six consecutive years.

However, the foundation of China's food security is still unstable, and the situation is still grim, Xi noted, adding that the key to ensuring food security is to guarantee sufficient production and supply.

Grain production, with farmland as the fundamental element, is supported by water conservancy systems, facilitated by science and technology, and driven forward by policies. Issues relating to these key points must be addressed earnestly and properly to attain breakthroughs in grain production, Xi has said.

Stopping food waste, which Xi has emphasized on many occasions, is also part of the effort to ensure food security. He has called for promoting the social custom of practicing thrift and opposing waste.

For decades, Xi has attached great importance to the implementation of the food-security strategy.

Efforts will be made to ensure absolute security of grain and the supply of important sideline agricultural products, and to promote legislation concerning food security, according to a blueprint for the country's social and economic development over the next five to 15 years.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Chinese premier holds dialogue with British business leaders

Xinhua) 08:05, July 07, 2021

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang holds a virtual dialogue with UK business leaders in Beijing, capital of China, July 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang held a virtual dialogue with UK business leaders on Tuesday, expressing his hopes for consolidating mutual trust and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation for win-win results, to promote the stable and sound development of bilateral ties.

Noting the uncertainties in the current international situation, Li said that China and the UK, both as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and major economies in the world, represent important forces for safeguarding world peace, promoting common development, and defending the multilateral trade system.

A stable China-UK relationship is conducive to maintaining free and fair trade, promoting global economic recovery, responding to global challenges and enhancing the well-being of the two peoples, Li said.

"China is willing to consolidate mutual trust with the UK, along with mutual respect, seek to expand common ground while shelving differences, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation for win-win results, build consensus and address divergences via equal dialogue, so as to promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral ties," said Li.

Calling mankind a community with a shared future, Li said it is imperative for the international community to enhance solidarity and cooperation to ensure ultimate victory over COVID-19.

China has taken COVID-19 vaccines as a global public good and engaged in vaccine-related cooperation with multiple countries, Li said. "China is willing to continue strengthening communications with all parties, especially sharing achievements in scientific research, to accelerate the progress toward defeating the pandemic," the premier added.

Noting that China attaches great importance to responding to climate change, Li said that China's stated goals of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 are the inevitable path to take in the process of modernization.

Li expressed China's willingness to further step up cooperation on clean energy and other sectors, and expand cooperation on green technology on the basis of intellectual property protection, to jointly respond to climate change.

He said that reform and opening-up is China's basic national policy and will continue to be advanced unswervingly. China's manufacturing industry has been fully opened up and the service industry is opening up in an orderly manner, he added.

"In the process of formulating a new development paradigm, we will continue to devote ourselves to creating a market-oriented, law-based, and international business environment, treating all types of market players equally, including foreign companies, and welcoming more foreign capital into China," he said.

China also hopes Britain will provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies to invest in the country, Li said.

Noting that both China and Britain have a long history and splendid culture, and that the exchanges between the peoples of the two countries boast a long history, Li said it is hoped that both sides will uphold the concepts of mutual respect, openness and tolerance, and inclusiveness, jointly safeguard the diversity of human civilizations and promote the development of a colorful world civilization.

Li called on all sectors of society in the two countries to strengthen exchanges and communication, increase awareness and understanding between the peoples, and generate positive factors for the development of bilateral relations.

The British participants said that China is an important economic and trade partner for Britain, and the British business community greatly values the Chinese market and is full of confidence in China's development.

There is huge room for win-win cooperation between the two countries in finance, services, agriculture, healthcare, education, manufacturing and infrastructure, they said, adding that the British business community looks forward to further enhancing trade and investment relations with China, deepening cooperation in practical areas, and promoting the development of relations between the two countries.

The heads of more than 30 multinational companies and renowned institutions, including Standard Life, Diageo, Jardine Matheson, AstraZeneca, Walgreens Boots Alliance and British Petroleum, attended the dialogue.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
China blasts Japan for remarks on defending Taiwan

Xinhua) 08:08, July 07, 2021

BEIJING, July 6 (Xinhua) -- China on Tuesday blasted Japanese deputy prime minister Taro Aso's remarks on defending Taiwan together with the United States if the island is "invaded".

Speaking at a regular press briefing, foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said, "Those remarks are extremely wrong and dangerous, as they severely violate the principles set out in the four political documents between China and Japan, and undermine the political foundation of China-Japan relations. China deplores and rejects this and has lodged solemn representations with Japan."

"Japanese militarism once committed innumerous crimes in the aggression against China. However, some politicians are still coveting Taiwan till this day. This fully shows that they haven't learned the lesson from history," the spokesperson said.

Zhao said that China will never allow anyone to meddle in the Taiwan question in any way, stressing that no one should underestimate the resolve, the will, and the ability of the Chinese people to defend their national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
COVID-19 infections surge as Delta variant spreads rapidly in U.S.

Xinhua) 08:24, July 07, 2021

Visitors tour the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the United States, June 26, 2021. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)

Recent COVID-19 case rates are an average of three times higher in states that have vaccinated a smaller share of their residents than the United States overall, CDC data show.

WASHINGTON, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Some states in the United States are witnessing spikes in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations as the highly contagious Delta variant is spreading rapidly in the country.

Increasing cases have been reported in states with lower vaccination rates, such as Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Recent COVID-19 case rates are an average of three times higher in states that have vaccinated a smaller share of their residents than the United States overall, CDC data show.

"We're already starting to see places with low vaccination rates starting to have relatively big spikes from the Delta variant. We've seen this in Arkansas, Missouri, Wyoming ... those are the places where we're going to see more hospitalizations and deaths as well, unfortunately," said Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, in an interview with CNN.

"And any time you have large outbreaks, it does become a breeding ground for potentially more variants," he said.

Currently about 25 percent of new infections in the United States have been linked to the Delta variant, up from 6 percent in early June, according to the CDC.

Experts have said the best protection against the Delta variant is to inoculate more than 70 percent of the population against the virus.

People cool themselves at the beach in Alameda County, California, the United States, June 18, 2021. (Photo by Dong Xudong/Xinhua)

U.S. President Joe Biden has set a goal in May of having 70 percent of American adults to receive at least one COVID-19 shot by the Fourth of July - the Independence Day. But Just 18 states and Washington, D.C. surpassed the goal, according to a Forbes report.

Many in the South, Midwest and East lagged far behind in a rollout divided starkly along party lines, said the report.

The country reached its highest vaccination rate in mid-April when the seven-day average of doses administered daily topped about 3.4 million. But the rate has dropped since mid April.

About 47.5 percent of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and 55 percent of the population has received at least one shot as of Tuesday, CDC data show.

Experts and officials are concerned that coronavirus variants, especially the highly transmissible Delta variant, will continue to drive up new cases. If the virus takes hold among the population of unvaccinated people, it could mutate into even more contagious forms.

Officials stressed that the nation needs to intensify its vaccination efforts to get widespread immunity to prevent a resurgence of new cases later this year.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
China races to rescue stranded whales

Xinhua) 08:30, July 07, 2021

Rescue is underway after 12 whales were found stranded in coastal waters off east China's Zhejiang Province on July 6. (Photo/ Sina Weibo account of Xinhua News Agency)

HANGZHOU, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Two of the nine rescued whales stranded in coastal waters off east China's Zhejiang Province were released Tuesday night, local authorities said.

Local police received a report at about 8:00 a.m. Tuesday of 12 whales spotted hundreds of meters from the shore in the city of Linhai, Zhejiang.

The dozen stranded marine mammals are melon-headed whales, three of which lost vital signs before the rescue team arrived, the city's publicity department said.

After nearly 10 hours of rescue work, the other nine whales had been saved and transported to safe locations. They were all in good condition, the rescuers said.

When the rescue operation ended, two of the animals were sent to an aquarium, another two have gone to a coastal park, and the remaining five were transported to a local marine animal breeding company.

The two whales in the coastal park were diagnosed later by experts to be in good health. At 9 p.m. Tuesday, they were released at seawaters with a depth of more than 15 meters by experts and fishery authorities.

It is not the fishing season in China, so the whales likely swam too close to the shore as there was no disturbance from noisy boat engines and more tempting food sources nearby, according to experts.

The local public security department and fishery department, as well as locals in the fishing industry, rushed to the site to aid the rescue. Cranes and stretchers were used in the rescue efforts and the release of the two.

Because of the hot weather, rescuers used ice to cool the stranded melon-headed whales, and constantly poured clean seawater on them to prevent them from choking on mud.

They also used wet towels to keep the mammals damp, and erected sheds to protect them from the sun, said Zhu Yupeng from the law-enforcement team of the city's marine and fishery bureau.

"We tried to release one of the whales into the sea during the rescue, but it was washed up on the beach," said Zhu. "If they are sick, they might beach again after being released."

Approximately 150 individuals participated in the rescue effort. Experts said they would discuss the care and release plan for the remaining rescued whales.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
African envoys defend China on Xinjiang, say no visit, no say

(Global Times) 08:35, July 07, 2021

Ambassadors and diplomats of African countries attended a forum in Beijing on July 6 to share their stories of visiting Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and their understanding of the poverty alleviation achievements in the region. Photo: Liu Xin/GT

Ambassadors and diplomats of African countries attended a forum in Beijing on Tuesday to share their stories of visiting Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and their understanding of the poverty alleviation achievements in the region, criticizing some Western countries and the US for hyping untenable accusations against Xinjiang and even escalating their smears to so-called "genocide" in an attempt to thwart China's development.

Four ambassadors and diplomats from Guinea-Bissau, Zimbabwe, the African Union and Namibia attended the 9th Ambassador Lecture themed "Poverty Alleviation Achievements of Xinjiang in the Eyes of African Ambassadors to China" hosted by the China-Africa Institute and the Xinjiang Think Tank of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Guinea-Bissau Ambassador Antonio Serifo Embalo to China said he visited many cities in Xinjiang in May, including Urumqi, Aksu Prefecture and Kashi Prefecture and talked to villagers to learn their views on the relations of ethnic groups.

Xinjiang's problems are not what the West said on human rights or religion, or relations of ethnic groups. They are about fighting terrorism and extremism. Since 1990, the region had suffered from several thousands of violent incidents, and religious extremists and overseas separatists trying to split the region from China are behind these attacks, the ambassador said.

Embalo also talked about the inflammatory topic of "forced labor" in cotton-related industries in Xinjiang, saying that the hype is untenable as he has learned from his visit the high mechanization rate in cotton planting and harvesting. Local governments' subsidiaries helped increase the purchase of machines.

"Some developed countries criticized China for using forced labor in the cotton industry, which is not true and is not what we saw in Xinjiang. When we left Xinjiang, we believe that the only fight in Xinjiang is the government's battle against extremists planted by overseas separatists in the region," said the ambassador.

The cotton and PV industries in China's Xinjiang are successful and the US, and the West's attack under the banner of human rights would deprive local residents of the opportunity to improve their income and live better lives, Zimbabwe Ambassador Martin Chedondo said.

These countries' double standards on human rights are clear and in facing their criticism of China on these issues, Zimbabwe has stood firmly with China, Chedondo said, noting that his country signed the joint statement supporting China's stance on Xinjiang and Hong Kong related issues at the 47th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

More than 90 countries expressed their support to China amid the US and a small group of countries' efforts to hype Xinjiang and Hong Kong related topics at the UN Human Rights Council.

Rahamtalla Mohamed Osman, the AU representative to China, said at the forum that the hype of Xinjiang topics by some countries is not out of human rights concerns but targets China in an attempt to suppress China's robust development, and the Chinese people should not be distracted by the noise.

Osman said that the Xinjiang region has offered the world experience on how to fight extremism by focusing on poverty alleviation work. Extremism has close ties with poverty and improving residents' life in poor areas would greatly reduce the possibility for them to be influenced by extremism.

On some Western countries' claim that China is taking advantage of Africa through cooperation, Osman said these remarks are an insult to African countries. China-African ties are strategic and solid and the cooperation is mutually beneficial.

Simon Indongo, First Secretary of the Namibia Embassy to China, said that those who did not conduct investigations have no say. The developments in China's Xinjiang have been witnessed by people that have visited it.

Aside from criticizing the US and Western countries for using human rights to attack China and other developing countries, African diplomats also expressed support to China.

African countries and developing countries will work together to support China at the UN Human Rights Council, to use the mechanism the West uses on the same platform to beat them. This is our solidarity and this is our way, said Osman.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
China launches new relay satellite

Xinhua) 08:37, July 07, 2021

A Long March-3C carrier rocket blasts off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 6, 2021. China successfully launched a new relay satellite from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center at 11:53 p.m. Tuesday (Beijing Time). Tianlian I-05 was sent into orbit by a Long March-3C carrier rocket. Tuesday's launch was the 378th mission of the Long March rocket series. (Photo by Yang Xi/Xinhua)

XICHANG, July 6 (Xinhua)-- China successfully launched a new relay satellite from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province at 11:53 p.m. Tuesday (Beijing Time).

Tianlian I-05 was sent into orbit by a Long March-3C carrier rocket.

Tuesday's launch was the 378th mission of the Long March rocket series.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Chinese defense minister holds talks with German counterpart

Xinhua) 08:48, July 07, 2021

BEIJING, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe held talks via video link with German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer on Tuesday.

Wei said that the China-Germany comprehensive strategic relationship has seen steady development in recent years. He expressed the hope that Germany would continue joining hands with China in upholding multilateralism and safeguarding international fairness and justice.

The two sides should plan bilateral military cooperation from the long-term perspective and ensure the steady development of the relationship between the two militaries, Wei added.

Kramp-Karrenbauer said Germany holds China's development achievements in high regard and is willing to enhance communication and mutual trust with China to jointly address global issues and challenges.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Chinese gov't, companies, organizations help Nepal fight COVID-19: Nepali agency

Xinhua) 08:55, July 07, 2021

KATHMANDU, July 6 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government and China-based companies and organizations have been aiding Nepal in its battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the latest data released by Nepal's Department of Health Services.

Besides the Chinese government, nine China-based private companies and non-governmental organizations had contributed medical equipment and other supplies to Nepal, whose health system was burdened with high infections and deaths in May in particular after a second wave of the pandemic hit the country in early April.

A total of 61 foreign governments, Nepali and foreign companies and organizations had provided medical supplies to Nepal from April 14 to July 4, the department said.

The Chinese government supplied oxygen cylinders and concentrators, ventilators, masks and gowns, among others. As Nepal was facing an oxygen crisis in the face of a swelling number of patients, Chinese organizations had provided oxygen-related equipment, according to the Nepali department under the Ministry of Health and Population.

"The Chinese government and Chinese organizations were among the first to deliver medical goods to Nepal to fight the deadly second wave of the pandemic and getting help early in such a crisis was crucial to save many lives," said Upendra Dhungana, a senior official at the Nepali Ministry of Health and Population.

Nepal on Tuesday reported 1,718 new COVID-19 cases and 15 more deaths, bringing the total infections and fatalities to 648,085 and 9,263 respectively.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Chinese vice premier stresses ecological protection, technological innovation

Xinhua) 09:09, July 07, 2021

Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects a modern agriculture technological innovation center of the Yellow River Delta in east China's Shandong Province, July 5, 2021. Han made an inspection tour to east China's Shandong Province from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

JINAN, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng has stressed efforts to strengthen ecological protection and technological innovation to make progress in the country's high-quality development.

Han, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour to east China's Shandong Province from Monday to Tuesday.

When inspecting the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve, Han underlined that the country should respect nature and science.

Efforts should be made to strengthen the protection of wetlands and birds in the Yellow River Delta, reduce the impact of human activities on birds, and improve the environmental quality of bird habitats, Han said.

At a modern agriculture technological innovation center, Han said the development and application of technologies in biological agriculture and saline agriculture are promising.

He called for popularizing the use of the technologies when conditions mature.

Han also stressed that the country should adhere to the innovation-driven development strategy, remedy shortcomings in core technologies, and promote the application of scientific and technological achievements.

The country should devote more investment in basic research and encourage more Chinese equipment to go abroad to participate in international cooperation and competition, Han said.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
World political party leaders hail CPC's people-centered philosophy, express readiness for exchanges

Xinhua) 09:23, July 07, 2021

Cyril Ramaphosa, president of the African National Congress and South African president, addresses the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit on July 6, 2021. The CPC and World Political Parties Summit was held via video link on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Political party leaders across the world attending the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit via video link on Tuesday hailed the CPC's people-centered philosophy as an important global inspiration, saying they are ready to enhance exchanges and cooperation with the CPC.

During his keynote speech at the summit, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese president, called on political parties worldwide to shoulder their historic responsibility for the pursuit of the people's wellbeing and progress of mankind.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, also president of South Africa's governing party African National Congress, congratulates the CPC on the realization of the first centenary goal.

He said the historic achievement of eradicating absolute poverty in the largest developing economy on the planet was made because the CPC has placed the needs and the interests of the people at the center of its work, adding that the CPC is "a true, reliable and valued friend."

Nursultan Nazarbayev, chairman of the Nur Otan Party and first president of Kazakhstan, said that the COVID-19 pandemic has once again proven that only by maintaining partnerships and supporting each other can countries efficiently respond to global challenges.

He also said that as a friendly neighbor of China, Kazakhstan will always actively participate in the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and cooperation within the framework of the BRI.

Dmitry Medvedev, chairman of the United Russia party and deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, said over the past century, the CPC was able to successfully embark on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, which paves the way for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Medvedev said that bilateral relations are constantly developing as the two countries are implementing large-scale projects both bilaterally and within the framework of inter-state relations.

Argentine President Alberto Fernandez, also president of the country's Justicialist Party, said that Xi's speech is "visionary and insightful."

The speech can help political parties to reflect upon what kind of responsibility they should take, he said, calling on parties to strengthen cooperation and promote economic and social development in a bid to bring benefits to all the people.

Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, said the CPC has led the Chinese people to achieve major historic achievements over the past century.

He expressed the belief that under Xi's leadership, China will continue to make new achievements and become a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful.

He also said political parties in various countries should work with governments to actively address global challenges so as to bring happier lives to the human race.

Miguel Diaz-Canel, first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and Cuban president, said the CPC has explored a development path suitable for China's national conditions and led the country in making great achievements.

Noting that China has effectively handled the COVID-19 pandemic and eliminated absolute poverty, he said the key is following the people-centered development philosophy.

President and First Secretary of Zimbabwe's ZANU-PF party Emmerson Mnangagwa, also Zimbabwean president, noted that the summit provided a platform for political parties to learn from each other in realizing prosperity, national rejuvenation, people's happiness as well as the welfare of mankind.

The ZANU-PF party has benefited a lot from the successful experience of the CPC, said Mnangagwa, adding that he believes that under the leadership of the CPC, China will realize the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation.

Chairman of the Fatah party and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said the China-proposed BRI is conducive to deepening international economic cooperation and establishing development partnerships between countries, adding that the initiative also demonstrates that China is at the forefront in providing wisdom for safeguarding the common interests of people all over the world.

Aleksandar Vucic, president of the Progressive Party of Serbia and Serbian president, said that the great creativity the CPC showed in the process of building the country has brought inspiration and hope to all countries in the world.

As the whole world is facing unprecedented challenges, said Vucic, mutual respect, mutual help, reaching consensus through consultation and close cooperation have become more urgent than ever.

Imran Khan, chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and prime minister of Pakistan, said that the CPC has proved that political parties can only enjoy popular support if they can serve the people wholeheartedly.

Upholding the people-centered philosophy, the CPC has led China to eliminate extreme poverty, one of the greatest achievements in the human history, he said, adding that China's announcement of making the COVID-19 vaccines a global public good demonstrates compassion and fairness of the Chinese leader.

George Papandreou, president of the Socialist International, said the CPC sticks to the development philosophy that puts people first, and has successfully eliminated absolute poverty, built a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and at the same time made great contributions to the UN Millennium Development Goals.

Papandreou called on all parties to reduce the gap between developed and developing countries through cooperation and jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind.

Jose Luis Centella, president of the Communist Party of Spain, said the BRI was born to meet the needs of the times, which has not only become an important international cooperation platform, but also provided a great opportunity for the world economy to recover from the pandemic.

At present, political parties worldwide do share the responsibility to actively participate in building a community with a shared future for mankind, and jointly solve pressing problems facing the world, Centella said.

Those who also delivered speeches at the summit included: Rodrigo Duterte, chairman of the Philippines' PDP-Laban party and Philippine president; Samdech Techo Hun Sen, president of the Cambodian People's Party and Cambodian prime minister; Filipe Nyusi, leader of the Mozambique Liberation Front Party and also Mozambican president; Hage Geingob, leader of the South West Africa People's Organization and president of Namibia; Denis Sassou Nguesso, chairman of the Congolese Labour Party and president of the Republic of the Congo; Mahinda Rajapaksa, leader of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party and prime minister of Sri Lanka; Evo Morales, chairperson of Bolivia's Movement Towards Socialism party and former Bolivian president; Saadeddine El Othmani, general secretary of the Justice and Development Party and Moroccan prime minister; Salva Kiir, chairman of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement and president of South Sudan.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Japan urged to stop erroneous words, deeds regarding Taiwan

Xinhua) 09:45, July 07, 2021

BEIJING, July 6 (Xinhua) -- China's State Council Taiwan Affairs Office on Tuesday urged Japan to immediately correct its mistakes, stop any erroneous words and deeds concerning the Taiwan question, and abide by the one-China principle and the four political documents between China and Japan with concrete actions.

Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the office, made the remarks in comments on the Japanese deputy prime minister's threat that "the United States and Japan would jointly defend Taiwan" as well as the wrong words and moves made by multiple Japanese officials on Taiwan.

Zhu warned that the attempt by the Democratic Progressive Party authority to collude with Japan and other external forces to seek "independence" is a misjudgment of the situation and a miscalculation.

Some Japanese politicians have repeatedly made wrongful remarks on the Taiwan question, and this has grossly violated Japan's political commitment to China on the issue. "We firmly oppose that," said the spokesperson.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
China to send fifth batch of COVID-19 vaccines to El Salvador

Xinhua) 10:49, July 07, 2021

SAN SALVADOR, July 6 (Xinhua) -- China will supply El Salvador with the fifth batch of vaccines developed by Chinese laboratory Sinovac against COVID-19, the Chinese embassy in San Salvador has said.

On its official Twitter account, the embassy confirmed the batch will arrive shortly.

"In the coming days, 1.5 million Sinovac vaccines will arrive in El Salvador, the 5th and largest batch of Chinese vaccines the friendly country will receive, thanks to the excellent existing bilateral relations and the will to overcome the pandemic together and safeguard the health of the people," said the embassy.

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele greeted the announcement by retweeting it and placing the Chinese and Salvadoran flags side by side.

The Salvadoran government seeks to immunize 4.5 million adults, with the exception of pregnant women, in a bid to achieve herd immunity.

El Salvador began its vaccination process on Feb. 17.

As of Tuesday, El Salvador reported 80,235 confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to official figures.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Yangtze finless porpoise YYC lives with mother at IHB of Chinese Academy of Sciences in Wuhan

Xinhua) 11:11, July 07, 2021

Yangtze finless porpoise YYC swims with its mother in the water at the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of Chinese Academy of Sciences in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, July 5, 2021. Yangtze finless porpoise YYC lives with its mother at the IHB of Chinese Academy of Sciences in Wuhan. The one-year-old Yangtze finless porpoise, known as "smiling angel" due to its mouth fixed in a permanent grin, was born on June 3, 2020. YYC's mother, Yangyang, 14 years old, was transferred from Poyang Lake to the institute thanks to ex-situ conservation at the age of 2; and its father, 16-year-old Taotao, is the first of its kind successfully bred through artificial breeding worldwide. During the past years, IHB has joined hands with various research and protection institutes, and gained fruits in fields such as porpoise artificial breeding and reproduction. The researches and studies help to boost people's understanding of the animal's biological characteristics and habits, and offer practical experience on ex-situ conservation and protection of the species. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Fighter jets fly to target airspace

China Military Online) 11:18, July 07, 2021

Fighter jets attached to an aviation brigade under the PLA Northern Theater Command soar to the target airspace during a flight training exercise on June 23, 2021. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Yang Pan)

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Malaysian firm aims to offer Chinese COVID-19 vaccine to private sector by September

Xinhua) 12:33, July 07, 2021

KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian firm Yong Tai Bhd, which has partnered China-based Shenzhen Kangtai Biological Products Co. Ltd. (SZKT) to supply Chinese-produced COVID-19 vaccine in Malaysia, is targeting to offer its vaccines to private sector by September or October.

Yong Tai's chief executive officer Boo Kuang Loon said the group, which has an agreement with SZKT to supply 10 million doses per year with an additional option of 10 million if required, has commenced its trial vaccination.

"We are currently conducting the Phase III Clinical Trial in Malaysia and have made an application to the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency for approval to use the vaccines here. If everything goes smooth, we aim to obtain the approval by September or October," he told Xinhua in a recent written interview.

He also said the group plans to bring SZKT to Malaysia to set up a research and development center and a production plant, in a bid to ensure that Malaysia is equipped and well prepared to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak in the long term or any potential threat by other viruses in future.

It is also in line with Malaysian government's plan to develop the biotech industry to make Malaysia the hub of bio science in the region, he added.

"From the latest development, we foresee that the virus will continue to stay with us. Therefore, we believe the demand for vaccines will be high in the long term," he said.

Boo is also confident that the vaccine developed by SZKT will be well accepted as it is of the same technology platform as the other two Chinese COVID-19 vaccine developers Sinopharm and Sinovac.

"Moreover, as the Phase III Clinical Trial is conducted locally, it provides us the data to prove the safety and efficacy of the vaccine which will become more convincing for the public," he said.

He noted that the technology of the Chinese vaccine is the inactivated virus vaccine, which has a good track record and has been accepted by most people.

Malaysia's regulators have given conditional approval to two Chinese COVID-19 vaccines developed by Sinovac and CanSino respectively and the two vaccines are included in the country's national vaccination program.

Chinese vaccines are gaining momentum in Malaysia with more Malaysian firms jumping on Chinese vaccine distribution bandwagon.

Leading Malaysian pharmaceutical company Pharmaniaga has partnered with Sinovac to complete the fill-and-finish process locally, apart from importing finished products from China. The administration of Sinovac vaccine started in Malaysia in March.

Meanwhile, CanSino is working with Malaysian firm Solution Group for the local manufacturing of its vaccine.

In addition, another Malaysian firm MY E.G. Services announced in June that it would supply a batch of Chinese-made vaccines for the private market in Malaysia in August.

It is confident that the vaccine, developed by Anhui Zhifei Longcom Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd. and Chinese Academy of Sciences, can play an important role in accelerating the country's drive toward achieving herd immunity against the COVID-19 outbreak, according to the firm.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Xi Jinping on remembering history, cherishing peace

Xinhua) 12:37, July 07, 2021

BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Wednesday marks the 84th anniversary of the Lugou Bridge Incident on July 7, 1937, which is recognized as the start of Japan's full-scale invasion of China, and China's whole-of-nation resistance against Japanese aggression.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has on many occasions stressed remembering history and cherishing peace.

The following are some highlights of his quotes.

-- War is like a mirror. Looking at it helps us better appreciate the value of peace.

-- The war (Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression) is the Chinese people's longest and largest fight against foreign aggression in modern times, which came with the greatest sacrifice but led to the Chinese people's first complete victory in national liberation.

-- The great spirit of resisting aggression bred during the war is an invaluable source of inspiration, and will always motivate the Chinese people to overcome all difficulties and obstacles and strive to achieve national rejuvenation.

-- The Chinese people will never allow any individual or any force to impose their will on China through bullying, change China's direction of progress, or obstruct the Chinese people's efforts to create a better life.

-- The Chinese and Japanese people should pass on their friendship from generation to generation, learn the lessons of history and look forward, to make joint contribution to world peace.

-- China is a staunch advocate and strong defender of world peace. The Chinese people will stay committed to the noble cause of peace and development of mankind.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Cuban president calls for defending world peace, promoting human wellbeing

Xinhua) 13:52, July 07, 2021

HAVANA, July 7 (Xinhua) -- First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on Tuesday called on the international community to join efforts to defend world peace and promote human wellbeing.

Diaz-Canel made the remark during the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit, which was held online and convened by the CPC.

"The founding of the Communist Party of China and proclamation of the New China constitute milestones in the history of humankind," he said, adding that China "has made important theoretical and practical contributions to Marxism-Leninism."

Diaz-Canel also said that the CPC has overcome adversity with strength and wisdom, and has always been upholding the people-centered philosophy.

"China is recognized all over the world for its robust economic base, supported by a huge internal market," he said, adding that the country's experiences in the construction of socialism with Chinese characteristics are "treasured."

Diaz-Canel spoke highly of the Chinese government's management of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the country's achievements in eradicating absolute poverty.

China and Cuba are "united by the determination to build socialism based on (our) national realities, political mutual trust, a common vision concerning sustainable development and a major concern for the wellbeing of our peoples," he said.

On the occasion of the CPC's centenary, Diaz-Canel extended his congratulations to Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Chinese people and more than 95 million CPC members.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Politicizing COVID-19 origin hinders efforts to find answers: The Hindu

Xinhua) 14:24, July 07, 2021

BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Despite a U.S. campaign to smear China on the origin of COVID-19, more scientists and scholars are speaking out against politicizing the issue.

In a new opinion piece titled "A virus, theories of origin, and a place for science," Thomas Abraham, adjunct associate professor at the Journalism and Media Studies Centre of Hongkong University, warned of the negative impact of politicizing the COVID-19 origin on scientific researches.

"Polarisation on political lines will only create more hurdles in finding clear answers to the source of SARS-CoV-2," he wrote in the article published by The Hindu daily.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Xinjiangs indigo industry: a rising tech hub on the Belt and Road

15:37, July 07, 2021 By Kou Jie ( People's Daily Online

The time-honored national treasure  "Five stars rise in the East" arm protector  draws crowds who come to admire its exquisiteness and profound meaning at Xinjiang Museum, Urumqi. (Photo/Global Times)

Among a display of satin brocades now worn with age, a 2,200-year-old silk arm protector lies quietly in a dusky glass case in Xinjiang Museum. It is a dapple of indigo and gold, with eight Chinese characters woven in perfect harmony. Literally meaning Five stars rise in the East, benefitting China, the brocade is a time-honored national treasure and strong evidence of how advanced technologies ensured Xinjiangs critical position along the ancient Silk Road.

The silk work, unearthed in 1995 from a tomb of the Nita Ruins in Xinjiang, is a masterpiece showcasing the worlds most advanced textile technologies from millennia ago. While Pliny the Elder (AD23  79), the famous Roman naturalist, stubbornly believed that silk from China was a product of certain trees, his contemporary counterparts in Xinjiang had already built complex machines producing the worlds finest silk, raising the curtain on one of the largest international trade routes in human history - the ancient Silk Road.

Millennia later, technologies have once again made Xinjiang a major tech hub along the Belt and Road. Over vast cotton fields, drones accelerate their way through thick clusters of cotton spraying insecticide, while in modern factories, 45 percent of the worlds polysilicon, a type of upstream raw material in the photovoltaic (PV) industry, is refined and produced.

Advanced technologies benefited Xinjiang in ancient times. Today, with the help of modern science and innovation, surely the auspicious sign of Five stars rise in the East will happen again, leading Xinjiang to a brighter future, said Anwar Abdukerim, vice director and historian at Xinjiang Museum.

Rise of a tech hub

A view of Xinjiang Daqo. (Photo/People's Daily Online)

Unlike ancient silk, Xinjiangs modern tech innovation started from something much more inconspicuous  polysilicon. This indigo raw material is essential for the PV industry, which requires advanced technologies to refine and produce.

Before 2010, the polysilicon used in global solar energy had been monopolized mainly by companies from the US and Germany. Prices could go up to 500 US dollars per kilogram, and thats why weve decided to ramp up efforts to develop our own polysilicon production, said Cao Wei, manager of Xinjiang Daqo, one of the four major Chinese polysilicon manufacturers.

Established in 2010 in Shihezi, Xinjiang, it took Xinjiang Daqo a decade to become a world leading polysilicon manufacturer. After years of intensive research and experiment, the companys polysilicon production accounted for 15 percent of the global market share in 2020.

According to Cao, production of polysilicon requires intensive energy, and Xinjiang, a region with abundant cheap electricity and thermal power, is the ideal place for developing the PV industry.

Thanks to technological innovation, the price of polysilicon has now dropped to 20 dollars per kilogram, paving the road for the development of Chinas PV industry, said Cao.

After years of development, China is now a leading power in the PV industry. According to Global Times, Chinese raw material of silicon now accounts for 67 percent of the global share, wafers 97 percent, solar cells 79 percent and PV modules 71 percent, most of which are produced in Xinjiang.

The development of polysilicon production is just one example of Xinjiangs modern tech innovation. As of 2020, Xinjiang has 791 high-tech enterprises, 19 high-tech development zones and over 25,000 research and development (R&D) professionals, covering a wide range of high-tech sectors including robots, navigation satellite systems and electronic products.

A drone works in the cotton field in Korla, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.(People's Daily Online/Liu Ning)

Monitoring the giant screens at the Xinjiang Software Park in Urumqi, scientists send orders to drones and tractors to plot the cotton fields in Aksu Prefecture 1,000 kilometers away. By using the Beidou Navigation Satellite System, 5,954 tractors and over 5,000 drones are now working automatically in fields across Xinjiang, and the number continues to grow.

Established in 2017, Xinjiang Tianyu Beidou satellite Technology Co., Ltd. is a leading satellite navigation and 5G network company. Having built 129 Beidou base stations across Xinjiang, the company now offers a wide range of navigation services, including intelligent agriculture and grazing.

In Bohu county of Bayingol Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture in Xinjiang, more than 1,000 humped camels have been fitted with Beidou satellite navigation collars, allowing herdsmen to remotely track the location and speed of a camel herd in real time using a mobile phone.

Our system can locate animals by attaching a chip to their ears, allowing herdsmen to check their animals with a simple click on their mobile phone. They can also make use of the pedometer and temperature monitoring functions to check the health of their animals, said Chen Hu, designer and director of the company.

According to Chen, camel herders usually live with their camels in the Gobi Desert, and when their animals get lost, finding them again is painstaking and difficult. With the navigation system, the herdsmen can now graze their animals remotely without leaving their homes, giving them more time to cultivate plots of land to earn an extra income.

Each chip only costs 300 yuan and is charged by mini-solar panels. You only have to attach one chip to the bellwether and the whole herd can be supervised. Such technologies have been welcomed by many nations along the Belt and Road, especially Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, where herdsmen can easily lose track of their animals in the vast mountain areas, said Chen.

Xinjiangs booming technological development has earned the region a lucrative income. In 2019, mechanical and electrical products were the most popular exported goods in Xinjiang, with an export value hitting 33.79 billion yuan, accounting for 27 percent of the regions total exports. The electronic industry has now been labeled as one of the ten economic pillars of Xinjiang in the regions 14th five-year plan.

Scientific research and technologies have boosted Xinjiangs economic growth and development. Our software park now attracts talents across China to start their business and research. In time, Xinjiang will rise as a major tech hub along the Belt and Road, said Wang Xiaogang, director of the Xinjiang Software Park.

Benefiting from technology

Thanks to modern technologies, Li Nana is now in charge of a six-hectare cotton field. (People's Daily Online/Kou Jie)

It was June, and the city of Shihezi smelled of scorched leaves, with an average daytime temperature of 35. The sunshine was like powered gold shining over 38-year-old Li Nanas vast cotton field, while Li, sheltered from the blazing sun under a tree, watched a drone spray insecticide on her cotton seedlings.

Thanks to modern technologies, I only need to work in the field around 40 days every year, and for less than 5 hours each day. I myself am in charge of over 6 hectares of cotton field. Basically, everything is now done by machines, said Li.

According to Li, before machines were used in cotton fields in Xinjiang, even the most skilled cotton farmer could only take care of a field of less than 3 hectares, and he would have to spend at least 7 hours a day taking care of the cotton.

Thanks to modern technologies, I can now take care of my familys cotton fields by myself. Each hectare of cotton field can earn me over 20,000 yuan, while my husband is now working in a local factory to earn extra income, said Li.

As China's largest cotton-producing area, Xinjiang saw cotton output of more than 5.1 million tons in 2020. Nearly 70 percent of the region's 1.6 million hectares of cotton farmland was harvested by machinery rather than by hand thanks to continuous progress in agricultural technology.

Ershat Ibrahim introduces Hotan rose tea to his clients online. (People's Daily Online/Kou Jie)

1,600 kilometers away from Lis cotton field, 30-year-old Ershat Ibrahim is busy introducing Holtan rose tea to his clients online. As a social media influencer, Ibrahims online shop features Hotan's agricultural products, and he is also a content maker who make videos about local markets, agricultural festivals and local art.

Every week, Ershat invites his two partners, a pair of top Uyghur dancers, to livestream Uyghur dance to the audience, helping them to get a better understanding of Uyghur culture.

Working as a social media influencer, Ibrahims monthly income has reached 20,000 to 30,000 yuan per month, and he believes that the digital economy in Xinjiang will further develop, providing a bright future for all.

There are still many remote villages in Xinjiang, where the residents still face poverty and all kinds of inconveniences in life. The best way to solve their problems is to introduce their life to the outside world via the internet, giving them new opportunities for a better life, said Ibrahim.

According to statistics from the regional governments department of industry and information technologies, the digital economy in Xinjiang registered a 10-percent growth year-on-year in 2020, contributing 26 percent to the regions annual gross domestic product. Currently, 6,272 5G base stations are operating, with 2.75 million 5G users.

"The internet has provided young people like me a big platform to show our talents, and also introduced Uyghur culture to the public. It's interesting to see the dynamic integration between old and new, tradition and innovation," he said.

Enable Ginger Cannot connect to Ginger Check your internet connection

or reload the browser Disable in this text field Rephrase Rephrase current sentence Edit in Ginger

(Web editor: Kou Jie, Hongyu)
Chief of South African Communist Party: CPC always maintains close ties with the people

16:13, July 07, 2021 By Gong Ming ( People's Daily

The Communist Party of China (CPC) always maintains close ties with the people, empathizes and works with them, and lays stress on safeguarding the fundamental interests of the Chinese people and earnestly addressing issues that concern the people the most, according to Cde Dr. Blade Nzimande, General Secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP) and Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of South Africa.

A ceremony marking the centenary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is held at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, capital of China, July 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Yin Gang)

It is with the genuine support and recognition from the Chinese people that the CPC has been able to unite and lead them in developing the Chinese economy and realizing massive social development advances, Nzimande said in a recent interview with Peoples Daily.

This year marks the centenaries of both the CPC and the SACP, Nzimande said, noting that the two political parties should forge ahead with the cause of socialism with great determination, resolve and courage.

In the next 100 years, scientific socialism should achieve greater advances, and its expected that the CPC will lead the Chinese people to create a better life and contribute greatly to world peace and justice, said the SACP chief.

Nzimande visited China as the General Secretary of the SACP in 1998, not long after the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Africa. In the following two decades or so, he has led delegations to China more than ten times.

According to Nzimande, every time he visits China he has new discoveries and new thinking about the country, and all the hundreds SACP cadres visiting China with him have been full of praise for Chinas rapid economic development and the improvement in the quality of the Chinese peoples lives.

In east Chinas Anhui province, Nzimande visited farmers market, factory, school, residential area, as well as stadium. Marveling at the results of Chinas reform and opening-up, he said various parties in South Africa should learn from the experience of the CPC and combine it with the actual conditions of South Africa to promote better development of the country.

Nzimande has been impressed by the achievements of northwest Chinas Qinghai province in promoting featured agriculture, increasing the income of farmers, effectively using natural resources, and protecting ecological environment.

As the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of South Africa, he pays special attention to the development of Chinas higher education and scientific and technological innovation, and hopes to intensify cooperation between South Africa and China in a bid to facilitate the social and economic development of South Africa.

In the decades that followed the establishment of the Peoples Republic of China, the CPC led the development of Chinese society from the bottom rungs in the world economy to the worlds second largest national economy, surpassing many economies, Nzimande said.

In terms of world trade, China is the top trading partner of many countries in almost all the global regions, he added.

Nzimande pays close attention to Chinas development. According to him, China has, by formulating and implementing its five-year plans, realized impressive achievements in poverty eradication, human development, economic development, and social transformation.

As China is increasingly recognized as a responsible major country by the international community, there is a rising number of people who mention China when developing policy and other opportunities are discussed, Nzimande pointed out.

Nzimande appreciates Chinese President Xi Jinpings book Xi Jinping: The Governance of China. He thinks the book contains profound thoughts and rich contents, and that many ideas in the book are worth learning from for the SACP.

The SACP chief believes Xis idea of ensuring that the Party exercises effective self-supervision and practices strict self-governance is very important for strengthening Party building. As a member of the tripartite alliance led by South Africas African National Congress (ANC), the SACP can draw on more of the practices of the CPC regarding strategies and plans for the development of party officials.

China and South Africa have established a sound partnership in training party officials. From July 2020 to March 2021, the National School of Government (NSG) of South Africa and the China-Africa Institute jointly held four online training seminars. Nearly 200 trainees from governments at all levels in South Africa took part in the seminars and said they would learn from Chinas experience in state governance, economic development, poverty reduction and so on.

The SACP and the CPC have long-standing ties, and a history of exchanges and co-operation, which we have deepened over the past years, Nzimande said, noting that after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the two sides quickly moved to online interactions.

The International Department of the CPC Central Committee has organized a series of video webinar between the SACP and the CPC, during which more than 20 senior officials of the SACP had discussions with Chinese experts and scholars on topics including the prevention and control of the pandemic, poverty alleviation, and Africa-China friendship.

The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is a bridge for cooperation and exchanges between Africa and China, said Nzimande, who has attended the forum twice. He considers it crucial for improving African peoples well-being and promoting the sustainable development of Africa, and helpful in bringing South Africa and China closer in economy, trade, science and technology, culture, and education.

In this age of economic globalization when countries in the world are interconnected and interdependent, Chinas ideas of jointly building the Belt and Road and a community with a shared future for mankind aim at promoting common development of the whole of humanity and conform to the shared aspiration of people in various countries for development, he said.

We attach great importance to the commitment made by President Xi to make the COVID-19 vaccine developed by China a global public good, Nzimande said.

The SACP highly praised the assistance China has provided for South Africa in fighting the COVID-19, and is willing to enhance exchanges and cooperation with the CPC to overcome the pandemic and jointly push forward with the relations between South Africa and China, according to Nzimande.

Noting that China has unfolded its 14th Five-Year Plan and embarked on a new journey toward fully building a modern socialist country and is now marching toward the second centenary goal of building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects, Nzimande believes that under the leadership of the CPC, the country will continue advancing in giant strides and consolidating its development achievements, and that the Chinese people will create brighter glory.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Accusing China of exporting model, France actually does it

Global Times) 16:14, July 07, 2021

Illustration: Liu Rui/GT

The World Peace Forum over the weekend in Beijing was an epitome of the contest between the East and the West. When trying to prove the idea of China wanting to impose its model on other countries, French Ambassador to China Laurent Bili cited Chinas threat to freedom of expression.

While Bili believes freedom of speech is a question of ideology, Russian Ambassador to China Andrey Denisov reminded the audience how former US president George H.W. Bush lectured Russia on freedom and democracy and we know how it works in Libya, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan.

It is worth pointing out what Chinas model that France and the West so fear of is. Chinas model strives for both the well-being of the Chinese people and human progress, and aims to create opportunities for the world through China's development. China has never sought to export its model to other countries like the West has done. But when China tried to make its stance clear, the West accused China of restricting freedom of expression.

In March, the Chinese Embassy in France responded in its official Twitter to French researcher Antoine Bondaz, who the embassy referred to as little rascal, as Bondaz showed support to a French senators planned trip to the island of Taiwan. Just on Tuesday, the Chinese Embassy in France expressed firm opposition to a French children's publication which published reports distorting Xinjiang affairs and carried racism and hatred propaganda.

China did so to safeguard its interests, while France thinks it was a violation of freedom of speech. But if France hopes China accepts everything France has done and said without voicing its own opinion, isnt it placing a barrier on Chinas freedom of speech?

China and the West hold different ideologies and they see the concepts of freedom, democracy and human rights differently. This has been the case during interactions between China and the West over the past few decades. It was during this period that Western concepts influenced Chinese society and tested Chinas own definition of these concepts. Similarly, it ought to be an equal chance for the West to experience the Chinese way of thinking and accept the clash of different ideas.

What China has been doing is to end the end of history myth and break the value hegemony of the West. As Denisov said at the forum, If somebody gives me just one example of the Communist Party of China imposing its ideology on anybody outside Chinese borders, I would be very grateful.

The Russian ambassador defended China because Russia itself suffered from Western ideological exports. The purpose of ideological exports is to launch a color revolution and force a country to accept a system or model that does not fit that countrys situation. This is what France has been doing.

The French ambassador is aware that China does not seek to export its model. Coupled with Chinas rise and growing influence, France, and the wider West, has begun to feel wary that its model will be challenged by that of Chinas.

Sun Xihui, an associate research fellow at the National Institute of International Strategy of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times that this reflects the strong anxiety of the West toward competition between China and the West.

It worries that Chinas development model will gain more and more approval and influence on the world stage, which will challenge the Wests influence, discourse of power and the right to define rules and values, said Sun.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
China will remain committed to promoting peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit

16:21, July 07, 2021 By He Yin ( People's Daily

Photo taken on April 29, 2021, shows China-Europe freight trains at the Erenhot Port in north Chinas Inner Mongolia autonomous region. (Peoples Daily Online/ Xia Liang)

On the journey ahead, we will remain committed to promoting peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit, to an independent foreign policy of peace, and to the path of peaceful development, said Chinese President Xi Jinping at a ceremony marking the centenary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on July 1.

We will work to build a new type of international relations and a human community with a shared future, promote high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative through joint efforts, and use Chinas new achievements in development to provide the world with new opportunities, continued Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, showing the selfless aspiration and sense of responsibility of the CPC.

The CPC is a political party that strives for both the wellbeing of the Chinese people and the advancement of humankind.

Safeguarding world peace and promoting common development has been written into the Constitution of Communist Party of China and listed as one of the three historic tasks of China. Meanwhile, the General Program of the CPC Constitution specifies that the political party shall uphold an independent foreign policy of peace, follow a path of peaceful development, and continue with the win-win strategy of opening-up, and that it shall defend world peace, promote human progress, work to build a community with a shared future for mankind, and advance the building of a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity

These facts have demonstrated that the CPC cares about the future of humanity, and wishes to move forward in tandem with all progressive forces around the world.

China has always worked to safeguard world peace under the leadership of the CPC. No matter how the international circumstances change and no matter to what extent China develops, the country has remained committed never to seek hegemony, territorial expansion or spheres of influence, and has achieved development by upholding world peace and promoted world peace through its own development.

The country has proposed the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and advocated a new vision of security featuring common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. It has participated in nearly 30 UN peacekeeping operations and sent over 50,000 peacekeepers.

Chinas ideas and practice of safeguarding world peace have fully proven that peace is a spiritual pursuit and conscious act of the Chinese Communists.

China has always worked to contribute to global development under the leadership of the CPC.

While sending good wishes to the CPC for its 100th anniversary, many political party chiefs and politicians from other countries expressed high recognition for the CPCs idea of promoting common development of all countries.

The CPC has adhered to the win-win strategy of opening-up, called for cooperation and mutual benefit rather than confrontation and zero-sum games, and provided the world with new opportunities through its new development progress.

A total of 140 countries and 32 international organizations have joined in the Belt and Road cooperation, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has seen the number of its members exceed 100, which proves that win-win cooperation and common development meet the expectations of all parties.

China has always worked to preserve international order under the leadership of the CPC. The CPC has stuck to equity and justice, underscored that all countries are equal, regardless of their size, strength and wealth, and stood against imposing ones own will on others, interfering in other countries internal affairs, and the practice of the strong bullying the weak.

Many foreign personages speak highly of Chinas role in promoting multilateralism and improving global governance, and believe that the CPC has provided the world with a more just and reasonable paradigm of international relations.

As the world is undergoing major changes unseen in a century, unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise and global challenges are increasing day by day, China has firmly upheld and practiced multilateralism, and steadfastly safeguarded the international system with the UN at its core and the international order based on international law, becoming a stabilizer of the changing world.

Faced with ever-changing global landscape and development patterns, the CPC has been committed to promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, and will continuously contribute to world peace and stability, the common development of all countries, mutual learning between different civilizations, as well as humankinds progress.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Authorities warn of mounting risks of natural disasters in July

Xinhua) 16:33, July 07, 2021

BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities on Wednesday warned of mounting risks of natural disasters in July as the country's major river basins enter flood season.

This month, floods may occur in some of the country's major rivers, including the Yangtze, Yellow, Huaihe and Heilongjiang rivers, as well as their tributaries and neighboring water bodies, according to the China National Commission for Disaster Reduction and the Ministry of Emergency Management.

Severe convective weather such as strong winds, hail and tornados is also expected to hit vast parts of China this month.

High precipitation in hilly areas is raising the odds of geological disasters, warned the authorities, urging some regions in south and southwest China to brace for such events.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Commentary: World political parties should jointly work for people's wellbeing

Xinhua) 16:52, July 07, 2021

BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Political parties shoulder the responsibility of seeking happiness for the people. Now it is time for them to strengthen cooperation in addressing global risks and challenges, and shoulder their responsibility for the pursuit of people's wellbeing and progress of mankind.

It is the message sent by the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit, which was held Tuesday.

Grave challenges brought by changes unseen in a century and the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the importance of jointly responding to the challenges by world political parties. Global challenges could only be met through global cooperation.

Themed "For the People's Wellbeing: the Responsibility of Political Parties," the summit is a solid platform to strengthen exchanges and mutual learning of experience in governance between the CPC and world political parties.

It is also a chance to enhance the philosophy and capability of seeking happiness for the people, advance world peace and development, and promote the construction of a community with a shared future for humanity.

The CPC puts people's lives and health first. Under the leadership of the CPC, China has lifted hundreds of millions of Chinese people out of poverty and has achieved building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.

Many have spoken highly of China's achievements and are eager to know the formula behind the country's accomplishment.

As the world's biggest ruling political party, the CPC has always carried out exchanges with and learned from political parties in other countries on an equal footing with an open mind. Through various dialogues, forums and symposiums, the CPC has enhanced exchanges and shared experience in governance with political parties of Russia, Arab countries, Latin American countries, African countries and Asian countries.

China does not export the Chinese model and will not ask other countries to copy its practices. The CPC is willing to share its development experience with all parties, learn from each other, and advance hand in hand.

At present, the COVID-19 pandemic is still raging and the world is still in the shadow of a weak economic recovery. Isolationism and populism are on the rise in some countries. Exchanges and cooperation between the CPC and political parties around the world will no doubt contribute wisdom, build consensus, and pool strength to solve the common problems facing humanity.

The CPC has remained committed to peaceful development and worked tirelessly to uphold world peace and stability. It has also remained committed to win-win cooperation and worked for the mutual development of all countries.

The future of every nation is closely linked. The CPC will actively promote the improvement of global governance to make new contributions to humanity's joint response to common challenges.

(Web editor: Xia Peiyao, Liang Jun)
Chinas concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind charts course for world

People's Daily Online) 16:54, July 07, 2021

What is happening in the world and how should we respond? Facing unprecedented challenges such as climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, the whole world is asking itself this question.

Photo shows a section of the Beijing-Urumqi Expressway. The expressway linking Beijing and Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is over 2,700 km in length and facilitates exchanges along the Belt and Road. (Photo/Cai Zengle)

Chinas proposition is to build a community with a shared future for mankind, a concept first put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, which charts the course for the development of the world and the future of humanity, according to Chen Xulong, a professor at the School of International Relations at the University of International Business and Economics.

China will not only strive to realize the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation, but also work with the rest of the world to realize the dream of a world of enduring peace and common prosperity, Chen explained.

Chens view was echoed by Wang Wen, executive dean of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies of Renmin University of China. While growing anti-globalization, extremist populism, and pessimism continue to run rampant around the world, the concept has become a beacon for the world and mankind, Wang told Peoples Daily Overseas Edition.

Photo taken on June 5 shows the cargo ship WIDE INDIA docking at Dapukou dock of the Ningbo-Zhoushan port in Ningbo, east Chinas Zhejiang province. The ship will be loaded with 1,502 TEUs and leave for countries along the Belt and Road, including Singapore and Nigeria. (People's Daily Online/Yao Feng)

The concept transcends the boundaries of race, culture, state and ideology, providing a new perspective for thinking about the future of mankind, Wang said.

Amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic, China also proposed the building of a global community of health for all and a community of life for man and nature, further enriching the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind.

China has also put the vision into practice through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) proposed by the country in 2013, which has evolved into the worlds most popular public good and biggest cooperation platform.

Citing an expert, BBC said the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind is not a castle in the air, but is an idea that has been made highly practical through the support of specific programs such as the BRI.

For example, China has been accelerating the development of a Silk Road of Health since 2020. It has sent medical supplies to over 120 BRI partners to help them fight against the pandemic and provided more than 400 million doses of finished and bulk vaccines to over 90 countries, most of which are BRI partners. China has also started vaccine production in BRI participating countries.

A medical worker administers a dose of COVID-19 vaccine developed by China to a woman in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on June 1. (Photo/Xinhua)

Since the outbreak of the epidemic, China-Europe freight trains, dubbed a steel camel fleet, have undertaken the sacred mission of opening up a cargo lifeline, shipping a total of 94,000 tons of anti-epidemic supplies consisting of 11.99 million items to Europe.

China is working to help bring about a sustainable global economy through its open and inclusive development, as well as Belt and Road cooperation, Wang Wen said, adding that the country is the second largest economy and the biggest engine for global growth, which makes the building of a community with a shared future for mankind more feasible.

The concept has also been well received by the international community. It was incorporated into a UN resolution in February 2017 and was later written into important documents of the UN General Assembly, Security Council and Human Rights Council, as well as other international organizations.

Jacob Mardell, a scholar, pointed out in a commentary published in online news magazine The Diplomat that the concept of community of common destiny, through win-win cooperation, embodies a new type of international relations. The new model is being set up against the old model of international relations, which is associated with Western powers. Whereas the community of common destiny is premised on win-win relations, the old model is governed by zero-sum thinking.

A freight train leaves for Moscow, capital of Russia, from Wuyishan city in southeast China's Fujian province. (Photo/Yang Danping)

If there is a political dimension of the term community of the same destiny, that dimension is to try to find a new way to avoid confrontation, try to find a new way to avoid division in the international community that we all learned in the Cold War years, said Forbes on its website.

China has put forward the concept of a community of a shared future for mankind, which transcends the traditional boundaries of Western thought divided by country, race, history and religion and becomes a possibility for a new vision of future human development, BBC said, citing a Chinese expert on international issues.

In light of the global pandemic, the global community must take collective ownership of the grand vision, said Robert Lawrence Kuhn, a renowned U.S. expert on China, adding that the pandemic dramatically demonstrates the global critical significance of shared future thinking.

The vision urges the nations of the world to act for the common good of humanity, and it is vital for our turbulent times, Kuhn noted.

In the post-pandemic era, promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind is the remedy for the pandemic shock, Wang Wen said.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Richemont former CEO and Board Member, Norbert Platt, has been appointed to advise the CHRONEXT Board of Directors. Norbert Platt will support the leading online platform for luxury watches as Advisor to the Board.



"I was attracted to this new role by CHRONEXTs unique combination of a digital and physical offering, which I view as the business model of the future," said Norbert Platt. "I see enormous growth opportunities for a company with ambitions to redefine the market for luxury watches. CHRONEXT understands how to use digitalization, watchmaking skills and a demand-driven selection to create the perfect offer for customers. I am very much looking forward to using my experience to advise the Board and help shape the companys growth."



Norbert Platt is one of the most successful senior executives in the luxury goods industry. He led the Hamburg-based company, Montblanc, as CEO for around 17 years, growing the business from a traditional brand into an internationally recognized player in the luxury goods industry. Following this great success, Norbert Platt was appointed CEO of the Richemont group, holding this position for almost six years and achieving significant sales and revenue growth. Under his tenure, Richemont's position as a leading company in the luxury goods industry was consolidated, especially in the luxury watch sector, thanks to internationally renowned brands such as Cartier, IWC, A. Lange & Sohne, Panerai, etc. Most recently, Norbert Platt served as a Board Member and consultant for Richemont.



Following the appointments of Jacob Fonnesbech Aqraou and Hamdi Chatti, CHRONEXT has bolstered its industry credentials further by engaging Norbert Platt.

Philipp Man CEO & Co-Founder  Chronext

"Our primary goal is to continue to drive the growth of our company in a consolidating market," said Philipp Man, CEO and Co-Founder of CHRONEXT. "The fact that Norbert Platt is joining us shows that he - like us - believes in the future prospects of CHRONEXT. We are delighted with his support, and that he is joining us as an Advisor to the Board. His great expertise will help us to grow even faster and stronger."
Created by GMT Publishing, the tour is used by Geneva Tourism to promote its beautiful city and celebrate the history of horology past and present. This topic is the subject of a special summer insert in GMT, which is available here and invites you to learn more about the cradle of watchmaking. Does Geneva need a Watchmaking Officer?



After nearly a decade of economic and structural transformations in terms of the stores along its route, the Geneva Watch Tour will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2022. While the number of single-brand retailers has remained stable, the waltz of the logos of the best-established big names continues. Only those multi-brand retailers that have succeeded in building customer loyalty, as well as constantly adapting to new consumer trends and to the commercial logic of the major watch groups, have managed to keep afloat. Most brand and retailer showrooms have moved to upper floors so as to avoid dissuasive ground-floor rents, and in doing so, have gained an enhanced sense of privacy. Specialists in the sale of pre-owned watches, whether certified or not, have progressed and are operating both physical and online stores. Fine watch lovers now have a broader, albeit more complex, field of choice. Whom can they trust? Sites such as Geneva-based worldtempus.com can prove extremely helpful. As far as its historical and cultural side is concerned, the Geneva Watch Tour remains as consistent and relevant as ever, based around flagship entities such as the not-to-be-missed Patek Philippe Museum and dozens of historical monuments intrinsically bound up with watchmaking. Season after season, events with worldwide impact such as Watches & Wonders, Geneva Watch Days, the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve, and Only Watch as well as the watch auctions held by the giants in the sector each spring and fall, all contribute to reinforcing Geneva's role as the world's watchmaking capital. So when can we expect to see a Watchmaking Officer appointed for the city and orchestrating this impressive wealth of activities?
East Chinas Anhui province exported 26,000 tons of tea during the first five months this year, up 3.2 percent from the same period a year ago, customs data showed.

The exports were worth 720 million yuan (about US$111 million), down 2.3 percent year on year.

In May alone, the provinces tea exports reached 5,000 tons, with a value of 150 million yuan, down 13.7 percent and 22 percent, respectively.

Green tea exports, worth 690 million yuan, made up 95.4 percent of the total, while black tea exports accounted for 3.7 percent.

Africa was the major overseas market in the Jan-May period as the province exported 640 million yuan of tea to the continent, up 5.7 percent from a year earlier.

Huangshan, a prefecture-level city known for the Huangshan Mountain, accounted for over 90 percent of the provinces total tea exports. In the first five months, its tea exports grew 9.9 percent year-on-year to 23,000 tons, worth 650 million yuan.

Meanwhile, four of Anhuis top five tea exporters are located in the city.




BEIJING, July 6 (Xinhua) -- China on Tuesday blasted Japanese deputy prime minister Taro Aso's remarks on defending Taiwan together with the United States if the island is "invaded".

Speaking at a regular press briefing, foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said, "Those remarks are extremely wrong and dangerous, as they severely violate the principles set out in the four political documents between China and Japan, and undermine the political foundation of China-Japan relations. China deplores and rejects this and has lodged solemn representations with Japan."

"Japanese militarism once committed innumerous crimes in the aggression against China. However, some politicians are still coveting Taiwan till this day. This fully shows that they haven't learned the lesson from history," the spokesperson said.

Zhao said that China will never allow anyone to meddle in the Taiwan question in any way, stressing that no one should underestimate the resolve, the will, and the ability of the Chinese people to defend their national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
BEIJING, July 7 -- According to a notice released by Chinas Lianyungang Maritime Safety Administration on July 5, there will be falling rocket debris in the waters of central Yellow Sea from 12:00 to 24:00 on July 9, 2021, local time.

LYG0045MIDDLE YELLOW SEA THERE ARE ACTIVITIES THAT AFFECT THE SAFATY OF SHIP NAVIGATION FORM 0400 UTC TO 1600 UTC 9 JUL IN AREA A BOUNDED BY THE LINES JOINING 34-48.24N/120-15.9E, 34-34.68N/120-05.04E, 34-51.12N/119-34.98E, 35-09.18N/119-49.44E. AND AREA B BOUNDED BY THE LINES JOINING 33-51.96N/121-59.64E, 33-34.14N/121-44.88E, 34-04.68N/120-51.36E, 34-22.62N/121-06.00E

ENTERING PROHIBITED.

LYGMSA CHINA.
Wang Zhanshan tells his stories to students from Sanguanmiao Primary School in Anyang city, Henan province, on June 11. [Photo/Xinhua]

Veteran of two wars thinks often of comrades who gave their lives for the country

Wang Zhanshan, a decorated retired officer of the People's Liberation Army, said that he very much misses the comrades he fought alongside in fierce battles and who sacrificed their lives for victory.

"I want to tell my dear fallen comrades that they can rest in peace because our motherland has become strong and respectable, and our children, and our children's children, are living happy lives," the 91-year-old said.

"I have survived cruel combat, but so many of my comrades died fighting. I feel very sad when I think of them."

Wang himself is a renowned war hero who served in the military for more than three decades.

Born into a farming family in Hebei province in December 1929, he joined the PLA at age 17, and began to take part in combat actions against Kuomintang forces across China.

By the time the People's Republic of China was founded in October 1949, Wang was already a veteran soldier and had survived many violent battles.

However, his biggest and toughest challenge emerged four years later during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53), when he was a member of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army.

In the summer of 1953, Wang, a platoon commander at the time, was ordered to lead his soldiers into the Jincheng Campaignwhich is known as the Battle of Kumsong outside of Chinaand was tasked with defending a high-altitude position.

The young officer and his soldiers were outnumbered and outgunned, but they did not retreat. Led by Wang, the platoon withstood relentless bombardment by enemy aircraft and artillery that lasted three consecutive days and nights, thwarted as many as 38 offensives and killed more than 400 enemy soldiers.

Wang suffered injuries to his eyes and was buried under soil twice after bombs dropped by the B-29 bombers exploded nearby.

He was even placed with the dead at a field hospital because the doctor checking him was in a hurry and found no vital signs.

Fortunately, one of his comrades insisted that Wang's heart was still beating and requested immediate assistance, which saved his life.

For his valor and heroism, Wang was awarded medals and honorary titles by both the Chinese military and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

After returning from the Korean Peninsula, Wang continued to serve in the military and moved up through the ranks.

He served as infantry regiment commander and deputy chief of staff at an infantry division and was later appointed deputy commander of the Anyang Regional Command in Henan province before retiring in the mid-1980s.

Returning to civilian life did not lessen the decorated soldier's sense of duty. He gave public lectures to students and young military members, telling them stories about himself and his comrades. He also helped local schools organize lessons about military knowledge and skills.

In recognition of his service and contribution to the nation, the Party and the PLA, Wang was conferred a July 1 Medalthe highest Party honorby President Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, at a grand ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing last week. A total of 29 Party members were honored the same day.
By Hu Bo

There are two massive exercises in waters near Australia in July. One is the Pacific Vanguard 2021 maritime exercise from July 5 to 10 involving the US, Japan, Australia and ROK, and the other is the Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 lasting from July 14 to 31, participated by the seven countries of the US, the UK, Japan, Australia, Canada, ROK and New Zealand.

These are routine exercises, but their contents have obviously become more targeted at China. Australia in particular, the host country of both exercises, has been making aggressive remarks on Taiwan-related topics recently, and its Prime Minister Scott Morrison even announced shortly before that once war broke out in the Taiwan Strait, Canberra would fulfill its commitment to assisting the US and its Indo-Pacific allies. Why does Australia keep making war provocations?

On the one hand, Australia has squeezed its space of choice amid the aggravating strategic competition between China and the US. The US-Australia alliance is the cornerstone of Australias military security strategy, and the two countries share similar values, long experience of fighting shoulder to shoulder, and mutual demand for strategic interests. Therefore, following Washingtons lead is Canberras strategic choice in the long term.

Besides, as the southern anchor of Americas Indo-Pacific Strategy, Australia attempts to play the role of a deputy chief  and expand its influence by reinforcing its alliance with the US. Thats why after World War II, especially after the end of the Cold War, Canberra has been standing firmly by Washington on almost all international hotspot issues regardless of rights andor wrongs and even stepping up for it proactively.

Therefore, once anything happens in East Asia, Australia will most probably become the pivot of Americas military operations. Australias former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser once said Australia was locked in the American system; once war broke out between the US and China, Australia would have no choice but join it. Moreover, the cost of its choice is not high in peacetime, so Canberra wouldnt refuse to dash to the front line, pushed both by domestic and international pressure.

On the other hand, Australia feels extremely uncomfortable with a rising China. Without the necessary and full knowledge about Chinas security strategy and intention, it chooses to believe Americas slanders and rhetoric that Chinas rise means a growing security risk in the Asia-Pacific.

Meanwhile, Australia considers itself an important member of the American alliance system and the western world that bears responsibilities for maintaining the rules-based international order . Many Australian politicians made the ridiculous claim that China may not seek expansion or hegemony today, but that doesnt mean it wont do that in the future. The deep-seated reason for such suspicion is Canberras wariness and disapproval of the Chinese system and its ingrained arrogance as a member of the West.

These two structural factors limit the interactions between China and Australia in military and security areas, and its unlikely for Canberra to change course any time soon given the constant discords and collisions between the two countries. Australias choice may be influenced by the US, but its more strongly influenced by the strategic perception of political elites in Canberra. If Australia doesnt adjust its strategy and mindset first, Chinas positive actions for the sake of neighborly friendliness wont substantially change the current status of bilateral relations.

In fact, Australia has many choices in peacetime. As a third party to the China-US competition, it can serve as a buffer or a bridge of communication and play a constructive role in shaping China-US relations. But if it is determined to side with the US, even adding fuel to the flames of competition between the worlds two largest economies, it will find itself cornered on the forefront of China-US conflict, even confrontation.

(The author is director of the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative )

Editor's note: This article is originally published on huanqiu.com.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.
BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called on China and Greece to set for the international community an example of friendship and mutual trust, a benchmark for win-win cooperation as well as a model for mutual learning between civilizations.

Xi made the remarks during his telephone conversation with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Mitsotakis extended congratulations on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC), saying that the CPC has changed not only the future of China, but also the trajectory of the world's development.

China's success in lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty is a miracle in the history of human progress, he said, adding that he believes that under Xi's leadership, China will continue to make new great achievements.

Thanking him for the congratulations, Xi stressed that the CPC will work with all peace-loving countries and nations to promote humanity's common values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom, and make greater contributions to world peace and human progress.

Xi pointed out that the world is currently facing the intertwined challenges of profound changes and a pandemic both unseen in a century.

China and Greece are both ancient civilizations, and have both experienced a mixed development process of tribulation and greatness, Xi said, adding that the two countries also share similar ideas about the advance of human civilization and the transformation of international order.

Under the current situation, to carry forward and further promote China-Greece relations will not only help energize the post-pandemic economic recovery, but also contribute wisdom of ancient civilizations to improving the global governance system, Xi said.

He called on the two sides to continue to show mutual understanding and mutual support on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns, and set an example of friendship and mutual trust for the international community.

Xi also urged the two countries to deepen collaboration within such frameworks as the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Central and Eastern European countries cooperation, and set a benchmark for win-win cooperation for the world.

In so doing, he added, the two countries can also establish a model for mutual learning between civilizations, and gather new consensus and strength to promote world peace and development.

Xi noted that this year marks the 15th anniversary of the China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership, and the next year marks the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.

China, he said, is willing to work with Greece to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, deepen traditional friendship and practical cooperation, and lift bilateral ties to new levels.

It serves the interests of both sides and follows the trend of the times for China and Europe to conduct dialogue and deepen cooperation in the spirit of mutual respect, seeking common ground while reserving differences, as well as openness and mutual benefit, Xi said, adding that he hopes for Greece to continue to play an active role.
Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi sold more cars between them here in the first half of this year than Korea's own three smaller carmakers, suggesting that the era of patriotic motorists is well and truly over.

The three German brands sold 89,076 cars while GM Korea, Renault Samsung and Ssangyong sold just 88,625, according to the Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Association on Tuesday.

Mercedes-Benz sold 42,017, BMW 36,261 and Audi 10,798 cars, a substantial increase for all of them. Koreans bought 147,757 imported cars in the first half, up 15.2 percent on-year and an all-time

As recently as 1995 only about 6,900 imported cars were sold here, accounting for a mere 0.6 percent of the market. But waning consumer patriotism, lower tariffs and greater affluence changed all that. Their market share grew to 17 percent last year.

GM Korea, meanwhile, sold 33,160 cars, Renault Samsung 28,840 and Ssangyong 26,625, down a dramatic 19 to 48 percent on-year. Their poor performance was due to rumors of their imminent demise and lack of new models.

KAIDA chief Rene Koneberg, the president of Audi Volkswagen Korea Group, pledged in a press conference Tuesday to keep up the momentum by launching about 130 new eco-friendly models here by 2023.

"The next decade will bring the same change to the automobile market as the change carmakers experienced in the past 100 years," he said.

But neither GM Korea nor Renault Samsung has plans to come up with any new electric model, and Ssangyong has only minimal EV assembly lines, a clear indication that the gap in sales will only widen.
Uptrend of hair transplantation creates a niche

From:ChinaDaily | 2021-07-06 09:03

Frost & Sullivan: Market size of sector expected to surpass $5.85b in 2025

China's hair transplantation market is embracing rapid development as more consumers are willing to pay for care services for hair, which meanwhile should be given more careful thought to optimize the business roadmap and ensure a sustainable development of the sector.

By the end of June, Beijing-based Yonghe Medical Group Co Ltd, the Chinese mainland's largest hair transplantation company by sales, filed its initial public offering application to the Hong Kong stock exchange.

The company said it plans to raise HK$1.9 billion ($244.7 million) via the IPO. The money will be used to establish 50 more hair transplantation outlets and 60 nonsurgical medical centers in China.

At a time when offline chain stores were mostly impacted by COVID-19, the company has accelerated its business pace and opened 11 new stores last year.

"Hair problems are major pain points for those who pay great attention to their looks, generating lucrative hair-related business. Hair transplantation is one potential subcategory," said Dun Yuting, a healthcare analyst at the online technology media platform 36Kr.

United States-based investment bank Morgan Stanley and China's first joint-venture investment bank China International Capital Corp Ltd were among the outfits advising the firm. If Yonghe Medical's IPO and expansion plan works out, it will be the country's first listed hair transplantation company, and also the first of its kind to have over 100 outlets.

Data from the National Health Commission showed that in 2020, the number of people experiencing hair loss in China surpassed 250 million, with males accounting for over 65 percent, or 164 million.

US Research firm Frost& Sullivan estimated that by 2025, China's hair transplantation market will reach 37.8 billion yuan ($5.85 billion) from 13.4 billion yuan in 2020, which means a compound annual growth rate of 23 percent.

The prospectus of Yonghe Medical said that in 2020, there were around 516,000 cases of hair transplants in China, and the market penetration rate was 0.21 percent. The market demand has not been satisfied and remains vast.

Despite the promising prospects, industry experts said hair transplantation is not an easy business. They estimated the average transaction per customer is between 30,000 yuan and 70,000 yuan. However, marketing costs take up 15 percent to 40 percent of the total revenue, while personnel, rent and utilities account for 20 percent to 40 percent, and 10 percent, respectively. The net profit ratio stands at less than 10 percent.

Dun said a main reason for such high marketing costs is that hair transplantation is a "once-for-all "deal. Consumers will not re-purchase such services and their desire to share what they go through is low. It is hard to establish brand recognition, so companies can only keep looking for new customers.

"Besides, the industry lacks technology advancement, which contributes to low differentiations between organizations. Enterprises need to spend a lot to acquire customers," Dun said.

"To increase net profits, companies should expand their business and service scales including daily hair strengthening and maintenance. After all, the appeal for consumers is to solve hair loss. The dual business mode combining hair transplantation with daily maintenance is expected to increase user experience and bring steady income to industry players."

"Enterprises also need to improve their techniques and services to guarantee sustainable growth," Dun added.

By 2030, the daily hair strengthening and maintenance sector will take up 45.3 percent of China's hair-related medical services market, said Frost & Sullivan.

In 2017, Yonghe Medical acquired the Chinese mainland business of British hair strengthening brand Svenson. It also launched scientific research on stem cells within hair follicles to further improve its hair loss product portfolio.

"In 2020, daily hair strengthening and maintenance only contributed to 13 percent of Yonghe Medical's sales revenue. The business had the characteristics of low per customer transactions, high re-purchase rates and high user stickiness. It is estimated that daily hair strengthening and maintenance will turn into a main driving force of the hair-related medical service sector," said Qi Yeqing, a healthcare analyst at Beijing-based think tank EqualOcean.

Industry problems such as fake advertisements and opaque pricing are hindering the development of the sector.

Data from Shanghai-based beauty information platform Caomeipai showed that in 2018,41 percent of hair transplantation customers were unsatisfied with unexpected payments, 35 percent said support services were inadequate, while others worried about bad postoperative results and the low hair follicle survival rate.
Experts: New global tax plan should alert MNCs

From:ChinaDaily | 2021-07-06 09:27

China's large multinational companies need to prepare for new corporate tax rules proposed by the world's leading economies, experts said.

On Thursday, 130 countries and jurisdictions, including China, which represent about 90 percent of the global economy, agreed to a global tax reform plan that proposed, among other things, a global minimum corporate tax rate of at least 15 percent.

The new global corporate tax initiative was piloted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the G20, with an aim to deal with tax challenges like evasion and avoidance arising from the digitalized global economy.

Final agreement on the plan is expected in October and the new tax regime may take effect in 2023, subject to each country or jurisdiction in enacting relevant laws.

So, Chinese MNCs should begin preparing for the future in right earnest, so as to be able to perform better in the digital era, experts said.

Large MNCs, especially the so-called Big Tech companies, will likely be affected by the new tax proposals. That apart, costs of noncompliance, tax avoidance or evasion in the new system may also rise, experts said.

In China, the corporate tax rate applicable to general businesses is 25 percent, while that for high-tech companies is 15 percent.

At the beginning of 2021, the minimum corporate tax rate globally on average was between 10 percent and 12.5 percent.

"In the short term, the impact of the new global corporate tax rate, whenever it is implemented, on China will likely be relatively limited," said Li Xuhong, director of the Institute of Finance and Taxation Policy and Application, which is part of the Beijing National Accounting Institute. "But it will have a greater impact on enterprises that invest in low-tax areas."

Li, however, clarified that low tax rates are not the only factor that draw companies' investments or influence their decision to set up their global or regional headquarters in certain places. Typically, companies are also swayed by perceived advantages in market environment, labor, capital, land and other factors.

China, being the world's largest consumer market, offers tremendous advantages in even non-tax issues, and hence figures among the preferred destinations of foreign investors.

And when the proposed minimum global tax rate takes effect, China's attractiveness may well become enhanced, she said.

The proposed new rules are expected to help end the unhealthy competition among countries, particularly tax havens like certain islands, to lower corporate tax rates or offer tax incentives to attract foreign investments, which end up hurting tax revenues of some other economies.

Once the new tax regime kicks in, tax havens will no longer be able to thrive at the expense of other economies.

"After years of intense work and negotiations, this historic package will ensure that large multinational companies pay their fair share of tax everywhere," OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann said. "This package does not eliminate tax competition, as it should not, but it does set multilaterally agreed limitations on it."

A significant part of the new rules, which is called the "Pillar Two", requires a minimum tax rate of 15 percent on MNCs with revenue of 750 million euros ($890 million) or more, according to an OECD document.

The other part of the new tax reform plan, or the "Pillar One", targets the world's largest MNCs with at least 20 billion euros in consolidated revenue. The threshold may be reduced to 10 billion euros after a seven-year period and a review, it said.

The Pillar One gives the taxing rights to jurisdictions that represent MNCs' major consumer markets or the bases where they earn a large share of their global profits, regardless of whether companies have headquarters or a physical presence, said a research note from Deloitte, a provider of professional services for corporate clients.

The OECD indicated that the rules for both pillars are intended to be drafted in 2022, with the majority of those rules likely to take effect in 2023.
New Braunfels, TX (78130)

Today

Partly cloudy skies. High near 90F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear skies. Low around 75F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
DAY IN COURT - At Malden District Court, Lamar Dow (top) and Aaron Johnson (bottom)are arraigned on Tuesday, July 6, in Medford, Mass., resulting from the hours long I-95 highway stand off July 3. The defendants, 10 men and a 17-year-old juvenile, say they're members of a group called Rise of the Moors and not subject to federal or state laws. They face several charges including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
Woburn, MA (01801)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. High around 85F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low around 70F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Perhaps you heard President Joe Biden (D), when defending his new gun-control efforts, claim: "The Second Amendment, from the day it was passed, limited the type of people who could own a gun and what type of weapon you could own. You couldn't buy a cannon."

Sorry, President Biden, you are wrong again.

The evidence is clear that ordinary citizens could and did buy cannons; in fact, many Americans own cannons today.

This 1789 ad by the Military Laboratory in Philadelphia informed "Owners and Commanders of Armed Vessels may be supplied, for either of the use of Small Arms or Cannon, at the shortest notice, with every species of MILITARY STORES." It lists "Rammers, sponges, worms and ladles," "Gunner's handspikes" and "Cannon and musket cartridge boxes of every size," among other tools used for cannon. (Oh, and it also advertised: "Hand grenadoes, filled and fused.") This is an ad aimed at armed merchant ships, which were common at that time. Certainly, you would not be advertising to the U.S. Navy.

In 1747, the Quakers who dominated the Pennsylvania colonial legislature refused to organize and arm a militia to deal with an impending threat of invasion. Benjamin Franklin organized a voluntary militia, which purchased, among other items, "some old cannon" from Boston, and borrowed some from New York. .....








[ q & a ] 07.06.21 Wild Swings: A Conversation with Jon Lindsey

J on Lindsey is a dork. Jon Lindsey is Lou Reed cool. Jon Lindsey has written short stories about crotch rot and itchy assholes, and they read like elegant etchings cut into crystal champagne glasses. Master of the profane and profound, his debut novel, Body High, from House of Vlad press is no different in its contradictions.

In it, we follow Leland, a drug-addict who makes a living selling his body to science, on a Freudian journey through the complex grief in the wake of his mothers death, in which his infected spinal tap weeps, a wrestling tycoon dwarf rejects his script (aptly titled Wrestling with Blood), and his cousin/maybe sister/definitely love interest falls in love with his best friend, FF, wields a mini wine bottle as a weapon in his defense on oiled-up fading wrestling Lothario, and returns to the old horrors of the life she fled, among many other absurd moments.

Sounds like a lot for anyone to handle in a 170-page novel? Somehow, it isnt. The book is bare-bones concision, yet doesnt skimp on emotionality, and in the end, it all lands spinning on the head of a needle. After reading this book several times, its no circus trick. And I have the suspicion the reason for this miracle lies in Jons ability to express himself nakedly, with an honesty as unique and unalterable as a fingerprint.

Harris Lahti: In this excerpt, Crown Vic, Leland, high on drugs, abducts his biological daughter to harvest her kidney for his cousin, Jolene. Yet, he somehow remains sympathetic, even without the subsequent chapters (in my opinion), because of how these sins are framed as an expression of deep trauma and longing. How deliberate was this calibration?

Jon Lindsey: My models for Leland were the top cowards of literature: Falstaff, Raskalnikov, and Scooby Doo. Arturo Bandini too.

To me, fear and hunger are the most compelling human motives. Basic writerly tricks can cause a character to be sympathetic: make them nice to children, animals, and prostitutes (what Celine did); make them good at something; give them a goal. But I asked myself, can I make a sympathetic character who does the absolute worst. I decided the worst was child abuse and incest. The last universal taboos. Unfortunately, I have an intimate understanding of both. Theyre my family history.

So that deep trauma and longing you mentioned feeds Lelands fear and hunger. Trauma is fd up because it causes not only a lasting fear of the traumatic event, but sometimes a longing to reenact it. In these cases, victims hunger for what they fear most. In Lelands case, hes both desirous and afraid of reintegrating with his mother. He doesnt want to perpetuate his familys traumatic cycle of incest, but cant not.

HL: Im reminded of hearing how Denis Johnson used to lobby to have his books placed in the Christian fiction sections of bookstores. There is something unassailably Freudian (the Oedipal Complex, the Death Drive, the Id, Ego, and Superego parallels with our three central characters) about Body High. Can you talk about your relationship with psychology and your non-literary influences that went into the writing of this book?

JL: Im more of a Jung dude. But Freuds essay The Uncanny bangs. I tapped into the essays ideas of the heimlich (secret)/unheimlich (unsecret) for Lelands death dream. Jung, though, hes my guy. Hes the more humane. As for other non-literary influences, Id say 99 Cent Only Stores.

HL: I keep coming back to revolve around the calibration. Surely any frankensteined composit of Falstaff, Raskalnikov, Scooby Doo, and Arturo Bandini should reject its counterpart like a bad skin graft!? But on second thought, really, instead of calibrations, I should be asking about voice.

JL: Highs and lows excite me. I guess wild swings have become my voice. I want each beat, scene, chapter, and book to have an emotional momentum. Start on a low note and end on a high, or vice versa, then youve created a sense of movement that will propel the reader forward. Start in a penthouse and move toward the outhouse. Start in Gehenna and move toward the throne.

HL: Nothing frames this better than the end of chapter two. Within a few short paragraphs, we get the lines: Death is nothing to the hills. / Like the hills I hold my mothers death inside me. / Bring me death, I will carry it then a pallbearer trips, and, instead of Lelands mother, the corpse of Jack Nicolson rolls out of the casket. I can only compare this effect to the way psychedelics can roll in and out.

JL: This feels related to something brilliant Garielle Lutz said in a recent interview: Ive always felt that if youre writing something even a little offbeat or unconventional, it might be a good idea to obey the rules (unless you have strong reasons for not doing so). Its all about balance. And edits.

HL: The book is highly readable. The sentences are short. The chapters short. And you seem to trust the reader, doling out plot points (Im thinking about the way the seemingly tossed-off line about donating sperm becomes a major plot point much later). Can you talk a little about the way you went about trimming the fat without disturbing the love handles in revision?

JL: I was lucky to have great editors on the book. Im sort of a perfectionist with my writing, so even after Brian Alan Ellis at House of Vlad accepted Body High, I still felt the book was overwritten. I didnt want readers to be able to put the book down. I needed them to read to the end. Sam Pinks edits really helped me achieve the momentum I wanted. He has a laser eye and showed me where I was repeating myself, or overexplaining. I think he cut 6,500 words from the book, all told, which is significant for a short book like mine. He also punched up a couple of my jokes, which I appreciated. Hes one of the only writers who makes me laugh out loud.

About four years ago, after I finished the first draft of the book, I got Blake Butler to read it. I was thinking it was ready to send to Penguin. He was like, No bro, you gotta go way deeper. So I spent years going deeper. Blake is another great editor. Then I swapped manuscripts with Bud Smith, who made the book better. Hopefully I did the same for his book, which is wild and gorgeous. Lastly, during quarantine, I workshopped chapters with you (Harris), Sean Thor Conroe, and Eric Conroe. You guys gave me a couple of tweaks in between getting faded on White Claw and blunts.

Ive been fortunate to work with great editors. None more so than my wife, Allie Rowbottom. What a lucky idiot I am to have married such a brilliant writer. She could probably quote the book backwards to you, because Ive forced her to read it until her eyes bled. And with every read she made the book better. I would never have understood myself and the book emotionally without Allie.

HL: Body High is a Los Angeles novel. What about the landscape of California do you draw inspiration from and what helped inform your process?

JL: Its where I was born and raised so I could spend my whole life answering this question. But off the top of my head, Im inspired by the contradictions. Natural beauty and tacky architecture. Realness and fakeness. Theres a reason Southern California is quintessential noir: shadow and light. That creates depth. Thats chiaroscuro. Thats the Mona Lisa, bro. Think about it. Whoa.

HL: In my opinion, all good writing is local. It comes out of the air of a place, and L.A. really seems to add a lunatic fringe to its literature: Im thinking Nathaniel Wests Day of the Locusts, Ottessa Moshfeghs short stories, John Fante and Thomas Pynchon, et cetera, and it strikes me as no coincidence that Leland wants to be a writer; Jolene, an actress; FF, a professional wrestler.

Can you talk a little more about the psychology of the landscape and its people and how it informed your characters?

JL: I feel like my Los Angeles has two sides that exist at opposite ends on the spectrum of dreaming. Theres the Hollywood hustle of hucksters, hype-beasts, and flimflam. Then theres the eternal malaise of Southern California manana.

FF is on that energetic side thats like now, now, now. While Leland lives in the stasis. Jolene sort of straddles both poles because shes a dynamic character, shes fleeing to NYU to be and actress, but shes trapped, with Leland, in their familys legacy of incestan infinity loop of trauma.

Fight, flight, or freeze: those are the textbook responses to trauma. I guess each character represents that in their own way.

HL: Keeping with the plot, theres an organic progression to this that I really admire. The way one small detail returns but in a different form, changing everything. Did you start writing this knowing where it was going? How could you!? What was the seed of BH?

JL: Organic, yeah. No GMO. The seed of the story was literally seed. I was making money by donating sperm to a fertility clinic and had to sign a waiver saying the children had the right to contact me when they turned eighteen. I started to question my connection to these children. I imagined kidnapping one. I wondered, what would make me that desperate? From that question, the story grew.

HL: Many of us connected at Tyrants The Collected Gary Lutz reading at Murmrr. Then the pandemic hit, and we spent the year living together online. I didnt have any internet friends before the world stopped, and many of these friends are my good friends. Do you think the pandemic, in a way, was a good year for indie lit? How do you think this effected the release Body High?

JL: I remember coming away from that night feeling like we were all on the verge of something massive. Gian holding court. Bud handing out boomers. I almost rolled around in broken glass to get my name in the history books. At the afterparty is where I met you and Sean Thor Conroe. Then the pandemic hit and everything stopped. And it became up to each of us to keep the momentum going.

Early on in quarantine, I reached out to you and Sean about zooming a writing workshop. I think it made us all better.

Another thing I did was weekly Misery Tourism zoom readings. In lockdown, nothing else was going on Friday nights. And reading to an audience each week helped me edit because I could hear the flat spots in my writing. Those readings also exposed me to great outre writers like Derek Maine, Jake Blackwood, Gabriel Hart, Elizabeth Aldrich, etc.

I hope the pandemic was a good year for writing. I see ways in which it was. But we lost Gian on the way out. Now things are opening up again and the challenge is less about writing in total isolation, and more about keeping Gians legacy alive and honoring him with our work.
During the 2021 Central Indiana Field Day in the nine-county area of Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Fulton, Grant, Howard, Miami, Tipton and Wabash counties, speakers will talk to attendees about a wide range of topics to improve various aspects of farm production.

Discussions range from recent research on soil health, entomology to the use of drones in farming and a farm budget update. The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 25 at Kitchel Ag Solutions in Logansport.

The list of speakers will include Fred Whitford, Clinical Engagement Professor of Purdue Pesticide Programs. He will discuss USDA Farm History. Dr. Whitford has served as the Coordinator of the Purdue Pesticide Program since 1991. Fred is the author of The Grand Old Man of Purdue University and Indiana Agriculture: A Biography of William Carroll Latta, The Queen of American Agriculture: A Biography of Virginia Claypool Meredith, and For The Good of the Farmer: A Biography of John Harrison Skinner, Dean of Purdue Agriculture, among several other publications.

Dr. Michael Langemeier will be on hand to provide a farm budget update. Professor Langemeier is the Associate Director for Purdues Center for Commercial Agriculture. Most of his research has been focused on efficiencies and production costs of farms and ranches, crop and livestock enterprises. Prior to joining Purdue in July 2012, Dr. Langemeier spent 22 years in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Kansas State University.

Other speakers include:

*Mike Titus, Co-Alliance, will have the grain bin rescue simulator.

*Austin Pearson, Extension Educator, will discuss how quadcopter (UAV), also known as drones, can be used to improve production.

Support Local Journalism Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by making a contribution. Contribute

*John Scott, Digital Agriculture Extension Coordinator, will discuss techniques for using field data in soybeans and precision agriculture.

*Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative (CCSI) - Joe Rorick, Conservation Agronomist, will talk about his insight on soil health.

*Dr. Christian Krupke, Purdue University, will talk Pros and Cons of Integrated Pest Management, the New IPM.

*Dr. Daniel Quinn, Purdue University, Professor of Agronomy, will present a corn update.

*Master Trooper Aaron Schaal, Indiana State Police, will provide transportation information.

*Logansport Fire Department, will be on hand to give First Aid/CPR instruction.

During the Central Indiana Field Day, lunch will be served. Participants can earn PARP, CCH and CEU credits by attending the event. Register by visiting http://bit.ly/CentralFieldDay21 or by calling one of the nine counties Extension Offices by Aug. 20.
A man charged in relation to a 2018 death of a 10-year-old girl has pleaded guilty to a single charge.

Late last month, Joshua Cochran, a Kokomo man who was arrested as a result of the death of Renay Jenkins, pleaded guilty to the charge of leaving the scene of an accident, a level 3 felony. Cochran did not plead guilty to the other charges of causing death when operating a motor vehicle with a schedule 1 or 2 substance in the blood, leaving the scene of an accident causing death, and possession of marijuana, level 5 felonies and a class B misdemeanor, respectively.

Filed in Howard County Superior II on June 22, Cochrans plea deal means, if it were to be accepted by Superior II Judge Brant Parry, that all other charges besides leaving the scene of an accident would be dismissed and that the total sentencing for Cochran would not exceed 10 years.

Cochrans charges stem from an arrest on Aug. 9, 2018, when Cochran allegedly struck Jenkins with his vehicle on Alto Road. Officers later located Cochran at his home on the 800 block of East Alto Road where they found Cochran and his damaged vehicle. Officers later claimed Cochran was under the influence of drugs and allegedly found marijuana on his person.

Officers also claimed they observed damage to his vehicle. Some of the damage, according to officers, appeared to be from a previous collision, but the windshield and hood damage appeared congruent with damage that would be caused by a body.

In the probable cause affidavit, multiple officers alleged they detected a very strong odor of marijuana as they approached Cochran in the garage. Cochran later admitted to smoking marijuana before the crash, according to the probable cause affidavit, which was confirmed by a drug test administered to him later.

Support Local Journalism Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by making a contribution. Contribute

I asked Joshua if he was just involved in an accident, and he said he was, read the affidavit. I asked Joshua what happened, and he said a lady was in the middle of the road and that he didnt see her. I asked what happened next, and Joshua said he left. I asked if he hit her, and he said he thought he did.

Then Joshua said he stopped and exited his car to check on her and thought she was OK, so he left. It should be noted I had to continue to ask Joshua questions in order for him to explain the incident in its fullest. His answers were short and lacking in detail, leading me to believe he was struggling to think due to either impairment and/or an attempt at manipulating the details.

Jenkins died from her injuries at Riley Hospital for Children.

Cochran is set to be sentenced at 1 p.m. on Aug. 31 in Howard Superior II.

Indiana code sets the imprisonment for level 3 felonies between three and 16 years, with an advisory sentence being nine years. Fines may not exceed more than $10,000, per the law.
Kokomo, IN (46901)

Today

Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 86F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms. Low 68F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
WOODMAN, Wis.  It isnt quite a ghost town yet, but the main character that made Woodman famous and prosperous is a ghost of the past. The small burg was the home of the longest-running narrow-gauge railroad, affectionately called the Dinky.

Standard-gauge railroad tracks are 4 feet 8.5 inches between parallel rails. The Dinky was narrow-gauge, with tracks 2 feet 6 inches apart, which allowed for making tighter turns. It ran from the Wisconsin River valley to the ridge at Fennimore in Grant County, Wisconsin. The narrower width was a necessity to navigate two horseshoe curves, one of which had a 250-foot radius.

Railroad men would joke about the slowness of the narrow gauge with stories.

Bill Gleason took a carload of eggs from Lancaster on one trip down; when the car was opened at Galena it was found full of chickens half-grown and ready for the frying pan.

There was also a true story about a steer tipping one of the cars, causing the other cars  full of hogs  to tip. For weeks afterward the train would stop to capture any hogs spotted roaming near the tracks.

The Dinky was in existence from 1878 to 1926; it stretched for 16 miles and was the main source of transportation for the people along its length. At its peak trains would travel from Galena to Woodman, where people and freight were moved onto the narrow gauge. They would then continue to Fennimore, where they were again loaded onto a standard-gauge train. Thus hogs, cattle, lumber and other supplies were transported.

In its later years the Dinkys use was limited to people. Children would ride it to school, along with shoppers on their way to a day in the big town of Fennimore, from Woodman or nearby Werley. It left Woodman twice in the morning and made two evening returns.

Support Local Journalism Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by making a contribution. Contribute

The village of Woodman was founded in 1864 by Ralph Smith and Cyrus Woodman. Smiths son was one of the first settlers and built the first house. That year the post office was opened and S.S. Hills was appointed postmaster. The post office moved many times in the early years, residing in the business of whomever was postmaster at the time. It was a position that was appointed on the federal level and often along party lines. Three stores were built and the upstairs of a warehouse was put into use as a school.

Building of the narrow-gauge railroad was possible when the town of Lancaster put in $42,000 and the town of Fennimore contributed $50,000. The deadline was Nov. 1, 1878, but it wasnt finished until two months later  and then only because ties were laid on frozen ground. Those ties needed to be re-laid after the ground thawed. The new rail line included a turntable for moving the engine from one direction to the other for a return trip. Although the rest of the route was converted to standard gauge, the Woodman stretch remained the Dinky.

In 1878 a fire devastated the railroad depot, a grain warehouse, the post office, a store, a saloon, a wagon shop and a shoe store, causing $5,500 worth of damage. It was determined the fire was probably started by an arsonist who was not caught. It was the same year a grist mill was built south of town for milling flour.

A cloudburst in 1906 almost destroyed the Dinky and the railroad line. Water filled the Green River so fast, it created a 4-foot wall of water that swept the train off the tracks  along with 14 passengers and five railroad workers. The passenger car floated downstream, turned around and floated back upstream. No one was injured, but it took until the next morning to rescue everyone. It took two months to clean the tracks and the train cars.

One of the amazing families of Woodman was railroad worker John Keating and his wife, Mary, who were the parents of eight sons and three daughters. Five of their eight boys  John, Tom, Dick, Frank and Mark  served overseas in the U.S. Army during World War I. A sixth son was drafted but the war ended before he was inducted. In all the village of Woodman sent a total of 13 men to the war front during that time, which was one-12th of the population.

The one thing thats not changed from its beginning to the present is the villages popularity as a fishing mecca. Old newspapers have many news tidbits about people traveling the Dinky to Woodman to enjoy some fishing, provided by the Green River and the Wisconsin River that join near Woodman.

Even though the Dinky no longer travels along the route, the Dinky General Store in Woodman and the Fennimore Train Museum have more information for anyone traveling through the area. Plans are being made to buy the old rail line for a bike trail.
INDIANAPOLIS , July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Heritage Environmental Services, Inc. (Heritage), a leader in environmental and sustainability services, and Fielding Environmental (Fielding), a leader in resource recovery, have partnered to acquire Reclamation Technologies, Inc. (RTI) in Blaine, Minnesota.

RTI is an EPA-certified refrigerant reclamation company serving customers in the Midwest and Texas. They provide on-site services and have the capability to separate mixed gases. One of the main benefits of refrigerant reclamation is to give building owners and HVAC/R contractors a safe and affordable solution to manage refrigerants that are harmful to the ozone layer and contribute to global warning. Reusing these materials also reduces consumption of non-renewable resources needed to make virgin refrigerants.

"The acquisition supports the expansion of Heritage's service offerings in the refrigerants business, growing its platform beyond leadership in the Ozone Depleting Substances business. Heritage will now be able to offer its global customers a complete solution for the highest and best use of used refrigerant gases in partnership with another multi-generational circular economy-focused family business based in Canada," said Jeff Laborsky, CEO of Heritage. "We're excited to continue our purpose to protect human health and the environment and also prevent greenhouse gases from escaping into the atmosphere."

"Everything came together in a perfect way. I can't think of a better partnership to service this space. Together, Heritage and Fielding have the resources and experience to be the North American leader in refrigerant management services  whether gas requires reclamation, separation, or destruction, we have the solutions for our customers. When the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act was announced we knew the timing for a partnership was right, and when we visited RTI we knew the acquisition was right. I am very excited about our team and all we are going to do together," said Katelyn Imrie, Executive Vice President of Fielding.

About Heritage Environmental Services

Heritage Environmental Services is a privately held, family-owned environmental services business with more than 1,600 employees across North and Central America. The company provides a full suite of tailored solutions from emergency response, waste disposal, and sustainability services to on-site support and technical solutions to thousands of customers in hundreds of industries and verticals. Throughout its 50-year history, Heritage Environmental Services has prioritized the safety of its employees while pursuing its purpose of protecting human health and the environment.

Support Local Journalism Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by making a contribution. Contribute

About Fielding Environmental

Fielding is an award winning cleantech company with over 65 years' experience in resource recovery. Fielding serves a wide variety of businesses to create high quality products from chemical waste that are distributed worldwide. For over 25 years Fielding has been a Canadian leader in the collection and reclamation of refrigerants, they offer their customers a full product line of both reclaimed and virgin product options. Fielding is committed to helping their customer's save money while improving their environmental stewardship programs The Right Way .

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/heritage-and-fielding-partner-to-purchase-reclamation-technologies-inc-and-accelerate-growth-strategies-301326533.html

SOURCE Heritage Environmental Services
Press Release

July 7, 2021 Dispatch from Crame No. 1091:

Sen. Leila M. de Lima on the Sandiganbayan Decision Acquitting Bong Revilla Anew in another PDAF Scam Case 7/7/21 I have not yet read the decision of the Sandiganbayan granting Senator Bong Revilla's demurrer to evidence in another PDAF Scam case with Janet Lim Napoles. I note that it's a divided vote of 3-2 in a division of five of the Sandiganbayan with two justices dissenting on the ponencia. I'll be very interested to see the dissenting opinions. I am not privy to the Sandiganbayan proceedings, hence, would not be in a position to pass judgment on the merits of the main decision. Preliminarily, however, I note that the granting of Revilla's demurrer amounts to his acquittal and can no longer be subjected to a motion for reconsideration or an appeal as either remedy would automatically result in putting Revilla in double jeopardy of prosecution. As a lawyer and a strong advocate of the Bill of Rights, I respect Revilla's right against double jeopardy. That said, I can imagine the frustration of those who toiled in the gathering of evidence and case build-up of the PDAF cases, first, by the NBI Special Team on the PDAF Scam and, later, by the Ombudsman Field Investigation Office who validated and strengthened the evidence forwarded by the DOJ-NBI. As then DOJ Secretary who oversaw the work of the NBI Special Team and shepherded the team members in their arduous task, I share their sentiments. But we have to respect the decision of the Sandiganbayan in conformity with the rule of law. We must now continue to draw lessons from all these setbacks - the bail grants and acquittals, to date, of those responsible for one of the gravest raids on the public coffers. Cumulatively, this amounts to billions of pesos coursed through the bogus NGOs and ghost projects of Janet Lim Napoles by the Senators and Congressmen who were allocated such funds as their pork barrel. Maybe we can take succor in the fact that Napoles herself, who was already convicted in one of the cases, continues to be held in trial in other PDAF Scam cases, for the crimes she committed on behalf of her principals who, although freed from accountability and punishment, will be forever imprisoned in the guilt of their own conscience. ### (Access the handwritten version, here: https://issuu.com/senatorleilam.delima/docs/dispatch_from_crame_no._1091)
Press Release

July 7, 2021 P1.3B pork tariff losses could have gone to fighting swine fever, uplifting small farmers, entrepreneurs: Pangilinan THE P1.3 billion in foregone revenue from imported pork tariff could have gone to fighting the African swine fever and also uplifting small farmers and small entrepreneurs of the pork industry, Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan said Wednesday. The P1.3 billion in foregone revenue was reported from April 9 to June 11 as the Philippines imported at least 76 million kilos of pork under lower tariff on both in-quota and out-quota imports of swine meat. The policy is contained in Executive Order 134 issued May this year which charges 10 percent for the first three months and 15 percent in the succeeding nine months imports within the minimum access volume (MAV). Those outside the MAV will be slapped 20 and 25 percent, respectively, for the first three and succeeding nine months. "Hanggang ngayon, mataas pa rin ang presyo ng baboy, P380 per kilo ang liempo. Ang problema ng mataas na presyo ng baboy ay nasa pagsugpo ng African swine fever," said Pangilinan, who filed Senate Bill 2176 seeking to create a Swine Competitiveness Enhancement Fund from pork import tariffs. "Kaya rin siguro nauso ang lechon baka ay dahil kasingmahal na ng karneng baboy ang karneng baka," he added. Pangilinan reiterated his earlier position that slashing tariff was not the best solution since it undermines the local pork industry and deprives the government of needed earnings. "What's tragic here is when you ask around, no Filipino consumer -- whether those who shop in wet markets or supermarkets -- will say that they felt the easing of pork prices. So sino ang may ganansya sa polisiyang ito?" he asked. "We warned from the start that such policy is never a win-win solution but a losing proposition to the government, the local industry, and the consumers," Pangilinan said. Officials said the lower tariff aims to arrest the spiraling pork prices due to the lack of supply as an effect of the African swine fever that decimated a big portion of the local swine industry. But Pangilinan said consumers continue to complain of high pork prices, especially in wet markets. "Mataas pa rin ang presyo ng baboy, at nitong huli pati na rin ng isda. The lowering of pork prices was not felt by our people. What is very evident based in government data are the revenues we did not earn because of the slashed import duties," he said. With lower revenues, Pangilinan said, the government will have less money to augment programs for the local hog raisers who badly need support to rise from the onslaught of ASF and to be competitive against imported pork. The farmer-senator said the Senate will continue to keep watch on developments and review the policy when needed to make it more responsive to the local industry and consumers. Malacanang earlier heeded Pangilinan's call to declare a state of calamity to allow government to augment the funds of the Department of Agriculture for calamity relief and rehabilitation, as well as provide indemnity funds for hog farmers and additional funding for biosafety measures. He also proposed that affected hog raisers be given cash-for-work opportunities to help them get back on their feet.
Long Poem Prize

(contest now closed)



This contest is now closed. Check back in November 2023!

The Malahat Review invites entries for its biennial Long Poem Prize, for which two awards of $CAN 1,250 each are given. The contest is open to Canadian and international writers anywhere in the world, with a deadline of 11:59pm (PST) on 5 February 2021. All entries are judged anonymously, and the two winning poems will be published in the magazine's summer 2021 issue. This contest is offered every second year, alternating with the Novella Prize . Poets contributing to The Malahat Reviews contests have also won or been nominated for National Magazine Awards for Poetry and the Pushcart Prize.

*Mailed or emailed contest submissions are no longer accepted. Please read the instructions below to find out how to submit your contest entries through Submittable.*

2021 Deadline

The deadline for the Long Poem Prize is February 5, 2021 at 11:59pm PST.

Read about our 2019 winners: Erin Soros and John Elizabeth Stintzi.

Judges

Meet the judges for the 2021 contest:

Read the judges' bios here. Get inspired! Click on the judges' names to read interviews with them on what they're looking for in a winning long poem.

Book Prize

In addition to the $2,500 in prize money, we're giving away poetry books to one lucky contest entrant! All you have to do is submit your work to the contest, and you'll be automatically entered to win this fantastic book prize.

Salt and Ashes by Adrienne Drobnies

Re-Origin of Species by Alessandra Naccarato

Visual Inspection by Matt Rader

Pockets by Stuart Ross

Guidelines

Each entry must be a single poem or cycle of poems that will occupy between 10 and 20 printed pages when published in The Malahat Review. Poems published in the magazine occupy no more than 36 lines per printed page , a line-count that includes all spaces and breaks between lines, stanzas, and sections. In a cycle of poems, each poem must begin on a new page, even if the preceding poem ends before the 36th line is reached. In a multi-part poem, the author may decide whether or not each section begins on a new page. ** Click here for further information about the 36-line rule .**

, a line-count that includes all spaces and breaks between lines, stanzas, and sections. In a cycle of poems, each poem must begin on a new page, even if the preceding poem ends before the 36th line is reached. In a multi-part poem, the author may decide whether or not each section begins on a new page. ** .** There are no restrictions on subject matter or aesthetic approach.

Collaborative long poems by two or more authors are eligible.

All entries are judged anonymously (no identifying information is to be included on any poem submitted).

(no identifying information is to be included on any poem submitted). Multiple entries are allowed (at a reduced fee, if paid for at the same time as the initial entry: see Entry Fees , Additional Entries , and How to Submit below).

(at a reduced fee, if paid for at the same time as the initial entry: see , , and below). Please note that entrants who submit more than one long poem to the contest in the same year may be shortlisted for only one entry and may win only one of the two prizes.

Entry Fee

$CAN 35 for each entry from Canada

$CAN 40 for each entry from the USA

$CAN 45 for each entry from elsewhere

$CAN 15 for each additional entry (any writer, any country)

See How to Pay (below) for detailed instructions.

Entrants receive , for themselves or a friend, a one-year print subscription to The Malahat Review ( for the initial entry only ; no subscriptions are available for additional entries made along with the initial entry). Digital subscriptions and digital/print bundle subscriptions are not available through any of the magazine's contests.

Additional Entries

To receive the reduced entry fee(s) of $CAN 15.00, any additional entries must be paid for at the same time as the first entry; such additional entries should be submitted online within 24 hours of the initial submission. The same guidelines apply to additional entries as to the initial submission .

Eligible Entries

No work already published (even if only excerpted, or even if revised since original publication), already accepted for publication, or simultaneously submitted elsewhere is eligible for consideration. The Malahat Review considers any appearance in print or online to be a publication, whether the form of publication be a newspaper, newsletter, magazine, anthology, chapbook, book, website, personal website or blog, Twitter, Facebook, or other suchlike forum for public circulation. This restriction on eligibility applies regardless of the size of the print run or the extent of the circulation of previously published work.

The Malahat Review considers any appearance in print or online to be a publication, whether the form of publication be a newspaper, newsletter, magazine, anthology, chapbook, book, website, personal website or blog, Twitter, Facebook, or other suchlike forum for public circulation. This restriction on eligibility applies regardless of the size of the print run or the extent of the circulation of previously published work. Failure to comply with these criteria for eligibility will immediately disqualify any entry, regardless of when the ineligiblity is discovered in the process of adjudication (submission, processing, screening, shortlisting, final judging). The entry fee for a disqualified entry will not be refunded, and the entrant will still receive a one-year subscription to the magazine.

Notification

The two winners will be notified by email. Other entrants will not be notified of the judges' decisions.

The shortlisted finalists will be announced in late March 2021 on The Malahat Review's website and social media accounts. The two winners will be announced in April 2021 . Both winners will be interviewed, and the interviews will be published subsequently on The Malahat Review's website, and in the July 2021 edition of Malahat lite , the magazine's monthly e-newsletter.

will be on The Malahat Review's website and social media accounts. The will be announced in . Both winners will be interviewed, and the interviews will be published subsequently on The Malahat Review's website, and in the July 2021 edition of , the magazine's monthly e-newsletter. The two winning entries, and only the winning entries, will be published in the summer 2021 issue of The Malahat Review.

How to Pay

Payment must be made online through The Malahat Review Store (if you do not have a credit card, you can pay by cheque or money order: see below ).

must be made through (if you do not have a credit card, you can ). Unless you are paying by cheque or money order, you must pay the entry fees before making your submission , since you must include your ORDER # with your submission .

, since you must . If you are unable to pay by credit card, you can mail a cheque or money order (made out to The Malahat Review) in $CAN or $US to The Malahat Review, McPherson Library, University of Victoria, PO Box 1800, Stn CSC, Victoria, BC, V8W 3H5, Canada.

(made out to The Malahat Review) in $CAN or $US to The Malahat Review, McPherson Library, University of Victoria, PO Box 1800, Stn CSC, Victoria, BC, V8W 3H5, Canada. If paying by cheque or money order, you must indicate "cheque" or "money order" as required on the submission form.

Online payments will not be accepted after the contest deadline (if you have any problems with such payment, please write to malahat@uvic.ca ). Payment by cheque or money order must be mailed with a postmark date of no later than 5 February 2021.

). Payment by cheque or money order must be mailed with a postmark date of no later than 5 February 2021. Go to our online store to pay your contest fee(s).

How to Submit

Only online submissions made through The Malahat Review's Long Poem Prize portal on the Submittable website will be accepted .

. Acceptable file formats : Word (.doc or .docx) or PDF only .

: . If paying by credit card , you must pay before you submit , since you will be asked to provide your ORDER # with the submission of each entry.

, you must , since you will be asked to provide your ORDER # with the submission of each entry. If paying by cheque or money order , you will be asked to specify which form of payment with the submission of each entry.

, you will be asked to specify which form of payment with the submission of each entry. You can make only one entry at a time on the Submittable webpage ; to submit additional entries , whether at the reduced rate (paid for at the same time) or at a standard rate, simply follow the same process as with the initial submission (the ORDER # will be the same for additional entries paid for at the same time as the initial submission; it will be different for an entry or entries made at a later date, since these require the full fee).

; to submit , whether at the reduced rate (paid for at the same time) or at a standard rate, simply (the ORDER # will be the same for additional entries paid for at the same time as the initial submission; it will be different for an entry or entries made at a later date, since these require the full fee). You can SAVE a DRAFT of your submission before clicking on the "SUBMIT" button (at the bottom of the page) to make the actual submission.

Click on the Submit button below and follow the instructions in order to submit to the Long Poem Prize contest on Submittable:

Previous Long Poem Prize Winners
Special Forces Arrive on Rustaveli Avenue, Violent Groups Shoot Explosives

By The Messenger Staff

Representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs arrived at the Parliament by minibusses, with special equipment.Representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs are removing some of the contract participants from the territory.The situation became tense several times during the solidarity rally.Violent and homophobic groups broke through a police cordon and threw stones and batons at protesters.Ordinary citizens, politicians, civil activists, and members of Tbilisi Pride gathered at the solidarity rally.The silent rally was planned after violent and homophobic groups opposed to the March of Dignity physically assaulted journalists and cameramen.The Patriarchate has issued a statement on the ongoing events on Rustaveli Avenue and called on the participants of the violent contraction to remain calm."We appeal to the citizens of our country, to all members of society - it is inadmissible to escalate further confrontation with swearing and verbal abuse against an already tense background.Turning the confrontation into physical abuse will be detrimental to our country. Violence can never be good, it will hurt not only individuals but our entire society and state. I urge everyone to calm down! "- their statement reads.
Georgias Minister of Economy presents the countrys 10 year development plan

By Veronika Malinboym

Minister of Economy of Georgia Natia Turnava has presented a new 10-year plan of the countrys economic development, covering 12 major fields and setting goals and indicators that Georgia should achieve by 2025 and 2030.According to Minister Turnava, Georgias economy is expected to grow by 8% this year, based off the economic indicators of April and May:Unprecedented economic growth witnessed in April and May allows us to predict that by the end of this year we will witness at least 8% growth. In 2025 and 2030 we will continue to maintain an average economic growth of 5-5.2% and further strengthen our status as a regional leader in economic growth, Georgias Minister of Economy said.Turnava also noted that before the pandemic broke out, the country used be the regions leader in economic development which is why it will now be necessary to double the countrys efforts to reclaim this status:In recent years, including 2019, we have gained the status of the regions leader in terms of economic growth and we will remain one, however, it will be necessary to double our efforts to achieve that  though, judging by what we have witnessed in the recent months, we can say that it is quite possible".As part of the new plan, Turnava announced that the government will subsidize mortgage loans from 6-8% to families with newborns. 6% of the loans will be covered for the families with the first or the second newborn, while 8% will be covered for the families with the third or subsequent infant, given that the loan ranges between 60,000 - 300,000 lari. This program has first been announced earlier, by the countrys Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, who noted that over 300 million lari will be allocated between 2021-2022 to implement such initiatives.
Police in Homa Bay have arrested a suspect over the gruesome murder of a student at Kenya Medical Training College.

Homa Bay town Directorate of Criminal Investigations officer Monica Berege said police arrested 37-year-old Eli Odoyo on Tuesday morning,

The suspect is a former boyfriend of the deceased 23-year-old Emily Chepkemoi.

Berege said the suspect was being questioned as he is likely to have crucial information over the murder which occurred last Friday in her rental house in Oriang Estate.

The DCI officer also said the suspect will be arraigned when investigations are concluded.

Meanwhile, an autopsy conducted on Tuesday revealed that Ms Chepkemoi died from suffocation and had been stabbed three times in the head and upper arm.

A brother of the deceased called for justice for his sister. Were total orphans in our family. Its very sad indeed and what we want is justice, Joseph Kipruto said.
Five suspects who were caught trying to drill their way into the cash reserves as Prime Bank branch in Nairobi were arraigned Monday.

Reuben Njukia Ngunyu, Charles Mugo Njokia, Jesse Muriuki Murumia, Fredrick Muderwa Anaya and Gabriel Mugai Muthoni, were charged with two counts of preparing to commit a felony and breaking into a building in order to do so.

The court heard thaton July 2, 2021, at about half past midnight, at Angle Kenda House bar and restaurant along Ukwala lane in the Nairobi CBD, the accused were found with various crude weapons that indicated they were there for an illegal purpose namely shop breaking.

They were found with five hacksaws, five metal bars, a sisal rope, a manual driller, a briefcase, and an iron sheet cutter.

The five denied the charges before Milimani Chief Magistrate Martha Mutuku.

State counsel Anderson Gikunda opposed the release of the suspects on bail or bond pending their trial.
According to a press release published by the Spanish maritime safety and rescue on July 7, 2021, SASEMAR is operating the CAMCOPTER S-100 for maritime surveillance over the coming months. The Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) service is delivered by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).

Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

Camcopter S-100 Unmanned Air System (Picture source: Schiebel)

Stationed in Finisterre in the northwest of Spain, the CAMCOPTER S-100 supports the Spanish authorities in carrying out different operational tasks, including maritime traffic control, pollution prevention and fisheries control. While the flights provide additional, complementary means to SASEMAR in performing its roles of preventing and curbing pollution, and controlling maritime traffic, they also serve the national fisheries authorities (Spanish Secretary-General for Fisheries) working to protect sea fisheries resources and to ensure their sustainable development.

The S-100 executes these various tasks equipped with an Electro-Optical / Infra-Red (EO/IR) camera gimbal, a Becker Avionics BD406 Emergency Beacon Locator and a Shine Micro Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver.

In the execution of Schiebels contract with EMSA, the CAMCOPTER S-100 provides simultaneous maritime surveillance services to the several EU Member States. Most recently, the S-100 was operational in Romania, Estonia and Finland.

Schiebels CAMCOPTER S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS) is an operationally proven capability for military and civilian applications. The Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) UAS requires no prepared area or supporting equipment to enable launch and recovery.

It operates by day and by night, under adverse weather conditions, with a beyond line-of-sight capability out to 200 km / 108 nm, over land and sea.

Its carbon fiber and titanium fuselage provide capacity for a wide range of payload/endurance combinations up to a service ceiling of 5,500 m / 18,000 ft. In a typical configuration, the CAMCOPTER S-100 carries a 34-kg / 75-lbs payload up to 10 hours and is powered with AVGas or JP-5 heavy fuel.
According to information published by the U.S. Department of Defense on July 5, 2021, the Egyptian Navy guided-missile frigate ENS Taba (FFG 916) and Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG) conducted a passing exercise (PASSEX) in the Red Sea.

Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

Aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), left, Egyptian Navy guided-missile frigate ENS Taba (FFG 916), center, and guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (Picture source: U.S. Department of Defense)

A PASSEX is an exercise in which multiple ships operate in close vicinity to practice joint evolutions to improve knowledge, navigation skills and interoperability.

The PASSEX commenced with Taba, the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) performing divisional tactics and maneuvers in formation, strengthening the crews abilities to operate together and increasing ship handling skills.

The IKE CSG is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.

USS Gallery (FFG-26) is the eighteenth ship of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class of guided-missile frigates. Ordered from Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, on 28 February 1977 as part of the FY77 program, Gallery was laid down on 17 May 1980, launched on 20 December 1980, co-sponsored by Mrs. Philip D. Gallery and Mrs. Daniel V. Gallery, and commissioned on 5 December 1981, commanded by Commander Norman Stuart Scott. Decommissioned and stricken on 14 June 1996, she was transferred to Egypt on 25 September 1996 as Taba (F916).

The Oliver Hazard Perry class is a class of guided-missile frigates named after the U.S. Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, the hero of the naval Battle of Lake Erie.

The Oliver Hazard Perry-class ships were produced in 445-foot (136 m) long "short-hull" (Flight I) and 453-foot (138 m) long "long-hull" (Flight III) variants.

The Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates were designed primarily as anti-aircraft and anti-submarine warfare guided-missile warships intended to provide open-ocean escort of amphibious warfare ships and merchant ship convoys in moderate threat environments in a potential war with the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact countries.
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Replacing death penalty with life sentence doesnt strengthen punishment - Constitutional Court

 flickr.com/ Mitchell Haindfield

18:08 07/07/2021

ST. PETERSBURG, July 7 (RAPSI, Mikhail Telekhov)  Replacing death penalty with life imprisonment is an act of pardon and cannot lead to more serious consequences for the convicted person, according to a decision of the Russian Constitutional Court, published on its official website.

Convict Mikhail Efremov asked to check the constitutionality of the law on amendments to article 24 of the RSFSR Criminal Code.

As follows from the materials of the case, in June 1991 Efremov was sentenced to death penalty, but in 1993 the sentence was commuted by way of pardon to life imprisonment. However, according to Efremov, this became a tougher punishment, therefore the applied norms violated his constitutional rights.

As noted by the Constitutional Court, before the entry into force of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation in 1996, the contested provisions established the possibility of replacing the death penalty by way of pardon with life imprisonment.

According to the Court, the act of pardoning those sentenced to death is an act of mercy, and by its nature cannot lead to more serious consequences for the convicted person.

The exercise of pardon is enshrined directly in the Constitution of the Russian Federation as the exclusive prerogative of the President of the Russian Federation as the head of state. The act of pardon acts independently, does not require the adoption of any court decision for its execution, is implemented outside the framework of the administration of justice in criminal cases, the Constitutional Court explains.

In addition, the law, the norms of which are being contested, has already lost its force and cannot be regarded as violating the constitutional rights of the applicant in the aspect indicated by him. Therefore, by its determination the Russian Constitutional Court dismissed to examine Efremovs complaint.
All-Russia Peoples Front urges to improve capacities as to searching for missing persons

 :    .

13:34 07/07/2021

MOSCOW, July 7 (RAPSI)  The All-Russia Peoples Front (ONF) has proposed to improve legislation and strengthen capabilities used for finding missing people, the press service of the organization informs.

At the III All-Russian Forum of Volunteer Search and Rescue Teams in Pereslavl-Zalessky, representatives of the ONF urged the expansion of the potential for finding missing people, creating search infrastructure reserves in the regions and spoke about the prevention of incidents involving disoriented elderly persons and young children, the press-release of the Front reads.

Experts of volunteer search teams believe that the law on the search for missing persons by geolocation should be finalized and supplemented with other promising mechanisms.

As the first deputy head of the presidential administration of the Russian Federation Sergey Kiriyenko emphasized, it is possible to improve regulatory support only through joint work of representatives of the responsible bodies of the regional and municipal authorities and representatives of the search and rescue volunteer teams who are immersed in this work every day.

Coordinator of the Lisa Alert unit Oleg Leonov noted that the current version of the law on geolocation search allows to timely find missing persons in urban environments; nevertheless, additional legislative amendments developed by the unit are needed to improve search capabilities outside cities as at present the means involved provide insufficient geolocation accuracy in natural environments. This is a question for the autumn session of the State Duma, which needs to continue the work on this issue and adopt the necessary changes, he said.

Leonov clarified that there are three promising ways to increase the search accuracy: the first is the requirement for telecom operators to determine the location of the subscriber with an accuracy of up to 500 meters from the base station, and for this, at all base stations, operators need to introduce special technology, which will require investments in modernization of networks. Second, when a person calls 112, at the time of the call, the exact coordinates of his location must be transmitted via the signaling channel to the operator. Almost all smartphones have a GPS module that determines coordinates. Third, if a person is lost, but has a switched on phone with him, it is necessary to allow rescuers to use special search devices in order to find a person on the signal of his mobile phone. However, at present volunteers are prohibited to utilize these options, according to the Lisa Alert coordinator.

In addition to suggestions for improving search capabilities, LisaAlert presented a security bracelet with a built-in NFC module at the forum.

Such a safety bracelet is a non-volatile device that contains a memory chip with recorded information about a person and his loved ones. That is, it can contain the contacts of relatives, their phones, the number of the medical policy, information about any critical diseases, so that the person can be identified and quickly provided the necessary assistance. The device will be especially useful in cases of disoriented elderly persons and young children, Leonov said.

Chairman of the Liza Alert unit Grigory Sergeev proposed to create a partnership mechanism of volunteer search teams and specialized government agencies and provide operational reserves for search groups such as walkie-talkies, navigators, flashlights, search vehicles.

Arseniy Belenky, deputy head of the ONF Executive Committee for expert and analytical work, supported this initiative.

He also emphasized that the Peoples Front has extensive experience in working with authorities on regulations, legislation and promised to help volunteers.

Together with colleagues, ONF is now working on bills on the database of unidentified patients and determining the location of children by geolocation of their phones. ONF is also ready to support other initiatives of volunteers, including the creation of reserves of the needed equipment in the regions, he summed up.
Responders from several area departments help to clean up the wreckage after a Kingsbury Volunteer Fire Department engine rolled over, trapping the firefighter inside, on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 in the 1700 block of FM 1104.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on July 7, 2021

2021/07/07

China Daily: The 2021 UN Chinese Language Day in Vienna held by the Permanent Mission of China in Vienna on July 5. Could you offer more details?

Wang Wenbin: The Permanent Mission of China in Vienna held the 2021 UN Chinese Language Day in Vienna under the theme of "cherishing traditions for colorful future". Ambassadors and senior diplomats from 70 countries and international organizations, and senior officials from international organizations in Vienna attended the event. Previously, the Permanent Mission of China to the UN, the Permanent Mission of China to the UN Office at Geneva and the Mission of China to the African Union had all held celebrations for the 2021 UN Chinese Language Day in various forms including museum tour, lecture, workshop, traditional Chinese culture performance and Chinese-language video competition for foreigners.

We've celebrated the 12th UN Chinese Language Day this year, which was created by the UN in 2010. The Chinese language, written in Chinese characters, embodies the wisdom of the Chinese civilization and is the wealth of all mankind. Chinese, one of the six working languages of the UN, is spoken by the largest number of people in the world. Over the years, the use of Chinese has ensured the effective work of the UN and promoted cultural and people-to-people exchanges between China and the rest of the world. The Chinese language, with its profound cultural heritage and rich cultural implications, is attracting more and more foreign learners. By the end of 2020, more than 180 countries and regions have introduced Chinese language education, and more than 70 countries have included Chinese in their national education systems. More than 20 million people abroad are learning Chinese, and the cumulative number of Chinese learners and users is close to 200 million. The Confucius Institute, Confucius Classroom and other Chinese language education institutions have also played an important role in helping people around the world learn Chinese and understand China.

Human civilization derives its splendor from diversity and thrives on mutual learning. Language is an important carrier of cultural exchange and mutual learning between civilizations. We are pleased to see that more and more people around the world are learning and using the Chinese language, and more and more questions are raised in Chinese at our regular press conference. We will continue to provide necessary convenience and assistance for friends from other countries to learn Chinese.

Kyodo News: July 11 marks the 60 anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between the PRC and the DPRK. The treaty stipulates that it is automatically extended every 20 years. Will this also be the case this year? Considering that the international landscape has changed a lot, don't you think the articles in the treaty should be amended? The new DPRK ambassador to China arrived in China in February. When will China appoint a new ambassador to the DPRK?

Wang Wenbin: According the stipulations of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between the PRC and the DPRK, it remains in force unless agreement is reached on its amendment or termination.

As to your second question, the signing of the treaty is a strategic decision made with foresight by the older generation of leaders of the two countries and a major event in the history of bilateral relations. The treaty aims to strengthen China-DPRK friendly cooperation and safeguard regional peace and stability. Over the past 60 years, guided by the spirit of the treaty, China and the DPRK have supported and cooperated closely with each other, which has not only given strong impetus to their respective socialist cause, but also made important contributions to regional and world peace and stability.

Under the new circumstances, China is ready to work with the DPRK to inherit the fine tradition and be future-oriented. We will earnestly implement the important common understanding reached by our top-level state and party leadership, follow the requirements of the changing times and common aspiration of the two peoples, push forward the traditional friendship and cooperation, so as to better benefit the two peoples and make contributions to promoting peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region and beyond.

In state-to-state relations, the rotation of ambassadors is a normal arrangement. I don't have any information to offer with regard to your question about the timing of the rotation of Chinese ambassador to the DPRK.

Bloomberg: Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg told the Age newspaper that he is rejecting Chinese investment deals that he would have approved in recent years because Australia is dealing with "a different China under President Xi Jinping". Frydenberg said that he sees a harshness in their approach that appears to be "unyielding". Does the foreign ministry have any comment on that?

Wang Wenbin: I want to point out that China has never done anything that undermines Australia's sovereignty and interests. We urge relevant people in Australia to discard Cold-War mentality and ideological bias, respect basic facts, view China and China's development in an objective and rational light, and stop hyping up the so-called China threat theory or making irresponsible remarks out of selfish political calculations.

CCTV: We've seen many reports of African political leaders and media rebuking the allegation that China has created debt traps in Africa. Do you have any comment?

Wang Wenbin: We've stated our position repeatedly on relevant issues. China has fully implemented the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative for Poorest Countries. China also actively supports the G20 consensus on extending the DSSI to the end of this year, and takes part in multilateral debt management appropriately on a case-by-case basis. In addition, China's non-official financial institutions have also taken debt service suspension actions in a comparable manner with reference to the DSSI provisions.

China has long been following the principle of upholding justice and pursuing shared interests in dealing with issues like lending and debt suspension. We translate the principle of sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith into concrete actions. The measures China has taken strongly boosted local socioeconomic growth and helped ease their debt burden, receiving the recognition and welcome of relevant countries including those in Africa. President Kagame said recently that China has never forced any country to borrow from it. Presidents of countries including Namibia, Kenya, Senegal, Botswana all openly voiced support for China-Africa investment and financing cooperation. Kenya's People Daily stressed that Chinese loans were all used on specific projects for development cooperation. Gerald Mbanda, a senior media practitioner in Rwanda, exposed with facts and data that Western countries including the US are spinning narratives about China creating debt traps in Africa out of political reason aimed at "creating hatred between African countries and China".

I also noticed a topic trending on Quora: "What happens to African countries when they can't repay their debt to China?" African netizens posted that "people from some western countries who never before cared about Africa have suddenly turned themselves into the protector of Africans, and appear to be concerned about the possibility of Africa being exploited, while in actual fact their concerns spring out of jealousy".

As President Xi Jinping points out, on mankind's journey in pursuit of happiness, no country or nation should be left behind. All countries and nations are entitled to equal development opportunities and rights. China will continue to uphold the principle of sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith, work with African countries and the international community to implement the Initiative on Partnership for Africa's Development, and contribute more to African countries' development and rejuvenation.

Yonhap News Agency: The Special Representative of the Chinese Government on the Korean Peninsular Affairs Liu Xiaoming had a phone conversation with the US special representative for North Korea. The two sides talked about the peninsular issue. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment? What is the significance of this phone conversation?

Wang Wenbin: On July 6, the Special Representative of the Chinese Government on the Korean Peninsular Affairs Liu Xiaoming had a phone conversation with Sung Kim, the US special representative for North Korea policy at the latter's invitation. The Chinese side stated its position on the Korean Peninsular issue and views on the review results of the US policy on the DPRK, highlighted the need of advancing political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue based on the dual track approach and the phased and synchronized principle. The US side should attach importance to the DPRK's legitimate and reasonable concerns, and support the reconciliation and cooperation between the DPRK and the ROK. The US side expressed its commitment to the political settlement of the Peninsular issue, hope to resume dialogue and contact with the DPRK at an early date, and support for the improvement of relations between the DPRK and the ROK.

Recently, China has maintained communication with parties involved at different levels on the Peninsular issue. Special Representative Liu Xiaoming has been actively engaging in communication with various parties since he took office. China's position on the Peninsular issue is clear and consistent. The Peninsular affairs are on China's doorstep, and China will continue to play a constructive role until lasting peace and stability is realized on the Peninsula.

AFP: Yesterday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Uyghurs who claimed they were detained in internment camps in Xinjiang. Do you have any comment on this?

Wang Wenbin: As we've stressed time and again, issues relating to Xinjiang are not about ethnicity, religion or human rights, but about fighting violent terrorism, extremism and separatism. The crimes of "abuse", "atrocity" or "genocide" can never be attributed to China. US lies and rumors have been exposed by the fact and truth that Xinjiang enjoys stability and prosperity and residents there are leading happy and fulfilling lives. The US attempt to use human rights as a cover to mess up Xinjiang and contain China's development will never succeed.

RIA Novosti: Japanese media earlier reported that the draft of Japan's new cybersecurity strategy for the first time has indications of possible "threats" from China and Russia. It says there are indications that China is conducting cyber attacks to steal information from military-related and high-tech companies, while Russia is pursuing military and political goals. I wonder if you have any comment on this?

Wang Wenbin: The Japanese side disregards plain facts and maliciously hypes up the so-called threat from neighbors. This is just another example of its lying diplomacy. I noticed that a researcher pointed out earlier that the country that has poor relations with all its neighbors is Japan. The Japanese side should really reflect upon itself and do more things that can help improve political mutual trust with neighboring countries and safeguard regional peace and stability, instead of making an issue out of neighbors to serve its sinister agenda.

As to cybersecurity, the whole world knows which country is obsessed with cyber theft of secrets, tapping and surveillance. This is no secret for anyone. Japan is barking up the wrong tree by smearing China and Russia on this issue. Why is it deliberately fabricating lies? Is it acting under orders to deflect attention from someone?

The Paper: According to reports by US media, a recent poll shows that 69% Americans believe that racial injustice remains a problem in the US, and 60% say they now think racial injustice is a bigger problem than they thought it was before the events of the past 12 months. An academic from the University of California says that racism is a core feature of American social life. Do you have any comment?

Wang Wenbin: We noted relevant reports. In the US, racism is a systemic and persistent existence covering every aspect. Racial discrimination is a deep-seated problem of the US society and a serious human rights issue.

It is reported that about 60% African Americans say they have been regularly discriminated against when applying for jobs or shopping, and many often experience discrimination when applying for housing or a loan or claiming insurance. In the US, among persons who are fully vaccinated, 64.3% are White people while only 8.6% are African Americans. What is even more shocking is that African Americans are three times more likely to be killed by the police than Caucasians. Besides African Americans, US racism practices against other minorities such as American Indians, Asians, Latinos and Muslims are also rampant, which have drawn much criticism from the international community.

Racial discrimination in the US is also reflected in its laws. It is difficult for the victims of racial discrimination to protect their rights through legal means. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was the first US immigration law that discriminated against a specific ethnic group, and its impact lingers till this day. The US has no national standards for hate crimes and no legislation to curb hate speeches and violence online. When it acceded to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, under the guise of "freedom of speech", the US made reservations to the Convention's provisions prohibiting the incitement and spread of racial discriminatory speeches. The UN has repeatedly urged the US to withdraw the reservations, only to be ignored by the US.

In Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech 58 years ago, when asked "when will the devotees of civil rights be satisfied", his first answer was: "We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality". While the choking cry of "I can't breathe" by George Floyd remains a sobering call, another 89 African Americans were gunned down by the police this year by May 21. We hope the US government can face up to its own human rights issues, take concrete actions, and improve the legal mechanism, rather than make irresponsible remarks on others' human rights conditions. Only in this way can Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s wishes truly come true.

Prasar Bharati: Last week, some foreign students who are pursuing studies in China wrote an open letter, asking when China will allow entry of students from other countries especially when the next semester is going to begin in September?

Wang Wenbin: The Chinese government always attaches high importance to the issue of foreign students coming to China for their studies. On the basis of ensuring safety amid COVID-19, we will consider in a coordinated manner arrangement for allowing foreign students to return to China for their studies.

Beijing Youth Daily: Recently Eswatini has seen a spate of protests and riots and the situation is still developing. How do you comment on that?

Wang Wenbin: China is highly concerned about the situation in Eswatini and hope the country will realize economic development and improvement of people's livelihood. As COVID-19 continues to spread in Africa, Eswatini still faces a daunting task of fighting the virus and reinvigorating the economy. China stands ready to provide humanitarian assistance to Eswatini including vaccines to help its people tide over the difficulties.

We also noted that the US, UK and the EU got Taiwan authorities to join them in a statement on the situation in Eswatini. The Taiwan region is part of China's territory and the one-China principle is a universally recognized international norm of international relations. We urge relevant countries and organization to abide by their commitment and stop attempts to create "two Chinas" and "one China, one Taiwan" in the world.

Phoenix TV: White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell said at a forum that it's possible for China and United States to coexist in peace; the US does not support Taiwan's independence, but will respond if China takes steps "antithetical to the maintenance of peace and stability". He also said that Beijing is becoming increasingly assertive. Do you have a response?

Wang Wenbin: I think you raised two questions, one on China-US relations and another on China's foreign policy.

On China-US relations, I'd like to say that China's development and progress isn't the result of other's gift or charity, but comes from the hard work of the Chinese people. We hope the US side will adopt a rational and practical China policy, focus on cooperation, manage difference and bring bilateral relations back onto the track of sound and stable development.

China's position on the Taiwan question is consistent and clear. There is but one China in the world, and the Taiwan region is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory. The one-China principle is the political foundation of China-US relations. We urge the U.S. side to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, tread carefully on Taiwan-related issues, and stop sending wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces to avoid damaging China-U.S. relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

On China's foreign policy, General Secretary Xi Jinping just elaborated on it at the ceremony marking the centenary of the CPC. We hope relevant people in the US will find time to read the transcript carefully. Here I would like to stress a few points.

First, as China grows, the strength for peace in the world also grows. The Chinese nation does not carry aggressive or hegemonic traits in its genes. China remains committed to the ideas of peace, concord, and harmony, an independent foreign policy of peace and a path of peaceful development. We offer Chinese solutions and contribute to political settlement of hotspot issues to safeguard regional and global peace and stability. We always safeguard world peace.

Second, China's development drives global growth. China's development cannot be achieved isolated from the world and global prosperity cannot be realized without China. We adopt a basic national policy of reform and opening-up, uphold an opening-up strategy of win-win cooperation, pursue an ecological-friendly, green and low-carbon development path and work for high quality BRI cooperation. With China's fresh development we offer new opportunities for the world. We always contribute to global development.

Third, what China pursues is the common progress of humanity. China works for the cause of human progress, and stands ready to join hands with all progressive forces to carry forward the shared human values of peace, development, equity, justice, democracy, and freedom. We will continue to champion cooperation over confrontation, to open up rather than close our doors, and to focus on mutual benefits instead of zero-sum games. We will oppose hegemony and power politics, and safeguard the international order.

Fourth, China defends international fairness and justice. Chinese people uphold justice and are not intimidated by foreign power. We welcome helpful suggestions and constructive criticism. We will not, however, accept condescending preaching from those who feel they have the right to lecture us. We will remain committed to the path that we have chosen for ourselves. China will not infringe upon other countries' sovereignty or interfere in other countries' internal affairs. Neither will we allow other countries to do that to us. This is not only to protect China's legitimate rights and interests, but also to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the vast developing world and the basic norms governing international relations.

People's Daily: According to reports, in a letter published by The Lancet on July 5, 24 internationally-renowned scientists rebuked the so-called "lab leak" theory some US politicians are trying to sell. They said that "the strongest clue from new, credible, and peer-reviewed evidence in the scientific literature is that the virus evolved in nature, while suggestions of a laboratory-leak source of the pandemic remain without scientifically validated evidence". Do you have any comment?

Wang Wenbin: I note reports on that. The WHO-China joint mission report clearly states that "a laboratory origin of the pandemic was considered to be extremely unlikely". Regrettably, we've seen for quite a while that some in the US are engaging in more and more overt political manipulation. From discrediting China's anti-epidemic achievement to hyping up the China "lab leak" theory, from vilifying the authoritative WHO joint mission report to muffling scientists and experts upholding objectivity, from drawing on intelligence apparatus to investigate to clamoring for a so-called independent investigation that excludes China, these people have but one aim: to shift the blame for their failed epidemic responses to China.

With all their sleight of hand at political manipulation, they cannot alter the fact that it is the US politicians who dismiss science and politicize epidemic response that should be held accountable for the loss of more than 600,000 American lives.

Nor can they alter the authoritative conclusion reached by the WHO joint mission that a global perspective is needed to carry out origin-tracing in multiple countries and regions instead of one area only.

The international community respects science and upholds justice. This trend will not change, either. Attempts to politicize origin-tracing to scapegoat other countries will only end up in failure.

AFP: The main opposition party in Britain, the Labor Party, urged ministers and the royal family to snub the Beijing Winter Olympics unless China allows the UN to probe into rights abuse claims in the Xinjiang region. What is your comment on this?

Wang Wenbin: We've stressed on multiple occasions that allegations of the so-called "forced labor" and "human rights abuses" are lies of the century concocted by a handful of anti-China individuals.

China firmly opposes the politicization of sports, and the interference in other countries' internal affairs by using human rights issues as a pretext. Attempts to disrupt, obstruct and sabotage the preparation and convening of the Beijing Winter Olympic Games out of political motivation are extremely irresponsible, and will only harm the interests of athletes of all countries and the international Olympic cause. All sectors of the international community, including the governments and Olympic committees of many countries, and the International Olympic Committee, have all expressed their clear opposition to this wrong practice.
Tantalising evidence has been uncovered for a mysterious population of "free-floating" planets, planets that may be alone in deep space, unbound to any host star.

The results include four new discoveries that are consistent with planets of similar masses to Earth, published today in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

The study, led by Iain McDonald of the University of Manchester, UK, (now based at the Open University, UK) used data obtained in 2016 during the K2 mission phase of NASA's Kepler Space Telescope. During this two-month campaign, Kepler monitored a crowded field of millions of stars near the centre of our Galaxy every 30 minutes in order to find rare gravitational microlensing events.

The study team found 27 short-duration candidate microlensing signals that varied over timescales of between an hour and 10 days. Many of these had been previously seen in data obtained simultaneously from the ground. However, the four shortest events are new discoveries that are consistent with planets of similar masses to Earth.

These new events do not show an accompanying longer signal that might be expected from a host star, suggesting that these new events may be free-floating planets. Such planets may perhaps have originally formed around a host star before being ejected by the gravitational tug of other, heavier planets in the system.

Predicted by Albert Einstein 85 years ago as a consequence of his General Theory of Relativity, microlensing describes how the light from a background star can be temporarily magnified by the presence of other stars in the foreground. This produces a short burst in brightness that can last from hours to a few days. Roughly one out of every million stars in our Galaxy is visibly affected by microlensing at any given time, but only a few percent of these are expected to be caused by planets.

Kepler was not designed to find planets using microlensing, nor to study the extremely dense star fields of the inner Galaxy. This meant that new data reduction techniques had to be developed to look for signals within the Kepler dataset.

Iain notes: "These signals are extremely difficult to find. Our observations pointed an elderly, ailing telescope with blurred vision at one the most densely crowded parts of the sky, where there are already thousands of bright stars that vary in brightness, and thousands of asteroids that skim across our field. From that cacophony, we try to extract tiny, characteristic brightenings caused by planets, and we only have one chance to see a signal before it's gone. It's about as easy as looking for the single blink of a firefly in the middle of a motorway, using only a handheld phone."

Co-author Eamonn Kerins of the University of Manchester also comments, "Kepler has achieved what it was never designed to do, in providing further tentative evidence for the existence of a population of Earth-mass, free-floating planets. Now it passes the baton on to other missions that will be designed to find such signals, signals so elusive that Einstein himself thought that they were unlikely ever to be observed. I am very excited that the upcoming ESA Euclid mission could also join this effort as an additional science activity to its main mission."

Confirming the existence and nature of free-floating planets will be a major focus for upcoming missions such as the NASA Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, and possibly the ESA Euclid mission, both of which will be optimised to look for microlensing signals.

Further information

The new work appears in: "Kepler K2 Campaign 9: I. Candidate short-duration events from the first space-based survey for planetary microlensing", I. McDonald, E. Kerins, R. Poleski et al., Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (2021), in press (DOI: 10.1093/mnras/stab1377).

The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), founded in 1820, encourages and promotes the study of astronomy, solar-system science, geophysics and closely related branches of science. The RAS organises scientific meetings, publishes international research and review journals, recognises outstanding achievements by the award of medals and prizes, maintains an extensive library, supports education through grants and outreach activities and represents UK astronomy nationally and internationally. Its more than 4,000 members (Fellows), a third based overseas, include scientific researchers in universities, observatories and laboratories as well as historians of astronomy and others.

The RAS accepts papers for its journals based on the principle of peer review, in which fellow experts on the editorial boards accept the paper as worth considering. The Society issues press releases based on a similar principle, but the organisations and scientists concerned have overall responsibility for their content.

Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook.
Due to forecast extreme weather off the coast of Florida, SpaceX CRS-22 undocking is no longer planned for Wednesday, July 7.

NASA and SpaceX flight control teams continue to monitor the weather and splashdown locations and are prepared to support undocking of the Dragon cargo spacecraft once conditions are safe to do so. Certain parameters like wind speeds and wave heights must be within certain limits to ensure the safety of the recovery teams, the science, and the spacecraft.

The next opportunity for undocking is July 8 at 10:35 a.m. EDT, with NASA TV coverage scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Additional opportunities are available on July 9 and 10. NASA will provide an update Wednesday, July 7 on the date for undocking following a weather briefing.

NASA Flight Engineers Mark Vande Hei and Shane Kimbrough worked on cargo transfers inside the Dragon today. Kimbrough then joined Flight Engineers Megan McArthur and Thomas Pesquet and Commander Akihiko Hoshide at the end of the day and reviewed cargo craft emergency departure procedures. Pesquet set up a pair of computers inside the cupola in support of Dragon's undocking and monitoring.

Hoshide and Kimbrough swapped roles as Crew Medical Officer today taking charge of vein scans with the Ultrasound-2 device. The duo took turns scanning each other's neck, shoulder and leg veins. Hoshide also scanned McArthur's veins as part of standard health checks with doctors on the ground monitoring.

Pesquet also had time Tuesday to wear the specialized Sidekick headset and examine the Tranquility module's treadmill using augmented reality. The two-time station resident then moved on inspecting and photographing hatch seals on the Kibo laboratory module.

Roscosmos Flight Engineers Oleg Novitskiy and Pyotr Dubrov stayed focused on Russian cargo and station life support activities. Novitskiy updated computer data files associated with the recent docking of the ISS Progress 78 resupply ship. Dubrov worked on orbital plumbing and thermal systems hardware.

On-Orbit Status Report

Payloads

Collapsible Contingency Urinal (CCU) Demo: The crew performed multiple handheld fill and drain cycles of the CCU using fruit punch as a test fluid. The ground team guided and observed the operations to analyze performance characteristics and observe fluid dynamics and stability of liquid in the system. The CCU is exploration hardware flown to the ISS as a technical demonstration. The approach includes a fractal wetting design that incorporates smart capillary fluidics. This work could have a broad impact on capillary-based fluid management on spacecraft and on Earth.

Cargo Dragon Polar Troubleshooting: The crew was able to resolve issues with stuck fasteners in the Upper Port cargo pallet in Cargo Dragon SpaceX-22 (SpX-22) which prevented them from relocating a Polar unit yesterday. This allowed subsequent planned Polar relocations to occur. Polar is a Cold Stowage managed facility that provides transport and storage of science samples at cryogenic temperatures (-80C) to and from the ISS. Polar operates on 75 W supplied power and uses air cooling as its heat rejection method. Polar can accommodate up to 12.75 liters of sample volume and 20 lbm including sample support equipment.

JAXA Video Take 3: The crew participated in a video session for the delivery of a message to the public. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Public Relations Activity (JAXA EPO) includes conducting cultural activities such as writing reports about and filming video of activities aboard the ISS. These tools can help inform the public about the importance of the ISS, JAXA's Kibo module, and human spaceflight.

T2 Treadmill Augmented Reality (T2AR) Monthly Inspection: The crew performed the science operations for the T2AR system. The objective is to use the T2AR system to assist the crew with the ISS treadmill monthly maintenance. T2AR conducts tests using augmented reality to help crew members perform inspection and maintenance on the Combined Operational Load Bearing External Resistance Treadmill (COLBERT). The ability to perform such tasks without assistance from Mission Control is vital for future space exploration such as a mission to Mars, where significant time delays occur in communications between space and ground. Using augmented reality to guide astronauts through complex spacecraft maintenance and repair activities also reduces the time needed for training and task performance.

Systems

Cargo Dragon Departure Preparations: The crew reconfigured several cold stowage assets in preparation of the SpX-22 departure. First, the crew completed troubleshooting to remove the Upper Port Cargo Pallet so that a Polar could be placed in the Upper Port powered payload location. Next, the crew relocated a Polar from the Upper Aft powered payload location to the return Upper Port powered payload location within SpX-22. Finally, the crew transferred two Polars from ISS to SpX-22 and installed them to the Upper Aft powered payload location. Due to inclement weather off the coast of Florida, SpX-22 undock has been delayed to Thursday, July 8th to return cargo and payloads to the ground. SpaceX will continue to monitor weather conditions for the next undock opportunity and reassess as needed.

Ultrasound Exam: Today, the crew used the ultrasound device to perform a Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) scan. This routine medical exam utilizes existing on-orbit eye exam ultrasound hardware for bilateral imaging of the internal jugular, entire subclavian-axillary axis, and lower extremity deep veins. VTE scans utilize a different frequency than the eye exams.

Air Avionics Assembly (AAA) Fan Inspection: The crew inspected the AAA which was removed from the NOD3D5 rack during Water Recovery System (WRS) recovery in May. The crew noted potential areas of microbial growth and cleaned the suspect locations with disinfectant wipes after downlinking images to the ground. The crew then temporarily stowed the AAA hardware while the ground assesses the imagery.

Hatch Damage Inspection: The crew performed hatch seal inspections of the JPM Starboard and LAB Aft hatches. The crew completed a photo surveys of both the JPM Starboard and LAB Aft hatches and realigned the JPM Starboard Interlocking Joint.

Emergency Air Supply Assembly: The crew completed the assembly of the Emergency Air Supply and then performed a system flow check with a quick-don mask to verify good functionality. The installation of the Emergency Air Supply into Endeavor will occur after the upcoming Port Relocation from Node 2 Forward to Node 2 Zenith.

Emergency On-Board Trainings (OBTs): The crew completed several OBTs in order to maintain crew emergency proficiency. The Endeavor crew completed Crew Dragon free-flight depressurization and emergency departure OBTs, and the 64S crew completed an emergency mask OBT.

Compound Specific Analyzer-Combustion Products (CSA-CP) Extended Maintenance: As part of routine maintenance, the crew replaced battery packs in all six deployed CSA-CPs and zero calibrate all units. The CSA-CPs provide real-time readings following a combustion event and subsequent clean-up efforts. The CSA-CP is also used for continuous monitoring of carbon monoxide levels in the ISS.

Completed Task List Activities:

Crew Provisions Relocate

Cargo Dragon Departure OBT

Today's Ground Activities:

All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

Solar Array Commanding for DC-1 Purges

Lab CDRA Activation for 4 Half Cycles (In Work)

Look Ahead Plan

Wednesday, July 7 (GMT 188)

Payloads:

Astrobee/Soundsee

CCU crew use

FIR/LMM/ACE-T-5

Food Physiology

Functional Immune

InSPACE-4

Junior Astronaut Video

Systems:

PIP AC Inverter R&R

AAA Fan Dry Out

UOP-5 Troubleshooting/R&R

Soyuz Emergency Drill

PEPS Audit

Max CEVIS

Thursday, July 8 (GMT 189)

Payloads:

CCU Use

FIR/LMM/ACE Module Configuration

InSPACE-4

MSL SCA Exchange

Plant Habitat-04

PWM 3 and 4

Systems:

SpX-22 Undock

JEM Return Grille Cleaning

Crew Dragon Free-Flight Fire OBT

Friday, July 9 (GMT 190)

Payloads:

Astrobee Off

Food Acceptability

GRIP

InSPACE-4

LIDAL Return to Nominal Location

PLT3 Preparation

PWM 3 and 4

Systems:

Crew Dragon Deorbit Entry and Landing Contingencies OBTs

Today's Planned Activities:

All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

HRF Generic Saliva Collection

Hematocrit test

HRF Generic Urine Collection

EHS CSA-CP Extended Maintenance

JAXA Video Taking Part 3

Crew Supplies Audit

Emer Air Supply Gather

Ultrasound 2 HRF Rack 2 Power On

Cargo Dragon Polar Install Troubleshooting

HMS VTE Scans

Air Quality Monitor Rotate and Vent Inspection

In Flight Maintenance (IFM) Thermal Amine Scrubber (TAS) Outlet Screen Rotate (Aborted)

Emergency Mask OBT

Collapsible Contingency Urinal In-Cabin Demo

Emer Air Supply Assembly

Polar Dragon Uninstall, Transfer, And Dragon Install

Dragon Locker Assist

Damaged Hatch Seal Inspection

Polar Express Rack Uninstall, Transfer, And Dragon Install

T2 Monthly Maintenance performed with Sidekick

Crewmember fills out questionnaire following T2 Maintenance with Augmented Reality.

Cargo Dragon Station Support Computer Relocate

IFM AAA Dry Out Set Up

EVA Battery Operations Terminal Autocycle Terminate

Metal Oxide (METOX) Regeneration Initiation

SpX-CREW DRAGON Emergency Departure proficiency

SpX-CREW DRAGON Free-Flight Depress Response Refresher

Food Physiology Fecal Sample Collection (Deferred)

Food Physiology MELFI Sample Insertion 1 (Deferred)

Food Physiology Fecal Sample Collection Hardware Stow (Deferred)



Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook.
The bright white region of this image shows the icy cap that covers Mars south pole, composed of frozen water and frozen carbon dioxide. Image credit: ESA/DLR/FU Berlin/Bill Dunford

Two research teams, using data from the European Space Agency's Mars Express orbiter, have recently published results suggesting that what were thought to be subsurface lakes on Mars may not really be lakes at all.



In 2018, scientists working with data from the Mars Express orbiter announced a surprising discovery: Signals from a radar instrument reflected off the red planet's south pole appeared to reveal a liquid subsurface lake. Several more such reflections have been announced since then.

In a new paper published in the American Geophysical Union's Geophysical Research Letters, lead author and graduate student Aditya Khuller of Arizona State University's School of Earth and Space Exploration with Jeffrey Plaut of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), describe finding dozens of similar radar reflections around the south pole after analyzing a broader set of Mars Express data. But many are in areas that should be too cold for water to remain liquid.

The question of whether the signals are liquid water or not is also being considered by a team of scientists led by ASU School of Earth and Space Exploration postdoctoral scholar Carver Bierson. Their research was also recently published in AGU's Geophysical Research Letters and determined that these bright reflections might be caused by subsurface clays, metal-bearing minerals or saline ice.

Mars Express is the second-longest-surviving continually active spacecraft in orbit around a planet other than Earth, behind only NASA's still-active 2001 Mars Odyssey. As Mars Express orbits Mars, it continues to provide important data on the red planet's subsurface, surface and atmosphere.

Onboard this spacecraft is an instrument called the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding, or MARSIS for short. This instrument uses a radar sounder to assess the composition of the subsurface of Mars.

MARSIS has been collecting data around Mars since 2004, including the south pole, allowing scientists to build a three-dimensional view of the south polar region. "We wanted to look beneath the south polar ice and characterize the old terrain lying underneath using MARSIS data," said Khuller.

In other recent studies using MARSIS data, researchers have found areas where the reflections below the surface are brighter than that of the surface, which is not what scientists would expect.

"Usually, radar waves lose energy when they travel through a material, so reflections from deeper down should be less bright than those from the surface," said Khuller, who is concurrently on an internship at JPL under Plaut's direction. "Although there are a few possible reasons for unusually bright subsurface reflections, these two studies concluded that a liquid water component was the cause of these bright reflections, because liquid water appears bright to radar."

Frozen time capsule

The radar signals originally interpreted as liquid water were found in a region of Mars known as the South Polar Layered Deposits, named for the alternating layers of water ice, dry ice (frozen carbon dioxide) and dust that have settled there over millions of years. These layers are believed to hold a record of how the tilt in Mars' axis has shifted over time, just as changes in Earth's tilt have created ice ages and warmer periods throughout our planet's history. When Mars had a lower axial tilt, snowfall and layers of dust accumulated in the region and eventually formed the thick layered ice sheet found there today.

The areas originally hypothesized to contain liquid water span about 6 to 12 miles (10 to 20 kilometers) in a relatively small region of the Martian South Polar Layered Deposits. Khuller and Plaut expanded the search for similar strong radio signals to 44,000 measurements spread across 15 years of MARSIS data over the entirety of the Martian south polar region.

Unexpected 'lakes': A muddy picture?

The new, expanded study from Khuller and Plaut revealed dozens of additional bright radar reflections over a far greater range of area and depth than ever before. In some places, they were less than a mile from the surface, where temperatures are estimated to be minus 81 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 63 degrees Celsius) -- so cold that water would be frozen, even if it contained salty minerals known as perchlorates, which can lower the freezing point of water.

"We're not certain whether these signals are liquid water or not, but they appear to be much more widespread than what the original paper found," said co-author Plaut, who is also the co-principal investigator of the orbiter's MARSIS instrument. "Either liquid water is common beneath Mars' south pole, or these signals are indicative of something else."

Additionally Khuller noted a 2019 paper in which researchers calculated the heat needed to melt subsurface ice in this region, finding that only recent volcanism under the surface could explain the potential presence of liquid water under the south pole.

"They found that it would take double the estimated Martian geothermal heat flow to keep this water liquid," Khuller said. "One possible way to get this amount of heat is through volcanism. However, we haven't really seen any strong evidence for recent volcanism at the south pole, so it seems unlikely that volcanic activity would allow subsurface liquid water to be present throughout this region."

Khuller and Plaut's next steps in this line of research are to investigate their discovery of a second, deeper layer under parts of the south pole of Mars, which scientists think represents an older buried terrain called the Dorsa Argentea Formation. It is thought to have been modified by ancient glaciers once present across the region, and they intend on trying to more accurately determine its composition and age.

This article was written by Andrew Good of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory with contributions from Karin Valentine of ASU's School of Earth and Space Exploration.

Astrobiology

Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook.
Huawei announced it has reached a license agreement with a supplier of Volkswagen Group (Volkswagen).

The agreement includes a license under Huaweis 4G standard-essential patents (SEPs), which covers Volkswagen vehicles equipped with wireless connectivity. This agreement marks Huaweis largest licensing deal in the automotive industry.

Song Liuping, Chief Legal Officer of Huawei, said, As an innovative company, we own a leading patent portfolio for wireless technologies, which creates great value for the automotive industry. We are pleased that key players from the automotive industry recognize that value. We believe this license will benefit worldwide consumers with our advanced technology.

Huawei expects more than 30 million vehicles to be licensed under its patents based on existing license agreements.

Over the past 20 years, Huawei has entered into more than 100 patent license agreements with major global companies across Europe, the United States, Japan, and South Korea. Huawei will continue to bring digital connectivity to more vehicles globally to establish a fully connected, intelligent world.
While Covid-19 certainly brought disruption to the financial services sector in Saudi Arabia, the sector has weathered the storm well, and has thrived again from a financial performance perspective, said professional services firm KPMG in a new report.



The latest KPMG Banking Pulse Quarterly indicates that 45% of CEOs globally envision their companies return to normality happening sometime in 2022. All survey respondents agreed that a successful vaccine roll-out is the most important factor in bringing back a sense of normality.



Further, nine out of 10 CEOs are keen to ensure their staffs safety by asking employees to notify them when theyve been vaccinated. Still, 50% of bank leaders are concerned that not all employees will have access to the Covid-19 vaccines, which could potentially jeopardize their operations and competitive advantage.



Khalil Ibrahim Al Sedais, Office Managing Partner  Riyadh at KPMG in Saudi Arabia, said: Although we have been experiencing our fair share of trials and tribulations over the past year, we clearly see a bright future for Saudi Arabias banking industry which performed better than it ever has over the past year. With the sectors total assets crossing SR3 trillion ($799.9 billion) and total deposits approaching the SR2 trillion ($533.2 billion) mark, generally the banking system is in great shape.



Furthermore, the survey found that 56% of bank CEOs have a newfound appetite for M&A  and the recently concluded merger between SAMBA and NCB may pave the way for further consolidation in the Kingdoms banking sector. The top drivers for investment have shifted into the digital realm to transform the customer experience and value proposition while increasing market share and transforming business models at a significantly faster pace.



Moreover, the changes which have taken place over the pandemic have pushed CEOs to reconsider their firms priorities. That being so, customer-centricity and technology are now at the forefront of their minds, alongside investments in data security measures, digital communications and cloud computing.



The survey also highlighted the enduring focus on environmental factors and climate risk by linking them to trust and reputation within the financial industry. Likewise, there is a heightened focus on the S component of ESG, and in line with that, 88% of bank CEOs are looking to lock in the gains in sustainability and climate change which were brought about by the pandemic as opposed to 55% in the previous year.



On the diversity and inclusion front, the report noted 62% of bank leaders believe that progress has moved too slowly, with an overwhelming majority of 85% of leaders agreeing that there is still much to be done in regard to gender diversity on boards.



KPMG earlier recorded the gradual decrease in credit losses which translated to approximately 19%, courtesy of the various measures taken by the Saudi government, SAMA and banks themselves. There was a strong increase in loan books which translated into 20% growth in average net income across the sector. Positive progress was made in terms of the maintenance of an average coverage ratio: to illustrate, an average above 169% which in conjunction with the average capital adequacy ratio of 21% created a decent reflection of the sectors shock absorption capacity.



Ovais Shahab, Head of Financial Services at KPMG in Saudi Arabia, commented: Among the positive performance indicators across various fronts, Saudi banks have shown stellar growth in the real estate finance division over the past two years in particular. With an astounding increase of approximately 100% since FY 2018, and the total financing on this front fast approaching the SR500 billion ($133.3 million) mark. In fact, statistics show the number of new residential mortgage contracts being written have grown almost ten times over the last three years, to approximately 300,000.  TradeArabia News Service
Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (Adnic), a leading insurance provider for both corporate and individual customers, has partnered with Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) to provide health insurance plans for registered investors and entities.



The agreement was signed by Alya Al Tamimi, Vice President - Branches and Direct Sales of Adnic and Ali AlSuwaidi, Director General of Ajman Free Zone.



Under the agreement, AFZ registrants will benefit from a variety of exclusive pre-underwritten plans tailor made to their needs without the need to submit an individual application form, delivering a seamless customer journey experience.



The free zone is home to more than 9,000 companies, investors, and entrepreneurs from over 160 countries.



Ahmad Idris, CEO of Adnic, said: We are delighted to support Ajman Free Zone in its efforts to provide exceptional benefits to entities and individuals. The agreement will provide access to tailored health insurance schemes that will be an added benefit contributing to the free zones ever-growing success. This partnership entrusts Adnic to serve as a key touch point to all insurance related services, and we look forward to acknowledge that trust by providing an exceptional experience to all.



Ali AlSuwaidi said: At Ajman Free Zone, we hold the healthcare sector in high regard, given its contribution not only to our economy, but also to our society. We are pleased with this strategic partnership with Adnic, especially since healthcare is one of the most vital sectors that continue to be a priority in our present and future goals.



This achievement, in line with customer welfare as a focus value of AFZ, will empower us to offer more value-added services to our esteemed partners. AFZ is always committed to collaborating with the best industry players and expanding our already-existing partnerships to offer more efficient services and an attractive environment for the health and happiness of investors, companies, customers, and employees.  TradeArabia News Service
Eshraq Investments, the Abu Dhabi-based investment company, announced that its maiden mixed-use project Marina Rise has received the building completion certificate from Abu Dhabi Municipality, paving the way for the handover of the project's commercial and residential units.

Located on the west side of Reem Island, Marina Rise boasts both residential and commercial units and on completion, will become Eshraq's first developmental project to contribute to the company's bottom line.

Marina Rise Tower, standing tall at 110 m, consists of two basement levels (for parking), two podium levels (commercial and parking), 24 residential floors with a total of 233 residential units and 271 parking spaces.

The apartments vary between 84 studios, 116 one-bedroom, 27 two-bedroom, six three-bedroom apartments and two penthouses of 3 and 4 bed rooms.

Ajit Joshi, a member of the board of directors of Eshraq, said: "We are excited to have completed our first development project Marina Rise within the planned timeframe despite the many hurdles created by the pandemic."

"The development not only demonstrates the technical excellence of the team but will also be an important step towards monetising our land bank and improving our bottom line," he noted.

Khatib and Alami is the design, supervision and architectural consultant for the project, while Al Sweidi & Shams Contracting Co is the main contractor.

Joshi said: "Our goal was to develop an upscale mixed-use project that would attract interest from Millennials and other customer segments, particularly those who work in or near ADGM and Hub 71."

"We are also seeing a lot of interest in the project's commercial spaces as it offers great opportunities for businesses looking to operate from a strategically located site. Marina Rise will undoubtedly add to the vibrancy of the Reem Island community," he added.

Built to create a lush residential community where people can live, earn, play and have educational and health facilities in the same vicinity, Reem Island will include residential and commercial buildings, private houses, schools, a university, a hospital, marinas, open spaces and an extensive network of parks.

It will also boast modern infrastructure including roads, water and electricity supply, a public transport system, a district cooling system, a sewage and storm water collection system and a sewage treatment plant.-TradeArabia News Service
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has completed 84.52 per cent of the 829 megawatts (MW) 4th phase of the H-Station power plant in Al Aweer with investments totalling AED1.1 billion ($300 million).

This phase will increase the station's total capacity to 2,825 MW under temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celsius.

The project is being implemented by a consortium comprising Siemens Energy and Elsewedy Power. It is expected to be operational by Q2 of 2022.

The scope of work includes supply, installation, testing and commissioning of three Siemens gas turbines with a total capacity of 829 MW. It also includes installing sub devices and equipment from major international companies such as natural gas compressors from Germany's MAN.

A natural gas treatment station is being set up by Dutch company Petrogas. Other local and regional companies are also contributing to this project, said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dewa.

"This is one of Dewa's key projects to meet the reserve margin criterion set for peak electricity demand in Dubai. It will add to Dewa's current installed capacity of 12,900 MW of electricity," he added.

Nasser Lootah, Executive Vice President (Generation), said the station was equipped with the latest systems and technologies to reduce emissions to the minimum.

"The turbines will be completely fuelled with natural gas. He noted that the projects work progress is fast paced, while maintaining the highest levels of health, safety, quality, and efficiency," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Jupiter has announced a number of appointments within its sustainable investing strategies, doubling the size of the existing resource and adding fresh investment expertise to key portfolios.

Jupiters sustainability suite of funds offers clients a range of differentiated investment options with a shared goal of generating attractive returns through long-term sustainable investing. Following a strategy refresh earlier this year, Abbie Llewellyn-Waters was appointed as Head of Sustainable Investing, working with Rhys Petheram as Head of the Environmental Solutions team.

Maiken Anderberg joins the Global Sustainable Equity team as Equity Analyst. Having previously interned with Jupiters Sustainable Investing team in 2018, Maiken is returning to the company in a new permanent role, working closely with Abbie Llewellyn-Waters and analyst Freddie Woolfe with a dedicated focus on the Jupiter Global Sustainable Equities strategy

The Jupiter Global Sustainable Equities strategy was launched in 2018 to offer clients an alternative to mainstream global equities by combining financial returns with positive environmental and social returns  enabling clients to participate in the transition to a more sustainable world.

Joining Jupiter in a newly created role, Noelle Guo is appointed Equity Analyst, Environmental Solutions. Supporting fund manager Jon Wallace and reporting into Rhys Petheram, Noelle will work across the equity strand of Jupiters environmental solutions suite. Noelle has eight years of equity research experience, joining from an Investment Analyst role at Pictet Asset Management before which she was at AB Bernstein as a Senior Research Associate.

Laura Conigliaro is appointed Analyst, Environmental Solutions. Having joined Jupiter in 2019 as a member of Jupiters Governance and Sustainability team, Laura will move across to the Environmental Solutions team, working directly with fixed income specialist Rhys Petheram with a particular focus on fixed income verification, also providing sustainability research into the desks environmental impact themes. Prior to joining Jupiter, Laura has held roles at the Inter-American Development Bank and sustainability management consultancy Critical Resource.

Jupiters Environmental Solutions suite of funds boasts a 33-year track record across funds which look to invest in companies intentionally focused on providing solutions to sustainability challenges across key environmental themes.

In an internal move, Jenna Zegleman joins the teams as Investment Director. Having joined Jupiter in 2018 as a product specialist Jenna will provide client-facing support across the full range of portfolios in the Sustainable Investing suite.

In addition to these investment hires, Anisha Arora and James Kearns have joined Jupiters Governance and Sustainability team. An emerging markets economist and strategist with 10 years experience across sell side research and buy side asset management, Anisha joins from Allianz Global Investors and has experience in applying ESG considerations to macroeconomic analysis, as well as to the sovereign debt investment process. James joins Jupiter from BNP Paribas, where he worked initially in CSR within their Global Markets division before moving to become a Sustainable Finance Analyst.

Abbie Llewellyn-Waters, Head of Sustainable Investing, commented: As we navigate through this global pandemic, the importance of confronting the climate crisis, bridging social inequality and ensuring a sustainable future is more important than ever. By investing in companies leading a sustainable transition across our Global Sustainable Equities and Environmental Solutions strategies we are able to offer our clients a range of attractive and truly innovative solutions that deliver positive outcomes for planet, people and profit.

Stephen Pearson, CIO, added: We are pleased to make these appointments to the team as we continue to grow Jupiters sustainability suite, helping us continue to innovate and build on our long heritage of sustainable investing. We are delighted to be making these appointments at this important point in time, cementing support for these key strategies with the addition of specialist insight and investment expertise. -- TradeArabia News Service
Google and Dubai Chamber have teamed-up to launch Business Online Presence, a comprehensive digital solution designed to help businesses in the UAE manage their online presence, maximise visibility and attract new customers.

The new solution was launched during a webinar organised today by Dubai Chamber in collaboration with Google. The virtual event was attended by members of business community in Dubai, including representatives from business groups and business councils.

Members of the Dubai Chamber can now access the Business Online Presence dashboard to set and verify their business profiles across single or multiple locations on Google Search and Maps. Those online profiles feature essential business details such as opening hours, contact details, address and photos. Businesses can also post timely offers and promotional packages during special seasons.

The tool can generate a customised total score for each business online readiness and reputation management. Members of the Dubai Chamber, whether small or medium-sized enterprises, can use the dashboard to standardise brand experience and engage with customers through online reviews, access timely insights like their store visits and identify operational challenges faster. Through this program, registered businesses can also access the Maharat Min Google training program to learn the digital skills needed to grow online.

Hamad Buamim, President and CEO of Dubai Chamber, described the dashboard as a versatile and reliable tool that helps SMEs seamlessly manage their online presence, reputation, and activities from a single platform. The platform is designed around the needs of local businesses and helps them easily reach new categories of customers who are actively seeking out specific services and products.

Buamim added that the initiative supports the Chambers ongoing efforts to accelerate digital transformation of business in Dubai, expand the emirates digital economy and enhance its economic competitiveness on a global level.

Lino Cattaruzzi, Googles Managing Director in MENA, commented: The pandemic has truly exposed the critical role digital tools can play in a business ability to navigate through challenging times - with a particular impact in certain sectors like retail and tourism. For this reason, we are very happy to continue our collaboration with the Dubai Chamber which has started in 2018, and together offer a tangible solution that helps SMEs across the country grow their online presence and learn digital skills to successfully scale their businesses and reach more customers.

This initiative is the product of Chambers long-standing partnership with Google which has benefited more than 100,000 businesses in the UAE and helped them enhance their digital presence. This partnership is also under Grow Stronger with Google, the companys initiative to help accelerate economic recovery in the Mena region through tools, programmes and grants. Together with Google, the Chamber aims to continue engaging with SMEs in the UAE, with a focus on retail and tourism sectors.
Endress+Hauser has fully integrated SensAction, a specialist in the field of concentration measurement for liquids based in Coburg, Germany, that will now operate as Endress+Hauser Flow Germany.

The integrated companys products and technologies broaden Endress+Hausers offering for measuring and analysing quality parameters.

SensAction was founded in 2008 and has been part of the Endress+Hauser Group since 2017 as a fully-owned subsidiary of Endress+Hauser Flowtec based in Reinach, Switzerland.

We have been growing together with Endress+Hauser for years in joint technology development as well as direct sales via our sales centers. Our new company name and the adapted appearance now make this change visible, says Chairman of the Board Stefan Rothballer.

BROAD APPLICATION RANGE

The instruments for measuring concentrations in liquids utilise ultrasonic surface acoustic waves (SAW). This technology can be deployed in all Endress+Hauser target markets. In the food and beverage industry, for example, it can determine the sugar content in mixed beverages such as soft drinks.

Our devices precisely and reliably measure concentrations in real time while the process is running. That makes the circuitous route via the lab superfluous, explains Michael Munch, Head of Production, Development and Quality.

The measurement instruments made in Coburg are thus an ideal fit for the Endress+Hauser strategy.

Our customers not only want to monitor physical parameters but also directly obtain information regarding product quality, says Dr Mirko Lehmann, CEO of Endress+Hauser Flowtec AG. Our goal is to be the market leader in ultrasonic flow measurement technology in combination with quality measurements.

The company is also integrating SAW technology in order to expand the Endress+Hauser product offering.

By combining quality and flow measurement, we can provide our customers with information for process optimisation. We also want to use Industry 4.0 solutions to help our customers improve efficiency and quality, adds Michael Kaiser, Head of Ultrasonic and IIoT Solutions.

Endress+Hauser Flow Germany has 20 employees in Coburg. The centre of competence for SAW not only develops and manufactures measurement technology but also supports customers with the required application know-how. The company also boasts superior knowledge in the field of model building and signal processing. The specialists, who are part of the SAW scientific community, work closely with universities and are involved in industry associations. Tradearabia News Service
Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa), one of the largest listed integrated utilities in the region,

is in talks with Abu Dhabi Ports for the development of an industrial-scale green hydrogen-to-ammonia export project in Abu Dhabi.

A partnership on a green hydrogen-to-ammonia project of this scale would be a significant step towards placing Abu Dhabi at the heart of a new emerging global market for green energy, said the statement from Taqa.

Under an MoU signed by Jasim Husain Thabet, Taqas Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Group CEO, Abu Dhabi Ports, the companies will work together on developing proposals for a green ammonia export facility to be based in Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad).

The new plant would be fuelled by hydrogen produced by an electrolyser facility paired with a 2GW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant, said the statement.

The green hydrogen would be turned into liquid ammonia to supply ships converted to use ammonia as a bunker fuel and for export from Abu Dhabi Ports via specialised gas carriers.

Ammonia, which is relatively easier to transport than pure hydrogen, has a number of industrial uses and can also be easily turned back into hydrogen.

The Taqa-Abu Dhabi Ports project will also feature a storage facility at Khalifa Port, opening the opportunity for it to become a hub for exporting green ammonia to international markets including Europe and the East Asia, it stated.

The solar farm, electrolyser and the ammonia production plant will be situated in Kizad. The ammonia plant will have pipeline connectivity to the Khalifa Port storage facility enabling large volumes of ammonia to be directly delivered to the port.

On the new project, Thabet said: Green hydrogen requires large-scale low carbon electricity production and desalinated water. Taqa is an internationally-recognised leader in both of these. We are pleased to have opened discussions with our partner Abu Dhabi Ports on developing proposals for a major industrial scale facility that, if it goes ahead, would place Abu Dhabi at the heart of the emerging market for green hydrogen."

"Combining the global reach of Abu Dhabi Ports with the energy and water know-how and established technology partnerships of Taqa could open up exciting opportunities for both companies, for our shareholders and for Abu Dhabi, he added.

Al Shamisi said: We are pleased to initiate talks with Taqa, a national champion in the field of diversified utilities and energy, for the potential development of an industrial scale green hydrogen to ammonia export facility."

"This potential collaboration aims to address regional and global green energy needs, as well as supporting the goal of our nations leadership to position Abu Dhabi at the heart of the new emerging green energy market," he added.

Al Shamisi pointed out that owing to its strategic location between the East and the West, its proximity to Kizad and Zonescorp, as well as the multimodal connectivity through sea, air and land linking Abu Dhabi to global markets, Khalifa Port is in an ideal position to become a major hub for green hydrogen and its derivatives exports to all international markets.

"Major economies around the world, including Europe and Asia are investing heavily in decarbonisation including in industry, global logistics including marine transport, heavy good vehicles, buses, trains and heating systems.

Green hydrogen can be used to power fuel cells or burned without emitting carbon dioxide and will play an increasingly important part in enabling our low carbon future, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Global air cargo demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs), was up 9.4% compared to May 2019. Seasonally adjusted demand rose by 0.4% month-on-month in May, the 13th consecutive month of improvement, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said in its May 2021 data.

As comparisons between 2021 and 2020 monthly results are distorted by the extraordinary impact of Covid-19, unless otherwise noted, all comparisons to follow are to May 2019 which followed a normal demand pattern.

The pace of growth slowed slightly in May compared to April which saw demand increase 11.3% against pre-Covid-19 levels (April 2019). Notwithstanding, air cargo outperformed global goods trade for the fifth consecutive month.

Middle Eastern carriers posted a 14.1% rise in international cargo volumes in May 2021 versus May 2019. This was a slight decrease compared to the previous month (15.6%). Seasonally adjusted volumes remain on a robust upward trend. International capacity in May was down 6.1% compared to the same month in 2019, a robust improvement from the 10.1% drop in April.

North American carriers contributed 4.6 percentage points to the 9.4% growth rate in May. Airlines in all other regions except for Latin America also supported the growth.

Capacity remains constrained at 9.7% below pre-Covid-19 levels (May 2019) due to the ongoing grounding of passenger aircraft. Seasonally adjusted capacity rose 0.8% month-on-month in May, the fourth consecutive month of improvement indicating that the capacity crunch is slowly unwinding.

Underlying economic conditions and favourable supply chain dynamics remain supportive for air cargo:

Global trade rose 0.5% in April.

The Purchasing Managers Indices (PMIs) - leading indicators of air cargo demand - show that business confidence, manufacturing output and new export orders are growing at a rapid pace in most economies.

The cost-competitiveness of air cargo relative to that of container shipping has improved. Pre-crisis, the average price of air cargo was 12 times more expensive than sea shipping. In May 2021 it was six time more expensive.

Propelled by strong economic growth in trade and manufacturing, demand for air cargo is 9.4% above pre-crisis levels. As economies unlock, we can expect a shift in consumption from goods to services. This could slow growth for cargo in general, but improved competitiveness compared to sea shipping should continue to make air cargo a bright spot for airlines while passenger demand struggles with continued border closures and travel restrictions, said Willie Walsh, IATAs Director General.

MAY REGIONAL PERFORMANCE

Asia-Pacific airlines saw demand for international air cargo increase 5.3% in May 2021 compared to the same month in 2019. This was a decrease compared to the previous month (5.9%) due to a slight slowdown in growth in several large trade routes such as Within Asia.

International capacity remained constrained in the region, down 16.9% versus May 2019. As was the case in April, the regions airlines reported the highest international load factor at 75.2%.

North American carriers posted a 25.5% increase in international demand in May 2021 compared to May 2019. This was on par with Aprils performance (25.4%) and the strongest of all regions. Underlying economic conditions and favourable supply chain dynamics remain supportive for air cargo carriers in North America. International capacity grew by 1.6% compared with May 2019.

European carriers posted an 5.7% increase in demand in May 2021 compared to the same month in 2019. This was a decrease in performance compared to the previous month (11.5%) due to a slight slowdown in growth on key trade routes including Europe  Asia and Within Europe. International capacity decreased by 17.3% in May 2021 versus May 2019, remaining unchanged from the previous month.

Latin American carriers reported a decline of 14% in international cargo volumes in May compared to the 2019 period. This was the worst performance of all regions, but a significant improvement compared to the previous month, which saw a 32.3% drop in demand. Seasonally adjusted demand also rose strongly in May. International capacity decreased 24.9% compared with May 2019, an improvement over the 52.3% decrease in April.

African airlines cargo demand in May increased 24.5% compared to the same month in 2019. This was a decrease in performance compared to the previous month (34.0%) due to a slowdown in trade flows between Africa and Asia. May international capacity increased by 0.5% compared to May 2019, remaining relatively unchanged from April.-- TradeArabia News Service
Emirates tops the list of UAEs most recommended brands, with a Recommend score of 91.4%, YouGov analysis reveals. Dubais flag carrier airlines top ranking follows its strong showings in YouGovs 2020 Best Brand Rankings where it ranked first.

The rankings are based on YouGov BrandIndexs positive Recommend score, which measures the percentage of a brands customers who would recommend it to a friend or colleague. Every brand in our Rankings has a minimum sample of 300 and has been tracked for at least 6 months, with all scores being rounded to a single decimal place.

As travel restrictions eased in the country, many flight services resumed operations. Alongside Emirates, Etihad Airways also makes an appearance in the list- in fifth (with a score of 86.3).

Amidst new launches, both iPhone and Samsung Galaxy strengthened their brand advocacy among customers, thereby securing a place in the UAE top 10 rankings. iPhone places second in the list (with a score of 89.4) and Samsung Galaxy takes the seventh spot (86.1).

The increased appetite for health & fitness during the pandemic gave a boost to the demand for sportswear and apparels across the globe. It is therefore not surprising to see three leading brands make the list: Adidas is placed third (88.8), Nike in fourth (86.9) and Skechers in the ninth (84.4) position, respectively.

Almarais proclamation to be worlds first brand to obtain a Pandemic Prepared Certification from AIB International for its food safety practices amidst the pandemic has certainly won over its customers, landing it the eighth position in the rankings (score of 84.9).

Emaar and Burj Al Arab complete the UAE top 10 rankings in sixth (86.1) and tenth (84.1), respectively.

YouGov also revealed the brands that made the greatest improvement to their Recommend score among customers over the past 12 months. IndiGo noted the biggest uplift (of +12.4) to its Recommend score, from 49.2 last year to 61.6 this year.

Two other airlines, flydubai and Air Arabia make an appearance in the list, with a change in score of 11.2 and 8.6, respectively.

The improvers list in UAE has a dominance of airlines and destinations, reflecting the building appetite for a holiday among residents. With the rapid progression of the vaccination drive across UAE, restrictions have eased and consumers confidence in stepping out has grown. A'l Bahar at the Corniche Abu Dhabi (12.1), Saadiyat Island (8.6), Reel Cinemas (7.6) and Yas Island Abu Dhabi (7.5) have fared notably well among their customers and secured a place in the list of improvers.

Finally, Extra Chewing Gum (8.3), Super Glue (7.9) and Dominos Pizza (7.0) complete the 2021 improvers list in UAE. -- TradeArabia News Service
Petrofac, a leading international service provider to the energy industry, has been awarded a three-year contract extension from Neptune Energy valued in the region of $14 million.



The renewal, which comes into effect on January 1, 2022, includes provision of operations and maintenance services for Neptune Energys Cygnus Alpha platform in the Southern North Sea. The contract incorporates options to extend its term.



Petrofac began working on the pre-operational phase of Cygnus  the largest gas field discovery in the Southern North Sea for 30 years  in 2011. Today, in addition to its operations and maintenance services contract, Petrofac provides engineering services and emergency response support to Neptune Energy.



Chief Operating Officer Nick Shorten said: "People power our delivery. Our support of Neptune Energy, like many of our North Sea clients, focuses on the provision of skilled personnel who work hard to drive value through safe and efficient operations. The renewal of this long-standing contract recognises the commitment and expertise of our team, and the knowledge they have built of the asset. What better way to celebrate ten-years supporting the Cygnus field."



Cygnus is a crucial component of the UK North Sea energy infrastructure, capable of producing approximately 6% of UK domestic gas demand.



Neptune Energys UK Managing Director, Alexandra Thomas, said: Petrofac has been an integral part of the team at Cygnus over the past decade. The awarding of this contract extension ensures we retain skilled personnel with in-depth knowledge of the asset and underlines our commitment to strengthening our relationships with service partners.  TradeArabia News Service
As Dubai marks a year since reopening its borders to international tourists on July 7, 2020, the latest data published by Dubais Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) shows the city welcomed 3.7 million overnight visitors during the 11-month period from July 2020 to May 2021.



Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai said: We have seen inspiring commitment and proactivity from all stakeholders in the public and private sector to work together to adopt innovative approaches that can consolidate the sustainable recovery of the sector.



Furthermore, Dubais ability to implement a rigorous precautionary protocol regime has made the city one of the worlds safest destinations for travellers. As we gear up to host Expo 2020, these exceptional standards will enable us ensure the event provides the highest global benchmarks of safety and security for all visitors.



The emirate received more than 1.7 million visitors between July and December 2020 from markets that were open, and an additional two million visitors in the first five months of 2021.



Pent-up demand for staycations among UAE residents, both Emiratis and expatriates from over 200 nationalities, drove tourism growth with hotel occupancy rising significantly from 35 per cent in July 2020 to 58 per cent in May 2021. Hotel occupancy in Dubai peaked in December 2020 (69 per cent) and in January 2021 (66 per cent) with the city ranking second globally in terms of occupancy after Singapore and ahead of Paris and London, according to data from hotel management analytics firm STR.



Notably, the average daily rate (ADR) recovered from AED238 ($65) in July 2020 to AED383 ($104) in May 2021.



A total of 591 hotel establishments with 100,000 rooms were operating in July 2020 in full compliance with health and safety protocols. This has now increased to 715 hotel establishments offering 128,000 rooms in May 2021.



The concerted efforts of Dubai Tourism and partners to drive demand for domestic travel saw city hotels welcoming 5.5 million domestic visitors for the period between July 2020 and May 2021, compared to 2.66 million domestic hotel arrivals during the period July 2019 to May 2020, an astounding year-on year growth of 106 per cent.



The hotels also enjoyed an average 56 per cent occupancy during the Eid Al Fitr holiday week in May 2021, which though less than the average occupancy of 62 per cent during the Eid week in 2019, highlighted the crucial role played by the domestic market in Dubais tourism recovery. Furthermore, domestic hotel arrivals during the Eid week in May 2021 accounted for 62 per cent of all hotel guest arrivals compared to 47 per cent in 2019.



Safety measures



A variety of safety initiatives were launched, based on the guidelines of Dubais Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, including a wide range of precautionary measures, in addition to effective testing and vaccination programmes. The vaccination campaign also covered employees across hotels, considered the frontline of the tourism industry, starting with a pilot programme that saw more than 10,000 employees of leading hotels on The Palm Jumeirah receiving the vaccines.



The UAE is currently ranked among the top five nations globally in terms of vaccine rollout. The stringent measures are underpinned by the DUBAI ASSURED stamp, a compliance protocol that certifies establishments within the tourism ecosystem that adhere to health and safety protocols



Leveraging the events ecosystem



During the July 2020  June 2021 period, Dubai held several international leisure events, as well as all major annual festivals and events including the much-awaited Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) and the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) with precautionary measures across the board. The recently launched 24th edition of DSS will further amplify the citys position as the summer destination of choice for families and a year-round international events hub.



In addition to restarting leisure events, Dubai also developed a successful model for the recovery of the business events sector, which paved the way for the resumption of international events in October and subsequently the hosting of mega events such as GITEX in December 2020 and Gulfood, Arabian Travel Market and Arab Health in February, May and June respectively this year.



Since September 2020 to mid-May, Dubai hosted a total of 3,136 business events that were attended by 813,832 delegates. Building on these homegrown events, Dubai also resumed the hosting of conferences and congresses from around the around, in many cases providing organisations and association the opportunity to resume their face-to-face meeting activities and presenting a viable alternative to their original plans.



Alternative pathways to boost tourism growth



In 2020, Dubai Tourism launched the Retire in Dubai programme offering resident expatriates and foreigners aged 55 years and above the opportunity to retire and enjoy a distinct lifestyle in the emirate, as well as a Virtual Working programme that enabled overseas professionals to work remotely based in Dubai.



Two new initiatives that followed the 2019 implementation of the long-term Golden Visa programme allowed individuals to apply for 10 and 5-year residency. This was targeted at investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talent in art, medical and scientific fields, as well as students and property owners.



Dubai also launched other pioneering projects and programmes that will support tourism growth including the new Al Quoz Creative Zone, a dynamic hub for artists and designers. A host of new developments are set to expand the diversity of Dubais offering and add to the momentum of recovery including Ain Dubai, the worlds tallest observation wheel, and the Museum of the Future.



These will further build on Dubais position as a world-leading business hub, which has been reinforced by the increasing number of multinationals and start-ups choosing the city as their base of operations.  TradeArabia News Service
Help India!

On June 22, a 44-year-old Kashmiri man Bashir Ahmad Baba reunited with his family 11 years after he was framed in a case in Gujarat and jailed for the crime he never committed. The acquittal and release of Baba is yet another instance of misuse of UAPA in Kashmir, where the anti-terror law has been frequently used to jail people.

Support TwoCircles



Auqib Javeed | TwoCircles.net

SRINAGAR  Who will return back my youth? How will they compensate me for my wrongful imprisonment? These are the questions that 44-year-old Bashir Ahmad Baba poses to journalists who visit his house in Srinagars Rainawari to know about his jailed life.

On June 22, Baba reunited with his family 11 years after he was framed in a case in Gujarat and jailed for the crime he never committed. He was welcomed by his relatives and family members at his home.

Baba was arrested in 2010 by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad on accusations of being a Hizbul Mujahideen associate and recruiting Muslim youths to send them to Pakistan for training and spread terrorist activities in India.

However, after 11 years, a court in Gujarat acquitted Baba of all charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and ordered his release.

Baba was booked under Unlawful Activities Act section 16, 17, 18, 20 and IPC section 120B.

According to a media report, Additional Sessions Judge rejected the Anti-Terrorism Squads case that Baba was associated with the banned outfit Hizbul Mujahideen.

Hizbul-Mujahideen is a militant group operating in Jammu and Kashmir. Its goal is to separate Kashmir from India and merge it with Pakistan.

Baba is yet another Kashmiri, who became the victim of a failed Indian policy of framing innocent youth of Kashmir in fabricated cases and forcing them to languish behind bars for years.

As per reports, scores of Kashmiris who have spent decades in multiple jails across India were acquitted after the courts found them not guilty.

These people spend the precious time of their youth in jails. However, later on, most of them walked free and innocent of the charges brought against them.

In the last few years, several Kashmiris have been released after Courts in India declared them innocent.

At his home in Rainawari, Baba told TwoCircles.net before he was arrested he was running a computer institute in the area and was also working as assistant project manager of a cleft centre run by NGO Kimaya, and had gone to Ahmedabad 0n February 19, 2010, for training.

The training started on February 21 and I was planning to come back on February 27. However, during one night, Gujarats Anti-Terrorism Squad and Intelligence Bureau raided our apartment and detained me and my colleague Dr Vijay Anand, Baba told TwoCircles.net adding that Dr Anand was released the next day.

He said he was told that he will be released after questioning. However, he was later booked under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and was lodged in Gujarats Baroda jail.

Baba had never thought that he would be jailed and would have to live without his family, nearly 1800 kilometres away from his home in Srinagar.

This was traumatizing for me. I would continuously be thinking about my family and how would they get me out of this jail, he said, adding that he got to learn a lot of things inside the jail.

Baba said being amongst strangers in jail, who spoke a different language would haunt him in his initial days in prison.

Baba is the eldest of four siblings. His two sisters were married while he was in jail. His father Ghulam Nabi Baba died in 2017 due to cancer. It was his younger brother Nazir Ahmad Baba who took charge of running the household and fought for his brothers release.

My brother didnt marry. He would tell me he will marry once I was released, senior Baba said.

During the 11 years of Babas incarceration, his parents came to meet him in jail only twice.

It was written in my fate. I thank Allah for my release. The court also noticed I was wrongly jailed and they released me, he said.

The acquittal came just two years after a Rajasthan high court acquitted three KashmirisLatif Ahmed Waza (42), Ali Bhatt (48) and Mirza Nisar (39) of all charges relating to the 1996 Samleti blast case.

The trio were released as the prosecution failed to prove their involvement after holding them for over 23 years. They all walked free and innocent of all charges but it took the courts 23 years to pronounce the verdict.

In February 2017, three innocent Kashmiris namely Muhammad Hussain Fazili, Mohammad Rafiq Shah and Tariq Ahmad Dar were acquitted by a Delhi court of all charges related to a series of explosions that killed 67 people and left 200 wounded in the Indian capital in 2005.

Observers said that Kashmiris have been the soft targets of the draconian laws like UAPA and Public Safety Act (PSA) for decades.

As per reports, scores of Kashmiris are still behind bars in jails across India and are waiting for their freedom.

The UAPA was introduced in 1967 as legislation to set out reasonable restrictions on the fundamental freedoms under Article 19 (1) of the Constitution, such as freedom of speech, right to peaceful assembly and right to form associations. However, over the years, there have been several amendments to the UAPA to make it stricter when it comes to the rights of the accused, and include more terror-related offences.

On August 3, 2019, a few days before the special status of the Jammu and Kashmir was unilaterally revoked by the BJP led government, the Parliament passed the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, in which an individual can now be designated a terrorist. Fearing misuse of the Act, the Opposition objected to the amendment that allowed naming individuals as terrorists.

At the time, Home Minister Amit Shah assured the House that the Act would not be misused. He said the amendments were necessary as the NIA and other investigative agencies needed to be four steps ahead of terrorists.

However, the apprehensions of the opposition including the Congress partyturned out to be true as the BJP led government faced severe criticism for booking dissenters and journalists under UAPA.

In the recent past, several intellectuals and other dissenters across Indian have been booked under UAPA, which includes Umar Khalid, Meenan Haider, Safoora Zargar, Devangana Kalita, Natasha Narwal, Khalid Saifi and many others.

However, in terms of numbers, Kashmir valley has some of the highest figures of the arrests made under UAPA.

On March 09, 2021, the Government of India said that a total of 876 cases have been registered and 505 persons were arrested under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in Jammu and Kashmir between 2015 to 2019.

Ministry of State for Home Affairs (MHA) GK Reddy stated this in a written reply in Lok Sabha.

Under UAPA, the accused can be detained for six months and cant apply for bail since investigative agencies get 180 days to probe a case.

Human rights activists in Kashmir maintain that if a Kashmiri is detained under UAPA, he has to spend years in jail until the court prove him innocent.

Habeel Iqbal, a lawyer from the Shopian district of Kashmir argues that UAPA has made the Courts redundant and obliterated the principle of separation of powers.

The investigating agencies feel they can get away with anything under the cover of this dreaded legislation UAPA. It becomes even easier when the accused is a Kashmiri, he told TwoCircles.net.

Advocate Iqbal further said, This law has been designed to keep people incarcerated who the Government and Police dont want to be out.

In that sense, this law is not being misused. This was supposed to be the object of this law, Advocate Iqbal added.

In recent times, the law has also received international criticism.

In February 2021, the United Nations expressed deep concerns over the arbitrary use of the anti-terror laws and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) against human rights defenders and journalists in Kashmir aimed at discrediting their work.

In a letter addressed to the Government of India on 22 December 2020, the rapporteurs have noted that the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) authorizes warrantless searches and individual arrests for up to 6 months when the person is designated as terrorist. Moreover, its broad scope makes it easily amenable to abuse.

For Baba, he has accepted that his arrest was written in his fate but he has one wish. I dont want any other innocent Kashmiri to meet the same fate as mine, he said.
Help India!



On July 4, a large Hindu Mahapanchayat was attended by thousands of Hindutva supporters in Haryanas Pataudi. The agenda of the Mahapanchayat at Pataudi, like before, covered anti-Muslim conspiracies like, Love Jihad, Land Jihad, peer Jihad and Population Jihad. This is the second Mahapanchayat organized in Pataudi in less than two weeks. Notably, a series of mass assemblies in the form of Hindu Mahapanchayats were organized in parts of Haryana, particularly in districts with large Muslim populations and people from Delhi NCR and Western Uttar Pradesh joined these assemblies.

Alishan Jafri | TwoCircles.net

Support TwoCircles



NEW DELHI  Calls to murder Muslim men and abduct women were made from yet another Hindu Mahapanchayat in the north-Indian state of Haryana.

On July 4, a large Hindu Mahapanchayat was attended by thousands of Hindutva supporters in Haryanas Pataudi. This is the second Mahapanchayat organized in Pataudi in less than two weeks. Notably, a series of mass assemblies in the form of Hindu Mahapanchayats were organized in parts of Haryana, particularly in districts with large Muslim populations and people from Delhi NCR and Western Uttar Pradesh joined these assemblies. The agenda of the Mahapanchayat at Pataudi, like before, covered anti-Muslim conspiracies like, Love Jihad, Land Jihad, peer Jihad and Population Jihad.

The crowd for the Mahapanchayat was mobilized through social media appeals by prominent Hindutva leaders.

Militant Hindutva leader and Jamia shooter Rambhakt Gopal appeared in a Facebook live video with one RB Gurjar, who had also made a video calling upon Hindus to mobilize in favour of the accused in Asifs case in May 2021.

Asking the youth to attend the Mahapanchayat in large numbers, Gopal said, In the honour of our daughter and sisters we have to answer in the language our enemy understands.

This action needs a proper reaction. We have to smash the heads of the Love Jihadi snakes, Gopal said.

A day later, Rambhakt Gopal led a mob of hundreds of men into the Ramlila ground, the venue of the Mahapanchayat. They were chanting slogans Jai Shri Ram and Mullo ka na Qazi ka, Ye Desh hai Veer Shivaji Ka.

At the event, he delivered a speech asking Hindus to take revenge by abducting Muslim women. He asked, Cant we abduct a Salma?

When Muslims will be murdered, they will shout Ram Ram, he said in his speech, which has since gone viral on social media.

Gopal had made equally incendiary speeches at the previous Mahapanchayat in Indri as well, in which he called upon Hindus to assemble in support of the accused in the lynching case.

A eunuch named Asif has been killed because of his deeds. Look at Hindu unity. We wont even spare your unborn if our sisters honour is touched, he had said in the Facebook live.

Suraj Pal Amu, BJP Haryana spokesman and Karni Sena president, who while referring to Asif Khan had asked at the Indri Mahapanchayat, Should we not even murder them now? was also a star speaker at the Pataudi event. He made several hateful anti-Muslim remarks, which are now going viral in Hindutva networks and social media.

This time around, Amu allegedly called for the demolition of a mosque by its foundation. He also referred to Muslims as Pakistanis and demanded their eviction from India and said, Agar Bharat hamari mata hai, toh Pakistan ke hum baap hain, aur ye Pakistani ko hum yahan ke gharon mein kiraye par makan nahin denge Inko is desh se nikaalo, yeh prastaav paas karo (If India is our mother, then we are the father of Pakistan. We will not give houses here on rent to the Pakistani. Remove them from this country, pass this proposal), reported The Wire.

In 2017, Amus name surfaced in the news when members of his group Karni Sena launched violent protests against the makers of the film Padmavat. Amu had even announced a bounty of Rs 10 crore on the head of the filmmakers and was charged under Section 120 (criminal conspiracy) for widespread violent protests.

Making a communal dig at actor Saif Ali Khan, he added, Agar desh ke andar itihaas banana chahte ho, itihaas banna nahin hai, itihaas banana hai, na Taimur paida hoga, na Aurangzeb Babar Humayun paida honge, hum sau crore hain, aur wo bees crore hain (If you want to make history in the country, if you dont want to become history, neither will Taimur be born, nor will Aurangzeb, Babur, Humayun be born. We are 100 crores, and they 20 crores.)

Wo mooche kaat lete hain aur hum gala kaat dete.. (They trim moustaches, we slit throats). He then asked the crowd, Hum unko chun chun kar thokenge ki nahi (Should we not identify and shoot them)? The mob responded, thokenge (Shoot them).

Manu Manesar, a Gau-rakshak and Bajrang Dal leader was introduced by the host as someone who shoots and gets shot while protecting cows. Manesars solution to the Love Jihad issue was more direct. He suggested that Muslim men who commit Love Jihad should be murdered. He sought a list of Love Jihadis to be killed by his team. He also referred to the big brother who would save them afterwards.

Amu and other speakers pointed out how at the previous Mahapanchayat in Indri, they had advocated the release of the accused in the lynching of Asif Khan, a gym trainer from Mewat. He celebrated the fact that some accused have been let off on bail.

Shockingly, the police have failed to act despite these repeated calls of mass murder of Muslims. The Indian Express reported that the police are waiting for a formal complaint to book the hate mongers. Meanwhile, the police are yet to investigate the hate speeches at the previous Mahapanchayat.

Pertinently, the police is duty-bound to take cognizance of such grave offences even if no one files a complaint. This was pointed out by Supreme Court lawyer, Anas Tanvir, who wrote on Twitter: Hey @gurgaonpolice, people are afraid of these elements and are not coming forward to file FIR. People in this Mahapanchayat have committed cognizable offences u/s 153A r/w 34 and 120B. Youre duty-bound to file FIR as per CrPC and SC judgment in Lalita Kumari. Youve power.
Held biennially over the easter weekend in the spectacular Alpine-esque setting of Wanaka, New Zealand, the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow has long proved to be a sensational event, with people and participating aircraft, traveling from around the globe just to attend. The show frequently offers unique viewing opportunities for its audiences; one such highlight, on occasion, is the sight  and sound  of a Curtiss Kittyhawk firing its main armament (albeit with blank ammunition) during a flying performance. Warbirds Over Wanakas organizers have just confirmed that this eagerly anticipated act will feature at next Easters Airshow!

The aircraft in question is, of course, Frank Parkers P-40N 42-104730 which saw combat in WWII with the Royal Australian Air Force as Kittyhawk Mk.IV A29-448, nicknamed Currawong. Interestingly, during wartime battlefield repairs, 448s fuselage was grafted to another airframe, A29-1050. As a result, the restored Kittyhawk carries 448s markings on the left side of the fuselage and 1050s on the right.

Warbirds Over Wanakas General Manager, Ed Taylor, believes Wanaka is the only air show in the world where you can see a P-40 firing its .50 cal machine guns, noting: On the Saturday and Sunday the P-40 will be part of a recreation of the Battle of Milne Bay, a famous Australian WWII battle. However, before that on the Friday we will be having a special one-off firing of the guns on the ground to allow fans to get up close and personal for a very noisy experience of a lifetime.

Taylor continued, stating: The P-40 guns are something of an only-at-Wanaka thing. They were first used back in 2008 and then in 2012 and 2016. Its great to have them back for 2022 after the disappointment of having to cancel our last show.

The aircrafts pilot, Frank Parker, recognizes how the P-40s character changes from a quaint old aircraft to a weapons system when the guns are fired. Remarking on this transition, Parker notes: The guns are a bit muted by the engine noise, however the whole airframe rattles  there is no doubt there is some serious action going on. They add a further dimension to the aircraft and the display routine. Im very privileged to be in the seat and it does give you a very real feeling for how it must have been when P-40s were flying in combat back in the 1940s.

To help raise funds for the Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust Flying Scholarships, air show volunteers will collect the spent shell casings from where they fall and Frank Parker will sign them for sale to air show visitors.

The Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow will take place during Easter 2022 (April 15th, 16th, 17th with Rides Day on April 18th). For more information and tickets, please visit www.warbirdsoverwanaka.com
A lockdown has been imposed on Ruili, a Yunnan town near the Muse border crossing. Most of the latest cases involve Myanmar nationals. Military patrols have been deployed to stop illegal entries. Troops are ready to intervene to protect Chinese investments in Myanmar.

Beijing (AsiaNews)  The authorities in Yunnan today imposed a lockdown in Ruili, a city on the border with Myanmar, because of a COVID-19 outbreak.

The decision came after 15 people tested positive yesterday for the coronavrius; 12 of them are Myanmar nationals living in the border city, a fact that has alarmed provincial officials.

In Chinas southern neighbour, the ongoing conflict between the military and the armed opposition has made it more difficult to contain the pandemic.

The outbreak in Ruili has pushed the number of cases in China to its highest level since January, although the country continues to report, at least officially, very few cases compared to other countries, especially in Asia.

However, the re-emergence of the coronavirus in late May in Guangdong province, which generates 10 per cent of Chinas GDP, has already had a negative impact on the post-pandemic economic recovery.

To cope with the risk of the virus spreading from Myanmar, the head of the Chinese Communist Party in Ruili announced even tighter controls at the border.

Zhai Yulong stressed that illegal cross-border activities will be stopped, with punishments for offenders and those who organise human trafficking.

However, the border closure is hurting local residents on both sides of the border. According to Channel News Asia, goods worth on average US$ 2.3 million go through the Muse border crossing near Ruili every day.

Since civil strife broke out in Myanmar in February, China has increased its military presence along the border.

The increase in Chinese soldiers and patrols in the area is not only aimed at blocking Myanmar migrants, who might carry the coronavirus.

As the situation in its southern neighbour gets worse, Beijing also wants to be ready to protect its trading (and geopolitical) interests.

Analysts note that in case of need, Chinese troops could be used to quickly protect the gas and oil pipelines that supply Kunming, the capital of Yunnan, from Kyaukpyu, on the Bay of Bengal.

The same goes for the highway that connects Muse to Mandalay, the industrial area of Myitkyina and the development zone of Yangon.

All these infrastructures are part of the Belt and Road Initiative, Xi Jinping's plan to boost Chinas trade links with the rest of the world.
by Nirmala Carvalho

Fellow Jesuits pay tribute to their confrere who died at the age of 84 after a long period of incarceration prison. A friend, Fr Mascarenhas remembers how he was inspired after Fr Stans stint as director, when he went to work with the marginalised in Ranchi. For writer Arundhati Roy, his slow murder is a microcosm of the not-so slow-murder of Indian democracy.

Mumbai (AsiaNews)  Fr Stan Swamy, who died on Monday at the age of 84, was laid to rest today.

His fellow Jesuits described the service as The funeral of a saint of our time, held in St Peters Church in Bandra (Mumbai).

Only 20 people were able to take part in the ceremony due to COVID-19 restrictions, but the Mass was streamed live.

Fr Stan spent long months in prison on charges of terrorism for his commitment to the rights of tribal and Dalit communities.

For his final journey, his body was dressed in a red chasuble, while his hands clasped a chalice and his fingers were entwined with the Rosary.

Fr Stan was hounded because of his staunch support for the struggle of the Adivasi and the Dalits for their basic human rights, said in his homily Fr Stanislaus DSouza, president of the Jesuit Conference of South Asia, citing the Gospel passage about the flagellation of Jesus.

In the eulogy, his friend Fr Frazer Mascarenhas mentioned the word comrades. To think that Fr Stan used it in a Maoist sense is an absolutely ridiculous accusation. Stan was gentle; someone who loved peace, who rejected all forms of violence. He considered all those working for humanity [. . .] as his comrades.

In all this he valued his priesthood above all else. Every time I went to visit him [in the hospital]. He was interested in receiving Jesus in Holy Communion, Fr Mascarenhas noted.

One particular evening, when I forgot to bring the Holy Communion, after we had chatted for a while, he said, now give me the Communion. I went back to my parish and brought Fr Stan the Holy Communion, and he was truly grateful for that. This was the real Fr Stan.

As a young Jesuit, I went to an institute where Fr Stan was director. He taught social analysis, Fr Mascarenhas said.

He explained and helped us understand the undercurrents of Indian society. Later I was inspired after Fr Stans stint as director, when he went to work with the marginalised in Ranchi.

Fr Stan worked for 30 years with the most vulnerable in Indian society using his social analyses. At the time of his arrest, 3,000 young Adivasi were detained for the same reasons he was, and he was fighting for them.

Immediately after the funeral, Fr Swamys remains were cremated; his ashes will be taken to Ranchi, where he wanted to die. Moving his body would have entailed logistical difficulties, a Jesuit source said. A monument is already planned in his memory.

Meanwhile, the elderly Jesuit priests death is a major topic of discussion across the country. Writer Arundhati Roy slammed Indian authorities for the way he died.

The slow murder of Father Stan Swamy is a microcosm of the not-so slow-murder of everything that allows us to call ourself a democracy, writes Roy. We are ruled by fiends. They have put a curse upon this land.
by Sumon Corraya

The new homes are given to families displaced by the erosion of banks of the Pashur River. For Bishop Boiragi, help was provided because The life of internal migrants is very difficult due to climate change.

Khulna (AsiaNews)  The Diocese of Khulna and the local Caritas have donated 80 homes to victims of climate change.

The Catholic organisations in southern Bangladesh gave the new homes to families left without a roof by storms and the erosion of the banks of the Pashur River.

When I lived by the river, rainwater would enter my makeshift house. On rainy days we couldn't sleep and then the waters swept it away. Now we have a roof under which to live in a dignified way, said Shaktipada Sardar, 35, father of two.

Daniel Biswas, a shoemaker, also lost his home seven months ago due to the erosion of the banks of the Pashur River. Without the help of Bishop James Romen Boiragi and Caritas, we could not have obtained the house where we live peacefully today even with the rain.

Both Shaktipada and Daniel converted to Christianity in 1992.

Of the 80 donated houses, 60 went to Christian families, said Bishop Boiragi after blessing them. The life of internal migrants is very difficult, he explained.

Living along waterways is increasingly complicated, because one bank breaks while another rises, Daud Jibon Das, regional director of Caritas Khulna told AsiaNews.

We have helped the victims of climate change. Caritas donated 30,000 taka (about US$ 350) for the construction of some houses, but the people of the community also contributed with donations, Das said.

The diocese hopes that in the future it can do the same for more people forced to move due to the climate emergency.
by Vladimir Rozanskij

Islamist guerrillas control the Tajik-Afghan border. Russian troops will not replace US and NATO troops withdrawing from Afghanistan. Afghan soldiers hosted and protected in Tajik territory: they were fleeing a massive attack by Taliban forces.

Moscow (AsiaNews) - Russia is ready to help Tajikistan against the Afghan Taliban, Russian President Vladimir Putin told his Tajik colleague Emomali Rakhmon yesterday in a telephone conversation. The Kremlin offered its support in the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), which in addition to the Russian Federation includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan itself.

Moscow describes the situation of armed clashes in the regions bordering Afghanistan is "rather complicated". On July 5, Tajik border guards let 1,037 Afghan soldiers into their territory as they retreated in the face of a Taliban attack. Islamist guerrillas opened hostilities in Khokhon, Shikay, Nusay, Mokhimay, Shugnan and Sulton Ishkashym, in the Afghan province of Badakhshan.

In Russia, the Taliban is considered a terrorist organisation. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has already appealed to the Csto agreements to justify Moscow's interest in the Afghan issue. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has ruled out sending Russian troops to Afghanistan to replace those withdrawn by the US and NATO.

The bulk of Washington's forces on Afghan soil left the Bagram air base on July 2, now handed over to the authorities in Kabul. During the 1979-1989 invasion of Afghanistan, the Soviet army had turned the military facility into its main command centre. The complete withdrawal of US soldiers is scheduled for 11 September, the anniversary of the attack on the Twin Towers in New York.

The Tajik news agency Khovar explained the reception of the fleeing Afghan soldiers as "an expression of the principle of good neighbourliness, respecting the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of the Republic of Afghanistan". The common border between the two countries is now in the hands of the Taliban; in the Afghan province of Badakhshan it stretches for 910 kilometres, out of a total of 1,400 kilometres of border.

The Tajik military guarding the border do not rule out further arrivals of Afghan soldiers, who are already more numerous than the official figures. In an attempt to keep the situation under control, Rakhmon is in constant telephone contact with his Afghan counterpart Ashraf Ghani.

In statements to the local press, the Afghan soldiers thanked the Tajiks for saving their lives. "We were forced to flee because we were betrayed by the popular militias, who were supposed to support us in the fight with the Taliban. Our government gave them weapons and supplies, but at the last moment, the militia made an agreement with the Taliban, and we did not have enough forces to fight back," Muhammadzohir Valadi Safarali, one of the Afghan officers who fled, told Radio Ozodiche.

Another soldier from Kabul, Muhammadvali, confirmed that 'fighting with the Taliban, who have more than three times our strength, would have been suicide'. He thanked the Tajiks for providing food and a place to sleep. The fate of these soldiers now depends on the will of the Ghani government, depending on agreements with Dushanbe.
The capital extends social distancing rules for another week and could become more stringent if the situation does not come under control. According to health authorities, the virus is mainly circulating among young people who have not yet been vaccinated. Thirty percent of the population has received at least one dose.

Seoul (AsiaNews/Agencies) - A fourth wave of coronavirus is feared in South Korea: today 1,212 new cases of Covid-19 were counted, the highest number since that recorded on December 25 (1,240) when the country was in the middle of the third wave. This was reported by Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, explaining that the virus is circulating mainly among those in their 20s and 30s who have not yet been vaccinated.

Health authorities have decided to extend current rules on social distancing in the Seoul area for another week, but warned that stricter restrictions could be in place if the situation does not come back under control. At the moment, gatherings of more than five people are prohibited, and there is a 10 p.m. curfew for restaurants.

Most of the new infections have occurred in the capital and surrounding areas, especially in large companies and schools. By the end of the week, health authorities will visit businesses with more than 50 employees to perform blanket swabs.

Just over 30 percent of the population has received a dose of vaccine, while 5.4 million people, or 10.6 percent of South Koreans, have been fully vaccinated.
Iranians' goal is to develop fuel "for a research reactor". Great Britain, France and Germany sound the alarm: The Vienna meetings are in danger. The United States speaks of an "unfortunate step backwards". At the moment no new date has been set for the negotiations in the Austrian capital.

Teheran (AsiaNews/Agencies) - The Iranian government has increased its production of enriched uranium, which could lead to the development of a nuclear weapon. This has been reported by the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency), informed by the Iranian authorities whose official objective would be, at least on paper, to develop fuel "for a research reactor".

Britain, France and Germany immediately raised the alarm, stressing that the move could permanently derail the ongoing talks on the 2015 agreement (Jcpoa). The US spoke of an "unfortunate step backwards".

Iranian officials have informed the UN agency of the process of enriching uranium, which is then sent "to a fuel production plant in Esfahan" and there converted "into UF4 (uranium tetrafluoride), and then into uranium-235 enriched to 20%" to be used "in fuel production".

Western governments express "great concern" over Tehran's decision. "Iran," say London, Berlin and Paris in a joint note, "has no real need for uranium" and the step taken "is a key element in the development of a nuclear weapon". " "With its latest steps, Iran is threatening a successful outcome to the Vienna talks despite the progress achieved in six rounds of negotiations," concludes the statement, which raises the call for dialogue in the Austrian capital.

US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that although they were not setting a deadline for the talks, "as time proceeds Iran's nuclear advances will have a bearing on our view of returning to the JCPOA".

ecently, Tehran progressively violated the terms of the pact by easing restrictions on nuclear activities. The first steps in this direction date back to 2019, in response to the May 2018 withdrawal by the then US President Donald Trump from the JCPOA and the reintroduction of the toughest sanctions in history, causing a collapse of the Iranian economy.

The temporary agreement will expire on June 24. However, international diplomats have so far shown cautious optimism that a new nuclear deal is possible even though the new US President Joe Biden has maintained the sanctions of his predecessor.

Since April, US, European and Iranian emissaries have been holding talks in Vienna to try to restore the agreement. The last meeting was held on 20 June, in the aftermath of the presidential elections that saw the victory of the ultra-conservative Ebrahim Raisi, and since then no new dates have been set.
When Waters is in town, he stops by the bookshop to pick up his mail and sign copies of his books. Last summer, he obligingly modeled two face masks the bookstore was selling: one nice and one disgusting. The nice mask reproduced the lower half of Waters face, albeit in pink. The other mask was marketed as The John Waters Filthy Roach Face Mask.
Black residents make up almost 31% of Marylands residents age 12 and older. If they had gotten the same proportion of vaccinations, another 264,000 people would be protected. If Hispanic people, who make up 9.4% of the population, had another 9,000 people would be vaccinated. That would also push up the percentage vaccinated by at least 4 more points.
The news shows that the shots administered to millions of Marylanders remain rather efficacious at preventing serious COVID-19 infections. And it comes as state officials are strategizing how to reach the remaining quarter of Marylands adult population that has yet to receive a shot, amid the rise of a more contagious coronavirus strain, the Delta variant.
The winners will be picked using the same system as the recently completed VaxCash lottery campaign, which dished out daily $40,000 prizes to 40 different adults who had been vaccinated and then wrapped up on July 4 with a $400,000 grand prize. The state health department assigned random numbers to vaccinated residents, and the lottery system selected winners at random.
It is already clear, for example, that the maglev train will primarily serve those who are able to pay between five and 10 times as much to save 45 minutes on a one-way trip to Washington (the maglev is projected to cost riders $1 to $2 per mile; the MARC, according to my own calculation, costs about 20 cents per mile). The Baltimore area needs, first and foremost, improved bus service, more frequent and affordable trains on existing rail, and arguably also new light rail connections. Such solutions are perhaps not very exciting, but much more likely to serve economic and racial justice, while also reducing gasoline emissions and car dependence.
Baltimore County has never been known for transparency in its governance. Residents who have moved into the county in the last few decades may be unaware of our history of county executives being prosecuted for malfeasance from the time of Spiro Agnew. Therefore, it was with the great expectation that we might see a more transparent review of county functions and finances that I welcomed legislation authorizing the appointment of an independent inspector general.
David Zurawiks recent column comparing WBFF and WBAL programs on Baltimores problems dealing with crime puts the cart before the horse (WBFF and WBAL offer two very different ways of examining Baltimores problems, June 29). WBFFs program was truthful about the present crime wave flooding the city. Baltimore is one of Americas most dangerous cities thanks mainly to progressive policies that deter police officers from doing their job. Theres no systematic racism involved in identifying who the perpetrators and victims are. Crime is crime, and you cant sugar coat it or paint it as something else.


remaining of

Thank you for supporting local, independent journalism! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
Impulsiveness tied to faster eating in children, can lead to obesity

Research also suggests cravings after sight and/or smell of food linked to inability to self-soothe in kids

Future research should examine the different ways parents feed their children in response to their temperament, as well as explore whether the relationship between temperament and eating behaviors is a two-way street. 

BUFFALO, N.Y  Children who eat slower are less likely to be extroverted and impulsive, according to a new study co-led by the University at Buffalo and Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia.

The research, which sought to uncover the relationship between temperament and eating behaviors in early childhood, also found that kids who were highly responsive to external food cues (the urge to eat when food is seen, smelled or tasted) were more likely to experience frustration and discomfort and have difficulties self-soothing.

These findings are critical because faster eating and greater responsiveness to food cues have been linked to obesity risk in children, says Myles Faith, PhD, co-author and professor of counseling, school and educational psychology in the UB Graduate School of Education.

The research, published in June in Pediatric Obesity, supports the integration of temperament into studies of and treatment for childhood obesity, a connection Faith deemed in need of further exploration in a previous study he co-led.

Temperament is linked to many child developmental and behavioral outcomes, yet despite emerging evidence, few studies have examined its relationship with pediatric obesity, said co-lead investigator Robert Berkowitz, MD, emeritus professor at the University of Pennsylvania and director of the Weight and Eating Disorders Research Program at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia.

Co-lead investigator Alyssa Button, doctoral candidate in the UB Graduate School of Education, is the first author.

The researchers surveyed 28 participants beginning a family intervention program to reduce eating speed among 4- to 8-year-old children with or at risk for obesity.

The study examined the associations between three eating behaviors and three facets of temperament. The eating behaviors included responsiveness to feeling full (internal food cues); responsiveness to seeing, smelling and tasting food (external food cues); and eating speed. Temperament consisted of extroversion and impulsivity (also known as surgency); self-control; and the inability to self-sooth negative emotions such as anger, fear and sadness.

Among the findings is that children who respond well to feeling full exhibit more self-control. More research is needed to understand the role parents play in their childrens temperament and eating behavior, says Button.

Parents may use food to soothe temperamental children and ease negative emotions, says Button, also a senior research support specialist in the Department of Pediatrics in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at UB. Future research should examine the different ways parents feed their children in response to their temperament, as well as explore whether the relationship between temperament and eating behaviors is a two-way street. Could the habit of eating slower, over time, lead to lower impulsiveness?

This study established relationships between temperament and eating patterns in children; however, there is still the question of chicken-and-egg and which comes first? says Faith. Research that follows families over time is needed to untangle these developmental pathways.

The study was funded by the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia.
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.
Videos

Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos.
Comment Policy Calaveras Enterprise does not actively monitor comments. However, staff does read through to assess reader interest. When abusive or foul language is used or directed toward other commenters, those comments will be deleted. If a commenter continues to use such language, that person will be blocked from commenting. We wish to foster a community of communication and a sharing of ideas, and we truly value readers' input.
Colonel Cyrille Atonfack capture d'ecran

Navy Captain Atonfack Guemo Cyrille Serge, Cameroons military spokesman and Head of Division of the countrys ministry of defense Tuesday released the governments version after state forces killed an unarmed man in Bamenda.

Although locals protested the killing of Ngoran Djibiring Dubila and described him as an innocent civilian, the military spokesman said the deceased had links with separatists.

Navy Captain Atonfack says the incident happened in the afternoon of Sunday 4th July 2021, at about 2:30 pm, and the venue was Below Foncha in Nken, Bamenda where a mixed security checkpoint is located.

The military spokesman writes: In actual fact, during a routine check, a suspicious driver, by name Ngoran Djibiring Dubila, driving a TOYOTA brand vehicle (white land cruiser), registration number CE 250 BF, panic-stricken, engaged in a brutal car escape manoeuvre, at the precise moment when he was asked to stop his vehicle.

In his flight, he was stopped by deterrent gunshots which unfortunately hit him fatally. The family of the deceased buried him on the morning of Monday, 5th July 2021, at the Ngomgham municipal cemetery in Bamenda 2.

Initial findings helped to establish with certainty that an arrest warrant had been issued against the deceased on 24th November 2020 by the President of the Bamenda Military Tribunal, following judgment No. 18/2020 of 4th November 2020 sentencing him to 03 years imprisonment and 565,950 CFA Francs in fines and accumulated damages for inciting secession and issuing conditional threats.

July 6, 2021 press release from MINDEF following killing of unarmed man on Sunday in Bamenda (c) Archives

In addition, it is now clearly established that the said Ngoran Djibiring Dubila, bearer of the temporal identification document no. NW35054151WJZYJRD7U1, from which it appears that he was born on April 23, 1985, in Jakiri and who claimed to work as a businessman, was in fact the main local relay and hub of certain secessionist terrorist leaders of the diaspora in the Nkwen sector (Bamenda 3). He had been involved in several kidnappings with ransom demand, as well as numerous conditional threats.

Finally, it should be noted that under multiple pseudonyms and accounts on social networks, he personally and directly led several groups of scammers specialised in online scamming.

The Ministry of Defence regrets this unfortunate incident and extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

The investigation opened by the local administrative authorities and the Defence and Security Forces will help to ascertain the magnitude and establish responsibilities of the actors in this unfortunate incident.

Many are those who have picked holes in the statement rolled out by the ministry of defence. They wonder how someone convicted by the courts was still walking free eight months after. That the ministry of defence sent condolences to the bereaved family remains intriguing. Others wonder how the military spokesman arrived at Tuesdays press statement when he acknowledges that investigations to ascertain magnitude and establish responsibilities were ongoing.
Hon. Findi Stanley Mokondo National Assembly

Hon. Findi Stanley Mokondo, one of the two members of the national assembly for Fako East Constituency  Limbe, Muyuka & Tiko  quizzed the Minister of Finance on why the government is yet to appoint a management team for the Limbe Deep Seaport.

During the Tuesday, July 6, 2021, budgetary orientation debate at the National Assembly, Hon. Findi sought to know when the National Refining Company (SONARA) will be reconstructed. He also expressed the need to divide Muyuka Subdivision into three subdivisions - Ekona, Munyenge, and Muyuka Central - with headquarters in Ekona.

On what is hindering the commencement of the Limbe Ports Authority, Finance Minister Louis-Paul MOTAZE said feasibility studies are delaying the appointment of a management team for the Limbe Deep Seaport.

The Limbe Deep Seaport is one of the projects we have in the transport sector, said Motaze.

The Minister said contrary to what people may think, it is not enough to put in place a management structure for the Limbe Ports Authority because there are studies that have to be done and it is these studies that are taking a lot of time.

According to Minister Motaze, contrary to widespread beliefs, the Kribi Deep Seaport was not constructed because a management structure was put in place. Rather, it was at the end of feasibility studies that a management team was put up.

A management team for the Kribi Deep Seaport was put in place after the completion of feasibility studies. The management team simply came to implement what had been studied. And these studies took about 30 years. These studies are quite long but I will want to tell you that the Minister of Economy will tell you more about the reflections ongoing to make the Limbe Deep Seaport a reality at the level of the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development, said Motaze .

Finance Minister Motaze replies Hon. Findi over Limbe Ports Authority, SONARA reconstruction... (c) National Assembly

On when the National Refining Company (SONARA) will be reconstructed following the May 31, 2019 fire outbreak, Minister Motaze told Hon. Findi that a plan to reconstruct SONARA is pending approval at the Presidency of the Republic.

You know that there was a fire incident on May 31, 2019, at a time when the project to restructure SONARA had been engaged to about 50 percent. The problem with SONARA is that it does not have the technology to refine our crude. That is why we import crude, said Minister Motaze. As such, a project was launched to technically restructure SONARA. The project was to be realized in two phases. The first phase had been realized at about 98 percent. We were about to launch the second phase when the fire incident occurred. At the moment, we have launched a technical audit which has made proposals to government. 

Motaze said an inter-ministerial commission had met and transmitted its proposals to the hierarchy as to the kind of technology SONARA needs.

We will soon get to select an enterprise to provide us with this technology. As soon as the report sent to the presidency is approved, the reconstruction of SONARA will begin. For the moment, SONARA is obliged to buy, import petrol from elsewhere, said Motaze.

Minister Motaze said dividing Muyuka into three subdivisions with headquarters in Ekona within the framework of the Presidential Plan for the Reconstruction and development of the North-West and South-West region was not a bad idea. He however said the Ministry of Territorial Administration is best placed to make such proposals after studies.
The problem was there before COVID, and now you are putting more people in the sky and you exacerbate this with the masks, Thomas said. Service levels are atrocious. Planes are packed, they are not feeding you, its hard to get food in an airport. The only thing thats easy to get is alcohol, which is not a good thing.
My confidence is high, Bradshaw said in an interview Monday. Its taken a long time to get here but its really a model of how the city, developers and community advocates can work well together. And I hope at the end of the day we can all see that the fruits of that will come to benefit the seniors in Annapolis.
Rushing the safe setup of fireworks at the other sites, which typically takes several hours, would have placed the fireworks workers at an increased risk. It was based on these cumulative risks that all the shows were canceled as public safety was, and remains, our first priority, Waters said in an email.
Out of contact for more than four hours, according to a Federal Bureau of Prisons report, Levi was accused of escape and sent to the D.C. jail to await transfer back to the federal system. Her case drew attention after reports on former inmates who might have to go back to prison when the pandemic ends.
In other words, the officer has to evaluate the force being used against him by the suspect in the moment and only mirror or slightly exceed that force, Ready said. The penalty for the officer misjudging  in the heat of the moment when using any force is a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
While Day Center at St. Pauls United Church of Christ at 17 Bond Street in Westminster remains open daily from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. and is available as a cooling center, all branches of the Carroll County Public Library will also act as cooling centers Monday through Wednesday between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Ellin said his motivation for running for states attorney is to be more involved in the community. He said he has a vested interest in the county and wants to keep Carroll safe for families.
Banks wife noted that he has two firearms  one for work and one for leisure  in asking the court to order him to stay away from her, the 15-year-old stepson and their two sons. She requested custody of all three minors.
This man believes these people conspired against him so he could no longer live in society, Yeager said. She testified his delusions worsened as the courts rejected each of his legal claims. Eventually, Yeager said, he felt the justice system had failed him and that his only option was to attack the newspaper and kill the people who had ruined his name.
Further underscoring the geopolitical stakes in cyberspace, the Republican National Committee said Tuesday that it had been informed over the weekend that one of its contractors had been breached, though it was not immediately clear by whom. The RNC said no data was accessed. The contractor, Synnex, said separately that the action could potentially be in connection with the recent cybersecurity attacks of Managed Service Providers, a likely reference to the breaches last week.
Dozens of people protested outside the state Department of Labors office in Baltimore on Tuesday, calling on the state to do a better job administering the unemployment programs. In addition to the issue of people facing the elimination of their benefits, protesters said thousands of people who have applied for unemployment remain in limbo without receiving payments.
If you are old enough to remember the hit comedy movie of 1980, Caddy Shack, then you will recall that a gopher infestation was threatening a golf course in Nebraska. The somewhat deranged groundskeeper was tasked with getting rid of the pest. His efforts at eradication include shooting, f
Boka in May unveiled plans to open another new Chicago restaurant at 564 W. Randolph St., west of the Loop between the Chicago River and the Kennedy Expressway. That Italian restaurant, called Alla Vita, will be led by chef Lee Wolen. It replaces another Boka concept, called Bellemore, that closed during the pandemic.
More than 2,000 letters were filed with regulators with most of them supporting the deal, but it also attracted strong opposition from rival Canadian Pacific railroad and several hundred commenters who raised concerns about the merger hurting competition. Canadian Pacific lost out on the chance to acquire Kansas City Southern when it refused to increase its original $25 billion bid for the smaller U.S. railroad, but CP has continued to seek STB approval for its combination with Kansas City Southern, so it will be prepared if the CN deal fails to get approval.
What kind of cool video or cool photo can I create? We describe it as an experience that features picture perfect play, Davis said. We want to make sure every single person thats coming there, their jaw is dropped  thats not only done through the way the rooms are designed, but the different types of music thats playing, the different special effects that are going on through the exhibits. Its this one-hour experience that really should feel like youre entering into this new world and we describe it as, its a break from the real world.
Suzzanne Douglas, a beautiful and talented actress, made her transition today, her cousin Angie Tee wrote on Facebook on Tuesday. She warmed our hearts on movie screens and television sets all over the world. This beautiful soul was my cousin. I can remember growing up, there werent very many Black actresses who had starring roles but there was my cousin with the lead role in Tap starring alongside great dancers such as Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis Jr. She also performed with Angela Bassett and Whoopi Goldberg in How Stella Got Her Groove Back. The Inkwell, Jasons Lyric and so much more, the list goes on. The world will miss your talent but your soul will live on forever. Rest in Paradise, my beautiful cousin Suzzane, you will be missed.
Like many of Soderberghs achievements, this one is dominated by a stylistic decision thats a bit of a mixed bag. He shoots with ultra-wide lenses, perhaps too slavishly; the fish-eye effect and curled-up edges of the frame can seem a little self-conscious, at least when used this aggressively. On the other hand, the location work and Soderberghs compositions are often wonderful. The movie is devoted to the presence of its beautiful old cars, and when the camera follows a vehicle on a pivot, the effect is noir in a nutshell: For these weasels  most of them, anyway  what goes around, comes around.
We have unfortunately had an officer shot in the line of duty. Our officer has passed away. We will release more information as the case allows, Adamson said.
I think this highlights some of the things Ive been saying over the last several weeks. The officers are performing their jobs at the highest level. Theyre risking everything to protect the people of Chicago and this includes our collaboration with ATF officers, he said. They are doing their part, and no one would do what these officers do right now.
Chinatown is coming back to the way it was, Yu Xin Feng, 74, said through a translator at the Pui Tak Center, where he and his wife, He Yu Yong, 73, were receiving their second round of vaccinations. Feng said he felt less anxiety about getting sick or traveling this summer.
The Chicago Fire Department responded to a report of a man in the channel near Bryn Mawr and Kedzie avenues Tuesday afternoon, said Walter Schroeder, a Chicago fire district chief. The man was identified as Luis Avilez, of the 5600 block of North St. Louis Avenue, according to the Cook County medical examiners office. Police said crews were called to the scene about 5:10 p.m.
The party will include performances by the South Side Jazz Coalition, the Joffrey Ballet Academy and the Chicago Chorus Girl Project, among others. Visitors can take part in free yoga and dance classes, shop for handmade pottery and try out typewriters courtesy of the American Writers Museum. Food will be available for purchase. The full lineup is accessible here.
When you do a sweep of an encampment, thats just perpetuating the cycle of homelessness, said Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, 35th. They tell people to remove and discard their items, and then they (the homeless men) set an encampment somewhere else, but their life is once again destabilized (and) their ability to get back on their feet is diminished once again.
In any event, the U.S. has completed 90% of its pullout from the country where our forces have been fighting for nearly 20 years. We are not leaving in the glow of victory but with the fragrance of failure. Our best efforts were never enough to stamp out the Taliban and establish a secure and democratic government in Kabul.
As stubborn as aldermen are in the defense of their micro-regimes, Lightfoot cannot  and should not  give up the fight. All too often, the abuse of aldermanic power becomes a gateway to corruption. A report released earlier this year by the University of Illinois at Chicago labeled Chicago as the most corrupt city in the country. Most Chicagoans wouldnt be surprised by that finding. But they should be mad as hell about it. And they should demand that their aldermen embrace reforms that help make most corrupt city a distant moniker from the past, rather than a disturbing reality now.
I said, Remember when you called me and we talked about this? Its not getting any better. We need to make sure we pass what we need to pass and have resources where the resources need to go to fight this, said Kelly, a Democrat from Matteson. We need the federal agents to be able to do their jobs, because gun trafficking and straw purchases are a huge issue in Chicago.
I am honored to receive this pivotal endorsement from Senator Duckworth, Valencia said in a statement. Senator Duckworth has led the way for women in this State and has helped pave the way for me to run statewide. She serves with the highest integrity, authenticity and focuses on helping everyday Illinoisans. I look forward to campaigning for both of us on the ticket.
Police said they responded at 3:40 p.m. to a home in the 9500 block of Meade Avenue and the girl was initially taken to Advocate Aurora Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn then later transferred to Comer Childrens Hospital in Chicago, where she died.
The Secretary of States Office is the second-largest Illinois constitutional office after the governors office. It employs more than 4,000 Illinoisans who mainly dispense our drivers licenses and register our motor vehicles. The office also is the steward of official state records, is in charge of the massive state Capitol complex in Springfield and administers the state library, including handing out grants to local libraries.
China Daily: The 2021 UN Chinese Language Day in Vienna held by the Permanent Mission of China in Vienna on July 5. Could you offer more details?

Wang Wenbin: The Permanent Mission of China in Vienna held the 2021 UN Chinese Language Day in Vienna under the theme of "cherishing traditions for colorful future". Ambassadors and senior diplomats from 70 countries and international organizations, and senior officials from international organizations in Vienna attended the event. Previously, the Permanent Mission of China to the UN, the Permanent Mission of China to the UN Office at Geneva and the Mission of China to the African Union had all held celebrations for the 2021 UN Chinese Language Day in various forms including museum tour, lecture, workshop, traditional Chinese culture performance and Chinese-language video competition for foreigners.

We've celebrated the 12th UN Chinese Language Day this year, which was created by the UN in 2010. The Chinese language, written in Chinese characters, embodies the wisdom of the Chinese civilization and is the wealth of all mankind. Chinese, one of the six working languages of the UN, is spoken by the largest number of people in the world. Over the years, the use of Chinese has ensured the effective work of the UN and promoted cultural and people-to-people exchanges between China and the rest of the world. The Chinese language, with its profound cultural heritage and rich cultural implications, is attracting more and more foreign learners. By the end of 2020, more than 180 countries and regions have introduced Chinese language education, and more than 70 countries have included Chinese in their national education systems. More than 20 million people abroad are learning Chinese, and the cumulative number of Chinese learners and users is close to 200 million. The Confucius Institute, Confucius Classroom and other Chinese language education institutions have also played an important role in helping people around the world learn Chinese and understand China.

Human civilization derives its splendor from diversity and thrives on mutual learning. Language is an important carrier of cultural exchange and mutual learning between civilizations. We are pleased to see that more and more people around the world are learning and using the Chinese language, and more and more questions are raised in Chinese at our regular press conference. We will continue to provide necessary convenience and assistance for friends from other countries to learn Chinese.

Kyodo News: July 11 marks the 60 anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between the PRC and the DPRK. The treaty stipulates that it is automatically extended every 20 years. Will this also be the case this year? Considering that the international landscape has changed a lot, don't you think the articles in the treaty should be amended? The new DPRK ambassador to China arrived in China in February. When will China appoint a new ambassador to the DPRK?

Wang Wenbin: According the stipulations of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between the PRC and the DPRK, it remains in force unless agreement is reached on its amendment or termination.

As to your second question, the signing of the treaty is a strategic decision made with foresight by the older generation of leaders of the two countries and a major event in the history of bilateral relations. The treaty aims to strengthen China-DPRK friendly cooperation and safeguard regional peace and stability. Over the past 60 years, guided by the spirit of the treaty, China and the DPRK have supported and cooperated closely with each other, which has not only given strong impetus to their respective socialist cause, but also made important contributions to regional and world peace and stability.

Under the new circumstances, China is ready to work with the DPRK to inherit the fine tradition and be future-oriented. We will earnestly implement the important common understanding reached by our top-level state and party leadership, follow the requirements of the changing times and common aspiration of the two peoples, push forward the traditional friendship and cooperation, so as to better benefit the two peoples and make contributions to promoting peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region and beyond.

In state-to-state relations, the rotation of ambassadors is a normal arrangement. I don't have any information to offer with regard to your question about the timing of the rotation of Chinese ambassador to the DPRK.

Bloomberg: Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg told the Age newspaper that he is rejecting Chinese investment deals that he would have approved in recent years because Australia is dealing with "a different China under President Xi Jinping". Frydenberg said that he sees a harshness in their approach that appears to be "unyielding". Does the foreign ministry have any comment on that?

Wang Wenbin: I want to point out that China has never done anything that undermines Australia's sovereignty and interests. We urge relevant people in Australia to discard Cold-War mentality and ideological bias, respect basic facts, view China and China's development in an objective and rational light, and stop hyping up the so-called China threat theory or making irresponsible remarks out of selfish political calculations.

CCTV: We've seen many reports of African political leaders and media rebuking the allegation that China has created debt traps in Africa. Do you have any comment?

Wang Wenbin: We've stated our position repeatedly on relevant issues. China has fully implemented the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative for Poorest Countries. China also actively supports the G20 consensus on extending the DSSI to the end of this year, and takes part in multilateral debt management appropriately on a case-by-case basis. In addition, China's non-official financial institutions have also taken debt service suspension actions in a comparable manner with reference to the DSSI provisions.

China has long been following the principle of upholding justice and pursuing shared interests in dealing with issues like lending and debt suspension. We translate the principle of sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith into concrete actions. The measures China has taken strongly boosted local socioeconomic growth and helped ease their debt burden, receiving the recognition and welcome of relevant countries including those in Africa. President Kagame said recently that China has never forced any country to borrow from it. Presidents of countries including Namibia, Kenya, Senegal, Botswana all openly voiced support for China-Africa investment and financing cooperation. Kenya's People Daily stressed that Chinese loans were all used on specific projects for development cooperation. Gerald Mbanda, a senior media practitioner in Rwanda, exposed with facts and data that Western countries including the US are spinning narratives about China creating debt traps in Africa out of political reason aimed at "creating hatred between African countries and China".

I also noticed a topic trending on Quora: "What happens to African countries when they can't repay their debt to China?" African netizens posted that "people from some western countries who never before cared about Africa have suddenly turned themselves into the protector of Africans, and appear to be concerned about the possibility of Africa being exploited, while in actual fact their concerns spring out of jealousy".

As President Xi Jinping points out, on mankind's journey in pursuit of happiness, no country or nation should be left behind. All countries and nations are entitled to equal development opportunities and rights. China will continue to uphold the principle of sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith, work with African countries and the international community to implement the Initiative on Partnership for Africa's Development, and contribute more to African countries' development and rejuvenation.

Yonhap News Agency: The Special Representative of the Chinese Government on the Korean Peninsular Affairs Liu Xiaoming had a phone conversation with the US special representative for North Korea. The two sides talked about the peninsular issue. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment? What is the significance of this phone conversation?

Wang Wenbin: On July 6, the Special Representative of the Chinese Government on the Korean Peninsular Affairs Liu Xiaoming had a phone conversation with Sung Kim, the US special representative for North Korea policy at the latter's invitation. The Chinese side stated its position on the Korean Peninsular issue and views on the review results of the US policy on the DPRK, highlighted the need of advancing political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue based on the dual track approach and the phased and synchronized principle. The US side should attach importance to the DPRK's legitimate and reasonable concerns, and support the reconciliation and cooperation between the DPRK and the ROK. The US side expressed its commitment to the political settlement of the Peninsular issue, hope to resume dialogue and contact with the DPRK at an early date, and support for the improvement of relations between the DPRK and the ROK.

Recently, China has maintained communication with parties involved at different levels on the Peninsular issue. Special Representative Liu Xiaoming has been actively engaging in communication with various parties since he took office. China's position on the Peninsular issue is clear and consistent. The Peninsular affairs are on China's doorstep, and China will continue to play a constructive role until lasting peace and stability is realized on the Peninsula.

AFP: Yesterday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Uyghurs who claimed they were detained in internment camps in Xinjiang. Do you have any comment on this?

Wang Wenbin: As we've stressed time and again, issues relating to Xinjiang are not about ethnicity, religion or human rights, but about fighting violent terrorism, extremism and separatism. The crimes of "abuse", "atrocity" or "genocide" can never be attributed to China. US lies and rumors have been exposed by the fact and truth that Xinjiang enjoys stability and prosperity and residents there are leading happy and fulfilling lives. The US attempt to use human rights as a cover to mess up Xinjiang and contain China's development will never succeed.

RIA Novosti: Japanese media earlier reported that the draft of Japan's new cybersecurity strategy for the first time has indications of possible "threats" from China and Russia. It says there are indications that China is conducting cyber attacks to steal information from military-related and high-tech companies, while Russia is pursuing military and political goals. I wonder if you have any comment on this?

Wang Wenbin: The Japanese side disregards plain facts and maliciously hypes up the so-called threat from neighbors. This is just another example of its lying diplomacy. I noticed that a researcher pointed out earlier that the country that has poor relations with all its neighbors is Japan. The Japanese side should really reflect upon itself and do more things that can help improve political mutual trust with neighboring countries and safeguard regional peace and stability, instead of making an issue out of neighbors to serve its sinister agenda.

As to cybersecurity, the whole world knows which country is obsessed with cyber theft of secrets, tapping and surveillance. This is no secret for anyone. Japan is barking up the wrong tree by smearing China and Russia on this issue. Why is it deliberately fabricating lies? Is it acting under orders to deflect attention from someone?

The Paper: According to reports by US media, a recent poll shows that 69% Americans believe that racial injustice remains a problem in the US, and 60% say they now think racial injustice is a bigger problem than they thought it was before the events of the past 12 months. An academic from the University of California says that racism is a core feature of American social life. Do you have any comment?

Wang Wenbin: We noted relevant reports. In the US, racism is a systemic and persistent existence covering every aspect. Racial discrimination is a deep-seated problem of the US society and a serious human rights issue.

It is reported that about 60% African Americans say they have been regularly discriminated against when applying for jobs or shopping, and many often experience discrimination when applying for housing or a loan or claiming insurance. In the US, among persons who are fully vaccinated, 64.3% are White people while only 8.6% are African Americans. What is even more shocking is that African Americans are three times more likely to be killed by the police than Caucasians. Besides African Americans, US racism practices against other minorities such as American Indians, Asians, Latinos and Muslims are also rampant, which have drawn much criticism from the international community.

Racial discrimination in the US is also reflected in its laws. It is difficult for the victims of racial discrimination to protect their rights through legal means. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was the first US immigration law that discriminated against a specific ethnic group, and its impact lingers till this day. The US has no national standards for hate crimes and no legislation to curb hate speeches and violence online. When it acceded to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, under the guise of "freedom of speech", the US made reservations to the Convention's provisions prohibiting the incitement and spread of racial discriminatory speeches. The UN has repeatedly urged the US to withdraw the reservations, only to be ignored by the US.

In Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech 58 years ago, when asked "when will the devotees of civil rights be satisfied", his first answer was: "We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality". While the choking cry of "I can't breathe" by George Floyd remains a sobering call, another 89 African Americans were gunned down by the police this year by May 21. We hope the US government can face up to its own human rights issues, take concrete actions, and improve the legal mechanism, rather than make irresponsible remarks on others' human rights conditions. Only in this way can Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s wishes truly come true.

Prasar Bharati: Last week, some foreign students who are pursuing studies in China wrote an open letter, asking when China will allow entry of students from other countries especially when the next semester is going to begin in September?

Wang Wenbin: The Chinese government always attaches high importance to the issue of foreign students coming to China for their studies. On the basis of ensuring safety amid COVID-19, we will consider in a coordinated manner arrangement for allowing foreign students to return to China for their studies.

Beijing Youth Daily: Recently Eswatini has seen a spate of protests and riots and the situation is still developing. How do you comment on that?

Wang Wenbin: China is highly concerned about the situation in Eswatini and hope the country will realize economic development and improvement of people's livelihood. As COVID-19 continues to spread in Africa, Eswatini still faces a daunting task of fighting the virus and reinvigorating the economy. China stands ready to provide humanitarian assistance to Eswatini including vaccines to help its people tide over the difficulties.

We also noted that the US, UK and the EU got Taiwan authorities to join them in a statement on the situation in Eswatini. The Taiwan region is part of China's territory and the one-China principle is a universally recognized international norm of international relations. We urge relevant countries and organization to abide by their commitment and stop attempts to create "two Chinas" and "one China, one Taiwan" in the world.

Phoenix TV: White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell said at a forum that it's possible for China and United States to coexist in peace; the US does not support Taiwan's independence, but will respond if China takes steps "antithetical to the maintenance of peace and stability". He also said that Beijing is becoming increasingly assertive. Do you have a response?

Wang Wenbin: I think you raised two questions, one on China-US relations and another on China's foreign policy.

On China-US relations, I'd like to say that China's development and progress isn't the result of other's gift or charity, but comes from the hard work of the Chinese people. We hope the US side will adopt a rational and practical China policy, focus on cooperation, manage difference and bring bilateral relations back onto the track of sound and stable development.

China's position on the Taiwan question is consistent and clear. There is but one China in the world, and the Taiwan region is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory. The one-China principle is the political foundation of China-US relations. We urge the U.S. side to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, tread carefully on Taiwan-related issues, and stop sending wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces to avoid damaging China-U.S. relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

On China's foreign policy, General Secretary Xi Jinping just elaborated on it at the ceremony marking the centenary of the CPC. We hope relevant people in the US will find time to read the transcript carefully. Here I would like to stress a few points.

First, as China grows, the strength for peace in the world also grows. The Chinese nation does not carry aggressive or hegemonic traits in its genes. China remains committed to the ideas of peace, concord, and harmony, an independent foreign policy of peace and a path of peaceful development. We offer Chinese solutions and contribute to political settlement of hotspot issues to safeguard regional and global peace and stability. We always safeguard world peace.

Second, China's development drives global growth. China's development cannot be achieved isolated from the world and global prosperity cannot be realized without China. We adopt a basic national policy of reform and opening-up, uphold an opening-up strategy of win-win cooperation, pursue an ecological-friendly, green and low-carbon development path and work for high quality BRI cooperation. With China's fresh development we offer new opportunities for the world. We always contribute to global development.

Third, what China pursues is the common progress of humanity. China works for the cause of human progress, and stands ready to join hands with all progressive forces to carry forward the shared human values of peace, development, equity, justice, democracy, and freedom. We will continue to champion cooperation over confrontation, to open up rather than close our doors, and to focus on mutual benefits instead of zero-sum games. We will oppose hegemony and power politics, and safeguard the international order.

Fourth, China defends international fairness and justice. Chinese people uphold justice and are not intimidated by foreign power. We welcome helpful suggestions and constructive criticism. We will not, however, accept condescending preaching from those who feel they have the right to lecture us. We will remain committed to the path that we have chosen for ourselves. China will not infringe upon other countries' sovereignty or interfere in other countries' internal affairs. Neither will we allow other countries to do that to us. This is not only to protect China's legitimate rights and interests, but also to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the vast developing world and the basic norms governing international relations.

People's Daily: According to reports, in a letter published by The Lancet on July 5, 24 internationally-renowned scientists rebuked the so-called "lab leak" theory some US politicians are trying to sell. They said that "the strongest clue from new, credible, and peer-reviewed evidence in the scientific literature is that the virus evolved in nature, while suggestions of a laboratory-leak source of the pandemic remain without scientifically validated evidence". Do you have any comment?

Wang Wenbin: I note reports on that. The WHO-China joint mission report clearly states that "a laboratory origin of the pandemic was considered to be extremely unlikely". Regrettably, we've seen for quite a while that some in the US are engaging in more and more overt political manipulation. From discrediting China's anti-epidemic achievement to hyping up the China "lab leak" theory, from vilifying the authoritative WHO joint mission report to muffling scientists and experts upholding objectivity, from drawing on intelligence apparatus to investigate to clamoring for a so-called independent investigation that excludes China, these people have but one aim: to shift the blame for their failed epidemic responses to China.

With all their sleight of hand at political manipulation, they cannot alter the fact that it is the US politicians who dismiss science and politicize epidemic response that should be held accountable for the loss of more than 600,000 American lives.

Nor can they alter the authoritative conclusion reached by the WHO joint mission that a global perspective is needed to carry out origin-tracing in multiple countries and regions instead of one area only.

The international community respects science and upholds justice. This trend will not change, either. Attempts to politicize origin-tracing to scapegoat other countries will only end up in failure.

AFP: The main opposition party in Britain, the Labor Party, urged ministers and the royal family to snub the Beijing Winter Olympics unless China allows the UN to probe into rights abuse claims in the Xinjiang region. What is your comment on this?

Wang Wenbin: We've stressed on multiple occasions that allegations of the so-called "forced labor" and "human rights abuses" are lies of the century concocted by a handful of anti-China individuals.

China firmly opposes the politicization of sports, and the interference in other countries' internal affairs by using human rights issues as a pretext. Attempts to disrupt, obstruct and sabotage the preparation and convening of the Beijing Winter Olympic Games out of political motivation are extremely irresponsible, and will only harm the interests of athletes of all countries and the international Olympic cause. All sectors of the international community, including the governments and Olympic committees of many countries, and the International Olympic Committee, have all expressed their clear opposition to this wrong practice.
New Generation, an anthology series, highlights the stories of people in military life that aren't usually featured - Chinese explosive ordnance disposal specialist soldiers - in one of six standalone tales, producers said at a recent event in Beijing.

The TV series produced by Huace Media is now being aired on three satellite TV channels in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, as well as streamed on the popular sites iQiyi and Youku.

Titled EOD Elite, the third tale centers on an elite ordinance disposal soldier stationed in South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. It follows the protagonist on a series of death-defying missions.

The show's cast members, including actress Xi Meijuan and actor Shawn Dou, paid a visit to the ceremonial brigade of the People's Liberation Army in Beijing on Sunday.

The producers said they conducted a lot of interviews to learn about bomb disposal. For example, the specialists have to undergo extremely harsh training, including being wrapped in 37-kilogram protective suits to run for a long distance, and practice using a robot arm to lift tomatoes to simualte delicate handling of bombs and provide training for acuity of the hands.

Actress Xi, who plays a soldier's mother, said she learned more about the devotion and dedication of military staff members' families and hopes the TV series serves as a tribute to Chinese soldiers and their families.
"Quanzhou: China's World Ocean Trade Center in Song Dynasty (960-1279) and Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368)" project will be reviewed at the 44th session of the World Heritage Committee this year, which will be held from July 16 to 31 in Fuzhou city, East China's Fujian province.

The project is China's only UNESCO World Cultural Heritage application at the 44th session. The number of heritage sites in this project has increased from 16 to 22, said Zhang Lei, head of the world cultural heritage department at the National Cultural Heritage Administration on Monday at a State Council Information Office press conference.

After the opening ceremony, the session will be held online, marking the first time in UNESCO's history that world heritage topics will be reviewed and discussed online.

Quanzhou, the Chinese harbor city, was one of the most important Chinese ports along the historic Maritime Silk Road. A team from UNESCO visited the city in 1991, as part of the Organization's Maritime Silk Road expedition, in recognition of the role it played, according to UNESCO's official website.

The session will review the World Heritage projects for 2020 and 2021, including 45 World Heritage List projects pending review and 258 world heritage status reports, Tian Xuejun, the vice minister of Education and director of Chinese National Commission for UNESCO said at the press conference.

At present, China has a total of 55 world heritage sites, tied for first place with Italy, said Tian.
Actress Gong Li. [Photo courtesy of BJIFF]

The Organizing Committee of the 11th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) announced on Tuesday that predominant actress Gong Li will join the film event as jury president of its Tiantan Award.

Her 30 years of work in the film industry exactly coincide with the rise of Chinese-language films on the international stage, the organizers said in a statement. As a window into Chinese-language films for the world, Gong is renowned for a run of extraordinary performances, encapsulating the touching and vivid expressions of those figures she learned from and looked up to in her daily life.

Gong has also worked with China's top directors such as Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige, and starred in numerous classics, including "Red Sorghum," "Raise The Red Lantern," "The Story of Qiu Ju," "To Live," "Farewell My Concubine," and "Leap," which have earned her numerous domestic and international awards. Gong also took roles in commercial films, including Hollywood productions "Miami Vice," "Hannibal Rising," and "Shanghai."

Previously, Gong has served as jury president at several domestic and international film festivals, including the 50th Berlin International Film Festival, the 59th Venice International Film Festival, the 16th Tokyo International Film Festival, and the 17th Shanghai International Film Festival, as well as a jury member at Festival de Cannes 1997.

The 11th Beijing International Film Festival will run from Aug. 14 to 21, 2021.
Hungary has always considered the People's Republic of China as an exceptional strategic partner and China has expressed its appreciation and interest in Hungary as the two sides have partnered and implemented a number of projects and initiatives that have been successfully launched and are operating in all areas of our relations and at all levels of our cooperation. The "Opening to the East" policy of the Hungarian Government since 2010, the "Belt and Road Initiative" of which Hungary was the first EU member to join in 2015, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between China and Hungary established in 2017 and the 17+1 cooperation mechanism platforms have long contributed to deepen relations in many fields of key importance.

Important milestones were achieved in the past years while China also became Hungary's largest trade and investment partner outside the EU. As a result of our countries long lasting partnership in the past decades, Hungary has become an important destination for many Chinese companies and has become an important transit and distribution point for accessing the European market.

China-Europe Railway Express Yields Remarkable Results

The new model of innovative cooperation on the "Silk Road Economic Belt" is a worthwhile project in the "Belt and Road" cooperation between China and Hungary. It creates the environment for Hungarian enterprises to provide modern and efficient logistic and trade services for Chinese enterprises, one-stop services for the whole chain of international warehousing, support the establishment of digital supply chains and the international marketing of new industries while also helping Hungary and China to further strengthen facility connectivity and trade flow.

Promoting comprehensive cooperation between the two countries in the fields of modern trade, logistics and e-commerce are major goals of the Hungarian Government to further emphasize the role of Hungary as a land transportation hub for China-Europe freight trains and European inland trains.

We are proud to say that by today, all major Chinese and European trains are concentrated in Hungary with dozens of European inland railroads crisscrossing the country, allowing goods to be delivered to all major European cities within a short period of time via a well-developed and continuously improving rail network.

Generally all freight trains in China enter Russia directly or indirectly (via Mongolia and Kazakhstan). Then 90% of the freight trains enter Belarus from Russia, and from Belarus to Poland. After another change of tracks at the Polish border, the goods enter the European Union.

However, in recent years, with the rapid increase in the number of trains, the operation and transhipment of China-Europe freight trains has faced a bottleneck at the Belarus-Poland border, as serious congestion has developed at the intersections of the broad-gauge and standard-gauge lines at the borders of the European Union. The current issue - that seriously affects train schedules and delivery time -, makes it clear that it is essential to build alternative lines to ensure that none of the lines would face overloading problems.

On April 21, 2017 the first China-European freight train from Xi'an successfully arrived at Budapest after 19 days and 9,300 kilometres carrying 41 carriages of various goods. The day marks the date when the first China-European Express line was established between our countries and Hungary has become the first Central and Eastern European country to be directly served by the China-European Express other than Poland.

Soon after, on May 27, 2017, the Hunan Changsha-Budapest China-European freight train led by CECZ (Central European Trade and Logistics Cooperation Zone) and jointly operated by Hunan-Europe Express, departed from Changsha Xialing Station breaking the traditional Russia-Belarus-Poland route into Europe and opening the southern route into Europe via the exit of Erenhot, through Mongolia-Russia-Ukraine and Hungary, where at the junction of Ukraine, Hungary and Slovakia, the wide tracks are replaced by narrow tracks. After the successful opening of Changsha-Budapest CEB train, it was immediately recognized by the national train market and became the first China-Hungary CEB train in regular operation.

In the same year, on November 28, 2017, the first Budapest-Changsha return train was officially launched, marking the official arrival of a round-trip China-European freight train from China to Hungary. Quickly following the trend, in January 2018, the first Xi'an-Budapest "Chang'an" China-European freight train arrived and has been running smoothly ever since, taking the lead in opening up the southern route to Europe via Alashankou/Khorgos, and crossing Kazakhstan-Russia-Ukraine and Hungary. In June 2019, the first Jiangxi Ganzhou-Budapest China-European freight train arrived, followed by the Jinan-Budapest "Qilu" Eurasian freight train, the first direct China-European freight train to Budapest from North China in August 2019.

As of today, 7 cities and regions (Changsha, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Jinan, Ganzhou, Jinhua (Yiwu)) are connected and moving their products through Hungary with the established, scheduled China-European freight trains.

Support to the Development of China-Europe Railway Express

The Hungarian Government considers the implementation of a modern, competitive railway transport to be a priority. We believe that the backbone of every domestic transport is the railway, which must be secure, reliable, innovative, sustainable and flexible. The basic condition for this is the joint and continuous modernization of the railway infrastructure and rolling stock. One of the main benchmark projects of the Sino-Hungarian cooperation is the modernization of the Budapest-Belgrade railway line within the framework of the BRI. With the renovation of the railway line, Hungary will offer the fastest transport route for Chinese goods between Greek ports and Western Europe. In the recent period, the traffic in the port of Piraeus in Greece has increased almost tenfold and therefore it is in Hungary's interest for Chinese goods to reach Western Europe the fastest through Hungary. According to our soon to be implemented goals, the duration of railway cargo transport between East Asia and Europe will be reduced from 24 to 14 days.

As China-Europe freight trains has been running between Hungary and China on a regular basis for years, further developments for railroad infrastructure were taken by the Hungarian Government to emphasize the country's role as a Central European logistics hub.

In 2019, Hungary invested in the development of the Ukrainian-Hungarian railroad corridor at Zahony as part of the Belt and Road Initiative, a route providing a solid guarantee for the future passage of China-Hungary freight trains. With the development additionally to the southern Budapest-Belgrade path, as well as with the establishment of industrial parks at the eastern borders of Hungary and the European Union, we seek to play a central role in regional logistics, maximizing the favorable conditions and regional endowments of our country. Transforming the mentioned eastern region into a major transportation hub, trains will be able to reach 13 major cities in 10 different countries along the different railway lines, with all running through Zahony.

At Zahony, the Central European Trade and Logistics Zone (CELIZ) project also secures a great platform for Chinese companies to establish their plants, factories, affiliates in the territory of the European Union. It provides them with a site and also supports them in all administrative and legal matters in order to put their production units into operation in Hungary as soon as possible. This cooperation is also mutually beneficial for both the Hungarian and the Chinese sides, as it will significantly contribute to the improvement of the performance of the Hungarian economy and will create many new jobs.

We also envisage that by 2030, the capital cities of the Visegrad Group (V4) countries Warsaw, Prague, Bratislava and Budapest will also be accessible on high-speed railway lines from Budapest but besides rail and road connectivity, Chinese logistics companies are also constantly looking for solutions and cooperation opportunities in Europe in the field of air cargo handling for the huge, ever-increasing export-import air cargo volumes. Therefore, Hungary participates actively in the Air Silk Road freight hub projects, and has also reached important milestones in the past years.

The Deepening of Bilateral Cooperation on Multiple Fronts

As part of the Belt and Road Initiative, these projects link the Central European region to one of the most important trade routes in the world through Hungary. Mutually benefiting successful initiatives around the various fields of cooperation do not only bring more job opportunities, but also increase the confidence of Chinese companies in Hungary. Due to the continuous support from the Governments and the comprehensive strategic partnership, by today, Hungary has turned to be an important transit and distribution centre for entering the European market while also becoming a key destination for many Chinese companies.

Over the past year, we could witness the transformations the epidemic (COVID-19) has brought to the world, but despite the heavily disrupted global supply chains during these extraordinary times, China-Europe Express trains managed to keep the Eurasian supply chains running seamlessly. As the demand continuously grows for inland transport opportunities, Hungary is devoted to further increase its role in connecting regions with advanced and safe logistics with the help of our Chinese friends and partners, within various frameworks of cooperation.

We support free and fair global trade, which is even more important than ever before: the fewer the obstacles, the faster the recovery.

Prof. Dr. Laszlo Palkovics is minister for Innovation and Technology of Hungary.
Two of the nine rescued whales stranded in coastal waters off east China's Zhejiang Province were released Tuesday night, local authorities said.

Local police received a report at about 8:00 a.m. Tuesday of 12 whales spotted hundreds of meters from the shore in the city of Linhai, Zhejiang.

The dozen stranded marine mammals are melon-headed whales, three of which lost vital signs before the rescue team arrived, the city's publicity department said.

After nearly 10 hours of rescue work, the other nine whales had been saved and transported to safe locations. They were all in good condition, the rescuers said.

When the rescue operation ended, two of the animals were sent to an aquarium, another two have gone to a coastal park, and the remaining five were transported to a local marine animal breeding company.

The two whales in the coastal park were diagnosed later by experts to be in good health. At 9 p.m. Tuesday, they were released at seawaters with a depth of more than 15 meters by experts and fishery authorities.

It is not the fishing season in China, so the whales likely swam too close to the shore as there was no disturbance from noisy boat engines and more tempting food sources nearby, according to experts.

The local public security department and fishery department, as well as locals in the fishing industry, rushed to the site to aid the rescue. Cranes and stretchers were used in the rescue efforts and the release of the two.

Because of the hot weather, rescuers used ice to cool the stranded melon-headed whales, and constantly poured clean seawater on them to prevent them from choking on mud.

They also used wet towels to keep the mammals damp, and erected sheds to protect them from the sun, said Zhu Yupeng from the law-enforcement team of the city's marine and fishery bureau.

"We tried to release one of the whales into the sea during the rescue, but it was washed up on the beach," said Zhu. "If they are sick, they might beach again after being released."

Approximately 150 individuals participated in the rescue effort. Experts said they would discuss the care and release plan for the remaining rescued whales.
You are here: China

China plans to dispatch 21,036 teachers to remote primary and middle schools in 2021-2022 school year, the Ministry of Education (MOE) said Tuesday.

Jointly launched by the MOE and the Ministry of Finance, the program will select 20,041 and 995 teachers across China for compulsory and non-compulsory education, respectively.

The move is expected to help improve education in areas lifted out of poverty, especially those that were once deeply impoverished.

Subsidies will be provided to selected teachers, and requirements for promotions will be relaxed for them.
Unlike their usual tranquility during the summer vacation, primary and middle schools in Beijing will be buzzing with excited students as the municipal government has required schools to provide daycare services during the holiday.

Doors to school libraries, reading rooms and playgrounds will be wide open, and school subject classes are not allowed to be organized, according to the city's education bureau.

In addition to Beijing, the cities of Shanghai, Wuhan and Suzhou have introduced similar daycare policies, which target the competitive tutoring market for school children during holidays so as to ease their pressure.

At a late May meeting, the central authority ordered the comprehensive management of off-campus training institutions and a tougher crackdown on unqualified operations, false advertising, profiteering, and improper connections with schools.

Taking advantage of parents' ambitions for their children, some training institutions take part in anxiety marketing, selling unnecessary programs that increase the burden on students and disrupt the laws of education.

"This has led to a series of social problems such as students' falling levels of physical fitness, increased psychological problems, heavy family financial burdens and decreased willingness to have children," said Chu Zhaohui, a senior researcher with the National Institute of Education Sciences.

According to the Ministry of Education, 400,000 off-campus training institutions were inspected from 2016 to 2020, focusing on problems such as unlicensed training, excessive training, illegal charges and false advertising.

In 2018, the Chinese government introduced the country's first document on the development of the off-campus tutoring industry at the national level.

On June 15 this year, the Ministry of Education announced the establishment of a special department for the supervision of after-school education and training for pre-school children, as well as primary and middle-school students.

"With the establishment of the department, regulatory measures concerning the qualifications, operations, courses and capital of after-school education and training institutions are expected to be unveiled in the near future," said education expert Xiong Bingqi.

In early June, the State Administration for Market Regulation, China's top market watchdog, imposed maximum-level fines of 36.5 million yuan on 15 tutoring firms for violations including misleading advertisements and pricing fraud.

Changes have been taking place in such institutions. Courses for preschoolers have been removed from the shelf, while extracurricular classes such as theater, speech, arts, calligraphy and chess have been introduced.

Also at the May meeting, the central authority specifically encouraged schools to carry out extracurricular courses after school to meet the diversified demand of students.

"My child used to be enrolled in many classes such as dancing, speech and writing in the evenings and during the weekends. The tuition fees were considerable," said Liu Yongling, parent to a fifth-grader. But now her child has joined similar after-school classes organized by their own school from Monday to Friday. These classes mean more leisure time for children and fewer financial burdens for parents.

"Off-campus training exists not only in China, but also in the Republic of Korea, Japan, Singapore and other East Asian and Southeast Asian countries. If China's management practices can achieve better results, it will also provide a reference for these countries," said Wang Jie, a researcher with the School of Government at Sun Yat-sen University.
In June 2021, China's State Council Information Office released a white paper on the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), which includes a series of central policies and achievements of the related construction over the past year from more than 10 dimensions. The paper clearly and explicitly stipulates that Hainan will establish a free trade port policy with specific tax arrangements, efficient social governance and robust legal system. Meanwhile, a detailed appendix illustrates more than 400 key events and 135 key policies in relation to the FTP's development.



The Hainan FTP focuses in particular on trading and investment, whereas the Chinese government anticipates that liberalization and facilitation will be "basically established" by 2025 and become "more mature" by 2035. This prominent move further signifies China's determination and confidence in shaping this southern tropical island province into a world-class free trade port which allows frequent and rapid investment in the decades ahead. Apparently, the FTP is positioned as the golden window for China's further opening up to the world at large.

The white paper is also aligned with the Master Plan for the Construction of Hainan Free Trade Port released back in June 2020, which is targeted at transforming the resort province into a globally influential free trade port by the middle of the century. Apart from providing coherence and continuity, the policy is important in that it offers greater predictability and transparency to outsiders. With a solid legal foundation, especially in terms of fair business competition and systematic company registration, foreign enterprises and investors can enjoy higher trust in investing.

At the same time, the white paper grants Hainan with the flexibility to introduce further reforms based on its unique context and actual needs. This space is important for allowing the FTP to make timely and corresponding changes and modifications, so as to better seize opportunities and cope with various challenges.

In general, the white paper is very comprehensive and detailed as it touches upon a series of policies and initiatives that have been and are going to be launched in steps or phases, so as to realize the overarching goals of trade and investment liberalization, rapid cross-border flow of funds, and accessible entry and exit of personnel. With all these favorable conditions, the development of the Hainan FTP is expected to be very rapid and promising in the long run.

Under the strong wave of economic globalization, China continues to grab hold of every opportunity to build an open global economy. Extensive and regular economic and trade exchanges can achieve benign and win-win cooperation, which makes cooperation among countries around the world closer and promotes mutual relations. With the use of the FTP as a mutual platform, various countries can obtain economic benefits and accelerate their own development. Throughout the dynamic and reciprocal interactions, countries can also reduce potential misunderstandings and cultivate mutual trust, which eventually helps maintain world stability and prosperity.

A good example of this is the relationship between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with China being the ASEAN's largest trading partner for more than a decade. Given the similarities of the industrial structures between Hainan and Southeast Asia, there are certainly many business development opportunities ahead. In the future, the establishment of the FTP will allow Hainan to further merge and expand its industries in Southeast Asia with the support of the substantially larger Chinese market.

While China is aspiring to undergo economic transformation and upgrade its value chain, the establishment of the Hainan FTP is another form of development with inestimable strengths and potential, given the prior developmental trajectory and geographical location of Hainan. With the development of an export-oriented economy, apart from trading and finance, there are also emerging developments in terms of tourism, transportation, technology, healthcare and education. All these could further diversify the Chinese economy and initiate another round of development. It is also believed that these successful instances and experiences could be transferred to other parts of China in the future, which will help boost long-term economic growth and overall competitiveness.

Mathew Wong is an assistant professor in the Department of Social Sciences at the Education University of Hong Kong.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.

If you would like to contribute, please contact us at opinion@china.org.cn.
 Flash

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang held a virtual dialogue with UK business leaders on Tuesday, expressing his hopes for consolidating mutual trust and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation for win-win results, to promote the stable and sound development of bilateral ties.



Noting the uncertainties in the current international situation, Li said that China and the UK, both as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and major economies in the world, represent important forces for safeguarding world peace, promoting common development, and defending the multilateral trade system.

A stable China-UK relationship is conducive to maintaining free and fair trade, promoting global economic recovery, responding to global challenges and enhancing the well-being of the two peoples, Li said.

"China is willing to consolidate mutual trust with the UK, along with mutual respect, seek to expand common ground while shelving differences, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation for win-win results, build consensus and address divergences via equal dialogue, so as to promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral ties," said Li.

Calling mankind a community with a shared future, Li said it is imperative for the international community to enhance solidarity and cooperation to ensure ultimate victory over COVID-19.

China has taken COVID-19 vaccines as a global public good and engaged in vaccine-related cooperation with multiple countries, Li said. "China is willing to continue strengthening communications with all parties, especially sharing achievements in scientific research, to accelerate the progress toward defeating the pandemic," the premier added.

Noting that China attaches great importance to responding to climate change, Li said that China's stated goals of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 are the inevitable path to take in the process of modernization.

Li expressed China's willingness to further step up cooperation on clean energy and other sectors, and expand cooperation on green technology on the basis of intellectual property protection, to jointly respond to climate change.

He said that reform and opening-up is China's basic national policy and will continue to be advanced unswervingly. China's manufacturing industry has been fully opened up and the service industry is opening up in an orderly manner, he added.

"In the process of formulating a new development paradigm, we will continue to devote ourselves to creating a market-oriented, law-based, and international business environment, treating all types of market players equally, including foreign companies, and welcoming more foreign capital into China," he said.

China also hopes Britain will provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies to invest in the country, Li said.

Noting that both China and Britain have a long history and splendid culture, and that the exchanges between the peoples of the two countries boast a long history, Li said it is hoped that both sides will uphold the concepts of mutual respect, openness and tolerance, and inclusiveness, jointly safeguard the diversity of human civilizations and promote the development of a colorful world civilization.

Li called on all sectors of society in the two countries to strengthen exchanges and communication, increase awareness and understanding between the peoples, and generate positive factors for the development of bilateral relations.

The British participants said that China is an important economic and trade partner for Britain, and the British business community greatly values the Chinese market and is full of confidence in China's development.

There is huge room for win-win cooperation between the two countries in finance, services, agriculture, healthcare, education, manufacturing and infrastructure, they said, adding that the British business community looks forward to further enhancing trade and investment relations with China, deepening cooperation in practical areas, and promoting the development of relations between the two countries.

The heads of more than 30 multinational companies and renowned institutions, including Standard Life, Diageo, Jardine Matheson, AstraZeneca, Walgreens Boots Alliance and British Petroleum, attended the dialogue.
 Flash

Foreign leaders and experts hailed China's historic achievements under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), saying that its success is worth learning from for political parties and countries worldwide.

During his keynote speech at the CPC and World Political Parties Summit via video link held on Tuesday, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese president, called on political parties worldwide to shoulder their historic responsibility to pursue the people's wellbeing and the progress of mankind.

Patricio Giusto, director of the Sino-Argentine Observatory, said that Xi's speech showed that the CPC wants to continue working with parties all over the world to promote multilateralism and realize common development.

The summit will deepen inter-party communication and cooperation as the CPC has been pragmatic in fostering political exchanges and sharing positive experiences, he added.

Aing Sambo, secretary general of Funcinpec Party in Cambodia, extended his admiration to China for its achievements in reducing poverty, building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

The summit, Sambo said, is an important platform for inter-party exchanges and will further strengthen multilateral cooperation and enhance world's peace and development.

President of Chamber of Commerce and Industry Romania-China Nicolae Vasilescu hailed China for its great achievements in poverty eradication, building an increasingly prosperous society, as well as scientific innovation and infrastructure development under the wise leadership of the CPC, adding that China has set an example for the world.

Yulia Tymoshenko, leader of the Fatherland party of Ukraine, said that a global dialogue is required for the achievement of the goal of sustainable development.

China, through the further implementation of the policy of reform and opening up and the development of the Belt and Road Initiative, will inject impetus to other countries' economic development, Tymoshenko added.
 Flash

Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Tuesday urged political parties in the world to shoulder their responsibility for the pursuit of people's wellbeing and progress of mankind.

Xi, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, called on political parties to strengthen cooperation to tackle global challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, inequality, terrorism, and climate change.

Addressing the CPC and World Political Parties Summit via video link in Beijing, Xi took swipes at practices of seeking technology blockade and decoupling, politicizing the pandemic, "political manipulation for the purpose of sabotaging the development of other countries," and practices of "seeking hegemony by way of group politics."

The cloud summit, which gathered leaders of more than 500 political parties and organizations from over 160 countries, was convened as human society has "once again found itself at a historical crossroads" that leads to either hostile confrontation or mutual respect, seclusiveness and decoupling or openness and cooperation, zero-sum game or win-win results.

"The choice is in our hands and the responsibility falls on our shoulders," Xi told party leaders.

Responsibility of political parties

Political parties, as an important force behind human progress, need to set the right course forward and shoulder their historical responsibility to ensure the people's wellbeing and pursue the progress of mankind, Xi said.

Xi called on political parties to shoulder the responsibility to steer the course by shaping the shared future for mankind, and to build consensus by upholding and promoting the common values of humanity.

"With a strong sense of responsibility for the future of all mankind, we need to champion the common values of humanity, foster broad-minded tolerance toward the understanding of values by different civilizations, and respect the explorations of different peoples," he said.

Political parties need to shoulder the responsibility to promote development by bringing greater benefits to all peoples in a fairer manner, Xi said.

Noting that all countries and nations are equally entitled to development opportunities and rights, Xi said political parties should face squarely up to major problems such as wealth gap and development divide, with particular attention and care given to underdeveloped countries and regions and impoverished people.

He urged political parties to jointly oppose the practice of seeking technology blockade and divide as well as decoupling.

Calling for more cooperation in addressing global risks and challenges, Xi said in the face of the pandemic, political parties should work together to close the "immunization gap," and must oppose the practice of politicizing the pandemic or attaching a geographical label to the virus.

Xi also called on political parties to shoulder the responsibility to improve governance by enhancing the capacity to ensure people's wellbeing.

"The judgement on whether a country is democratic or not should be made by their people, not by a handful of others," he said.

CPC contributions to world

It is the unswerving goal of the CPC to run China's house well, ensure a happy life for more than 1.4 billion Chinese people, and promote peace and development of all mankind, Xi said.

Xi said the CPC will unite and lead the Chinese people in pressing ahead with the Chinese-style modernization to make new contributions to humanity's search for ways to modernize.

There doesn't exist a fixed model for the path to modernization, and the path that suits a country will serve it well, he said.

"Cutting one's feet to fit the shoes will lead nowhere," he added.

The CPC will unite and lead the Chinese people in taking comprehensive steps to deepen reform and opening up to make new contributions to shared development and prosperity of all countries of the world, Xi noted.

Xi said the CPC will shoulder its responsibility as a major political party in a major country to make new contributions to improving the wellbeing of mankind.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress, all the 98.99 million rural residents living below the current poverty line in China have been lifted out of poverty, enabling the country to meet the poverty reduction target set out in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 10 years ahead of schedule.

The CPC is willing to contribute more Chinese solutions and Chinese strength to the poverty reduction process worldwide, Xi said.

The country will spare no effort to support international cooperation against COVID-19 and to enhance the accessibility and affordability of vaccines in developing countries, and will contribute more to the global fight against climate change, he added.

Xi said the CPC will actively improve global governance to make new contributions to humanity's joint response to common challenges.

"We should stand opposed to the practice of unilateralism disguised as multilateralism and say no to hegemony and power politics," he said.

"China will never seek hegemony, expansion or sphere of influence," he added.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, also president of the African National Congress, and 20 other leaders of political parties and organizations spoke at the summit. They agreed with Xi that political parties should shoulder the responsibility for the people's wellbeing, and said they are willing to work with the CPC to build a better world.

Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and other senior CPC officials attended the summit.

Over 10,000 representatives of political parties and various circles attended the event.

The summit issued a joint statement of proposals, which expressed the common will of political parties attending the event to safeguard world peace and development and promote the wellbeing of the people.
 Flash

China on Tuesday blasted Japanese deputy prime minister Taro Aso's remarks on defending Taiwan together with the United States if the island is "invaded".





Speaking at a regular press briefing, foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said, "Those remarks are extremely wrong and dangerous, as they severely violate the principles set out in the four political documents between China and Japan, and undermine the political foundation of China-Japan relations. China deplores and rejects this and has lodged solemn representations with Japan."





"Japanese militarism once committed innumerous crimes in the aggression against China. However, some politicians are still coveting Taiwan till this day. This fully shows that they haven't learned the lesson from history," the spokesperson said.





Zhao said that China will never allow anyone to meddle in the Taiwan question in any way, stressing that no one should underestimate the resolve, the will, and the ability of the Chinese people to defend their national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
 Flash

Given mounting concern over technological decoupling in major countries, experts were brought together to shed light on the impact of this trend on the world order at an online panel of the 9th World Peace Forum (WPF) held at Tsinghua University in Beijing last Saturday.

According to a working paper published by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), technological fragmentation could lead to the loss of about 5% of GDP for many countries.

Kim Sung-Hwan, chairman of East Asia Foundation, South Korea, pointed out that, if technological decoupling occurred between countries, especially China and the U.S., globalization would be slowed, and many other countries would be forced to take side, which would prove "a nightmare" for them.

Alexander A. Dynkin, president of the Primakov Institute of World Economy and International Relations in Russia, noted that looping off technology connections would diminish foreign direct investment (FDI) and thus productivity. Moreover, it could give rise to diverse incompatible standards and make recoupling increasingly costly.

Jia Qingguo, former dean of the School of International Studies at China's Peking University, offered his insights into the reasons for technology decoupling, including the trust deficit among countries regarding high-tech development, such as the fear of 5G penetration affecting privacy, and ideological rendering of technical cooperation.

According to Jia, technology disconnection will bring wide spillover effects, such as increased R&D costs, reduced academic and people-to-people exchanges, and higher trade barriers. In addition, international cooperation to deal with global challenges, like climate change, pandemic control, and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, would become less effective.

Nonetheless, Jia believed that decoupling, which would impose tremendous and basically negative impacts on the world order, was not inevitable. "It's the humans that create history to a large extent. It all depends on our choice," Jia stressed.

"Decoupling and a closed door shouldn't be the option. Only through international cooperation and an open door can we fully reap the benefits of our comparative advantages," Jia concluded.

Organized by Tsinghua university in partnership with the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs, the WPF is a non-governmental seminar focusing on international security.

With the theme of "International Security Cooperation in the Post-pandemic Era: Upholding and Practicing Multilateralism," this year's forum, attended both online and offline by diplomats, former senior officials and scholars from more than 30 countries, focused on such topics as the Belt and Road Initiative, global economic recovery, global governance and artificial intelligence.


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
The recent market study published by FMI Allergy Diagnostic Market: Global Industry Analysis 2012-2016 & Opportunity Assessment, 2017-2022 -- consists of a comprehensive assessment of the most important market dynamics. On conducting a thorough research on the historic as well as current growth parameters of the Allergy Diagnostic market, growth prospects of the market were obtained with maximum precision. The report features unique and salient factors that may make a huge impact on the development of the Allergy Diagnostic market during the forecast period.

It can help market players modify their manufacturing and marketing strategies to envisage maximum growth in the Allergy Diagnostic market in the upcoming years. The report provides detailed information about the current and future growth prospects of the Allergy Diagnostic market in the most comprehensive way to provide a better understanding to the readers.

Request a Sample of this Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-4959

Chapter 1  Executive Summary

The report commences with the executive summary of the Allergy Diagnostic market report, which includes the summary of key findings and key statistics of the market. It also includes the market value (US$ million) estimates of the leading segments of the Allergy Diagnostic market.

Chapter 2  Market Overview

Readers can find detailed taxonomy and the definition of the Allergy Diagnostic market in this chapter. This will help readers to understand the basic information about Allergy Diagnostic market dynamics, supply chain, cost structure, pricing analysis, list of key distributors and suppliers and list of key market participants included in the report.

Chapter 3  Global Allergy Diagnostic Market Analysis (2012-2016) & Opportunity Assessment (2017-2022), By Product Type

Based on product type, the Allergy Diagnostic market has been segmented into fungal Allergy Diagnostic and neutral lactase enzymes. In this chapter, readers can find information about key trends and developments taking place in the Allergy Diagnostic market and market attractive analysis based on product type, instruments, consumables and allergy testing services. In this chapter, readers can find information about key trends and developments taking place in the Allergy Diagnostic market and market attractive analysis based on the product type for each region.

Chapter 4  Global Allergy Diagnostic Market Analysis 2012-2016 & Opportunity Assessment, 2017-2022, By End User

Based on End User, the Allergy Diagnostic market is segmented into diagnostic laboratories, hospitals, academic research institutes and other end users. In this chapter, readers can find information about key trends and developments in the Allergy Diagnostic market and market attractive analysis based on End User. In this chapter, readers can find information about key trends and developments in the Allergy Diagnostic market and market attractive analysis based on End Users for each region.

Chapter 5  Global Allergy Diagnostic Market Analysis 2012-2016 & Opportunity Assessment, 2017-2022, By Allergen Type

Based on the Allergen Type, the Allergy Diagnostic market is segmented into Inhaled Allergens, Food Allergens, Drug Allergens and Other Allergens. In this chapter, readers can find information about key trends and developments in the Allergy Diagnostic market and market attractive analysis based on Allergen Type. In this chapter, readers can find information about key trends and developments in the Allergy Diagnostic market and market attractive analysis based on the Allergen Type for each region.

Chapter 6  Global Allergy Diagnostic Market Analysis 2012-2016 & Opportunity Assessment, 2017-2022, By Test Type

Based on the Test Type, the Allergy Diagnostic market is segmented into In-vivo allergy tests & In-vivo allergy tests. In this chapter, readers can find information about key trends and developments in the Allergy Diagnostic market and market attractive analysis based on Test Type. In this chapter, readers can find information about key trends and developments in the Allergy Diagnostic market and market attractive analysis based on the Test Type for each region.

Chapter 7  Global Allergy Diagnostic Market Analysis 2012-2016 & Opportunity Assessment, 2017-2022, By Region

This chapter explains how the Allergy Diagnostic market will grow across various geographic regions, such as North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan and the Middle East & Africa (MEA).

Get Full Report Buy Now @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/4959

Chapter 9  North America Allergy Diagnostic Market Analysis 2012-2016 & Opportunity Assessment, 2017-2022

This chapter includes detailed analysis of the growth of the North America Allergy Diagnostic market along with country-wise assessment, including the U.S. and Canada. Readers can also find information on regional trends, regulations and market growth based on product type, allergen type, test type and country of Allergy Diagnostic in the North American region.

Chapter 10  Latin America Allergy Diagnostic Market Analysis 2012-2016 & Opportunity Assessment, 2017-2022

Readers can find detailed information about factors, such as pricing analysis and regional trends, impacting the growth of the Latin America Allergy Diagnostic market. This chapter also discusses the growth prospects of the Allergy Diagnostic market in leading LATAM countries, such as Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and rest of the Latin America region.

Chapter 11  Europe Allergy Diagnostic Market Analysis 2012-2016 & Opportunity Assessment, 2017-2022

Important growth prospects for the Allergy Diagnostic market based on product types, form and application in several European countries, such as EU4, UK, BENELUX, Nordic and Eastern Europe, have been included in this chapter.

Chapter 14  APEJ Allergy Diagnostic Market Analysis 2012-2016 & Opportunity Assessment, 2017-2022

Great China, India, ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand are the leading countries in the APEJ region and their growth prospects have been discussed in this chapter. Readers can find thorough information about growth parameters in the APEJ Allergy Diagnostic market during 2016-2022.

Chapter 13  Japan Allergy Diagnostic Market Analysis 2012-2016 & Opportunity Assessment, 2017-2022

Readers will find information on important factors that will have a huge impact on the growth of the Allergy Diagnostic market in Japan during the forecast period. This chapter provides an overview of regulations, drivers, restraints and trends in the Japan Allergy Diagnostic market.

Chapter 15  MEA Allergy Diagnostic Market Analysis 2012-2016 & Opportunity Assessment, 2017-2022

This chapter provides information on how the Allergy Diagnostic market will grow in the major countries of MEA region, such as GCC Countries, Turkey, Iran, Israel, and South Africa, during the period 2013-2028.

Request for Report Ask A Question @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-question/rep-gb-4959

Chapter 16  Competition Landscape, Company Share and Company Profiles

In this chapter, readers can find a comprehensive list of all the leading stakeholders in the Allergy Diagnostic market along with detailed information about each company, including company overview, revenue share, strategic overview and recent company developments. Market players featured in the report include Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Siemens Healthineers, Danaher Corporation, HOB Biotech Group Co, bioMerieux, Hycor Biomedical Inc. Stallergenes Greer, R-Biopharm AG, and Lincoln Diagnostics, Inc.

Chapter 17  Assumptions and Acronyms

This chapter includes a list of acronyms and assumptions that provide a base to the information and statistics included in the report.

Chapter 18  Research Methodology

This chapter will help readers to understand the research methodology followed to obtain various conclusions, important qualitative information and quantitative information about the Allergy Diagnostic market.
This years theme of the 2021 Salute to the Military is The Young and the Brave: Applauding Our Military Kids. The black-tie affair will be held on the newly renovated Windsor Lawn at Hotel del Coronado on Saturday, Aug. 21, beginning at 5 p.m. Please visit www.CoronadoChamber.com/Military-Ball or email Kerri Dowling at kerri@coronadochamber.com for more information and tickets.
Pictured from left, Coronado docents Paul and Linda Austin, Bob and Donna Breglio, Jackie and Tom DeCaro and Harry Tate, were all part of the fun at the Midway Friday Afternoon Watch celebration.
None Of Us Is Better Than The Others
Litchfield (06759)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. High near 85F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds from time to time. Low 69F. Winds light and variable.
About a half-hour later, a second man was shot at 8 Westland St. in the citys Northeast neighborhood. The man, who was in his 20s, was wounded in his abdomen. He was taken to the hospital, where he also was listed in stable condition, police said.
The police departments traffic unit is working with a regional crash reconstruction team, Metro Traffic Services, on the investigation. Anyone who saw the collision or has information that may help them is asked to call Officer Daniel Roberts at 860-645-5560.
When La was dropped at the program after two months absence, he was filthy and reeking of urine and not dressed for the cold, the warrant said. Las case worker told police that the victims hygiene was always a concern, but his mother refused to consider suggested services, the warrant says. The mother has not been charged in the criminal case.
Windsor resident Sonia Turner displays a photograph of her father, Eddie Lee Walker, a Vietnam War veteran. Turner said grass was covering her father's headstone but was cleared when she complained to Hartford officials about the neglect of her father's gravesite. But while the stone of her father, a Vietnam veteran, had been raised and the grass cut away, other stones over other veterans' graves remain neglected. Turner says she won't stop pressing the issue until all the grave sites at the Hartford-maintained cemetery are treated with the dignity they deserve. Photograph by Mark Mirko | mmirko@courant.com (Mark Mirko/The Hartford Courant)
The Security Council approved four border crossings when aid deliveries began in 2014, three years after the start of the Syrian conflict. But in January 2020, Russia used its veto threat in the council first to limit aid deliveries to two border crossings in the northwest, and then last July to cut to one.
The judicial inquiry into corruption during his term as president has heard damning testimony from former Cabinet ministers and top executives of state-owned corporations that Zuma allowed his associates, members of the Gupta family, to influence his Cabinet appointments and lucrative contracts. Zuma refused to comply with a court order to appear before the commission, which led the Constitutional Court to convict him of contempt and sentence him to prison.
The new law is about protecting our shoreline, he said. This is about protecting Connecticut. If we had TCI, if we were able to get our transportation system all-electric, that would be the best thing we could do long-term, going forward. In the meantime, we have some immediate needs right now on our coastline in particular. Thats what this resilience bill is all about.
Glacier County FY 2020 audit filed with State; Seven of the eight findings cited are repeats from earlier audits
Images

Sorry, there are no recent results for popular images.
Greenes punishment brings to four the number of men so far sentenced in the 36th Bang Squad case, in which a group of armed young men wreaked havoc on the neighborhood in a long-running gang conspiracy. The Bang Squad was centered at Marshall Courts and Seven Oaks in Southeast Newport News  housing complexes on either side of 36th Street between Madison and Wickham avenues.
Beazley, who was born in Portsmouth in 1892, only received an elementary school education. As a teenager, he bought a mule and a cart and went door to door selling and delivering coal and oil, Bray said. His business endeavors grew, and he eventually amassed a fortune over about 20 years. Bray said Beazley lost everything in the Great Depression but was undeterred. He moved to Atlanta, got into the cold storage business and rebuilt what he had lost despite the grim economy of the 1930s.
Several of Yediyurappa's cabinet colleagues and BJP leaders from the state have congratulated the new Ministers. (Photo: Twitter/ @narendramodi)

Bengaluru: With Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inducting four new faces from Karnataka into his Ministry, and Chemicals & Fertilizers Minister D V Sadanda Gowda resigning ahead of the reshuffle, the state's representation in the Union Council of Ministers now stands at six.

Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa congratulated the new Ministers and called on them to work together, to further the state's progress across all sectors.

"Congratulations and best wishes to @rajeev_mp, @ShobhaBJP, @ANarayana_swamy and @bhagwantkhuba on being inducted into the Union Council of Ministers from Karnataka. Let us work to further state progress across all sectors under the leadership of PM @narendramodi Ji," Yediyurappa tweeted.

Udupi-Chikmagalur MP Shobha Karandlaje, A Narayanaswamy (Chitradurga), Bhagwanth Khuba (Bidar) and Rajya Sabha member from the state Rajeev Chandrasekhar, were on Wednesday inducted as Ministers of State in the Modi government.

Earlier in the day, Sadanada Gowda, a MP from Bengaluru North, who held the Chemicals & Fertilizers portfolio, resigned as part of the rejig.

This leaves six ministers from Karnataka in the Union Council of Ministers, the other two being, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who is member of Rajya Sabha from the state and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines Pralhad Joshi, who is a MP from Dharwad constituency.

Karandlaje, who was inducted today, belongs to the politically influential Vokkaliga community in southern Karnataka, to which Sadananda Gowda also belongs. Khuba's induction is being seen as a move to fill Lingayat representation in the cabinet that had fallen vacant following the death of Suresh Angadi,who was serving as Minister of State for Railways., due to COVID-19 in September last year.

Narayanaswamy's induction seems to be a part of the party's strategy to further consolidate its "Dalit Left vote base", while Rajeev Chandrasekhar is a tech entrepreneur. The BJP had won 25 out of 28 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka. Several of Yediyurappa's cabinet colleagues and BJP leaders from the state have congratulated the new Ministers.
Ahead of PM Narendra Modi's big cabinet reshuffle, 8 union ministers have tendered resignation on Wednesday. Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Harsh Vardhan, Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Labour minister Santosh Gangwar, Union Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister D V Sadananda Gowda are among the minister who quit the union cabinet. Other minister who have resigned from their post include - Debasree Chauduri, Sanjay Dhotre, Rao Saheb Dhanve Patil, and Ratan Lal Kataria.

The expansion of the union cabinet is scheduled to take place this evening at around 6 PM. This will be the first cabinet reshuffle in the Council of Ministers by Prime Minister Narendra Modi since he assumed his role for a second term in May 2019. The Prime Minister is expected to bring in young faces and give representation to various social groups and regions in the reshuffle.

List of Union Cabinet ministers who have resigned are -

Dr Harsh Vardhan - Union Health Minister

Ramesh Pokhriyal - Union Education Minister

Thawar Chand Gehlot - Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment

Santosh Gangwar - Union Labour and Employment Minister

Sadananda Gowda - Union Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister

Debasree Chaudhuri -MoS Women and Child Development

Rattan Lal Kataria - MoS Jal Shakti and Social Justice & Empowerment

Sanjay Dhotre - MoS State for Education

Pratap Chandra Sarangi - MoS Animal Husbandry

Raosaheb Patil - MoS Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution

Ashwini Chaubey - MoS Health

According to latest reports, Babul Supriyo, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has also resigned from his post. "I thank Hon'ble Prime Minister for giving me the privilege to serve my country as a Member of his Council of Ministers... I am extremely happy that I go today without a spot of corruption on me, having served my constituency with all my might and having enjoyed their independence when Asansol voted me back as their MP once again, with triple the Margin in 2019 again," Supriyo wrote in a Facebook post.
Hyderabad: Minister K.T. Rama Rao on Tuesday proposed a tie-up between the TS Finance Corporation (TSFC) and Indian Bank to develop mechanisms to help micro, small and medium-scale businesses.

Inaugurating Indian Bank's new initiative, MSME Prerana, to mentor small businesses, the minister said the government would be interested in partnering with the bank to address the issue of collaterals that most of the MSMEs face when they try to raise a loan.

Requesting the bank to step up its priority sector lending in the state, Rama Rao said the banks should exercise restraint in invoking the Sarfesi Act against MSMEs.

Earlier, Indian Bank managing director Padmaja Chunduru said the bank will channelize its resources towards empowering MSME entrepreneurs. "We look forward to equipping customers with relevant knowledge and enhance their confidence as well as decision-making abilities through MSME Prerana, she said,

She said the programme, which would be in Telugu, was designed in collaboration with Poornatha and Co.
New Delhi: Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday met Congress president Sonia Gandhi in the national capital, but there was no clarity on what the outcome was. The meeting with Mrs Gandhi comes after more than a month of turmoil in the Punjab Congress which was precipitated after public utterances by disgruntled Congress legislator Navjot Singh Sidhu against the Congress government and the chief minister.

After the one-and-a-half hour long meeting with Mrs Gandhi, the Punjab chief minister said, Whatever Sonia Gandhi decides about the party in Punjab will be acceptable to us and we will implement her will.

Mallikarjun Kharge, chairman of the AICC panel on Punjab, was called by Mrs Sonia Gandhi to the meeting. With just months to go for the Assembly polls, insiders claim that during their meeting, Captain Amarinder Singh and Mrs Gandhi were to work out a formula to end factionalism by accommodating all sections, castes and regions in the overhaul of the Punjab state unit of the party as well as the state Cabinet.

Insiders also claim that Capt. Singh has made it clear to the high command that the legislators are behind him.

When asked if Navjot Singh Sidhu was discussed at the meeting, Captain Amarinder Singh said, I do not know anything about Navjot Singh Sidhu. We discussed government and political issues. I discussed only the governments developmental agenda and political issues related to Punjab. I told the party president that whatever she wants on the development front was being implemented.

In the last couple of weeks almost all legislators from Punjab and other leaders have appeared before the high-powered committee constituted by Mrs Gandhi to sort out the Punjab issue. They have also met senior leader Rahul Gandhi. Most of them have said that there is no alternative in Punjab apart from Captain Amarinder Singh. Several have gone ahead and suggested that if the will of the legislators is not taken into account and an "outsider" is appointed to an important position, then unforeseen developments can take place. Sources say that the Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jhakhar will be replaced and Captain Amarinder Singh will continue as the chief minister.

Senior leaders say that changes in Punjab Congress are likely to come into effect as soon as this weekend.

The Punjab chief minister's meeting with Mrs Gandhi to find a solution to Punjab factionalism came days after former Cabinet minister Mr Navjot Singh Sidhu met with Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

Interestingly, Mr Navjot Singh Sidhus utterances against the Punjab government continue even after he has had a meeting with Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
A thespian, a legend, an actor par excellence...

Dilip Kumar, the actor and the man, can only be described with adjectives and grand tags because his colossal impact and the overwhelming admiration he commands in the subcontinent remain unparalleled.

Born Mohammed Yusuf Khan in Peshawar, Dilip Saab was a devout Muslim, a steadfast secularist and a method actor who died in Mumbai on Wednesday after a prolonged illness.

Though his last film was released 23 years ago, in 1998, Dilip Kumar remains a daunting, revered presence in the Indian film industry not just because of the awards and accolades he received for his acting, but because with almost every role he played, he created a template for that character.

And because he embodied the idea of Nehrus secular India, both on screen and off it, he was also regularly called upon to assist in politics and fund raising and was recognised in his lifetime not just for his contribution to cinema, but also social causes in India and across the LoC.

At home he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, given a Rajya Sabha nomination, and in Pakistan he was accorded a state welcome and graced with the highest civilian award, Nishan-e-Imtiaz, in 1998 that he accepted after consulting the then Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee.

Dilip Kumars passing is truly the end of an era. Its a day to bid a mouthful goodbye to that black and white world of young men on bicycles, railway stations with tongas parked outside, a modern India under construction that held the pledge to remain secular, but also a world where a Muslim man was known by a Hindu name.

It was apt then, that on Wednesday, Mohammed Yusuf Khan was wrapped in the Tricolour and given a state send-off to the Santacruz Kabrastan. Dilip Kumar, 98, now lies there, with Nehrus idea of India that died before him.
At the conclusion of every high school season, SBLive's Tyler Cleveland will crunch the numbers to award Mississippi high school athletic programs who achieve the highest level of success in the most sports.
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form
Emporia, KS (66801)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High around 80F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. Low 68F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
The full report is available here: Learning Loss Since Lockdown: Variation Across the Home Nations

Pupils lost a third of learning time during pandemic year - differences in learning loss between nations show effect of variation in lockdowns

Pupils across the UK have lost out on a third of their learning time since the pandemic started, even once learning at home is taken into account, new research finds.

Researchers from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and the University of Exeter, also find that learning loss varied across the four nations: pupils in England and Northern Ireland lost 61 days of schooling on average between March 2020 and April 2021. But in Scotland, pupils lost 64 days and in Wales, it was 66 days. The usual school year is 190 days.

The analysis also shows that in each of the four nations of the UK, poorest pupils lost more learning time than their richer peers. But differences in school closure policies meant that the poorest pupils in England lost 34.9 per cent of their learning during the spring 2021 closures  less than the most affluent pupils in the rest of the UK, who lost 38.6 per cent of learning time.

The report  Learning Loss Since Lockdown: Variation Across the Home Nations published today by the LSEs Centre for Economic Performance (CEP) shows that the maximum number of classroom days lost over one calendar year were: 110 days (England); 119 days (Northern Ireland); 119 days (Scotland) and 124 days (Wales). This means most school children in the UK missed more than half of their expected days in the classroom between March 2020 and April 2021.

The report also finds:

Just over half (53 per cent) of 10,000 adults support extending the school day to make up for learning losses resulting from the pandemic and lockdown.

Seven in ten (68 percent) respondents in England support allowing greater flexibility for pupils to repeat a whole school year so they can catch up on missed education. This falls to 58 per cent in Northern Ireland.

Attendance rates in England during school closures were around twice the level of attendance rates in the other nations, driven by the opening of all schools in England and government policy permitting vulnerable children and children of key workers to attend school.

Lee Elliot Major, professor of social mobility at the University of Exeter and report co-author, said: Our analysis reveals that pupils learning loss varies between the four home nations, partly due to historical differences in school term times and partly as a result of school closure policies. This shows that ministers can make a difference  but quick action is needed.

LSE professor Stephen Machin, CEP director and co-author of the report, added: Even a few days extra learning loss can have a large impact on educational achievement and life outcomes, and these are big losses of around 60-65 days. Learning losses suffered during the pandemic are manifested in stark gaps in attainment between children from poorer backgrounds and their more privileged counterparts, which is likely to cause a significant decline in social mobility for younger generations.

Andrew Eyles, CEP research economist said: Rapidly rising absences in schools in June 2021 once again prompt discussion about potential policies that could address the learning loss suffered during the pandemic. Our survey responses show there is significant public support for two major policies  extending the school day; and allowing pupils to repeat a whole school year.

This research is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as part of the UK Research and Innovations rapid response to COVID-19 and by HDR-UK, as part of the National Core Studies Rapid funded projects.

The full report is available here: Learning Loss Since Lockdown: Variation Across the Home Nations
Does this story bring some value to you? Please consider a small donation to help fund our content. We rely solely on support from our adver...
If you already subscribe to our print edition, sign up for FREE to view the newspaper online!

Enter all nine digits of your zip code, without a hyphen.

Last Name needs to be in all caps.
What's Included

With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 574-583-5121 or email cgrace@thehj.com.
As a current print subscriber, you receive 24/7 access to our website and online e-edition at no additional charge. All you have to do is activate your access. To activate digital access, you will need your account number. You can find your account number on any recent subscription notice or bill.
If you already subscribe to our print edition, sign up for FREE access to our online edition. Thanks for reading the Wharton Journal Spectator.
Korea Development Bank (KDB) Chairman Lee Dong-gull speaks during a press conference at the KDB headquarters in Seoul in this June 14 file photo. Courtesy of KDB

Jungheung faces bumpy road to finalizing acquisition



By Park Jae-hyuk



The union at Daewoo Engineering & Construction (Daewoo E&C) will ask the Board of Audit and Inspection and other investigative authorities to look into Korea Development Bank (KDB) Chairman Lee Dong-gull and KDB Investment CEO Lee Dae-hyun for alleged malpractice.



This comes as one of the union's responses to KDB Investment's decision Monday to select Jungheung Construction as the preferred bidder to acquire Daewoo.



"KDB Investment committed fraud by allowing Jungheung to lower its bid by 200 billion won ($176 million) from the 2.3 trillion won it initially offered, after the bidder threatened to drop out unless the seller allowed this," the union said in a statement released Tuesday. "The decision was obvious malpractice."



Although the seller declined to disclose the specific price Jungheung offered, KDB Investment has apparently allowed the company to lower its bid from 2.3 trillion won ($2 billion) to 2.1 trillion won.



Because of this, a consortium consisting of real estate developer DS Networks, local private equity firm SkyLake Equity Partners and infrastructure investor IPM, which was selected as the back-up bidder, apparently had no choice but to raise its bid from 1.8 trillion won to 2 trillion won, according to sources familiar with the issue.



The union will seek to prevent Jungheung from conducting due diligence on Daewoo E&C. It also plans to stage a strike to protest the Gwangju-based construction firm's acquisition.



"Jungheung committed an elementary-level mistake of offering a price which was 500 billion won higher than that its competitor offered, and it disrupted the bidding procedure by threatening the seller," the union said. "It disrupted fair competition."



KDB Investment is denying the union's allegations, saying both final bidders had been allowed to revise their bids from the beginning. The firm's CEO also emphasized in a press conference Monday that the revision of the bidding offers does not necessarily mean a "re-bidding," although the union called this claim "sophistry."



"The decision must be declared void and bidding should be conducted again under fairer procedures and rules," the union said.



The intensifying conflict has aroused concerns that KDB Investment may fail once again to sell its controlling stake in Daewoo E&C, just as KDB did in 2017, when it selected Hoban Construction as the preferred bidder. Hoban dropped out of the deal at that time, after finding out about Daewoo E&C's large-scale losses from its Safi Power Plant project in Morocco. After the failure, KDB sold its Daewoo E&C stake to KDB Investment in 2019.



Jungheung, however, has committed to finalize the acquisition within this year by promptly completing all necessary measures, such as signing a memorandum of understanding with KDB Investment, conducting due diligence, signing a share purchase agreement and notifying the antitrust authorities of the acquisition.



The consortium led by DS Networks has ruled out the possibility of it taking legal action against the seller, although the union at Daewoo once considered partnering with it to oppose KDB Investment.



Concern is lingering among apartment owners over the possible damage to the value of Daewoo E&C's apartment brand, Prugio, given that the builder ranked sixth last year in terms of construction ability evaluation, while Jungheung was placed 35th.



In response, both Daewoo E&C and Jungheung said the former's Prugio brand will not be rebranded as the latter's S-Class brand after the takeover.








Lee Dong-hyun, director of investigation regional bureau 2 at Seoul Central Customs speaks during a press briefing at the office headquarters in Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Seoul Central Customs




First Vice Finance Minister Lee Eog-weon, second from right, speaks at a press briefing at the Seoul Government Complex, Wednesday. Yonhap
Barbara Zitwer, a New York-based literary agent and founder of Barbara Zitwer Agency / Courtesy of Barbara Zitwer



New York-based agent Barbara Zitwer calls it this year's most sought-after book worldwide



By Kang Hyun-kyung



Star novelist Jeong You-jeong's chilling psychological thriller, "Perfect Happiness," published by EunHaengNaMu Publishing Co., has been on the bestseller list of the nation's largest bookstore, Kyobo Books, for weeks since it went on sale in Korea in early June.



According to the Seoul-based publisher, over 100,000 copies have been sold so far.



"Perfect Happiness" revolves around a self-absorbed sister who develops a victim mentality toward her older sister. Their sibling rivalry leads to a tragic showdown. The protagonist tries to achieve happiness for her own sake at the expense of others and endeavors to remove what she perceives as obstacles standing in her own pursuit of happiness. Her version of perfect happiness turns out to be self-destructive.



While Korean readers have been drawn to the riveting thriller as it unravels the darkest sides of humans, the book is currently being translated into English by award-winning translator Sean Lin Halbert. Once he has completed the translation of a part, New York-based literary agent Barbara Zitwer will use that to sell the Korean author's book to publishers in the United States and United Kingdom.



"I am working with Barbara on Jeong You-jeong's new novel, 'Perfect Happiness.' I've only translated a short sample so far," Halbert told The Korea Times. "We'll be showing that sample to publishers soon."



Halbert said that he found "Perfect Happiness" very exciting as a murder mystery and psychological thriller.



"The point of view is also interesting as it's told through the point of view of a young girl but in the third person, which seems contradictory. I'm still trying to figure out how to get the narration right," he said.





Star novelist Jeong You-jeong's new novel, "Perfect Happiness," is currently being translated into English for overseas sales.
President Moon Jae-in / Yonhap



President Moon Jae-in instructed the government Wednesday to step up efforts to speedily trace COVID-19 infections amid a sharp hike in confirmed cases.



He called for the establishment of more temporary testing centers in areas with many residents or visitors and swift mobilization of military personnel, police officers and civil servants to that end, according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson Park Kyung-mee.



The president ordered "preemptive" steps to expand testing on people related to high-risk facilities frequented by those in their 20s and 30s, and expand anonymous testing to raise participation rates.



Moon also reaffirmed a strict principle of zero tolerance against acts of violating social distancing rules and other public heath restrictions.






Israeli Ambassador to Korea Akiva Tor, facing camera, talks with Korean government officials as workers unload containers carrying 700,000 doses of Pfizer coronavirus vaccines from a chartered plane at Incheon International Airport, Wednesday. The vaccines were delivered from Israel through a vaccine swap deal with the Korean government. Joint Press Corps
No decision on President's Olympic attendance



By Kang Seung-woo



Senior presidential secretary for public communication, Park Soo-hyun, pressed Japan on Wednesday to state its position on President Moon Jae-in's attendance at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics and the possibility of a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.



Park added that Cheong Wa Dae was willing to wait for a response from Tokyo until the last minute, but urged the Japanese government to maintain diplomatic poise, taking a swipe at the Suga Cabinet, which had used the media to express its negative views concerning a possible summit.





Park Soo-hyun, senior presidential secretary for public communication / Korea Times file
gettyimagesbank



Dozens of newly enlisted soldiers at an Army boot camp have tested positive for the new coronavirus, the defense ministry said Wednesday, amid fears of a fourth wave of infections across the country.



After one conscript in the central city of Nonsan was confirmed to have contracted COVID-19, 35 others who had contact with him were found to be infected, according to the ministry. Virus tests are under way on 400 others to confirm any additional cases.



Another conscript has also tested positive while in quarantine after his family member was found to have contracted the virus, it said.



Separately, an airman in Seongnam, south of Seoul, an Army soldier in Dongducheon, 40 kilometers north of the capital, and a military civilian employee in Seoul have also tested positive for the virus.






Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, center, poses with members of the U.S. Congressional Study Group on Korea (CSGK) including co-Chairwoman Young Kim, fifth from left, during a meeting at Seoul City Hall, Wednesday. The meeting was held to discuss major policy issues between the United States and Korea. Yonhap
Former Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) Chairman Choe Jae-hyeong speaks about his future plans at the BAI building in Seoul, June 28, after offering his resignation from the post. Korea Times photo by Seo Jae-hoon



By Jung Da-min



Former Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) Chairman Choe Jae-hyeong, a potential presidential contender for the opposition bloc, announced that he would enter into the political arena, Wednesday, nine days after resigning from the top auditor post.



The possibility of him entering the race for the presidency is expected to change the composition of the opposition bloc's presidential hopefuls. Currently, former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl is leading in the polls for the opposition bloc. But as Yoon has yet to decide whether to join the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), some members are moving to support Choe as an alternative.



"I have been thinking about the ways I could contribute to the country and society. As a result, I decided to participate in politics," Choe told the Hankook Ilbo, the sister paper of The Korea Times.



When asked about the possibility of entering the presidential race, the former BAI chairman said he needed to take some time to decide on his future activities, as he had just made the decision to enter politics.



Choe has emerged as a potentially strong presidential candidate for the opposition with his image of transparency due to a long career as a judge and then BAI chairman. Appointed to the top spot at the state audit agency in January 2018, Choe oversaw investigations that involved President Moon Jae-in's aides, which led to confrontations with the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and the administration.





Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, right, and minor opposition People's Party chief Ahn Cheol-soo meet at a restaurant in central Seoul, Wednesday, to discuss the matter of forming a 'big tent' for the opposition in the presidential election slated for March next year. Joint Press Corps
The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family / Korea Times file



By Bahk Eun-ji



A debate has surfaced over the role of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, which was formed in 2001 to improve gender equality in society and establish and support family policies.



Conservative politicians are talking about abolishing the ministry, which they view has not accomplished much, but rather has caused gender conflicts, while women's rights groups say that such criticism shifts the blame for problems caused by Korea's male-dominant culture to the ministry itself.



This recent debate was ignited, Tuesday, by Yoo Seong-min and Rep. Ha Tae-keung, both presidential hopefuls of the conservative main opposition People Power Party (PPP).



Yoo posted on social media Tuesday that he would abolish the gender ministry and instead set up a gender equality committee under his direct control, if he becomes president.



He said that the ministry's duties can be fulfilled by other government organizations.



"The gender equality minister job is merely a position given to ruling bloc politicians or aides in their election campaign camp," Yoo said.





Yoo Seong-min, a presidential hopeful from the conservative main opposition People Power Party / Korea Times photo by Oh Dae-geun

Rep. Ha, also of the PPP, called for abolishing the ministry as well.



"Unlike when the ministry was created under the Kim Dae-jung administration in 2001, the Moon Jae-in administration's ministry has encouraged gender conflict rather than moving toward gender equality or harmony," Ha said, adding that he would also set up a presidential gender equality commission.



These pledges by conservative presidential hopefuls are widely seen as a tactic to woo young male voters who claim they are being "mistreated" and "victimized" by feminism.



The tactic can be clearly seen in Yoo's pledge to reallocate the ministry's current budget into providing young men who finish their mandatory military service with scholarships and housing.





Rep. Ha Tae-keung of the People Power Party / Korea Times photo by Lee Han-ho

PPP head Lee Jun-seok, a 36-year-old who gained support from young men for criticizing feminism, also supported Yoo's and Ha's pledges, hinting that the abolishment of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family may become an official election campaign promise for the conservative party's presidential candidate, whoever that individual may be.



"The gender equality ministry is incapable and unprepared to achieve equality; it just carries out campaigns," Lee said, Tuesday.



In response, the Women's Party released a statement saying that politicians should first abolish misogyny, not the gender equality ministry.



"The total national budget for 2021 is 555.8 trillion won ($491 billion), while the budget allocated to the gender equality ministry is 1.22 trillion won ($1 billion), which is 0.22 percent of the total," said Jang Ji-you, co-chairperson of the Women's Party.



In terms of its annual budget, the gender equality ministry is in such poor shape that it cannot even implement basic policies for women properly. Nevertheless, PPP Chairman Lee Joon-seok claims the ministry has become a 'campaigner,' according to Jang.





Lee Jun-seok, chairman of the People Power Party / Korea Times photo by Bae Woo-han
By Enkhsaikhan Jargalsaikhan





The Northeast Asian region is an important crossroads of strategic, political and economic interests of the United States, Russia, China, Japan and the two Koreas. It is also one of the most dynamically developing regions, while technically the states are nuclear capable and still have territorial disputes. That is why there is a push for more stability and making the region, including the Korean Peninsula, nuclear-weapon-free.



However, denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula would not automatically make the region nuclear-weapon-free since it includes nuclear Russia and China as well as Japan under the U.S. "nuclear umbrella" and the latter's forces nearby. That is why there is a need to turn a part of Northeast Asia, until nuclear weapons are completely abolished, into a nuclear-weapon-free zone (NWFZ), like Latin America and the Caribbean, the South Pacific, Southeast Asia, the entire African continent and Central Asia.



What is meant by Northeast Asia (NEA)-NWFZ is that three states of the region, i.e., the two Koreas and Japan would agree not to possess or allow nuclear weapons in their territories, while the three nuclear weapon states would provide to them legally binding security assurances, known as the 3+3 formula.



The idea of turning the Korean Peninsula or the region into a NWFZ has acquired a new relevance since early 1990s, when the U.S. withdrew its nuclear weapons from South Korea. Various ideas of denuclearizing the peninsula or establishing the NEA-NWFZ have been under discussion, the latter only unofficially, at the levels of individual scholars and think tanks.



The latest one was the 2019 Sejong-RECNA (Research Center for Nuclear Weapons Abolition, Nagasaki University) policy proposals that incorporated many previously flagged and discussed ideas and proposals. Nevertheless, despite the richness of ideas, thus far none of these proposals have involved North Korean experts, which makes these proposals seem half-baked and incomplete for practical negotiations.



Though the risk of nuclear proliferation in Northeast Asia is increasing, establishing such a zone is still not on the regional political agenda nor there is a proper regional mechanism to address it, despite the 2013 recommendation of U.N. advisory board on disarmament matters to take action to establish such a zone and an offer by Mongolia, which is part of the region, to promote informally a practical search, believing it as being doable.



The responses to NEA-NWFZ proposals have usually been that the conditions were not ripe, despite the fact that the situation is not getting any better  to put it mildly. Mongolia's experience acquiring the pledge to respect its nuclear-weapon-free status and not to contribute to any act that would violate it, made in a form of a joint declaration and duly recorded at the United Nations, has shown that instead of waiting for the conditions to become "ripe," if ever, it pays to be active and work to create appropriate conditions.



Creating conditions to start discussing the NEA-NWFZ would need first and foremost bold conceptual approaches, especially from the U.S. and North Korea. Since the world is changing, logically so should approaches to the issues.



Thus, should deterrence or the security umbrella for allies always need to be nuclear, especially when the U.S. and each one of its two allies have strong conventional arsenals and alliance support to counter any non-nuclear threat? Shouldn't deterrence be tailored to the changing circumstances and serving the ultimate goal? Isn't it time to think seriously about sole-purpose and no-first-use policies, and would North Korea ever agree to unilateral denuclearization? On the North Korean side, would it agree as a first step to an arms freeze or limitation as a response to reduction and removal of bilateral and multilateral sanctions?



Conceptually, it seems that North Korea might be amenable to serious arms freeze negotiations if the U.S. normalizes relations with North Korea as agreed in the very first paragraph of the 2018 Singapore joint statement. That would promote confidence and enable both sides to look at various options of addressing the issues in question. Once the two sides come to a political understanding on how to address the issues, it can easily be multilateral so as to involve other big and small stakeholders and their respective contributions.



Blue Banner, a Mongolian non-governmental organization (NGO) that does research on regional security issues, believes that an agreement to denuclearize the peninsula would be an important step toward establishing the NEA-NWFZ based on the 3+3 formula. It is undertaking, together with peer civil society organizations, to see how an inclusive process could be launched that might be amenable for initiating practical discussion of the issues involved. The conceptual breakthroughs would open the way to constructively discuss the issues.



It should be pointed out that Russia's and China's roles would be important not only in providing nuclear security assurances to Japan and the Republic of Korea, but also in reassuring North Korea that the U.S. assurances would be credible. There is also the possibility of providing international economic support to North Korea in a form reminiscent of the postwar Marshall Plan from which all stakeholders would win separately and jointly.





Dr. Enkhsaikhan Jargalsaikhan, a former ambassador of Mongolia, is currently chairman of an NGO named Blue Banner. He is also a member of the Asia-Pacific Leadership for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (APLN). His article is published in cooperation with the APLN (www.apln.network).


Military has become breeding ground for sexual violence



An Army general has been arrested for sexually harassing a female subordinate in his unit in yet another high-profile sex crime involving the military. This is the first time that a general has been charged with sexual assault.



According to the defense ministry, the brigadier general attempted to forcefully touch a female officer at a karaoke bar after dining with his subordinates. The general denied the allegations, but military investigators confirmed his crime through closed-circuit television footage that recorded the incident.



The incident comes as a shock as the military is still reeling from the death of an Air Force master sergeant who took her own life in May, three months after she was sexually assaulted by a male sergeant. The suicide led to the resignation of Air Force Chief of Staff Lee Seong-yong and prompted the defense ministry to declare a special reporting period to find other sexual abuse victims in the military, leading to the launch of investigations into 20 other allegations.



It's lamentable that a commanding officer, who should have been at the vanguard of preventing crimes, has been accused of sexual harassment at a time when attention was being drawn to offenses committed in the barracks. The one bright spot here is that the military was quick to detain the offender and separate him from the victim, while keeping her identity secret to prevent further damage.



What's needed first is to look into the case thoroughly and punish the perpetrator severely. But it's more important to find out the root cause of why the military has become a breeding ground for sex crimes irrespective of rank. The latest case raises the possibility that the problem of sexual violence in the military is far more structural than thought. The military should come up with special measures, taking into account its insular and authoritarian characteristics. It is also necessary to introduce a system in which anyone can blow the whistle on wrongdoings in the military, including sex crimes, without fear.


Company logo of global chip giant Broadcom / Korea Times file



By Yi Whan-woo



U.S.-based semiconductor company Broadcom has been the primary target of Korea's top antitrust regulator. The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) launched a probe into allegations that the U.S. chipmaker abused its power when dealing with Korean clients.



Broadcom is accused of forcing Korean mobile companies, including Samsung Electronics, to sign long-term contracts for telecom components, which eventually resulted in limiting access by its clients here to alternative parts, according to sources involved with the issue, Wednesday. If the allegations prove to be true, Broadcom can be subject with heavy fines and face an investigation by local prosecutors.



"KFTC officials conducted a search inside Broadcom Korea's head office in Yangjae in February this year," one official said asking not to be identified. "KFTC remains suspicious over Broadcom's alleged abuse of power targeting its Korean partners."



Headquartered in the United States, Broadcom sells components for use in smartphones, TVs, cable modems and set-top boxes.



Seen as a possible bid to monopolize the market, the allegation comes after recent charges brought against Broadcom in the United States of demanding its customers to purchase only its components. The case was settled last week after Broadcom accepted a consent order from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.



KFTC declined to confirm whether Broadcom is being investigated. Specifically, Broadcom is accused of demanding Samsung Electronics, the world's No. 1 smartphone maker, to ink a long-term deal. Broadcom is apparently under suspicion of using its position of being a major supplier of WiFi and Bluetooth chips to pressure Samsung into signing the deal.



Also, the U.S. component maker allegedly breached antitrust regulations by including exclusivity clauses in contracts with set-top box companies.



"The contracts block customers from buying products from Broadcom's competitors," another source said.



Sources said Broadcom could offer remedial measures to settle the case with the regulator. Korea's top antitrust regulator allows companies that are accused of monopolistic activities here to present corrective measures. The KFTC can close the case without imposing punitive measures if it believes suggested measures are reasonable.



In the U.S., Broadcom was charged with striking unfair deals with at least 10 companies. The accusations included threatening to charge higher prices, refusing technical support or cutting off chip sales if its customers bought products from competing companies.



Back in 2018, Broadcom sought to buy Qualcomm, also a U.S.-headquartered mobile chip titan. But because of national security concerns, then-U.S. President Donald Trump banned the planned $117 billion acquisition. Broadcom was also involved in antitrust cases in Europe in 2019. As a settlement, it agreed with the European Commission suspend all contracts containing exclusivity or quasi-exclusivity arrangements.




Hyundai and Kia headquarters in Seoul / Courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group



Young employees switching jobs due to gradual reduction of salary



By Kim Hyun-bin



Employees are leaving Hyundai Motor due to a gradual reduction in pay, with 400 employees in their 20s leaving the country's second-largest conglomerate last year.



According to Hyundai Motor's sustainability report, 3,081 Hyundai Motor employees accounting for 4.42 of the total workforce left the firm last year. The employee turnover rate has been gradually on the rise, hitting 3.62 percent in 2018 and 3.85 percent in 2019.



Samsung Electronics saw a 2.1 percent turnover rate during the same period. Hyundai's relatively high rate of retirement was said to have raised the turnover rate as people in their 50s accounted for 3.5 percentage points of the 4.42 percent. However, this marks the first time the company's sustainability report stated the ratios for different age groups.



The turnover rate below age 30 recorded 0.6 percent estimated at around 400 employees. However, when looking separately at the age bracket, the turnover rate stands at 5.7 percent as there are around 7,000 employees under 30 years of age working for the carmaker.



Many of the young employees are switching jobs due to the gradual reduction of salary. The average annual company salary comes out to 88 million won, but employees in their 20s receive much less or even endured an overall pay cut in the past few years as the company slashed bonuses drastically.



In 2012, the company offered bonuses as high as 500 percent of the monthly paycheck but this has been on a gradual decline and last year employees received 150 percent bonuses. In addition, the lump sum allowance also shrunk from 9.5 million won to 1.2 million won in the cited period.



"It is difficult to pinpoint that the younger staff are leaving due to the reduction in bonuses," a Hyundai Motor official said.



This is the reason behind why Hyundai Motor's millennials and Generation Z employees established their own union, as the preexisting union has been mostly skewed towards representing production workers. The union of Hyundai Motor voted for a strike Wednesday, after failing to narrow differences with management on wages and collective bargaining issues.



The results of the vote are scheduled to be released early Thursday. In the 13th round of negotiations, Hyundai Motor management proposed to include an increase of 50,000 won ($44.20) to the basic pay, a one-time bonus of 100 percent of monthly salary plus an additional 3 million won, an encouragement allowance of 2 million won and 100,000 won in gift certificates.



However, the union rejected the proposal.



"The strike does not start immediately after the vote  it needs to get approval from the regional employment and labor administration, and after receiving approval, the union leaders will decide when to conduct the protest, so that will take some time," another Hyundai Motor official said. "It is not like the old days, where the union conducts a full-on strike; nowadays they hold around a two-hour strike daily as a warning to management."



Hyundai Motor believes the union's proposal was too extreme to accept as the company suffered major blows from the COVID-19 pandemic and automotive chip shortages that led to the temporary shutdown of its plants. Also the gradual decline in operating profit since 2010 is another cause for concern.



The strike will lead to consumer inconvenience as it will take longer to receive their vehicles. Popular models such as the Tucson SUV already have a six-month wait time. There is a high possibility Hyundai Motor will increase bonuses and depending on the union's decision the upcoming strike could be prolonged.


Brazilian Ambassador to Korea Luis Henrique Sobreira Lopes, center, and Brazilian Agricultural Attache Gutemberg Barone, point at digital screens that have images promoting Brazilian pork and chicken in a Seoul subway station. Courtesy of the Embassy of Brazil



By Dong Sun-hwa



Brazilian pork has a comparatively short history and relatively little recognition in Korea, the world's fourth largest importer of pork. Korea opened its market to Brazilian pork in 2018 and brought in 4,964 tons from the South American country last year. Out of all of the pork that Brazil exported to other countries, this 4,964 tons amounted to only 0.5 percent of the total, so there is a big potential for growth, according to the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA), the political and institutional representative of poultry and pork producers in Brazil.



Meanwhile, Brazilian chicken products, which have been available in Korea since 2005, are in more demand here, comprising nearly 80 percent of the country's chicken imports. In 2020, Brazil exported more than 127,000 tons of chicken products to Korea.





A digital screen with an image promoting Brazilian pork / Courtesy of the Embassy of Brazil



To boost the promotion of its pork and chicken products, the ABPA has decided to be more active in Korean markets. Starting from June 29 (KST), ABPA has been running a publicity campaign in Seoul, displaying eye-catching ads to promote the quality, safety and "sustainability" of Brazilian meat products on 362 digital screens in major subway and bus stations. ABPA has run similar campaigns in other countries, including Japan and Russia, but the scale of its promotion here  backed by the Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil), the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA) and the Brazilian Embassy in Seoul  will be the largest-ever.





Brazilian Ambassador to Korea Luis Henrique Sobreira Lopes / Courtesy of the Embassy of Brazil



"The campaign is expected to reach some 2 million people at bus and subway stations every day," Brazilian Ambassador to Korea Luis Henrique Sobreira Lopes said during a recent interview with The Korea Times at the Embassy of Brazil in Jongno District in Seoul.



He also revealed that the images on the digital screens contain QR codes, through which people can get access to a wide array of Korean-language information concerning Brazilian pork and chicken.



"We decided to run this campaign in Korea this time because it all makes sense for Brazil  the fourth largest exporter and producer of pork  to stay connected with Korea, the fourth largest importer in the world. We also believe this is an important opportunity to further increase our chicken exports."



ABPA President Ricardo Santin told The Korea Times that the association aims to shed light on the quality, safety and "sustainability" of Brazilian meat in the campaign.





ABPA President Ricardo Santin / Courtesy of the ABPA



"Brazilian pork and chicken are high-quality and mouth-watering, as we only feed grain to our animals," Santin said via Zoom. "But they offer more than just taste they are safe and sustainable as well."



Currently, all pork products exported to Korea, he said, come only from the southern state of Santa Catarina, a region recognized as free of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), such that no vaccinations even were ever practiced there. FMD is a highly infectious viral illness that can cause fever and blisters on the feet and in the mouths of pigs.



Santin said two major pork-producing states  Rio Grande do Sul and Parana  have also earned the certification from the OIE that they are now free of FMD without vaccinations. So he hopes Korean authorities will open doors to those regions, too.



"Brazil already sent a document asking Korea to buy pork from these regions and is waiting for a response from the Korean government," the president remarked. "The two states are now in the same condition, with Santa Catarina and the OIE having both declared that they are FMD-free. If the Korean government wants to check, they can visit our country or ask us to provide whatever additional information they need."



Sobreira Lopes said, "We recently asked Korea for approvals for pork from both Rio Grande do Sul and Parana, and eventually want to include more regions."



Brazil has been a safe haven from other types of contagious diseases, like African Swine Fever (ASF) or avian influenza, Santin added.



"We know that Koreans have high sanitary standards and I can guarantee that Brazilian pork and chicken can meet their criteria," Santin said, elaborating that Brazil has rigorous biosecurity measures. For instance, people and animals outside the production system have limited access to the farms, and all vehicles and equipment from the outside need to be sanitized before being used on farms. Brazil has also come up with strict preventive actions during the COVID-19 pandemic.



"In the wake of the pandemic, we spent more than 1 billion Reais ($196 million) to protect people working inside our farms and factories," Santin noted. "We frequently checked their health conditions and made sure they were always wearing protective gear. Consequently, none of our workers tested positive for the virus and we could keep our factories running."



Such endeavors have borne fruit. According to Santin, Brazil saw an increase in pork and chicken exports following the global health crisis.





Statistics regarding Brazil's poultry and pork sectors / Courtesy of the ABPA



"In 2020, we had 37-percent and 0.4-percent growth in the exports of pork and chicken, respectively. During the first five months of this year, we saw an 18-percent rise in pork exports and a 4.7-percent increase for chicken. We expect to see more growth by the end of 2021," he said.



The president also accentuated the fact that Brazilian pork production is "sustainable," saying that its farms are predominantly far from the Amazon Biome.



However, there is a stumbling block on the path to boost these Brazilian exports: high tariffs on the meat. Brazilian Ambassador Luis Henrique Sobreira Lopes pointed out that Korea is now imposing a 25-percent and 20-percent tariff on Brazilian pork and chicken, respectively.





Korea imported 4,964 tons of pork from Brazil in 2020. Courtesy of the ABPA




By Jun Ji-hye







Sharp Technics K (STK), a Korean aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) company, recently signed a memorandum of agreement with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Incheon International Airport Corp. (IIAC), under which IAI will establish its first overseas production base at the Incheon airport to convert wide-body passenger planes to freighters.







Paik Soon-suk, president and CEO of Sharp Technics K and its parent company Sharp Aviation K, holds an interview with The Korea Times at the company in Seoul, June 30. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

Paik Soon-suk, president and CEO of STK and its parent company Sharp Aviation K, said STK will capitalize on the latest agreement to learn advanced technologies and knowhow from Israel's major aerospace company, and will seek to expand its MRO business to the global market, especially Southeast Asia.







Under the agreement signed May 4, IAI will set up a joint venture with STK to convert the 777-ERSF passenger planes into freighters in a bid to meet the expected increase in demand for wide-body freighter aircraft with long-haul capacity.







IIAC, the operator of Incheon airport, will be in charge of constructing the necessary infrastructure, such as a hangars.







"We currently have 350 engineers, and will hire an additional 500 to execute the agreement. In four to five years, we will have 1,000 engineers in total," Paik said during an interview with The Korea Times at his office in Seoul, June 30.







"I believe IAI selected Incheon as its first overseas production base over other countries where the MRO business is well established, such as China and Mexico, because the Israeli company trusts Korean engineers who have a strong sense of responsibility in doing such an important project. Plus, the Korean government's full support played a part," he said.







Paik said converting passenger planes to freighters requires a high degree of technology that is very difficult for a company to acquire in a short period of time. Through the agreement, such advanced technologies will be transferred to STK from IAI, which will help the domestic MRO industry raise its competitive edge.







"In the medium term, we will be able to convert not only Boeing planes but also others such as those made by Airbus. This will create many business opportunities and profits for Korean companies," Paik said. "STK is seeking to expand its MRO business to the Southeast Asian market after learning technologies and knowhow from IAI."







Paik Soon-suk, left, CEO and president of Sharp Technics K, holds a memorandum of agreement with Kim Kyung-wook, center, Incheon International Airport Corp. president and CEO, and Yossi Melamed, general manager of Israel Aerospace Industries, during a signing ceremony at Paradise City in Incheon, May 4. Courtesy of Incheon International Airport Corp.





Although IIAC and STK said their agreement with IAI would contribute to developing the country's entire MRO industry, politicians in South Gyeongsang Province and Sacheon City there have been protesting, claiming the agreement will only disperse investments in the industry and result in weakening regional economies.







Sacheon City, where Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is headquartered, has invested in the MRO business in the region, with KAI setting up its MRO subsidiary, Korea Aviation Engineering & Maintenance Service (KAEMS) there, in 2018.







Regarding this, Paik said, "Some 200 parts are necessary for one door of a freighter. Companies in Sacheon could win these orders when IAI's conversion project commences full-scale operations at Incheon, and this will help all the firms grow together."







He noted wide-body passenger planes cannot land at an airport in Sacheon because its runway is too short, adding that this was one of the reasons why Incheon was selected.







Paik Soon-suk, president and CEO of Sharp Technics K / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul





Paik also serves as the president and CEO of Sharp Aviation K, the largest independent aviation and airport service provider in Korea, and the parent company of STK.







He said Sharp Aviation K, which was established in 1964, offers ground handling services in eight airports in the country, handling over 3 million passengers, 280,000 tons of cargo and 135,000 flights annually.







Like many other companies in the aviation industry, Sharp Aviation K was also hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, with its sales having fallen by 90 percent in February last year, but the company has not laid off any of its employees. Rather, it recruited more employees and raised wages of the entire employees by 4 percent this year.







"Our businesses have been normalized to some extent since May last year when the cargo plane market became active," Paik said. "Our divisions dealing with passengers are still experiencing difficulties, but it has been offset to some extent as other divisions have made profits."







Paik noted his company is expected to see the fruit of its investments, which have been made over the last few decades, in 2025, adding that it expects its sales to increase to about 300 billion won ($263 million) in that year from the current 140 billion won.







"By that time, the number of our employees will increase to 2,500 from the current 1,500," he said.


U.S. Marines, from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, return fire on Taliban positions near the town of Garmser in Helmand Province of Afghanistan, May 2, 2008. Afghan authorities on Tuesday vowed to retake all the districts lost to the Taliban as the pullout of U.S. forces from the country neared completion. AP-Yonhap



Afghan authorities on Tuesday vowed to retake all the districts lost to the Taliban as the pullout of U.S. forces from the country neared completion.



Hundreds of commandos were deployed to counter the insurgents' blistering offensive in the north, a day after more than 1,000 government troops fled into neighboring Tajikistan.



The U.S. Central Command announced that the American withdrawal from the country, ordered in April by President Joe Biden, was now more than 90 percent completed, underscoring that Afghan forces were increasingly on their own in the battle with the hardline Islamist Taliban.



Fighting has raged across several provinces, but the insurgents have primarily focused on a devastating campaign across the northern countryside, seizing dozens of districts in the past two months.



Last week, all U.S. and NATO forces left Bagram Air Base near Kabul  the command centre for anti-Taliban operations  effectively wrapping up their exit after 20 years of military involvement that began in the wake of the September 11 attacks.



"There is war, there is pressure. Sometimes things are working our way.



Sometimes they don't, but we will continue to defend the Afghan people," National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib told reporters.



"We have plans to retake the districts," he added.



Troops and pro-government militiamen were deployed in the northern provinces of Takhar and Badakhshan where the Taliban has captured large swathes of territory at lightning speed, often with little resistance.



Afghan defense officials have said they intend to focus on securing major cities, roads and border towns in the face of the Taliban onslaught, launched as U.S. and NATO troops pressed ahead with their final withdrawal in early May.



The militants' rapid gains have spurred fears that Afghan forces are facing a spiraling crisis, particularly now that vital U.S. air support has been massively curtailed by the handover of Bagram Air Base.





An internally displaced family flees towards the city in Panjwai district of Kandahar province after the Taliban captured a key district in their former bastion of Kandahar, July 4. AFP-Yonhap



Afghan forces flee



Mohib acknowledged that the Afghan air force was stretched and largely unable to support bases that were in remote districts.



But he said the air force was now being reorganized and would offer the needed backup to troops on the ground.



"We had some glitches as a result of the (U.S.) retrograde... (that put) additional pressure on the Afghan air force, he said.



"Next week we will receive seven Black Hawks" as part of Washington's continued support of Afghan forces, he said.



President Ashraf Ghani blamed the Taliban for all the "bloodshed and destruction", adding that his government will not "surrender" to the militants, a palace statement said.



On Monday, more than 1,000 Afghan troops fled into Tajikistan, forcing the neighboring country to bolster the frontier with its own soldiers.



Several hundred Afghan troops had already crossed into Tajikistan in recent weeks.



"We had to abandon our base because there was no coordination or interest among our commanders to counter the attack," said Mohammad Musa, a soldier who had fled to Tajikistan after his base in Kunduz province fell to the Taliban last week.



The fighting in the north has also forced Moscow to close its consulate in the city of Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of Balkh province and one of Afghanistan's largest urban centers, near the border with Uzbekistan.



But Mohib said the soldiers who fled were returning and rejoining the security forces.



"They may have abandoned their posts because they ran out of ammunition or they ran out of supplies, but by no means has anyone defected to the Taliban," he said.





Afghan militia forces stand guard at an outpost as they patrol against the Taliban fighters in the Tange Farkhar area of Taloqan in northern Takhar province, July 6. AFP-Yonhap
Mary Simon attends a news conference where she is announced as the next Governor General of Canada in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, July 6. Reuters-Yonhap



An Inuk leader who has served as a Canadian diplomat was named the country's first Indigenous representative of the crown on Tuesday  an announcement that comes in the wake of a scandal over the nation's long mistreatment of Indigenous people.



In naming the next governor general, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said 'it is only by building bridges'' can the people of Canada move forward together.



''Mary Simon has done that throughout her life,'' Trudeau said speaking at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec.



''I know she will help continue paving that path ahead. And we will all be stronger for it. Today after 154 years, our country takes a historic step. I cannot think of a better person to meet the moment."



He said Queen Elizabeth II has approved the appointment of her representative in Canada.





Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visits the Cowessess First Nation, where a search had found 751 unmarked graves from the former Marieval Indian Residential School near Grayson, Saskatchewan, Canada, July 6. Reuters-Yonhap
Flip flop sandals belonging to students of Bethel Baptist High School are seen following an attack by gunmen in Damishi Kaduna, Nigeria, July 6. AP-Yonhap



Yusuf Lado had not yet learned to read or write when his school closed for fear of attacks by armed gangs, which have been snatching students across northwest Nigeria in hopes of lucrative ransom payouts.



The 7-year-old has now set aside his dream of becoming a doctor and is training to be a welder, despite his slight build.



"I hope to perfect this work I'm learning and be as good as my boss," he told Reuters late last month at his new workplace on the outskirts of the Kaduna state capital.



Humanitarian agencies warn that an alarming rise in school kidnappings  with at least 10 institutions hit and around 1,000 students and staff abducted since December  is disrupting the education of hundreds of thousands of Nigerian children.



The United Nations children's agency UNICEF estimates that around 1,125 schools are closed across northwest Nigeria. Even where schools are open, some parents are too afraid to send their children. Some 300,000-400,000 students in the region are out of school due to insecurity, UNICEF said.



"There is a risk of losing an entire generation due to lack of education," said Isa Sanusi, spokesman for rights group Amnesty International in Nigeria.



None of Yusuf's nine siblings are in school.



The family fled their village of Kaure last year after a series of attacks by criminal gangs, including kidnappings and cattle rustling, his father Lado Gajere told Reuters.



Yusuf's 19-year-old cousin was taken on his way to work on a farm. The family paid the kidnappers 1 million naira ($2,400), but they killed him anyway, said Gajere, a 47-year-old farmer.



The family now lives in a house provided by a local leader on the outskirts of Kaduna city, more than 200 km (125 miles) away. But there are no free schools in the area that Gajere considers safe enough.



"We want (our children) to go to school but there are no teachers, no school and the children have nothing doing because bandits chase everyone away," Gajere said.





The Bethel Baptist High School hostel for males is seen following an attack by gunmen in Damishi Kaduna, Nigeria, July 6. AP-Yonhap




Pope Francis' recovery from intestinal surgery continues to be ''regular and satisfactory,'' the Vatican said Wednesday, as it revealed that final examinations showed he had a suffered a ''severe'' narrowing of his colon.







The Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni, said the 84-year-old pope was continuing to eat regularly following his Sunday surgery to remove the left side of his colon, and that intravenous therapy had been suspended.







Bruni said final examination of the affected tissue ''confirmed a severe diverticular stenosis with signs of sclerosing diverticulitis.''







Francis underwent three hours of planned surgery Sunday. He is expected to stay in Rome's Gemelli Polyclinic, which has a special suite reserved for popes, through the week, assuming no complications, the Vatican has said.







Among those offering get-well wishes was U.S. President Joe Biden, a Catholic who has cited Francis in the past. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said during a daily briefing Tuesday that the president ''wishes him well and a speedy recovery.''







Bruni said Francis appreciated all the prayers coming his way.







''Pope Francis is touched by the many messages and the affection received in these days, and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer," he said.







Francis has enjoyed relatively robust health, though he lost the upper part of one lung in his youth due to an infection. He also suffers from sciatica, or nerve pain, that makes him walk with a pronounced limp. (AP)






CJ ENM has confirmed that IZ*ONE will not be pushing through with their reunion.

On Tuesday, July 6, Tenasia released an exclusive report stating that plans for IZ*ONE's temporary reunion, which was in the works between CJ ENM and the companies of each respective member, has fallen through and will no longer be happening. However, Tenasia did not give a specific reason as to why the plans have failed to push through.

IZ*ONE Will Not be Reuniting as a Group

Soon after the reports were released, CJ ENM released a statement confirming that IZ*ONE will no longer be reuniting. In a statement shared with South Korean media outlet Newsen, the company said that although they left various possibilities for an IZ*ONE reunion open to the agencies, they were unable to agree on a conclusion.

CJ ENM asks fans to support the members and their future careers, regardless of whether or not they will reunite as IZ*ONE.

IZ*ONE Fandom Prepared for "Plan B" To Relaunch the Group

Prior to the reports that IZ*ONE will not be re-debuting as a group, Parallel Universe Project, the fan-led initiative to help relaunch IZ*ONE, announced that they would arrange a "Plan B" to prepare for a similar situation that happened to them in March.

Previously, CJ ENM had been discussing the idea of debuting an IZ*ONE sub-unit, but the company ultimately scratched the idea.

The fan-led campaign stated that they were in contract with individual agencies of the members through a direct means of contact with their CEO instead of with CJ ENM, though they were still working with the latter company.

Following CJ ENM's statement that IZ*ONE will not re-debut, however, Parallel Universe Project has stated they will be pushing through with "Plan B."

The campaign stated that they are still not certain whether the companies of the members really failed to agree on IZ*ONE's relaunch or whether CJ ENM simply gave up.

Regardless, the team for the initiative has already begun approaching agencies involved with their plan over the past week due to skepticism towards CJ ENM.

The team has yet to reveal what "Plan B" is, but has stated they will inform fans soon.

IZ*ONE disbanded in April 29, 2021 following the end of their contract.

For more K-Pop news and updates, always keep your tabs open here on KpopStarz.

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Alexa Lewis
LOONA breaks their own record for first-week album sales!

Keep on reading to know more.

LOONA's 4th Mini-Album "&" Surpasses 76,000 Albums Sold in its First Week

According to South Korea's largest album sales site, Hanteo Chart, on July 7, KST, LOONA's fourth mini-album "&" had recorded a total of 76,293 album copies sold in just its first week of sales, breaking the group's own record. In addition, "&" took the fourth spot as the highest-selling album in its first week that was released in 2021 by a girl group.

With the group breaking their own record for first-week album sales, LOONA is proving their growing popularity and strong fandom both domestic and overseas.

Back on June 28 at 6pm KST, LOONA made their highly-awaited comeback after two years and five months with their fourth mini-album "&," which tells the story of LOONA crossing boundaries and making a bigger change, such as breaking the typical rules and becoming one.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: LOONA Becomes the First Female K-pop Artist in History to Attain This Milestone on US iTunes Album Chart

Their mini-album contains a total of seven songs, including the album's title song "PTT (Paint The Town)," "&," "WOW," "Be Honest," "Dance On My Own," "A Different Night," and "U R."

LOONA is breaking a career-high by surpassing their all-time records within just a week of their new album's release. Back on June 28, LOONA topped the iTunes Album charts in the United States, with "&" taking the No.1 spot on the chart in 36 different regions across the globe.

In fact, LOONA became the first female K-pop artist in history to have five of their albums reach the top spot on the iTunes Albums chart in the United States, after their previous albums "+ +," "X X," "#," and "12:00." This is an impressive feat considering that not many Korean acts peak at No.1, but LOONA was able to do so with five albums, proving their popularity in the United States.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: LOONA Matches BLACKPINK and Red Velvet's Impressive Feat on Worldwide iTunes Album Chart

In addition, "&" also took the No.1 spot on the iTunes Worldwide Albums chart for three days in a row.

Meanwhile, the group's music video for their title song "PTT (Paint The Town)" had surpassed 30 million views on Youtube in just the first week of its release. As of this writing, the music video has 32,198,134 views and more than 437,000 likes.

Check out the music video of "PTT (Paint The Town)" here:

LOONA Gears Up for Japanese Debut

In other news, LOONA is preparing to make their Japanese debut after three years since their official debut in 2018.

Back on June 27, LOONA released a special clip featuring the members at the Mori Building Digital Art Museum: teamLab Borderless that is located in Tokyo, Japan. The special clip shows the members performing 2018 single "favOriTe," as well as "Butterfly."

At the end of the special clip, LOONA announces that they will finally be making their official Japanese debut on September 15, 2021, under Universal Music Japan.

Are you excited for LOONA's Japanese debut?

Check out the special clip here:

YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: BLACKPINK, TWICE, and More are the Female K-Pop Artists That Gained the Most YouTube Subscribers in June 2021

For more K-Pop news and updates, always keep your tabs open here on KpopStarz.

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Robyn Joan
In the infographics, a Korean media outlet summarized all Chinese idols including NCT Dream Renjun and Chenle, GOT7 Jackson, EXO Lay, SEVENTEEN Jun, and more who are being criticized for supporting China. Read more to know why!

Following the attitude controversy of NCT Dream, Chinese Idols, who were actively promoting in Korea are continuously receiving criticism from Korean netizens.

On July 6, the Korean media outlet E-Today released an infographic that aimed to summarize the current criticism Chinese-born K-pop idols are receiving.

Reason Why Some K-Netz Want Chinese Idols To Be Banned in Korea

Korean internet users wanting Chinese idols to be banned in Korea has been going on for a year now. However, NCT Dream's attitude controversy triggered the issue once again, due to the group containing Chinese members such as Chenle and Renjun.

In particular, K-Netz voiced out that they are condemning Chinese idols not because of their race, but due to their behaviors.

In the infographics, Chinese K-pop stars who support and praise the Chinese government was listed, mentioning the reasons why they are also being criticized.

For the Chinese idols who supported cotton production in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China  f(x) Victoria, EXO Lay, GOT7 Jackson, and Everglow Wang Yiren were included. The reason why people are infuriated with the stars supporting cotton from Xinjiang was because of the suspected forced labor against the Uygur community.

Following them, Cosmic Girls Cheng Xiao, Mei Qi, Xuan Yi, former Pristin Kyulkyung along with EXO Lay and f(x) Victoria were then criticized for describing Korean War as "Anti-U.S. Aid," which is an expression that means supporting North Korea against the U.S.

Previously, SEVENTEEN's Jun and The8, NCT Renjun and Chenle, (G)I-DLE's Yuqi, PENTAGON's Yan An, GOT7 Jackson, WJSN's Cheng Xiao, Mei Qi, Xuan Yi, etc. also posted congratulatory messages and photos on Weibo to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China.

Koreans are angered with their acts due to the Chinese idols continuously praising China while promoting and making money in Korea.

National Petition Asking to Ban Chinese Idols Activities in Korea Currently Signed by 14,000+ people

As a result, a Blue House Petition is now gaining attention from several Koreans. As of writing, the petition has already 14,000 signs.

Some Koreans insisted that Chinese idols agreed on "distorting history," wherein Koreans deeply remember and reflect on the horrendous and sad Korean War. Allegedly, their actions are also gaining remarks such as "They are doing the act of fooling around Korean fans" and "Why do you make money in Korea?"

What are your thoughts about this issue? Share it in the comments!

For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Eunice Dawson
If you are looking for something to satisfy your ears with both K-pop and rock genres, then you might want to listen to Day6, The Rose, N.Flying, and more  the Korean rock bands that you should definitely stan now!

If you think the Korean music scene only centers on K-pop, then you are wrong. In fact, there are actually a lot of genres such as indie, trot, rock, etc. that you can enjoy if you'll dive deeper into the music industry!

As K-pop rock is currently gaining more attention from music enthusiasts, let us check out the South Korean rock bands, that you should definitely stan for their bop songs!

1. F.T. Island

One of the earliest Korean rock band in the industry, the second-gen group are truly iconic for their release and achievements. Despite the influx of idol boy bands in the music scene, the three legendary members carved their name in the industry with Korean rock. The group consists of the main vocalist Lee Hong Gi, bassist Lee Jaejin and drummer Choi Min Hwan.

Just right after their debut with "Love Sick," it topped domestic charts for two consecutive months and their album, "Cheerful Sensibility", also became the sixth best-selling album in 2017. These records made them the " Best Male New Male Group" in the same year.

2. CNBLUE

If we are talking about K-pop rock bands, this list is not complete without CNBLUE! A legendary band from 2009, the team is comprised of three members; the leader, main vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist Jung Yong Hwa, drummer Kang Min Hyuk, and bassist Lee Jung Shin. But despite their positions, they are actually all-rounders who can both play instruments and sing!

Initially, they debuted in Japan and later expanded to Korea in 2010 due to international success and domestic demand.

If you are a new fan, you should definitely listen to their debut track, "I'm a Loner"!

3. The Rose

If you're not still a fan of The Rose, you are missing out a lot! The Rose is composed of four members: guitarist and vocalist Kim Woosung, keyboardist Park Dojoon, drummer Lee Hajoon, and bassist Lee Jae Hyeong.

Despite coming from a small company, J&Star, their release, "Sorry" in 2017 trended on various media and channels, including YouTube and Twitter. On top of that, they also gained recognition from Rolling Stone India, Billboard for their track.

In 2020, the TikTok platform became a way for them to be recognized by more music fans with their incredible covers of various songs including "ILYSB."

In 2021, their popularity continues despite contract disputes with their former agency. In June, Woosung released his solo track, "Lazy," while the other members are currently in the military.

4. Day6

Indeed, Day6 is truly one of the current most popular K-pop rock bands that deserve more recognition!

The band is composed of five members, including Jae, Young K, Sungjin, Wonpil, and Dowoon. They are not regarded for playing their own instruments but the members are also involved in writing, composing, and producing their own songs.

If you want to are a new fan, they have a long list of discography to enjoy, including "The Book of Us" series! In fact, their sub-unit Even of Day just dropped their second EP, "Right Through Me," on July 5, which is certainly a must listen as well!

5. N.Flying

Another band that is catching the interest of music fans is N.Flying! Interestingly, they are under the genre of rap-rock who initially rose to popularity in Japan in 2013.

In 2015, they then expanded in South Korea, with their single, "Awesome." The group is currently composed of Lee Sung Hyub, Cha Hun, Kim Jaehyun, Yoo Hwesung, and Seo Dongsung.

Although they were initially compared to their seniors F.T. Island and CNBLUE, they proved their own name after their track, "Rooftop," ranked No.1 on major Korean charts and Gaon.

On June 7, 2021, N.Flying just released their first Korean studio album, "Man on the Moon."

For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Eunice Dawson


Electrical Engineer. Multiple openings. Apply & set microprocessor based protective relays. Complete relay setting files, coord'n studies, setting & maintaining basis documentation. Operate computer-assisted engg & dsgn s/ware or eqpmt to perform engg tasks. Test & commission microprocessor-based protective relay devices on site. Prep tech'l drawings, specs of electrical systems, or topographical maps to ensure that installation & operations conform to standards & customer reqmts. Confer with engineers, customers, or others to discuss existing or potential engg projects or products. Direct or coord configuration, installation, maintenance, support, & testing of electrical systems. Reqmts: Must have at least Bach's deg in Electrical Engg or the foreign equiv. Jobsite: 5031-B W.T. Harris Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28269. Send resumes to: Power Relaying Solutions, PLLC., 5031-B W.T. Harris Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28269.

recblid 90a6cwgoupwnsh22mx5xcw20obe8x9








CUSTODIAN 32-40 Hours/Week The City of Dubuque invites applications for the position of Custodian. The successful candidate will keep the library building in clean and orderly condition; perform heavy cleaning duties, such as cleaning floors, shampooing rugs, washing walls and glass, and removing rubbish; tend furnace and boiler; perform routine maintenance activities; notify management of need for repairs; clean snow or debris from sidewalk; and perform other duties as assigned. A high school diploma or its equivalent; possession of or ability to obtain a valid state issued drivers license required. The successful candidate will possess the ability to follow a management philosophy that is input oriented and values equity, problem solving and the development of partnerships; and the desire to be part of an organization that values service, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation and teamwork. The City offers an hourly wage range of $18.22 to $23.83, and an attractive benefits package which includes twelve weeks of paid parental leave. The City of Dubuque is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

recblid j91lldahkor0j0elf193cylank5hw6






Open Rank Extension Educator  Rural Prosperity Nebraska (Cheyenne County)

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Nebraska Extension is searching for an Extension Educator who will provide regional expertise and develop focused, comprehensive learning programs in leadership and growing rural Nebraska communities.

Preferred Qualifications

 Experience working with individuals, coworkers, and teams to accomplish individual and/or group goals, as evidenced by college, career, and/or community activities.

 Outstanding leadership skills as demonstrated by roles in college, career, and/or community activities.

 Understanding of different ethnic and socioeconomic audiences and a commitment to developing and delivering both inclusive and targeted programming.

 Demonstrated ability to network with business and community leaders.

Review of applications will be 07/30/2021.

Recognizing that diversity within a context of inclusivity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and Extension are committed to creating learning, research, Extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms of human diversity. We actively encourage applications from and nominations of individuals from underrepresented groups.

As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See http://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.

recblid 8yvsgr96lx1ng33bihqptjy22b9dh3


CONTACT CENTER SUPPORT SPECIALIST THE OPPORTUNITY!

See the world, Change the World. At Centrav, Inc. we are seeking ambitious individuals who thrive in a fast paced work environment, who want to make a difference. Individuals who while under pressure, maintain a positive attitude & work well within a team setting and independently. We want to hire those who have strengths in multi-tasking, organization, accuracy, & problem-resolution as well as extremely reliable, flexible & who will provide excellent support to our broad customer base of travel professionals. All while projecting a professional & friendly company image via phone, chat & email interaction. At Centrav, you will have the opportunity to thrive, and set the foundation for potential career advancement. Take your first step by applying online today!

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING?

Booking, changing & re-protecting airline reservations via the Global Distribution Systems-

Worldspan & Amadeus, as well as, Centravs booking engine

Utilizing your Knowledge of domestic and international airline/airport codes, routings and fare rules

Strengthen new & existing customer relations

Actively participate in cross-functional teams to increase overall customer satisfaction and/or

operations efficiencies

Other duties, as assigned

You must be able to work on-site at our Burnsville, MN office during your 1st year of employment IS THIS YOU?

Travel industry experience; strong computer, math, and communication skills. Must type minimum 35 WPM. Fluency in Amadeus or Worldspan or another GDS system

Bi-lingual, fluent in English and Spanish would be a PLUS (but not required) More Essential Functions of the Job

Must be able to come to work promptly and regularly; excellent attendance is essential

Must be able to take direction, work and communicate well with others

Must be able to communicate in person, on the telephone, via email & chat

Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods within the office setting

Must be able to concentrate and perform accurately

Must be able to work under the stress of deadlines

Must be able to react to change productively and handle other tasks as assigned

Must present self in a professional manner SCHEDULE & PHYSICAL DEMANDS Full-time, MondayFriday, 8:30am5:00pm; 9am-5:30pm; 10am-6:30pm

Inherent to a normal office environment WHATS IN IT FOR YOU?

Centrav offers above industry pay & a robust benefits program plus an inclusive, interactive company culture.

Health Insurance

PTO

401k Match

Paid Maternity Leave

HSA Contributions

Continued Education

Travel Perks & Discounts If you are looking for... challenge... opportunity... reward... a company who gives back in a mighty big way & believe you're a good fit for this position, please email your cover letter & resume to: jobs@centrav.com. WHO WE ARE.

Weve been a leader in the wholesale travel industry for over 30 years. Centrav is headquartered in Burnsville, MN. At Centrav, we strive for excellence in all areas of our business and are inspired by the belief that we make a difference in the world, & for the world. As a team, we believe working together produces greater results, and we count on each employee to drive our superior performance & service standards. In addition -

reliability, courtesy and genuine respect for all others are fundamentally essential to our work culture. Additional Information

Type: Non-exempt/Hourly

Experience: Intermediate Level Specialist

Functions: Customer Care - Sales & Support

Industries: Travel / Airlines WHY JOIN US?

We are committed to serving humans by creating an outstanding environment for our employees, our

customers, and others around the world. One of the ways we do this is by sending one meal to refugees in

South East Asia for every airline ticket sold. If you would like to be a part of what we are doing, apply now! Promises & Disclaimers:

This job description has been prepared to assist in defining job responsibilities, physical demands, mental

tolerance, working conditions and skills needed. It is not intended as a complete list of job duties,

responsibilities and/or essential functions. This description is not intended to limit or modify the right of a

manager to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their management. Centrav, Inc. retains

and reserves any & all rights to change, modify, amend, add to or delete from any section of this document

as it deems, in its judgment, to be proper. Centrav, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We adhere to a policy of making employment decisions

without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, marital

status, disability, or veteran status. Centrav, Inc. is an at will employer. Nothing in this Job Description will limit the right of either party to

terminate their at-will employment. You are free to resign at any time, for any reason, with or without notice.

Similarly, Centrav, Inc. is free to conclude the employment relationship at any time for any lawful reason,

with or without cause, and with or without notice.

recblid ybvfu39cy4f6mb5g1xni3csdaezb4h








Walla Walla Community College is accepting applications to fill the full-time Fiscal Analyst 4 position at the Walla Walla Campus.



At Walla Walla Community College we inspire all students to discover their potential and achieve their goals by providing relevant, equitable, and innovative learning opportunities and services. We have identified three core themes that describe the fundamental aspects of the Colleges mission by translating it into practice. The core themes are: Student Success, Strong Communities, and Resource Stewardship. As an organization, we value learning opportunities, a sense of community, diversity, health and humor, excellence, integrity, teamwork, innovation, personal and professional growth and sustainability.



General Responsibilities:

The Grant and Contracts Fiscal Analyst assists the Director of Director of Finance/Controller with financial reporting for 40 to 50 grants and contracts with an estimated annual value of over $10 million dollars and financial aid awards of over $18 million. This position is responsible for working with Grants and Contracts managers and program directors to prepare budgets, provide directors updated budget / expenditure reports, maintain fiscal records for grants and contracts, assist with final grant close outs and provide information as request to management. In additional to financial reporting, the position assists the institutional compliance of Federal and State rules and regulations. This position is responsible the vast majority of cash flow management related to grant and contract and financial aid activities.



Essential Functions Maintain records, invoice grants and contracts and regularly provide managers of grants and contracts with updated budget / spending reports.

Prepare accounts receivable monthly, annual and biennial closings, and grant accruals at year end; including year-end spend downs

Interpret Uniform Guidance, state rules, sponsor specific requirements and institutional policies and procedures to respond to sponsor inquiries, advise PIs, grant managers and other stakeholders. Collaborate with State Board, Governmental agencies, and other Colleges for research regarding rules and regulations related to various grants.

Assist the Financial Aid Office with annual reconciliations and with financial aid fund draw-downs as needed

Contract process management Perform initial review of contracts and agreements and assist College staff in the process from review to being fully executed.

Maintain records, provide information for required reports regarding contracts all WWCC contracts For a more detailed position description, follow this link

Fiscal Analyst 4- Grants and Contracts Competencies Able to use independent judgement in the application of the travel rules as set forth in the State Administrative & Accounting Manual (SAAM)

Ability to function and communicate in a highly computerized environment, including the input of data and interpretation/analysis of screen displays and hard copy output.

Demonstrated ability to analyze complex financial data and perform reconciliations with a high degree of accuracy under time constraints.

Track and manage multiple deadlines associated with various grants.

Proven analytical, verbal and written communication skills.

Excellent customer service skills

Strong interpersonal skills, ability to work as a team member

Clearly and effectively communicate with individuals and groups within and outside of the organization

Work independently, professionally, and with minimal supervision.

Work with a diverse population, preferably in an educational setting

Able to use a computerized fiscal accounting system, including data input, review and editing.

Intermediate to advanced skills in Excel, Word, Microsoft Outlook and 10-Key

Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration. Professional experience may substitute for education at the discretion of the college

Three years full-time accounting experience in a high functioning accounting office

Experience monitoring expenditures and reconciling funds and accounts

Understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

Demonstrated proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.)

Knowledge of/experience with grant and contract concepts and accounting desired

Knowledge of relevant Federal and State grant regulations or equivalent desired

Experience in the education or government-industry desired

Training and/or experience with ERP system implementations. PeopleSoft ERP system experience is a plus Conditions/Terms of Employment Typical work schedule is Monday Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm. The summer work schedule is normally adjusted to a 4/10 Monday through Thursday work week. The incumbent may occasionally be expected to adjust the work schedule to meet business needs. Occasional travel is required for this position.

Work is performed almost exclusively indoors in an office environment. Exposure to hazards limited to those commonly found in office environments. Duties require the use of standard office furniture and equipment (e.g. desk, computer, printer, scanner, telephone, copy machine, etc.). Frequent contact with staff, students, and the public.



This classified position is in a bargaining unit for which WPEA Higher Ed is the exclusive representative.

The college has an excellent benefit program including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance; paid sick leave and retirement plan. The college is tobacco free. All full-time employees will automatically have 3% of taxable income deferred into the State of Washington Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) unless declined at time of hire. WWCC requires all employees to participate in direct deposit for payment of salary. Required Application Materials This position will remain open until filled. For priority consideration, applications should be received by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, July 15, 2021 . Applicants must meet required qualifications and submit a complete application packet that includes the following:

Online application.

Cover letter describing your skills and experience and how they relate to the competencies and qualifications

List names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three professional references

Unofficial Transcripts (if applicable). An official transcript will be required for education upon hire .

WWCC reserves the right to not fill this position, reject all applicants, reopen the position or make a direct appointment. Applications received during this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies at the College's discretion.



If you have difficulty logging into your account, attaching documents, submitting your application, etc., please call NEOGOV customer service at 1-855-524-5627



Walla Walla Community College is committed to provide equal opportunity and nondiscrimination for all educational and employment applicants as well as for its students and employed staff, without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, including gender expression/identity, marital status, age (over 40), the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, the use of trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, or status as a Vietnam and/or disabled veteran, National Guard member or reservist in accordance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Federal Rehabilitation of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and any other applicable Federal and Washington State laws against discrimination. To qualify for veteran's preference, you must attach a copy of your DD214 or NGB 22. The Human Resources Office is accessible to persons with disabilities. If you need accommodation in the application/ employment process, please call (509) 527-4323 - TDD (509) 527-4412.

recblid oxqnqxqoshkov4nwgslglcgajb4otj






SAU Tech trying to push more people across goal of higher education degree
The delta strain of the coronavirus is a highly infectious variant that was first identified in India late last year but has now been found in 85 countries, including the United States, where it is estimated to account for about 26% of cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Delta is believed to be the most infectious strain, even more so than the alpha variant, which was first identified in the United Kingdom and is more infectious than the original dominant strain.
A large banner bearing the name Johann Sebastian Goundie will be flying above our shady canopy. We refer to Goundie as the father of beer-making in Bethlehem. He was The Christmas Citys first brewer and became the towns first mayor.
On Feb. 3, the FBI posted photos of Byerly on its website and social media. On April 5, someone contacted the FBI and identified the man in the photos as Byerly, the court document says. The tipster said theyve known Byerly for years and that Byerly told them he was waiting to be arrested because his photo has been publicized, the complaint states.
Theres money in the bank, House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton said last week. House Democrats, she said, are determined that when we return to session that we will ensure that that money in the bank goes to the property taxpayers that need a property tax break.
WHILE YOURE HERE... If you learned something from this story, pay it forward and become a member of Spotlight PA so someone else can in the future at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results.
The key messages for Elsa are far less notable. According to the NHC, the storm should remain inland of the coastline from Georgia to the Carolinas, where it will bring the heaviest rain. By the time it crosses the Chesapeake Bay and runs north, it will bring the potential for showers and thunderstorms to this area, but no tornado threats, as it stays offshore. The threat for heavy rain is likely, with the potential for more than two inches of rain in some parts of the region.
Id prefer if they were used where they are supposed to be used, though, and if thrill seekers would consider the potential consequences. A few years ago, bottle rockets landed on my roof and in my dry grass. No damage was done, but fires have started under similar circumstances.
Voting is a voice of the people and something every American should be proud of. I recently had a doctor appointment and they asked for my license ID to update their files, which they do annually. I had no problem showing this information nor was I upset that I was asked for it. We should treasure each and every vote with proper ID. Its simple if you have it. ID is important for every type of election.
Burley, ID (83318)

Today

Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. High 96F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low 58F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Keokuk, IA (52632)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 77F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms in the evening, overcast overnight with occasional rain. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected.
Today's Headlines Would you like to receive our daily news? Sign up today!

Breaking news Sign up for breaking news alerts from morning-times.com!!!

Week in Sports Get a weekly local sports round-up from www.morning-times.com every Saturday morning!!!
Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Lance Corporal first appeared on TikTok in 2018, appearing to shake along to fast music before rushing to bite and rub his face on his owner's fingers.

Then, a video showing the now four-year-old white fox excavating a hole through his beloved couch to hide went viral, with 6.5 million views.

With over 2 million followers on TikTok, the fox is now a celebrity. Troy Hoffman, a handicapped soldier with nine dogs, shares footage of Lance playing with his pitbull best buddy, resting in odd corners around the house, or barking that he's hungry, lonely, or afraid.

Hoffman remarked, "He's got this very wonderful smile and just like a positive feeling about him. So we're simply trying to generate positive material with that."

Exotic Animals on Tiktok

TikTok users are entertained with charming cats, dogs, and bunnies. However, vidoes featuring exotic pets such as servals, raccoons, kinkajous, and foxes, which have received millions of views, are increasing in popularity.

According to experts, these videos are causing TikTok users to purchase exotic creatures without thinking about the responsibilities that come with having one.

"On TikTok, we can only display the positive for one minute and not the terrible," Nancy Coyne, a wildlife rehabilitation specialist, explained.

"When that animal turns around and attacks someone, no one on TikTok is going to show it. So you're just getting the nice and cuddly side of things; you're missing out on the other side. The opposite side is generally when they reach adulthood."

It gets increasingly difficult to control these animals as they grow larger.

Related Article: How To Properly Take Care of Exotic Pets

Preparation

On the other hand, Hoffman said he did a lot of study and preparation before buying Lance from an exotic pet shop in Pensacola, Florida. And he's still picking up on his habits.

For example, Hoffman discovered a community of fox TikTokkers, including @Juniperfoxx, @napkinsthefox, and @kikithefox_, who share tips on how to care for their foxes, such as using corn cob shavings in their litter boxes to keep the animals from becoming poisoned if they eat the food they hide in it, which is a common behavior for fox pets.

Big-Cat Accounts

Big-cat accounts on TikTok, such as Luna the black leopard and Messi the puma, have a significant following: owners cuddling and playing with them like domestic cats.

Stryker, a serval, has eight million followers. Over 46 million people watched a video of the TikTok star moaning profoundly while carrying an entire chicken in his mouth.

Felicia Wilson, a TikTokker, mocks how guests are quickly terrified away when they first encounter her two African servals, Juno and Asha, in viral TikToks. The servals were rescued from their owners' mistreatment.

Wilson, an animal transporter, claimed she accidentally broadcast her first TikTok because she mistook it for a video editing software and didn't aware it had gone public.

"I said, well, this is a fantastic chance for me to share my transportation with people because it's exciting, fascinating, and challenging," she explained. "And then attempt to teach them a little bit about servals."

Exotic Pet Care

Despite the adorable face value, it should always be kept in mind that exotic pets need intense research and preparations.

Also Read: Gargantuan Basking Shark After a Plankton Gives Students a Big Scare

For more news update about the latest animal trends, don't forget to follow Nature World News
Researchers stated Monday that after the animals were delisted under the Endangered Species Act and the state permitted a public hunt, up to a third of Wisconsin's gray wolves may have been killed earlier this year.

In new research, scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison calculated that between April 2020 and April 2021, 313 to 323 wolves were likely murdered by people. According to Adrian Treves, a professor at UW-Madison and one of the study's primary authors, the numbers should raise worries about future hunting seasons in Wisconsin.

"Although the [Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources] strives for population stability, we estimate the population has decreased significantly," Treves said in a statement.

Calling off Lawful Hunts

The findings come only months after state wildlife authorities were forced to call off a lawful wolf hunt after only three days. Hunters killed at least 216 wolves in roughly 60 hours, greatly above the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' standard of 119. The statistics astounded conservationists, who had filed a lawsuit to block the hunt, claiming that it would occur during the wolves' mating season, when they are most vulnerable, according to The New York Times.

Wisconsin had planned to start its first hunt in six years in November 2021. Still, a pro-hunting organization sued and obtained a court ruling in February, allowing the endeavor to proceed.

Related Article: Red Wolves are Going Extinct and Chances of Recovery are Extremely Low



Poaching Related Deaths

Many of the additional wolf deaths, according to the researchers, were caused by "cryptic poaching," in which hunters hide evidence of their murders. As a result, they believe that around 695 to 751 wolves left in the state, down from at least 1,034 last year.

Without any other hunting, Treves and his co-authors believe that wolf numbers may recover in one or two years. Wisconsin state law mandates a wolf hunt between November and February when there is no federal restriction.

According to the Associated Press, several experts have cautioned that additional data is required to establish that wolf numbers have dropped so significantly in such a short period of time.

After wolves were initially protected in 1974, the Trump administration withdrew them from the Endangered Species Act, which took effect in January. After being nearly wiped out from the lower 48 states due to decades of hunting and eradication operations, then-Interior Secretary David Bernhardt stated the creatures had "exceeded all conservation targets for recovery."

Introduction of Wolves in the Local Habitat

In the 1990s, the federal government reintroduced wolves to Idaho and Yellowstone National Park. As a result, Wolf populations exploded, and wolf management has been a divisive topic at the federal level for decades.

Wolf Conservation

Wolf conservation objectives are largely left up to states to handle now that they have been removed from the Endangered Species Act earlier this year. First, however, they must submit five-year monitoring plans to the US Fish and Wildlife Service. According to the EPA, around 6,000 wolves in the lower 48 states, with the majority of them found in Idaho, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Also Read: Mexican Gray Wolves are Slowly Reintroduced in the Wild with the Help of this Conservation Biologist

For the most recent news about animal conservation, don't forget to follow Nature World News!
Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga yesterday blasted retail pharmacists saying they lacked knowledge of the Public Health Act after they sent a petition to Parliament demanding to be considered for government posts such as secretary in the Health ministry.

Chiwenga, who is also Health minister, said this during a virtual meeting with the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health to discuss the petition by the Retail Pharmacists Association of Zimbabwe.

He said they lacked understanding of the framework that governed the appointment of secretaries of ministries.

The ministrys position is that the petitioners have misdirected themselves and further exposed their lack of understanding of the technical and legal framework that governs the appointment of posts of permanent secretary, and provincial and district health officers, Chiwenga said.

In this regard, we recommend that they be referred to the Ministry of Health and Child Care to be assisted in understanding the technical basis and legal framework that govern the said posts, he said.

The Health Professions Act recognises all health professionals and categories for the posts.

The Health Services Board (HSB) implements the provision of the Act as it is responsible for recruiting all posts of deputy directors to directors. The procedure is competitive to satisfy the constitutional requirements of appointment based on merit.

The Public Health Act has recognised the technical nature of the functions to be performed by chief health officer, and the provincial and district health officers in relation to the ministrys responsibility of public health.

He said the HSB also employed provincial and district health officials through a competitive process.

The post of secretary of the ministry is a constitutional appointment, and none of the positions alluded to in the petition are appointed in terms of the Public Health Act, he said.

Chiwenga said candidates with a public health background and holders of business administration degrees were more likely to land government posts.

The petitioners cast a blind eye and ignored the fact that the three are technical posts responsible for treating patients as indicated by the Medical Services Act. The core function of medical practitioners  because of their basic training, certificate and licensing  is to treat patients, while pharmacists dispense medicines prescribed by medical practitioners.

The public health qualification does not qualify to treat patients as it is only meant to equip health care professionals with preventive aspects of health services, he said. Newsday


MINE workers at Yakuts Investment in Matopo have allegedly been turned into slaves by their Chinese employer, He Chisheng Mike, as they are being denied rights to leave the mining premises and are forced to stay in shacks with no toilets.

The workers told NewsDay that they are also subjected to verbal abuse at the hand of their bosses, while at the same time they are forced to pay US$20 for COVID-19 tests whenever they leave the premises.

NewsDay and six mine workers unions, including the National Union of Mines, Quarrying, Iron and Steel workers of Zimbabwe (NUMQISWZ), yesterday visited the mine to investigate the abuses.

They were denied access to the premises. Six workers, Knowledge Mukomba, Spencer Denhere, Chelsani Nyathi, Stanley Muleya, Isiah Munkuli and Lovemore Mugande, said they left the mine on Saturday to visit their families, but on their return on Monday, they were ordered to pay US$20 for COVID-19 tests.

The treatment we get is very harsh. We are not allowed to go to town. We are being told that there is COVID-19, but he (Mike) leaves the premises several times a day. We do not have freedom. He is always angry and insulting us in Chinese, said one worker Ernest Mudimba.

Another worker, identified as Anderson, said during meetings, they were not given a chance to comment and were told to go and report wherever they want.

My mother is currently sick, but I am failing to just go and give her money to get treatment, Anderson said. Mine manager Patrick Mleya confirmed that the complaints being raised by workers were true.

As a manager, there is not much I can say, but if you see workers complaining, it definitely means something is wrong. If it is one worker complaining, then maybe you could say it is a lie. But as you can see, many workers are complaining. I dont know if it is the COVID-19 situation, but regulations were imposed that they (workers) are not allowed to leave the premises, Mleya said.

He said the workers were unable even to go to the shops to purchase food.

NUMQISWZ legal and education training officer Shadreck Pelewelo said: They should stop infringements being done on the employees by charging them US$20 for any COVID-19 tests. It is criminal and violates the Constitution.

When NewsDay sought a comment from Mike, he stormed out of the premises. You can go and write any stories you want, Mike said.

Last year, complaints over Mikes abuses were sent to the Immigration office in Bulawayo. Newsday
The novel coronavirus has infected a known 184.4 million worldwide and killed nearly 4 million, at least 605,830 of them in the U.S., according to Johns Hopkins University data. The number of infections has enabled the virus to mutate into several strains that the World Health Organization (WHO) has begun delineating with letters of the Greek alphabet.
New York City is honoring the essential workers at the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic with a Hometown Heroes ticker-tape parade through Manhattan's Canyon of Heroes on Wednesday, July 7, 2021. Workers from healthcare, transportation, utilities, education, bodega, city and more will be included in the celebration. Notably missing will be thousands of frontline workers planning to boycott, including the citys EMT and paramedics.
Paulino clobbered the victim with a tree branch and others hacked at the youth with machetes and knives. The victim went into cardiac arrest but survived thanks to a nurse stuck in gridlocked traffic, as well as an ambulance that happened to be nearby.
Members of FDNY EMS, who became the face of the COVID-19 fight in the city, have been working mandatory 12-hour tours since the start of the pandemic and saw their call numbers soar.
NYPD 120th Precinct Officers are seen on the shore of the Silver Lake Reservoir inside the Silver Lake Park on Victory Blvd in Staten Island and where a nine years old female went under water and was not seen. NYPD divers removed the child from the Lake. (Luiz C. Ribeiro/for New York Daily News)
Transit officials plan to begin selling new plastic OMNY cards at retailers across New York this fall, which riders will be able to reload online. New vending machines that sell OMNY cards and allow riders to reload them with cash are scheduled to come to subway stations by February 2023, 11 months later than previously scheduled, a delay MTA leaders attributed to the pandemic.
She was a close and trusted friend, Mitchell said. She had no business being there with eight kids. The police say thats in the DAs hands. They said if they get enough evidence and the DA makes the decision, theyll arrest her. I want her arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. She had no business with eight kids there and going into a restricted area and letting them go into the water. She let a 10-year-old go into save a 9-year-old. Anybody with right sense knows she needs to go to jail.
The woman, still sitting in the car, was also struck but was not badly hurt. She drove off and flagged down a passing patrol car. She and Hill were rushed to Montefiore Medical Center, but he could not be saved.
Grieco, assigned to the 67th Precinct, has been the subject of at least 69 CCRB complaints, 12 of which have been substantiated as legitimate, records show. The city has paid more than $600,000 to settle complaints about his activities and he is currently being monitored following use of force allegations, records show.
Waseem Awawdeh, 23, of Brooklyn, was arrested shortly after the attack and accused of hitting the Long Island man with a pair of crutches. Faisal Elezzi, 25, was arrested on May 24 outside his Staten Island home after police received a Crime Stoppers tip identifying him as one of the attackers. Mahmoud Musa, 23, of Staten Island, was arrested on June 8 and was charged with gang assault and assault as a hate crime.
In the aftermath of the young Marines shooting, panicked bystanders in the Crossroads of the World fled the area  which was just steps from the spot were 4-year-old Skye Martinez and two other adults were also hit by stray bullets on May 8.
I want to thank the hotel worker who spotted this individual from Iowa who decided it was a good idea to come to our city with an arsenal, an AR-15, and five loaded magazines which he had perched up on the windowsill, she said.
Although solitary confinement and other such measures arent unusual for pretrial in cases of national security, the U.S. has assured the U.K. that Assange would not be held at Colorados maximum-security federal prison, ADX, nor will he have to contend with additional security measures, a CPS spokesman told WSJ in an email.
Teague, 43, was killed in early March during a shootout with Columbus Police Officer John Kifer and Franklin County sheriffs deputy Michael Severance, the agencies said in March, according to the newspaper. The agencies said Teague was suspected of felonious assault and that a pursuit for him was called off when he drove the wrong way on the freeway, the outlet reports.
Instead, Kelley, then 26, was able to purchase a Ruger AR-556 semiautomatic rifle at a San Antonio sporting goods store. He eventually opened fire with the rifle at First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, about 30 miles east of San Antonio, on Nov. 5, 2017. Kelley killed 26 people and injured 20 more before fleeing the scene and dying by suicide.
The boys mother found the four packets of Suboxone, which is used to treat opioid addiction, at the bottom of the box as she was looking for the toy that comes with the meal, authorities said. The shocking discovery happened after her son had eaten most of the meal, which they picked up from a McDonalds drive-thru in the city of Auburn on June 30.
The act of one individual is not the responsibility of others, and the students that were abiding by the rules should not have had to endure this type of treatment, Breakaway Beach said. The group was treated in an improper and overly harsh manner, causing unnecessary stress and aggravation to the travelers and their parents from afar.
Im still in shock and it havent fully hit me yet, I broke down in tears. I was hoping it was a dream...but its not and this is reality. Minneapolis police has cost my whole family a big loss...today has been a day full of heartbreak and sadness, she added.
An expert psychiatrist with the Maryland Department of Health argued that Torres was competent enough to understand the nature of the proceedings. But the defendants psychiatrist disagreed, arguing that he was incompetent due to a delusional disorder and belief in an Evil Black Witch, authorities said.
The lifeguard was brand new to the job, WCVB reported. Police in the city about 40 miles west of Boston said theyre considering whether lifeguards should be in charge of enforcing beach rules or if more cops will be stationed in the area.
The eastern copperhead is one of several venomous snakes in Missouri, according to the state Department of Conservation. They are pit vipers, having an opening on each side of their head and, in daytime, eyes with catlike, vertical pupils as opposed to the round pupils of nonvenomous snakes, the department said. Copperhead venom is considered mild compared to that of other venomous snakes, but medical treatment should still be sought if a person is bitten.
The Coast Guard Cutter Thetis crewmembers deploy the cutters small boat to rescue people in the water approximately 32 miles southeast of Key West, Fla., on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. The U.S. Coast Guard and a good Samaritan rescued 13 people after their boat capsized off of Key West as Tropical Storm Elsa approached. (AP)
Writer and TV producer Stephanie Perry Moore paid tribute to the late actress, thanking her in a Facebook post for always checking on me and for showing me elegance and grace walking. Ive got a heavy heart, but Im blessed to be a part of the legacy you touched. I am better because I knew you. Heaven is richer.
This is a very challenging time to be in law enforcement but they are rising to the challenge of doing all they can, Brown said during a news conference Wednesday. And the work they do is extremely dangerous.
Its important that we learn from the past and capitalize on those efforts that helped so many of New Yorks small businesses survive amid the global pandemic, Cuomo said after signing the bill. By extending the much-needed lifeline that allowed restaurants to use outdoor public spaces for seating during the pandemic, New York is ensuring that these small businesses will be able to continue to use these spaces as they work to rebuild.
Check out our special section for the latest news on the critical 2021 elections in NYC. And to have the essential news and analysis sent to your inbox, sign up for our Campaign Diaries newsletter.
Youre seeing gun violence, and its so pervasive, but its more than gun violence. If we dont educate, we will incarcerate. Sixty-five percent of Black and Brown children in this city, every year, never reaches proficiency, Adams, whos made public safety a central theme of his campaign, said on CBS. Youre seeing the Democratic Party, basically, theyve thrown up their hands, and were continuing to see the same problems in our inner cities.
Adams declared victory Tuesday night after the release of new results showed him with a 1% edge over Garcia in the final round of ranked-choice elimination. The Associated Press called the race  which is expected to determine the next mayor in deep-blue New York City  at almost the same time as Adams campaign.
This movement is going to continue beyond today, because the mission is making sure that we save a generation of our kids, the mission is making sure that we confront what real public safety looks like, and the mission is making sure that we end homelessness, Wiley said. All I can say to every New Yorker is: Now we come together.
Richards leads Crowley by just 1,044 votes, or about 0.6%, after the troubled Board of Elections on Tuesday included absentee ballots in its final results using the ranked-choice voting system. The incumbent led by an even-closer margin of just 144 first-place votes.
In the rematch between the two former City Council members, Richards repeat victory was still not assured: Some primary election ballots remain outstanding because they included errors that voters are allowed to fix and send back, according to the Board of Elections.
The presidential trip promoted plans to boost child care, health care and education that were left out of the nearly $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure deal Biden cut with a group of moderate Republicans. Biden aims to move ahead with an additional $3 trillion spending plan that he will try to pass with only Democratic support.
The attack, which left First Lady Martine Moise wounded, could spark a new round of instability in troubled Haiti, the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. A government account claimed the attackers spoke Spanish, a potentially explosive detail since Haiti shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic.
Haiti, a country of more than 11 million people, and the poorest country in the Americas, had grown increasingly unstable and disgruntled under Moise. The 53-year-old leader had been ruling by decree for two years after Haiti failed to hold elections, which has since led to the dissolution of parliament.
LGBTI rights are human rights and acting against those rights in the European Union is illegal, Iraxte Garcia Perez, a Spanish politician who has served as an MEP since 2004, told the parliament. This is why the new Hungarian law must be revoked, because it is an attack on human rights and it is an indecent and shameful law. This retrograde law shows the seeds of hate and violence.
Greek authorities said the four were injured when passing by the man, who stabbed them with a large knife outside a grocery store in the capitals Zografous area, seemingly indiscriminately, The Associated Press reports.
An Antonov An-26 plane carrying 28 people crashed Tuesday after taking off from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and heading north to Palana, about 418 miles away. While the plane was headed in for a landing near Palana due to bad weather, it missed a scheduled communication and disappeared from radar. None of the 22 passengers and six crew members are expected to have survived.
The platform notified account holders that they had violated rules but without going into details, according to the founder of an LGBT group, who spoke under the condition of anonymity out of concern of retaliation.
Its unclear if the plane involved in the tragedy was used for skydiving. CNN reports the victim was employed by a company that does maintenance work for the airport. The incident is under investigation.
Speaking to WPVI on Monday, he said, I was drunk. I was out of line. I let my anger get the best of me. And then this: Whatever I need to do to make it up to the community and the world at this point seeing how big it is, understand that I made a mistake. Allow me the ability to move forward just like we all deserve.
Dilip Kumar will be remembered as a cinematic legend. He was blessed with unparalleled brilliance, due to which audiences across generations were enthralled. His passing away is a loss to our cultural world, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a tweet that also offered his condolences to Kumars family and admirers.
Watkinsville, GA (30677)

Today

Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 90F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low around 70F. Winds light and variable.
Hopefully we dont waste more money on studying something that doesnt work, King wrote. In spite of the fact it doesnt really affect traffic, do we really want to open up caverns under the ground in light of what happened in Surfside? Do you want to lose power in that 3 mile tunnel? Please stop the insanity at the local government level.
Circuit Judge Leticia Marques will decide if Andrews, 57, should be freed from the Florida Civil Commitment Center, where he has been held under the Jimmy Ryce Act since finishing his prison sentence in 2012. He was originally arrested in several cases in which women alleged an armed and masked man broke into their homes and sexually assaulted them.
Lucia had a fierce love for her extended family, and was a big-hearted child who easily connected with others. A few months ago, she stuffed all of her birthday and tooth fairy money into an envelope and asked her dad to send it to St. Jude Childrens Hospital, saying, They need it more than I do, her father posted on Facebook.
Hotel-room revenue in Orlando is still at recession levels  down nearly 30% in May compared to 2019. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, 134 events were either cancelled or rescheduled at the Orange County Convention Center, which resulted in approximately $3 billion in lost revenue, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Further, an Oxford Economics analysis found that Florida is expected to end 2021 down nearly 40,000 hotel jobs.
Area students excel during challenging school year

Fred Sherwin

July 8, 2021

It has not been an easy year for area students. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has presented the Class of 2021 with a set of unique hurdles, the most challenging of which was getting used to virtual learning as in-school instruction was prohibited for the majority of the school year.

Despite the various hurdles put in front of them, a number of students in Orleans have not only risen to the challenges presented to them, theyve excelled.

Aliya Karimjee just completed Grade 11 at Ecole Secondaire Catholique Beatrice Desloges where she is a perennial Honour Roll student. But it his her desire to create and sustain positive change that has earned her one of the highest accolades a person her agae can achieve.

Karimjee, was recently named as a recipient of the 2021 Diana Award. Established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, the Award is given out by the charity of the same name and has the support of both her sons, The Duke of Cambridge and The Duke of Sussex.

Inspired by the story of her father, Maz, who migrated from Tanzania to Canada, as well as her volunteer experience, Aliya is determined to live in a world where equality is a key element in society.

She wishes that everyone has an equal opportunity to freedom, happiness, and to make a difference. Her experience with the Equal Chance Foundation allowed her to participate in the #saynotoracism and #onevoice cam-paigns, as well as volunteering to help people in temporary housing.

Aliyas contribution to society made her recognize the importance that everyone has a voice, is given fair opportunities, and is valued in their ideas, experiences, and personal path.

Diana Award recipients had to be nominated by an adult who had to demonstrate the nominees impact in five key areas: Vision, Social Impact, Inspiring Others, Youth Leadership, and Service Journey. All the nominations were then vetted by a panel made up of three judges  one young person, an education or youth work professional, and a business or govern-ment repre-sentative  who then selected the award recipients.

Charlotte Hou is the third sibling in her family to give the Grade 8 valedictorian speech at Maple Ridge Elementary School where she received the Math Award, the Science Award, the Monique Lalonde Award for arts and drama, the Remote Learning Engagement Award and the Academic Excellence Award.

Charlottes sister Emily was the valedictorian in 2015 and her brother Alexander was valedictorian in 2019.

Outside of school, Charlotte had the distinction of being selected to attend the Kumon North American conference for the second year in a row. Prior to COVID, the conference was held in a different city every year. For the past two years, the conference has been virtual.

Participants are selected based on their Kumon scores in math and reading. Out of the 1,500 registered Kumon students, only 100 can attend the conference.

A gifted pianist, Charlotte also finished first in her group and first in her class for the second year in a row at the Ontario Music Festival.

Governor General's Medal recipient

Every year, the top graduating student at every high school in Canada is awarded the Governor Generals Medal for outstanding academic achievement.

This years recipient at Cairine Wilson Secondary School is Rita Murali Kaniyath who overcame the challenges of the past school year to achieve a 99 per cent average.

Ritas older sister Misha was the Governor Generals medal recipient at Cairine Wilson in 2018 with 98 per cent average.
This file photo shows Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow speaking in the city council chambers. Barlow said this week he doesn't trust the Port of Oswego Authority after a clash over new construction.
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (PANA) - The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) will provide funding to assist 6,240 vulnerable small-scale farmers in rural Tanzania impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the UN agency announced on Wednesday
Abuja, Nigeria (PANA) - President Muhammadu Buhari Monday lamented the mass kidnapping of students by bandits in northwest region of the country was undermining efforts in boosting school enrollment in States that were adjudged educationally backward
Welcome back pirates! As you make your return to campus The East Carolinian has created a forum that centers around topics within the community where readers can express their experiences and concerns. With the new guidelines set in place by East Carolina University do you feel as these precautions will keep you safe?

Survey
A look at some of the major movers in London on Tuesday

( ) dipped 5.7% to 250p after the group revealed that despite the Falkland Islands, where it operates, being free of COVID-19 the pandemic has still put a dent in revenues.

Revenue in the year to the end of March slumped to 32.6mln from 44.6mln the year before, with the fall in sales relating primarily to UK operations reflecting the impact on trading from seven months of lockdowns during the period.

Underlying profit before tax, which excludes one-off items, was 202,000, compared to a profit the year before of 2.75mln.

2.35pm: Vela lower after big warrants exercise

PLC ( ) drifted 3.2% lower to 0.08p after it issued 35mln new shares.

The new shares in the investment company are being issued because warrants have been exercised at 0.06p per share.

1.40pm: Totally runs into profit taking

( ) dived 7.1% to 39.5p after its full-year results were not totally convincing.

The healthcare services provider saw a 7.2% increase in revenue in the year to the end of March to 113.7mln.

The group saw a 25% increase in underlying earnings (EBITDA), which clocked in at 5mln while profit before tax of 56,000 may have been on the meagre side but at least it wasnt a loss (of 3.41mln) like the year before.

12.45pm: wins US insurance gig

PLC ( ) was 5.1% firmer at 920p after announcing what it called a significant insurance national account win.

The groups core business subsidiary, American Leak Detection (ALD), has been formally designated as a "preferred contractor" and will have the right to handle all water leak and repair jobs across the United States from the unnamed insurance provider.

We seek to capture more and more of the $13 billion insurance market for water-related claims. Year to date, we have achieved strong growth across all of our business lines and we look to carry the momentum into the second half of the year, said Patrick DeSouza, the executive chairman of Modern Water.

11.50am: Caledonia Mining enjoys record quarter of production

( ) improved 6.9% to 967p after reporting record quarterly gold production from the Blanket Mine in Zimbabwe.

The mine produced about 16,710 ounces of gold during the second quarter, up 23.8% on the 13,499 ounces produced in the same period of 2020.

Gold output for the first half of 2021 was 29,907 ounces, an increase of about 7.8% from the first half of 2020.

10.55am: Alfa Financial Software closes three deals

( ) has closed three deals with the 10 prospects it talked about in its March update, sending the shares 5.8% higher to 147p.

One contract is for a new Alfa implementation for a large European automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM); another is for a new Alfa wholesale finance implementation for a large US automotive dealer services customer, and the third is for an upgrade from Alfa Systems v4 to v5 for a UK merchant bank.

The other seven prospects are still in the works, four of which relate to upgrades from version 5 (v5) from v4.

10.00am: Tirupati Graphite lifted by Asian partnership development

( ) was 5.9% to the good at 152.5p after news of a potential partnership in the Far East.

The company has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hanwa Co. Ltd, a major Japanese global trading and investment company, to expand markets for its flake and speciality graphite products in the Far East.

The London-listed company said it and Hanwa have already identified various prospective buyers in the Far East and that initial discussions with prospective buyers have resulted in extensive interest in Tirupatis products.

9.05am: Orosur Mining and Conroy Gold set the early pace in London

( ), up 30% at 17.375p, was the top riser in London after an encouraging update on its Colombian drilling programme.

The company has received results back from the lab from nine additional holes.

There has been multiple high-grade gold (Au) intersections with associated silver and zinc- including 59.55 metres (m) @ 9.61 grams per tonne (g/t) Au and 61.75m @ 2.05g/t Au.

Sector peer ( ) was also on the rise, climbing 9.8% to 22.5p after it completed due diligence on its Clontibret gold deposit.

Conroy also announced the completion of a drill hole on the Cargalisgorran section of the Clay Lake gold target and the commencement of drilling on other targets in the new district-scale gold trend which the company has discovered in the Longford-Down Massif in Ireland.

The company also confirmed it continues to make positive progress towards finalising the documentation and other matters in connection with the proposed joint venture with Demir Export.
The fresh equity will unlock a key funding package and support Walkabout as it works to move its flagship Tanzanian graphite project into production.

Walkabout Resources will use the capital to develop its flagship Tanzanian graphite play.

Walkabout Resources Ltd (ASX:WKT) is poised to bring in more than A$7.6 million in funding after closing its latest entitlement offer.

The graphite explorer finalised its one-for-10, non-renounceable entitlement issue on Monday, July 5, with new shares slated for issue on July 12 and quotation to occur the following day.

During the raise, shareholders subscribed for just over 20 million of the 38 million shares on offer, raising slightly more than A$4 million.

Walkabouts entitlement offer was underwritten, meaning a suite of shareholder underwriters  including the company chairperson  will pick up more than 18 million shortfall shares between them to raise the full A$7.6 million.

The cash injection will primarily cover US$4 million in stage two companion equity required to develop Walkabouts Lindi Jumbo Graphite Mine in Tanzania.

Critical capital raising

Walkabout Resources CEO Andrew Cunningham said: We are grateful for the continued strong support of our shareholders in this critical capital raising.

The bulk of these funds will be deployed as part of the companion equity for Lindi Jumbo development in the coming weeks and months.

Importantly, it also represents another third of the equity contribution required to meet the major condition precedent of the US$20m in project debt from CRDB Bank.

Fresh capital to support growth

Walkabouts entitlement offer forms part of a broader plan to secure equity that will help the company fund the Lindi Jumbo Graphite Mine to production.

Back in April, the graphite explorer struck up a US$20 million debt funding facility with Tanzanian CRDB Bank PLC to cover 62.5% of the US$32 million in expenses associated with developing the Tanzanian graphite mine.

However, in order to access the funding parcel, Walkabout was required to secure US$12 million in companion equity, which it set out to raise over May and June.

First, Walkabout raised $6.4 million via a staged placement in May, offering institutional investors the chance to buy in at 20 cents per share.

Then, the company set out to secure up to $7.6 million via an entitlement issue, which closed on Monday and will raise the full amount with underwriter support.

Finally, in late June, Walkabout drummed up an institutional placement with US battery minerals investor Battery Metals Capital Group LLC (BMCG).

Under this offer, BMCG committed to provide up to US$6 million over two tranches and provide a further US$4 million within 10 months at the ASX-listers discretion.

All in all, these capital raising initiatives have provided sufficient funding for Walkabout to meet the US$12 million in companion equity requirements to access the CRDB Bank facility and fully fund Lindi Jumbo to production.
Create your account: sign up and get ahead on news and events

NO INVESTMENT ADVICE

The Company is a publisher. You understand and agree that no content published on the Site constitutes a recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction, or investment strategy is...

In exchange for publishing services rendered by the Company on behalf of named herein, including the promotion by the Company of in any Content on the Site, the Company receives from said issuer annual cash...
A look at some of the major risers and fallers in London on Wednesday

Shares in home-testing healthcare group MyHealthChecked PLC ( ) had a spring in their step in late afternoon, rising 8.5% to 3.9p after the company said that revenues had increased dramatically in its first half.

In a trading update for the six months to June 30, the firm said demand for coronavirus testing services had helped boost its revenues to 3.27mln from just 12,700 a year ago.

The group added that it was likely to increased revenue levels would continue over the summer and will have a positive impact on its results for the full year.

In the fallers, estate agency Group PLC ( ) slipped 0.2% to 58.9p after it said its long-standing chairman Ian Barlow is to stand down after almost nine years in charge.

The departure follows a huge revolt against the boards pay at the recent AGM with almost 40% of shareholders voting against the remuneration report.

1.00pm: Starcom shimmers as it secures keyless padlock trial with DHL

( ) shone brighter in lunchtime trading, rising 5.4% to 1p after the wireless systems and remote tracking specialist said it has secured a trial with logistics giant DHL for its Lokies keyless padlock system.

The company said DHL will examine the product at one of its main global hubs in Singapore with a view to potentially trialling the padlock with some of its customers, as well as potentially expanding the studies to other centres in the DHL network.

In the blue-chips, PLC ( ) inched 0.3% higher to 46.6p after the bank announced that it is becoming a private landlord and said it wants to acquire more than 1,000 residential properties by the end of next year.

The black horse said it expects to have its first tenants within the next few weeks in Fletton Quays in Peterborough under the new brand name "Citra Living".

Meanwhile, new market entrant ( ) was advancing following its direct listing this morning, with the shares trading at around 823p, 2.9% higher than their initial valuation of 800p each.

The initial valuation gave the firm a market cap of 8bn, bang in the middle of its estimated range of between 7-9bn.

11.00am: Hurricane Energy spins lower as it completes abandonment of Lincoln-14 well

Hurricane Energy PLC (LON:HUR) shares were suffering some headwinds in late morning trading, dropping 2.3% to 3.6p as the company said it had completed the plugging and abandonment of its Lincoln-14 well in the North Sea.

The firm said the operation has been completed on schedule and on budget, adding that the semi-submersible rig contracted to undertake the work has now been released.

In the risers, Catenae Innovations PLC ( ) jumped 2.6% to 1p after revealing that its subsidiary Hyperneph has developed a cloud-based platform and mobile app now used by a charity working with public sector organisations.

The agreement, which carries an initial contract value of 12,500, is for a period of up to 12 months and is currently on trial in a major UK city.

The charity is using it to introduce an individual to a service provider and track the progress of their initial engagement, in respect of privacy regulation.

Forestry group ( ) was also on the up, rising 1.5% to 4.7p after it said it is on track to become cash flow positive and profitable this year.

The company said it expects a step-change in the pace of revenue growth as well as further margin improvement once the freight industry normalises, which experts have forecast for later this year or early 2022.

8.45am: Coro Gold shines as it hits world class intersection

Coro Gold Ltd ( ) was a bright spot in early deals, surging 37.5% to 11p after the company said it had hit a world class intersection during drilling at its Sanankoro gold project in Southern Mali.

The group said results from Zones A and C at the site further reinforced the mineable quality of Sanankoros gold structures, adding that the drilling results continued the trend of good widths and high grades.

Coro added that the gold grades were also higher than historical results in Zone A and B and offered potential further upside.

In other gold-related news, ( ) jumped 5.9% to 5.2p after it said drilling results had confirmed gold to be a significant component of the Kokkinoyia deposit within the Magellan project in Cyprus.

The average grade of the mineralised zone returned 128.77 metres at 0.5% copper and 0.55 grammes a tonne (g/t) gold, based on results from the first hole. Eight remaining holes are pending assay results, which will be released within the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, ( ) was also on the up, rising 1.3% to 1.8p after work programmes for three exploration permits (EPM) at its Lolworth District licence territories in North Queensland, Australia, were approved by the Department of Resources and Environmental Authority.

The EPM licenses have yet to be approved, but now that the work programmes have been approved, the EPMs will be advertised, following which there will be a four-month consultation period. The company said it believes the licences should be granted in about six months.
's ( ) Puruvi Poddar, Head of Corporate and Business Development joins Proactive London to discuss the signed a memorandum of understanding with Hanwa Co. Ltd, a major Japanese global trading and investment company.

The deal is to expand markets for its flake and speciality graphite products in the Far East - where buyers have already been identified with various prospective buyers and initial discussions with prospective buyers resulting in extensive interest in Tirupatis products.

Hanwa is one of the larger traders of battery chemicals and steel products in the Asian region and has number of investments in battery metals projects.
Fully vaccinated travellers will be able to present their COVID-19 credentials in digital or paper format

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic will trial fast-track lanes at Londons Heathrow airport for fully-vaccinated inbound travellers to support the Government in lifting some of the most onerous restrictions for travellers arriving from amber list countries.

Fully vaccinated travellers of all nationalities will be able to present their COVID-19 credentials in digital or paper format before boarding.

The trial aims to reassure government that airlines and airports can check vaccine status upstream and away from the border, ensuring no further pressure in UK immigration halls, said British Airways, part of ( ).

British Airways customers will be able to access a discounted rate for the mandatory arrivals tests, it added.

Media reports yesterday said the UK government is expected to announce that fully vaccinated travellers arriving from countries on the amber list will no longer have to quarantine from as early as July 19.

Countries on the amber list, which includes Spain, France, Italy and the US, are currently required to isolate for up to 10 days on arrival.

July 19 is also the date when the UK government will scrap most lockdown measures in England.

The easing of restrictions comes at a time when COVID-19 cases are increasing. Yesterday, 28,773 cases were reported in the UK.

New Health Secretary Sajid Javid told BBC Radio 4's Today programme he would expect cases numbers by 19 July to be at least double what they were now to about 50,000 new cases a day, with that figure rising as high as 100,000 as the UK goes into the summer.
The England ODI squad which was due to be playing three games against Pakistan starting on Thursday has been hit by 7 Covid cases including 3 players. Accordingly a whole new squad under Captain Ben Stokes who was on the way back from injury has been selected, however there is no Alex Hales who must think he wont ever get another game for England.

WTI $75.16 -7c, Brent $77.16 +99c, Diff -$2.00 +99c, NG $3.70 +4c, UKNG 94.58p +5.08p

Oil price

No deal, no new oil seems to be the mantra after the Opec+ meeting didnt reconvene after the UAE challenged its baseline numbers awarded at the April 2020 determination. While there will be a short term hiatus it may well be that Gulf members meet behind the scenes to sort things out. Having had monthly meetings all year there is, at least right now, nothing in the book.

Of course doom mongers abound and those suggesting the break-up of either Opec or the Gulf Alliance are peddling their wares, right now the only thing that is of interest is the sound of silence from the US, $5 gasoline would change that soon enough

Predator Oil & Gas

(PRD), the Jersey-based Oil and Gas Company with operations in the area of the Guercif Petroleum Agreement, comprising the Permits I, II, III and IV, located in the Guercif Basin in northern Morocco, announces completion of the drilling of MOU-1. Predator (75%) operates Guercif in joint venture with the Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (ONHYM) acting on behalf of the State (25%).

Initial results show that formation gas shows were recorded in a shallow sand at 605 metres measured depth comprising 2.35% or 19,392 ppm C1 methane. Total background, exclusively dry gas, increased from 0.6% to 1.7% (5,232 to 13,800 ppm C1) down to 1,159 metres MD. Formation gas shows of 1.8% and 3.8% (13,355 to 36,035 ppm C1) were encountered whilst drilling this section.

Below 1,159 metres in the lower Guebbas and Hoot (using the stratigraphic nomenclature of the Rharb Basin) total background gas was from 0.7% to 1.5% (5,000 to 11,996 ppm C1) but with traces of heavier gases C2, C3 and C4. Formation gas shows of up to 1.67% (13,643 ppm total gases) were also recorded.

Wireline logs were run from 724 to 1487.4 metres MD over the interval with gas shows. Wireline logs will require detailed interpretation to take into account borehole conditions caused by borehole enlargement where washouts have occurred in the open-hole section.

MOU-1 drilling operations were completed and a cemented completion was run whilst the well is being evaluated. I have published the full drilling report as it is quite detailed, the company also details its forward plans which they are confident about.

The occurrence of good gas shows in MOU-1 with evidence of thermogenic gas migration supports in this part of the Guercif Basin the pre-drill geological interpretation for a deep gas kitchen connected to shallower reservoirs by large faults.

Based on these positive results the Company will be proposing to its partner to drill the previously defined MOU-4 location later this year to the northeast of MOU-1, and to commission an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) over the prospective area around the MOU-4 location which will also incorporate information from the existing EIA.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Predator Oil & Gas Holdings Plc commented:

We are pleased to have completed the MOU-1 drilling operations which was our first operated well in the Kingdom of Morocco. We sincerely thank those contracted to the Company who have worked tirelessly to execute our drilling programme. We are also grateful for the support and practical assistance given to us by our partner ONHYM during and leading up to drilling.

Based on the positive indications of the presence of gas in MOU-1 we are now proposing to drill again later this year.

This well is still in a very early stage of evaluation so the share price movement is somewhat surprising, also the nature of the structure and contractual details must preclude full release of data. However I think it would be fair to assume from the above that it was a credit to find gas in a basin that had not been drilled for some 30+ years. Also as is alluded to in the announcement, there is much evaluation yet to be done on the well which is still in a condition to be tested at any time.

Looking ahead I think that the CPR resources will remain unchanged or go up as there is now proven gas present which explains why the company want to move ahead with planning for the MOU-4 well. There is much going on across the board at Predator and not just in Morocco, I am happy to continue to keep the company in the Bucket List.

Jadestone Energy

Jadestone has reported that the Minister of Mines and Energy, Indonesia has issued a Ministerial decree dated 30 June 2021, allocating gas sales from the Akatara gas field in the Lemang PSC, onshore Indonesia, to a subsidiary of the national electricity utility, PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara.

The Ministerial decree facilitates the development and commercialisation of the Akatara gas field and also the associated production and sales of LPG to the local domestic market in Jambi, together with condensate sales to a local buyer.

Jadestone has also announced that a heads of agreement in relation to gas sales from its planned development, has been executed with PT Pelayanan Listrik Nasional Batam, as buyer. A fully termed gas sales agreement will now be progressed, with negotiations underway.

The Ministerial decree and HoA specify a gross sales volume of 20 BBtu/d starting in Q1 2024 and a plant gate sales price of US$5.60/mmBtu, at a delivery point approximately 17 kilometres from the field. Indonesias upstream regulator, SKK Migas, has approved the HoA which is fully aligned with the Ministerial decree.

Paul Blakeley, President and CEO commented:

I am delighted to have come to this critical milestone and to have obtained the support of both the Minister and SKK Migas in pursuing this important development. Gas from the Akatara field will ultimately be used for electricity generation by PLN, while LPG sales will provide much needed energy directly to the local market to meet domestic cooking requirements for the local population in the Jambi region. The associated condensate production will be utilised in the local market as well and will proportionately offset the reliance on imported product. Substituting coal burning with locally produced gas for power generation as well as LPG for local domestic use are both important contributions by Jadestone to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The Ministerial decree facilitates the development of the Akatara gas field and allocates the Lemang gas to meet domestic electricity demand for industrial users in Batam. Importantly, these arrangements are in line with the price, volume, and tie-in expectations we set out when we acquired our 90% operated interest in this asset just over six months ago, meaning our expectations for value add remain unchanged. I look forward to pressing toward formal field development sanction, in preparation for gas sales to commence, with key workstreams already underway, optimising the existing front end engineering study and preparing for contract tendering later this year.

This is more excellent news from Jadestone who continue to step by step deliver the goods after the shutdown year of 2020. The shares are closing in on the ytd high of 81p but realistically the shares should be back over 100p where they would not be expensive. Amongst the best management in the sector and with a portfolio that has the scope to offer much bigger returns Im very happy with JSE being in the Bucket List.

IGas Energy

IGas has confirmed that it has completed its scheduled six-monthly RBL facility redetermination process. The redetermination exercise confirms US$27.0 million (19.5 million) of debt capacity and current headroom of US$8.6 million (6.2 million). As at 30 June 2021, cash balances stood at US$3.6 million, with net debt of US$18.4 million.

Things are going well at IGas at the moment and this is a very conservative facility indeed. Along with the exciting developments in geothermal and hydrogen and the rock solid business is very profitable at this oil price and they have a very active hedging operation. It is worth taking a look at my recent interview with CEO Steve Bowler which is below in case you missed it at the time.

Core Finance CEO Interview: Steve Bowler, CEO of IGas Energy

Zephyr Energy

With apologies, Zephyr put this out yesterday when you may have noticed that the blog was intense. As a slightly less time critical announcement Im hoping that Colin and team will bear with me

The company provided an update on its flagship project in the Paradox Basin, Utah, U.S.A. On 28 June 2021, Zephyr announced the signing of a drilling contract with Cyclone Drilling Inc. in order to secure Cyclone Rig #34 for the purpose of drilling the State 16-2LN-CC appraisal well. Last winter, the same rig successfully and safely drilled Zephyrs State 16-2 vertical well to a total depth of 9,745 feet in less than 19 days, a record performance versus historical drilling in the northern part of the Paradox Basin. Rig #34 is fully capable of drilling to the planned depths and pressures that are expected at the State 16-2LN-CC well.

Zephyr has announced that Cyclone plans to commence mobilisation of Rig #34 to the State 16-2LN-CC well site. Once on site in the coming days, the equipment will be rigged up over a period of a week in preparation for drilling, and Zephyr remains on track to spud the well before the end of July. Drilling is expected to take approximately 20 days following spud. Further updates will be provided in due course.

Colin Harrington, Zephyrs Chief Executive, said

I am delighted that the pieces are coming together for our forthcoming drilling programme, enabling us to commence drilling in line with our forecast timetable. With permitting and site preparation completed and rig mobilisation now commencing, we are in full countdown mode ahead of this highly anticipated drilling effort.

Our key objectives are to drill a safe, responsible and successful well, and Id like to thank our technical team and contractors for their meticulous preparation in helping us deliver on these objectives.

Zephyr continues to deliver and I am very much looking forward to seeing how the State 16-2LN-CC well goes with its spud date on timetable at the end of this month. Colin and his team have put together a cracking portfolio and I am led to believe that there is more to come

And finally

The England ODI squad which was due to be playing three games against Pakistan starting on Thursday has been hit by 7 Covid cases including 3 players. Accordingly a whole new squad under Captain Ben Stokes who was on the way back from injury has been selected, however there is no Alex Hales who must think he wont ever get another game for England.

In the Euro 2020 tonight sees the first semi-final between Italy and Spain which will be a tasty affair.

I cant help noticing that Jessica Springsteen has been selected by the USA for their Olympic horse-riding team, clearly she was born to ride.
Its the first time a direct listing is pursued in London and it confirms the Citys prominence in the European fintech industry

( ) has done well on its first day of trading as shares shot up to highs of 850p, valuing the payments company at over 8.4bn.

The fintech unicorn didnt put a price on its 994mln shares ahead of admission, but simply handed them all to the London Stock Exchange so it could hold an auction. City analysts had forecast a valuation of around 7bn.

They were admitted early on Wednesday morning, but the price came out after 11am after buyers were done making offers. Details on who bought the shares should become available as time progresses.

Its the first time a direct listing is pursued in London and it may represent a turning point in the UK market. It also confirms the Citys prominence in the European fintech industry.

It is a watershed moment for London, as Alasdair Haynes, chief executive officer of Aquis Exchange, told The Telegraph.

While one deal alone doesnt a city make, innovative deals of the kind will help establish the UK as a global hub that can compete with the US.

Normally, companies undertake an initial public offering (IPO), where advisors decide at what price shares should be sold on the first day after consulting City institutions, in a process called bookbuild.

Wise wanted to cut the middlemen and women as much as possible  just like it does with its international payments  to avoid paying underwriters and diluting the shares.

In fact, the Shoreditch-based startup, which was formerly known as TransferWise, allows customers to move money internationally without the hefty fees usually required from banks.

On Wednesday, Wise also published an independent report from Edgar, Dunn & Co showing that 150bn is spent in 'hidden' fees on foreign currency transfers each year.

Its important to remember that were still very early on in our journey, said Kristo Kaarmann, chief executive and co-founder.

Moving money into another currency is still a maze of hidden exchange rate mark-ups, high fees, delays, and small print for many people. Were currently saving customers around 1bn a year in these hidden fees. The 149bn thats still to go remains our focus.

Wise has a dual-class share structure as it says this will support the "focus on its mission as it transitions into the public markets.

But this structure also means it wouldnt be eligible for entry into any of the FTSE indices and concentrates voting power in the hands of its owners which means shareholders wont be able to hold management to account to the same degree.

"Clearly the founders still want to keep a strong arm on the tiller of the company as it launches into public waters," said Susannah Streeter, senior investment and markets analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown.

"Retail investors should be aware that under such a structure, they wont have as many voting rights as they might do if they hold shares in other companies listed in London. This arrangement may also put off some institutional investors who are uneasy about the lower levels of corporate governance brought about by a dual-class structure."

Shares were trading at 807.5p at noon and surged to 841.7p before close.

--Updates share price--
Foxtons shares are worth about half their value of five years ago.

PLC's ( ) long-standing chairman Ian Barlow is to stand down after almost nine years in charge.

The London-based estate agency faced a huge revolt against the boards pay at the recent AGM with almost 40% of shareholders voting against the remuneration report.

Chief executive Nic Budden saw 17% vote against his re-election while Peter Giles, an independent non-exec received a 32% vote against.

Barlow, by contrast, received 97% support in favour of his carrying on. but he will retire by the end of the year at the latest, said.

Reports today suggested that fund manager and 11% shareholder Hoskings Partners had been calling for a change due to the weak share price.

In spite of a booming housing market, Foxtons shares are worth about half their value of five years ago.

Investors were also infuriated by the agent paying out bonuses after taking furlough cash during the pandemic.

CEO Budden was awarded a cash bonus of 389,000 despite Foxtons taking nearly 7mln in government support.

In a statement, Barlow said: A series of challenges to the London property market since the Brexit referendum, compounded more recently by the pandemic, have impaired our recent trading performance.

However, the business has huge potential and I am confident that the refreshed growth strategy, agreed by the Board last year and set out in the Capital Markets Day presentation in June, will result in a substantial rebound in performance.

Our strategy will take time to deliver and with only one further year to serve under UK governance rules I consider this is the right time to hand over to a successor to oversee its execution."

Foxtons said that Giles would lead the search for a new chair assisted by recruitment firm Korn Ferry.

Shares were unchanged at 59p.
The UK Financial Conduct Authority last week ruled that the crypto platform cannot conduct any "regulated activity" in the UK

Binance, the crypto exchange banned by the UK financial watchdog last month, is looking to recruit a former UK regulator or senior civil servant to help smooth its way in Britain.

The worlds largest crypto exchange wants to find a respected former regulator in the mould of the man who was brought in to run the US arm of the platform, according to a report on CoinDesk.

Binance wants to hire a UK version of Brian Brooks, a source told the crypto site, with the Brooks having previously run the US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) before taking over Binance.US three months ago.

The Cayman Islands-based company is making this move after the Financial Conduct Authority last Monday ruled that the firm cannot conduct any "regulated activity" in the UK.

The FCA also issued a warning about the Binance.com website and adverts promising high returns on crypto-based investments.

In a blog post today, Binance chief executive Changpeng CZ Zhao said: Binance has grown very quickly and we havent always got everything exactly right, but we are learning and improving every day.

We hope to clarify and reiterate our commitment to partner with regulators, and that we are pro-actively hiring more talent, putting in place more systems and processes to protect our users.

As well as Brooks, CZ said the company has appointed the former executive secretary of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog; the former head of the Canadian delegation to the FATF; and the former US Senator for Montana and US Ambassador to China, to provide high-level guidance.

He said these are the first of many high-profile additions to our team. We plan to double our team size by the end of the year, with qualified and experienced advisors to support.
The company is at an advanced stage in negotiations to get most of the required funding, the analyst said

(LON:HZM, ) offers investors exposure to a rare, relatively lower-risk nickel company that should re-rate as it moves through development, broker said.

The broker issued the note to client with Horizonte looking to close core funding for its key Araguaia ferronickel project in Brazil, near the renowned mining region of Carajas.

BMO initiated coverage with an outperform (speculative) rating and a share price target of 12p.

With capex requirements of around US$470mln for stage one of the project, versus Horizontes market capitalisation of close to US$160mln, funding is a key risk for the company, the analyst Alexander Pearce said.

However, Horizonte is at an advanced stage in negotiations with a debt syndicate for US$325mln, US$100mln from a cornerstone investor, and a 60-70% off-take agreement.

This would leaving circa US$80M expected to come via a near-term equity raise, he added.

The company is targeting an initial capacity of 14.5 thousand tonnes per annum (ktpa) of nickel with a mine life of at least 28 years.

With significant nickel laterite resources, BMO also calculated that a second stage expansion could nearly double the nameplate capacity to roughly 28ktpa over a 25-year mine life.

Cash costs are expected to be around US$3.58/lb contained nickel.

Ferronickel is used almost exclusively in stainless steel, the dominant end use for nickel.
The company plans to use proceeds from the placement primarily for drilling at the new Reids North prospect and for follow-up reverse circulation drilling at Eureka South.

Strong support for the companys recent placement is an endorsement of the companys strategy.

( ) has completed the first tranche of its $5.25 million capital raising after raising $3,543,754.35 via the placement of 23,625,029 shares.

These shares were offered at 15 cents per share to existing shareholders and sophisticated investors.

The balance of the placement will be completed subject to shareholder approval at the next shareholder meeting to be convened shortly.

Strongly supported placement

TNT recently received firm commitments from existing and new, institutional and sophisticated investors for the strongly supported two-tranche placement.

The company will issue 35 million new fully paid ordinary shares at $0.15 per share.

Funds will primarily be used for drilling at the new Reids North prospect and also for a follow-up reverse circulation (RC) drilling at Eureka South.

At the time, chief executive officer Matthew Boyes said: The company is very pleased to receive such strong demand for this capital raising, and it is an endorsement of recent exploration results and of the near-term strategy to deliver further results.

We look forward to keeping the drill bit turning and delivering multiple value catalysts for our shareholders.
The beginning of drilling later this month will be a milestone for the companys subsidiary as it signifies the start of an extensive conventional gas exploration program.

The company is fully committed to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

s (ASX: MIN) wholly-owned subsidiary Energy Resources Limited (ERL) has secured a rig to drill conventional gas exploration well Lockyer Deep 1 in the onshore Perth Basin, Western Australia.

Lockyer Deep Prospect is on exploration permit EP368, in the highly prospective northern section of the Perth Basin that is host to several recent conventional gas discoveries.

ERL is the operator of the exploration permit EP368, a joint venture between ERL with 80% ownership and (ASX:NEW), which has the remaining 20%.

The company has contracted Ensign 970 rig, which has just completed three wells in the North Perth Basin and is being mobilised to Lockyer Deep 1 to begin drilling later this month.

Extensive gas exploration program

Mineral Resources managing director Chris Ellison said: The drilling of Lockyer Deep1 will be a significant milestone for MRL because it will signify the start of an extensive conventional gas exploration program in our onshore Perth Basin and Northern Carnarvon Basin acreage in line with our strategy to secure our own energy at the lowest cost and lowest emissions possible.

Lockyer Deep is an exciting prospect and, if successful, will help us use natural gas as a transitional fuel to Net Zero Emissions by reducing our reliance on diesel.

Largest petroleum acreage

ERL is the largest petroleum acreage holder in the Perth Basin, operating permits covering more than 7,300 square kilometres.

The MIN subsidiary also holds the largest petroleum acreage in the onshore Northern Carnarvon Basin, and with the combined holding, both basins provide a total acreage position of 13,629 square kilometres.

The Lockyer Deep 1 well aligns with the companys strategy to secure its natural gas supply to provide energy security for the companys current and future mining operations at a lower cost and with lower emissions.

Securing own natural gas supply

The company is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and is developing a decarbonisation roadmap to enable this target to be achieved as early as possible.

A critical aspect of this journey is to reduce the companys reliance on diesel fuel and utilising its own natural gas supply as part of the energy transition.

Ellison said: We are fully committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and believe owning our own natural gas supply will complement the significant advances we are making in renewable energy, particularly around solar and wind power.
Following completion of the Pendleton Lake acquisition, Valors total landholding in the Athabasca Basin will increase to 98,600 hectares or 986 square kilometres.

Four additional uranium projects have been staked  Surprise Creek, Smitty Uranium Mine, Lorado Uranium Mine and the Hidden Bay Project.

( ) (FRA:LFY) has consolidated its position within the world-class Athabasca Basin of Canada by securing five highly prospective uranium projects.

Four of the projects were acquired through direct staking by the company while a binding agreement has been entered into to purchase the fifth project, Pendleton Lake.

Through developing a region-wide targeting model across the Athabasca Basin, Valor has been able to take advantage of under explored assets.

"Ideally positioned to test opportunities"

Speaking to the recent acquisition, executive chairman George Bauk said: Through the acquisition of these exciting uranium properties, Valor is ideally positioned to rapidly test multiple prospective exploration opportunities.

Valor has already completed its first round of airborne geophysical surveys and looks forward to the imminent maiden field reconnaissance program to be conducted at Hook Lake.

A review of all previous exploration and mining activities across each of the recently acquired projects is presently underway.

Further updates will be provided to market upon completion of this analysis.

We are cognisant of operating a dual focus strategy between our Athabascan uranium and Peruvian copper portfolios and are currently evaluating the best structure in which to maximise shareholder value.

Following completion of the Pendleton Lake acquisition, Valors total landholding in the Athabasca Basin will be increased to 98,600 hectares or 986 square kilometres.

Looking ahead

Valor is waiting for the final processing of the Hook Lake airborne survey data which was completed in early April and expects the results to be published shortly.

The company also expects to receive approvals soon from the Saskatchewan Government in relation to work permits to undertake on-ground exploration over the Hook Lake Project.

Pendleton Lake Project terms

The binding agreement is subject to Valor completing due diligence within 30 days to its sole satisfaction and the parties completing normal settlement formalities for a transaction of this type.

Upon settlement of the acquisition, Valor will pay total consideration to the Vendors of C$5,000 cash and 5,000,000 shares for 100% ownership of the six tenements that comprise the Pendleton Lake Project.

These tenements will be transferred to Valors 100% owned Canadian subsidiary, 1255004 BC Ltd.

Pendleton Lake comprises six claims and an area of 3,758 hectares or 37.5 square kilometres.

Four of the claims are positioned between the Janice Lake Sedimentary Copper Project, currently being explored by Rio Tinto Exploration Canada.

The other two claims are along strike to the south of the Janice Lake Project.

Pendleton is 10 kilometres south of the companys Hook Lake Project.

Surprise Creek Project

Valor has recently staked three claims to create the Surprise Creek Project, around 25 kilometres northwest of Uranium City and to the west of the Beaverlodge Uranium District.

The claims total 2,370 hectares and cover several uranium and copper occurrences, such as the Surprise Creek uranium showing.

A full review of historical data is underway to determine targets for immediate on-ground follow-up.

Smitty and Loradao uranium mines

Valor has also staked the claim covering the historic Smitty Uranium Mine, which is 4 kilometres west of Uranium City.

The Lorado Mine, 10 kilometres south of Uranium City, is another claim owned by the company and was in production between 1954 and 1960.

Hidden Bay Project

Lastly, Valor has also staked the claim referred to as the Hidden Bay Project, covering an area of 3,190 hectares or 31.9 square kilometres.

The project is prospective for basement hosted unconformity-related uranium deposits being located at the unconformity between the Athabasca Basin Group sediments and the older underlying Archean Lower Proterozoic basement rocks.
Aldoro has acquired the Wyemandoo and Niobe projects from private Western Australian resources business Meridian 120.

( ) has substantially increased its exposure to the highly sought-after battery metal lithium, acquiring two lithium-rich projects in Western Australias Mt Magnet region.

The Wyemandoo and Niobe tantalum-lithium projects, adjacent to Aldoros existing projects in the Narndee-Windimurra Igneous Complex, previously belonged to Meridian 120, a private Western Australian resources company.

These highly prospective licences contain multiple lithium and tantalum areas of interest which will be the focus of Aldoros exploration.

Skys the limit

Aldoro managing director Joshua Letcher said the company now had huge lithium, nickel, copper and platinum group element (PGE) potential.

This is one of the only locations in the world that you could build a battery gigafactory and have all the natural resources in one location, he told Proactive.

Perfect for Tesla considering they want $1 billion of battery minerals per year from Australia.

It is pleasing to secure the adjacent licence to our Windimurra lithium project at E59/2431 which is showing significant promise whilst also bolstering our technical team with the welcome addition of Dr Peter Hayden who is a proven resource finder.

Whilst we are excited to shortly commence drilling our flagship nickel-copper-PGE project at Narndee over the next few months we have already put plans in place to ensure work currently occurring at our Windimurra Lithium project continues unabated.

Wyemandoo Project

The Wyemandoo Project, 80 kilometres southeast of Mount Magnet, covers 9 square kilometres and is contiguous with Aldoros recently granted tenement E59/2431 on the Narndee-Windimurra Igneous Complex.

It is a rare metal exploration project in an Archean layered mafic intrusion cut by numerous pegmatite dykes; there is also an extensive zone of high-grade hydrothermal tungsten (scheelite) veins.

A total of 18 rock chip samples collected around the ring produced an average of 1.06% lithium oxide, with a highest grade of 2.12% Li2O.

The pegmatites generally trend northeast and can strike over 1000m in length, varying from 1m to 20m in outcrop width with shallow to moderate dips, typically 30 to 60 degrees.

While more than 20 pegmatite dykes have been mapped to date, of which 10 have been sampled, dozens more are yet to be mapped and sampled.

The Wyemandoo pegmatites represent a new lithium-bearing pegmatite field, located over 25 kilometres north-northwest from the Youanmi Lithium Pegmatite Field.

Niobe Tantalum-Lithium Project

Niobe is 70 kilometres northwest of Mount Magnet and is a tantalum-lithium exploration project based on a pegmatite dyke swarm hosted by a metagabbro sill.

High-grade tantalum ore has been mined in the past from a small open pit and there are shallow high-grade drill intersections that have not yet been mined, with mineralisation open at depth.

Its lithium potential is encouraging; past exploration at Niobe was focused initially on beryllium and tantalum (companies)

However, lithium minerals that have been recorded at Niobe include lepidolite, zinnwaldite and pink elbaite.

About half of the drill holes that have been analysed for lithium show significantly anomalous values above 1000 ppm lithium (0.2% Li2O).

The deal

Aldoro will pay Meridian $50,000 cash and $150,000 in shares, as well as a 1% net smelter return royalty over the tenements it has acquired.

Dr Peter Hayden, executive chairman of Meridian, will join Aldoros technical team and will assist with unlocking the lithium potential of the combined Aldoro Windimurra lithium portfolio.

- Daniel Paproth
Visible silver, lead and zinc mineralisation has been intersected over broad intervals in both drill holes with the zones having similar mineralisation characteristics to those seen within the historic Sala mine.

Ltd ( ) has tasted success in its first two drill holes at the high-grade Sala Silver Mine in Sweden with visible silver, lead and zinc intersected during step-out drilling.

The fully-funded 3,000-metre initial drilling program targeted the Prince lode, a significant target that has not been previously drilled.

Intervals of mineralisation have been intersected in both holes, totalling 33.8 metres in SAL21-01 and 32.02 metres in Sal21-02, with the zones having similar mineralisation characteristics to those seen within the historic Sala mine.

Progressing third hole

Alicanto managing director Peter George said the company was pleased with the progress of the first drilling and the significant intervals of sulphide and native silver interested.

He said: In the meantime, drilling is continuing to progress with a third hole underway and an additional drill rig secured and commencing drilling in the middle of the month.

Drill core has been processed and we are awaiting assays to report to the market as soon as these become available.

Assays pending

The two drill holes intersected multiple zones of galena-sphalerite as both massive sulphide veins and semi-massive sulphide mineralisation.

Assay results are pending and are expected within the next four to six weeks.

Down hole electromagnetic (DHEM) surveys of the Alicanto drilling were also successful in identifying multiple in-and off hole conductors and generating additional drill targets.

Initial testing showed good response to the silver-galena-sphalerite, Sala-style of mineralisation encountered in both drill holes.

Renowned for exceptionally high silver grades

Sala, around 100 kilometres from Alicantos Greater Falun copper-gold project and 50 kilometres from Bolidens operating Garpenberg Mine, was once Europe's largest silver producer.

Renowned internationally for exceptionally high silver grades, the historic Sala Silver-Lead-Zinc Mine produced more than 200 million ounces of silver at an estimated grade of 1,244 g/t with local grades reported as high as 7,000 g/t.

Historic mining operations ceased in 1908 and very little drilling has been completed at the project.

The mine also produced over lead at average grades of between 1 and 2% lead and 12% zinc.

Very little modern exploration has been conducted at all at Sala with only a handful of drill holes in the database. The production was entirely sourced by following the main lode down plunge underground.

Plan going forward

Alicanto is undertaking the first modern drilling into the Greater Falun Copper-Gold Project and the Sala Silver-Lead-Zinc Project.

Assays for these holes are expected to be received this quarter.

There is currently a single diamond rig operating on double shift targeting further extensions at the Prince Lode with a second diamond rig commencing in coming weeks.
The company has appointed Scorpion Minerals to plan, manage and execute the early exploration phase at Pharos.

( ) non-executive director Richard Nicholls-Maltman has demonstrated his confidence in the companys iron ore strategy with an on-market purchase of shares.

On July 6, Nicholls-Maltman acquired 30,000 shares in direct and indirect interests at an average price of 39.5 cents per share, marking his first purchase in the company.

This follows the first purchase made by chairman Warwick Davies on June 23 of 30,000 shares in a direct interest.

Pharos JV update

On April 18, the company appointed Scorpion Minerals Ltd (ASX:SCN) to conduct exploration at the Pharos JV Project in a bid to grow iron ore resources around its Iron Ridge operations in WAs Mid-West.

The JV area totals around 373 square kilometres and is immediately adjacent and contiguous to the Iron Ridge operation, with iron ore targets totalling 15 strike kilometres already identified.

This early phase of exploration will include detailed airborne photography and magnetics, detailed geological mapping, rock chip sampling and reverse circulation (RC) drilling of targets identified in a program of about 1,000 metres.

The agreed exploration program totals $350,000 over six months to October 31, 2021.
Oil prices jumped to its highest level in six years after talks between OPEC and its oil-producing allies were postponed indefinitely.

On Tuesday, US oil benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude futures surged to US$76.98, a price not seen since November 2014.

S&P/ASX 200 (INDEXASX:XJO) gained 0.65% to 7,308.7 points by about 12.50 pm as high-growth technology and health care stocks rebounded from Tuesdays selloff, outperforming the heavyweight banks, miners and retail giants.

Buy now, pay later player Afterpay ( ) jumped 4% to $119.45 and rival Zip Co ( ) hained 4.3% to $7.56.

Biotech major CSL Ltd ( ) was up 1.43% while medical device manufacturer ResMed ( ) surged 3.3% to $33.34.

Uptick in COVID-19 cases

New South Wales recorded 27 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.

After announcing the new cases, Premier Gladys Berejiklian warned that tomorrows figures would be even higher, with new cases concentrated in three LGAs - Fairfield, Canterbury-Bankstown and Liverpool.

Berejiklian noted that restrictions could be tightened even further for more than 100 Sydney suburbs, after confirming the Greater Sydney lockdown would be extended until midnight on July 16.

Top Gainers

Todays top gainers on the ASX include Astro Resources N.L. ( ) (+25.00%), ( ) (+12.12%), ( ) (+5.75%) and Montem Resources Corp ( ) (+8.33%).

Proactive news headlines:

Auroch Minerals pinpoints high priority drill target following major survey at Nepean Nickel Project, shares rise

s ( ) latest moving-loop electromagnetic (MLEM) survey has identified and delineated a strongly conductive body at its Nepean Nickel Project in Western Australia.

Valor Resources further consolidates land position in Canada's uranium-rich Athabasca Basin

( ) (FRA:LFY) has consolidated its position within the world-class Athabasca Basin of Canada by securing five highly prospective uranium projects.

Aldoro Resources substantially increases lithium exposure with two highly prospective acquisitions

( ) has substantially increased its exposure to the highly sought-after battery metal lithium, acquiring two lithium-rich projects in Western Australias Mt Magnet region.

Walkabout Resources completes entitlement offer, secures $7.6 million to drive Lindi Jumbo Graphite Mine toward production

( ) is poised to bring in more than A$7.6 million in funding after closing its latest entitlement offer.

TNT Mines completes first tranche of $5.25 million placement, raising more than $3.54 million

( ) has completed the first tranche of its $5.25 million capital raising after raising $3,543,754.35 via the placement of 23,625,029 shares.

Mineral Resources subsidiary secures rig for exploration gas drilling in Perth Basin

s (ASX: MIN) wholly-owned subsidiary Energy Resources Limited (ERL) has secured a rig to drill conventional gas exploration well Lockyer Deep 1 in the onshore Perth Basin, Western Australia.

OliveX signs global gym technology deal with Golds Gym network

( ) has signed a deal to join Golds Gym Global Vendor Program, making its Volution integrated enterprise technology platform available to the global health and fitness clubs gyms and franchise network.

ioneer strengthens US operations team to take lithium-boron project to production

ioneer Ltd ( ) has strengthened its US operations team by making three key appointments as it advances development of the Rhyolite Ridge Project in Nevada towards lithium and boron production.
The approved work program will include field assessment, general inspection and sampling with this work paving the way for further test-work to facilitate calculation of a JORC-compliant mineral resource estimate.

Ltd ( ) has received approval from the Greenland Government for an initial fieldwork program at the lvittuut Project, which has near-term cryolite, fluorite and rare earth production potential.

This approval will enable Eclipse Metals to assess access, ground conditions and confirmation of geological features at Ivittuut.

The company acquired the Ivittuut project in January 2021 and in May 2021 applied for approval to undertake an initial fieldwork program on exploration licence MEL2007-45, Ivittuut, Greenland.

Approval for the work, which will start from August 1, 2021, has been granted following receipt of formal advice from the Greenland Mineral Licence and Safety Authority.

Moving ahead with plans

Eclipse executive chairman Carl Popal said: Approval from the Greenland Government is an important step and allows us to move ahead with our plans at Ivittuut, which once hosted the worlds largest known mineable resource of naturally occurring cryolite as well as REE-bearing minerals and a nearby REE-bearing carbonatite formation.

Approved program

Eclipses approved program of work at Ivittuut will include field assessment and general inspection and familiarisation by the new field team, sampling of the existing mullock heaps and sampling of geological bulk intrusions.

According to the company, these steps will pave the way for further test-work to facilitate the calculation of a JORC compliant mineral resource estimate and feasibility study for the project.

An initial sampling program will include the collection of representative samples from the Ivittuut mine tailings and low-grade waste dumps and the Gronnedal-Ika carbonatite.

The project area hosts the historic Ivittuut cryolite mine and undeveloped mineral resources, including a large REE-bearing carbonatite deposit.
The $60,000 research study will receive 50% co-funding from the CSIRO's Kick-Start Program.

Shree Minerals aims to integrate all available data to generate a 3D model to assist with drill targeting.

(ASX:SSH) has signed an agreement with Australias national science agency, the CSIRO, to collaborate on a research project at Box Hole Zinc-Lead Project near Harts Range in the Northern Territory.

The study intends to evaluate and re-process existing geophysical, lithological and geochemical data as the basis for building a 3D model of the prospect and the control of the lead-zinc mineralisation.

Shree hopes to create an integrated dataset that will improve targeting for exploration drilling.

Data evaluation and re-processing will include VTEM data inversion, gravity modelling, geochemical and lithological data evaluation, structural analysis and 3D structural modelling.

Better targeting of exploration drilling

Executive director Sanjay Loyalka said: The company is very pleased to have engaged CSIRO for the study at Box Hole and for this study to be supported by 50% funding from CSIRO.

This study will give Shree access to the CSIROs expertise in the fields of geophysical data processing, geochemical vectoring and 3D modelling.

The resultant litho-structural model will improve understanding of the controls of mineralisation and allow better targeting of exploration drilling.

Kick-Start initiative

The project was made possible by CSIRO Kick-Start, an initiative that provides funding and support for innovative Australian small businesses to access CSIROs research expertise and capabilities to help grow and develop their business.

Total cost of the study is approximately $60,000 of which 50% will be co-funded by CSIRO.

The Box Hole Project (EL32419) covers 127 square kilometres, around 250 kilometres northeast of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory and is prospective for large tonnage carbonate-hosted lead-zinc deposits of the Mississippi Valley Type (MVT).

Examples of this type of deposit in Australia include the Cadjebut and Blendevale mines near Fitzroy Crossing in Western Australia.

Genetic models of MVT mineralisation involve oxidised basinal metalliferous brines migrating up basin margin growth faults and precipitating sulphides into favourable permeable and chemical lithological traps, such as carbonates, graphitic shales and dolostones.

History

Box Hole is centred on the Kings Workings that were mined by hand in the 1960s for galena.

Around 15 tonnes of galena with an average grade of 66% lead, 58.5 g/t silver and 0.43% bismuth was handpicked and sold to the Broken Hill Smelter.

The lead-zinc mineralisation is hosted by a mixed carbonate and shale sedimentary sequence within the Georgina Basin.

Mineralisation is generally associated with silicified dolostone containing gossans that extend for over 6 kilometres in a north-south orientation parallel to faulting and anticlinal hinges (Figure 3).

The project has been explored by a variety of companies since its discovery, with the most significant exploration program completed by Uramet Minerals in 2007-09 comprising various IP and gravity surveys, geochemical surveys and shallow drilling.
( ) ( ) (FRA:38A) has its sights set on becoming a world leader in the medical diagnostics and quantum computing sectors, as it makes significant progress on its two proprietary deep tech projects.

Archer is hard at work developing advanced semiconductor devices, including labs-on-a-chip that integrate biosensors relevant to point-of-care medical diagnostics and processor chips relevant to quantum computing.

The company has made significant progress on both projects in the past six months, and in mid-June confirmed its focus on deep technology with the sale of its South Australian mining tenements, for which it will retain a 2% net smelter return royalties.

12CQ chip

The 12CQ chip is a world-first technology Archer is building for quantum computing operation at room temperature and integration onboard modern electronic devices.

Quantum computing aims to utilise quantum mechanical phenomena to power the next generation of computers.

At a basic level, quantum mechanics describes the way nature and matter function at the scale of atoms and subatomic particles, which is fundamentally different from the way they function at the many scales above that size (which is described by classical physics).

Functioning quantum computers remain a matter of theory only at this point in time, but, should they be successfully developed, it is hypothesised that they could solve computational problems substantially faster than any existing computers; quantum computing also has significant implications for cryptography and cybersecurity.

Recent progress on 12CQ chip

In the past six months, Archer began work on optimising Quantum Neural Networks, which could be relevant to consumer and enterprise-scale AI technology products.

This work involves adapting a unique class of quantum algorithms, called the Quantum Approximation Optimisation Algorithm, to be used in the training of quantum neural networks, which are artificial neural network models that mimic the way the human brain functions and are used in computing.

In May it began applying advanced semiconductor device modelling to build sophisticated qubit control devices.

Controlling qubits in Archers 12CQ chip requires the design of new and highly complex quantum information control electronics to integrate with 12CQ chip qubits.

Archer has also applied for patents to protect its intellectual property across the globe.

A new computing boom

Archer CEO Dr Mohammad Choucair said the potential of quantum computing had echoes of the boom in home computing that occurred in the 1980s.

There are parallels between the business growth strategies of quantum computing companies today and the computing companies of the 1980s that have since come to dominate global tech, he said.

Hardware and software firms working together at an early stage of technology development is a well-known recipe for success in the computing industry.

At Archer, we are working with global leaders in computing and AI to develop and integrate the software required to enable the operation of our 12CQ chip and its proposed high impact end-use applications.

The biochip for medical diagnostics

Archers other major technology project is a biochip with unique graphene-based biotechnology that it is building to enable the complex detection of some of the worlds most deadly communicable diseases.

In mid-June, the company made progress in the development of its biochip by establishing essential chip testing operations in a semiconductor fabrication environment, an essential step in developing and commercialising the companys biochip technology.

Earlier the company achieved the ability to analyse individual materials in the components of the biochip and now has progressed to the stage where it has established testing and measurement for the chips themselves.

Archers team has been developing biochip components that are less than 10 nanometres in size - the average human hair is around 75,000 nanometres wide.

Miniaturising key biosensor components to nanoscale chip formats on silicon wafers has opened the potential to host more than one million sensor components on the centimetre-sized wafers.

This all came on the back of successful demonstrations that Archer can fabricate nanosize biosensor components of 100-150 nanometre features on silicon wafers.

Previously using local semiconductor foundry fabrication techniques, the company was limited to one sensor per 1 square centimetre; but with its in-house capability, it has now miniaturised key biosensor components to chip-formats on silicon by nanofabrication translating to over 1 million sensor components within 1 square centimetre.

Lab-on-a-chip device potential

Archers biochip design principles involve using proprietary graphene-based materials as integrated circuits, to form the key sensing elements in its lab-on-a-chip technology.

The biochip end-use is initially aimed at addressing the complex detection of diseases affecting the respiratory system.

Lab-on-a-chip devices integrate several biological laboratory functions on a single chip, one being biosensing, and others including sample delivery, for better diagnostics.

The largest technological barriers to commercialising such devices involve nanofabrication that link to high-value advanced manufacturing  which is the current focus of Archer in its biochip development.

Partnerships galore

The company has attracted plenty of partners keen to work with them on their technology - not least of them IBM, with which it is exploring the potential of quantum computing.

It is now working with the Australian Missile Corporation to identify opportunities to contribute to the Commonwealth Governments new Sovereign Guided Weapons Enterprise, to support missile and guided weapons manufacturing in Australia.

Archer has also strategically expanded its commercial access to institutional deep tech infrastructure as part of its biochip development and made the move to Lot Fourteen, an innovation precinct in Adelaide.

Share price movement

AXE shares have moved about 93% higher in 2021 thus far, passing the $1 a share threshold on multiple occasions in the past few months.

Going back two years, Archer shares have gained a whopping 809%, to make it one of the most exciting tech stocks on the ASX.

Next steps

The company is now looking ahead to international prosecution of patent applications in the US, Europe, China, and South Korea, breakthrough technology development in its 12CQ quantum computing chip and biochip technology, more collaborative partnerships to develop our processor devices, algorithms, applications and business use cases, and inclusion in the S&P/ASX All Technology Index.

- Daniel Paproth
The contract extension is for an initial term of three years and includes three one-year extension options and total estimated revenue for Damstra over the full life of the contract is anticipated to be up to $7 million.

The next stage in the enAble platforms evolution is a transition to digital ID cards.

s ( ) subsidiary Damstra Technology Pty Ltd has signed an extended multi-year Master Services Agreement (MSA) with existing customer NBN Co Limited, Australias national wholesale broadband provider with potential to extend to 2027.

Under the terms of the contract, Damstra will continue to provide its workforce management platform, designed and branded for nbn as enAble to all 25,000 workers of nbn along with nationwide contractors.

This new MSA has an initial term of three years and includes three one-year extension options for nbn, with the potential to extend to 2027.

Total estimated revenue for Damstra over the full life of the contract is anticipated to be up to $7 million.

The company will receive $5 million out of the expected total revenue as a monthly fee while the remainder will be variable based on expected platform usage.

Developing and evolving enAble

Damstra CEO Christian Damstra said: We are very pleased to announce the signing of this MSA with nbn; already a valued customer of Damstra.

We are proud of the work we have put into developing and evolving the enable platform and this agreement clearly demonstrates the confidence nbn has in Damstras ability to provide critical services for their workers and contractors across Australia.

We look forward to continuing the relationship with nbn for many years to come.

New technology enhancements

The enAble platform is a leading workforce management platform that can store workers and contractors skills and competencies, host online training and provide real-time information about nbn accreditations with auditing capability.

Damstras management of the enAble platform ensures that all nbn workers and contractors have the requisite skills and competencies to carry out work on the nbn network.

Ongoing investment in the enAble platform has provided access to a range of new technology enhancements for nbn including sophisticated reporting tools and the ability to communicate more effectively with workers and contractors.

The next stage in the enAble platforms evolution is transition to digital ID cards, which is expected to provide nbn with further processing efficiencies, enabling contractors in the field to deliver nbn services faster to their clients.
Multiple assets in favorable mining jurisdictions

Currently has eight projects in Canada

Experienced management team

What Marvel Discovery does:

(TSXV:MARV) (FRA:O4T1) (OTCPINK:IMTFF) - which in February 2020 changed its name from International Montoro Resources Inc - has been listed on the TSX Venture Exchange for more than 25 years and is also listed in Frankfurt.

It has 10 projects currently and is looking for gold, nickel, copper, cobalt and vanadium in Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland, while also being on the hunt for rare earth elements (REE) and uranium in British Columbia.

The group's goals are to identify targets via airborne surveys and sampling, initiate targeted drilling and develop projects through to compliant resource status.

It has 2,250 hectares via its Camping Lake gold prospect claims in the famous and active Red Lake mining district of Ontario, where it is earning a 51% interest in five claims. It has also acquired 2,138 hectares at the Wicheeda North rare earth claims in the Rocky Mountain rare metal belt of British Columbia.

A simple breakdown of its current portfolio looks like this:

The Camping Lake gold prospect in Red Lake, Ontario

The Serpent River/Pecors, a nickel-copper-platinum group elements discovery and uranium-rare earth elements in Elliot Lake, Ontario

The Duhamel nickel-copper-cobalt prospect, and titanium, vanadium and chromium prospect in Quebec

The Wicheeda rare earth elements prospect and Cup Lake/Donen Uranium deposit in British Columbia

The Slip and Victoria Lake gold prospects in Newfoundland

The BlackFly gold prospect in the town of Atikokan, Ontario

The Uranium City project on the north shore of Lake Athabasca, Saskatchewan

The Ungava nickel project in Quebec which is close to Falcobridges Delta-Oasis property

How is it doing:

2021 looks to be transformational for the company in more ways than one. On February 22 of this year, the company's name-change to was approved by the TSX Venture Exchange. The company began trading under its new name and new trading symbol (MARV) on February 24. The name-change was done without any share consolidation.

Its been a series of positive news on the exploration front as well. In July, the company uncovered more high-grade gold samples at its Blackfly Gold Project in Ontario. According to Marvel, a sample that returned 52.5 g/t gold was found in a potential new gold zone southeast of the shaft area, which is expected to become a new drill target.

Those results followed earlier assays that revealed up to 24.3 g/t gold at Blackfly. Initial sample results from the project included 15 samples grading higher than 3 g/t  four of which revealed more than 10 g/t gold.

But it is not all exploration that has been keeping Marvel busy these past few months. The company has acquired a significant amount of prospective ground in Newfoundland, particularly near the prolific past producing gold mine Hope Brook. In June, the company acquired 763 claims for a total of 19,075 hectares which are strategically located and contiguous to First Mining Gold ( ) and to the ( ) and Benton Resources (CVE:BEX) joint venture.

The group also acquired another 274 claims totaling 6,850 hectares (ha) within the highly prospective Gander Zone area, and 420 claims for a total of 10,250 hectares in the same region.

Palladium also caught the eye of Marvels C-suite. In May, it added 15 mining claims totaling just over 5,300 hectares known as the East Bull Lake Intrusive Complex, located near Elliot Lake, Ontario.

East Bull Lake is part of the palladium-rich mafic intrusive East Bull Suite, which is home to the New Age Metals River Valley deposit that hosts measured and indicated resources of 99 million tons of 0.9 grams per ton (g/t) palladium equivalent and an additional inferred resource of 53 million tons grading 0.6 g/t palladium equivalent.

And finally, the firms spinout of its Serpent River/Pecors and Wicheeda North properties is proceeding as expected.

Inflection points:

Assay results from 204 samples and commencement of a 16-hole drill program at Blackfly

Completion of spinout of its Serpent River/Pecors and Wicheeda North properties

News from Victoria Lake project in Newfoundland

What the boss says:

Commenting on the acquisition of additional claims in Newfoundland, CEO Karim Rayani told investors that the purchase positions Marvel in three of the key exploration and development areas within the Island, comprising Victoria Lake, Gander Zone and Hope Brook areas.

Rayani added: Much of the area has already been covered with extremely high quality and high-resolution magnetic surveys, we have started our first phase of applying litho-structural analysis and interpretive techniques across this highly prospective area. This brings our total land holdings to approximately 50,000 hectares with the objective of reaching a total of 100,000 in what I consider the three most important areas."

Contact Angela at angela@proactiveinvestors.com

Follow her on Twitter @AHarmantas
Part of the Grosso Group which has been involved with four major mineral discoveries in Argentina

Argentine government is encouraging foreign investment and renewable energy initiatives

Demand set to increase for lithium-ion batteries

What Argentina Lithium & Energy does:

( ) ( ) (FRA:OAY2) is a junior explorer hoping to tap into what it believes will be significant demand for a cleaner, greener future.

It is a member of the well-known Grosso Group, which has been a pioneer in the mineral exploration sector in Argentina since the early 1990s.

The group believes now is the time to expand efforts in the Argentinean portion of the so-called 'Lithium Triangle', which already accounts for around half of the world's lithium output. In 2020, Argentina was a top-five global producer of lithium. New US president Joe Biden's electric vehicle (EV) plan will create bull market conditions for energy metals, the company has said.

Argentina Lithium & Energy is currently evaluating the next steps for its Salar de Incahuasi project in Catamarca province, subject to financing. The asset spans 13,300 hectares (Ha) and the company owns 100%. The asset is prospective for lithium brines and is around 2.5 kilometres (km) wide and 17 km long, north to south. Access is via gravel road and the project sits 34 km from the nearest town.

Geophysical surveying has shown potential for lithium-rich brines starting at surface and reaching up to 200 metres (m) depth.

The company also holds the Salar de Antofalla, which is around 150 km long and up to 7 km wide, and where the geology is similar to other salars in the Puna region where lithium and potash are found. Reported grades from the salar include 350 milligrams per litre (mg/l) lithium and 6,400 mg/l potash.

The salar is accessed by Provincial highway 43 and unpaved roads, with the small town of Antofalla approximately 50 km to the south and the city of Salta approximately 500 km away.

How is it doing:

Back in early 2018, Argentina Lithium & Energy said it received permits necessary for drilling at Incahuasi and subsequently started a four-hole drill program on the southern part of the salar.

Each hole encountered lithium-bearing brines and concentrations were modest but fairly consistent, averaging 109 mg/l in all 54 samples collected and analyzed.

No work was completed last year and the company relinquished several mineral rights properties covering a portion of the southern half of the salar.

In its most recent announcement in June, 2021 the firm revealed that it had bolstered its board with the appointment of Dr John Gammon as a director of the company.

The company noted that Gammon has 40 years' experience, including as assistant deputy minister mines and minerals with the Government of Ontario and, since retiring, as a consultant to industry, governments and universities. His knowledge of the Spanish language and South American culture will aid the company's advancement of its Argentinian projects, it added.

Darren Urquhart is resigning from the board of directors but will continue to serve as chief financial officer (CFO), the company also told investors.

And in April this year, Argentina Lithium & Energy said it had closed a non-brokered private placing, issuing over 8.4 million units at C$0.09 each for total gross proceeds of C$763,605. The company said the proceeds would be used for general working capital.

Inflection points:

Start of exploration at Salar de Incahuasi project

News of the Salar de Antofalla

Financing news

What the boss says:

"We are extremely pleased to welcome Dr Gammon to Argentina Lithium's board of directors. His extensive experience in geological and ESG matters makes Dr Gammon a tremendous asset to our company," said Nikolaos Cacos, CEO of , in the company's latest statement.

Contact the author at giles@proactiveinvestors.com
The program aims to upgrade Kachis 4.4 million tonnes lithium carbonate total resource from measured and indicated resources to reserves for a definitive feasibility study and production expansion study.

Lake Resources has set in motion a four-well, 1,600 metre diamond drill program at the Argentine project.

( ) ( ) has drilling underway to support a doubling of future planned production at its flagship Kachi Lithium Project in Argentina.

The program aims to upgrade Kachis 4.4 million tonnes lithium carbonate (LCE) total resource from measured and indicated resources to reserves for a definitive feasibility study and production expansion study.

Lake has set in motion a four-well, 1,600-metre diamond drill program, with brine sampling and pump testing, and has an option to extend the program given all equipment is on-site.

Conversion of resources

The Kachi Project covers 74,000 hectares of leases over salt lake south of Livent Corps (NYSE:LTHM) lithium operation in South America's Lithium Triangle in northern Argentina.

Currently, less than 20% of the current total resource is utilised for the planned 25,500 tonnes per annum lithium carbonate production over 25 years.

Therefore, drilling will enable Lake Resources to convert inferred resources to the measured and indicated categories, to allow a production expansion study to be conducted.

Accelerating demand

Managing director Steve Promnitz said: Argentina has become the key focus for lithium investment and Lake Resources 100%-owned projects are perfectly positioned to benefit, amid accelerating demand for battery quality lithium.

Interest continues to increase among potential offtakers to secure supply, especially of a premium product with ESG benefits which Lake can produce thanks to its sustainable direct extraction process.

This drilling program will support an expansion study to double production to 50,000 tonnes per annum.

This would make Kachi a globally significant producer and one of a few that can bring high purity lithium carbonate to market consistently with a low carbon footprint - perfect for the needs of leading EV makers.

Increased investment

There has been increased investment in Argentinian lithium projects, including Ganfeng Lithiums (SHE:002460) planned development of a lithium-ion battery factory in Jujuy Province and another 20,000 tonnes per annum LCE lithium project at Marianas.

In addition, German automaker BMW has a A$447 million contract with Livent to source lithium from Argentina.

Promisingly, Argentinas government has flagged plans to incentivise further production of lithium, with the government identifying a potential resource of some 350 million tonnes LCE.

- Ephrems Joseph
The company will work with Airservices Australia to integrate its technology into the Air Traffic Control environment

Limited ( ) said it signed an agreement with Airservices Australia which will see its technology integrated into the Air Traffic Control (ATC) environment.

The AIM-listed firm said the initial programme is valued at around A$250,000. The company will work with Airservices to develop and integrate head, eye and face tracking as well as related high-level signals including workload, fatigue and attention to support and optimise safe and effective controller performance in an increasingly automated ATC environment.

added the collaboration will launch its capability into the highly regulated and safety critical console-based environment with a key focus on the human-in-the-loop.

"Having worked with Airservices for over five years on data collection and testing, including a feasibility study in their operational environment, I am delighted to progress to this commercial stage in our relationship, Seeing Machines general manager of aviation Patrick Nolan said in a statement.

Both companies are driven by a strong focus on safety and supporting the operator. I have confidence that this collaboration will provide a great solution for Airservices and enable a global capability to support console-based operations across any industry", he added.
The anomaly is in an unexplored area within the southern half of a quartz diorite intrusion, entirely held by Gungnir, and about 3km southeast of its disseminated-style Knaften 300 Gold Zone

Gungnir said the size of the new IP anomaly indicates the potential for a larger area of mineralization on the new license

Gungnir Resources Inc ( ) (OTCPINK:ASWRF) (FRA:AMO1) announces the discovery of an extensive induced polarization (IP) anomaly at its Knaften gold project in Sweden.

The mining exploration company said it is now considering additional IP coverage and plans to incorporate new targets into its future exploration work plans, inclusive of drilling.

Gungnir said the new IP anomaly of up to 30 millivolts per volt ( mV/V) measures about 1,200 metres (m) by at least 700m and is open to the north and south.

It is located in an unexplored area within the southern half of a 4 x 5 kilometres (km) quartz diorite intrusion, entirely held by Gungnir, and about 3km southeast of the company's disseminated-style Knaften 300 Gold Zone.

Knaften 300 includes shallow intersections of high-grade gold including 59.6 grams per ton (g/t) gold over 1m in hole KN19-06 and numerous wide zones of gold mineralization including 2.92 g/t gold over 13m in hole 200707. Previous surveys in the Knaften 300 area have produced comparable IP responses.

"The preliminary results from our IP survey are very encouraging, given that the new anomaly is situated within the same quartz diorite intrusion that hosts the Knaften 300 Gold Zone, CEO Jari Paakki said in a statement.

The size of this new IP anomaly indicates the potential for a larger area of mineralization on the new license, Knaften nr 600, which we just acquired in January of this year.

Gungnir said the survey also identified two additional IP anomalies worth merit located southwest and north of the large anomaly.

The company is currently drilling at Knaften 300 after which drilling is scheduled at its Lappvattnet nickel-copper-cobalt-PGE (platinum, palladium and gold) project where drill collar locations have been finalized.

Knaften lies at the south end of the so-called Knaften-Barsele Arc (Gold Line), which hosts a number of gold deposits, including Agnico Eagle's Barsele Gold-VMS project. The asset hosts high-grade gold, VMS (zinc-copper) and copper-nickel targets, all open for expansion.

Contact the author at stephen.gunnion@proactiveinvestors.com
The new chair boasts a long career in cardiology, being board certified in cardiovascular disease and advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology

Torre-Amione has been an independent director of Cardiol since August 2018

Inc ( ) ( ) (FRA:CT9) announced it had appointed Dr Guillermo Torre-Amione as the biotechnology companys new board chair.

Torre-Amione, who has been an independent director of Cardiol since August 2018, is taking over from Dr Eldon Smith, who is retiring from the Board.

The new chair boasts a long career in cardiology, being board certified in cardiovascular disease and advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology. He was formerly the chief of the heart failure division and medical director of cardiac transplantation at the Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center.

Torre-Amione is a professor of cardiology at The Methodist Hospital Research Institute, Houston, Professor of Medicine at the Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, and President of TecSalud in Mexico.

He has also spearheaded a number of clinical studies, including an FDA-approved Phase II clinical trial of neurostimulation in patients with advanced heart failure. Torre-Amiones primary areas of research include heart failure, cardiac transplant, and the role of the immune response in modulating the progression of heart failure.

"I am pleased that Dr. Torre-Amione has agreed to serve as Chairman of our Board, Cardiol CEO David Elsley said in a statement.

Dr Torre-Amione's exceptional knowledge of and expertise in both scientific and clinical research in heart failure, including the design and execution of pivotal clinical trials, will provide invaluable leadership and guidance during an exciting period of growth for Cardiol.

"I am honored to be appointed chairman of Cardiol and to be given the opportunity to play an important role in the development of this extraordinary company, Torre-Amione said.

There is convincing evidence that inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of heart failure and other cardiovascular disorders. Cardiol's therapeutic strategy raises the exciting possibility of delivering an anti-inflammatory treatment to patients with heart failure that is not limited by toxicology concerns. As a cardiologist, I am excited to be part of this groundbreaking research.

Elsley also thanked outgoing chair Eldon Smith for his invaluable contribution to the company, and wisehd him a happy and healthy well-earned retirement on behalf of the company and its board.

Contact Angela at angela@proactiveinvestors.com

Follow her on Twitter @AHarmantas
"I'm not an anti-vaxxer. I'm not a pro-vaxxer. I'm somebody that's looking at this thing and trying to figure it outI feel like a vaccination in a weird way is just generally kind of going against natureLike, I mean, if there is some disease out there -- maybe there's just an ebb and flow to life where something's supposed to wipe out a certain amount of people, and that's just kind of the way evolution goes. Vaccines kind of stand in the way of that. Do you follow what I'm saying? Does that make sense to somebody in medicine?"

Newsmax host Rob Schmitt

NO.

Everyone in medicine
By TODD McLEISH/ecoRI News contributor

Close-up of a northern star coral colony taken from a microscope in a laboratory at Roger Williams University. (Alicia Schickle)

When both chambers of the General Assembly passed bills June 8 declaring the northern star coral as the states official coral, it made Rhode Island the first state to designate a state coral. And while the Ocean State is not known for its corals, advocates say thats one reason they pushed for the moniker.

Charlestown's state rep. Flip Filippi (Trumplican) mocked this

legislation even though this coral is part of the coastal ecosystem

affecting his whole district People are often surprised to hear that theres a coral that lives off the coast of Rhode Island, said Koty Sharp, associate professor of biology at Roger Williams University, who proposed the idea for a state coral. Its part of our coastal ecosystem, and its a very charismatic organism. Under a microscope, people are always impressed with how beautiful it is.

If we can show this to more people, especially schoolchildren, we can engage them with their local ecosystem and educate them about whats out there. The more we do that, the more we can expect the next generation to act for conservation and keep our environment as a top priority.

Choosing which coral to designate wasnt difficult. Northern star coral (Astrangia poculata) is the only hard coral found in New England waters. Unlike the large, familiar corals that grow in warm-water regions like Florida and the Caribbean, this brown or white coral can fit in the palm of ones hand and is often mistaken for an anemone, with a fleshy stalk and long tentacles.

Its very different from its tropical cousins in many ways, Sharp said. Thats what makes it so special. Its different. Its much hardier, so it can withstand extremely cold winters and very hot summers.

The most significant difference, she said, is northern star coral doesnt rely on a symbiotic relationship with algae, which tropical corals use to make sugars to survive. Rhode Islands coral doesnt require that partnership to eat. Instead, it uses its tentacles to capture food in the seawater.

Northern star coral is typically found in water 5-30 feet deep, though it has been documented more than 90 feet deep. Its range extends from Buzzards Bay in Massachusetts to the Gulf of Mexico, but its also found throughout the Caribbean and off the coast of South America and West Africa.

Its fairly abundant here in Rhode Island, much easier to find here in the shallows of our coastline than in Florida, Sharp said. We think thats because this organism evolved to thrive in habitats that have large seasonal fluctuations  cold winters and hot summers. The tropics dont experience those kinds of variations in temperatures. Tropical corals arent very resilient to those kind of changes.

According to Sharp, the northern star coral was first described in the late 1700s from specimens collected off Newport. A retired oceanography professor at the University of Rhode Island, Michael Pilson, laid the foundation for detailed studies of the species in the 1970s and 80s, and Sharp has been studying its ecology and physiology for the past 10 years.

Because of the corals hardiness in varying temperatures, Sharp calls the northern star coral a model organism for understanding corals and what can be done to help them survive in the face of the climate crisis. She is especially interested in the microbes that live on the surface of the coral and play a role in its ability to respond to and recover from a changing climate.

Were studying that to learn more about Astrangia in the Rhode Island ecosystem, but also using it to extend into the microbiology of tropical corals, Sharp said.

One thing that has become very clear in the past several years is that the microbes that live on the surface of tropical corals are extremely important for their responses to environmental disturbance. Its their first line of defense against microbial pathogens, infections and disease. Just like what we know about the human gut, the microbiome structure is critically important for regulating the health of the host animal.

Sharps research has expanded in recent years as more and more scientists have become interested in studying the northern star coral. What started as a group of 15 researchers has grown to more than 120 who meet each year at Roger Williams University. It was at one of those meetings, when the scientists discussed how to elevate the publics awareness of the northern star coral, that the idea of a state coral was first discussed.

The legislation (H5415, S0067) designating Rhode Islands state coral was sponsored by two Portsmouth lawmakers, Rep. Terri Cortvriend and Sen. James Seveney, who introduced it to call attention to Sharps research at Roger Williams University.

Species like the northern star coral can be a bellwether that shows us where we are headed if we continue to abuse and pollute the earth. We should pay attention to it, Cortvriend said.

While the bill is somewhat lighthearted and fun, what I really hope is that it starts more conversations about why we cannot wait to address our climate-change crisis. These tiny polyps have a lot to tell us about what were doing to our planet, and designating them our state coral can amplify that message.

The legislation has already energized Sharp and her fellow coral researchers. Our research community is completely buoyed by this, she said.

Now that the state coral designation is official, Sharp looks forward to using it as a platform for a number of projects, including a K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) curriculum focused on climate literacy.

Astrangia is a great emblem for the state of Rhode Island because its small like Rhode Island, its hardy like Rhode Islanders, and its positioned to provide insight to solve global problems, Sharp said.


Hunter's award-winning book, Miracles Of Recovery, became the first place recipient of the coveted Presidents Award in nonfiction from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association. It features 365-powerful daily inspirations based on the A.A. 12 Step Program. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / PRURGENT



Janet G. Wolititz, Ed. D., in her New York Time Bestseller, In Adult Children of Alcoholics, cracks open the psyche of the adult alcoholic beginning with the child that they were: riddled with suffocating pain, shame and an undernourished sense of self. Janet states, The child of an alcoholic has no age. The same things hold true if you are five or fifty-five. AcoAs do not learn what other children learn in the process of growing upthey do not learn the day-to-day process of doing life.



Harriet Hunter, award-winning author of Miracles of Recovery: Daily Meditations of Hope, Courage and Faith believes that self-righteous indignation is a survival mechanism employed by many Adult Children of Alcoholics (AcoA).



Those of us who are AcoA understand like few others that, as children, growing up with the insanity of drugs or alcohol was a family affair, and its affects far reaching affecting everyone. These affects didnt end with the family. Friends, acquaintances, employers??anyone associated with the adult child suffered from the impact (deleted another affect) of alcoholism. Whether their own guilt or shame, the inability to function normally without manipulation, enabling, or excuses, played a part in the home life growing up.



"We all took part in the ritual of ignoring that elephant in the middle of our life that never went away. The elephant who not only called the shots and took over the household was not discussed, acknowledged, or engaged. It was just there as we pretended that it wasnt. This silent elephant represented consequences each family member suffered as each family member grew more emotionally detached and ill themselves if for no other reason, than for the perpetual lack of honesty and denial. The only constant in the home was who would be the one to step on the elephants toes, and the overwhelming sense of waiting for the other shoe to drop??we just never knew when.



ACoAs suffer in a manner normal people cannot begin to comprehend. Virtually anyone under the influence of drugs, alcohol, food, gambling or other life-altering addictions qualifies as an AcoA if they say they are. The AcoA manifestations were often demonstrated in abnormal ways as children that served to isolate and keep them apart from mainstream day to day operations. They were insecure, felt different from other children, and often alone or left out. With little to no self-esteem, they exhibited extreme behaviors, as suffering deep shame and self-loathing was commonplace. To the degree the AcoA absorbed the caustic energy around them, did they blame others for how they felt."



Many AcoAs cannot describe what is normal, and without mental health or 12-step intervention, they have no idea what they feel.



Self-righteous indignation became a survival technique. A learned tactic to ensure they are being heard, ACoAs often exhibited strong emotional reactions to their beliefs. Right or wrong, even if it was a lie, self-righteous indignation would often be the ruse that kept others at bay. For some, it was a scheme used to win through intimidation. They falsely believed that this position was bolstering their undernourished, often non-existing self-esteem. Retorts might be, Of course Im right! or How Dare you do that to me! Who Do you think YOU are? or the almighty, What gives you the right to?



One definition of self-righteous indignation is: Having or characterized by a certainty, especially an unfounded one, that one is totally correct.



Consider road rage. Someone cuts us off, squeezes ahead of us, makes an illegal turn and there we areready to scream, hit the brakes, hit the horn, curse and unleash our anger, sometimes to the point of physically engaging. We dont have to think too hard of other-type examples. They all FEEL the same, and illicit many of the same reactions.



How do we stop allowing others to live rent-free in our heads? How do we stop participating in this dangerous energy that does nothing to promote inner-peace? Hunter offers 3 important strategies.



1. We can take a step back and look at the scenario for what it really is: OUR reaction to emotional excitement of the negative type.



2. Getting out of the way helps. We STOP where we are and do not engage. To turn and walk away may be the very best solution. There is no reasoning with someone in the throes of their own implied importance. They are of the opinion that, by God, this is MY OPINION, nothing else matters, They become overly judgmental, fearful and controlling in the self righteous belief that they are morally correct.



3. In recovery, if we are the ones promoting self-righteous anger, it would be prudent to take a close look at our behaviors. We examine motives behind our engagement. It is our responsibility to do so. It is about our thinking, our justification, our triggers.



More information and related resources are available at no charge at Hunters website at http://www.harriethunter.org.



While there are many treatment approaches and programs, what is common to all successful individuals within any substance abuse program is the shared pain and the loneliness, oftentimes with an ongoing support system for the person battling the disease. That support system is what Harriet Hunter offers in Miracles of Recovery: Daily Meditations of Hope, Courage and Faith.



Featuring 365-daily inspirations. Miracles of Recovery was written not just for those addicted, but for the parents, the spouses - anyone touched by the disease because addiction is absolutely a family affair. Using the foundation of 12-Steps of A.A., Miracles of Recovery embraces holistic suggestions as a practical approach for those who must face life on life's terms, clean and sober.



Encouraging and thought-provoking, Miracles of Recovery inspires with Universal Truths, because, Harriet says, Once we know better, we do better. Miracles of Recovery is written to show through personal examples how to achieve long-term sobriety by embracing new behavior and positive reinforcement regardless of what happens in one's life. She offers a personal, sometimes raw reflection of the truth about addiction seldom seen elsewhere.



The new book encourages readers to embrace healthy, positive thoughts by taking actions necessary to reinforce a new way of thinking. Tools necessary to maintain sobriety and change one's life through changing ones perspective are also proposed. It suggests that readers "Do life differently," through exercises, solutions, and methods to improve self-esteem, confidence, and embrace a profound sense of hope needed to succeed. The author spurs the reader to embrace the truth that, regardless of challenges life presents, NOTHING can change the course of recovery when you keep yourself, your sobriety, and your Higher Power first in your life. In short, Miracles of Recovery offers hope where there is none through a simple program of actions for complicated people.



Hunter has received rave reviews for her work from readers and reviewers alike. Vernita Taylor of Readers Favorite stated, Miracles of Recovery: Daily Meditations of Hope, Courage, and Faith by Harriet Hunter is a great choice if youre struggling with addiction because it offers a full year of inspiration and affirmations which I enjoyed. I see this book as a mentor or sponsor that is walking by your side and helping to lead you to a better, more improved you while teaching you how to deal with your stressors. The best teacher is someone who has been there and done that and this book doesnt disappoint. The author knows first-hand what it takes and how it feels to be addicted, and the journey to recovery. If you need help along your journey, pick up a copy of this book; its highly recommended.



Anthony Capozzolli of Dismantled Life Podcast said, Miracles of Recovery has been a feast for my recovering soul. Every page is filled with love and helpful insights that lead to discovery. I read each page by date and randomly turn to other pages for an additional spiritual hug when I need one. Its almost as if Harriet wrote her wonderful book for me. Page after page hits so close to home I often tear up from positive awareness and clarity of emotion.



Miracles of Recovery received the first place Presidents Award in nonfiction from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association.



Since her walk into recovery in 1999, Harriet has had one primary purpose: to stay sober and show others how they can achieve their miracles while staying sober with a vision and determination to never go backwards, one day at a time.



Using her experience strength and hope, Harriet strives to be a conduit of encouragement to others in their disease of alcoholism and addictions of choice, by showing them what continues to work. With practical tools, principles and promises as found in A.A., and other 12-step programs, she mirrors examples of how anyone can be free from the bondage of self, regardless of their situation.



With a purchase of a signed copy of Miracles of Recovery from her website, Hunter provides a no-charge copy of "Your Daily Reprieve; How To Maintain Long-Term Sobriety Serenely Just For Today" in PDF format.



Harriet Hunter has developed a six-module course for individuals who thrive on personal insight and emotional growth as they seek to connect the dots of their lives. Journaling with a Purpose! is a thought-provoking, sometimes intensive exercise for self-seekers who want more from lives. Its focus is both emotionally therapeutic and entertaining, as participants look inside themselves for resilient, positive changes to solutions and characteristics they expect more from. Harriet is never far away. She hosts web-based meetings, while delivering videos, offers no-charge gifts, handouts and many prompts that encourages and explains what the writer can expect with each module.



Additionally, a new Miracles of Recovery ZOOM meeting is held the 1st Fridays of the month. Read about it on her website at https://harriethunter.org/aa-and-new-zoom-meeting-miracles-of-recovery/.



Harriet Hunter is available for media interviews and speaking engagements and can be contacted using the information below or by email at serenelywritten yahoo.com. More information, including the journaling course, no-charge audios, ebooks, handouts and other gifts can be found by visiting https://www.harriethunter.org.



About Harriet Hunter:



With over 21 years of sobriety, Harriet has worked with hundreds of women who suffer with alcoholism and drug addiction to help them find peace in active sobriety. She facilitates AA meetings for women incarcerated, and sponsors women both face-to-face and on line. Readers can find her in the global recovery site, InTheRooms.com, where shes been given her own room and brings Miracles to life each Sunday at 2;00 P.M. EST.
Outside firm prohibited from using Vkontakte users data

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

12:03 07/07/2021

MOSCOW, July 7 (RAPSI)  The Ninth Commercial Court of Appeals has granted an application filed by Vkontakte social network against Double Data seeking to cancel the latter companys use of open data provided by users on the social network to sell its own services, according to court records.

The appeals instance has therefore overturned the Moscow Commercial Courts ruling of March 22 dismissing the social medias lawsuit.

        22 ,      .

In February 2019, the court ordered to carry out a technical expert examination of the arguments put forward in the dispute, and stayed the action. An expert of a private expert agency was asked to answer 59 questions, in particular, if the programs used by Double Data permitted to extract, copy, and store information received from Vkontakte database, and where the server, on which the information was stored, was located.

The lawsuit was reopened in April.

In October, the defendant asked the court to order another expert examination citing the alleged deficiencies of the first one.

Vkontakte claims that Double Data extracts information from the social networks database (names, surnames, places of work and study) despite the fact that neither Vkontakte, nor it users gave permissions to retrieve such information and to use it for commercial purposes.

On January 31, 2017, the social network filed a lawsuit against two defendants. According to the plaintiff, the National Bureau of Credit Histories, which used to be the second defendant, offered credit organizations services allowing to evaluate creditworthiness of loaners based on Vkontakte data. These services were based on technologies developed by Double Data, Vkontakte believed.

On August 15, 2017, the court cancelled proceedings between the social network and the Bureau after they reached settlement. The settlement read that the Bureau worked with Double Data in the framework of guarantees provided by the latter company assuring that use of Vkontakte data was legal. According to the settlement, the Bureau had to severe its relations to Double Down and to stop using products and technologies based on extraction of information from Vkontaktes database without its permission.

In October 2017, the Moscow Commercial Court dismissed the lawsuit against Double Data.

In July 2018, the Intellectual Property Court (IP Court) nullified all earlier court rulings in the dispute remanding the case for a new trial.




Community service upheld for defense witness in actor Efremov case Badasyan

 The press service of Moscow's Presnensky District Court

17:26 07/07/2021

MOSCOW, July 7 (RAPSI)  The Moscow City Court on Wednesday upheld the 12-month community service passed upon Tevan Badasyan, a defense witness in the deadly road traffic accident case against actor Mikhail Efremov, for intended making of false statements concerning the car crash, the courts press service told RAPSI.

Moscows Presnensky District Court convicted and sentenced Badasyan in late April. A prosecutor sought 22 months of community service for the defendant.

Badasyan earlier pled not guilty to intended making of false statements concerning the car crash. According to the prosecution, Badasyan alleged that he detected another person being in the car alongside the actor. Prosecutors claim that the witness intentionally wanted to mislead the court.

Pretrial investigation into the false testimony case was completed in early April. There are three defendants in it, including Badasyan. Two other defendants insisted that they saw not Efremov, but someone else driving the car at the time of the accident.

In October 2020, the Moscow City Court reduced jail sentence of Efremov by 6 months, from 8 to 7.5 years. The actor was found guilty of driving under influence (DUI) resulting in vehicular homicide.

As established by the court, on the evening of June 8, Efremov driving his car crossed into the oncoming lane in central Moscow and collided with a delivery service vehicle. He was arrested on the scene. Alcohol and drugs were reportedly found in his blood. Victim Sergey Zakharov was taken to hospital where he died early in the morning of June 9.

Efremov pleaded guilty in the case.




Children Ombudsman urges closer cooperation of volunteers and authorities in search for missing minors

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

10:47 07/07/2021

MOSCOW, July 7 (RAPSI)  The mechanisms of interaction between the authorities and volunteer search teams need to be made even more effective, the Russian Children Rights Commissioner Anna Kuznetsova believes.

At the moment, an algorithm for interaction between the Interior Ministry, the Emergency Ministry and volunteer search teams is in place. It has been developed jointly with the said Ministries and the Investigative Committee; however, there is the question of its efficiency and how this efficiency can be improved, Kuznetsova said addressing the participants of the All-Russian Forum of Volunteer Search and Rescue Teams.

She cited as an example a situation that occurred in Yekaterinburg in December 2020, when information about children who disappeared from a social institution was received only two days later; as a result, volunteer search teams were able to find the children only on the third day after their disappearance, and the Investigative Committee did not receive any information at all.

For closer interaction, Kuznetsova suggested that the investigative agencies should authorize one of the officers each to work with volunteers.

Her Office proposes also that the Interior Ministry is to post contacts of officers appointed to interact with volunteers on its websites.

Kuznetsova lamented that maintenance and supply resource centers needed for search of missing persons were not created across all necessary locations.

The Children Ombudsman also raised the topic of additional measures aimed to tighten administrative supervision over people who have committed crimes against sexual inviolability, since there were registered repeated crimes of this nature and the number of such crimes has been on the rise since recently; Kuznetsova urged volunteers to join the implementation of the respective security strategy already in place in certain regions and develop their proposals in this sphere.

The Children Rights Commissioner also noted the importance of the work of the Lisa Alert unit and other units as to preventing missing of minors and teaching children safe behavior. In essence, this is about saving children before something happens to them, Kuznetsova said thanking the forum participants for their involvement.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.


The first Union Cabinet reshuffle of Modi government 2.0 is all set to take place at 6 pm today. Sources said the new cabinet will be young, and have proper representation of all the communities, while some non-performing ministers will be dropped as PM Modi has personally reviewed performance of the present ministers. BJP leaders Sarbananda Sonowal, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Narayan Rane, all of whom are being seen as probables for induction as ministers in the Modi government, arrived in the national capital yesterday. Alliance partners will also likely be given ministerial berths in reshuffle, especially the Janta Dal-United (JD-U) and Apna Dal, who currently have no representation. Stay tuned to this live blog for the latest updates on cabinet reshuffle.




Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the super overhaul of his cabinet on Wednesday. The carefully calibrated exercise was undertaken keeping in view the assembly elections scheduled in 2022 in many states and to balance the alliance arithmetic. As many as 43 new ministers have been inducted into the cabinet and a new ministry -- ministry of cooperation -- before the reshuffle.

The most notable inclusion has been Jyotiraditya Scindia, who quit the Congress and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in March last year. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh in July last year. Sarbananda Sonowal and Narayan Rane, two former chief ministers, have been inducted into the Union cabinet, too. Meanwhile, Hardeep Singh Puri, Kiren Rijiju and Mansukh Mandaviya also took oath as ministers.

Anupriya Patel, Meenakshi Lekhi, Sushri Pratima Bhoumik (From left to right) are the three women MPs who took oath on Wednesday.

The Cabinet reshuffle threw several shockers, too. Former Union health minister Harsh Vardhan was dropped from the cabinet, along with Union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Union minister for information and broadcasting Prakash Javadekar. First time MP

PM Modi also accommodated BJPs ally and Bihar's ruling party Janata Dal (United). JD(U) chief RCP Singh is among the new entrants. His induction followed the visit of Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar to the national capital last week. Lok Janshakti Party leader Pashupati Nath Paras was also inducted on Wednesday.

PM Modi held a series of meetings in the last few weeks with various chief ministers and Union ministers ahead of the cabinet reshuffle.
The Narendra Modi cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday did not see any Muslim being inducted, despite a few aspirants in the fray, and Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi remains the community's lone representative in the Union Cabinet.

BJP's Rajya Sabha member Zafar Islam was one of the aspirants but could not find a place while after the resignation of M.J. Akbar, there was speculation that one person from the community could be inducted.

Congress spokesperson Meem Afzal said: "There should be no expectation from the BJP as the second largest minority is not on their agenda."

Community leaders are of the same view.

Majlis-e-Mushawarat President Navaid Hamid said: "Muslims don't expect anything from the BJP except they follow the constitutional mandate... the more they ignore, the more they discriminate, the more they are exposed about their prejudice and vicious agenda against most persecuted, the most marginalised, and the most discriminated community in the country. Even if they have given any more representation, Indians would have not expected any good that from Muslim man for the betterment of the community."
Northbrook, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/07/2021 -- According to the new market research report "Hardware Security Modules Market with COVID-19 Impact Analysis by Deployment Type (On-premises, Cloud Based), Type (LAN Based/Network Attached, PCI Based, USB Based, Smart Cards), Applications, Verticals and Geography - Global Forecast to 2026", published by MarketsandMarkets, the overall Hardware Security Modules Market is expected to grow from USD 1.1 billion in 2021 to USD 1.8 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 11.6%. A hardware security module (HSM) is a physical device that provides extra security to sensitive data. It manages cryptographic keys for critical functions such as encryption, decryption, and authentication and is deployed for different applications such as application-level encryption, decryption, payment processing, code and document signing, authentication, and database encryption. For instance, businesses may use an HSM to secure trade secrets that have significant value by ensuring only authorized individuals can access the HSM to complete a cryptography key transaction.



Ask for PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=162277475



A few key hardware security modules market players are Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP (US), Thales (US), Utimaco (Germany), International Business Machines Corporation (US), Microchip Technology (US), Infineon Technologies (Germany), Securosys (Switzerland), Spyrus (US), Futurex (US), SWIFT (Belgium), Atos SE (France), and Yubico (US).



On-premises segment to hold the largest share of the Hardware security modules market, by deployment type, in 2021



A hardware security module is a physical device that manages digital keys by providing secure storage and generation of keys required for authentication. Hardware security modules generate and store encryption keys used among various devices. They have special hardware to create entropy and generate high-quality random keys. The main features of an on-premise hardware security module include on-board key generation and storage, accelerated symmetric and asymmetric encryption, and backup of sensitive materials in encrypted form. In large organizations, multiple hardware security modules are deployed to support the network. A streamlined, centralized key management system based on external regulations and strong internal security policies improves security and ensures compliance.



Hardware security module systems act as hardware cryptographic accelerators for SSL connections and sometimes offer asymmetric key operations significant CPU offload. Most hardware security modules also support elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), which provides stronger encryption despite shorter key lengths. These modules adhere to internationally recognized standards and certifications such as FIPS 140, ANSSI Certification, eIDAS, EU Restricted, PCI-DSS, and GIE CB, among others, which relate to securing infrastructure and application. The highest achievable certification level of FIPS 140 security is Security Level 4. Hardware security modules are typically protected by tamper-resistant, tamper-evident, or tamper-responsive packaging and contain one or multiple cryptoprocessor chips or a module containing a combination of chips to prevent bus probing and tampering. These modules come in the form of a plug-in card or an external device attached directly to a computer or network server. The modules are available in multiple forms to support common deployment scenarios, ranging from portable devices to high-performance data center appliances.



Browse in-depth TOC on "Hardware Security Modules Market"



179  Tables

57  Figures

233  Pages



Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=162277475



The market for medical and life sciences sector to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period



In the field of healthcare, hardware security modules are significant primarily for the telematics infrastructure (TI), such as that of the new electronic health card (eGK) in Germany. The main objective of eGK was to enable cross-system registration and processing and transmission of patient data between trusted participants such as physicians, care providers, medical practices, hospitals, pharmacies, and health insurers within a secure network. It is mandatory for pharmaceuticals companies developing new medicines to follow the standards of security and privacy. These companies also undergo regular audits. In the case of remote secure access, a cloud-based solution allows pharmaceuticals companies to eliminate paper work, share documents easily, automate document handling, and capture regulatory-compliant signatures on handheld devices such as tablets and smartphones. Cloud signing solutions help pharmaceuticals companies save substantially on shipping charges and accelerate time to market and development of new drugs.



Europe to hold the largest share of Hardware security modules market by 2021



The European market for hardware security modules has been segmented into Germany, the UK, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and the Rest of Europe. The thriving BFSI, IT & Telecommunications, and medical and life sciences, along with the automotive industry in the region, act as an opportunity for the market. The growth of 4G LTE technology in the region and ongoing developments and smaller deployments of 5G infrastructure is expected to drive the need for enhanced network security, leading to increased demand for hardware security modules across the IT and telecommunications sector.



Related Reports:



Hardware Encryption Market by Product Type (External HDD, Internal HDD, Solid-state drive, Inline Network Encryptor, USB Flash Drive), Application (Consumer Goods, Aerospace And Defense, Transportation, Healthcare, and Others) and Region - Forecast to 2025



About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions.



Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model  GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve.



MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets.



Contact:

Mr. Aashish Mehra

MarketsandMarkets INC.

630 Dundee Road

Suite 430

Northbrook, IL 60062

USA: +1-888-600-6441
Kington, UK -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/07/2021 -- An audit trail provides a historical record of progression based on a sequence of events. These records prove compliance and operational integrity. Audit trails can also identify areas of non-compliance by providing information for audit investigations.



It logs the design changes of a product build, keeping the record of financial transactions for Audit trail. Records contain details that include date, time, and user information associated with the transaction. Information contained includes the user, system, or application launched the event and the date and time the event occurred.



The QuickBooks Audit Trail Removal Service is a service that removes the audit trail from a QuickBooks data file, bringing about a smaller more efficient file to work with. Removing the audit trail reduces files by as much as 30 to 50 percent.



The ability to follow records back to their origin provides numerous benefits, including transparency and a defense of records for compliance, record integrity and accuracy, system protection from misuse or harm, and security of sensitive or vital information. These are achieved through these four areas:



The Audit Trail shows that implementing audit trails promotes appropriate user behavior, which can prevent the introduction of viruses, improper use of information, and unauthorized use or modifications. In addition, the user knows that their actions are automatically recorded and tied to their unique identity.



Visibility into this information can aid in problem detection and prevent future occurrences of things such as hacking, system failures, outages, or corruption of information. Audit trails also help in identifying suspicious behavior or actions and can easily verify and validate business transactions by tracking selected user activities and data access used to create or modify a record. As the number of transactions increase in a data file, the audit trail tends to also grow by a factor of 2, thereby increasing the size of a QuickBooks data file, and slowing QuickBooks down considerably. Not only does removing the audit trail reduce the file size but it also helps when data needs to be modified prior to turning over files to government or other agencies such as the CRA and IRS in cases of data audits.



E-Tech's Audit Trail Removal service will remove the audit trail from a QuickBooks data file and also delete entries in the Voided and deleted transactions summary and detail reports.



For more information on E-Tech's QuickBooks Audit Trail Removal service, visit https://quickbooksrecovery.co.uk/quickbooks-file-data-services/quickbooks-audit-trail-removal-service/.



About E-Tech

E-Tech is the leading service provider of QuickBooks File Repair, Data Recovery, QuickBooks Conversion and QuickBooks SDK programming in the UK and Ireland. In their 20 years plus of experience with Intuit QuickBooks, they have assisted over 1000 satisfied customers with their requirements. E-Tech UK covers US, UK, Canadian, Australian versions which include Reckon Accounts, and New Zealand versions of QuickBooks through PC and Mac platforms.



For media inquiries regarding E-Tech, individuals are encouraged to contact Media Relations Director, Melanie Ann via email at Melanie@e-tech.ca.



Media Contact



Melanie Ann

E-Tech

61 Bridge St.

Kington HR5 3DJ

Melanie@e-tech.ca

www.quickbooksrecovery.co.uk
Digital India Program is a plan by the Indian Government to make sure that Government services are available to the citizens online through the internet by improving the online infrastructure and increasing internet connectivity across the country. This scheme was introduced in July 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The main aim of this scheme is to provide internet connectivity in the rural areas and also provide government services online to make it easier for the citizens to avail the services. This scheme will also empower society by changing India into a digitally powerful society and making the general public knowledgeable by influencing IT as a growth engine.

Objectives of Digital India Program

Developing a Secure and Stable Infrastructure

Providing Government Services and Schemes Digitally

Improving Digital Literacy

Digital India Program is definitely helping the public by providing services to the citizens easily and making them more knowledgeable. Let's have a closer look at how Digital India Program is empowering people across the country:

No Need to Stand in Long Queues

Prior to the Digital India Program, it was mandatory for every citizen to stand in long queues and apply for various schemes. Not only did citizens have to stand in queue but they also had to visit the Government offices for even the littlest of things.

With the Digital India Program, all of this is not required now. Any person can apply for any Government Scheme and Service online without having to visit any government offices and all the applications can be submitted online with your digital signature and you can also pay for the services through the government e-pay service.

No Need for Submission of Document Every Time

As a part of the Digital India program, there would be no need to visit the government office or stand in long queues to submit your documents. When you are applying for any government services or scheme then you can do it online through the internet and you needn't submit your documents in any government office, you can submit your documents on an online digital locker provided by the government.

Your documents will be saved in online digital lockers and whenever you need to submit your documents for any scheme or services, you can get your documents from the digital locker and share these with government departments.

Modern Post-Offices

As a part of the Digital India Program, the current Post-Offices across the country will now function as cyber cafes which will help those citizens who don't have modern electronic devices or internet availability.

Through the Digital India Program, the Government plans to transform post offices into multi-service kiosks across the country through which an ordinary citizen with no internet connectivity can apply for various Government schemes and services.

High-Speed Internet

The Government of India is setting up a new Internet service called Bharat Net as a part of the Digital India Program. It is an affordable, high-speed internet service for internet connectivity all over the country. The service would use optical fiber cables and provide high-speed internet across the country at an affordable rate so, even an ordinary citizen can access the internet.

Initiatives Under Digital India Program

Here are some of the initiatives from various fields under the Digital India Program:

Aadhaar: It is a unique identification number issued by the Government of India that serves as a proof of identity and address.

Agrimarket App: It is a mobile application to keep the farmers informed about the crop prices and avoid distress sale.

BanglarBhumi: BanglarBhumi is an online portal by the Government of West Bengal through which the residents of the state can check various land records.

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao is a scheme by the Government of India to generate awareness among the general public regarding the education of girl children.

UP Ration Card: The Government of Uttar Pradesh provides Ration Card to all the eligible citizens to get ration food at the subsidy rate every month.

DigiLocker: DigiLocker is a cloud-based document storage system by the Government of India.
The serving president of Haiti was assassinated at his home early Wednesday morning, the government said.

Jovonel Moise was killed in his private residence in Port-au-Prince around 1 a.m. local time Wednesday by a group of assailants, Haitian Prime Minister Claude Joseph said in a Wednesday statement. The first lady was also injured by gunshot, the statement said.

Joseph was now in charge of the country, Agence France-Presse reported.

Joseph's statement did not identify the assailants, but said they were Spanish-speaking.

The attack followed years of protests against Moise's government, and calls for his resignation. Moise has served as Haiti's president since February 2017.

Joseph described the attack as "odious, inhumane, and barbarous."




Framing and blaming Pakistan for every act of terrorism is an old hobby of the Indian intelligence agencies.

by Ali Sukhanver

A few years back, for all drones, the most favourite destination was Pakistan. After taking lives of hundreds of innocent ones and making thousands injured, the drones ultimately changed their destination. Now in 2021, the most favourite destination of drones seems shifted to India. Recently in the last week of this June two consecutive incidents of drone attacks on sensitive military installations in the state of Jammu proved the week a week of disasters for the Indian army. The attacks not only caused severe life-losses to the soldiers but also put a question mark on the abilities of the brains behind the intelligence and security system. The India Today said reporting upon the first incident, Two explosions rocked the high security technical area of Indian Air Force Station Jammu on the intervening night of June 26-27. According to the sources, it is suspected that low-flying drones were used to drop two improvised explosive devices (IED). This is probably the first drone attack on any defence establishment in the country. An IAF patrol team saw the ammunition being dropped, sources said. It was also reported that the drones were used to drop IEDs in the technical area of Jammu Air Force Station to trigger the blast. However, these drones were not detected by the radar. It means either even the radars were out dated or the drones were of so sublime type that the radars couldnt notice them.

It has also been reported that the army troops fired around 20 to 25 rounds at the drones before they escaped under the cover of darkness. A high alert has been sounded in the Jammu area, particularly in Army stations; say media reports. Within a gap of five minutes two unmanned and remote-controlled vehicles (UAVs) dropped explosives close to a Mi-17 hanger. Two IAF personnel were injured in that incident. Indian media said raising serious concerns over the incident that it was for the first time that UAVs were used to strike a vital military installation in India. Speaking to India Today, an official admitted that around 2 kg of explosives were used in each of the two IEDs. These incidents took place at Ratnuchak-Kaluchak military areas.

Though both these incidents are severely condemnable as such terrorist activities are a real threat to the regional peace but the attitude and behavior of the Indian Intelligence agencies after the incidents had been very foolish. In spite of searching for the culprits behind this activity and in spite of doing proper investigation, the Indian agencies at once started trying to put all responsibility on Pakistan. One of the investigation officers revealed that they suspected the use of RDX in the drone attack on Jammu IAF base. Another said talking to media that RDX is nowhere available in India. It is sourced from Pakistan. In short this was an activity generated by Pakistan; according to Indian security officers. A team from New Delhis counter-terrorism task force, the National Investigation Agency is now-a-days in Jammu to probe the incident. Police have reportedly filed the first information report about the attack under anti-terrorism laws. However the police chief, Dilbagh Singh avoided giving any comment regarding the involvement of any individual or group suspected as being behind the blasts. His silence reflected his disagreement to the statement made by the investigation officers belonging to the intelligence agencies.

Framing and blaming Pakistan for every act of terrorism is an old hobby of the Indian intelligence agencies. Just to avoid detailed investigations and just to evade labor and hard work, the agencies like NIA find it an easy solution to put the whole burden onto the shoulders of Pakistan. Moreover whenever the government of India is under some particular pressure from public or facing opposition on some specific issue, it starts planning to divert public attention by staging some anti-Pakistan drama. The Pulwama Attack was also a brutal example of the same strategy. The Pulwama attack occurred on 14 February 2019, when a convoy of vehicles carrying Indian security personnel on the JammuSrinagar National Highway was attacked by a vehicle-borne suicide bomber at Lethapora in the Pulwama district of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Just after the attack, the government of India started raising hue and cry that Pakistan was behind that terrorist activity. In that attack more than 40 CRF soldiers had lost their precious lives and dozens were injured.

Though the Indian intelligence agencies had tried all their best to drag Pakistan into that matter but that whole struggle to defame Pakistan was simply rejected by the Indian people. They remained adamant and steadfast to the opinion that the Pulwama Tragedy was neither designed nor planned by Pakistan; it all was a conspiracy purely Made in India. An Indian citizen prepared a very interesting questionnaire after the Pulwama Tragedy. That questionnaire got viral on social media. The most important point raised there was how the attacker succeeded in reaching the most militarized and sensitive area of the world, passing dozens of military check posts carrying 350 kg explosive, in spite of the fact that there were very serious security threat alerts. The same questionnaire would be very helpful now in case of Jammu Drone Attack incident.

At present the Modi government is ensnared in countless social, financial, racial and communal issues; death of millions of Indians at the cruel hands of the Covid-19 is also one of those issues. It has been the talk of the town that Modi government did not take the matter seriously particularly in supply of covid vaccine to its citizens. Hundreds of helpless Indians were pushed into the callous hands of brutal death and ultimately roads and streets of the country were filled with dead bodies of covid victims. There have been reports that in so many government hospitals, the doctors injected water in the veins of patients instead of vaccine. The situation is more horrible in Jammu and Kashmir where on one side the local people are facing the worst consequences of corona pandemic and on other hand bearing brutalities of the illegally deputed Indian troops. Revocation of the Article 370 and 35-A is also a cause of unease among the people. To divert the attention of the people from the major issues, Jammu Drone Attack and Pulwama Attacks like episodes are staged and the whole responsibility is awarded to Pakistan; it is an old and no doubt the most favourite tradition of the Modi sarkar. Such childishly concocted stories could impress rather misguide a few fools but not the wiser ones.
No one who knows history should be surprised that western moves on Sevastopol and Crimea produced such a strong Russian reaction.

by Eric S. Margolis

Time was when Britains mighty fleets ruled a quarter of the earths surface. Ive been savoring the names of its dreadnaughts and battle cruisers like George V, Prince of Wales, Hood, Princess Royal, Iron Duke and scores of other renowned warships.

Last week, the imperial British lion made a last, feeble roar by sending one of its new anti-aircraft destroyers, Defender, to annoy the Russians by patrolling off the south-western coast of Crimea.

Russia and Ukraine both claim Crimea, which had been Russian since 1783. After a drunken dinner, the late Soviet leader, Nikita Khrushchev, gave the Crimean SSR to the Ukrainian Soviet Republic.

Russia reoccupied Crimea, one of Russias most important naval bases, after a US-led coup overthrew Ukraines pro-Russian government in 2014. The UK, US and rest of NATO insist Crimea belongs to Ukraine. Of course they do. They engineered it.

HMS Defenders baiting the Russian bear took place while NATO naval and air forces were holding threatening war games over the southern Black Sea to intimidate Russia and embolden allies like Romania, Bulgaria and Poland, the three weak sisters of Eastern Europe.

This tempest in a teapot suddenly became a farce after a stack of soggy secret British naval documents was found behind a park bench in Kent. Defenders mission was discussed in them, Russias possible response, and, of all crazy things, potential new British operations in Afghanistan. All to please Uncle Sam, of course.

These embarrassing documents caused an uproar in Britain, made the government look like fools, and put the lie to Whitehalls claims that the naval operation was only an innocent patrol. Britons are very intelligent people but tend to be sloppy and poorly organized. Britain has been a happy hunting ground for Soviet/Russian spies since the war.

Small wonder the French call Britain perfide Albion. The Brits are masters at intrigue, double-dealing and propaganda. British propaganda drew the United States into two world wars. In our era, Britain has assumed leadership of western propaganda efforts against Russia and its allies.

Most Russians, who tend to be well-educated, are well aware of Great Britains 1853 invasion of Crimea, in league with France, the Ottoman Empire, and the then kingdom of Sardinia. The Crimean War was a bloody, three-year war designed to wrest the strategic peninsula from Tsarist control and thwart Russias expansion into the Balkans.

This nasty war saw the British finally storm fortress Sevastopol and temporarily reduce Russias influence in the Black Sea and Balkans. For France, the war was a thrilling return to military victories after the dark years of the Napoleonic wars. For Britain, it was also a triumph in spite of the disaster at Balaclava and heavy casualties due to disease. But, in the end, the war proved a stalemate: the foreign powers withdrew from Crimea and left Russia to lick it wounds.

The next serious invasion came from Germany and Romania in 1941, led by the great German general, Erich von Manstein. The second siege of Sevastopol lasted 250 days. Ive walked over many of the old Soviet forts that so long resisted German attacks. Crimea was one of the hardest fought campaigns of WWII. Sevastopol was named one of the Soviet Unions hero cities for its legendary resistance.

No one who knows history should be surprised that western moves on Sevastopol and Crimea produced such a strong Russian reaction. Imagine how the US would react to a Russian naval squadron staging war games in the Gulf of Mexico or off New York City.

The point of the Defender exercise was to humiliate Russia and show off its weakness, all part of the longer-term US/British/NATO strategy to splinter the remaining Russian Federation in a similar manner that the old Soviet Union was torn apart. Thats what the big NATO Black Sea exercise is about. There will be many more.

Copyright Eric S. Margolis July 2021
The stereotype already contains the standard justification for neoliberalisation, familiar in outline from every corner of the public sector in the last 40 years

by Nicola Perera

The Arts Faculty admits and graduates the largest number of students every year. The private sector tells us that most are unemployable because they lack English skills. The universitys apparent failure to instill English skills in its students is then taken as reinforcing a stereotype that already existsthe irrelevance of the Arts and Humanities degree. In this article, I look at how the Arts graduate is constructed as a failure in the public imagination, as well as the need for a more critical pedagogical approach to teaching the English language in the university.

The stereotype: public education has failed

The stereotype is easy and familiar: the student who is educated on the public dime but instead of learning something useful, like a STEM degree or another discipline with more economic value, learns useless things in an Arts and Humanities degree, engaging in horrific ragging on the way, and then inconveniently protesting and agitating in the streets for the state to safeguard free education and furnish them with public sector jobs. This is the university student in the public imagination: the one who does not help themselves although given every opportunity. In turn, students are told that their inadequate English stands between them and lucrative private sector jobs.

The ideology: public education is a deep well of untapped profit

The stereotype already contains the standard justification for neoliberalisation, familiar in outline from every corner of the public sector in the last 40 years: the students are not learning marketable skills, therefore the Arts and Humanities disciplines in particular and the public university in general are a waste of public funds, and so private fee-levying universities (and correspondingly, mountains of student debt) are the future. As an argument, this faces backwards: a more accurate presentation of it would be that private fee-levying universities represent massive profits for their owners as well as a host of ancillary services, and in order to make this option more alluring, it is first necessary to cut funding for public education and make it as inefficient as possible. This process has been happening for decades already, and the resources to teach them are narrower than ever. The state lacks commitment to free education because there is so much money to be madeby everybody except the studentsin a future of expensive education.

The Arts undergraduates uncertain English is a deliberate, devastating effect of the cannibalisation of free education in the states neoliberal economic policy. Its concomitant social narrative obfuscates the origins of the problem. The stark reality is university students who are determined, desperate, and fearful of learning English. In the first few weeks of class, they speak of the social inequalities of free education in Sri Lanka. We never had an English teacher at all or only intermittently. There werent enough textbooks to go around. The English teacher seemed befuddled; read out the textbook; came to class and didnt teach; engaged in other work. Consequently, students struggle within the prevalent neoliberal ideology and how both problems and solutions are atomised and individualised. Deeply conscious of their lack of social capital, that they are reliant on the classroom to learn a language they do not speak at home, the student has already internalised systemic problems as personal failures. Under-resourced schools and too few teachers, poorly trained and poorly paid.

When did we become comfortable treating education as a market commodity for an elite few rather than a collective social good?

The necessary complicating factor here is that language teaching is unlike teaching any other subject. The fundamentals of a language are not simple axioms or building blocks that can be quickly imparted in order to move on to more complex material that builds on them. This misconception (ingrained especially among many English teachers) leads to oversimplified teaching materials and woefully inadequate coverage of the basics. But the fundamentals are the most difficult part of learning the language, and mastering them requires that students are given the time and space to practice reading, speaking, and writing. Most of all, language is inherently social and communicative: students must learn together.

Policy Problems: Counterproductive Residue of Past Attempts at Solutions

In an effort to make the Arts and Humanities degree seem more relevant and market-friendly, English has been made mandatory for every student who cannot pass the proficiency test at admission well enough to gain exemption. In my own Faculty, such students must pass a Level 2 exam in English in order to get their degree. But this requirement and the focus on examination results rather than language learning has more counterproductive results than positive ones. In practice, it means only that exams have been watered down to the point of irrelevance. Any student who at least attends classes will pass. And since this is the case, students are also encouraged to see the English course as an onerous bureaucratic requirement, with the classes to be skipped whenever possible. This thoroughly distorts the processes of teaching and learning the language. To truly motivate students to learn, English within the university system must be decoupled from examinations that only signify a formal qualification to which learning is incidental.

The Pandemic and Online Learning

All these problems of English language teaching at the university were in place before the pandemic. The switch to online learning has only exacerbated the problems. Vast numbers of students simply do not have internet access at all, or even for those who can manage some degree of access, usually via smartphones, there are serious technical difficulties in connectivity, accessing the Learning Management System, or following the material during classes, especially where the teaching material and strategies have not been actively adapted to the new context. The rote presentation of oversimplified teaching materialwhich has long been the existing approach of English language teachingwhich was already ineffective in person is now thoroughly inadequate. While a given teacher is powerless to solve the larger problem of connectivity for hundreds of students, there are nevertheless still hundreds more who do manage to make it to the online classroom, and deserve a learning experience that is as well-adapted to the circumstances as possible.

Of the students who are not exempted from mandatory English classes, by far the largest contingentat the University of Colombo alone this accounts for several hundred students every yearare at the lowest proficiency level. Many of them feel they are beginning from scratch in trying to understand English grammar and vocabulary, and currently they are doing this on tiny phone screens and patchy internet connections. It is vital that teachers of English as a Second Language (ESL) working with these undergraduate students meet them more than halfway. The teaching materials and methods we had pre-pandemic were already inadequate to the task. Under online teaching conditions, we have to be far more creative in how we revamp these materials, and in how we actually teach day to day.

The most commonly-cited theory of successful language learning by adults, held sometimes to be the most realistic, is total immersion, which assumes the language being learned is the prevailing one in the students context outside the classroom. This is not the case in learning in English in Sri Lanka. Its tantamount to the discipline throwing in the towel and giving up, saying adult learners will be unsuccessful unless and until they are inserted into such a context where they have no choice but to learn.

The Classroom as a site of Collective, Critical Agency

English teachers must start by not infantilising undergraduates. This just allows the English teacher to assume the position of a benevolent figure imparting knowledge, which only further reifies the ugly power dynamic of English in SL. The material should not be an insult to an adult learners intelligence or personal/social self. For instance, the lowest proficiency students in my Faculty were at one point directed to read Ladybird books in order to improve their language. While the undergraduates level of proficiency in English is low, in order to learn they need texts that can sustain their interest, not texts written for very young children.

We must throw away the reductive, formulaic teaching of grammar rules as abstractions, in favour of teaching language as it is actually used, so that students can see grammar doing meaningful work in the sentence and paragraph.

We need to draw on students own social environment to expose them to English in a dialogic classroom. We need to use material that is reflective of common experience, to guide students to name and to give language to that common experience. This is not just a plea to throw in a local element or indigenise the curriculum in a knee-jerk fashion by replacing Paul with Ranjith or Cosgrove Square with Kompanna Veediya. Rather, students must be guided to talk about their own social reality.

Language learning involves not just different cognitive processes when compared to learning any other subject, but also a different social dynamic. ESL teachers must recognise and acknowledge this. The English language classroom, whether online or off, has to become a site of collective agency and resistance for students. Since students are told that their lack of English is a powerful and concrete social marker holding them back in life, the drive to learn for students must come from a collective desire to claim power, to transform the isolated scholarship of higher education into a collective, collaborative experience of learning English. Despite the outsize importance that actually learning English holds in the public imagination as well as in the perceptions of students, the English classroom, particularly in the Arts Faculties, is still largely seen as a forgettable space of no consequence and no results. Both teachers and students must realise the tremendous power and potential that lies in that space.

(The writer is attached to the Department of English Language Teaching, Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo)
Chinas economy has grown by leaps and bounds over the years since 1980.

***

LONG READS

***





July 1, 2021 is the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. Celebrations throughout China and commemorations worldwide are taking place today in recognition of the Partys leadership and its incredible legacy. Its worthwhile for socialists to reflect on this legacy and, in particular, and the contemporary state of Chinas political economy.

Visitors look at a vintage radio on display at an exhibition of China's sci-tech achievements in the past 100 years at China Science and Technology Museum in Beijing on June 30, 2021. The exhibition, which runs until Dec 10, is open to visitors free of charge.

On November 9, 2013 Xi Jinping gave a talk at the Third Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in which he discussed the characteristic features of Chinas economy after more than two decades of reform and opening. He recalled that at the 14th National Congress of the CPC, in 1992, the Party had re-dedicated itself to the goal of establishing a socialist market economy, allowing the market to play a basic role in allocating resources under state macro control. He went on to assert that, by 2013, a socialist market economy had been basically established but also observed that there are still many problems. This assessment of the situation, which remains essentially applicable to China today, reflects the complexity of Chinas historical path since Liberation in 1949.

Xi Jinping describes a Chinese political economy which is socialist, but within which market mechanisms are allowed to play a key role. This approach to development was first initiated at the end of the 1970s, when Deng Xiaoping led the move to a policy orientation of reform and opening to the outside which encompassed both changes in the domestic economic system and Chinas engagement with the global economy, the capitalist world of production and trade. China would use the mechanisms of the market to develop its productive economy, in order to create the material conditions of prosperity necessary to begin the realization of the socialist project, a process which, it was anticipated, would take decades, perhaps a century, to fulfill. But markets were not simply to be allowed to operate without oversight and supervision. The state, working in tandem with the Communist Party, would retain the dominant, guiding role in Chinas economic and political life. The Party and the state would buffer the negative effects which markets generate, though it was recognized that these effects could not be entirely eliminated.

Party debates about the path towards socialism

The idea that markets could play a significant role in advancing the development of the productive forces in China can be understood in part through reference to Marx and Engels review of the rise of the bourgeois economy in the Communist Manifesto. There is an extended discussion of the history of capitalism, the unleashing of new productive capacities driven by market forces, the process through which the bourgeoisie has conjured upgigantic means of production and of exchange. Marx and Engels clearly understood that the development of the capitalist market system drove the expansion of productive forces, setting the stage for the future transcendence of bourgeois social and political relations and creating the preconditions for the working class to embark on the venture of building socialism. The power of bourgeois markets also drove the concentration of capital in the hands of a small class of exploiters, and produced the immiseration of the mass of proletarians as capitalists sought to extract the maximum surplus value from their labor. Markets by themselves yielded both creative and destructive outcomes, and could not be allowed to operate without strict oversight and control.

Another precedent for the instrumental utilization of market mechanisms, in a more minimal form, is the Bolsheviks New Economic Policies of the early 1920s, when Lenin and the other leaders of the Soviet Union allowed markets and capitalists to play a crucial role in jump starting the economy after the devastations of World War I and the Civil War. This was a limited license for bourgeois elements to pursue their business and financial interests while also contributing to the foundation and initial development of new industrial and commercial enterprises which could become part of the future socialist project. Capitalists would be carefully monitored by the Soviet state and the Bolshevik Party, and would not be in a position to dominate or influence political developments.

The decision to undertake the new policies of reform and opening arose from the material conditions of Chinese society after the first thirty years of building socialism. China had made great advances in the decades from 1949 to 1979. Public health had been dramatically enhanced, with average life expectancy rising from less than 40 years to nearly 80, and with sharp reductions in infant mortality. Education had been expanded and literacy rates had risen significantly. Housing had been provided, and massive infrastructure development had taken place. Overall economic growth had averaged more than 3% a year across this period. And yet at the end of the 1970s China remained a low-income country, with what might be thought of as an egalitarianism of poverty.

Deng Xiaoping and the leaders of the Communist Party at that time understood, as had Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, Chen Yi, and others in the initial period of socialist construction, that to attain true socialism, to be able to even begin to contemplate the future transition to communism, China would need to achieve a high level of material prosperity. Socialism and communism are systems of abundance, within which the wealth socially produced can be distributed initially according to labor, and ultimately according to need. But to begin to advance towards these goals it was first necessary to create the productive capacity to generate the accumulation of social wealth, and to ensure that political mechanisms were in place to eventually oversee the equitable allocation of resources. The Party resolved to pursue the project of economic development through the use of market mechanisms, which also involved the opening of the economy to foreign investment in order to gain access to modern productive technologies and organizational practices. This has proven to be a remarkably successful endeavor, though one encompassing serious contradictions and risks.

The contradictions of the Chinese economy post-reforms

Chinas economy has grown by leaps and bounds over the years since 1980. GDP expanded for more than two decades at rates of over 10 percent a year. The material standard of living for Chinese people has risen steadily. Chinese cities, which now are home to more than half of Chinas 1.4 billion people, have become some of the most modern in the world, as science and technology have made great strides. More than 800 million people have been lifted above the UNs poverty line. Education, especially higher education, has been made available on an ever-widening basis, with around half of all high school graduates now being able to go to university. China has become the great manufacturing center for the global economy as well, in the process accumulating huge reserves of foreign currencies which provide financial resources for macro-economic management by the PRC government. But these achievements have come with significant costs in material as well as social and political terms.

The use of markets to drive rapid economic growth has generated a range of negative associated outcomes. There has been a great increase in income inequality, with a small elite of very wealthy capitalists pulling away from the broader rise in incomes for the vast majority of Chinese. Corruption has been a persistent problem, with some officials in the state and Party organizations exploiting their positions to enrich themselves at public expense. Environmental problems proliferated, especially in the first decades of the reform period, with severe pollution of the air, water, and soil causing health problems and contributing to excessive death rates. The focus on profits inherent in a market system led to cutting corners and ignoring safety regulations, with sometimes tragic consequences. These contradictions have triggered frequent protests and sparked popular movements of citizens demanding their rights be respected and that the government and the Party live up to their stated goals and values.

Chinas integration into the global economy, the global capitalist system, was also a complex mix of positive and negative elements. The United States eagerly welcomed Chinas expansion of foreign trade and investment. American and other Western political leaders and academic analysts hoped that the incorporation of China within the capitalist world order, in tandem with the growth of the domestic economy, would lead to political transformation in China, ultimately yielding a new system which would be a subordinate component of a new global division of labor. China, in engaging with the realities of world trade and the presence within China of joint ventures and other forms of foreign investment, made significant political concessions to American global interests, often abandoning solidarity with other socialist countries like Cuba, and discontinuing support for revolutionary movements in many parts of the world. Through the first decades of the reform era China pursued a foreign policy which was essentially aligned with the United States.

Xis leadership, recent shifts, and the nuances of Chinas path

In recent years, as Xi Jinping has assumed the leadership of the Party, China has shifted away from such compliance with American interests. China has not succumbed to the wished-for transformation of its political and economic systems. China is becoming more self-confident and assertive in international affairs, rejecting the American-dominated world order which has been in place since World War II, and aiming, through initiatives like the Belt and Road (BRI) and the creation of international economic and financial institutions independent of those in the West, to build a new framework for development and shared prosperity in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Given this complex mix of great achievements and serious problems, how should the contemporary Chinese political economy best be characterized? Sincere socialists and Left activists hold a range of opinions. Some see China as having taken the capitalist road since the late 1970s, and may go so far as to portray the Chinese system as just as exploitative as American capitalism, asserting an equivalence between them. Others argue that China has already established a truly socialist system, refraining from acknowledging any shortcomings or flaws. Perhaps a more nuanced analysis can be undertaken to provide a clearer, yet not uncritical, understanding, one which transcends any simple dichotomy.

As noted above, Xi Jinping refers to China as having a market socialist economy. China is also said to have socialism with Chinese characteristics, meaning that the theoretical model of socialism has been adapted to the material realities of China. These phrases can provide a basis for considering the features of Chinas economic and political order as it actually exists today.

Public and collective ownership of productive enterprises and financial institutions constitute the core of the economy. From huge state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to smaller units owned and operated by townships or local-level cooperatives, key sectors of the economy remain in various forms of social ownership. There is also a significant private sector in the economy, encompassing both ventures of foreign direct investment and domestic private capital. Capitalist-owned businesses pursue their goals of profit making within the larger context of Chinas legal and regulatory systems. Perhaps most importantly, the system as a whole functions under the oversight and supervision of the Communist Party. The Party retains the leading role in setting policy, and establishes the parameters within which both public and private economic activity takes place. The policies of reform and opening have been adopted and implemented with a recognition that there would be contradictions and challenges, the kinds of concerns noted above, which have been seen as unavoidable costs incurred in the course of developing Chinas economy and expanding social wealth. But the leading role of the Party, with its 92 million members drawn from all sectors of society and with a presence in every branch of social and economic life, means that the worst effects and excesses of market mechanisms can be monitored and buffered, and the interests of the working class can be protected and advanced in accord with the actually existing realities of China.

In the early 1990s the Communist Party began to allow capitalists to apply for membership, and has admitted business owners to the Party since then, though they remain a small element within the broad ranks of Party members. There are most certainly capitalists in China today, but they do not form a capitalist class which can dominate the state. It is also the case that the situation of the working class in China is not that of the classic proletariat under bourgeois rule, having no means of sustaining themselves other than by selling their labor power to the capitalist owners of the means of production. The socialist state provides all citizens with a household registration, a place where they are entitled to residence and to basic social services, including education and healthcare. This means that, in contrast to capitalist society, workers in China are entitled to a share in the social wealth which they have produced, and are not reduced to a condition of having nothing but their labor power to sell in order to survive.

This is not to say that workers in China do not seek to find the best employment opportunities they can, and that in this search they dont leave behind their home villages, the sites of their household registration. It is also the case that the level of provision in rural China is often minimal, as China is still a developing country with relatively low per capita income levels. But there is a genuine safety net which can and does serve to protect the basic needs of working people in situations when bourgeois markets would otherwise abandon them. The constraint and oversight of the capitalist class by the Party and the state, and the existence of basic socialist entitlements for workers, means that China cannot be said to be a capitalist society. A few examples of the practical reality of this will demonstrate the validity of this characterization.

The most basic indicator of the overall nature and orientation of the Chinese system is the steady and extensive improvement in the material conditions of life for the 1.4 billion Chinese people. Poverty alleviation programs have raised more than 850 million people above the internationally recognized level of absolute poverty. Beyond that the vast majority of Chinese have seen their incomes rise from year to year, live in better and better housing conditions, have more and more access to social and cultural resources, and have greater opportunities for personal development. Tens of millions of Chinese travel abroad each year as students or tourists, and travel within the country far exceeds that level, much of it on the countrys impressive network of high-speed trains. The quality of life for the Chinese people has been enhanced in many ways as a result of the economic development driven by the reform and opening policies.

The Party responds to the challenges of growth and world crises

The government and the Party have also been able to mobilize state and social resources to deal with both ongoing challenges engendered by growth, and major crises arising in the course of recent history. Serious environmental issues emerged as the economy was surging forward in the 1980s & 90s, continuing into the early 21st century. The early development of the industrial economies of the West produced massive pollution throughout the 19th and 20th centuries as well, but in China, as social wealth was accumulated the state became able to direct more and more resources towards addressing these problems, in ways the Western capitalist nations have still not matched. China produces more alternative energy than any other country, is at the forefront of research and development in solar, wind, and other forms of clean power generation. With a planned economy and under the leadership of the Communist Party China has been able to make long-term investment choices to address environmental concerns which the anarchy of capitalist markets and the dominance of the bourgeois class have precluded in America and much of Europe.

China has also sought to deal with problems of corruption in the interface between the state and the economy, and to regulate and control the trends towards monopoly and the challenges of quality control inherent in the operations of markets. Since 2012 there have been extensive investigations and prosecutions aiming to bring corrupt officials and business executives under control. This is an ongoing campaign which has targeting individuals and corporations at all levels of the system. Recent events involving the hyper-capitalist Jack Ma and his corporate enterprises have demonstrated the capacity of the state and the Party to oversee the high-tech sector, which in the West has been the subject of much talk but little regulatory action.

Two recent crises which confronted China were also dealt with decisively, relying on the collectivist nature of Chinas social, economic, and political systems. The capitalist financial crisis of 2008, from which China was insulated by the nature of its state banking and monetary system, had an impact on the economy due to the collapse in demand for many goods produced in and exported from the country. More than 20 million workers were laid off from their jobs in factories. In a capitalist economy these workers would have been cast out and basically left to their own resources as casualties of the vagaries of the market. In China, because they had a household registration in their native towns or villages, they were able to return home where they were entitled to housing and basic social services, including health care and education. The level of these services was basic, reflecting Chinas still lower per capita available resources, but it was more than adequate to carry this large cohort of workers through the crisis. As the global economy revived, and as China began to emphasize domestic consumption to a greater degree, these laid-off workers could return to their formal employment or seek newer opportunities elsewhere.

Finally, and perhaps most dramatically, when Covid-19 appeared in China at the beginning of 2020 the government and the Party were able to mobilize massive social and economic resources to address this threat to public health. In China public health is seen as a human right, not as a source of profit or private enterprises and their owners and bosses. Doctors, nurses, hospitals and clinics, researchers, technicians, and millions of ordinary citizens, many of them Party members but many outside the Party as well, volunteered their time or were dispatched by their work units to deal with a myriad of issues and challenges in fighting the virus. And the Chinese people, with a consciousness of the intricate linkage between their own health and safety and the health and safety of society, embraced the policies and guidance put forward by the government and the Party and took responsibility for their own conduct and for the protection of their communities and their country. Covid was contained within 2 months, with fewer than 5000 deaths in a country of 1.4 billion people. The contrast with the United States, where a capitalist health care system and a bourgeois state allowed the virus to spread freely and to kill over 600,000 people out of a population of under 330,000,000 could not be clearer.

What should progressive and left forces do in the U.S.?

These instances of dealing with a range of social and economic challenges through the combined actions of the state, the Party, and the people, show that, as observed above, while China may have capitalists, it is not a capitalist state, in which all other interests are subordinated to the extraction of surplus value for the enrichment of a bourgeois ruling class. The Communist Party is the political force which guides the development of Chinas economic system and its interaction with society through the formulation of policies and the constant dialectic of theory and practice. The government of the Peoples Republic administers the affairs of society and conducts Chinas relations with the wider world. China has not yet become a fully socialist country. It faces major obstacles along its path towards a socialist future. It is not a perfect place, it is a human society, with strengths and weaknesses, with successes and failures. The Chinese people, with the leadership of the Party and through the agency of their government, are making their own way in the world, not, as Marx noted, under circumstances they themselves have chosen, but under the given and inherited circumstances with which they are directly confronted. Rising from the ruins of a country wrecked by Western imperialism and torn apart by the Japanese invasion and Civil War, the Chinese people have labored diligently to build a better future for themselves and future generations. It is very much a work in progress, with risks and dangers to come.

People outside of China, especially those who hope to build a socialist future for their own people, who yearn for a world of justice, equality, and peace, should join in supporting the efforts being made to find a path to socialism with Chinese characteristics. We should be critical when necessary, recognizing and acknowledging the problems and the mistakes which may be made as China advances, crossing the river by feeling the rocks. But we should support Chinas project of socialist development, support the leadership of the Party and its work to control and redress the abuses and errors which arise, support the hopes and the hard work of the Chinese people. Most importantly we need to defend China against the aggression of American-led imperialism, the rising tide of a new Cold War, the unremitting demonization of China.

Ken Hammond is a professor of East Asian and global history at New Mexico State University. He is the author of five books and numerous articles on Chinese political and cultural history, as well as a thirty-six-lecture series, From Yao to Mao: 5000 Years of Chinese History. He has been an activist since he was in Students for a Democratic Society as an undergrad at Kent State University from 1968 to 1971. He is currently working with Pivot to Peace, an organization dedicated to promoting better understanding and avoiding conflict between the United States and China. Since 2017, he has been an activist with the Party fo Socialism and Liberation. He can be reached at khammond[at]nmsu.edu
Homestead, FL (33030)

Today

Intervals of clouds and sunshine. High 87F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds from time to time. Low 77F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph.
Amateur radio operators hold field day exercises

Licensed amateur radio operators, aka 'hams,' spent a recent weekend practicing community outreach, emergency preparedness and technical skills.

Radio clubs all over the United States and Canada took their equipment outside, into the field to operate on emergency power, competing to earn points for making contacts around the world. They also had great food to keep up their energy for the 27-hour-long contest.

The first field day was held in 1933, and operator F.E. Hardy declared in a national magazine dedicated to the hobby, The real objective of this contest is to test portables wherever they may be available.

Read the full CapeGazette.com article at:

https://www.capegazette.com/article/amateur-radio-operators-hold-field-day-exercises/222751
Lifetime Achievement Award for K5JIM The Daily Journal reports Jim Buffington K5JIM of Aberdeen, Mississippi, has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to amateur radio



The newspaper says:



For more than 20 years, amateur radio operator Jim Buffington has traveled to lighthouses along the Eastern Seaboard and the Gulf Coast to activate his equipment at or near the light through membership in the Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society (ARLHS).



The international organization recently recognized him for his contributions by presenting him with its Lifetime Achievement Award for being a member and holding offices such as vice president and chairman.



Ham radio is very diverse. You can get into satellites, you can be active in public service. Most hams have an interest in certain areas, and mine just happened to fall in lighthouses, he said.



Buffington, whose call signal is K5JIM, was introduced to the ARLHS by a friend in 2000 who was a member.



We activate lighthouses, which is to say we operate mobile and portable ham stations from the sites of lighthouses, he said.



The former Aberdeen radio station owner attended broadcasting school in Memphis with the late Johnny Cash.



His first experience activating a lighthouse was in Biloxi in January 2001, and he has done so as far away as Atlantic City, New Jersey.



Read the full story at

https://www.djournal.com/monroe/living/ham-radio-operator-earns-society-s-lifetime-achievement-award/article_3ee6b4d0-9b34-5a25-a3fe-35b94b6435c1.html
Allan James Hanley, 37, turned a gun on a 31-year-old woman who was in the car with him, shot and killed her, before then shooting himself in the head, police said.
He asked the judge to remove the adjudication of his conviction, which would allow him to truthfully answer no if asked on a job application if he had ever been convicted of a felony. He also asked the judge to lift the requirement that he spend one weekend in jail every year for four years near the Feb. 18 anniversary of his confrontation with victim Daniel Gonzalez.
Schillers only full-time leadership role in Florida, as human resources chief for Martin County schools, ended badly after two months in 2012. He was accused of using work time and assets for personal business, a charge he denies, while he accused the superintendent at the time of being inept and unethical, according to a letter he wrote to the same school district last year when he applied to be superintendent.
A few had life jackets, but most clung to floating debris, likely the remains of the vessel they boarded to escape Cuba. Commander Justin Nadolny said those rescued were elated to see a sturdy ship, though they were too exhausted to pull themselves up the ladder. They told the crew they were praying for someone to find them.
Perhaps the most unusual part of all of this was the officers relative candor about it. When the deputy was asked on camera why he suddenly felt the urge to begin playing music his response was pointed: You can record all you want, I just know it cant be posted on YouTube. A sheriffs office spokesperson has said the officer did not violate any specific policy and referred to the officers actions as a terrible mistake and merely a game with activists.
But lawsuits are a slower and less certain remedy, and anyway, its a moot point now. By an even larger majority, 6 to 3 this time, the July 1 decision set a precedent for allowing discriminatory effects despite Section 2 so long as they are small. Moreover, Justice Samuel Alito wrote, Arizona makes it quite easy to vote by mail or at an early voting location, as well as on Election Day. Even if not everyone is able to use those methods, everyone has the same opportunity, he wrote, rationalizing that every voting rule imposes a burden of some sort.
The month of July began with 90 patients in hospital with coronavirus in Malaga province. This Tuesday, 6 July, there were already 116 patients admitted, according to the daily report produced by the Ministry of Health at the Junta de Andalucia.

Hospital pressure has increased more than 20 per cent in less than a week and, therefore, breaks the trend of the previous months, when Malaga had gradually reduced the number of patients admitted with Covid and managed to keep them below one hundred.

Now the situation seems to be changing. The explosive growth of infections in recent days is already noticeable in hospitals, where the majority of patients who have required admission have not been vaccinated or had recently received a jab but not yet developed immunity.

Experts are already talking about a fifth wave.

In Malagas Regional Hospital, for example, since the weekend the number of patients in the Covid-19 ward has tripled. The average age has plummeted below 50 and many of the patients have not been vaccinated, either because of their age or because they have not wanted to, with one exception: the sexagenarians. Many in this age group are not fully protected despite being considered a risk group because their corresponding vaccine, the AstraZeneca formula, requires at least three months to elapse between the first and second doses. Although several regions, such as Andalucia, have reduced this period to ten weeks, some patients in this age group have not been able to avoid the infection.

The number of new infections has been multiplying for days. On Tuesday the province added 571 new positives and went into the extreme risk zone by exceeding the rate of 250 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last two weeks, as had already happened in Malaga city the day before.

The vaccination plan, in descending order of age decades, has not arrived in time to immunise the youngest at the beginning of the summer holidays. That is why almost half of the new infections detected in Malaga are in people under 30 years of age, who usually pass the disease asymptomatically but can infect other more vulnerable people who have not received the full vaccination schedule, such as those in their sixties.

And neither does youth guarantee a mild infection: half of those admitted for Covid-19 in Malaga hospitals are between 20 and 49 years old.
The National Police have arrested two men in Fuengirola on suspicion of looting homes along the Costa del Sol. Officers said that the pair accessed properties using the 'impressioning' technique, which consists of gaining entry by cloning the keys without forcing the locks, while disguised as tourists, bricklayers or painters.

The investigation began several weeks ago after a series of thefts were reported in homes between Malaga and Estepona with a common modus operandi. The thieves inserted a specially prepared device in the lock, and with precise movements, it would take on the exact shape of the original key.

Officers said the alleged thieves disguised themselves as tourists or even workers  such as bricklayers or painters - so as not to arouse suspicion.

According to police investigations, those arrested moved around Spain, operating for a few days in one province and then moving to another.

They were arrested at a property in Fuengirola that they were using to sleep in and from where they travelled by car to steal from flats and houses in neighbouring towns. Police recovered jewellery, handbags and perfumes from their accommodation as well as 1,450 euros in cash and the tools used to commit the crimes.

After inspecting their vehicle, police also found two black, plastic boxes attached to the underside of the car. Inside the containers, officers found a large amount stolen and several adapted keys along with some small aluminum sheets that they used to open the locks.

According to the National Police, the suspects have a history of crimes of a similar nature and their presence on the coast had already been detected previously.

The two detained people, both Bulgarian, are being held in custody awaiting a court appearance.
A serving member of Spains Legion has been arrested after a five-year-old girl died after being hit by a vehicle in Roquetas de Mar in Andalucias Almeria province.

The military man produced a positive result in a breathalyser test carried out by Local Police after the accident.

Sources from the Legions Alvarez de Sotomayor base in Viator have confirmed that the arrested man, who was driving a car, belongs to the unit, and they have expressed the deepest sorrow of the military unit to the family of the child.

The incident happened at a pedestrian crossing next to a supermarket located in El Parador on Tuesday evening (6 July).

Emergency services who attended the accident could do nothing to save the little girl's life and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Roquetas de Mar town councils social services department offered psychological care to the girl's family and called for a minute of silence in her memory at the doors of the town hall this Wednesday.
What's Included

With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 712-243-2624 or email circ@ant-news.com.
The most recent UFO report from the Department of Defense delivered a series of inconclusive results over the course of nine pages.
SUBSCRIBER E-EDITION AND ONLINE LOGIN DIRECTIONS

Current print subscribers: click "Get Started" below and use your subscription account number (Found on the top left of your newspaper mailing label) to activate your FREE access to the e-Edition and online stories. Log in with the username and password you registered on this website.
If you already subscribe to our print edition, sign up for FREE access to our online edition. Thanks for reading The Henderson News.
ICS:                
Note: Special one-year subscription at a reduced price for first-time subscribers or for subscriptions that have been expired for at least one year  those living in Jackson County and the Cherokee Indian Reservation (28719) addresses qualify. Offer good through Friday, Aug. 2, 2019.

We accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover; we do not accept AMEX.
MBABANE  About 1 200 orphaned and vulnerable children (OVCs) are without food after protesters looted food, household appliances and later vandalised three care centres in the capital city.

The centres are; Nkwalini Social and Health Centre, Msunduza Care Centre and Mahwalala Care Centre. The care point centres are under the Mbabane Municipal Council. During a visit to the Nkwalini Social and Health Centre, the guardhouse was found gutted by fire caused by the protesters. This is the depot where food is stored before it is distributed to the other centres. The items that were stolen in the care centre were a stove, refrigerator and pots. Stolen food items included rice, meat and vegetables.

Most windows were broken and it was suspected that the protestors used them to gain entry into the building.

Meals

Fikile Mathunjwa, the overseer of the care centre, revealed that the children got two meals from Monday to Friday. However, she said they had currently stopped preparing meals since the food and pots were stolen. Mathunjwa disclosed that food amounting to about E47 000 was stolen by the looters on Tuesday night. She said this included one tonne of rice, which is donated monthly by Indonesia Consul His Excellency Kareem Ashraf. The overseer mentioned that the consul had recently delivered the rice.

This is saddening because the children are asking when they will be coming to receive their meals, to which I have no answers, said Mathunjwa. She appreciated the Ashraf for offering his help at a time of dire need.

Meanwhile, Ashraf came to the rescue of the childrens plight by pledging a donation of toilet paper and rice. He expressed his sympathy for the children, whom he said were innocent and should not have been affected by the violent protests. He said whatever the differences were, the parties involved needed to sort them out peacefully. These are innocent souls who have nothing to do with the ongoing friction and I would like to ask the looters to stay away from orphanages and old-aged homes, he said. Ashraf said what had happened at the centres was not acceptable and asked for calm. Mbabane Municipal Council CEO Gideon Mhlongo could not be reached
MANZINI - Is the plaque at Kwaluseni OK Foods complex the reason why shops under the brand were broken into and looted during the recent pro-democracy protest actions?

This is one of the questions that could cross ones mind after learning that Kwaluseni OK Foods complex, which is one of the six shops under the brand which were looted and torched, have a plaque that is written; This building was officially opened by HRH Prince Sicalo on September 19, 2019. Following the break-in and looting of six complexes and shops under the OK Foods brand between last Monday night and Tuesday, many people suspected that the franchise was targeted, but the question was why?

Noting

Worth noting is that before and during the pro-democracy protest actions, the protesters stated that they were targeting businesses and structures belonging or linked to the royal family. Since members of the public were wondering if OK Foods franchise was somehow linked to the royal family, this publication carried out an investigation to ascertain if there was any link between the two. It was then that it was uncovered that the Kwaluseni Branch of the franchise had the aforesaid plaque. Lincoln Motsa, the Managing Director (MD) of Linac Investments, which operates OK Foods in the Kingdom of Eswatini, said he learnt with shock that some people had the perception that the business was linked to the royal family. He said he learnt about this from people who were close to him and social media networks.

Maybe some people thought Prince Sicalo, who opened the Kwaluseni Branch of OK Foods, had bought some shares, the MD wondered. When he was asked about the plaque, Motsa said the princes name appeared on it because he was the guest speaker on the day and was the one who cut the ribbon, to mark the official opening of the branch. It is worth noting that the event was also graced by the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, however, he was represented by the then Minister of Public Service, Christian Ntshangase. The MD said the prince was just invited as a guest and that his duty was to make the keynote address and officially open the complex.

Include

On the other hand, Motsa said a total of eight of their stores in the country had been looted and these included four OK Stores (Kwaluseni, Mathangeni, Mhlaleni and Logoba), two OK Liquor stores (Kwaluseni and Mathangeni) and two Savemart stores (Luyengo and Mbikwakhe). He said out of these, four were set on fire (Kwaluseni, Mathangeni, Mhlaleni and Luyengo), with two being severly burnt.
MBABANE  A week into the destruction and turmoil which occurred in the country, the legislature, which is Parliament, has been quiet on the issue.

This is despite the fact that the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Thuli Dladla, informed the fact-finding team from SADC Troika that the main issue which led to the eventual unrest started in Parliament, where some MPs called for change. However, Speaker Petros Mavimbela when interviewed yesterday said Parliament was yet to release a statement on the issue. The House of Assembly has for almost three weeks been adjourned sine die without any action taking place. Mavimbela was informed that the electorate had raised concern about Parliaments silence as a very important stakeholder, but he maintained that Parliament was working on a statement. He was not in a position to state when the statement would be issued when asked further.

Genesis

Giving the genesis on the matter, minister Dladla told the Troika team that the country had been confronted by the unexpected disruption and attack that was said to have emanated from a call for change. She said this was made by some MPs whom she did not name. However, the source of this call was not immediately clear to the nation, she said. Dladla informed the meeting that the MPs subsequently raised this concern in Parliament which was the right platform to raise issues of national interest where they are deliberated upon until there is consensus in the august House. We are informed the motivators did not follow through the process of Parliament. They were further questioned by their colleagues on where they obtained the public mandate to raise the matter, submitted Dladla.

She informed the meeting that the MPs then resolved to take the matter outside to the tinkhundla centres to try and source public support. Dladla said according to the Constitution, matters officially arising from tinkhundla centres were those that had passed through existing structures involving bucopho and tindvuna tetinkhundla. She explained that thereafter parliamentarians then meet with these leaders to deliberate on issues of constituency and national level before they were taken to Parliament. They did not follow this process simply because they were driven by their intentions to gang up with foreign elements to disrupt the peace, alleged Dladla. The minister said in the process structures were looted and burnt down involving the use of petrol bombs which destroyed some chiefdoms and tinkhundla centres.
MBABANE  A second fact-finding mission of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security (Troika) to Eswatini will be dispatched urgently to continue with the consultation process.

This is according to a statement issued by Chairperson of Troika Botswana President Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi yesterday, regarding the fact-finding mission to the country, which occurred last Sunday. Masisi said, There was a clear sense of urgency to address the situation in the country. The proposal for an open national dialogue was highly welcomed as a way forward towards finding a long lasting solution.

Disturbances

The president said following receipt of the reports on the recent political and security disturbances in Eswatini, there was an urgent dispatch of a fact-finding mission which was constituted by the ministers of Foreign Affairs of the republics of Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. The mission was led by Dr Lemogang Kwape, Minister of International Affairs of the Republic of Botswana, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the SADC Ministerial Committee of the Organ. The purpose of the mission was to gather first-hand information on the disturbances, including the state of security in the country, and to appeal for calm and restraint from all the stakeholders, as well as to propose consideration of an open national dialogue, as a way forward in the efforts towards finding a lasting solution, reads the statement which was issued by SADC. It was reported that all the consultations were held in an atmosphere of calm, mutual respect and understanding. He said in that regard, the mission held consultations with the Government of Eswatini. The mission also made attempts to meet with a broad spectrum of other stakeholders across the Eswatini nation. Due to the short notice, it was not possible to reach many of the stakeholders, said Masisi.

Dispatched

He said as a result, it was agreed that a second mission would be dispatched urgently to Eswatini to continue the consultation process with the other stakeholders. Masisi said therefore, a short meeting was held with a few civil society organisations to assure them of a second mission to the country to hold further consultations with all other key stakeholders. Masisis statement comes after some civil organisations were of the view that they had only been called at the 11th hour by government for a meeting held at the Royal Villas, where government had spent over five hours with the team giving them their side of the story.
MBABANE  A 20-year-old man of Matsanjeni was allegedly shot and killed by law enforcers during the protests for political change.

Sifiso Mngomezulu was shot during a protest in Nhlangano. His death was confirmed by his family and friends. A family member said they were still shocked by the death of their loved one. He was allegedly shot last Tuesday during the day while partaking in the protest. We are hurting at the killing of our people by the security forces. It is not right and now we have lost a son and friend, said the family member. Another, who was allegedly shot during the ongoing protests, was Machawe Mhlanga of Hilltop.

Sources said he was shot in broad daylight around Hilltop, allegedly by soldiers. Mhlanga was part of the protesting people at Mahwalala when he got shot.

Marshal

A bus rank marshal, who worked closely with Mhlanga, said the deceased was active in the call for democratic change in the country. He was for the struggle and wanted freedom, but he still did not deserve to die like that. We have gone to his family to pay our respects and they are still grieving and hurt, said the marshall. From the unidentified nine persons on the list of the deceased people, one Sifiso Sibiya of Nsoko has been identified. Sibiya was shot in the foot while trying to run away from police officers at Lubulini during a protest. The youth should continue fighting and not stop. The police cannot kill in vain. His blood must speak now, said a family member during an interview. So far, this publication has identified 14 people who allegedly died at the hands of law enforcers. Each day, we will be giving an updated list of the deceased persons, where and when they were shot and the next of kin confirming their demise.
MBABANE - South African political party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has rubbished an allegation that it brought arms into the Kingdom of Eswatini.

The allegation was made by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Thuli Dladla when she made her submissions before the SADC Organ Troika delegation which arrived in the country on Monday morning on a fact-finding mission.

This was after the country was marred by violent protests which saw businesses and offices being vandalised and looted, while some members of the public were injured and others killed. Government, through Dladla, accused some Members of Parliament (MPs) of roping in internationals to assist them in their quest.

Transported

She also alleged that the group (EFF) had further transported arms from neighbouring South Africa to arm insurgents in the country, which was against SADC protocols. However, it seems like the South African political party has not taken kindly to the allegation. In a statement sent to this publication yesterday, EFF National Spokesperson Vuyani Pambo said the party had noted what he termed nonsensical allegations made by the Eswatini Government. He said the allegation demonstrated the countrys aloofness and lack of understanding of what was happening. The political unrest in Eswatini started in 1973 with the declaration that all political parties and similar bodies that cultivate and bring about disturbances and ill-feelings within the nation are hereby prohibited. The banning of political parties ensured and necessitated the ongoing political unrest in Eswatini. In this instance, the EFF in Eswatini has been leading well in the struggle for a multiparty democracy in Eswatini, said Pambo.

He mentioned that his organisation would not stop supporting the people of Eswatini and would show support with everything they needed which was within the partys capacity. He emphasised that the Government of Eswatini and the authorities should not be misled and must refrain from making what he termed baseless allegations. No guns have been supplied by the EFF South Africa yet and we are closely in support of all the progressive forces in Eswatini, which include PUDEMO and EFF Eswatini, he stated.

Protestors

During the engagement with the Troika delegation, which took place at the Royal Villas, Dladla alleged that the EFF was providing the protestors with moral and physical support by being on site and assisting them to strategise. The minister said the EFF was an organisation from SA and as government, they were surprised to see how, while there was talk of regional integration, it found some people from a neighbouring country trying to negate the process. It is disheartening that this group transported arms from our neighbouring state to arm insurgents in the kingdom, which is against the SADC protocols, said Dladla. It is a fact that the three MPs who have called for the election of a prime minister (PM) by the people are Hosea MP Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza, Siphofaneni MP Mduduzi Gawuzela Simelane and Ngwempisi MP Mthandeni Dube. However, the MPs had in several interviews maintained that they were not being sponsored by anyone, let alone foreigners, but wanted a government which was elected by the people, for the people. They have further condemned the destruction of property by the people, stating that they did not condone such acts.
The Bahrain Association of Banks (BAB) has signed with Iraq Private Banks League (IPBL) a memorandum of understanding aimed at achieving mutual cooperation.

The MoU was signed by the Chairman of the Bahrain Association of Banks, Adnan Ahmed Yousif, and Wadih Nouri Al-Handal, Chairman of Iraq Private Banks League (IPBL), during a remote meeting.

This MoU stems from the keenness of the Bahrain Association of Banks and Iraq Private Banks League, to defend the interests of banks and financial institutions and highlighting their role in sustainable development programmes through close cooperation with regulatory authorities and all partners and stakeholders.

The two parties agreed to form a joint committee to consult and agree on implementing and following-up joint plans and programmes.

On this occasion, Yousif said: "Bahrain has had a rich and diversified banking experience over the past five decades, which has greatly been enhanced by its response to the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic. We are working in the Association to employ this rich experience in supporting and strengthening cooperation with Arab banks, at the forefront of which is the Iraq Private Banks League (IPBL), and Iraqi banks, with which we have strong brotherly relations. We aim to boost such relations and cooperation during the next stage.

On the other hand, Al-Handal said: "Iraq Private Banks League (IPBL) has a long history in developing the banking sector, at various technical, administrative, advisory, human resources and other levels. This MoU will contribute to opening new horizons with the Bahraini banking sector, and boost joint work between Iraqi and Bahraini banks, transfer experiences, in addition to holding training courses at a high level "

The two parties will work through this MoU to exchange experiences, studies, and relevant research, depending on the resources available to them, and will also cooperate in providing consultations, conducting joint research and studies, and organising and implementing conferences, workshops, seminars, and events in various common fields. -- TradeArabia News Service
Besix, a leading Belgian infrastructure group with a major regional presence, said it has been awarded a major contract to provide site management as well as the civil engineering works for a skyscraper, F Tower at Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Standing at 935 ft, it will be the tallest tower in Africa.

The project, being developed by PFO Africa with the support of Ministry of Construction, Housing and Urban Planning, is an initiative of the Ivory Coast, the leading economic power in French-speaking Africa.

The F Tower, whose architecture was designed by Pierre Fakhoury, is located in the Plateau district, in the heart of Abidjan. Included in the urban development plans since 1970, the F Tower is the sixth tower of the city's Administrative City.

On the contract win, Deputy CEO Pierre Sironval said: "Besix is extremely proud to participate in the construction of the F Tower. This is our second contract in Ivory Coast, a country that offers a favourable business environment and is economically dynamic."

"In PFO Africa, the leading construction company in Ivory Coast, we have found a high quality partner. Together we were already building one of the largest drinking water production plants in West Africa. We look forward to strengthening this alliance by participating in the construction of a building as iconic as the F Tower," he stated.

Besix is set to start work this month with the launch of the structural works on the basis of the existing foundations.

A major player in the global construcion sector, Besix has built many high-rise buildings around the world, notably in the Benelux and France, as well as in Australia and several Middle Eastern countries through its subsidiaries Besix Watpac and Six Construct.

In Ivory Coast, Besix and PFO Africa are completing the construction of one of the largest drinking water production plants in West Africa, in La Me. This plant is equipped to supply drinking water to more than one and a half million Ivorians.

On the African continent, Besix is currently contributing to the construction of the Grand Egyptian Museum (Egypt), the Mohammed VI Tower (Morocco) and the Nachtigal hydroelectric project (Cameroon), which will produce a third of Cameroon's electricity.

General Manager Business Development Philippe Dessoy said Besix's strength lies in its ability to carry out the most technically complex works, including buildings, ports and terminals, and environmental infrastructure.

"Our group owes this to the expertise developed by its internal engineering department, as well as to the experience accumulated over the last 110 years in Europe, Africa and the Middle East in particular," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, a national airline of the UAE, is set to begin flights to Baku, Azerbaijan starting from August 14. The launch of the new route will see the airline now fly to 29 destinations.

Azerbaijan is currently on Abu Dhabis green country list meaning that travellers will not be required to quarantine upon arrival or when returning back to the UAEs capital.

The flight to Baku will operate twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Tickets are on sale at the airline's website with fares starting as low as AED179.

The new route to the capital city of Azerbaijan opens up yet another opportunity for travellers to explore amazing destinations from Abu Dhabi or reconnect with friends and family, stated the airline.

Baku is positioned on the coast of the beautiful Caspian Sea and is the most southern point of Azerbaijan. Located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East, the citys heritage, leisure and architecture is the perfect blend of multiple cultures making it a true sight to be seen, experience and enjoy.

Kees Van Schaick, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi said: We are once again adding a new and exciting destination to our route network. Baku is a city like no other with a unique fusion of cultures offering a wide variety for everyone, from hospitality, history to F&B. As restrictions across the world start to ease, we continue to provide more travel options for those with a desire to travel  we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

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.-TradeArabia News Service
Bahrain's Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed Alzayani said the country was ready with its Tourism Strategy 2.0, which will enable it to diversify and go global in a post-pandemic world, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

For further details visit https://www.gdnonline.com
As part of his working visit to Balkan province, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov got acquainted with the pace of construction of the transport and logistics infrastructure of the region.

The head of state arrived at a road bridge built across the strait, connecting Garabogazgol with the Caspian Sea. After viewing the facility, the President of Turkmenistan instructed relevant officials to announce an international tender for construction of a new bridge and reconstruction of the road leading to it.

Then, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov arrived at the International Sea Port of the city of Turkmenbashi, where he got acquainted with the operations of the port. The head of state gave a number of instructions for introduction of the best practices and innovative technologies in the port's operations.

After that, the Turkmen leader viewed the construction of various facilities in the Avaza National Tourist Zone.

Then, the head of state held a meeting with members of the government on the results of the working visit to the Balkan province.

 TURKMENISTAN.RU, 2021
New Delhi, Jul 7 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday dropped Health Minister Harsh Vardhan from his Cabinet against the backdrop of huge controversy that hit the government over the handling of the second wave of COVID-19 recently.

At least 10 more ministers, including two seniors--Ramesh Pokhriyal and Santosh Gangwar--also resigned from the Union Cabinet.

The ministers, as per the sources, handed the resignation during the meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence, just hours ahead of the much-anticipated Cabinet reshuffle and expansion.

The devastating second wave of COVID-19, shortage of medical oxygen and irregular supply of anti-COVID-19 vaccines have left the left government in an embarrassing situation. Dr Vardhan's junior Ashwani Kumar Choubey was also asked to step down.

Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal, under whose leadership the National Education Policy 2020, was drafted, has resigned citing medical grounds as per the sources.

Mr Pokhriyal has tested positive for COVID-19 in April this year. He was admitted to AIIMS in June for post-COVID complications. Minister of State for Education Sanjay Dhotre has also stepped down.

Union Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar, who recently tabled the Labour Code bill in Parliament, has stepped down.

D V Sadananda Gowda, Union Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister, has also quit.

Other ministers who have resigned are Minister of State for Woman and Child Development Debasree Chaudhuri, Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Babul Supriya, Minister of State for Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Fisheries and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Pratap Chandra Sarangi.

Minister of State for Jal Shakti Ratan Lal Kataria and Minister of State Ministry of Consumer Affairs Raosaheb Danve have also quit.

The Cabinet reshuffle and expansion will take place at 1800 hrs. As many as 43 leaders are expected to take the oath of the minister, official sources said.

The exercise was slated for 2020 but had to be deferred repeatedly owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A slew of gubernatorial appointments, including that of Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Thawarchand Gehlot as the Governor of Karnataka were announced on Tuesday. Also, the government decided to create a separate 'Ministry of Cooperation with the aim of 'Sahkar se Samriddhi' (prosperity through cooperatives).

Of the 81 slots of the council of ministers, 52 are filled by the National Democratic Alliance government at the Centre. As per the sources, the top brass of the BJP conducted extensive meetings with several ministers and prepared a report card after the devastating second wave of COVID-19.

Another reason for rejigging is elections in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Manipur next year as the BJP wants to play well after miserable defeat in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala in May this year, the sources said. Senior leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, including its chief Mohan Bhagwat, were in Delhi last week, possibly to discuss the Cabinet rejig with the BJP.

This will be the first cabinet reshuffle in the second term of Mr Modi as the Prime Minister.

The previous reshuffle was conducted in 2017 when Nirmala Sitharaman was made the Defence Minister.

UNI PS SB 1721
Ivanhoe Cambridge and Lighthouse Canton invest in life science R&D facilities in Genome Valley, Hyderabad

HYDERABAD, India, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ivanhoe Cambridge, a global real estate subsidiary of the Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec (cdpq.com) one of Canada's leading institutional fund managers alongside Lighthouse Canton,( the existing asset manager with a track record of managing the portfolio ) announced its investment in a 0.85M sq.ft life science R&D office-labs portfolio in Genome Valley, Hyderabad.

The MN Park portfolio will receive investment from Ivanhoe Cambridge and Lighthouse Canton in an 80:20 ratio, respectively. The initial focus will be on consolidating the portfolio with select value accretive acquisitions in relevant life science R&D clusters in India. The transaction also includes the completion of development on identified land options within the portfolio to cater to tenant expansion requirements.

"This new investment in MN Park allows us to reinforce our conviction in life science real estate, a key focus area of our diversification strategy into high growth, innovation-focused sectors," commented Chanakya Chakravarti, Managing Director, India, at Ivanhoe Cambridge. "We anticipate that India will further cement its position in the global life science arena in the post pandemic world. A new healthcare focus positions office-labs as a unique and exciting opportunity. We look forward to participating in this high growth sector by expanding the portfolio through select acquisitions in partnership with an aligned asset manager. MN Park offers diversification to Ivanhoe Cambridge's India exposure, thereby enhancing portfolio resilience," he added

Adding to this, Mr.Sanket Sinha, Head, Asset Management, Lighthouse Canton, Singapore, said, "This is the first time a global pension fund is investing in life sciences R&D real estate in the country. Genome Valley, being the core of that investment reinforces Hyderabad's leadership position in the life sciences R&D sector. Our collective vision is to invest circa $100mn and double the existing infrastructure, thereby adding over 1mn sq. ft. of life sciences facility in the next few years."

MN Park is India's largest privately owned portfolio of leased life sciences R&D office labs. It offers fully fitted lab spaces, incubation and R&D facilities, storage spaces, office spaces, large open recreational spaces, and a host of amenities occupied by global and domestic credit tenants operating strategic R&D facilities engaged in mission critical, core innovation focused healthcare research.

Speaking on the investment by Ivanhoe Cambridge, Mr. Shilpi Chowdhary, CEO, Lighthouse Canton, said, " The life sciences office labs has been a high conviction theme for the firm since our acquisition of MN Park portfolio in 2016. We are pleased to be co-investing with Ivanhoe Cambridge, a firm which is deeply aligned with this strategy. We aim to continue delivering high quality infrastructure that will set a benchmark for such assets in the country and look forward to continue supporting the growth of the life sciences sector across India."

Ivanhoe Cambridge's investment in MN Park is in line with its global strategy of focusing on sectors that foster innovation and long-term growth fundamentals. In March 2021, Ivanhoe Cambridge partnered with Lendlease to develop a 1.15-acre project featuring a state-of-the-art life science building with world-class amenities, located at 60 Guest Street, a land parcel in the Boston Landing campus in Allston/Brighton, Massachusetts.

India is an established pharma and life science innovation hub for global and domestic companies and the world's largest vaccine manufacturing destination characterized by a technically sound talent pool and world class R&D capabilities. Genome Valley is India's first master planned cluster for life science R&D activities with India's largest concentration of multi-tenanted lab space. It offers a deep life science ecosystem and a synergistic environment facilitating infrastructure sharing, technical collaboration, and access to a world class pool of scientists. The portfolio is occupied by 20+ leading global and domestic pharma and bio-tech companies, vaccine manufacturers and contract research organisations.

About Ivanhoe Cambridge

Ivanhoe Cambridge invests internationally alongside strategic partners and major real estate funds that are leaders in their markets. Through subsidiaries and partnerships, the Company holds interests in more than 1,100 buildings, primarily in the industrial and logistics, office, residential and retail sectors. Ivanhoe Cambridge held C$60.4 billion in real estate assets as at December 31, 2020 and is a real estate subsidiary of the Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec (cdpq.com), one of Canada's leading institutional fund managers. For more information: www.ivanhoecambridge.com

Ivanhoe Cambridge develops and invests in high-quality real estate properties, projects and companies that are shaping the urban fabric in dynamic cities around the world. It does so responsibly, with a view to generate long-term performance. Ivanhoe Cambridge is committed to creating living spaces that foster the well-being of people and communities, while reducing its environmental footprint.

About Lighthouse Canton

Founded in 2014, Lighthouse Canton is an asset and wealth management firm with over 80 full time employees across offices in Singapore, Dubai, and India (Bangalore and Hyderabad). Lighthouse Canton has AUM of S$2B (CA$1.88) (across public and private markets) on behalf of institutional investors, family offices, and high net worth individuals. It has been investing through multiple strategies in RE private equity, direct lending, public equities, and global macros. Under the Private Markets business vertical, the firm has developed a strong track record as a real estate asset manager, with a sharp focus on life sciences R&D office labs segment. For more information: www.lighthouse-canton.com

For more details please contact

Konnections IMAG

Ms.Mukta Kumar

+91-9885907090

mukta.kumar@konnections.co.in

Director Communications, Konnections IMAG



(Disclaimer--Features may vary depending on the regions; subject to change without notice.)
Normal, IL (61790)

Today

Isolated thunderstorms in the morning becoming more widespread in the afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High near 80F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Low 69F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
At the invitation of Mr. Werner Ovalle Ramirez, Director General of Guatemala Customs and Vice-Chair for the World Customs Organization (WCO) Americas and Caribbean Region, the WCO Deputy Secretary General, Mr. Ricardo Trevino Chapa, participated in the opening ceremony for Phase 2 of the regional Time Release Study (TRS) for the six Secretariat for Central American Economic Integration (SIECA) Member countries, namely Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama, on 5 July 2021.

The event, which was held virtually, brought together various dignitaries including the Deputy Minister of Economic Integration and Trade of the Republic of Guatemala, the Secretary-General of SIECA, a regional representative of the European Union, and Directors General and representatives of all six SIECA Member Customs administrations.

The Deputy Secretary General began by welcoming participants, stressing the importance of using the TRS on a regional basis not only to identify bottlenecks at borders, but also to boost the economic competitiveness of SIECA Members. He noted that the six SIECA Members had made significant progress with Customs coordination, particularly during Phase 1 of the TRS (preparation phase).

In addition, while acknowledging that Phase 2 was the backbone of any TRS cycle, Mr. Trevino Chapa urged SIECA Members to continue working on and remaining committed to the TRS so as to ensure that inefficiencies affecting border procedures were properly identified and that appropriate corrective measures were designed for the benefit of the entire region.

Against the backdrop of this event, it is worth underscoring that the current regional TRS for the six SIECA Members falls within the framework of the Central American Trade Facilitation Strategy, the Central American Customs Committee (Comite Aduanero Centroamericano) and SIECA, and that it enjoys robust technical support from the WCO.
Fit Lit Walking Book Club Returns To McLib July 12

PADUCAH - Fit Lit Walking Book Club combines a fun and informal small group book discussion along with some healthy exercise. These library staff-led walks take you on a scenic stroll around downtown while we discuss popular titles.July 126 pmClay's Quilt by Silas House will be led by Matt Jaeger, McCracken County Public Library School Outreach Coordinator. Clay's Quilt by Silas House celebrates the 20th Anniversary of his debut novel. Authentic and moving, Clay's Quilt is both the story of a young man's journey and of Appalachian people struggling to hold on to their heritage.August 96 pmThe Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy will be led by Lea Wentworth Youth Services Librarian. This title is a beautifully illustrated book for all ages that explores lifes universal lessons. This book has captured the hearts of millions of readers all over the world.September 136 pmThe Last Flight by Julie Clark will be led by Bobbie Wrinkle Adult Programming Coordinator. Cloaked under the "Me Too" movement theme, Clark takes us first inside the head of Claire, revealing why she fears her husbands manipulation, abuse, and power. A power so strong that she knows hell stop at nothing to track her down. If thats not frightening enough, we then learn how Eva stumbled into being a key player in the underbelly of the drug world, which she now regrets and will go to great lengths to extricate herself from its horrors.October 116 pmKill All Your Darlings by David Bell will be led by Kristen Anderson, facilitator of the library's Happily Ever After Book Club. When a professors student disappears and is presumed dead, he passes off her manuscript as his ownonly to find out it implicates him in an unsolved murder in this new thriller from USA Today bestselling author. This is a suspenseful, provocative novel about the sexual harassment that still runs rampant in academiaand the lengths those in power will go to cover it up. Bell is Professor of English at Western Kentucky University where he co-founded and directs the MFA program in creative writing.Titles are available to checkout and through the library's e-books access.For more info, email Bobbie Wrinkle, Adult Programming Coordinator bwrinkle@mclib.netOn the Net:
Paducah's Southside Rise & Shine Spotlights Dolly McNutt Neighborhood

PADUCAH - Paducah's Southside Rise and Shine neighborhood spruce-up event will spotlight the Dolly McNutt neighborhood this week.Tuesday through Sunday, the Public Works Department will place yellow garbage rollouts and dumpsters around the neighborhood for disposal of litter and garbage.Dumpster locations are on Bridge Court at the end of the cul-de-sac at Dolly McNutt Apartments and on Parker Street between Bethel Street and Abell Drive.Bulky items, including tires and appliances, can be placed in front of a home next to the street for free collection.Tires taken to dumpsters should be kept separate from other items and placed beside the dumpsters, not in them.A neighborhood ice cream social will be held Sunday from 1-4 pm at Bob's Drive-in, 2429 Bridge Street. Neighbors can get to know each other, enjoy some ice cream and discuss their beautification projects.Click the link below to see the neighborhood schedule and other information, including celebration sites and dumpster locations. There is a link to a neighborhood map searchable by address for anyone uncertain of their neighborhood's name.
Donor Days Blood Drive Concludes Today

By West Kentucky Star Staff

PADUCAH - This year's Donor Days summer blood appeal in downtown Paducah concludes today at the Schroeder Expo Center.The American Red Cross invites anyone who is eligible to donate blood. All blood types are needed today from 7 am until 7 pm.Having a COVID-19 vaccine does not prevent anyone from being a blood donor, and those who have been vaccinated do not need to wear a mask at the event.Red Cross officials said participation through Wednesday afternoon was much less than anticipated, and they are behind their goal for this event, which usually has a great turnout.Vacations and holidays can have a negative impact on summer blood drives, but this year has been especially tough, and the Red Cross says the need for blood is critical. One person's blood gift can help up to three people who visit the emergency room, undergo surgery or have chemotherapy treatment.Everyone who donates will get a Red Cross t-shirt, and Pizza Inn is supplying free food to donors. Hourly door prizes are also being given away.You can make an appointment in advance by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or drivers license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.While all blood types are needed, people with types O, A negative, and B negative blood are encouraged to make a Power Red donation at this blood drive. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact.
Three Teens Arrested In Lone Oak Fireworks Theft

By West Kentucky Star Staff

PADUCAH - Three Paducah teenagers are facing charges after police say they stole fireworks from a stand on Lone Oak Road and injured an employee.Officers were called early Monday morning to a fireworks stand in the parking lot of the former Kmart store. An employee told officers that three black males wearing face masks entered the tent and took multiple boxes of fireworks valued at $700. The employee also alleged that one of the three teens knocked him to the ground, causing a cut to his forehead.Police said the three suspects were seen running to a black Volvo parked near a convenience store.On Monday night an officer stopped the Volvo driving on North 10th Street for having a headlight out. That's when the officer allegedly found a large amount of fireworks and three face masks inside the car.According to police the driver of the car, 19-year-old KeShawn Scott, admitted to the theft and identified two juvenile passengers of the car as also being involved.Scott was arrested on a charge of first degree robbery. The two juveniles were cited on charges of first degree robbery and released to their parents/guardians.
Calloway Pursuit Ends in DUI, Other Charges

By West Kentucky Star Staff

CALLOWAY COUNTY - A Tennessee man was arrested on DUI and other charges Wednesday morning after a short pursuit.Calloway County deputies attempted to stop a vehicle on Highway 121 in the New Concord community for a traffic violation.Deputies say the driver turned onto Shoemaker Road and accelerated in an attempt to flee. The vehicle left the roadway a short time later and came to rest in a field.The driver, 21-year-old Christian Flowers of Paris, was arrested and charged with first-degree fleeing or evading police, aggravated driving under the influence, possession of marijuana, driving on a suspended license, and various other traffic-related offenses.He was taken to the Calloway County Jail.
Carlisle Theft Suspect Now Wanted in Two Counties

By West Kentucky Star Staff

ARLINGTON - The Carlisle County Sheriff's Department says a theft investigation from late last month now involves law enforcement from another county.On June 28, a man reportedly took a package that had been delivered to a business in Arlington. It was a Square D Gain Meter Socket that was about 4 feet tall and 32 inches wide. Surveillance video showed the suspect was driving a truck that was pulling a 16-foot car hauler. The suspect was described as a skinny white man in his 20s or 30s.The Carlisle Sheriff's office says Ballard County Sheriff's Deputies is investigating the theft of the trailer, which was allegedly taken the same day the package was stolen. Two other items that were also taken from the Arlington business have been recovered, but the large electrical component has not been found.The suspect is currently wanted in Ballard County and charges from Carlisle County will also be filed upon his arrest. The suspect's name has not yet been released.Previous Story:The Carlisle County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help to identify a suspect in a recent theft.The Sheriff's Office says the theft took place on June 28 when an unknown man stole a package delivered to a business in Arlington. The package contained a Square D Four Gain Meter Socket and was approximately four feet tall and 32 inches wide.The suspect is described as a skinny white male in his late 20s or early 30s. He left driving south on US 51 towards Hickman County and was driving what appeared to be a black Dodge single cab truck pulling a 16-foot car hauler. The truck appears to have temporary tags on it.Anyone with information should contact the Carlisle County Sheriff's Office at (270) 628-3377.
Marshall Fiscal Court Argues Over E-911 Invoices

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MARSHALL COUNTY - More controversy cropped up between Marshall County Fiscal Court members Tuesday, this time over invoices for the new E-911 center presented to the court that totaled $1.2 million.The invoices were presented at Tuesday's meeting and come after the court recently settled a long-running dispute over the purchase of chairs for the center that cost over $17,000.At Tuesday's meeting the court took a tour of the new facility with Marshall County E-911 Director Chris Freeman acting as tour guide. Following the tour the court met back at the courthouse and Freeman answered questions from commissioners.Kevin Spraggs asked Freeman several questions about the costs of the invoices, specifically those concerning a video wall and training equipment.Judge Executive Kevin Neal seemed upset with the line of questioning from Spraggs. Neal told Spraggs he would have his answers to those questions if Spraggs just asked Neal's office."The issue is not about transparency here, if you have a question and you want to seek an answer, get the answer and then if you have an issue bring it here," Neal told Spraggs. "This is not transparency, this is bypassing the judge's office."Spraggs responded that he felt the court meeting was the only place he was able to get the answers he sought."This is the only place I can get questions answered direct," said Spraggs. "If I want to ask a question then I am going to ask it when and where I want to ask it."Neal said he was fine with the questions, but felt they could have been asked outside of open court."I just ask that if you have a question call my office and give me the opportunity to get you the answer," Neal said. "I do not have a problem discussing things in open court, but a lot of this stuff we can actually resolve."In the end, Spraggs made a motion to table paying for the invoices until he could look into three bills that totaled just over $600,000.Justin Lamb seconded the motion.Lamb said, "I have been consistent throughout the whole process and if we have a decision maker that needs more time, then I think we should give him more time."The motion carried in a 3-1 vote with Neal being the no vote.Watch the full meeting here:
McConnell Speaks To Murray Chamber

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MURRAY - U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell spoke to the Murray-Calloway Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday.The Republican leader is in his 37th year in office, and according to WKDZ, he spoke about the bipartisan work that has taken place on Capitol Hill since the pandemic began - including the 2020 relief plan - although he said many citizens might not remember hearing about it."We do not hate each other, contrary to what you might conclude," McConnell said. "We do a lot of things on a bipartisan basis, in fact, this year we've passed seven major bills on a bipartisan basis. I bet none of you know that - let me tell you why: any time we agree to do something, it's not news. "However, he said there would likely be a fight over the fiscal line on the jobs and families plan that President Joe Biden wants passed. Some financial projections total $1-2 trillion (from Democratic Senator Joe Manchin), while others soar as high as $6 trillion or more, like the one mentioned by Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders.The plan is set to include a considerable national infrastructure deal for water, sewage, road and broadband appropriations.McConnell also continued to urge everyone to get a COVID-19 vaccine. He acknowledged that there is some skepticism, but said, "Let me put it this way - it may not guarantee you don't get it, but it almost guarantees you don't die from it if you get it."On the Net:
State Sen. Tom Buford Dead at Age 72

By The Associated Press

FRANKFORT - Kentucky state Sen. Tom Buford has died, the Kentucky Senate Majority Office said Tuesday. He was 72 years old.Buford, a Republican from Nicholasville in central Kentucky, represented the 22nd district for over 30 years. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle mourned Bufords passing, expressing condolences for his family members.In a statement, Senate President Pro Tempore David Givens said Bufords wit, intellect, and zest for life will be missed by all who knew him.The Kentucky Senate Democratic Caucus remembered Buford as a true public servant who was full of life, laughter, and had a contagious laughter that could light up any room.Senator Danny Carroll of Paducah said, "I am saddened and in state of disbelief with this post announcing the death of my friend and colleague, Sen. Tom Buford. My prayers and sincere condolences go out to Sen. Bufords family."
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-06 10:46:25|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Photo taken on July 6, 2021 shows the St. Boniface Indian Industrial School Cemetery in Banning, San Bernardino County, California, the United States. James Ramos, a California State Assemblyman and historian, on Monday joined other tribal leaders across Southern California to support a federal investigation of Indian boarding schools operated under the U.S. government's cultural assimilation program in the 19th and 20th centuries. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

LOS ANGELES, July 5 (Xinhua) -- James Ramos, a California State Assemblyman and historian, on Monday joined other tribal leaders across Southern California to support a federal investigation of Indian boarding schools operated under the U.S. government's cultural assimilation program in the 19th and 20th centuries.

"U.S. Interior Sec. Deb Haaland ordered a probe into burial of students at Indian boarding schools after graves were found at Canadian sites. I cheer her historic move. SB Sun's Joe Nelson looked into California's schools and their history," Ramos tweeted on Monday afternoon.

The nation-wide investigation, announced on June 22 by Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, the first American Indian to serve as a cabinet secretary, came after more than 1,000 human remains were discovered in Indian residential schools across Canada, which triggered fury against the country's bloody colonial past and ongoing mistreatment of the Indigenous people.

An estimated 150,000 Indigenous children across Canada were reportedly removed from their homes and forced to attend residential schools between the 1890s and as recently as 1996, during which more than 50,000 died of abuses.

Ten of the over 350 Indian boarding schools to be investigated in the United States were located in California, including Sherman Indian High School in Riverside County and St. Boniface Indian Industrial School in Banning, San Bernardino County.

Those boarding schools used to be built up as an extension of the Catholic mission system, according to local San Bernardino Sun newspaper. The federal government funded and oversaw the schools, and the Catholic church ran them as a means to subjugate and culturally assimilate indigenous children by forcibly removing them from their families and suppressing their American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian identities, languages and beliefs.

Sherman is one of the only four remaining Indian boarding schools in the country still operated by the federal government. The other three are in Oregon, Oklahoma and South Dakota separately.

St. Boniface was built in 1890 and the buildings were demolished by the City of Banning in 1974, according to the document from Banning Library District. The bricks were made by Chinese laborers and the actual construction of the school buildings was done by Indian students.

A file of Los Angeles Herald newspaper issued on May 9, 1892 said the school was "built for the purpose of educating the children of the 3,000 Mission Indians." More than 100 Indian children were enrolled during the first year, and 123 in 1891.

Those "merry children, little ones and tall ones of the red race inhabiting the spacious rooms of the school, eager to learn and to follow the directions of the good Sisters of St. Joseph," said the report at that time.

However, Ramos described another story to the San Bernardino Sun. "Those of us who grew up on Indian reservations, we heard about St. Boniface. My grandmother was sent to Boniface. They were forbidden to speak their language and practice their culture. It's a dark part of history."

He said Indigenous people long associated the purpose of the boarding schools with an infamous quote by Richard Henry Pratt: "Kill the Indian, save the man."

Pratt was an American brigadier general and founder of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania.

"When you tell people that, some don't believe it," Ramos said.

Along with Ramos, other Southern California tribal leaders praised the investigation, noting that many Indigenous children died from disease and work-related accidents, and extreme physical and sexual abuse had not been ruled out.

"We applaud Secretary Haaland and the Department of Interior for undertaking this long-overdue inquiry into the terrible legacy and historical trauma wrought by the Indian boarding schools of the past," said Charles Martin, chairman of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians in Cabazon, which used to have an access road from the reservation to the St. Boniface school.

Martin was quoted by the San Bernardino Sun as saying that the recent discovery at the former Canadian boarding schools in Canada was heartbreaking, but not surprising.

"We are hopeful that this necessary examination will offer opportunities to grieve, to acknowledge the suffering and loss, and to begin meaningful healing and reconciliation," Martin said.

Anthony Morales, chairman of the Gabrieleno San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians, told the local newspaper that roughly 6,000 Indigenous people from his tribe and others nationwide were buried in and around the San Gabriel Mission.

He hoped the federal investigation into the boarding schools would shed light on what had happened. He recalled stories about federal agents whisking Gabrielino children away from their families and placing them at Sherman Indian High School, where they were locked inside their cramped dorms when not working, physically and sexually abused, and died of diseases such as tuberculosis.

"Our children weren't geared to go there. They didn't want to go there. They were forcibly taken," Morales said. "The treatment, the condition bestowed upon our children, was horrific."

Clifford Trafzer, a history professor at University of California, Riverside, who specializes in American Indian history, disclosed that all of the former boarding schools operated by the federal government had cemeteries, and students were treated like slaves, forced into hard labor and exposed to dangerous working conditions. Some died in work-related accidents.

Proving that any physical and/or sexual abuse occurred at St. Boniface, or any other boarding school for that matter may hinge mainly on interviews with tribal members, who received that information as it was passed down through oral tradition, Trafzer said.

"We've all heard about this, but you're not going to usually find that in the documents because who's going to abuse a child and then write about it?" he noted. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-06 20:32:00|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

An injured man is treated at a hospital in Kandahar city, capital of Kandahar province, southern Afghanistan, on July 6, 2021. One member of security forces was killed and 20 people were wounded on Tuesday after a powerful explosion ripped through a busy road in Kandahar city, a provincial health official confirmed. (Photo by Sanaullah Seiam/Xinhua)

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, July 6 (Xinhua) -- One security force was killed and 20 people were wounded on Tuesday after a powerful explosion ripped through a busy road in Kandahar city, capital of Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province, a provincial health official confirmed.

The wounded included 11 civilians and nine security forces, Dawood Farhad, director of the provincial civil hospital, told Xinhua, adding that seven were seriously injured.

"The initial information found the nature of the blast was a suicide car bombing that occurred in Police District 7 of the city at midday," a security official told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

The attack was targeting a convoy of Afghan Special Forces driving near a special forces' station in the area, he said.

The blast sent a column of thick smoke into the sky and triggered panic.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.

The province has been the scene of heavy clashes between security forces and Taliban militants fighting the government in recent weeks. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-06 22:49:25|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

NEW DELHI, July 6 (Xinhua) -- India's federal government on Tuesday expressed concern over reports of people crowding hill stations and other tourist destinations in large numbers.

A senior federal health ministry official Lav Agarwal referred to the phenomenon as "revenge travel" and warned that violating COVID-19 protocol would undo the gains achieved so far.

Agarwal stressed that only COVID-19 appropriate behavior can contain the virus, and "revenge travel" was dangerous.

"We want to bring it to your notice that virus and infectious disease is still very much there. It is important to adhere to the COVID-19 protocol and a slight violation can spread the virus again. You have seen people in hill stations and markets are moving without following COVID-19 protocol by not wearing masks and it can nullify the gain that we have achieved in terms of management of the COVID-19."

The ministry showed photographs from places like Manali, Shimla and Mussoorie of massive crowds roaming around with no face masks. Similar pictures from Delhi's Sadar Bazar and Dadar market in Mumbai were also shown.

Meanwhile, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Balram Bhargava said photos coming in from hill stations were frightening.

"COVID-19 appropriate behavior is absolutely essential. The pictures that we have seen today are frightening and we have to be very very careful, very very responsible and very very cautious," he said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 02:16:16|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

VILNIUS, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived here on Tuesday for a two-day official visit. He met with Lithuanian and European Union (EU) leaders and on Wednesday he will attend this year's edition of the annual Ukraine Reform Conference.

On Tuesday, Zelensky met with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and Parliament (Seimas) Speaker Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen.

Congratulating the Lithuanian people on their national Statehood Day, the Ukrainian president called Lithuania a reliable and committed partner of Ukraine. Zelensky noted that although the two countries do not share a border, they have common values, interests and aspirations.

Zelensky also met with Charles Michel, president of the European Council, to discuss preparations and bilateral priorities for the 23rd Ukraine-EU summit, scheduled for Oct. 12, 2021.

Zelensky and Michel also discussed the Associated Trio, a tripartite format for cooperation among the Foreign Ministries of Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova. Zelensky thanked Michel for supporting the cooperation between the EU and the countries that have concluded association agreements with the bloc. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 03:37:48|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

TEHRAN, July 6 (Xinhua) -- At least three people were killed in an explosion at an oil and gas pipeline station in the southwestern province of Khuzestan in Iran, reported the official news agency IRNA on Tuesday.

Adnan Ghazi, the head of the Shush town, said that four others were also injured in the blast at the station, which is located between the villages of Beit Ajam and Mojahedin in the Fat'h al-Mobin district of Shush.

The victims are from Iran's West Oil and Gas Exploitation Company, he said, without elaborating on the cause of the explosion. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 08:34:25|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Cyril Ramaphosa, president of the African National Congress and South African president, addresses the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit on July 6, 2021. The CPC and World Political Parties Summit was held via video link on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Political party leaders across the world attending the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit via video link on Tuesday hailed the CPC's people-centered philosophy as an important global inspiration, saying they are ready to enhance exchanges and cooperation with the CPC.

During his keynote speech at the summit, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese president, called on political parties worldwide to shoulder their historic responsibility for the pursuit of the people's wellbeing and progress of mankind.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, also president of South Africa's governing party African National Congress, congratulates the CPC on the realization of the first centenary goal.

He said the historic achievement of eradicating absolute poverty in the largest developing economy on the planet was made because the CPC has placed the needs and the interests of the people at the center of its work, adding that the CPC is "a true, reliable and valued friend."

Nursultan Nazarbayev, chairman of the Nur Otan Party and first president of Kazakhstan, said that the COVID-19 pandemic has once again proven that only by maintaining partnerships and supporting each other can countries efficiently respond to global challenges.

He also said that as a friendly neighbor of China, Kazakhstan will always actively participate in the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and cooperation within the framework of the BRI.

Dmitry Medvedev, chairman of the United Russia party and deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, said over the past century, the CPC was able to successfully embark on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, which paves the way for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Medvedev said that bilateral relations are constantly developing as the two countries are implementing large-scale projects both bilaterally and within the framework of inter-state relations.

Argentine President Alberto Fernandez, also president of the country's Justicialist Party, said that Xi's speech is "visionary and insightful."

The speech can help political parties to reflect upon what kind of responsibility they should take, he said, calling on parties to strengthen cooperation and promote economic and social development in a bid to bring benefits to all the people.

Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, said the CPC has led the Chinese people to achieve major historic achievements over the past century.

He expressed the belief that under Xi's leadership, China will continue to make new achievements and become a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful.

He also said political parties in various countries should work with governments to actively address global challenges so as to bring happier lives to the human race.

Miguel Diaz-Canel, first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and Cuban president, said the CPC has explored a development path suitable for China's national conditions and led the country in making great achievements.

Noting that China has effectively handled the COVID-19 pandemic and eliminated absolute poverty, he said the key is following the people-centered development philosophy.

President and First Secretary of Zimbabwe's ZANU-PF party Emmerson Mnangagwa, also Zimbabwean president, noted that the summit provided a platform for political parties to learn from each other in realizing prosperity, national rejuvenation, people's happiness as well as the welfare of mankind.

The ZANU-PF party has benefited a lot from the successful experience of the CPC, said Mnangagwa, adding that he believes that under the leadership of the CPC, China will realize the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation.

Chairman of the Fatah party and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said the China-proposed BRI is conducive to deepening international economic cooperation and establishing development partnerships between countries, adding that the initiative also demonstrates that China is at the forefront in providing wisdom for safeguarding the common interests of people all over the world.

Aleksandar Vucic, president of the Progressive Party of Serbia and Serbian president, said that the great creativity the CPC showed in the process of building the country has brought inspiration and hope to all countries in the world.

As the whole world is facing unprecedented challenges, said Vucic, mutual respect, mutual help, reaching consensus through consultation and close cooperation have become more urgent than ever.

Imran Khan, chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and prime minister of Pakistan, said that the CPC has proved that political parties can only enjoy popular support if they can serve the people wholeheartedly.

Upholding the people-centered philosophy, the CPC has led China to eliminate extreme poverty, one of the greatest achievements in the human history, he said, adding that China's announcement of making the COVID-19 vaccines a global public good demonstrates compassion and fairness of the Chinese leader.

George Papandreou, president of the Socialist International, said the CPC sticks to the development philosophy that puts people first, and has successfully eliminated absolute poverty, built a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and at the same time made great contributions to the UN Millennium Development Goals.

Papandreou called on all parties to reduce the gap between developed and developing countries through cooperation and jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind.

Jose Luis Centella, president of the Communist Party of Spain, said the BRI was born to meet the needs of the times, which has not only become an important international cooperation platform, but also provided a great opportunity for the world economy to recover from the pandemic.

At present, political parties worldwide do share the responsibility to actively participate in building a community with a shared future for mankind, and jointly solve pressing problems facing the world, Centella said.

Those who also delivered speeches at the summit included: Rodrigo Duterte, chairman of the Philippines' PDP-Laban party and Philippine president; Samdech Techo Hun Sen, president of the Cambodian People's Party and Cambodian prime minister; Filipe Nyusi, leader of the Mozambique Liberation Front Party and also Mozambican president; Hage Geingob, leader of the South West Africa People's Organization and president of Namibia; Denis Sassou Nguesso, chairman of the Congolese Labour Party and president of the Republic of the Congo; Mahinda Rajapaksa, leader of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party and prime minister of Sri Lanka; Evo Morales, chairperson of Bolivia's Movement Towards Socialism party and former Bolivian president; Saadeddine El Othmani, general secretary of the Justice and Development Party and Moroccan prime minister; Salva Kiir, chairman of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement and president of South Sudan. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 08:52:48|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Photo taken on July 6, 2021 shows the main venue of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China. The CPC and World Political Parties Summit was held via video link on Tuesday in Beijing. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 11:14:12|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Wednesday marks the 84th anniversary of the Lugou Bridge Incident on July 7, 1937, which is recognized as the start of Japan's full-scale invasion of China, and China's whole-of-nation resistance against Japanese aggression.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has on many occasions stressed remembering history and cherishing peace.

The following are some highlights of his quotes.

-- War is like a mirror. Looking at it helps us better appreciate the value of peace.

-- The war (Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression) is the Chinese people's longest and largest fight against foreign aggression in modern times, which came with the greatest sacrifice but led to the Chinese people's first complete victory in national liberation.

-- The great spirit of resisting aggression bred during the war is an invaluable source of inspiration, and will always motivate the Chinese people to overcome all difficulties and obstacles and strive to achieve national rejuvenation.

-- The Chinese people will never allow any individual or any force to impose their will on China through bullying, change China's direction of progress, or obstruct the Chinese people's efforts to create a better life.

-- The Chinese and Japanese people should pass on their friendship from generation to generation, learn the lessons of history and look forward, to make joint contribution to world peace.

-- China is a staunch advocate and strong defender of world peace. The Chinese people will stay committed to the noble cause of peace and development of mankind. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 13:00:13|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

RAMALLAH, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Tuesday that the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) takes people's common interests into consideration and is conducive to global economic cooperation and development.

Abbas, also chairman of the Fatah party, made the remarks during an online speech at the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.

In his address, Abbas said the initiative demonstrates that China is "a leading country" in maintaining the shared interests of people all over the world, the report said.

He spoke highly of the remarkable achievements scored by the great Chinese people under the leadership of the CPC since its founding a century ago, noting that the Chinese ruling party has established laudable development patterns in all fields.

The president extended sincere greetings and congratulations on behalf of the Palestinian people and the Fatah party to Chinese President and General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping and his companions.

He expressed gratitude for China's support at the United Nations and all other international forums for the Palestinian efforts and legitimate rights to obtain their freedom and national independence. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 13:22:30|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

KAMPALA, July 7 (Xinhua) -- China's hosting of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit shows the country is becoming a good partner in socio-economic transformation of the world through political parties, a top leader of Uganda's ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party said on Tuesday.

The party representatives led by NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong convened in the capital of Kampala to attend the cloud summit, which gathered leaders of more than 500 political parties and organizations from over 160 countries.

"This is a demonstration that China is becoming a good partner in socio-economic transformation of the world through political parties. We thank them so much for hosting this summit," Todwong said.

The party leader pledged to "work together with all other political parties around the world that aspire to improve the social well-being of its people."

During his keynote speech at the summit, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese president, called on political parties worldwide to shoulder their historic responsibility for the pursuit of the people's well-being and progress of mankind.

The summit issued a joint initiative, which expressed the common will of political parties attending the event to safeguard world peace and development and promote the well-being of the people. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 13:46:47|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

HAVANA, July 7 (Xinhua) -- First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on Tuesday called on the international community to join efforts to defend world peace and promote human wellbeing.

Diaz-Canel made the remark during the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit, which was held online and convened by the CPC.

"The founding of the Communist Party of China and proclamation of the New China constitute milestones in the history of humankind," he said, adding that China "has made important theoretical and practical contributions to Marxism-Leninism."

Diaz-Canel also said that the CPC has overcome adversity with strength and wisdom, and has always been upholding the people-centered philosophy.

"China is recognized all over the world for its robust economic base, supported by a huge internal market," he said, adding that the country's experiences in the construction of socialism with Chinese characteristics are "treasured."

Diaz-Canel spoke highly of the Chinese government's management of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the country's achievements in eradicating absolute poverty.

China and Cuba are "united by the determination to build socialism based on (our) national realities, political mutual trust, a common vision concerning sustainable development and a major concern for the wellbeing of our peoples," he said.

On the occasion of the CPC's centenary, Diaz-Canel extended his congratulations to Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Chinese people and more than 95 million CPC members. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 14:02:13|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

ULAN BATOR -- Mongolia reported 1,998 more COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the national tally to 130,452, the country's health ministry said Wednesday.

Meanwhile, seven more deaths were reported, raising the national count to 670, the ministry said in a statement. (Mongolia-COVID-19)

- - - -

WASHINGTON -- The confirmed death toll in the partial collapse of a 12-story residential building in Surfside, southeastern U.S. state Florida, has risen to 36, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said at an evening news briefing on Tuesday.

There are 109 "reports of people who are potentially unaccounted for," the mayor said. (US-Building Collapse)

- - - -

KHARTOUM -- Sudan said on Tuesday that the notification it received from Ethiopia over the second filling of a huge dam on the Nile River is useless without a negotiated deal among related countries.

"The Irrigation and Water Resources Ministry received a letter from its Ethiopian counterpart notifying it has started the second filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) during the current rainy season," Omar Al-Farouq Sayed Kamel, spokesman of the Sudanese government's team to the GERD talks, said in a statement. (Sudan-Ethiopia-Dam-GERD-Tension)

- - - -

KAMPALA -- Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and visiting Kenyan Deputy President William Ruto on Tuesday called for forming the East African Federation, a proposed political union of the East African Community (EAC).

According to a statement issued by the State House Uganda, during a groundbreaking ceremony of a biotech manufacturing facility held in the central Ugandan district of Wakiso, Museveni said African countries need to realize that it is through integration that they can ensure the prosperity of their peoples. (Uganda-EAC-Federation) Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 14:05:22|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Mahmoud Abbas, chairman of the Fatah party and Palestinian president, addresses the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit on July 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

In his address, Abbas said the initiative demonstrates that China is "a leading country" in maintaining the shared interests of people all over the world.

RAMALLAH, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Tuesday that the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) takes people's common interests into consideration and is conducive to global economic cooperation and development.

Abbas, also chairman of the Fatah party, made the remarks during an online speech at the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.

In his address, Abbas said the initiative demonstrates that China is "a leading country" in maintaining the shared interests of people all over the world, the report said.

A Yuxin'ou (Chongqing-Xinjiang-Europe) China-Europe freight train leaves the Tuanjie Village Station of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, March 19, 2021. (Xinhua/Tang Yi)

He spoke highly of the remarkable achievements scored by the great Chinese people under the leadership of the CPC since its founding a century ago, noting that the Chinese ruling party has established laudable development patterns in all fields.

The president extended sincere greetings and congratulations on behalf of the Palestinian people and the Fatah party to Chinese President and General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping and his companions.

He expressed gratitude for China's support at the United Nations and all other international forums for the Palestinian efforts and legitimate rights to obtain their freedom and national independence. 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 14:54:49|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

General Secretary of the Palestinian People's Party Bassam Salhi speaks during an interview via video link on May 27, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua) -- China's development model serves as an inspiring example for other countries in exploring an effective path of development, said General Secretary of the Palestinian People's Party Bassam Salhi, in a recent interview with Xinhua via video link.

Noting the Communist Party of China (CPC) has led the Chinese people to achieve remarkable development, Salhi, who has visited China several times, is deeply impressed by the fast growth of Chinese cities represented by Shenzhen, whose success is seen as a microcosm of China's reform and opening-up.

"Every time we visited China, we saw something new -- new buildings, new streets, and new manifestations of rejuvenation," he said.

The CPC pays special attention to a comprehensive planning for the future, and considers the actual needs of both developed and underdeveloped regions, Salhi said, expressing his admiration for the CPC's capacity for forethought and the party members' commitment to their missions.

Under the leadership of the CPC, China -- which has kept pace with the changing times and blazed a development path with its own characteristics -- has proven itself with its tremendous socioeconomic progress over the past decades, he said.

Salhi's knowledge of China and the CPC is built on his visits to and long-term study on the country. "Marxism (in China) is not something static, but something that evolves with reality and is linked to circumstances," he said.

Viewing the book "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" as a window on observing and understanding China, Salhi said the book is very important and useful inside and outside China, because it explains the philosophy of the CPC's governance, both from the perspectives of history and in terms of looking into the future.

The elaborations in the book, including those about the CPC's people-oriented philosophy and the Belt and Road Initiative, profoundly impressed Salhi, who believes that the China-proposed initiative will bring more development opportunities to China's neighbors and countries along the routes.

Having led the Chinese people to score great achievements, the CPC is enhancing its contributions to the world as the party, in parallel with its dedication to the Chinese people's well-being, is also bringing benefits to people around the world and promoting a community with a shared future for mankind, Salhi said.

Having successfully addressed the challenges posed by COVID-19, China set "a very vital example of how to deal with crises with courage, boldness and creativity," Salhi added. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 15:42:27|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities on Wednesday warned of mounting risks of natural disasters in July as the country's major river basins enter flood season.

This month, floods may occur in some of the country's major rivers, including the Yangtze, Yellow, Huaihe and Heilongjiang rivers, as well as their tributaries and neighboring water bodies, according to the China National Commission for Disaster Reduction and the Ministry of Emergency Management.

Severe convective weather such as strong winds, hail and tornados is also expected to hit vast parts of China this month.

High precipitation in hilly areas is raising the odds of geological disasters, warned the authorities, urging some regions in south and southwest China to brace for such events. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 15:50:56|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

PHNOM PENH, July 7 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit was paramount to strengthening intimacy, solidarity, and cooperation among political parties around the world, Cambodian People's Party President and Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the summit via a videoconference, Hun Sen also said that China has clearly shown the world the resounding success of the Chinese people in determining the fate of their country by promoting development in all aspects of the socio-economy.

"Maintaining political stability and placing the happiness, prosperity and well-being of the people at the heart of major political decisions of the CPC is a good example for other world political parties to learn from," he said.

Hun Sen said the outbreak of COVID-19 was a historic event that required all countries as well as political parties around the world to unite as one for the cause of humanity.

"A key to this objective is the sharing of vaccines and recognizing vaccines as a public good, by adhering to the principles of 'vaccine multilateralism' in the process of production, distribution and consumption," he said.

"In this regard, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the People's Republic of China for its vigorous support for Cambodia through the provision of assistances, both technical and material, and especially the generous support in the form of COVID-19 vaccines," he added.

Hun Sen said as the COVID-19 crisis will subside in the near future, rebuilding socio-economy is an indispensable task.

"This will require the promotion of various bilateral and multilateral mechanisms, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which is a crucial win-win development strategy for socio-economic development and prosperity of countries in the region and around the world through promoting trade and investment," he said.

"I strongly wish to voice my support again for the BRI, which will bring prosperity and happiness to the people in the countries and regions under the scope of this initiative, in the context of socio-economic recovery after the COVID-19 crisis subsides," he added. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 16:33:56|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

TOKYO, July 7 (Xinhua) -- The Japanese government will launch a databank of infectious diseases later this month to help fight COVID-19, starting with a plan to collect statistics on 10,000 COVID-19 patients by next March, local media reported Wednesday.

To help curb the COVID-19 outbreak, the government will first collect blood and saliva samples along with the treatment records of infected patients, and provide firms and universities access to these records in assistance to their researches on respiratory disease possibly from this autumn, according to project managers.

Universities and medical institutions in Japan have been managing data on infectious diseases separately. However, problems such as a lack of staff for data analysis and inability to keep samples due to budget crunch remained unresolved.

"It is very important for the state to take the lead in continuously operating the databank from the standpoint of national security," Wataru Sugiura, who heads the Center for Clinical Sciences at the National Center for Global Health and Medicine, told local media.

"It is also necessary to nurture people who can conduct research using the collected data," he added.

Accordingly, around 50 medical institutions are expected to join the project, and the databank will be operated by organizations including the National Center for Global Health and Medicine, the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, and the University of Tokyo.

The databank will first accumulate samples and treatment data of COVID-19 patients already stored at each institution and start asking permissions from new patients for their samples and data on treatment, severity, vaccination records and genome analyses.

Such samples and data are expected to show what type of people tend to develop severe COVID-19 symptoms. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 16:52:23|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Munir Akram speaks at a press briefing at the UN headquarters in New York, July 6, 2021. Akram on Tuesday urged developed nations to fulfill their commitments of 100 billion U.S. dollars in annual funding to help support developing countries fight climate change. (Xinhua/Xie E)

UNITED NATIONS, July 6 (Xinhua) -- President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Munir Akram on Tuesday urged developed nations to fulfill their commitments of 100 billion U.S. dollars in annual funding to help support developing countries fight climate change.

Speaking to reporters at the UN headquarters in New York, Akram, also Pakistan's permanent representative to the UN, made the remarks while underscoring the importance of the United Nations in minimizing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the current crisis, "the UN has played a very positive role," he said, citing the response of the secretary-general to set up the humanitarian response emergency fund and resident coordinator system to better respond to the needs of each country.

The ECOSOC chief expressed the hope that the UN will continue "to press for the fulfillment of the commitments made by the developed countries, not only in a vaccine issue, but also the financing issue."

Speaking of universal vaccination, Akram said that access to vaccines is a challenge. "So long as the vaccinations do not take place, the economies cannot fully open up."

On the triple crisis of the pandemic, economic recession and climate change that the world is facing, he warned that the reversal in progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals "set back development by several decades."

To underline his stance, the ECOSOC chief cited what International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said on Monday that "developing countries were being held back by slow vaccination rates."

Regarding climate finance, Akram said that in 2009 developed countries committed to providing developing countries 100 billion dollars per year in climate funding.

"It's now 2021. So, if you accumulate that number, it's 1.1 trillion dollars that ought to have been available," he said.

If that commitment is made, he said, it could help boost the UN's development goals.

The high-level political forum on sustainable development, which kicked off Tuesday, will discuss ways to ensure a resilient recovery that puts coronavirus-hit countries on track to meet the UN's 2030 Agenda to reduce inequality and protect the planet. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 17:06:39|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a virtual summit with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Beijing, capital of China, July 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

The virtual summit "has resulted in important outcomes that could help the world forge a more united and inclusive post-pandemic world," said Cavince Adhere, a Kenya-based international relations scholar.

BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's remarks at the virtual summit held Monday with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel are expected to promote multilateralism and global cooperation, experts around the world have said.

Noting the persisting severe situation of COVID-19 globally and the uncertain prospect of economic recovery, Xi said the world more than ever needs mutual respect and close collaboration, rather than suspicion, antagonism or zero-sum game.

Calling for safeguarding the real multilateralism, Xi said that the international system with the United Nations (UN) at its core and the basic norms governing international relations based on the UN Charter must be upheld, and global issues should be addressed via consultations of all parties in a reasonably calm manner.

The virtual summit "has resulted in important outcomes that could help the world forge a more united and inclusive post-pandemic world," said Cavince Adhere, a Kenya-based international relations scholar.

"As President Xi said at the summit, multilateralism remains the most viable path for countries to collectively pull together in providing sustainable solutions to challenges afflicting humanity," said Adhere.

"Regional and international cooperation is a must," said Humphrey Moshi, director of the Center for Chinese Studies at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

Noting China is leading the world in safeguarding multilateralism and promoting international cooperation, Moshi spoke highly of China's efforts to help Africa fight the pandemic and address its development challenges.

Medical supplies donated by China are unloaded from a plane at Robert Mugabe International Airport in Harare, Zimbabwe, on May 11, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuliang)

"President Xi's words during the meeting were timely because we are seeing increasing mistrust," said Euston Chiputa, an economic historian at the University of Zambia.

"Mutual respect is important on the international scene" as it leads to a world "free of confrontation," said the expert.

Commenting on Xi's stress on multilateralism, Christine Bierre, editor-in-chief of France's Nouvelle Solidarite magazine and an expert at the Schiller France Institute, said, "it is extremely urgent to safeguard the international system of the United Nations, and the Charter of the United Nations."

Envisioning closer cooperation between China and the European Union (EU), Bierre said, "all of this could translate into joint action around the world that could be very beneficial."

A Yuxin'ou (Chongqing-Xinjiang-Europe) China-Europe freight train leaves the Tuanjie Village Station of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, March 19, 2021. (Xinhua/Tang Yi)

In the eyes of former Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme, the EU "should seize every opportunity to ensure good cooperation with China."

The EU has been "identifying lots of domains in which stronger cooperation with China will deliver lots of benefits for all parts of the world," said Leterme. 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 18:02:31|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

by Xinhua writer Guo Yage

BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua) -- "The choice is in our hands and the responsibility falls on our shoulders."

That was what Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said during the CPC and World Political Parties Summit held via video link on Tuesday, as he called on political parties in the world to shoulder their responsibility for the pursuit of people's wellbeing and progress of mankind.

Xi's speech is "visionary and insightful," said Argentine President Alberto Fernandez, also president of the country's Justicialist Party.

The cloud summit, which gathered leaders of more than 500 political parties and organizations from over 160 countries, was the latest of an array of diplomatic occasions where the Chinese leader offered China's solutions to daunting challenges facing humanity.

By attending six important multilateral events, and engaging in nearly 100 phone calls, messages and virtual meetings in the form of "cloud diplomacy" this year, Xi has made such pledges and proposals on the anti-pandemic fight, common development, environmental governance and multilateralism that keep resonating across the world.

ANTI-PANDEMIC FIGHT

In a phone conversation held on Jan. 28 with his Bolivian counterpart, Luis Arce, Xi said China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Bolivia on COVID-19 vaccines.

Recalling that China has provided Bolivia with material and technical assistance to fight the epidemic through various channels, the Chinese president said his country will continue supporting Bolivia in the anti-epidemic fight within its capacity.

Some 27 days later, Chinese Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines arrived at Viru Viru International Airport in the Latin American country.

Ever since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Xi has repeatedly stressed on the importance of global anti-pandemic cooperation.

"The ancient Roman philosopher Seneca said, 'We are all waves of the same sea.' Let us join hands and stand shoulder to shoulder with each other to firmly advance international cooperation against COVID-19, build a global community of health for all, and work for a healthier and brighter future for humanity," Xi said in late May at the Global Health Summit.

He also made a five-point proposal at the summit, namely putting people and their lives first, following science-based policies and ensuring a coordinated and systemic response, sticking together and promoting solidarity and cooperation, upholding fairness and equity to close the immunization gap, and addressing both the symptoms and root causes to improve the governance system.

Under Xi's guidance, China has made great contributions to the global anti-pandemic fight. It has provided more than 480 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to nearly 100 countries, and pledged to provide the first batch of 10 million doses of vaccines to the World Health Organization (WHO) -led COVAX.

"COVID-19 has shown how a small virus has actually frozen us globally, our movement, our activities, (and) our interaction," former Malaysian Ambassador to China Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan told Xinhua. "So the only way to combat this is through cooperation, through the sharing of common interest, I think that is the way forward."

As the whole world is facing unprecedented challenges, mutual respect, mutual help, reaching consensus through consultation and close cooperation have become more urgent than ever, said Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

COMMON DEVELOPMENT

From May 7-10, the first China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) was held in Haikou, the capital of south China's Hainan Province.

A total of 70 countries and regions attended the four-day expo, and 2,628 brands of 1,505 enterprises from home and abroad participated in the exhibitions.

In his congratulatory message to the expo, Xi said the expo, serving as a global platform of displaying and trading high-end consumer products, is conducive to all countries sharing opportunities provided by the Chinese market and conducive to global economic recovery and growth. It will also enable China to offer the world more quality consumer products.

Apart from the CICPE, other high-end international expos such as the decades-old Canton Fair and the 3-year-old China International Import Expo have also demonstrated China's commitment to wider opening-up and mutual benefits.

China has done its best to promote South-South cooperation and provide assistance for developing countries, Xi said in a phone conversation with United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in early May, adding that this is China's consistent practice as well as its moral responsibility.

Indeed, by pushing forward such proposals as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has been taking the lead to inject fresh momentum into the global economy, and deliver confidence to the international community.

Since the first China-Europe freight train left southwest China's Chongqing Municipality in March 2011, China has launched the service in more than 60 cities domestically, connecting them with major European countries, which has recorded more than 40,000 trips.

Just as Xi said in late April at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2021, "the BRI is a public road open to all, not a private path owned by one single party."

"Going forward, we will continue to work with other parties in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation," Xi said, adding, "We will act in the spirit of openness and inclusiveness as we work with all willing participants to build the BRI into a pathway to poverty alleviation and growth."

Jose Luis Centella, president of the Communist Party of Spain, said the BRI was born to meet the needs of the times, which has not only become an important international cooperation platform, but also provided a great opportunity for the world economy to recover from the pandemic.

China, through the further implementation of the policy of reform and opening up and the development of the BRI, will inject impetus to other countries' economic development, said Yulia Tymoshenko, leader of the Fatherland party of Ukraine.

ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE

"Faced with unprecedented challenges in global environmental governance, the international community needs to come up with unprecedented ambition and action. We need to act with a sense of responsibility and unity, and work together to foster a community of life for man and Nature," Xi said in late April at the virtual Leaders Summit on Climate.

Through various similar occasions, Xi has reiterated the importance of closer cooperation in green development.

On May 19, Xi and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony of a bilateral nuclear energy cooperation project of Tianwan nuclear power plant and Xudapu nuclear power plant, via video link.

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, Xi said at the ceremony, adding, "Responding to climate change is a common task for all countries."

From the remote sensing satellites in Ethiopia to a low-carbon demonstration zone project in Laos, China has been trying its best to help developing countries address climate change. Its ambition to peak its carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, its joint statement with the United States on climate change cooperation, and its upcoming hosting of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) have all demonstrated the country's dedication to a fair and reasonable system of global environmental governance.

China is ready to work with Europe to ensure positive outcomes at the COP15, and the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Xi said Monday during a virtual summit with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Xi's statement reflects the importance China attaches to the global ecological environment, its determination to actively work to promote global climate governance and strengthen climate cooperation, said Guo Jie, principal professor of finance at Durham University in Britain, adding that it shows the sense of responsibility of a great power, which injects strong positive energy into the global process of combating climate change.

UPHOLDING MULTILATERALISM

On June 28, Xi and Putin issued a joint statement, in which the two heads of state pledged to protect global strategic security and stability, support and practice true multilateralism, oppose interference in other countries' affairs under the guise of "democracy" and "human rights," and resist unilateral coercive sanctions.

In the eyes of Xi, upholding and practicing genuine multilateralism is the only right way toward solving global challenges.

"The problems facing the world are intricate and complex. The way out of them is through upholding multilateralism and building a community with a shared future for mankind," Xi said in late January when addressing the World Economic Forum Virtual Event of the Davos Agenda.

All countries should follow the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, uphold true multilateralism, and make the global governance system more fair and equitable, Xi said later at the Boao Forum.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the restoration of the lawful seat of the People's Republic of China in the UN, the 20th anniversary of China's accession to the World Trade Organization, and the 20th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Calling China "a pillar of multilateralism," Guterres said he expects China to "continue its proactive policies to strengthen the UN's global work on maintaining peace and security and encouraging sustainable development."

"Multilateralism remains the most viable path for countries to collectively pull together in providing sustainable solutions to challenges afflicting humanity," said Kenya-based international relations scholar Cavince Adhere. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 18:22:43|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

HEFEI, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Every week, Wu Lin, a 19-year-old college student would queue up at a store specializing in selling food nearing their expiration date, and return to the dorm with a bag of discounted snacks.

"These near-expired goods are usually sold at 30 percent to 50 percent of the market price and many of these goods are from big brands, which is very appealing to me," she said.

Wu is among a growing number of young Chinese who buy near-expired food at reduced prices, a practice that has been spurred by a more rational consumption concept and the adoption of the anti-food-waste law in the country in April.

China's near-expired food market exceeded 30 billion yuan (about 4.64 billion U.S. dollars) in 2020 and 47.8 percent of the consumers are aged 26 to 35, showed a report by iiMedia Research, a Chinese consulting agency.

Over 70,000 young people share tips on buying near-expired food every day on an online community called "I love near-expired food."

Unlike the traditional thinking that buying such goods is penny-pinching or embarrassing, more and more young people like Wu regard it as a kind of sustainable consumption that can help curb food waste.

"I don't care much about the date as long as I can eat before its expiry. It meets my demand while saving resources and protecting the environment, which is a good thing," said Wu.

Food waste is a global issue and has aggravated world hunger. The value of yearly food losses and waste worldwide was estimated at 400 billion U.S. dollars, Maximo Torero, chief economist with United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, told Xinhua in late 2020. China is also faced with the problem of food waste, especially in the urban catering industry.

Li Yunjing, a sales clerk at a shop exclusively selling near-expired food in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, used to work in a supermarket. She was often perturbed by the waste of products.

"A mass of expired and near-expired products were disposed of or destroyed directly, which was a great loss," said Li, adding that the emergence of such shops selling near-expired products can mitigate the waste to some extent.

Brick-and-mortar shops selling food nearing the expiry date have mushroomed in cities across China. HotMaxx, a chain store that opened last year in major Chinese cities, has expanded to more than 200 outlets across the country.

"The busiest shop in downtown Hefei witnesses more than 1,000 people a day during the peak season and many are returning customers," said a worker surnamed Zhou who is in charge of marketing at a HotMaxx outlet in Hefei.

To ensure the safety and quality of the goods, the shop places high demands on the suppliers.

"We usually tie up with well-known supermarkets and brands to get quality goods and eliminate unqualified suppliers based on the sampling inspection and consumer feedbacks," said Zhou.

Online shops selling near-expired food are growing rapidly, too. Statistics from the e-commerce platform Taobao showed that some 2.1 million people buy such food on the platform every year.

"There are even online shops selling blind boxes full of near-expired food, which sell like hotcakes," said the college student Wu.

From a safety perspective, which may concern many consumers, experts believe that such products won't do any harm.

"Near-expired food is safe and buying these products is a good practice to help prevent waste of resources, which should be encouraged," said Zhou Yu, a professor of food nutrition and safety at Anhui Agricultural University. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 19:21:16|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

A soldier stands guard in front of Haitian President Jovenel Moise's home in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on July 7, 2021. Haitian President Jovenel Moise was shot dead at his home, Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph said in a statement early on Wednesday. (Photo by Tcharly Coutin/Xinhua)

MEXICO CITY, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Haitian President Jovenel Moise was shot dead at his home, Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph said in a statement early on Wednesday.

Moise has been ruling Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, by decree, after legislative elections due in 2018 were delayed. Disputes have been around on when his term ends.

Haiti's constitutional referendum, which should have taken place in April but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will be held on Sept. 26, the national electoral commission announced on June 28. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 19:42:17|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

A man carries an oxygen tube to be refilled in Manggarai of Jakarta, Indonesia, on July 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Veri Sanovri)

-- Indonesia reports highest daily spikes of 34,379 cases, 1,040 deaths;

-- S.Korea confirms 1,212 more cases, highest in over 6 months;

-- India records 43,733 new infections;

-- Pakistan logs 1,517 new cases.

HONG KONG, July 7 (Xinhua) -- The following are the latest developments of the COVID-19 pandemic in Asia-Pacific countries:

JAKARTA -- Indonesia recorded 34,379 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours, marking the highest daily spike and bringing the total tally to 2,379,397, the health ministry said.

The ministry also reported that the related death toll added by 1,040, the biggest daily rise since the pandemic hit the country in March last year, to 62,908.

An additional 14,835 recovered patients were discharged from hospitals, raising the total number of recoveries from the pandemic in the Southeast Asian country to 1,973,388.

Workers unload oxygen cylinders from a truck at a temporary oxygen refilling station in Jakarta, Indonesia, July 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Zulkarnain)

SEOUL -- South Korea reported 1,212 more cases, raising the total number of infections to 162,753.

The daily caseload was sharply up from 746 the previous day, marking the highest in over six months since Dec. 25 last year. The daily average caseload for the past week was 827.

The continued triple-digit growth was attributable to small cluster infections in Seoul and its surrounding Gyeonggi province as well as imported cases.

Of the new cases, 577 were Seoul residents and 357 were people residing in Gyeonggi province.

One more death was confirmed, leaving the death toll at 2,033.

A man collects marine waste along the seashore of Yeongheung Island in Incheon, South Korea, June 18, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Jingqiang)

NEW DELHI -- India's tally rose to 30,663,665 as 43,733 new cases were registered during the past 24 hours across the country, showed the federal health ministry's latest data.

Besides, 930 deaths due to the pandemic since Tuesday morning took the total death toll to 404,211.

After continuously falling in the past few days, both new cases and deaths rose sharply during the past 24 hours.

There are still 459,920 active cases in the country.

Staff members clean the floor with disinfectants in a shopping mall in Bangalore, India, July 4, 2021, as the Karnataka state government will allow the commercial establishments to reopen. (Str/Xinhua)

ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan on Tuesday confirmed 1,517 new COVID-19 cases, the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) said on Wednesday.

The NCOC said that the country's number of overall confirmed cases had risen to 966,007, including 909,525 recoveries.

The number of active cases has risen to 34,013 who are under treatment across the country, including 1,941 critical patients.

According to the NCOC, the pandemic killed 17 people on Tuesday, increasing the overall death toll to 22,469.

People visit a mango festival in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, July 2, 2021. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)

PHNOM PENH -- Cambodia confirmed 981 new cases, pushing the national caseload to 57,103 so far, the Ministry of Health (MoH) said in a statement.

The new infections included 716 local cases and 265 imported cases, the MoH said.

A total of 19 new fatalities had been reported, taking the overall death toll to 798, the statement said, adding that 934 patients recovered, bringing the total number of recoveries to 48,974.

People wait to receive COVID-19 vaccines at an inoculation site in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on July 2, 2021. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua) 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 19:46:05|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Tibetan antelopes are released into the wild at a wildlife rescue center of the Sonam Dargye Protection Station in Hoh Xil, northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 7, 2021. Five Tibetan antelopes were released into the wild on Wednesday after being rescued in northwest China's Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve under the Sanjiangyuan National Park, the park's management bureau said. Two female and three male Tibetan antelopes were released back into nature around 1:00 p.m. Wednesday after years of being cared for at a local protection station. Tibetan antelopes are mostly found in the Tibet Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The species is under first-class state protection in China. The Hoh Xil nature reserve has not reported any poaching for 11 consecutive years and the population of Tibetan antelopes in the area has recovered to about 70,000. (Xinhua/Zhang Long)

XINING, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Five Tibetan antelopes were released into the wild on Wednesday after being rescued in northwest China's Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve under the Sanjiangyuan National Park, the park's management bureau said.

Two female and three male Tibetan antelopes were released back into nature around 1:00 p.m. Wednesday after years of being cared for at a local protection station.

In 2018 and 2020, the wild animals were found by local patrol personnel at Zonag Lake, dubbed the "delivery room" for the species at the heart of Hoh Xil, and then sent to the local protection station.

The animals were juveniles when they were found, and some were still sucklings. They were raised at the protection station, and received training on life in the wild, meaning that they are now perfectly adapted to living free in nature, according to Lungdru Tsegyel, head of the protection station.

Founded in 2002, the Hoh Xil wildlife rescue center has rescued more than 600 wild animals and released over 50 Tibetan antelopes into the wild.

Tibetan antelopes are mostly found in the Tibet Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The species is under first-class state protection in China.

The Hoh Xil nature reserve has not reported any poaching for 11 consecutive years and the population of Tibetan antelopes in the area has recovered to about 70,000. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 19:57:59|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

HONG KONG, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Asia-Pacific kept on high alert on Wednesday as Indonesia, South Korea confirmed record high daily COVID-19 infections, while India witnessed resurgence in cases and deaths.

Indonesia recorded 34,379 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours, marking the highest daily spike and bringing the total tally to 2,379,397, the health ministry said.

The ministry also reported that the related death toll added by 1,040, the biggest daily rise since the pandemic hit the country in March last year, to 62,908.

An additional 14,835 recovered patients were discharged from hospitals, raising the total number of recoveries from the pandemic in the Southeast Asian country to 1,973,388.

South Korea reported 1,212 more cases, raising the total number of infections to 162,753.

The daily caseload was sharply up from 746 in the previous day, marking the highest in over six months since Dec. 25 last year. The daily average caseload for the past week was 827.

The continued triple-digit growth was attributable to small cluster infections in Seoul and its surrounding Gyeonggi province as well as imported cases.

Of the new cases, 577 were Seoul residents and 357 were people residing in Gyeonggi province.

One more death was confirmed, leaving the death toll at 2,033.

India's tally rose to 30,663,665 as 43,733 new cases were registered during the past 24 hours across the country, showed the federal health ministry's latest data.

Besides, 930 deaths due to the pandemic since Tuesday morning took the total death toll to 404,211.

After continuously falling in the past few days, both new cases and deaths rose sharply during the past 24 hours.

There are still 459,920 active cases in the country.

Pakistan on Tuesday confirmed 1,517 new cases, the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) said on Wednesday.

The NCOC said that the country's number of overall confirmed cases had risen to 966,007, including 909,525 recoveries.

The number of active cases has risen to 34,013 who are under treatment across the country, including 1,941 critical patients.

According to the NCOC, the pandemic killed 17 people on Tuesday, increasing the overall death toll to 22,469.

Cambodia confirmed 981 new cases, pushing the national caseload to 57,103 so far, the Ministry of Health (MoH) said in a statement.

The new infections included 716 local cases and 265 imported cases, the MoH said.

A total of 19 new fatalities had been reported, taking the overall death toll to 798, the statement said, adding that 934 patients recovered, bringing the total number of recoveries to 48,974. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 20:24:26|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, attends the CPC and World Political Parties Summit and delivers a keynote speech in Beijing, capital of China, July 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

by Xinhua writer Guo Yage

BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua) -- "The choice is in our hands and the responsibility falls on our shoulders."

That was what Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said during the CPC and World Political Parties Summit held via video link on Tuesday, as he called on political parties in the world to shoulder their responsibility for the pursuit of people's wellbeing and progress of mankind.

Xi's speech is "visionary and insightful," said Argentine President Alberto Fernandez, also president of the country's Justicialist Party.

The cloud summit, which gathered leaders of more than 500 political parties and organizations from over 160 countries, was the latest of an array of diplomatic occasions where the Chinese leader offered China's solutions to daunting challenges facing humanity.

By attending six important multilateral events, and engaging in nearly 100 phone calls, messages and virtual meetings in the form of "cloud diplomacy" this year, Xi has made such pledges and proposals on the anti-pandemic fight, common development, environmental governance and multilateralism that keep resonating across the world.

Photo taken on July 6, 2021 shows the main venue of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

ANTI-PANDEMIC FIGHT

In a phone conversation held on Jan. 28 with his Bolivian counterpart, Luis Arce, Xi said China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Bolivia on COVID-19 vaccines.

Recalling that China has provided Bolivia with material and technical assistance to fight the epidemic through various channels, the Chinese president said his country will continue supporting Bolivia in the anti-epidemic fight within its capacity.

Some 27 days later, Chinese Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines arrived at Viru Viru International Airport in the Latin American country.

Ever since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Xi has repeatedly stressed on the importance of global anti-pandemic cooperation.

"The ancient Roman philosopher Seneca said, 'We are all waves of the same sea.' Let us join hands and stand shoulder to shoulder with each other to firmly advance international cooperation against COVID-19, build a global community of health for all, and work for a healthier and brighter future for humanity," Xi said in late May at the Global Health Summit.

He also made a five-point proposal at the summit, namely putting people and their lives first, following science-based policies and ensuring a coordinated and systemic response, sticking together and promoting solidarity and cooperation, upholding fairness and equity to close the immunization gap, and addressing both the symptoms and root causes to improve the governance system.

Under Xi's guidance, China has made great contributions to the global anti-pandemic fight. It has provided more than 480 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to nearly 100 countries, and pledged to provide the first batch of 10 million doses of vaccines to the World Health Organization (WHO) -led COVAX.

"COVID-19 has shown how a small virus has actually frozen us globally, our movement, our activities, (and) our interaction," former Malaysian Ambassador to China Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan told Xinhua. "So the only way to combat this is through cooperation, through the sharing of common interest, I think that is the way forward."

As the whole world is facing unprecedented challenges, mutual respect, mutual help, reaching consensus through consultation and close cooperation have become more urgent than ever, said Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

People visit the Hainan Exhibition Area during the first China International Consumer Products Expo in Haikou, capital of south China's Hainan Province, May 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

COMMON DEVELOPMENT

From May 7-10, the first China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) was held in Haikou, the capital of south China's Hainan Province.

A total of 70 countries and regions attended the four-day expo, and 2,628 brands of 1,505 enterprises from home and abroad participated in the exhibitions.

In his congratulatory message to the expo, Xi said the expo, serving as a global platform of displaying and trading high-end consumer products, is conducive to all countries sharing opportunities provided by the Chinese market and conducive to global economic recovery and growth. It will also enable China to offer the world more quality consumer products.

Apart from the CICPE, other high-end international expos such as the decades-old Canton Fair and the 3-year-old China International Import Expo have also demonstrated China's commitment to wider opening-up and mutual benefits.

China has done its best to promote South-South cooperation and provide assistance for developing countries, Xi said in a phone conversation with United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in early May, adding that this is China's consistent practice as well as its moral responsibility.

Indeed, by pushing forward such proposals as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has been taking the lead to inject fresh momentum into the global economy, and deliver confidence to the international community.

Since the first China-Europe freight train left southwest China's Chongqing Municipality in March 2011, China has launched the service in more than 60 cities domestically, connecting them with major European countries, which has recorded more than 40,000 trips.

Just as Xi said in late April at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2021, "the BRI is a public road open to all, not a private path owned by one single party."

"Going forward, we will continue to work with other parties in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation," Xi said, adding, "We will act in the spirit of openness and inclusiveness as we work with all willing participants to build the BRI into a pathway to poverty alleviation and growth."

Jose Luis Centella, president of the Communist Party of Spain, said the BRI was born to meet the needs of the times, which has not only become an important international cooperation platform, but also provided a great opportunity for the world economy to recover from the pandemic.

China, through the further implementation of the policy of reform and opening up and the development of the BRI, will inject impetus to other countries' economic development, said Yulia Tymoshenko, leader of the Fatherland party of Ukraine.

Aerial photo taken on Aug. 19, 2020 shows cloud-shrouded wind turbines in Jiucaiping scenic spot in southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)

ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE

"Faced with unprecedented challenges in global environmental governance, the international community needs to come up with unprecedented ambition and action. We need to act with a sense of responsibility and unity, and work together to foster a community of life for man and Nature," Xi said in late April at the virtual Leaders Summit on Climate.

Through various similar occasions, Xi has reiterated the importance of closer cooperation in green development.

On May 19, Xi and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony of a bilateral nuclear energy cooperation project of Tianwan nuclear power plant and Xudapu nuclear power plant, via video link.

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, Xi said at the ceremony, adding, "Responding to climate change is a common task for all countries."

From the remote sensing satellites in Ethiopia to a low-carbon demonstration zone project in Laos, China has been trying its best to help developing countries address climate change. Its ambition to peak its carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, its joint statement with the United States on climate change cooperation, and its upcoming hosting of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) have all demonstrated the country's dedication to a fair and reasonable system of global environmental governance.

China is ready to work with Europe to ensure positive outcomes at the COP15, and the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Xi said Monday during a virtual summit with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Xi's statement reflects the importance China attaches to the global ecological environment, its determination to actively work to promote global climate governance and strengthen climate cooperation, said Guo Jie, principal professor of finance at Durham University in Britain, adding that it shows the sense of responsibility of a great power, which injects strong positive energy into the global process of combating climate change.

Aerial photo taken on Aug. 27, 2019 shows cargo ships at a wharf of Wenfeng port in the China (Hebei) Pilot Free Trade Zone Caofeidian area in north China's Hebei Province. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

UPHOLDING MULTILATERALISM

On June 28, Xi and Putin issued a joint statement, in which the two heads of state pledged to protect global strategic security and stability, support and practice true multilateralism, oppose interference in other countries' affairs under the guise of "democracy" and "human rights," and resist unilateral coercive sanctions.

In the eyes of Xi, upholding and practicing genuine multilateralism is the only right way toward solving global challenges.

"The problems facing the world are intricate and complex. The way out of them is through upholding multilateralism and building a community with a shared future for mankind," Xi said in late January when addressing the World Economic Forum Virtual Event of the Davos Agenda.

All countries should follow the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, uphold true multilateralism, and make the global governance system more fair and equitable, Xi said later at the Boao Forum.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the restoration of the lawful seat of the People's Republic of China in the UN, the 20th anniversary of China's accession to the World Trade Organization, and the 20th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Calling China "a pillar of multilateralism," Guterres said he expects China to "continue its proactive policies to strengthen the UN's global work on maintaining peace and security and encouraging sustainable development."

"Multilateralism remains the most viable path for countries to collectively pull together in providing sustainable solutions to challenges afflicting humanity," said Kenya-based international relations scholar Cavince Adhere. 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 20:50:32|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Li Zhanshu, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, holds talks with Saqr Ghubash, speaker of the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), via video link at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Li Zhanshu held talks with Saqr Ghubash, speaker of the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), via video link on Wednesday, and both sides pledged to enhance exchanges between legislative bodies.

Li, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said China and the UAE, as good friends and good partners, have made every effort to promote bilateral relations, with the deepening of political mutual trust, fruitful results on economic and trade cooperation, and closer people-to-people exchanges. Cooperation in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic has become a new highlight of bilateral relations, he added.

Li said the construction of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the UAE has made substantial and significant progress, which not only benefits the two countries and their peoples, but also establishes a model of mutual respect, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation between China and the Arab and Islamic countries.

Li noted that, in accordance with the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two countries, China and the UAE should continuously enhance strategic communication as well as the synergy of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the UAE's 50-year national development plan. The two sides should strengthen mutual political support, firmly support each other's core interests and major concerns, jointly safeguard the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms of international relations, and jointly safeguard the fundamental and long-term interests of developing countries.

He called on the two sides to carry out anti-epidemic cooperation, promote vaccine cooperation to benefit more countries, and deepen practical cooperation in other fields.

Li stressed that the NPC attaches great importance to strengthening exchanges and cooperation with the Federal National Council of the UAE, and hopes that the two sides will further promote friendly cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

He called on both sides to timely approve and revise legal documents that are conducive to the development of bilateral relations so as to provide legal guarantees for cooperation in BRI and other fields.

Saqr Ghubash expressed thanks to China for providing important support to its fight against the pandemic, saying that the Federal National Council of the UAE stands ready to deepen friendly exchanges with the NPC and make positive contributions to promoting bilateral relations, advancing pragmatic cooperation and enhancing the friendship between the two peoples. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 20:51:55|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese government official on Wednesday urged the U.S. government to play a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks when commenting on a recent statement by Kurt Campbell, the White House's Indo-Pacific policy coordinator, who said that the United States does not support "Taiwan independence."

"Our country must be reunified, and will surely be reunified," Zhu said, noting that the push for "Taiwan independence" goes against the tide of history and it is a path to nowhere.

The spokesperson also urged the U.S. government to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-U.S. joint communiques, and explicitly oppose "Taiwan independence." Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 20:52:27|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

HARBIN, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Daqing Oilfield, a subordinate of the China National Petroleum Corporation, produced over 14.92 million tonnes of crude oil and 2.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas in the first half of 2021, the oilfield said Wednesday.

The output of oil and natural gas increased by 45,800 tonnes and 175 million cubic meters over the same period of last year respectively.

Daqing Oilfield is one of China's largest oil production bases. Located in the northeastern province of Heilongjiang, the oilfield has made a significant contribution to China's modern petroleum industry since it was discovered in 1959. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 20:57:09|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), presides over the 51st biweekly consultation session of the 13th CPPCC National Committee in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua) -- China's national political advisors have offered proposals on improving social assistance through legislation during a consultation session in Beijing.

The biweekly session, organized by the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top political advisory body, was presided over by Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the CPPCC National Committee.

Wang said prudent efforts should be made to formulate the social assistance law on the basis of actual conditions while adhering to a people-centered approach and coordinating the government's leading role and social participation.

Eleven political advisors and special guests invited to the meeting put forward proposals on the matter, while over 40 political advisors voiced their opinions via a mobile platform.

Noting the need to shift social assistance toward a new development phase after the elimination of absolute poverty, the political advisors stressed improving the overall efficiency of social assistance through greater coordination.

Relevant standards should be set up in a scientific way so that assistance is delivered to all eligible individuals, according to their proposals.

They also called for diversified social assistance services, including daily care and psychological counseling, simplification of social assistance procedures, and tightened oversight of assistance funds. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 20:58:01|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday unveiled a plan to promote the culture of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) among the public.

The plan, jointly issued by five authorities, aims to explain the connotations of TCM culture in modernized, popular and innovative ways.

Among the steps scheduled from 2021 to 2025 are building TCM experience centers, promoting knowledge of health contained in TCM culture, and developing TCM culture products using new technology.

Training on TCM culture will also be provided to specialized teachers in primary and middle schools to integrate the culture into the education process. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 20:59:57|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Cai Qi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the CPC, presides over a ceremony marking the 84th anniversary of the beginning of China's whole-nation resistance war against Japanese aggression at the Museum of the War of the Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, capital of China, July 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua) -- A ceremony was held Wednesday in Beijing to mark the 84th anniversary of the beginning of China's whole-nation resistance war against Japanese aggression.

The Lugou Bridge Incident on July 7, 1937, is recognized as the start of Japan's full-scale invasion of China, and China's whole-nation resistance against the Japanese invaders.

Wednesday's event, held at the Museum of the War of the Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression near the bridge, began with the playing of China's national anthem.

It was presided over by Cai Qi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the CPC.

The ceremony was attended by more than 400 people, including war veterans and family members of military leaders in the war.

Attendees offered floral tributes and bowed to pay their respects to those who laid down their lives in fighting the Japanese aggression more than eight decades ago.

They also visited a special exhibition featuring relics from the war. The exhibition opened to the public on Wednesday in Beijing.

The exhibition consists of five sections and features over 500 sets of cultural relics and more than 80 precious historical pictures from China's fight against Japanese aggression.

The exhibition is co-launched by 60 museums and memorial halls across the country, including the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 21:04:40|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

-- Many Chinese cities have required primary and secondary schools to provide daycare services during the upcoming summer vacation, a latest effort among a series of policies to regulate the off-campus tutoring sector.

-- Rapid expansion of off-campus training institutions has led to a series of social problems, including parents' decreased willingness to have children.

-- Courses for preschoolers have been suspended, while extracurricular classes such as arts and chess are now featured in after-school education and training institutions.

BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Unlike their usual tranquility during the summer vacation, primary and middle schools in Beijing will be buzzing with excited students as the municipal government has required schools to provide daycare services during the holiday.

Doors to school libraries, reading rooms and playgrounds will be wide open, and school subject classes are not allowed to be organized, according to the city's education bureau.

In addition to Beijing, the cities of Shanghai, Wuhan and Suzhou have introduced similar daycare policies, which target the competitive tutoring market for school children during holidays so as to ease their pressure.

Students play at a daycare classroom at Qinyuanlu community of Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, July 5, 2021. (Photo by Xiong Qi/Xinhua)

At a late May meeting, the central authority ordered the comprehensive management of off-campus training institutions and a tougher crackdown on unqualified operations, false advertising, profiteering, and improper connections with schools.

Taking advantage of parents' ambitions for their children, some training institutions take part in anxiety marketing, selling unnecessary programs that increase the burden on students and disrupt the laws of education.

"This has led to a series of social problems such as students' falling levels of physical fitness, increased psychological problems, heavy family financial burdens and decreased willingness to have children," said Chu Zhaohui, a senior researcher with the National Institute of Education Sciences.

According to the Ministry of Education, 400,000 off-campus training institutions were inspected from 2016 to 2020, focusing on problems such as unlicensed training, excessive training, illegal charges and false advertising.

In 2018, the Chinese government introduced the country's first document on the development of the off-campus tutoring industry at the national level.

Students learn to make handicrafts at a daycare classroom in a primary school in Xuhui District, east China's Shanghai, July 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Ying)

On June 15 this year, the Ministry of Education announced the establishment of a special department for the supervision of after-school education and training for pre-school children, as well as primary and middle-school students.

"With the establishment of the department, regulatory measures concerning the qualifications, operations, courses and capital of after-school education and training institutions are expected to be unveiled in the near future," said education expert Xiong Bingqi.

A volunteer teaches students to make paper cuttings at a community in Anji, east China's Zhejiang Province, July 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)

In early June, the State Administration for Market Regulation, China's top market watchdog, imposed maximum-level fines of 36.5 million yuan on 15 tutoring firms for violations including misleading advertisements and pricing fraud.

Changes have been taking place in such institutions. Courses for preschoolers have been removed from the shelf, while extracurricular classes such as theater, speech, arts, calligraphy and chess have been introduced.

Also at the May meeting, the central authority specifically encouraged schools to carry out extracurricular courses after school to meet the diversified demand of students.

Students play at a daycare classroom at a primary school in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, July 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng)

"My child used to be enrolled in many classes such as dancing, speech and writing in the evenings and during the weekends. The tuition fees were considerable," said Liu Yongling, parent to a fifth-grader. But now her child has joined similar after-school classes organized by their own school from Monday to Friday. These classes mean more leisure time for children and fewer financial burdens for parents.

"Off-campus training exists not only in China, but also in the Republic of Korea, Japan, Singapore and other East Asian and Southeast Asian countries. If China's management practices can achieve better results, it will also provide a reference for these countries," said Wang Jie, a researcher with the School of Government at Sun Yat-sen University.

(Video reporters: Chen Mengyang, Wang Ying, Hu Hao, Zheng Tianhong, Li Heng, Yang Shuxin; video editor: Zhou Sa'ang) 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 21:16:20|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Passengers wait to check in at the departure hall of Kuwait International Airport in Farwaniya Governorate, Kuwait, July 7, 2021. Kuwait's airport has increased its capacity to 5,000 arriving passengers per day starting from Wednesday, while the departure capacity is open to all passengers without any restrictions. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua)

KUWAIT CITY, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Kuwait's airport will increase its capacity to 5,000 arriving passengers per day, Kuwait's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced Wednesday.

Yousef Al-Fawzan, DGCA Director General, said in a press statement that DGCA has received an official approval regarding increasing the operational capacity to reach 5,000 arrivals a day, starting from Wednesday, while the departure capacity is open to all passengers without any restrictions.

He stressed the keenness of the airport authorities to implement health procedures for all passengers, pointing out that the operational capacity of flights has been raised to about 67 departing and arriving flights daily.

In addition, Al-Fawzan indicated that the airport is ready to receive vaccinated non-Kuwaitis following the recent decision of the government, starting from Aug. 1.

Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti Health Ministry said on Wednesday that there are only specific laboratories abroad are allowed to conduct PCR tests for passengers before arriving in Kuwait.

Abdullah Al-Sanad, spokesman of the ministry, said that any test certificate from unauthorized labs will not be accepted.

On June 17, the Kuwaiti government decided to lift the entry ban for vaccinated non-Kuwaitis starting from August. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 21:52:07|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

ISTANBUL, July 7 (Xinhua) -- The "Chinese Bridge" competition, a contest for college students on their mastery of the Chinese language, was held Wednesday online in Turkey amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

A dozen students from several Turkish universities across the country attended the final stage of the 20th edition of the competition, hosted by the Istanbul Okan University Confucius Institute.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Turkey Liu Shaobin said the strategic cooperation between China and Turkey has developed rapidly in recent years, and positive results have been achieved in various fields.

"The collaboration of the two countries on education constitutes an important part of their relations," he noted.

According to the ambassador, Turkish students devoted to the Turkish-Chinese friendship with an understanding of China would contribute to the expansion of these close ties even further.

Shi Ruilin, the cultural counselor with the Chinese Embassy, said education was the most affected area by the pandemic across the globe, but teachers and students managed to go on with online courses against all odds.

Bartu Uzun, a participant from Istanbul's Yeditepe University, told Xinhua that he plans to further improve his Chinese in the future. "I enjoy studying Chinese, and I love the Chinese language and culture," Uzun said.

The top two winners of the competition will be qualified to join the finals in China.

Learning the Chinese language is increasingly popular in Turkey, with many attending the Confucius Institutes in Turkish universities and other Chinese language teaching programs. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 22:59:04|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

ISLAMABAD, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Governor of Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan Amanullah Khan Yasinzai on Wednesday stepped down from his position, local media reported.

According to the reports, the governor sent his resignation to the country's President Arif Alvi saying that he could not continue his duties due to personal reasons.

Earlier in April, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan had written a letter to the governor, asking him to resign from the position so that he could appoint a new governor to fulfill new tasks of his government.

"It has been a pleasure to have worked with you. However, given the current political situation, dexterity and deftness are needed at this juncture for a delicate balancing act to simultaneously ensure political inclusion and fulfillment of our commitment towards the people of Pakistan," Khan told the governor.

Local media quoting sources said that the government was keen to bring about a big change in the province through projects of infrastructure and human development and for this a new and vibrant governor was needed.

Yasinzai was appointed as the governor of Balochistan by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister in October 2018.

The prime minister has reportedly decided about the new appointment and he would announce it soon. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 23:10:36|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi Wednesday urged building a shared future with Pakistan in the new era as the two countries celebrate the 70th anniversary of bilateral relations.

It came as Wang addressed a seminar held via video link on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan.

Noting China and Pakistan have forged ahead over the past 70 years sharing weal and woe, Wang said the two countries fostered a unique "iron-clad friendship," a rock-firm mutual political trust, and a most valuable strategic asset.

As the world is experiencing profound changes, Wang said China and Pakistan, as all-weather strategic partners, need to accelerate building a closer community with a shared future in the new era more than ever before.

He urged the two sides to enhance strategic communication, work together to defeat COVID-19, earnestly advance the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), jointly safeguard regional peace, and practice real multilateralism.

Wang said China sincerely hopes Pakistan will enjoy unity, stability, development and be stronger.

No matter how the international landscape shifts, China will always stand side by side with Pakistan and staunchly support it in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and in blazing a development path suited to Pakistan's national realities to realize the grand vision of "new Pakistan," Wang added.

For his part, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed the hope to deepen bilateral cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative and on the high-quality development of the CPEC.

He also said Pakistan would continue working with China to ensure success of various 70th anniversary celebrations, promote the comprehensive development of bilateral relations, and jointly maintain regional and world peace, stability, development, and prosperity.

The seminar was held in Islamabad and hosted by Pakistan-China Institute, a Pakistani think tank. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 23:17:47|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called on China and Greece to set for the international community an example of friendship and mutual trust, a benchmark for win-win cooperation as well as a model for mutual learning between civilizations.

Xi made the remarks during his telephone conversation with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Mitsotakis extended congratulations on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC), saying that the CPC has changed not only the future of China, but also the trajectory of the world's development.

China's success in lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty is a miracle in the history of human progress, he said, adding that he believes that under Xi's leadership, China will continue to make new great achievements.

Thanking him for the congratulations, Xi stressed that the CPC will work with all peace-loving countries and nations to promote humanity's common values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom, and make greater contributions to world peace and human progress.

Xi pointed out that the world is currently facing the intertwined challenges of profound changes and a pandemic both unseen in a century.

China and Greece are both ancient civilizations, and have both experienced a mixed development process of tribulation and greatness, Xi said, adding that the two countries also share similar ideas about the advance of human civilization and the transformation of international order.

Under the current situation, to carry forward and further promote China-Greece relations will not only help energize the post-pandemic economic recovery, but also contribute wisdom of ancient civilizations to improving the global governance system, Xi said.

He called on the two sides to continue to show mutual understanding and mutual support on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns, and set an example of friendship and mutual trust for the international community.

Xi also urged the two countries to deepen collaboration within such frameworks as the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Central and Eastern European countries cooperation, and set a benchmark for win-win cooperation for the world.

In so doing, he added, the two countries can also establish a model for mutual learning between civilizations, and gather new consensus and strength to promote world peace and development.

Xi noted that this year marks the 15th anniversary of the China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership, and the next year marks the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.

China, he said, is willing to work with Greece to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, deepen traditional friendship and practical cooperation, and lift bilateral ties to new levels.

It serves the interests of both sides and follows the trend of the times for China and Europe to conduct dialogue and deepen cooperation in the spirit of mutual respect, seeking common ground while reserving differences, as well as openness and mutual benefit, Xi said, adding that he hopes for Greece to continue to play an active role.

Mitsotakis also said that the Greek side attaches great importance to developing its ties with China, and hopes to take the opportunity of the 15th anniversary of the China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership to expand cooperation with China in economy and trade, tourism and green development, strengthen dialogue and mutual learning among civilizations, and work together to ensure the success of the key projects agreed by both sides so as to push for greater development in bilateral ties.

Mitsotakis welcomed more Chinese enterprises to invest in Greece and wished the Beijing Olympic Winter Games a success.

The Greek side supports the European Union to develop the comprehensive strategic partnership with China and strengthen dialogue and cooperation, said the Greek prime minister.

The two sides also exchanged views on related regional issues. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 23:22:52|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

An Egyptian plane carrying medical supplies and equipment arrives in Khartoum, Sudan, July 7, 2021. Altogether four planes from Egypt arrived in Sudan's capital of Khartoum on Wednesday carrying 39 tons of medical supplies and equipment. (Xinhua/Mohamed Khidir)

KHARTOUM, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Altogether four planes from Egypt arrived in Sudan's capital of Khartoum on Wednesday carrying 39 tons of medical supplies and equipment.

The planes were received at Khartoum International Airport by Acting Director General of Global Health Directorate at Sudan's Federal Ministry of Health Arwa Omer and the Egyptian Ambassador to Sudan Hossam Eissa.

Omer, speaking to reporters at the airport, expressed Sudan's thanks to the Egyptian government and people for their support.

"This is not the first initiative from Egypt, as Egypt was one of the first countries to send medical support during the first wave of the COVID-19," she said.

"This grant ... represents a great support for hospitals that suffer from a shortage of these medicines," she added.

The ambassador, for his part, said the medical support included oxygen devices as well as all supplies such as cotton, gauze, serums and disinfectants.

The medical supplies also included antibiotics and other medicines as part of the cooperation between the health ministries in the two countries. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 23:47:01|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

UNITED NATIONS, July 7 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday condemned "in the strongest terms" the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise.

The perpetrators of this crime must be brought to justice. The secretary-general extended his deepest condolences to the people and government of Haiti and the family of the late president, said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for Guterres, in a statement.

The secretary-general called on all Haitians to preserve the constitutional order, remain united in the face of this abhorrent act and reject all violence, said the statement.

The United Nations will continue to stand with the government and the people of Haiti, it said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 00:06:55|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

LILONGWE, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Malawi government on Wednesday announced level 3 preventive measures of COVID-19 following soaring figures of new cases and deaths since June 1.

Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda made the announcement at a press briefing held in the capital, Lilongwe, saying the country has recorded over 3,032 new COVID-19 cases and 62 deaths from June 1 to July 6.

The minister said admissions in the country's treatment units have also risen from 10 to 109 during the same period, the highest number recorded since the end of the second wave in February.

"Based on this increase, our data indicates that we are experiencing a resurgence of the COVID-19 in our country and this indicates that we are in the third wave of the pandemic," said Chiponda.

The level 3 measures that the minister announced include decongesting offices and workplaces by 50 percent by working in shifts, and limiting the number of people by 50 percent of total capacity in the hospitality and recreation business.

The measures also recommend the closure of indoor nightclubs and restrict bars and restaurants to the capacity of 50 percent patronage.

On internal traveling, only those traveling for essential purposes will be allowed to travel outside their respective geographic locations with conveyances not exceeding 50 percent of available seats.

On traveling to Malawi, all travelers will require a valid negative PCR test result certificate as prescribed by the government.

"All visitors arriving from countries or territories, placed as high-risk by the government, will be subjected to 14 days institutional quarantine at their cost," said Chiponda.

The government has also imposed some restrictions on sports, education, markets and community gatherings such as weddings and funeral ceremonies while political rallies have completely been banned.

As of July 6, Malawi had recorded a cumulative number of 37,366 COVID-19 cases including 1,218 deaths. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 00:11:28|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

MOGADISHU, July 7 (Xinhua) -- The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) said it has completed training of 26 police officers from HirShabelle State on preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalization through enhanced community policing.

The AU mission said the police officers drawn across Jowhar and surrounding towns attended the training exercise aimed to equip and enhance the skills of the local police to counter terrorists and stem radicalization, especially of young people.

"With the community policing approach, if the Somali Police Force (SPF) collaborates with the members of the public like we emphasized during the training, it will help to identify problems and sit together to find solutions. This will help bring peace and order in Somali," AMISOM community policing adviser Daniel Chuks said in a statement released Tuesday evening.

Chuks said participants of the workshop were taken through relevant topics to enhance collaboration with the community since local communities are the target of extremists.

Ibrahim Sini, the Communication Information Technology Services (CITS) advisor to the AMISOM Police, said the training would help the police officers to foil the recruitment, training and radicalization of the youth.

Sini said terrorism, violent extremism and radicalization have wreaked havoc in Somalia over time.

"Given that, it is important for police officers who are the custodian of maintaining law, implementing law and maintaining peace in Somalia to have appropriate training and capacity to quickly identify and counter the threat of violent extremism," he noted. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 00:41:24|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

People enjoy coffee at a shopping mall in Tsim Sha Tsui of Hong Kong, south China, July 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Shen)

HONG KONG, July 7 (Xinhua) -- As the national security law in Hong Kong has come into force for a year, various sectors of the financial hub agreed that the law has been effective in bringing back peace and order and reinforcing the foundation of "one country, two systems."

John Lee, chief secretary for administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, has highlighted the effectiveness of the law and said it is the common responsibility of the entire HKSAR to fend off acts and activities endangering national security.

Echoing Lee's words, Lau Siu-kai, vice president of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, said the Hong Kong society has quickly returned to peace and the national security law as a deterrent to illegal activities has largely met expectations.

The implementation of the national security law has created favorable conditions for Hong Kong to solve development problems, said Gao Jingde, president of the Association of Chinese Culture of Hong Kong, while calling on the HKSAR government and various sectors to focus on development.

Cheung Hok-sau, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), described the national security law as a milestone in the cause of "one country, two systems."

With a better development environment and an improving political system, Hong Kong will have a brighter future, he said.

The national security law closes loopholes, Lawrence Ma, chairman of the Hong Kong Legal Exchange Foundation, said, adding that the law was enacted at the right time.

Yip Kin-ming, executive vice president of the Hong Kong Island Federation, said it should be a priority of the HKSAR government to reinforce the positive changes brought by the national security law and the improvement of the electoral system.

Yip stressed efforts to push forward legal proceedings of national security cases and crackdown on homegrown terrorism as well.

Over the past year, the national security law has frustrated plots of instigators of Hong Kong riots and foreign forces, Chan Chi-Ho, vice executive chairman of the Hong Kong CPPCC Youth Association, said.

Chan said the law has proved to offer a guarantee to Hong Kong's prosperity and stability and the facts have removed people's worries about the law.

According to a survey by local think-tank Bauhinia Institute, more than 70 percent of residents were satisfied with the effectiveness of the national security law and said the law improved their confidence in the implementation of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 00:49:42|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

BEIRUT, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's COVID-19 ministerial committee on Wednesday issued new measures that demand travelers arriving in Lebanon from certain countries to stay at a hotel for a quarantine period of three nights at their own expenses, the National News Agency reported.

The list of countries includes the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Malawi, Kenya, Liberia and Gambia.

Only those who have administered one or two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are exempted from this procedure.

The committee also announced the formation of a team composed of members from the health and interior ministries and the Red Cross to monitor the new variants of COVID-19 in the country.

Meanwhile, Lebanon registered on Wednesday 401 new cases, raising the total number of infections to 546,366. The death toll from the pandemic increased by two to 7,867. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 01:11:15|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

NAIROBI, July 7 (Xinhua) -- African nations have been urged to build an inclusive and transformative agricultural sector to boost food security and nutrition amid the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change challenges.

Hailemariam Desalegn, chairman of the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), said on Wednesday that the COVID-19 pandemic has made it urgent to promote inclusive agriculture that brings every country in the continent and citizens on board.

"In the context of COVID pandemic and climatic challenges, Africa must work with its youth, women, men, children and political leaders to change its food system," he said at a virtual event during the launch of this year's AGRF Summit to be held from September 6 to 10 in Nairobi.

The AGRF will provide opportunities for Kenya and other African countries to showcase how agriculture can accelerate prosperity.

The former Ethiopian prime minister noted that there is still a lot that needs to be covered in terms of fixing Africa's food systems, which are broken.

"We are producing more food but many Africans still face food insecurity due to post-harvest losses and wastage," he said.

He called on Africa's heads of state to make a presidential commitment to boost agricultural production.

Peter Munya, Kenya's cabinet secretary of Ministry of Agriculture, said Africa must embrace agricultural technology and finance the sector to increase food production. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 01:15:10|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

RABAT, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Morocco and Israel held a round of political consultation on Wednesday, a new step toward full normalization of their relations as agreed last December, official news agency MAP reported.

This round of consultation was chaired by Fouad Yazourh, director-general of political affairs of the Moroccan Foreign Ministry, and his Israeli counterpart Alon Ushpiz, in Morocco's capital Rabat.

The two delegations reviewed bilateral relations and ways to foster cooperation in political, economic and cultural fields, in accordance with the Morocco-U.S.-Israel trilateral agreement signed in December 2020.

They also exchanged views on regional and international issues, including global challenges in the fight against terrorism and global warming, as well as sustainable development.

Earlier in the day, the Israeli delegation held meetings with representatives of Morocco's government institutions, business community and private sector on economic opportunities, MAP said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 01:18:23|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization, addresses the 74th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, May 24, 2021. (WHO/Christopher Black/Handout via Xinhua)

Coronavirus-related deaths worldwide have passed a grim milestone of 4 million, according to the World Health Organization on Wednesday.



GENEVA, July 7 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday said that it has recorded over four million COVID-19-related deaths globally, but the organization's Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, added that the overall death toll is likely underestimated.

"Compounded by fast moving variants and shocking inequity in vaccination, far too many countries in every region of the world are seeing sharp spikes in cases and hospitalization," he said during a virtual press conference, adding that "this is leading to an acute shortage of oxygen and treatments, and driving a wave of deaths in parts of Africa, Asia and Latin America."

A health worker administers a dose of COVID-19 vaccine to a woman in Hyderabad, India, on June 24, 2021. (Str/Xinhua)

He stressed that "vaccine nationalism, where a handful of nations have taken the lion's share, is morally indefensible and an ineffective public health strategy against a respiratory virus that is mutating quickly and becoming increasingly effective at moving from human-to-human."

He also pointed out that "at this stage in the pandemic, the fact that millions of health and care workers have still not been vaccinated is abhorrent."

The WHO chief referred the upcoming meeting of G20 (Group of Twenty) Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors later this week as another crucial opportunity, urging world leaders to take urgent steps to provide the necessary funding to scale up the equitable manufacturing and distribution of health tools so as to end the acute stage of this pandemic.

People line up outside Bridge Park Community Leisure Center to receive the COVID-19 vaccines in Brent, northwest London, Britain, June 19, 2021. (Photo by Ray Tang/Xinhua)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 01:27:43|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

LAGOS, July 7 (Xinhua) -- The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) Executive Director Henrietta Fore has expressed her concern about the alarming spate of attacks against children and abduction of students in parts of west and central Africa.

In a statement made available to Xinhua on Wednesday, Fore said the UNICEF is deeply concerned that "non-state armed groups and parties to the conflict in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Niger and Nigeria will ramp up these violent activities over the coming weeks."

A group of unidentified gunmen in Nigeria's northwestern state of Kaduna stormed the Bethel Baptist High School in Damishi town, Chikun local government area, in the early hours of Monday, taking away an unknown number of students, the police said Monday.

Fore said 178 civilians were recently killed, including children in Burkina Faso with more than 1.2 million people, 61 percent of whom are now displaced because of violence -- a 10-fold increase in just the last three years.

The UNICEF chief added that attacks on civilians, abductions, and killings of school children and teachers are on the rise across the northwest and southwest parts of Cameroon.

Fore said such incidents appear to be increasing in frequency, raising fears for the safety and wellbeing of the region's children.

"Already in 2020, according to the latest report of the United Nations Secretary-General on children and armed conflict, 1 in 3 child victims of grave violations has been in West and Central Africa," she said.

She urged for concerted action to ensure that children in the region can safely live, go to school or fetch water without fear of being attacked or taken from their families.

"The international community also has an important role to play. We need our donors to increase their contributions so that we can expand our work to reduce children's vulnerabilities and increase their resilience to keep them safe from harm," the UNICEF chief said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 01:45:23|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

MALE, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Maldives will lift an ongoing curfew and ease restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 as daily cases have dropped, President's Spokesperson Mabrook Azeez announced here on Wednesday.

Starting July 8, individuals who have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine can now travel between islands without a compulsory quarantine period, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) announced. Travelers must present a negative PCR test taken at least 14 days after their second dose.

Guesthouses in the country will be reopened for tourists visiting from South Asian countries starting July 30 under strictly enforced safety measures, Azeez said. He said that the government will prioritize vaccinating 60 percent of residents in islands where guesthouses operate and 90 percent of guesthouse employees.

Meanwhile, resorts in the country will reopen on July 15, he said. Precautions will be taken to test 10 percent of resort employees every month, he said.

A total of 105 new cases of COVID-19 were detected in Maldives on Tuesday, a significant decline from the daily average case count in May and June.

A total of 74,585 cases of COVID-19 have been detected in Maldives since the pandemic began. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 02:50:23|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

People take photos of the Ever Given container ship sailing on the Suez Canal in Ismailia Province, Egypt, on July 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

The giant Ever Given container ship, held in a lake between stretches of the canal since being re-floated on March 29, started to sail after a settlement contract was signed.

ISMAILIA, Egypt, July 7 (Xinhua) -- The Ever Given container ship which blocked the Suez Canal for nearly a week in March began its journey out of the canal on Wednesday, said Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Chairman Osama Rabie.

The SCA has held the giant ship in a lake between two stretches of the waterway since it was re-floated on March 29, as the dispute over requested compensation by the SCA was not settled.

"The Japanese-owned Ever Given has signed the settlement contract with the SCA and the cargo vessel started to sail to Rotterdam in the Netherlands and then to Felixstowe in England," said Rabei in a press conference.

SCA Chairman Osama Rabie speaks at a press conference on the Ever Given container ship in Ismailia Province, Egypt, July 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

He said that negotiations were difficult but all sides were willing to reach a deal, without giving any details about the exact amount of compensation.

Rabei added that the canal will receive a tug boat with a pulling capacity of about 75 tons as part of the settlement contract.

He explained that the ship blockage of the waterway caused many problems in several ports around the world and resulted in negative impacts on the Suez Canal traffic.

"Egypt was keen on reaching a suitable settlement that ensures the SCA compensation along with preserving good relations with the ship's owner, operator and insurer company," Rabei said.

Photo taken on July 7, 2021 shows the Ever Given container ship sailing on the Great Bitter Lake in Ismailia Province, Egypt. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

On May 25, Egypt offered to cut its compensation claim down from 916 million U.S. dollars to 550 million dollars against the impounded vessel after the SCA obtained the estimated financial value of the goods on the ship.

The canal earned revenue of 3 billion dollars in the first six months of 2021, up by 8.8 percent compared with the same period last year, despite the Ever Given accident, Rabie said.

People take photos of the Ever Given container ship sailing on the Suez Canal in Ismailia Province, Egypt, July 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

Linking the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, the Suez Canal lost 12-15 million dollars in daily revenues during the blockage, according to statistics of the canal authority. 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 04:15:17|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

ACCRA, July 7 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and several others injured on a highway from the capital Accra to the city of Kumasi, regional police told local media on Wednesday.

Ebenezer Tetteh, acting public relations officer of the Eastern Regional Police Command, said the accident occurred at about 4:30 a.m. when a minibus with passengers on board is said to have crashed with a trailer truck carrying crates of alcoholic beverages.

Tetteh told journalists the injured were rushed to a local hospital and the police have commenced investigation into the accident. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 04:31:16|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

SANTO DOMINGO, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Haiti's Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph on Wednesday called on the Haitian people to remain calm, hours after an armed commando assassinated President Jovenel Moise at his residence and seriously wounded his wife Martine Moise.

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, Joseph said that the situation was under "control" and summoned the country's top officials to an emergency meeting.

For months, gangs have maintained control of the streets in the capital city of Port-au-Prince.

Joseph is currently the interim prime minister due to the fact that the political crisis has prevented the position from being ratified by the National Congress.

Moise has been ruling Haiti by decree after legislative elections due in 2018 were delayed. Disputes have been around on when his term ends.

Haiti's constitutional referendum, which should have taken place in April but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will be held on Sept. 26, the national electoral commission announced on June 28.

Meanwhile, in the neighboring Dominican Republic, President Luis Abinader ordered the closure of the border with Haiti in view of the serious situation in Haiti. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 05:47:16|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

JERUSALEM -- Former Labor party leader Isaac Herzog was sworn in as Israel's new president on Wednesday.

Herzog, 60, took his oath before the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, and became Israel's 11th president. (Israel-President-Sworn)

----

SMAILIA -- The Ever Given container ship which blocked the Suez Canal for nearly a week in March began its journey out of the canal on Wednesday, said Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Chairman Osama Rabie.

The SCA has held the giant ship in a lake between two stretches of the waterway since it was re-floated on March 29, as the dispute over requested compensation by the SCA was not settled. (Egypt-Ever Given-Sail)

----

ALGIERS -- Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on Wednesday appointed members of the new cabinet after consultation with Prime Minister Aymene Benabderrahmane, official APS news agency reported.

The major changes in the cabinet reshuffle are the return of Ramtane Lamamra as the foreign minister and the appointment of Abderrachid Tebbi as the new minister of justice, APS said. (Algeria-Cabinet-Appointment)

----

DUBAI -- A fire broke out in a container in a ship anchored in Dubai's Jebel Ali Port on Wednesday, as a Civil Defense team was trying to put out the blaze, Dubai Media Office said. (UAE-Container-Fire) Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 06:57:08|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

WASHINGTON, July 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday discussed Yemen and human rights issues with visiting Saudi Arabia's Deputy Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman.

Senior State Department officials met with Khalid bin Salman for discussion on regional security, support for Saudi Arabia to defend itself from cross-border attacks, and improving human rights, according to a statement issued by the State Department.

"Secretary of State Antony Blinken joined the group for part of the meeting to discuss efforts to achieve a comprehensive, nationwide ceasefire and transition to a political process in Yemen, the need for economic reform and humanitarian relief for the Lebanese people, and other key bilateral issues, including human rights," said the statement.

Khalid bin Salman, brother of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, met with U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and senior officials at the Pentagon on Tuesday.

The visit is the highest-level visit to Washington by a Saudi official since the Joe Biden administration declassified an intelligence report this February, which assessed Saudi crown prince approved an operation to "capture or kill" Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Saudi Arabia rejected the finding.

Khashoggi, a columnist for The Washington Post, was murdered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018, and a number of top Saudi officials were arrested in connection with the case.

Saudi Arabia's Public Prosecution last September issued the final verdicts against eight convicts in Khashoggi's killing, five of whom were sentenced to 20 years in jail, and three sentenced to seven to 10 years in jail. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 10:19:38|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

KHARTOUM, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Sudan said on Tuesday that the notification it received from Ethiopia over the second filling of a huge dam on the Nile River is useless without a negotiated deal among related countries.

"The Irrigation and Water Resources Ministry received a letter from its Ethiopian counterpart notifying it has started the second filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) during the current rainy season," Omar Al-Farouq Sayed Kamel, spokesman of the Sudanese government's team to the GERD talks, said in a statement.

Kamel expressed rejection of Addis Ababa's "unilateral move" which he described as a clear violation of the international law and stable exchange of benefits of common rivers.

The dam, which is set to be the largest hydroelectric power plant in Africa when completed, is the source of a decade-long diplomatic standoff between Ethiopia and downstream countries Sudan and Egypt.

The two downstream countries have referred the GERD issue to the United Nations Security Council, which is scheduled to convene a discussion on Thursday.

Ethiopia, who views the huge project as a big boost to its development, argues that adding water to the reservoir, especially during the rainy season in July and August, is a natural part of construction. However, Sudan and Egypt, which almost entirely rely on the river for freshwater, are worrying about the dam's impact on their water supplies and security.

In February, Ethiopia said it would carry on with the second-phase 13.5-billion-cubic-meter filling of the GERD in June. The volume of the first-phase filling last year was 4.9 billion cubic meters.

The project, formerly known as the Millennium Dam, has been under construction since 2011. Its planned installed capacity is 6.45 gigawatts. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 17:16:11|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

WINDHOEK, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Tobie Aupindi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Namibia's ruling SWAPO Party, on Tuesday commended Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Communist Party of China (CPC) for being far-sighted in engaging with both Africa and the world.

Aupindi, who attended the CPC and World Political Parties Summit via video link, said Namibia has a lot to learn from the CPC's people-centered development.

"President Xi Jinping was very dynamic and inspiring in that the speech," he said. "Xi was forward-looking in terms of promoting common development and a belief in a common future and destiny."

The official said he was highly impressed by Xi's remarks on democracy, lauding Xi's position that countries must choose their own democratic path.

Xi stressed at the summit that "the judgement on whether a country is democratic or not should be made by their people, not by a handful of others."

"For me, I was moved when he said that China will always be part of the developing world," he added.

According to Aupindi, the SWAPO party will take advantage of its close ties with the CPC to improve its own developmental policies.

"(The) SWAPO party, as the vanguard for our freedom, democracy and national independence, can take advantage of the friendship and (China's) technological leapfrogging, investment and export market. These will eventually result in massive economic growth for Namibia and open up new opportunities for both countries," he noted.

He stressed that SWAPO will consolidate its friendship and stable policy framework with the CPC and continue to enhance win-win economic policies, adding that Africa can take advantage of these experiences and pursue substantial growth in order to eradicate poverty.

"Trade relations between Africa and China advanced tremendously, which could lead to the prosperity of African countries," Aupindi said.

Meanwhile, SWAPO's Party Youth League Secretary Ephraim Nekongo spoke highly of China's foreign policy, saying it boosts multilateralism and enhances cooperation in areas of mutual concern.

"What is particularly important is how China has dealt with poverty in rural areas as well as steered development of its people. This is a country we must learn from," he added. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 20:56:27|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

CAPE TOWN, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Seven taxi operators were killed on Wednesday morning in separate incidents in Cape Town, the legislative capital of South Africa, local authorities said.

The incidents were caused by a conflict between two "rival" taxi associations, Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (Codeta), Western Cape Province's Department of Transport and Public Works said in a statement, adding that they bring the total number of taxi-related murders in the province to 71 since the start of the year.

The transport and community safety departments are attending an emergency meeting with the South African Police Service and other enforcement and intelligence authorities to agree on an integrated government approach to restore calm and to bring the perpetrators of the violence to book, it said.

Western Cape Provincial Minister of Transport and Public Works Daylin Mitchell said he has called the leadership of South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), CATA and Codeta to an urgent meeting to discuss interventions to stem the growing tide of violence between associations affiliated CATA and Codeta, with a specific focus on violence related to the fight for control over routes.

The provincial police on Wednesday also reported multiple shooting incidents of taxi-related violence in the city, where four were killed and five were injured.

Taxi violence has been a long-standing problem in the Western Cape. CATA president Victor Wiwi was shot dead in April in Cape Town, raising concerns about violence escalation in Cape Town and Western Cape's taxi industry. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 21:10:13|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

A staff member shows a traditional Chinese decoration at a book pavilion during the Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF) in Cairo, Egypt, July 5, 2021. Three pavilions were launched to exhibit Chinese books and cultural products at the ongoing 52nd edition of Cairo International Book Fair. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

CAIRO, July 7 (Xinhua) -- At the ongoing 52nd edition of Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF), three pavilions introducing Chinese books and cultural products notably attracted Egyptian visitors.

"I'm interested in the Chinese culture and literature, that is why I come here every year to buy new books about China and its culture," Ahmed Medhat, a graphic designer, told Xinhua.

For Medhat, the CIBF is a great chance to find books about China, especially its history and literature.

"You cannot find such books somewhere else in Egypt... I buy tens of books every year from the CIBF. These books bring me closer to the Chinese people and their culture," Medhat added.

The CIBF, which kicked off on June 30 and will run until July 15, is held at Egypt International Exhibitions Center with the participation of 1,218 publishers from 25 countries amid strict implementation of anti-COVID-19 precautionary measures.

This year, the two-week annual event launched an online platform for the fair to provide relevant online services and activities to limit the number of daily visitors in accordance with precautionary measures.

At the heart of the fair, three Chinese pavilions, which are affiliated with Cairo-based Chinese-Egyptian Wisdom House for Cultural Industries institution, can be noticed effortlessly.

Chinese flags and bright red lanterns decorated the pavilions and dangled over the bookshelves, attracting visitors who want to learn more about China, its culture and civilization.

"Our participation is unique this year as we have three pavilions focusing on the Chinese culture... we have books in Arabic, Chinese and English," Ahmed al-Saeed, chairman of the Wisdom House institution told Xinhua.

In the three pavilions, Wisdom House displays more than 500 titles focusing Chinese culture, civilization, literature, politics, science as well as educational books for children, al-Saeed pointed out.

"We have 50 new titles, 10 of them tackle China's experience in fighting COVID-19 pandemic. We also have new titles on the experience of the Communist Party of China and China's socialism," he added.

Al-Saeed said that the three pavilions have witnessed a huge turnout, noting that more Egyptians are currently willing to know more about China.

"Chinese language is now being taught at 24 Egyptian universities. Egypt and China also signed a cooperation protocol to teach the Chinese language in pre-university schools in Egypt as a second optional foreign language," al-Saeed said.

Since its establishment in 2011, al-Saeed said, Wisdom House has been focusing on publishing China-related cultural and literature books in Arabic to enhance China-Arab cultural exchange.

At the Wisdom House pavilion focusing on children's books, Nehal Hassan, a physician from Cairo, picked up some Chinese language learning books for her two kids.

"Chinese language is spreading rapidly and I want my children to learn it," she told Xinhua, adding that learning the Chinese language removes cultural barriers between the Egyptian and Chinese peoples.

She noted that Chinese-Egyptian cooperation in all fields is currently great and developing, adding that learning Chinese language will help her kids find better opportunities in the future.

"The book fair is the right place for me to find such great Chinese education books for my children... I'm sure they will love to learn Chinese," Hassan said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 23:56:18|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

LUSAKA, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Zambia's first president Kenneth Kaunda was buried Wednesday after a 21-day mourning period, with President Edgar Lungu declaring April 28, his day of birth a National Holiday.

Kaunda, who was in office from 1964 to 1991, was buried at the Embassy Park, a burial place for the country's presidents, in Lusaka, the country's capital. He died on June 17 at the age of 97.

The private burial ceremony was preceded by a church service at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.

Both President Lungu and Hakainde Hichilema, the main challenger in next month's general elections, were in attendance during the church service, which was also attended by high-profile people, including former Mozambique President Joaquim Chissano and former Zambian President Rupiah Banda.

The church service, held under strict COVID-19 regulations and televised live by the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, the state broadcaster, was characterized by a somber mood with people clad in black attire and some carrying white handkerchiefs, a trademark of the former president symbolizing peace. It was the last of the church services held in all 10 provincial towns where the body was taken as part of the mourning period.

The casket, wrapped in the country's flag colors, was carried by brigadier-generals from the country's three defense forces into the church with a red carpet laid down along the path.

In his message, President Lungu urged citizens to honor Kaunda by continuing his legacy of promoting unity and peace, saying the first president was a champion of love as he lived a life of selflessness and patriotism.

According to him, there was a need for all citizens to be patriotic and speak well about the country. Lungu also said citizens should not allow anything or anybody to divide the country.

Trevor Mwamba, president of the opposition UNIP, the country's first ruling party which was led by Kaunda, said the only way to honor the former president was to ensure peaceful elections next month.

Panji, Kaunda's firstborn son, urged Zambians to honor his father by keeping his vision of having a united country, saying it was important for politicians to ensure that peace prevailed in the country by denouncing the violence that has characterized the country in the run-up to next month's general elections. Enditem
| 2021-07-06 22:30:24|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

-- A total of 53 people have been killed after the crash while another 50 were injured, according to the latest data.



-- The crashed plane was a second-hand C-130 Hercules recently purchased from the U.S. military.

-- Experts and analysts said the latest tragedy reminded them in many ways of the deep-rooted unequal nature of Philippine-U.S. military cooperation.

by Xinhua writers Yan Jie, Liu Kai

MANILA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Claiming 53 lives, the worst air catastrophe in the Philippines' military history in nearly 30 years has triggered some reflection on the country's military relations with the United States, from which the crashed plane came.

The latest tragedy of the 33-year-old C-130 Hercules built by the U.S. firm Lockheed is the fourth deadly air accident to happen to the Philippine military this year that concerns its procurement contracts with U.S. companies.

The date of the crash of the second-hand C-130 Hercules aircraft also marked the 75th anniversary of the founding of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States.

While some Philippine politicians spoke out to remind the military not to procure ill-fated "second-hand stuff," the public were concerned about the reliability of U.S.-made military equipment and the unequal Philippine-U.S. military cooperation.

Rescuers are seen at the crash site of a C-130 military plane of the Philippine Air Force in Sulu Province, the Philippines, July 4, 2021. (Joint Task Force Sulu/Handout via Xinhua)

HORRIBLE MILITARY AIR CATASTROPHE

On Sunday, the military plane was carrying newly-trained army personnel for counter-insurgency operations when it crashed and burst into flames after overshooting the runway on Jolo island.

Minutes after the crash, troops and civilian volunteers rushed to the site for search and rescue. "A number of soldiers were seen jumping out of the aircraft before it hit the ground, sparing them from the explosion caused by the crash," the Philippine military said.

Armed Forces of the Philippine (AFP) chief of staff General Cirilito Sobejana confirmed Tuesday morning that only seven soldiers have been identified so far, as most of the dead were burned beyond recognition.

Two photos went viral on social media after the air disaster unfolded how grim this tragedy was. One with the caption "Before" showed the soldiers aboard smiling for a selfie, while the other with the caption "After" displayed the black smoke rising from the burning wreckage of the plane.

Major General Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesperson, said the plane mishap "is one of the more tragic incidents that happened in our armed forces."

The latest official data showed that a total of 53 people have been killed after the crash while another 50 were injured.

Photo shows the crash site of a C-130 military plane of the Philippine Air Force in Sulu Province, the Philippines, July 4, 2021. (Joint Task Force Sulu/Handout via Xinhua)

GROWING DISMAY AT SECOND-HAND MILITARY EQUIPMENT

Following a series of tragedies suffered recently by the Philippine servicemen, the latest air disaster further stirred up dismay among Filipinos at the purchase of second-hand U.S.-made aircraft.

The Philippines, a major ally of the United States in the Asia Pacific region, is mainly equipped with U.S.-made weapons and military devices.

According to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) documents, the crashed plane was a second-hand C-130 Hercules recently purchased from the U.S. military.

The PAF said in an official statement that the aircraft has the tail number "5125."

According to local media, the C-130 Hercules NR 5125 first flew in 1988, and had served in U.S. Air Force until it was put in storage in 2016 before being sold and delivered to the PAF in January 2021.

Senator Francis Pangilinan said that while the troops risk their lives in the performance of their duties, "they deserve better equipment and hardware so they are safe whenever on flights."

The United States officially handed over the plane during a ceremony in February.

In his speech during the handover ceremony of the plane in February, Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana confirmed that his country had acquired two C-130 Hercules aircraft through security cooperation assistance.

"Out of the total cost of 2.5 billion pesos (roughly 50.89 million U.S. dollars), the Philippines will only pay 1.6 billion pesos (roughly 32.57 million dollars)," Lorenzana said, adding that the United States agreed to "shoulder" the rest of the cost.

Photo shows the crash site of a C-130 military plane of the Philippine Air Force in Sulu Province, the Philippines, July 4, 2021. (Joint Task Force Sulu/Handout via Xinhua)

DEEP-ROOTED UNEQUAL MILITARY COOPERATION

Experts and analysts said the latest tragedy reminded them in many ways of the deep-rooted unequal nature of Philippine-U.S. military cooperation.

Wilson Lee Flores, a columnist for English daily The Philippine Star, said this cooperation is a "vestige of past colonialism."

"The bilateral military cooperation started out in 1946 as a very unequal arrangement between a colonized country and its former colonizer," said Flores, "with American strategic, military and other interests given more priority than the interests of the Philippines."

Professor Rommel Banlaoi, chairman of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research, said the Philippines will have to continue to receive surplus military equipment from the United States due to the defense procurement system.

In January this year, seven people were killed in a PAF UH-1 "Huey" aircraft, manufactured by U.S. Bell Helicopter, that crashed in a village in Bukidnon province.

Three months later, one pilot was killed and three crew members were injured when a PAF MD520MG attack helicopter, fabricated by American manufacturer MD Helicopters, crashed into the waters off Getafe town in central Philippines' Bohol province.

Only ten days before the July 4 disaster, one of PAF's newly acquired S-70i Black Hawk utility helicopters, the flagship aircraft of Lockheed Martin, crashed north of Manila, killing six crew members. (Video reporter: Xia Peng; video editor: Zhang Yucheng)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-06 22:31:56|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

JAKARTA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia plans to seek help from a number of foreign countries if the daily COVID-19 cases surpass 40,000, a senior minister said.

At a virtual press conference on Tuesday, Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said that the Indonesian government has been contacting foreign countries on international aid.

The daily cases of COVID-19 in the Southeast Asian nation have surpassed 30,000.

On Tuesday, the country's Health Ministry reported 31,189 new cases.

Indonesia is currently implementing emergency public activity restrictions which is effective from July 3 to 20. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 11:59:57|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian firm Yong Tai Bhd, which has partnered China-based Shenzhen Kangtai Biological Products Co. Ltd. (SZKT) to supply Chinese-produced COVID-19 vaccine in Malaysia, is targeting to offer its vaccines to private sector by September or October.

Yong Tai's chief executive officer Boo Kuang Loon said the group, which has an agreement with SZKT to supply 10 million doses per year with an additional option of 10 million if required, has commenced its trial vaccination.

"We are currently conducting the Phase III Clinical Trial in Malaysia and have made an application to the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency for approval to use the vaccines here. If everything goes smooth, we aim to obtain the approval by September or October," he told Xinhua in a recent written interview.

He also said the group plans to bring SZKT to Malaysia to set up a research and development center and a production plant, in a bid to ensure that Malaysia is equipped and well prepared to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak in the long term or any potential threat by other viruses in future.

It is also in line with Malaysian government's plan to develop the biotech industry to make Malaysia the hub of bio science in the region, he added.

"From the latest development, we foresee that the virus will continue to stay with us. Therefore, we believe the demand for vaccines will be high in the long term," he said.

Boo is also confident that the vaccine developed by SZKT will be well accepted as it is of the same technology platform as the other two Chinese COVID-19 vaccine developers Sinopharm and Sinovac.

"Moreover, as the Phase III Clinical Trial is conducted locally, it provides us the data to prove the safety and efficacy of the vaccine which will become more convincing for the public," he said.

He noted that the technology of the Chinese vaccine is the inactivated virus vaccine, which has a good track record and has been accepted by most people.

Malaysia's regulators have given conditional approval to two Chinese COVID-19 vaccines developed by Sinovac and CanSino respectively and the two vaccines are included in the country's national vaccination program.

Chinese vaccines are gaining momentum in Malaysia with more Malaysian firms jumping on Chinese vaccine distribution bandwagon.

Leading Malaysian pharmaceutical company Pharmaniaga has partnered with Sinovac to complete the fill-and-finish process locally, apart from importing finished products from China. The administration of Sinovac vaccine started in Malaysia in March.

Meanwhile, CanSino is working with Malaysian firm Solution Group for the local manufacturing of its vaccine.

In addition, another Malaysian firm MY E.G. Services announced in June that it would supply a batch of Chinese-made vaccines for the private market in Malaysia in August.

It is confident that the vaccine, developed by Anhui Zhifei Longcom Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd. and Chinese Academy of Sciences, can play an important role in accelerating the country's drive toward achieving herd immunity against the COVID-19 outbreak, according to the firm. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 12:41:11|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

ULAN BATOR, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia reported 1,998 more COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the national tally to 130,452, the country's health ministry said Wednesday.

Meanwhile, seven more deaths were reported, raising the national count to 670, the ministry said in a statement.

The Asian country launched a national vaccination campaign in late February, with the aim of vaccinating at least 60 percent of its population of 3.3 million.

So far, more than 54 percent of the country's total population have been fully vaccinated against the virus, according to the ministry. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 14:35:59|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

TALUQAN, Afghanistan, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Taliban militants' attack on Taluqan city the capital of Afghanistan's northern Takhar province has been repulsed and the militants fled away after leaving 15 bodies behind, provincial government said in a statement on Wednesday.

The Taliban insurgents launched massive offensive on Taluqan city early Wednesday, but their attempts to gain ground have been foiled, and the militants after suffering casualties and leaving 15 bodies behind fled away, the statement said.

According to the statement, 20 more militants sustained injuries in the fighting lasted for a couple of hours.

One army soldier was killed and two others injured, the statement admitted.

Taliban militants, who have captured at least four districts in the restive Takhar province over the past one month and have been attempting to overrun the provincial capital Taluqan city, have yet to make comment. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 17:00:24|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

BANGKOK, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa was put under quarantine after he shared a flight with a COVID-19 infected passenger, a senior government official said on Wednesday.

Chatuphorn Burutphat, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, confirmed Varawut and himself traveled on June 25 to Phuket on the same flight with the infected passenger.

They were among senior government officials attending the launch of the Phuket reopening campaign.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was sent to quarantine on Monday after contacting a businessperson who tested positive for COVID-19 at the same campaign.

Meanwhile, a tourist from the United Arab Emirates who arrived Phuket on Tuesday was tested positive for coronavirus, forcing 13 to 14 close contacts to undergo the quarantine process, said provincial public health official Kusak Kukiatkul on Wednesday.

The Phuket Sandbox reopening campaign provides for fully-vaccinated, negative-testing foreigners to visit Phuket without quarantine and to leave for other destinations in Thailand after spending 14 days on the island. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 17:52:59|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

JAKARTA, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Police arrested two couriers for delivery 108 kg of crystal methamphetamine controlled by two prisoners from a jail in western Indonesia's Riau province, Riau police chief inspector general Agung Setya Imam Effendi said on Wednesday.

The couriers are brothers identified as BO and BY, while the two prisoners are known with their initials as RO and RI.

"The crystal methamphetamine was sent from Malaysia and will be distributed to Pekanbaru City," Effendi disclosed.

The police earlier arrested BO and BY who were loading crystal methamphetamine into a car on Paus street, Pekanbaru City, and confiscated evidence of 38 drug packs in two large plastic sacks.

Police also seized other evidence of 48 packs of crystal methamphetamine in two large sacks in an oil palm plantation in Bengkalis district, about 180 km from Riau's capital of Pekanbaru.

This is the second time that BO has become a courier for the delivery of crystal methamphetamine, Effendi added.

Both of them also admitted that they have plotted to send crystal methamphetamine on orders of RI and RO from jail.

Allegedly violating law on narcotics, they are facing imprisonment of five to 20 years or death penalty. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 21:36:33|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

KABUL, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan's National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) are getting prepared for counter-offensives to regain control of the lost districts amid Taliban militants' advances towards big cities with the latest attack launched on Qala-e-Naw city, the capital of the western Badghis province on Wednesday.

Taliban militants who have reportedly captured more than 100 districts since the start of the U.S.-led forces withdrawal from Afghanistan on May 1 have been attempting to tighten the noose around big cities.

In the latest attempts to overrun big cities, the armed group attacked Qala-e-Naw on Wednesday, but they were beaten back, according to the province's governor Hasamudin Shams.

The militants have tightened their offensives on Kunduz city, the capital of the northern Kunduz province, the neighboring Takhar's provincial capital Taluqan, and Faizabad, the capital of the Badakhshan province.

Amid the rapid Taliban advances, the government has been making preparations for launching counter-offensives to regain the lost territories, ANDSF spokesman General Ajmal Omar Shinwari said.

"We are preparing and chalking out the plan for counter-offensives and launching attacks," Shinwari told reporters Wednesday.

The official also noted that the government forces had recaptured 14 districts from the Taliban outfit recently.

On Tuesday, Hamdullah Mohib, presidential advisor on national security, disclosed the government forces preparing for launching counter-offensives saying that the increase in the violence by the Taliban militants has demonstrated the armed group's opposition to the peace process.

He said the "security forces would soon recapture" all the districts overrun by the Taliban militants.

Recently, acting Interior Minister Abdul Satar Mirzakwal also said that the government forces will soon launch counter-attacks to regain the districts captured by the Taliban in the country.

Welcoming people's uprisings against the Taliban militants in many provinces, he called upon Afghans to mobilize to counter the warmongering armed group.

In the meantime, Mohammad Naeem, spokesman for the Taliban outfit's liaison office in Doha, noted in his Twitter account that he appreciated Afghan districts falling into the hands of the armed group.

He also said that Taliban fighters want to ensure security and the rights of all Afghans, including women and minorities, will be respected within the framework of Islamic laws in the country. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 22:15:14|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

TOKYO, July 7 (Xinhua) -- The Japanese government is slated to declare another state of emergency over COVID-19 in Tokyo as infections rebounded in the capital, where the Olympic Games are scheduled to open about two weeks later, local media reported Wednesday.

The Tokyo metropolitan government reported 920 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, logging the highest number since mid-May at the peak of Japan's fourth wave of infections. The Japanese capital reported 1,010 new COVID-19 cases on May 13.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said he will make a final decision Thursday regarding the 10 prefectures including Tokyo and Osaka after a quasi-state of emergency expires Sunday.

He said measures concerning Okinawa where a full-fledged state of emergency is in place will also be decided Thursday.

"Infections in Tokyo are trending upward, and we will take every necessary measure to curb the spread of the coronavirus," he said after meeting with members of his Cabinet. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 04:02:01|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas (R) and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez pose for photos in Tallinn, Estonia, on July 6, 2021. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas on Tuesday met here with her Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez to discuss issues concerning bilateral relations, defense cooperation, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and migration policy. (Estonian government/Handout via Xinhua)

TALLINN, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas on Tuesday met here with her Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez to discuss issues concerning bilateral relations, defense cooperation, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and migration policy.

"Never before has there been such close communication between Estonia and Spain. Relationships must be maintained in the future as well," said Kallas, quoted by a government press release.

"We share the same values and are united by a similar mindset on most key EU and international issues, we are open to innovation and we think green," Kallas added.

After the meeting, the two prime ministers held a joint press conference at the Estonian government office.

"We celebrate the centenary of the beginning of diplomatic relations between Estonia and Spain with the firm commitment to deepen them even more. At the bilateral level and also at NATO and the EU, there is a long way to go together," Sanchez said on social media.

Sanchez is scheduled to meet respectively with Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid and Estonian parliament speaker Juri Ratas on Wednesday. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 17:25:53|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

BELGRADE, July 6 (Xinhua) -- As China becomes an indispensable part of the global economy, relations with the Asian country will bolster Serbia's development, Serbian ruling party leaders said here on Tuesday.

President Aleksandar Vucic, also president of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), made the remarks at the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit via video link.

The video summit, which gathered the CPC and parties from more than 160 countries and organizations around the world, was attended in Belgrade by SNS party leaders, Chinese Ambassador of Serbia Chen Bo, and some 300 SNS party members.

The theme of the summit is "For the People's Wellbeing: the Responsibility of Political Parties."

Vucic congratulated China on the 100th anniversary of the CPC's founding, and praised its achievements for the Chinese people and the international community.

He said that today's gathering, initiated by the CPC, "testifies to the consciousness and responsibility of that party for jointly facing challenges in the world."

Calling the CPC "a great guarantee of multilateralism in political and economic relations between sovereign states," Vucic pointed out that China's transformation has become an inspiration and brought hope far beyond Chinese borders.

Vucic said the Belt and Road Initiative ensures key preconditions for balanced development and global stability, which is why "Serbia is proud as one of the main carriers and partners of China in Southeast Europe in realizing that idea."

Deputy President of the SNS party Aleksandar Sapic said that Serbia is proud to be among China's closest and most reliable partners in this region.

Sapic said that the development of the Serbian economy would be unthinkable without Chinese investment, not to mention the difficulties Serbia faced during the COVID-19 crisis. China was the first to help, he added.

"This is a confirmation of long-term strategic cooperation with the People's Republic of China. The fact that we are its closest and most reliable partner in this part of Europe puts us on the right track, and we believe that this cooperation will become even deeper and better," Sapic said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 21:51:25|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

SINGAPORE, July 7 (Xinhua) -- A senior Russia diplomat at a recently-concluded peace forum refuted the groundless accusations that China exports its governance model to other countries, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

"If somebody gives me just one example of the Communist Party of China (CPC) imposing its ideology on anybody outside Chinese borders, I would be very grateful," Russian Ambassador to China Andrey Denisov said at the 9th World Peace Forum held in Beijing.

The forum was jointly organised by Tsinghua University and the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 21:59:38|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

PARIS, July 7 (Xinhua) -- The Delta variant now accounts for 40 percent of France's new cases of COVID-19 infection, government spokesperson Gabriel Attal said here on Wednesday, warning that the risk of a fourth coronavirus wave "is here."

"We are at 40 percent of the contaminations linked to the Delta variant," he said. "After several months of decline, the epidemic is gaining ground again."

The number of new COVID-19 cases linked to the Delta strain of the virus first detected in India has doubled in a week. The incidence rates were surging in 11 out of France's 13 metropolitan regions, notably in Paris, where the rate jumped to 91 percent in one week, Attal told reporters after the French government's regular weekly meeting.

The government is scheduled to meet again next Monday to discuss the epidemiological situation in the country and to assess all possible scenarios for the spread of the Delta virus variant, he said.

On Tuesday, France registered 3,585 new COVID-19 cases, the highest daily count since June 12. To date, France has had some 5.79 million cases and 111,231 deaths, the health authorities said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 22:25:47|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

STOCKHOLM, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Just over a week after his resignation as Sweden's prime minister following a vote of no confidence in Parliament (Riksdagen) in June, Stefan Lofven was reinstated on Wednesday.

The leader of the Social Democrats, who have headed a caretaker government since his resignation, was returned to the post with 116 supporting votes in the 349-seat Riksdagen.

According to the Swedish constitution, a qualified majority is not required as long as a majority - a minimum 175 deputies -- does not vote against the proposed prime minister. A total of 173 votes were cast against Lofven.

Lofven will now form a new government together with the Green Party that for the last seven years has shared power with the Social Democrats.

Ahead of the voting procedure, Ebba Busch, leader of the opposition Christian Democrats, described yet another such government as a "ticking bomb" as it would have difficulties pushing through a budget.

Lofven has also previously announced he would resign again should he be reinstated and the proposed budget be voted down.

Should this happen, Sweden's voters would again face the possibility of a snap election less than a year before the scheduled elections in September 2022. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-07 23:21:28|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

MOSCOW, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Two Russian Su-30 fighters escorted a U.S. Navy patrol aircraft P-8 Poseidon over the Black Sea, preventing it from entering Russian airspace, the Russian Defense Ministry said Wednesday.

"On the evening of July 6, Russian airspace control devices detected an air target approaching the state border of the Russian Federation over the neutral waters of the Black Sea," it said in a statement.

The fighters were scrambled to identify the air target and prevent it from entering Russian airspace, it added.

The Russian aircraft proceeded in strict compliance with international airspace rules, it said, adding that the state border was not violated. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-08 00:07:27|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

STOCKHOLM, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Just over a week after his resignation as Sweden's prime minister following a vote of no confidence in Parliament (Riksdagen) in June, Stefan Lofven was reinstated on Wednesday.

The leader of the Social Democrats, who has headed a caretaker government since his resignation, was returned to the post with 116 supporting votes in the 349-seat Riksdagen.

According to the Swedish constitution, a qualified majority is not required as long as a majority - a minimum 175 deputies -- does not vote against the proposed prime minister. A total of 173 votes were cast against Lofven.

Lofven will now form a new government together with the Green Party that for the last seven years has shared power with the Social Democrats.

Ahead of the voting procedure, Ebba Busch, leader of the opposition Christian Democrats, described yet another such government as a "ticking bomb" as it would have difficulties pushing through a budget.

Lofven has also previously announced he would resign again should he be reinstated and the proposed budget be voted down.

Should this happen, Sweden's voters would again face the possibility of a snap election less than a year before the scheduled elections in September 2022.

To avoid such a scenario, Lofven must strike a balancing act to appease the Left Party as well as the Centre Party, whose leader has repeatedly announced she would not support a government that has negotiated with the Left Party.

Meanwhile, Nooshi Dadgostar, the newly elected leader of the Left Party, has said her party will no longer be "a doormat" to the Social Democrats.

Lofven's last crisis began in June when the Left Party proposed a no-confidence vote over fears that the government had plans to let landlords charge market rates for newly-built rental apartments.

As the Left Party did not have the required number of parliamentarians to call for such a vote, anti-immigration party the Sweden Democrats picked up the baton which ultimately led to Lofven and his entire government being ousted.

Lofven, who now has to formally appoint ministers in the new government, said the new government will focus on welfare initiatives, security and policing, and environment and climate. Enditem
with apologies for length D ear Grad, Greetings! Ive been meaning to write this for awhile. But you know how it goes, one gets busy and...
The Department of State Services has concluded plans requesting the Lagos State Police Command to transfer the 49 arrested 49 Yoruba nation's protesters to its custody in Abuja.

A senior DSS official, who asked not to be named, disclosed this to Daily Trust yesterday.

He said: "You know Igboho's group is among the groups who organised that rally. So, some of his boys may be among those arrested. It's not out of place if the service widens its investigation by bringing those suspects to the headquarters."

According to another official, the police and the DSS are working together to ensure that secessionists in any zone have no room to destabilise Nigeria.

He said: "The security agents won't allow destabilisation of this country under whatever any guise. We're working in synergy to ensure that whoever plans to destabilise or break law and order of the country, are dealt with."

DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, neither answered phone calls made to him nor replied messages sent to him by our correspondent seeking his comment.
Governors of the 17 southern states have unanimously agreed that the next President of Nigeria should emerge from their region, puncturing the ambition of prominent politicians from the North.

The governors under the aegis of the Southern Governors Forum (SGF) made their stance known on Monday after a closed-door meeting which lasted for about five hours in Lagos.

Even though the governors spoke on insecurity in their region and also chided the federal government for not consulting them before security operatives carried out some recent offensives, they were short of mentioning the names of those fomenting trouble in the South East and South West.

The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi who was taken to court on Tuesday last week after he was extradited was not mentioned by the 17 southern governors.

Also, the name of Yoruba secessionist, Sunday Igboho, whose house was raided by operatives of the State Security Service (SSS), was also not mentioned in the communique issued by the southern governors.

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and other notable personalities said there was no way the region could be intimated, insisting that democracy had its tenets which must be respected.

The governors, according to the communique issued, also discussed the current security situation in the country, open grazing, constitutional amendment and Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

They, however, reaffirmed their commitment to the unity of Nigeria on the pillars of equity, fairness, justice, progress and peaceful co-existence between and amongst its people.

Governors who attended the meeting are the Chairman of the forum and Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu; Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State, Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, Nyesom Wike of Rivers; Seyi Makinde of Oyo; Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti; Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu and Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom.

While the governors of Anambra and Cross River were absent, those of Edo, Imo, Abia and Ebonyi states were represented by their deputies.

One voice

The decision of the 17 governors - drawn from three different political parties- to unanimously agree that the president should come from the South in 2023 is seen as a landmark decision.

Analysts told the Daily Trust that it appeared the southern governors have coalesced into a single force, a development that would most likely alter the political configuration of some northern politicians.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has eight governors from the region, same as the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has one governor.

According to the communique by the governors, "The Forum reiterates its commitment to the politics of equity, fairness and unanimously agrees that the presidency of Nigeria be rotated between southern and northern Nigeria and resolved that the next president of Nigeria should emerge from the southern region."

If this decision comes to fruition, it would have ended the ambition of key politicians in the North that have shown interest in contesting the 2023 presidential election.

A former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, from Adamawa State, a former Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso from Kano State; Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State and Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State are among major contenders for the 2023 presidential poll.

Others are Governor Bala Mohammed from Bauchi State and a former Governor, Ahmed Sani Yarima from Zamfara State. Most of them have directly or by proxy indicated interest to vie for the presidency.

From the South, a former governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State; a former governor, Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, Minister of Transportation and a former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi and a former governor, Donald Duke of Cross River State are among southern politicians who are said to be eyeing the number one position in the country in 2023.

Afenifere, PANDEF back governors

Meanwhile socio-cultural groups- Afenifere and the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) have expressed total support for the resolution of the southern governors that the presidency must be ceded to the South in 2023.

Acting Leader of Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, in a chat with Daily Trust, said the rotation of the presidency between the North and the South as advocated by the southern governors was the right thing to do in a democracy to give every section of the country a sense of belonging.

The Afenifere leader also cautioned against any attempt by the North to want to remain in power beyond 2023.

Also, PANDEF's National Publicity Secretary, Ken Robinson, told Daily Trust that the decision of the southern governors was received with elation as it represented what PANDEF stood for.

He said that other ethnic organisations such as Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo and the Middle Belt Forum had in the past clamoured for power shift from the North to the South. He added that PANDEF was solidly behind the decision irrespective of where the presidency will come from the three geo-political zones of the South.

'Decision not binding'

Constitutional lawyer, Akinwale Akinlawon, said the decision of the governors was not binding and would not stop interested politicians from the North or other region from contesting in the election.

"The constitution does not provide for rotational presidency. It is an agreement by political parties to rotate the presidency. Anyone nominated by a political party can vie for any position," he said.

When contacted to hear their view on the decision taken by the southern governors, the Secretary of the APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe, and the Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena, neither picked their phone calls nor responded to text messages sent to them at the time of filing this report.

On their part, the PDP the spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, said they are yet to decide on zoning.

"PDP NEC has not met. When we meet and decide on zoning, we will speak," he said.

'North cannot be blackmailed'

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), on Monday, faulted the demand by southern governors that the next president should emerge from the South.

The forum said the North would not be threatened or blackmailed into yielding a democratically elected office.

NEF, through its Director of Publicity and Advocacy, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, said: "As far as the North is concerned, the idea that it will be indirectly threatened or intimidated or blackmailed into yielding an office which ought to be settled democratically is not acceptable."

Baba-Ahmed described the decision of the southern governors as an expression of sentiment which could be best discussed within a political process.

"We are running a democratic government and decisions over where the next president comes from are basically decisions that will be made by voters exercising their rights to choose which candidate best serves their interest," he said.

According to him, "The southern governors come from the two dominant parties; APC and PDP and they must have some influence in those parties.

"The way it should be done is that the southern governors should influence their parties to zone the presidency to southern states and then work to convince Nigerian voters from all parts of the country to vote for that candidate."

He said that the democratic rights of Nigerian citizens to vote for a candidate cannot be snatched by threats or intimidation, adding that politicians were becoming very lazy to think they will be given leadership in a manner that suggests an ultimatum.

A senator from North East said the southern governors were trying to blackmail the North into submission.

He said, "We have the presidency at the moment but look at how they are behaving. They banned open grazing without any room towards addressing the farmer/herder crisis.

"They kicked against the PIB simply because they don't want exploration in the North and they are even challenging the powers of the president on tackling insecurity.

"What do you think will happen if they get the presidency in 2023? I am totally against any rotation. We should allow the numbers to count because democracy is about numbers," he said.

Open grazing

As a follow up to their previous meeting in Asaba, Delta State, the southern governors set a timeline of September 1, 2021, for the promulgation of the anti-open grazing law in all member states.

The governors had announced a total ban on open grazing in the region during the Asaba meeting.

On the state of insecurity, the southern governors re-emphasised the need for state police and urged the federal government not to be sentimental in the administration of criminal justice.

They also commiserated with families and loved ones of those who have fallen in the line of duty.

The forum also resolved that if for any reason security institutions needed to undertake an operation in any state, the chief security officer of the state which is the governor must be duly informed.

Responding to this part of the communique, Dr Baba-Ahmed said the position of the governors in demanding that they must be fully informed before security operations in their states take place was unacceptable.

He said there was nowhere in the Nigerian Constitution that said the president, who is the country's chief security officer, must either get the consent or approval of a governor before exercising his responsibility.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Governance Nigeria By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

"That is not the way to go," he said. "The governors are members of the National Security Committee and a lot of these issues are matters that ought to be handled with some level of sensitivity and discretion and not to be thrown out in public as if they are demands which have no constitutional foundations.

"This particular decision taken by the southern governors has not been informed by the wisest decision-making process," he said.

Some senior lawyers also said there was no constitutional provision for governors to give permission for security operations in their states.

Prof. Paul Ananaba (SAN) said as the chief security officers of their states, the governors don't control security agencies because security is not in the concurrent list but the exclusive list.

"They just want to cause trouble because there is no constitutional provision that would warrant them to say that," he said.

"However, consistent with governance, there should be some understanding between the federal and state governments with respect to security.

"It is not fair and advisable to carry out security operations in the state without the permission of the governor.

"It ought to be down to the local government as the idea behind three-tier government, because it is the failure of the third tier that led to these insurrections in the country.

"Local government chairmen would have been able to take care of these things before they grow out of control," he said.

Also responding, Sunday Ameh (SAN) said the states have only subsidiary powers to maintain security in their states although the constitution said security and welfare shall be the primary purpose of government.

"Security in Nigeria is like a unitary proposal so that the ultimate responsibility for national security lies with the president and he directs the Inspector General of Police, which is right from the top.

"Therefore, the governors cannot stop security operatives from operating in their states because when it comes to security, the president is ultimately responsible," he said.

However, Prof Ernest Ojukwu (SAN) said the governors were right because as the chief security officers of their states, no security agency should be deployed to any state without their consent.

From Abiodun Alade, Christiana T. Alabi & Abdullateef Aliyu (Lagos), Victor Edozie (Port Harcourt), Lami Sadiq (Kaduna), John C. Azu, Hamisu K. Matazu & Saawua Terzungwe (Abuja)
As GE, Sterling, LASG, 27 others honoured with NHEA Awards

Thirty individuals and institutions were last week honoured with the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Award, NHEA even as the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi said the state lost 14 health professionals to COVID-19.

Among the awardees were Smile Train, GE, Sterling Bank, Lagos State Government, JNCI, Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Metta; St. Nicholas Hospital, The Bridge Clinic, Vanguard Pharmacy, and DCL Laboratory, among others.

Speaking at the event tagged: "Celebrating Our Healthcare Heroes, while Lagos state commissioner for health, Prof Akin Abayomi who represented the State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said: "During the battle of COVID-19, we lost 14 of our health professionals - 12 doctors and two nurses.

"Due to people still dying of COVID-19 around the world, we implored the third wave committee to stop Lagos State from going to the third wave. The team is to make sure that we can carry on with our economic livelihood in the centre of excellence.

"We have a policy not to receive any award on COVID-19 because the disease still exists, but today we are here to acknowledge some of the bravery of all the health front line workers."

It was a double honours for Lagos State as the state emerged as the most responsive COVID-19 State Government of the Year, while the state's Commissioner of Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, was celebrated as the Most Outstanding COVID-19 State Health Commissioner of the Year at the event.

Abayomi, while receiving the ward hailed all health workers in Lagos State, saying the awards were dedicated to the healthcare practitioners who were committed to their work since the outbreak of the pandemic.

Speaking at the event well attended by different personalities across the country, the Chairman, NHEA Advisory Board, Dr. Anthony Omolola, said they were proud of the 2021 awardees and how they have demonstrated excellence in the past year despite the challenges of COVID-19.

He recalled that NHEA had in March 2021, called for nominations that lasted for two months and received over 20,000 nominations and the NHEA Jury shortlisted over 100 nominees made up of organisations and individuals both from the public and private sectors for voting.

"The juries made a shortlist based on published criteria for each set of awards for online voting on the NHEA voting portal. We also evaluated claims of nominees simultaneously across the country. In a bid to continuously improve our current process to meet international best practice, there was tremendous use of technology with improved security features."

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Coronavirus By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

Also, NHEA Lifetime Achievement award was conferred on; General Aderonke Kale (rtd), Professor John Idoko, and Pharm. (Dr.) John Nwaiwu at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.

NHEA is aimed at recognizing and celebrating the achievements of personalities and organizations who have contributed immensely to the growth and development of the Nigerian health sector in the past year.

In addition, recognizes the rapid growth of Nigeria's healthcare sector, the role of technology and the capacity of organizations and individuals to influence and set new performance standards in Nigeria and beyond.

NHEA, the Oscar of Nigeria healthcare is supported by PharmAccess Foundation, Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria Medical Association, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, etc.

The Award is organised by Global Health Project and Resources (GHPR) in collaboration with Anadach Group, USA.

Vanguard News Nigeria
The Board of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved $170.9 million in financing for the African Development Bank's Leveraging Energy Access Finance Framework (LEAF) program. LEAF aims to unlock commercial and local-currency financing for decentralized renewable energy (DRE) projects in six program countries: Ghana, Guinea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Tunisia.

The Green Climate Fund's financing is part of an overall $900 million program budget whose objective is to scale up roll-out of mini-grids, solar home systems, and commercial and industrial solar solutions in the program countries.

Tony Clamp, acting Director of GCF's Private Sector Facility, said, "GCF is delighted to partner with the African Development Bank to support this timely and critical program for decentralised renewable energy across these six African countries. Green Climate Fund's commitment will help unlock much-needed commercial capital and local currency financing to help overcome financing barriers exacerbated by Covid-19."

Under LEAF, Africa's abundant solar resources will be harnessed to provide renewable energy to 6 million people and businesses, and will also prevent 28.8 million tonnes in CO2 emissions over the lifetime of the systems.

By deploying credit enhancement instruments and technical assistance, LEAF will strengthen capital markets and crowd-in private sector investors, including local financial institutions, thereby enhancing their financial and technical capacity to finance businesses in the fast growing DRE market segment comprising of solar home systems, green mini-grids, and solar solutions for commercial and industrial sectors. The program will also provide requisite support to strengthen the enabling environment and increase private sector investment in this market segment.

"GCF's approval of LEAF is a significant boost for the African Development Bank's twin ambitions of accelerating electricity access and supporting the transition to clean energy on the continent using decentralized renewable energy solutions, and moreover facilitated through local financing," said Dr. Kevin Kariuki, the African Development Bank's Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth.

Contact:

Olufemi Terry | Communication and External Relations Department | African Development Bank | email: o.terry@afdb.org
analysis

Nigeria's transport network is largely in a state of disrepair due to inadequate investment over the decades, economic and population growth, and ineffective policies and plans.

For instance, Tin Can and Apapa ports in Lagos continue to suffer from inadequate cargo handling equipment. This results in expensive delays. And when goods are eventually cleared, absence of rail connectivity results in them having to be hauled over poor and congested roads to the northern and eastern parts of the country.

These factors often result in accidents, breakdowns and further delays. All are detrimental to the economy.

Such ineffectiveness is in spite of a series of national transport policies. Reforms were initiated in 2003, 2008 and 2010. These paid some attention to the possibility of intermodalism - ensuring trucked goods are moved on to rail or water, and back to truck for final delivery. These reforms also considered privatisation and public-private partnerships. However, none of these policies and reforms made a significant difference.

Costs associated with ineffective and inefficient national transportation and logistics systems are well documented. The International Trade Administration, an agency of the US government, citing a survey by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, showed that the Nigerian economy loses an estimated revenue of N3.46 trillion annually.

Nigeria connects to the global and regional economy through international maritime shipping and air while its internal connections are mostly by road and rail movements. Given this, any freight logistics plan for the country must be seen as part of a global supply chain network.

In my view, the time has come for a serious consideration of an overarching and holistic national freight logistics strategy for Nigeria for the next few decades.

It would bring together all tiers of government and industry to provide a coordinated, national multi-modal approach to freight planning. And it would address Nigeria's freight challenges, while supporting its long term international competitiveness.

As an experienced logistics analyst, consultant, scholar and educator in the developing and developed worlds, I have come across a range of relatively effective national freight logistics strategies such as those of South Africa, Panama, Vietnam and Thailand.

They provide useful benchmarks for what is possible.

Why plans haven't worked

Firstly, transport traditionally gets constant attention from public authorities. But logistics and supply chain management is often considered to be a private business-oriented activity.

Public authorities should be paying much closer attention to it, especially in relation to its integration with trade, and the economy.

Secondly, decision makers still take a piecemeal view and approach. This is clear from the fact that there are a number of disparate plans that touch on transport. These include the Nigeria Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan which was put in place in March 2015 by the National Planning Commission. And then there's the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan which was approved by the government in 2016 for execution in the period 2017 to 2020.

Similarly, there are several oversight agencies. For example, air transport alone has three - the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria - but none has a freight focus.

A piecemeal approach results in insufficient integration of trade and economic considerations in the design, operation and management of the national transport system. The outcome is poor logistics and supply chain management.

What the plan needs to cover

A well-developed freight logistics strategy should be integrated and overarching. It should facilitate the safe and efficient movement of freight within the country. It would also integrate the country seamlessly within the West African sub-region and beyond.

The plan should address sources of freight generation, commodity flows and associated data-based modelling. It should also cover the transportation and distribution industry and workforce, storage and warehousing location principles, and movement of bulk commodities, containers and general cargo through major ports, airports, inland dry ports, transport corridors and intermodal terminals.

In addition the plan should cover railroad access, water port access and air cargo access to allow efficient access of bulk freight to support agricultural regions, production clusters, local industries, businesses and consumers.

Lastly, the strategy should address compatibility of data and information standards, platforms and systems. This would ensure smooth interactions between trading partners and carriers, as well as the introduction of modern and productive freight technologies. South Africa, Panama, Thailand and Vietnam are some examples Nigeria can learn from.

How it can be achieved

A national freight logistics strategy like this would be different from the myriad existing government plans and policies. For example, it would reduce transaction and coordination costs for freight operations and the economy as a whole.

The policy can be developed through systematic freight research based on accurate data and other evidence from stakeholders. This may include a series of nationwide inquiries into the priorities for national freight and supply chains.

Other relevant data and information can be collected through industry partnerships and extensive non-partisan consultations.

Each country has its unique issues. A thorough and representative consultation process would therefore be crucial.

A thorough mapping exercise also needs to be done.

Freight networks and hubs consist of multiple visible and invisible economic, social and political connections. These combine to provide an effectively working system and must be identified.

For example, Lagos and Kano are monocentric hubs. What's meant by this is that freight has to be trucked in or out from the outskirts of the city sprawl, and from other parts of Nigeria at great cost. And with difficulty. A national decentralised system with several hubs across Nigeria would make much more sense. This would allow logistics facilities and infrastructure to be located closer to the sources of major freight generation and consumption, and closer to key transport corridors.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Transport By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

This would make freight transport less reliant on Lagos ports. In turn this would ease the pressure on transport networks. This has positive implications for efficiency, productivity, transport emissions, noise reduction and social equity.

Consideration should therefore be given to several other hubs outside of Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt and Abuja. For instance, Enugu-Onitsha may serve as a freight hub to support manufacturing and trade, while Makurdi or a similar middle belt city can serve as hub for the food producing regions of the area.

Overall, an audit must be undertaken to identify regulatory, economic or environmental challenges. Skills and geography also need to be part of the picture.

Nigeria's current approach to the movement of freight is fragmented. It needs a single point of national accountability.

While the current emphasis on road infrastructure projects is good, an integrated freight logistics and supply chain management approach would be better.

Logistics is not as attractive to senior politicians as simply building roads. It therefore struggles to gain political attention. But that's no reason for the country not to pursue an integrated national freight logistics policy.

Richard Oloruntoba, Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management & Supply Chain Management Lead, Curtin University
Abuja  Nigerian authorities in northwest Kaduna state have closed 13 schools after more than 140 students were kidnapped Monday from a Baptist high school. The closures follow a string of armed attacks on schools that authorities say threaten to permanently damage Nigerian children's education.

Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority officials say a risk assessment shows the 13 schools are the most vulnerable to attacks.

The attack on Bethel Baptist High school Monday is the latest in a spate of school kidnappings for ransom and the fourth such mass kidnapping in the state in five months.

Kaduna authorities said 26 people, including a woman teacher, have been rescued and that troops are searching for missing kidnap victims.

But a local clergyman said an initial verification showed only 20 out of 180 students boarding at the school before the attack had been accounted for.

Amnesty International's Seun Bakare says attacks and school closures signal severe threats to education in Nigeria.

Authorities Investigate Kidnapping of Three Teachers in Northern Nigeria

Nigerian officials try to identify gunmen in Monday's kidnapping of schoolteachers, a day after abduction attempt of students

"We risk the loss of a generation if these attacks on schools and attacks on education continue," Bakare said. "It is so shameful that on one hand, bandits and Boko Haram are attacking children and their right to education, on the other hand, the government's only response is to shutdown schools. The government's response is also an attack on education and this is completely unacceptable"

The recent wave of kidnappings continues to worsen the education crisis in Nigeria's north, a region known for low levels of literacy and enrollment, and accounting for more than 70 percent of Nigeria's school dropouts.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Education By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

Despite the government's pledge to secure the schools, critics say it is either unwilling or unable to fix the problem.

"We don't want the government to make a mere pronouncement that they're on top of the situation, we want the government to take responsibility, we want the government to take actions that will abort such occurrences," said Emmanuel Hwande, a spokesperson at Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT.

On Sunday, gunmen also attacked a National Tuberculosis and Leprosy center and abducted eight people, including an infant.

The U.N. children's agency, UNICEF, says 2.8 million children in the northeast need education emergency support due to violence in the region.

Unless addressed, experts say many more children will be risking a bleak future.
"You can say intercepted as much as you want but for me Kanu was kidnapped and that is wrong internationally and it is wrong morally."

The Nigerian government kidnapped Nnamdi Kanu from a foreign country in order to bring him to trial in Nigeria, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has said.

Mr Soyinka, who condemned the Nigerian government's action, however, criticised Mr Kanu's 'hate rhetoric' while he was in hiding outside the country.

"For me, was it right to have kidnapped [him]? You can say intercepted as much as you want but for me Kanu was kidnapped and that is wrong internationally and it is wrong morally," he told the BBC in an interview.

The Nobel Laureate said there could be a nationwide furore when the truth about the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Mr Kanu becomes public.

"It is not for me to tell the Nigerian government to prepare itself because there is going to be a huge squawk when the truth about how Kanu was arrested (becomes public)," he said.

There have been many speculations on where Mr Kanu was arrested as the federal government has failed to provide this information. Ifeanyi Ejiofor, a counsel to the secessionist, had said his client was arrested in Kenya.

However, the Kenyan government through its High Commissioner to Nigeria, Wilfred Machage, said: "Kenya was not involved in the alleged arrest and extradition to Nigeria of Mr. Kanu.

"To us, therefore, these allegations are fictional, imaginary and deliberately concerted to fuel antagonistic feelings among certain sections of the Nigerian people."

When asked what advice he would give the government on how to handle Mr Kanu's case, Mr Soyinka said, "We have to ask ourselves, what is the position politically, economically, mentally, spiritually? What is the collective state of mind of a vast section of this nation at the moment? And that state of mind is best described as distrust, total distrust."

"This government has earned itself distrust - rightly or wrongly, that is for it to decide - anybody who is telling this government that the people of this nation still believes it and the government believes that, it is plunging this country further into the abyss."

Mr Soyinka also condemned Mr Kanu's conduct outside the country and described the hate rhetoric he propagates as 'most unfortunate' adding that, "hate rhetoric can only be judged by the laws of any nation."

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) had earlier in the year said it jammed the signals of Mr Kanu's Radio Biafra in most parts of Lagos.

According to the Deputy Director, Public Affairs of NBC, Ekanem Antia, who described the station as illegal, its broadcast contained incendiary messages and was notorious for spewing fake, inflammatory and inciting content.

Kanu's Re-arrest

Nigeria's Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, at a joint press briefing on June 29 said Mr Kanu was re-arrested through international collaborative efforts with security agencies.

Mr Malami, however, did not state specifically where the arrest took place; ditto for the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed.

"There have been speculations on how this re-arrest was pulled off and in which country the hitherto fugitive leader of the proscribed IPOB was nabbed. What we can tell you, once again, is that the re-arrest was made possible by the diligent efforts of our security and intelligence agencies, in collaboration with countries with which we have obligations. We continue to respect and honour the obligations," Mr Mohammed said.

Assuring concerned parties that Mr Kanu will get a fair trial, the minister said, "I can assure you that the fair deal that Kanu denied many of the victims of the violence which he willfully instigated through his broadcasts and tweets will not be denied him."

Mr Kanu is facing treasonable felony charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Back Story

Mr Kanu, who was then better known as the Director of Radio Biafra, was first arrested in 2015 over his separatist agitations for the independent Republic of Biafra, which he said will include the Igbo-dominated states in the South-east region and some other neighbouring states.

He was then the leader of the little known Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) which started as a peaceful separatist group.

Following their arrest, Mr Kanu and his co-defendants were charged with offences of treasonable felony, unlawful possession of arms, and illegal importation of broadcast equipment, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The defendants including Mr Kanu denied the charges.

They were not granted bail until April 2017.

In September 2017, soldiers invaded Mr Kanu's home, in Afara-Ukwu, near Umuahia, Abia State. During the incident, Mr Kanu escaped from the country.

The Nigerian government also obtained a court order on September 20, 2017, proscribing and designating IPOB as a terrorist group.

Mr Kanu was no longer seen in public after the military attack on his home until months later when his pictures showed him to be in Israel.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

News also had it at the time that the IPOB leader, who is known to be a dual Nigerian and British citizen, was making moves to return to the United Kingdom.

Mr Kanu eventually returned to the UK where the government refused to proscribe IPOB or declare it a terror group.

Since escaping from Nigeria, Mr Kanu has been using the social media space to keep in touch with his followers.

Known for making incendiary statements against Nigeria through his posts and broadcasts on social media channels, Mr Kanu is known to have called for attacks on state facilities and personnel and citizens in the South-east region.

The Eastern Security Network (ESN), which he formed as a military wing of IPOB, has been accused by the Nigerian government of being responsible for many deadly attacks in the region. Many of the ESN members have also been arrested and killed.

IPOB initially started as an unarmed and peaceful group. Its members, however, became targets of violent attacks of state forces with many of them extrajudicially killed between 2015 and 2016.

While Mr Kanu was abroad, the Federal High Court in Abuja, in March 2019, revoked the bail earlier granted him in April 2017.

The judge ordered his arrest and the separation of his trial from that of his co-defendants.
Nigeria remains one of the 30 countries globally with the highest burden of the disease, while it also ranks first in Africa in the number of undetected cases.

The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has identified Lagos State as the epicentre of Tuberculosis in the country, adding that more than 300,000 cases are left undiagnosed nationwide every year.

Speaking during a virtual interview with journalists on Tuesday, the director, technical programmes, USAID Tuberculosis Local Organisations Network (TB LON 3) project, Olugbenga Daniel, said the undetected cases pose significant threat to the fight against TB in the country.

He said a positive index TB patient infects 15 people annually.

About TB in Nigeria

Tuberculosis, a disease caused by bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis) often affects the lungs.

It is spread from person to person through the air. When people with TB cough, sneeze or spit, they propel the TB germs into the air. A person needs to inhale only a few of these germs to become infected.

According to statistics, Nigeria remains one of the 30 countries globally with the highest burden of the disease, while it also ranks first in Africa in the number of undetected cases.

Although TB is one of the vaccine-preventable diseases which is also curable, statistics from the WHO show that every year, around 245,000 Nigerians die from TB, and about 590,000 new cases occur.

Out of the 590,000 cases, around 140,000 are said to be HIV-positive.

According to Mr Daniel, Lagos State is the epicentre of the disease in Nigeria due to its population density, landscape and other factors.

Meanwhile, data released by 'Stop TB Partnership' in March, 2021, shows that global treatment and diagnosis of TB cases witnessed a drastic decline in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic which has infected millions of people worldwide.

The report also indicates that disruptions in services caused by the pandemic have led to further setbacks in progress already made against the disease.

"So this boils down to the fact that we still have over 300,000 TB cases annually that are yet to be diagnosed," he said, adding that; "If you do the geometric progression of that, knowing the number of people that will be infected annually by undiagnosed TB cases, which truly if you look at it critically, is an emergency."

Mr Daniel said TB burden in the country especially with missing cases requires the deployment of innovative strategies to identify and place people on treatment.

TB LON 3

The TB LON 3 project is a five-year project that is primarily focused on finding missing TB cases, according to the IHVN official.

Sponsored by USAID, the project seeks to rapidly increase the level of TB cases detected and treated in Nigeria over the next five years (2020-2025), with IHVN implementing the project in Lagos, Osun, Ogun and Oyo states.

Mr Daniel said 11,000 new cases of TB have been identified in the four states in the last one year through the TB LON 3 project.

"The project has been very successful in increasing and improving the case finding across the supported states," he said.

Set target

Mr Daniel noted that Nigeria is expected to identify 432,000 TB cases annually but it is still far from meeting this target.

"Up until last year 2020, our case finding has been staggering around 24 to 25 per cent and that comes to a range of about 100,000 or 105,000 cases.

"In 2019, we increased to about 116,000/120,000 cases and thereafter we had an increase in 2020 to about 130,000 cases," he said.

He explained that the identified cases were due to concerted effort of both the public and private facility intervention as well as community activities.

Poor funding

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Tuberculosis By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

The official lamented that there is an existing huge funding gap in TB management, despite the disease claiming lives daily in the country.

He said it's quite alarming that the TB programme in Nigeria is majorly funded by foreign donors.

"Even that is also the picture we have of HIV. There are countries out there that their governments are primarily responsible for the drive for the TB programme.

"A case in point is India and South Africa, where between 80 and 85 per cent of the funding is from the government while the donors are contributing the remaining percentage," he said.

He said it is important to take over the funding as it will help structure the programme and give it local content.

He said the government will be able to dictate the direction of the programme.

"But as we speak, it's the donors that determine what they want the funding to do, and which might not really provide the local content that you really want," he said.
The incident occurred around Marke village of Kebbi State on Tuesday.

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have ambushed troops of the Forward Operational Base and that of the Special Operational Command operating in Kebbi State for the purpose of clearance operation, PREMIUM TIMES can exclusively report.

The incident , which occurred around Marke village of the state on Tuesday, claimed the lives of seven soldiers.

According to sources familiar with the situation, the seven slain soldiers consist of four naval special force and three soldiers of the army.

Aside the seven, five of the soldiers also sustained gunshot injuries from the bandits as two were still missing as at the time of writing this report.

PREMIUM TIMES is ,however, deliberately withholding the identities of the victims to enable the military authorities inform the families.

Some sources who were briefed on the incident said the bandits came in a large number which forced the troops to withdraw after engaging them for a while.

Some of the items the bandits carted away were seven AK 47 rifles, one anti aircraft gun and one Russian machine gun.

They however set ablaze four Toyota hilux vans and one automatic grenade launcher before fleeing into the bush.

Search and rescue operations are currently ongoing in the area for the missing soldiers.

Troubled North-west

The North-west and parts of the North-central zones have witnessed frequent attacks from bandits in the past months despite heightened security measure in the areas.

PREMIUM TIMES reported several activities of these armed bandits which include killings and abduction of school children.

The most recent abduction is that of Bethel Baptist Secondary School, Kujama in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

More than 1,000 students have been kidnapped from various schools in the two geopolitical zones this year alone.

Aside banditry, terrorism has thrived for about a decade in the North-eastern part of the country.
The Senate was on Tuesday sharply divided over the debate on a Bill to regulate the slaughtering, breeding and ranching of donkey in the country.

The Bill for an Act to regulate the slaughter of donkey and establish the breeding and ranching of donkey through the export certification value chain to mitigate the extinction of donkey and for related matter, which sparked the debate, was sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Abdullahi Yahaya.

Raising point of order 43 of the Senate rules before Senate Leader could lead debate on the bill, Senate Minority Leader, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, drew the attention of his colleagues to some provision in the Constitution on why the Senate should not go ahead with debate on the Bill.

Insisting that the Bill is a violation of some provisions in the Constitution, Abaribe said, "I will expect that as parliament we should look at the Constitution before certain things are put up here."

Making reference to Section 4 second schedule of the 1999 Constitution, Abaribe noted that there are 68 items in the Exclusive Legislative List.

He said further action on the bill, will invariably make the Senate going against the laws of the land by dabbling into issues that on the residual list of the Constitution , meant for legislative actions of State House of Assembly and Local Government Councils .

According to him " Section 4(4a) of the constitution says The National Assembly shall legislate on: any matter in the Concurrent Legislative List set out in the first column of Part II of the Second Schedule to this Constitution to the extent prescribed in the second column opposite thereto

"Part 17-20 of the Second Schedule

17. The National Assembly may make laws for the Federation or any part thereof with respect to

(a.) the health, safety and welfare of persons employed to work in factories, offices or other premises or in inter-State transportation and commerce including the training, supervision and qualification of such persons; (b) the regulation of ownership and control of business enterprises throughout the Federation for the purpose of promoting, encouraging or facilitating such ownership and control by citizens of Nigeria;

" ( C) the establishment of research centres for agricultural studies; and

(d) , the establishment of institutions and bodies for the promotion or financing of industrial, commercial or agricultural projects.

" Section 18 of the Constitution states " Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, a House of Assembly may make Laws for that State with respect to industrial, commercial or agricultural development of the State.

"We are to make laws exclusively based on what is determined in the constitution... livestock and matters of that nature are not expressly provided for in the list. I so submit".

Speaking in support of the bill, Deputy Senate Whip, Senator Abdullahi Sabi said the bill is something this country needs and "we should support it."

He noted that the issue of donkey going into extinction in Nigeria was sometimes discussed and approved in 2004 at the national council on agriculture and rural development in Sokoto.

The ranking Senator emphasised why the issue should be of concern to everybody, saying, "the concern Mr. President is for every country must be concerned about the flora and fauna. Because the ecosystem is designed in such a manner that the balance we are enjoying today, is driven by the diversity of flora and fauna.

"This subject matter which the Minority Leader is referring to in the same Constitution, the federal government is also given the right to look at research. Breeding is a research work. This bill is therefore looking at when you don't want something to go into extinction.

"Some people have suddenly realised the value of the skin of donkey. The population of donkey in the North are used for many things."

Arguments of Abdullahi were however faulted by Senator Ajibola Basiru ( APC Osun Central), who said the constitutional point of order raised against the bill by the Minority leader was in order.

He said : For record proposes, the fact that a matter is deemed necessary, does not automatically confer on the federal legislative act and legislative competence.

"Section 1(3) is clear. That any law contrary to the provision of the constitution is to the extent of that urgency null and void. The basis of our existence and power is the constitution.

"I align with the Minority Leader that we should not legislate on the subject matter presented to us by the bill in line with provisions of the 1999 Constitution", he said.

The bill however scaled second reading with Senate President's intervention who ruled Abaribe out of order.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

His words: "It is not for commercial purposes but to prevent extinction. I feel that we can legislate on it.

"Economically, it is needed not in terms of selling it but in terms of keeping the environment balanced. I rule that we can go ahead and consider the bill".

Leading debate on the Bill, Senator Abdullahi Yahaya said that the Bill seeks to regulate the slaughter of donkeys, establish the breeding and ranching of donkeys through the export certification value chain to mitigate the extinction of donkeys given their Aesthetic, Ecological, Educational, Historical, Recreational and Scientific Value to the Nigeria Nation.

The Bill, according to him, will further complement the import and export of raw animal skins and hides especially donkey currently on the Customs Prohibition List.

Senators Ibrahim Gobir, Adamu Aliero and Ajayi Boroffice, supported the bill during the general debate.

The upper chamber later mandated its Commitee on Agriculture and Natural Resources to do more legislative inputs on the bill and report back at plenary within two weeks.
14:02 | Machu Picchu (Cusco region), Jul. 7.

This commemoration is of particular relevance within the framework of the recovery of tourism in Cusco region and the resumption of visits to Peru's biggest tourist attraction.

As is known, more than 100 million votes were cast worldwide by that time.

The Official New 7 Wonders of the World were announced in random order at the Official Declaration Ceremony in Lisbon (Portugal).

The Inca Empire's most representative construction was crowned on July 7, 2007, along with the Great Wall (China), the Taj Mahal (India), Petra City (Jordan), the Colosseum (Italy), Christ the Redeemer (Brazil), and the Chichen Itza archaeological site (Mexico).

On that day, shouts of joy echoed all over Peru, mainly in Cusco, where a cosmopolitan party took place.

In Cusco, where the ancient city is located, pride and joy overtook not only locals but also inland and foreign visitors.

They gathered at Cusco's main square and in every open area to celebrate the good news.

Machu Picchu

The Inca citadel's charm always enchants not only Peruvians but also foreign visitors and is well deserving of its accolade as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Exploring this impressive stone city of spectacular architecture constitutes a unique life experience.

Historic Sanctuary

Its designation as a historic sanctuary was made official on January 8, 1981, through a supreme decree. On January 8, 2021, the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu celebrated its 40th anniversary of creation

The sanctuary is located in Machu Picchu district of Urubamba Province and covers an area of 32,592 ha.

This natural protected area is known globally as the home of impressive archaeological Inca sites as well as historically and culturally significant monuments.

World Heritage Site

With the passage of time and greater awareness of its importance as an Inca religious, ceremonial, astronomical, and agricultural center, Machu Picchu was inscribed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites on December 9, 1983.

Hiram Bingham

Machu Picchu remained hidden for several years since its construction in the 15th-century. It was first revealed to the world by U.S. explorer Hiram Bingham and, since then, has been carefully restored and preserved for future generations.

On July 24, 110 years will have passed since the arrival of Bingham in this impressive stone city nestled atop a mountain ridge in the jungle of Cusco.

Although the first direct references to the discovery of Machu Picchu date back to 1902, when a group of locals visited the Inca structure vestiges, it was Bingham who sponsored by Yale University and the National Geographic Society initiated the scientific study of the last capital of the Incas in 1911 and made it known to the outside world.

Impressive biodiversity

Moreover, the National Sanctuary of Machu Picchu has an impressive Andean and Amazonian biodiversity. It is home to 384 species of trees, 468 of orchids, 279 of ferns, 443 of birds, 84 of mammals, 22 of reptiles, and 17 of amphibians.

Visitor capacity

Visits to the Inca citadel are increasing as part of the efforts to revive the tourism sector and after it received the Safe Travels stamp that recognizes it as a safe destination amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

World Travel Awards

The ancient citadel is competing to be South America's Leading Tourist Attraction , an award it has obtained for the last three years in a row (2018, 2019, and 2020) in the regional edition of the World Travel Awards. People will be able to vote in support of its nomination until July 26.
El presidente @FSagasti lidero la firma del convenio de colaboracion interinstitucional entre el @Minsa_Peru y Southern Peru, que permitira que dicha compania apoye en la organizacion e implementacion de 26 vacunatorios en las zonas de influencia donde trabaja la minera. pic.twitter.com/5aJ6k2FSDz
Un noveno caso de la variante delta se ha registrado en San Martin de Porres, vinculado al primer caso detectado en Lima Metropolitana en el distrito de Comas, informo el ministro Oscar Ugarte, durante la inauguracion de una planta de oxigeno en la Municipalidad de San Borja. pic.twitter.com/gZ7O7jLUzi
Researchers investigate the spread of weighing systems across Western Eurasia 4,000 years ago





Knowing the weight of a commodity provides an objective way to value goods in the marketplace. But did a self-regulating market even exist in the Bronze Age? And what can weight systems tell us about this? A team of researchers from the University of Gottingen researched this by investigating the dissemination of weight systems throughout Western Eurasia. Their new simulation indicates that the interaction of merchants, even without substantial intervention from governments or institutions, is likely to explain the spread of Bronze Age technology to weigh goods.





Stone balance weights with weight marks from the Bronze Age tell settlement of Arslantepe (Malatya,

Turkey). The weights were found grouped together on the floor of a private house of phase VI D1

[Credit: Missione Archeologica Italiana nell'Anatolia Orientale/Roberto Ceccacci]

To determine how different units of weight emerged in different regions, researchers compared all the weight systems in use between Western Europe and the Indus Valley from 3,000-1,000 BC. Analysis of 2,274 balance weights from 127 sites revealed that, with the exception of those from the Indus Valley, new and very similar units of weight appeared in a gradual spread west of Mesopotamia.





To find out if the gradual formation of these systems could be due to propagation of error from a single weight system, the researchers modeled the creation of 100 new units. Taking into account factors such as measurement error, the simulation supported a single origin between Mesopotamia and Europe.









Examples of Western Eurasian balance weights of the Bronze Age. A: Spool-shaped weights from

Tiryns, Greece (L Rahmstorf). B: Cubic weights from Dholavira, India (E Ascalone). C: Duck-shaped

weights from Susa, Iran (E Ascalone). D: flat block weights from Lipari, Italy (N Ialongo)

[Credit: R Hermann, L Rahmstorf, N Ialongo]

It also showed that the Indus Valley probably developed an independent weight system. The research demonstrated that if information flow in Eurasia trade was free enough to support a common weight system, it was likely to be sufficient to react to local price fluctuations.





The weight systems that emerged between Mesopotamia and Europe were very similar. This meant that a single merchant could travel, for instance, from Mesopotamia to the Aegean and from there to Central Europe and never need to change their own set of weights. The merchant could trade with foreign partners while simply relying on approximating the weights.









The type of weighing scales a Bronze Age merchant would have carried with

her when moving from one market to another to trade: suspended replica

bone balance scale with flax strings and leather pouches, holding two

replica weights in equilibrium [Credit: R Hermann]

There was no international authority that could have regulated the accuracy of weight systems over such a wide territory and long time span. In Europe, beyond the Aegean, centralized authorities did not even exist at this time. The researchers conclude that the emergence of accurate weight systems must have been the outcome of a global network regulating itself from the bottom-up.





"With the results of our statistical analysis and experimental tests, it is now possible to prove the long-held hypothesis that free entrepreneurship was already a primary driver of the world economy even as early as the Bronze Age," explains Professor Lorenz Rahmstorf from the Institute for Prehistory and Early History, University of Gottingen. Merchants could interact freely, establish profitable partnerships, and take advantage of the opportunities offered by long-distance trade.





Diffusion of weighing technology in Western Eurasia (c. 3000-1000 BCE)

[Credit: Nicola Ialongo]

"The idea of a self-regulating market existing some 4,000 years ago puts a new perspective on the global economy of the modern era," says Dr. Nicola Ialongo, University of Gottingen. He adds, "Try to imagine all the international institutions that currently regulate our modern world economy: is global trade possible thanks to these institutions, or in spite of them?"





The study was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.





Source: University of Gottingen [June 30, 2021]





Support The Archaeology News Network with a small donation!

TANN
YEREVAN, JULY 7, ARMENPRESS. Political analyst, editor-in-chief of the Russian Regnum news agency, Modest Kolerov, has commented on the recent telephone conversation of CSTO Secretary General Stanislav Zas and Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan about the current situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.

According to him, the Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia is right that the incursion of the Azerbaijani armed forces into Armenias territory is not a border incident, but an attack, an aggression against Armenia.

Of course, its an attack, an aggression, undoubtedly. But the reason of this attack is that the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan is not clarified yet. It is drawn in someones brain, on a piece of paper, however, neither demarcation nor delimitation have been carried out. There is no regular border. The Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia is right  its an attack, an aggression against Armenia, Modest Kolerov told ARMENPRESS.

The political analyst says if Armenia officially applies to the CSTO requesting to defend itself from aggression, it must show its border, border guards, borderline and border points. But that regular border doesnt exist now, he added.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, JULY 7, ARMENPRESS. Political scientist Garik Keryan says the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), before giving an assessment over the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, must have sent an investigative commission to the border to get acquainted with the situation and then to make such statements.

Commenting on the recent telephone conversation of CSTO Secretary General Stanislav Zas and Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan about the current situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, the political scientist told ARMENPRESS that both officials are in some sense right in their assessments.

Zas is right because Armenia doesnt have a demarcated, delimitated border with Azerbaijan. If that international border existed by a bilateral document, approved by an agreement, we would say this is our border, and these are the Azerbaijanis who have violated that border. The Secretary of the Security Council is right in his turn because when we look at the map of Soviet Armenia, there are really Azerbaijanis who have crossed the border in our territory, and the correct step would have been if an investigative commission visited the site to see in which border sections the Azerbaijanis have crossed Armenias border, make respective conclusions and then make such statement. I dont know on what data the CSTO Secretary General has made that statement, Garik Keryan said.

In this context he said that the Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia has made a right step proposing the CSTO chief to organize a visit of the CSTO secretariat to get acquainted with the border situation.

In this case Armen Grigoryan is right because for making a decision over any matter a research commission is necessary. But this shouldnt have been delayed for a month. They must have sent that commission right the next day to examine the situation, he added.

Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan held a phone conversation with CSTO Secretary General Stanislav Zas. Armen Grigoryan expressed concerns over some formulations and assessments in the July 3 statement of the CSTO Secretary General.

The Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia expressed conviction that the existing situation cannot be called just an incident, since its already a lasting time that the Azerbaijani servicemen do not withdraw from the sovereign territory of Armenia, which is an overt attempt to occupy some of the Armenian territories.

At the end of the conversation Armen Grigoryan emphasized that for getting acquainted with the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border on site, its would be a good idea to organize the visit of the CSTO Secretariat.

We need to understand that the CSTO potential is applied only in case of aggression, attack. Here, we, in fact, deal with a border incident. Thanks God, there are no casualties, no fires. This is a border incident, it must be solved, and we support the peaceful solution of the issue, Stanislav Zas said on July 3.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, JULY 7, ARMENPRESS. The return of Armenian prisoners of war from Azerbaijan is among the main priorities of the Russian leadership and the Russian peacekeeping unit, Ambassador of Russia to Armenia Sergei Kopyrkin told reporters, adding that the works on repatriating the POWs continue.

Our position on this issue is known. From the very start we have stated that the captives must be exchanged with all for all principle. Anyway, we will try to solve this issue with the option which is possible. I repeat once again that this issue is one of our main priorities, and the work on this direction will continue, undoubtedly, the Russian Ambassador said.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, JULY 7, ARMENPRESS. The Netherlands is interested in intensifying the cooperation with Armenia in several directions, Dutch Ambassador to Armenia Nico Schermers said during a press conference today, stating that they are trying to work with their own programs, targeting different fields such as democracy, rule of law, agriculture, IT, etc.

Several programs with numerous NGOs, different representatives of civil society are being discussed. We are trying to understand what we can do to help Armenia further improve the operation of democratic structures. We also work on the protection of human rights, the foreign diplomat said.

According to him, interest by the Netherlands on investing in Armenia is increasing. Focus is paid on agriculture development. The Ambassador noted that the Netherlands is the 2nd in the world with export volumes of agricultural goods.

Armenia also has a great potential for agriculture. Armenia is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, and thanks to this there is a big interest among the investors of other countries. The European countries look for transparency, clarity and safety. If all these factors are ensured, investments will increase, the Ambassador stated.

He said Armenia is an interesting partner also in IT direction. The Ambassador shared his impressions from the visit to the TUMO Center for Creative Technologies, adding that he is amazed by the Centers activity and development programs.

Nico Schermers stated that they will try to develop and promote the cooperation between the Armenian and Dutch IT companies, keeping in focus also the tourism sector.

As for the possible investments, the Ambassador said he cannot provide information about concrete programs at the moment, but stated that he is regularly surprised by everyday developments on this direction. There are Dutch companies which are interested in operating in Armenia.

Nico Schermers reminded that the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has entered into force from March 1, 2021, and before its entry into force preliminary works in several directions have already been done. He says the agreement sums up Armenias relations with Europe. It contains many provisions on political, scientific, cultural and other partnership.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, JULY 7, ARMENPRESS. The upcoming meeting of Armenias caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow will be checking hours aimed at the development and deepening of the bilateral relations, Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergei Kopyrkin told reporters today in Yerevan.

The leaders will discuss what they consider necessary. Of course, the security issues will be discussed, given the current situation, as well as they will exchange views on preserving our political dialogue dynamics, will discuss the relations in economic and humanitarian fields. In other words, there will be a check of the hours aimed at further developing and deepening the bilateral relations, taking into account the situation in Armenia after the recent snap parliamentary elections, he said.

In this context the diplomat added that there is one more important issue which could be discussed during the Putin-Pashinyan meeting. Next year Armenia and Russia mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the bilateral diplomatic relations, as well as the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Help.

I think that the two leaders will exchange views also on this issue, on how to celebrate these key anniversaries in accordance with the state of our relations, the Russian Ambassador said.

The Armenian caretaker PM departed for Russia today on a working visit. He is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, JULY 7, ARMENPRESS. Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov highlighted the importance of the July 7 working visit of Armenias caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to Moscow, stating that his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin will take place in the afternoon, RIA Novosti reports.

There will be a talk with Pashinyan, and then the President and the Prime Minister will continue the communication in a format of a luncheon. This is important, and in fact, is the first foreign visit of Pashinyan after the victory in the parliamentary elections, after quite a confident, convincing victory, the Kremlin spokesperson said.

He added that no signing of documents is expected as a result of the talks of the two leaders. They will discuss the situation in Nagorno Karabakh, the deployment of Russian troops in the region and the bilateral ties.

Asked whether an agreement on deployment of one more group of Russian peacekeepers is expected as a result of the talks, Peskov said: No, its a report that has nothing to do with the reality. Of course, Karabakh, the Russian troops deployed there and the bilateral relations in general will be discussed, but signing of documents is not envisaged.

The Armenian caretaker PM departed for Russia today on a working visit.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, JULY 7, ARMENPRESS. Ambassador of the Netherlands to Armenia Nico Schermers has commented on the issue of the return of Armenian prisoners of war from Azerbaijan. He reminded that the Netherlands has called on Azerbaijan to return the Armenian POWs, adding that they concentrate their efforts over this and other matters in the European Union.

The Netherlands, as a separate country, is small with its volumes and potential, therefore, we concentrate all our efforts in the EU so that Armenia can get support from as many countries as possible, the foreign diplomat said at a press conference today.

He stated that he is well aware of the current situation on the Armenian border.

Nico Schermers said what had happened during the 2020 war is terrible.

We are aware of the issues connected with humanitarian needs, we have tried to concentrate our resources for providing help. The Netherlands has tried to direct financial sections to Armenia through the EU, Nico Schermers said.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, JULY 7, ARMENPRESS. Europa Nostra and the European Association of Archaeologists have issued a joint statement over the holistic protection of the integrity, authenticity, and diversity of the rich multicultural heritage in and around the area of Nagorno Karabakh.

ARMENPRESS presents the text of the statement:

We, representatives of EUROPA NOSTRA and the European Association of Archaeologists  two large European non-governmental organizations committed to the promotion and protection of cultural heritage that are also active members of the European Heritage Alliance and that collaborate closely with the European Union, the Council of Europe and UNESCO  wish to reiterate our joint commitment to the holistic preservation of the integrity, authenticity and diversity of the rich cultural heritage which is located in the Caucasus region and which is the expression of a multicultural and multireligious past and present of this region and of Europe as a whole.

We therefore deplore and condemn any act of damage, destruction or distortion of cultural heritage sites, which has happened as a consequence of a conflict or of the lack of respect for any of the cultures that have flourished in the Caucasus region, and in particular in and around the area internationally known as Nagorno-Karabakh. Referring to many international and European documents, we wish to recall that such acts are clearly not acceptable and unlawful.

We firmly believe in the essential value of cultural heritage as a vital resource and responsibility for present generations to pass on to future ones. We recognize and celebrate the cultural diversities as they are represented in our shared heritage; these can help in building bridges of mutual respect and understanding above ethnic or religious divides, as a critical element of building lasting peace. We are thus convinced that any destruction of heritage, or any distortion and/or misconstruction of (art) history has the opposite effect, often setting the ground for renewed cycles of mistrust, conflict and even violence.

As European heritage networks that collaborate closely and fruitfully with the European Union we therefore applaud and endorse the Conclusions recently adopted by the Council of the European Union welcoming the EU Concept on cultural heritage in conflicts and crises, which enhances the EUs approach to promoting peace, security, democracy and sustainable development.

More specifically, we welcome the Resolution RC-B9-0277/2021 adopted by the European Parliament on 21 May 2021 in response to the latest conflict in the region. We especially endorse its article 16 which states that the European Parliament Strongly insists that both parties refrain from any actions destroying Armenian heritage in Azerbaijan and Azeri heritage in Armenia; calls for the full restoration of demolished sites and for greater involvement of the international community in protecting world heritage in the region as well as its article 21 which states that the European Parliament Calls on the European Commission and the Member States to continue supporting the provision of urgent humanitarian assistance and the work of international organizations in this area and on the protection of cultural and religious heritage, as well as to support civil society organizations in Armenia and Azerbaijan that genuinely contribute to reconciliation.

In the light of the above,

As a matter of urgent priority, due to alarming allegations by various parties of deliberate damage, destruction and/or distortion of cultural heritage which has happened in and around the area of Nagorno-Karabakh, we call for an impartial European/international team of experts to access the region in order to conduct a comprehensive and objective scientific survey of the rich and diverse cultural heritage in this area, with a related assessment of its state of conservation. We are convinced that this will be in the best interest of both Azerbaijan and Armenia, their people and their culture, as well as of the rest of Europe and Humanity.

More generally, we urge Azerbaijan and Armenia to collaborate and live up to their commitments, responsibilities and international obligations on the basis of the Trilateral Statement ending the recent hostilities which they co-signed with the Russian Federation on 9 November 2020 as well as on the basis of key international and European documents related to cultural heritage signed by these two countries.

We also urge UNESCO, the Council of Europe, and the OSCE-Minsk group to join forces in encouraging and assisting positive efforts towards the holistic safeguard of the endangered multicultural and multireligious heritage in the affected area.

As far as the European Union is concerned, we invite EU Institutions and Member States to apply to the area of Nagorno-Karabakh the principles of the above-mentioned EU Council Conclusions and adopt concrete positive measures in line with the related EU Concept Paper on Cultural Heritage in Conflicts and Crises.

Last but not least, we offer our extensive heritage expertise and experience to contribute to the due protection of the integrity, authenticity and diversity of the rich cultural heritage in and around the area of Nagorno-Karabakh, as in other regions of the Caucasus. We are willing to work with all stakeholders concerned to help use cultural heritage (tangible and intangible) as a bridge between various communities and as a vector for (re)building respect, confidence and dialogue as prerequisites for a lasting peace and prosperity in the wider region.

About Europa Nostra

Europa Nostra is the European voice of civil society committed to safeguarding and promoting cultural and natural heritage. A pan-European federation of heritage NGOs, supported by a wide network of public bodies, private companies and individuals, it covers more than 40 countries. Founded in 1963, it is today recognised as the largest and the most representative heritage network in Europe. Europa Nostra campaigns to save Europes endangered monuments, sites and landscapes, in particular through the 7 Most Endangered programme. It celebrates excellence through the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards. Europa Nostra actively contributes to the definition and implementation of European strategies and policies related to heritage, through a participatory dialogue with European Institutions and the coordination of the European Heritage Alliance 3.3. Europa Nostra was one of the instigators and an important civil society partner of the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018.

About European Association of Archaeologists

The European Association of Archaeologists (EAA) is a non-profit non-governmental organisation associating archaeologists and interested public from Europe and beyond. The aim of the Association is to promote the development of archaeological research and the exchange of archaeological information in Europe, to promote the management and interpretation of the European archaeological heritage, and to promote proper ethical, scientific and formal standards for archaeological work. In order to reach these goals, the EAA organises Annual Meetings, publishes a journal, two monograph series and a newsletter, creates trans-national Communities, Committees and Task Forces to establish widely agreed policies and solutions to current challenges that the archaeological profession faces in research and heritage management, it acts as an advisory body on all issues relating to the archaeology of Europe, and participates in the professional events and activities throughout Europe.

The EAA was founded in 1994 at the Inaugural Meeting held in Ljubljana, Slovenia. More than fifteen thousand archaeologists from more than 70 countries have been members; the yearly current membership amounts to over two thousand five hundred individuals. The dissemination impact of the EAA through its conferences, publications and web-based communication ensures widespread circulation of the relevant information.
YEREVAN, JULY 7, ARMENPRESS. The Azerbaijani defense ministry again spreads disinformation, reporting that allegedly the Armenian units opened fire at Azerbaijani positions from Tavush Province of Armenia on July 7 at about 13:40, ARMENPRESS reports reads the statement issued by the Defense Ministry of Armenia.

''The information does not correspond to reality. The Armenian Armed Forces have not violated the ceasefire regime'', the MoD said, adding that the Armenian Armed Forces only take countermeasure actions from time to time.
YEREVAN, JULY 7, ARMENPRESS. Newly appointed Ambassador of Armenia to India Yuri Babakhanyan delivered credentials to President Shri Ram Nath Kovind on July 6 through video-conference.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the MFA Armenia, Abassador Babakhanyan said that since the independence of Armenia the traditionally warm relations with a history of thousands of years between the two nations have acquired new impetus and the scope of Armenian-Indian cooperation expands. The Ambassador added that numerous achievements have been reached during the bilateral partnership, particularly in the spheres of education, health, culture and military-technical cooperation, but still there is much to be done.

The Indian President assured that the Indian side will spare no efforts to strengthen and deepen the bilateral warm relations that had been established since ancient times.

President Kovind thanked Armenia for accepting the Indian students and giving them quality education.
YEREVAN, JULY 7, ARMENPRESS. During a meeting with Caretaker Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan in the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated him on the victory in the early parliamentary elections.

"I think it is possible for everyone, first of all for Armenia, for the Armenian people, taking into account the sensitive issues that need to be resolved, and they can be resolved only by ensuring effective work. It is very important to enjoy peoples trust, and you enjoy it. This was shown by the election results. In fact, it is the most important thing. In such difficult moments for the country, it is the most important condition for further development. So I sincerely congratulate you on that. I hope today we will be able to talk about all the issues over which we have had detailed discussions in the recent period, and which need our solution," ARMENPRESS reports Vladimir Putin as saying.
By Olesya Astakhova and Alex Lawler

MOSCOW/LONDON, July 7 (Reuters) - Russia is leading efforts to close divisions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to help strike a deal to raise oil output in coming months, three OPEC+ sources said, with OPEC and its allies yet to set a date for their next oil policy meeting.

Disagreement between the two Gulf OPEC allies was publicly exposed last week, with Riyadh and Abu Dhabi at odds over a proposed deal that would have brought more oil to the market -- potentially cooling a rally that has seen prices hit 2-1/2 year highs.

The rare spat forced the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Russia and other producers, a group known as OPEC+, to abandon talks on boosting production after days of negotiations.

The producers have said they will decide on a date for a new meeting in due course, giving no signal whether any compromise might be possible in the coming days.

Moscow, which has been pushing to raise output, is now working behind the scenes to bring both Riyadh and Abu Dhabi back to the table to find a path to agreement, the three sources said. Russia has strong political and economic relations with both Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

"They have time to work out a decision, hopefully we will meet next week and the deal will be clinched," one of the sources, from the Russian side, said.

The other two sources said that Gulf OPEC member Kuwait has also been working to reconcile the differences between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

The United States is closely monitoring talks by OPEC and its partners and has had high level conversations with officials in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the White House said on Tuesday.

Two different OPEC sources said there had been no progress in negotiations and no new meeting date suggested.

"There is no update at this stage," one of them said.

The UAE on Friday accepted a proposal from Saudi Arabia to raise output in stages by about 2 million bpd from August to December 2021, but rejected an extension of cuts beyond April 2022, when the current agreement expires, without adjusting its baseline production - the level from which any cuts are calculated.

Story continues

The UAE has suggested its production level at April 2020 as a new baseline, but Riyadh believes that could undermine the commitment of other members to their baselines since at that time many countries had increased output as a result of a price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia.

OPEC+ agreed last year to record output cuts of almost 10 million barrels per day (bpd), or about 10% of world output, as the coronavirus pandemic hit. The curbs have been gradually relaxed and currently stand at about 5.8 million bpd.

(Writing by Rania El Gamal and Ahmad Ghaddar; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)
A royal commissioner who investigated failures in aged care is "shocked and dismayed" about the coronavirus vaccine rollout in the vulnerable sector.

Only one third of aged care workers have been vaccinated five months into the national rollout, despite being included in the highest priority group.

Federal, state and territory governments have now decided to make vaccines compulsory for nursing home staff by mid-September.

Royal commissioner Lynelle Briggs supports the mandate but says aged care workers should have been vaccinated much sooner.

A coronavirus outbreak in a Sydney nursing home has grown to 10 cases, with six residents hospitalised and four staff infected.

Three of the employees were not vaccinated.

"I was shocked and dismayed and left asking myself what has happened here," Ms Briggs told ABC radio.

"Has this been a mistake amongst officials, was it a response to insufficient vaccines, or was it deliberate? In which case, it is a scandal."

The military man in charge of the national vaccine rollout has admitted aged care staff should have been vaccinated along with residents.

"Early in the program there was a decision made to prioritise the most vulnerable who are the aged people themselves," John Frewen told the ABC.

"Hindsight is a wonderful thing. We're dealing with limited supplies and having to prioritise. We are accelerating efforts to get those aged care workers vaccinated."
Govt-and-politics

NEW YORK STATE

Cuomo declares gun violence emergency

ALBANY  Calling worsening gun violence a criminal, economic and public health threat, especially in low-income, minority communities, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo Tuesday declared a disaster emergency to free up funds and programs for job creation and other opportunities aimed especially at at-risk youth.

The Democratic governor signed legislation passed earlier this year by the Legislature to end-run a federal law that will now permit New Yorkers hurt by firearms to sue gun manufacturers if they can show that a public nuisance was created by the sale, importation or marketing of firearms in the state. Backers say it will make a major dent in gun violence while gun rights groups say it will push some gunmakers to halt sales in New York.

The new law takes effect immediately, and the bills supporters have said they expect the statute to end up being challenged in the courts, especially given the immunity protections the firearms industry was given in a 2005 federal law.

The governors plan also includes a border war," which will involve a new State Police unit to stem the tide of illegal guns that make their way into New York, especially from southern states. He said three-quarters of crime guns come from out of state into New York.

In a speech at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Manhattan, Cuomo sought to liken the states new gun violence effort to the battle against Covid.

We went from one epidemic to another epidemic. We went from Covid to the epidemic of gun violence," he said.

Cuomo said the state would commence a multiagency approach to address gun violence, which overwhelmingly affects minority communities, and will include $57 million in funding for a jobs program for at-risk youth in neighborhoods where shootings are on the rise. He said more than 21,000 jobs will be created; he did not provide a timetable.

Theres enough blood. Theres enough carnage," he said.

Cuomo also signed legislation barring gun sales to anyone in New York who has an active warrant against him or her.

Republican lawmakers pounced on Cuomo's ideas, saying they come from a governor who OK'd what they declared were a host of "pro-criminal" changes to the state crime laws in 2020.

"The governor's declaration of a gun violence disaster is a gross abuse of his executive authority and an attempt to politically capitalize on a problem that he helped create," said State Sen. George Borrello, a Sunset Bay Republican.

Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, an Oswego County Republican, said Cuomo's announcement demonstrates that Albany's relaxation of criminal laws in the past couple years since Democrats took control of all of state government hasn't worked.

"The governor's decision to issue yet another executive order and declare gun violence a public health emergency is another example of his incessant need to circumvent the Legislature and dictate policy from his bully pulpit," Barclay said in a statement.

The governors speech was delivered following an especially violent July 4 weekend in Buffalo and elsewhere in New York and the nation. In all, 21 people were shot  none fatally  in 13 separate incidents of gun violence in Buffalo, including a 3-year-old boy who was shot in the head.

In the first six months of the year, 177 people have been shot in Buffalo, up 64% over the average during the same period over the past 10 years.

Besides signing the two pieces of legislation, Cuomo made clear he has no immediate plans to call the Legislature back into a special session. Rather, some of his plans will be done through an executive order that does not need legislative approval. He said the Legislature, in 2013, already passed one of the nations most comprehensive gun control laws through the NY SAFE Act.

The speech, a few hours before Cuomo was to hold a virtual fundraiser for his campaign account, attracted an assortment of state legislators, civil rights leaders, union officials and gun control advocates.

Cuomo said the gun violence affecting cities is not only killing people, but harming economic opportunities. Theyre not coming back unless they feel safe," he said of remote workers during Covid and their return to their offices.

The third-term governor is eying a 2022 reelection bid despite multiple scandals and investigations over everything from sexual harassment claims made against him by female staffers to underreporting of Covid deaths among nursing home residents.

On Tuesday, Cuomo said long-term solutions to gun violence are needed, such as better housing and job opportunities in low-income neighborhoods that might, for instance, keep young people from joining gangs. He said the violence involving firearms is a major civil rights issue today, noting that Black people are 10 times more likely to be victims of gun violence than white people.

The governors plan includes the creation of a new office of gun violence prevention within the Department of Health and expanded reporting of incidents of illegal firearms incidents in major cities of the state.

Related
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has released a draft environmental impact statement and draft management plan outlining a few alternatives for the proposed Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary.

The difference between two of the alternatives is what area would be part of the sanctuary. The first alternative would cover 1,786 square miles and include eastern Lake Ontario and the Thousand Islands region of the St. Lawrence River. This option, named "Alternative 1," would feature 64 known shipwrecks and 20 potential shipwrecks. There is also one known aircraft and the wreckage of three potential aircraft below the surface.

For "Alternative 2," the sanctuary would be contained to eastern Lake Ontario and have 43 known shipwrecks, 20 potential shipwrecks, one known aircraft and three potential aircraft sites.

According to NOAA, the management and regulatory plans for both alternatives would be the same. For the sanctuary, the proposed regulations would prohibit damage to sanctuary resources, ban anchoring or grappling into shipwreck sites, prohibit the use of remotely operated vehicles and tethered systems without a permit, and block the possession, sale or transport of sanctuary resources within the boundary or outside of the designated area.
A third Cayuga County municipality has made known its plans to opt out of parts of the state's new marijuana law, and will hold a public hearing on the matter next week.

The town of Springport will hold the hearing at 7 p.m. Monday, July 12, at its town hall at 859 Route 326. The subject of the hearing will be the town's Local Law No. 1 for the Year 2021, which would prohibit retail dispensaries and consumption sites for marijuana within the town. The full text of the law is available at the office of the Springport town clerk during normal business hours.

New York state's Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, signed March 31 by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, allows municipalities to opt out of those two parts of the law. They cannot opt out of most other parts of the law, which allows people to possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana, grow up to six plants at home and use the substance in private and select public spaces.

Springport joins the town of Brutus and the village of Union Springs on the list of county municipalities moving forward to opt out of the two parts of the law. The deadline for doing so is Dec. 31.

Springport Town Supervisor Dave Schenck told The Citizen on Wednesday that the town board decided unanimously to opt out.


PORTLAND, Maine  Health officials in Maine say more than half the eligible population is now fully vaccinated against the coronavirus in every county in the state.

Maine has one of the highest vaccination rates in the U.S. More than two-thirds of people age 12 and older are fully vaccinated.

Data from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services show that the states highest vaccination rate is in Cumberland County, which is the states most populated as home to Portland. The rate there is about 80%.

The county with the lowest rate of eligible people fully vaccinated is Somerset, a mostly rural area where the rate is about 53%. Thats still a higher number than many states.



SACRAMENTO, Calif.  At least nine people who work at the California state Capitol have contracted the coronavirus, triggering a return of the mask mandate for lawmakers and staff.

Masks have been required in public spaces inside the Capitol throughout the pandemic. But fully vaccinated lawmakers and staff had been allowed to remove their masks in their offices.

Four of the new cases at the Capitol are people who were fully vaccinated.
LOS ANGELES  ZBUCKz announced that Friday, July 24th marks the one-year anniversary of rising Japanese fetish star Yoshi Kawasakis edgy hardcore kink site YoshiKawasakiXXX.com.

The fetishy gay porn site debuted on the web just last summer as part of the growing lineup at zBUCKz. Kawasaki returned to his homeland Japan after years in California and the UK, where he honed his early interest in BDSM manga porn into his dream career as a porn actor.

Living out that dream, he introduced himself to a new audience online: Hey my friends! I am Yoshi Kawasaki, Japanese XXX adult entertainer, porn director, and as you all know, a cock-hungry whore. Young and eager, the muscular, pierced and tatted Kawasaki embodies the powerful erotic masculinity of his idol, legendary manga creator Gengoroh Tagame. He adds a traditional Asian and ritualistic side to the online gay fetish world.

The growth of YoshiKawasakiXXX.com in one year has been remarkable, according to Zbuckz.

Daniel Zeeman, CEO of WebMediaProz/zBUCKz, praises Kawasakis inventiveness and willingness to take risks.

"Since 2003 when we launched our first membership site, Japanboyz.com, and later purchased PeterFever.com (which has won industry awards every year since we took it over and gone on to become extremely successful), we have been very invested in creating an ecosystem featuring the best gay Asian and Japanese content," said Zeeman. "Thats why we were beyond excited last year when Yoshi came to us seeking web representation. With a killer brand, very unique and artistic content, plus his very sexy looks we were thrilled and honored for the opportunity to help take Yoshi to the next level in his career," he said. "Expect very big things to come!"

Yoshi, recent recipient of the Grabbys 2021 European award for Best Fetish Pornstar, is marking the anniversary with extra scene updates in July, and zBUCKz adds to the celebration with a July anniversary sale, offering 50% savings to new members. Kawasaki promises that the first year of growth is only the beginning for his online exploits. Having my own production and making my sexual fantasies come to life had been my dream ever since I started doing porn. And now that I got to win my very first porn award, I'm motivated to take this opportunity to the next step!

Visit Zbuckz for affiliate details; direct inquiries to [email protected].
LOS ANGELES  Award-winning lubricant manufacturer Wicked Sensual Care has donated a percentage of the June proceeds from its entire simply collection to LGBTQ+ organizations The Trevor Project and The Marsha P Johnson Institute. Towards this end, Wicked Sensual Care is also announcing the debut of simply Aqua Special Edition, with a percentage of its proceeds dedicated to supporting various LGBTQIA organizations and communities for perpetuity.

Wicked Sensual Cares line of simply products feature clean ingredients, including its signature olive leaf extract. Formulated without propylene glycol or glycerin, all simply products are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free.

A company spokesperson at Wicked Sensual Care said, We created simply Aqua Special Edition as a way of supporting LGBTQ+ organizations dedicated to raising awareness and offering aid to those in need. They continue, Every year millions of people are helped by these groups and its a great honor to be able to pledge continual support. As allies and accomplices, our support of the LGBTQ+ communities is constant, and our Pride is active year-round.

To learrn more about, or to donate to the organizations, please visit TheTrevorProject.org and MarshaP.org.

For more information about simply Aqua Special Edition, contact your Wicked Sensual Care sales rep or email [email protected].

For more information, visit WickedSensualCare.com.
Let them challenge us, he told the newspaper.

Kozachik said his aim is to have the law declared unconstitutional and thrown out plain and simple, so we continue to have free rein to enforce federal gun laws locally."

Arizona's law says the state is not beholden to upholding U.S. gun laws and prohibits any personnel or financial resources to enforce, administer or cooperate with any act, law, treaty, order, rule or regulation of the U.S. government that is inconsistent with any Arizona law regarding the regulation of firearms.

Federal statistics show Arizona has the 15th-highest gun-related mortality rate.

Ducey spokesman C.J. Karamargin said Tuesday that the governor's office expects all Arizona cities to follow the law.

The Second Amendment is clear on our right to keep and bear arms, Karamargin said in an email. This law protects Arizonans Constitutional rights from federal overreach.

When Ducey signed the law, he described it as an effort to protect an enumerated right and that it was a proactive law for what is possible to come out of the Biden administration.
PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP)  Kosovos parliament on Wednesday adopted a resolution condemning the 1995 massacre of thousands of Bosnian men and boys in Srebrenica by Bosnian Serb troops, which was branded as genocide by a U.N. war crimes court.

The resolution, initiated by the Vakat coalition of parties representing the Bosnian minority in Kosovo, was approved by 89 lawmakers in the 120-seat parliament. None voted against.

The Srpska Lista party of Kosovo's ethnic Serb minority boycotted the debate on the resolution and did not take part in the vote. They declined to talk to reporters when leaving parliament.

On July 11, 1995, the U.N.-designated safe haven of Srebrenica in Bosnia-Herzegovina fell to Bosnian Serb forces, who then killed more than 8,000 Muslim men and boys.

Both the wartime Bosnian Serb army commander, Ratko Mladic, and former political leader Radovan Karadzic were subsequently sentenced to life in prison by the U.N. war crimes court in the Netherlands for genocide in Srebrenica.

Bahri Shabani of the Vakat coalition said the resolution would help the victims of the massacre get justice.
More than 1,000 of the new cases came from the greater capital area, home to half of the countrys 51 million people, including a record 577 in Seoul. Infections were also reported in other major cities and regions, fueling concerns the virus could spread further during the summer holidays.

While infections among people in their 60s and older have slowed following vaccinations, transmissions are accelerating across other age groups, including those in their 20s and 30s who are more likely to go out socializing, said Lee Ki-Il, deputy minister of health care policy at South Koreas Health Ministry.

The number of virus patients is increasing very fast in metropolitan areas where there is a high concentration of bars and other entertainment venues young people often go to, he said.

Lee also expressed concern over the spread of the more contagious delta variant of the virus. He advised tests for young adults who recently visited Seouls major entertainment districts, including Gangnam and Hongdae, regardless of whether they are exhibiting symptoms. He urged companies to have more employees work from home.
Driving through Montana, I stopped at nearly every historical marker. Back home in Oregon, I'd zoom right by the equivalent signs.

When I got my haircut at Bob's Barber Shop on Broadway in Red Lodge, I asked about local Montanan politics, the state of the local economy, and details on why and how the barber ended up in this small slice of a huge state. Back in Portland, I'd probably just settle for talking about the weather.

A stop at Red Lodge Ales was an excuse to get some great beers and meet new people. If I were in Bend, I'd stop by Crux but never bother to talk to new folks; after all, I'd surely be meeting some friends there.

There's something about being a visitor somewhere that makes you more willing to ask questions, explore history and connect with strangers. That sense of curiosity shouldn't be reserved for when you're traveling in a new spot. That willingness to admit your lack of expertise should be true in your own community. That acceptance of the fact that others have valid and varied perspectives should apply to conversations with your neighbors, not just newly discovered friends.
From the political and economic standpoints, the alliance between Egypt, Jordan and Iraq announced at the recent Baghdad Tripartite Summit is a solid endeavour that may be the essence of further developments in the Arab world. It is an emerging alliance well worth watching.

The leaders of Egypt, Iraq and Jordan had several successful meetings in 2019 and 2020 before their June 2021 meeting in Baghdad, proving that the will and intention are there and worth developing.

In their August 2020 summit, the leaders focused on political issues such as external interference in Arab affairs and the Israeli annexation of Palestinian territory. However, they mainly concentrated on commercial and economic issues such as expanding investments, securing water and food supplies, establishing common energy policies and supporting each others responses to the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as various country-specific issues.

In October last year, the foreign ministers met to further discuss means of cooperation in several fields such as energy, electricity, reconstruction and the methods by which they could form a political consensus. At the same time, the ministers of trade and industry of the three countries met virtually to discuss cooperation in various sectors, namely chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles and the ceramic industries.

By mid-December, Iraq, Egypt and Jordan had signed an agreement to connect Iraqs power grid to Egypt and Jordan, while the oil pipeline project from Iraq to Egypt that passes through Jordan was underway. Iraqs foreign minister said that we discussed projects in the energy field and reconstruction, especially in Iraq, where many cities have been destroyed. We focused on ways to benefit from Egyptian and Jordanian companies in this field and help the Iraqi people rebuild their cities. Prime Minister of Iraq Mustafa Al-Kadhimi proposed a new Levant Project based on mutual political and economic understandings between the three countries.

Then came the Baghdad Summit in June this year, when President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi, Prime Minister Al-Kadhimi of Iraq and King Abdullah of Jordan met once more, this time on Iraqi soil, revealing many of the gains and challenges of this endeavour.

Many fundamental issues have enveloped the Arab world over the last couple of decades: the US-led invasion of Iraq, and the crises in Syria, Libya and Yemen following the Arab Spring, to name only a few. As power shifted, Iran, Turkey and Israel were provided with a golden opportunity to extend their influence in the region.

Today, Egypt, Iraq and Jordan are seeking to regain their power and leadership. No Egyptian president has visited Iraq since Iraqs invasion of Kuwait in 1990, and the visit to Baghdad by President Al-Sisi for the Tripartite Summit was an indicator of Egypts determination to resurrect its presence as a regional leader and its determination to forge ahead with the alliance.

The summit succeeded in establishing a framework for cooperation not only politically, but also economically and commercially. A statement released after the meeting set out a series of measures intended to achieve this goal, including boosting economic and vital ties, achieving resources integration and doubling trade exchange.

Al-Sisi, Abdullah and Al-Kadhimi laid special emphasis on ambitious plans to build a power grid, a gas network, an oil pipeline and a land route that would connect their three countries and facilitate their integration, Al-Ahram Weekly said at the time.

Consider the population of the three countries combined  150 million. This human capital is a source of power, and capitalising on it would serve the three countries concerned and assist them in supporting one another. With a combined GDP of nearly $570 billion, its a win-win situation for the three countries.

By allying with Jordan and Iraq, Egypt places itself centre stage. Egypt can also support Iraqs reconstruction efforts and provide it with the manpower and the know-how required. Egypt has already signed over 15 agreements and deals with Iraq in sectors such as oil, roads, housing, construction and trade. Iraqs foreign minister said that Egypt has extensive experience in the infrastructure sector, and Egyptian construction companies are ready to take part in the reconstruction of Iraq. Also, Jordan will be an important link between Baghdad and Cairo in any energy transfer lines.

Simultaneously, Egypt will seek the backing of Iraq and Jordan on many crucial issues as a result of the summit meeting, such as Turkeys intervention in Libya and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) issue.

In return, Iraq renewed its contract to supply Egypt with 12 million barrels of light crude oil in 2021. Jordan will transport natural gas between Egypt and Iraq. Up until now, Iraq has relied on Iranian gas and electricity imports to meet its needs.

For years, Iraq has been ravaged by instability. Years of turmoil followed the US-led invasion, which brought about the rise of the Islamic State (IS) group and other offshoots, as well as Iranian and Turkish meddling in Iraqi affairs and ongoing sectarian strife. Today, Iraq hopes to regain its position and stability, and Egypt and Jordan are willing to support Iraq in its battle.

Today, Iraq needs the stimulus and vitality to create what Al-Kadhimi called a new Levant. Not only will this alliance bring Iraq back into the Arab fold, but it will also boost its stance against outside intervention and bolster Al-Kadhimi as a major regional player.

At the same time, there are many challenges common to the three countries, including Covid-19, especially in accessing vaccines, and terrorism, which will remain a thorn in the side of the three countries for some time to come. A number of distinct challenges also exist in each country, and these will have to be dealt with separately, but with the cooperation of others. For instance, for Egypt, the GERD is a major hurdle, and for Iraq, it is the reconstruction that the country is desperately in need of. For Jordan, it is economic issues and water shortages.

By strengthening economic ties and connecting the three countries together, the alliance announced at the Baghdad Summit will gain enough strength to spin off and reach other Arab countries in the region.

The writer is the author of Cairo Rewind on the First Two Years of Egypts Revolution, 2011-2013.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 8 July, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
The number of film and drama crews in Hengdian World Studios, China's largest movie production base, has increased significantly of late as the COVID-19 pandemic is largely under control in China, China Central Television reported on Monday.

In the first half of this year, 210 crews filmed in Hengdian, dubbed China's Hollywood, a year-on-year growth of 93.48 percent. There are still 51 crews on set and 59 in preparation. As shooting sites are limited, film and drama crews are trying to catch up with the schedule, CCTV reported.

"Business in the first half of this year was very good, and the second half is expected to be even better," a person in charge of a warehouse in Hengdian told CCTV.



The booming number of crews in Hengdian has raised the demand for figurants, divided into extras, front-view actors, special actors and others. To date, more than 100,000 figurants have registered in the Hengdian Actors' Union, over 8,000 of whom are long-term figurants.

"Acting is a small dream of mine," said Li Nan, who used to be a chef and is now a special actor in Hengdian.
A gathering marking the centenary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is held at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, capital of China, July 1, 2021. /Xinhua



Popular enthusiasm was evident across China for more than a month leading up to President Xi Jinping's speech at a gathering marking the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Americans gathered three days later to celebrate the founding of the United States over two centuries ago. To build excitement for the holiday, the White House published on social media that the cost of a cookout had fallen $0.16 in 2021. The announcement predictably failed to garner a rousing applause on social media as Xi Jinping's speech received from the Chinese people.

As the U.S. continues to assume a dangerously aggressive posture towards China, there is a lesson to be learned from the differences in the two celebrations: leadership matters.

The United States is currently experiencing a crisis of leadership. Historic inequalities and the empowerment of corporate shareholders have led to stagnation in all facets of the society. Racism continues to expose Black Americans to disproportionate rates of poverty, police violence, incarceration as well poor outcomes across all social indicators after centuries of enslavement and Jim Crow terror. Native Americans remain dispossessed of their lands and have yet to receive justice for the myriad of disasters caused by settler colonialism. The majority of workers in the United States across all racial groups cannot afford a $400 emergency.

The U.S. political leadership has doubled down on the status quo rather than adapt to the needs of the people. Instead of following through on widely supported policies such as universal healthcare, student debt relief and a living wage, the Biden administration has increased the military budget. Instead of reducing the prison population, the Biden administration has increased weapons transfers from the Pentagon to local police departments.

It should come as no surprise that U.S. presidents struggle to maintain favorability ratings above 45 percent while Congress generally hovers at around half of such support. Change is hard to come by, even when such change is desired by most of the population and is required to preserve human life itself in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic.



China does not have such a problem. The Communist Party of China (CPC) maintains popular support because adaptation is a key pillar of its governance model. Many in the U.S. and the West have been taught that the CPC does not allow criticism, both inside and outside of the organization. This is categorically false.

The CPC started with just about 50 members in 1921. CPC leaders such as Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai engaged in countless debates as the Party navigated often deadly encounters with warlords and aggressive foreign forces. This led the CPC to adapt from an urban-based organizing model to one focused on the more populous countryside, a change that was crucial in ending China's "century of humiliation" once and for all.

Adaptation continued to be a theme following the CPC-led revolution that founded the People's Republic of China in 1949. Over the course of the last 72 years, the CPC has continuously implemented reforms and acknowledged mistakes in the process of socialist construction. Early successes in socialist development failed to shake off absolute poverty. The CPC responded by introducing reforms to rapidly develop and open the economy. Rapid market-oriented growth produced new challenges such as political corruption and uneven development. The CPC has addressed these challenges by renewing its focus on party discipline and strengthening its leadership over the nation's poverty alleviation campaign.

The achievements gained from the CPC's ability to adapt cannot be understated. China has become a world leader in renewable energy and advanced technology. Extreme poverty has been eliminated and living standards continue to improve for every sector of the society. The CPC has demonstrated the capacity to both successfully preserve human life in the fight against COVID-19 and extend solidarity to countless nations in their own fight against the virus. It is for these reasons and more that the CPC enjoys a growing membership of 95 million and an approval rating well above 90 percent.

Political leadership reflects the legitimacy of a given society's model of development. U.S. officials claim to represent "democracy" even though elections are largely dictated by a wealthy minority. The U.S. model of neoliberal capitalism, characterized by racial antagonism and military aggression, is losing legitimacy with large segments of the population. More than 60 percent of people support a third-party alternative to the two major parties and large numbers of young adults want a more egalitarian society. By contrast, young adults make up one-third of the CPC  a number that continues to grow.

It is clear that the people of China have chosen their preferred leadership. The same cannot be said in the United States.

From CGTN
Our intention is with this, well add two more dispatchers, Lang said. That will put us at 12 full-time, which allows us to have three 24/7. So its a benefit to everybodyAlmost always, youre going to save significant money. It cost about $300,000 to staff a one-person communications center 24/7. So were going to save them money in almost every scenario. And youre going to get better service, because we share resources.

Lang said theres also been discussions to provide dispatch services for Falls City and Johnson County. He said Johnson County already provides dispatch services for Pawnee County, which makes Southeast Communications automatically in discussions with them, as well.

Lang said hes been questioned about if theres a point where dispatch centers would consolidate into too big of an entity. He said its possible, but that Southeast Communications is a long ways from there, and explained that similar consolidations are also happening across the state.

We would entertain discussions with any of the surrounding area counties or cities to provide a dispatch serviceHow it benefits the City of Beatrice and its citizens is it allows us to have resources that we couldnt afford, and to have personnel there for when the proverbial action hits the fan, and you need a lot of bodies to get the job done, Lang said. We can do that. Those will be there, and we think shown over the last several years that it really benefits everybody.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Billings voters will likely be voting again on recreational marijuana.

City Council will decide in the next three weeks whether to place on the November ballot options that would disallow parts or all of recreational marijuana business from operating within city limits.

Montana voters in 2020 overwhelmingly approved legalizing recreational marijuana; in Yellowstone County the vote was 50.7% to 49.3% in favor. However, within Billings itself, the margin was higher by roughly 4,000 votes.

State lawmakers crafted legislation earlier this year that divided the business of producing and selling recreational marijuana into seven categories, and gave municipalities the ability to go to voters once and ask which of the seven categories they want operating within city boundaries.

Tuesday night council members indicated they would likely take that option and present to voters in November the option of barring various aspects of recreational marijuana production and sales.

The seven categories include businesses that would cultivate or grow marijuana; manufacture pot-based goods and products; dispense medical marijuana; dispense recreational marijuana; dispense both; set up testing labs for marijuana; and transport marijuana products.
Rural ambulance services rely heavily on volunteers. About 53% of rural EMS agencies are staffed by volunteers, compared with 14% in urban areas, according to an NRHA report. More than 70% of those rural agencies report difficulty finding volunteers.

In Montana, a state Department of Public Health and Human Services report says, about 20% of EMS agencies frequently have trouble responding to 911 calls for lack of available volunteers, and 34% occasionally cant respond to a call.

When that happens, other EMS agencies must respond, sometimes having to drive long distances when a delay of minutes can be the difference between life and death. Sometimes an emergency call will go unanswered, leaving people to drive themselves or ask neighbors to drive them to the nearest hospital.

According to state data, 60% of Montanas volunteer EMTs are 40 or older, and fewer young people are stepping in to replace the older people who volunteer to save the lives of their relatives, friends and neighbors.

Finding enough volunteers to fill out a rural ambulance crew is not a new problem. In Dutton, where Greyn fell out of the tractor bucket, EMS Crew Chief Colleen Campbell says getting people to volunteer and keeping them on the roster has been an issue for most of the 17 years shes volunteered with the Dutton ambulance crew.
This paper recently ran an opinion piece by politicians Galt, Vinton, and Knudsen that cannot go unchallenged. No matter how hard they try to spin the facts, the last legislative session hurt Montanas resident hunters, anglers, and other outdoor enthusiasts more than any in memory. While they correctly note that Montana would not be Montana without the ability to live, work, and play outside, their own legislative agenda took dangerous steps toward making this impossible.

Providing landowners with big game tags to do with as they please and drastically increasing the number of tags reserved for outfitters and their wealthy out-of-state clients is but the first step in the move toward the complete Texas-style commercialization of our wildlife resources, which properly belong to everyone.
Firefighters are battling two wildfires in the Badlands of western North Dakota, one of which has prompted closures of local roads and part of the Maah Daah Hey Trail.

The first fire broke out last Saturday north of the Elkhorn Ranch and grew to over 3,000 acres. It was 75% contained as of Wednesday morning and no longer appeared to be growing in size, said Misty Hayes, district ranger for the Little Missouri National Grasslands Medora Ranger District. Its cause is under investigation.

The fire began west of the Little Missouri River and hopped the waterway. The U.S. Forest Service has closed land in the area to the public, including roads and the Maah Daah Hey Trail from the Elkhorn Campground to the junction of National Forest System Road 712-30. The closure spans parts of Billings and Golden Valley counties.

The Elkhorn Ranch historic site -- where President Theodore Roosevelt lived -- was not threatened by the fire, and no structures have burned, Hayes said.

Another blaze, the Sand Creek fire, broke out nearby Monday. It was likely caused by lightning, Hayes said.
The pace of the states vaccination drive has slowed to about a 1% increase or less weekly, which Howell called concerning.

There are many reasons some North Dakotans are choosing not to get the shot, but access to vaccination sites and vaccine supply arent among them, as the state has more doses than people willing to get them.

Pushing holdouts into getting their shots is difficult due to vaccine hesitancy and a lack of trust in government, Howell said.

While some states have offered cash incentives or vaccine lotteries to get people to roll up their sleeves, North Dakotas Constitution does not allow such giveaways. Instead, the state has relied on a campaign to dispel a wide variety of misinformation about vaccines, such as one claim that it can lead to infertility.

The new campaign, which will be launched in a few weeks, will focus largely on vaccine skeptics-turned-disciples to try to reach resistant residents, Howell said.

Anti-maskers and people who have recovered from the coronavirus are among the most difficult to persuade. Thats where people like Kempenich come in.
The framers debates on the question of the duration of a term went off in many directions. For House members, the preferences ranged from one to two to three years. For senators, proposals included four-, six- and seven-year terms, service during good behavior and even life tenure. There was no magical number, and advocates of various positions admitted as much. Brutus, an anti-Federalist, for example, acknowledged in a paper published on April 10, 1788, that, It is difficult to fix the precise period for which the senate should be chosen. He nevertheless believed a six-year term was too long.

In the end, the framers deliberations, as Madison observed, were guided by the question of whether too-frequent elections would prevent members of Congress from acquiring sufficient knowledge of the common interests of the nation, and the necessary experience required of those who would write laws and determine policies that would govern an expansive nation, what Madison characterized in Federalist No. 53 as, the great theater of the United States. Annual elections, Madison explained, might actually interfere with congressional representatives on-the-job training and education. The length of terms for each chamber, moreover, should reflect the duties and powers of its members, as well as constituents expectations of their representatives.
Yes, a legislator with expertise in the rules can sometimes derail legislation. That shouldnt disqualify someone from serving for more than eight years. Some legislators have been in office a long time. Sen. Ray Holmberg, R-Grand Forks, and Rep. Bob Martinson, R-Bismarck, have been in office for more than 40 years.

Voters in their districts havent found reasons to oust them despite many opportunities over the years.

The effort to restrict how long legislators and governors can serve is being spearheaded by more conservative members of the Legislature with several linked to the ultra-conservative Bastiat Caucus.

The more conservative members of the GOP have been active on several fronts, running for district chairmanships and censuring nine Republican legislators at district meetings. The censures have been linked to the expulsion of former Rep. Luke Simons, R-Dickinson, for workplace and sexual harassment. Simons denies the allegations.

The Tribune has been a strong supporter of initiative and recall processes. Its an essential right of the public to try to make changes. The Tribune, however, doesnt believe term limits are effective. If supporters get the necessary 31,164 signatures to get on the ballot, it should be rejected.
John Kerry, then Secretary of State, and Obama negotiated the "Iranian Agreement." Note it was not a treaty signed by my government. The agreement was then presented to the United Nations. The United Nations signed the agreement and as we are a member of that group we were bound by the provisions as spelled out on the 122 pages. Kerry and Obama sucked the U.S. into that agreement through the back door because they knew Congress would NEVER sign off on the provisions contained in the AGREEMENT. Get a copy. Request a PDF from our elected officials.
Finish this article for as low as $1 when you purchase a day pass. Just click the sign up button to purchase. If you are already a subscriber, just click log in to continue reading.
Looking for volunteers

Lt. Blake Long said all Polk County fire departments are seeking volunteers.

He said Central Polk County Fire Protection District meets at 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday evening at Station 2, located at the corner of Rt. B and Mo. 83. Those interested in volunteering with CPC can fill out an online application at cpcfpd.com.

For more information about volunteer opportunities with other Polk County fire departments, visit joinpolkfire.com.
Upcoming special elections

According to a news release from interim Polk County Clerk Paula Shepard, the county will hold three special elections on Tuesday, Aug. 3  one for the City of Morrisville, one for the Humansville Special Road District and one for the Walnut Grove R-5 School District.

Registered voters in Morrisville will vote on a bond election, the release stated. Registered voters in the Humansville Special Road District will vote on an additional tax levy, while voters in the Walnut Grove school district will decide whether or not to increase its operating tax levy by $0.7900.

The last day to register to vote in the upcoming election is Wednesday, July 7.

Absentee ballots for the special August election were ready for voting on Tuesday, June 22, the release stated.

The Polk County Clerks office will be open for absentee voting from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and through the lunch hour. The clerks office will also be open from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 31.

Those casting ballots by mail must make sure their written and signed requests include the reason for voting absentee and addresses to which the ballots should be mailed, the release stated. Those requesting ballots by mail must make sure their written request for a ballot arrives at the county clerks office by 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 21, in order to be processed.

The deadline for casting an absentee ballot in person at the county clerks office is 5 p.m. the day before the election, Monday, Aug. 2, the release stated.

For questions regarding registering or voting, please contact the county clerks office at 326-4031.
As a crane lifted the last steel beam into place Wednesday on the Albright-Knox Art Gallery's new building, money continued to come into the museum's treasury to meet a patron's $2.5 million challenge grant.

Some $1 million has been pledged in the three weeks since Jeffrey Gundlach made the matching grant offer, said Janne Siren, the museum's director.

The museum needs to raise $1.5 million more for the latest matching grant effort to succeed. If successful, that would leave $10.5 million still to raise, but with a $5 million pledge from the Cuomo administration, a $2.5 million pledge from the City of Buffalo and the pandemic receding, Siren is optimistic government funds are coming.

"If the government monies come in and we make this match, we'll be nearly at the finish line," Siren said.

In addition, Rep. Brian Higgins has a $1 million request before the House Appropriations Committee to pay for the nearly 1-acre lawn that will replace a surface parking lot and cover an underground parking garage now under construction.

Together, the three government payouts would account for $8.5 million, leaving just $2 million more to be raised.

Other funding sources are also being pursued, Siren said.

Siren said he was encouraged by the community's response to Gundlach's matching grant offer.

"It was incredible to see how fast the community reacted," Siren said.

Museum officials, staff, supporters and political leaders gathered for the topping out ceremony Wednesday for the new structure, to be called the Jeffrey E. Gundlach Building.

Gundlach pledged a $42.5 million challenge grant in September 2016 for the museum expansion, setting a record in Western New York for the largest private contribution to a cultural institution. The bond trader and investor pledged $10 million more in November 2017, another $10 million in November 2019 and now $2.5 million, assuming the challenge grant is met.

With the steel frame in place, Gilbane Building Co. will begin pouring concrete floors in the Gundlach Building. Installation of the glass walls is expected to follow in the fall.

"This is a remarkable moment," Siren said. "Much work remains to be done in the coming year, but the topping out of the Gundlach Building is a potent symbol of just how far we have come since breaking ground in November 2019."

The expanded museum, at a cost of $168 million, is expected to reopen in fall 2022, three years since the museum closed in November 2019. When it reopens, the museum will become known as the Buffalo AKG Art Museum. AKG stands for the museum's major contributors: John J. Albright, Seymour H. Knox Jr. and Jeffrey E. Gundlach.

Siren praised County Executive Mark Poloncarz for paying the county's $5 million pledge last summer, even as Covid-19 raged.

"That took leadership to do that in July 2020," Siren said. "It solidified our board's belief in the project at a time when the world was surrounded by a pandemic."

Poloncarz said he honored the county's commitment knowing it would help move the project along and keep people working.

A new report by UB Regional Institute concludes the construction of the new campus has already brought significant economic benefits for the city, region and state.

The project supports 1,827 jobs, with construction over three years expected to generate an economic impact of $281 million for the state, $168 million for the county and $36 million for the city, the report found.

The report said 84% of the construction money is being spent in New York State, with 52% in Erie County and 21% in Buffalo.

"Every dollar invested in the construction of the Buffalo AKG Art Museum generates twice as much in total economic impact for New York State," the report said.

Annual economic impacts of the expanded museum are projected from $36 million to $47 million. At least 134 full-time employees are anticipated when the museum reopens, and an increase of 80,000 visitors are predicted that would project annual visitation between 185,000 and 205,000, about 40% from out of town, the report said.

An estimated $3 million to $4 million in local and state taxes are expected to be collected.

The semi-transparent building being erected on the northern end of the campus, along Elmwood Avenue, will allow the museum to more than double its exhibition space and serve as the new entrance.

The new building calls for an indoor sculpture terrace that will encircle the main galleries and provide a 360-degree wraparound view of the surrounding landscape.

A bridge will connect the new North Building and E.B. Green's historic 1905 building, and improve the museum's ability to handle and transport valuable artwork. The building is undergoing roof, masonry and drainage repairs and re-creation of the grand staircase.

The 1962 Gordon Bunshaft addition will be used for educational purposes and exhibition space, and a 6,000-square-foot community space will be marked by a "Common Sky" sculptural canopy.

Mark Sommer covers preservation, development, the waterfront, culture and more. He's also a former arts editor at The News.

The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The letter to Biden was unusual in terms of the ideological diversity of the lawmakers who signed it. The signers included liberal Democrats such as Rep. Val Demings of Florida and conservative Republicans such as Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona. Several New York lawmakers, including Rep. Chris Jacobs, an Orchard Park Republican, also signed the letter.

Moreover, the letter signaled that a large number of lawmakers from all around the country are growing increasingly frustrated with the continuing travel restrictions. Previously, it often seemed that Higgins was fighting a lonely battle in the House to reopen the border, with only one or two other lawmakers signing onto each of his many efforts on the issue.

Higgins said media coverage of the border issue, combined with the fact that Europe is reopening to foreign travelers, prompted more lawmakers to get involved.

"Mostly I just think people are beginning to say: 'You know, what's going on here?' " Higgins said. "If you were following the science, as we all have been admonished to do over the past 16 months, it would point to a loosening of restrictions at the border."

That's what Schumer has been saying for months. And at an event in Sackets Harbor west of Watertown on Tuesday, the Senate majority leader ramped up his pressure for a border reopening.
After enduring 10 months of hybrid or remote learning, social distancing for much of the time and face masks, it's understandable that the last thing students and teachers want to think about is school.

So it's equally understandable that schools are finding it harder to hire summer program teachers and staff, who want to take a break because of Covid-19 fatigue.

But thousands of students in Western New York are getting back on the bus this month to go to summer school, trying to catch up from uneven learning, or pass that course needed for graduation.

At least 20% of federal American Rescue Plan money must be used in the next three years to deal with learning loss by students due to the Covid-19 pandemic. That amounts to $63 million in Erie and Niagara counties, and for many school districts, summer school will be one of their tools.

Many districts have created new programs while others are expanding existing programs.

"We definitely would not be able to do anything to the level were doing it without the stimulus," said Iroquois Central Superintendent Douglas Scofield.

Busing, after-school programs help working parents

Iroquois created an elementary summer school program, with spots for about 30 students in each grade, from kindergarten through fifth grade. The program will take place half days in August at the main campus on Girdle Road.

To make it more convenient for working parents, staff will walk children who join the summer program at the nearby Boys and Girls Club of Elma, Marilla and Wales to the club after class.

High schoolers can attend summer school at Iroquois through Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES, Scofield said.

"We have to get everyone to where we want them to be at this point, where they normally would have been," Scofield said.

Summer school for Niagara Falls middle and high schoolers started Monday, while elementary programs will start in mid-July.

"Sixth through 12th graders will just work on skills they didnt get during the school year, so its a little more prescriptive," Superintendent Mark Laurrie said. "It will be much more individual, much more focused on the student needs, as opposed to reteaching six weeks of class."

The elementary and middle school programs will be in person, while high schoolers are learning at home four days a week, with students coming in to meet with the teacher one day a week, Laurrie said. Busing will be provided.

Frontier Central also started summer school programs for elementary and middle school.

Elementary students will participate in math, reading, writing and social/emotional health centers, said Colleen Dugan, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction. Middle schoolers will engage in project-based learning. Every week will have a different theme and each week will end with a guest speaker.

"We're doing it more holistically, to have fun and learn at the same time," Dugan said.

The district also is offering a rocketry camp and a drone camp, as well as music lessons throughout the summer. The high school program will mostly be for students needing to pass required courses.

"We think it's important to get kids back into the routine and build their confidence when they come in the fall," Dugan said.

And this year the district, like many others, is offering transportation.

"Summer school has always been difficult if they don't have transportation," interim Superintendent C. Douglas Whelan said.

Fewer courses at BOCES

Because districts must spend at least 20% of their federal funds on bridging learning gaps from the pandemic, they are not using BOCES programs as much as they did in the past, according to Clark J. Godshall, superintendent of Orleans/Niagara BOCES.

He said Orleans/Niagara BOCES traditionally operates the third largest summer school in the state, with students taking about 3,000 sessions, or classes. This year, it is down to about 400 sessions in part because districts are running their own summer schools, he said.

Also, since Regents exams were not required in June, most students passed their courses and did not have to retake the course and test, he said.

Teacher shortage

Frontier Central also usually offers a robust high school summer school program, attracting students from surrounding districts, but this year the program is down to a handful of courses.

The problem wasn't finding students, Whelan said. It is finding teachers and other staff.

"We have a difficulty in getting teachers who have experienced ... a very difficult year to continue on with summer school," Whelan said.

It's not just a Frontier problem. Many teachers and staff want a break from the grueling year, and schools are hiring from outside their districts to fill openings.

It's not just teachers.

"It's the bus drivers, the lunch folks, all the support structure," Godshall said. "People are tired."

And while it was challenging finding teachers this year, Scofield doesn't blame them.

"I really hope they are taking a break over the summer, whatever they need to recharge their batteries," Scofield said.

Safety precautions: Masks still required

School leaders have been following New York State guidance on health and safety since the pandemic began in 2020, often on short notice. That includes wearing masks, and filling out a daily Covid-19 questionnaire. So far, masks are required indoors and are optional outside.

But that's different from summer day camps, where wearing of masks is encouraged, but not required indoors or outdoors.

"The frustrating thing is a number of us have camps within our school buildings but also are running summer school," said Depew Superintendent Jeffrey R. Rabey. "Youre telling me that the kids going to camp down the hallway dont have to wear masks, or theyre optional, but the kids in summer school have to wear masks?"

He's hoping all restrictions will be removed.

"We have no idea what to expect for the fall," Rabey said.

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Western New York Students First, a group formed to support fully opening schools for in-person learning, joined with 11 other groups in the state to send a letter to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo in mid-June demanding he remove the mask mandate for children.

"We're hearing from our families that theyre very happy with this," said Tarja Parssinen, co-leader of the group. "Families are relieved, of course, to see hopefully that all districts can get on the same page now."

The relaxing of the mandate applies only to this year's summer school session, according to the email, which said that guidelines for the 2021-2022 school year will be issued soon.

"These decisions, which should reflect local sentiment, may be made by the school superintendent or local board. There is no requirement for additional public meetings," the Health Department said.

Schools also are no longer required to submit a daily report to the state on cases of coronavirus.

Confusion surrounding masks, and when they are required, started last summer as schools were preparing plans to return to buildings in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. Last summer's controversy was whether masks were required if students were 6 feet apart, and the answer was yes.
The Democratic nominee is also set to tap into financial resources available from left-leaning groups supporting campaigns such as hers, which is expected to rank as one of the nation's most high-profile mayoral elections.

Williams focuses on police in upstate tour

Williams, the No. 2 official in New York City government, also visited Syracuse and Rochester over the past few days as cities around the country experience a sharp spike in gun violence. He is supporting Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's Tuesday declaration of a "disaster emergency" to combat the situation through job creation and other opportunities aimed at at-risk youth.

Williams emphasized his support for law enforcement efforts that should be part of an overall approach to addressing health care and mental health instead of "mistakes made 30 years ago," adding that "New York can lead the way" in policing innovations.

Changes are needed "so as not to go down the same road that led to where we are now," Williams said. "The Police Department  to ask them to do all of it is problematic."
Covid-19: Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz unveils plans to spend federal stimulus money Covid-19: Developments in Buffalo and Western New York

Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein, who has earned $85,142 in overtime pay so far this year, would not be eligible for the premium pay, nor would elected officials. But many other essential county government employees who earned less than $116,000 last year would be eligible.

"We felt it was important to reward the employees who went well above and beyond the call of duty by coming in and working at a time when the vast majority of people were home," Poloncarz said of the $6 million allocation. "For those who are going to criticize it, these people put their lives on the line for our community, and I know how hard they worked."

But he and other county administrators attempted to discourage county legislators from considering expanding the pool of employees who would qualify for the additional $5 per hour in hazard pay for working between mid-March and June of last year.

New and restored jobs

Poloncarz wants to restore 107 of the 287 mostly vacant jobs that were eliminated last year as part of his deficit cutting plan, noting the total number of jobs would remain lower than two years ago. Some jobs would receive partial state reimbursement.
The announcement noted that Gioia expanded the foundations staff and widened the scope of its philanthropic efforts as it granted more than $240 million to more than 2,300 nonprofits.

The foundation said its board has retained Koya Partners, an executive search firm, to recommend possible successors to Gioia before the end of the year.

In a statement, Gioia said: Leading the Oishei Foundation has been one of the greatest honors of my professional career. The decision to step down was not taken lightly, but I firmly believe that after 15 years, and particularly as the Foundation embarks on its strategic planning process in 2022, that the time was right for the next generation of leadership.

The announcement noted that Gioia will continue to serve as chairman of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp, Great Lakes Health and the Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology.

When Gioia succeeded Thomas E. Baker, who held the post for nine years, he gave up the chairmanships of the Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo and the Erie County Stabilization Project, as well as the presidency of the Darwin Martin House Restoration Corp., in order to give full attention to Oishei.

Gioia also had served as chairman of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority during the 1990s, when the new terminal was built at Buffalo Niagara International Airport.

The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Long before Critical Race Theory burst into the headlines, JoAnn Tenebra employed the concept by another name: good teaching.

Her approach: Use whatever kids say is going on in their lives, then research something that can be used in class to explore that topic.

In the Niagara Falls School District  roughly 35% Black, 8% Hispanic, 13% multiracial and 80% low-income  that research often led to authors and artists of color and resulted in discussions of race, power and inequity.

The results of that emphasis on diversity can be seen in student essays and artwork on the former English teachers dining room table, including one note that said simply, Thank you for making an effort, when no one else cared to.

Now Tenebra, who retired in 2019 after three decades of educating students, muses about trying to educate the critics of dealing openly with race in the classroom. What would she say to them? She knows they dont want to hear how the country was built on the backs of people brought here in chains.

So I would say to them, I would like you to spend a day at my kitchen table and look at the beautiful tapestry of humanity,'  said the second-generation Italian American.

That tapestry is the countrys future. But apparently its also a threat to those who think the only mention of race should be when discussing NASCAR. The backlash can be seen in videos of heated school board meetings across the country, as well as in Fox News attacks on the Buffalo Public Schools for their Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Initiative to make education more relevant to students of color, a luxury white critics can take for granted while trying to protect the status quo.

Tenebra, on the other hand, nudged kids to think  which is always a threat to reactionaries.

She taught the Spike Lee movie Jungle Fever alongside William Shakespeares Othello to help kids unpack issues of fidelity, jealousy and interracial relationships.

She used a 60 Minutes segment on whether babies are born with an innate sense of right and wrong to spark a discussion on the origins of selfishness, prejudice and morality. Then she had kids write about it from their own perspective.

She credits the Niagara Falls district with giving teachers the freedom to create these kinds of lesson plans. Rather than indoctrinate students in sugarcoated Pablum, it gets them to think for themselves and sort through tough issues. In doing so, they recognize that Americas greatness  such as it is  lies in our ability to honestly grapple with and correct societal mistakes rather than pretend they are of no consequence.

While such lesson plans would no doubt draw screaming parents to overheated school board meetings in other districts, Tenebra said she never got complaints from the administration and only two from parents. One was from a father upset after hearing his son say he was watching movies in class. The other was from a mother after Tenebra had students discuss an article by a Black writer advising parents against sticking their kids with the burden of ethnic-sounding names.

In both cases, she said, any controversy was defused when she explained the point of the sessions. She said Niagara Falls school officials know most teachers  who live different lives from their pupils  are trying to spark thought in students, not just go along to get along.

Falls Superintendent Mark Laurrie said the district has been taking an inclusive approach to education for years, though without labeling it.

When you say Critical Race Theory, it becomes immediately polarizing, he said.

Instead, the district simply focuses on teaching students to face a world that is extremely diverse. If we dont, were doing them a disservice.

That means giving teachers the freedom Tenebra cherished  within reasonable parameters  to engage students, recognizing that education can occur at opportune moments and you have to seize those moments in time, the superintendent said.

She was empathetic and cared about the kids, said Laurrie, who also was Tenebras principal for six years, and thats why they listened and learned from her.

The results of her constructionist approach to education  letting student responses drive lessons  can be seen in some of the powerful pieces her kids produced to grapple with issues real to them, like the lines penned by a high school senior inspired by the Shel Silverstein poem Picture Puzzle Piece:

People  like puzzle pieces  try to fit in, and find their true purpose. Yet, like pieces in a puzzle, people often push themselves to fit in, find they are oddly placed, and have a peculiar feeling of being in the wrong spot.

Another young lady was motivated to give her brutally frank take on misogyny:

I feel that men treat women like toilets. Toilets, as you know, are things that flush waste. Men treat women like body waste.

Yet that young lady also had a shining sun in the upper corner of the artwork accompanying her essay.

Then theres the drawing one kid produced when discussing an Emily Dickinson poem about darkness: shells ejecting from the magazine of a semiautomatic handgun.

Thats not an image the critics kids will have in their heads  or have to worry about in their lives  yet they would proscribe talking in school about how we got here as a society. Tenebra remembers the observation when she asked a colleague how the woman taught history without discussing the savagery of history: You cant get to here, without going back to there.

Thats why, even in retirement, shes rankled by All these people saying, Dont teach this; dont teach that. 

Along with the so-called classics, her kids read Nelson Mandela and Cornell West, and listened to Nancy Wilson along with Frank Sinatra. The goal: Just getting kids to think.

Its a good bet kids with this kind of well-rounded education grounded in diverse perspectives and lived experiences will not grow into the type of adults who, ignorant of history because of how they themselves were mistaught, would be storming school board meetings demanding that education be whitewashed.

How important are efforts like Tenebras to ensure that kids learn how the country really was built? On whose backs? And the consequences of that today?

The current effort to curtail voting rights is a perfect example, constituting a throwback to the tactics of the 1950s and 60s. It underscores the wisdom of 19th century philosopher George Santayanas warning that Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.

That also applies to those who never learn the past in the first place.

The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The state has given up seeking civil penalties against an Orchard Park gym owner it said allowed clients to work out without masks this spring while Covid-19 remained a raging public health threat.

The State Attorney General's Office had accused Athletes Unleashed owner Robert Dinero of repeatedly violating the state's mask mandate and sought a $1,000 fine for each violation, with each day a separate violation for each customer.

The state's assertion came as a counterclaim in the lawsuit Dinero brought against the state over the pandemic restrictions. Now lawyers for the state and Dinero have agreed to dismiss the case, according to a filing Wednesday in State Supreme Court in Buffalo.

"Theyre dropping everything against Robby," said attorney Todd J. Aldinger, who along with Paul Cambria Jr. represented the Athletes Unleashed owner in the case. "I dont know how you can see this as anything but a total victory for Robby."
Hope of finding survivors was briefly rekindled after workers demolished the remainder of the building on Sunday, allowing rescuers access to new areas of debris they hoped would contain voids," or open pockets with enough room for a person.

Some of those voids did exist, mostly in the basement and the parking garage, but no survivors emerged. Instead, teams recovered more than a dozen additional victims. Because the building fell in the early morning hours, many residents were found dead in their beds.

No one has been pulled out alive since the first hours after the 12-story Champlain Towers South building fell on June 24.

Twice during the search, rescuers had to suspend the mission because of the instability of the remaining structure and the preparation for demolition.

After initially hoping for miraculous rescues, families slowly braced themselves for the news that their relatives did not survive.

For some, what theyre telling us, its almost a sense of relief when they already know (that someone has died), and they can just start to put an end to that chapter and start to move on, said Miami-Dade firefighter and paramedic Maggie Castro, who has updated families daily.
Looking at individual tragic cases in isolation may contribute to the speculation that releasing individuals before trial rather than incarcerating them -- whether by placing them on Electronic Monitoring (EM) or other forms of supervision -- means an increase in crime, he said. "But speculation based on isolated cases is not the same as reality based on a complete picture, and research has shown that bail reform has not led to an increase in crime.

Brown has been under pressure for the violent crime that rose dramatically in 2020 compared to the year before and shows little sign of slowing down thus far this year. Even before the holiday weekend, the department said in the first six months of the year there were 332 homicides compared to 338 for the same period last year and that there were more shooting victims and shooting incidents than during the same six-month period last year.

He picked up Tuesday where he left off last week when he was called before the City Council to explain his crime fighting strategies ahead of what is traditionally one of the most violent weekends of the year.

As he did in his City Council appearance, Brown defended his department, including in his briefing to reporters that his officers had recovered 244 illegal guns over the long weekend.
CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. (AP)  President Joe Biden pitched his proposed investments in families and education at an Illinois community college on Wednesday, telling residents of the swing district that what's good for families is also good for the economy.

The president set out for the Chicago suburbs to bolster support for both his bipartisan infrastructure deal and a broader package that he expects will be passed with only Democratic votes. His message is one designed to resonate with suburban parents, college graduates and the working poor  a coalition that was key to Biden's election win last year.

Theres a lot of work ahead of us to finish the job, but were going to get it done," Biden said in a 30-minute speech that he self-deprecatingly suggested was boring but important. Were going to reimagine what our economy and our future could be.

Before the speech, Biden toured a metals lab at the McHenry County College. His message was that any investments in manufacturing, roads and bridges should be paired with funding for child care, health care and education.
Alibaba Group Holding recently was fined a record $2.8 billion over antitrust violations. Other big tech companies have been fined or investigated for alleged anti-competitive behavior and lapses in financial disclosure.

Two years ago Chinese consumers didnt care, they thought the convenience of apps outweighed any negative benefits, Rein said. But now Chinese people are quite concerned about data privacy, because Alibaba and Tencent have so much data  even more data than the government.

Rein believes stricter oversight of the technology industry will make it more sustainable, with fairer competition that will benefit consumers.

WHATS THE IMPACT ON DIDI?

Didi said in a statement that having its app removed may have an adverse impact on its revenue in China.

It promised to fix any problems, protect users privacy and data security, and continue to provide secure and convenient services to its users.

The app can no longer be downloaded in China, although those who already downloaded and installed the app can still use it, Didi said.

Didis stock price sank as much as 25% on Monday, days after the cybersecurity review was announced. The company's market capitalization plunged to $57.6 billion from about $75 billion last week.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
What will Buffalo and Erie County look like in 2030? I guess no one really knows but our leaders and future leaders had best be planning at least that far out or the city and county will miss out on the economic resurgence expected after the pandemic is fully under control.

Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer wants a chip manufacturing plant for Western New York. Such an endeavor takes preparation by many entities. As an example, the chip industry requires a secure broadband system, something our region has yet to achieve despite the public demand for far-reaching and secure internet access.

Does the senator understand the chip industry requires copious amounts of clean water and that our water infrastructure is ancient? There are water main breaks practically every day in Erie County.

A community with strong governance would be working with regional and community economic development agencies and water boards to prepare a plan for a modern, state of the art water purification and delivery system to attract tomorrows industries.

We sit atop one fifth of the worlds fresh water, which is in dwindling supply. We need to protect and enhance our use of this commodity for a prosperous and healthy future.
Against this backdrop, Republican legislators complain, unpersuasively, that Cuomo is responding to problems that bear his own fingerprints. Sen. George Borrello of Sunset Bay concluded that the governors declaration is a gross abuse of his executive authority and an attempt to politically capitalize on a problem that he helped create.

Likewise, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay of Oswego County said the announcement demonstrates that Albanys relaxation of criminal laws since Democrats took control of all of state government hasnt worked. He presumably includes the states bail reform law in that less-than-insightful analysis, so its interesting to note that Erie County Republicans have expressed satisfaction with the performance of District Attorney John Flynn, who instituted his own version of bail reform before the state ever acted on it.

Observers can draw a few conclusions from these kind of responses. One is that Republicans dont like Cuomo acting on an issue they hoped to capitalize on. If they did, theyd have suggested what he could have done better.

Another is that they have no idea of what to do better. What are Republicans proposing to do for communities that are especially threatened by gun violence? Their silence is deafening. All they can come up with is the canard about government action by state Democrats.
Lately we have read a lot regarding the U.S. Bishops resolution to deny Catholics the Holy Eucharist to Catholics who support abortion rights including politicians from the president down. If you look at the history of abortion it was always considered homicide if it was committed by a physician or a patient. Indeed it was included under the homicide statutes contained in the New York State Penal Law and under the criminal statutes of all the other states. It was a crime whether committed by a physician or a woman.

Then a liberal Supreme Court in 1972 in Roe vs. Wade ruled such laws were unconstitutional and it was a womens right to choose. I would agree if the woman created herself but the Catholic religion and indeed all Christian religions as part of their faith believe that God created human life and only He can decide when He will terminate it Gods will be done! How many times have we heard that during our lifetime?

So-called Catholic politicians who further abortion rights cannot be called Catholics because the right to life is one of the main parts of the Catholic faith!

Instead of listing the U.S. bishops as conservative it should be described that, they are merely asserting what their faith teaches and all the other U.S. bishops should join them and so should Pope Francis.
The walleye fishing is still not as consistent as it should be, but it appears to be getting better, Capt. Joe Fonzi of Gasport reports. Part of the problem is the biggest eastern basin mayfly hatch he has ever seen. Nothing makes lazy walleyes like these critters, Fonzi says. However, he has been crushing the bass in the meantime on normal structures such as Myers Reef, Evans Bar and Seneca Shoal using drop shot rigs outfitted with Gajo Spirit Shads and Crosstails. It is interesting to note that he has been picking up two to four walleyes every time he is bass fishing. Sometimes its where you fish, and other anglers are doing better. Capt. Ryan ONeill of Orchard Park has been hitting the international line straight out of Buffalo in 50-54 feet of water, bottom bouncing with worm harnesses off three-way rigs. It has been working for him, using 3 or 4 ounces of lead for his program. Perch and green/gold-colored Colorado blades work best. Steve Brzuszkiewicz of Marilla was working the Condos area in 58 feet of water, trolling his way back until he found his hotspot in 48-to-52-foot depths. His fire tiger-bladed harness fished off a three-way rig was his ticket, and his walleye limit consisted of fish from 19 to 26 inches in length. Further west, the walleye bite is starting to pick up, according to Shub Stevens at Catt. Creek Bait and Tackle in Irving. Purple and black stickbaits are working well around 35-50 feet of water. Perch are spread out and can be tough to find. Try using emerald or golden shiners in 40-50 feet of water straight out of the Catt. Smallmouth bass are being caught in decent numbers all over Cattaraugus Creek. White Mr. Twisters will catch them all day, Stevens reports. Catfishing on the tributaries is slowing down but picking up along shorelines from Dunkirk to Lackawanna. Shrimp and cut bait are working best. Has the big school of walleyes arrived from the western basin? Some think they are starting to show up while others say they are still a few weeks away. Over in Erie, Pa., Capt. Pete Alex reports that good numbers of walleyes can be found in 45-60 feet of water. The offshore fishery has not set up yet. Fish are suspended halfway down to the bottom. Alex said he is seeing lots of short fish mixed in (9-13 inches). Average fish size is 16-21 inches, with an occasional of 22-25 inch eye or trophy 28-inch plus lunker. Very few trophy fish are being caught.
My Life is Not Your Porn, South Korean Women Say, as Digital Sex Crimes Rise

A recent report by Human Rights Watch, My Life is Not Your Porn: Digital Sex Crimes in South Korea, has detailed the rising epidemic of digital sex crimes in South Korea. Known as molka, these crimes involve the use of illegal cameras to capture non-consensual, voyeuristic images and videos, predominantly of women and girls.

The testimony of one woman in the report, Lee Ye-Rin, highlights the largely undetectable nature of these offences, Ye-Rin first described how her married boss, whose advances she had previously rebuffed, gave her a small clock as a gift. She put this clock in her bedroom, but after some time moved it to another room. When she came to work the next day, her boss told her that if she didnt want the clock, he would take it back. This roused her suspicion, and she googled the clock; discovering that it was in fact a spy-cam which was able to record perfectly in the dark. Lee Ye-Rins boss had been streaming footage of her from inside her own bedroom directly to his phone 24 hours a day, for the previous month and a half.

ADVERTISEMENT

The HRW also revealed the sharp increase in digital sex crimes in the last decade: In 2008, less than 4 percent of sex crimes prosecutions in South Korea involved illegal filming; by 2017 the number of these cases had increased eleven-fold, from 585 cases to 6,615, and they constituted 20 percent of sex crimes prosecutions. Women interviewed for the report expressed feeling too afraid to use public bathrooms and changing rooms because these spy-cams are often sold in the form of inconspicuous or everyday items.

Another case in the report described a woman who committed suicide after a male co-worker filmed her without her knowledge in their workplaces changing rooms. The mental toll such an insidious invasion of privacy has on survivors fails to be appreciated by the authorities who handle them. Lee Ye-Rin described the ongoing turmoil she has experienced in the aftermath of her experience, I cried all night, I couldnt sleep, I had to take medicine to soothe myselfEven now this happens, she said. What happened took place in my own roomso sometimes, in regular life, in my own room, I feel terrified without reason.

This phenomenon represents more than just a seedy side-effect of technological advancement. Symptoms of deeply engrained gender inequity can be found in many aspects of life in South Korea, including its most successful and public export: K-pop. In recent years groups such as Blackpink and BTS have exploded onto the American music scene, thanks largely to the bombastic, genre-bending and almost utopian production and visuals. Yet the uniform perfection that characterises K-pop hints at the questionable measures taken to produce the dazzling veneer.

The Korean music industry is unique in that it is comprised of companies which pluck children based primarily on attractiveness and talent. They then undergo intense training for several years; not only in dancing and singing but also in how to appear faultlessly charming, moulding them into idols. By the time they debut as musical artists, idols will have signed a contract that binds them to the will of their company, and in turn to that of their fans, whose sustained adulation fuels company revenue. Though this system also affects male idols, the industry subscribes aggressively to the male gaze, manufacturing their female idols as demure porcelain dolls.

Companies tend to use a very specific formula for female idols: sexual suggestiveness offset by a childlike innocence, not dissimilar to that which launched an underage Britney Spears into the stratosphere of superstardom and scrutiny. This image often carries over into their personal lives; companies forbid dating to maintain the illusion of fantasy girlfriend to male fans, while personal beliefs and political values should not be discussed. When a member of one of K-pops most famous female groups, Red Velvet, mentioned that she had read Cho Nam Joos Kim Ji Young, Born 1982, she received a torrent of online vitriol from male fans, for suggesting that she was a feminist. Ironically, this novel focuses on a South Korean Everywoman, who finds herself repeatedly ground down by micro-aggressions and the restricted prospects of women throughout her life.

Sulli, member of another high-profile girl group, f(x), was uniquely outspoken about issues pertaining to gender inequality. She received constant online backlash, particularly when she posted an Instagram photo in which she wore a top with no bra. In response, Sulli said in an interview: When I first posted a no bra photo, there was a lot of talk about it. I was scared and could have hidden, but the reason I didnt is that I want to change peoples prejudices about that. Part of me also wanted to say, This isnt that big of a deal.' Despite her defiance, Sulli took her own life at the age of 25 in 2019, it is believed at least partly due to the toll the abuse took on her mental health.

The medias willing exhibition of womens bodies rests on an unspoken rule that they do not demonstrate any agency over their own sexuality. This perhaps contributes to the allure of covert voyeurism that seeps into everyday life.

ADVERTISEMENT

What also ties these cases together is a startling lack of action taken by police and authority figures. Prior to her death, Sulli had gone to her company SM for help, one of the most powerful and well known in South Korea, but little was done. When women report digital sex crimes, the HRW described how police often meet them with disbelief and even accusations of lying. If a case is taken to trial, more often than not punishments are light: In 2020, 79% of those convicted of capturing non-consensual intimate images received only a suspended sentence, a fine, or a combination of the two.

2019s Burning Sun Scandal, perhaps the most infamous instance of molka in recent years, unearthed networks of prostitution in Burning Sun nightclub, located in Seouls affluent Gangnam district, as well as chatrooms in which high-profile celebrities shared illegally captured videos of themselves having sex and bragged about raping women. During the investigation a senior police officer was arrested for attempting to cover up the crimes, after being bribed by several of the male celebrities involved.

Despite the governments promise to handle the situation more head on, the HRW concluded that true progress can only be made with a greater sense of empathy for women in every respect. This could be accomplished via a more thorough education of consensual sex for children and adults alike, as well as an increase of women in police and court roles.

Related articles:

https://bust.com/feminism/198285-in-south-korea-an-itty-bitty-emoji-and-fragile-male-egos-caused-a-huge-backlash-against-feminism-2.html

https://bust.com/feminism/196285-south-korean-feminist-movement.html

https://bust.com/feminism/198296-britney-spears-conservatorship.html

Top image: Screenshot from YouTube

Second image: Screenshot from Youtube

Gigi Michie is a graduate of The University of Cambridge with a degree in Classics. She loves books and films from all different cultures; particularly those that focus on the female experience. Follow her on instagram @gigimichie.
Sarathi Sardar with a BSF vehicle assigned to her. (Photo/ANI)

Nadia (West Bengal) [India], July 7 (ANI): Border Security Force (BSF), near the India-Bangladesh border, rushed a woman, who was writhing in labour pain, to a hospital in West Bengal.

The Company Commander at the Mahendra outpost received information that Sarathi Sardar, a woman from the Pepule Beria village, was about to deliver a child and that there was no man in her house at the time.

"The commander of the border outpost then sent a vehicle along with a nursing assistant and a female guard to the house of Sarathi Sardar. The pregnant woman was then taken, along with her mother to the Community Health Centre in Bagula, West Bengal," said B Madhusudan Rao, Commanding Officer of the 8th battalion of BSF.

He added that upon arrival at the hospital, the doctor immediately admitted her after preliminary examinations.

Mukti Sardar, the mother of the pregnant woman, expressed gratitude to the BSF jawans.

"Such actions result in the strengthening of the mutual relationship between the Border Security Force and the people of the area," said Madhusudan Rao. (ANI)
Coronavirus detection tests will no longer be available for free to tourists visiting France, following a government decision which takes effect today.

Until now, tourists ending a vacation in France could have a PCR or Rapid Antigen test before boarding a flight to return to their home countries, without having to pay for them.

But from today, visitors will have to pay 49 for a PCR test or 29 for a Rapid Antigen test.

EU residents and those from Switzerland will however be eligible for refunds.

The move brings France into line with many other countries, who charge for such tests but it has raised fears that travellers will falisify certificates attesting to a negative covid test, in order to save money.

Travellers will be reminded that falsifying, selling or using fake documents is punishable by up to 3 years in prison and a fine of 45,000.

Doctors to access lists of non-vaccinated

Meanwhile the French Civil Liberties organization, the CNIL, has given its qualified approval to the limited sharing of information about whether or not people have been vaccinated against Covid-19.

The CNIL said it judged that because of the exceptional health emergency, social security authorities should be allowed to provide lists to family doctors requesting the information, detailing the names of patients who have not been vaccinated.

Health minister Olivier Veran had asked the CNIL for its opinion on the subject.

The civil liberties body recommends key conditions

A list must only be made available to a doctor who requests it, doctors must inform patients of the availability and advantages of a vaccination but not try to persuade them and patients names must be deleted from the list, once they have been informed.

This as France, having at least partially vaccinated more than half of the population, now struggles to convince the remainder of the benefits of a jab.

Story continues

Government spokesman Gabriel Attal warned on Wednesday that most regions of the country are now experiencing a rise in infection rates, although hospitalisation numbers remain fairly low.

With forty per cent of Covid infections in France identified as delta variants, Attal repeated a plea for people to take up the offer of a vaccination.

Public information adverts designed to incentivise the reluctant stress the advantages of vaccinations - including easier travel as more and more countries look set to ease the rules for fully vaccinated travellers.

Hopes for French travellers to USA

Meanwhile a decision from US authorities is expected in the next few weeks over the rules for visitors from France.

Tourism minister Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne told French radio station France Info that the situation was currently  asymetrical  because American tourists were now welcome in France but visiting the US remained difficult for the French.

Under the traffic light system used by many countries to assess the Covid risk posed by foreign travellers, the USA is classed as a relatively safe  green  country by France but France is on the American Amber list.

Lemoyne highlighted the difficulties faced by French citizens based in the USA who feared not being able to return to the US if they came back to France to see family.

All 27 EU member states agreed on May 19th to allow travellers from third countries to visit the bloc 2 weeks after their final vaccinations, provided the vaccines used were EU-approved.

The World Health Organization announced the  tragic milestone  of 4 million recorded Covid-19 deaths on Wednesday, adding that the true toll was likely higher.
Mobile Computing

Virginia Union U Mobile Learning Initiative Will Outfit Students with Apple Devices

First-year students at Virginia Union University will receive a bundle of Apple products to support their education and success on campus. The historically Black institution is calling the Smart Campus initiative "Mobile Learning, Mobile Life," signifying the importance of preparing students for the "digital lifestyle and workplace requirements of the future," according to a news announcement.

"Creating a Smart Campus at VUU is critical to the academic learning environment of a 21st-century student. Apple has the products, apps and professional learning support that will allow our students to access books, classes and research materials at their fingertips," said Hakim J. Lucas, president and CEO of the university, in a statement. "Our collaboration goes much further than technology; Smart Campus will help as we prepare students to enter the workforce, putting them on the path to generational wealth."

Among the devices incoming freshmen will receive:

iPad Air with Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio, to access learning and campus services;

Apple Watch, which will allow students to access campus facilities, buy food and more (via Student ID in Apple Wallet) as well as support campus health and wellness initiatives; and

AirPods Pro, to facilitate access to online courses.

In addition, the university is providing all students with access to Apple's coding and app development curriculum, "to prepare them for technology careers post-graduation, and contribute to the growing number of students of color in STEM professions," the announcement said.

"The future of VUU depends on our students' success and how the members of our community stay relevant and innovative," said Allia L. Carter, executive vice president and COO of VUU. "We believe that our ongoing work with Apple will allow us to keep pace with a continually evolving global environment."
The Otto Bremer Trust is a bank holding company and a private charitable trust based in Saint Paul, Minn., that works at the intersection of finance and philanthropy. Created in 1944 by Otto Bremer, it is today one of the nations largest philanthropic organizations and is committed to supporting a better quality of life for residents of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota and Wisconsin. OBT is the majority owner of Bremer Financial Corporation, a regional financial services company; manages a diversified investment portfolio; and operates Community Benefit Financial Company, a financial resources subsidiary. Since its founding, OBT has invested more than $841 million in people, places, and opportunities in the Upper Midwest. Visit ottobremer.org.
Authorities ordered a 5-kilometer (3-mile) area around the foam and plastic pellet manufacturing factory, near Bangkok's main airport, evacuated as the factory burned, telling residents to avoid inhaling any fumes and warning that they could cause dizziness and vomiting, and cancer in the long term.

On Tuesday, Attapol Charoenchansa, who heads the countrys pollution control department, said teams were testing the air quality and water in the area of the factory, and were considering narrowing the evacuation zone to allow some residents to return home.

He cautioned, however, that rain which fell Tuesday afternoon could wash the chemicals into water sources, which would be difficult to control.

ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, a regional advocacy group, urged the Thai government to provide the public with more information on the chemicals that had been released, as well as all of its findings on possible contamination.

It also stressed that firefighters and others working at the scene, many of whom wore only the masks required by the government to prevent the spread of COVID-19  or none at all  as they battled the blaze, had to be outfitted with better protective equipment during the cleanup.
In other words, the Fulton decision in no way hems in conservatives who want to overrule Scalias precedent and establish a primacy among First Amendment rights for religious exercise. The table is still set for such an outcome, which would be a conservative revolution in the law.

Other rulings this term  especially one that allowed church gatherings to continue during the pandemic despite state public health orders  give every indication that the new conservatives are eager for just such a sea change.

Like the Fulton decision that avoided any binding commitments, the Obamacare case was decided narrowly, on the basis of standing. The ACA survived, but not because a burgeoning, reasonable moderate majority put the court firmly on the side of the broader legal and social culture, where Obamacare is a fixture. It survived because a thin majority agreed on a side issue.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 7)  Government spending on infrastructure surged in May, data from the Department of Budget and Management revealed.

Data published Tuesday showed infrastructure expenditure amounted to 78.9 billion during the month, a whopping 102.5 percent spike from the 38.9 billion spent in May 2020.

"This is largely credited to the ongoing implementation of infrastructure projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways nationwide," the DBM said.

Infrastructure projects include the construction, repair and rehabilitation of roads and bridges along with flood mitigation structures and drainage systems.

"In contrast to May last year, construction activities were barely conducted amid the extended implementation of the enhanced community quarantine for most part of Luzon and key areas in the Visayas regions," the DBM explained.

The recent tally brought infrastructure disbursements to 332.3 billion as of end-May, up by 97.1 percent from the 235.2 billion registered during the same period last year.

The "increased" infrastructure spending, which is among the priorities of the government's economic recovery program, shall generate more jobs through various infrastructure projects, RCBC chief economist Michael Ricafort told CNN Philippines.

It would likewise "benefit contractors, suppliers, and other related/allied industries in the supply chain/value chains of infrastructure projects, including those in the Build, Build, Build Program," he added.

However, Ricafort flagged how higher state spending, especially on infrastructure, will lead to wider budget deficits. This will compel authorities to incur more loans to finance those in line with efforts to jumpstart the economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

RELATED: Fiscal deficit reaches 5-month high in May

The DBM reported 456.7 billion in overall government expenditure during the month, bringing total disbursements as of end-May to 1.8 trillion. The figures were higher by 29.2 percent and 8.8 percent, respectively from last year's tallies.

"Relatedly, disbursements will continue to increase in June, albeit at a slower rate when compared to May mainly on account of the timing of payments by line agencies and subsidy releases to government corporations," said the agency.

Still, it said the spending performance for the current quarter mainly driven by infrastructure and Bayanihan to Recover as One expenditures "bodes well" for economic growth prospects.
Fashion used to be so physical, experienced in pop-ups, pages, photo shoots, and fashion shows. But one Saturday evening in June, veteran designer Jerome Lorico, and Abraham Guardian and Mamuro Oki of independent brand HaMu sat down for that most ubiquitous of formats now: the Zoom webinar.

Part of PHx Fashion Previews, it was organized by young designers crossing over into education and community building, Esme Palaganas and Seph Bagasao, whose first big salvo was a four-day conference in 2019 that aimed to take fledgling Filipino brands to a global level.

Mediated by self-taught fashion photographer Onin Lorente, the conversation bubbled over from art (the images are inside me, said Lorico, referring to the sooty stills of Mount Mayon when it exploded, informing his presentation of pleated outerwear achieved by baking abaca textiles) to commerce. It was real talk that would have flowed from tangents in the classroom (Lorico actually taught the two HaMu designers in De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde), hitting the events intent on the head: to bring designers in conversation with fashion industry insiders.

HaMu, whose inventive pieces are grounded by a very humble commitment to pay sewers more, emphasized the importance of maintaining spreadsheets for full visibility on the cost of goods (they described having to value-engineer a garment because the costs to produce it were starting to balloon), sustaining demand, and actually selling pieces. Lorico, with a painting like ashfall behind him, concurred: ones creative ideas are validated by a sale.

Earlier in the week, there were other discussions with a roster that witnessed fashion discourse disperse across print, social and digital: Andrea Ang of creative agency Varsity, LOfficiel Philippines Junior Fashion Editor Yanna Lopez, renowned stylist and contributing Fashion Editor for Preview Andre Chang, Joyce Makitalo of namesake jewelry brand J Makitalo, avant-garde fashion designer Kelvin Morales, accessory designer Neil Felipp, Parsons-trained Jill Lao, Seph Bagasao of environmentally-conscious brand Bagasao and artist and print designer Feanne.

Joseph Bagasao, who worked as an embroidery designer for Josie Natori, reflects on ethical issues within the fashion industry and "always strives towards a meaningful design process." Photo courtesy of PHx FASHION GROUP

The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) supported the event. Through its executive director Pauline Suaco-Juan, it is championing mentorship through a partnership with Tokyos H30 Fashion Bureau and LIT Fashion Consultancy, brought on to help Filipino fashion brands enter the Japanese fashion market.

Suaco-Juan, the long-running editor of Preview Magazine when it was in print, had launched its own prize for young designers. It was she who opened the Zoom webinar with her welcome remarks, not to mention a poise developed from years of being in the front row.

Market specialists Hirohito Suzuki and Jason Lee Coates of H3O Fashion Bureau and Tetta Ortiz-Mattera of LIT Fashion Consultancy served as the mentors of the eight designers who will be going to the three-day showroom exhibition in Lifork Harajuku in Tokyo, Japan this July. Photo courtesy of CITEM

Actively engaging in the discussion was Trickie Lopa, who would from time to time type out LOVE in the webinar chat. She advises the PHx Fashion Group.

In the open forum, Lopa asked HaMu, Your pieces are very one-off, but say, would you be able to produce an order of 12 pieces? The HaMu designers nodded, yes!

Palaganas wrapped up the Zoom call with key learnings: Spreadsheets, she said, with a knowing smile, perhaps thinking of her own experience operating her brand, Basic Movement, at the peak of pop-ups (she had a space in the defunct Soma Stores). And you cant do it alone.

After this, Lopa rallied the speakers and organizers in the background to turn on their cameras for the customary group photo. Youll have to bear with us, she told the audience earnestly. We havent seen each other for a year.

***

With additional reporting from Patricia Villoria
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 7)  The United States offered to assist the Philippines in responding to the July 4 military plane crash in Sulu, including identifying victims.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III volunteered to help during a phone call with Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the White House said in a readout dated July 6.

"Secretary Austin offered his deepest condolences to the people of the Philippines and the families of those lost in this tragedy," the statement read.

The death toll has climbed to 53, the Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed on Tuesday. Fifty soldiers were killed, while three civilians on the ground also died.

The AFP said it has the names of the fatalities, but it is still in the process of identifying their bodies.

A probe into the crash is ongoing, and while authorities have recovered the black box from the C-130 plane, AFP Chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said the Philippines does not have the capability to open it. The device, also called a flight recorder, could help determine the cause of the incident.

According to Sobejana, the black box would have to be sent to the US, which will help retrieve its contents.

They committed na once matanggap nila, gagawin kaagad nila upang maibalik sa atin at magkaroon na tayo ng conclusion kung ano ang dahilan sa pagbagsak ng ating C-130, he told CNN Philippines in an interview on Tuesday.

[Translation: After helping retrieve the data, they committed to immediately return the black box to us, so we can establish the cause of the C-130 plane crash.]
Tacloban City (CNN Philippines, July 7)  An Army trooper from the 52nd Infantry Battalion and two members of the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit, or CAFGU, were killed in an ambush in the town of Jipapad in Eastern Samar province on Wednesday.

Patrolman Roland Coyopa of Jipapad Municipal Police Station said the incident happened around 6:45 a.m. while the victims were on their way to the new detachment located at Sitio Cabatas, which is more than one kilometer away from the town proper of Jipapad.

The Jipapad Municipal Police Station said at least 30 suspected members of the New People's Army used three improvised explosive device in the attack.

At least four other CAFGU members were also wounded in the bloody incident that lasted for about 20 minutes. They were brought to the Arteche District Hospital.

The police and military personnel are conducting hot pursuit operations against the suspected NPA members.
(CNN) -- Out of the Covid-19 pandemic, two Americans are emerging: One protected by vaccines and the other still vulnerable to infection -- and experts say progress made across the entire US is being threatened by low-vaccinated regions.

"We're already starting to see places with low vaccination rates starting to have relatively big spikes from the Delta variant. We've seen this in Arkansas, Missouri, Wyoming ... those are the places where we're going to see more hospitalizations and deaths as well, unfortunately," Dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, Dr. Ashish Jha, told CNN.

"And any time you have large outbreaks, it does become a breeding ground for potentially more variants."

Parts of the South, Southwest and Midwest are starting to see spikes in cases, and many of those states -- like Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi -- are among those with the lowest rates of vaccination, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recent Covid-19 case rates are an average of three times higher in states that have vaccinated a smaller share of their residents than the United States overall, CDC data shows.

If there is another surge, Dr. Megan Ranney, associate professor of emergency medicine at Brown University, said young unvaccinated adults could be a big part of the problem.

"We've already seen that the highest number of infections over the past few months have been in those younger adults," Ranney said. "These are the people that thought they were invincible."

But after weeks of declining cases and with a surplus of vaccine doses, there should not be an uptick in infection in the US, CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen said Monday.

"We have the ability to stop Covid in its tracks," Wen said.

Only 47.4% of the US population is fully vaccinated against the virus, according to CDC data. And with so much transmission among those that are hesitant to get vaccinated, Wen said it is a good idea for vaccinated people in high transmission areas to continue wearing masks indoors.

While some experts have held that vaccines provide good enough protection that vaccinated people can forgo face coverings, the transmission rates have made others more cautious.

"If you're in a low-infection, high-vaccination area, you don't need to be wearing a mask indoors if you're fully vaccinated," Jha told CNN Monday. "If I were in southwest Missouri right now, I'm fully vaccinated but I would be wearing a mask indoors."

Missouri hospital transfers Covid-19 patients to other facilities due to staffing shortages

One Missouri hospital has been under such strain with cases surging in the region that Covid-19 patients are being transferred to hospitals in different health systems.

The health system, CoxHealth, currently has 94 patients hospitalized for Covid-19, Kaitlyn McConnell, a CoxHealth public relations director, told CNN Monday. At Cox South, a hospital located in Springfield, Missouri, 12 Covid-19 patients were transferred to other facilities in the region between Friday and Monday morning.

"While we have ample supplies and space to care for additional patients, staffing remains a challenge," McConnell said. "Divert is not a permanent status; we only use it temporarily, it is tied to capacity at a particular moment in time and based on what is best for staff and patients."

McConnell said the health system had around 170 Covid-19 patients last winter and 280 traveling staff members to help with the response. Now the system is struggling to meet the current demand without the extra help.

"We are aggressively working to have more travelers return -- and hire more staff, as we have throughout the pandemic -- but it is currently a challenge due to times of year that travelers tend to be available," said McConnell.

In recent weeks, CoxHealth has transferred patients to facilities in Kansas City, St. Louis and the state of Arkansas.

But Arkansas is beginning to feel the effects of low vaccination rates too, and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Chancellor Dr. Cam Patterson warned that if trends in the state continue, it could spell another surge.

CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Johnathan Reiner said, "Arkansas, which has a very low vaccination rate, has seen over a hundred percent rise in daily cases over the last two weeks."

What could this mean for a return to classes?

Children who are unvaccinated are also at a high risk for infection, Wen said, raising questions for what the new school year will look like for young students.

"These governors that have said that schools no longer need masks indoors, that's a big mistake," Wen said.

Considering concerns regarding mental health, educational outcomes and worsening disparities, Wen said she thinks it is necessary to have kids back to school full-time and in-person in the fall.

But even mild cases of the virus could have long-term impacts for children, so mitigation measures would be important for students to return safely, she added.

Those measures include: indoor masking, surveillance testing, and vaccinating adults in the area (be they teachers, staff or parents).

And even vaccinated parents of unvaccinated children may benefit from wearing masks indoors, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious diseases, said last week. It is possible, he said, that people could get experience breakthrough infections and pass them to their children.

"We haven't formally proven yet how much diminution there is in the likelihood of transmitting it to someone else -- including children -- and that's one of the reasons why you've got to be careful when you're dealing with something like the Delta variant," he said.

The best protection against the Delta variant, experts have said, is to inoculate 70 to 85% of the population against the virus. Ranney has said she hopes vaccines receiving full approval will take away some fear that is left in people who have not yet gotten vaccinated.

"There are some people that hear that 'emergency' in 'emergency use authorization' and somehow think that the vaccine is risky or hasn't been fully tested yet," she said.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "These parts of the US could become 'breeding grounds' for potentially more Covid-19 variants, expert says"
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 7)  Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III believes theres a need to review the necessity of holding professional licensure examinations.

In a media briefing on Wednesday, Bello proposed that the country do away with board and bar exams, saying the several years of education and the accompanying tests students go through before graduating are enough to prepare them for work.

Bello said he also floated the idea during a meeting with the Philippine Nurses Association and the Board of Nursing. He added he is considering recommending the measure to Congress.

Sabi ko pag-aralan niyo yan, and then we can recommend to Congress na tanggalin na yang exam exam na yan. Gastos sa ating mga nurses [I told them to review it and then we can recommend to Congress to remove those examinations. Thats only additional expenses for our aspiring nurses], he said.

The same thing applies to other professions, such as law, engineering, and dentistry, according to Bello.

Katakot-takot na pag-aaral yan [They have already gone through intense studying], he said. Imagine, yung eight years of studies mo [your eight years of studies] will be brought to naught just because you failed in passing the bar. Wala akong nakikitang katarungan doon eh [I dont see any justice in that].

Further explaining his proposal, Bello said schools already accredited by the Commission on Higher Education should be trusted that they can produce competent graduates.

Should he become part of the nation's legislative branch, Bello said the proposal would probably become his pet bill. He later on added, however, that he still hasnt made up his mind if he will run in the 2022 elections.

Meanwhile, Sen. Risa Hontiveros urged Bello to hold consultations on the importance of licensure examinations as he himself is from a profession requiring one before serving the community.

"Tanungin muna nila yung professional communities of those professions, the law, medicine," Hontiveros told CNN Philippines' The Source on Thursday. "What purpose do those board exams, the bar exams play? Baka more essential than what the good Secretary thinks considering na galing din siya sa isa sa mga propesyong iyon din."

[Translation: These exams might be more essential than what the good Secretary thinks, considering that he also came from one of those professions.]

Bello is also a seasoned lawyer who earned his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1970 from Ateneo de Manila University before serving a number of positions in government.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 7)  Vaccination remains a person's best protection against the threat of more transmissible coronavirus variants, the chief of the country's genomic surveillance center said on Wednesday.

Dr. Cynthia Saloma of the Philippine Genome Center said there is no complete assurance that areas leading in vaccinations will achieve variant resiliency soon, but she stressed that it could prevent deaths and severe COVID-19 infections.

"Sa emerging ng variants, ang ating panangga talaga is getting ourselves vaccinated. Kasi kahit tayo ay madapuan pa, ang symptoms po ay maging gentle o mild, ang hospitalization ay bumababa," she said in a media briefing.

[Translation: When it comes to emerging variants, our best defense is to get vaccinated. This can help ensure that infections are mild and the chances of hospitalization are low.]

Her statement comes after OCTA Research fellow Fr. Nicanor Austriaco said Metro Manila may soon become "Delta resilient" since it has vaccinated a big chunk of its population with at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. In a television interview on Wednesday, he said those who have received their first shots will likely complete their vaccination in 4 to 6 weeks.

He said this means those in the capital region can be protected from the Delta variant first detected in India, which is believed to be the most transmissible out of all the variants of concern.

Based on CNN Philippines research as of Monday, 46% of the 8 million Metro Manila residents have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Only 1.1 million of 14% of the target population have been fully vaccinated.

Infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante said an area can only be considered variant resilient if at least 70% of its population is fully vaccinated.

"If you only get to vaccinate 20% or 50%, chances are there will still be ongoing transmission. There will still be circulating virus," he said.

OCTA Research fellow Guido David said that with the current rate of vaccination, Metro Manila is already on track to population protection before Christmas.

He, however, warned that even if 50% of the target population have completed their vaccination, it doesn't promise resiliency to the Delta variant.

"I would be more cautious in saying this will guarantee we will be Delta resilient. We might not be Delta resilient even if we have vaccinated 40% to 50% of the population, or even 60% of the population," he said. "UK has 60% fully vaccinated, but they are having a surge with the Delta variant."

CNN Philippines correspondent Carolyn Bonquin contributed to this report.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 7) - President Rodrigo Duterte again floated the possibility of seeking the vice presidency in the May 2022 elections, but said he will not promise anything in his campaign if ever he decides to run.

"To the proposition that I run for vice president, medyo I'm sold to the idea (I'm slightly sold to the idea). Meaning to say, I am seriously thinking of running for vice president," the President said during a meeting Wednesday with members of the ruling PDP-Laban party, who have been pushing him to run for the second highest post in the country.

With only a few months before the filing of candidacies in October, Duterte said he would just simply do his job if he wins in next year's polls.

"If I run as vice president, which you want me to do so, maybe I will. But wag na tayong mag-promise ng mga pabahay (But let us not promise housing anymore). We just address the present agony and sorrow of the Filipino," he said.

Duterte told the public last week to "consider" him for the position "to maintain equilibrium." He added that his announced possible bid is to avoid being a "lame duck" president in the last year of his term.

During the meeting, the President also said he would be "reduced to inutility" if he wins as vice president next year and his successor will not be an ally.

Duterte will deliver his last State of the Nation Address on July 26.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 7) - President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday said that he allowed operations of casinos and offshore gaming operators to help the government raise funds during the pandemic.

Sabi nila lahat, sa panahon ko pinayagan ko ang sugal (They said that I allowed gambling during my term). Correct. That is true. I do not deny it, he said during a meeting with the members of PDP-Laban, the ruling party that he heads as chairman.

Duterte recalled that the governments resources were running low in addressing the health crisis.

Itong sugal, bakit ko pinayagan? Wala tayong pera...Ngayon kailangan natin ng pera, the most sensible thing is really just to encourage those activities, he said.

[Translation: Why did I allow gambling? Because we dont have money...We need funds, the most sensible thing is really just to encourage those activities.]

POGO operations were briefly suspended after the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country. But the national government allowed partial resumption of operations in May last year, provided that they settled their taxes and followed minimum health protocols.

Times are not really conducive to being a moralist now. You just have to be pragmatic about it. Kung ano lang pagkakitaan, kasi hirap tayo (Lets just resort to anything we can earn from, because we are running low of funds), said Duterte.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 7)  President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday lambasted former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on the latters plunder accusations against him and Senator Bong Go.

Daldal nang daldal 'yan hindi naman lumaban ng debate iyan, the President said during his taped address.

[Translation: He just keeps on chattering, but he can't fight in a debate.]

Trillanes on July 1 posted on social media to criticize the chief executives response to the corruption allegations raised by Senator Manny Pacquiao.

RELATED: 'Hindi ako sinungaling': Pacquiao accepts Duterte challenge to expose govt corruption

Ang tapang ni Duterte kay Pacquiao, sabi niya mag-cooperate daw lahat sa investigation, pero nung pinapapirma ko ng waiver para sa 2.2 billion BPI bank accounts niya napakaraming alibi, Trillanes said.

[Translation: Duterte was fearless with Pacquiao, he said all should cooperate with the investigation, but when I asked him to sign a waiver for his 2.2 billion BPI accounts he had so many alibis.]

This was followed by a video wherein the staunch Duterte critic cited documents from the Department of Trade and Industry and the Commission on Audit to prove that Gos father and half-brother  Desiderio Lim and Alfredo Amero Go, who both own construction companies  were awarded government contracts totaling 6.6 billion from 2007 to 2018.

All of the government projects they secured are either located in Davao City, where Duterte was a former mayor, or in another locality in the Davao region, he noted.

Malacanang brushed off the accusations on Monday, insisting the former senator has no sufficient evidence to back up his claims.

Duterte said Trillanes and Pacquiao are alike -- they want to hold power after seeing an opportunity for them.

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo defended the President. He said Duterte indeed signed a waiver back in 2016 to reveal the balance of his bank account, which at that time was only 16,000.

Patuloy pa ring naninira ang taong ito at hindi ata ito titigil, Panelo remarked.

[Translation: He is continuously attacking and I think he will not stop.]

Duterte then asked Panelo to deal with Trillanes.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 7)  President Rodrigo Duterte has issued a warning against illegal sellers of COVID-19 vaccines, emphasizing that those behind the scheme will not go unpunished.

This is very alarming, the President said during his late-night address on Tuesday. We condemn these acts, and we will not allow perpetrators to go unpunished.

Do not press your luck too far, you might regret it, he warned.

Duterte was responding to the National Bureau of Investigation's apprehension of three individuals - a nurse, a medical technologist, and a Filipino-Chinese - for allegedly selling 300 doses of Sinovac vaccines.

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. already said an investigation is ongoing following the arrest.

Duterte also ordered concerned authorities for a thorough investigation and the filing of appropriate charges.

COVID-19 vaccines being used in the country are only approved for emergency use and cannot be sold commercially.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 7)  The government will continue to coordinate with local government units even after easing travel protocols for fully vaccinated individuals, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Wednesday.

Speaking to CNN Philippines' The Source, Duque said they will address the concerns of LGUs, especially those who claim that they were not consulted about the new guidelines.

Under Resolution No. 124-B, fully vaccinated individuals, regardless of age, need not present swab test results if they want to travel within the Philippines, and will only need to present their vaccination card for interzonal travel or movement.

READ: IATF releases protocols for fully vaccinated individuals

"Alam mo naman itong IATF natin, itong policy na ito ay every 2 weeks nirerevisit naman natin. We don't close our doors to the recommendations coming from the local government units," Duque said.

[Translation: The Inter-Agency Task Force, when it comes to this kind of policy, we revisit this every two weeks.]

Duque cited the concern of Quirino Governor Dakila Cua, national chairperson of the League of Provinces of the Philippine, about the "unclear" guidelines on the proper verification of vaccination cards of travelers entering certain localities since the cards lack security features to prove their authenticitiy.

"We will invite him (on Thursday) in the IATF meeting so that he can personally represent the concern of certain local government units," Duque said.

Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla said in a recent meeting with the members of the provincial inter-agency task force that they will not yet implement the latest IATF resolution, noting that it goes against the ordinance that mandates all returning residents undergo RT-PCR swab test.

Leyte province in March last year enacted anti-COVID-19 ordinances which orders returning residents to undergo the mandatory quarantine and testing five days after their arrival. But this year, the provincial board revised the ordinance to fit with Resolution No 101 that no longer requires quarantine and testing to returning residents, except those manifesting symptoms of the virus.

However, in May, the provincial government instructed the provincial board to again require quarantine and RT-PCR testing after the province experienced a surge in COVID-19 cases.

Petilla said that the IATF resolution cannot supersede the provincial ordinance. However, they can make changes on the ordinance and include provisions to fit with the resolution.

Petilla has ordered the provincial administrator and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to study the resolution for the meantime to see how they can include the latest provision on vaccinated individuals, as well as ensure the authenticity of vaccination cards presented by a traveler.

Meanwhile, Duque said LGUs can still require testing as an "added layer of protection" among residents from COVID-19 transmission.

Tacloban-based journalist Wil Mark Amazona contributed to this report.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 7)  The government's pandemic response task force will look into the possible inclusion of travelers from Indonesia and Malaysia to those banned from entering the country to contain the spread of the Delta variant, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Wednesday.

Speaking to CNN Philippines' The Source, Duque said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases will meet on Thursday to discuss expanding the travel ban that currently covers seven countries.

"Indonesia and I think also Malaysia (may be included) because of the proximity of the said countries to the southern parts of the Philippines and the porousness of the borders," Duque said.

He said the technical advisory group of health experts will make an official recommendation to the task force whether more countries may be added, depending on the trajectory of COVID-19 cases in those affected by the highly transmissible Delta variant.

"Theres always that possibility. Remember that the Delta variant is detected in 85 to 90 countries worldwide," Duque noted.

He added that metrics to be considered include the attack rate recorded in a country per 100,000 population, as well as the percentage of increase in COVID-19 cases over the last two weeks.

Duque said the IATF decision on the updated travel ban will also be finalized Thursday.

Currently, travelers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates are not allowed to enter the country until July 15.

READ: PH extends ban on travelers from India, six other countries until July 15

Duque stressed that local governments and national government agencies must "jointly enforce" strict border control which is crucial to the country's pandemic response.

He added that the country implements a "four-door policy"  banning travelers with high incidence of variants, strict border controls, intensifying prevention and early detection strategies, and a more aggressive clinical case management of COVID-19 cases.

The country has so far detected 19 cases of the so-called "double mutant" Delta variant in the Philippines, all from returning Filipino travelers. No community transmission has been reported so far.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 7) The political party founded by the late senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago declared "full support" to the possible presidential bid of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

In a statement on Wednesday, the People's Reform Party said they may renew their alliance with Duterte's regional party Hugpong ng Pagbabago for next year's polls.

The two parties also forged an alliance for the 2019 elections.

"We, in the People's Reform Party, believe that Mayor Sara Duterte can continue the advocacies and principles of former senator Miriam Defensor Santiago," the PRP said.

The Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats earlier said it would also support Duterte should she seek a higher post next year.

Duterte has yet to reveal her official plans for 2022.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 7)  The arrival of 170,000 doses of Sputnik V vaccines scheduled on Wednesday will be pushed back due to logistical issues, the National Task Force Against COVID-19 said.

There is no new date of arrival yet for the procured vaccines.

Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier promised an increase in vaccine deliveries to the Philippines.

He made the assurance during his virtual summit with President Rodrigo Duterte to mark the 45th year of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Russia on June 3.

Meanwhile, the country is set to receive over 16 million vaccine doses this month, including donations from the United States and Japan.

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. on Tuesday said the country will most likely get its first single-dose vaccines made by American drug maker Johnson & Johnson.

The donation from the U.S. that will be coursed through COVAX will reach 3.024 million doses, and will be given to senior citizens and people with comorbidities.

One million AstraZeneca vaccines from the Japanese government are slated to be delivered to the country on Thursday.

Galvez said an additional 14 million vaccine doses are expected to arrive in August, boosting the country's stockpile to 47 million.

This week, local government units were urged to prioritize administering second doses after some localities were forced to shut vaccination sites and halt their first-dose immunization due to shortage of vaccine supplies.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 7) - The Armed Forces of the Philippines corrected its Sulu plane crash casualty count, clarifying the deaths still stand at 52.

In a statement on Wednesday, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said there had been a double counting in their previous tally of 53, which was reported to the media the day before.

Instead of 50 soldiers killed, Sobejana said the number remains at 49. Three civilians on the ground also died.

Meanwhile, the bodies of 19 of the 49 military personnel who lost their lives have already been identified, the AFP said.

Among those from the air force were:

- Major Emmanuel Makalintal

- Major Michael Vincent Benolerao

- First Lieutenant Joseph Hintay

- Technical Sergeant Mark Anthony Agana

- Technical Sergeant Donald Badoy

- Staff Sergeant Jan Neil Macapaz

- Staff Sergeant Michael Bulalaque

- Sergeant Jack Navarro

Meanwhile, nine from the army were named:

- Sergeant Butch Maestro

- Private First Class Christopher Rollon

- Private First Class Felixzalday Provido

- Private Raymar Carmona

- Private Vic Monera

- Private Mark Nash Lumanta

- Private Jomar Gabas

- Private Marcelino Alquisar

- Private Mel Mark Angana

The military also identified the bodies of Captain Higello Emeterio from the AFP Medical Corps and First Lieutenant Sheena Alexandria Tato from the AFP Nurse Corps.

The AFP said the remains of 11 of the 19 have already been sent back to their hometowns. These are Emeterio, Maestro, Agana, Rollon, Provido, Gabas, Alquisar, Lumanta, Angana, Carmona, and Monera.

Tato's body is now being transported, while the rest are being prepared for air and land transport, it added.

Sobejana said the military is doing its best to identify the other 30 bodies still in Zamboanga City.

This is a very hard task since the cadavers were beyond recognition but we have experts supporting our efforts, Sobejana said. We are doing our best to expedite the identification and the ongoing investigation without compromising its credibility.

The AFP chief also asked for the publics patience as authorities work to establish the cause of Sunday's crash. He said investigating teams still have to gather more pieces of evidence.

The flight recorder of the C-130 plane was already recovered on Tuesday, but Sobejana earlier said the Philippines does not have the capability to open it. He said it needs to be sent to the United States, which will help retrieve its contents.

A second chance

Private First Class Nathaniel Bongcayao - one of the survivors from the crash - recalled jumping off the plane while it was surrounded by fire.

"'Yung pagbagsak na...parang kinalog kami talaga lahat doon sa loob," he described to CNN Philippines' News.PH. "Pumutok 'yung puwetan ng eroplano, doon na kami nagsilabasan...at tumalon kami kahit maraming apoy."

[Translation: When it crashed, we were jolted. The back of the plane exploded and that's when we jumped out even when there were a lot of flames.]

Bongcayao is currently hospitalized after suffering second-degree burns, but he said his comrades had worse injuries.

"Karamihan din sa'min, 'yung nakaupo lang is 'yung senior lang din po namin... tapos kaming mga 'yung mga junior army, nakalapag lang kami sa floor ng eroplano, tapos 'yung iba nakatayo," he explained. "Hindi malakas 'yung impact namin kasi nakalapag kami sa eroplano [pero] 'yung nakatayo 'yun talaga ang malakas 'yung impact."

[Translation: A lot of us, mostly our seniors, were seated while the junior army members were on the floor and others were standing (during the flight). The impact was not as hard on us because we were already on the floor but those who were standing bore the brunt of the crash.]

Bongcayao said he did not expect to experience a horrific tragedy, but he felt blessed to have survived.

"Ito kasi 'yung worst na naranasan ko sa buong buhay ko," the private said. "Nagpapasalamat din ako sa Panginoon kasi binigyan ako ng pangalawang buhay."

[Translation: This is the worst thing I have ever experienced in my whole life. I thank God for giving me a second chance at life.]
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 7)  The government volcanology agency on Wednesday recorded five phreatomagmatic eruptions of Taal Volcano in Batangas province.

In the first incident, the volcano belched a 300-meter-high grayish column from 5:18 a.m. to 5:19 a.m., according to data from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology's Taal Volcano Observatory.

Four other eruptions were logged at 8:47 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 9:26 a.m., and 11:56 a.m. in Taal, one of the world's smallest volcanoes located south of Metro Manila.

"Hindi naman ganoon kalaki. Pero dahil nga sa posibleng pagdami pa ng magma na umaabot sa ibabaw, at pag-interact diyan sa tubig sa may crater, at dahil marami pa ring gas ang inilalabas ay baka magkaroon pa tayo ng malakas-lakas na pagsabog na delikado sa mga kababayan natin na malapit sa Volcano Island," Phivolcs chief Renato Solidum told CNN Philippines' Balitaan, referring to the Taal's recent activity.

[Translation: They are not that big. But because more magma may rise to the surface and interact with water at the crater, and since there is a possible increase in gas emissions, a more powerful explosion may occur, which is dangerous for our fellow Filipinos who live near the Volcano Island.]

Solidum said this threat is the reason why Phivolcs has recommended the evacuation of people living in high-risk areas in the towns of Laurel and Agoncillo.

As of July 6, 1,218 families or 4,465 individuals are staying in 27 temporary shelters, the local government of Batangas said in a Facebook post.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque said he asked the local government of Batangas to set up more evacuation centers to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

"I had requested the local government chief executive to look for public elementary school buildings, where there will be hopefully better distancing observed rather than putting them inside tents," he told CNN Philippines' The Source on Wednesday.

"Also, there has to be a very strong system for monitoring the symptoms and exposure of people in the evacuation centers," he added.

Other volcanic activities

Aside from the phreatomagmatic eruption caused by the interaction of water and magma at the crater, 55 volcanic earthquakes and high levels of sulfur dioxide emissions were also observed in the past 24 hours, Phivolcs said in its 8 a.m. bulletin.

A few days ago, Taal emitted a record high amount of sulfur dioxide, prompting Phivolcs to warn of another eruption.

Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, which means "magmatic or explosive phreatomagmatic eruption is imminent," according to Phivolcs.

Magma extruding from the main crater could drive explosive eruption, it said in its bulletin.

Its explosion on July 1 after more than a year of calm prompted officials to raise the alert level of Taal to the mid-range status.

Phivolcs has a five-level alert system for volcanic activity, with level five as the highest, meaning a hazardous eruption is in progress.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 8)  The countrys total population is continuously growing, the Philippine Statistics Authority said in its 2020 Census of Population and Housing report.

In a statement, the PSA said the current number of Filipinos stood at Philippine Statistics Authority 109,035,343 as of May 1, 2020. This was declared official by President Rodrigo Duterte through Proclamation No. 1179 signed on July 6, 2021, but was only released Wednesday.

The latest count is higher by 8,053,906 from the 2015 population at 100,981,437, the PSA said. Annually, population growth rate was logged at 1.63%, it added.

The total population represents the number of persons in the 17 administrative regions across the country, as well as Filipinos in Philippine embassies, consulates, and missions abroad.

Based on PSA data, CALABARZON recorded the biggest population at 16.195 million of the 17 administrative regions, followed by the National Capital Region at 13.484 million, and Central Luzon 12.422 million. These three account for 38.6% of the total population, the agency added.

The census was conducted September 2020, which was originally scheduled in May but had to be moved due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Citing Batas Pambansa Blg. 72, series of 1980, the proclamation said this law provides that an integrated national census of population another related data shall be taken every 10 years beginning 1980, with the first day of May of every regular census year as the reference date.

Under the Philippine Statistical Act of 2013, or Republic Act No. 10625, the PSA is the primary agency responsible for all national censuses and surveys, sectoral statistics, consolidation of selected administrative recording systems, and compilation of national accounts, it added.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 8)  Heads up, motorists! The toll rates for the use of Skyway 3 are out.

The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) on Wednesday announced the elevated expressway will charge the following rates starting Monday, July 12:

- Buendia to Balintawak: 264 (from proposed rate of 274)

- Buendia to Sta. Mesa: 105 (from 110)

- Ramon Magsaysay to Balintawak: 129 (from 133)

TRB spokesperson Julius Corpuz said the rates are fair to both motorists and the investor, San Miguel Corporation (SMC). They are also lower than what SMC earlier proposed to the TRB.

"Kung ikukumpara niyo naman po sa rates ng existing elevated expressway natin, comparable naman po ang rate na 'yan. Hindi naman po 'yan kataasan. It's almost the same with our Skyway rates and other elevated expressway rates," Corpuz said in a phone interview.

[Translation: If you will compare the rates with our existing expressways, this is a comparable rate. It's not that high.]

The rates will undergo a review by the TRB every two years.

SMC waived the toll for motorists since the year began - totaling to about 246 million.

The diversified conglomerate built the elevated expressway for 80 billion, at no cost to the government.

Almost all of the eight interchanges of Skyway 3 are already complete. A few on and off ramps are expected to be finished in the coming weeks.

"It is more than 95% complete and substantially completed. That has been duly certified via our independent consultant," Corpuz said. "At the same time, it is already safe and commercially operable."

Skyway 3 cuts travel time from Alabang in Muntinlupa City to Balintawak in Quezon City to just half an hour from three hours.

"We aggressively pursued the completion of Skyway 3 despite all of the obstacles, including right-of-way issues, because our people need a long-term solution to traffic," SMC President Ramon Ang said.
(CNN)  Twitter is in uncharted waters in one of its largest markets.

The social media company no longer has immunity over content posted on its platform by third parties in India, according to a court filing submitted Monday by the Indian government. The court has yet to weigh in on the matter.

The government's assertion would mean Twitter can potentially be held legally liable for anything its users post on its platform, a departure from its previous protection as an "intermediary."

According to the filing, Twitter has lost its protection due to non-compliance with the country's new information technology rules, which came into effect in May this year.

The document was shared with CNN by a source close to the legal representatives in the case who is not authorized to give out information.

India's strict new IT rules were released in February, and companies were given three months to comply. The rules require any social media company to create three roles in India: a "compliance officer" who will ensure it follows local laws; a "grievance officer" who will address complaints from Indian users about its platforms; and a "contact person" available to Indian law enforcement 24/7. They all have to reside in India.

According to the court filing, Twitter has failed to fill any of these three roles.

Twitter declined to comment on the court filing. The company has previously signaled its reservations with the new social media rules, though it has also said it remains "deeply committed" to India, which is among its largest markets.

"We have assured the Government of India that Twitter is making every effort to comply with the new guidelines, and an overview on our progress has been duly shared," the company said in a statement last month. "We will continue our constructive dialogue with the Indian government."

According to the government's court filing on Monday, Twitter had announced an interim grievance officer and contact officer, but both left their roles soon after. The company's website now lists the name of an official under "Grievance Officer contact information for users in India," but the executive's address is in California, which "amounts to non-compliance with the IT Rules 2021," the government said in its filing.

CNN Business saw the position of grievance officer advertised by Twitter on Linkedin.

Twitter has been in a high-stakes standoff with the Indian government since the beginning of this year. In February, the company clashed with the tech ministry after it ordered accounts to be taken down during mass protests by farmers. Twitter ultimately complied with some requests but refused to take action against accounts of journalists, activists or politicians.

In May, police turned up at Twitter's office in New Delhi after the company decided to label a tweet from a spokesperson for Modi's ruling party as "manipulated media." Police said the routine visit was to get Twitter to cooperate with its investigation. The social media company blasted the move as "intimidation tactics" and said that it was "concerned" about the safety of its employees in the country.

Twitter has previously said it has concerns about "core elements of the new IT Rules," and the "potential threat to freedom of speech" in the country. India's IT minister, on the other hand, has accused the company of taking the "path of deliberate defiance."

"Indian companies be it pharma, IT or others that go to do business in USA or in other foreign countries, voluntarily follow the local laws," the minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said on Twitter in June. "Then why are platforms like Twitter showing reluctance in following Indian laws designed to give voice to the victims of abuse and misuse?"

This story was first published on CNN.com 'India's government says Twitter should be held liable for what users post'
(CNN)  The Israeli government says its analysis has shown the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine appears to be less effective against infections caused by the Delta variant compared to other strains of COVID-19.

In a brief statement issued on Monday, the government said that as of June 6, the vaccine provided 64% protection against infection. In May  when the Alpha variant dominated in Israel and the Delta strain had not yet spread widely  it found that the shot was 95.3% effective against all infections.

The government added that the vaccine was now 93% effective in preventing severe disease and hospitalizations, compared to 97% reported in the medical journal The Lancet in May.

The statement cited top line figures, but did not release underlying data or other details about its analysis. A team at Hebrew University said in a separate statement that it was too soon to tell how much the Delta variant was affecting vaccine efficacy.

Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of Brown University's School of Public Health, was also cautious about drawing conclusions. "Best data still suggest mRNA vaccines offer high degree of protection against infection and superb protection against severe illness. Lets await more data but as of now ... If you're vaccinated, I wouldn't worry," he tweeted.

In another statement Tuesday, Israel's Ministry of Health released some data about illness caused by Covid-19 and offered an expanded explanation of the vaccine's protectiveness. Despite an apparent decline in the vaccine's ability to prevent all infections during the spread of the Delta variant, the statement emphasized its continuing benefit in preventing severe cases.

Israel has deployed the Pfizer vaccine to everyone over the age of 12, and its early and quick rollout gave scientists one of the first real-world snapshots of its efficacy.

The government said the drop in efficacy is likely due to the spread of the Delta variant in Israel. This more infectious strain of the virus was first identified in India earlier this year and is also known as B.1.617.2.

Pfizer said it could not comment on unpublished data, but a recently published lab study it conducted with the University of Texas Medical Branch that found its vaccine was effective against lab-made versions of the Delta strain and others. The study found that full vaccination elicits an immune response that should be expected to protect people well against infection with the new variants.

Israel is one of the most vaccinated countries in the world, with more than 60% of the population fully inoculated and two-thirds having received at least one dose.

The statement highlights a big risk going forward: the emergence of new variants that might evade some of the protection provided by vaccines.

Public health officials are stressing that the current shots offer good protection against the Delta variant.

A study by Public Health England found this month that the Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines were each highly effective -- at 96% and 92% respectively -- against hospitalizations from the Delta variant after two doses.

Separately, preliminary findings of a Scottish study published in The Lancet last month found that the Pfizer vaccine provided 79% protection against all infections from the Delta variant, compared with 92% against the Alpha variant. The same study, which analyzed data from 5.4 million people in Scotland found the the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine offered 60% protection against infection with the Delta variant compared with 73% for the Alpha variant.

Moderna's vaccine was found in lab experiments to work against new variants such as the Delta strain, the company said.

Johnson & Johnson said lab tests of its one-shot coronavirus vaccine suggest it provides protection against the Delta variant.

However, this can change if the virus mutates further. That's why doctors and public health officials want more people to get vaccinated. "The more we allow the virus to spread, the more opportunity the virus has to change," the World Health Organization (WHO) advised last month.

Israel lifted most of its coronavirus restrictions in early June. However, the government then reinstated an indoors mask mandate after a spike in cases caused by the Delta variant. It also appointed a "special manager" to prevent the entry of the coronavirus and its variants into Israel and approved a plan to build a permanent testing facility at Ben Gurion Airport.

The country has reported a slight increase in daily cases in the past few weeks, but only a handful of people have died of the disease in Israel in the past month.

Meanwhile, England, where the Delta variant has become the dominant strain, is pushing ahead with its plan to drop most of its remaining restrictions in just two weeks' time -- despite strong warnings from many scientists.

Speaking at a government news briefing on Monday, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the effectiveness of the vaccine against death was allowing the government to unlock further, even though the number of cases is rising rapidly. He said the government needed to balance the risk from the virus and the impact of the restrictions on people and added the country "must find a new way of living with the virus."

"I want to stress form the outset that this pandemic is far from over ... we're seeing cases rise fairly rapidly. There could be 50,000 cases detected per day by the 19th [of June] and again as we predicted we're seeing rising hospital admissions, and we must reconcile ourselves sadly to more deaths form Covid," Johnson added.

The WHO has warned against this approach. "Many countries seem to be completely abandoning the idea that we have some control over this virus," Dr. Mike Ryan, WHO's executive director for health emergencies, said during a live Q&A session Monday. He warned against any "premature rush" to reopen at a time when cases are on the rise.

"We seem to be very much caught in the headlines that there is nothing we can do, it's inevitable that we will going to see these waves and it's inevitable that hospitals will fill up and inevitable that the graveyards are going to fill up," he said. "It's not inevitable, it can be stopped, but it's going to take yet another effort from communities that are exhausted."
The governor has pointed out repeatedly the State Board of Education does not report directly to him and that he has no final say as to whether the standards are adopted - though school boards only have to adopt them on a voluntary basis.

Gubbels said she understands how people may have some concerns about the board not reporting to the governor during a time when theres much controversy about the proposed sex education standards, but asked folks to keep in mind how the board works.

The State Board of Education includes eight members elected by voters in their district with multiple and varied perspectives represented in the boards decision-making. Were not all one mind, she said, noting board members come from across the state and take into account the Nebraskans they represent. There are diverse opinions on the board.

Ricketts indicated he believes the State Board of Education hasnt listened to the public in the past, mentioning its previous attempts to weigh in on sex education. The governor first brought up LB619, which would have required instruction in sexual health education. That bill was introduced in January 2013 and was indefinitely postponed in April 2014.
Colombian President Ivan Duque described the assassination as a cowardly act and also expressed solidarity with Haiti. He called for an urgent mission by the Organization of American States to protect democratic order.

Marlene Bastien, the executive director of Family Action Network Movement, a group that assists residents in Miamis Little Haiti community, said the next few days are going to be very chaotic and contentious as government supporters and opponents jostle for power.

There is definitely a constitutional crisis and political void right now, said Bastien.

Bastian called on the Biden administration to take an active role in efforts to hold free, fair and credible elections in Haiti, following the assassination of Moise who had been ruling by decree for more than a year.

Here is a chance to do it right from the start, said Bastien. No more Band-aids. The Haitian people have been crying and suffering for too long.

In Boston, home to one of the largest Haitian communities in the U.S., a pastor who heads a Haitian advocacy group, Dieufort Fleurissaint, said hes worried about reprisals and unrest.
Veterinary scientists dont think common house pets like cats or dogs are in significant danger of catching COVID-19.



WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden says the rise of a more transmissible COVID-19 variant in the U.S. should cause everybody to think twice.

Speaking Tuesday at the White House as he outlined his administrations summer plans to boost vaccinations, Biden said the delta variant first identified in India is now responsible for a majority of new virus cases in much of the country.

It seems to me it should cause everybody to think twice, and it should cause reconsideration especially among young people, he said, referencing the demographic least at risk of negative outcomes from the virus.

Biden says the surest way for Americans to protect themselves and their loved ones is to get vaccinated. He said the White House was working with state and local partners to support hyper-local vaccination drives in communities with low uptake.



BUCHAREST, Romania  Declining demand for coronavirus vaccinations in Romania has prompted authorities to close 117 vaccination centers and to reduce the schedule at 371 others, health officials said Tuesday.
Evil may so shape events that Caesar will occupy a palace and Christ a cross, but that same Christ will rise up and split history into A.D. and B.C., so that even the life of Caesar must be dated by his name. Yes, the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.

Thats a quote from Martin Luther King Jr. Its comforting to those who believe that, if you wait long enough, you will be vindicated. Those who seek immediate justice, however, reject the notion that you must wait to have your name cleared, your goods returned to you, your convictions erased.

Bill Cosby might fall into the latter group, given his advanced age and limited time on earth. Still, I think anyone who has observed his calvary over the past few years would be right in thinking that just now, hes glad that the arc bent in his direction.

Or in words less eloquent, but more accurate: better late than never.
July 7, 2021

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar Releases Revenue Estimate, Projects a Fiscal 2022-23 Ending Balance of $7.85 Billion

(AUSTIN)  Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar today provided an estimate of revenue available for the 87th Legislature, First Called Session, and now projects 2022-23 revenue available for general-purpose spending to be $123.02 billion. Hegar projects a 2022-23 ending balance in General Revenue-Related (GR-R) funds of $7.85 billion.

As state leadership prepares for a special session of the 87th Legislature, Hegar said the estimate is based on surging revenue collections, savings from state agency budget reductions during the recently gaveled Regular Session of the 87th Legislature, and the replacement of eligible GR-R appropriations with federal relief funds.

Hegar projects 2020-21 revenue available for general-purpose spending to be $116.13 billion and the fiscal 2021 ending balance in GR-R funds to be $5.01 billion.

The Texas economy rebounded strongly during the spring as vaccination rates increased and the economy opened more fully, and we remain optimistic about growth in the near term as the states economy continues to return to pre-pandemic patterns, Hegar said. There remain reasons to expect strong revenue collections in the coming months. We have seen exceptionally strong sales tax collections despite remittances from oil- and gas-related industry sectors remaining significantly below pre-pandemic levels. An increase in oil field activity resulting from the recent rise in oil prices could support continued sales tax growth. And personal savings remain elevated, providing potential support for continued strength in consumer spending.

Rising case counts tied to the delta or other coronavirus variants in Texas, the U.S. or elsewhere could throttle economic growth, and as always, energy prices remain inherently difficult to predict, Hegar said. On balance, however, the Texas economy appears poised for continued growth. Our economic outlook is cautiously optimistic, and this estimate reflects that forecast.

The Comptrollers office is expected to transfer $1.4 billion each to the State Highway Fund and Economic Stabilization Fund in fiscal 2022 and another $1.88 billion each in fiscal 2023. After accounting for appropriations made from the Economic Stabilization Fund by the 87th Legislature, Hegar said he now expects its balance to be $12 billion at the end of the 2022-23 biennium.

The revenue estimate for the First Called Session is available on the Comptrollers website.
Education

top story

South Middleton Schools

South Middleton School District hosts public input session on diversity and inclusiveness

History is both beautiful and ugly.

The tricky part is learning from it.

Thats how Tony Gonzalez sees the initiative underway in South Middleton School District to bring greater diversity and inclusiveness to the campus culture and climate.

He was among the dozens of local residents who last week attended a public information/input session hosted by Superintendent Matthew Strine.

For much of the time, Strine stood back and listened to comments and questions that could shape the agenda of future sessions scheduled for July 21 and Aug. 10.

South Middleton School District plans to restructure its diversity, inclusion committee Until recently, only teachers and administrators have been actively involved in discussions surrounding the JEDI initiative  an acronym for Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Taken together, the input could influence the next steps in the lead-up to the district plan in late August to form a committee of 10 to 20 community members tasked with helping to steer the process.

We are looking to build this together, Strine said. The goal is to meet the contemporary needs of our students. Our mission is to prepare all of our students for a diverse and changing world.

Strine got an earful from Gonzalez and other speakers concerned about the potential for an imbalance in the way the initiative is implemented.

A history lesson

A word of caution. ... Theres a fine line between indoctrination and education, Gonzalez told Strine. We are getting segregated by demographics. Everybody is different but everybody has commonalities. What you need to have is a resurgence of critical thinking to put into kids minds so that they, more or less, can be a BS filter.

Gonzalez grew up in West Philadelphia and took the subway to high school. His daily interactions put him into contact with diverse people.

My Italian buddies would tell me what they did for Christmas. ... The Jewish guys, what they did for Hanukkah, Gonzalez said. It was never a big deal. My buddies on the subway never forgot their heritage. Their grandparents didnt speak English well, but they were all Americans.

America used to be a melting pot. ... Thats why we were strong, Gonzalez said. We got kicked out of other countries or left other countries on purpose and came here. The differences made us stronger.

Community roots

Duane Stone sees the initiative as a step backward grounded more in the politics of current trends than in a history of measurable progress.

You are creating more problems than you are solving, he told Strine. You are dividing instead of uniting. That is un-American. Like Gonzalez, Stone spoke from personal experience.

Ive been all around this world in the U.S. Navy, Stone said. Ive worked with every color and creed. There were so many people on my ship. We were all brothers and sisters because we would die for one another. I didnt care what they were or where theyre from.

Diversity is just another name for categorization, Stone said. Nobody seems to talk in our school district about love of country ... about the knowledge that this is the greatest country in the world not because were Americans, but that this nation was founded on political and human freedom. We had many flaws throughout our history, but you can see a continual progression getting better and better.

The Diversity Initiative: South Middleton parents voice concern about influence of diversity initiative on curriculum Parents in South Middleton Township are concerned about how the school district plans to implement a new initiative to build Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion into the school culture.

Stone criticized the Pennsylvania Department of Education, which he called a political organization that was pushing an agenda.

We as a local school board and school get to say no to them, Stone said. This community is founded on the abolition of the slaves ... white people saving slaves to be free.

Stone was referring to Daniel Kaufman, the founder of Boiling Springs. Kaufman was an agent on the Underground Railroad before a slave owner filed a civil suit against him claiming lost property.

That should be taught, he said. That should be raised up the flag. This is what our ancestors did. But, instead the focus is on putting more people into categories, Stone said.

A matter of police

He was among the local residents who spoke out against a list of books that was posted online as a summer reading assignment for high school students taking an Honors English course this fall.

The theme of the assignment is oppression and freedom. Local resident Tony Lucido reviewed the summaries of all 135 books on the list. He said what he read disturbed him.

There were 10 books on the list that dealt with police, he said. Every single one characterized police as killers, predators and people who would harm members of the community. There is not a single book that portrays any person in law enforcement in a positive way. Thats disgraceful. There needs to be a balance.

Lucido said there are cases of rogue cops, but he challenged a future steering committee to poll law enforcement officers in the community to determine whether the books represent a fair and accurate interpretation of what they do.

The Diversity Initiative: South Middleton administration says it will seek more parent input in planning of JEDI initiative Neighbors arent talking to neighbors and friends dont talk to friends, said Liz Knouse, president of the South Middleton School Board. Its a rough time for our district and our community.

An attorney, Stone has represented police officers in legal matters. He said they are wonderful people just trying to do a job. They have to go into domestic violence situations and keep people from hurting each other, Stone said. They come up on accident scenes with body parts all over the road. They get shot at. These are good people. We should not be teaching anti-establishment and anti-authority.

Danielle Archulet agreed that the book list illustrates the potential for a slanted point of view. If you are going to do diversity and inclusion, it cannot be so extreme to one side, she said. You need to show both sides so students can think critically, not be taught what to think.

Parental notice

Debbie Mandell called on school board members to review and amend a policy that allows parents to excuse children from classroom topics that run counter to the personal values and beliefs of the family.

The policy, as it is written, puts the onus on the child to excuse themselves in class, Mandell said. She would rather have a protocol in place that gives parents more of a heads up on the lesson plan so that they could talk to their child before the teacher brings up the sensitive topic.

Vicki Nanney also pushed for more advance notice for parents, saying it was important for her as a mother to have a dialogue with her daughter both before and after certain topics come up in the classroom.

Its such a confusing time for so many people, Nanney said. I want to know what my daughter is taking out of it. I want to know that she is standing strong in her thoughts and opinions ... in what we taught her and the discussions we have. That she is not just coming home and saying Well, this is what my teacher told me.

Acceptable challenge

Not everyone was critical about the approach South Middleton School District is taking. Gibran Varahrami is a recent Boiling Springs High School graduate who served as a student representative on the school board.

It is important to notice differences but not marginalize people who are different, he said. We need to accept each others differences and understand how to interact with people who are different from us. We need to invest in the future. The future is the youth.

A female student also voiced her support. I applaud the school district for preparing us for a diverse world outside of a majority white community, she said.

South Middleton School District is about 95% percent white. The majority of the people in attendance last Thursday appeared to be white.

There is the lack of diversity that we have in this room, said Jeff Miller, the husband of a teacher in the district. His children attend local schools.

I want to have their worldview be challenged, he said. I think about my own education and the lack of diversity. I appreciate you guys [the school district] doing the hard work.

He said exposure to something you disagree with can be a source of strength.
In the U.S., where just about half the population is fully vaccinated, delta has gotten Americans attention: 84% have heard of it, and 72% are at least somewhat concerned, according to a recent Axios-Ipsos poll.

Yet few people are taking more precautions, according to the poll. And guidelines from health officials are mixed: Los Angeles County recommended wearing masks in indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still says fully vaccinated people can shed masks in most settings.

Theres a degree of flexibility, Anthony Fauci, President Joe Bidens medical adviser on COVID-19, said in a news briefing Thursday. People at the local level, depending upon the on-ground situation, will make recommendations or not according to the local situation.

In areas where the strain is feeding cases, there are some signs of increased caution. In Arkansas, one of the least-vaccinated states, daily vaccinations now appear to be trending up, according state epidemiologist Jennifer Dillaha. On a good day, the state might see 5,000 shots administered; on Tuesday, it was more than 10,000, she said.

People are beginning to anticipate the rest of the summer with more apprehension, Dillaha said.
At the middle and high school levels, the district operated under a hybrid model for the first portion of the year where students alternated between two days of in-person instruction and three days of remote learning. The scope of in-person instruction was doubled to four days a week for secondary students who were struggling.

In April, Cumberland Valley switched to a different model where middle and high school students had in-person instruction four days a week. This was increased to five days a week for struggling students.

This approach kept learning loss to a minimum among Cumberland Valley students, Milbrand said. The ultimate kudos need to go to our teachers who day-in and day-out worker harder than they ever did before to meet the needs of our students. As we look at the summer, we are preparing for a normal return to school that would be putting into place all of our typical interventions for students, data analysis and tiered instructional strategies.

Cumberland Valley School District plans to use a portion of its COVID relief funds to examine all tiers of its curriculum programming over the next couple years.

South Middleton School District
Anticipating pushback from Philadelphia, Mastriano told Bannon, The only reason why anyone should be opposed to this is they have something to hide.

Tioga County Commissioner Roger C. Bunn, a Republican, said he had just received an email with Mastrianos requests and planned to get input from the boards lawyer and the elections director before he and the other two commissioners decide how to respond.

I certainly want our elections to be fair and honest, Bunn said. So well see what theyre requesting and what we can do.

A spokesman for the York County Board of Commissioners declined comment. Philadelphia election officials said they were discussing a response with agency lawyers, although a spokesperson said Mastrianos letter reiterates claims about the November 2020 election that have been resoundingly rejected by courts.

Mastriano does not suggest in the letter that his aim is to overturn Bidens victory in the 2020 election, but rather to restore trust in elections and adequately consider future legislation on election law.

But he does not back off suggestions that fraud occurred, and in his letter he distorts the actions of state judges and election officials in the run-up to the election.
In an interview, Flynn said the trains will be capable of traveling up to 125 mph (201 kilometers per hour), and they will be able to shift from electric mode to diesel without current delays due to switching engines. Trains often are limited to 90 mph (145 kilometers per hour) by track conditions, he said.

Amtrak says money will come from about $200 million already approved by Congress, as well as future funding that has to be approved. We expect that we will have annual funding for our portion of the train sets," he said. "If there should be a moment in time when that money isnt specifically available, we have the ability to finance the units as well, Flynn said. That money would be repaid by states with trains, and passenger fares, he said.

Amtrak's board has approved up to $4.9 billion for equipment, parts and service and $2 billion to modify its facilities. Initially Amtrak will buy 73 trains and a 20-year parts and service agreement for about $3.4 billion.

Amtrak ridership hit a record 32.4 million passengers in 2019 before the coronavirus pandemic hit, Flynn said. Passenger volume is about 62% of what it was before the pandemic, he said.

Prior to the pandemic Amtrak operated around 310 trains per day, but now it's about 201. Flynn expects the schedule to be fully restored by September or October.
Many others are similarly introducing a gradual return. Companies like Amazon and automakers Ford and General Motors have promised to adopt a hybrid approach permanently for their office staff, responding to internal and public surveys showing an overwhelming preference for work-from-home options.

But implementing a hybrid workplace can be a headache, from identifying which roles are most conducive to remote work to deciding which days of the week employees need to be in the office. There are client meetings to consider. And some business leaders argue newer employees need more face-time as they begin their careers or start new at a company.

Thursday is the new Monday, according to Salesforce, a San Francisco-based technology firm, which found that Thursday was the most popular day for employees to report to the office when the company reopened its Sydney offices back in August.

Riccobono, on the other hand, insists employees show up on Mondays to get organized and set the tone for the week. Like many employers, however, he acknowledged he is still figuring things out as he navigates uncharted territory.

We will revisit in January,  he said. We will see how it works.
Investigators have also been seeing an increased number of threats being made against lawmakers in Congress related to the Jan. 6 insurrection, the subsequent congressional investigations and the House committee to investigate the insurrection, the officials said. The officials could not discuss the ongoing investigations publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

More than 520 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the riots in the six months since the siege. More than 100 defendants have been charged with assaulting police officers. Others have been charged in the destruction of camera equipment belonging to journalists covering the riot, including an AP video crew.

An Illinois man arrested on June 24 was the first defendant charged with assaulting a member of the news media during the riot, according to the Justice Department. Shane Jason Woods, 43, is accused of tackling a cameraman, causing him to fall and drop his camera, according to an FBI agents affidavit.

Footage of the riot showed Byerly wearing a gray Kutztown beanie, a neon yellow safety long-sleeve shirt under a black jacket, a striped face covering and a black backpack. Byerly lives in Fleetwood, Pennsylvania, which is roughly 5 miles Kutztown, the affidavit says,
MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. (AP)  A white man who called multiple neighbors racist slurs and claimed he forced other Black residents to move, has been charged with harassment and disorderly conduct, according to local police.

A warrant dated Monday and other charging documents show at least two neighbors called police to report Edward C. Mathews, 45, on Friday for harassing them in a Mount Laurel neighborhood.

A Black woman in the neighborhood called police on Friday saying Mathews was harassing her, approaching her front door and shouting racial slurs, according to prosecutors. She had previously told police she suspected Mathews of criminal mischief involving her car.

A doorbell camera captures Mathews bringing his dogs to her front yard, repeating a racial slur and thrusting his hips in a vulgar way after police responded and talked to him, prosecutors said.

Police then received a second call from a nearby address and found Mathews using racial slurs to address four people, which appears to be the interaction caught on video that drew widespread attention online.
Judge Jean Wilner Morin, president of the National Association of Haitian Judges, told CNN that the line of presidential succession in the country was murky given its political instability.

Haiti's President of the Supreme Court would normally be next in line, but that position is currently empty since its holder, Rene Sylvestre, recently died of Covid-19. His funeral was due to take place Wednesday, Morin said.

For the acting Prime Minister Joseph to formally replace the President, he would have to be approved by Haiti's parliament, said Morin. But the parliament is currently partially empty and effectively defunct.

Muddying the waters further, Moise had on July 5 appointed another Prime Minister, Dr. Ariel Henry. "So we are in a situation today where we have two Prime Ministers. One Prime Minister who is in office, and another one legally appointed by the President of the Republic. So which of these two Prime Ministers should take the reins of the country?" the judge said.
The St. Francois County Commission handled multiple items of business during their regular session last week at the courthouse annex.

County Auditor Louie Seiberlich presented the initial draft of the 2020 independent audit of the countys finances.

I think you will be pleased, he said. There were actually two audits this year because of the CARES funding we received, which caused an extra burden on our staff, particularly Amber Menjoulet who helped distribute over $5 million to local county agencies. We had the responsibilities of more grants this year, which makes it 28 now, including the new Mineral Area College grant.

Seiberlich stated that some of the county offices needed to update their technology for more efficiency and that county policies need to be reviewed and updated in the next year.

Menjoulet spoke about the specifics of the audit.

We are pleased to report there are no financial statement findings for 2020. In 2020, St. Francois County had $6,601,053.57 in federal expenditures. We are also pleased to report there are no federal award findings for 2020.
Turning to the business of the city, the board decided to table an ordinance that would address citizens who were bringing water into their own residences rather than paying for city water. Discussion revolved around residents who might pay for sewer services, but dont pay for water on tap. A list is being compiled of houses that have the water shut off, whether theyre empty or lived in. There was speculation as to how toilets were getting flushed, whether the water that was brought in was being poured into the back of the tank in order to get a proper flush, which would then require sewage and treatment services.

Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

The board also discussed the number of empty houses in Leadwood. Mayor Ed Austin said he was contacted by the Veterans Home Administration, which would like to purchase empty homes in Leadwood, to tear them down and put in tiny houses for veterans.

I'm just throwing that out there, they said they would do all the work and everything, he said. The only thing the community would have to do is make sure there was a counselor within X amount of miles.

"They'd have to have someone to talk to, you know, about their drug problems or PTSD or whatever the case may be. We would have to provide that as a free thing.
A former area paramedic convicted of possession of child pornography in 2007 was again in court for the same offense.
York County Board of Commissioners declined comment about Mastrianos request. Philadelphia election officials had no immediate response to Mastriano, although a spokesperson said Mastrianos letter reiterates claims about the November 2020 election that have been resoundingly rejected by courts.

Tioga County Commissioner Roger C. Bunn, a Republican, said he planned to talk to the boards lawyer and the elections director before he and the other two commissioners respond.

I certainly want our elections to be fair and honest, Bunn said. So well see what theyre requesting and what we can do.

Mastriano does not suggest in the letter that his aim is to overturn Biden's victory, but rather to restore trust in elections and adequately consider future legislation on election law.

Still, Mastriano  who has said he is considering running for governor and has claimed that Trump asked me to run  does not back off suggestions that fraud occurred, and he repeatedly distorts the actions of state judges and election officials in the run-up to the election.
New Financial Centre Association of Vanuatu website brings key issues to the public
Cooking in Southeast Asia often means incorporating a riot of contrasting flavors and textures, and the classic Vietnamese technique of simmering meat or fish in dark, bittersweet caramel is a great example of this.

As we were taught by chef Peter Franklin, owner of the Anan Saigon restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City, we cook chicken thighs in the sauce until it forms a glaze. Mixing the caramel with fish sauce and a few aromatics yields rich, wonderfully complex savory-sweet flavors. And the technique, which is in our book Milk Street Tuesday Nights, could hardly be simpler.

Instead of a traditional clay pot, we use a 12-inch skillet to make our version. Using coconut water as the cooking liquid adds a subtle, salty-sweet richness that brings even more complexity to the dish.

A generous amount of ginger, cut into matchsticks, mellows and softens as it cooks, and adds a brightness that perks up the deeper flavors. Bruising the lemon grass releases its flavor and fragrance.

Be sure to have the fish sauce measured out so that when the caramel turns mahogany, it can be added immediately to stop the cooking. Serve the chicken with steamed jasmine rice.

Caramel Chicken

Start to finish: 45 minutes
During filming for Break Every Chain last autumn, the picturesque West Virginia locations were easy on Jonathan Hickorys eyes. The scenes from his life being captured by the cameras, however, were anything but.

The Charlottesville-area master police officer and author watched quietly as actors explored a 12-year-old Hickorys anguish at losing his father after a 13-month battle with cancer. They portrayed his happiness as a proud husband and father and a dedicated 18-year officer who found his calling in helping people in their most vulnerable moments. And then the cast dove into the times when everything lurched so wildly out of control.

The death of his son. The alcoholism. The infidelity. The raw, unacknowledged pain that inched him closer and closer to attempting to take his own life.

For Hickory, who was on set every day as a technical adviser to make sure uniforms were worn correctly and law enforcement duties were depicted accurately, a different level of truth struck home, and it was definitely an emotional roller coaster, he said.

A lot of shameful things needed to be talked about, Hickory said. The trauma Id seen led me to alcoholism and reckless behavior, and I never sought help for all of my behavior. I was in tears many times on the set.
Charlottesville is one step closer to removing its Confederate statues.

The City Council voted unanimously Wednesday during a special meeting to appropriate $1 million for removal, storage and/or covering of the statues of Confederate Gens. Robert E. Lee and Thomas Stonewall Jackson, as well as one of Meriwether Lewis, William Clark and Shoshone interpreter Sacagawea.

The $1 million will come from the citys Capital Improvement Program Contingency Fund.

This is just putting funding in place so that we can either remove, store or cover any or all of the three statues  Any type of permanent dispossession, transfer of ownership or otherwise, would have to come back to you as a council for approval and a vote, said City Manager Chip Boyles.

The council has not yet decided if the statues will be demolished or relocated.

Estimates made in 2017 said it would cost approximately $330,000 to $350,000 to remove each statue. During a meeting June 24, Boyles said that is still a close estimate to what it may cost, but there is more of a precedent for statue removal now than in 2017 and the city is speaking with other localities that have removed statues to get more accurate estimates.
The group called themselves a Bible study but also talked about firearms training events, the FBI said. During a Feb. 12 meeting, Duong discussed a Virginia secession movement that he said would be peaceful, according to the affidavit.

A man whom Duong described as a member of the Three Percenters far-right militia movement addressed a group meeting on March 20, the affidavit said. Duong said his loosely affiliated, unnamed group was similar to a militia based in northern Virginia but that his groups mission was different because they cant be out in the open and needed to be a little bit more cloak and dagger, the agent wrote.

Duong said he went to the Jan. 6 rally in Washington alone and dressed in all black to look like a member of Antifa," referring to the anti-fascist activists who often gather at protests, the affidavit said.

He also said he did not necessarily approve of actions taken on January 6 at the U.S. Capitol and that it probably did more to hurt President Trump than to help him, the FBI agent wrote.

In May and in June, the undercover agent and Duong discussed making and testing Molotov cocktails, according to the affidavit. It says Duong repeatedly talked about engaging in violence against groups that don't share his views.
NEW YORK (AP)  The triumph of a moderate Democrat in the mayoral primary in deep blue New York City appears to accelerate a recent trend of some of the partys most fervent voters breaking away from its most progressive candidates.

Eric Adams, a former New York Police Department captain, this week became his partys nominee to lead the nations largest city after making a centerpiece of his campaign his rejection of left-leaning activists' calls to defund the police.

His win comes on the heels of victories by self-styled pragmatic candidates in relatively low-turnout elections  which tend to draw the most loyal base voters  in races for a U.S. House seat in New Mexico, a congressional primary in Louisiana and a gubernatorial primary in Virginia.

And those successes come a year after President Joe Biden defeated more liberal opponents to capture his partys nomination on his way to winning the White House.

It all raises questions as to the best candidates and approaches for Democrats trying to hold on to slim majorities in Congress next year and make inroads in Republican-dominated state legislatures.
RICHMOND  A former coal mining executive from Bristol is resigning from the Virginia Redistricting Commission, leaving the bipartisan body temporarily down one Republican citizen and forcing the politically delicate body to fill a vacancy for the first time.

The resignation of Marvin W. Gilliam Jr., a Wise native whose family-owned coal company was acquired by Massey Energy, went into effect Wednesday, according to an announcement at the end of a redistricting meeting Tuesday.

Gilliam, who had called in to Tuesdays meeting while most members met in Richmond in person, did not explain the reason for his abrupt resignation.

Ive just enjoyed my time here. I wish I couldve met people in person. It wouldve been much more fulfilling I think, Gilliam said. I do wish everyone good luck moving forward. You have a difficult task ahead of you and I wish you the best.

Gilliam did not immediately respond to an email asking why he is resigning.

The vacancy creates another item on the commissions to-do list as it prepares to redraw the states legislative and congressional maps for the first time, taking over a power previously held by the General Assembly.
Northam will include the new contribution rates for teacher and state pension plans in the budget he will present to the General Assembly budget and finance committees on Dec. 16 for adoption during the 60-day legislative session that will begin Jan. 13.

After years of partially funding the rates recommended by the VRS board, the assembly has fully funded them for state employees since 2017 and for teachers since 2018, as part of pension reforms enacted a decade ago to lower the states unfunded pension liabilities. Those liabilities had soared because of investment losses during the Great Recession.

Currently, VRS is paying down about $20.8 billion in unfunded liabilities for the five state pension plans and $3.4 billion for local government plans, which are better funded because they have always paid the full rates certified by the retirement system. The state has reduced unfunded liabilities for its pension plans by $1.8 billion since 2013.
Like the vineyards, the business is still growing, too.

Hazy Mountain is currently open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, but McGinnis says that in July, the winery is looking to stay open on Thursdays until 8 p.m.

Although there are no special promotional events planned, McGinnis said there soon may be live music indoors.

Additionally, an event building is still under development on the property that will be rented for outdoor events beginning in the late summer and fall.

A five-bedroom rental house on the property will be available soon for reservations for weddings, reunions and other special events, and the winery also has a mobile bottling line thats being outfitted for the production business.

Hazy Mountain is even one of the newest additions to the Monticello Wine Trail.

I think our plan for Hazy Mountain is really to have a destination spot, McGinnis said. We want folks to come out here and to find a great place to enjoy their afternoon. Were trying to make it a comfortable spot.

While this is all planned for the future, McGinnis, Trainum and the rest of the staff are enjoying the business in its early stages.
Australia on Tuesday denied Chinese government and state-media allegations that it was interfering in the rollout of Chinese vaccines in Papua New Guinea.

While an increasingly assertive Chinas relations have soured with several countries, Australia has been singled out for special treatment through a ban on government minister-to-minister contacts.

Campbell said China appeared to have attempted to cut Australia out of the herd and to try to see if they can effect Australia to completely change how it both sees itself and sees the world.

The United States . . . have tried to make clear that were not going to leave Australia on the field. Thats just not going to happen, Campbell said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin dismissed Campbells characterization of Chinese policy toward Australia and denied Beijing was interfering in other countries' internal affairs.

China welcomes all constructive suggestions and well-intentioned criticisms, but will never accept any condescending, preaching or lecturing and will resolutely follow its own path, Wang said.

Frydenberg said Australia was definitely living with a different China than weve seen in years prior.
None of this can be fun for Biden, but he actually has something to celebrate. Almost lost in the infighting was a remarkable fact: Party infighting aside, the president appears increasingly likely to push through domestic spending increases of at least $1 trillion, something that would have been unthinkable only a few years ago. Even moderate Democrats seem to have accepted the premise that the federal government's success in combating COVID-19 and jump-starting the economy has made big government more popular than it has been since World War II.

Manchin, a fiscal hawk within his party, had this to say last week: "There's a lot of need out there, whether it be child tax credits, whether it be helping kids have a start in life, whether it be fixing a lot of the human infrastructure that has fallen by the wayside. ... I'm all for that. To what degree? We'll see what we're able to pay for." He said he could support "$1 trillion or $1.5 trillion or $2 trillion," as long as it isn't paid for through borrowing.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Corvallis Gazette-Times.

For comparison, when President Obama passed an economic stimulus bill in 2009 to soften the effects of the Great Recession, he told his aides to keep the price tag below $1 trillion because moderate Democrats recoiled at the number.
* Username

This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely!
Ap

Texas students of color returned to in-person learning at below-average rates. Experts say the reasons are nuanced.

Amna Ijaz/Texas Tribune file photo Candace Hunters children were home-schooled last fall due to the pandemic and had been struggling to manage the onslaught of assignments that come with remote learning. Her son is photographed here in Austin on Nov. 13.

All around Lourdes Flores there are signs that her border town of Mission is returning to pre-pandemic life: More restrictions have been lifted, shes no longer working strictly from home, and most people in her household have been vaccinated.

However, theres one sign Flores is slow to embrace: Her daughter, Jazmin, will return to in-person learning for her sophomore year this fall in the La Joya Independent School District.

If a choice is given, then Ill keep her at home for as long as I can until I know that its really safe to be out there, Flores said, adding that she worries current COVID-19 infection rates dont paint an accurate picture of the virus spread, as her daughters district plans to move ahead with a full return to campus.

Remote learning soon wont be an option for many parents in the fall, as the Texas Education Agency pushes districts toward returning to in-person learning, citing data showing that it leads to better learning outcomes compared to remote instruction. The agency has announced that state funding for remote-only options wont be available for the upcoming school year, prompting many districts to announce a return to 100% in-person instruction.

Despite this, the return to in-person learning is not a simple transition for some parents  particularly parents of students of color  after a year in which they say their children reaped some benefits from remote-only learning.

When districts gave parents a choice between in-person and remote classes during the past year, according to data from the Texas Education Agency, students of color in Texas returned to in-person learning at lower rates than their white counterparts.

As of January, about 56% of Texas students on average returned to on-campus instruction during the school year, including 75% of white students, about 53% of Black students, 49% of Hispanic students and 31% of Asian students.

In an emailed statement, the TEA cited Covid-19s disproportionate economic and public health effect on communities of color as a reason for the lower in-person attendance and engagement rates among students of color.

Experts say its necessary to consider the intersection of circumstances that could lead to such rates: Students may live in a multigenerational household and worry about infecting family members, or they could be tasked with extra responsibilities during the pandemic  such as taking care of siblings or supplementing family income  that make remote learning more conducive to their needs.

Theres mostly quite a bit of fear and economic uncertainty. All of those things play a role in wanting to continue remote learning, said Hector Bojorquez, director of operations and educational practice at the Intercultural Development Research Association, a nonprofit that seeks to ensure equal opportunities for children in public education. Everybodys lives [were] thrown into chaos during the past year. People whose lives are already precarious economically are even more frightened of taking certain risks.

The disproportionate impact COVID-19 has had on communities of color can also present a challenge for parents in deciding to let their child return to in-person learning, said Leann Smith, an assistant professor at Texas A&M Universitys Department of Educational Psychology.

We know that there were higher rates of COVID-related illnesses and death in those communities, so we are then putting the burden on parents for the most part to decide whether or not they want to risk further exposing their own community or their family to this virus, Smith said.

Throughout the pandemic, a majority of coronavirus-related deaths in the state have been among Hispanic and Black Texans, who together comprise a little over 50% of the states population. As of late June, about 26% of Black Texans and about 32% of Hispanic Texans have been fully vaccinated, compared to about 38% of white Texans, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.

For Stacey Smith, whose daughter is pregnant and contracted COVID-19 this past year while attending school in-person and participating in sports, an option for her child to learn remotely would put her more at ease.

I feel like there should be options for parents that have kids that are at high risk instead of just saying This is what it is, said Smith, whos Hispanic and lives in Austin. In June, Austin ISD announced it would no longer be providing a virtual learning option for students.

Catering to social needs

For some parents, the desire to keep their children at home during the school year stemmed from some of the social challenges students may face in a school setting that can be unique to their race or identity.

Tonya Reyes-Dickerson, who lives in Springtown outside of Fort Worth, said that before the pandemic, going to class in person was a challenge for her 10-year-old transgender son, who in the past has been the target of bullying at school. Springtown ISD has announced its returning to full in-person learning this fall.

Being in virtual [school], we dont have to worry about that, Reyes-Dickerson said. Our child is protected from any of those types of dangers.

During a school year that started on the heels of George Floyds death at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, and a summer of protests against racial injustice and police brutality, Smith said that because they were home, many children of color were also able to have more substantial conversations with their families that acknowledged their cultural perspective. That doesnt often happen in school, she said.

The socialization that we would hope would happen in school but that research shows does not happen in school  the parents were able to create that space at home, which is good, Smith said. So there are some mental health benefits of [students] being protected from what we know is very negative, discrimination and microaggressive experiences.

Lashonda Chavers said virtual learning has given her two daughters a much-needed reprieve from some difficult interactions in the public school system. For example, her youngest daughter told her that during a dissection of a sheeps heart in science class, her teacher commented that it was Black peoples heritage to eat chitlins and Hispanic peoples heritage to eat menudo  both dishes made with animal organs.

I think we did better, my children, my girls, did better learning from home, said Chavers, 46, who is Black and Hispanic and whose daughters, a rising freshman and a rising senior, attend school in Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD outside of Dallas. Their grades were just as good, and they were well adjusted, and they were happy, and they felt liberated.

Her daughters school district has already announced that it will be returning to in-person learning with no online options for the upcoming school year. Chavers said she and her daughters arent vaccinated against COVID-19 because of her distrust in Western medicine. And shes nervous about them returning to the classroom in the fall.

I think that all schools should provide hybrid courses for every child until this is over, or until we have such a good handle on it we havent even heard of any COVID cases, Chavers said.

The return to in-person learning

Learning loss during the pandemic has surpassed the usual decline associated with the summer months, according to the TEA. Between March 2020 and September 2020, students have lost an average of almost six months of learning, according to the TEA, with virtual learning students being disproportionately affected.

Newly-released standardized test results also show the percentage of remote learning students who met grade level expectations dropped significantly this past year, especially in math and reading.

For example, districts in which a quarter or more of the students were learning virtually saw a 32% drop in mathematics performance from 2019 to 2021. However, in districts where less than a quarter learned virtually, performance only dropped by 9%.

Thankfully, from early on, Texas prioritized the availability of in-person instruction during this tremendously difficult year, Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath said in a statement. When students come into Texas public schools, they are well-served by Texas educators  a fact that these scores confirm.

In the plan that TEA submitted to the U.S. Department of Education that details how it intends to use federal stimulus funds from the American Rescue Plan, the agency said that African American and Hispanic students in Texas have experienced, in general, more lost instructional time due to absenteeism, lower student engagement, and have engaged more in remote learning than their peers of other races/ethnicities.

The TEA said it is actively working to address pandemic-induced learning loss, and is overseeing the distribution of $18 billion in federal stimulus funds for public schools. In April, the state released $11.2 billion of the federal stimulus funds for public schools that were allocated to the state through the American Rescue Plan.

The recently released money requires that districts reserve 20% of their funds to address learning loss through strategies such as summer programs, after-school programs or extending the school year.

Kathy Rollo, superintendent of Lubbock ISD, said steps like those have helped students get back on track in her district, particularly through summer school programming to get children reacclimated to learning in person.

Some districts, such as Lubbock ISD, San Antonio ISD and Austin ISD, have said they opted to return to full in-person instruction for the upcoming school year because the Texas Legislature failed to pass a bill that would have helped to fund virtual school programs.

House Bill 1468 died as a result of House Democrats walkout to stop the passage of a GOP priority voting bill. In a joint letter sent to Gov. Greg Abbott on June 16, 30 school districts, including San Antonio ISD and Austin ISD, called for virtual school funding to be added to the agenda for the Legislatures special session, which starts this month.

Rollo said even if the bill had passed, Lubbock ISD would not have offered virtual instruction for Pre-K through eighth grade.

We were interested in investigating the potential of having an online virtual school for our high school students who are older, are able to more self-navigate through their learning opportunities, but when that bill did not pass that really is not an option for our district at this point, she said.
Another tower company may be moving to new ownership. A number of recent reports have suggested that the owners of Indonesias Tower Bersama are considering the potential sale of the company.

According to Bloomberg, quoting its own informed sources, the two largest shareholders of the infrastructure company, private equity firm Provident Capital Indonesia and PT Wahana Anugerah Sejahtera (a subsidiary of investment company PT Saratoga Investama Sedaya), have asked banks for proposals on a possible transaction for their stakes.

PT Tower Bersama Infrastructure Tbk is the holding company of the Tower Bersama Group. Tower Bersama Group was established in 2004 and is one of the two leading independent tower companies in Indonesia.

Its principal business is leasing space for antennas and other equipment for wireless signal transmission at tower sites under long-term lease agreements. It also provides telecommunications operators with access to its distributed antenna system (DAS) networks in shopping malls and office buildings in major urban areas.

Tower Bersama has a market value of about $5.3 billion, making this a very big deal indeed for PT Wahana Anugerah Sejahtera, which owns 34 percent of Tower Bersamas outstanding shares, and Provident Capital which holds 22 percent.

These stakes could be worth over $3 billion, a valuation that would make this one of the biggest deals of the year for Indonesia, although it has been pointed out to Bloomsberg that, while deliberations may be underway, they are at an early stage and may not result in the sale of the company.
Mauritania has prompted outcry from human rights watchdogs after indicating that the government could further tighten its grip on internet usage.

According to a report from Ecofin, the administration of president Mohamed Ould Ghazouani is seeking to bolster a cybercrime law passed by its predecessor in 2016. Under this law, several political bloggers and activists have already been imprisoned.

CommsUpdate quoted Ghazouni as saying that online platforms, including social media, were being used to undermine public stability, spread false rumours or spread hatred and incite social groups against others.

Ghazounis warning is an increasingly common refrain in Africa, where longstanding political leaders are recognising that the internet offers citizens frustrated by under-representation with a platform for mobilizing opposition to their entrenched administrations.

Nigeria recently blocked access to Twitter after the site removed a tweet by the countrys president that threatened regional secessionists, while Uganda shut down access to social media two days before a national election in January. Bobby Wine, the key challenger to incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, had gained a significant following among younger tech-savvy citizens keen for change.
Russias largest wireless carrier Mobile TeleSystems (MTS) has bought GDTs Energy Group for RUB 5.2 billion (USD 71 million), including net debt.

The group owns the GreenBush facility in Moscow's Zelenograd suburb, one of the largest data centre projects in Russia.

MTS noted only one of the data centre sites three planned segments was currently active and, once completed, the facility could host 2,280 racks in 24 server rooms covering 5,220 square metres of floor space.

The facility will become the operators 12th major data cente around Russia.

Igor Egorov, Vice President for Infrastructure Development, said: MTS has become one of the largest data center players in Russia thanks to our balanced strategy of building out modular data centers as well as opportunistically looking at attractive assets on the market. According to industry experts, the Russian data center market is expected to grow more than 20% annually over the next several years. When fully equipped, GreenBush will rank among the top-5 data centers in Russia by capacity, providing us significant headroom to grow in the Moscow metro area, which today accounts for some 80% of the Russian commercial data center market.

MTS plans to use the facilitys additional capacity to market colocation and cloud solutions to third parties  including more than 25 services under the #CloudMTS brand  as well as to help meet the Companys own compute and storage needs.

Today, MTS is helping thousands of SME and enterprise clients power the future of business with a full range of solutions across private, public, and hybrid clouds, including custom-tailored consulting and professional services.
Cash-strapped Indian telco Vodafone Idea, rebranded as Vi, is planning to ease its financial woes by selling its fixed-line broadband subsidiary, optic fibre unit, and data centres business.

According to a report in Economic Times and other local media, the debt-laden operator urgently needs funding to ease its cash crunch and meet its upcoming liabilities.

The report said that the telco is planning to raise USD 1 billion by selling assets. Vi needs cash desperately to keep on functioning and be able to compete with its rivals, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. Just in between December 2021 and March 2022, the telco will have to shell out INR 22,500 crore (USD 3 billion) for spectrum-related dues and adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues.

Vodafone Idea has one data center in Navi Mumbai and around 160,000 km of optic fibre. Also, its fixed-line broadband business is housed under a subsidiary, You Broadband.

The sale of broadband, optic fibre, and data centre assets may take the form of a sale and leaseback model with the valuation depending on the tenure of the lease arrangement with a potential buyer and how much it pays monthly rent for the lease. However, according to reports, investors are not very keen on the price points that Vi proposed.

The company has spent the last few months on unsuccessful fundraising, despite several rounds of discussions with potential investors.

UKs Vodafone Group Plc and Aditya Birla Group told the telecom department about its financial struggles in a letter. It wrote to the department of telecom (DoT) on 25th June, notifying the department of its financial struggles. The primary objective of the letter was to seek another year of a moratorium on its spectrum dues.
The fact that Nicolas Rodriguez Bautista, alias "Gabino", chose Havana as the site from which to resign as the head of the Colombian National Liberation Army (ELN) did not surprise anyone. Gabino's successor, who is known as Antonio Garcia, has also long enjoyed support and protection provided by the Castro regime in Cuba.

Gabino cited health problems as the reason for him stepping down as the head of the ELN, a guerrilla organization originally founded in 1964 and that ever since has taken up arms, engaging in various illegal activities in both Colombia and Venezuela.

Colombian security analysts predict that the rise of Antonio Garcia, whose real name is Eliecer Chamorro Acosta, will mean a harder line by the ELN. This armed group, which sustains itself through drug trafficking and charging for inoculations (payment made by ranchers in return for the ELN providing them with "security"), also has major logistical support in Cuba.

Garcia, for example, represents the wing of the ELN radically opposed to negotiation processes with various Colombian governments. The negotiations, which never progressed significantly, ended up foundering.

Chamorro Acosta is 65 years old. The influential daily El Tiempo notes that he is known among Colombian guerrilla groups for being rigid, uncompromising, doctrinaire and calculating. He was present at the unsuccessful peace talks with the government of Andres Pastrana. His stance against those negotiation processes contributed to their failure, according to the Bogota newspaper.

"Antonio Garcia is a person who has enjoyed extensive protection and sanctuary in Havana. 30 years ago he already had Cuban IDs that identified him as an international aid worker. He had been assigned an apartment in a central area of Havana, and even during the Special Period, Cuba not only provided him with vehicles, but also gasoline, which was a highly coveted product," stated a Colombian journalist who in the 90s lived on the island and met the ELN's new leader.

"I was at several meetings with him in the late 90s. A psychologist friend had traveled from Bogota, allegedly to attend the Havana Film Festival. This person, I found out later, was actually an ELN emissary whose purpose was not to attend the premieres of the films, as I had been told, but rather to hold meetings with Antonio Garcia," this Colombian journalist (for security reasons, speaking on condition of anonymity) told DIARIO DE CUBA.

"In addition to her confidential meetings with Antonio Garcia, this psychologist summoned a group of Colombians residing in Cuba, in my case for professional reasons, so that we could meet the guerrilla leader and he could explain to us the ELN's plans," he related.

The ELN guerrillas made a surprise announcement on June 24 that its leadership was changing, and that Gabino was no longer its top leader or commander. Gabino himself indicated that his replacement was Antonio Garcia, as first commander; Pablo Beltran, as second commander; and Pablo Marin, as third commander.

According to the explanation that Gabino gave about his withdrawal at the head of the ELN, it was due to health problems: "In July 2018, within the framework of the humanitarian agreement between the states of Colombia and Cuba, as a guarantor, I moved to this country, where I am undergoing a health treatment that I must continue."

"Historically, the ELN has enjoyed Cuban protection. It is not surprising that the entire leadership finds safe haven in Cuba, given the diversity and great number of arrest warrants against them," explained the Colombian journalist.

The magazine Semana had access to police files on Antonio Garcia. He has 20 arrest warrants out on him, with Colombian authorities holding him responsible for homicide, kidnapping, genocide, personal injuries, forced disappearances, rebellion, terrorism, and recruitment, among other crimes and human rights violations.
The corner of Pullmans Main Street and Grand Avenue was a popular destination for coffee lovers when Cafe Moro operated there for 15 years. In August, a year after Cafe Moro closed, a new coffee shop will move into that same building with the hope of being a convenient and welcoming place for people to enjoy their favorite brew.
ATLANTA (AP)  The portion of the Georgia coast south of Brunswick is under a tropical storm warning, with forecasters expecting Hurricane Elsa to bring tropical storm conditions with sustained winds of 40 mph to 50 mph in parts of southeast Georgia.

Tropical storm winds will likely occur as far north as Savannah and will arrive sometime during the day Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center said.

Gov. Brian Kemp issued a state of emergency Tuesday affecting 92 counties in middle, south and southeast Georgia in preparation for the storm.

A tropical storm watch is posted for the northern portion of the Georgia coast and most of the South Carolina coast, with storm conditions a possibility in those areas through early Thursday. No storm surge is predicted in Georgia, although high waves, heavy surf and beach erosion are possible, as well as isolated tornadoes.

Elsas heaviest rains could come in Georgia and South Carolina, with forecasters predicting 3 to 6 inches (8 to 15 centimeters) of rainfall with isolated areas up to 8 inches (20 centimeters). Heavy rain was already falling in some areas of southeast Georgia on Tuesday evening.
Five people died in the January attack, including a Trump supporter shot and killed by police inside the Capitol and three people who suffered medical emergencies in the crowd. One police officer died later after having battled rioters. Two other officers later took their own lives.

The U.S. Capitol Police will continue to monitor intelligence information and potential threats, and new fencing could be swiftly erected, the memo said.

The Architect of the Capitol has the ability to and will expeditiously reinstall the temporary fencing should conditions warrant, according to the memo.

The Capitol has been closed to most visitors for the longest stretch in the nation's history, the one-two hit of the coronavirus outbreak that shuttered operations last spring and the insurrection that kept it off limits. It's now nearing 16 months.

The parklike grounds have been a favorite spot for visiting tourists to snap a photo of the iconic dome, and some 2.5 million visitors typically tour the inside of the building each year, among some 12 million who annually visit the campus-like complex of offices.
While not mentioning Gaetz by name, in his plea deal Greenberg said he introduced the minor to other adult men, who engaged in commercial sex acts.

Gaetz, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, has denied any allegations of wrongdoing and has said repeatedly he will not resign from Congress. No charges have been brought against Gaetz.

Greenberg has been linked to a number of other Florida politicians and their associates. So far, none of them have been implicated by name in the sex trafficking probe.

The Greenberg plea agreement says that he admitted being involved in what are sometimes referred to as sugar daddy relationships where he paid women for sex, but attempted to disguise the payments as school-related expenses or other living expenses."

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Cadden's lawyers had tried to push the blame onto Chin and argue Cadden had every reason to believe the drugs were sterile. Chin pointed the finger back at Cadden, arguing that the co-owner was the one calling the shots.

Cadden tearfully apologized to the victims during his first sentencing hearing in 2017, saying I am sorry for the whole range of suffering that resulted from my companys drugs.

Cadden's attorney acknowledged that the victims have endured great suffering and great harm," but noted that Cadden was acquitted of the most serious charges against him. Defense attorney Bruce Singal said Cadden's original nine-year sentence was more than fair for a fraud conviction.

From a legal standpoint, I do not believe that it is appropriate that this court's sentence reflect the deaths and serious injuries that resulted because they have no relationship to the offenses of conviction, he said.

The appeals court also ordered a new sentence for Chin, who got eight years behind bars in 2018. Chin is expected to be resentenced on Thursday.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
State health officials will be watching numbers closely over the next 10 to 14 days after the July 4 holiday drew large crowds for cookouts, fireworks displays, and holiday beach trips. Alabama residents have mostly returned to life as it was before March 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic tightened its grip on our state. Health officials fear the number of cases will increase.

We can almost hear readers eyes rolling. We get it; people are sick of hearing about the coronavirus  sick of masks, sick of social distancing, sick of hand-washing and staying away from friends and family.

However, the danger of COVID infection remains, even as numbers of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are on the decline.

Much of that decline can be attributed to the vaccines that have been deployed over the last six months. But its important to understand that, however puzzling, just 30 percent of Alabama residents have received the vaccine. That means seven of every 10 people one encounters every day  in the grocery store, at church, at the next table in a restaurant, on the row behind in the movie theatre  are unvaccinated, having decided to roll the dice with their health, and the safety of those around them.
With many cinemas across Vietnam shutting down amid the Covid-19 pandemic, a drive-in theater in the northern Quang Ninh Province is offering locals a new movie experience.

The country's first drive-in theater opened in Ha Long Town in April, and has caught the attention of the online community.

For VND50,000 ($2.17), car owners can watch a movie on a giant screen and tune their car radios to a frequency provided by the cinema to hear the audio.

Modern cars do not require their engines to idle during the movie while old ones would not have to spend much on gasoline to have the engine on for around two hours, the cinema management said.

The drive-in movie theater in Ha Long can accommodate 180 cars. Photo courtesy of the movie producers.

The theater, which has a capacity of 180 cars, has screened a lot of Hollywood movies in the last few months, attracting moviegoers.

According to its owner, sometimes they get up to 100 cars, but in the last few weeks the number has decreased due to the resurgence of the pandemic.

Nguyen Minh, a journalist writing about the film industry, said drive-in theaters can make money in small cities and towns where there is enough space to build them.

Movie lovers are excited about the new cinema, saying it helps them watch movies without flouting Covid-19 prevention rules.

Some also like the idea that they can talk freely in their car while watching a movie without disturbing others.

Nguyen Hong Lan, a Hanoi student, said: "This is the only movie theater that is allowed to open amid the pandemic. I will definitely go to Ha Long this summer and [go to it].

Theaters have been having a tough time due to the pandemic. A letter the owners of four cinema chains wrote to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in May said if the situation persists they face bankruptcy, which could even affect the future of the countrys film industry.
Another 276 local Covid cases recorded in Vietnam, mostly in HCMC

A staff checks body temperatures of people going to the Binh Thoi market in HCMC's District 11, June 26, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran.

Vietnam recorded 276 local Covid-19 cases Wednesday morning, and 270 are in Ho Chi Minh City.

The cases in HCMC include 232 in quarantined zones and isolated areas, while 38 other cases have unknown sources of transmission.

The remaining six cases were detected in four other localities.

The central Phu Yen Province got two cases that are people who had made contact with confirmed Covid-19 patients.

Dong Nai Province that borders HCMC reported two cases, with one returning from HCMC and the other being contact traced.

The case in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, another HCMC's neighbor, is a man from the central Ha Tinh Province who has come into contact with an existing case.

The case in the central Ha Tinh Province is a 11-year-old boy who had contact with a Covid-19 patient.

Since the new wave started on April 27, 18,838 local cases have been recorded in 55 cities and provinces, with HCMC accounting for the most infections, at 7,655.

Vietnam has vaccinated more than 3.92 million against the new coronavirus and 235,570 of them have got two doses.
A medic takes the sample of a woman in Hanoi during a mass coronavirus test, May 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy.

Vietnam recorded 500 new community transmissions of Covid-19 Tuesday night, raising the day's tally to 1,019.

Tuesday's local tally is the second highest daily number since the disease broke out in Vietnam, after 1,089 on Monday.

Of the new night cases, Ho Chi Minh City accounted for over half with 271 cases and the remaining cases were detected in 12 other localities.

In HCMC, 247 cases were found in quarantine camps and areas under lockdown and 24 are being contact traced.

Mekong Delta's Dong Thap Province reported 98 cases that are all people having contact with Covid-19 patients except one case with unidentified source of transmission.

Binh Duong Province that borders HCMC got 92 cases, including 48 linked to a company in Di An Town, six linked to a company in Thu Dau Mot Town, one associated with a company in Thuan An Town, and 27 linked to previously confirmed patients. 10 other cases have unclear transmission sources.

The central Phu Yen Province registered 16 cases that are all related to existing cases.

Long An Province, another HCMC's neighbor, reported eight cases, and the central Nghe An Province three, and they have all come into contact with Covid-19 patients.

Bac Giang Province in the north and its neighbor Bac Ninh got two cases each. They are all linked to previously confirmed patients.

Hanoi recorded two cases, with one returning from HCMC and the other having contact with a Covid-19 patient.

Mekong Delta's Tra Vinh Province recorded two cases, including one linked to a cluster at Binh Dien wholesale market in HCMC's District 8 and one who had returned from HCMC.

The case in the northern Lang Son Province is a woman related to a cluster at Van Trung Industrial Park in Bac Giang.

The case in the northern Hung Yen Province and the case in Mekong Delta's An Giang Province both had contact with Covid-19 patients.
Local

alert featured

Rodriguez sworn in as Family Court Master

SUBMITTED New Family Court Master Michelle Rodriguez is sworn in by Elko District Judge Mason Simons on July 5.

ELKO  Michelle L. Rodriguez was sworn in as the new Family Court Master by District Judge Mason E. Simons on Monday, filling the vacancy left by the death of Andrew M. Mierins, who died as a result of an accidental fall on May 7.

Rodriguez is an Elko County native who graduated from Wells High School before attending the University of Nevada, Reno and Gonzaga University School of Law.

Following her graduation from law school, Rodriguez was employed in the law office of Mathews and Wines P.C., as a staff attorney in the chambers of District Judge J. Michael Memeo, as a deputy district attorney with the Elko County District Attorneys Office, and operated her own law office based in Wells for many years.

Rodriguez is likely best known for her representation of minor wards in guardianship cases and for her representation of children involved in the child welfare system, according to Simons. She also previously performed child custody mediations for the District Court in family law cases.

SUBMITTED New Family Court Master Michelle Rodriguez holds the oath of office with Elko District Judge Mason Simons after being sworn in on July 5.

Michelle Rodriguez has been a tireless advocate for the children of our community for many years. She fiercely defended their interests in court, and now she has an opportunity to continue that important work as a judicial officer, Simons said. The District Court would be hard pressed to find a person more uniquely qualified for this position than Michelle Rodriguez. Elko County will be well served by her knowledge and experience.

The Family Court Master is a judicial officer who hears a specialized docket of cases for the District Court, including juvenile delinquency, juvenile dependency and child support matters. The master also oversees the Juvenile Drug Court, Family Preservation Drug Court, Elko Countys Truancy Court and the Juvenile Traffic Court.

Judges, community pay tribute to Andrew Mierins Elko Countys judiciary is indeed mourning the loss of Andy Mierins.

The operations of the Juvenile Probation Department, Juvenile Detention Department and the Family Court are overseen by Simons, who was designated by his colleagues as the Juvenile Judge of the 4th Judicial District on May 12.

SUBMITTED Elko District Judge Mason Simons congratulates new Family Court Master Michelle Rodriguez with a handshake on July 5.

Immediately following the death of Court Master Mierins, Rodriguez was designated as a Court Master Pro Tempore, along with Kristin McQueary, who retired recently as the chief civil deputy with the Elko County District Attorneys Office, to provide temporary calendar coverage until Rodriguez could take over the duties on a full-time basis in July.

McQueary will continue to serve as a court master pro tempore for the Family Court, helping to cover conflict cases for Court Master Rodriguez and providing judicial coverage in the event of sickness, vacation or other temporary absence of the full-time court master.

We sincerely appreciate the dedicated assistance of Kristin McQueary who stepped in, along with Michelle, and helped keep things moving along while we worked to get this permanent appointment effectuated, Simons said. She did a wonderful job, and we are grateful that she will continue to be available on a pro tempore basis as we move forward.
It specifically lists clinics where patients can set up appointments with specific providers. The tri-fold brochure also lists providers found outside of Elko, along with two state agencies that help people with their Medicare needs. Senior Services and other medical services are listed.

The updated list is available on the groups website, medicarinelko.org. They also have a Facebook page medicare in elko, with a link to the brochure.

FRC hosts free teen programs

ELKO -- Family Resource Center is hosting free online and in-person teen health programs each month for youth in Grades 5 to 7 and Grades 10 to 12.

These fun, evidence-based age-appropriate programs teach youth about making healthy life decisions. They incorporate medically accurate information along with crucial knowledge about identifying and handling social pressures, communicating effectively and dealing with peer pressure. Youth learn about reproductive health, puberty, hygiene, personal responsibility, avoiding risky behaviors and respect for self and others, while building knowledge, skills and confidence.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  A federal judge has ruled that the U.S. Air Force is mostly responsible for a former serviceman killing more than two dozen people at a Texas church in 2017 because it failed to submit his criminal history into a database, which should have prevented him from purchasing firearms.

U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez in San Antonio wrote in a ruling signed Wednesday that the Air Force was 60% responsible" for the massacre at First Baptist Church in the small town of Sutherland Springs, where Devin Kelley opened fire during a Sunday service. Authorities put the official death toll at 26 because one of the 25 people killed was pregnant.

The attack remains the worst mass shooting in Texas history.

The trial conclusively established that no other individual  not even Kelleys own parents or partners  knew as much as the United States about the violence that Devin Kelley had threatened to commit and was capable of committing, Rodriguez wrote.
SALT LAKE CITY (AP)  Several anti-mask protesters who disrupted a school district board meeting in Utah earlier this year are now facing criminal charges, officials said.

The 11 protesters were charged with disorderly conduct and disrupting a public meeting late last week. Granite School District spokesperson Ben Horsley says police are still searching for another person who was accused of being involved in the confrontation.

About 30 to 40 protesters disrupted the May 4 meeting amid news that Utah public schools would require masks through the end of the school year. After board members abruptly ended the meeting, the parents remained on the districts campus and police were called. Video of the meeting was shared widely on social media.

There are repercussions for these actions and the board was unable to conduct its business as a result of these disruptive criminal actions, Horsley said in a statement. The board and district encourage civil discourse as we model appropriate behavior for our children and students.

The meeting was held after Utah reached criteria required for COVID-19 public health mandates to expire. However, the Utah Department of Health did not lift the mask order for K-12 schools.
And why stop at the justice system? All government employees have some form of immunity. What about social workers who allow kids under their care to be chained to radiators, starved, burned or beaten to death?

Remember James Holmes, who shot up a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado? A couple of months before his massacre, he was rambling on about his homicidal fantasies to a social worker and a state psychiatrist. They did nothing to warn the public, though the psychiatrist was terrified enough of Holmes to make sure his university access card was deactivated, so he couldnt get at her.

Weeks later, Holmes opened fire in the movie theater, killing 12 and wounding 58.

These state employees had ample time to cogitate on Holmes threats. Compare that to a police officer, making a life-or-death decision in subduing a complete stranger.

Ironically, if cops were stripped of their qualified immunity, an officer who got rough with Holmes while arresting him after his mass murder could be sued  but the psychiatrist and social worker whod listened as Holmes revealed his homicidal urges before his mass murder could not be.

How about teachers? Forget suing them  liberals want teachers who molest kids to be unfireable.
Editor:

As reported in your front-page coverage of the 6/20 rally to celebrate Elkos constitutional sheriff initiative, Lander Counter Manager Ramos introduced Robert David Steele as a driving force behind the event. He compared him to Grant Gerber as a guy who has a vision to put together a bunch of people  and come to the people.

However, in no way can we compare Steele, with his ranting hate speech and a threat of an Army Ranger battalion with fixed bayonets to Gerber with his peaceful, grass roots protests.

Grant Gerber was, indeed, an energetic leader with a vision for local empowerment, organizing protest events such as the Jarbidge Shovel Brigade (2000) and the Grass March Cowboy Express (2014). The latter initiative, including horse relays from Elko to Carson City and from Pacific to Atlantic coasts, delivered petitions to Washington, D.C. in support of local ranchers who were being restricted in their grazing and water rights by an apparently incompetent and authoritarian BLM official.

Grant rode a horse that he renamed Gandhi, and he modeled the expedition after Mahatma Gandhis non-violent Salt March in India which was similarly a protest against government abuse.
Headlines:

-Gov. Gavin Newsom signs a $100 billion dollar budget that includes a $600 Golden State stimulus check for two-thirds of California residents. (Full story)

- Around 4 million IRS tax refunds will be sent out this week (Full story)

-IRS will send first Child Tax Credit payment on 15 July, is it automatic? (Full story)

-An expansive reconciliation bill will be released today. Where does the debate over the fourth stimulus check stand? Will one be included? (full details)

-Child Tax Credit payments will begin tomorrow, do they affect the likelihood of a fourth stimulus check? (Full story)

Useful information / links

-Golden State Stimulus Check: How to apply and who is eligible?

- Child Tax Credit: We took a look at the question, is the web portal the best way to apply, what other options do I have? (Details)

- You have until Monday 2 August to opt out of the August round of Child Tax Credit monthly payments. (Find out more)

- How to use the IRS's two new online tools; the Child Tax Credit Update Portal and the Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant.

- Still waiting for your tax refund? So are millions of other Americans. Should you update your tax return information? Find out when to contact the IRS.

Take a look at some of our related news articles:
Tropical Storm Elsa is expected to reach the eastern coast of the United States on Wednesday after moving north from the Caribbean.

Millions of people in Florida are bracing themselves for heavy winds, a life-threatening storm surge and potential isolated tornadoes as Elsa moves towards the states western coast. As of Wednesday morning Elsa was roughly 50 miles southwest of Cedar Key and generating sustained winds of up to 65mph.

As a result there are now hurricane warnings in place from the Chassahowitzka River (south of Homosassa, Florida) to the Steinhatchee River. There are also tropical storm warnings from Chassahowitzka River to Egmont Key, Florida.

The system weakened slightly on early Wednesday morning to see the status downgraded to a tropical storm but the hurricane warning remains for more than four million Florida residents. The heavy rain and strong winds are expected to creep inland across southwest and central Florida in the coming days.

Storm Elsa ravages the Caribbean

Elsa caused devastation in the Caribbean hitting the Dominican Republic and St Lucia last weekend, leaving at least three people dead. That was followed by mass evacuations in Cuba as the storm caused mudslides and flooding rains on Monday.

Insmet, Cubas meteorological institute, recorded winds of more than 60mph on Monday with some stronger gusts also present. By Monday evening the storm had started to pass and moved on to the Gulf of Mexico, dumping heavy rains on the island as it vacated.

Speaking on state television Jose Rubiera, Cubas best known meteorologist, said: "The rain is coming behind the centre so the fact it is moving out to sea along the northern coast between Havana and Mayabeque... does not mean the rain is over."

Florida makes preparations for the arrival of Storm Elsa

In response to the impending storms Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced an expansion of his state of emergency declaration to put more resources towards the effort. The state of emergency is now active in 33 counties across the state with local, state and utility authorities preparing for the storm.

Another 60 guardsmen have been activated in the Florida National Guard to bolster resources at the State Emergency Operations Center and the Logistics Readiness Center. A statement from the Guard read: "We are well-equipped with assets including high-wheeled vehicles, helicopters, boats and generators, and are preparing for possible missions to include humanitarian assistance, security operations, search and rescue, aviation, and more.

Tampas Emergency Coordinator John Antapasis has told residents to get to safety as the state braces itself for a substantial amount of disruption in the coming days.

"Now is the time to get back home, get off the streets and stay safe for the rest of tonight," Antapasis said. "You should be making and finalizing your hurricane plans and ensuring that you're in a safe location while ... Elsa makes its way through our community."
Lawsuits have been filed in four of the 26 states that decided to end federal unemployment programs before they expire 6 September. So far, judges in Indiana and Maryland have placed temporary restraining orders on those states ordering them to continue the payments.

Both Maryland and Indiana have appealed the court decisions. Maryland announced upon its appeal being denied by the state's top court that it will comply continuing enhanced unemployment payments until 13 July when the restraining order expires. Indiana so far has not complied with the injunction against the state stopping the federal out of work assistance while it awaits a hearing on its appeal. In an email to the IndyStar the Department of Workforce Development said that it is determining how to proceed because the federal programs in Indiana no longer exist after their termination on June 19.

Will other states be forced to continue enhanced unemployment compensation?

Governors in 26 states made the decision to end the pandemic unemployment benefits claiming that they were disincentivizing workers laid off due to the covid-19 pandemic from returning to work. The governors, all but one Republicans, cited labor shortages while an abundance of job openings were available. However, the workers in the four states that have sued allege that their state governors overstepped their legal authority in ceasing the payments.

According to Andrew Stettner, an unemployment insurance expert with the Century Foundation many states have similar state law provisions that could be brought up in court," he told Yahoo Money. Marion Superior Court Judge John Hanly wrote that there was a "preponderance of evidence" to demonstrate Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb violated state law when he ordered his state to stop payment of federal benefits starting 19 June. Indiana state law requires that all available federal insurance benefits to citizens" must be procured.

Baltimore Circuit Judge Lawrence Fletcher-Hill wrote that it appeared Maryland Governor Larry Hogan didnt have the authority to end the enhanced unemployment benefits early. Furthermore, he noted that the pandemics affect had been universal but that stories of economic hardship shared by plaintiffs showed the impact of the pandemic has been cruelly uneven.

Stettner commenting on the two decisions told CBS "The judges were sympathetic that there was a midway change in this approval of benefits. Adding "In both cases, the judges were like, 'It's a cruel thing to do given what the statutes state, and it's 100% federal money."

Texas and Ohio are still awaiting decisions

Attorneys Marc Dann and Brian Flick of DannLaw sued Governor Mike DeWine and Matt Damschroder, director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services on Tuesday. Brian Flick noted in a press release that DeWine and Damschroders decision to terminate the federal unemployment benefits early was callous and politically-motivated. Adding that decision jeopardizes the personal and financial well-being of Ohioans who are struggling to recover from the pandemic. They point out that Ohios statutory language is similar to Indianas where it relates to the states obligation to protect the interests of its residents.

In Texas, Travis County District Judge Dustin Howell denied the temporary restraining order requested by attorney David Sibley over concerns that the litigants didnt have standing but that perhaps standing would exist with the Texas Workforce Commission. Sibley intends to file an injunction to reinstate unemployment payments which ended 26 June for around one million Texans.
BEIJING - Political party leaders across the world attending the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit via video link on Tuesday hailed the CPC's people-centered philosophy as an important global inspiration, saying they are ready to enhance exchanges and cooperation with the CPC.

During his keynote speech at the summit, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese president, called on political parties worldwide to shoulder their historic responsibility for the pursuit of the people's wellbeing and progress of mankind.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, also president of South Africa's governing party African National Congress, congratulates the CPC on the realization of the first centenary goal.

He said the historic achievement of eradicating absolute poverty in the largest developing economy on the planet was made because the CPC has placed the needs and the interests of the people at the center of its work, adding that the CPC is "a true, reliable and valued friend."

Nursultan Nazarbayev, chairman of the Nur Otan Party and first president of Kazakhstan, said that the COVID-19 pandemic has once again proven that only by maintaining partnerships and supporting each other can countries efficiently respond to global challenges.

He also said that as a friendly neighbor of China, Kazakhstan will always actively participate in the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and cooperation within the framework of the BRI.

Dmitry Medvedev, chairman of the United Russia party and deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, said over the past century, the CPC was able to successfully embark on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, which paves the way for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Medvedev said that bilateral relations are constantly developing as the two countries are implementing large-scale projects both bilaterally and within the framework of inter-state relations.

Argentine President Alberto Fernandez, also president of the country's Justicialist Party, said that Xi's speech is "visionary and insightful."

The speech can help political parties to reflect upon what kind of responsibility they should take, he said, calling on parties to strengthen cooperation and promote economic and social development in a bid to bring benefits to all the people.

Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, said the CPC has led the Chinese people to achieve major historic achievements over the past century.

He expressed the belief that under Xi's leadership, China will continue to make new achievements and become a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful.

He also said political parties in various countries should work with governments to actively address global challenges so as to bring happier lives to the human race.

Miguel Diaz-Canel, first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and Cuban president, said the CPC has explored a development path suitable for China's national conditions and led the country in making great achievements.

Noting that China has effectively handled the COVID-19 pandemic and eliminated absolute poverty, he said the key is following the people-centered development philosophy.

President and First Secretary of Zimbabwe's ZANU-PF party Emmerson Mnangagwa, also Zimbabwean president, noted that the summit provided a platform for political parties to learn from each other in realizing prosperity, national rejuvenation, people's happiness as well as the welfare of mankind.

The ZANU-PF party has benefited a lot from the successful experience of the CPC, said Mnangagwa, adding that he believes that under the leadership of the CPC, China will realize the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation.

Chairman of the Fatah party and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said the China-proposed BRI is conducive to deepening international economic cooperation and establishing development partnerships between countries, adding that the initiative also demonstrates that China is at the forefront in providing wisdom for safeguarding the common interests of people all over the world.

Aleksandar Vucic, president of the Progressive Party of Serbia and Serbian president, said that the great creativity the CPC showed in the process of building the country has brought inspiration and hope to all countries in the world.

As the whole world is facing unprecedented challenges, said Vucic, mutual respect, mutual help, reaching consensus through consultation and close cooperation have become more urgent than ever.

Imran Khan, chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and prime minister of Pakistan, said that the CPC has proved that political parties can only enjoy popular support if they can serve the people wholeheartedly.

Upholding the people-centered philosophy, the CPC has led China to eliminate extreme poverty, one of the greatest achievements in the human history, he said, adding that China's announcement of making the COVID-19 vaccines a global public good demonstrates compassion and fairness of the Chinese leader.

George Papandreou, president of the Socialist International, said the CPC sticks to the development philosophy that puts people first, and has successfully eliminated absolute poverty, built a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and at the same time made great contributions to the UN Millennium Development Goals.

Papandreou called on all parties to reduce the gap between developed and developing countries through cooperation and jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind.

Jose Luis Centella, president of the Communist Party of Spain, said the BRI was born to meet the needs of the times, which has not only become an important international cooperation platform, but also provided a great opportunity for the world economy to recover from the pandemic.

At present, political parties worldwide do share the responsibility to actively participate in building a community with a shared future for mankind, and jointly solve pressing problems facing the world, Centella said.

Those who also delivered speeches at the summit included: Rodrigo Duterte, chairman of the Philippines' PDP-Laban party and Philippine president; Samdech Techo Hun Sen, president of the Cambodian People's Party and Cambodian prime minister; Filipe Nyusi, leader of the Mozambique Liberation Front Party and also Mozambican president; Hage Geingob, leader of the South West Africa People's Organization and president of Namibia; Denis Sassou Nguesso, chairman of the Congolese Labour Party and president of the Republic of the Congo; Mahinda Rajapaksa, leader of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party and prime minister of Sri Lanka; Evo Morales, chairperson of Bolivia's Movement Towards Socialism party and former Bolivian president; Saadeddine El Othmani, general secretary of the Justice and Development Party and Moroccan prime minister; Salva Kiir, chairman of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement and president of South Sudan.
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, attends the CPC and World Political Parties Summit and delivers a keynote speech in Beijing, capital of China, July 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

BEIJING, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Tuesday urged political parties in the world to shoulder their responsibility for the pursuit of people's wellbeing and progress of mankind.

Xi, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, called on political parties to strengthen cooperation to tackle global challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, inequality, terrorism, and climate change.

Addressing the CPC and World Political Parties Summit via video link in Beijing, Xi took swipes at practices of seeking technology blockade and decoupling, politicizing the pandemic, "political manipulation for the purpose of sabotaging the development of other countries," and practices of "seeking hegemony by way of group politics."

The cloud summit, which gathered leaders of more than 500 political parties and organizations from over 160 countries, was convened as human society has "once again found itself at a historical crossroads" that leads to either hostile confrontation or mutual respect, seclusiveness and decoupling or openness and cooperation, zero-sum game or win-win results.

"The choice is in our hands and the responsibility falls on our shoulders," Xi told party leaders.

RESPONSIBILITY OF POLITICAL PARTIES

Political parties, as an important force behind human progress, need to set the right course forward and shoulder their historical responsibility to ensure the people's wellbeing and pursue the progress of mankind, Xi said.

Xi called on political parties to shoulder the responsibility to steer the course by shaping the shared future for mankind, and to build consensus by upholding and promoting the common values of humanity.

"With a strong sense of responsibility for the future of all mankind, we need to champion the common values of humanity, foster broad-minded tolerance toward the understanding of values by different civilizations, and respect the explorations of different peoples," he said.

Political parties need to shoulder the responsibility to promote development by bringing greater benefits to all peoples in a fairer manner, Xi said.

Noting that all countries and nations are equally entitled to development opportunities and rights, Xi said political parties should face squarely up to major problems such as wealth gap and development divide, with particular attention and care given to underdeveloped countries and regions and impoverished people.

He urged political parties to jointly oppose the practice of seeking technology blockade and divide as well as decoupling.

Calling for more cooperation in addressing global risks and challenges, Xi said in the face of the pandemic, political parties should work together to close the "immunization gap," and must oppose the practice of politicizing the pandemic or attaching a geographical label to the virus.

Xi also called on political parties to shoulder the responsibility to improve governance by enhancing the capacity to ensure people's wellbeing.

"The judgement on whether a country is democratic or not should be made by their people, not by a handful of others," he said.

CPC CONTRIBUTIONS TO WORLD

It is the unswerving goal of the CPC to run China's house well, ensure a happy life for more than 1.4 billion Chinese people, and promote peace and development of all mankind, Xi said.

Xi said the CPC will unite and lead the Chinese people in pressing ahead with the Chinese-style modernization to make new contributions to humanity's search for ways to modernize.

There doesn't exist a fixed model for the path to modernization, and the path that suits a country will serve it well, he said.

"Cutting one's feet to fit the shoes will lead nowhere," he added.

The CPC will unite and lead the Chinese people in taking comprehensive steps to deepen reform and opening up to make new contributions to shared development and prosperity of all countries of the world, Xi noted.

Xi said the CPC will shoulder its responsibility as a major political party in a major country to make new contributions to improving the wellbeing of mankind.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress, all the 98.99 million rural residents living below the current poverty line in China have been lifted out of poverty, enabling the country to meet the poverty reduction target set out in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 10 years ahead of schedule.

The CPC is willing to contribute more Chinese solutions and Chinese strength to the poverty reduction process worldwide, Xi said.

The country will spare no effort to support international cooperation against COVID-19 and to enhance the accessibility and affordability of vaccines in developing countries, and will contribute more to the global fight against climate change, he added.

Xi said the CPC will actively improve global governance to make new contributions to humanity's joint response to common challenges.

"We should stand opposed to the practice of unilateralism disguised as multilateralism and say no to hegemony and power politics," he said.

"China will never seek hegemony, expansion or sphere of influence," he added.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, also president of the African National Congress, and 20 other leaders of political parties and organizations spoke at the summit. They agreed with Xi that political parties should shoulder the responsibility for the people's wellbeing, and said they are willing to work with the CPC to build a better world.

Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and other senior CPC officials attended the summit.

Over 10,000 representatives of political parties and various circles attended the event.

The summit issued a joint initiative, which expressed the common will of political parties attending the event to safeguard world peace and development and promote the wellbeing of the people.
Cyril Ramaphosa, president of the African National Congress and South African president, addresses the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit on July 6, 2021. The CPC and World Political Parties Summit was held via video link on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Political party leaders across the world attending the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit via video link on Tuesday hailed the CPC's people-centered philosophy as an important global inspiration, saying they are ready to enhance exchanges and cooperation with the CPC.

During his keynote speech at the summit, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese president, called on political parties worldwide to shoulder their historic responsibility for the pursuit of the people's wellbeing and progress of mankind.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, also president of South Africa's governing party African National Congress, congratulates the CPC on the realization of the first centenary goal.

He said the historic achievement of eradicating absolute poverty in the largest developing economy on the planet was made because the CPC has placed the needs and the interests of the people at the center of its work, adding that the CPC is "a true, reliable and valued friend."

Nursultan Nazarbayev, chairman of the Nur Otan Party and first president of Kazakhstan, said that the COVID-19 pandemic has once again proven that only by maintaining partnerships and supporting each other can countries efficiently respond to global challenges.

He also said that as a friendly neighbor of China, Kazakhstan will always actively participate in the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and cooperation within the framework of the BRI.

Dmitry Medvedev, chairman of the United Russia party and deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, said over the past century, the CPC was able to successfully embark on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, which paves the way for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Medvedev said that bilateral relations are constantly developing as the two countries are implementing large-scale projects both bilaterally and within the framework of inter-state relations.

Argentine President Alberto Fernandez, also president of the country's Justicialist Party, said that Xi's speech is "visionary and insightful."

The speech can help political parties to reflect upon what kind of responsibility they should take, he said, calling on parties to strengthen cooperation and promote economic and social development in a bid to bring benefits to all the people.

Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, said the CPC has led the Chinese people to achieve major historic achievements over the past century.

He expressed the belief that under Xi's leadership, China will continue to make new achievements and become a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful.

He also said political parties in various countries should work with governments to actively address global challenges so as to bring happier lives to the human race.

Miguel Diaz-Canel, first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and Cuban president, said the CPC has explored a development path suitable for China's national conditions and led the country in making great achievements.

Noting that China has effectively handled the COVID-19 pandemic and eliminated absolute poverty, he said the key is following the people-centered development philosophy.

President and First Secretary of Zimbabwe's ZANU-PF party Emmerson Mnangagwa, also Zimbabwean president, noted that the summit provided a platform for political parties to learn from each other in realizing prosperity, national rejuvenation, people's happiness as well as the welfare of mankind.

The ZANU-PF party has benefited a lot from the successful experience of the CPC, said Mnangagwa, adding that he believes that under the leadership of the CPC, China will realize the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation.

Chairman of the Fatah party and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said the China-proposed BRI is conducive to deepening international economic cooperation and establishing development partnerships between countries, adding that the initiative also demonstrates that China is at the forefront in providing wisdom for safeguarding the common interests of people all over the world.

Aleksandar Vucic, president of the Progressive Party of Serbia and Serbian president, said that the great creativity the CPC showed in the process of building the country has brought inspiration and hope to all countries in the world.

As the whole world is facing unprecedented challenges, said Vucic, mutual respect, mutual help, reaching consensus through consultation and close cooperation have become more urgent than ever.

Imran Khan, chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and prime minister of Pakistan, said that the CPC has proved that political parties can only enjoy popular support if they can serve the people wholeheartedly.

Upholding the people-centered philosophy, the CPC has led China to eliminate extreme poverty, one of the greatest achievements in the human history, he said, adding that China's announcement of making the COVID-19 vaccines a global public good demonstrates compassion and fairness of the Chinese leader.

George Papandreou, president of the Socialist International, said the CPC sticks to the development philosophy that puts people first, and has successfully eliminated absolute poverty, built a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and at the same time made great contributions to the UN Millennium Development Goals.

Papandreou called on all parties to reduce the gap between developed and developing countries through cooperation and jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind.

Jose Luis Centella, president of the Communist Party of Spain, said the BRI was born to meet the needs of the times, which has not only become an important international cooperation platform, but also provided a great opportunity for the world economy to recover from the pandemic.

At present, political parties worldwide do share the responsibility to actively participate in building a community with a shared future for mankind, and jointly solve pressing problems facing the world, Centella said.

Those who also delivered speeches at the summit included: Rodrigo Duterte, chairman of the Philippines' PDP-Laban party and Philippine president; Samdech Techo Hun Sen, president of the Cambodian People's Party and Cambodian prime minister; Filipe Nyusi, leader of the Mozambique Liberation Front Party and also Mozambican president; Hage Geingob, leader of the South West Africa People's Organization and president of Namibia; Denis Sassou Nguesso, chairman of the Congolese Labour Party and president of the Republic of the Congo; Mahinda Rajapaksa, leader of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party and prime minister of Sri Lanka; Evo Morales, chairperson of Bolivia's Movement Towards Socialism party and former Bolivian president; Saadeddine El Othmani, general secretary of the Justice and Development Party and Moroccan prime minister; Salva Kiir, chairman of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement and president of South Sudan. Enditem
Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects a modern agriculture technological innovation center of the Yellow River Delta in east China's Shandong Province, July 5, 2021. Han made an inspection tour to east China's Shandong Province from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

JINAN, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng has stressed efforts to strengthen ecological protection and technological innovation to make progress in the country's high-quality development.

Han, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour to east China's Shandong Province from Monday to Tuesday.

When inspecting the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve, Han underlined that the country should respect nature and science.

Efforts should be made to strengthen the protection of wetlands and birds in the Yellow River Delta, reduce the impact of human activities on birds, and improve the environmental quality of bird habitats, Han said.

At a modern agriculture technological innovation center, Han said the development and application of technologies in biological agriculture and saline agriculture are promising.

He called for popularizing the use of the technologies when conditions mature.

Han also stressed that the country should adhere to the innovation-driven development strategy, remedy shortcomings in core technologies, and promote the application of scientific and technological achievements.

The country should devote more investment in basic research and encourage more Chinese equipment to go abroad to participate in international cooperation and competition, Han said.

2

1

[ Editor: WPY ]
LANZHOU, June 22 (Xinhua) -- An ancient Chinese culture dating back more than 5,000 years witnessed China's early exchanges with foreign countries, experts said.

A number of scholars expressed such views regarding the Majiayao culture at a recent symposium held in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province.

The Majiayao culture is in the upper reaches of the Yellow River and its tributaries. With more than 5,000 years of history, it forms a significant part of the origin of the Chinese civilization.

Swedish archaeologist Johan Gunnar Andersson first investigated these cultural ruins in 1924. In the 1940s, prominent Chinese archaeologist Xia Nai named the ruins the Majiayao culture, with glamorous painted pottery as its most striking feature.

This culture spread to Central Asia via China's Xinjiang, bringing millets from China to the west, said Han Jianye, a history professor with the Renmin University of China.

Decorations with Central Asian features also appeared on the painted pottery items in Majiayao, in addition to sheep and cattle from the west, Han added.

The Majiayao culture also had interactions with the Harappan culture of India. Similarities are clear from the items from the two sites, said Tang Huisheng, a professor from Hebei Normal University.

Some experts pointed out that the Majiayao culture also shares similarities with the Cucuteni-Tripolye culture at the western and the northern parts of the Black Sea regarding decorations and shapes of painted pottery ware.

"The two cultures thrived and declined around the same time," said Li Xinwei, a researcher from the Institute of Archaeology under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. "People from the two cultures also used pottery to make human head statues."

In recent years, efforts have been enhanced to protect the Majiayao culture by building thematic museums, organizing academic symposiums, and conducting more research. Enditem

[ Editor: JYZ ]
BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) -- The National Library of China will strengthen the restoration and protection of ancient books, according to Zhang Zhiqing, the library's deputy chief.

The library will carry out a project to restore 100 ancient books and train 100 restorers in one to two years, he said.

The ancient books will include Yongle Encyclopedia, the largest encyclopedia from ancient China, as well as books on the Yellow River and Yangtze River.

The library will cooperate with ByteDance, a Chinese tech company, to use technology in ancient book restoration and protection. The company has devoted 10 million yuan (1.55 million U.S. dollars) in funds for the project.

Technologies such as 5G and virtual reality will be adopted to help digitalize the ancient books and create real-time interaction online to make the ancient books better known to the public. Enditem

[ Editor: JYZ ]
Derek Chauvin, the Caucasian ex-police officer accused of murdering African-American George Floyd, was sentenced to 270 months in jail. But has justice been achieved? The fact is Americans, who have been numbed in the long wait by too many similar tragedies, are no longer able to applaud. fter all, in the cases of fatalities caused by police brutality prosecuted as homicide, 98% of the victims were not as lucky as Floyd. It is hard to believe that justice being done in one individual case would bring about systemic improvements, while people of color living with the fear that the national law enforcement may deprive their right to life at will remains normalcy in the United States.

Symptoms of human rights issues in America

The fundamental human rights of American citizens are increasingly being systemically and seriously violated. The government and institutions of power, who are supposed to be the protector, have become the inflicter. Due to long-term dereliction and chaos within the political system, the rights of American citizens to live in safety and with dignity are under serious threat.

The problem of inter-ethnic rights disparities is the first blackhole in American human rights. Racism is prevalent in the United States, a country self-claimed as the beacon of human rights. In this wonderland, politicians may publicly advocate for White Supremacy and colleges may reject Asian students by racialized criteria. If the elite classes of this country are doing such things, it is not surprising that the white police officers humiliated and murdered an African-American in the street.

Classism linking human rights to US dollars has becomeanother blackhole. The elite classes are highly advantaged compared with the poor in individual cases because they are more resourceful and capable. The tradition of focusing on individual rights becomes the trap exploiting the collective human rights of specific classes, and veils the impressive rights differences among classes. Politicians are unwilling to admit that the nation needs to undertake an important role in the process of realizing civil rights. They only advocate the success of individualism to comfort the poor classes with fantasy, rather than putting efforts into infrastructure or aiding the poor. The rise of populism and the infamy of the elite classes in America are due to peoples despair over the governments long-standing indifference to stratification and the rights of the poor.

The growing number of human rights blackholes, such as gun control and immigration issues, has polarized politics to the extent that even the blind can realize the problems. Politicians can no longer lie to the people that America is great, they can only say foreign countries are worse. The so-called human rights diplomacy and colored revolution not only became the key tools for the United States to cover up its internal problems, but also led to significant humanitarian disasters in the world.

The nidus of human rights issues in America

The human rights disease of America has been deeply rooted. The main reason is that America hides its shortcomings and mistakes because of its fear of criticism and the fundamental reason is due to incompetence in national govenance. In terms of human rights, the United States, known as a beacon of democracy and great lecturer of human rights, is not willing to expose the issues to the public. On the one hand, America has acquired a lot through interfering with the internal affairs of other countries in the name of human rights. Once America loses the identity of great lecturer, it will lose the excuse to interfere. On the other hand, America has obtained too much illusory sense of pride from the name of human rights guardian. Politicians are unwilling not only to see significant progress in the field of human rights in other countries, but also to think seriously about what is lacking in their own country. Instead, they show the arrogant attitude that we are already the best in the world.

The way is to hide the problems if the problems cannot be solved. The government and politicians that are good at empty promises can only avoid liability through specious sophistry. The fragmentation of human rights has made the anxious people regard each other as enemies and fail to see the embarrassing overall human rights situation in the country. The distorted view of human rights has turned the human rights of a minority into privileges, while the rights of the majority are seriously undermined.

Interfering with the so-called human rights issues in foreign countries and hiding domestic human rights blackholes have resulted in the vicious circle of US human rights politics. The negative cases in America reveal to the world that: to develop human rights in their own countries, governments need to examine and reflect on their domestic conditions and work steadily; to develop human rights of the entire world, there should be no room for hegemony. Political manipulation of human rights topics does no good to any party.

Contributed by Yu Haiyang, Professor of College of Public Administration, Jilin University

Translated by Fei Jinglun

[ Editor: Zhang Zhou ]
Philipp Leckebusch, Chief Technology Officer, DTEK

The global energy system is undergoing an unprecedented transition shifting from fossil fuels to renewables such as wind, solar energy, biomass, and hydrogen. The change is driven by cutting-edge technologies opening new opportunities for both governments and businesses.

Decarbonization has become a new global trend, resulting in Europes Green Deal. It aims to build a carbon-neutral economy in the EU by 2050 while ensuring the sustainable development of all fields.

Due to the EUs strong desire to accelerate the energy transition, the Green Deal has become a European integration issue for Ukraine. The active position of Europe, facing a double challenge of climate change and post-COVID economic recovery, prompts both the Ukrainian government and the private sector to prepare for the necessary changes in the energy sector. Ensuring the flexibility and resilience of the domestic energy system is the top priority.

The launch of the Ukrainian energy system in synchronization mode with the European energy system ENTSO-E is planned for the third quarter of 2023. In 2022, the Ukrainian energy system will be tested in isolated mode. Before separating from the Russian energy system, Ukraine must ensure sufficient balancing and reserve capacities to prove that supplies are possible under all circumstances.

Integrating the Ukrainian energy system with the European one is an important element of Ukraine's energy security. The synchronization will improve the reliability and resilience of the Ukrainian energy system, expand the opportunities for exchanging electricity between countries, increase competition in the domestic market, and enable to work in the European energy market. But the Ukrainian energy system must become self-sufficient to achieve this.

In addition, the European Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will align import carbon prices and the industrial carbon prices within the EU Emissions Trading System. The CBAM will be proposed on July 14 and is expected to launch in 2023, also encompassing electricity supplies.

The EU Climate Law, officially adopted in late June, is soon to be published and enter into force. It requires reducing emissions 55% by 2030, accelerating the transition of the energy system to renewable and low-carbon sources.

In this regard, to integrate Ukraine into the EU, the largest market on our continent, timely regulatory and technical adjustments are required, to ensure a free flow of electricity between Ukraine and the EU in the future. It will, in turn, help realize Ukraine's potential for regional leadership in decarbonization and greatly contribute to the achievement of the European Union's carbon neutrality goals.

Mindful of all these challenges, DTEK recently launched the first Ukrainian industrial lithium-ion energy storage system (ESS) with 1 MW capacity and 2.25 MWh storage. The ESS was installed at the Zaporizka TPP in Enerhodar and can accumulate, store, and deliver electricity to grids, as well as provide services to ensure resilience and flexibility of the Ukrainian energy system. This is DTEK's pilot project to find optimal ESS operation models for various segments of the country's energy market.

In addition, the company recently launched tests to improve electricity generation projections for its solar and wind power plants. It is an important step to fully integrate renewables into the market by the end of next year. Close cooperation and real-time data exchange between RES (renewable energy sources) and the system operator will help radically minimize potential decreases in green energy use.

To this end, the Ukrainian ancillary services market must constantly develop to quickly and efficiently provide the required frequency maintenance reserve. In addition, investments in grid infrastructure and digitalization are now important to ensure efficient data management for the necessary flexibility.

Gradually ceasing coal generation, Ukraine must decide on a regulatory framework for new reserve capacity requirements, likely to include natural gas and options for a subsequent transition to hydrogen.

With rapidly growing but unstable solar and wind energy generation, there is a pressing need to increase the energy systems flexibility. In Ukraine, the optimal way to balance the energy system and avoid the RES limitations is to increase the flexibility of the energy system by attracting investments in the construction of highly adaptable generation and energy storage systems as soon as possible.

By implementing all available options for energy system flexibility, we will be able to complete this transition in the most efficient way and ensure the resilience of the Ukrainian energy system in a growing, dynamic environment.
Ukraine negotiating IMF tranche of about $0.7 bln in 2021, but won't experience shocks without it in 2021 - first dpty PM

The Ukrainian government still hopes to receive a tranche of about $0.7 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) program this year, Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko and his delegation are currently holding relevant negotiations in Washington, said First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy Oleksiy Liubchenko.

"Just at this moment, the Minister of Finance is at the International Monetary Fund for negotiations in the United States. It is about last year's sums - twice $700 million of summer-autumn ...," Liubchenko said at a press conference at the Ukraine 30 forum on Wednesday.

According to him, all the obligations assumed by the state and duly authorised by the government "in terms of institutional changes, direct actions of the government" have been fulfilled.

"Therefore, we very much hope that this tranche will be, because giving up cheap money is pointless," the Deputy Prime Minister added.

At the same time, he stressed that he does not expect economic shocks in Ukraine if the IMF tranche does not enter the country by the end of the year.

On June 9, 2020, the IMF approved a new 18-month Stand-By Arrangement for Ukraine for SDR3.6 billion (about $5 billion) with an immediate issue of $2.1 billion of the first tranche.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine welcomes the adoption by the summer session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (PA) on July 6 of an urgent resolution on "the Destabilizing Military Build-Up by the Russian Federation Near Ukraine in the Temporarily Occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol, Ukraine, the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov."

"The approval of this resolution once again confirmed the unity of the international community in condemning Russia's aggression against Ukraine. The increasing military presence poses a threat to European security," the ministry said in a commentary released by its press service on Tuesday evening.

It is emphasized that the resolution was initiated by the Permanent Delegation of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to the OSCE PA.

In the document, the OSCE PA called on the Russian Federation to end the illegal occupation of Crimea, withdraw its troops, weapons, military equipment from the occupied peninsula, and end constant conscription campaigns. In addition, the Assembly called on Russia to lift all restrictions on freedom of navigation in the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov and through the Kerch Strait.

Commenting on the adoption of the document, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that "this is an important contribution to international efforts to overcome the crisis of European security caused by Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine. The document contributes to the implementation of previous Assembly resolutions and fixes that Russia's aggression against Ukraine grossly violates the fundamental principles of the OSCE".
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine wants to receive an exhaustive list of reforms, the implementation of which will allow moving to the next stage of NATO integration.

"I agree that the key to a positive solution to our Euro-Atlantic aspirations is, first of all, the success of our reforms. And we will continue to do everything to accelerate the pace of reforms, including through the implementation of annual national programs under the auspices of the NATO-Ukraine Commission. But today we would like to receive an exhaustive list of reforms, the implementation of which will allow us to move on to the next stage of our integration into the Alliance," Zelensky said at the opening session "Strong Ukraine in a Stronger European and Euro-Atlantic Family" during the fourth international Ukraine Reform Conference, which is taking place in Vilnius.
A man who shot in Holosiyivsky district of Kyiv set fire to an apartment in which he locked himself, the residents of the building are being evacuated, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.

"A special police operation continues in Kyiv. During the negotiations, the attacker set fire to the apartment where he locked himself. Rescuers of the State Emergency Service took measures to extinguish the fire," according to a report on Facebook.

Now police officers are evacuating residents of a residential building.

At the same time, as can be seen from the live television broadcast by the journalists from the scene, the police took the man in handcuffs out of the building and drove away in a car.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has submitted proposals, for the imposition of personal special economic and other restrictive measures (sanctions) against individuals of the Republic of Belarus, for consideration by the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC).

The relevant decision was made at a government session on Wednesday.

In particular, in order to protect national interests, the Cabinet of Ministers submitted to the NSDC proposals for the imposition of personal special economic and other sanctions against individuals of the Republic of Belarus (the list of persons is not attached) for a period of three years.

It is noted that such a decision is related to the decision of the EU Council of October 2, 2020 and November 6, 2020 on the imposition of sanctions against individuals who are involved in the falsification of the results of the presidential elections in Belarus, as well as against persons who are involved in the violation of the declaration of human rights, intimidation, repression, violent suppression of peaceful protests, torture and detention, in particular of Ukrainian citizens.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and Vice President, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis discussed holding the next Ukraine Reform Conference.

"It's nice that Switzerland will host the fifth Ukraine Reform Conference in July 2022. The Ukrainian government is ready to cooperate closely on its holding," the presidential press service said, citing Zelensky.

During the meeting, special attention was paid to bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

"Switzerland is an important trade and economic partner of Ukraine in Europe and is among the top ten European countries in terms of trade. We also welcome the fact that Switzerland is one of the largest investors in the Ukrainian economy," Zelensky said.

The President of Ukraine called on the Swiss side to further implement large-scale investments and promising projects in various sectors of the economy, the report said.

The meeting was held in Vilnius as part of Zelensky's working trip to Lithuania.
The Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in Ukraine has sent a note to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine expressing concern about the insufficient measures taken by Ukraine to ensure the security of the diplomatic mission in Kyiv.

According to the press service of the Belarusian embassy, the diplomatic mission has repeatedly appealed to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry in order to strengthen measures to ensure the security of the embassy.

According to the diplomatic mission, on July 7, "during an authorized rally by members of the Belarusian diaspora near the Belarusian Embassy, radical elements from among the citizens of Ukraine attacked the protesters, as a result of which a number of persons, including representatives of the National Guard of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, received corporal injuries of varying severity: closed craniocerebral trauma, closed chest injury, lesions of the mucous membrane of the eyes and respiratory tract as a result of the use of a gas canister."

It is noted that two participants in the attack, citizens of Ukraine, were detained.

"Based on the analysis of the circumstances of the incident, it can be concluded that its purposeful and pre-planned nature. The embassy protested and insists that the specified incident be investigated as soon as possible by the law enforcement agencies of Ukraine, the situation has received the appropriate legal qualification, the perpetrators have suffered fair punishment, and the Ukrainian side took exhaustive measures to prevent such incidents at the Belarusian diplomatic mission," the embassy said in the statement.

It is emphasized that the Belarusian side considers these circumstances as an immediate threat to the security of the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in Ukraine and its personnel.

"The Embassy, in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of April 18, 1961, requires the Ukrainian side to ensure public order and security in the territory adjacent to the Belarusian diplomatic mission in Kyiv, and take measures to stop various provocative and illegal anti-Belarusian activities on the territory of Ukraine, the holding of which has acquired a regular, often radical character," the embassy said.
About 32% of Ukrainians may have antibodies to COVID-19 - preliminary research

About 32% of Ukrainians may have antibodies to COVID-19.

This was announced by the Director General of the Center for Public Health (CPH) Roman Rodyna at a press conference in Kyiv on Wednesday with reference to the preliminary results of an all-Ukrainian study of population immunity of the population.

"We now have preliminary results. The field stage began in June. According to existing results, about 32-33% of Ukrainians have antibodies [to COVID-19] for various reasons," he said.

According to Rodyna, more accurate research results can be obtained by the end of the summer.

As reported, in Ukraine on June 7, an all-Ukrainian study of the immune status to COVID-19 began, to which about 9,000 people were invited to participate throughout Ukraine.

The aim of the study is to determine the level of prevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 among the adult population of Ukraine. This will allow us to assess the intensity of the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic and determine the most affected population groups (by age, sex, territory of residence, etc.) to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Health, the Center for Public Health (CPH) of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the public organization Oleksandr Yaremenko Ukrainian Institute for Social Research, LLC "Dila" and the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, which jointly with the World Bank are financing the study.
The order regarding the establishment of uniforms for female military personnel, which provided for high-heeled shoes, was adopted back in 2017, Minister of Defense of Ukraine Andriy Taran says.

"Regarding the decisions of the Ministry of Defense on footwear for female military personnel. After some political forces inflated this issue by making an elephant out of a fly, I took some measures to neutralize these attacks and I believe that these attacks were inspired and unfounded. In particular, the order regarding the establishment of uniforms for female military personnel, which provided for such shoes, was adopted back in 2017. These are ordinary women's shoes for dress uniforms," the minister said at a government meeting on Wednesday.

The minister said that such shoes are really not comfortable. In this connection, the Ministry of Defense has developed a new model of shoes that have lacing, which makes it possible to take into account different shapes of the foot. Also, the new shoes will have a much smaller heel.

As reported earlier, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine informed that female cadets will march in high-heeled shoes at the Independence Day parade on Khreschatyk in Kyiv. This decision drew criticism from social media users and opposition politicians.

Later, MPs called on Defense Minister Andriy Taran to conduct an official investigation into the decision on the need for cadets to march in high-heeled shoes during the Independence Day parade on Khreshchatyk and ask for forgiveness from female military personnel.

Later, the Minister of Defense instructed to consider the possibility of purchasing samples of experimental models of shoes for women military specifically for the parade in honor of the Independence Day.
No later than 2022, Ukraine will receive a "mosquito fleet" with combat capabilities, Ukrainian Defense Minister Andriy Taran said.

"It is not a secret, especially for the Russians, what we really have. We do not have real weapons that can stop the invasion from the sea. But very soon, I think, no later than next year, we will have, with help from the United States, the United Kingdom, several small ships, a 'mosquito fleet,' but with real combat capabilities: with modern anti-ship missiles, modern electronic weapons that will allow us to pose a certain threat to the Russian naval forces," Taran said at a conference on Ukraine's reforms in Vilnius on Wednesday.

At the same time, the minister said this is not enough. "We are thinking about what type of anti-ship missiles we will acquire and from where to install on the corvette we are building in Turkey," Taran said.

The minister also spoke about attempts to develop capabilities with attack helicopters.

"We are making new blades for our attack helicopters, and they will also receive new anti-ship missiles that can be used against the enemy," Taran said.

"Mosquito Fleet" is a fleet of fast and maneuverable small combat ships.
On Friday, July 9, at 12.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a roundtable talk entitled "Is next line of confrontation between society, authorities being formed in Ukraine?" Participants include Director of the Institute of Global Strategies Vadym Karasiov; political expert Kostiantyn Matviyenko; Director of the Ukrainian Barometer sociological service Viktor Nebozhenko; co-founder of the national platform Dialogue on Peace and Safe Reintegration Oleh Saakian (8/5a Reitarska Street). The broadcast will be available on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Due to quarantine restrictions, the number of seats in the press center is limited. Admission of journalists requires registration on the spot.
Tunisia has submitted a draft resolution to the UN Security Council calling on Ethiopia to cease filling the reservoir of its controversial mega-dam on the Nile River, diplomatic sources said Tuesday.

The huge dam, set to be Africa's largest hydroelectric project when completed, has sparked an almost decade-long diplomatic stand-off between Addis Ababa and downstream nations Egypt and Sudan.

Ethiopia says the project is essential to its development, but Cairo and Khartoum fear it could restrict their citizens' water access.

Both governments have been urging Addis Ababa to ink a binding deal over the filling and the dam's operations, and calling on the UN Security Council to take up the matter.

The draft resolution, obtained by AFP, calls on "Egypt, Ethiopia, and the Sudan to resume negotiations at the joint invitation of the Chairperson of the African Union and the Secretary-General of the United Nations to finalize, within a period of six months, the text of a binding agreement on the filling and operation of the GERD." GERD is an acronym for the dam.

The resolution adds the agreement should "ensure Ethiopia's ability to generate hydropower from the GERD while preventing the inflicting of significant harm on the water security of downstream states."

It urges the "three countries to refrain from making any statements, or taking any action that may jeopardize the negotiation process, and urges Ethiopia to refrain from continuing to unilaterally fill the GERD reservoir."

Egypt said Monday night it had been notified by Addis Ababa that the second phase of filling had begun at the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the upper Blue Nile. Sudan said Tuesday it had received the same notice.

Addis Ababa had previously announced it would proceed to the second stage of filling in July, with or without a deal.

As the move threatened to aggravate tensions, Tunisia -- a non-permanent member of the Security Council -- requested an emergency meeting set for Thursday on the dam on behalf of Egypt and Sudan.

No date has been set for a vote on the draft resolution and diplomatic sources have said it is unlikely it will be put to a vote as early as Thursday's meeting.

Short link:


The United Nations Security Councils (UNSC) vote on the draft resolution Tunisia submitted on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) could be put off until next week, diplomatic sources in New York told Ahram Online.

The sources opined that extending the vote for a week will give Egypt and Sudan a chance to further explain the situation and secure the needed votes of UNSC member states to pass the draft resolution without amending it."

The ministerial meeting on Libya will be held in New York on 14 July. Therefore, it is better to push the vote on GERD back to 15-16 July to have the opportunity to meet the foreign ministers of the Security Council member states in person to further explain the issue and achieve a comprehensive understanding, the sources added.

Tunisia, the only Arab member of the 10 elected and non-permanent members of the UNSC, submitted last Friday an Egyptian-Sudanese GERD-focused draft resolution to the UN body, which is due to convene on Thursday upon the request of Cairo and Khartoum to discuss the issue.

According to AFP, the draft resolution calls on "Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan to resume negotiations at the joint invitation of the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) and the Secretary-General of the United Nations to finalise, within a period of six months, the text of a binding agreement on the filling and operation of the GERD."

The resolution stresses that the agreement should "ensure Ethiopia's ability to generate hydropower from the GERD while preventing the inflicting of significant harm on the water security of downstream states."

It also urges the "three countries to refrain from making any statements, or taking any action that may jeopardise the negotiation process, and urges Ethiopia to refrain from continuing to unilaterally fill the GERD reservoir."

Ethiopia has already commenced its second-year filling of the GERD as Egypt and Sudan announced on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, that Addis Ababa had notified them of its unilateral move, which both downstream countries rejected with Cairo describing it as a "blatant and dangerous" violation of international laws as well as the Declaration of Principles signed in 2015.

Should the draft resolution be passed, in light of the current version of its text, Ethiopia has to halt its ongoing second filling of the GERDs 74 bcm reservoir and postpone it to summer 2022. The filling takes places during the flood season  which starts in July and ends in September.

During the daily press briefing, Spokesman for the Secretary-General of the UN Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday that Inger Andersen, the executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Political Affairs department will both have a briefing following Thursdays UNSC session on GERD.

What is also important is that there be no unilateral action that would undermine any search for solutions. So, its important that people recommit themselves to engage in good faith in a genuine process, Dujarric told journalists on Tuesday.

Solutions to this need to be guided by example by solutions that have been found for others who share waterways, who share rivers, and that is based on the principle of equitable and reasonable utilisation and the obligation not to cause significant harm, Dujarric added.

Throughout the decade-long negotiations, Ethiopia has been evadeing the legally binding deal that Egypt and Sudan are seeking on the filling and operation of the GERD, and only seeks guidelines that can be modified any time at its discretion. Ethiopia has also been opposing any international mediation proposed by the two downstream countries to facilitate negotiations and bring the views closer.

In the past few days, Egypts Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry held intensive consultations with the council permanent state members representatives ahead of Thursdays GERD session, highlighting Egypt's stance that is based on the need to reach a legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam that takes into account the interests of the three countries and preserves Egypt's water rights and interests.

In earlier statements, Shoukry said requesting a GERD-focused session aimed at placing the UNSC and the international community before their responsibilities because the GERD issue threatens international peace, security and stability, and the UNSC has to rectify this and work to contain any possible escalation.

Egypt, which relies on the world's longest River Nile for more than 95 per cent of its renewable water resources, fears the unilateral filling and operation of the massive dam will significantly diminish its water supply, which at 560 m3 per person annually, is already well below the international threshold for water scarcity.

The country, whose 100 million-plus population is expected to increase by 75 million by 2050, is considered one of the most water-scarce countries in the world as it receives around 60 bcm annually  the majority of which flow from the River Nile  though its needs stand at 114 bcm.

Sudan said the unilateral filling of GERD would threaten the lives of millions of its people living downstream the dam, jeopardise the operational safety of its dams, and consequently risk Sudan's national security.

Short link:


The UN Security Council is convening on Thursday to discuss the issue of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as prompted by Egypt and Sudan. Below is everything you need to know about the situation.

Why is the UN Security Council meeting?

In a move that has been called disturbing and alarming by Egyptian and Sudanese officials, Ethiopia has begun the second filling of the GERD.

Ethiopias reiteration that it would complete the dam filling in the rainy season despite the lack of a binding agreement with Egypt and Sudan on the filling and operation of the dam prompted Egypt and Sudan to request the second UNSC meeting in two years. The UNSC decision to hold the second session, according to the foreign ministry, is a testament of the depth of the political relations between Egypt and the UNSC.

Egypts Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry arrived in New York on Sunday to gather support for a draft resolution that takes into account the interests of all parties involved; meeting with the five permanent member states of the UNSC (US, Britain, China, Russia, and France) on Tuesday to confirm Egypts stance on the issue.

The talks between the three parties had been mediated unsuccessfully in the past by the US and the World bank, followed by the African union with the World Bank and the US acting as observers.

Now the matter is being escalated to the UNSC in order to gather support from UNSC member states for Egypt and Sudans stance.

How far along is the dams construction?

The construction of the dam is stalling as Ethiopia struggles to pay the construction companies to finish the dam, according to an informed Egyptian official.

Ethiopias original plans for the dam envisioned a filling of the dam to 14 billion cubic meters of water; yet delays in the dam construction mean that the dam is unlikely to store more than nine billion cubic meters of water.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is trying to get the first two turbines of the dam to work as soon as possible to deliver electricity to the Ethiopian people in an attempt to rally support in light of the recent civil conflict in the country.

What is Egypt and Sudans stance on the issue?

Egypt and Sudan oppose the unilateral filling of the dam as a move that is likely to compromise their water rights and have requested the UNSC meeting to discuss reaching a binding agreement between the three parties to the chagrin of the Ethiopian government which denounced the interference of the UNSC.

What is the stance of Arab nations at the UNSC?

Tunisia, which is the only Arab member of the UNSC, expressed its full support for Egypt and Sudan in their attempts to secure a legally binding agreement on the dam.

Why has the situation escalated to the UNSC?

The UNSC meeting comes after one year of unproductive negotiations mediated by the African Union due to Ethiopias obstinance and their insistence that a legally binding agreement is unnecessary.

What is the importance of the UNSC meeting?

In a phone interview with El-Kahera Wal Nas TV channel, FM Shoukry highlighted the importance of the UNSC meeting after the failure of 10 years of negotiations.

We will place the responsibility on the UNSC and the international community because the GERD issue threatens international peace, security, and stability, and the UNSC has to rectify this and work to contain any possible escalation, Shoukry said.

What is the outcome that Egypt and Sudan are aiming for?

Shoukry called on the UNSC to take a stance in the situation in order to increase the chances of reaching an agreement that satisfies all parties involved.

Shoukry maintained that the matter is being discussed with members in intensive consultations to determine the framework of this outcome and what it aims for.

What is the solution proposed to the UNSC?

Diplomatic sources confirmed on Tuesday that Tunisia has submitted a draft resolution to the UNSC calling to cease the filling of the mega-dam.

The draft resolution, obtained by AFP, calls on Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan to resume negotiations at the joint invitation of the Chairperson of the African Union and the secretary-general of the United Nations to finalise, within a period of six months, the text of a binding agreement on the filling and operation of the GERD.

The resolution also maintains that the agreement should ensure Ethiopias ability to generate hydropower without inflicting significant harm on the water security of downstream states.

The draft also urged the three countries to refrain from making any statements or taking any actions that may jeopardise the negotiation process.

When is the Draft going to be put to a vote?

The draft is expected to be put to a vote at the UNSC in Thursdays meeting; yet it could be pushed back till next week to give Egypt and Sudan a chance to explain the situation and secure the votes of the UNSC to pass the draft resolution without amending it.

Where can the situation go from here?

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi stated on Saturday evening that negotiations over the dam cannot go on forever, reaffirming Shoukrys statement that all options are on the table.

Short link:


Chairman of Egypts Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Osama Rabie said on Wednesday that a settlement was reached with the Evergreen Marine Corporation concerning its Ever Given ship, which had blocked navigation through the Suez Canal for nearly a week in March.

During a press conference, Rabie witnessed the signing ceremony of the deal between the SCA and the owner of the 400-metre vessel.

Following the inking of the deal, the ship resumed its journey to leave the Suez Canal, heading towards Europes largest seaport of Rotterdam following nearly four months of being idle.

It was escorted by two tugboats and guided by two senior transit guides while heading across the Great Bitter Lake and all the way through the navigational course of the Suez Canal.

On Tuesday, the Ismailiya Economic Court agreed to lift its impound order against the giant Ever Given ship, allowing it to leave the canal on Wednesday as per the request of the SCA so it can continue its voyage to Rotterdam.

The Ever Given, one of the worlds largest container ships, ran aground diagonally across the canal on March 23, halting traffic in both directions for nearly a week. The ship was refloated on 29 March by a fleet of Egyptian tugboats and diggers.

The vessel has since been idle in a lake between two sections of the canal under court order until the compensation claimed by the SCA is paid.

The SCA had demanded $916 million in compensation to cover salvage efforts, reputational damage, and lost revenue before publicly lowering the request to $550 million.

On 13 April, an Egyptian court ordered the mega-ship be impounded after Shoei Kisen, the Japanese ship owner, refused to pay the required sum.

An appeal filed by the ship owner against the impounding order was rejected by an Egyptian appeals court, which allowed the SCA to keep holding the vessel.

During Wednesdays ceremony, Khalid Abu Bakr, the SCAs lawyer, stressed that the canal authority was committed to keeping the terms of the agreement confidential.

Abu Bakr, Captain Montaser El-Sukari  an expert in maritime transport  and Captain Sayed Shuaisha  advisor to the SCA  were honoured by Rabie during Wednesdays ceremony by presenting them the shield of the SCA for their exerted efforts during the last period.

The SCA will always be able to provide its services with the latest capabilities for all ships of all sizes, tonnage, and types, and will also remain keen to continue development and modernisation, Rabie said.

Short link:


Al-Azhars Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayyeb has reiterated his support for the Egyptian and Sudanese governments in the pursuit of their water rights, reaffirming that the matter cannot tolerate complacency.

El-Tayyeb made the statements ahead of a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) session that will be held on Thursday at the request of Egypt and Sudan over the GERD dispute.

El-Tayyeb called on the international, African, Arab and Islamic communities to stand shoulder-to-shoulder and assist Egypt and Sudan in protecting their water rights and to confront those that claim ownership over the Nile, which he described as public property that is an important resource for life.

The Grand Imam, who presides over the Sunni Muslim worlds top religious institution, re-affirmed that supporting Egypts leadership is an inarguable duty.

Al-Tayyeb stressed that all religions agree that the resources necessary for life, such as rivers, are public property, and under no circumstances is it right for an individual or state to take ownership of them alone.

Al-Tayyeb also said that taking over a God-given resource like water is tantamount to theft and an act of aggression.

The Nile is the lifeblood of Egypt, which has always been and still is an advocate of peace and stability for all. Therefore, defending the rights of its people to secure their share of water is a duty that cannot be disputed. If it is acknowledged that no one can take away Ethiopias right to develop and benefit from the river, then no one can also take away the historical right of the Egyptian people to the waters of the Nile, said El-Tayyeb.

Short link:


Kuwait and Jordan on Wednesday each reiterated support for the Egyptian and Sudanese rights to the River Niles waters, urging a negotiated solution in the dispute with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

Earlier this week, Ethiopia notified Egypt and Sudan that it had started the second phase of filling its massive dams reservoir despite the lack of a binding agreement with the downstream countries on the filling and operation of the dam.

The Kuwaiti foreign ministry has called for the international community to intensify its efforts, along with the African Union and the League of Arab States, to facilitate the resumption of negotiations between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia.

Negotiations should lead to a solution to the GERD issue that conforms to the principles of international law and agreements and that go in line with the rights and interests of the three countries and other Nile basin states, the ministry said in a statement.

Kuwait affirmed the need for a comprehensive and permanent solution to the GERD dispute that meets the aspiration of the regions peoples.

The ministry also hailed the efforts made by Egypt and Sudan to contain the crisis, as they call for resolving the dispute in accordance with international law.

The statement highlighted Kuwaits support for international efforts to find a solution to tackle this vital and sensitive issue.

The Jordanian foreign ministry said that the water security of both Egypt and Sudan is an inseparable part of Arab national security, reiterating the kingdoms absolute support for Egypt and Sudan in protecting their rights.

Jordan affirmed the need to reach a negotiated solution to the GERD crisis in a way that protects the rights of all parties to the River Nile.

The ministry affirmed the need to refrain from any unilateral action that is carried out without a fair agreement between the three nations based on international law.

The intensive efforts Egypt and Sudan are making to reach a negotiated agreement on the dam issue reflects their keenness to achieve justice in the distribution of Nile waters in a way that prevents tension and reinforces cooperation, the Jordanian ministry added.

On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia also voiced support for the call by Egypt and Sudan for a solution to the GERD crisis based on the principles of international law.

The kingdom also affirmed support for the international efforts to reach a binding deal to end the GERD crisis.

The United Nations Security Council is set to hold a session on the GERD issue on Thursday.

As Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and his Sudanese counterpart Mariam Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi arrived in New York to prepare for the UNSC meeting, the Ethiopian water ministry sent letters to the two countries notifying them about the start of the GERD filling for the second year in a row.

Egypt and Sudan have condemned the move by Ethiopia, with Shoukry warning that all options are open.

Shoukry has held intensive talks with foreign officials in New York ahead of the UNSC session to explain Egypts stance on the GERD dispute.

On Tuesday, the Egyptian FM met with the representatives of Russia, China, Britain, the US, and France, the five permanent member states of the UNSC.

Ethiopia rejects the intervention of the UNSC and the Arab League in the GERD issue, and says it is sticking to the African Union-sponsored talks.

The African Union talks have failed to achieve any progress in the GERD issue, with Egypt and Sudan blaming the failure on Ethiopia's intransigence and intention to impose fait accompli on the two downstream states.

Short link:


Egypt sent on Wednesday four military planes carrying 38 tons of medical aid to Sudan to support the countrys health sector in its fight against the coronavirus and Hepatitis C, the Egyptian Health Ministry said in a statement.

The aid includes 300 oxygen cylinders and 300 oxygen regulators, as well as a shipment of Hepatitis C medicines that are enough to treat 11,000 patients, which is part of the Egyptian presidencys initiative to treat 1 million Hepatitis C patients in Africa, the ministry said.

Egypts Health Minister Hala Zayed, who is also the head of the executive bureau of the Arab League's council of health ministers, ordered sending a shipment of anesthetics and medical supplies worth $200,000 provided by the League of Arab States, the statement said.

Zayed is also set to head to Sudan on Wednesday night within the framework of exchanging visits between Egypt and Sudan and enhancing cooperation between their health sectors, the statement said.

The statement affirmed that the air bridge between the two states will continue to transport medical aid from Egypt to Sudan and meet any requirements of the Sudanese health system.

A statement by the Egyptian armys spokesman explained that the four military planes took off from Cairo East Air Base to contribute to alleviating the burdens on Sudanese citizens.

Sudan has expressed gratitude to Egypt for its support during difficult times, affirming the importance of this aid to the Sudanese health sector, the military statement added.

Short link:


US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Tuesday to ensure unhindered humanitarian access to the war-torn region of Tigray.

Blinken called for the complete withdrawal of Eritrean and Amhara forces from Tigray, as well as the "full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access to populations in need," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a readout of a phone call between Blinken and Ahmed.

Blinken also condemned "the destruction of bridges into Tigray, and other impediments to access," according to Price.

The demand for humanitarian access was among steps, including the establishment of a process to hold accountable the people responsible for human rights abuses and atrocities in Ethiopia, originally outlined by the UN Security Council on July 2.

"The secretary stressed the need for all parties to the conflict to commit to an immediate, indefinite, negotiated ceasefire," Price added.

Tigray has been the scene of fighting since Ahmed sent the army in early November to topple dissident regional authorities.

Ethiopian officials have been accused of cutting off the region when they announced a unilateral ceasefire immediately after Tigray Defence Forces recaptured the regional capital Mekele from the Ethiopian army late last month.

"In addition, the secretary emphasized the urgency of holding an inclusive political dialogue to begin the difficult work of forging a lasting resolution to the country's ethnic and political divisions," Price said.

The call came on the day the European Union's humanitarian chief Janez Lenarcic condemned Ethiopian authorities for cutting off the region, saying humanitarian teams and aid were being "prevented from entering Tigray and from delivering much needed assistance."

The Blinken readout made no mention of Ethiopia beginning to fill its controversial mega-dam on the Nile River.

But Price in speaking to reporters acknowledged that Ethiopia's unilateral move "has the potential to raise tensions."

The huge dam, set to be Africa's largest hydroelectric project when completed, has sparked a nearly decade-long diplomatic stand-off between Addis Ababa and downstream nations Egypt and Sudan.

Tunisia has submitted to the UN Security Council a draft resolution, obtained by AFP, calling on Ethiopia to cease filling the reservoir, but no date has been set for a vote on the draft.

Short link:


Medical charity Doctors Without Borders said Wednesday it is halting work in some parts of Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray region after the "brutal murder" of three of its staff last month.

"MSF announces the suspension of its activities in Abi Adi, Adigrat and Axum, in central and eastern Tigray. MSF teams in other areas of Tigray will continue cautiously to provide assistance to people in urgent need," the group, known by its French acronym MSF, said in a statement.

It also called for an "immediate investigation" into the killings.

At least 12 aid workers have been killed in Tigray since fighting broke out last November between the Ethiopian military and forces loyal to the region's former ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).

MSF announced on June 25 that one Spanish and two Ethiopian employees had been killed, although details of the attack including who was responsible remain unknown.

MSF named the Spanish victim as 35-year-old aid coordinator Maria Hernandez from Madrid.

She started working with MSF in 2015 in the Central African Republic and had since worked in Yemen, Mexico and Nigeria.

The other victims were Yohannes Halefom Reda, a 31-year-old coordination assistant who had joined MSF in February, and Tedros Gebremariam Gebremichael, also 31, who had been a driver for the charity since May.

The issue of humanitarian access has taken on fresh urgency since pro-TPLF fighters -- now rebranded as the Tigray Defence Forces (TDF) -- retook control of the regional capital Mekele last week.

Abiy's government declared a unilateral ceasefire the same day, but world leaders have warned of a possible "siege" of the region, with bridges into Tigray destroyed and access restricted.

Ethiopia has said the claims that it wants to starve the Tigrayan population are "beyond the pale".

The United Nations has also warned that roughly 350,000 people are on the brink of famine, while the United States has put the figure as high as 900,000.

Short link:


Iran on Wednesday hosted the first significant talks in months between Taliban and Afghan government representatives, a surprise meeting that comes as the US completes its withdrawal from Afghanistan and districts fall to the Taliban across the country.

The high-level peace talks between the warring sides follow months-old discussions in Qatar that have been stalled by a diplomatic stalemate and escalating violence.

Even as officials faced each other across vast tables in Tehran and Iran's top diplomat pledged to end the crisis, fighting surged in Afghanistan's western Badghis province.

The Taliban political committee, led by chief negotiator Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, flew from Doha to Iran's capital to meet Afghan government officials, including former Vice President Younus Qanooni and others from the High Council for National Reconciliation.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif greeted the delegates, urging them to ``take difficult decisions today for the future of their country,`` state-run media reported.

After the ``failure of the U.S. in Afghanistan,'' Zarif said, Iran stands ``ready to assist the dialogue'' and to ``resolve the current conflicts in the country.``

``Returning to the inter-Afghan negotiation table and committing to political solutions is the best choice,'' he added.

But any solution appeared a long way off Wednesday as the Taliban offensive, which has recently captured many districts in the country's north, pushed into the western Badghis province.

The insurgents attacked the provincial capital of Qala-e-Naw from several sides, its governor Hasamuddin Shams said, adding that Afghan troops had so far managed to push the Taliban fighters back.

From the early hours of Wednesday morning, battles have raged near the provincial police headquarters and a Qala-e-Naw army base, said Abdul Aziz beg, head of the provincial council in Badghis.

Videos widely circulated on social media appeared to show Taliban fighters speeding into the provincial capital on motorcycles. Other clips show insurgents approaching the city's prison and releasing inmates. The Associated Press could not independently verify the authenticity of the footage.

Fawad Aman, the Afghan defense minister's deputy spokesman, promised security forces would clear the city in the coming hours. The Taliban have not publicly commented on the violence in Qala-e-Naw.

The surge of fighting, and the sudden news of peace talks in Tehran, come at a critical time for the war-battered country.

After a two-decade-long military campaign, the US military announced on Tuesday that 90% of American troops and equipment had already left the country, with the drawdown set to finish by late August.

Last week, US officials definitively vacated the country's biggest airfield, Bagram Air Base, the epicenter of the war to oust the Taliban and hunt down the al-Qaida perpetrators of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on America.

The Taliban have made relentless territorial wins since April, when President Joe Biden announced the last 2,500-3,500 US soldiers and 7,000 allied NATO soldiers would depart Afghanistan.

With their victories in northern and southern Afghanistan, the Taliban are escalating pressure on provincial cities and gaining control of key transportation routes.

Afghanistan's uncertain path toward peace bears profound consequences for Iran, its western neighbor, which hosts hundreds of thousands of undocumented Afghans.

Fears have grown in Iran over a wave of Afghans seeking refuge in the country, which already is struggling to stem worsening poverty under tough US sanctions.

Short link:


Syrian Kurdish forces said they repelled drone attacks Wednesday near a major base of the US-led coalition battling Islamic State group remnants, in the second such attack in days.

"Our frontline forces against IS and coalition forces in the area of the Omar oil field dealt with drone attacks," the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces said.

They said initial reports indicated the attacks had caused no damage.

It was the second such attempted attack in days after the SDF reported "two unidentified rocket-propelled grenades landed on the western side of the al-Omar oil field" late Sunday, without causing casualties.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor with sources inside Syria, said pro-Iran militias had probably launched the drones from a rural area outside the town of Al-Mayadeen southwest of the oil field.

The failed drone attacks came as a coalition spokesman said 14 rockets were fired at the Ain al-Assad air base which hosts American troops in neighbouring Iraq.

Pro-Iran militias also fired several shells at Al-Omar on Monday last week, causing damage but no casualties, the Observatory said.

The shelling came after the US launched air strikes the previous night against three targets it said were used by pro-Iran groups in eastern Syria and western Iraq.

Iran and Russia have been key backers of the Damascus regime in Syria's decade-old conflict.

Short link:


UAE and Iran officials met in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday and discussed enhancing ties, in a possible sign of improving relations between Gulf countries and Tehran.

The United Arab Emirates' deputy prime minister, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, met Iranian charge d'affaires Sayed Mohammad Hosseini to address "ways of enhancing bilateral cooperation to serve mutual interests of the two friendly countries", the official WAM news agency reported.

"Issues of common interest were also discussed."

The charge d'affaires is the highest-ranking Iranian diplomat in the UAE, and Sheikh Mansour is the brother of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed. He is also minister of presidential affairs.

Abu Dhabi downgraded its relations with Tehran in January 2016 amid fierce rivalry between close Emirati ally Saudi Arabia and the Islamic republic.

Additionally, the UAE claims the Iran-controlled Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunb islands located in the Gulf near the entrance to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of world oil output passes.

However, in August last year the Iranian and Emirati foreign ministers discussed the region's coronavirus outbreaks and other issues in rare talks held by videoconference.

The UAE has also said previously that Arab states in the gulf should take part in "collective diplomacy" to reach an agreement with Iran amid increased tensions between Washington and Tehran over its nuclear programme.

The UAE and Iran maintain diplomatic relations but have traditionally stood on opposite sides of regional issues.

Wednesday's meeting between the two officials also comes amid talks -- hosted by Baghdad -- between Riyadh and Tehran.

Tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia and its allies rose in 2019 after a series of mysterious attacks on tankers in sensitive Gulf waters, with Washington blaming them on Iran. Tehran denied the charges.

Iran's foreign ministry said in May that the Islamic republic is continuing talks with regional rival Saudi Arabia in a "good atmosphere", in the hope of reaching a "common understanding".

*This story was edited by Ahram Online.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


President Joe Biden will host Jordan's King Abdullah II at the White House on July 19.

The White House says Abdullah, Queen Rania and Crown Prince Hussein will visit with the Bidens to ``highlight the enduring and strategic partnership between the United States and Jordan.''

White House press secretary Jen Psaki says the visit ``will be an opportunity to discuss the many challenges facing the Middle East and showcase Jordan's leadership role in promoting peace and stability in the region.''

*This story was edited by Ahram Online.





Short link:


Media Hub has announced an open call for short feature filmmakers to submit their ideas to the first round of the production opportunity held by the company.

Founded by Ihab Gohar and Mohamed El-Saadi in 1990, Media Hub specialises in advertisement and more recently started dabbling in film production.

The invitation extended to short feature filmmakers aims to support creative works that open new horizons in the Arab viewer's relationship with short film art.

Screenwriters and young directors can participate by submitting film scenarios and will be evaluated by a competent committee to select films that the company will produce.

Conditions of participation:

- Movie duration should not exceed 15 minutes.

- The film has never received any productive support, awards, or participated in development workshops.

- Intellectual Property Rights of the submitted works are documented.

- The participants should be Egyptian citizens and the film production should take place in Egypt.

- Only one entry per participant is allowed.



How to participate

Send an Email to [email protected] with the following:

- Full scenario in PDF format and treatment not exceeding 200 words.

- Detailed CVs of the scriptwriter and director.

Deadline to receive entries via email is 10 August 2021.

The selected films will be announced in October 2021, followed by the development, production, and presentation process of the movies according to the schedule set by Media Hub.

For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture

Short link:


Last Saturday, President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi inaugurated the 3 July naval base in Gargoub equidistant from the border with Libya and the Mohamed Naguib military base, opened in July 2018 west of Alexandria. The 3 July naval base, now the largest facility of its kind in Egypt, is part of the Egyptian militarys drive to upgrade the capacities of the navy. The plans include building five naval bases to defend Egypts 2,200km of coastline. The newly created Southern Fleet is already stationed at the recently inaugurated Berenice base on the Red Sea.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Abu Dhabis Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the chairman of Libyas Presidency Council Mohamed Al-Menfi, and officials from other of Egypts allies. The ceremony also saw the launching of the Qader 2021 military drill, a comprehensive training exercise involving all branches of the Armed Forces.

The progress achieved in the modernisation drive can only be described as a quantum leap. Military advancement is part and parcel of the ambitious comprehensive development project Egypt initiated seven years ago, something the inaugural document of the 3 July naval base captures eloquently when it described the setting up of the base as part of our responsibility to strengthen the comprehensive power of the state, to maximise Egyptian capacities in all fields and sectors, foremost of which is the Armed Forces whose role is to protect the states wealth, and in pursuance of the process of strengthening the pillars of the Egyptian national security in all strategic directions.

The keynote speech by the commander of the Egyptian Navy Lieutenant General Ahmed Khaled conveyed five key messages. The first reflected the growth of Egypts naval capacities within the context of the comprehensive modernisation programme. The 3 July base is the latest cornerstone in the development of logistic hubs that will serve Egyptian forces in the Red Sea and Mediterranean  two of the most vitally strategic regions in the world  in their mission to safeguard national security, protect maritime economic resources, and combat terrorism, illegal migration and smuggling. Built on 10 million square metres, the new facility houses 48 state-of-the-art vessels, including two FREMM (Bergamini) multi-purpose frigates, a Gowind-class corvette, a Type 209 submarine, and numerous long- and short-range patrol craft.

The composition of vessels covers all the operational, logistical, structural and training requirements of the Egyptian navy. Above all, it meets the need for rapid deployment to address potential threats. It is noteworthy that the countries that produce some of this hardware only offer it to countries they trust and that have the capacity to use it effectively. This is the case with the Italian-made FREMM frigates and the German-made 209/1400 type submarine, one of the most advanced in the world. Some of the ships are multipurpose vessels, capable of performing air, surface, and below the surface naval tasks, as is the case with the Gowind-class corvette, an Egyptian-made vessel manufactured in the framework of the French-Egyptian partnership between the Alexandrian Arsenal and the French Naval Group.

The bases second message is the added value it contributes to the Egyptian development process. This is a feature that characterises the worlds great navies, including the US Navy which has long performed strategic development functions both at home and abroad. In the case of the new Egyptian base, the dual military-civilian function can be seen in the commercial wharf, which is equipped for logistic operations that serve commercial maritime traffic. After all, 90 per cent of world trade is transported by sea, a large proportion of which travels through the Suez Canal.

A quick glance at the map of the north coast shows the locations of the maritime bases, the 3 July, Mohamed Naguib, and Arish, align with three axes of Egyptian development (the New Valley, the western Delta, and the Suez Canal Corridor). The same, of course, applies to the Red Sea and the vital maritime route from the Suez Canal to the Bab Al-Mandeb. Clearly, Egypt is gearing up for a phase of growing trade and economic cooperation, starting with Libya which is on the threshold of recovery.

The third message to be taken from Ahmed Khaleds address relates to Egyptian military diplomacy. The 3 July base is fully equipped to facilitate the joint training drills and manoeuvres Egypt conducts with allied and friendly nations. It was no coincidence that the Qader 2021 drills were launched in tandem with the inauguration of the base. In the last few years Egypts navy has taken part in 34 joint drills with 17 nations and 70 transit naval exercises with some of the most important navies in the world. Some of these took place within the framework of military cooperation agreements with Eastern Mediterranean states (as was the case with the Medusa drills with Greece and Cyprus), while others were conducted as part of ongoing series of military drills with world powers, from the US and Europe to Russia. To illustrate the variety of theatres involved, the Egyptian-Russian Friendship Bridge 3 drills last year were carried out in the Black Sea.

Activity in the north is complemented by similar activities with allies to the south, most notably with Sudan, Djibouti and Kenya in Africa, and Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain in the eastern Red Sea and the Gulf. Not only do these drills with regional and international parties testify to the diversity and depth of Egypts relations, but they also reflect the growing quality of preparedness of the Egyptian naval forces which, in turn, has attracted Egypts partners to working more closely with them in various domains, not least being defence manufactures.

The fourth message is one of peace and security. As Lieutenant General Khaled said: Without security and stability the region cannot have development. The Middle East is in the midst of one of the most conflict-ridden eras of its history. Egypt has not been directly involved in any of the conflicts, but it has been adversely affected by them, and in some cases immediately threatened. The bottom line is that Egypt is determined to avoid futile and costly wars, to which end it has developed an effective military deterrent. The damage caused by the conflicts and crises that have afflicted the region during the past decade will cost trillions to repair. According to UN experts, restoring conditions just to the point before collapse will take 45 to 50 years in Syria, 26 to 40 years in Yemen, and 15 to 20 years in Libya.

In his speech at the inauguration of the 3 July naval base, Brigadier General Yasser Wahba summed up the Egyptian militarys creed. We are not advocates of wars, conflicts, or disputes. But if we are forced to fight in the defence of our rights and the gains of our people we are prepared and willing. History has affirmed to one and all that while Egypt possesses great reserves of patience it will never compromise on its rights.

Wahba continued: Egypt is well aware that its national security is linked to Arab national security. Egypts unceasing quest to acquire military power derives from its desire to achieve peace.

It was not surprising that the question of the dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) arose during the inauguration of the 3 July naval base. In an address during a luncheon on the base, President A-Sisi said that Cairo seeks to conclude a binding legal agreement on the dam in accordance with international principles and conventions. He stressed that Egypt appreciates and understands Ethiopias development needs but that development should not be pursued at the expense of others. In this context, he said: Egypt has never threatened anyone in its history, even though it possesses the military strength, only a small part of which was seen in the Qader 2021 manoeuvre.

The fifth message is clearly indicated in the choice of name for the base, the 3 July. As Lieutenant General Khaled said, it is the name of a great memory. Development and modernisation are both a working agenda and a philosophy. Egypt defeated the Muslim Brotherhood through the unity of its citizens whose shared history, culture and civilisation proved no less formidable than conventional weapons. Weapons, alone, cannot defeat extremist ideas and organisations that espouse and practise violence, and on the march that led to 3 July 2013, the turning point that marked the beginning of the process of the recovery of the Egyptian state, it was not weapons that won the day but the spirit of the Egyptian people.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 8 July, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

Short link:


The prime minister of Egypt and the vice president of South Sudan are scheduled to chair the High Level Egypt-South Sudan Committee at its meeting in Cairo later this month, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the independence of South Sudan in July 2011.

The committee is set to examine a range of cooperation projects between the two countries, mostly in irrigation, agriculture, healthcare, and education. The committee meeting is only one event in a steady flow of exchanges between officials in Cairo and Juba.

Earlier this month, Minister of Irrigation Mohamed Abdel-Ati visited South Sudan for talks on bilateral cooperation that included the digging of wells and the construction of dams for irrigation and electricity generation purposes.

Egypt has also been helping South Sudan to build and operate water points. Abdel-Atis visit came a few weeks after a visit by counterpart Manawa Peter Gatkuoth to Cairo.

Minister of Health Hala Zayed is scheduling a meeting in Juba in the coming days. Security and military officials have also been engaged in an expanding process of consultation and cooperation.

I think it is safe to say that the exchanges of visits by officials reflect the commitment of both countries to take their bilateral relations, traditionally good, onto wider avenues, said Mohamed Kadah, Egypts ambassador to South Sudan.

The visit of President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi to Juba in November last year was very telling of the new page of close cooperation between our two countries, he said.

On 29 November, Al-Sisi made a groundbreaking one-day visit to Juba where he agreed with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir on the pursuit of strategic cooperation between the two countries.

It was the first visit by an Egyptian head of state to Juba since the independence of South Sudan on 9 July 2011 after a referendum on the separation of South Sudan and Sudan conducted in the second week of January the same year.

In June 2008, former president Hosni Mubarak visited Juba in another rare visit after former president Gamal Abdel-Nasser visited the city in 1962.

According to a retired Egyptian diplomat who managed Sudanese-Egyptian relations in the 1990s, Egypt tried hard to encourage the unity of Sudan under ousted former Sudanese president Omar Al-Bashir.

But Al-Bashir had it in his mind that he would force his political Islamist agenda on the entire population, which to start with did not all subscribe to the Muslim faith. Even those who did were not in favour of Al-Bashirs political manipulations, he said.

In the 1960s, he said, and after the separation of Sudan and Egypt in the 1950s, Egypt was very keen to reach out to all the Sudanese people, particularly given the strategic significance of all of Sudan for Egypt, he added.

For Egypt, Sudan and South Sudan are the closest of the Nile Basin countries. Obviously, irrigation and water cooperation are key. South Sudan is a country with many water resources, but it is still working on building up its expertise in water management. We are there to share and pass on our expertise and to help South Sudan with a wide range of water projects, Kadah stated.

In June, Abdel-Ati said that Egypt had signed a technical cooperation protocol with South Sudan to prepare a draft for feasibility studies for the construction of the multi-purpose Wau Dam in South Sudan.

The dam, which will be built on the Siwi River, aims to generate 10.40 Megawatts (MW) of electricity, in addition to providing drinking water for about 500,000 people and allowing for the supplementary irrigation of up to 40,000 feddans of land.

Egypt is also undertaking low-profile discussions with South Sudan on the potential revival of the Jongli Canal project designed to divert otherwise wasted water from the vast Sudd Wetlands into the White Nile, adding some eight billion cubic metres of water that could be shared by South Sudan, Sudan, and Egypt.

The project, under consideration since the early decades of the 20th century, was initiated in the late 1970s under former president Anwar Al-Sadat but was put on hold and eventually suspended in the mid-1980s due to the civil war in Sudan.

A source at the Ministry of Irrigation said that no agreement had been reached on the resumption of the project.

This is not just a technical matter. There are other sides to the story, including political issues for example, he said. While the Project is certainly worth the effort and the money, especially as it is more than half done, it has not been easy to find the necessary budget, he added.

According to officials at the Egyptian ministry of irrigation the proposed Jongli Canal would serve the interests of South Sudan, as well as those of Sudan and Egypt, given that it is not just about the possible increase of Egypts share of the White Nilebut also about the large-scale agricultural expansion that South Sudan could see as a result of the project.

However, the same sources say, Egypt and South Sudan are going through a step-by-step approach given the many details that require careful and thorough examination.

According to Kadah, for now, Egypt is hard at work with South Sudan on maximising the use of its water resources, cleaning up waterweed, and building small dams and modern water stations, he said.

We have an agreement to work on four dams and to pass on modern irrigation expertise, and we are moving ahead with these plans, he added.

Kadah stressed that what brings Egypt and South Sudan together is not confined to the crucial bond of Nile water.

I think our bilateral relations have many aspects, including economic and trade cooperation, and also of course agriculture and water and irrigation, he said. South Sudan has been the country that has received the highest number of Egyptian scholarships for students in all of Africa over recent years, he added. This is significant in itself.

We are very keen on the promotion of peace in South Sudan and on promoting friendly cooperation between South Sudan and Sudan, Kadah said. Obviously, our security cooperation is also very important there.

According to Ayman Abdel-Wahab, a senior African affairs and water resources expert at Al-Ahram Centre for Political and Strategic Studies in Cairo, security cooperation between the two countries has been very important for state-building in South Sudan.

Right from the eve of the countrys independence in 2011, Egypt has been committed to building solid relations with South Sudan, and it has been doing so systematically, he said.

According to Abdel-Wahab, the Egyptian strategy of working on several small and diverse projects at the same time has been particularly helpful in consolidating bilateral relations.

Egypt is aware that its priorities may not always be the priorities of South Sudan, and it is willing to work on what brings us together, he said.

For Egypt, water issues might be the top priority; for South Sudan, stability and security might be the top priority. There is a mix of priorities, and this is why a regular flow of official meetings is so helpful, Abdel-Wahab said.

In general, Egypt-South Sudan relations have been developing very well, and they are set to move forward on many fronts at the same time, he concluded.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 8 July, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

Short link:


We know the limitations of any possible UN Security Council action could produce on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam [GERD] crisis. But the pursuit of international support is not the only option we have to handle the GERD crisis, said a senior Egyptian official when asked to comment on recent developments in the dispute between Egypt and Sudan on one hand, and Ethiopia, on the other.



The official spoke on Monday, hours before Egypt received a letter from the Ethiopian Ministry of Water Resources notifying Cairo of the beginning of the second filling of the GERD reservoir.



The Egyptian Ministry of Irrigation issued a statement in response, describing the second filling as a disturbing and alarming unilateral action.



Ethiopias original plans envisaged a second filling of a little under 14 bcm. Delays in the construction of the dam, however, mean the figure is unlikely to rise much above nine bcm.



The Ethiopian government is falling behind schedule in paying the construction companies, which has delayed building, said another informed Egyptian official. He said it remained unclear whether or not Ethiopia will be able to fill nine bcm or if the amount will be around five bcm, the amount of the first filling last July.



According to Cairo-based Western diplomatic sources, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is desperate to get the first two turbines of the GERD to work so that he can deliver electricity as promised to the Ethiopian public. He is in deep trouble already with his country caught up in a civil conflict, said one diplomat. He added that with Ahmeds international image as a modern and democratic young African leader so compromised, he needs to do something to regain status.



GERD was designed to be the largest hydrological dam on the River Nile, with a reservoir of 75 bcm. Egypt and Sudan have been in extended talks with Ethiopia for 10 years in an attempt to reach an agreement on the filling and operation of the dam in a manner that does not harm downstream countries.



Last month, Egypt and Sudan independently requested a UN Security Council session to address the issue after almost two years of unproductive African Union- (AU) sponsored negotiations. Addis Ababa has a consistent history of intransigence over the dam and now insists a legally binding deal on the filling and operation of GERD is unnecessary. In a letter addressed to the UN Security Council last month, in response to Egypts and Sudans letters, Ethiopia said it was beyond the Security Councils mandate to interfere in the matter.



The UN Security Council is scheduled to meet to discuss the issue today, at 3pm Cairo local time. It will be the second meeting to discuss the dam: the first was held last year, in June, on Egypts request, and resulting in the Security Council recommending the AU to negotiations to secure a fair deal.



Expectations that the Security Council will push to expand the AU-sponsored negotiations to include the UN, US, and EU, a move Khartoum has long promoted and which Addis Ababa rejects, are low in Cairo. Nor are Khartoum and Cairo optimistic that the Security Council will adopt a resolution on the dam.



Egyptian and Sudanese diplomatic sources say that it was difficult enough to secure the meeting, though Egypts good relations with France, the current chair of the Security Council, and with Russia and China, helped. Egypt also has reassurances from the highest level that Washington will not allow Egyptian water interests to be compromised, and the full support of Tunisia, the current Arab member of the council.



None of this means the Security Council will adopt the draft resolution that Egypt has been trying to circulate calling for a six-month deadline for negotiators to reach a deal, and for the international community to firmly warn Ethiopia against any unilateral filling.



Ahead of the meeting Frances Permanent Representative Nicolas de Riviere said it was not the Security Councils business to decide water allocations among Nile states. His statement was met with disappointment in Cairo and Khartoum, both of which maintain their established allocations of water are non-negotiable, and what they are looking for is a deal on the filling and operation of the GERD in line with the 2015 Declaration of Principles.



Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri arrived in New York on Monday for some high-level diplomatic lobbying ahead of the Security Council meeting. His Sudanese counterpart Mariam Sadik Al-Mahdi is also in New York.



According to a Sudanese diplomatic source, Khartoum and Cairo are trying hard to secure a presidential statement from the Security Council that clearly states a final, legally binding deal is needed before the end of this year.



Already Ethiopia is going ahead with its plans as if no negotiations have taken place. We need to have a timeline and to know what will happen if Ethiopia continues to shrug everyone off, he said.



In press statements made during the inauguration of a new military base on 3 July, President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi said that Egypt could not accept open-ended negotiations on GERD and warned that while Egypt has never threatened anyone with its military might it couldnt turn a blind eye to any compromise of its water rights.



We have accepted, out of our commitment to Africa, to put up with some cuts from our allocations to help Ethiopia secure electricity and development but this is not to say that we are going to allow Ethiopia to cause us significant water harm. We, too, have to worry about irrigation and electricity, said a source at the Ministry of Irrigation.



Egyptian and Sudanese official sources are already talking about a plan B. Sources say Cairo and Khartoum have agreed that if Ethiopia is going to give them a hard time, they are going to give Ethiopia a hard time back.



Prior to leaving for New York Shoukri told the press all options are on the table.



Speaking off record, Egyptian official sources say military action is far from being the only alternative.



I am not saying we are or are not going there. This is not something anyone other than the president knows, said one official source.



I can say, though, that we are working on other plans to increase our water resources from the Nile and to make sure that Ethiopias intransigence is avenged.



He explained that Egypt is working with other Nile Basin countries to reduce the amount of water wasted in marshlands and divert it back into the White Nile which does not pass through Ethiopia. Egypt is also working with Nile Basin countries to maximise their ability to benefit from their own water resources for irrigation and electricity generation purposes so no one will have to go to Ethiopia for water or electricity.



The Ethiopian scheme is to turn the GERD into a water bank and mega electricity generator. We are telling Ethiopia this is not going to happen as long as Egypts water rights are being compromised.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 8 July, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

Short link:


For a while it appeared as though, with the recapture of the Tigrayan capital, Mekelle, by forces affiliated with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), the Tigray war had come to an end. However, it soon became clear that hostilities were ongoing at two levels: the battlefield and the humanitarian crisis.

The warfare that erupted in November 2020 between the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF), backed by Eritrean army units, and the TPLF precipitated a rapid and widespread deterioration in humanitarian conditions in the Tigray region. Conditions worsened following the ENDFs bombing of two main bridges there. One of these, the bridge over the Tekeze River, was vital to delivering humanitarian relief. The bridge is located on the 350-B road, the main transportation artery between northern Tigray and the northern portions of the Amhara region. Observers maintain that the destruction of these key bridges is proof of the Ethiopian governments intent to resort to the hunger weapon in its conflict with the TPLF.

Images of captured Ethiopian soldiers being paraded through the streets of Mekelle last week have put paid to the central governments explanation of the sudden and rapid withdrawal of its forces from the region. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed claimed that the witdrawal was tactical in order to give farmers the chance to take advantage of the farming season. It is now clear that the government forces have sustained a debilitating setback and that the army is retaliating by cutting off sources of sustenance and relief. The process reportedly began during the pull-out, when withdrawing forces attacked and plundered humanitarian relief bases, killing 12 staff members. In addition to the destruction of bridges, Addis Ababa has ramped a blockade by banning flights of civilian aircraft to Tigrayan airports, closing off land routes from Afar and Amhara to Tigray, and cutting off electricity and communications systems.

Contrary to Abiy Ahmeds stated desire to help farmers in the region, agriculture in Tigray has nearly ground to a halt due to continued targeting of that sector. In addition to military attacks against farms, trucks carrying seeds and other agricultural necessities have been prevented from reaching their destinations in northern and central Tigray. Meanwhile, Amhara militias fighting with the government have systematically burned fields in the western parts of the region. As conditions continued to deteriorate, the UN has warned that more than 400,000 people face famine. The US Agency for International Development fears the figure could be as high as 900,000. Samantha Power, the head of the agency, described the latest USAID findings on the humanitarian plight in Tigray as terrifying.

The TPLF has indicated that it is ready to agree to a ceasefire in principle, but only under certain conditions. In a statement released on Sunday, it insisted on strict international guarantees that Ethiopian federal forces would not attack the region again and that the remaining Amhara and ENDF forces would withdraw from the Tigrayan areas they control. In addition, there had to be guarantees of unrestricted access of humanitarian relief to the region, the full restoration of electricity, communications and other essential services, and that banks, schools and hospitals could resume activities as normal. The TPLF statement also called for the immediate release of the movements detainees, concluding with an appeal for the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry to investigate war crimes and the creation of a UN mission to oversee the implementation of any ceasefire agreement and prisoner exchange deals.

On other fronts, there are mounting skirmishes in Oromia between government forces and the Oromia Liberation Front (OLF), especially in western parts of the Welega administrative zone where clashes erupted in April between Ethiopias two largest ethnic groups, the Oromo and Amhara. OLF forces have focused their attacks primarily on federal police forces in those areas and the police has responded with raids, arrests of OLF members, and summary executions, as occurred with a member of the front in Dembidolo, the capital of the Kelam Welega Zone. The OLF has recently broadened its attacks into parts of the Amhara region north of Oromia, particularly villages to the southwest of Gondar in northern Amhara.

On 1 July, the OLF released a declaration unilaterally establishing the formation of the Oromia Regional National Transitional Government. That this occurred just as the central government was losing control of the Tigray region suggests a certain level of coordination between the OLF and the TPLF. A previous OLF document on this movements vision for a comprehensive solution in Ethiopia contained many points in common with the TPLFs recent statement.

In addition to reinforcing its presence in Oromia, in recent weeks the ENDF has also begun to increase its presence along the borders with Sudan. Mai Kadra, Abdurafi and other towns also located in far western Tigray near the Sudanese borders have become staging points for rapid incursions into Sudanese territory. The most recent incident was a raid against the village of Basanda in the Fashqa region in eastern Sudan.

The increasingly fraught military and security situation formed part of the backdrop to the recent general elections, the sixth time they have been held since the promulgation of the current constitution in 1994 and the first time since Abiy Ahmed took office in April 2018. After being delayed for nearly a year due to Covid-19 and other concerns, the elections were held in all but three regions. They were cancelled in Tigray due to security concerns and postponed until September in the Harari and Somali regions. The final results of this round have not yet been declared, but based on conditions affecting the electoral process and other factors, the ruling Prosperity Party is expected to receive the majority of votes in the capital. The Balderas and the Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice parties will vie for second place.

The turnout was generally low, with the regions of Oromia, Benishngul and Afar recording the greatest lows. Ethnic violence in several regions in the build-up to the polls and pressures on parties competing with the Prosperity Party, especially those affiliated with the Tigrayan and Oromo peoples such as the OLF and the Oromia Federal Congress parties, contributed to keeping people away from the polls.

The tensions also affected opposition parties close to the ruling party, such as the Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice, two of whose candidates were killed in Oromia and Amhara. In addition, two candidates of the Amhara National Movement Party were killed in the Amhara and Benishangul regions. Several potential candidates among the opposition had been arrested ahead of the elections. Such conditions led the EU and several other international organisations to refrain from monitoring this years polls.

Clampdowns on the opposition in the capital increased following the central governments loss of control over Mekelle and most of Tigray. Numerous Tigrayan figures were arrested and several journalists were jailed. On 2 July, Ethiopian police raided the office of the independent broadcaster Awlo Media Centre in Addis Ababa, arrested at least 12 of its employees as well as some independent journalists. The move appears to be aimed at silencing voices that might stir trouble by focusing on the recent defeat of government forces in Tigray, a military debacle likely to have a profound impact on the Ethiopian federal system, especially in the light of mounting secessionist calls from northern and western regions.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 8 July, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Egypts Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry continued his meetings on Tuesday in New York with UN officials and met with the permanent representatives of Russia and China, who he discussed the latest developments of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) with, said the Egyptian foreign ministry.

Russia and China are permanent members of the UN Security Council.

According to the ministry, Shoukry asserted in the meeting Egypts stance concerning the GERD dispute and the necessity to reach a legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of the Ethiopian Dam.

Shoukry and his Sudanese counterpart Mariam Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi are currently in New York preparing for the UN Security Councils session on the GERD next Thursday.

On Monday evening Shoukry met with his Sudanese counterpart Mariam Al-Sadiq met in New York to coordinate their efforts before the UNSC session.

Shoukry and Al-Sadiq voiced their categorical rejection of Ethiopias announcement, saying it reveals Ethiopia's ill intention to impose a fait accompli on downstream countries and indifference to the foreseeable negative impacts and damages, according to a statement released by the Egyptian foreign ministry on Tuesday.

Both ministers also said the unilateral filling represents a blatant violation of the Declaration of Principles (DoPs) Agreement and a violation of international laws and norms governing the exploitation of transboundary river resources, the statement added.

The foreign minister held a series of meetings on Monday with ambassadors of the Arab Committee concerning the GERD developments file where they discussed coordination at the Security Council.

He also discussed the latest developments with the permanent representatives of the Africa Group to the UN Security Council, as well as with permanent representatives of Estonia, Ireland, Mexico and Norway, currently non-permanent members of the Security Council.

Short link:


Sudan said on Tuesday a notification by Ethiopia on the start of the second filling of its mega dam on the Blue Nile isuseless unless a final agreement on the process is reached.

The Sudanese foreign ministry said a final binding agreement on the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) would be the only proof of the Ethiopian desire in cooperation, state-run Sudan News Agency (SUNA) reported.

Sudan also slammed attempts to block the path of international support to the fair Sudanese demands on the GERD dispute as futile.

The ministry reiterated its rejection of Ethiopias unilateral step to start filling the dam for the second year in a row.

Such step represents an explicit violation of the international law, the Declaration of Principles (DoPs) and the established principles and agreements regulating the exchange of benefits of common rivers, the ministry stated.

The DoPs is an agreement signed between Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia in March 2015 that obliges Addis Ababa to cooperate with Cairo and Khartoum in filling and operating the dam.

The agreement also mandates the use of mediated negotiations in the event of a dispute arising from differences in its interpretation or application.

Sudan reaffirms that the unilateral filling [of the dam] for the second year without an agreement constitutes an imminent danger and threat to Sudan, the ministry added.

Sudanese Foreign Minister Mariam Al-Sadiq, currently in New York, notified the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) of Ethiopias unilateral move, the ministry said.

The ministry added that such step from the Ethiopian side would aggravate tensions and instability in the region.

Al-Sadiq met with Egypts Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Monday evening in New York as they are both set to take part in the UNSC session scheduled for Thursday over the GERD dispute.

Their meeting came only hours after Addis Ababa also notified Egypt in a letter on Monday that it has begun the second stage of filling the GERD's reservoir despite the lack of a legally binding agreement between the three African nations.

Ethiopias latest step brushes aside Egyptian and Sudanese demands of the need that a legally-binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam is reached before the second filling.

Shoukry and Al-Sadiq voiced their categorical rejection of Ethiopias announcement, saying it reveals Ethiopia's ill intention to impose a fait accompli on downstream countries and indifference to the foreseeable negative impacts and damages, according to a statement released by the Egyptian foreign ministry on Tuesday.

Both ministers also said the unilateral filling represents a blatant violation of the DoPs agreement and a violation of international laws and norms governing the exploitation of trans-boundary river resources, the statement added.

Shoukry and Al-Sadiq agreed on continuing to intensify contacts and consultations with the UNSC members to urge them to support the position of Egypt and Sudan, which is based on reaching a legally binding agreement that takes into account the interests of the three countries.

Over the past few hours, both ministers held several talks with their counterparts, permanent delegates of the UNSCs member states, and UN officials.

The talks took place during meetings and phone calls with African and Arab representatives at the UNSC, in addition to others.

In remarks to Saudi broadcaster Al-Arabiya, Shoukry said both Egypt and Sudan are capable of defending their water interests, reiterating that all options are open.

The minister said the GERD negotiations cannot run indefinitely and that Egypt resorted to the Security Council in pursuit of reaching a GERD agreement.

Short link:


The leaders of Egypt, Iraq and Jordan converged on Baghdad last week for a Tripartite Summit meeting meant to foster economic ties and coordinate political positions. The Summit could not have taken place at a more appropriate time due to the efforts that many Arab countries are exerting to maintain unity and ward off attempts at disintegration.

The three countries that participated in the meeting also kept it open to welcome other Arab countries. For this and other reasons, the name of the meeting, the Baghdad Summit, is significant, since it was chosen over and above other names that were at one stage circulated, such as the Levant Project.

The error here is that there is no Levant without Syria, and Egypt is not geographically part of the Levant. Some observers opined that another suggested name, that of the New Arab Mashreq, would mean excluding other Arab countries, notably those in the Maghreb, thus creating problems at an early stage of the summit projects development.

Now that the issue of the name of the meeting has been cleared up, there are some other observations that it is important to make concerning the Tripartite Summit in Iraq.

The first concerns the warm welcome President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi was received in Baghdad. This is the first time in 30 years that an Egyptian president has visited Iraq despite the rapid developments in bilateral relations.

There was also the magnificent display of demographic and cultural diversity the Iraqi government organised to welcome participants at the summit. Many Iraqi cultures, manifested in their music and traditional costumes, were present at the reception ceremony of the summit meeting, and the scene was strongly reminiscent of the reception Roman Catholic Pope Francis received when he visited Iraq in March. The Popes visit opened many windows onto the grandeur of Iraqi history, something also done at the Baghdad Tripartite Summit.

The second observation is that Iraqs investment in the summit meeting raises expectations of positive outcomes from the gathering over the longer term. These high expectations will become a challenge if they are not met with achievements on the ground. This is not about non-Arab regional powers who do not feel comfortable about the closeness manifested at the summit meeting, and nor is it related to some Iraqi ideological elites that may have their own political biases. Rather, it concerns the Iraqi public who have pinned high hopes on the Tripartite Summit as a result of their governments focus on the meeting.

According to statements released by the three countries at the summit meeting, there are large-scale economic projects in the pipeline that target benefits for Egypt, Iraq and Jordan, including the linkage of the three countries electrical grids, the oil pipeline extending from Basra to Egypt via Aqaba, and a new industrial city. These projects should be implemented in the shortest possible time, particularly given the fact that many Iraqis now face daily power outages that can last for hours.

Many Iraqis in the south of the country have protested against Iran due to the reduction in gas supplies. Protests against power outages have been held on a regular basis in the south of Iraq, especially in summer.

Confirming the Arab identity of Iraq comes by fulfilling its basic needs. Egypt has taken great strides in the field of its own electricity production after suffering from power shortages during the rule of the Muslim Brotherhood in 2012-2013. At that time, the country was fighting on two fronts: battling against the intentional sabotage of electricity pylons at the hands of the Brotherhood; and enhancing the capabilities of the Ministry of Electricity while establishing new power stations.

Now that this suffering has become merely a bad memory in Egypt, speeding up the provision of Egyptian capabilities to Iraq and Jordan can provide a solid public base for the new gathering ushered in by the Tripartite Summit. The peoples of Egypt, Iraq and Jordan want to see the announced large-scale projects become the reality on the ground. When the Tripartite group fortifies itself with common interests, it will not only win its peoples over, but will also change the hitherto not always positive image of integrated Arab economic projects in the region.

The third observation concerns the viewpoints the three countries share from a political perspective, visible in their statements following the summit meeting. Egypt, Iraq and Jordan have similar views on a number of central issues, at the top of which are the Palestinian cause, the crises in Libya, Syria and Yemen, terrorism, which is a political and security matter and the water issue, which is a political cause despite the fact that it bears an economic face.

Regarding the water issue, the Baghdad Summit statement referred to the second filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) reservoir planned by the Ethiopian government this summer. This was after a comprehensive framework had been laid out at the earlier Amman Summit stating that it was imperative that the rules of international law were followed in preserving the water rights of the downstream countries of Egypt and Sudan.

In addition, the Baghdad Tripartite group can make various political investments. Each country enjoys advantages in different circles, and these can be employed to serve each member of the group. For example, US-Iraq relations have been tense since the assassination of Qassem Suleimani, the commander of the Al-Quds Force, a division of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps, and Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis, an Iraqi commander of the Popular Mobilisation Force, in January last year. Thanks to its excellent relations with the US, Jordan can cool these tensions. Easing the tensions between Iraq and the US will also deprive Iran of one of its key pressure cards in Iraq.

Likewise, Egypts advanced relations with some European countries, notably France, can reflect positively on European-Iraqi relations. Iraq can also expand its role in mediating relations with Turkey.

The three peoples of Egypt, Iraq and Jordan are hoping that the Baghdad Tripartite Summit meeting will be a turning point towards more accomplishments to come. These will fall well within the realm of the possible as long as there is the political will to achieve them.

The writer is professor of political science at Cairo University.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 8 July, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

Short link:


Ethiopias unilateral decision to start the second phase of filling the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is a serious challenge not only to Egypt and Sudan, but also to the United Nations Security Council  due to meet to discuss the threat GERD poses to regional and international peace and security today.

Ethiopias message to the international community is simply: We dont care, we are going to set our own rules for how to use an international river, the Nile, even if that meant inflicting severe harm on tens of millions of Egyptian and Sudanese people.

If the Security Council fails to live up to its responsibility for protecting international peace and security today, it will be a message to other countries that there are no laws or agreements regulating how to share vital water resources, and that countries can act unilaterally without any consideration for their neighbours. This fact alone shows why the international community should not hang around indifferently, or simply take note of the dispute and call upon all parties to continue negotiating. That will no longer work once the second filling starts.

The request by Egypt and Sudan to convene a Security Council meeting today for the second time in less than a year follows 10 years of hectic and fruitless negotiations in which Ethiopia practised all kinds of procrastination in order to avoid reaching a legally binding agreement on the gradual filling of GERD to avoid disastrous effects on the two nations.

The African Union (AU), of which Egypt is a founding member, the United States, the European Union and the Arab League have all mediated and offered proposals to Ethiopia to reach a fair and binding agreement with Egypt and Sudan. First claiming that it would only accept African mediation, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmeds government went on to ignore detailed offers during lengthy AU-led rounds of negotiations to help achieve development in Ethiopia, providing abundant electricity, while causing no harm to Egypt and Sudan.

Egypt, in particular, has no source of water than the Nile; therefore, Addis Ababa can rest assured that Cairo, in close coordination with Khartoum, will take all necessary measures to protect the lives of its people.

Diplomacy has always been Egypts first recourse, historically and in the current dispute over GERD. The Deputy Director-General of Ethiopias East African Policy Research Institute (EAPRI) Birhanu Lenjiso, told a local news website that the main pressure springs from Egypts durable diplomacy compared to Ethiopia. He noted that Egypt has at least three identities to work with. It wears the Arab League, African Union and Mediterranean-Europe caps. Egypts relations with the Arab League, its wealth compared with Ethiopia, and having academia in international institutions and countries strengthened the country diplomatically.

Lenjiso is right. Egypt is strong on the diplomatic front, not just because of its multiple identities and its history, but also because it has a just case to present to the international community. While Prime Minister Ahmed is already facing strong international pressure and sanctions for alleged war crimes in the volatile Tigray region, this explains why his government has been strongly resisting any Security Council meeting on the GERD dispute.

As soon as Ethiopia officially notified Egypt on Monday of its plan to start the second phase of filling, Cairo immediately added the Ethiopian letter to the documents being presented to the Security Council as evidence of Addis Ababas ill intentions and total disregard for international law and order.

Irrigation Minister Mohamed Abdel-Ati confirmed that Egypt categorically rejects the commencement of the second filling of GERD, warning that such step could escalate tensions with downstream countries Egypt and Sudan. He described the move as a blatant and dangerous violation of international laws and norms as well as the Declaration of Principles agreement signed between the three African countries in 2015.

The utilisation of Nile resources is regulated by agreements that obligate Ethiopia to respect Egypts water rights and interests. This serious development reveals once more Ethiopias ill intention and its insistence on taking unilateral measures to force a fait accompli by filling and operating the Renaissance Dam without an agreement that takes into account the interests of the three countries and limits the damage does to the two downstream countries.

In this context, Ahmeds statements on Monday make no sense. Ahmed said that the only thing that Ethiopia wants is to address the countrys demand for electricity without posing a threat to the downstream countries. Ethiopias interest is just to address the countrys demand for electricity, to reduce the concerns of Sudan and Egypt as well as bring a lasting peace and prosperity for our region, he told members of Ethiopian parliament.

But unilaterally launching the second phase of filling without a legally binding agreement is clearly not the way to reduce the concerns of Sudan and Egypt, or to bring about any prosperity in the region.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 8 July, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

Short link:


UN Security Council draft resolution calls on Ethiopia to cease filling GERD



AFP, Wednesday 7 Jul 2021



The resolution adds the agreement should 'ensure Ethiopia's ability to generate hydropower from the GERD while preventing the inflicting of significant harm on the water security of downstream states'



Tunisia has submitted a draft resolution to the UN Security Council calling on Ethiopia to cease filling the reservoir of its controversial mega-dam on the Nile River, diplomatic sources said Tuesday.



The huge dam, set to be Africa's largest hydroelectric project when completed, has sparked an almost decade-long diplomatic stand-off between Addis Ababa and downstream nations Egypt and Sudan.



Ethiopia says the project is essential to its development, but Cairo and Khartoum fear it could restrict their citizens' water access.



Both governments have been urging Addis Ababa to ink a binding deal over the filling and the dam's operations, and calling on the UN Security Council to take up the matter.



The draft resolution, obtained by AFP, calls on "Egypt, Ethiopia, and the Sudan to resume negotiations at the joint invitation of the Chairperson of the African Union and the Secretary-General of the United Nations to finalize, within a period of six months, the text of a binding agreement on the filling and operation of the GERD." GERD is an acronym for the dam.



The resolution adds the agreement should "ensure Ethiopia's ability to generate hydropower from the GERD while preventing the inflicting of significant harm on the water security of downstream states."



It urges the "three countries to refrain from making any statements, or taking any action that may jeopardize the negotiation process, and urges Ethiopia to refrain from continuing to unilaterally fill the GERD reservoir."



Egypt said Monday night it had been notified by Addis Ababa that the second phase of filling had begun at the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the upper Blue Nile. Sudan said Tuesday it had received the same notice.



Addis Ababa had previously announced it would proceed to the second stage of filling in July, with or without a deal.



As the move threatened to aggravate tensions, Tunisia -- a non-permanent member of the Security Council -- requested an emergency meeting set for Thursday on the dam on behalf of Egypt and Sudan.



No date has been set for a vote on the draft resolution and diplomatic sources have said it is unlikely it will be put to a vote as early as Thursday's meeting.







https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/416755.aspx
UN Security Council vote on GERD draft resolution may be pushed back a week: Sources



Ahmed Morsy, , Wednesday 7 Jul 2021



The delay will give Egyptian officials the opportunity to meet the foreign ministers of the Security Council member states in person to further explain the issue, diplomatic sources in New York said



The United Nations Security Councils (UNSC) vote on the draft resolution Tunisia submitted on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) could be put off until next week, diplomatic sources in New York told Ahram Online.



The sources opined that extending the vote for a week will give Egypt and Sudan a chance to further explain the situation and secure the needed votes of UNSC member states to pass the draft resolution without amending it."



The ministerial meeting on Libya will be held in New York on 14 July. Therefore, it is better to push the vote on GERD back to 15-16 July to have the opportunity to meet the foreign ministers of the Security Council member states in person to further explain the issue and achieve a comprehensive understanding, the sources added.



Tunisia, the only Arab member of the 10 elected and non-permanent members of the UNSC, submitted last Friday an Egyptian-Sudanese GERD-focused draft resolution to the UN body, which is due to convene on Thursday upon the request of Cairo and Khartoum to discuss the issue.



According to AFP, thedraft resolutioncalls on "Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan to resume negotiations at the joint invitation of the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) and the Secretary-General of the United Nations to finalise, within a period of six months, the text of a binding agreement on the filling and operation of the GERD."



The resolution stresses that the agreement should "ensure Ethiopia's ability to generate hydropower from the GERD while preventing the inflicting of significant harm on the water security of downstream states."



It also urges the "three countries to refrain from making any statements, or taking any action that may jeopardise the negotiation process, and urges Ethiopia to refrain from continuing to unilaterally fill the GERD reservoir."



Ethiopia has already commenced its second-year filling of the GERD as Egypt and Sudan announced on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, that Addis Ababa had notified them of its unilateral move, which both downstream countries rejected with Cairo describing it as a "blatant and dangerous" violation of international laws as well as the Declaration of Principles signed in 2015.



Should the draft resolution be passed, in light of the current version of its text, Ethiopia has to halt its ongoing second filling of the GERDs 74 bcm reservoir and postpone it to summer 2022. The filling takes places during the flood season  which starts in July and ends in September.



During the daily press briefing, Spokesman for the Secretary-General of the UN Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday that Inger Andersen, the executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Political Affairs department will both have a briefing following Thursdays UNSC session on GERD.



What is also important is that there be no unilateral action that would undermine any search for solutions. So, its important that people recommit themselves to engage in good faith in a genuine process, Dujarric told journalists on Tuesday.



Solutions to this need to be guided by example by solutions that have been found for others who share waterways, who share rivers, and that is based on the principle of equitable and reasonable utilisation and the obligation not to cause significant harm,Dujarric added.



Throughout the decade-long negotiations, Ethiopia has been evadeing the legally binding deal that Egypt and Sudan are seeking on the filling and operation of the GERD, and only seeks guidelines that can be modified any time at its discretion. Ethiopia has also been opposing any international mediation proposed by the two downstream countries to facilitate negotiations and bring the views closer.



In the past few days, Egypts Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry held intensive consultations with the council permanent state members representatives ahead of Thursdays GERD session, highlighting Egypt's stance that is based on the need to reach a legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam that takes into account the interests of the three countries and preserves Egypt's water rights and interests.



In earlier statements, Shoukry said requesting a GERD-focused session aimed at placing the UNSC and the international community before their responsibilities because the GERD issue threatens international peace, security and stability, and the UNSC has to rectify this and work to contain any possible escalation.



Egypt, which relies on the world's longest River Nile for more than 95 per cent of its renewable water resources, fears the unilateral filling and operation of the massive dam will significantly diminish its water supply, which at 560 m3 per person annually, is already well below the international threshold for water scarcity.



The country, whose 100 million-plus population is expected to increase by 75 million by 2050, is considered one of the most water-scarce countries in the world as it receives around 60 bcm annually  the majority of which flow from the River Nile  though its needs stand at 114 bcm.



Sudan said the unilateral filling of GERD would threaten the lives of millions of its people living downstream the dam, jeopardise the operational safety of its dams, and consequently risk Sudan's national security.



https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/416764.aspx
MSF halts work in parts of Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray region after aid workers killed



AFP, , Wednesday 7 Jul 2021



At least 12 aid workers have been killed in Tigray since fighting broke out last November between the Ethiopian military and forces loyal to the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF)



Medical charity Doctors Without Borders said Wednesday it is halting work in some parts of Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray region after the "brutal murder" of three of its staff last month.



"MSF announces the suspension of its activities in Abi Adi, Adigrat and Axum, in central and eastern Tigray. MSF teams in other areas of Tigray will continue cautiously to provide assistance to people in urgent need," the group, known by its French acronym MSF, said in a statement.



It also called for an "immediate investigation" into the killings.



At least 12 aid workers have been killed in Tigray since fighting broke out last November between the Ethiopian military and forces loyal to the region's former ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).



MSF announced on June 25 that one Spanish and two Ethiopian employees had been killed, although details of the attack including who was responsible remain unknown.



MSF named the Spanish victim as 35-year-old aid coordinator Maria Hernandez from Madrid.



She started working with MSF in 2015 in the Central African Republic and had since worked in Yemen, Mexico and Nigeria.



The other victims were Yohannes Halefom Reda, a 31-year-old coordination assistant who had joined MSF in February, and Tedros Gebremariam Gebremichael, also 31, who had been a driver for the charity since May.



The issue of humanitarian access has taken on fresh urgency since pro-TPLF fighters -- now rebranded as the Tigray Defence Forces (TDF) -- retook control of the regional capital Mekele last week.



Abiy's government declared a unilateral ceasefire the same day, but world leaders have warned of a possible "siege" of the region, with bridges into Tigray destroyed and access restricted.



Ethiopia has said the claims that it wants to starve the Tigrayan population are "beyond the pale".



The United Nations has also warned that roughly 350,000 people are on the brink of famine, while the United States has put the figure as high as 900,000.



https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/416775.aspx
Al-Azhars Grand Imam calls on international community to support Egypt, Sudan in GERD dispute



Ahram Online, , Wednesday 7 Jul 2021



Al-Tayyeb also said that taking over a God-given resource like water is tantamount to theft and an act of aggression



Al-Azhars Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayyeb has reiterated his support for the Egyptian and Sudanese governments in the pursuit of their water rights, reaffirming that the matter cannot tolerate complacency.



El-Tayyeb made the statementsahead of a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) session that will be held on Thursday at the request of Egypt and Sudan over the GERD dispute.



El-Tayyeb called on the international, African, Arab and Islamic communities to stand shoulder-to-shoulder and assist Egypt and Sudan in protecting their water rights and to confront those that claim ownership over the Nile, which he described as public property that is an important resource for life.



The Grand Imam, who presides over the Sunni Muslim worlds top religious institution, re-affirmed that supporting Egypts leadership is an inarguable duty.



Al-Tayyeb stressed that all religions agree that the resources necessary for life, such as rivers, are public property, and under no circumstances is it right for an individual or state to take ownership of them alone.



Al-Tayyeb also said that taking over a God-given resource like water is tantamount to theft and an act of aggression.



The Nile is the lifeblood of Egypt, which has always been and still is an advocate of peace and stability for all. Therefore, defending the rights of its people to secure their share of water is a duty that cannot be disputed. If it is acknowledged that no one can take away Ethiopias right to develop and benefit from the river, then no one can also take away the historical right of the Egyptian people to the waters of the Nile, said El-Tayyeb.



https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/416776.aspx
Kuwait, Jordan voice support for Egypt and Sudan's water rights; urge negotiated solution to GERD dispute



Ahram Online, , Wednesday 7 Jul 2021



The Kuwaiti foreign ministry is calling for the international community to intensify its efforts to facilitate the resumption of the GERD negotiations



Kuwait and Jordan on Wednesday each reiterated support for the Egyptian and Sudanese rights to the River Niles waters, urging a negotiated solution in the dispute with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).



Earlier this week, Ethiopia notified Egypt and Sudan that it had started the second phase of filling its massive dams reservoir despite the lack of a binding agreement with the downstream countries on the filling and operation of the dam.



The Kuwaiti foreign ministry has called for the international community to intensify its efforts, along with the African Union and the League of Arab States, to facilitate the resumption of negotiations between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia.



Negotiations should lead to a solution to the GERD issue that conforms to the principles of international law and agreements and that go in line with the rights and interests of the three countries and other Nile basin states, the ministry said in a statement.



Kuwait affirmed the need for a comprehensive and permanent solution to the GERD dispute that meets the aspiration of the regions peoples.



The ministry also hailed the efforts made by Egypt and Sudan to contain the crisis, as they call for resolving the dispute in accordance with international law.



The statement highlighted Kuwaits support for international efforts to find a solution to tackle this vital and sensitive issue.



The Jordanian foreign ministry said that the water security of both Egypt and Sudan is an inseparable part of Arab national security, reiterating the kingdoms absolute support for Egypt and Sudan in protecting their rights.



Jordan affirmed the need to reach a negotiated solution to the GERD crisis in a way that protects the rights of all parties to the River Nile.



The ministry affirmed the need to refrain from any unilateral action that is carried out without a fair agreement between the three nations based on international law.



The intensive efforts Egypt and Sudan are making to reach a negotiated agreement on the dam issue reflects their keenness to achieve justice in the distribution of Nile waters in a way that prevents tension and reinforces cooperation, the Jordanian ministry added.



On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia also voiced support for the call by Egypt and Sudan for a solution to the GERD crisis based on the principles of international law.



The kingdom also affirmed support for the international efforts to reach a binding deal to end the GERD crisis.



The United Nations Security Council is set to hold a session on the GERD issue on Thursday.



As Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and his Sudanese counterpart Mariam Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi arrived in New York to prepare for the UNSC meeting, the Ethiopian water ministry sent letters to the two countries notifying them about the start of the GERD filling for the second year in a row.



Egypt and Sudan have condemned the move by Ethiopia, with Shoukry warning that all options are open.



Shoukry has held intensive talks with foreign officials in New York ahead of the UNSC session to explain Egypts stance on the GERD dispute.



On Tuesday, the Egyptian FM met with the representatives of Russia, China, Britain, the US, and France, the five permanent member states of the UNSC.



Ethiopia rejects the intervention of the UNSC and the Arab League in the GERD issue, and says it is sticking to the African Union-sponsored talks.



The African Union talks have failed to achieve any progress in the GERD issue, with Egypt and Sudan blaming the failure on Ethiopia's intransigence and intention to impose fait accompli on the two downstream states.



https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/416786.aspx
KYODO NEWS - Jul 7, 2021 - 20:57 | All, World, Japan

Japanese and British defense ministers are set to hold talks in Tokyo later this month to coordinate joint exercises involving the Self-Defense Forces and a British aircraft carrier strike group dispatched to the western Pacific, Japanese government sources said Wednesday.

Japan's Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi and his British counterpart Ben Wallace are also expected to discuss issues related to China's growing military influence in the East and South China seas while reaffirming their commitment to promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A meeting between Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Wallace may also be set, the sources said.

The aircraft carrier strike group, which departed from Britain in May, is led by the Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Navy's largest warship, and includes destroyers and a submarine.

The two defense ministers will use the meeting, to be held around July 20, to coordinate joint drills to be held with the Maritime Self-Defense Force when the carrier group makes a port call in Japan this fall.

They will also discuss strengthening defense cooperation, including developing engines for the Air Self-Defense Force's next fighter jet.

The MSDF will conduct joint exercises with the Queen Elizabeth, currently on its way to the Pacific Ocean, in the Gulf of Aden soon, according to government sources.
KYODO NEWS - Jul 7, 2021 - 20:28 | All, World, Japan

The University of Tokyo will host an online symposium Saturday to discuss ways to help Myanmar people living in Japan as the crackdown by the military government on the pro-democracy movement continues in the Southeast Asian country following the February coup.

The forum will propose universities and other academic institutions in Japan to accept Myanmar people who are unable to return home as students, faculty staff or researchers so that they can stay in Japan over the long term, according to organizers.

Zin Mar Aung, foreign minister of the National Unity Government -- the parallel government established by pro-democracy forces -- is scheduled to give a keynote speech, they said.

The virtual event comes after Tokyo introduced an emergency measure that allows Myanmar people in Japan to extend their stay and work in the country due to the unrest following the Feb. 1 military takeover.

The extension period is six months, but for those aiming to obtain the status of "specified skilled workers," established in April 2019 to expand employment opportunities for blue-collar foreign workers, the period is one year.

But since the turmoil in Myanmar shows little sign of a near-term resolution, calls have been growing to enable Myanmar people to settle down in Japan as refugees or long-term residents.

According to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, about 35,000 individuals from Myanmar resided in Japan as of the end of last year.

The online symposium on human security in Myanmar will specifically discuss a framework in which researchers in the fields of international politics and area studies will accept Myanmar people seeking protection as students or faculty staff.

It will also explore the possibility of expanding scholarships to support them financially through coordination with the Global Academic Interdisciplinary Network, a U.N. program to protect displaced students and scholars.

Under the program, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees work with research institutes around the world.

Yasunobu Sato, a University of Tokyo graduate school professor who planned the event, said protecting Myanmar people in Japan as refugees will be a key theme for Tokyo, which aims to promote democracy in Asia.

"Accepting them would be an important investment of universities in Japan, which face an urgent need to promote globalization and diversification of their institutes," he added.

The Myanmar military's violence against civilians continues more than five months after the coup, with the number of people killed nearing 900 as of Tuesday, according to a human rights group monitoring the situation in the Southeast Asian country.

Those who want to join the event need to register through the website https://forms.gle/m5BFmyjzJoXsiyYaA
KYODO NEWS - Jul 7, 2021 - 23:32 | All, Japan, Coronavirus

The Japanese government plans to declare another COVID-19 state of emergency in Tokyo until Aug. 22, a period covering the duration of the Olympics, to combat a recent surge in infections, sources with knowledge of the plan said Wednesday.

The decision is certain to affect an impending decision by games organizers regarding how many spectators to allow in the stands, with a senior government official saying venues in the capital will likely remain empty. Some venues of the games are located outside Tokyo.

The Tokyo metropolitan government reported 920 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, the most since mid-May at the peak of Japan's fourth wave of infections and topping the figure from a week earlier for the 18th straight day.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said he will decide Thursday what to do regarding a quasi-state of emergency that is set to expire Sunday in 10 prefectures including Tokyo and Osaka, as well as the state of emergency in place in Okinawa.

"Infections in Tokyo are trending upward, and we will take every necessary measure to curb the spread of the coronavirus," he told reporters after meeting with members of his Cabinet including health minister Norihisa Tamura and Yasutoshi Nishimura, the minister in charge of the COVID-19 response.

The state of emergency would be Tokyo's fourth since the start of the pandemic early last year, with the Japanese government mulling reviving a ban on restaurants serving alcohol, according to the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike called the situation in the capital "extremely severe" and vowed to take steps to ensure the games are held safely.

Suga initially planned to extend the existing restrictions in the capital and neighboring Chiba, Saitama and Kanagawa prefectures to curb infections, sources have said.

But the plan was deemed insufficient to battle the current surge in COVID-19, which infectious disease experts warn may only worsen during the summer holiday season as well as the Olympics, from July 23 to Aug. 8, and Paralympics, from Aug. 24 to Sept. 5.

The development is yet another blow to Suga, who is facing criticism for his pandemic response ahead of a general election to be held by the fall.

Okinawa's state of emergency will also be extended to Aug. 22, as will the quasi-state of emergency covering Osaka and three prefectures neighboring Tokyo -- Chiba, Saitama and Kanagawa -- the sources said.

Meanwhile, the quasi-state of emergency in the remaining five prefectures -- Hokkaido, Aichi, Kyoto, Hyogo and Fukuoka -- is expected to be lifted.

Declaring another state of emergency in Tokyo would require the organizers of the Olympics, including the Tokyo metropolitan government, the Japanese organizing committee and the International Olympic Committee, to set a new cap on the number of spectators.

The organizers previously agreed to allow up to 10,000 people or 50 percent of a venue's capacity, whichever is fewer, on condition that the situation improved sufficiently to lift the quasi-state of emergency.

In a parliamentary hearing, Suga's top COVID-19 adviser, Shigeru Omi, expressed concern that the medical system could be strained if infections continue at the current pace and reiterated it would be "desirable" to have no spectators at the games and that staff in attendance should be kept to a minimum.

A ban on spectators at Olympic events held in Tokyo would presumably not apply to those in other prefectures, including surfing in Chiba and marathons in Hokkaido. One source, however, said the decision could ultimately be up to governors.

The leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, Yukio Edano, also urged the Japanese government to prohibit fans at venues and argued that senior Olympic officials and sponsors should be barred as well.

Suga has vowed to stage a "safe and secure" Summer Games as a symbol of humankind defeating COVID-19, promising to do so at a Group of Seven summit last month.

But Edano said it is not too late to further postpone the Olympics, originally scheduled to be held last year, or cancel them outright.

Earlier in the day, the Osaka prefectural government asked the Japanese government to maintain business restrictions under the quasi-state of emergency, which entails smaller fines for noncompliance with restrictions than a full-fledged state of emergency and can target specific high-risk areas rather than entire prefectures.

Coronavirus cases in Osaka have fallen significantly, but the pace of decline has stalled in recent weeks, with prefectural officials voicing worries over the highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus first detected in India and a rise of infections among people in their 20s and 30s.

Restrictions including asking restaurants to stop serving alcohol by 7 p.m. and close by 8 p.m. should remain in place until the end of July when most elderly citizens will have been fully vaccinated, he said.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said at a separate press conference the Japanese government will proceed "in consultation with local authorities."
KYODO NEWS - Jul 7, 2021 - 19:39 | All, Sports

The Japanese government on Wednesday compiled a new cybersecurity strategy for the next three years stating for the first time suspected involvement of the Chinese and Russian governments in cyberattacks and calling for enhanced deterrence.

The strategy, to be formally endorsed by the Cabinet as early as September after soliciting public comments, said China is believed to be conducting cyberattacks to steal information from firms linked to the military and others with advanced technologies, while Russia is suspected of carrying them out with military and political purposes.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato, who heads a special task force on cybersecurity strategies, ordered members at its meeting to "enhance defense, deterrence and assessment capabilities and strengthen cooperation among relevant bodies to protect security interests."

He also urged them to quickly respond when abnormal activities in cyberspace are detected during the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games starting July 23.

China criticized Japan's move, saying the new strategy has disregarded basic facts and maliciously exaggerated threats from neighboring countries.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters in Beijing that Japan's "groundless slander" against China and Russia on cybersecurity is "completely wrong."

Japan has had "bad relations with all its neighbors," Wang said, adding that it should "do more things that are conducive to gaining political mutual trust from such neighbors and maintaining regional peace and stability."

The strategy, which will replace the current one adopted in July 2018, calls for enhancing deterrence through the Japan-U.S. alliance by holding joint exercises of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and U.S. forces.

It also seeks to support capacity building in the cybersecurity field in the Indo-Pacific region, including members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

In terms of economic security, it urges securing the safety of key infrastructure for overseas communications, including submarine communication cables, and creating safety and credibility standards for information technology devices.

Related coverage:

Japan lags behind in cyber capabilities: British think tank report

Japan police to launch team against state-sponsored cyberattacks

Japan gov't agencies hit by data breach via unauthorized access
New Delhi:

Day after the pet scheme inauguration of J Jayalalithaa, the subsidised scooter scheme for working women, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday visited the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Puducherry and paid homage to its founder Sri Aurobindo.

After arriving in Puducherry from Chennai, PM Modi reached the ashram where he was received by the officials.

On the occasion of Auroville's 50th anniversary celebrations, Modi paid floral tributes at the memorial of the spiritual leader, and meditated for a few minutes. Later, he interacted with the children of the International School of Education run by the ashram.

He then left for Auroville (City of Dawn) International Township situated in neighbouring Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu where he will participate in its golden jubilee celebrations.

The international or universal project envisioned by the mother of Aurobindo Ashram, Mirra Alfassa, is dedicated to the ideal of human unity.

Earlier on his arrival at the airport, PM Modi was received by Lt Governor Kiran Bedi and Chief Minister V Narayanaswamy among others.

It was PM Modi's first visit to Puducherry after becoming the prime minister.

Later in the day PM Modi released the commemorative postage stamp on the occasion of Auroville's golden jubilee.

Also Read | Mann Ki Baat: India is moving from women development to women-led development says PM Narendra Modi

Post that the Prime Minister addressed a public meeting in Puducherry and said, "It is important today to remember the vast extent of action and thought of Shri Aurobindo. A man of action, a philosopher, a poet, there were so many facets to his character. And each of them was dedicated to the good of the nation and humanity. Auroville has brought together men and women, young and old, cutting across boundaries and identities. I understand that Auroville's Charter was hand-written in French by the Divine Mother herself. According to the Charter, the Mother set five high principles for Auroville."

"Maharishi Aurobindo's philosophy of Consciousness integrates not just humans, but the entire universe. This has been translated by Mahatma Gandhi to mean "everything down to the tiniest atom is divine," PM said.

"As the world progresses materially through science and technology, it will increasingly long for and need spiritual orientation for social order and stability. At Auroville, the material and the spiritual, co-exist in harmony," Modi added.

"The fact that Auroville has brought together such huge diversity of people and ideas makes dialogue and debate natural. Indian society is fundamentally diverse. It has fostered dialogue & a philosophic tradition. Auroville show-cases this ancient Indian tradition to the world," Modi stated later.

Also Read | Rahul Gandhi in Karnataka: BJP govt in Gujarat is giving away lands to big industrialists, says Congress President

"India has always allowed mutual respect & co-existence of different religions and cultures. India is home to the age old tradition of Gurukul, where learning is not confined to classrooms. Auroville too has developed as a place of un-ending and life-long education."

Moreover, expressing his grief over Puducherry's poor infrastructure and transport system he slams his rival party Congress and said the Union territory is the victim of Congress culture.

Lashing out at the Congress Modi said that one family had ruled the country for over four decades and asked the people to compare the dynasty-led governments with the "development-oriented" NDA.

"One family either directly or indirectly ruled the country for 48 years," he told a public meeting organised by the BJP here, referring to the governments of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

On the other hand, he said, there was the NDA government which will complete 48 months this May. Intellectuals can debate the difference between what was achieved during the Congress regimes and the BJP-led NDA, he said.

Targeting the Congress government in Puducherry, he said the union territory had poor infrastructure and was a victim of "Congress culture".

Modi asserted that the BJP would win the coming Assembly elections in Karnataka and other states, and said the Congress would be left with only the V Narayanasamy government in Puducherry.

It's unfortunate that PM, holding the highest position, said this. Congress will win Mizoram, Meghalaya, Karnataka. We are in a winning position in Haryana & Maharashtra. Situation is changing today, people want Congress' govt: V Narayanasamy , #Puducherry CM on PM Modi's speech pic.twitter.com/6yqKW5xFTs  ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2018

He did not refer to the Amarinder Singh-led Congress government in Punjab.

Also Read: India congratulates China on FATF post, hopes Beijing will be balanced

"I want to congratulate the Chief Minister of Puducherry because the Congress is going to exhibit him as a specimen after June," he said predicting the defeat of the Congress in the other states.

He claimed Puducherry had poor infrastructure and sectors such as transport and cooperation were in a shambles.

"The Congress has failed on all fronts in Puducherry," he said.

However, concluding his speech an excited Modi said that he felt "lucky to be in Puducherry."

(With inputs from agencies)

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

A student from Jammu and Kashmir, studying at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhubaneswar, has been missing for over a fortnight, police said on Sunday.

Suhail Aijaz, a resident of Kupwara district in the northern state and pursuing MBBS at the institute since 2016, left his hostel on 9 February, and has been missing since then.

The second-year student had informed the authorities of the institute that he was going to Chandigarh with his friends to attend a wedding ceremony there and would be back on 17 February, Commissioner of Police YB Khurania said.

The authorities had lodged a missing complaint with the police on 18 February, a day after the student's scheduled date of returning to the institute.

A note has been recovered from the hostel, Khurania said, without elaborating on its content. "Efforts are on to trace the student. We are questioning the institute officials and the friends of the missing student," Khurania said.

He said the youth's last known location was somewhere in Howrah in West Bengal. "We are in contact with the Howrah police and the CID West Bengal. The particulars of the student have also been shared with them," he said.

Meanwhile, Suhail's father Aijaz Ahmed reached here and met senior police officials seeking their help in tracing his son. Ahmed told reporters that he had spoken to Suhail over phone for the last time on 7 February. He also said that the institute authorities were the first ones to tell him that his son had gone missing.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Wellington:

A powerful earthquake rattled forest villages and a large gold mine in central Papua New Guinea early on Monday, but there were no immediate reports of injuries.

Officials were waiting for more information about damage from the magnitude-7.5 quake that hit about 89 kilometers southwest of Porgera in the Pacific Island nation.

Chris McKee, acting director of geohazards management for the Papua New Guinea government, said tens of thousands of people live in the forested highlands region affected by the quake.

There seem to be quite a few reports of the quake being felt strongly, he said.

The area also is home to a number of oil and gas operations and coffee plantations, McKee said. Porgera is the site of a large gold mine that employs more than 2,500 residents.

A mine official wrote on Facebook of plans to find out what caused power blackouts and other damage after the quake shook the whole area.

McKee said he expected to see more detailed reports of damage later in the day.

The area lies along an earthquake zone known as the Papuan Fold Belt, which is the fault responsible for the mountain range that forms the spine of the nation, he said.

The quake hit at a relatively shallow depth of 35 kilometers, and shallow quakes tend to be more strongly felt. A series of strong aftershocks had rattled other parts of the fault line, McKee said.

He added that the quake was caused by one side of the fault moving over the other side, squeezing the ground together and causing a thrust process.

Many people in the region lead subsistence lifestyles, and homes constructed with local materials would likely hold up fairly well, McKee said. More concerning was any heavy masonry used in industrial construction, he said.

The Geological Survey website had dozens of reports of people feeling the quake, including some saying the shaking was violent. Geophysicist Paul Caruso said there was no tsunami danger.

Papua New Guinea is located on the eastern half of the island of New Guinea, to the east of Indonesia. It is home to about 7 million people.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

India has once again tried to bring a calming influence to soured relations with its neighbour Pakistan by inviting their Commerce Minister, Pervaiz Malik, to participate in the informal WTO ministerial meeting taking place in Delhi on March 19-20.

As per reports in Indian Express, Malik is said to have confirmed his attendance. The move has left many political pundits surprised as the timing of the invitation comes amid the heightened tension between Indian and Pakistan due to ceasefire violations along the International border and Line of Control.

The invitation to Malik comes in the wake of the late-December secret back-channel negotiations between the two national security advisors, Ajit Doval and Nasser Janjua, first reported in The Indian Express, and takes place after the global Financial Action Task Force (FATF) threatened to isolate Pakistan over the weekend if it didnt stop using terrorism as an instrument of state policy.

As the decision to participate in the SAARC summit, to be held in Pakistan, comes up again for consideration by the Centre  India and several other South Asian nations had refused to go last year, ensuring a cancellation of the summit  Delhi is planning a more nuanced Pakistan policy than it has been seen since the Pathankot attacks two years ago.

Diplomatic sources from India and Pakistan have confirmed that the two sides have decided to undertake an exchange of all their prisoners in their respective jails. They will soon begin this exercise by releasing the most vulnerable, that is, women and children and mentally disturbed prisoners, some of whom languish behind bars after long outliving their original sentence.

As many as 50 vulnerable prisoners are said to be living in pitiful conditions in Indian and Pakistani jails.

This most obvious of humane steps will now be carried out alongside targeted measures already being undertaken to control militancy inside Jammu & Kashmir as well on the Line of Control and the international border.

However, under pressure by the international community to reach out to the Pakistani government and its civil society, Delhi has withdrawn its objections to participating in multilateral meetings with Pakistan.

As reported by The Indian Express, Delhi even hosted a four-member team from the Pakistani security and intelligence establishment  including its director-general in charge of counter-terrorism in the Pakistan foreign ministry  from January 31 to February 2 in Delhi, along with similar delegations from other SCO participating nations.

The invitation to the Pakistani Commerce Minister should be seen in that light, diplomatic sources said. Sartaj Aziz, then foreign affairs advisor, was the last Pakistani leader to visit India in December 2016 for the Heart of Asia conference on Afghanistan in Amritsar.

Malik will, of course, meet his host, Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu, but it isnt clear yet whether he will also be received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Jerusalem:

Christian leaders on Sunday took the rare step of closing the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built at the site of Jesus's burial in Jerusalem, in protest at Israeli tax measures and a proposed property law.

It was not immediately clear how long the closure of the church, announced by Christian officials at a news conference and which began at around noon (1000 GMT), would last.

The church is considered the holiest site in Christianity, built where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected, and is a major pilgrimage site.

"As a measure of protest, we decided to take this unprecedented step of closure of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre," Greek Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic and Catholic leaders said in a statement.

They said recent Israeli measures seemed to be "an attempt to weaken the Christian presence in Jerusalem".

Christian leaders have been angered over attempts by Israeli authorities in Jerusalem to enforce tax collection on church property they consider commercial, saying exemptions only apply to places of worship or religious teaching.

Separately, Christian leaders say legislation being considered by Israel's government would allow church property to be expropriated.

"This abhorrent bill is set to advance today in a meeting of a ministerial committee which if approved would make the expropriation of the lands of churches possible," the statement said.

"This reminds us all of laws of a similar nature which were enacted against the Jews during a dark period in Europe."

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Rajasthan's Gandhinaagar Railway station is all set to be operated by women staff from the ticket collector to the station superintendent, from the enquiry counter to the station master and even pointsman. This is countrys second railway station which will be managed by women, first being Matunga railway station in Mumbai.

Of 40, four will look after train operations, eight will do bookings, six will handle reservations, six will check tickets and make an announcement, 10 will look after RPF while remaining six will take up other small work.

The staff will work in three shifts of eight hours. Neelam Jatav will be Gandhi Nagar's first woman station superintendent (SS).

This is a good step for Rajasthan. It would have been even better had this been started earlier. We are working in shifts. Booking & ticket cancellation continue even at night & being handled by women: Santosh Saini pic.twitter.com/ZRzFBolN7r  ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2018

A staff-member, Santosh Saini, lauded the step and said, This is a good step for Rajasthan. It would have been even better had this been started earlier. We are working in shifts. Booking & ticket cancellation continue even at night & being handled by women.

In a tweet, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal said, Railways is leading by an example to empower women and bring positive change in the society.

Gandhi Nagar Railway Station in Jaipur, Rajasthan becomes India's first non-suburban station fully operated 24x7 by women staff, which includes station operations & Railway Protection Force. Railways is leading by an example to empower women & bring positive change in the society pic.twitter.com/8eKUegsMoP  Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) February 21, 2018

In another tweet, posted by the Ministry of Railways, it was informed that the station staffs Government Railway Police (GRP) and women traffic police officials too.

CCTV cameras and sanitary napkin vending machines have also been installed at the all-women railway station.
Ramadurga:

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of favouring the "super rich" and questioned why he had still not appointed a Lokpal to fight corruption.

Gandhi, who has been targeting Modi in all public rallies in poll-bound Karnataka, also quizzed Modi over his "silence" on issues such as the Punjab National Bank fraud.

"In Gujarat, Modi ji did not implement Lokayukta. It has been four years since he became prime minister... He did not implement Lokpal even in Delhi," he said.

The Congress president said Modi, who had described himself as the country's "chowkidar" (watchman), was silent on the fraud and the alleged increase in the turnover of a company owned by BJP president Amit Shah's son, Jay Shah.

"The country's chowkidar comes to Karnataka and speaks about corruption with his chief minister (former chief minister Yeddyurappa) who had been to jail on one side and on the other side four ministers who also went to jail during the BJP rule," he said, addressing a rally here.

"Nudidante nade" (practise what you preach)," he urged Modi, quoting 12th century social reformer Basaveshwara from Karnataka.

Gandhi, who is on the second leg of his three-day tour of the northern parts of Karnataka, said, "Modiji... nudidante nade. The country has not made you prime minister just to give speeches."

Gandhi said diamantaire Nirav Modi had taken away crores of rupees "belonging to" India's poor.

"Nirav Modi took away Rs 22,000 crore belonging to India's farmers, labourers and the poor, but our chowkidar does not utter a word," he said.

In his first remarks on the Rs 11,400-crore fraud in India's second-biggest PSU bank, Prime Minister Modi had on Friday warned of strict action against those involved in financial irregularities and said the loot of public money would not be tolerated.

Attacking the prime minister on GST, which the Congress president has been calling "Gabbar Singh Tax", Gandhi said whatever was in the common man's pocket had been taken away, lakhs of businesses shut and lakhs of people had suffered losses.

"But one person runs a magical new business... Amit Shah's son Jay Shah within three months converts Rs 50,000 to Rs 80 crore, but the chowkidar does not utter a word," he alleged.

The BJP chief has rejected allegations of corruption against his son, who has filed a criminal defamation suit against a news portal which claimed his business fortunes had zoomed after the BJP came to power in 2014.

Hitting out at the prime minister over issues such as employment generation and for not announcing loan waivers for farmers, Gandhi said, "Mod ji... learn a bit from (Karnataka Chief Minister) Siddaramaiah."

Also read: Rahul Gandhi in Karnataka: PM Modi says I will fight against corruption, when four of his ministers are in jail on same charges



"Whatever you do, you do it for people like Nirav Modi. You give thousands of crores money to super rich people in the country; while in Karnataka we give seven kg rice at free of cost to the poor," he said.

Alleging that money power, marketing, television and the media were on the side of the BJP, Gandhi said despite all these, the Congress would win the Assembly polls in Karnataka because the party had the "strength of the poor and weaker sections".

"Whether they like it or not, Siddaramaiah and I, along with the Congress party, will work for weaker sections, the poor. We will take every one together for the progress of Karnataka," he said.

State Assembly polls are expected to be held in April/May.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Shillong:

A constable of Railway Protection Force (RPF) shot dead his senior, an assistant commandant rank officer, and injured three other personnel at Mawkyrwat camp of the paramilitary force in the poll bound Meghalaya on Sunday, state police said on Monday.

The Meghalaya Police during investigation have learnt that the constable opened fire at the assistant commandant and three others after an altercation over sanctioning of leave.

The deceased assistant commandant has been identified as Mukesh C Tyagi and the accused constable as Arjun Deshwal.

Police said, Deshwal pumped in 13 rounds of bullet from his rifle into Tyagis body after altercation on leave.

Also read: BJP's Bhagalpur district SC, ST cell president murdered by miscreants



Three other RPF personnel identified as Constable Joginder Kumar, Sub-inspector Om Prakash Yadav and Inspector Pradeep Meena were rushed to North East Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Science for medical attention.

We have arrested the accused constable, said Police.

Meghalaya goes to polls on Tuesday, with voting in 59 of 60 assembly constituencies.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Russia on Tuesday vetoed a British-drafted UN resolution that targeted Iran violating an arms embargo by failing to prevent missiles and drones from being supplied to Shiite rebels in Yemen.

The vote in the Security Council was eleven in favor, Russia and Bolivia opposed, and China and Kazakhstan abstaining.

Britain sought to focus attention on a report in January by the UN panel of experts monitoring sanctions against Iran that examined missile remnants fired into Saudi Arabia by Houthi rebels last year and said many are consistent with those of the Iranian designed and manufactured Qiam-1 missile.

It concluded that Iran was in non-compliance with the 2015 UN arms embargo on Yemen because it failed to take the necessary measures to prevent the direct or indirect supply of missiles and drones to the Houthis.

Britains deputy UN ambassador Jonathan Allen urged council member not to shy away from calling out those whose actions undermine international peace and security.

This council needs to stand firm in the face of state non-compliance and send a clear message that it will not be tolerated, he said.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

The government on Friday revoked the passport and moved all assets of disgraced diamond czar Nirav Modi. The government has moved to attach all the assets in the Rs 11,300 crore Punjab National Bank fraud, including those of the companies owned by them. The accused include jeweller Nirav Modi, his wife Ami Modi, his brother Nishaal Modi and uncle Mehul Choksi.

The ED attaches 21 properties of Nirav Modi group, including flats and farmhouses, worth over Rs 523 crore under anti-money laundering law on Saturday. The attached assets include a farm house in Alibag, Solar Power Plant, 135 Acre land in Ahmednagar and residential & office properties in Mumbai & Pune.

The ministry of external affairs (MEA) sent an email informing Nirav that his passport stands revoked under section 10 (3)  of the Passport Act, said a person familiar with the matter. Section 10 (3)  of the Act says that a passport can be revoked in the interests of the sovereignty, integrity, security of the country or friendly relations of India with any foreign country, or in the interests of the general public.

Also Read: PNB Fraud Case: ED freezes Nirav Modi's bank deposits and shares worth Rs 44 cr, huge collection of imported watches

Revoking the passport of an accused is aimed at stopping the person from travelling from one country to another to avoid arrest.

Nirav replied to the notice raising objections on the notice of revocation issued to him but soon the ministry responded to his email telling him that the passport has been revoked, added the person.

On Friday, the ministry of corporate affairs (MCA) approached the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) with a petition under sections 221 and 222 of the Companies Act to freeze all assets of the 64 respondents in the Nirav Modi case. Modis lawyer, Vijay Aggarwal, however, criticised the government move.

The passport of my client has been revoked in violation of the guidelines and court rulings in this regard as at the moment, there is only an FIR against him, no prosecution has been launched. We may approach court against the order, Aggarwal said.

The MEA on February 16 had suspended the passport of Nirav Modi on the request of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Indias financial crime probe agency, and issued him notice asking why his passport should not be revoked altogether.

Mehul Choksi, the promoter of Gitanjali Group and maternal uncle of the diamond czar Nirav Modi, on Saturday released a letter to his employees in which he said that he has done nothing wrong and truth shall prevail.

Also Read: PNB Scam: I will face my destiny, I have done nothing wrong, truth shall prevail says Mehul Choksi

Choksi expressed his helplessness to clear the dues of his companys 3,500 employees as investigative agencies have seized his bank accounts and other properties.

Choksis letter comes a day after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigated around 144 suspicious companies associated with diamond merchant and his nephew Nirav Modi.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Patiala:

A notorious gangster and key accused in the sensational Nabha jailbreak of 2016, Ramanjit Singh Romi, has been arrested in Hong Kong, police here said on Friday.

A senior police officer confirmed the development and said Romi has been arrested in Hong Kong in connection with a robbery.

He said the state police have already taken up the matter with the Ministry for External Affairs to initiate his extradition process.

Romi was previously arrested in 2016, but was later released on bail. He allegedly jumped bail and escaped to Hong Kong.

A Red Corner Notice was issued against Romi since his disappearance. His role is also suspected in targeted killings of 2016-17 in Jalandhar and Ludhiana, the police officer said.

Punjab police said that he remained in touch with gangster Gurpreet Singh Sekhon, another key plotter and one of the six people to escape Nabha prison in November 2016.

Sekhon and some of his associates were arrested in February 2017.

Romi is believed to have supplied the escapees with money for their jailbreak, police said.

Romi also faces charges of theft and forgery after police found a stolen car from him in Nabha in 2016. He was also charged with cheating after he was found in possession of several Chinese credit cards.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday have seeked details of financial transactions in Nostro accounts of Punjab National Banks on the basis of 293 fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoU) from five banks.

CBI sleuths said that they have seeked details of the Nostro accounts that have credited over Rs 11,400 crore to Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi.

The banks asked for Nestro account details are Bank of India, State Bank of India, Canara Bank, Allahabad Bank and Axis Bank on the basis of guarantees given by Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi.

State-owned Punjab National Bank earlier this month said it has detected a USD 1.77 billion scam in which billionaire jeweler Nirav Modi allegedly acquired fraudulent letters of undertaking from one of its branches for overseas credit from other Indian lenders.

Also read: CBI arrests RSS Chennai headquarter bombing key accused after 24 years of hunt



The CBI and the ED have registered two FIRs each to probe the case. Both Modi and Choski are said to have left the country before criminal cases were lodged against them.

The case has been registered on the basis of the FIR registered by Central Bureau of Investigation. The agency, they said, would probe if the allegedly defrauded bank funds were laundered and these proceeds of crime were subsequently used by the accused to create illegal assets and black money.

The CBI had booked diamond merchant Nirav Modi, his brother, wife and a business partner for allegedly cheating PNB of over Rs 11,000 crore.

For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Shillong/Kohima:

The stage is set for Tuesdays crucial Assembly elections in the two north-eastern states of Meghalaya and Nagaland.

Polling will be held between 7 AM and 4 PM, except in some polling stations of the interior districts of Nagaland, where the process is scheduled to conclude at 3 PM.

The two states have a 60-member House each, but voting will be held for 59 constituencies in both.

In Meghalaya, the election has been countermanded in Williamnagar in the wake of the killing of NCP candidate Jonathone N Sangma in an IED blast in East Garo Hills district on February 18.

In Nagaland, NDPP chief Neiphiu Rio has been declared elected unopposed from the Northern Angami-II constituency.

The results of the polls in the two states, along with that of Tripura, will be declared on March 3.

A high-decibel campaign for the polls in the two states came to an end last evening.

Buoyed by the formation of governments in Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, the BJP is making a determined bid to expand its footprint in the north-east.

For the Congress, the poll outcome in Meghalaya is particularly significant as it has been ruling the state for the last 10 years.

But this time, the BJP is leaving no stone unturned to throw the Congress out of power and add Meghalaya into its kitty.

Political observers are keenly watching the BJP's push in the north-east, a Congress stronghold, where the saffron party has traditionally been a marginal player.

In Meghalaya, the Congress and the BJP are pitted against each other. While the former has fielded 59 candidates, the latter has put up nominees in 47 constituencies.

Though they are contesting the polls separately, in Meghalaya, the National People's Party (NPP) of Conrad Sangma, son of former Lok Sabha speaker P A Sangma, is the BJP's partner in the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA).

In Nagaland, BJP's hope hinges on its alliance partner NDPP (the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party) of Neiphiu Rio, which is contesting from 40 seats. The saffron party has fielded candidates from the remaining 20 seats.

The Congress, which has given three chief ministers to Nagaland since the state's inception in 1963, is contesting from only 18 seats, two less than the BJP, an emerging entity in the north-east.

There are 370 candidates in the fray in Meghalaya. A total of 18.4 lakh voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in 3,083 polling stations in the state.

Meghalaya's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) F R Kharkongor said for the first time, 67 all-women polling stations and 61 model polling stations were set up in the state.

He added that 32 women candidates were in the fray, the highest ever in the state.

Also read: BJP demands apology from Shashi Tharoor for his 'like a dog and its wagging tail' remark



In Nagaland, a total of 11,91,513 voters -- 6,01,707 (50.50 per cent) men and 5,89,806 (49.50 per cent) women -- will exercise their franchise tomorrow. There are also 5,925 service voters.

Voting will be conducted in 2,156 polling stations as 40 polling stations fall under the Northern Angami-II seat, from where Rio has been declared elected unopposed.

Over 15,000 government employees will be on poll duty and there will be 177 all-women polling stations across 25 constituencies in the state.

The election process in Nagaland had started on a difficult note.

Following a no-election diktat from the Core Committee of Nagaland Tribal Hohos and Civil Organisations (CCNTHCO), advocating "solution (to the Naga political issue) before election", the political parties had initially kept away from the poll process.

Though the process of nomination-filing had started on January 31, the first batch of 22 contestants filed their candidature only on the penultimate day on February 5. There was a heavy rush of nominees filing their papers on the last day.

After the scrutiny and withdrawal, a total of 227 nominees are left in the field in Nagaland.

As many as 281 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), beside the state police force, are deployed throughout Nagaland to ensure a peaceful election.

Also read : PM Modi in Meghalaya Highlights | CM is a doctor but women here are forced to deliver babies at home



Nagaland's CEO Abhijit Sinha said all the polling stations would be manned by the CAPF personnel, while the state police would also be assisting them.

Of the 2,156 polling stations in Nagaland, 1,100 were declared critical, 530 vulnerable and 526 normal, he added.

The Meghalaya CEO told PTI that six of the 10 additional companies of CAPF were deployed in the troubled East and South Garo Hills districts.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

The Central Bureau of Investigation (cbi) on Monday has issued look out circulars against 10 executives working in firms run by Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi in connection with the multi-crore loan default PNB scam.

The CBI issued the circulares after the 10 executives associated with firms of Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi failed to join the agency in the probe.

The investigating agency believes that the 10 executives have fled the country around the same time Modi and Choksi flee from India.

State-owned Punjab National Bank earlier this month said it has detected a USD 1.77 billion scam in which billionaire jeweler Nirav Modi allegedly acquired fraudulent letters of undertaking from one of its branches for overseas credit from other Indian lenders.

The CBI and the ED have registered two FIRs each to probe the case. Both Modi and Choski are said to have left the country before criminal cases were lodged against them.

The case has been registered on the basis of the FIR registered by Central Bureau of Investigation. The agency, they said, would probe if the allegedly defrauded bank funds were laundered and these proceeds of crime were subsequently used by the accused to create illegal assets and black money.

Also read | PNB fraud case: ED registers Prevention of Money Laundering Act case against Nirav Modi, others



The CBI had booked diamond merchant Nirav Modi, his brother, wife and a business partner for allegedly cheating PNB of over Rs 11,000 crore.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Mumbai:

Maharashtra minister Sadabhau Khot's car was attacked at Ridore village in Solapur district by alleged supporters of the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS), his former organisation, on Saturday morning, police said.

Khot, the minister of state for agriculture, was on his way to Barshi in the district to meet the supporters of his newly-floated party, Rayat Kranti Sanghatana, a police official told PTI.

His car was attacked with metal rods by some people, alleged supporters of the SSS, at Ridore, the official said, adding that windshield of the vehicle got damaged, though nobody was injured.

Police detained a person in connection with the attack and probe was on, the official said.

Khot resumed his journey in another car when some protesters showed black flags to him at Kurduwadi Bypass and some of them hurled carrots at his car, police said. Six of the protesters were detained.

Also Read: Journalist's mother, 1-yr-old daughter found dead in Nagpur

Khot had contested the 2014 Lok Sabha election on the SSS ticket from Madha in the district, but he lost. While the party left the BJP-led ruling alliance in the state last year, Khot stayed in.

He was later expelled from the SSS.





For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Hyderabad:

Ahead of the distribution of pattadar (land ownership) passbooks to owners from March 11, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday said that they would have to be linked to their Aadhaar numbers failing which the lands would be considered benami.

He said that farmers who had been assigned lands should also be given these passbooks just like other farmers, an official release said.

The Telangana government, the release said, was introducing a system similar to banks to administer land records. It added that it was a first for any state in the country.

It aimed at facilitating immediate changes in land records whenever any transaction took place, officials said.

Rao said that lands under the possession of beneficiaries should be identified and clarity should be provided on ownership rights.

The passbooks should be made in the names of the owners. If a farmer having land in the village is also the owner of non-agriculture land, those details also should be entered in an additional column, Rao said.

Rao said that some people in Medchal, Rangareddy and some other districts had not linked their Aadhaar cards with these records and asked them to do so at the earliest.

He instructed that drinking water should be supplied to all the villages by March 31 under Mission Bhagiratha, the release added.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Panaji:

Shiv Sena has geared up to strengthen the party for the general elections next year and will contest the two Lok Sabha seats in Goa in alliance with the Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM), a senior leader said on Monday.

The Sena had earlier also aligned with the GSM, led by former RSS leader Subhash Velingkar, for the Goa assembly polls last year but failed to win a single seat.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has given his nod for the partys alliance with the GSM for polls to the two Lok Sabha seats in the state, Sena spokesman Sanjay Raut said.

The Shiv Sena has decided to contest both the Lok Sabha seats in Goa in alliance with the GSM. The approval for the same has been given by the Sena chief, Raut said at a press conference in Panaji.

Thackeray will visit Goa next month to strengthen the party base, the Rajya Sabha member said.

He claimed that the Sena has emerged as one of the key political opponents in the coastal state. People from all sections are joining hands with the Sena, he said.

The North Goa and the South Goa Lok Sabha seats are presently held by the BJP.

Meanwhile, Raut wished a speedy recovery to Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who is admitted in a hospital.

Parrikar should take rest for some time and then return to active political life, he said.

Many a times, political leaders ignore their health while working overtime during their career, Raut said. Parrikar on Sunday was admitted to the Goa Medical College and Hospital following complaints of uneasiness.

He was earlier discharged from Mumbais Lilavati Hospital on February 22, a week after he was admitted there and treated for a pancreatic ailment.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Amritsar: Punjab Police has arrested 2 Army personnel who were spying for Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI. Police have recovered intelligence documents from them. According to media reports, Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Dinkar Gupta has informed in this regard on Tuesday.

"Punjab Police has arrested two Army personnel for spying for Pakistan's ISI and providing the information. Confidential documents relating to the functioning and deployment of the Indian Army have been recovered from them. The accused shared 900 confidential documents with the ISI.'' According to reports, one of the arrested jawans has been identified as Sepoy Harpreet Singh (23). He is a resident of Cheech village in Amritsar and was posted in Anantnag. He joined the Indian Army in 2017 and was associated with 19 Rashtriya Rifles.

The second accused is also a resident of Puniyan village in Tarantaran. He has been identified as Sepoy Gurbheb Singh (23). He belongs to 18 Sikh Light Infantry and was posted as a clerk in Kargil. He joined the Indian Army in 2015. Punjab DGP Dinkar Gupta said that the two accused (Army personnel) had already leaked photographs of more than 900 classified documents related to the country's defense and national security to drug smuggler Ranveer Singh from across the border in a span of just 4 months between February and May 2021, and were further handed over to Pakistan intelligence officials.

Big news! Union Cabinet meeting postponed following death of Dilip Kumar

The priest sexually abused a 10-year-old girl, then gave Rs 50 and said this

25 crore property found in house of municipal employee, ED attached the property
Many positions at constitutional bodies were empty for quite a while. A dispute within the erstwhile Nepal Communist Party and its relation with the opposition Nepali Congress were two of the main reasons why these positions were left vacant.

With appointments made on February 3 and June 24, almost all positions of the constitutional commissions have now been filled after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli found loopholes in the constitution to appoint people, mostly his aides, to serve his interest. These appointments were made without consultation with House Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota and opposition party leader Sher Bahadur Deuba, who are also members of the Constitutional Council, and hence many are calling these appointments unconstitutional. Deuba and Sapkota have been boycotting the council meetings stating that Oli has been doing as he pleases as almost all the appointments were made by him personally.

Opposition parties since have been condemning the appointments as they have been stressing that they will revoke the appointments if and when they come to power. But, doing that is not going to be as smooth as they think due to various laws in place.

Some writ petitions have been filed at the Supreme Court soon after appointments, but no hearing has been made so far causing concern amongst experts who are questioning why and how was this allowed to happen. They argue that these appointments made by Oli are sure to weaken the democracy as the constitutional bodies are on the verge of becoming a lapdog rather than a watchdog.

Principle vs practice

Election Commission. Photo: Chanda Bahadur Ale

This is not the first time that political cadres have been appointed to various positions of the constitutional commissions. It is a practice that has been ongoing for years. One of the reasons why it has been criticised right now is that most of these appointments are not inclusive. Former chief of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority, Surya Nath Upadhyaya, says that this will give out a wrong message and affect democracy in the country.

It seems like those in power want to have their people in all the places. This will break peoples trust in the countrys law and its constitution. If you can control a body that controls the law, you wont have to worry about the law, says Upadhyaya.

The constitution assigns the Constitutional Council to recommend officials of constitutional bodies. The chair of the council is the prime minister while its members include the chief justice, speaker and deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, chair of the National Assembly and the opposition party leader in the House of Representatives.

Experts argue that as the council has five members, Oli alone cannot be making decisions and appoint people to fulfil his agendas.

Senior advocate Dinesh Tripathi says that the constitutional commissions were envisioned to monitor the government. But now, as the commissions have members close to the ruling party, they can no longer act as a watchdog, he claims.

When you have your own people in the position of power, who will tell you that you are doing wrong? he questions. These bodies should be independent and impartial and should have no prejudice on an issue.

Senior advocate and constitution expert Radheshyam Adhikari agrees with Tripathi. The constitution clearly states that the government cannot directly appoint people in these constitutional bodies as they should undergo a parliamentary hearing, he says.

Cant avoid parliament

National Human Rights Commission

Experts like Adhikari say that certain rules and regulations must be followed before appointing officials at various constitutional bodies as they say that the House of Representatives must be told about the appointments before they are made public.

The past few appointments have all be made without following due process listed in the constitution, say experts. While the government says that it skipped that process because the House was dissolved, experts say that the reason is not good enough.

Adhikari says that Oli had given the names of the people he wanted to appoint at various constitutional bodies just before he dissolved the House. He calls it is a cheap shot by the prime minister.

He sent the name in the morning and then by evening he dissolves the House and appoints them 45 days after he had given in the names. If this is not cheating, what is? he says adding that a parliamentary hearing has been made mandatory in the constitution before appointing officials.

He accuses Oli of finding loopholes to bypass the parliament and appoint the people he wanted to appoint without having any discussions.

Questions on inclusivity

File: Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA)

The constitution talks a lot about inclusiveness. Like in schools, colleges and government offices, inclusiveness is also mandatory during constitutional appointments. But, Oli has bypassed that as well. Take the Inclusive Commission for example. The commission has members solely from the Khas-Arya groups, which means that the commission formed to promote inclusiveness in the country itself is not inclusive as it also only has one woman member.

This is a joke. How can people take such an un-inclusive commission seriously, says Adhikari.

The state of other commissions is similar as it is dominated by the people from the Khas-Arya community as only a few Madhesis, indigenous people and Dalits have been included to be a part of the commissions. Those that have been included are those who were close to Oli or people who have been in high ranking positions for years.

Take Prem Kumar Rai for example as he has been appointed the chief of the CIAA. People close to Oli might say that a person from an indigenous community has been given a high-ranking position at one of the most powerful bodies in the country. But, many say that Rai only got the position due to his close ties with Oli. This commission also has only one woman member. Similar examples can be found in the Women Commission and the Election Commission.

Concerns regarding election and human rights commissions

File image

Experts say that the people who have been appointed at these commissions might not work towards the benefit of people but for the benefit of the person that put them there.

Over the past few months, people have started to question if the Election Commission is working towards the benefit of the country as it has not been able to make a concrete decision about the ruling party.

Similarly, the commission has also not issued a verdict about the issues surrounding the Janata Samajbadi Party as many feel that the commission is working for the benefit of Oli.

If Oli wanted, these commissions would be running smoothly, but it seems like he wants his control over everything. Hes trying to rule with an iron fist and is failing, says Upadhyaya.

Tripathi adds that the commission has been taking decisions that mostly favours Oli. If this wasnt the case, why is the commission not acting independently, he questions.

Adhikari is also puzzled why the Election Commission has been in such a confused state. He says that the commission should have been away from the controversy, not in the centre of it.

People will stop believing these commissions. They will lose faith in them even if they do good work, says Adhikari.

The National Human Rights Commission is also at the centre of this. The commission was formed 22 years ago and since then, no one had raised a finger at it. But recently, after the appointment of the Tap Bahadur Magar-led team, the United Nations Human Rights Council has written to the government over the controversial appointments of its office bearers.

Its embarrassing to see a global organisation question the integrity of the NHRC. It gives out a wrong message to the world, says Upadhyaya.

The NHRC is currently graded A by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions for its compliance with the Paris Principles, but it is likely that it will now be demoted to grade C after the controversial appointments.

Weve been humiliated internationally and its all one mans fault, says Tripathi.
Most grain farms in Illinois over 500 acres rent most of their land base. Moreover, the majority of rented farmland is controlled by larger acreage farms. In 2017, farms of over 1,000 acres farmed 60% of rented farmland, with one-third of rented acres controlled by farmers over 2,000 acres. This has important implications in conservation adoption. Some conservation practices have short-run costs, generally paid by the farmer, with the potential of long-run returns. Farmer tenants may be hesitant to make conservation investments on rented farmland because farmland leases often require an annual renewal. Success in having these practices adopted depends on properly incentivizing farmers and landowners in partnership, including the larger-acreage farms that are farming a majority of rented farmland.

Tenure in Illinois

Data from the 2017 Census of Agriculture indicates approximately 60% of the farmland in Illinois is rented. Farmland rental occurs when one individual or party owns farmland and rents that farmland to another party who farms the land.

The 60% of farmland rented in Illinois is high compared to other states. Over the entire nation, 40% of farmland is rented. Midwest states have a higher percent rented. Even in the Midwest, Illinois has one of the highest percent rented. Compared to the 60% value for Illinois, 54% of the farmland is rented in Iowa and Indiana, 45% in Minnesota, and 44% in Ohio (see Bigelow et al., page 16). Illinois high rental percentage likely goes back to settlement patterns in the 19th century.

Few consistent time series on tenure exist, but those that do provide evidence that the percentage of farmland rented has not changed much over time. The percent of farmland rented in the U.S. has been just under 40% for the census years in 2002, 2007, 2012, and 2017 (see Economic Research Service).

Each year, Illinois Farm Business Farm Management (FBFM) computes the percent of acres rented by Illinois grain farms in northern, central, and southern Illinois. There are no discernible trends in rental percentages from 1995 to the present (see Figure 1), with the percent rented in 2020 being 82% in northern Illinois, 85% in central Illinois and 82% in southern Illinois. Differences across Illinois likely result from earlier historical settlement patterns and the fact that rental percentages are typically higher in high productivity areas (see Bigelow et al.).

Stable rental percentages over time result from several factors, primarily lead by the fact that land ownership tends to change hands very seldom over time (farmdoc daily, November 29, 2012).

Tenure and Farm Size

FBFMs average rental percentages between 82% and 85% are higher than the 60% reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Much of this difference relates to farm size. Figure 1 reports averages for farms classified as grain farms, which have over 50% of the revenue from grain operations. Typically, these farms have more rented acres than would be the average of all farms.

Overall, larger acreage farms typically rent a higher percentage of their acres, as is illustrated in Figure 2. Data in Figure 2 shows the percent of acres rented by farm size and comes from the 2017 Census of Agriculture. Farms with less than 500 acres rent 36% of their operated acres, implying that most of their acres are owned. Conversely, farms in each group with over 500 acres farm more rented farmland than owned. In 2017, farms with between 500 to 999 acres rented 59% of acres, 1,000 to 1,500 acres rented 68% of acres, and farms with over 2,000 acres rented 72% of acres.

Rented Acres and Farm Size

Over time, rented acres operated by larger-acreage farms has increased. In 1997, farms with over 1,000 acres operated 33% of the rented acres in Illinois (see Figure 3). Since 1997, rented acres operated by 1,000-plus acre farms increased: 49% in 2002, 56% in 2007, 58% in 2012, and 60% in 2017. Growth mainly occurred in the 2,000-plus acre category, increasing from 2% in 1997 to 33% in 2017 (see Figure 3).

In the 2017 Census of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported about 5,100 Illinois farms between 1,000 to 2000 acres and 2,600 Illinois farms with over 2,000 acres. Those farms with 1,000-plus acres represent 11% of all farms in Illinois. Furthermore, these 11% of the farms currently farm 60% of the rented acres in Illinois.

Implications for Conservation

Much of the reason that farms reached the 1,000-plus-size categories is that they rented more farmland. For a variety of reasons, these farms managed to out-compete other farms for rented farmland. As a result, these farms now have more of their revenue dependent on rented acres and are now more impacted by changes in rental markets. Furthermore, increases and decreases in rental rates will have a larger proportional impact on larger farms than smaller farms, all else being equal.

Many conservation practices  such as cover crops  have costs in the short-run, but also have environmental benefits, and the possibility of long-run economic benefits. Farmer tenants may be hesitant to make conservation investments on rented farmland, particularly because farmland leases often require an annual renewal. The annual renewal result in farmers bearing short-run costs without assurance of long-term benefits. Achieving greater adoption of conservation practices on rented farmland may require leasing adjustments, some of which could be longer-term agreements or additional partnership between landowners and farmer tenants.

On rented land, public policies that wish to incentivize these practices need to consider two parties: landowners and farmer renters. Both parties need a knowledge of benefits and costs of environmental practices. Covering short run cost will also likely need to be considered. Having the farmer bear all the short-run costs while not having the assurance of benefits in the future likely will not succeed. Moreover, an exclusion of large farms from incentives could complicate conservation adoption on rented farmland. Designing rental arrangements and public policy will present challenges.
MEXICO CITY, July 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Aerodrome Infrastructure S.a r.l. ("Aerodrome"), along with its affiliates Servicios de Tecnologia Aeroportuaria, S.A. de C.V. ("SETA"), Bagual S.a r.l. ("Bagual"), Grenadier S.a r.l. ("Grenadier"), Pequod S.a r.l. ("Pequod"), Harpoon S.a r.l. ("Harpoon"), Expanse S.a r.l. ("Expanse"), Fintech Holdings Inc. ("FH"), and David Martinez ("Mr. Martinez" and, together with Aerodrome, SETA, Bagual, Grenadier, Pequod, Harpoon, Expanse and FH, the "Offerors"), announced today the final results of their previously announced cash tender offer in the U.S. (the "U.S. Offer") for up to 60,155,201 (1) outstanding Series B ordinary shares, without par value (the "Series B Shares") of Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte, S.A.B. de C.V. ("OMA"), a publicly traded corporation organized under the laws of Mexico, held by U.S. persons, and (2) Series B Shares represented by outstanding American depositary shares (whether held or not by U.S. persons) (each representing eight Series B Shares) (the "ADSs" and, together with the Series B Shares, the "Securities"). The U.S. Offer was made in conjunction with an offer by Aerodrome in Mexico directed to holders of Series B Shares, but not holders of ADSs (the "Mexican Offer," and together with the U.S. Offer, the "Offers").

The Offers expired at 8:00 a.m., New York City time, on June 30, 2021 (the "Expiration Date").

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, the ADS receiving agent for the U.S. Offer, and J.P. Morgan Casa de Bolsa, S.A. de C.V., J.P. Morgan Grupo Financiero, the Series B Shares receiving agent for the Offers, have advised the Offerors that as of 8:00 a.m., New York City time on the Expiration Date, a total of 1,579,317 ADSs, representing 12,634,536 Series B Shares, and 90,217,248 Series B Shares, were validly tendered and not withdrawn.

Story continues

Because the purchase of all Securities tendered in the Offers would cause the Offerors to purchase an aggregate amount of Series B Shares, including Series B Shares represented by ADSs, that would exceed the total number of Series B Shares, including Series B Shares represented by ADSs, that the Offerors have offered to purchase pursuant to the Offers, the Offerors have accepted and will purchase 923,703 ADSs, representing 7,389,624 Series B Shares, and 52,765,577 Series B Shares, based on a proration factor of approximately 58.49%. Any tendered Securities that have not been accepted for purchase will be returned or credited without expense to the holder's account.

The offer prices payable by Aerodrome will be Ps.137 per Series B Share and Ps.1,096 per ADS, for a total of approximately Ps.8,241 million. The offer price for Series B Shares accepted in the Offers will be settled in Mexican pesos and will be paid through S.D. Indeval Institucion para el Deposito de Valores, S.A. de C.V. ("Indeval"), the Mexican securities clearing system, and participants in Indeval. The offer price for ADSs accepted in the U.S. Offer will be paid in U.S. dollars and will be paid to American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as ADS receiving agent, in U.S. dollars, based on the U.S. dollar / Mexican peso spot market rate available to the ADS receiving agent on the Payment Date.

In accordance with the terms of the Offers, payment for Securities validly tendered and accepted for purchase in the Offers is expected to occur on July 9, 2021 (the "Payment Date"). Upon the settlement of the Offers, taking into account the Series B Shares currently owned by SETA, the Offerors will own, directly or indirectly, 30.1% of OMA's outstanding capital stock.

All conditions described in the U.S. Offer to Purchase that were to be satisfied or waived on or prior to the Expiration Date, were satisfied or waived on or prior to the Expiration Date.

The U.S. Offer was made upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the U.S. offer to purchase, dated May 24, 2021 (as amended and restated, the "U.S. Offer to Purchase"), and the related ADS letter of transmittal, the Series B acceptance letter and related documents filed by the Offerors with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "U.S. Tender Offer Materials").

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to buy or a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities of OMA. Complete terms and conditions of the U.S. Offer are set forth in the U.S. Offer to Purchase and the other U.S. Tender Offer Materials. This announcement is not for publication, release or distribution in or into or from any jurisdiction where it would otherwise be prohibited.

D.F. King & Co., Inc. acted as the U.S. information agent for the U.S. Offer. The U.S. information agent may be contacted at, for bankers and brokers call collect: (212) 269 5550, all others call toll free: (800) 488-8035, email: OMA@dfking.com.

The ADS receiving agent for the U.S. Offer was American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC. The ADS receiving agent may be contacted at: (877) 248-6417 or (718) 921-8317, fax (718) 234-5001. The Series B receiving agent for the U.S. Offer was J.P. Morgan Casa de Bolsa, S.A. de C.V., J.P. Morgan Grupo Financiero. The Series B receiving agent may be contacted at: +(52 55) 5540-9317.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are information of a non-historical nature or which relate to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties. No assurance can be given that the transactions described herein will be consummated or as to the ultimate terms of any such transactions. The Offerors undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or future events or for any other reason.

Media Contact:



D.F. King & Co., Inc. 48 Wall Street, 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10005 Attention: Geoffrey Weinberg (917) 473-2984 Bankers and Brokers Call Collect: (212) 2695550 All Others Call TollFree: (800) 488-8035 Email: OMA@dfking.com

Cision

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aerodrome-and-affiliates-announce-final-results-of-their-previously-announced-tender-offers-for-series-b-shares-of-grupo-aeroportuario-del-centro-norte-sab-de-cv-301326513.html

SOURCE Aerodrome Infrastructure S.a r.l
COLMAR, France, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Millesimes Alsace Digitasting, the first event of its kind produced by a wine region, marked a milestone for this small but mighty region in northeastern France. The virtual trade show, which took place in early June, was conceived and executed entirely by the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins d'Alsace (CIVA or Alsace Wine Board). The show offered a combination of video conferences and real-time tastings. With 10,000 wine sample kits sent across the world and 3,750 international visitors, participation in this year's fair surpassed attendees at the previous in-person Millesimes Alsace event five times over, clearly establishing Alsace as a leader in the development of next-generation wine events.

Millesimes Alsace Digitasting

Results that Speak for Themselves

Even before the show kicked off, success was assured. Within the first week of registration, more than 900 French and international trade professionals (importers, retailers, restaurateurs, sommeliers, distributors, etc.) had signed up. Excitement continued to build with the announcement of participating Alsace producers: more than 2,000 virtual meetings were scheduled. Thirty percent of registrants were French, and international response truly showed the excitement surrounding the event with 2,700 international attendees from 55 countries. Participants from the top five export marketsUS, UK, Italy, Canada and Taiwanwere joined by visitors from emerging markets such as Peru, India, Nepal and Paraguay.

Global Impact for a Local Project

Supported by the entire Alsace wine industry and led by the CIVA, the Millesimes Alsace Digitasting was a collective initiative. A major innovation for the wine industry, the event was produced entirely in Alsace in collaboration with partners from within a 46-mile radius around event headquarters. Logistics and transport, digital design, sample box production and bottling, photo and video production were all carried out locally. Conference panelists included Alsace residents and industry experts from all over the world, from California to Canada to Switzerland.

Story continues

CIVA President Didier Pettermann expressed pride in the achievement. "For several years now, Alsace has been reinventing itself, and this successful initiative was one more way of showing the world that Alsace is now more than ever a leading player in the international wine scene."

Philippe Bouvet, CIVA Marketing Director, concurred. "We had great ambition for this event and the results exceeded our expectations. We conceived the Digitasting as more than a trade fair; we wanted to remind the industry why Alsace is a world-class wine region. And we succeededour international visitors were impressed by the overall event quality, the wine sample kits, the online platform, and especially the know-how of our Alsace producers."

Exhibitors were as enthusiastic as the visitors with the results. Wine producers made contacts that would not have been possible without this show. In the opinion of many professionals, this event marked a milestone, and they are looking forward to a second edition.

Same Time Next Year?

The CIVA is considering the possibilities of another Digitasting according to CIVA Director Gilles Neusch, however, the need for in-person contact remains strong. He shared, "We had planned to reinvent ourselves before opting for this virtual event and we are still evaluating the results. Many relationships initiated through the fair will continue to develop. Given the scale of this endeavor, we will first evaluate our key learnings for the future." Stay tuned!

PRESS CONTACTS:

USA

Teuwen Communications

Stephanie Teuwen | stephanie@teuwen.com

Beth Cotenoff | beth@teuwen.com

Kristen Grealy | kristen@teuwen.com

212.244.0622

ALSACE

CIVA - Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins d'Alsace

Foulques Aulagnon

f.aulagnon@civa.fr 011.333.89.20.16.20

#MillesimesAlsace #Digitasting #DrinkAlsace #VinsAlsace

@DrinkAlsace

Key Figures: Millesimes Alsace Digitasting 2021

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alsace-scores-a-major-hit-with-its-millesimes-alsace-digitasting-301327456.html

SOURCE Wines of Alsace
By Scott Murdoch, Kane Wu and Echo Wang

HONG KONG/NEW YORK (Reuters) -China's stepped-up scrutiny of overseas listings by its companies and a clampdown on ride-hailing giant Didi Global Inc soon after its debut in New York have darkened the outlook for listings in the United States, bankers and investors said.

On Tuesday Beijing said it would strengthen supervision of all Chinese firms listed offshore and tighten rules for cross-border data flows, a sweeping regulatory shift that is also set to weigh on the long-term valuations of the IPO-bound companies, they said.

Bankers and investors expect the pace of activity to slow in the near-term as investors grapple with Beijing's decision to tighten supervision of firms listed offshore, coming just days after regulators stunned investors by launching a cybersecurity investigation into Didi.

"It suffices to say those Chinese companies already planning to list in the U.S. will have to pause, or even abandon the plans altogether, in the face of mounting uncertainties and confusions," said Fred Hu, chairman of Primavera Capital Group.

"The U.S. market is off limits, at least for now," said Hu, whose private equity firm's portfolio include a number of tech companies that have gone public overseas. "...The stakes are extraordinarily high, for both the tech companies and for China as a country."

U.S. capital markets have been a lucrative source of funding for Chinese firms in the past decade, especially for technology companies looking to benchmark their valuations against listed peers there and tap an abundant liquidity pool.

A record $12.5 billion has been raised so far in 2021 in 34 offerings from listings of Chinese firms in the U.S., Refinitiv data shows, well up from the $1.9 billion worth of new listings in 14 deals in the year-ago period.

Analysts say China's moves to look more closely at firms venturing overseas add a new layer of uncertainty for firms already struggling to navigate escalating tensions between Beijing and Washington over a broad range of issues.

Story continues

"The message is that for a successful overseas listing, Chinese regulators must be involved, as well as international cooperation with overseas regulatory bodies," said Louis Lau, California-based Brandes Investment Partners' director of investments.

"Overseas-listed Chinese companies may have had the mistaken impression that it can ignore Chinese regulators just because they are not listed in China," Lau, whose company holds Chinese stocks, told Reuters.

The broader regulatory clampdown and Didi's listing dustup drove the S&P/BNY Mellon China Select ADR Index, which tracks the American depositary receipts of major U.S.-listed Chinese companies, down 3.4% on Tuesday.

'CLEAR SIGNAL'

Catching many investors, and Didi, off-guard, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) on Sunday ordered the ride-hailing firm to remove its apps from app stores in China for illegally collecting users' personal data, less than a week after it made its debut on the New York Stock Exchange following its $4.4 billion initial public offering.

It was the largest Chinese IPO in the U.S. since e-commerce giant Alibaba Group raised $25 billion in 2014.

For investors, the euphoria was shortlived, with Didi's shares diving nearly a third since its debut on June 30. The stock fell for third consecutive session on Wednesday, ending down 4.6%.

The CAC also announced probes into Kanzhun Ltd's online recruiting app Zhipin and truck hailing company Full Truck Alliance.

"It's a clear signal that the Chinese government is not particularly happy that these firms continue to decide to raise capital in the west," said Jordan Schneider, a technology analyst at research firm Rhodium Group.

The measures come as the U.S. securities regulator in March began rolling out new regulations that could see Chinese companies delisted if they do not comply with U.S. auditing rules.

BOOST FOR HONG KONG

While the latest crackdown has dimmed the outlook for large Chinese IPOs in New York, not all companies are rushing to pull their ongoing offerings just yet.

LinkDoc Technology Ltd, which is described as a Chinese medical data solutions provider, is currently raising up to $211 million in a U.S. IPO and is due to price its shares after the U.S. market closes Thursday.

There has been no change to that time table yet, according to two sources with direct knowledge.

LinkDoc did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Wall Street banks, which have benefited from Chinese firms' rush to list in New York in recent years, are also expected to take a hit on their fee income in the near-term, according to bankers.

Investment banking fees from Chinese offerings were worth $485.8 million so far in 2021, Refinitiv data shows. Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan are at the top of the league table for deal volume, according to the data.

Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan declined to comment, while Morgan Stanley did not respond.

Some bankers said the latest regulatory clampdown will further boost Hong Kong's allure as a fundraising venue for Chinese companies looking to avoid the new restrictions for listing in the United States.

Underscoring that optimism, shares in Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd (HKEX) rose as much as 6.2% on Wednesday, and was the second most actively traded stock by turnover.

"Buying is fueled by an expectation that HKEX may become the only IPO center for Chinese firms seeking listing and the main center for raising foreign capital," said Steven Leung, sales director at brokerage UOB Kay Hian in Hong Kong.

(Reporting by Scott Murdoch & Kane Wu in Hong Kong and Echo Wang in New York, additional reporting by Zoey Zhang in Shanghai and Donny Kwok in Hong Kong Donny W; Writing by Anirban Sen; Editing by Sumeet Chatterjee, Shri Navaratnam and Louise Heavens)
NEW YORK, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe (WCAS), a leading private equity firm focused exclusively on the healthcare and technology industries, announced that Anna Haghgooie has joined the firm as an Operating Partner in the healthcare group.

Anna Haghgooie Joins Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe

Ms. Haghgooie has over 15 years of experience partnering with entrepreneurs and operators to drive innovation in healthcare. Most recently, Ms. Haghgooie was a Managing Director of the Blue Venture Fund and Sandbox Industries, where she served on the board of directors of Quilted Health, Somatus, ZeOmega, Contessa, Axial Healthcare, Origin, SonarMD, PWN Health, ExactCare, naviHealth (a WCAS XI former portfolio company), and Change Healthcare. Anna earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and an MBA with honors from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Anna is a Fellow in the Health Innovators Fellowship at the Aspen Institute.

David Caluori, WCAS General Partner, said: "We have known Anna and followed her successes building next generation healthcare companies for many years. Anna's focus on enhancing the development of value-based care and transforming the way patients experience healthcare will be of tremendous benefit to WCAS as we continue to expand our relationships with innovative and growth stage companies across the healthcare ecosystem. Anna is a great fit with our values and culture, and we are fortunate to have her on the WCAS team."

Anna Haghgooie added, "I am thrilled to join the WCAS team. Helping healthcare businesses grow, innovate, and deliver value has been WCAS's focus for over 40 years and is also my passion. I look forward to working with the WCAS team on this mission and being part of their collaborative culture."

Over the past four decades, WCAS has successfully invested approximately $10 billion of equity in over 90 healthcare companies through its 13 private equity funds. WCAS's current portfolio includes market-leading healthcare businesses such as CenterWell, CareSource, and InnovAge.

Story continues

About Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe

WCAS is a leading U.S. private equity firm focused on two target industries: healthcare and technology. Since its founding in 1979, the firm's strategy has been to partner with outstanding management teams and build value for its investors through a combination of operational improvements, growth initiatives and strategic acquisitions. WCAS has deep experience in acquiring founder-led businesses and corporate carve-outs. The firm has raised and managed funds totaling over $27 billion of committed capital. For more information, please visit www.wcas.com.

Contacts:

Jon Rather

212-893-9570

JRather@wcas.com

Greg Lau

212-893-9586

GLau@wcas.com

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/anna-haghgooie-joins-welsh-carson-anderson--stowe-as-an-operating-partner-in-the-firms-healthcare-group-301326707.html

SOURCE Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe
The major Asia-Pacific stock indexes finished mixed on Tuesday as investors awaited clarity on future monetary policy from the U.S. Federal Reserve following the release of the minutes from its June meeting on Wednesday. In other news, the Reserve Bank of Australia announced Tuesday its decision to keep the cash rate target at 0.1%.

Tuesdays Cash Market Performance

In the cash market on Tuesday, Japans Nikkei 225 Index settled at 28643.21, up 45.02 or +0.16%. Hong Kongs Hang Seng Index finished at 28072.86, down 70.64 or -0.25% and South Koreas KOSPI Index closed at 3305.21, up 12.00 or +0.36%.

In China, the benchmark Shanghai Index settled at 3530.26, down 4.06 or -0.11% and in Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 Index finished at 7261.80, down 53.20 or -0.73%.

China Stocks End Lower as Healthcare, Tech Firms Tumble

China stocks ended lower on Tuesday, with healthcare and tech firms leading the losses, as local investors remained wary of lofty valuations of certain sectors.

The Shenzhens start-up board declined 1.8%, while Shanghais tech-focused index lost 2.7%. Leading the declines among sectors, the CSI300 healthcare index tumbled as much as 6% before ending 3.8% lower.

Chinese tech firms slumped amid concerns over Beijings crackdown on ride-hailing giant Didi Global and scrutiny of other platform companies in the country.

Tech Stocks Drag Australia Shares Lower, Despite Energy Boost

Australian shares closed lower on Tuesday weighed down by tech stocks and as the countrys central bank in a policy meeting decided to pare its bond buying program.

The Reserve Bank of Australia in its July policy meeting on Tuesday held the cash rate at 0.1%, as widely expected, and highlighted ongoing virus outbreaks as a key near-term uncertainty. The big four banks were down between 0.2% and 0.6%, while the financial sub-index fell 0.42%. However, the jump in oil prices boosted Australias energy sub-index which rallied to 1.6%, after hitting a near 3-week high during Tuesdays session.

Story continues

Nikkei Gains as SoftBank, Uniqlo Owner Rebound

Japans Nikkei ended modestly higher on Tuesday as shares of SoftBank Group and Fast Retailing rebounded, although worries over a potential spike in coronavirus infections during the Olympics limited gains. The Nikkei had slid more than 0.6% in the previous session after a rise in COVID-19 cases in Tokyo over the weekend.

Meanwhile, Japans government is likely to decide on Thursday to extend a state of quasi-emergency in Tokyo and three nearby prefectures beyond an original an original end-date of July 11.

South Korean Stocks Hit Record Closing High on Tech Boost Ahead of Samsung Electronics Earnings

South Korean Shares posted a record closing high on Tuesday, led by technology stocks ahead of the preliminary earnings from Samsung Electronics, with investors awaiting minutes from the U.S. Federal Reserves latest policy meeting.

Samsung Electronics is expected to see a 38% surge in profit for the April-June quarter, thanks to strong chip prices and demand spurred by a pandemic-led consumer appetite for electronics as well as recovering investment in data centers.

For a look at all of todays economic events, check out our economic calendar.

This article was originally posted on FX Empire

More From FXEMPIRE:
BRUSSELS, July 6 (Reuters) - Britain's EU ambassador said on Tuesday London believed the Northern Irish protocol was creating "a broad range of problems" for the sensitive border that were "much more severe" than those the bloc was seeking to solve.

Lindsay Appleby said flexibility was needed from the EU to find ways to implement the Irish border provisions of Britain's divorce agreement from the bloc in a way that would work for Northern Ireland and the whole of the United Kingdom. (Reporting by Gabriela Baczynska; Editing by Alex Richardson)
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / July 7, 2021 / Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces it is investigating potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Kanzhun Limited (NASDAQ: BZ) resulting from allegations that Kanzhun may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.

If you purchased Kanzhun securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.

To join the prospective class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-2115.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action

On July 5, 2021, Kanzhun issued a press release entitled "KANZHUN LIMITED Announces Cybersecurity Review in China" which announced that "pursuant to the announcement posted by the Cyberspace Administration of China on July 5, 2021, the Company is subject to cybersecurity review by the authority. During the review period, BOSS Zhipin' app is required to suspend new user registration in China to facilitate the process."

On this news, the Company's ADS price fell sharply during intraday trading on July 6, 2021, the next trading day.

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.

Story continues

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/.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

lrosen@rosenlegal.com

pkim@rosenlegal.com

cases@rosenlegal.com

www.rosenlegal.com

SOURCE: Rosen Law Firm PA





View source version on accesswire.com:

https://www.accesswire.com/654529/BZ-LOSS-ALERT-ROSEN-TOP-RANKED-GLOBAL-INVESTOR-COUNSEL-Encourages-Kanzhun-Limited-Investors-with-LARGE-OVER-100K-to-Inquire-About-Class-Action-Investigation-Seeking-Recovery-of-Investor-Losses--BZ




Fan-Favorite Sandwich Chain Dishing Out More Than Just Happy Customers

LAS VEGAS, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Capriotti's Sandwich Shop, an award-winning chain behind some of the nation's most revered sandwiches, is adding a major accolade to its list after securing a spot on Top Workplaces in Nevada for 2021. Announced in the wake of a tumultuous year for the restaurant industry, this recent win takes on a deeper meaning for the Capriotti's crew now more than ever.

(PRNewsfoto/Capriotti's Sandwich Shop)

The award, put together annually by the Las Vegas Review-Journal and Business Press, measures employee satisfaction, public brand sentiment, and community connection. Overall, there are a total of fifteen individual metrics that make up the award's criteria.

"The greatest vote of confidence is the loyalty and care of our incredible employees who won this award for all of us. Our passion for an extraordinary workforce is the backbone of what we do, and it's helped us overcome some of the most challenging moments in our company's history, and it's why we are 45 years strong today," said Ashley Morris, CEO of Capriotti's.

The receipt of this award coincides with Capriotti's 45th birthday celebration this month, and serves as a reminder for fans and sandwich lovers everywhere of the extraordinary core values that the chain was founded upon in 1976. These same values are credited for expanding Capriotti's into a nationwide chain that has successfully claimed its spot as one of America's favorite sandwich shops and, what's more, an award-winning workplace.

As Capriotti's continues to evolve and expand its reach throughout the country, is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce.

About Capriotti's Sandwich Shop

Founded in 1976, Capriotti's Sandwich Shop is an award-winning national franchised restaurant chain that remains true to its 45-year tradition of slow-roasting whole, all-natural turkeys in-house every day. Capriotti's famous subs are available at more than 120 locations across the United States. Capriotti's signature sub, The Bobbie, was voted "The Greatest Sandwich in America" by AOL.com. The group plans to grow to over 500 locations by 2025, and was ranked #47 on Fast Casual's Top Movers & Shakers List for 2021. For more information, visit capriottis.com.

Story continues

Contact: Conner Gossel, Fishman PR, cgossel@fishmanpr.com or (937) 545-9812

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/capriottis-sandwich-shop-ranked-among-top-nevada-workplaces-for-2021-301326906.html

SOURCE Capriotti's Sandwich Shop
GENOA, Italy, July 7, 2021 /CNW/ -- Chubu University and ASG Superconductors announce their joint signing a Memorandum of Understanding to expedite the development and promotion of superconducting cable technology for DC power transmission over long distances.

Towards a greener and more sustainable world, DC superconducting power transmission is expected to play a significant role in power grids, smart cities and green ports and all power-hungry areas and activities positively affected by an electrification, particularly when renewable energies will represent the vast majority of the power production.

The energy transmission over long distances generally encounters environmental problems, both due to the large footprint of the lines, and to the heating of the soil due to energy dissipations. The superconducting technology allows to contain environmental impact (-10X material quantity and footprint) and presents no losses and reduces significantly the installation and operating costs.

Chubu University, supported by Japanese government and industries, has promoted development of superconducting DC transmission technologies for more than 15 years for implementation into society, included the construction and operation of the world's longest class 1,000-m DC transmission line and 500-m line that demonstrate power transmission from a solar power plant to an internet data centre.

ASG, with 60 years of experience in the development of superconducting magnets and systems and devices for High Energy Physics, fusion energy and medical applications - MRI, is actively pursuing new applications of superconductivity with High Temperature Superconducting materials and MgB2 to achieve cost effective solution for industrial and power quality systems.

Chubu University's Prof Motojima declares: "I strongly believe that by combining experiences, knowledge and on-going efforts at Chubu University with those at ASG, we can create, within a few years' time, an innovation in a power grid system for a low carbon emission society. I expect that this collaboration of expertise and resources will produce a synergy that will result in the speedy and efficient development in achieving our goals that will benefit society on a global basis."

Story continues

"This agreement is another important step to improve our positioning in developing innovative superconducting cable technology," said Sergio Frattini, ASG Superconductors CEO. "The fruitful collaboration with a prestigious and expert partner like Chubu University will put ASG in the best condition in order to explore and develop high temperature superconducting materials, wires and systems for green energy storage, transport and high energy consumption industrial processes."

Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1558969/ASG_and_Chubu_video.mp4

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1558956/ASG_Superconductor_Cable_Technology.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1558955/ASG_Logo.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1558954/Chubu_University_Logo.jpg

The superconducting technology allows to contain environmental impact (PRNewsfoto/ASG Superconductors S.p.A)

(PRNewsfoto/ASG Superconductors S.p.A)

(PRNewsfoto/ASG Superconductors S.p.A)

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dc-power-transmission-superconducting-cable-technology-asg-signs-memorandum-of-understanding-with-chubu-university-301326896.html

SOURCE ASG Superconductors S.p.A

Cision

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/July2021/07/c0244.html
NEW ORLEANS, July 07, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until September 7, 2021 to file lead plaintiff applications in securities class action lawsuits against DiDi Global Inc. ("DiDi" or the "Company") (NYSE: DIDI), if they purchased the Companys securities between June 30, 2021 and July 2, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period") and/or pursuant to the Companys June 2021 initial public offering. These actions are pending in the United States District Courts for the Central District of California and Southern District of New York.

What You May Do

If you purchased securities of DiDi and would like to discuss your legal rights and how these cases might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-didi/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in the class actions, you must petition the Court by September 7, 2021.

About the Lawsuits

DiDi and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period and/or in the Registration Statement and Prospectus issued in conjunction with the initial public offering, violating federal securities laws.

On July 2, 2021, the Cyberspace Administration of China ("CAC") stated that it had launched a cybersecurity investigation into the Company to protect against potential risks to national security and the public interest, also requiring the Company to halt new user registrations during the review period. On this news, the Companys share price fell $0.87, or approximately 5.3%, to close at $15.53 per share on July 2, 2021, on unusually heavy trading volume.

Story continues

Then, on July 4, 2021, the Company disclosed that the CAC had ordered the removal of its smartphone app from online app stores because it "had the problem of collecting personal information in violation of relevant PRC laws and regulations," and that the takedown "may have an adverse impact on its revenue in China." Then, on July 5, 2021, The Wall Street Journal reported that the CAC had requested that the Company delay its initial public offering and urged it to review its network security weeks before its IPO.

On this news, the Companys stock price fell $3.04 per share, or 19.6%, to close at $12.49 per share on July 6, 2021, on unusually heavy trading volume.

The cases, filed on the same day, are Espinal v. DiDi Global Inc., et al., 21-cv-05807 (S.D.N.Y.) and Franklin v. DiDi Global Inc., et al., 21-cv-5486 (C.D.C.A.)

About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nations premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients  including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors  in seeking to recover investment losses due to corporate fraud and malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California and Louisiana.

To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005875/en/

Contacts

Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner

lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com

1-877-515-1850
WHO: Psoriasis Prevalence Ranges between 0.09% and 11.43%

At Least 100 Million Individuals Affected Worldwide

DUBAI, UAE, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The activities of the 20th edition of Dubai World Dermatology and Laser Conference & Exhibition 'Dubai Derma' continue, as visitors and attendees agree to the monumental success of this edition of the event. This year, 'Dubai Derma' features a rich scientific agenda that highlights the most pressing topics in the field, in addition to the rich exhibition which features some of the most prominent international companies in the field of dermatology, cosmetic surgery, and Lasers.

Dubai Derma 2021 conference

Furthermore, the 20th edition of 'Dubai Derma' is held physically in Dubai, with the participation of more than 350 exhibiting companies representing more than 500 international brands, over 180 world-renowned speakers who are participating in more than 200 scientific lectures and workshops. The convening of 'Dubai Derma' physically and in-person is a testament of Dubai's pioneering position as one of the most ideal cities in the world for hosting conferences, exhibitions and world class events, while ensuring the safety and protection of visitors and participants alike. Moreover, participants expressed their gratitude for the precautionary measures provided by the Emirate of Dubai and implemented by the Dubai World Trade Center, which ensures their safety, and their application of the highest international standards to guarantee the safety of participants, visitors and organizers alike.

The second day of 'Dubai Derma' conference highlighted some key topics such as: Nail Disease, Chronic Hand Eczema, treatment of scars, Management of Melasma, Resistant Acne, Androgenic Alopecia, and many others.

One of the lectures that received a great response from attendees was a lecture presented by Dr. Ashraf Reda, Consultant Dermatologist in Welcare Hospital, Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology, Mohamed Bin Rashed University, College of Medicine, Dubai, where he spoke about Urticaria and conditions related to it.

Story continues

In addition, Dr. Reda confirmed that Dubai Derma is an exceptional platform that provides the latest scientific information and innovations in the field of dermatology, medications, skincare and lasers. He commented saying: "The goal of the conference is enabling dermatologists in the UAE and the world to offer the best possible care to their patients. In order to achieve this goal, dermatologists need to keep themselves abreast with the most up to date information and continuous sophisticated education. Currently, the field of dermatology is in the midst of great transformation and the most remarkable advances in the past few years have occurred in the field of biologics and other new medications which treat many chronic and difficult diseases such as 'psoriasis' and 'atopic dermatitis' to name a few."

From his side, Dr. Samir Hantirah, Consultant Dermatologist, American Hospital-Dubai, Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), Fellow of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology & Aesthetic Surgery also mentioned that according to the World Health Organization 'WHO', the reported prevalence of Psoriasis in countries ranges between 0.09% and 11.43%, making Psoriasis a serious global problem with at least 100 million individuals affected worldwide.

He added: "Plaque Psoriasis is one of the most common forms which causes dry, raised, red skin patches (lesions) covered with silvery scales. Despite being a chronic disease with no cure, due to development and new updates in treatment, there is now a new medicine available called "IL-23 inhibitor" for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy."

Whereas Mohammad Aboubakr, AbbVie Gulf General Manager, expressed his pride participating in such a great conference which emerged as the largest scientific skincare gathering of consultants and specialist dermatologists in the Middle East, North Africa & the Indian Subcontinent region. Over the years, Dubai Derma was constantly held under the theme "Skin Health is our Concern" bringing together skincare specialists, industry leaders, and key decision-makers from the region and across the world.

He added: "The scientific program of Dubai Derma was well constructed with great lectures on the most trending topics in skin health like New Diagnostic Tools and Treatment Modalities, Management of Psoriasis in adults, Fillers and Rheology, Chronic Hand Eczema with the aim of exploring new advances in treatments for various skin disorders.

He concluded: "we at AbbVie believe in the great responsibility towards increasing patients' awareness towards dealing with various skin diseases, in our constant research and development efforts and work for the best treatments that contribute to alleviating the suffering of patients."

Furthermore, the dynamic 'Dubai Derma' exhibition featured the latest technologies, products, and machines, and facilitated countless collaboration and networking opportunities for exhibitors and visitors alike. The exhibition area attracted a large number of attendees who were able to experience the products showcased first-hand, and were introduced to the latest innovations by international companies and brands.

Moreover, the second day of 'Dubai Derma' featured various digital poster presentations, where researchers were given the chance to present their research and engage in conversations regarding the topics of their presentations with the scientific committee of the event.

Dubai Derma is supported by the Pan Arab League of Dermatology, Arab Academy of Dermatology & Aesthetics (AADA), and GCC League of Dermatologists and with the support of the Government of Dubai and Dubai Health Authority (DHA), and Dubai Business Events, Dubai Derma's destination partner. Furthermore, the event is also supported by the American Academy of Dermatology, Cosmetic Dermatology Society of India, the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, Egyptian Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ESPRS), Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL), Pakistan Association of Dermatologists, and Sri Lanka College of Dermatologists.

Dubai Derma is annually organized by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions, a member of INDEX Holding, in cooperation with the Arab Academy of Dermatology and Aesthetics (AADA).

Contact:

Public: Nada Saaydeh

nada.saaydeh@index.ae

+971 50 155 6519

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1559314/Dubai_Derma.jpg

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dubai-derma-psoriasis-is-a-serious-global-problem-301327060.html

SOURCE Dubai Derma
Designed to empower employees, attract talent and accelerate its goal to be one of the best insurance and asset management companies

TORONTO, July 7, 2021 /CNW/ - As Canadian employers solidify their return-to-office plans, Sun Life becomes the first Canadian insurance, wealth & health company to share its post-pandemic future of work vision. Rooted in employee flexibility, empowerment and centred around Client and business needs, the vision has employees choosing when and where to work  whether at home or in the office.

Sun Life Financial Inc. (CNW Group/Sun Life Financial Inc.)

In Canada, Sun Life's home market, a majority of its approximately 12,000 employees will be "flexible." This means employees will not be required to work from the office any minimum or maximum number of days. Instead, by using Client and business needs as a guide, employees will choose where they work at any given time based on the activities they need to complete.

"The future of work at Sun Life is about flexibility and choice, empowering people to optimize their work and personal priorities," states Kevin Strain, President and incoming CEO of Sun Life. "Our employees have continued to be there for Clients throughout the pandemic, accelerating towards our goal to be one of the best insurance and asset management companies in the world. Retaining flexibility allows employees to use business and Client needs as a guide to help them determine where they work."

"There's no question the pandemic has changed the way Canadians work, motivating many of us to reflect on our priorities and values, and what we need to sustain our mental and physical health," says Jacques Goulet, President, Sun Life Canada. "Throughout the pandemic, our employees told us they found comfort in our encouragement to flex their day. At a time when many businesses struggled, Sun Life's employee engagement in Canada increased significantly. We believe a flexible model gives employees more decision-making power, centred on our Clients' and business needs."

Story continues

Sun Life's offices remain an important element of its strategy. They will continue to be a meeting place for Clients and employees, and a hub for in-person collaboration and ideation. For employees whose roles require more office-time, they can perform their activities from a Sun Life location.

Sun Life is investing in a number of measures to help make its flexible future a reality. This includes:

Equipping offices with the right technology and tools

Training and support for people leaders to lead as provinces re-open

Focusing on creating an equitable and inclusive experience for all Sun Life employees  whether they work mainly from home or from the office.

About Sun Life

Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individual and corporate Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of March 31, 2021, Sun Life had total assets under management of $1,304 billion. For more information please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Note to editors: All figures in Canadian dollars

Media Relations Contact:

Nadine Jahangir Gerrard

Director, Corporate Communications

T. 647.221.8283

nadine.jahangir@sunlife.com

SOURCE Sun Life Financial Inc.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/July2021/07/c3212.html
LEAD PLAINTIFF DEADLINE IS AUGUST 20, 2021

NEW YORK, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP announces that a federal securities class action lawsuit has been filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan on behalf of purchasers of Home Point Capital Inc. (NASDAQ:HMPT) (the "Company") common stock pursuant and/or traceable to Home Point Capital's January 29, 2021 initial public offering ("IPO").

(PRNewsfoto/Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman )

All investors who purchased shares of Home Point Capital Inc. and incurred losses are urged to contact the firm immediately at classmember@whafh.com or (800) 575-0735 or (212) 545-4774. You may obtain additional information concerning the action or join the case on our website, www.whafh.com.

If you have incurred losses in your investment in shares of Home Point Capital Inc. you may, no later than August 20, 2021, request that the Court appoint you lead plaintiff of the proposed class. Please contact Wolf Haldenstein to learn more about your rights as an investor in the shares of Home Point Capital Inc.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN CASE

Home Point Capital operates as a residential mortgage originator and service provider

On January 29, 2021, Home Point Capital launched its IPO, issuing 7.25 million shares of Home Point Capital's common stock to the public at the offering price of $13.00 per share. Net proceeds of the offering were approximately $88 million.

According to the filed Complaint, the Company made false and misleading statements to the market. Home Point's plan to aggressively expand its broker partners would in turn dramatically increase its expenses. The mortgage industry anticipated shrinking gain-on-sale margins due to rising interest rates, resulting in increased competitive pressures on the Company. The Company overstated its business and growth prospects. Based on these facts, it is alleged that the Company's public statements and offering documents were false and materially misleading throughout the period.

Story continues

On May 6, 2021, Home Point Capital issued a press release announcing Home Point Capital's financial results for the first quarter of 2021. Among other results, Home Point Capital reported revenue of $324.2 million, missing consensus estimates by $41.72 million. On this news, Home Point Capital's stock price fell nearly 18%, closing at $7.70 per share.

Wolf Haldenstein has extensive experience in the prosecution of securities class actions and derivative litigation in state and federal trial and appellate courts across the country. The firm has attorneys in various practice areas; and offices in New York, Chicago and San Diego. The reputation and expertise of this firm in shareholder and other class litigation has been repeatedly recognized by the courts, which have appointed it to major positions in complex securities multi-district and consolidated litigation.

If you wish to discuss this action or have any questions regarding your rights and interests in this case, please immediately contact Wolf Haldenstein by telephone at (800) 575-0735, via e-mail at classmember@whafh.com, or visit our website at www.whafh.com.

Contact:

Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP

Patrick Donovan, Esq.

Gregory Stone, Director of Case and Financial Analysis

Email: gstone@whafh.com, donovan@whafh.com or classmember@whafh.com

Tel: (800) 575-0735 or (212) 545-4774

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/home-point-capital-inc-class-action-alert-wolf-haldenstein-adler-freeman--herz-llp-reminds-investors-that-a-securities-class-action-lawsuit-has-been-filed-in-the-united-states-district-court-for-the-eastern-district-of-michigan-301327277.html

SOURCE Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP
NEW YORK, July 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The law firm of Kirby McInerney LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington on behalf of those who acquired Athira Pharma, Inc. (Athira or the Company) (NASDAQ: ATHA) securities from September 18, 2020 through June 17, 2021, inclusive (the Class Period). Investors have until August 24, 2021 to apply to the Court to be appointed as lead plaintiff in the lawsuit.



In September 2020, the Company closed its initial public offering, in which the Company sold and issued 12,000,000 shares of common stock at a price to the public of $17.00 per share. In January 2021, the Company completed a follow-on public offering of its common stock. As part of the follow-on offering, the Company issued and sold 4,000,000 shares of its common stock at a public offering price of $22.50 per share.

On June 17, 2021, Athira issued a press release announcing that the Companys Chief Operating Officer had assumed day-to-day leadership responsibilities for the Company, effective immediately. The Company further disclosed that the Board of Directors placed the President and Chief Executive Officer Leen Kawas (Kawas), on temporary leave pending a review of actions stemming from doctoral research [the CEO] conducted while at Washington State University. The Company also disclosed that the Board has formed an independent special committee to undertake this review. On this news, Athiras share price declined by $7.09 per share, or approximately 38.9%, from $18.24 per share to close at $11.15 per share on June 18, 2021.

The lawsuit alleges that Defendants made materially false and misleading statements and omitted to material adverse facts regarding the Companys business. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors: (1) that the research conducted by Kawas, which formed the foundation for Athiras product candidates and intellectual property, was tainted by Kawas scientific misconduct, including the manipulation of key data; and (2) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants positive statements about the Companys business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and omitted material facts necessary in order to make the statements made not misleading.

Story continues

If you purchased or otherwise acquired Athira securities, have information, or would like to learn more about these claims, please contact Thomas W. Elrod of Kirby McInerney LLP at 212-371-6600, by email at investigations@kmllp.com , or by filling out this contact form, to discuss your rights or interests with respect to these matters without any cost to you.

Kirby McInerney LLP is a New York-based plaintiffs law firm concentrating in securities, antitrust, whistleblower, and consumer litigation. The firms efforts on behalf of shareholders in securities litigation have resulted in recoveries totaling billions of dollars. Additional information about the firm can be found at Kirby McInerney LLPs website: http://www.kmllp.com .

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

Contacts

Kirby McInerney LLP

Thomas W. Elrod, Esq.

212-371-6600

https://www.kmllp.com

investigations@kmllp.com




FILE PHOTO: Bridge restaurant of Italy's Autogrill is seen on the motorway near Fiorenzuola D'arda

ROME (Reuters) - Italian travel catering group Autogrill said on Wednesday its board was not examining any "extraordinary operation" after a newspaper report of a possible tie-up with its larger Swiss rival Dufry.

Italian daily newspaper MF reported on Wednesday that Autogrill was weighing a possible alliance with Dufry as an option for future growth.

"Though Autogrill is always open to assessing any opportunity the market might offer in order to pursue its strategic objectives, as of today no extraordinary operation is being examined by the board of the company," Autogrill said in a statement responding to the report.

Duty-free shopping group Dufry also denied the report.

"Autogrill has already denied this and so do we. There is nothing to it at all," a Dufry spokesperson said.

Shares in Autogrill were up 1.5% at 0930 GMT after rising as much as 5% in early trading. The stock was outperforming a slightly positive Milan's all-share index.

Dufry shares were up 3.2% compared to an 0.5% rise in the Swiss performance index.

Benetton's holding company Edizione, which owns 50.1% of Autogrill, declined to comment on the report.

Autogrill, which manages restaurants and bars on motorways and at airports, launched a 600 million euro ($710 million) capital increase in mid-June, which was fully subscribed.

The Benetton family provided half of the cash to support the catering group, which needed to raise fresh liquidity to cut its financial debt.

As a result of impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the market value of the Italian group has shrunk to 2.5 billion euros, which is less than half of Dufry's current market value.

MF said in its report that in the event of a tie-up with Dufry, the Benettons could significantly cut their stake to make room for new investors.

Autogrill said last month that under agreements its signed with creditors to ease debt covenants it could only spend on mergers and acquisitions from 2023.

($1 = 0.8455 euros)

(Reporting by Giulia Segreti; Additional reporting by Francesca Landini in Milan and Paul Arnold in Zurich; editing by Alexander Smith and Barbara Lewis)
Storms caused gusts exceeding 70 MPH that toppled trees, damaged electric system

MORRISTOWN, N.J., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Electric service has been restored to more than 111,000 Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) customers who lost power last evening following damaging thunderstorms that swept through the northern and central parts of the state. Crews are working around the clock to assess damage and restore service to approximately 21,000 customers who remain without power as of 12:30 p.m. today, mostly in the hardest-hit areas of Sussex, Morris, Monmouth, Ocean, Hunterdon and Warren counties.

JCP&L Logo (PRNewsfoto/FirstEnergy Corp.)

JCP&L crews are addressing more than 460 safety hazards and 105 road closures while evaluating damage and isolating equipment to enable repairs. Nearly 200 additional workers from JCP&L's sister utilities will be arriving today to assist the more than 270 JCP&L employees and contractors restoring power after the storm.

"Powerful winds reaching speeds of more than 65 mph, along with lightning and more than 3 inches of rain in some places, brought down trees and debris that damaged JCP&L's utility poles and equipment and caused numerous power outages. We will work around the clock and deploy additional resources as necessary until all customers have had service restored," said Jim Fakult, president of JCP&L. "At the same time, we have our eye on Tropical Storm Elsa and are preparing for any potential impacts later in the week. In particular, we're taking proactive steps to install barriers and other preventive equipment at substations susceptible to flooding."

Due to the extent of damage from yesterday's storm, restoration activities are expected continue through the week. The following estimated restoration times have been established for JCP&L customers that were affected by these storms:

Central New Jersey :

Northern New Jersey:

The remaining less than one percent of customers will have service restored by 11:30 p.m. Friday, July 9.

Story continues

Customer-specific restoration estimates will be set as damage is assessed and repair schedules established. For updates, please login to your utility account, call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) or visit www.firstenergycorp.com/outages.

After local power lines are repaired and put back in service, damage to individual customer service wires may become apparent. Customers are reminded that if their neighbor's power is on and theirs is not, the problem may be isolated to their individual service, and service to the neighbor could be fed from a different circuit. Customers are encouraged to report such problems at any time during the restoration process.

During severe weather, customers who are without power are encouraged to call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) to report their outage or click the "Report Outage" link on www.firstenergycorp.com. Customers should immediately report downed wires by calling 9-1-1. Customers should never go near a downed wire even if they think it is no longer carrying electricity. Extra caution should be used in areas where downed lines are tangled in trees or other debris.

Customers are reminded to never use a portable generator inside the house or a closed garage in the event of a power outage. Proper generators should be selected and installed by a qualified electrician. When operating a generator, the power coming into the home should always be disconnected. Otherwise, power from the generator could be sent back onto the utility lines, creating a hazardous situation for utility workers.

For updated information on the company's current outages, JCP&L's storm restoration process and tips for staying safe, visit the 24/7 Power Center at www.firstenergycorp.com/outages.

JCP&L customers also can subscribe to email and text message alert notifications to receive weather alerts in advance of major storms, and updates on scheduled or extended power outages. More information about these communications tools is available online at www.firstenergycorp.com/connect.

JCP&L is a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE). JCP&L serves 1.1 million New Jersey customers in the counties of Burlington, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren. Follow JCP&L on Twitter @JCP_L, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JCPandL or online at www.jcp-l.com.

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 more than 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.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jcpl-crews-making-progress-restoring-service-to-customers-following-severe-thunderstorms-301327344.html

SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.
Reuters

Exxon Mobil Corp said on Wednesday it will begin hiring additional temporary operators of its Beaumont, Texas refinery as a lock out of 650 union-represented workers runs into its 11th week. Exxon said it took the decision to hire the new workers after four meetings with the United Steelworkers (USW) union local 13-243 failed to yield the results the company expected. "It is also worth clarifying that our USW represented employees remain employed by the company while locked-out and we look forward to welcoming them back when there is a ratified contract," Exxon said in a statement posted to its website.
Verizon spacial sound system lets you experience music, games and movies like never before



Packed with features like a 6.7" HD display, 48MP camera and access to all flavors of Verizon 5G

Get the motorola one 5G UW ace on us with a premium Unlimited plan1



BASKING RIDGE, N.J., July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Starting July 8, you can get your hands on the most affordable Motorola 5G phone available on Verizon  the motorola one 5G UW ace. It gives you access to all of Verizons 5G flavors (including upcoming enhancements to 5G Ultra Wideband leveraging C-Band spectrum) and our brand new Verizon Adaptive Sound system that lets you experience music, games, movies and meetings like never before. The best part? Its available for only $299.99  or get it on us with a premium Unlimited plan1.

Why its awesome

motorola one 5G UW ace has all the features you need for work and play and its the perfect gateway to the power of Verizon 5G, all at a price that wont hurt your wallet. Here are just a few of the great features included:

Superfast 5G speed: With the motorola one 5G UW ace and Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband, which is now available in parts of over 70 cities, you can download your favorite movies in seconds2, stream intensive online games without any lag and feel like youre right there in the room during video chats and conference calls. 5G Ultra Wideband delivers fast speeds, massive capacity and low lag time, so youll never miss a thing.

Over two days of power3: The 5000 mAh battery keeps you going strong for more than 48 hours, so you can go all weekend long on a single charge and power through your days when you're on a business trip or traveling while away from an outlet.

Elevate your entertainment: The 6.7" Full HD+ Max Vision display takes entertainment to the next level. Watch movies come to life on the motorola one 5G UW ace in vivid colors with improved brightness and contrast. Feel like youre right there in the room on video chats, play your favorite games in high resolution and view your documents or presentations with ease while on-the-go.

Story continues

Capture every moment: Take sharper, brighter photos in any light thanks to the 48 MP sensor4 with Quad Pixel technology. Fit 4x more in the frame using the ultra-wide angle lens and shoot incredibly detailed close-ups with the Macro Vision camera.

5G gaming on the go: In addition to lightning-fast 5G Ultra Wideband data speeds, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G processor lets you stream desktop-quality games smoothly on the go; watch vivid, lifelike graphics render in an instant; and rely on efficient, long-lasting performance that wont let you down. To help test all the best games on your phone, new and existing Verizon customers get six months of Google Play Pass on us with Start and Do More Unlimited plans, or 12 months on us with Play More or Get More Unlimited plans (then, $4.99/mo after)5. For more information about Google Play Pass on Verizon visit verizon.com/googleplaypass .

Business-grade security and productivity: For peace of mind, motorola one 5G UW ace is equipped with ThinkShield for mobile, designed to help protect against mobile threats by guarding your phone against malware, phishing and network attacks using Artificial Intelligence based defense solutions. It also comes loaded with BlueJeans, Verizons premier video-conferencing service.

Introducing Verizon Adaptive Sound

motorola one 5G UW ace will be the first phone to include Verizons ingenious new mobile audio solution, Verizon Adaptive Sound, which produces brilliant spatial surround experience regardless of what headphone, soundbar or earbud brand you use or what application you're watching or listening to, including Dolby Atmos-enabled content.

To experience Verizon Adaptive Sound, simply use your favorite applications to play your music, video or game and it will automatically optimize the content for your listening device. You can also manually control different settings like treble, bass, spatial, voice, etc.

Verizon Adaptive Sound will be made available on a broader portfolio of new devices in the future, as well as some existing devices via an over-the-air software update.

Whats more, Verizon Adaptive Sound works great with all the premium content apps included on our Play More or Get More Unlimited plans, like Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+6. And, Discovery+ is on us for the first year (then, $6.99/mo after)7.

motorola one 5G UW ace is available only at Verizon for $12.49 a month for 24 months on Verizon Device Payment (0% APR; $299.99 retail). Or get it free on us if you sign up for a premium unlimited plan1. Visit verizon.com on July 8 to order your new phone. Verizon Business customers can visit our Motorola page for pricing and additional information.

15G Ultra Wideband available only in parts of select cities. 5G Nationwide available in 2700+ cities. $299.99 device payment purchase or full retail purchase w/new smartphone line on select Unlimited plans req'd. Less $299.99 promo credit applied over 24 mos.; promo credit ends if eligibility reqs are no longer met; 0% APR.

2Download speeds may vary depending upon network and coverage conditions, and content optimization for 5G Ultra Wideband.

3All battery life claims are approximate and based on the median user tested across a mixed use profile (which includes both usage and standby time) under optimal network conditions. Actual battery performance will vary and depends on many factors including signal strength, network and device settings, temperature, battery condition, and usage patterns.

4The 48MP sensor combines 4 pixels into 1, for an effective photo resolution of 12MP.

512 months or 6 months Google Play Pass on us requires active line on select Unlimited plans (must enroll w/Verizon by 12.31.21). Must be 18 yrs or older. After respective 12 month or 6 month promo period ends, subscription will auto-renew at $4.99+tax/mo unless you cancel (For NM residents, Google Play Pass promo ends automatically after 12 mos or 6 mos). Cancel anytime. One offer per eligible Verizon account. Addl terms apply.

6The Disney Bundle includes Disney+, Hulu (ad-supported plan) and ESPN+. Must enroll w/Verizon by 12.31.21. Access content from each service separately, and select ESPN+ content via Hulu. One offer per eligible Verizon account. 2021 Disney and its related affiliates.

712 mos of discovery+ (ad-free) from time of enrollment (enroll with Verizon by 12.31.21); then auto-renews at $6.99+ tax/mo. after promo period ends unless you cancel w/Verizon (for NM residents, discovery+ [ad-free] ends automatically after 12 mos). Cancel anytime. One offer/eligible Verizon account. Add'l terms apply. 2021 Discovery or its subsidiaries and affiliates.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is one of the worlds leading providers of technology, communications, information and entertainment products and services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $128.3 billion in 2020. The company offers data, video and voice services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

VERIZONS ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at verizon.com/news. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.

Media contact:

George Koroneos

george.koroneos@verizon.com

Twitter: @GLKCreative




SANYA, China, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Trip.com Group hosted its inaugural International Travelers' Forum combining a partner forum during the day and a Travelers' Night event focusing on Ctrip Community users, on 6th July in Hainan, Sanya. The event took Trip.com Group platform's Community users, which gathers travel inspirations online, offline with a music festival and lifestyle fair to bring together 1,500 avid travellers who are starved of wanderlust. The event is designed for influencers and travellers to exchange ideas and insights, and to be inspired for future trips.

Trip.com Group's Travelers' Night Festival in Sanya, Hainan united travellers, industry influencers, and consumer leaders for an offline celebration inspiring travel

Anticipating the ever-changing travel industry and customers' needs, Ctrip Community is a content hub for inspiration and the event reflects this concept. Several online and offline activities took place with users able to experience and rejoice in a music festival and lifestyle fair as well as learn more about the Future Travelers Awards Ceremony.

With more than 300 million users and 24,000 destinations all over the world, the Community is a valuable consumer tool. Community integrates differentiated content and gathers travellers, influencers, bloggers and celebrities, who all have one passion in common  travelling. Peer to peer recommendations are as valuable to the 21st century consumer as those provided by brands and companies, which is why Trip.com Group has adapted its offering and is now growing its Community users to meet the demand from its consumer base for this type of content. It has proven to be a powerful tool to aid and influence consumer choice, with 40% of app users visiting content channels over China's May Day holiday. The enriched content resulted in higher numbers of user visits and longer user time-spent on the content channels.

Trip.com Group Community members enjoy Travelers' Night Festival in Sanya, Hainan

"Face to face gatherings are a luxury we have missed over the past year. Our Travelers' Night event has brought together our users in the offline world in the wonderful location of Hainan," commented Bo Sun, CMO of Trip.com Group. "This event is an important milestone for us, and we will continuously work to improve the platform and generate inspiring content for China and across the world. As the popularity of our Community continues to grow, where over the last quarter the number of contributors has increased by over 50%, we look forward to welcoming new users and celebrating travel together."

Story continues

In addition, the platform offers users comprehensive products to help meet the evolving needs of post-pandemic travellers and anticipates the way the industry will change and adapt to these unprecedented times. It is often said that travelling connects people through experience, and this exactly what the Trip.com Group Community represents. The Travelers' Forum (TF) is a campaign IP run by Ctrip Community. The TF brand comprised of China Travelers' Forum and Travelers' Forum Annual Gala and now includes the International Travelers' Forum (ITF), to increase reach, and better connect with the international community.

Ctrip is a company owned by Trip.com Group, a leading one-stop travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Throughout the pandemic, Trip.com Group platforms have been providing users with engaging content to inspire their next trip, as well as offering tailored COVID-19 travel products and discount packages to get travellers back exploring the world.

About Trip.com Group

Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group enables local partners and travellers around the world to make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services, through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related information and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of mobile apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centers. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel brands in the world, with the mission to "pursue the perfect trip for a better world".

Trip.com Group Logo (PRNewsfoto/Trip.com Group)

SOURCE Trip.com Group
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng on Wednesday said they raised concerns about Mexican energy and investment policies during an in-person meeting with their Mexican counterpart, Tatiana Clouthier.

Tai told reporters during a joint news conference that the United States was closely watching the energy policies of the Mexican government and raising concerns, but did not elaborate.

Ng told the news conference she would discuss changes in the Mexican energy sector with the Mexican energy secretary on Thursday. Her office issued a statement saying that Ng had reiterated Canada's "ongoing concern" with the investment climate in the Mexican energy and mining sectors.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal in Washington, Anthony Esposito in Mexico City and Steve Scherer in Ottawa; Editing by Leslie Adler)
Rueil Malmaison, 7 July 2021

VINCI Construction is awarded the contract for works package 2

on the LyonTurin rail line

A 1.43 billion contract covering construction of 46 km of tunnels between Saint-Martin-la-Porte and Modane, in Savoie (France)

Over 5 years of work

As part of the construction of the 57.5 km tunnel that will connect Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne (France) and Susa (Italy), the owner Tunnel Euralpin Lyon-Turin (TELT) has awarded the contract for works package 2 to a consortium* led by VINCI Construction Grands Projets.

This 1.43 billion contract covers a 23 km section of twin tube tunnel between Saint-Martin-la-Porte and Modane, in Savoie (France). The works involve digging 25 km of tunnel using three tunnel boring machines and 21 km of tunnel using conventional methods, and creating 71 safety tunnels and several galleries. The project will last over five years and employ up to 1,650 people.

VINCI Construction's teams have been active on the LyonTurin rail line since September 2020, handling the preparatory work on the Avrieux shafts, perpendicular to the future safety site at Modane.

The LyonTurin rail line is part of a programme designed to expand trade in Europe upgrade passenger travel. It is setting in motion a sustainable transition in transport by shifting long-distance freight from roads to rail lines. By 2030, it will replace 1 million heavy vehicles on Alpine roads and lower greenhouse gas emissions by about 3 million tonnes of CO 2 equivalent per year.

VINCI Construction is applying its expertise in underground works in several countries, in particular through public transport projects. VINCI Construction subsidiaries are for instance working on several rail transport systems in the United Kingdom (High Speed 2), Ottawa (new Light Rail Transport system), Paris (several works packages for the Grand Paris Express), Doha (Lusail Light Rail Transport and metro Red Line South), New Zealand (Auckland's City Rail Link), Hong Kong and Singapore (Thomson line).

Story continues

*VINCI Construction Grands Projets (lead), Dodin Campenon Bernard and VINCI Construction France, subsidiaries of VINCI Construction (50%), and the Italian construction company Webuild.

About VINCI

VINCI is a global player in concessions, construction and energy businesses, employing more than 217,000 people in some 100 countries. We design, finance, build and operate infrastructure and facilities that help improve daily life and mobility for all. Because we believe in all-round performance, we are committed to operating in an environmentally, socially responsible and ethical manner. And because our projects are in the public interest, we consider that reaching out to all our stakeholders and engaging in dialogue with them is essential in the conduct of our business activities. Based on that approach, VINCIs ambition is to create long-term value for its customers, shareholders, employees, partners and society in general. www.vinci.com

This press release is an official information document of the VINCI Group.

PRESS CONTACT

VINCI Press Department

Tel: +33 (0)1 47 16 31 82

media.relations@vinci.com

Attachment




BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP)  Hungarian authorities have fined the distributor of a children's book that features a family with same-sex parents using a law prohibiting unfair commercial practices, fueling an debate over recent government steps seen as limiting the rights of LGBT people.

The fine comes as Hungary's government is already under widespread scrutiny over legislation it passed last month that prohibits the depiction of homosexuality or gender reassignment to minors. The law, which is set to take effect on Thursday, was described by rights groups as an attack on the LGBT community, and rebuked by high-ranking European officials as a violation of the European Union's values.

The children's book, a two-part Hungarian translation of Early One Morning and Bedtime, Not Playtime! by U.S. author Lawrence Schimel, depicts the daily routines of two children each of which has same-sex parents.

The fine was imposed by the Pest County Government Office  the local authority responsible for the county surrounding the capital, Budapest.

A Pest county official told commercial television station HirTV Tuesday that the book's Hungarian distributor had failed to clearly indicate that it contained content which deviates from the norm, and had thus violated rules on unfair commercial practices.
A hot Wednesday will precede a glancing blow by Elsa.

Yesterday thermometers in the Fredericksburg area registered daily maxima in the mid-90s. TodayWednesdaythose same sensors will record afternoon highs in the upper 90s alongside very sticky dew points thanks to high pressure and southerly winds. That will lead to heat indices this afternoon in the triple digits, topping out just below Heat Advisory criteria.

With atmospheric instability fostered by the heat and humidity it wont take much to generate storms this afternoon. Given the lift provided by air riding up the slopes there will likely be storms near the Blue Ridge mountains and westward later today. A remnant shower may reach the western portions of Stafford or Spotsylvania counties this evening, but the odds of that are pretty low.

Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

The good news is that today will finish the most recent bout with above-average heat for Fredericksburg. Although the stickiness will persist, clouds and precipitation will move into the region Thursday ahead of the center of Tropical Storm Elsa. The lack of full sun will hold down tomorrows high temperatures to the upper 80s, more typical of July readings locally.
STATES rights and voting rights often have been antonyms in this part of the world.

In Virginia, Jim Crow state legislatures and governors were able to subvert the national will and the 15th Amendment for decades, keeping Blacks and poor whites from voting by use of the poll tax, literacy tests and other blunt instruments.

Its a new day. While the Supreme Court and various legislatures in other states are chipping away at the national Voting Rights Act, many individual states are going in the opposite direction, doing what the national jurists and lawmakers dont appear willing to do: ensure that suffrage is indeed universal.

And Virginia is leading the way. The Old Dominion, where the poll tax wasnt abolished until 1964, has become the first state to enact a state-level Voting Rights Act. It went into effect July 1.

Much is written and spoken about the depredations many states have visited upon voting rights of late. Less is said about what Virginia and many of its peers are doing to make the electoral experience as universal as possible.
Dillon added that Orellanas story is an example for other young students who are preparing to take the next step in their life by attending college.

I want to help the students who really need help, he said. Its a wonderful feeling for me to see that things like this can happen, and its special to know you can make a difference for these students. We want to help the students who need help the most.

The scholarship helped jumpstart Orellanas career. After receiving his bachelors degree in chemistry in 2012, Orellana was accepted to the University of Nebraska Medical Centers Doctor of Pharmacy Program.

He received his doctorate in 2018 and has since looked to give back to the Fremont community as a pharmacist.

I know this does not happen to everyone and I do realize I was blessed with being here at the right time and at the right place, Orellana said. Now, you know, its my time to come back and try to do the same for other people.

Looking back at the importance the scholarship had on his life, Orellana said it is important to jump at every opportunity that is available.
About 600 Afghan servicemen who crossed the border into Tajikistan while retreating from Taliban fighters have been flown home on four flights since late on July 6.

A source in Tajikistans law enforcement told RFE/RLs Tajik Service that the last flight carrying 130 Afghan servicemen left the Kulob airport in the morning of July 7.

Tajik authorities have not said how many Afghan servicemen remain in Tajikistan.

Kulob airport officials said they were not authorized to comment on the transfer of Afghan forces.

A Tajik security source told Reuters that some 300 more soldiers are set to return in the coming days.

Hundreds of Afghan soldiers crossed into Tajikistan amid Taliban advances in northern Afghanistan as U.S.-led international forces withdraw from Afghanistan ahead of a self-imposed September 11 deadline.

A doctor told RFE/RLs Tajik Service that at least three Afghan soldiers seriously injured in the fighting in Afghanistan remain in a hospital in the Jaihun district of Tajikistan.

Meanwhile, a source in the Defense Ministry said a group of Russian military advisers have arrived from Russia to Tajikistan and are inspecting the situation at the Tajik-Afghan border.

The developments in northern Afghanistan have worried bordering states, including Tajikistan, which has said it is mobilizing 20,000 men to reinforce its border.

Tajik authorities have said they are preparing for a possible influx of refugees.

With reporting by Reuters
Afghan officials say government forces have repelled a major Taliban attack on a provincial capital in northwestern Afghanistan, although there's been no independent confirmation of the government's success and local residents said fighting was still raging in the area.

Heavy fighting erupted on July 7 in the western city of Qala-e Naw, the capital of Badghis Province, with the militants seizing government buildings including police headquarters and offices of the country's spy agency.

It was the Talibans first assault on a provincial capital in Afghanistan since waging a major offensive against Afghan forces, as the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the country nears completion.

Badghis Governor Hessamuddin Shams told RFE/RLs Radio Free Afghanistan that Taliban fighters were driven out of the city once again and had suffered heavy casualties. Both the government and the Taliban usually exaggerate losses caused to their opponents.

The enemy's attack on the city of Qala-e Naw has been repelled, said Shams. The situation is currently under our control. People are slowly going out of their homes."

But some locals said fighting was still raging in the city.

There is fighting inside the neighborhoods and on the streets, Abdul Razzaq Siddiqi, a resident of Qala-e Naw, told Radio Free Afghanistan. The fighting is going on and people are worried."

Earlier, in a text message to reporters, Shams said the Taliban had captured all districts of the province, which borders Turkmenistan, in the past two days and had entered the provincial capital.

Afghanistan's Defense Minister Bismillah Mohammadi said government forces were in a "very sensitive military situation," adding that "the war is raging" with the Taliban.

Authorities in the province told RFE/RL that the chief of security in the police department joined the Taliban along with over 100 security personnel. The Taliban claimed that over 200 members of security forces in the province surrendered to them.

Authorities also said some 30 Afghan government forces had been killed in the clashes.

The attack on Qala-e Naw came as Afghan authorities vowed to retake all districts lost to the Taliban as the Pentagon says the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country is nearing completion.

Hundreds of Afghan commandos and pro-government militiamen were deployed on July 6 to counter the insurgents' offensive in the north, Afghan authorities said.

The U.S. Central Command announced at the same time that the American withdrawal from the country was now more than 90 percent completed.

U.S. forces have handed over seven facilities to the Afghan Defense Ministry since President Joe Biden's decision to pull the military out after almost two decades in the war-torn country.

Late last month, the U.S. government had said it wanted to complete the withdrawal by the end of August, earlier than Biden's original deadline of September 11, the 20th anniversary of the Al-Qaeda attack on the United States that sparked the American invasion of the country.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said on July 6 that U.S. troops were now well on track to complete their pullout by the end of August.

Kirby said that the United States and its international partners would continue to support Afghan security forces in the fight with the Taliban, even if there were no coalition troops on the ground.

"We still have the authority to assist the Afghans in the field if they need it," Kirby said, specifying the possibility of air strikes, but he underscored that U.S. forces were leaving by August.

"We have spent a lot of time, a lot of effort, a lot of resources in improving the competency and the capability of the Afghan national security forces, and now it's their turn, it's their time, to defend their people," Kirby said.

Fighting has raged in several provinces, but the insurgents have primarily focused on a campaign across the northern countryside, seizing dozens of districts in the past two months.

"There is war, there is pressure. Sometimes things are working our way. Sometimes they don't, but we will continue to defend the Afghan people," National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib told reporters in Kabul.

"We have plans to retake the districts," he added.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on July 7 that the situation has tended to "swiftly deteriorate" and that Moscow is ready to defend its regional allies if necessary.

"We will do everything we can, including using the capabilities of the Russian military base on Tajikistan's border with Afghanistan, to prevent any aggressive impulses toward our allies," Lavrov told reporters during a visit to Laos.

Mohib said more than 1,000 government troops who fled into neighboring Tajikistan earlier this week were returning and rejoining the security forces.

Troops and pro-government militiamen were deployed in the northern provinces of Takhar and Badakhshan where the Taliban has captured large swaths of territory, often with little resistance.

Afghan defense officials have said they intend to focus on securing major cities, roads, and border towns in the face of the Taliban advance.

President Ashraf Ghani blamed the Taliban for all the "bloodshed and destruction," adding that his government will not "surrender" to the militants, a palace statement said.

With reporting by AP, AFP, and dpa
ISTANBUL -- Fleeing poverty and war in their home country, Afghan refugees are turning to Turkey, one of the few nations hosting Afghans by the thousands.

Over the past several years, Turkey has become a critical refugee hotspot for Afghans alongside its still-expanding Syrian and Iraqi refugee population. Its key location straddling East and West has made it a stopover for refugees on their journey to start a new life in Europe.

According to refugee officials, an estimated nearly 200,000 Afghan refugees are living in Turkey, a number that is increasing on a daily basis since the United States announced its full withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan in early April.

Since then, the Taliban has made considerable gains, capturing dozens of districts across Afghanistan. As a result, a mass exodus is taking place as Afghans seek a new home away from insecurity and threats from the Taliban.

I came to Turkey to save my life, said Nisar Ahmad, an Afghan refugee living in Zeytinburnu, a densely populated district on the European side of Istanbul known as a hub for all things Afghan. I was working with American troops in Afghanistan, he noted.

Single Afghan men who are menial workers make up the majority of those fleeing, and Turkey provides them an opportunity to support themselves and their families back home, even if just temporarily.

I came here illegally since it was difficult to obtain a permit, Ahmad said. Finding a place to live and work has been a big struggle. For refugees, our options are either working as waiters in restaurants or doing manual labor like construction work. We have very few options here, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made things even worse.

The Road To Europe

Since 2019, Afghans are the largest group of asylum seekers in Turkey. According to UNHCR, Afghans are the second-most common citizenship to claim asylum in the European Union. This movement to Turkey and onward to Europe is expected to continue post-pandemic.

Most refugees coming to Turkey don't intend to stay here. Everyone wants to go to Europe, but since borders and routes are closed they have all become stagnant. These days, because of the U.S. withdrawal, everyone is planning their exit strategy, and many are choosing Turkey as a kind of pitstop, Ahmad said.

Ali Hekmat is co-founder of the Afghan Refugee Solidarity Association (ARSA), a nonprofit that helps Afghan refugees settle in Turkey. He has witnessed a gradual increase of refugees since 2009, when he himself arrived as one.

When I came here, I ran into many Afghans that were struggling. They did not know the Turkish language, healthcare system, or school system, he said. Kids would be born here in Turkey, but families wouldnt know how to register them properly. Some kids could never even attend school because of these issues.

According to Hekmat, many Afghans are still struggling to integrate themselves into Turkish society and culture.

The problem is that today most refugees that are coming from Afghanistan are not educated. I can confidently say 95 percent are not university-educated, and some barely speak the Persian lingua franca, forget about English or anything else, he said. That's why I began volunteering to help Afghan refugees with Turkish-language courses, workshops, translation services, and humanitarian aid.

ARSA is just one of the nonprofits that support Afghans in Turkey, but its an uphill effort. As insecurity in Afghanistan mounts, Hekmat and his organization are preparing for another wave of Afghan refugees to enter the country.

Afghan refugees have mostly no other place to go. In Iran, the economic conditions are very bad, and they have gained a negative viewpoint on Afghans; we are not welcome there, he said. Pakistan has its own problems. Afghans just want a safe life, away from insecurity, poverty, and unemployment. Now that the Taliban has strengthened, we are preparing for a new wave of refugees to arrive in Turkey.

Newfound Freedoms

Ahmad Ershad Mirzaye is a refugee in Turkey who recently made the arduous journey from Afghanistan. Despite never wanting to leave his home in Kabul, the worsening conditions and personal difficulties he faced essentially forced him out of the country.

I left Afghanistan very suddenly. I never intended to leave actually, but life happens, he said.

Ever since Mirzaye arrived in Istanbul, his plan was to keep out of trouble. He spends his days working as a tailor to make ends meet for himself and his family back home. Contrary to most refugees who are simply passing through Turkey, he intends to stay. From his perspective, settling in Turkey and building a new life there is possible so long as other Afghan refugees dont ruin it for everyone else.

Turkey has done its share of humanity by housing us in their country, but sometimes our people cannot swallow the freedoms found here. For example, alcohol is out in the open, people can dress how they want, to some degree -- these are all foreign concepts for our people, he said.

Our people have lived very closed-off lives and that's why a number of Afghans lose themselves here, they go crazy, or they start fighting with other Afghans or Turks. They ruin it for themselves and for us, Mirzaye said.

But he was quick to clarify that the actions of the few dont speak for the majority.

There are actually just a small percentage of Afghans like this. We are not as bad as they make us seem, he said.

Afghans Are Alone

In recent years, increasing numbers of refugees from around the region have led to a shift in perceptions among many Turkish people, who used to be more tolerant and compassionate to refugees, especially to Afghans. But as the number of refugees multiplied, so did intolerance and stereotypes. This is why Afghans like Mirzaye are looking to keep their heads down and live a good life.

I wish people could understand that no one wants to leave their home permanently, away from their beloved family and friends. Afghans are alone. The United States left us at such a critical point when we needed them most. As an Afghan, it would be nice if other nations changed their perspective about us.

Beyond just hosting thousands of Afghan refugees, Turkey has always held an interest in Afghanistans affairs. As a majority-Muslim nation, its deep cultural and linguistic ties with Afghans have made them a less contentious actor to fear.

The historical ally recently announced its offer and clear commitment to take a lead role in securing Kabul's international airport after the departure of international troops. The security of the airport is crucial for the operation of diplomatic missions out of Afghanistan as Western forces withdraw from the war-torn country.
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 82F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Low 59F. SSE winds shifting to NNW at 10 to 15 mph.
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Generally sunny despite a few afternoon clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 82F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. Low 59F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
"This is the largest investment in electric vehicle infrastructure in our nation's history," she told a gaggle of reporters and green energy advocates. "The largest investment in transit in our nation's history and the largest investment in trains since Amtrak came on the scene. The largest investment in bridges."
Local

alert top story

To Trinity and beyond: Trinity Lutheran Church celebrates 150 years

Courtesy of Trinity Lutheran Church Prior to building its first church on South Pennsylvania in Mason City, Trinity Lutheran held services in an old courthouse which sat at the former Norwest Bank location, a space which now serves as the parking lot immediately west of the Wells Fargo Building. Lisa Grouette / LISA GROUETTE Globe Gazette Trinity Lutheran Church present-day sanctuary. Lisa Grouette / LISA GROUETTE Globe Gazette Trinity Lutheran Church present-day balcony pipe organ. Lisa Grouette / LISA GROUETTE Globe Gazette Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City now faces North Georgia Avenue.

150 years. Within that span of time, a person could see about three to five generations of their family and history.

For Trinity Lutheran Church, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary of the establishment of its congregation, during that span of time, that's meant service to generations of families for both their spiritual and physical needs.

Lisa Grouette / LISA GROUETTE Globe Gazette Trinity Lutheran Church's former main entrance, facing North Pennsylvania Avenue in Mason City.

I think about the generations of people that have called this congregation home and put down their roots of faith here, Senior Pastor Dan Gerrietts said about what the 150-year anniversary meant to him. What that is meant for all the different things that happen in our lives: the birth of babies, raising your children, couples meeting, growing old, having grandchildren, and mourning loved ones that have died. As people of faith, we think about the God is in the midst of and shepherding us and helping us through it in a community together.

Trinity Church was established on July 1, 1871, by Scandinavian immigrants who came from Wisconsin and settled in Iowa. Originally, Trinity Church began with the name Scandinavian Lutheran Church of Mason City and became the third organized church in Mason City at the time, according to Trinity Lutheran's historical account in a 125th anniversary booklet.

Congregation members struggled at that time with language barriers and made their sermons and constitution in Norwegian. Norwegian was the staple language for the church for over a generation before officially offering services in English in 1906 after Rev. G.G. Belsheim took the pulpit, according to Gerrietts and historical accounts.

The church faced challenges through pastors staying temporary and reorganization of itself shortly after establishing the congregation.

Tough times met their match with the formation of the Ladies Aid that was formed July 2, 1886, which was important when it came to finances and supporting the church. The push by the women of the congregation is what helped get Trinity through their challenges, according to Graves and Gerrietts.

Norwegian women had a great talent for handicrafts and fine sewing, so they began to see an opportunity to serve the community was some of the gifts that they had and so they started to have meals, supported the servicemen, and go out to the fairgrounds and host meals out there that brought a little income, Pastor Kathy Graves said.

Trinity built its first church on May 3, 1894, at the cost of $2,484. Up until then, the congregation moved around locations, including the Parker Opera House on North Federal Avenue and an old stone country school house north of town.

The location of its first building caused problems for the congregation after the city's decision to extend what is now Fifth Street Southeast and turn it into a dump. The smell from that dump kept people away from attending services and attendance dropped to 10 to 18 people per week. Trinity Lutheran's historical account booklet says the morale from the congregation dropped further after decisions were made to open a freight depot, city gas, and electric company around the church as well.

Trinity did not receive its first resident pastor until 1906 with Belsheim, who began serving congregations in both Mason City and Clear Lake.

Along with overseeing the first English services, Belsheim was there during the time when the church decided to change its name from Scandanavian Lutheran Church to Trinity Lutheran Church. The decisions for both the naming of the church and the offering of English services resulted in a small growth of membership, according to the 125th anniversary booklet.

Trinity Lutheran saw its attendance numbers reach over 1,000 under Rev. Alvin N. Rogness during the late 1940s. The increase of those in attendance had the church make arrangements with the Palace Theater, now Southbridge Mall, to hold services.

Within a year or two of (Rogness') arrival, the congregation along with the post-war boom grew to several thousand members in a very short period of time, Gerrietts said. It was at that time that they determined they needed to build this building.

Efforts in the past had failed to move their location, but it became apparent during their attendance boom that they needed to expand. Under Rogness, they were able to purchase the construction of a $350,000 building at 213 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

Courtesy of Trinity Lutheran Church Trinity Lutheran Church, as it sat prior to 1950, on Fifth Street Southeast and South Pennsylvania Avenue in Mason City.

Shortly after moving into the new building, the old church on South Pennsylvania and Fifth Street was destroyed by a fire on January 5, 1950.

In the span of Trinity Lutherans 150 years within the Mason City community, they have been a part of several social services being created, like Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank, Community Kitchen, and Northern Lights Homeless Shelter, according to Gerrietts.

Trinity has also expanded its efforts to help those outside of Iowa with international services.

We partnered with a project in Bihar, India, that helps women in sustainable farming for their families. We are doing another project in Chile, Graves said Weve been a large supporter of disaster relief and world hunger relief.

Today, Trinity Lutheran Church is a congregation of over 3,000 members who attend its in-person services or tune in to their livestream and radio broadcasts.

Upcoming events Saturday, July 24 & Sunday, July 25: ELCA World Hunger Challenge Project Weekend. Watch for activity announcements.

Sunday, Aug. 22: Outdoor Concert and BBQ at Trinity's courtyard. Trinity Lutheran featuring Nonsemble and Betty and the Gents. Inflatables and games for the kids. Proceeds to benefit our anniversary mission projects.

Sunday, Oct. 31: Anniversary Celebration Worship at Trinity Lutheran Church. Worship service celebrating 150th anniversary and will include a newly commissioned anniversary hymn. Tentative: celebration dinner following service.

Currently the ages of their members span from infants to 105-year-olds. Gerrietts said that their congregation is deeply rooted in Lutheran traditions, but is working hard to adapt to changing times in a changing world.

Building additions have been made to the church with an education area and office area. Trinity is constantly being used throughout the week with opportunities being offered to the community like youth activities, health ministries, seminars, funerals, exercise groups, Wednesday Night Alive classes, and other special events.

Their services currently run with a 5 p.m. Saturday, a 9 a.m. Sunday in their outdoor courtyard and a 10:30 p.m. livestreamed service due to COVID-19. In the fall, they hope to return to four in-person services with a 5:00 p.m. service on Saturday, 8:15 a.m. on Sunday, 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, and a 10:45 a.m. on Sunday.

For the future, Trinity Lutheran is looking to see how they can use their numbers to help inside and outside the community, including helping other congregations.

I think what we have going on here is not ours but to open our hands and extend it to whoever is interested in what it that we have to offer, Graves said.

Lisa Grouette / LISA GROUETTE Globe Gazette Pastors Dan Gerriets and Kathy Graves stand in the foyer at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City.

Thats one of the things that were looking at for the next number of years is to say how we can use what God has given us to be a gift to the larger church. That along with continuing to try to be a force in the community for bettering the lives of people, all people, Gerrietts said I think thats always going to be the core of our mission as a servant church.

$3 for 3 months to support local journalism
Robert Downey Sr., the accomplished countercultural filmmaker, actor and father of superstar Robert Downey Jr., has died. He was 85.

Downey Jr. wrote on Instagram that his father died late Tuesday in his sleep at home in New York. He had Parkinson's disease for more than five years.

"He was a true maverick filmmaker, and remained remarkably optimistic throughout," Downey Jr. wrote. "According to my stepmom's calculations, they were happily married for just over 2000 years."

Downey was a Hollywood journeyman who made a name for himself with radical, anti-establishment films, like the low-budget Madison Avenue advertising industry satire "Putney Swope" and the Western Jesus parable "Greaser's Palace" starring Allan Arbus. His son, Robert Downey Jr., daughter Allyson Downey and first wife Elsie Downey also appeared in "Greaser's Palace."

He also acted in films, playing Thomas Bateman in "To Live and Die in L.A.", the studio manager in "Boogie Nights" and the show director in "Magnolia."

Born in New York City in 1936 as Robert Elias Jr., he later changed his surname to Downey  his stepfather's name  in order to enlist in the army early. After the army, he got into filmmaking by chance while living in New York with his sister.
DES MOINES  State officials are being tight-lipped about the planned deployment of Iowa State Patrol troopers to assist law enforcement efforts at the U.S.-Mexico border, declining to identify how many have volunteered and when they might be traveling to Texas or Arizona to conduct an undisclosed assignment.

Iowa Department of Public Safety officials were not aware, a spokeswoman said Tuesday, of any previous Iowa State Patrol deployments outside of the state since Iowa in 1997 joined the Emergency Management Assistance Compact  an agreement between states that the Republican governors of Texas and Arizona cited in their call last month for other states to send assistance to the border.

Several Republican governors, including Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, announced they would sent troopers from their states to help protect the border  noting the rise in drugs, human trafficking and violent crime has become unsustainable. But Iowa officials will answer few questions beyond that about the deployment.

For officer safety purposes, the Iowa State Patrol and the Governors Office will not be identifying the Troopers who have voluntarily agreed to be deployed or any other mission-specific operational information, said Debbie McClung, strategic communications bureau chief in the Iowa Department of Public Safety commissioners office.
In Iowa, its never too early for a presidential campaign.

That much has been clear in 2021 as potential Republican candidates have been laying the groundwork in Iowa for possible campaigns, even while more than half of their base continues to mistakenly believe their partys candidate was the rightful winner of the last one.

The 2024 Iowa caucuses are more than two-and-a-half years away, and yet here were Nikki Haley and Tom Cotton in Iowa this past week. And while this wonderful state has many terrific experiences to offer, Haley and Cotton were not here to see the sights or hit the Pizza Ranch buffet.

Haley, a former South Carolina governor and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations; and Cotton, a U.S. senator from Arkansas, both appeared at state party fundraisers this past week: Haley in West Des Moines and Cotton in Sioux Center.

And the early-worn trail will remain busy; later this month, former Vice President Mike Pence, former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem  each possible 2024 Republican presidential candidates  are scheduled to appear at an event hosted by the Iowa faith-based organization The Family Leader.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a specific recommendation for removing imbedded ticks and treating the tick bites. Since these people are doctors who have combined several decades of research on tick bites, we can trust their recommendations:

Use tweezers to grasp the tick near its head, and apply stead pressure to pull it out. Try not to crush it. Dispose of the tick by flushing it down the toilet or by wrapping it in tape and putting it in the trash.

Treat the bite with alcohol to prevent infection, and wash your hands after disposing of the tick.

An important thing to know about tick bites is some diseases take 24 hours or more to transmit to a human. Lyme disease is one of these. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever can be transmitted in a little as two hours. But other diseases, such as Powassan, can be transmitted in just a few minutes.

When a tick is found, it should be removed promptly. If I am working outside and find one attached, I will grab it, pull it off and then go inside for some rubbing alcohol. I also will use some type of anti-itch cream as the bite will itch just like any other insect bite.
Tropical moisture heading to the Dan River Region could help to quench the drought situation, but a continued shift in forecast also may bring a threat of flooding.

After Tropical Storm Elsa made landfall early Wednesday in Florida, whats left of the system that briefly reached hurricane status twice is expected to move into Virginia by Thursday.

With up to 2 inches of rain possible, the National Weather Service has placed Danville and Pittsylvania County under a flash flood watch for Thursday.

The remnants of Elsa could bring periods of moderate to heavy rainfall in the piedmont area Thursday, the weather service reports. Low lying areas near creeks, streams and rivers  as well as locations with poor drainage  could become inundated with floodwater, forecasters warned.

Road closures also are possible with rising water.

Computer models originally brought the system almost parallel with the Carolina coast, meaning only a brush with a chance of rain for Southside Virginia. However, a more westward track started emerging Wednesday. The most recent guidance from the National Hurricane Center takes the center of Elsa  likely just a tropical depression by Thursday  just to the east of Danville.
Trumps suit is DOA, echoed Paul Barrett, the deputy director of the Center for Business and Human Rights at New York Universitys Stern School of Business.

Barrett said Trump was fundamentally misunderstanding the Constitution. The First Amendment applies to government censorship or speech regulation. It does not stop private sector corporations from regulating content on their platforms, he said by email. "In fact, Facebook and Twitter themselves have a First Amendment free speech right to determine what speech their platforms project and amplify -- and that right includes excluding speakers who incite violence, as Trump did in connection with the January 6 Capitol insurrection.

Goldman said he suspected Trumps legal team knows it is not going to win in court, and suggested Trump was pursuing the suits to garner attention.

Indeed, Trumps political action committee was already raising money off the announcement by early Wednesday afternoon.

As president, Trump last year signed an executive order challenging Section 230 that was seen as largely symbolic.

It was always about sending a message to their base that theyre fighting on their behalf against the evil Silicon Valley tech giants," Goldman said.
The states of North Carolina and Virginia claim joint custody of the Dan River, which dances along their border like Gods gerrymandered district.

From Patrick County it flows into Stokes County, N.C. From there it snakes into Rockingham County, back into Virginia and then back into North Carolina near the county lines between Caswell and Rockingham.

Before ending at the Kerr Reservoir on the Roanoke River, the Dan flows for 214 miles in all, with serene, leafy banks and (mostly) calm waters along the way.

Small wonder its an attraction for kayakers, hikers, tubers and rafters.

But there are hidden dangers in all that natural beauty.

Two weeks ago, during a family outing that went horribly wrong, the river claimed five lives in a tubing accident.

Those victims drowned after they toppled over an 8-foot-high low-head dam, a structure whose modest size can be deceiving.

New precautions now are in place near that dam in time for the holiday weekend, and should make that stretch of the river safer. Whether its as safe as it could or should be, well, thats another question.
Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device.
WENTWORTH  The Rockingham County Department of Health and Human Services collaborated with several community partners and Gills Inn and Suites to host a successful Pop-Up Health and Resource Fair on June 26.

The event not only provided health and social services resources, but COVID-19 vaccinations for those who were eligible to receive the shots. Individuals who received their first vaccine or provided transportation obtained a $25 cash card sponsored by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services as part of its Bring Summer Back statewide campaign.

Among participating agencies at the health fair were: Guilford County Solution to the Opioid Problem (GCSTOP), Project Lazarus, Beautiful Mind, Rockingham County Division of Public Health, Integrated Health Care, Gills Inn and Suites, Rockingham County Engineering and Public Utilities, Rockingham County Opioid Task Force, ALEF Behavioral Care, Lot 25:40, Reidsville Fire Department, and DayMark Recovery Services/Mobile Crisis.

The next health fair: Bring Summer Back Rockingham County is July 10 at Freedom Park at 121 N. Edgewood Road in Eden from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
If you have already had COVID-19, you are not immune from getting the virus again, and it is still important for you to be vaccinated, Gunn-Nolan said.

Southern Virginia is behind the rest of the state when it comes to vaccinations in adults. Martinsville  at 54%  is the only Southside locality with more than half of adults fully vaccinated. Patrick Countys 36% rate for adults is the lowest in the region.

In Danville, 44% of adults are fully protected from the illness. Pittsylvania County has only 42% of adult residents vaccinated.

Those percentages are even lower when factoring in children, because only those 12 and above are eligible for a shot of protection.

Sovah Health is troubled by the low vaccination rates in our communities and are concerned for the potential of future surges, due to the spread of variants, which require more aggressive clinical care and are likely to cause more severe outcomes, Gunn-Nolan told the newspaper. I continue to have conversations with hospitalized patients and their loved ones who regret not being vaccinated.

Often it takes feeling the affects of the disease before a patient will say, If I survive, Ill get my vaccine, she explained.
But Cohen, who worked closely with Weisselberg, has long said that nothing happened at the Trump Org without Trumps sign-off  and he doesnt believe the current indictments are the whole enchilada.

Indeed, prosecutors have been mounting this case against Weisselberg for months, in an effort to pressure him into cooperating with their bigger investigation into Trumps business dealings. They seem to be after far more than the septuagenarian accountant.

They did the right thing when they gave him the opportunity to come in, retaining whatever dignity he may have left, Cohen said of Weisselbergs arrest.

Obviously, one of the hopes is that theyre showing him some goodwill to make it clear to Weisselberg that he is not the keystone to this investigation or its outcome. His participation and cooperation only benefits him, and potentially his sons, as the DA has more than ample documentation to see this investigation to the end.

To the end. Weve heard that before.
OAK RIDGE  Two adults accused of giving alcohol to teenagers have been criminally charged after a wreck that left two teens dead and two more seriously injured, the N.C. Department of Public Safety said in a news release.

On June 25, troopers responded to a single-vehicle accident on Willard Road.

Troopers say 18-year-old Jacob Stevens of Greensboro was impaired while driving a 2002 Chevrolet pickup south on Willard Road near N.C. 150 when he ran off the road. The pickup struck a mailbox and trash can then crossed to the other side of the road where it overturned and hit a utility pole, the Highway Patrol said.

Jeffrey Robert Jones and Zach Porter Williamson, two 19-year-old passengers, were killed. Stevens and another 19-year-old passenger, Tavis Derek Williamson, were hospitalized with serious injuries.

Stevens has since been charged with two counts of felony death by motor vehicle and one count of felony serious injury by motor vehicle, along with driving while impaired, provisional driving while impaired, underage consumption and reckless driving.

Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

An investigation by the Alcohol Law Enforcement led to Stevens being additionally charged with underage possession of alcohol and possession of fraudulent identification.
SURFSIDE, Fla. (AP)  Emergency workers who have spent 14 days pulling apart the rubble of a collapsed condo building near Miami said Wednesday they were switching from rescue to recovery mode, signaling the effort to find survivors was all but over.

The news followed increasingly somber reports from emergency officials, who indicated they had been preparing families for the worst outcome.

Miami-Dade Assistant Fire Chief Raide Jadallah told families at a private briefing Wednesday afternoon that the emergency crews would remove the rescue dogs and sound devices, but otherwise would continue to search through the rubble for the bodies of their relatives.

"Our sole responsibility at this point is to bring closure," he said, as relatives sobbed in the background.

For about two weeks after Champlain Towers South collapsed, officials stressed their focus on finding survivors  a hope that was rekindled after workers demolished the remainder of the building, allowing rescuers access to new areas of debris. The hope was that they might find "voids," or open pockets in the rubble where someone could have survived.
Having remembered only the prohibition on cellphones, Stone told Sasser that an audio recorder was fine. Sasser used the device during a recess to interview a source in the courtroom. When Futrell learned Sasser had the recorder, he directed the reporter to remove it from his courtroom.

Sasser went back to the newsroom. A bailiff called him to return to court to speak with the judge and Stone accompanied him back.

The two expected the judge to speak with them behind closed doors but were surprised when a bailiff directed them inside the courtroom, where Futrell stopped the trial and found the editor and reporter in criminal contempt of court. The judge sentenced Stone to five days in jail and fined Sasser $500.

I was blown away that the decision was made that fast," Stone said. There was no real way to process it in the moment and recognize what I was even involved in. All of a sudden, I'm in orange."

Bloom hastily found an attorney who filed an appeal and got Stone out of jail the next day.
Donald Trump loyalists who claim their idol is still the real president are getting support from an unlikely source  the late-night TV talk show hosts. No, Hollywood hasnt gone QAnon. But in the past, a first-year president has usually been the primary target of TVs comedians. Their material is typically a reliable indicator of who is the Newsmaker in Chief. This year, however, Inauguration Day came and went, and the Trump jokes just kept on coming.

The continuing focus on the former president is evident from the material featured on two popular late-night talk shows, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on NBC and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on CBS. During Joe Bidens first 100 days in office, Colbert and Fallon together featured more than twice as many jokes about the previous POTUS (349) than they did about his successor (158), according to our analysis.

As usual, the Trump-centric pattern was most obvious in Colberts monologues, which zinged the ex-president nearly four times as often as the incumbent (228 to 60). But even Fallon, who was once derided by his peers for doing a soft interview in which he tousled Trumps hair, told 121 Donald Trump jokes compared to 98 about Joe Biden.
With K-12 school openings in North Carolina only about six weeks away, we have a grand opportunity to prepare to avert disaster later by demanding that substantial COVID precautions be required of students, faculty and staff  especially as the more contagious delta variant spreads in the Southern states.

School districts and administrators have been advised to continue to require students to wear masks indoors and maintain 3 feet of distance by infectious diseases experts and health care researchers, the Winston-Salem Journals Richard Craver reported Monday. This is especially necessary since no COVID vaccine has been approved for kindergartners through age 11 and only around 20% or 25% of those ages 12 to 17 have received at least one dose of the approved Pfizer vaccine.

Ill be quite frank. That (20% to 25%) is just not high enough to protect us from the delta variant and slow its circulation, Dr. Christopher Ohl with Wake Forest Baptist Health told the Journal. Its going to be the younger people who are going to be getting infected.

Were glad that students will be returning to classes. Last years sequestration was tough, and the social isolation imposed was more consequential than many realized at the time.
Jul 07, 2021 2:50 PM

Author: Leann Bentley

Everyone has a sexual orientation and gender identity, but people who identify as part of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community are at higher mental health risk compared to others. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), "LGB adults are more than twice as likely as heterosexual adults to experience a mental health condition. Transgender individuals are nearly four times as likely as cisgender individuals to experience a mental health condition". Many factors aside, this is because many people identifying as LGBTQIA+ face discrimination, family rejection, harassment, and fear of violence.

"Like with any identity, feeling differentor worse, unaccepted as you areis a significant risk factor for mental health struggles," says Anna Docherty, PhD, LP, assistant professor of psychiatry with Huntsman Mental Health Institute at University of Utah Health. "The truth is, most of us experience some significant anxiety or depression in our lifetimes, and we often manage this with social support. Without adequate social support and acceptance, mental health is quite difficult to maintain. Increasing dialogue about LGBTQIA+ experiences and how individuals are overcoming struggles can help normalize and validate what individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ are managing. Importantly, this can also lead to community education, acceptance, social support, peer-mentoring, empowerment, and pride."

The following statistics from Mental Health America demonstrate the concerning mental health challenges facing the LGBTQIA+ community:

LGBTQIA+ teens are six times more likely to experience symptoms of depression than non-LGBTQIA+ identifying teens.

LGBTQIA+ youth are more than twice as likely to feel suicidal and more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual youth.

Forty-eight percent of transgender adults report that they have considered suicide in the last year, compared to four percent of the overall U.S. population.

"Like with any identity, feeling differentor worse, unaccepted as you areis a significant risk factor for mental health struggles," says Anna Docherty, PhD, LP, a practicing clinical psychologist and assistant professor of psychiatry with Huntsman Mental Health Institute at University of Utah Health.

Showing Support for Your LGBTQIA+ Community

Younger generations identifying as LGBTQIA+ are increasingly adept at sharing their personal stories and experiences. "However, so many individuals still experience alienation, isolation, and stigma, Docherty says. Like anyone, individuals who experience alienation, isolation, or stigma can be at risk for mental health concerns." So how do people show support for someone who is struggling? When connecting with those who identify as LGBTQIA+, it is important to use non-stigmatizing language when speaking and writing. Below is some of the language that Docherty recommends:

Instead of 'disorder' or 'illness,' use the terms 'condition' or 'concern,' Docherty says. Sometimes I refer to 'struggles, because thats what they are! And people relate to this.

Instead of 'psychiatric', we sometimes prefer 'mental health.'

Most of us try to use person-first language in our practice and in writing about a community like this one. For example, instead of 'LGBTQIA+ youth,' we might say 'younger individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+.

We also use recovery-oriented language whenever possible, in the practice of stigma-busting: Instead of the term 'schizophrenic,' we would say, person managing schizophrenia (or anxiety, or OCD, or any other struggle).

Where We Are Now

"In every U.S. state, there are unique social and cultural factors that influence these experiences of alienation, isolation, and stigma, Docherty says. And experiences like a pandemic or other major situational stressors can certainly compound these factors." The LGBTQIA+ community faces challenges every day, but lack of social connection and support can make these experiences even more challenging. Docherty and her colleagues at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute are now running focus groups in Utah to better understand the experience of living LGBTQIA+and better understand how to serve this community.

In Utah, our community now benefits from outstanding mental health research in the areas of depression and suicide, as well as from LGBTQIA+ affirmative health care initiatives like the Utah LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapists Guild and the University of Utah TransHealth Program. The program websites offer several resources for patients, families, and providers. Other resources:

SafeUT Crisis Chat and Tip Line

Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860

The Trevor Project: 866-488-7386

Utah Crisis Line at HMHI 800-273-8255

Our community also benefits from new philanthropic efforts to reduce mental health stigma and increase local resources for support of youth. Individual efforts are needed to increase awareness of LGBTQIA+ experiences in our community, too.

How to Be an LGBTQIA+ Ally

Positive human connection is critical when it comes to boosting your mood. Surrounding yourself with people who love you, believe in you, cheer for you, hear you, and listen to you.

Become an active ally. Make it a regular practice to show up for your friends, neighbors, and family and be their support system! Read about LGBTQIA+ experiences online. Attend a Pride event. Wear Pride gear.

Always ask about someone's preferred pronouns, and then use them! At work, take the first step by putting your pronouns in your email signature and social media bios.

For trans-identifying individuals, do not ask their birth name or about their transition. Respect their privacy and personal preferences.

Show your acceptance through words. Listening is one thingresponding with positive words and affirmations is another. Be aware of the language you are using.

Take a moment to share your appreciation for someone in your life who identifies as LGBTQIA+.

As we celebrate Pride month in June, many come together to show their support for the LGBTQIA+ community. But it's important to be an ally every day.
The family of Bob and Genevieve Morgan will have an estate sale this week, and the proceeds will be donated to the expansion of the Montana Historical Society, a cause the couple had championed for years.

Bob Morgan was a noted artist, as well as a museum curator, acting director and board member for the Montana Historical Society. Genevieve was a supporter of the historical society, as well.

Gen and Bob were an integral part of the Montana Historical Society family. We are deeply touched by the Morgan familys continuing generosity with the estate sale, as well as through ongoing contributions to the MHS Robert F. and Genevieve E. Morgan Art Acquisition Fund, Molly Kruckenberg, Montana Historical Society director, said.

It means so much to us that their family will honor this incredible Montana couple in this way, continuing their legacy of substantial contributions to life, art and Montana history in such a significant way, she said.

The estate sale is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at 900 Hayes Ave.

Items for sale include a few pieces of his artwork, locally made pottery, books and household items. The house will be sold at a later date.
While the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be on the retreat, our time spent at home has demonstrated just how important the great outdoors are to Americans. After spending months in lockdown, a road trip to a national park  or even a hike through a local park  feels like a much-needed physical, emotional and spiritual escape.

The National Park System welcomed more than 327 million visitors to over 400 sites in 2019. We are told that 2021 visitation will substantially exceed that number. Yellowstone National Park, for example, will almost certainly see half their annual visitation in just three months of summer.

Our national parks are clearly a very important part of our efforts to find a new normal.

Considering all this, President Joe Bidens ambitious America the Beautiful Plan  which sets a goal to not only protect 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030 but to increase access to outdoor recreation opportunities for all Americans  could not have come at a better time.
Thousands enjoy the Smith River each year, relying on small campsites along the banks during multiday visits, adjacent to world-class fly-fishing. The river is full of brown and rainbow trout and supports a diverse ecosystem of animals and plants. Ive had the good fortune to float the Smith on several occasions, and Ill cherish those memories forever.

The economic benefits from recreation on an intact Smith River ecosystem is estimated by American Rivers to be $10 million in annual income to outfitters and surrounding communities. The financial impact is far greater when considering the longevity and durability of earnings from that stream (the Smith is a forever asset) and the money multiplier effect those dollars have over extended periods of time, not to mention the valuable, unquantifiable benefits from introducing visitors to a piece of natural beauty unrivaled in our country.

Stated bluntly, the Smith River is a competitive advantage for Montana. Anything that jeopardizes that advantage should not be taken lightly.

Unfortunately, a copper mine is not unique in the West. The free and open policy supported in the 1872 Mining Act ensured thousands of mines throughout the West. These small towns and communities confronted the economic fallout that comes from abandoned and environmentally-compromised mines.
During the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key watched as the American troops at Fort William McHenry hoisted an American flag over the walls of the fort, then besieged by British forces. The fort survived the British assault and its flag never left its pole in surrender. Key wrote a poem and later put it to music. It was recognized as a national anthem by President Wilson in 1916. In 1931, Congress declared it to be the official national anthem of our country.

The first verse ends with the intriguing question:  O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave, oer the land of the free and the home of the brave?

It is a fitting question yet again today. As was the case more than two hundred years ago, we have witnessed the breach of our capitol, the citadel of our democracy. Then the troops wore red coats and swore allegiance to mad King George III. On Jan. 6 our Capitol was again breached, this time by a mob wearing red hats, swearing allegiance to an equally mad want-to-be king in south Florida.

The fortitude of our country finally repulsed those foreign British troops and ended that threat to democracy. Now our democracy is equally threatened but now our enemy is not foreign but domestic. So pushing the enemy out of our country is not the task. Resisting this challenge from domestic enemies to our democracy requires new and different tactics.
NEW DELHI (AP)  Bollywood icon Dilip Kumar, hailed as the Tragedy King and one of Hindi cinema's greatest actors, died Wednesday in a Mumbai hospital after a prolonged illness. He was 98.

The Tragedy King title came from Kumars numerous serious roles. In several, his character died as a frustrated lover and a drunkard. He also was known as Bollywoods only Method actor for his expressive performances identifying a characters emotions.

Kumar was hospitalized twice last month after he complained of breathlessness, and his family tweeted with a heavy heart and profound grief the announcement of his passing.

Dilip Kumar will be remembered as a cinematic legend. He was blessed with unparalleled brilliance, due to which audiences across generations were enthralled. His passing away is a loss to our cultural world," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a tweet.

An institution has gone," Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan tweeted. Whenever the history of Indian Cinema will be written, it shall always be before Dilip Kumar, and after Dilip Kumar ..

Kumar's body, draped in the Indian flag, was accorded a state funeral led by a police band. He was buried in a Muslim graveyard in Mumbai city.

Major Bollywood stars, including Shah Rukh Khan, visited Kumar's residence to pay their respects.

Its the end of an era, filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar said.

Kumar was born Muhammad Yusuf Khan, a Muslim, on Dec. 11, 1922. His Pathan family hailed from Peshawar, in what became Pakistan after the Partition, and he visited his ancestral home in the late 1980s.

Kumar was hugely popular among cinema lovers in Pakistan as well. In 1998, he was awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz," Pakistans highest civilian honor, becoming the only Indian citizen to receive it.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was saddened to learn of Kumars death. "For my generation, Dilip Kumar was the greatest and most versatile actor, he tweeted.

Khan also recalled Kumars generosity in helping to raise funds in Pakistan and London for a trust to set up cancer hospitals in his mothers memory.

He changed his name as he debuted in Bollywood, the Hindi-language film industry centered in Mumbai, with Jwar Bhata, or Sea Tides, in 1944.

Kumar's career spanned over six decades with over 60 films. His first major box-office hits were Jugnu, or Firefly, in 1947 in which he starred alongside Noor Jehan, and the 1948 film Shaheed, or Martyr."

He played a variety of characters  a romantic hero in Andaz, a swashbuckler in Aan, a dramatic drunkard in Devdas, a comic role in Azaad." But his portrayal of a Muslim prince in the historical epic Mughal-e-Azam cemented his popularity among the masses and catapulted Indian cinema to the world stage.

Mehboob Khans blockbuster Aan in 1952 was his first film in Technicolor and was among a string of light-hearted roles he took at the suggestion of his psychiatrist to shed his Tragedy King image.

He starred in many social drama films like Footpath, Naya Daur ("New Era"), Musafir ("Traveller") and Paigham ("Message") in 1950s.

His top female co-stars included Madhubala, Nargis, Nimmi, Meena Kumari, Kamini Kaushal and Vyjanthimala.

In 1966, Dilip Kumar married Saira Banu, who was 22 years younger than him, and the couple acted in Gopi," Sagina Mahato and Bairaag. They had no children.

In 1961, he produced and starred in Ganga Jamuna in which he and his brother Nasir Khan played the title roles. It was the only film he produced. Indian media reports say he declined the role of Sherif Ali in David Leans "Lawrence of Arabia" in 1962. The role went to Egyptian actor Omar Sharif.

He took a break in the late '70s but returned with a character role in the successful Kranti," or Revolution in 1981. He continued playing key roles in films such as Shakti, Karma and Saudagar. His last film was Qila ("Fort") in 1998.

In 1994, he was given the "Dadasaheb Phalke award, the highest honor for contributions to Indian cinema. He also served in the upper house of Indian Parliament after being nominated for a six-year term.

Kumar is survived by his wife, actor Saira Banu.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
BLOOMINGTON  Central Illinois U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis on Tuesday said he isn't optimistic the $715 billion infrastructure bill passed by the House last week will dovetail with the Biden administration-backed measure evolving in the Senate.

What's more, the Taylorville Republican said neither the INVEST in America Act passed by the House on July 1  he and 200 other Republicans voted against it  nor the pending Senate proposal allocate enough funding for "traditional infrastructure."

"That was very, very partisan," Davis told reporters during a stop at the Central Illinois Regional Airport on Tuesday. "We weren't given a chance to have bipartisan input and 1 out of every 2 dollars went toward what I would consider Green New Deal priorities versus our roads and our bridges and waterways and systems."

The House measure would distribute $343 billion to roads, bridges and safety; $109 billion for transit; $95 billion for passenger and freight rail, including $32 billion in funding for Amtrak, and $168 billion in funds for wastewater and drinking programs, according to the U.S. House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.

It would devote $4 billion for electric-vehicle charging stations, $6.2 billion to protect infrastructure from extreme weather and $8.3 billion for reducing carbon pollution.

Also included in the bill are 1,473 home-district projects, known as earmarks, worth a total of $5.7 billion.

They include $7 million for Bloomington's Hamilton Road East-West Connection Project and a combined $5.5 million for the Reas Bridges Replacement Project and the Brush College Road and Faries Parkway Grade Separation in Decatur.

The House bill is the largest step toward codifying President Joe Biden's $2.3 trillion infrastructure spending framework, known as the American Jobs Plan.

Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

Asked Tuesday whether the plan allocates enough funding for airports and other local infrastructure, Davis said it falls short.

"It's about priorities, and in that same plan, the administration is setting aside $50 billion to stand up a new agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce," Davis said. "That's why their plan is not an infrastructure plan, otherwise it would focus on the true infrastructure needs just like our airports, our ports of entry, our locks and dams, our roads and our bridges."

That criticism was contextualized by the reason for Davis' visit to CIRA, where he toured a pair of new $550,000-high-speed airfield brooms purchased by the airport with funds from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Improvement Program.

Built and assembled in Chilton, Wisconsin, the machines reach speeds of 40 mph and use their 18-foot brooms to clear snow from a runway in 30 minutes or less, CIRA executive director Carl Olson said.

Davis added that the administration's estimate of $42 billion in nationwide funding for airports, ports, locks and dams and waterways "is woefully underfunded."

He also said the Senate's version of the infrastructure bill won't pass as-is, and that as text is added by Democrats, support from Republicans will likely peel off.

"Much of what we would consider true infrastructure would come from that package, so what you would be left with are really some of the ideas and issues that we oppose," Davis said.

Editor's note: A previous version of this article listed an incorrect total for the Bloomington Hamilton Road East-West Connection Project. The correct figure is $7 million.

Contact Timothy Eggert at (309) 820-3276. Follow him on Twitter: @TimothyMEggert

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
"Effective Friday, July 30, 2021, I will be retiring from the Decatur Police Department. I want to thank all the Officers and Staff that I have worked with throughout my career. Without all of them the Decatur Police Department would not be a great police Department. I want to the thank the Citizens who have supported the Police Department throughout my over 5 years as Chief of Police. I want to thank the City for giving me the opportunity to serve as Chief of Police of the City I grew up in. As a poor kid growing up, I never imagined having such an opportunity. I am beyond humbled for being able to lead the Decatur Police Department through some of toughest times in law enforcement. I could not have done without the support of my staff, family, and the great citizens of Decatur. Please continue to support this great Police Department and its Officers."
DECATUR  Community leaders Wednesday saluted the retirement of Chief Jim Getz, the steady and reassuring voice of the Decatur Police Department through national riots, police-involved shootings and countless crises.

Getz, a more than 20 year veteran of the department and chief for the last five years, said his last day will be July 30.

Chief Getz retirement is a great loss, said Jeanelle Norman, branch president of the Decatur branch of the NAACP, which honored Getz at an appreciation event Wednesday morning. I think the imprint he has left on the police department is his true dedication to making Decatur a better place in which to reside and being level-headed about how he approached the job of policing.

Getz could not be reached for comment Wednesday but the timing of his retirement comes in the wake of comments hes made criticizing widespread reforms in the Illinois criminal justice bill recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

Getz had said the law was rammed through with no consultation with police and he said the elimination of things like no cash bail and other changes that could make it easier to proceed with complaints against police officers would have a chilling effect on the profession.

In his official statement, however, Getz concentrated on the positive. Describing himself as a poor kid growing up, I never imagined having such an opportunity to become his hometowns police chief.

I am beyond humbled for being able to lead the Decatur Police Department through some of the toughest times in law enforcement, he added.

Getz faced his first major crisis as interim chief barely a month before he was confirmed in the top job when Officer Andrew Wittmer shot and wounded Decatur man Lonnie D. Mitchell in July, 2016; Mitchell had been armed with a knife strapped to his wrist and clutched a BB gun that looked like a semi-automatic handgun. Wittmer was later cleared of any wrong-doing.

Through this and several other officer-involved shootings, none resulting in fatalities, Getz was praised for helping keep the community calm and briefing African-American leaders on the progress of shooting investigations and police actions.

Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe, who became mayor roughly six months before Getz got the top job, recalls his tenure as battered by one crisis after another: civil disturbance and looting after the death of George Floyd, for example, and that occurring amid the general chaos sparked by the COVID-19 epidemic.

Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

Through it all, she said, the police chief remained this steady voice of reason, calming the community with his concern and his words of reassurance. And he also impressed, said Moore Wolfe, with his absolute commitment to hold his officers to high personal standards of professional conduct and civility.

I would say his legacy is the standards that he set, his expectations for how the Decatur Police Department officers conduct themselves, added the mayor. I think the culture that he has created has strengthened the police department and I really think that is going to be his legacy. And he also worked so very hard to build relationships with the African-American community, and hes just got excellent relationships throughout the whole community.

Norman of the NAACP particularly praised Getz for promoting the use of the ALERT system, which stands for Area Leaders Educators Response Team. This group, briefed by the police, swings into action to provide reliable, accurate information in the wake of major incidents like a police-involved shooting.

Jim Getz has just done a really good job with ALERT, said Norman. He has a commitment to doing what is best for this community.

Getz is regarded as knowing that community so well because he grew up in it. He graduated from then Stephen Decatur High School in 1988 before serving in the U.S. Army from 1988 until 1992.

Joining his hometown police department after his military service, he worked his way steadily up through the ranks doing a variety of jobs: field training officer, bike officer, emergency response team member, detective, patrol sergeant and patrol lieutenant.

He had been appointed deputy chief in January of 2015 and then took over the department at a time of leadership crisis when former Police Chief Brad Sweeney had been fired in February of 2016. Getz served as interim chief at first but, by August of 2016, was told the job was his after he had impressed the city of Decatur leadership and council members with his management style.

Staff have commented how much of a pleasure it was to work with him, former City Manager Tim Gleason told the Herald & Review at the time. Elected officials had shared those very same comments. And since filling the position in February, hes just stepped forward.

More praise for Getz came Wednesday from the Decatur Police Benevolent and Protective Association, the departments police union, which lauded the chief for his dedicated service to both the Decatur community and the officers of the Decatur Police Department.

K.C. Kohn, PBPA Committee president, added: We appreciate the positive working relationship the (union) has had with the Chief during his tenure...Personally, I have worked under Chief Getz for the nine years of my career, as he served in various leadership and command positions with the department. I consider Chief Getz a mentor and a friend, and I wish him well in this next chapter.

Now comes the difficult job of replacing him. That task falls to City Manager Scot Wrighton who, under city rules, hires and fires senior staff. But Mayor Wolfe said she would expect to be consulted on the choice for the top job which will first involve an interim appointment. Wolfe said she wants to see the best person possible wearing the chiefs badge to continue Getzs legacy, and believes there is no shortage of qualified candidates already protecting and serving in Decatur.

I think we have some incredible leaders under Chief Getz and I am always the cheerleader for the hometown people because we know them, we know how they work, and theyve earned our respect, she added.

Contact Tony Reid at (217) 421-7977. Follow him on Twitter: @TonyJReid

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Robert Downey Sr., the accomplished countercultural filmmaker, actor and father of superstar Robert Downey Jr., has died. He was 85.

Downey Jr. wrote on Instagram that his father died late Tuesday in his sleep at home in New York. He had Parkinsons disease for more than five years.

He was a true maverick filmmaker, and remained remarkably optimistic throughout, Downey Jr. wrote. According to my stepmom's calculations, they were happily married for just over 2000 years.

Downey was a Hollywood journeyman who made a name for himself with radical, anti-establishment films, like the low-budget Madison Avenue advertising industry satire Putney Swope and the Western Jesus parable Greasers Palace starring Allan Arbus. His son, Robert Downey Jr., daughter Allyson Downey and first wife Elsie Downey also appeared in Greasers Palace.

He also acted in films, playing Thomas Bateman in To Live and Die in L.A., the studio manager in Boogie Nights" and the show director in Magnolia.

Born in New York City in 1936 as Robert Elias Jr., he later changed his surname to Downey  his stepfather's name  in order to enlist in the army early. After the army, he got into filmmaking by chance while living in New York with his sister.

The last film he directed was the 2005 documentary Rittenhouse Square, about a small Philadelphia park.

The elder Downey is also survived by his wife, bestselling author Rosemary Rogers.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Citizens of a certain mindset may be put off by their first sight of Gwen Berry. Her eyelashes are disarmingly long, and sometimes her lips are neon-blue. In the past, she may have issued a few ill-advised tweets. She is a strong, no-nonsense Black woman who isnt shy about speaking out.

And when I say strong, I mean literally. Berry is an athlete who has thrown the hammer more than 255 feet, which places her sixth on the all-time list. She is the world record holder in the weight throw. She competed in the 2016 Olympics. She won first place in the hammer throw at the 2019 Pan American Games.

And on June 26, Berry qualified for her second Olympics in the hammer competition at the Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon.

She also declined to face the American flag or put her hand reverently over her heart during the playing of the national anthem.

The outrage was immediate. Sen. Ted Cruz: Why does the Left hate America? Rep. Jim Jordan: The Left ruins everything. Even the Olympics. Rep. Dan Crenshaw: She should be removed from the team.

Thus Berry becomes the latest target of what I call coercive patriotism, the indignant demand by some citizens that every other citizen demonstrate due reverence for our national symbols, or else suffer consequences.

But what could be more un-American than an imposed obligation to behave in ways that conflict our consciences? In fact, the United States is close to unique in its willingness to favor freedom over forced respect for our national symbols, at least in theory.

For example, nearly all other countries impose penalties for desecrating their flags. Someone who burns a flag in China may be imprisoned for three years. The same in Israel. And in Germany one could spend five years in prison for desecrating a flag.

In the United States, however, the Supreme Court has ruled  in Texas v. Johnson (1989)  that acts as outrageous as burning an American flag are protected by the First Amendment. In short, while most of the world sanctions free expression, we permit citizens to speak their minds. Our national symbols are less important than what they symbolize. Now thats exceptional.

Unfortunately, plenty of Americans would like to change this, to make their fellow citizens suffer if they dont show proper obeisance to our national symbols.

This column isnt about the validity of Berrys reasons for her actions. I happen to think they are legitimate. Its not hard to see why declining to show conventional respect to the flag is a reasonable response for a strong Black woman in America.

But the point is that it doesnt matter what I think. Or what Cruz, Jordan or Crenshaw thinks. Real Americanism means that Gwen Berry does not have to justify her reasoning in order to claim her right as a citizen to respond in any way she wishes to the national anthem.

Unfortunately, we have a long history of coercive patriotism. The Pledge of Allegiance was invented in 1892, partly to sell flags to schools but also to enforce the loyalty of an influx of immigrants from southern and eastern Europe whom many nativists considered undesirables. Citizens who declined to recite the pledge because of conscience lost their jobs, were assaulted and in a few cases were killed.

And if you think that weve gotten past that sort of coercion, try not standing up the next time the pledge is administered at your local city council meeting.

Still, we must value real patriotism over coercive patriotism. What is real patriotism? Supporting the social contract that makes us a nation. Tolerating difference. Paying our taxes. Serving in the military. Respecting the outcome of elections. Honoring the peaceful transfer of power.

And, above all, patriotism means respecting the right of other citizens to think and act as their consciences guide them.

You may not like Gwen Berry. You may disapprove of her reasons for declining to behave as you do when the national anthem is played. But her actions will not destroy our republic; coercive patriotism will.

John M. Crisp is an op-ed columnist for Tribune News Service. Email jcrispcolumns@gmail.com.

Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 31
1. Communicate with intention

The pandemic has revealed many dysfunctional communication cycles that existed before the virus changed all our lives, such as the ways that parents, teachers and administrators communicate (or fail to communicate).

If we want to break those cycles as we transition to a post-pandemic life  or stop them before they have a chance to set in  we need to embrace more intentional communication norms.

Its simpler than it sounds. One way to be more intentional in the way you communicate is by asking yourself: What is my purpose in this conversation? What am I learning about this different person or view? Am I speaking to be heard and understood? Is there a question I can ask to learn more about other views?

The virus is not going away. Returning to work and school will certainly lead to more hard conversations later. We need to think of intentional communication as a core competency for our post-pandemic future.

2. Slow down and listen

In a conflict, people often rush to act. They want to solve the problem or show that they are taking responsibility. But the best response to a crisis usually begins with listening.
We havent, as a family, been able to grieve because we dont know who did this, and we dont know why, Evans cried. You didnt just kill India, you destroyed my grandchildren. They had to watch their aunt die and lost their innocence.

Evans said on the night of Rices death she felt the investigators were trying to find a way to blame someone who was in the home. I understand you wanting to make sure there is nothing in the home that was illegal, but they were more focused on that than finding the people who did this, she said.

Evans has so far placed three billboards around Hickory and hopes to place more. She paid $1,600 to the Lamar Advertising Company to have the billboards posted for 30 days. The billboards are visible on Highland Avenue NE, U.S. 70 SE and U.S. 321. A phone number for Hickory police is included on the billboards.

I just want people to see her face and to ask questions, Evans said.

Evans also started a GoFundMe drive called Justice For India to help raise money. The goal is to post a $10,000 reward for information about the shooting.
The government is offering a mere $14 million to space technology projects in the first round of its Modern Manufacturing Initiative.

Four companies will take their share of the small sum with NSW manufacturer Romar Engineering picking up the largest amount  $5.8 million  to make fluid and motion control products.

Northern Territory rocketry firm EffusionTech will get $1.2 million toward developing its liquid fuel engines while Victorian manufacturer Titomic will get $2.3 million for its efforts in commercialising space vehicle and satellite part production.

The remaining grant money will go to early quantum computing startup Q-CTRL which CEO Michael Biercuk said will help the company translate science into valuable business.

Were excited to begin building a new type of quantum-enhanced sensor for magnetic fields compatible with operation in space, Biercuk said.

This will give us a new set of eyes on the Earth to directly improve mining productivity and give defense a totally new tool for gathering geospatial intelligence.

The space projects come under a stream of the governments $1.5 billion modern manufacturing strategy unveiled in this years budget.

Its aim is to trickle money into manufacturing companies across six industries  space, medical products, mining, food and beverage, defence, and sustainable industries  to support Australias relatively small manufacturing sector.

Industry and Science Minister Christian Porter  who was dropped from his position as Attorney General following historical rape allegations  said the $14 million for space technology would help bolster Australias reputation in the international space industry.

From satellites, to componentry in sensors and even rocket engines, Australian manufacturers are drawing on our existing advanced manufacturing expertise to launch into new exciting local and global markets, he said.

This funding is about creating more opportunities to grow our local space industry, unlocking further investment and delivering the skilled jobs we need now and for the future.

A local space industry

Its clear space technology is still not a high priority for a government which gladly rushed out $389 million to fund 27 car parks in strategic electorates on the eve of the 2019 election but only committed $41 million (over four years) to fund the Australian Space Agency (ASA) when it opened in 2018.

Even the $14 million toward space technology manufacturer is less of a concerted effort to support the space industry than it is part of the governments scattergun approach to funding manufacturing projects, as it draws from the same $1.5 billion pool to fund both rocket R&D and meat pie production.

The Australian Space Agency has never looked like an ambitious attempt to reach the stars in the same spirit as early Soviet or American efforts during the space race.

Instead, while other international publicly-funded space projects  such as Chinas which just sent three astronauts into orbit to work on its own space station and has landed a rover on Mars  Australia is content to play a minor role in the visions of others.

Prime Minister Scott Morrisons proud 2019 commitment to $150 million (over five years) for local space technology was wholly about supporting NASAs Moon to Mars project  something the US government is spending over US$20 billion per year to achieve.

But no one ever pretended the ASA was about anything other than trying to capture a small piece of the estimated US$350 billion global space industry while promising jobs and growth.

When unveiling the ASAs Adelaide headquarters early last year, former Science and Industry Minister Karen Andrews acknowledged as much, saying the government will grow the space industry here in Australia to triple in size to $12 billion and employ an additional 20,000 people by 2030.

Private funding

Yet it is the private sector thats left carrying weight of the governments expectations.

Just last week Queensland startup Gilmour Space Technologies picked up $61 million in private funding from local and international investors.

The young company has managed to raise more funds on its own than the government wanted to give our space agency at launch.

Gilmour Space CEO and co-founder Adam Gilmour said the investor cash will help it send a rocket into orbit next year.

This new investment will give us runway to launch our first orbital rocket in 2022, he said.

It will help us develop multiple Eris vehicles, grow our team from 70 to 120 in the next 12 months, build our sovereign space manufacturing capability for rockets and satellites, and facilitate a commercial spaceport in Queensland, where we hope to launch the worlds first hybrid rocket to space.

Gilmour celebrated a milestone in January, with his company successfully testing a hybrid fuel engine that he believes puts Gilmour Space in the position to compete with global space firms.
Representative image

Kabul [Afghanistan] July 7 (ANI): The violence is surging in Afghanistan with the pullout of foreign forces from the country. The situation has caused immense anxiety in the Pakistani administration about the challenges that Pak may have to go through.

Author Syed Talat Hussain, while writing in Gult News informed, that Pakistan has always expressed that Afghanistan should decide its own future through an inclusive government but foreign forces cannot create an enabling environment for this goal.

Kabul's government has always relied upon foreign support to stay in power and implement its decisions in various parts of the country. And now the violence remains centre of the country, so many people lost their lives due to bombings and attacks, but the Afghan government is somehow functioning in the country.

In case of opposition attacks on the country, the Afghan government needs to assemble kinetic support, both aerial and ground to repulse the challenge. But with the withdrawal of US forces, that way of managing government and ground opposition has completely collapsed in Afghanistan.

The Gulf News also reported that the US and other foreign forces have withdrawn technical advisers as well, whose expertise has been a source of guidance and a bridge to connect with the western capitals. There is a complete set of uncertainty among Afghan top command as the keystone of support is now gone.

And this fact is strong enough to spread anxiety among the bordering countries of Afghanistan. Especially, in Pakistan, the country hopes that everything should take place in the desired way and the US be able to make the Taliban stick to its deal that assures peace to end the decades-old war in Afghanistan.

But the Taliban land capturing winnings are excellent. There is not a single day when the Taliban does not capture new areas. This shift of power can create great problems and may even lead to a full-fledged civil war.

Author Syed Talat Hussain mentioned that being geographically contiguous, Pakistan cannot escape the blowback of such a development. While the border between the two countries is being fenced, it is a race against both time and history to bet on barbed wires restricting refugees from coming to Pakistan.

Focusing on the potential refuge, Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed to close down the country's border with Afghanistan and this decision shows how deeply Islamabad is concerned about the situation.

As of now, the dice seems very difficult to come in favor of Pakistan as the Taliban is getting more and more powerful with the going back of foreign troops. (ANI)
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Belarus told Lithuania it will cut its diplomatic presence in its European Union neighbour to a minimum until the latter scraps "unfriendly" initiatives against Minsk, the Belarusian foreign ministry said on Tuesday.

Belarus has been at loggerheads with Lithuania and the EU as they imposed economic sanctions on Russia's ally, targeting its export industries and access to finance after Minsk forced a Ryanair flight to land and arrested a dissident blogger aboard.

Alexander Lukashenko, the president of Belarus, on Tuesday threatened to stop the transit of EU goods via his country to Russia and China in retaliation for EU sanctions.

(Reporting by Andrey Ostroukh; Editing by Mark Heinrich)
BEIRUT (Reuters) -The French ambassador has rebuked Lebanon's prime minister for saying the country is under siege and blamed years of "mismanagement and inaction" by Lebanese leaders for its economic collapse.

The World Bank has called Lebanon's crisis one of the worst depressions of modern history. The currency has lost more than 90% of its value and more than half the population has been propelled into poverty.

French Ambassador to Lebanon Anne Grillo was speaking on Tuesday in response to a speech by caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab, who told envoys that a siege had been imposed on the country and warned of imminent social unrest.

In a recording of her comments circulated by the French embassy on Wednesday, Grillo blamed Lebanon's "political class" for the downfall.

"But what is frightening, Mr Prime Minister, is that today this brutal collapse ... is the deliberate result of mismanagement and inaction for years," she said.

"It is not the result of an external siege. It is the result of your own responsibilities, all of you, for years, of the political class. This is the reality."

Diab has been serving in a caretaker capacity since resigning in the wake of the catastrophic Aug. 4 Beirut port explosion. Since then, fractious sectarian politicians have been unable to agree on a new government.

Donors have long demanded reforms to stamp out state corruption and waste - widely seen as root causes of the crisis.

Both Grillo and the U.S. ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea are travelling to Saudi Arabia for meetings on the situation in Lebanon with Saudi officials on Thursday, statements by the two embassies said.

The gathering comes after the U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken's trilateral meeting on Lebanon with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud on the sidelines of the G-20 conference on June 29.

Story continues

Thursday's meeting in Saudi Arabia will include a discussion on aid to the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces.

On Tuesday, Diab had noted repeated calls for assistance to be linked to reform, but said "the siege imposed" on Lebanon was not affecting the corrupt - an apparent reference to politicians.

Lebanese were running out of patience and "linking Lebanon's assistance to the formation of a new government has become a threat to the lives of the Lebanese and to the Lebanese entity", he said, saying the country was a few days away from a social explosion.

Grillo noted that France, with the backing of other powers, had organised two conferences on Lebanon since the Aug. 4 explosion and was working on a third.

"France and many partner countries around this table have not waited for this call to help Lebanon," said Grillo, adding that last year Paris extended $100 million in direct assistance to the Lebanese people.

Though Diab's government is serving in a caretaker capacity, she said it could take steps including implementing a social safety net with World Bank financing.

Diabs speech echoed accusations made by Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Monday, in which he blamed the United States for the suffering of the Lebanese, accusing it of forcing countries not to provide aid for Lebanon.

(Reporting by Imad Creidi; Writing by Tom Perry; Editing by Samia Nakhoul, William Maclean)
Germany flag

Berlin [Germany], July 7 (ANI): A former German spy was arrested on the suspicion of being a "double agent" and supplying classified information to China for almost a decade, according to German officials.

The 75-year-old man, identified as Dr. Klaus L. , was an informant for the German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) for 50 years, according to German broadcaster ARD, and began spying for the Chinese in 2010.

Klaus L lived a double life one in public as a political scientist working for the Hanns Seidel Foundation, a think tank associated with the Christian Social Union, the sister party of Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives, and one in private as an operative for the BND.

Authorities said he was approached during a lecture tour at Tongji University in Shanghai in June 2010 "by members of a Chinese intelligence service in order to win him over for cooperation," the prosecutors said in a statement.

"Subsequently, until November 2019, the defendant regularly provided information to the Chinese intelligence service in the run-up to or after state visits or multinational conferences, as well as on current affairs," the statement said.

The information he passed along came from high-ranking political contacts he made through the foundation, a position that allowed him to travel as a guest lecturer to Russia, South Africa and South Asia, ARD reported.

He was paid by the Chinese for supplying the information.

In November 2019, authorities raided his Munich home and confiscated his computers, ARD reported.

The report said that Klaus L. did not deny he spied for China and claimed to have revealed his contacts with the Chinese to BND.

China has upped its espionage activities over the last few years. It has even been accused of political interference in several countries. (ANI)




43 Ministers set to take oath today. Who are they?

07 Jul 2021: 43 Ministers set to take oath today. Who are they?

Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan and several others resigned earlier in the day, just hours before a major reshuffle and expansion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cabinet. Other outgoing leaders include Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar, Sadananda Gowda, Debashree Chaudhuri, Sanjay Shamrao Dhotre, Ratan Lal Kataria, and Rao Saheb Dhanve Patil, according to reports.

Criticism: Dr. Vardhan was severely criticized for his pandemic response

Dr. Vardhan has been widely criticized for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially the deadly second wave that hit India earlier this year. In April-May, the country had lost track of its pandemic response, reporting lakhs of cases and thousands of deaths everyday amid a crumpled healthcare system. People ran from pillar to post to secure basic medical needs like oxygen and ambulances.

Details: Cabinet expansion likely to be announced this evening

The Cabinet expansion is expected to be announced at 6 pm today. There has been speculation about possible changes in the Cabinet for weeks now, triggered by a series of meetings in June. The meetings involved PM Modi, several top Ministers, and leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). PM Modi had also met Ministers on June 20 to review the government's working.

Fact: Gangwar paid for his Ministry's failure in handling migrant crisis

Sources told NDTV that Gangwar was asked to quit due to his Ministry's failure in handling the migrant crisis and unemployment amid the pandemic. To recall, countless migrants lost their jobs and had to struggle to reach their homes during last year's lockdown.

Details: First Cabinet reshuffle in PM Modi's second term

Reports said that a few more Union Ministers could resign in the hours leading up to the announcement. Today will mark the first reshuffle in PM Modi's Cabinet since he took charge for a second term after winning the 2019 Indian general elections. Political analysts believe the upcoming Assembly elections in several states has largely impacted the decision on the selection of new Ministers.

Story continues

List of Ministers: Who all are set to become Ministers?

As many as 43 new and old Ministers will take oath today, reports say. They include Narayan Tatu Rane, Sarbananda Sonowal, Dr. Virendra Kumar, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ramchandra Prasad Singh, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Pashupati Kumar Paras, Kiren Rijiju, Raj Kumar Singh, Hardeep Singh Puri, Mansukh Mandaviya, Bhupender Yadav, Parshottam Rupala, G Kishan Reddy, Anurag Singh Thakur, Pankaj Choudhary, Anupriya Singh Patel, and Meenakashi Lekhi.

List of Ministers: Who all are set to become Ministers?

Others are: Dr. Satya Pal Singh Baghel, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Shobha Karandlaje, Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma, Darshana Vikram Jardosh, Annpurna Devi, A Narayanaswamy, Kaushal Kishore, Ajay Bhatt, BL Verma, Ajay Kumar, Chauhan Devusinh, Bhagwanth Khuba, and Kapil Moreshwar Patil. Pratima Bhoumik, Subhas Sarkar, Bhagwat Karad, Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Bharati Pravin Pawar, Bishweswar Tudu, Shantanu Thakur, Munjapara Mahendrabhai, John Barla, Dr. L Murugan, and Nisith Pramanik.

Fact: You can read the full list here

The news article, 43 Ministers set to take oath today. Who are they? appeared first on NewsBytes.

Also see: Modi's Cabinet expansion expected soon. Who are the frontrunners?

Cabinet approves Mission Karmayogi for major reforms in civil service

Cabinet approves National Recruitment Agency to conduct Common Eligibility Test

Read more on India by NewsBytes.


ISLAMABAD (AP)  Pakistan on Tuesday vehemently rejected an international media watchdog's report that lists Prime Minister Imran Khan on a list of the world's 37 worst rulers when it comes to press freedom.

The angry reaction from Khan's government came in response to a Monday report titled: Press freedom predators gallery  old tyrants, two women and a European," released by Paris-based Reporters Without Borders.

According to the group, the cases of brazen censorship are legion since Khan became prime minister" following parliamentary elections in 2018. It said during Khans rule, the distribution of newspapers was interrupted, media outlets were threatened with withdrawal of advertising and TV channel signals were jammed.

Journalists who cross the red lines have been threatened, abducted and tortured, the media watchdog said.

Pakistans Information Ministry in a statement Tuesday rejected the allegations, saying Khans government believed in the freedom of expression and media independence.

In a statement, the ministry said it was surprising that Reporters Without Borders has jumped to the conclusion" that media in Pakistan are under draconian censorship measures by Khans government. It said the government has been taking all possible measures to create a congenial environment for journalists to perform their professional obligations.

It appears that the report that (Reporters Without Borders) has issued is an attempt to malign the elected representative of the people of Pakistan, without any corroborative evidence," the ministry said.

The ministry said it hoped that the watchdog in the future will avoid such irresponsible journalism."

Critics say Pakistan has long been a deadly place for journalists. In 2020, it ranked ninth on the Committee to Protect Journalists annual Global Impunity Index, which assesses countries where journalists are murdered regularly and their killers go free. Although Pakistan says it supports freedom of speech, rights activists often accuse Pakistans military and its agencies of harassing and attacking journalists.
Islamabad, Jul 7 (PTI) President Arif Alvi on Wednesday accused India of involvement in hybrid warfare against Pakistan by using the soil of Afghanistan and supporting militancy in the country.

He also alleged that terrorist activities in the country, including the recent blast outside the house of the 2008 Mumbai terror attack mastermind and chief of the banned Jamat-ud-Dawa Hafiz Saeed in Lahore's Johar Town, were 'carried out with Indian support to destabilise Pakistan', according to a statement issued by his office.

In the past, the External Affairs Ministry has dismissed Pakistans allegations of India's involvement in some of the terror strikes in that country and said the so-called claims of 'proof' are figments of imagination.

The MEA had said that Pakistan's desperate attempt will find few takers as the international community is aware of its tactics, and proof of Islamabad's terror sponsorship has been admitted by none other than its own leadership.

'This is yet another futile anti-India propaganda exercise. The so-called claims of 'proof' against India enjoy no credibility, are fabricated and represent figments of imagination,' a MEA spokesman had said in November last after Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi alleged that India was behind some of the terror attacks in that country.

Addressing the participants of 7th National Workshop on Balochistan here, Alvi also said that India would 'not succeed in evil designs' because Pakistan's armed forces were fully capable of overcoming security challenges, especially the fifth-generation war.

Talking about Balochistan, he said that the government was seriously focusing on the social and economic uplift of the province to bring it at par with other provinces of the country.

He highlighted that Gwadar Port and various projects, under the USD 60 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), would change the lot of the people of Balochistan.

Story continues

Alvi said the CPEC would bring enormous opportunities to Balochistan as the regional countries, particularly Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, would use the corridor for their exports and trade through Gwadar port.

While responding to the question of a participant about the emerging situation in Afghanistan, he said Pakistan has been making sincere efforts to promote peace and stability in the war-torn country.

He urged the need for a peaceful political settlement to the existing situation in Afghanistan. PTI SH ZH AKJ ZH ZH
Wednesday, July 7

Tomatoes and Salsa hands-on workshop will teach how to preserve local tomatoes using a water bath canner as you prepare both tomatoes and salsa. Class will be offered from 12:30-4:30 p.m. Cost is $15 per person. Registration can be done in person on weekdays or online at www.cabarruscounty.us. Checks can be made payable to Cabarrus County and mailed to: Food Preservation Classes, c/o NC Cooperative Extension, Cabarrus County Center, 715 Cabarrus Ave. W., Concord, NC 28027. For more information, call 704-920-3310 weekdays.

An American Red Cross blood drive will be hosted by the city of Concord at the Brown Operations Center, 850 Warren Coleman Blvd., from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

An American Red Cross blood drive will be at Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Parkway S., from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 8
URBANA  Summer is a period of growth where both landscaped and natural environments are lush and verdant. But not all green is good.

Weeds can alter ecosystems and rob healthy plants of water, sunlight, and nutrients, hindering their growth. Woodlands, prairies, and even hedgerows in urban landscapes can be overtaken by invasive weeds which can look all-natural.

Though manual removal of weeds allows for instant gratification, the process takes time and effort. Using cutters and mowers to remove top growth of aggressive, perennial invasives may be useful, but they miss the root of the plant, often resulting in regrowth and frequent cutting is needed.

University of Illinois Extension weed science specialist Michelle Wiesbrook recommends using non-chemical methods first, but responsible and safe use of herbicides can be a part of a well-rounded integrated pest management plan.

Wiesbrook wrote about herbicide use in her most recent article in the Illinois Pesticide Review. Herbicides are commonly used in natural settings to provide a more complete kill and prevent new growth.

Herbicides are also less labor-intensive, less time consuming, and more economical when looking at large-scale areas, says Wiesbrook, who works with the Pesticide Safety Education Program.

Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

The program trains about 10,000 commercial and private pesticide applicators on safe use every year.

When used properly, pesticides have many benefits. A 2013 report published by Delta Farm Press estimated that U.S. farmers had a $16 billion boost in crop yield by using herbicides.

Typically, herbicides cut weed control costs associated with hand removal. However, if pesticides are not used carefully and according to product label directions, damaging off-target movement can occur.

Integrated pest management is a sustainable decision-making process that reduces pesticide use by combining different tools such as controlled burns, mechanical controls, and starting with weed-free seeds.

Pesticide training and testing is available through the Pesticide Safety Education Program online at extension.illinois.edu/psep/training-and-testing.

Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The latest in a series of Forsyth County apartment-complex sales involves the Plaza West property being sold for $12 million to a New Jersey group.

A Forsyth County Register of Deeds filing Wednesday listed the buyers as Plaza EC LLC and Plaza EC 2 LLC, both of Lakewood, N.J. The sale was completed July 1.

The seller is FMA LLC of Winston-Salem, which has Gayle Foster listed as manager and Dana Essick as assistant manager, according to a corporations filing on the N.C. Secretary of States website.

The 207-unit complex is at 4825 Commercial Plaza St. in Winston-Salem near South Peace Haven Road.

At least 68 existing apartment complexes have sold in Forsyth County since 2018 for a combined $745.59 million, mostly to out-of-state buyers.

Last week, the Summerlin Ridge complex was bought for $18.6 million by RAC Summerlin LLC of Greensboro.

The seller of that property was CCC Summerlin Ridge LLC, which is affiliated with Chaucer Creek Capital LLC of Raleigh. The Chaucer affiliate bought the complex in December 2014 for $8.61 million.
(Delta-8) naturally occurs from a plant but legality is in question so well leave that to the DEA, Dulaney said.

Federal and state laws that allowed hemp production also legalized extractions from the plant  synthetics that can amp up the THC kick from delta-8. North Carolina requires hemp to have less than .03 percent THC, for example.

But last year, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration ruled that the process of synthetic derivation is illegal, which makes for an enforcement nightmare and confusion for the guy whod just like to get a good nights sleep.

Common-sense guidelines

The science  and the law  about hemp, marijuana and various products associated with both can be maddening.

Making matters more difficult is the fact that Virginia, our dear neighbor to the north, has joined the growing conga lines of revenue-hungry states that have legalized marijuana for medical and recreational use.

Legal marijuana, particularly pot-infused chocolate and candies, to be sold in Virginia in two or three years time, will only increase calls to the Poison Control Center. The floodgates will open. Dont be shocked when a list of top retailers is concentrated along the state line.
Federal prosecutors have portrayed Donohoe, a U.S. Marine veteran who served two tours in Iraq and served as a private military contractor in Afghanistan, as having a leadership role in Proud Boys similar to a senior lieutenant.

Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

According to prosecutors, on Jan. 4, the day Proud Boys national chairman Enrique Tarrio was arrested, Donohoe created a new chat room on Telegram and told other members to move to that new chat room so that he could destroy or nuke the older messages.

They also said Donohoe was part of a small group of Proud Boys called the Ministry of Self-Defense and that he provided instructions to members in the days before the attack that they should not wear Proud Boys colors and gave logistics on where they would meet Jan. 6.

Prosecutors also point to video footage showing Donohoe carrying a riot shield that another Proud Boys member, Dominic Pezzola, is alleged to have stolen from a Capitol Police officer. Prosecutors allege that, later, Pezzola used that riot shield to break a window in the Capitol building that allowed rioters to enter. Another video shows Donohoe standing at the edge of the Capitol steps, with a red-white-and-blue gaiter covering his face, among a crowd preparing to surge up the steps.
Vince Rabil, Collins attorney, filed a motion to dismiss the murder charge, which prompted the hearing on Tuesday.

Amy M. Leeper, a senior psychologist at Central Regional Hospital, wrote the initial report in 2017 that concluded Collins was mentally incompetent to stand trial. She testified Tuesday that she had interviewed Collins five times over the past four years and reviewed other material to come to her conclusion that Collins still is not mentally competent to stand trial.

Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

She said Collins has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. Collins has a delusional belief that a shadowy organization bigger than the U.S. government is responsible for sexually abusing her children and children around the world, Leeper said.

That delusion fueled her motivation in killing Kim because she believed that Kim was part of that organization, which she also felt was persecuting her, Leeper said. Collins also believes that the organization has its claws in the Winston-Salem Police Department and in the court system, creating such a corrupt system that it is impossible for her to get a fair trial, Leeper said.
At least 94% of Forsyth residents infected with the coronavirus are considered fully recovered.

Individuals who wanted to get vaccinated have been vaccinated, and thats great, Priest said when asked about North Carolina moving from 56% with at least one dose to 70%.

Priest said he is hopeful that some individuals who will choose to be vaccinated once the Food and Drug Administration goes beyond emergency authorization to full authorization for at least the Pfizer vaccine.

That could occur as early as late July or early August.

However, Priest said he is concerned that there are other individuals who are very against vaccination, and they dont want to get.

What I hope doesnt happen, and I think it will in some places, is that the only way some individuals will be motivated to be vaccinated is if they have a personal tragedy  a friend or family member  who gets the delta variant and has a bad outcome, whether they are hospitalized or they die, heaven forbid, Priest said.

Were going to have these fires that we will be trying to put out repeatedly this summer into the fall.
"I thought there was an earthquake, there was so much shooting," said the woman who spoke on condition of anonymity because she fears for her life. "The president had problems with many people, but this is not how we expected him to die. This is something I wouldn't wish on any Haitian."

The U.S. Embassy in Haiti said it was restricting U.S. staff to its compounds and that the embassy would be closed Wednesday because of ''an ongoing security situation.''

The White House described the attack as "horrific" and "tragic" and said it was still gathering information on what happened. U.S. President Joe Biden will be briefed later Wednesday by his national security team, spokesperson Jen Psaki said during an interview on MSNBC.

"The message to the people of Haiti is this is a tragic tragedy," she during a previously scheduled interview on CNN. "And we stand ready and stand by them to provide any assistance that's needed."

President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic met his top military and police commanders to discuss plans to reinforce security along the border with Haiti following the assassination.
We were only trying to play melodies that sounded good to our boss," he said. I've been working to try to change that since becoming CEO."

Ghosn was sent to Nissan by its French alliance partner Renault about two decades ago, helping to revive a company on the brink of bankruptcy. From about 2014, he became less collaborative and the company began to chase sales volume, setting overly ambitious goals, Uchida said.

While some at Nissan may have felt Ghosn stayed at the helm for too long, in his testimony Kelly has insisted issues over reporting of his compensation arose because the company was trying to find legal ways to improve his pay to prevent him from leaving for a rival automaker. Ghosn took a huge pay cut when the disclosure of big executive salaries became required in Japan in 2010.

Uchida became chief executive and president in 2019. He worked at major Japanese trading company Nissho Iwai Corp. before joining Nissan in 2003, when Nissho Iwai merged with another trading company, Nichimen, later becoming Sojitz Corp.

Uchida's predecessor, Hiroto Saikawa, resigned after he became embroiled in a scandal of his own, also related to under-reported compensation. Saikawa has not been charged.
With K-12 school openings in North Carolina about six weeks away, we have a grand opportunity to prepare to avert disaster later by demanding that substantial COVID precautions be required of students, faculty and staff  especially as the more contagious delta variant spreads in the Southern states.

School districts and administrators have been advised to continue to require students to wear masks indoors and maintain 3 feet of distance by infectious diseases experts and health care researchers, the Journals Richard Craver reported Monday. This is especially necessary since no COVID vaccine has been approved for kindergartners through age 11 and only around 20% or 25% of those ages 12 to 17 have received at least one dose of the approved Pfizer vaccine.

Ill be quite frank. That (20% to 25%) is just not high enough to protect us from the delta variant and slow its circulation, Dr. Christopher Ohl with Wake Forest Baptist Health told the Journal. Its going to be the younger people who are going to be getting infected.

Were glad that students will be returning to classes. Last years sequestration was tough, and the social isolation imposed was more consequential than many realized at the time.
Govt-and-politics

editor's pick top story

New US rules to protect animal farmers expected this week

Associated Press file photo The Biden administration plans to revive a set of rules designed to protect the rights of farmers who raise cows, chickens and hogs against the country's largest meat processors that the Trump administration killed four years ago. Associated Press file photo The Biden administration plans to revive a set of rules designed to protect the rights of farmers who raise cows, chickens and hogs against the country's largest meat processors that the Trump administration killed four years ago. Associated Press file photo Cage-free chickens stand in a fenced pasture on the Francis Blake organic farm near Waukon, Iowa, in this 2015 file photo. The Biden administration plans to revive a set of rules designed to protect the rights of farmers who raise cows, chickens and hogs against the country's largest meat processors that the Trump administration killed four years ago.

The Biden administration plans to issue a new rule to protect the rights of farmers who raise cows, chickens and hogs against the country's largest meat processors as part of a plan to encourage more competition in the agriculture sector.

The new rule that will make it easier for farmers to sue companies they contract with over unfair, discriminatory or deceptive practices is one of several steps that the White House plans to announce in the next few days. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is also expected to tighten the definition of what it means for meat to be labeled a "Product of USA" to exclude when animals are raised in other countries and simply processed in the United States.

Farmer advocacy groups have pressed for change for years but Congress and the meat processing industry have resisted. A USDA official familiar with the White House's plan said an executive order is expected to be announced this week that will clear the way for the new rules.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Tuesday that the rules are designed to "increase competition in agricultural industries to boost farmers' and ranchers' earnings, fight back against abuses of power by giant agribusiness corporations, and give farmers the right to repair their own equipment how they like."

The regulation will make it easier for farmers to bring complaints under the Packers and Stockyards Act and is similar to one the Trump administration killed four years ago. That rule was first proposed in 2010.

Several court rulings have interpreted federal law as saying a farmer must prove a company's actions harm competition in the entire industry before a lawsuit can move forward. The new rule would ease that high burden of proof.

Chicken and pork producers, for example, often must enter long-term contracts with companies such as Tyson Foods and Pilgrim's Pride that farmers say lock them into deals that fix their compensation at unprofitably low levels and force them deep into debt.

Previously, major meat companies have defended the system as fair; it calls for farmers to provide barns and labor to raise chickens while the companies provide chicks, feed and expertise. The North American Meat Institute, which represents meat processors, said the proposed rule would likely encourage "costly, specious lawsuits."

Supporters of the new rule said not to expect a flood of lawsuits from small farmers who are "working very hard for not a lot of pay."

"The idea that they're going to become ultimately extremely litigious and go out and hire every lawyer they can to sue the industry is, I think, a big exaggeration on the part of some of the associations that are against this," said Jonathan Hladik, with the nonprofit Center for Rural Affairs in Nebraska, which lobbies on behalf of family farmers.

Bill Bullard, who leads a trade group representing farmers and ranchers, said the change should better protect individuals in their dealings with the four major meat companies, which together control roughly 70% of U.S. beef production.

"It will help to reform the marketplace and balance the tremendous disparity in power between multinational meatpackers and independent family-owned cattle farms and ranches," said Bullard, who is CEO of the R-CALF USA trade group.

Missouri farmer Darvin Bentlage, who raises crops and cattle about 40 miles north of Joplin in the southwest corner of the state, said these new rules will help if they can boost competition.

We need more competition," Bentlage said. "Capitalism works well with competition. But when you start consolidating everything and taking away the competition then the capitalism doesnt work good for the smaller guys.

The USDA also plans to review the definition of what it means for meat to be labeled a "Product of USA." Currently, companies can use that label whenever meat is processed in the United States, even if the animals were born and raised elsewhere. USDA officials say that most grass-fed beef labeled as made in the U.S. actually comes from imported cattle. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has said he wants that label to accurately reflect what consumers expect when they read it.

Bullard said changing the label rules will help, but that even if meat producers can't use the "Product of USA" label, they won't be required to label the beef as foreign. Consumers may think the meat they buy is produced domestically, even if it has been imported, because it carries a USDA inspection stamp when it has been processed in the United States, he said.

The Agriculture Department also plans to invest in new local and regional markets, so farmers will have more options for selling the animals and crops they raise. Critics have said the major meat processing companies dominate the market for cattle, hogs and chickens, which makes it harder for small farmers to get a fair price.

This week's expected executive order follows an announcement this spring that the USDA was planning to strengthen protections for farmers under the law and encourage more competition in livestock markets.

A source familiar with the executive order said it will also encourage the Federal Trade Commission to limit the ability of agricultural equipment manufacturers to force farmers to have their equipment repaired at dealers instead of using independent repair shops or doing repairs themselves. Currently, some tractor makers use proprietary tools and software to force farmers to go to dealers for repairs.

Small Nebraska communities welcome students as part of Rural Fellows program Clare Umutoni and Kaylee Burnside are just two of the 35 students stationed in 17 areas across Nebraska this summer for Rural Prosperity Nebraska's Rural Fellows program.

Fortenberry scores additional federal funding for USDA center at UNL If full funding ultimately is acquired, that would signal the end of a long quest for a USDA presence at Nebraska Innovation Campus.
In an interview Saturday with NPR's Laila Fadel, Frederick said many of the hospital's COVID patients now are younger and healthier than the ones treated during the preceding surge.

In Lancaster County, the 60 new cases reported last week were the most in over a month and hospitalizations due to COVID jumped to 26 on Tuesday, matching numbers from mid-May.

Dr. James Lawler, an executive director at the University of Nebraska Medical Center's Global Center for Health Security, said Nebraska's increase in cases is not a surprise.

He predicted a dramatic increase to come because of the delta variant and a significant increase in hospitalizations and deaths, primarily in middle-aged and young adults who are not vaccinated.

"Clearly, if we could get more people vaccinated, we would be in a different situation, as all of these hospitalizations, all of these deaths, are now preventable," Lawler said.

The nation could be done with the pandemic, he said, if everyone who was eligible  those 12 and older  got their shots.

Lawler said the timing of the College World Series, which wrapped up an 11-day run Wednesday, probably wasn't ideal. But he said it was too early to detect a jump from that event.
My son was such a good person with a heart of gold, she said in her GoFundMe post.

Abron's death is the city's third suspected murder this year.

James Shekie, 33, was found shot to death March 3 after what police believe was an attempted robbery at his north Lincoln residence. The suspected gunman, Deontae Rush of Omaha, was taken into custody about a week later in Chicago.

Janet Kotopka, a 78-year-old woman suffering from Alzheimer's, was shot five days after Abron was killed. She later died at an area hospital. Her husband, John Kotopka, was charged with first-degree murder.

Carly Schaaf, a 23-year-old Lincoln woman who went missing in May and was found dead in June, is still at the center of an investigation, but police haven't yet ruled her death a homicide.

Both Hickey brothers had served time in prison over the last several years in connection to a drive-by shooting in February 2017.

Prosecutors in that case had said it was Shantrel Hickey who fired at least seven shots at a Jeep pulling away from the Super C at 21st and G streets just before 8 p.m. on Feb. 21, 2017. His first showing ended in a mistrial in October 2017, when a jury deadlocked after prosecutors and defense attorneys endlessly debated the identify of the shooter.

In Shantrel Hickey's second jury trial Daqwan Hickey testified that it was him  not his brother, who was on trial  who fired the shots in the central Lincoln shooting. Jurors in that trial sided with prosecutors, finding Shantrel Hickey guilty of discharging a firearm near a vehicle or building and use of a firearm to commit a felony.

In March 2018, Shantrel Hickey was sentenced to 20 to 50 years for his role in the crime. But in August 2018, the Nebraska Court of Appeals reversed his conviction, saying it was an error for the trial judge to allow statements from a police interrogation into testimony after the witness refused to testify at trial.

Finally, after serving nearly three years in prison, Shantrel Hickey was sentenced in February 2020 to 6 years in prison for his part in the drive-by shooting three years ago.

Daqwan Hickey, who pleaded no contest to two felony charges, was sentenced in November 2017 to five to 14 years in prison for his role in the drive-by shooting. Both men were out on parole when Abron was killed in June.

Both Hickey brothers will appear in Lancaster County Court on Thursday. They are being held on no bond.
In Ord, Umutoni and Burnside are working with the Valley County Chamber on downtown revitalization by creating strategies to increase traffic to local businesses and working with the Loup Valley Childcare Initiative to communicate the need for a child care center in the area.

Participating communities see an average economic impact of $28,000, according to the program website.

What community members get from this is not just the opportunity to get projects that the community leaders themselves want to get done but don't have the time, or sometimes even skill set, to be able to get it done," Fagan said. "But they're also getting the perspective of the younger generation."

Both Umutoni and Burnside said the program so far has provided them with knowledge of how small communities function and how to plan and implement large-scale projects, and are excited to see what theyre able to accomplish before the program ends in August.

I've just learned a lot more on how communities work and what it takes to be a thriving community, Burnside said. You really need to have a futuristic mindset and know that there are going to be obstacles that come up, but there are bigger and exciting things, too.
Roberti, who is president of the Plumas-Sierra Cattlemens Association, said ranchers report wolf attacks on their cattle and feel there is nothing they can do to stop it.

In January, the Trump administration removed endangered species protections from gray wolves, ending longstanding federal safeguards and putting states and tribes in charge of overseeing the predators.

Environmental and animal-rights groups say the move was premature because wolves havent returned to most of their historical range. They are pushing the Biden administration to reverse it.

Wisconsin was the first state to resume hunting of wolves. A study released this week by University of Wisconsin scientists says that as many as one-third of Wisconsins gray wolves likely died at the hands of humans in the months after the federal government announced it was ending legal protections.

The study estimates that poaching and hunting have reduced the statewide wolf total to between 695 and 751, down from at least 1,034 in spring 2020, though some other scientists say more direct evidence is needed for some of the calculations.

Scientists involved in the study said the findings should serve notice to wildlife managers in other states with wolves.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
The first responder to arrive to the rural Fillmore County home where a deck collapsed at a Fourth of July party, injuring at least 17 people, said the initial challenge was determining exactly what emergency crews were dealing with.

Tracey Landenberger, the police chief and volunteer fire chief in Sutton, responded to the flood of 911 calls after the deck on the ranch-style home located a few miles northeast of town collapsed under the weight of dancing young adults just after midnight, the structure and occupants falling 10 to 12 feet onto people standing below.

As he drove toward the property  located on County Road D among the small communities of Sutton, Grafton and Henderson  Landenberger said he encountered a half-mile-long stream of cars leaving the scene.

"It was really kind of chaotic just trying to get through the vehicle traffic, as well as the pedestrians running around, to try to get up to the house to figure out what in the world we even had," he said in a phone interview on Tuesday.

The scene at the house was no less chaotic.

Landenberger said he arrived to find 50 to 100 young adults "running around the front yard," some carrying their injured, bleeding friends to nearby cars.
Please log in to keep reading.

Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever.
BEIRUT (AP)  Lebanons caretaker prime minister warned Tuesday that the country is hurtling toward a social explosion and appealed to the international community for assistance to prevent the demise of the nation facing multiple crises.
The officer who killed the alleged shooter was just starting his shift, filling up an undercover unmarked vehicle at the Mobil station in Franksville when the killer pulled into the station, Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling said; an exchange of gunfire followed and the shooter was killed.

The officer was shot but is reported to be conscious and alert, recovering at Ascension All Saints Hospital. The 22-year-old man who was killed at the Pilot station in Caledonia was just filling up his car when he was "executed," according to Schmaling.
Four nonfatal shootings in the City of Racine were reported over the Fourth of July weekend. One victim is reported to be in serious condition and another woman who was shot appears to have not been the intended target of the gunfire.

Take advantage of this limited-time offer Just $1 gives you full access for 3 months to exclusive content from The Journal Times and journaltimes.com.

Western Racine County saw a handful of partying-related arrests, too. And one small grass fire may have been caused by fireworks, according to the South Shore Fire Department.

The SSFD  which serves the villages of Mount Pleasant, Sturtevant and Elmwood Park  responded to a dumpster fire of unknown cause, other assorted fires, three motor-vehicle crashes, no fireworks-related injuries and no apparent victims of violence over the long weekend, according to Battalion Chief Michael Wienke.

The Racine County Sheriffs Office reported not having an especially busy weekend, however. As Sgt. Michael Luell put it in an email: I looked through the log from Friday night through midnight Monday, and it was a pretty average time for (the Racine County Sheriffs Office). No shootings, shots fired, or interesting fires. The were a few OWIs and random drunk people, but nothing overly interesting.

Racine shootings

According to Sgt. Chad Melby, public information officer of the Racine Police Department:
RACINE  They scraped and painted, weeded, planted, fixed, tore down and rebuilt.

There were teens and adults, some skilled labor, all were volunteers.

For a week, starting on June 21, ACTS Racine Youth Ministry and the Racine Christian Reformed Church provided the labor through a summer services work camp.

Throughout the week, the teens and their adult mentors made repairs to 11 houses between the 1100-1400 blocks of Villa Street and Park Avenue.

The effort benefitted the House-Proud Program of Racine Revitalization Partnership, Inc., which offers homeowners home repair and improvement services.

Ed Miller, executive director of RRP, explained in the past Racine has had the benefit of work camps organized by Racine Neighborhood Watch that brought young people into the city to volunteer on housing projects while also learning important skills.

However, because of COVID-19, there have not been work camps, leaving local programs like Racine Revitalization without the volunteer labor it was accustomed to having for much-needed projects.

That is when ACTS and the Racine Christian Reform Church became involved, offering up some much needed hands-on-deck.

I think the nice thing about what weve done here is we have our very own youth helping out citizens in our community, Miller said. Instead of them going away and helping some other community, theyre staying in Racine and helping local folks.

More info Racine Revitalization Partnership, Inc. is a nonprofit organization partnering with a consortium of community leaders and neighborhood residents focused on revitalization through improved housing and workforce training. RRP believes that quality affordable housing is the foundation for education, work, and positive family health outcomes. The House-Proud Program is enjoying its second year and runs for one week. Visit www.Revitalizeracine.com and follow RRP on Facebook for updates and opportunities.

Early stages

Miller explained the planning for the week of service begins very early in the year when RRP starts looking at potential neighborhoods where the home ownership rates are high, but there are financial barriers to home maintenance and repairs.

Some homeowners may already have run into some code enforcement issues over problematic exterior stairs, porches or any number of issues.

He said they usually start by passing out flyers to the homes in the chosen neighborhoods. However, they rarely get much response from those flyers, Miller explained.

People are suspicious of the offers of free home repair. Perhaps they think it is a scam, even when it isnt.

Miller said once they start knocking on doors and introducing themselves, handing over their business cards, and showing theyre legit, people generally become more interested.

As to how many homeowners they can help, that generally depends on resources.

Faith community

Garry Friesema, of the Racine Christian Reformed Church, worked on four projects on Park Avenue with a volunteer team of 25 adults and young people that included skilled labor.

Friesema said the group repaired porches and stairs, took out wood and put in new, scraped, primed, and painted.

A separate group worked on landscaping projects.

Father Juan brought volunteers from St. Edward, St. Patrick, and St. Richard Catholic churches, three parishes near Racines city center.

There were 51 teen volunteers spread out on different projects, not just House Proud.

When we heard of this opportunity, we were thrilled to be able to come because its our neighborhoods, he said and added the Gospel compels the people to help one another.

Its also shows the presence of the church in the neighborhood, he added. We are not just the church of the buildings; were the church of the people.

One of the many benefits of the program is that it creates bridges for people of different economic backgrounds together, to get to know each other, and get to know the people of the neighborhood, he said.

The benefit is bridging the gap that exists when you dont walk the neighborhoods, when youre separated, he added.

Noting the diversity of the groups working on Park Avenue and Villa Street, Father Juan added the program would help to build stronger communities.

Making connections

The volunteers have come together to help repair homes, but the other goal is community building. That comes through making connections  with each other and the people in the neighborhoods where they work.

Friesema said there are benefits to people coming together and working.

You might have people that youve gone to church with all your life, but you never really worked with them before, he said. So you meet in a different setting and you learn something new.

Friesema added they hoped to also make connections with the people in the neighborhood.

Having a passion for people who you help, that was Christs work when he was on earth, and thats what he told us to do, too, Friesema said.

Sherwin-Williams also donated paint and supplies for this project. RRP partner, Neighborhood Watch, helped with coordination and supervision on site.

Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
I would see this as less of a political trip and more as an opportunity to speak to all Americans about why his Build Back Better agenda ... is something people of all political stripes should be able to support, Psaki said.

Before arriving in Crystal Lake, Biden is expected to be greeted at OHare International Airport by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. The White House did not release details on how long the president and mayor were scheduled to meet, but Bidens visit comes after Chicago endured one of its most violent weekends of the year  with at least 108 people shot, 17 fatally.

Asked about Chicago violence, Psaki noted that violent crime rates have increased across the country in recent months, noting that summertime often brings the worst spikes.

She said Biden would continue to push in his budget proposal for an additional $300 million for the Department of Justices COPS Hiring Program and $70 million more for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to assist efforts to crack down on illegal gun purchases.

Im sure hell be happy to discuss components of his budget. She may have different things on her agenda, Psaki said of Lightfoot.
1. Yes. Its not a huge increase; it would help the city tackle much-needed roadwork.

2. Yes. It would be acceptable, as long as the city considers possible exemptions.

3. No. It would disproportionately impact low-income utility customers. Not a good idea.

4. No. Not all utility customers drive on the roads, so it would be a regressive tax.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say without knowing the citys overall road program plans.

Vote

View Results
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
The Best Little Floorhouse in Texas Your choice for flooring in Central Texas! Your flooring is more than just the surface you walk on  it's an integral part of your home. With over 35 years of flooring experience, The Best Little Floorhouse in Texas has the resources and knowled
Finally, after the family moved to Jos hometown of Prairie du Sac, Wis., Sirotzki joined her familys ELCA church and became a lay assistant minister. I guess I could say that this led up to my a ha moment, he said.

One day, a church pastor asked Sirotzki if he had ever considered being a pastor.

Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

My reply was, Yes, about 30 years ago, but now, in his mid-50s, he believed he was far too old to be going off to seminary. She encouraged him to pray about it.

Without telling him, she had a friend send him information about Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa.

I received a large envelope that was several inches thick. It wouldnt even fit in the mailbox. The letter carrier had to leave it between the storm door and front door, he said.

One thing led to another.

He and Jo went to an informational weekend at Wartburg. He applied and was accepted.

When we told our son, Matt, the first thing he said was, What took you so long? Sirotzki said.
Kaseya said it believes only about 800 to 1,500 of the estimated 800,000 to 1,000,000 mostly small business end-users of its software were affected. They are customers of companies that use Kaseyas virtual system administrator, or VSA, product to fully manage their IT infrastructure.

Cybersecurity experts said, however, it is too early for Kaseya to know the true impact given its launch on the eve of the Fourth of July holiday weekend in the U.S. They said many targets might only discover it upon returning to work Tuesday.

Ransomware criminals infiltrate networks and sow malware that cripples them by scrambling all their data. Victims get a decoder key when they pay up. Most ransomware victims dont publicly report attacks or disclose if theyve paid ransoms. In the U.S, disclosure of a breach is required by state laws when personal data that can be used in identity theft is stolen. Federal law mandates it when healthcare records are exposed.

Security researchers said that in this attack, the criminals did not appear to have had time to steal data before locking up networks. That raised the question whether the motivation behind the attack was profit alone, because extortion through threatening to expose sensitive pilfered data betters the odds of big payoffs.
BANGKOK, Thailand (AP)  China's most popular social media service has deleted accounts on LGBT topics run by university students and nongovernment groups, prompting concern the ruling Communist Party is tightening control over gay and lesbian content.

WeChat sent account holders a notice they violated rules but gave no details, according to the founder of an LGBT group, who asked not to be identified further out of fear of possible official retaliation. She said dozens of accounts were shut down, all at about 10 p.m. on Tuesday.

It wasn't clear whether the step was ordered by Chinese authorities, but it comes as the ruling party tightens political controls and tries to silence groups that might criticize its rule.

WeChat's operator, Tencent Holding Ltd., confirmed it received an email seeking comment but didn't immediately respond.

The Communist Party decriminalized homosexuality in 1997, but gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual and other sexual minorities still face discrimination. While there is more public discussion of such issues, some LGBT activities have been blocked by authorities.

The official attitude is increasingly strict, the founder of the LGBT group said.
The project will for years and years, on into a hundred years into the future, bring people into this community, Mellema said.

Its an honor to participate in this project, he said.

Heartland Events Center was funded similarly.

A county appropriation that was repaid over time was used with local fundraising to complete the project, said Jay Vavricek, a former Grand Island mayor and Hero Flight Association member.

This speaks well of Hall County, Vavricek said. It will promote confidence in the future, shows we get the job done, and also indicates this resource can be leveraged with the lodging support of visitors.

With the local match met before the deadline, an application will be made for the local project to receive federal ranking for completion.

Nebraska has only three state veterans cemetery sites in Alliance, Papillion and Maxwell.

A site in Grand Island will help to close the gap, said John Hilgert, Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs director.
Story



The image above compares the current Cedar Hills Landfill with a rendering of a waste-to-energy facility in Belfast, Ireland.

King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn on Wednesday introduced legislation that would establish a waste-to-energy (WTE) advisory committee to dig into how King County could build a waste-to-energy facility to dispose of its solid waste as an alternative to the existing Cedar Hills Landfill. The committee would be tasked with creating a plan for King County that covers all elements of how to transition seamlessly from a landfill to a waste-to-energy facility.

King County needs to stop putting our trash in the ground and modernize our waste disposal, Dunn said. Over the last decade, the waste-to-energy sector has seen a lot of exciting innovation that makes it the cheapest and most environmentally friendly method available. We need to start now to begin the process of shutting down the massive, odorous landfill and implement a better, cleaner option.

King Countys Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan, approved by the council in 2019, included an amendment sponsored by Dunn requiring King County to find a new a long-term waste disposal method for when the Cedar Hills Landfill reaches its maximum capacity. This is anticipated to happen by the year 2040.

Dunn would like to encourage King County to move toward a waste-to-energy facility, which converts solid waste to recover energy, to be used in forms such as electricity. A 2019 feasibility study commissioned by King County concluded that WTE facility disposal will provide a significant financial and environmental benefit to the County over WEBR [waste export by rail]."

The idea has momentum within the community near the landfill, who have long advocated for an alternative waste disposal method. Waste-to-energy is the only option that has a minimal impact on the community and the environment, and it solves our waste stream for years and years to come, said Janet Dobrowolski, who lives next to the landfill. It also provides electric and steam energy from a renewable resource. It is clean and has no issues with leachate, odors, or water contamination.

Many countries across the world rely primarily on waste-to-energy facilities to dispose of their solid waste, in part because they have little open space for landfills. They are particularly popular in Japan, Scandinavia, and Switzerland. There are dozens of waste-to-energy facilities across the U.S., including a mass burn facility that Palm Beach County in Florida opened in 2015. About 12% of municipal solid waste in the U.S. was converted in WTE facilities in 2018, according to EPA data. But half of all waste was still put in landfills in the same year.

"From Cedar Hills to Vashon Island citizens are asking their elected leaders in King County to find solid waste solutions that meet our aspirations to be recognized as world leaders in the protection of the environment. Burying garbage in a hole was never a good idea, and it's a mistake we should not repeat, said Dr. Tag Gornall, a Vashon Island resident. With the modern technology available to us today, we should be ashamed of the possibility that future generations will inherit from us a continuing legacy of burying garbage in holes. We owe it to those future generations to find smarter and greener solutions."

The new committees transition plan would include research on the cleanest, safest, and most cost-effective technologies available; discussions of the experiences of other jurisdictions that have implemented waste-to-energy technologies; a list of outstanding questions that need answering and actions that need to be taken; the identification of potential barriers and how they could be overcome; a consideration of how a technological change would be coordinated regionally; and a discussion of the viability of performing a pilot project before fully implementing a new technology.

Members of the committee would include industry, regulatory and environmental experts, who would be appointed by the King County Council. The committee would also be required to engage with community members who live near the Cedar Hills Landfill.

The legislation will be referred to committee at the Tuesday, July 13 meeting of the King County Council.
Leaders believed that environment was necessary and allowed units and soldiers to grow in warrior tasks and skills.

Basically that goal of the WAREX is to get them to kind of a practice level, kind of a walk phase as opposed to being at a full-trained level, said Babcock. So, its an acknowledgement that were not quite there ... and providing them enough repetitions, reps and sets, of certain skill sets to get after improving making those battle skills something that are more muscle memory, and you just do it as opposed to having to figure it out when its too late.

Command Sgt. Maj. Douglas Dieckman, senior enlisted advisor, 86th TD, echoed that sentiment and expanded on what that meant for units.

Thats one of the big takeaways from it, because that includes a lot of things from having the right gear, to knowing how to fire your individual weapon and how to take care of your weapon, how to take care of your gear, how to do patrols, how to react to contact, all kinds of things, he added. Those are all things that we cant necessarily replicate other than when we get to these exercises because theyre hard to replicate on our own.

Training in this way is essential due to the recent pandemic.
Ducharme said her favorite part of the mural was the agriculture portion because she likes animals and the heritage of it.

Sandry said she was also enjoying painting the agriculture portion because of the shading of the eggs and the challenge of making them look three-dimensional. Some of the edges have softer shading and some have harder shading.

Thoeny, who has been one of the students working on the mural since the beginning, said the murals many colors spark her creativity.

Silas Buchner, who will be a freshman in the fall, said his two top favorite images hes painted were the airplane, which he was currently working on, and the DNA structure. He also came up with a quadratic formula for the mural, but before committing it to paint, he sent it to his math teacher to make sure it was correct. I was so close, he said with a smile.

Meg Buchner said Brudos allowed students to choose the colors to use for the images they were painting. We talked about continuity (of color) on the wall.

For example, the green thats used on the globe matches the Math 7 image and the green of the softball. We used base colors that draw down the wall, Meg Buchner said.
All votes in all 50 states were counted and validated following last Novembers elections. They were certified by both Republican and Democratic officials. As a former poll worker, I am proud of the meticulousness with which our elections are conducted.

Trumps contempt for the will of the American people is villainous and the attempted coup by his minions on Jan. 6 to interfere with the tally of the legitimate electoral vote is a serious departure from American ideals. In the wake of these and other recent unjustified series of events, Trump continues to spread his narcissistic Big Lie.

It is truly refreshing to see that Michigan Republican State Sen. Ed McBroom state that his Republican lead committee found "no evidence of widespread or systematic fraud." This contradicts months of assertions of fraud by Trump and members of his own party. McBroom further said the committee finds those promoting a nationwide conspiracy to steal the election at zero credibility."
President Joe Biden mocked Johnson for his comments during a stop in Crystal Lake, Illinois, on Wednesday.

Johnson has long expressed skepticism toward the notion that climate change is caused by human activities. When he was a candidate in 2010, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Johnson said extreme weather events were better explained by sunspots than carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

I absolutely do not believe in the science of man-caused climate change, Johnson said at the time. Its not proven by any stretch of the imagination.

In a statement, Johnson said his comments were consistent, that he is not a climate change denier, but also not a climate change alarmist.
DULUTH, Minn. (AP)  Once hunted to the brink of extinction, elk could be reintroduced to the forest in northeastern Minnesota.

The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has submitted a plan to the state Department of Natural Resources that would move 100 to 150 elk from existing herds in the northwest to an area that includes the Fond du Lac reservation and the Fond du Lac State Forest in Carlton and St. Louis counties.

Thousands of elk once roamed the state, but now their population has dwindled to three small herds in northwestern Minnesota.

The band proposes moving the elk from a predominantly agricultural part of Minnesota over a period of three to five years, beginning in 2025, to a more wooded state, county and tribal land, Minnesota Public Radio News reported.

We have sufficient habitat for elk that roughly could support one elk per square mile, which is similar to elk herds In Michigan and Wisconsin, said Mike Schrage, the bands wildlife biologist. And we had good levels of public support (for the idea), both from local residents and local landowners.
The worlds tallest horse has died in Wisconsin.

The 20-year-old Belgian named Big Jake lived on Smokey Hollow Farm in Poynette. Valicia Gilbert, wife of the farms owner, Jerry Gilbert, said Big Jake died two weeks ago but declined to give the exact date of death when The Associated Press reached her Monday via Facebook.

We would rather not remember him by a date  its been a traumatic event for our family, she said.

Big Jake was 6-foot-10 and weighed 2,500 pounds. The Guinness Book of World Records certified him as the worlds tallest living horse in 2010.

Jerry Gilbert told WMTV that Big Jake was a superstar and a truly magnificent animal. He said Big Jake was born in Nebraska and weighed 240 pounds at birth, about 100 pounds heavier at birth than a typical Belgian foal.

He said he plans to memorialize Big Jake by keeping his stall empty and inserting a brick on the outside of it with his picture and name.

Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}
One of the big questions about this economic recovery is where all the workers went and what it might take to lure them back into the labor force. Higher pay? Better hours? Nicer bosses?

One possible answer: No matter what employers do, a lot of these workers might be gone for good. Thats because theyve retired.

The nations employers filled 850,000 more positions on net in June, the Labor Department reported Friday. This was more jobs than had been expected, which is of course good news. But the share of Americans participating in the labor force  that is, either working or actively looking for work  didnt budge and remains well below its pre-pandemic level.

In raw numbers, there are roughly 3.4 million fewer people either employed or looking for employment than there were in February 2020. Unless these people come back into the workforce soon, it will be hard for employers to accelerate their hiring  and the economy will struggle to fill the enormous jobs deficit.

We think the monthly payroll numbers would be running in the multiple millions right now if employers were able to find all the people they want, Ian Shepherdson, chief economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, wrote in a note to clients shortly before the Bureau of Labor Statistics report was published.
Last week, Republicans passed a budget of missed opportunities, which failed to take advantage of unexpected revenue growth and failed to invest in the most needed areas of our state and communities.

Early in the process, I shared the priorities of our community with Governor Evers and he included them in his budget. Unfortunately Republican Legislators removed nearly every priority from the bill before its passage.

The majority of Wisconsin families live in child care deserts; we also rank high in percentage of women who work outside the home. Yet families struggle to find quality, affordable, accessible care for their children. Many small and national business groups recognize that a strong childcare system is a critical piece in addressing our workforce needs. Governor Evers included a funding increase to help people afford childcare, provide technical support for childcare centers, and address wages and training for workers. I advocated for this funding in the budget; we need to support our families our childcare centers, and workers. Republicans rejected these proposals and did not include their solutions to address the childcare shortage. This was a missed opportunity, but I am committed to continue working on this issue going forward.
MOSCOW (AP)  Rescuers have found the bodies of 19 victims a day after a plane crash in a remote area in Russia's Far East, the authorities said.

An Antonov An-26 carrying 28 people crashed Tuesday near its destination town of Palana in the region of Kamchatka, apparently as it came in for a landing in bad weather. The plane was en route from the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to Palana on Tuesday morning when it missed a scheduled communication and disappeared from radar.

Wreckage was found Tuesday evening on a coastal cliffside and in the sea, and the search and rescue operation was suspended until Wednesday morning after night fell, as the crash site was difficult to access in the dark.

The governor of Kamchatka, Vladimir Solodov, told the state Tass news agency that the first bodies are being pulled out (of the water). Russia's Emergency Ministry said that remains of 19 victims have been found so far, and one of them has been identified already.

Russian media reported Tuesday that none of the six crew members or 22 passengers on board had survived. The head of the local government in Palana, Olga Mokhireva, was among the passengers, spokespeople of the Kamchatka government said.

Solodov said Tuesday that a group of government officials including Transport Minister Vitaly Savelyev will head to Palana on Wednesday.

In the aftermath of the crash, the authorities in Kamchatka have declared three days of mourning. Officials said that families of the victims will receive payments of more than 3.5 million rubles (about $47,200) that will include compensation from the airline, an insurance payment and a subsidy from the regional government.

Police are investigating the incident, looking at three possible causes of the crash  bad weather, equipment malfunction or pilot error.

President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday morning extended his condolences to the families of the victims.

In 2012, an Antonov An-28 plane belonging to Kamchatka Aviation Enterprise crashed into a mountain while flying the same route as Tuesdays flight. A total of 14 people were on board and 10 of them were killed. Both pilots, who were among the dead, were found to have alcohol in their blood, Tass reported.
This story contains links that will take you to our archives site on newspapers.com. This content is free for LancasterOnline subscribers who are logged in. Click here for more information about how to subscribe.

Fourteen years after a baby's body was found in a dumpster behind the Lancaster County YMCA, District Attorney Heather Adams announced an arrest for the alleged mother.

Tara Brazzle, who now lives in Indiana, was charged with homicide for "Baby Mary Anne," who was found dead in a dumpster behind the Lancaster YMCA in 2007.

Here's a timeline of the investigation.

September 24, 2007: A baby was discovered in a dumpster, dead and wrapped in a tote bag behind the Lancaster YMCA, on the 500 block of North Market Street. A passerby noticed an odor coming from the dumpster.

November 9, 2007: More than 200 people turned out at the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church for a funeral and burial of the child found in the dumpster. A lifetime member of St. Anthony, Dolores Yecker, named the baby Mary Anne. "Baby Mary Anne is the community's adopted baby," said funeral director Charles F. Snyder.

September 22, 2008: Lancaster city police released that the death officially was ruled a homicide, due to complications of asphyxia. It took months for some testing to be completed due to the child's decomposed state.

May 5, 2009: Baby Mary Anne's grave was vandalized; the perpetrator vandalized the base of a recently installed statue of Jesus with two children. No other gravestones were vandalized.

September 24, 2016: The investigation was deemed a cold case, though police said they would look into using DNA and genealogy to see if they could find a viable suspect.

July 7, 2021: Adams announced that there was an arrest made in connection to the killing of Baby Mary Anne. Brazzle, 44, was charged with homicide and is believed to be the mother of Mary Anne. Adams said the baby was born at Brazzle's former residence at 261 Paradise Lane in Ronks. Brazzle was an employee of the Lancaster YMCA when the body was found.
A man was charged with toppling over the Christopher Columbus bust at the Lancaster County Courthouse and shattering a glass door pane at the courthouse's Duke Street entrance on June 30, according to Lancaster city police.

Francisco Rodriguez Jr., 34, who police say is homeless, admitted to knocking over the statue and throwing bricks through doors at the Lancaster County Courthouse and Lancaster County Probation office, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

All told, Rodriguez caused nearly $10,000 in damage to the county, police said. Police said that damage to the statue alone totaled approximately $7,868.90.

Rodriguez was charged with one felony count of institutional vandalism and two misdemeanors for the same offense, according to court records. He was also charged with possessing an instrument of a crime, both misdemeanors.

He is in Lancaster County Prison after failing to pay $15,000 monetary bail, according to court records. He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on July 16 in front of district judge Andrew LeFever.

The toppling of the bust and other vandalism happened days after a statue of Supreme Court justice John Marshall on Franklin & Marshall College campus was defaced.

It was the third time in just more than a year that the Christopher Columbus bust on Lenox Lane has been vandalized, according to newspaper records.

In June 2020, someone sprayed red paint on the Columbus bust at the courthouse. And the statue was toppled less than a month later, on July 25.

Two women were charged with institutional vandalism and criminal mischief for the incident. In March, they were accepted into Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition to settle the charges, according to newspaper records.

Both were placed on probation and ordered to perform 40 hours of community service at the courthouse. They also had to pay $2,090 each in court costs.
A Manheim Township man has been charged in two jurisdictions after repeatedly assaulting two children he had been trusted to care for, according to both Manheim Township and Marietta police.

Thomas Edward Irwin Sr., 73, was charged with indecent assault of a person less than 13 years of age, unlawful contact with a minor, endangering the welfare of children, corruption of minors and indecent exposure in Manheim Township. He was also charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, indecent assault of a person less than 13 years of age, contact or communication with a minor, corruption of minors and endangering the welfare of children in Marietta.

Irwin fondled a girl, then 5-years-old, and forced her to perform sexual acts on him between September 2018 and February 2019 at a residence in the first block of South Gay Street in Marietta, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

Irwin told his son that he had hurt the child, locking her inside a bedroom, police said. Irwin would bring sex toys and condoms to the house in case an opportunity would happen with the girl.

Irwins son wrote down his fathers confession and submitted it to police in March 2019, according to the affidavit. A letter signed by Irwin admitting to the assaults was later submitted in September 2020, and Irwins son also provided investigators a journal detailing the confession. He was charged on June 21.

Irwin was charged the same day with exposing himself and having inappropriate physical contact with a second girl at a hunting cabin in Clearfield County as well as at his residence in the first block of Ashley Court between October 2016 and March 2019, according to a second affidavit of probable cause. Irwin was the child's caretaker at the time.

The abuse began after the girl, who was in the fourth grade at the time, approached Irwin after she complained of a stomach ache while staying at the hunting cabin, according to the affidavit. Irwin told the girl to lie down on a bed, then forced her to fondle him, telling her that touching him would make her stomach feel better.

Irwin also walked around nude in front of the child at his residence, and on at least one occasion asked the child to inject him with his daily medication while naked, police said. The child refused to inject the medication, angering Irwin.

On another occasion, Irwin repeatedly made comments about the girls breasts developing and asked her when she was going to allow him to touch them, according to the affidavit. Irwin had his arm around the girl when he made the comments, and held her more tightly when she attempted to pull away.

Investigators learned of the allegations after the girl spoke with a caseworker at the Lancaster County Children and Youth Agency in April.

Irwin, who was already confined in Lancaster County Prison after pleading guilty to repeatedly sexually assaulting a preteen girl in 2019, declined to speak to investigators, police said.

Irwin, who is already incarcerated, was unable to post a combined bail of $110,000, court records show. He will face a preliminary hearing before Judge David Miller on July 15.

Irwin was previously sentenced to 10 to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to rape of a child, two counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault of a child, three counts of indecent assault of a person less than 13 years of age, unlawful contact with a minor and two counts of corruption of minors in 2019, according to court records.
Editor's note: Though David Ressler said at the time of this article that he remembered Tara Bazzle being pregnant, another former coworker of hers told LNP | LancasterOnline recently said that she did not recall Brazzle being pregnant. Ressler, on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, acknowledged he could have been mistaken, as Brazzle did have other children.

Also on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, Lancaster County District Attorney Heather Adams said while she couldnt go into detail, law enforcement is confident that the man is mistaken as to his timeframe We would not be able to make any additional comments on whether the pregnancy was known at this time, citing the ongoing investigation and prosecution.

David Ressler was the facilities manager at the YMCA when it was located on North Queen Street in Lancaster. It was Ressler who, on Sept. 24, 2007, found the body of the newborn who would become known as Baby Mary Anne.

It never faded from my memory. It was a little traumatic finding a baby in the dumpster, he said Wednesday.

He learned of the arrest of his former coworker in the babys death from his mother on Wednesday.

That floored me when I found out who it was, he said.

Never, he said, could he have imagined that Tara Indrakosit was the person authorities said is responsible.

Indrakosit  now known as Tara Brazzle  worked the front desk at the Y, Ressler said.

He knew she was pregnant  so did others. But as far as he knew, she had had the baby and everything was fine.

Ressler said he remembers that Brazzle went on maternity leave and then returned, continuing her job at the Y for some time, though hes not sure how long (he left within a year for another job).

On Wednesday, Ressler recounted finding the baby in an interview with LNP | LancasterOnline.

It was trash day. Part of Resslers job was making sure trash was disposed of properly. Staff members were sometimes lazy: instead of opening the dumpsters sliding doors and tossing bags in, they would leave trash bags next to the dumpster. The trash collector wouldnt take bags left on the ground, so Ressler would throw them inside.

Thats when he said he saw the duffel bag inside the dumpster.

The bag appeared to be new. The dumpster also stank, so Ressler went to ask coworkers if anyone had thrown out food that spoiled. They told him no, so he decided to check the bag.

Inside was Baby Mary Annes body, which had been wrapped in a bloody towel and several plastic bags. The placenta and umbilical cord were also inside.

Ressler called police, who began asking him pointed questions. He said he felt like a criminal suspect, and remembered being given a lie detector test.

Police asked him if he had a girlfriend on the side and had gotten her pregnant.

I know they were doing what they had to do. But ...it was a traumatic event  it was not fun, he said.

Im just glad theres some closure in it and there was a decent burial, he said, referring to the funeral held Nov. 9, 2007, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. More than 200 people attended, including Ressler.

Brazzle arrested in California

Brazzle was arrested Friday morning after getting off a plane at San Jose International Airport the day after Lancaster city Sgt. Randell Zook and city Detective Jessica Higgins interviewed her at her home in Valparaiso, Indiana.

She is charged with one count of homicide and is being held without bail pending extradition to Pennsylvania, which could take a month or two, according to Lancaster County District Attorney Heather Adams.

Brazzle was not fleeing, according to her boyfriend of several years, Anthony Ortiz. Instead, he said, she traveled there to see him, as he was in California on business.

We bought the tickets the week before. I was here, and she and our daughter were meeting me to spend the weekend. So she didnt run, he said.

Ortiz was reluctant to comment extensively. He has spoken to Tara by phone. She does not yet have a lawyer.

I can tell you she did not attest to hurting the baby girl. Her statement to police was that the child died during the birth at home. Not sure the period in between her making a decision to place the baby Mary Anne in the dumpster, but obviously an act of panic and desperation as it was placed according to the original media report on top of the heap, he wrote via Facebook Messenger.

According to Adams, however, the baby was born alive at the home Brazzle was living at on Paradise Lane in Strasburg Township. Brazzle had not obtained prenatal care, Adams said.

The baby was about 35 to 38 weeks old; normal gestation is 40 weeks.

Charging documents indicated Brazzle disposed of the body several days after giving birth.

Oritz said Brazzle is less worried about herself than what her three children are going through.

DNA, genealogy and dedicated police work

DNA and the publics embrace of genealogical databases helped in making the arrest, Adams said. Despite many tips that led to 25 women being ruled out as the mother, Brazzle was never a suspect at the time and the case went cold, Adams said.

Lancaster police Sgt. Randell Zook spent hundreds of hours on the case since taking it over in 2016, Adams said. Zook declined comment at the news conference where Adams announced the charges, saying he preferred to stay behind the scenes.

In 2018, and with the help of Parabon NanoLabs, the babys DNA was uploaded into a public genetic genealogy database. Parabon, based in Reston, Virginia, helped solve the 1992 murder of Christy Mirack by comparing DNA from her killer to that of a relative uploaded to genealogy websites.

Parabons work eventually led to the discovery of a second cousin of the baby, Adams said. Zook continued to work with Parabon and performed extensive research himself using a variety of genealogy resources, open source information and police databases to essentially build what would become a reverse family tree linking the baby to Brazzle, Adams said.

Still, Adams said, genetic DNA analysis can only go so far. Zook used multiple other investigative techniques, though she said she was unable to elaborate on them.

She also said the arrest serves as a two-fold message in cold cases.

One to victims, is to not give up hope, or families of victims who have passed on  don't give up hope because the police continue to look at these cases. And for suspects that have committed crimes like this, you know if there was DNA left at the scene, there's really nothing that they can do to change that event, she said.

Adams said investigators have talked to the man believed to be the father. The investigation is also continuing and anyone with information is asked to call Zook at 717-735-3322.

Watch the livestream below.
Christiana Borough police

ASSAULT

COLUMBIA: Brian Lance Shannon, 53, of Columbia, was charged with simple assault after pounding on a car window and then punching a driver in the face in the 100 block of 4th Street at 5:17 p.m. on June 10, police said. Shannon confronted the driver after he parked in the space in front of his house, police said.

CONTEMPT FOR VIOLATION OF ORDER OR AGREEMENT

CHRISTIANA: Thomas L. Thornton, 50, was charged with contempt for violation of order or agreement and four traffic violations after calling a person who had an active protection from abuse order against him around 3:10 p.m. on June 13, police said. Thortons vehicle had been towed from the first block of Gap Newport Pike in Atglen due to having numerous vehicle code violations when he called the person to give him a ride, police said.

Columbia Borough police

DISORDERLY CONDUCT

COLUMBIA: Larry G. Rodman, 51, of Columbia, was charged with disorderly conduct after he was seen tampering with an air conditioning unit, kicking the front door and throwing fireworks over the rear fence of a residence in the 100 block of South 4th Street at 6:55 p.m. on June 21, police said.

SCATTERING RUBBISH

COLUMBIA: Linda L. Mason, 38, of Columbia, was charged with scattering rubbish after refusing to pick up a piece of trash she had thrown into a bush as she was being escorted by officers from a building in the 400 block of Union Street at 10:38 p.m. on June 5, police said. Officers arrived at the building after receiving a report that an unknown woman had entered uninvited and was in the bathroom for a long period of time, police said.

THEFT

COLUMBIA: An air conditioning unit was stolen from the back window of a residence in the 300 block of Poplar Street some time during the week of June 13, police said.

COLUMBIA: A purse containing several credit cards, an ID, several birth certificates, Social Security cards and a blood sugar reader was stolen from a Chevrolet Malibu in the 400 block of Norwood Road at 6:43 a.m. on June 25, police said. The purse was found several minutes later during a second vehicle break-in, though its contents were missing, police said.

East Hempfield police

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

EAST HEMPFIELD: Michael Wenditz, 44, of East Petersburg, was charged with criminal mischief and harassment after damaging a cell phone during a road rage incident in the 100 block of Graystone Road on June 22, police said.

ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A CHILD

EAST HEMPFIELD: Danielle Barlieb, 26, of Manheim, was charged with endangering the welfare of a child, driving under the influence and a summary traffic violation after a two-vehicle crash at Rohrerstown Road and Commercial Avenue on June 29, police said.

THEFT

EAST HEMPFIELD: An unidentified man filled a shopping cart with a combiend $700 in various grocery items at a Stauffer's of Kissel Hill supermarket at 301 Rohrerstown Road and left without paying on both June 13 and June 22, police said.

TRESPASS

EAST HEMPFIELD: Terri Kellner, 55, homeless, was charged with criminal trespass after setting up a makeshift camp inside an unoccupied residence in the 2700 block of Marietta Avenue on June 25, police said.

EAST HEMPFIELD: Douglas Rupp, 78, of Landisville, was charged with defiant trespass after he was seen cutting limbs from a tree on a residential property in the 100 block of Clover Circle on June 25, police said.

East Lampeter Township police

PATRONIZING PROSTITUTES

EAST LAMPETER TWP.: Troy J. Probst, 39, of Strasburg; Carlos Loja, 41, of East Fallowfield Township, Chester County; John Burkholder, 56, of Manor Township; and Charles A. Wallace Jr., 41, of Oxford, Chester County, were each charged with patronizing prostitutes after agreeing to pay between $100 and $150 to engage in sexual activity with an undercover female police officer at a motel along Lincoln Highway East on June 29, police said. The men each responded to an online advertisement where they made contact with the officer, then drove to the motel where they made arrangements to pay for sex, police said.

Ephrata police

CRASH

EPHRATA: An Ephrata Pioneer Fire Company ladder truck was struck by an oncoming vehicle in the 1400 block of Division Highway at 7:19 p.m. on July 3, police said. The ladder struck was responding to a working structure fire in the 1500 block of Division Highway when it was struck, causing both vehicles to be towed after they were rendered inoperable, police said. The striking vehicles driver was transported to Lancaster General Hospital for unknown injuries and was also cited, police said.

Lancaster police

STRANGULATION

LANCASTER: Jonathan Washington, 34, of Lancaster, was charged with strangulation after choking a woman for about 15 seconds, preventing her from breathing, during a domestic disturbance in the 1200 block of Union Street at 10:28 p.m. on July 5, police said.

Manheim Township police

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

MANHEIM TWP.: Marcus M. Caban, 23, of Leola, was charged with criminal mischief after kicking the door of another persons vehicle, causing $450 in damage, during a domestic dispute in the 3200 block of Oregon Pike at 12:05 a.m. on June 11, police said.

HARASSMENT

MANHEIM TWP.: Christine M. Cruz, 53, of Leola, and Victor A. Cruz, 52, of Lancaster, were charged with harassment after a domestic dispute at a residence in the 3200 block of Oregon Pike at 12:05 a.m. on June 11, police said. Christine punched Victor in the back of the neck, while Victor shoved Christine into a wall numerous times, police said.

LANCASTER TWP.: Taya J. Ivey, 22, of Lancaster, was charged with harassment and criminal mischief after grabbing another person by their hair and striking them several times in the face during a domestic dispute at a residence in the 1600 block of Judie Lane at 11:14 p.m. on June 29, police said. Ivey also shattered a glass table during the altercation, police said.

MANHEIM TWP.: Jordan C. Murray, 28, of Lancaster, was charged with harassment after pushing another person during a domestic dispute in the 100 block of Manheim Avenue at 4:59 p.m. on July 1, police said.

THEFT

MANHEIM TWP.: Bang L. Vu, 23, of Lititz, was charged with theft after taking more than $1,700 from a Walmart at 2030 Fruitville Pike between May 8 and June 28, police said. Vu, an employee at the Walmart, stole money from the register and deducted electronic funds from a Walmart Capitol One credit card, police said.

LANCASTER TWP.: A $25,000 2020 Nissan Rogue was stolen from the 200 block of Waterford Court sometime during the night of July 1-2, police said. The vehicle was stolen after its keys were found inside of another vehicle parked in the area which had also been broken into, police said.

LANCASTER TWP.: A $16,000 BMW X5 was stolen from Mill Pond Drive sometime during the night of July 1-2, police said.

LANCASTER TWP.: An unknown person smashed the windshield of a vehicle in the 600 block of South West End Avenue, causing $1,275 in damage, sometime during the night of July 4-5, police said.

New Holland police

BURGLARY

EARL TWP.: Thomas Peter Kostingo, 57, no address, was charged with burglary, theft and criminal trespass after he was seen entering restricted rooms at the ELANCO Library and scattering paperwork on the floor on June 17, police said. Kostingo was then seen later that day passing a handwritten note asking for medication at Yoders Pharmacy in New Holland, but left before officers could arrive, police said. Kostingo was seen the following day entering York Building Products in Earl Township where he took multiple items worth more than $1,200, police said. Officers arrested Kostingo after he had stolen a vehicle later the same day, police said.

Northern Lancaster County Regional police

DISORDERLY CONDUCT

WARWICK TWP.: Sean James Gass, 18, Evan Riley Henninger, 18, and Anthony Demetrius Nigro, 18, all of Lititz, were charged with disorderly conduct after throwing a smoke bomb into a restroom and then running away at a Sheetz at 701 Furnace Hills Pike at 7:15 a.m. on July 6, police said.

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

CLAY TWP.: An unknown man was seen riding a scooter and approaching children on the rails-to-trails between Pebble Creek and North Oak Street in Lititz between June 30 and July 1, police said. The man fled after he was approached by an adult, though investigators later determined that there was no criminal intent, police said.

Susquehanna Regional police

STRANGULATION

EAST DONEGAL TWP.: Shawn Lamont Waters Jr., 20, was charged with strangulation, simple assault and harassment after strangling a woman to the point where she was gasping for air during a domestic disturbance in the 100 block of Nicole Street at 6:54 p.m. on July 4, police said.
Jackie Pfursich, Lancaster County's Clerk of Courts, will become the county's next solicitor after being appointed Wednesday by the county commissioners.

The current solicitor, Chris Hausner, is scheduled to retire on August 3, which will be Pfursich's start date pending approval from the county salary board.

"I will say that no solicitor in recent memory will come with a better working understanding of county government from day one," Commissioner Josh Parsons said. "If anyone has the chance to hit the ground running, I certainly think Jackie does."

Hausner said she informed the county of her intent to retire at the beginning of the year, and submitted a formal letter in March, because she did not want her successor to start in a similar position as she had, where there had been a gap in the position.

"I look forward to volunteer work, travel and not awakening to an alarm clock," Hausner said in an email Wednesday. "Im leaving the office in good hands. Jackie will be a highly capable County solicitor, using her administrative skills and knowledge of County and Court operations to great advantage."

Pfursich is a graduate of Widener University School of Law, and previously worked as an assistant attorney for the Pennsylvania Office of General Counsel and as a prosecuting attorney for the Pennsylvania Department of State.

Before being first elected as clerk of courts in 2015, Pfursich worked as assistant county solicitor for Lancaster County.

"I am excited for the opportunity to return to the solicitor's office and to the legal field," Pfursich said. "I've spent my entire legal career in public service and I feel very strongly about that."

The vote to appoint Pfursich fell along party lines, with Commissioner Craig Lehman, the sole Democrat, voting against the appointment because he said he believes it is inappropriate to select an elected official for an appointed position.

No disclosure was made prior to the vote of Pfursich's political connections to Parsons and Commissioner Ray D'Agostino, or to the current solicitor.

Pfursich chairs the Hempfield Area Republican Committee, which counts Hausner as a member. Records show she has donated $650 to D'Agostino's campaign committee. And when Pfursich first ran for clerk of courts in 2015, Parsons donated $1,000 to her campaign.

Until May 27, after Hausner announced her retirement plans, Edwin Pfursich, Jackie's husband, served as treasurer of Parsons' campaign committee.

Parsons said one other candidate was interviewed for the position but did not say who.

Pfursich's salary will be set at the next meeting of the count's salary board, which is Monday, July 12. The starting range for the position is $70,439.16 to $117,398.60, and Hausner' s current salary is $126,194.43.

Parsons said Rhonda Allen, the chief deputy clerk of courts, will carry out Pfursich's duties until the governor and state Senate agree on an appointee or until the 2022 election.
When: Cocalico school board meeting, June 28.

What happened: The board convened before a sizeable crowd of parents and community members, with 72 people signed in. It was the first time this year participants could attend in person instead of on Zoom. The Rev. Kevin Eshleman, school board president, responded to public comments from the May 24 meeting, largely centered around mask wearing and vaccine requirements for the 2021-22 school year, plus parents concerns about critical race theory in the schools.

Protocols lifted: Eshleman announced that all pandemic mitigations including the mask orders have been lifted, and there will be no vaccination requirements when school reopens this fall.

Quotable: Masks will no longer be required (in the new school year), said Stephen Melnyk, assistant to the superintendent. They will be optional for students and staff, though masks will be available if anyone wants them. There will be no sign-in sheet in the buildings for contact tracing purposes. Plexiglass shields will be removed, though the cleaning and available hand sanitizer will continue.

Critical race theory: Eshleman said the district has a well-established process for implementing curriculum and that neither critical race theory nor The 1619 Project are used as a basis for Cocalicos curriculum. Critical race theory is an academic concept built around the idea that inequality and discrimination are embedded within society rather than the products of individual opinions and choices. The 1619 Project details the legacy of slavery since the first enslaved people from Africa arrived in the Virginia colony that year. The New York Times Magazine launched The 1619 Project, which reframes Americas history through the lens of slavery.

Public comment: Parents called for the board to ban curriculum related to critical race theory. CRT is a threat, said parent Adam Weber, of Reamstown. We request that the board ban all teaching related to CRT and hold teachers accountable if it is taught. It causes more division and racism.

Budget passed: The board voted to approve a resolution authorizing the final $69.38 million budget. Business Manager Sherri Stull said there is no tax increase for Cocalico property owners. Included in the budget for the new school year are modifications to the high school entryway to ensure security, updates to the technology education and the family and consumer science programs, along with updates to the auditorium and its sound system.
EIR LEAD EDITORIAL FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021

Preface: The Golden Path Before the World

July 6, 2021 (EIRNS)The Editorial todays is the dialogue with Helga Zepp-LaRouche conducted by ChinaPlus, the English website of China Radio International. The following words preface the interviews transcript:

The dialogue with the world begun by Lyndon LaRouche in the months prior to August 15, 1971, fifty years ago, produced hundreds of proposals, programs and initiatives by LaRouche and his associates over several decades. In November of 1989, following the fall of the Berlin Wall, LaRouche drew on his extensive knowledge of European history, including the development projects of Charlemagne going back to the late eighth century, and seemingly instantly formulated a strategy for taking the most industrially productive area of the worldthe Paris-Berlin-Vienna Productive Triangleand using it as a human machine tool to power a revolution in economy, diplomacy, and strategy. While that policy was severely hampered by his incarceration, and by the assassinations in Germany of Alfred Herrhausen (November 30, 1989) and Detlev Rohwedder (April 1, 1991), Helga Zepp-LaRouche led an intervention into the East that would begin the dialogue, which resulted in the June 1996 Beijing conference, the International Symposium on Economic Development of the Regions Along the Euro-Asia Continental Bridge. This occurred despite the attempts of Sir Leon Brittan of Perfidious Albion to prevent it from happening.

As the World Summit of Parties transpires, convened by Beijing in the aftermath of a quarter-century of Chinas own work, of continuous dialogue with China and Russia by the LaRouche organization, and of the successful advancement, by many parties, of the World Land-Bridge strategic economic outlook first enunciated at that 1996 conference, the power of the ideas of Lyndon LaRouche falls over these proceedings, as a cumulative cultural world-effect, influencing even the minds of those that have yet to read LaRouche for themselves. The awful shadow of some unseen Power floats, though unseen, among us, Shelley says in the opening lines of Hymn To Intellectual Beauty. That might well be said of the true character of actualized potential for LaRouches ideas in this moment.

The triumphalist, permanent revolution/permanent war faction for which the vapid George Herbert Walker Rubbers Bush was once the CIA ad-man, and his son, George Gee-whiz W, Igor Dick Cheney, and Barack al-Yamamah Obama define the arc of American humiliation that incarcerated the American people by incarcerating LaRouche. As in Beethovens Fidelio, a new method of thinking must be embodied to free the United States to be itself, and declare independence from the empire of the mind of British policy. That is the method presented in the dialogue with China Radio International.
July 7: Michael Jacksons memorial service was held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, 2009

July 7: Michael Jacksons memorial service was held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, 2009

ADVERTISEMENT

Brought to you by the Black365 Calendar. Find out more at Black365.com

Interested in Latinx History? Check out the worlds only Latinx Facts Calendar at LatinxCalendar.com
Wednesday, July 7, 2021

The South Carolina Supreme Court imposed disbarment without credit for time served on an interim suspension

On September 18, 2018, Respondent was indicted by a federal grand jury on twenty-six counts of wire fraud, mail fraud, conspiracy, and theft of federal funds. In addition, on September 20, 2018, Respondent was indicted by the State Grand Jury on three counts of misconduct in office and embezzlement of public funds. At the time of these indictments, Respondent was the Solicitor for the Fifth Judicial Circuit, and the charges stem from Respondent misusing office funds for personal expenses.

On February 26, 2019, Respondent pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in federal court. The remaining federal charges were dismissed. On June 4, 2019, Respondent was sentenced to one year and a day in federal prison to be followed by supervised release for three years. Respondent was ordered to pay $19,270.80 in restitution to the Kershaw County Solicitor's Office. Respondent was released from federal prison in May 2020. Respondent's state criminal charges are still pending. Respondent has pleaded not guilty to all of the pending state charges.

Details on the offense from a press release of the United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina

Facts presented in court established that Daniel Edward Johnson was the Fifth Circuit Solicitor from 2011 to 2018. The Solicitors Office serves both Richland and Kershaw Counties and receives funding from both, as well as from the federal government. Kershaw County pays the office-related credit card bills for select Solicitors Office employees.

During his time as Solicitor, Johnson used Solicitors Office funds to cover personal and non-office-related expenses. Johnson was issued Solicitors Office credit cards reading DAN JOHNSON, Fifth Circuit Sol Office. Using these cards, Johnson made a series of personal and non-office-related purchases, starting no later than 2016. In pleading guilty to the scheme, Johnson acknowledged that a November 2016 payment by Kershaw County covered personal expenses on the October 2016 credit card statement. That statement contained the following fraudulent transactions:

September 7, 2016, charge for $208.79, at the Elara by Hilton Grand Vacations in Las Vegas.

September 7, 2016, charge for $911.48, at the Doubletree Magic Mile hotel in Chicago.

October 1, 2016, charge for $685.07, to Copa Airlines, an airline based in Panama.

October 5, 2016, charge for $137.22, at the Hilton Columbia Center in Columbia, SC.

The attorney consented to disbarment. (Mike Frisch)

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/legal_profession/2021/07/the-south-carolina-supreme-court-imposed-disbarment-without-credit-for-time-served-on-an-interim-suspension-on-september-18.html
Hong Kong police on Tuesday arrested nine people -- including six students  on suspicion of planning bomb attacks in the territory.

The individuals were detained on suspicion of taking part in terrorist activity under a national security law passed last year by the government in Beijing. At a press conference, police said six young people were among those arrested.

The group is accused of planning to set off homemade bombs at court buildings, tunnels and waste containers in the city. Police said evidence showed that the suspects were seeking to maximize damage caused to society.

Police said those arrested were attempting to make an explosive known as TATP, which has been widely used in bombings in Europe and other places.

The group is accused of trying to produce the explosive in a room at a low-cost hotel in Hong Kong. Police said they found and seized a trace amount of the explosive, as well as equipment used to make it. Police also froze about $77,000 in assets they said may be linked to the group.

If the accusations are true, the group appears to represent an extreme wing of Hong Kongs pro-democracy movement.

China in recent years has moved to restrict freedoms in Hong Kong. Such moves led to large protests in the former British territory in 2019. Police in Hong Kong have used the national security law to arrest several leaders of the pro-democracy movement as well as some media officials.

Critics of the law say it seeks to silence dissent and crush freedoms promised to Hong Kong when it was passed to mainland China in 1997. Rights of the territorys citizens were to be guaranteed under its Basic Law for 50 years.

Supporters of the national security law say it has brought stability to Hong Kong.

During her weekly news briefing Tuesday, Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam warned that ideologies present risks to national security in Hong Kong. She appealed to the public to openly condemn threats of violence.

Lam also urged parents, teachers and religious leaders to observe the behavior of teenagers and to report those suspected of breaking the law. They should not be wrongly influenced by the idea that ... breaking the law is in order, if youre trying to achieve a certain cause, she said.

Lam also warned that government departments should not permit illegal ideas to filter through to the public through education, broadcasting, arts and culture.

Also Tuesday, Lam also said that an envelope of white powder had been sent to her office. Police said the substance was still being examined but that they did not believe it was dangerous.

Im Bryan Lynn.

The Associated Press and Reuters reported on this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the reports for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

tunnel  n. a passage constructed underground

maximize  v. to increase something as much as you can

trace  n. a very small amount of something

asset  n. something a person or company owns that has value

stability  n. the quality of not being likely to change or move

achieve  v. to succeed in doing something

filter  v. to permit some things through but not others

envelope  n. a flat paper container used to hold a letter


Nikole Hannah-Jones, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, decided on Tuesday she would not accept a position at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) but, rather, would continue her career by accepting a position at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Howard University is a private, historically black university in the nations capital.

Hannah-Jones and her supporters fought hard to get a tenured professorship at UNC. Tenure is a life-time appointment for a professor. The university first denied tenure for Hannah-Jones, saying it was concerned about her ideas and her teaching ability. Black students, Black professors and other professionals questioned the universitys opinion and its commitment to free speech and diversity.

Hannah-Jones developed The 1619 Project for The New York Times. The collection of stories looked at the history of the United States starting with the arrival of enslaved people. It centers on the economic and social effects of the free labor provided by the enslaved people.

The idea of examining history in this way is controversial in many states. Some public school teachers in states controlled by Republican leaders are not allowed to teach about the project in their classes.

Last week, after weeks of criticism and days of protests from students, the university finally decided to offer Hannah-Jones a life-long position at its journalism school.

On Tuesday, Hannah-Jones said she could not accept work at the universitys journalism school, which is named after Walter Hussman.

Hussman is a wealthy Arkansas newspaper publisher who gave $25 million to UNC. He also campaigned against giving Hannah-Jones tenure.

I cannot imagine working at  a school named for a man who lobbied against me, Hannah-Jones wrote.

She added that Hussman ignored her years of work and her credentials because he believed The 1619 Project was about the denigration of White Americans.

She also wrote that she could not work at a university whose leadership permitted this conduct and has done nothing to disavow it.

Hannah-Jones is not the only well-known Black writer to receive a position at Howard University on Tuesday. Howard also employed Ta-Nehisi Coates. Coates writes about the struggles of Black people in America. His 2015 book Between the World and Me won a National Book Award.

United States Vice-President Kamala Harris attended Howard University in the 1980s. It is one of several historically Black colleges and universities in the U.S. They are schools founded to support the education of Black people at a time when many universities did not accept Black students.

Im Anna Mateo.

Tom Foreman, Jr. wrote this story for the Associated Press. Dan Friedell adapted it for Learning English. Susan Shand was the editor.

How do you think Hannah-Jones will do working in Washington, D.C.? Tell us in the Comments Section and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

diversity  n. the state of having people who are different races or who have different cultures in a group or organization

controversial  adj. relating to or causing much discussion, disagreement, or argument : likely to produce controversy

lobby  v. to try to get something you want by talking to the people who make decisions

credential  n. a quality, skill, or experience that makes a person suited to do a job

denigration  n. the act of saying something critical or unfair

conduct  n. the way that something is managed or directed

disavow  v. to say you are not responsible for an action or behavior


Members of Chiles constitutional delegation have chosen a woman from the indigenous Mapuche people to lead efforts to create the new constitution. The choice marks a big turning point for a people that were ignored during the making of the countrys present constitution.

The Mapuche are the largest group of indigenous people in Chile.

Elisa Loncon is a political independent, a university professor and an activist for Mapuche educational and language rights. She was chosen by 96 of the 155 men and women -- including 17 indigenous people -- that make up the new constitutional body. The group will replace Chile's current constitution, which was approved under the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet.

Loncon was celebrated by members of the group after accepting the position on Sunday. She said, "I salute the people of Chile from the north to Patagonia, from the sea to the mountains, to the islands, all those who are watching us today.

Loncon added that she was thankful for the support of coalitions that placed their trust and their dreams in the hands of the Mapuche nation." They voted for a Mapuche person, a woman, to change the history of this country, she said.

Electing Loncon represented a high point in a day that included a suspension of the delegates' swearing in ceremony. The delay happened after protests took place outside and inside Santiagos former congress building, where the event was being held.

During Loncons election, demonstrators from all political sides demanded that police not be involved in the ceremony. The protesters were met by heavily armed police at blockades.

As demands came from delegates for the special forces police to leave, the head electoral court official agreed to suspend the event until midday.

The incident demonstrated the intense issues for creating a new constitution as the country faces deep divisions. In 2019, there were massive protests over inequality that worsened after police responded with violence.

The constitutional body was chosen by a popular vote in May and is made up mainly of independent and leftist candidates. Some candidates had roots in the protest movement. A smaller share of more conservative candidates received backing from the current center-right government.

The delegates have promised to work on issues including water and property rights, central bank independence and labor policies. This has led to worry among business investors about possible big changes to the free market system for the world's top copper producer.

Before the ceremony began, Aymara and Mapuche delegates held spiritual ceremonies in the streets that included song and dance. Not recognized in the current constitution, these indigenous communities are hoping the new document will include cultural, political and social rights.

The delegation has up to a year to agree to a common rulebook, establish committees and write a new document.

Im Alice Bryant.



The Reuters news agency reported this story. Alice Bryant adapted it for Learning English. Bryan Lynn was the editor.

_______________________________________________________________



Words in This Story

indigenous  adj. of the earliest known inhabitants of a place, especially a place that was colonized by a now-dominant group



salute  v. to publicly praise someone or something



swear in  v. to have a ceremony in which a new leader makes a promise to do their work properly and with honesty and loyalty



committee  n. a group of people who are chosen to do a particular job or to make decisions about something
Over the past few months in the United States, the expression critical race theory, or CRT, has appeared in statehouses and political gatherings from almost nowhere.

CRT has become an important cause for conservatives. Many Republican-controlled states have passed legislation restricting how history and race can be taught in public schools.

For some, critical race theory is a way of understanding how race has shaped American society and public policy. For others, CRT creates division and conflict between white people and minorities.

But even those who criticize critical race theory have a hard time defining what it is. So, what exactly is it?

What is critical race theory?

Critical race theory is a way of thinking about Americas history through race. It argues that racism is more than just individual prejudices and discrimination.

CRT centers on the idea that racism is systemic in the countrys institutions. The theory also argues that the countrys institutions work to keep white people as the most powerful group. University professors, and others in academia, developed CRT during the 1970s and 1980s in response to what they viewed as a lack of racial progress.

The creators of the theory argue that the U.S. was founded on stolen land and labor, through the colonization of native land and slavery. Supporters of the theory also believe race is not biological, but culturally invented.

Kimberle Crenshaw is the head of the African American Policy Forum and one of the earliest supporters of CRT. At first the theory was simply about telling a more complete story of who we are.

Is critical race theory being taught In schools?

There is little evidence that critical race theory is being taught to public school students. But some ideas relating to the theory are being taught.

Tassie Zahner is an Advanced Placement, or AP, American history teacher in Montgomery County, Maryland. AP is a nationwide program that provides high school students with college-level classes. She said it would be very hard to teach her class without using some CRT concepts, like Americas history of racism.

In order to teach an AP U.S. history class correctly you have to talk about those things, she said. You cant prepare students  if youre not teaching the truth about U.S. history.

But some parents and conservative lawmakers see some uses of the theory as problematic.

In Greenwich, Connecticut, some middle school students were given a white bias survey, which angered some parents. The Wake County Public School System in North Carolina organized a meeting for teachers on critical race theory, angering state Republican lawmakers.

Lisa Luten is a spokeswoman for the Wake County school system. North Carolina is one of the 26 states that have proposed laws that restrict critical race theory or limit how teachers can discuss racism or sexism, says the publication Education Week.

Critical race theory is not something we teach to students, Luten said. Its more of a theory in academia about race that adults use to discuss  their environment.

Why are Republicans upset?

Many conservatives and Republicans say CRT is an effort to rewrite American history. They argue CRT tells white people that they are naturally racist and should feel guilty because of their privileges.

But the term critical race theory has recently been used as a general description for racial ideas that conservatives dislike. These include white privilege, systemic inequality and inherent bias.

How are states addressing it?

Out of the 26 states that have considered legislation, eight have banned or limited the teaching of CRT and similar ideas. The bans, all from Republican-led states, largely describe what can be taught inside the classroom. While legislation in some states mentions critical race theory by name, others do not. Many are unclear about what should or should not be taught.

Other states have banned teaching The New York Times The 1619 Project. Released in 2019, The 1619 Project aimed to tell a story of American history with slavery at the center of the countrys founding.

The banning of CRT ideas has extended to other countries as well. In late June, Australias senate voted to remove CRT from the national school system. The Conversation reported that some politicians and media groups were concerned that Australias schools were teaching too much about the oppression, discrimination and struggles of Indigenous Australians.

What is the response to the Republican actions?

Teachers groups, educators and social studies organizations worry the laws will make students get an untrue picture of American history. They say it is very damaging for students to think that racism, discrimination and past injustices do not affect the country today.

Education Week argues it will be difficult to enforce laws that place limits on what happens inside individual classrooms. But some educators fear that the laws could scare teachers into changing what and how they teach about race.

Zahner said lawmakers and adults pass these kinds of laws because they underestimate the ability of young people to think critically. She said students do not need to depend on the analysis of historians and social scientists to get an understanding. Often, they can read documents or other information from the past and learn for themselves.

Zahner added that refusing to permit children to study CRT means youre taking away both the knowledge and their ability to analyze things.

Im Dan Novak.

And Im Dan Friedell.

Bryan Anderson reported this story for The Associated Press. Dan Novak adapted for VOA Learning English with additional reporting. Susan Shand was the editor.

Quiz- What is Critical Race Theory? Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

___________________________________________________

Words in This Story

prejudice  n. an unfair feeling of dislike for a person or group because of race, sex, religion, etc.

academia  n. the life, community, or world of teachers, schools, and education

institution n. an established organization

bias  n. a tendency to believe that some people, ideas, etc., are better than others that usually results in treating some people unfairly

survey  n. an activity in which many people are asked a question or a series of questions in order to gather information about what most people do or think about something

privilege  n. a right or benefit that is given to some people and not to others

inherent  adj. belonging to the basic nature of someone or something

indigenous adj. produced, living, or existing naturally in a particular region or environment

underestimate  v. to think of (someone or something) as being lower in ability, influence, or value than that person or thing actually is
Albany resident Joe Eddings parked his 1929 Model A Ford at the Walmart parking lot in Lebanon while the sun was still shining Sunday evening.

Ive been wanting to see fireworks for the last 10 years. Ive never taken the time, Eddings said. I got here early so I could get a good parking space.

An hour later, a good parking spot was much harder to find in south Lebanon as cars packed the lots at Walmart, Walgreens, and the Oregon State Credit Union, as well as any open fields in the area.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Lebanon Express.

The audience was rewarded with a nearly half-hour display that was organized by the Lebanon Strawberry Festival Association and put on by Western Display Fireworks of Canby.

Western Display did awesome. They make it easy for us, said Cindy Kerby, chairperson of the Strawberry Festival Association. We work with them and they help us get all the permits we need and everything.

In the past, guests have been able to pay to park at Cheadle Lake Park to watch the display. That was not offered this year and Kerby said it has not yet been determined how that will be handled in the future.
The last 18 months have been challenging for everyone in education and the situation in Vernonia was no different. Miller said he tried to maintain the same focus during the pandemic.

Our focus, as always, is on the kids. Doing as much as we can for them in the classroom and out of the classroom, whatever their needs are.This year was obviously a little different. Academics are still up there, thats our day job, but we had a lot more we had to do to think about the social and emotional health of our kids. Making sure they were fed, Miller said.

But Miller does not think he received the award solely, or even primarily, based on Vernonias work during the pandemic. He believes the award is a wider recognition of what the district has accomplished since 2007.

That year, while he was serving as the elementary school principal, Vernonia was devastated by a flood.

We had to move all of our K-12 facilities from being 5-foot underwater to higher ground, Miller said.

Vernonia had also been hit by the 1996 flood and the second flood led to dramatic action.
Christiansen said per the agreement to vacate the road, the county will still maintain the right of way, in case the civil agreement between the area landowners breaks up and then the county could easily reopen the road.

ONeill was present at the meeting and noted the stretch of road runs a mile north of his home and the clay road always washes out when it rains. He said he wants to crown it and let the grass grow to help against the erosion.

He said he maintains the road himself and has laid down gravel that has helped improve travel. He said his goal is not to block the road from access, expect during the winter to keep out trespassing hunters or teens looking for a party spot.

Commissioner P.J. Jacobson noted they have had issues in the past vacating a road and a having a civil agreement between landowners take over, but he felt the resolution covered the problems they have had. The commissioners approved vacating the portion of the road.

Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

Pamela Mann, Executive Director of Region II services provided an agency update to the commissioners.

Region II serves 17 counties in southwest Nebraska, including Dawson and Gosper counties. They provide service to 163 people with developmental disabilities.
One of the Lewiston men who allegedly broke into and vandalized the old Lewiston High School building on Normal Hill in April made his first appearance in Magistrate Court on Wednesday on felony charges of burglary and malicious injury to property.
Fully support it

It's a bit extreme but I understand why it's being done.

I'd do it, but under protest.

I'd quit.

Vote

View Results
The Solvang Theaterfest has appointed local residents David Silva and Kelly Barbieri Reaves to serve on its board of directors.

Silva was born and raised in Santa Maria and remembers attending PCPA plays at Hancock College while growing up.

He has worked at UCSB  where he also graduated in 2011 and majored in communications, religious studies and economics  for the last six years in the Alumni Association and Office of Development.

Silva currently serves as the director of development for annual giving and digital fundraising at the college where he led the "Give Day" fundraiser in 2018 that raised $5.7 million dollars in 24 hours, a theater spokesman said.

Solvang Theaterfest announces summer concert lineup The first of 7 shows kicks off June 20, featuring group SitaraSon.

Silva and his partner, Jason Stone, moved to Buellton in 2018.

New board member Barbieri Reaves, now a Santa Ynez resident, is a retired insurance executive hailing from San Diego.

Barbieri Reaves' career spans several years in various areas within the financial services industry that include large mortgage lenders, servicers and corporations where she offered up her expertise in mortgage banking and mortgage insurance claims, the spokesman said.

She holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Chapman University and an associate of science in paralegal studies from Miramar College.

Barbieri Reaves also is a licensed real estate agent and notary public.

In addition, she is a court-appointed special advocate for foster children and a member of Chaine des Rotisseurs, a prestigious food and wine society.

Barbieri Reaves and her husband, John, moved to the Santa Ynez Valley in 2017.

Solvang Theaterfest dedicates wall-sized mural to campaign donors The mural was designed by local artists Suzi Matthies and Barbara Young as a gesture of appreciation to those donors who have supported the ongoing Imagine  Building the Future capital campaign. It will be on display at the theater until the groundbreaking in September.
Decked out in red, white and blue and sporting a patriotic 10-gallon hat, longtime resident Allan Jones celebrated 25 years as Solvang's unofficial Fourth of July parade announcer at this year's Independence Day celebration on Sunday.

Never short a joke or quip, Jones, who is the president and principal broker at Santa Ynez Valley Real Estate Co. in his off time from the parade, admitted that although his role as announcer is to introduce and broadcast the festive parade and its entrants as they file through downtown Solvang, he can't help but strive for a few good laughs.

"It's a fun crowd to be in front of," he said, explaining that his aim is to draw laughter from the audience and spark interactions between spectators and parade entrants.

Jones remembered when he was first asked to fill the role in 1996 as a newish member of the Rotary Club of Solvang. He had little experience emceeing large events, leading to a case of nerves before the town parade. Those nerves over the years, however, eventually settled and morphed into decades of enjoyment.

"I've also done parade announcing for Danish Days whenever they ask me," said Jones, noting that his volunteering has become a sort of cost-free side gig that puts him in front of local crowds on a regular basis.

"I don't mind doing it," Jones added. "I think they ask me because they like my price."

Now and then

In 1996, when the coordinating committee for the Fourth of July parade could no longer sponsor the annual event, Solvang Rotarians Greg Welton and Chuck Pira volunteered to take it over.

"Then they asked if I would do the announcing. I guess they figured I'd be dumb enough to do it," Jones said, laughing.

In the beginning, Jones said the group just "ad-libbed it," and now the production has become a well-organized event that includes thoughtful, prewritten stories for each parade entrant.

+8 'God Bless America': Solvang Fourth of July parade brings thousands out to celebrate Solvang's annual Fourth of July parade returned to downtown streets on Sunday morning, attracting thousands of spectators and 52 parade entrie

"We all just kind of winged it, and now it's become a big thing," he said.

Over the last 25 years, the Rotary Club of Solvang has continued to sponsor the annual event that brings thousands to town to delight in the prancing horses, floating Viking ships, twirling groups and marching bands.

"Our club pays for everything," Jones said. "It's our gift to the community."

The annual Fourth of July parade has welcomed as many as 10,000 spectators and has featured as many as 80 parade entries, Jones said.

"When the parade first started, it was so small," he said. "We went around twice so no one would leave."

Now, it's not uncommon for crowds to be five to six people deep, Jones said.

Each year and ahead of his day of announcing, Jones readies his patriotic costume, complete with an standout, oversized red, white and blue hat that sometimes slopes to one side.

"[My clothing] seems to get more obnoxious every year," he said.

His fondness for celebrating July 4 was inspired by his late father, George Jones, who loved the holiday. The day remains an important event attended by family members, including his mother, Sally Jones. "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for her," Jones said.

Next year and years into the future, Jones plans to take the mic at Solvang's Fourth of July event to continue celebrating the United States and the community he has called home since 1965.

"I'll stick with it as long as they want me to ... or until I die," he said.
A judge on Tuesday approved a tentative preliminary hearing start date for the two suspects charged in the Kristin Smart murder case.

Judge Craig Van Rooyen set a date of July 20 for Ruben and Paul Flores, the father and son who are suspected in the death of Smart, the 19-year-old Cal Poly student who went missing on May 25, 1996.

The preliminary hearing was scheduled to start on Tuesday, although it was continued for at least a week by Judge Jacquelyn Duffy in a last-minute hearing held on June 30. The preliminary hearing is expected to last 12 days, according to court officials.

Van Rooyen attributed the preliminary hearing delay to discovery-related matters, including a defense request to receive affidavits and other search warrant materials from prosecutors.

Citing Bob Sanger, Paul Flores attorney, the judge said the defense intends to file motions to quash certain discovery materials but first needs the materials in hand before filing the motions, which require a five-day advance notice. Prosecutors are working with court officials to release the materials to the defense, Van Rooyen added.

The first day of the preliminary hearing is expected to be held in person, with motions beginning at 8:30 a.m. July 20 at San Luis Obispo County Superior Court. Evidence presentations will follow until 4:30 p.m.

+2 Preliminary hearing in Kristin Smart murder case postponed A preliminary hearing for the two suspects charged in the murder of Cal Poly student Kristin Smart has been delayed.

Additionally, Van Rooyen set two court dates leading up to the hearing in July.

A hearing over Zoom will be held at 8:30 a.m. July 12 in which defense witnesses will be ordered back to be on call for a preliminary hearing, according to Van Rooyen.

An in-person hearing then will be held at 1:30 p.m. July 14 in which Van Rooyen will hear a motion and a supporting brief to amend the criminal complaint filed by Deputy District Attorney Christopher Peuvrelle, who is prosecuting the case.

In addition to the motion to amend, the court will hear arguments on a motion from attorney Jeff Redding to quash a subpoena against his client, Susan Flores, Paul Flores mother.

Paul Flores, 44, of San Pedro is charged with the murder of Smart and was last seen with the Cal Poly freshmen before she went missing. She was declared legally dead in 2002 and her body has never been found.

Ruben Flores, 80, of Arroyo Grande is charged with accessory to murder after the fact in the death of Smart. He is accused of hiding Smarts body after she was murdered, according to District Attorney Dan Dow.

They were both arrested on April 13 and charged on April 14 after two search warrants that included ground-penetrating radar and cadaver dogs were served at Ruben Flores residence in the 700 block of White Court in Arroyo Grande in March and on the day of his arrest.

Both suspects have pleaded not guilty.
In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, a medical worker collects a swab sample for nucleic acid test in Ruili City of southwest China's Yunnan Province, on July 5, 2021. Authorities in the Chinese city bordering Myanmar locked down the city Wednesday, July 7, shutting most businesses and requiring residents to stay at home, as a fresh outbreak of COVID-19 expanded.
"Then, during a major election, we have about 30,000 election inspectors or poll workers who manage the polling sites and help voters. Incredibly, all of this means Wisconsin has one-sixth of all election officials in the entire country," he pointed out.

He went on to explain how he has worked with these clerks all around the state. They do their jobs to help people and help voters in the face of foreign and domestic assaults on our elections, and he praised their ability to adapt to the coronavirus crisis in April of 2020 and again in November.

"Our decentralization works as a barrier to organized or widespread voter fraud in many different ways because of the number of sworn election officials who would need to be involved in a conspiracy and the safeguards in place to verify voters and to tabulate and transmit results from 2,000 separate polling places," he added. "I know what voter fraud does and doesnt look like in Wisconsin because part of my job for 12 years was to search for it. Elections are more secure and accurate than ever before."

He observed that voters have more trust in election results before an election than they do after their candidate loses.
The best way to fund Hannah-Jones ongoing work was to join with the Ford Foundation and Knight Foundation, and to make a larger grant than we anticipated to the new Howard center, Palfrey said. This was certainly an unplanned grant. But it struck us as an unusually wonderful opportunity to support Black journalism.

The $5 million grant from the Knight Foundation, the third funder, will include a $500,000 investment to launch a symposium that aims to strengthen the teaching of journalism across various historically Black colleges and universities, according to a statement from the foundation, which has an endowed chair of journalism at Florida A&M University, which is also a historically Black college.

The newly announced gifts add to the estimated $1 billion in philanthropic funding that has been given to journalism-related initiatives in the U.S. during the past five years, according to preliminary data from the philanthropy research organization Candid. One large gift of $20 million is rare for the industry, but its not unheard of.

The Knight First Amendment Institute, which defends the freedoms of speech and the press, was established in 2016 at Columbia University with a $30 million gift from the Knight Foundation.
Among Biden's proposals are two years of free community college, universal prekindergarten and paid family and medical leave. He also seeks to extend the expansion in the child tax credit and the health care premium subsidies from the COVID-19 aid bill.

Democrats plan to include much of this in a bill they hope to pass through a legislative maneuver that would require just a simple majority vote, skirting the 60-vote hurdle in an evenly divided Senate. Biden has said he would prefer that the two bills move through Congress together, and Democrats are hoping to make progress this month on both.

The Biden administration promoted its agenda on multiple fronts Wednesday.

First lady Jill Biden visited an elementary school in Washington to discuss how the trillions of dollars the president wants Congress to spend on families would pay for more affordable child care, preschool for all 3- and 4-year-olds, larger salaries for teachers and modern school buildings with safe drinking water, along with more teachers of color and more nurses and counselors to help students with their emotional and other needs.

You and your students will continue to be one of our top priorities, not just in one legislative bill, but in everything we do, she said during a speech to a virtual meeting of the American Federation of Teachers union.
A major crash Tuesday afternoon involving seven cars and one semitruck left three people with non-life-threatening injuries, and led to vehicle fires and the closure of Interstate 39/90 near Janesville into early Wednesday.

It was the second day in a row that all lanes of I-39/90 were blocked near Janesville because of a crash.

Given the scale of the crash, the Wisconsin State Patrol said it was fortunate that there were no deaths or serious injuries.

We got really lucky, the State Patrol said.

A few of the vehicles, including the semitruck, caught fire, the State Patrol said. Photos of the crash show some of the cars burned to a crisp.

The three people who were injured were taken to the hospital. The State Patrol is not releasing information on their identities at this time.

The crash happened at 1:40 p.m. at Mt. Zion Avenue, and closed both the northbound and southbound lanes of the interstate for a little less than two hours, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation said.

By 3:30 p.m., the department reopened some northbound lanes, but all southbound lanes were still closed. Traffic was being rerouted to Highway 14.
In cheese-obsessed Wisconsin, which proudly touts itself as Americas Dairyland, the dairy cow is the official domestic animal, milk is the official state beverage and cheese is the official dairy product.

But believe it or not, in a state that produces more cheese than any other, at 3.4 billion pounds each year, there is no official state cheese.

A bipartisan bill heard by a state Assembly committee on Wednesday would change that.

The measure makes Colby, which was created in Wisconsin more than 100 years ago, the official cheese. Colby may be as gouda choice as any, but the choice threatens to turn fans of cheddar, Swiss, provolone and other varieties red, or perhaps blue, in the face with rage.

Colby also holds a special place in Wisconsin cheese history. It was created in the central Wisconsin city of, you guessed it, Colby in 1885. Joseph Steinwand created the cheese and named it after the township where his father built northern Clark Countys first cheese factory, according to a state historical marker in the city located about 40 miles west of Wausau.
Gov. Tony Evers on Tuesday defended signing a bill that he believes is partially unconstitutional and that every Democrat except one in the Legislature opposed, saying the measure will speed disbursement of settlement money with opioid manufacturers.

Evers decision to sign drew bipartisan praise at a news conference Tuesday in Waukesha, from Republican Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow and Democratic Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.

Crowley said the new law is key to unlocking money that counties desperately need to fight the opioid epidemic. He said he thought a settlement in the long-running national lawsuit against opioid manufacturers was imminent.

Under the law, which Evers signed Wednesday, the state must work with counties on settlements to lawsuits they have filed separately against opioid manufacturers and distributors. The law requires 70% of any settlement to go to local governments and 30% to the state. And all of the money would have to be spent on opioid abuse, no other government programs.

Evers said his primary reason for signing the bill was to ensure that money from any settlement gets to Wisconsin counties and municipalities quickly.
Two adults and their dog werent injured, but they were displaced from their North Side residence after a fire early Wednesday morning, the Madison Fire Department reported.

Fire crews were dispatched to the 1100 block of Shasta Drive for a structure fire involving a single-family home and a recreational vehicle at 12:21 a.m. and arrived at 12:24 a.m., Fire Department spokesman John Kosmatka said in a report.

Neighbors called 911 after noticing an orange glow outside their home, and residents of the home that was on fire were awakened by smoke alarms and got out safely with their dog, Kosmatka said.

Firefighters on arrival found heavy fire in the front of the home that was spreading around the exterior from the garage area and up to the roof line, with an RV parked in the driveway also on fire, Kosmatka said.

Fire crews began attacking the blaze from outside, including using Engine 10s Deck Gun to attack heavy flames near the chimney. During their efforts, a propane tank ruptured, but a quick transition was made to an interior attack and the fires were extinguished, Kosmatka said.

The cause of the fire was still under investigation Wednesday morning. Damage was at more than $200,000, and the Red Cross was assisting the family, Kosmatka said.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

In the long run I think it could save us some money, Warrell said, and the entire county could benefit from it, not just the sheriffs office.

Cassia County Attorney McCord Larsen said the county could ask employees on a county-wide basis whether they have been vaccinated to derive a percentage for analysis without violating any health privacy laws.

In mid-June, Idaho public health officials said just over half of the states population had received at least one dose of the vaccine, according to state public health officials.

Idaho Gov. Brad Little offered paid time off to state employees who get the vaccine, or who have already received it, according to the Associated Press.

This morning, I informed Idaho state employees were offering them a new benefit  four hours of paid leave if they have received or choose to receive the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine! Little said June 17 on Twitter. The new benefit comes at no additional cost to Idaho taxpayers.

The state is Idahos largest employer with about 25,000 employees.

The governor asked other employers in the state to take similar measures: I encourage private employers to consider offering their employees the same benefit, Little said on Twitter.
Theres this fine line of growth and making sure that everybodys going to get good visibility, Martin explained. Were prepared to grow more, but we thought, for this year, we didnt want to jump too much.

Martin said the success is, in large part, due to the sponsors of the event. This year, one of the sponsors  Pioneer Federal Credit Union  held free, online finance classes for the children participating as vendors.

The community has also played a significant role in the events growth. There are few communities, Martin said, who support residents the way the Twin Falls community does.

We love the support from our community, she said. It just makes it a great experience for everyone.

These events, Martin said, have an incredibly positive impact on the children who participate. The Magic Valley Kid Market not only gives children a practical introduction to money management and business organization but also gets kids out into the community. By interacting with others, these young entrepreneurs are learning social skills and emotional intelligence.

Martin has three children  a son and two daughters  who have participated in the event every year.
Daybell and Lori Vallow thought they could also tell if someone had a dark or light scale associated with them. Those with a dark scale were possessed by demonic spirits. They would refer to those people as zombies and call them by the name of the spirit, rather than their actual name.

Coincidentally, if you shared their belief system, your score was favorable, the affidavit states. If you offered any opposition to their belief or their destiny, you were seen as possessed.

Loris brother, Alex Cox, shot and killed Charles Vallow on July 11, 2019. He told Chandler Police Department officers it was in self-defense and that he had fired two shots as Charles charged him.

A police investigation found this was only true of one of the shots Cox fired. The second shot entered through Charles Vallows rib cage and exited through his upper left shoulder. The affidavit states this indicates Charles Vallow was on the floor the second time he was shot.

Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

Lori Vallow and Cox told police she was taking the children outside when Cox shot Charles Vallow. GPS data shows, however, that Lori had Charles cellphone and drove his rental car, around 7:49 a.m. Cox called 911 to report the shooting at 8:32 a.m., 43 minutes after the shooting is believed to have occurred.
State and local governments deserve most of the scrutiny when discussing building failure. The first thing to look for is corruption. Did someone knowingly ignore construction faults or inspection faults? Did money or favors exchange hands? The second item to consider is how soon the problems were apparent. Was corrective action delayed? Why?

Over the past few days, statements by officials indicate that the county will be reviewing its building code and making significant changes. Is the state considering mandates for the rest of Florida? Are other local and state governments seeking to learn from the errors uncovered and mandating practices that will prevent future tragedy?

The second to last level of responsibility is the Condos board of directors. Reports indicate that they had recently notified residents about the structural problems and the money required to address them. Did they fail to pay for an inspection to determine whether building occupancy could continue? Irresponsible governing boards cause significant damage to our belief in law and justice. Since corporations are legal creations, their governance has set rules. Boards of directors are responsible to stakeholders. When they fail their responsibility, it weakens belief in a fair justice system. In other words, government has failed.
Next it was Drake Extrusion, where she worked for about five years.

Then she went to work in the accounting department of Commonwealth Laminating, nine years ago. When Eastman bought it out, all accounting moved to headquarters in Tennessee, and she had to go through the entire formal application process for a new job with Eastman, she said. She got a job in the maintenance department for a year and a half before she got a new job in Eastmans procurement department, where she has been for the past four years.

Meanwhile, that goal of getting her bachelors degree remained in the back of her head. When she went through a separation and then a divorce some eight years ago, I knew I had to become independent, and I decided that one day I would like to go ahead and finish college.

Then came the final push: Our company has gone through layoffs in the last couple of years in the procurement department. That was the real push for me to go back to school  because I wanted to be ready if it happened to her again.

Encouragement

In December 2019, she talked about ideas of returning to college with her boss, Shannon Bumgarner, who encouraged her to do it, she said.
Said Northam in a release announcing the grants: Maintaining our status as the best place for business requires having a robust inventory of shovel-ready sites to attract prospective companies. The Virginia Brownfields Restoration and Economic Redevelopment Assistance Fund is a vital resource for restoring brownfields sites, returning them to productive use, and ultimately generating new jobs and investment.

We look forward to seeing the economic, environment, and public health benefits that this funding will bring to these six localities.

For the Fiscal Year 2021, the General Assembly allotted funds of up to $500,000 per site that can be used for the removal of hazardous substances and wastes, demolition and removal of existing structures, and other site work necessary to make a site usable for new economic development.

The VBAF has proven to be a useful catalyst for the redevelopment of sites across the commonwealth that would otherwise not be marketable, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball said in the release. These grants will help six localities develop properties and put the right infrastructure in place to attract and retain businesses.

If you own property in Martinsville that you think may be a brownfield site, you can enroll the property for an assessment.

Bill Wyatt is a reporter for the Martinsville Bulletin. He can be reached at 276-638-8801, Ext. 236. Follow him @billdwyatt.

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The Biden administration in February released a declassified intelligence report concluding that Mohammed bin Salman, son of the aging King Salman, had authorized the team of Saudi security and intelligence officials that killed Khashoggi.

Prince Khalid was the kingdoms ambassador in Washington at the time of Khashoggi's killing. He was recalled soon after amid bipartisan U.S. outrage over the death of the widely known journalist. When Khashoggi vanished after going to the Saudi consulate in Turkey, Khalid bin Salman insisted for days that accusations of official Saudi involvement in his disappearance were groundless.

The Washington Post reported that it was Prince Khalid who told Khashoggi to go to the consulate in Turkey to pick up his wedding papers and said it would be safe to do so.

The princes official travel to Washington comes as the kingdoms rulers still keep numerous members of the royal family and advocates for more rights in detention or under travel bans that sometimes apply to their relatives as well.
In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, a medical worker collects a swab sample for nucleic acid test in Ruili City of southwest China's Yunnan Province, on July 5, 2021. Authorities in the Chinese city bordering Myanmar locked down the city Wednesday, July 7, shutting most businesses and requiring residents to stay at home, as a fresh outbreak of COVID-19 expanded. Credit: Wang Guansen/Xinhua via AP

Chinese authorities locked down a city bordering Myanmar on Wednesday, shutting most businesses and requiring residents to stay at home as a fresh outbreak of COVID-19 expanded.

Two more cases were confirmed by the end of Wednesday, bringing the total to 23 in Ruili city over the past four days, health authorities in southwestern Yunnan province said.

The lockdown shut down all businesses and public institutions except hospitals, pharmacies and essential shops such as grocery stores, according to a notice posted online. It affects the urban part of Ruili, which like most Chinese cities includes surrounding rural areas in its jurisdiction.

Myanmar is battling a large outbreak with limited resources to contain it. The Southeast Asian nation reported 3,602 new cases in the last 24 hours, state media said Wednesday, its highest daily total since the pandemic began.

Ruili lies across a river from the city of Muse in Myanmar's Shan state. Chinese anti-virus measures have dealt a blow to the active cross-border trade between the two countries, China's state-owned Global Times newspaper reported earlier this week.

Authorities had already banned unnecessary travel in and out of Ruili on Monday, after the first cases were reported.

All the cases have been reported in a Ruili community on the border called Jiegao, which has been designated a high-risk area. They include both Chinese and Myanmar nationals. The latest cases were discovered during mass testing, and authorities said they would step up border controls.

Elsewhere in China, 52 people who had arrived on a flight from Afghanistan five days ago tested positive for the virus, the Hubei provincial health commission said. Thirty have been classified as confirmed cases, while the other 22 did not show any COVID-19 symptoms. China does not include asymptomatic cases in its official tally.

China has regularly imported cases from travelers, but usually in smaller numbers. The July 2 Xiamen Air flight flew from Kabul to Wuhan, the city hit hard by the virus after it was first detected there in late 2019. Virtually all people arriving in China must quarantine for two weeks in a designated hotel.

Ruili launched a campaign to vaccinate the entire city in April following an outbreak in March.

China has relied on a tough lockdown strategy and mass testing to tamp down outbreaks, even as it has stepped up the pace of vaccinations. Central health officials have said they want to vaccinate 80% of the population.

Explore further Chinese city on Myanmar border locked down again over virus fears

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

A new survey by Kingston University in collaboration with London South Bank University (LSBU) has found that COVID-19 Anxiety Syndrome is still causing many people to struggle with reintegration into daily life.

The new UK-wide survey of 975 people, conducted in late June, comes in the week the government set out plans to remove most COVID-19 restrictions from 19th July.

Previous research from the team involved a survey of 286 UK-based participants conducted during lockdown in February which showed a fifth of respondents were suffering from the syndrome. The latest research shows that, as restrictions have eased, a level of anxiety remains.

COVID-19 Anxiety Syndrome is a pandemic-related phenomenon that consists of forms of coping, such as attention to threat, worry, avoidance and excessive checking, that can keep people locked into a state of continuous anxiety and fear of contracting the virus.

Among the key findings were that:

One in five people scored highly on the COVID-19 Anxiety Syndrome scale.

40 percent strongly reported avoiding touching things in public spaces because of a fear of contracting the virus.

30 percent strongly reported avoiding public transport because of a fear of contracting the virus.

23 percent strongly reported avoiding going out to public places because of a fear of contracting the virus.

25 percent strongly reported paying close attention to others displaying possible symptoms of the virus.

People who had lost a family member to COVID-19 were more likely to show higher levels of COVID-19 Anxiety Syndrome. There was no particular association with age, gender, or vaccination status.

Ana Nikcevic, Professor of Psychology at Kingston University's Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, and Professor Marcantonio Spada from LSBU's Centre for Addictive Behaviours first identified the concept of COVID-19 Anxiety Syndrome in April 2020.

Their research found that some people were developing a particular set of behaviors due to their fear of the virus. They conducted the latest study in collaboration with Professor Ian Albery from LSBU's Centre for Addictive Behaviors Research.

Despite the re-opening of UK society, a significant number of people are struggling with aspects of COVID-19 Anxiety Syndrome, Professor Nikcevic said.

"Our research suggests that a significant minority continues to be avoidant and highly focused on the threat of infection, which will make return to normal daily living difficult. They will need to be supported to return to normality," she said.

The data shows that after one month of re-opening of society, many people are still struggling with aspects of the syndrome, a similar figure to the previous survey conducted during full lockdown, Professor Spada added.

"This means that there are still many people who find it difficult to disengage from the COVID-19 threats which may make return to normal daily living harder as restrictions ease," he said.

"Our new findings show how vital it is that people affected by COVID-19 Anxiety Syndrome receive support. Mapping out how we will do this will become a priority for mental health service providers."

Explore further COVID stress syndrome: 5 ways the pandemic is affecting mental health

More information: Ana V. Nikcevic et al, The COVID-19 anxiety syndrome scale: Development and psychometric properties, Psychiatry Research (2020). Ana V. Nikcevic et al, The COVID-19 anxiety syndrome scale: Development and psychometric properties,(2020). DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113322
Representative cerebral blood volume maps in mouse brains from indicated genotypes and treatment groups. Top row shows the raw images -- the red regions of interest indicate the quantified brain region. Bottom row shows the representative cerebral blood volume maps in the mice at the indicated genotypes and treatment at 3 months of age. The scale bars are shown on the right. Warmer color represents higher cerebral blood volume values. Credit: Wenzhen Duan, M.D., Ph.D.

In a new study on mice, Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers report that using MRI scans to measure blood volume in the brain can serve as a noninvasive way to potentially track the progress of gene editing therapies for early-stage Huntington's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that attacks brain cells. The researchers say that by identifying and treating the mutation known to cause Huntington's disease with this type of gene therapy, before a patient starts showing symptoms, it may slow progression of the disease.

The findings of the study were published May 27 in the journal Brain.

"What's exciting about this study is the opportunity to identify a reliable biomarker that can track the potential success of genetic therapies before patients start manifesting symptoms," says Wenzhen Duan, M.D., Ph.D., director of the translational neurobiology laboratory and professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. "Such a biomarker could facilitate the development of new treatments, and help us determine the best time to begin them."

Huntington's disease is a rare genetic disorder caused by a single defective gene, dubbed "huntingtin," on human chromosome 4. The gene is passed on from parents to childrenif one parent has the mutation, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting it. Huntington's disease has no cure and can lead to emotional disturbances, loss of intellectual abilities and uncontrolled movements. Thanks to genetic testing, people can know if they have the disease long before symptoms arise, which typically happens in their 40s or 50s.

For the study, Duan and her team collaborated with colleagues from Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, who developed a novel method to more precisely measure the blood volume in the brain by using advanced functional MRI scans. With the scans, they can map the trajectory of blood flow in small blood vessels called arterioles in the brains of mice engineered to carry the human huntingtin gene mutation that mirror the early stages of Huntington's disease in humans.

Duan notes that there are many known metabolic changes in the brains of people with Huntington's disease, and those changes initiate a brain blood volume response in the disease's early stages. Blood volume is a key marker for oxygen supply to brain cells, which in turn supplies energy for the neurons to function. But with Huntington's disease, the brain's arteriolar blood volume is dramatically diminished, which makes the neurons deteriorate because of lack of oxygen as the disease progresses.

In a series of experiments, the researchers suppressed the mutation in the huntingtin gene in mice, using a gene-editing technology known as CRISPRa tool for editing genomes that allows the alteration of a DNA sequence to modify gene function. Then, they used the MRI scanning technique and other tests to track the brain function over time both of mice with the huntingtin mutation, in which they edited out the faulty gene sequence, and a control group of mice in which the faulty gene was unedited.

The experiments assessed abnormalities in the trajectory of arteriolar blood volumes in mouse brains with the Huntington's disease mutation at 3, 6 and 9 months of age (pre-symptom stage, beginning of symptoms and post-symptom stage, respectively). The researchers looked at whether suppression of the mutant huntingtin gene in the neurons could normalize altered arteriolar blood volumes in the pre-symptom stage, and whether reduced expression of the huntingtin gene at the pre-symptom stage could delay or even prevent development of symptoms.

"Overall, our data suggest that the cerebral arteriolar blood volume measure may be a promising noninvasive biomarker for testing new therapies in patients with Huntington's who are yet to show symptoms of the disease," says Duan. "Introducing treatment in this early stage may have long-lasting benefits."

When the researchers mapped the trajectory of cerebral blood volume and conducted an assortment of brain and motor tests in the mice at 3 months of age, and compared the test to those of the control group, they observed no significant differences except in cerebral blood volumes. However, Huntington's symptoms in the mice with the huntingtin gene started at 6 months of age and progressively worsened at 9 months, suggesting that altered cerebral blood volume occurs before motor symptoms and atrophy of the brain cellstypical traits of the disease.

The cerebral blood volume changes were also found to be similar to those observed in patients with Huntington's disease before they start manifesting symptoms, which declines with the start of symptoms and while the disease progresses over time.

The researchers also analyzed the structure of the arteriole blood vessels in the brains of mice with the mutant huntingtin gene at 3 and at 9 months of age and found no differences in the numbers of vessel segments in the pre-symptom stage. However, they observed that smaller blood vessels had an increased density and reduced diameter, which may be a vascular response to compensate for the impaired neuronal brain function. This might suggest, the researchers conclude, that impaired vascular structure leads to lowered arteriole blood volumes and possibly compromised ability to compensate for the loss in the symptom stage.

Considering that Huntington's disease symptoms depend not only on brain cell loss but also on how neurons deteriorate, the researchers set out to determine if suppressing the huntingtin gene during the pre-symptom stage in mice could delay or even prevent disease progression. To do that, the researchers introduced the altered huntingtin gene to the neurons in mice at 2 months of age and evaluated the outcomes at 3 months of age (when no atrophy or motor deficits were present).

Remarkably, the researchers say, the cerebral arteriolar blood volume in mice with the altered huntingtin gene was This suggests that the altered cerebral blood volume during the pre-symptom stage in mice is most likely due to neuronal changes in either activity or metabolism.

"Our findings demonstrate that significant changes in arteriolar cerebral blood volumes occur before neurons start to degenerate and symptoms begin, further supporting the idea that altered cerebrovascular function is an early stage symptom in Huntington's disease," says Duan. She explains that these changes also indicate there's a pre-symptom therapeutic window in which to test interventions. While no animal model replicates all the symptoms of human Huntington's disease, this research offers an alternative system to study functional changes in the pre-symptom stage, she says.

Further validation of these findings in human clinical trials would facilitate development of efficient therapeutic interventions for patients with Huntington's disease before they start developing symptoms. "The goal is to delay or even conceivably prevent the manifestation of Huntington's disease altogether," says Duan.

Along with Duan, other researchers who contributed to the work are Hongshuai Liu, Chuangchuang Zhang, Jing Jin, Liam Cheng, Qian Wu, Zhiliang Wei, Peiying Liu and Christopher Ross from Johns Hopkins, and Jiadi Xu, Xinyuan Miao, Hanzhang Lu, Peter van Zijl and Jun Hua from the Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins.

Explore further New roles found for Huntington's disease protein

More information: Hongshuai Liu et al, Huntingtin silencing delays onset and slows progression of Huntington's disease: a biomarker study, Brain (2021). Journal information: Brain Hongshuai Liu et al, Huntingtin silencing delays onset and slows progression of Huntington's disease: a biomarker study,(2021). DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab190
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

As the COVID-19 pandemic wanes in the U.S., a new study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) and University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) finds that hospitals nationwide may not be adequately prepared for the next pandemic. A 10-year analysis of hospitals' preparedness for pandemics and other mass casualty events found only marginal improvements in a measurement to assess preparedness during the years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was published last month in the Journal of Healthcare Management.

"Our work links objective healthcare data to a hospital score that assesses the ability to save lives in a disaster," said study lead author David Marcozzi, MD, Professor of Emergency Medicine at UMSOM and Chief Clinical Officer/Senior Vice President at UMMC. "It attempts to fill a glaring gap in the national conversation on the need for improved assessments of and the opportunity for better hospital planning to assure readiness."

To conduct the research, Dr. Marcozzi, who is also the COVID-19 Incident Commander for the University of Maryland Medical System, and his colleagues first developed and published a surge index tool that linked standard reported hospital information to healthcare preparedness elements. The tool, called the Hospital Medical Surge Preparedness Index (HMSPI), used data from 2005 to 2014 to produce a score designed to predict how well a hospital can handle a sudden influx in patients due to a mass shooting or infectious disease outbreak. Such data included the size of the medical staff, the number of hospital beds, and the amount of equipment and supplies.

Medical surge capacity is an important measure to assess a hospital's ability to expand quickly beyond normal services to meet an increased demand for healthcare. The Las Vegas mass shooting in 2017, for example, sent more than 500 concertgoers to local hospitals. During the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, New York City hospitals were under siege with 4,000 patients hospitalized. To calculate the HMSPI, researchers input data from four important metrics.

Staff: Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, respiratory technicians and others

Supplies: Personal protective equipment, cardiac monitors, sterile bandages, and ventilators

Space: Total beds and number of beds that current staff can handle

Systems: Framework for enabling electronic sharing of files and information between departments and multiple hospitals

In the new study, Dr. Marcozzi and his colleagues used data from the American Hospital Association's annual surveys of more than 6,200 hospitals nationwide that were collected from 2005 to 2014. They also employed data from the U.S. Census Bureau to determine population estimates in cities and the Dartmouth Atlas Project to establish the geographic service area of each hospital. They combined the hospital metrics gleaned from the AHA's annual surveys with the geographic data to calculate HMSPI composite scores for hospitals in each state.

Their evaluation found varying levels of increases in HMSPI scores from 2005 to 2014 in every state, which could indicate that states are becoming better prepared to handle a medical surge. The scores also indicated that ideal readiness had not yet been achieved in any state before the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This is just the starting point. We need to better understand the ability of our nation's hospitals to save lives in times of crisis," said Dr. Marcozzi. This information, and follow-up studies building from this work, will be key to better matching states' healthcare resources to their population to assure optimal care is delivered. Dr. Marcozzi described one follow-up study that would be impactful would be to use data from the COVID-19 pandemic to see whether the index was predictive to indicate which hospitals were most prepared for the pandemic surge based on their patient outcomes.

"This pioneering work is a needed advancement that could allow for a transparent assessment of a hospital's ability to save lives in a large-scale emergency," Dr. Marcozzi said. "The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that there is still plenty of room for improvement in the ability of our nation's healthcare system to triage and manage multiple patients in a crisis and that translates into lives lost, unnecessarily. Our research is dedicated to those who lost their lives in this tragedy and other mass casualty events. We can do better."

National health leadership organizations, such as the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, the Joint Commission, and the American Medical Association, as well as state and local emergency planners, could all potentially benefit from the use of HMSPI scores, according to Dr. Marcozzi. The tool could be used to support data-driven policy development and resource allocation to close gaps and assure that individuals get the care they need, when then need it, during a crisis.

Ricardo Pietrobon, MD, Ph.D., MBA, Adjunct Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at UMSOM, Nicole Baehr, Manager of Operations at UMMC, and Brian J. Browne, MD, Professor and Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine, were co-authors on this study. Researchers from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, University of Miami, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs also participated in this research. The study was funded by the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense.

"The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that we need to be better prepared for the unexpected crisis," said E. Albert Reece, MD, Ph.D., MBA, Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs, UM Baltimore, and the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor and Dean, University of Maryland School of Medicine. "Having an important metric like the HMSPI could be a game changer that ultimately saves lives during a surge by helping hospitals identify and fix their vulnerabilities."

Explore further Hospital surge capacity survey before COVID-19 gives insight into pandemic preparedness

More information: David E. Marcozzi et al, The Application of a Hospital Medical Surge Preparedness Index to Assess National Pandemic and Other Mass Casualty Readiness, Journal of Healthcare Management (2021). David E. Marcozzi et al, The Application of a Hospital Medical Surge Preparedness Index to Assess National Pandemic and Other Mass Casualty Readiness,(2021). DOI: 10.1097/JHM-D-20-00294
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

In 1966, The Beatles cemented the plight of lonely older people in the popular imagination with "Eleanor Rigby," a song that turned pop music on its head when it stayed at No. 1 on the British charts for four weeks. Today, the impact of loneliness in old age on life and health expectancy has been categorically quantified for the first time in a study by scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School (Singapore), Nihon University (Tokyo, Japan) and their collaborators, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

"We found that lonely older adults can expect to live a shorter life than their peers who don't perceive themselves as lonely," said the study's lead author, Assistant Professor Rahul Malhotra, head of research at Duke-NUS' Centre for Aging Research and Education (CARE). "Furthermore, they pay a penalty for their shorter life by forfeiting potential years of good health."

Associate Professor Angelique Chan, executive director of CARE and a senior author of the study, noted, "Besides being the year associated with the coronavirus disease, 2019 was also when the number of adults aged over 30 made up half the total global population for the first time in recorded history, marking the start of an increasingly aging world. In consequence, loneliness among seniors has become an issue of social and public health concern."

Research Project Professor Yasuhiko Saito, from the College of Economics, Nihon University, a senior co-author of the study, added, "This study is timely because stay-at-home and physical distancing measures instituted since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic have only intensified concern for the mental and physical well-being of older persons."

Key findings: Loneliness has real, physical consequences

The study findings show that people aged 60 who perceive themselves to be sometimes lonely or mostly lonely can expect to live three to five years less, on average, compared to peers who perceive themselves as never lonely. Similarly, at ages 70 and 80, lonely older persons can, on average, expect to live three to four and two to three years less, respectively, compared to non-lonely peers.

Using the same dataset, the researchers found that the perception of loneliness has a similar impact on two types of health expectancyremaining years of life lived in a self-rated state of good health as well as remaining years of life lived without being limited when going about 'activities of daily living'. Such activities include routines like bathing and dressing, rising from or settling into a bed or chair, and preparing meals.

At age 60, sometimes lonely or mostly lonely seniors can expect to spend three to five fewer years of their remaining life, on average, without limitations in daily living activities, compared to never-lonely peers. At age 70, their active life expectancy goes down to two to four fewer years, on average. At age 80, it is at one to three fewer years, on average.

How common is loneliness among older adults in Singapore?

Singapore is a particularly relevant setting for studying how loneliness impacts older adults because the country has a rapidly aging population, and a 'collectivistic' culture, in which relationships and the interconnectedness between people are centralin contrast to an 'individualistic' culture, where each individual's needs and desires are considered to be more important. Previous studies found levels of loneliness to be higher in collectivistic societies, suggesting loneliness may have a more detrimental impact in Singaporean society.

In 2016 and 2017, CARE researchers conducted a studyknown as the Transitions in Health, Employment, Social Engagement, and Intergenerational Transfers in Singapore (THE SIGNS) studyto look into factors influencing health, well-being, and activity and productivity levels in older Singaporeans. Nationally representative data, collected from more than 2,000 older Singapore citizens and permanent residents, showed that a third (34 percent) perceived themselves to be lonely. This proportion increased with age, from 32 percent among those aged 6069 years, to 40 percent among those aged 80 and above.

More males (37 percent) were lonely, relative to females (31 percent). Across education levels, the proportion of lonely older Singaporeans was lowest (33 percent) among those with no formal education, and highest (38 percent) among those with higher-than-tertiary education. This proportion was nearly 10 percent higher among seniors who lived alone (43 percent) compared to those who did not live alone (33 percent).

"Building on THE SIGNS study, our recent findings highlight the population health impact of loneliness, and the importance of identifying and managing it among older adults," said Asst Prof Malhotra. "This is part of a series of studies to assess the impact of important health and social constructs, like loneliness, sensory impairments, obesity, gender and education, on life and health expectancy among older adults."

"With older persons at potentially greater risk of loneliness as a result of pandemic control measures, there has been increasing policy interest in loneliness around the world," said Assoc Prof Chan. "In 2018, the UK launched a national strategy for tackling loneliness and, in 2021, Japan appointed a 'Minister of Loneliness'. We hope this study helps galvanize more policies to tackle loneliness among older persons."

Explore further How loneliness affects end-of-life experiences

More information: Malhotra R, Tareque MI, Saito Y, Ma S, Chiu C-T, Chan A. Loneliness and health expectancy among older adults: A longitudinal population-based study. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2021;111. Journal information: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society Malhotra R, Tareque MI, Saito Y, Ma S, Chiu C-T, Chan A. Loneliness and health expectancy among older adults: A longitudinal population-based study. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2021;111. doi.org/10.1111/jgs.17343
A bone morphogenetic protein (BMP; pink) in complex with the secreted antagonist Noggin (green). RIKEN researchers have found that loss of the gene TMEM53 leads to excessive BMP signaling, resulting in poorly controlled bone formation. Credit: Laguna Design/Science Photo Library

Important insights into the cellular processes underlying healthy bone formation and development have been gleaned by a RIKEN-led study into a previously unknown bone disorder1.

Many bone disorders have genetic origins. Advances in genetics are helping scientists track down the mutations responsible for them.

Shiro Ikegawa of the RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences has been working on the genetic cause of bone disorders. In 2000, he co-founded the Japanese Skeletal Dysplasia Consortium to identify biological factors that contribute to bone malformation. "It's become a global network," says Ikegawa, "and has so far contributed to the discovery of more than 30 disease genes for bone disorders."

The consortium recently came into contact with four families in India with children who exhibited similar bone malformations, including unusually short limbs and skull deformities. These manifestations differed from those of other bone disorders identified to date, and the condition was named Ikegawa-type craniotubular dysplasia.

Ikegawa's team investigated the underlying genetic cause for it and found that all affected individuals had loss-of-function mutations affecting both copies of a gene called TMEM53 (for transmembrane protein 53). Little was known about the protein encoded by this gene, except that it is embedded within the membrane that separates the contents of the nucleus from the cytosol, and so the researchers probed its cellular function.

"Finding a new skeletal phenotype in humans caused by mutations in a gene with unknown function was a golden opportunity to uncover a new biological mechanism of bone development and metabolism," says Long Guo, a senior researcher in Ikegawa's lab.

Initial experiments in mice confirmed that disrupting the TMEM53 gene produces bone abnormalities similar to those seen in human patients. The researchers attributed this to increased formation of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone production. Osteoblast development depends on molecules belonging to the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family. BMP-induced signaling leads to activation of another set of proteins known as SMADs, which reside in the cytosol but enter the nucleus to switch on osteoblast-specific genes.

It has long been unclear precisely how SMADs enter the nucleus, but Ikegawa's team was able to show that TMEM53 appears to be an important gatekeeper, limiting this entry. The loss of TMEM53 thus results in excessive BMP signaling activity, leading to poorly controlled bone formation.

"This suggests a hitherto ignored but probably broad relationship between nuclear membrane proteins and bone density," says Guo, adding that their group is now looking for other proteins that collaborate with TMEM53 to control SMAD access to the nucleus.

Explore further Researchers identify a novel mechanism by which the protein Smurf2 controls bone formation

More information: Long Guo et al, Deficiency of TMEM53 causes a previously unknown sclerosing bone disorder by dysregulation of BMP-SMAD signaling, Nature Communications (2021). Journal information: Nature Communications Long Guo et al, Deficiency of TMEM53 causes a previously unknown sclerosing bone disorder by dysregulation of BMP-SMAD signaling,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22340-8
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Researchers at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) and the Center for Theoretical Biological Physics (CTBP) at Rice University in Houston, Texas, have demonstrated that a technology with favorable biological attributes known as phage display could be a viable platform for the development of new vaccines to protect against COVID-19. Findings from the proof-of-concept work were published online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) journal.

Currently approved vaccines against COVID-19 worldwide include mRNA-based vaccines, non-replicating adenovirus vaccines, and an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine among others. While being broadly effective, these vaccine types suffer many challenges, particularly in rapid large-scale production and distribution, with the requirement for strict storage at low-temperatures (a so-called "cold chain"), use of needles for administration, and a currently unknown ability to confer long-term protection in the face of emerging viral variants.

One completely unexplored alternative is the design and development of phage display-based vaccines, which represent an inexpensive and versatile tool for large-scale immunization. Bacteriophage (phage) are viruses that naturally only infect bacteria; thus they are generally considered safe for use in humans. Phage particles are easy to genetically engineer or modify and produce in large quantities; capable of stimulating both cellular and humoral immunity; and are stable under harsh environmental conditions (pH and temperature).

In this study, the authors developed two independent phage display-based vaccination approaches against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The first is a peptide-directed phage particle that can be administered in an aerosolized form by inhalation. It is engineered with an epitope from the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein together with a small ligand peptide to ensure it crosses from the lungs into the systemic circulation, where it produces a strong antibody response in mice. In the second approach, they engineered chimeric adeno-associated virus-phage (AAVP) particles to deliver the gene encoding for the entire S protein, which also stimulates a systemic and specific antibody response in mice.

This dual proof-of-concept experimentation demonstrates that phage display-based vaccine approaches are versatile platforms that could be used for rapid production of COVID-19 vaccines that are cost-effective, needle-free, and can be safely stored long-term at room temperature. Combined with a theoretical structural biology approach to identify effective epitopes, this work provides a new framework for vaccine development. Further research and development of prototype COVID-19 investigational vaccines and alternative methods of application such as inhalation are ongoing.

"In the development of new vaccination strategies, the structure and strength of the local healthcare system is a key consideration. As such the global COVID-19 pandemic has raised awareness of public health inequity and the need for a rapid and accessible immunization process. In this context, the favorable biological attributes of phage particles might represent a potentially practical yet affordable alternative," shares the study's senior author Renata Pasqualini, Ph.D., resident member of Rutgers Cancer Institute and professor and founding chief of the Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology at Rutgers NJMS.

The study's other senior author, Wadih Arap, MD, Ph.D., director of Rutgers Cancer Institute at University Hospital Newark and professor and chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Rutgers NJMS, notes, "Bacteriophage-based therapy has a long and rich history in medicine because native phage particles are not infectious to human cells. The new appeal here is that we were able to modify the phage particles so that they may now target cell surface receptors; moreover, another potential application of this platform technology is the possibility of an inhaled vaccine administration."

"One of the challenges in designing these vaccines is that when we insert the different SARS-CoV-2 spike epitopes into the phage particles, the structure of these peptides needs to stay intact as in the original protein. In this collaboration, we demonstrated that the epitopes that show the smallest deviations from the original structure are the ones most effective in creating immune protection," adds Jose N. Onuchic, Ph.D., Harry C. and Olga K. Wiess Chair of Physics and professor of chemistry and biosciences at Rice University, who is a corresponding author on the study with Drs. Arap and Pasqualini.

"This initial success allows us to create a synergistic theoretical/experimental framework to discover new possible epitopes to improve these vaccines not only for SARS-CoV-2 but for other diseases as well," adds Dr. Onuchic, who is also co-director of the CTBP at Rice University.

Provided by Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

When Altagracia Mejia learned she was going to be a mother, happiness flooded her heart.

She picked out a crib. She took photos of her growing belly and redecorated her bedroom. She held a gender-reveal party on Zoom.

But her bliss didn't last long.

Perplexing feelings of anxiety and doubts that she ever could be a fit mother for her baby crept into her head during pregnancy while living in her small one-bedroom apartment. And while the Panorama City resident tried to brush away her uneasiness, those feelings seized her again after she gave birth to her daughter, Alexa, in the middle of the pandemic, on Sept. 8, 2020.

By the time Mejia's daughter was around 2 months old, the 26-year-old mother's episodes of anxiety and irritability had darkened into thoughts of suicide.

"In my most lucid moments, I ask myself over and over again what is happening to me," said Mejia, who immigrated to the United States from El Salvador four years ago in hopes of putting the poverty and violence of her homeland behind her. "I am supposed to be happy, resplendent and full of energy, but nothing is as they paint it on television or social networks.

"For society, especially for Latinos," she continued, "it is unforgivable for a woman to feel sad or have thoughts of death at this moment that is supposed to be the happiest of her life."

Mejia suffers from postpartum depression, a severe form of clinical depression related to pregnancy and childbirth. Symptoms include severe mood swings and deep despondency as well as impulses that can impel a mother to harm herself or her child.

Last week, Sandra Chico, the 28-year-old mother of three children found dead in an East Los Angeles home, was arrested on suspicion of murder and is being held on $2-million bail, L.A. County Sheriff's Department officials said Tuesday.

In an interview with The Times, Elizabeth Chico said her younger sister had exhibited symptoms of postpartum depression following the birth of her youngest child about a month ago. "All that stress, all that anxiety, it takes over you," she said.

Although the California Department of Public Health has not released figures on the number of women with postpartum depression since 2018, experts say that an increase in calls from women asking for help from local nonprofit organizations, along with lengthening hospital waiting lists, indicate that postpartum depression cases may have increased dramatically over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Women of color continue to be among the most affected, in part because many do not have health insurance or their insurance covers little or no therapy, said Misty Richards, one of the directors of the Maternal Outpatient Mental Health Services program at UCLA. Evidence suggests that some Latina mothers may hesitate to seek help because of stigmas associated with mental illness, as well as cultural expectations surrounding motherhood and the traditional roles of women in Latin societies.

In addition, many of those afflicted are not being screened for postpartum depression, despite California's maternal mental health bill, AB 2193, which went into effect on July 1, 2019, and requires that obstetricians and gynecologists screen mothers for these conditions during and after pregnancy and ensure that they get any needed treatment.

The most recent available CDPH statistics, from 2018, indicated that 1 in 5 California women suffered from postpartum depression during or after giving birth, which translated to 100,000 cases a year. The report also states that: "Black and Latina women experience the highest percentage of depressive symptoms of all racial/ethnic groups during both the prenatal and postpartum periods."

According to the CDPH: "Disparities are particularly evident for prenatal symptoms of depression, which are twice as common for Black (19.9%) and Latina (17.1%) women compared to white (9.5%) and Asian/Pacific Islander (10.3%) women."

Richards, of the UCLA clinic, said that she has seen a 30% increase in postpartum depression cases since the pandemic started. She expressed particular concern for low-income women of color who are disappearing into the cracks of an inaccessible healthcare system.

She estimates that she sees 15 women a week, or about 700 cases a year. If the clinic is full, as has been the case since the beginning of the pandemic, she refers mothers to other affordable clinics and nonprofit organizations.

"A single 90-minute visit to the reproductive psychiatrist in California costs $500 to $800 if you don't have health insurance," said Richards, who currently has a 15-day waiting list for treating patients. "That money cannot be paid by a low-income person."

Responding to the pandemic, the California Department of Health Care Services implemented a Provisional Postpartum Care Extension programon Aug. 1, 2020, that allows Medi-Cal eligible mothers who are diagnosed with a maternal mental health condition to remain eligible for assistance for up to one year after giving birth10 months longer than the normal 60-day period of post-pregnancy care.

However, in order to get help, mothers must be diagnosed with postpartum depression, and many health experts are not even aware of the existence of the program, which will expire Dec. 31.

Medi-Cal, the service that pays for more than 50% of all births in California, would have covered mental aid assistance for Mejia, but her condition was never detected, she said.

"In my clinic, I filled out forms about how I felt, and even though they knew I had depression, they never gave me a positive diagnosis even after giving birth," she said.

While trying to navigate the labyrinthine U.S. medical system, Mejia felt isolated from friends and family. Fear of catching COVID-19, and shame over what she felt were her failures as a mother, kept her from seeking out others for comfort and support.

"Since I came to this country four years ago, I have worked as a babysitter," she said. "It was not possible to share that I could take care of other children, and not even be able to breastfeed my own daughter."

Because she couldn't afford a private specialist, Mejia, along with her husband of three years, Walberto Gochez, a maintenance worker, and her father, Marco Antonio Mejia, had to seek help on their own from Maternal Mental Health Now, a nonprofit that advocates for screening and treatment of prenatal and postpartum depression in Los Angeles County.

Eynav Accortt, a clinical psychologist at Cedars-Sinai Hospital, who treats women with anxiety and depression during pregnancy and postpartum (known as perinatal mood and anxiety disorders), said the pandemic has added a layer of complexity and isolation that could substantially increase rates of such cases.

"Women have been under more stress from the pandemic," she said. "They fear getting sick or their babies getting sick, they can't have home visits and this adds to the worries of the day, even if they aren't low-income."

According to Accortt, the Cedars-Sinai Reproductive Psychology Clinic received twice as many calls from women seeking help between January and April of this year, as it did during the entire previous year.

"About 11 patients who could have seen me for individual therapy, because I am in the network with their insurance company, were referred to other community providers, many of whom were already full," she said. "Right now, I have a three-week waiting list for a client to start individual therapy with me."

In 2020, about 6,500 women were screened for postpartum depression at Cedars-Sinai, and 300 to 500 who were at risk for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders were referred to local organizations for help. In addition, 150 other women obtained direct services such as individual therapy or support group aid from the Cedars-Sinai Reproductive Psychology Clinic.

Alondra Espinoza, 36, of East Los Angeles, is among those women whose postpartum depression was exacerbated by the pandemic. She was shocked after learning she was pregnant for the third time, in 2019, while raising her daughter, Jocelyn, now 15, and son, Isaiah, 11.

"During my pregnancy, I didn't want people to see me, I thought I was too old to start caring for a baby again," she said. "I started crying all the time and feeling irritated at the same time. As the months went by, I started to feel lonely, frustrated and desperate about what my future was going to be like. "

In January 2020, three months before giving birth, she had to stop working as a teacher's assistant because she suffers from sciatica.

In April 2020, Espinoza gave birth to Lexi, and by June, postpartum depression hit her harder when she learned that her husband, Jezreel, a building demolition worker, would have to return to work out of state.

"During the pandemic I couldn't go out, I was afraid that we would catch [the coronavirus] and I didn't know who to turn to," Espinoza said.

"My girl cried all the time, and I felt useless next to her," she continued. "I felt like she was freaking out. ... I wanted to get out of the house and run aimlessly, I wanted to disappear."

Like Mejia, Espinoza said, she was never diagnosed with postpartum depression despite filling out several forms at Garfield Medical Center in Monterey Park, where she gave birth.

"It took me about two months after giving birth to seek help on my own because I thought that asking for assistance was wrong," she said. "I believed that people would think that I am not a good mother and then social services would take away my children."

An employee of Garfield Medical Center, who did not want to be identified, said that since November 2019, the center has been screening all mothers before they return home with their newborns. "And if they screen high risk for postpartum depression, a social worker refers them to different resources," the employee said.

Regarding Espinoza's case, the employee said that there might have been a communication issue or "most likely she did not meet the criteria for high-risk postpartum."

"We only see the mothers for a short period of time, about four days, after the delivery," the employee said. "If they do not speak to us, we cannot catch them, we do not have a chance to help."

Emily C. Dossett, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at USC's Keck School of Medicine, maintains that even though screening women for postpartum depression is now encoded in state law, "there is still a lack of resources available to do so, which puts doctors in a bad situation."

"If health experts are not aware of the postpartum screening laws or the [Provisional Postpartum Care Extension] law, and if there are not enough staff to refer women or therapists, there will always be mothers who will disappear into the cracks without any treatment," said Dossett, who since the pandemic began has seen a 25% increase in referrals from mothers in need of therapy.

"Postpartum depression can occur shortly after delivery or even up to a year later," Dossett continued. "That's why we need more affordable support services because in my experience I believe that 80% of women with postpartum depression can be treated with therapies."

Norwalk resident Adriana Rangel did not have postpartum depression until two months after giving birth to Ivana on Nov. 13, 2020.

"As if there was a switch in my brain, suddenly I began to feel sad, exhausted, I did not want to eat, I did not even want to take off my pajamas," said Rangel, 31. "I was no longer the talkative, cheerful and outgoing woman that people knew."

When her mother died of COVID-19 in February, Rangel plunged further into depression and feared getting sick or making her daughter sick.

She subsequently was able to get help for her condition. She has private health insurance and pays $25 out of pocket for each weekly appointment to see a psychologist at Providence St. Joseph Hospital.

Mike Sherbun, executive director of the Providence Mental Health Clinical Institute, which is made up of 11 hospitals in Orange and Los Angeles counties, said that cases of postpartum depression have risen as much as 25% during the pandemic. He fears those figures are undercounted and may keep rising because they don't include women who don't seek help.

"These increases are just the tip of a mental health crisis in California," he said. "So our institute is in the process of opening more outpatient programs that can assist mothers with postpartum depression in Torrance and Tarzana."

Sherbun stressed that more laws are needed in California to cover all mothers, while current laws need to be enforced.

In the case of E.R., who asked not to disclose her full name, her OB/GYN did not tell her that she suffered from depression during pregnancy or after delivery until she, too, sought help on her own, she said. The Los Angeles resident, who gave birth in January, began to suffer from anxiety almost three months after her pregnancy began.

"I worked as a mental health case manager and even though I was scared of getting sick with COVID-19, I didn't want to stop working," E.R. said. "I heard from so many people who lost their jobs and couldn't pay their rent and didn't want to be in that situation. At the same time, I began to be scared by my future, the safety and stability of the baby, so I decided to work until the very moment I gave birth.

"I think working helped me a little bit not to think about depression and anxiety. However, once I had my baby, my mental health declined faster. I cried all the time. I fought with my husband.

"Part of my depression was also due to being isolated from my family and close friends. I come from a Latino family where we celebrate everything, and this time we couldn't because of the pandemic."

In the moments when she couldn't sleep, thoughts of ending her own life, or her child's, closed in on her.

"I thought that if she was dead, things would be better," she said. "What happens if I throw myself into a car or throw myself off a building?"

E.R. didn't confide in her family for fear that they would think she was crazy or that they would take her baby from her.

"In my family, with a mother from Mexico and a father from El Salvador, it is not normal for a mother to feel this way, or you just solve it yourself or you approach the priest to give you advice," she said.

E. R. asked her husband to accompany her to therapy groups, but he refused, wary of the stigma around mental health issues.

"Fortunately, he understands that I need help and has become more patient," E.R. said. "He also takes the baby with him when I have felt like I want a break. Having him on my side has helped me a lot."

Gabrielle Kaufman, clinical director of Maternal Mental Health Now, an organization that helps women with postpartum depression and advocates creating laws that benefit them, said there is still a lot to do at the state level.

"A couple of laws have been passed in the last three years to help this sector, but the pandemic has once again stalled us," she said. "If as health experts we do not follow current laws and do not advocate for more laws that protect mothers, we will have a mental health crisis that is going to leave a dent in the future."

Assemblyman Brian Maienschein (D-San Diego), the creator of the law to screen women for postpartum depression, acknowledges that new mothers need to be more aware of their rights .

"We want to remind [mothers] that experts should do postpartum screenings, and that they can ask for them if their providers don't," Maienschein said.

He added that "there is also a supplier problem. So a new law that I introduced to the Legislature in February will expand that group. After the diagnosis comes the next step, directing the mothers to the expert for treatment."

AB 935, the Mothers and Children Mental Health Support Act, would provide the consultation service through telehealth from private insurers and managed care organizations such as Medi-Cal to close gaps when there is a shortage of providers.

However, the bill will not be discussed until 2022.

For now, Mejia and Espinoza attend Maternal Mental Health Now groups. Rangel sees a psychologist at St. Joseph Heritage Hospital every week through her private health insurance. E. R. gets help in free therapy groups at Downtown Women's Center in Los Angeles.

"No mother has to suffer from postpartum depression alone," Mejia said. "Families must support their mothers so that there are no suicides, and in worse cases, even homicides. This mood disorder is real."

Explore further Layperson can reduce pregnant women's depression as well as mental health professional

2021 Los Angeles Times.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(A) Schematic representation of the synthetic route of 3 PUEt scaffolds of different stiffnesses, starting from 3 polyester triols: P(CL-co-GL) of different CL:GL ratios and accordingly of different crystallinities. Physicochemical properties of the 3 PUEt scaffolds formulations and the related precursors: (B) 1HNMR spectra of the 3 polyesters P(CL-co-GL) 4:1, P(CL-co-GL) 10:1, P(CL-co-GL) 20:1 showing correspondence between the ratio between CL and GL in the final products compared to the reactants; (C) DSC traces overlay of the 3 polyesters showing different thermal properties as a functions of the ratio CL: GL; (D) CT scan micrograph (up), graphical rendering of the local thickness (middle) and of the pore size (bottom) of the 3 scaffolds formulations PUEt 4:1, PUEt 10:1 and PUEt 20:1; (E) graphical representation of the compression elastic moduli (Ec) of the 3 scaffolds formulations, showing statistically significant difference between: PUEt 10:1 and PUEt 20:1 (*p

In a new report now published on Scientific Reports, Irini Gerges and a team of scientists in Italy and the U.S. studied the importance of biomechanical and biochemical cues to create culture conditions suited for three-dimensional (3D) regenerative microenvironments and soft tissue formation. The team observed changes in adipogenesis relative to the 3D mechanical properties and created a gradient of three-dimensional microenvironments with different stiffnesses. The outcomes indicated a significant increase in the proportions of adipose tissue, while decreasing the stiffness of the 3D mechanical microenvironment. They compared this mechanical conditioning effect with biochemical regulation by loading the extracellular environments with a biological stimulant. The outcomes showed mechanical and biochemical conditioning sufficient to boost adipogenesis and influence tissue remodeling. The work can open new avenues to design 3D scaffolds to form microenvironments that regenerate large volumes of soft and adipose tissue for practical and direct implications in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.

Soft tissue reconstruction

Soft tissue reconstruction approaches depend on inert fillers or autologous grafts; therefore, an unmet clinical need exists for effective solutions to restore soft tissues after surgery. Cell-free scaffold-based approaches are a promising solution due to their biocompatibility, adaptability to target tissue, cost-effectiveness and compliance with international manufacturing standards. Synthetic scaffolds are a scalable clinical solution because they can avoid regulatory and manufacturing hurdles compared to cell-based therapies. Three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds to regenerate clinically relevant soft tissue volumes have gained considerable progress at the clinical level as seen with medical grade scaffolds. Limitations of the material result from high local stiffness of the polymer filaments compared to the target tissue. It is therefore important to develop scaffolds specific to adipose tissue regeneration to regulate biomechanical cues to achieve appropriate cell and biomaterial interactions that are fundamental for adipogenesis. The team addressed key factors of the biological performance of polyurethane-based cross-linked porous biomaterials as scaffolds for soft tissue regeneration by focusing on the role of polymer chemistry and the microarchitecture. In this work, Gerges et al. modified the composition of polyester triol segments to synthesize a gradient of porous scaffolds that share similar physiochemical and morphological properties with diverse substrate stiffnesses to understand the impact of mechanical cues on adipogenesis.

(A) representative hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained histological images of PUEt 4:1, PUEt 10:1, and PUEt 20:1. In the middle: low-magnitude images showing the entire explanted scaffolds after 3 months of subcutaneous implantation. Subregions were selected to show peripheral inflammation and adipose tissue (dashed blue and dotted gray, respectively) (scale bar, 2.5 mm). Left and right columns display higher magnification images representing the peripheral inflammation and adipose tissue in each group, respectively. Vascular tissue is indicated by black arrowheads, scale bar = 250 m. (B) graphical representation of peripheral inflammation of the 3 groups: PUEt 4:1, PUEt 10:1, and PUEt 20:1 (scoring system described in paragraph 4.12, Table 4 and Table S2). No significant difference between the three groups was found, in terms of peripheral inflammation. (C) Graphical representation of the adipose tissue % for the 3 groups: PUEt 4:1, PUEt 10:1, and PUEt 20:1. The semi-quantification of adipose tissue % was carried out according to the method described in paragraph 4.14 and in Fig. 3. Statistically relevant differences in terms of % of adipose tissue was found between PUEt 4:1 vs PUEt 10:1 (**p

The scientists enhanced the regenerative microenvironment by using a scaffold loaded with a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonist Rosiglitazone to induce adipocyte differentiation. They investigated the impact of the mechanical environment on the in vivo performance of a scaffold by fine tuning the scaffold mechanical properties without changing or altering the remaining physicochemical characters. By varying the degree of crosslinking, pore dimension and ratio of the hard and soft segments holding the macromolecular structure together, the team regulated the mechanical properties of a crosslinked polyurethane foam. Gerges et al. then focused on the degree of crystallinity of the soft segments and kept the ratio between the initiator and monomer constant, in order to maintain the same average molecular weight of the materials. After performing compression tests on the three versions of scaffold formulations, the team changed the ratio between amorphous and crystalline domains of the polyesters to successfully obtain three types of scaffold formulations. The researchers treated all scaffolds in this study to poly-L-lysine to promote cell adhesion on the material surfaces for non-specific cell-biomaterial interactions.

Schematic representation of the method adopted for semi-quantification of adipose tissue (%). Scanned histological sections was digitally processed by means of NDP.view2 software (Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Hamamatsu City, Japan) to obtain (1.25  magnitude) histological images. (A,A) H&E stained histological images belonging to the replicas from the experimental groups: PUEt + PLL + RG (an example for high-adipose tissue %), PUEt 20:1 (an example for low-adipose tissue %), respectively; (B,B) manual selection of the scaffolds region into the histological images, circumscribed by the black dashed line, to calculate the pixels corresponding to the scaffolds area (region of interest ROI) by means of analysis program ImageJ v1.52a (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA). The scaffold/host tissue interface is easily detectable where the polymeric matrix is no longer present. (C,C) The regions of adipose tissue inside the selected scaffold regions, circumscribed by the red dashed line, were selected exploiting the characteristic shape of adipose cells (rounded white) which allowed to distinguish adipose tissue from the remaining types of soft tissue colonizing the scaffold. The sum of pixels from adipose tissue regions within the same ROI is multiplied by 100 and divided by the pixels of the ROI to calculate the % of adipose tissue in each histologic section. Scale bars = 2.5 mm. Credit: Scientific Reports (10.1038/s41598-021-92732-9)

Understanding the function of the scaffold material

After implementing the scaffolds in animal models, the scientists did not observe abnormalities in them, and they conducted histological examinations on the scaffolds upon their retrieval. They noted capsule formation around the scaffold with moderate amounts of macrophages and multinucleated giant cells associated with chronic inflammatory infiltrates in all three groups of scaffolds. Among those groups tested, the scaffold material with the lowest elastic modulus maintained the highest adipose tissue percentage. Gerges et al. next investigated the impact of biochemical regulation by the local release of peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor agonist molecules in a neutral biomechanical framework. The concentrations of the molecules were sufficient to activate the corresponding receptors on the cells invading the scaffold from the adjacent surrounding tissue. The team credited the significant increase in the adipose tissue in the treated scaffolds to the cell-free environment induced by activating the specific receptors.

(A) representative H&E stained histological images of PUEt + PLL (control) and PUEt + PLL + RG. In the middle: low-magnitude images showing the entire explanted scaffolds after 3 months of subcutaneous implantation. Rectangular regions were selected to show peripheral inflammation and adipose tissue (dashed blue and dotted gray, respectively), scale bar = 2.5 mm. Left and right columns are high-magnitude selected images representing the peripheral inflammation and adipose tissue in each group, respectively. Vascular tissue is indicated by black arrowheads (scale bar, 250 m). (B) graphical representation of peripheral inflammation of PUEt + PLL (control) and PUEt + PLL + RG. No significant difference between the 2 groups was found, in terms of peripheral inflammation. (C) Graphical representation of the adipose tissue %. The semi-quantification of adipose tissue % was carried out according to the method described in paragraph 4.14 and in Fig. 3. Statistically relevant differences in terms of % of adipose tissue was found between PUEt + PLL + RG and PUEt + PLL (control) (***p

Outlook

In this way, Irini Gerges and colleagues studied the importance of biomechanical and biochemical cues to develop a 3D regenerative microenvironment for soft tissue formation based on two specific sets of experiments in animal models. The outcomes highlight the infiltration of adipose tissue with decreasing scaffold stiffness, and the benefits of scaffold mechanical properties to regenerate adipose tissue while inhibiting fibrous tissue formation. The results confirmed the capacity of mechanical and biochemical factors to equally promote adipose tissue formation under the described settings, to suggest that adequate mechanical signalling can boost adipogenesis by significantly influencing cell differentiation.

More information: Irini Gerges et al, Conditioning the microenvironment for soft tissue regeneration in a cell free scaffold, Scientific Reports (2021). Irini Gerges et al, Conditioning the microenvironment for soft tissue regeneration in a cell free scaffold,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92732-9 Pattie S. Mathieu et al, Cytoskeletal and Focal Adhesion Influences on Mesenchymal Stem Cell Shape, Mechanical Properties, and Differentiation Down Osteogenic, Adipogenic, and Chondrogenic Pathways, Tissue Engineering Part B: Reviews (2012). DOI: 10.1089/ten.TEB.2012.0014 Dirk Grafahrend et al, Degradable polyester scaffolds with controlled surface chemistry combining minimal protein adsorption with specific bioactivation, Nature Materials (2010). DOI: 10.1038/nmat2904 Journal information: Scientific Reports , Nature Materials

 2021 Science X Network
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

The World Health Organization on Wednesday urged "extreme caution" for countries considering lifting COVID-19 restrictions, warning that high vaccination rates would not stop transmission of the virus increasing.

The UN health agency urged governments not to squander hard-won gains and return to scenes of overwhelmed hospitals and exhausted health workers.

Asked about England's plans to ditch most of its coronavirus restrictions from July 19, WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan said: "I would urge extreme caution in the complete lifting of public health and social measures at this time, because there are consequences for that."

WHO figures show that globally, after a decline in newly reported cases for seven consecutive weeks, there was a slight increase in new cases in the past two weeks.

Cases jumped 30 percent in the WHO's European region over the past week.

European countries have administered 70 vaccine doses per 100 inhabitants, according to AFP figures.

"Making assumptions that transmission will not increase because we're opening up, because of vaccine, is a false assumption," said Ryan.

"Transmission will increase when you open up, because we don't have vaccines in everybody... and we're still not sure to what extent vaccination protects against the ability to be infected or have onward transmission.

"With increased transmission in the community, we then put our most vulnerable at risk again."

'Open up very carefully'

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday revealed plans to lift most of England's legal coronavirus restrictions, including face masks and social distancing, urging personal responsibility rather than government edict.

Ryan stressed he did not want to comment on specific countries, but said: "The idea that everyone is protected... and everything goes back to normal, I think right now is a very dangerous assumption anywhere in the world."

And that included Europe, where "we've seen wave after wave of cases," he said.

"We would ask governments to be really careful at this moment not to lose the gains we've made. To open up very carefully.

"I would hope that in the European environment we won't see a return to the overwhelmed hospitals and the exhausted health workers. But that's not a given."

Ryan said countries lifting restrictions needed to follow the data and give themselves the option of rowing back if it resulted in negative consequences.

Opening up with low vaccine coverage and variants circulating "is a real toxic mixture for your hospitals filling up again, and this is something that must absolutely be avoided", he added.

Ryan flatly rejected the notion that it would be better to lift restrictions and risk triggering a fresh wave of infections in the summer than doing so in the winter months.

"The logic of more people being infected is better, is, I think, logic that has proven its moral emptiness and its epidemiologic stupidity," he said.

Explore further England to lift virus restrictions as Israel raises vaccine fears

 2021 AFP
Transmission electron microscope image of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, emerging from human cells. Credit: NIAID

Nine million people in Ho Chi Minh City have been ordered into lockdown, state media said Wednesday, as the commercial hub struggles to contain Vietnam's most serious COVID-19 outbreak so far.

Beginning in the early hours of Friday, residents will be mandated to stay at home for two weeks after 8,000 cases were recorded in the city during the latest virus wave.

Prior to this outbreak, which began in late April, fewer than 3,000 cases had been recorded across Vietnam.

Although virus clusters have appeared up and down the country, including in the northern industrial provinces of Bac Ninh and Bac Giang, home to factories supplying Samsung and Foxconn, Ho Chi Minh City has emerged as the epicentre of the wave.

Nguyen Thanh Phong, Ho Chi Minh City mayor, said Wednesday the city was "facing challenges in controlling" the pandemic, according to state-run news outlet VNExpress.

"To quickly control the COVID-19 pandemic, Ho Chi Minh City is determined to be tougher," he was quoted as saying as he announced the lockdown.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam told Ho Chi Minh City authorities earlier that it was "time for us to accept sacrifices to ensure long-term development".

Residents will be allowed to leave home only to buy food or medicine, state media said.

At least 10 cities have suspended their airlinks with Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, and panic buying was reported on Wednesday as three major wholesale markets were shut down.

More than 80 infections have been recorded at the city's Chi Hoa jail, affecting both guards and inmates, state media said. Gunshots were heard from inside the prison Tuesday, though it remained unclear what had happened.

Vietnam was once a model for virus containment due to its extensive contact tracing and strict quarantines, but it has struggled to procure and roll out vaccines.

According to the Ministry of Health, Vietnam, which has a population of close to 100 million, has administered under four million doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

The country has said it wants to reach herd immunity by the end of the year or early 2022. It is developing its own vaccines, and has ordered millions of doses from abroad.

The United States said Tuesday it had sent Vietnam two million doses of the Moderna vaccinepart of an initial 80 million doses that President Joe Biden has pledged to allocate worldwide.

 2021 AFP
Missoula and Ravalli are two of five counties in western Montana now eligible for federal drought disaster assistance, the office of Gov. Greg Gianforte announced Tuesday evening.

The three other counties are Lincoln, Sanders and Mineral. The aid will be administered by the Farm Service Agency, a branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Agricultural businesses and farm owners in Missoula County are eligible for emergency loan programs. These loans can help give financial support to farmers who have experienced production and physical losses from drought conditions, said FSA Acting State Executive Director Les Rispens.

A drought designation does not automatically trigger all USDA disaster assistance programs, Rispens said. As drought conditions progress, more programs become available for counties.

I have no doubt that if these drought conditions continue, Missoula will become eligible for more assistance programs, Rispens said.

FSA offers several disaster assistance programs to help farmers and agricultural businesses that have been impacted by adverse weather conditions, such as droughts. Down the road, programs offered by the FSA that target livestock and land damage support will become available to Missoula and surrounding counties, Rispens said.
She's looking for some glitz and glamour as her Zoom life soon ends and physical get-togethers have begun.

Consumers are purging more than their worn-out pandemic wear.

At the luxury resale site TheRealReal, with more than 22 million members, the total value of pre-owned goods sold this year through May was about $239 million, up by 53 percent from the same period in 2019, according to a company report.

Some are taking the opportunity to reinvent their personal style, said Jessica Richards, a trend forecaster and fashion director for the Accessories Council, a nonprofit trade group.

We saw a lot of consumers abandon their mindless shopping habits and instead focus on investment dressing. Less of being sick of their pandemic wardrobes but more wondering why they might own as much or what is the breadth of their closet, she said. Its now about streamlining and zeroing in on what their desired personal style image should be.

Not everybody is looking to abandon their COVID style, however.

In Lynchburg, Virginia, 33-year-old Cameron Howe is ready to burn just about everything she has worn during the pandemic  except her impressive legging collection  as she transitions from a school career.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  California lawmakers will wait until next year to continue considering a bill that would give opioid users a place to inject drugs in supervised settings, the bill's author said Tuesday.

State Sen. Scott Wiener, a Democrat from San Francisco, said he was told the Assembly Health Committee will delay a hearing on his bill until January.

The measure would allow Los Angeles, Oakland, San Francisco and Los Angeles County to start programs giving people a place to inject drugs while trained staff are available to help if they suffer accidental overdoses.

Safe consumption sites are a proven strategy to save lives and help people into recovery, Wiener said.

Currently the sites are illegal in the United States, but legal in Canada.

Wiener's bill cleared the Senate in April with the minimum number of votes needed for passage there. The Senate Republican Caucus said in a statement at the time that the bill would establish taxpayer-staffed and funded drug dens.

The proposal is opposed by some law enforcement groups, but Wiener said in a statement that it is very much alive, albeit delayed.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Secretary of State Antony Blinken met virtually on Tuesday with Uyghur Muslims who were detained at camps in Chinas northwest Xinjiang region to hear about their experiences and seek advice on how best to pressure China to halt repression there.

The State Department said Blinken wanted to hear directly from the seven former detainees, relatives of others and advocates about conditions that they and the Uyghur community more broadly face.

The secretary thought it important to meet with these individuals to hear firsthand their stories, to hear firsthand their impression of the ongoing atrocities in Xinjiang and the internment of a million Uyghurs," department spokesman Ned Price said. Also, its an opportunity for these participants to offer any recommendations they may have."

China has come under severe international criticism and sanctions for detaining more than 1 million Uyghurs and and other minorities for political re-education in Xinjiang.

Price said the meeting showed continuity in American policy on the matter between the widely divergent Biden and Trump administrations.
"It just lurched so far into the socialist left that I didn't recognize it and I got worried for our country," Sands said.

She has never run for public office, but was active in Los Angeles' philanthropic circles and drew two Trump appointments in 2017, one to his Council of Economic Advisers and one as ambassador to Denmark.

Sands, 60, grew up in Cumberland County, outside Harrisburg, and spent much of her adult life living in California.

There, she took over as CEO of Vintage Capital Group, the real estate investment firm founded by her late husband, Fred Sands, a prominent Republican campaign donor, philanthropist and real-estate mogul who died in 2015.

She helped raise money for Trump's campaign during the 2016 presidential campaign, hosting a fundraiser at her Bel Air mansion, and gave hundreds of thousands of dollars to Trump campaign efforts.

President Trump, I helped him get elected in 2016, I fought for him because I saw a leader who looked at the world as it is, not as people hoped it would be, and he believed in me, Sands said.

Sands had a TV and movie career and was a chiropractor before she married Fred Sands in 1999.
It is part of the checks and balances in state government, said Misalucha, a Democrat, before senators cast their votes.

Ige, also a Democrat, said he was concerned that the measure would damage the agencys ability to shift beyond marketing Hawaii to travelers to instead better manage tourists who come to the islands.

There really is no other state agency that is positioned to be able to identify the hotspots in every community, work with county and state, as well as private sector individuals, to really identify solutions and hopefully be able to fund them  at least on a pilot basis  so we can determine and mitigate the impact of the visitors coming here, Ige said.

He said funding the tourism authority with federal coronavirus relief funds would hinder the agency because such money comes with extensive reporting requirements and mandates to adhere to strict procurement procedures. The governor said this would interfere with the agency's advertising and its programs to fund the Merrie Monarch hula festival and other events.

Still, Ige also told reporters before lawmakers voted that he was prepared to execute what the Legislature adopted.
A coalition of Hispanic and Native American cattle ranchers in New Mexico complained in 2015 that they were being discriminated against through arbitrary revocations of grazing permits, concerns validated by a report from the agencys Office of Compliance, Policy, Training and Cultural Transformation.

One of them still blames the agency for the death of his cows a decade ago.

I had to liquidate 250 animals overnight, said Dave Sanchez, 61, of Chama, north of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo.

He said that during the Obama administration Vilsack turned down many requests to meet and address the concerns of a large group of cattle ranchers in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado.

Were really disappointed in Vilsack for what he did in the Obama administration. I dont know why hes coming to New Mexico. He didnt want to meet with Hispanic ranchers. He shunned us, Sanchez said Tuesday after learning of the visit.

The USDA takes complaints of discrimination seriously and seeks to ensure all programs are administered equitably, agency spokeswoman Kate Waters said in a statement Wednesday.



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.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
A state advisory committee has recommended Montana direct $645,000 of federal COVID-19 recovery funds to increase efforts to fight exploitation of senior citizens by adding three elder councils to the state and hiring more staff to focus on crimes that hurt the elderly community.

Mark Mattioli, chief of the Office of Consumer Protection and Victim Services within the Montana Department of Justice, told the Montana Health Advisory Commission at its June 24 meeting that his agency has seen the need for such help for years and frankly we are relieved you are reviewing it.

Senior exploitation can happen in several forms, but in whatever manner it occurs, it is devastating, Mattioli said. He said such crimes against older people significantly decrease the quality of life of those who are victimized.

The funds would be used to hire two full-time prosecutors at the Montana Department of Justice to handle elder justice cases and to hire 1.5 investigators with the Department of Public Health and Human Services to handle elder justice matters. It would also be used to start up three more elder councils throughout the rest of the state and to reach out to tribal communities regarding issues impacting senior members.

The money would fund the programs for two years, state officials said.
The chronic homelessness issue facing Missoula stems largely from challenges with behavioral health and drug addiction treatment. Not my professional opinion. However, Ive been on the streets of Missoula as a law enforcement officer for the past 21 years and my opinion is based on self-evident observation. Addiction and behavioral health disorders are readily visible in Missoula  no parts of our community are void of the effects of mental illness  detrimental to families, workplaces, schools and public well-being in general.

Law enforcements contact with those experiencing mental illness or in a behavioral health crisis is well-documented in recent years, exacerbated by drug and alcohol dependency. Our emergency services today offer crisis intervention teams, alongside mobile crisis units, with the training to identify those in mental health crisis, de-escalate volatile situations, and are aware of the various resources available to get such individuals the assistance they need. Unfortunately, many requiring sustained treatment dont receive it.

Recently, the mayor addressed un-housed residents as a critical incident, all but declaring the 10-year plan to address the issue a failure. Based on my observations over many years, providing shelter to those in this situation, without treatment, is a short-lived solution. Some thoughts:
Frank added that another key component of the program is that patients have 24/7 access to stroke-trained neurologists any time of the day or night. Even at 2 a.m. or on weekends, we have access, he said. Our remote connection technology enables those doctors to perform the same kind of detailed evaluation from a distance that would be provided at the patients bedside.

As a certified Acute Stroke Ready Hospital, CHS Blue Ridge has met specific scientific guidelines for delivering stroke care. To be eligible, hospitals must set up a dedicated stroke-focused program staffed by medical professionals trained in stroke care, tailor individualized care based on the patients needs, involve patients in their own hospital care, coordinate discharge instructions for the patients self-care and streamline patient information to assure privacy and security. The hospital also must maintain stroke treatment data and use that data to assess and measure its performance.

Stroke is the No. 4 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States, according to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds; someone dies of a stroke every four minutes; and 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.
VALDESE  The Rock School Arts Foundation has announced details for its 34th annual Open Art Competition.

The Open Art Competition will commence in Galleries I and II of the Old Rock School, as well as online, on Saturday, Aug. 14. The exhibition of the Open Art Competition entries will run through Friday, Sept. 24.

The Rock School Arts Foundation will welcome artists ages 18 years and older to enter one or two pieces of two-dimensional work and/or one piece of three-dimensional work into the Open Art Competition.

The Open Art Competition is a juried contest with monetary awards. Winners of the first place ($500), second place ($200) and third place ($100) awards will be notified before the exhibitions opening day. The public visiting the exhibition will be able to vote for the Peoples Choice Award ($50) from Aug. 14-21.
Whelan said state law on such matters does not define public, so he could not find error with the agencys decision about public demand.

The agency also found that based on testimony from Sheriff Ed Lester, his department could police the new truck stop and casino. Ramsay residents argued otherwise, but Whelan sided with the revenue agency.

Lester had said that Ramsay is lightly patrolled and off the regular beat, and the truck stop would increase the need for law enforcement, the judge noted. But he also said there were three bars in the county farther away than Ramsay that officers patrol and they could handle the new one.

This Court likewise finds Sheriff Lesters testimony to be credible and sufficient to support the (agency) hearing examiners determination that the proposed location can be properly policed by local authorities, Whelan said in his ruling.

The Montana Standard sought comment on the ruling Tuesday from Loves and was awaiting a response.

Jim Ayres, who is among Ramsay residents opposing the truck stop, said he was disappointed in the ruling. It seemed to leave it entirely up to the revenue department to decide what constituted public demand, he said.
MUSCATINE  When retired Muscatine City Engineer Jim Edgmond graduated from college he recalls making a list of things he hoped to accomplish in the future and the final one was that he wants to hold public office.

Last week, Edgmond announced his intention to run for mayor of Muscatine during the Nov. 2, election. He said that he had made the decision to run for mayor while he was still employed at the city. In his six years as engineer he attended most city council meetings leading to an understanding of most things the city council does. He also commented that in some cases he left with the feeling the council might not always know everything about issues they are being asked to vote on. He believes he can help with this.

I think it would be great if we can get a mayor and a city council that is not afraid to say, hey, we arent sure we have everything we need to know, but we have a list of questions that we will give to staff and table this whole thing so they can get back to us with some answers and we can talk again, he said.

Incumbent Mayor Diana Broderson has not announced if she intends to seek re-election in November.
In my office I listen all day to unsolicited opinions and try not to engage, as it is unprofessional, said Betsy Utnick, whose father, Sheldon Polan of Selden, New York, died in April 2020. She said she still cries every day because the grief has yet to subside.

Noreen Wasti knows the feeling. She lost her father to the illness caused by the coronavirus on Dec. 27 and is having a hard time going on.

Wasti, who writes and creates online content in New York, said she's unsure what it will take to get over the loss of Salman Wasti, 76, a retired biology professor from Glocester, Rhode Island.

This has been the first time Ive lost someone so dear to me, so I never had a map for grief nor really understood the magnitude. I always thought youre sad for a few months and then youre OK. I was so wrong," she said. "It hits in waves and those waves feel as severe as the day we lost him.

With so many people hurting and little personal interaction for months because of pandemic health restrictions, social media has become the place where many connect to share stories of loved ones and loss. One private Facebook page dealing with COVID-19 losses has more than 10,000 members, and continuing grief is a constant thread of discussion.
View of the partially collapsed residential building as rescue operations are stopped, in Surfside, Florida on July 4, 2021.
A chartered Eva Airline flight with 153 passengers from Taiwan arrived at the A.B. Won Pat International Airport on Tuesday afternoon. The tourists are here for the Guam Visitors Bureaus vacation and Covid-19 vaccination program. Many wore protective gear when they got off the plane.
Illegal cigarettes are being sold in 41% of all shops in South Africa, a new study from independent market research agency Ipsos has found.

Using a mystery shopper approach, Ipsos researchers carried out fieldwork between 15 and 22 June 2021 and found the sale of illegal cigarettes had surged to unprecedented levels.

The tide of illegal cigarettes has infiltrated every province as criminals wage a price war that is costing the state billions and destroying the legal market.

The team found numerous stores across the country where cigarettes were being sold for less than the minimum collectable tax (MCT) of R21.60 on a packet of 20 cigarettes.

In fact, Ipsos found packs being sold for as little as R6.

According to the report, most illegal cigarette sales were found in the non-organised informal sector and certain wholesalers, but there was also an increase at branded petrol station retail stores.

The situation was at its worst in the hotspot provinces of the Free State, Gauteng, and the Western Cape, where two out of three shops were found to be selling illegal cigarettes.

In KwaZulu-Natal, the rate shot up by a third since the previous study, while the number of shops in the Eastern Cape selling illegal cigarettes more than doubled during the same period.

Notably, five times as many outlets on petrol forecourts now sell illegal cigarettes since the previous report.

The research also indicated the illegal trade was particularly prevalent among certain brands.

Brands owned by or licensed to Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation (GLTC) continue to win the illegal price war, with the number of its South African brands purchased below the MCT rising by 25%, Ipsos said.

The incidence of brands owned by or licensed to Carnilinx, a member of the Fair-Trade Independent Tobacco Association (FITA), bought below the MCT, increased by a third.

In addition, there was a three-fold increase in brands owned by or licensed to FITA-member Protobac being sold below the MCT.

British American Tobacco South Africa (BATSA) general manager Johnny Moloto said the research provided damning proof that authorities have failed to bring South Africas criminal market in cigarettes under control.

Tax-evading manufacturers who exploited last years lockdown ban are now running rampant and costing South Africans huge sums of money at a time when every cent is a life-saver. It is nothing short of a national emergency that demands a full-scale inquiry into the whole industry.

The bulk of the illicit tobacco problem in South Africa clearly has local origins, as the report demonstrates, said Moloto.

Moloto called for an immediate commission of inquiry into the tobacco market in South Africa.

He also urged SARS and the Government to enact four pressing initiatives to stem the tide of illegal cigarettes and to collect the taxes due from all manufacturers:
The United States has advised its citizens to avoid travel to South Africa because of COVID-19 and exercise increased caution due to crime and civil unrest.

The Department of State placed South Africa on the Level 4: Do Not Travel list along with Bhutan, Botswana, Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone.

Do not travel to South Africa due to COVID-19 and related restrictions and conditions. Exercise increased caution in South Africa due to crime and civil unrest, the Department of State said.

The Department of State regularly assesses and updates its travel advisories based primarily on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travel Health Notices (THNs).

It also looks at factors like commercial flight availability, restrictions on U.S. citizen entry, and impediments to obtaining COVID test results within three calendar days.

The Level 4: Do Not Travel warning came after the CDC has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for South Africa due to the very high level of COVID-19 in the country.

The Department of State added that violent crime, such as armed robbery, rape, carjacking, mugging, and smash-and-grab attacks on vehicles, is common in South Africa.

There is a higher risk of violent crime in the central business districts of major cities after dark, it said.

Demonstrations, protests, and strikes occur frequently. These can develop quickly without prior notification, often interrupting traffic, transportation, and other services; such events have the potential to turn violent.

Americans who decide to travel to South Africa are advised to avoid walking alone, especially after dark.

They should also avoid visiting informal settlement areas unless they are with someone familiar with the area.

Do not display cash or valuables. Drive with doors locked, and windows closed, The State Department added.

Now read: Gauteng paid Microsoft R318 million instead of R21 million because of a simple error
Facebook has warned that apps such as WhatsApp Plus, GB WhatsApp, and apps that claim to move your WhatsApp chats between phones are unsupported and altered versions of WhatsApp.

These unofficial apps are developed by third parties and violate our Terms of Service, a spokesperson for WhatsApp told MyBroadband.

WhatsApp doesnt support these third-party apps because we cant validate their security practices.

These apps are typically not available in the Google Play Store or on iOS.

Many South Africans have disclosed on Twitter that they are using third-party WhatsApp applications such as GB WhatsApp.

A running joke on Twitter was trending in South Africa recently under the tags WhatsAppGB and GBWhatsApp.

People who uses #whatsAppGB can answer missed calls.  (@blvck_on_blxck) July 3, 2021

Among the controversial features offered by GB WhatsApp is the ability to see messages and status updates even after the sender has deleted them.

However, using such an app can get your WhatsApp account banned from the platform.

If you received an in-app message stating your account is Temporarily banned, this means that youre likely using an unsupported version of WhatsApp instead of the official WhatsApp app, WhatsApp states on its website.

If you dont switch to the official app after being temporarily banned, your account might be permanently banned from using WhatsApp.

Facebook recommended backing up your chat history so that you can transfer it from the unsupported app to the official WhatsApp application.

If youre using an app other than WhatsApp Plus or GB WhatsApp, we recommend saving your chat history before downloading the official WhatsApp app, the company said.

To switch from GB WhatsApp to the officially supported WhatsApp application, Facebook recommended the following steps:

Wait for your temporary ban to end. The timer will show you the length of the ban. In GB WhatsApp, tap More options > Chats > Back up chats. Go to Phone Settings > tap Storage > Files. Find the folder GB WhatsApp and tap and hold to select it. In the upper right corner, tap More > Rename and rename the folder to WhatsApp. Navigate to the Play Store and download the official WhatsApp app. If you cant access the Play Store, download it directly from the WhatsApp website. In WhatsApp, verify your phone number. On the Backup found screen, tap Restore > Next. WhatsApp should load with your existing chats.

WhatsApp said that it couldnt guarantee the steps above will successfully transfer your chat history transfer because it doesnt support unofficial apps.

Now read: 6 WhatsApp settings you should change right now
Construction projects tend to be drawn out and full of unpleasant surprises, but Michael Byrnes St. Helena dream house set a new bar.

He lost his mother, his construction loan was almost canceled, he caught a nasty case of COVID-19, he suffered two potentially life-threatening falls, construction took more than two years, and he had to do most of the work by himself.

Byrnes says if hed known what an ordeal it was going to be, his reaction would have been, Yeah right, Im out of here.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help. Subscribe today! Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. Special offer: $1 for your first 3 months!

However, he overcame every obstacle one by one and is now proudly living in the house with his wife, Shavonna Kelley.

Byrnes bought the small lot at the end of McCorkle Avenue in 2018. He secured Planning Commission approval to demolish the existing house and replace it with a 1,372-square-foot house of his own design.

Byrnes has an extensive background in architecture, carpentry, construction management, financial consultancy for contractors, and design/build contracting. His goal was to design a modest farmhouse  no garage  that would fit into the surrounding neighborhood so neatly that it could pass for a remodel instead of a new house.
After going on hiatus during the pandemic, St. Helena's Fourth of July bike parade returned on Sunday.

Led by the St. Helena Fire Department and escorted by the St. Helena Police Department, about 150 people decked out in their Fourth of July best rode from Harvest Lane to Lyman Park.

Later that morning locals organized an informal car show that headed downtown from Vintage Hall.

The annual fireworks show and Saint Helena Community Band concert were not held this year, but both are expected to return next year, according to the city.
This drought will be painful. Wells and springs will go dry. They will take longer to re-charge. People will suffer. Yet, St. Helena has more than enough water to get through it without draconian restrictions. We could provide water for all residents by changing our water policy for only one hour per day  maybe two.

Our Safe Water Yield is 1,900 AF. That is less than 1% of the 33 year average.

We use around 100 AF per month during the winter (November to April) and average around 200 AF per month from May through October. That comes to an average of 3 acre feet per day in the winter and 6 acre feet per day during the hot months.

St. Helena gets most of its water from Bell Canyon, two city wells, and Napa City (by contract).

Do the math. From today until Nov. 1 (4 months), we need roughly 200 AF per month, or 800 AF. Bell Canyon is 40% full. If we keep Bell Canyon above 25% capacity for fire protection, we can still get 300 AF from her. We have around 100 AF from our contract with Napa; plus, the Star just reported that Napa has promised an additional 145 AF.

So we have 545 AF of that 800 AF guaranteed. That means we only need around 255 AF of water from now until November  or 2 AF per day for the next 120 days. Where to get it?
Were abandoning all living things on the planet if we dont take care of it, Austin said.

Generation Breathless, with babies wearing masks, was painted after the 2017 October fire nearly burned her house twice. The fire came within two miles of Austins home before the wind changed direction.

In Adapt or Die a polar bear gazes at an empty fishing boat, depicting a lack of food in the future unless humans take action now.

The painting Dreaming of Green had to be positive. Ill never see it but Im hoping my grandchildren will live on a green planet, she said. What a lovely world this would be if we all used green energy and lived on a healthy planet.

A painting titled Welcome to America, Prejudice Breeds Hatred and Injustice portrays scenes from last summer.

I think the title says it all, Austin said. Black lives matter. Yes, all lives matter. Let us stand with and help those who are being bullied or beaten down.

My painting Engulfed is dedicated to those firemen who were caught in a wildfire and had to hide under an emergency cover while the fire passed over them, she said. I cannot even imagine a more terrifying experience.
If Falling reads like it was written by someone who knows their way around an airline and the day-to-day life of flight crews, thats because Newman  until the pandemic pushed her into a furlough in March 2020  was a flight attendant herself for more than a decade, with Virgin Atlantic. She wrote the book while her passengers were sleeping. Then she bought a copy of The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published, and after a lot of rejection, bingo. Million-dollar deals later, shes no longer a flight attendant.

A: Musical theater, at Illinois Wesleyan University. (Class of 06.) I loved it, it made me happy, because my imagination was going full tilt all the time, and singing and acting had been the way to express it when I was going up. But pursing that professionally? After graduation, I moved to New York and tried it as a career for a few years, which was nothing but a total failure. A lot of closed doors and nos. I had considered going to Chicago first  after Wesleyan, you either went to Chicago or New York. Most of my friends went into Chicago theater. I chose New York. And when that didnt work out, I moved back home and lived with my parents in Arizona, in my mid-20s. What do I do with my life? That kind of thing. Which is so fun. Thats when I got a job with a local bookstore in Phoenix named Changing Hands. It really felt like coming home. It felt like I was returning to my own artistic center. I got so much rejection in New York, it hurt. And it was embarrassing, to have friends and family watch you go off and meet only failure.
We have businesses owned by people in our beautiful city with different political parties and religious affiliations, working together to make Napa strong and even stronger, Cazares wrote. There is no more egregious restaurant owner than the CEO of Chick-fil-A in his ignorance of hate.

Anne Sutkowi-Hemstreet, community programs manager of First 5 Napa County and director of the Rainbow Action Network, was one community member who spoke against Chick-fil-A during the public comment portion of the June planning commission and city council meetings. She said in an interview Wednesday that shed tried to work with both the developer and Chick-fil-A to establish conditions for the development, such as adding inclusive artwork to the building or establishing a commitment to hiring LGBTQ people or people of color. Sutkowi-Hemstreet said the developer was open to pursuing these options, but Chick-fil-A was not.

She added that she was happy the developer dropped Chick-fil-A from the project and that shed thought she was going to be rallying people to protest outside of the restaurant. Now, Sutkowi-Hemstreet said, her community organizations can focus more on supporting LGBTQ families in the city.
They cant tell us whats in there, he said. Its probably toxic, for all we know.

Basically, a year working on the issues was lost to the COVID-19 pandemic, with talks resuming this year, Woodbury said. It may be time for a sit-down meeting, given it's hard to negotiate on Zoom and by emails, he added.

How long until a potential purchase price is known?

I dont know, Woodbury said. If you asked me a year ago, I would have said a few months.

Napa County would ultimately have to find the money  however much turns out to be  in order to make the purchase.

Once we know that number, then we as a Board of Supervisors will have to have that discussion," county Board Chairperson Alfredo Pedroza said. "I do believe (a potential Skyline purchase) is an opportunity and it should be a priority.

He talked of using one-time money. That could range from grants to a fluctuating property tax stream called the Education Revenue Augmentation Fund (ERAF) that the county is using to help build a new jail.
SACRAMENTO  The California state Capitol has reinstated its mask mandate for all legislators and staff regardless of vaccination status after an outbreak of nine new COVID-19 cases was reported among employees last week.

Effective immediately, masks will have to be worn in the Capitol, Legislative Office Building and district offices, Secretary of the Senate Erika Contreras and Assembly Chief Administrative Officer Debra Gravert wrote in Tuesday memos.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help. Subscribe today! Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. Special offer: $1 for your first 3 months!

Unvaccinated members and employees will also be required to get tested for the virus twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays, beginning July 8. The rapid antigen testing will be conducted in the Capitol from 7 to 9 a.m.

Vaccinated members are also encouraged to get tested if they want. Four of the nine recent cases were among those who've been fully vaccinated.

The Senate has a fully vaccinated rate of 85% among all its employees, according to Contreras. The Assembly has reported an 84% rate, Gravert said. Members and staff had previously been asked to submit their vaccination status to Capitol Health Services.

Breakthrough cases are rare, but expected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Getting vaccinated, however, often protects individuals from severe illness and death.
Some statements made by the CSTO had a certain impact on the provocation organized by Azerbaijan in Verin Shorzha village of Gegharkunik Province. The secretary of the Security Council of Armenia, Armen Grigoryan, said this on Public TV, referring to the incident that took place on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border Tuesday.

"In [CSTO Secretary General] Mr. [Stanislav] Zas' interview, our main concern was that non-constructive statements can have a negative impact on the peaceful settlement process, and such statements give Azerbaijan grounds to resort to provocation. The stability of the border is fragile at the moment. Negotiations are underway with the Russian Federation to deploy border forces to rule out such incidents. We hope that in the near future we will have a situation where Russian border troops will be stationed, there will be delimitation and demarcation in the areas where a crisis has been created since May 12," he said.

According to Grigoryan, some of the statements made by CSTO Secretary General about the situation on the border are inaccurate, and the head of the Security Council of Armenia added that steps are being taken to organize a visit of the CSTO Secretariat to Armenia.

Touching upon Armenian acting PM Nikol Pashinyan's upcoming visit to Moscow, the secretary of the Security Council said that the trilateral statements of November 9, 2020 and January 11, 2021, the border situation, and the development of the Armenian-Russian relations will be on the agenda.

And commenting on the proposal of regional cooperation in the format proposed by Turkey, Armen Grigoryan stated: "It is not completely specified what the format of 3+3 is. Besides, we have a trilateral formatAzerbaijan, Armenia, Russiawhich is [currently] frozen due to the border situation; but if the border situation is resolved in the near future, we will go to the moving of that format forward."
At least 4 dead, 30 missing in Germany floods

Miami mayor proposes considering US air strikes against Cuba

Newspaper: Artsakh President manages to 'shut' some of Armenia acting PM critics 'mouths'

George W. Bush calls US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan a mistake

Armenian brothers' startup raises $14.5m in investments

Newspaper: What decision will Armenia Constitutional Court make on petition challenging election results?

Jerusalem Post: Israel should be wary of Turkey's gifts

Armenia citizens to determine name of new national airline company

Czech company proposes to reconstruct airport in Armenia's Stepanavan

Azerbaijan's Aliyev meets with Tbilisi mayor

ICRC representatives visit Armenian captives in Baku

Tragic car accident in Armenia's Armavir Province leaves 3 dead, including 2 police officers

Iran rejects US government's allegations of failed attempt to kidnap Iranian national as "baseless"

US charges 4 Iranian nationals with plotting to abduct Brooklyn reporter

Karabakh emergency situations service: Remains of 7 more servicemen found after searches

Greek-Armenian community sends note of protest to MFA regarding Ambassador's visit to occupied regions of Artsakh

Armenia acting Deputy PM: Symmetric responses need to be given to border tensions, but as restrained as possible

Hassan Rouhani: Iran able to enrich uranium up to 90%, if it desires

Karabakh eyewitnesses tell reporters about gunshots fired in Shushi

Poland to buy 250 U.S. tanks

Aliyev is promising himself "Zangezur", "Gyoycha" and "Irevan"

Armenia acting Deputy PM on appointment of politician to the position of First Deputy FM

Mayor of Armenia's Goris to not participate in Central Electoral Commission's discussion on motion regarding him

Azerbaijan updates list of servicemen killed during its aggression against Artsakh

Armenian serviceman killed in Yeraskh sector of Armenia-Azerbaijan border today was father of two minor children

Armenia's Pashinyan receives France Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Jonathan Lacote

Russian, US and French embassies comment on absence of ambassadors during visit to Shushi

Digest: Armenian soldier killed near Armenia-Azerbaijan border, more on COVID-19 vaccinations

Azerbaijan, Turkey to conduct more joint military exercises

Armenia acting PM receives chairman of Air Arabia's Board of Directors, new Armenian airline company to be established

Aliyev demands 'recognition of territorial integrity' from Armenia, threatens with war

Criminal case launched into Armenia soldiers killing by Azerbaijan

Dollar loses value Armenia

Armenian newspaper presents who the newly appointed acting mayor of Armenia's Meghri is

Armenia Prosecutor General's Office asks Central Electoral Commission for consent to arrest Goris mayor

Armenia acting Deputy PM receives Director-Business Development at Lufthansa

Armenia MFA: Such steps by Azerbaijan leadership may lead to further aggravation of situation

Armenia Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine head of security apprehended

Armenia President condoles with Iraqi counterpart over tragic fire at Imam Al-Hussein Hospital

Armenian acting PM receives Russia Ambassador

Azerbaijan MOD reports about wounded soldier at Nakhchivan border with Armenia

Search for fallen soldiers remains continues in Artsakh

Armenia acting PM's Chief of Staff introduces new First Deputy FM to MFA personnel

Body of 41-year-old woman found hanged from a tree at a park in Yerevan

Armenia parliament to convene special session on July 15

Armenia MOD: 2 servicemen are missing, don't have weapons, might be in territory of Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan MFA: Visits to Shushi are being made and will be made

Armenia MOD: 38-year-old contractual serviceman dies after Azerbaijani army's provocation on border

Search underway at Armenias Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine

Armenia Constitutional Court announces end of examination of 4 political parties' claim against election results

Parliament: Azerbaijan trying to form circle of supporters of its occupation plan against Artsakh

Russia army General Staff deputy chief visiting Armenia

Karabakh defense army: Our units did not open fire on Azerbaijan positions at Shushi outskirts

Armenia bloc representative at Constitutional Court: Parliamentary election results do not reflect peoples will

Armenia acting premier: I expect more effective, decisive actions from Investigative Committee

Armenia President visits French embassy on France National Day

Armenia National Security Service, police apprehend Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine employees

Two Armenian captives 'trial' continues in Azerbaijan

Armenia bloc member: NSS special detachment broke into Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine over walls, gates

Vast majority of foreigners being vaccinated against COVID-19 at Armenia mobile points are Iranians

Exchange of fire on Armenia-Azerbaijan border, Armenian side has one casualty

Pashinyan to Macron: I look forward to hosting you in Armenia in near future as part of state visit

159 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Day 6: Representatives of Armenia political forces appealing to Constitutional Court to deliver closing remarks

World oil prices falling

Armenias Meghri has acting mayor

Armenia Security Council chief dismissed

Turkeys Erdogan pays $30.5m to Trump allies

Newspaper: What will happen if Armenia Constitutional Court reduces ruling party seats in new parliament?

Newspaper: Azerbaijanis sell Armenian national currency

3,000 people sentenced in Turkey to life in prison on 2016 state coup attempt case

Holy Etchmiadzin responds to false announcements of Grand Mufti of Azerbaijan made in Artsakhs Shushi

Karabakh: Azerbaijan is now destroying the Armenian "Green Church"

Azerbaijan ex-FM: Azeris can't remove Russian peacekeepers from Karabakh and bring the tanks

Alexei Overchuk discusses with Ilham Aliyev issue of organizing a Russian business mission in Azerbaijan

Karabakh emergency situations service: Remains of 8 more servicemen found in occupied territories of Artsakh

Karabakh Ombudsman: Gunshots were fired in vicinity of Shushi

1-year-old Armenian boy returned to Armenia from Russia's Tula Oblast, child's mother is dead and father is detained

Armenia acting PM holds phone talks with US Secretary of State at latter's initiative

Nikol Pashinyan says government will continue to support programs of Football Federation of Armenia

Eurasian Peoples' Assembly Secretary General on Putin's statement on Armenia: Bad peace is better than good war

US includes Armenia in Level 2: Moderate group in terms of improvement of epidemiological situation

Armenia prosecution submits motion to Central Electoral Commission to strip Sisian mayor of immunity

Lawyer submits report on crime to Armenia Prosecutor General

Armenia President signs several laws

Parties to give final speeches at tomorrow's session of Armenia Constitutional Court

Putin-Lukashenko talks last more than 5 hours

ArmLur.am: Armenia authorities finally decide to appoint Security Council Secretary to position of FM

Armenia President receives chiefs of Police, National Security Service and State Protection Service

Armenia Constitutional Court ends closed-door session, leaves for consultation room

Haitian authorities intend to hold general elections by the end of the year

Ukraine's Internal Affairs Minister Arsen Avakov resigns

Armenia acting MOD receives Deputy Chief of General Staff of Russian Armed Forces

Presidents of Israel and Turkey discuss bilateral relations

Heads of a number of diplomatic missions accredited to Armenia invited to MFA

Armenia Judicial Department Head Karen Poladyan resigns

Digest: Armenia town mayor is arrested, 11 people get lost while climbing Mount Aragats

Tehran announces readiness to release American prisoners in exchange for Iranian prisoners in US

New emergency situations service building opened in Karabakh's Askeran with Tovmasyan Fund's support

Armenian man's foot amputated after he was injured in mine explosion in Artsakh
The US Department of Transportation has finally banned the sale of air tickets from the US to Belarus amid the incident with the Ryanair plane.

It is prohibited to sell all passenger air tickets from the US to Belarus, including with a transfer. Exceptions can be made in the interests of US national security.

This measure was announced on July 2, since then no objections from the US administration have been received, and it comes into force.

The Ryanair plane traveling from Athens to Vilnius on May 23 urgently landed at the Minsk airport over mining reports, which was not later confirmed.

Roman Protasevich, the founder of the opposition Nexta Telegram channel, recognized as an extremist in Belarus, was on board. He was detained while checking documents on previously initiated criminal cases against him under several articles, including the article on organizing mass riots. The ex-editor-in-chief could face up to 15 years in prison.
Two large European NGOsEuropa Nostra and European Association of Archaeologistshave issued an urgent call for a holistic protection of the integrity, authenticity, and diversity of the rich multicultural heritage in and around the area of Nagorno-Karabakh [(Artsakh)]. Their respective joint statement reads as follows, in particular:

We, representatives of EUROPA NOSTRA and the European Association of Archaeologists  two large European non-governmental organisations committed to the promotion and protection of cultural heritage that are also active members of the European Heritage Alliance and that collaborate closely with the European Union, the Council of Europe and UNESCO  wish to reiterate our joint commitment to the holistic preservation of the integrity, authenticity and diversity of the rich cultural heritage which is located in the Caucasus region and which is the expression of a multicultural and multireligious past and present of this region and of Europe as a whole.

We therefore deplore and condemn any act of damage, destruction or distortion of cultural heritage sites, which has happened as a consequence of a conflict or of the lack of respect for any of the cultures that have flourished in the Caucasus region, and in particular in and around the area internationally known as Nagorno-Karabakh. Referring to many international and European documents, we wish to recall that such acts are clearly not acceptable and unlawful.

We firmly believe in the essential value of cultural heritage as a vital resource and responsibility for present generations to pass on to future ones. We recognize and celebrate the cultural diversities as they are represented in our shared heritage; these can help in building bridges of mutual respect and understanding above ethnic or religious divides, as a critical element of building lasting peace. We are thus convinced that any destruction of heritage, or any distortion and/or misconstruction of (art) history has the opposite effect, often setting the ground for renewed cycles of mistrust, conflict and even violence.

As European heritage networks that collaborate closely and fruitfully with the European Union we therefore applaud and endorse the Conclusions recently adopted by the Council of the European Union welcoming the EU Concept on cultural heritage in conflicts and crises, which enhances the EUs approach to promoting peace, security, democracy and sustainable development.

More specifically, we welcome the Resolution RC-B9-0277/2021 adopted by the European Parliament on 21 May 2021 in response to the latest conflict in the region. We especially endorse its article 16 which states that the European Parliament Strongly insists that both parties refrain from any actions destroying Armenian heritage in Azerbaijan and Azeri heritage in Armenia; calls for the full restoration of demolished sites and for greater involvement of the international community in protecting world heritage in the region as well as its article 21 which states that the European Parliament Calls on the European Commission and the Member States to continue supporting the provision of urgent humanitarian assistance and the work of international organisations in this area and on the protection of cultural and religious heritage, as well as to support civil society organisations in Armenia and Azerbaijan that genuinely contribute to reconciliation.

In the light of the above,

As a matter of urgent priority, due to alarming allegations by various parties of deliberate damage, destruction and/or distortion of cultural heritage which has happened in and around the area of Nagorno-Karabakh, we call for an impartial European/international team of experts to access the region in order to conduct a comprehensive and objective scientific survey of the rich and diverse cultural heritage in this area, with a related assessment of its state of conservation. We are convinced that this will be in the best interest of both Azerbaijan and Armenia, their people and their culture, as well as of the rest of Europe and Humanity.

More generally, we urge Azerbaijan and Armenia to collaborate and live up to their commitments, responsibilities and international obligations on the basis of the Trilateral Statement ending the recent hostilities which they co-signed with the Russian Federation on 9 November 2020 as well as on the basis of key international and European documents related to cultural heritage signed by these two countries.

We also urge UNESCO, the Council of Europe, and the OSCE-Minsk group to join forces in encouraging and assisting positive efforts towards the holistic safeguard of the endangered multicultural and multireligious heritage in the affected area.

As far as the European Union is concerned, we invite EU Institutions and Member States to apply to the area of Nagorno-Karabakh the principles of the above-mentioned EU Council Conclusions and adopt concrete positive measures in line with the related EU Concept Paper on Cultural Heritage in Conflicts and Crises.

Last but not least, we offer our extensive heritage expertise and experience to contribute to the due protection of the integrity, authenticity and diversity of the rich cultural heritage in and around the area of Nagorno-Karabakh, as in other regions of the Caucasus. We are willing to work with all stakeholders concerned to help use cultural heritage (tangible and intangible) as a bridge between various communities and as a vector for (re)building respect, confidence and dialogue as prerequisites for a lasting peace and prosperity in the wider region.
YEREVAN.  The patrol officers commence their duty in the capital Yerevan as of Wednesday. In this connection, Chief of Police of Armenia Vahe Ghazaryan on Tuesday visited the Yerevan Regiment of the Patrol Service, the Police press service informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

First, the police chief laid flowers at the monument to the police officers who have died in the line of duty.

Subsequently, addressing the patrol officers, he noted that their greatest honor is to serve the law and the people, and he urged them to be worthy of their professional choice, the best traditions of the police, and the immortal memory of the police officers who died heroically in the line of duty.

After his remarks, a religious blessing ceremony was performed.

On the same day, Chief of Police Vahe Ghazaryan and members of the Police Board visited the Police Operative Management Center, and got acquainted with the work and innovations of the center where new rapid response systems have been installed.
Armenian News - NEWS.am presents the daily digest of Armenia-related top news as of 07.07.21:

Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan has left for Moscow on a working visit.

During the meeting on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and acting Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan will discuss the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh [(Artsakh)].

"It is clear that both Karabakh and the Russian military, which are now stationed there, and bilateral relations in general will be discussed. But no document is planned to be signed, Russian presidential spokesperson noted.

Based on its own petition and by the working order decision of the Constitutional Court of Armenia, the ruling Civil Contract (CC) Party has been included as a third party in the trial of the case into the dispute over the Central Electoral Commission decision to sum up the results of the snap parliamentary elections of June 20. Acting Minister of Justice Rustam Badasyan wrote about this on Facebook.

"The CCs legal position on the submitted petitions will be presented in the near future," he added.

In an interview with Hamshahri daily of Tehran, Armenian Ambassador to Iran Artashes Toumanian spoke on the coronavirus situation in Armenia.

The envoy said that the respective pandemic situation in Armenia is currently satisfactory, and the EU has considered the country as a "green zone" in terms of assessing the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ambassador reflected also on Iranian citizens coming to Armenia for coronavirus vaccinations, and on certain Iranian officials urging their citizens not to travel to Armenia for vaccination.

"It is obvious that unnecessary raising of inaccurate and unimportant topics is inappropriate for Armenia-Iran high-level relations. (). On April 23 of this year, the order of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Armenia was published, which has allowed the vaccination of foreigners in Armenia free of charge and on a voluntary basis. Such a decision was based on numerous petitions for getting vaccinated in our country by a number of foreign diplomatic and international organizations operating in Armenia, as well as by other persons who are in Armenia due to various circumstances.

It should be noted that the vast majority of vaccinations carried out so far have been administered to Armenian citizens and permanent residents of Armenia, and to some extent this service has also been used by foreigners," the ambassador said.

As of Wednesday morning, 140 new cases of the coronavirus were confirmed in Armenia, and the total number of these cases has reached 225,801 in the country, the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Also, one more death from COVID-19 was registered, making the respective total 4,531 cases.
The meeting of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and acting Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan kicked off in Moscow.

Opening the meeting, Putin congratulated Pashinyan on his political partys victory in the snap parliamentary elections.

I would like to congratulate you on the results of the elections once again. I believe this is important for everyone, and first and foremost, for Armenia and the Armenian people, Putin said.

The difficult, sharp and very sensitive problems can only be solved in case there is an opportunity to work effectively, and for this, the most important thing is the peoples trust. You have that trust, and this is very important, and actually the most important. During our working lunch today, I hope we are able to officially and unofficially talk about all the issues that we recently thoroughly discussed and the issues that require solutions, Putin stated.

Expressing his condolences over the plane crash in Kamchutka and expressing gratitude for the congratulatory remarks, Pashinyan stated that this meeting is already the third meeting in Moscow this year and that, in his opinion, this expresses the dynamics of the relations between Russia and Armenia.

Unfortunately, recently, there have been many security issues. The situation in our region is not too stable. Everyone knows about the efforts that you and the Russian Federation made to achieve ceasefire during the 44-day war. I must say that even though the situation is stable after the deployment of Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh, there are hotbeds of disturbance and instability from time to time. Today I would like to share with you my views on why and how this is happening. The situation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border is still not very stable. Unfortunately, there is still a hotbed for permanent trouble here as well. I hope today we will succeed in matching the timetables during this meeting. The issue of prisoners of war hasnt been completely resolved, even though, fortunately, there is good news. A few days ago, 15 prisoners of war were returned to Armenia, and here, again, I would like to emphasize your role. We discussed this during our phone talks on June 24. A week later, 15 compatriots were returned to Armenia. There is a lot of good news in terms of the economy. In 2019, we discussed issues related to the operation of the South Caucasus Railway. Armenia is rapidly upgrading trains and carrying out a large investment program. This year, exports to Russia are on the rise following the year of COVID-19. I would also like to express gratitude for assisting in the delivery of Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine. Armenia has received over 10,000 doses. The situation regarding the coronavirus is quite good in Armenia. On the backdrop of this, Russian tourists are visiting Armenia, Pashinyan said.

The consultations of government agencies are held normally, Putin noted.
YEREVAN.  Zhoghovurd newspaper of the Republic of Armenia (RA) writes: Zhoghovurd daily has learned details from RA acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyans visit today to Moscow where he will meet with RF [(Russian Federation)] President Vladimir Putin.

According to our information, among other issues, the leaders of the two countries will discuss the options of deploying Russian peacekeepers on the border of Armenia. Note that Pashinyan had spoken about this option back in May. In particular, on May 29, he noted () who could be deployed in the Sotk-Khoznavar section of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border in case of withdrawal of the troops of the two countries.

"If Russia agrees with this idea, it could be the Russian border guards, or the observer groups of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship, or both the border guards and the observers," he said. At the same time, he added that those forces present at the border should provide guarantees for the withdrawal of troops from both sides.

And here, Pashinyan is implementing this plan of his nowafter being reproduced [to power].

And, according to our information, not only that option will be discussed today [in Moscow], but it is not ruled out that a document will be signed in accordance with those provisions.

It should be reminded that the Azerbaijani side has invaded the RA border in three directions since May 12, and is still in the RA territory. But it is still unknown where the Russian forces will be deployed, how the [Armenian-Azerbaijani] border will be drawn.
Story Highlights Current life satisfaction fully recovers, now exceeds 2019 levels

Significant daily worry and stress drop to pre-COVID estimates

Daily enjoyment is improved, boredom reduced

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The percentage of Americans who evaluate their lives well enough to be considered "thriving" on Gallup's Live Evaluation Index reached 59.2% in June, the highest in over 13 years of ongoing measurement and exceeding the previous high of 57.3% from September 2017. During the initial COVID-19 outbreak and economic shutdown, the thriving percentage plunged nearly 10 percentage points to 46.4% by late April 2020, tying the record low last measured during the Great Recession.

Line graph. The percentage of Americans who evaluate their lives highly enough to be considered thriving from 2008 until June 2021. Currently, a record-high 59.2% of Americans rate their lives highly enough to be considered thriving.

The most recent results, captured June 14-20, 2021, are based on 4,820 U.S. adults surveyed by web as a part of the Gallup Panel, a probability-based, non-opt-in panel of about 120,000 adults across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

For its Life Evaluation Index, Gallup classifies Americans as "thriving," "struggling" or "suffering" according to how they rate their current and future lives on a ladder scale with steps numbered from 0 to 10, based on the Cantril Self-Anchoring Striving Scale. Those who rate their current life a 7 or higher and their anticipated life in five years an 8 or higher are classified as thriving.

In a broader context, according to the Gallup State of the Global Workplace: 2021 report, the percentage of U.S. workers considered to be thriving was estimated at 58% based on 2018-2020 data collection, which ranks 14th when compared with 18 Western European countries plus Canada.

The percentage of Americans estimated to be "suffering" has remained steadily low throughout the pandemic and in line with pre-COVID estimates. In June, 3.4% of respondents were classified as suffering.

Satisfaction With Current Life Steadily Climbs in 2021

The major drop in the thriving percentage in 2020 was characterized by a severe drop in current life satisfaction ratings. By late April, the percentage of U.S. adults who rated their current lives a "7" or higher had plunged about 11 percentage points, even as the anticipated life satisfaction five years forward had improved. As with the earlier decline in the thriving percentage, its subsequent rebound is driven primarily by changes in current life satisfaction.

Notably, even as current life satisfaction has increased in recent months, anticipated life satisfaction remains elevated compared with pre-COVID levels. The rapid recovery of current life satisfaction, coupled with the sustained elevated level of anticipated life satisfaction, has fueled the thriving percentage to its current heights.

Line graph. The percentages of Americans who rate their satisfaction with their current lives from 7-10 and the percentages of Americans who rate their satisfaction with their anticipated lives 8-10. Currently, 70.5% of Americans anticipate they will rate their lives 8-10 in five years, while 69% rate their lives 7-10 right now.

Spikes in Daily Stress and Worry in 2020 Retreat to Pre-COVID Levels

In addition to the general life ratings, Gallup tracks whether Americans have recently experienced specific emotions, including stress and worry, in their daily lives.

The percentage of people who reported experiencing significant stress and worry "a lot of the day yesterday" showed unprecedented increases in the first half of March 2020, with stress rising 14 percentage points to 60% and worry rising 20 points to 58%. These spikes were about four times greater than what was measured over the course of 2008 as a result of the Great Recession. Reports of experiencing these emotions have subsequently fallen to pre-pandemic levels in both cases. Daily stress eased to 45% in January and has remained in the mid-40s since, while daily worry has declined further since the start of the year, to just 38% in April through June, down from 43% in January.

Line graph. The percentages of Americans who reported they experienced stress and the percentages who reported they experienced worry a lot of the day yesterday. Currently, 44% of Americans report they experienced stress a lot of the day yesterday and 38% say they experienced worry a lot of yesterday.

Significant daily enjoyment has also markedly improved, although to a lesser degree than the declines seen in worry and stress. In 2018-2019, about 80% of U.S. adults reported significant enjoyment the day before, which plunged to 61% at the onset of the pandemic. By June, enjoyment was back up to 73% of the adult population.

Line graph. The percentage of Americans who report having felt joy a lot of yesterday. Currently, 73% of Americans report having experienced enjoyment a lot of the day yesterday.

Meanwhile, another daily experience that has declined over the course of the pandemic is boredom. Close to half of adults reported this emotion in late March 2020, peaking at 47% in mid-April. As the economy started to reopen last spring and social distancing has eased significantly with the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine in 2021, that figure has declined to 26% in June.

Implications

The marked improvement of key wellbeing metrics thus far in 2021 is due to a variety of factors, likely led by the widespread availability and rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines. By the end of June, about 54% of all Americans (including younger children for whom no vaccines have yet been approved) have had at least one dose, including 93% of those aged 65 and older and 60% of those aged 18-64.

Dovetailing with the rollout of the vaccine is the economic reopening, which has occurred unevenly nationwide but is now the case in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The broader economic recovery has also been inconsistent. June's job report of 850,000 new jobs was an improvement over the two prior months, both of which fell below most economists' expectations. And while wages are rapidly rising, the U.S. economy still has over 7 million fewer jobs than in February 2020 amidst a problematic labor shortage.

Beyond the vaccination rollout and improving economic conditions, though, is the critical psychological benefit of renewed social interaction. Reuniting in person with family and friends and joining in large gatherings of people such as at sporting events is a crucial part of social wellbeing. Past research has shown that those who spend six to seven hours a day in social time experience about one-fifth the stress and worry on any given day as those with no social time at all. These effects are likely on display as the levels of these negative emotions have improved to pre-pandemic levels in recent months.

Whether or not the recent positive trends in wellbeing are sustained remains to be seen. The concerning propagation of the Delta variant in the U.S., which now makes up over one-half of new confirmed cases nationwide, has the potential to slow social and economic progress. The Delta variant and other mutated forms of the coronavirus, such as the Gamma variant , have led health experts to fear a fall surge that could again lead to partial economic, social and school shutdowns in areas with low vaccination rates. Based on learnings from 2020, such occurrences could lead to another downturn in wellbeing nationally, though likely not at the same level of magnitude suffered by Americans in the spring of 2020 given the sizable extent of the vaccinations in many parts of the country.

Find out more about emotional wellbeing around the world in Gallup's recent State of the Global Workplace: 2021 report and the coming 2021 Global Emotions report on July 20.

Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect the most recent assessment of the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19 in the U.S.

To stay up to date with the latest Gallup News insights and updates, follow us on Twitter.

Learn more about how the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index works.

Learn more about how the Gallup Panel works.
News of the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise reached MarieGuerda Nicolas before dawn on Wednesday. She immediately started calling relatives and friends on the island to make sure they were safe.

People are in shock, said Nicolas, a professor of psychology in the School of Education and Human Development, who was born in Haiti. Gunshots have been heard in the capital.

Claude Joseph, Haitis interim prime minister, reported that Moise had been assassinated in his own residence and that his wife was wounded by a group of people who broke into the home. The Miami Herald reported that some of the assassins spoke in Spanish, while others identified themselves as members of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. However, Ned Price, spokesman for the U.S. State Department, told reporters that those claims were absolutely false.

Moise, who came to power after a disputed election in 2017, had been ruling by decree since 2020. Thousands of Haitians had been protesting and calling for him to step down, citing corruption and accusing him of colluding with gangs in order to maintain power.

We had a president who ruled by decree and now we do not have a president, said Nicolas. It does not matter what ones political views are. This kind of action unsettles the mind of people of all ages.

It's a horrific crime, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said during media interviews. The Biden administration was still gathering information, she noted. "We stand ready and stand by them (the people of Haiti) to provide any assistance that's needed," she added.

In a statement released by President Biden, he stated that he was shocked and saddened by the assassination of President Moise and the shooting of the leaders wife, Martine Moise.

Louis Herns Marcelin, professor of anthropology in the College of Arts and Sciences who was born in Haiti, said that the assassination is the culmination of the intense violence that the country has experienced in the past year.

I am surprised to see how easy it was for whomever was part of this commando raid to penetrate the residence of the president of Haiti with no resistance whatsoever, he said.

The brazen attack calls into question the institutional mechanisms for protection in the country, said Marcelin. Both Marcelin and Nicolas said that they believe the Haitian police force has been weakened in part by the empowerment of local gangs that have engaged in open turf wars in the capital.

I am also not surprised [at the assassination] because Haiti has endured great violence in the last three years and particularly in the past few months, said Marcelin. You have a situation in which politicians use criminality in order for them to realize their own objectives, he added.

Many sectors in Haitian society have been complicit in power and influence of gangs in Haitibusinesspeople, politicians, those in private sectors. All have gangs for personal gain, protection, and in order and to destabilize law and order, according to Marcelin, who runs the Interuniversity Institute for Research and Development (INURED), a transdisciplinary research institute with the mission to contribute to the development of high-level research and scientific training in Haiti and the Caribbean. He also cited the erosion of institutions such as parliament and the national police by Moises administration as circumstances that further destabilized the country while fostering insecurity.

Joseph has called for Haiti to be in a state of siege following the assassination, which imposes the closing of all borders and martial law.

But Nicolas stated that to establish order on the island, a provisional government will have to be established. That government must build up the police force and make sure that elections can be held safely, she pointed out.

Marcelin said that he does not believe the current Haitian government has the credibility to continue to rule. He also said that the U.S. and the United Nations cannot build a new government, since they have backed the Moise government, which many Haitian residents believed had no legitimacy because of corruption and disputes regarding the official end of Moises termwhich many believed would have been in February. Despite weeks of strong protests across the country, Moise defiantly remained in office.

The U.S. has been totally indifferent to what is happening in Haiti, said Marcelin. They reduced their intervention to political feel-good statements about Haitis need to hold elections, when everybody knows that there are no conditions for an election.

The best hope for the future is international support to help promote a dialogue among Haitians in order for them to determine their own political future, he said.
Whether you're craving something decadent or making plans for dinner, World Chocolate Day is the perfect time to indulge in something extra sweet.

What better way to treat your loved ones or yourself than by putting that energy into a delicious chocolate dessert?

Here are 15 rich, chocolaty cakes, truffles, cookies and more. Choose one or make all 15  you are hereby granted permission to indulge.

Deep Chocolate Truffle Lava Mug Cakes by Grace Parisi

Chocolate truffles tucked into the batter create the lava centers of these ultra decadent molten chocolate cakes. The best part is that they can be made in a microwave in only 10 minutes!

Chocolate Pots de Creme by Elizabeth Heiskell

Here's one of the quickest and tastiest ways to indulge today. This decadent, delicious dessert only requires three ingredients and takes mere minutes to make.

Easy Flourless Chocolate Cakes by Justin Chapple

Only six ingredients are needed to make these rich mini-flourless chocolate cakes. They're great to serve at a dinner party and are also gluten-free.

Warm Chocolate Pudding Cake with Ganache by Curtis Stone

This is not your typical chocolate dessert. Deep and decadent, this confection is incredibly moist. The warm ganache really puts it over the top and will send you into a chocolate-induced oblivion.

Chocolate Cake by Craig Strong

It may be World Chocolate Day, but coffee is the secret ingredient for making this cake super moist and flavorful. Don't worry  there's plenty of chocolate, too.

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake by Melissa Clark

Fudgy and rich, you'd never know there was mayonnaise in this easy, one-bowl chocolate cake. Don't tell your family and see if they can guess the secret ingredient!

Queen Elizabeth II's Favorite Cake: Chocolate Biscuit Cake by Darren McGrady, The Royal Chef

Story continues

If it's good enough for a queen, then it's good enough for everyone else, right?

"This cake is probably the only one that is sent into the royal dining room again and again until it has all gone," chef Darren McGrady, former personal chef to Queen Elizabeth II, told TODAY Food.

Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake by Elizabeth Heiskell

This dessert may look like it took a lot of work to make but it's made with instant pudding and a box cake mix. It's so impressive that no one will suspect that it wasn't made entirely from scratch.

Slow Cooker Fudge by Elizabeth Heiskell

Making fudge is way easier than it seems, especially when the slow cooker does most of the the work. Simply toss in chocolate chips, heavy whipping cream, honey and vanilla extract. The hardest part is resisting the urge to dig in before it's finished cooling.

3-Ingredient Crispy Chocolate Drops by Grace Parisi

Chocolatiers are always looking for the next big ingredient for their creations. The secret ingredient here is toasted panko breadcrumbs. The texture of the breadcrumbs is light and crispy, and when toasted, it lends a lovely crunch and almost nutty flavor to these super-simple chocolate drops.

Chocolate Truffles by Gesine Bullock-Prado

Why spend money on a box of divine chocolate truffles when you can make a batch at home? With just a handful of high-quality ingredients, you can make a batch to give as gifts or serve for dessert.

Devil's Food Cake Heart with Chocolate Mascarpone Cream by Ryan Scott

What's better than a heart-shaped cake? That's easy: A heart-shaped cake that's topped with mascarpone cream and caramel sauce!

Avocado brownie bites by Kristin Kirkpatrick

Yes, these are made with avocados. The surprising ingredient deepens the chocolate flavor and adds an amazing creaminess. Eating just one of these brownie bites is super satisfying because they're so rich and fudgy.

Double Chocolate Layer Cake by Ed Kasky

The reason this cake is so perfect is because all of the elements balance each other well. The moist chocolate cake is only lightly sweet so it is acts as a delicious foil to the much sweeter (and richer) creamy ganache. If you're looking for chocolaty goodness, this recipe is it!

Christina Tosi's Valentine's Day Layer Cake by Christina Tosi

Don't wait until Valentine's Day to whip up something special. This impressive layer cake takes a little time to make, but it's sure to impress. It's also a great centerpiece for any summer party.

Related:
Two bodies were found under the Angeles Crest Highway in California inside of a wrecked car  the same one a teenage couple was last seen in before they went missing, according to officials.

Authorities said they found the mangled car Tuesday amid a search for 19-year-old Ethan Manzano and 19-year-old Sophie Edwards, who vanished last week while in Angeles National Forest in Southern California, CBS Los Angeles reported. The bodies have not been confirmed to be Manzano and Edwards.

The car was found 1,000 feet over the edge of a mountain road, according to NBC Los Angeles.

The couple was last seen July 1 in a silver 2007 Isuzu Ascender with a California license plate number 6BFA756, according to the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department. They were near mile marker 51 of the highway.

Manzano was driving and has an unknown mental health issue, according to the sheriffs department.

Authorities are waiting for coroners officials to confirm the identities of the deceased, according to KTLA5.

But Manzanos father said he is already assuming the worst, KTLA5 reported.

I cant believe Im going to be burying my son, Al Manzano said, according to the station. Hes only 19.

The couples belongings were also found amid the wreckage, officials said, according to ABC7.

Edwards is described as 53 and weighing around 95 pounds with red hair and green eyes. She was last seen wearing a black coat, a gray Newcombs Ranch shirt, baggy blue jeans, red Doc Martens boots and a black bandana in her hair.

Manzano is described as 55 and weighing about 135 pounds with brown eyes and black hair. He was last seen wearing a gray Newcombs Ranch shirt and dark jeans.
Jul. 7Two Warren County residents were among more than a dozen people killed in crashes throughout Ohio in recent days.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported that between Friday and Monday, 16 people were killed in 15 crashes across the state. The number of traffic fatalities was down from the holiday last year, when 25 people died in 24 crashes, according to the OSHP.

Locally, a Warren County couple died Monday afternoon after being involved in a nine-vehicle crash on Interstate 75 in Shelby County.

Larry E. Warner and Penny S. Warner, both 71, of Morrow, were pronounced dead at the scene, according to a release from the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

At least seven other people suffered injuries in the crash that were not life-threatening and were taken to Lima Memorial Hospital.

The crash happened at about 4:35 p.m. on southbound I-75 near the exit to Botkins. Traffic had slowed in the area due to a previous crash near the 103-mile marker, which is about one mile down the highway.

A total of nine vehicles were involved in the later, fatal crash, including two semi trucks.

The crash is under investigation by the OSHP Crash Reconstruction Unit.

Overall, the highway patrol responded to 534 crashes and made more than 40,000 traffic contacts, which included providing assistance to more than 2,700 motorists.

Troopers also made 536 arrests for impaired driving and 368 for drug-related charges across the state.
All-Hallows Eve, All Saints' Eve, HalloweenOctober 31st goes by many names and is easily one of the most beloved holidays in our country. But even though you've probably been celebrating your whole life, there may still be a lot you don't know about Halloween. To help you brush up on your trivia, we've rounded up some fun Halloween facts below.

The spookiest season of the year is quickly approaching, and you probably have lots of fun Halloween activities in the works, like making DIY Halloween costumes and planning your Halloween dinner menu. With a few of these bits of trivia up your sleeve, you'll be sure to wow your friends and family while you're out trick-or-treating or attending Halloween parties. You can also create a fun Halloween trivia quiz to see who really knows their stuff. The winner gets the first taste of the Halloween desserts!

Read on for everything you should know about Halloween.

Halloween originated from an ancient Celtic festival.

The origins of Halloween date back 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which was celebrated on October 31 on the eve of their new year, according to the History Channel. The Celts believed that the dead returned to earth that night, and so they lit bonfires and donned costumes to ward off the ghosts.

Irish immigrants brought Halloween to the U.S.

During the mid-1800s, a flood of Irish immigrants fled from the potato famine to the U.S., bringing the tradition of Halloween with them.



Jack-o-lanterns were inspired by an Irish legend.

Photo credit: Martin Deja - Getty Images

According to the History Channel, the name jack-o'-lantern is rooted in an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack who fooled the devil and in turn was forced to walk the Earth with only a burning coal in a hollowed turnip to light his way. The Irish began to call him Jack of the Lantern, and then just Jack oLantern.

The most lit jack-o'-lanterns on display is 30,581.

The City of Keene, New Hampshire holds the Guinness World Record for the most lit jack-o'-lanterns on display (a whopping 30,581). Keene was the original record holder in this category and has broken the record eight times since then.



Story continues

Trick-or-treating has existed since medieval times.

Photo credit: Crystal Sing / EyeEm - Getty Images

Trick-or-treating was inspired by the medieval English tradition of "souling," which involved children going door-to-door on All Souls Day, offering prayers for residents deceased loved ones in exchange for food.

Trick-or-treating was also inspired by a tradition called "mumming."

In the middle ages, people began practicing a tradition known as mumming, in which they dressed up as ghosts and demons, and went door-to-door performing songs and scenes from plays in exchange for food and drink. This custom is believed to be an antecedent of trick-or-treating, according to the History Channel.

Candy wasn't given out to trick-or-treaters until the 1950s.

Halloween simply wouldn't be the same without those fun (and king!) size candy bars to sweeten the day. But there was a time when trick-or-treaters didn't receive candy at all, but rather pieces of cake, fruit, nuts, coins, and little toys, according to the History Channel. It wasn't until the 1950s, when candy makers began to promote their goods for Halloween, that candy became a staple on the trick-or-treating circuit. These days, one quarter of all the candy sold in the U.S. each year is purchased for Halloween.



Everyone still loves a good spooky Halloween costume.

Photo credit: gorodenkoff - Getty Images

Halloween looks can be silly, funny, or cute, but according to the National Retail Federation, scary costumes still reign supreme. In 2020, the top Halloween costumes for adults were:

1. Witch

2. Vampire

3. Cat

4. Batman

5. Ghost

Skittles are America's favorite candy.

Everyone wanted to taste the rainbow in Halloween 2020! According to CandyStore.com, Skittles were the top candy last year, followed by Reese's Cups and Starburst.



Candy corn is America's least favorite candy.

Photo credit: mphillips007 - Getty Images

Candy corn has always been divisive, but according to CandyStore.com's most recent top 10 worst Halloween candies lists, more people hate it than love it. Consumers voted candy corn the worst Halloween candy in the country in 2019 and 2020. To be fair, it also made the 2020 top 10 best Halloween candies list, so it looks like the debate isn't over yet!

Candy corn was originally called "Chicken Feed."

We know this doesn't really help candy corn's case but the love-it-or-loathe-it treat was originally marketed as "Chicken Feed" when it was first popularized around the end of the 19th century.

The fear of Halloween is called Samhainophobia.

Many people enjoy embracing the spooky spirit of Halloween, but for some, the fear is not all in good fun. Some people suffer from Samhainophobia, or the fear of Halloween, according to Newsweek. Now that you've learned about the origins of Halloween, you probably guess that the word comes from Samhain, the Gaelic festival that inspired Halloween.



In a few states, the night before Halloween is known as Mischief Night.

Photo credit: Darrin Klimek - Getty Images

On this unofficial holiday, kids pull pranks like toilet papering yards and smashing pumpkins, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. The holiday is mostly celebrated in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where it's known as Mischief Night, and Michigan, where it's called Devil's Night.

Silly String is banned in Hollywood on Halloween.

In Hollywood, using Silly String on Halloween can get you a $1,000 fine, according to ABC News.

The song "Monster Mash" was briefly banned in the U.K.

The BBC banned the hit 1962 song from airplay that year because they thought it was too morbid. The perennial Halloween favorite didn't become a graveyard smash in the U.K. until it was rereleased there in 1973.

Harry Houdini died on Halloween in 1926.

The world famous magician and illusionist died on October 31 after his appendix burst, according to Newsweek. He was rushed to the hospital after a performance on the night of October 24, 1926 in Detroit, Michigan. He died a week later from Peritonitis, or the inflammation of organs caused by organ leaking.

The world's longest haunted house is 3,564 feet long.

The Haunted Cave is located in Lewisburg, Ohio, 80 feet underground. Creepy!

The mask worn by Michael Myers in Halloween was actually a William Shatner mask.

Production designer Tommy Lee Wallace picked up the $2 mask from a Hollywood Boulevard magic shop, it was spray painted white, and the rest is scary movie history.



Disneys Hocus Pocus was originally called Halloween House.

Photo credit: Disney

The Halloween favorite was initially intended to be more scary than funny. Thank goodness fate stepped in.

It is the most commercially successful horror film of all time.

The 2017 film based on Stephen King's classic horror novel grossed $700,381,759 worldwide.
A person of interest was being questioned by Chicago police hours after a police officer and two federal agents were shot while on duty early Wednesday on the Far South Side, officials said.

The three law enforcement officers were fired upon at 5:50 a.m. while they were in an unmarked police vehicle on their way to conduct a joint investigation between Chicago police and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, police Superintendent David Brown said Wednesday during a news conference outside Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.

By 2 p.m., detectives had identified a person of interest, and questioning was underway. A police spokesman said there was no additional information about the development, including whether the person was a man or woman, or what time the person was taken into police custody.

Another spokesman posted about the person of interest at 1:53 p.m., around the same time President Joe Biden was speaking in far northwest suburban Crystal Lake. The shooting earlier had captured the attention of the White House on a day when Biden visited the Chicago area.

A male Chicago police officer and one male and one female agent from the ATF were shot in the 11700 block of South Ashland Avenue, near a northbound ramp to Interstate 57 from 119th Street, in West Pullman, at its border with the Morgan Park neighborhood, Brown said. The shooting was about a mile from the Chicago Police Departments 22nd District station in Morgan Park.

The police officer suffered a graze wound to the back of his head. One ATF agent was shot in the hand and the other was shot in the side of the torso, Brown said, but did not detail which agent suffered which injury.

Fire Department paramedics took the Chicago police officer with a graze wound to Christ Medical Center, an agency official said. The two agents were either taken for treatment by other officers or in private vehicles. Brown later said all three were being treated at Christ Medical Center, where their conditions were stabilized.

Story continues

Authorities were looking for a vehicle used in the shooting, according to a state police trooper with the departments Chicago District office, who said that agency also was called to assist during the shootings aftermath. The suspects vehicle was described as a white Chevrolet Impala, he said.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki, traveling with Biden to the Chicago area on Wednesday, made mention of the shooting to reporters.

Our thoughts go out to the to ATF agents in the Chicago Police Department officer who were wounded, as well as their families and fellow agents and officers, Psaki said, per a pool reporter.

She noted that Chicago is one of five cities the Department of Justice is going to be working with to launch a gun trafficking strike force.

The Biden administration announced that plan late last month.

All three officers, including the two with the ATF were senior officers, with multiple years on the job, officials said.

The multiagency team was conducting an undercover investigation and was on its way to a location as part of that work when a suspect or suspects opened fire the team as it traveled on the on-ramp to Interstate 57 north near 119th Street.

They were working in an undercover capacity, so were limited in what we can say about what they were doing and why they were doing it. But they were fired upon while driving, all in the same car, trying to enter onto the on-ramp, Brown said. It was an unmarked, undercover vehicle.

He did not answer additional questions or provide further information on the joint operation, saying he did not want to reveal details that could hinder the investigation.

We dont want to give away what we know  we want to catch these suspects as soon as possible, he said. Asked whether his use of the plural suspects meant there was more than one shooter, Brown said that was not confirmed; he meant it to be all-encompassing. They are not in custody, he said.

The three officials shot were among five law enforcement officers who have been wounded in Chicago shootings this week. Early Monday, a Chicago police sergeant and Cmdr. Patrina Wines, who is in charge of the Austin patrol district,were shot in the 100 block of North Long Avenue on the West Side. Wines was shot in the foot and the sergeant was grazed in the leg; those officers injuries were not life-threatening.

This is a very challenging time to be in law enforcement but they are rising to the challenge of doing all they can. And the work they do is extremely dangerous, Brown said Wednesday morning.

Brown said there have been 36 officers shot or shot at in Chicago this year.

I think this highlights some of the things Ive been saying over the last several weeks. The officers are performing their jobs at the highest level. Theyre risking everything to protect the people of Chicago and this includes our collaboration with ATF officers, he said. They are doing their part and no one would do what these officers do right now.

A Fire Department spokesman said at 6:30 a.m. the scene was fresh and the shooting happened not far from the 22nd District police station, 1900 W. Monterey Ave.

The state trooper said the Chicago District was called just after 6 a.m. to assist, about 10 minutes after the shooting.

Normally wed handle shootings on the expressway, so were deciding whos going to lead the investigation, he said.

Brown was joined at the news conference by representatives of the ATF, including Kristen de Tineo, special agent in charge of the Chicago Field Division.

We just want to appeal to the public as we get more information we will be asking you to help. Please keep these agents and this officer in your thoughts and in your prayers, de Tineo said.

Concluding his remarks and a question-and-answer session with reporters in less than five minutes, Brown echoed de Tineos sentiment.

God bless Chicago police officers that do this job in the bravest, most courageous ways, with their commitment and dedication on display every single day for the people of Chicago, he said.

Chicago Tribunes Jeremy Gorner contributed.

kdouglas@chicagotribune.com

mprosser@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @312BreakingNews
Our team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the products and deals we love. If you love them too and decide to purchase through the links below, we may receive a commission. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

If you ask someone what they think are the best shorts for men, youre sure to get a complicated response. After all, its arguably an impossible question to answer, given the number of variables that come into play. From length and shape to material and leg opening size, its safe to say that it all depends on the man whos wearing them.

With this in mind, weve rounded up nine of the best options weve found, owned and tested. As with any piece of clothing, particularly those in the legwear category, finding the right option that complements your shape and physique is key.

Also, for many, particularly those who sweat a lot, the lighter the material, the better  especially now that summers in full swing.

To help you decide on what option fits your style and purpose best, weve broken down each pair into nine categories from Best Overall to Best Formal Option. With brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Nike and retailers ranging from Mr. Porter to Amazon, youre sure to find something here that perfectly fits your personal style and budget.

Credit: Amazon

Buy Now on Amazon

When I purchased these on Prime Day, I wasnt expecting much, as I had never bought clothes on Amazon before. However, when they arrived, my reservations were quickly settled, and I couldnt be more impressed.

Available in seven colors, these Tommy Hilfiger Mens Stretch Waistband Shorts perfectly shape to your body without being tight or restricting. The conveniently placed elastic waistband on the back also makes them easy to move in. Trust me, from personal experience  if youre considering buying any of the shorts on this list, this is the pair to get.

Story continues

Best Casual Option: Nike Mens Woven Shorts, $45

Credit: Nike

Buy Now at Nike

Heres an option thats a definite must-have for every man. Theres a reason the Nike Mens Woven Shorts have been staples for years. Theyre comfortable, versatile and go with just about everything. Plus, theyre the perfect shorts for running errands, working out or even lounging around the apartment.

I have these in five colors and can firmly say that they live up to the hype.

Best Amazon Pick: Dockers Mens Perfect Short, $23.67  $29.99

Credit: Amazon

Buy Now on Amazon

The Dockers Mens Perfect Short is a No. 1 best-seller on Amazon for a reason. With over 24,000 reviews, this is one of the most popular mens fashion picks on the entire site.

They come in 10 colors, are 100% cotton and have that roomy fit through the seat and thigh that Dockers is known for.

Best Pleated Shorts: Haggar Mens Cool 18 Pro Straight Fit Pleated Shorts, $24.99  $60

Credit: Amazon

Buy Now on Amazon

Pleated shorts are making a comeback, and Im ecstatic! Pleats perfectly complement any physique or body type, thanks to that extra layer of fabric thats pleated on the front. These, according to shoppers, are the best in this category.

The Haggar Mens Cool 18 Pro Straight Fit Pleated Shorts are an Amazon No. 1 best-seller and come in 16 colors. Theyre also available in sizes 32 to 60, making them extremely size-inclusive.

Buy Now at Levis

No one does denim quite like Levis, so its only right that the brands 511 Slim Fit Medium 11 In. Mens Shorts be the go-to denim pick on this list.

These cult-classic shorts range from size 28 to 44 and come in two wash options: Halloumi Short Light Wash or Chorizo. Theyre slim but not skinny, so theres enough room to move around. Plus, they have just the right amount of stretch for mobility.

Best Distressed Denim: Levis 217 Slim Fit Denim Shorts, $79.50

Credit: Nordstrom

Buy Now at Nordstrom

If distressed and ripped denim is more your style, the Levis 217 Slim Fit Denim Shorts are a no-brainer. Like the 511 Slim Fit Medium 11 In. Mens Shorts, these are slim. However, they taper slightly above the knee for a narrower leg opening.

Best Cargo Shorts: Carhartt WIP Cotton-Rising Cargo Shorts, $120

Credit: Mr. Porter

Buy Now on Mr. Porter

Cargo shorts have been around for decades, and its highly unlikely that theyre ever going to go out of style. These timeless Carhartt WIP Cotton-Rising Cargo Shorts have a regular straight-leg and are made of lightweight, non-stretchy fabric. This army green color is a classic, so youll surely get tons of wear out of these.

Credit: Mr. Porter

Buy Now on Mr. Porter

It may be warmer outside, but fleece shorts are still a year-round staple. The Nike Sportswear Club Wide-Leg Jersey Shorts boast that classic silhouette that the sportswear brand has perfected over the years. And it seems to be working, as you likely know someone who wears these like a uniform, or you probably already own them yourself.

The signature Nike logo print is the touch that makes these extra special  not to mention how comfortable and versatile they are. Editors note: Snag these while you can because they sell out every time theyre restocked.

Best Formal Option: Canali Stretch-Cotton Twill Shorts, $320

Credit: Mr. Porter

Lastly, who said shorts cant be worn formally? Whether youre attending a beach wedding or heading to a summer evening event, this pair of luxe Canali Stretch-Cotton Twill Shorts will be your go-to.

The secret to rocking formal shorts is to stay away from slim or skinny cuts  straight-leg shorts in earth tones and cool colors boast that sleek, sophisticated look that gives you an effortless flair. Pair these with a simple white button-down and youre good to go.

Buy Now on Mr. Porter

If you enjoyed this story, check out this incredible best-selling Olay hydrating serum thats 70% off right now.

More from In The Know:

Meet the man on a mission to make 10,000 new friends

Olays clearance section is up to 70% off right now  as low as $10

These 24 luxury designer fragrances are up to 74% off at Walmart

The best mens work bags at 7 different price points

The post The 9 best shorts for men  denim, cargo, formal and more appeared first on In The Know.
The Wrap

Whether hes peddling his Aviation Gin or a new movie, Ryan Reynolds knows how to make a memorable ad. The trailer for his latest film, Free Guy, sees Reynolds beloved character, Deadpool, at his most meta yet  and officially joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The newest look at the video game-themed action flick dropped on Reynolds YouTube channel Tuesday morning, except the trailer itself is not whats new. Its the same trailer that dropped last month, but with a twist. Its actual
By Mahmoud Hassano

IDLIB PROVINCE, Syria (Reuters) - Having fled their homes to escape President Bashar al-Assad's rule, many of Syrians sheltering in the rebel-held northwest fear their fate may once again be placed in his hands.

Russia, Assad's key ally, wants U.N. aid to the region to come through the capital Damascus and not via Turkey, raising fears that food on which they rely will fall under their oppressor's control.

A U.N. mandate to supply aid from Turkey, currently via the Bab al-Hawa crossing, expires on Saturday, and while Western members of the U.N. Security Council want to extend and expand it, veto powers Russia and China are wary of renewing it.

Russia skipped negotiations on the issue on Tuesday.

Hossam Kaheil, who fled to Idlib in 2018 when the rebellion in Ghouta, just outside Damascus, was defeated, does not trust Syrian authorities to let aid through if supply lines are changed.

"In Idlib the situation is good, but if they close the crossings, there will be a humanitarian catastrophe," said the 36-year-old, who recalls being so hungry in 2014, as the Syrian army laid siege to Ghouta, that he had to eat animal feed.

He added that two of his siblings died due to medical shortages during the siege, described by U.N. investigators as the longest in modern history.

U.N. aid across the Turkish border has helped to keep millions of Syrians supplied with food, medicine and water in the last part of Syria still held by anti-Assad insurgents.

Syria says it is committed to facilitating the delivery of U.N. aid from within the country. The Syrian information ministry did not respond to emailed questions from Reuters for this article.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said last month that the Red Cross and Red Crescent should be allowed to observe if there were suspicions of any stealing, although he did not think that would happen.

RUSSIAN LEVERAGE

The tussle marks a diplomatic front in a war that has been in military stalemate for several years, with Moscow and Damascus seeking to reassert state sovereignty over a corner of Syria outside their control.

Story continues

Since winning back the bulk of Syria with Russian and Iranian help, Assad has struggled to advance further: Turkish forces block his path in the northwest, and U.S. forces are on the ground in the Kurdish-controlled east, where oilfields, farmland and land routes to Iraq are located.

Government-held Syria, along with the rest of the country, is in economic crisis. Assad's plans for reconstruction and economic revival, which came to little, faced new headwinds with the imposition of new U.S. sanctions last year.

"This is a moment of leverage for Russia - a wrangle over strategic advantage in which humanitarian issues are being used as the fulcrum," said Joshua Landis, head of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma.

"Unfortunately the Syrian people are the real losers in this battle between Russia and the United States."

The United States wants the aid mandate renewed. So does Turkey, which exercises sway in the northwest through support to rebels, aid, and Turkish boots on the ground.

The United Nations has warned that failure to renew the aid operation would be devastating for millions of people.

"We don't want to see these people becoming pawns in a political game," said Mark Cutts, U.N. deputy regional humanitarian coordinator for the Syria crisis.

"It is really shameful that we are talking about reducing access at a time when we should be scaling up the operation."

The number of people dependent on aid in the northwest has grown by 20% to 3.4 million in a year, the U.N. says.

MISTRUST

Russia cites U.S. sanctions as a reason for the humanitarian problems. Washington, whose sanctions aim to cut off funds for Assad's government, rejects this.

Agreed in 2014 when Assad was in retreat, the U.N. mandate initially allowed deliveries from four locations. Russian and Chinese opposition whittled this down to one last year. Russia says the operation is outdated.

Delivering aid across frontlines has proven difficult if not impossible throughout the war.

"We've requested access for cross-line convoys multiple times ... because we would like as much access as possible from all sides, but the war is not over," Cutts said.

"In this kind of environment, it is very difficult to get agreement from the parties on both sides for convoys to move across that frontline."

Insurgents in the northwest include groups proscribed as terrorists by the Security Council. U.N. oversight has prevented aid being diverted to armed groups, Cutts said, expressing concern that the loss of such oversight may deter donors.

Durmus Aydin, secretary-general of Turkey's Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH), part of the aid operation, told Reuters that aid deliveries across frontlines did not seem possible at the moment.

"One of the reasons this isn't a realistic solution is the mistrust in people towards the Syrian government and Russia."

(Additional reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu in Istanbul, Tom Perry in Beirut, Andrew Osborn in Moscow and Stephanie Nebehay in Geneva; Writing by Tom Perry; Editing by Mike Collett-White)
Jul. 6Police are seeking more information on a shooting that left an Anniston man dead during the July 4 weekend.

Anniston Police Chief Nick Bowles said police received reports of a shooting early Sunday morning in the 2000 block of Duncan Avenue. Police records show that the call came in at 3:20 a.m.

Officers found Braylon Darnell Thomas, 23, in the street, with at least one gunshot wound, Bowles said. Thomas was taken to Regional Medical Center, where he was declared dead.

As of Tuesday morning, no arrests had been made in the shooting. Bowles declined to release further details, saying police are still interviewing potential witnesses.

He said anyone with information about the shooting is invited to call Anniston police at 256-240-4000.

Capitol & statewide reporter Tim Lockette: 256-294-4193. On Twitter @TLockette_Star.
Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs on Wednesday asked Attorney General Mark Brnovich to open a criminal investigation into possible efforts by former President Donald Trump and his allies to influence Maricopa County supervisors as the ballots were still being tallied.

Hobbs said some of the communications involve clear efforts to induce supervisors to refuse to comply with their duties, which could violate Arizona law. She cited The Arizona Republics reporting last week on text messages and voicemails from the White House, Trumps personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, and Arizona Republican Party Chair Kelli Ward to the Republican members of the Board of Supervisors.

The reporting also includes firsthand statements from the victims of this potential crime, Hobbs said. She cited at least one potential felony charge under Arizona law.

A spokesman for Brnovich was not immediately available to comment on Hobbs request, which was emailed directly to the attorney general shortly after 1 p.m.

The request for a legal review is freighted with political overtones.

Hobbs, a Democrat, is running for governor next year. She created a national profile for defending Arizonas election administration efforts when November presidential election results were among the closest in the country. Arizona was spotlighted by Trump and his allies as they promoted the false narrative of a stolen election.

Brnovich, a Republican, is running for the U.S. Senate next year. Trump has criticized Brnovich for not supporting the state Senates ongoing ballot review. Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld an Arizona law Brnovich defended that makes voting more difficult, something he has cast as part of his commitment to preserving election integrity.

Now, he has been asked to investigate Trump and his GOP allies on that very issue.

As you said just last week, Fair elections are the cornerstone of our republic, and they start with rational laws that protect both the right to vote and the accuracy of the results, Hobbs wrote in her letter to Brnovich seeking an investigation. Arizona law protects election officials from those who would seek to interfere with their sacred duties to ascertain and certify the will of the voters.

Story continues

Hobbs asked Brnovich to refer her request for an investigation to another law enforcement agency if his ethical duties prevent him from investigating the matter.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

The Republic detailed two separate attempts by Trump to reach Republican Supervisor Clint Hickman in the weeks after the election as the presidents allies sought to alter the election results in a state he narrowly lost to Democrat Joe Biden.

At the time, Hickman was chairman of the Board of Supervisors, the elected body that oversees elections in the states most populous county.

Hickman received the first call from the White House switchboard on Dec. 31, while he was out celebrating the coming new year with his wife and friends. He let the call go to voicemail.

The second call came on the night of Jan. 3, after the Washington Post published a recording of Trumps hourlong phone call with the Georgia secretary of state. Hickman sought to avoid talking to the president because of ongoing litigation and let the call go to voicemail.

Separately, Giuliani made calls to supervisors before and after his Nov. 30 meeting in Phoenix about the election outcome with a handful of GOP state lawmakers. The Republic obtained voicemails he left for the supervisors.

If you get a chance, would you please give me a call, Giuliani said in one message. I have a few things I'd like to talk over with you. Maybe we can get this thing fixed up. You know, I really think it's a shame that Republicans sort of are both in this kind of situation. And I think there may be a nice way to resolve this for everybody."

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

The Republic also revealed Wards attempts to pressure supervisors to stop the counting, to delay certifying the results and to look into whether voting software added votes for Democrats. Her efforts continued as Trumps legal challenges fell short across the country.

When those efforts did not succeed, through various texts, she said supervisors were unAmerican and were playing for the WRONG team.

In one text to GOP Supervisor Jack Sellers, Ward wrote, We have 4 years to support you guys politically and we will. You are what stands between integrity and theft.

Ward did not respond to The Republics efforts to reach her last week. On Twitter, she wrote BS in response to the article.

Later, she wrote, No one can ever say that I am not doing everything I can to assure #ElectionIntegrity. And I always will! #ProudAmerican.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

Have news to share about Arizona politics? Reach the reporter on Twitter and Facebook. Contact her at yvonne.wingett@arizonarepublic.com and 602-444-4712.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: AZ sec. of state seeks probe into possible Trump election interference
Arlington police asked the public for help identifying a person of interest in a fatal hit-and-run crash that happened Friday night.

Douglas Oseimo, 39, died when a Buick LaCrosse that had been pursued by police crashed into his car at an Arlington intersection, according to police.

A Pantego police officer was chasing the Buick on Friday night after he tried to pull the driver over about a mile away. The driver of the Buick was going more than 100 mph on Arkansas Lane when they ran several red lights and crashed into Oseimos sedan at the intersection of South Cooper Street, police said.

After the crash at about 9:15 p.m., two people got out of the Buick and ran from the intersection, according to police. As of Tuesday, the people had not been identified.

Arlington police released surveillance footage on Tuesday of a person seen walking behind a nearby business shortly after the crash. This person was described only as a person of interest at this time.

The Pantego Police Department told Arlington police that once the suspect vehicle passed South Fielder Road at a high rate of speed, the officer discontinued the attempt to make the traffic stop, but the Buick continued speeding until it Oseimos car.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact crash investigator Joe Shipp at 817-575-8602. Tipsters can also remain anonymous by contacting Tarrant County Crime Stoppers at 817-469-TIPS.
JAKARTA (Reuters) - Australia said on Wednesday it would donate to Indonesia oxygen-related equipment, including cylinders and concentrators, antigen test-kits and 2.5 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, its foreign minister said in a statement.

Indonesia is currently battling a surge in COVID-19 infections, fuelled by the more infectious Delta variant first identified in India.

(Reporting by Tom Allard and Stanley Widianto; Editing by Ed Davies)
Pakistan captain Babar Azam insisted there was no thought of pulling the plug on their white-ball tour of England after learning of a major Covid-19 outbreak within the home sides ranks.

Just 48 hours before the Royal London one-day international series opener at Sophia Gardens on Thursday, England announced seven of their personnel  three players and four backroom staff  had tested positive for coronavirus.

With the rest of the squad instructed to isolate after being identified as close contacts, the entire series could have been in jeopardy but the England and Wales Cricket Board hastily assembled an entirely new 18-strong party.

Babar Azam is the worlds top-ranked batsman in one-day internationals (David Davies/PA)

Asked whether there was any temptation to call off the trip comprising of three ODIs, followed by three Twenty20s, Babar said on the eve of the first match: No, we didnt think about it, it didnt come into our minds at any time.

The PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) and ECB have assured us that they will take care of the safety and health of all the squad members.

Of course it was disappointing news. (But) we must understand that these are unprecedented times of Covid-19. We are focusing on cricket and the first game.

Ben Stokes was left out of the original group to continue his recovery from finger surgery with county side Durham, but the all-rounder has accepted a summons to captain a squad containing nine players uncapped at ODI level.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

Middlesex wicketkeeper John Simpson and Gloucestershire left-arm seamer David Payne were among the curve-ball selections although Babar was adamant that Pakistan will not be underestimating the replacement crew.

Babar, the world number one ranked ODI batsman who has represented Somerset in the County Championship and Vitality Blast in the last couple of years, said: We cant take any player playing for England lightly.

They may be new players but they are playing for England. I know a few of them having played in the T20 Blast and those we dont know we have researched their performances.
BAGHDAD (AP)  U.S.-backed Syrian fighters and American troops foiled an attack with drones Wednesday on a base housing members of the U.S.-led coalition in eastern Syria, the Syrian Democratic Forces said. In neighboring Iraq, rockets hit a base housing U.S. troops, inflicting two minor injuries.

The attacks come as tension has been on the rise between U.S. troops and Iran-backed fighters after American airstrikes in eastern Syria killed four Iraqi fighters late last month in areas along the Syria-Iraq border. The Pentagon said targets attacked on June 27, were facilities used by Iran-backed militia groups to support drone strikes inside Iraq.

The spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition Col. Wayne Marotto said that Al-Assad Air Base in western Iraq was attacked early in the afternoon by 14 rockets that landed on the base and its perimeter, prompting the activation of defensive measures. Marotto later tweeted: 100 % accountability at Ain Al-Assad Air Base after rocket attack. Two personnel sustained minor injuries." The damage was still to be assessed, he added without elaborating.

A statement from the Security Media Cell, affiliated with Iraq's security forces, said a mobile rocket launcher hidden in a truck loaded with bags of flour and parked in the nearby village of Baghdadi was used in the attack. It added that 14 rockets were fired toward the base while the rest exploded on the truck, damaging some village homes and a mosque.

Iraqs government called it a terrorist attack and a flagrant violation of Iraqi laws.

A previously unknown group calling itself The brigades to avenge al-Muhandis," said its members fired 30 rockets toward the base run by American occupiers. It added a message to U.S. troops: We will force you to leave our lands defeated.

The group is named after Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis who was killed last year in a U.S. drone attack in Baghdad along with Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.

Story continues

In Syria, the U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led forces said in a statement they foiled an attack that was using drones on Wednesday morning on the al-Omar oil field in the eastern province of Deir el-Zour. There were no damages, the statement said.

The same al-Omar base was attacked with two rockets over the weekend, according to the Syrian Kurdish-led forces and a Syrian opposition activist. There were no casualties in that attack. The U.S. military denied there were any attacks on Sunday.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said the drones took off from areas controlled by Iran-backed fighters in the eastern Syrian town of Mayadeen.

Drone attacks against the U.S.-led coalition in Syria are not common. Hundreds of U.S. troops are stationed in northeastern Syria, working with the Kurdish-led fighters in battling the Islamic State group.

Thousands of Iran-backed militiamen from around the Middle East are deployed in different parts of Syria, many of them in areas along the border with Iraq.

The leader of an Iran-backed Iraqi militia vowed on Monday to retaliate against America for the deaths of four of his men in a U.S. airstrike along the Iraq-Syria border last month. Abu Alaa al-Walae, commander of the Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada group, said the revenge attack will be a military operation everyone will talk about.

The U.S. has blamed Iran-backed militias for attacks  most of them rocket strikes  that have targeted the American presence in Baghdad and at military bases across Iraq. The attacks have recently become more sophisticated, with militants using drones.

Late Tuesday, the counter-terrorism unit in Iraqs northern Kurdish-run region reported a drone attack on Irbil airport, near where U.S. forces are based. The statement by the counter-terrorism unit said the attack caused no damage, though the missiles fell in open fields and set fires.

___

Associated Press writer Bassem Mroue in Beirut contributed to this report.
Jul. 7In matters regarding industry in Berea, Mayor Bruce Fraley said the city and its partners at MWM Consulting have "dropped many lines and caught several fish."

"I look forward to catching many more," Fraley said following an industry update from Lucas Witt of MWM Consulting at the Berea City Council's Tuesday meeting.

It was the council's first in-person meeting which was open to the public since the pandemic.

Witt, who works closely with the city to help help secure industries and their economic development, said a big part of their work is stakeholder engagement, industry outreach, project management, and communication with state and local entities.

"We are fortunate to have very good relationships (at the state level) there," Witt assured. "I am a former state employee and several other of my colleagues are and we can leverage those relationships and use those to hopefully provide good resources to companies and clients in Berea."

He went on to share some success stories, or "big fish" companies which have made their home in Berea including Hyster Yale.

"We are fortunate to have been able to help secure the Hyster Yale expansion in 2019, and it's been a blessing to see it come from the ground to where it is now," Witt shared.

He said the hiring will begin soon for the facility seeking 125 new jobs. In addition, this company will receive a multipurpose manufacturing line which can produce all types of equipment. Witt said this will provide a more efficient production process.

In addition, he mentioned the Hitachi Motor Systems Electric project, which introduced a new location in 2020.

"It was a very fun project to work on and we have been working on this for several years now," Witt said.

Finally, he mentioned the newest industry to announce their arrival in Berea  AppHarvest  a name he said speaks for itself.

"I don't have to speak too much on this one, everyone here is familiar with their name," he said.

Story continues

AppHarvest is an Ag-tech farming facility which will erect a facility on Farristown Road within the next year.

According to Witt, the steel frames and structure are already going up after the groundbreaking which took place only months ago.

"They are moving at a lightning speed, and they are also a great local corporate partner to have that practice what they preach," he began. "They speak for themselves and we are very fortunate to have them."

In regards to further expansion and future "fish to catch," Witt stated the city has 87 acres of contiguous land which could be used for new industry and development.

"It is mostly zoned ag, and we would eventually have to be rezoned," he shared. However, he said any decisions would be made strategically, financially and conservatively.

However, projections are strong for the city in regards to industry.

"Thank you for your trust in our company, in my company. Berea is a big contributor to our success and we are happy to be a partner in Berea's (success)," Witt said.

Council member Steve Caudill, agreed.

"It's been a refreshing time over the past four or five years to help and be a part of securing and building our economic development," he said. "...It is great to get industry partners that care about our community."

In other business, the city approved a resolution which would allow Mayor Fraley to sign a grant application for a grant from the Kentucky Department of Local Government for assistance under the recreational trail program for the Scaffold Cane shared-use path.

Fraley said the city applied for the grant last year, but was not able to secure the funding. However this year, Fraley and members of the Bluegrass Area and Development District feel they have better chances if they reapply.

This grant would fund a maximum of 80% of proposed project cost with the city funding 20%.

Other business:

There was no city administrator's report following the retirement of former City Administrator David Gregory on June 30. However, he had Mayor Fraley request a motion from the city council to approve an overage change in a line item of the city's budget regarding property insurance. The overage of $16,000 was approved.

A resolution was approved to allow Mayor Fraley to apply for a federal disaster assistance grant from FEMA for economic losses to the city from the snow and ice storm in February of 2021. They would be applying for nearly $159,719.78 to refund police and fire response, debris removal, salting and plowing, and utilities.

Municipal Order 05-2021 was approved which adopted revised personnel policies and procedures that was unanimously approved by the personnel board and recommended to the city.

The second reading of Ordinance 15-2021 was approved which amended the city's code of ordinances by revising section 27.030 to permit a family member of an elected official or appointed city officer to accept seasonal employment for a period of nine months or less, when approved by the mayor in writing.

The city of Berea was the last of the three government bodies to approve an ordinance which approves and adopts an interlocal agreement relating to the local airport board and Eastern Kentucky University, Berea, the city of Richmond, and the Madison County Fiscal Court. This measure allows EKU to sit on the board with equal partnership as the other bodies.

A second reading of a communications ordinance with OpenFiber LLC to operate and maintain in the city of Berea for public and private use and to occupy the public streets, highways, avenues, alleys, bridges, and public places for such purposes for a time period of 10 years.

American Legal Publishing Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio completed the 2021 S-27 Supplement to the Code of Ordinances of the city which contains all ordinances of a general nature enacted since the last supplement was created. This ordinance that accepted this new supplement was approved in the second reading.

A first reading was heard regarding updated and authorized positions and assigned grades of pay for different departments. In administration, there are no grades set for the city administrator, their assistant, or the HRC administrative assistant. Several other changes are drafted in other departments such as removing entire positions or having no determined pay grade. Some departments with changes include Business and Tourism Development, Fire, Parks and Recreation and Police.

A first reading was given regarding Ordinance 21-2021 which amending the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Salary Scale and the revised scale would replace the former one in its entirety.

The next Berea City Council is scheduled to take place July 20 at 6:30 p.m. at 212 Chestnut Street in Berea.
Since LUMA Energy, a new company set up by U.S. and Canadian conglomerates, Quanta Services and ATCO, took over operation of the Puerto Rico electrical grid, voltage fluctuations are damaging hospital equipment and household appliances, sometimes leading to fires.

Last week, hundreds of thousands of residents and businesses were either without power and water or threatened by lack of electric service to water pumps that may cut off potable water supplies. Previously, an explosion at one of Puerto Ricos main substations left nearly one million electric customers in Puerto Rico without power.

The troublesome developments come after LUMA took over operation of the Puerto Rico electrical grid without having the necessary workforce, without a remediation plan and without performance metrics, among other shortcomings.

As has happened many times before (think Whitefish, a small business in Montana that was awarded a $330 million, no-bid contract in 2017 to repair Puerto Ricos grid), dubious companies are looking to cash in on the federal disaster funds meant to help Puerto Rico recover from the 2017 hurricanes, at the expense of Puerto Rico residents and businesses.

Biden administration can help

The new private operator is proposing to rebuild the centralized transmission and distribution (T&D), fossil-dependent grid that will keep the territory tied to a 20th century anachronism, instead of making way for a lifesaving transformation of the electric system, based on rooftop/on-site solar panels, battery energy storage systems, energy efficiency and similar programs. This type of technical transformation coupled with a new governance structure for the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority that embraces civil society participation, energy literacy, and democracy can be achieved with the help of the Biden administration.

LUMA and its affiliates stand to profit from approximately $14 billion in federal funds allocated for the Puerto Rico electric system by rebuilding the existing grid. Their gains could deprive Puerto Rico residents and businesses of the opportunity to have a say in the electric grid for at least a generation. The Biden administration should not allow this travesty of justice and waste of public funds but rather should earmark the resources allocated to PREPA for on-site renewables and storage along the lines of the Department of Energy Solar for All program.

Story continues

A related concern is that part of the FEMA funds are being geared towards new natural gas-fired (methane) plants. One company looking to place Puerto Rico into greater dependence on fossil-fired energy generation is New Fortress Energy, a fracked gas dealer. In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, New Fortress built a Liquified Natural Gas terminal in San Juan without Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) authorization and now seeks to expand its gas heavy operations throughout the territory using the FEMA funds to build new fossil plants.

New Fortress is pushing an alleged transition with more natural gas, already Puerto Ricos largest source of energy generation, before going to renewables. Other countries, like Australia and Japan, have made huge strides, rolling out rooftop solar and storage in much less sundrenched latitudes.

Involve communities

Another conglomerate eyeing FEMA funds for big profits is the AES Corporation, which, through its affiliate, AES Puerto Rico, LLC has held Puerto Rico hostage since 2002. The investment of federal funds to rebuild the T&D system would perpetuate AES operations in Puerto Rico. At the dawn of the 21st century, AES built Puerto Ricos first coal-fired power plant in Guayama, in southeastern Puerto Rico. AES did not build or arrange for a disposal facility for its coal-ash waste, because it alleged, falsely, that it could create a market for the reuse of all the heavy metal-laden residuals or export the toxic waste back to the open-pit mines in Columbia, South America. Instead, AES shipped hundreds of thousands of tons of its coal ash waste to Florida.

The Biden administration could avoid these disasters that also have spillover effects in the states. The federal government should support Puerto Rico civil society efforts to transform the electric sector to decentralized onsite/rooftop renewable energy through solar power and storage, involving organized communities, the public utility and local contractors.

As a new hurricane season begins, one that is predicted to be 60 percent more active than average, rooftop solar and storage can provide lifesaving resiliency and save FEMA and the federal government a lot of money, while putting into practice President Bidens commitment to tackling the climate crisis, focusing on environmental justice and strengthening the middle class with good paying renewable energy jobs and sustainable economic development.

Ruth Santiago is an attorney with a community and environmental-energy law practice in Puerto Rico and part of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden will host King Abdullah of Jordan at the White House on July 19, the White House said on Wednesday.

Biden reaffirmed strong U.S. support for the monarch shortly after the kingdom announced it had quashed a rift within the royal family that shook Jordan's image as a beacon of stability in the region.

"His Majestys visit will highlight the enduring and strategic partnership between the United States and Jordan, a key security partner and ally of the United States," the White House said in a statement.

"It will be an opportunity to discuss the many challenges facing the Middle East and showcase Jordans leadership role in promoting peace and stability in the region."

Abdullah is on a three-week visit to the United States that will include Biden's first meeting with an Arab leader at the White House since taking office, a July 1 statement from the palace said.

Abdullah strongly opposed former U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East peace plan, which he saw as a national security threat that would also undermine his Hashemite family's custodianship of holy sites in Jerusalem.

Officials say the shift in U.S. policy under Biden towards a more traditional commitment to a two-state solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict has relieved pressure on Jordan, where a majority of the population of 10 million are Palestinians.

(Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Chris Reese and Peter Graff)
Dominic Cummings Getty

EXCLUSIVE: Dominic Cummings faces a probe by the official lobbying watchdog into his activities since leaving office.

UK government rules require former senior advisors to seek advice before taking up paid work after leaving office.

Cummings has set up a paid Substack newsletter and offered himself as a management consultant.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

Boris Johnson's former chief advisor, Dominic Cummings, faces a probe into his activities since leaving office after he failed to seek official advice before setting up a new paid-for Substack newsletter and offering his skills as a management consultant, Insider can reveal.

When Cummings was part of Johnson's government, he was one of the most powerful figures in the UK, guiding the government through the coronavirus pandemic. His effectiveness was reduced when he was caught breaking lockdown regulations in May 2020 by driving hundreds of miles to see his family in Durham. The apparent hypocrisy of that incident - when British people were asked to stay at home and not travel - lowered public confidence in the government's handling of the pandemic. He resigned as chief advisor to the prime minister in November 2020, after falling out with Johnson.

Since then Cummings has refashioned himself as a dissident and scourge outside the government, by using Substack to publicly leak damaging and gossipy information he gathered during his time by Johnson's side.

Now, the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments has written to Cummings to remind him he is required under government rules to seek their advice before taking up new employment for up to two years after leaving office.

ACOBA's guidance states that former special advisors "must not, at any time, draw on any privileged information gained in office" after leaving.

The guidance also states that individuals entering into a "longer-term arrangement" of speaking engagements, media appearances, and newspaper articles must consult ACOBA prior to taking up the work.

Story continues

However, Cummings last month set up a Substack, which includes posts for subscribers only, charged at 10 a month, in which he has revealed communications he had with the prime minister.

Cummings' Substack posts have so far included leaked messages from Johnson calling Matt Hancock, the former Health Secretary, "f---ing hopeless"; and claims that Johnson "lies - so blatantly, so naturally, so regularly - that there is no real distinction possible with him, as there is with normal people, between truth and lies".

He's also offered himself as a management consultant where "fees slide from zero to lots depending on who you are / your project"

Alistair Carmichael MP, the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Political & Constitutional Reform, told Insider: "Dominic Cummings did not care for the rule of law when he was in government so it's little surprise he has no care for it when he is outside of government and looking to make money in new and innovative ways.

"Presumably ACOBA was another form of constitutional accountability that Cummings would have torn down if only he had a little more time.

"Cummings clearly has contempt for ACOBA and the rules that the rest of us follow, just like his former boss Boris Johnson. Despite their current mutual enmity, when it comes to their corrosion of public life the two of them are all too alike."

A former senior government official previously told Insider: "It is little surprise that someone who's reported to have said a 'hard rain' was going to fall on Whitehall is ignoring the requirements the rest of us have to follow. And it's unlikely that much sleep will be lost at the prospect that a breach of the Business Appointment Rules could affect his chance of receiving an honour.

"Still, given he told the select committee 'there are all sorts of ways in which you could have greater transparency', it's strange he's not starting with his own post-government roles."

ACOBA's letter to Cummings, and any response from Cummings, is likely to be published next week.

Of Cummings' activities the Prime Minister's Official Spokesperson has previously said: "We expect all current and former advisors to act in full accordance with the special advisers' code of conduct".

The Cabinet Office is also reported to have looked at what actions might be taken against Cummings, the Financial Times reported.

Breaches of his employment contract were considered as one possible avenue, amid fears any actions could turn Cummings into a "martyr", according to Whitehall sources the Financial Times spoke to.

Following a request for comment by the Financial Times, Cummings tweeted: "Typical of government that internal discussions about employment contracts 'leak' to their inter-office mailing system (FT)..."

Insider has contacted Cummings for comment.

Read the original article on Business Insider
BRASILIA (Reuters) -Brazilian health regulator Anvisa on Wednesday gave the go-ahead for the Butanvac COVID-19 vaccine developed by Sao Paulo's Butantan Institute biomedical center to be used on volunteers in clinical trials.

Anvisa in a statement said the vaccine will be applied in two doses, 28 days apart. Phase I of Butanvac's clinical trial will involve 400 volunteers, and the first two phases are expected to involve 6,000 volunteers in total.

In a separate statement, Butantan said the tests will begin in the coming days in Riberao Preto, a city in the state of Sao Paulo.

Butantan said it has around 10 million doses of the Butanvac shot in stock, which will be used to assess the vaccine's safety and efficacy in the trials. It hopes to have 40 million shots ready for use by October, it added.

Brazil registered 54,022 new COVID-19 cases and 1,648 new deaths in the past 24 hours, the Health Ministry said on Wednesday. This brings the total in Brazil to nearly 18.9 million cases and 528,540 deaths.

(Reporting by Jamie McGeever and Eduardo Simoes; Editing by Leslie Adler and Bill Berkrot)
BRASILIA (Reuters) -Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said on Wednesday he may not accept the result of a presidential election next year unless the voting system, which uses computers to record votes, is replaced with printed ballots that he favors.

"If this method continues, they're going to have problems," he said on a radio interview. "Because one side, which is our side, may not accept the result."

Bolsonaro's comments add to concerns that he is setting the stage to refuse to accept an election loss in 2022, much like his hero, former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Bolsonaro, who polls show is trailing leftist ex-President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, backed Trump's claims of a stolen election last year, which culminated in a deadly Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol building in Washington by Trump supporters.

Bolsonaro's comments also represent a hardening of his unfounded stance that the current system is liable to voter fraud. He is pushing a bill for printed votes, but it has failed to gain much traction in Congress.

Last week, Bolsonaro said he would not hand over the presidency if there was any vote fraud, the latest in a series of broadsides that critics argue are designed to weaken the credibility of Brazil's electoral system.

The president also said in the radio interview on Wednesday that he had asked the chief executive of state-run oil giant Petrobras to oblige Brazilian refineries to publish a breakdown of fuel prices so consumers know how much of the price of fuel was made up of taxes.

(Reporting by Pedro Fonseca and Jamie McGeeverWriting by Jamie McGeever and Gabriel Stargardter)
Controversial beer company Brewdog has ignored an Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ban on a "misleading" ad by reposting it on social media.

Company boss James Watt posted the ad on Twitter and Linkedin and included a rebuke to the advertising watchdog for its "pretty meta" move.

The ASA told the BBC: "We're aware of Mr Watt's comments on social media.

"The ad rules are clear: you can't make health claims for alcoholic beverages, and that still stands."

An Instagram post for Brewdog's Clean & Press Hard Seltzer said: "Due to advertising regulations we cannot claim this drink is healthy," but continued with a reference to a low calorie claim.

Brewdog said the ad was "tongue-in-cheek" but agreed not to use it again.

But on the day the ban was announced Mr Watt republished the ad on social media, writing: "The ASA have banned our Instagram advert for saying that we cannot call our seltzer a health drink because we cannot call our seltzer a health drink. Pretty meta. We are also not allowed to tell people it only has 90 calories. Even though it has."

Brewdog was also reported to the ASA last week for claiming a competition prize was solid gold and worth 15,000.

The Scottish firm had offered 10 people the chance to find a gold can hidden in a case of its beer.

Several winners of the gold beer can prize contested Brewdog's claim about its value when they discovered it was merely gold plated.

Brewdog said it stood by the valuation. Meanwhile, the ASA continues to look into whether the competition breached any of its rules.

Healthy beer?

The company's ad for its Clean & Press Hard Seltzer ran in January. It said: "Even though Clean & Press is only 90 calories per can, with no carbs or sugar and a little bit of alcohol, this is not a health drink. If you are looking for a health drink, do not drink Clean & Press."

Story continues

The ASA also challenged whether the ad used nutrition claims that were not permitted for alcoholic drinks and whether the phrase "a little bit of alcohol" implied that the drink was low alcohol despite the product having an alcoholic strength by volume (ABV) of 5%.

The ASA said "only 90 calories per can" and "no carbs or sugar" were nutrition claims that were not permitted for alcoholic drinks, as was the implication that the product was beneficial to overall good health or health-related wellbeing.

The ASA said consumers would understand the claim "a little bit of alcohol" to mean that the product was low alcohol when it had an ABV of 5%, finding that the ad breached the Advertising Code on this point also.
(PHOTO: Elemis)

Our editorial team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the products and deals we love. If you love them too and decide to purchase through the links below, we may receive a commission. Prices were correct at the time of publication.

Luxury British skincare brand is making its way to Singapore for the first time, with the opening of its first-ever flagship at Ion Orchard. This new location, which spans 52 sqm, embodies Elemis new retail strategy, which merges the aesthetics and design of the brands history with luxury and modernity at its core.

To better serve guests across different locations, Elemis also concurrently launched a similar concept store in Raffles City to provide convenience and ease of shopping for consumers.

Both stores in Singapore will offer guests exclusive technical innovations, such as their High-Definition camera. We are thrilled to be launching Elemis in Singapore, says Noella Gabriel, Elemis Co-Founder & Global President. "Our High-Definition camera marks the start of every customers Elemis Skin Wellness Journey, also known as an HD Skin Consultation. This powerful tool goes beyond what the eye can see and provides an in-depth analysis of the guests skin condition, paving the way to the best product and treatment recommendations."

Elemis Superfood Facial Wash. (PHOTO: Elemis)

On future expansion plans, Elemis is looking to launch new retail outlets across APAC, EMEA and the US over the next 12 months.

Following an evolution and re-imagining of the brand, this new location brings to life our new vision for modern retail selling and customer experience to deliver a bespoke brand expression. As we expand our retail footprint globally, consumers should expect a unique local experience that tailors our brand codes to regional shopping behaviour, says Marc Gallagher, Elemis Chief Brand & Digital Officer.

Home to state-of-the-art technology in facial mapping, customers are invited to kickstart their Elemis Skin journey with a complimentary HD Skin Consultation with an Elite Skincare Specialist. The medical-grade Elemis HD Skin Reveal Camera is an advanced diagnostic tool to provide an in-depth analysis of the skin. Combined with a lifestyle consultation, the Elite Skincare Specialist will create a personalised skincare plan to target individual concerns and help achieve skincare goals.

Elemis is now available in Ion Orchard (#B1-15), Raffles City (#01-31) and exclusively online at Lazada.com.sg.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.  Around the globe, the rare and tragic collapse of a 40-year-old condo tower in Surfside has motivated residents to scrutinize their buildings with fresh eyes. Were checking out every crack, chip and rust stain and asking whether they might portend a catastrophe.

Its a challenging task. Unless you have an engineering degree, real-world experience and sophisticated testing equipment, its difficult to discern the difference between cracks caused by normal settling and others warning of shifts in the earth below that could result in serious damage if left unrepaired.

But the increase in attention  around the world  might be the only good thing to come out of such a grim event, according to construction restoration engineers.

The tragedy was a wakeup call for building owners, residents and government officials everywhere, said Syed Mehdi Ashraf, a South Florida engineering consultant and author who has taught courses in structural steel and prestressed concrete at Florida International Universitys Department of Civil Engineering. Construction engineers overseas are fascinated that such a failure  whatever ends up being the cause  happened in the United States, which develops building codes other countries follow, he said.

Its on the front pages of newspapers in India and Great Britain, he said. I got a call from India, his native country, from a former classmate who said the government is rapidly trying to audit the buildings in the state. He asked me if I wanted to help and I said, Yes.

Calls from commercial high-rise owners to Foundation Professionals of Florida, a geotechnical engineering consulting firm with offices in Hollywood and throughout the state, have increased 25% to 30% since the collapse, said company vice president David Brown.

Callers are seeking the companys help interpreting warning signs and whether they warrant further testing or repair, Brown said.

The signs include:

Story continues

Cracked or crumbling concrete

Decades ago, builders often mixed concrete at project sites, Ashraf said. As hard as it might be to imagine today, some builders used beach sand to mix concrete used for beachfront structures. The salt in the beach sand worked with the salt blowing off the ocean to speed up deterioration of the concrete and corrosion of the steel reinforcing bars that hold the concrete in place, he said. Even for beachfront buildings not composed of concrete made with beach sand, salt air is brutal, he said.

It starts with hairline cracks in the concrete. They kind of widen. Then you start seeing bulging, and it becomes soft on the surface. The bulges get larger until the concrete begins falling in chunks, a process called spalling. Dark brown stains are signs that the steel reinforcement bars are corroding.

Spalling can occur in several places along slabs or columns. As the concrete is eaten away, it becomes more porous, allowing more water to reach the steel, which then shrinks in diameter. Ultimately, the steel and concrete become so weak they can no longer support as much force as when the building was new, he said.

Today, concrete is mixed off site and is much more resistant to spalling, Ashraf said. A building constructed in 2021 should not generate as much concern in 2061 as we have today about a building built in 1981, he said.

Interior cracks

Cracks in walls, window frames or floors can be signs of trouble, Foundation Professionals spokeswoman Nicole Gunter wrote in a blog entry posted on her companys website.

Even a slight movement of the foundation can cause difficulty opening or closing windows or doors, she said. Stright-line cracks in floor tiles that run from wall to wall can be a sign of foundation damage. Chances are good that under the tile, the concrete foundation has developed cracks as well.

Uneven or bowing walls or floors

Sometimes areas of the floor will be sunken, heaved or sloped. Look for bowing floors or areas where floors are separating from walls.

Diagonal cracks at the corners of windows and doors

Cracks that start at the top corners of doors or windows and extend toward the ceiling can be a sign of a shifting foundation. Hairline cracks might not be anything to worry about. It happens when new homes settle a bit or if a house is left vacant without climate control for a period of time, Gunter said. But if the cracks are large, that means a shift in the foundation, she said.

Wall rotation

When water saturates the soil under a building, it can cause the weight of the building to push one side of the foundation deeper into the soil. Meanwhile, the dry inside edge of the foundation pulls up. Wall rotation is a serious problem, Gunter said.

Other warning signs

Stairstep cracks on the exterior or interior.

Gaps between walls and the ceiling, between the ceiling and floor, or both.

Popping sounds from roof trusses.

Porches or chimneys that have separated from the house.

Cracked or out-of-place moulding.

Cabinets or doors that swing open.

Water intrusion in the basement.

Shifts in foundations can be caused by a number of issues. A builder might not have compacted the fill dirt brought to the project site to the density needed to minimize settlement.

If a builder is in a hurry, sometimes theyll leave tree stumps in the ground and fill in the dirt around them, she said. As the tree stumps and their root systems decompose, cavities are created and the fill dirt moves into them.

Jim Olsen, director of geology and geophysics for Geohazards Engineering and Geology, which frequently works with Foundation Professionals on restoration projects, says his company is also fielding more requests for testing services since the Surfside collapse.

Its better to err on the side of caution, he said. You should be aware of the conditions you are living in. Is there distress to the structure? Has it been kept up well?

A decade ago in Sarasota, residents of the Dolphin Tower high-rise condominiums averted a Surfside-level catastrophe after the buildings property manager recognized signs of rapid deterioration and quickly summoned engineers to determine what was happening.

Entering their unit one day in 2010, the managers found the front door was stuck to its frame and difficult to open. Cupboards were prying loose from bowing drywall. Beneath their feet, tile was cracked and chipped in several places.

Engineers installed thousands of shoring posts to prevent the 37-year-old buildings upper 12 stories from collapsing above its three-story parking garage. Residents of the buildings 117 units were evacuated for what turned out to be $9 million of restoration work lasting five years.

A 24-inch elevated transfer slab separating the parking garage from the residential stories above it turned out to be the culprit, said Hythm Bakr, owner of The Bakr Group LLC, a Sarasota-based consulting firm that worked on the restoration project. Unequal forces to the underside of the slab led to cracks that would have eventually collapsed the slab in a phenomenon called punching shear.

Thats not likely what led to the collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Bakr said. However, warning signs that something very dangerous was taking place near the base of the building were similar to those that should alarm residents of any building to look further, he said.

People just need to be vigilant, he said. Watch and keep an eye out for signs.

Owners who suspect threats to the structural integrity of their buildings should seek a professional opinion, Brown said. His company will come out at no charge and perform a visual inspection. Well let them know if we feel it needs nothing, he said.

And it may well need nothing. Some cracks result from normal settling while other seemingly serious issues, such as a balcony separating from its exterior fastening, might not signify larger structural problems, Gunter said. Balconies can collapse on their own, and not always part of the main structure or the main structural integrity, she said. Sometimes the structure fails and with it goes the balcony.

Gunter recommended having a separating balcony inspected by a geotechnical consultant.

To be sure, costs can mount if further testing and repairs are required for any structural damage, Brown said. Homeowners insurance will cover many issues, but not others, Olsen said, adding that sometimes consumers have to put up a fight to get their insurer to fund repairs.

Consumers should be wary of companies that feed off fear and are eager to begin work before conducting a thorough analysis, Olsen said.

Call three companies and ask a lot of questions, Brown advises. Ask the companies to show examples of previous work and what companies theyve worked for, he said. Find out how long theyve been in business. And, he warns, beware of startups heading to South Florida to exploit the newfound concerns.
Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images

A new heatwave is predicted to bring dangerously hot weather to Californias inland regions this week, as relentlessly high temperatures continue to torment the west coast.

Meteorologists are warning residents to prepare for potentially record-breaking temperatures as high as 115F (46C) in the Central Valley and 120F (49C) in desert areas like Palm Springs, with temperatures in Death Valley set to approach an all-time high. The heat is predicted to start to build on Wednesday and increase through the weekend.

Temperatures are going to be about 10 degrees above normal for this time of year, said Diana Crofts-Pelayo a spokesperson for the California office of emergency services. This will be a record-setting heatwave.

Related: North America endured hottest June on record

The state is already facing extreme drought and fires spawned by the dry conditions. The fire situation could be intensified by gusty winds near the Oregon border and predicted lightning storms in the Sierra Nevada mountains, the forecasters said.

The big story is the developing heat, said Eric Schoening, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service (NWS). This will be a long duration event, where it is not going to cool down much at night. So it is a dangerous time for the state.

The warnings follow on the heels of last weeks record-setting heatwave in the normally-cool Pacific north-west, which left hundreds dead in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia from heat-related illness, and as North America emerges from the hottest June on record.

The fact that Californias heat is expected to continue at night raises the risks of heat illness, said Sierra Littlefield, an NWS meteorologist.

When its hot in the day and warm at night, it really wears people down, she said.

Littlefield said residents should prepare themselves to cope with the heat by drinking plenty of water, postponing outdoor work to the early mornings or evenings and making sure to get animals out of the sun. Residents should plan for a place to go, if it gets so hot they need air conditioning.

Story continues

People should know where they can find air conditioning  whether its with friends or at a cooling center, she said.

The state office of emergency services is compiling a website with a list of cooling centers and tips for staying safe in high heat.

Forecasters said that those in the biggest population centers of the state, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, which lie along the coast, will benefit from ocean cooling and not face the extra high temperatures.

One danger state officials are still assessing is whether the heatwave could result in power shortages, said Crofts-Pelayo.

She advised residents in the inland areas to pre-cool their homes, if they have air conditioning, and lower their shades to keep the cool air in. She also asked residents statewide to conserve electricity by shutting off unnecessary appliances.

What we dont want is for there to be a shortage of energy that requires power shutdowns, she said.
Jul. 7Honolulu firefighters today rescued a visitor from California who injured her knee while hiking on the Maunawili Falls Trail.

At 11 :46 a.m. the Honolulu Fire Department received a call about an injured hiker, a 47-year-old woman, who was on the trail with four companions when she injured her right knee.

Two rescue specialists from HFD hiked up the trail via the Maleko Street entrance and made contact with the hiker at 11 :59 a.m. They put her on a stretcher and airlifted her via Air 1 to a landing zone near Maunawili District Park.

The woman was then transferred to the care of the Honolulu Emergency Medical Services at 12 :36 p.m.

The other hikers were not injured, and walked back down the trail accompanied by HFD personnel.
Reuters Videos

JAY BUTLER: The question about boosters is one that is being intensively reviewed U.S. health officials on Tuesday said the U.S. is reviewing the need for a third COVID-19 booster shot among those who have already been vaccinated but needs to see more data to know if additional shots could raise people's risk of serious side effects. During a media briefing, Jay Butler, the deputy director at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said there is concern that a third dose could potentially come with even greater risks. JAY BUTLER:The risk of some of the rare side effects that have been reported have been greater after the second dose and even just the local reactions, which are fairly common, are more common after second doses as well So we're keenly interested in knowing whether or not a third dose may be associated with any higher risk of adverse reactions, particularly some of those more severe, although very rare, side effects. Pfizer says it plans to ask U.S. regulators to authorize a booster dose of its COVID-19 vaccine, based on evidence of greater risk of infection six months after inoculation and the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant. But officials at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said after a meeting Monday with Pfizer that they don't see the need at this time for a booster.Butler from the CDC said on Tuesday he has not seen any evidence of waning immunity to COVID-19 among U.S residents who received shots in December or January and that existing vaccines provide significant protection against the Delta variant.Health officials could get some real-world data soon.Israel on Sunday began offering a third dose of Pfizer vaccine to adults who are immunocompromised but said it was still weighing whether to make the booster available to the general public after new infections have risen amid the rapid spread of the Delta variant.Back at the White House, the Biden administration is trying to focus efforts on getting shots into the arms of Americans who have been vaccinated at all, especially young people.To that end - pop star Olivia Rodrigo will visit President Joe Biden and infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci at the White House on Wednesday to record videos encouraging Americans to get their shots.
Jul. 6CARROLL COUNTY  The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce has been awarded funding for small businesses in the county. The United States Department of Agriculture has awarded the chamber $99,000 for reduced interest loans and training funds. Businesses with less than $1 million in gross annual revenue and fewer than 50 employees are eligible to apply for the funds.

The loan and training are part of a comprehensive business development program, BizExcel, now offered by the chamber. The program includes a one-stop shop for start-up and existing business owners to grow their businesses.

The BizExcel program will offer a business planning class twice annually, business-related workshops, and a stronger partnership with the Hoosier Heartland Small Business Development Center for business resources, including one-on-one business counseling.

"The BizExcel program is important to the chamber because there are lots of great, aspiring and existing small business owners with good ideas. We want to help ensure their success by giving them the tools they need," said Chamber Executive Director Julia Leahy.

A local loan committee has been formed to provide oversight for loan requests. Committee members include Derek R. Fisher, CPA, Fisher & Associates; Deborah Plue, Shepherd Insurance LLC; and Eric Ross, vice president/commercial development officer, Security Federal Savings Bank.

Experienced Entrepreneurship Program Manager Amy Beechy, of Project Matters, LLC, has been retained to manage the BizExcel Program on behalf of the chamber, with financial support from the Carroll County Commissioners and County Council. The program is based on a business incubation model used by Beechy in other counties and touts a better-than-average small business success rate and steady job creation.

"We're so excited to bring this education and funding program to Carroll County. We have the resources in place that are proven to strengthen small businesses. A thoughtful and experienced loan committee has been formed, and we're ready to get started," said Beechy. Existing businesses that meet the size standard and have been in operation for at least two years may contact Beechy for a loan application. New businesses are required to take part in the business planning course and complete a business plan prior to applying.

For businesses interested in the BizExcel program, contact Amy Beechy at 574-709-7955 or amy@projectmattersllc.com.

Reach Kristi Hileman at kristi.hileman@pharostribune.com or 574-732-5150
By Noora Puro, Manager  GRI Sector Program

Northampton, MA --News Direct-- GRI

Public comment period underway for proposed GRI Sector Standard for Coal

As the build-up continues to the pandemic-delayed UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), all eyes  and hopefully all agendas  are on how to reach net-zero carbon emissions. And as the International Energy Agency (IEA) made clear in its recent Net Zero by 2050 report, this aim will fall short without a radical decrease this decade in the share of coal in global energy generation. Indeed, taken together, the coal, oil, and gas sectors are the single main cause of climate change due to their production of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Its timely, therefore, that Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has released an exposure draft for a Sector Standard for Coal, currently out for public comment. With the aim of ensuring transparency on impacts that matter most, the draft Standard has the potential to unlock improved public disclosure on the most significant sustainable development challenges facing companies in the coal sector.

Of all GHGs from fossil fuels, 40% comes from burning coal. And given the sectors wide-ranging impacts in areas such as biodiversity and human rights, in addition to climate change, the rationale for developing a new reporting standard is clear.

Impacts and opportunities

The proposed GRI Standard for Coal acknowledges that the sector is challenged by the tension of opposites. On the one hand, organizations have a responsibility to mitigate and combat the effects of climate change  manifested, for example, in how they are transforming their business models to lower-carbon alternatives. At the same time, they have a remit to ensure ongoing operations are conducted responsibly. After all, in some regions, coal mining and consumption is still growing. At least 50,000 people continue to be employed in the coal sector, while hundreds of thousands of jobs are indirectly connected.

In addition, whole regions and communities rely on income from coal. These regions will likely make the shift more slowly than developed countries, where decarbonization is already well underway. And there is an imperative for a just transition, to ensure that workers and communities get both protection and benefits from the shift towards climate resilience and a low-carbon future.

Story continues

A part of GRIs new Sector Program, which has an aspiration to deliver 40 Sector Standards, the exposure draft for the Coal Standard is the culmination of a rigorous process, which has drawn on multi-stakeholder expertise. An independent working group, including diverse and global expertise from organizations within and connected to the coal sector, has been instrumental to getting the draft Standard to this stage. Its final version will help companies use the GRI Standards to identify likely material topics for the sector, increasing consistency when it comes to how they provide transparency to their stakeholders.

Targeting impact areas

The exposure draft makes the connections to existing topic-specific Standards, in areas such as biodiversity, waste, local communities, taxes, and employment. It also introduces new topics that dont have a corresponding GRI Topic Standard.

The Standard emphasizes disclosures that get to the heart of the transition challenges faced by coal companies and the communities where they operate.

For example, it seeks forward looking information on the actions organizations are taking to manage their actual and potential impacts that contribute to climate change. This recognizes the crucial role that the decisions and strategies of fossil fuel companies have on global efforts to mitigate climate change.

This Standard singles out three key topics:

Climate adaption and resilience guides organizations to report on how the low-carbon transition impacts workers and local communities, to encourage a just and fair transition for all. Organizations should also disclose the climate change scenarios they use to assess the resilience of their strategy, and whether they are investing in low-carbon solutions. Acknowledging that the climate change debate evolves rapidly, the topic conveys the latest stakeholder expectations for transparency.

GHG emissions covers carbon and methane emissions from coal activities. It advises organizations to report on all GHG Scopes, including Scope 3 emissions from product use, which cause the most emissions in this sector. Disclosures about product use emissions are not a means to allocate fault, but rather to enable a link to the global carbon budget, allowing set limits on how much can be burned.

Closure and rehabilitation focuses on preparation for ending operations, which can happen quickly, especially from the workers perspective. This topic asks organizations to disclose how they will support the future employability of workers as well as their financial provisions to cover closures and rehabilitation.

Role of coal in society

Even in the IEAs most progressive pathways, coal will be mined for the next 20 years. And the sectors activities will continue to have major impacts on those working for coal companies, their families and surrounding communities. These people-related impacts are also addressed in the Coal Sector Standard. They include issues such as health and safety risks; providing decent work; supporting local development and mitigating social impacts around mining sites; conducting business with integrity when it comes to distribution of wealth and corruption; and last but not least, respecting human rights.

That said, we recognize all sustainability topics are interconnected. The environment may be the initial receptor of impacts, but the effects of climate change will eventually  and at an alarmingly exponential pace  pervade human and animal health and wellbeing.

Seeking multi-stakeholder input

With the global public comment period on the Coal Sector Standards exposure draft open until 30 July, we need your input on its comprehensiveness and relevancy. We encourage all interested parties and stakeholders to complete the online questionnaire. Further development will follow the public comment, and we then expect to launch the final Standard in 2022.

Ultimately, this process is about ensuring GRI can deliver a Standard that meets global requirements and expectations for the best transparency practices in the coal sector. At the same time, we remain ready to help coal companies fulfill their responsibilities towards a just transition through acknowledging and managing their impacts on people and planet.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Noora Puro is a project manager for the GRI Sector Program, and is currently leading the work to develop a sustainability reporting standard for coal companies. She has been with GRI since 2017 and has also worked on the GRI Oil and Gas Sector Standard.

Before entering the world of standard-setting, Noora specialized in corporate and sustainability communications, advising and preparing reports for multinational enterprises. She holds a masters degree in humanities from the University of Helsinki.

ABOUT GRI

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from GRI on 3blmedia.com

View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/the-challenge-for-coal-sector-of-net-zero-and-a-just-transition-678709297
Oxygen

Two men have been handed life sentences without the possibility of parole for their role in the kidnapping and murder of a real estate agent. Last June, a Minneapolis jury found Cedric Berry, 42, and Berry Davis, 42, guilty of the murder of Monique Baugh, 28, according to Minneapoliss Fox 9. I didnt think Id be convicted of this, Davis said in court last Monday, according to Fox 9. If yall watching the same show as me, didnt prove me wrong. On New Years Eve of 2019, the men lured Baugh
A Covid-19 outbreak on China's porous border with Myanmar pushed new cases to the country's highest level in six months, according to official data Wednesday, despite tightened border security.

The coronavirus first emerged in central China in late 2019, but a series of strict measures and harsh border restrictions have succeeded in mostly stamping out cases within its borders.

But on Wednesday, 57 new infections were reported -- the highest daily tally since late January -- including fifteen in the city of Ruili, next to Myanmar.

Twelve of those were Myanmar nationals, according to health authorities in Yunnan province, who said blamed the outbreak on the more contagious Delta variant, which was first detected in India.

Ruili is a major crossing point from Muse in neighbouring Myanmar, which has seen escalating unrest since a February 1 military coup, raising fears that people will flood across the border into China to escape the violence.

The provincial governor said Tuesday that authorities would "resolutely plug all loopholes that may lead to importing the virus".

All 210,000 residents in the city had been tested by Monday night, according to officials, with 90 cases reported in the city over the past week.

Ruili has also been placed under lockdown with residents told to stay home and all schools and businesses closed.

It is the second time in four months that Ruili has been locked down over the discovery of cases imported from Myanmar, after another small outbreak in April.

China closed the main bridge and crossing to Myanmar in March as cases surged across the border.

Authorities have also deployed more soldiers and increased patrols to prevent illegal border crossings and cracked down on human trafficking to prevent an influx of refugees.

The other 42 cases reported Wednesday were imported from overseas.

prw/rox/qan
Reuters Videos

The growing Bootleg Fire continued to devour forest in south-central Oregon on Tuesday, after forcing hundreds of residents in the Klamath Falls area to evacuate, some of whom recounted a harrowing escape. EVACUEE TIM McCARLEY: "The sheriff pulled up, sparks and embers were coming down. Says 'you better get the hell -- if you don't leave, you're dead.'" Reuters visited this Red Cross evacuation center in Klamath County, where residents, including Tim McCarly, spent Monday night. McCARLEY: "You know, before you hear reports of this and these people there and you go oh, poor people, oh poor people, oh that's horrible. But when you're with them, experiencing the same thing and hearing stories, it gives you a different outlook on life. It gives you a different outlook on compassion." As of Tuesday, the Bootleg Fire had burned through more than 200,000 acres and is just one of a number of major wildfires raging nearly unchecked in drought-stricken Oregon. The fires also come amid an unseasonable heat wave, the third for the region this year, an anomaly that many experts attribute to climate change. Dale Kunce, who heads the Red Cross Cascades Region in Oregon, is among them. KUNCE: "So this is not the first wildfire of the season. It certainly won't be the last. It may be the biggest at the end of it, but it won't be the last that impacts people. And what we've seen as the Red Cross is really this change from a one big event a year or one big event every five years or ten years, to now we're seeing chronic events... And, unfortunately, this fire, the Bootleg Fire, got going and without really anything to stand in its way it's just been rampaging with big high winds and really high temperatures, and it's just been moving and moving and moving." The Bootleg Fire, which has been burning since July 6, is now the largest active blaze in the nation, covering an area larger than the size of New York City.
Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., is donating the suit he wore in a viral photo that showed him quietly cleaning up the U.S. Capitol at midnight following the Jan. 6 insurrection.

The congressman announced Tuesday that the blue suit  which he was wearing while filling up trash bags with debris after supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the building in an attempt to overturn the election results  has been given to the Smithsonian Institution, which is collecting items from the riot. Kim told NBC Asian America that as painful as that day was for him, the suit serves as a reminder of the immigrant values he and many others grew up with.

Image: Andy Kim (Andrew Harnik / AP file)

This suit of mine thats with the Smithsonian now is not because of some high achievement that I've reached in this country. It was because I unfortunately was at the site of one of the most tragic events in our American democracy, Kim, the son of Korean immigrants, said. The values it tries to bring about are very much ones that are rooted in my immigrant family. Having humility, having respect for this country that gave us the opportunities that we've had.

He added: I hope other Asian Americans see in that suit the same thing that I see, which is, hope for the kind of future in this country that many of us either immigrated to this country for, or grew up in this country with.

Kim, who purchased the suit on sale at J. Crew, wore it one final time just days after the insurrection while casting his vote for Trumps impeachment on the House floor. The congressman, who had not planned on surfacing it again due to the heavy memories of that day, wrote on Twitter that the Smithsonian had requested the garment to be a part of a Jan. 6 exhibit. He said it was important for the most difficult portions of history to be preserved.

Instead of trying to erase history they dont like after the fact, politicians should just act in a way that doesnt produce such shameful results, he wrote. Its not hard to not incite or cover up an insurrection.

Story continues

The congressman said the Capitol had always been a place of promise for him. The first time he ever visited the building was when he was a child with his parents and his family admired the very rotunda that he was attempting to salvage after the mob.

It was such a moment of pride for her to be able to walk me through that Capitol. I remember how excited she was as an immigrant for her to bring her two kids, through these buildings, to the Capitol Building, he said, referring to his mother. It meant so much to her.

The insurrection, however, was a wake-up call for Kim, who said that the tragedy was evidence that a better world is not inevitable. He said there is a very real chance that his two sons will grow up in an America thats harder than the one he experienced and therefore, theres a necessity to work toward a better democracy.

Image: Andy Kim (Andrew Harnik / AP)

Despite all thats happened, Kim said he remains optimistic because the grit and resilience that he saw in his own immigrant family is not specific to them.

My parents literally immigrated to this country and knew zero people in the entire country when they arrived. Zero. No money, no family, no friends, nothing. That's toughness. That is something that reminds me that the foundation of this country is strong. It's built off of millions of these stories of just hardworking families that just gave everything to this country, he said. Yes, we have instability. And yes, things are bad  If we can anchor ourselves in those values that have helped navigate us through tough times before, we're gonna make it.

Kim said that as future generations see the suit and other pieces of that day, he hopes they will take away the sense of participation that is required in our country and our democracy and recognize that it requires participation from everyone.
The vast majority of signatories of a controversial February 2020 letter in the Lancet condemning the Wuhan lab leak hypothesis as a conspiracy theory defended themselves in a new statement this week, saying they still stand in solidarity with their Chinese counterparts  although they softened their language on the origins of COVID-19.

Out of the 27 signers of the Lancet letter last year, 24 signed the new one.

Peter Daszak, longtime collaborator with the Wuhan Institute of Virology who steered hundreds of thousands of dollars in National Institutes of Health funding to the Chinese lab, helped organize the original Lancet letter despite clear conflicts of interest. The NIHs RePORTER website said the agency provided $15.2 million to Daszaks EcoHealth Alliance over the years, with $3.74 million toward understanding bat coronavirus emergence.

Daszak, a World Health Organization-China joint study team member, maintained a long working relationship with Wuhan's bat lady Shi Zhengli, sending her at least $600,000 in NIH funding for bat coronavirus research.

The February 2020 Lancet letter dismissed the lab leak hypothesis as a conspiracy theory, and outlets pointed to the letter to shut down the debate over COVID-19s origins. The letter claimed scientists overwhelmingly conclude that this coronavirus originated in wildlife and denounced "misinformation" over its origins, adding, "Conspiracy theories do nothing but create fear, rumours, and prejudice.

The new Lancet letter did not use the word conspiracy theories, but it included a citation to an article titled, The lab leak theory doesn't hold up. The rush to find a conspiracy around the COVID-19 pandemic's origins is driven by narrative, not evidence.

The July letter claimed, The second intent of our original Correspondence was to express our working view that SARS-CoV-2 most likely originated in nature and not in a laboratory, on the basis of early genetic analysis of the new virus and well established evidence from previous emerging infectious diseases  We believe the strongest clue from new, credible, and peer-reviewed evidence in the scientific literature is that the virus evolved in nature, while suggestions of a laboratory-leak source of the pandemic remain without scientifically validated evidence that directly supports it in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Story continues

The new letter said: Allegations and conjecture are of no help ... Recrimination has not, and will not, encourage international cooperation and collaboration.

The signatories called on the WHO and its scientific partners to continue investigating the origins, saying the joint WHO-China joint report from March must be considered the beginning rather than the end of an inquiry.

FAUCI SAYS HE HASN'T SEEN INTEL ON SICK WUHAN LAB WORKERS

The United States and its allies are pinning their hopes for a second origins investigation in China on the WHO, despite the first team's visit to Wuhan earlier this year that essentially dismissed the lab leak hypothesis as a widely considered failure.

A State Department fact sheet released in January contended Wuhan lab researchers conducted experiments involving RaTG13, the bat coronavirus identified by the WIV in January 2020 as its closest sample to SARS-CoV-2 (96.2% similar) and the lab has a published record of conducting gain-of-function research to engineer chimeric viruses.

The fact sheet also asserted the lab engaged in classified research, including laboratory animal experiments, on behalf of the Chinese military and that lab workers became sick with coronavirus-like symptoms in autumn 2019.

The U.S. intelligence community said at least one of its 18 agencies is leaning toward the lab leak hypothesis, and President Joe Biden ordered all of the spy agencies to redouble their investigative efforts in May.

The original Lancet letter said the signatories expressed solidarity with Chinese medical professionals, and scientists and public health officials have worked diligently and effectively" to respond to COVID-19, calling Chinas response remarkable.

The new letter echoed this, stating, "Unsubstantiated allegations were being raised about the source of the COVID-19 outbreak and the integrity of our peers who were diligently working to learn more about the newly recognized virus, and, "Our respect and gratitude have only grown.

The July letter noted that signatories Luis Enjuanes, Hume Field, Alexander Gorbalenya, Jonna Keener Mazet, John Mackenzie, Stanley Perlman, and Leo Poon have past or ongoing academic and scientific collaborations on coronavirus biology with colleagues in China and several other countries.

Beyond Daszak, several other signers have connections to EcoHealth, including Field, the organization's science and policy adviser for China and Southeast Asia; Rita Colwell and James Hughes, members of the board of directors; and Mackenzie and Juan Lubroth, EcoHealth partners.

William Karesh, the executive vice president for health and policy at EcoHealth, signed the February 2020 letter but not the July one. He did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Peter Palese, a professor of infectious diseases at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, signed the 2020 letter but not the new one. He responded, NO COMMENT! when contacted by the Washington Examiner.

Palese told the Daily Mail in June, I believe a thorough investigation about the origin of the COVID-19 virus is needed. A lot of disturbing information has surfaced since the Lancet letter I signed, so I want to see answers covering all questions.

Bernard Roizman, a distinguished service professor emeritus of virology at the University of Chicago, also signed the 2020 letter, but not the 2021 one, and did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Roizman told the Wall Street Journal in May he was "convinced that what happened is that the virus was brought to a lab, they started to work with it  and some sloppy individual brought it out. They cant admit they did something so stupid.

Daszak included a lengthy disclosure at the bottom of the July letter, stating neither he nor EcoHealth have received funding from China.

Daszak said EcoHealths work in China ... includes the identification of viral sequences in bat samples, and has resulted in the isolation of three bat SARS-related coronaviruses.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Daszak dismissed the lab leak hypothesis in March when he admitted he took Wuhan lab workers at their word and said he didn't see evidence of a Chinese cover-up. He also criticized the Biden administration for skepticism of WHOs findings and defended China on Communist Party-linked outlets.

Daszak was recused last month from a COVID-19 origins investigation organized by Lancet.

Washington Examiner Videos

Tags: News, China, Coronavirus, NIH, Anthony Fauci

Original Author: Jerry Dunleavy

Original Location: Daszak and scientists stand by Lancet letter condemning Wuhan lab 'conspiracy theories'
(Bloomberg) -- Didi Global Inc. shares fell for a third consecutive day on Wednesday, hitting fresh lows, as China was said to consider closing a loophole used by firms listing their shares abroad.

The ride-hailing company fell 4.6% in New York trading to close at $11.91. The American depositary shares slumped 20% in Tuesdays session, and now trade 15% lower than the $14 they were sold at in the IPO. Didis offering was the second-largest U.S.-listing for a Chinese firm on record. The company has lost over $17 billion of market value so far this week, including about $15 billion on Tuesday alone.

The Chinese government has made it very clear that they act in what they believe to be their own best interests, said Steve Sosnick, chief strategist at Interactive Brokers. This doesnt rule out the idea that one could or should invest in China, it just changes the risk premium that is required.

Regulators in Beijing are planning rule changes that would allow them to block a Chinese company from listing overseas even if the unit selling shares is incorporated outside China, shutting off a route long-used by the countrys technology giants, according to people familiar with the matter.

The China Securities Regulatory Commission is leading efforts to revise rules on overseas listings that have been in effect since 1994, said the people, asking not to be identified discussing a private matter. The proposed changes, which are subject to approval by the State Council, could also impact companies that have already gone public using the so-called Variable Interest Entity model, the people said.

Read: Didi Crackdown Muddies Investment Case for Chinese Tech Stocks

In another blow to the stock, two U.S. shareholder lawsuits were filed in federal court in New York and Los Angeles late Tuesday. The suits claim the company failed to disclose ongoing talks it was having with Chinese authorities about its compliance with cybersecurity laws and regulations. Several executives and directors, including Chief Executive Officer Will Wei Cheng, as well as lead underwriters Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan Chase & Co. are named as defendants.

Story continues

Didi didnt respond to a request for comment. Goldman, Morgan and JPMorgan also didnt respond to requests for comment.

China on Tuesday issued a sweeping warning to some of its biggest companies, vowing to tighten oversight of data security and overseas listings. That put further selling pressure on Chinas biggest technology names including Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and Baidu Inc., which have both closed lower for five straight days.

A gauge of Chinese technology stocks traded in Hong Kong fell as much as 1.9% on Wednesday to approach its lowest level since November. The index has slumped more than 30% since its February high, while a measure of Chinese American depositary receipts has lost about 14% so far this year.

(Updates share prices throughout.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.

2021 Bloomberg L.P.
A group of 37 states sued Google on Wednesday, alleging that the tech giant abused its power over app developers in its Android app store, Google Play, and thereby violated antitrust law.

The lawsuit is the latest attempt by governments to hold the search giant accountable for monopolistic behavior.

The lawsuit has been filed in California federal court and is the third suit filed by state attorneys general alleging Google is breaking antitrust law.

The lawsuit takes aim at the 30% commission fees Google plans to charge app developers from September onward for purchases and subscriptions made by users inside apps.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

The Justice Department last year joined multiple state attorneys general in a long-anticipated antitrust lawsuit against Google alleging it engages in anti-competitive business practices, especially how it has used its search dominance in the online advertising arena to defeat its competitors.

Washington Examiner Videos

Tags: News, Policy, Google, Big Tech, Monopoly, online commerce, Antitrust, State Courts, Android

Original Author: Nihal Krishan

Original Location: Dozens of states sue Google for unfair Android app store behavior
An ATF K9 unit surveys the area near the scene of a shooting on June 12, 2021 in Austin, Texas. (Getty Images)

Drug-sniffing dogs are being sent into early retirement all over the country as more states legalise marijuana.

The Tucumcari Police Department in New Mexico announced on Facebook on 29 June that its K-9 Aries was retiring.

With the legalization of recreational marijuana, K-9 Aries is unable to continue his function as a narcotics detection dog, the department said. The problem is that drug-sniffing dogs can only indicate that a drug is present, but not which specific drug.

A dog cant tell you, Hey, I smell marijuana or I smell meth, Tommy Klein, the police chief in Rifle, Colorado, told The New York Times in 2018. They have the same behaviour for any drug that theyve been trained on.

In places where the drug has been legalized  such as California, Oregon, Maine, Vermont, and Canada  new dogs are needed that have no reaction to cannabis. Even police departments in locations where the drug is still illegal are hesitant to recruit dogs that have been trained to find it.

The owner of Top Dog Police K-9 Training and Consulting in Modesto, California, Ron Cloward, told The Times that a department in Texas asked me not to put marijuana on a dog he was training for them. They had the feeling there could be some changes coming there, and they wanted to plan ahead.

While marijuana is not fully legal in the state, Republican Governor Greg Abbott signed an expansion of medical marijuana into law in June.

The recreational use of marijuana is now legal in 18 states, the District of Columbia, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam. The Associated Press reported in late May of this year that K9s were being retired early in Virginia as the state prepared to legalise possession of up to an ounce of cannabis on 1 July.

The state police in Virginia decided to retire 13 dogs, and many smaller departments decided to retire one or two dogs. Most of these police departments are buying and training new dogs that detect only illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamines. But some departments cant afford the up to $15,000 price tag for a new dog and are instead closing their K-9 units.

Story continues

Dogs trained for multiple drugs alert their handlers in the same way regardless of the drug and also cannot distinguish between a smaller, legal amount of cannabis and a larger, still illegal amount.

This means that they cant be used to establish probable cause for a search.

We wont use our dogs trained in marijuana because that could be a defence an attorney would raise for a client, to say, Which odour did the K-9 alert on  was it marijuana or was it an illegal drug? Bedford County Sheriff Mike Miller told the AP.

The trend is everywhere, the executive director of the United States Police Canine Association, Don Slavik, told the wire service.

Once you train a behaviour in a dog, that never goes away. They dont want any mistakes, so that is why they want to bring in new dogs, he added.

Read More

Retired Ohio sheriff and tiny K-9 partner die the same day

Retiring police officer raises $70,000 to buy his beloved K-9 partner

Doctor Who's K-9 sidekick is dragged into 21st century in computer-designed cartoon
The megaship MV Ever Given which blocked the Suez Canal for six days in March headed out of the waterway on Wednesday as Egypt and the vessel's Japanese owners signed a final compensation deal that lifted its arrest.

The ship weighed anchor and started to move north from the central canal city of Ismailia towards the Mediterranean Sea, shortly after 11:30 am local time (0930 GMT).

The nearly 200,000-tonne container vessel became wedged across the canal during a sandstorm on March 23, blocking a vital artery from Asia to Europe that carries 10 percent of global maritime trade and pumps vital revenues into Egyptian state coffers.

After a round-the-clock salvage operation to dislodge it, Egypt seized the ship and demanded compensation from Japanese owners Shoei Kisen Kaisha for lost canal revenues, salvage costs and damage to the canal.

In a ceremony attended by ambassadors and international media, Suez Canal Authority chief (SCA) Osama Rabie inked a final deal with representatives of the ship's owners.

"I announce to the world that we have reached a deal," Rabie said, flanked by Egyptian and Japanese flags in the ceremony carried live on Egypt's state television.

He described the six-day salvage operations in March as a "race against time" to restore global shipping flows.

"We were facing a tough test with the world watching," he added.

The SCA announced last month that it had signed a non-disclosure agreement with the Japanese firm ahead of reaching a final deal.

Khaled Abou Bakr, a prominent lawyer who headed the negotiation team of the SCA, reiterated Wednesday the "secrecy" of the final compensation package shortly before the signing.

"I can unequivocally state that we preserved the full rights of the Authority," he said.

Cairo had initially demanded $916 million in compensation before slashing that to around $550 million, but the final amount has been the subject of tough negotiations.

Story continues

- Millions in revenues -

Egypt, which earns over $5 billion a year from the Suez, lost between $12 million and $15 million in revenues for each day the waterway was closed, according to the SCA.

The MV Ever Given's grounding and the intensive salvage efforts needed to refloat it also resulted in significant damage to the canal.

In April, maritime data company Lloyd's List said the blockage by the vessel, longer than four football fields, held up some $9.6 billion-worth of cargo each day it was stuck.

The Taiwanese-operated and Panama-flagged vessel was refloated on March 29, and tailbacks totalling 420 vessels at the northern and southern entrances to the canal were cleared in early April.

On Tuesday, the Ismailia Economic Court ruled the seized ship with its crew on board was being released following a request from the SCA.

According to tracking service MarineTraffic, the ship had been moored in the northern part of Great Bitter Lake.

It departed with its complete cargo of 18,300 containers intact, SCA sources told AFP.

In a Sunday interview with a private television channel, Rabie said the Ever Given had suffered "no leakage".

He said Egypt would also receive a 75-tonne tugboat from Shoei Kisen Kaisha as part of the compensation package, and noted that the family of one rescue worker who died during the salvage operation would also be compensated.

"The Suez canal has always been a site of sacrifices since it was built," he said.

- Canal expansion -

Rabie waved off the megaship as it headed to the Mediterranean surrounded by captains clad in white waving Egyptian flags.

In a show of appreciation, the SCA also presented a silver plaque to the Ever Given's captain and crew, who had been stranded for months.

Even with the grounding of the ship, Rabie said on Sunday that canal revenues in the first half of the year had topped $3 billion.

But officials have been keen to avoid reputational damage from the incident, trumpeting Egyptian efforts in the salvage operation.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi swiftly pledged investment to avoid any repetition of the crisis, and in May approved a two-year project to widen and deepen the southern part of the waterway where the ship ran aground.

Sisi had overseen the $8 billion expansion of a northern section of the canal to much fanfare in 2014-15.

bur-ff/hc
UNITED NATIONS (AP)  Egypts foreign minister said Wednesday he will urge the U.N. Security Council to require Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia to negotiate a binding agreement within six months on the contentious issue of water availability from the dam that the Ethiopians are building on the main tributary of the Nile River.

Sameh Shukry said in an interview with The Associated Press that 10 years of negotiations over the hydroelectric dam on the Blue Nile have failed to ensure that water will continue to flow downstream in sufficient amounts to Sudan and to Egypt, where 100 million people are dependent on the river as their sole source of water.

Shukry said Egypt and Sudan called for a Security Council meeting in light of the existential threat to the people of both countries from the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. He also cited Ethiopias decision to start a second filling of the dam's reservoir, which he said violates a 2015 agreement.

The Security Council is scheduled to meet Thursday and will hear from Shukry, Sudans foreign minister and Ethiopias water minister as well as its 15 member nations. It will be briefed by U.N. special envoy for the Horn of Africa Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, U.N. environment chief Inger Andersen and a diplomat from Congo, which holds the African Union presidency.

Tunisia, the Arab representative on the council, has circulated a draft resolution that requests Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia to resume negotiations at the invitation of the African Union chairman and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to finalize a legally binding agreement by next January on filling and operating the dam. It says the deal must ensure Ethiopias ability to generate hydropower ... while preventing the inflicting of significant harm on the water security of downstream states.

In addition, the draft resolution would urge Ethiopia to refrain from continuing to unilaterally fill" the dam's reservoir and call on Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia to refrain from making any statements, or taking any action that may jeopardize the negotiation process.

Story continues

We certainly do support it and believe its a balanced resolution," Shukry said.

He said it empowers the central role of the African Union chairman to conduct negotiations in an enhanced format" to find ways to resolve "the issues that have obstructed reaching a conclusion to these negotiations.

The dam is 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 Ethiopias state media. Ethiopia says the $5 billion dam is essential for making sure the vast majority of its people don't lack electricity.

Shukry has been in New York for several days meeting with all council members to make his case that the resolution is a call for the U.N.s most powerful body to act under its mandate to ensure international peace and security. He said he also has argued that the council taking up the issue would not set a precedent for future discussions of water issues.

On the contrary, the main element of the resolution is very apparent -- that it is encouraging the states to continue to resolve a conflict through peaceful means, through negotiations, he said.

Asked if he foresaw any opposition among the 15 council members to the resolution, Shukry said Egypt believes many of them recognize the importance of addressing the issue. So we believe that in principle, and on the responsibility of the council, there should be no opposition, he said.

He said his message on Thursday will be that negotiations have to have a conclusion,

The resolution offers the best way to ensure that Ethiopia can take advantage of the dam to promote its development while avoiding any significant harm on either Sudan or Egypt, he said.

Stressing that Egypt is 95% desert, and that 60% of Egyptians depend on agriculture for their livelihoods, Shukry said there must be legally binding rules governing the filling of the reservoir and guaranteeing as an insurance that during drought, or an extended drought, Ethiopia would fill the dam in a responsible manner in conformity with the international guidelines and rules that govern this issue.

Shukry said his message to Ethiopia is that agreements have been reached elsewhere in Africa, including Senegal and Niger, as well as in Europe on the Danube River and in Asia on sharing water on rivers that cross borders.

If this cant be achieved, he said, millions of people in Sudan and Egypt will live without security with devastating effects on their livelihoods.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi warned Ethiopia earlier this year that his government would not tolerate any moves that would reduce Egypts share of water from the Nile. He said that all options are open should Egypts share be touched, urging Addis Ababa to cooperate with Cairo and Khartoum to avert any conflict.

Asked if military action was a possibility, Shukry said Egypt will continue to seek a peaceful resolution of the dispute.

So far, unfortunately, our Ethiopian brethren have not demonstrated the necessary flexibility or moderation that can lead to an agreement, Shukry said.

The Egyptian government, he said, "will take whatever measure is necessary to protect the people of Egypt and their water rights.
Eric Adams was declared the winner of the chaotic Democratic primary in the New York City mayoral race on Tuesday.

The final round of results for the June 22 contest, which counted absentee ballots, showed Adams with 50.5% support and his next-closed rival in the ranked-choice election, Kathryn Garcia, with 49.5% support.

"While there are still some very small amounts of votes to be counted, the results are clear: an historic, diverse, five-borough coalition led by working-class New Yorkers has led us to victory in the Democratic primary for Mayor of New York City," Adams said in a statement after the Associated Press made the call.

MANHATTAN DA CANDIDATE WHO BOASTED OF SUING TRUMP 100 TIMES POISED TO WIN PRIMARY

Adams, 60, is bureau president of Brooklyn and a former police captain who would become New York's second black mayor if he prevails in the general election to succeed Bill de Blasio. The odds at becoming mayor are in Adams's favor against the Republican nominee, Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa, as Democrats outnumber Republicans 7-to-1 in the Big Apple.

"Now we must focus on winning in November so that we can deliver on the promise of this great city for those who are struggling, who are underserved, and who are committed to a safe, fair, affordable future for all New Yorkers," Adams said.

The race was beset by controversy last week when the citys board of elections acknowledged releasing erroneous preliminary results from its new ranked-choice voting system. Adams even filed a lawsuit asking a judge to review the ballots after the snafu.

Maya Wiley, another candidate in the Democratic primary, focused on the Board of Elections blunder in a statement Tuesday evening.

"It would be an understatement to express dismay at the BOEs administration of this election ... Today we simply must recommit ourselves to a reformed Board of Elections and build new confidence in how we administer voting in New York City," she said.

Story continues

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat representing parts of the Bronx and Queens who supported Wiley's candidacy, stood among a host of other New York Democrats who criticized the election board for its handling of the election following errors in tabulation.

The incompetence of the New York City [board of elections] far predates ranked-choice voting, Ocasio-Cortez told the Washington Examiner. New Yorkers have been blowing the whistle on the BoE for a few years now, she added.

Adams's campaign established a distinctly different tone compared to the more liberal candidates on issues related to policing, as there have been spikes in robberies and shootings in the city this year.

If we dont get gun violence under control, its going to stop our economic recovery, Adams said at the final mayoral debate among Democratic primary candidates, during which he also expressed support for a targeted expansion of the city's police force to combat crime.

Former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang, who dropped out of the race after a poor election night performance, also sought to woo voters by touting a pro-law enforcement message.

They think Im a better choice than Eric [Adams] to keep us and our families safe, Yang said during the final debate, referring to the endorsement he received from Captains Endowment Association, a union representing police captains. They want someone honest as a partner who will actually follow through.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Wiley, by contrast, supported a $1 billion cut to the NYPD budget, arguing the city is "hiring police officers to do the jobs of social workers."

Washington Examiner Videos

Tags: News, New York City, Election, Eric Adams, ranked choice voting

Original Author: Daniel Chaitin, Jeremy Beaman

Original Location: Eric Adams declared winner of problem-plagued Democratic primary in NYC mayoral race
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo drew fire from New York City Democratic mayoral nominee Eric Adams for his gun disaster emergency executive order, with the mayoral hopeful arguing the governor's actions were too little, too late.

When asked about Cuomo's seven-step executive order announced on Tuesday to curb gun violence in the state by declaring a disaster emergency, Adams accused the governor of taking too long to pull the trigger.

"My first question is, 'What took so long, and why has it taken us so long?'" he said Wednesday on CBS This Morning. "We're watching these babies die year after year after year, and no one seems to care."

NEW YORK FIRST STATE TO DECLARE DISASTER EMERGENCY ON GUN VIOLENCE

The Democratic nominee noted he still needs to "really look into" Cuomo's proposal because "it's so new," echoing Cuomo's language that gun violence amounted to a "public health emergency."

"This is not just a criminal justice issue. It's a public health issue, it's a jobs issue, [and] it's a substance abuse issue, and we have to coordinate them all together, and that's what we're going to do in New York state," Cuomo said on Tuesday.

Adams, a former police chief who campaigned heavily on an anti-crime agenda, argued the root cause of many cities' uptick in crime is a lack of education.

"It's more than gun violence. If we don't educate, we will incarcerate," he said.

Though New York City's mayoral primary was held on June 22, the new ranked-choice voting system meant the contest results were not known until Tuesday night. Adams, who remained the front-runner throughout the tabulation process by varying margins, drew praise from the governor while the votes were counted.

"I like him very much ... I think he is a competent, confident individual," Cuomo said of Adams on June 23, when early results showed Adams with a sizable lead.

Story continues

Despite their differences, current Mayor Bill de Blasio also praised Adams for his "outer borough focused, working-class focused strategy," likening it to his own successful 2013 mayoral bid.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Rising crime rates in New York City are widely believed to have propelled Adams's ascension to the Democratic nomination. The city has experienced 217 murders year-to-date as of Sunday, an 8.5% change from last year's year-to-date figure and a 42.8% change from 2019, according to the New York Police Department. Adams alluded to the public safety aspect of the campaign when declaring victory Tuesday night.

"Now, we must focus on winning in November so that we can deliver on the promise of this great city for those who are struggling, who are underserved, and who are committed to a safe, fair, affordable future for all New Yorkers," he said.

Washington Examiner Videos

Tags: News, Eric Adams, Andrew Cuomo, Gun Control, Gun Violence, Crime, New York, New York City, NYC

Original Author: Carly Roman

Original Location: Eric Adams: What took Cuomo 'so long' to declare a gun disaster emergency?
Ex-policeman Eric Adams was on track Tuesday to become New York's next mayor after the city's elections authorities released new results showing he had maintained his lead in the Democratic primary.

The 60-year-old Brooklyn borough president claimed victory after the Board of Elections said he held a lead of one percentage point over nearest rival and fellow moderate Kathryn Garcia.

The elections board website showed Adams on 50.5 percent, with 403,000 votes, and Garcia, a 51-year-old former sanitation commissioner, in second place on 49.5 percent with almost 395,000 votes.

The board, which has made mistakes in the past and which was forced to recount some results last month, did not say how many absentee ballots were left to count.

It is not due to release final official results until the middle of this month.

The Associated Press news agency called the election for Adams but Garcia did not immediately concede and several local media remained cautious.

"While there are still some very small amounts of votes to be counted, the results are clear: an historic, diverse, five-borough coalition led by working-class New Yorkers has led us to victory in the Democratic primary for mayor of New York,' Adams said in a statement.

If confirmed the winner, Adams will take on Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa in November's mayoral election.

Since New York is a Democratic stronghold, the Democratic candidate is virtually guaranteed to win.

They will have to steer the Big Apple through its post-pandemic recovery.

Adams ran on a public safety platform after a surge in crime in New York, as in most major US cities, since last summer.

pdh/dw
Credit - Photo Illustration By Neil Jamieson for TIME

On the second night of his visit to Kyiv, Erik Prince had a dinner date on his agenda. A few of his Ukrainian associates had arranged to meet the American billionaire at the Vodka Grill that evening, Feb. 23, 2020. The choice of venue seemed unusual. The Vodka Grill, a since-defunct nightclub next to a KFC franchise in a rough part of town, rarely saw patrons as powerful as Prince.

As the party got seated inside a private karaoke room on the second floor, Igor Novikov, who was then a top adviser to Ukraines President, remembers feeling a little nervous. He had done some reading about Blackwater, the private military company Prince had founded in 1997, and he knew about the massacre its troops had perpetrated during the U.S. war in Iraq. Coming face to face that night with the worlds most prominent soldier of fortune, Novikov remembers thinking: What does this guy want from us?

It soon became clear that Prince wanted a lot from Ukraine. According to interviews with close associates and confidential documents detailing his ambitions, Prince hoped to hire Ukraines combat veterans into a private military company. Prince also wanted a big piece of Ukraines military-industrial complex, including factories that make engines for fighter jets and helicopters. His full plan, dated June 2020 and obtained exclusively by TIME this spring, includes a roadmap for the creation of a vertically integrated aviation defense consortium that could bring $10 billion in revenues and investment.

The audacity of the proposal fit with Princes record as a businessman. For nearly a quarter century, the former Navy SEAL has been a pioneer in the private military industry, raising armies in the Middle East and Africa, training commandos at his base in North Carolina and deploying security forces around the world for the State Department and the CIA. Under the Trump Administration, Princes familya powerful clan of right-wing Republican donors from Michigansaw their influence rise. Princes sister, Betsy DeVos, was appointed Secretary of Education, while Prince himself leveraged contacts in the White House to chase major deals around the world.

Story continues

The ones he pursued in Ukraine were among the most ambitious of his long career. But with Trump out of office, the Ukrainian government has slowed the process and invited more competition for the assets Prince coveted. Had it been another four years of Trump, Erik would probably be closing the deal, says Novikov, one of its lead Ukrainian negotiators.

Erik Prince walks to a closed-door House Intelligence Committee meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 30, 2017. Aaron P. BernsteinBloomberg/Getty Images

This account of Princes ambitions in Ukraine is based on interviews with seven sources, including current and former U.S. and Ukrainian officials as well as people who worked directly with Prince to try to realize his aspirations in Ukraine. Those business plans, which have not been previously reported, were confirmed by four of the sources on both sides of the negotiations, all of whom recalled meeting in person with Prince last year to discuss them. The documents describe a series of ventures that would give Prince a pivotal role in Ukraines military industry and its ongoing conflict with Russia, which has taken more than 14,000 lives since it began seven years ago.

The documents detail several previously unreported ventures that Prince and his partners wanted the Ukrainian government to approve. One proposal would create a new private military company that would draw personnel from among the veterans of the ongoing war in eastern Ukraine. Another deal would build a new munitions factory in Ukraine, while a third would consolidate Ukraines leading aviation and aerospace firms into a consortium that could compete with the likes of Boeing and Airbus.

At least one of Princes offers to Ukraine appeared to be in line with U.S. geopolitical interests. As the Wall Street Journal first reported in Nov. 2019, Prince has been competing against a Chinese firm to buy a Ukrainian factory called Motor Sich, which produces advanced aircraft engines. China sought those engines to develop its air force. The U.S., concerned about the rapid growth of the Chinese military, has long urged Ukraine not to complete the sale. Prince emerged as the American alternative, offering to save the factory from Chinas clutches.

But the Ukrainians had serious concerns about working with Prince, according to three people involved in the negotiations. Princes choice of allies in Kyivtwo men with ties to Russiaraised particular alarm. His Ukrainian business partner is Andriy Artemenko, who made headlines in 2017 by offering the Trump Administration a peace plan for the war in Ukraine that envisioned ways for the U.S. to lift sanctions against Russia. Another Prince ally in Kyiv was Andriy Derkach, a Ukrainian legislator whom the U.S. has accused of being an active Russian agent. Both Artemenko and Derkach worked to advance Princes business ventures in Ukraine last year.

We had to wonder: Is this the best sort of partnership we can get from the Americans? This group of shady characters working for a close ally of Trump? says Novikov, the former aide to Ukraines president. It felt like the worst America had to offer. Those concerns only heightened when, at a pivotal moment in negotiations, one of Princes associates proferred in writing a participation offer that Novikov considered an attempted bribe.

As the deals ran into resistance from the government in Ukraine, Princes allies faced bigger problems in New York City, where both Artemenko and Derkach are now under criminal investigation. The U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of New York declined to comment on the investigation, which is reportedly focused on whether the two men were involved in a suspected Russian plot to sway the 2020 presidential election.

Prince does not appear to be a focus of that investigation. But Artemenko tells TIME that federal investigators have questioned him about his relationship with Prince. In interviews with TIME in April and May, both Derkach and Artemenko denied wrongdoing and described the investigation as part of a political witch hunt against Trumps allies. Prince did not respond to numerous requests for comment, including a detailed list of questions about the documents outlining his proposals for Ukraine.

Andriy Artemenko speaks during an interview with Reuters in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Feb. 21, 2017. Valentyn OgirenkoREUTERS

Among the guests at the Vodka Grill was Princes business partner, Artemenko, a tall, clean-shaven lobbyist in his early 50s. Artemenko says he has worked with Prince in the air-cargo industry for at least six years, transporting everything from weapons to vaccines around the world. Born and raised in Kyiv, he now resides mostly in the Washington area. In text messages obtained by TIME, he refers to Prince as the boss.

Their relationship began not long after Prince emerged from the Blackwater scandal of 2007. That fall, a group of Princes soldiers-for-hire shot up a crowded square in Baghdad, killing 17 civilians and wounding 20 others. Several of the gunmen were sentenced to decades in U.S. prisons for their roles in the massacre. (Trump pardoned four of them in his final weeks in office.) Princes testimony in Congress about the incident drove a national debate about the privatization of war, turning him, at the age of 38, into the defiant face of the modern-day mercenary.

In the wake of those killings, Blackwater lost a $1 billion contract to guard U.S. diplomats and officials in Iraq. But the company rebranded and continued to thrive. The Obama Administration granted major contracts to Princes firm to provide security in conflict zones. Princes interests expanded well beyond the military sector. He traded oil and minerals in Africa. He assembled a private army for his friend, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi. He prepared a force in Somalia to combat pirates in the Gulf of Aden. He helped train a hit squad for the CIA. When Trump took office, Prince called on the new Administration to privatize the war effort in Afghanistan, publicly pitching a plan that would let contractors handle many of the U.S. militarys functions.

Over the years, one of Princes most reliable lines of business has been wartime logistics: moving people and supplies into areas of conflict. Starting in 2006, the aviation arm of Blackwater air-dropped food and weapons for U.S. troops on the front lines in Afghanistan. If you need to transport stuff in and out of a war zone, youre not going to call UPS, says a person familiar with Princes business operations. His company does that.

After working as a cargo broker in the 2000s, Artemenko had founded his own transport company in 2010, AirTrans LLC, which frequently flew cargo for Princes operation, he tells TIME. In 2015, Artemenko says, AirTrans officially became a part of Princes company, Frontier Resource Group.

Around that time, Artemenko says, the partners began discussing a venture in Ukraines weapons industry. Russia and Ukraine had been at war since Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014, leading the one-time allies to stop selling weapons to each other. The hardware Russia needed most were engines for its helicopters and fighter jets, many of which are still produced at Soviet-era plants in eastern Ukraine.

Apart from the potential to earn billions of dollars in profit, Artemenko says he saw these factories as a way to broker an end to the war in Ukraine. The Russians need the full complex of aviation technology, starting with the engines, he says. This is a reason to force them to the negotiating table and make a peace deal. We can say: OK, you need these spare parts, engines and everything else from Ukraine? Fine, but we want a deal for [eastern Ukraine], and then we want an agreement on Crimea.'

The idea did not get much traction. Ukrainian officials recoiled at the notion of lifting their arms embargo against Russia in the middle of a war. Another one of Artemenkos peace plans gained notoriety in 2017, when a draft of it reportedly landed on the desk of Michael Flynn, Trumps first national security adviser. That plan, like the first, went nowhere.

Around the same time, Prince held a meeting on an island in the Seychelles with Kirill Dmitriev, a Russian official. The Washington Post reported their aim was to create a back channel from the Kremlin to the White House, an allegation both men denied. Special Counsel Robert Muellers report published in April 2019 devoted a few pages to the Seychelles meeting. According to the report, Prince told his Russian interlocutor that he was looking forward to a new era of cooperation and conflict resolution.

By the time Prince set his sights on the Ukrainian military industry, the nations conflict with Russia had settled into a kind of stalemate, with sporadic shelling and sniper fire along the front lines. Peace talks had stalled, and Ukraines government was increasingly desperate for a way out of the impasse.

The Trump Administration did little to help. Trumps priority in Ukraine was not to make peace; it was to advance his own political fortunes. Amid his campaign for re-election, Trump asked Ukraine to investigate his opponent, Joe Biden, and held up military aid to Ukraine as a means of pressure. The campaign of coercion caused a breakdown in U.S.-Ukrainian relations.

Some advisers to President Volodymyr Zelensky saw Prince as a way to repair the damage. They wanted him to help arrange a meeting with someone in Trumps inner circle, ideally Jared Kushner, the Presidents son-in-law, says Novikov, who was Ukraines liaison to the Americans at the time.

Prince was unwilling to make that connection, says a person familiar with his thinking on the matter. Erik made it very clear that he didnt have the keys to Trumps White House, and that he didnt want to play that game.

As an alternative, Princes team offered to line up an American lobbyist for Ukraine named Joseph Schmitz. A former Blackwater executive, Schmitz had been a foreign-policy adviser to the Trump campaign in 2016 and had contacts in the Administration. He was ready to represent Ukraine for a fee of $500,000 plus expenses, according to a proposed lobbying agreement obtained by TIME. (Schmitz did not respond to emails seeking comment.) Ukrainian officials received that agreement early last year from Artemenkos lobbying firm but did not sign it.

Prince had sought some local assistance of his own. Among the people he met with in Kyiv was Derkach, the Ukrainian member of parliament whom the U.S. later accused of being a Russian agent.

Derkach, who confirmed to TIME that the meeting took place, was well positioned to help Prince understand the terrain. He had worked in Ukraines aviation sector after graduating from an elite university for spies in Moscow, the Dzerzhinsky Higher School of the KGB. In the early 2010s, when Derkach served as an adviser to Ukraines prime minister, one of his tasks had been to develop the aviation and machine-building sectors of the nations economy.

Ukrainian lawmaker Andriy Derkach at a news conference in Kyiv on Oct. 9, 2019. Gleb GaranichReuters

Derkach says he was intrigued by Princes vision for these industries. One major advantage Prince brought to the table was his list of contacts in the developing world. He had worked for many years in the Middle East and Africa, dealing with warlords and autocrats who could become new clients for Ukrainian weapons and aircraft. The main flaw in the plan, Derkach says, was the cooperation it required from Ukraines local factory bosses and oligarchs, who control much of the military-industrial complex.

Thats not so much an issue with Erik, he says. Its a problem of corruption in Ukraine, where you have the factory directors who do not want to sign documents and give up power. Derkach recalled telling Prince: Youve worked everywhere. But Ukraine is special. Its very hard to get any traction here. You have to gather a serious team of people who will move the process along.'

Derkach says he did not join this team, and declines to say whether he was ever paid for the advice he gave Prince. But after their meeting in Kyiv, Derkach began urging Ukrainian authorities to support the deal Prince wanted. In March 2020, he invited Novikov, the presidential adviser, to a meeting to discuss the plans. Derkach said, We already have everyone on board, and still the deal is stalling,' Novikov recalls. Derkach wanted to know who in the Presidents administration was standing in Princes way. That was the only thing he wanted to discuss with me, Novikov says.

In the early summer of 2020, Ukraine moved to cement its partnership with Prince, whose intentions had become far more detailed and ambitious. In one message to Ukrainian officials, Artemenko provided Princes passport information along with a summary of their agenda for an upcoming trip. In a follow-up message, he noted Prince would be in Kyiv for several days during the week of June 15, 2020, and requested meetings with senior officials in the defense and intelligence agencies, adding cryptically: There will be no official calls to government officials, as this visit is strictly private and apolitical.

Arriving in Kyiv on a chartered flight from Minsk, Prince held a meeting that week with Zelenskys chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, according to messages obtained by TIME between the people who arranged Princes travels. (Yermak confirmed to TIME that the meeting took place but declined to discuss it in detail.)

Things appeared to move quickly from there. The Presidents office put Prince in touch with a law firm in Kyiv that frequently works for the Ukrainian government. The firm prepared a legal framework for completing the deal Prince wanted. The work was complex, especially when it came to acquiring Motor Sich, says the person familiar with Princes thinking.

The factory had been privatized in the 1990s, during Ukraines chaotic transition to capitalism. In 2016 and 2017, Chinese investors bought up shares in the factory from its private owners, paying an estimated $700 million for control of Motor Sich. They were not expected to give it up without a fight in the courts. So the lawyers had to find legal grounds for Ukraine to take control of the asset before re-selling it to a new investor. Their plan relied on a regulatory snag: Ukraines anti-trust agency had not granted approval to the Chinese investment. Its this weird situation where the Chinese bought the asset, never received approval for it, and its basically standing still, says the person familiar with Princes thinking. That could allow the Ukrainian government to say: Were going to take control of the asset because its basically not being properly managed, the person says. In a nutshell, thats the argument.

In the weeks after Princes visit, his associates prepared two versions of a detailed business plan and sent them to officials in Zelenskys office. The first, dated June 23, 2020, stated that the acquisition of Motor Sich would require $50 million to purchase a minority stake, and another $950 million to buy 76% of the factory. The money was meant to come from Windward Capital, an investment vehicle that Prince has reportedly used in the past.

A helicopter assembly shop of JSC Motor Sich, Zaporizhzhia, southeastern Ukraine on May 18, 2021. Dmytro Smoliyenko Getty Images

Another business plan for Ukraines military industry, dated June 29, 2020, provided new details and incentives for the government to participate. It described a planned takeover of Antonov, the state-owned airplane manufacturer, by replacing its CEO with an executive from Artemenkos company. The proposal also called for an ultimatum to be issued to the Chinese investors in Motor Sich, who would be forced to either accept an immediate sale or face the loss of value, the plan stated. If Chinese remain uncooperative, the Ukrainian government should take over the factory and transfer control to new investors, the document says.

Another element of the business plan described a partnership between Ukraines main intelligence service and Lancaster 6, a private military company that has previously been involved with Princes deals in Africa and the Middle East. This partnership, which required approval from Ukraines parliament, would build a state-of-the-art training center and a specialized services enterpriseindustry jargon for a private military operationthat would be involved in Ukraines strategic planning, logistics, risk management, security forces training and consulting concerning security risks, according to the plan. (The head of Lancaster 6, a longtime Prince associate named Christiaan Durrant, told TIME he was not aware of any such documents and asked for a copy; after being sent one, he stopped responding.)

Three of the projects described in the documents also include a participation offer, or a cut of the yearly profits. The participation offers listed in the document would be worth a total of around $35 million per year if the plan were to be executed. (The documents do not make clear who would get this money or why.) Novikov, who negotiated with Prince and studied the plan closely while serving as a presidential adviser, says he understood this as a proposal for kickbacks to government officials. It looked like a bribe, he says.

Paul Pelletier, a former U.S. federal prosecutor, agreed that the reference to participation offers looks suspicious. It would be likely to cause alarm bells, he says, at the Justice Department, where Pelletier served for years as a senior official overseeing foreign bribery cases. On its face, the terms suggest some sort of kickback payments to government contracting officialsa definite no-no, says Pelletier, who reviewed the document at TIMEs request. No money or offers of money can flow to government officials, period.

Artemenko insists that he and Prince never acted corruptly in their dealings, in Ukraine or elsewhere. We never paid a bribe at the table, he tells TIME. We dont want to do anything wrong. Only the transparent and legal way. (Asked directly about the purpose of the participation offers, Artemenkos lawyer, Anthony Capozzolo, declined to comment.)

Princes lawyer, Matthew Schwartz, did not respond to a detailed list of questions from TIME, including specific questions about the participation offers and the allegation that they referred to kickbacks.

As Trumps chances in the presidential race began to look less certain in the fall of 2020, so did the prospects for Prince and his contacts in Ukraine.

In September, the U.S. imposed sanctions against Derkach, accusing him of being an active Russian agent involved in a plot to help Trump win a second term. About a month later, four FBI agents showed up at Artemenkos home in the Washington area, Artemenko recalls. They wanted to know about his work in Ukraine, and his relationships with Prince, Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani and others. They asked me about my relationship with Erik, how we met, where we met, Artemenko says. Normal questions.

Meanwhile, the dilemma with Motor Sich has only gotten more complex. The Chinese investors in the factory filed a $3.5 billion claim in December 2020 at an international court of arbitration, claiming that Ukraines decision to block the sale was illegal. The Ukrainian government responded by imposing sanctions against the Chinese investors, one of whom called the move an abuse of state power and the suppression of normal business activity.

Under the Biden Administration, the U.S. does not seem likely to throw its weight behind Princes projects in Ukraine. The U.S. has not been very pro-Erik, says the person familiar with his thinking. In a statement to TIME, a State Department spokesperson said the U.S. supports Ukraines efforts to block the sale of Motor Sich to the Chinese firm, but avoided taking a position on who should own the factory or saying anything about Prince.

Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to the President of Ukraine in Kyiv on Dec. 4, 2019. Paolo VerzoneVU for TIME

That leaves the status of Princes plans for Ukraine unclear. Yermak, the presidential chief of staff, says the government intends to nationalize Motor Sich and keep it under state control. Private investors, including Prince and his partners, would be welcome to bid on a stake in the factory through a competitive tender, Yermak told TIME in an interview in April. We are interested in working with all our partners, he says. We are interested in there being fairness.

At that time, Princes business partner said the two were still interested in bidding for the factory. We are ready to show the money and explain the plan, Artemenko says.

With reporting by Barbara Maddux and Madeline Roache
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP)  The man who killed five people at a Maryland newspaper suffers from autism, obsessive compulsive disorder and delusional disorder, a mental health expert retained by his attorneys testified Tuesday during a trial to determine whether he is criminally responsible due to insanity.

Dr. Catherine Yeager was the second mental health expert to testify about disorders that attorneys say afflict Jarrod Ramos in a case that will largely be a battle between mental health experts.

She testified that she supported a previous doctor's diagnosis revealed in court last week that Ramos suffers from autism spectrum disorder." Dr. Thomas Hyde, a neurologist and neuroscientist also retained by defense attorneys, said Ramos "falls in the milder to moderate spectrum of these problems. Prosecutors questioned his report's validity last week, noting an error and alleging the findings relied too much on Ramos' account.

Defense attorneys, who have the burden of proof and are presenting their case first, have another mental health expert set to testify as soon as Wednesday who contends Ramos is not criminally responsible due to mental illness.

Ramos already has pleaded guilty to 23 counts in the killings of Wendi Winters, John McNamara, Gerald Fischman, Rob Hiaasen and Rebecca Smith at the Capital Gazette newspaper on June 28, 2018. If he were found not criminally responsible, he would be committed to a maximum-security psychiatric hospital instead of prison.

Prosecutors, who are seeking life without possibility of parole, also have experts they plan to call who believe Ramos is criminally responsible.

Yeager, a clinical psychologist, gave examples in court of how the disorders have shown themselves in Ramos over the years, based on screenings and evaluations during 15 hours of interviews over three days with him, a phone conversation with a former friend and Ramos' sister.

Some of the examples Yeager cited came from the 41-year-old's years in elementary school, when a friend described him as a rigid thinker who tended to dress the same way every day and lined up action figures meticulously.

Story continues

The friend also knew Ramos when he returned for high school after a period of living in England with his family, Yeager said. The friend described Ramos as a changed person who would go on ranting about different things.

She also testified of about 20 rituals or obsessive thoughts that Ramos described to her. Yeager said Ramos told her that in high school he felt painfully aware of his presence around other people  and felt he was somehow infringing on other people in face-to-face encounters. As a result, he avoided being around people.

What he said to me was, in high school when he was out of a persons presence, he felt relief, Yeager said.

In what she described as one of the more bizarre examples, Yeager said he told her during an interview with her and colleague, Dr. Dorothy Lewis, that he has an automatic thought process of symmetry, so when he speaks to people their noses have to line up as an equilateral triangle.

So that gives you an example of a very irrational obsession," Yeager said.

Ramos also told Yeager he has a fear of filth and germs that he believes started when he was a young adult, and he spoke of a ritual he goes through when he showers.

He has a procedure for every part of his body, Yeager, whose testimony is scheduled to continue Wednesday, said.

Ramos had a well-documented history of harassing the Capital Gazette's journalists. He filed a lawsuit against the paper in 2012, alleging he was defamed in an article about his guilty plea in a criminal harassment case in 2011. The defamation suit was dismissed as groundless.
A California family is suing Tesla, blaming the companys Autopilot system for a crash that killed their 15-year-old son.

A lawsuit filed last week in Alameda County Superior Court by Benjamin Maldonado Escudero and his wife, Adriana Garcia Maldonado, says that their son was killed in an accident involving a Tesla Model 3, which contains defects which posed an unreasonable risk of injury or death to consumers.

According to the lawsuit, Maldonado Escudero was driving on Interstate I-880 with his son Jovani Maldonado Garcia on Aug. 24, 2019, and changed lanes when his vehicle was rear-ended by a Tesla Model 3, causing Maldonado Escuderos car to flip over and crash into the barrier of the freeway.

As a result of the crash, Jovani was ejected from the car and died from his injuries at the scene while Maldonado Escudero injured his spine, the suit states.

The Tesla was traveling at 69 mph in a 65-mph zone and accelerated to 70 mph in the two seconds before the collision, according to the lawsuit.

McClatchy News didnt immediately receive a response from Tesla for a request for comment.

The suit also names the driver of the Tesla, Romeo Lagman Yalung of Newark, and his wife, Vilma, as defendants.

Tesla is marketed as self-driving, and the Autopilot feature has been described as safe and as good or better than a human driver at detecting hazards, the family says. However, the lawsuit states that Tesla doesnt place limitations on when Autopilot can be used and that Tesla customers use Autopilot in conditions when it is dangerous to do so.

The lawsuit also says that Yalung wasnt in control of the Tesla at the time of the crash and for at least six seconds for the collision and didnt otherwise take any action to avoid the impact with Plaintiffs vehicle.

A video provided by the familys attorney Benjamin Swanson to McClatchy News shows the crash captured from Teslas forward-looking cameras. The video shows the Tesla driving and Maldonado Escudero turning on his right-turn signal before trying to change lanes.

Story continues

Maldonado Escudero said he saw the Tesla approaching from behind and tried to swerve into his original lane, The New York Times reported, citing court documents.

Tesla attorney Ryan McCarthy said in emails to Swansons law firm that were included in court documents that Yalung was at fault, not Tesla, according to the publication.

The police faulted the Tesla driver  not the car  for his inattention and his driving at an unsafe speed, McCarthy wrote, the Times reported.

Teslas chief executive Elon Musk said in a tweet on July 1 that accidents on Autopilot are becoming rarer.

The companys representatives, however, have previously expressed doubts about Teslas self-driving capabilities.
The union that represents FDNY firefighters boycotted of Mayor de Blasios Hometown Heroes ticker-tape parade honoring COVID-19 frontline workers.

The Uniformed Firefighters Association sent the message to members Tuesday saying its too soon celebrate a crisis that has not yet passed.

Our members are still risking their lives daily by exposing themselves to COVID-related illnesses, reads the message signed by union President Andrew Ansbro and recording secretary Vincent Speciale.

Indeed, we currently have a member in the ICU with COVID-related pneumonia. We ask our member to stand in solidarity with the UFA and withhold any participation in tomorrows parade.

Ansbro also charged the city has not fulfilled a promise to use federal money to give hazard bonuses to emergency workers.

Rather than a parade, a more appropriate gesture would be to make good on this promise, he Ansbro said.

The citys two EMS union said Tuesday that FDNY paramedics and emergency medical technicians would boycott Wednesdays Canyon of Heroes parade on Broadway in lower Manhattan.

The position was also taken by most of the other locals of the citys largest municipal union, District Council 37, which represents 150,000 people.

City correction and probation officers also boycotted the parade, according to their unions.

Members of FDNY EMS, who became the face of the COVID-19 fight in the city, have been working mandatory 12-hour tours since the start of the pandemic and saw their call numbers soar.

During the height of the crisis, the members had the busiest days in their history responding to 6,500 medical emergencies a day, FDNY officials said.

But EMTs and paramedics have not seen a raise in their wages or any hazard pay, which some of their counterparts who work for private hospitals and ambulance companies did.

The starting salary for an FDNY EMT is $35,254; it can go up to $50,000 in five years. An FDNY firefighter can make more than $100,000 annually after five years with overtime and holiday pay.
Mel Plumridge (pictured before lockdown): 'Its going to be a long time before people in my position are going to get back to normality'

It may be Freedom Day on July 19 with the prospect of going maskless a real joy and relief for many but, for those with blood cancer, it will be a day more freedoms are taken from them.

Tania Dineen Parish already cant have dinner in the same room as her husband Paul, nor can she sleep with him in their marital bed. Paul has recently returned to his job in facilities management after a period of being furloughed and his increased risk from venturing outside and catching Covid already meant a possible death sentence for his wife. With mask-wearing no longer compulsory from July 19, that risk multiplies.

The couple will continue to live separate lives under the same roof; never eating at the same table, watching TV in the same room and certainly not sharing a cuddle.

The couple have been double vaccinated but Tania has a blood cancer known as chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), which has left her with a weakened immune system and questionable immunity from the virus, despite having the jab.

Ive been shielding for over a year now and, for the first eight months of lockdown, Paul had to move out and rent a studio nearby because he was still working, says Dineen Parish, 53, from Kent. Id just been accepted onto a new drug trial and the treatment meant my immune system was even more compromised so we knew we couldnt take the risk.

While Tania hasnt yet been tested for antibodies, a recent study at the Francis Crick Institute and Kings College London found a much lower antibody response to the vaccine in people with blood cancer (just 13 per cent after the first dose)  much lower than people with other types of cancer (39 per cent) or the general population.

For Tania, and the 230,000 people living in the UK with blood cancer, this means that as the nation unlocks and enjoys the return of freedom in the next two weeks, they will continue to live as prisoners in their own home, for fear that a brush with Covid could lead to hospitalisation or worse.

Story continues

And their fears are far from unfounded.

Tania Dineen Parish

The latest intensive care data shows one in 20 new Covid admissions are for people with blood cancer, up from one in 68 earlier in the pandemic, clearly showing that the vaccines arent working for this highly vulnerable group. According to Gemma Peters, chief executive of Blood Cancer UK, this makes the final unlocking of restrictions very dangerous. The fact is that the fewer people who wear masks and keep their distance from others, the less safe some people with blood cancer will feel to be out in public, says Peters. The worrying thing is that the Government seems to have no plan to help keep them safe beyond asking the general public to be considerate. This is not a substitute for a plan. It is no good to the people with blood cancer in England who work in factories, shops and other busy workplaces, and who will every day have to make a choice between their finances and their health.

A study by the charity last week revealed 80 per cent of respondents had not even been told by the NHS that their weakened immune systems lessened the chance of their bodies responding to the vaccine.

Peters wishes to appeal to everyone to continue to wear masks in public and to respect peoples social distance even after July 19, adding: Theres no way of knowing if the person next to you in the supermarket or in the pub has a compromised immune system so, the more considerate you are, the safer immunocompromised people will feel.

Rachel Kahn, research communications manager at the charity, explains that there are 100 different types of blood cancer but the nature of the disease means the immune system doesnt work as it should  and the treatments deplete immunity even further. Lots of treatments  including chemotherapy  involve getting rid of the cancerous B-cells which are very important in the vaccine response as they produce antibodies, so its unlikely youre going to produce a strong antibody response, she says.

Dineen Parish was diagnosed in April 2008 and given a prognosis of just seven years, but her determination to seek out the right treatments has left her defying the odds.

This last year has been so hard, she says. The treatment Im on is powerful and could cause organ failure. Normally you have to go into hospital to have it but of course that wasnt possible after Covid. At one point I had to go back and forth to the hospital three times in one day so they could keep doing blood tests and I even had to learn to inject myself. It was very scary and frightening, going through it all alone.

After eight months living apart, the couple were struggling emotionally and financially and decided that Paul should move back in; albeit into the spare room with both of them keeping as far apart from each other as possible. It was crazy, says Dineen Parish. I was living in fear of my own husband.

When Paul was furloughed, it came as a relief, because at least they could finally bubble up and live in isolation together. Weve hardly been seeing other people, says Dineen Parish. Pauls dad became ill and died in October  not-Covid related  and because Paul broke his wrist a couple of days before the funeral, I had to drive him there and sit in the car while he buried his dad. It was awful not to be there.

Dineen Parish did go to a dinner outside for her mothers birthday recently but experienced intense anxiety throughout the meal. Ive come so far and theres just so much anxiety being around other people, she says. It would be so stupid if I went and got Covid now.

Anxiety from blood cancer sufferers is the main complaint on the deluged helplines at Blood Cancer UK. Calls to the helpline increased by 1000 per cent at the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020 and theyve doubled since. The length of the phone calls has increased dramatically too because people are so worried and need lots of advice and support, says Kate Keightley, head of support services at the charity. One of the most difficult things is people not knowing how protected they are and, now restrictions have been loosened, theyre being encouraged to go back to work or see family members but arent feeling ready or safe.

Shielding was officially paused on 1st April 2021 and in the Government guidance, the onus on the clinically extremely vulnerable people is now to continue to take extra precautions to protect themselves.

However, the latest Office of National Statistics bulletin released on May 21 shows CEV people  which includes those with blood cancer  are, effectively, ignoring the government advice and still shielding.

Our results show that although government advice to shield has paused, half of those identified as CEV reported continuing to shield, says Tim Gibbs, head of the Public Services Analysis Team at the ONS. Weve recently seen lockdown restrictions ease significantly, this is great to see, however its critical that we continue to monitor the impact of these changes on groups such as the clinically extremely vulnerable.

Mel Plumridge, 60 was diagnosed with CLL in 2013 and is currently on a trial drug which wipes out his immunity and means he is one of those still shielding, despite the lifting restrictions.

With everyone else relishing in their rediscovered freedom I feel like the last person to be left still in prison, says Plumridge, an engineering consultant who now works from home. My only crime is having blood cancer. I dont feel as if I can take part in the newly granted freedoms until I know how effective the vaccine has been for me. So until that knowledge is available I will remain in self-imposed unsupported solitary confinement, which is better than a death sentence.

Plumridge  who has had two doses of the vaccine  is lucky enough to live in Crick, Northamptonshire, a fairly rural part of the country where he can go for long runs without fear of bumping into many people. He lives with his wife, a classroom assistant, and a grown-up daughter but they skirt around him and make sure they keep their distance.

My wife works in a school so she has to come home, shower and get changed and then we have to stay away from each other, he says. Im sleeping in the spare bedroom, eating at the opposite end of the table to her and we never sit on the sofa together.

Plumridge feels very left behind as the country opens up. I see the photos on Facebook of people going out for dinner and its hard as Im quite a social guy and I miss that, he says. Its going to be a long time before people in my position are going to get back to normality. Youre always looking for the light at the end of the tunnel and, until we see more studies taking place, we wont know what will happen if we as individuals catch Covid. When you have cancer, you realise that life is for living and theres no time to waste  but Covid has greatly reduced our ability to live our life and make memories. I was supposed to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for charity last year but weve had to postpone it  I only hope we can do it next year.

Kate Keightley is adamant that people should try to be as mindful as possible of those who are still extremely vulnerable.

Social distancing, hygiene and wearing masks is still so important, she says. We also urgently need government funding into research to find out which blood cancers and which treatments leave patients most at risk. It could be that booster vaccinations are needed or infusions of antibodies  we dont know yet but we need the studies so we can give tailored guidance.
The serene, icy waters of Finland's Lake Saimaa are a boon to fishermen and tourists, but their presence also threatens one of the world's rarest and most endangered seals.

Despite seeing numbers recover in recent decades, the Saimaa ringed seal still faces extinction amid climate change and die-hard fishing habits.

Out on Saimaa, a dark grey, whiskered creature pops its head up and breaks the surface in Finland's lake district, close to the Russian border.

"That's Eeva, she's not swimming away because we've known each other for almost 30 years," smiles Risto Eronen, a retiree who since childhood has closely watched the seals, which are found only in the lake's fresh water.

"She's the old lady of Saimaa and has given birth to 10 pups in her life," he tells AFP in his boat just metres away.

The population of 'saimaannorppa', as the mammal is called in Finnish, reached 400 this year -- four times more than in the 1980s when it was expected to die out completely.

But this is still nowhere near enough to ensure the subspecies' survival, campaigners say.

"The mild winters caused by climate change have made their lives harder," as the seals need ice and snow to build their breeding lairs, Kaarina Tiainen from the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation (SLL) explains.

But the most acute danger for the seal, according to campaigners, is fishing for vendace, a small whitefish and a summertime delicacy -- with four to eight seal pups dying annually, caught in the nets.

By mid-June, the seals have all left their rocky breeding spots for the depths of the lake, except for Eeva, who prefers the surface and is recognisable by her unusual bark.

"Most likely it's because of a fishing hook in her throat," Eronen says.

"She got caught on a line and that same spring-time started making heavy wheezing sounds" and spending longer on the surface taking in oxygen.

Story continues

- Net-fishing ban lifted -

Most of Saimaa's 4,400 square kilometres were covered by net-fishing restrictions, but the government declined to renew them at the end of June, preferring voluntary arrangements.

Curbs on net fishing have generated impassioned resistance in the tourist hotspot dotted with 50,000 summer cottages and which attracted over a million overnight stays a year before the pandemic .

"Fishing for vendace with nets is a way of life for many here," says Teemu Himanen, whose local association issued 980 net fishing licences last year for just one part of Saimaa.

"People are chomping at the bit to be able to start net-fishing again in July," he says, adding that many feel the threat to the seals is overstated.

"If the net is properly anchored to the bottom, the seal can easily avoid getting caught in it, even if it eats the fish out of it."

To compensate for the end of the net ban, the SLL and volunteers have been constructing 100 seal-safe fish traps with green wire mesh, to distribute free of charge.

On a June Saturday morning in the village of Koikkala, 100 male and female fishing enthusiasts queue at a tent to sign a declaration that they will give up net fishing, before being given a free trap.

The popularity of the initiative is a sign that "the desire to protect the ringed seal has been rising sharply" in recent years, conservationist Tiainen says.

Himanen welcomes the move, but adds: "I don't believe you'll ever fully get rid of nets on Saimaa.

"You just can't catch the same numbers in a trap."

- Tighter legislation -

This year Finnish authorities submitted a bid for the habitats of the Saimaa ringed seal -- distinguishable by distinctive white circles on its fur -- to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The subspecies is already classed as 'endangered' by Finnish and EU authorities, and polls show a majority of Finns support tighter legislation to protect the animals.

As the plight of the seal gains more attention, "more people want to come to the region to see the animals themselves, so there's a constant balancing act," Tiainen admits.

And as saimaannorppa numbers grow, the question arises of when to relax protective measures.

"When there were only 300 seals they said we need controls on nets to get the number up to 400. But now we're past 400 and that conversation still hasn't stopped," Himanen notes.

The government wants to reach "an appropriate level of protection" without setting a figure, yet for campaigners the population will need to be at least a thousand or two before protections can be loosened.

"But we may never be in a situation where it isn't in some way threatened and needing protection," says Tiainen.

sgk/jll/bp/yad
First Lady Jill Biden is making her second visit to the Orlando area in two weeks on Thursday.

Biden is scheduled to attend the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee finals at the Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World Thursday night.

Shes set to arrive at the Orlando International Airport at 6 p.m. Thursday before traveling to the event.

The top 10 to 12 spellers who made it through the preliminary rounds will face off at the event to determine the national winner.

Biden had most recently visited Orlando on June 24, when she and Anthony Fauci, the director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, toured an Osceola County vaccination site in Kissimmee.
Former Detroit Police Department Chief James Craig has been a Republican "for many years" and voted for former President Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020, he said.

Craig condemned Democratic policies that he said promote a "victimhood mentality" and criticized Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, whom he is expected to challenge for the governorship in 2022, at an event hosted by the Jackson County Republican Party on Tuesday.

"The truth is, I've been a Republican for many years," Craig said. "While my role as chief of police rendered my party affiliation moot, the truth is that I've long had conservative values. I was raised in the church. I was taught to respect my elders. I saw firsthand the importance of hard work, self-reliance, and a can-do attitude."

I was committed to personally remaining nonpolitical in my public role in keeping communities safe as police chief, he added. Privately, I found that my life experiences were leading me to vote Republican, including for President Trump in both elections.

TRUMP CALLS MICHIGAN GOP-BACKED 2020 ELECTION INVESTIGATION THAT CONFIRMED BIDENS WIN A COVER UP

Being born black in Detroit meant Craig was automatically considered a Democrat, he said before describing experiences that led him to the Republican Party.

One of those experiences was a meeting he had with Democratic California Rep. Maxine Waters following the beating of Rodney King and during his time as president of the Oscar Joel Bryant Foundation, an organization representing African Americans working for the Los Angeles Police Department.

Waters "showed disrespect" to the group, asking how its members, being black, could work for the department, Craig said.

"It dawned on me  how could this elected leader, a Democrat who we believed represented us, stoop to such a low level?" he asked.

Between this incident and others, including his time as chief of police of Portland, Maine, where he began to see that legal gun ownership served as a deterrent to crime, Craig came to embrace Republican policy priorities.

Story continues

"Over time, as you've had your own life experiences and an opportunity to form your own worldview, you come to your own conclusions," he said.

Craig, who has yet to announce a gubernatorial bid, criticized Whitmer by name, suggesting she has governed the state as a monarch.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Please listen to me, Gov. Whitmer, Craig said. America isn't a monarchy. We arent ruled by kings and queens. We ended that back in 1776."

"Make no mistake, at the ballot box in November in the year of 2022, we will be celebrating our independence from the rule of Gov. Whitmer," he added.

Craig, who retired from the Detroit Police Department in May after eight years of service, has condemned Democrats, including Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib, for their comments about police.

"She should resign," Craig said of Tlaib, who has called for an end to policing altogether. I'd love to see her resign. I'd throw her a goodbye party.

Craig would be the second black individual to be on Michigan's general election ballot for governor as a Republican if he were to prevail in the state's Republican primary.

Washington Examiner Videos

Tags: News, Michigan, Detroit, Police, Donald Trump, 2022 Elections, Gretchen Whitmer

Original Author: Jeremy Beaman

Original Location: Former Detroit Police Chief James Craig reveals he voted for Trump twice
Former US president Jimmy Carter presented his wife, Rosalynn, with a diamond pendant necklace as they celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary on Wednesday, a spokeswoman said.

"They had a quiet day at their residence in Plains, Georgia," said Deanna Congileo, the communications director for the couple.

The Carters will host a reception on Saturday at the high school in Plains, the small Georgia town where they both grew up and have lived since he left the White House, Congileo added.

Jimmy Carter, 96, and Rosalynn Smith, 93, were married on July 7, 1946, after he attended the US Naval Academy and she graduated from Georgia Southwestern College.

Theirs is the longest presidential marriage in US history, eclipsing the 73 years of former president George H.W. Bush and his wife, Barbara.

Carter served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981.

In retirement, he founded the Carter Center dedicated to promoting human rights and conflict resolution, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

Carter taught Sunday school classes at a Baptist church in Plains until recently and also built houses for Habitat for Humanity.

He has experienced several recent health scares, including bouts with cancer.

In a 2015 interview with CNN, the Carters were asked what the secret was to the longevity of their marriage.

"First of all, it's best to choose the right woman, which I did. And secondly, we give each other space to do our own things," Jimmy Carter said.

"We try to be reconciled before we go to sleep at night, and try to find everything we can think of that we like to do together," he added.

"So we have a lot of good times."

cl/sw
The city of Fort Lauderdale has accepted an unsolicited bid from Elon Musks Boring Company to build an underground transportation system under Las Olas Boulevard from its downtown Brightline Station to Las Olas Oceanside Park.

Because the bid was unsolicited, the exact details of the 2.2-mile proposal, including its cost, will remain unknown until a 45-day window to accept competing bids closes.

But in an interview Wednesday, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis noted Boring Co. officials had previously estimated a cost of between $10 and million $15 million per mile for the tunnel itself, not including station stops. And he said the project would be similar to the one Musk has already completed underneath the Las Vegas Convention Center that sees Teslas ferrying passengers between a series of underground stations on an approximately one-mile roadway loop.

The scale of the Vegas project, which officially opened to the public in June, has been dramatically reduced over time to what Musk himself has colloquially referred to as Teslas in tunnels. A recent feature in industry publication AutoWeek said the network is really just taxis [that] travel underground in tunnels that were bored out for them. And, theyre electric.

In March, the engineer responsible for the worlds deepest traffic tunnel, in Switzerland, called Musk a whipper of foam.

On his reference project in Las Vegas, Musk drilled 20 meters in one week. We can do the same route in one day, Martin Herrenknecht said, according to Tesla blog Teslarati.

Still, Trantalis called the need to alleviate traffic congestion on Las Olas acute, especially during holidays and special events.

Were very thankful we have become a popular city, and that people enjoy the amenities and excitement Fort Lauderdale generates, Trantalis said. But with so many people interested in coming to our city, weve got to find a way to make the experience enjoyable and not drive people away because of traffic concerns.

Story continues

Trantalis said the city also continues to work on a proposal to build a train tunnel under the New River that would eliminate the need for the existing Florida East Coast Railway bridge.

Thats a second project were focused on, Trantalis said.

Trantalis said city and Broward County officials would look to put together funding for the project from resources that include Browards one-cent transportation tax fund, the Florida Department of Transportation, and possibly federal funds. In May, Vice Mayor Heather Moraitis wrote to Gov. Ron DeSantis urging him to collaborate with the city on the project. A DeSantis spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.

Fort Lauderdale may have pulled ahead in the race among South Florida cities to build Musks next tunnel. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez continues to pursue a similar transportation system, albeit larger. Suarez said in an interview Tuesday that city commissioners are being briefed on it and are lining up trips to visit Musks existing structure in Las Vegas.

Were looking at something more comprehensive, something larger that might require more work, Suarez said.

In March, he detailed an underground project that would ship passengers on modified Teslas inside a tunnel spanning Brickell and Little Haiti.

Meanwhile, North Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Joseph said he and, likely, other city officials plan to go to Vegas to tour the project there later this summer. Joseph spoke with Boring Co. officials in March about building a system under State Road 826.

If I think it would be good for the citizens of North Miami Beach, well move it forward, he said in an interview Wednesday. From what Ive been told, their tech allows them to do this at a reduced cost, but Im looking to learn more by seeing it up close.
BERLIN (Reuters) -German police on Wednesday raided the living quarters of two suspected accomplices of a jihadist who killed four people in a shooting rampage in the Austrian capital Vienna last November, the Federal Prosecutor's Office said.

Police searched the homes of Kosovan national Blinor S. and German Drilon G., who are suspected of failing to report plans for the attack to the authorities, prosecutors said.

Both hold radical Islamist views and were in close contact on social media with the attacker, prosecutors said.

No arrests were made.

Kujtim Fejzulai, a 20-year-old Austrian who also held North Macedonian nationality, was killed by police minutes after opening fire on crowded bars in Vienna on Nov. 2.

Austria has acknowledged that "intolerable mistakes were made" in the handling of intelligence on Fejzulai, a convicted jihadist who had been released from jail less than a year earlier.

The two men whose living quarters were searched in Germany travelled to Vienna shortly after Fejzulai obtained the assault rifle used in the attack and stayed in his apartment for several days in July 2020, the prosecutor's office said on Wednesday.

The office said they must at least have believed it was possible that Fejzulai would carry out the attack but had failed to report his plans to the authorities.

Following the attack, the suspects had tried to conceal their connection with Fejzulai by deleting communications and contact with him on their mobile phones and social media networks, the prosecutor's office said.

Austria arrested 15 people in the aftermath of the shootings and police in Germany searched homes and businesses linked to four people believed to have had ties to Fejzulai.

(Reporting by Caroline Copley and Riham Alkousaa; Editing by Catherine Evans)
Two young girls from Colorado, devastated and confused over the tragic loss of a local hero, created a lemonade stand in order to raise funds for his grieving family.

Officer Gordon Beesley, a 19-year veteran of the Arvada Police Department, was shot and killed on June 21 by a suspect who "expressed a hatred for police," according to the department. He left behind a wife and two children.

NYPD OFFICERS HELP AUTISTIC MAN WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE WHO GOT LOST IN NYC RETURN HOME TO FLORIDA

The news sent shockwaves throughout the entire community, including 9-year-old Scarlet Reust, who instantly put herself in the family's shoes, her mother, Ashley Conn, told Fox News.

"They know police as their heroes and their protectors and for one of them to pass like that is really just kind of confusing," Conn said.

She recalls her daughter immediately asking, "What if that was my dad?  He had kids, like, what if that was my dad?"

Very quickly, the 9-year-old turned her "feelings into something constructive," Conn said.

She enlisted the help of her best friend, 10-year-old Addyson Elliot, and the two got to work on their stand in Commerce City, which is just west of Arvada.

WALMART SHOPPERS BREAK OUT INTO STAR-SPANGLED BANNER OVER FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND IN VIRAL VIDEO

Over the course of three days, the two girls spent countless hours outside collecting money for the Colorado Fallen Hero Foundation, which goes directly to Beesley's family. Their efforts paid off.

Droves of people, many who personally knew Beesley, stopped by to not only donate but to share stories about him.

One teenager, who mentioned that her dad was a cop, even "emptied her wallet," when she got to the lemonade stand, according to Conn.

Colorados 17th Judicial District Attorneys Office also came out in support of the young girls  who they say are "shining examples" of the community  and posted their efforts on Facebook to help spread the word.

Story continues

"It really just touches the community, the law enforcement community, when people want to give back to them," Conn said. "I mean it's $2,000, but it was the meaning behind it."

Beesley was a school resource officer and a former recipient of the Arvada Employee of the Year award but more importantly, "he was loved by all, especially his wife and two children," Arvada Mayor Marc Williams said in a statement.

Conn later learned that Beesley went above and beyond for his community, which included riding bikes to school with children if they didn't have anyone to go with them just to make sure they got there safely.

To date, the girls raised more than $1,800 for Beesley's family, Arvada Police Department spokesperson Dave Snelling told Fox News.

The girls were even able to hand-deliver the money to the police chief of the Arvada police last week.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

When they did, Conn said the officers were "teary-eyed."

"Unfortunately, one of their brothers died. So they're all broken right now," she said. "And the fact that the girls did something nice really, like, warmed them up inside."
(Bloomberg) -- Daimler AG and Jaguar Land Rover became the latest carmakers to warn sales will be further crimped by the global semiconductor shortage, with the latter flagging deliveries in the second quarter will be 50% worse than initially thought.

Shares in the British luxury carmakers Indian parent Tata Motors Ltd. slid 8.4% Tuesday in Mumbai, their biggest drop in almost three months, while Daimler, owner of Mercedes-Benz, fell 4% in Frankfurt, the biggest loss since October. Jaguar Land Rovers euro bond due January 2026 fell the most since Dec. 11, according to Bloomberg-compiled prices.

A shortage of automotive chips that began late last year as consumer demand for personal devices soared amid pandemic lockdowns has persisted through 2021, raising concerns of the issue spilling into next year. The dearth is threatening to slash $110 billion in sales from the car industry, consulting firm AlixPartners forecast in May, and has forced auto manufacturers to overhaul the way they get the electronic components that have become critical to contemporary vehicle design.

The chip shortage is presently very dynamic and difficult to forecast, JLR said. We expect some level of shortages will continue through to the end of the year and beyond.

Read more: As Car-Lot Inventories Dwindle, Sales Take a Turn for the Worse

Mercedes-Benz, the worlds biggest luxury-car brand, said Tuesday that deliveries during the second quarter were significantly curtailed by a lack of chips, capping its global sales increase at 27%. The shortages were particularly acute last month and the carmaker expects the supply-chain crunch to persist during the coming two quarters.

The pair join Chinas biggest automaker in cutting vehicle output as a result of the crisis. SAIC Motor Corp. trimmed its wholesale target by about 500,000 cars in the first half, Bloomberg News reported Monday. Other automakers including Nissan Motor Co., Hyundai Motor Co. and Volkswagen AG have warned that shrinking inventory will keep squeezing sales this summer.

Story continues

In the U.S., suprisingly strong auto demand has softened. Sales slowed from a near-record annualized pace of 18.6 million vehicles in April to 17.1 million in May and 15.7 million in June, Deutsche Bank AG analyst Emmanuel Rosner estimated.

The chip shortage may create some silver linings for carmakers, too. JLR said it will prioritize production of higher-margin vehicles as the crunch persists, while Ford Motor Co. has seen a paucity of new vehicles drive up prices of used cars and pad profits at its lending arm.

(Updates with market reaction in second paragraph.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.

2021 Bloomberg L.P.
(Reuters) - Earth data and analytics company Planet Labs Inc, which is backed by Alphabet Inc's Google, will go public through a merger with a blank-check company in a deal valued at $2.8 billion, the companies said on Wednesday.

Planet Labs will merge with dMY Technology Group Inc IV and list on the New York Stock Exchange.

The company, which generates revenue mainly through a subscription-based model, said its services are used by over 600 customers in 65 countries. It generated over $100 million in revenue in the financial year ended Jan. 31.

Planet Labs will invest proceeds from the deal to speed up growth, including expansion into existing and new markets and offer new products, it said.

Participants in the $200 million PIPE (private investment in public equity) round included BlackRock, Koch Strategic Platforms, Google and Salesforce.com Chief Executive Officer March Benioff's investment fund TIME Ventures.

Special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) such as dMY raise money through their IPOs to buy a private companies and take them public, typically within two years of listing. DMY raised $345 million in its IPO in March.

Goldman Sachs & Co was Planet Labs' financial adviser, while Morgan Stanley & Co and Needham & Co advised dMY IV on the deal, which is expected to be completed later this year.

(Reporting by Niket Nishant in Bengaluru; Editing by Vinay Dwivedi)
Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) said he suspects that certain members of Congress were aware of what would happen at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 and supported it.

I wont name names, but yes, I do have that suspicion, Kinzinger, one of the sole Republicans who routinely speaks out against the insurrection and the election lies that led to it, said in an interview with the New York Times Magazine. I will say, if you just looked at Twitter  the whole reason I brought my gun and kept my staff home and told my wife to stay in the apartment was looking at Twitter.

He did name one name: Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), the far-right congresswoman who tweeted about the location of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) during the attack.

I saw the threats, Kinzinger told the magazine. When Lauren Boebert  I will call her out by name  tweeted Today is 1776, I dont know what that meant other than this is the time for revolution.

Maybe it was a dumb tweet that she didnt mean. Fine. Ill give her that credit for now. But if you have members of Congress who were involved in nurturing an insurrection, heck yeah, we need to know.

A committee led by Democrats will press forward with an investigation of the Jan. 6 insurrection. Senate Republicans had blocked a bill in May that would have established a bipartisan commission on the Capitol attack.

Despite his lonely public stance within the Republican conference on former President Donald Trumps lies, Kinzinger said he thinks the vast majority agree with my position; they just arent speaking out.

He said he could understand that they were afraid to speak up, but thats part of the job.

If youre scared to tell the truth to people, I understand, but you need to find a different line of work, he said. On something as existential as this, as threatening to the Constitution  my goodness.

Read the full interview in the New York Times Magazine here.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

Related...
President Jovenel Moises, with his wife Martine Etienne Joseph, leaves a ceremony marking the the assassination of Jean-Jacques Dessalines, leader of the Haitian Revolution and the first ruler of an independent Haiti, Port-au-Prince on October 17, 2019. VALERIE BAERISWYL/AFP via Getty Images

Haitian first lady Martine Moise is in critical condition following a shooting on Wednesday in which her husband, President Jovenel Moise, was assassinated.

Haiti's ambassador to the United States told Reuters and other reporters that Martine Moise will be taken to Miami for treatment.

The diplomat said Martine Moise is stable.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

Haitian first lady Martine Moise will be treated at a hospital in Miami following an attack on Wednesday morning in which her husband, Haitian President Jovenel Moise was assassinated, Haiti's ambassador to the United States told Reuters and other media reporters.

Moise arrived in South Florida on Wednesday afternoon, according to Miami Herald reporter Jacqueline Charles. She was transported from Haiti via "air ambulance," she said.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

Haiti's ambassador to the United States Bocchit Edmond told reporters on Wednesday that Martine Moise was in critical condition following Wednesday's attack.

"She's stable but in critical condition," Edmond said. "Efforts are being done now to take her to Miami to be treated."

Haitian Prime Minister Claude Joseph said in a statement on Wednesday that a shooting happened in the early hours of Wednesday at the president's home.

Joseph has not publicly identified the assailants, but he said some of them spoke Spanish.

Read the original article on Business Insider
By Andre Paultre

PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) -Haiti's security forces were locked in a fierce gun battle on Wednesday with assailants who assassinated President Jovenel Moise at his home overnight, plunging the already impoverished, violence-wracked nation deeper into chaos.

The police had killed four of the "mercenaries" and captured two more, Police General Director Leon Charles said in televised comments late on Wednesday, adding that security forces would not rest until they had all been dealt with.

"We blocked them en route as they left the scene of the crime," he said. "Since then, we have been battling with them."

"They will be killed or apprehended."

Moise, a 53-year-old former businessman who took office in 2017, was shot dead and his wife, Martine Moise, was seriously wounded when heavily armed assassins stormed the couple's home in the hills above Port-au-Prince at around 1 a.m. local time (0500 GMT).

Haiti's ambassador to the United States, Bocchit Edmond, told Reuters in an interview the gunmen were masquerading as U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents as they entered Moise's guarded residence under cover of nightfall - a move that would likely have helped them gain entry.

The brazen assassination, which drew condemnation from the U.N. Security Council, the United States https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-assessing-tragic-attack-that-killed-haiti-president-white-house-2021-07-07 and neighboring Latin American countries, came amid political unrest, a surge in gang violence, and a growing humanitarian crisis https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/haitis-history-violence-turmoil-2021-07-07 in the poorest nation in the Americas.

The government declared a two-week state of emergency to help it hunt down the assassins, whom Edmond described as a group of "foreign mercenaries" and well-trained killers.

The gunmen spoke English and Spanish, said interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph, who assumed the leadership of the country, where the majority speak French or Haitian Creole.

Story continues

"I am calling for calm. Everything is under control," Joseph said on television alongside Police General Director Charles. "This barbaric act will not remain unpunished".

The first lady had been airlifted to Florida for treatment where she was in a stable condition, Joseph said.

Haiti, a country of about 11 million people, has struggled to achieve stability since the fall of the Duvalier dynastic dictatorship in 1986, and has grappled with a series of coups and foreign interventions.

The U.N. Security Council condemned Moise's assassination and called on all parties to "remain calm, exercise restraint and to avoid any act that could contribute to further instability." The council is due to be briefed on the killing in a closed-door meeting on Thursday.

U.S. President Joe Biden denounced the killing as "heinous" and called the situation in Haiti - which lies some 700 miles (1,125 km) off the Florida coast - worrisome.

"We stand ready to assist as we continue to work for a safe and secure Haiti," he said.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a call with Joseph, expressed Washington's commitment to work with Haiti's government to support "democratic governance, peace, and security," State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement.

Many people in Haiti had wanted Moise to leave office. Ever since he took over in 2017, he faced calls to resign and mass protests - first over corruption allegations and his management of the economy, then over his increasing grip on power.

Lately, he presided over a worsening state of gang violence that rights activists say is linked to politics and business leaders using armed groups for their own ends.

In recent months, many districts of the capital Port-au-Prince had become no-go zones and one of Haiti's most powerful gang leaders warned he was launching a revolution against the country's business and political elites https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/haiti-gang-leader-launches-revolution-violence-escalates-2021-06-24 - although rights activists said he was more linked to Moise than the opposition.

Moise himself had talked of dark forces at play behind the unrest: fellow politicians and corrupt oligarchs unhappy with his attempts to clean up government contracts and to reform Haitian politics. He provided no proof of this.

FEARS OF UNREST

The streets of the usually bustling capital were mostly deserted on Wednesday and the airport was closed although gunshots rang through the air.

A caravan of vehicles including the ambulance carrying Moise's corpse to the morgue had to change route because of gunfire and roadblocks, according to local reports.

With Haiti politically polarized and facing growing hunger, fears of a breakdown in order are spreading.

The Dominican Republic closed the border it shares with Haiti on the island of Hispaniola, except to returning nationals, and beefed up security.

"This crime is an attack against the democratic order of Haiti and the region," Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader said.

The U.N. Security Council expressed deep shock and sympathy over Moise's death ahead of a closed-door meeting on Thursday, requested by the United States and Mexico, to evaluate the situation.

A U.N. peacekeeping mission - meant to restore order after a rebellion toppled then-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in 2004 - ended in 2019 with the country still in disarray https://www.reuters.com/article/us-haiti-politics-idUSKBN1WU2SP. In recent years, Haiti has been buffeted by a series of natural disasters and still bears the scars of a major earthquake in 2010.

POWER VACUUM

Moise's murder comes amid a power vacuum. The banana exporter-turned-politician, who took office in 2017, had ruled by decree for more than a year after the country failed to hold legislative elections. There are only 10 elected officials in the Haitian government, all of them senators.

Just this week he nominated a prime minister to replace Joseph - who was only meant to be an interim PM - but the official has yet to be sworn in. The head of the Supreme Court of Justice died last month of COVID-19 amid a worrying surge in infections and has yet to be replaced.

An extraordinary issue of the official gazette on Wednesday said the prime minister and his cabinet - meaning Joseph's government - would assume executive powers until a new president could be elected, as per Haiti's constitution.

An election had already been scheduled for September, alongside a controversial referendum on a new constitution that Moise had said would help finally bring political stability to the country.

Opposition leaders said it was part of his attempts to install a dictatorship by overstaying his mandate and becoming more authoritarian. He denied those accusations.

The U.S. Embassy said it would be closed on Wednesday due to the "ongoing security situation."

The United States, which is Haiti's top aid donor and has long exerted an outsized weight in its politics, had on June 30 condemned what it described as a systematic violation of human rights, fundamental freedoms and attacks on the press in the country. The Biden administration urged https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-condemns-wave-violence-haiti-says-human-rights-violated-2021-06-30 the Haitian government to counter a proliferation of gangs and violence.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) expressed concern on Wednesday that the violence could deal a setback to efforts to fight COVID-19 in Haiti - one of only a handful of countries worldwide that has yet to administer a single shot of coronavirus vaccine.

(Reporting by Andre Paultre in Port-au-Prince with additional reporting by Ezequiel Abiu Lopez in Santo Domingo; Mohammad Zargham, Susan Heavey, Mark Hosenball, Doina Chiacu, Humeyra Pamuk, Daphne Psaledakis and Patricia Zengerle in Washington; Kanishka Singh in Bengaluru; and Stefanie Eschenbacher in Mexico City Writing by Sarah MarshEditing by Daniel Flynn, Mark Heinrich, Rosalba O'Brien and Michael Perry)
Visitors at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. Marco Garcia/AP Photo

Maui County mayor Michael Victorino asked airlines for a "pause."

Hawaii has seen a massive boom of tourists as people begin to travel again.

Locals and businesses aren't fully prepared for this influx of visitors, Victorino's office told Hawaii News Now.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

"Revenge vacation" season is now moving full speed ahead, and while many travelers are racing to book a trip after a year of being stuck at home, the mayor of one tropical island is asking airlines to slow down: Maui, Hawaii.

"I have been talking with different airlines and  we're asking for just a pause, if you want to use that term," Maui County mayor Michael Victorino said during a press conference on June 29. "We don't have the authority to say stop, but we're asking the powers to be to help us."

In recent weeks, the number of tourists flocking to Hawaii has sometimes surpassed 2019's travel levels. And from July 1 to July 5, over 170,000 people traveled to the state, according to Hawaii's travel data. As a result, the Kahului Airport in Maui has hit "overcapacity" with bottlenecks throughout the airport, according to Victorino.

In late June, Victorino also met with "airline executives" to potentially cut back on airlift to the airport, Rick Daysog reported for Hawaii News Now.

"The people of Maui County have lacked sufficient time to prepare for the sudden, large influx of tourism, even as health restrictions remain in place," Brian Perry, a spokesman for Victorino, told Hawaii News Now. "Many of our hospitality-related businesses are still struggling to fully staff their operations to provide a high quality of customer service."

Over-tourism is not a new issue for the warm-weathered state. But despite the economic benefits of tourism, this massive influx of visitors has angered some locals who are concerned about COVID-19 spread and some of the visitors' lack of adherence to health protocols.

Story continues

"People are choosing to come to Hawaii not only because of its wonderful resources and people, but because there really isn't a lot of choices," Victorino said, citing that other international travel destinations currently have closed borders.

Some of these tourists also aren't using "good common sense and [are] going into areas where they're not supposed to," therefore needing the island's emergency services for rescuing, Victorino said.

This wave of visitors is also facing headwinds from the state's rental car shortage, which has pushed tourists to rent U-Haul moving vans and trucks instead of rental vehicles. This may be a clever alternative, but it has left some U-Haul locations with less equipment to serve the locals.

"I want to remind the visitors that Maui is a community first and a vacation destination second," Victorino said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Watch: This Morning's psychic banana goes viral in Denmark

Holly Willoughby has gone viral in Denmark with the help of a psychic banana.

The This Morning presenter consulted with the banana on todays episode in order to predict the outcome of the England v Denmark Euros 2020 semi-final later today.

The only person that really, really knows though is this guy," Willoughby declared, showing off the yellow fruit and holding it to the camera.

"If you haven't seen the psychic banana before, we ask it a yes or no question and then we cut the end off and if it's got a little 'yeh' in it for yes, it's yes, and a dot means no.

Read more: Gok Wan shaves hair to raise money after 12-year-old relative diagnosed with cancer

When she asked the banana will England win tonight, yes or no? the psychic banana responded with a big fat yes.

Willoughbys unique method of predicting the future seemingly struck a chord over in Denmark, and soon made its way across the country.

Holly Willoughby and the psychic banana (ITV)

Returning from an ad break, a delighted Phillip Schofield announced: "Its official, weve gone viral in Denmark!

"A clip of us making our predictions with the psychic banana, wow, has gone behind enemy lines and has been shared in the Ofelia Square in Copenhagen."

Photos of Willoughby beaming with the banana on a massive billboard in the country capital were then shared, making her beam with delight.

Underneath the picture was the caption: You are now officially a Euro 2020 hashtag hero This Morning.

This Morning billboard in Copenhagen, Denmark (ITV)

Both Schofield and Willoughby were surprisingly touched by the gesture, noting how friendly it was to England despite their upcoming football clash.

"Theyre very nice people arent they? Very nice," Willoughby said.

Read more: Holly Willoughby admits struggles filming 'Midsomer Murders' cameo

"I've always loved the Danes, they're lovely people, Schofield added. Denmark is a gorgeous country."

Story continues

Phillip Schofield, Holly Willoughby, the psychic banana and Giles Brandreth on 'This Morning' (ITV)

The Euros semi-finals kick-off between England and Denmark will happen at 8pm this evening.

England last won against the countrys team in 2002 World Cup, and its only the third time the teams have faced each other in a major tournament.

This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV.

Watch: Danish fans look ahead to the semi-final clash
Jul. 7Attorneys representing three Honolulu police officers charged in the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old Micronesian teenager who led police on a high-speed pursuit after a two-day crime spree are seeking to have the allegations dismissed.

The charges of second-degree murder against officer Geoffrey H.L. Thom, 42, a five-year veteran of the force, and second-degree attempted murder against Zackary K. Ah Nee, 26, a three-year HPD veteran, and his partner Christopher J. Fredeluces, 40, who has 10 years of service with the department, should be dismissed with prejudice because prosecuting them by way of a complaint and preliminary hearing after an Oahu grand jury declined to return a true bill is "statutorily and constitutionally impermissible, " according to the motion filed Tuesday by attorney Thomas M. Otake, who represents Ah Nee.

"The whole point of the grand jury system is to provide protections to our citizens from the immense powers of the prosecuting attorney. The grand jury, made up of our citizens, cannot be a check on that power if the prosecutor is allowed to circumvent the grand jury's will. As Mr. Alm correctly states, 'no one is above the law.' That includes prosecutors, and this motion makes clear the law does not allow prosecutors to proceed this way, " Otake told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser in a statement.

Citing specific statutes of the Hawaii Constitution, the officers have the right not be tried and punished absent a grand jury indictment in this matter, according to the motion.

"The Department of the Prosecuting Attorney is reviewing the motion and will respond in court as appropriate, " Matthew S. Dvonch, an attorney and spokesman for Prosecuting Attorney Steven S. Alm, told the Star-Advertiser.

Richard H.S. Sing, who represents Thom and Crystal K. Glendon, counsel for Fredeluces, filed notice of joinders shortly after Otake filed Tuesday.

On Friday a judge granted a motion filed by the trio's attorneys to disclose the transcript of the June 9 Oahu grand jury proceedings when jurists declined to indict Thom, Ah Nee and Fredeluces.

Story continues

"A preliminary hearing on the State's complaint is scheduled to occur on July 20, 2021. At that preliminary hearing, the State will take a second bite at the apple, taking advantage of a second opportunity, before a different decision-maker, to demonstrate that its evidence establishes probable cause to prosecute Officer Ah Nee on a charge of attempted second-degree murder of Mark Sykap. Having failed to convince a panel of grand jurors as to probable cause, the State now sets its sights on convincing just one person, the district court judge presiding over the July 20th preliminary hearing, as to probable causea sequence of events and an unusual procedural process that seems inherently suspect, " Otake wrote in his filing.

The officers believed that 16-year-old Iremamber Sykap, his brother Mark and others were in a stolen white Honda and committed an armed robbery, during which a firearm was brandished, about a half-hour before they led officers on the high-speed chase, according to the filing. They engaged the occupants of the vehicle with the understanding they committed other violent and reckless offenses, both during the high-speed chase and in days preceding it.

Iremamber Sykap was killed April 5 after Thom allegedly fired 10 rounds into the rear window of the Civic as it sat idling on Kalakaua Avenue near Philip Street. Eight of Thom's shots hit Sykap, according to the criminal complaint.

If convicted, Thom will face a mandatory sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole.

Ah Nee and Fredeluces were both charged with one count of second-degree attempted murder. Fredeluces fired into the driver's-side door above the handle, according to the complaint.

After the initial volley of shots, the Civic lurched forward and struck Ah Nee's patrol car. Ah Nee fired four shots into the car as it went over the sidewalk, through a fence and into a canal. The rounds hit Sykap's brother Mark, according to court documents.

If convicted, Ah Nee and Fredeluces face mandatory sentences of life in prison with the possibility of parole.
Three people are in jail after a newborn baby died in Conway, including a state social worker assigned to the case.

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division spokesperson Tommy Crosby confirmed that a former Horry County social worker is facing charges for mishandling a case of a 3-week-old baby who died at a Conway home in May.

Amanda Marie Sutherland, 29, is charged with creating false documents and lying about completing a child abuse investigation that she never started, according to SLED.

At the time, Sutherland was an investigator with the Horry County Child Protective Services. She was fired on June 4 and was arrested Tuesday morning.

On April 21, Sutherland was tasked with investigating a child abuse case on Sanctuary Boulevard in Conway. She was legally obligated to investigate the case within a 24-hour time frame, according to SLED.

The child died on May 5. Sutherland had not begun the investigation, according to SLED.

The Horry County Coroners Office has not released the babys name nor the cause of death.

Arrests in connection to the babys death

Conway police arrived at the house about 2:30 p.m. May 5 and found an unresponsive 3-week-old baby, according to police records.

In the same household, two young girls  a 1- and a 4-year-old  tested positive for drugs.

Danielle Jones, spokesperson for the South Carolina Department of Social Services, said there is no reason to believe that Sutherland falsified any other Child Protective Services documents.

It is always a tragedy when a child dies as a result of a parents actions. In the last 5 years, South Carolina has averaged 11 fatalities per year due to trauma inflicted by a caregiver, Jones wrote in an email to The Sun News.

DSS has reviewed all the matters assigned to this individual (Sutherland) to determine whether there is reason to believe any falsification of records has occurred in other cases and no further concerns have been identified, Jones wrote.

Sutherland is the third person who was arrested in connection to the death of the baby at the home on Sanctuary Boulevard. The two caregivers of the three children identified in the abuse case are also in jail.

Story continues

Heather Lee Hare, 28, is charged with homicide by child abuse and four counts of unlawful neglect of a child, according to the J. Reuben Long Detention Center website.

Heather Hare is the mother of all three children, according to her arrest warrants with the Conway Police Department. On May 5, Heather Hare was booked into J. Reuben Long Detention Center, where she remains, according to jail records. She has no bond set.

Josh Gordon Hare, 28, was charged with two counts each of unlawful conduct toward a child and unlawful neglect of a child, according to the jail website.

On May 7, Josh Hare was booked into J. Reuben Long Detention Center, where he remains. His bond is set at $20,000.

The Hares are charged with placing the 1-year-old girl and a 4-year-old girl at a risk of harm affecting the childs life, physical or mental health, or safety, according to an incident report from the Conway Police Department.
BUDAPEST (Reuters) - The EU's efforts to force Hungary to give up a new law banning content in schools that promotes homosexuality will be in vain, Prime Minister Viktor Orban's chief of staff said on Wednesday.

The European Union's chief executive Ursula von der Leyen warned Hungary on Wednesday it must repeal legislation that bans schools from using materials seen as promoting homosexuality and gender reassignment, or face the full force of EU law.

(Reporting by Krisztina Than and Anita Komuves; Editing by Peter Graff)
By Fransiska Nangoy and Stanley Widianto

JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia's government on Wednesday urged regional authorities to strictly implement coronavirus measures and quickly contain infections to avert the kind of outbreak that has crippled health facilities in parts of densely populated Java.

The government is monitoring daily cases and bed occupancy rates in 43 areas deemed higher risk "red zones" until July 20, said Airlangga Hartarto, Indonesias chief economic minister.

"This is to suppress infections, to prevent a big surge like what's happening in Java," he told reporters.

The worlds fourth most populous nation has implemented its tightest restrictions so far in Java and Bali after an exponential jump in COVID-19 cases, fuelled by the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant, first identified in India.

Still, with reports of outbreaks in other parts of the archipelago, such as West Papua and West Sumatra, regional leaders have been urged to implement curbs, including measures to ensure offices and malls operate at 25% capacity, and for restaurants and malls to close by 5 pm.

On Tuesday, Indonesia recorded 31,189 new cases and 728 new deaths, the highest numbers since the start of the pandemic.

The spike in cases has fueled a growing sense of anxiety about Indonesia's fragile healthcare system and its capacity to handle an unfolding health crisis.

On social media, messages pleading for help to find oxygen tanks and hospital beds have circulated, as hospitals across the capital Jakarta and Java edge closer to full capacity.

The government has set up an oxygen refilling station in Jakarta to supply hospitals and said that all oxygen produced in the country will be diverted for medical use.

But stocks of portable oxygen had run dry in six cities on Java by Wednesday, including Yogyakarta, Solo and Magelang, according to M. Hendry Setiawan, an official at the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU).

Story continues

Authorities have warned people against hoarding oxygen tanks and medical equipment, with more patients being treated, and sometimes dying, at home because they cant find a hospital bed.

"Hospitals should be accepting patients that have tested positive because my brother has been rejected by hospitals and we don't know if we can take care of him at home," said Harfan Dani, 35, a resident queuing to buy oxygen in the capital,

"I urge the government to increase more medical supply needs," he added.

Earlier this week, the health minister promised to boost telemedicine services for those isolating at home with milder symptoms, and add up to 8,000 more hospital beds.

But doctors have questioned what good more beds will do amid shortages in staff, with thousands of healthcare workers across Java forced to isolate after contracting the respiratory disease, despite being fully vaccinated, reporting from Reuters has revealed.

(Additional reporting by Tommy Ardiansyah and Agustinus Beo Da Costa; Writing by Kate Lamb; Editing by Ed Davies)
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A coalition of 24 industry organizations urged the White House to lift coronavirus restrictions that bar much of the world from traveling to the United States but a White House official told Reuters late on Wednesday reopening will need more discussion.

The group, led by the U.S. Travel Association and representing airlines, casinos, hotels, airports, airplane manufacturers and others, urged the administration to ease by July 15 entry restrictions imposed last year as the coronavirus was spreading around the world.

Separately, 75 members of the U.S. House of Representatives are also seeking the easing of travel bans, in particular entry restrictions on travelers from Canada and Britain.

In early June, the White House launched interagency working groups with the European Union, Britain, Canada, and Mexico to look at how to eventually to lift restrictions. Those meetings have generally been occurring every two weeks.

"While these groups have met a number of times, there are further discussions to be had before we can announce any next steps on travel reopening with any country," the White House official told Reuters.

"We want to ensure that we move deliberately and are in a position to sustainably reopen international travel when it is safe to do so."

The 75 members of the U.S. House of Representatives called on Biden to reopen the U.S. border with Canada to non-essential travelers.

The lawmakers in a letter cited projections that if the restrictions are not lifted, the United States could "lose 1.1 million jobs and an additional $175 billion by the end of this year."

The industry groups also called for quickly lifting restrictions on European travelers and others, calling as a first step for allowing fully vaccinated travelers from non-high-risk areas like the European Union to enter the United States.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has raised concerns about the Delta variant of COVID-19 in U.S. government meetings, sources said.

Story continues

Industry and U.S. officials told Reuters they do not expect the administration to lift restrictions soon.

The White House official said the interagency working groups have looked at "progress in our domestic vaccination effort and the risk posed by the Delta variant."

The CDC wants airlines to implement international passenger contact tracing as part of any lifting of restrictions, sources told Reuters.

Airlines and others have pressed the administration to lift restrictions covering most non-U.S. citizens who have recently been in Britain, the 26 Schengen nations in Europe without border controls, Ireland, China, India, South Africa, Iran and Brazil.

Some travel industry officials think it increasingly likely the restrictions will not be lifted until after the busy summer travel season.

The 75 lawmakers called for lifting restrictions that bar most UK travelers and to develop "a risk-based, data-driven roadmap to ease inbound entry restrictions."

Some in Congress have also called on the administration to lift rules for travelers to wear masks in airports, subway stations and on airplanes and trains but is not currently considering lifting those requirements, officials told Reuters.

The Transportation Security Administration in April extended the face mask requirement in transit through Sept. 13.

Last month, the administration again extended restrictions barring non-essential travel at Mexican and Canada land borders until July 21.

(Reporting by David ShepardsonEditing by David Gregorio, Robert Birsel)
Facebook wants to build an entire town called Willow Park near its Silicon Valley HQ, plans which could be approved this year. (Facebook / Signature Development Group)

Facebook already has a social network, a virtual company, and digital payment system, and now its adding real estate developer to its list of functions. The company plans to build an entire town called Willow Park near its headquarters in Menlo Park, California, plans that could be approved as early as this summer.

The project, between the social networking giant and Oakland-based Signature Development Group, would include 1,729 apartments, a supermarket, a pharmacy, retail, as well as 1.25 million square feet of new Facebook office space housing roughly 7,000 employees.

Willow Park would also feature a number of architectural highlights, according to renderings, including an elevated park in the style of New York Citys Highline, as well as a modernist office building for employees with a large glass dome.

Facebook has promised the site will feature 120 units of senior housing, as well as 320 for affordable housing, though in Silicon Valley, even those with six-figure salaries struggle to afford astronomical real estate prices, meaning even below-market-rate housing is out of reach for most working people. The company first applied to redevelop the site, an office and industrial park where it already owns some property, in 2017, and a city review is ongoing and could conclude in the middle of this year.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

Were deeply committed to being a good neighbour in Menlo Park, John Tenanes, Facebooks VP of real estate, told The Mercury News last year, after the company revised its plans to include more housing and less office space amid community concerns. We listened to a wide range of feedback and the updated plan directly responds to community input.

Others have argued that the company is reviving the midcentury practice of company towns, and that yet another high-tech development would further squeeze the housing supply, even if it includes some carve-outs for the community.

Theyre doing more than most companies, but most of what they do serves them, Patti Fry, former chairwoman of the Menlo Park City Planning Commission told The New York Times. Theyre in business to be in business.

Story continues

Willow Park will border East Palo Alto, a largely working class Black and Latinx neighbourhood where incomes lag way behind the wealthy tech enclaves surrounding it. This new/old model only looks set to continue. In 2020, Google announced its own plans for a city-within-a-city in San Jose, which could house up to 25,000 employees.

Read More

AP source: Trump plans lawsuit against Facebook, Twitter

Facebook asks if you know someone becoming an extremist in new prompt test

Facebook, TikTok, Google and Twitter vow to tackle pandemic of online abuse against women

Efforts to rein in Big Tech suffer setback as court throws out Facebook antitrust suits
TEHRAN, Iran (AP)  Iran on Wednesday hosted the first significant talks in months between the Taliban and Afghan government representatives  a previously unannounced meeting that comes as the U.S. completes its withdrawal from Afghanistan and districts increasingly fall to the Taliban across the country.

The high-level peace talks between the warring Afghan sides follow months-old discussions in Qatar that have been stalled by a diplomatic stalemate and escalating violence. Even as officials faced each other across the vast tables in Tehran and Irans top diplomat pledged to end the crisis, fighting surged in Afghanistans western Badghis province.

The Taliban political committee, led by chief negotiator Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, flew from Doha to Irans capital to meet Afghan government officials, including former Vice President Younus Qanooni and others from the High Council for National Reconciliation.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif greeted the delegates, urging them to take difficult decisions today for the future of their country," state-run media reported.

After the failure of the U.S. in Afghanistan, Zarif said, Iran stands ready to assist the dialogue and to resolve the current conflicts in the country."

Returning to the inter-Afghan negotiation table and committing to political solutions is the best choice, he added. Later, Zarif tweeted the meeting had been cordial and promised Iran would stand with Afghans on their road to peace.

But any solution appeared a long way off Wednesday as the Taliban offensive, which has recently captured many districts in the countrys north, pushed into Badghis province. The insurgents attacked the provincial capital of Qala-e-Naw from several sides, its governor Hasamuddin Shams said, adding that Afghan troops had so far managed to push the Taliban back.

From early Wednesday morning, battles raged near the provincial police headquarters and a Qala-e-Naw army base, said Abdul Aziz beg, head of the provincial council in Badghis.

Story continues

The fighting killed at least two civilians and wounded 28 others, including women and children, said Dr. Sanahullah Sabit at the Provincial Badghis Hospital. Medics sent five people in critical condition to a regional hospital in the neighboring Herat province for further treatment, he added.

Videos widely circulated on social media appeared to show Taliban fighters speeding into the provincial capital on motorcycles. Other clips show insurgents approaching the citys prison and releasing inmates. The Associated Press could not independently verify the authenticity of the footage.

Fawad Aman, the Afghan defense minister's deputy spokesman, promised security forces would clear the city in the coming hours. The Taliban have not publicly commented on the violence in Qala-e-Naw.

The surge in fighting  and the sudden news of peace talks in Tehran  come at a critical time for the war-battered country.

After a two-decade-long military campaign, the U.S. military announced on Tuesday that 90% of American troops and equipment had already left the country, with the drawdown set to finish by late August. Last week, U.S. officials definitively vacated the countrys biggest airfield, Bagram Air Base, the epicenter of the war to oust the Taliban and hunt down the al-Qaida perpetrators of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on America.

The Taliban have made relentless territorial wins since April, when President Joe Biden announced that the last 2,500-3,500 U.S. soldiers and 7,000 allied NATO soldiers would depart Afghanistan. With their victories in northern and southern Afghanistan, the Taliban are escalating pressure on provincial cities and gaining control of key transportation routes.

Afghanistans uncertain path toward peace bears profound consequences for its western neighbor Iran, which the U.N. estimates hosts some 2 million undocumented Afghans. Amid the specter of another civil war, fears have grown in Iran over a new wave of Afghans seeking refuge in the country, which already is struggling to stem worsening poverty under tough U.S. sanctions.

Iran and Afghanistan share deep cultural ties and a 945-kilometer-long (587 miles) border. Tehran has historically viewed U.S. military presence in neighboring countries as a threat and pushed for American troop withdrawals from the region.

Iran, the Shiite powerhouse of the Middle East, has occasionally in the past hosted the Sunni militant Taliban and Afghan government officials in Tehran for peace talks. In playing host, Iran seeks counterbalance against regional rivals like Saudi Arabia that typically wield greater influence over Sunni groups in the Middle East.

The Taliban's recent territorial gains also have fueled national security concerns in Iran.

We do warn the Taliban not to get close to Iranian borders, said lawmaker Shahriar Heidari, a member of influential parliamentary committee on national security and foreign relations. This is Iran's red line.

___

Faiez reported from Kabul, Afghanistan. Associated Press writer Isabel DeBre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates contributed to this report.
Iran has taken steps to enrich uranium metal to a 20 percent purity and manufacture nuclear reactor fuel, the United Nations top nuclear watchdog announced Tuesday.

With the use of "indigenously-produced uranium" Iran will reportedly use fuel to supply the Tehran Research Reactor, but the U.S. and allied nations have called the move "worrying."

US-IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL STALEMATE A MISTRUST-AND-VERIFY SITUATION, FORMER CIA CHIEF SAYS

State Department spokesperson Ned Price said it was "another unfortunate step backwards" as the U.S. has engaged in indirect talks on nuclear nonproliferation with Iran since April.

Price told reporters Tuesday that the move will not give Iran any leverage as the U.S. seeks to re-establish a nuclear agreement with the Middle Eastern nation, and said the "window for diplomacy remains open."

Under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) -- which Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of in 2018 -- Iran is not permitted to enrich uranium past a 3.67 percent purity threshold, which is all that is needed to power a commercial-grade power plant, according to the Arms Control Association.

But International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi said Tuesday that Iran had breached the regulation.

"Today, Iran informed the Agency that UO2 [uranium dioxide] enriched up to 20 percent U235 would be shipped to the R&D laboratory at the Fuel Fabrication Plant in Esfahan, where it would be converted to UF4 [Uranium tetrafluoride] and then to uranium metal-enriched to 20% U235, before using it to manufacture the fuel," an IAEA spokesman said in a statement to Fox News.

BIDEN SAYS IRAN WILL NOT GET A NUCLEAR WEAPON ON HIS WATCH

Uranium-235 can be used to fuel nuclear power plants and nuclear reactors that run naval ships, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But it can also be used for nuclear weapons  prompting concern from Western nations.

Story continues

In a unified statement condemning Irans plan, foreign ministers from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom called the move "concerning" and an "escalation of its nuclear violations."

"Iran has no credible civilian need for uranium metal R&D and production, which are a key step in the development of a nuclear weapon," the group said.

"We strongly urge Iran to halt all activities in violation of the JCPoA, without delay and to return to the negotiations in Vienna with a view to bringing them to a swift conclusion," the foreign ministers continued. "Iran is threatening a successful outcome to the Vienna talks despite the progress achieved in six rounds of negotiations to date."

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

There are no set plans for direct talks between the U.S. and Iran.

Price said the U.S. is not pushing Iran on a hard deadline when it comes to the negotiating table but said the administration is continuing to assess the situation.

Professor Eyal Zisser of Tel-Aviv University and former head of the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies told Fox News this announcement "is part of the Iranian game to put pressure on the United States and to get a better deal."

Zisser explained that the Iranians can feel how much Washington wants the deal, so they are adding pressure and creating a crisis to get a better deal.

Rich Edson contributed to this report.
JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israel demolished the tent dwellings of at least 63 Bedouin in a village in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, a Palestinian official said, in an area designated by the Israeli military as a firing zone.

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) said around 35 children were among those at risk of "(forced) transfer" following the demolitions in the Jordan Valley village of Khirbet Humsah.

Palestinians and rights groups accuse Israel of trying to forcibly clear out Khirbet Humsah's Bedouin - who witnesses said remained at the site after the demolitions - to make room for Jewish settlement expansion.

Muataz Bsharat, an official in the Palestinian Authority that administers limited self-rule in the West Bank, said it was the seventh time Israeli authorities had destroyed tent dwellings as well as animal shelters, latrines, solar panels and water containers in the village.

"Now 63 Palestinians became homeless. Eleven families had their homes demolished and confiscated," he said, accusing Israel of "state-sponsored terrorism" against the residents.

COGAT, a branch of Israel's defence ministry, said Israel acted in accordance with a Supreme Court ruling in demolishing tents that again had been illegally erected by Palestinians who "invaded the firing range" in 2012.

Israel has often cited a lack of building permits, which Palestinians and rights groups say are nearly impossible to obtain, in destroying Palestinian structures in the West Bank, an area it captured in a 1967 war.

Israel has said the Bedouin in Khirbet Humsah had rejected offers to move them out of the firing zone to an alternative location.

At the site, mechanical excavators tore into the tents and then lifted the remnants into dump trucks to be carted away as residents looked on.

Israeli authorities have demolished at least 421 structures belonging to Palestinians in the first half of 2021, a 30% increase over the same period in 2020, the NRC said in a statement.

(Reporting by Ali Sawafta, Nidal al-Mughrabi and Dan WilliamsEditing by William Maclean)
Jacob Zuma has been sentenced to 15 months in jail for contempt of court - but remains at liberty

An unprecedented legal drama is gripping South Africa, as former President Jacob Zuma urges the courts to block a midnight deadline for police to arrest him.

Mr Zuma, 79, was forced to resign in 2018 after nine years in power.

Last week South Africa's Constitutional Court sentenced him to a 15-month jail term for contempt of court, after he failed to attend a corruption inquiry.

It's unclear whether police will stand by the Wednesday deadline.

In theory, the veteran leader should be in the hands of prison authorities by midnight local time (22:00 GMT), having already refused to hand himself in on Sunday.

But on Tuesday his lawyers approached the High Court in Pietermaritzburg to halt the arrest, and the judgement isn't due until 11:30 local time on Friday.

Will police move against Zuma or not?

Before the hearing on Tuesday, lawyers for the police told the Constitutional Court they would pause the arrest order given the "unique situation presented by the developments and the legal matrix involved".

That could see them wait to detain Mr Zuma until his legal options have run out.

However, others are emphasising that the arrest warrant still stands.

Police Minister Bheki Cele told South African news website News24 he believed the police were being thrown under the bus by South Africa's courts, and that they had "muddied" a "very clear" judgement by allowing Mr Zuma's legal bids to continue. Appeals to Constitutional Court judgements are not normally allowed.

Asked if he himself could be in trouble if he failed to carry out the arrest warrant, the minister replied: "I'm not prepared to be charged for contempt of court."

His spokesman added on Wednesday: "If we don't hear anything from the Constitutional Court - which we haven't heard so far - we have until midnight tonight to execute the order."

Find out more about Jacob Zuma:

The politics of arresting a former president

Story continues

By Nomsa Maseko, BBC News, Johannesburg

Police Minister Bheki Cele is understood to be making a last-minute attempt to plead with the former president to hand himself in and not resist arrest.

Mr Cele wrote to Acting Chief Justice Raymond Zondo asking for clarity on whether or not Mr Zuma should be arrested, pending the outcome of the Constitutional Court hearing on 12 July.

Many believe the police minister is playing politics and doesn't want to put handcuffs on his own comrade. Others believe this is a deliberate attempt to make sure that Mr Zuma doesn't get arrested by midnight on Wednesday.

Speculation is rife that widespread protests could erupt if he is imprisoned. However, justice must be seen to be done - even against powerful politicians.

Supporters vow to block arrest

Though Mr Zuma was forced out of office by his own party, the African National Congress (ANC), he retains a loyal body of supporters, especially in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal.

South Africa has never seen a former president jailed before, and they are determined the man once dubbed the "Teflon president" for his survival skills won't be the first.

Police move on Zuma supporters protesting in front of the High Court in Pietermaritzburg

On Sunday, crowds formed what they called a human shield outside Mr Zuma's palatial home.

The BBC's Nomsa Maseko, who was at the scene, noted that the gathering was illegal under Covid-19 regulations aimed at curbing the spread of the disease.

The lack of police intervention led many to ask whether the former president was above the law.

Supporters gathered to hear the former leader address supporters outside his home in Nkandla on 4 July

Mr Zuma, a veteran of the fight against white minority rule in South Africa who was imprisoned for 10 years on Robben Island alongside Nelson Mandela, has declared he is prepared to go to prison. However, he argued that "sending me to jail during the height of a pandemic, at my age, is the same as sentencing me to death".

Mr Zuma has repeatedly said that he is the victim of a political conspiracy. He has testified only once at the corruption inquiry into what has become known as "state capture" - siphoning off state assets - refusing to appear again.

In a separate legal matter, Mr Zuma pleaded not guilty last month in a corruption trial involving a $5bn (3bn) arms deal from the 1990s.
Rep. Andy Kim donated the suit he wore during the January 6 riot at the US Capitol to the Smithsonian Museum of American History. AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, Andy Kim via Twitter

New Jersey Rep. Andy Kim said he donated the suit he wore on January 6 to the Smithsonian Institution.

Kim said he wore the suit on January 6 and again on January 13 when he voted to impeach Trump.

He said "telling the story" of the riot at the Capitol "isn't optional, it is necessary."

See more stories on Insider's business page.

New Jersey Rep. Andy Kim announced Tuesday he donated the blue suit he wore during the January 6 riot at the US Capitol to the Smithsonian Institution.

Kim explained his decision in a 17-tweet thread posted to Twitter.

"While some try to erase history, I will fight to tell the story so it never happens again," Kim wrote.

Many Republican lawmakers have attempted to distance themselves from and downplay the events of January 6. Supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the building after a rally held by Trump outside the White House.

Rioters overpowered Capitol Police and other authorities, broke windows, and stormed into the building while lawmakers held a joint session to count the results of the 2020 election, which Trump lost. While some Republican lawmakers have since likened rioters to tourists, 550 people have faced charges for their participation.

Kim called the suit "unremarkable" and said he purchased it "off-the-rack" at J.Crew because he wanted to wear a "bright blue new suit" to the inauguration of President Joe Biden on January 21.

Kim said he decided to wear the suit earlier, on January 6, when he saw the news that Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock had won their races for Senate in Georgia.

"I bought it to be a suit of celebration, and I thought what better way to give the suit meaning than to wear it when I confirm the electoral college and then later to the inauguration," Kim said.

He added: "Like my suit, what I did on Jan 6 on its face was unremarkable. I saw a mess and cleaned it. I wanted to right the wrongs of that day as quickly and as tangibly as I could. Neither my suit nor my actions are on their own worthy of memory, but the story didn't end there."

Story continues

Kim said he decided to wear the suit one more time: on January 13 when he voted to impeach Trump. His pants still had "dust" on his knees from January 6.

"When I got home I vowed to never wear the suit again. I even considered throwing it away. It only brought back terrible memories," he said.

He said he hid it in a closet until he received "thousands of cards" from people across the country who told him the blue suit represented "resilience and hope."

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

"I told the Smithsonian yes to donating the blue suit because the telling of the story of [January 6] isn't optional, it is necessary," he said. "There are many stories of [January 6]. Mine is just one. We cannot heal as a nation unless we have truth."

Valeska Hilbig, a spokesperson for the Smithsonian Museum of American History, confirmed to Insider that Kim had donated the suit as "part of a larger collecting initiative to continue to assess now and in the future what historians and the public will know about" January 6.

"Our curatorial staff, including in the division of political and military history, continue to monitor the evolving situation regarding the election of 2020 and the Capitol building insurrection and interruption of the final ratification of that election," she added.

There were no "immediate plans for a display," Hilbig told Insider.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The AV Club

Heart Of The Matter, Part 1" is another busy episode, but its more streamlined than the past couple have been. The focus is on the ever-expanding Allen family, with Barry and Iris meeting the latest timelines version of their future children, Nora and Bart. Fortunately, Nora is still played by Jessica Parker Kennedy, while Jordan Fishers take on Bart is reminiscent of the Ezra Miller version of the Flash from the movies. (For a portion of the audience that probably means hes super-annoying,
Jacob Chansley, also known as the "QAnon Shaman," at the "Stop the Steal" rally in Washington, DC, on January 6. Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images

A federal judge denied the "Q Shaman's" latest bid to get out of jail ahead of his trial.

Jacob Chansley's attorney had argued his client wasn't holding a real spear at the Capitol riot.

The judge said he'd seen no new information that changed his perception of Chansley's dangerousness.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

A federal judge on Tuesday denied the latest attempt to spring the self-styled "Q Shaman" from a Colorado jail ahead of his trial.

Jacob Chansley, who gained notoriety by wearing a headdress with fur and horns during the January 6 Capitol siege, faces six charges stemming from the insurrection.

His attorney argued on June 30 that Chansley should be released due to new evidence showing that the "spear" he brought to the Capitol was actually just a flagpole with a "finial" zip-tied to the top and that it posed no danger to anyone.

The attorney, Al Watkins, also argued that Chansley could be released to his mother's home in Arizona or to a "secure location" in St. Louis where Watkins could keep track of him.

District Judge Royce Lamberth wasn't persuaded by either argument, ruling that Chansley's attorney hadn't offered any new information that changed his perception of Chansley's dangerousness or risk of fleeing and had provided no details on the "secure location" in St. Louis.

Lamberth added that he had previously rejected Chansley's mother as a custodian, given that she repeatedly told "60 Minutes+" in an interview that Chansley "did nothing wrong."

"After Chansley's first detention hearing, the Court found by clear and convincing evidence that no conditions of release could reasonably assure the safety of the community," Lamberth wrote, adding that nothing has substantially changed since that initial ruling.

Chansley is detained at a federal facility in Colorado, where he will soon be evaluated for his mental fitness to stand trial, court documents said.

Watkins has repeatedly raised questions about his client's mental health. During the June 30 hearing, he called Chansley "a man who needs some attention that he is not able to get," and even told Talking Points Memo in an interview that the Capitol riot defendants were "f---ing short-bus people."

Read the original article on Insider
Visitors tour the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs after it was turned into a memorial to honor those who died on 12 November, 2017 in Sutherland Springs, Texas. (Getty Images)

A federal judge has ruled that the US Air Force is largely responsible for a 2017 mass shooting at a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas after failing to add the shooters criminal history to a federal background check database for gun purchases.

US District Judge Xavier Rodriguez of the Western District of Texas delivered the decision on Wednesday in a civil lawsuit launched by survivors and family members of victims of the deadly shooting at the First Baptist Church, as The Wall Street Journal reported.

Twenty-six-year-old shooter Devin Kelley, a former airman, fatally shot 25 people, including a pregnant woman, on 12 November 2017, before killing himself shortly after the attack, which remains Texas deadliest mass shooting.

Authorities put the official death toll at 26 due to a pregnant person being among those killed.

In his decision, Judge Rodriguez said the Air Force should bear 60 per cent of the responsibility for the shooting.

The trial conclusively established that no other individual  not even Kelleys own parents or partners  knew as much as the United States about the violence that Devin Kelley had threatened to commit and was capable of committing, the judge wrote in his decision, according to The WSJ.

Moreover, the evidence shows that  had the Government done its job and properly reported Kelleys information into the background check system  it is more likely than not Kelley would have been deterred from carrying out the Church shooting, he said.

The judge called for a trial plan to be set within 15 days for monetary damages to be determined for survivors and victims families.

Kelley should have been blocked from legally buying a gun due to a past conviction in a 2012 general court-martial on two counts of domestic assault on his wife and stepson that saw him sentenced to a year in military jail.

According to The Associated Press, the stepson was left with a cracked skull following the incident.

However, because the Air Force failed to log his conviction on the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, he was able to purchase the rifle that he used in the deadly shooting.

Story continues

Read More

'This does not define us': Sutherland Springs residents share what they want world to know about their community

Texas church painted white in memorial to Sutherland Springs shooting victims

Texas shooting: Local churches consider hiring armed guards and locking doors after Sutherland Springs
WikiLeaks founder turned 50 in prison (Getty Images)

Julian Assange will not be held in a supermax prison if he is extradited to the US, American authorities have told Britain. They also said they would be happy for the Australian citizen to serve any custodial sentence there.

The British High Court ruled that the US government could appeal an earlier ruling that rejected its demand to extradite the WikiLeaks founder to the US, to face espionage and computer charges.

A lower court in January turned down the US request, with a judge saying she was concerned that if he were sent to the America, there was a very real possibility the 50-year-old whistleblower might take his own life.

Mr Assanges lawyers had told the court last year that if he was sent to America he would likely be held in so-called supermax facility in Colorado, where he would spent most of his time confined to his cell, and having to confront harsh measures.

Maureen Baird, a former warden at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York, who was called by Mr Assanges lawyers had said: From my experience, of close to three decades of working in federal prisons, I would agree that long term isolation can have serious negative effects on an inmates mental health.

Mr Assange could face a penalty of 175 years imprisonment if convicted of charges related to the US Espionage Act, as well as computer hacking.

On Wednesday, as the court in London granted the US permission to appeal the ruling on three out of five grounds.

Two were technical legal grounds relating to the interpretation of case law by the judge in the lower court.

According to part of the judgement that was shared by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) with the media, the court also said the third ground for appeal that had been granted was that the United States has provided the United Kingdom with a package of assurances which are responsive to the District Judges specific findings in this case.

Story continues

It added: In particular, the United States has provided assurances that Mr Assange will not be subject to SAMs or imprisoned at ADX (unless he were to do something subsequent to the offering of these assurances that meets the tests for the imposition of SAMs or designation.

It said the US had also provided an assurance that the United States will consent to Mr Assange being transferred to Australia to serve any custodial sentence imposed on him.

The development, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, came as the judge also ordered that Mr Assange must remain in prison during any potential US appeal, ruling that he has an incentive to abscond if he were freed.

Friends, relatives and supporters of the WikiLeaks founder point out he has been held at Londons high-security Belmarsh Prison since he was arrested in April 2019, when he was detained for skipping bail seven years earlier. He has always insisted he took refuge in Ecuadors Embassy, where he was granted asylum because he feared the US wanted to punish him, for the role of his organisation in exposing what he and his supporters say were war crimes committed during the war on terror.

Nils Melzer, the UN Special Rapporteur on torture, has said the way Mr Assange has been treated by Britain and the US amounts to collective persecution. He has also condemned the way the US held whistleblower Chelsea Manning in solitary confinement.

Ms Manning was among the best known of WikiLeaks sources, and in early 2010 provided hundreds of thousands of secret documents to the site. She did so after becoming horrified at what the US and its allies were doing.

Among the material was a piece of footage showing two US AH-64 Apache helicopters attacking buildings in Baghdad in 2007, and then closing in a group of people on the ground. Among them were children and journalists.

Julian Assange (Getty)

Ms Manning was eventually charged with 22 offences. A court martial sentenced her to 35 years in a a military prison at Fort Leavenworth. She spent seven years in jail before her sentence was commuted by Barack Obama.

On Wednesday, Mr Assanges fiancee, Stella Moris, urged Joe Biden to drop the prosecution launched under his predecessor, Donald Trump.

Ms Moris, who has two young sons with Assange, said outside the High Court that the WikiLeaks founder was very unwell in prison.

He won his case in January. Why is he even in prison? she said.

Im appealing to the Biden administration to do the right thing. This appeal was taken two days before the Trump administration left office, and if the Biden administration is serious about respecting the rule of law, the First Amendment and defending global press freedom, the only thing it can do is drop this case.

Read More

UK court allows US to appeal denial of Assanges extradition

Mexico offers political asylum to Julian Assange

Pete Buttigieg calls out politicians for picking on transgender kids
(Bloomberg) -- A European Union strategy to boost forest protection has turned a simmering scientific debate into a full-blown firestorm, pitting one of the blocs oldest industries against a perceived power grab by technology-driven regulators.

More than two-fifths of Europe is covered by woodlands, which play a pivotal role in capturing and storing greenhouse gases that would otherwise compound climate change when they amass in the atmosphere. Trees are also the foundation of a 640 billion-euro ($760 billion) industry that employs millions of workers who harvest timber for building material and energy.

In a 19-page draft leaked by environmental groups this month, the European Commission wrote that its preparing a new suite of high-tech surveillance measures and rules to protect European forests under increasing strain, while streamlining governance across all 27 member states. The EUs executive arm wants to expand woodlands by planting an additional 3 billion trees, even as it encourages more timber use to replace carbon-intensive concrete in construction.

While the strategy drafted in Brussels could be a boon for the environment  as well as the emerging climate-data industry that accounts for carbon emissions  timber merchants wary of stronger restrictions have rallied to fight the proposal.

The Commission is playing a political game with extremely high stakes, said Anna Holmberg, a Brussels lobbyist for Swedens forest industry, the worlds third biggest, which has called the EU strategy tone deaf to forest owners and investors. The Confederation of European Forest Owners, another lobby group, said its concerned that surveillance measures could yield misleading information.

Tension has been building with industry since scientists at the Commissions Joint Research Centre, or JRC, published a report in July 2020 that found an abrupt increase, by almost half, in harvested forest over a three-year period ending in 2018. They warned that growing demand for timber products risk derailing Europes climate goals by damaging an important carbon sink.

Story continues

To complicate matters further, in April another group of scientists affiliated with the European Forest Institute, a government adviser that oversees an EU facility designed to reduce emissions from deforestation, said the Joint Research Centre had it wrong.

The large harvest changes reported by JRC result from methodological errors, the 30 scientists wrote in the journal Nature. These errors relate to satellite sensitivity improving markedly over the period of assessment, as well as to changes in forests due to natural disturbances  for example drought and storm related die-back and tree-falls  being often attributed wrongly to timber harvests.

The disagreement over facts underscores the confluence of factors that are making it difficult for policy makers and companies to manage the rising damages wrought by climate change.

For foresters, a decades-long succession of warmer winters and drier summers has weakened woodland resilience, exposing trees to wildfires and invasive species. Spruce beetles have wiped out millions of hectares, causing billions of euros in damages and forcing loggers to raze affected groves and replant new species of trees.

Over the same period, the European Commission has been funnelling billions into building out a constellation of Earth observation satellites managed by its Copernicus Climate Change Service. The massive volumes of freely-available information they produced has kickstarted a burgeoning new industry of climate-data startups that are angling to support government and business decisions.

Ultimately, accounting for forest inventories can only be achieved through multi-layered interaction, that includes satellite data as well as information measured on the ground, said Rolf Schmitz, a founder and chief executive officer of Collective Crunch. His Finnish company plugs satellite data into artificial intelligence algorithms designed to time harvests and maximize the sequestration of CO2.

To build trust and open up the forestry industry to new digital markets, data scientists have to verify their facts as well as their error rates, said Schmitz, who called the Joint Research Centre study sensational and questioned its accuracy.

In a July 2 letter sent to the Commission, the European Association of Remote Sensing Companies urged Vice President Frans Timmermans to stick by the EUs plans to use more satellite surveillance technology to manage forests. The strategy has the potential to not only meet climate policy objectives, but also create sustainable innovation and economic opportunity, reads the 3-page document seen by Bloomberg Green.

Getting industry to buy into new ways of doing business on a warmer planet will require more education to go along with the edicts issued from capitals, according to Tomaz Scavnicar, a data scientist who grew up among Slovenian farmers before drawing investment from the European Space Agency to create remote inspection tools.

At the end of the day, what were doing is setting new standards, he said. Since the green revolution, farmers and foresters have constantly been faced with new challenges and asked to adapt. They can do it, but want to know who will pay.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.

2021 Bloomberg L.P.
By Andrius Sytas

VILNIUS (Reuters) - Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said on Wednesday that he had asked his Turkish counterpart to help identify migrants coming into Lithuania from Belarus.

"A large part of the people (coming into Lithuania from Belarus) arrive there from Turkey, on Turkish airlines. We believe that Turkey knows their identities", he told reporters in Vilnius on Wednesday.

"In cooperation with Turkey, we can easily determine their identities and demand they are accepted by the states they originate from."

Landsbergis said had summoned the head of Belarus's embassy on Wednesday to demand that Minsk end the flow of illegal migrants across their common border.

(Reporting by Andrius Sytas; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
By Andrius Sytas

KALVIAI, Lithuania (Reuters) - Lithuania on Wednesday accused Belarus of flying in migrants from abroad to send to the European Union and said it would build a barrier on the border and deploy troops to prevent them crossing illegally into its territory.

Belarus decided to allow migrants to cross into EU member Lithuania in response to sanctions imposed by the bloc after Minsk forced a Ryanair flight to land on its soil and arrested a dissident blogger who was on board.

Hundreds have been making the crossing in recent days, many of them originating in Turkey, Lithuania said. The foreign ministry summoned the head of the Belarus embassy on Wednesday to demand that Minsk end the flow of illegal migrants.

Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte said Belarus had been offering migrants flights to Minsk, citing documents found on at least one migrant who had reached Lithuania.

"There are travel agencies, direct flights that connect Minsk with Baghdad for example, and there are agencies both in Belarus and other countries that operate and attract 'tourists' to Minsk," Simonyte told Reuters in Vilnius.

She said the main airport from where people flew into Belarus was Baghdad, and her foreign minister said people were also coming from Turkey.

The documents, copies of which were sent to Reuters by a Lithuanian government official, include applications from Minsk-based agencies called UmnoTury and Tsentrkurort, dated May 27 and June 7, asking the Belarusian Foreign Ministry for visas for three Iraqi citizens.

The official also sent copies of four boarding passes for a flight with Belarusian national carrier Belavia from Istanbul to Minsk on May 27, found on a migrant.

Turkey's foreign ministry did not immediately comment.

BARRIER

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on May 26 that his country would no longer prevent migrants from crossing its western border into the EU.

Lithuania is working to organise visits by foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis to Baghdad and Ankara next week to discuss migration.

Story continues

"A large part of the people (coming into Lithuania from Belarus) arrive there from Turkey, on Turkish airlines. We believe that Turkey knows their identities," he told reporters in Vilnius.

"In cooperation with Turkey, we can easily determine their identities and demand they are accepted by the states they originate from."

Simonyte said Lithuania would take action to stop migrants crossing the border by increasing patrols and building a barrier. It would also build a camp for those who had already arrived.

"We will begin building an additional physical barrier, which divides Lithuania and Belarus, which would be a certain sign and a certain deterrent to organisers of the illegal migration flows," she told a news conference.

She also said the country, a Schengen free travel area member, was considering imposing border controls with neighbouring EU countries to stop migrants travelling to Western countries in the bloc.

EU foreign ministers will debate the next steps at a scheduled meeting on Monday after Lithuania requested a discussion, an EU official said.

However, the official cautioned that "the EU is against fences in general" and so Brussels is unlikely to publicly back Lithuania on the border barrier.

BORDER GUARDS

Earlier on Wednesday, three Lithuanian border guards had struggled to communicate with four visibly tired people at a bus stop in a village near the border. None spoke English.

They identified as Iraqis with no passports, and were questioned, without a translator, at the border guards' headquarters.

"We were used to dealing mostly with cigarette smuggling from Belarus. This is all new to us," said Povilas Vitkus, a border guard.

Less than a dozen officers patrol the 64 km stretch assigned to Vitkus' border post and they rely on villagers to report illegal crossings.

A total of 779 illegal migrants crossed the Belarus-Lithuanian border in the first seven days of July, compared with 636 during the first six month of the year, according to the border guards' office. Lithuania received no more than 104 migrants annually during 2018-2020.

"If people continue to come in such numbers, in hundreds per day, it will get serious for sure - it will be challenging to find proper accommodation, to ensure humanitarian needs and proper services for those people", Egle Samuchovaite from Lithuanian Red Cross told Reuters.

In Kalviai village, groups of migrants crossing fields or streets have become an everyday sight this week.

"I gave them water as they passed", said villager Valentinas Margevicius, 54. "They must be really hard-up, if they decided to drop everything and travel to an unknown land."

(Reporting by Andrius Sytas; Additional reporting by Robin Emmott; Writing by Alan Charlish and Andrius Sytas; Editing by Jon Boyle and Giles Elgood)
Haiti's President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in his home early Wednesday. AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery, File

Haitian President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in his private residence early Wednesday, the country's interim prime minister announced.

Two Americans and 15 Colombians were arrested in connection with the assassination.

His wife, first lady Martine Moise, remains in critical condition following the attack.



See more stories on Insider's business page.

VIDEO: Suspects in the assassination of the Haitian president get marched to jail

Haiti officials have asked US military troops to help protect the country's port, airport, and gas supply

Citizens take part in a protest near the police station of Petion Ville after Haitian president Jovenel Moise was murdered on July 08, 2021 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Richard Pierrin/Getty Images

Haitian minister of elections, Mathias Pierre, told the New York Times, that the country needs help stabilizing following Moise's death.

He said he fears "urban terrorists" may attack the country's infrastructure in coming days.

"The group that financed the mercenaries want to create chaos in the country," he said. "Attacking the gas reserves and airport might be part of the plan."

American suspects said they were translators for hit squad: judge

The two US citizens arrested in the assassination plot said they were working as translators for the assassins, a Haitian judge said.

Haitian Judge Clement Noel told The New York Times that James J. Solages, 35, of Florida claims he found an online job listing to translate for the assassins.

The other Hatian-American suspect is 55-year-old Joseph Vincent, also from Florida. Both Solages and Vincent claimed they weren't in the room when President Jovenel Moise was shot and killed.



Read Full Story

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the US government is sending officials to Haiti to assist in the country's investigation into the assassination

Psaki said that the government is sending officials from the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security to Haiti to "assess the situation."

"The United States remains engaged and in close consultation with our Haitian and international partners to support the Haitian people in the aftermath of the assassination of the president," she said.

Story continues

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

Uncle of US citizen accused in Haiti assassination thinks someone 'played on his mind'

The uncle of the one of the two US citizens who have been arrested in connection with the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise told Insider Friday that he believed his nephew may have been duped into joining the international murder plot.

"He's a good boy, respectful," Florida resident Schubert Dorisme, 63, told Insider of his 35-year-old nephew James Solages.

Solages, his uncle said, was "always working hard, adding "I think somebody played on his mind for him to do something like that."

"It's not him," Dorisme insisted. "It's not the James I know."



Read Full Story

Photo shows the 2 US citizens among men accused of assassinating Haiti's president

Suspects in the assassination of Haiti's President Jovenel Moise, among them Haitian-American citizens James Solages, left, and Joseph Vincent, second left, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Thursday, July 8, 2021. Joseph Odelyn/AP Photo/Insider

Images have been released of the suspects in the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, among them two with dual Haitian-US nationality.

The image above shows 35-year-old James Solages (left) and 55-year-old Joseph Vincent (second left) held at the police General Directorate in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, according to the Associated Press (AP).



They are with four other unnamed suspects, who officials have said are Colombian. All appear to be restrained at the hands, and Vincent can be seen with zip-tie handcuffs.

READ FULL STORY







2 Americans and 15 Colombians arrested

Haitian officials said Thursday that two Americans and 15 Colombians have been arrested in connection with the assassination of the country's president, the Associated Press reported.

Leon Charles, chief of Haiti's National Police, said eight additional suspects were still on the run.

Charles, speaking during a press conference Thursday night while the 17 suspects sat on the floor in handcuffs, said: "We are going to bring them to justice."

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

The two Americans, identified as Joseph Vincent and James Solages, were described as being of Haitian descent. Officials said six of the suspects were former members of Colombia's military.

Officials said several suspects were killed by police during a gun battle Wednesday.

Two Americans arrested, the Associated Press reported

Law enforcement with the Police Nationale of Haiti looks on as the crowd surrounds the Petionville Police station where suspects are being held. Valerie Baeriswyl / Getty Images

Two people with US citizenship were arrested in Haiti on Thursday in connection with the assassination of the country's president, the Associated Press reported.

Mathias Pierre, a Haitian official, told the AP that two of the six people arrested in connection with the killing were Haitian Americans. One, James Solange, had described himself on a webiste as a former bodyguard at the Canadian embassy in Port au Prince, a detail that could not be immediately confirmed.

"The pursuit of the mercenaries continues," said Leon Charles, director of Haiti's National Police, in announcing the arrest of suspects. "Their fate is fixed: They will fall in the fighting or will be arrested."

Read Full Story

UN envoy backs Joseph as the prime minister until elections to choose new government

At a press conference on Thursday, Helen La Lime, the United Nations Special Envoy to Haiti, said that interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph will assume executive power, per Article 149 of Haiti's constitution.

"In the event of the death of a president, the current government assumes executive powers, and then the prime minister presides over this group and gives them guidance," she said. "And they take Haiti to elections and a new elected president of Haiti."

The first round of presidential elections is expected to take place in September, La Lime said.

Haitian security forces have arrested a total of six suspects in Moise's assassination

Helen La Lime, the United Nations Special Envoy to Haiti, said at a press conference that two suspects had been arrested on Wednesday and four more were arrested on Thursday.

The arrests come after a gun battle ensued between suspects and security forces on Wednesday, during which four suspects were killed.

La Lime said a large group of suspects have taken refuge in two buildings in Port-au-Prince and are surrounded by police.



Read Full Story

Assassinated Haitian president Jovenel Moise was reportedly shot 12 times, judge says

Petion-Ville deputy justice of the peace, Carl Henry Destin, told the Haitian newspaper Le Nouvelliste that Moise was shot by both large- and small-caliber weapons during the attack early Wednesday morning.

He added that Moise's bedroom and office were ransacked by the assailants.



Read More

Haitian leaders are both claiming to be the country's prime minister

Journalists gather near a mural featuring Haitian President Jovenel Moise near his residence where he was killed by gunmen on July 7. Associated Press

Two men are claiming to be Haiti's new prime minister following Moise's assassination.

Claude Joseph, Haiti's interim prime minister, declared that he was in control of security in the country, declaring a "state of siege" which instituted martial law and closed the country's borders.

However, Joseph had been scheduled to step down from the position, as Moise had selected neurologist Ariel Henry to serve as the new prime minister.

Henry, who was sworn in just before the assassination, claimed that he was the rightful prime minister in an interview with the Associated Press. However, he has said in interviews that he is not in conflict with Joseph and urged "little more serenity and maturity."

The future of Haiti's government has been uncertain since a scheduled 2019 election was pushed back to this year. Moise refused to step down and had been ruling by decree since January 2020, while pushing for constitutional changes to expand executive authority.

Haiti's police chief says four suspected assassins were killed in a gun battle with police on Wednesday night, and two others were arrested.

Haiti's police chief said late Wednesday night that four people suspected of being involved in the assassination of President Jovenel Moise were killed by police in a gun battle. Two others were arrested, he said.

Leon Charles, the police chief, said three police officers who were held hostage had been freed.

"The police are engaged in a battle with the assailants," he said at a news conference. "We are pursuing them so that, in a gunfight, they meet their fate or in gunfight they die, or we apprehend them."

Moise was shot and killed at about 1 a.m. local time Wednesday by a group of armed assailants in his home.

"A group of unidentified individuals, some of them speaking Spanish, attacked the private residence of the president of the republic and thus fatally wounded the head of state," said Claude Joseph, the interim prime minister of Haiti.

Haitian first lady Martine Moise was also injured in the attack and was receiving medical treatment.



Read Full Story

Local police arrested the "presumed" assassins of President Jovenel Moise on Wednesday evening.

Haiti's Communications Secretary Frantz Exantus tweeted Wednesday that local police had arrested the "presumed" assassins of President Jovenel Moise.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

Exantus did not provide additional details but said more information would be available shortly on the country's state television broadcaster.

"So far this looks like an execution and not a coup d'etat"

Prior to the assassination, an organized crime leader, Jimmy Cherizier, had called on gangs to take on the government, ostensibly over its failure to reduce poverty.

"So far this looks like an execution and not a coup d'etat," Jean-Max Bellerive, a former Haitian prime minister, told The Wall Street Journal.

On Monday, Moise had named a new prime minister, Ariel Henry, who the paper described as having "close ties to opposition leaders."

"[I]t could start looking like a coup d'etat if the interim prime minister [Claude Joseph] starts taking charge of everything without trying to achieve consensus," Bellerive said.

Haitian first lady Martine Moise has arrived in Florida after she was transported via "air ambulance"

Haitian first lady Martine Moise arrived in South Florida on Wednesday afternoon after she was transported there via an "air ambulance."

The news was first reported on Twitter by Miami Herald reporter Jacqueline Charles who said Moise was alive.

Moise was in critical condition, a Haitian ambassador said earlier Wednesday. Moise survived the shooting that killed her husband, Haitian President Jovenel Moise.

Haitian first lady Martine Moise is in 'critical condition,' a Haitian ambassador said

"She's stable but in critical condition," Ambassador Bocchit Edmond told reporters Monday, according to Reuters.

"Efforts are being done now to take her to Miami to be treated," he added.

Martine Moise was wounded in the early Wednesday morning attack that left her husband, President Jovenel Moise, dead.



Read Full Story

When elected, Moise pledged to "write a new page of history," but his time in office was marked by controversy and protest

Protesters clash with police during a protest against Moise in March 2021. Sabin Johnson/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

During his time in office, Moise faced allegations of corruption, and opposition over fuel shortages, inflation, rising crime, and the misappropriation of development funding.

He was first elected in 2016 and took office the following year. Protests against his government were chaotic and included violent clashes with police.



Read Full Story

Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph declared a 'state of siege' Wednesday morning, closing Haiti's borders

Joseph on Wednesday declared a "state of siege," the Haitian designation that falls between a "state of emergency" and a "state of war," on Wednesday morning.

The "state of siege" declaration followed a meeting of the Haitian council of ministers, according to CNN. The designation means all of the country's borders are closed and martial law is enacted.

In a statement, Joseph urged residents to remain calm and promised he would bring "the killers of the president to justice," the report said.

In a statement, President Joe Biden said he was "shocked and saddened"

"We are shocked and saddened to hear of the horrific assassination of President Jovenel Moise and the attack on First Lady Martine Moise of Haiti," Biden said in a statement issued at about 11 a.m. Wednesday.

He added: "We condemn this heinous act, and I am sending my sincere wishes for First Lady Moise's recovery. The United States offers condolences to the people of Haiti, and we stand ready to assist as we continue to work for a safe and secure Haiti."

Video reportedly taken outside Moise's home showed a large security response following his assassination

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

The video, which was first obtained by Journal la Diaspora and posted by the Miami Herald, showed a number of people with guns  reportedly security personnel  standing on a dark street following the attack. One person appeared to be laying in the middle of the street.



Read Full Story

Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph told The New York Times in an interview that he was in control of the Caribbean nation

Joseph said Haitian police and military were in control of security in the country.

Source: The New York Times, AP

The news of the assassination creates more uncertainty in Haiti's turbulent political sphere

President Jovenel Moise speaks during a press conference at the National Palace in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019. Associated Press

Before his assassination Wednesday, Moise had been ruling in the country for over a year by decree after the country failed to hold an election. An election was expected to occur later this year.

At the time of his death, Haiti was experiencing a surge in gang-related crimes, anti-government protests, and COVID-19 infections, the AP reported.

The streets were mostly quiet Wednesday morning, though some ransacked businesses were reported in one area of Port-au-Prince, the Haitian capital city, according to the AP.

Haitian President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in his home early Wednesday, the nation's interim prime minister announced

Jovenel Moise and his wife Martine Moise in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on November 28, 2016, after he won the country's 2016 presidential election. Jeanty Junior Augustin/Reuters

Claude Joseph, the interim prime minister of Haiti, announced Wednesday that Haitian President Jovenel Moise was shot and killed at about 1 a.m. Wednesday by a group of armed assailants in his home.

"A group of unidentified individuals, some of them speaking Spanish, attacked the private residence of the president of the republic and thus fatally wounded the head of state," said Claude Joseph, the interim prime minister of Haiti.

Haitian first lady Martine Moise was also injured in the attack and was receiving medical treatment.

Details of who carried out the assassination were not immediately known.



Read Full Story

Read the original article on Business Insider
Malaysians struggling to make ends meet during a worsening coronavirus outbreak have hoisted white flags outside their homes in a desperate plea for help that has swept the country.

Authorities imposed a second strict nationwide lockdown last month in response to a surge in Covid cases, and many low-income workers who live hand-to-mouth have lost their jobs again after a ban on non-essential businesses.

The flags -- often little more than strips of cotton or T-shirts -- have sprung up outside homes of the needy around the country in the past week, prompting an outpouring of sympathy and donations from the public.

"This month I have not paid the rent... I am afraid that I might not be able to find another place to stay in this critical situation," said Tilda Kalaivani, a single mother of four.

The 37-year-old, who was forced to stop working as a florist after the closure of all non-essential businesses, said she at first felt "too shy" to hang a flag outside her home on the outskirts of the capital Kuala Lumpur.

"But facing such difficulty, if I don't say anything, people won't know -- and I don't know what will happen."

The #benderaputih -- "white flag" in the Malay language -- movement has expanded rapidly online, with social media groups set up to let people in need post appeals for help.

Members of the public are bringing food to households that have signalled their distress, while businesses are also donating, with a noodle-maker sending workers to deliver food in worst-hit Selangor state outside Kuala Lumpur.

Popular Malaysian rapper Altimet also pledged to donate food in a message to his nearly 400,000 Instagram followers.

Only essential businesses, such as supermarkets and medical clinics, have been allowed to operate since last month, and the government has come under fire from the public for not providing sufficient aid.

- 'Desperation point' -

Growing desperation is reflected in rising suicides -- police recorded more than 450 in the first five months of this year, compared to 631 for all of 2020.

Story continues

Referring to the figures, Malaysia's top health official Noor Hisham Abdullah said the pandemic had had a "huge impact" on people's mental health, especially those cut off from support networks of friends and family.

Opposition lawmakers say the movement shows the government's efforts to contain Covid are failing and have launched their own black flag campaign calling on Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to resign and lift Malaysia's state of emergency.

Charles Santiago of the opposition Democratic Action Party said he and his staff helped dozens of low-income workers who had hoisted white flags in his Selangor constituency.

"Every one of them has lost their jobs," when the latest lockdown was implemented, he said.

There is little sign of Malaysia's latest outbreak slowing despite the lockdown -- officials reported over 7,600 cases and more than 100 deaths on Tuesday.

"Before people had some savings, but now all of that is gone," Santiago told AFP. "They have hit desperation point."

pl-sr/gle
Christopher Mirasolo is registered sex offender after two convictions of sexual assault on children. (Michigan Department of Corrections)

A man who raped a 12-year-old has been awarded joint custody of her child despite being convicted of her rape and another sexual assault on a child.

The convicted rapist assaulted the girl nine years ago and she subsequently became pregnant.

A judge has given Christopher Mirasolo, 27, parenting time and joint legal custody of the eight-year-old boy after a paternity test found he was the father.

Since his conviction for the rape in 2008, Mirasolo, from Brown City, Michigan, has been convicted of another child sex assault, for which he served four years in prison.

As reported by The Detroit News, the victim is now 21-years-old and her attorney, Rebecca Kiessling, is seeking protection under the federal Rape Survivor Child Custody Act to halt his access.

The custody was granted by Judge Gregory S Ross and Mirasolo was given the victims address and his name added to the birth certificate, without the victims consent.

This is insane, said Ms Kiessling, who filed objections on Friday with the judge. Nothing has been right about this since it was originally investigated.

He was never properly charged and should still be sitting behind bars somewhere, but the system is victimising my client, who was a child herself when this all happened.

The matters ordered by the court will be taken up at a hearing later this month.

According to Ms Kiessling, Mirarsolo forcibly raped and threatened to kill her client in September 2008.

Mirasolo was found guilty of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and sentenced to one year in jail, but only served six and half months.

In March 2010, Mirasolo committed another offence on a victim aged between 13 and 15 years olf which he served four years in prison for.

She, her 13-year-old sister and a friend all slipped out of their house one night to meet a boy and the boys older friend, Mirasolo, showed up and asked if they wanted to go for a ride, said Kiessling.

They thought they were going to McDonalds or somewhere.

Story continues

Instead, he tossed their cellphones away, drove to Detroit where he stole gas from a station and then drove back to Sanilac County, where he kept them captive for two days in a vacant house near a relative, finally releasing the older sister in a park.

He threatened to kill them if they told anyone what happened.

Mirasolo was arrested a month later, she said, when her client was pregnant.

The victim decided to keep the child as she did not want the baby to be a victim too and left school to live with relatives and worked to support herself.

He was sentenced to one year in prison but only served six and half months before early release to care for his sick mother.

In March 2010, Mirasolo committed a sex assault on a victim between the age of 13 and 15-years-old. He served four years with this second offence.

Barbara Yockey, Mirasolos attorney, said it is unclear what her clients future involvement, if any, will be with the eight-year-old boy and declined to discuss any of his past criminal cases.

Read More

Teacher sexually assaulted 11-year-old boy she wanted to make happy

Teenager arrested after 75-year-old woman sexually assaulted in bed

Disabled woman blamed for being sexually assaulted by teenagers on bus

Woman stops rape by Uber driver after telling him she has HIV
Employees at more than 40 hospitals in Missouri, Kansas and some neighboring states will be required to get a COVID-19 vaccination, the Mercy health system announced Wednesday, making it among the few in the nation to mandate the shots.

The rule goes into effect Sept. 30 for the hospitals, which are in such cities as Springfield, Joplin and St. Louis, as well as in Kansas, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

Dr. John Mohart, senior vice president of clinical services, said 95% of recent coronavirus hospitalizations in the U.S. have been people who arent vaccinated.

The data is clear, Mohart said in a news release. Vaccination is key to saving lives.

In the Kansas City area, major hospital systems told The Star they do not require employees to be vaccinated, with two saying they wont consider it until the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gives the vaccines full approval. The FDA has OKd vaccines by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson for emergency use, but full approval is pending.

Only a small number of hospitals across the country have made the vaccine mandatory, with some offering religious exemptions, Nancy Foster with the American Hospital Association told Beckers Hospital Review, a hospital business publication.

But most association members indicated they would decide whether to require the shots based on safety and efficacy information when the FDA fully approves them, Foster said.

Mercy Hospital Springfield has been slammed by a surge of COVID-19 cases. On Wednesday, chief administrative officer Erik Frederick said the hospital had 120 COVID-19 patients, and 88% of its intensive care unit patients were on ventilators.

Less than 5% were fully vaccinated, he posted on social media.

On July 4, the hospital ran out of ventilators. Mercy hospitals in St. Louis and northwest Arkansas sent their supplies.

On Tuesday, the Springfield-Greene County Health Department reported 17 deaths between June 21 and July 4. Health officials said none were fully vaccinated.

Story continues

In Mercys news release, officials said the health system joins more than 20 other health care organizations in requiring vaccination.

In May, guidance issued by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said federal laws do not prevent an employer from requiring employees working on site to be vaccinated for COVID-19, with some caveats.

Last month, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit by employees of Houston Methodist over the hospitals COVID-19 vaccination mandate for employees. The judge ruled that the health system did not violate state or federal law by requiring the shots.

In the Kansas City area, AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, where nearly 80% of employees are vaccinated, plans to pursue mandating the COVID-19 vaccine when the FDA gives full approval, similarly to how we require an annual flu shot, director of communications Morgan Shandler said Wednesday.

University of Kansas Health System officials, who have been encouraging employees to get vaccinated, have said they wont consider mandating shots until the FDA gives final approval.

Other area hospitals said they strongly encourage vaccines but dont require them, including: Saint Lukes and HCA Midwest, which operates Research Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center and Menorah Medical Center.

Nationwide, more than 331 million vaccine doses have been administered, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As the coronavirus surges in Missouri, a mayor who imposed a mask requirement and other public safety measures is facing a recall vote, even though the requirements have long since expired.

Nixa voters will have the option to recall Mayor Brian Steele at a special election set for Nov. 2, the Springfield News-Leader reports.

Steele, who was delegated emergency powers by the City Council to deal with the pandemic, enacted the mask ordinance in October. He ended the ordinance on April 30.

The petition said Steele should be recalled for individually and without regard to the citizens of Nixa, nor the vote of city council, enacting a mask mandate, and taking other actions detrimental to the city of Nixa, its economy and the health and welfare of the community in general.

Nixa, which has about 21,000 residents, is located about 10 miles (16.09 kilometers) south of Springfield, where hospitals are overflowing with COVID-19 patients.

Health officials are blaming low vaccination rates and the delta variant, first identified in India, for the surge. Just 44.8% of the states residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, compared to 54.9% nationally.

And the rate is even lower in southwest Missouri. Christian County, where Nixa is located, has a vaccine rate of 35.2%. Some nearby counties have rates in the teens.

Christian County Clerk Kay Brown said that the recall petition submitted last week contained 73 valid signatures  six more than the required number. The bar for triggering a recall is 10% of the votes cast in the most recent mayoral election.

The recall election is expected to cost between $10,000 and $15,000, Brown said.

The mayor said hes had dozens of emails, calls and social media messages of support as the petition to recall him gained steam. He noted that his decision to set up a public masking measure was one made in coordination with the municipal government in the nearby town of Ozark, the Christian County Health Department and other regional health experts.

Story continues

Recall backers want to make it seem like it was a single choice that I made by myself, somehow illegally or unethically, but thats definitely not the case, Steele argued.

Steele also pushed back on claims that pandemic safety measures would destroy Nixas economy. Steele said sales tax collections inside Nixa city limits were up 14 percent in 2020 over 2019, despite pandemic disruptions, and that so far this year, sales tax is up 10 percent.

We have new businesses coming in and opening up, people are still moving here, Steele said.

The Committee to Recall the Mayor of Nixa, Missouri, didnt immediately respond to a Facebook message from The Associated Press seeking comment.
Medical charity Doctors Without Borders said Wednesday it was suspending work in some parts of Ethiopia's war-hit Tigray region after the "brutal murder" of three of its staff last month.

The decision is likely to fuel fears over access to life-saving aid in a region battered by eight months of conflict and where the United Nations says hundreds of thousands face famine.

At least 12 aid workers have been killed in Tigray since fighting broke out last November between the military and forces loyal to the region's former ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).

Doctors Without Borders, known by its French acronym of MSF, announced on June 25 that one Spanish and two Ethiopian employees had been killed, although details of the attack including who was responsible are unknown.

"Almost two weeks since the murders of our colleagues, no one has claimed responsibility and the circumstances around their deaths remain unclear," MSF operations director Teresa Sancristoval said in a statement Wednesday.

"This is why we are requesting an immediate investigation by relevant parties to establish the facts of the incident that resulted in their deaths and to provide us with a detailed account of what happened and who was responsible."

Ethiopia said in June the MSF staff were killed in the area of Abi Adi, 50 kilometres (30 miles) from the regional capital Mekele, adding that the TPLF was operating there.

Tigrayan leaders have blamed the killings on government forces.

Sancristoval said MSF was taking the "extremely painful but necessary decision to suspend our activities in several areas of Tigray," including Abi Adi, Adigrat and Axum.

All three have seen heavy fighting, and Axum was the site of a massacre by Eritrean troops in late November that left scores of people dead.

Suspending activities "will have major medical and humanitarian repercussions for the population of central Tigray," the MSF warned.

Story continues

The slain MSF workers were 35-year-old aid coordinator Maria Hernandez from Madrid; Yohannes Halefom Reda, a 31-year-old coordination assistant; and driver Tedros Gebremariam Gebremichael, also 31.

- 'Siege' fears -

The issue of humanitarian access has assumed fresh urgency since pro-TPLF fighters -- now renamed the Tigray Defence Forces (TDF) -- retook the regional capital Mekele last week.

Abiy's government declared a unilateral ceasefire hours later, but world leaders have warned of a possible "siege" of the region, with bridges going into Tigray destroyed and access restricted.

"There is an embargo on flights to Tigray, internet and telecommunications have been cut. Telecommunication outlets that are essential to humanitarian operators have been confiscated," EU crisis management commissioner Janez Lenarcic told the European Parliament Tuesday.

"It is not a ceasefire, it is a siege and starvation is used as a weapon of war."

MSF called on all parties to the conflict to ensure the safety of aid workers.

"Aid organisations, including MSF, have been repeatedly undermined by public statements casting unwarranted suspicion on their activities, thereby jeopardising the safety of their teams on the ground," it said.

Ethiopia has said accusations it wants to starve the Tigrayan population are "beyond the pale."

The government said Wednesday it had allowed humanitarian flights into the region, although a UN official told AFP none had taken off.

The United Nations has warned that roughly 350,000 people in Tigray are on the brink of famine, while the United States has said the figure is as high as 900,000.

- 'Bury our enemies' -

Tigrayan leaders have said they would only accept Abiy's call for a ceasefire if forces from Eritrea and Ethiopia's Amhara region -- who have been backing the Ethiopian army -- also withdrew from Tigray.

In a televised interview Tuesday, Tigray's pre-war president Debretsion Gebremichael said these forces were still in the region and hindering aid distribution.

"The humanitarian assistance isn't reaching the needy people in Tigray, rather it is supporting the invading forces," he said.

Analysts warn the next outbreak of fighting could centre on western Tigray, in territory annexed by Amhara forces who say it rightfully belongs to them.

In the interview, Debretsion indicated Tigrayan leaders were still very much on a war footing.

"We call upon the Tigrayan youth to continue with their volunteering to join our forces, until we bury our enemies," he said.

rcb/txw/ri
BANGKOK (AP)  Pro-democracy demonstrators took to the streets Wednesday in cities and towns around Myanmar to commemorate students who lost their lives in 1962 when a military dictator violently suppressed protests against harsh university discipline implemented under his regime.

The 1962 protests at Rangoon University, named after the city now called Yangon, implicitly criticized the March 2, 1962, coup in which Gen. Ne Win ended parliamentary democracy and instituted military rule that would last five decades.

The events still resonate today in Myanmar, especially after the armys Feb. 1 takeover that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Young people have played a leading role in resisting this year's seizure of power and hundreds have been killed by security forces.

Wednesday's protests were small and brief but enthusiastic, using the flash mob style that nonviolent demonstrators have adopted since government troops began using lethal force to suppress them. Other militants have taken up violence against the government.

In Yangon, the countrys biggest city, protesters flashed three-finger resistance salutes as they chanted declarations of unity and denunciations of the military. Several set off smoke bombs in colorful hues, lending a festive touch to the activity, conducted at a trot to avoid the authorities.

More than a dozen university student unions called on young people to protest military dictatorship as their forebears did in 1962, the online Mizzima news site reported.

Similar protests were held in Mandalay, the countrys second biggest city, and elsewhere, according to Myanmar media.

Students have historically been the vanguard in political change in Myanmar, starting when it was a British colony called Burma. But Ne Win's iron-fisted use of troops to crush the student protests in 1962 effectively halted serious political opposition for a generation until a major but unsuccessful 1988 democracy uprising.

Story continues

One hundred or more students are believed to have been killed on July 7, 1962, and thousands were arrested. To symbolically crush the movement, Ne Wins regime blew up the Rangoon University Students Union building, a historic center of resistance, the following day.

The National Unity Government, an opposition force formed this year by ousted lawmakers that calls itself the countrys legitimate ruling body, issued a statement Wednesday paying tribute to all the comrades of the Student Youth Revolution who have sacrificed their lives ... for the sake of truth and justice."

It likened the country's current situation to the military repression of the past.

Despite three generations of oppression at gunpoint and the destruction of life and property, the past youths spirit of love for the truth, the courage to stand up against injustice still lives on today, it said.
A record-breaking heat wave that hit the western United States and Canada at the end of June would have been "virtually impossible" without human-caused climate change, according to an analysis by a group of leading climate scientists.

The World Weather Attribution group said that global warming, caused by greenhouse gas emissions, made the heat wave at least 150 times more likely to happen.

Pacific Northwest areas of the two countries saw temperatures that broke records by several degrees, including a Canadian record of 49.6 degrees Celsius in the village of Lytton, which was subsequently mostly destroyed in a wildfire.

"There's absolutely no doubt that climate change played a key role here," Friederike Otto, a climatologist at the University of Oxford said during a press conference discussing the findings.

To investigate whether climate change played a role, the scientists analysed historical observations and computer simulations to compare the climate as it is today, after about 1.2 degrees Celsius (2.2 degrees Fahrenheit) of global warming since the late 1800s, with the climate of the past.

They found the observations were so extreme they lie far outside the range of historically observed temperatures. But with the climate of today, it was estimated the event could take place once in a thousand years.

Looking into the future, if the planet were to warm by two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) -- which could happen as early as the 2040s at the current rate -- heat waves like these would occur every five to ten years and be around a degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) hotter.

- Two theories -

The heat wave meant that last month was the hottest June on record in North America, according to data released by the European Union's climate monitoring service on Wednesday.

The death toll isn't yet known but is thought to run into the hundreds.

The researchers suggested two broad explanations for how climate change made the stunning heat more likely.

Story continues

The first was that, while climate change made the event more likely to occur, it remains an extreme outlier.

In this explanation, pre-existing drought that deprived the area of evaporative cooling, together with a slow-moving high pressure system in the atmosphere called a "heat dome," were supercharged by climate change.

According to this theory, without the influence of climate change, the peak temperature would have been about 2 degrees C (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) lower.

The second hypothesis is more dire: that the climate system has crossed a threshold where a small amount of overall global warming is now causing a faster rise in extreme temperatures than has been observed so far.

"Everybody is really worried about the implications of these events because this is something that nobody saw coming that nobody thought possible," said co-author Geert Jan van Oldenborgh of the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute.

"We feel that we do not understand heat waves as well as we thought we did," he said, adding it might mean that such temperatures are also possible at other high latitude locations such as northern Europe, the rest of the US, China and Japan.

This meant that adaptation plans need to be designed for temperatures well above the range witnessed in the past, the team warned.

ia/st
By Camillus Eboh

ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigeria's parliament passed a 983 billion naira ($2.4 billion) supplementary budget on Wednesday to address rising insecurity in the country and fund COVID-19 vaccines.

Nigeria, Africa's biggest oil producer, is grappling with mass abductions at schools, kidnappings for ransom, conflict between herdsmen and farmers, armed robberies and various insurgencies in the north of the country.

Senate leader Ahmad Lawan said parliament should be vigilant in monitoring how the extra funds will be used, in a country that has struggled for decades with corruption.

"It is very important that we have a review of the application of these funds before we pass the 2022 Appropriation Bill," Lawan added. "But this is a very necessary intervention by this National Assembly particularly this Senate and indeed the administration in the country."

The government had not made a provision to cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccinations when it adopted the 2021 budget in December. President Muhammadu Buhari has said health authorities plan to vaccinate 70% of adults this year and next.

The supplementary budget will now go to the Lower House of Assembly before being submitted to Buhari for his signature.

Parliament also approved the external borrowing of about 6.2 billion dollars through the issuance of a Eurobond.

Nigeria emerged from its second recession since 2016 in the fourth quarter, but growth is fragile. The government expects a 2021 budget deficit of 5.6 trillion naira to be financed largely from foreign and local borrowings.

The government says it wants to moderate debt servicing costs by accessing relatively cheaper funds abroad, especially as global interest rates fall below 2020 levels while local rates begin to rise.

($1 = 411.0000 naira)

(Reporting by Camillus Eboh; Writing by MacDonald Dzirutwe; Editing by Alexandra Hudson and Pravin Char)
Photo credit: Ezra Dyer - Car and Driver

A new Toyota Supra 2.0 is still usually less expensive than a used 3.0 model.

But supply constraints mean that, depending on where you live, you might not even be able to order a four-cylinder Supra right now.

At about 15 percent of the Supra mix, the 2.0 is most likely to be found in big, Supra-friendly markets like Los Angeles.

Last week, I was driving a 2021 Toyota Supra 2.0 past a local used-car dealer when I spied an identical silver 2021 3.0 model parked prominently out front. A question presented itself: Are used six-cylinder Supras now less expensive than new four-cylinder models? Not, as it would turn out, in this case, since the used 3.0 Premium on the lot had 11 miles on the odometer and an asking price commensurate with that status. (Full MSRP, which was $58,224 on the window sticker.) But when I headed home to research the options, vis-a-vis new and used Supras of various cylinder counts, I discovered that the point was moot in my area of the Southeast. It didn't matter what the Supra 2.0 cost, because the Toyota configurator wouldn't even let me build one. Under "Engines," it listed "3.0 Twin-Scroll Single Turbo With Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)." Page one of one.

Photo credit: Car and Driver

I asked Toyota what was going on, and the initial answer concerned the general supply-chain havoc that's affecting automotive production in general. A spokesperson wrote: "Due to COVID-19 and related events, Toyota experienced a supply shortage that continues to periodically affect production at our North American plants. While the situation remains fluid and complex, our manufacturing and supply chain teams have worked diligently to develop countermeasures to minimize the impact on production." This jibes with what a Toyota dealer near Charleston, South Carolina, told me a few weeks agothat his dealership normally has 300 cars on the lot, but right now they're down to 30.

However, the Supra is built in Graz, Austria. Also, the 3.0 didn't seem in short supply. So a follow-up was in order: what up with the 2.0? And why does the configurator work if I change the ZIP code to 90210? Dylan and Brenda can order Supra 2.0s, but I guess we're out of luck here in Hazzard country.

Story continues

Photo credit: Car and Driver

More detail was forthcoming. As it turns out, my stretch of North Carolina is not a hotbed of Supra sales, inventory at my local used-car emporium notwithstanding. And Supra 2.0s are a relatively small part of the product mix. Add those two factors, and the available number of Supra 2.0s rounds down to zero. According to Toyota, "The mix of Supra 2.0s is about 15 percent. And the configurator only shows what is available in your local area, to help with customer satisfaction. So in areas where fewer Supras are sold, there will be fewer 2.0s (or none) in inventory." Of course, I'd rather have a 382-horsepower straight six anyway, but this shortage of 2.0s leads me to believe that the four-banger Supra is a great deal. It looks just like the 3.0. It's quick in its own right. And the rarity!

A new four-cylinder Supra is also still less expensive than used six-cylinder models. Most of those are still near or above the $50,000 mark, while the 2.0 starts at $44,085. If you can find one.

You Might Also Like
Ohios Bureau of Criminal Investigation has referred its investigation into the police-involved death of 16-year-old Columbus girl MaKhia Bryant to the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorneys Office, according to Attorney General Dave Yost.

Its still unclear whether the officer involved will face any charges.

Bryant was shot and killed by Columbus Police Officer Nicholas Reardon on April 20.

NEIGHBOR WITH FOOTAGE OF SHOOTING: THE VIDEO DOESNT LIE

He had been called to the scene to an argument between Bryant and two young adult women at her foster home ahead of what was supposed to be a birthday party for her foster mother, Angela Moore.

Bodycam video shows Reardon arriving at the scene and encountering Bryant swinging a knife and bowling over one woman, identified later as Shai-Onta Lana Craig-Watkins, 20, before lunging with the weapon toward Tionna Bonner, 22, pinning her against a car.

Reardon, a White officer, rolled up to the chaotic scene and asked "Whats going on?" just before the teen began swinging.

MA'KHIA BRYANT SHOOTING IN OHIO: WHAT TRIGGERED 911 CALL

"Get down!" he shouted multiple times before firing four shots. Bryant fell to the ground, and other responding officers can be seen attempting first aid.

Use of force experts have said Reardon responded appropriately and may have saved the womens lives, but critics countered that he should have used less-than-lethal force to stop the knife attack.

"The officer responded too aggressively, to say it mildly," Michelle Martin, an attorney for Bryants family, argued a week after the teens death. "You will continue to hear our voices. We cannot let this stand."

BCI investigations do not determine whether the use of force was justified  they gather evidence and turn it over to local prosecutors.

"After the investigation is completed, the investigative report is provided to the prosecutors office and, with the prosecutors approval, to the requesting agency," the bureau said in a statement. "Those entities may then use the investigation to determine the appropriateness of the officers actions."

Story continues

Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney Gary Tyack has assigned the case to special prosecutors Tim Merkle and Gary S. Shroyer due to a conflict of interest.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Merkle said he had received and begun to review the referral but did not immediately have a comment.

Tyacks office said in a statement that it did not immediately have a timeline for when the matter could be presented to a grand jury.

Bryants death happened just minutes before a jury announced a guilty verdict against ex-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd.

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther has also asked the Justice Department to conduct its own review of Columbus police and recommend potential reform measures.
Mikey Henderson and two other former Sooners allegedly robbed a man earlier this year. All three have now been dismissed from the team. (AP/Sue Ogrocki)

Oklahoma running back Mikey Henderson was released from the team after he was identified as a third member of an alleged robbery earlier this year.

The team announced his dismissal on Tuesday night after Norman police connected him to an alleged robbery in April with former Sooners players Seth McGowan and Trejan Bridges.

An arrest warrant for conjoint robbery, conspiracy, and assault for a dangerous weapon was issued on Tuesday, according to SoonerScoops Carey Murdock.

Both McGowan and Bridges were dismissed from the team and arrested in May after they were allegedly involved in an armed robbery. According to ESPN, a man told police that McGowan reached out to purchase marijuana from him. When the man told McGowan no, McGowan and Bridges allegedly came to his apartment anyway and assaulted and robbed him at gunpoint with a third suspect  who police now identified as Henderson.

Henderson, per the report, allegedly stole a backpack from the victims room with jewelry, marijuana, high dollar shoes and cash.

Henderson recorded 168 receiving yards and had 81 rushing yards with two total touchdowns in eight games during his freshman season with the Sooners.

More from Yahoo Sports:
The Biden administration won a victory last week when 130 countries agreed in principle to establish a global minimum tax on corporate profits, but according to economist Gabriel Zucman, writing in The New York Times Wednesday, the potential 15% levy is too little, too late.

Along with graphics editor Gus Wezerek, Zucman lays out the argument that multinational corporations have been the main winners of the global race to the bottom in tax rates, with disastrous results for middle-class taxpayers.

Over the last few decades, a handful of countries such as Ireland and Bermuda have become legal tax havens, helping U.S. business owners slash their tax bills while amassing unprecedented wealth. To make up for lost tax revenues at home, Congress has raised taxes on labor.

Zucman cites Facebook and Nike as examples of companies that have resorted to devious schemes to shift profits and slash their tax bills. In 2018, the social media giant recorded $15 billion in profit in Ireland, despite having a tiny workforce there. And for years, Nike has placed ownership of its famous logo in a Bermuda-based subsidiary.

This is tax evasion, plain and simple, Zucman writes. When a company logs billions of dollars in profit in a shell company, it violates the spirit of the Internal Revenue Codes economic substance doctrine, which states that a transaction must have a purpose other than to reduce tax liability.

In response to these maneuvers, Zucman calls for the establishment of a 25% minimum corporate tax, higher than the 15% proposed by the White House, which Zucman says would allow some companies to pay a lower total tax rate than many American workers. The time for incrementalism is long past, he writes. For decades, Congress has been playing catch-up as business owners and a handful of tax havens have driven international tax policy. The result has been a nation where working-class Americans are left with underfunded public schools and hospitals as the wealthy board rocketships to outer space.

While it certainly wouldnt be easy to enact, Zucman says the funds resulting from a minimum tax would go a long way. The 25% corporate tax would bring in about $200 billion in additional revenue each year, he writes. Over 10 years, that money would be more than enough to pay for nationwide high-speed internet, free community college and universal preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds.

Like what you're reading? Sign up for our free newsletter.
KADUNA, Nigeria (Reuters) - Kidnappers who abducted more than 100 students from a boarding school in Nigeria's Kaduna state warned that the children could starve unless parents supply them with food, parents and the head of the Kaduna Baptist conference said on Wednesday.

The Baptist official said about 125 students are missing, while at least 28 were reunited with their families, after the overnight raid on the Bethel Baptist High School early this week, the 10th mass school kidnapping since December in northwest Nigeria.

Parents of those missing told Reuters that the kidnappers promised the children would be safe if parents delivered rice, beans, palm oil, salt and stock cubes. They said abductors told them that a ransom demand would follow.

"Search and rescue operations (are) ongoing and we strongly believe that these students will safely return to their parents soon," Reverend I.A. Jangado said in a statement.

The Baptist cleric also confirmed the demand for food.

Nigerian authorities have attributed the kidnappings to what they call armed bandits seeking ransom payments.

Humanitarian agencies warn that the rise in school kidnappings is disrupting the education of hundreds of thousands of Nigerian children.

The United Nations children's agency UNICEF estimates that more than about 1,120 schools are closed across northwestern Nigeria. Even where schools are open, some parents are too afraid to send their children. Some 300,000-400,000 students in the region are out of school because of insecurity, UNICEF said.

Kidnappings for ransom are also increasing outside schools. Gunmen kidnapped two nurses, one with her one-year-old child, in an early-morning raid on a Kaduna hospital on Sunday.

Kaduna state lawmaker Yakubu Barde warned that some bandits are abducting health workers to treat them in their camps, citing another abduction of two nurses in April.

(Reporting by Garba Muhammad and Bosan Yakusak, Writing by MacDonald Dzirutwe, Editing by Libby George, Timothy Heritage and Giles Elgood)
Paris Hilton has nothing but support for her friend Britney Spears.

The hotel heiress, 40, spoke out on Monday via her "This is Paris" podcast about the pop star's recent court testimony about her conservatorship. While addressing a judge at a June 23 court hearing, Spears said when she first heard Hilton's claims of being abused at a boarding school she didn't believe her.

Hilton on Monday said she was not offended by Spears' testimony because she believed Spears used it "as an example" of how female celebrities' claims are often not believed by the public.

"The Paris Hilton story on what they did to her at that school. I didn't believe any of that either  I'm sorry. I'm an outsider," Spears told Judge Brenda Penny.

PARIS HILTON SHOUTS 'FREE BRITNEY' IN SUPPORT OF POP STAR PAL FOLLOWING CONSERVATORSHIP HEARING COMMENTS

"And maybe I'm wrong, and that's why I didn't want to say any of this to anybody to the public," the "Toxic" singer, 39, continued. "People would make fun of me or laugh at me and say, 'She's lying, she's got everything, she's Britney Spears.'"

Hilton, speaking to guests Nats Getty and Gigi Gorgeous on Monday, said she understood where Spears was coming from.

"She meant when she saw it, she couldn't even believe it," Hilton said via People. "What she said was, when people hear that, they're like, 'Oh, it's Britney Spears' [or] 'It's Paris Hilton. They have these perfect lives. Who is gonna believe [them]? I didn't even believe Paris  who's gonna believe me?' "

BRITNEY SPEARS' LAWYER, SAMUEL INGHAM, RESIGNS AFTER 13 YEARS

The socialite went on to say that she "can't imagine" how difficult Spears' conservatorship has been for her.

"She's built a huge empire; she's a legend, she's an icon, she's a mother. She's amazing and she has these people controlling her money, her life," Hilton said.

Story continues

Hilton also teased the new episode of her podcast on Instagram where she reiterated her support of Spears.

"I will always support and love Britney. She is so kind and sweet, and she deserves her freedom. Ive been saying #FreeBritney for a long time, and I will keep saying it until she is free. We all need to use our voices to protect victims of abuse. She is so incredibly brave and an inspiration for speaking her truth. I know personally how hard it is to come forward to tell your story, and so I hope Britney knows that she is so loved and supported by the world right now," Hilton wrote in a caption.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

On Tuesday, Spears'' court-appointed conservatorship attorney, Samuel D. Ingham II, officially filed his application to resign as her counsel.

According to court docs obtained by Fox News, Ingham wrote in a filing that he "hereby resigns as court-appointed counsel for Britney Jean Spears, conservatee, effective upon the appointment of new court-appointed counsel."

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Furthermore, the law firm Loeb & Loeb LLP is also named as a party of attorneys who are leaving their post as "counsel for Britney Jean Spears."

Ingham has gone on court record acknowledging that he would step away from his position as Spears' attorney in the matter should she wish to see him removed. It is unclear if a judge has to sign off on and approve the resignations.
Paulina Porizkova is displaying her true sense of self.

The 56-year-old model isnt afraid to transcend the stereotypes often placed on women and Tuesdays social media post was no different. Porizkova took to Instagram and bared all in an artistic nude mirror selfie that left nothing to the imagination.

"After work and a leisurely bath, I was bored, which led to this celebration of narcissism, the naked selfie," the Vogue cover model captioned the snapshot taken while on vacation in Italy. "What else was there to do? I mean, besides things like reading a good book or watching Italian TV."

The widow of the late Ric Ocasek spoke to the social norms and double standards adding, "But it made me wonder what would happen if you gave a man a mirror and a camera and lots of spare time, versus a woman."

PAULINA PORIZKOVA SAYS SHE STILL CRIES ALMOST EVERY DAY OVER RIC OCASEKS DEATH

The Czech-born Swedish supermodel also pressed that anyone with a slight distaste for nudity need not meander on her post for long, writing: "And for all of you who have a rough time with nudity, this thread will not be a safe place for you. Godspeed."

Porizkova recently appeared "full frontal" on the cover of Vogue CS and at the time made mention that the photos taken in her apartment were "unretouched" and even admitted that she didnt expect the shots to make the cover at all.

PAULINA PORIZKOVAS FRONTAL NUDE VOGUE COVER WAS UNRETOUCHED: FIGURED WED HAVE A PAGE OR TWO IN THE BACK

"Its unretouched," Porizkova told Page Six Style in May.

"As soon as it came out, Twitter was like, Well, fine, retouch [the photos] and then sure, theyll look fine,'" she added of the detractors who felt the images might have been photoshopped.

"Its like, no, no, no  it was Marie [Tomonovas] photography" the model explained. "Obviously, you could take a much worse picture than that of me, but you wouldnt want to see that on the cover, right?"

Story continues

PAULINA PORIZKOVA JOKES SHE WAS A FEMALE OSCAR FOR BOYFRIEND AARON SORKIN IN 15-YEAR-OLD GOLD GOWN AT SHOW

The photos apparently showed so well that they were placed on the front cover as Porizkova said she had no idea where they would go in the publication.

"I just thought we were screwing around, quite frankly," she maintained to the outlet, adding that she was going for a "very chill" and "casual" vibe during the shoot.

THE OSCARS SEES AARON SORKIN, PAULINA PORIZKOVA MAKE DEBUT AS A COUPLE

"You know, we were all just hanging out, speaking Czech, having a good time taking some pictures  I figured wed have a page or two in the back of Vogue," Porizkova recalled.

These days, Porizkova has since found love with director Aaron Sorkin.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

She and the late Ocasek share two sons Jonathan, 27, and Oliver, 22.
Jul. 7ANDERSON  A police-action shooting in March was justified, Madison County Prosecutor Rodney Cummings has determined.

Anderson Police Department Officer William Richardson's action was justified in the death of Irwin Silas Myers, 60, on March 23, Cummings said in a press release Tuesday.

A person is justified in using deadly force if it's reasonably believed that force is necessary to prevent serious bodily injury, according to Indiana's criminal code.

"Officer Richardson was confronted by a man who suffered from a deteriorating mental health condition, who initiated an armed conflict with police, most likely to end his own life," Cummings said in the release. "Officer Richardson's use of deadly force was in self-defense and justified under the law."

The Anderson department and Indiana State Police conducted separate investigations of the shooting.

Police were called to the 100 block of West 29th Street, which is in a densely populated area near a school, grocery, businesses, fire station and homes with children.

On a 911 call recording from the scene of the shooting, Richardson can be heard telling Myers to put the gun down and to put his hands in the air, according to Cummings.

"Myers (then) pointed the shotgun at Richardson and fired," Cummings said in the release. "Officer Richardson returned fire with his service weapon and struck Myers three times, ultimately resulting in his death."

Myers reportedly had been living with his sister, Mary, and nephew James Peterson. They told investigators that Myers suffered from a mental condition that caused hallucinations, delusions and disorganized thinking, according to the prosecutor's office.

Family members said Myers had stopped taking his medications and had been hearing voices while he was loading and unloading a shotgun.

Myers reportedly said to his nephew, "Bye, Bub," and called 911 to report a man shooting a shotgun. He told dispatchers the man's name was Si Myers.

Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 765-640-4863.
Police confirmed Tuesday that the child found in Bourbon County during a drug bust last week is 5-year-old Zanaa Johnson, who had been last seen in Lexington Feb. 25.

Detective Earl Hatter of the Paris Police Department said in an interview that Zanaa had been hiding in a closet inside Solomon Fields home. Hatter was part of a team with the Bluegrass Narcotic Task Force that had obtained a search warrant to search the home on West 8th Street as part of an investigation into the sale of oxycodone.

Hatter said that as he was doing a sweep of the home and announcing his presence when this little girl comes out. He said she was just very scared but otherwise okay.

He said Fields told police that Zanaa is his daughter, and he went and grabbed her off a playground in Lexington.

He said the family member who has custody of the girl had no clue that she might have been with Fields. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children had created a poster with Zanaas picture on it, saying that she may be in the company of her mother.

Hatter said police are still trying to confirm whether Fields is the childs father, and if he is not, he will face additional charges.

Police said in a news release that Fields, 26, has been charged with three counts of endangering the welfare of a minor; two counts of second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense (Schedule 1 and 2); second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense (cocaine); first degree trafficking in marijuana; and custodial interference.

Lexington police Sgt. Donnell Gordon also confirmed in an email Tuesday that Zanaa has been found. He said her disappearance was a custodial interference investigation.
A suspected "traffic altercation" prompted a gunman in an SUV to fatally shoot a father driving his son home from a baseball game on a highway in Plymouth before fleeing Tuesday night.

The shooting occurred about 10 p.m. on southbound Hwy. 169 just south of the Rockford Road exit, police said.

The search is on now for the suspect and the vehicle he was driving, which police describe as a light-colored SUV, possibly a Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban or similar vehicle. Police added that the SUV might have damage to rear bumper on the driver's side.

The wounded driver, shot once, was taken by emergency personnel to North Memorial Health Hospital and died there, police said.

The victim's name has yet to be released by authorities, but friends and family have identified him as Jay Boughton, 56, of Crystal.

Among them was Tim Browne, who wrote on Facebook that Boughton was a coach in the Armstrong Cooper Youth Baseball Association who "would come to my house to help my kids try and become better hitters in baseball."

Browne said Boughton was shot "while driving his son home from a baseball game. His [15-year-old] son tried to give him CPR, but he didn't make it."

In an interview, Browne said Boughton, who would have celebrated his birthday Sunday, was married and the father of two children.

"He was just a great dad and would do anything for the kids in the community to see them succeed at sports and other activities," Browne said. "His presence in their lives and constant words of encouragement meant the world to the kids."

Police Chief Erik Fadden said during a news briefing Wednesday afternoon that based on video evidence "there may have been some sort of traffic altercation between the two drivers as they proceeded south past Rockford Road [and] the suspect shot at the victim's vehicle, and struck the victim driver."

Fadden said the victim's vehicle ran off the highway and crashed into a parking lot of an apartment complex in the 3900 block of Lancaster Lane N.

Story continues

Fadden, visibly emotional, said, "I just have to say, this was one of the most tragic events that I've witnessed in my 20 years of policing."

The chief said he didn't know how long the shooting lasted or how many shots were fired. He did say the vehicles were traveling next to each other "for a period of time" on the highway, but his department has yet to learn what happened before they were side by side.

"We believe the shooting occurred on the highway," the chief said, "and then after the driver was shot ... the vehicle traveled off the west side of the highway, through the ditch, through some trees, through the fence and into the parking lot of the apartment complex."

Traffic surveillance video evidence is being reviewed, and additional suspect vehicle information will be released, he said, which could include video or still shots. He urged anyone to come forward with any information.

"This is truly a senseless act," Fadden continued, "it's one of the most senseless acts I've seen in 20 years in law enforcement, and there are people in this community that are hurting today because of the senseless act that occurred last night.

"And I'm sure the people involved with this event are feeling some guilt, they feel the need to come forward and at least talk about what happened and we encourage them to do that. There's always two sides to a story."

Fadden declined to confirm whether there were any passengers in the victim's vehicle, because "just due to the nature of us not really knowing the suspect and their identity at this point, I think it would be reckless to comment whether there are other people involved in this."

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Police Capt. Michael Reed at 763-509-5178.

"I'm confident that someone has some relevant information to this case," Fadden said, "whether you were just driving in the area along 169 around 10 o'clock last night, or have some information relevant to any suspect vehicle, please give us a call."

Paul Walsh  612-673-4482
Prosecutors say Fi Duong, 27, stormed the capitol on January 6 wearing a "Japanese-style mask." Courtesy of United States District Court of the District of Columbia

The FBI says it infiltrated a militia-style group after tracking a suspect in the Capitol riot.

New court documents say an undercover FBI agent befriended Fi Duong, 27, soon after the riot.

Duong is accused of storming the Capitol, and a complaint describes his group's activities.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

A man charged with storming the Capitol on January 6 is also said to have participated in a self-styled militia that referred to its meetings as "Bible study" and discussed surveilling the Capitol complex after the attack.

Fi Duong, 27, was released to home confinement on Friday after facing multiple charges, including disorderly conduct and obstruction of an official proceeding tied to the riot.

In a complaint made public Tuesday, the FBI says an undercover police officer encountered Duong at the Capitol on the day when supporters of President Donald Trump breached the building and clashed with law enforcement.

He described himself to the officer as an "operator," the complaint said, adding that evidence showed he was later spotted inside the building wearing a "Japanese-style mask."

The complaint said roughly a week later the undercover police officer connected Duong to an undercover FBI employee, who embedded himself with Duong's group.

Speaking with the FBI contact, Duong said that he was part of a militia-like "cloak and dagger" group that "can't be out in the open" and that his job was to find like-minded men to prepare for a "worst-case scenario" for Virginia, the complaint said.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

The complaint said that Duong sent a message to the undercover FBI contact indicating one of "our guys" was "patrolling" outside the Capitol and that another group member later sent a message saying he took footage of the west and east sides of the Capitol and would upload it to an encrypted site.

On February 12, the FBI employee attended a meeting at Duoung's house, described as a "Bible study." The group, however, discussed only two Bible verses, the complaint said, with the rest of the meeting spent planning other meetings and talking about firearms and future training.

Story continues

The complaint did not show any charges stemming from violence on January 6 but said Duong "repeatedly expressed his willingness to engage in conflict, including violence, against groups that shared different views than his own."

The documents also said he mused about freeing Capitol rioters from prison.

"I see that as an opportunity," the complaint quoted him as saying. ".With every great revolution, you go to the prisons and you break them out."

So far, 545 people have been charged in the Capitol insurrection.

Read the original article on Insider
A screenshot from the ad by the Polish brewery showing a Black bar man having a beer called White IPA Matters surrounded by symbols from the USs deep south (Screengrab/Video)

An advertisement for a new beer called White IPA Matters by a Polish brewery has sparked a backlash after people called it racist and an attempt to exploit George Floyds death.

The ad, released by the Mentzen brewery owned by right-wing politician Slawomir Mentzen, shows a Black bar man drinking the beer, surrounded by symbols from Americas deep south, including a Confederate flag.

In the ad, the Black man can be seen performing his duties, while the camera focuses on the symbols. A person walks into the bar and slides the beer to the bar man, who takes a sip and says: This is what I needed.

The Polish brewery has been flooded with complaints since the release of the ad, claiming it was racist and should be taken down.

The beer exploits the death of George Floyd and the racist backlash to the global Black Lives Matter movement, Rafal Pankowski, a Polish sociologist and head of the Never Again Associations East Europe Monitoring Centre, was quoted by the Daily Mail as saying.

The producer plays with racist history and symbolism of the US south. By getting a Black person to drink this disgusting beer for promotional purposes, they mock the victims of racism. No decent beer drinker should ever pay a penny for this far-right, fund-raising stunt, he added.

The company has not responded to the allegations and complaints yet.

Mr Mentzen, the owner of the brand, is a member of Polands right-wing Confederation party and has contested two elections  local elections in Polands Torun city in 2018 and for the European parliament in 2019  both of which he lost, according to the Daily Mail.

George Floyd was a Black man who was killed by police officer Derek Chauvin who knelt on his neck and back for nearly 10 minutes while responding to his arrest.

Read More

ShaCarri Richardson will miss Tokyo Olympics in wake of suspension over marijuana test

Miami condo collapse: First funerals held for victims, 12 days after disaster

Who is Mary Simon, Canadas first indigenous governor general?
President Joe Biden on Wednesday made his first visit to the Chicago area since taking office to discuss his plan to help working and middle-class families but, as is often the case, the citys rampant gun violence emerged as the dominant theme of the day.

Just hours before Biden touched down in Chicago, two federal agents and a Chicago police officer were shot in a vehicle on the citys Far South Side. The president briefly discussed the shooting on the tarmac at OHare International Airport in a private conversation with Mayor Lori Lightfoot, according to the White House.

Biden did not reference the shooting or Chicagos struggles to tamp down violent crime during his 31-minute speech at McHenry County College in northwest suburban Crystal Lake, perhaps in an effort to keep the days focus on his domestic agenda to make community college free, extend the child tax credit and create universal pre-K programs across the country.

The president, however, heard plenty about Chicagos gun violence backstage. Both Illinois House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch and U.S. Rep. and Illinois Democratic Party chairwoman Robin Kelly raised the issue with Biden in one-on-one conversations before his speech, they said.

Kelly, who won her seat in Congress largely by running on the need for gun control, said she reminded Biden Wednesday that they had talked about gun violence when he called to congratulate her in 2013 for her victory.

I said, Remember when you called me and we talked about this? Its not getting any better. We need to make sure we pass what we need to pass and have resources where the resources need to go to fight this, said Kelly, a Democrat from Matteson. We need the federal agents to be able to do their jobs, because gun trafficking and straw purchases are a huge issue in Chicago.

Kelly said she also expressed the need to get more funding to community-based violence prevention organizations as she greeted Biden in a photo line before the event. She said the president agreed the need is urgent and vowed to have top officials at the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives call her personally to discuss the challenges in Chicago.

Story continues

Welch said he emphasized to the president the need to address violent crime in Chicago by making large investments in communities that historically have been ignored, from funding community organizations and programs for the homeless to improving the availability of affordable housing.

I got the chance to meet with the president one-on-one, and one of the issues I raised was our violence in the city and across the country, said Welch, who became the states first Black House speaker earlier this year. We really have to invest in these communities that have been traditionally disinvested. We have to really address these systems from the root, in a fundamental, structural way.

Bidens trip to Chicago followed one of the most violent weekends of the year in the city, with at least 108 people shot, and 17 fatally. For the year, Chicago has had 364 homicides and 2,021 shootings, both numbers up from 2020, according to Tribune data.

The president arrived at OHare just hours after the three officers were shot early Wednesday near the Chicago Police Departments Morgan Park District. The officers were in an unmarked police vehicle on their way to conduct a joint investigation between Chicago police and the ATF when they were fired upon, officials said. None of the injuries were believed to be life-threatening.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters Biden brought up the shooting with Lightfoot after she greeted him at OHare.

President Biden expressed his personal support for the two ATF officials and the Chicago police officer who were shot earlier today, Psaki said. He reiterated his commitment to working with the mayor and leaders in Chicago in the fight against gun violence and conveyed that the Department of Justice would soon be in touch about the strike force announced just a few weeks ago that will be working with cities like Chicago.

Lightfoots office did not respond to a request for comment on the mayors conversation with the president.

Last month, Bidens Department of Justice announced an effort to target gun trafficking in five major cities  New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and the San Francisco Bay Area. The crackdown is aimed at cities where federal authorities have said a substantial number of weapons used in crime come from other areas in the country.

Ahead of Bidens visit, Lightfoot said Tuesday that she wanted resources associated with that task force today, and called on the Justice Department to move as fast as possible. The mayor also said she would ask him for help with common sense gun control and crime.

It makes no sense that we have a no-fly list of people who are too dangerous to get on a plane, but yet they can purchase firearms, she said.

Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker also met privately with Biden in Crystal Lake before his event. The governor and Biden had a productive and meaningful conversation on several issues, a spokesperson said, but she did not list gun violence among the topics of discussion.

Former President Donald Trump frequently seized on Chicagos violent crime during his tenure in the White House, and Republicans continued to do so Wednesday.

Chicagoans arent interested in platitudes when their loved ones are dying in the streets, RNC spokesperson Preya Samsundar said. Bidens trip to the Windy City without a plan to address out-of-control crime or denounce the Democrats push to defund the police is a reminder that his partys wish list is more important to his administration than keeping Chicago families safe.

When asked about Chicago violence during a White House briefing on Tuesday, Psaki said that violent crime rates have increased not just in Chicago, but across the country in recent months, noting that summertime often brings the worst spikes.

She said Biden would continue to push in his budget proposal for an additional $300 million for the Department of Justices COPS Hiring Program and $70 million more for ATF to assist efforts to crack down on illegal gun purchases.

The purpose of Bidens trip, however, was not to discuss gun violence but his American Families Plan. The president appeared before a gathering of a few hundred people in the gymnasium at McHenry County College and made the case for his plan to ease the financial burden on working- and middle-class families.

What were here to talk about today is human infrastructure, Biden said in his speech. To truly win the 21st-century economy and once again lead the world, to truly build an economy from the bottom up and the middle out, to truly deal everyone in this time, we need to invest in our people.

In framing the need to support working and middle-class families, Biden recalled his time as a young single father after his first wife and daughter were killed in a car accident. He said the ability for a single parent to work often relies on the ability to find affordable child care.

I had two young boys who had just lost their mom and their sister. If I didnt have my family ... I couldnt have done it, Biden said. Not everybody has that kind of support.

Biden acknowledged that there had been little Republican backing for this portion of his agenda, noting the likely need to use the reconciliation process, which allows legislation to pass the U.S. Senate with a simple majority, to push the plan through. He also briefly touted the prospects of a bipartisan infrastructure deal getting passed in Congress.

Think how life will be when its quicker to drive down Randall Road, Biden said in a nod to suburban traffic congestion.

At the top of his speech, he also referenced the nations recovery and reopening after a long battle with the coronavirus pandemic.

I want you all to know, America is back, the president proclaimed.

The stop marked the latest by Biden in swing regions of the country to highlight his efforts to drive a strong recovery from the pandemic, which he has dubbed his Build Back Better agenda.

Biden carried Crystal Lake in the 2020 election, but then-President Donald Trump won McHenry County as a whole, with 50% of the votes to Bidens 47%

While Illinois is solidly Democratic, McHenry County is represented by a pair of Democrats in Congress who won seats in historically GOP-leaning areas  U.S. Reps. Lauren Underwood of Naperville and Sean Casten of Downers Grove.

Crystal Lake is in Underwoods district, which was among the closest races in the nation last year. Underwood hung on to defeat former state Sen. Jim Oberweis, winning 50.6% of the vote to his 49.3%.

Democrats hold a slim nine-seat margin in the U.S. House, and midterm elections historically have served as difficult political terrain for the party of the sitting president. While Illinois Democrats will look to shore up Underwoods district as part of a new congressional map drawn this year, her seat is still likely to be among the top targeted nationally by Republicans.

Aboard Air Force One on the way to Chicago, Psaki suggested politics and the tenuous nature of Underwoods district were not a consideration in choosing Crystal Lake as the location for Bidens trip.

The president is visiting this district in Illinois today in part because Congresswoman Lauren Underwood is a registered nurse, Psaki said. Shes a champion for health care and expanding access to affordable health care. And that certainly is part of whats under discussion and what is part of his Build Back Better agenda.

Republicans, meanwhile, dubbed Bidens trip the more government, more spending tour.

No punch slogan can overshadow the disaster that is the Biden-Harris Administrations plan for America, said Priscilla Ivasco, a spokeswoman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Democrats want more government control no matter how much they have to spend to get there, and their economic policies are leaving American taxpayers with a burdensome tab to pay.

Bidens trip to Crystal Lake followed two other stops in politically purple areas in the Midwest that are home to key congressional districts or swing presidential regions.

Biden appeared in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, last week to promote a bipartisan deal on infrastructure. Western Wisconsin is a key swing area in a key swing state. Democrat U.S. Rep. Ron Kind narrowly held onto his seat representing the western Wisconsin district, which Biden lost to Trump. The president, however, kept the margins close enough there to defeat Trump in a state that the former president won in 2016.

Biden followed that with a July Fourth holiday weekend trip to Traverse City, Michigan, to highlight a return to pre-pandemic life in another key area of a swing state. Trump lost Michigan in 2020 after winning the state four years earlier, but won Grand Traverse County, with 50.6% of the vote to 47.6% for Biden.

Bidens first appearance in Illinois as president ran ahead of schedule all day, with the president departing OHare nearly one hour early. As the engines of the Marine One roared outside the Crystal Lake gymnasium to lift Biden back to the airport, Kelly reflected on the gun violence that remains on the ground in Chicago.

When I heard about the shooting this morning with the officers, all I could think was, Oh my God. No one is safe, she said. No place is safe. Its happening all over.

Tribune reporter Gregory Pratt contributed.

bruthhart@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @BillRuthhart
Wednesdays assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise is expected to send Haiti into more political disarray.

One of the complications: Its not clear who will succeed Moise.

Jean Wilner Morin, the president of the national association of Haitian judges, told CNN that the president of the Supreme Court would normally be next in line. But Supreme Court President Rene Sylvestre died last week from COVID-19. The oldest member of the court currently heads a shadow government put in place earlier this year by the opposition.

Morin said interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph could fill the void, but he would have to be approved by Haitis parliament. However, Moise had been ruling by decree since January 2020. The bicameral Parliament was disbanded after the country failed to hold legislative and local elections. And the new prime minister Moise appointed this week, Ariel Henry, has yet to be sworn in.

Alex Dupuy, a Haiti-born sociologist who teaches at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, told The Associated Press that the best scenario would be for the acting prime minister to meet with the opposition parties and hold elections.

But, in Haiti, nothing can be taken for granted. It depends how the current balance of forces in Haiti plays out, Dupuy said.

There are currently only 10 elected officials in the country, and all are senators. In a possible power play, some Haitian government critics are discussing installing Joseph Lambert, the head of the 10-member Senate, as provisional president.

Moise was killed during an armed attack that also left his wife injured early Wednesday at his home above the hills of Port-au-Prince.

This article will be updated.
President Joe Biden will make his first trip to the Chicago area as president Wednesday with a visit to northwest suburban Crystal Lake, where he will push a portion of his domestic agenda aimed at easing the financial burden on working- and middle-class families.

Biden is scheduled to stop at McHenry County College to make the case for creating free community college, extending the child tax credit and achieving universal pre-K education, all facets of his American Families Plan that so far has garnered little support from Republicans.

While Biden carried Crystal Lake in the 2020 election, then-President Donald Trump won McHenry County as a whole, with 50% of the votes to Bidens 47%.

The stop is the latest by Biden to swing regions of the country to highlight his efforts to drive a strong recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, which he has dubbed his Build Back Better agenda.

While Illinois is solidly Democratic, McHenry County is represented by a pair of Democrats in Congress who won seats in historically GOP-leaning areas  U.S. Reps. Lauren Underwood of Naperville and Sean Casten of Downers Grove.

Asked during a briefing Tuesday why the northwest suburbs were chosen for the presidents visit, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden has emphasized he was elected to represent not just Democrats, but also independents and Republicans.

I would see this as less of a political trip and more as an opportunity to speak to all Americans about why his Build Back Better agenda ... is something people of all political stripes should be able to support, Psaki said.

Before arriving in Crystal Lake, Biden is expected to be greeted at OHare International Airport by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. The White House did not release details on how long the president and mayor were scheduled to meet, but Bidens visit comes after Chicago endured one of its most violent weekends of the year  with at least 108 people shot, 17 fatally.

Story continues

Asked about Chicago violence, Psaki noted that violent crime rates have increased across the country in recent months, noting that summertime often brings the worst spikes.

She said Biden would continue to push in his budget proposal for an additional $300 million for the Department of Justices COPS Hiring Program and $70 million more for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to assist efforts to crack down on illegal gun purchases.

Im sure hell be happy to discuss components of his budget. She may have different things on her agenda, Psaki said of Lightfoot.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Tuesday he would attend Bidens event in Crystal Lake along with a host of other elected Democrats. He called the presidents American Families Plan very important for the people of Illinois.

So many aspects of that plan are about lifting up middle-class families, working-class families who really need help, Pritzker said during an unrelated news conference Tuesday. Im an advocate for it, and I look forward to talking to him about that.

Pritzker also expressed excitement over discussing Bidens bipartisan efforts to pass an infrastructure package that has had Illinois transportation officials dusting off their transit and highway wish lists.

The governor made note of the state infrastructure plan he passed two years ago, funded in part by an increase in the state gas tax. Pritzker said having projects in the pipeline as part of that six-year, $45 billion Rebuild Illinois program means that we will be shovel-ready with our matching funds in order to take advantage of the federal dollars that will come from a federal infrastructure bill.

Bidens trip to Crystal Lake follows two other stops in politically purple areas in the Midwest that are home to key congressional districts or swing presidential regions.

Biden made a trip to LaCrosse, Wisconsin, last week to promote a bipartisan deal on infrastructure. Western Wisconsin is a key swing area in the key swing state of Wisconsin. Democrat U.S. Rep. Ron Kind narrowly held onto his seat representing the western Wisconsin district, which Biden lost to Trump. The president, however, kept the margins close enough there to defeat Trump in a state the former president won in 2016.

Biden followed that with a July 4 holiday weekend trip to Traverse City, Michigan, to highlight a return to pre-pandemic life in another key area of a swing state. Trump lost Michigan in 2020 after winning the state four years earlier, but won Grand Traverse County with 50.6% of the vote to 47.6% for Biden.

Crystal Lake is in Underwoods district, which was among the closest races in the nation last year. Underwood hung on to defeat former state Sen. Jim Oberweis, winning 50.6% of the vote to 49.3% for Oberweis.

Democrats hold a slim nine-seat margin in the U.S. House, and midterm elections historically have served as difficult political terrain for the party of the sitting president. While Illinois Democrats will look to shore up Underwoods district as part of a new congressional map drawn this year, her seat is still likely to be among the top targeted nationally by Republicans.

Psaki said Tuesday that Biden was eager to see Congresswoman Underwood, given shes been such an advocate for the expansion of health care, making it more affordable and accessible and thats something he will continue to advocate for.

bruthhart@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @BillRuthhart
With the shocking news of Haitian President Jovenel Moises assassination at his home in the hills above Port-au-Prince early Wednesday, Haiti moved perilously close to being a nation without a government.

That will have an enormous impact in Miami, of course, with its large Haitian diaspora and deep ties to the country. Miami is where the presidents wife, Martine  who survived the attack but was injured  was brought Wednesday for treatment of her injuries.

But on the wider, international stage, Moises death and the lack of a functioning government also serves as a clear cut signal that the U.S. must play a greater role in Haitis future, starting right now.

The nation of 11.5 million, already hurting in many ways for decades, had been deteriorating even further under Moises rule-by-decree since January 2020, after the country failed to hold elections. Gang violence and kidnappings have gone up, along with street protests over Moises governance. Opposition leaders have been demanding that he step down.

The former banana plantation farmer, who took office in 2017 with no previous political experience, was accused of using armed gangs to remain in power. He was also accused of corruption, as part of a far-reaching report into how multiple Haitian governments spent nearly $2 billion in aid from Venezuelas PetroCaribe program. A constitutional and political crisis had been brewing for months, as the U.S. was well aware.

Leadership vacuum

The presidents death left Haiti without clear leadership. Elections were supposed to be held in two months. President Biden on Wednesday called the attack horrific and heinous. For the people of Haiti, it is probably just plain terrifying.

The vacuum of power now makes the situation hard to predict. Moise died with an interim prime minister not ratified by parliament and a new one, Dr. Ariel Henry, not yet sworn in. Another complication: Henry would be unable to get parliaments blessing  because none has existed since January 2020, when Moise declared the chamber dysfunctional.

Story continues

There isnt even a president of the Supreme Court: Rene Sylvestre, the president, died last week from COVID-19. In all, there are only 10 elected officials in the country, all senators. And one, Joseph Lambert, appears to be making a play for the job of interim president, or at least some of his supporters are.

All of this adds up to one thing: The United States, which has been content to stay mostly quiet on Haiti in both the Trump administration and the Biden administration, will have to get off the sidelines  immediately.

The lack of real engagement by the U.S. as Haiti continued to spiral down was seen by many as tacit support of Moise, despite worrying signs for months that the president was becoming the regions newest strongman.

In February, members of Congress sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging the U.S. to back a transition government in Haiti. The lawmakers said the human rights situation there was perilous, and accused Moise of flouting democracy.

In May, the U.S. extended 18 months of Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, to Haitians already living in the United States, an important acknowledgment that conditions in the country had grown too unstable for citizens to return safely.

The United States offers condolences to the people of Haiti, a statement from the White House said on Wednesday, and we stand ready to assist as we continue to work for a safe and secure Haiti.

Haiti will need help from the U.S., no doubt. But what is the practical translation of working to help Haiti become safe and secure?

U.S. must step in

Its clear that Haiti will need both immediate and longer-term guidance to move forward in a democratic way. This is a country that started out with weak institutions, and theyre now virtually non-existent. The U.S., as Haitis biggest donor, has no choice but to take the lead  with international partners and, importantly, Haitis own civil society  to stabilize Haiti.

An international coalition could do immense good very quickly by picking five critical things to focus on so that basic life in Haiti can continue: good roads, reliable electricity, clean water, policing that works and COVID vaccines, for example.

The U.S. must also drop the idea of elections in two months. The Biden administration had pinned its hopes on free and fair elections, refusing to take into consideration the amount of turmoil in Haiti was going to make that very hard time to pull off.

Transition governments have worked in the past. Thats the best path forward now. Elections must be reset for a date that allows Haiti time to get its footing. Rushing into an election now will only result in more chaos  and an electorate that doesnt believe in the results.

Perhaps most important of all, any international effort and interim government must bring Haitis civil society fully into the decision-making about the nation. Too many times, the U.S. has had a hand in what has gone on it Haiti but hasnt listened to the people there.

Haiti luckily escaped being hit by Hurricane Elsa, but its still early in the hurricane season. A U.S.-led coalition needs to step in before there is any additional upheaval, such as a natural disaster, that would make things  bad as they are  even worse.

Haiti has a long and complicated relationship with the United States. Moises death only makes that more fraught. But with the death of the president, the U.S. must step in, carefully. The goal this time must be, ultimately, to see Haiti stand on its own.

We dont yet know what the full ramifications of this assassination will be. We dont know in what direction the country will go nor exactly what the U.S. role will need to be. But there is no doubt, as we wait to learn more, that the execution of the president of Haiti means the U.S. must speak up  clearly and strongly  to make sure that tortured nation steps back from the precipice of disaster and toward democracy.

Stop pushing for elections in Haiti, President Biden. They will only make things worse | Editorial

If Haitis President Moise is the leader he claims to be, he must come out of hiding  and lead | Editorial
A Harvard law professor who said the education secretary has legal authority to forgive $50,000 in student debt per person as Sen. Elizabeth Warren proposed was appointed to serve in the Department of Education's legal division.

Toby Merrill, founder of the Project on Predatory Student Lending, which provides legal representation to low-income borrowers against for-profit schools, will serve as the deputy general counsel within the Education Departments Office of General Counsel, the agency announced Tuesday.

The Project on Predatory Student Lending, part of the Legal Service Center at Harvard Law School, has represented over a million borrowers since its founding in 2016 and helped secure the cancellation of more than $2 billion in student loan debt provided for institutions that use deceptive and relentless sales tactics to recruit students, according to its website.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT STUDENT LOAN LOSSES EXPECTED TO RISE SIGNIFICANTLY DUE TO PANDEMIC-RELIEF EFFORTS

Merrill, along with the projects legal director, Eileen Connor, and attorney Deanne Loonin, provided legal analysis for another major student loan forgiveness push last year in Warren's debt cancellation plan.

The three told Warren that her plan to cancel up to $50,000 in student debt for individual borrowers, which Warren initially proposed as a Democratic presidential candidate and has since reintroduced, provides for a lawful and permissible use of the authority Congress has conferred on the Secretary of Education.

In assessing your proposal, we have consulted the statutory and regulatory framework governing federal student loan programs administered by the Department of Education, as well as the framework and controlling interpretations of the budgetary structure of these programs, Merrill, Connor, and Loonin wrote in a Jan. 13, 2020, letter to Warren. We conclude that your proposal calls for a lawful and permissible exercise of the Secretarys authority under existing law.

Story continues

The power to create debt is generally understood to include the power to cancel it. This power rests in the first instance with Congress, they added, arguing that Congress has extended that authority to the education secretary.

President Joe Biden has publicly favored a proposal to forgive up to $10,000 for borrowers but has said he doesn't think he has the authority to forgive $50,000. Biden was examining the legal authority behind the $50,000 proposal, White House chief of staff Ron Klain said in April.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Warren and other Senate Democrats have continued to pressure Biden to take action on student debt as the administration's policy efforts have favored other issues.

"Its time for President Biden to #CancelStudentDebt," Warren wrote on Twitter on June 25. "People need this. Our country needs this. And one of the best ways to create a 21st-century economy is by investing in people who have invested in their own education."

Washington Examiner Videos

Tags: News, Department of Education, Elizabeth Warren, Student Loans, debt, Biden Administration

Original Author: Jeremy Beaman

Original Location: Professor who backed Warren's debt cancellation plan appointed for Education Department role
Raleigh Police Department confirmed charges Wednesday against the owner of an escaped venomous spitting zebra cobra.

Christopher Gifford of Chaminox Place faces 40 charges related to his escaped snake and other venomous snakes  but they are all misdemeanors under North Carolina law.

Giffords cobra was reported outside a home on Sandringham Drive, about a half-mile from Giffords home, on Monday, June 28, and captured by Raleigh animal control officers the following Wednesday evening. The day before the capture, Raleigh police and animal control searched Giffords home and removed something in a large plastic bucket.

Giffords social media presence has revealed that he keeps a large collection of deadly reptiles, including monocled cobras, rattlesnakes, Gaboon vipers and even a green mamba, which bit him in March, requiring antivenom from a South Carolina zoo.

The snakes were all kept in the basement of the home owned by Chris Giffords parents, Keith and Rebecca Gifford.

Giffords collection of videos, filmed almost daily for more than a year, sometimes show him playing with venomous snakes in his yard or driveway.

One of the misdemeanor charges against Gifford states that he did not notify law enforcement of the snakes escape, as required by state law.

Thirty-six of the misdemeanors are for keeping venomous snakes in improper enclosures. Three charges were related to snakes in containers that were mislabeled.

Few laws to enforce here

Raleigh and Wake County have no ordinances against keeping exotic or venomous animals, though Raleigh City Council member David Knight said he plans to propose an ordinance restricting ownership of wild dangerous animals.

North Carolina has no laws against keeping, breeding or selling non-native venomous reptiles, but does have rules about how the animals should be kept, and about reporting escaped animals.

In addition to noting that venomous snakes cant be used to harm or harass people, North Carolinas Article 55, Regulation of Certain Reptiles says snakes must be housed in a sturdy, secure enclosure designed to be escape-proof, bite-proof and having an operable lock.

Story continues

Each enclosure must be clearly and visibly labeled Venomous Reptile Inside, with the scientific name, common name, appropriate antivenom and owners identifying information noted on the container, the law says.

In addition, a written bite protocol with emergency contact information, local animal control office, the name and location of suitable antivenom, first aid procedures, treatment guidelines and an escape recovery plan must be within sight of permanent housing. A copy must accompany the transport of any venomous reptile.

Finally, if a venomous reptile escapes, the owner must immediately notify local law enforcement, the law says.

A call for stricter rules

In the days after the snakes capture, local lawmakers have vowed to propose new laws that would prohibit citizens from keeping dangerous wild animals.

On Tuesday, Knight said he would propose an ordinance that would restrict ownership of wild dangerous animals in Raleigh, including but not limited to venomous snakes. Knight aims to propose the ordinance when the council returns from its break in mid-August.

On Wednesday, state Sen. Wiley Nickel, a Democrat who represents Wake County, says he is planning to introduce legislation for a new state law in as little as two weeks, describing the incident as a wake-up call.

Orange County has a local law that makes it illegal to keep, shelter, feed, harbor, or take care of any wild and dangerous animal within the county, including reptiles which are poisonous, crushing or giant.
Have you met Vira, the Vaccine Chatbot?

Well, youd probably know it if you had. Vira, described by the team at Johns Hopkins University of Medicine as an animated ball with two eyes and two teeth (something youre unlikely to forget) is the face of the universitys new website devoted to answering any and all COVID-19 vaccine questions.

The online artificial intelligence tool with a wide smile is designed to answer common questions about vaccines in hopes of increasing the number of Americans who are fully vaccinated.

It is the latest effort to battle vaccine hesitancy, a problem South Carolina and many other states are facing.

The latest figures from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) show that just 42.9 percent of the Palmettos States residents are fully vaccinated.

For comparison, our neighbors in North Carolina are at 43 percent, while Georgia is at 38 percent. While not far from us, Virginia is at 51 percent.

There are a lot of folks who just dont think they need it, said DHEC Director Dr. Edward Simmer in an interview with The State.

Simmer said convincing young people, particularly those ages 20 to 26, to get the vaccine was especially challenging, but its not the only problem.

Some of the urgency is gone, Simmer said, noting that residents are anxious to get back to life as they knew it.

There also remains a lot of vaccine hesitancy, misinformation and pandemic fatigue. Thats compounded, he said, by some suspicion of government programs or being told what to do from those who identify as politically conservative.

All of those factors mean South Carolina cannot ease up on its efforts to promote the vaccination, whether thats through marketing campaigns or working with community groups.

The Shot with a Chaser campaign, for instance, with its promise of free drinks is ongoing.

While South Carolina hasnt joined other states in giving out million dollar lottery sums, Simmer said its programs have seen some success. Other efforts include holding vaccination clinics at fairs and festivals.

Story continues

Were trying to put the vaccine where people are, Simmer said.

To that end, a new plan to send mobile vaccine clinics to the states most rural and remote areas is underway and expected to launch at the end of July.

We still have access challenges, too, Simmer said, explaining the mobile clinics hoped to reach every corner of the state.

But you dont have to wait for the mobile clinic to come to your neighborhood.

Were not out of the woods yet. The delta variant is scary, Simmer said, noting that the risk of infection is highest among the unvaccinated.

Whatever your reasons for not getting vaccinated, consider the words of Dr. Simmer or have a chat with Vira, the Vaccine Chatbot to get answers to your questions.

And, whatever you do, stay safe!
Excessive heat watches are in effect across the Southwest as another brutal heat wave slowly unfolds across the region less than one month after many cities set a number of all-time record highs.

Mother Nature will crank up the heat across the West this week with many locations expected to swelter under conditions that will force the mercury to soar into the triple digits.

The excessive heat watches covered parts of Arizona, Nevada and California as of Wednesday morning. Cities covered under the watches included Las Vegas; Fresno and Bakersfield, California; and Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

Excessive heat watches (red) covered a large part of the West on Wednesday, July 7, 2021. (AccuWeather)

AccuWeather meteorologists say that although unseasonable heat will bake parts of the West, it will not rise to the level of the deadly heat wave that occurred in late June where all-time records were shattered in portions of the Pacific Northwest. However, it could rival the mid-June heat wave that stifled the Southwest.

High temperatures are expected to soar 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit above normal for this time of year across much of the West from midweek through the weekend. Relief from monsoon thunderstorms in the Southwest should diminish throughout the week as moisture shifts southward into Mexico.

The scorching heat that is expected to grip the region is thanks to an area of high pressure that is set to strengthen this week.

"This setup will be the driving factor that keeps sizzling temperatures in place for most of the West through at least this coming weekend," AccuWeather Meteorologist Adam Sadvary noted.

Strengthening high pressure, coupled with the ongoing severe drought over the southwestern U.S., will continue to contribute to the well-above-average heat.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP

"The pre-existing dry soil allows most of the sun's energy to heat the ground and the air nearest the ground, rather than to evaporate moisture," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Dombek.

Story continues

"This drought-heat cycle often produces extreme temperatures and allows heat waves to build," Dombek explained.

Dangerous heat will start to expand into cities like Boise, Idaho, and Salt Lake City on Tuesday where temperatures are set to flirt with records. On Monday, the temperature at Boise Airport reached 101 degrees and Tuesday saw temperatures soar past the date's record high of 105, set back in 2007, to 107 degrees. This is the airport's ninth consecutive day the site has seen a high of 100 or above, tying the location's previous record set back in 2015, according to the National Weather Service. Wednesday is forecast to reach the threshold of 100 degrees once more.

Meanwhile, Salt Lake City is expected to tie or break the record high of 103 set in 2017 on Wednesday.

The heat wave will also impact areas farther south across Arizona and Nevada with temperatures in cities expected to soar into the low to middle 110s throughout the week.

In particular, residents of Las Vegas and Phoenix are set to see the mercury climb throughout the week. Sin City will have afternoon high temperatures past the 110-degree mark throughout the weekend to near-record levels, while the Valley of the Sun is expected to flirt with 110 degrees.

Las Vegas is expected to approach record high temperatures Thursday, Friday and Saturday as the heat waves roasts the Southwest. The mercury will soar to 112 in Sin City on Thursday, challenging the record of 113 set in 2017, while on Friday and Saturday the city will again teeter on the verge of record highs.

Both cities have seen their fair share of temperatures at or above 110 since the start of summer. Las Vegas has experienced six days in which high temperatures have hit 110 F or above, while Phoenix has recorded 10 days where temperatures were 110 F or above.

The normal high for Las Vegas at the beginning of July is in the low 100s, while in Phoenix the normal high hovers in the upper 100s.

Death Valley, California, another location familiar with triple-digit temperatures, will absolutely sizzle. From Wednesday through Saturday, the high temperature could come within 10 degrees of the all-time high ever recorded at Death Valley -- a scorching 134 degrees in 1913, according to the National Park Service. At the very least, each day the high will peak in the mid- to upper 120s. On Tuesday, Death Valley saw the temperature soar to 121 degrees. Wednesday through Sunday, the mercury will top out at or above 125, nearly 10 degrees above normal for early July.

The heat will encompass even more territory by late week. In addition to the Desert Southwest, residents in the central valleys and deserts of California can expect some records to fall, with temperatures climbing into the low to mid-110s by late week.

For example Redding, California is predicted to reach 112 degrees on Friday, which is close to the record of 113 degrees that was set back in 2008. The city could also break another record on Saturday when the afternoon high temperature is set to soar to 114 degrees, nearing the record of 115 set in 2002.

Redding is not the only city in the Golden State that could break records in this heat wave. Fresno, California is forecast to top out at 111 degrees on Saturday; the daily record of 112 was set back in 2008.

"Residents are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the peak heating of the afternoon whenever possible. When the heat cannot be avoided, drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration or other heat-related illnesses is crucial," said AccuWeather Meteorologist Mary Gilbert.

There is not much relief in sight for the Southwest as scorching heat is set to persist into the weekend. Monsoonal moisture may provide some relief, but the spotty nature of thunderstorms does not make it a guarantee that all residents will be able to beat the heat.

Many residents may remember the heat wave that baked much of the Southwest back in mid-June that sent the mercury past the 110 F or higher mark for nearly a week in some locations.

Afternoon high temperatures even soared into the 120s in the deserts of Southern California, shattering old records. Although the heat wave that will scorch much of the Southwest will not be as intense as the one felt back in mid-June, the duration of the heat wave will likely leave some residents wishing for cooler weather.

Keep checking back on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios.
Hackers targeted and breached third-party information technology contractors for the Republican National Committee last week, the GOP said Tuesday.

But the hackers did not access any RNC data during the break-in, according to a statement from committee chief of staff Richard Walters.

"Over the weekend, we were informed that Synnex, a third party provider, had been breached," Walters said in the statement. "We immediately blocked all access from Synnex accounts to our cloud environment."

"Our team worked with Microsoft to conduct a review of our systems and after a thorough investigation, no RNC data was accessed. We will continue to work with Microsoft, as well as federal law enforcement officials on the matter," the statement added.

'I FEEL GOOD': BIDEN SENDS MESSAGE TO PUTIN ABOUT US ABILITY TO RETALIATE FOR RANSOMWARE ATTACKS

Walters's statement did not address a Bloomberg report that said the computer systems were targeted with ransomware in an attack by Russian cybercrime group APT29, also known as Cozy Bear.

The incident follows multiple recent and high-profile ransomware attacks on U.S. infrastructure suspected to be by Russian hackers. President Joe Biden said he brought up the issue during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin last month.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.



JBS, the United States's largest beef producer, said in June it paid an $11 million ransom after the companys computer systems were targeted, forcing a temporary shutdown in May. The White House said JBS informed it that a Russian criminal hacking organization, REvil, was likely responsible for the attack on the company.

The Colonial Pipeline, the countrys largest gas pipeline, was also targeted in May by hackers of the Russia-based group DarkSide. The company paid $4.4 million in Bitcoin to regain access to its systems. The Justice Department later announced it recovered most of the ransom on June 7.

Putin denied the Kremlin's involvement in those and other attacks, including the 2016 election, which U.S. intelligence officials concluded involved Russian interference.

Story continues

We have been accused of all kinds of things, Putin told NBC Newss Keir Simmons ahead of his meeting with Biden. Election interference, cyberattacks, and so on and so forth. And not once, not once, not one time, did they bother to produce any kind of evidence or proof. Just unfounded accusations.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Biden went into his recent meeting with Putin promising to discuss cyberattacks and emerged afterward saying he did so.

I pointed out to him we have significant cyber capabilities  He doesnt know exactly what it is, but he knows its significant," Biden said afterward. "If, in fact, they violate these basic norms, we will respond  he knows, in a cyber way.

The National Security Agency, the FBI, and the United Kingdom's National Cyber Security Centre released a joint report on Thursday that found "malicious cyber activities by Russian military intelligence against the U.S. and global organizations, starting from mid-2019 and likely ongoing."

That report outlines a "brute force global cyber campaign" undertaken by Russian military hackers with the GRU, the same entity implicated in Robert Mueller's special counsel report on the 2016 election.

Washington Examiner Videos

Tags: News, RNC, Joe Biden, Russia, Cybersecurity, Hacking, Vladimir Putin

Original Author: Jeremy Beaman

Original Location: RNC says contractor 'breached' in hack attack
MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia expelled an Estonian diplomat on Wednesday after accusing him of spying and gave him 48 hours to leave the country, dealing a fresh setback to Moscow's already strained relations with the European Union.

Estonia on Tuesday accused Russia of briefly detaining Mart Latte, one of its St Petersburg-based consuls, after a "set-up" it said was designed to falsely make him look like a spy.

Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday announcing Latte's expulsion that it did not believe the denials and summoned an Estonian diplomat in Moscow to protest over activity it said was incompatible with diplomacy.

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said a day earlier it had detained Latte after he was "caught red handed" receiving confidential information from a Russian citizen.

"We stressed that we consider Tallinn's official position to be extremely cynical since there is incontrovertible evidence of the illegal activities of this Estonian 'diplomat'," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Russia's relations with several European countries have been strained in recent months by a number of spying accusations against Russian diplomats in Europe. Italy, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Romania are among the EU countries with which Moscow has exchanged tit-for-tat expulsions.

In April, Russia's embassy in Estonia, a NATO member, called the expulsion of one of its diplomats by Tallinn an unfriendly and groundless move against Moscow.

(Reporting by Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber; Writing by Alexander MarrowEditing by Andrew Osborn)
TipRanks

The S&P 500 has been rising all year, and to date has posted gains of more than 16%. After a more volatile start to the year, with strong swings up and down from January to the end of May, during which investors pulled back from the tech giants, the NASDAQ has joined the upward trend. Its year-to-date gain now stands at 14%, and like the S&P, sits just under a record high level. But how much room is there for further growth across the board? In an environment like this, investors need to take ca
By Joyce Lee and Heekyong Yang

SEOUL (Reuters) - Samsung Electronics Co Ltd on Wednesday reported a likely 53% jump in second-quarter operating profit, beating market estimates on the back of strong chip prices and demand despite lower smartphone sales.

The preliminary result is up 33% from the first quarter and underscores the soaring demand for chips that has depleted stockpiles amid a pandemic-led consumer appetite for electronics and recovering investment in data centres.

The world's largest memory chip and smartphone maker said profit for the quarter ended June 30 was likely 12.5 trillion won ($11 billion), well above a Refinitiv SmartEstimate of 11.3 trillion won. If confirmed later this month, it would be the tech giant's biggest second-quarter profit since 2018.

"Third-quarter profit is expected to be even higher on strong mobile DRAM memory chip prices, and peak seasons for mobile and display businesses," said Park Sung-soon, analyst at Cape Investment & Securities.

For the second quarter, Samsung's chip division profit likely jumped by a fifth or more from a year earlier, analysts said, helped by strong memory-chip prices and demand for consumer electronics and from data centre customers.

Samsung's memory chip shipments, especially for DRAM chips widely used in servers, mobile phones and other computing devices, were larger than expected, contributing to chip profits that dwarfed a steep quarter-over-quarter fall in smartphone shipments.

Improved yield in cutting-edge 1z nanometre DRAM chip production using ASML's extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) machines also likely lessened costs from the first quarter, analysts said.

Profits at Samsung's chip contract manufacturing and logic chip design businesses were likely to have improved too as operations at a storm-hit factory in Texas returned to normal, analysts said.

Story continues

"One of the most-anticipated elements in the earnings call later this month is how much the chip contract manufacturing business has progressed in competitiveness, and the current status of foundry customers and orders," said Lee Won-sik, analyst at Korea Investment & Securities.

"Another is what changes Samsung expects in memory chip profitability, as competitors like Micron are said to be narrowing the technology gap (with Samsung)," Lee added.

Last month, U.S. memory chip rival Micron Technology Inc reported a quarterly profit that beat Wall Street estimates, and forecast current-quarter revenue above expectations.

SMARTPHONE SHIPMENTS

Samsung's smartphone shipments fell to about 59 million in April-June from about 76 million in the first quarter, according to Shinyoung Investment & Securities, as sales of its flagship model launched in the first quarter slowed.

New COVID-19 outbreaks in regions such as India and Vietnam, as well as constrained supply of mobile processor chips, also hurt smartphone shipments in the quarter, analysts said. These conditions are likely to improve in the second half, they added.

A one-off gain for Samsung's display unit, which analysts said was a compensation from Apple for previously ordering fewer components than agreed upon, was also included in the quarterly profit.

Revenue rose an estimated 19% from the same period a year earlier to 63 trillion won, Samsung said.

Samsung shares fell 1% in morning trade, while the wider market fell 0.7%. Samsung shares have traded nearly flat so far this year versus a 15% rise in the benchmark KOSPI.

Samsung released only limited data in Wednesday's regulatory filing ahead of the release of detailed earnings figures later this month.

($1 = 1,136.7800 won)

(Reporting by Joyce Lee & Heekyong Yang; editing by Richard Pullin)
(AP)

Retailers Sears and Kmart have pulled a T-shirt from their websites that called Ashli Babbitt, the woman shot and killed by a police officer during the 6 January US Capitol riot, an American Patriot.

A screenshot of the black T-shirt, featuring a monochrome American flag, was posted to Twitter by Vox journalist Aaron Rupar with links to the product pages on the respective brand websites.

Ms Babbitt, an Air Force veteran, Trump supporter, and alleged QAnon conspiracy theorist, was shot dead while attempting to climb through the broken glass of a barricaded door leading to the Speakers Lobby in the Capitol as pro-Trump rioters stormed the building.

A few hours after Mr Rupars tweet highlighting the product, the official Sears Twitter account responded thanking him for bringing the product to the companys attention and saying that this item is no longer available for purchase.

Both Sears and Kmart are owned by the same parent company, Transformco. It is unclear how long the shirt had been for sale but it may have come from a third-party company permitted to use the retailers platform to sell merchandise.

The Independent has asked Transformco for comment.

Links to the product on both sites now bring up an error page saying that it may no longer be available or has been removed.

The shooting of Ms Babbitt was captured in graphic footage at the height of the chaos during the 6 January insurrection as rioters attempted to disrupt Congress confirming the election result formally naming Joe Biden as the next US president.

She was one of several people to die during, and in the immediate aftermath of, the assault on the Capitol. Dozens of others were injured.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

On Wednesday when former president Donald Trump was asked at a press conference about what he did on 6 January to stop the rioting, he deflected saying those involved were being treated unfairly and brought up the fact that the identity of the officer who shot Ms Babbitt has not been publicly revealed.

Story continues

Ms Babbitts death has been politicised by others, including Representative Paul Gosar of Arizona who was condemned after saying that she had been executed by the police.

Mr Trump and other Republicans have joined the family of Ms Babbitt in calling for the name of the officer who shot her to be made public.

In April, the US Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia said that it would not pursue criminal charges against the officer, who is not identifiable in the footage.

However, the Babbitt family has filed a lawsuit in Washington DCs Superior Court seeking the officers records, footage of the incident, and documents and witness statements obtained by the police during their investigation.

Mr Rupars tweet flagging the shirt came on the six-month anniversary of the violent assault on the Capitol.

Since then, more than 535 individuals in almost every state have been charged with crimes relating to their alleged actions during the insurrection.

Read More

Judge refuses QAnon Shamans third attempt to get out of jail

Trump says Capitol riot suspects being treated unbelievably unfairly

Alleged leader of 6 January riot had Lego model of Capitol and book on hometown militias
The world will get a chance to see Naomi Osaka like never before.

The international tennis star is the subject an eponymous three-part docuseries, set to debut on Netflix July 16.

Directed by Garrett Bradley, whose film Time was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, the film focuses on the life of the four-time grand slam champion and her struggles with being catapulted into the public eye.

What am I if Im not a good tennis player? Osaka asks in the first look at the streaming services new sports title.

The 23-year-old Black and Japanese athlete, who became an overnight superstar after her 2018 US Open win personally narrated the project, which consists of three 40-minute episodes.

The series is about Naomis journey, within a snapshot of her life, but its also about lifes purpose, about personal worth, about the courage that it takes to allow ones personal values to inform their work and vice versa, Bradley said. More than anything, Id hope people can feel the power of empathy and to feel encouraged to take chances in life, perhaps especially in moments where the stakes can feel impossibly high.

The docu-series began filming in 2020, and according to Netflix is empathetic in its approach to explore the layers of pressure Osaka is under and reveals how she spends her time off the court hanging with her closest family and friends.

Traveling the globe with Osaka to further explore her Haitian roots as well as examine her deep connection to Japan, the country she represents, Naomi Osaka also offers insight to the subject wearing face masks in defense of Black lives, mourning the mourning the unexpected loss of mentor Kobe Bryant, and finding her independence.

I feel like the platform that I have right now is something that I used to take for granted, and for me I feel like I should be using it for something, Osaka said. I believe, instead of following, you have to make your own path.
By Aradhana Aravindan and Chen Lin

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - People who received Sinovac Biotech shots are excluded from Singapore's count of total vaccinations against COVID-19, officials in the city state said, citing inadequate efficacy data for the Chinese-made vaccine, especially against the contagious Delta variant.

"We don't really have a medical or scientific basis or have the data now to establish how effective Sinovac is in terms of infection and severe illnesses on Delta," health minister Ong Ye Kung said during a media briefing on Wednesday.

The Delta variant has become the most prevalent strain of COVID-19 in Singapore since a cluster of infections was identified at the airport in May. The government subsequently moved back to stricter curbs on social gatherings and public activities, though it has begun relaxing some of those restrictions.

Only people who participated in the national immunisation programme, which currently uses the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech/Cominarty shots, are counted in the tally for vaccinations.

More than 3.7 million people have received at least one dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, covering about 65% of the population, and nearly 2.2 million have completed the two-dose regimen.

Singapore has set a target for two-thirds of its people to be fully vaccinated by around Aug. 9.

Following an emergency use approval by the World Health Organization (WHO), Singapore began allowing designated private clinics to offer the Sinovac shot, CoronaVac, from mid-June. Singapore had a stock of 200,000 CoronaVac doses which the clinics could draw on.

As of July 3, just over 17,000 people had received one dose of CoronaVac, and authorities say that demand for the vaccine appeared to taper off after an initial rush.

Last month, Kenneth Mak, Singapore's director of medical services, said evidence from other countries showed people who had taken CoronaVac were still getting infected, posing a significant risk.

Story continues

And Singapore has said that people vaccinated with CoronaVac would still need to be tested for COVID-19 before attending certain events or entering some venues, unlike people vaccinated under the national programme.

Singapore has reported 62,652 infections since the pandemic first erupted last year, with most found in foreign worker domitories. But there were only five new locally-acquired cases reported on Wednesday. COVID-19 related deaths stood at 36, one of the lowest rates in the world.

(Reporting by Aradhana Aravindan and Chen Lin in Singapore; Editing by Ed Davies & Simon Cameron-Moore)
Haitian President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in the early morning hours of July 7, 2021, in a brazen attack on his private home outside Port-au-Prince, the capital.

Moises wife was also shot in the assault that killed her husband. The assailants have not been identified, and Haitis prime minister reports he is running the country.

Moises assassination ended a four-and-a-half-year presidency that plunged the already troubled nation deeper into crisis.

A political novice

Jovenel Moise, 53, was born in 1968, meaning that he grew up under the Duvalier dictatorship in Haiti. Like most Haitians today, he lived through turbulent times  not only dictators but also coups and widespread violence, including political assassinations.

Moise, a businessman turned president, made his way into politics using political connections that stemmed from the business world. Initially he invested in automobile-related businesses, primarily in the north of Haiti, where he was born. Eventually, he ultimately landed in the agricultural sector  a big piece of the economy in Haiti, where many people farm.

Valerie Baeriswyl / AFP via Getty Images

In 2014, Moises agricultural finance company Agritrans launched an organic banana plantation, in part with state loans. Its creation displaced hundreds of peasant farmers, who received minimal compensation.

But the business brought Moise prominence. It was as a famed banana exporter that Moise met then-Haitian President Michel Martelly in 2014. Though he had no political experience, Moise became Martellys hand-picked successor in Haitis next election.

Martelly was deeply unpopular by the end of his term, but party leaders assumed that Moise would be more welcomed given his relatable background in farming.

A divisive and unstable presidency

Instead, Moise barely eked out a win in a November 2016 election that fewer than 12% of Haitians voted in. His meager electoral victory came after two years of delayed votes and confirmed electoral fraud by Martellys government.

Story continues

In 2017, Moises first year in office, the Haitian Senate issued a report accusing him of embezzling at least US$700,000 of public money from an infrastructure development fund called PetroCaribe to his banana business.

Protesters flooded into the streets crying Kot Kob Petwo Karibe a?  where is the PetroCaribe money?

Lacking the trust of the Haitian people, Moise relied on hard power to remain in office.

He created a kind of police state in Haiti, reviving the national army two decades after it was disbanded and creating a domestic intelligence agency with surveillance powers.

Since early last year, Moise had been ruling by decree. He effectively shuttered the Haitian legislature by refusing to hold parliamentary elections scheduled for January 2020 and summarily dismissed all of the countrys elected mayors in July 2020, when their terms expired.

Sustained protests  over gas shortages and blackouts, fiscal austerity that has caused rapid inflation and deteriorating living conditions, and gang attacks that have killed several hundred, among other issues  were a hallmark of Moises tenure.

Existing street protests exploded in early 2021 after Moise refused to hold a presidential election and step down when his four-year term ended in Feburary. Instead, he claimed his term would end one year later, in February 2022, because Haitis 2016 election was postponed.

Before his death, Moise planned to change the Haitian Constitution to strengthen the powers of the presidency and prolong his administration.

Memories of a dictatorship

For months before his assassination, Haitian protesters had been demanding Moises resignation.

For many Haitians, Moises undemocratic power grabs recall the 30-year, U.S.-backed dictatorships of Francois Duvalier, known as Papa Doc, and his son, Jean-Claude Baby Doc Duvalier.

Black-and-white image of Francois Duvalier, in a suit, and his wife, in a dress, surrounded by watchful men

Both Papa Doc and Baby Doc relied on murdering and brutalizing Haitians to remain in power, with the unspoken approval of Western political interests in Haiti. Working with the Duvaliers, U.S. manufacturers in Haiti ensured that their investments were profitable by pushing for wages to remain low and working conditions to remain poor.

When mounting Haitian protests ended the regime in 1986, Baby Doc fled the country. The Duvaliers had enriched themselves, but Haiti was left in economic collapse and social ruin.

The 1987 Haitian Constitution that Moise sought to change was written soon after to ensure that Haiti would never slide back into dictatorship.

Beyond Moises use of state violence to suppress opposition, anti-Moise protesters before his killing pointed out another similarity with the Duvalier era: the United States support.

In March, the U.S. State Department announced that it supported Moises decision to remain in office until 2022, to give the crisis-stricken country time to elect their leaders and restore Haitis democratic institutions.

That stance  which echoes that of Western-dominated international organizations that hold substantial sway in Haiti, such as the Organization of American States  sustained what was left of Moises legitimacy to remain president.

Crowd in the street under smoky skies hold up a sign with U.S., Canadian and other foreign flags

Haitians unhappy with continued American support for their embattled president held numerous demonstrations outside the U.S. embassy in Port-au-Prince, while Haitian Americans in the U.S. protested outside the Haitian Embassy in Washington, D.C.

From its invasion and military occupation of Haiti from 1915 to 1934 to its support of the Duvalier regime, the U.S. has played a major role in destabilizing Haiti.

Ever since the devastating Haitian earthquake of 2010, international organizations like the United Nations and nonprofits like the American Red Cross have also had an outsize presence in the country.

Now, the unpopular president that foreign powers supported in hopes of achieving some measure of political stability in Haiti has been killed.

This story is a substantially updated and expanded version of an article, originally published on May 10, 2021.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. It was written by: Tamanisha John, Florida International University.

Read more:



Tamanisha John does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
NKANDLA, South Africa (AP)  Former South African president Jacob Zuma turned himself over to police early Thursday to begin serving a 15-month prison term.

Just minutes before the midnight deadline for police to arrest him, Zuma left his Nkandla home in a convoy of vehicles. Zuma handed himself over to authorities to obey the country's highest court, the Constitutional Court, that he should serve a prison term for contempt.

President Zuma has decided to comply with the incarceration order. He is on his way to hand himself into a Correctional Services Facility in KZN (KwaZulu-Natal province)," said a tweet posted by the Zuma Foundation.

Soon after South Africa's police confirmed that Zuma was in their custody.

Zuma's imprisonment comes after a week of rising tensions over his sentence.

Zuma, 79, was ordered to prison for contempt because he defied a court order for him to testify before a judicial commission investigating widespread allegations of corruption during his time as the countrys president, from 2009 to 2018.

The Constitutional Court ordered that if Zuma did not voluntarily hand himself over to the police then the police should arrest the country's former president by the end of the day Wednesday.

In a last-minute plea to avoid going to prison, Zuma's lawyers had written to the acting chief justice requesting that his arrest be suspended until Friday, when a regional court is to rule on his application to postpone the arrest.

Zumas lawyers asked the acting chief justice to issue directives stopping the police from arresting him, claiming there would be a prejudice to his life.

Zuma had also launched two court proceedings to avoid arrest after his sentence last week.

He applied to the Constitutional Court to rescind his sentence and that application will be heard on July 12.

On Tuesday, his lawyers were in the Pietermaritzburg High Court seeking to stop the minister of police from arresting him until the Constitutional Court rules on his application. The regional court will rule on that application on Friday.

Story continues

Political tensions have risen in KwaZulu-Natal province as a result of Zumas conviction, sentence and pending arrest. Hundreds of his supporters gathered at his home over the weekend and vowed to prevent his arrest, but they left on Sunday.

The judicial inquiry into corruption during his term as president has heard damning testimony from former Cabinet ministers and top executives of state-owned corporations that Zuma allowed his associates, members of the Gupta family, to influence his Cabinet appointments and lucrative contracts. Zuma refused to comply with a court order to appear before the commission, which brought the Constitutional Court to convict him of contempt and sentence him to prison.

In a separate matter, Zuma is standing trial on charges of corruption related to a 1999 arms deal, where he allegedly received bribes from French arms manufacturer Thales. His financial adviser has already been convicted and imprisoned in that case.

Zuma has had other legal woes. In 2005, he was charged with rape but was acquitted in 2006 after the court found the sexual intercourse was consensual.

Zuma bounced back from that to become president in 2009. But by 2018 mounting evidence of rampant corruption in his administration brought his party, the ruling African National Congress, to force him from office.

Although tarnished by scandal now, Zuma had built up a reputation as a staunch opponent of apartheid, South Africa's previous regime of harsh white minority rule. He was jailed for 10 years at the Robben Island prison where political prisoners including Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu were held.

When he was released in 1973, Zuma left the country to continue his work in the African National Congress, traveling through countries like Swaziland, Zambia and Mozambique.

By the time South Africa legalized the ANC in 1990, Zuma was a high-ranking official in the party and was part of negotiating the political settlement that led to the countrys first democratic elections in 1994.

Zuma's reputation in the new South Africa was further enhanced when he was deployed to his home province of KwaZulu-Natal where he helped to resolve political violence that was threatening to derail the countrys progress toward a democratic and non-racial society.

Zumas political reputation will be marred by the corruption scandals surrounding him, said Lesiba Teffo, lecturer in politics at the University of South Africa.

It is very disappointing to see a man who has done so much for the country, a liberation hero, now reduced to zero," said Teffo. This is a man who fought hard for the liberation of this country, but like many African leaders in our continent, he fell at the altar of money.
By Siyabonga Sishi

NKANDLA, South Africa (Reuters) -South African former President Jacob Zuma turned himself in to police on Wednesday to begin 15 months in jail for contempt of court, the culmination of a long legal drama seen as a test of the post-apartheid state's ability to enforce the rule of law.

Police spokesperson Lirandzu Themba confirmed in a statement that Zuma was in police custody, in compliance with the Constitutional Court judgment.

The Department of Correctional Services said in a separate statement that Zuma was admitted to Estcourt Correctional Centre, about 175 km (108 miles) from his rural homestead in Nkandla in eastern South Africa. Television aired live footage of his motorcade entering the facility.

The court gave Zuma a 15-month jail term last week for defying an instruction earlier in February to give evidence at an inquiry into corruption during his nine years in power until 2018. The inquiry is led by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.

Police had been instructed to arrest Zuma by the end of Wednesday if he failed to appear at a police station. Hundreds of his supporters, some of them armed with guns, spears and shields, had gathered nearby at his homestead to try to prevent his arrest.

But in the end, the 79-year-old Zuma decided to go quietly.

"President Zuma has decided to comply with the incarceration order," his foundation said, the first time Zuma's camp had shown any willingness to cooperate with the court.

It was a remarkable fall for a revered veteran of the African National Congress liberation movement, who was jailed by South Africa's white minority rulers for his part in its struggle to make everyone equal before the law.

Zuma denies there was widespread corruption under his leadership and he had struck a defiant note on Sunday, lashing out at the judges and launching legal challenges to his arrest.

His lawyers asked the Constitutional Court on Wednesday to suspend its order to the police to arrest him by midnight pending the outcome of his challenge against a jail sentence.

Story continues

Zuma gave in to pressure to quit and yield to now-President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2018. He has since faced inquiries into allegations of corruption dating from his time as president and before.

The Zondo Commission is examining allegations that he allowed three Indian-born businessmen, Atul, Ajay and Rajesh Gupta, to plunder state resources and traffic influence over government policy. He and the Gupta brothers, who fled to Dubai after Zuma was ousted, deny any wrongdoing.

Zuma also faces a separate court case relating to a $2 billion arms deal in 1999 when he was deputy president. He denies the charges.

The former president maintains that he is the victim of a political witch hunt and that Zondo is biased against him.

(Reporting by Siyabonga Sishi; Additional reporting by Nqobile Dludla and Tim Cocks in Johannesburg and Wendell Roelf in Cape Town; Writing by Nqobile Dludla and Alexander Winning; Editing by Tim Cocks and Peter Cooney)
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  South Carolina's governor wants a new abortion law to take effect, arguing Wednesday that a judge's decision to put the whole measure  and not just the parts being challenged in court  on hold during a lawsuit oversteps the bounds of federal judicial power.

Gov. Henry McMaster's brief with the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals asks appellate judges to lift a lower court's injunction on the  South Carolina Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act.  The Republican signed the measure into law earlier this year.

The law requires doctors to perform ultrasounds to check for a heartbeat in the fetus, which can typically be detected about six weeks after conception. If cardiac activity is detected, the abortion can only be performed if the pregnancy was caused by rape or incest, or the mothers life was in danger.

Planned Parenthood attorneys sued immediately, and the entire law has been blocked from going into effect during the litigation. In his brief, attorneys for McMaster argued that decision represents overreaching federal power to interfere with state law."

This Court should not countenance such a judicial intrusion upon South Carolinas legitimate sovereign interests in the form of an unnecessary nullification of state law, attorneys for the state wrote. They argued that a section such as the requirement that an ultrasound be performed is a standalone provision that survives any invalidation of another provision.

McMaster, along with other defendants including state Attorney General Alan Wilson, also argue that the groups that sued don't have proper standing to challenge the law.

The right to life is the most precious of rights and the most fragile," McMaster said in a statement Wednesday. "We must protect life at every opportunity, regardless of cost or inconvenience.

Attorneys for Planned Parenthood have not responded in court.

Actions by an even higher court could also dictate outcomes in this case. The lower court judge has said shes inclined to stay pending motions following the U.S. Supreme Courts decision to take a case from Mississippi  which wants to enforce an abortion ban after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The court will likely hear that case in the fall, with a decision likely in the spring of 2022.

Story continues

About a dozen other states have passed similar or more restrictive abortion bans, which could take effect if the U.S. Supreme Court were to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 court decision supporting abortion rights. Federal law supersedes state law.

More than 90% of abortions take place in the first 13 weeks of a womans pregnancy, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Opponents have argued many women do not know they are pregnant at six weeks, especially if they are not trying to conceive. And, they argue, with such an early deadline, the law gives women little time to consider whether to have an abortion.

___

Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP.
ROME (Reuters) - Spanish delivery start-up Glovo said on Wednesday it is examining its options, including a possible appeal, after Italy's data protection authority ordered Glovo's delivery firm Foodinho to change the computer algorithms used to manage staff.

Trade unions say management algorithms on international platforms are eroding gig workers' wages and rights, just as lockdowns to contain the COVID-19 pandemic have increased demand for casual workers such as delivery drivers.

The Italian decision comes as a debate on how to regulate workers' rights in the gig economy unfolds around the world. The European Commission has opened a public consultation on potential EU-wide rules.

The Italian regulator had said changes were needed at Foodinho to avoid discrimination, after finding breaches of privacy and labour laws.

It also ordered Foodinho to pay a 2.6 million euro ($3.1 million) fine after an investigation of its management of its 19,000 riders in Italy, as well as other online delivery platforms.

"We are committed to maintaining the privacy and trust of our couriers and we use a range of measures to ensure that the results of our processes are fair and that all personal data is safe and secure," Glovo said in an emailed statement.

It added that the group took "data protection regulations very seriously and will improve any of our processes that are considered to not be fair or equitable".

The watchdog gave Foodinho 150 days to make the required changes, and said Spain's data authority would look into Glovo's international digital platform.

($1 = 0.8458 euros)

(Reporting by Elvira Pollina; Writing by Giulia Segreti; Editing by Nick Macfie)
MADRID (Reuters) - Spain's health minister warned on Wednesday that young people can develop severe cases of COVID-19 and asked for their cooperation in taming an infection rate that has more than doubled in a week as the Delta variant tears through unvaccinated younger adults.

"One in every 100 cases in 20 to 24-year-olds is admitted to hospital," Carolina Darias told a news conference on Wednesday, adding that the majority of recent outbreaks were linked to end-of-term student parties.

"Interactions between young people are multiplying...it is very important to ask them for responsibility but not to hold them responsible," she said.

The national infection rate as measured over the past 14 days soared to 252 cases per 100,000 people on Wednesday from 117.2 a week ago, ministry data showed, putting the country back above the 250-case extreme risk threshold.

Among 20 to 29-year-olds that figure climbed to 814 cases per 100,000, jumping by nearly 100 since Tuesday.

Other European countries, such as Germany and France, have begun vaccinating all adults but Spain is still working through age groups, meaning that some 89% of people over 40 have had at least one shot, compared with 14% of 20 to 29-year-olds.

After more than a year of lockdowns, travel bans and limited options for socialising, some Spanish youth are fed up and feel they are being unfairly blamed for the surge.

"We young people are the ones who party the most, and that's why the focus is put on us, but we are also a little tired because we are not the only ones who get things wrong," said 20-year-old Pablo Coca on holiday in Pamplona.

Scrambling to bring the contagion under control, the northeastern region of Catalonia will shut down nightclubs from Friday just weeks after opening them.

Though Darias encouraged regions to limit nightlife activities as they saw fit, she ruled out a return to reinstating night curfews.

"It's not on the table," she said, adding that her administration had pledged to send 5 million rapid antigen tests to boost screening efforts and offered military personnel to help with contact tracing.

(Reporting and writing by Nathan Allen; Additional reporting by Elena Rodriguez and Susana Vera; Editing by Aurora Ellis)
BARCELONA, Spain (AP)  Spanish police said Wednesday that they had arrested two people for their alleged responsibility in the deaths of more than 20 migrants who perished last month while trying to cross the Atlantic Ocean to the Canary Islands.

Police said in a statement that they detained the suspected human trafficker and the suspected captain of the craft that was reached by Spanish rescue services on June 30 after 13 days adrift.

Only 29 people were found by rescuers. Police believe that between 52-60 people had boarded the boat from its departure point in Dakhla, a coastal town in the territory of Western Sahara. Among the dead was a 5-year-old girl who perished while aboard a rescue helicopter before it could reach a hospital on the Spanish islands.

Police investigations determined that both the trafficker and the captain were among those who were rescued. They were arrested on charges of homicide and abetting unauthorized immigration.

Difficulties in tracking the small crafts produce differing statistics, but they all indicate that the perilous sea route from Western Africa to the Canary Islands is as an increasingly important entry point for migrants fleeing poverty and violence in hopes of reaching Europe.

According to Spains Interior Ministry, more than 6,900 migrants have arrived in the archipelago so far this year, compared with 2,700 in the same period in 2020.

Fatalities are also on the rise.

The U.N.s International Organization for Migration says that at least 193 migrants have died so far this year trying to reach the Spanish archipelago. In 2020, the organizations Missing Migrants Project recorded a peak of 749 fatalities on the route, although it received many more reports of shipwrecks that it couldnt verify.

Caminando Fronteras, a nongovernmental organization that monitors migration from Africa to Spain, said that their observers have confirmed 1,922 dead or missing at sea of those trying to take the route to the Canary Islands. That is more than the 1,852 fatalities for the same route the aid group counted in all of 2020.

Story continues

Last year was our worst year so far for deaths  but these figures are the worst we have seen since we started out work on the ground in 2007, Caminando Fronteras founder Helena Maleno said.

___

Follow APs global migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration
Even before President Joe Biden arrived at OHare International Airport over the noon hour, his administration was in touch with Mayor Lori Lightfoot in the wake of an early morning shooting that wounded a Chicago police officer and two federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents, the administration said.

Biden offered condolences to the families and colleagues of the injured officers, who were working on an undercover operation on the Far South Side when at least one gunman opened fire on the vehicle they were traveling in.

When Air Force One touched down, Mayor Lightfoot and Cook County Board President Toni Preckiwnkle were there to greet the president, who was marking his first official visit to Illinois since his November election. Beamed by local television stations, Biden could be seen speaking briefly with two of the states top Democrats, at one point hugging Preckwinkle and, separately, sharing a prolonged handshake with Lightfoot.

Later in the day, White House press secretary Jen Psaki issued a statement saying the president and Lightfoot discussed the early morning shooting that left the agents and police officer wounded, and said Biden vowed to work with the city to fight gun violence.

After the brief tarmac greeting, the president was ferried via Marine One to McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, where he got down to the business of the day, touting his American Families Plan.

As the Tribunes Bill Ruthhart reports, its just the latest stop to swing regions of the country to promote his plans for a strong economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Biden carried Crystal Lake in the 2020 presidential election but lost greater McHenry County to then-President Donald Trump.

Meantime, Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth is jumping into intraparty campaign politics. She announced this week that shes endorsing Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia over the three other Dems making a run for Illinois secretary of state.

Story continues

And Southwest Side Ald. George Cardenas says hell run for a seat on the Cook County Board of Review, a low-profile elected post but one that would place him on a panel that wields power over property tax appeals in the county. Cardenas, who resides in McKinley Park, tells my colleague John Byrne hes running to help working-class Chicagoans understand the Board of Review, and help them figure out how to appeal their soaring property taxes.

Welcome to The Spin.

En route from Washington to Chicago today, Bidens press secretary Jen Psaki said the White House is closely monitoring the situation involving the shooting of a Chicago police officer and two ATF agents before 6 a.m. today. At least one gunman in a passing car fired on the vehicle the officers were traveling in.

Psaki said the White House had been in touch with Lightfoot about the case then pivoted to talking about the Biden administrations efforts to tamp down a surge in crime, according to a pool report.

Last month, Bidens Justice Department announced the launch of five cross-jurisdictional firearms trafficking strike forces, including one in Chicago. Local U.S. attorneys would lead the effort, with the ATF playing a leading role in the effort along with state and local law enforcement.

The aim is to reduce violent crime by putting the brakes on illegal gun trafficking in major firearms trafficking corridors.

On the heels of a violent Fourth of July weekend in Chicago, the mayor told reporters yesterday she wanted resources associated with that task force today, and called on the Justice Department to move as fast as possible.

Ruthhart reminds that the purpose of Bidens trip, however, was not to discuss gun violence  and he didnt raise it in his speech in Crystal Lake. Instead it was to tout his American Families Plan, which has Democratic support but has drawn backlash from Republicans.

The president appeared before a gathering of a few hundred people in the gymnasium at McHenry County College where he made the case to ease the financial burden on working- and middle-class families, Ruthhart writes.

Biden said in his speech: What were here to talk about today is human infrastructure. To truly win the 21st century economy and once again lead the world, to truly build an economy from the bottom-up and the middle-out, to truly deal everyone in this time, we need to invest in our people.

The stop is the latest by Biden to swing regions of the country to highlight his efforts to drive a strong recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, which he has dubbed his Build Back Better agenda, Ruthhart writes. Read the full story here.

Sign up for The Spin to get the top stories in politics delivered to your inbox weekday afternoons.

The goal of Bidens trip was at least in part to sell his so-called human infrastructure plan, or American Families Plan, which would create free community college, extend the child tax credit and achieve universal pre-K education. Republicans are balking over the price tag amid concerns it would be bankrolled with tax hikes on the wealthy.

But, as expected, Bidens visit to Illinois was also a veritable Democratic lovefest. After Preckwinkle and Lightfoot greeted the president on the tarmac at OHare, members of the congressional delegation, state legislative leaders and others were on hand at McHenry County College.

Before speaking, Biden met with Gov. J.B. Pritzker; U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth; U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood; and Clint Gabbard, the president of McHenry County College. Also greeting Biden backstage: U.S. Reps. Sean Casten, Robin Kelly, Raja Krishnamoorthi; Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch, among others.

At the start of his address on the American Families Plan, the president asked Gov. Pritzker to stand and be recognized, said Sen. Duckworth  a finalist to be his running mate  is someone you want in the foxhole with you when youre in trouble and described Sen. Durbin as a guy I rely on more than anyone else in the United States Senate.

He repeatedly sang the praises of Underwood, whose district includes Crystal Lake, during his visit, saying at one point: This woman here? Hang on to her, man, she knows what shes doing.

Underwoods election to a second term last year was a squeaker; she hung on to defeat former state Sen. Jim Oberweis, winning 50.6% of the vote to his 49.3%. Looking to next years midterms, which are often tough on the party of the sitting president, Democrats hold a slim nine-seat majority in the House.

Its worth noting, too, that state Sen. Craig Wilcox, a Republican from McHenry, also was on hand for the presidents first official visit to Illinois since his election.

But as Ruthhart reported, other Republicans dubbed Bidens trip the more government, more spending tour.

No punch slogan can overshadow the disaster that is the Biden-Harris Administrations plan for America, said Priscilla Ivasco, a spokeswoman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Democrats want more government control no matter how much they have to spend to get there, and their economic policies are leaving American taxpayers with a burdensome tab to pay.

U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth is backing Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencias bid for Illinois secretary of state, a powerhouse endorsement from a fellow Democrat who herself is running statewide for reelection in 2022.

I cant think of a better person to represent us and, more importantly, to serve the people of Illinois, the Hoffman Estates Democrat said of Valencia in a video. Duckworth didnt mention Valencias post as city clerk in the video but did note that Valencias hometown is Granite City in southern Illinois.

While the primary election is just shy of a year away, candidates have been jockeying for endorsements, which at the very least can help with fundraising. It could also raise profiles of lesser-known statewide candidates. Other Democrats seeking the Democratic Partys nod include former state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, Chicago Ald. Pat Dowell, 3rd, and Ald. David Moore, 17th. Read my full story here.

Meantime, Ald. Cardenas today said hes running to help working-class Chicagoans understand the Board of Review, and help them figure out how to appeal their soaring property taxes. And he said the citys huge Latino population should be represented on the board.

It is about representation, and also about being as transparent as possible so people know what this board does and how they can avail themselves of it, Cardenas said. I see it every day in the ward office, people talking about their taxes doubling or tripling even though they havent made any big improvements to their properties. They can go to the Board of Review to appeal, but too many people still dont understand thats an option, and we need to do the outreach to fix that.

Cardenas said he doesnt see incumbent Commissioner Tammy Wendt doing the work needed to explain the office to regular Chicagoans.

If he loses, Cardenas said he would run for reelection as aldermen in 2023. But he said he wont try to hold both positions at once. (John Byrne)

Yesterday, local political leaders and advocates for homeless people in Chicago gathered at Firemans Park on the citys Northwest Side to shine a light on how city crews coming through and cleaning parkways and public spaces displace some of the most vulnerable residents in the city  people living on the street, my Tribune colleague Laura Rodriguez Presa reports. They urged Mayor Lightfoot and other city leaders to work together to seek a proactive solution to homelessness and provide permanent housing and other resources.

At issue: Homeless residents receive notices from the city urging them to claim and remove their tents and other belongings from public spaces to make way for cleaning crews.

When you do a sweep of an encampment, thats just perpetuating the cycle of homelessness, said Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, 35th. They tell people to remove and discard their items, and then they (the homeless men) set an encampment somewhere else, but their life is once again destabilized (and) their ability to get back on their feet is diminished once again.

In an email statement, Alejandra Flores Rebollar, deputy press secretary for Lightfoot, said the city does not conduct sweeps to homeless populations and has not forced anyone to leave the area at Firemans Park.

The statement adds that the city conducts scheduled cleanings along parkways and public spaces to protect the health and safety of residents while respecting the rights of homeless populations in the area. Full story here.

Thanks for reading The Spin, the Tribunes politics newsletter. Sign up here to have it delivered to your inbox weekday afternoons. Have a tip? Email host Lisa Donovan at ldonovan@chicagotribune.com.

Twitter @byldonovan
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Tajikistan on Wednesday called on members of a Russian-led military bloc to help it deal with security challenges emerging from neighbouring Afghanistan, the RIA news agency reported.

The security situation in Afghanistan has rapidly deteriorated as foreign troops withdraw after 20 years, and hundreds of Afghan servicemen have crossed the border with Tajikistan in response to advances by the Taliban.

Tajikistan made its appeal to help to the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO).

The CSTO is a post-Soviet security bloc led by Russia which includes the Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan as members.

(Reporting by Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber; Editing by Andrew Osborn)
Heavy fighting is reported to have been going on in Qala-e-Naw all day

Afghan troops have recaptured government buildings in a western city which was attacked by the Taliban, officials say.

On Wednesday, the Taliban entered Qala-e-Naw, the first direct assault on a provincial capital since the US began pulling out its last troops.

Air strikes were used and special forces deployed to push the fighters back, Reuters news agency said.

The Taliban have been making gains as the US and allies pull out.

"The enemy suffered heavy casualties and now we are advancing and driving the enemy out," special forces commander Sayed Nezami said, according to Reuters.

A spokesperson from the Ministry of Interior Affairs said the city had been cleared of Taliban fighters and that it was now fully under the control of Afghan security forces, according to a report by the Khaama Press News Agency.

A news report by Tolo also quoted the provincial governor as saying the Taliban had been "pushed back from several parts of the city".

The vast majority of remaining foreign forces in Afghanistan have left ahead of an 11 September deadline, leaving the Afghan military completely in charge of national security.

Prisoners free

On Wednesday, Taliban fighters had briefly entered Qala-e-Naw, in Badghis province.

Local sources told the BBC the militants gained access to the city's prison and freed about 400 inmates, including more than 100 of their own fighters. Afghan forces guarding the prison were reported to have surrendered without a fight.

At the time, provincial Governor Hisamudin Shams said the headquarters of the intelligence service had been set on fire.

But he denied reports the city had fallen to the Taliban, and said Afghan troops were defending it. The governor had told Reuters the militants attacked the city from three directions in the morning.

Map

The Taliban have seized dozens of districts in recent weeks and are now thought to control about a third of the country, making new gains on a daily basis. So far provincial capitals have remained under government control.

Story continues

Under a deal with the Taliban, the US and its Nato allies agreed to withdraw all troops in return for a commitment by the militants that they would prevent extremist groups from operating in areas they control.

But the Taliban did not agree to stop fighting Afghan forces, whose ability to hold off the insurgents is being questioned.

Military officials in Kabul have talked about "tactical retreat" whenever insurgents make gains, but commanders in the battlefield have told the BBC about a lack of ammunition, and delays in sending support.

Fleeing Afghan troops

Neighbouring countries are bracing themselves for a potential influx of refugees if the fighting continues to intensify.

The foreign minister of Iran, which shares a border with Afghanistan, said the US had failed in Afghanistan and its presence had caused major damage to the country. Mohammad Javad Zarif was speaking in Tehran during a meeting between an Afghan delegation and representatives of the Taliban.

President Ashraf Ghani insists that Afghan security forces are fully capable of keeping insurgents at bay, but more than 1,000 Afghan troops fled over the border to Tajikistan in recent days, and there have also been reports of more soldiers seeking refuge in Pakistan and Uzbekistan to escape the fighting.

Earlier in the week, Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen told the BBC that the group was not responsible for the recent increase in violence. He insisted that many districts had fallen to the Taliban through mediation after Afghan soldiers refused to fight.

For the people of Afghanistan, it is a worrying time. The Taliban, who have been accused of various human rights and cultural abuses, support punishments such as public executions of convicted murderers - as well as banning television, music and cinema, and disapproving of girls over 10 going to school.

US-led forces ousted the Taliban from power in Afghanistan in 2001. The group had been harbouring Osama Bin Laden and other al-Qaeda figures linked to the 9/11 attacks in the US that triggered the invasion. However, it has gradually been regaining territory in recent years.

Afghan forces have been struggling to keep the Taliban at bay

The Taliban entered direct talks with the US in 2018, and President Joe Biden has said the American pull-out is justified as US forces have made sure Afghanistan cannot become a base for foreign jihadists to plot against the West again.

Many observers question that claim.

On Tuesday it was reported that the US military left Bagram Airfield - its key base in Afghanistan - at night without notifying the Afghans.

Click here to see the BBC interactive
The Taliban launched a major assault on a provincial capital in Afghanistan on Wednesday, the first since the US military began its final drawdown of troops from the country as insurgents press on with a blistering offensive.

Fierce fighting erupted in the western city of Qala-i-Naw, the capital of Badghis, with the militants seizing police headquarters and offices of the country's spy agency.

As news of the morning assault spread, social media was flooded with videos of clashes -- with some showing armed Taliban fighters on motorbikes entering the city of about 75,000, as onlookers cheered.

Afghanistan's Defence Minister Bismillah Mohammadi said government forces were in a "very sensitive military situation", adding that "the war is raging" with the Taliban.

The onslaught came hours after Washington announced US forces had completed more than 90 percent of their withdrawal from Afghanistan, and as the Kabul government held talks with Taliban representatives in neighbouring Iran.

The militants have waged a dizzying campaign across Afghanistan since US and NATO forces announced the final withdrawal from the country in early May, seizing dozens of districts and stirring fears that the government is in crisis.

"The enemy has entered the city, all the districts have fallen," Badghis governor Hessamuddin Shams told reporters in a text message.

He attempted to calm the residents in a video message, appearing with a rifle -- with gunfire rattling in the distance.

"I assure you that we will, all of us, together defend the city," he said.

- 'City is not falling' -

Provincial council chief Abdul Aziz Bek said some security officials had surrendered to the Taliban, while council member Zia Gul Habibi said the insurgents had entered the city's police headquarters and the local office of the country's spy agency.

Habibi said later the situation was stabilising, but fighting continued.

Story continues

"The city is not falling, but the Taliban are still in the city and airplanes are hitting their positions," she said, adding the military had deployed drones to strike the insurgents.

Washington's top envoy in Kabul, Ross Wilson, slammed the Taliban for the attack on Qala-i-Naw.

"It violates Afghans' human rights and provokes fears that a system this country's citizens do not support will be imposed," he said on Twitter, urging the insurgents to engage in peace talks and end the fighting.

Residents said the attack triggered fear across Qala-i-Naw.

"Everybody was terrified when they heard the Taliban had entered the city," said Aziz Tawakil, a resident of Qala-i-Naw.

"We could hear sounds of gunfire and explosions... Helicopters and planes are flying over the city and we can see they are sometimes hitting some areas of the city."

Hours after the attack, the defence ministry said its troops had cleared "most parts" of the city.

"In the next few hours all parts of the city will be cleared," ministry spokesman Fawad Aman said on Twitter.

Afghan vice-president Amrullah Saleh tweeted that the bodies of "tens" of Taliban fighters were lying in the streets.

"I demand the respected ICRC (Red Cross) and other organizations to transfer the bodies... The weather is hot, and we do not support disrespecting the bodies," he said.

- Iran talks -

Video also showed the Taliban releasing prisoners from a city prison, but governor Shams said later most of them had been recaptured.

The fight for the city coincided with a high-level summit across the border in Iran, where an Afghan delegation met with Taliban representatives in Tehran, the Iranian foreign ministry said.

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif welcomed the US departure from its eastern neighbour but warned: "Today the people and political leaders of Afghanistan must make difficult decisions for the future of their country."

Last week, all US and NATO forces left Bagram Air Base near Kabul -- the command centre for anti-Taliban operations -- effectively wrapping up their exit after 20 years of military involvement that began in the wake of the September 11 attacks.

Vital US air support for the Afghan forces has been massively curtailed by the handover.

For months the Taliban have been effectively surrounding provincial capitals, with observers predicting the militants were waiting for the complete withdrawal of foreign forces before ordering an onslaught.

After they took much of the north in recent weeks, the fall of Badghis would further tighten the Taliban's grip on western Afghanistan. Their forces have also inched closer to the nearby city of Herat, near the border with Iran.

If the Taliban capture Qala-i-Naw it will be of "strategic value as it creates a psychological effect of Afghan forces rapidly losing territory like dominoes against an unstoppable force", said Afghanistan expert Nishank Motwani.

Over the years, the Taliban have launched periodic assaults on provincial capitals, briefly holding urban areas before being dislodged by US airstrikes and Afghan ground forces.

bur-jds/leg
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Taliban fighters in northern Afghanistan last month evicted families and looted and torched their homes in apparent retaliation for cooperating with the Kabul government, Human Rights Watch said on Wednesday.

The "retaliatory attacks" were committed by insurgents participating in a Taliban offensive that has overrun scores of districts around Afghanistan, including an estimated 150 districts in Kunduz and other northern provinces, the group said.

"The Taliban leadership has the power to stop these abuses by their forces, but havent shown that they are willing to do so," Patricia Grossman, the organization's associate Asia director said in a statement.

A Taliban spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Last month, the Taliban published on Twitter an order to "military officials" to safeguard public property and "behave well with the general public."

The Taliban launched their offensive, with a focus on the north, as U.S.-led foreign forces withdrew after two decades of war. U.S. troops abandoned their main base, Bagram Airfield, earlier this week.

Human Rights Watch said it conducted telephone interviews early this month with displaced residents of Bagh-e Sherkat, a town in Kunduz province from which some 600 families fled, some to Taloquan and others to Faizabad.

Displaced residents were quoted as saying that from June 21 to 25, Taliban fighters gave them two hours to leave their homes and threatened those who the insurgents accused of providing support to the Afghan government.

Taliban fighters then looted and burned abandoned homes, and shot dead two civilians, displaced residents said.

We helped the government and they left us to the Taliban," an unidentified 24-year-old woman was quoted as saying. "The Taliban have burned our houses. We are so scared. Both sides force us to help them. We are poor people, we dont have any choice.

(Reporting by Jonathan Landay; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) speaks to reporters in the Senate Subway during a vote at the Capitol in Washington on March 24, 2021. (Anna Moneymaker/The New York Times)

WASHINGTON  Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., an Army veteran who lost her legs in the Iraq War, has been pushing hard in Congress in recent weeks to try to end the federal governments practice of deporting undocumented immigrants who served honorably in the military.

Duckworth, who was among the first Army women to fly combat missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom and who served alongside undocumented immigrants, recently released a report scrutinizing the practice of deporting veterans. She wants her bill to curb the practice included in an immigration package being discussed among a bipartisan group of senators, which itself faces long odds.

The Biden administration on Friday announced plans to provide greater support for deported veterans, including efforts to return those eligible to the United States and provide others with greater access medical care. Duckworth applauded the move, which she said would help right some of these wrongs but added that, it is still critical Congress change the laws that allowed this to happen in the first place.

Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times

She spoke last week with The New York Times about her efforts. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Q: Your report, Immigrant Veterans: Deported by the Same Nation They Sacrificed to Defend, cited Government Accountability Office data that showed at least 92 veterans were deported from 2013 to 2018, though the number could be much higher, and that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials frequently did not follow their own policies when deporting veterans, including failing to review military service when initiating deportation proceedings. What stands out to you from your staffs research?

A: People dont even know that we are deporting veterans. I think most Americans assume that when somebody serves, they gain American citizenship. They dont realize that we are actually deporting people who served honorably.

Story continues

The other important thing is that there are executive orders, laws and policies on the books to give veterans their citizenship, but the [Department of Defense] and [U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services] have not been processing the paperwork. We have cases where veterans submitted paperwork with their unit thinking everything was done, and it was not. And they only find out about it when theyre being handed over to ICE.

Q: Your report puts blame on former President Donald Trumps administration. Doesnt this issue predate him? Did his administration make changes that exacerbated the problem?

A: One of the things President Trump did was starting to shut down the immigration stations [at military bases] that made it easier for people to process their citizenship status there. They also stopped honoring private bills. Senators used to be able to do a private bill that named one individual that prevented them from being deported. They stopped honoring those. And they stopped honoring the deal that DOD and [the Department of Homeland Security] had to not deport the family members of servicemen and women who were deployed overseas. They didnt even know about that until I told them about it.

I asked DOD leadership, Did you know ICE has stopped honoring this agreement? They had no idea. During the Trump administration, we had actually had folks who were in Iraq and Afghanistan whose spouse was detained by ICE and deported, and their kids were put into government care. Can you imagine being overseas and finding out your spouse has been picked up by ICE and now your children are being handed over to social services?

Q: How did you get involved in this issue?

A: I was in command of a Blackhawk Company in Chicago in 2003. My unit was alerted that we were about to be mobilized. I started putting my unit through a premobilization checklist. Thats when I found out that some of my soldiers that Id known for 15 years were not citizens. I didnt know that before then.

These were guys Id served with. Id flown missions with them. Id slept in the dirt with them. Under an executive order by President Bush, we were able to push through and get them their citizenship. But thats when I first realized, Ive got guys in my unit,  these are key people; these are senior crew chiefs; these were the guys who set the standards  and Im thinking, What would I do without these guys? So we hustled and we got them their citizenship.

Then when I became a senator, people started asking me for the private bills to protect their servicemen and women. Thats when I really started digging into this issue.

Q: At a recent hearing, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said he supports naturalization for undocumented service members, but raised concerns that the legislation was written too broadly and could protect people from deportation even if theyve committed very serious crimes, such as robbery, drug trafficking and child molestation. Is that what youre pushing for?

A: No, no. This is being mischaracterized. The bill would prohibit the deportation of veterans who are nonviolent offenders. It would establish a visa program where deported veterans may enter the U.S. as a legal permanent resident, so they can become naturalized citizens. It would extend military and veterans benefits to those who are eligible for them. I met a gentleman in Tijuana who was deported because he got a DUI. Now hes in Tijuana and theres no [Department of Veterans Affairs] hospital there. He needs VA care, which he has earned, is entitled to, and he cant access it. My bill would allow them to access it.

I have a second bill that would identify noncitizens who are currently serving or have served. This would address the fact that DHS does not keep track, when people are deported, whether or not they are veterans. We have folks coming before judges who served long and honorably in the military and the judge doesnt know that and doesnt know to take it into consideration when deciding whether or not to deport this person.

Im not excusing veterans who get in trouble with the law. But if they get in trouble with the law and they pay their dues at the end of it, they should still be able, on the basis of their honorable service, to gain citizenship.

Q: What are the chances of your bill being included in an immigration deal? Could it be included in budget reconciliation?

A: Ive given it to the negotiators for the immigration deal, because this needs to be a part of it. Sen. Alex Padilla [D-Calif.] is carrying this forward as part of his conversations and negotiations. Ive talked to Sen. [Dick Durbin, head of the Judiciary Committee, is leading the immigration talks] at length about this.

Some of my bills could actually be executive orders. Theres nothing stopping the Department of Homeland Security from tracking who among those currently serving are not citizens and who among those being detained are veterans. They could do this today and make those notations on their paperwork.

Im happy to try to get it through reconciliation. Im happy to try to get it through as part of a deal. We just need to get it done. Im trying everything.

 2021 The New York Times Company
A teen arguing with her mom jumped from a moving car onto a Texas interstate, and another vehicle fatally hit her, officials say.

The girl was in a disturbance with her mother on Interstate 45 north of Houston when she leaped out of the car Monday night, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said. Another vehicle hit her and drove away, the sheriff said.

The girl, who was about 15 years old, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A sheriffs office official said another driver following the mom and daughter swerved to avoid hitting her, KTRK reported.

Harris County sheriffs Deputy Thomas Gilliland told the New York Post the girls mom is cooperating in the investigation and their reason for arguing remained unclear Tuesday.

We need to find that person and find out what happened, Gilliland told the New York Post. Maybe they didnt realize, but once they did strike (the girl), they shouldve realized it was a body and not debris or something.

Teen model drowns in popular Missouri river, officials say. Our sweet, spirited Kara

Church camp COVID outbreak leaves more than 125 infected, Texas officials say
BANGKOK (AP)  Two German men arrested in Thailand are expected to be extradited to Germany on suspicion of being part of a European drug trafficking gang, immigration police said Wednesday.

Police Maj. Gen. Phanthana Nutchanart identified the two suspects as 42-year-old Alex Kartun, a dual German-Russian national, and 38-year-old Alexander Wolfien, a German citizen.

He said the two were arrested Tuesday in southern Thailand at the request of German authorities for allegedly producing and distributing an illicit drug made from chemical and herbal substances. German Embassy officials said the gang distributed the drug in several European countries and some users reportedly died, Phanthana said.

The two suspects were unavailable for comment and it was not known if they had legal representation.

About 20 people suspected of involvement in production and sale of the drug were arrested in Germany, but the two detained Tuesday escaped to Thailand several years ago, Phanthana said. The two men face 14 charges in Germany related to trafficking the drug and two related to producing it, he said.

Kartun, who was accused of being the leader of the gang, was arrested at a luxury villa on Phangan island with a Russian companion, 42-year-old Victor Thubnikov, whom Thai police arrested for alleged possession of marijuana.

Police arrested Wolfien on the resort island of Phuket where he had more than 1 million baht ($31,000 ) in cash, several luxury watches and ownership titles for land in Phuket and Phangan worth more than 10 million baht ($310,000).

Phanthana said police will investigate the source of the two mens funds. The suspects can challenge their extradition in court, though if they are found to be staying illegally in Thailand they may be subject to deportation without an extradition hearing.
Jul. 7Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Kentucky has donated three hybrid vehicles to Owensboro Community & Technical College.

The vehicles  a Camry, an Avalon and a Lexus, each ranging from 2018-19  provide students an opportunity to learn the latest technology in the automotive world, according to OCTC Dean of Academic Affairs Stacy Edds-Ellis.

Edds-Ellis said the school is thrilled to offer students a chance to work and learn the hybrid vehicles, which are "becoming more mainstream."

"This donation will grant our students the access and experience to gain the skills necessary to pursue in-demand positions upon graduation," Edds-Ellisa said.

The U.S. Department of Energy defines hybrid electric vehicles as being powered by an internal combustion engine and an electric motor that uses energy stored in the car's batteries. The vehicle is fueled by gasoline to operate the engine, and the batteries are charged through regenerative braking and not by plugging it in.

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, hybrid vehicles held 2% of the light vehicle market in 2019. Plug-in hybrids, or fully electric vehicles, accounted for 2.1% of the light vehicle market that same year.

OCTC's automotive technology program prepares students for entry-level service technician jobs in the auto repair industry through an education program in troubleshooting, performing preventative maintenance, servicing and repairing vehicles, according to the school.

Mike Rodgers, OCTC chief institutional officer, said the school is grateful to Toyota for its donation of vehicles, both in the past and in the present, stating that having actual vehicles for students to work with "truly enhances the program."

Kim Ogle, Toyota Kentucky corporation communications manager, said the company believes it holds a responsibility to partner with educational institutions to support career readiness programs that will help develop the future workforce.

Story continues

"Our goal is to help prepare students for future workforce success and expose them to an industry that is a vital component of Kentucky's economy," Ogle said.

For more information about this donation, or OCTC's automotive technology program, contact Ceary Thomas at ceary.thomas@kctcs.edu, or call 270-686-4623.

Bobbie Hayse, bhayse@messenger-inquirer.com, 270-691-7315

Bobbie Hayse, bhayse@messenger-inquirer.com, 270-691-7315
A Pennsylvania ally of former President Donald Trump announced that he would try to initiate a review of the 2020 election in the key battleground state, mirroring a controversial effort in Arizona to examine the results months after President Joe Biden was sworn in.

State Sen. Doug Mastriano, a Republican who has repeatedly echoed Trumps false claims about widespread fraud and is now considering a run for governor next year, announced on Wednesday that he would investigate the 2020 general election and the 2021 election in several counties in the state.

Mastriano said that he was undertaking the review as chair of the state Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee, giving counties until July 31 to respond.

In an interview with the far-right radio host John Fredericks, Mastriano named three counties that were being targeted  Philadelphia, Tioga and York  and said they might do a round two of counties. A Philadelphia official confirmed to POLITICO that it had received a letter from Mastriano but declined to comment further. An official in York also confirmed that the president of the elections board there also received a copy of the letter, and the Tioga solicitor also confirmed the county recieved the request but declined to elaborate further.

Mastrianos office did not respond to a series of questions from POLITICO.

Mastriano's push is inspired by a similar effort in Arizona, which recently concluded its review of millions of ballots from Maricopa County. The Arizona push, led by the GOP-controlled state Senate, is referred to by proponents as an audit  but election professionals and local and state election officials nearly universally deride it as an unprofessional fishing expedition that doesnt rise to the standards of an actual audit. Mastriano had traveled to Arizona to view that review, praising the effort.

My goal is to do similar to what we saw in Arizona, in that every ballot is photographed and magnified, and we can determine what ballots were filled in by a human, Mastriano said in the radio interview.

Story continues

Mastrianos request for information is sweeping, according to a letter he sent to one of the counties, reviewed by POLITICO. It asks for all the ballots cast in the 2020 election and all ballot production, processing, and tabulation equipment, along with various forensic images of computer equipment and logs of databases.

It also asks for information on grants from the Center for Tech and Civic Life  a nonprofit that received an influx of cash from Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg to provide money to cash-strapped local elections offices across the country. The CTCL grants have, in particular, been at the centerpiece of conspiracies about election fraud.

The letter threatened to subpoena the county if they did not comply, and Mastriano said he believed he had the votes on the committee to get subpoenas.

State Attorney General Josh Shapiro, a Democrat who is also considering a gubernatorial run, said his office would likely step in to defend counties that did not comply.

Right now this information is being requested voluntarily but should subpoenas be issued, you can expect our office to do everything to protect the Commonwealth, its voters and the free, fair election that was held in Pennsylvania, he said in a statement.

Other Democrats in the state pushed back against Mastrianos proposed review as well, saying he didnt have the authority to conduct it and was otherwise unfit to lead a review.

State Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa and state Sen. Anthony Williams, Mastrianos Democratic counterpart on the committee, wrote in a letter to Republican state Senate leaders that election oversight was out of the scope of the Intergovernmental Operations Committee, and said that Mastriano is corrupting the committee process and politicizing it for the whims of former President Donald Trump.

We urge you to issue a cease and desist order for this member of the chamber before he does even more damage to the credibility of government institutions, they wrote.

The expansive request could raise particular chain-of-custody issues for the local election officials. In Arizona, Maricopa County officials said they would get all new voting machines after turning over equipment to the state Senates reviewers over security concerns.

This audit could risk decertifying the counties voting machines, costing county taxpayers millions of dollars, Shapiro said in his statement.

Trump himself has pushed for reviews in Pennsylvania and other states, attacking Republicans who did not back his calls. Are they stupid, corrupt, or naive? What is going on? he said in a statement last month. What went on in Philadelphia and other areas of the State must be properly and legally exposed.

In his announcement and interview, Mastriano continued to allude to unsubstantiated allegations of fraud in the election, citing changes made to the rules to ease pandemic-era burdens on voters. It would defy logic to assume that an election with the kinds of drastic changes we saw in 2020 was run perfectly with zero errors or fraud, he wrote.

Biden carried Pennsylvania by 81,000 votes  more than twice the margin that would have triggered an automatic recount.
Former President Donald Trump compared Hunter Biden's "laptop from hell" to Al Capone on Wednesday, alleging President Joe Biden's son has "more criminal activity" than the late Chicago boss ever did.

Trump's comments about the president's son came during a press conference in which he announced a class-action lawsuit against Big Tech companies regarding censorship and content moderation.

"The laptop from hell, ... you look at that thing, there's more criminal activity on that laptop than Al Capone had if he had a laptop. ... He was a baby compared to what I was able to see," Trump said.

The laptop and hard drive allegedly belonging to Hunter Biden were given to a computer shop in Delaware for repair in April 2019. The FBI seized the laptop last year through a grand jury subpoena dated to December 2019. Rudy Giuliani, a former personal lawyer to Trump, also obtained a copy of the laptop's contents.

HUNTER BIDEN PROPOSED UNIONIZING PROSTITUTES, ACCORDING TO LAPTOP TEXTS

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

A forensic analysis conducted on the computer materials in April reportedly determined the data found on the device appeared to be authentic and belonged to Hunter Biden. Still, the president's son has said he has no memory of dropping the laptop off at a repair shop.

An article published by the New York Post in 2020 claimed, based on alleged evidence from the computer, that Joe Biden met with one of his son's Ukrainian associates from the energy exploration and consulting company Burisma. Hunter Biden served Burisma's board between 2014 and 2019.

The report raised speculation about whether Joe Biden ever used his privilege as the former vice president to create a conflict of interests between him and his son, though the now-president's campaign denied in 2020 that he even met with Hunter's associate.

In December last year, Hunter Biden revealed federal investigators were combing through his tax affairs. The president's son said in April he was "cooperating completely" with a federal investigation and said he is "100% certain" he will be cleared of wrongdoing.

Story continues

Trump's claim on Wednesday suggested Hunter's laptop was filled with "more criminal activity" than Capone, who was sentenced to 11 years in prison for tax evasion and fined $80,000 in 1931.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Representatives for Trump did not immediately respond to the Washington Examiner's request for comment.

Washington Examiner Videos

Tags: News, Donald Trump, Florida, Class-action lawsuits, Court, Social Media, Big Tech, Hunter Biden, Joe Biden

Original Author: Kaelan Deese

Original Location: Trump claims he's seen Hunter Biden's 'laptop from hell,' makes Al Capone look like a baby
(Getty Images)

Ex-president Donald Trump considered issuing a pardon to Jeffrey Epsteins associate Ghislaine Maxwell shortly before leaving office, a new book has claimed.

Journalist Michael Wolffs book, titled Landslide: The Final Days of the Trump Presidency, claims that Mr Trump took a sudden interest in Ms Maxwells case in the final weeks of his presidency. The former president allegedly asked: Has she said anything about me? Is she going to talk?

Ms Maxwell is awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. She has, however, pleaded not guilty.

Mr Wolff says in the book that the ex-president was bored by the process and details of pardoning individuals but was determined to use the executive power granted to presidents before he departed the White House, Business Insider reported.

An excerpt of the book, published in the Times of London, said Mr Trump was also considering giving himself a federal pardon saying they say I can. Unlimited pardon power, but was dissuaded.

However, he ultimately didnt grant a pardon to Ms Maxwell during his final weeks in office, during which time he signed off on more than 140 pardons and commutations. The Washington Post had reported that Mr Trump and his close aides, including his daughter Ivanka and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, drew up the list during a meeting in the Oval Office.

The list included former chief strategist Steve Bannon, rapper Lil Wayne, rapper Kodak Black, among others.

New York Times reported that Mr Trump came to his decision after consulting with the criminal-justice advocacy group Cut50, the former Koch Industries executive Mark Holden, and Alice Johnson, a criminal-justice-reform advocate who was convicted on drug-trafficking charges and sentenced to life in prison before Mr Trump commuted her sentence and later granted her a full pardon.

A source had told CNN that he [Mr Trump] likes pardons because it is unilateral. And he likes doing favours for people he thinks will owe him.

Story continues

Read More

Has she said anything about me? Trump asked if Ghislaine Maxwell would roll on anybody, new book claims

Dozens of documents about Ghislaine Maxwells personal affairs will be made public, judge rules

Ghislaine Maxwell loses bid to ban depositions from jail
President Donald Trump talks to reporters in the Oval Office on January 9, 2019. January 9, 2019. REUTERS/Leah Millis

President Donald Trump's staff were perplexed by the company he kept, author Michael Wolff said.

It led them to nickname the Oval Office 'the Star Wars bar' he told The Times of London.

The reference was to a locale in the movies beloved of outlaws and bizarre-looking aliens.

See more stories on Insider's business page.

White House staffers got so used to seeing a vast retinue of unlikely figures in President Donald Trump's Oval Office that they nicknamed it the 'Star Wars bar,' according to Michael Wolff, author of a new expose on the Trump administration.

In an interview with The Times of London published Wednesday, Wolff discussed his new book, "Landslide," which the newspaper has been publishing excerpts of.

In the interview, Wolff claims that he travelled to meet Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort despite the unflattering portrayal of the former president in his two previous books on his time as president.

There, he observed that Trump conducted business in the front lobby, surrounded by supporters and favor-seekers.

"The man can't be alone," Wolff told the publication. "The Oval Office in the Trump years was at any time filled with enormous numbers of people."

Staffers, said Wolff, nicknamed it "the Star Wars bar" because of the odd characters hanging out there.

The nickname is an allusion to the Mos Eisley Cantina in the first "Star Wars" film, where Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi first meet Han Solo.

Here is a clip, showing a variety of aliens with strangely-shaped heads, huge eyes, snouts, and fur:

The official Star Wars website describes it as "a dimly-lit tavern known for its strong drinks, hot tunes, and occasional outbreaks of shocking violence."

Trump during his presidency took a much laxer approach than other presidents to who was allowed in his orbit.

His second chief of staff, John Kelly, at one point tried to restrict the flow of people able to access the president, but with limited success.

Story continues

During the final few months of his presidency, Sidney Powell, an attorney associated with the QAnon conspiracy theory movement, pillow executive and conspiracy theorist Mike Lindell and Rudy Giuliani were frequent White House visitors as they pursued Trump's bid to overturn the election result.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

Trump's spokeswoman, Liz Harrington, has denied Wolff's claims in the book, tweeting on Tuesday: "All these stories from the Michael Wolff book are not true. Wolff never asked President Trump about them, if he had, he would have refuted them. Fake News!"

Wolff responded, saying that he only included verified accounts in his book, either confirmed by Trump's aides or by multiple other sources.

Read the original article on Business Insider
ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey is considering agreeing to a visit by a Lithuanian delegation in the coming weeks to hold talks on migration and countering human trafficking, Turkish diplomatic sources said on Wednesday, after Lithuania accused Belarus of flying in migrants to send to the European Union.

Lithuania on Wednesday also said it would build a barrier on its border and deploy troops to prevent the migrants being flown in from abroad crossing illegally into its territory. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said a large number of the migrants had come from Turkey.

"A delegation from Lithuania coming to our country in the coming weeks to discuss migration management and the battle with human trafficking is being evaluated," the sources said, without elaborating.

(Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by Ece Toksabay and Hugh Lawson)
Jul. 7AUSTIN  Two women were injured and two men were arrested following an incident at an Austin hotel early Sunday.

Austin police and members of the Mower County Sheriff's Department and Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service were called around 4:20 a.m. Sunday to the Holiday Inn at 1701 Fourth St. NW, for a report of a weapon involved in an assault that had just occurred in a room at the hotel, according to a news release from Austin Police Lt. Dustin Wollenburg.

The 911 caller told dispatchers they were unable to leave the room because of the firearm, according to Wollenburg.

ALSO READ: More than a dozen shots fired Saturday night

When officers arrived, they learned four people were in the room, and one of them was reported to be armed with a firearm. Officers established a perimeter and began attempting phone contact with the people inside the hotel room.

While officers were on scene, a woman was able to leave the hotel room and was taken into safety. The woman told police she was sexually assaulted by one man and had a gun pointed at her stomach by another, according to court documents. The woman also reported having approximately $1,000 taken from her purse. She was taken to an area hospital.

Officers spoke with one of the men, identified as 25-year-old Kevin Coats, of Waseca, on the phone and via text message before he eventually agreed to leave the room. Another man and another woman left the hotel room before Coats. The other man, identified as a 25-year-old man from Austin, was detained by police when he exited the hotel room.

Mower County District Court records indicate that the Austin man had been formally charged Tuesday. Police said he was arrested on suspicion of aid and abet second-degree assault and robbery.

Coats has been charged in Mower County District Court with first-degree criminal sexual conduct. He is alleged to have sexually assaulted the woman in the hotel room, according to the criminal complaint. The two were known to each other. According to the criminal complaint, Coats denied the assault. He is scheduled to make his first appearance on the charge Wednesday, July 7.

A second woman who had also been in the hotel room told police she wanted to go to the hospital and speak with a nurse about what occurred in the room earlier that night. She was taken to the hospital. Court documents do not provide any information on what the woman may have said at the hospital.
The Daily Beast

REUTERSGeorge W. Bush, who chose to remain quiet as a churchmouse in the face of almost all of Donald Trumps crimes and abuses as president, has chosen this moment to offer a critique of a decision of Joe Bidens.George W. Bush, who is responsible for the biggest foreign policy catastrophe in U.S. history with the disastrous invasion of Iraq, has chosen this moment to give Joe Biden foreign policy advice.George W. Bush, who has been at times complicit and at times silent in the face of his own
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States stands ready to provide any assistance Haiti might need after the assassination of its president, the U.S. State Department said on Wednesday, saying it expected to receive a request for defense equipment.

Department spokesman Ned Price told a regular news briefing that the United States urged Haitian authorities to bring those responsible to justice and said reports the attackers were U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents were "absolutely false."

Haitian President Jovenel Moise was shot dead https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/haitian-president-shot-dead-home-overnight-pm-2021-07-07 by gunmen with heavy-caliber weapons in his private residence overnight on Wednesday, sparking an international outcry amid fears of a descent into chaos in the impoverished Caribbean nation.

Asked if there was a pending request for defense equipment from Haiti, Price replied: "We expect to be in receipt of formal requests. We stand ready to receive them. But, as of right now, I am not in a position to confirm that we have received a formal request."

(Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk, Daphne Psaledakis and David Brunnstrom; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Rosalba O'Brien)
Britain's government is facing growing criticism over how it awarded contracts for virus-related goods and services during the pandemic, its detractors alleging a "chumocracy" in which politically connected companies got priority.

"I think in comparison to Britain 10 years ago, there's a level of corruption that we haven't reached before," said Emily Barritt, a lecturer in law at King's College London.

The latest revelation came in late June when Health Secretary Matt Hancock resigned after it emerged he was having an affair with a university friend he had appointed as an aide, Gina Colodangelo.

Hancock was already facing questions over a series of virus-related contracts.

One was a 30-million ($41-million) contract to produce vials for Covid-19 testing that was awarded without competition to a company run by his former neighbour -- someone who had no background in making medical goods.

The conservative Daily Telegraph has reported that another 28-million contract was awarded to a healthcare company where Colodangelo's brother is strategy director.

And in June, the High Court ruled against another senior Conservative minister, Michael Gove.

Gove had unlawfully awarded a 560,000 contract for virus-related communications to market research firm Public First, having failed to go through proper procedures.

The company's founders are friends of Dominic Cummings, who until recently served as Prime Minister Boris Johnson's top adviser.

- Issues of 'cronyism' -

The opposition Labour party is calling for an independent probe into the government's handling of the pandemic.

Its Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray told the BBC: "The huge part of the story is all the issues that remain unresolved with regards to cronyism."

Rules on awarding public contracts were already very flexible, said Daniel Fisher, a postgraduate researcher at City University of London.

Story continues

The pandemic "has provided opportunities to relax rules even further", with a loosening in ethical standards leading to "speedy opaque contracting", he added.

The Department of Health and Social Care, contacted for comment by AFP, said that it was "inaccurate to say we have relaxed the procurement rules".

The ministry has "stringent rules in place" and "ministers have no role in this process", it insisted.

The government does have the right in the case of a major emergency to award contracts without competitive tendering. But it is legally obliged to publish the terms of the contracts awarded -- something it did not do in a number of cases.

The Good Law Project, a British non-profit campaign group, has taken legal action against the government, including the case that led to the High Court ruling against Gove.

It estimates that spending on contracts linked to the virus amounted to at least 17 billion pounds between April and November 2020. The government failed to publish details of 4.4 billion of these contracts, it says.

And what is known about these contracts is "alarming," it argues, alleging that the government awarded them to companies that lacked relevant experience.

It gives the example of Ayanda Capital, a company "with connections to Liz Truss," international trade minister. It was awarded a 252-million contract to supply facemasks for the health service. But most of them could not be used.

Transparency International was also critical in a report issued in April.

"The way the UK Government handled bids for supplying personal protective equipment (PPE) and other COVID-19 response contracts appears partisan and systemically biased in favour of those with political access," it argued.

"While relaxing the rules may have been defensible at the start of the pandemic, when countries were scrambling to secure vital supplies, any such justification has long since passed," the anti-corruption campaign group added.

Britain's is not the only government to face questions over public contracts during the pandemic.

In the United States, the Brookings Institution think tank reported that up to $273 million went to more than 100 companies owned or operated by major donors to former president Donald Trump's election efforts.

Anti-corruption campaigners point out that other countries have managed to hold public tenders quickly and yet be transparent. European Union members Sweden, Slovakia, Estonia and Lithuania have not had problems specifying who won the contracts, and how much was involved, they argue.

Ukraine published such contracts "within 24 hours", said Steve Goodrich, head of research and investigations at Transparency International UK.

ved-am/jj/reb
LONDON (AP)  The British government should back a political boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing to pressure the Chinese government over the genocide of Uyghurs and other ethnic groups in the northwest province of Xinjiang, an influential group of lawmakers said Thursday.

The cross-party Foreign Affairs Committee, which is led by Conservative lawmaker Tom Tugendhat, said in a report that the atrocities being committed in Xinjiang represent an international crisis of profound urgency, making it unconscionable for any civilized government to look the other way.

China, which rejects the accusations of abuses in Xinjiang, has denied the United Nations unfettered access to the region to investigate the claims.

Tugendhat said the Conservative government of Prime Minister Boris Johnson should recognize the decision of British lawmakers in April to declare Beijing's policies against the Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim and ethnic Turkic minorities in northwest China as genocide and crimes against humanity, and to hold the Chinese government "to account."

As the Communist Party celebrates its one hundredth anniversary, its worth remembering that China has been a great civilization for more than five thousand years, he said. "These crimes against the Uyghur people stand out as a black moment in a golden history.

China has faced growing international criticism and sanctions for its alleged mass detention of more than one million people and its forced sterilization program. The U.S., for example, has stepped up its response under the new Biden administration, including travel bans, financial sanctions and commercial restrictions on Chinese imports. Unlike the British government, the U.S. government has declared China's policies against the Uyghurs as genocide.

Among its many recommendations, the committee of British lawmakers said the government should not attend" the Games, which are due to take place in Feb. 2022, and "should urge others not to do so.

Story continues

Proponents of a boycott of the Games say that will send a clear message to Beijing about its treatment of the Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities and deny the Chinese government a gold-plated public relations opportunity.

Specifically around the Games, the committee said the government should abstain from sending officials to ceremonies or functions, discourage British businesses from any involvement and tourists from travelling. It said the government should also discourage athletes from supporting or accepting the Chinese governments propaganda efforts while in-country.

It said the government should also suggest to the British Olympic Association to not participate in the opening or closing ceremonies, beyond one representative carrying the British flag.

On Wednesday, Johnson indicated that he wasn't minded to boycott the Games, telling lawmakers that he is instinctively against sporting boycotts.

This country has led the world in condemning human rights abuses in Xinjiang and in putting sanctions on those responsible, in holding companies to account that import goods made with forced labour in Xinjiang," Johnson said.

In addition to the political boycott of the Beijing Games, the committee said the government should explore a ban on the import of all cotton products linked to Xinjiang. It raised concerns that products made by forced labor are being sold in the U.K., with more than 570,000 people estimated to have been obliged to pick cotton in the Xinjiang region.

The committee also urged the government to implement an asylum fast track for Uyghurs and others fleeing from persecution in China.
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP)  The families of Venezuelan school children living in poverty this week began receiving food rations from a United Nations agency.

The parents or guardians of children under the age of 6 in the northwest Venezuelan state of Falcon received a monthly ration for each child of 13.2 pounds (6 kilograms) of rice, 8.8 pounds (4 kilograms) of lentils, a pound (450 grams) of iodized salt and 33.8 ounces (1 liter) of vegetable oil.

The packages distributed by the World Food Program are part of an agreement with the Venezuelan government meant to feed about 185,000 children this year.

The agency will provide school meals, invest in school cafeterias and train staff in food safety standards under the agreement signed in April with President Nicolas Maduro. It is providing food rations initially because schools are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

We are reaching these vulnerable children at a critical stage of their lives when their brains and bodies need nutritious food to develop to their full potential, Susana Rico, agency representative in Venezuela, said in a statement Wednesday, a day after the first food distribution at a school in the town of Coro.

The agency aims to provide 42,000 packages in the first month.

The organization plans to gradually expand programs to reach 1.5 million children by the end of the 2022-2023 school year.
GENEVA (Reuters) - A United Nations human rights investigator called on states on Wednesday to impose economic sanctions on Myanmar's oil and gas sector to cripple the junta that took power five months ago.

Thomas Andrews, U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, said that no state had imposed any sanctions on Myanmar's oil and gas sector, although some had slapped them on military-controlled enterprises and revenue from gems, timber and mining.

"Oil- and gas-sector revenues are a financial lifeline for the junta and are estimated to be close to what is needed for the junta to maintain the security forces that are keeping them in power. They should be stopped," Andrews told the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

(Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
A US software firm hit by a major ransomware attack that crippled hundreds of companies worldwide was working Tuesday to restart its servers to bring customers back online, but said it had run into further technical difficulties.

Kaseya, the Miami-based IT company at the center of the hack, said in a 10 pm (0200 GMT) update that while working to redeploy its software program "an issue was discovered that has blocked the release."

The company again pushed back its forecast for restarting its cloud-based systems, which had been estimated for sometime Tuesday evening after another previous delay.

"Unfortunately, the VSA SaaS rollout will not be completed in the previously communicated timeline," the statement late Tuesday said, promising another update at 8 am Wednesday.

Earlier, Kaseya told customers to keep their systems shut down until it assures them that it is safe.

"We have been advised by our outside experts that customers who experienced ransomware and receive communication from the hackers should not click on any links -- they may be weaponized," Kaseya warned.

The unprecedented attack affected an estimated 1,500 businesses and prompted a ransom demand of $70 million.

Kaseya said its systems were being brought back online with "enhanced security measures" and "the ability to quarantine and isolate files and entire ... servers" in case of infection.

While Kaseya is little known to the public, analysts say it was a ripe target as its software is used by thousands of companies, allowing the hackers to paralyze a huge number of businesses with a single blow.

Kaseya provides IT services to some 40,000 businesses globally, some of whom in turn manage the computer systems of other businesses.

The hack affected users of its signature VSA software, which is used to manage networks of computers and printers.

Experts believe this could be the biggest "ransomware" attack on record -- an increasingly lucrative form of digital hostage-taking in which hackers encrypt victims' data and then demand money for restored access.

Story continues

The Kaseya attack has ricocheted around the world, affecting businesses from pharmacies to gas stations in at least 17 countries, as well as dozens of New Zealand kindergartens.

Most of Sweden's 800 Coop supermarkets were shut for a third day running after the hack paralyzed its cash registers.

Kaseya said Monday that while less than 60 of its own customers were "directly compromised", it estimated that up to "1,500 downstream businesses" had been affected.

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the administration was monitoring the situation amid reports that the attacks came from a Russia-based cyber gang. But she noted that "the intelligence community has not yet attributed the attack... we will continue to allow that assessment to continue."

Psaki reiterated the warning President Joe Biden gave to his counterpart Vladimir Putin about Russia harboring cybercriminals, stating that "if the Russian government cannot or will not take action against criminal actors residing in Russia we will take action, or reserve the right to take action on our own."

Biden, asked about the incident Tuesday, said that so far there appeared to be "minimal damage to US businesses" but that "we are still gathering information to the full extent of the attack."

- Going out with a bang? -

REvil, a group of Russian-speaking hackers who are prolific perpetrators of ransomware attacks, are widely believed to be behind Friday's assault.

A post on Happy Blog, a site on the dark web associated with the group, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it had infected "more than a million systems."

The hackers demanded $70 million in bitcoin in exchange for the publication of an online tool that would decrypt the stolen data.

While the hackers are thought to have been reaching out to individual victims requesting smaller payments, the unprecedented demand for $70 million has surprised analysts.

French cybersecurity expert Robinson Delaugerre suggested that REvil could be treating the Kaseya attack as a final spectacular act before going out of business.

The group was responsible for around 29 percent of ransomware attacks in 2020, according to IBM's Security X-Force unit, looting an estimated $123 million.

"Our hypothesis is that REvil is going to disappear and this is its final big act," he told AFP, predicting that the group -- which also goes by the name Sodinokibi -- could re-emerge under a new name.

The FBI believes REvil was also behind a ransomware attack last month on global meat-processing giant JBS, which ended up paying $11 million to the hackers.

The United States has been a particular target of high-profile cyber attacks in recent months blamed on Russia-based hackers, with the Colonial oil pipeline and IT firm SolarWinds among the targets.

burs-kjl/rl/gc/dw/caw/jh
Utah's Great Salt Lake is in trouble, with serious ramifications for one of America's fastest-growing areas.

Why it matters: It's the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi River and has been shrinking for years, with the mega-drought making it even worse, reports AP's Lindsay Whitehurst.

Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free.

The lakes levels are expected to hit a 170-year low this year.

Wildlife is suffering from the decline, especially birds and shrimp.

Visitors stand in the shallow waters in June. Photo: Rick Bowmer/AP

The waves have been replaced by dry, gravelly lakebed thats grown to 750 square miles. Winds can whip up dust from the dry lakebed that is laced with naturally occurring arsenic.

Tourism is also at risk: The dust from the lakebed could speed up snowmelt at Utah's popular ski resorts.

And once-popular lakeside resorts are now long shuttered.

People swim at Saltair in 1933. The resort once drew sunbathers who would float like corks in the Great Salt Lake's extra salty waters. Photo: Salt Lake Tribune via AP

The bottom line: To maintain lake levels, diverting water from rivers that flow into it would have to decrease by 30%.

But for the state with the nations fastest-growing population, addressing the problem will require a major shift in how water is allocated.

More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free
File: Kurt Campbell speaks to the media after meeting Japanese officials on 17 January, 2013 (AFP via Getty Images)

A US official has warned China that any action towards Taiwan would be "catastrophic, saying Beijing should look at the international response to its crackdown in Hong Kong.

White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell on Tuesday said that the US supports a strong unofficial relationship with the island, but does not support Taiwan's independence.

Taiwan is self-governing but claimed by Beijing as a breakaway province. China has not ruled out the use of force to unite it with the Chinese mainland.

Mr Campbell was speaking at a discussion organised by the Asia Society think tank. He said that the island should not be ignored by the international community or shut out of multilateral collaboration where it can make contributions.

He also said that China should look at the US and the international response to its crackdown on democracy in Hong Kong and any similar move against Taiwan would be catastrophic, according to Reuters.

Several countries condemned the closure of Hong Kongs pro-democracy newspaperApple Daily last month. Calling it a sad day for media freedom, president Joe Biden had said that it signalled "intensifying repression" by China.

He had vowed that the US will not waver in its support of people in Hong Kong and all those who stand up for the basic freedoms all people deserve.

Japans deputy prime minister Taro Aso also warned this week that Chinas invasion of Taiwan could trigger regional war. Mr Aso said that Japan needed to defend Taiwan with the US if it was invaded.

These statements come after Chinese president Xi Jinping committed to resolving the Taiwan question during his address at a ceremony marking the centenary of the ruling Communist Party. He said that realising Chinas complete reunification is a historic mission and commitment of the Communist Party.

Mr Campbell also said he believed that the US and China can coexist peacefully, but it will be a difficult challenge.

Story continues

He said: Do I believe that China and the United States can coexist peacefully? Yes, I do. But I do think this challenge is going to be enormously difficult for this generation and the next.

Read More

Japan says Chinese invasion of Taiwan could trigger regional war

Xi Jinping says those who bully China will get their heads bashed on Communist Partys 100th anniversary

Taiwan tells US it hopes it can sign a free trade deal in a move likely to anger China
Associated Press

The move by Donald Trump's company to strip its top finance chief from several leadership positions less than two weeks after his criminal indictment suggests it is facing a tricky, new business environment as it seeks to reassure lenders and other business partners. Allen Weisselberg, the top numbers man for Trump stretching back decades, has lost positions in companies overseeing a Scottish golf course, payroll operations and other businesses under the Trump Organization, according to government registry records. The moves weren't unexpected, but they mark a possible delicate stage in Trump's legal fight with the Manhattan district attorney's office and his efforts to protect his company.
Officials in Montana are searching for a grizzly bear that killed a person early Tuesday.

The grizzly attack happened in the small community of Ovando, state wildlife officials said. The victim was not identified but was a woman described as a camper, NBC Montana reported.

The Powell County Sheriff's Office said traps have been set in the area and searchers were looking by ground and from the air for the bear.

Ovando is a community of around 60 people about 45 miles east of Missoula.

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks said that a grizzly bear was seen on surveillance video from a business in Ovando on Monday night and that a bear got into a chicken coop.

The sheriff's office said in a statement that campsites are closed through Sunday. "We encourage anyone in the area to be cautious and aware that as of now the bear in question has not been located," it said.

In April, a backcountry guide died days after being mauled by a large grizzly near West Yellowstone, which is just outside the national park of the same name.

Grizzly bears are federally protected as a threatened species in the lower 48 states.
Japan's government has decided to impose a fourth coronavirus state of emergency in Tokyo, lasting through the Olympics. The state of emergency is to be in effect from next Monday to August 22.

Currently, Tokyo and nine other prefectures are under intensive restrictions that are slightly less severe than a full state of emergency.

Three of Tokyo's neighboring prefectures -- Saitama, Chiba and Kanagawa -- as well as Osaka are to remain under current anti-infection measures.

Okinawa's state of emergency, now in place, is also to be extended.

Measures in other parts of Japan would be lifted on Sunday as scheduled.

A new state of emergency could be a blow to the Olympic Games, set to kick off in just two weeks. Officials and athletes have already been arriving in Tokyo.
A seasonal rain front is bringing heavy downpours to Tottori Prefecture, western Japan. Officials are calling on residents in hard-hit areas to evacuate as more rainfall is expected through Thursday.

Japan's Meteorological Agency warned of torrential rains on Wednesday morning after detecting a band of active rain clouds over the prefectures of Shimane and Tottori.

Heavy rains have been falling on and off in the region. Rain clouds are also extending to the east, bringing downpours to Hyogo Prefecture and elsewhere.

Parts of Tottori Prefecture have gotten more than their average monthly rainfall for July in just half a day. During the 12-hour period through 5 p.m., more than 300 millimeters of rain were observed in Kurayoshi City.

The Shimizu River in Tottori City overflowed, prompting authorities to urge residents in the area to evacuate.

Landslide warnings are in place for parts of Shimane, Tottori, Hyogo and Okayama prefectures.

More rains are expected through Thursday, mainly in coastal areas facing the Sea of Japan.

The Meteorological Agency is warning of landslides, flooding in low-lying areas and swollen rivers, as well as thunder strikes and strong gusts of wind.
New Delhi: As India battles Coronavirus pandemic, another Covid-19 vaccine is set to join the list of drugs that will be administered to people develop immunity against the contagious virus.

Moderna vaccine, being touted as the wonder drug is set to reach India in a couple of days. As its efficacy against the SARS-CoV-2 is above 90%, it is set to give a major fillip to Indias vaccination drive and developing immunity to fight the pandemic.

Currently, drugmaker Cipla Ltd has received regulatory approval to distribute partner Moderna Incs COVID-19 vaccine in the country.

Modernas wonder drug will be the fourth vaccine authorized for use in India, after Covishield (developed by AstraZeneca and Serum Institute of India), Covaxin (Bharat Biotech) and Sputnik V developed by Russias Gamaleya Institute.

US to donate 25 million Covid-19 vaccines

Joe Biden led US administration had announced it would donate 80 million anti-covid19 vaccines to countries like India, Bangladesh, Taiwan and Pakistan.

On 3 June, US vice president Kamala Harris telephoned Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among other world leaders and informed that Biden administration has planned to donate 25 million of 80 million doses of anti-covid-19 vaccines.

Why Moderna vaccine, a wonder drug against virus?

Moderna vaccine had an efficacy rate of 94.1% in preliminary clinical trials while real effectiveness of jab was measured above 90%. According to vaccine makers, it also provides protection against new & more infectious variants of novel Coronavirus.

Another study reported that single dose of Pfizers or Modernas COVID vaccine was 80% effective in preventing infections while after the second vaccine jab, the efficacy jumped to over 90%.

Efficacy meter: Covishield Vs Covaxin Vs Moderna

Covishield vaccine, which was the first to be approved for use in India has a proven efficacy rate of 70% and can increased to 90% after both doses. Covaxin, indigenously developed vaccine, has an efficacy rate of 78%.

Sputnik V, according to the RDIF demonstrates an efficacy rate of 78.6% to 83.7%.

Modernas COVID-19 shot, mRNA-1273, has been found to be the most efficacious of all. Its vaccine has an efficacy rate of over 91%, after administering two doses.

Pfizer is also set to arrive in India after getting regulatory approval. Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said last month that his firm was in final stages of getting approval from Indian government. It also claimed it would supply 1 billion doses to India this year alone.

As the possibility of 3rd Covid-19 wave looms large, availability of more and more vaccines is a welcome move. Moreover, Modernas vaccine boasting of over 90% efficacy is something that will bolster and embolden Indias fight against the pandemic.
Its the end of an era, filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar said.

Kumar was born Muhammad Yusuf Khan, a Muslim, on Dec. 11, 1922. His Pathan family hailed from Peshawar, in what became Pakistan after the Partition, and he visited his ancestral home in the late 1980s.

Kumar was hugely popular among cinema lovers in Pakistan as well. In 1998, he was awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz," Pakistans highest civilian honor, becoming the only Indian citizen to receive it.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was saddened to learn of Kumars death. "For my generation, Dilip Kumar was the greatest and most versatile actor, he tweeted.

Khan also recalled Kumars generosity in helping to raise funds in Pakistan and London for a trust to set up cancer hospitals in his mothers memory.

He changed his name as he debuted in Bollywood, the Hindi-language film industry centered in Mumbai, with Jwar Bhata, or Sea Tides, in 1944.

Kumar's career spanned over six decades with over 60 films. His first major box-office hits were Jugnu, or Firefly, in 1947 in which he starred alongside Noor Jehan, and the 1948 film Shaheed, or Martyr."
Council Bluffs was a mere 40 years old in what has become the citys 175-year history when Jennie Edmundson Hospital was founded in 1886. It was the fledgling communitys first hospital.

The medical facility that was to grow with the community for 135 years was established initially by the Womens Christian Association in a five-room cottage at 312 Williams St. after a young woman was forced to deliver her baby in the city jail, the only shelter available.

Growth and expansion were rapid. Just one year after its founding the hospital moved to a house leased from Dr. P.J. McMahon. In 1889, Jennie Edmundsons nursing school, the first such school west of the Mississippi River, was opened.

Continuing its growth trend, the WCA purchased land where the hospital is currently located in 1905 with the help of a $50,000 donation from James Edmundson, a Council Bluffs attorney, teacher and real estate broker. Edmundsons donation came with the stipulation that the hospital be named in honor of his wife. On Feb. 12, 1907, patients were moved from the house leased from McMahon to the hospital that had been constructed at 933 E. Pierce St.
DES MOINES  State traffic enforcement officials are pitching a highway safety message with an urgency like Iowans lives depend on it.

So far this year, there have been 144 people die in traffic crashes on Iowa roadways heading into three of the deadliest months historically during the peak summertime travel period.

A coalition of enforcement, transportation and safety groups are making a concerted effort in the second half of 2021 to make this the first year in nearly a century that deaths due to motor vehicle crashes stay below 300. The last time that happened was in 1925 when Iowa recorded 261 traffic fatalities.

We hope people can understand that this is probably the most dangerous thing that you do any single day is getting behind the wheel of a vehicle, said Bob Conrad, a senior Iowa State Patrol trooper based out of the agencys District 11 office in Cedar Rapids. He said stepped-up efforts to persuade vehicle operators to slow down, wear seat belts, drive defensively and stay sober and undistracted only work if there is buy-in from the motoring public.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
MADISON  The life of vendors at any fair, festival or market is lined with risk. They face slow days with few transactions. The summer sun can be merciless on their backs as they stand beneath their canopies and hawk their wares. Afternoons can drag on without any amusement or reprieve.
DP Management LLC is building the latter project, while Pacific Place is co-owned and operated by Mark Shults of North Platte and Perry Reid Properties of Lincoln.

By contrast, progress in adding to North Plattes stock of new homes  aided in recent years by the multiphase Shot in the Arm incentive program  slowed to a crawl during 2021s first six months.

The city issued only nine building permits for single-family homes in that period, said Gary Person, president and CEO of the North Platte Area Chamber & Development Corp.

Though the chamber-run Shot in the Arm is preparing for a third round of incentives, the chamber strongly supports any developer who wants to build good-quality homes in North Platte, Person said. Its very much needed.

Klein, who has opposed Sustainable Beefs request to build its 875-employee plant on a retired city sewer lagoon, said shes also concerned about whether East Philip and Newberry Access can handle more traffic from the plant and new homes.

Theres going to be two major constructions going on at the same time if both projects become reality, said Klein, 1003 E. Fourth St.
Indianapolis, IN (46208)

Today

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 90F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms in the evening, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Low near 70F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Montgomery County Circuit Judge James Anderson granted a motion to drop a first-degree perjury charge against former Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes June 30, according to court documents.

The State Attorney Generals Office filed a motion June 29 to nolle prosequi, or to formally abandon a charge, and after the motion was granted, the first-degree perjury charge was disposed, according to court records.

Hughes was booked into the Montgomery County Jail Nov. 9, 2020, after the Alabama Attorney Generals Office charged him with an additional charge of perjury, adding to the five counts of ethics violations, one count of conspiracy and another count of perjury he was already charged with in Lee County.

According to a November 2020 statement from the State Attorney Generals Office, the charge was in connection to Hughes allegedly giving false testimony to the Alabama Ethics Commission.

The granted motion to drop the second perjury charge came less than a week after Hughes trial in Lee County ended with Hughes pleading guilty to two felony counts on June 24, including first-degree perjury and using his public office for personal gain.
There are two things that are important for Ian Oriol to provide his customers at Coffee Mafia, the Gay Street coffee shop that used to house Mama Mochas Coffee Emporium: a community space and good coffee.

I dont ever want to make people feel like thats over, because thats what brought me in here as a customer and as an employee, Oriol said. I want to continue to offer that here.

The local coffee shop first opened under its new name at the start of June after Sarah Gill, known locally as Mama Mocha, wanted to focus on her pregnancy with twins as well as her Opelika coffee bean roastery, Oriol said.

She said, I just want to focus on roasting and what I really enjoy, and I dont want to do the cafe stuff anymore, and I was like, Ill buy the cafe from you, Oriol said. Its not often that a 24-year-old can own what is the oldest and busiest coffee shop in Auburn.

Oriol said the cafes new name, Coffee Mafia, comes from what Mama Mochas staff would call themselves as well as their customer base, and while the business has a new name now, they still receive their coffee beans from Mama Mochas roastery and serve many of the same signature drinks the old cafe had like the iced crack and the dirty hippie.
Washington, PA (15301)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. High around 85F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear skies. Low 68F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.


Thank you for Reading! We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content.
It dont sit right with my soul seeing ugly white men be happy so Im rooting for Italy

Reply

Thread

Link

lmao Italy is full of white men too.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

No one on the Italy squad is anywhere near as ugly as Harry maguire

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

they're spicy white!!

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

Spicy white instead of pasty white then.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

England has a few great black players!!

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

aren't there more POC on the England team than on Italy's team though?

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

italy i guess? urgh



will be funny to the the stadium try to boo over the italian hymn

Reply

Thread

Link







Let's do this 



Edited at 2021-07-07 11:21 pm (UTC) Sunday I will channel my inner ItalianLet's do this 

Reply

Thread

Link

LOL I am seeing all these Inglorious Bastards gifs all over my socials!



BAWNJORNO!!

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Those dang eye-talians!

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Not ideal.

Reply

Thread

Link

I already have an Italian scarf, so...

Reply

Thread

Link

I will be supporting my father's homeland and cheering for England.

Reply

Thread

Link





And in the Copa America we got a Argentina-Brazil finale!!



Sucks that Colombia lost last night cause we played better. Borjas celebration dance in front of Arg GK had me ROLLING last night



Argentina got the last laugh, but Miguel Borjas penalty conversion celebration in response to Emilio Martinezs trash talking was still hilarious:



pic.twitter.com/Us4DrZr6DD  Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) July 7, 2021 I have no horse in this race so whatever happens, happens. Although I will say the English will never let it go if they win lol.And in the Copa America we got a Argentina-Brazil finale!!Sucks that Colombia lost last night cause we played better. Borjas celebration dance in front of Arg GK had me ROLLING last night

Reply

Thread

Link

I was rooting for Argentina because I have relatives there but ngl that trash talk and then that dance he did made me wish Colombia won haha

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I was rooting for Argentina because I knew the president was going to use the copa america final as a smoke screen so no thank you, but tbh if Messi doesn't win this he won't ever win an international cup





Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

lmfao this was hysterical

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I hate to root for Argentina but please lord let Messi have a break and finally win something with the NT.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

i'm a marcus rashford stan so i'm rooting for england. those boys done good!

Reply

Thread

Link



Oh! Oh! Oh! You appropriating my shit, OP!?!?!?!?!?!?!? via GIPHY



*signed the woman who knows nothing about football and really only made these posts because she's trying to be a good mod*



Reply

Thread

Link

lmaoo, Klopp !!



I'm sorry good mod, I was reading the post and many people had many feelings about the England victory so I had to make a post !

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

What sort of feelings

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

Going for my azzurri! 



Hope its a good match Sunday! Will be crazy with the loud crowd at Wembley

Reply

Thread

Link

They only won because of an own goal and ridiculous penalty.



Im glad they won, but Im not proud of that game.

Reply

Thread

Link

That penalty was ridiculous. Ridiculous.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I work with a woman who is football obsessed (shes a not like other girls type) and she will not accept any criticism of the game 



Even my dad said it was a joke and he loves football much more than I do.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I am English and also half-Italian so I will take it as a win either way, but rooting for my born-and-bred countrys team England ofc.

Reply

Thread

Link





They'll be putting that penalty in the British museum with all the other stolen shit  Cans Christian Andersen (@FCTwenteBenson) July 7, 2021 This county is gonna be insufferable if we win.

Reply

Thread

Link

obvi rooting for italy.. it'll be a little funny seeing how pissed my brother would be if england squeaked out a win. but not funny enough.

Reply

Thread

Link

Granted if England loses all the jokes will be H I L A R I O U S

Reply

Thread

Link

if they lose at Wembley everyone will be laughing at them , it will be worse than usual tbh

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Heres hoping lol

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I LIVEEEEEEE!!

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Pls god

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

really hoping this happens ahahaha

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link
The Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative Index measures a countrys climate change vulnerability against its capacity for resilience. War-torn states like Yemen, Mali, the Central African Republic and Somalia rank among the countries most disproportionately affected by climate change. A Red Cross study adds that conflict-ridden countries are less able to adapt to climate change amid the rule of laws absence. Although people living in conflict zones are the most vulnerable to climate change, they are overlooked in global climate action because humanitarian interventions fail to account for the connection between climate and conflict.

Case Study: The Central African Republic

Since 2012, the Central African Republic has been embroiled in a violent civil war, forcing over a million people to flee to neighbouring Sudan and Rwanda. Although much of the tension stems from religious and ethnic divisions, the conflict has also pitted agricultural communities against nomadic groups. Increasing resource scarcity across the region caused by drought has severely challenged farmers. Meanwhile, violence in neighbouring countries has driven livestock herders into the Central African Republic, stiffening competition for resources between herders and farmers, adding another layer to this complex civil conflict. Concurrently, the country experiences extreme weather events. In 2019, severe flooding left tens of thousands in the capital Bangui homeless and caused outbreaks of malaria and cholera. As rainy seasons become increasingly irregular, farmers will struggle to maintain food supply.

Related: OPEC Stalemate Could Spark A New Oil Price War

Displacement has aggravated environmental problems. Increased concentration of livestock is depleting resources and harming animal health. Out of desperation, many resort to deforestation to relieve poverty and food insecurityusing trees for fuel, selling firewood for income, and feeding livestock with grassat enormous ecological cost.

Case Study: Somalia

Somalias story is similar. Twenty-five years of internal conflict has shattered the Somali state. The countrys economy is largely informal, based on livestock and remittances. The UNs 2010 Human Development Report states that 81% of Somalis live in multidimensional poverty, experiencing acute deprivation in areas such as health and education.

Worsening drought has compounded Somalias problems. By disrupting water access, escalating food insecurity, and spreading disease, it has escalated tensions between clans, bolstered the ranks of terror groups, and increased displacement. Precious resources like food and water are more than just a basic need today in Somalia; they have become a source of power among feuding clans.

With livestock and agriculture forming the basis of Somali livelihoods, the country is exceedingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This vulnerability is magnified by Somalias low-lying, coastal geography, which is threatened by rising sea levels. As climate impact worsens and al-Shabaabs presence grows, a new conflict, pitting herders against farmers, has emerged, as flooding, heatwaves, and drought decimate agricultural output.

Related: Qatar Walks Tightrope As It Eyes Global LNG Leadership



Moreover, the governance vacuum in much of Somalia has prompted pastoral communities to turn to the arms trade to protect themselves and their livestock from rustlers. Rustlingthe stealing of cattlehas long been an issue in Somalia, but has intensified as more livestock perish from the weather-related effects of climate change, initiating small-scale violence among communities as food competition increases.

Looking ahead

Studies demonstrate with increasing accuracy that climate change can escalate fraught security situations. Much of this research, however, has been limited to the link between rainfall variability and conflict. Other scenarios where climate impacts could transform the geopolitical landscape include sea-level rise and food insecurity. As climate change decreases economic opportunity in the Horn of Africa, increased piracy is likely to occur. Evidence from UNESCO demonstrates an overlap between countries with a high incidence of piracy and significant climate vulnerability, exemplified by the insecurity of the Gulf of Aden.

While droughts and natural disasters are not new phenomena, the increased frequency of extreme weather will place additional pressures on already stretched governments, making conflict more likely and enduring. The only positive is that climate change, compared with other security risks, can be modelled with a higher degree of certainty.

Climate vulnerability heightens the risk of instability and will increasingly precipitate humanitarian emergencies. A shift in mindset, however, may be occurring among nations and organisations in how they address complex humanitarian crises fuelled by environmental degradation.

By Global Risk Insights

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Four years ago, the UN declared plastic pollution a global crisis, decades after the discovery of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch--a collection of marine debris 2x the size of Texas. The Year 2020 was supposed to be a watershed moment for the industry after dozens of state and local policymakers planned to make the ultimate shift away from plastics. They clearly underestimated the sheer tenacity of the plucky industry, and a global pandemic.

The plastics industry quickly seized the unexpected opportunity provided by the Covid-19 pandemic (which proved a double-edged sword) and an indulgent government to push back on the plastic bans, managing to post positive growth.

The plastics and petrochemicals sector received a much-needed shot in the arm after the Trump administration gave it an open license to pollute by relaxing tough environmental laws and fines for environmental pollution during the COVID-19 crisis amid historic lows in oil prices. That helped boost the industry big-time: After an initial dip in April 2020, plastics production quickly recovered and was growing in double-digits by the end of 2020.

But the tide appears to have turned against the petrochemicals industry--again.

Not only have plastic makers been facing growing competition as more refiners shift from gasoline and diesel to plastics, but now they are seeing a sharp contraction in profit margins thanks to higher naphtha and LPG costs--major plastics feedstocks.

Weak margins

Petrochemicals--the building blocks of plastics--are processed from naphtha and LPG, or propane and butane. Companies with production units that are part of a larger refinery complex can tap on these raw materials produced on-site as a by-product of oil distillation, but everybody else has to procure feedstock from the open market.

The result: Standalone plants lacking a fully-integrated refining system and ready access to affordable feedstocks are increasingly facing much higher production costs and could be forced to cut runs starting from the third quarter of 2021.

To make the situation even more dicey, Asias steam cracking capacity is set to increase by ~20% in the current year as per estimates by Armaan Ashraf, a senior analyst at FGE.

Steam crackers plants turn naphtha and LPG into ethylene and propylene, the main building blocks for plastics. Meanwhile, a 33% surge in U.S. propane prices in the current year as well as a huge ramp in petrochemical capacity in Asia, led by China, is not helping matters, either.

Big Trouble for Petrochemicals

But the plastics industry woes do not stop there.

The shale boom led to an overabundance of cheap oil and natural gas, key commodities used in the manufacture of plastics both as feedstocks and as fuel. The fossil fuel industry has been heavily pivoting into the petrochemical sector as a second cash cow even as the world grew increasingly weary of its role in environmental degradation and investors started giving it a wide berth.

Indeed, the plastics industry was poised for an epic explosion--until the coronavirus crisis and the subsequent oil price collapse dealt it a potential death blow.

Last year, Time magazine reported that South Africas integrated energy and chemical giant, Sasol Ltd, opened a new plastic plants in Louisiana, one of seven such projects it had in the works, while Shell was is in the process of building a huge multi-billion dollar ethane cracker plant in Pittsburgh with the capacity to churn out 1.8 million tons of plastic each year.

Related: Oil Rally Grinds To A Halt



According to the American Chemistry Council, hundreds of new plastic production plants and expansions were given the greenlight last year. Global plastics production was set to increase by about a third over the next five years and triple over the next three decades.

But the energy and health crisis put paid to those plans and rosy projections.

Thailand-based PTT Global Chemical announced that it will indefinitely delay its plan to build an ethane-cracker plant in Ohio citing uncertainty amid the health crisis while Shell said in March that it was shelving its Pennsylvania project.

Meanwhile, Chinas plans to invest $84 billion in plastic and energy investment in West Virginia are yet to materialize three years since the promise was made.

Kevin Swift, MD for economics and statistics at the American Chemistry Council, told Time that the oil price and economic crisis means that spending is likely to be severely curtailed.

Big Oil has shifted its focus from major investments to returning capital to shareholders in the form of dividends and share buybacks.

Plastic Overproduction

Some of the problems facing the industry are of its own making though.

Two years ago, Chemical Week predicted growing pains for the industry as the increasing rate of production threatened to exceed consumption.

The Covid-19 pandemic has given a boost to single-use plastics--about 40% of the market--due to growing demand for PPE, disposable bags, cups, bottles, and boxes due to hygiene issues. However, its unlikely to offer adequate long-term support for the entire plastic industry, with China maintaining a sweeping ban on single-use plastics with similar bans expected to come into effect in the EU, Canada and at least 34 African nations over the next two years.

With a major freeze on capital spending that might take years to return to pre-crisis levels, weak economies and stiff public opposition, the plastic and petrochemical industries are standing on sinking sands.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Gas prices at the pump are up 40 percent since the start of the year and Republicans are blaming the Biden administration, which does not accept the guilt.

I think there sometimes is a misunderstanding of what causes gas prices to increase and so, to convey to the American people that were working on it and certainly the supply availability of oil has a huge impact, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said at the Tuesday briefing, as quoted by The Hill.

I would also say that ensuring Americans dont bear a burden at the pump continues to be a top priority for the administration at large, Psaki added. She then went on to note President Bidens refusal to impose a gas tax on drivers as one of the sources of funding for his huge infrastructure plan.

Thats one of the core reasons why the president was opposed, vehemently opposed, to a gas tax and any tax in vehicle mileage, because he felt that would fall on the backs of Americans and that was a bottom line, red line for him, Psaki said.

Meanwhile, prices at the pump are the highest in seven years thanks to a strong rebound in travel demand following the mass vaccinations across the country. The average price for a gallon of gas has topped $3 and will remain elevated at least until the end of summer, according to the AAA, as quoted by CBS News.

Rising global oil prices also had a part to play in higher U.S. gas prices as did subdued local production. With OPEC+ still keeping output tight and demand rebounding across the world, higher prices were the only logical outcome. And, to be fair, there is little the U.S. administration could do except follow in Trumps footsteps and ask OPEC to start producing more oil.

Indeed, members of the Biden administration have already urged the cartel to up its production. This time, however, things are a bit more complicated in the oil cartel as the UAE is refusing to play to Saudi Arabia and Russias tune and is insisting on getting a new baseline from which to cut production.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
The Mexican government launched a quest against foreign oil companies operating in the country pretty much from day one in office. First, it suspended new oil and gas auctions and began a review of the contracts signed by the previous government as it searches for evidence of corruption. Then, it proposed law after law to expand the clout of state-owned Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) on the local market at the expense of private companies. Now, the government has awarded Pemex operatorship of the biggest private discovery of oil in Mexico.

The Zama field, in the Campeche offshore basin, was discovered by a private consortium led by U.S. Talos Energy in 2015.

With reserves estimated at 670 million barrels of recoverable crude, the discovery was the largest in Mexico made by a private company for decades. Yet there was a problem with this field  it extended into a neighboring one operated by Pemex.

According to an independent evaluation, 60 percent of the Zama fields reserves lay in the block whose operator was Talos Energy and the rest was in the block operated by Pemex. In 2020, the Mexican government ordered the U.S. company to negotiate operating terms for the Zama field with Pemex. If the two companies failed to strike a deal, the government said it would decide for them.

The negotiations dragged on for a while, with Pemex arguing it did not want to operate the field at any cost but had to tailor the technical details of the operatorship.

Related: Record Decline In U.S. Crude Stockpiles Fuels Oil Rally "It's not a case of 'I want (to be the operator) because I'm the biggest, or I'm the best-looking,' it's because it suits them and it suits us," Pemex chief executive Octavio Romero said in an interview with Reuters in March this year, a month after the deadline the government had set the two companies to agree on a deal. "We're talking about it, we're analyzing it technically."

Two months later, in May, Talos Energy disclosed that it was actually Pemex that had the majority share of the reserves at Zama, at 50.4 percent. That calculation was made during another study of the two fields commissioned by the two companies, according to a Bloomberg report.

For those following Mexican energy politics since Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador became president, the end of the Zama saga wouldnt come as a surprise. One might even argue that it makes sense that the company with a claim to more than half of the reserves at the field is its rightful operator. The problem is, its not just about being awarded field operatorship. Its also about having the resources to develop it.

When Talos Energy announced the discovery of oil in Zama, it began drilling wells. Pemex, on the other hand, has yet to drill any wells in its part of the deposit. Not only that, but earlier this month, Pemex said it had canceled the drilling of its one appraisal wells planned for that deposit. That well would have helped determine more accurately how much of the oil is in Pemexs block and how much is in the block developed by Talos Energy and its partners. To compare, since the discovery of Zama, Talos Energy has drilled one exploratory and three appraisal wells.

In other words, it has done the work so far and it has the resources to continue doing it. Pemex, on the other hand, is the worlds most indebted oil company despite generous state support and has been scramblingand failingto reverse a years-long decline in production.

Earlier this year, the company said it had struck oil at an onshore field in Tabasco, which could hold up to 1 billion barrels of crude. That was in early March and the company promised details will follow later that month. No details were released, however.

Related: Saudi Aramco Sees A Major Market Forming For Hydrogen

Analysts cited in news reports on the governments handing control over Zama to Pemex seem to be unanimous this will not make Mexico look good. It is the latest move in a nationalistic drive by the government to reverse as much of the reforms implemented by the previous administration as possible.

The pros and cons of national ownership of critical industries may be open to debate, but there are much more practical considerations in the case of Zama and Pemex.

Mexico needs to produce more oil to satisfy its growing energy demand. This is what President Lopez Obrador, commonly referred to by media as AMLO, has promised. He is pursuing this by giving more control of Pemex over the countrys oil industry. What he cant do, unfortunately, is to equip the company with the expertise to develop an offshore field in deeper waters than it has ever operated in so far. The Zama field is one of those cases where the state company would have likely benefited from a partnership with the private ones that discovered the field.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Nearly a week of formal and side talks and behind-the-scenes negotiations failed to resolve a dispute over baseline production levels at OPEC+. The discord threw the group in its most serious crisis since March 2020, when the alliances leaders Saudi Arabia and Russia disagreed on oil supply management with global demand crumbling in the pandemic.

Now the dispute is between two Arab Gulf allies in OPECthe United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabiain what analysts see as the UAE looking to step out of the Saudi shadow in global political affairs.

The UAE is digging in its heels, making its approval of OPEC+ adding more supply to the market contingent on the group acknowledging that the UAEs baseline for the cuts was too low and unfair.

The disagreement, which OPEC+ has been unable to overcome for five consecutive days, is bringing back the specter of last years oil price war when the alliance abandoned all deals for a month. Traders and analysts have already started to ask themselves: is this the dispute that will dissolve the production pact again? And will OPEC+ let its firm grip on oil market management slip, after being in such a favorable position this year with U.S. shale keeping production flat and not unraveling the alliances efforts to keep markets tight?

Third Times Not a Charm

Despite mediation, consultations, and side talks in the weekend  after two days of no deal outcome of meetings  OPEC+ failed a third time on Monday, called off the OPEC+ meeting, and said it hadnt decided yet when the next meeting would be held.

The lack of agreement overproduction for next month likely means that OPEC+ will keep, for now, their production in August flat compared with July. This immediately sent oil prices jumping to the highest in three years, considering that global oil demand is bouncing back and the market was initially expecting at least a 500,000-bpd increase from the alliance in August.

The market began factoring in the prospect of no additional supply hike from the OPEC/non-OPEC alliance in August, Vanda Insights said in a daily note on Tuesday.

$90 Oil? No additional supply at a time when inventories are drawing down and demand is roaring back will likely send oil prices higher in the near term, at least until the group reaches some sort of a deal.

Oil at $85 to $90 a barrel is on the cards if OPEC+ doesnt raise supply next month, Fereidun Fesharaki, chairman of industry consultant FGE, told Bloomberg TV in an interview. Fesharaki expects the group to reach some sort of compromise over the next one to three weeks, during which oil prices will continue to rise.

No additional oil in August, at a time when the physical market is incredibly tight, can easily lead to prices overshooting above US$90 a barrel, Amrita Sen, Director of Research at Energy Aspects, told Bloomberg.

New Price War?

The UAE-OPEC+ rift, however, now appears wider than initially thought on Thursday last week, when the first OPEC+ meeting failed to reach a consensus on oil policy going forward.

But at least for now, few analysts believe that there will be a repeat of the brief oil price war from the spring of 2020, when the OPEC+ producers pumped at will for a month and contributed to the crash in oil prices, the effects of which are still being felt in most OPEC+ economies.

Related: Natural Gas Prices Fall Despite Bullish Outlook



Credit Suisse, in a note late on Monday, said the current impasse about raising supply in August had the ability to push Brent Crude to $80 a barrel in the near term. Early on Tuesday, Brent was trading above $77 and WTI was up above $76 a barrel.

If Saudi and UAE are unable to resolve their differences, then it could lead to each man for himself approach and back to price wars, which is a draconian scenario for energy investors, Credit Suisse analysts said.

OPEC+ Has Much More at Stake Than Quota Baselines

This draconian scenario, however, is one of the most unlikely outcomes of the current deadlock, according to chief investment officers of energy funds who joined a live chat on Bloomberg on Monday with Lawrence McDonald, founder of The Bear Traps Report.

[T]here is a low probability of a destructive breakdown with a large boost in production, thats not happening, an energy fund CIO in Canada said.

We see strong demand (India, Europe) with real supply risk, it is not in OPECs interest to blow this opportunity, a CIO in London said, noting that oil has a shot at $90 to $100 a barrel in the next six months.

Institutional investors, therefore, dont see the OPEC+ pact breaking up, as it would be very unwise for the alliance to be sidelined as the key oil market mover again, after working for more than a year to show it is calling the shots (and burning the shorts) in the oil market.

We do not believe that a price-destructive non-deal is in the cards at this time. This is the strongest period OPEC+ has had in the market in decades and they dont want to give that all up, The Bear Traps Reports McDonald notes.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Iran has begun the production of enriched uranium metal, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has said in a statement, prompting the three Western negotiators in the Iran nuclear deal to issue a joint statement condemning the move.

This is a serious violation of Irans commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA), the foreign ministers of France, Germany and the UK said in their statement. Iran has no credible civilian need for uranium metal R&D and production, which are a key step in the development of a nuclear weapon.

This further step in Irans escalation of its nuclear violations is all the more concerning at a time when no date has been set for the continuation of the negotiations in Vienna on a return to the JCPoA, the three also said.

U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said, as quoted by Reuters, Iran's nuclear advances will have a bearing on our view of returning to the JCPOA."

Reuters reported that both European and U.S. government officials expect the news to complicate the already complicated negotiations on the JCPOA, which President Trump pulled the U.S. out of when he came into office but his successor signalled he was ready to return to the deal under certain conditions.

While a month ago the deal seemed all but done, now the end of the negotiations looks a lot more distant. The change of the guard in Tehran after the June elections was one reason. Now, Irans move to continue with its uranium enrichment program will present another challenge for the negotiators.

Tehrans refusal to make any concessions is also an obstacle, according to U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. Last month, Blinken and his French counterpart warned that the reinstatement of the nuclear deal is at risk unless Iran changed its attitude.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Lithuanias electricity transmission system operator Litgrid has said it would slash threefold its electricity imports from Belarus as a step toward abandoning electricity intake from Russia and Belarus by 2025 and joining the European Unions (EU) energy system.

Litgrid is reducing the maximum electricity import capacity from 1,250 megawatts (MW) to 400 MW as of September 15, the Interfax news agency reported on Tuesday, citing information that Litgrid had sent to the operators of the so-called BRELL energy grid, which includes Belarus, Russia, Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia.

Due to the reduced transmission capacity, Lithuania will now be significantly cutting commercial electricity imports from Belarus and Russia via the grid from Soviet times.

The three Baltic States  Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia  joined the European Union in 2004. However, their electricity grids continue to be synchronized with those of Russia and Belarus.

In June 2018, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia agreed with Poland to synchronize the Baltic States electricity grid with the continental European network by 2025.

Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have always considered their dependence on Moscow as a threat, and their concerns have increased since the crisis in Ukraine. However, cutting this umbilical cord has been an uphill struggle, the European Commission said in 2018.

Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, alongside Poland, are also the most vocal critics of the Gazprom-led natural gas pipeline project Nord Stream 2 in the EU.

The United States, several European countries including Poland and the Baltic states, as well as the European Union, have expressed concern about Russia using gas sales and its gas monopoly Gazprom as a political tool, seeing Nord Stream 2 as further undermining Europes energy security by giving Gazprom another pipeline to ship its natural gas to European markets.

Most recently, despite a strong rebound in European natural gas demand, Gazprom didnt book additional entry capacity to Europe via Ukrainea move that Ukraines gas transmission system operator described last week as blackmail.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Chinas crude oil imports last month rose by 8.81 percent month-on-month in June to average 10.54 million bpd, energy analytics provider OilX said in its latest monthly report, adding that the number was still lower than last years June average, by 2.45 million bpd.

Whats perhaps more interesting is that, according to the OilX report, Chinas crude oil in storage has been on the decline. Since April, the report said, oil in storage, as calculated through satellite data readings, has fallen from 436 million barrels to 414 million barrels. The period coincided with the latest sustained rally in oil prices.

That Chinese oil imports were about to drop was clear a month ago. The countrys refiners ramped up their output a bit too fast as the economy began to recover after the pandemic hit and soon this ramp-up led to excess fuel supply and pushed their margins close to zero.

Beijing intervened, asking state-owned oil majors to stop trading their crude oil import quotas with private refiners. The government also reduced the second batch of crude oil import quotas for private refiners by as much as 35 percent last month, to a total of 35.24 million tons.

This would be enough to suggest with a high degree of certainty that oil imports may remain subdued for the net few months despite the drawdown in oil inventories. However, Beijing is also cracking down on private refiners and this, according to a recent Bloomberg report, could have wide-reaching implications for the local oil industry.

The crackdown began last month at a regional energy hub, with state investigators looking into allegations for tax law and environmental legislation violations. According to analysts, the crackdown could reduce independent refiners influence over the Chinese oil market and give more power in the hands of state-owned majors. This, in turn, could have long-term implications for Chinese oil imports.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Haitis President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in his home early on Wednesday in an attack that raised concerns that the widespread gang violence and turmoil would escalate.

Haiti, a Caribbean country considered the poorest nation in the Western hemisphere, has seen escalation in street violence in recent months. Gang battles have been causing gasoline shortages in the country because shootouts on the streets prevent regular fuel distribution.

Last month, tens of thousands of barrels of gasoline and kerosene were sitting at a distribution terminal, which, however, was inaccessible due to insecurity, The Haitian Times reported.

Haitis troubles took a whole new dark turn on Wednesday, when the president Moise, 53, was shot dead and his wife, Martine Moise, was also shot and wounded in their private residence.

A group of unidentified individuals, some of them speaking Spanish, attacked the private residence of the president of the republic and thus fatally wounded the head of state, Haitis Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph said in a statement carried by Reuters.

All measures are being taken to guarantee the continuity of the state and to protect the nation, Joseph said.

The authorities closed the international airport and declared a state of siege.

Joseph called the assassination a hateful, inhumane and barbaric act.

Moise ruled by decree for over a year after the Caribbean nation failed to hold elections. The local opposition had been demanding that Moise resign. The assassinated president was looking to pass a controversial reform in Haitis constitution.

Alex Dupuy, a Haiti-born sociologist who teaches at Wesleyan University in the U.S., told The Associated Press that Joseph was likely to lead the country for now.

After the assassination, analysts and observers fear that the crisis and turmoil in the country would deepen.

The United States is assessing the situation in Haiti, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Iranian media report that an explosion that started at a pump house in the countrys southwest tore through oil and gas pipelines, killing three people and injuring four more.

Reports continue to develop, but at this time Iranian media have noted that the initial explosion took place at the Cheshmeh Kosh field, which is approximately 300 miles southwest of Tehran, and the pipeline to Ahvaz.

Iranian media agencies have published photographs of the corpse of one of the people killed in the ensuing blasts.

The Iranian Oil Ministry has initiated an investigation, but has yet to indicate the potential cause of the explosion, while some Western media speculate that it could have been related to the countrys aging oil and gas infrastructure, combined with extremely hot weather conditions.

According to SHANA news agency citing an official report, the fire following the explosion has been contained.

The pipeline explosions will cause Iran to divert oil from the Cheshmeh Kosh field to alternative facilities in the province of Khuzestan, also in the south.

According to Irans semiofficial Mehr agency, workers were carrying out a pipeline inspection gauge operation when the explosion happened.

While an investigation is ongoing, Irans IRNA news agency cited Shush county governor Adnan Qazi as blaming the explosion on a gas leak at an oil and gas pipeline station.

However, according to Irans SHANA news agency, preliminary reports indicate that the launcher exploded during the artillery operation.

Qazi also said the four injured in the incident were seriously injured.

By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
A base housing U.S. troops in Iraq was attacked with rockets on Wednesday, resulting in minor injuries, while the U.S.-backed coalition in Syria thwarted a drone attack on Syrias largest oilfield, the U.S. and Kurdish commandments said.



In Iraq, the Ain Al-Assad Air Base was attacked by 14 rockets at around noon local time, Col. Wayne Marotto, Spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR), said. The rockets landed on the base and in the perimeter, and force protection defensive measures were activated. In an update later in the day, Col. Marotto said that there was 100 percent accountability at Ain Al-Assad Air Base after the rocket attack. Two personnel sustained minor injuries, while damages are still being assessed.

Each attack against the GoI, KRI and the Coalition undermines the authority of Iraqi institutions, the rule of law and Iraqi National sovereignty, Col. Marotto noted.

Meanwhile, in Syria, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)  backed by the United States and led by Kurdish fighters  said an attack was foiled on the Al-Omar oilfield in the oil-rich eastern Syrian province of Deir Ezzor.

"Early reports confirm that the attack was foiled and did not cause any damages, said an initial statement from the SDF carried by The Associated Press.

Related: The Best Energy Dividend Stocks Of 2021

Attacks in Iraq and Syria have intensified in the past week. The Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq was hit with at least three rockets late Monday, presumably targeting U.S. forces stationed there, but causing no casualties. As rockets hit an Iraqi airbase housing U.S. personnel, the leader of an Iran-affiliated Iraqi militia has vowed to take revenge on the United States for the killing of four militiamen last month in an airstrike along the border between Iraq and Syria.

Last week, the Al-Omar oilfield near a U.S. military base in Syrias Deir Ezzor region came under rocket attack, hours after the U.S. military had said it had carried out airstrikes against storage facilities of Iran-backed militia in Iraq and Syria.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Safe Harbor Statement This release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E and/or 27E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are based upon assumptions that in the future may prove not to have been accurate and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including statements as to the future performance of the company and the risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in reports filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. 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. Factors that could cause results to differ include, but are not limited to, the company's ability to raise necessary financing, retention of key personnel, timely delivery of inventory from the company's suppliers, timely product development, product acceptance, and the impact of competitive services and products, in addition to general economic risks and uncertainties.
State-and-regional

COVID-19 cases

Nebraska records largest percentage increase of COVID cases in nation

On the heels of ending its COVID-19 state of emergency, Nebraska last week recorded the nations largest percentage increase in COVID cases.

The state tallied 456 cases for the week ending Thursday, up from 253 cases the previous week and 181 the week before that, according to state data compiled by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Nebraskas one-week 80% increase in cases was the highest in the nation, as was the two-week increase of 152%, according to a World-Herald analysis of the CDC data.

But because Nebraska came into the increase with one of the five lowest case rates in the U.S., the state still ranks only 23rd among states in weekly cases per capita, with a rate that remains slightly below the national average.

The World-Herald used cases for the week ending Thursday to compile the weekly snapshot because of delays in state case reporting due to the July 4 holiday. The State of Nebraska discontinued its COVID-19 dashboard last Wednesday as it concluded the COVID-19 state of emergency.

The dashboard for months had provided at-a-glance data on cases, hospitalizations and deaths as well as on vaccination numbers and demographics.

Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts announced the end of the COVID-19 emergency June 28. He stressed the need to get back to normal and urged Nebraskans to keep the risk posed by the coronavirus in perspective. As he has since the first shipments of vaccines arrived in late December, Ricketts encouraged Nebraskans to get vaccinated, emphasizing that the shots work.

Gov. Ricketts to end coronavirus state of emergency: 'We need to get back to normal' Gov. Pete Ricketts announced Monday that he's ending Nebraska's COVID-19 state of emergency effective at 11:59 p.m. June 30.

Indeed, case counts in Nebraska have come down markedly since the first week of January. Thats due in significant part to the rollout of the highly effective vaccines across the state, beginning with health care workers, vulnerable nursing home residents and those older than 65.

In fact, it appears that the recent increase in cases has not yet resulted in any notable increases in hospitalizations and deaths. Hospitalizations remain low, and the state has added only four COVID deaths in the past three weeks.

But the uptick in cases in Nebraska comes as cases are on the rise in a number of Midwestern states, with Kansas No. 2 nationally in growth last week and Iowa cases up 8%. Cases in the country as a whole were up 12%, ending a recent national run of declining case numbers. Nebraska two weeks ago broke an eight-week streak of declining cases.

In addition, case rates in several states surrounding Nebraska continued to rank high over the past week, with Missouri at No. 2, Wyoming at No. 4 and Colorado at No. 9. All of those states have reported increases in the more contagious delta variant of the coronavirus in pockets with low vaccination rates among residents.

Nebraska's gap between urban and rural vaccination is widest in nation Nebraska as a whole has ranked well in getting shots into arms, but public health officials say lagging rural rates are concerning, especially with a more contagious strain of the virus on the rise.

Erik Frederick, chief administrative officer at Mercy Hospital Springfield in southwest Missouri, tweeted Monday that the hospital had 115 COVID-19 patients and was expanding to a second COVID-19 intensive care unit and a second step-down unit for less-ill patients. To relieve weary staff, the hospital also was anticipating the arrival of traveling nurses this week and arranging physician support.

In an interview Saturday with NPRs Laila Fadel, Frederick said many of the hospitals COVID patients now are younger and healthier than the ones treated during the preceding surge.

Dr. James Lawler, an executive director at the University of Nebraska Medical Centers Global Center for Health Security, said Nebraskas increase in cases is not a surprise.

He predicted a dramatic increase to come because of the delta variant and a significant increase in hospitalizations and deaths, primarily in middle-aged and young adults who are not vaccinated.

Clearly, if we could get more people vaccinated, we would be in a different situation, as all of these hospitalizations, all of these deaths, are now preventable, Lawler said.

The nation could be done with the pandemic, he said, if everyone who was eligible  those 12 and older  got their shots.

Lawler said the timing of the College World Series, which wrapped up an 11-day run Wednesday, probably wasnt ideal. But he said it was too early to detect a jump from that event.

The CWS brought to Omaha thousands of fans from states with lower vaccination rates than Nebraskas. Mississippi has the nations lowest vaccination rate at 46.3%. Tennessee, home of Vanderbilt University, is sixth-lowest at 52.8%.

COVID vaccination rates, cases vary widely among states sending teams to Omaha for CWS COVID case levels vary wildly in the states that sent teams to the CWS. California and Virginia both have low case levels, but levels in Arizona, Mississippi and Texas are high.

But Lawler said the delta variant already is here and will gain ground among the unvaccinated.

According to the CDC data and estimates, the delta variant in mid-June made up an estimated 72% of the coronavirus lineages in Health and Human Services Region 7, which is made up of Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri.

Five North Carolina State baseball players who tested positive for COVID-19 during the CWS were found to be infected with the delta variant, an NC State athletics official confirmed in an email last week.

A Raleigh television station had reported that a total of eight players had tested positive for COVID-19. In the email, the official said that samples from other players were not analyzed for the variant but that officials were working under the assumption that all of the COVID-positive players were infected with the delta variant. The NCAA removed NC State from the tournament early June 26.

On the vaccination front, Nebraska fell short of President Joe Bidens goal of having 70% of the states 18-plus population with at least one dose by July 4.

Twenty-one states hit the target, including neighboring Colorado. Nebraska, at 65.3%, had the 23rd-highest rate in the country, while Iowa was 27th at 64%.

Douglas County came close to Bidens mark, with 68% of residents 18 and older with at least one shot as of Friday and 50.7% of all residents fully vaccinated. The Sarpy/Cass Health Department reported that 46.8% of its residents were fully vaccinated.
Two people were killed Tuesday in crashes on Nebraska roads.

A 78-year-old man from Missouri Valley, Iowa, died after his pickup truck ran into the back of a semitrailer truck in Blair. And a 58-year-old woman from Broken Bow died after a head-on collision about 20 miles east of Broken Bow.

In the Blair crash, which occurred about 11:40 a.m., a semi that was eastbound on Washington Street was stopped at a red light at the intersection with 10th Street, said Blair Police Capt. Travis Lyon.

A pickup driven by Dennis Showers, which also was eastbound, crashed into the rear of the semi. Showers, who was pronounced dead at the scene, was not wearing a seat belt, Lyon said.

Witnesses said the pickup truck was traveling the speed limit, and there was no indication Showers was distracted. Its not known whether Showers had a medical condition that led to the crash, Lyon said.

The Blair Police Department was assisted at the scene by the Washington County Sheriffs Office and the carrier enforcement division of the Nebraska State Patrol. All lights on the semi were working, Lyon said.
An Oxford man convicted of sex trafficking is asking for a new trial, citing several trial errors  including one by a U.S. senator  that led to his conviction.

William "Billy" Quinn, 57, filed a motion for a new trial Friday in Furnas County District Court. Quinn was found guilty of 13 counts of sexual assault and sex trafficking of a 15-year-old during a two-week trial last month in Beaver City. He was acquitted of one count of felony first-degree sexual assault.

Quinns attorney, Joseph Howard of Omaha, filed the motion, alleging that, among other things, U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse caused irregularity in the proceedings.

During the second week of Quinns trial, Sasses office issued a press release urging the U.S. Department of Justice to assist Nebraska in the prosecution of the interstate child sex trafficking case. Quinns defense counsel made a motion for a mistrial based on Sasses statements about the case.

Mallory Hughes, who represented Quinn until June 29, said that Sasses statements were highly inflammatory. Corey OBrien with the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office resisted the motion but recognized the inappropriateness of Sasses statements when a jury trial is taking place.
Were thankful for what theyre trying to do, she said.

Whether these and other earmarks survive the budgeting process remains to be seen. Earmarks must first survive a House review and vote.

Earmarks that remain alive include two by Bacon  $20 million to modernize Omahas traffic lights and $3.5 million to expand sewer service in Sarpy County  and two by Fortenberry  $20 million to build a new ag research center in Lincoln and $750,000 to address the emerald ash borer infestation.

Funding for traffic lights would help Omaha with a modernization project the city has been working on since 2013. Some of the citys traffic signals include software dating to the 1970s and 1980s.

Jeff Riesselman, city traffic engineer, said the funding would significantly speed up the project, which is expected to cost $60 million and take the rest of this decade to complete. So far, the citys spent about $15 million for upgrades.

We have only been able to secure (federal) funding one year at a time, so that has made it difficult to plan, he said. The earmark would be a significant help ... we would be able to get more done sooner.
We come to these issues in good faith and we will continue to do things that are in the interests of our region and interests of our friends and neighbors, most particularly Papua New Guinea, Seselja added.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin backed the Global Times criticism, saying on Monday that China expresses its serious concern and resolute opposition to what he described as Australias irresponsible behavior.

Someone in Australia is using the vaccine issue to engage in political manipulation, bullying and coercion. It is indifferent to the lives and health of the people in Papua New Guinea, contrary to the basic humanitarian spirit, and seriously disrupts the overall situation of the global fight against the epidemic, which is extremely hypocritical and irresponsible, Wang said in mandarin.

We have no geopolitical purpose and no political strings attached (to our vaccine supply). We urge the Australian side to stop disrupting and undermining Chinas vaccine cooperation with Pacific island countries, and join China in making practical efforts to safeguard the health and well-being of the island people and promote international cooperation in fighting the epidemic, Wang added.
Here is just a sampling of how UNL-based institutions and specialists are working to help combat the drought challenge:

UNL is home to the National Drought Mitigation Center, which pulls together a wide-ranging set of data to produce our countrys most comprehensive drought maps. The drought conditions we noted above stem from the centers current map. When the center was created in the 1990s, only a handful of U.S. states had drought plans. Now, some 46 states do, in many cases through collaboration with the center.

Drought-focused tools developed by the center include a newly released dashboard for ranchers, a Drought-Ready Communities initiative, guidance for urban planners developed in collaboration with the American Planning Association, and recommendations for a drought preparedness planning process. The convergence of evidence approach the center developed for drought analysis is now the globally accepted standard.

UNL specialists conduct drought-related workshops and provide other assistance across Nebraska. UNL ag-science experts work to develop and improve drought-resistant plant varieties.
The UN's children's agency, Unicef, has said 4.5 million children in South Sudan "are in desperate need of humanitarian support".



The agency attributed the humanitarian crisis to conflict and climate change effects like flooding and drought.



It said child mortality rates and malnutrition remained high in the country.



As many as 2.8 million children are out of school because of lack of access to education.



"Hopes that independence would bring a new dawn for the countrys children have faded," the agency said in a statement.



South Sudan will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Friday.



The country is in the process of implementing a peace agreement that ended years of conflict.



Unicef executive director Henrietta Fore said: The childhood of many 10-year-old children in South Sudan today has been beset by violence, crises and rights abuses.



Millions of adults are also in need of humanitarian support in the country.

Source: BBC









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Ariston, the leading and the most international brand in the Ariston Thermo Group, has premiered its global campaign The Ariston Comfort Challenge in Ghana, which highlights its global mission of bringing sustainable comfort, even where it seems impossible to find.



The Ariston Comfort Challenge focused on ensuring thermal comfort could reach anywhere in the world. Through this mission, Ariston has donated a warm shelter to a group of scientists from the University of Copenhagen involved in climate change studies in the remote and icy Island of Disko, in Greenland (Arctic). The Ariston Comfort Zone, an innovative modular home, was shipped to and assembledfor the first time in Disko Island, Greenland. Disko Island is one of the coldest regions in the world and before this time, it proved near impossible for the scientists to stay on the island for more than a few days due to the harsh weather conditions. This unfriendly weather, which becomes even more hostile during the winter months and interrupts research work.



Thanks to this mission, the Ariston brand has also had the chance to give evidence to its product quality, which can work even in Extreme Conditions.



Speaking during a virtual media parley held recently, Mr Gaurav Bisaria, the Director, Central Africa, Ariston Thermo Group, explained that a safe and sheltered house, heated and provided with hot water for maximum comfort even during Polar winters would have not been possible without our commitment to quality.



Bisaria noted that the success of the Ariston Comfort Challenge Greenland Mission is another proof of the company core value of superior quality of Ariston products, which could be seen in the efficiency of the output of the product even in the extreme weather condition.



The Ariston Group is a global leader in thermal comfort solutions for domestic, commercial and industrial spaces and The Ariston Comfort Challenge - Greenland Mission is a campaign that makes us very proud as it testifies to commitment to product quality in the quest of bringing comfort to everyone, even where it seems hard or impossible to find. Our new breed of water heaters introduced into the Ghanian market will help us embrace a completely new and different way to bring our purpose and mission to you he said.

Bisaria explained that for the team of scientists to carry through their mission of collecting and examining samples in Disko Island, they needed an innovative infrastructure to act as a stable base against the icy island. Ariston rose to the challenge and selected three of the best installers from all over the world, who accepted to dive together into the unknown to deliver and assemble a warm and innovative modular home specifically developed as an energy-efficient, sustainable solution able to endure the most extreme climate conditions.



He stressed further that through the Challenge, Ariston sought to demonstrate how through its dedication to product quality Ariston Products continue to meet the demanding expectation set them to even in the harshest conditions.



The Ariston Comfort Challenge  Greenland Mission has been entirely filmed from the beginning to end in the form of a web series through the challenges official website: https://www.aristoncomfortchallenge.com/ or available for viewing on YouTube via https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLktjnfT89C53FHPVe52Srr9N-bTH0fhPx.



The six-part documentary narrates the story of the three hero installers and their demanding trip to complete the challenge. It not only shows their adventures in reaching the destination but also the people and cultures that live in the stunning icy landscapes of Greenland.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The Helping Africa Foundation (HAF) and the Friends of Yamoransa Foundation (FYF) have inaugurated new additions of the Yamoransa Lab 2 at Gbawe in the Weija-Gbawe Municipality of the Greater Accra Region.



The YM Lab 2 which is one of the eight ultra-modern ICT training centers constructed by the two Foundations under the Yamoransa Model Lab program was re-commissioned and its new additions inaugurated to the students, parents and community of Weija-Gbawe to enhance learning beyond ICT.



The facility which consisted of a 35-seater capacity Edulab and makerspace for Robotics, 3D printing, and coding, currently has a Home economics center for catering, a sewing center, and a science laboratory and is fully powered by a solar system as its newest additions.



These facilities are to help students of the school and community learn skills that would make them competitive and valuable in the job market in the future.



The project was managed by IMPLEMENTERS, a non-profit project management organization that partners with charitable organisations, philanthropists and corporate institutions to positively impact communities.



As project managers, Implementers undertook all the needs assessments, stakeholder consultations and ensured the effective implementation of the project and would continue with the management of the project for the next few years while monitoring, evaluating, and assessing the impact of the project.



Speaking at the occasion to re-dedicate the facility and inauguration the new additions, Mr. Kafui Prebbie, the Chief Executive Officer of TECHAiDE, a non-profit technology company indicated that the Yamoransa Model Lab 2 was running on a solar panel, big enough to power the makerspace (robotic center), home economics block, administration block, science laboratory block, sewing center, and the entire school.



According to him, TECHAiDE which is responsible for the installation of all the Yamoransa Model Labs, would provide the necessary knowledge transfer to the managers of the Lab for proper management and sustainability.



Mr. Japhet Aryiku, Executive Director of the HAF said the Foundation has a mission to spread computer literacy throughout Ghana and Africa as a whole and disclosed that plans were far advanced for the Yamoransa ICT Model Lab to be introduced in The Gambia and other African countries.



He revealed that the Foundation decided to add the Home Economics block to the L & A Memorial Academy because the school provides free breakfast to the students on each school-going day; and that the solar panels were to also reduce the huge electricity cost on the school.



Dr. Deborah Rose (Ph.D.), President of the HAF indicated that the main purpose of introducing the Yamoransa ICT Model Labs was to promote the learning of ICT in the rural areas of Ghana.





She said the project which is being offered for free is to ensure quality teaching, learning and research works amongst students, teachers, and community members and that the lab should be made accessible to all the schools in the Municipality.

Dr. Rose revealed that the HAF and its partners had put in measures to assist the beneficiary communities of the Yamoransa Model Labs to manage and sustain their facilities.



According to her, the Foundations had received a request from the Management of L & A Memorial Academy for a bus to be provided for the Centre to transport students to and from the lab.



The President of HAF however said that the bus could only be provided on the condition that the city authorities (municipal assembly, member of parliament, and the chiefs) would ensure that the main road to the school is tarred.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Weija-Gbawe, Madam Tina Ayeley Mensah was not present at the ceremony, but Dr. Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, MP for Ablekuma South assured Dr. Deborah Rose of his readiness to assist the MP to lobby the Roads and Highways Minister for the road to be fixed.



Commending Dr. Rose and her partners for supporting needy communities and impacting lives through the Yamoransa Model labs, Dr. Vanderpuije urged the students to take advantage of the Lab to become the best they could ever dream to become.

Mr. Stephen Donkor, Headmaster of the L & A Memorial Academy commended the Helping Africa Foundation and Friends of Yamoransa Foundation for choosing their school to host the lab.



He touted the many successes the school had chalked and the large number of influential personalities the L & A Memorial Academy has produced.



Mr. Donkor assured the readiness of the school management to offer the needed support towards the sustainability of the lab.

The occasion was graced by a representative of the Weija-Gbawe traditional council as a sign of support to the project and an appreciation of the good works of the Helping Africa Foundation.







Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The Paramount Chief of Ga Traditional Area, His Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has pleaged support in the promotion of the 1Million Bin concept being initiated in the current waste management of the Zoomlion Ghana Limited (ZLG) to fight against bad environmental practice in Accra as well as the country as a whole.



The Ga Mantse appealed to all stakeholders including traditional officer holders and religious leaders to be part of such an initiative to make President Nana Akufo-Addo to achieve his vision of making Accra the cleanest city in Africa.



King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, made the call when the management of Zoomlion Ghana Limited pays homage to the Ga Mantse and the Traditional council yesterday.



The delegation was led by its Managing Director- Mrs Gloria Opoku-Anti at his residence in Accra.



King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II expressed appreciation to the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies; Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong and the management of Zoomlion Ghana Limited for the wonderful gesture.



He applauded the company for the various waste management projects embarked upon nationwide.



The Ga Mantse used the occasion to share how he is seriously working hard with some key stateholders in the waste management sector to help improve environmental sanitation in the Ga State to supplement the vision of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo to make Accra the cleanest city in Africa.



The Overlord of the Ga State sounded a word of caution to those who have been engaging in the environmental bad practices in Accra metrpolis to immediately stop since, according him, their continuous practices have contributed immensely to the pernnial flooding disasters in Accra during rainy seasons.



The Ga Mantse observed with grave concerned the growing phenomenon of indiscriminate dumping of waste and waste burning in some enclaves of Accra metropolis and warned those found of doing that should immediately stop such negative practice.



According to him, it is very bad for the residents to often dump their waste into open spaces, drains and rivers, which contributes to flooding in the communities in the Greater Accra Region.



Proper education of the public, the provision of more communal trash bins, and the collection of waste by private contractors, the Ga Mantse stressed could help prevent exposing the public in municipalities to diseases.



He stressed the urgent need of the government to utilise a mixed-method approach to ensure domestic waste disposal practice and perceptions of private sector waste management in urban community in Accra.



The Ga Mantse stated that waste poses a threat to public health and the environment if it is not stored, collected, and disposed of properly.



He noted that the perception of waste as an unwanted material with no intrinsic value has dominated attitudes towards disposal.



For her part, the MD of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Mrs Gloria Opoku-Anti noted that the visit was to congratulate the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II on his enstoolment and further discuss areas for collaboration.



She reiterated the chieftaincy institution as a very important stakeholder in the fight against bad environmental practices within our communities and the country as a whole.

Mrs Anti believes our Traditional Leaders have an influence on their citizens and calling on them to keep their environment clean will go a long way.



She seized the opportunity to explain to the King and his elders the companys concept of the 1Million Bin Project which is being carried out nationwide as a very key plan towards the management of sanitation in the country.



This she explained to be important because when one has a bin at home, it reduces the incidence of indiscriminate dumping, reduces the spread of communicable diseases such as Malaria, Diarrhoea, and Cholera just to maintain a few.



She equally indicated that the project will promote Eco-Tourism and generate employment as well as revenue for the nation.



Mrs Anti, called upon the Ga State to hold high peace during the upcoming Homowo celebration and asked for the blessings of the council in upon the deliberations of the company.



The Management of Zoomlion presented items including Waste bins, Water and Assorted drinks and an amount of GHc20,000 to the Ga Mantse.







Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The Chief Executive Officer of Menzgold Ghana Limited Nana Appiah Mensah has been taken ill and has been asked to see his doctors.



Nana Appiah Mensah, affectionately called NAM1 was not in court on Tuesday, July 6, for the Case in which he has been arraigned for fraud.



Before the Circuit Court in Accra presided over by Her Honour Mrs Evelyn Asamoah, his lawyer Audry Twum holding Kwame Akufos brief said their client is coughing.



My Lady, our client is not well. He has been coughing and we have asked him to see the doctors this morning. Our apologies to the court for his absence, his counsel told the court.



Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Slyvester Asare, the Prosecutor in the case said the accused has always been in court and for the sake of his absence, he prayed for the case to be adjourned.



EIB Networks Court Correspondent Murtala Inusah reports that the case has been adjourned to September 2, 2021, after the parties had approached the bench (judge) upon the prosecutors request.



The prosecution failed to file processes



At the last court sitting on May 27, the prosecution was unable to file processes as per the court orders.



Earlier, the court presided had ordered the prosecution to file the necessary processes prior to the May 27 sitting. The court warned it would be forced to strike out the case should the prosecution fail to do so.



But, ASP Asare said, the prosecution was unable to file the processes on time as directed by the court and we submit that in all humility this is no deliberate attempt to delay this court.



According to ASP Asare, the records will show that at the last sitting, we indicated and pleaded with the court as it is in the interest of justice and that this morning we are again on bended knees, although standing, we ask that you give us the necessary ear.



He said, Prosecution will ensure that we file the necessary processes. We pray that in the interest of justice, my Lady grants an adjournment to enable parties to put their house in order.

On March 2, the court warned it would be forced to strike out the case.

The court said it was unhappy about the delay on the part of the prosecution to file the necessary documents to commence the trial.



On that day, ASP Asare, the prosecutor in the case, again prayed the court, to give them more time be to able to file their witness statement and other documents.



It was the case of the prosecution that, the number of victims involved in the case is over 16, 000 people and therefore more time would be required by the prosecution to do the necessary investigations.



ASP Asare prayed with the court for time and begged the court not to strike out the case.



NAMI was initially charged with abetment of crime, defrauding by false pretences, carrying on a deposit-taking business without a licence, sale of minerals without a licence, unlawful deposit-taking, and money laundering.



It is alleged that the accused had taken various sums of money, totalling GH1.6 billion from customers.



The State had previously on June 24, 2020, filed new charges against the CEO of Menzgold, also known as NAM 1 at the Accra Circuit Court.



ASP Sylvester Asare then told the Court that his directives were that he should hold on to the new charges and the plea taking of the accused.



Bail



The Circuit Court on July 26, 2019, granted NAM 1 bail in the sum of GH 1 billion cedis with five sureties, three to be justified.



He had pleaded not guilty to all initial 13 charges levelled against him by the State. The state had since amended its charged sheet which is yet to be moved.



He is also to report to the police every Wednesday at 10:00 hours.







Source: starrfm.com.gh









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
Director of Communications for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Yaw Buaben Asamoa says the largest opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has no justification to go on a demonstration against the Akufo-Addo government for the current economic hardship in the country.



According to him, even though the Akufo-Addo government has not ended the economic hardship in the country, the opposition NDC is not the better option to help alleviate the economic hardship.



Speaking on Okay FMs 'Ade Akye Abia' Morning Show, the former MP for Adentan Constituency maintained that, the NDC and former President John Dramani Mahama destroyed the robust economy they inherited.



He stressed that the opposition NDC left Ghanaians with hardship in the care of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to manage until the Covid-19 came in to break the economic foundation the current government had started to build.



We know that the NPP Government has not ended the hardship in the country but when it comes to the alleviation of hardship in the country, it is not the NDC that can help our course . . . it was the NDC and John Dramani Mahama that destroyed the robust economy and left us with hardship, and then came Nana Addo to the rescue of the situation until the Covid-19 came in to break the economic foundation we had started to build, he stipulated.



Delving into the fight against the Covid-19, the NPP Director of Communication said that the solid leadership exhibited by President Akufo-Addo has made Ghana one of the countries in the world that have successfully managed the pandemic, even though many predicted that the virus would wipe the entire Africa.



 . . it has become possible for the NDC to embark on a demonstration without any fear of contracting the virus. NDC is no longer afraid to hit on the street to demonstrate due to the effective measures put in place by the Akufo-Addo government to fight the pandemic, he noted.



Touching on the security issues in the country, Yaw Buaben Asamoa was optimistic that the opposition NDC is living up to their agenda to make the country ungovernable under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo as they plotted in their secret meeting.

Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
"...no one should bother advising them; it's good the police allowed them to demonstrate; if they get infected with the Delta variant; and they even reduce the better...we will only cry. When you get infected with Covid, we will visit and pray with you...if they are not fortunate and they die then..." member of the Communication team of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ernest Kumi told the NDC.



Yaw Kumi was speaking to the opposition party's 'March for justice' protest on The Platform programme on Peace FM, Monday.



Meanwhile, the demonstration which was organised by the youth wing of the party took place today, Tuesday 6th July 2021.



Wearing red and black, some of the protesters held placards with various inscriptions including, Akufo-Addo, you are a dictator", "Kum Yen Preko", "We feel your silence Akufo-Addo and Bawumia", "Ghanaian lives matter, Ahmed Suale deserved to live", "No justice for the dead", "no peace, #WeAreAllKaaka", among others.



Listen to Yaw Kumi in the video below





Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
THE President of Haiti has been assassinated, the Interim Prime Minister announced in a statement this morning.



Claude Joseph said that a group of individuals stormed the private residence of President Jovenel Moise and shot him dead.It has been reported that the President was killed at 1am and the first lady, Martine Moise, was also injured in the attack.



The prime minister's statement said: A group of individuals who have not been identified, some of whom were speaking Spanish, attacked the private residence of the President of the Republic and fatally injured the Head of State."



The president was 53-years-old.



In February, opposition politicians nominated their own president in an effort to drive out Moise whose five-year term had expired.







Read Full Story .... thesun.co.uk >>> :

















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
Yandex Self-Driving Group, a unit of Yandex, the publicly-traded Russian tech giant, has announced a partnership with food delivery service GrubHub to be its multi-year robotic delivery provider across American college campuses. Yandex hopes to reach over 250 campuses over the course of this partnership, beginning with dozens of robots in the fall, according to a statement from Yandex Self-Driving CEO Dmitry Polishchuk.

Last September, Yandex's self-driving unit spun out from a joint venture with Uber. In May this year, the company said it clocked a total 7 million autonomous miles, which was more than Waymo at the time. Yandex has been developing full-sized autonomous vehicle technology since 2017, which it's tested in Tel Aviv, Israel and Ann Arbor, Michigan, as well as Innopolis, Russia via its robotaxi fleet. The company first began public deliveries on its six-wheeled, 150-pound robot, the Yandex.Rover, last April in Skolkovo, Russia, using the same self-driving technology stack as the company's autonomous cars.

"The technology is definitely very complicated, but we can see that it has already reached the level when it can start being deployed either in form of delivery robots or robotaxi services in small towns or specific districts of big cities," a spokesperson told TechCrunch. "We believe that in three to four years the technology will reach the level where the car can drive as safe and as efficient as an experienced human driver in rush hour in the center of cities like Moscow or New York."

Yandex's approach to commercialization is unique. Of all the companies developing autonomous technology for cars, Yandex is going to market with its robots first, "and it seems to be a pretty efficient way to do it," said the spokesperson. "It took us two years to get from the idea of making a delivery robot in June 2018 to signing such a solid commercial contract," she said.

Story continues

The robots have already been tried and tested commercially in Russia via the food delivery platform Yandex.Eats and the express grocery delivery platform Yandex.Lavka. According to a statement by the company, Yandex.Rovers, which move at three to five miles per hour, can navigate pavements, pedestrian areas and crosswalks. They're ideal for campus areas not accessible by car, and the service has already been fully integrated into the GrubHub app. From the user experience side of things, once the rover reaches its destination, the customer receives a push notification and comes outside to open the robot's hatch through the app.

Yandex says its delivery robots can operate day or night, rain or snow, in controlled or uncontrolled pedestrian crossing scenarios. The rovers operate autonomously most of the time, but if they get into a complicated situation, like getting ridden by a drunk college student, they may send a request for remote assistance, according to a spokesperson for the company.

The company told TechCrunch it has not yet branded its robots to reflect the Grubhub partnership, so hopefully its goal of getting dozens of vehicles out this fall is not too much of a reach.

Together with Yandex, were changing the way college students experience food delivery, said Brian Madigan, vice president of corporate and campus partners at Grubhub, in a statement. Were excited to offer these cost-effective, scalable and quick food ordering and delivery capabilities to colleges and universities across the country that are looking to adapt to students unique dining needs. While college campuses are notoriously difficult for cars to navigate, specifically as it relates to food delivery, Yandex robots easily access parts of campuses that vehicles cannot  effectively removing a major hurdle universities face when implementing new technology.

Now the question is, with a post-Covid fall semester around the corner, how many of those robots will make it back to Yandex after the frat boys decide the new hazing structure involves successfully stealing or vandalizing a robot?

Yandex said it also intends to continue developing its robotaxi service as it moves to commercialize more arms of the business and use its AV tech in a range of scenarios.
Phuket Sandbox has officially started on July 1, 2021 as a prototype model for the countrys reopening. Yet, it comes with various thresholds as determined by the government that, if exceeded, the model will be cancelled. CBRE, a leading international real estate consultant, commented that complex requirements for inbound tourists such as Certificate of Entry (COE), the Vaccine Validation process, and requirement of receipts for several PCR tests might have decelerated incoming demand.

Mr. Rathawat Kuvijitrsuwan, Head of Research and Consulting at CBRE Thailand reported that Phuket alone had more than 10 million international tourists in 2019 which generated around THB 393 billion for the island, accounting for 89% of its tourism revenue. In 2020, total number of tourist arrivals to Phuket was about 4 million while in the first half of 2021, Phuket would have less than 400,000 tourists. Since January, the number of tourists in Phuket was only 358,891 as of May 2021, which is almost an 86% change compared to the same period in 2020. With this reason, the Thai government launched the Sandbox initiative to revive the tourism industry.

Areas in Patong, Karon, and Kata with predominantly tourism-dependent businesses are currently deserted. Hotels, restaurants and community malls are temporarily closed. Also, nightlife in Phuket is limited to until 11 pm, nevertheless, only few tables were occupied. Retail spaces are empty as many tenants have moved out and the retailers are struggling in finding new tenants. Even in the airport, only branded restaurants have survived, said Ms. Prakaipeth Meechoosarn, Head of Resort Land and Investment, CBRE Thailand, who is based in Phuket.

The hardest hit is the hotel sector where occupancy and Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) are currently as low as figures during the first wave of COVID-19.

Ms. Prakaipeth added that the Sandbox initiative has brought some hope to business operators, hotels, restaurants and other hospitality-related businesses in Phuket, and other islands are closely monitoring its development. CBRE Research reported that more than 300 businesses participated in the SHA Plus Program, where SHA certifies that the businesses have public health measures and Plus represents that more than 70% of total employees are fully vaccinated.

However, as quarantine period has been extended from 7 days to 14 days, local business operators see less potential in the program. They are worried that a longer stay period will lessen tourists demand and some hotels will delay their re-opening until August.

Despite recent news reporting that there were almost 8,000 applications for the COE, unfortunately, just before the program started, many foreign tourists had cancelled their flights and hotel bookings due to the delayed COE and other processes. Previously, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expected more than 100,000 tourists coming to Phuket in the first three months of the sandbox.

CBRE believes that the balance between safety measures and practicality as well as the effective management of the welcoming process is key for a successful program. In addition, it will depend on the overall COVID-19 situation in Thailand as we are still currently in the cautious list for some countries. If the situation is improved and under control, more tourists will come. Phuket Sandbox could be a good pilot model and lesson-learning opportunity for upcoming destinations as it seems that we all have to live with the COVID-19 pandemic situation for a certain period of time. We all do hope to see a lively Phuket again even with this new normal way of tourism.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Increased acidity in the atmosphere is disrupting the ecological balance of the oceans, according to new research led by the University of East Anglia (UEA).

The first study to look at acidity's impact on nutrient transport to the ocean demonstrates that the way nutrients are delivered affects the productivity of the ocean and its ability to absorb CO 2 from the atmosphere.

The research, 'Changing atmospheric acidity as a modulator of nutrient deposition and ocean biogeochemistry', is published today in Science Advances. The analysis was carried out by an international team of experts, sponsored by the United Nations Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP).

Prof Alex Baker, professor of marine and atmospheric chemistry in UEA's School of Environmental Sciences, is the lead author. He said: "Human emissions of pollutants have caused significant changes to the acidity of the atmosphere, leading to well-known environmental impacts such as acid rain.

"Atmospheric acidity affects the quantity and distribution of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and iron) delivered to the ocean.

"Acids attack the surface of desert dust particles as they are transported through the atmosphere, increasing the proportion of the phosphorus and iron contained in those particles that will dissolve when the dust falls into the ocean.

"Our work suggests that increasing acidity since the Industrial Revolution increased the proportions of phosphorus and iron that are soluble by 14 percent and 16 percent respectively. These increases will have had a direct fertilizing effect on marine phytoplankton."

Over the same time period, pollutant emissions have at least doubled the amount of nitrogen added to the oceans via the atmosphere.

Prof Maria Kanakidou of the University of Crete in Heraklion, Greece, also contributed to the research using global chemistry transport deposition modeling. She said: "Acidity controls the distribution of nitrogen between particles and gases in the atmosphere, so that changes in acidity alter the length of time that nitrogen remains in the atmosphere and hence where in the ocean it will be deposited."

In addition to fertilization, these changes in the amount and geographic distribution of nutrient deposition also affect the ecological balance of the ocean.

Prof Kanakidou said: "Phytoplankton communities are sensitive to the proportions of nutrients available to them. The changes in nutrient deposition that we have identified will likely have led to ecological shifts as the atmospheric input alters the nutrient balance of surface waters. These changes can promote certain phytoplankton types over others, depending on the organisms' adaptation to the relative levels of nutrients present in the water."

Another team member, Prof Athanasios Nenes, is from the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Switzerland, and the Center for the Study of Air Quality and Climate Change of the Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas in Patras, Greece.

Prof Nenes said: "Fine aerosol particles tend to remain strongly acidic, despite considerable reductions in pollutants. Understanding this counter-intuitive behavior and its impact on nutrient supply to the ocean has only become possible thanks to advances in theory and modeling.

"Anthropogenic emissions will continue to change the acidity of the atmosphere into the future. Emissions controls implemented to address acid rain will reduce aerosol acidity in many regions of the world, while continued economic development is likely to see further increases in acidity in other regions."

The system is unlikely to return to its pre-Industrial condition, because wildfireswhich influence both nutrient supply and aciditywill play a more important role in a warmer climate and the impact of this is highly uncertain.

Prof Baker said: "Knowledge of the complex interactions between nutrient supply and marine microbial communities is limited. Predictions of the consequences of long-term changes in atmospheric acidity on marine ecosystems will need to be considered alongside other stressors on the system, such as ocean acidification, warming and deoxygenation."

'Changing atmospheric acidity as a modulator of nutrient deposition and ocean biogeochemistry', is published 7 July 2021 in Science Advances.

Explore further Aluminum may affect climate change by increasing ocean's carbon sink capacity

More information: "Changing atmospheric acidity as a modulator of nutrient deposition and ocean biogeochemistry" Science Advances (2021). Journal information: Science Advances "Changing atmospheric acidity as a modulator of nutrient deposition and ocean biogeochemistry"(2021). advances.sciencemag.org/lookup  .1126/sciadv.abd8800
The Equalizer is a synthetic circuit that assures consistent gene expression from cell to cell in laboratory-bred colonies. Credit: Jin Yang

Lab-bred cells like to have it their way, producing recombinant (aka artificial) proteins based on however many plasmids they randomly get. But the intuition and hard work of a Rice University alumnus will go a long way toward preserving the rank and file.

Jin (Harvey) Yang, who graduated from Rice with a degree in bioengineering in 2019, saw a problem he could solve while also working as an intern in a Baylor College of Medicine lab.

His work over two years with Baylor neuroscientist Francois St-Pierre led to a just-published study in Nature Communications detailing his "Equalizer," a synthetic circuit that keeps gene expression in colonies of mammalian cells within the bounds of usefulness to the labs studying them.

The project leans heavily on what Yang, now a graduate student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, learned under the tutelage of Rice bioengineer Oleg Igoshin, a co-author of the new paper.

"That's how good Rice undergrads are," said Igoshin, a professor of bioengineering and biosciences and associate chair of bioengineering. "When you get them in your class, you also learn from them. In this case, Harvey's effort led to a new collaboration between two labs."

The Equalizer is an "anti-noise" circuit that assures consistent gene expression from cell to cell, necessary for bioscientists to get accurate experimental results. It combines two subcircuits: a transcriptional negative feedback loop and a post-transcriptional "incoherent" feed-forward control. Together, they minimize variations in protein production.

The two subcircuits don't normally interact, but Yang showed through both experimentation in the St-Pierre lab and consultation with Igoshin on computational models that the Equalizer could rapidly generate cells lines with minimal variation.

"We didn't invent the parts, but rather we invented the configuration to build these genetic circuits," said Yang, in his second year at MIT. "In natural systems, some gene networks must control variation to remain functional and conserve their properties. We were able to use two subcircuits of the gene regulatory network to create the Equalizers to act in a similar manner in the lab."

Yang took advantage of Rice bioengineering's allowance for electives and took every course in computational systems biology that Igoshin offered, including those for graduate students. Then he found his opportunity to use what he learned when the Baylor position appeared at a Rice undergraduate research fair.

"There's a real demand by people who use plasmidswhich, basically, every lab doesto express proteins," he said. "The issue is that after you introduce the plasmid into individual cells, the number of plasmid copies will differ among cells. Because of this variation, the resultant protein expression level will differ a lot among the cells.

"That's why we thought it would be great if we could have a genetic circuit able to buffer the difference in plasmid copies," he said.

Yang thought one negative feedback circuit would do the trick. "But I tested it in the lab, and it didn't work that great."

That's where his concurrent systems biology training with Igoshin paid off.

"This is similar to how engineers work; they draw up their plans, create a model and then build their structure," said Igoshin, who also teaches as part of Rice's Systems, Synthetic and Physical Biology program. "In this case we were able to show the effectiveness through computational models before it was then synthetically engineered in the lab."

Completing the work during the pandemic was no small task, according to Yang, who had to sort out visa issues while anticipating and then diving into his graduate studies at MIT. "The framework of the paper was already established before I left Rice, but I spent my whole summer the year I graduated working on it," he said. "We submitted the paper and the reviewers had some suggestions that led to additional modeling and experiments."

At MIT, Yang continues to split his work between modeling and experimenting, this time focusing on how the 3D organization of the genome in cells regulates gene expression.

"I was pretty lucky to have Oleg's mentorship on the computational side," he said. "I was able to dig deep into building models and making predictions, and it's quite valuable in minimizing experimental work."

Explore further Study could explain tuberculosis bacteria paradox

More information: Jin Yang et al, A synthetic circuit for buffering gene dosage variation between individual mammalian cells, Nature Communications (2021). Journal information: Nature Communications Jin Yang et al, A synthetic circuit for buffering gene dosage variation between individual mammalian cells,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23889-0
Credit: SciDev.Net

The genetic make-up of indigenous chickens has changed to better cope with climatic challenges, giving hope to future breeding of more productive and climate-resilient livestock, a study in Ethiopia has found.

According to researchers, backyard poultry farming provides about 97 percent of Ethiopia's total poultry meat and egg production.

African indigenous chickens are known to cope with harsh environmental conditions but how their genes contribute to this resilience was unknown. The researchers analyzed environmental and genomic data relating to 245 Ethiopian indigenous chickens from diverse climatic regions including hot and temperate zones to identify the environmental and genetic drivers of local adaptation.

Researchers identified genes associated with adaptation to six key environmental factors such as temperature, rainfall that impacts water availability, and soil cover that affects food availability for foraging chickens, says the study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution.

"The results of this study are significant for both smallholders and policymakers, particularly in the context of rapid environmental change in many parts of the world, including Africa," says Almas Gheyas, the study's lead author and a researcher in animal genetics and genomics at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.

"Understanding [indigenous chickens'] genetic response to climate change could [] have a significant impact for tens of millions of smallholder farmers and their families across Africa," she tells SciDev.Net.

Gheyas explains that indigenous chickens' ability to develop traits for better adaptation to climatic challenges in their local environment could improve their survival rate and ability to find food, breed and produce meat and eggs.

Highlighting the significance of poultry farming in Africa, Gheyas adds: "Some5.7 million tons of chicken meat were produced in Africa in 2018, which was an increase of 4.2 percent from 2017 levels."

The findings could help future breeding programs to improve the productivity and climate resilience of indigenous rural chickens, she tells SciDev.Net.

"Chickens were chosen [for the study] as they display a wide environmental tolerance, being found in practically all areas of human settlement around the worldboth in tropical and temperate regions," says Gheyas, adding that the study could be replicated in other African countries to guide breeding programs that promote better productivity and resilience to climate change.

Samuel Mbuku, an animal breeder with the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, says that the findings are significant to poultry farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa because they could lead to developing appropriate and sustainable breeding programs for village chickens in their local environment.

Mbuku adds that climate change has the potential to gradually affect the distribution and characteristics of agricultural production systems, and to increase the frequency of weather-related disasters such as droughts and disease outbreaks.

"The rural poultry keepers will be the most vulnerable to the negative consequences of climate change," he tells SciDev.Net. "For example, a breed population whose numbers and range have declined as the result of gradual changes to the production systems in a certain geographical area is more vulnerable to being wiped out by an acute disaster such as a disease pandemic."

Poultry breeding programs should aim to address the underlying socioeconomic and production circumstances of village systems, to help farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa compete in the market economy, and tackle poverty and food insecurity, he explains.

Explore further Farmers unaware their activities trigger climate jolts

More information: Almas A Gheyas et al, Integrated Environmental and Genomic Analysis Reveals the Drivers of Local Adaptation in African Indigenous Chickens, Molecular Biology and Evolution (2021). Journal information: Molecular Biology and Evolution Almas A Gheyas et al, Integrated Environmental and Genomic Analysis Reveals the Drivers of Local Adaptation in African Indigenous Chickens,(2021). DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msab156

Provided by SciDev.Net
A double stranded DNA fragment. Credit: Vcpmartin/Wikimedia/ CC BY-SA 4.0

Crime scene DNA analysis can help identify perpetrators, but current methods may divulge the genetic information of innocent people. Cryptography can protect genetic privacy without hampering law enforcement, Stanford researchers say.

Any armchair detective knows that DNA left at a crime scene can be a valuable way to identify a perpetratoreither by comparing the collected DNA with criminal DNA databases or with genetic samples collected from suspects or "persons of interest."

Some criminal databases, however, retain DNA profiles found at the crime scene or collected from suspects even if they are eventually not linked to any crime. In some states, genetic samples are also collected and stored from people who have been arrested, but not necessarily convicted, for certain types of crime.

This process leads to the de facto genetic profiling of many thousands of innocent Americans, say researchers at Stanford Medicine, the University of Virginia and the Broad Institute. They add that doing so may be a significant civil rights infringement.

"We Americans consider our genomic signature to be private," said Gill Bejerano, Ph.D., professor of developmental biology, of computer science and of pediatrics. "It's clear that DNA analysis is an extremely effective and wonderful tool for crime solving. But, if you bank the DNA profile of every person you've questioned, you are in effect profiling whole sectors of the population by economic status, geographic location and race."

Anonymous interaction

Bejerano and his colleagues have devised advanced cryptographic techniques to search for matches while maintaining the genetic privacy of the suspect. After the comparison is completed, checked DNA profiles that don't match any in the database can be immediately discarded.

The research was published in Nature Computational Science April 26. Bejerano is a senior author along with David Wu, Ph.D., a former doctoral student at Stanford who is now an assistant professor of computer science at the University of Virginia. The first authors of the study are Jacob Blindenbach, an undergraduate student at the University of Virginia, and Karthik Jagadeesh, Ph.D., a postdoctoral scholar at the Broad Institute.

"With this technique, we can query the database with an individual's genetic profile without depositing the information into the database," Bejerano said. "It's an anonymous interaction, and that profile lives only on the device on which it was collected. When the agent hits 'delete,' that profile is gone."

The use of DNA to investigate crimes began in the 1980s, when scientists developed the genetic tools to discern one individual from another. It works because each of us leaves behind microcapsules of genetic informationunique to each individualin the form of hair, skin flakes and saliva as we go about our daily life. Perpetrators of violent or sexual crimes also sometimes leave behind blood or semen. Cheek swabs from suspects or people arrested for a crime can also be used to generate DNA profiles.

In 1994, the Federal Bureau of Investigation was authorized to establish the National DNA Index System, which contains DNA profiles gathered by nearly 200 public law enforcement laboratories at the federal, state and local level. (CODIS, or the Combined DNA Index System, refers both to the FBI's support of criminal justice DNA databases and the software used to run them.) Increasingly, however, cities and states also maintain their own DNA databases that are not linked to the FBI's system and are less regulated.

Police can acquire information about DNA from crime scene samples or via cheek swabs using a suitcase-sized instrument. Over the course of about two hours, the instrument isolates and analyzes the DNA at 13-20 highly variable regions throughout the genome, generating a sequence of about 40 numbers that uniquely identifies every individual like a kind of genetic bar code. This code can then be used to quickly search for matches among thousands or millions of other similar codes in CODIS or in the state or municipal DNA databases.

Currently there are two ways to search for a match between an individual's DNA profile and the contents of a large DNA database: share the sample of interest (designated in this case as a series of numbers) directly with the database or download the entire database onto the instrument. If the profile is shared with the database, it could be retained even if the person is innocent. But repeatedly downloading a large database of sensitive genetic information also isn't ideal due to security concerns.

To combat these problems, Bejerano and his colleagues have written a short piece of software code that can be installed on the database computers as well as on the instrument. The code allows the two sides to "talk" to one another and conduct the comparison indirectly as a series of "if this, then that" instructions.

'Like playing 20 questions'

"It's like playing a version of 20 questions," Bejerano said. "The central database says 'If you have this number at this location, go here, but if you have that number, go there. The field device follows the series of instructions matching the profile it has, and at the end the law enforcement agent learns whether their profile matches one in the database and nothing else. And the database learns nothing about the profile in the agent's hands."

It's the ultimate blind date: Each party learns the other's identity only if several specific parameters match exactly (Night owl or early bird? Red chowder or white? Dog person or cat person?). It's also fast, efficient and, now, available free to any agency.

"It takes 40 seconds and just 180 MB to query a million profiles," Bejerano said. "And it's easy to implement. We are releasing the code widely, and law enforcement agencies could start using it tomorrow if they wanted."

Bejerano and his colleagues didn't start out focusing on the criminal justice system. His past research looked into helping clinicians better diagnose severe childhood diseases like cystic fibrosis while protecting patients' genetic privacy. But recent events changed the trajectory of the research.

"The George Floyd murder got us thinking and researching," Bejerano said. "CODIS databases exist at the national, state and even local levels. Law enforcement agents tend to profile disadvantaged neighborhoods, and sometimes they bank all the profiles, regardless of whether those individuals have been convicted of a crime. We realized that the technology we'd been working on was ideal to combat this type of discrimination."

Because other, similar criminal justice DNA databases are in use in many other countries, the implementation of the team's algorithm could have sweeping implications.

"We have to decide," Bejerano said. "If genomic privacy is a value we cherish as a society, we have to start thinking about and implementing these types of tools. This approach allows us to have our cake and eat it tookeeping the powerful tool for criminal justice while also preserving the freedom of law-abiding citizens to keep their genetic information private."

Explore further Research group suggests it might be time to build a universal genetic database

More information: Jacob A. Blindenbach et al, Avoiding genetic racial profiling in criminal DNA profile databases, Nature Computational Science (2021). Journal information: Nature Computational Science Jacob A. Blindenbach et al, Avoiding genetic racial profiling in criminal DNA profile databases,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s43588-021-00058-3
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Dutch-French research shows that Optical Genome Mapping (OGM) detects abnormalities in chromosomes and DNA very quickly, effectively and accurately. Sometimes even better than all existing techniques together, as they describe in two proof-of-concept studies published in the American Journal of Human Genetics. This new technique could radically change the existing workflow within cytogenetic laboratories.

Human hereditary material is stored in 46 chromosomes (23 pairs). Although those chromosomes are quite stable, changes in number or structure can still occur. A well-known example is Down syndrome, which is caused by an extra chromosome 21 (trisomy 21). An extra chromosome makes a big difference and is quite easy to visualize. But all kinds of other, smaller changes can occur as well in chromosomes. Sometimes pieces of DNA are lost (deletions), sometimes a piece is just repeated (duplication) or it is moved to another place (translocation). An existing piece can also be turned over (inversion) and sometimes new pieces are inserted (insertions). All these structural abnormalities in the chromosomes can cause disease, either congenital genetic diseases, which are present from birth, similar to Down syndrome, or acquired disorders, when the change occurs in a few cells during life which can lead to cancer, such as in leukemia.

Optical mapping

Cytogenetics is the genetic discipline that examines chromosomes for such abnormalities. To visualize both the large and small changes, several complementary techniques are needed, such as FISH, karyotyping and Copy Number Variant (CNV) microarrays. These are often laborious techniques that individually can only visualize a part of the above-mentioned abnormalities. Recently a new technique has become availableOptical Genome Mappingwhich more or less brings together the previous techniques. But new techniques must prove themselves in practice. At Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc), Alexander Hoischen, associate professor of Genomics Technologies and Immuno-Genomics, researches new techniques for usability in clinical research and possibly later in patient care. It requires close cooperation between Radboudumc and the industry involved in building latest genomic technologies, in this case the America-based company Bionano Genomics.

Two advantages

Hoischen immediately mentions two major advantages of OGM: "We can now look at extremely long stretches of DNA, so there's fewer pieces needed to map the entire chromosome. It's faster and produces fewer errors. Furthermore, unlike the other techniques, we do not have to pre-process or manipulate the DNA, so we look at the real, 'natural' DNA. In short: what you see is what you get."

Automatic, objective, digital

Bionano has created a label that attaches to a specific piece of DNA that occurs very often, but irregularly. The ever-changing distances between the labels create a unique barcode so researchers always know exactly where they are situated in the DNA. This labeled DNA is pulled through thin long nanochannels, while a camera continuously takes pictures. Hoischen: "In this way we can automatically, objectively and digitally record DNA at a rapid pace, and at a resolution that is 10,000 times higher than in karyotyping. It's a kind of 'cytogenetics on steroids' because of its power and speed."

Hereditary disorders

But how well does the technology work? Two papers in the American Journal of Human Genetics give a positive answer. Dr. Laila El Khattabi of the Universite de Paris, Hoischen, and their colleagues, tested OGM on 85 samples from patients with a hereditary disorder that had previously been examined with the standard tests (karyotyping, FISH, CNV microarray). Remarkable and exceptional: OGM found them all. El Khattabi: "OGM can really revolutionize the detection of chromosomal aberrations. I think it could be the most significant technological breakthrough in the history of cytogenetics since the CNV microarray."

Early adapters

In the second paper, the team of Nijmegen researchers again compared the technique to the standard tests. This time they looked at the DNA of leukemia cells of 52 patients with leukemia, a hematological malignancy. Here too, OGM performed optimally by detecting all clinically known deviations. And even more than that. In a number of cases, the technique provided better and more accurate analyzes of chromosomal abnormalities. This is rather important, because the right treatment often depends on this. Hoischen: "We are early adapters of different genome technologies, often with the aim of quickly applying them routinely in the clinic. The very convincing data in these two proof-of-concept studies again place Radboudumc at the forefront of technical innovation for healthcare in human genetics. This 'Next Generation Cytogenetics' could replace decade old routine testing, vastly improving workflow and patient care." This is echoed by Dr. Marian Stevens-Kroef, Clinical Laboratory Geneticist for hematological malignancies: "OGM promises to greatly improve cytogenetic testing in patients with hematological malignancies."

Further roll out

Radboudumc researchers Dr. Kornelia Neveling and Dr. Tuomo Mantere, first authors in both studies, are also positive about the technique. Neveling: "It is a rather simple technology, for both the wet lab and data analysis, and we foresee great advantages for a use in a clinical setting. In addition, OGM has already helped to solve several medical mysteries, some of which have been waiting for answers for more than 20 years."

Tuomo Mantere, former postdoc in Hoischen's laboratory and now affiliated with Oulu University in Finland: "The easy implementation of this technique and the convincing concordance with the standard cytogenetic methods as presented in these two studies convinced me to set up OGM now in Finland as well."

Explore further Promising role for whole genome sequencing in guiding blood cancer treatment

More information: Tuomo Mantere et al, Optical genome mapping enables constitutional chromosomal aberration detection, American Journal of Human Genetics (2021). Journal information: American Journal of Human Genetics Tuomo Mantere et al, Optical genome mapping enables constitutional chromosomal aberration detection,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2021.05.012
Analysis of amino acid 15N helped reveal the trophic structure and habitat use of cetaceans from the oceanic waters of the western South Atlantic. Credit: Genyffer C. Troina. Cetacean illustration by Jose Luis Vazquez, adapted from Bastida et al. 2018

A new molecular method reveals how different species of toothed whales compete for prey and which food they choose in each other's company. Marine scientists from NIOZ recently published their work in the scientific magazine Environmental Research.

Little is still known about the food and food search behavior of toothed whales. What we know historically, is primarily derived from the stomach content of dead specimens. However, this makes it hard to actively study them in their natural habitat: you can't do more than wait for animals to wash ashore. Consequently, proper ecological research on how various species of sea mammals influence one another in their choice for food, is quite difficult, as you cannot observe the animals at the large depths at which they hunt.

Neither top predator nor overlap in food

For this problem, researchers of the Royal NIOZ, Netherlands Institute for Sear Research, found a solution. They used so-called stable nitrogen isotopes of amino acids in small pieces of skin tissue from living sperm whales, orca and eight dolphin species in the Southwestern part of the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Brazil.

"It was known that there were slight differences in food preference in for example fish or squid," says researcher Marcel van der Meer. "However, according to previous research, the rough-toothed dolphin Steno bredanensis was supposed to be the absolute top predator of the area, and that is unlikely. With our amino acid isotope research, we discovered that its trophic level is indeed significantly lower than previously determined."

Apart from that, the method used before, suggested great overlap in food of three of the dolphin species. Van der Meer "We now know that there isn't any overlap whatsoever. The short-beaked common dolphin Delphinus delphis, turns out to hunt at a different depth in shallow water, while the Atlantic spotted dolphin Stenella frontalis and the common bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus hunt in waters up to depths of 500 meters. The latter two species, that thus feed at the same depth, have different prey. Apparently, the dolphin species have found a way to live together without competing for food.

Correcting for the noise

In this research project, first author Genyffer Troina (Federal University of Rio Grande, Brazil) visited the NIOZ on Texel to work on her samples with Marcel van der Meer and his colleague Philip Riekenberg. It is an improvement of more commonly used isotope analysis (see frame), however uses nitrogen in free amino acids instead of in the tissue as a whole. They use the nitrogen isotopes of the amino acid phenylalanine, a building block of every living cell that, after uptake by plant eaters, is passed through the food web almost unchanged up to the level of top predators.

Using the nitrogen isotope value of this amino acid, the scientists can, as it were, determine the base value of the nitrogen in the environment. That enables them to correct for the 'noise' that is caused by an unknown living environment in which researchers cannot measure the nitrogen value themselves. By comparing the base value with the value in the sea mammal they are studying, they are able to determine the trophic level of the species, meaning what its position is in taking up the amino acids. A plant would be level one, a top predator may be level 5.

Isotope analysis

Research with stable isotopes goes roughly like this. A small part of the atoms like nitrogen (N) that occur in every living cell, is a little bit heavier than the rest. As an animal ingests the nitrogen with its food, digestion (metabolism) separates the heavy atoms a tiny bit slower than the light ones, with the result that the heavy atoms are taken up into the body tissue of the animal more often than the light version. This pattern of uptake piles up: the higher an animal is in the food web, the more heavy N-atoms in its body tissue.

However, to be able to guarantee the accuracy of the method, you must know the isotope level of the original food. In marine environments, this valuemost often of algaeis difficult to determine and may also vary a lot. The amino acid isotope method solves that problem.

Explore further Proteins in shark teeth could hint at what they eat

More information: Genyffer C. Troina et al, Combining isotopic analysis of bulk-skin and individual amino acids to investigate the trophic position and foraging areas of multiple cetacean species in the western South Atlantic, Environmental Research (2021). Journal information: Environmental Research Genyffer C. Troina et al, Combining isotopic analysis of bulk-skin and individual amino acids to investigate the trophic position and foraging areas of multiple cetacean species in the western South Atlantic,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111610

Provided by Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research
The rubble of the Champlain tower in Surfside, Florida on July 6, 2021 as rescuers race to search the collapsed condo before Tropical Storm Elsa barrels closer, threatening the operation with torrential downpours and strong winds.

As it moved toward Florida's Gulf Coast early Wednesday, Elsa weakened to a tropical storm, though it still barreled inland with gusty winds and heavy rains, the US National Hurricane Center said.

While some fluctuations in intensity remain possible until landfall later Wednesday morning, the hurricane warning for much of the state's west coast has been replaced with a tropical storm warning, the NHC said.

Governor Ron DeSantis estimated the storm would come ashore on the northern Gulf Coast somewhere between 8 am and 9 am local time (1200-1300 GMT), and called on Floridians to have weather alerts on their phones.

"This is not a time to joyride," he said at a Tuesday night press briefing. "You do have hazardous conditions out there."

The storm was located about 70 miles (115 kilometers) northwest of Tampa with maximum sustained winds near 65 mph (100 km/h), the NHC said in a public advisory at 5 am.

A warning for possible hurricane conditions remains in effect for a roughly 100-mile northern stretch of the state's western coastline, according to the advisory.

Over the weekend, Elsa battered Jamaica and Cuba, claiming at least three lives as it cut a path of destruction through the Caribbean.

It was logged as the first hurricane of this year's Atlantic season on Friday before being downgraded to a tropical storm again.

Location and predicted path of the tropical storm Elsa.

With gusting winds, storm surges and tornado watches, Elsa has complicated an already challenging search mission after the deadly condo tower collapse in Miami almost two weeks ago.

Tampa airport, facing a possible storm surge of up to five feet (1.5 meters), suspended commercial flights from 5:00 pm Tuesday until at least 10:00 am Wednesday.

Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nunez called on state residents to prepare for the storm, including the possibility of power blackouts and asked people to stockpile adequate supplies of food and water.

"If you are asked to evacuate, please leave," she said, reminding people that there were emergency shelters ready to accommodate them.

But its forecasted westward path meant Florida appeared set to avoid the worst of the storm, with the southwest coast of the state set to experience a glancing blow rather than the direct hit expected earlier.

In Surfside, on Florida's east coast, workers on Sunday used explosives in the controlled demolition of the still-standing portion of a collapsed condo buildinga job accelerated for fear Elsa might topple the structure.

The condo disaster left 36 confirmed deaths, 29 of whom have been identified, but another 109 people are still listed as missing.

On Monday, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava told CNN that officials were "very hopeful" that, with Elsa's current path, they would not have to pause search-and-rescue efforts after all.

Photographers took pictures of the sunset before the passage of Tropical Storm Elsa in Havana.

States of alarm

The NHC had said Elsa packed maximum sustained winds of 50 miles per hour as it churned across Cuba near Havana.

States of alarm were sounded in the provinces of Havana, Mayabeque and Artemisa as thousands were evacuated from their homesefforts complicated by COVID-19 as Cuba endured its worst chapter yet of the pandemic.

"Protecting ourselves against Elsa cannot mean letting our guard down against COVID," Prime Minister Manuel Marrero said.

Shops closed in Havana and driving was restricted to civil defense vehicles.

Elsa claimed two lives in the Dominican Republic and a third in the island state of Santa Lucia during its earlier approach through the Caribbean, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) said.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said late Sunday on Twitter that there had only been damage to farm crops.

Elsa's advent represented the earliest date ever that a fifth named stormwhich does not typically arrive before Augusthas struck the region.

Explore further Storm Elsa moves over Florida Straits after battering Cuba

 2021 AFP
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

A new study shows that spatial and temporal environmental fluctuations can account for the maintenance of personality types in bird populations.

Like humans, many animal species show behavioral differences that characterize different personality types. For example, in populations of great tits (Parus major), one can distinguish individuals that are inquisitive and readily explore new environments from others that are less adventurous. Moreover, these behavioral differences are heritable. How such differences are maintained in populations, rather than eroded bey natural selection over the course of evolution, is one of the key questions in behavioral ecology.

"In recent years, behavioral ecologists have developed models that explain how this can be achieved by means of natural selection. But up to now, very few empirical studies have addressed the issue directly," says Niels Dingemanse, a professor at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet (LMU) in Munich specialized in animal personality and behavioral ecology. In a collaborative international effort, Alexia Mouchet, a Ph.D.-candidate at the Dingemanse lab, and colleagues, have shown that different personality types are favored by selection in different regions of Western-Europe. They also found that some types are favored in some and other types in other years. This implies that spatial and temporal variations in environmental parameters promote the maintenance of behavioral variation.

In the multi-year project, the team assessed personality, survivorship, and reproduction of over 3500 birds, breeding in many nest box plots scattered throughout Western Europe. They found that certain types did best in certain countries, and other types, in other countries. The researchers attributed this primarily to environmental factors. For example, in areas with many predators, timid birds would be expected to have a better chance of surviving than more daring individuals.

In addition, selective forces varied over time, such that the favored personality type varied from year to year. Here, according to the study's authors, ecological factors are likely to come into play. Variation in the availability of beechmast from year to year could be a key factor, as the timing of fruiting in beech woods tends to be synchronized across Western Europe.

Overall, the spatial and temporal variation in the intensity of selection for particular personality types contributes to the maintenance of behavioral differences within the species," says Dingemanse. The effects of major geographical differences in selection point to a mechanism that promotes the development of variants that are adapted to the local conditions. In the longer term, this could result in divergent developmental trajectories, and lead to personality types adapted to the local conditions. The year-to-year fluctuations, on the other hand, will tend to counteract the emergence of local adaptation, thus ensuring that spatial selection does not lead to the loss of the variation that has given rise to the different personality types.

"The project demonstrates the importance of long-term studies in diverse habitats for the understanding of the biological processes that are responsible for the maintenance of behavioral variation in animal populations," Dingemanse says.

Explore further Personalities promote adaptability

More information: Alexia Mouchet el al., "Heterogeneous selection on exploration behavior within and among West European populations of a passerine bird," PNAS (2021). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Alexia Mouchet el al., "Heterogeneous selection on exploration behavior within and among West European populations of a passerine bird,"(2021). www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.2024994118
The study suggests vampire bats live in communities that are more fluid and open, senior author Gerald Carter says. Credit: Rachel Moon

Female vampire bats establish an egalitarian community within a roost rather than a society based on a clear hierarchy of dominance that is often seen in animal groups, a new study suggests.

Researchers observed more than 1,000 competitions for food among a colony of 33 adult female bats and juveniles living in captivity, assigning a rank to each bat based on a calculation of wins and losses in those contests.

The team found that, unlike in many mammal societies, the higher-ranking animal didn't necessarily win every bout over food, and there was a randomness to the ranking orderno specific quality they measured gave a bat a better chance at dominance, so any adult female had an equal opportunity to rank very high or very low on a scale of dominance in the roost.

Traditionally, research on group-living animalsespecially primatesin the wild has focused on how a dominance structure factors into survival, longevity and healthy offspring, and only later considered the importance of friendship in those same communities.

Senior study author Gerald Carter has worked in reverse order. His research on highly social female vampire bats, whose behaviors resemble what's been observed in some primate groups, has focused on cooperation, finding that vampire bats make "friends" through a gradual buildup of trust and show signs of maintaining those friendships in the wild.

"We realized we don't know anything about dominance among female vampire bats, so this is a first step in the direction of trying to identify how similar they are to primates in this way," said Carter, assistant professor of evolution, ecology and organismal biology at The Ohio State University. "We can say quite clearly that they're definitely not like some of the well-studied primates. They don't have a very clear social rank that they're constantly enforcing."

The study is published today (July 7, 2021) in the journal Royal Society Open Science.

The research team video-recorded 1,023 competitive interactions concerning food over three months in a captive colony of common vampire bats at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) in Panama. The colony consisted of 24 adult females captured from two distant sites as well as nine young batsfour males and five females.

Winners and losers were identified from five types of events at the blood-meal feeders: displacement of a feeding bat by an intruding bat with or without physical contact; a feeding bat's maintenance of its position following an approach by another bat, with or without contact; and a nearby bat waiting to eat until after a feeding bat leaves the feeder.

Researchers assigned social rank to individual bats based on wins and losses and found widespread variability in adult female bat rankings, with essentially no predictors for how these community arrangements played out. No associations were found between body size, age and reproductive status and dominance ranking, and common vampire bat behaviors of grooming and sharing food were not associated with social rank. Being related to each other had no effect. The only possible predictor detected, when male juveniles were excluded, was smaller forearms in the more dominant adult females.

When compared to data that exists on communities of female yellow baboons and female long-tailed macaques, the vampire bats were also far less likely to show a consistent pattern of wins by the more dominant community members.

"Basically, with these primates, almost 100% of the time the dominant individual wins," Carter said. "With vampire bats, even when you have two individuals that are 10 rankings apart, the more dominant individual is not necessarily displacing the other one."

The findings suggested that young males are subordinate to adult females, and the same is likely to be true for adult males because they are smaller than female vampire bats. Previous research has shown that male vampire bats do compete with each other and fightand within a colony, males tend to focus on establishing territory rather than carrying on social relationships.

A comparison of group-level dominance measures between female vampire bats and 14 other documented female mammal groupsincluding African elephants, bison and numerous primatesplaced the bats as either 12th or 15th in the overall dominance ranking, depending on the metric used.

Though the single study of animals in captivity doesn't provide all the answers, the research does suggest vampire bats live in communities that are "more fluid and open," Carter said. A fluid and open society is different from, but not necessarily better than, a group characterized by dominance and hierarchy, he noted. A clear power structure actually helps prevent conflict.

"In a group of animals that's always together, it's really important to work out who's dominant, because when you come across food, you all come across that food together," he said.

"With vampire bats, they have this society inside of a tree, and all of the relationships are worked out. But we think vampire bats don't hunt as a stable groupthey go out and forage, and come back together. So what that means is that they're not always coming across a food resource together and having to decide who's going to get access to it first."

Explore further Baby vampire bat adopted by mom's best friend

More information: Rachel J. Crisp et al, Social dominance and cooperation in female vampire bats, Royal Society Open Science (2021). Journal information: Royal Society Open Science Rachel J. Crisp et al, Social dominance and cooperation in female vampire bats,(2021). DOI: 10.1098/rsos.210266
An endangered Saimaa ringed seal called Eeva pops her head out of the water.

The serene, icy waters of Finland's Lake Saimaa are a boon to fishermen and tourists, but their presence also threatens one of the world's rarest and most endangered seals.

Despite seeing numbers recover in recent decades, the Saimaa ringed seal still faces extinction amid climate change and die-hard fishing habits.

Out on Saimaa, a dark grey, whiskered creature pops its head up and breaks the surface in Finland's lake district, close to the Russian border.

"That's Eeva, she's not swimming away because we've known each other for almost 30 years," smiles Risto Eronen, a retiree who since childhood has closely watched the seals, which are found only in the lake's fresh water.

"She's the old lady of Saimaa and has given birth to 10 pups in her life," he tells AFP in his boat just metres away.

The population of 'saimaannorppa', as the mammal is called in Finnish, reached 400 this yearfour times more than in the 1980s when it was expected to die out completely.

But this is still nowhere near enough to ensure the subspecies' survival, campaigners say.

"The mild winters caused by climate change have made their lives harder," as the seals need ice and snow to build their breeding lairs, Kaarina Tiainen from the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation (SLL) explains.

Retiree Risto Eronen has since childhood closely watched the seals, which are found only in the lake's fresh waters.

But the most acute danger for the seal, according to campaigners, is fishing for vendace, a small whitefish and a summertime delicacywith four to eight seal pups dying annually, caught in the nets.

By mid-June, the seals have all left their rocky breeding spots for the depths of the lake, except for Eeva, who prefers the surface and is recognisable by her unusual bark.

"Most likely it's because of a fishing hook in her throat," Eronen says.

"She got caught on a line and that same spring-time started making heavy wheezing sounds" and spending longer on the surface taking in oxygen.

Net-fishing ban lifted

Most of Saimaa's 4,400 square kilometres were covered by net-fishing restrictions, but the government declined to renew them at the end of June, preferring voluntary arrangements.

Curbs on net fishing have generated impassioned resistance in the tourist hotspot dotted with 50,000 summer cottages and which attracted over a million overnight stays a year before the pandemic .

Finland's lake district lies close to the Russian border.

"Fishing for vendace with nets is a way of life for many here," says Teemu Himanen, whose local association issued 980 net fishing licences last year for just one part of Saimaa.

"People are chomping at the bit to be able to start net-fishing again in July," he says, adding that many feel the threat to the seals is overstated.

"If the net is properly anchored to the bottom, the seal can easily avoid getting caught in it, even if it eats the fish out of it."

To compensate for the end of the net ban, the SLL and volunteers have been constructing 100 seal-safe fish traps with green wire mesh, to distribute free of charge.

On a June Saturday morning in the village of Koikkala, 100 male and female fishing enthusiasts queue at a tent to sign a declaration that they will give up net fishing, before being given a free trap.

The popularity of the initiative is a sign that "the desire to protect the ringed seal has been rising sharply" in recent years, conservationist Tiainen says.

People queue to sign a pledge to stop using fishing nets on Lake Saimaa.

Himanen welcomes the move, but adds: "I don't believe you'll ever fully get rid of nets on Saimaa.

"You just can't catch the same numbers in a trap."

Tighter legislation

This year Finnish authorities submitted a bid for the habitats of the Saimaa ringed sealdistinguishable by distinctive white circles on its furto be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The subspecies is already classed as 'endangered' by Finnish and EU authorities, and polls show a majority of Finns support tighter legislation to protect the animals.

As the plight of the seal gains more attention, "more people want to come to the region to see the animals themselves, so there's a constant balancing act," Tiainen admits.

And as saimaannorppa numbers grow, the question arises of when to relax protective measures.

"When there were only 300 seals they said we need controls on nets to get the number up to 400. But now we're past 400 and that conversation still hasn't stopped," Himanen notes.

As the plight of the seals gain more attention, more people want to visit the lake to see the animals themselves.

The government wants to reach "an appropriate level of protection" without setting a figure, yet for campaigners the population will need to be at least a thousand or two before protections can be loosened.

"But we may never be in a situation where it isn't in some way threatened and needing protection," says Tiainen.

Explore further Human intervention can help endangered Saimaa ringed seal adapt to climate change

 2021 AFP
Credit: The Open University

The heart of the Exospheric Mass Spectrometer (EMS) is visible in this image of the key sensor that will study the abundance of lunar water and water ice for upcoming missions to the Moon.

This spectrometer is being delivered to NASA today as part of the PITMS instrument for its launch to the Moon later this year.

EMS is based on an 'ion trap', an ingenious detector device that allows researchers to identify and quantify sample atoms and molecules in a gas and allows to establish a corresponding mass spectrum. Scientists at The Open University and RAL Space are developing EMS under an ESA contract.

Lunar molecules entering the sensor are bombarded by electrons emitted by a heated wire to create ions. The resulting ions are stored within an electric field formed by a set of precisely-shaped electrodes. The ions are then released from this 'trap' in order of increasing mass/charge ratio into the detector that identifies and quantifies their chemical makeup.

This will allow the instrument to measure water and other molecules in the very thin atmosphere of the Moon throughout the lunar day to study a lunar 'water cycle' concept.

The PITMS instrument will be part of a lunar lander that will arrive on the Moon on NASA's Astrobotic M1 mission taking commercial lunar payloads to the Lacus Mortis region in 2021.

A similar Mass Spectrometer is also developed for ESA's Prospect payload package to study lunar water ice on board the Russian Luna-27 lander, set for launch in 2025. The platform will sample potential resources on the Moon to prepare technologies for future sustainable exploration.

"ESA's Exospheric Mass Spectrometer will not only acquire science data but also test our latest environmental monitoring technology for planetary environments," says Roland Trautner, ESA project lead for EMS.

"Instruments like EMS allow the detection of the impact of human activities on the lunar environment, and understanding these changes allows us to improve our science and learn how to protect the natural environment on planetary bodies. Small, lightweight detectors like EMS might become standard equipment on future lunar landers."

With the goal of developing the first long-term presence on the Moon, ESA is joining forces with NASA and other partners on humanity's return to the Moon. The next 'Artemis' generation to experience lunar landings will be an international one and is opening up lunar space exploration to the global population.

Explore further Image: Sensing the moon
The star SMSS J200322.54-114203.3. (centre, with crosshairs) in the south-eastern corner of the constellation Aquila (the Eagle) close to the border with Capricornus and Sagittarius. Credit: Da Costa/SkyMapper

A massive explosion from a previously unknown source10 times more energetic than a supernovacould be the answer to a 13-billion-year-old Milky Way mystery.

Astronomers led by David Yong, Gary Da Costa and Chiaki Kobayashi from Australia's ARC Centre of Excellence in All Sky Astrophysics in 3 Dimensions (ASTRO 3D) based at the Australian National University (ANU) have potentially discovered the first evidence of the destruction of a collapsed rapidly spinning stara phenomenon they describe as a "magneto-rotational hypernova".

The previously unknown type of cataclysmwhich occurred barely a billion years after the Big Bangis the most likely explanation for the presence of unusually high amounts of some elements detected in another extremely ancient and "primitive" Milky Way star.

That star, known as SMSS J200322.54-114203.3, contains larger amounts of metal elements, including zinc, uranium, europium and possibly gold, than others of the same age.

Neutron star mergersthe accepted sources of the material needed to forge themare not enough to explain their presence.

The astronomers calculate that only the violent collapse of a very early staramplified by rapid rotation and the presence of a strong magnetic fieldcan account for the additional neutrons required.

The research is published today in the journal Nature.

"The star we're looking at has an iron-to-hydrogen ratio about 3000 times lower than the Sunwhich means it is a very rare: what we call an extremely metal-poor star," said Dr. Yong, who is based at the ANU.

"However, the fact that it contains much larger than expected amounts of some heavier elements means that it is even rarera real needle in a haystack."

The first stars in the universe were made almost entirely of hydrogen and helium. At length, they collapsed and exploded, turning into neutron stars or black holes, producing heavier elements which became incorporated in tiny amounts into the next generation of starsthe oldest still in existence.

Rates and energies of these star deaths have become well known in recent years, so the amount of heavy elements they produce is well calculated. And, for SMSS J200322.54-114203.3, the sums just don't add up.

"The extra amounts of these elements had to come from somewhere," said Associate Professor Chiaki Kobayashi from the University of Hertfordshire, UK.

"We now find the observational evidence for the first time directly indicating that there was a different kind of hypernova producing all stable elements in the periodic table at oncea core-collapse explosion of a fast-spinning strongly-magnetized massive star. It is the only thing that explains the results."

Hypernovae have been known since the late 1990s. However, this is the first time one combining both rapid rotation and strong magnetism has been detected.

"It's an explosive death for the star," said Dr. Yong. "We calculate that 13 billion-years ago J200322.54-114203.3 formed out of a chemical soup that contained the remains of this type of hypernova. No one's ever found this phenomenon before."

J200322.54-114203.3 lies 7500 light-years from the Sun, and orbits in the halo of the Milky Way.

Another co-author, Nobel Laureate and ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt, added, "The high zinc abundance is definite marker of a hypernova, a very energetic supernova."

Head of the First Stars team in ASTRO 3D, Professor Gary Da Costa from ANU, explained that the star was first identified by a project called the SkyMapper survey of the southern sky.

"The star was first identified as extremely metal-poor using SkyMapper and the ANU 2.3m telescope at Siding Spring Observatory in western NSW," he said. "Detailed observations were then obtained with the European Southern Observatory 8m Very Large Telescope in Chile."

ASTRO 3D director, Professor Lisa Kewley, commented: "This is an extremely important discovery that reveals a new pathway for the formation of heavy elements in the infant universe."

Other members of the research team are based at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the US, Stockholm University in Sweden, the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics in Germany, Italy's Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica, and Australia's University of New South Wales.

Explore further Anaemic star carries the mark of its ancient ancestor

Provided by ASTRO 3D
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

In a study published in Physical Review Letters, academician Guo Guangcan's team from University of Science and Technology of China of the Chinese Academy of Sciences made progress in the open quantum system research. This team, collaborating with Austrian theoretical physicist Philip Taranto, demonstrated the non-Markovianity in the multi-step evolution of the open quantum system, and proved the measurement-dependent property of quantum memory effects.

In quantum information science, it is crucial to understand and control the memory effects for the development of quantum technology. For the coupling of the system and environment, the evolution of open quantum system presents the non-Markovianity, which paves the way for the study of quantum memory effects.

However, the measurement could cause the collapse of the quantum state of the system, and the detection of the system will affect the subsequent evolution of the system, which confines the previous research on the quantum memory effects to the single-step evolution process. This means that researchers only conduct the measurement at the end of the evolution after the preparation of the initial state without any extra measurement in the evolution process.

To study the multi-step evolution, the researchers first separated the controllable detection from the system evolution by using the process tensor method. They then constructed two kinds of open quantum dynamics with the multi-step evolution through path and polarization degrees of freedom of photon pairs.

By measuring the non-Markovian properties of these two evolution processes with different methods, the researchers demonstrated the measurement-dependent property of quantum memory strength.

This study is the first report of finite quantum Markov order for non-Markovian common-cause processes, which has implications for the approximation of quantum processes with memory.

Memory effects are common in nature. They exist in disease spreading, biochemical processes, and optical fiber transmission. Their duration, strength, and structure are key properties of physical evolution.

More information: Yu Guo et al, Experimental Demonstration of Instrument-Specific Quantum Memory Effects and Non-Markovian Process Recovery for Common-Cause Processes, Physical Review Letters (2021). Journal information: Physical Review Letters Yu Guo et al, Experimental Demonstration of Instrument-Specific Quantum Memory Effects and Non-Markovian Process Recovery for Common-Cause Processes,(2021). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.126.230401

Provided by University of Science and Technology of China
This artist's impression depicts NASA's Cassini spacecraft flying through a plume of presumed water erupting from the surface of Saturn's moon Enceladus. Credit: NASA

An unknown methane-producing process is likely at work in the hidden ocean beneath the icy shell of Saturn's moon Enceladus, suggests a new study published in Nature Astronomy by scientists at the University of Arizona and Paris Sciences & Lettres University.

Giant water plumes erupting from Enceladus have long fascinated scientists and the public alike, inspiring research and speculation about the vast ocean that is believed to be sandwiched between the moon's rocky core and its icy shell. Flying through the plumes and sampling their chemical makeup, the Cassini spacecraft detected a relatively high concentration of certain molecules associated with hydrothermal vents on the bottom of Earth's oceans, specifically dihydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide. The amount of methane found in the plumes was particularly unexpected.

"We wanted to know: Could Earthlike microbes that 'eat' the dihydrogen and produce methane explain the surprisingly large amount of methane detected by Cassini?" said Regis Ferriere, an associate professor in the University of Arizona Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and one of the study's two lead authors. "Searching for such microbes, known as methanogens, at Enceladus' seafloor would require extremely challenging deep-dive missions that are not in sight for several decades."

Ferriere and his team took a different, easier route: They constructed mathematical models to calculate the probability that different processes, including biological methanogenesis, might explain the Cassini data.

The authors applied new mathematical models that combine geochemistry and microbial ecology to analyze Cassini plume data and model the possible processes that would best explain the observations. They conclude that Cassini's data are consistent either with microbial hydrothermal vent activity, or with processes that don't involve life forms but are different from the ones known to occur on Earth.

On Earth, hydrothermal activity occurs when cold seawater seeps into the ocean floor, circulates through the underlying rock and passes close by a heat source, such as a magma chamber, before spewing out into the water again through hydrothermal vents. On Earth, methane can be produced through hydrothermal activity, but at a slow rate. Most of the production is due to microorganisms that harness the chemical disequilibrium of hydrothermally produced dihydrogen as a source of energy, and produce methane from carbon dioxide in a process called methanogenesis.

The team looked at Enceladus' plume composition as the end result of several chemical and physical processes taking place in the moon's interior. First, the researchers assessed what hydrothermal production of dihydrogen would best fit Cassini's observations, and whether this production could provide enough "food" to sustain a population of Earthlike hydrogenotrophic methanogens. To do that, they developed a model for the population dynamics of a hypothetical hydrogenotrophic methanogen, whose thermal and energetic niche was modeled after known strains from Earth.

The authors then ran the model to see whether a given set of chemical conditions, such as the dihydrogen concentration in the hydrothermal fluid, and temperature would provide a suitable environment for these microbes to grow. They also looked at what effect a hypothetical microbe population would have on its environmentfor example, on the escape rates of dihydrogen and methane in the plume.

This cutaway view of Saturn's moon Enceladus is an artist's rendering that depicts possible hydrothermal activity that may be taking place on and under the seafloor of the moon's subsurface ocean, based on results from NASA's Cassini mission. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

"In summary, not only could we evaluate whether Cassini's observations are compatible with an environment habitable for life, but we could also make quantitative predictions about observations to be expected, should methanogenesis actually occur at Enceladus' seafloor," Ferriere explained.

The results suggest that even the highest possible estimate of abiotic methane productionor methane production without biological aidbased on known hydrothermal chemistry is far from sufficient to explain the methane concentration measured in the plumes. Adding biological methanogenesis to the mix, however, could produce enough methane to match Cassini's observations.

"Obviously, we are not concluding that life exists in Enceladus' ocean," Ferriere said. "Rather, we wanted to understand how likely it would be that Enceladus' hydrothermal vents could be habitable to Earthlike microorganisms. Very likely, the Cassini data tell us, according to our models.

"And biological methanogenesis appears to be compatible with the data. In other words, we can't discard the 'life hypothesis' as highly improbable. To reject the life hypothesis, we need more data from future missions," he added.

The authors hope their paper provides guidance for studies aimed at better understanding the observations made by Cassini and that it encourages research to elucidate the abiotic processes that could produce enough methane to explain the data.

For example, methane could come from the chemical breakdown of primordial organic matter that may be present in Enceladus' core and that could be partially turned into dihydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide through the hydrothermal process. This hypothesis is very plausible if it turns out that Enceladus formed through the accretion of organic-rich material supplied by comets, Ferriere explained.

"It partly boils down to how probable we believe different hypotheses are to begin with," he said. "For example, if we deem the probability of life in Enceladus to be extremely low, then such alternative abiotic mechanisms become much more likely, even if they are very alien compared to what we know here on Earth."

According to the authors, a very promising advance of the paper lies in its methodology, as it is not limited to specific systems such as interior oceans of icy moons and paves the way to deal with chemical data from planets outside the solar system as they become available in the coming decades.

More information: Antonin Affholder et al, Bayesian analysis of Enceladus's plume data to assess methanogenesis, Nature Astronomy (2021). Journal information: Nature Astronomy Antonin Affholder et al, Bayesian analysis of Enceladus's plume data to assess methanogenesis,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41550-021-01372-6
The quantum motion of a nanoparticle can be extended beyond the size of the particle using the new technique developed by. physicists in Austria. Credit: Marc Montagut

Very recently, researchers led by Markus Aspelmeyer at the University of Vienna and Lukas Novotny at ETH Zurich cooled a glass nanoparticle into the quantum regime for the first time. To do this, the particle is deprived of its kinetic energy with the help of lasers. What remains are movements, so-called quantum fluctuations, which no longer follow the laws of classical physics but those of quantum physics. The glass sphere with which this has been achieved is significantly smaller than a grain of sand, but still consists of several hundred million atoms. In contrast to the microscopic world of photons and atoms, nanoparticles provide an insight into the quantum nature of macroscopic objects. In collaboration with experimental physicist Markus Aspelmeyer, a team of theoretical physicists led by Oriol Romero-Isart of the University of Innsbruck and the Institute of Quantum Optics and Quantum Information of the Austrian Academy of Sciences is now proposing a way to harness the quantum properties of nanoparticles for various applications.

Briefly delocalized

"While atoms in the motional ground state bounce around over distances larger than the size of the atom, the motion of macroscopic objects in the ground state is very, very small," explain Talitha Weiss and Marc Roda-Llordes from the Innsbruck team. "The quantum fluctuations of nanoparticles are smaller than the diameter of an atom." To take advantage of the quantum nature of nanoparticles, the wave function of the particles must be greatly expanded. In the Innsbruck quantum physicists' scheme, nanoparticles are trapped in optical fields and cooled to the ground state. By rhythmically changing these fields, the particles now succeed in briefly delocalizing over exponentially larger distances. "Even the smallest perturbations may destroy the coherence of the particles, which is why by changing the optical potentials, we only briefly pull apart the wave function of the particles and then immediately compress it again," explains Oriol Romero-Isart. By repeatedly changing the potential, the quantum properties of the nanoparticle can thus be harnessed.

Many applications

With the new technique, the macroscopic quantum properties can be studied in more detail. It also turns out that this state is very sensitive to static forces. Thus, the method could enable highly sensitive instruments that can be used to determine forces such as gravity very precisely. Using two particles expanded and compressed simultaneously by this method, it would also be possible to entangle them via a weak interaction and explore entirely new areas of the macroscopic quantum world.

Together with other proposals, the new concept forms the basis for the ERC Synergy Grant project Q-Xtreme, which was granted last year. In this project, the research groups of Markus Aspelmeyer and Oriol Romero-Isart, together with Lukas Novotny and Romain Quidant of ETH Zurich, are pushing one of the most fundamental principles of quantum physics to the extreme limit by positioning a solid body of billions of atoms in two places at the same time.

Explore further Cooling magnets with sound

More information: T. Weiss et al, Large Quantum Delocalization of a Levitated Nanoparticle Using Optimal Control: Applications for Force Sensing and Entangling via Weak Forces, Physical Review Letters (2021). Journal information: Physical Review Letters T. Weiss et al, Large Quantum Delocalization of a Levitated Nanoparticle Using Optimal Control: Applications for Force Sensing and Entangling via Weak Forces,(2021). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.127.023601
BAME students/general population. Credit: Tom Parkhill

Climate change and the geosciences risk being seen as largely "white sciences" in the Global North, according to a new study. The research shows that racial minority students are significantly underrepresented in Geology and other sciences of relevance to climate change.

Presenting the work at the Goldschmidt Geochemistry Conference, author Professor Chris Jackson says that the lack of minority students and opinion leaders in these vital sciences reflects "systemic exclusion," and risks alienating large sections of the global population from our efforts to combat climate change and protect the environment.

Following findings in the U.S. showing racial exclusion in the environmental sciences, the UK researchers reviewed data from the HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency) for the main environmental sciences: Physical Geography, Geology, and Environmental Science. They then combined this with data from the 2011 UK census, to contrast participation of the various racial groups in these sciences against population data.

Despite 18.5% of UK 18 to 24 year-olds being from a minority population, in the 2018/2019 academic year only 5.2% of Physical Geography postgraduate research students came from BAME (Black, Asian or other Minority) groups. Environmental science (6.86%) and Geology (10.4%) fared slightly better, but with still far lower representation than other Physical Science subjects (for example, 22.5% of Materials Science postgraduate researchers were from BAME groups).

On average over the 5 years studied, just 1.4% of postgraduate geology students were Black; this compares with 3.8% of the UK university-attending population identifying as Black. During the last five years, there have been two years for both Geology and Physical Geography when no Black women entered postgraduate research.

These results reflect similar findings in the U.S., which showed that just 6% of Geoscience Ph.D.s are awarded to minority students, despite 31% of the population coming from these groups. Taken together with the UK data, this indicates that the environmental sciences may be systemically excluding racial minority groups.

Professor Jackson (University of Manchester) said: "You can imagine that not seeing Black or Asian faces amongst the people who are taking important decisions is demoralizing for these communities; it would be for any community. The level of BAME participation in the environmental sciences is extremely low. Census details tell us that we'd expect around 18% of students to come from BAME backgrounds. In geology it's around 10%, and in other environmental sciences, such as physical geography, this drops to just over 5%. This straddles the extreme low levels seen in the police service, which as we know has been blighted by racial discrimination, and which is rightly considered by some as being a 'hostile environment' for racial and ethnic minorities. The lack of participation of minorities in these environmental subjects, and the lack of identifiable opinion leaders which we see in both the US and the UK, cannot be a coincidence; it's systemic, but it's also solvable.

This matters to the wider community as well. COVID has shown us that feelings of exclusion have produced overall lower rates of vaccine uptake in some racial and ethnic minority groups compared to the dominant white population, and this is one of these situations where the whole population needs to participate for our efforts to succeed. We know that climate change is at least as big a challenge as COVID, and we need buy-in to address the problem. We can't afford our efforts to be impeded by white people failing to understand the scale and cause of this problem, and the exclusion felt amongst many Black, Asian and Minority people. These are not marginal issues: for example, my own science, Geology, is key to our understanding of climate change. The people and political powers who take decisions, and who are, for example, responsible for driving changes change, and for putting in place policies to help mitigate its impacts, must talk to and be trusted by the whole population."

The UK Parliament's All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Diversity and Inclusion in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) is currently undertaking an inquiry into equity in the UK STEM workforce, https://www.britishscienceassociation.org/appg This is chaired by Ms Chi Onwurah (Labor) MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central, who commented:

"The UK has a proud scientific history, the circumstances of the pandemic have only emphasized the central role that science plays in our day to day lives. As we begin to exit the pandemic and look to how we can build back better and greener, environmental science and geology will play a vital role in developing what our greener world will look like. But sadly, our science and geology sector is not representative of the UK with less than 25% of the STEM workforce being women and less that 10% of STEM Russell Group students coming from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. We are missing out on the potential of so many talented scientists, and risk further entrenching inequalities for the next generation if we do not act now to show everybody, no matter their background or gender, that science is for them."

Dr. Amy Riches (University of Edinburgh), Co-Chair of the European Association of Geochemistry's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee commented:

"These observations showing lower than anticipated numbers of Black, Asian and other minority students studying geoscience and environmental subjects in UK higher education are concerning. Many people are working hard to ensure that geosciences, wider science, and other disciplines change to become more attractive, friendly, and inspiring for a diversity of students and staff. We cannot understate the importance of these progressive actions for our education system, society, and science."

Explore further Geoscientists call for action on tackling racial inequality in field

More information: 2021.goldschmidt.info/ Natasha Dowey et al, A UK perspective on tackling the geoscience racial diversity crisis in the Global North, Nature Geoscience (2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41561-021-00737-w Journal information: Nature Geoscience

Provided by Goldschmidt Conference
Mosquitofish (female). Credit: Public Domain

In mosquitofish, of the genus Gambusia, male fish are smaller than femalessometimes only half the size. Biologists had previously assumed that smaller male mosquitofish had at least some reproductive advantages. Researchers from the transregional collaborative research centre NC at Bielefeld University have shown in a systematic review and meta-analysis that larger mosquitofish are actually more successful at reproduction: they can, for instance, better challenge their rivals; they produce more sperm; and they are preferred by female fish. The re-searchers are presenting their findings today (07.07.2021) in the Journal of Animal Ecology.

Mosquitofish are small fish with nondescript coloring of the genus Gambusia, which contains some 45 species. While female mosquitofish can be up to 7 centimetres long, males are often just about 4 centimetres long. Their sizes, however, do vary and these fish are therefore often used to study sexual selection based on body size. "Even though there have been many studies on whether body size in males confers reproductive advantages, the findings have been mixed," says Alfredo Sanchez-Tojar, a biologist who is working in the transregional collaborative research centre NC (SFB-TRR 212) in a subproject investigating the behavioural ecology of individualised niches using meta-analyses (subproject D05).

Studies have indeed shown that larger male fish are better at driving off rivals, and that females prefer larger males when it comes to mating. Male mosquitofish, however, usually circumvent the cooperation of the female by forcing copulation. Because male fish are smaller, they are more agile and are better at lying in wait, making them more successful in these forced mating strategies.

For their systematic review and meta-analysis, the NC researchers evaluated 36 different studies that had investigated the correlation between body size and reproductive performance in male Gambusia fish. "Our work demonstrates that larger male Gambusia fish actually have greater reproductive success than their smaller counterparts. This correlation is surprisingwe had assumed that the advantages of small male fish would carry greater weight," says Sanchez-Tojar.

"This meta-analysis brings together many years of research on this topic and enables biologists to study additional questions in this field in the future. Such systematic reviews and meta-analyses are becoming ever more important, in part because the scientific literature is constantly increasing," says Professor Dr. Klaus Reinhold, a member of Bielefeld University's Faculty of Biology and the head of the Evolutionary Biology research group as well as the NC -Subproject D05. Reinhold and Sanchez-Tojar conducted the systematic review and meta-analysis together with two other researchers: Dr. Nicholas Patrick Moran, from the National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU Aqua) at the Technical University of Denmark, and Bora Kim, from the Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna. Moran and Kim both previously participated in the collaborative research centre NC .

In their meta-analysis, the researchers included studies in which the correlation between body size and reproductive performance was not part of the study's research question, but data on this was still collected. Using pre-registration, the researchers documented their hypotheses and methods in advance before performing the actual analysis. "Such strategies are important for a review to be meaningfuland for the results to be as unbiased as possible," says Sanchez-Tojar.

The studies under review had measured reproductive performance in many different ways: data had been collected, for example, on which males were preferred by female Gambusia, whether copulation was successful and whether it resulted in paternity, or on the quality and quantity of sperm. "Our work shows that the positive correlation between reproductive performance and body size is robust in all of these areas," says Sanchez-Tojar. The largest effect size is seen in mate selection by females: the larger the male fish, the more likely it is for female fish to mate with him. "This is particularly interesting because the influence of female mate selection in mosquitofish had previously been neglected in the literature, as the focus was often placed on coercive mating," explains Sanchez-Tojar.

The scientists hope to make a mark on future research with their study. "In some categories of reproductive performance, the findings are very heterogenous, which also has to do with study design. In some cases, the experimental environment is not complex enough because, for example, vegetation is missing or temperatures and periods of light exposure are unrealistic," says Kim, who is the lead author on the study. Moran adds: "This systematic review and meta-analysis provides a solid foundation upon which to further refine research questions and methods."

The aim of subproject D05 is to produce these types of meta-analyses on the topics under investigation in the NC transregional collaborative research centre. NC stands for "Niche Choice, Niche Conformance, Niche Construction." This collaborative research centre includes locations at Bielefeld University, the University of Munster, and the University of Jena and investigates ecological niches at the individual level, bringing together behavioral biology, ecology, and evolutionary biology with theoretical biology and philosophy. The German Research Foundation (DFG) has been funding NC since January 2018, initially for a period of four years, with a total of 8.5 million Euro.

More information: Bora Kim et al, Male size and reproductive performance in three species of livebearing fishes ( Gambusia spp.): A systematic review and metaanalysis, Journal of Animal Ecology (2021). Journal information: Evolutionary Biology , Journal of Animal Ecology Bora Kim et al, Male size and reproductive performance in three species of livebearing fishes ( Gambusia spp.): A systematic review and metaanalysis,(2021). DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13554
Captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-3 mission on 30 May 2021, this image shows the Baltic Sea and coastlines of the surrounding countries of Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Germany. Sea-level rise is a major global concern, and using satellites carrying radar altimeters to map sea-level change close to the coast is difficult, especially along complex coastlines such as those seen here. The main problem is because mountains, bays and offshore islands distort the radar signal that is reflected back to the satellite. Another problem is sea ice, which covers parts of the oceans in winter, is impenetrable to radar. However, new research demonstrates how a specific way of processing satellite now makes it possible to determine sea-level change in coastal areas with millimetre per year accuracy, and even if the sea is covered by ice. Credit: contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data (2021), processed by ESA, CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO

For the hundreds of millions of people living in coastal regions around the world, rising seas driven by climate change pose a direct threat. In order for authorities to plan appropriate protection strategies, accurate information on sea-level rise close to the coast is imperative. For various reasons, these measurements are difficult to get from satellites. However, new ESA-funded research demonstrates how a specific way of processing satellite altimetry data now makes it possible to determine sea-level change in coastal areas with millimetre per year accuracy, and even if the sea is covered by ice.

Using the Baltic Sea as a target for the research, this new processing technique, which shows regional differences in sea-level rise, drastically improves and extends previous sea-level trend maps. The results reveal that between 1995 and 2019, sea level has risen at an annual rate of 23 mm in the south, along the German and Danish coasts, compared to 6 mm in the northeast, in the Bay of Bothnia.

As our atmosphere and oceans continue to warm because of climate change, sea levels are likely to continue to rise for many decades to come. The 2019 report from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) paints a grave picture of the problems we face because of sea-level rise. The Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate states that global mean sea level is likely to rise between 0.29 m and 1.1 m by the end of this century. This is the worst projection of sea-level rise ever made by the IPCC.

Since the early 1990s, satellites carrying radar altimeters have been tracking the changing height of the ocean surface, and show that global mean sea level has risen, on average, by just over 3 mm every year and, worryingly, that this rate of rise has increased in recent years.

However, as with any average, the term 'global mean sea level rise' does not tell the whole story. Sea level is not rising at the same rate everywhere. Along coasts, for example, sea level rise can exceed the global mean because of complex ocean dynamics nearer land.

While the FrenchU.S. series of Jason satellite missions, ESA's Envisat and CryoSat missions, and the Copernicus Sentinel-3 satellites have provided essential data to track sea-level rise in the open ocean, mapping rise nearer the coastline is more difficult. This is because mountains, bays and offshore islands distort the radar signal that is reflected back to the satellite. Another problem is sea ice, which covers parts of the oceans in winter, is impenetrable to radar.

For the hundreds of millions of people living in coastal regions around the world, rising seas driven by climate change pose a direct threat. In order for authorities to plan appropriate protection strategies, accurate information on sea-level rise close to the coast is imperative. For various reasons, these measurements are difficult to get from satellites. However, new research demonstrates how a specific way of processing satellite now makes it possible to determine sea-level change in coastal areas with millimetre per year accuracy, and even if the sea is covered by ice. The map shows mean sea-level rise in the North and Baltic Sea (millimetres per year), calculated using satellite altimetry data between 1995 and 2019. Credit: TUM/ESA

Florian Seitz, Director of the German Geodetic Research Institute at the Technical University of Munich, said, "To protect people and infrastructurefor example by building flood protection structures, securing ports or making dikes higherwe need reliable forecasts on sea-level trends."

Through ESA's Earth Observation Science for Society Baltic Sea Level project (Baltic SEAL), a team of researchers at the Technical University of Munich worked with international partners to develop algorithms to process measurement data from a range of satellite altimetry sensors to yield precise and high-resolution measurements of sea-level changes in coastal areas and in leads between the sea ice.

The researchers chose the Baltic Sea as the model region. "Data from this region are especially suitable for developing new methods because multiple factors make analysis difficult such as the complex shape of the coastline, sea ice and wind. At the same time, there are plenty of local sea level measurements to corroborate the results," said project leader Marcello Passaro.

"An analytical method that works in the Baltic Sea can be easily adapted to other regions."

To handle hundreds of millions of radar measurements taken between 1995 and 2019 from satellite missions including the Jason series, Envisat, CryoSat and Copernicus Sentinel-3, the team developed a multi-stage process. In the first step, they calibrated the measurements from the various satellite missions so that they could be combined. With specially developed algorithms, they were then able to detect signals from the ice-covered seawater in the radar reflections produced along cracks and fissures, called leads. This made it possible to determine sea levels for the winter months. With new computational methods they also achieved better resolution of radar echoes close to land.

As a result, it is now possible to measure sea level in coastal areas and compare the results with local tidal records. The processed data were then fitted to a fine grid with a resolution of 67 km using an algorithm developed by the team. The result is a highly precise dataset covering the entire Baltic Sea region.

The Copernicus Sentinel-6 Poseidon-4 dual-frequency (C- and Ku-band) radar altimeter uses an innovative interleaved mode that has improved performance compared to previous satellite altimeter designs. Credit: ESA/ATG medialab

The data show the regional effects of the rise in sea level between 1995 and 2019. Sea level has risen at an annual rate of 23 mm in the south, along the German and Danish coasts, compared to 6 mm in the northeast, in the Bay of Bothnia. The cause of this large rise is strong south-westerly winds that drive the waters to the north and eastward. This above-average increase in sea level does not pose a threat to coastal dwellers, however, because since the end of the last Ice Age the land here has been rising by up to 1 cm a year as a result of post-glacial rebound.

The researchers have also created a comprehensive dataset for the North Sea region. The sea level here is rising by 2.6 mm per year, and by 3.2 mm in the German Bight. Local trends can be determined using the dataset and the user manualboth of which are freely accessible online.

"With the data, researchers can verify their climate models, for example, and public authorities can plan suitable protective measures," says Dr. Seitz.

ESA's Jerome Benveniste added, "The Baltic SEAL project has produced excellent results, demonstrating the value of Earth observation for society. This new way of processing satellite radar altimetry data is really going to help authorities to take appropriate measure to protect citizens and infrastructure from sea-level rise. We are also keenly awaiting the high-resolution data that will come from the new Copernicus Sentinel-6 mission, which also promises to map sea-surface height close to the coastline, which uses an additional new processing algorithm called Fully-Focused Synthetic Aperture Radar to drastically increase the retrieved resolution."

The Baltic SEAL dataset is available at balticseal.eu.

Explore further Precise data for improved coastline protection
An electromagnetic sensor on its way to the ocean floor off New Zealand to collect data. Credit: Samer Naif / Lamont-Doherty Electromagnetic Geophysics Lab

The Hikurangi Margin, located off the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand, is where the Pacific tectonic plate dives underneath the Australian tectonic plate, in what scientists call a subduction zone. This interface of tectonic plates is partly responsible for the more than 15,000 earthquakes the region experiences each year. Most are too small to be noticed, but between 150 and 200 are large enough to be felt. Geological evidence suggests that large earthquakes happened in the southern part of the margin before human record-keeping began.

Geophysicists, geologists, and geochemists from throughout the world have been working together to understand why this plate boundary behaves as it does, producing both imperceptible silent earthquakes, but also potentially major ones. A study published today in the journal Nature offers new perspective and possible answers.

Scientists knew that the ocean floor at the northern part of the island, where the plates slide slowly together, generates the small, slow-moving earthquakes called slow slip eventsmovements that take weeks, sometimes months to complete. But at the southern end of the island, instead of sliding slowly as they do in the northern area, the tectonic plates lock. This locking sets up the conditions for a sudden release of the plates, which can trigger a large earthquake.

"It is really curious and not understood why, in a relatively small geographic area, you would go from lots of small, slow-moving earthquakes to a potential for a really large earthquake," said marine electromagnetic geophysicist Christine Chesley, a graduate student at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and lead author on the new paper. "That's what we've been trying to understand, the difference in this margin."

In December 2018, a research team began a 29-day deep-sea cruise to collect data. Similar to taking an MRI of the Earth, the team employed electromagnetic wave energy to measure how current moves through features in the ocean floor. From these data, the team was able to get a more precise look at the role seamounts, large undersea mountains, play in generating earthquakes.

Map of the Hikurangi subduction zone and locations where electromagnetic receivers were deployed to collect data. Credit: Christine Chesley, using GeoMapApp and data from William Ryan et al., Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems (2009)

"The northern part of the margin has really large seamounts. It had been unclear what those mountains can do when they subduct (dive down into the deep earth) and how that dynamic affects the interaction between the two plates," said Chesley.

It turns out, the seamounts hold a lot more water than geophysicists had expectedabout three to five times more than typical oceanic crust. The abundant water lubricates the plates where they join, helping to smooth any slippage, and preventing the plates from the sticking that can set up a large earthquake. This helps explain the tendency toward the slow, silent earthquakes at the northern end of the margin.

Using these data, Chesley and her colleagues were also able to closely examine what is happening as a seamount subducts. They discovered an area in the upper plate that seems to be damaged by a subducting seamount. This upper plate zone also seemed to have more water in it.

"That suggests the seamount is breaking up the upper plate, making it weaker, which helps explain the unusual pattern of silent earthquakes there," said Chesley. The example provides another indication of how seamounts influence tectonic behavior and earthquake hazards.

Lead author Christine Chesley is a graduate student at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. Credit: Kerry Key

Conversely, the lack of lubrication and the weakening effects of seamounts may make the southern part of the island more prone to sticking and generating large earthquakes.

Chesley, who is on track to complete her Ph.D. in the fall, hopes that these findings will encourage researchers to consider the way water in these seamounts contributes to seismic behavior as they continue to work to understand slow-moving earthquakes. "The more we study earthquakes, the more it seems water plays a starring role in modulating slip on faults," said Chesley. "Understanding when and where water is input into the system can only improve natural hazard assessment efforts."

Explore further Data from boreholes in plate boundaries could explain slow earthquakes

More information: Fluid-rich subducting topography generates anomalous forearc porosity, Nature (2021). www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03619-8 Journal information: Nature Fluid-rich subducting topography generates anomalous forearc porosity,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03619-8
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

As the Pacific Northwest sweltered through a record-breaking heat wave last week, many residents here in America's least air-conditioned city sought relief under the shade of cedars and maples in city parks. But in some areas of Seattle, that shelter was hard to come by.

"If you look at aerial photographs, north Seattle looks like a forest," said Washington state Rep. Bill Ramos, a suburban Democrat who sponsored a bill the legislature recently passed to help cities improve their tree canopy.

"On the south side, you see nothing but rooftops and asphalt and not a green thing anywhere. It's strictly a matter of socioeconomics and race."

That disparity is not unique to Seattle. American Forests, a Washington, D.C.-based conservation nonprofit, released a nationwide analysis last month showing that low-income neighborhoods and communities of color have significantly less tree canopy. Those areas also are more likely to suffer from the urban heat island effect caused by a lack of shade and an abundance of heat-absorbing asphalt. Heat islands can be as much as 10 degrees hotter than surrounding neighborhoods.

"We found that the wealthiest neighborhoods have 65% more tree canopy cover than the highest poverty neighborhoods," said Ian Leahy, the group's vice president of urban forestry. "As cities are beginning to heat up due to climate change, people are realizing that trees are critical infrastructure. I've never seen as much momentum toward urban forestry across the board."

In many cities and states, policymakers and advocates say they're aiming to correct decades of inequities in urban tree canopy. They acknowledge how racist policies such as redlining have had a stark effect on the presence of urban green space, and that trees are important for public health. Some leaders have even pledged to use American Forests' "Tree Equity Score" to target their tree plantings in the neighborhoods that need it most.

"People weren't thinking about trees as these resources that provide a lot of benefits," said Kevin Sayers, urban forestry coordinator with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. "They thought of them as niceties, and trees followed money. There's now a recognition that trees were not equitably distributed and maintained."

Sayers works to help cities and nonprofits manage and improve urban forests. Michigan's 10-year Forest Action Plan, which was drafted last year, calls for a neighborhood-by-neighborhood tree canopy analysis, with the goal of reaching equity. Sayers said he will work to incorporate the new tree equity data into that plan.

In many places, efforts to increase urban tree canopy are still in their early stages. Officials are conducting surveys, setting goals and making planswhile acknowledging the real work is still ahead. They say it will take time to build trust in underserved communities, scale up planting programs and change local laws to protect existing trees. But longtime foresters say political buy-in for such efforts has never been higher.

Trees provide important public health benefits, starting with the cooling shade they provide. A study published last year in the journal Environmental Epidemiology found that heat causes thousands of excess deaths in the United States each year, far above official estimates. City and state leaders expect climate change to worsen the threat.

"Trees are nature's air conditioners, and we're starting to talk about them as a real adaptation investment," said Shaun O'Rourke, a managing director at the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank who also serves as the state's chief resilience officer.

The state has worked with 20 municipalities in its program to fund climate resilience projects, and all of them have sought more resources for urban tree planting, O'Rourke said. Meanwhile, the Rhode Island Department of Health has incorporated tree canopy data into its health equity indicators, putting it alongside categories such as health care access and food insecurity.

"The data shows that Latinos and African Americans have a higher likelihood of dying after five days of extreme heat, and that's an injustice," said Cindy Montanez, CEO of Tree People, a nonprofit that works on planting and education projects near Los Angeles. "Planting trees is not about carbon reduction, it's about saving lives."

Los Angeles has appointed its first city forest officer to coordinate the city's urban forestry efforts across departments. Rachel Malarich, who took the job in 2019, has been tasked with increasing tree canopy in underserved neighborhoods by 50% by 2028.

"Nineteen percent of all the tree canopy cover in Los Angeles exists where 1% of our population lives, concentrated in these affluent areas," Malarich said. "The conversation has changed, and there are more public officials recognizing that tree canopy is not a beautification measure, but a central piece of our infrastructure."

Trees also help to filter pollution from the air and absorb stormwater runoff. Studies also have shown that the presence of trees can have positive effects on mental health and cognitive function.

Earlier this year, the Phoenix city council voted to partner with American Forests to create an equitable tree canopy across all of its neighborhoods by 2030. The city has identified the busiest walking corridors where shade could prove most beneficial, and it's planning to plant 1,800 trees along nine miles of "cool corridors" each year. The city's recently passed budget creates an Office of Heat Response & Mitigation, which includes tree and shade administrators, and will pay for five new forestry staffers to plant and maintain urban forests.

"We have more tree cover in the higher-income areas of our community, and that's something we're trying to be intentional about changing," said Mayor Kate Gallego, a Democrat. "We've always had strong support for tree planting in our city, but we've seen a real focus on equity in the last year and a half."

In Boston, Northeastern University associate professor of law and policy Neenah Estrella-Luna is serving as a consultant to help draft the city's first urban forest plan. Her team is working with city officials and community leaders to develop a pathway to tree equity in 20 years.

"The folks most marginalizedpeople of color, immigrants and low-income peoplehave the least access to anything green," she said. "This is clearly an issue of environmental justice."

Some state lawmakers have been active on the issue as well. Ramos, the Washington state legislator, introduced a bill this year that will require the state's Department of Natural Resources to conduct a statewide assessment of urban tree canopy to find where it's lacking. The measure, which was adopted by large, bipartisan majorities and signed into law, will also allow the agency to provide technical assistance to local governments for forest management. Half the money must go to underserved communities.

"We know trees create better health," Ramos said. "How can we say that some people should have trees and other people shouldn't?"

In California, Assembly Member Luz Rivas, a Democrat from the San Fernando Valley, has sponsored a bill that would create a funding program to help communities adapt to extreme heat. Projects could include urban forestry and green spaces. The bill passed overwhelmingly in the Assembly and is under committee review in the Senate.

Rivas also has fought in recent years to preserve investments in the state Urban Greening Program, which is funded by cap-and-trade revenues.

"My community has been disproportionately affected by pollution and the effects of climate change, including extreme heat," Rivas said. "Our tree canopy isn't as dense as other parts of Los Angeles."

State and local leaders acknowledge that reaching tree equity won't be easy or simple. Many urbanized areas lack suitable places to plant, especially spots that can accommodate the large trees that provide the biggest benefits. Also, most urban trees grow on private land, meaning cities can't rely only on parks and streets to reach their goals.

In many neighborhoods, cities have done a poor job of maintaining existing trees, which can damage houses and cars if unhealthy trees are left to fall. That's made some residents skeptical about new plantings.

"Tree planting is always a very visible thing, but nobody likes to give due recognition to tree maintenance," said Sayers, the Michigan forestry leader.

Even in cities with strong tree planting programs, leaders have found they're still losing canopy cover each year as urban sprawl and development uproots existing trees to make way for housing. Forestry experts say cities need strong tree protection ordinances to have a chance of reaching their goals.

Many cities and states also are reassessing which types of trees to plant, as shifting conditions brought on by climate change upend long-held views about which trees will thrive in a certain region.

"We're now looking at some Southern species," said O'Rourke, the Rhode Island resilience officer. "As we look at climate projections, we're thinking about how we might look more like the mid-Atlantic states."

Foresters say their programs are often understaffed, and they're some of the first to face cuts during difficult economic times. Kesha Braunskill, urban forestry coordinator with the Delaware Forest Service, said tree equity programs need to have a stronger workforce and a consistent presence in the areas they're trying to reach.

"We need more of us, and more of us that look like the communities we serve," she said. "We have to formulate relationships. We can't just walk in, plant a tree and walk away."

2021 The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A jogger makes his way along Bayshore Blvd., in Tampa, Fla. as a wave breaks over a seawall, during the aftermath of Tropical Storm Elsa Wednesday, July 7, 2021. The Tampa Bay area was spared major damage as Elsa stayed off shore as it passed by. Credit: AP Photo/John Raoux

A weakened Tropical Storm Elsa dumped rain across Florida's northern Gulf Coast early Wednesday, sparing the state from significant damage as it churned toward Georgia with threats of flooding downpours and possibly tornadoes.

Elsa wobbled through the Gulf of Mexico, briefly reaching hurricane strength, but moved ashore as a tropical storm late Wednesday morning. The U.S. National Hurricane Center said the storm made landfall in lightly populated Taylor County, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (105 kph).

Gov. Ron DeSantis told a news conference that no major structural damage or storm deaths had been reported.

"Clearly, this could have been worse," the Republican governor said, though he cautioned that many storm-related deaths happen after the system passes. "Be very careful when you're working to clear debris."

Even after Elsa struck land, tropical storm warnings remained Wednesday afternoon along Florida's Big Bend as well as for the entire Georgia and South Carolina coasts. Tornado watches were also in effect in parts of northern Florida and southeast Georgia until 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Scattered power outages were being reported along Elsa's path Wednesday afternoon, with about 30,000 homes and businesses on either side of the Georgia-Florida state line without electricity, according to the website poweroutages.us.

Pedestrians dash across the intersection of Greene and Duval streets as heavy winds and rain associated with Tropical Storm Elsa passes Key West, Fla., on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. The weather was getting worse in southern Florida on Tuesday morning as Tropical Storm Elsa began lashing the Florida Keys, complicating the search for survivors in the condo collapse and prompting a hurricane watch for the peninsula's upper Gulf Coast. Credit: Rob O'Neal/The Key West Citizen via AP

In Steinhatchee, Florida, not far from where Elsa came ashore, there was some flooding, but no worse than the town typically sees from heavy rain, said Melissa Roper, whose family owns Off The Clock Fisheries and Marina along the Steinhatchee River.

"It's definitely a lot better than expected considering it was supposed to be a hurricane that hit," Roper said. "We're pretty fortunate."

Elsa's center was forecast to cross into southeast Georgia on Wednesday afternoon, bringing a risk of flooding from an anticipated 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) of rain. The storm was forecast to move into South Carolina early Thursday, and by Friday its effects could be felt as far north as New England.

The storm complicated the search for potential survivors and victims in the collapse of a Miami-area condominium on June 24. Regardless, crews continued the search in the rubble of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida, on the state's southeast coast.

A cyclist makes his way long Bay Pines Boulevard the morning after Hurricane Elsa moved over the Tampa Bay Area, Wednesday, July 7, 2021 in St. Petersburg, Fla. Credit: Martha Asencio-Rhine/Tampa Bay Times via AP

The storm also temporarily halted demolition Wednesday on the remainder of an overturned cargo ship off the coast of Georgia. The South Korean freighter Golden Ray capsized in September 2019 off St. Simons Island, about 70 miles (110 kilometers) south of Savannah. Crews have removed more than half the ship since November.

Most salvage workers were sheltering indoors Wednesday, said Coat Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Himes, a spokesperson for the multiagency command overseeing the demolition. The towering crane being used to cut the ship apart into giant chunks remained in place straddling the wreck, stabilized by mooring lines attached to anchors and pilings. The crane was also anchored to the shipwreck itself, which weighs about 13,200 tons (12,000 metric tons), Himes said.

"As far as the wreck shifting, that's highly unlikely," Himes said.

About 250 electrical utility trucks are lined up at Duke Energy's staging location in The Villages of Sumter County on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. Elsa may hit central Florida on Tuesday and Wednesday, with possible localized flooding. Duke Energy staged a total of about 500 trucks at the location, and they will be deployed following Elsa to repair damage to electrical lines and poles. Credit: Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel via AP

Himes said crews would be watching to see if Elsa's winds scatter any debris from the ship into the surrounding water. The vessel's remains are open at both ends, like a giant tube on its side, and its cargo decks still contain hundreds of bashed and mangled cars.

At the Hillbilly Fish Camp and R.V. Park in the south Georgia town of Waycross, Margie Freitag hunkered down Wednesday after pulling boats out of the water and picking up loose items ahead of the storm. Freitag said she had plenty of supplies after stocking up for the coronavirus pandemic.

"We already had flashlights and batteries and were totally stocked up with food, water and things like that," she said. "We're right on the lake and we can see the rain hitting and wind coming across the lake."

Out on Edisto Beach, South Carolina, where a tropical storm warning was in effect, Wednesday started muggy and overcast.

Luis Ernesto catches a small wave while surfing along Pass-a-Grille Beach, Wednesday, July 7, 2021 in St. Pete Beach, Fla., the morning after Tropical Storm Elsa moved over the Tampa Bay Area. Credit: Martha Asencio-Rhine/Tampa Bay Times via AP

"The kind of day you can just feel the weather wanting to move in," Mayor Jane Darby said.

The forecast for the barrier island 30 miles (48 kilometers) down the coast from Charleston was similar to a heavy summer thunderstorm  an inch or two (2.5 to 5 centimeters) of rain, winds gusting up to about 40 mph (64 kph) and maybe a little beach erosion with the worst of Elsa expected between low and high tides. Other South Carolina beaches expected similar conditions, coming mostly overnight to be less of a bother to visitors during an extremely busy summer.

"Businesses are struggling with workers in short supply a lot more than they are going to be bothered by this storm," Darby said. "That's where the stress is now."

Elsa is already the third tropical system to hit South Carolina. In June, Tropical Storm Claudette moved across the northern part of the state after making landfall in Louisiana and Tropical Storm Danny hit land near Hilton Head Island. Both storms caused only minor damage.

A man treads water and awaits rescue crews approximately 32 miles southeast of Key West, Fla., on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. The U.S. Coast Guard and a good Samaritan rescued 13 people after their boat capsized off of Key West as Tropical Storm Elsa approached. Credit: U.S. Coast Guard via AP

A couple of signs hang loose on their post after Hurricane Elsa moved over the Tampa Bay Area, Wednesday, July 7, 2021 in Pinellas Park, Fla. The Tampa Bay area was spared major damage as Elsa stayed off shore as it passed by. Credit: Martha Asencio-Rhine/Tampa Bay Times via AP

The Coast Guard Cutter Thetis' crewmembers deploy the cutter's small boat to rescue people in the water approximately 32 miles southeast of Key West, Fla., on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. The U.S. Coast Guard and a good Samaritan rescued 13 people after their boat capsized off of Key West as Tropical Storm Elsa approached. Credit: U.S. Coast Guard via AP

Shawn Frazier, 61, reinforces tarps over his Tampa home's roof ahead of Tropical Storm Elsa on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. Frazier said there was some leaking he caught during a recent rainy day. Credit: Ivy Ceballo/Tampa Bay Times via AP

Crew members aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Thetis provide medical attention people rescued from the water approximately 32 miles southeast of Key West, Fla., on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. The U.S. Coast Guard and a good Samaritan rescued 13 people after their boat capsized off of Key West as Tropical Storm Elsa approached. Credit: U.S. Coast Guard via AP

Beach walkers walk along the sand on Pass-a-Grille the morning after Tropical Storm Elsa moved over the Tampa Bay Area, Wednesday, July 7, 2021 in St. Pete Beach, Fla. Credit: Martha Asencio-Rhine/Tampa Bay Times via AP

Cranes cross the road during a rainstorm from Tropical Storm Elsa, Wednesday, July 7, 2021 in Westchase, Fla. The Tampa Bay area was spared major damage as Elsa stayed off shore as it passed by. Credit: Arielle Bader/Tampa Bay Times via AP

Fallen trees block Front Street on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 in Valrico. Tropical Storm Elsa continued to track north after dropping heavy rain in the Tampa Bay area. Credit: Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP

Palm leaves lay on the ground following heavy rain and wind from Tropical Storm Elsa, Wednesday, July 7, 2021 in Westchase, Fla. The Tampa Bay area was spared major damage as Elsa stayed off shore as it passed by. Credit: Arielle Bader/Tampa Bay Times via AP

Michael Ciarleglio with the city of Pinellas Park, cleans up a few tree branches while working the morning after Hurricane Elsa moved over the Tampa Bay Area, Wednesday, July 7, 2021 in Pinellas Park, Fla. The Tampa Bay area was spared major damage as Elsa stayed off shore as it passed by. Credit: Martha Asencio-Rhine/Tampa Bay Times via AP

Meanwhile, the U.S. Coast Guard said 13 people were rescued from a boat that had left Cuba with 22 people aboard late Monday. Nine people remained missing.

Elsa is the earliest fifth-named storm on record, said Brian McNoldy, a hurricane researcher at the University of Miami.

Explore further Storm Elsa moves over Florida Straits after battering Cuba

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

The UK public is likely to take the COVID-19 pandemic less seriously once restrictions are lifted, according to new research led by Cardiff University.

Psychologists found lockdown in itself was a primary reason why so many people were willing to abide by the rules from the startbelieving the threat must be severe if the government imposes such drastic measures.

The team from Cardiff and the universities of Bath and Essex examined the reasons behind headline polling support for COVID-19 measures. They carried out two UK surveys, six months apart, during 2020. Their findings are published today in the journal Royal Society Open Science.

Lead author Dr. Colin Foad said: "Surprisingly, we found that people judge the severity of the COVID-19 threat based on the fact the government imposed a lockdownin other words, they thought 'it must be bad if government's taking such drastic measures'.

"We also found that the more they judged the risk in this way, the more they supported lockdown. This suggests that if and when 'Freedom Day' comes and restrictions are lifted, people may downplay the threat of COVID."

The research also found:

Raising people's personal threat was unlikely to enhance their support for restrictive measures

People supported lockdown yet thought many of its side effects were "unacceptable" in a cost-benefit analysis.

Dr. Foad said: "The pandemic has been characterised by strong public support for lockdowns, but our research suggests that people have actually been much more conflicted than the headline polls suggest.

"For example, we found that when people think about the costs of this policy, such as detriment to mental health and reduced access to treatment for non-COVID health problems, these can outweigh its benefits."

On the finding around personal threat, he said: "In order to try and keep public support for lockdowns high, various strategies have been tried by the government, including reminding people that they and their loved ones are at risk from COVID-19.

"However, we find that most people's personal sense of threat does not relate to their support for restrictions. Instead, people judged the threat at a much more general level, such as towards the country as a whole. So, any messaging that targets their personal sense of threat is unlikely to actually raise support for any further restrictions."

The researchers warned there was a risk of public opinion and government policy "forming a symbiotic relationship", which could affect how policies are implemented now and in future.

Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh, an environmental psychologist from the University of Bath, said: "This has important implications for how we deal with other risks, like climate changethe public will be more likely to believe it's a serious problem if governments implement bold policies to tackle it."

Professor Whitmarsh suggested bold actions might include stopping all road building (as has happened recently in Wales) or blocking airport expansions.

The researchers are calling for more nuanced use of polling data during the pandemic to accurately gauge the diversity and complexity of public opinion.

Dr. Paul Hanel, a lecturer in psychology at the University of Essex, said: "Polling data from large samples are important in understanding what people think. Our study, however, shows that it is crucial to ask the right questions because otherwise we are only getting a limited and potentially even misleading picture of how diverse and even conflicting public opinions truly are."

Explore further Minority of Britons think UK government has clear plan to tackle climate change

More information: The limitations of polling data in understanding public support for COVID-19 lockdown policies, Royal Society Open Science (2021). Journal information: Royal Society Open Science The limitations of polling data in understanding public support for COVID-19 lockdown policies,(2021). royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.210678
Credit: Karina Puikkonen

Airborne Light Detection and Ranging, called LiDAR, has used aircraft lasers to map large forested areas for over 30 years, but high costs and lack of color images have made it a less efficient resource for describing tree variation at smaller scales.

Since 2010, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) have emerged as an alternate technology that can provide cost-effective, high-resolution images for mapping local forest areas. While unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, have been used in forests over the past several years, basic questions about their efficacy in forest management have gone unanswered until now.

A team led by Colorado State University researchers spent the past three years testing UAS in Western ponderosa pine forests. A series of three new research articles recently published in Forests, Canadian Journal of Forest Research, and Remote Sensing of Environment tackle foundational aspects for using UAS specifically as a spatial forest monitoring and management tool. Wade Tinkham, the project lead, said the team's collective results offer consistent parameters to improve forest management decision-making processes.

"Managers need a spatially explicit way to monitor individual trees," explained Tinkham, an assistant professor in the Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship in the Warner College of Natural Resources. "Providing higher-quality data about these ecological spaces is starting to matter more and more in management decisions."

Forest technicians typically collect tree measurements on the ground with hand tools and instruments designed for these specific purposes. The CSU research team found that individual tree metrics can be reliably determined over large forest stands with UAS, greatly expanding what can be monitored in a forest.

"Foresters walk through a forest deciding what trees to remove or keep, but they can only see 20 to 30 trees at a time," Tinkham said. "With UAS, we found that we can see nearly every tree to inform these decisions."

Credit: Karina Puikkonen

These decisions ultimately affect management actions designed to benefit various forest ecosystem services such as promoting wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and natural fire regimes.

Processing parameters for UAS data extraction

The research team first determined the software parameters necessary for maximizing their final product: a realistic digital manifestation of the three-dimensional forest from which individual tree measurements could be assessed. These results are summarized in Forests.

"There are a thousand ways to do this, and we needed to know what data capture and processing methods best represent the forest," Tinkham said.

The team developed a basic workflow for using UAS in forests. The workflow consisted of four components: data collection, digital tree extraction, data filtering and modeling, and analysis and validation of model output. This translates to capturing thousands of images with UAVs and transforming them into data points collectively reconstructed into forest renderings using Structure from Motion (SfM) photogrammetry.

Neal Swayze, one of the study's co-authors, said SfM uses the camera's properties and different viewpoints to solve for the three-dimensional location of pixels, which in this case make up individual trees.

Credit: Colorado State University

"Structure from Motion is like hundreds of eyes looking at something from above that create a multi-angled perspective of that object," said Swayze, who recently earned his master's degree from the Warner College. "Computer learning detects points in all those images and stitches the matching points together into a rough approximation of the picture. Structure from Motion is what our eyes and brain do all the time."

The team conducted UAS test flights and ran the collection of images through various software settings to compare the completeness of each forest rendering outcome.

"We found that the highest possible settings produced the best results," Swayze said.

When considering the efficiency of UAS data processing, Swayze said the time to process 1.5 acres of tree data at the highest settings required 1.5 hours of time. But the team also found that the second-best settings still provided over 90% accuracy while reducing the processing time by more than half.

UAS accuracy for tree detection

The Canadian Journal of Forest Research study evaluated whether airborne LiDAR individual tree detection methods that have provided useful approximations in conifer-dominated systems could be accurately applied to the SfM point cloud renderings. This required understanding how horizontal and vertical forest structure would impact the quality of tree detection.

Credit: Colorado State University

Determining horizontal forest structure involves looking down on a forest, viewing from above the number of trees and the distances between them. Vertical structure involves looking through a grouping of large and small trees to determine what wildlife may use in an area or reveal potential wildfire paths. Together, these viewpoints ensure both the overstory of mature trees and the understory of juvenile trees are accounted for.

"This collective spatial variability shows how individual trees and groups of trees promote ecological processes in the forest," Tinkham said.

Matthew Creasy, the study's lead author, collected forest images with UAS and processed them through the workflow the team defined earlier. Creasy and Swayze also mapped nearly 5,000 trees in the Kaibab National Forest in northern Arizona and in the Manitou Experimental Forest in central Colorado by hand. This helped the team evaluate several algorithms to determine the actual accuracy of detecting a tree's height and location.

The overall accuracy for UAS tree detection was 78% at Kaibab and 68% at Manitou. But when looking at the overstory only, tree detection exceeded expectations with greater than 93% of trees being identified in these forests.

While the UAS data provided reliable detections of mature trees and intermediate-sized tree locations and heights, it underpredicted individuals in the understory where small trees in close proximity were identified as a single tree. Tinkham said these results still describe the relative variation in forest structure across size classes, providing valuable information for developing forest management treatments.

Credit: Karina Puikkonen

Maximizing UAS data capture

Once the team determined the software program's capability and accuracy, their study in Remote Sensing of Environment tested different UAS flight approaches to see how these impacted the ability to determine digital tree measurements. Swayze flew 30 UAS test flights at the Manitou Experimental Forest using various combinations of three altitudes, two flight patterns and five camera orientations.

"We found that UAS acquisitions can be optimized for data sets to provide nearly complete tree lists for individual heights, locations, and DBH (diameters at breast height)," Swayze said. "We can now say that flying a certain height, pattern, and overlap will get the best data in dry conifer ecosystems."

The team determined that using angled, overlapping north-south and east-west flight lines at lower altitudes maximized the accuracy and correlation of overall forest measurements calculated from the individual tree metrics. Swayze said these crosshatch patterns double the amount of data collected, which needs to be factored into the data acquisition and processing time.

The team again compared their digital measurements with ground measurements taken for nearly 1,000 trees at the site. The results showed that the cross-sectional area captured from UAS was within 5-10% of the true measurements. This suggested that UAS flights could reliably collect comparable data with limited need for field observations.

"Although not all trees were successfully extracted from the UAS data, these methods capture the relative local trends and stand-level averages that are necessary for informing a broad range of thinning and restoration actions in dry conifer forests," Tinkham said.

By experimenting with different ways to assemble and use the wealth of information UAS technology provides, this research team has offered an UAS-based road map for forest managers. Monitoring ponderosa pine forests from both the ground and the air expands our understanding of how these ecosystems have evolved, and how forest structure and function may adapt to a hotter and drier climate.

Explore further New remote sensing methods are well-suited for the detection of tree species

More information: Matthew B. Creasy et al, Potential for Individual Tree Monitoring in Ponderosa Pine-Dominated Forests Using Unmanned Aerial System Structure from Motion Point Clouds, Canadian Journal of Forest Research (2021). Matthew B. Creasy et al, Potential for Individual Tree Monitoring in Ponderosa Pine-Dominated Forests Using Unmanned Aerial System Structure from Motion Point Clouds,(2021). DOI: 10.1139/cjfr-2020-0433 Neal C. Swayze et al, Influence of flight parameters on UAS-based monitoring of tree height, diameter, and density, Remote Sensing of Environment (2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.rse.2021.112540
Alice & Bob can use quantum keys to communicate and send files securely using an MDI-QKD key. Credit: QuTech (Vincent de Mees, Slim Plot)

Engineers from QuTech (a collaboration between TU Delft and TNO) can provide untappable communication that is cost-scaling to many users by using measurement-device independent (MDI) quantum key distribution (QKD). A notable side-feature is that, courtesy of Cisco, conventional internet operaltes in parallel, on the same optical fiber from Dutch telecom provider KPN. MDI-QKD is an important step towards an accessible quantum internet.

Presently secure communication is based on the fact that breaking cryptography is slow using conventional computers. This includes communication between datacentres, inter-governmental communication, or critical infrastructure like banking, energy and airports. Some communication lines require secrecy by law or by the user. Any attacker could be recording these messages and then decrypting them later. Unfortunately, computers are becoming faster, even more so with the impending introduction of quantum computers.

Ultimate defense against eavesdropping

Joshua Slater, team lead of the MDI-QKD project: "Important conventional cryptographic methods rely on, for example, a public and a private key. These two keys are essentially two large numbers that belong together. Their security is based on the fact that the private key is difficult and slow to calculate with knowledge of only the public key. Unfortunately, with the introduction of very powerful computers (such as quantum computers), calculating the private key becomes trivially easy and then encryption can become insecure."

Credit: Delft University of Technology

A solution to eavesdroppingnow and in the futureis the use of quantum key distribution (QKD). In quantum communication, eavesdropping on a message disturbs transmission of the quantum key. Slater: "If the quantum signals are disturbed, the users know not to use the generated key for their secure communication line. Once the quantum key is successfully shared with the intended recipient, the rest of the secure communication benefits from 'forward secrecy': the assurance that the key distribution cannot be cracked now or in the future."

"Unfortunately, current commercially available QKD systems are difficult to scale in a network," Slater explained. "To solve all these problems, we've built a measurement-device independent (MDI) QKD system, in which multiple users can be connected via a central node that operates like a typical telephone switch board operator. Importantly, the central node does not need to be trusted. The entire system is designed such that hacking attacks against the central node cannot break the security of the protocol."

Because of the quantum key distribution (QKD) used by Alice & her bank, a hacker cannot eavesdrop on them. Also, the central node doesn't have to be trusted for Alice & her bank to communicate securely. Credit: QuTech (Vincent de Mees, Slim Plot)

Scalable quantum networks

Slater: "A major advantage of our system over other QKD systems is its scaling to many users. Our MDI-QKD can be used in a star-type physical network. Researchers at QuTech have already previously performed the first proof-of-principle demonstration of MDI-QKD, the first demonstration over deployed fibers, and the first demonstration using cost-effective, off-the-shelf hardware."

"A significant achievement that we're demonstrating here for the first time, is that our quantum signals are transmitted over the same fiber as conventional internet traffic," said Slater. "Using standard equipment that Cisco supplied and configured with us, we established two multiplexed internet networks between the locations over the same optical fibers. The existence of these two networks do not impact the performance of our quantum system. Essentially, we've shown how our systems can coexist, in parallel"

"This is an important development in guaranteeing the security of internet traffic in the future," said Babak Fouladi, Chief Digital and Technology Officer and member of the Executive Board at KPN. "I am pleased that we can contribute towards making this insight practical using the network of the Netherlands. Solutions like MDI-QKD should not only protect users today, but also make communication as future-proof as possible."

Because of the measurement-device independent (MDI) system the whole network is rather easy to scale up to many users. Credit: QuTech (Vincent de Mees, Slim Plot)

Alice is a standard telco rack located at the Delft University of Technology (the Netherlands), the central node in a neighbouring city Rijswijk, and Bob is at KPN in The Hague. Credit: QuTech (Vincent de Mees, Slim Plot)

Demonstration in DelftRijswijkThe Hague

The current system consists of three standard telco racks, each in a different city in the Netherlands. The first 'user' connected to the demo setup is code-named Alice and resides in Delft. The second user, called Bob, sits in a KPN building in The Hague. The central node, Charlie, is located in between. Every user is connected to the center node by a standard optical fiber. Furthermore, the users and the central node are able to communicate over the normal internet, either directly via the (same) optical fiber, or indirectly via any internet connection.

Finally, the MDI-QKD deployment represents an important step towards a future quantum internet. The network is designed to be upgradable in the future: users like Alice and Bob can upgrade their functionality (with e.g. quantum processors, quantum repeaters, quantum entanglement, quantum memory, quantum computers, whatever), while the central node and the rest of the network remains the same. The network is future-proof and ready to be upgraded for the quantum future.

"This is a great milestone, and an important foundation for the deployment of a national quantum network infrastructure in the Netherlands. That is one of the main goals of the Netherlands' National Agenda Quantum Technology, which is being executed by Quantum Delta NL," said Jesse Robbers, director of Quantum Delta NLwhich received 615 million from the Dutch government in April of this year.

Explore further Researchers establish the first entanglement-based quantum network
On the left in the Martinrive section (HBS: Hangenberg Balck Shale, a sedimentary deposit that recorded strongly dysoxic marine waters), on the right the Chansin section (the arrows indicate the sedimentary strata that recorded the sudden decrease in sea levels at the end of the Devonian). Credit: Denayer et al., 2020, Palaeodiversity & Palaeoenvironment

Researchers at the Evolution & Diversity Dynamics Lab at the University of Liege (Belgium) have proposed a new definition of the geological boundary between the Devonian and Carboniferous periods (359 million years). This new definition has been tested by hundreds of researchers around the world and the results are now compiled in a special issue of the journal Palaeodiversity & Palaeoenvironments.

Geological time is divided into periods (Cambrian, Carboniferous, Jurassic, etc.), together covering the 4.6 billion year history of the Earth. The many climatic, environmental and biological changes that have punctuated this history are recorded in the rock layers, forming an incredibly rich archive of the Earth's past.

"The study of these successive layers allows us to recognize the boundaries between these different periods, each boundary being defined by a specific event or 'marker,' such as an extinction event or a change in climate," explains Julien Denayer, a paleontologist at the EDDyLab and first author of the article. A locality is then designated, making the rocky successions of this particular place the international reference for this transition. "It was in Belgium, in the 19th century, that numerous divisions of the time scale were defined, such as the Frasnian, Tournaisian, Viseian, Namurian, etc... These references are still used today on an international scale."

The boundary between the so-called Devonian and Carboniferous geological periods (359 million years ago) was the first to be formally defined in 1927. The fossils marking the boundary were too rare in the rocks, so this definition was of little use. A second attempt was proposed 50 years later, but was also invalidated by the International Commission of Stratigraphy, the scientific body that establishes and validates the subdivision of geological time, again because of the scarcity of boundary fossils.

Showing deformations related to water stress in the plants that produced them during a global cooling. Credit: Prestianni et al., 2016, Geologica Belgica

"For the past 10 years or so, paleontologists and geologists specializing in the Devonian and Carboniferous periods have been working on redefining this boundary," says Cyrille Prestianni, paleontologist at ULiege and co-author of the article. "In 2016, we proposed a new definition, this time based on several contemporary phenomena, well recorded in the rocky successions of Wallonia."

According to the ULiege researchers, the boundary between these two periods is defined by the so-called Hangenberg Sandstone eventan episode of abrupt fall in sea levelwhich is also marked by a major extinction that decimated typical Devonian ecosystems such as coastal marshes and reefs. In ecological terms, this extinction was greater than the extinction of the dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous!

Since then, researchers around the world have tested the applicability of this criterion for defining the boundary. The results of these years of research are now compiled in a special volume of the journal Palaeodiversity & Palaeoenvironments. The EDDy Lab researchers publish an exhaustive review of the geological and palaeontological knowledge of the Devonian-Carboniferous boundary in Wallonia and the surrounding regions. In this publication, the members of the EDDy Lab were able to propose a scenario explaining the ecological and climatic crisis that caused the extinction of the Devonian fauna and flora.

"Our work is not yet finished," says Julien Denayer, "the next step is to select a new type locality. Several Walloon sites are now being studied using state-of-the-art techniques with a view to being proposed to become the world reference for the Devonian-Carboniferous boundary."

Explore further Exploding stars may have caused mass extinction on Earth, study shows

More information: Julien Denayer et al, The DevonianCarboniferous boundary in Belgium and surrounding areas, Palaeobiodiversity and Palaeoenvironments (2020). Julien Denayer et al, The DevonianCarboniferous boundary in Belgium and surrounding areas,(2020). DOI: 10.1007/s12549-020-00440-5
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

High up in the mountains of San Diego County, there are meadows with creeks and streams where some of San Diego's rarest butterflies flutter from flower to flower.

But life isn't as idyllic for the Laguna Mountains skipper as it may sound. These endangered butterflies have vanished from the very mountain range they were named after and are now only found on Palomar Mountain. Climate change, human activity and wildfires threaten to wipe them out altogether.

Ecologists and wildlife experts are trying to change that, with a coalition that includes the San Diego Zoo, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service, among many others. Their goal is to return the skippers to their former range in the Laguna Mountains and ensure they thrive.

That will take time and money. According to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service report, it could cost more than $3 million and take until 2045 for the species to recover to the point where it's no longer considered endangered.

It may seem like a lot of effort for a butterfly you've likely never seen or heard of, acknowledges Daniel Marschalek, an insect ecologist who studied the skippers from 2013 to 2017 while at San Diego State University. But he says the measures conservationists take to save these butterflies will help other plants and animals in their ecosystem too.

"Once you start noticing species that start to decline and maybe disappear altogether in certain areas, it should really be kind of a warning sign," said Marschalek, who's now an assistant professor at the University of Central Missouri. "It's reasonably easy to document a decline. But then to figure out whybecause it's usually multiple factorsand then change them, that's kind of the difficult part."

The Laguna Mountains skipper is a tiny critter, with a 1-inch wingspan and black wings mottled with white spots.

This butterfly subspecies was last seen in the Laguna Mountains in 1999, and no one quite knows why it vanished. Global warming and a steady dip in rainfall across the region certainly haven't helped, as these butterflies favor wet mountain meadows. A 2019 report by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cites habitat destruction from cattle grazing as another factor.

The only Laguna Mountains skippers left live on four locations on Palomar Mountainand nowhere else on Earth. Researchers don't know exactly how many of these butterflies are left, but Marschalek says their current situation doesn't bode well for their survival.

"Especially in Southern California, if you have one kind of area that a species is restricted to, eventually it's going to burn," he said. "It's just a matter of time."

Skippers aren't capable of the long flights that have made monarch butterflies famous. That means the population on Palomar Mountain can't travel to the Laguna Mountainsor anywhere else, for that matter.

At least not without help.

"They're not there. And they can't get there from Palomar on their own. So we're going to take them," said Paige Howorth, the zoo's curator of invertebrates. "We feel like the habitat is ready."

A series of conservation measures going back to the 1980s has helped preserve the skipper's habitat by limiting cattle grazing and visitor access to the Laguna Mountains. That work is now entering a new phase, with the zoo hatching skipper eggs and rearing caterpillars in their lab, which they later plan to transport to the mountains.

It's painstaking work, says Howorth and her team. They've received more than 400 eggs, which they've hatched into more than 300 caterpillars. Each one has a smooth body that looks a bit like a green gummy bear with a black head at the end.

Every morning, zoo staff give the caterpillars a light spritz of water to simulate dew that the larvae drink. Then the caterpillars get back to quietly munching on their favorite food source, Cleveland's Horkelia, a small herb native to Southern California and Baja California.

As they eat away, they eject small black specks of frass. That's entomologist-speak for poop. Howorth's team sifts through these poop pellets for something that looks almost identical to frass but certainly isn'tthe caterpillar's last head capsule, the tough outer layer that protects their head and which they shed while growing. The size of this capsule tells researchers what stage of development the larvae have reached.

Once the increasingly plump caterpillars stop eating and form a chrysalis, they'll be transported to the Laguna Mountains for release. Most of the chrysalises will lay dormant until next spring, which is when the butterflies will finally emerge.

But the work doesn't stop there. The zoo and its conservation partners will continue to monitor the new population for years to come. And they'll keep running captive rearing programs in their lab each spring. Those reintroductions could take 10 years and cost $700,000 according to the 2019 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services report.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife's latest financial audit shows that it spent about $24 million on research and conservation in 2020. While many of these projects are in far-flung parts of the globe, Howorth says it's nice to let San Diegans know there's work going on right here, including efforts to protect the Quino checkerspot and Hermes copper butterflies, both local species that are also threatened: "It's meaningful to do something in San Diego for San Diego butterflies."

2021 The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
CHESTER  A Pottersville man has been sentenced to 6 months in jail for threatening to kill police officers.

Frederick E. Knapp, 52, was arrested on May 6, 2020, for sending emails to a law firm in which he made multiple threats to harm members of law enforcement. Knapp said he was going to slit police officers throats.

Knapp pleaded guilty in Warren County Court on June 30 to a felony count of making a terroristic threat.

This sentence is to run concurrent with the two years he has been sentenced to on similar federal charges.

Knapp was living in North Carolina in 2019 and sent emails threatening to kill employees at the North Carolina Judicial Branch. In the messages, he said he hated cops. He accused police of entering his home without a warrant and claimed his wife was beaten, court documents showed.

An employee who received the threatening email forwarded it to their deputy director, who stated this is the most extreme direct-threat email I have ever seen come through the public website link.
State police responded to a report on June 26 of a trespassing incident at the Warrensburg Travel Park and Riverfront Campground.

A police investigation determined that a group of adults and children had been floating on the Schroon River when their inflatables began to deflate. Members of the group came on shore and onto the campground property.

Police said 60-year-old Karl J. Krulls of Delanson approached the group to inform them that they were trespassing and needed to return to the water and head downstream. Krulls got into an argument with members of the group and then allegedly used pepper spray on two adults in the group.

The spray also struck a 4-year-old child who was standing next to the adults, according to police.

All three victims were evaluated by EMS personnel.

In addition, police said that Michelle R. Brown, 61, also of Delanson, repeatedly sparked a Taser and pointed it at the group.

Krulls was charged with misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child and Brown was charged with misdemeanor second-degree menacing.

They were both released on appearance tickets and are due back in Warrensburg Town Court on July 14 at 9 a.m.

Michael Goot covers politics, crime and courts, Warren County, education and business. Reach him at 518-742-3320 or mgoot@poststar.com.
Being exposed to ideas you disagree with  or find abhorrent  is a right, and an American privilege. Just days ago, Hong Kongs last pro-democracy newspaper was shut down and journalists were arrested, as Chinese government leaders attempt to quash dissent.

This board has criticized institutions, from the police to the Mummers, as racist and believes that exploring the systemic racism in our nation  today and during its founding  is part of a well-rounded education. But even if we disagreed with the content of critical race theory and related ideas, wed still encourage them, because grappling with ideas you disagree with is healthy. Engaging in a vigorous exchange of ideas can strengthen our own views, or lead us to accept new ones. Thats a lesson worth teaching everyone in America.

Our forefathers lived in revolutionary times, and perhaps they could not have envisioned the polarization today. But we, too, are living in a revolutionary time. In Philadelphia and across the country, we saw a brave and fervent uprising in 2020, born of hundreds of years of anger over systemic racism in policing. The result has not yet been a new or perfect nation, but changes are happening, ones we would not have seen without the protected free speech of the millions who raised their voices on the streets last June.

Allowing Americans to debate and air a plethora of ideas  including critical race theory  is central to what the men (of course they were all men) who founded our great nation envisioned, on July Fourth and every day.

This editorial was first published July 4 in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Love 2 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1
For Kitchen 330 fans, Zimmerman brought some of his more popular dishes from there to Trio, even if they are slightly revised.

The popular prime pork chop ($29) features a Jamaican jerk rub with pineapple jam; the melt-in-your-mouth Butcher Steak ($29) is a grilled Durham Ranch Kobe Denver steak with chimichurri; and the grilled meatloaf ($25) with house steak sauce features a larger portion and has a more approachable plating than its previous incarnation.

I think the meatloaf was served a little smaller and with black lentils or something at Kitchen 330, Zimmerman says. But here its basically the same recipe. The butcher steak is called that because butchers would take the Denver steak from the shoulder and the hanger steak home with them because they were the best-kept secret of the animal.

Some of the stellar gastro fare includes Shanghai Street Wings ($15); a chefs burger ($16) using a quality short rib and brisket mix with Muenster cheese and served with rosemary parmesan fries and garlic mayo; a cool take on traditional sliders using fried mortadella ($14) with red onion mostarda that was one of our favorite dishes; and the truly scrumptious mussels ($12) removed from their shells and put in a soup-worthy Belgian butter sauce, where they swim among french fries for some truly memorable goodness.
For the eighth consecutive year, beachgoers chose Ocean City as New Jerseys Favorite Beach in a statewide poll.

Representatives of the N.J. Sea Grant Consortium announced the winners of the annual contest in a presentation on the Ocean City Music Pier on Friday morning.

The New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium introduced the survey in 2008 to inspire pride in and stewardship of New Jerseys beaches while promoting a little healthy competition between New Jerseys favorite beach towns.

The contest is decided by online voters who are prevented from voting more than once. Winners were announced on the eve of the big Fourth of July weekend for all shore towns. This year, the contest again included winners for the four coastal counties, and Ocean City was the top beach in Cape May County. Sea Isle City was second overall and the second Cape May County beach.

Ocean City in recent years has been named Best Beach in America and Best Beach in many other statewide polls. Americas Greatest Family Resort also has been recognized for its boardwalk, downtown, ecotourism, family destinations, women-owned businesses and more.
Local

JEVS hireAbility program helps find work, purpose for locals with disabilities

MATTHEW STRABUK, FOR THE PRESS Rebekah Lovell, left, 25, of Somers Point, rolls silverware with Kim Callahan, career manager for JEVS hireAbility program, at Texas Roadhouse in Egg Harbor Township. Lovell was hired there through the hireAbility program. MATTHEW STRABUK, FOR THE PRESS One of Rebekah Lovells responsibilities at Texas Roadhouse in Egg Harbor Township is to ensure all the silverware is sanitized and polished for the evening shift. She eventually would like to work a baking job for the restaurant.

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP  Rebekah Lovell, of Somers Point, wanted to work, but, diagnosed with a developmental delay and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, she didnt know exactly what she could  or was qualified to  do.

In the past year, she has found her niche polishing and rolling silverware for the Egg Harbor Township location of Texas Roadhouse with help from JEVS Human Services hireAbility program.

I sort the silverware, sanitation, said Lovell, 25, a 2017 graduate of Mainland Regional High School in Linwood. I like it. The managers are nice.

JEVS is a Philadelphia-based social service agency that provides career services to individuals with physical, developmental and emotional challenges as well as those facing adverse socio-economic conditions including unemployment and underemployment.

Kim Callahan, career manager for hireAbility, said the program and others like it in the region are important to help connect people with disabilities with jobs for which they may be overlooked. In her role, she actively reaches out to employers to help connect them with potential employees who have the skills or experience levels required, but may need assistance applying or interviewing for a position.

In 2019, the latest available data, JEVS helped 422 people with disabilities prepare for and find employment and 323 young adults with disabilities prepare for life after high school.

Five mornings a week, Lovell comes the restaurant, says hello to her managers and coworkers and gets to work. She rolls between 100 and 150 setups of silverware in napkins each day after washing and polishing the knives and forks. She also helps set up the ramekins of butter for the evening before departing with her mom, Diane, each afternoon.

Sometimes she and her mom stay for a late lunch.

She really loves going to work every day, Diane Lovell said. Shes happy to go to work, and she gets her own money to pay for things.

Rebekahs first day at Texas Roadhouse was July 6 of last year  just a few weeks after restaurants were able to reopen for outdoor dining following a shutdown amid the emergence of COVID-19. She had come to JEVS through a referral from the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services through the One Stop Career Center in Pleasantville.

Program helps Atlantic County youth overcome criminal records to find employment ATLANTIC CITY  A new workforce readiness program is helping young Atlantic County residents whove been arrested find new footing.

Diane Lovell said her daughter attended Atlantic Cape Community College for a year after high school, but it didnt work out. Rebekah developed some workforce skills through her high school working at a snack stand for students and was ready to start looking for employment.

She did really well there, so I was hoping she would find something that she would like, Diane Lovell said. She loves to bake, she helps me, we make dinner together, so its nice.

Rebekah Lovell said she had eaten at various Texas Roadhouse locations and loved their butter, so she was excited when her mom found a job listing for the new Egg Harbor Township restaurant and brought it to Callahans attention.

Callahan went to the hiring office the restaurant set up next door to talk to the managers about Rebekah.

I remember that day, said owner Cody Panetta. We always would have visitors come in, and I always want to be heavily involved in the community.

New CEO named for Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City ATLANTIC CITY  Stephanie Koch has been named the new CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City.

Diane Lovell said Callahan and Rebekah clicked right away.

Its a good experience for a young, disabled adult, its a very good program. And they work well with you, she said of hireAbility.

Callahan said Rebekah is excelling in her role. In addition to helping her find a job, Callahan helps Rebekah adjust to her position and the workload.

We go in with the person and help them learn the job, and then fade out over time, Callahan said. (Rebekahs experience) really is what its supposed to look like.

Callahan said that when she works with people through the hireAbility program, she needs to know not only what jobs they are interested in doing, but also the environmental factors that may be positive or negative for them.

Gun violence is one of Atlantic City's biggest health threats Pull quote It definitely is a public health issue, as far as Im concerned." Dr. James Eakins, trauma medical director for AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City.

She also has to make sure her clients have the ability to do the jobs they want.

Rebekah was interested in a baking position at the restaurant. After speaking with Panetta, Callahan said they decided to start with a less intense position to get Rebekah acclimated to the restaurant. Now, she helps the baker some days with prep work.

From an employment standpoint, we try to be an equal opportunity employer, Panetta said. If someone can do a job, we want them to do it. She is as good of an employee that you can possibly ask for.

For more on hireAbility and other programs, visit jevshumanservices.org/programs.

Related

+2 +2 Stockton program helps young adults get hospitality job training ATLANTIC CITY  The local hospitality industry needs workers and, through a grant-funded collaborative, Stockton University will help train them.
Legend has it that one day in the 1930s, a New York City bartender named Fernand Petiot took a simple cocktail concept, one part vodka and one part tomato juice considered best-consumed in the morning to overcome a hangover, and decided to spice it up, adding black pepper, cayenne, lemon juice and Worcestershire and Tabasco sauces to the mix.

It would come to be known as the bloody mary  a name with many possible origins: Some theorize it was named for the bloody reign of 16th-century Catholic queen Mary Tudor of England; others believe it comes from the curly-haired Hollywood silent-film star, Mary Pickford. Some think it was named for a woman named Mary at a certain bar in Chicago whod made an impression on a patron of Petiots, and lastly, others suggest it originated from the slurred pronunciation of Vladimir, as in Vladimir Smirnov, son of the founder of Smirnoff vodka.

Whatever its namesake, for nearly a century, this tomato cocktail has inspired all manner of variations  the ruddy mary (with red peppers), bloody fairy (with cranberry juice), bloody maria (with tequila), the bloody miriam (with anise-flavored arak) and the virgin mary (with no booze at all). Go-to garnishes include celery stalks for swizzle sticks, lemon wedges, olives, sometimes pickle spears, and more daringly, Italian giardiniera, bacon, sausage or any number of other unconventional garnishes from sliders to sashimi.

Petiots creation is still considered the classic, but according to Brian Bartels, bar owner, bloody mary scholar and author of The Bloody Mary: The Lore and Legend of a Cocktail Classic, youll get a slightly different take depending on what geographic region youre in when you order it.

Emeline Bloody Mary This homemade bloody mary recipe uses mushroom powder for subtle umami that elevates the classic brunch cocktail.

Canada is certainly associated with the bloody caesar with Clamato juice, thanks to a bartender in Calgary in the 1960s, Bartels says. Out west, especially in California, youll see fresh, cold-pressed tomato juice, standing in for canned tomato juice.

In the Midwest  including Bartels home of Madison, Wisconsin, where he runs the Settle Down Tavern  expect the drink served with a snit, also known as a beer chaser.

And on both coasts, given youre so close to fresh seafood, youre getting these more interesting garnishes, like shrimp or lobster, Bartels says.

The South has its own take on the bloody mary, too. Down south, Ive noticed they can be spicier, with more black pepper, and barbeque sauce, he says.

The key ingredient

No matter where you order it, this cocktails cornerstone is the ingredient that gives it its color: the tomato.

If you have time on your hands and you have tomatoes from your local farmers market and youre able to juice them out, thats really nice, Bartels says. Of course, not everybody has that luxury.

Wrong turns with the drinks other main ingredients  spices, citrus and sauces  can lead to too much spice, too much acidity, or, if one goes overboard with Worcestershire, too much umami. But excessive tomato juice can make the drink thick, Bartels warns, more like a soup than a cocktail.

Bartels says canned juice is a simple solution. We like to use the Sacramento brand or Campbells organic, options that have a nice consistency without being too mealy or toothsome, he says.

But for Ross Taylor, a bloody mary devotee whose family has been farming tomatoes on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, for over a century, the standards for tomatoes are high. If it doesnt have vine-ripened fresh tomatoes, its not a real bloody mary, Taylor says.

Tomatoes are the star of the show in his family farms own bloody mary mix sold under the Seaside Grown brand. Its designed to be used with 4 parts mix with 1 part vodka for the perfect balance. Each bottle contains 86 percent juice from about two pounds of recently harvested tomatoes that are cooked down on-site. The rest, Taylor says, is a blend of pickle brine, anchovy paste, Worcestershire and a secret blend of spices.

In southern-style, sometimes Taylor cuts his cocktail with the brands spicy blend, too  the original with extra horseradish and searingly hot, smoky Carolina reaper peppers.

With his ocean access, Taylor embellishes his drink with seafood, but with a St. Helena Island twist. For garnish, I like a little Frogmore stew, Taylor says. Known off the island as low country boil, Frogmore stew is a hearty blend of shrimp, kielbasa, corn on the cob and onion, hanging off the edge of the glass  a treat for the eye and the palate on an already perfect brunch-ready cocktail.
Regarding Tuesdays demonstration, Council President George Tibbitt said the group has a right to rally but they missed an opportunity by just gathering.

I just really think its a shame because today would have been a great opportunity for them ... instead of cheering and yelling they couldve been picking up needles in the neighborhoods to show us how much they care about the city, Tibbitt said.

Mike Nees, of the AIDS Alliance, said closing the needle exchange will have dire consequences on public health in the resort.

Atlantic City must protect essential HIV and overdose prevention program, by Carol Harney Atlantic City is on the verge of closing one of only seven syringe access programs (SAPs) in

An unprecedented outbreak of HIV is at our doorstep, eagerly awaiting for City Council to pass their foolish motion to shut us (needle exchange) down, Nees said. We need leaders with the courage to come look at the most vulnerable constituents in the eye and see what Ive seen for the last 10 years, (which is) the incredible hope and resilience of the people of Atlantic City.

More than 600 people in Atlantic City are HIV-positive, Nees told council last month.

The syringe exchange program, started in 2007 as a partnership between the AIDS Alliance and the citys Health Department, is just one of seven in the state, along with programs in Asbury Park, Camden, Jersey City, Newark, Paterson and Trenton.
She said the board reached out to every municipal clerk for suggestions in their towns, and has a list about four pages long.

"Some we had to dismiss out of hand because everything is a must," she said of the specifications. "So if there isn't strong, solid Wi-Fi, it's an automatic rejection. If we can have it weekdays but not weekends, it's an automatic rejection."

The county is offering four sites, including county library locations in Mays Landing and Galloway Township, the Shoreview Building on Shore Road in Northfield, and the Hammonton Family Success Center on Bellevue Avenue.

Atlantic City is offering space in the Atlantic City Free Public Library.

+2 Appellate court rules special election, full recount needed in Atlantic commissioner races There will be a special election for the 3rd District seat on the Atlantic County Board of C

Those locations would cover all five voting districts in the county.

In those cases, locked rooms would be available, Caterson said, so the machines can be kept secure.

But Caterson said the state has still not provided the funding to pay for the new voting machines needed as well as other additional expenses. The state must pay for state-mandated expenses.
So far, more than 45 people have been charged in the case with 30 pleading guilty and three sentenced to date.

Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

Kugler said the delay in setting a trial date for the Shers, Pugh, Broccoli and Schallus is due to the backup caused by the pandemic and related closures.

We are starting criminal trials in Camden and throughout the district, Kugler said. Where that leaves you, Im not quite sure yet because we have so many cases and were still restricted to one jury trial per courthouse at any time. And thats going to last through the rest of the summer, I think.

Kugler said incarcerated defendants will get priority in having their trials scheduled.

I think we all understand the situation, we get it, said Jerome A. Ballarotto, the attorney representing John Sher. And I think our clients understand also.

Kugler said he anticipates this trial will last at least four weeks. U.S. Attorney David Walk estimated it would be closer to five or six weeks long.

The judge and attorneys agreed to reconvene at 10 a.m. Sept. 9.

All I can do is apologize, but, as you know, this is beyond our power to control, Kugler said.

Contact Claire Lowe: 609-272-7251 clowe@pressofac.com Twitter @clairelowe

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Frazier, shackled at his hands and feet and wearing a gray jumpsuit, did not say a word during the brief conference.

Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

Following the hearing, Lewis declined to comment. The U.S. Attorneys Office also declined to comment.

Frazier had been working for DCFs Division of Child Protection and Permanency for two years when he was arrested in April 2019 following a search of his home that police say yielded more than 1,000 images of child pornography. When officers executed a search warrant on Fraziers apartment, he was in the company of a boy.

The federal criminal complaint against Frazier states that DCFs Institutional Abuse Investigation Unit began an investigation into Frazier following a complaint from Pennsylvania Avenue School Principal LaQuetta Small that Frazier was having inappropriate contact with a student at the school.

DCF found that Frazier allowed a 9-year-old boy to visit him at his home and sleep in his bed, but the boy did not disclose to investigators any sexual contact. Frazier also denied inappropriate conduct except that he let the boy sleep in his bed. He claimed to be a mentor for the boy and referred to him as son.
Reliable rail service and increased ridership will lead to additional economic and travel improvements, the coalition said in a statement.

"Improved infrastructure and economic development will lead to increased freight cargo and the associated jobs that come with it," the coalition said. "In addition, future expansion to Atlantic City International Airport and to the National Aviation Research and Technology Park can become a reality."

The Economic Alliance is working on several new projects, one of which is a train station at Atlantic City International Airport at a site to be located in Galloway, Moore said.

"We have an international airport in the South Jersey region, and we need a rail stop that connects us to the Philadelphia region and connects us to Atlantic City," Moore said. "We will continue to focus on this and work with our partners at the South Jersey Transportation Authority and our partners at NJ Transit to get a rail stop here."

The Greater Atlantic City Chamber is trying to improve the rail line in partnership with the Rail Line Coalition, said Michael Chait, president of the chamber.

"A train station that ties into the airport is a fantastic idea," Chait said.
Five mornings a week, Lovell comes the restaurant, says hello to her managers and coworkers and gets to work. She rolls between 100 and 150 setups of silverware in napkins each day after washing and polishing the knives and forks. She also helps set up the ramekins of butter for the evening before departing with her mom, Diane, each afternoon.

Sometimes she and her mom stay for a late lunch.

She really loves going to work every day, Diane Lovell said. Shes happy to go to work, and she gets her own money to pay for things.

Rebekahs first day at Texas Roadhouse was July 6 of last year  just a few weeks after restaurants were able to reopen for outdoor dining following a shutdown amid the emergence of COVID-19. She had come to JEVS through a referral from the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services through the One Stop Career Center in Pleasantville.

Program helps Atlantic County youth overcome criminal records to find employment ATLANTIC CITY  A new workforce readiness program is helping young Atlantic County residents

Diane Lovell said her daughter attended Atlantic Cape Community College for a year after high school, but it didnt work out. Rebekah developed some workforce skills through her high school working at a snack stand for students and was ready to start looking for employment.
During the evening, temperatures will fall into the 80s. Well turn partly to mostly cloudy. Itll be Tuesday night-lite. There will be showers and storms in the Mid-Atlantic from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. However, they will be few and far between. Plus, no severe weather will be likely. Keep the air conditioners and fans cranked. Lows will be 70 to 75 degrees.

Thursday will be the transition day into an unsettled airmass, highlighted by Tropical Storm Elsa passing near or over us Friday.

Expect a mostly sunny start. With a warm front to the north, we should be plenty warm and soupy to start. Dew points should be highest this day, in the oppressively mid-70s.

Despite all of the moisture, though, I do believe most of us will stay dry. The remnants of Elsa will still be to our south, a cold front will be in the Great Lakes states and the rain from the warm front will be to our north. Highs will be in the mid- to upper 80s.

Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

It's hurricane season: See how and where these deadly storms strike the US See how and where these deadly storms strike, and explore how their frequency and severity has increased over time.

Then, Ill turn to Elsa. Clouds will be on the rise during the evening. Winds will increase from the south and southeast. Youll get that eerie feeling in the air that something is about to happen. Heres what I can tell you about Elsa:
A Black man who endured racist slurs caught on video last week in New Jersey is serving in the U.S. Air Force and said Wednesday in an interview that the interaction has reinforced the need for more discussion about race in America.

Etchu Tanyoh Brandon Tambe, of Mount Laurel, Burlington County, was seen in a video Friday arguing with a white man who uses racist epithets at him and other neighbors. The white man, Edward C. Mathews, 45, was later arrested and faces harassment and disorderly conduct charges, according to police documents.

Tambe said he moved to the U.S. in 2017 from Cameroon after winning a visa lottery and decided to join the Air Force because he was always interested in the military and the Air Force was challenging. He holds the rank of senior airman and works as an aerial porter, processing cargo and passengers, at McGuire Air Force Base, he said.

He became a citizen in 2019. In the video, Mathews is seen telling Tambe, Its not Africa and telling him to learn the laws.
It is believed that as many as 125 Civil War veterans are buried at Mount Peace, but their graves have not been located. Burial records and plot maps were lost when a fire destroyed a caretakers house on the property. Veterans of the Spanish American War, World Wars I and II, and the Korean War also are buried in Mount Peace.

The former cemetery owners went bankrupt years ago, leaving the association without funds to maintain the site. So the trustees rely upon donations and cleanups by residents and members of local churches and civic groups. The cemetery association recently began offering memberships and launched an online store that sells remembrance merchandise such as T-shirts and tote bags to generate revenue, Marshall said.

Preservation New Jersey has classified the cemetery as an endangered site since 2012 to bring public awareness that the cemetery could be in jeopardy. Marshall said the association hopes to get it listed on the National Underground Railroad Network.

Volunteers maintain the front section of the 11-acre cemetery, tending to graves and removing weeds. A local businessman serves on the cemetery board and has been picking up the cost of lawn service since 2014. New burials are no longer accepted.
BEIJING (AP)  Chinese authorities locked down a city bordering Myanmar on Wednesday, shutting most businesses and requiring residents to stay at home as a fresh outbreak of COVID-19 expanded.

Two more cases were confirmed by the end of Wednesday, bringing the total to 23 in Ruili city over the past four days, health authorities in southwestern Yunnan province said.

The lockdown shut down all businesses and public institutions except hospitals, pharmacies and essential shops such as grocery stores, according to a notice posted online. It affects the urban part of Ruili, which like most Chinese cities includes surrounding rural areas in its jurisdiction.

Myanmar is battling a large outbreak with limited resources to contain it. The Southeast Asian nation reported 3,602 new cases in the last 24 hours, state media said Wednesday, its highest daily total since the pandemic began.

Ruili lies across a river from the city of Muse in Myanmar's Shan state. Chinese anti-virus measures have dealt a blow to the active cross-border trade between the two countries, Chinas state-owned Global Times newspaper reported earlier this week.

Authorities had already banned unnecessary travel in and out of Ruili on Monday, after the first cases were reported.
My opposition to the death penalty dates back to a single week in the early 1990s.

As a young reporter working on a story about New Yorks capital punishment laws, I called more than a dozen district attorneys in counties all around the state. I was, at that point, unsure what to think about the death penalty, but I was stunned when, one after another, they told me  off the record, because none dared antagonize voters  that they did not believe it had any deterrent effect whatsoever.

Most murders, they said, are committed in the heat of a passionate moment, often by people who are drunk or high or mentally ill. The murderers arent calculating the consequences of their acts.

For me, that was transformative. Even later, when I learned more about exonerations, about the racism baked into the system and about the moral arguments against executions, it was always that first realization that had the most profound effect on me.

If prosecutors dont believe in its effectiveness, why should anyone else?

It was a little more than a year later that Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun wrote his now-famous dissent in Callins vs. Collins, in which he concluded: I no longer shall tinker with the machinery of death.
The toll in lives lost is even harder to face. It includes 2,442 U.S. troops, 1,144 coalition troops and an estimated 3,800 U.S. contractors, in addition to nearly 50,000 Afghan civilians, 72 journalists and 444 aid workers. Continuing our military campaign in Afghanistan would undoubtedly increase all these numbers, but we have no reason to believe it would change the end game.

The Afghan people are facing an uncertain future, but whether it will be more violent isnt even clear. Two decades of war have brought mass civilian casualties including from airstrikes by U.S. and coalition forces. Fighting could drop if one actor takes dominant control.

Instead of asking whether our military should remain in Afghanistan, we should ask what we need to do to advance our limited interests there now. This includes using intelligence resources and working with partners to ensure that what emerges doesnt develop into a direct threat to the United States. We can continue to use diplomacy and development assistance as leverage to try to sway better outcomes, but we should recognize and accept the limitations of this approach in the near term, and of our national security interest at stake.

We should also be taking stock of lessons learned. In the absence of success, the best way to honor those who lost their lives in this conflict is to not make the same mistakes again. No matter how many troops we send, how much firepower we use, or how long we stay, the United States alone cannot will a new and effective government into being in a foreign country. We should have learned this lesson already. Lets hope we dont have to again.

Elizabeth Shackelford is a senior fellow on U.S. foreign policy with the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. She is a former U.S. diplomat and author of The Dissent Channel: American Diplomacy in a Dishonest Age.
You can watch the announcement live beginning at 10 a.m. on our Facebook page.

The city of Davenport and the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce will announce a major economic development project at a press conference Wednesday, according to a city media advisory.

It is widely expected that officials will announce plans for an Amazon fulfillment center north of Interstate 80 and west of the Davenport Municipal Airport.

Davenport city officials approved the development agreement with Seefried Industrial Properties in May, which describes itself on its website as "a longtime Amazon development and project management partner."

City officials have been tight-lipped about the unnamed company looking to bring those jobs. City officials, Greater Davenport Redevelopment Corporation and Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, have declined to name the company behind the deal, citing a non-disclosure agreement.
The cloud system allows the people police interact with to upload video captured by cell phone at the scene said Rachel Leinson, a sales representative with Axon. Officers can send a witness a link and they can upload their footage.

Members of the East Moline City Council approved the proposition at the Committee of the Whole meeting Tuesday, meaning the council has to give the body camera proposal the final stamp of approval at the next council meeting July 19.

From there, Ramsey said he hopes to have the cameras implemented and operational by the fall. Once the contract is signed, it takes four to six weeks to get the equipment, and then Axon will conduct training with officers, Ramsey said.

According to a list of provided by Ramsey to the council, recording officer interactions is likely to minimize complaints and unnecessary use of force because both officers and citizens may tend to be more restrained knowing a camera is used. It goes on to state that body cameras offer hard video evidence of high-intensity situations, protects officers and people against false accusations, misconduct, or abuse, increases transparency, and could provide valuable evidence in court as well as footage for officer evaluations.
Forrest Rogers, a business consultant who helped form a group of sedition hunters called Deep State Dogs, said the group has reported the possible identities of about 100 suspects to the FBI based on evidence it collected.

Sometimes, a distinctive article of clothing helps the group make a match. In one case, a woman carrying a unique iPhone case on Jan. 6 had been photographed with the same case at an earlier protest, Rogers said.

Its seeking justice," he said. This is something thats unprecedented in the history of our country. Rogers asked, Where else have you had several thousands of people who commit a crime and then immediately disperse all over the United States?"

John Scott-Railton is a senior researcher at the Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto who has been collaborating with journalists and others to identify suspects using digital clues. He said that while much is known about the small fish who committed crimes that day, a deeper understanding is needed of the actions of organized group leaders.

"We all need to be in a place where we can have conversations about what Jan. 6th was that go beyond a bunch of individuals motivated by a set of ideologies who showed up at the Capitol, he said.
MOSCOW (AP)  Rescuers have found the bodies of 19 victims a day after a plane crash in a remote area in Russia's Far East, the authorities said.

An Antonov An-26 carrying 28 people crashed Tuesday near its destination town of Palana in the region of Kamchatka, apparently as it came in for a landing in bad weather. The plane was en route from the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to Palana on Tuesday morning when it missed a scheduled communication and disappeared from radar.

Wreckage was found Tuesday evening on a coastal cliffside and in the sea, and the search and rescue operation was suspended until Wednesday morning after night fell, as the crash site was difficult to access in the dark.

The governor of Kamchatka, Vladimir Solodov, told the state Tass news agency that the first bodies are being pulled out (of the water). Russia's Emergency Ministry said that remains of 19 victims have been found so far, and one of them has been identified already.

Russian media reported Tuesday that none of the six crew members or 22 passengers on board had survived. The head of the local government in Palana, Olga Mokhireva, was among the passengers, spokespeople of the Kamchatka government said.
The U.S. left Afghanistan's Bagram Airfield after nearly 20 years by shutting off the electricity and slipping away in the night without notifying the base's new Afghan commander, who discovered the Americans' departure more than two hours after they left, Afghan military officials said.

Afghanistan's army showed off the sprawling air base Monday, providing a rare first glimpse of what had been the epicenter of America's war to unseat the Taliban and hunt down the al-Qaida perpetrators of the 9/11 attacks on America.

The U.S. announced Friday it had completely vacated its biggest airfield in the country in advance of a final withdrawal the Pentagon says will be completed by the end of August.

"We (heard) some rumor that the Americans had left Bagram ... and finally by seven o'clock in the morning, we understood that it was confirmed that they had already left Bagram," Gen. Mir Asadullah Kohistani, Bagram's new commander said.

U.S. military spokesman Col. Sonny Leggett did not address the specific complaints of many Afghan soldiers who inherited the abandoned airfield, instead referring to a statement last week. Leggett said in the statement that they had coordinated their departures with Afghanistan's leaders.
Our president spoke last night (Sunday, June 27), supposedly addressing the problem of increased violence occurring in Democrat-run cities. For reference, here is the increase in murder rate from 2020 to 2021:

Atlanta, 58%; Portland, 533%; New York City, 13%; Los Angeles, 22%; Chicago, 5%; and Philadelphia, 37%.

Having looked at these figures, he blamed the gain on proliferation of guns.

An estimated 13 million were sold in the first four months of 2021, a new record. But 13 million guns is only a 3% increase to 470 million already owned. Hardly enough to cause the increases shown above. Violence has increased because it's no longer policed.

As an aside, let's pretend he's correct the violence increase is due to an increase in gun ownership. What is the major cause of gun ownership? Well, it's increased a record amount since he's been elected. A gun shop used to have a big picture of Barack Obama as "The Employee of the Month".

A Democrat who is president is not just responsible for an increase in violence, but an increase in gun sales. Also, because violence is increased.
To offset the cost of about $3.9 million in road improvements for the site, Davenport has applied to the Iowa Department of Transportation Revitalizing Iowa's Sound Economy grant program. The grant would cover 60% of the cost, and the city will use general funds and bonds abated by a tax increment financing program to cover the other 40%. The city says roadway improvements will include:

Reconstruction and new turning lanes on north Division Street at the project site.

Intersection improvements at Hillandale Road and Research Parkway with the Eastern Iowa Industrial Center.

Intersection improvements at the center's entrance at Northwest Boulevard and Hillandale Road.

Intersection improvements at Northwest Boulevard and West 76th Street.

The company has embarked on a hiring spree so large it left historians and economists struggling for comparisons, the New York Times reported.

Amazon added 500,000 employees in 2020, bringing its global workforce to nearly 1.3 million by the end of 2020, according to its most recent financial report. It added an average of 1,400 new workers a day, according to the New York Times.
"The Stranger in the Mirror" by Liv Constantine; Harper (336 pages, $26.99)



The well-worn trope of a person suffering amnesia receives a fresh update in The Stranger in the Mirror, thanks to appealing characters and Liv Constantines energetic storytelling. Constantine, the pseudonym for sisters Lynne and Valerie Constantine, has delivered consistently enthralling novels that have deservedly landed on best sellers lists. While The Stranger in the Mirror occasionally dips into cliches, Constantine imbues this fifth novel with a brisk plot, solid twists and many surprises as the author blends the psychological thriller with a terrifying domestic drama.

Two years ago, Addison Hope was found walking down a New Jersey highway, injured, disoriented, with no idea who she was, nor any clues to her identity. Now Addison  her name came from a tombstone  has a growing career as a photographer in Philadelphia and is engaged to wealthy Gabriel Oliver, whom she has known for six months. Gabriels family has embraced her, though his mother, Blythe, worries about her past, which rears up when psychiatrist Julian Hunter pays a chance visit to the Oliver Art Gallery. Julian insists that Addison is his wife, Cassandra, who disappeared two years ago, leaving him and their 7-year-old daughter, Valentina, inconsolable.
Biden said he set red lines by handing a list to Putin of some 16 critical infrastructure entities, including water systems and the energy sector, in the U.S. that are off-limits to attack. He said responsible countries need to take action against criminals who conduct ransomware activities on their territory.

The Kaseya attack did not appear to affect any critical infrastructure. Nevertheless, the incident shows that ransomware attacks, even if they dont target critical infrastructure, have the potential to be damaging when done on a massive scale.

Biden also suggested that he told Putin that he stood ready to retaliate should the Russians go too far.

I pointed out to him that we have significant cyber capability. And he knows it, Biden said.

Further complicating matters, the Republican National Committee said Tuesday one of its contractors had been breached, though it did not say by whom. The RNC said no data was accessed.

The administration has already taken action against the Russians for cyberespionage, announcing in April the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats and sanctions against several dozen people and companies over Kremlin interference in last years presidential election and the hacking of federal agencies.
McClung gave the same response Tuesday to questions about how many troopers would be deployed to either state. As to the duties the Iowa law officers would be performing there, she said: The size of the deployed team and the short duration of the deployment will be similar in scope to our commitment to other special assignments, such as RAGBRAI and the Iowa State Fair. The Troopers will be performing general law enforcement duties consistent with their training and experience.

On June 24, Reynolds said she approved the action in response to requests from Govs. Greg Abbott of Texas and Doug Ducey of Arizona under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. Iowa is one of seven states so far to indicate their intentions to deploy officers to assist in border security efforts.

Iowa public safety officials indicated at the time that about 25 to 30 sworn members of the department would travel to the border for a deployment expected to last about two weeks. Currently, the Iowa State Patrol has a total of 360 sworn staff with 267 solely assigned to road duty, according to the department.

A department email obtained by WHO-TV last month said that the state will be soliciting officers to travel to Texas to support this request. We anticipate the travel dates will be July 8-23, 2021.
Its too early to know exactly what will happen next, said Jonathan Katz, who previously covered Haiti for the AP and wrote a book about the countrys devastating earthquake.

We dont know who did this, what their end game is, what else they have planned, he said, noting that Moise had a long list of enemies. There were a lot of people who wanted him gone. And there were a lot of people whom he wanted gone.

It seems to be a pretty well-financed operation, he said, adding it could take days to piece together what happened. Thats the question: Whos behind it and what do they want?

Moise was killed a day after he nominated Ariel Henry, a neurosurgeon, as the new prime minister. Joseph took over the job of interim prime minister in April following the resignation of the previous premier, Joseph Jouthe  the latest in a revolving door of prime ministers.

In the AP interview, Joseph said he had spoken three times with Henry and that there was agreement he was in charge for now.

He was actually designated but never took office, Joseph said of Henry. I was the one who was a prime minister, who was in office. This is what the law and the constitution says.
The toll in lives lost is even harder to face. It includes 2,442 U.S. troops, 1,144 coalition troops and an estimated 3,800 U.S. contractors, in addition to nearly 50,000 Afghan civilians, 72 journalists and 444 aid workers. Continuing our military campaign in Afghanistan would undoubtedly increase all these numbers, but we have no reason to believe it would change the end game.

The Afghan people are facing an uncertain future, but whether it will be more violent isnt even clear. Two decades of war have brought mass civilian casualties including from airstrikes by U.S. and coalition forces. Fighting could drop if one actor takes dominant control.

Instead of asking whether our military should remain in Afghanistan, we should ask what we need to do to advance our limited interests there now. This includes using intelligence resources and working with partners to ensure that what emerges doesnt develop into a direct threat to the United States. We can continue to use diplomacy and development assistance as leverage to try to sway better outcomes, but we should recognize and accept the limitations of this approach in the near term, and of our national security interest at stake.

We should also be taking stock of lessons learned. In the absence of success, the best way to honor those who lost their lives in this conflict is to not make the same mistakes again. No matter how many troops we send, how much firepower we use, or how long we stay, the United States alone cannot will a new and effective government into being in a foreign country. We should have learned this lesson already. Lets hope we dont have to again.

Elizabeth Shackelford is a senior fellow on U.S. foreign policy with the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. She was previously a U.S. diplomat and is author of "The Dissent Channel: American Diplomacy in a Dishonest Age." This was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
On behalf of the Henry County 4-H Foundation, 4-H and Illinois Extension staff, we want to say a big thanks to all who helped with the 2021 Henry County Fair. To those that were there every day or those working a shift at our 4-H Food Stand, we appreciate you.

Volunteers are still the back bone of the Henry County adult and youth programs. Hats off to all of the kids and their parents/families supporting 4-H. Another shout out to the Henry County Fair Board for doing everything possible to run every event during the week.

Congratulations to Henry County Fair Pageant Director Kelli Patton on another successful Fair Queen pageant. Cheers as well to our Henry County Highway Department in getting our north access paved in time for fair week. Corporate sponsors like Wyffels, Gold Star, Tyson, Michlig, and Precision Signs, just to name a few, are the lifeline for the soundness of the effort in supporting the Henry County Fair and our 4-H Food Stand.

And to all those who attended the 2021 Henry County Fair  know that you are also appreciated, without a doubt. To say "thanks to all" needs to be done. One of our Henry County mottos is, "Together, We Are Henry County." Our county fair is evidence of that.

Tim Wells
Its officially been a month since Chadrons new city manager, John Sutherland, started in the position, and in that time hes been keeping busy with familiarizing himself with city staff.

This is still a learning phase for me, Sutherland said. The most difficult thing for a new guy to come into a situation, is to get his arms around exactly whats working and how its working before jumping to any conclusions. Im certainly not going to jump into anything. Im going to ask a lot of questions, get a lot of input from a lot of different people, and try to understand the community, the workforce and how the city operates. This is a huge learning opportunity.

Among the highlights of his first month, Sutherland said hes impressed with the efficiency and commitment of the city staff, and the willingness to work together across normal lines to get tasks done. Its very focused on the end result, very focused on delivering a good product at the end. He further added this wasnt a surprise, as Chadron presents itself well as a clean, friendly and obviously thriving town.

Even though its a remote, rural, agricultural community that you would think would be suffering a bit, it doesnt seem to be the truth in this case. People dedicated themselves to doing a good job, doing good work and working well together.
CRAWFORD  Preserving history for future generations takes an understanding of the past and a vision for the future. In Crawford, Charlene Vail, a volunteer at the Crawford Historical Museum, possesses both of those qualities.

Vail was recently presented with a Heritage Hero certificate and pin from History Nebraska for her efforts to keep the towns history alive and accessible.

Charlene has worked tirelessly to keep the museum open, wrote fellow volunteer Carol Foster in her nomination of Vail for the award. Charlene knows the importance of keeping objects for family history, and she wants to save this towns and Fort Robinsons history. It is hard to put into words what a big project this has been for her.

Vail was presented with the Heritage Hero Award June 29 at the museum by History Nebraska board member and former State Senator Bob Wickersham. Vails contribution to local preservation efforts are also a contribution to the state, he said.
The block party will be an opportunity for community members across the city to stand up against violence and support these neighbors through the recent trauma, he said.

"It's time for the community to stand up against violence. In fact, it's past time," Allender said.

At Wednesday's block party event, the Rapid City community has an opportunity to do just that, the mayor said. The Great Plains Tribal Chairmen's Health Board will be there to provide resources for mental health counseling.

"We need you to come out and stand with this neighborhood on North Maple Street, to let them know there's hope, to let them know there's a better way and that you are willing to be there for them," Allender said.

Hedrick said the block party is part of a new approach to violent crime that centers on community intervention. The program has expanded into other areas, as well, with resources for the chronically homeless and other at-risk populations in Rapid City.
OMAHA, Neb. (AP)  The Biden administration plans to issue a new rule to protect the rights of farmers who raise cows, chickens and hogs against the country's largest meat processors as part of a plan to encourage more competition in the agriculture sector.

The new rule that will make it easier for farmers to sue companies they contract with over unfair, discriminatory or deceptive practices is one of several steps that the White House plans to announce in the next few days. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is also expected to tighten the definition of what it means for meat to be labeled a "Product of USA" to exclude when animals are raised in other countries and simply processed in the United States.

Keep scrolling for 50 fascinating facts about farming in America

Some farmer advocacy groups have pressed for these changes for several years but Congress and the meat processing industry have resisted the changes in the past. A USDA official familiar with the White House's plan said an executive order is expected to be announced this week that will clear the way for the new rules that will follow later.
Gov. Kristi Noem has hired a new senior communications advisor.

Jordan Overturf, the current director of communications for the Texas House Republican Caucus, announced via Twitter on Saturday that he would be taking on the position on July 15.

He will advise Governor Noem on a wide variety of communications matters, including digital media. Governor Noem is very excited about the unique skill set he brings to the table, as am I, Ian Fury, Noems spokesman, told the Journal on Tuesday.

Overturf will be moving to Pierre soon and said he and his fiance are looking forward to becoming South Dakotans.

Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

"I'm very excited about this opportunity. I'm thrilled to be joining Governor Noem's staff, and I'm looking forward to helping serve South Dakota as part of her team," Overturf told the Journal.

Overturf is the latest in a series of out-of-state high ranking officials to work for Noem. The Governors Office has hired Kansas-based Bird Dog Recruitment and Consulting, LLC, in May, paying $10,000 to help with the search for a new chief of communications.
The Department of Education announced Wednesday the approval of South Dakota's American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief plans and distributed remaining ESSER funds to them.

South Dakota is receiving more than $381 million in ESSER funds, and Wednesday's approval of their plan will result in the release of the final $127 million. The Rapid City school district will receive a total of $40.1 million.

South Dakota's plan details how the state is using ESSER funds to re-engage students and equitably expand opportunity for those who need it most, particularly those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

Earlier this year, the DOE distributed two thirds of the ESSER funds, totaling $81 billion, to 50 states and the District of Columbia. The remaining third of the funding to states are made available once state plans are approved.
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP)  Slovakias top court ruled Wednesday that a nationwide referendum cannot be held on whether to call an early parliamentary election.

President Zuzana Caputova had asked the Constitutional Court to rule on the matter after over 585,000 Slovak citizens signed petitions calling for the snap vote, which the political opposition proposed over the governments handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

At least 350,000 signatures are needed to qualify a referendum in the country of 5.4 million. If a majority voted yes in the proposed election referendum, a new parliamentary ballot would have to be held in 180 days.

Slovakias next regular general election is scheduled for 2024.

Justice Minister Maria Kolikova and some leading law experts doubted that such a referendum would be in line with the rule of law and advised the president to turn to the Constitutional Court.

The court agreed the proposed vote would not conform with the Constitution because it would violate the character of Slovakia as a democratic state with the rule of law, chief judge Ivan Fiacan said.

Parliament would have to amend the Constitution to specifically allow such a referendum, the court said.
Well, right on cue, Governor Noem arrived and graciously greeted the crowd and even joined in singing happy birthday to a 12-year-old girl who had come to Peggys with her family for her birthday breakfast. Boy, they got a birthday surprise! In between the substantive questions and serious answers that followed during the interview, she and Lawrence chatted back and forth as if they had known each other for years.

They addressed several issues including the deploying of our National Guard troops to the border. I have gotten many phone calls and emails about our Guard being deployed to the border, and was happy to hear the Governor's thoughts. In this instance, the deployment to Texas was being made following a request from Texas under the Emergency Management Assistance Company (EMAC). South Dakota is a member of the compact, which is regularly used by many states to request sister-state assistance during emergencies or disasters. Governor Noem stated that, This is an incredibly important issue for our country. In my opinion, the National Guard is the best suited for going there working towards securing the border. Which makes sense to me since they are trained and equipped for these types of missions. She also told Lawrence Jones that, She followed all the protocols and had asked for volunteers to go to the border from the National Guard and has more than enough volunteers to go. Did you realize that South Dakota has the best National Guard unit and has for the past three years! Frankly, in a time of national need, I cant imagine South Dakota sending less than our best to help defend our borders."
Leah is just like an expert fundraiser. She just is, Kostecki said. She does a really great job.

Grant has been on the Freedom Livestock Committee since its inception. In preparation for her second year (and thanks to lighter COVID restrictions, as Montana moves into a post-pandemic world), Grant and her partners have been prioritizing the door-to-door sales that had always been so effective pre-COVID, she said.

We spent the last 30 days really just kind of pounding the pavement and knocking doors and talking to amazing businesses and people from all over, Grant said. This year we were really able to get in front of more people and shake more hands. And they got to see and hear a more personal experience.

Grant worked between 10 and 15 hours a week with the committee while raising money for the event, she said. Along with cash donations, she also worked to accumulate items for a live, online auction that was conducted while contestants showed their animals.

Grant was pleased to see the increase in attendees for her committees event. She said her teams hard work  both this year and last  helped raise awareness and participation for the second show.
The quest to learn why a Florida condo building collapsed has already moved to the legal system, even before rescuers finish searching for victims and possible survivors.

Authorities have opened criminal and civil investigations into the collapse of the oceanfront Champlain Towers South, which killed at least 36 people and left more than 100 missing. At least six lawsuits have been filed by Champlain Towers families.

The whole world wants to know what happened here," Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava told a news conference Tuesday. Everyone, she said, wants to know "what could have been prevented and how we make sure it never happens again.

Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle has pledged to bring the matter to a grand jury, which will gather evidence and hear testimony, and could recommend criminal charges or needed reforms.

One lawyer involved in the litigation said the collapse raises widespread concerns about infrastructure issues and the trust put in those responsible for them.
Fisher says he then turned to walk away, but Merritt shot him multiple times in the back and legs. Fisher fell and crawled between two cars where officers found him.

Surveillance footage from the alley told a different tale. Fisher is seen on camera walking down the alley with four other people toward another group of people that included Merritt, investigators said.

As the groups converged, Fisher pulled out a pistol and shot Merritt multiple times at point blank range." Merritt falls face first into the alley. Fisher shoots him two more times.

While being shot, Merritt managed to fire several rounds at Fisher hitting him in the legs and ankle. In the video, Fisher falls to the ground and crawls between two vehicles.

While in the hospital, Fisher bragged to cops that he was a good shot and that he lit him up," referring to shooting Merritt.

This is not the first time Fisher has been shot. In December 2018, Fisher, 16 at the time, was shot by a juvenile classmate with an AR-15 at a private home in Colstrip. Authorities in Colstrip did not release any criminal information about the shooting but said the boy had been charged with criminal endangerment. Fishers mother, Jenny Small, spoke to The Gazette at the time saying Fisher had not cooperated with police when they arrived to investigate.

Love 0 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
The panel that vetted candidates in Great Falls last week noted Grubich's broad community support through the process and willingness to dive into the caseload bottlenecked by the vacant judgeship.

Grubich will have to run for election in 2022 to retain his seat.

Levine had said earlier in the process that she would run for the district court bench in 2022, whether or not she was appointed.

The GOP-majority Legislature earlier this year passed a bill, which Gianforte backed, giving the governor expanded appointment powers in the case of judicial vacancies. The law has already been upheld by the state Supreme Court and a district court judge last week denied two former Democratic lawmakers' request to halt a new law granting the Republican governor expanded power to appoint judges.
News

REvil Ransomware Attacks Used Zero-Day Vulnerability in Kaseya's IT Management Software

A ransomware attack leveraging a zero-day vulnerability in Kaseya's VSA management solution may have affected about 60 managed service providers (MSPs) and almost 1,500 of their business customers.

The so-called "supply-chain" attack, attributed to the REvil ransomware gang (a.k.a., "Sodinokibi"), was acknowledged by Kaseya in this rolling series of posts, dating back to July 2. Kaseya provides its VSA solution as a service, hosted from its datacenters, but the management software also gets installed on local servers (on customer premises). VSA is typically used by MSPs to provide outsourced IT support to businesses.

Early on, Kaseya shut down its VSA servers and urged its customers using VSA on local infrastructure to do the same. However, the vulnerability had already been leveraged by the attackers, affecting MSPs and businesses.

On-Premises VSA Customers Affected

Here is Kaseya's July 5 assessment of the ransomware attack, which indicated that MSP customers using VSA installed on-premises, as well as their customers, were the ones affected:

To date, we are aware of fewer than 60 Kaseya customers, all of whom were using the VSA on-premises product, who were directly compromised by this attack. While many of these customers provide IT services to multiple other companies, we understand the total impact thus far has been to fewer than 1,500 downstream businesses. We have not found evidence that any of our SaaS customers were compromised.

So far, it's known that 800 of Sweden's Coop grocery stores were shut down due to the ransomware, according to a Reuters report. Coop relies on Visma Esscom to keep its cash registers running, and Visma Esscom uses Kaseya's solution for IT management tasks.

The attackers are said to have "demanded $70 million to restore all the affected businesses' data," although they negotiate the price, per another Reuters story.

Kaseya is currently working to restore its VSA service and has distributed an indicator-of-compromise detection tool for customers that's available from a link in its announcement. The company hired Mandiant to assess its overall security posture, according to a Kaseya "Incident Overview" post.

The ransomware attacks mostly affected customers located in the "United Kingdom, South Africa, Canada, Germany, the United States and Colombia," according to a post by Esset security researchers. The Esset post included a reproduction of the ransom note, which promised to provide a key to restore an organization's encrypted data for a price.

The ransomware attackers used the zero-day flaw in Kaseya's VSA software to add a malicious dropper via a PowerShell script, according to analysis by Kaspersky researchers. This script disables current Microsoft Defender anti-malware software and substitutes an older version. It also sets up the ransomware via a dynamic link library file.

Kaseya Was Fixing the Flaw

The vulnerability in Kaseya's VSA software apparently was known before the outbreak of the ransomware attacks. It had been reported to Kaseya by the Dutch Institute for Vulnerability Disclosure (DIVD) and a fix was being worked on, according a Kaspersky Threatpost article, as well as this July 4 DIVD post.

The DIVD recently reported seeing a rapid decrease in the use of VSA servers per this July 6 post. It advised following security best practices, such as using multifactor authentication and removing public Internet-facing admin interfaces.

The attack is under investigation by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, which offered guidance for affected MSPs and affected MSP customers via this announcement. It includes links to articles listing indicators of compromise, plus general advice for users of remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools.
A Henrico County-based laboratory company that rapidly grew last year by performing COVID-19 testing is now cutting some jobs as demand for tests wanes along with the pandemic.

Genetworx submitted filings to the Virginia Employment Commission indicating it was laying off 61 positions. A spokesperson for the company said the job cuts happened, or will happen, between June 18 and Aug. 11.

Genetworx is undergoing a reduction in force connected with the decline in demand for COVID-19 testing, the company said in a statement on Wednesday. This reduction will impact a portion of our employees and contract workers involved in the execution of our COVID-testing business.

Genetworx did not say the exact number of jobs that were eliminated or how many employees it still has at its local operations.

With the COVID-19 testing boom, the company told the Richmond Times-Dispatch in March that it had grown in less than a year from about 60 employees to more than 1,100, most of them working in the Richmond area. The companys CEO also said at the time that Genetworx was looking to add 500 more jobs in the next four months.
RRHA, which owns the property, is partnering with The Community Builders, a national nonprofit housing developer, on the project.

I think this is a big deal, RRHA Board of Commissioners Vice Chairman Neil Kessler said in an interview before the Planning Commission vote. This is transforming it into a mixed-income development where everybody has opportunities and can improve their lives in safe, high-quality housing.

Its unclear how many residents will remain after the project is completed, but Fountain said residents will be able to stay or move into publicly supported housing elsewhere. She said rents would remain pegged to each households income level no matter where they go.

Tenants rights advocates have pointed to RRHAs previous redevelopments in Blackwell and the former Dove Court in Richmonds North Side as examples of forced displacement. Fountain said the agency plans to engage residents to share information about the project and help inform the design of the new Creighton Court, which RRHA officials hope to complete over several building phases within the next decade.
Secretary of Labor Megan Healy expressed confidence, in an interview on Tuesday, that the VEC is taking the right steps to resolve tens of thousands of complex cases about eligibility for unemployment benefits, while improving its performance in answering calls and preparing for a long-delayed upgrade to its 36-year-old computer system for tracking claims.

I feel a lot better about where we are, Healy said.

Nothing concerns legislators more than the ability of their constituents to reach someone by phone to help them with their claim for unemployment benefits.

The VEC has greatly expanded staff at its own call centers, as well as centers under private contract, but Axselle said, It will come as no surprise that VECs call centers are not meeting industry benchmarks for timeliness.

As of right now, it looks like only a small portion of calls are being responded to by the VEC staff, she said in response to a question by Sen. Jeremy McPike, D-Prince William.

Healy said the calls coming into the centers now are much harder to answer than those received in the early part of the pandemic and require people with better skills and training to respond.

These are more complex cases, she said.
Grindly Johnson attended segregated schools. Virginias Massive Resistance to school integration forced her high school in Chesapeake to close.

On Wednesday, she was among state government leaders overseeing the removal of a statue honoring the man behind the scheme: Harry F. Byrd Sr.

A statue of the segregationist governor and U.S. senator stood outside the state Capitol since 1976. But on Wednesday, a work crew lifted and loaded a 10-foot, bronze Byrd onto a flatbed truck headed for storage, as if lowering a body into a casket for burial.

The legislature and Gov. Ralph Northam this year approved moving the statue off Capitol Square. It comes during a time of transforming public opinion about whose legacy should be honored in Virginia and whose should be kept in historical context.

Johnson, now the secretary of administration for Northam, came outside to watch. She recalled she was working as state tax auditor when the Byrd statue went up.

My feeling was, Why? Why? My father had to pay a poll tax to vote, she said. ... Everybody should have known better.

But it was through this administration that all the changes have occurred, and Im proud to be a part of this administration, she added.
While it does not hurt for those living in central Virginia to clean their bird feeders, Kirchgessner said, it is not necessary as the mortality events are concentrated in Northern Virginia.

At least three samples of birds were recently collected by the center, said Assistant Director Chester Leonard. The samples will be analyzed by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources for confirmation.

Unfortunately, theyre just not giving us a lot of information right now, Leonard said of the state. We cant confirm for sure until we get results back.

People who see a dead bird  and not just a songbird  can take a picture and report it on the Department of Wildlife Resources website.

Were just trying to figure out whats going on here, Leonard said. If it is spreading here, we just want to be reducing the numbers as much as possible.

What it isnt
Jeffrey, the publisher of ColorsVA magazine, was sued by the NNEO last month. The organization is seeking a court order that would require Jeffreys company, Jeffrey Media, to vacate an office in the NNEO-owned senior living complex McCray Court over an unspecified breach of lease.

That matter is pending in Roanoke General District Court.

Jeffrey said previously when asked about the eviction suit that he traced the dispute back to assistance he gave NNEO with some property management issues at a different complex it operates, Thornhill Place. He said his efforts began before he took office in January and resulted in the forgiveness of a real estate loan and funding for the propertys refurbishment. He said he saved NNEO about $400,000.

Although he called the eviction action meritless, Jeffrey said he would leave the office space.

Its unclear whether the dealings Jeffrey described having with NNEO have anything to do with the alleged embezzlement.

The prosecutors news release said Jeffrey is not a flight risk or danger to the public, and that he recommended Jeffrey be permitted to post a $10,000 personal recognizance bond and appear in Roanoke City Circuit Court Aug. 2. Jeffreys surrender can occur through Friday, the prosecutor said.
A man who dumped a womans body in a ditch in Stafford County after she overdosed while they were using drugs together was ordered Tuesday to serve 15 years in prison.

Dontae M. Sanders, 28, of Woodbridge was sentenced in Stafford Circuit Court to a total of 45 years with 30 years suspended. He had previously been convicted of distributing illegal drugs and concealing a dead body.

Judge Victoria Willis sentence exceeded the recommended state sentencing guidelines, which called for a maximum active sentence of seven years and nine months.

The body of 28-year-old Stafford resident Ashley Childs was found early Oct. 6, 2019, in a ditch near a pond off Whispering Pines Lane. Her cause of death was later determined to be acute fentanyl and oxycodone intoxication.

The evidence presented by prosecutor Amy Casey showed that police went to West Virginia to interview Sanders after identifying him as a suspect.
Stop the bleeding:

our immigration fiasco

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

If you have a major unknown medical condition that causes a severe bleed, you dont ignore the hemorrhaging until you have found the source of the blood loss. You stop the bleeding first.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, charged with addressing the problem, keeps telling us we need to address the underlying causes. Of course, we need to know why, but not before the hemorrhaging of our southern border by illegal immigration and drugs is addressed.

Why is almost nothing being done to stop the flow of immigration?

My guess is that members of President Joe Biden's administration dont have anything to try but what was done by the previous administration. To re-establish these policies, the Biden administration would have to admit that such policies might not have been as bad as portrayed in the presidential campaign. Maybe a little bit of humility might be in order for the good of our country. Humility  thats a novel concept in Washington, D.C., these days.
Roanoke Councilman Robert Jeffrey Jr. said Wednesday he will contest newly filed charges that accuse him of embezzling money from a local civic group.

Im just going to go through the process and I feel confident the results will be positively in my favor, he said.

Authorities gave him until Friday to surrender for booking on two felony counts that say he embezzled money or property from the Northwest Neighborhood Environmental Organization, a housing-improvement nonprofit in Roanoke. Roanoke Commonwealths Attorney Donald Caldwell said in a news release that Jeffrey was not a flight risk or danger to the community and could remain free pending a trial. A trial date could be picked next month, Caldwell said.

Jeffrey, in his first comments since being indicted Tuesday, said he will remain focused on council business.

Im going to do the responsibilities of what I was elected to do, said Jeffrey, who has been in office for six months.
I want to get the deputies all trained in law enforcement certification, Shelor said. That law enforcement certification is very important.

With experience in both Salems police department and sheriffs office, Shelor said communication and interaction between agencies is important. Another thing he wants to see is more interaction between deputies and the community.

They do some fundraiser events, but there could be a few more that can just give back to the city, Shelor said. Have open house at the courthouses, and stuff like that. Kids events.

Additionally, he thinks a workforce program for inmates that has grown in recent years has opportunities for further expansion.

Something that I would try to focus on a little bit more is trying to get some funding, whether that be from the city or from the state for mental transports, Shelor said. I think thats the biggest thing, trying to reach out and get a few more employees.

But manpower and pay issues exist for law enforcement nationwide, Shelor said.

Im here to serve you and give back. Im not going to be one that just collects the check, Shelor said. I want to be seen, I want people to know who I am.
Neely and her family will be there.

It was emotional when they told us, she said by phone Wednesday. This has just been an unbelievable journey.

I know my mother is smiling down from heaven right now, she said. This would have done her heart so much good.

Neely now has stacks of papers shedding light on her uncles remarkable life. He was drafted into service in 1943 when he was just 15. His father wrote letters pleading for the error to be corrected but to no apparent avail. Ellis would serve in the Pacific theater of World War II.

How the mistake about his age came about is unclear, Neely said. But when his tour of duty ended, he voluntarily reenlisted and continued to serve, until he was deployed to the new war brewing along the 38th parallel.

He still had a heart to serve his country, I guess, Neely said. That just shows me that he was dedicated to what he was doing.

Neely said shes grateful that her uncle will finally be at rest and that his memory will be honored.

I just feel like his story needs to be told, she said.
LYNCHBURG  The Supreme Court of Virginia has agreed to hear the case of a former Liberty University professor who was convicted of soliciting sex from a minor  in actuality, an undercover cop posing as a teenager.

Stephen James Kilpatrick, 66, of Forest, was sentenced in 2019 to 33 years on his five convictions. His case was overturned by the Virginia Court of Appeals in a May decision.

He had communicated for around seven months with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 13-year-old girl named Jenny, holding sexual conversations and referencing her age and youthfulness, according to evidence presented at trial.

Officers planned a takedown in June 17, setting up a meeting at Jennys neighborhood in Forest, investigators said. Kilpatrick arrived there with lubrication and cookies and was arrested.

Appeals judges considered expert testimony Kilpatrick was going to introduce at trial insisting he isnt a pedophile and lacked motive to engage in sexual activity with someone claiming to be a 13-year-old girl named Jenny. Bedford Circuit Judge James Updike refused to allow that testimony at trial.
It sounds like the setup to a bad joke: How many people does it take to crew a freight train?

But with the federal government wading into the debate, no one thinks its funny.

In 2019, the Federal Railroad Administration under former President Donald Trump issued a rule revoking a 2016 proposed regulation and enabling railroads and labor unions to determine staffing through collective bargaining. California, Nevada, and Washington states sued, claiming the rule would undermine rail safety. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in February upheld a lower courts order requiring two people in the cab, opining that the Trump rule was arbitrary.

At the end of the month, the U.S. House Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials is scheduled to look at this issue. But rail observers say the focus is misplaced.

A law or regulation that permanently requires a minimum crew size of two  especially where there is no evidence that one-person crews are less safe  can only stand in the way of further reductions in accidents caused by human error, said Patrick McLaughlin, senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University.
This years General Assembly passed a budget that included a 5% raise for teachers, but required a local match. Not a 1-to-1 match, but still a match. To qualify for the $1 million allotted by the state for Scott County, the Board of Supervisors had to put up $238,935. Some might consider that a good deal, even a great deal. Not the Scott County Board of Supervisors, which last week voted not to put up that local money, thereby forgoing the $1 million from the state.

Not surprisingly, this has been a controversial move in Scott County. The county is one of the most Republican counties in the state, perhaps the most Republican county in the state. Donald Trump took 83.4% of the vote there in 2020; nowhere else in Virginia gave him a higher percentage. Yet the boards move prompted this statement from the countys Republican delegate in Richmond, Terry Kilgore, who will never be confused with a tax-and-spend liberal: As the state delegate for Scott County, I was proud that the General Assemblys budget included funding to increase teacher pay, a profession that has long been underpaid. In fact, the primary reason why I voted for the state budget was due to the 5% teacher pay raise. For Scott County to receive over $1 million in state funding for teacher raises, the county had to provide roughly $238,000. Due to their decision not to provide the funding, Scott County Schools will not receive the nearly $1 million from the commonwealth  most likely the only county in Virginia to reject this funding.
Less than a week after a rather successful listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Chinese major ride-sharing company DiDi has come under the scrutiny of regulators in its home country.

Didis share prices plunged 27% on the US stock market on Tuesday when Chinese regulators ordered app stores there to remove the company from their platforms and forbid DiDi from signing up new users.



In its Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filling, the company said it has over 493 million annual active users.

According to the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), the country's top internet regulator, the suspension was intended "to prevent national data security risks. It also says the firm illegally collected the personal data of users.

Earlier this month, Reuters reported that DiDi was being investigated for antitrust concerns and regulators were reportedly looking into the companys pricing mechanism.



The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday that the company was indeed advised by Beijing to postpone its listing. According to the report, Chinese authorities are concerned that the U.S. would require Didi to disclose its major vendors and suppliers, leaving it vulnerable to security breaches.

That also should have come as no surprise to investors. In its IPO prospectus, DiDi warns about the possibility of scrutiny and penalties from Chinese regulators.

We cannot assure you that the regulatory authorities will be satisfied with our self-inspection results or that we will not be subject to any penalty with respect to any violations of anti-monopoly, anti-unfair competition, pricing, advertisement, privacy protection, food safety, product quality, tax and other related laws and regulations, the company said.

On June 30th, Didi listed on the NYSE with a market cap of around $68 billion. The company started trading at about $16.65/share--an almost a 20% jump from its initial public offering price of $14 a share. On Tuesday, shares closed at $12.59.

Raising $4.4 billion from the stock sale, Didis IPO was the second-biggest U.S. share offering by a Chinese company, after Alibaba's in 2014.

It should also come as no surprise because China is heavily cracking down on its tech companies, some of which have grown too big, too fast for the Communist Party to control.

Shortly after announcing its Didi investigation, Chinese regulators announced cybersecurity review two more recently the U.S.-listed companies: truck-hailing app Full Truck Alliance and job listing site Boss Zhipin Kanzhun. New users cannot register for these apps during the investigation. Shares in both companies dropped as a result, with Full Truck Alliance shedding nearly 20% and Boss Zhipin, over 9%.

In March, Chinese regulators fined a dozen companies over anti-monopoly violations, including Tencent, Baidu, SoftBank and Tik-Tok parent company ByteDance.

In October, Chinese regulators stepped in to block the share market launch of Alibaba-backed Ant Group. Alibabas founder Jack Mas fortunes have suffered since he publicly criticized Chinas regulatory approach to the finance technology sector, directly challenging the Communist Party.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoIT) has said it is cooperating with the Ministry of Finance to consider the provision of tax incentives to encourage the development and use of electric vehicles in Vietnam.As electric vehicles remain unpopular among Vietnamese consumers, the two ministries are studying possible amendments to the Law on Special Consumption Tax in which preferential tax rates will be offered to electric vehicles, according to the MoIT.The preferential tax rates would be applicable in at least five years, the ministry said.Data from the Vietnam Register shows that the number of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles in Vietnam totalled 140 in 2019 and 900 in 2020. The figure was 600 at the end of the first quarter of this year.All the current electric vehicles running in Vietnam are imported, with a majority of them being hybrid vehicles.Vinfast is now the only carmaker in Vietnam producing and assembling electric vehicles. It started taking pre-orders for its first electric vehicle (EV) model VF e34 in March, and deliveries are scheduled to begin this November.The launch of high-tech electric vehicles, including electric scooters, electric buses and personal electric cars, is part of the Vietnamese automaker's pre-defined roadmap since entering the automotive market three years ago.It has obtained a licence to test self-driving EVs in California, the US.
CALmatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California's state Capitol works and why it matters. Dan Walters has been a journalist for nearly 60 years, spending all but a few of those years working for California newspapers.
Since 2018, hes been known as inmate NN7687. On Wednesday, he got his name back, after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court held that his due process rights had been violated by the prosecutors, the judge, the jury, and every other person who had a hand in his conviction.

The court held that Cosby was induced to waive his 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination in a civil proceeding, with the promise that he would not be criminally prosecuted. That civil proceeding was the deposition in the case filed against him by Andrea Constand, the only woman who alleged abuse within the statute of limitations.

The court noted that since Cosby relied upon this promise not to prosecute, he then made several incriminating statements. Those statements were used against him at trial. Furthermore, the prosecutor Kevin Steele presented the testimony of witnesses who claimed theyd been abused decades before and well outside of the statute of limitations as some sort of evidence of pattern and practice. He did this with the authorization of the trial judge, Steven ONeill.

This was the nail in the coffin, and assured Cosbys convictions. You also have to remember that this trial played out in the heat of the #MeToo crusade, filled with accusations against any man whod ever looked the wrong way at a woman. It was a legal, social, and moral disgrace.
HARTSVILLE, S.C.  CareSouth Carolinas Tammie Robinson was named the Medication Therapy Management of the Year Award recipient at the 19th annual SC Chronic Disease Prevention Symposium.

Serving as the clinical pharmacist in CareSouth Carolinas CSC Community Pharmacy in Hartsville, Robinson works with a diverse group of patients ranging in age, ethnicity and economic class.

Robinson, who has worked at CareSouth Carolina for more than eight years, was named the award recipient for her effort to go above and beyond to come away with innovative solutions to improve the management of medications and chronic diseases. Robinson works collaboratively with providers and health care workers to ensure the best possible care is provided.

Through the MTM program, she is able to take an in-depth look at patients prescriptions and help educate them on the importance of their medication.

The program helps fill in the education gap, Robinson said. A lot of the patients have chronic conditions, like hypertension, high cholesterol, asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure. They are on what we call maintenance medications. I am able to go in, look at their prescriptions and help them understand the importance of taking that prescription to help treat that condition.
CHARLESTON, S.C.  Emergency officials in South Carolina are watching Tropical Storm Elsa, but no evacuations have been ordered during the peak summer tourism season along the states beaches.

The Pee Dee could receive 2 to 3 inches of rain.

The governor and local leaders stuck to statements Tuesday instead of the TV briefings that interrupt programming when stronger storms threaten from the Atlantic Ocean.

Elsa is expected to track inland over South Carolina after making landfall on the Gulf of Mexico coast of Florida. But coastal forecasters in South Carolina noted the worst weather was on the east side of the storm and could dump up to 5 inches (13 centimeters) of rain and bring wind gusts up to 55 mph (88 kph) in places like Hilton Head Island, Charleston and Myrtle Beach.

The storm is forecast to be a tropical depression by the time it crosses the state, but tropical storm warnings were posted from Charleston County south just in case Elsa doesn't weaken as much as expected.

Elsa would be the third tropical system to impact South Carolina early in the 2021 hurricane season. Tropical Storm Danny hit land near Hilton Head Island on June 28 and Tropical Depression Claudette moved across the northern part of the state June 20 after making landfall in Louisiana.
TAMPA, Fla.  Thousands of members of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America and guests gathered this week in Tampa, Florida, for the BPO Elks National Convention.

During the convention, Ronald Eric Easler, of Florence, was installed as District Deputy for the BPO Elks for lodges in the Northeast District of the South Carolina Elks Association Inc. and will serve a one-year term.

Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

The BPO Elks is one of the premier patriotic and charitable organizations in the United States of America and is committed to making its communities better places to live. Each year, the Order donates more than $71 million in cash and $310 million in goods and services to the needy, students, people with special needs, active-duty members of the U.S. armed forces and their families, veterans and their families, and charitable organizations.

As part of the Elks ongoing commitment to help students achieve their goals, the Elks National Foundation awards annual college scholarships worth more than $4.5 million to students across the country. To help local lodges make positive changes in their communities, the Elks National Foundations Community Investments Program provides local Elks lodges with more than $14 million to help them build stronger communities.
FLORENCE, S.C.  Florence-Darlington Technical College welding students Jniya Jackson and Philip Norris recently were awarded $2,500 scholarships from the American Welding Society.

Jackson and Norris began taking welding classes at FDTC during the spring 2021 semester. They are both from Hartsville and are Hartsville High School graduates.

The scholarship funding that Jackson and Norris received is part of the AWS more than $1.6 million effort to benefit welding education throughout the country.

The American Welding Society Foundation is thrilled to support Jniya and Philip on their journey to a rewarding career in welding, said AWS Foundation Executive Director Monica Pfarr. Their scholarships are part of more than $1.6 million that the AWS Foundation will award this year to support welding education and grow the next generation of leaders in the industry.

Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

Jacksons family members sparked her interest in welding, and that is one of the primary reasons she began taking classes at FDTC.

My daddy and my uncle have been doing it, and I said that I wanted to try it, Jackson said. You have to have patience with it. When you have patience, your weld looks right and decent.
 Reviewing realities of life imprisonment around the globe | Main | "When Will Joe Biden Start Using His Clemency Powers?" 

July 7, 2021

ACLU sues Maricopa County prosecutors over expressly threatening "substantially harsher" plea offers for those who exercise court rights

As detailed in this ACLU press release, "the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Arizona filed a federal class action lawsuit challenging the Maricopa County Attorneys Office (MCAO) policy of making plea offers 'substantially harsher' if people assert their rights to a preliminary hearing or a trial." Here is more about this notable lawsuit from the press release:

This "retaliation policy" coerces thousands of guilty pleas per year and violates the Constitution. Moreover, the retaliation policy applies regardless of the facts of any case, or even if the person might be innocent. Prosecutors also refuse to disclose any information beyond police reports  even if they have it  unless people give up their rights. In emails to public defenders, Maricopa County prosecutors openly acknowledge that one purpose of the policy is to avoid the work of reviewing evidence and preparing for trial. MCAO enforces its retaliatory plea policy in the Early Disposition Courts (EDCs). These EDCs were initially created to quickly move cases involving minor offenses or drug possession through the system, with the stated goal of helping people in need of drug treatment and other services avoid convictions. It is during the EDC process that prosecutors threaten people with retaliation for exercising their rights and present people with a devastating choice  either waive your right to a probable cause hearing and accept the first guilty plea, all without access to the evidence against you, or MCAO will make any later plea substantially harsher.... Plaintiffs include a 34-year-old man who felt threatened by MCAOs retaliation policy and felt he had no choice but to waive his right to a preliminary hearing in order to get more discovery. Another Plaintiff is a 61-year-old man with a substance use disorder who was charged with selling $20 worth of drugs. Despite EDCs stated purpose  to divert drug offenders away from incarceration and toward treatment  MCAO prosecutors are seeking to send him to prison for almost 10 years. And the offer will get substantially harsher if he affirms his rights. The complaint also details the story of a man who was actually innocent of his charges, but MCAO tried to pressure him into a guilty plea anyway.

This lawsuit, which seeks class certification and injunctive relief, is captioned Luckey v. Adel and the complaint can be found at this link.

July 7, 2021 at 12:42 PM | Permalink

Comments

If these Arizona defendants prevail in this class action lawsuit, might it mean that the Federal Rules that provide for shorter sentences for those who promptly plead guilty and save the Government the trouble of preparing for trial are also unConstitutional?

Posted by: Jim Gormley | Jul 7, 2021 11:56:32 PM

The argument that the County Attorney is likely to make, of course, is that she and her office have no Constitutional requirement to make any plea bargain offers at all, so they can exercise their plea bargaining discretion any way they want to. But I think Due Process of Law and the Sixth Amendment right to meaningfully effective assistance of counsel require more, particularly when the initial plea offer requires defendants to waive certain Constitutional rights, including the right to a preliminary hearing and to receive discovery of the prosecutor's exculpatory evidence, per Brady v. Maryland. The way this County Attorney operates is just "assembly line justice", without regard to the defendant's actual culpability and guilt. This just isn't the way we administer justice in America. These prosecutorial practices fly in the face of the classic language about the prosecutorial role that the U.S. Supreme Court wrote in Berger v. United States, 295 U.S. 78, 88 (1935) ["It is the prosecutor's duty to avoid using improper methods designed to produce a wrongful conviction as much as it is to use every legitimate means to bring about a just one."].

Posted by: Jim Gormley | Jul 8, 2021 8:11:44 AM

I am guessing the question is how express the threat is and what the threat is. It is probably acceptable for the State to say that this offer is good for this day only, and that the State will be free to make a different offer later. But there is that vague line in cases like Goodwin about how express the threat can be before it is retaliation for the exercise of rights rather than the legitimate give and take of negotiation.

U.S. Supreme Court has said no right to discovery outside of Brady and Brady does not apply to guilty pleas. Defense counsel obviously has ethical obligation during plea bargaining to tell defendant that they have not yet received the discovery and thus are unable to give any advice about the strength of the charges. But decision to plead guilty belongs to client. My read of Hill and its progeny is that the right to effective counsel does not bar an early plea even if that limits what counsel can do.

Posted by: tmm | Jul 8, 2021 10:40:09 AM

Post a comment
 "The Revelatory Nature of COVID-19 Compassionate Release in an Age of Mass Incarceration, Crime Victim Rights, and Mental Health Reform" | Main | Reviewing realities of life imprisonment around the globe 

July 6, 2021

Gwen Levi, face of federal home confinement cohort at risk of prison return, granted compassionate release

In prior posts (some linked below), I have discussed the Office of Legal Counsel memo which interprets federal law to require that certain persons transferred to home confinement pursuant to the CARES Act be returned to federal prison when the pandemic ends. In this recent post, I noted one person at risk of serving many more years in prison after success on home confinement, Gwen Levi, who was getting particular attention because she had already been re-incarcerated on the basis of a seemingly minor technical violation.

I expressed hope in that post that she might succeed with sentence reduction motions under the (so-called compassionate release) statutory provisions of 18 U.S.C.  3582(c)(1)(A). I am now happy to be able report that she has prevailed on such a motion, as detailed in this USA Today article headlined "Woman who was arrested after missing officials' phone call while in computer class is headed home":

An elderly woman who was recently arrested after she missed phone calls from officials while attending a computer class  a possible violation of her home detention  is headed back home following a federal judge's decision to grant her request for compassionate release. In a four-page ruling Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Deborah C. Chasanow said "it would do little" to force Gwen Levi  a 76-year-old who's in remission from lung cancer and whom the Justice Department had deemed nonviolent  to serve the entirety of her sentence. "During her incarceration, she took many courses, worked, and completed drug education," Chasanow wrote, noting Levi's age, medical conditions and lack of major disciplinary problems. Levi is among the more than 24,000 federal prisoners who, under the Trump administration, were allowed to serve their sentence through home detention to slow the spread of COVID-19 behind bars. But a Justice Department memo issued in the final days of the Trump administration said inmates whose sentences will extend beyond the pandemic must be brought back to prison. That included Levi, who has four years left to serve, and about 4,000 other prisoners, some of whom have secured jobs and gone back to school.... More recently, Levi attracted media attention after a trip to a computer class led to her arrest. Levi believed she had been approved to go to the class, her attorney said. She had turned her phone off, unaware that officials at her halfway house would be calling her several times. Levi was arrested four days later. A Bureau of Prisons report called the incident an "escape." Levi was serving more than 30 years for drug conspiracy charges. Her sentence was reduced to 24 years as part of the First Step Act, a Trump-era criminal justice bill that shortened punishments for nonviolent drug crimes. Before her arrest last month, Levi had been on home confinement for 13 months. In her ruling granting the request for compassionate release, Chasanow said Levi "has done well on home confinement," notwithstanding the incident that led to her arrest. In a statement following Chasanow's decision, Kevin Ring, president of Families Against Mandatory Minimums, said: "Sending her back to prison for going to a computer class was shameful. She deserves to be home," Ring said. "But the fight is far from over. It's time for the Biden administration to ensure that the 4,000 people on home confinement get to stay home with their families, too." Advocacy groups have been urging the Justice Department to rescind the Trump-era legal memo, but the administration does not believe the issue is urgent. The Justice Department said in May that inmates with years left to serve are not likely to be sent back to prison anytime soon because the public health crisis is expected to last for the rest of the year.

Some prior recent related posts:

July 6, 2021 at 10:12 PM | Permalink

Comments

Post a comment
 Gwen Levi, face of federal home confinement cohort at risk of prison return, granted compassionate release | Main | ACLU sues Maricopa County prosecutors over expressly threatening "substantially harsher" plea offers for those who exercise court rights 

The Economist has this effective lengthy article about life imprisonment around the world under the headline "As the death penalty becomes less common, life imprisonment becomes more so." I recommend the full piece, and here are excerpts:

Lifelong imprisonment seems to be spreading as a punishment for the worst crimes. In 2019 Serbia passed Tijanas law in response to the rape and murder of a 15-year-old girl. It allows judges to sentence some murderers and rapists of children to life in prison without parole. In June last year, after the gang rape of a 13-year-old girl by soldiers, Colombia overturned its constitutional ban on life sentences. Britains government recently proposed legislation to reduce the age at which judges can impose whole-life sentences from 21 to 18.

The most heinous crimes are rare, but the worlds population of lifers is large and probably growing. According to the World Prison List the population of inmates rose by 20%, to 10.4m, from 2000 to 2015. Meanwhile between 2000 and 2014 the number of people serving life sentences worldwide rose by 84%, to 479,000, according to Life Imprisonment, a recent book. America held 40% of them, and more than 80% of those have no prospect of parole. The Sentencing Project, a think-tank in Washington, DC, reckons that the number of Americans serving life sentences without parole rose by two-thirds, to 56,000, between 2003 and 2020. Turkey, India and Britain also lock up a lot of people for life. South African jails hold nearly 17,000 lifers, up from 500 in 1995. In 2014 some sort of formal life sentence was on the books of 183 countries and territories....

Opponents of life without parole hope to repeat the success of campaigners against capital punishment. Since 1976 more than 70 countries have abolished the death penalty. The number of executions worldwide in 2020 fell for the fifth year running to its lowest in a decade, says Amnesty International, a human-rights group. In America just 17 people were executed last year. If campaigners have their way, life sentences will be the next sort to be branded cruel and rendered unusual.

Making this case is not simple. For one thing, life-sentencing regimes vary enormously. Some are relatively lenient, as in Finland, where few lifers spend more than 15 years in prison. Others are staggeringly harsh. Some American states still lock up juvenile offenders for life. China imposes the sentence on corrupt officials. Australia and Britain do so for drug offences. Life with a chance of parole may not be much better than without it if parole is granted rarely. Life sentences can be disguised as indeterminate or very long fixed-term sentences. El Salvador, which does not impose life sentences, can lock people up for 60 years....

Some campaigners use the courts to curb life sentences. A clutch of treaties prohibit governments from inflicting degrading treatment on anyone, including prisoners. In 2013 the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled that offenders have at the outset of their sentences a right to hope for eventual release. The International Criminal Court says after 25 years sentences must be reviewed. Twenty-five years is increasingly established in international law as the maximum minimum, says Dirk van Zyl Smit, Ms Appletons co-author....

Malawi may become a model for countries seeking to avoid simply replacing capital punishment with life sentences. After its High Court struck down the death penalty as mandatory for murder in 2007, the top appeal court ordered that more than 150 condemned prisoners be resentenced. (In practice, all were serving life, since Malawi has executed no one since 1992.) It directed judges to consider the circumstances of each to determine whether the death penalty should be upheld, converted to life or to a shorter sentence....

Of the prisoners who have been resentenced, one was handed a life sentence but more than 140 have been released after completing shorter prison terms. To prepare the way, workers on the project fanned out to villages to explain what the ex-cons had endured and to find out whether they would be welcomed back.
 ACLU sues Maricopa County prosecutors over expressly threatening "substantially harsher" plea offers for those who exercise court rights | Main | AGAIN: You be the judge: what sentence for Michael Avenatti (and do the guidelines merit any respect)? 

The question in the title of this post is the headline of this lengthy New York magazine article by Zak Cheney-Rice. The obvious answer, of course, is "not soon enough," given that Prez Biden has gone his first six month, amid a global pandemic after campaigning as a reformer, without a single act of clemency. But the piece strikes a slightly more hopeful tone, and here excerpts:

According to the New York Times, the Biden administration has signaled, as recently as this summer and in multiple conversations with advocates, that he would use clemency both broadly and soon, with an emphasis on advancing his racial justice agenda. This is significant ... because over the last several decades, presidents have been using their clemency powers less often, waiting until later in their presidencies to do so, and leaving people in squalid and dangerous conditions for longer periods of time because of it....

In the waning days of Donald Trumps presidency, his administration issued a memo saying the thousands of people whod been released from federal prison to home confinement during the pandemic emergency period would be locked up again as soon as the order was lifted, if their sentences werent up by then. According to the Times, this is still in effect, and the Biden administration has been weirdly cagey about whether it would reverse Trumps order and let them stay home. These 4,000 prisoners are pre-selected and already free, so theyre easy candidates for commutations. The White House reviews the emergency declaration every three months. None of these reviews has yielded answers so far, and the next one is scheduled for July.

This situation is shaping up to be a test of Bidens ambitions regarding clemency. Theres no concrete reason to think the president wont make good on his promise to use clemency more than has become normal, but thats mostly because the bar is so low. Since Richard Nixon was president  a useful marker here, because thats when the era of mass incarceration started  theres been a fairly steady downward trend in presidents use of this unique power, which is granted to them by the Constitution, and which entails mostly commutations (which partly or completely cut short sentences) and pardons (which essentially wipe out convictions).

Nixon granted clemency to 926 people. Trump granted it to 237, bookending a period of more than 50 years, starting with Ronald Reagan, that saw the numbers drop below 500 and stay there, with one exception, through the present day. (With the caveat that this period has seen two one-term presidents, Democrats have usually been more willing to use this power than Republicans, but not by much. ) The one exception was Barack Obama, who granted clemency, mostly in the form of commutations, to 1,927 people, the most since Harry Truman. As of July 1, 2021, there were still 153,683 federal prisoners.

Biden has hinted that hell start sooner rather than later, possibly even before the 2022 midterms, which is a big deal because of the politics surrounding the issue. The American antipathy toward clemency is one of the main motivators behind the downward trend in pardons and commutations: The appearance of being soft on crime, and the possibility that someone you free re-offends in some politically inopportune way, makes it hard for presidents to rationalize pardoning people or commuting sentences with any regularity. To minimize the political fallout, they usually wait until late to start granting the bulk of them. Oftentimes, like in Trumps case, most get rushed through during a presidents last days in office.

The effect is that clemency has become really unusual. And when something is unusual, each decision becomes freighted with dramatic significance and scrutinized to the nth degree. There have, of course, been good reasons to monitor presidents clemency decisions. Trump used it to reward imprisoned cronies and mislead voters. Bill Clinton famously pardoned the husband of a wealthy Democratic donor. But the scrutiny is overwhelmingly due to its rarity, not its infrequent abuses. Its been fashioned into an almost cosmically precious blessing to those who receive it, rather than a workaday part of a presidents duties.

Plenty of ideas have been floated about how to change this on a systemic level. Rachel Barkow, a law professor of New York University, has spent years researching and developing ideas for how to make clemency more common, in part by making it less politically perilous and less vulnerable to conflicts of interest. Both of these goals probably mean removing such decisions from the purview of the Justice Department, where theyre mostly handled today. Federal prosecutors are responsible for these people being in prison in the first place. Their decisions  which often determine which petitions get to the president, for example  inevitably run up against the fact that theyre often undermining, and potentially reversing, their own work.

To reduce the political risk, Barkow suggests establishing a clemency board, composed of interests from across the political spectrum, and spanning a wide range of people who work, have worked in, or have been impacted by the criminal legal system, to process requests and seek out candidates. This would spread out responsibility enough to take the weight off any one person, thereby encouraging more commutations and pardons, especially for someone like Biden, who says he wants to grant them. (Several states already have boards like this in place. Barkow, citing her research and others, describes them as a necessary precondition where clemency is routine.)

Whatever the route, two things are clear about Bidens plan so far: he hasnt done anything yet, despite his signaling, and people close to him have indicated to the Times that hes not inclined to circumvent the Justice Department  meaning hes probably committed to an approach that preserves conflicts of interest and retains more political calculation than it needs to. This is bad for normalizing clemency. The president couldnt end mass incarceration or even make a major dent in it, even with a more proactive strategy  the federal incarcerated population is too small as a portion of the whole, for one. But he can wield clemency symbolically, telegraphing to federal prosecutors which cases are worth pursuing, for example. And in more practical terms, he can spare as many people as he can from what is functionally a life of terror, torment, and uncertainty, and can do so now and regularly moving forward to prevent needless suffering.

Jails and prisons are scary and often life-annihilating places, even in non-pandemic times, and there are untold numbers of people who shouldnt be there. Immediate fixes, though small, are available. The longer Biden waits and the rarer presidential clemency stays, the more unusual it will continue to be.
File photo of investors standing in front of a screen showing the logo of Nomura Holdings in Tokyo

TOKYO (Reuters) - Nomura Holdings Inc plans to suspend part of its cash-prime brokerage business after sustaining a $2.9 billion hit from the collapse of U.S. investment fund Archegos, a person familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.

The move comes after Nomura, Japan's top brokerage and investment bank, reviewed its prime brokerage business and vowed to enhance risk management in the wake of the Archegos loss.

Specifically, Nomura plans to stop prime brokerage services using U.S. and European cash stocks, the source said. The person declined to be identified as the matter was private.

The bank will continue cash-prime brokerage services with Japanese and Asia stocks, as well as the prime brokerage business with U.S. stock derivatives, where the bank has strengths, the source said.

Nomura declined to comment.

The partial suspension, first reported by Bloomberg, would have little impact on earnings, according to the source.

Despite the Archegos loss, Nomura chief executive Kentaro Okuda has said the bank has no plans to make major changes to its global business expansion strategy.

(Reporting by Makiko Yamazaki; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell)
"Not just because you have a crown dieback does it mean that you have emerald ash borer," he said. "We haven't found D exit holes. We've seen the crown dieback. We've seen the basal sprouting. But, we've checked those trees and we have not found the other two items that you need to find before you really get into it."

Bach said the city will soon be launching a webpage with information about the EAB to educate residents who have ash trees on their properties. Like the city, Bach said those residents will have to determine when to remove trees. He said a tree's health, size and value are all factors that need to be considered.

"That's what we've been doing basically since 2005. We've got an ash tree, it's sort of in decent health, but not the best. Let's take out one of the three, replant, and then, in a few years, take another one and replant, so we don't lose that tree canopy so quickly like we saw in the '70s with Dutch elm disease," he said. "We want to slowly progress -- replace, remove, replace, remove."

Bach said the city is ironing out a tree replacement voucher program, which would allow property owners who cut down an ash tree to purchase another species of tree from a vendor at a reduced cost.

"We're still working through some of those details. That probably wouldn't start until we have identified the EAB," he said.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
"Ordinarily, we'd travel to compete in tournaments," Vanderloo said. "Because of the pandemic, most of our contests were done virtually."

This made it difficult for Vanderloo to get into the character of young corporate executive Ross Gardiner, who was found guilty of reckless driving after nearly running over an 86-year-old widower known only as Mr. Green in playwright Jeff Baron's "Visiting Mr. Green."

As a way to serve six months of community service, Gardiner must pay weekly visits to Mr. Green (played by Braunstein), who resented the younger man's presence.

"Normally, you draw a lot of energy from an audience," Vanderloo said. "You get it when they laugh at a funny scene or when they're touched during a dramatic scene."

During a taped, virtual performance, an actor must rely entirely on instinct and ability.

Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

"When your performance is captured only on a split screen on a computer, it becomes like a choreographed dance," Vanderloo said. "I had to know exactly what Max was going to do, so I could respond to it."

The art of performance was nothing new for Vanderloo, who has been acting since the third grade.
SIOUX CITY  The Woodbury County Board of Supervisors approved a new commercial wind farm ordinance after undergoing three public hearings and receiving a variety of citizen comments.

After Board member Mark Monson initially requesting the Loess Hills be included in restrictions, it was removed in the final reading after concerns were voiced by community members. The board approved it with a 4-1 vote, Monson opposed.

The current zoning ordinance allows wind energy in agricultural preservation and general industrial zones, said David Gleiser, director of rural economic development.

The new ordinance is a stand-alone ordinance that only impacts commercial wind energy development. It adds protections for the county and private citizens, Gleiser said. These protections include setback distances from public and private property and safety for secondary roads.

Gleiser gave the board two different proposed ordinances, one including the Loess Hills protections, the other not.

Community members voiced concerns about having the Loess Hills as a protected area, stating it would take away property owner rights.

Tom Bride said people are upset that the board is proposing to take away a third of the land held by private ownership.
BEEBE, Ark. (AP)  The Rev. Al Sharpton and attorneys for George Floyd's family on Tuesday mourned a white Arkansas teenager fatally shot by a sheriff's deputy, as they urged support across racial lines for efforts to reform police practices.
ATLANTA (AP)  A Georgia state lawmaker indicted on a misdemeanor charge related to a 2019 fatal hit-and-run-crash is stepping down from his leadership post, but remaining in the state House.

Republican state Rep. Trey Kelley, who as majority whip had been the fourth-ranking member among House Republicans, announced that he was giving up the leadership post in a Thursday email to fellow House GOP members.

I knew when I accepted this role it wouldn't be forever and now is the time for me to dedicate more time and energy to my professional and personal life, Kelley wrote in an email. I feel that it is necessary for me to step down today from my role as majority whip.

Kelley, a Cedartown resident and lawyer, represents all of Polk and parts of Floyd and Haralson counties in northwest Georgia. He was indicted in December on a charge of reckless conduct, alleging he wrongly didn't report a fatal 2019 hit-and-run crash that his friend called him about as the victim lay dying in a ditch.

Kelleys wife of 13 years also filed for divorce in May.
POMONA, Calif. (AP)  A Southern California man who shot and killed two former Target co-workers, including one who received the promotion he wanted, was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison without possibility of parole.

Sergio Dujuan Nelson, 46, also received a consecutive sentence of 35 years to life for the 1993 attack on the employees as they sat in a car in the parking lot of a Target store in the Los Angeles suburb of La Verne, the San Bernardino Sun reported.

Nelson killed Robin Shirley, who got the promotion, and Lee Thompson, who had defended Shirley when Nelson harassed her over it, according to court documents cited by the paper.

Nelson had quit in September 1993 after failing to win the promotion. But about three weeks, he later he rode his bicycle to the store, shot through an open rear window, started to walk away, then came back to fire more shots before fleeing, according to the court documents.

The defense argued Nelson snapped and acted impulsively because of his failure to be promoted, his severe depression, sex and relationship issues and family dysfunction, the documents stated.
And the rate is even lower in southwest Missouri. Christian County, where Nixa is located, has a vaccine rate of 35.2%. Some nearby counties have rates in the teens.

Christian County Clerk Kay Brown said that the recall petition submitted last week contained 73 valid signatures  six more than the required number. The bar for triggering a recall is 10% of the votes cast in the most recent mayoral election.

The recall election is expected to cost between $10,000 and $15,000, Brown said.

The mayor said hes had dozens of emails, calls and social media messages of support as the petition to recall him gained steam. He noted that his decision to set up a public masking measure was one made in coordination with the municipal government in the nearby town of Ozark, the Christian County Health Department and other regional health experts.

Recall backers want to make it seem like it was a single choice that I made by myself, somehow illegally or unethically, but thats definitely not the case, Steele argued.
It will help to reform the marketplace and balance the tremendous disparity in power between multinational meatpackers and independent family-owned cattle farms and ranches, said Bullard, who is CEO of the R-CALF USA trade group.

Missouri farmer Darvin Bentlage, who raises crops and cattle about 40 miles (64.37 kilometers) north of Joplin in the southwest corner of the state, said these new rules will help if they can boost competition.

We need more competition," Bentlage said. "Capitalism works well with competition. But when you start consolidating everything and taking away the competition then the capitalism doesnt work good for the smaller guys.

The USDA also plans to review the definition of what it means for meat to be labeled a Product of USA. Currently, companies can use that label whenever meat is processed in the United States, even if the animals were born and raised elsewhere. USDA officials say that most grass-fed beef labeled as made in the U.S. actually comes from imported cattle. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has said he wants that label to accurately reflect what consumers expect when they read it.
The report by the Strategic Organizing Center, a coalition of labor unions representing more than 4 million workers, states rate of workplace injuries at Amazon is nearly two times that of other non-Amazon warehouses and storage facilities.

In Illinois, multiple warehouses have injury rates even higher than the national rate, Illinois News Connection reported.

More than 40% of 996 Amazon workers who responded to an online survey conducted by Strategic Organizing Center in February reported pain or injury from their job that required them to miss work  as well as nearly half of delivery drivers. And more than 80% of workers said their pain or injury was related to production pressure or speed.

"The company has very, very demanding workloads and schedules and discipline systems for the people who work in its warehouses," Eric Frumin, director of health and safety with the Strategic Organizing Center, told Illinois News Connection.

Amazon announced in May it was rolling out a new safety and injury-prevention program, piloted since 2019, to all Amazon operations sites in the U.S. before year-end as part of a $300 million investment in worker safety.

Company aims to cut recordable workplace injury and illness rates by 50% by 2025.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP)  A squad of gunmen assassinated Haitian President Jovenel Moise and wounded his wife in an overnight raid on their home Wednesday, with police killing four suspects and arresting two others hours later amid growing chaos in a country already enduring gang violence and protests of his increasingly authoritarian rule.
Traveling salesman Elon Musk has found another buyer for one of his tunnels. Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis said on Tuesday that the Florida city had formally accepted a proposal from Musks side-project the Boring Company to build an underground transit system from downtown to the oceanfront beaches a couple miles away.

Fort Lauderdale formally accepted tonight a proposal from @elonmusk's @boringcompany to build an underground transit system between downtown and the beach. Other firms have 45 days to submit competing proposals. This could be a truly innovative way to reduce traffic congestion. pic.twitter.com/R7Bh2NPVnl  Mayor Dean J. Trantalis (@DeanTrantalis) July 7, 2021

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

My opinion about these tunnel projects has not changed since Musk invited reporters into his test tube in Hawthorne, California, two and a half years ago: They combine the constraints of transit with the inefficiencies of the automobile. In the time since, the Boring Company actually developed a taxpayer-funded system for the convention center in Las Vegas, and I still dont see the point of a circuit that combines low ridership, low speed, and high cost.

But apparently that separates me from the bulk of Americas elected officials, who continue to gravitate toward Musks ideas like moths to a Boring Company-branded flamethrower. Its as if Musk himself is doing the digging, rocketing around the country underground like a supersonic mole to pop up in a new city each week with his table of wares.

Advertisement

Much has been promised and little has been built. The Baltimore-Washington loop, promising rapid trips in Teslas own cars running on tracks through a tunnel, got the furthest: The Boring Company bought property in D.C. and the state of Maryland drafted an environment impact statement. Then the Boring Company threw in the towel, removing the project from its website and showing no interest to the federal agency reviewing the plan.

Advertisement

Musk said he would construct a privately funded express service to get travelers from Chicago OHare Airport to the Loop in 12 minutes, on skates traveling at speeds up to 150 miles per hour. That idea vanished when Mayor Rahm Emanuel left office.

In Los Angeles, Musk has promised not one, not two, but three tunnel ideas for public use, with no signs of delivery on the horizon.

Advertisement

The current raft of Boring Company projects includes an airport tunnel in San Bernardino, a citywide loop in Las Vegas, and now tunnels in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. If Musk can get stakes in the ground in Florida, he would double the states number of tunnels. Literally, there are only two tunnels in the low-lying Sunshine State.

If it werent for Musks imperial pronouncements and the obsequious news coverage that follows his every move, this string of failed endeavors would be unremarkable: Infrastructure takes time, and urban history is littered with unrealized schemes.

But theres a lesson in here about a particular strain of Musks hubris. What is impeding the creation of new infrastructure in this country is not a lack of state-of-the-art digging technology, which is The Boring Companys purported specialty. Instead, its a range of cumbersome practices that not even Musk can disrupt, such as lawsuits, regulations, environmental reviews, and overlapping jurisdictions. On the contrary, Musks idiosyncratic visions (tunnels full of cars, but way smaller than normal tunnels, and the cars drive themselves but not really, and occasionally burst into flames that cannot be extinguished) seem to leave regulators particularly wary.

Musk has excelled in step one of getting things done in the US, which is seizing the attention of elected officials. But if that and that alone is all his company does, then its no wonder Musks tunnels so often end in the same place as many better ideas: nowhere.
Gossip Girl, like Mad Men and the Strokes, had a cultural footprint its actual audience could swim around in. Never watched by much more than 4 million people, a number that drifted below a million over its six-season run, it was nonetheless a zeitgeist-capturer, a fame-catapulter, and a media darling, the kind of show people know about whether theyve seen it or not. Based on a series of turn-of-the-millennium YA novels, the show premiered on the CW in 2007, right before the financial crash, and barnstormed through the nations falling fortunes with the indifference of the truly rich. It followed a set of extraordinarily privileged and terrifyingly sophisticated high school students in a borderline satirical manner, teasing the aspirational opulence it showcased just enough to be able to plausibly deny flat-out celebrating itwhich is mostly what it was doing. The title characters famous signoff, You know you love me, is also a neat summation of the seriess feelings about the preposterously wealthy.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

This is the new Gossip Girl: one in which you might overhear the word privilege, but coming from a group of teens Instagramming themselves while holding court at Frenchette.

The original Gossip Girl is not alone in its fascination with Scrooge McDuck piles of lucre, which is presumably why this particular intellectual property has been revived by HBO Max, nine years after the original went off the air. The reboot features a whole new cast of beautiful and entitled students who lounge on the Met steps while attending an elite Upper East Side private school. Showrunner Joshua Safran recently told Variety that these kids wrestle with their privilege in a way that I think the original didnt. In light of [Black Lives Matter], in light of a lot of things, even going back to Occupy Wall Street, things have shifteda remark that was widely tweeted and duly dunked-upon. (Keep our horribly rich people horrible and rich!) But it overstates things. To get a sense of the show, I would direct you instead to this New York magazine feature in which Safran obsesses about his lead character attending the correct New York City hot spot. This is the new Gossip Girl: one in which you might overhear the word privilege, but coming from a group of teens Instagramming themselves while holding court at Frenchette.

Advertisement

In the new Gossip Girl as in the old, theres plenty of holding courtat hip restaurants, nightclubs, school functions, the opening of a new (fictional) Jeremy O. Harris play at the Public. (He cameos, naturally.) So much of the new series seems designed expressly for Jessica Pressler and Chris Rovzars lovingly eagle-eyed reality index recaps that I got embarrassed by the dialogues elaborate place namedroppingits like watching someone wait for a date that might never show up. The new characters are not as white or straight and they rarely live on the Upper East Side, but they are otherwise a mix and match of the originals personalities.

Advertisement

[Read: June Thomas on the Gossip Girl Finale]

Advertisement

The central pair are now two Black half sisters, Julien (Jordan Alexander) and Zoya (Whitney Peak). Juliens a popular, gorgeous model and influencer who has a shaved head, a robust social media presence, a rock star father, and, like Serena (Blake Lively) before her, It Girl status. Shes juxtaposed with the younger Zoya, whos also gorgeous, but morally pure and social mediaunsavvy, a middle-class artiste who is a kind of gender-swapped Dan Humphrey (Penn Badgley), the outsider who gets sucked in. Zoyas love interest, Obie (Eli Brown), also inevitably Juliens ex, is a class-swapped Dan, an earnest cutie with good politics, who even lives in Brooklynexcept hes the extremely rich scion of real estate developers with a Dumbo manse. The most one-to-one translation is Max (Thomas Doherty), a more gender-fluid and consent-seeking variation on Chuck, an omnisexual trickster who does lots of drugs and everybody else. Theres also Juliens indistinctive best friend, her sexually confused boyfriend, a bunch of parents played by good actors (Laura Benanti, Luke Kirby, etc.), and a pair of mean girlsLuna (Zion Moreno) and Monet (Savannah Smith)who almost run away with the show.

Advertisement

Advertisement

They do so because they are the only extant evidence of what the original series understood in its bones: that its good to be bad, as in good to watch. Monets a lesbian and Luna hates the patriarchy, but they are still scheming strivers and thank goodness for that. This, to me, is where contemporary social storytelling mores have most undermined the reboot: Its so concerned about empathy its a little dull. Anyone who really watched Gossip Girl knows that it was Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester) who made the series, the all-seeing queen bee who wanted to control everything but was constantly having her thunder stolen by the effortless Serena (a dynamic that even played out extratextually as Lively got the movie stars career, even though Meester walked away with the show). Julien makes mistakes, she can be cruel sometimes, but shes a Serena; shes not scheming in her bones, shes just suggestible. Gossip Girls plum role, lead bitch, has been left vacant. Every table at Frenchette cant help a show missing a true protagonist.

Advertisement

[Read: The Class-Conscious Reboots Hollywood Should Make After Gossip Girl]

In the absence of a teen who wants something not worth having with all of her might, we get, instead, a teacher. The biggest change to the original formula comes with the introduction of the instructors as characters unto themselves, led by Kate Keller (Tavi Gevinson). (Not going to pretendthe casting of Gevinson as an old sure trolled me!) Toyed with, condescended to, and sneered at by their entitled students, a handful of teachers band together to get their power back, reviving a defunct nom de gossip. Its a conceit with a wink: Gossip Girl has always been a show about teens thats obsessed over by adults. Now thats happening inside the show itself, so-called adults banding together to rip up the socially mediated faux-selves these teens present to the worldhowever low they have to sink to do it.

Advertisement

Advertisement

As in the first series, the real snake in the grassthe character driven to immoral distraction, selling out friends and acquaintances for the high of putting rich children in their place with a bon mot notable rich person Edith Wharton would admireis a member of the lame-o middle class. For all that the new iteration has a heightened awareness of privilege, the shows class politics remain borderline aristocratic. On Gossip Girl, those to the manner born just have that je ne sais quoi, a comfort in certain spaces and settings, a certainty they deserve watching and noticing that the series shares. Having money gives these high schoolers a rarefied, strange, challenging life, and on the show its the people who dont have it, who want it, who have their face pressed up to the glass, who get warped. But the show cant extend this insight as far as it should go. In American life, no matter how much money a person has, theres no one who doesnt want more of it. Were warped all the way to the top.
The new season of I Think You Should Leave has arrived on Netfix, and as audiences enjoy more of Zach Kanin and Tim Robinsons sketch comedy, one question is on everyones mind: Whats going to become the new hot dog guy sketch? If you somehow missed the shows first season, the hot dog guy sketch, from the fifth episode, tells the timeless story of a man implausibly claiming he is not the person who drove a hot-dog shaped car into a storefront, despite the fact that he is wearing a matching hot dog costume. Its truly a classic.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

The first season of I Think You Should Leave was released in April 2019, but Netflix posted the sketch on YouTube in October of 2020. Thats because in the intervening time, Republicans went on an absolute bender of destroying things in completely predictable ways, then implausibly claiming they were not only innocent, but frantically searching for the real culprits. The internet was not going to let a meme as apt and memorable as Robinson in a hot dog costume go to waste, and as Rebecca Onion has documented, over the course of 2020, the hot dog guy sketch became ubiquitous on social media, which is probably why Netflix released an embeddable version of the sketch shortly before the election. (Its worth noting that this sort of memeification always smooths out the nuances a littlefor instance, Robinsons line is not, Were all trying to find the guy who did this, as it appears in the meme, but Were all trying to find the guy who did this and give him a spanking, which is funnier, but a little less universally applicable.)

Advertisement

So did I Think You Should Leave capture lightning in a bottle in its second season? To find out, we identified five sketches with the highest potential to become memes, then ranked them on our Hot Dog Potential scale, from one hot dog () to five hot dogs (). There are two extremely important caveats: First, its impossible to accurately predict what images people are going to seize on in the futurewho knows what as-yet-unconceived horrors, succinctly described in one of I Think You Should Leaves sketches, might await us next month or next year? Second, the entire exercise is not all that relevant, because a sketch comedy show should be funny, not explanatory, and the second season of I Think You Should Leave is hilarious. That said, lets get to the hot dogs!

Spectrum ()

Advertisement

Advertisement

Spectrum, a first episode sketch in which Tim Robinson plays the proprietor of a TV channel in danger of being dropped from Spectrums cable packages, has very little chance of becoming a handy shorthand for a perpetual feature of the social or political landscape. Thats because Robinsons flagship show, Coffin Flop, is just hours and hours of corpses falling out of their coffins midfuneral. Thats not really a common experienceyet!and so, very little of the sketch provides meaningful commentary on anything that is actually happening. (You could make a case for Robinson yelling, I didnt do fucking shit! I didnt rig shit! but in most of those situations, the hot dog guy meme is a better choice.) Spectrum makes our top five for one reason: It seems like it would be extremely horrible to live in a country where just body after body busting out of shit wood and hitting pavement was a common, relatable experience, and its never smart to bet against the United States becoming extremely horrible in new and surprising ways.

Blues Brother ()

Advertisement

Advertisement

This sketch, in which Tim Robinson tries to salvage an acrimonious party by doing a terrible Blues Brothers impersonation, oblivious to the fact that hes pissing off the rest of the guests as well as the neighborhood dogs, is visually striking, GIF-friendly, and ideal for situations where you cant figure out how someones ill-conceived plan was ever supposed to work in the first place. Thats not quite as common a situation as someone is trying to escape culpability, but it does happen, and maybe itll happen often enough that the internet will turn this sketch into a meme. Or someone famous could do a bad Blues Brothers impersonation for no reason. Its possible, but not likely, which is a classic example of a sketch deserving two hot dogs on the Hot Dog Potential scale.

Sloppy Steaks ()

Advertisement

Advertisement

As long as people have disreputable but kind of strange pasts, images from this Episode 2 flashback to the days when Tim Robinsons character was a real piece of shit are going to be useful. The sketch doesnt really depict any universal truths about human behaviorunless there have been drastic new developments in the restaurant industry were missingbut it is universally true that humans love roasting their friends over the weird and disreputable things they did years ago, which means every shot of Robinson acting cool while looking ridiculous is likely to get an internet workout. Thats good for three hot dogs, and no sloppy steaks.

Karl Havoc ()

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

This Episode 1 sketch, in which Robinson plays the host of a prank show with a terrible makeup department, doesnt have many great or memorable lines of dialogue, but every shot of Robinson in his Karl Havoc costume is a hilarious travesty, suitable for any situation in which someone has gotten in over their head or had too much faith in their friends or co-workers talents. Theres something poignant about Karl Havocs rubbery, miserable faceand rubbery, miserable internet users are going to respond to it strongly. Four hot dogs.

Carber Vac ()

Advertisement

For a sketch to receive six hot dogs on a Hot Dog Potential scale that only goes to five hot dogs, its not enough to be hilarious, nor is it enough to have a bunch of dialogue that sums up something essential about the way the world works right now. Your sketch also has to be about hot dogs, and Carber Vac is. A callback to a previous sketch in which Robinson chokes on a hot dog during a business meeting, the sketch is an ad for a hot dog vacuum designed to suck hot dogs out of peoples throats, thus preventing them from ruining business meetings and getting fired. The dialogue will be easily applicable to contemporary situations for as long as whining about cancel culture is a thing: A meme of Robinson saying, I was fired from work for something completely embarrassing would certainly have come in handy over the past few years. Were proud to name Carber Vac as the I Think You Should Leave Season 2 sketch with the greatest hot dog guy potential. Disagree? Let us know in the commentswere all trying to find the guy who did this.
On a Wednesday morning WhatsApp call, I asked Monique Clesca, a writer and civil society activist based in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, if it was quiet on the streets outside.

Its more than quiet. I havent heard this kind of quiet since the immediate seconds after the earthquake, she said, referring to Haitis 2010 catastrophe. Not one car has passed, not one motorcycle. If anybody has walked by, I havent heard them.

The quiet is not calm. Haitians today are waiting nervously and uncertainly for answers following the shocking assassination of President Jovenel Moise. The president was shot dead by unknown attackers in his bedroom around 1 a.m. local time on Wednesday morning; his wife, who was also shot, is reportedly in critical condition and being flown to Miami for treatment. While there have been no additional reports of unrest yet, the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince closed due to the ongoing security situation and the neighboring Dominican Republic, which has a bloody and contentious history with Haiti, shut its border.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

The first question is who did it. So far, theres little indication and not many good theories. The fact that the attackers were able to reach a head of state and his wife inside their presumably well-guarded private residence suggests a professional job. Obviously it was somebody with money and somebody with connections, said Clesca. Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph, in his statement announcing the assassination, said some of them were heard speaking Spanish, which would suggest foreign mercenaries. The Miami Herald also reports that on videos taken in the neighborhood, a man is heard speaking English in an American accent claiming to be part of a DEA operation. Make of that what you will. (The Biden administration denies any DEA involvement.)

Advertisement

Subscribe to the Slatest Newsletter A daily email update of the stories you need to read right now. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again. Please enable javascript to use form. Email address: Send me updates about Slate special offers. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Sign Up Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time.

Moise certainly had no lack of enemies. The 53-year-old former banana exporter, who took office in 2017, faced mass protests throughout almost his entire tenure. These were originally sparked by the revelation of the Petrocaribe scandal, in which he and other officials are alleged to have embezzled as much as $2 billion in funds from a program meant to provide Haiti with subsidized oil from Venezuela. The funds had been intended to rebuild the infrastructure and agricultural sector of a country still reeling from a series of natural and man-made calamities including the earthquake, hurricanes, and a cholera epidemic introduced by U.N. peacekeepers.

Advertisement

That original corruption scandal had turned into one of democratic legitimacy: Moise had been ruling by decree since dissolving most of Parliament in 2020, and local and parliamentary elections have not been held since then. There are only 10 elected officials in the whole country, all senators. His own term theoretically ended in February of this year, but he said he should hold office until February 2022, since his own inauguration had been delayed.

Advertisement

At the time of his death, he was in the process of organizing a constitutional referendum in Septemberit had been delayed twice because of the pandemicwhich would strengthen the power of the presidency. Constitutional referenda are barred by Haitis 1987 constitution, and the opposition accused Moise of trying to make himself a dictator.

Amid the power vacuum and political chaos, the country is facing an acute malnutrition crisis, and it has barely even begun vaccinating its population amid a worsening COVID-19 outbreak. Theres been an alarming spike in gang violence and kidnappings in Port-au-Prince, with rival armed groups fighting for control of territory, forcing thousands to flee. Last month, one of the most powerful gang leaders, Jimmy Barbecue Cherizier, declared a revolution against Haitis government and the economic elite, through critics say gang leaders like Cherizier are actually terrorizing Moises opponents and in a tacit alliance with the government.

Advertisement

Advertisement

No matter who was behind the assassination, the next question becomes who is actually leading Haiti right now. When I asked Clesca that question, she laughed and said, I dont think anyone knows that. According to the constitution, the president of the Supreme Court is supposed to take charge in the event of the presidents death, but the president of the Supreme Court died of COVID-19 last month. The countrys prime minister might be expected to take charge at a time like thisbut further complicating matters, Moise named a new interim prime minister, Ariel Henry, just two days ago, replacing Claude Joseph, who had only been in that office since April.

Henry has been on the radio claiming to be in power today. He is a respected neurosurgeon who led the countrys cholera response, but given the circumstances of his appointment, the fact that he hadnt been sworn in yet, and the fact that theres effectively no Parliament right now to approve him, his legitimacy is questionable. (For what its worth, Wikipedia currently lists Joseph as acting president, with no sourcing.)

Advertisement

And so, Haiti is in uncharted waters. While the country has abundant experience of political turmoil, assassinations have been rare. The last time a presidential assassination happened was in 1915, when President Vilbrun Guillaume Sam was killed, which prompted U.S. President Woodrow Wilson to order U.S. Marines to invade the country to protect U.S. business interests. The occupation would last almost 20 years. U.S. troops were also sent to Haiti in 1994 to remove the junta that had overthrown democratically elected president Jean-Bertrand Aristide, and then again in 2004 to remove Aristide after he was overthrown in another coup. Aristide accused the U.S. of being behind his ouster, which the Bush administration denied.

Advertisement

Given this history, many Haitians are likely keeping one eye on Washington after Wednesdays events. White House press secretary Jen Psaki condemned the killing as a horrific crime on CNN on Wednesday and said, We stand ready and stand by them to provide any assistance thats needed. When I asked if this could include military operations, the Pentagon referred me to the White House National Security Council, which did not respond.

Advertisement

Even as his rule became increasingly autocratic and the security situation in Haiti continued to deteriorate, the international community came down on the side of Moise, which only empowered him more, says Robert Maguire, a professor of international affairs and Haiti expert at George Washington University. There was widespread Haitian opposition, but only recently has the U.S. gotten on board.

For the Trump administration, and some Republicans in Congress, this was a matter of outside geopolitical scorekeeping: Haiti had broken with other governments in the region to take the U.S. line condemning Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The Biden administration has in recent weeks called for an end of one-man rule by decree and for new elections to be held this year, although it seemed doubtful that the country would be able to organize credible elections in the coming months, even before Moise was killed. Nobody in Haiti except for those supporting the government believes that elections can be legitimate, says Maguire.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Right now, the first task of those leading Haiti is to establish credibility, says Marlene Daut, a professor of African diaspora studies who focuses on Haitian history at the University of Virginia. There needs to be an investigation on multiple levels to figure out who did this, she says. The key to what happens next is if the interim government will have any legitimacy, not to mention the people who planned thiswhats their next move? Ultimately, the Haitian people need to have a say in what happens next. It cant just be more of the same: elite men taking power and keeping power.

I asked Clesca what the international community could do to help Haiti in its latest crisis.

Certainly not invade us, she said. Certainly not send us troops. Let us deal with the issue and find solutions rather than impose one on us. Its our mess, but let us resolve our mess.
In May, the Biden administration released its Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful report, outlining the presidents vision for conserving 30 percent of the U.S.s lands and waters by 2030. Its an ambitious plancurrently, about 12 percent of the U.S.s lands and 23 percent of its waters are permanently protected in a natural state. The so-called 30x30 plan was cheered by many environmental advocacy groups who have coalesced around the goal of protecting and restoring at least 30 percent of the planets terrestrial and aquatic habitats by 2030, as scientists have argued this is necessary to prevent catastrophic wildlife extinctions and stabilize the climate. And in June, the other six leaders of the G-7 joined Biden in committing to that objective by signing on to the historic Nature Compact.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Some hard-right politicians have made disingenuous arguments that 30x30 is a federal land grab, but these only serve to underscore the most remarkable feature of Bidens conservation plan: that it favors incentivizing voluntary, community-led stewardship of private property and tribal lands, instead of a dramatic expansion of national parks. The conservation practices of landowners on so-called working landsfarms, ranches, hunting groundscan be counted toward the 30 percent goal, as can Indigenous-led efforts to sustainably manage traditional homelands. Progress will be cataloged in a federal atlas that will track, map, and tally conserved areas.

Subscribe to the Slatest Newsletter A daily email update of the stories you need to read right now. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again. Please enable javascript to use form. Email address: Send me updates about Slate special offers. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Sign Up Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time.

Theres just one problem: In an effort to telegraph President Joe Bidens commitment to bottom-up nature stewardship and appease as many stakeholders as possible, the administration has failed to provide the kind of specificity that would make the plan work. It has avoided even defining conservation or explaining how success will be measured. Even without that clarityor perhaps as a result of that lackits already apparent that Bidens plan lowers the bar from what conservation scientists have called for: setting aside 30 percent of lands and waters as well-managed reserves. As advocacy groups jockey to advance their constituents version of conservation and compete for federal resources, the risk is that projects that dont actually restore or protect biodiversity and fragile habitats will get counted in the atlas. This means that if Biden doesnt set robust, science-based benchmarks soon, 30x30 may well facilitate greenwashing.

Advertisement

Advertisement

The maneuvering has already begun. A number of landowner interest groups that have historically opposed federally led conservation efforts have embraced 30x30 for enabling the contributions that farmers and ranchers make to conservation to be counted. Notably, the Western Landowners Alliance is clamoring for ranchers to receive additional compensation for conservation and stewardship that landowners already are providing. Similarly, the American Farmland Trust wants additional funding to flow to popular USDA programs that pay farmers for voluntary (and primarily self-monitored) efforts to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture. This is concerning because it attempts to reward people for what theyre already doing or would do on their own rather than extend protections to new places, which was ostensibly the point of the plan. The key to successful conservation is additionality: protecting biodiversity-rich, carbon-sequestering habitats and wildlife corridors that would be lost without a new policy intervention. Further, its not even clear these areas should count at allwe cant call industrial agriculture croplands conserved simply because the farmer now uses less weedkiller.

Advertisement

History has shown that its easy to game conservation programs so they appear successful without producing additionality, and many will play along if therea re rewards involved. To wit: The Nature Conservancy and the Massachusetts Audubon Society got caught enrolling their own well-protected properties in carbon-offset programs, allowing polluters who purchased credits to claim major emissions reductions for preserving woods that werent in danger of deforestation in the first place. Audits of USDA conservation programs have found that the USDA illegally overpaid farmers for conservation benefits by hundreds of millions of dollars and routinely failed to check whether landowners performed the environmental restoration work for which they were paid. (For critics who view farm subsidies as nothing more than pork spending, this was hardly news.)

Advertisement

Advertisement

Even with greater oversight, theres reason to be skeptical that funneling additional conservation funds to working lands through the USDA, which the Biden administration supports, would produce additionality. The Environmental Working Group, or EWG, created a Conservation Database that tracks the conservation practices farmers have implemented with $29.8 billion in taxpayer funds over the past decade through four USDA initiatives. EWG concluded that these federal farm bill conservation programs arent leading to clean water, clean air and a healthy environment. A major problem, it notes, is that the programs allow farmers to choose from among hundreds of individual enhancements cafeteria-style, letting farmers pick the measures they like best and that are easiest to incorporate, regardless of whether those remedies do the most good. EWGs investigation of USDA programs that incentivize farmers to curb polluted runoff points to another fatal flaw: Farmers who voluntarily start conservation practices can just as easily stop. This is exactly what happened in eight Iowa watersheds, where the amount of new stream buffers added by farmers was canceled out by others who stopped maintaining their stream buffers. EWG notes that government agencies and farm organizations are eager to point to new acres enrolled as evidence of conservation progress, but they rarely account for the losses.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Ritwick Ghosh, an environmental sociologist who has analyzed USDA pay-for-performance programs, told me that they are weak policy instruments. Some voluntary practices that are part of working lands programs, like cover crops and rotational grazing, are positive actions, he noted. But to say a monoculture wheat farm that has implemented a piecemeal practice like nitrogen reduction is now conserved land is a stretch, he added. Lesli Allison, executive director of the Western Landowners Alliance, concurred, telling me, If conserving and increasing biodiversity is the objective, then a monocultural crop does not help achieve that goal. Whats more, incentivizing minor changes may lock farmers into unsustainable agriculture. It may not even provide added benefits to soil nutrition, according to a USDA study.

Advertisement

There is one incentive for private land stewardship that all sides agree has the potential to truly protect nature: conservation easements and related mechanisms like conservation leases. Such programs take a holistic approach, paying property owners to either rewild portions of their land or maintain the integrity of biodiverse landscapes that keep native ecosystems intact. For a land trust or government agency to grant a landowner a lease (which is a long-term contract) or an easement (which is permanent), strict and conservation sciencebacked criteria must be met. Ecosystem services are measured and audited (e.g., clean water, the resilience of keystone species, carbon sequestration).

Advertisement

Advertisement

Theres goodwill among a lot of landowner interest groups to expand these programs, even if they dont want farms replaced with nature preserves. Lesli Allison advocates a related policy called habitat leasing. She gave a hypothetical example of how it works: A rancher receives a 10-year contract that pays her for conserving native prairie ecosystems and wildlife. The lease recognizes the value of the habitat she is already providing as well as any costs associated with adjustments to livestock management to accommodate wildlife needs, such as a change in stock size, rotation, or fencing. Though leases dont permanently protect nature, landowners get a bonus for every term renewal, which incentivizes them to keep their acreage enrolled in the conservation program. Some have argued that allowing environmental groups to lease federal lands to prevent them from being drilled, lumbered, or grazed could also play an important role in achieving 30x30; currently, use it or lose it clauses bar would-be lessees from acquiring the rights to federal lands to protect them.

Advertisement

While she shied away from specifying a threshold by which land should count as conserved, Allison provided a useful starting point by quoting the famous ecologist Aldo Leopold, who said that the oldest task in human history is figuring out how to live on a piece of land without despoiling it. Finding that threshold is a challenge, and its clear that different stakeholders will propose varying standards that reflect their needs and interests. Thats why its incumbent on the Biden administration, which has pledged to follow the science and represent every American, to set clear, evidence-based conservation standards that are in the interests of the commonwealth.

Beyond conservation easements and leases, only working lands that support the ability of diverse native animal and plant life to regenerate and thrive should be considered conserved. And only truly sustainable land-use practices should be incentivized as part of Bidens conservation plan. Theres room for community-led innovation. But 30x30 cant just be a grab bag of negotiated pet programs. Its success must be measured by the extent to which it provides a foundation for the surviving and flourishing of countless speciesincluding our own.
Mark Joseph Stern, who reports on courts and the law for Slate, says a lot of headlines regarding the Supreme Courts most recent term totally missed the mark. His own headline with Slates Dahlia Lithwick read: The Supreme Courts Conservatives Have Laid the Groundwork for the Devastation to Come. You may recall, when President Donald Trump was rushing Amy Coney Barrett onto the bench last year and a conservative supermajority seemed inevitable, liberal activists got worried and started seriously talking about the need to fix the judiciary, perhaps by adding more justices. All that talk has now died down, but the prediction that there were only two paths that lay aheadeither a packed court or a democratic crisishas been vindicated, according to Sten: Our prediction was correct. This was a catastrophe. So, even though this term seemed to be filled with so much supposed agreement among the justices, you have to read between the lines to see how relationships on the Supreme Court are fracturingand what the consequences will be for the rest of us. Its easy to get lost when the Supreme Court hands down dozens of individual rulings each springbut if you put each decision in a wider context, year over year, you can see patterns emerge. On Wednesdays episode of What Next, I spoke with Stern about these very patterns, the unwillingness to call this Supreme Court what it is, and the consequences to come. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Last week, an Associated Press headline read, Unusually Agreeable Justices End Term With Conservative Wins. What do you think about a headline like that?

Mark Joseph Stern: Wrong and bad. Very bad. You would have to be so Pollyanna-ish and blind to the internal dynamics of the court to believe that this term reflected any kind of actual agreement ability across the justices. What we saw instead were bitter compromises and a couple of merciful punts that will not, in the end, I fear, forestall the broader damage for much longer.

Youre making it sound more like a hostage situation for the liberal justices.

Yes, absolutely. That is what weve got going on here.

Lets look at Fulton v. Philadelphia. In this case, the justices mandated that the city of Philadelphia had to continue working with Catholic Social Services even though the group openly discriminates against gay couples who want to foster children Every liberal justice signed onto this decision.

Advertisement

I really resist even calling this unanimous because I have no doubtI would bet every penny that I ownthat if the liberal justices had two more votes to side with Philadelphia against the agency, they would have.

Advertisement

Why do you say that?

I dont have any exclusive insight, but I think they are in damage control mode. They are trying to sign onto the least bad option in a case like this. But I do think that based on their questions during oral arguments, based on their past writings and their past votes, the liberal justices understand that this is a real affront to the equal dignity of same-sex couples.

Lets now look at Brnovich v. DNC. In this case, Democrats sued the state of Arizona for restricting the way people vote. The state had put a stop to so-called ballot harvesting, which lets community organizers collect ballots. Arizona also said that if residents cast their ballots in the wrong precinct, their votes would be thrown out. Both of these rules were more likely to disenfranchise people of color. The thing is, the Supreme Court has a history with these sorts of rules. A few years back, the justices decided to limit the way the Voting Rights Act protects people. So this years ruling was a bit of a rematch.

Advertisement

You have to look at how John Roberts is selectively pulling out the Jenga blocks and getting ready for the tower to crumble.  Mark Joseph Stern

The Supreme Court gutted part of the act in 2013, through Shelby County v. Holder. But the Voting Rights Act was still there, and it had this thing called a results test. What this law says is that the VRA doesnt just ban voting restrictions that are intentionally racist, because Congress understood that legislators dont usually go on to the statehouse floor and say: I hate Black people and dont want them to vote. Thats why Im passing this law. The Voting Rights Act also prohibits restrictions that result in unequal opportunity for racial minorities to vote, that have a disproportionate impact on racial minorities ability to cast a ballot even if theres not overt proof of racist intent. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said, These Arizona laws fall heavily on the shoulders of racial minorities. They disproportionately affect these individuals in a way that they do not affect most white people, and so they violate the Voting Rights Act results test. And by a 63 vote, the U.S. Supreme Court, rather predictably, reversed that decision and upheld both of Arizonas laws.

Advertisement

Advertisement

You want to talk about the reasoning a little bit?

So Justice Elena Kagan, in her fantastic dissent in Brnovich, called Justice Samuel Alitos majority opinion a law-free zone, and I think that really hits the nail on the head. Whats remarkable about the majority opinion in Brnovich is how totally disconnected it is from the text of the Voting Rights Act. And remember, this conservative court is supposed to be a textualist court: a court that just looks at the plain meaning of the words that the peoples representatives passed. But instead, Alito basically said, We dont really believe Congress could have possibly intended to prohibit voting restrictions that have a disproportionate impact on racial minorities.

Advertisement

 even though thats what Congress said.

And Alito says, instead, Were going to create these new rules that are totally divorced from the law itself. In order for a law to be illegal under the Voting Rights Act, a court has to go through these factors first and find that they dont apply. One rule that Alito comes up with is that if there are other opportunities to voteif its generally pretty easy for the average person to vote in a stateone specific restriction on one specific method of voting probably wont be illegal, even if that one restriction targets the most popular method of voting among racial minorities. Another rule that Alito concocts is that laws that were in place in 1982, when Congress passed the results test, are sort of the baseline for voting rights. So if a state legislature passes a law that was common in 1982, then its probably not illegal todaywhich is shocking, because almost every single state severely restricted both absentee voting and early voting in 1982. Alito has essentially opened the door to unlimited cuts among states to early voting and absentee voting. And theres almost no way to challenge those laws anymore because Alito says 1982 is the baseline. Never mind that Congress specifically passed this law because it felt that many voting restrictions in place in 1982 were unlawful.

Advertisement

Advertisement

If Congress passed as a lawas, say an amendment to the Voting Rights Actwhat the Supreme Court did in Brnovich, there would be massive outcry, rallies the size of the Womens March in the streets, protests and millions of letters flooding into Congress, huge campaigns to call your representatives. There would be a ton of news segments about it. It would dominate late night for weeks. It would be understood as a direct assault on equal access to the ballot in the United States, as a huge blow to voting rights the likes of which we have not seen from Congress in decades since the Jim Crow era. But because the Supreme Court did it, and because it was wrapped in this kind of garbled legalese, it got one news cycle, it got 24 hours, and then people moved on to their July 4 weekend. I think that is doubly catastrophic because its not just a terrible policy outcomeits also not the kind of earth-shaking news that people internalize and understand. Instead, it passes by. It floats away like so many other Supreme Court decisions, like tears in rain, and we get a flood of end-of-term summaries that say, Everything wasnt that bad. And people forget until Arizona flips back to red because tens of thousands of Native and Hispanic people werent allowed to vote.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

With Brnovich, you can see an arc. In 2013, the Supreme Court hobbles the Voting Rights Act in one way. Eight years later, the court hobbles the law antoher way, in a steady conservative progression. And then theres Americans for Prosperity v. Bonta, a dark money case that came out the final day of the term. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion here.

This case involves a California law that requires charitiesincluding political charities like Americans for Prosperity, a Koch-run organizationto disclose their high-dollar donors to the state attorney general because 25 percent of charities are located in California. Charitable fraud is a real problem. One of the few ways to sniff it out is for state law enforcement to reach out to donors and make sure charities are doing what they promised they would do. Here, the Supreme Court said that this law is unconstitutional on its face, that it violates the First Amendment right to freedom of association, that it unconstitutionally chills freedom of speech, and that basically theres no way it could be applied in a constitutional manner, so it has to be struck down in its entirety.

Advertisement

My understanding in this case is that somehow, information that was supposed to be kept confidential leaked out, so you could figure out who contributed to what. Was the idea that this made people vulnerable, that folks knew who is giving to these Koch-affiliated organizations and so therefore theyre being targeted in some way?

Advertisement

I think Roberts would have reached the same conclusion even if the state of California had an airtight security protocol here and not a single donor disclosure had leaked. But yes, that was part of the courts reasoningpart of Roberts reasoningthat, unfortunately, the state attorney general did not have great web security when this law first took effect several years back, and some of these disclosures did leak to the public. I will note that the plaintiffs actually hired an expert hacker to find a way around California security protocols to obtain this informationand then called that a leak, so its not exactly a totally organic leak. But leaving that aside, the conservative justices have a deep, deep concern for these donors, for these California billionaires who are turning over hundreds of thousands of dollars to groups like Americans for Prosperity and think that they will be so harassed, that they will be so targeted if their names are revealed, that their feelings will be so hurt. So the courts cannot possibly uphold this law because it would be too chilling to these sweet, benevolent zillionaires who only want to purchase elections and are asking for the basic constitutional right not to have their feelings hurt.

Advertisement

Advertisement

This decision is an important change. Because when the Supreme Court voted to allow corporations and other outside groups to freely spend money on politics, as they did in Citizens United a decade ago, disclosure was an important element of their decision. In fact, the justices agreed that disclosure was an essential tool. Now, disclosure is presumed to be unconstitutional.

I want to just pause for a second and think about these two casesthe voting rights case and the donor disclosure caseas one, and put them in a broader context, because theres trouble in seeing each individual case but then never really zooming out to see the forest for the trees. In these cases, you have the court picking away slowly but surely at the rules, brick by brick. But then when you look at all of these cases, you see how theres actually a methodical thing happening here, which you might not see if you just look case by case.

Absolutely right. My colleague Dahlia Lithwick calls this John Roberts two-step. Weve seen it many times before. And in fact, when the Supreme Court gutted Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act in 2013, that was the second stepthe first step had come a few years earlier in a case most people did not pay a ton of attention to, where John Roberts said, Were upholding the Voting Rights Act and Section 5, but were very concerned about it, were not totally sure if its constitutional, so Congress might want to take a look at this. Then a few years later, when he dismantles that, he can say, well, we warned you. And theres another Roberts two-step in action in Shelby County. He says, Section 2 is still there, weve still got this permanent ban on racial discrimination in voting. And then in Brnovich, he signs onto an opinion that says, We dont really like what Section 2 says, so were going to water it down a meaningless standard thats going to make it near-impossible to block voter suppression laws in court. Roberts gets a lot of credit for compromise opinions, and not as many people pay attention to what comes a few years late. You cant just take a look at the last opportunity to come down at the end of the term and say its not as bad as it could be. You have to look at how John Roberts is selectively pulling out the Jenga blocks and getting ready for the tower to crumble.

Subscribe to What Next on Apple Podcasts

Get more news from Mary Harris every weekday.
According to a forthcoming book by Wall Street Journal reporter Michael Bender, Donald Trump told his thenchief of staff John Kelly during a 2018 trip to France that Adolf Hitler did a lot of good things. The then-president was apparently referring to the 1930s German economic boom, which was fueled by the mass manufacture of goods with which the country strengthened itself to launch the deadliest war and worst genocide in human history in an attempt to create a thousand-year period of worldwide Aryan domination.

Advertisement

The 2018 trip was already an infamous chapter in Trumps presidency because it included the occasion on which he reportedly referred to United States troops killed in World War II as losers in the course of canceling a trip to an American cemetery near Paris because he thought his hair (or hair) would look bad in the rain.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Through a spokesperson, Trump denied having said that Hitler did a lot of good things. (He previously denied calling the war dead losers.)

Subscribe to the Slatest Newsletter A daily email update of the stories you need to read right now. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again. Please enable javascript to use form. Email address: Send me updates about Slate special offers. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Sign Up Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time.

The alleged pro-Hitler statements by the ex-presidentwhose administration made America First its central policy sloganare of note, historically, for their resonance with the positions of the original, Hitler-friendly America First movement, which held during the 30s that the United States involvement in another European war would be a waste of resources and lives. They are also of historic note because they mark the first occasion that we know of during which a postwar American president argued with his chief of staff about whether Hitler was good, in the course of canceling a trip to a military cemetery because he didnt want his hair to get wet.

He (Trump, not Hitler) is widely considered likely to be the Republican nominee for the presidency in 2024.
In late June, the MIT Technology Review reported on the ways that some of the worlds largest job search sitesincluding LinkedIn, Monster, and ZipRecruiterhave attempted to eliminate bias in their artificial intelligence job-interview software. These remedies came after incidents in which A.I. video-interviewing software was found to discriminate against people with disabilities that affect facial expression and exhibit bias against candidates identified as women.

When artificial intelligence software produces differential and unequal results for marginalized groups along lines such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status, Silicon Valley rushes to acknowledge the errors, apply technical fixes, and apologize for the differential outcomes. We saw this when Twitter apologized after its image-cropping algorithm was shown to automatically focus on white faces over Black ones and when TikTok expressed contrition for a technical glitch that suppressed the Black Lives Matter hashtag. They claim that these incidents are unintentional moments of unconscious bias or bad training data spilling over into an algorithmthat the bias is a bug, not a feature.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

But the fact that these incidents continue to occur across products and companies suggests that discrimination against marginalized groups is actually central to the functioning of technology. Its time that we see the development of discriminatory technological products as an intentional act done by the largely white, male executives of Silicon Valley to uphold the systems of racism, misogyny, ability, class and other axis of oppression that privilege their interests and create extraordinary profits for their companies. And though these technologies are made to appear benevolent and harmless, they are instead emblematic of what Ruha Benjamin, professor of African American Studies at Princeton University and the author of Race After Technology, terms The New Jim Code: new technologies that reproduce existing inequities while appearing more progressive than the discriminatory systems of a previous era.

Advertisement

Tech companies have financial and social incentives to create discriminatory products. Take, for example, Amazon Rekognition, a facial recognition created and sold by the e-commerce giant. Amazon very publicly enacted a moratorium on police use of facial recognition in June 2020 after protests in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. But prior to that, the company developed and sold this product despite mountains of evidence showing that the use of facial recognition by police departments amplifies harm toward Black people. Amazon did so to profit from a criminal justice system that disproportionately targets Black people for surveillance, arrest, and imprisonment and only stopped when protests against anti-Black racism brought attention to the companys practices. Further, the development and sale of this technology helps to maintain an anti-Black social hierarchy that allows Jeff Bezos and the white men who occupy Amazons highest-paid positions to maintain their privilege in our society.

Advertisement

Advertisement

We should view algorithmic bias as a spillover effect from the culture of tech that has persistent racial and gender inequality in hiring and leadership and that has actively discouraged its employees from engaging in political discussions at work. Though the protests in 2020 prompted more explicit conversations about race and identity by tech companies, the culture of avoiding political discussions persists. This was evident when Basecamp CEO Jason Fried published a memo in April in which he banned employee discussions of social and political issues on company Basecamp accounts. In offering his reasoning, Fried wrote, Todays social and political waters are especially choppy and that you shouldnt have to wonder if staying out of it means youre complicit, or wading into it means youre a target. The memo sparked online backlash and led to a cascade of employee resignations.

Advertisement

What Fried said has long been implicit within tech companies across the country: Discussions of choppy issues like racism, transphobia, misogynoir, and ableism are uncomfortable for those with privilege and that tech companies would prefer to avoid them. And though these companies have, in recent years, attempted to have more explicit discussions of race, gender, and bias within their workplaces, the belief that social issues like race are insignificant to technological development pervades within the corporate culture of Silicon Valley.

Advertisement

By normalizing the avoidance of explicitly talking about social and political issues, tech companies are maintaining a culture that privileges the perspective of people with dominant identities, from hiring to product development. And the truth is that social and political topics are always being discussed. Its just that people with racial, gender, and other forms of power see their identities and perspectives as the default and therefore not a part of the social and political landscape.

Advertisement

This is particularly true for white people, a group whose racial identity has long been treated as invisible in the United States. In research I conducted last summer, I found that the statements released by tech companies amid the racial justice protests rarely mentioned whiteness or white people. The choice to exclude white people from these statementswhile hyper-focusing on Black people and other people of colornormalizes the idea that white people are raceless, and it absolves white people from their role in maintaining the racial hierarchy. In doing this, white people get to maintain their power within tech companies and avoid the feelings of fear, discomfort, and anger that may accompany discussions of racial inequalitya phenomenon sometimes known as white fragility.

Advertisement

Its time for us to reject the narrative that Big Tech sellsthat incidents of algorithmic bias are a result of using unintentionally biased training data or unconscious bias. Instead, we should view these companies in the same way that we view education and the criminal justice system: as institutions that uphold and reinforce structural inequities regardless of good intentions or behaviors of the individuals within those organizations. Moving away from viewing algorithmic bias as accidental allows us to implicate the coders, the engineers, the executives, and CEOs in producing technological systems that are less likely to refer Black patients for care, that may cause disproportionate harm to disabled people, and discriminate against women in the workforce. When we see algorithmic bias as a part of a larger structure, we get to imagine new solutions to the harms caused by algorithms created by tech companies, apply social pressure to force the individuals within these institutions to behave differently, and create a new future in which technology isnt inevitable, but is instead equitable and responsive to our social realities.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
Where to swim and cool off in Slovakia this summer

Take a dip in regularly checked lakes and water dams.

Bathers relax on the beach by the Velky Drazdiak lake in Bratislava. (Source: Miroslav Kosirer/TASR)

Font size: A - | A +

The article and the map below will be updated on July 16, 2021.

The sea is the only element Slovakia lacks, some claim, in order to be a perfect holiday destination. And still the country is a water paradise.

In addition to hundreds of swimming pools and water parks, Slovakia boasts plenty of lakes and water dams, many of which are checked on a weekly basis during the summer by regional branches of the Public Health Authority.

Wild swimming spots

Eight wild swimming spots with organised recreation and a number of similar spots but with unorganised recreation are currently suitable for an enjoyable swim.

Zlate Piesky in Bratislava and the Slnecne jazera lakes in the town of Senec, situated near the capital, are the only two approved wild swimming spots with organised recreation in the Bratislava Region.

As the map below shows, several other areas  marked with a blue-and-white swimmer icon, including the Liptovska Mara dam in the Zilina Region and Velka Domasa  Tisava in the Presov Region, have also been placed on the list.

Kunovska priehrada near Sobotiste, Trnava Region, is considered suitable for swimming from July 9.

Simultaneously, public health authorities in regions have gone on to greenlight unorganised recreation many lakes and dams, which you can all see pinned on the map and marked with a black swimmer icon.

The quality of water for swimming in lakes and dams is not satisfactory everywhere. For instance, swimming is not recommended in Vinianske jazero Lake, Tona Surany, the recreational area of Gazarka Sastin Straze, the Brezova pod Bradlom water dam, and three sites by the Ruzin water dam in the Gelnica district  SKI, Chaty, and pritoky.

Good for a swim, despite high phosphorus

A few lakes, the authorities have also found, do not meet some indicators but are still good for a swim.

Hence, people can enjoy taking a dip in the recreational area of Rudava near the village of Male Levare and in Pieskovna Lake next to the village of Plavecky Stvrtok, though the colour of water did not meet necessary requirements. Both places can be found in the Malacky district, and thus not far away from Bratislava.

Reduced water transparency was confirmed in the Kralova-Kaskady water dam and the Bagrovisko Sintava lake in the Trnava Region.

Swimming in the Laborec River in the city of Humenne, eastern Slovakia, and in Lipovina dam in the village of Batovce, Banska Bystrica Region, has been approved by the authorities as well, despite higher levels of phosphorus and nitrogen.

Anima Beach at the Zemplinska Sirava water dam. (Source: Roman Hanc/TASR)

The increased colour and increased total phosphorus and nitrogen are among the insignificant indicators, and are checked beyond the mandatory indicators, the authorities said, adding that the results of other indicators relevant for health came in satisfactory.

The Public Health Authority also noted the Ruzina water dam in the Banska Bystrica Region and the Opatova water dam in the Trencin Region would not be open to swimmers in the summer.

Closed pools

Apart from natural waters, bathers have indoor or outdoor swimming pools at their disposal in nearly every larger municipality. As many as 151 swimming centres and 511 pools have been given permission to reopen, and several others are believed to follow soon.

Nevertheless, the indoor swimming pool in Spisska Nova Ves will remain closed due to reconstruction work.

Outdoor swimming pools in Hrinova, central Slovakia, have been overhauled and reopened after 22 years. (Source: Silvia Tannhauserova/TASR)

Neither will the following swimming centres reopen this season: Aqua  Relax Livia in Brezno, Galandia in Galanta, an outdoor pool in Calovec, Katarina in Kremnica, Summer Club  Incheba in Bratislava, Tri vody in Malinovo, outdoor pools in Moldava nad Bodvou, Triton in Kosice, the outdoor pool in Vlachovo, Veronika in Gemerska Horka, outdoor pools in Zlate Moravce, and an outdoor pool run by Cachovo Pension in Selce.

In most cases the reason is unsatisfactory technical conditions or ongoing renovations, said the Public Health Authority, which updates the list of suitable swimming spots in Slovakia every Friday.

Spectacular Slovakia travel guides

7. Jul 2021 at 12:16 | Compiled by Spectator staff
Ex-chair of tax authority said an investigation involving ex-president Kiska was discussed at a meeting with Fico

He also talked of an alleged bribe for former PM Peter Pellegrini.

Frantisek Imrecze (Source: Archive of Sme)

Top stories
People protest the closing of smaller border crossings

Far-right MP arrested after attacking a police officer at one protest.

Font size: A - | A +

The closure of some smaller border crossings sparked protests among people living in the villages close to the Slovak border. They complain of the complications the decision has caused, particularly to cross-border commuters.

One such protest took place on July 6 in the village of Horne Srnie (Trencin Region), close to the border with the Czech Republic.

Horne Srnie Jozef Huserka said that the closed border crossing with Czechia complicates the situation for people, especially those working in the Czech Republic.

Police launch intense controls at border crossings, some smaller ones are closed Read more

These measures are creating problems for people living by the borders, who are working in a cement plant, in the Ligna company, Huserka said, as quoted by the TASR newswire. There are also people who want to travel abroad for holidays. They are vaccinated or they meet all criteria for the protection of life and they cannot cross the border.

Some border crossings were closed after a new traffic light warning system for borders came into force on July 7. The warning system placed Slovakia in the orange tier, meaning more intensive border checks, while some less used and less frequent crossings are closed. The police raised concrete barricades at some crossings, while gravel was scattered at others.

Some retailers have also opposed the closed crossings, claiming that the measure complicates supplies, TASR reported.

Appeals from the Czech side

7. Jul 2021 at 11:49 | Compiled by Spectator staff
Minister promises to open smaller border crossings

The decision comes after several protests took place to oppose the closure of some crossings.

Font size: A - | A +

It is possible that smaller border crossings in Slovakia that were closed at the beginning of this week will soon reopen.

Up to 500 employees of the Financial Administration and up to 200 members of the Prison and Court Guard Service (ZVJS) will help with daily border checks until the end of this year. The cabinet approved this decision at its July 7 session.

Such reinforcement will enable the state to open smaller border crossings, Interior Minister Roman Mikulec (OLaNO) said.

We have 33 small border crossings that have been closed, he said after the cabinet session, as quoted by the TASR newswire. Well try to gradually open as many of them as possible.

He has promised to create a special lane for vaccinated incomers.

If the situation in the neighbouring countries worsens, the border regime will be toughened up, Mikulec added, pointing to the rising numbers in the Czech Republic.

Several people were protesting

People protest the closing of smaller border crossings Read more

The cabinets decision came after the inhabitants of municipalities situated close to the closed border crossings protested. Some people even tried to remove the barriers erected by the police.

Representatives of the companies residing in the regions on both sides of the borders and some retailers have complained.

Czech Interior Minister Jan Hamacek meanwhile confirmed on Twitter that his Slovak counterpart Mikulec informed him that all border crossings between the two countries that are currently closed will reopen by the end of the week and that the police checks will be random, TASR reported.

7. Jul 2021 at 15:30 | Compiled by Spectator staff
Referendum on snap election not in compliance with the Constitution. Small border crossings will reopen, following some protests. The trial of an ex-special prosecutor began.

Font size: A - | A +

Good evening. Check out the main news of the day in less than five minutes with the Wednesday, July 7, 2021 edition of Today in Slovakia. We wish you a pleasant read.

Referendum on snap election not in compliance with the Constitution

Boxes with more than 585,000 signatures under the petition for holding the referendum on snap election were delivered to the Presidential Palace in early May. (Source: SITA)

No referendum on a snap election will be held for now.

The Constitutional Court decided on July 7 that such a plebiscite would be unconstitutional, which triggered some very critical comments from both the opposition, which initiated a petition to hold the referendum on shortening the election term of the current parliament, and the coalition.

The parties representatives slammed not only the court but also President Zuzana Caputova, who turned to the Constitutional Court in mid-May since there were some questions concerning the referendum on a snap election.

She responded that the decision has brought light to the discussion. She invited politicians to amend the Constitution in a way that will make it possible for the referendum on a snap election to take place in the future. At the same time, she stressed that it is her right as a president to turn to the Constitutional Court if there are questions concerning the referendum.

I think its absurd for me to apologise for observing the Constitution, she noted.

Smaller border crossings open after protests

People protested against the closure of some smaller border crossings. (Source: TASR)

Dozens of smaller and infrequently used border crossings were closed at the beginning of this week as part of a new traffic light system for border checks. However, the decision was opposed by several municipalities and the representatives of companies situated in the border regions, and even some retailers who complained about delayed deliveries of supplies.

People complained that after a border crossing near them was closed, they had to travel quite far to another open border crossing. Some protestors tried to remove the barriers erected by the police.

This should change in the coming days. The cabinet approved the reinforcement of border patrols, which will make it possible to gradually reopen the smaller crossings, said Interior Minister Roman Mikulec (OLaNO) after the July 7 cabinet session. The checks on these crossings are expected to be random.

If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription. Thank you.

More Covid and vaccination developments

The map of districts from July 12, 2021. (Source: Health Ministry)

45 out of 5,637 PCR tests carried out on July 7 were positive, and nine out of 8,837 antigen tests were positive. Two more people died of Covid.

out of 5,637 PCR tests carried out on July 7 were positive, and out of 8,837 antigen tests were positive. more people died of Covid. The epidemiological situation in Slovakia has improved and most districts are in the green tier with very mild restrictions. Only three districts  Humenne, Ruzomberok and Turcianske Teplice  will remain in the yellow tier from next Monday, July 12.

 Humenne, Ruzomberok and Turcianske Teplice  will remain in the from next Monday, July 12. The combination of two different Covid vaccines could be introduced in the coming days, said Health Minister Vladimir Lengvarsky (OLaNO nominee). This will be possible after they figure out the best way to state in a certificate that a person has been administered two various vaccine doses.

could be introduced in the coming days, said Health Minister Vladimir Lengvarsky (OLaNO nominee). This will be possible after they figure out the best way to state in a certificate that a person has been administered two various vaccine doses. It is possible that all vaccination centres will soon start vaccinating people who have not received an official invitation yet . Some centres are already using the so-called walk-in vaccination, including those in Bratislava, Zilina Region and Banska Bystrica Region.

. Some centres are already using the so-called walk-in vaccination, including those in Bratislava, Zilina Region and Banska Bystrica Region. A testing site providing gargling LAMP tests should be open at the Bratislava airport in the coming days, and some may be established on the borders.

should be open at the in the coming days, and some may be established on the borders. The opposition party Smer challenged an ordinance introducing new border rules at the Constitutional Court. It deems it unconstitutional and claims that it is discriminatory, restricts freedom and movement, and, in the case of cross-border commuters, it restricts their right to work.

Picture of the day

The Trencin airport is hosting a modified version of the traditional summer festival Pohoda, called Pohoda on the Ground. The festival was open today at 11:00 and will last until July 11. Find more about the event here.

Pohoda on the Ground started in Trencin on July 7. (Source: TASR)

Feature story for today

The plan to replace the birth number, rodne cislo in Slovak, with a random 10-digit code, has been postponed for now. The current government plans to change the plan presented by ex-interior minister Denisa Sakova. IT experts have welcomed the decision, saying the previous system was too complicated.

Rodne cislo will be kept for now. The coalition moves to change the former govts plan Read more

In other news

Foreign Affairs Minister Ivan Korcok (SaS nominee) was profoundly shocked by the attack on Dutch journalist Peter R. de Vries, known for investigating the criminal underworld. De Vries was shot and seriously wounded on a street in Amsterdam. I strongly condemn any assault on free journalism, one of the cornerstones of democracy, he wrote on Twitter.

The trial of ex-special prosecutor Dusan Kovacik , who faces charges of corruption and establishing an organised crime group, started on July 7 . It is the very first court proceeding where the testimony of Ludovit Mako, the former head of the Criminal Office of the Financial Administration who also faces several charges but is collaborating with the police, will be used, the Sme daily reported.

, who faces charges of corruption and establishing an organised crime group, . It is the very first court proceeding where the testimony of Ludovit Mako, the former head of the Criminal Office of the Financial Administration who also faces several charges but is collaborating with the police, will be used, the Sme daily reported. Tax and payroll tax revenues are improving , and there is space to decrease the deficit quicker, according to the Council of Budget Responsibility. In its latest prognosis, it expects the deficit to decrease from 7.2 percent of GDP in 2021 to 3.9 percent of GDP in 2022, while the yield from public administration incomes should increase by 0.8 billion to 30.299 billion in 2021, and by 0.5 billion to 32.045 billion one year later.

, and there is space to decrease the deficit quicker, according to the Council of Budget Responsibility. In its latest prognosis, it expects the deficit to decrease from in 2021 to in 2022, while the yield from public administration incomes should increase by in 2021, and by one year later. The profits of companies in Slovakia dropped by 19.4 percent year-on-year on average last year due to the pandemic, according to a recent analysis of the FinStat company, created based on financial statements of nearly 230,000 companies. The number of companies with a loss of profits and companies with zero profit dropped significantly compared with 2019.

dropped by on average last year due to the pandemic, according to a recent analysis of the FinStat company, created based on financial statements of nearly 230,000 companies. The number of companies with a loss of profits and companies with zero profit dropped significantly compared with 2019. A driver set his car on fire on the border crossing in Vysne Nemecke in eastern Slovakia and fled. Firefighters managed to extinguish the fire, and there were no injuries. The driver has already been caught.

More on Spectator.sk today

Where to swim and cool off in Slovakia this summer Read more

Ex-chair of tax authority said an investigation involving ex-president Kiska was discussed at a meeting with Fico Read more

Amazon acts like a Mafia boss in a film Read more

If you have suggestions on how this news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk.

7. Jul 2021 at 18:04 | Radka Minarechova
Colin Kelly took an aggressive approach with Pedro Hanover in Tuesdays $13,000 Preferred 2 for horse and gelding pacers, and the Kyle Bossence trainee responded winning in gate to wire fashion.

Pedro Hanover charged to the top from Post 5 and had the field chasing him through fractions of :28.2, :57.1 and 1:25. A :27.3 closing panel was enough to seal the deal by a head over race favourite Bee Two Bee in 1:52.3. American Wiggle rounded out the Trifecta ticket.

Brad Gray of Dundas, ON owns the six-year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere-Paulas Best who pushed his lifetime earnings to $474,835 with the win.

Tuesdays card also featured three divisions of the Prospect Series for three-year-old pacing fillies.

Brydown Better Bea rallied for a 1:57.1 triumph in her $7,200 split for the tandem of driver Travis Henry and trainer Kendall Rahn.

The daughter of Betterthancheddar-Lily Ellie, who is owned by Brydown Farms Inc of Clinton, ON, pulled off the 5-1 upset over Better Kissthe Men and Chelsis Choice.

Windsun Gaga was a front-stepping winner in the second division for driver Jonathan Drury and trainer Isaac Waxman.

The Hes Watching-Artistic Melody lass whacked out fractions of :28.1, :59.2 and 1:28.2 before using a :28.2 closing frame to win by a head over Shes A Beaut Clark in 1:56.4. Virtual Success was third.

Tess Waxman, Christine Marion and Jordan Miller share ownership on the filly who was sent off as the even-money favourite.

Always Watching quarter pole-moved to the lead for driver Colin Kelly and cruised to a handy win for trainer Ben Wallace.

Sent off as the 1-9 choice, the daughter of Hes Watching-Ravishnmasterpiece drew clear to win by 3-1/2 lengths over Got Sexy Scars in 1:52.1. Lets Roar took home the show dough.

Wallacestandardbreds Inc and Noblock Racing Stable share ownership on the sophomore.

To view results for Tuesday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Tuesday Results  Georgian Downs.
Driver Victor Kirby had a productive day at the office thanks to a four-win performance  two from his own barn - on the Tuesday program at Harrington Raceway.

Kirby trainees Quiksilvr Bluechip ($2.80) and Rukiddnme Bluechip ($13.20), both trotters whom Kirby co-owns were victorious. Kirby also piloted Hey Hey Dbay ($4.20) and Redford Hanover ($11.20) to victory.

Charles Cochran and Josh Greens Littlebagoftricks ($3.60) notched her seventh straight win with a 1:55 score. The Roddys Bags again filly has won eight of 10 lifetime starts.

Live racing in Delaware will go on a hiatus until the annual Governors Day program on July 29 (7 p.m. post time) during the Delaware State Fair, where over $600,000 in total purses will be distributed, including four $100,000 Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF) final events for three-year-olds.

(Harrington Raceway)
Making their debut in the Ontario Sires Stakes program, the two-year-old pacing fillies delivered impressive efforts in five $22,000 Grassroots divisions at Georgian Downs on Tuesday, July 6.

Silver Label opened the event with an effortless 1:56 score that would hold up as the fastest mile of the five Grassroots divisions. In rein to James MacDonald, Silver Label took control heading for the :58.1 half, powered through a 1:27.3 three-quarters and repelled a challenge from Fade Out in the stretch to record the one and one-half length victory. Alla Prima finished well behind the leaders in third.

James said she wasnt quite sure what to on the front, but as soon as she heard the horse coming beside her, she dug back in and won handy, said trainer Nick Gallucci. We are all very happy with how she raced tonight.

Gallucci trains Silver Label for owner-breeder Millar Farms of Stouffville, ON. The partners are off to a roaring start in the freshman pacing division, having also captured Gold Series events with filly Prohibition Legal and colt Betterhavemymoney. MacDonald drove both horses to their Gold Series wins, and was impressed enough with Silver Labels June 24 qualifier to make the trip to Georgian Downs Tuesday.

Silver Label has always done everything right training, she just got started a little bit later than our other groups of two-year-olds, said Gallucci of the Bettors Delight daughter. I wish we could have had one more qualifier before she started her racing career, but she went so well in her first qualifier we didnt want to miss making money in the first sires stake.

In the second $22,150 Grassroots division, driver Colin Kelly opted for a come-from-behind strategy with fan favourite Dewitt For Josie. Sitting fourth for most of the mile Kelly moved the Sportswriter daughter into the outer lane at the three-quarter marker and in the stretch the filly hit another gear, sprinting home to a three and one-quarter length win in 1:56.3. Twinkle In Hereye was second and pacesetter Iwishihadame settled for third.

Shes a big, strong, good gaited filly and she loves her work. She does everything right, said Kelly, who engineered the win for trainer Rene Bourassa of Fergus and owner Gilles Caouette of Sudbury, ON. Shes still green, shes still learning, but I mean 1:56 today, she was well within herself. Shes got one real big burst thats for sure and she can carry her speed, hopefully she can be a pretty handy filly for the rest of the year.

Driver Chris Christoforou was also impressed with Mighty Melissa, who sailed along on the front end to a 1:56.1 win in the third Grassroots division. The Sportswriter daughter hit the wire one and three-quarter lengths ahead of Flo and Girl Scout Cookie.

She left well, relaxed comfortably on the lead and had plenty of pace when I asked her for more speed, said Christoforou. Shes a big, strong filly with a great attitude; she should have a bright future.

The Campbellville resident drove Mighty Melissa to the win for trainer Gregg McNair of Guelph and his co-owners Ross Family Farms Ltd. of Wingham, Ross Holmes of London, ON and Wayne MacRae of Fall River, NS.

The other two Grassroots divisions went to Lauralanthalasa and Winx.

Favourite Lauralanthalasa carved all the fractions in the fourth division and kept a neck in front of Better Catch Girl and Warrawee Xpat to secure the 1:57.1 win. Jonathan Drury drove the Artspeak daughter to her second lifetime win for trainer Carmen Auciello of Stouffville, ON and owners Mali Norbye of Wrightstown, NJ, Philipp McGuire of Nevada, OH and Shirley Kunen of Granville, NY.

Trainer-driver Michiel Vanderkemp used a come-from-behind strategy to propel Winx to a 1:56.4 win in the last Grassroots division. The Sportswriter daughter bested Big Impact by a neck and left pacesetter Shanghai Seelster to settle for third. Dianne Secord of Fergus, ON owns Winx.

Georgian Downs fans will get a look at the Gold Series two-year-old pacing fillies when they make their way to Innisfil for the second leg of their campaign on July 13.

(OSS)

To view results for Tuesday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Tuesday Results  Georgian Downs.
There were two quartets of features at a sweltering Harrahs Philadelphia on Wednesday afternoon (July 7): four $12,600 events for climbing-the-ladder horses, and four $11,700 2-year-old paces, including three for fillies eight days ahead of their first PA Sire Stakes/Stallion Series action, taking place here.

It looks like Let It Ride Stables Inc. should be anticipating the freshman pacing filly stakes season, as they were co-owners of all three of Wednesdays winners, with their Pennsylvania-sired filly Heartbreak Hotel posting the fastest time of the trio  a 1:53.1 mile. Dexter Dunn let the daughter of Sweet LouLove Canal (a $600,000 winner) roll on the front in splits of :27.4, :56.4 and 1:24, then continued to victory in her purse bow for trainer "Nifty" Norman. Let It Ride shares ownership of this miss with Bottom Line Racing LLC.

Let It Ride and Bottom Line struck again with the American IdealFox Valley Shaker baby Throw The Dice, who came successive back quarters of :28.2 to win in 1:54.3 in her first betting start for driver Andrew McCarthy and trainer Linda Toscano. Let It Rides third winner, owned in partnership with Maurice Chodash and Barry Cohen, was also a Toscano trainee making her first purse start  the HuntsvilleLiving History filly Reenactment, who controlled the pace in a 1:56.1 win under the guidance of David Miller.

The lone action for freshmen male pacers went to Early Action, a gelded son of Huntsville and the first foal of Fashion Katie, whose dam was a full sister to Kikikatie. Early Action belied his name in this event, coming his last quarter in :27.2 and passing four horses in the stretch to fashion a 1:54.2 win in his purse debut for driver David Miller, trainer Joe Holloway, and the ownership of Val DOr Farms and Ted Gewertz.

In the $12,600 contests, one distaff division went to the Always B MikiAnndrovette sophomore filly Nashville Elgenna, who took the lead from JM Betonsix then just held off a late rush by that one by a head in 1:52 (last half :55.2) for driver Andrew McCarthy, trainer Tony Alagna and Crawford Farms Racing. The other saw the Sweet Lou sophomore Ginger Tree Liz come from well-back at the three-quarters to go right on by, with her own last half in the 1:53.2 mile a sparkling :55 for driver David Miller, trainer Steve Cook, and the partnership of Sam Beegle, Ginger Tree Ventures LLC, Double D Racing Stable, and Reber-Chesen Stable.

The top purse division for male pacers was won by the Somebeachsomewhere sophomore colt Carbine, who stepped around favoured Serious Miki after the quarter, then sizzled home in :53.4 against the powerful pocket pursuer to defeat him by a half-length in a mark of 1:50.4. Dexter Dunn drove for trainer Tony Alagna and the Let It Ride Stables LLC and Bottom Line Racing Inc., along with Howard Taylor.

In the trotting sector, the $600,000 yearling Ineffable  a sophomore daughter of Cantab Hall and a three-quarter sister to $500,000-winner Crucial  trotted her back fractions in :56, :27.4 on the lead to lower her mark to 1:53.3 for driver Tim Tetrick, trainer Marcus Melander, and the partnership of Menhammar Stuteri AB and S R F Stable.

David Miller, whose name was associated with three of the winners above, finished the day with five victories.

The $16,200 feature on Trottin Thursday at Harrahs will find such national-level stars as JL Cruze, Crystal Fashion, and Big Oil in a powerful eight-horse field. Program pages for the 12:25 p.m. (EDT) card will be available at the PHHA website.

(PHHA / Harrah's Philadelphia)
The Buckeye Stallion Series returns to MGM Northfield Park Wednesday (July 7) for the first leg of the 2-year-old filly trotters. Five divisions will be contests, each with a purse of $17,500.

The entry box saw 38 fillies entered to race, splitting into two seven-horse fields and three eight-horses fields.

Trainers Chris Beaver and Jason McGinnis lead the way with four entries each, while Wes Hershberger and Anette Lorentzon will send two postward. A total of 29 trainers have entered fillies.

Sixteen Ohio stallions will be represented with nine sired by What The Hill, five each from Long Tom and Uncle Peter, and Creatine and Triumphant Caviar each siring three.

First-race post time for the 15-race program is set for 6 p.m. (EDT) at MGM Northfield Park with series events scheduled in Races 1, 2, 3, 6 and 8.

(OHHA)
At the end of the car show, awards and trophies were given out. The Peoples Choice winners were Jody and Jenifer Callender from Gainesville, with their 2019 BMW i8. The Boards Pick winner was Tom Mcgodkin from Rapidan with his 57 Chevy Bel Air. The Best of Show winner was Dave Bohler from Rochelle with his 57 Chevy Nomad.

Top 25 trophies were also given out. All makes, models and years were represented, with cars ranging in age from 1937 to as new as 2019 represented among the trophy winners. All trophies were handed out by Mrs. American Elegance 2020-2021, Tisha Downing.

Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

Two NASCAR Experience packages were raffled offone to drive, and one to ride. The winner of the driving experience was Shirley Cox and the riding experience winner was Jason Hamilton.

Lora Morris brought her 1958 Chevrolet Biscayne to participate in the show. She was given the car as a gift because it is from the same year she was born, 1958. Although it was not her first car show, it was her first time coming to a car show in Culpeper.

Morris said one of the reasons she enjoys going to car shows is the opportunity to reminisce with others about the past and share memories people have had with certain cars.
One parent, Jessica Valles, said she only had good things to say about the program.

Weve had nothing but good experiences with the program, she said. The children are well taken care of.  They dont just provide services for children, but they also do provide services for parents.

Valles said shes taken advantage of those services, which include parent meetings. Since she is a student herself and her husband works in welding for an ag business, she said MSHS has been really helpful over the past three years that her son Elias Gonzales has been a part of it.

It serves the whole family as a whole, she said.

Valles heard about the center through family advocate Yuleth Vera, who works at the Scottsbluff center. Vera said the program is a good opportunity to provide guidance to families in need.

We can help families grow, she said. We can set goals and help the family in need, and we just guide them to wherever their direction where theyre heading.

Alvizar stressed that while it is for families whose primary income comes from agricultural work, it doesnt necessarily mean just the people who work in the fields.
Megan also enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate with educators in-person after the past year.

That really just enriches me and gives me a pep in my step to come back to my small, little school, she said. It feels good to even be considered in the same realm as those other highly qualified educators.

Conrad described Megan as a leader in Nebraska education and has already created successful unsung hero projects. We look forward to her creativity and dynamic educational work. She will be a powerful part of our 2021 class of Fellows.

The educators also brainstormed some unsung heroes in the community and state. If anyone knows of someone who is an unsung hero and deserves to have their stories told, then contact the Helbergs at meg.helberg@gmail.com and dhelberg@ansleyps.org.

We would like to focus on the whole state, Dan said. If there is someone local, thatd be great. But wed really be open to stories from across the state because I take pride in the entire state of Nebraska and being proud of where we live, grew up and will continue to live in the future.

The Helbergs are among a select group of educators where both of them have been named a LMC Fellow.
He would attempt to get jobs but people would question his lack of previous employment or wouldnt understand the breaks he needed to take because of his disability. The few people who would take a chance on him would then not want him back the next day, he said. He didnt have anyone to advocate for him.

Ive had Social Security kind of track me down, Ill put it that way, twice. They asked me because there was an overpayment thing. I said, You want that? I want people to advocate for me for a job.

I said, I dont understand. I said, Somebody (who) works in a state agency, you can set up an appointment to see them, and all of the sudden they can call in sick the next day, and then take two or three days off because they have a disability. I said, So, why cant I do that if I got a job? Nobody ever advocated for me. You know, they send you to vocational job training, and they want you to get a GED. I said, If I do that, I got to be able  (Itd be) like going back to school, just regular school, study for it, something I can comprehend it. Talking to you is one thing, but if I write you a letter, its not going to come out the way Im talking to you.
Q. Does the new speed limit in front of the Scottsbluff High School still apply even when school is not in session? It does not seem like everyone follows this.

A. As a reminder to those who are unaware, the speed limit was permanently reduced to 20 miles per hour on 27th Street from Fifth Avenue to Broadway. This change was made by the Scottsbluff City Council due to an unfortunate pedestrian versus vehicle collision in 2019.

The lowered speed limit in is in place all of the time, not just during school. During school hours, patrol efforts have increased at all schools not just the high school. Fines issued for speeding within a school zone are doubled.

During the summer months, many vehicles have been found in violation and officers have issued warnings or citations for speeding as well. Even though school is not in session, the summer months tend to yield heavy pedestrian traffic all over town.

Drivers need to be alert and aware of pedestrian traffic just as much as pedestrians need to be alert and aware of vehicular traffic. Here are a few reminders when it comes to pedestrian right of ways;
We can be tough on China without leaving Nebraska businesses in the crossfire. One of these companies is Hornady Security, who told me that recent tariffs have forced them to pay far more to make their gun safes, and that these costs are inevitably passed on to consumers. I urged the president to rethink these damaging trade barriers and to rescind any policies that put Nebraskans livelihoods at risk.

I also sent another letter to President Biden, calling on him to reconsider his plan to bail out the oil industry. Studies have repeatedly shown that fuel mixed with ethanol burns cleaner and is better for the environment, yet the president is reportedly considering undermining the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), the main federal rule that promotes the use of ethanol.

By weakening the RFS, President Biden would not only hurt the Nebraska farmers and ethanol producers whose jobs depend on it  he would be directly contradicting promises he made to them on the campaign trail. If he wants to keep his word and do right by the environment at the same time, he can start by upholding the integrity of the RFS.

As your U.S. senator, my job is to make sure your voice is heard in Washington. The president and his team need to know what matters to the hardworking men and women of the Heartland.

Will my business succeed this year? Will I have somewhere to sell my crops? Can I depend on the president to keep his word? That is what matters to us. And that is why I wrote these letters and will continue to push for answers.
Binding together a country that has come apart and lost its moorings under the stress of four years of mean-spirited juvenile delinquency at the top is a daunting challenge, but one that clearly has the new presidents focused attention. A week before the Pride Month event, Biden convened members of the Congressional Black Caucus and 94-year-old Opal Lee, a longtime advocate for a federal holiday recognizing the end of slavery in the United States, for a signing ceremony establishing June 19, or Juneteenth, as both a holiday and a day of national reflection. Juneteenth marks both the long, hard night of slavery and subjugation and the promise of a greater morning to come, said Biden, who pronounced the holiday one in which we remember the moral stain, the terrible toll that slavery took on America and continues to take. With that, he made official a day in which America would take note of what Black Americans have been forced to overcome. I wish all Americans a happy Juneteenth, Biden said, choosing to close his remarks on an uplifting note.
You must be logged in to react.

Click any reaction to login.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
The pillowcases are handmade by members of the Sewing Mission at Williamsons Chapel United Methodist Church, led by volunteer Dottie Franks, who attended the party to personally hand out bags.

I jokingly call this my greed fundraiser, said Franks, whose efforts to collect funding and materials for the Go Bags have been highly successful. I have thoroughly enjoyed all the fundraising Ive done (for Bright Blessings). To me, its like God made (human beings) into families and sometimes things go wrong, so in doing this Im able to do Gods work in helping them.

Go Bags are part of Bright Blessings LKNs Gift of Care packages, delivered to hundreds of homeless and impoverished school children in kindergarten through 12th grade in Iredell and northern Mecklenburg counties. Organization volunteers also deliver birthday bags, containing presents for students as well as snacks they can share with classmates or cake mix and icing so a birthday cake can be made for them.

Also attending the celebration and receiving praise were Sharon and Tom White, members of Broad Street United Methodist, which opened its arms to provide Bright Blessings LKN space for donations, work space for volunteers and lots of volunteer help as well.

We can never thank them enough, Morris said.

Bright Blessings LKN, founded in the spring of 2019, is a chapter of Bright Blessings USA, headquartered in Matthews, which opened in 2005 to serve the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System. Bright Blessings mission is to bring joy, care and hope to children by mobilizing community volunteers of all ages.
Bill Brater, president of Nicholson Funeral Home, announced Chris and Heather Besoiu have joined the Nicholson team.

Heather Frazier Besoiu, has assumed the role of community relations director. She was born and raised in Claremont, and she graduated from Bunker Hill High School in 1992. She continued her studies at CVCC, in Hickory, where she received a recreational therapy/activity director certificate. She brings more than 20 years of experience in health care to the table, and made the natural transition to the funeral ministry five years ago. She enjoys providing excellent customer service to her families, and is also a licensed crematory operator. She takes pride in her local community, and enjoys staying active in the Rotary Club, The Salvation Army and the Chamber of Commerce.

Chris Besoiu will take on the role of general manager. He received a bachelors degree in biochemistry and business management from Youngstown State University. He then went on to further his education at the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, where he received his bachelors degree in mortuary science. He has worked in the funeral ministry for more than 24 years, spending the majority of his time in the Charlotte and Hickory areas. Just like his wife, he enjoys being active in his community and has served with the Rotary, The Salvation Army and the Chamber of Commerce.

Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}
The same detective who arrested him in 2013 interviewed Harvey again in 2018, according to court documents. Harvey told the VCU detective: You know my story. I dont have a choice, but to be like this.

In his apology, during which he turned and read aloud to the three women hed violated, he blamed urges he could not control.

He made it about him, Katie said. Its not what happened to him. Its what happened to us thats been forgotten here.

***

Now, three years later, long after the physical wounds have healed, Katie and the women he victimized are grappling with unseen scars.

I have lived every day in fear. Justin Harvey robbed me of the ability to feel safe and comfortable in my own home, one of the survivors wrote in an impact statement read at trial. Harvey saw me [  and my friend] that night and decided that we were nothing more than objects to be violated. I live every day in fear that no matter what I do that someone else will see me that way again.
A North Carolina inmate is in back custody and an internal investigation is continuing after the man used another inmates name to escape custody Friday night.

Vance Edward Hinson Jr., 27, of Morganton, was wanted on a charge of felony escape after he was mistakenly released from the city's jail. The Burke County Sheriff's Office said he responded to the name of another inmate inside the jail, and a detention officer failed to follow the jails protocol for releasing him.

Multiple sources with knowledge of the situation told The News Herald that the inmate who should have been released was hard of hearing.

We had an inmate that used another persons name when they were called forward to be booked out of the jail due to a bond being processed, said Burke County Sheriff Steve Whisenant. (Hinson) came forward and we just failed to follow all of our protocols to ensure we had the right inmate before he was released.

Shortly before 2 p.m. Tuesday, investigators found Hinson in the attic of a home about six miles from the jail, Whisenant said. They received a tip that he might be staying there.

When reporters spoke to Hinson outside of the sheriffs office Tuesday, he said he apologized to law enforcement.
Caribbean

A n investigation has been launched following an incident which 10 Haitian children were found in a hotel room in the Berbice region.



According to a government statement  the children, five boys, and five girls, did not have in their possession passports or any other form of identification.

When questioned by police, one of the children said they were transported to Guyana from neighbouring Suriname by speed boat and were dropped off at the hotel on, June 14.



A spokesperson for the group also told police the person who deposited them there, took their passports and all personal belongings.



It has long been suspected that there is huge trafficking in persons and human smuggling ring, including children, taking place in the Region and Guyana is being used as a transit point in this racket, which includes Cubans, Nigerians and Haitians, among others. This is the latest manifestation of this nefarious racket at work which seems to be operating on a daily basis.

The statement added that the governments of Brazil and Suriname have expressed concern over the situation.



The statement also said that the Government has already engaged the Cuban Ambassador to Guyana on this issue and it is believed that these persons, including children, are being trafficked to various parts of the world.

Recently, the police arrested a number of Haitians, Nigerians, and Cubans.



It was then discovered that several of them did not have entry stamps in their passports in relation to Guyana.



In the circumstances, the Government of Guyana feels compelled to inform the relevant international agencies dealing with human trafficking and smuggling of persons, including children. In this regard, we will engage the United Nations Humans Rights Council, the International Organisation for Migration, and INTERPOL and requests their urgent intervention and assistance.



The government also announced plans to review its immigration protocols and impose such lawful restrictions and conditions that it considers necessary in the circumstances.






ABINGDON, Va.  When nursing students return to campus at Virginia Highlands Community College this fall, theyll have a few new patients to treat in the classroom.

But these patients are not real. They are manikins  with all the bells and whistles that simulate real-life scenarios  that create a safe environment for students to learn without the risk of harming real patients.

They look and act so real that they can simulate a variety of symptoms and scenarios. Amazing technology allows the simulation manikins to bleed, breathe, cry, urinate and even give birth.

A simulation lab with high-tech equipment is nothing new for the Abingdon community college; however, the nursing department has upgraded with four new state-of-the-art nursing manikins made by Gaumard Scientific that are so innovative they are blowing students away.

The new equipment with advanced technology replaces outdated manikins in the lab, offering students better hands-on experiences.

The manikin purchases were part of our ongoing commitment to investing in the very best of educational technology, said Kellie Crowe, coordinator of public relations and marketing at the college. Crowe said cost of the manikins hovered around $327,000.
What I worry is Taiwan has become the worlds leading manufacturer of semiconductor chips  even more than the rest of China, Warner said. It would become a horrible national security concern if those facilities fell into the hands of the Communist party of China. The Communist Chinese government claims Taiwan is a part of China, but Taiwan operates independently as a constitutional republic.

Among Fridays other topics was the need to access rare earth minerals, which are required in the creation of semiconductors.

I know sometimes people dont want to mine them because there are environmental challenges, but now everything that deals with electronics has some rare earth minerals  tiny traces. But if we dont have that, we cant make that stuff, the senator said. If there is an opportunity to environmentally, safely take the mining expertise here in Southwest Virginia and go after those assets, I think that would be great. Theyve got to convince me weve got that and can do it smartly.

Mike Quillen, chairman of the GO Virginia Region One council, said the region would compete for the job opportunities Warner described.
A Meadowview, Virginia, man and a man from New Mexico have been indicted in connection with an unlicensed money transmitting business, according to federal prosecutors.

Jerry Shrock, 46, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, resident David Wellington, 62, were indicted by a federal grand jury in New Mexico on June 23. They've been charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States. Wellington faces an additional count of operation of an unlicensed money transmitting business.

Since at least 2005, Wellington and his business partner operated National Business Services, which promoted, sold and created limited liability companies, also known simply as LLCs, under New Mexico law, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office. For many clients, prosecutors said National Business Services opened bank accounts under the names and IRS employer identification numbers of the LLCs, and the clients had access to the funds in those accounts. The names of those clients were not associated with bank accounts, prosecutors said.
Leonard said the first cases were reported in Northern Virginia, about two months ago, before reports began cropping up in other parts of the state as well as Maryland, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia.

If you look at the areas where its spreading, geographically, theyre all relatively similar  theyre kind of in the valleys and mountains, Leonard said. And the same songbirds that are ... in Northern Virginia and Kentucky  were dealing with the same species.

Where the disease currently exists, its not rampant, its not like bird Ebola or anything, its not going crazy, he added. But its still affecting a significant number of birds.

Although some media outlets have reported cases of the disease in Tennessee, the state government did not appear to have issued any statements about it as of Friday. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency could not be reached for comment late Friday.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, meanwhile, has recommended that Virginians take down and clean their feeders in areas that are seeing the sick birds.
As much as I hate to admit it, I think Woodland outgrew this form of government a couple of thousand people ago. And its going to grow even more, Holland said.

The additional cost of changing the government design was a sticking point for voters during the 2009 campaign. A city manager is often a high-salary position making more than $100,000 per year. While the City Council can vote to remove the manager at any point, some cities have been embroiled in lawsuits with former managers over the terms of their removal.

Boyce said he could not advocate for or against the ballot measure in his current role but said the change would likely not lead to additional costs for the city, as the city administrator role and salary would be transformed into the manager position.

During Tuesdays City Council meeting, Woodland also approved a $4,460 budget amendment to remove the dock from Horseshoe Lake. Public Works director Tracy Coleman said the dock recently had been overcrowded by groups of children and misused by other citizens, which opened the city to risks of liability if somebody was injured on the dock.

The dock already had been removed from the lake by the time of Tuesdays City Council vote. The approval of the equipment rental payment to Topper Industries allowed the removal cost to come from the citys general fund instead of the Parks and Recreation Departments maintenance budget.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
It was an interesting day in the world of technology today. On one hand, BSNL launched three new plans for its prepaid users. On the other hand, boAt announced XTEND smartwatch.

Heres what happened in tech today:

Microsoft issues emergency patch to fix Windows vulnerability

Microsoft has rolled out an emergency patch to fix this bug that is listed as critical on its website. The fix is available for all versions of its Windows operating system to patch this vulnerability on July 6. The list includes the Windows Server 2019, the Windows Server 2012 R2, the Windows Server 2008, Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, and supported versions of Windows 10.

BSNL launches 75, 94, and 447 prepaid plans

BSNL has launched three new plans for its prepaid users in India. These Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) are priced at 447, 94 and 75. Apart from launching new prepaid plans, BSNL has also revised its 699 plan voucher (PV).

boAt announces XTEND smartwatch

Boat has launched a new smartwatch called Xtend in the Indian market. The Xtend comes with built-in Alexa and a host of sensors on board to track your health and fitness. The watch also has a stress monitor, SpO2 sensor, heart rate sensor and a sleep monitor.

Samsung to host Galaxy Unpacked 2021 on August 11

Samsung has confirmed that it will host the next Galaxy Unpacked event on August 11. This confirms rumours and leaks on Samsung launching new devices at its next Galaxy Unpacked on August 11. This would be Samsungs third Galaxy Unpacked event this year.

Samsung launches worlds first 11.1.4 channel soundbar

Samsung has launched a whole range of soundbars under its lineup for this year. Along with this Samsung has introduced an 11.1.4 channel soundbar as well. The new soundbars are available online and in Samsungs official stores from today (July 7) onwards. Prices for the soundbars start at 27,990 and go all the way up to 147,990.
The Apple Watch is one of the most feature-rich smartwatches available today, and we regularly see news reports of the watch saving peoples lives thanks to the built-in sensors and features offered by the popular wearable device. The latest such story involves a Michigan woman whose life was saved after her Apple Watch informed her about her heart condition. She was having a 169 beats per minute heart rate, but had no idea why. She called her husband, who told her to get in touch with a doctor. And before she knew it, she was being whisked off to the hospital. She had recently had a heart attack without even realising it.

How it happened

According to a recent report by WZZM 13, Diane Feenstra, a resident of Norton Shores in Michigan, had a close call when her Apple Watchs built-in EKG feature alerted her that her heart wasnt functioning properly.

Also read: Looking for a smartphone? Check Mobile Finder here.

Feenstra, who exercises regularly, later learnt that she had a full blockage in what is known as the Widow maker artery. "I think God used that watch to alert me to the fact that my heart wasn't functioning properly, " Feenstra told WZZM 13, which reported that she is now faring much better after a stent procedure was performed.

Apple Watch heart monitor

According to the report, the woman stated that the Apple Watch indicator is what caught her attention, and that unlike mens symptoms (of a heavy weight on their chest) her symptoms included pain down her left hand and a swelling in her left foot. She also experienced some indigestion, which she thought was acid reflux. Until she saw the notification on her Apple Watch, she had thought the pain in her shoulder was being caused by a pulled muscle after having used the vacuum cleaner.

Timely gift

Feenstras Apple Watch was a birthday gift from her husband, just a month ago, according to the report. "It's such an easy thing to see what your heart rate is, had I not done that that morning who knows, but I may have had another heart attack that would have been fatal," she stated.

We recently reported that an Apple Watch saved the life of a 78-year-old man who fell down in his driveway and blacked out. The Apple Watch identified the situation correctly and sounded the alarm asking him to respond. When he failed to do so, it contacted 911 and asked for medical help along with his location, which is how they managed to reach him and save him in time. In another recent story, a cyclist was saved by his Apple Watch when he was washed away by a river and was hanging on for dear life from a tree while his Apple Watch called for help.
Update - Added in vivo, HONOR, Acer, LG, OnePlus and realme at the bottom. OPPO has another new promo on its official store in Shopee



As usual, the annual 7.7 Mid Year Sales is coming upon us once again and there are plenty of attractive offers. In case you missed some, a few brands have already sent out what they are offering and we got you covered. So far, we have Samsung, OPPO, Xiaomi, Apple and even Shopee with a wide variety of gadgets on sale. Without further ado, let's get into it.

Samsung - Up to RM1100 discount on Samsung Galaxy phones

Starting with the Korean tech brand, a few of their smartphones are having a discount sale. For us, we think the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G and Galaxy Note20 5G are worth getting because there is an over RM1000 discount right now. Even the latest Galaxy S21 series are on sale too but not too much. If you are looking for something else cheaper, there's the Galaxy A11 for just RM423 (the lowest).

In addition, some of their accessories are on sale with up to 67% off. You can also have a purchase with purchase (PWP) such as buying a 75-inch The Frame QLED 4K Smart LifeStyle TV that comes bundled with a free LTV Bezel. The promotion will go on for the whole month of July so for more information, you can visit our news coverage right here.

OPPO - Stand a chance to win a few prizes

Next, OPPO Malaysia has already begun its Mid Year Full Speed Bonanza until 18 July 2021. As usual, OPPO fans and customers alike can hope and get gifts, lucky draws, discounts, cashbacks and more. You can refer to the table below for your reference:

OPPO products Freebies Find X3 Pro (RM4299) RM300 cash rebate

OPPO Enco X (worth RM699) Reno5 (RM1699) 10,000mAh fast-charging Powerbank

Limited Edition Autographed Box & Case

RM20 Value KFC cash vouchers (East Msia) or RM20 Touch 'n Go gift card (West Msia)

Add-on only RM59 for 1-Year Screen Protection (original is RM139) Reno5 F (RM1199) 10,000mAh fast-charging Powerbank

Limited Edition Autographed Box & Case

Add-on only RM59 for 1-Year Screen Protection (original is RM139) OPPO Watch 46mm (RM1299) OPPO Watch 41mm (worth RM899) Enco W51 Earbuds (RM369) RM100 cash rebate

Thats not all, the company is also looking to reward 12 lucky purchasers of any OPPO smartphone as well! Customers who purchase an OPPO smartphone are entitled to a lucky draw entry for a brand-new 43 Smart TV, with 12 units up for grabs! To be in the running, simply follow the steps below:

Purchase any OPPO smartphone from now till 18 July 2021 Download the My OPPO App and register an account Participate in the Mid-Year Full Speed Bonanza Lucky Draw activity via the app and fill in your particulars (including your new phones IMEI number!) Be on standby as the 12 winners will be announced via the My OPPO App on 23 July!

For more information about the OPPO Mid-Year Full Speed Bonanza, you can visit the official webpage right here. But wait, there's more -

OPPO Malaysia is also kicking off with another Mid Year Sale on its official store in Shopee. From now until the 7th of July, you stand a chance to bring home an OPPO A74 for free, as well as a new pair of OPPO Enco Buds and a 10,000mAh powerbank. To win these prizes, all you have to do is follow and rate the OPPO Official Shopee Store here and purchase any OPPO product until 7.7. You will have to upload a screenshot of your purchase on your Facebook or Instagram account then share it with the OPPO Shopee chat. After that, just stay tuned for the prize announcement on 19 July in the Shopee store.

Lucky draws aside, there are more attractive promos in the form of discounts and gifts during this period. So here's another table below:

Date Selected OPPO Products Promo gifts Now - 7.7 OPPO Find X3 Pro (for the first 50 customers) RM300 discount

OPPO Enco X (worth RM699)

HeyTap Cloud Storage (worth RM520) OPPO A series (for the first 2000 customers) 10,000mAh powerbank (worth RM99)

RM5 Grab Voucher OPPO Reno series (for the first 500 customers) OPPO Enco Buds (worth RM159)

RM20 Grab Voucher OPPO Watch 46mm (for the first 100 customers) OPPO Watch 41mm (worth RM899) 7.7

(voucher released at 12 AM) Storewide (for the first 50 customers) 77% off voucher (capped at RM20)

Xiaomi - Discounts up to 30% off and Shop With Mi

Xiaomi Malaysia initially did a Shop With Mi campaign last June but there's a new one from the 7th until the 16th of July. On 7.7, you can get deals of up to 30% off and exclusive free gifts on selected smartphones and ecosystem products. Then from 8 - 16 July, you can purchase a Mi Robot Vacuum Mop at a special After Party price! You can refer to the table below:

Product RRP (RM) 7.7 promo price (RM) 7.7 freebies After Party sales (RM) Lazada and Shopee Store links Mi Robot Vacuum Mop P 1399 999 n/a 1249 Lazada Shopee Mi Robot Vacuum Mop 999 699 n/a 899 Lazada Shopee Mi Robot Vacuum Mop Essential 699 499 n/a 559 Lazada Shopee Mi 360 Home Security Camera 2K 189 149 n/a n/a Lazada Shopee Redmi 9 (4GB + 64GB) 599 n/a 10,000mAh Redmi Powerbank + RM30 Starbucks gift card n/a Lazada Shopee Redmi 9A (2GB + 32GB) 359 n/a Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 n/a Lazada Shopee Redmi 9T (4GB + 64GB) 599 n/a Sandisk Ultra Micro + Mi Ionic Hair Dryer H300 n/a Lazada Shopee Redmi 9T (6GB + 128GB) 699 n/a Sandisk Ultra Micro + Mi Ionic Hair Dryer H300 n/a Lazada Shopee Redmi Note 10 (4GB + 64GB) 699 649 Sandick Ultra Micro n/a Lazada Shopee Redmi Note 10 (6GB + 128GB) 799 n/a Sandick Ultra Micro n/a Lazada Shopee Redmi Note 10S (8GB + 128GB) 899 n/a Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 n/a Lazada Shopee Mi 11 (8GB + 256GB) 2999 n/a Mi Portable Photo Printer + Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 n/a Lazada Shopee Mi 11 Lite (8GB + 128GB) 1199 n/a 10,000mAh Mi Powerbank 3 Ultra Compact n/a Shopee POCO M3 Pro 5G (4GB + 64GB) 699 599 n/a n/a Lazada Shopee POCO M3 Pro 5G (6GB + 128GB) 799 699 n/a n/a Lazada Shopee POCO X3 Pro (6GB + 128GB) 999 899 n/a n/a Lazada Shopee POCO X3 Pro (8GB + 256GB) 1299 999 n/a n/a Lazada Shopee

To add on, the Earn with Mi referral program is still ongoing as well until 31 July 2021. If you don't know what that is, basically you can promote a Xiaomi product and get a referral commission of up to RM30 after purchasing and using a period. If you visit the image above, there are steps for you to register and start earning.

Apple - Many flash sales at midnight

If you want to get yourself an Apple product, here's what we found about its official store page in Lazada. Starting from 5 until 7 July, those who have a Standard Chartered Mastercard can use the promo code - SCBAPPLE and get RM100 off from minimum spending of RM3000. Plus, the iPhone 11 (128GB) will be priced at RM2895 for two hours only (12 AM - 2 AM) on 7 July 2021.

There are plenty of Apple devices on sale as well, this includes the iPad lineup going as low as RM1549, as well as the latest MacBook Air with the M1 chip for RM4249. Apple wearables like the Apple Watch Series, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max and other accessories will be on sale too. For more information, you may visit the official Apple Store here.

Shopee - A wide variety of gadgets

If you are looking for other gadgets such as computers, audio, cameras and TVs, For starters, you can get yourself an AirPods Pro (with a wireless charging case) for RM799 which is the lowest we have seen so far. There are some cameras on sale too such as Sony and Canon, and the lowest TV promotion that we saw was the Xiaomi TVP1 Android 9.0 Smart TV for RM899.

For smartphones, there are plenty of that in Shopee. There are the iPhone 12 mini (RM2899), OPPO Reno4 (RM959), OnePlus Nord CE 5G (RM1499), POCO X3 Pro (RM899) and many more. For the full list, you can visit our news coverage about Shopee's Electrifying Tech Deals.

vivo x LazMall 7.7 Mid-Year Sale

vivo Malaysia also just entered the party starting today (5 July) and will last until 7 July 2021. On its official store in Lazada, the vivo x LazMall 7.7 Mid Year sale will offer customers and fans discounts up a 77% discount with a minimum spend of RM1, capped at RM5, and redeem discount vouchers up to RM70 with a minimum spend of RM100, with terms and conditions apply.

During the period, customers can purchase a new vivo Y12A smartphone with a 5000mAh battery at RM529. Then exclusively on 7 July (12 AM to 2 AM), the vivo V20 will be available for RM999. At the same time, those who purchase the vivo X60 or V21 series are entitled to enjoy 1-year Extended Warranty and 1-year Screen Crack Protection worth RM399.

Below is the list of promo prices for your reference:

vivo Products RRP (RM) Promo Price (RM) NEX 3 (8GB + 256GB) (complimentary 1 year warranty) 3899 2299 X50 Pro 5G (8GB + 256GB) 3299 2199 X50 5G (8GB + 128GB) 2399 1799 V20 2021 (8GB + 128GB) 1499 999 V20 Pro (8GB + 128GB) 1899 1299 V20 SE (8GB + 128GB) 1199 899 V20 (8GB + 128GB) 1499 999 Y20s G (6GB + 128GB) 749 689 Y1s (2GB + 32GB) 399 359

By the way, customers who purchase selected the vivo smartphones will be receiving complimentary gifts worth up to RM399, including a premium washbag, sanitiser pouch, mask clip and weighing scale, while stocks last. You may also collect your Lazada Bonus during the period on the vivo official store and add them to the cart, then check out the products on Mega Day on 7.7.

HONOR - Laptops, smart bands and smartwatches

As for HONOR Malaysia, the company also just kickoff their mid-year sales today (5 July) which will take place on Shopee until 7.7. Customers can enjoy savings up to RM280 for laptops, smart bands and smartwatches. With each purchase, customers will take home freebies based on a first-come-first-serve basis. Below is the table for your reference:

HONOR Products RRP (RM) Promo Price (RM) Freebies MagicBook Pro 3599 3319 HONOR laptop backpack and Bluetooth wireless mouse MagicBook 15 3699 3679 HONOR laptop backpack and Bluetooth wireless mouse MagicBook X15 (i5) 2899 n/a HONOR laptop backpack, Bluetooth wireless mouse and thermos flask MagicBook X15 (i3) 2299 n/a HONOR laptop backpack and thermos flask Band 6 189 169 Flask MagicWath 2 42mm (Agate Black) 599 499 Umbrella MagicWath 2 46mm (Flax Brown) 699 599 Umbrella MagicWath 2 46mm (Charcoal Black) 649 549 Umbrella

Acer - More laptops, desktops, monitors and accessories

Speaking of laptops, Acer Malaysia has a series of promotions for laptops, desktops, monitors and accessories in the Acer official and certified stores in Shopee and Lazada. There are a couple of attractive deals on specific dates so do check the point forms out below:

Acer Swift 5 (11th Intel Core i7) - RM4499 (RRP RM4799)

Acer XV270P, XB273UGX, AOpen 22CV1Q and AOpen 27HC5RP monitors are over 15% off

14-inch Acer laptop sleeve, Acer E300 Trueharmony Earphones, Predator Galea 311 gaming headset and other accessories with more than 50% off

Predator Helios 300 (model PH315-53-79E7 and PH315-53-58U0) are RM500 off

Promotion Period Acer Official Online Store Link 7 July 2021 Acer Official Store (Shopee) shopee.com.my/acer_os_my 7 July 2021 Acer Certified Store - Just IT (Shopee) shopee.com.my/acer.os.justit 7 July 2021 Acer Certified Store - NBP (Shopee) shopee.com.my/acer.os.nbp 5-7 July 2021 Acer Certified Store - Aoneplus (Lazada) lazada.com.my/shop/acer-store-aoneplus 5-7 July 2021 Acer Certified Store - NBP (Lazada) lazada.com.my/shop/acer-certified-store-nbp

LG - All about TVs

If you're only really looking for a TV, you can now get your hands on the best-in-class TVs offered by LG. This includes an OLED 4K, NanoCell 4K or Premium UHD series from the LG Flagship Stores on Lazada and Shopee . LG offers up to RM4000 in savings for 24 hours on 7th July 2021. To add on, there is a new gaming display, 48 LG 4K OLED C1 TV as well.

OLED 4K

(NEW) OLED48C1PT B - RM8499 RM5699 RM5699

OLED65CXPTA - RM16999 RM12999 RM12999

OLED55CXPTA - RM10999 RM7499

- RM7499 (NEW) OLED65A1PTA - RM12999 RM104999

- RM104999 (NEW) OLED55A1PTA - RM8999 RM7499

NanoCell 4K

(NEW) 75NANO75TPA - RM10999 RM7999

- RM7999 (NEW) 65NANO75TPA - RM6199 RM5199

- RM5199 (NEW) 55NANO75TPA - RM4599 RM3499

- RM3499 (NEW) 50NANO75TPA - RM3699 RM3099

Premium UHD

43UN7000PTA - RM1949 RM1549

- RM1549 (NEW) 65UP8100PTB - RM5299 RM4499

- RM4499 (NEW) 55UP8100PTB - RM3799 RM3349

- RM3349 (NEW) 75UP7750PTB - RM8999 RM6699

- RM6699 (NEW) 70UP7750PTB - RM6499 RM4899

OnePlus - Discounts in Shopee and Lazada

Next up, OnePlus Malaysia has various promotions waiting for Malaysian fans to shop on both Shopee Mall and LazMall. The promo deals are quite straightforward so check out the promotions as below:

OnePlus Official Shopee Store (7 July only)

Storewide Voucher (redeem at Shopee storefront) - R M5 (no minimum purchase), RM80 (purchase above RM1399), RM200 (purchase above RM3000)

OnePlus Nord CE 5G (12GB + 256GB) - RM1799 RM1499

OnePlus Nord N10 5G - RM1199 RM899

OnePlus Watch - RM699 RM599

OnePlus Lazada Flagship Store (5 July until 7 July)

OnePlus Nord 5G (12GB+256GB) - RM2099 RM1499

OnePlus Nord 5G (8GB+128GB) - RM1799 RM1399

OnePlus Nord N10 5G - RM1199 RM899

realme - Flash Sale until tomorrow

At realme Malaysia's corner, the company is offering limited-time discounts of up to 65% on realme smartphones and AIoT products in Lazada and Shopee. The AIoT products include earbuds, Smart TVs, smartwatches and others. You can browse the promo deals as below:

realme Lazada 7.7 Flash Sale RRP (RM) 7.7 deals (RM) realme narzo 20 699 499 realme Buds Q2 129 79 realme Buds Air 2 Neo 169 149 realme Smart TV 32" 899 749 realme Smart Cam 360 199 99 realme Watch 2 229 149

realme Shopee 7.7 Mid Year Sale RRP (RM) 7.7 Price (RM) realme Watch S Master Edition 429 349 realme Watch S Pro 599 499 realme Buds Air Pro 369 199 realme Smart Cam 360 199 99 realme Smart Scale 149 69

We are expecting more brands to send us their Mid Year Sales promotion soon. So until then, we will just keep updating this page whenever there's a new one. Stay safe and stay tuned for more trending tech gadget deals at TechNave.com.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Colossal freight locomotives are a fixture of the American landscape, but their 4,400-horsepower engines collectively burn 3.5 billion gallons of diesel annually, at a time when railroads and other fossil fuel users face pressure to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

With little fanfare, however, the industry has begun operating locomotives that run on stored electrical power, moving toward a future in which toy shops are not the only source of battery trains. American passenger lines could also be transformed by the technology, though California rail officials say it will not work for the state's bullet train.

In a just-completed test, BNSF ran a freight train from Barstow to Stockton with an experimental battery locomotive, coupled with two diesel locomotives, and achieved an 11% reduction in fuel consumption, along with similar reductions in emissions of nitrogen oxides, small particulates and greenhouse gasses. An upgraded future operational version is expected to improve fuel efficiency by 30%.

The test was a "defining moment for freight rail," accelerating the industry to eventual zero-emission locomotives, said Eric Gebhardt, chief technology officer at Wabtec, which developed the system at its research center near Lake Erie in northern Pennsylvania.

Battery- and hydrogen fuel cell-powered trains are among the rail industry's only viable options for reducing greenhouse gasses. Every battery locomotive that replaces a diesel will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 3,000 tons per year, Wabtec estimates.

But it is unlikely they can quickly replace diesel-powered trains. U.S. freight railroads are awash in surplus locomotives and nobody can predict what battery-operated systems will cost, compared with existing $3-million diesels.

"Battery locomotives are feasible," said Michael Iden, a consultant who was Union Pacific's longtime director of locomotive engineering. Iden compares Wabtec's achievement to the Wright brothers' first powered flight: a proof of concept ready for development. They will be tested soon in California ports and rail yards, he noted.

That said, "Estimating the cost of commercially available in production battery locomotives is, in my opinion, like forecasting the price of multiple fully landscaped four-bedroom, three-car garage homes with in-ground pools on Mars," Iden said. "Someday such homes may exist on Mars but that's a long way off."

Much will depend on the degree that state and federal regulators pressure railroads to clean up their emissions. Here in California, the state Air Resources Board wants railroads to reduce or even eliminate diesels in the next 14 years.

The transportation sector accounts for 29% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Within that category, the rail industry, which moves 40% of long-distance freight, accounts for just 2%, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data. But freight trains as well as trucks expose many populated urban corridors, notably neighborhoods near the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, to soot and pollution.

"We can do more," said Ian Jefferies, president of the Assn. of American Railroads, citing the potential of battery-operated trains. "It is good business to reduce emissions and reduce fuel consumption and is reflective of society's goals." At the same time, Jefferies and his organization are pushing back against proposed regulations to eliminate diesels, saying, "It doesn't make sense."

Severin Borenstein, an energy expert and professor at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business, said railroads are not likely to get a free pass on climate change issues.

"The fact that railroads are already the most efficient transportation source is great, but we all need to reduce greenhouse gasses," he said. "Railroads are a major source of greenhouse gasses."

Apart from freight, battery- and fuel cell-powered trains offer promise to upgrade U.S. passenger rail, which generally runs on rails owned by freight railroads, such as BNSF and Union Pacific. These companies oppose overhead electrical linessuch as those that power urban light railbecause of potential interference with freight operations. Batteries and fuel cell locomotives eliminate that potential conflict.

In San Bernardino, the county transportation authority is waiting for delivery of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered passenger train, which will go into service by 2024 on the Metrolink commuter rail system. The train is under development in Switzerland by Stadler, which also makes a line of high-speed trains that run on wires.

Besides reducing pollution, the Stadler train can accelerate and slow down faster than a diesel, reducing trip timesmuch like electric vehicles that mimic muscle cars of the 1960sand is likely to appeal to riders with strong environmental beliefs.

"We are in the beginning of a transition period and there is a lot of movement in the technology," said Guido Vogel, Stadler's engineering chief. "There is a political push to get away from diesel propulsion."

The U.S. rail industry has made key transformations in the past, going from wood to coal and coal to oil, before its current dependence on diesel. Today it operates what is regarded as the most efficient freight system in the world.

About 23,000 locomotives ply the nation's railway network every day. Half of them operate in California. Even though they are about four times more fuel efficient than big rig trucksin terms of ton-miles hauledthey burn roughly a gallon of diesel every 2,000 feet.

Add it all up, and this 3.5-billion gallon yearly usage of diesel would fill a river 10 feet deep and 25 feet wide from Los Angeles to Phoenix.

The California Air Resources Board, which helped fund the Wabtec test, believes trains are too big a source of greenhouse gasses to escape further regulation.

Air regulators began clamping down on the freight railroads, specifically BNSF and Union Pacific, in 1998, when they signed a voluntary pact that required the use of newer diesel engines that produced less pollution. But the agreement did commit the railroads to use even newer generations of diesel engines. Today, the two railroads operate just 472 of the most modern systems, known as Tier 4 diesels, out of the 11,217 that they run in California at any given time, according to an annual report to the air board.

"There is nothing to compel them to get rid of their Tier 0 locomotives," said Ajay Mangat, supervisor of the air board's freight systems section.

The air board staff is preparing complex regulations to eliminate railroad emissions by 2035, though it does depend on technical feasibility, he said. The proposal will go to the air board for a vote next year.

Jefferies, the railroad association chief, said the proposed regulations ignore a 70% voluntary reduction in California emissions since 2005. More pointedly, the association asserts the air board has no legal jurisdiction because railroads are subject only to federal regulation, a long-held entitlement.

Even if the air board doesn't succeed in imposing tough regulations, railroads, as with other industries, are facing pressure from many directions: shareholders, customers, employees and advocacy groups.

In Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom and the U.S., about half a dozen rail equipment makers are developing systems that would operate trains either on batteries or hydrogen fuel cells, according to an industry research report.

Wabtec's Gebhardt said the upfront cost of a battery-powered locomotive will be higher than a traditional diesel, but the fuel costs with electrical charging will be lower. Since existing locomotives use diesel engines to generate power that drives electric traction motors, only the generation of the electricity has to be solved.

"It makes economic sense with batteries getting exponentially better," Gebhardt said.

In the California test, the batteries recharge every time the train slows to a stop, which is frequent along freight routes. The Wabtec train recharged its batteries, through regenerative braking, on the steep 4,000-foot descent from the Tehachapi Pass to the San Joaquin Valley, for example.

Another battery-powered locomotive will anchor a demonstration project by Pacific Harbor Line in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The 3,200-horsepower locomotive, made by Progress Rail, a unit of Caterpillar, can haul cars around the port for 24 hours on one charge. Union Pacific just purchased a battery-operated locomotive for use in one of its California switching yards, as well.

Carrie Schindler, director of transit and rail programs for the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, said its Stadler two-car train set will be put into service on a newly built nine-mile line between San Bernardino and Redlands, making 16 round trips per day at 79 mph.

An electric train is more energy efficient than an electric car, on a per passenger basis, said Vogel, Stadler's engineering chief.

Schindler said the $23 million program for the technology development and train sets will enable significant emission reductions without the huge cost of building overhead high-voltage lines. The Caltrain commuter system between San Jose and San Francisco is paying $2 billion for just 50 miles of overhead wires.

At the moment, it appears unlikely the California bullet train authority will embrace the technology. When asked about it at a recent legislative hearing, Chief Executive Brian Kelly said proposed wireless trains would not satisfy the 220 mph-speed mandate, written into law. The rail authority is in the process of issuing a contract this year for a wired system and related trains, though he said the authority will monitor battery technology.

The rail authority's plans came up in recent negotiations with the Legislature for additional funding, stirring concern about whether the bullet train is not considering the potential for a game-changing technology. Legislative leaders left without any agreement to appropriate more money, according to a person who is familiar with the closed door talks but was not authorized to speak publicly about them.

Explore further GM, Wabtec to develop hydrogen powered locomotives

2021 Los Angeles Times.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A sign that reads: "Coop Forum supermarket in Vastberga is closed due to IT disturbances, no prognosis as to when we will open again", on a closed Coop supermarket store in the suburb of Vastberga, Stockholm, Sweden, Saturday July 3, 2021. Cybersecurity teams worked feverishly Sunday July 4, 2021, to stem the impact of the single biggest global ransomware attack on record, with some details emerging about how the Russia-linked gang responsible breached the company whose software was the conduit. The Swedish grocery chain Coop said most of its 800 stores would be closed for a second day Sunday because their cash register software supplier was crippled. Credit: Jonas Ekstromer/TT via AP, File

President Joe Biden said Tuesday that damage to U.S. businesses in the biggest ransomware attack on record appears minimal, though information remained incomplete. The company whose software was exploited said fewer than 1,500 businesses worldwide appeared compromised but cybersecurity experts caution that the incident isn't over.

Also Tuesday, a security researcher who chatted online with representatives of the Russia-linked REvil gang behind the attack said they claimed to have stolen data from hundreds of companies, but offered no evidence.

Answering a reporter's question at a vaccine-related White House event, Biden said his national security team had updated him Tuesday morning on the attack, which exploited a powerful remote-management tool run by Miami-based software company Kaseya in what is known as a supply-chain attack.

"It appears to have caused minimal damage to U.S. businesses but we're still gathering information," Biden said. "And I'm going to have more to say about this in the next several days." An official at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, speaking on condition they not be further identified, said no federal agencies or critical infrastructure appear to have been impacted.

On Wednesday, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will lead an interagency meeting to discuss the administration's efforts to counter ransomware.

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki held out the prospect of retaliatory action. What Biden told President Vladimir Putin in Geneva last month still holds, she said: "If the Russian government cannot or will not take action against criminal actors residing in Russia, we will take action or reserve the right to take action on our own."

What sort of action that would be is unclear.

Biden has said repeatedly that the Kremlin bears responsibility for giving ransomware criminals safe harbor, even if it is not directly involved. There is no indication that Putin has moved against the gangs. Psaki said Russian and U.S. representatives were meeting next week and would discuss the matter.

Further underscoring the geopolitical stakes in cyberspace, the Republican National Committee said Tuesday that it had been informed over the weekend that one of its contractors had been breached, though it was not immediately clear by whom. The RNC said no data was accessed.

In this July 3, 2021 file photo, a sign reads: " Temporarily Closed. We have an IT-disturbance and our systems are not functioning", posted in the window of a closed Coop supermarket store in Stockholm, Sweden. Cybersecurity teams worked feverishly Sunday July 4, 2021, to stem the impact of the single biggest global ransomware attack on record, with some details emerging about how the Russia-linked gang responsible breached the company whose software was the conduit. The Swedish grocery chain Coop said most of its 800 stores would be closed for a second day Sunday because their cash register software supplier was crippled. Credit: Ali Lorestani/TT via AP, File

The contractor, Synnex, initially said that the action "could potentially be in connection with the recent cybersecurity attacks of Managed Service Providers," a likely reference to the breaches last week. But it backed away from that claim in a second statement late Tuesday.

Friday's attack hobbled businesses in at least 17 countries. It shuttered most of the 800 supermarkets in the Swedish Coop chain over the weekend because cash registers stopped working, and reportedly knocked more than 100 New Zealand kindergartens offline.

Kaseya said it believes only about 800 to 1,500 of the estimated 800,000 to 1,000,000 mostly small business end-users of its software were affected. They are customers of companies that use Kaseya's virtual system administrator, or VSA, product to fully manage their IT infrastructure.

Cybersecurity experts said, however, it is too early for Kaseya to know the true impact given its launch on the eve of the Fourth of July holiday weekend in the U.S. They said many targets might only discover it upon returning to work Tuesday.

Ransomware criminals infiltrate networks and sow malware that cripples them by scrambling all their data. Victims get a decoder key when they pay up. Most ransomware victims don't publicly report attacks or disclose if they've paid ransoms. In the U.S, disclosure of a breach is required by state laws when personal data that can be used in identity theft is stolen. Federal law mandates it when healthcare records are exposed.

Security researchers said that in this attack, the criminals did not appear to have had time to steal data before locking up networks. That raised the question whether the motivation behind the attack was profit alone, because extortion through threatening to expose sensitive pilfered data betters the odds of big payoffs.

But Ryan Sherstobitoff, threat intelligence chief of the cybersecurity firm Security Scorecard, said REvil representatives claimed Saturday to have stolen data from hundreds of companies and were threatening to sell it if ransom demands of up to $5 million for bigger victimsthey were seeking $45,000 per infected computerwere not met.

"The operators are claiming that, though there is not necessarily direct evidence," added Sherstobitoff, who said he masqueraded as a victim to engage the criminals. He said the criminals claimed banks were among victims.

REvil offered a universal software decoder to free all victims in exchange for a lump sum payment of $50 million, he added. On Sunday, that sum rose to $70 million in a post on the criminals' dark web site.

In this July 3, 2021 file photo, a sign reads: " Temporarily Closed. We have an IT-disturbance and our systems are not functioning", posted in the window of a closed Coop supermarket store in Stockholm, Sweden. Cybersecurity teams worked feverishly Sunday July 4, 2021, to stem the impact of the single biggest global ransomware attack on record, with some details emerging about how the Russia-linked gang responsible breached the company whose software was the conduit. The Swedish grocery chain Coop said most of its 800 stores would be closed for a second day Sunday because their cash register software supplier was crippled. Credit: Ali Lorestani/TT via AP, File

Analysts say the chaos ransomware criminals have wrought in the past yearhitting hospitals, schools, local governments and other targets at the rate of about one every eight minutesserves Putin's strategic agenda of destabilizing the West.

Most of the more than 60 Kaseya customers that company spokeswoman Dana Liedholm said were affected are managed service providers (MSPs), with multiple customers downstream.

"Given the relationship between Kaseya and MSPs, it's not clear how Kaseya would know the number of victims impacted. There is no way the numbers are as low as Kaseya is claiming though," said Jake Williams, chief technical officer of the cybersecurity firm BreachQuest. Others researchers also questioned Kaseya's visibility into crippled managed service providers.

The hacked VSA tool remotely maintains customer networks, automating security and other software updates. Essentially, a product designed to protect networks from malware was cleverly used to distribute it.

In an interview on Sunday, Kaseya CEO Fred Voccola estimated the number of victims in "the low thousands." The German news agency dpa had reported that an unnamed German IT services company told authorities that several thousand of its customers were compromised. Also among reported victims were two Dutch IT services companies.

A broad array of businesses and public agencies were hit, apparently on all continents, including in financial services, travel and leisure and the public sectorthough few large companies, the cybersecurity firm Sophos said.

Liedholm, the Kaseya spokeswoman, said the vast majority of the company's 37,000 customers were unaffected and said the company expected to release a patch Wednesday.

REvil, previously best known for extorting $11 million from the meat-processing giant JBS after hobbling it on Memorial Day, broke into at least one Kaseya server after identifying a "zero day" vulnerability, cybersecurity researchers said.

Dutch researchers said they alerted Kaseya to the zero day and a number of "severe vulnerabilities" ahead of the attack. Neither they nor Kaseya would say how far in advance.

Explore further Number of victims in major ransomware attack still unclear

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

London's Heathrow airport said Wednesday it plans to offer fast-track lanes for fully vaccinated arriving passengers, as the UK government winds down its pandemic curbs.

The government is expected to announce on Thursday that travellers coming to England from "amber" countriesthe middle ranking for COVID-19 incidence, covering most of Europewill no longer have to quarantine.

In advance, Heathrow said it was launching a pilot plan for passengers coming from selected destinations to enter an immigration fast track on arrival, after showing proof they have received both doses of a coronavirus vaccine.

The trial will initially cover passengers flying in on designated flights from Athens, Los Angeles, Montego Bay in Jamaica, and New York.

"This pilot will allow us to show that pre-departure and arrival checks of vaccination status can be carried out safely at check-in, so that fully vaccinated passengers can avoid quarantine from July 19," Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye said.

July 19 is the government's target date for lifting most pandemic restrictions in England, although many scientists are worried about the plan as infection rates soar from the more contagious Delta variant.

The variant first emerged in India and spread in Britain while Prime Minister Boris Johnson wrestled with a decision over banning travel from the country ahead of his own planned trip to New Delhi in April.

'Johnson variant'

In the end, the Indian government called off the trip, and opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer on Wednesday said the Delta strain should now be called "the Johnson variant".

Addressing the prime minister in parliament, Starmer said Johnson was being "reckless" in planning to lift virtually all restrictions on July 19, including a requirement to wear face masks in enclosed spaces.

The government, however, says a successful mass vaccination programme has weakened the link connecting infections to hospitalisations and deaths.

More than 86 percent of adults in the UK have received at least one jab, and 64 percent are fully vaccinated, according to official data.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid on Tuesday said people in England who have been double-jabbedas well as under-18swill no longer have to self-isolate if they have been in contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19.

But the easing will only apply from August 16, almost a month after other controls are due to have ended.

The UK's other nationsScotland, Wales and Northern Irelandset their own health policy and are moving more slowly.

Javid conceded that daily infection rates in Britainwhich has one of Europe's worst death tolls from COVID-19were set to treble to 100,000 in the weeks ahead due to the Delta variant.

That is likely to translate into millions of people who have been in contact with an infected person being told to self-isolate until August 16, which Starmer said meant "carnage" for businesses losing staff.

Johnson insisted "we will continue with a balanced and reasonable approach", as he accused the Labour leader of vacillating over when to start moving back to normality.

"We inoculate while they're invertebrate," the prime minister told MPs.

Explore further UK says braced for 100,000 daily COVID cases

 2021 AFP
Shares of Didi Chuxing plunged after Beijing widened its crackdown on its embattled technology.

Shares of Didi Chuxing plunged Tuesday after Beijing required app stores to pull the Chinese ride-hailing program as part of a widening crackdown on technology companies.

Also falling sharply were Full Truck Alliance and Kanzhun, two other Chinese companies that recently began trading in New York, but now face Chinese government probes.

More established US-listed Chinese companies, such as Alibaba and JD.com, also fell moderately, suggesting broad investor unease with Beijing's more aggressive posture.

"You could say that the last decade has been regulatory-free for the Chinese companies," said Winston Ma, an adjunct professor at New York University. "Now they are entering into a new era of regulation."

Ma, author of "The Digital War: How China's Tech Power Shapes the Future of AI, Blockchain and Cyberspace," said Beijing's efforts are driven by a an effort to manage the vast amounts of consumer data controlled by the companies, as well as a desire to reassert oversight of the companies.

Adding to that is a "palpable sense that a lot of these firms have grown very, very quickly and have gotten their hands into lots of different business lines," said Nicholas Borst, director of China research at Seafarer Capital.

Authorities have realized that many of these firms are big and sprawling, and that "there may not be the same level of controls and safeguards that regulators would like to see," Borst said.

China's Uber

Dubbed China's Uber, Didi was founded just nine years ago by former Alibaba executive Cheng Wei. It has gone on to dominate the country's ride-hailing market after winning a costly turf war against the US titan in 2016 and taking over Uber's local unit.

Didi went public last week after raising $4.4 billion in an initial public offering.

However, shares plunged nearly 20 percent Tuesday to $12.59, below the $14 of its IPO price.

The Cyberspace Administration of China on Sunday ordered the removal of the Didi app after investigations found its user data collection in "serious violation" of regulations.

The authorities also cited national security concerns in the probe, an unusual move against a domestic tech firm. However, there were few details on the investigation or specifics of Didi's alleged violations.

Didi has pledged to rectify any problems, but said the takedown "may have an adverse impact on its revenue in China."

The Chinese body also took action against Full Truck Alliancea merger between truck-hailing platforms Yunmanman and Huochebangand Kanzhun, which owns online recruitment platform Boss Zhipin.

The three platforms have been told to stop new user registrations during the investigation "to prevent security risks to national data, safeguard national security and protect public interest," the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) said.

The actions against the three companies come as China moved Tuesday to tighten rules on companies seeking to sell shares overseas, saying there needs to be more extensive cooperation between international regulators on data security, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Ma predicted the shift by Beijing, along with moves by Washington to require more disclosure from Chinese companies, would slow down the pace of Chinese stock premieres in New York.

In the first half of 2021, 36 Chinese companies raised $12.6 billion, according to Dealogic.

But Steve Markscheid, who advises Chinese companies on going public and is a board member of Chinese publicly traded companies, predicted some deals would still go through.

"What's driving this is investor demand," Markscheid said. "China's economy is growing more rapidly than other large economies. Investors want access to that. I don't see that going away."

Explore further Didi shares plunge in wake of Beijing crackdown

 2021 AFP
At the Salvation Army on Union Street, its almost as if whoever is in charge of flooding said, Uh oh. Missed a spot, and sent Tropical Storm last week to finish the job.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is set to keynote the signature fundraiser for the Republican Party in South Carolina, home to the first Southern presidential primary and a crucial destination for potential White House hopefuls of both major parties.

Hes looking forward to coming down to South Carolina, being able to to deliver some red meat and speak his mind  without having to worry about being a diplomat, state Republican Party Chairman Drew McKissick told The Associated Press last week, referencing a recent conversation with Pompeo. He delivers substance.

The fundraiser known as the Silver Elephant Dinner began in 1967 with a California governor, Ronald Reagan, as its keynote speaker, and has become an annual attraction for top GOP figures. Headliners over the ensuing decades have included a slew of other Republicans who went on to vie for their party's top billing, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and former Texas Gov. Rick Perry among them.

Pompeo, who also served as CIA director during his four years in the Trump administration, has been making the rounds in other states with early presidential voting contests, such as Iowa and New Hampshire, fueling speculation he will seek the Republican presidential nomination.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)  State Rep. Rebecca Dow announced Wednesday that she will seek the Republican nomination for governor of New Mexico in next year's election, becoming the fifth GOP candidate looking to unseat Democrat Michelle Lujan Grisham.

Dow, who is serving her third term in the Legislature and works as a consultant to early childhood providers, said shes tired of New Mexico being last when it comes to educational outcomes, child well-being and employment opportunities.

The state currently has the second highest unemployment rate in the U.S. Critics have placed some of the blame on Lujan Grisham for her handling of the coronavirus pandemic and the effects of her public health restrictions on small businesses. Many were forced to close their doors for good over the past year, and the state recently started offering cash incentives in an effort to get people back to work.

Lujan Grisham announced her reelection bid at a June rally in Albuquerque that was derailed by protesters who were mostly upset over her handling of the pandemic, which included some of the nation's toughest restrictions.
Knestout encouraged White to consider requesting laicization, which is to ask to have his rights and responsibilities as a priest removed.

A laicized or defrocked priest is still a priest in the Catholic Church, but he may no longer wear the clerical collar, perform the sacraments or hear confession.

He did not give me much time to think over whether or not I wanted to request laicization myself, White said. Three weeks later he wrote to inform me that he had written to the Vatican, asking that I be removed from the priesthood.

White said he was stunned by Knestouts latest actions.

Every priest I know, and I know quite a few, is utterly flabbergasted by what the bishop has done, White said. The bishop is obliged to discuss the matter in person with me before petitioning Rome, and he never did that.

White says there is no precedent to his case before the Vatican to be found, but history is rife with examples of priests who have committed despicable acts and were never laicized, remaining priests until they died.
From the project, $67,000 in payments was withheld. For the Wood River Road portion of the contract, $25,924 was withheld.

JIL President Jerry Atkins and JIL Treasurer Rob Baldwin did not attend the county board meeting on Tuesday.

When he appeared before the county board on June 8 Atkins said he was willing to accept penalties for the project.

Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

JIL requested to be allowed to do further grinding, Riehle said.

They have proved they can grind smoothly, he said. If theres no grinding allowed, that would be my recommendation for penalties.

Commission Chair Pam Lancaster said the county has been more than fair with the Grand Island company.

I havent lost sight that $24,000 isnt a lot of money. It is a lot of money, Lancaster said. Weve given them the advantage by lessening the penalty, but weve given them that advantage besides the fact that this has been a tough go for two years.

Commissioner Scott Sorensen said he has heard from his constituents that the road still is in bad shape, and said he agrees with them.
The project will for years and years, on into a hundred years into the future, bring people into this community, Mellema said.

Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

Its an honor to participate in this project, he said.

Heartland Events Center was funded similarly.

A county appropriation that was repaid over time was used with local fundraising to complete the project, said Jay Vavricek, a former Grand Island mayor and Hero Flight Association member.

This speaks well of Hall County, Vavricek said. It will promote confidence in the future, shows we get the job done, and also indicates this resource can be leveraged with the lodging support of visitors.

With the local match met before the deadline, an application will be made for the local project to receive federal ranking for completion.

Nebraska has only three state veterans cemetery sites in Alliance, Papillion and Maxwell.

A site in Grand Island will help to close the gap, said John Hilgert, Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs director.
Texas House and Senate lawmakers are considering identical bills, SB 6 and HB 2, that would change how and if people can be released from jail before their criminal cases are resolved. The bills also would ban the release of those accused of violent crimes unless they had enough cash, as well as restrict charitable groups ability to pay to get people out of jail, according to The Texas Tribune. While opponents say the bills would create an overreliance on cash thats unfair to people who are poor, supporters say reform is needed to keep violent and habitual offenders from being released on low-cash bonds. Is Texas in need of bail reform?

You voted:
Local

alert featured top story

It's alive! Murphysboro's 'Big Muddy Monster' slinks its way into a comic book

Provided by Nathan Bonner Page one of the "Big Muddy Monster" comic book to be released this fall. Provided by Nathan Bonner Page two of the "Big Muddy Monster" comic book to be released this fall. Provided by Nathan Bonner Page three of the "Big Muddy Monster" comic book to be released this fall.

MURPHYSBORO  The tale begins like many urban legends  with a couple in a parked car at night in a dark park.

What disrupts the couples date is not a man with a hook for a hand. No, it's a creature many know but few have seen. Its big, muscular, covered in white hair and has piercing red eyes.

Strange sightings in Little Egypt: Do cryptids live in Southern Illinois? Ange Dixon doesnt know what she saw, but she knows shes not crazy.

This is how Mike Noe, Brian Easton and Nathan Bonner begin their soon-to-be-released pulp comic Big Muddy Monster: A True Story of Murphysboro.

The comic book chronicles the real reports of Big Muddy Monster sightings in Murphysboro during the summer of 1973. These have been well-chronicled both in local papers  The Southern has had many entries on the monster over the years  as well as in bigger markets like The New York Times. But theres also a file on the City of Murphysboros website containing all the police reports from the time.

Provided by Mike Noe Mike Noe

The writer basically is working directly from the police reports, Mike Noe, owner of Murphysboros Muddy Monster Comics, said.

Easton, the author, said he wants the book to be a just the facts, maam retelling.

Were trying to be as true as possible, Noe said.

Easton, who has published a series of monster novels called Autobiography of a Werewolf Hunter'' said hes been a monster fan and a teller of tall tales since he can remember. But, this story isnt just a campfire tale to him.

I dont consider it a tall tale like Pecos Bill or Paul Bunyon. Its definitely a legendary thing at this point, Easton said.

Provided by Easton Brian Easton

In fact, being from Murphysboro, Easton is proud to tell his hometowns story this way.

I always felt a little bit of pride that I came from a town that had its own monster, he said.

Still, he said it has been challenging putting together a narrative for a creature who has no voice.

Campus Comics moves to Murphysboro under new name  Muddy Monster Comics Mike Noe, owner of the former Campus Comics, will bring his love of nerd culture to Murphysboro as he moves the longtime Carbondale staple to its new home.

One way they have done this is to have a central narrator. The face may be familiar to some  its Murphysboros mayor Will Stephens.

I appreciate the creators depicting me in the comic. In reviewing some of the draft pages, it seems I look better as a cartoon than I do on camera," Stephens said.

Provided by Nathan Bonner Nathan Bonner

He said he looks forward to the legend of the Big Muddy Monster coming to a new generation.

Bonner, Noe and Easton all have an affinity for classic movie monsters of the Hollywood studio era  Frankenstein, Dracula and the like. But they also share a love of monster comics like Tales from the Crypt. All this went into their vision for their book. Noe described it as family-friendly-horror.

Noe said the book will have 20 story pages that will be in classic black and white with a color cover and several color gallery pages in the back that will feature other artists interpretations of the monster.

Bonner is the artist for the project. He said the sighting that most grabbed him was the scene at Riverside park with the couple in the parked car.

New film to explore Big Muddy Monster lore Christian Barils story of encountering the Big Muddy Monster will be featured in a new documentary film, Creature from Big Muddy: An Illinois Bigfoot Legend, aimed at chronicling the folklore of Southern Illinois own Bigfoot creature.

I think that kind of firmly was in my mind from the get-go, he said.

This is both the figurative and literal launching point for the book for Bonner. He said the opening pages are reminiscent of a Scooby-doo like opener  he said he can even hear the opening theme playing as he reads the panels.

Noe, Bonner and Easton said the Big Muddy Monster story belongs to Murphysboro and all thought it should be an even bigger part of the citys brand. Easton said there are people who dedicate all their spare time to visiting places known to have monster sightings. He said Murphysboro should be on their lists. So, Noe said a dollar for every issue sold will go to Murphysboros tourism commission.

The team said they hope to have the issue printed by this years Apple Festival in September. However, Noe said if this first run goes quick, they plan to reprint it and keep it in print to be sold at the shop and potentially other places in the area.
I dont consider it a tall tale like Pecos Bill or Paul Bunyon. Its definitely a legendary thing at this point, Easton said.

In fact, being from Murphysboro, Easton is proud to tell his hometowns story this way.

I always felt a little bit of pride that I came from a town that had its own monster, he said.

Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

Still, he said it has been challenging putting together a narrative for a creature who has no voice.

+2 Campus Comics moves to Murphysboro under new name  Muddy Monster Comics Mike Noe, owner of the former Campus Comics, will bring his love of nerd culture to Murphysboro as he moves the longtime Carbondale staple to its new home.

One way they have done this is to have a central narrator. The face may be familiar to some  its Murphysboros mayor Will Stephens.

I appreciate the creators depicting me in the comic. In reviewing some of the draft pages, it seems I look better as a cartoon than I do on camera," Stephens said.

He said he looks forward to the legend of the Big Muddy Monster coming to a new generation.

Bonner, Noe and Easton all have an affinity for classic movie monsters of the Hollywood studio era  Frankenstein, Dracula and the like. But they also share a love of monster comics like Tales from the Crypt. All this went into their vision for their book. Noe described it as family-friendly-horror.
For those downstate Illinois residents who want to breakaway from Chicagoland and form their own state, two Southern Illinois University Carbondale researchers have an emphatic caution: do not do it.

In a whitepaper released earlier this year by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, a think tank at the university, political scientists John Foster and John Jackson said analysis of Illinois state revenue and budgeting over recent years shows downstate Illinoisans would be worse off without Chicago than they are with their northeastern neighbors.
Hunter did nothing wrong, just like we felt George Floyd did nothing wrong," Sharpton told reporters before the memorial. But if we segregate how we react, then we're wrong."

It was unclear what impact Sharpton's and the attorneys' calls for action would have in Lonoke County, a rural county of 73,000 people that is 90% white.

Even before the memorial service, Brittain's friends and family were calling for change at the state level with petitions urging the Legislature to require officers to wear body cameras that would be turned on as soon as their shift begins.

I never thought anything like this would happen until it hit so close to home," said Scott Hendrickson, whose son was close friends with Brittain and who is . Once it happened to my son's best friend, I said it could happen to my son so it was too close to home to not do anything about it."

Dozens of people gathered outside the sheriff's office after the memorial service for a rally with Brittain's family, attorneys and the NAACP

Melissia McMahan, who is the Brittain family's mail carrier and knew the teen since he was a toddler, said she had thought about the need for police reform before Brittain's death but hadn't thought it was something her own community would face.

I never expected anything like what happened, especially not just a country boy working on his truck and taking it for a test drive," she said.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
JACKSON, Mich. (AP)  Ex-Detroit police chief James Craig on Tuesday sought to burnish his Republican credentials before a likely run for governor, telling party stalwarts about his evolution from being a born Democrat.

Craig, who retired last month, said he has been a Republican for many years and voted for Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020. He said he opposes abortion and supports gun rights along with the police, the military and the principle of self-reliance rather than a victimhood mentality allegedly being pushed by Democratic leaders.

He touted his efforts to keep Detroit, his hometown, safe last year amid tense nationwide protests against police killings of Black people. He hinted at, but stopped short, of declaring his candidacy to seek the 2022 GOP nomination against Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, whom he criticized by saying America is not a monarchy."

It appeared to be an allusion to sweeping orders she issued to control COVID-19. He also ripped U.S. Reps. Maxine Waters and Rashida Tlaib and declared he will never back down to liberal wokeism.
When asked whether the Police Departments strategies under his leadership are ineffective, Brown was quick to point out how Chicagos rise in violence over the last year and a half is part of a nationwide trend seen in other major cities, including New York, Los Angeles and Houston.

But his rationale inevitably drifted into a discussion about what he perceives as an ineffective judicial system.

We get into this conversation about effectiveness. We can take guns off the street. We can charge people with murder. But again I want to ask you a question in this (media) gallery. How many people think its OK to have over 90 people on electronic monitoring that weve charged with murder released back to our communities. Just show of hands, who thinks thats a good idea? Brown asked, without specifying a time frame for his claim about 90 defendants.

When no reporters raised their hands, Brown said, after a brief pause: For the record, no one raised their hands in the media gallery and thought it was a good idea to release over 90 people  comments that prompted reporters to raise their voices and tell him it is not their job to react to his statements in such a way.
A mass shooting in the Washington Park neighborhood left two men dead. A 67-year-old man was killed when he was stabbed Friday afternoon on a CTA bus. Among those killed was a 45-year-old woman whose alleged killer was immediately shot by a man with a concealed handgun and a 19-year-old National Guard member.

Chrys Carvajal, of Portage Park, was identified by his family as the Guardsman who was shot in the back and abdomen around 1:30 a.m. Saturday in the Belmont Cragin community.

At a news conference Sunday, Carvajals sister Jennifer Ramirez said he was home on leave from basic training for less than a month before he was killed leaving a house party.

He was fighting for our country, Ramirez said at the news conference. He comes to Chicago, and he gets killed in the streets.

Among those injured in shootings were at least four children younger than 14, including the 6-year-old girl who was wounded along with her mother in a drive-by shooting in West Pullman early Monday. That happened hours after a 5-year-old girl was wounded in the same neighborhood Sunday afternoon. A fifth child, an 11-year-old, suffered a critical injury to the chest while at the scene of a shooting Sunday evening on the South Side, but it was not clear whether that was due to a gunshot wound or some other injury.
While Illinois is solidly Democratic, McHenry County is represented by a pair of Democrats in Congress who won seats in historically GOP-leaning areas  U.S. Reps. Lauren Underwood of Naperville and Sean Casten of Downers Grove.

Asked during a briefing Tuesday why the northwest suburbs were chosen for the presidents visit, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden has emphasized he was elected to represent not just Democrats, but also independents and Republicans.

I would see this as less of a political trip and more as an opportunity to speak to all Americans about why his Build Back Better agenda ... is something people of all political stripes should be able to support, Psaki said.

Bidens visit comes after Chicago endured one of its most violent weekends of the year  with at least 108 people shot, and 17 fatally.

Asked about Chicago violence, Psaki noted that violent crime rates have increased across the country in recent months, noting that summertime often brings the worst spikes.
After Bonnier Events decided not to go forward, Langfelder said he and Scott Dahl, the director of the Springfield Visitors & Convention Bureau, met with the festival's board of directors and "expressed our desire to keep it going and Greg Cooper's name came up in conversation," Langfelder said.

"It would be a smaller scale, no doubt (without Greg Cooper)," he added. "The value to keep it going is definitely there, but how do you make that happen? I think it's a good match personally.

"Shaner is still helping, which is good. We'll be as supportive as possible, and I know the Springfield Visitors & Convention Bureau is supporting it at the same level. It was important to have it go on especially coming out of the pandemic. If you would have laid off two years, it could have been catastrophic."

The city, Langfelder said, offers a $25,000 sponsorship, but Public Works crews also help out.

The paths of Route 66 cut right through Springfield with various alignments, including what is now Business Loop 55 and, later, Dirksen Parkway and Stevenson Drive.

Langfelder has said the city would continue its marketing efforts about not only what's on Route 66 but off-road as well, like Route 66 MotorHeads Bar and Grill and Ace Sign Co., both of which have museums of memorabilia.
What I want is that those (who harass) be considered a plague and ought to be forbidden access to social networks(,)...those who cyberbully, who threaten with death, who deprive one of their freedom and who incite one to suicide, she said. "And I never want the victims to be blamed again.

Her lawyer, Richard Malka, said Mila has received some 100,000 threatening messages, including death threats, rape threats, misogynist messages and hateful messages about her sexual orientation.

Mila left one high school, then another. She is now monitored daily by the police for her safety.

Social networks are the street. When you pass someone in the street, you dont insult them, threaten them, make fun of them, the presiding judge, Michel Humbert, said. What you dont do in the street, dont do on social media.

The trial raised uncomfortable questions about freedom of expression, freedom to criticize a religion and respect for Frances millions of Muslims. But the court case was focused on cyberbullying.

The 13 defendants from around France came from various backgrounds and religions and were but a handful of all the people who went after Mila with online comments. The others could not be tracked down.
As the indictment portrayed, Weisselberg maneuvered to avoid paying taxes on things large and small. He lived in Manhattan, but falsely declared his residence elsewhere to avoid paying New York City resident taxes, which would have added up to $238,000 over 16 years. He got the company to pay for new beds, flat screen televisions and carpeting for his home in Florida, but didn't report that as income. He got the money for his annual holiday tips by having a check made out to another company employee, who duly turned over the cash for Weisselberg to dole out - nearly $30,000 over six years - and again, did not report it as income.

The most astonishing - and damning - part is that the Trump Organization kept careful records of it all. It maintained two sets of books, one that showed Weisselberg's compensation as reported to tax authorities, the second that recorded in detail how much he was actually receiving - as the indictment explains, "ensuring that he was not paid more than his pre-authorized, fixed amount of gross compensation." Underreporting the compensation didn't just help Weisselberg - it benefited the Trump Organization, which avoided having to ante up for payroll taxes on the unreported income.

What does all of this have to do with the former president - and would the case have been pursued if it didn't involve him?
A 31-year-old Olar man is accused of killing a Denmark woman and injuring another person on Monday.

Kelcie Ralph Gilbert, of 157 Cave Street, is charged with murder and attempted murder. S.C. Law Enforcement Division agents took him into custody on Monday.

Shakeira Waymyers, of Carolina Avenue, was shot at least once, according to warrants.

She died as a result, Bamberg County Coroner Wallace Hicks Jr. said.

Waymyers was traveling on Sato Avenue in Denmark just after 2 a.m. when someone drove up beside her and opened fire, Hicks said.

Three bullets entered Waymyers Ford Expedition. One struck her and killed her, Hicks said.

Waymyers then drove into a utility pole that contained a transformer. Hicks said the pole and the transformer ended up on Waymyers vehicle.

Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday.

Warrants accuse Gilbert of shooting and injuring another person in Denmark. That persons condition is unknown.

The Denmark Police Department requested SLED investigate the shootings.
Job Title: Security Assistant (13 Job Vacancies)

Organisation: Uganda Airlines

Duty Station: Entebbe, Uganda

Report Line: Security Duty Officer  Operations

Ref No: UGA-118

About US:

Uganda Airlines is the flag carrier of Uganda. The company is a revival of the older Uganda Airlines which operated from 1977 until 2001. It began flying in August 2019.

Job Summary: The Security Assistant will perform duties to ensure the protection of Passengers, ground staff, crew, aircraft, office premises, and company assets from unlawful interference against civil aviation and report all security incidents and breaches brought to his/her attention.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Controlling the access of persons to parked aircraft under service and presence of security onboard during inflight catering and cleaning service at ALL times.

Ensuring that ONLY AUTHORIZED persons are permitted access into aircraft and unauthorized persons encountered challenged immediately!

Carrying out mandatory verification of the validity of airport permits, ground staff, crew ID badges or passenger boarding pass who is attempting to access the aircraft and challenging those in breach.

Carrying out a physical search before and after of ALL ramp vehicles, Inflight catering trucks, including ramp buses that convey Uganda National Airlines passengers and crew for prohibited weapons and explosive devices

Carrying out 100% physical inspection and x-ray screening of cargo, mails and couriers before acceptance for transportation on Uganda National Airlines aircraft.

Escorting at ALL TIMES Uganda National Airlines screened baggage, cargo, mails and couriers to and from the aircraft.

Effectively screening by metal detection or physical hand search of ALL authorized persons other than passengers holding a valid boarding pass for the flight, before he/she is permitted access into Uganda National Airlines aircraft.

Ensuring mandatory exit screening for all authorized persons leaving the aircraft after access has been granted and a record kept on file.

Ensuring Airline/contracted catering security staff search a reasonable proportion of catering supplies and stores

Ensuring catering supplies is escorted to the aircraft in sealed, tamper-evident containers/trucks and verifications of seals before loading at ALL times.

Responding to security incidents and taking appropriate action in accordance with prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Ensuring that all contracted staff report ALL security and safety incidents relating to Uganda National Airlines operations to be investigated and corrective actions are taken to prevent reoccurrences. NO Airline staff or contracted staff is authorized to talk to the press or comment on any incident relating to Uganda National Airlines except the designated Official.

Report on DAILY inspection of aircraft, exterior baggage, and cargo hold before loading and after offloading, visual inspection of aircraft undercarriage with the assistance of Uganda National Airlines ground Engineers as appropriate.

Adhere to all regulations and relevant Aviation Security legislation, Aviation Crimes Act, ICAO annex 17 and the Civil Aviation Act

Keep current with local instruction and policy and maintain a good knowledge of contingency plans, relevant law and practices

Comply with all AVSEC Health and Safety policies and procedures (including Covid-19 Contingencies)

Controlling the access of authorized persons into Uganda Airlines premises at ALL times and guarding of parked aircraft and Ground Service Equipment (GSEs)

Any other duties as required.









Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

The ideal applicant for the Uganda Airlines Security Assistant job placement must hold a first University degree in Social sciences, International Relations or in law, international law, police studies, or a related field, or additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses, or relevant diploma in aviation security courses from a recognized institution may be accepted in lieu of the First University degree.

Industry Training:

Diploma in a related field, or Aviation Security training from a recognized institution and Organization.

ICAO AVSEC BASIC STP 123 Basic Certification  is mandatory

IATA Dangerous Regulations Certification- added advantage.

AVSEC Screener Certification issued by a Competent Authority.

Ability to prepare regular AVSEC activity reports as required.

Fluency in written and spoken English language. Intermediate knowledge of written and spoken French is desirable.

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in aviation security at an airport is required.

Experience in or acceptance of working in a 24-hour, 7 day a week rotating shift worker environment

Competent working knowledge of the Aviation Security Service statutory and rules framework, in particular the Civil Aviation Act and pursuant regulations, CAA rules, National Aviation Security Programme and ICAO Annex 17 requirements

Awareness of excellence in customer service

Willingness to work in a flexible manner in a changing environment

Knowledge of an airport and/or security environment

Experienced in dealing with the public

Experience in or the ability to understand and apply legislation in a practical, common sense manner

Empathy with different cultures

Experience in or acceptance of working in a 24 hour, 7 day a week rotating shift worker environment

Competent working knowledge of the Aviation Security Service statutory and rules framework, in particular the Civil Aviation Act and pursuant regulations, CAA rules, National Aviation Security Programme and ICAO Annex 17 requirements.

Strong interpersonal skills

Strong verbal and written English skills

How to Apply:

All candidates should send their application letters, , complete with Curriculum Vitae giving two (2) referees, and copies of academic and professional certificates with one passport size photograph (one full size photograph for Cabin Crew applicants) should be submitted online at Click Here or by post quoting the Job Reference number accordingly.

Applications should be addressed to:

The Manager Human Resources.

Uganda National Airlines Company Ltd.

P.O. Box 431, Entebbe, Uganda.

Only successful applicants will be contacted.

Deadline: 12th August 2021 by 4:00pm

For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline
Job Title: WASH Officer Sanitation (4 Fresher Job Vacancies)

Organisation: Action Against Hunger-USA

Duty Station: Uganda

Reports to: Program Manager

About US:

Action Against Hunger-USA is part of the Action Against Hunger International network, which provides humanitarian relief in over 40 countries worldwide in the sectors of nutrition, health, water/sanitation, and food security. Action Against Hunger-USA, an independent NGO, currently manages operations in 9 countries: Kenya, South Sudan, Nigeria, Pakistan, Cambodia, Tanzania, Uganda, Haiti and Somalia. Action Against Hunger-USA has over $92 million in programs, and approximately 2000 staff based in in the various country offices and the three Head Quarter Locations of New York City, Washington D.C, Nairobi. Additional growth is anticipated.

Job Summary: The Wash Officer Sanitation will take lead on planning and rolling out WASH behavioral change activities, community mobilization, and sensitization of targeted beneficiaries on Hygiene and sanitation activities in the settlement in collaboration with the team and under the management of the PM. The officer will also take lead in overseeing household latrine construction support activities and WASH kit distributions. The WASH officer  Sanitation promotion will supervise 2 community-based Hygiene Agents (CBHA) and 23 hygiene promoters.

The WaSH Officer-Sanitation Promotion roles purpose, engagement and delivery is the the focal point for the implementation of WaSH. The officer will take lead on providing overall technical and programmatic support for the planning, implementation, management, and monitoring of household latrine, slab and other construction works.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Engagement:

Program Manager: Direct line management

Field Coordinator: Collaboration and exchange of information on relations with Government

Institutions at the district level, operational and security issues

Other Program Managers: Exchange of information and coordination (integrated approach)

Technical Coordinators (FSLR/WASH plus NUT): hierarchical relationship  technical support  exchange of information

Beneficiaries: Information sharing, Sensitization.

Local governmental and non-governmental partners: exchange of information, coordination, training, supervision, influence on the choice of technical options

OPM, UNHCR: updates and collaboration of implementation, information sharing.

Local representatives of international aid organizations: exchange of information

Donor representatives: hosting field visits, exchange of information

Delivery:

Participate in all program assessments and researches on Behavioural change and project implementation

Support the PM to identify households sanitation needs and design appropriate WASH approaches, HESAN promotion topics, sessions and BCC materials.

Capacity building of CBHAs and Hygiene promoters on basics of hygiene promotion/education, methods/approaches, communication and facilitation skills and mobilization of communities to adopt ideal sanitation activities and improved Household sanitation; includes proper documentation on training (list of trainees, training reports)

Training of local youth artisans on the fabrication of dome slabs and latrine construction

Training of youth groups on HH latrine construction to support PSN beneficiaries.

Technically Support CBHAs to prepare detailed implementation plans for community mobilization, and sensitization and monitoring latrine construction and use and other HESAN practices with APM support

Take lead in all community participatory WASH sessions geared at the promotion of good sanitation practices.

Conduct supervision visits to CBHAs, households visits to ensure implementation of sanitation activities in adherence to planned approaches and methods.

Produce daily/weekly site visits and activities to be integrated into the overall project reports compiled by PM.

Ensure timely fabrication of slabs by masons groups in adherence to technical specifications and organize the distribution of slabs to targeted PSN.

Ensure timely household latrine construction by the Youth groups in PSN households.

Support the CBHAs to ensure collection and compilation of monthly HESAN data with support from the M&E officer and provide reports on achievements against work plan milestones to APM. Prepare all beneficiary lists and distribution lists related to sanitation activities

Ensure coordination with other stakeholders, in collaboration with Assistant Program Manager

Manage CBHAs and conduct an appraisal. Ensure adherence of staff to Action Against Hunger regulation and procedures.









Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

The applicant must hold a Degree/Diploma in civil or water engineering (technical level)

At least two years of working knowledge and experience in hygiene and sanitation promotional activities

Clear Understanding of key Health and hygiene issues especially in emergencies (camp settings) with multiple ethnicities

Good knowledge of the intervention area/s and local economy.

Experience in working with hygiene promoters CBHAs and CBMS

Knowledge and experience with latrine and slabs construction and other construction works.

Knowledge on Autocad and Arch card design programs

Proven experience in community mobilization and facilitation

Excellent communication skills (written and oral); English is required

Knowledge of a local language (Swahili, Lunyoro, Lunyankole, French.) Knowledge of Kinyabwisha/ Kinyarwanda/ kigeregere will be an added advantage

Good computer skills including Excel, Word

Possession of a valid Riding license and be willing to ride a motorcycle.

How to Apply:

Follow the link below to attach a cover letter and an updated resume as one document (Word or PDF).

Click Here

Deadline: 16th July 2021.

For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline
Job Title: Supply Chain Assistant (Re-advertisement) Fresher Job Vacancies

Organisation: International Rescue Committee

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

About US:

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a world leader in relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict development services for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression. The IRC is currently working in over 40 countries around the world, addressing both the immediate and lifesaving needs of conflict affected people in emergencies and the reconstruction needs of post-conflict societies.

The IRC began programming in northern Uganda in 1998 in response to mass displacement and devastation wrought by rebel group, the Lords Resistance Army. In 2002, the IRC expanded to the remote, conflict-affected region of Karamoja and in 2011, began working with refugees in Kampala. Monitoring the influx of South Sudanese refugees at the end of 2015, the IRC began scaling up its response to refugees arriving in the West Nile region. By promoting durable solutions that deliver on the interdependent aims of saving lives, strengthening institutions, and supporting social cohesion, the IRC in Uganda is laying the building blocks for long-term stability and development bringing people from harm to home. The IRC currently works in 9 districts in Uganda, including Kitgum, Lamwo, Kyegegwa, Moroto, Amudat, Yumbe, Arua, Kasese and Kampala. The IRC will be moving into additional/new locations in refugee settlements in Kiryandongo and Zombo.

Job Summary: Reporting to Supply Chain Officer, the Supply Chain Assistant is responsible for the efficient coordination and management of all inventory management functions for IRCs Kampala Urban Office.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Understand, implement and maintain standard IRC inventory management policies and procedures.

Train urban staff as required.

Manage and document the receipt, handling, storage, release and reporting of goods through the IRC Kampala urban office.

Advise the Supply Chain Officer of potential inventory shortages.

Ensure the maintenance of fittings and equipment.

Implement and ensure clear safety procedures.

Implement and ensure clear loading / unloading procedures, correct stacking and turnover (FIFO) procedures.

Advise the Supply Chain Officer of warehouse-specific issues or improvements.

Maintain the Warehouse activity book recording all outgoing and incoming receipts and activities.

Update as per IRC requirements, the Asset register, Asset inventory list and expendable store inventory list and produce monthly reports.

Goods Reception and Transport

Assist in receiving all supplies.

Keep an accurate and up-to-date record of the store contents and inward and outward movement of goods in the warehouse register or stock cards.

Responsible for arranging and overseeing the air transportation of goods in accordance with IRC procedures.

Prioritize dispatch needs in conjunction with program.

Prioritize air road transport in coordination with the program department and field sites.

Where necessary organize or carry out the transportation of goods to the carrier premises for onward road shipment.

Supervise truck loading and documentation follow up.

Stores and Inventory

Monitor security of IRCs storage and supplies.

Receive completed stores request forms and prepare the goods for issuance.

Ensure goods, equipment are signed for received on the request form (office expendables) or waybill (all other items).

Prepare a monthly report for the expendables store outlining all stock movements and remaining balances.

On a monthly basis, work with the Supply Chain Manager to reconcile the Warehouse register in the Asset tracking sheet and equipment issuance forms.

Update the stock record cards regularly.

Conduct routine inventory inspection and submit report to the Supply Chain Manager in a timely manner.

Key Deliverables

Maintain full and accurate inventory records.

Undertake (documented) monthly and ad-hoc physical inventory checks.

Conduct documented quarterly job performance reviews of Warehouse staff, providing appropriate feedback.

Provide on-time, standard monthly reports to the Supply Chain Officer.









Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

The ideal candidate for the International Rescue Committee (IRC) Supply Chain Assistant job vacancy should hold a Bachelors degree or Diploma in Procurement and Logistics Management or related field.

At least two years of work experience in a stores management role.

Knowledge of generic warehouse management systems and forms

Physically mobile, able to lift 30kg without strain.

Competent in spoken and written English

Good mathematical skills.

Competent use of computers (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

How to Apply:

All candidates should apply online at the link below.

Click Here

For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline
This subscription will allow existing subscribers of The World to access all of our online content, including the E-Editions area.

NOTE: To claim your access to the site, you will need to enter the Last Name and First Name that is tied to your subscription in this format: SMITH, JOHN

If you need help with exactly how your specific name needs be entered, please email us at admin@countrymedia.net or call us at 1-541 266 6047.
Health

breaking featured

Health officials worry low vaccine use, more contagious COVID variant could mean another virus surge

Cayla Nimmo, Star-Tribune Pharmacist Jaclyn Edwards administers a dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine on March 25 at Community Health Centers of Central Wyoming. New COVID-19 variants have been identified in Wyoming.

Wyoming has all the tools it needs to put the pandemic in the rearview mirror, health officials say. But residents here arent taking advantage of those resources.

As a more contagious and potentially more dangerous variant of the virus spreads in the state, officials worry not enough Wyomingites will be protected.

The vaccine is really the key, State Health Officer and epidemiologist Dr. Alexia Harrist said, but its not where we want to be right now in the public health realm.

COVID-19 vaccines have been available to most of the public since April, but Wyoming lags behind all but three states for our rates of fully vaccinated residents and the proportion whove received at least one vaccine dose. Just 31% of the state is fully inoculated against the virus.

And were slowing down. The proportion of residents whove receive a first dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna shot in the last two weeks has moved just half a percent. In that same time-frame, about 800 of the single-dose Janssen shots were administered.

Put another way, the number of first shots given over the last two weeks accounts for just 2% of the total number of first doses (including the Janssen shot) given statewide since the vaccines arrived here in December.

Im pretty frustrated with where were at, Wyoming Medical Center Chief of Staff Dr. Andy Dunn said, particularly in light of the Delta variants presence here. Im very, very worried about whats to come.

Indeed, despite the reprieve from the fall and winter surge, Wyomings virus numbers are in worse shape than most of the country.

The average number of new cases recorded in the state is about 90, the highest its been since late February. Just four states have a higher rate of transmission per 100,000 residents.

Our virus death rate per 100,000 residents is the highest in the nation, and Wyoming is among leaders for hospitalizations, too.

Six mutations dubbed variants of concern have been identified in Wyoming, including the drastically more transmissible Alpha and Delta variants (B.1.1.7 and B.1.617.2, respectively.)

The Alpha variant, first identified in the U.K., has been spreading through Wyoming since January and has accounted for at least 637 infections here, according to genetic sequencing conducted by the Wyoming Public Health Laboratory.

Research shows that variant is about 40% more contagious than the original strain that emerged from China. But now, an even more contagious variant is in Wyoming.

The Delta variant is considered 60% more contagious than the Alpha variant and may also cause more severe illness. While its foothold in Wyoming is so far small, the World Health Organization estimates it will soon be the dominant virus strain globally.

As of Tuesday, at least 42 cases in Laramie County were tied to that mutation, and the Cheyenne Regional Medical Center is currently treating 30 of the states 50 hospitalized virus patients.

Whats happening in Cheyenne right now is a reminder (the pandemic) is not over, Harrist said.

Health care leaders in the state are preparing to see similar increases. Harrist said the health department is coordinating with the Wyoming Hospital Association to ensure additional staff can be tapped if hospitalizations dramatically rise.

Dunn, too, said Wyoming Medical Center has an updated surge plan that anticipates needing more beds and more staff if cases increase.

If were not thinking about the worst, you cant plan for it, he said.

Across the world, countries and communities are reimposing mitigation strategies like mask mandates and social distancing as the Delta variant continues its spread.

South Africa last week set a 14-day ban on gatherings and indoor dining and Israel has reimposed its indoor mask requirement despite a high proportion of vaccinated residents after several of those residents contracted COVID-19 from the mutated virus, according to reports from national news outlets.

The World Health Organization last month also urged fully vaccinated people to again wear face masks in public settings in light of that variant.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not made a similar recommendation.

Harrist said its unlikely Wyoming will see another public health mandate, adding the state will follow the CDCs guidance over the World Health Organizations.

They have to make recommendations for the entire world, Harrist explained. So it shouldnt be a surprise if sometimes there are different recommendations.

She added that the vaccines approved in the U.S. have all proven effective at preventing deaths and hospitalizations, even against the new mutated strains.

She also said face masks might still be recommended in some settings and for some people. Vaccinated residents may still be able to infect their unvaccinated peers, so Harrist recommends masking when around high-risk populations.

Dunn echoed that advice, adding that Wyoming is far from being done with COVID-19.

If we were in Vermont or Connecticut, Id say the pandemic is not a big deal here at the moment, he said. But Im very, very worried about whats to come (for Wyoming).

With the states low vaccination rates, he said its more likely the virus will continue to mutate, meaning it could get even better at infecting people. Dunn urged residents to remain vigilant and to continue masking and social distancing in crowded settings.

We havent earned that right yet to take it easy, he said.

Photos: Casper-Natrona County Health Department tours new mall vaccination clinic Close

Related
There were several other less serious river rescues made over the weekend, Andersen said Tuesday. No other injuries were reported, but several people needed rescue after getting stuck on islands in the river.

One other incident, Sundell said, involved a man who appeared heavily intoxicated losing his life jacket and kayak oar in the river. When crews arrived on the scene, Sundell said, the man was already out of the water.

Natrona County Fire Protection District Marshall Matt Gacke said his agency also responded to four people stranded in the river on Saturday and Sunday.

Fire

There were three significant structure fires in Casper on Sunday, according to first responders.

The most serious, a house fire on Columbia River Road, left the home uninhabitable. According to McJunkin, crews had to leave the building during their response after the roof began to give way. Exterior hoses were used to complete the call.

McJunkin said no one was home when it happened, and all of the pets inside  three dogs and four cats  were rescued alive and taken to a veterinarian.

An unattended electric smoker on the houses back deck was determined as the cause of the fire.
SHERIDAN  Wyoming Game and Fish Department personnel received a report the evening of July 1 that a black bear had been shot and killed by a homeowner near Red Grade Road.

The responding game warden interviewed the homeowner and investigated the scene. He determined the bear, an adult female, was killed in self-defense after charging the homeowner at less than 10 yards.

The warden searched the surrounding area, but found no cached carcass, cubs or other resource that the bear might have been defending, which may have explained the aggressive behavior.

Human-black bear encounters are rare and usually result in the bear fleeing the area, said Sheridan Region Wildlife Supervisor Craig Smith. However, this incident serves as a stark reminder that bears can be unpredictable and may exhibit aggressive behavior when they feel threatened.

Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

WGFD personnel also responded to multiple other bear conflicts July 1.

That morning, a bear was reported accessing unsecured garbage at a cabin on the Bighorn National Forest.

Another bear was reported in the backyard of a residence in Dayton.
They are staying with family in California while he tries to find a more accommodating place to stay, Hardison said, adding that money isnt the issue.

The tarp structure, inspired by shelters he saw at the popular Burning Man festival, is surrounded by three cars with California license plates and, despite the flies, boasts a Yeti cooler and full camp cooking setup.

Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

We created it because I didnt have a place to live because I couldnt find a place, and Ive been looking for months, he said.

Since October, Hardison had not been able to return to the West Coast to retrieve his belongings, but that changed in late June, when Judge Day signed a stipulated order modifying bond, which allowed him to travel to California for two weeks, and travel freely within Wyoming. That will allow him to meet with his lawyer, Cody Jerabek, in Cheyenne.

Hardison said he had been waiting for the judge to sign the paperwork, which was agreed on by the prosecution, for months. And even now, hes concerned about the wording: The Defendant may have a two-week travel pass to the State of California at the direction of his probation officer, because he said he doesnt have a probation officer.
Before she was a judge, Freudenthal had no experience with criminal cases, but she now finds those cases the most rewarding.

Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

Often, they see their arrest as life-changing. They have been taken off the streets ... when they would otherwise have died of addiction. And so its those sorts of experiences where you dont feel as though your job is to punish people, but you have the sense that you are making a difference in peoples lives, Freudenthal said. Yes, their lives going forward will still be very challenging, but they have the opportunity to rebuild that life, take advantage of resources, hopefully live a life of sobriety. I find that rewarding.

Freudenthal said she does not have any regrets from her time as a federal judge, explaining she sees mistakes as learning experiences.

I look at it as I made the best decision I could given what I knew at the time. And now I have an opportunity based on additional guidance to take another crack at it, she said.

She noted one criminal trial where the defendant was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and she decided to put them on pretrial release with an order to report to prison. The U.S. Attorneys Office took that up on appeal and the 10th Circuit reversed her decision.
Wyoming has all the tools it needs to put the pandemic in the rearview mirror, health officials say. But residents here arent taking advantage of those resources.

As a more contagious and potentially more dangerous variant of the virus spreads in the state, officials worry not enough Wyomingites will be protected.

The vaccine is really the key, State Health Officer and epidemiologist Dr. Alexia Harrist said, but its not where we want to be right now in the public health realm.

COVID-19 vaccines have been available to most of the public since April, but Wyoming lags behind all but three states for our rates of fully vaccinated residents and the proportion whove received at least one vaccine dose. Just 31% of the state is fully inoculated against the virus.

And were slowing down. The proportion of residents whove receive a first dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna shot in the last two weeks has moved just half a percent. In that same time-frame, about 800 of the single-dose Janssen shots were administered.
COMPETITION regulator, the Fair Trading Commission (FTC) is hosting stakeholder consultations this week on Agostinis Ltds proposed acquisition in the energy services sector.

The acquisition involves Agostinis Ltd and its subsidiary Rosco Petroavance Ltd seeking to buy 100 per cent of Process Components Ltd, a company owned by directors of Laughlin & DeGannes. Both companies import and service equipment for the energy sector.
If life is a stage, then veteran calypsonian Brother Valentino is determined to continue to give a performance for the ages.

Valentino turned 80 on Wednesday. The venerable bard says he is well aware his set is now in extra time and is inspired to make full use of every encore.

I feel great and I give thanks to the Most High because you are allowed three score and ten and now I am enjoying the extra time that has been given to me, the affable calypsonian told the Kitcharee during a chat this past week.
Do you have a news tip?

Want to share good news story, or do you have information that should see the light of day? Then we want to hear from you.

More here
In order to prevent the untimely deaths of many thousands of citizens, I am afraid that unless the Government steps in and, through legislation, makes it mandatory for all employees, everywhere, to have proof of being fully vaccinated against Covid-19,...
The recruitment process for the appointment of the Commissioner of Police (CoP) upon the expiration in August of the three-year period of contract of the current office-holder, Gary Griffith, has been met with some level of disquiet. In this article, it is not the intention to comment on the suitability or lack thereof of the person eventually selected.
An office complex near Tucson International Airport will be converted to flex space with showrooms and storefronts.

Local developers Larsen Baker bought Valencia Tech Park, 2850-3220 E. Valencia Road, for $4.9 million.

The 90,000-square-foot complex was 50% occupied at the time of purchase.

Larsen Baker plans to convert it from predominately office use to light industrial users who also need offices, showrooms and retail storefronts.

The buildings have roll-up doors and warehouse spaces with high ceilings.

The Tucson airport trade area is in high demand by users looking for this sort of flex space.

This project will be Larsen Bakers third Opportunity Zone redevelopment. The zones were added to the tax code in 2017 as a way to encourage economic development in distressed areas.

With proceeds from an unrelated sale, investors can defer capital gains taxes if the profits are used to develop within the zones, which were identified by the city of Tucson. The airport area is in the zone.

Bryce Horner and Tim Healy, with CBRE, represented the seller, 3000 East Valencia LLC, and Larsen Baker was represented by its broker, Isaac Figueroa.
An attorney for the state asked a federal appeals court Wednesday to let Arizona refuse to count early ballots that voters forgot to sign initially and did not fix by election night.

Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign did not dispute that current law gives those whose signatures do not match up to five days after the election to cure the problem. That is why U.S. District Judge Douglas Rayes declared last year that it is illegal to deny the same ability to those who did not sign the ballot at all.

But Ensign told a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that Arizona lawmakers are entitled to have stricter rules  and an earlier deadline  for those who neglect to sign at all.

In striking down the deadline last year, Rayes did agree to put his order on hold. That kept the current deadlines in place for the 2020 election.

Now the question is which rules will govern the 2022 vote, when all statewide offices will be up for grabs and a close race is expected for the U.S. Senate.

Those stakes are why the Arizona Democratic Party is trying to keep the extended deadline in place  and why the state, joined by the state and national Republican parties, wants to return to the election night deadline.
A video taken by Watters shows that Watters walked up to the side of Qins car and confronted him, saying, What are you doing (expletive)? What are you doing (expletive)? Get out of the car, get out of the car or Im going to blow your head off!

He demands that Qin get on the ground, and you can hear Qin say, I dont have to get on the ground.

Watters says, Yeah you do (expletive) or Im going to shoot your head right off.

Qin may have been the original instigator of the conflict, and he is facing a charge of felony stalking to which he has pleaded not guilty. But the video leaves little doubt that Watters was the aggressor in this confrontation.

Then he went beyond that and fired a shot. Watters alleges that Qin came toward him, but you cant tell that from the video, and honestly it sounds like a cover story. The video makes it seem Watters was plenty angry to fire a warning shot, as he called it, without provocation.

Again, this is what you expect from a defendant in Watters court, not from the judge himself.
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP)  A Pennsylvania man was arrested Wednesday on charges that he assaulted an Associated Press photographer and police officers during the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Alan William Byerly, 54, was armed with what appeared to be a stun gun when he charged at officers guarding the Capitol, an FBI agent wrote in an affidavit. After police apparently removed the device from his hand, Byerly continued to charge at the officers, punching or pushing at least three of them, and tried to grab an officer's baton, the agent wrote.

Officers managed to restrain Byerly, but a fellow rioter helped him escape, the FBI said. Police recovered the stun gun that he apparently wielded.

Body camera footage captured Byerly assaulting three Metropolitan Police Department officers, according to the affidavit.

Byerly also is accused of attacking an AP photographer who was wearing a helmet-style gas mask and a lanyard with Associated Press lettering.
This Court should not countenance such a judicial intrusion upon South Carolinas legitimate sovereign interests in the form of an unnecessary nullification of state law, attorneys for the state wrote. They argued that a section such as the requirement that an ultrasound be performed is a standalone provision that survives any invalidation of another provision.

McMaster, along with other defendants including state Attorney General Alan Wilson, also argue that the groups that sued don't have proper standing to challenge the law.

The right to life is the most precious of rights and the most fragile," McMaster said in a statement Wednesday. "We must protect life at every opportunity, regardless of cost or inconvenience.

Attorneys for Planned Parenthood have not responded in court.
WARSAW, Poland (AP)  Poland is reviving plans to reconstruct a historic Warsaw palace where the German Enigma machine codes were first cracked in 1932 and which Nazi German occupying forces blew up in 1944.

In a ceremony Wednesday at the site where the Saski Palace stood, President Andrzej Duda handed a law drafted by his office for the reconstruction of the massive 17th century building to the speaker of parliament, for processing.

Duda said that although costly, the project will symbolically close the process of rebuilding the historic center of Polands capital from World War II damage. He didn't provide a cost estimate.

When completed, in 2028, the palace would house culture and history projects. But first, the lower house of parliament and the Senate need to approve the plans.

The palace was repeatedly redesigned and served various purposes. In 1930-37 it housed the Polish Armed Forces' Cipher Office where in 1932 three mathematicians, Marian Rejewski, Jerzy Rozycki and Henryk Zygalski, cracked the Enigma encoding machine. This laid the foundations for the wartime breaking of its codes in Britain, which greatly assisted the Allies' war effort by allowing them to read top-secret German communications.
"The pope's authority is supreme, full and universal," said canon lawyer Nicholas Cafardi. "So if his authority is at that level, who gets to decide that he can no longer exercise that authority? There's nobody above him."

THE VATICAN CURIA

Francis may be in charge, but he already delegates the day-to-day running of the Vatican and church to a team of officials who operate whether he is in the Apostolic Palace or not, and whether he is conscious or not.

Chief among them is the secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. In a sign that Francis' hospitalization foresaw no change to the governance of the church, Parolin wasn't even in the Vatican during Francis' three-hour scheduled surgery. He was in Strasbourg, France, to commemorate the 1,300th anniversary of the death of the patron saint of Alsasce.

Other Vatican functions are proceeding normally. Its daily noon bulletin came out again Tuesday with the names of new bishops appointed by the pope in Nicaragua, Nigeria and Britain. They presumably were approved ahead of time, although Francis could sign decrees and handle other matters of importance from his hospital bed, as St. John Paul II was known to have done during his many hospitalizations.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A POPE GETS SICK?
OPINION: Republicans, what they stand for, what constitutes a patriot and Gov. Ducey are the topics of the day. Join the discussion by submitting a letter at tucson.com/opinion.
But last weekend, he was once again able to light up inside the casinos as a year-long ban, inspired by the coronavirus last July, expired.

I walked inside and saw the ashtrays, and knew: Smoking is back, he said.

Smoking is indeed back at the nine Atlantic City casinos. But not everyone is happy about it, and even the states governor is hinting he might look favorably on a bill that would permanently ban it inside the gambling halls. Democrat Phil Murphy said last week, I would be very constructive on that, stopping short of saying he would sign the legislation.

Smoking foes are making a major push to eliminate the so-called casino loophole, the one big exemption to New Jerseys law banning smoking in most indoor places, including restaurants and bars. They held a rally last week on the Boardwalk calling on the states legislative leaders and Murphy to enact a permanent smoking ban in the casinos.

In my 20 years as a dealer, Ive seen too many of my coworkers experience serious health issues due to exposure to secondhand smoke, a casino dealer, Nicole Vitola, said at the rally.

Murphy lifted the ban, which was part of a health emergency that was allowed to expire as the state continues to vaccinate residents and case numbers decline.
The result is that the OMMA has issued almost 8,000 grower's licenses  far more than is needed to support the state's legal medical marijuana market.

"We have so many grow operations, I don't know how  the free market should have taken care of it. That's the conversation we had in 2018: Let the free market take care of it. Well, the free market should have taken care of it but hasn't ... because of the black market.

"You've got the cartel; you've got the Chinese drug ring; you've got the biker gangs. Pretty much every criminal organization is operating in the state of Oklahoma right now," West said.

None of that is good for the legitimate growers, processors and retailers who are trying to follow the rules  which is one reason some legislators are still trying to make the state's medical marijuana laws work, even though there was and remains widespread opposition in state government to SQ 788.

Fetgatter says he does not use cannabis products and opposed SQ 788 but that after it passed he decided to do his best to make the law work.

To that end, he and several other lawmakers  mostly in the House  pushed through a number of changes last session to bolster compliance.
Bland, who is majoring in broadcast journalism/mass communications at Tennessee State, has been a regular participant in Tulsas MLK Parade and Commemorative Service and sang Lift Every Voice and Sing, known as the Black national anthem, in 2013. He has served as a volunteer for many years and in 2019 won first place in the societys Interpretive Dance of Peace contest for students.

Ogunade is majoring in psychology/pre-medicine, and hopes one day to see more Black and brown faces in psychiatry and therapy, she said.

Wallace, who is majoring in political science, prioritizes social justice, which she would like to achieve through philanthropy and education.

Applicants were evaluated by an independent panel based on the following criteria: academic achievement, leadership and accomplishments, including participation in extracurricular activities, honors and awards; work and volunteer experience; and community involvement.

Students also wrote essays offering their perspective on Kings legacy.
One of the most scenic sites in one of Oklahomas largest nature preserves, Bathtub Rocks has become permanently off-limits to the public in an effort to clamp down on illegal drug activity and vandalism, officials announced Tuesday.

Visitors will still have access to other parts of the J.T. Nickel Family Nature & Wildlife Preserve, which covers 17,000 acres along the Illinois River near Tahlequah. But law enforcement officers will patrol the area to keep people away from Bathtub Rocks itself, a unique formation of rocks that create natural pools and slides.

The Nature Conservancy has allowed public access to the site since it took over the nature preserve in 2000, said Michael Fuhr, the nonprofit groups state director. But the conservancy can no longer tolerate the increasing abuse of the site, including drug activity, littering, vandalism and trespassing on neighboring properties, Fuhr said.

These illegal activities have created an unsafe environment for visitors, he said, and are interfering with our ability to fulfill our objective to conserve and protect the sensitive wildlife and habitat in the Ozarks.
Having received his GOP standing orders to weaponize the southern border as a political issue Sen. James Lankford tweets the following on June 30:

President Trump is right  the wall works. Its beyond time to return to President Trumps policies and end the Biden Border Crisis.

Former President Donald Trump rallying on the border on June 30 falsely complained his (originally) promised wall of 2,000 miles was only months away from completion.

Trump claimed credit for 450 miles of wall construction.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported, as of Jan. 6, that since January 2017, 453 miles of wall were worked on, but only 80 miles of border wall construction were built in places where a wall previously didn't exist.

Also, 373 miles of wall were worked on to replace or upgrade barriers that already existed.

Mexican financial contribution that candidate Trump promised would be 100%: zero.

Lankford longs for the Trumpian policy based on cruelty: making a situation more miserable for desperate folks coming here than the situation they fled.

Presumably, mistreatment would halt the flow, the Trump administration seemingly theorized.
It was disheartening to see the Tulsa World editorial position 100% behind For the People Act and criticizing our senators for voting against it ("Oklahoma senators vote against For the People Act," June 26).

The first problem is the Constitution supports the states for making their rules for elections.

There is so much rhetoric thrown around that the states are suppressing the vote. No one wants to do that, but what we want is honest and fair elections.

You can't have that without verification that the person voting is actually the registered voter.

Nothing is ever brought up about not showing an ID to get the COVID-19 vaccination. No articles have been written screaming and hollering about that.

Early voting is great, and we offer that. It has shown we don't need 15 days of it.

To me, it is like anything else for a person.

If voting is important to an individual, that person will do what it takes to get it done.
Despite the developments of COVID-19 in Vietnam, education authorities still stick to the plan to start the 2021 high school graduation exam, which involves the in-person attendance of nearly one million students, on Wednesday.

Traditionally held in July, the national high school graduation exam is an annual assessment that twelfth-grade students in Vietnams K-12 system are required to sit after they finish their studies.

Results of the test are needed for graduation and to help universities and colleges enroll undergraduates.

This years iteration of the exam is considered a momentous one as it is being held amidst the fourth and worst virus wave, which has driven Vietnams case count near 19,000 across 55 out of its 63 provinces and cities, as recorded since it first emerged at the end of April.

Back in 2020, the exam was delayed to August due to the epidemic situation. However, it has returned to the normal time frame of early July this year, even in provinces that are seeing an outbreak.

In light of the situation, provincial authorities have committed efforts, manpower, and resources to ensuring epidemiological safety for test-takers.

Many provinces and cities have tested all candidates for COVID-19 before the exam, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.

Nguyen Thanh Phong (right), chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee, visits an exam room at Le Hong Phong Specialized High School in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, July 7, 2021. Photo: Tu Trung / Tuoi Tre

Candidates sat for the first test of Vietnamese literature on Wednesday morning before taking the math test in the afternoon, both of which are compulsory subjects for all test-takers, according to the Ministry of Education and Trainings direction.

On Thursday, they will do three other tests of choice, including one in the 'foreign language' category; one among physics, chemistry, and biology in the 'natural science' classification; and another among history, geography, and civic education in the 'social science' group.

Pham Ngoc Thuong (right), Vietnams Deputy Minister of Education and Training, visits an exam venue in northern Bac Giang Province, July 7, 2021. Photo: Vinh Ha / Tuoi Tre

On Wednesday morning, Pham Ngoc Thuong, Deputy Minister of Education and Training, visited northern Bac Giang Province, one of the largest epicenters of Vietnam in the fourth COVID-19 wave, to oversee the high school graduation exam.

Although the spread of COVID-19 in the province has generally been put under control, local authorities still had to suspend an exam venue at a high school after a student tested positive for COVID-19 during the screening process.

A student and his parent on the way to a venue of the national high school graduation exam in Can Tho City, Vietnam, July 7, 2021. Photo: Chi Cong / Tuoi Tre

In southern Can Tho City, students had to endure a short shower before they reached exam rooms and took their first test.

It has been raining since the early hours of the morning. I had to ask my friend to drive me to the venue, said Nguyen Dang Thanh, a twelfth-grade student of Chau Van Liem High School in Can Tho.

Im slightly worried about the first day of the exam, but also confident about my performance in the literature subject.

Nguyen Van Phuc (middle), Deputy Minister of Education and Training, visits an exam venue at Trung Vuong High School in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, July 7, 2021. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre

In the Mekong Deltas Vinh Long Province, students showed up at exam venues as soon as 6:00 am to do check-in procedures.

As seen at the exam centers of Hoang Thai Hieu High School and Binh Minh High School, parents who accompanied their children had to pull over 50 meters away from the school gates and avoid forming large crowds in front of the schools.

Im worried about the COVID-19 situation, but hearing the at-risk exam officers were screened and superseded ahead of the test relieved me a little bit, said Le Van Cong, a parent of a test-taker.

A bus carries students from lockdown areas in Thua Thien-Hue Province, Vietnam to a venue for the national high school exam at Thua Luu High School, July 7, 2021. Photo: Phuoc Tuan / Tuoi Tre

In Phu Loc District of the central province of Thua Thien-Hue, many students were seen donning raincoats on the way to exam venues due to a sprinkle in the morning.

A total of 13 students who live in cordoned areas in Loc Thuy Ward were allowed to leave to take the test at Thua Luu High School and Thua Luu Middle School.

They were transported to the exam venues on two specialized buses, and were told to do the test in isolated rooms.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
After a month of social distancing to deal with the fourth COVID-19 outbreak put many residents of Ho Chi Minh City out of work, some are scraping by without an income while job market prospects remain tenuous.

Cooped up with the trapped summer heat inside a 15-square-meter rented room in Tan Phu District of Ho Chi Minh City, 28-year-old Dang Thi Ly just got off a phone call with her two sons in her hometown northern Hai Duong Province.

She let out a deep sigh, obsessed with how to pay her kids' tuition.

Not many options seem to be left for Ly, as she lost her job at a garment factory in early June, when social distancing measures were reintroduced in Ho Chi Minh City to combat an upsurge of new COVID-19 cases.

Ly and her husband Le Van Khanh just moved to Ho Chi Minh City for work in April. After landing a job at a factory in Go Vap District, she only got to work there for two months before the facility was put on lockdown following the detection of a coronavirus case.

As the orders were terminated, the company had to lay off personnel, so I lost my job in early June, she recalled.

With VND6 million (US$262) of salary in hand, she had to impart half of the amount to pay her sons tuition, which left her with only VND3 million ($131) for rent, food, and savings in the upcoming days.

Meanwhile, her husband Khanh has managed to keep his job at Tan Thuan Export Processing Zone in District 7, but as his firm spaces out workers on the premises to ensure social distancing, he had no choice but to work less hours with a rotating schedule.

Khanh is looking to moonlight as a ride-hailing driver at night, which Ly is not fond of as she thinks her husband works hard enough.

With a shrunken budget, the couple must cut all expenses to the bone.

I bought a box of ramen noodles and live off it these days," she said.

"I only afford meat and fish for my husband every few days, as he needs protein to be able to work.

I have to keep the cost for books and uniforms for my kids in mind, as they are about to enter a new school year.

Ly said she will look for a new job once the epidemic wanes, as no one seems to be hiring these days.

Her situation is not by any means an anecdotal case: around 230,000 informal workers in Ho Chi Minh City have suffered from income cutbacks or job losses due to the pandemic, according to statistics from the Ho Chi Minh City Department for Labor, War Invalids, and Social Affairs.

The story is the same at Nguyen Thanh Hais household from Binh Thanh District, for they are scrambling to make a living during this health crisis.

A worker in the hospitality industry, Hai has been put out of work multiple times in the past year as the pandemic placed the whole sector in shambles, forcing hotels to close en masse.

He then had to switch to work as a driver for ride-hailing apps and food delivery services to eke out a living, as the job is one of the few that seem to stay lucrative during the social distancing period.

The job is taxing, but I cant quit as I still have two months of rent, food expenses, plus schooling costs for my little brother, and more to pay, Hai said before leaving promptly for a new order that the app just picked up for him.

Sitting in a rented room on Tan Ky Tan Quy Street in Binh Tan District, Tran Van Bay and his wife are yearning for the situation to return to normal.

I wait tables for a diner, but it has been closed for months, leaving me with no income, Bays wife revealed.

We now depend on Bays job at a nail manufacturing workshop, but it only pays him VND4 million [$175] a month. How can a family of three, plus our dependent parents, live off that?

Bay is looking for more jobs to cover the familys bills, but the prospect seems bleak.

Picking up gigs at the moment seems harder than picking up money on the street," he lamented.

"No one seems to hire these days.

A lottery ticket seller receives a food package from a benefactor in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Dieu Qui / Tuoi Tre

Street vendors blues

As public parks have been shut down and foot traffic on the streets has also drastically shriveled, the livelihoods of street vendors are in jeopardy.

Nguyen Thi Phan, 39, a street vendor from Hanoi who peddles near Tam Vu Street in Binh Thanh District, said she suffers more during this outbreak compared to the previous.

In normal times, I can make hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese dong [VND100,000 = $4.3] selling food and drinks to strollers in the park from 5:00 pm to 12:00 am, she said.

For now, there are more sellers than buyers, which makes the business much less lucrative.

Phans husband, who is a street peddler, has stayed home for over a month due to poor sales, turning her the sole breadwinner of the family.

She now has to cover the expenses, including rent, groceries, money owed to suppliers, and a sum to support her three children back at home, all by herself.

Also facing difficulties is a fruit stall on the side of Tran Van Giau Street in Binh Tan District -- the source of Ly Thi Ha and her husbands daily income.

Once turning enough profit for the family, the stall is no longer selling well as the nearby Pouyuen factory -- where most of its customers come from -- was shuttered following the detection of a COVID-19 cluster.

Ha cannot switch to selling in local markets as they were closed pursuant to the social distancing mandate.

I can only push the cart to the streets and hope for the best," Ha said.

"Its better than lying flat at home.

The family of two now has to cap their food spending at VND50,000 ($2) per day.

Nevertheless, they are still expected to send money back to Has parents, who are looking after their child in southern Kien Giang Province.

I have sold my only gold ring to make it through this month, Ha professed.

I dont know if I can pull through when the situation drags out any longer.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
TOKYO -- Japan said on Tuesday it would ship millions more doses of AstraZeneca Plc's COVID-19 vaccine to Asian neighbours this week as a continuation of bilateral donations.

Japan will send 1.13 million more doses to Taiwan on Thursday, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told reporters at a regular press conference, after previously delivering 1.24 million doses last month.

A further 1 million doses each will be sent to Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam this week, following earlier donations to Indonesia and Malaysia, Motegi said.

"True friends always lend a hand when they need each other the most," Taiwanese Premier Su Tseng-chang wrote on his Facebook page.

In further good news for Taiwan's vaccine programme, Health Minister Chen Shih-chung told reporters in Taipei that 620,000 additional AstraZeneca doses would arrive on Wednesday, part of the government's direct order from the company.

Around 10% of Taiwan's 23.5 million people have received at least one of the two-shot vaccines. Leader Tsai Ing-wen said on Tuesday officials hope to get that to up to 25% by the end of this month.

Japan has arranged to buy 120 million doses of AstraZeneca's vaccine, with most of that supply produced by domestic companies. Regulators approved the shot in May, but amid lingering concerns about blood clots, health authorities have relied on the mRNA-type vaccines made by Pfizer Inc. and Moderna Inc. in Japan's inoculation push.

Japan has pledged $1 billion and 30 million doses to the global vaccine sharing scheme COVAX, but so far its donations have been outside of that programme.

Japan's first shipments through the COVAX facility are expected in the middle of this month, with some 11 million doses bound for nations in south Asia and the Pacific islands, Motegi said.
Read what is in the news today:

COVID-19 Updates

-- The Vietnamese Ministry of Health on Wednesday morning confirmed 277 new cases of COVID-19, including one imported case and 270 local infections in Ho Chi Minh City, raising the national tally to 22,341 cases, with 8,077 recoveries and 97 deaths.

-- The health ministry announced three additional coronavirus-related deaths on Tuesday evening.

-- Authorities in Thu Duc City under Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday decided to suspend the operations of the Thu Duc wholesale market from 8:00 am on Wednesday over new local coronavirus infections.

-- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has assigned Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam and Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh to directly lead the COVID-19 prevention and control missions in Ho Chi Minh City.

Society

-- The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade on Tuesday evening issued a resolution on directly delivering goods from other provinces to city markets, skipping the transit step at the wholesale markets, given their temporary closedown due to new COVID-19 cases.

-- The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport has received in-principle approval from the municipal Peoples Committee for its plan on investing VND454 billion (US$19.7 million) in technology application from 2022 to 2025 to handle traffic violations.

-- Police in Ho Chi Minh City promptly sent a task force to Chi Hoa Prison in District 10 to deal with a number of prisoners who took advantage of a checkup session to incite some other inmates and disturb the security and order of the jail on Tuesday afternoon.

-- Up to 12.8 million laborers in Vietnam were adversely affected by the current fourth wave of COVID-19, an increase of 3.7 million compared to the first quarter of the year, announced the General Statistics Office on Tuesday.

-- Many enterprises at the Saigon Hi-Tech Park in Thu Duc City have rented hotel rooms to provide temporary accommodations for their workers after local authorities decided to apply medical isolation protocols in Tan Phu Ward under the prime ministers Directive No. 16 for COVID-19 prevention from Tuesday.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
A considerable number of COVID-19 cases have recently been detected in Ho Chi Minh City via rapid antigen testing service at local hospitals.

Many hospitals in the southern metropolis have been offering rapid COVID-19 screening service after residents are required to test negative for the novel coronavirus in order to work at certain companies and factories or travel to other localities.

A rapid antigen test, costing VND238,000 (US$10.3), can provide results in 30-45 minutes.

Meanwhile, the real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test, costing VND734,000 ($31), often returns results within four to six hours.

This test, which provides a more accurate result, can only be conducted at healthcare providers authorized by the Ministry of Health.

A representative of 175 Military Hospital in Go Vap District told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Tuesday that the number of people signing up for rapid COVID-19 tests has sharply increased to 2,500-3,000 per day.

The institution has established a testing site separated from other parts of the facility to prevent the spread of the virus.

More than 50 people have been found positive via rapid testing at the hospital so far, of whom 22 were detected on Monday and Tuesday.

They have been promptly quarantined and undergone real-time RT-PCR tests for confirmatory results, the representative elaborated.

A document shows that a person has tested negative for COVID-19 at 175 Military Hospital in Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

Meanwhile, Dr. Tran Van Khanh, director of Le Van Thinh Hospital in Thu Duc City, stated that approximately 800 people underwent rapid antigen tests at the venue on Monday.

Only one person tested positive, Khanh continued, adding that the individual was in stable health and asymptomatic.

Those who register for such tests at the hospital are required to socially distance, sanitize their hands, and wear anti-droplet face masks, the doctor said.

At Thu Duc City Hospital, more than 2,000 people came to the facility on Monday and Tuesday for the rapid COVID-19 test, according to Dr. Nguyen Minh Quan, the hospital director.

Vietnam has documented 22,741 COVID-19 cases as of Wednesday afternoon, with 8,077 recoveries and 102 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health.

The country has recorded over 19,000 local infections in 56 provinces and cities since the fourth outbreak started on April 27.

Ho Chi Minh City is currently the hardest-hit locality with 8,002 cases.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Authorities in Vietnam have arrested three Chinese nationals for entering the country without permission.

Border guards at the Na Meo International Border Gate in Quan Son District, located in north-central Thanh Hoa Province, detected five suspicious people in a car in Na Meo Commune at 0:15 am on Monday.

After pulling the car over, the border guards detained Nguyen Van Tuan, 38, and Ngan Van Ngam, 48, from the same district and three Chinese people, whose names were transliterated into Vietnamese as Chau Tieu Mong, 33, Pham Cao Vien, 26, and Ly Ry Dinh, 33 -- from Henan Province, China.

At the border guard station, the three Chinese men said a Laotian person named Xang Tieu had guided them to a border marker of Vietnam in Quan Son before Ngam picked them up for a remuneration of VND9 million (US$391).

The medical center of Quan Son District collected samples from these five people for COVID-19 testing.

The three Chinese nationals have been sent to a centralized quarantine facility of the province for medical isolation.

The officers at the Na Meo International Border Gate on Tuesday initiated legal proceedings against people involved in the case, as well as handed it over to the provincial police department for further investigation.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
In what could well be a case of over-gilding a lily, 10 next week will present a US special by Gayle King.

10 News First Presents The Queen Carries On: A Gayle King Special is hosted by Sandra Sully.

This aired in the US in May.

Ill just leave it at that

Queen Elizabeth IIs reign is the longest in British history; 69 years (and counting) filled with challenge and controversy, romance and heartbreak. Yet, through it all, she remains an enduring and beloved figure, and a woman of few words who commands worldwide attention.

Premiering Wednesday, 14 July at 7.30pm, Gayle King delves into the extraordinary life and reign of Her Majesty, featuring interviews with former U.S. President Barack Obama, Sir Paul McCartney and the worlds leading royal commentators including former Vanity Fair editor, Tina Brown.

Hosted by 10 News Firsts Sandra Sully, this exclusive special spans the milestones of her journey from Princess to Queen, her relationship with the late Prince Philip, the collapse of the fairy-tale marriage of Diana and Charles, and her role as grandmother to the two boys Diana left behind after her tragic death.

Wednesday, 14 July at 7.30pm on 10.
EXCLUSIVE: I really put a lot of work into plotting and brainstorming this one. I really wanted a sophisticated approach to layered storytelling and character, perhaps because Im getting older. I may not be doing too many more shows before I retire, says seasoned Childrens TV producer Jonathan M. Shiff.

I actually spent a lot of time writing, plotting, developing this from my home in Port Douglas, walking around in circles in a park every day for seven hours with my writing team: Mark Shirrefs in Melbourne and Alexa Wyatt in Sydney.

We were only in production for a few weeks in March 2020 and we had to shut down.

Persevering through challenges is not new to Shiff, with Season 2 of The Bureau of Magical Things the latest in a long line of acclaimed titles including Lightning Point, The Elephant Princess, Wicked Science, Cybergirl, Horace & Tina, Thunderstone, Ocean Girl, Pirate Islands, H2O Just Add Water, Mako Mermaids.

Collectively they have entertained millions globally, won industry awards (include AACTA, Logie, BAFTA, Kidscreen accolades) and ignited the early careers of Margot Robbie, Liam Hemsworth, Phoebe Tonkin and Jeffrey Walker.

But while a pandemic is undoubtedly a new challenge, the removal of the childrens sub-quotas, leaving commercial broadcasters with no obligation to produce and air Australian content for children, may be a much greater threat.

Shiff has had his eye on global horizons for many years, co-producing with Germanys ZDF and co-commissions with 10 and Nickelodeon.

But he laments the changes for what they mean not just for employment and exports, but for Australian children.

Its hard enough to actually get a Childrens TV drama series going in Australia, now nigh on impossible, with the demise of the regulatory environment, he tells TV Tonight.

Youre seeing it completely trashed now

Its very, very heartbreaking watching the whole thing from the sidelines. Youre seeing an industry that Ive been in nearly 30 years. Brand Australia, a huge export success, high quality, high calibre Childrens TV, pioneered by the Australian Childrens TV Foundation, followed up by people like myself, and many other fine Childrens filmmakers and storytellers youre seeing it completely trashed now. Basically sidelined. Its very heartbreaking.

Were in 170  190 countries around the world, and to see them crying out for Australian quality product, but finding that the wheels have been taken off. The cars just sitting there on the blocks, basically.

Season 1 of The Bureau of Magical Things recently screened in a second window through Netflix USA where it hit the streamers Top 10 shows worldwide. Australian Childrens TV has a long legacy in exports.

Im a bit cynical about the whole exercise, because its been heartbreaking to see the devastation thats been caused to that industry, he continues.

Certainly the way the government approached it here by pulling the rug out, without having any carpet underneath to stand on, meant theres a freefall for most.

We were processed under the old regime before the new vacuum, as I call it

We were one of the last shows to do C certificate. We were processed under the old regime before the new vacuum, as I call it, with 10, ZDF with whom weve got a long standing partnership, and Nickelodeon -bless them. They had actually pre-bought on the basis of a cappuccino with me, had faith that I was going to deliver a high-quality Kids show as good as the first if not better.

The Bureau of Magical Things is a whopping 2030 min season which has its World Premiere on 10 Shake this weekend.

Set in Australia, Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore, filming was completed in Queensland in 2020 with cast Kimie Tsukakoshi, Elizabeth Cullen, Mia Milnes, Julian Cullen, Rainbow Wedell, Jamie Carter and Christopher Sommers.

The story sees Kyra (Kimie Tsukakoshi) and Darra (Julian Cullene) embark on a quest to find the legendary lost Temple of the Purple Lotus. Kyras Orb Magic awakens an ancient artefact that threatens to bring an end to elves and fairies. Kyra and the Bureau must use everything they have learned in a desperate attempt to stop the Purple Lotus, while Kyra discovers her true identity.

The story is a fabulously-dense, layered adventure / mystery for the Temple of the Purple Lotus  a fabled temple in the magical world. Kyra and Dara, team up, so theres a good frisson between the boy and girl leads as they team up to solve a mystery, without sharing that secret with anybody else. But not realising that theyre delving into something that has been hidden for centuries for good reason.

I wanted to pace it so that not everything was dangerous and scary

Theres danger, magical mayhem at the same time, there are episodes that are fun along the journey. I wanted to pace it so that not everything was dangerous and scary. So there are moments of fun and mayhem and they help keep the show light and fresh and accessible, particularly for a younger kids audience, Shiff explains.

The stories will engage because its a classic adventure-action-adventure.

But the real theme is quite subtle and not heavy-handed for a kids audience.

The real story, for me, is the inclusiveness

The real story, for me, is the inclusiveness. This story of working together as a team, not withstanding ethnicity, colour, race. Basically, its the diversity subtext of all of this, that I think really anchors the show as a contemporary story. At the end, no-one will survive unless everybody survives.

The series is being dubbed into 45+ languages for Nickelodeon worldwide. But Shiff is also a big believer in having Australian voices on screen.

Without Australians stories without Australian voices, children dont have role models

With the childrens audience its fundamental and critical as part of the identity of who we are. Without Australian stories without Australian voices, children dont have role models. They dont have stories to frame their own life experience. Aussie kids need Aussie stories, and Aussie voices on screen. Otherwise, were in a market of diminished animation and foreign accents, he insists.

Or worse still, and I dont want to name names, but Im already seeing inappropriate Childrens content that actually breaches codes. I was a lawyer before a filmmaker and in my opinion, Im seeing stuff now that actually wont make it on air in the UK because (UK regulator) Ofcom will pull it off. Theyll say This is not appropriate. So deregulation of a childrens market in Australia will result in no Australian stories and inappropriate modelling behaviours violence, knives modelling thats simply inappropriate for a childrens audience being unregulated. Were already seeing that on Free to Air.

Its a huge issue for Australian kids. This is why its mind-blowing that someones been allowed to take the wheels off the car because it was actually the only car that was carrying Australian Childrens stories.

The Bureau of Magical Things double episodes 2pm Saturday & Sunday on 10 Shake.
SBS has renewed its playout contract with MediaCloud, which was recently acquired by Telstra Broadcast Services.

MediaCloud was formerly owned by Deluxe.

As part of the acquisition, SBS renewed its playout contract for MediaCloud services for seven years. All SBS titles will be assembled and played out via the TBS-owned suite of software-defined and cloud-based capabilities.

Darren Farnham, SBS Acting Chief Technology Officer said, Were pleased to have extended our agreement for MediaCloud services with the backing of Telstra, and to continue delivering SBSs unique content to audiences on their device of choice.

Head of Telstra Broadcast Services Andreas Eriksson said, The global media industry is expanding to cloud-enabled and software-defined capabilities. Adding these leading new capabilities alongside TBSs existing global fibre and satellite networks sets us up to meet the evolving needs of the broadcast market as well as expand our value proposition to our global client base by providing a world-class broadcast operations in London.

The new capabilities will help broadcasters deploy new services and channels to respond to special events, programming opportunities and new markets in these changing times.
Tyler, TX (75702)

Today

Partly cloudy. High near 90F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds from time to time. Low 74F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Crime

Family member offers $500 for safe return of children supposed to be in CPS custody

Courtesy The Smith County Sheriff's Office is searching for two East Texas siblings, Amber, 13, (top left) and Tristan, 9, (top right) Jackson who are supposed to be in Child Protective Services custody. Police believe they are with their mother Cynthia Hodges (bottom left), their maternal grandfather Jimmy Hodges (bottom right) and his wife Francis "Callie" Hodges (bottom middle) and in danger. Tristan Jackson Amber Jackson Cynthia Hodges Francis Hodges Jimmy Hodges

A family member is offering $500 for the safe return of two East Texas siblings who are supposed to be in the custody of Child Protective Services. The two kids have been missing for nearly two weeks.

The Smith County Sheriffs Office has been looking for Amber Jackson, 13, and Tristan Jackson, 9, who were placed with family members in Smith County by CPS on June 25.

Police believe they could be with their mother Cynthia Hodges, their maternal grandfather Jimmy Hodges and his wife Francis Callie Hodges.

On June 25, CPS was granted temporary sole managing conservatorship of the Jackson siblings. The order was granted by Polk County Court at Law Judge Tom Brown on May 4. The children were then placed with the Smith County family members.

On June 24, Cynthia Hodges picked up the children from the CPS-designated family and in doing so violated the court order. Soon after she picked up the kids, Cynthia Hodges was stopped by law enforcement and arrested for outstanding felony warrants. The officer did not know about the childrens custody issues, and she was allowed to contact a family member, who was not allowed to have the kids, police said.

Police said that family member took the kids to their maternal grandfather, Jimmy Hodges and his wife, Francis Callie Hodges. Jimmy and Francis Hodges have had their chance to return the children to the approved placement family or CPS but they have refused to do so. Cynthia Hodges has bonded out of jail and Smith County investigators believe that the children are with the three Hodges at this time.

Cynthia Hodges, Jimmy Hodges and Francis Hodges have warrants for their arrests on two charges each of interference with child custody. A $100,000 bond is set for each charge.

They are possibly staying at RV parks in the East Texas area. The last known park they were staying at was located in Longview, according to police.

The Hodges have a 2012 white Ford-250, unknown license plate and they could be towing an RV. All three people have ties to East and South Texas and they could be staying at area hotels or motels.

Jimmy Hodges is wanted out of Dallas and Smith County, while Francis Hodges has a warrant for a parole violation, according to police.

The sheriffs office said Cynthia Hodges is a known drug user, and Jimmy and Francis Hodges have extensive criminal backgrounds. People with information about the kids or adults whereabouts should call the Smith County Sheriffs Office at (903) 566-6600.
Schedules Second Quarter 2021 Earnings Release and Conference Call Dates

BOSTON, July 07, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Plymouth Industrial REIT, Inc. (NYSE: PLYM) announced its leasing and acquisition activity for wholly owned properties for the second quarter ended March 31, 2021.

Jeff Witherell, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Plymouth, noted, "The strong rent growth and increasing demand for space we own from the first mile to the last mile in our markets continues to provide a solid foundation for our leasing activity. Our acquisitions pipeline remains robust with $85 million of attractive one-off acquisitions completed or under contract year to date that enable us to leverage the scale we have created in our primary and secondary market clusters."

Leasing Activity

Leases commencing during the second quarter of 2021 totaled an aggregate of 1,605,000 square feet, of which 1,525,000 square feet is associated with leases with terms of at least six months. These leases included 937,000 square feet of renewal leases and 587,000 square feet of new leases. Leases commencing during the first half of 2021 totaled an aggregate of 2,874,000 square feet, of which 2,691,000 square feet is associated with leases with terms of at least six months. These leases included 1,842,000 square feet of renewal leases and 849,000 square feet of new leases. The Company will experience a 9.2% increase in rental rates on a cash basis from these leases. As of June 30, 2021, the Companys total portfolio was 96.2% occupied and the Company has to date collected over 99.4% of its contractual rents for the second quarter, which is consistent with its historical collection trends.

As of June 30, 2021, leases for space totaling 4,718,000 square feet are projected to be subject to renewal in 2021. Of this space, 2,476,000 square feet has already been renewed and 1,400,000 square feet has been leased to new tenants, resulting in 82% of the expirations being addressed. Additionally, 211,000 square feet of previously vacant square feet has been leased to new tenants. These leases, all executed prior to the end of the second quarter of 2021, will commence at different periods during 2021 and have a rental rate increase of 8.7% over prior leases on a cash basis. The largest transaction executed during the second quarter was a 10-year lease with StandardAero for 236,000 square feet at 11540 Mosteller Road in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Story continues

Acquisition Activity

During the second quarter of 2021, Plymouth closed on the acquisition of two industrial buildings totaling approximately 230,000 square feet for a total of $14.1 million, a weighted average price of $62 per square foot, and a weighted average initial yield of 7.2%. The company also expects to close an additional acquisition later this week totaling 233,000 square feet for $9.9 million, equating to an acquisition price of $43 per square foot and an initial yield of 7.7%. The second quarter and July to date activity is comprised of the following:

75,000-square-foot single-tenant industrial building in Memphis, Tennessee that is 100% occupied for $5.3 million, or $70 per square foot, and an initial projected yield of 7.9%

155,000-square-foot multi-tenant industrial building in St. Louis, Missouri with 100% occupancy for $8.8 million, or $57 per square foot, and an initial projected yield of 6.7%

233,000-square-foot multi-tenant industrial building in Memphis, Tennessee with 87% occupancy for $9.9 million, or $43 per square foot, and an initial projected yield of 7.7%

Second Quarter 2021 Earnings Call

The Company plans to issue its earnings release before the market opens on Friday, August 6, 2021, and will host a conference call and live audio webcast, both open for the general public to hear, later that day at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The number to call for this interactive teleconference is (844) 784-1727 (international callers: (412) 717-9587). A replay of the call will be available through August 13, 2021, by dialing (412) 317-0088 and entering the replay access code, 10158282.

The live audio webcast of the Companys quarterly conference call will be available online in the Investor Relations section of the Companys website at ir.plymouthreit.com. The online replay will be available approximately one hour after the end of the call and archived for approximately 90 days.

About Plymouth

Plymouth Industrial REIT, Inc. (NYSE: PLYM) is a real estate investment trust focused on the acquisition, ownership and management of single and multi-tenant industrial properties, including distribution centers, warehouses, light industrial and small bay industrial properties, located in primary and secondary markets within the main industrial, distribution and logistics corridors of the United States.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The forward-looking statements in this release do not constitute guarantees of future performance. Investors are cautioned that statements in this press release, which are not strictly historical statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding management's plans, objectives and strategies, constitute forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking statement, many of which may be beyond our control. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "plan," "seek," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe" or "continue" or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology. Any forward-looking information presented herein is made only as of the date of this press release, and we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005195/en/

Contacts

Tripp Sullivan

SCR Partners

(615) 942-7077

TSullivan@scr-ir.com
Luxembourg's prime minister was admitted to hospital on Sunday after testing positive for coronavirus a week ago.

Xavier Bettel will have "supplementary tests and analysis" as a "precaution" and is set to stay under observation for 24 hours, said a statement from the country's government.

Mr Bettel tested positive on 27 June and was suffering only mild symptoms such as fever and headache as he entered a 10-day period of self isolation.

The 48-year-old's diagnosis came two days after he had attended a European Council summit with other EU leaders in Brussels.

Mr Bettel has been head of the tiny - but very wealthy - state of just over 600,000 people since 2013.

Other world leaders who have had the disease include France's Emmanuel Macron, Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Dr. Carolynn DeSandre has been named the dean of the University of North Georgia's (UNG) College of Health Sciences and Professions following a national search. DeSandre has served as interim dean since December 2019.

"The College of Health Sciences and Professions is one of the most innovative and dynamic colleges on campus," DeSandre said. "I look forward to leading this group of faculty and staff and supporting their creative ideas."

Dr. Chaudron Gille, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, announced DeSandre's selection as dean in a June 30 email to faculty and staff.

"Dr. DeSandre has provided valuable leadership during the COVID-19 crisis and in other significant college initiatives," Gille said. "I am pleased to have her lead the university's College of Health Sciences and Professions."
Women in Afghanistan's Ghor province, which is being trampled upon by the Taliban, have taken up arms to defend their motherland against the military organisation. Ghor is being trampled upon by the Taliban, who are capturing vast tracts of the country as the deadline for the withdrawal of the US-led Nato troops comes closer. Of about 400 districts of Afghanistan, the Taliban are said to be in control of over 100 districts. The month of June saw several deadly battles between the Afghan forces and the Taliban including those in Ghor, where tens of soldiers were reportedly killed.

India Today reports in a significant development, women in Ghor have taken up arms to defend their motherland against the Taliban. Photographs of Ghor women holding guns and rocket launchers are being shared on social media. The Taliban had ruled Afghanistan during 1990s imposing severe curbs on women, banning their school education and even prohibiting movement if not accompanied by a male member of the family.

Governor Abdul Zahir Faizzada, who attended one of the gatherings of women fighters, was quoted as saying, "This is our message to our security forces who are defending their nation that their sisters stand by them." "They consider themselves responsible and today they even said that they don't want the dark history of Taliban's rule to return," the governor said. "We have experience from the dark era of Taliban and once again we will not allow women to stay at their homes and not be able to go out of their homes," a woman holding an AK-47 was quoted as saying.

This is, however, not the first time that women of Ghor have taken up arms against the Taliban. In August 2020, a teenager had made international headlines after she gunned down two Taliban soldiers who had burst through the front doors of her home and "executed" her parents in the dead of the night.

Having been trained in self-defence and in using an AK-47 assault rifle, she picked up her father's gun and kept firing at the intruders until she exhausted the bullets. Outside lay five bodies - her parents, a relative and the two invaders.

According to this report of the US Department of State, women in Afghanistan "received the right to vote in the 1920s; and as early as the 1960s, the Afghan constitution provided for equality for women. There was a mood of tolerance and openness as the country began moving toward democracy." "Women were making important contributions to national development. In 1977, women comprised over 15 per cent of Afghanistan's highest legislative body. It is estimated that by the early 1990s, 70 per cent of schoolteachers, 50 per cent of government workers and university students, and 40 per cent of doctors in Kabul were women."

However, capturing Afghanistan in 1990s, the Taliban imposed a harsh version of Islamic rule. "The assault on the status of women began immediately after the Taliban took power in Kabul," the US report said. "The Taliban closed the women's university and forced nearly all women to quit their jobs, closing down an important source of talent and expertise for the country. It restricted access to medical care for women, brutally enforced a restrictive dress code, and limited the ability of women to move about the city." "The Taliban perpetrated egregious acts of violence against women, including rape, abduction, and forced marriage. Some families resorted to sending their daughters to Pakistan or Iran to protect them."

In its recent expansion, the Taliban are re-imposing similar diktat. In the province of Takhar, captured recently, the Taliban have ordered "moharam" for women, meaning that they cannot leave home alone. The Taliban have asked men to grow their beards and set dowry regulations for girls.

The Taliban's idea of subjugation of women was fiercely opposed not only in Afghanistan but also in Pakistan. Malala Yusufzai was shot in her head by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan as she protested the ban on school education for girls. She became a symbol of the fight against the Taliban but that did not prevent the outfit from gaining support from Islamic clerics and funding from influential groups.

The exact number of Ghor women taking up arms to fight the Taliban is not clear but local reports say they would join hands with the police and other security personnel in their fight against the fundamentalist forces.
China and the US are in a next generation space race, and this time the ultimate prize isnt just reaching the moon. Both powers regard space as the next theatre of international security  and that has worrying consequences for the UK and the world. CapX reports that on 17th June, a crew of Chinese astronauts landed on the core module of a space station that will be completed in 2022.

Meanwhile NASAs Artemis Programme aims to create a sustainable crewed presence on the moon and in orbit, and the US established an armed Space Force in 2019. Although Beijing has never revealed an open interest in competing with other countries in space, and, in fact, sought to become a partner in the International Space Station (ISS), its growing technological dominance has not gone unnoticed in Washington.

Aside from the risk of cyber, and even violent warfare blasting into orbit, analysts have identified two further emerging risks associated with the new space race. The first is a security risk resulting from Chinese state involvement in global broadband. The second is the danger of collisions or natural disasters caused by space debris, or unfettered activity in extra-terrestrial locations of particular scientific interest.

SpaceX and Chinas major state-owned enterprises are competing to roll-out of mega constellations of satellites to provide broadband coverage. These work by transferring data between users and conduits on the ground, but in the future links between satellites will enhance bandwidth and increase connection speed. SpaceX is currently the dominant player in this market, having launched more 1,300 satellites into low earth orbit. But China has responded with plans for a constellation numbering upwards of 10,000 satellites.

The connection to the Chinese state could prove fraught in the long run, especially if, as can be readily imagined, Chinese entities start to battle US firms for users. A push-back, similar to the one against Huaweis 5G technology, may further contribute to polarisation as countries, especially in the developing world, are pressed to choose sides.

Further, the uncontrolled and competitive expansion of mega-constellations increases the risk of generating space debris. In a climate of geopolitical and commercial competition, actors on both sides are less likely to coordinate, share information and conduct joint risk assessments. Firms may cut corners when it comes to maintenance and ensuring the safe removal of satellites in case of failure. Insufficient coordination will make it much more likely that satellites crash into each other in low earth orbit.

Coordination failure may also increase the risk of a serious incident somewhere like the Lunar South Pole, where many scientific projects could be taking place at the same time. Vibrations and the generation of lunar dust during take-off and landing of spacecraft on the lunar surface, for instance, may disrupt nearby missions and even trigger lunar avalanches. Lunar dust could further impede measurements by covering scientific instruments. Given that both the US and China aim to establish crewed presence on the moon and in orbit, it is alarming that existing frameworks of norms, such as the Outer Space Treaty, lack appropriate and detailed mechanisms to coordinate these competing interests in space. While the US has promoted the Artemis Accords, which include the establishment of safety zones to mitigate risk, Beijing is not signed up.

Although Chinas moon landing is not scheduled until the mid-2030s, thus posing little risk of interference with current US plans in the medium-term, that doesnt mean the risk of clashing lunar missions is eliminated, just delayed. In the context of the obvious risks of cyber and active warfare in space, its imperative for stakeholders to develop adequate legal and policy frameworks to mitigate possible disruption to satellites used for civilian purposes.

The UK may also benefit from increased funding for NASAs Artemis programme. Any renewed race to the moon will require the US Congress to channel additional funding to NASA. As a member of the European Space Agency (ESA), which in turn is a key partner of Artemis, the UK is set to at least benefit indirectly from such budgetary and policy developments. For instance, SSTL, a UK-based satellite manufacturer, is already developing a lunar navigation and communications system. If the UK manages to position itself well within the ESA, it should benefit from growing lunar activity.

Rather than burying its head in the sand when it comes to the risks of the new space race, the UK should look to the stars and use its commercial clout and diplomatic influence to make sure the right side wins.
There has been a flurry of significant developments in the great power triangle of the United States, Russia and China during the past month. On June 16, Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden held a summit in Geneva. Some observers interpreted Bidens willingness to meet Putin as an indication of Washingtons desire to split Russia away from China. But does Biden actually seek to drive a wedge into the Moscow-Beijing quasi-alliance? That is unlikely. Biden and his team are smart enough to understand Moscow and Beijing will not fall for such divide and conquer tactics, South China Morning Post writes.

Rather than engaging in a hopeless exercise of trying to sow rivalry between Moscow and Beijing, the new US strategy is to stabilise relations with Russia so it can focus on countering China. The success of Washingtons Russia stabilisation policy is not guaranteed, but it is possible. For one, Russia seems to have much less appetite for confrontation with the West than was the case in the 2010s. The Biden-Putin summit can be viewed as an attempt to reach a non-aggression pact. It is too early to say if the effort would succeed, but there seems to be a desire in Washington to have such a pact with Russia.

First, Biden and Putin issued a statement on strategic stability.

Second, they discussed cybersecurity and might have achieved an understanding not to hack each others critical infrastructure.

Third, Washington seems to have shelved the idea of admitting Ukraine to Nato and is possibly considering leaving it as a buffer state, which should remove the most dangerous flashpoint between the US and Russia.

By contrast, Biden is offering no non-aggression pact to China. No comparable compromises are being extended to Beijing. One possible explanation is that, unlike in the case of Russia, the US might see a war with China as being far more likely and perhaps even inevitable at some point.

That said, some developments that happened in the wake of the Putin-Biden rendezvous in Switzerland have underscored that Moscow and the West continue to see each other as adversaries and reconciliation will not be easy. Almost simultaneously with the summit, Russias Pacific Fleet held large-scale exercises off Hawaii. They were Russias first large naval drills on high seas in the Pacific since the Soviet era. On June 23, as part of Natos own drills in the Black Sea, a British destroyer sailed close to Crimea. This triggered warning fire and bomb-dropping from the Russians.

At same time, Russia has demonstrated a deepening intimacy with China. In late June, Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov became the second Russian cabinet member to visit China since the start of the pandemic after Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov did so in March. The visit highlighted Russias growing reliance on financial cooperation with China.

Last month, Putin and President Xi Jinping held talks via video link on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Russia-China Treaty of Good Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation. A lengthy joint statement was issued after the virtual summit. The statement refers to the Sino-Russian strategic partnership as a form of interstate relations which is not a political-military alliance but is in fact superior to traditional Cold War alliances. That sounds somewhat ambivalent and suggestive, especially taking into account that the same statement also pledges to enhance the military cooperation of Russia and China, including through an increase in the number and scale of joint combat training missions. Significantly, the two sides dedicated almost two pages of their joint statement to cyberspace. Moscow has traditionally been closely aligned with Beijing on issues of internet and data governance, but this alignment might have now reached a new stage. It cannot be ruled out that Moscow has agreed to back Beijings initiative on global data security standards in exchange for Chinas recognition, in the joint statement, of Russias special rights as the main littoral state in the Arctic.

This appears to be the first time China has explicitly acknowledged the Northern Sea Route in the Arctic Ocean as Russias domain. If someone was waiting for a Sino-Russian clash over the Arctic, they will probably be disappointed.

Russias growing strategic closeness with China is not equivalent to Moscow becoming Beijings junior partner. While agreeing with China on most major international issues, Russia has its own vision for Eurasia, which is not completely in sync with Beijings. Tellingly, the Putin-Xi statement refers to Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, but the project is placed alongside Russias initiative of the Greater Eurasian Partnership. This indicates Moscow does not want the integration in Eurasia to be too Sino-centric and insists on more balanced arrangements. Even though the Kremlin acknowledges the reality of Chinas growing economic preponderance, the integration on the supercontinent should be less centripetal, more multilateral and more Eurasian, with Russia wanting the role of key politico-diplomatic broker for itself.
Despite the ongoing political differences between Egypt and Turkey, especially in Libya, as evidenced by the second Berlin conference on Libya held June 23, Cairo remains Ankaras largest trading partner on the African continent. Al-Monitor reports that at a June 25 press conference in Ankara, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Tanju Bilgic described these relations as crucial for the stability and prosperity of the region. He added that Egypt is Turkeys largest trading partner in Africa.

We attach great importance to the joint historical and cultural relations and contacts between our two peoples, as most recently exemplified by the establishment of a friendship group between the two countries in the Turkish parliament, he added. Bilgic said, Turkey is seeking to increase the points of agreement on bilateral and regional issues and to develop a common understanding with Egypt.

The trade exchange between the two countries reached $4.675 billion last year, the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics says. In an interview with Anadolu Agency on April 7, the head of the Turkish-Egyptian Businessmen Association, Attila Atasfin, expressed Turkey's readiness to increase by fourfold the volume of trade between the two countries, which he put at around $5 billion.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said in televised statements June 25 that the exploratory talks between his country and Turkey are now suspended, and that a date is yet to be set for a delegation from Cairo to visit Ankara in order to resume the dialogue. He added, We expect the Egyptian-Turkish relationship to be based on principles that govern stable international relations, including noninterference in internal affairs and good neighborliness away from any activity that aims at destabilizing any other country.

Shoukry said there is a reciprocal diplomatic representation at the charge d'affaires level between the two countries through which a natural political dialogue is taking place. In March, Turkey announced the resumption of its diplomatic contacts with Egypt. Turkish authorities also requested that Egyptian opposition media outlets operating in Turkish territory, including those affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, soften their tone toward the Egyptian regime.

On May 5 and 6, a Turkish delegation headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Sedat Onal held exploratory talks in Cairo with Egyptian officials led by Deputy Foreign Minister Hamdi Sanad Loza, in the first visit of its kind since 2013, the year Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi was overthrown. Morsi was an ally of the Turkish leadership.

Hassan Haridy, a former assistant foreign minister, told Al-Monitor over the phone that trade between Egypt and Turkey has not been affected by political differences in recent years, and that it is natural for Cairo to serve as Ankaras largest trading partner in Africa given the ease of communication and movement between the two countries. Haridy added that Turkey is seeking a wider role in Africa, and it is in its interest to increase trade exchange with Egypt  a pivotal country in both Africa and the Middle East.

Asked about the political dispute between the two countries over Libya, Haridy said the presence of Turkish forces in Tripoli poses a threat to Egyptian and Arab national security, which was expressed by the participants in the Berlin conference. He added that there is an international consensus on the need for all foreign forces and mercenaries to leave Libya in implementation of Security Council Resolution 2510.

Bashir Abdel-Fattah, a researcher focusing on Turkish affairs at Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies, told Al-Monitor that the economic relations between Egypt and Turkey are proceeding reasonably despite the political differences between the two countries. These differences, he added, are preventing any development or increase in trade exchange amid Ankaras lack of response to Egyptian demands to improve and restore relations.

Abdel-Fattah said he believes that Egypt and Turkey have broadening trade prospects but that political differences are preventing this from materializing. He said that despite the statements of Turkish officials about rapprochement with Egypt, the Turks did nothing to improve relations. He said he believes that closing the Muslim Brotherhoods media platforms in Istanbul is not enough. I do not expect a breakthrough in the political relations between Egypt and Turkey so long as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is in office, but we might witness rapprochement after his departure regarding various files, including Libya, Syria and Iraq, he said.

Abdel Moneim Saeed, a member of the Egyptian Senate, ruled out a political consensus between Egypt and Turkey in the near term. However, he told Al-Monitor that this does not impede an ongoing dialogue between officials in the two countries, which Turkey embarked on in May by sending a high-ranking delegation to Cairo in an attempt to bring the countries closer.

Saeed said economic relations between the two countries are going well and have not been majorily affected by the political tension, and this could be deemed as a strong foundation for improving relations between the two countries to develop greater trade and enhance future economic cooperation. He said there are some Turkish efforts to show goodwill as Ankara has mounted pressure on the Muslim Brotherhood media platforms based in Turkey.

Adel Amer, an economic expert and head of the Egyptian Center for Political and Social Studies, stressed that the Turkish and Egyptian economies are among the largest economies in the Middle East, and cooperation between the two countries is of paramount importance for the stability of the region. It is quite natural for Cairo to be Ankaras largest trading partner in the African continent, as it is a pivotal gateway to Africa, especially considering that the trade exchange between the two countries has not been hindered by the political tension plaguing their relations due to their commitment to long-term bilateral agreements, he explained. Amer indicated that there are Turkish efforts to improve political relations with Cairo in order to achieve a major economic breakthrough between the two countries.
Two weeks after the announcement of the results of the early parliamentary elections, political parties and blocs did not begin to form the composition of the National Assembly. And about. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is preparing to repel possible provocations from the nationalist wing of the Armenian opposition, which could destabilize the situation in the republic.

Armenian nationalists, represented by the "Armenia" and "I have the honor" blocs, are in no hurry to recognize Pashinyan's victory in the elections. The leaders of the blocs, ex-presidents of the republic Robert Kocharian and Serzh Sargsyan, do not see themselves among the deputies of parliamentary factions. Most likely, the leaders of the Karabakh clan will continue to fight Pashinyan outside of parliament. They are accustomed to seeing themselves as leaders of the executive branch, not deputies, so they will seek the removal of the prime minister or try to block his work in such a way that Armenia, with the elected parliament, will de facto find itself in a situation of anarchy.

Kocharyan does not have a comprehensive plan, but there is another one aimed at preventing Pashinyan from carrying out a legitimate re-election procedure. In this case, the legislative initiative of Pashinyan's Civil Contract party will be limited, and the prime minister himself will not be able to negotiate either with the opposition or with that part of the Armenian society that voted against him. The synchronicity of the approaches of the "Armenia" and "I have the honor" blocs will force Pashinyan to make political decisions without discussing them in parliament, as a result of which the prime minister will have to look for counterarguments for those who accuse him of usurping power. Now it is important for Kocharian to knock down the "popular" image of Pashinyan, since all his political initiatives, including criminal prosecutions, were carried out by the prime minister on behalf of the people.

The front line between the former and the current political elite runs through the pages of legislative acts, in which Kocharian's team scrupulously searches for flaws. There has never been a case in the history of Armenia when literally the entire elected parliamentary opposition was in no hurry to take a mandate. Nationalists do not hide the fact that they are studying legislation to identify "white spots". They are not going to work with Pashinyan within the walls of parliament. The tactic of dragging out the political process was tested by nationalists when they tried to slow down the negotiation process on the Karabakh settlement.

Kocharyan cannot declare the elections illegitimate, since they were recognized as valid, and the violations revealed during the voting cannot significantly affect the results of the popular will. The outcome of the vote is unacceptable for nationalists, since it secures the status of a defeated war party to the Karabakh separatists. Ideally, Kocharian needs another early election, initiated by the public. For this, it is necessary that Pashinyan be in constant tension, make mistakes, provoking the public to show him a vote of no confidence.

The task is practically impossible, given that Pashinyan does not undertake to resolve issues in which he does not understand anything, preferring to delegate them to his comrades-in-arms. Pashinyan reserves the right to carry out political cleansing, which Kocharyan fears.
An Afghan government delegation met with Taliban representatives in Tehran Wednesday, the Iranian foreign ministry said, as the Islamist militia pressed a lightning advance amid the pullout of U.S. troops.

Leading negotiator Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai headed the Taliban delegation while former vice president Younus Qanooni represented the government, the Iranian ministry said.

Iran hosts several million Afghan refugees and migrant workers and is deeply concerned about the intensifying turmoil in the neighbouring country, AFP reported.

On Tuesday, Afghan authorities vowed to retake all the districts lost to the Taliban as the pullout of U.S. forces neared completion.

Hundreds of commandos were deployed to counter the insurgents' blistering offensive in the north, a day after more than 1,000 government troops fled into neighbouring Tajikistan.

But on Wednesday, the Taliban attacked the Badghis provincial capital Qalat-i-Naw, the first regional seat they have entered since the launch of their latest offensive, local officials said. The insurgents already control all of the surrounding countryside in the western province.

The U.S. Central Command meanwhile announced that the American withdrawal from the country, ordered in April by President Joe Biden, was now more than 90 percent complete, underscoring that Afghan forces are increasingly on their own in the battle with the Taliban.
Armenian armed forces fired at positions of the Azerbaijani army in Tovuz direction, according to Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry.

According to the ministry, the Armenian units located near Kolagir village, Berd district of Armenia, using small rifles fired at Azerbaijani positions in the direction of Garalar village, Tovuz district of Azerbaijan on nearly 13:40 (GMT +4) July 7.

The ministry said that no death or injury cases among the personnel of the Azerbaijani army were recorded as a result of the incident.

At present, the situation in this direction is stable, and the operational situation is under the control of Azerbaijani units, the ministry added.

Yesterday, the units of the Azerbaijani troops were fired upon in the direction of Aliagali village in Aghdam district by illegal Armenian armed groups from the territory of Azerbaijan at about 17:50 (GMT+4) on July 6, where Russian peacekeepers are temporarily stationed.

As a result of the shelling, Azerbaijani serviceman, senior warrant officer Sakit Dadashov, who was involved in the reconstruction of the road, was wounded. The first aid was rendered to Dadashov and he was taken to a military hospital.
The units of the Azerbaijani troops were fired upon in the direction of Aliagali village in Aghdam district by illegal Armenian armed groups from the territory of Azerbaijan at about 17:50 (GMT+4) on July 6, where Russian peacekeepers are temporarily stationed, according to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

As a result of the shelling, Azerbaijani serviceman, senior warrant officer Sakit Dadashov, who was involved in the reconstruction of the road, was wounded. The first aid was rendered to Dadashov and he was taken to a military hospital.

The command of the Russian peacekeeping forces and the Turkish-Russian Joint Monitoring Center were informed to investigate the incident.
The Prosecutors General of Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan signed a joint Declaration on the protection of the environment and biological resources of the Caspian Sea today on the sidelines of an international conference of Heads of Prosecutor's Offices in St. Petersburg, emphasizing the priority nature of preventive measures aimed at protecting the Caspian.

"The Caspian Sea is of great strategic importance for all five states, connecting the territories of our countries into a single ecological system," Russian Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov said before signing the document, noting that the joint activities envisaged by the declaration will have a positive impact.



There are plenty of problems in the Caspian - oil production and its negative consequences, emissions of hazardous production wastes, illegal development of the coastal strip.



"This meeting and signing of the document will lay the foundation for further five-sided interaction in the Caspian. I am sure that it will be intense and productive," Krasnov expressed confidence, proposing to hold meetings at the expert level in early 2022 in order to discuss cooperation issues in the field of environmental protection of the Caspian Sea in more detail.
The first group of eleven children have been inoculated with the first dose of a coronavirus vaccine, Dr. Ismail Osmanov, chief pediatrician of Moscows health department and chief physician of the Bashlyayeva childrens hospital, said on Tuesday.

"Today, we inoculated eleven children. Another group will be vaccinated next. In all, fifty people will be inoculated at the [Bashlyayeva childrens] hospital," he said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 television channel.

"In all, it is planned to involve 100 children [in clinical trials of the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine," he said, adding that 50 children would be inoculated at his hospital and 50 more children would be vaccinated at the Morozov childrens hospital.

"All the children [who received the first shot of Sputnik V] are feeling well. No complications, either local or general, which, by the way, may be triggered by any vaccine, have been recorded. <> The children will be under close medical supervision for at least 48 hours and later will be released from hospital," he noted.

After the first and second shots of the vaccine, the teenagers will stay in hospital, in an isolated ward, for three days. Later, they will have to visit the hospital at intervals to undergo tests. They will keep self-observation diaries in a special mobile app and doctors will monitor their condition by telephone.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent a "get well soon" message to Pope Francis on Tuesday after his surgery for symptomatic diverticular stenosis of the colon.

"On behalf of my nation and myself, I wish you a speedy recovery during your convalescence, so that you can regain your health as soon as possible on the occasion of your surgery, which I learned was successful," Erdogan said in his message, according to a statement by the Turkish Communications Directorate.

Francis, 84, was admitted to the A. Gemelli Polyclinic, a Catholic teaching hospital in Rome, and underwent the scheduled operation, which went "well," according to a Vatican spokesperson on Sunday.

The Vatican did not provide information about the operation or how long the pope would stay at the hospital. It was Francis' first known hospitalization since his rise to the papacy in 2013, Daily Sabah reported.
European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili held a press conference after their meeting today, discussing economic recovery, Georgias judicial and electoral reforms, Civil.ge reports.

Commissioner Varhelyi said the 27-member bloc has identified connectivity as Georgias key vulnerability, and the EUs new Economic and Investment Plan for the country will be targetted at improving transportation, infrastructure, access to electricity and internet, as well as links across the Black Sea to benefit from its unused potential.

He expressed his hope that Georgia has left behind its political crisis, to focus on economic recovery and further development, pledging EU support in the process. The Enlargement Commissioner argued the new Plan could allow Georgia to skip some of the development stages and catch up with the 27-member-bloc.

The Plan envisages allowing Georgia to attract EUR 3.9 billion in funds, of which EUR 1.175 billion will be a grant, while the rest will be provided via investments and loans.

Besides the economy, Commissioner Varhelyi highlighted the importance of election and judiciary reforms in Georgia. Highlighting that reforms related to the rule of law are fundamental to EU-Georgia cooperation, the Commissioner said: We will need to press ahead.
Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani met Azerbaijani Culture Minister Anar Karimov, who pays an official visit to Georgia, according to 1tv.ge.

According to the Foreign Ministry, the sides focused talks on the significance of Georgia-Azerbaijan strategic cooperation. They discussed the main trends of the cultural sphere cooperation and set the collaboration plans both in bilateral and multilateral formats.

The two ministers underlined that the implementation of joint projects plays a crucial role in ensuring stability and peace in the region.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev sent a letter of condolences to President of Russia Vladimir Putin on July 6.

"Dear, Vladimir Vladimirovich, I was deeply saddened by the news of heavy casualties as a result of An-26 plane crash in Kamchatka. On behalf of the people of Azerbaijan and on my own behalf, I extend my deepest condolences to you, families and loved ones of those who died and all the people of Russia," the letter said.

The An-26 plane belonging to the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Air Enterprise went missing on July 6. It was headed from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to Palana and carried 22 passengers and six crew members on board. The planes debris has been discovered 3.8 kilometers away from the airport of Palana. An emergency source said that the plane stopped communication during its landing. One version suggests that the crash happened because of piloting error due to poor visibility. A criminal case has been initiated over violated rules of safety and air transport use.
Head of Russias delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Pyotr Tolstoy walked out of an assembly session on Tuesday in protest against violations of the rules of the procedure by the assembly members.

"If you want to work by the rules, you need to observe them. If you dont want to work by the rules if you want to pass politicized unilateral decisions among yourselves, this is your right but we cannot take part in it," Tolstoy said and left the hall.

Earlier, he said he would quit the session if procedural rules were violated during voting for an anti-Russian resolution initiated by Ukrainian delegates, TASS reported.
Military instructors from Russias 201st Military Base are furnishing intensive training to members of the Tajik Armed Forces, Russias Central Military District said in a statement on Wednesday.

"Practical training is taking place at the Lokhur and Sambuli mountain practice grounds. The training course includes day and night sessions for tank and armored personnel carrier crews, firearms training involving the use of combat vehicles weapons and shooting proficiency with hand-held and automatic grenade launchers. The training course also involves shooting classes and artillery fire management classes based on the use of technical intelligence equipment," the statement reads.

Special attention is being paid to using the experience gained during present-day armed conflicts. The course will run until the end of July, concluding with live test firing exercises. As many as 500 junior professional officers from Tajikistans Armed Forces are undergoing the training, TASS reported.

A total of 1,000 Tajik troops will receive training in 14 military professions in 2021, including reconnaissance, the management and adjustment of the BM-21 Grad multiple-launch rocket systems and the Gvozdika 122 mm self-propelled artillery platforms, as well as the operation of the T-72 tanks.
Russian Su-30 fighters intercepted a US Navy Boeing P-8 Poseidon multi-mission maritime patrol plane over the Black Sea, Russias National Defense Control Center reported on Wednesday.

Russian radar stations detected an aerial target approaching Russias state border. Su-30 fighters of the Black Sea Fleets quick reaction alert naval aviation and air defense forces were scrambled to identify the target, the statement says.

"The crews of the Russian fighters identified the aerial target as a Boeing P-8 Poseidon aircraft, and shadowed it over the Black Sea," TASS cited the National Defense Control Center as saying.

The aircraft that belonged to the United States was not allowed to violate Russias state border, it stressed.
The United States is closely monitoring talks by OPEC and its partners and has had high level conversations with officials in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the White House said on Tuesday.

"Were encouraged by the ongoing conversation by OPEC members to reaching an agreement ... which will promote access to affordable and reliable energy," Reuters cited White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki as saying.
The U.S. military has withdrawn more than 90% of its troops and equipment from Afghanistan, the Pentagon announced Tuesday.

The update comes about two months ahead of the deadline President Joe Biden had set earlier this year. The United States has been at war in Afghanistan for nearly 20 years.

The U.S. military has flown the equivalent of approximately 980 loads of material out of the country by large cargo aircraft, according to an update from U.S. Central Command.

Approximately 17,000 pieces of equipment that will not be left to the Afghan military have also been handed over to the Defense Logistics Agency for destruction.

The U.S. has officially handed over seven facilities to the Afghan military, CNBC reported.

Last week, the U.S. military quietly departed Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, a historic milestone following Bidens order to withdraw U.S. forces from the country.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is investigating the circumstances of the environmental disaster on the Okhchuchay River, Trend reports citing the Azerbaijani State Committee on Work with Diaspora.

The Fund responded to the appeal of the Coordination Council of Azerbaijanis in Switzerland in connection with the pollution of the transboundary river Okhchuchay by Armenia and German companies.
Vietnam has never included any antiviral drugs in its Covid-19 treatment regimen because of unclear and unproved effectiveness of the drugs in clinical trial results.

Scientists from the Institute of Chemistry under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology have announced they have successfully synthetized Favipiravir in labs.

Favipiravir is an antiviral drug that has been licensed in Japan since 2014 to treat influenza. Favipiravir has the same effect as Remdesivir which aims to prevent the duplication of SARS-CoV-2 virus. Many countries have approved clinical trials of this drug in the treatment of Covid-19 patients.

Unclear effects

However, Nguyen Hong Ha, Vice President of Vietnam Association of Infectious Diseases, said Vietnam has not used Favipiravir and Remdesivir in its treatment regimen for Covid-19 patients.

The latest treatment regimen, the fifth one, released in late April, also doesnt include these drugs. The Ministry of Health (MOH) explained that a lot of antiviral drugs have been put into trial use in the world, but the effects remain unclear, so the ministry doesnt recommend to use them.

No antiviral drugs have been recognized as bringing real effects in treatment. The drugs only help prevent damage consequences, relieve symptoms, not prevent the virus, Ha said.

Favipiravir was successfully prepared in Japan in 2014 which was initially used to treat influenza.

According to Ha, the US once used Remdesivir in its Covid-19 treatment regimen. The use of the drug helped reduce a few days of symptoms compared to the group of patients who did not use the drug, to a mild degree, while the cost of treatment was high, so it did not have much significance.

The fact that Vietnamese scientists have successfully synthetized Favipiravir is good news in the eyes of Ha, as it affirms the research capability of Vietnam. However, in order to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this drug, it will still be necessary to conduct clinical trials on a large number of samples, with double-blind comparisons.

Ha said Vietnams strategy on treating Covid-19, which has experienced four pandemic waves, remains nearly unchanged. Vietnam has tried all the measures applied in the world.

Regularly participating in consultations about severe Covid-19 cases, Ha said the classification, screening and close watching of patients are very important in treatment. For serious cases, immediate intervention is required. This is the way to minimize the death toll.

Just over the last two months, the number of Covid-19 patients has exceeded 14,000 cases, four times higher than the three previous pandemic outbreaks.

The fact that Vietnamese scientists have successfully synthetized Favipiravir is good news in the eyes of Ha, as it affirms the research capability of Vietnam. However, in order to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this drug, it will still be necessary to conduct clinical trials on a large number of samples, with double-blind comparisons.

The percentage of serious cases remains unchanged. However, when the number of patients increases, the number of serious cases that need active treatment also increases.

There are cases where patients are young but suffer severe illness. This is the response of the body to virus. However, if the patients are old, with existing diseases and cancer, the treatment will be very difficult, Ha said.

According to Luong Ngoc Khue, director of the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment under MOH, with the appearance of the Delta variant, the proportion of asymptomatic patients has fallen to 44 percent from 80 percent, but the number of patients who may develop serious symptoms is still 20 percent. All the treatment strategies focus on this group of patients.

Of these, 10 percent may develop a cough, fever, breathing difficulty. Five percent become severely ill and 5 percent critically ill.

According to Ha, Vietnam once used plasma from recovered Covid-19 patients to treat critically ill patients. However, the method is no longer mentioned by MOH in the latest fifth Covid-19 treatment regimen, because the method was not really effective. The US once used the method to treat several thousands of cases, but the effects were insignificant.

Plasma needs to be used for treatment in the very early stage of the illness, when it is unclear which patient will become more seriously ill. There is no need to use plasma for mild sickness.

WHO recommends not to use antiviral drug

The demand for antiviral drugs, especially Remdesivir, witnessed a boom in 2020 and lasted half a year.

At that moment, the then US President Donald Trump also used Remdesivir to treat his infection after some clinical tests showed that antiviral drugs could shorten the duration of symptoms by several days.

On average, each patient needs 5-6 vials of Remdesivir, each of which is priced at VND1.5 million.

However, on November 20, WHO (the World Health Organization) recommended not to use Remdesivir during the treatment of hospitalized Covid-19 patients, regardless of the seriousness of the sickness, because there is no evidence that Remdesivir can increase the chances of survival for Covid-19 patients.

A research work conducted on 7,000 people showed that there is no evidence of Remdesivir having important impacts on mortality, ventilator use rates, time needed for clinical improvement, as well as other important patients outcomes.

On May 26, 2021, a group of Iranian scientists published an article in Nature about the assessment of efficacy and safety of Favipiravir in treating Covid-19 based on 37 research works.

The article says Favipiravir helps eliminate the virus faster after 14 days of hospitalization, but there are no differences for the 7-10-day milestones. There is no difference in the rate of Covid-19 patients requiring active treatment between the group of patients taking the drug and the group not using it.

Meanwhile, 13 percent of the drug users have side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chest pain, increased liver enzymes, and uric acid in the blood.

Thuy Hanh

Vietnam makes Covid-19 treatment drug, awaits trial results in other countries Scientists need to study and master the technology and start a pilot small production process of a treatment drug for Covid-19 before organizing production on industrial scale, Phan Van Hieu, a respected pharmacist, said.
Children often spend a lot of time learning, playing and exploring on the internet. Besides the undeniable benefits, unseen threats are also part of cyberspace.

On June 1, the Prime Minister signed Decree 830 approving the Protect and Support Children to Safely and Creatively Interact with Cyberspace for the 2021-2025 Period program. This program aims to equip children with self-defense skills, as well as build an ecosystem that helps them learn and explore the world in a safe and healthy manner, without the danger of inappropriate content on the internet.

VietNamNet spoke about the program during an interview with Mr. Pham Tat Thang, Deputy Head of the Central Committee for Mass Mobilization, Former Vice Chairman of the Committee for Culture, Education, Youth, Adolescents and Children of the National Assembly.

Providing protection for children is one of our highest priority tasks," Thang said.

Legal framework

Q: According to a survey back in 2018, 66.1% of Vietnamese children had access to devices with Internet capability, 43.4% of which had an average screen time of 1 to 3 hours every day. There were 706,435 reports involving Vietnam in 2018 about images or videos of child molesting on the Internet, which was the second highest number in ASEAN. In your opinion, how important is providing protection for children in cyberspace?

Mr. Pham Tat Thang: Children are curious and quick to adapt. They especially like technology and many things surrounding it, which means they can spend hours and hours surfing the internet. Thats how they get exposed to all kinds of content, good and bad. Children are yet to develop a sense of whats right or wrong to help themselves avoid bad influences. Some are even more curious about the bad things than the good things they see online. That is why protecting them on the Internet Is of utmost importance.

Q: What is your opinion about the current state of our system regarding the subject?

Mr. Pham Tat Thang: I dont think were really doing what we want to do. This is a new subject matter, so new that even the legislation system is still a work in progress. Our legal framework is also lacking clear sanctions. The Internet is now a major part of our lives. We are still slow to detect and address the problems, and there are still illegal acts that we have yet to discover in time. This is a whole process and we are still on our way to finish that process.

Q: What are the shortcomings of our legal framework and what are the plans to improve it?

Mr. Pham Tat Thang: Currently we have the Childrens Law, Law on Cybersecurity, Civil Code, Criminal Law, etc., but the guidance documents for the implementation of these laws are still in development.

By principle, the Law will regulate the most general of matters. So, in order to bring those Laws to use, we need to finish with the guidance documents.

However, even when we have guidance documents, there will still be problems that are not covered. Real life is much more complicated compared to law and regulations, especially when it is involved with problems regarding cybercrime. Therefore, despite the finished guidance documents, they will still only be the framework. You cannot cover every little detail ever. This is one of the greatest challenges in governing matters involving cyberspace.

Q: In addition to building a more complete legal framework, in your opinion, what are the important solutions to the problem of protecting children in the online environment?

Mr. Pham Tat Thang: Disseminating and educating law and propaganda to raise awareness among society, families and schools about child protection in cyberspace is the first thing that needs attention.

In addition, we must have technological tools. Violating the law in the online environment is very specific because it is related to technology, so the authorities must have tools and techniques to strengthen the inspection and examination process to quickly detect violations. When violations are detected, it is necessary to have adequately strict sanctions to be applied decisively in order for them to be a deterrent.

Q: Should the introduction of strong sanctions be a solution for violations in cyberspace?

There were 706,435 reported cases related to Vietnam in 2018 about images/videos of child sexual abuse online, according to data from the US National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

Mr. Pham Tat Thang: Recently, there have been violations of social ethics that were strongly condemned for having only a VND200,000 administrative fine, which means there are sanctions that are not enough of a deterrent.

In principle, preventing a crime is much less difficult than resolving it. When we have strong enough sanctions that are strictly enforced, as well as a more aggressive inspection and examination process, people will be more aware of their responsibilities when participating in this activity (interacting in cyberspace) and the consequences if they violate the law.

Strictly handling violations according to regulations are also a way of propaganda and have a deterrent effect on those who are committing similar acts or intending to commit cybercrimes.

Q: It is a fact that uncensored content on social media channels is much more attractive to children than content that is considered useful and healthy on official information channels. This fact poses a problem and also an opportunity for application platform businesses to participate in this potential market. As for the management agencies, what mechanisms and policies should be put in place to encourage Vietnamese businesses to participate in the formation of an ecosystem of products and applications to support children's creative and interactive learning safely on the Internet?

Mr. Pham Tat Thang: There are indeed a lot of content and programs that are much more attractive to children than content that is considered official. Manufacturers should also review the cause. Is it because we are too boring, the content of the program is poor, too dogmatic, and the form of presentation is not attractive?

In my opinion, for content to be attractive to children, we must first speak in the child's language. And that content must also be presented in appealing, trending forms that children like and are interested in, then we can integrate the knowledge or messages that we want the children to absorb.

Regarding encouraging organizations and individuals to participate in creating an ecosystem like this, the first solution seems to be theoretical, which is making media work for society, and making enterprises aware of their role in educating the young generation. We need to find an appropriate way to propagate how the businesses themselves can identify their responsibilities and be motivated and actively participate in this work.

When having good communication, we will be able to spread the sense of corporate responsibility to the community. For example, in the Covid-19 pandemic, although the business world is the hardest hit, there are still many businesses willing to join hands with the Government. I think that when we communicate well, we will reach the hearts of everyone.

However, for enterprises, no matter what goals they operate, they must also earn profits and benefits. The State needs to have a mechanism to encourage enterprises with economic levers.

Thirdly, when making products, the use of them needs the cooperation of society, families, and schools. The goal is for children to actively choose, orient, and even monitor their internet access so that children can access programs with appropriate content and form for a reasonable length of time.

Q: There are assessments that the issue of child protection in Vietnam is still quite far away from developed countries. For instance, parents themselves are sometimes not aware that using pictures of their children on social networks can lead to many potential risks for children. In your opinion, what should we do to raise public awareness of this issue?

Mr. Pham Tat Thang: The Children's Law already provided for the privacy of children. Posting a childs picture online can be a violation of the law. But there are two things here, the first is the sense of law observance and the second is the cultural factor.

In the West, pinching a child's cheek may be a violation of the law, but to us, it can be normal. Concerning our cultural traditions, it is sometimes difficult to make it clear between the two issues.

For legal regulations to become an awareness of society and community, it takes time and we have to go back to the story of propaganda.

Nguyen Thao
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong led a high-ranking delegation of the CPV to attend the virtual summit of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and world political parties on July 6.

browser not support iframe.

The event, an initiative of the CPC under the theme "For the People's Wellbeing: the Responsibility of Political Parties," attracted the participation of around 10,000 delegates from more than 500 political parties and organisations in over 160 countries in the world.

Addressing the summit, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping called for upholding and promoting the common values of humanity, which are peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom.

He urged political parties in the world to shoulder their responsibility for the pursuit of people's wellbeing and progress of mankind. He also called for international cooperation to fight the pandemic.

General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks at the summit.

In his remarks, General Secretary Trong affirmed that the Vietnamese delegation attended the summit with an open and cooperative spirit, based on the external policy of independence, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, multilateralization and diversification of ties, and the tradition of pure internationalism and respect for the Vietnam-China relations.

The Vietnamese Party leader said political parties should accompany their governments to bring happiness to the people, actively engage in efforts to respond to global challenges; uphold the spirit of solidarity and sense of responsibility; foster dialogue, respect each others legitimate interest, and comply to international law, especially in addressing differences.

He said the most urgent issue of countries and political parties at present is to promote international cooperation to repel the COVID-19 pandemic, quickly restore socio-economic development and ensure social security.

The Party chief said Vietnams practical experience is to consider the peoples happiness as the target and rely on their invincible strength.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong led a high-ranking delegation of the CPV to attend the virtual summit of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and world political parties on July 6. (Photo: VNA)

He thanked the people of other countries, political parties, socio-political organisations, including China, for their support and assistance to Vietnam throughout periods.

Leaders of political parties, heads of state and heads of government expressed their hope that China will grow stronger and contribute positively to peace, development and prosperity in the world.

The political parties held that the world's people have a common wish for peace and freedom, and the political parties are responsible for addressing issues of public concern, and cooperating in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and recovering socio-economic development.

The political parties also discussed their own concerns such as fighting against embargo, terrorism and war./.

Source: VNA
To prevent overloading at centralized quarantine facilities, the Ministry of Health has allowed people categorized as F1 cases (having close contact with Covid-19 patients) to be under home quarantine.

Previously, all people who were F1 cases were isolated at concentrated quarantine centers.

Smart bracelets will be under trial use in Ho Chi Minh City to monitor those under home quarantine. Photo: SGGP

According to the guidance of the Ministry of Health, F1 cases are eligible for home quarantine if they stay in separate houses such as villas and townhouses. There must be a warning sign with red background and yellow letters in front of the door: "Quarantine place to prevent and control the Covid-19 epidemic. The home quarantine period is 28 days.



To effectively monitor those who are under home quarantine, the HCM City Department of Information and Communications has proposed three technological solutions, including:



1: The Vietnam Health Declaration (VHD) system developed by Viettel Group: For people entering Vietnam to make medical declarations. Based on data collected from this application, the health system will provide medical assistance as quickly as possible. This system only uses smartphones.



According to regulations, before entering Vietnam, people must prepare necessary documents, install the Vietnam Health Declaration and Bluezone applications (bluetooth and GPS must be turned on), and make a medical declaration.



At the border gate, they have to make a medical declaration, undergo medical quarantine, receive a tracing bracelet, and get on the bus to move to a quarantine facility.



2: STAYHOME developed by TMA Solutions and supported by Quang Trung Software Park Development Company, which is a smart bracelet that is connected with the smartphone of the people under quarantine. The bracelet will help monitor people under quarantine and provide their updated body temperature.



3: HCMCovidSafe developed by Tech4Covid team from the HCM City University of Natural Sciences and HCM City University of Information Technology, which is a bracelet integrated with SIM.



These technological solutions will be piloted under two phases. The first phase will be applied in District 7, Go Vap District, District 12, Tan Binh District, and the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City from July to August 2021. Phase 2 will start from August 2021 in all districts and Thu Duc City.



Ho Van

F1 cases in Ho Chi Minh City under home quarantine To prevent overloading at centralized quarantine facilities, the Ministry of Health has allowed people categorized as F1 cases (having close contact with Covid-19 patients) to be under home quarantine.
Vietnamese scientist Nguyen Hoang Minh has won the UN World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Research Award for Young Scientists in 2021.

Dr. Nguyen Hoang Minh. (Photo: https://tuoitre.vn)

Dr. Minh, 34, from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, receives the noble award for his research entitled An approach for improving the capability of a coupled meteorological and hydrological model for rainfall and flood forecasts.

This study proposes a method for improving the capability of rainfall and flood forecasts by generating ensemble precipitation predictions (EPPs) associated with radar-based rainfall prediction by considering spatial rainfall errors.

The EPPs are generated as a kind of Monte-Carlo simulation based on the performance of the numerical weather prediction (NWP) model in the previous time step window. The generated EPPs continue to be blended with radar-based rainfall predictions to produce hybrid rainfall forecasts that perform better than each system could perform individually.

Minhs research has been highly evaluated by world leading experts in the field. Its results have been applied in Vietnam.

WMO Awards recognise outstanding contributions in the field of meteorology, breakthroughs in scientific research, young scientists for their exceptional contributions to meteorology and climatology, and young engineers/scientists working on development hydrometeorology.

WMO Research Award for Young Scientists aims to encourage young scientists, particularly in developing countries, to undertake outstanding research work in all fields of meteorology and hydrology. The award has been granted to young scientists from more than 20 different countries.

Source: VNA

Hanoi sets up weather warning system The Institute of Geophysics at the Ministry of Science and Technology has successfully built a modern warning and monitoring system to collect input data for forecasting heavy rain and flooding in Hanoi.
The high school graduation exam will begin on July 7 morning for millions of students, with strict COVID-19 measures in place as the fourth wave of infections has seen complicated developments.

An exam centre prepares for the national high school graduation exam in Hai Ba Trung district, Hanoi.

Students nationwide will do their literature tests in the morning and maths in the afternoon of the same day.

The exam is being held with the COVID-19 pandemic still developing in a complex manner in many localities, so pandemic prevention work has been a key focus for the education sector.

Candidates will have their temperature checked and have their hands disinfected before entering the test sites, while they must wear masks during the exam.

Each test site will be sprayed with disinfectant and medical staff will be on duty during the exams, while isolation rooms and backup exam rooms have been arranged if any students need to be isolated due to contact with a COVID-19 patient.

Medical staff have also been placed on alert to respond if any candidates show COVID-19 symptoms.

Previously, exam boards held rehearsals to prepare for the exam.

On July 6 morning, the examiners met together at the test sites to go over exam regulations.

In the afternoon, candidates visited their test sites and completed the examination preparation procedures.

On July 6, candidates were reminded to bring their exam notice, review the information on the exam paper and the candidate's information, and promptly report to the examination staff for correction if there are any errors.

Candidates were also informed by the examination staff about exam rules and reminded of banned items.

Deputy Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Huu Do said the pandemic situation was more complex this year than in 2020.

"If in 2020 the infected cases only appeared in a few localities, this year the pandemic spread wider.

"So far now, there have been more than 50 provinces/cities in the country with infections, of which some localities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Bac Giang, Dong Nai, Binh Duong and Phu Yen have had a large number of infections.

"Therefore, the biggest difficulty is how to cope with the pandemic, ensuring the health and safety of students, teachers, and to organise a strict and fair exam," he said.

Positive test results

Among more than 85,000 candidates who will sit for the national high school graduation examination on July 7-8 in HCM City, 18 pooled samples tested positive for coronavirus.

Health officials are testing each of the candidates who were included in the pooled samples.

Candidates who tested negative for coronavirus will sit the exam as scheduled.

Those positive for coronavirus will sit the exam at a later time. The Ministry of Education and Training has not set the date yet./.

Source: VNS
Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son attended the Special ASEAN-Russia Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in the form of videoconference on July 6.

Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son

The event was co-chaired by Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Masudi and her Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.

Delegates discussed cooperation to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, foster recovery and structure in Asia-Pacific during the meeting, which was organised to mark the 30th founding anniversary of ASEAN-Russia relations.

Speaking at the event, Son said that the ASEAN-Russia partnership has been increasingly solid and trustworthy over the past 30 years and welcomed Russias stronger cooperation with the bloc.

He underlined that Vietnam always supports the enhancement of the ASEAN-Russia strategic partnership to a new height and appreciates Russias willingness to transfer COVID-19 vaccine production technology and expand production in ASEAN, and capitalise on tourism cooperation to foster recovery in the post-pandemic period.

Son asked the two sides to build trust and mutual understanding and uphold international law. The Vietnamese Minister highly valued Russias support for ASEANs efforts in creating dialogues in ASEAN-led mechanisms.

He also affirmed ASEANs commitment to the effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and prompt completion of negotiations on an effective and practical Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea in line with international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

For his part, Lavrov stressed that Russia and ASEAN are reliable strategic partners that have collaborated with each other to effectively respond to difficulties and challenges amid uncertainties of the regional and international situation.

He also affirmed to support ASEANs central role in the regional structure and vowed to actively contribute to ASEAN-led mechanisms.

The Russian minister expressed his hope that the two sides would bolster coordination and practical cooperation between ASEANs mechanisms and frameworks such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Participants agreed to create new momentum in the bilateral ties and further promote the strategic partnership, overcome challenges of the ongoing pandemic and accelerate recovery efforts, thereby affirming the significant role of the ASEAN-Russia relationship in regional and international cooperation aspects.

They also consented to kick-start some consultation mechanisms between ASEAN and Russia. The Russian side voiced its hope to discuss further the regional structure with ASEAN.

The two sides spoke highly of the successful organisation of the first ASEAN-Russia Consultations of the High Representatives for Security Issues on June 28, and agreed to hold a dialogue on information technology security and communications issues, and to step up cooperation in disaster management.

The Russian side proposed the fourth ASEAN-Russia high-level meeting be organised in October, 2021.

The two sides emphasised the need to continue to work together in push back the spread of dangerous coronavirus variants and join hands in regional and international efforts to distribute COVID-19 vaccines to all people in the region in safely, effectively and equitably, and efficiently carry out commitments to COVID-19 response reached at the 15th East Asia Summit (EAS) held in last November.

Russia pledged to continue organising training programmes for medical workers and providing technical and professional assistance, test kits, medicines and vaccines for ASEAN nations in the coming time.

ASEAN members agreed to closely join hands with Russia in promoting trade and investment, maintaining regional supply chains, and fostering cooperation between the EAEU and ASEAN. They also supported Russias proposal to bolstering tourism cooperation and issuing a joint statement in the field at the 16th EAS scheduled to take place later this year.

Participants reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and stability, ensuring security and safety in the region. They affirmed the necessity to increase dialogue and cooperation, build trust, uphold ASEAN-led mechanisms and multilateralism, and strengthening the rule-based regional structure in which ASEAN plays a central role.

At the end of the meeting, Russia and Indonesia issued a statement of the co-chairs./.

Source: VNA
A Nevada-based company, Macoma, has exclusive rights to sell and distribute the product nationally. Mitchell said he has talked with Macoma for six months in attempts to become the lone supplier and installer in Texas.

My goal is to use the product on every project I do, Mitchell said.

Czech investors led by Julius Kramaric went public in 2018 with plans to spend $9.7 million transforming a building at Eighth Street and Jackson Avenue into Pivovar, the Czech word for brewery. The city pledged $683,291 from the Tax Increment Financing zone, and investors predicted a completion date of April 30, 2020. Extensions have followed, and now backers have proposed a new finishing date of Aug. 31, records show.

Lentz said COVID-19 has wreaked havoc with the timeline and with deliveries from abroad, specifically furniture from a supplier in Indonesia.

She said Friday she did not have specifics about when each phase of Pivovar would open to the public, but suggested certainly by years end.

Meanwhile, the layers of Pivovars offerings are being exposed even as construction continues. Each hotel suite will have a roll-top desk, for example, and an entryway features a hand-carved desk behind which attendants can greet guests and fetch room keys from hooks mounted on the wall.
Kacal said that, depending on what side of the aisle one sits, the election bill was either considered voter suppression or voter integrity, although Kacal acknowledged there is little evidence of widespread voter fraud. He said he looks forward to seeing the first version of the new bill.

The Legislature has a process, Kacal said. We have rules and opportunities to make our point. They chose their option to walk out and shut down the process that was on a ticking clock. You cant be upset because they played the cards they had. They were doing what they thought was the best they could to represent their constituents. That is what we all are trying to do.

Voter apathy is the biggest problem. But when you cast your vote, you need to have assurance that your vote is calculated in the column you chose, Kacal said.

Anderson said he would have voted against the final version of the election bill, saying it should have been left the way it was. He said he does not think the bill was intended to intimidate or suppress minority voters.
The gave up hours of personal time, on top of their jobs, on top of calls for service to this community, on top of time spent with their family, she said.

The department was able to turn a $6,000 investment from the city into a $140,000 asset, Byars-Faulkner said.

City Manager Keith Bond attended the event and said congratulations were in order.

Bond said a grant that the station brought to the citys attention made the new truck possible.

Make sure when you see these guys, tell them how much you appreciate it, Bond said. Volunteer departments do the same thing, and again to put this in the citys inventory, its at no charge.  They did a great job.

Christy Gomez, of Lacy Lakeview, said she came out to the event to support the department that answered a call at her home during Februarys winter storm.

Gomez said her oven caught fire while she was baking a pizza for her children. Lacy Lakeview firefighters not only answered the call but left pizzas for her family on the counter without her knowing, a sign that they did not act for praise.

We are just so grateful for them, Gomez said.
Troy vaccination clinic

First Baptist Church in Troy will host the Texas National Guard COVID-19 Mobile Vaccination Team from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot, 20 Church Ave.

The Pfizer vaccine will be distributed for anyone age 12 and up who wishes to be vaccinated. Vaccines are free to the public.No appointment is needed but participants should RSVP so enough vaccines are available for the day.

RSVP by calling 254-938-2582 with how many people will need vaccines.

Matter of

Balance class forming

The Area Agency on Aging of the Heart of Texas will start a new fall-prevention class, A Matter of Balance, from 10 a.m. to noon July 15 at Emerald Cottages of Waco, 2412 Marketplace Drive. The class is free and will run for eight weeks.

The program is available to people who have fallen or have a fear of falling. It emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls and teaches exercises that increase muscle strength, flexibility and balance. For more information, call 254-292-1857.

Pro-Life Waco meeting
Gibson then shot and killed Ronald Wright, 42, during a June 5 street robbery in Wilmington, also shooting another man, prosecutors said.

Earlier that same day, Christine Lugo, 40, was accosted by a gunman as she opened up her Philadelphia doughnut shop. Philadelphia police allege that Gibson pushed her inside at gunpoint, took about $300, shot her in the head and fled. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities believe Gibson robbed or assaulted three other people in Delaware, and tried to murder one of them, over the following three days. He was arrested June 8 in connection with the robbery of a Wilmington Rite-Aid during which a clerk was pistol-whipped.

Authorities in Pennsylvania also plan to charge Gibson in shooting death of his mother, Christine Gibson, 54. She was found shot to death in February. He is also a suspect in a January double murder in Philadelphia's Germantown neighborhood.

We are still awaiting extradition for him before we can charge him with the murders he committed in Philadelphia, Officer Tanya Little, a Philadelphia police spokesperson, said in an email Tuesday.

It was not immediately clear whether Gibson has an attorney who could comment on his behalf.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP)  Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy will allow to go through a $4 billion transfer of earnings from the states oil-wealth fund to the funds constitutionally protected principal that he had intended to veto, a spokesperson said.

Corey Allen Young, a spokesperson for Dunleavy, told The Associated Press by email on Tuesday the transfer would not adversely affect the governor's proposal to restructure the oil-wealth fund and place a dividend formula in the constitution calling for a 50/50 split between what is drawn for dividends and government. Young did not immediately respond to questions about what options Dunleavy may have had if he had wanted to pursue the veto.

Dunleavy last week said one of his more significant vetoes was the $4 billion transfer. But the version of the budget posted on the Legislatures website shows that item was not crossed out, as Dunleavy said he intended.

The governor's office said it was an error that should be corrected. But members of the Alaska House's majority coalition on Saturday decided against accepting his correction and said legislative attorneys were expected to weigh in, the Anchorage Daily News reported.
Authorities in Jacksonville, Florida, said one person was killed Wednesday when a tree fell and struck two cars. The National Weather Service reported 50 mph (80 kph) wind gusts in the city. The tree fell during heavy rains and no one else was injured, according to Capt. Eric Prosswimmer of the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department.

Now is a time to remember ... that weather is unpredictable, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said during a news conference Wednesday evening as he urged drivers to stay off the road. This is really early in the (hurricane) season. We're just outside of the July 4th holiday, we've had our first storm and, unfortunately, we've had a fatality.

In nearby Camden County, Georgia, a possible tornado struck a park for recreational vehicles at Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base. About 10 people were injured and taken to hospitals by ambulance, said base spokesman Scott Bassett. The extent of their injuries was not immediately clear. He said some buildings on the base appeared to have been damaged as well.

An EF-2 tornado flipped over multiple RVs, blowing one of the overturned vehicles about 200 feet (61 meters) into a lake, the National Weather Service said in a preliminary report early Thursday after its employees surveyed the damage. Debris from the RVs was strewn throughout the park, the agency said.
Here is a major question  namely whether we would help defend Taiwan if it is attacked. We have supplied it with weapons and there are those within our government who say we should definitely defend these people because, for one reason, our failure to do so would send a signal to other allies that they cant count on us. A simultaneous issue, however, is that our chances of winning would not be great. We would be at a huge disadvantage in all kinds of ways that accomplished military analysts have spelled out.

If it came down to China taking over, please dont think it would stop there. As one of the greatest perils of the 21st century, China pretty much wants everyone in the world under its command. If you dont think so, think about what Chinese leader Xi Jinping said in a speech celebrating the Chinese Communist Partys 100th birthday in Tiananmen Square recently.

Nothing is going to get in the way of Chinas superpower ascension, it was made clear, certainly not the United States. The person making these remarks is easily the strongest leader in China since Mao Zedong killed millions to establish his utopia that was more nearly an inferno.

None of this is meant to say anything bad about the Chinese people, and the mention of Tiananmen Square cannot help but awaken memories of the thousands who, in 1989, sacrificed their lives for human rights.
CEDAR FALLS  Four people have been arrested after searches in Cedar Falls and Waterloo turned up three handguns and a softball-sized package of prescription pills, according to police.

William Rashad Burt, 27, of 1147 Oelson Road, was arrested for felon in possession of a firearm and possession of alprazolam with intent to distribute. Bond was set at $12,500.

Sahjit Mcyle Phillips, 22  who was released from federal prison in April after serving time on weapons theft charges  was arrested for trafficking stolen weapons, fourth-degree theft and felon in possession of a firearm.

His bond was set at $25,000.

William McNealy III, 21, of 2007 College St., was arrested for two counts of felon in possession of a firearm and one count of fourth-degree theft. Bond was set at $15,000.

Qunshaundes Davion McNealy, 26, of 510 Baltimore St., was arrested for felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, trafficking stolen weapons and fourth-degree theft. His bond was set at $27,000.
Huisman had recorded their debut blues LP, The Devil May Care, which reached No. 10 on the Billboard Blues chart last year.

Huisman learned about The Artist Relief Project, based in Austin, Texas, and was impressed by its transparency and willingness to help musicians during the pandemic.

Theyve been giving $200 to about every artist who reaches out to them, if they had shows canceled because of COVID or other hardships. I think theyve helped almost 3,000 musicians now, which I think is pretty cool, Huisman said.

Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

Avey Grouws success has stirred interest from various record labels, but at this point, the band remains independent.

Grouws said, As musicians at this level, were just one bad season from not having any income at all. Thats what the pandemic taught us. Most musicians have zero stability when it comes to long-term financial savings, so the fact that musicians have come together to support other musicians, thats pretty fabulous. It feels really powerful and kinda cool.

The Artist Relief Project also offers free webinars to musicians on such topics as financial management, using social media, filming and editing videos and physical, mental and emotional wellness.
BOSTON (AP)  A tomahawk once owned by Chief Standing Bear, a pioneering Native American civil rights leader, is returning to his Nebraska tribe after decades in a museum at Harvard.

The universitys Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology says its been working with members of the Ponca Tribe in Nebraska and Oklahoma to repatriate the artifact.

Larry Wright, Jr., chairman of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, said Tuesday the return of the historic weapon is a powerful symbol of homecoming for the tribe, which was among many forcibly relocated from their homelands to other territories by the federal government in the 1800s.

Thats a piece of our history that represents who we are and why were here in Nebraska, so for it to be back home is very appropriate," he said. "It tells that history and lets us never forgot what our people went through.

Standing Bear was arrested 1878 for leaving the tribe's Oklahoma reservation in order to fulfill a promise he made to bury his eldest son back in their tribe's homeland in Nebraska's Niobrara River Valley. In his landmark federal trial, he successfully argued for the recognition of Native Americans as persons entitled to rights and protection under law.
DES MOINES  State officials are tight-lipped about the plan to send Iowa State Patrol troopers to the U.S.-Mexico border.

Officials declined to identify how many troopers have volunteered and when they will travel to Texas or Arizona for an undisclosed assignment.

Iowa Department of Public Safety officials were not aware, a spokeswoman said Tuesday, of any previous patrol deployments outside of Iowa. The state in 1997 joined the Emergency Management Assistance Compact  an agreement the Republican governors of Texas and Arizona cited in their call last month for other states to send assistance.

Several Republican governors, including Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, announced they would send troopers to the border  noting the rise in drugs, human trafficking and violent crime has become unsustainable. But Iowa officials will answer few questions about the deployment.

For officer safety purposes, the Iowa State Patrol and the Governors Office will not be identifying the troopers who have voluntarily agreed to be deployed or any other mission-specific operational information, said Debbie McClung, strategic communications bureau chief in the IDPS commissioners office.
U.S. prosecutors have indicted Assange on 17 espionage charges and one charge of computer misuse over WikiLeaks publication of thousands of leaked military and diplomatic documents. The charges carry a maximum sentence of 175 years in prison.

The prosecutors say Assange unlawfully helped U.S. Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning steal classified diplomatic cables and military files that WikiLeaks later published. Lawyers for Assange argue that he was acting as a journalist and is entitled to First Amendment freedom of speech protections for publishing documents that exposed U.S. military wrongdoing in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Assanges fiancee, Stella Moris, urged U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday to drop the prosecution launched under his predecessor, Donald Trump.

Moris, who has two young sons with Assange, said outside the High Court that the WikiLeaks founder was very unwell in prison.

He won his case in January. Why is he even in prison?" she said.

Im appealing to the Biden administration to do the right thing. This appeal was taken two days before the Trump administration left office, and if the Biden administration is serious about respecting the rule of law, the First Amendment and defending global press freedom, the only thing it can do is drop this case.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
In his plea, Ivey admitted that he knew at the time he was not supposed to be in the Capitol under such circumstances; the public does not enter through broken windows. In return for his guilty plea to the Parading charge, the Justice Department dropped the three other charges against him. Ivey has been free while his case has been adjudicated; it is likely, although not guaranteed, that he will be sentenced to probation with no jail time.

Why is this particular case important? It doesnt really tell us anything about the leadership or the worst actors in the Capitol riot. Rather, it tells us about a lot of the other people who ended up in the Capitol that day. In early March, FBI Director Christopher Wray told the Senate that he divided people involved in the events of Jan. 6 into three categories. The first group  the largest group, the group that we need to spend the least time talking about  is peaceful, maybe rowdy, protesters, but who werent violating the law, Wray said. And then:
Q. Is it true the Waterloo City Council voted in another sewer rate increase? Who was for it? How much was in the increase?

A. A 3% rate increase  an average increase of 44 cents per month for residential customers  was approved by the council in October and went into effect on Jan. 1.

Q. Is the 11 year old missing still from Montezuma? Have they interviewed his mother?

A. Xavior Harrelson, who vanished on May 27, is still missing. Authorities have spoken with his mother and continue to ask the public to report any tips. A reward fund for tips leading to Xavior has climbed more than $30,000. Xavior's mother, Sarah Harrelson, has moved out of her residence but Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations Assistant Director Mitch Mortvedt said law enforcement were aware of Harrelson leaving the house and did not find it concerning.

Q. Did the Marines ever identify the men who raised the flag on Iwo Jima? I heard one man that was left out was from Iowa.
File under gender-neutral fashion scoop: This week, San Francisco based creator of Bob Cut magazine Anthony Rogers announced the launch of his new nonbinary fashion label, And Our. The pieces, which he calls "anywear," are designed for anyone who like ruffles aplenty.

Plus, American Giant has teamed up with Samual Adams for a fully patriotic clothing collab, and Oaktown's McMullen boutique wants to send you fresh goodies via snail mail. Happy shopping!

Sweet! McMullen boutique gets into the goodie box game. (Courtesy of McMullen) Your mailbox wardrobe is about to get a whole lot more fashion-y thanks to the McMullen Goodie Box. Courtesy of style star Sherri McMullen and the team at her beloved namesake Oakland boutique, the new subscription-box service is 100 percent designed for you. All you have to do to get your curated looks (and exclusive McMullen goodies!): Book a virtual consultation, share your loves, hates, color and brand preferences and, voila, wait for your treats to arrive. You keep what works, return the rest, and dunzo. Translation: You'll be elegantly cool in a no-time flatno schlepping required. The boxes are available for a one-time purchase or as an ongoing subscription that can be canceled or paused any time. Meow! // The service costs $100 per box ($50 for processing/$50 toward purchases). Sign up at shopmcmullen.com.

New nonbinary fashion line And Our debuts. (Courtesy of And Our) Congrats to SF-based Bob Cut Mag founder Anthony Rogers on his new venture, And Our. Launched this week, the "anywear" unigender and size-inclusive line features 18 pieces. The opposite of fast fashion, the debut collection's nine tops and nine bottoms are all crafted from deadstock fabric and made ethically in China, adhering to strict manufacturing codes of conduct. The styles include everything from a ruffles-gone-mad tube top to garment-worker-inspired skirt slacks. Nonbinary artist/entrepreneur Rogers wasn't sure what, if anything, would come after winning a scholarship toand graduating fromthe Business Class by Sophia Amoruso. Needless to say, he's beyond thrilled with the result. "Being able to express my humanity through garments is empowering as a nonbinary person. I started this label to give people tools for expression through gender-undefined clothing. 'Anywear' is meant for those who want megaphones for dressing in what showcases them best, in whatever gender they assume," Rogers explains. // Most pieces fall in the $80 to $140 range; shop online at andourlabel.com.
Patient and caregiver advocates have been calling for this new transparency for years. According to OpenNotes, an international movement for more open physician-patient communication, research suggests that shared visit notes have increased the quality and safety of health care in the 260 health systems around the world where they are used. They also create the possibility of greater partnership among doctors, caregivers and patients working from the same set of information.

How can caregivers best use this new transparency to help their care receivers? Here are some ideas:

Consider what you want to know

Gaining greater insight into the doctor's thinking allows caregivers to become more involved in medical decision-making, especially when their loved ones have cognitive deficits. But it can also expose them to information that could be upsetting. Would reading a gloomy medical assessment provide a vital reality check or rob them of hope? Would it offer greater clarity and guidance or more emotional anguish? For some caregivers, having more information will provide them greater assurance and reduce their anxiety. For others, the opposite is true.

Make a plan for more discussion

For a variety of reasons, including insurance and legal requirements, health care professionals are obliged to be open and frank in the shared visit notes. If caregivers opt to read them, then they should also have the means for follow-up discussion with the professionals, not to confront them ("Why did you write that?"), but to ask for clarification or further explanation. If doctors fail to say, Please let me know if you have any questions about anything in the shared visit notes, then caregivers should ask specifically about their preferred means for having a more extensive conversation about what's been written to clear up any misunderstandings.

An invitation to a slower dialogue

In ideal outpatient health care visits, the doctor, patient and caregiver have productive conversations that build collaboration. But physicians often look like they're in such a rush that patients and caregivers may feel subtly discouraged from saying anything that might hold them up. The shared visit notes can become a forum for a slower, less constrained dialogue in which caregivers respond to what doctors have written by adding their own notes with their own observations, questions and clarifications. The physicians can respond back in writing or address remaining concerns in person at the beginning of the next medical appointment.

A husband like Zack might be delighted to be able to read the shared visit notes of his wife's neurologist and primary care provider. What he may read about their clinical impressions may not be so different from what they could have told him during visits, but he would feel like he was being included more in addressing her dementia symptoms with whatever means possible. He could add information to the doctors notes or even offer a compliment or two on their good care. It might give him some solace that he was helping his wife, in partnership with her doctors, as fully as he could.
That memorial will come to mind as soon as you arrive at the NMMC. Centered on a 210-foot steel spire rising at an angle, the building recalls the iconic image.

The soaring entrance atrium, called the Leatherneck Gallery, immediately evokes the Marine spirit, with a fighter jet, tank and helicopter storming into combat on display. All the galleries put you in the boots of Marines, through immersive battlefield scenes and special effects, generating admiration for these larger-than-life soldiers.

In the Making Marines Gallery, large photos show recruits getting induction haircuts in boot camp  as you walk by the pictures, the images change to reveal startling transformations from civilian to buzz-cut recruits. Even more memorable: walk-in booths where intimidating drill instructors scream out commands in a dizzying, rapid-fire assault. Your weapon is on the deck! barks one instructor. Don't stand there with your mouth open! Say it louder! commands another one. Imagine enduring 12 weeks of such verbal barrage in boot camp.

From there, elaborate walk-through exhibits recall the founding of the Corps in Philadelphia's Tun Tavern in 1775, and the Marines most storied fights, such as the World War I Battle of Belleau Wood in France that secured the United States first victory of the war  but saw more Marine casualties (exceeding 4,000) than had been suffered in the Corps first 143 years (about 800).

In the World War II galleries, board a troop ship for a five-minute briefing before the Iwo Jima assault. The commander lays out the objective: securing an island just 650 miles from Tokyo and defended by more than 20,000 fighters. Every rock and cave can be a Japanese soldier firing at you, the leader says. There's nothing fancy here. This is full frontal assault.  You're Marines. You know your job. Now go do it!"

As you step out through the ship hold, actual footage of vessels and planes invading the island surround you. Even in this re-creation, you'll sense what Marines must have felt as they stormed the island, overwhelmed by the choppy Pacific Ocean, the roar and flash of explosions, and the flotilla of warships seeming to stretch to the horizon.

Sometimes the history is subtle. At the entrance to the Korean War Gallery, a life-size Marine mannequin holds a machine gun, with a Tootsie Roll wrapper at his feet in the dirt. It's not litter, but the heart of a story from the 1950 Battle of Chosin Reservoir. The candy's name was a code word for mortar ammunition, but when a Marine radioed a request for more Tootsie Rolls, the receiving party took him literally and soldiers were air-dropped cases of the sweet treat. A blessing in disguise, the chocolate candy provided soldiers energy in hostile winter combat against Chinese troops and served as patches for bullet holes in equipment. But don't let the story overshadow the bravery. The gallery's air-conditioning blasts year-round, a reminder that soldiers faced temperatures plummeting to near 40 below zero.

By contrast, feel the hot breeze of a Southeast Asian jungle when you step through a CH-46 helicopter into 1968 and the Khe Sanh battlefield in the Vietnam War Gallery. A bloody Marine mannequin on a stretcher serves as a harsh reminder that many of our combatants never made it home from Vietnam  or any of the other conflicts remembered in this museum.


Commences Drilling Activities & Exploration Update

Melbourne, July 7, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Cohiba Minerals Limited ( ASX:CHK ) is pleased to provide an update in relation to the current status of exploration activities being carried out.Drill Core Investigations (Mineralogy and Petrology)Cohiba has secured the services of subject matter experts in Iron Oxide - Copper - Gold (IOCG) systems to conduct extensive mineralogical and petrological investigations of the drill core from the Horse Well area. These investigations are of paramount importance to understanding where we are situated in the stratigraphic sequence and what this means in terms of potential proximity to mineralisation. These investigations have directly assisted Cohiba in determining the location of future drill holes and particularly in the decision to drill another hole at the same collar location as HWDD04. This work will continue to be fully supported by Cohiba as a key component of its exploration strategy.Horse Well DrillingA contract has been signed with Durock Drilling to undertake a "wedge" hole from the same collar location as HWDD04. The drill rig is in transit from New South Wales under essential personnel status to address current border closure issues. The decision to undertake this hole has been based on the excellent drill core investigations conducted by the Company's subject matter experts following the recent high grade copper results intersected earlier this year.An EPEPR (Exploration Program for Environment Protection and Rehabilitation) has been completed for the Horse Well area, covering 12 additional drill holes for up to 16,800m of drilling. The drill hole locations have been based on the extensive work by the subject matter experts which also included a re-interpretation of some of the key geophysical data.Pernatty CCohiba has finally secured a drilling contractor for the Pernatty C drilling and is currently working out the logistics in relation to drill pads and sumps for this drilling to be undertaken at the earliest possible time.Whilst IOCG mineralisation is a target in the region, Cohiba will primarily focus on the shallower, Zambian Copperbelt (ZCB) style mineralisation which is evidence by strong copper - cobalt - silver mineralisation in the Mt Gunson area.Cohiba is also in the process of defining additional target areas within the Pernatty C area with the intention of lodging an additional EPEPR for further drilling.Pyramid Lake Gypsum (Western Australia)Cohiba has submitted a renewal application and all the supporting documentation to DMIRS WA for a further five (5) years over the Pyramid Lake tenement (E74/594). Cohiba is still committed to the establishment of a Mining Lease over the premium and high-grade gypsum resources that have been identified and is working with a local consulting firm to finalise the necessary documentation.Work, Health and Safety (WHS)The Company engaged the services of Euro Exploration to build on and complete the WHS system that the Company is required to maintain for all activities and especially those in the field. The WHS system will provide the necessary framework and procedures to ensure that all personnel, within and outside the Company, are kept safe and well.Cohiba's CEO, Andrew Graham says, "Whilst the Company has experienced some significant delays in its ongoing program of work, it has maintained a strong focus on gathering as much supporting data as possible in relation to its key assets in the Gawler Craton. The effectiveness of our subject matter experts (SME) cannot be underestimated as they have provided extensive insights into the mineralogy, petrology, stratigraphy and structure of the areas we are actively exploring. Their work has enabled Cohiba to define more accurately those areas of interest for follow-up work and has been the main driver behind an additional drill hole at HWDD04. Cohiba continues to maintain an exceptional portfolio of tenements within the Gawler Craton and is committed to fully exploring their potential."About Cohiba Minerals Limited

Cohiba Minerals Limited (ASX:CHK) is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange with the primary focus of investing in the resource sector through direct tenement acquisition, joint ventures, farm in arrangements and new project generation. The shares of the company trade under the ticker symbol CHK.

The Company recently acquired 100% of the shares in Charge Lithium Pty Ltd, which holds exploration licences in Western Australia.


Tests Confirm Authier Delivers High Purity Lithium Hydroxide

Brisbane, July 7, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Emerging lithium producer Sayona Mining Limited ( ASX:SYA ) ( FRA:DML ) ( OTCMKTS:DMNXF ) has achieved another milestone in advancing downstream processing in Quebec, following confirmation that spodumene from the Company's Authier Lithium Project can be refined to produce high purity, 99.99% lithium hydroxide*.Spodumene samples from Authier were processed into lithium hydroxide by Australian hydroxide technology provider ICS Lithium, using its sustainable, closed loop refining system. The samples were then analysed at CSIRO's Mineral Resources laboratories in Perth, Western Australia, which confirmed their exceptional purity.One of the world's largest research and development groups, CSIRO's Mineral Resources division provides independent verification and certification services for the materials and infrastructure industries.A portion of the lithium hydroxide sample has been dispatched to Novonix Battery Technology Solutions in Nova Scotia, Canada, to be processed along with other cathode-precursor materials into NMC622 lithiumion batteries using Novonix's pilot cell line.The Novonix tests will evaluate the sample's conformity with lithium-ion battery standards and its performance in commercial cells, highlighting the project's ability to deliver a high-purity product suitable for leading battery cathode makers in North America.Welcoming the results, Sayona's Managing Director, Brett Lynch said: "This trial has highlighted that Authier spodumene can be refined into high purity lithium hydroxide. This is an essential requirement to meet the needs of battery manufacturers and enhances the market value of our product."Our acquisition of North American Lithium [NAL] has given us the ability to fast-track a move into downstream processing and we look forward to advancing this for the benefit of Quebec and our shareholders."Testing at Novonix will continue through the Northern Hemisphere summer, with initial results expected shortly.Novonix ( ASX:NVX ) ( OTCMKTS:NVNXF ) is developing 'million mile' battery technologies with revolutionary anode and cathode materials. It has designed and manufactured high precision battery testing equipment for Tier 1 battery makers and OEMs in 15 countries, including Bosch, Dyson, Honda, Panasonic, LG Chem and SK Innovation.Novonix continues to progress agreements with Sanyo and Samsung SDI and is currently the only qualified producer in North America of high-grade anode material suitable for lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems.Sayona formed a collaboration last year with ICS Lithium, which has developed and widely patented a closed loop process for the refining of spodumene concentrates into battery-grade lithium hydroxide, as preferred by leading automakers.The ICS Lithium Process foreshadows substantial benefits, including potentially lower capital costs and substantially lower operating costs together with environmental benefits. Significantly, the Process has the potential to allow sulfuric acid-based carbonate plants to be converted into clean ICS-Process hydroxide plants at lower cost than a greenfields plant. Sayona is considering this potential option for the NAL operation.The ESG (environmental, social, governance) benefits are further enhanced by Quebec 's sustainable, lowcost hydropower and its proximity to the North American battery market, with Quebec and Canada having committed to phasing out sales of new gasoline vehicles by 2035 and EV makers accelerating investments in Ontario and continent-wide.* Disclaimer: The purity of the material is defined as the weight of LiOH.H2O in the sample divided by the total sample weight, comprised of lithium values as LiOH.H2O-plus-impurities, expressed as a percentage.To five figures the sample purity is 99.990%.The analysis does not extend to anions other than the hydroxide ion OH. It does not determine levels of chloride, carbonate or nitrate, while sulphur present is assumed to be as sulphate ion. Sodium and potassium values are likely to be present as nitrates while any carbonate present would arise from contamination from atmospheric CO2; the processing facilities cannot entirely exclude exposure of samples to the atmosphere.Impurity levels are generally so low that they are at the threshold of measurement capabilities by the analytical equipment employed, so variations are to be expected in repeat analyses on material from the one sample batch.About Sayona Mining Ltd

Sayona Mining Limited (ASX:SYA) (OTCMKTS:DMNXF) is an Australian, ASX-listed (SYA) company focused on sourcing and developing the raw materials required to construct lithium-ion batteries for use in the rapidly growing new and green technology sectors. The Company has lithium projects in Quebec, Canada and in Western Australia.

Please visit us as at www.sayonamining.com.au
.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

Asserting that organized retail crime is a driver of violence across the city, the state attorney general and the Albuquerque Police Department are vowing to crack down on people they say are targeting big box stores on a regular basis.

This is not about teenage delinquencies, said Attorney General Hector Balderas at a news conference on Tuesday. This is about a very profitable industry that is now funneling and fueling other criminal activity, like human trafficking and gang activity. The most violent criminals in the country now understand that this can be a very profitable business to invest in other criminal activity in the state of New Mexico.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

Balderas office did not provide statistics on how much merchandise has been reported stolen.

A Journal news report in May quoted local police as saying shoplifters have become more brazen in recent years and are more likely to be armed or violent.

In terms of organized retail crime, Balderas said his office has convicted pawn shop employees who were directing people to steal items so they could sell them at the store. He also cited the case of a business owner who had rented out a piece of equipment only to learn it was being sold to a third party at a much lower cost.

In an effort to combat these crimes Balderas said his office is putting our best prosecutors on these types of cases, partnering and improving communication with field officers and working with the corporations that are seeing these losses.

He is also advocating for lawmakers to pass legislation he says has been killed over the past couple of years.

The organized retail criminal act needs to be passed in the New Mexico Legislature, Balderas said. The level of violence in the city of Albuquerque and state of New Mexico is too high. But more importantly, we as law enforcement and prosecutors across the spectrum need to work better in terms of making sure that these cases dont fall through the cracks and it should be a public safety strategy for the New Mexican Legislature moving forward.

Balderas spokesman did not provide a drafted bill but said he was referring to part of a package of legislation that came out of the governors anti-domestic terrorism legislation. He said it has yet to be introduced.

Police Chief Harold Medina pointed out that it is a misdemeanor to shoplift under $500, and said a proposal change would allow a person to face a felony charge if they shoplift from multiple stores or as part of a group.

Sometimes they may not hit that one felony at that one location, Medina said. We have to look at their group activity and be able to prosecute it as their overall impact on the industry of retail within the city of Albuquerque, and how were going to address those kinds of organized groups with stiffer penalties, rather than just that misdemeanor.

Chief Public Defender Bennett Baur said he thinks existing laws could be used to prosecute those who are running organized crime operations.

We understand the enormous frustration surrounding shoplifting and property theft, Baur wrote in a statement. The vast majority of the shoplifting cases we see are individuals driven by drug addiction, and racketeering and conspiracy can currently be prosecuted in appropriate cases. We look forward to discussing specific proposals for legislative and community action.

Matt Cramer, the district manager for Home Depot, said among the six stores in the area  including one in Los Lunas and one in Rio Rancho  merchandise is stolen multiple times a day. He said hes noticed an uptick in frequency since the pandemic and the most popular items for people to steal are drills and batteries.

Were not looking for somebody who steals a $100 drill and theres no violence, Cramer said. Thats the cost of doing business. Were talking about these thieves that scheme, that are in a big organized group that fund larger things.

Medina and Mayor Tim Keller emphasized that APD will use new technology  like live streaming video from retailers to the Real Time Crime Center  to investigate the crimes and aid prosecution.

Its part of our general technology platform upgrade that weve been doing, Keller said. Were about $20 million plus into that and all of that should be done in the winter of this year.

Medina also mentioned putting license plate readers in retail parking lots to alert officers if a stolen motor vehicle has entered the premises.

Were not always going to have officers who get there in time to be able to take an individual into custody, a lot of times these individuals are going to dart out the front door and be gone before we even are able to dispatch the call , he said. Its something that were going to have to build the case off of the evidence that we have at the scene and through these partnerships, were hoping that we get more evidence because we have better access to the technology that the mayor mentioned earlier.

Medina said a lot of our property crime offenders are just short (of) becoming violent criminals.

We see this over and over again in the shoplifting industry where security goes to take an individual into custody and it becomes a violent conflict or altercation, Medina said. This is where we need enhanced penalties and there needs to be legislative changes for us to give our prosecutors and our law enforcement officials the tools to hold those individuals accountable.

However Jonathan Ibarra, the vice president for the New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, said in the vast majority of cases there is no violence and treating everyone like a violent criminal doesnt make any sense.

I think if they want to prosecute these cases  and they should  then they already have the tools to do that, Ibarra said. They just need to use the tools that are there.
.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

She found the military dress uniform in the closet of a house being emptied for sale.

Too much time has passed  she reckons maybe eight to 10 years now  that she doesnt remember a lot of the specifics about how she came to be the custodian of the uniform, still in excellent condition, medals gleaming, ribbons crisp, as good as she found it in that bedroom closet in a house somewhere off Barcelona in the South Valley.

These people were having a yard sale and I stopped by to look around, Debbie Garcia said. I took the people to be the owners and they were getting rid of everything. They had apparently rented it out and the last people had been there for a while and then, all of a sudden, took off.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

Items were stacked outside  furniture, clothes, a bed, a table, a smattering of toys. Items inside the house were also for sale, including clothing still hanging in the closet.

Her eye went immediately to the uniform, a blue Air Force service dress coat with shoulder boards, a fruit salad of bars and medals, and the five-striped sleeve chevron depicting the rank of technical sergeant.

The uniform also had a name tag: Lawing.

That wasnt the only item bearing that name. Inside one of the pockets, Garcia found a bundle of old identification cards for two men with the last name of Lawing. One was Hugh L. Lawing, an older man who, when the listed birthdate was calculated, would be 108.

The other was James D. Lawing, who she figured was the owner of the jacket because of several identification cards from the Armed Forces of the United States. They were old cards, the most recent one with an expiration date of Dec. 17, 2006, listing Lawing as a TSGT/RET, a retired technical sergeant.

From the cards, she could witness a lifetime of service, the photos on the IDs showing the aging well of a young man over the years through his military career. Lawing had also been connected with Boeing, TRW and GenCorp Aerojet, judging from the ID cards.

He had a Florida gun permit that had expired in 1984 and a Missouri drivers license that had expired in 2005.

According to the listed birthdate, he would be 74 now.

For years, Garcia has tried to find Lawing to give him back his jacket. She wondered how it ended up in that closet in that home in the South Valley. She wondered how Lawing had come to be in Albuquerque. None of the IDs indicated a local connection.

So, I thought maybe Kirtland Air Force Base, she said. But, when I called, they said they dont have records that far back and they couldnt help me. They told me to just throw it away.

But she couldnt do that.

My dad and my brother were both in the Army and I know what those medals would mean to them, she said. When you serve your country, it matters. You dont just throw all that away.

So she kept looking. But she admits she doesnt know much about how to search for a person, how to navigate the internet. So she asked me to help.

If he is no longer alive, perhaps his children or relatives would like this back, she said.

From my search, I learned that Hugh Lawing had been a well-known photographer in Batavia, New York. He married Laura May Wilkie in 1937 and the two eventually made their home in St. Louis.

James was their son. He was 16 when his mother died from complications of diabetes.

Hugh lived out his last days in an assisted living home in St. Charles, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis. He died in 2006 at age 93.

Information about James Lawing was harder to come by. Other than the ID cards and badges in the Air Force jacket pocket, he had very little in the way of a paper trail.

But I think I found him, living in a high rise on Floridas east coast. I spoke with the front desk staff of the condo complex, who confirmed he lives there. She said she would relay a message to him for me. I have also left several messages for him, but it appears his cellphone is turned off. Emails were returned as undeliverable. Because I have yet to speak to him, I am keeping his current location vague, so my dear sleuths among you need not try to track him down unless you know him personally.

Someday  soon, I hope  we will unlock the mystery of how the Air Force jacket and all the IDs came to be hanging in a South Valley closet. Someday, Garcia will get her chance to return that jacket to its rightful owner, if he wants it.

But what Ive found is a woman who cared enough to try so hard for so long to honor a military man. She felt it was her duty to take care of a strangers belongings. She believed it was right to honor the symbol of his service, rather than to just toss it away.

No matter who he is or what we learn about him and the jacket, Garcia is the real find here.

UpFront is a front-page news and opinion column. Reach Joline at 730-2793, jkrueger@abqjournal.com, Facebook or @jolinegkg on Twitter.
.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

New Mexicos national parks, wildlife refuges and other federal public lands would receive about $49 million for maintenance projects and improving recreational access under the U.S. Interior Departments proposed Fiscal Year 2022 budget for Great American Outdoors Act allocations.

National Park Service

Carlsbad Caverns National Park would use $375,000 to finish acquiring the last parcel of private land within park boundaries if Congress approves the proposed budget, said Superintendent Douglas Neighbor.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

Double Canyon Trail is within part of that in-holding, and its on maps, but the problem now is you have to have permission to enter private property to gain access from below, Neighbor said.

The 340 acres of rugged ranchland has several caves and arches that the park is interested in preserving, Neighbor said, and would likely be incorporated as a wilderness area.

Bandelier National Monument could receive about $29 million to replace the parks 60-year-old underground water, wastewater, gas and electrical systems.

If funded, these projects would ensure modern and reliable utility systems, including phone and internet coverage, to meet current and future needs, said Joanie Budzileni, a Bandelier program manager. They will also enable the park to reopen public restrooms near the visitor center that were damaged by massive floods in 2013.

Bureau of Land Management

A $3.3 million dam decommissioning project near Deming would benefit from Interiors proposed appropriations.

Bill Childress, BLM Las Cruces District manager, said the agency would build drop structures in the middle of several decades-old dams to better control water flow.

That reduces the threat of a dam getting to a point where it breaches, Childress said. It allows water to flow through the system as nature would have had it prior to the dam being constructed.

The proposed budget includes $1 million to complete acquisition of 1,300 acres of land into the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.

Pamela Mathis, BLM Taos Field Office manager, said the four properties owned by willing sellers are in the heart of the monument.

We prioritized these for connectivity for public use and wildlife use, Mathis said. Its very hard for visitors to know when theyre on public land or private land or state land.

The land acquisition has also received financial support from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Trust for Public Land.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge would use $15.4 million for deferred maintenance projects, such as improving the main office and visitors center.

A U.S. Senate Committee heard testimony about the Interior Departments proposed $17.6 billion budget from Secretary Deb Haaland in June.

Theresa Davis is a Report for America corps member covering water and the environment for the Albuquerque Journal.
.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

FARMINGTON  Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez signed a comprehensive bill that repeals several restrictions put in place last year to address the coronavirus pandemic and rescinds the closure of the tribal land to visitors.

On July 6, Nez concurred with the Navajo Nation Councils decision to reopen the region based on lower rates of new COVID-19 cases and 70% of residents on the tribal land being fully vaccinated.

I think this is a turning point, Nez said during the signing ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park in Window Rock, Arizona. Nez said the tribe will reopen its doors July 8.

The resolution also allows in-person instruction at schools located on the tribal land, authorizes the opening of tribal enterprises and businesses owned by tribal members  particularly those that generate income from tourism  and allow chapter governments to revise quorum requirements for meetings or continue using telephonic or other electronic means to meet quorum.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

The action by tribal leaders was embraced by business owners and vendors who attended the event and cheered when repealing business restrictions was mentioned.

It has been more than a year since parks and recreation areas managed by the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department were closed. Among the departments popular tourism destinations are Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and Welcome Center, Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, and the Four Corners Monument.

We welcome back our friends, our visitors from all over the world. The Navajo Nation is back in business, Nez said.

A spokeswoman with the parks and recreation department confirmed locations will reopen July 8, but at 50% capacity because of concern about COVID-19 variants.

Each park and recreation area will continue to follow public health orders issued by the Navajo Department of Health, including requiring face masks, she added.

The Navajo Nations continuing mask requirement was reiterated by officials throughout the signing ceremony. The Department of Health is expected to develop and release this week a new public health emergency order.

Delegate Paul Begay represents LeChee Chapter, which is home to Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona.

Begay talked about the economic hardship and uncertainty faced by small business owners and vendors and how they have been waiting to reopen.

With the signing of this legislation, our Navajo and other businesses in the Navajo Nation boundaries can now pick themselves up, recover.  Thats what we wanted, to save the businesses, to save the employment  those two things were very important to us, Begay said.
.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

CHICAGO  Three undercover law enforcement officers were shot and wounded Wednesday morning while driving onto an expressway on Chicagos South Side, and detectives were questioning a person of interest about the shooting, police said.

The shooting occurred at 5:50 a.m. near the 22nd District police station in the citys Morgan Park neighborhood. The three were in an unmarked undercover vehicle on their way to an assignment when they were shot, Chicago police Superintendent David Brown told reporters.

Two of the officers are agents from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and one is a Chicago officer, Brown said. The officers were treated for their injuries at an area hospital and released later Wednesday. A department spokesman told the Associated Press that a person of interest was in custody and being questioned by detectives. He did not provide any other details.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

The shooting came ahead of a scheduled visit to suburban Crystal Lake, Illinois, by President Joe Biden. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has said she plans to discuss gun control and the citys violence, which has included an increase in shootings this year, when she meets with the president.

A Justice Department spokesperson said Attorney General Merrick Garland was briefed on the shooting and aboard Air Force One on the presidents flight to Chicago, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the administration was also monitoring the situation in coordination with the Department of Justice and ATF.

When Air Force One landed, Biden spoke with Lightfoot, expressing his personal support for the officers who were shot. He reiterated his commitment to working with the mayor and leaders in Chicago in the fight against gun violence and conveyed that the Department of Justice would soon be in touch about the strike force announced just a few weeks ago that will be working with Chicago and other cities.

I will note, in terms of efforts the president has under way to address the rise in violence weve seen over the last 18 months, including in Chicago, there are a number of steps that impact Chicago directly, White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters before Air Force One landed.

At a morning press briefing, Brown declined to talk about what the officers were working on. He did not say whether the shooter or shooters knew that they were officers, and department spokesman Tom Ahern later said detectives had not yet interviewed the three officers to determine if they believe whoever shot them knew they were law enforcement officers.

The officers, Brown said, were driving on an onramp to Interstate 57 when they were fired upon from the street. One of the ATF agents was shot in the hand and the other was struck in the torso, Brown said from outside a hospital where the officers were taken. He said the Chicago officer was struck on the back of his head but that it appears to be a graze wound.

The shootings come a day after police reported that 100 people were shot in Chicago  including two police officers who were wounded while trying to break up a crowd  over the long Fourth of July weekend.

With Wednesdays shooting, 36 Chicago officers have been shot or shot at this year, Brown said.

This is a very challenging time to be in law enforcement but they are rising to the challenge of doing all they can. And the work they do is extremely dangerous, Brown said.

The holiday weekend shootings included 18 homicides. The bloodshed was comparable to the long Fourth of July weekend last year, when 17 people were fatally shot and 70 more were wounded.

___

Associated Press writers Corey Williams in West Bloomfield, Michigan, and Alexandra Jaffe, traveling with President Biden, contributed to this report.
.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

LEAGUE CITY, Texas  Dozens of children and adults have tested positive for COVID-19 after attending a Texas church camp. Three tested positive for the highly contagious delta variant.

Fifty-seven adults and youths from Galveston County tested positive, including six patients who were fully vaccinated against COVID-19, said Dr. Philip Keiser, the countys local health authority. More than 90 others, including some from outside the county, have reported positive test results to Galveston County health officials, he said.

More than 450 adults and grade-six-to-12 youths attended the camp organized near Giddings, Texas, by Clear Creek Community Church in League City, a Houston suburb in Galveston County.

The outbreak prompted the church to cancel services until July 11.

Giddings is about 100 miles (160 kilometers) northwest of Houston. League City is 24 miles (39 kilometers) southeast of Houston.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................
.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

A Phoenix man who stormed the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6 riot while sporting face paint, no shirt and a furry hat with horns has lost his third bid to be released from jail.

A federal judge in Washington concluded Tuesday that Jacob Chansley hadnt presented new information that had a material bearing on whether any condition of release from jail would assure he doesnt flee from authorities.

One new bit of information from Chansleys lawyer was that his client has relatives besides his mother who have lived in the Phoenix area for a long time. Judges can consider family ties when whether evaluating a persons risk of fleeing.

Judge Royce Lamberth said family ties dont ease his concerns about Chansleys ability to travel long distances using untraceable methods and raise money for travel through nontraditional sources.

As Chansleys family connections have not prevented him from traveling undetected in the past, the court is unpersuaded that they will prevent him from doing so again in the future, Lamberth wrote.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

Chansley, who calls himself the QAnon Shaman, has been jailed since his arrest nearly six months ago.

When rejecting an earlier release request, Lamberth said Chansley was among the wave of rioters who spearheaded the rush into the Capitol and pointed out that the Phoenix man carried a spear into the attack and wrote a note to then-Vice President Mike Pence that said, Its only a matter of time, justice is coming.

Chansley has apologized for his actions, though he also has said he didnt regret his loyalty to Trump.
.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

The assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise has drawn shock and condemnation from leaders around the world, along with calls for calm and unity in Haiti.

Moise was killed in an attack on his private residence early Wednesday, according to Haitis interim prime minister. First lady Martine Moise was shot in the attack and is hospitalized. It wasnt immediately clear who was behind the assassination in the troubled Caribbean nation, which has grown increasingly unstable in recent years.

We are shocked and saddened to hear of the horrific assassination of President Jovenel Moise and the attack on first lady Martine Moise of Haiti. We condemn this heinous act, U.S. President Joe Biden said in a statement. The United States offers condolences to the people of Haiti, and we stand ready to assist as we continue to work for a safe and secure Haiti.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the assassination in the strongest terms and stressed that the perpetrators of this crime must be brought to justice, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

The secretary-general calls on all Haitians to preserve the constitutional order, remain united in the face of this abhorrent act and reject all violence, Dujarric said. The United Nations will continue to stand with the government and the people of Haiti.

Colombian President Ivan Duque described the assassination as a cowardly act and also expressed solidarity with Haiti. He called for an urgent mission by the Organization of American States to protect democratic order.

Marlene Bastien, the executive director of Family Action Network Movement, a group that assists residents in Miamis Little Haiti community, said the next few days are going to be very chaotic and contentious as government supporters and opponents jostle for power.

There is definitely a constitutional crisis and political void right now, said Bastien.

Bastian called on the Biden administration to take an active role in efforts to hold free, fair and credible elections in Haiti, following the assassination of Moise who had been ruling by decree for more than a year.

Here is a chance to do it right from the start, said Bastien. No more Band-aids. The Haitian people have been crying and suffering for too long.

In Boston, home to one of the largest Haitian communities in the U.S., a pastor who heads a Haitian advocacy group, Dieufort Fleurissaint, said hes worried about reprisals and unrest.

Fleurissaint said hes been checking in with family, friends and fellow pastors in Haiti to make sure everyone stays at home for now.

To kill and assassinate a president in his home just shows the level of insecurity in the country and how no one is exempt from the violence, said the 59-year-old Fleurissaint, who has lived in the U.S. since he was 18. Its unacceptable.

Leaders across the world voiced fears that the assassination could lead to more turmoil.

The European Unions foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, warned in a tweet that this crime carries a risk of instability and (a) spiral of violence.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for calm, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the assassination.

Id like to make an appeal for political unity to get out of this terrible trauma that the country is going through, Sanchez said during a visit to Latvia.

Frances Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said he was stunned by this despicable assassination and urged those involved in Haitis political life to show calm and restraint.

In written statement, Le Drian also advised French citizens in Haiti to exercise the utmost caution.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen offered her condolences via Twitter.

We wish the first lady a prompt recovery, & stand together with our ally Haiti in this difficult time, Tsai wrote. Haiti is one of only a handful of countries that maintains formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which China claims as its own.

Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, a New York Assembly member who represents a large Haitian enclave in Brooklyn said many of her constituents had called her.

People on the ground here are afraid because they have family back there, said Bichotte Hermelyn, the first Haitian-American woman elected to office in New York City

Their fears revolve around political stability, access to food and coronavirus vaccinations, as well as free elections, she said. All of that is at risk because Haiti just lost its leader.

Carissa F. Etienne, the director of the Pan American Health Organization, said in a statement that her group would continue working with Haiti to provide vaccinations and control the spread of COVID-19.

I am hopeful that the imminent arrival of vaccines in the country can start to turn the tide of the pandemic and bring some relief to the Haitian people during these very difficult times, Etienne said.
.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

HOUSTON  A Houston police officer fatally shot a man during a confrontation at an apartment complex, according to authorities.

Officers responded to a disturbance call at around 6:20 p.m. Tuesday after a woman had reported she had been assaulted by a man, said Houston Police Chief Troy Finner.

When police tried to arrest the suspect, police allege he got into a struggle with one officer and tried to take his weapon.

Finner said another officer feared for the safety of the officer struggling with the suspect and fired. The unidentified man was shot and killed.

A relative of the suspect who had also struggled with officers was arrested.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

The two officers involved in the confrontation have been placed on administrative leave, Finner said.

Houston police internal affairs and the Harris County District Attorneys Office are investigating the shooting.

The shooting took place after another Houston police officer was wounded on Monday at a different apartment complex when a man opened fire after an argument with a woman over a parking spot.
.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  Authorities say one person is dead following an officer-involved shooting Wednesday morning near Tesuque.

New Mexico State Police is investigating the incident, which occurred at 1 Entrada Capulin in Santa Fe and involved the Santa Fe County Sheriffs Office.

Deputies are okay and uninjured, State Police posted on Twitter. Suspect is deceased.

It wasnt immediately clear what led to the shooting.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

Details are limited, State Police said.

This is the the fourth shooting involving a Santa Fe-area police agency in two weeks.

Santa Fe police officers on June 23 shot and killed a suspect who had fled De Vargas Park. Later that same day, Santa Fe County Sheriffs Office deputies shot and killed a suspect near Siler Road and Refina Court after a car chase. On Sunday, State Police officers shot and injured a suspect in Santa Fe after he fired at officers.
Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  Three-term state Rep. Rebecca Dow of Truth or Consequences officially jumped into New Mexicos 2022 gubernatorial race Wednesday, vowing to address hard truths related to the states high unemployment rate, low education rankings and chronic child welfare issues.

A former early child care professional, Dow could emerge as a front-runner among the five Republicans vying to challenge Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham due to her name recognition and early fundraising edge.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

And Dow did not pull her punches Wednesday on the subject of the incumbent governor, describing Lujan Grisham as a power hungry career politician whose policies have hurt New Mexico.

As a state, we have never experienced more dire conditions than we are currently struggling through right now, Dow said in a statement.

Dow, who registered a gubernatorial campaign committee last week, released a campaign launch video Wednesday that features her riding a horse, shooting a firearm and holding a baby.

She said in an interview she was the most prepared among the GOP candidates to run against Lujan Grisham, who was elected governor in 2018 and is seeking another four-year term next year.

I think we need a new face that Republicans can unite around, Dow said, adding she has a record of winning over some Democratic voters in her rural House district.

As a state representative since 2017, Dow has maintained a conservative stance on hot-button issues, voting this year against Democratic-backed bills to legalize recreational cannabis for adult users and require private employers to provide mandatory paid sick leave for employees.

She also voted against a bill to repeal a long-dormant state abortion ban and has talked publicly about her decision not to have an abortion after getting pregnant as a newly married 19-year-old.

But Dow is also a supporter of Spaceport America, a state-funded facility in Sierra County that has drawn opposition from some Republicans, and this year was among a bipartisan group of lawmakers who pushed for creation of a citizen redistricting committee.

Her gubernatorial campaign announcement drew swift barbs from the state Democratic Party.

Rebecca Dow has made it clear that shes a far-right extremist who will side with GOP leaders even when it means threatening our democracy, said Democratic Party Chairwoman Jessica Velasquez. Her policies would be devastating for our health care, economy and the well being of all New Mexicans.

Dow will have a head start on fundraising compared to her GOP rivals, as she reported this week the transfer of slightly more than $105,000 in campaign funds from her legislative campaign account to her new gubernatorial account.

The founder and a former employee of AppleTree Educational Center, a nonprofit that provides prekindergarten and other educational services, Dow currently works for a family-owned technology firm.

Meanwhile, the four other Republicans who have previously announced campaigns for the 2022 gubernatorial race are military veteran and financial adviser Greg Zanetti of Albuquerque, Sandoval County Commissioner Jay Block of Rio Rancho, former congressional candidate Karen Bedonie of Farmington and retired teacher Tim Walsh of Albuquerque.
.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  Detectives have released the names of two men and a woman killed in Albuquerque in the past week.

Albuquerque Police Department spokeswoman Rebecca Atkins said the deaths of Henry Barr Jr., 26, Natalya Lorenzini, 24, and Javier Gandarilla, 34, are being investigated as homicides. No arrests have been made in the cases.

On July 4, police were called around 10 p.m. to a home in the 300 block of Lansing SW, near Bridge and Isleta. Officers found Gandarilla dead at the home.

On July 2, officers responded around 9:15 p.m. to a shooting in the 400 block of Grove SE, a few blocks from Zuni and Louisiana. Police found Lorenzini shot and she died at a hospital.

Less than 24 hours earlier, around 3:30 a.m., officers were called to the 400 block of Tennessee NE, near Copper. Police found Barr Jr. shot in the chest. He died at a hospital.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................
.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic reached New Mexico last March, the number of passengers traveling to and from the Albuquerque International Sunport on a single day eclipsed the total from the same date in 2019.

On July 2, about 13,800 passengers passed through the Sunport, slightly more than the number who traveled through the Sunport on July 2, 2019, according to Sunport marketing manager Jonathan Small.

Small cautioned that it was a single day of data, and that totals from the overall Fourth of July weekend continued to lag behind comparable numbers from 2019 by about 30%. Still, he said it was another incremental step toward recovery for the embattled airport.

Its just one day, Small said. It doesnt necessarily paint a full picture  but that one day was exciting.

Like many airports around the country, the Sunport was hit hard by the pandemic and associated travel restrictions. The airport saw about 3.6 million fewer passengers in 2020 compared to 2019, according to city data.

However, Small said the Sunport has seen stable growth so far in 2021, particularly since around February. He attributed the growth to loosened health restrictions, lower COVID-19 case counts and increased vaccination rates that are helping passengers feel more confident in flying.

ADVERTISEMENTSkip



................................................................

Its definitely been increasing steadily, Small said.

While exact numbers for the holiday weekend are not yet available, Small said around 48,000 passengers traveled through the Sunport between July 2 and July 5, an increase of 189% over last years total. In June, Small said the Sunport averaged 12,300 passengers per day, up 260% from June 2020.

Other markets reported a similar uptick in domestic air travel over the holiday weekend. American Airlines announced that it carried nearly 2.7 million passengers between last Thursday and Monday, roughly three times the total over the same period in 2020, according to the Associated Press.

Small said hes optimistic that numbers at the Sunport will continue to rise as passengers feel more confident. As passengers have returned, airlines have added routes after cutting them during the worst of the pandemic. Small said Southwest Airlines has announced the return of daily flights to and from San Diego in November, and the airline will start flying to and from Dallas and Los Angeles twice a day later this year.
Instagram Movie

The 'Da 5 Blood' filmmaker gives a passionate speech about racism issues in the United States on the opening day of 2021 Cannes International Film Festival.

Jul 7, 2021

AceShowbiz - Spike Lee kicked off the Cannes Film Festival in France on Tuesday (06Jul21) by sharing his dismay that black people are still being "hunted like animals" in the U.S.

The first black competition jury president in the festival's 74-year history, the director joined jury members Mati Diop, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Melanie Laurent, and Tahar Rahim, among others, to launch the return of the in-person Cannes, which Lee called "the world's greatest film festival."

During the press conference, Spike was asked about his seminal film "Do the Right Thing", which showed in competition at Cannes in 1989, noting that the treatment of black Americans - one of the themes of the movie - is still a hot button topic.

Noting the deaths of George Floyd and Eric Garner at the hands of white police officers, he said, "You would think and hope that 30-something motherf**king years later that black people would have stopped being hunted down like animals."

He also took aim at former U.S. leader Donald Trump, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, and Vladimir Putin, calling them "gangsters" with "no morals, no scruples."

"That's the world we live in, and we have to speak out against gangsters like that," he told the media.

Cannes 2021 opens on Tuesday night with director Leo Carax's Sparks musical "Annette", starring Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard.

The Honorary Palme d'Or will be handed out to Italian filmmaker Marco Bellocchio and American actress Jodie Foster.
WENN/Avalon/Pat Denton/Avalon Celebrity

The 24-year-old model, the Oscar-winning actress and the South African beauty join the likes of Jodie Foster, Marion Cotillard and more at the screening of 'Annette'.

Jul 7, 2021

AceShowbiz - The 2021 Cannes Film Festival has officially begun with a star-studded event. On Tuesday, July 6, the likes of Bella Hadid, Jessica Chastain and Candice Swanepoel attended the screening of Leos Carax's "Annette" which marked the launch of the French Riviera spectacular.

Bella Hadid at 2021 Cannes Film Festival.

Academy Award-winning actress Jessica wowed in a black strapless ballgown with layered tulle skirt. She wore minimal accessory with only a necklace and sported her signature cherry red lipstick.

Jessica Chastain at 2021 Cannes Film Festival.

Supermodel Candice literally shone on the red carpet in a glittering nude-colored catsuit with a very plunging neckline and fringed sleeves. She completed her glamorous looks with a necklace and matching earrings.

Also serving as a feast for the eyes was Marion Cotillard, who stars in the fantastical musical "Annette". Hitting the red carpet with her co-stars Adam Driver and Simon Helberg, she sizzled in a metallic silver one-shoulder gown. Adam opted for a traditional black-and-white look with a bow-tie, while Simon went unconventional in a blue suit with a black bow-tie.

Jodie Foster, who is the recipient of the Palme d'Or Life Achievement Award this year, posed on the red carpet with her wife Alexandra Hedison. She donned a white dress, while her other-half contrasted her looks in a dark number.

Maggie Gyllenhaal, who is a jury member at this year's festival, looked elegant in a champagne-colored dress with a cape. MJ Rodriguez donned a head-to-toe lace gown, while Katerina Graham looked fierce in a green dress.

After being canceled last year due to the pandemic, the 74th edition of the event returns this year from July 6-17.
Instagram/WENN/Instar Celebrity

The 'Flip or Flop' star, who reportedly has been dating Joshua Hall for 'the last few months,' is photographed with him at the Los Angeles International Airport ahead of their flight to Mexico.

Jul 7, 2021

AceShowbiz - Christina Haack (previously Christina El Moussa) has officially bid farewell to her single status. While her ex-husband Ant Anstead already moved on with Renee Zellweger, the "Flip or Flop" star found herself a new love as she was caught on camera holding hands with her new boyfriend.

On Tuesday, July 6, the 37-year-old HGTV personality was spotted at the Los Angeles International Airport with her beau Joshua Hall. In a clip obtained by Page Six, she said she's "pretty lucky" to date him. She also refused to comment on her ex's romance with the "Bridget Jones's Baby" actress.

Christina is said to head to Mexico with Joshua to celebrate her 38th birthday, which will take place on Friday, July 9. About how long the pair have been together, a source told the outlet, "They've been dating for the last few months."

During the outing, the real estate investor wore a gray tank top, dark shorts and white sneakers with a flannel shirt wrapped around her waist. She completed her look with dark sunglasses and a brown backpack. Her companion, meanwhile, sported a white T-shirt, grey pants, matching cap and navy-blue Nike sneakers.

About Joshua, he was reportedly a former police officer and now works in a realty firm in Austin, Texas. In a self-written bio on the firm's website, he wrote, "Before my 16-year career was cut short due to injuries sustained in the line of duty ultimately leading to an early retirement, I took great pride in helping people with everyday difficulties and putting them at ease."

Christina's relationship with Joshua came after she split from Ant in September 2020. They finalized their divorce in June this year, the same month when the former "Wheeler Dealers" host began dating the Oscar-winning actress Renee.

Christina and Ant tied the knot in December 2018. Together, they share a 1-year-old son Hudson. She is also a mother to 5-year-old son Brayden and 10-year-old daughter Taylor, whom she shares with her previous husband, Tarek El Moussa.
WENN/FayesVision Celebrity

A pickup truck smashes into the comedian's George Kitchen in Torrance, California, leaving behind a huge mess and four people, including a pedestrian, injured.

Jul 7, 2021

AceShowbiz - George Lopez's Chingon Kitchen has turned into a car crash site. A pickup truck smashed into the comedian's restaurant on Tuesday, July 6, leaving behind a huge mess with multiple injuries.

Per TMZ's report, law enforcement sources spill that a driver ran a stop sign outside The Brews Hall in Torrance, CA and hit another car before it spun out of control, sending it crashing into George's joint.

Four people were injured in the accident, including drivers of the two cars as well as a passenger and a pedestrian. All four victims were taken to a local hospital, but thankfully their injuries were described as moderate. No one inside the restaurant was hurt.

As to how the car crash impacted George's restaurant, photos obtained by TMZ show there's a lot of broken glass, busted frames and smashed-up storage racks from where the car crashed into the front entrance. While it would require a clean-up job, it apparently won't affect business. It is said that the building was not red-tagged and the restaurant will remain open.

George has not addressed the accident on his social media accounts. The former "Lopez Tonight: host, instead, took to his Instagram page on Tuesday, July 6 to promote the new episode of his "OMG HI with George Lopez" podcast.

"EPISODE 19!! KICKING BACK WITH THE FELLAS AFTER BEING IN THE HOUSE FOR DAYS," he wrote on the photo-sharing app along with a clip from the newest episode. "DOWNTIME IS ALWAYS GOOD, BUT I THINK WE ALL HAD ENOUGH OF THAT IN 2020!! BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN FOR EPISODE 19!!"

George's Chingon Kitchen is a joint venture with several investors, including Colin Cowherd. The restaurant takes pride in its authentic Mexican cuisine based off of George's grandmother's traditional recipes.
WENN/Patricia Schlein/C.Smith Movie

The actress, who worked with the directors on 'The French Dispatch' and 'Inglourious Basterds', claims in a new interview that to both filmmakers, 'cinema is like a stage play.'

Jul 7, 2021

AceShowbiz - Lea Seydoux has praised directors Wes Anderson and Quentin Tarantino for their "theatre troupe" way of working.

The French actress has four films in the Official Selection at the Cannes Film Festival, one of which is Anderson's "The French Dispatch". She previously worked with Anderson on "The Grand Budapest Hotel" in 2014, and spoke to Deadline about the way he operates his sets - similar to the way Tarantino, with whom she teamed up on "Inglourious Basterds", works.

"It's really like a theatre troupe they both assemble," she explained. "For them, cinema is like a stage play. With Wes, you don't have any trailers or a green room. You share everything, with the other actors and the technicians. We all sleep in the same hotel, and every night we have dinners together. He knows the names of all the extras. There's no hierarchy."

It's the same for their time at Cannes, as Lea added, "He wants us all to stay together at the same hotel outside Cannes. He really sees us as a family. And Quentin is the same."

Her role on "Inglourious Basterds" was brief, but she remembers her time working with Tarantino fondly. And so does he, as he told her when they crossed paths at Cannes in 2019.

"He said, 'I'm so proud of you, and proud of how you've grown as an actress'," she remembered. "I was so touched. Can you imagine how crazy it was for a young actress, 22 or 23, to work with him?"
Twitter Celebrity

The Indian revered actor has passed away at the age of 98, roughly a week after he was hospitalized in Mumbai following a struggle with a prolonged illness.

Jul 8, 2021

AceShowbiz - Indian actor Dilip Kumar has died aged 98.

According to reports from local newspapers, his family and doctor confirmed he passed away on Wednesday morning (07Jul21) at Hinduja hospital in Mumbai, India, after a prolonged illness.

He was first admitted to hospital on 30 June with breathlessness, which was then diagnosed as bilateral pleural effusion - a build-up of excess fluid between the layers of the pleura outside the lungs.

Kumar, real name Yusuf Khan, is survived by wife Saira Banu, with whom he had no children.

He was widely regarded as the greatest actor India has ever produced, and earned the nickname "the tragedy king" after starring in more than 65 Bollywood movies. He also claimed to be the first actor to adopt the method acting technique - even before Marlon Brando.

His last film came in 1998, after which he moved into the world of politics, becoming a legislator for the Congress party in India.

His career saw him honoured with various awards later in his life, however, including the lifetime achievement gong at India's National Film Awards in 2006, and a Guinness Book of World Records honour for having a record-breaking number of best actor awards last year.

Following news of his death, tributes flooded in from across the world, with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi tweeting, "Dilip Kumar Ji will be remembered as a cinematic legend. He was blessed with unparalleled brilliance, due to which audiences across generations were enthralled. His passing away is a loss to our cultural world. Condolences to his family, friends and innumerable admirers."

Amitabh Bachchan added, "An institution has gone .. whenever the history of Indian Cinema will be written , it shall always be 'before Dilip Kumar, and after Dilip Kumar' .. My duas for peace of his soul and the strength to the family to bear this loss .. Deeply saddened."
LAKEHEAD, Calif.- Shasta-Trinity National Forest Services said fire crews have 25% containment of the Salt Fire this morning.

Acreage stands at 12,546 nearly a week since the fire started.

It's been almost one week since the Salt Fire broke out.

The Salt Fire reducing homes to rubble, leaving cars burnt-out shells, and scorching thousands of trees. Firefighters say the tide of the firefight is starting to turn, but the fight is not close to over.

Firefighters are in these adverse conditions with this near triple-digit heat, low humidity, etcetera, said Daron Wyatt, the Public Information Officer with the California Interagency Incident Management. But the actual weather conditions have actually improved, and the fire lines have improved to a point where they've made really good progress.

Tuesdays less hazy skies also creating a bit of relief for people.

The smoke's been pretty bad for a while but today's it's not nearly as bad as it has been, said Linda Sampson, a longtime resident of the City of Shasta Lake. Im hoping that it doesn't come back.

As long as there's active fire behavior within the Salt Fire perimeter, we're going to continue to see these smoky mornings, said Jeremy Michael, who is the air resource advisor. Thankfully we've been dispersing and lofting some of that smoke out in the afternoon.

The smoke can also impact how firefighters continue to fight the Salt Fire.

Yesterday we had a smoke inversion that kept it low to the ground and the helicopters couldn't get off the ground till early afternoon, said Wyatt.

But smoke can also have its benefits.

It can kind of allow the fire to not heat up or not see as much sun, said Michael. Which can subdue fire activity and we've seen those numerous times in the past.

Firefighters tell Action News Now the Salt Fire is moving into the burn scars of the Delta and Hirz fire, allowing crews to get ahead of the fire.
OROVILLE, Calif. - What started as a family trip from San Pablo to the Bidwell Marina Campground for the Fourth of July holiday, ended with the death of 20-year-old Tyler Dickson.

Action News Now spoke with Dicksons uncle who said that he woke up on July 3 to find his nephew dead in his tent.

The family is hurting, but they still want answers.

California State Parks Law Enforcement called in the Butte County Sheriff's Office to take over the investigation.

They got to the scene around 5 a.m. on Saturday and did not give out many details except that there is evidence pointing to murder.

Dicksons godparent told Action News Now that Dickson was a great kid and athlete.

He just wants to know what happened to his godson.

The Sheriffs office believes that it was an isolated incident, so there is no immediate risk to the public, but the investigation is ongoing.

Butte County investigators are asking anyone who may know something about this to call them at 530-538-7671.
SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. - The Shasta County District Attorney has joined several other district attorneys in seeking data of the number of inmates released from prison since Jan. 2019, according to the Shasta County District Attorneys Office.

Shasta County District Attorney Stephanie A. Bridgett joined other district attorneys in the state to submit a California Public Records Act request to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) for the data of the number of inmates released.

Bridgett was able to identify instances of offenders being released early from prison when the Shasta County District Attorney objected to the release, according to the district attorneys office.

The announcement comes nearly two months after 44 elected District Attorneys filed a lawsuit against the CDCR for increasing the calculation of credits for violent and serious offenders with no input from the public.

The CDCR labeled the increase in conduct credits and an emergency measure as it bypassed the regulatory process, according to the District Attorneys office.

The district attorneys are seeking a preliminary injunction in Sacramentos Superior Court to prevent the CDCR from awarding additional credit until the lawsuit is heard. A ruling is expected on Wednesday, the office said.

Early release of violent criminals under these regulations is detrimental to the safety of our community, Bridgett said in a news release. Not only does it forget about the victims of those crimes for which the offenders are incarcerated but it ignores the many future victims this decision will likely create.
Hot and dry weather will persist across northern California and keep our fire danger elevated this week. Dangerous heat returns late this week and is expected to continue through early next week. Our forecast continues to be dominated by high pressure off to our east that is building west into northern California. Hot and dry conditions will result in elevated fire danger today, and locally stronger winds will also be likely in Modoc County this afternoon and evening. A Red Flag Warning for high fire danger has been issued for Modoc County from 3pm this afternoon through 9pm tonight. Dry fuels, low humidity, and gusty southwest winds will be the driving factors in that Red Flag Warning today. We have clear skies over northern California this morning, and it will be another day of sunny conditions ahead for our region. There will still be some impacts to our air quality in areas closest to our active fires today. Temperatures are starting out in the 60's to 70's in the valley, 60's in the foothills, and upper 40's to lower 60's in our mountain zones for the start of your Wednesday. Light winds out of the northeast are being observed this morning, but south winds will kick in again as we head into this afternoon. Humidity is projected to end up in the 8 to 23 percent range in the valley, but will be lower in areas closest to the Nevada and Oregon borders this afternoon. High temperatures are projected to end up in the 98 to 106 degree range in the valley, while foothill and Sierra locations end up in the mid 80's to mid 90's, and the Northern Mountains top out in the mid 90's to lower triple digits this afternoon. Our fire danger will stay in the moderate to high range due to the dry conditions.

Thursday looks very similar to Wednesday, but will more than likely end up slightly hotter for most areas. A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for portions of Siskiyou and Modoc Counties from 2pm through 8pm Thursday as we'll have dry and locally windy conditions in those areas during that time. Temperatures will continue to climb on Friday, and that is when an Excessive Heat Watch is set to take effect in the valley, foothills, and several mountain areas. The Excessive Heat Watch is set to be in effect from 11am Friday through 9pm Monday night for the valley, foothills, and some mountain areas. Trinity, Siskiyou, and Modoc Counties are set to be under the Excessive Heat Watch from Friday afternoon through Sunday evening. This will more than likely be upgraded to an Excessive Heat Warning as we get closer to Friday. Temperatures in the valleywill end up in the 106 to 112 degree range on Friday afternoon, while most foothill and mountain areas top out in the 90's to lower triple digits.

It's going to get even hotter this weekend. Projections put high temperatures in the valley in the 110 to 115 degree range for both Saturday and Sunday, with overnight low temperatures only dipping into the mid 70's to lower 80's both mornings. Mountain and foothill areas will have high temperatures in the mid 90's to around 105 degrees both days this weekend. We'll also stay dry and sunny, with south winds in the 10 to 15mph range. The heat persists through at least early next week, but high temperatures are not expected to be as hot as the weekend on Monday. We'll still have the potential for high temperatures up to around 111 degrees on Monday afternoon in the valley. We'll then see temperatures dropping by a few degrees through the middle of next week. There is no rain in sight, but the good news is that we also do not have any wind events looking likely through your extended forecast either.
Life goals are now brighter, clearer, and nearer as ARNETTE, the Californian, easy-going, street style eyewear brand for young millennials and Gen Zs has finally arrived in India. Having wowed loyal customers and new-age discerning shoppers across the world, the brand now brings its range to India, offering a wide variety of eyewear for the young and young at heart, looking for a street style look.

ARNETTE is fully committed to caring for the environment. Thats why they use recyclable raw materials for a greener, sustainable world. In 2019, the brand launched its first sustainable collection, and by this year, 70% of its collection is made of eco-friendly BRT600LS bio-based plastic, with a recycled elastane pouch and dedicated packaging.

Commenting on the India launch, Suvashish Banerjee, Brand Manager, Luxottica Group, India & South-Asia said, ARNETTE is popular for its distinctive shapes and iconic colours, additionally the brand echoes an easy-on-earth attitude. We shall be introducing the bio-acetate collection that is made from planet-friendly bio-based materials and bio-lenses, perfect for todays green shoppers. Right from store props to packaging, ARNETTE is committed to a what goes around, comes around approach. Our non-conformist and genre-defying styles along with our eco-conscious sensibilities are what makes us unique. We believe ARNETTE will resonate very well with todays edgy, quirky and effortlessly cool young consumers and Gen Z that will represent a major share of the Indian audience.

Since 2019, ARNETTE has been on a mission to make a difference in earth-conscious style, and with the first drop of its 2021 collection its raising the bar even higher: presenting ARNETTE POSITIVE. From process to product, the ARNETTE POSITIVE platform gives us honest insight into how the brand is making climate-friendly innovation the coolest trend around.

An inclusive and purposeful brand that aims to bring together the laid-back revolutionaries, who want to express themselves with a fluid and irreverent attitude; driven by a concrete desire to share their passions, experiment and possibly produce a positive change in their everyday lives. Ultra-light in weight, ARNETTE offers the trendiest new generation shapes and colour combos on looks that are as easy on the Earth as they are on the eye. Whats more? Clearly, a voice of the youth, its attractive pricing is for the young - the new collection available in India starts at INR 3,690/-

So, while the world heats up, ARNETTE is as cool as it can be. ARNETTE makes sure that the only thing high impact about its frames is their look.

ARNETTE is the voice of youth culture.

Available near you:

ARNETTE is now available in India via leading e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, Tata CLiQ Luxury, and leading optical stores across the country.

Arnette will soon be present at AJIO, Tata CliQ, Nykaa, Nykaa Fashion and Myntra.

Pricing starts at: INR 3690/-
Clevertize, one of Indias leading integrated marketing agency has appointed Suman Mani as its Creative Director. Mani brings with him 14 years of experience in the advertising industry across various platforms  creative, design, art and building influential brand experiences.

Mani is the quintessential integrative creative mind with his stripes coming from leading creative mandates at agencies like Dentsu Webchutney, JWT, Cheil India and Hakuhudo Percept. Mani has crafted brand communications for Times of India, Samsung, Park Avenue, Redbull, Adidas, Reckkit, Benckiser, Bata Xolo, Sony, Xperia and KTM. His campaigns for Times of India, Faballey, ADP have fetched him recognition and awards from the industry. Prior to Clevertize, Mani was at Cheil India.

Commenting on the appointment, Sagar Nidavani, CEO & Founder, Clevertize, said, I am delighted to welcome Suman into the leadership team at Clevertize. As we dial up our creative abilities and drive content lead innovations, Suman will be great fit for the same. He has done clutter breaking creative work for some of the top brands in the country. Suman will lead our vision to transition Clevertize into a Creative led Integrated Marketing Agency."

Talking about his new position, Suman Mani, said, With the world now at our fingertips, integrated digital marketing solutions is the way forward for our industry. Clevertize is at the cusp of this shift and this is what excites me as I join their team. With the dynamic changes that we are experiencing in the digital space, new avenues of creative expression and digital innovations have become key driving factors and I look forward to unlocking a world of possibilities with this team of enthusiastic and eager minds. My mandate is to raise the bar and take the agency to the next level of creative existence. 
As part of the build up to Adgullys first PR summit  IMAGEXX 2021  we present the valuable insights provided by our esteemed jury panel comprising the leading names from the countrys PR and Corporate Communications field.

In the last 10 years, PR has taken a different dimension, especially after the entry of social media and the rapid shift to digital, especially in the pandemic period. However, at the same time the industry has been facing stiff challenges, moreover client expectations has also increased, with more emphasis being given to digital and online reputation management. The industry has undergone a radical shift and the current times have pushed the industry to change gears.

In conversation with Adgully, Pooja Garg Khan, Head - Corporate Communications, Panasonic India, speaks about ho digital is transforming the PR industry as well as media relations. She also talks about the science behind PR, which has the potential to change conversations.

PR has evolved a lot in the last 10 years and is still evolving. How does the road ahead look like and what are some of the new trends that we will notice in the PR industry in the next 5 years?

Lets rewind to the last two decades, which have been quite dynamic for the PR industry. Just like the media industry, PR has evolved in every sense. I still remember, when I started out, we did media rounds for press releases. Cut to date, press conferences are also virtual today. While the process had already started, COVID-19 accelerated the digital transformation.

Digital has taken the world by storm in the last 10 years and PR industry is no different. From analytics to story pitches, all can be done online. There are platforms today which help you identify the right set of journalists for a story and send them pitches. All automated. Press releases can simply be uploaded on a platform, target group defined and you can reach out to a journalist in any country at the click of a button. Earlier, we relied on those many meetings to profile a journalist for the spokesperson, today you can get their profiles from LinkedIn and Twitter.

The rapid digitisation of the PR industry, though accelerated by the pandemic, is the future. Some key trends that I see emerging and which will be here to stay include:

Phygital engagement with the media  now, we dont need to travel to another city to meet a journalist, Zoom and Team meetings have become an accepted norm. Though there will continue to be outliers who prefer to meet in person

Lines will continue to blur between Digital Marketing and Digital PR. PR folks will need to drive a distinct value in terms of engaging KOLs, amplifying news reports, drive the culture story, engage employees

Press conferences will continue to evolve and take a phygital shape, with journalists joining through online platforms from across the world and engage with the spokespeople

Content will gain even more significance as this is what will drive engagement and conversations for the brand

Owned platforms on social are increasingly becoming the companys voice to the external world

Employees, more than celebrities, are emerging as brand ambassadors

AI and technology will be the game changer in the coming years, especially in the area of data. What are your views on this and how are agencies and brands gearing up to face this new challenge?

I have always maintained that there is a science behind PR. It is not just an article in a paper or online channel, but has the potential to change conversations. To build a strong PR campaign, data analytics takes precedence as it helps us garner insights from all the external and internal chatter, consumer research to review our key messages and overall PR strategy. Our Key Message Framework is an example of good data analytics from online, offline brand conversations, consumer and partner insights. Every product launch at Panasonic is preceded by a consumer research, the data is analysed to draw insights, which help us craft our launch stories. From Miraie  Connected Living Solution to our nanoe-X AC range which helps inhibit COVID-19, all successful campaigns were backed by strong data. If I look at social media, LinkedIn and Twitter analytics help identify and target the relevant network/ community, analyse our content better to engage and time the launch. So, it is pretty much in our DNA.

Coming to AI, I think this still needs to evolve in how it can help the PR industry. There are pockets of conversations and projects, which help track the right journalists for a pitch, but I dont think its fool proof as yet. I am exploring this space.
Yellow Messenger, a leading CX automation platform, recently rebranded as Yellow.ai as well as launched an expanded product suite. As part of this move, yellow.ai launched Voice AI bots to its existing portfolio of chat automation solutions.

Bringing the best of AI and Human intelligence together to automate Customer Experience for large brands and enterprises Yellow.ai is recognised by Gartner, IDC and G2 Crowd as a leader. Yellow.ais client base is spread across 30 countries and includes 700+ global enterprises like Sephora, MG Motors, Bajaj Finserv, Food Panda, Bharat Petroleum, Waste Connections US and Tata, among many others.

In conversation with Adgully, Vartika Verma, VP - Global Marketing, yellow.ai, shares her thoughts on the significance of their rebranding initiative, as well as how Yellow.ai is helping Indian brands and marketers deliver value to their customers using the power of Voice AI.

Could you highlight the purpose behind the new design and look for your brand identity? How is this new rebranding exercise helping the company  both in the short run and long run?

In 2016, a few years before the chatbot boom era, Yellow Messenger was born on the cusp of a global shift to automated communication on conversational platforms. Now, our business is very much at the heart of it. Over the years, weve expanded our capability and leadership to offer holistic conversational automation.

At this point in our growth momentum, we have customers who are early adopters and also pragmatic buyers. To achieve mainstream success, it is imperative to address our buyers needs fully with a whole product, which actually puts innovation to work. We conceptualised our new identity to rightly reflect our leadership in the market of enabling Total Conversational Experience Automation.

You have retained the main name Yellow and added ai in place of messenger? What is the thought process here and what are you trying to communicate to your core audience from this new brand identity variation?

When the company was founded 5 years back, our vision was to automate business-to-consumer conversations over conversational channels popular back in the days  SMS, Website, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, etc. However, with changing times the touchpoints of conversations have gone beyond text to reach voice, and touchless UI options.

We wear 700 happy enterprise customers on our sleeves, coming from 50+ countries. And while we expand further globally, we wanted to retain how best they recognise our platform, product, and team.

In line with the platform growth aggressively moving towards automation first, across chat and voice, for our new identity, we wanted to retain our brand salience while disassociating from text-only connotation. Hence, we retained yellow, dropped messenger, and added what is at the heart of our product  AI; hence, yellow.ai.

How is voice assistant a game changer? What is the additional value it is going to deliver to the end customer and how will this enhance his experience as a customer?

Thank you firstly for this question, because the launch of voice bots is at the heart of our entire rebranding activity. Even today, ~60% of brand-to-consumer conversations still happen on voice channels like IVR. And to offer a holistic customer experience automation solution, we wanted to weave in automation across channels. With the addition of voice bots on the yellow.ai platform, our customers can now retain the context of a consumers interactions across IVR, Alexa, Google Assistant, Website, WhatsApp, and 35+ channels.

We believe brands leveraging our platform will be able to deliver moments of magic with personalised interactions, at scale, across touchpoints.

What kind of industry verticals will benefit from this new technology of voice bots from Yellow.ai? How do you plan to market this new feature to your current and new customers?

Any enterprise that has over 100k customers or over 20k calls/month coming to their call center, can greatly benefit by deploying a voice bot to self-serve customer support to the tune of 80% and increase CSAT by 20%, all this, while reducing ~80% cost of operations. We already have live deployments for our voice bots across Telecom, Banking, Finance, Insurance, and Governments.

As for the go-to-market strategy, we are offering to our existing and new customers a zero-friction starting plan of just 20K minutes/month. This, we believe, will greatly encourage enterprises to taste the power of Voice AI, in tandem with their existing way of operations and scale from there.

Any rebranding exercise needs some kind of awareness generation. What will be your engagement strategy with your target audience to talk about your new branding and your new product offerings on the technology front?

Absolutely, rebranding is one part of the positioning matrix, and actually communicating and delivering the same is where the real game-changer is. Towards regularly communicating our new positioning and value, weve launched our thought leadership IP called Envision - The Future of AI, wherein we invite our customers and also prospects to talk about their challenges and success with AI.

We also regularly host webinars and workshops to dive into whats new at yellow.ai with practical ways of leveraging our platform to better achieve their goals. These sessions attract both the technology and business side of teams to come together to overcome CX challenges.

In essence, were going to double down on our best go-to-market channels, while innovating our business-to-business, or more like human-to-human communication channels.
Kantar, the worlds leading data-driven insights and consulting company, today completed its acquisition of Numerator, the Chicago-based, tech-driven consumer and market intelligence company from Vista Equity Partners. Numerator blends proprietary data, including a digital panel of over one million U.S. consumers, with advanced technology to create unique insights that help companies understand their customers in real time and identify growth opportunities.

GAMEXX Awards 2021 Early Bird Discount Extended Last Date - Wednesday, June 30, 2021 - ENTER NOW

Numerator extends Kantars leadership in shopper insights into the U.S. and Canada. The Worldpanel Division of Kantar already provides currency grade shopper insights in more than 45 countries outside of North America. The combined dataset will provide insights into the shopping habits of almost five billion consumers globally, informing the growth strategies of the worlds leading CPG/FMCG brands.

Commenting on the transaction completion, Ian Griffiths, Kantars Deputy CEO and CFO, commented: At Kantar we combine consumer insights with advanced analytics to help brands make better business decisions. Understanding actual shopper behaviour is at the heart of that. We identified Numerator for its tech-first platform and geographic compatibility with Kantar. With the backing of our shareholders at Bain Capital & WPP, our investment in Numerator illustrates our commitment to ensuring we offer the most comprehensive and insightful views of how consumers think, feel and act around the world.

Christophe Jacobs, a Managing Director at Bain Capital, added: Numerator is well positioned to further transform the consumer insights and market share measurement business in North America. The acceleration of Kantars and Numerators technology roadmaps, together with their complementary offerings creates a new global standard.

Eric Belcher, CEO of Numerator, added: Kantar is the ideal company for Numerator to join forces with given our complementary geographies, technologies and data science capabilities. On top of that, we're pleased to have Bain Capital's commitment to providing their extensive resources in support of our plans to continue to lead the industry in innovation.

Financial terms of the transaction were not released.
KFC India strengthens its efforts to provide support to team members and communities in need through the ongoing Covid wave. As part of its KFC Care campaign, the brand has undertaken various relief initiatives. Supported by the Yum! Foundation, KFC Care pledges to provide medical supplies & essentials to hospitals, food relief kits and home care Covid kits to underprivileged families. To safeguard the safety and well-being of its team members across India, the brand has extended a Vaccination Drive for its team members, including delivery riders & restaurant managers, across 480+ KFC restaurants in the country.

Speaking about the KFC Care initiatives, Samir Menon, Managing Director, KFC India, said, Since the onset of the pandemic last year, we have been making efforts to combat its impact on communities in need. Stepping up our efforts this year, we have extended support to our team members and identified need areas as hospital supplies to charitable hospitals, food kits as well as home care Covid essentials for underprivileged families. Our aim is to ensure we make a positive difference to those with limited access and means to get through these difficult times. Surging ahead, we will adopt a pre-emptive approach and continue to evaluate relevant areas of work; until we immerge stronger and better in this fight against Covid-19.

In association with partners as ResponseNet and Smile Foundation, KFC Care would provide relief to families of migrant workers and daily wage labourers, with kits of food & hygiene essentials, serving more than 1 million meals. To support underprivileged families nursing diagnosed patients, home care covid kits will be provided to them. In addition, medical equipment for Covid care will be provided to more than 50 public and charitable hospitals. Ramping up efforts to safeguard the health & safety of team members & customers, the brand is covering the cost of both vaccines to 10,000 team members, including delivery riders, and is extending amenities as flexibility in scheduling shifts, option to rest with time-off after getting vaccinated, etc. to get both shots done. The KFC Care campaign will continue to access any further needs and relevant interventions thereby, over the next few months.

KFC India has also made the following commitments to support its people and communities during the ongoing phase of the pandemic.

Medical Fund for team members: Yum! Brands Foundation offers the Global Employee Medical Relief Fund, to provide financial support for KFC team members at company and franchise-owned restaurants all across the world, who may be diagnosed with or who are caring for someone diagnosed with COVID-19. Set up at the beginning of the pandemic last year, the Fund continues to support team members & their families through the ongoing phase of the Covid wave.

Employee well-being: Keeping in mind the health & well-being of employees, the brand has enabled access to isolation centers as well as for scarce resources as hospital beds & oxygen supply. Employees have easy and quick access to doctor consultations for Covid medication, mental wellness as well as post Covid care guidance & nutrition consultation. Taking cognizance of the need to take time off, the brand has declared additional Recharge Holidays in the rest of the year. There are also weekly Wednesday Treats for the entire family to come together and enjoy their favourite meals.
Madison Media is delighted to announce that LT Foods, Consumer Food Company has appointed the Agency as its Media AOR (Agency of Record) for their brand Daawat. The account was won in a multi-agency pitch and will be handled by Madison Media Plus out of Delhi.

LT Foods has a sustainable business model driven by brands known and trusted in over 60 countries. LT Foods has established its foothold in India with well-known premium Basmati rice brand Daawat which has steadily grown and evolved to become a multi brand FMCG Company with innovative products to delight and serve millions of homes across the Globe. Royal, a premium rice brand in USA has establish itself as #1, a market leader in branded Basmati Rice segment there. The company also enjoys an enviable market share in Europe, Middle East and Rest of World, in the branded rice segment. Some of the other leading brands LT Foods proudly shelters are, Indus Valley, Rozana, Heritage, 817 Elephant, Devaaya, etc. Along with Basmati and Other Specialty Rice, the Companys product portfolio also includes organic food ingredients and rice based products on the health and convenience platform launched keeping in mind the changing consumer trends.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Ritesh, Arora, Head  India Business said, Daawat, has multichannel marketing communications strategy to reach the consumers and we are happy to consolidate our media needs with Madison Media for an innovative and novel approach to brand building. We are aggressive in our growth strategy and hopefully this partnership will establish a brand salience for Daawat across the country.

Says Mr. Vikram Sakhuja, Partner & Group CEO, Madison Media & OOH, We are thrilled to have been awarded the Daawat account. Not only do we have the opportunity to convert a largely unbranded category, we also have the arsenal of a superior product with a rich legacy.

Says Rajul Kulshreshtha, CEO, Madison Media Plus, Were excited to have won the account of LT Foods and look forward to a memorable association.

Madison Media, Indias largest homegrown media agency that started media operations in 1995, was ranked by Recma, amongst the Top 5 Global Independent Agencies of the World in 2019. Comvergence attributed 211Mn$ of new business wins to Madison Media, double that of the next Agency in its Business Barometer Report for 2020. Similarly, Recma gave Madison Media the top score of A+ in its Comp Pitches Report for 2020. The Agency is also ranked the 2nd most powerful media agency by The Economic Times, Brand Equity Ad Agency Reckoner, 2019. Some other Agency accolades include Best Digital & Social Media agency of the Year at IDMA 2020, Media Agency of the Year at Prime Time Awards 2020 and 2021. Agency of the Year at Digies Digital Awards 2019 and Mobile Media Agency of the Year at IDMA 2019. In addition, the Agency has won over 200 awards since 2019.

Madison Media also continues to handle media planning and buying for blue chip clients like Godrej, Marico, Asian Paints, Titan, Tata Consumer Products, Blue Star, TVS, Raymond, Ceat, Pidilite, Bajaj Electricals, McDonalds, Lodha, gaana.com, and many others.

Madison Media is part of Madison World, Indias largest homegrown communication agency established in 1988. Madison World through its 11 Units served last year, as many as 500 Advertisers.
They say, a picture is worth a thousand words. We say, a picture is worth many pictures! Samsung India launches an epic campaign that showcases the prowess of Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G and its revolutionary 108MP pro-grade camera. Introducing #EpicDreamsOf21: For the first time ever, one can witness 21 unique dream shots captured in one epic shot!

GAMEXX Awards 2021 Early Bird Discount Extended Last Date - Wednesday, June 30, 2021 - ENTER NOW

Conceptualised by Cheil India, it brings 21 epic dreams to life like never before. Our insights showed dreams of our consumers this year were very different from any other year. Simple things in life like going outdoors, eating at a restaurant, hugging a loved one, travelling, family get together and celebrations, all of which were once a normal had turned into dreams. Dreams that are actually 21 different stories, all captured in one shot. With the highest resolution possible on a smartphone, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G camera lets one take an epic photo in such detail that you can crop multiple shots with true-to-life details and hues.

The vision of the campaign has been brought to life by award-winning film director Daniel Zenas Upputuru and shot by ace photographer Avani Rai. The campaign epitomises a one-of-its-kind experience for Samsung consumers through its unrivalled picture quality and luxurious design.

At Samsung, we believe in innovations that enable our consumers to do what they cant. With our latest campaign, we are excited to showcase the power of Galaxy S21 Ultra 5Gs pro-grade 108MP camera in an innovative manner. Photography enthusiasts can now click high-resolution images with its 108MP camera and crop it into many pictures without compromising on the quality, said Aditya Babbar, Senior Director and Head, Mobile Marketing, Samsung India.

We created a surreal visual journey of simple things in life that we missed in 2020 and turned them into #EpicDreamsOf21. This was captured in one epic shot in a setting we all wished to be in  the outdoors, using the power of 108MP of Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Every dream composition within the #EpicDreamsOf21 was inspired by a work of art brought to life using a cast of over 40 models posing for the epic photograph, said Emmanuel Upputuru, Chief Creative Officer, Cheil India.

Galaxy S21 Ultra 5Gs Pro-Grade 108MP Camera

Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is designed with a unique contour-cut camera that houses cutting-edge lenses to create a revolution in photography  letting one capture cinematic 8K video and snap epic stills, all in one go. It offers premium photography experience to consumers with its 108MP camera. With the most advanced pro-grade camera system, Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G users can capture stunning, studio-quality photos in various lightings and settings. Users can click high-resolution images and crop them into several photographs which remain clear and high in quality.

The combination of anti-shake technology, 10x optical zoom and both laser and dual-pixel autofocus enables the cameras to produce results that rival those of high-end DSLRs. Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a quad rear camera that features an upgraded 108MP pro sensor, from which users can capture 12bit HDR photos with 64 times richer colour data and more than three times wider dynamic range. For the first time on a Galaxy smartphone, users can shoot in 4K at 60fps across all lenses including the front and the four rear four lenses.
Toofan wahi jo sab palat de  the upside down Thums Up bottle is a visual symbol that celebrates the determination, the strength, and the fierce challenger spirit. As India enters its 100th year of participation at the Olympic Games, Thums Up aims to celebrate and salute the real heroes of the Olympic Games - athletes who overcame tremendous odds to reach where they are today. The campaign truly reflects the mood of not just the athletes representing India at the Olympic Games, but the entire nation. Every bottle in the hand of every consumer is now also their voice to 'Palat De' all the naysayers who say they can't or shouldn't do it.

The task at hand was to create a brand shift. And to do that, instead of taking away something from it, we decided to add something to it  real heroism. Making the campaign relatable and emotional, without disturbing the DNA of the brand. The uplifting tone of the campaign perfectly complements Thums Ups repositioned brand message of resilience and real heroism of everyday people.

Sukesh Nayak, Chief Creative Officer - Ogilvy India: Completely turning the conversation upside down, its a game changer that takes the brand a notch higher. We believe it very well captures the emotion of the nation, when it comes to the Olympic athletes, our real heroes.

Ritu Sharda, Chief Creative Officer - Ogilvy India (North): All of us have faced these naysayers, telling us what we can and cant do. The emotion is real and relatable. And thats why we think the idea is going to cut through the masses and turn into a cheer-storm for our athletes. Of course, the idea lives beyond a campaign and is a personal statement for anyone to say Palat De to any challenge

Arnab Roy, Vice President and Head-Marketing, Coca-Cola India and SouthWest Asia: Consumers are at the heart of Coca-Colas beverage portfolio. The company is acutely attuned to their preferences and continuously looks at innovative ways to connect people with our brands. Our partnership is a statement of empowerment, and our intent is to instill the thunder of hope and strength amongst our consumers. The new upside down Thums Up bottle is a visual symbol of resilience that people showcase in their daily lives, against all odds.

Client: Coca Cola India

Agency: Ogilvy India (North)

Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy India: Sukesh Nayak

Chief Strategy Officer, Ogilvy India: Prem Narayan

Vice Chairperson & Chief Client Officer India: Hephzibah Pathak

Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy India (North): Ritu Sharda

Creative Team: Preeti Koul, Shailender Mahajan, Kingshuk Dey, Rishi Pandey, Vishal Yadav,Vikrant Bisht, Surbhi Rathee, Srikanta Behera

Planning Team: Rohitash Srivastava, Pritish Mukherjee

Account Management Team: Atif Rahman, Priyanka Walia, Rohit Sachdev, Saumya Sahni, Tarni Sharma

Director: Shashanka Chaturvedi

Production House: Good Morning Films
Alton, IL (62002)

Today

Partly cloudy early. Scattered thunderstorms developing in the afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 91F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms. Low near 70F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Since the official launch of the A321XLR at 2019s Paris Air Show, there has been more than 420 orders and commitments from over 20 customers, including legacy and low-cost carriers as well as leading lessors for the extra-long-range version of the A320neo familys longest fuselage aircraft.

Such demand clearly underlines its appeal as a bridge between Airbus single- and twin-aisle aircraft offerings. Its extra reach and 30% lower fuel burn per seat than previous-generation aircraft will enable airlines to operate a lower-cost, single-aisle aircraft up to 4,700nm on longer and less heavily travelled routes  many of which can now only be served by larger and less efficient wide-body aircraft.

') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write(' ') } // --> ') } else if (width >= 425) { console.log ('largescreen'); document.write('') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write('') } // -->

Despite being designed to maximize overall commonality with the A321LR and the rest of the A320neo family, incorporating the same kerosene-saving P&W- or CFM-supplied engines and sharklet wing-tip devices, the A321XLR boasts several unique, distinguishing features.

The main differences are the rear center tank integrated in the aft fuselage, the larger waste water tank, a reinforced nose landing gear and main landing gear, including brakes, allowing for an increased MTOW from 97t up to 101t, says Gary ODonnell, head of the A321XLR program.

In particular, the optimized rear center tank (RCT) holds more fuel than several optional additional center tanks did previously, while taking up less space in the cargo hold  thus freeing-up under floor volume for additional cargo and baggage on long range routes.

Meanwhile, aerodynamic improvements include a new single-slotted flap and enhancements on the aerodynamic cleanliness of the surfaces of the aircraft, as well as new flap / slat configurations adapted to the characteristics of the A321XLR.

To provide extra comfort on longer flights, the A321XLR will use Airbus latest Airspace cabin, which features enhanced mood lighting, onboard connectivity and larger bins offering 40% more capacity installed as supplier-fitted equipment.

The cabin provides passengers with the best travel experience, including seats similar to those used on a wide-body aircraft, says ODonnell. Airspace is already in service on A350 and A330neo aircraft and will be fully available for A321XLR.

Major component assembly

Industrialization and parts production for the first A321XLR is underway across Airbus sites and its supply chain, with major component assembly of the first forward fuselage, center and rear fuselage sections and the wings expected to occur before the end of this year. Airbus is targeting an entry into service for the A321XLR of 2023, although this may be delayed depending on how fuel tank testing and certification proceeds.

The production of components and systems for the first A321XLR flight-test aircraft is progressing at sites across the world, says ODonnell. In parallel many parts are already being tested and demonstrated  on both the aircraft structure and on the systems side  to validate the functionality of all those first aircraft components.

Airbus has demonstrators for structure, system, equipment and the cabin spread across its facilities in Hamburg in Germany, St. Nazaire in France and Broughton, UK as well as at key supplier sites. These range from detailed material coupons to full section demonstrators, says ODonnell.

The production system in particular is coming alive, with our teams receiving the design drawings both internally and from key partners and bringing them into physical reality.

This is enabling our factories across Europe and the UK to prepare their pilot operations for the major component assembly phase to begin later this year, and in turn, for the subsequent induction of the first completed major component assembly into the final assembly line at Hamburg in the second part of the year.

Line of attack

While all major sections of the A321XLR contain significant design changes versus the current A321neo / A321LR aircraft, the XLRs centre and aft fuselage deviate the furthest because of the integral RCT and associated fuel management systems. In a bid to avoid any disruption to the existing single-aisle production rates, a separate structure pilot line dedicated to assembling the A321XLRs centre and rear fuselage sections has been built at the Hamburg Finkenwerder production facility in Germany.

The pilot line has been fully designed in 3D, with A321XLR-design data used to digitally validate ergonomics, operations and logistics beforehand.

The pilot line in Hamburg means that we can have a stable factory, explains ODonnell. It will allow us to start ramping-up production of the A321XLRs aft fuselage major component assembly using longer cycle times to begin with and with an increased level of engineering and support  to ensure the smooth integration of the new rear center tank and its new fuel systems.

Importantly, it will also avoid us putting at risk the rest of single-aisle production. And then, once were happy that everything is mature enough, we can transfer it with confidence into the main production system.

Multi-site approach

Meanwhile, the A321XLRs centre and aft fuselages production cycle continues to progress, with work split across several key sites. Manufacturing of the subassembly of the center wing box started in mid-November 2020 in Nantes and will soon be delivered and integrated into the aft fuselage major component assembly section at Hamburg.

At the same time, Premium Aerotec Group in Augsburg, Germany is completing the final parts for the RCT and is readying the tooling and shop floor for the fuel tanks assembly. At Premium Aerotec Groups other sites in Nordenham and Varel in Germany, various large centre and aft fuselage components are also beginning to be produced.

Parts production for the aircrafts nose and forward fuselage section is underway at Stelia Aerospace. Once completed, they will be transported to Saint-Nazaire, France for the nose and forward fuselage major component assembly stage.

Another key major component assembly structure is the aircraft wing set, for which the Broughton, UK teams particular focus is the A321XLRs flap configuration. To this end, the associated tooling trials are in progress for the new inboard and outboard flaps, which are being performed in conjunction with Spirit AeroSystems in Malaysia and FACC in Austria respectively.

The wings more conventional fixed components, such as spars and stringers, are taking shape in Broughton and in the associated supply chain. Likewise, production is underway for the landing gear components at Safran, Collins and Triumph, fuel and inerting systems at Collins and Parker Aerospace and the engine pylons at Airbus dedicated production plant in St. Eloi, Toulouse. Cabin and cargo systems are currently in the testing phase to validate the A321XLRs extra-long-range passenger comfort elements.

Demonstrators play key role

Airbus is using dedicated demonstrators to validate the design and assembly processes ahead of final manufacturing. The same full-size demonstrators are also used to pre-train the production-line staff at the final assembly facility in Hamburg, where the first A321XLR will be built.

We have been using a mixture of virtual and augmented reality [VR and AR]to demonstrate the 3D digital model for some time already, says ODonnell. We have also been using early physical demonstrators, wooden mock-ups and 3D printed parts.

More recently, we have developed the full-scale production demonstrators which we see more and more of today  primarily at Saint Nazaire and Hamburg, he says. The early physical demonstrators and the virtual demonstrators enable us to validate our design decisions. Most of that was completed in 2020.

The production demonstrators primarily support the training, the industrial process maturity and help to secure our ramp up, because we run them at production rate. This is happening across the assembly areas.

Then we are running demonstrators for maintenance, repair and customer support teams, so they can create the airline documents, other technical documents and repair manuals.

We use physical demonstrators with VR and AR so the teams can test how they change and fix parts  whether in a hangar or on the apron, so that when they are writing technical documents, they have already been able to check on these virtual references.

Ratings war

Such attention to detail is designed to ensure Airbus can maintain its aggressive delivery targets for an aircraft that continues to win orders. Currently, we are at rate 40 for the overall A320 family with a plan to ramp up to 45 by the end f this year, reveals ODonnell.

The two large fuselage structures and systems demonstrators located in Hamburg, Germany and in Saint Nazaire, France, are the current focus. Respectively, these physical mock-ups (PMUs) are the Pre-Industrial System Accelerator (PISA) for the centre and aft fuselage (CAF) section, and the nose and forward fuselage (NFF) section.

In the PMU demonstrator for the forward section we are focused on the XLRs structure reinforcement due to the different loads, and also on the new systems improvement for cabin comfort, says Martin Schnoor, the A321XLR airframe leader at Airbus. The PMU gives us the opportunity to bring all of the modifications together from airframe, systems and cabin to confirm the industrial interfaces, he continues.

Meanwhile the PMU in Hamburg is focusing on the XLRs major components including the rear-centre-tank integration, water tank integration, the extended fuel system and the modified hydraulic system. Here, we take full advantage of the proximity of the rear fuselage PMU to the final assembly line to provide production operator training before they go into the first serial produced aircraft.

Airbus plans to keep and update the PMU demonstrators over the life of the XLR program, to perfect future modifications as well for shop-floor training purposes.

All of these demonstrators help us to observe the systems, activities and workflows under holistic real conditions at an early stage before the start of production, says Hauke Delmas, head of single aisle XLR equipping at Airbus Hamburg Finkenwerder facility.

The demonstrators, along with classroom training and VR / AR training, will be an integral part of our employee training and onboarding in the future, says Delmas. They provide a protected space for learning and further development and make it possible to learn from mistakes, without endangering production or safety.

Structural assembly

At the end of June, production of the A321XLR had started on the dedicated structure pilot line inside Hangar 260 at Airbus Hamburg plant, responsible for the structural assembly of the centre and rear fuselages.

In parallel to this, the structural assembly of section 15 had started in mid-April with the integration of the shells from RUAG, as well as the centre wing box from Airbus Nantes, and the keel beam and rear flange module supplied by Premium Aerotec.

In the coming weeks, the teams will finalize the integration of the RCT module into section 17, with the structural assembly of the second flight test aircraft. The equipment assembly phase of the first aircraft is planned in the fall, followed by a dedicated period for flight test equipment installation

Fuel for thought

Premium Aerotec in Augsburg, Germany is responsible for the production of the A321XLRs rear center tank (RCT)  a permanently installed high-capacity fuel tank that makes maximum volumetric use of the aircrafts lower fuselage. The RCT structure, which is integrated in fuselage sections 15 and 17 is located behind the main landing gear bay and holds up to 13,100 liters of fuel.

However, Boeing recently raised concerns with EASA that integrating the new fuel tank into the fuselage presents many potential hazards, suggesting that such a design provides less redundancy than structurally separate fuel tanks and offers less protection against structural disruption due to an otherwise survivable off-runway or landing gear failure event.

To ensure safety, EASA has imposed special conditions to protect the lower half of the fuselage around the center fuel tank from fire penetration.

In May, Premium Aerotec delivered the first fully equipped RCT to Airbus Hamburg site, heralding the start of the assembly of the aircrafts rear fuselage and the center fuselage on the plane makers dedicated pilot line.

Its a major milestone for the A321XLR program, says Martin Schnoor, head of A321XLR program development airframe program at Airbus. The teams can be proud of this achievement and the overall speed of industrialization.

We are on track with our planning and the pilot line dedicated to the A321XLR is ready and waiting to operate the assembly phases for the first flight test aircraft, all the way through to the entry into service.

Related Stories

Airbus launches even longer range A321

Behind the scenes at Airbus Airtec testing facility in Filton

Airbus releases flight testing video series
The next child is Jacob Clynick. Jacob was 13 years old when he received the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine on June 13, 2021. He died three days later of an enlarged heart and myocarditis, which is inflammation of the inner heart wall. The CDC says it's "investigating" Jacob's death. You can read about Jacob here: https://www.rt.com/usa/527177-twitter-vaccine-boy-died-heart/

The first is a 12-year-old girl named Maddie de Garay. Maddie's parents allowed her and her two brothers to enroll in the Pfizer trial where 1,100 kids aged 12-15 received the real Pfizer COVID vaccine. One brother received a saline placebo. The other received the real vaccine and quickly became infected with a severe case of COVID, serious enough to cause him to miss many weeks of school. But Maddie's experience was different. Her body lost the ability to digest food and she also lost the ability to walk. While this happened back on January 20, 2021, she still uses a wheelchair and still has a feeding tube today. Her medical team declared her new health status to be a mental issue and suggested she be committed to a psychiatric hospital. Pfizer did not stop their trial and has not publicized this child's injuries. You can watch Maddie's mother, an engineer, testify at a US Senator's press conference here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zp_zNSEW1wc&t=355s

Mainstream media haven't reported much on the children and young adults harmed by these vaccines, so I understand that their stories may not have made it onto your radar. I'd like to tell you about a couple of them.

Hi, friend. I noticed your post the other day-- the one about making sure your child wears a mask until they can be vaccinated this fall--when the Pfizer COVID vaccine will be awarded emergency authorization for use in kids under 12. You know my stance on this specific issue, and of course, I know yours, but I hope this note finds you open and willing to receive some information before you finalize that monumental decision for your child.

Levi Quackenboss is known for his acerbic wit and sharp, educational blog posts. But below you'll see his softer side, as he takes the dump truck full of sugar approach to help a friend learn facts about the Covid vaccines and children. Parents don't get this information from their pediatricians, their news sources or most of their equally unaware friends. We are so entrenched in the world of medical rights and vaccine injury and disability, that we often forget that the MAJORITY of those around us are not only brand new to the concepts, but have been actively educated to believe anything but what we share. There is a time to use lemon, and a time to use honey. And a hive full of facts. Levi is a Queen (King?) Bee for this work. ###

Then there is Kamryn Thomas. She was 17 on March 19, 2021, when she took the Pfizer vaccine. She died 11 days later, having collapsed at home and was discovered by her family. You can read about Kamryn here: https://healthimpactnews.com/2021/16-year-old-wisconsin-girl-dead-following-2-doses-of-the-experimental-pfizer-covid-injections/

While there are numerous 17-21 year old young men in the media who have nearly died of heart inflammation or blood clots in the brain after taking the vaccines, I'll give you the story of Simone Scott as my last example. Simone was a 19-year-old college student at Northwestern University when she took the Moderna vaccine on May 1, 2021. While her school was about to mandate vaccines, she was eager to get ahead of it and take it on her own. Eight days later her heart began to fail, setting off a grueling spiral of deteriorating health that resulted in a heart transplant. She died on May 16, 2021. The best reporting on Simone's passing was written by former New York Times writer Alex Berenson. You can read his work here: https://alexberenson.substack.com/p/simone-scott-oct-7-2001-june-11-2021

On June 22, 2021, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) held a meeting where they discussed myocarditis after vaccination in adolescents, teens, and young adults. There were over 300 cases of post-vaccination myocarditis reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System which, at best, is capturing only 10-20% of very serious post-COVID vaccination reactions because parents don't know to report to the system and doctors are refusing to do it. The committee decided that the mRNA vaccines like Moderna and Pfizer would require an FDA warning on the fact sheet--a paper that very few people even read. The new warning states that there is a risk of heart inflammation for several days after the second dose and to seek medical help if the person experiences chest pain or a fluttering heart. No verbal warning is required for the young people receiving the vaccine and they do not need to be directed to read or specifically acknowledge the warning in writing.

A large portion of the ACIP meeting was dedicated to hammering home the committee's conclusion that, based on their math, the benefits of vaccinating young people under age 18 with mRNA outweigh the risks. Their conclusion was rooted in their assessment of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths that the vaccine would allegedly prevent in minors. However, the CDC shows that out of 74 million US residents under age 18, there have only been 321 under-18 deaths associated with COVID in the United States in the last 18 months. You can see that data here: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/covid_weekly/index.htm

That's a total risk of 1 in 230,000 but truthfully, the minors that died with COVID all had extremely serious underlying chronic health complications, including diabetes and lung disease. Healthy children simply do not die of COVID.

In order to come to the "benefits outweigh the risks" conclusion, ACIP had to engage in a little sleight of hand. Rather than comparing all risks from a COVID infection to all risks from taking the vaccine, or just comparing myocarditis in minors with COVID to myocarditis in minors from the vaccine, they instead compared apples to oranges. They chose all risks from COVID and put it up against only myocarditis from the vaccine, and declared the vaccine victorious. ACIP also depended on using only diagnosed COVID cases in minors as the denominator, despite the fact that the vast majority of COVID cases in minors are asymptomatic or nearly so, and went undiagnosed and were never documented. The true denominator is larger by several orders of magnitude and honest comparison and analysis would not come close to showing that vaccinating anyone under age 18 to be the safer bet.

What this boils down to is the ethics of vaccinating healthy 12-17-year-olds, and, eventually, healthy 6-month-old babies, for a pathogen that presents a nearly-incalculable risk of death or hospitalization for them as individuals. One third of all COVID-associated deaths in the US were in people over the age of 85 who already outlived their life expectancies by more than a decade. https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/what-share-of-people-who-have-died-of-covid-19-are-65-and-older-and-how-does-it-vary-by-state/

95% of all COVID-associated deaths in the United States were adults over the age of 50, which means our healthy children will be vaccinated with a risky new technology to allegedly protect much older people from so-called asymptomatic transmission from a healthy child. However, even Dr. Anthony Fauci has said, "In the history of respiratory viruses, asymptomatic transmission has never been the driver of outbreaks." https://twitter.com/davidjthunder/status/1380159221572976643

The data on deaths shows an even more outrageous justification for vaccinating healthy children: 94% of COVID-associated deaths were in people with at least one preexisting health condition, usually 2 to 3 overlapping serious conditions. See here: https://acdis.org/articles/news-94-patients-who-died-covid-19-had-complicating-conditions-data-confusion-surrounding

And of these conditions, the number one determining factor in whether someone died with COVID was obesity. In an analysis of 238 US hospitals, 78% of COVID hospitalizations and deaths were in Americans who were classified as overweight or obese, and the risk of severe illness climbs sharply as BMI rises.

It needs to be said: pharmaceutical companies and public health agencies do not have the power nor the right to use our children as shields for the elderly or the obese.

I do hope you'll reconsider vaccinating your child when the time comes. There is no emergency for this emergency use when it comes to kids, and the long term risks on fertility and overall health won't be known for another decade, maybe two. Sunshine, exercise, low sugar, a healthy diet, and some extra vitamin C and zinc are that our little ones need.
"We have a list of inside 'rain day projects.' We were able to begin a few last week, starting some maintenance items on our combines in hopes that they will get used this fall. I hope to see a few more shop days in the near future!"
Edwardsville, IL (62025)

Today

Partly cloudy in the morning followed by scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. High 91F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Low near 70F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Online access to our web content is free for current print subscribers. Your Subscriber ID is the six digit number above your name located at the top, right side of your bill. If you don't have your bill handy, just call our Circulation Department between 8 and 5 at 256-234-4281.
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (AP)  An Oklahoma man was hit and killed by a train in Mississippi as he stood on the tracks, authorities said.

The 42-year-old, who has not yet been identified, was struck in Lamar County on Sunday night, news outlets reported. Sheriff Danny Rigel told WDAM-TV that the train's engineer said the horn was sounded in an attempt to alert the man, but he didn't move.

The Amtrak train was traveling from New York City to New Orleans and was delayed by more than five hours after hitting the man, company spokesperson Marc Magliari said in an email to the Hattiesburg American. None of the passengers or crew members was injured.

County Coroner Blake Matherne told the newspaper Tuesday that the man's identity couldn't be released because authorities in another state haven't located his relatives.

The Lamar County Sheriff's Office and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.
NEW DELHI (AP)  It began in February with a tweet by pop star Rihanna that sparked widespread condemnation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis handling of massive farmer protests near the capital, souring an already troubled relationship between the government and Twitter.
Hurricane-damaged signs remain in front of area businesses along Ryan Street in Lake Charles Friday afternoon. When the sign of a business is not attached to the building, many insurance companies will not cover it.
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (AP)  Recordings of 911 calls after an oceanfront Florida condominium building collapsed in the middle of the night show disbelief, panic and confusion as people tried to comprehend the disaster.
Nearly every industry has been impacted by COVID-19 and has felt the effects of this global pandemic. The food service industry is no exception. 2020 brought about a significant amount of change for the food service industry and forced restaurateurs to think outside of the box. As the world 
PULGA, Calif. (AP)  A blaze that erupted near the flashpoint of the deadliest wildfire in recent U.S. history was heading away from homes on Thursday but survivors of the 2018 blaze worried that history could repeat itself.
The recent execution of a Christian man by Muslim terrorists in Sinai showcased a little-known but interesting fact: the reason so many radical Muslims target innocent infidels is often based on projection, a word defined as the attribution of ones own ideas, feelings, or attitudes to other people. One academic article/book chapter elaborates: Projection allows the killer to project his (unacceptable) desire to kill (torture, rape, steal, dominate, etc.) onto some target group or person. This demonizes his target, making it even more acceptable to kill.

Thus, in the April 17, 2021 video of the execution of Nabil H. Salama, a 62-year-old Christian, the Islamic State narrator suggested that he was guilty of and being killed for building a church in Sinai that was somehow engaged in nefarious activities meant to subvert the Islamic order -- precisely what many mosques do in and to the West.

Similarly, after the Islamic State slaughtered 20 Egyptian and one Ghanaian Christian on the shores of Libya in 2015, it made a video portraying its actions as revenge against the Coptic Church, which ISIS and other radicals regularly accuse of kidnapping, torturing, and forcing Muslim women to convert to Christianity -- all things Muslims regularly do to Christians in Egypt. (Apparently the killing of nearly 60 Christians in a Baghdad church a few years earlier -- which the jihadis then also portrayed as revenge against the Coptic Churchs forced conversion of Muslim women -- was not enough).

When a Muslim cleric said that whenever they [U.S.] invade a Muslim country, they strike on a Sunday. Always, he too was projecting. Muslim mob uprisings against Christians and their churches, in and out of Egypt, are almost always on Fridays -- and naturally so: for that is the one day of the week when Muslims congregate in mosques for prayers, only to hear sermons that rile them up against infidels.

But perhaps the best example is Ayat Oraby, a Muslim woman activist popular on social media. In a 2016 video (which appeared around the same time that one authority said Egyptian Christians were suffering attacks every two or three days), she sought to foment as much hostility for them as possible. After calling the Coptic Church a bunch of gangsters and a total mafia that rules [Egypt] behind the curtains, she accused it of stockpiling weapons in churches and striving to create a Coptic statelet in an effort to continue waging a war against Islam.

Meanwhile, back in the real world -- which consists of some 200 nations -- Egypt is the 16th worst nation for Christians to live in; there they experience very high persecution. The abduction of Christian women and children and their forced conversion to Islam is par for the course; entire Christian villages and churches are regularly set aflame on the rumor that a Christian somewhere blasphemed against Muhammad on social media, or that a Christian man is dating a Muslim woman.

But many Muslims, such as this Ayat Oraby, ever seeing themselves as victims, are blind to such facts; their notions of reality are informed by Islam. And if Islam calls for constant hostility against the other -- the non-Muslim, the infidel -- who must be subverted or subjugated one way or the other, that must mean the other is constantly working to subvert and subjugate Muslims.

Orabys accusation that Egypts Christians control events behind the curtains is as ironic as it is old. In 2010, prominent Egyptian cleric Khalid al-Jundi complained that in Egypt Muslims have fewer rights than Christians, and even do not have the right to worship like Christians. In reality and as is well known, Christian churches face immense restrictions; just talk of building one sets off mass riots and attacks on Christians.

Moreover, in a country where Islam reigns supreme; where Sharia (which mandates the subjugation of non-Muslims, a la Koranic verse 9:29) is part of the constitution; where every segment of the Muslim population -- from terrorists, to mobs, to the authorities themselves -- harass Christian minorities at various levels; where Christians have been conditioned over centuries of persecution to be grateful with just being left alone -- is it reasonable to believe that these selfsame, downtrodden infidels, who make up only ten percent of the population, are planning a violent takeover of Egypt?

Orabys claims that Egypts Christians are stockpiling weapons in churches and striving to create a Coptic statelet to continue waging a war against Islam is yet another tired charge. Muhammad Salim al-Awwa, former secretary-general of the International Union for Muslim Scholars, once appeared on Al-Jazeera and, in a wild tirade, accused the Copts of stocking arms and ammunitions in their churches and monasteries -- imported from Israel no less, which he called the heart of the Coptic Cause -- and preparing to wage war against Muslims. He warned that if nothing is done, the country will burn, inciting Muslims to counteract the strength of the [Coptic] Church.

In reality, all that ever burns are Coptic churches at the hands of Muslim mobs and terrorists -- as when nearly 70 churches were attacked and many destroyed following the ouster of the Muslim Brotherhoods Muhammad Morsi in 2013. Moreover, it is Muslims who smuggle and stockpile weapons, including in mosques, in order to fuel their separatist jihads to secede from infidel powers.

In short, and as activist Mounir Bishai once put it:

Suddenly we [Coptic Christians] have shifted from complaints to self-defense, from demanding [our] rights to [trying to] convince the public that we are not depriving others of their rights now we are being accused of amassing weapons How have we suddenly turned from persecuted into persecutors, from the weak [party] into the strong and tyrannical [one], from the attacked [party] into the infamous attackers, and from the poor [party] into the rich exploiters? How did these lies become widespread, without us gaining any ground or improving our situation one whit?

Even in the field of theology, Muslims are apt to project Islams notions of jihad and martyrdom, fighting to the death for Islam, onto Christian theology. In the midst of the accusation that the Copts are stockpiling weapons to wage war on Muslims, the Al Azhar Scholars Front, which consists of Al Azhar alumni, once declared:

Christianity is constantly defining its overt and covert policy of eliminating all its rivals or degrading [the followers of other religions] and depriving them of every reason to live so that they will be forced to convert to Christianity.

In fact, this is precisely what Islam does: eliminate all its rivals through jihad; or, through the institution of dhimmitude, degrade [the followers of other religions] and deprive them of every reason to live so that they will be forced to convert to Islam.

Similarly, when Bishop Bishoy declared that Egypts Christians are reaching the point of martyrdom due to the increase in their persecution, this, too, was thoroughly Islamized as a declaration of war-to-the-death, including by al-Awwa, who, during his rant, asserted that Father Bishoy declared that they would reach the point of martyrdom, which can only mean war. He said, If you talk about our churches, we will reach the point of martyrdom. This means war!

Of course, the notion that a martyr is someone who wages and dies in jihad, or holy war, is intrinsic to Islam (e.g., Koran 9:111). Even the authoritative Hans Wehr Arabic-English Dictionary translates shahid (martyr) as one killed in battle with infidels. On the other hand, Christian martyrdom has always meant being persecuted and killed for refusing to recant Christianity -- and this is precisely the definition that has for centuries applied to Egypts Christians, the definition that Bishop Bishoy clearly meant.

Incidentally, Muslim projections onto Coptic Christians are paradigmatic of Muslim projections onto all Christians -- indeed, onto all non-Muslims (including if not especially Jews and Israel). The Copts merely furnish an in-depth example of the phenomenon.

In closing, this lengthy excursion into Islamic projections offers another, equally important suggestion: if civilizational projection so pervades the world of Islam, could that also be why the people of the West -- most of whom either profess Christianity or are at least influenced by its ethics and mores -- cannot accept the realities of Islam? Because they too project the ideals of their religious heritage -- one that preaches love, tolerance, and forgiveness for enemies -- onto Muslims and Islam, and therefore insists on seeing them in a positive light?

Raymond Ibrahim, author most recently of Sword and Scimitar, is a Shillman Fellow at the David Horowitz Freedom Center, a Judith Rosen Friedman Fellow at the Middle East Forum, and a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Gatestone Institute.

Image:  

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
The Supreme Court just undermined the authority of K-12 public schools to set reasonable rules for children about their speech outside the classroom or on campus but involving school matters with established rules. The Court also took what should have been a matter between the child and the childs parents and transferred it to our courts, which further weakens parental and school authority.

In its recent decision, Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L., the Supreme Court recently ruled on a schools ability to discipline a student for express and symbolic speech made off-campus (in this case, via a social media app called Snapchat). The student did not make the varsity cheerleading squad at her school and vented her disappointment on social media by making obscene gestures and throwing an F-bomb at the school, at the squad, at softball, and at life in general.

Snapchat is supposed to assure that, within a short time, the post will disappear so no lasting harm should come of it. Unfortunately, the post got back to those at the school responsible for the cheerleading squad. The school suspended the student from the junior varsity squad for a year because those in charge thought that her rant was not conducive to team cohesion and other known team rules.

The American Civil Liberties Union filed the suit in conjunction with the parents who are the legal guardians of the child in question. Both the district and the appellate court sided with this student, holding that the school district violated her rights under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

The Supreme Court, in an 8-1 decision, affirmed the lower court rulings. Article after online article has applauded the Courts decision. However, the ruling is ludicrous on its face and, unfortunately, distorts what constitutes Free Speech within the context of the First Amendment. This type of case also brushes up against the relationship between parents and their children. Finally, it addresses the extent to which a governmental entity (the school) can impose its will on a child outside of the school when is no official school function but there are published rules.

Obviously, we are dealing here with a child. Children are not completely developed mentally or emotionally and are therefore accorded special treatment relative to constitutional liberties. In 1969, in Tinker v. Des Moines Independent School District, the Supreme Court held for the first time that students possess some limited First Amendment freedoms of political expression.

In Tinker, the political speech was symbolic, for the students wore armbands to oppose the Vietnam War. The school had sent the students home, telling them not to come back unless the armbands were gone. The Court ruled that neither students nor teachers shed their First Amendment rights to free political speech at the schoolhouse door.

However, the Court also upheld the schools right to regulate political speech if the speech would materially and substantially disrupt the schools work. Tinker, though, concluded that the armbands were not disruptive enough to uphold the schools decision. In a long dissent to the Tinker decision, Justice Black states:

I wish, therefore, wholly to disclaim any purpose on my part to hold that the Federal Constitution compels the teachers, parents, and elected school officials to surrender control of the American public school system to public school students. I dissent.

And so, the lines were drawn in 1969. Who has authority over these children? How far does the US Constitution go in protecting their rights against school authority? Have Supreme Court decisions like Tinker and those that followed eroded school and parental authority? Was Justice Black right to believe the Supreme Court was wrongly interfering in public schools affairs regarding good order and discipline?

Lets review. The speech the First Amendment protects, whether express or symbolic, must be speech about public policy, including social issues. For instance, where publicly funded universities ban students, professors, or guest speakers political speech because they do not like the speakers political point of view, they are engaged in a classic First Amendment violation of the right to express opposing views on public policy. The ACLU should be filing cases continuously regarding this chilling of political speech where it is most appropriate that the speech be heard  college and university campuses.

In the recent case, though, the 14-year-olds speech had nothing to do with public policy or an important minority political view that would need protecting. The childs speech was vulgar, her gestures obscene, as she was having a small tantrum about not being selected for the cheerleading squad. A teenage tantrum worthy of our Courts?

The teenagers speech does not even meet the Miller Test, in which the Supreme Court said that speech that lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value is not constitutionally protected. F*** the school, F*** everything is not exactly literary, artistic, political, or scientific. Our Constitution does not protect obscenity. And yet, Justice Breyer wrote in the current Opinion, Americas public schools are the nurseries of democracy. A teenagers foul mouth and gestures a nursery of democracy?

This is a matter for the childs parents. In addition to those responsible for the schools cheerleading squad, which wishes to maintain some kind of quality control for the team, her parents have a duty regarding how they wish to bring up their daughter and the level of her manners and decorum. The Court should have ruled that both the District Court and the Court of Appeals had wrongly applied the First Amendment to these facts and dismissed the case out of hand.

Moreover, even if speech deserves First Amendment protection, it is subject to time, place, and manner restrictions. That is why Olympic star Gwen Berrys symbolic political speech regarding the Olympic podium is not a constitutionally protected right. Miss Berrys speech is not at the right time, it is not at the right place, and it is not in the right manner when representing the United States in international competition under international rules. As Justice Black said in 1969, I have never believed that any person has a right to gives speeches or engage in demonstrations where he pleases and when he pleases.

Where children are concerned, parents and schools should be given the benefit of the doubt, and the courts of this nation should respect and protect their authority. Parents, and those they ask to teach their children, must teach all students that a right comes with a duty.

It is learning that duty, and why that duty is important, that is, in part, why we have schools at all. It is also important to teach that we have a body of law, Unwritten Law, that calls us to courtesy, kindliness, and sportsmanship. The District Court, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, and the US Supreme Court could have helped this teenager, her family, and all Americans regarding these fine distinctions. They chose not to.

M. E. Boyds APPLES OF GOLD  Voices From the Past that Speak to Us Now is available at www.amazon.com using both title and subtitle. Please visit, also, at www.missconstitution.com.

IMAGE: Screaming an opinion by rawpixel.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
Democrats are taking to a whole new level Rahm Emanuels seminal advice to never let a crisis go to waste. Ideally, they simply refuse to admit that a crisis exists -- as with Joe Bidens dementia. Otherwise, they acknowledge the crisis but refuse to be identified with it -- as in the case of our out-of-control southern border. If desperate, they will pretend to address the crisis through policies that sound noble but wont work, such as holding guns responsible for violence.

Sleepy Joe Biden has spent a half-century supping at the public trough, during which time his views on critical issues proved overwhelmingly wrong.

Since Sleepy Joe moved into the White House, it has taken him and his handlers about five months to turn our optimistic, forward-moving country into one beset with crises here and abroad.

In the political jungle, Biden may fancy himself the king of beasts, but in terms of successes, he is more like a Detroit Lion than a lion king. His roar has been reduced to mumbling copy from a teleprompter and, in a number of bizarre instances, leaning into a mic to spout eerie gibberish in unintelligible whispers.

Meanwhile, any crisis that crops up is either ignored, identified with some entity other than his administration, or handled with measures that are bound to fail. Other than grasping at straws, Democrats use their digits to point the finger of blame.

Perhaps convinced of the universal karma around the number three, liberals have identified a trio of factors on which to blame everything that isnt going their way. The ultimate purpose for doing this is to seize and retain political power, regardless of the truth.

Their trilogy of bullseyes is global warming (aka climate change), systemic racism, and Donald J. Trump. Every problem can be explained away by one of the above. Even if the accusations seem a bit over the top, Democrats remain unfazed. Their vital task is to sell these ersatz explanations and thus avoid possible criticism from their uninformed base.

In the case of our out-of-control southern border, the likely reason for Kamala Harris months-long delay in going anywhere near it was to avoid the impression that the Biden administration was in any way responsible for what is going on there. This fortifies the party line that the situation had come about long before she and Joe took office.

When she finally hauled herself down to El Paso, Kamalas sole aim was to make sure -- why do Democrats use this phrase so much? -- to claim credit for an improving situation, and to place the blame on the root causes of migrations. (Contrast this to Kamalas disinterest in the root causes of, say, gun violence.) But there is no evidence that her visits with Northern Triangle leaders have changed anything.

So as thousands of migrants breach our border, this administration scrambles to get off the hook by insisting it inherited the mess from Donald Trump. This ironic claim overlooks Bidens edicts to shut down construction of the wall, end the migration arrangement with Mexico, and tacitly encourage those who claim to be seeking asylum. In so doing, a clueless Biden has mistaken incompetence for compassion.

Presumably, Americans can see this for themselves via news coverage of the dangerous escalation on the border, which, without government intervention, will only worsen. But the collusion and coverup by most media outlets are what enables Democrats to get away with brazenly playing the blame game. Americas free press has come to mean a press that is free to distort the truth and ally itself unabashedly with the Democrat Party.

And now Democrats have made the outrageous accusation that congressional Republicans -- and by extension, Trump -- are the real culprits behind defunding the police. Their nonsensible argument is that the GOP did not approve sufficient funding for police departments in Americas crime-ridden cities, hence the alarming number of resignations or retirements. Overlooked is the fact that most of the financing comes directly from the states and cities, not from Congress. And if Republicans are to blame, why arent they out there marching in protest, brandishing Defund the Police or Reimagine Law Enforcement placards?

Across the board, Democrats hold this administration blameless for failures and foibles on their watch. The recent deterioration of relationships in the Middle East has likewise been blamed on Trump, whose achievements in that perilous region were barely recognized at the time, and are now discounted as an unachievable policy, overexaggerated as progress by the previous administration. They even blame Trump for refusing to further fill the coffers of Iranians who openly wish to destroy America.

Democrats have also aggressively blamed Trump for the COVID pandemic in America, citing his slow response in taking it seriously. (On the other hand, they will not even investigate the origin of the outbreak, because it is not in their interests to cross China.)

Having in the past intimated that Trumps part in encouraging the vaccines made them suspect, Biden is now irked with Americans who refuse to be vaccinated. Clearly, the Democrats ongoing hatred of Trump is exacerbated by the chance that he will again seek the presidency in 2024.

Along with Trump, the new revelation of systemic racism takes the heat for many of Americas festering problems, particularly in the inner cities. This blanket explanation gets Democrats off the hook for their decades of neglect.

The charge of racial inequality also provides Democrats the leeway to create their own standard of justice, whose unstated goal is not to level the playing field, but to switch the players positions on the scales of justice so that the aggrieved think they have somehow been elevated above the rest.

Joe even excused the anti-American antics of Olympic trial competitor, Gwen Berry. Not surprising, since during his own junket overseas he made a point of badmouthing Americans who voted for Trump.

There was a time when mean-spirited internecine squabbles ceased at the waters edge. But now there is a deep schism in our society, in which all unpigmented Americans are automatically presumed to be racists, and every issue has an ugly racial component.

For any problems that cannot be blamed on Trump or racism, there is always the convenient existential threat of global warming. Right now, the faithful must be having a field day with the record high temps in the Pacific Northwest!

Global warming is also considered by the Dems to be a factor in immigration. But the most recent absurd salvo in the blame gambit is that climate change is responsible for the collapse of the condo tower in Surfside, FL.

Despite the fact that structural problems existed in that property since it was built some forty years ago, the unscientific catchword of global warming best serves the Democrat scenario, which is all that matters.

Rest unassured that whatever calamity happens during a Biden/Harris siege, culpability will be ascribed elsewhere. Based on their own self-serving rules of play, Democrats will continue to grow their political power by using the Blame Game to their advantage.

Image: Pixabay

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
We just don't know. We just don't know what comes next. It is all a calculated guess. The US Constitution is silent. Even if, if, if, it is so very clear through professional forensic election audit results, that the presidential election of 2020 was stolen and President Trump actually won, there appears to be no obvious remedy stated in the US Constitution to right this wrong. We just don't know.

The Founding Fathers did not write up a "what if" in the Constitution to make things right. The Founding Fathers wrote up nothing in the Constitution in case mail-in ballots or the internet were used to manipulate the vote. The scary part is that since the answer to possible election fraud appears not to be in the Constitution, nor in federal law, nor in federal court cases, then the answer-the remedy will come from somewhere else. That somewhere else, we know not. But probably not from the words within the US Constitution. Much of this is conjecture.

I. This we do know...

* With a strict constructionist view of the wording in the Constitution, the words are not there to "road map" how to fix possible presidential election fraud.

* The Constitution mentions nothing about the Electoral College re-convening. Historically, the Electoral College has never re-convened for a second time for a presidential certification.

* Historically, in the Compromise of 1877, the compromise was made before the president took office, not 6-12 months afterward. It is very difficult to see how a mutually agreed upon compromise can be worked out this late if election fraud were proven through legitimate audits.

* We do know that of the 4 key contested battleground "purple states" that were crucial, all had election irregularities election day, election night, and the following election morning.

* Arizona may be on the verge of flipping its result, and Georgia looks probable to follow. And Pennsylvania and then Wisconsin might be next. In terms of Electoral College votes, that would be all that is needed to satisfy the constitutional 270 votes required.

* We know that President Trump is planning something very big and important this summer, and America might look and feel very different by Labor Day Weekend.

II. So, what would happen if it became clear there was no election integrity in the four most important contested state cases? What would happen?

* Would the Supreme Court do absolutely nothing? Would the Supreme Court say the Constitution is mute, and therefore they themselves have nothing they can do? Would they say no federal law exists to right the wrong? Would the Supreme Court remain impotent?

* Would the Supreme Court place President Trump back in office and back into the White House?

* Would Biden remain the president, nothing changes, and Biden serves out the remaining four years? With Trump supporters seething but doing nothing?

* Would Biden and his Attorney General Merrick Garland, after the Arizona audit proves fraud, stop "by any means necessary" any audits being conducted in any other states? A complete stoppage of all future state audits.

* Would Garland/Biden cite federal supremacy, federal civil rights laws, or federalize the state National Guards to make sure any remaining audits are stopped?

* Is it possible that Biden and Kamala Harris would both be impeached out of office and Nancy Pelosi become President of the United States? President Nancy Pelosi! Pelosi is the Speaker of the House and is therefore third in line to the presidency. The Constitution and federal law are clear on who is third in line: Speaker of the House. President Pelosi!

* Would President Trump admit that there is really nothing MAGA Nation can do, short of violence, and therefore simply just concentrate his efforts on the Republicans taking back the House and the Senate with Trump as their leader in 2022? This is constitutional and legal but only works if there is not election theft again in 2022.

III. Four separate entities and groups are crucial to what might happen next if there is obvious election fraud and a stolen presidential election and the Constitution, federal courts, and federal law are mute on what happens next.

* The Supreme Court. Even though it is obvious that the Supreme Court does not want to deal with the 2020 election, the Court might actually make tough decisions concerning the outcome. Probably the big fear of the Court is that if they rule constitutionally against Biden, the progressives within the Deep State would just ignore the Court. And the Court would be spectacularly neutered for all to see. A big fear.

* The military. What would the military do? Especially what if the top brass goes one way, but the rank-in-file soldiers go the other way? The generals appear to have already sold their soul to Biden. So, it would surprise no one if the military generals stayed with Biden/Harris. But what if the real soldiers themselves go the other way?

* The progressives. Considering what the progressives did, and allowed, and cheered for in the violent deadly riots last summer; we have a pretty good idea of how they would react. We saw the violence the progressives are willing to bring. We know how far the progressives would go if Biden were being removed by the Court.

* Trump supporters. Would they gear up for the 2022 off-year elections so that the Republicans under Trump's leadership take both the House and Senate with filibuster-proof majorities? Would they wait passionately until the 2024 presidential election and support Trump? Or would they become more like the progressives and take matters into their own hands? Would they say enough is enough, and it "gets real," really fast? Especially if the Supreme Court rules constitutionally for Trump, but the progressives say NO.

Conclusion. We just don't know. We do not know what comes next. This is the situation America finds itself in when roughly half of the American people believe at the very least the election results to be very, very questionable; and then roughly half of the American people would not allow Biden/Harris to be removed from office no matter what the forensic audits might clearly show. The Constitution is mute. Federal law is silent. State laws are inconsistent. Emotions are very high. Compromise is unlikely at this point.

Graphic credit: FreePix.uk

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
As the country spirals out of control with a pretend president whose election is as illegitimate as he is unhinged, retreat into the idyllic American Rockies in the hopes of escaping the tyranny threatening the rest of the country has provided little satisfaction.

Even as La Plata County, Colorado, home to Durango in the southwest, succumbed to the partisan dictates of a health industry dominated by Big Pharma and the overreach of a heavy-handed health director, how does a minority population participate in a rational discussion on local affairs or partake in a lucid conversation with community officials? It was no small matter for one feisty restauranteur (CJ's Diner) to successfully challenge the official COVID narrative as he slipped through the maze of legal threats to run his own business unfettered by government interference.

It is a great disappointment to realize that the vibrancy of a Rocky Mountain town is now being strangled by narrow-minded, one-sided intransigence, as a deliberate denial of conservative or traditional values, by its local newspaper.

The insular partisan crowd found validation in a recent Durango Herald column entitled "Authoritarianism," which defines a "people who cannot tolerate complexity" and are "suspicious of people with different ideas" as it is "allergic to fierce debate"  and, in conclusion, pointed the finger at "the US, under Donald Trump." The presumption of the op-ed appears to be that the referenced breed of authoritarians can be found in a generation of Trumpers while supposing that Democrats are the most open-minded and best-informed citizens in the whole wide world. Having been a lifelong Democrat until 2016 and currently a registered independent, my experience has been quite the opposite: that any attempt to have an exchange of factual opinion with a Dem frequently falls on deaf ears. While they may be able to recite a headline, they are incapable of sustaining a give-and-take conversation and have a woeful shortage of details or facts to support their opinion. Too often, an irrational hatred of Trump, largely based on absent forensic evidence, will rear its head as the Dems shut down any attempt to share, as if you are the stupid one who does not understand.

Freedom of speech was designated as the First Amendment for a reason: all the other amendments depend on a functioning First Amendment to protect and safeguard the entire Bill of Rights. Instead, the local D.H. has repeatedly shown little to no regard for offering a fair, unbiased opportunity to inform the public.

It is elementary to consider that the reason to censor is because the item being censored is factual and, therefore, would contradict the prevailing narrative. If the facts did not support the censored item, then why bother to censor it, and why not allow the public to decide for themselves what is fact and what is fiction? Hence, the presstitutes act in their own self-interest as authoritarians, stifling every iota of information  just to be on the safe side that nothing true and valid slips through. This brand of thinking is alive and well  not just with the mainstream media, but in rural media, too, who are also in the business of controlling news output.

Just as in any small town, the daily newspaper is an essential hub, representative of the diverse elements in a community. The newspaper is relied on to connect those elements into one fundamental core of kindred spirits sharing the same real estate, just as LTEs (letters to the editor) are where each citizen has an opportunity to vent and rant as a vital interaction among members of the public. The sharing of one's opinion, unrestrained and authentic, is a basic tenet of a free and open democracy.

So when the flow of that communal interaction breaks down, division within the community has lost a vital sense of togetherness, its own identity fractured when only one narrative is acceptable to the entire spectrum of community members. That is what the D.H. now refers to as an existing community "rift," mindless of its own contribution to create that rift. This is how mainstream media control public opinion and influence issues on a national scale. Dems who live in a totally different reality respond as if "golly gee, we don't understand why this rift exists" and why civic life is less than harmonious.

Examples of how that "rift" became a pattern include LTEs that do not fit the accepted narrative frequently going unacknowledged, as if they had never been submitted for publication  or an author will be hassled by an editor who insists that fact-checking is part of monitoring LTEs and that all letters must meet a prescribed standard for truth. Or an LTE will be liberally edited, with a paragraph rewritten or replaced to fit the preferred narrative.

At the same time, LTEs that represent the Democratic view of life, regardless of whether they are factual or semi-hysterical attacks, frequently find their way to print. Needless to say, this kind of capricious behavior does not make for favorable community relations. The Herald has experienced a dramatic drop in its subscriptions, no longer able to sustain daily print editions. The ratio of Democratic-oriented letters to Republican letters is seriously out of whack to even the most objective observer.

In a recent election for the La Plata Electric Association (LPEA), the voter turnout was a measly 24%, a direct reflection on the glaring lack of news coverage, with no questions asked as to why the challengers were opposing the status quo candidates. It is that sort of exploitation, depriving the public of an informed analysis, that affected the lack of public interest and the final vote, as well as no awareness of a corrupt conflict of interest. As its editors exhibited a lack of journalistic curiosity in failing to perform basic, fundamental commentary and yet meddled (in absentia) in the democratic process, it sounds as though the D.H. has turned a totalitarian corner.

Fortunately, there is a massive public awakening occurring, which is why La Plata County, once a Democratic stronghold, now boasts 15,000 registered independents, with the Dems trailing and Republicans bringing up the rear. It is now up to the Republicans to provide quality candidates and issue-oriented policies while the Dems continue to prove how they have been co-opted by a "liberal" fascist takeover.

We just celebrated the anniversary of 56 white men who put their lives on the line by signing a document of timeless wisdom, establishing the "unalienable" individual right of freedom for every American citizen into posterity. When the spiritual intent of those rights, endowed by our Creator, is abridged in a small Rocky Mountain town, they are abridged for all of us.

Renee Parsons served on the ACLU's Florida State Board of Directors and as president of the ACLU Treasure Coast Chapter. She has been an elected public official in Colorado, an environmental lobbyist for Friends of the Earth, and a staff member of the U.S. House of Representatives in D.C. She can be found at reneedove3@yahoo.com.

Image: Free-Photos via Pixabay, Pixabay License.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
Six months after resigning as attorney general, William Barr recently re-entered the spotlight, reportedly telling friendly news correspondent Jonathan Karl that allegations of vote fraud during the 2020 election are bull. Now that civilian Bill Barr has jumped back into the political fray, it is time to take unflinching stock of the degraded Department of Justice (DOJ) and how it became even further corrupted during Barr's reign.

In reviewing the attorney general's passivity during his tenure, it is difficult to escape the conclusion that Barr's inaction was born of anything other than profound fear of the progressive, hydra-headed agency he ostensibly led. Indeed, during his nearly two years on the job, the nation's top cop repeatedly gave interviews in which he alluded to criminal wrongdoing on the part of the Obama administration and senior leaders of Obama's intelligence agencies, which spied on the Trump campaign and later sought to remove Trump from office on a variety of increasingly implausible and comically specious pretexts. Yet, despite all of Barr's talk, there was never any accountability for the malefactors.

Given the elastic timeframes and endless delays concluding the John Durhamled probe into the origins of the Russia hoax-cum-coup that crippled Trump's presidency, it is worth asking whether Barr cravenly provided the president and the public with false assurances that he and Durham were indeed making a good-faith effort to root out the rampant corruption within the DOJ, coupled with false promises that the coup's participants would be brought to justice. Did Barr make a calculated decision to buy time, carrying water for the administrative state he so fears, while deliberately running out the clock on President Trump? Did Barr bank his hopes on Trump's defeat in the 2020 election so the entire five-year, government-wide effort to defenestrate Trump could be flushed away down the memory hole?

In reviewing nearly two years of the Barr-led DOJ, it is instructive to reflect on the two-tiered nature of justice at the DOJ. Several mysterious deaths remain unexplained, among them the 2016 murder of Democrat operative Seth Rich and the "suicides" of the politically connected pedophile Jeffrey Epstein and the Department of Homeland Security whistleblower Philip Haney. What did these seemingly unrelated events have in common? The suddenly deceased were all in a position to reveal enormously incriminating information about prominent Democrats. It is not a "conspiracy theory" to observe that the DOJ seems to have no interest in investigating these highly suspicious deaths.

Similarly, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), under the DOJ, continues to sit idly on the information gleaned from Hunter Biden's laptop over the past two years, likely in an effort to conceal the evident corruption of Democrat President Joe Biden. Further, the DOJ seems unconcerned by the apparent immigration fraud and ballot-harvesting activities of prominent Democrats like Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. Neither has the DOJ (nor the intelligence agencies) evinced much interest in infiltrating and bringing to justice criminal groups like Antifa, which deploy violent left-wing shock troops to wreak havoc on the nation's streets. And the DOJ, while searching frenetically under every bed in America for straw men to slay, whether Russian bots or white nationalists (WSEs, whatever those are), has no interest in prosecuting FBI agents who use taxpayer dollars to engage in prurient pursuits like child pornography while on the job.

Recall the case of John Huber, U.S. attorney and Obama appointee, who closed his nearly three-year "investigation" into connections between the Clinton Foundation and Uranium One with no findings of any illegality whatsoever. Fellow U.S. attorney John Durham appears scarcely different. Nearly two years after his appointment to investigate the origins of the Russia hoax, Durham has secured one minor guilty plea (a false statement charge) from somebody named Kevin Clinesmith, more of an extra in a Greek chorus than a key player in the five-year (and counting) effort to destroy Trump. Occasional leaks from the DOJ to the media indicate that the real key players, former president Barack Obama, Joe Biden, John Brennan, James Clapper, James Comey, and Andrew McCabe, are at no risk of being found culpable for any malfeasance.

It seems likely that Barr and Durham slow-walked their probe from the start, in fear of the demonstrated ruthless wrath of the DOJ. The Potemkin village of an "investigation" into the origins of the Russia hoax will likely be formally disbanded soon, just as Jeffrey Epstein and others were conveniently disappeared. Then Durham, like Barr, can safely return to private life, out of the crosshairs of the intelligence agencies; write self-serving memoirs; and complain about how he and his investigation were disrespected and obstructed by Trump every step of the way.

Years of stonewalling from Barr and Durham, redundant pleas for more time, and endless dissembling  and, yes, abject dereliction of duty  can all be rationalized away. What (if anything) did the two vaunted lawmen accomplish over the past two years, and why do they refuse to release any meaningful findings to the public?

It is crystal-clear that the DOJ is beyond reform, staffed almost entirely by careerist vipers who failed up, pursuing their own progressive political agendas and enriching themselves at the nation's expense. Law-abiding conservative citizens are now subject to the tender mercies of a new attorney general, Merrick Garland, a warrior for the progressive cause who unambiguously serves at the pleasure of the hard left.

Julian Assange and Edward Snowden, who essentially forfeited their lives to expose massive surveillance state abuses during the Obama era, never got the pardons they deserved. But they still have their honor and their dignity. The same cannot be said of Bill Barr.

Image: Office of Public Affairs via Flickr.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
Hamas knows it cannot defeat Israel, so why does it launch seven rockets into Jerusalem knowing that Israel will retaliate?

The answer lies in the notion of asymmetric warfare or insurgency  a phenomenon heavily studied in military academies and universities, but largely misunderstood outside the groves of academia.

Conventional warfare is about capturing land and inflicting massive losses on the enemy. Victory is achieved by the accumulation of decisive battles and with them more territory. Conventional battles result in the infliction of human losses on the enemy to the point where soldiers cannot be replaced by the next age cohort. Witness Nazi Germany sending old men and boys into the field toward the end of World War II.

For the insurgent, neither holding land nor engaging in large-scale battles is relevant. Only one commodity is of concern: time. Whether the peasant wars of Southeast Asia, Vietnam, and China or the insurgencies against dictators in Cuba and Central America, for the insurgent, time is the most precious of commodities and, for counter-insurgency, the most misunderstood.

The insurgent seeks to draw the enemy into a protracted fight of attrition. The insurgent dismisses winning or losing a single battle as irrelevant. What truly matters is that the insurgent has inflicted damage on the enemy and that the insurgent lives to fight another day.

With rare exceptions (Cuba and Nicaragua), insurgents fighting an indigenous enemy need to evolve to the point where they can fight conventional warfare. Vietnam  one of the West's most misunderstood insurgencies  did not fall to the Viet Cong.

The Tet Offensive was one of the greatest military disasters in the history of warfare  for the Viet Cong. Its losses were so dramatic that it never again operated as a meaningful military force. Its role was superseded by the North Vietnamese Army. Only on the American televised media did Tet become a loss for America.

Mao's insurgency in China ended when the Chinese communists were able to fight conventional battles, as the Vietnamese also ultimately did.

So what does this say about Hamas?

Hamas cannot destroy Israel. It has no air force and no navy. Even with armaments from its Iranian sponsor, it lacks Israel's demonstrable qualitative military edge. In contrast to most insurgencies, it does not swim in the sea of a peasant people distributed over mountainous terrain and jungle. Hamas is bottled up in one of the most densely populated areas in the Middle East.

Its infrastructure is well known to the Israelis, as witnessed by Israel's devastating toll on Hamas's tunnels and buildings. Moreover, unlike most insurgencies, which took place against a foreign regime, the Israelis are not  contrary to propaganda  a foreign power. In contrast to the French and British, the Israelis are not going to pack up their tents and leave. As Golda Meir once said, Israel's great advantage is that it has no place to go.

With the shifting sands of alliances in the Middle East, no foreign power, except Iran, is likely to come to Hamas's aid, and Iran in Gaza would precipitate a major war, not just with Israel, for it would threaten the balance of power in the entire region.

So, apart from a cycle of war punctuated by a temporary cessation of hostilities, with Gaza taking on the appearance of Berlin in 1945 and Israel mourning its innocent dead  Arabs and Jews  what does Hamas hope to achieve?

The answer resides in its eschatology. We in the secular West do not comprehend motivations driven by faith. For believers, especially non-Western believers, religious eschatology is not imminent. To have faith is to have patience. The revelation will occur. It is preordained. The expectation is that it will be revealed in its own time. One must prepare for it, but one cannot hasten it.

So Hamas inflicts misery and attrition on Israel as it stands ready to embrace the time when holy land that once belonged to Islam will be returned to Islam. That is inherent in fundamentalist Islam. All land that was once Muslim will once again be Muslim. There is no compromise with this principle.

Hamas can depend on the Western powers to rebuild Gaza and on Iran to restock its weapons. Its propaganda mill will feed pictures of women and children who fell victims to Israeli airstrikes to a Western media establishment that gorges itself on sensationalism and dramatic visuals and is predisposed to see the people of Gaza as victims of Israel and not of Hamas's instigation by firing rockets into Jerusalem.

With naive Western assistance, Hamas has bought the strongest of insurgency commodities: time. It lives to fight another day and to await the fulfillment of an eschatology that guarantees the return of sacred land. We in the West should comprehend that there is no way to placate a fundamentalist faith.

Abraham H. Miller is an emeritus professor of political science, University of Cincinnati, and a distinguished fellow with the Haym Salomon Center.

Image via Max Pixel.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
A leftist judge in Ohio is using his seat of power to force a black man facing probation to get the experimental jab. That's the reality facing Sylvaun Latham, who was blindsided by the no-win scenario in a Franklin County courtroom during a recent sentencing.

Unfortunately for Mr. Latham, Judge Richard Frye, a Democrat, has mandated COVID-19 inoculation as a condition of leniency, with one-year probation contingent upon proof of vaccination. Latham is now left to publicly lament the strange reality he now finds himself in. "The whole atmosphere of the courtroom changed. ... Everyone had this look on their face. I broke character and asked [my attorney], 'Can he do this?'"

Mr. Latham is a criminal offender who was facing probation for gun and drug charges when the shocking ultimatum was handed down by the leftist judge. Originally, Latham and his attorney had anticipated a plea deal that would result in three years of probation. Now he's staring at the prospect of a five-year probation sentence.

This places Mr. Latham in a gut-wrenching position. Like so many Americans, Latham wants nothing to do with this experimental vaccine. He adamantly articulated his hesitancy to a local reporter: "I'm shaking at this point. I don't like where this is going. ... I feel like it is an overstep especially when he asked me if I'd get it and I said I really don't want to get it. ... That's not like picking up trash ... that's my health."

Only in a free society can our lives truly matter.

Image via Max Pixel.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
The electoral campaign implications of a new poll from the highly respected Trafalgar Group are enormous. Trafalgar posed the question: "Do you believe President Biden is fully executing the duties of his office?"

Respondents were offered two alternative polar opposite answers, plus "not sure." The polar opposite responses were:

"Yes, he is directing all policy and agenda."

"No, others are directing policy and agenda."

The answers reveal that the Democrats have failed to sell the public on the notion that the rapidly fading Biden is in charge of his own presidency, except among self-identified supporters of the party. And even there, a substantial cohort of doubters exists.

The general public

Republicans

Democrats

Independents

Source.

The Daily Wire summarizes the key findings:

56.5% of American voters do not believe that President Biden is fully executing the duties of his office, while 36.4% believe he is directing all policy and agenda

31.7% of Democrat voters do not believe that President Biden is fully executing the duties of his office, while 58.6% believe he is directing all policy and agenda

83.6% of Republican voters do not believe that President Biden is fully executing the duties of his office, while 11% believe he is directing all policy and agenda

58.4% of Independent voters do not believe that President Biden is fully executing the duties of his office, while 36.1% believe he is directing all policy and agenda

It is important to note that the belief that Biden's presidency is being run by unseen and unknown actors is by definition a "conspiracy theory," the label commonly applied by the agitprop media to discredit any conservative view they wish to dismiss. The fact that 57% of the public and almost a third of Democrats believe there is in effect a conspiracy by a secret group to run the nation through a puppet president opens a lot of doors for campaigning against not just the Democrats, but the ruling elite.

Note also that more than three times as many Democrats as Republicans (31.7% versus 9.7%) dissent from the majority view of their other party members. The Democrats are far less united than Republicans on this key issue of the entire Biden presidency. This will affect the ability to flip people's support and especially turnout. It's hard to motivate people to vote for what they regard as a fraudulent party.

Brandon Mores at RedState sees that:

It's going to be hard to get away from the fact that Democrats pushed a man who was incapable of standing on his own two feet and had to be controlled by people in the background. The media will have to work overtime to convince Americans that Biden has full control of his faculties, which will become increasingly harder and more obvious as time goes by, putting Americans in an uneasy position of wanting to know who their leader actually is. A distrust will grow from this, throwing yet another obstacle into the path of Democrats come time for elections to happen.

People don't like being lied to, and a solid majority now believe that they are being fed a fraudulent story about who is running the country. Some may not like Donald Trump, but they are buying the narrative that he offered of an elite betraying their trust and operating in secret.

In terms of electoral strategy, for 2022, GOP candidates for Congress must try to tie their opponents, especially the incumbents, to the fraud. Challenge them to demand that President Biden take the same cognitive test that President Trump aced. Speak in terms of the public's right to know and the nation's need for a fully competent commander in chief.

This acceptance of the nature of the fraud being perpetrated on the public also indicates an openness to questioning the bribes that Hunter Biden channeled to the "big guy." China, not Burisma, must be the focus. China has fallen precipitously in the public's regard, owing to its obvious misbehavior over COVID and its increasingly warlike posture internationally. Hunter's firm is managing a billion dollars of Chinese money. That's a semi-magic figure, a billion dollars. While it's not quite as mystically huge as in the past, it is a round number, and those nine zeroes are impressive to a public for whom four or five zeroes is as high as they can imagine any sum of their dollars amounting to.

After just over half a year in office, Joe Biden is damaged goods and regarded as a frontman for others. This means that getting rid of him and substituting Kamala Harris (or someone else  requiring a lot of political maneuvering and secret deals) will not solve any problems for the Dems. Kamala is spectacularly failing and demonstrating her incompetence and unlikability. She will not be able to heal the country. But maneuvering her out of the line of succession would require even more suspicion-raising work unlikely to build the public's confidence.

The Democrats are in a lot worse position than even most conservatives realized. It is hard to see them earning the confidence of a majority of voters in 2022 or 2024.

Put starkly, the reality is that the entire Democrat leadership has lost the trust of a solid majority of the people, including almost a third of their own supporters. Trust, once lost, takes a long time to rebuild. The opportunity to tie them all to the increasingly self-evident fraud of the Biden presidency represents an unparalleled opportunity for the GOP to sweep them out of office in 2022 and then 2024. An activist Republican in the Oval Office, someone with backbone like Trump or DeSantis, combined with filibuster-proof congressional majorities, could launch a far-reaching reform of the systemic ailments that imperil our Republic. Civil Service reform making it possible to fire large numbers of bureaucrats. Deep-cleansing or even restructuring and moving out of D.C. the corrupt Cabinet agencies. Antitrust crackdowns on tech monopolies. Tying federal education aid to funding children, not schools, via vouchers. And many more "radical" reforms that are really common sense, and that would break the hold progressive elites have on our major government institutions.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
President Trump signed an executive order banning the highly racist ideology known as Critical Race Theory (CRT) in the federal government or in any organization receiving money from the federal government. On his first in the Oval Office, Biden reversed Trump's order, effectively encouraging the federal government and contractors to get back on the CRT bandwagon. Raytheon, America's second-largest defense contractor, is completely on board, as evidenced by materials openly attacking Whites and demeaning everyone else.

Last summer, Raytheon CEO Greg Hayes launched the Stronger Together campaign instructing employees on "becoming an anti-racist today." He signed a corporate diversity statement and then asked all Raytheon employees to sign the pledge and "check [their] own biases." pic.twitter.com/GacZYK4gIr  Christopher F. Rufo  (@realchrisrufo) July 6, 2021

If you read the statement accompanying the above commitment to "diversity and inclusion," you'll learn that this isn't about Raytheon building better products. It's about changing society, or, as the Raytheon material says, it's "a societal issue." And here you just thought Raytheon was building bombs. It's not interested in blowing up the enemy; it's planning to blow up America by attacking the indivisibility of the American people using pure racial animus.

In the material below, Raytheon's explanation of intersectionality is predicated upon the belief that Blacks, LGBTs, Asians, and disabled people are all victims. Were I in any one of those categories, I would be deeply offended by the racist, homophobic, and generally condescending assumptions at work there.

And as the "Becoming an ally" material, below, demonstrates, the whole CRT infrastructure is predicated on White people, especially "Christian," "straight," and "English-speaking," being the problem. Please pay attention to the last directive: "Step Aside." I'll get back to that in a minute.

Raytheon then asks white employees to deconstruct their identities and "identify [their] privilege." The company argues that white, straight, Christian men are at the top of the oppression hierarchyand must work on "recognizing [their] privilege" and "step aside" for minorities. pic.twitter.com/mM53oJtfs9  Christopher F. Rufo  (@realchrisrufo) July 6, 2021

There's nothing in this material telling those people Raytheon identifies as pathetic  the Blacks, Asians, LGBTs, etc.  to buck up because they are capable, intelligent people who can make their way in a free country. Instead, the material is dedicated to telling Whites they are inherently awful and must abase themselves. Again, hang onto that thought, please.

Raytheon instructs white employees never to say that they "pray things change soon." Whites must acknowledge that their own discomfort is "a fraction" of their black colleagues', who are "exhausted, mentally drained, frustrated, stressed, barely sleeping, scared and overwhelmed." pic.twitter.com/L3GsB8OmaO  Christopher F. Rufo  (@realchrisrufo) July 6, 2021

Next, Raytheon explicitly instructs employees to oppose "equality," defined as "treating each person the same . . . regardless of their differences," and strive instead for "equity," which "focuses on the equality of the outcome." pic.twitter.com/t1IWkHcAGw  Christopher F. Rufo  (@realchrisrufo) July 6, 2021

I will be on Tucker Carlson tonight to discuss this explosive story. In the meantime, sign up for my newsletter to get the latest stories on critical race theory in American institutionsand, if you're inclined, to support my work.https://t.co/rBln8Elceq  Christopher F. Rufo  (@realchrisrufo) July 6, 2021

Aside from the training material's disgraceful content, you need to know a little bit more about Raytheon's management. This pasty male, Thomas A. Kennedy, is the executive chairman of Raytheon:



Image: YouTube screen grab.

And this pasty male, Gregory J. Hayes, is the CEO of Raytheon Technologies:

Image: Raytheon corporate governance.

Indeed, aside from one Black man and one man of East Asian Indian descent, the Raytheon Board members look as if they crawled out from under a rock:

Image: Raytheon's Board of Directors web page.

Pale doesn't begin to describe these privileged White people, none of whom seems inclined to  what was it the training said? Ah, yes!  "step aside."

These pieces of human detritus will hang on to their own alleged "White privilege" like grim death. And yes, these people deserve to be belittled and insulted for paying off the Black Lives Matter movement by insulting their White employees and demeaning their non-White (and non-straight) employees without believing in any of the garbage they're selling.

Critical Race Training is racist and unconstitutional and violates the Civil Rights Act. However, until true non-racists begin lawfare so that these companies get hit with huge judgments and people in management lose their jobs and reputations, nothing will change.

Image: Twitter screen grab.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
July 7, 2021, is the five-year anniversary of Micah Xavier Johnson's attack on Dallas police officers and the larger world of nonviolent political change. On that fateful evening in 2016, Black Lives Matter protesters organized a rally in downtown Dallas to protest the recent killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile by police in Louisiana and Minnesota. The evening was a vigorous protest, where Dallas police officers maintained order and even allowed protesters to take selfies with them holding anti-police signs. As the rally came to an end, Johnson mounted his attack, shooting a dozen police officers and killing five of them: Senior Cpl. Lorne Ahrens, Sgt. Michael Smith, Officer Michael Krol, and Officer Patrick Zamarripa, all of the Dallas Police Department, and Officer Brent Thompson of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART).

The five-year anniversary is an important time to think about the difficult issues of race and politics. Johnson spoke "death as text" to take revenge for the killings of Sterling and Castile. He rushed an extended period of training to commit this terroristic act ahead of schedule after the recent events of Castile's death in Louisiana. Johnson was an Army veteran who served in Afghanistan. His inspiration toward the largest attack on law enforcement since 9/11 came from a special rhetorical brand of afro-pessimism that needs more attention and reconsideration. Johnson visited social media sites such as the New Black Panthers and the African American Defense League, and his profile picture showed a black power symbol. Johnson told Dallas police chief David Brown he wanted "to kill white people" in revenge for what happened to black men.

Wikipedia currently lists Johnson's motive as "systemic racism." We need to understand how individuals are inspired to commit acts of terrorism and the interconnected networks of hate that nourish such activity.

Today we are confronted by the more recent violence of 2020 and 2021. Part of the serious problem of racial violence in the United States is the cynical political harvesting of black lives for presidential elections. In 2000, James Byrd's daughter narrated a political ad suggesting that Governor George Bush participated in the horrendous dragging death of her father. It is sadly an American tradition to cultivate racial animosity in major election years for the advantage of one political party. This is a dangerous game of political chicken.

Escaping from this spiral of cynicism requires a more careful reading of history. The notion of American "black power" primarily originates with Stokely Carmichael. Carmichael became exasperated with the nonviolent methods of leadership from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) led by King and the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), led by James Farmer, Jr. In 1966, Carmichael co-opted James Meredith's "March Against Fear" in Mississippi to unleash his new more vindictive and aggressive stance against racism. His "black power" speech was fiery and memorable. It explained that the courthouses in Mississippi should be burned down in a new agenda of justice. The black fist was the new rhetorical standard to displace the more Christian overtones of prior Civil Rights groups. Young men like Ben Chaney, who witnessed his older brother James Chaney slaughtered in a CORE effort to register black voters in Freedom Summer 1964, joined groups like the Black Liberation Army to take a more militant stand against racism. "We were all moving away from the ideology of the Civil Rights Movement toward examining the philosophy of the Black Panther party and things like the writings and philosophy of Mao Tse-tung, Malcolm X, and others involved in the struggles of oppressed people," said Damu Hassan Shabaka, a friend of Ben who at that time was a member of the Defense League.

Stokely Carmichael was so angered by his new afro-pessimist convictions in 1966 that he later changed his name to Kwame Ture and left the United States for Ghana. In Ghana, he found not a path to pan-Africanism, but brutal authoritarianism that later put him in jail as a perceived threat to the dictator. The current cultural elite preference for reifying black militancy while hiding the achievements and empirical success of the rejected American Civil Rights Movement is a clear and present danger to blacks and whites alike today. James Meredith; James Farmer, Jr.; Martin Luther King; Medgar Evers; Bayard Rustin; John Lewis; and even Malcolm X all urged a milder path that was successfully refashioning social fabric torn by white supremacists. Today, nearly every American city sees the absurd graffiti of ACAB. This violent incitement imagines that killing police officers as Micah Johnson did on July 7, 2016, can right the wrongs of racism. Jaden X, perhaps better known as John Sullivan, went into the Capitol of Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2021, in hopes of instigating similar violent activity. He urged individuals inside the Capitol dome: "We need to burn this s--- down." He had the audacity to film the proceedings of his advocacy and record the killing of Ashli Babbitt. On April 2, Noah X, also known as Noah Green, launched another attack on the Capitol, killing a police officer and attempting to kill another. Green described himself as a follower of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan.

Micah Xavier Johnson's terrorism on the streets of Dallas on July 7, 2016, was the result of a careful rhetorical curation leading him to believe that the most effective and proper thing he could do after the killings of Castile and Sterling was to go to the streets and kill as many police officers as possible. The growing number of police officers killed in the United States since 2016 is well known by public commentators, but we remain in a disingenuous cynical rhetorical relationship with the extensive violence encouraged by black power movements. The beloved community practiced by great racial leaders like John Lewis deserves the distinction of being recognized and encouraged as the practical and effective movement against racism. We should remember July 7, 2016, as an important stand by police officers to protect the American nonviolent premises of true and positive racial change.

Dr. Ben Voth is an associate professor of rhetoric at Southern Methodist University. His latest book  Debate as Global Pedagogy: Rwanda Rising  examines how debate overcomes the ongoing threat of genocide.

Image via Max Pixel.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
Singapore, the tiny, wealthy, Southeast Asian nation with world-class medical care, has always been known for its objective readings of facts and practical, proportionate responses.

So, in concluding that COVID probably isn't ever going to go away entirely, the island state has decided to put the virus into the same category as other infectious diseases, such as malaria and the flu. They'll remain vigilant against such diseases and on the top with treatment, but they will not shut down the entire country in a disproportionate response to the problem.

According to the Sun:

SINGAPORE could become one of the first countries to stop recording daily Covid case numbers in a bid to get life back to normal by treating the virus "like the flu". The south-east Asian country has recorded just 36 deaths since the start of the pandemic by implementing draconian rules to curb the infection rate, and officials now want to ditch measures such as counting infection numbers each day.

This is pretty refreshing, given that COVID is now accounting for very few deaths worldwide, and vaccines and treatments are widely available. Seems there's no Dr. Fauci on hand over there to politicize the matter in a bid to get the sitting president out of office, or else to keep another one in. There's just medicine, tempered with a careful balancing of costs and benefits.

It all would make sense because Singapore is a nation that has been dealing with tropical infectious diseases for decades. Having lived there, I know there's malaria, dengue fever, conjunctivitis, river blindness, and a scary array of vertigo-like illnesses such as neuritis and Meniere's disease among many others. These diseases need attention if you get them.

Singaporeans pay attention to these problems and even have state inspectors who go door to door to check for standing water conditions that breed the insects that transmit them. With gigantic jungles and still standing waters all around in the region, plus lots of people, including migrant workers from very third-world countries with little health care traveling in and out, it's just a fact of life that there will be infectious diseases. But it sure as heck doesn't mean an entire economy must shut down. Had the Singaporeans shut their economy down at their founding in the 1960s, when they were just a smelly disease-ridden port that even Malaysia didn't want to keep in its union, they'd never have developed into the brilliant nation they are now.

Singaporeans recognize infectious diseases and know how to deal with them reasonably.

In particular, it helps that in Singapore, treatments such as hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin are widely available for treatments by prescription. Despite what you might hear about the place and its tough stance on drugs, many drugs that are off-limits here are commonsensically available there. That would explain why there are few pandemics despite the prevalence of tropical infectious diseases in the region.

It also helps that the country has a private health care system with all citizens (rather draconianly, but certainly logically) required to have medical savings accounts for just those times when they need care. It's a private system, and way better than the state running everything and making decisions for everyone as if they'd actually know what was best for everyone, so they've concluded.

Besides a world-class health care system, there is also world-class research coming from Singapore. Scientists there have matter-of-factly found that hydroxychloroquine, at least, is an effective treatment for COVID  they came out with those studies back in April. I can't quite tell what their stance is on ivermectin, but it's pretty clear that various studies are going on to find out. News reports say it's a hot item elsewhere in the region based on apparent results. It's probably significant that both hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin have been used on other infectious diseases such as malaria in the past. In Singapore, that certainly cuts the fear factor, given that they actually know how the treatment works. Over in the U.S., the leftists jockeying for power are still arguing.

They "follow the science," as the lefties say. It's nice to see that Singapore has recommended the use of the best vaccines, such as Pfizer's and Moderna's, while not even counting the Chicom version of the COVID vaccine, known as the Sinovac in their tallies, which was reported today. Seems that results matter.

The commonsense approach to counting COVID numbers without shutting the economy down is quite a contrast to the leftist hysteria seen here. It is, to be hoped, a model to be followed by others, including the U.S. In any case, it's nice to see a country where sanity prevails, common sense is still a thing. One thing we know for sure from Singapore's example is that without Dr. Fauci's preening and prancing before the cameras, or lying and scheming behind them, it's a lot easier to get through a pandemic.

Image: Pixabay, Pixabay License.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
We've learned a great deal in the past year. When it comes to COVID, for those who are neither old nor sick, COVID is another flu. For those who are young, COVID is almost meaningless. And when it comes to the vaccines, while their efficacy is still questionable, it appears that if you're young or already have COVID antibodies, the vaccines can be more dangerous than the illness itself. Oh, and the Biden government wants badly to control you. On that last point, the latest evidence is the administration's promise that it's going to hunt unvaccinated people down, door to door.

It started with Jen Psaki, who reminds me more and more of a scary Germanic schoolmistress in some vaguely BDSM flick. She informed the press on Tuesday that the federal government will soon be going door to door to find people who have not yet gotten vaccinated:

Jen Psaki: We will be going door-to-door to Americans who have not been vaccinated pic.twitter.com/S70VjPojfj  Caleb Hull (@CalebJHull) July 6, 2021

Think about that: even though there currently are almost no COVID deaths in America, VAERS, the CDC's vaccination reporting system, shows an unprecedented number of deaths and serious injuries from the vaccine, especially among young people. Nevertheless, representatives of the federal government are going to push their way into America's kitchen to assure us that the vaccine is perfectly safe.

Perhaps to offset Psaki's dominatrix vibe, Biden, in his best grandfatherly way, also said the federal government will be tracking you into your home:

BIDEN: "We need to go community-by-community, neighborhood-by-neighborhood, and oft times door-to-door, literally knocking on doors" to get people vaccinated. pic.twitter.com/oJ2lG9bqaw  Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) July 6, 2021

In the early 1990s, I heard a Dutchman on NPR say the U.S. should never have euthanasia because only countries with trustworthy socialized medicine could be trusted not to abuse it. Your relatives, on the other hand, he implied, will kill you in a second to get your money. That Dutchman could not have been more wrong.

What we've learned since then is that the government does not love you. Countries with socialist medicine have embraced euthanasia, expanding it to the mentally ill and children. Other countries with socialist medicine have literally held people prisoner rather than let them try experimental treatments elsewhere. And of course, socialized medicine countries will withhold treatment from those they decide simply aren't worth it anymore.

I'm not buying Joe Biden's "compassion" any more than I trust Psaki's "you vill do vat ve tell you" shtick. The government does not love me. What I want is trustworthy information, and, armed with that information, I will make my own decisions, thank you very much.

As Ronald Reagan said, "The nine most terrifying words in the English language are 'I'm from the Government and I'm here to help.'" It's a lot scarier when the government has a needle clutched in its collective hands when it says that.

Image: Biden promises door-to-door visits from the feds. Twitter screen grab.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
The front-page lead article in The Washington Post, July 6, carried this headline:

In GOP,

hopefuls

focusing

on 2020

The subhead asserted:

CAMPAIGNS ECHO

FALSE FRAUD CLAIMS

Please heed the words "False Fraud Claims" in the article's subhead. In addition to that use of "false fraud claims," this article, by Amy Gardner, included in the text six more "false claims," three uses of the word "baseless," two uses of "falsehood," one "outlandish," and one "unfounded." Perhaps it may be said: never in the annals of American journalism have so many accusations of political dissembling been inserted in just one article  as if the WaPo were sending a message to The New York Times: "we can easily beat you in demonizing the GOP."

Twice this July 6 WaPo example of Pravda journalism in the USA said there was an "attack" on the Capitol, on January 6, 2021. The January 6, 2021, Capitol melee was called an "insurrection," in the penultimate paragraph. The writer, Ms. Gardner, did not explain this weaponless aspect of what she called (on demand of higher-ups at WaPo?) an "insurrection," and she ignored the limited time frame of this so-called "insurrection" occurring on the afternoon and dissipating by sundown.

Perhaps the point of this WaPo July 6 exercise in crying-wolf journalism was set forth six paragraphs from the end:

Democrats and other Trump critics ... are expressing alarm that the sheer number of GOP candidates promoting his elections falsehoods will put anti-democratic forces in place at multiple levels of government with the power to thwart the will of the voters in future elections.

That is to say, the Democrats project onto Republicans the anti-democratic trend in the Democrat party.

This false, baseless, outlandish, and unfounded allegation provides immediate support for the assertion by Gerard Baker, in his July 6 Wall Street Journal column, "Free Expressions," that when Republicans question election results, the left howls about threats to democratic institutions, "an assault on the sacred electoral process, a coup in plain sight." Yet when Democrats protest elections, they are just expressing their interest in good government.

Let's turn, now, to a front-page, if below-the-fold, hit piece in The New York Times, July 6 on Arizona congressman Paul Gosar, termed in this article a "strident conservative."

In the third paragraph, the Times article, by Catie Edmondson, pinned the "falsely claimed" label on Congressman Gosar, described as

... a vociferous backer of the "Stop the Steal" movement that falsely claimed that former President Donald Trump won the 2020 election and spearheaded the rally in Washington on Jan. 6 that led to the deadly Capitol riot.

Behold: The New York Times joins forces with WaPo in the simultaneous practice of Pravda journalism, falsely linking the Trump rally to the Capitol melee and falsely implying that there were numerous deaths at the Capitol  not merely one, that of the unarmed Ashli Babbitt, the facts of whose killing remain covered up.

The Times writer then asserted that Dr. Gosar (he is a dentist) has ties to racists and far-right extremists, and followed that by falsely alleging "the Republican Party's growing acceptance of extremism[.]" These ties, Edmondson charges, "have been less scrutinized." So that's what the rest of the piece is all about, with its innuendo, insinuations, and WaPo-echoing that the GOP is the threat to democracy  led by Paul Gosar, DDS. House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy must take action against Dr. Gosar and his congressional allies, lest the GOP lose handily in the 2022 midterm elections, abandoned by conservatives as the party of racists and Holocaust-deniers.

It is fascinating that on the sixth of July, 2021, The Washington Post and The New York Times devoted considerable space to double-barreled hit pieces against the Republican Party. But what else to expect from these Pravda prototypes in D.C. (for Democrat City?) and the Big (worm-corrupted) Apple? For them, as for Pelosi and Schumer, the very existence of an opposition party is a form of "insurrection."

Two once-great newspapers have made the transition out of journalism to serving as P.R. agents of the Democrat National Committee and the White House (when a Democrat sits in the Oval Office). This is not a new development. The descent of the Post and the Times to lapdog status started well before Donald J. Trump announced his presidential candidacy six years ago.

But to see evidence of the utter abandonment of honest political reporting from these formerly great newspapers' reporting, day after day after day, is sad. Even sadder is the apparent inability of the leaders of the GOP to articulate a response to the lies hurled at them from the left and its extremist media allies with clarity and effectiveness. Where is the Republican congressman to say, with conviction: "Falsity, thy name is Democrat."

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
We're hearing a lot about the overwhelming number of murders and attempted murders in Chicago and New York. San Francisco has gone in a different direction. It seems to have become the "shoplifting" capital of America. This honor goes along with its long having been the capital of America for car break-ins. It's so bad that I know suburbanites who refuse to drive in the city.

The latest "shoplifting" video is an impressive one, showing a whole gang of thieves racing out of San Francisco's Neiman Marcus store on Union Square, clutching what appears to be thousands of dollars in handbags:

The man who took this video works nearby.



He saw two suspects run in and immediately shut and locked the doors of the store he works at. He told me he then saw 8 more run in.



He says this happened to his store in the past its traumatizing to him & his colleagues.  Dion Lim (@DionLimTV) July 6, 2021

A woman who has shopped the handbag department at NM for a long time told me a sales associate had to hurry customers to the back-- in order to keep them safe from the smashed glass from handbag display cases.  Dion Lim (@DionLimTV) July 6, 2021

You'll notice that I twice bracketed the word "shoplifting" in quotation marks. I did so because what you see in that video is not "shoplifting" as we've traditionally understood it. Old-fashioned shoplifting is when a person skulks through a store, slipping merchandise into clothes or a bag, and then sneaks out, hoping not to be caught. What's happening in San Francisco is something much more extreme.

Stores can absorb traditional shoplifting as one of the costs of doing business. What they cannot handle is an endless hemorrhage of thousands of dollars of merchandise. And the losses are endless because the state of California has essentially decriminalized theft if the property stolen is worth less than $950. Meanwhile, San Francisco's district attorney has made it clear that he's in a war against not criminals, but the police.

Thanks to California's policies, Walgreens has closed 17 stores in San Francisco because of "shoplifting" losses, and Target is severely constricting its San Francisco stores' hours to try to offset its losses. (I have no sympathy for Target, which was woke about allowing mentally ill, so-called "transgender" men in women's bathrooms and then groveled before BLM.) How much longer will high-end stores such as Apple (which is routinely hit by smash-and-grab thefts) or Neiman Marcus put up with this?

And I'm not being racist, just observant, when I point out that whenever video footage emerges of this shoplifting, there's a strong likelihood that the actors will be Black. And why not? Blacks are being told that White people have stolen from them for centuries and that looting is a form of reparations. Moreover, in San Francisco, they know they'll likely escape punishment should they be caught. In other words, what they're doing is both righteous and safe. Their conduct is rational.

But what's also going to be rational is retailers deciding to pull out of Black neighborhoods as well as the cities in which, outside the Southeast, most Blacks live (as opposed to suburbs or rural areas). It will devastate Black communities if they become retail deserts.

As a native San Franciscan  although one who is very grateful not to live anywhere near it nowadays  I've been watching with deep sadness what's happening to my city. The Neiman Marcus theft has especially bothered me. This is not because I shopped there. (Indeed, I don't believe I've ever bought anything at Neiman Marcus.) Instead, it's because my memories of the city go back to the time when the space that Neiman Marcus now occupies was the City of Paris, a store that a Frenchman, Felix Verdier, founded in 1850 during the Gold Rush. The first building was destroyed in the '06 earthquake, but the second building, from 1909, was a beauty that survived until 1981 when Neiman Marcus demolished all but the lovely rotunda.

I remember shopping in the City of Paris, and, most especially, I remember the huge, gracious dressing rooms, which had large windows allowing women to see clothes in natural light. To go from the City of Paris to Neiman Marcus (a step down in my estimation) to a third-world level of crime is like watching San Francisco die.

What you need to remember is that this is what leftists do: they destroy civility, order, graciousness, and functionality. In their quest for equity, they level everything. Eventually, except for the nomenklatura  the inner circle that always acquires power and, usually, unimaginable riches  everyone lives in decay, squalor, and despair.

Image: Twitter screen grab.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
When a satellite is launched into space it is not expected to last forever. The satellite carries on board a limited amount of fuel which will run out in a couple of years, or decades, or even months depending on how long the satellite was designed to remain operational. Eventually, its batteries will run out and its solar cells will degrade. Once the satellite stops responding to signals from operators on earth, or when its fuel depletes, it will lose the ability to correct its orbit. The thin atmosphere will slow the satellite down and degrade its orbit, and in a matter of years or decades, the satellite will fall back to earth. Some satellites are also purposefully brought down once their mission objectives are completed so as not to contribute to the space junk. There are already 20,000 artificial objects in orbit above the Earth, including 128 million pieces of space debristhe result of collision between dysfunctional satellites. While most satellites stay in orbit for only a couple of years, there is one that has been circling the earth for more than sixty years.

A backup copy of Vanguard 1 satellite built by the Naval Research Laboratory, now at the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution.

Vanguard 1 was only the fourth artificial satellite to be successfully launched, following Sputnik 1, Sputnik 2, and Explorer 1. It was a small and shiny metal sphere with protruding antennas, less than 1.5 kg in mass, and with a diameter of only 16.5 cm. Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev mocked it as the grapefruit satellite, comparing it with the 84-kg Sputnik 1 and the half-ton behemoth, that was Sputnik 2.

Although tiny, compared to its predecessors, Vanguard 1 had quite a few mission objectives. It carried on board instruments that could measure the densities of the upper atmosphere and the electron content of the ionosphere, which was then used to determine the effect of the space environment on a satellite. It also obtained geodetic measurements through orbit analysis, and these proved that the Earth was indeed pear-shaped with the stem at the North Pole. The launch itself was a test to determine the launch capabilities of a three-stage launch vehicle as a part of Project Vanguard. It was only the second satellite launched by the U.S., the first successful satellite of the Vanguard series, and the first satellite to use solar cell power. And it is the oldest satellite still orbiting the Earth.

Vanguard 1 was launched on 17 March 1958 from the Atlantic Missile Range in Cape Canaveral Florida. Unlike the hushed affairs of the Soviet Sputnik launches, the Vanguard launches were a major public event attended by politicians and senior military figures, as well as throngs of people and the worlds media. The first attempt on 6 December 1957 ended in a disaster when the rocket rose only four feet and then fell back on the launch pad and exploded. The Vanguard 1A satellite was thrown clear and landed on the ground a short distance away with its transmitters still sending out a beacon signal. The satellite was damaged, however, and could not be reused. It is now on display at the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution.

Vanguard rocket explodes seconds after launch at Cape Canaveral.

The failure was widely derided in the press. It was called variously a kaputnik, flopnik, puffnik and stayputnik. Fortunately, the US managed to salvage some pride when they successfully launched Explorer 1, a few weeks later. It was the first US satellite. But while Explorer 1 remained in orbit for only 12 years, Vanguard 1 is still circling the earth. The Soviet satellites of the period had an even shorter period of operationSputnik 1 fell back to earth after only three months and Sputnik 2 stayed in orbit for 5 months.

Vanguard 1 circles the earth in an elliptical orbit with a perigee of 654 km and an apogee of 3,969 km. Because of its high orbit, where atmospheric drag is less, Vanguard 1 was expected to last 2,000 years. But scientists underestimated the effects of solar radiation pressure and atmospheric drag during high levels of solar activity. When these were taken into account, it was found that the satellite would last only about two centuriesstill significantly more than some of the current generations of satellites.

Vanguard 1 transmitted its signals for over six years as it orbited the Earth. During its greatly extended lifetime (the satellite was designed to operate for only 90 days), Vanguard showed how our planet bulges out around the equator. It also provided the first-ever measurements of the Earths tenuous outer atmosphere and an estimate of the number of micrometeorites surrounding the planet. It showed that atmospheric pressures, and thus drag and orbital decay, were higher than previously anticipated. These information were vital for future launches.

Although Vanguard 1 is no longer operational, a piece of space debris, it continues to aid scientific research by allowing ground based tracking systems to determine the orbit as it decays over time, which in turn helps scientists understand the influence of the Earths atmosphere on satellites.




Have any questions? Please give us a call at 907-561-7737
(Image source from: Twitter.com/JanaSenaParty)

Pawan Kalyan returns back to Amaravati:- Powerstar Pawan Kalyan, Janasena Chief got contracted with coronavirus recently and he recovered completely. The top actor who is focused on politics is back in Amaravati today. He flew from Hyderabad and landed at Gannavaram airport this morning. He will meet various crucial leaders of Janasena in his office this morning. Special meetings are planned till evening. Pawan will offer his condolences to those who passed away due to the coronavirus. He will interact with the Political Affairs Committee at 12 this afternoon. He will discuss about various issues of Andhra Pradesh along with the water issue between the Telugu States.

The issue of the job calendar by the AP government too is expected to come for discussion. Pawan will also meet the youth supporters of Janasena and will interact with them. Pawan Kalyan is expected to turn active in politics and he will balance the shoots of his upcoming projects. He is expected to have a hectic July and August as per his commitments. Janasena followers and supporters feel that this is the right time for Pawan to raise his voice against the government of Andhra Pradesh as the other prominent parties like TDP turned inactive. There are talks that Pawan Kalyan will soon start a padayatra to tour across Andhra Pradesh and the plans are currently worked out.
Thanks to active development of blockchain technology, an increasing number of Android users are starting to get comfortable with the nature of Bitcoin and embrace the cryptocurrency as a whole. In turn, this has started the trend of Bitcoin casinos that celebrate and represent its very finest characteristics; confidentiality, convenience, and safety.

In essence, Bitcoin gambling on Android boils down to the following advantages:

1. Privacy

A good number of Android-based Bitcoin wallets do not require you to link your funds to a real-world identity, and, if at all possible, most crypto enthusiasts prefer to keep it this way. By contrast, a typical online casino will ask for a scan of your government-issued ID for the purposes of keeping underage gambling and other kinds of fraud at bay. But even if you arent planning to do anything shady, there may still be a legitimate reason to have second thoughts about handing over such sensitive personal information, and the reason is cyber security.

Advertisement

In other words, how can you trust an online casino platform to handle such sensitive information in accordance with the best industry practices? Once you let it out of your hands, its under their protection, and in the event of a breach, it could end up in the paws of an unauthorized third-party.

The good thing is, there are workarounds that allow you to gamble online on a smart device without revealing your identity. For instance, this no limit online casino will only ask for an email, username, and a password to complete your registration. So not only is this a welcome sigh of relief in terms of protecting your privacy, it also makes things more convenient. At the end of the day, a 3-step registration process is always better than a 10-step registration process.

2. Location independence

You will soon find that gambling laws can vary from country to country. Even if online gambling is perfectly legal from where youre coming from, this may not necessarily be the case in the local area where youre currently staying. Even if you enter another country as a tourist, you are forced to comply with the local laws or regulations, even though some may feel their individual rights are violated.

Advertisement

Bitcoin casinos, however, flip the concept on its head by allowing each individual to take the decision whether to gamble online or not in their own hands (and live with the consequences). In other words, players of all nationalities are welcome, and since there is no bank or other middle man in the equation when it comes to Bitcoin transactions, nothing stands between you and your ability to deposit the funds. And yes, this can be done from anywhere in the world, straight from your trusty phone.

3. Speed

If you cant stand the sight of wire transfers, youre not alone. Not only can they take days to arrive, on certain occasions, the bank can outright decline a transaction. For instance, some countries that dont place a substantial emphasis on basic human freedoms and rights may not fancy the idea of money leaving their country, so they block such transactions. Others may hassle you with further confirmation or paperwork. Everything considered, wire transfers are a mess!

Advertisement

But thanks to rapid development of blockchain and related technologies, transferring money in a digital form can take from minutes to seconds, and such a transfer can reach any part of the world lightning fast. In fact, certain cryptocurrencies perform even better in this regard than Bitcoin (an example would be Ethereum), but either way, all offer a far superior experience and speeds compared to traditional payment methods.

4. No taxes or duties

Since no financial authority has the final say regarding Bitcoin transactions, any fees incurred in making the transaction are effectively free of taxes and duties. With that being said, you may still be subject to taxation on your winnings back in your home country, so double check with the local laws and regulations whether this applies to you or not.

For instance, certain countries such as England, Austria, Germany, Scotland, and Finland will not tax your gambling winnings at all (that holds true regardless of their total amount), while the US will. Since politics and laws change all the time, its recommended to do your own research. But when it comes to taxation on individual transactions within the casino (an example of which is making a deposit), paying with Bitcoin is cheaper as there are no extra fees.

Advertisement

5. A wide variety of games

Some players make an erroneous assumption that Bitcoin casinos might not give them the same amount of freedom when it comes to game selection due to the technology being relatively new. The good news is, not only does it match the number of titles you will encounter playing in a regular casino, it often exceeds it.

The reason is that Bitcoin casinos are relative newcomers to the gambling market themselves, so there is an enormous pressure on them to outperform and outclass their competitors, many of which are gambling establishments with a long history of performance. Hence, they strive to be better in every regard. To make the most of the situation, be sure to take advantage of their often generous bonuses and rewards geared towards attracting new players.

Compared to traditional gambling establishments, Bitcoin casinos offer numerous advantages to an Android-wielding gambling enthusiast. So if you havent already, now is a good time to familiarize yourself with how cryptocurrency wallets work; you may very well find yourself in need of one soon.
Purchase an online subscription to our website for $7.99 a month with automatic renewal. Each online subscription gives you full access to all of our newspaper websites and mobile applications. To cancel you may contact Customer Service @ 256-235-9253 or email JPAYNE@ANNISTONSTAR.COM



For a limited time, for NEW SUBSCRIBERS ONLY a NEW ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION is just $59.99 for the first year. Existing customers do not qualify for the specials!



After the first year, well automatically renew your subscription to continue your access at the regular price of $69.99 per year. Please note *Your Subscription will Automatically Renew unless you contact Customer Service To Cancel*


Anniston, AL (36206)

Today

Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 90F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low 71F. Winds light and variable.
(ANSA) - ROME, JUL 7 - The Lower House on Wednesday voted almost unanimously to urge the government to grant Italian citizenship to an Egyptian Bologna university researcher who has been held in Cairo on sedition charges since February last year.

The Senate had already made a similar call.

The motion, which saw the abstention of the nationalist opposition Brothers of Italy (FdI) party, commits the government to "promptly initiating, via the competent institutions, the necessary assessments in order to confer Italian citizenship on Patrick George Zaki".

It also urged the government to keep monitoring Zaki's case and his conditions of detention.

The government subsequently issued a favourable opinion on the motion.

Centre-left Democratic Party (PD) leader Enrico Letta, whose party was among the overwhelming majority backing the motion, tweeted "the House has also approved the motion to grant Patrick Zaki citizenship. Now that parliament has pronounced in its entirety it is up to the government to do its part".

Vittorio Casa of the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement (M5S) said granting Zaki citizenship would not be "just a symbolic act" and cited the case of Giulio Regeni, the Italian student whose torture ad murder in 2016 has spawned a trial of four Egyptian national security officers.

Maria Elena Boschi, caucus leader for the centrist Italia Viva (IV) party, said "we have committed the government to fight this battle for Patrick, unjustly detained in Egypt".

FdI MP Wanda Ferro said the motion would be "counter-productive.

if not deleterious, in the bid to secure (Zaki's) liberation".

She said Deputy Foreign Minister Marina Sereni had "voiced the fear that this action may be read by Egypt as an act of force by the Italian government, causing possible negative effects on Zaki's release".

Zaki marked his 30th birthday in detention in Cairo on June 16, spurring renewed calls from Italy for his release.

The Egyptian Bologna University postgraduate student has been held in Egypt since February 7 last year on charges of "disseminating false news" and "incitement to protest".

Zaki, a 29-year-old Coptic Christian, is pursuing an Erasmus Mundus Master's Degree in Women and Gender Studies at the University of Bologna.

He also conducts research and advocacy on gender issues and human rights for the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR), a human rights organization based in Cairo.

Petitions for his release have been rejected on countless occasion.

Zaki was arrested on arriving at Cairo International Airport when he returned home from Bologna for a short family visit.

The Egyptian National Security Agency reportedly arrested Zaki, interrogated him about his time in Italy and his human rights work, and took him to an undisclosed location.

During interrogation, he was allegedly frequently threatened, beaten on his stomach and back and tortured with electric shocks.

The European Parliament, Amnesty International and Scholars At Risk have been among the bodies calling for his release, along with the Italian government. (ANSA).


Coronavirus, Morocco ready to produce Chinese vaccine Agreement with Sinopharm signed

(ANSAmed) - RABAT, JULY 7 - Morocco wants to produce an anti-Covid vaccine at home. King Mohammed VI has signed an agreement to launch the project. The outcome of an accord between the public and private sectors, the project that counts on the collaboration with the Chinese national pharmaceutical group (Sinopharm) pursues the objective of producing "in the short term" five million doses of vaccine a month, to gradually double the production capacity on the territory.



Morocco's Recipharm will deal with the production in the factories of Sothema (Moroccan pharmaceutical company). In addition to State funding, the project worth 500 million dollars is backed by a consortium of Moroccan banks. (ANSAmed)
Di Maio to travel to 'Israel, Palestine soon' As part of a joint initiative with Spain for region

(ANSAmed) - ROME, JULY 7 - Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio on Wednesday told a joint meeting of the commissions of foreign affairs and defense of the House and Senate that finding a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian issue remains a priority of Italy's foreign policy.



"A priority of our foreign policy remains the search for a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian matter. A solution which, for Italy, must be sustainable, realistic, right and directly negotiated between the Sides, in the framework of a two-State perspective that takes into due consideration the legitimate aspirations of both populations", Di Maio stressed in his address.



"We have welcomed with favor the process of normalization, better known as the Abraham Accords, between Israel and some Arab countries, believing that it can promote a dynamic of regional stabilization", the foreign minister also said. "At the same time, we don't consider it in any way a replacement or detrimental to the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process. Rather, we hope they will proceed in parallel and synergistically", he explained, recalling the initiative launched with Spain "that aims to maintain the Peace process at the center of the international agenda, revitalizing the role of the Quartet for the Middle East and raising the EU's profile", he said. Di Maio announced that, "together with Spanish colleague Gonzalez Laya, I will soon go to Israel and Palestine". (ANSAmed)
Israel: Isaac Herzog becomes new president on July 7 He replaces Reuven Rivlin at the end of his seven-year mandate

(ANSAmed) - TEL AVIV, JUL 7 - Former Labour leader Isaac Herzog, 61, became on Wednesday the president of Israel, replacing Reuven Rivlin who has reached the end of his seven-year mandate.



He will be sworn in on Wednesday afternoon in front of the 120 lawmakers of the Knesset, which will hold a solemn session to be attended by top political, social and religious leaders of the country. He will subsequently be received by Rivlin at the presidential palace in Jerusalem for the formal and symbolic hand over of the keys.



Herzog is the grandson of Israel's chief rabbi Yitzhak Herzog and son of the sixth Israeli president Haim Herzog (1983-93).



Over the last few years, he has been president of the Jewish Agency and maintained close relations with Jewish communities of the Diaspora in that role.



Herzog is Israel's 11th president. (ANSAmed).






Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
Tropical Storm Elsa is carving a destructive and soaking path up the East Coast after killing at least one person in Florida and spinning up a tornado at a Georgia Navy base that flipped recreational vehicles upside-down and blew one of them into a lake
Boris Johnson has again accused the EU of implementing the provisions on Northern Ireland in the Brexit divorce settlement in a grossly disproportionate and unnecessary fashion.

Giving evidence to the Commons Liaison Committee, the Prime Minister insisted the NI Protocol did not pose any threat to Northern Irelands status within the United Kingdom.

But he said recent problems over to movement of chilled meats from the rest of the UK were still far from fixed following an agreement to delay the implementation of border checks.

He said there were now concerns among Northern Irelands Jewish community that they would be unable to access kosher foods unless it was resolved.

They are talking now about an exodus from Northern Ireland. We want to do everything that we can to avoid that, he said.

I think what we all need to do is work rapidly on some solutions, fix this thing fast.

I think it will take some effort but we really cant exclude any actions that the UK government my need to take to protect what it says in the Protocol.

Boris Johnson said he wanted to avoid an exodus of Northern Irelands Jewish community (House of Commons/PA)

At the same time, the Prime Minister sought to allay concerns among some unionist communities that Northern Irelands place in the UK had been weakened as a result of the Protocol.

There is absolutely no threat to Northern Irelands place within the United Kingdom and there should not be from the Protocol, he said.

It is clear that Northern Ireland is part of the sovereign territory of the United Kingdom. That is all clear from the Protocol.

Mr Johnson however indicated that he regretted some parts of the agreement which he had signed to get the UK out of the EU.

He said he had agreed to checks on goods moving from Great Britain out of neighbourliness as part of the arrangements to ensure there was no return of a hard border with the Republic.

We also agreed, unfortunately, that the EU could have a say in how this was done, he said.
Boris Johnson has insisted householders will not have to pay unreasonable costs as old gas boilers are ditched in favour of cleaner heating systems.

The Prime Minister promised to set out a new strategy before the Cop26 climate summit he is hosting later this year.

Homes contribute around 15% of the UKs carbon emissions and cleaning up fossil fuel heating systems, mostly gas boilers, is needed to meet legal targets to cut climate pollution to zero overall.

By the mid-2030s, all newly installed heating systems are expected to be low carbon, such as air source heat pumps, or be appliances that can be converted to a clean fuel supply, such as hydrogen instead of natural gas.

The Climate Change Committee has advised that sales of gas boilers for homes should largely be phased out by 2033.

Efforts to reduce emissions to meet net-zero targets will be a key theme of the Cop26 summit in Glasgow.

Mr Johnson acknowledged there were major challenges to face in cleaning up domestic heating.

This is something that is very difficult to pull off because what we need to do is to ensure that we are able to heat peoples homes and provide them with power in an affordable way whilst also reducing CO2, he told MPs on the Liaison Committee.

The Prime Minister said the Government was working with industry to drive the bills down but at the moment heat pumps were about 10 grand a pop.

What we cant have is a situation in which ordinary homeowners are suddenly faced with an unexpected and unreasonable cost, he said.

We have got to make sure that when we embark on this programme that we have a solution that is affordable and that works for people.

He promised the work could be done on a very rapid timescale but at the moment the prices are too high.

Mr Johnson said: Before Cop you will be getting a plan on the decarbonisation of the domestic market in this country.

He said the Government is determined to keep bills low, that is a priority and the only way to do that is to build the market in a very systematic way, to make sure we have the technology and make sure that its affordable.

That meant there are some big bets that we may need to place on hydrogen and ground source and air source heat pumps.

His comments came as the timetable was unveiled for the United Nations Cop26 summit, which will bring together leaders from around the world.

After kicking off with the World Leaders Summit on November 1 and 2, each day will focus on a different theme, beginning with finance, energy and then youth and public empowerment, throughout the two-week event in Glasgow.

Others include discussions on cities of the future, zero-emission transport and protecting nature, to ensuring the inclusion of women, girls and young people is at the centre of climate action, said Cop26.

To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so.

Published on Wednesday, the timetable, called the UKs Presidency Programme, will run alongside the formal negotiations which sit at the heart of the UN summit and will focus on closing off the outstanding aspects of the Paris Agreement, it added.

Cop26 president Alok Sharma said: The Cop26 summit in Glasgow is our best hope of safeguarding the planet for everyone, building a brighter future and keeping the 1.5C target alive.

I have been pleased to see progress and momentum on the four key goals I have been taking to governments across the world and the presidency programme will continue this throughout the two weeks of the summit.

From finance to energy and gender to adaptation, these are vital issues that need to be addressed to make Cop26 inclusive and successful.

The four main goals of Cop26 are: Secure global net-zero by mid-century and keep 1.5C degrees within reach; adapt to protect communities and natural habitats; mobilise finance, and work together to deliver.

A detailed programme and negotiations schedule is set to be published within the coming months.
Key themes in the Cop26 climate summit will be explored on different days, a new timetable for the United Nations conference shows.

After kicking off with the World Leaders Summit on November 1 and 2, each day will focus on a different theme, beginning with finance, energy and then youth and public empowerment, throughout the two-week event in Glasgow.

Others include discussions on cities of the future, zero-emission transport and protecting nature, to ensuring the inclusion of women, girls and young people is at the centre of climate action, said Cop26.

To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so.

Published on Wednesday, the timetable, called the UKs Presidency Programme, will run alongside the formal negotiations which sit at the heart of the UN summit and will focus on closing off the outstanding aspects of the Paris Agreement, it added.

Cop26 President Alok Sharma said: The Cop26 summit in Glasgow is our best hope of safeguarding the planet for everyone, building a brighter future and keeping the 1.5C target alive.

I have been pleased to see progress and momentum on the four key goals I have been taking to governments across the world and the presidency programme will continue this throughout the two weeks of the summit.

From finance to energy and gender to adaptation, these are vital issues that need to be addressed to make Cop26 inclusive and successful.

The four main goals of Cop26 are: Secure global net-zero by mid-century and keep 1.5C degrees within reach; adapt to protect communities and natural habitats; mobilise finance, and work together to deliver.

A detailed programme and negotiations schedule is set to be published within the coming months.

To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so.

It comes after advisers to the UK Government warned it must rapidly step up action on climate change or risk undermining global Britain and success at the Cop26 talks.

Policies are urgently needed to make homes cosier and heated with clean heat pumps, ensure new houses are energy-efficient and can cope with heatwaves, drive the shift to electric vehicles, and encourage people to eat less meat.

They are just some of 200 recommendations from the advisory Climate Change Committee, which warns the UK Government is not delivering on the ambitious targets it has set to tackle global warming.

Its latest progress reports to Parliament last month  one on reducing emissions and one on adapting to climate change  show the UK is off track to meet commitments made under the global Paris climate deal to cut emissions by 2030 and legal carbon-cutting targets for the late 2020s and 2030s.
Bosses of financial services firms could see their pay linked to diversity targets under plans set out by the Bank of England and City regulators.

The Bank, Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) are looking at ways to use their powers to boost diversity and inclusion in financial services, including the use of targets, regular reporting and linking pay to progress.

Sam Woods, Bank of England deputy governor for prudential regulation and chief executive of the PRA, admitted more needs to be done to speed up progress on increasing diversity throughout the sector.

He said: While some progress has been made to improve diversity and inclusion in parts of the financial services sector over the last decade, the discussion is still in its early stages and more needs to be done to speed up progress.

Regulators and industry need to work together to increase diversity at senior levels and ensure that the UKs financial services firms are best equipped to serve the economy.

A lack of diversity of thought can lead to a lack of challenge to accepted views and ways of working, which risks compromising firms safety and soundness.

In a discussion paper on increasing diversity, the regulators are proposing to make senior leaders directly accountable for diversity and inclusion in their firms, with a focus on data and disclosure to allow regulators to monitor progress.

It comes after recent data has suggested there is woeful representation of women and black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups in senior leadership roles across the sector.

The 2021 Women in Finance Charter Annual Review found under a third  32%  of senior manager roles were held by women on average  edging up less than one percentage point year-on-year since 2017.

While gender balance progress has been made across the FTSE 100 thanks to the Hampton-Alexander Review, a recent report by Women on Boards UK found less than half of listed firms outside of the biggest 350 companies have met targets for women in the boardroom.

There are also worrying signs that the situation for ethnic minorities may be going into reverse, with this years Green Park Business Leaders Index showing a decline in the number of black leaders within FTSE 100 companies.

To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so.

It revealed fewer than one in 10 financial services management roles are held by BAME people.

The City regulators said they believe it is vital to increase diversity to improve governance, decision-making and risk management within firms, as well as to promote a more innovative industry.

The FCA is already looking into how it can increase diversity within listed firms, with more details due over the coming months.

FCA boss Nikhil Rathi said: We are concerned that lack of diversity and inclusion within firms can weaken the quality of decision-making.

We look forward to an open discussion on how we should use our powers to further diversity and inclusion within financial services.

A one-off pilot will be conducted later this year to gather data on diversity within workforces as the regulators look into the possibility of regular reporting from firms in future.

They are also seeking views on the discussion paper, which remains open until September 30, with a view to launching proposals under a joint consultation in the first quarter of 2022.
Around nine in 10 adults in most parts of the UK are now likely to have Covid-19 antibodies, new figures suggest.

The estimates range from 87.2% in Northern Ireland to 89.8% in England and 91.8% in Wales.

In Scotland the estimate is lower and is closer to eight in 10 adults, or 84.7%.

To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so.

The presence of coronavirus antibodies suggests someone has had the infection in the past or has been vaccinated.

It takes between two and three weeks after infection or vaccination for the body to make enough antibodies to fight the virus.

Antibodies then remain in the blood at low levels, although these levels can decline over time to the point that tests can no longer detect them.

The latest estimates are from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and are based on a sample of blood test results for the week beginning June 14.

The estimates are for people in private households and do not include settings such as hospitals and care homes.

(PA Graphics)

In England, the latest estimate of 89.8% adults is up from 79.6% a month ago, while in Wales the estimate of 91.8% is up from 82.1%.

For Scotland the estimate is up month on month from 71.8% to 84.7%, and for Northern Ireland it is up from 80.0% to 87.2%.

The ONS said there is a clear pattern between vaccination and testing positive for Covid-19 antibodies but the detection of antibodies alone is not a precise measure of the immunity protection given by vaccination.

Once infected or vaccinated, the length of time antibodies remain at detectable levels in the blood is not fully known.

It is also not yet known how having detectable antibodies, now or at some time in the past, affects the chance of getting Covid-19 again.

The estimated percentage of adults testing positive for antibodies has continued to increase across all regions of England.

For the week beginning June 14, the estimates range from 86.6% in south-west England to 89.4% in north-west England.

To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so.

Across England as a whole, the highest percentage of adults testing positive for Covid-19 antibodies were estimated to be the age groups 60 to 64, 70 to 74 and 75 to 79 (all 96.8%).

The lowest percentage was for 16 to 24-year-olds (59.7%).

In Wales, the highest proportion of adults likely to have tested positive for antibodies was the 70 to 74 age group (98.2%), while in Scotland the highest percentage was for people aged 65 to 69 (96.8%).

In Northern Ireland, the ONS uses different age groups due to small sample sizes, and estimates that 96.9% of people aged 50 to 69 were likely to have tested positive for antibodies in the week beginning June 14.
The assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise has drawn shock and condemnation from leaders in other parts of the world, along with calls for calm and unity in Haiti.

Moise was killed in an attack on his private residence early Wednesday, according to Haiti's interim prime minister. First lady Martine Moise was shot in the attack and is hospitalized. It wasn't immediately clear who was behind the assassination in the troubled Caribbean nation, which has grown increasingly unstable in recent years.

We are shocked and saddened to hear of the horrific assassination of President Jovenel Moise and the attack on first lady Martine Moise of Haiti. We condemn this heinous act, U.S. President Joe Biden said in a statement. The United States offers condolences to the people of Haiti, and we stand ready to assist as we continue to work for a safe and secure Haiti.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the assassination in the strongest terms and stressed that the perpetrators of this crime must be brought to justice, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

The secretary-general calls on all Haitians to preserve the constitutional order, remain united in the face of this abhorrent act and reject all violence, Dujarric said. The United Nations will continue to stand with the government and the people of Haiti.

Colombian President Ivan Duque described the assassination as a cowardly act and also expressed solidarity with Haiti. He called for an urgent mission by the Organization of American States to protect democratic order.

Marlene Bastien, the executive director of Family Action Network Movement, a group that assists residents in Miamis Little Haiti community, said the next few days are going to be very chaotic and contentious as government supporters and opponents jostle for power.

There is definitely a constitutional crisis and political void right now, said Bastien.

People are scared about tomorrow, she said.

Bastian called on the Biden administration to take an active role in efforts to hold free, fair and credible elections in Haiti, following the assassination of Moise who had been ruling by decree.

Here is a chance to do it right from the start, said Bastien. No more Band-aids. The Haitian people have been crying and suffering for too long.

In Boston, which has one of the largest Haitian communities in the U.S., a pastor who heads a Haitian advocacy group, Dieufort Fleurissaint, said hes worried about reprisals and further unrest.

Fleurissaint said hes been checking in with family, friends and fellow pastors in Haiti since the early hours to make sure everyone stays at home for now.

To kill and assassinate a president in his home just shows the level of insecurity in the country and how no one is exempt from the violence, said the 59-year-old Fleurissaint, who has lived in the U.S. since he was 18. Its unacceptable.

He said his regular Wednesday morning prayer call with pastors in Haiti and the U.S. was inevitably focused on the killing.

Theyre afraid for their lives, Fleurissaint said. The situation is dire. Were praying for peace in Haiti.

Leaders across the world voiced fears that the assassination could lead to more unrest.

The European Unions foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, warned in a tweet that this crime carries a risk of instability and (a) spiral of violence.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: This is an abhorrent act and I call for calm at this time.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the assassination.

Id like to make an appeal for political unity to get out of this terrible trauma that the country is going through, Sanchez said during a visit to Latvia.

Frances Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said he was stunned by this despicable assassination and urged those involved in Haitis political life to show calm and restraint.

In written statement, Le Drian advised French citizens in Haiti to exercise the utmost caution.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen offered her condolences via Twitter.

We wish the first lady a prompt recovery, & stand together with our ally Haiti in this difficult time," Tsai wrote. Haiti is one of only a handful of countries that maintains formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which China claims as its own.
Not at all. It just seems like a lot of back-and-forth talk.

Yes. I'm growing very worried over what might happen.

If it keeps up, I might be a little more concerned.

I think there are much larger things to concern us as a country.

It's hard to tell; I can't take the leader of either country seriously.

Vote

View Results
Stay in the area.

Move away.

Volunteer around the community.

Find a cause to dedicate your time to.

Travel the world.

Take a breath and relax.

Yell at the kids to "stay off my lawn!"

Other.

Vote

View Results
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Submit
Dave Ramsey is Americas trusted voice on money and business. Hes authored four New York Times best-selling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover and EntreLeadership. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 6 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the Web at daveramsey.com.
More than 2,500 soldiers led by 7th Infantry Brigade (The Desert Rats) have just completed one of the largest UK exercises designed to test their readiness for future operations, the British Army reports on its website.

Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link



The exercise was designed to test their ability to conduct and develop 21st Century soldiering and combined arms manoeuvre, against a free-thinking near-peer enemy and employed new tactics which were developed for light forces to win. (Picture source: British Army)

Exercise Wessex Storm 2021 saw the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Light Brigade proving their military and modern professional soldiering skills make them fit to deploy anywhere in the world as the Armys Light Brigade at readiness. The soldiers were drawn from units from the UK and France including 1st Battalion the Royal Irish Regiment (1Royal Irish); the Scots Dragoon Guards; 7 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps (RLC); 33 Engineer Regiment; 32 Engineer Regiment; 4th Regiment Royal Artillery; and a contingent from Regiment de March du Tchad, a mechanised unit of the French Army, belonging to the Troupes de Marine. The French company operated as part of the 1 Royal Irish battlegroup, providing them with an additional company of light infantry during the exercise.

Captain Boris Beral, Officer Commanding 4RMT (4e Regiment de Marche du Tchad), said: We learnt interesting lessons every day and that interoperability is something real. I learnt a lot about high-intensity warfare on the exercise and we want to recreate its realism in our own exercises in the future.

1st Battalion, the Royal Anglian Regiment (Vikings) took part in a parallel Command Post Exercise (CPX) proving their readiness for upcoming commitments.

The troops were tested to the limit during weeks of challenging serials which took place at a range of Army training areas across the UK including Salisbury Plain Training Area (SPTA), Corsham Mines and Caerwent Army Training Area in Monmouthshire, Wales. The exercise was designed to test their ability to conduct and develop 21st Century soldiering and combined arms manoeuvre, against a free-thinking near-peer enemy and employed new tactics which were developed for light forces to win. The enemy, provided by Task Force Hannibal, a dedicated opposing force made up of infantry specialists from , 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the Royal Anglian Regiment and armoured specialists from the Queens Royal Hussars battlegroup, tested the combat readiness of the Desert Rats, the Armys commitment to the Joint Expeditionary Force.

The exercise was complex deploying a sophisticated and comprehensive mix of artillery, ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) logistics, equipment support, engineering and medical support, light cavalry and protected mobility infantry - all working together to win. Throughout they were joined by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) search assets, and military working dogs. The Army Air Corps (AAC) provided Wildcat and Apache and the RAF provided Chinook (CH47) to support air assaults and air manoeuvres.

New and innovative capabilities such as a new forward headquarters housed in an easily transportable ISO Container, geographic intelligence (GEOINT) drones, capable of building a 3D picture of complex terrain, and the new Command Launch Unit (CLU) for the Javelin anti-tank missile, which is lighter and has extended range, were all tested and added huge capability to the Light Brigade.

Equally, with current doctrine focused around armoured forces, novel light force tactics were employed, playing to the strengths of junior leaders, deployed as small bands of soldiers to act as anti-tank hunter-killer teams. The success of this lay in empowering the small groups of Junior Non-Commissioned Officers (JNCOs) with a deep understanding of the ground and the mission at hand, to target enemy tanks with anti-tank rockets including Law and Javelin.

Units faced a host of simulated and mocked-up scenarios, including everything from media engagement to working with both allies and host nation security forces. They also included scenarios focused on delivering humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to communities devastated by conflict. The final phase of the exercise saw two huge challenges presented to the battlegroups, significantly increasing the complexity of their task.

The Scots Dragoon Guards (SCOTS DG) conducted a 50-mile road move to Caerwent before conducting a raid against an enemy location, supported by air assaulting forces. Their Commanding Officer, Lt Col Graeme Craig, said: Four months ago SCOTS DG transitioned from supporting the Scottish Government in the fight against COVID-19 to training in our core role as a Light Cavalry battlegroup, with barely a moment to catch our breath as we reset our focus. The learning curve was therefore very steep indeed, and I am immensely proud of how every one of our officers and soldiers (including those from our attached arms) rose to the challenge as we progressed sharply up to battlegroup level competence.

We achieved validation in our core role as light cavalry and are now combat-ready. As such, Scots DG provides an important contribution to the British Armys warfighting credibility as the Light Cavalry Battlegroup at readiness, and its licence to operate. As a Light Cavalry Battlegroup, our core role is reconnaissance. In combat operations that means we are focused on understanding the enemy and in other operations below the threshold of conflict. We might be looking in detail at the human terrain and perhaps understanding the local power-brokers within a conflict situation and understanding what the social dynamics are that are lurking beneath the conflict itself. Exercise Wessex Storm has validated us in our core role as Light Cavalry and this is important because we are at readiness as part of 7 Bde  and as such might be expected to deploy on operations across the spectrum of conflict.

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion the Royal Irish Regiment (1RIRISH) took part in a simulated attack on an enemy command and control node in the vast subterranean (70km of tunnels) complex of the Corsham Mines in Wiltshire.

Leaders at all levels, from JNCOs to battlegroup commanders learnt a huge amount from these, gaining experience in operating in novel environments which will help them to continue to innovate in the future. Their Commanding Officer, Lt Col Tom Forrest, said: Exercise Wessex Storm provided 1RIRISH with an opportunity to prove its capability in the field, validating our readiness credentials. It also provided a vehicle to experiment with alternative ways of operating. We will develop these concepts further during our series of autumn commitments, which include deployments to the US, Zambia and Oman.

Brigadier Jasper Dequincey-Adams OBE, Commander of Cottesmore based 7th Infantry Brigade and Headquarters East, who was in overall command of the force, emphasised the importance and role of the Light Brigade Support Group in sustaining the soldiers throughout the exercise. He said: 7th Infantry Brigade (The Desert Rats) are the Light Brigade at Readiness, the Armys contribution to the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) and a key element of our commitment to NATO. Exercise Wessex Storm has provided the perfect opportunity to test and develop our thinking on 21st Century Soldiering as articulated in the Integrated Review. Sustaining ourselves is a key element of the JEF  we must not become a burden to our allies or partners  and we were totally dependent on the Light Brigade Support Group (LBSG). 7 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps provided the core of the LBSG with dedicated sub-units of REME, Medics and Logistics that ensured we maintained our operational tempo. On this exercise, for the first time in many years, they have been simultaneously tested across multiple training areas against the most demanding enemy.
Support local journalism

Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by making a contribution.
The recovery will be led by increasing outsourcing and accelerating digital transformation services

As per Nasscom, the IT services industry grew 2.7 per cent to USD 99 billion in 2020-21. (Photo: Representational Image)

Mumbai: The Indian IT industry will stage a strong recovery in 2021-22 with a revenue growth of up to 11 per cent, ratings agency Crisil said on Wednesday.

The recovery will be led by increasing outsourcing and accelerating digital transformation services mainly in sectors such as banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), healthcare, retail and manufacturing, it said.

As per Nasscom, the IT services industry grew 2.7 per cent to USD 99 billion in 2020-21. The wider industry including e-commerce, business process management and global back offices had grown 2.3 per cent to USD 194 billion in last fiscal year, as per the industry lobby.

Industry stalwart Azim Premji, the founder chairman of Wipro, also expected a double-digit growth on Tuesday.

Crisil said higher business levels, and more profitable digital deals (45 per cent share in revenues in FY21 versus 40 per cent in FY20) will also help IT services players maintain healthy operating margins.

With customers focussing on optimising costs, outsourcing of IT services is seeing a steady rise globally. The pandemic has opened up additional opportunities in digital services due to surge in remote working, e-commerce and automated services, Crisil's senior director Anuj Sethi said.

He added that deal wins by Indian players have expanded by 20 per cent year-on-year in 2020-21, with 80 per cent of them being digital deals across verticals.

The revenue growth in 2021-22 will be almost 4 percentage points more than the growth of 6 per cent in last fiscal year and similar to the 10 per cent growth logged over fiscals 2018-2020, the agency said.

BFSI, which accounts for 28 per cent of IT service revenue, will clock 13-14 per cent growth in this fiscal year, up from FY21's 9 per cent rise due to rising share of digital transactions, continued regulatory compliance and data security, it said.

Retail and manufacturing, which together account for 30 per cent of revenues, are expected to recover 8-9 per cent after slowing down to 2-3 per cent last fiscal year, it said.

Healthcare, though a small segment accounting for only 6 per cent of revenues, will sustain its high growth at 15-16 per cent, benefitting from higher spending on tackling COVID-19 and increasing adoption of virtual services.

Despite stronger revenue growth, profitability is unlikely to rise beyond the levels witnessed in 2020-21, it said, adding that operating margins expanded 2 percentage points to a seven-year high of 25 per cent in the last fiscal year mainly due to cost savings from lower travel, favourable onshore-offshore mix (due to lower onsite roles following the pandemic), and lower attrition levels.

This fiscal, with gradual normalisation of businesses across the globe, a partial reversal of the cost savings logged last fiscal is likely, Rajeswari Karthigeyan, associate director, said.

With the expansionary recruitment phase, including maintenance of higher bench strength, employee costs, which account for 67 per cent of revenues, are expected to rise.

The agency expects continued improvement in the credit quality of most IT firms, given their lowly leveraged balance sheets and robust liquidity.

Recurrence of additional waves of the pandemic in the US and Europe, which are key destinations for IT services, would be the factors to monitor, it said.
Yogi too has gathered around his own trusted band of babus. It is this team that steered Yogis Covid management

A lot of that worry has to do with the perceptions about Yogi running the government with handpicked but clearly inadequate babu support. (PTI File Photo)

Sensing the current popular mood against the UP government due to the Covid crisis, the party and the Narendra Modi sarkar are keen to ensure the partys success in the upcoming Assembly elections. A lot of that worry has to do with the perceptions about Yogi running the government with handpicked but clearly inadequate babu support.

When the trusted PMO aide Arvind Kumar Sharma was airdropped in Lucknow, he was no regular Gujarat cadre babu or just another BJP vice-president in Uttar Pradesh (after taking voluntary retirement). He was reportedly sent to rein in Yogi who has caused considerable discontent within the state unit of the party, and he remains the PMOs eyes and ears within the Yogi Adityanath government.

Yogi too has gathered around his own trusted band of babus. It is this team that steered Yogis Covid management. Hovering over these exercises like Banquos ghost is a familiar presence, Navneet Sehgal. This consistently powerful 1988-batch IAS officer is once again chief firefighter, in-charge of the state information department as additional chief secretary and leading the perception battle against Covid failure. His dominant presence in the state government, over the last six months has not enthused too many other babus in UP. Yet, it is this larger cohort of babus who will matter more, going ahead and how they manage their last lap briefs, that will be crucial in the months ahead.

CBDT appointment raises more questions

The spate of appointments in the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) seem to have raised more questions than answers among babu-watchers. After the end of CBDT chairman P.C. Modys extended tenure, the finance ministry has given additional charge of the post to J.B. Mohapatra, a 1985-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer. With Mr Mohapatra as ad hoc chairman, the CBDT now has three 1985-batch board members, the other two being Anu J. Singh and Anuja Sarangi.

Sources say that there is also much speculation about why Mr Mohapatra was named the interim chairperson of CBDT and why the government chose to ignore the claim of K.M. Prasad, the senior-most board member. Mr Prasad who has about three months to go before retirement could easily have been given additional charge of interim chairman.

Besides his ad hoc position, Mr Mohapatra is the first regular member for investigation since 2019. The post of member, investigations, now seems to lead to the top post at CBDT, given that the current CEC Sushil Chandra held the same post before he was elevated to CBDT chairperson.

Interestingly, the CBDT board is likely to see more changes in the days ahead. Of the three new members, S.K. Gupta will complete his tenure in July while Anu Singh will retire in August this year as will K.M. Prasad. Will the government draft new members on the board or give extension to the current ones? Lets wait and watch.

Caught between CM and Home Minister, Haryana DGP wants out

Walking a tightrope can get tiresome after a while. Haryanas director general of police Manoj Yadava has sought repatriation to the Intelligence Bureau (IB) for personal reasons, in a bid to end the war of words between chief minister Manohar Khattar and home minister Anil Vij over his tenure extension.

Mr Yadava was sent to Haryana on the recommendation by a UPSC committee for appointment as the state police chief. He had returned to his home state cadre after spending 15 years with the IB. The 1988-batch IPS officer has apparently written to additional chief secretary (home) Rajeev Arora seeking repatriation to IB and resume his old post of additional director.

While the move took some by surprise, those in the know believe that Mr Yadavas inability to get along with his boss, the state home minister Anil Vij, may have been the last straw for the top cop. Earlier this year when chief minister Manohar Khattar had given Mr Yadava a years extension as DGP, the home minister had vehemently objected but Mr Khattar stuck to his guns and had his way.

Its no secret that Mr Khattar and his home minister do not see eye to eye on several issues. Mr Yadava may be about to pay the price of their political rivalry if his request for repatriation is accepted.

Share a babu experience! Follow dilipthecherian@Twitter.com. Lets multiply the effect.
Chinas disdain for verbal gymnastics recalls Deng Xiaopings advice to hide your strength and bide your time

As Mao rides again, his successor should not forget that the point of his tale about the one and a half wars was that India and China are not doomed to perpetual enmity. (PTI Photo)

The only reference amidst Beijings centennial celebrations to Sino-Indian differences  posthumous awards for four Chinese soldiers out of more than 40 believed to have fallen in the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020  gives no glimpse of the unsmiling President Xi Jinpings dreamof the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. For that one must go back 228 years to Emperor Qianlongs haughty rebuff to Englands King George III.

Official India is sometimes equally enigmatic. Indians were completely taken aback when Gen. V.K. Singh, who soldiers on in politicians garb, announced that if China had transgressed (the Line of Actual Control) 10 times, we must have done it at least 50 times. Was it the eternal soldiers boast that no one can beat our jawans in derring-do? Or flaunting loyalty to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who astonished everyone back in June 2020 by exonerating the Chinese of any incursion or encroachment?

Imitation being the best form of flattery, no one was surprised either when, while visiting Ladakh, defence minister Rajnath Singh would not even mention China. He spoke only about our neighbours and the neighbourhood.

Reportedly, the Prime Minister had done so earlier, which was rather like the ancient Greeks, who were as superstitious as todays Hindu stalwarts, calling the Furies the Eumenides or good-humoured ladies to flatter them into being less furious.

Chinas disdain for verbal gymnastics recalls Deng Xiaopings advice to hide your strength and bide your time. Unlike Indian politicians, Deng abjured any hankering for superpower status. So do his successors. What they assert instead is that although they have suffered oppression and exploitation by European nations and their colonial lackeys (India?) for a century, they will overtake the United States economically in 10 years. Mr Xi called this xiaokang, basically well-off, the term Deng used in a display of humility that was as ostentatious as Mahatma Gandhis poverty. China knows that the gun out of whose barrel power grows rests on a booming economy.

Although Deng was the unaggressive architect of Chinas modernisation, there really isnt much fundamental contradiction between his legacy and that of Mao Zedong. The difference is mainly of style. Deng ousted Maos designated successor, Hua Guofeng, launched and guided the Boluan Fanzheng (literally eliminating chaos and returning to normal) and the Four Modernisations movements, and suppressed the Democracy Wall and the Beijing Spring.

His only designation may have been Most Honorary President of the Chinese Bridge Association, but his word was law. The quaintly named June Fourth Incident  when tanks and troops massacred thousands of unarmed young democracy supporters  bore his imprimatur. He could obfuscate his purpose with aphorisms like A market economy is not necessarily capitalist, and a planned economy is not necessarily socialist.

Chairman Maos singular ability was to draw on the past even while dismantling its legacy. Thus, he told his commanders on the eve of the 1962 war that India and China had fought one-and-a-half wars in ancient times. The first was during the Tang dynasty (618-907), when Chinese troops helped an Indian monarch suppress a pretender. The half was Timurs sacking of Delhi seven centuries later, which Mao included because the Mongol Yuan dynasty, founded by Kublai Khan, ruled China at the time. Had Mao known that Emperor Babur was Timurs great-great-great-grandson, he would undoubtedly have laid claim to the Delhi masnad; perhaps the ambition did stir in his subconscious as he ordered his commanders to be restrained and principled, unlike Timur who massacred more than 100,000 Indian prisoners.

Mao must have enjoyed the 2,893-word letter in which Qianlong projected himself as the Son of Heaven, the whole world his vassal. He regarded envoys as supplicants, gifts as tribute, politeness as submission, and diplomatic relations as a plea for protection. Asked for trading ties, he ordered King George III to tremblingly obey and show no negligence!

The Great Helmsman, who swam in the Yangtse river at 62 to demonstrate his fitness, was blamed for the miseries of the Great Leap Forward when millions of people died, the anarchic violence of the Cultural Revolution, and the depredations of the Gang of Four. But millions of Chinese truly believe that it was only because of Mao that they could stand up. All Under Heaven acknowledge that Deng could not have built what he did if the feared, reviled and worshipped Mao hadnt laid the foundations. Even Deng admitted that Mao was seven parts good and only three parts bad.

On July 1 Mr Xi, whose own Mandate of Heaven will soon be renewed for yet another five-year term, announced from the same balcony where Mao had proclaimed the born-again Middle Kingdom in 1949 that 1.4 billion Chinese were marching in confident strides toward the goal of building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects. As Mao rides again, his successor should not forget that the point of his tale about the one and a half wars was that India and China are not doomed to perpetual enmity.

It was a point that had been made eight years earlier during Maos last conversation with Jawaharlal Nehru. Discussing their differences, Mao referred to the old Chinese saying, to seize somebodys pigtail. He and Nehru agreed that India and China would not do that. Sometimes we have differences, but we do not quarrel, Nehru responded. That is something for Mr Xi to remember, no matter how deeply he might resent the new map of the now downgraded Jammu and Kashmir state that New Delhi belatedly released last November.

Unless he does, India and China will stand like two goats with locked horns on a narrow bridge, as Liu Shuqing, a former Chinese vice-foreign minister, warned Bhutans Dawa Tsering. Prime Minister Modi gave a new twist to the stalemate with the slogan Inch towards Miles on the eve of Mr Xis first visit to India in 2014. If the Prime Minister has forgotten what he said, Beijing can jog his memory by reiterating the old Chinese saying: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Someone has to take that first step.
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
HP

kW

EV

In Germany, where it will launch in September, the 2021 Dacia Duster will be available from 11,990 ($14,200) in the Access trim level, with the TCe 90 2WD gasoline powertrain, rated at 90 PS (89/ 66). By comparison, the 2021 VW Up! city car is listed from 13,540 ($16,036) in its home market.The Essential and Comfort grades will start at 13,190 ($15,622) and 14,990 ($17,753) respectively, packing the TCe 100 Eco-G 2WD LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) that produces 100 PS (99 HP / 74 kW). The same engine will power the range-topping Prestige, which will set customers back at least 15,990 ($18,938) before options. Each trim level will be detailed in due course.Joining the likes of the latest Sandero, Logan, and Springin the companys family, which will be expanded in the second half of next year with a C-segment high-rider, previewed by the Bigster Concept , the 2021 Duster has fresh looks.The headlights and taillights have a Y-shaped LED pattern, the grille was tweaked, and a discreet spoiler was added at the back. Moreover, this is also Dacias first model to get LED turn signals, the automaker claims. The rest of the updates include a new color added to the palette, named the Desert Orange, and new 16- and 17-inch wheels.A new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with wired smartphone integration, can be found inside, as well USB sockets, additional storage, and new upholstery.Drivers will be aided, depending on the chosen spec, by the blind spot warning, hill start assist, hill descend control, park assist, cruise control with speed limiter, and multi-view camera.
In the United States, the F-Series moved 158,235 units or 45,562 fewer units than in the first quarter of the year. By comparison, Ram and Chevrolet sold 164,232 examples of the P/U and 161,706 examples of the Silverado line.Happily for the Ford Motor Company, the upcoming quarter may be a little better thanks to a new supply of chips. Speaking to the Detroit Free Press , sales analyst Erich Merkle said that Dearborns number one priority is to improve inventories for the F-150 and the Super Duty family of trucks.Thousands of F-Series workhorses are currently parked in lots in Michigan, Kentucky, and Missouri, and an undisclosed number of pickups will soon be shipped to U.S. retailers thanks to the fresh batch of valuable microchips.Merkle added that rebuilding supplies will take the automotive industry well into 2022, which is pretty bad news for every automaker out there. According to supply chain experts, the chip shortage that also impacts the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles may last until October 2022.Turning our attention back to the F-150 for the 2021 model year, the variants to have are the PowerBoost V6 hybrid and the V6-only Raptor . Come 2022, the Raptor R will challenge the Ram 1500 TRX with the Predator 5.2-liter blown V8 that cranks out 760 ponies in the Shelby GT500.In the spring of 2022, Ford also plans to unsettle the likes of Tesla and Rivan with the F-150 Lightning. A very different affair from the previous two generations, the all-electric pickup is available to pre-order from $39,974 for the Pro work-oriented trim level. At the other end of the spectrum, the Platinum comes in at $89,874 or $82,374 after the federal tax credit.
That doesn't sound like an ideal scenario in any way. As some Mustang Mach-E owners have pointed out, they feel like they are truly beta-testers, opening up a new chapter in terms of automotive ownership and development. As some issues have been popping up lately with the Mach-E, one owner in Missouri points out a rather unexpected problem, after having to deal with a minor crash.User cinzen has been the owner of a Rapid Red Mustang Mach-E for less than a month now. And his electrified experience hasn't exactly been a delight so far. Because recently he got rear-ended, and the impact was so violent that even the airbags were deployed. And the gruesome part is just beginning. Because even though the damage doesn't look that bad, the waiting time to have the car fixed seems a bit ridiculous.The dealer has informed the Mach-E owner that parts for the rear bumper will not be arriving until the 30th of November, and the 31st of December, respectively. That makes for a 6-months waiting period for a rear bumper. God forbid you should get involved in a more serious crash, who knows how long you'd have to wait! Describing the situation, he noted that "I am really mad and disgusted about the whole thing".The unfortunate Mach-E owner will now have to resort to a rental solution, without being certain that respective costs will be insurance-covered. Some users on the forum have suggested that the owner should start a direct dialog with Ford Motor Company, in hopes that a quicker solution may come to be. But other users have suggested bring an attorney on board, as such a long waiting period for parts on a brand new car doesn't feel normal at all.
If youre a long-time Google Maps user, you probably know already the Mountain View-based search giant has been working non-stop on developing new functionality, so right now, the app has evolved substantially beyond the simple concept of a navigation app
Yesterday the new joint venture between Porsche and Rimac was just announced, and it's now clear that an electric Bugatti is coming up next, and it might happen as early as 2025. But until then, all eyes are focused on the new Rimac Nevera, the car that may very well take the Croatian company one step further than it already was.We all know the specs by now, and with 1,914-horsepower on tap, you can't help but wonder how long it will take for another manufacturer to cough up something that's on par in terms of performance. Up until now, our imagination was the only means of figuring out how much potential the Nevera has, but with the start of a world tour, we're bound to be bombarded with information over the next few months.For now, the Nevera has landed in London, where it will be showcased by H.R. Owen, a well-known luxury automotive dealer group, that happens to be the sole retailer of Rimac in the United Kingdom. Rimac has hand-picked dealer networks around the globe, companies which will take on the responsibility of delivering all of the 150 planned units to customers seeking the ultimate, electric thrill.H.R. Owen will be organizing a series of static displays and drive test sessions for potential customers, and somehow I feel that these cars will sell like hotcakes, given all the positive media they've enjoyed so far. As the Goodwood Festival of Speed is also coming up, the Nevera will be there, and it will be interesting to follow if it will break the existing Hillclimb lap record, or if it will be driven sensibly.Over the next eight months, the Rimac Nevera will continue its world tour, with almost 20 stops in Europe, Asia, and the United States. Talking about this special moment in Rimac history, Ken Choo, H.R. Owen CEO was visibly excited as he mentioned that: "Since meeting Mate Rimac and the whole Rimac Automobili team two years ago, we have believed wholeheartedly in their vision. To finally now see the culmination of years of development, with the Nevera finally in our showroom and on the streets of London, is a very special moment"
So I thought the best way of celebrating 7's Day is by showing you one of the coolest FCs I've spotted in a while. And what makes this car even more special is the fact that it has been built in Europe. First of all, there aren't that many FC s on the continent to begin with, at least not that many Turbo ones. Secondly, those who do get to drive those cars around, don't often go that far in terms of tuning them, as most of their budgets are being spent on maintaining them functional.I got in touch with Gianluca Nacciareti, a 34-years old petrolhead from the north of Italy. Gianluca is the owner of this Turbo II, and I was curious to learn more about his story. It seems that video games have influenced a lot of us as we were growing up, and Gianluca is not an exception. When he was a kid, his father gave him a gift that would change the way he saw cars. That gift was a Gran Turismo 1 videogame for the Playstation 1.That's how he first realized he has a special attraction towards the RX-7, and particularly speaking towards the FD3S version of the Japanese sportscar. When he was just 19 years old, he committed himself to the, sometimes difficult task, of buying and taking care of an FD3S. At the time he bought the car, 15 years ago, it was fully stock, and the odometer only showed 33,000 miles (53,108 km). He's only driven it for about 18,000 miles (28,968 km) since, but that feels pretty much normal for these cars.Since 2006, he's added four more cars to his collection, including a 1996 Nissan Silvia S14, a 2018 Toyota GT86, and a 2018 Abarth 595. These are cool cars, no doubt about it there, but it was the FC I was going for from the beginning. I asked Gianluca how the car came to be in his possession, and as I've often seen with these cars, there was quite an interesting story behind it all.Back in 2013, he started browsing the classifieds in search of a first-generation RX-7, the SA22C, but he didn't have much luck in finding one. Wondering around through rotary groups in Italy, he found out that someone who owned an RX-8 had two, second-generation RX-7s as well. Gianluca was in a bit of a stalemate, as he was supposed to travel to Japan in just two weeks. "I promised myself that, when I return, if the FC is still up for sale, it would be mine. And the rest is history".He ended up buying one of the two FCs, a car that is probably rarer than most Ferraris in Italy. It may be hard to imagine, but there are less than 30 units of the Turbo II in the country. Not an easy car to come by, indeed. I must say that I have been thinking about getting a wide body kit for my FC as well, and I always find myself torn between several kits: Rocket Bunny, RE Amemiya, and Foresight. So I felt happy to see a fellow FC owner that had made the big step of converting his car in such a manner.As you would expect, Gianluca has made quite a few changes to the car over the years. This is a 1991 model, that was built in July, so one of the last units to hit the market. It's still running the original engine, and the odometer now shows 64,000 miles (103,000 km). A lot of usual parts have been changed or upgraded. There's a new water pump in there, oil cooler lines from Racing Beat, silicone radiator hoses, and an oil pan gasket to stop it from leaving behind oil stains wherever it is parked.The turbo is still stock, but it was rebuilt to have it working flawlessly. I'm surprised to see that he retained the stock top-mount intercooler as well, but unless he decides to take things over the 250 horsepower level, it should work just fine. As with any rotary project, Gianluca has been tempted to sell the car in the past, as he encountered some issues with the engine loom that proved difficult to fix. But after opting for a new, custom-made solution, he told me that he's happy he decided to fight for his dream.I imagine that anyone who has ever owned a rotary before, and perhaps most project cars owners as well, has experienced that feeling of wanting to throw in the towel. These cars can be nerve-racking at times, and even someone with a strong will may have his patience tested with them. But everything changes when you're driving. Even though Gianluca's FC is still pushing around 200 horsepower, there are a host of other mods to make the driving experience more pleasurable.He's worked on improving the maneuvrability of his rotary-rocket, by adding a RE Amemiya front strut bar, a Mazdaspeed rear strut bar, a Driftworks rear camber link and to top it all off, he's using the same coil overs as I am. I'm talking about the HSD Monopro units, which have proven to be very reliable so far, although every speed bump tends to feel like a nightmare if you're doing more than 5 mph (8 kph).Those aren't all the upgrades on the car, as we haven't even gone through the aesthetic changes. This FC is much wider than it was when it left the factory, as it's now rocking a full Pandem Rocket Bunny V1.5 kit, which has generated different opinions in the rotary community. Although I wasn't that big of a fan of this kit when it was launched, seeing Teruyoshi Iwai driving the wheels off of it in D1GP made me feel otherwise.And I'm happy to see that Gianluca's car is also sporting a set of RE Amemiya mirrors, which do look fairly cool, at the expense of providing really bad visibility. For the wheels, Gianluca chose a set of Watanabe R-type rims, in 17x9.5, with a -20 ET all around. With this car being RWD , and with no driver aids, it does like going sideways quite often, so it's good he chose a set of Toyo Sport tires in 235/40/17, to provide the much-needed grip.The car has been repainted in purple and black, and there's sort of a Midnight Purple vibe to it. With so many cars in his garage, I was curious to learn how driving the FC felt by comparison, and he mentioned that: "It's like you take a seat and drive the 80s instead of a car. The FC is the best handling car I have at the moment. It's a bit aged when you compare it to the S14, but superior in everything. It's on another level. The FD is in the top 3 cars of all times for me, alongside the F40 and the Diablo, so I can't compare the FC to it."There are a lot of people that keep themselves away from rotary cars, so I wanted to know what Gianluca would recommend to someone who's considering the FC as an option. "I can say that, with many other cars of that era, that we, or they, must make the buying decision with their heart, not with their brains. It's the only way nowadays".Although 200 horsepower on this light chassis is still a lot of fun, I asked Gianluca what he'd do to the car given an unlimited budget. And there could have been only one answer: a naturally-aspirated, 4 rotor swap ! So thank you Gianluca for keeping the rotary dream alive, and once again happy 7's Day to all your rotor heads out there! It isn't easy going down this route, but it might just change your life for the better!
Verizon describes THOR (Tactical Humanitarian Operations Response) as the Swiss Army knife of its services. The vehicle was designed starting from a Ford F650 pickup truck that was modified. It can provide its own mobile network and full radio interoperability, being equipped with a huge cellular tower at its back. THOR comes with a six-seat cab, three-seat rear command center and can be operated remotely, using a tablet.The goal of the truck is to provide receptions and 5G wireless connectivity in areas that are otherwise hard to reach, such as military environments, areas that were affected by wildfires, tornadoes, and so on. In addition to all the aforementioned capabilities, THOR also has an onboard tethered drone that can offer assistance in risk assessment missions and disaster response.For now, THOR is just a prototype developed by Verizon in partnership with the Department of Defense (through NavalX), and the SoCal Tech Bridge. Verizon successfully tested its Swiss Army on wheels and the vehicle is soon expected to deploy the companys 5G technology.According to its developers, THOR will be able to provide high-quality communications to the Department of Defense or public safety agencies, to name just a few.Just as its name suggests, Verizon Frontline is the companys advanced network built for first responders in a mission. Its purpose is to provide them with prompt, reliable, high-quality communications technology that meets their needs. Verizon Frontline has been developed over 30 years, using the feedback of public safety officials.
That shows that, although Volkswagen is following some of the paths Tesla trailblazed in the electric car market, it will not chase all of them. If this move is confirmed, it will be apparent that Volkswagen has no intention to sell electricity to anyone in any form unless to help things get started: its core business is selling cars.Citi would be the financial group helping Volkswagen find a co-investor that is ready to put $1 billion in Electrify America. Infrastructure groups and other potential backers would be contacted soon to make their bids. Neither City nor VW commented on the rumors. Electrify America also kept its lips sealed.Volkswagen had to invest in a charging network to ease the penalties it would have otherwise with Dieselgate. That makes us wonder if it would have done so if it had any other choice.While some companies such as Rivian think Teslas model of an exclusive charging network is a good idea, Lucid already said it does not make sense for it. The Air will count on Electrify America to fast charge. Considering the expansion of electric vehicles, that makes a lot of sense.Having an exclusive charging network demands constant investment to expand it. Tesla is even being sued because of congestion fees it is imposing to balance its superchargers demand. At the same time, the company is wondering about making some of them available to other brands. In the US, that will be pretty hard because Tesla uses unique charging connectors there.A charging network that does not rely on a single brand can see its charging stations have more demand, which helps them turn a profit sooner. On the other hand, it also needs to expand faster to supply an increasing electric car fleet. In Europe, Volkswagen joined multiple other car companies to create Ionity. Perhaps the idea with Electrify America is to follow the same strategy.
Copyright  2020 by Mountain Times Publications. Digital or printed dissemination of this content without prior written consent is a violation of federal law and may be subject to legal action.
President Biden urged immediate actions on climate change on Wednesday, saying "[w]e can't wait any longer to deal with climate crisis" during an event promoting his Build Back Better agenda.

Driving the news: The U.S. is currently facing an extreme heat wave and heavy wildfires in the West, a deadly drought and the the earliest fifth-named Atlantic tropical storm on record currently going through the Southeast.

The calamities playing out across the country may have repercussions in Washington as lawmakers debate potentially huge investments for the country's aging infrastructure, per Axios' Andrew Freedman.

White House climate adviser Gina McCarthy told Punchbowl News last Wednesday that the current climate-related events ravaging the U.S. "are things that remind us that time is running out here."

What he's saying: "Last year ... more than 10 million acres burned in the West, 10 million acres, not counting the lives lost and homes lost," Biden said. "[That is] more land that exists in my home state of Delaware and my neighbor state of Maryland combined. It's as if a fire swept through and took out every single thing in the state of Delaware and Maryland."
House Democrats this week plan to demand that executives from oil giants including Exxon testify this fall and want documents from the industry about climate change, the New York Times reports.

Driving the news: Rep. Ro Khanna, who heads the environment subcommittee of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, tells the NYT that his panel will issue letters this week to major oil companies and trade groups.

Khanna has previously announced a hearing this fall on "climate disinformation & the coordinated attack on scientific truth among polluters and their lobbyists."

Khanna has also said the committee will consider subpoenas if executives decline invitations.

Why it matters: The planned hearing will likely get a lot more attention after Greenpeace published comments last week from a senior Exxon lobbyist.
Our exports so far this year make up 104,000 tons, which is nearly twice as much as in the same period of last year, Deputy Economy Minister Arman Khojoyan said in an interview with the Armenpress news agency.

Khojoyan did not specify the monetary value of those exports. He said instead that that potatoes, tomatoes and apricots accounted for three-quarters of them.

In particular, he said, Armenia exported about 29,000 tons of potatoes, compared with less than 10,000 tons exported in the whole of 2020. He also reported sizable increases in both the volume and price of Armenian apricots sold abroad.

Khojoyan attributed the sharp gains to this springs favorable weather conditions.

They were followed by an unusually hot and dry weather in June. The resulting drought has reportedly had a severe impact on cereal and vegetable crops.

Scores of farmers in various Armenian regions have staged angry protests in the last two weeks against a serious lack of irrigation water supplied to their agricultural land.

The drought has also adversely affected pastures across the country. According to news reports, Armenian farmers dependent on animal husbandry are planning to cull their livestock en masse because of a lack of hay.

Government officials have not yet estimated the droughts likely impact on Armenian agricultural output in 2021.

Agriculture generates roughly one-fifth of Armenias Gross Domestic Product.

Khojoyan said that Russia and other members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) remain the principal market for Armenian agricultural exports.

We operate in the common market, the official told Armenpress. Its been a while since we started regarding our market not as a 3 million market reflecting the size of Armenias population but as a 184 million market encompassing the whole EEU.
In an extensive article published by the Sputnik news agency on Tuesday, Sarkisian claimed that he tried unsuccessfully to extend his decade-long rule three years ago because he saw an opportunity achieve a compromise solution to the conflict.

He claimed that Pashinian torpedoed such a settlement proposed by the United States, Russia and France after coming to power in the velvet revolution of April-May 2018.

From May 2018 onwards, as a result of the new Armenian authorities grave diplomatic blunders and reckless statements and actions, the situation began to change not in favor of Yerevan which the international community began to regard as an unconstructive party to the negotiating process, he wrote. Baku got what it had for decades failed to achieve: accuse Armenia of abandoning negotiations as a casus belli (occasion for war).

A senior member of Pashinians Civil Contract party, Ruben Rubinian, dismissed Sarkisians claims on Wednesday. Rubinian accused the ex-president of lying about the reason for his attempt to hold on to power after completing his second and final term in office and effectively justifying Azerbaijans decision to start the war in September 2020.

Speaking to RFE/RL Armenian Service, Rubinian said Sarkisian himself stated shortly before his resignation that the Karabakh peace process is in deadlock because of Bakus continuing rejection of peace proposals made by the U.S., Russian and French mediators.

Sarkisian already denounced Pashinians handling of the peace process during the recent parliamentary election campaign. He publicized Pashinians secretly recorded comments on a peace plan proposed by the three co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Groups.

Pashinian says in the leaked audio that he rejected the plan because it would not immediately formalize Karabakhs secession from Azerbaijan and determine the territorys internationally recognized status.

The prime minster downplayed the pre-election leak and insisted that the proposed settlement favored Azerbaijan. The international community, on which we pinned our hopes for many years, pressed us to return territories in return for nothing, he said.

Pashinian made similar statements in the immediate aftermath of the six-week war stopped by a Russian-brokered agreement in November. He denied critics assertions that he could have prevented the disastrous hostilities, which left at least 3,700 Armenian soldiers dead, by accepting the mediators peace proposals.

In January, Igor Popov, the Russian co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, accused Pashinian of misrepresenting those proposals. Popov specifically denied his claims that the mediators offered the Armenians nothing in return for their withdrawal from districts around Karabakh occupied by them in the early 1990s.

The envoy insisted that under the Minsk Group plan Karabakhs population would be able to determine the disputed territorys status in a future legally binding referendum.
The two men met in Moscow for the first time since Pashinians party scored a landslide victory in the June 20 elections which were called to end a serious political crisis caused by the autumn war in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Putin congratulated Pashinian on that victory in his opening remarks at the talks held in the Kremlin.

I think that  very acute and sensitive issues requiring a solution can be solved only in case of being able to work effectively, he said. The most important thing for that is to have the peoples trust. As the election results showed, you do have it.

At such difficult moments in the life of a country, this is probably the most important condition for further development, he said.

Putin added that he is going to speak with Pashinian about all issues which we have discussed in detail lately and which require our solution.

For his part, Pashinian noted that the situation in the Karabakh conflict zone is not very stable despite Moscows efforts to cement the Russian-brokered ceasefire that stopped the war in November. He pointed to a continuing military standoff at some sections of the Armenias border with Azerbaijan.

No details of the talks and an ensuing working dinner between the two leaders were immediately made public.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier in the day that they will discuss the situation in and around Karabakh and Russian-Armenian relations.

Putin telephoned Pashinian on June 24 to discuss Russian-backed plans to restore transport links between Armenia and Azerbaijan envisaged by the truce accord. He also spoke with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev by phone June 23.

Special attention was paid to intensifying work in a trilateral format on the restoration of economic links and transport routes in the South Caucasus, the Kremlin said in statement on Putins phone call with Aliyev.

At their January 11 meeting in Moscow, Putin, Aliyev and Pashinian agreed to set up a trilateral working group tasked with working out practical modalities of reopening the Armenian-Azerbaijani border for commercial traffic.

The group co-headed by deputy prime ministers of the three states held several meetings in the following months. It has not met since Azerbaijani troops crossed several sections of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border on May 12-14.
After demolition of Surfside condo, more victims are being found in original rubble
Haitis first lady arrives in South Florida to be treated for gunshot wounds
Arnold Bryant Crewey, 90, of Bluefield, VA passed away July 12, 2021 in Princeton, WV. Born in Simmons, WV he was the son of the late Dewey and Margaret Crewey. Arnold was a veteran of the US Air Force serving during the Korean War. Later he was self-employed as a mechanic. In addition to hi
Juvenile's 1998 smash hit "Back That Thang Up" is getting a unique twist.

SOUTHERN HISTORY: Here are 6 ways you can learn more about Houston music pioneer DJ Screw

The Louisiana emcee partnered with the popular Black dating app BLK to promote vaccinations in a music video appropriately titled "Vax That Thang Up."

The track opens with the iconic and resounding "Back That Thang Up" beat.

The comedic parody was released to help spread the message that "dating is better once you're vaccinated," according to a press release. The creative group behind the parody, Majority, not only enlisted the help of Louisiana rap legend Juvenile, but also Mannie Fresh.

No Limit Records star and the widely proclaimed "mother of Southern gangster rap" Mia X also appears on the new rendition of the song, offering some contrasting female energy and mentioning how you should get the vaccine before hooking up with "some dude named Scott." According to the press release, the parody track marks the first time in music history that artists from Cash Money and No Limit have collaborated in any official capacity.

Getty Images

The dating app said in a statement that the goal of the video was to urge more young adults to get vaccinated as the COVID-19 variant looms. The 18 - 29 age demographic has been vaccinated at lower rates and more slowly than other age groups, according to a report published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

"Vax That Thang Up" offers a different approach. Jonathan Kirkland, BLK's head of branding and marketing, said in a statement that "we have a direct line to the audience that needs to internalize this message. The song may be playful and fun, but the underlying message is as real as it gets."

Courtesy BLK

While the song offers some comedic relief, it also works as an excellent marketing tactic. The new song plays on the 1990s and early 2000s rap nostalgia and Black culture  what better way to do that than "Vax That Thang Up?" Despite the song being a rendition of the original, the vaccine anthem still manages to incorporate important themes from New Orleans culture, including bounce music.

There have been mixed reactions from fans of the Louisiana rappers and many shared their thoughts on social media.

One user @Tinnkky writes, "Though this is HYSTERICAL its also going to be helpful in the convo about public health in Louisiana. They are in the bottom 5 in terms of lowest rates of vaccination in the US. Juvenile is an essential worker!"

Another user @OfficialFBMA says, "This is a slap in the face to the Black Community"

TEXAS & LOUISIANA: Here's how Texas and Louisiana's close relationship birthed an era of Southern culture

When asked about the new project, Juvenile said in a statement, "I just wanted to do something positive for my people and to stand in the front to show that Im willing to sacrifice my life not just for me but also for my family. We dont know what were facing right now but we really do all need to be vaccinated so we can continue to do our thing and survive."

For more information and to watch the new "Vax That Thang Up" music video, visit www.VaxThatThangUp.com.
A Port Arthur community group is hoping residents of three west Port Arthur neighborhoods devastated during Tropical Storm Harvey will help it answer questions left lingering after flood waters receded in 2017.

The Port Arthur Community Action Network recently received grant funding from and entered into a collaborative partnership with River Network, a Colorado-based nonprofit that helps provide resources for community-based water management and conservation initiatives.

Through the grant, the group will be able to pay for the analysis and review of drainage data for neighborhoods critically impacted by flooding, but first, it needs to hear from residents. Information given from residents will create a collection of information and stories that will verify the organizations data work.

John Beard, chairman and CEO of PACAN, said the group is starting with a survey for residents of the Montrose, El Vista and Vista Village neighborhoods, which were severely flooded during the aftermath of Harvey.

The anecdotal stories evaluate the hard information, helps determine if its accurate, and vice versa, Beard said. The meteorological and other types of databases well be reviewing will validate or invalidate our current theories and lead us to what the best solutions will be.

The survey is 20 short questions that capture a brief look at what residents normally experience during rain events, their thoughts on the condition of drainage and what the impacts of flooding have been.

Beard said the project is focusing on these three neighborhoods first because of their economic status, historical significance and the level of impact Harvey had on the residents there.

Related: Port Arthur blames flooding on collapsed pipes

Beatrice Sanders, a resident of Montrose for about 60 years, said that shes seen minor flooding and water in the streets in her neighborhood for years.

But in September 2017, Harvey dropped record rain on Southeast Texas and sent torrents of storm-water through Port Arthurs drainage system that it was never designed to handle.

At Sanders house, water that might have previously met her porch was now up to her roof.

We have never had water like we had in Harvey, she said. Everyone got water, whether they had their homes built up or not. Now, they tell us we are sitting in a bowl and we were bound to get it again.

Residents have long suspected and requested investigations into issues with the system that may have caused their neighborhoods to collect additional water backed up from other neighborhoods with better drainage.

The city of Port Arthur targeted the El Vista, Port Acres and the Stonegate area for infrastructure repairs after engineers found that silt movement, sinkholes and damaged pipes were preventing some of its drainage pipes and pumps from working properly.

And years earlier in 2012, while Drainage District 7 and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers were evaluating the now-$62 million pump project for Alligator Bayou, engineers recognized that some of the same neighborhoods PACAN is trying to find more information about had insufficient drainage for even 25-year flooding events.

The already decades-old pump station that existed on Alligator Bayou was responsible for clearing excess water for a 24,083 acres basin, which not only included El Vista, Vista Village and Montrose, but six other drainage areas.

In the joint report, engineers noted that the drainage basin had been significantly altered throughout the years by industrial and commercial development.

Five years before Harvey arrived, the report had concluded that more flow (was) actually generated within the main outfall system than the existing pump capacity could handle during a peak flow or major storm event.

But even though six new pumps have been installed at a new, state-of-the-art facility on the bayou and will be fully functional by the end of summer, engineers already have said they wont be able to match the pumping capacity needed to prevent flooding during a Harvey-sized event.

The lack of clear answers about how  and even if  changes could be made to spare some of the most-impacted neighborhoods has shifted focus into buyout programs for residents that already have been flooded.

Sanders, who already participated in a FEMA program to rebuild her home with a six-foot elevated foundation, said asking people to leave the only community theyve ever known without a guarantee they could find an equivalent home to the one they left wasnt really an option at all.

They keep telling us if they buy out the citizens that want to sell, they would make a greenbelt without anything on it, she said. We just cant believe that. In years to come they will probably fix the drainage and develop some more, so why not fix it now?

Beard believes that being able to collect crucial information from residents and conducting more specific studies will help give communities in Port Arthur a seat at the table when regional plans for flood mitigation projects are proposed for funding.

PACAN already has started handing out surveys at community events to help spread the word of the initiative, as well as collecting answers online.

Beard said that there are no guarantees that more analysis will lead to different conclusions, but any chance of finding ways to use mitigation instead of buyouts to protect residents will ultimately be better for the future of Port Arthur.

Were a landlocked city, there is no way to develop further out and they arent making new land, he said. We have to find a way to preserve what we have and make sure there is something left for the future.

jacob.dick@beaumontenterprise.com

twitter.com/jd_journalism
AMSTERDAM (AP)  One of the Netherlands best known crime reporters was shot Tuesday evening in a brazen attack in downtown Amsterdam and was fighting for his life in a hospital, the Dutch capital's mayor said.

Peter R. de Vries, who is widely lauded for fearless reporting on the Dutch underworld, was shot after making one of his regular appearances on a current affairs television show. It was an unusually brutal attack on a journalist in the Netherlands.

Peter R. de Vries is for all of us a national hero, an unusually courageous journalist, tirelessly seeking justice, Mayor Femke Halsema said at a hastily convened news conference at the citys police headquarters.

Today, justice in our country appears a long way off. A brutal, cowardly crime has been committed, Halsema added.

Police Chief Frank Paauw said two suspects were detained, including a possible shooter in a suspected getaway car stopped on a highway some 50 kilometers (30 miles) south of the city. A third suspect was detained in Amsterdam, he said.

There was no immediate word on a motive.

De Vries had long been considered a possible target of the criminals he doggedly reported on. Police and prosecutors declined Tuesday night to comment on whether the 64-year-old reporter received police protection.

Caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte called the shooting "shocking and incomprehensible

An attack on a courageous journalist and also an attack on the free journalism that is so essential for our democracy, our constitutional state, our society," Rutte said

De Vries had recently been acting as an adviser and confidant to a witness in a major trial of the alleged leader of a crime gang police described as an oiled killing machine.

The suspected gangland leader, Ridouan Taghi, was extradited to the Netherlands from Dubai in 2019. He is currently in jail while he stands trial along with 16 other suspects.

King Willem-Alexander and his wife Queen Maxima tweeted a message of support and said that journalists must be free to carry out their important work without threats.

De Vries won an International Emmy in 2008 for a television show he made about the disappearance of U.S. teenager Natalee Holloway while she was on holiday in the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba in 2005.
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP)  It's legal for people in New Mexico to possess recreational marijuana and grow those plants at home as of Tuesday, the same day regulators opened discussions on rules for the launch of pot sales next year.

The milestone was celebrated by cannabis consumers and advocates for criminal justice reform who say poor and minority communities have been prosecuted disproportionately for using marijuana. Now, the scent of marijuana no longer is an adequate cause for searching vehicles and property in New Mexico.

Recreational marijuana is now legal in 16 states and Washington, D.C., with Connecticut and Virginia set to join the list Thursday.

New Mexico joins a wave of states that have broadly legalized pot through the legislative process rather than by voter-approved ballot initiative. That has allowed for innovations such as marijuana microbusiness" licenses that will allow up to 200 pot plants at seed-to-sales cannabis operations.

Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham heralded the day as "a huge step forward both for social justice and economic development in our state.

After legalization efforts repeatedly faltered in the Democratic-led Legislature, Lujan Grisham called a special legislative session in March to tackle cannabis reforms and signed the law in April.

We are proactively stopping the disproportionate criminalization of people of color for cannabis possession, and we are building a new industry," Lujan Grisham said in a news release.

The new law allows people 21 and over to possess up to 2 ounces (56 grams) of marijuana and grow up to six plants at home, or a total of 12 per household.

Regulators held an all-day public hearing to vet proposed rules for cannabis businesses to determine future licensing fees, quality controls, audit requirements and the extent of criminal background checks for producers.

The rules they are considering would allow more marijuana crops per business  nearly three times the 1,750-plant limit for medical cannabis growers. Enrollment in the medical marijuana program has surged past 100,000 people in a state of 2.1 million residents.

Medical users at the Minerva cannabis dispensary in Santa Fe welcomed the changes that took effect Tuesday  including the elimination of taxes on personal supplies of medical cannabis.

Aurore Bleck of Santa Fe, a 70-year-old retired administrator, uses marijuana to treat nerve pain associated with her multiple sclerosis. She says the changes are likely to ease the financial strain of buying cannabis.

Im on a budget, Bleck said. Its gonna help me because I can have six plants instead of four. In the past, Ive grown a lot.

Recreational marijuana are planned to start by April 1, 2022 and will include a 12% excise tax in addition to sales taxes ranging from about 5% to 9%.

The governor and lawmakers are eager to foster a new source of revenue that can help wean a heavy dependence on the state's oil industry.

Medical stores cant sell recreational cannabis yet but are looking to expand showrooms for non-medical users.

John Mondragon, 56, of Santa Fe, ordered a cannabis-infused lemonade that helps relieve his post-traumatic stress.

Im happy that they passed it," he said of the law legalizing recreational marijuana. "Theres so many people out here with unrecognized anxiety. As they use it, it will help.

At Tuesday's regulatory hearing, officials with the state's newly founded Cannabis Control Division listened to stark warnings about overuse of agricultural water supplies and the dangers of overregulation.

A lot of these regulations will only perpetuate the illicit market," said Kristina Caffrey, chief legal officer for Ultra Health, a leading producer and distributor of medical cannabis. Do they allow legal entrance to effectively compete?

___

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.

___

This story has been corrected to show that people in New Mexico can grow recreational marijuana at home immediately, not that it begins in April 2022.
Ashley Watt is nothing if not a friend of fracking. She's invested in mines that supply the sand frackers blast into the ground. Her family owns a ranch larger than Manhattan that's home to hundreds of oil and natural gas wells. Her Twitter handle is "Frac Sand Baroness."

That's what made it all the more jarring almost three weeks ago when Watt began publicly railing against one particular oil driller for leaks on her land. Noxious wastewater from oil drilling began leaching across the ground, endangering people and livestock. By her count, the pollution has killed four cows and two calves so far. Chevron Corp., which drilled the 1960s-era wells that polluted Watt's land, brought in earth-moving equipment and a well-control crew, even though it had sold most of its interests there years ago. It took 10 days to halt the first leak. Given the hundreds of other aging wells dotting the land, it's done little to put Watt's mind at ease.

"I am not anti-oil industry," Watt said in an interview. "That is the economy here. It's a good business." At the same the same time, she said, "We have to be responsible stewards. If we can't do it right here in the Permian Basin, then how can we do it right anywhere? Nobody should let us in if we're going to act like this."

And just like that, Watt - whether she liked it or not - became an ally to scores of environmentalists and activists who've been warning for years that America is on the verge of an environmental disaster. Long before the advent of shale drilling techniques that fueled the greatest move toward energy independence the nation's ever seen, conventional oil explorers left the country pierced with millions of defunct wells that are aging by the day and increasingly springing leaks.

"There's this enormous backlog" of abandoned wells, "and we don't have financing in place to clean them up," said Daniel Raimi, a fellow at the non-profit research group Resources for the Future. "We've seen very clearly that existing regulatory structures, particularly at the state level, have not properly incentivized companies to clean up their infrastructure."

There are 3.4 million old crude and gas wells in various states of abandonment across the U.S., an almost 20% increase in the past decade, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Less than half of those holes have been plugged, EPA figures showed. In all, the wells are spewing about 7 million metric tons of methane into the atmosphere every year, although unplugged wells tend to be 100 times more polluting than their plugged brethren.

Methane releases from abandoned gas wells have been particularly egregious, growing by 40% in the past three decades. As the energy industry pivots away from fossil fuels to combat climate change, the inventory of untended wells will only expand.

Abandoned wells have become so thorny an issue in longtime oil states like Pennsylvania that President Joe Biden included $16 billion in his infrastructure package to put laid-off roughnecks to work plugging old wells and mines. Federal lawmakers including Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts have meanwhile blasted the Bureau of Land Management for failing to hold the oil and gas industry accountable for plugging millions of abandoned wells on public lands.

In Texas, the nation's largest source of oil, companies plugged almost 8,900 wells in the last fiscal year, and have sealed another 5,700 so far this fiscal year, according to the Texas Railroad Commission that oversees the oil and natural gas industry. The agency requires cement barriers through sections of a well that go through aquifers, but the commission doesn't track how many of them spring leaks. The regulator documented more than 500 industry-related spills and accidents last fiscal year, with equipment failure and corrosion listed as the top two causes.

For it's part, Chevron said in a statement that its priorities on Watt's property "are protecting people - including Ms. Watt and our workforce onsite, protecting the environment, plugging the well and remediating impacts." Industry experts estimated the cleanup is costing Chevron more than $250,000 a day, though the company has declined to disclose its expenses. The company also helped Watt relocate 500 cows and trucked in fresh drinking water for her family and ranch workers.

Despite all of Chevron's efforts, Virginia Palacios, executive director of the watchdog Commission Shift based in Austin, Texas, calls old wells like the ones on Watt's property "ticking time bombs." Her group has fought for tougher regulations to ensure drillers continue to monitor their operations long past the day they stop yielding oil.

"We need to plan to monitor these wells in perpetuity," she said. "Even if you plug these wells, as we have seen in this incident, they can still cause environmental damage and pose a risk to human health."

Prior to the 1950s, the rules in Texas for taking wells out of service were so vague that they were sometimes plugged with brush, wood, rocks, paper and linen sacks, or any other item that could hold cement, according to a report from the National Petroleum Council, an industry group that advises the U.S. Energy Department. Last year, the railroad commission was sued by Public Citizen and two South Texas landowners over its alleged failure to responsible management of some abandoned, unplugged wells.

"There are hundreds of wells on this ranch alone," Watt said. "Extrapolating thousands of wells in the Permian Basin, tens of thousands, how many of those are going to collapse? Even if it's only 1%, that's going to pollute aquifers and destroy a huge swath of land. That's enough to make the Permian Basin functionally uninhabitable in 50 years."

After more than two weeks, the exact cause of the leak is not yet clear but experts hired by Watt pointed to tiny perforations in a cement plug installed in the mid-1990s to permanently take the well out service. It's a routine industry practice to pour cement down wells when production peters out and they no longer turn a profit. Most of the time, such plugs hold fast.

But with other decades-old wells and pipes leaking on her property, Watt believes an environmental disaster is unfolding not just on her family's land but also elsewhere in the Permian Basin, the vast oilfield that's been a drilling hotbed for more than a century. Watt fears that legacy wells, neglected equipment and lax enforcement by state regulators are a recipe for disaster.

"Will this be inhabitable land in 100 years, if all of our old wellbores are collapsing underneath us?" Watt said after traversing the 22,000-acre ranch in a brown Ford F-150 pickup truck. "I don't know and, frankly, that's terrifying,"

The Watt family arrived in remote West Texas early in the 20th century when Ashley's great-grandfather quit a job at the Fort Worth Stockyards to begin ranching a decade before the first Permian oil boom in the 1920s. In the mid-1990s, her parents bought the nearby Antina property, a swath of sand hills and desert grasslands that provide excellent feed for cattle. Her folks' ashes are scattered among the dunes.

Roughly a dozen wells are still trickling out crude and gas, while the rest were all plugged decades ago. It's those legacy wells and the pipelines attached to them that concern Watt. The former U.S. Marine Corps captain who flew drones over Afghanistan is using those skills to scour her land for the telltale signs of other leaks.

Among her findings was a 1950s-era well that's leaking crude; Chevron is also cleaning up that site. She also found a natural gas pipeline that became exposed when sand dunes shifted and spewed gas underground. In another location, she discovered broken storage equipment that was releasing gas into the atmosphere.

Watt and her attorney Sarah Stogner took to social media to highlight the scope of the pollution. In one Tweet, they showed a cleanup crew's ad hoc method of slowing a wastewater leak by placing a red plastic bucket atop a length of pipe. Red bucket memes exploded across Twitter's energy-industry subculture. In another, Watt invited Chevron CEO Mike Wirth to visit and "come get some sand in your Gucci loafers."

Chevron hired Cudd Well Control, a legendary oilfield outfit famous for snuffing out the late Saddam Hussein's fiery blowouts in Kuwait, to help with the cleanup.

"It's important for the Railroad Commission and other agencies to understand that we need to plan to monitor these wells in perpetuity," said Commission Shift's Palacios. "Even if you plug these wells, as we have seen in this incident, they can still cause environmental damage and pose a risk to human health."

Adding more cement to key areas during the plugging process and testing could easily reduce risk, said Tom Slocum, a well-plugging expert and vice president with consulting firm Trifecta Solutions.

"This is a cheap insurance policy," Slocum said. "For an extra $1,000 to $1,500 of cement, a little bit more time and a couple hundred bucks for testing the cement plug, you can avoid a catastrophe."

- - -

Bloomberg's Joe Carroll and David Wethe contributed to this report.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  North Korean leader Kim Jong Un berated top officials for failures in coronavirus prevention that caused a great crisis, using strong language that raised the specter of a mass outbreak in a country that would be scarcely able to handle it.

The state media report Wednesday did not specify what crucial lapse had prompted Kim to call the Politburo meeting of the ruling Workers Party, but experts said North Korea could be wrestling with a significant setback in its pandemic fight.

So far, North Korea has claimed to have had no coronavirus infections, despite testing thousands of people and sharing a porous border with China. Experts widely doubt the claim and are concerned about any potential outbreak, given the country's poor health infrastructure.

At the Politburo meeting, Kim criticized the senior officials for supposed incompetence, irresponsibility and passiveness in planning and executing anti-virus measures amid the lengthening pandemic, the Norths official Korean Central News Agency said.

Kim said senior officials in charge of important state affairs neglected the implementation of the important decisions of the party on taking organizational, institutional, material, scientific and technological measures as required by the prolonged state emergency epidemic prevention campaign, according to KCNA. This caused a crucial case of creating a great crisis in ensuring the security of the state and safety of the people and entailed grave consequences.

The report also said the party recalled an unspecified member of the Politburos powerful Presidium, which consists of Kim and four other top officials.

The reference indicated Kim may replace his Cabinet Premier Kim Tok Hun, who would be held responsible for failures in the governments anti-epidemic work, said Hong Min, a senior analyst at Seouls Korea Institute for National Unification.

There also was speculation that Kim Jong Un may have sacked Ri Pyong Chol, one of his top military officials. North Korean TV video of the meeting showed Ri looking downward and not participating in a vote as Kim and other senior officials on stage raised their hands to indicate their consent on a matter that the broadcast didnt specify.

There is no possibility that North Korea will ever admit to an infection  even if there were mass transmissions, the North will definitely not reveal such developments and will continue to push forward an anti-virus campaign it has claimed to be the greatest, Hong said.

But its also clear that something significant happened and it was big enough to warrant a reprimanding of senior officials. This could mean mass infections or some sort of situation where a lot of people were put at direct risk of infections.

Cheong Seong-Chang, an analyst at South Koreas private Sejong Institute, expressed a similar view, saying North Korea is potentially dealing with huge virus-related problems in border towns near China, such as Sinuiju or Hyesan.

But other experts said Kim could be responding to illicit border trade that defied his lockdown measures or setting the stage for a political shakeup or purge to solidify his grip on power as he navigates perhaps the toughest time of his nine-year rule.

South Koreas Unification Ministry, which deals with inter-Korean affairs, said it had no immediate information to share about the North Korean report and that it wouldnt make prejudgments about the countrys virus situation.

Wang Wenbin, spokesperson of Chinas Foreign Ministry, raised the possibility of helping North Korea in the event of a major outbreak of COVID-19.

China and the DPRK have a long tradition of helping each other when they encounter difficulties, Wang said, referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.

If necessary, China will actively consider providing assistance to the DPRK.

From the start of the pandemic, North Korea described its anti-virus efforts as a matter of national existence, banned tourists, jetted out diplomats and severely curtailed cross-border traffic and trade. The lockdown has further strained an economy already battered by decades of mismanagement and crippling U.S.-led sanctions over the countrys nuclear weapons program.

Kim during a political conference earlier this month called for officials to brace for prolonged COVID-19 restrictions, indicating that the country isnt ready to open its borders despite its economic woes.

North Korea has told the World Health Organization it has not found a single coronavirus infection after testing more than 30,000 people, including many described as having fevers or respiratory symptoms.

North Koreas extended border controls come amid uncertainties over the countrys vaccination prospects. COVAX, the U.N.-backed program to ship COVID-19 vaccines worldwide, said in February that North Korea could receive 1.9 million doses in the first half of the year, but the plans have been delayed due to global shortages.

Kim will likely find scapegoats for the incident, purging disloyal officials and blaming their ideological lapses. This may provide Pyongyang justification for demanding that citizens hunker down more, but it could also be political preparation for accepting vaccines from abroad, said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul.
Governors and state legislatures all across the country are trying to decide how to spend the billions of dollars in stimulus funds approved by Congress, and one decision by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is a good one.

Abbott announced recently that he will allocate an additional $94 million from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) to higher education. Abbott had previously allocated $175 million in these stimulus funds to the states colleges and universities.

Decision like that are always going to help Texas  provided, of course, that the money is spent effectively to help more students get their degrees and to support the valuable research going on in Texas universities. The breakdown of this latest funding indicates that those goals will be met:

$48.1 million will go to expand capacity for high-demand educational opportunities, including $5 million for work-based learning and apprenticeships.

$28.5 million will be designed to increase enrollments, support high-potential students and provide financial aid for critical student groups.

$10 million will be used to establish the My Texas Future program to provide one-stop advising resources to help traditional Texas students and adult learners.

In addition, $4 million each will go to two other programs, one to expand outreach to adult learners to meet workforce demands and one to bolster Tri-Agency data security and accessibility.

These kinds of investments should pay off for Texas in the long run, encouraging more students to continue their formal schooling past high school and then to focus that education on careers that will pay off for them and their fellow citizens.

There was some concern when the pandemic hit that state and federal funding would have to be focused on the basics as the national economy descended into a recession. Highways and hospitals would be funded, the thinking went, but anything beyond that  like secondary education  might have to wait for good times to return.

Fortunately, that scenario never really came about. The national economy did slow down considerably, but it never crashed or descended into a depression. Funding for higher education across the country generally stayed on pace, which of course had its own positive economic implications. The jobs and technology of tomorrow are being studied and developed in our universities today. Any pause in that momentum would have negative consequences down the road.

Each college and university that receives these funds should make sure to spend them as wisely as possible. It should go without saying that this money shouldnt be focused just on high-profile institutions like the University of Texas and Texas A&M University.

Other schools like Lamar University, the two Lamar state colleges and the Lamar Institute of Technology also do great things for their students, and they deserve their fair share of this round of funding  and every other one, for that matter. Not every student can go to a high-profile school or even wants to. The thousands of other students and educators in those other colleges and universities must always be included in decisions like this.
You may know him from the Mel Gibson directed The Passion of the Christ film. Actor Jim Caviezel starred in the film, playing the role of Jesus Christ. The film captures Jesus final hours and crucifixion in a way that many moviegoers had never seen before.

His acting was moving and helped people develop a new appreciation for Jesus love and courage on His path to the cross. What you may not know is that Caviezel is a devout Christian who isnt afraid to share his faith on and off the screen.

Caviezel is strong in his Catholic faith and this faith has helped him navigate through Hollywood. In an interview with People, Caviezel said that he is drawn to roles that enable him to be the light.

The light is much brighter in the darkest of places. In those darkest of places, I want to be the center of it. I was drawn to that, Caviezel said.

He stands behind his faith so much that he has refused to play certain roles or scenes if it compromised his faith or beliefs. Out of respect to his wife, Caviezel refused to do nude love scenes in the movies Angel Eyes with Jennifer Lopez and High Crimes with Ashley Judd, ChurchLeaders.com reports.

As a devout Catholic, he opposes abortion. He has used his position as an actor to speak out for pro-life causes. He also used his platform to challenge the church to not lose the faith.

Caviezel and his wife have adopted three children from China who were battling cancer. They felt a sense of calling to them.

Two of them had brain tumors and one had cancer sarcoma. Their chance of survival wasnt great, but I wanted to helpThey make me want to be a better man. Love is a decision.

He also credits God not only his talent but also his successes to God. He told Faithwire during a Facebook Live appearance that his gift is from God.

It was a gift given to me. I didnt give it to myself, he said.

When Caviezel feels a special calling to a play a role, he follows through. During the filming of The Passion of the Christ, he almost died during filming.

I thought I would put the makeup on and prepare the same way and we would shoot it in studio and suddenly I realized I was in a fight for my life. It was very cold and I got hypothermia. The makeup burned my skin and I caught pneumonia in both lungs. I was struck by lightning and eventually had two heart surgeries including open-heart.

Despite major health setbacks, he was committed to completing this role. He felt like playing Jesus in the film was an important part of his faith journey.

I need him every day. I feel the lack of love in the world and in myself at times and Im looking for purpose like everyone else. In this business that doesnt suffer fools, when the world kicks you, I know that I have my personal Savior right there with me and he feels the pain that I feel.

While he is best known for his role as Jesus in The Passion of the Christ, he also played the evangelist Luke in the film Paul, Apostle of Christ. In the film, he visits Paul (James Faulkner) in prison to put the apostles story and teaching in writing for distribution to Christians in Rome and abroad. Those writings would late become the book of Acts in the Bible.

Caviezel looks for stories that have great redemptive qualities because thats the truth that he knows, he said in an interview.

When I read this, I thought this is more of what Im supposed to do, Caviezel said. I just look for redeemable qualities in it. I think you walk away from a movie like this affected in a lot of ways.

While Caviezel is known for his biblical roles, playing Paul was quite different than other characters hes played. What he found most fascinating in his research of Luke was not only his background, but also the way Christ worked through him.

Youve got Matthew, youve got Mark, youve got Luke and heres a guy whos a pagan thats writing one of the gospels, Caviezel. Our Lords message is universal and it can hit anybody, but we all have an emptiness in our heart.

He knows that there is a lot that viewers can take away from his roles, even those who may not have known Christ.

I had a friend of mine watch the movie who likes me as a person but doesnt come from any faith and he watched the movie and was simply blown away, Caviezel said. He said, Jim, the writer of this is brilliant and I said, why so, and he said, That line To live as Christ, to die is gain, is truly brilliant, and I said, That was written by Paul.

A couple days later, Caviezels friend asked if he could see his Passion of the Christ movie.

He was right on the edge, and it planted a seed and thats a big change but he felt loved in the movie and he felt home, Caviezel said. Thats all I wanted to convey to people is that our Lord wants them to feel home with Him. He loves them and wants to give them the life they were meant to have.

Caviezel has also said in a number of interviews that he will once again play Jesus in the much-anticipated Mel Gibson directed, The Resurrection of the Christ. Caviezel believes that the sequel to The Passion of the Christ will be the single biggest film in history.

Its a huge responsibility, Caviezel said. Our industry, often times when they get a film that is biblical, they change it in many ways  when you start doing that and taking liberties like that  it loses its value.
Time Span

Age and Author

Similar Stories

Role of Eve

Cause of Controversy

The Book of Genesis is the first book in the Bible, and Christians believe that it describes the creation of the world. It is one of the most often read and referenced books in the Bible. It is also one of the best known books. Even non-Christians are usually familiar with at least some of the stories out of Genesis. Noahs Ark; Cain and Able; and Adam, Eve and the Serpent have found their way into common vernacular. Hes a snake is, after all, a common insult for someone who is deceitful, and people of many religions may laugh about needing to build an ark when there has been a great deal of rain.The fame of Genesis, however, does not mean that people know everything there is to know about this ancient text. In fact, Genesis fame may keep some people from digging deeper into this portion of Scripture. The book is so well known that people mistakenly assume there is nothing new to discover about Genesis. Here are five things you didnt know about Genesis.The Book of Genesis begins with the creation of Heaven and Earth, the sun, moon, stars and life. It ends, however, with the death of Joseph. This means that Genesis covers nearly 2,300 years of Biblical history, the most of any book of the Bible by far. To put it in perspective, all the other books in the Bible, from Exodus through Revelation, cover just over 1,800 years.The many centuries that Genesis covers are not spread out evenly through the book. Genesis 1 through Genesis 11 covers roughly 2,000 years, the vast majority of which takes place in the Fertile Crescent. The remaining 300 years are covered by Genesis 12 through Genesis 50 and take place in Israel and Egypt.The age and authorship of Bible books is almost always being debated. Christians do not always agree on when Bible books were written and neither do religious scholars. The two groups rarely see eye to eye with each other on this either. There is usually, however, some form of consensus. Christians may agree on a rough timeline while religious scholars disagree. No group, however, can agree on when Genesis was written. Christian tradition often says that the Book of Genesis was written by Moses at roughly 1450 B.C., but others claim the book is even older. Religious scholars cannot come to a consensus either. Most scholars reject that Genesis was written by Moses, but many do hold that the book was written by figures that appear in the Bible. Two common theories for the origins of the Book of Genesis are that the book was written by either the Biblical prophet Ezra in the fifth century B.C. or by a member of King Solomons court in the 10th century B.C. if not by Solomon himself.These, however, are not the only theories researchers have about Genesis. Some people believe that Genesis was written at the time of the Babylonian exile in the sixth century. This would mean that Genesis would have been written at roughly the same time as religious scholars believe that Exodus was written. Unfortunately, there is no proof of Genesis age. Some of the oldest fragments of the text were found with the Dead Sea Scrolls, but these only date to around 100 B.C., and most people, Christians and scholars, believe the text is far older than that.There are number of stories in Genesis that resemble myths from other cultures. Creation accounts and flood myths, for example, are found in hundreds of cultures across the globe and across time. No culture, however, has mythology as similar to Genesis as ancient Mesopotamia. The Enuma Elish is the most intact version of the Babylonian creation myth, and much of it sounds very similar to Genesis. In fact, some translations are nearly word for word copies of each other. Atrahasis is another ancient Mesopotamian myth and closely mirrors Noahs Ark. Like in the tale of Noahs Ark, a great flood is sent to wipe out humanity. A good man, Atrahasis, is warned of the coming disaster by the god Enki, and he builds an ark to survive the flood. Atrahasis brings his family and two of every animal onto the ark and so saves life.Christians have built up quite a bit of animosity toward the first woman. She is often seen as the original temptress, the reason for the fall of humanity and the birth of the original sin. Eve, however, falls victim to the common idea that a person does not need to continue studying what they already know. Christians know that Eve was a seductress who listened to the Devils lies. As such, they do not need to dig deeper into Eves story. This is unfortunate because Eve is not responsible for half of what Christians heap on her shoulders.The book of Genesis has two subtly different tales of Eden, but neither one holds Eve alone responsible for the original sin because Adam is with Eve when she is tempted by the serpent. The Book of Genesis says that When the woman saw that the tree was good for foodshe took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband who was with her. Adam was with Eve when the serpent spun its fabulous lie. He stood beside her and listened to the Devil, the same as Eve.Adam could have told Eve not to listen. He could have refused the fruit. Instead, Adam is just as entranced by the snakes lies as Eve. She simply happens to be the one standing closer to the tree and able to reach the fruit easier. Eve does not seduce Adam into taking the fruit. He shares it with her willingly.Few books have caused as much controversy as the Book of Genesis. Christians and atheists have pitted the creation account in Genesis directly against Darwins theory of evolution like a pair of fighting dogs. This mutual animosity has led to battles over what to teach in schools, name calling and court cases, one of which made it all the way to the United States Supreme Court. It is also at the root of the erroneous assumption that science and religion are mutually exclusive.Christians and non-Christians alike may be familiar with the stories in the Book of Genesis, but that does not mean people know everything there is to know about this ancient text. After all, people never stop learning, and even in the most famous books, there is always something new to be learned.
Covid-19

hot featured

Humane Society experiencing foster shortage

Photo provided Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin Development Director Kaitie Swedlund holds her foster kittens named Eucalyptus, Cactus and Daffodil. With a shortage of foster parents for cats and dogs, staff has been fostering extra animals in their spare time.

JANESVILLE  The Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin is experiencing a foster shortage in line with national trends, according to Development Director Kaitie Swedlund and Foster Coordinator Amy Warrichaiet.

With people getting out and traveling more after being cooped up due to the pandemic, many havent found a way to incorporate foster animals into their lives, Swedlund and Warrichaiet say.

I think its because a lot of people are excited to go back outside, and we dont have as many people staying home, Swedlund said.

Everyone is dying to do things they couldnt last year, Warrichaiet said.

The lack of fosters coupled with a robust cat population is making it challenging to keep the kitties housed. As of Monday there were more than 100 kittens in foster care in Rock County.

There were also a total of 103 animals at the shelter, with about two thirds cats and one third dogs, which Swedlund said is relatively full.

Swedlund said early warm weather made for a longer breeding season. In July the shelter typically has more than 100 kittens, however this year it has had more than 100 kittens for a longer period of time.

Its at least three weeks, Swedlund said.

Fortunately, Warrichaiet said all kittens that need to be in foster care are getting it. Staff are generously taking in extra animals and duties during their off time.

Staff has been pitching in a lot, Warrichaiet said. We are bringing back a litter and then taking another litter home at the same time.

Kittens are put in foster care when they are under 2 months old and weigh 2 pounds. Those at the shelter try to place them that same day so their immune system isnt compromised.

Their immune system isnt strong yet so we dont want them hanging out with the feral or adult cats, especially with our high population. We try to send them out the same day, Swedlund said.

Those who wish to foster kittens must have a separate room in their house to ensure they dont come into contact with other animals for at least two weeks to make sure the animals dont spread any potential diseases. It could be a spare bedroom, office or bathroom or room with a door to ensure separation. The shelter can provide the food, litter, toys and scales.

You have to weigh the kittens, Swedlund added.

There are also warming discs that can be heated up in the microwave to keep smaller kittens warm.

Newborns need to be bottle fed every two to three hours, unless mom comes with to stay in foster care.

Sometimes we get lucky and mom will come in with the newborns and you dont have to tend to them as often, Swedlund said.

Those without such an open schedule can foster 4-to-6-week-old kittens who need feeding three to four times a day. Older, sassier kittens that are 6 to 10 weeks old need more socialization and feeding twice a day.

The older they get the more your responsibility goes down and the more you can play with them, Swedlund said.

Once the kittens hit 2 pounds, they can go up for adoption.

A separate room is also recommended for fostering dogs and puppies. Puppies and dogs that are coming up from down south to be adopted from the shelter often need foster homes to help them decompress after their big journey.

The transition from a shelter to a home is a big transition and they need a quiet space to decompress, Swedlund said. When they come up, oftentimes we look for foster families to get the dogs acclimated as the move is sometimes stressful.

Those who wish to become fosters, can put in an application on the shelters website at www.petsgohome.org. Those accepted to foster must complete an online orientation.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (left) and Chinese President Xi Jinping wave to journalists after a welcome ceremony at Malacanang Palace in Manila, Nov. 20, 2018.

At least four times this year, Manila has reported confronting and driving away mostly Chinese ships from waters that the Philippines claims in the South China Sea.

Cabinet members, as well as the Southeast Asian countrys military and law-enforcement leaders have also been more assertive in dealing with the Chinese presence in the waters within the Philippines exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The Chinese incursions prompted Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. to call on ASEAN to fast-track the drafting of a Code of Conduct (CoC) between its 10 members and China to govern maritime encounters in the disputed waterway.

Opinion polls show the Filipino public approves of Manilas moves, but this new assertiveness may be a case of too little, too late, analysts told BenarNews ahead of the fifth anniversary of an historic legal victory by the Philippines against China, over the latters expansive claims in the South China Sea.

What we lost is time to articulate our victory over China, and to start mobilizing a coalition of nations willing to enforce the ruling, Renato de Castro, professor of international studies at the De La Salle University in Manila, told Benar News.

The Philippines slack has been taken up by countries who also saw that its in their interest to use the ruling against China. What we lost is basically our sense of self-respect and dignity.

On July 12, 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague affirmed the Philippines rights to its territories under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and declared Chinas claim over most of the South China Sea as baseless.

Since then, instead of leveraging the award, President Rodrigo Duterte, who came to power only weeks before the win, ignored the verdict and pursued friendlier ties with China even as Beijing repeatedly rejected the international ruling that declared its claim.

It was a turnaround from the stance of his predecessor, Benigno Aquino III, who died last month.

Duterte has often insisted that using the arbitral award to assert Philippine rights in the sea would be pointless as it would only spark a war with China.

Even though he told the United Nations General Assembly last year that the arbitration award was beyond compromise, Duterte returned to his old stance in May, when he called the verdict a mere piece of paper that he would throw into the wastebasket.

Thats so ironic, that our president would basically state the Chinese communist partys position regarding the ruling. Thats a national tragedy, de Castro said.

Meanwhile, Beijings pledges of U.S. $24 billion in economic assistance for infrastructure projects have yet to materialize.

Its coast guard and fishing vessels  suspected to be maritime militias  have not pulled out of Philippine-claimed waters, and in fact, have allegedly scaled up their presence all over Manilas EEZ and islets in the sea region.

Nothing came out of this governments appeasement policy on China, De Castro said.

We got no concessions from China whatsoever.

Duterte could have instead spent the last five years making the rounds of forums such as the U.N. General Assembly and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to get the worlds naval powers to assist in implementing the South China Sea ruling, de Castro and other analysts said.

Now, with less than a year left in Dutertes one and only six-year term, his administration is facing increased scrutiny of the governments achievements and failures.

Philippine Coast Guard personnel salute the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf as it arrives for a port call in Manila, May 15, 2019. [AP]

Lost self-respect and dignity

While Duterte was courting China, other South China Sea claimant countries such as Malaysia and Vietnam have cited the international ruling in their pleadings with the U.N.

Indonesia, which does not consider itself a party to the dispute, cited the arbitral courts ruling when it challenged China over fishing rights in the waters off the Natuna Islands.

Individual countries are already enforcing the ruling, but it could have made a great difference if there was a coalition of the willing led by the country that won the case, de Castro said.

Many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, Japan and India, have also sent or have pledged to send their navies to the South China Sea on freedom of navigation operations, without Manilas prodding.

If Manila had been more assertive early on about implementing the South China Sea award, it could have forced ASEAN and China to move faster with the CoC, said Chester Cabalza, president of the Manila-based think-tank International Development and Security Foundation.

We could have already completed the Code of Conduct, because there would have been actual encounters on the ground, and those would have clarified procedural issues in completing the CoC, Cabalza told BenarNews.

With the CoC done, we could have moved on to drafting the rules of engagement, and it could have already been brought to the U.N. to talk about it.

A first draft of the code was presented in 2017, but the process has dragged on. In November 2020, ASEAN members said they hoped to complete the code this year.

Essentially, Duterte missed a huge opportunity to be a world leader who made a difference, Cabalza said.

Imagine if President Duterte championed and crusaded for the Hague ruling. He could have changed the world order, he said.

Filipino fishermen

Meanwhile, Filipino fishermen have borne the brunt of the Chinese presence in Manila-claimed territories in the South China Sea, as they have been driven from their traditional fishing grounds.

Besides seven reefs that Beijing has reclaimed and turned into military installations, Scarborough Shoal, which is west of the Philippine island of Luzon, has also been largely off-limits to Filipino fishermen.

A flotilla of Chinese coast guard ships and trawlers patrol and block access to the marine lagoon where Philippine fishing boats used to drop anchor during bad weather.

Around 627,000 Filipino fishermen lost their livelihood because of Chinese activities in the South China Sea, said Fernando Hicap, chairman of the fishermens advocacy group Pamalakaya, who cited government figures.

The last five years have been a disappointment, he said.

How unfortunate that when the ruling came, it fell into the lap of a president whos a lackey of China, Hicap told BenarNews.

Fishermen in Pamalakayas network report that Chinese-occupied reefs where waters used to teem with fish have become barren. Hicap blames this on Chinese trawlers which can haul in several tons of fish each day.

Now, were importing fish the Chinese caught in our waters, Hicap said.

National narrative

The Duterte administrations flip-flops on foreign policy and the South China Sea issue have confused many Filipinos, said Cabalza, who previously led a department of the military-administered National Defense College of the Philippines.

Defeatist pronouncements and the neglect of the value of the Hague ruling were the predominant narratives in the past five years, he said.

Manilas defense establishment, though, considers the South China Sea a security threat, as seen in white papers that spell out the Philippines national defense, military, and national security policies, according to Cabalza.

What the country needs is a consistent policy on national security and foreign relations that is invulnerable to the switching of political leanings of presidents and other elected leaders, he said. Such a policy would dispel concerns about the West Philippine Sea, Cabalza said, referring to Manilas term for its EEZ and claimed territories in the South China Sea.

Still, all is not lost despite missed opportunities, analysts said, because The Hague courts ruling carries the weight of international law.

Getting China to pull out of the waterway should never have been the focus but it should have been to delegitimize Chinas standing against international law, which would have made it more vulnerable to pressure from other global powers, they said.

Its not so much a matter of getting back our sea, De La Salle Universitys de Castro said.

Its basically about ensuring that the South China Sea remains a common heritage of humanity, and to exercise our rights.
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us

We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.
This mural (located inside a federal building in Rutland) depicts Hampshire Grants settlers inside the James Breakenridge farmhouse in Bennington defending  on July 19, 1771  their land claims from an Albany, N.Y., posse intent on evicting many of Vermonts early settlers in favor of disputed land claims by colonial authorities representing New York. The Green Mountain Boys, and Vermont itself, trace origins back to these events, and a celebration is planned to mark the 250th anniversary of the Breakenridge Stand-off.
Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Muslim activists in Massachusetts are calling for an investigation into an alleged anti-Muslim statement made by the recently appointed police chief in a Boston suburb
Community News Editor / Librarian

Jeannie Maschino is community news editor and librarian for The Berkshire Eagle. She has worked for the newspaper in various capacities since 1982 and joined the newsroom in 1989. She can be reached at jmaschino@berkshireeagle.com.
Amanda Burke can be reached at aburke@berkshireeagle.com, on Twitter @amandaburkec and 413-496-6296.
Bill Cosby has angered the 1997 class president of Central High School by wearing an alma-mater Shirt.

During a June 30 press conference outside of Cosbys home, he was wearing a Central High School class of 1997 shirt. Dan Taraborrelli, who was the 1997 class president, is not happy.

According to TMZ, Cosby briefly attended the Philadelphia high school but still was put in the Hall of Fame. In 2015 , Cosby was removed due to the sexual assault allegations.

Taraborrelli met Cosby in 1997, when he spoke to the graduating class and said he may have given him the shirt. Nonetheless, Taraborrelli does not want Cosby wearing any of the high schools gear moving forward.

BREAKING NEWS: Bill Cosby Released From Prison, Sex Assault Conviction Overturned

Cosby served more than two years of a three-to-10-year sentence at Philadelphia-area state prison. Previously, Cosby vowed to serve all 10 years rather than acknowledge remorse over the 2004 encounter with victim and accuser Andrea Constand.

The 83-year-old was convicted of drugging and molesting Constand at his suburban home. In late 2015, he was charged when a prosecutor presented newly unsealed evidence.

According to CBS News, in 2005, Cosbys team made a deal with former prosecutor Bruce Castor, who defended Trump at his second impeachment trial, to not pursue criminal charges, which was designed to prevent Cosby from invoking the Fifth Amendment and refusing to answer questions in civil court.

However, this non-prosecution deal was never in writing, The Washington Post reports.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court said that testimony tainted the trial, even though a lower appeals court had found it appropriate to show a signature pattern of drugging and molesting women.

Prosecutors didnt clarify if they would appeal or seek to try Cosby a third time.
In Long Beach, California, a statue of Martin Luther King Jr. was vandalized with hate symbols over the holiday weekend.

According to USA Today, the hope and justice statue was spray-painted with a swastika and SS Bolts. The graffiti has since been cleaned by the citys parks and recreation department.

The Long Beach Police Department told the newspaper on Monday (July 5) that the incident is being investigated as a hate crime, however they currently dont have any suspects.

The MLK statue was introduced in 1968 after the civil rights leader was assassinated and changed the name of the park from 19th Street Park to Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

RELATED: John Lewis Statue To Replace Confederate Monument In Georgia County

Al Austin II, a member of Long Beach City Council, tweeted that he was "shocked and disheartened" by the vandalism.

It's troubling that this act happened in a core area of our LB Black community, Austin wrote.
In December, Sandra Lindsay, RN, a Black registered nurse at New Yorks Long Island Jewish Medical Center, was one of the first people in the state to receive the vaccine. Her vaccine card and scrubs will now be displayed at the Smithsonian Museum of American History.

According to CBS, President Joe Biden said on July 2 Lindsay made "significant contributions to our country and she "represented the very best of us all."

She was also awarded the "Outstanding American by Choice" award from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

RELATED: NIH Scientist Kizzmekia Corbett Works To Find A Vaccine To End Coronavirus

Lindsay, originally from Jamaica, said after the vaccine in December, I would like to thank all the frontline workers, all my colleagues whove been doing a yeomans job to fight this pandemic all over the world.



She also added, feel hopeful today, relieved. I feel like healing is coming. I hope this marks the beginning of the end of a very painful time in our history.

CBS also reports, as of July 2, more than 327 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered.

For the latest on the coronavirus, check out BETs blog on the virus, and contact your local health department or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
News

Improvement projects planned at Johnson, Moore parks

Grace Ramey / Grace Ramey Water from Drakes Creek runs under the Scottsville Road bridge at Phil Moore Park on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. Officials from Warren County Stormwater Management are currently in the design phase for water quality projects at Romanza Johnson Park and Phil Moore Park after the department instituted a Fee In Lieu of Construction program in 2019, allowing developers to pay a fee in lieu of designing and constructing post-construction water quality infrastructure, and the fund is now over $460,000. (Grace Ramey/photo@bgdailynews.com) A dragonfly rests on a algae-covered branch floating in Drakes Creek by Phil Moore Park on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. Officials from Warren County Stormwater Management are currently in the design phase for water quality projects at Romanza Johnson Park and Phil Moore Park after the department instituted a Fee In Lieu of Construction program in 2019, allowing developers to pay a fee in lieu of designing and constructing post-construction water quality infrastructure, and the fund is now over $460,000. (Grace Ramey/photo@bgdailynews.com) Water runs through Drakes Creek by Phil Moore Park on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. Officials from Warren County Stormwater Management are currently in the design phase for water quality projects at Romanza Johnson Park and Phil Moore Park after the department instituted a Fee In Lieu of Construction program in 2019, allowing developers to pay a fee in lieu of designing and constructing post-construction water quality infrastructure, and the fund is now over $460,000. (Grace Ramey/photo@bgdailynews.com) Grace Ramey / Grace Ramey Water runs through Drakes Creek by Phil Moore Park on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. Officials from Warren County Stormwater Management are currently in the design phase for water quality projects at Romanza Johnson Park and Phil Moore Park after the department instituted a Fee In Lieu of Construction program in 2019, allowing developers to pay a fee in lieu of designing and constructing post-construction water quality infrastructure, and the fund is now over $460,000. (Grace Ramey/photo@bgdailynews.com)

Warren Countys hyperactive construction will soon lead to some improvements at two county parks.

The countys Division of Stormwater Management, using fees collected from construction activity during the past two years, is moving forward with projects aimed at enhancing the water quality and recreational activities at Romanza Johnson Park and Phil Moore Park.

Using $150,200 of the $460,399 it has collected in post-construction water quality compliance fees, the Division of Stormwater Management is contracting with the Louisville-based Resource Environmental Solutions ecological services firm for work expected to stabilize stream banks and prevent erosion at both parks.

The money comes from the Fee In Lieu Of Construction (FILOC) program of the Kentucky Division of Water that allows developers to pay a fee instead of constructing and maintaining post-construction water quality infrastructure.

The Division of Stormwater Management is then required to use the funds on stormwater quality improvement projects.

We decided in 2019 to implement the fee program, said Nikki Koller, Warren County stormwater management program coordinator. With all the development weve had we have quite a bit of money to spend.

Koller said the FILOC program was implemented largely because the typical post-construction methods are not always successful.

With any project thats over one acre, you can do a post-construction plan or do the FILOC, Koller said. Weve had almost every development in the county do this program.

Koller said the projects at Johnson and Moore parks are the first in the county to be funded through the FILOC funds.

She hopes they are the first phase of projects designed to improve county properties.

We decided to work on county properties, she said. The stream banks at Johnson and Moore parks are quite heavily eroded. Were working with RES to design work that will fix some issues.

Specifically, Koller aims for the work at Johnson Park to include removing the low-water ford across Trammel Creek that was described as hazardous in her memo to Warren County Judge-Executive Mike Buchanon about the project.

The county has been interested in removing that for years, she said. The plan is to stabilize the bank, remove the low-water ford, and improve the water quality.

At Moore Park, on the side across Scottsville Road from the gymnasium and ball fields, Koller said the project will be designed to stop destruction of the vegetation and prevent erosion.

Both projects will have the added benefit of improving recreational activities at the parks, according to Koller.

Both parks are used for kayaking and canoeing, Koller said. Were trying to improve those areas. The launches are eroded and not positioned correctly. With this project, we hope to figure out the most effective launch locations.

According to documents submitted to RES, the company estimates its cost for developing the plans for the Johnson Park project will be $94,630. Work on the Moore Park plans will cost another $55,570.

Koller isnt sure about the timetable for the RES work that will include biological assessments of possible endangered species as well as topographic and geomorphic surveys.

We hope to get a master plan for these two projects and then bid them out for the construction phase, Koller said. We have to bid it based on the proper season for doing this type of work.

Koller does expect more FILOC-funded projects to follow, based on the response to the program.

Were collecting more than $200,000 per year through the FILOC program, she said. Our development community has embraced it.

 Follow business reporter Don Sergent on Twitter @BGDNbusiness or visit bgdailynews.com.
A prosecutor says the man who killed five people at a Maryland newspaper told a state psychiatrist that he intended to make a farce out of the second phase of his trial to determine whether he is criminally responsible due to his mental health
KAMIAH - Lighting storms with ground strikes Wednesday morning have resulted in multiple fires in north and north central Idaho spreading firefighting resources thin. Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) and Timber Protection Associations firefighters are following up on reports of smoke and in many cases are working to suppress the fires. Below are the latest updates on the reported fires as of 12:30pm on Wednesday, July 7.

Mission Flats Fire - IDL Cataldo Forest Protection District

This 20 acre fire is near the Cataldo Mission west of the boat ramp, but the mission is not immediately threatened. No other structures are threatened. The fire has not jumped the freeway or the river. I-90 eastbound near Cataldo is currently down to one lane and people are asked to be cautious but keep moving. Multiple aircraft, equipment and personnel are fighting the fire.

This fire district is also responding to a number of reports of smoke.

Butte Creek Fire  Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association (CPTPA)

This fire is estimated to be between 80-100 acres burning in timber and logging slash and is located near Butte Creek in Clearwater County. No structures are currently threatened. Multiple aircraft, engines and ground resources are currently battling this blaze. A Type 2 Interagency Management Team has been ordered for this fire.

A flight over the area revealed at lease 12 fires within the protection area, with 4-5 more fires near the Butte Creek Fire estimated to be 5 acres or less.

Shovel Creek Fire - IDL Craig Mountain Fire Protection District

Fire crews are just arriving at the scene of this 90 acre fire that is burning in grasses with a high spread potential. Some structures are threatened. This fire is near Corral Creek near the Nez Perce and Lewis County border.

Hoover Ridge Fire - IDL Craig Mountain Fire Protection District

This fire is estimated to be about 10 acres burning in timber is near the oxbow of the Salmon River. Multiple air resources are currently working on the fire. There are at least 3 other small fires and fire crews are investigating multiple reports of smoke.

Ridgewood Fire Maggie Creek Fire Protection District

A drone operator has put homes at risk on the Ridgewood Fire, located about 3 miles south and east of Kamiah. Because of the drone, multiple air resources had to stop dropping water on the 5-10 acre fire burning in timber, brush and steep terrain. Homes are located above the fire and crews are trying to keep the fire from going up the steep hill toward the homes. No evacuations have been ordered.

Multiple aircraft, engines and ground resources are currently fighting this fire.

Big Horse Fire  Maggie Creek Fire Protection District

This 40-50 acre fire is burning at the head of Big Horse Canyon near Kooskia in timber on the edge of agricultural land with homes nearby. No evacuations have been ordered. This is the fourth fire in this area within the last week. Multiple aircraft, engines and ground resources are currently fighting this fire. A Type 3 Interagency Management Team has been ordered for this fire.

Leland Fire

There are also reports of a wildland fire burning near Leland, ID on the Nez Perce County side towards Orofino.

The public is reminded to not use drones anywhere near wildland fires as fire planes cannot fly when a drone is flying, putting firefighters, homes and resources at risk. Fire resources are spread thin and there is the threat of additional lightning storms throughout the week across the state. Many regions are considering fire restrictions. With drought conditions and High to Extremely High Fire conditions throughout the state, the public is reminded to take every precaution to prevent wildfires.

Find all the latest fire updates from the Idaho Department of Lands by clicking HERE.
The Biotech Development Center is expected to be fully operational in 2023.

German firm Merck has announced the topping-out ceremony for its new Biotech Development Center in Corsier-sur-Vevey, Switzerland.

This investment of  250 million, which was announced in January 2020, is intended to help secure the capacities for a cost-efficient and agile provision of clinical study medication in the long term, to shorten the development time of novel biological active ingredients and to meet the challenge of the increasingly complex production of biotechnological substances to master the next generation.

The Biotech Development Center is being built in the immediate vicinity of Merck's production site in Corsier-sur-Vevey as an interface between research and manufacturing.

With a total area of 15,700 square meters, the development center will provide space for around 250 employees from different areas, who are currently spread across different locations.

Equipped with the most advanced digital solutions and the highest technological standards, including continuous manufacturing processes and laboratory automation, the newly opened center will offer an infrastructure that can be quickly and flexibly adapted to new needs and technological developments.

It will have an open work environment that enables collaboration, creativity and innovation.

The Biotech Development Center is expected to be fully operational in 2023.
Plans to utilise the grant to patent and commercialise a transdermal delivery technology to tap and disrupt a $ 7 billion global opportunity

New Delhi-based startup HempStreet has become the first-ever venture to receive the Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) from BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) for a medicinal cannabis solution.

The company has plans to utilise the funds to patent and commercialise a recent research breakthrough around transdermal delivery technology that could disrupt a $7 billion global industry.

HempStreet aims to tackle mass-ailments utilising researched and responsibly dispensed medicinal cannabis for pain relief to an addressable patient base of over 35 million.

In less than six months, the company has marked the fastest roll-out witnessed by the industry across over 2,000 clinics in 24 states in India that are now prescribing HempStreet medicines.

As HempStreet is working with Cannabis which falls under the SCHEDULE E-1 category, the company has proactively taken pre-emptive steps to avoid any changes of abuse or misdemeanour by ensuring a solid supply chain through a blockchain mechanism.

Riding on futuristic technologies and superior partnerships, the company is setting the gold standard for the medicinal cannabis sector in the country with its research, supply chain tracking, responsible and regulated formulation and dispensing of Cannabis-based medication.
Dr Harsh Vardhan was reportedly asked to resign ahead of the cabinet reshuffle

In the reshuffle of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cabinet that underwent a reboot today, Mansukh Mandaviya has got the charge of Health Ministry. He will also be holding charge of the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.

The Health and Family Welfare Ministry was earlier being held by Dr Harsh Vardhan who was reportedly asked to resign ahead of the cabinet reshuffle. He was widely criticized for mishandling the COVID-19 situation and the second wave, in particular.

A total of 43 political leaders have been sworn-in as union ministers, and some are promoted.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, "I congratulate all the colleagues who have taken oath today and wish them the very best for their ministerial tenure. We will continue working to fulfil aspirations of the people and build a strong and prosperous India."

A mixed response towards this cabinet reshuffling is doing the rounds in the media. On one hand, optimism is setting-in with this development, while on the other, questions are being raised whether Dr Harsh Vardhan has been made a scape-goat of the PM's failures.
Metropolis Healthcare plans to offer the TB test in Sri Lanka, Mauritius, UAE, Kenya, Zambia, Ghana, Tanzania as well as three other African countries

Metropolis Healthcare has launched NEXTGEN TB, whole-genome sequencing of tuberculosis utilising the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) platform for rapid identification of drug resistance in TB patients and providing genotypic level information on drug-resistant genes for up to 18 Anti - TB antibiotics.

Partnering with HaystackAnalytics (start-up incubated at SINE, IIT Bombay), Metropolis Healthcare plans to offer this test in Sri Lanka, Mauritius, the UAE, Kenya, Zambia, Ghana, Tanzania as well as three other African countries to help their fight against tuberculosis.

The 18 drugs covered are Streptomycin, Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Ethambutol, Pyrazinamide, Kanamycin, Amikacin, Capreomycin, Ofloxacin, Moxifloxacin, Gatifloxacin, Ethionamide, Para-amino salicylic acid, Linezolid, Clofazimine, Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, and Delaminid.

NEXGEN TB has a better turnaround time with much faster and reliable results. Additionally, any novel drug resistance genetic mutations can be identified by whole-genome sequencing using NGS.

Ameera Shah, Promoter and MD, Metropolis Healthcare, Its an honour to partner with homegrown start-up, HaystackAnalytics to help launch NEXTGEN TB, as its need has become essential to this world. With TB being around long enough for everyone to know how lethal it could be, it is a sheer moment of pride to be able to launch such a test as we hope this could help us cope through the silent pandemic which has been smouldering against us for so many years.

Dr Niranjan Patil (MD, Microbiology), Scientific Business head- Infectious diseases, Microbiology & Molecular biology- Head & Biosafety officer, Metropolis Healthcare said, Whole-genome sequencing-based tests such as Nextgen TB not only identifies the TB species involved & in one go it helps reduce the time for performing anti TB drug susceptibility from weeks to just seven to 10 days thus saving crucial time for initiation of evidence-based treatment regimens as well as complementing the TB culture-based tests. It also helps to identify any novel mutations responsible for TB drug resistance which is an added advantage."
According to Cheapflights.co.za, five destinations are more affordable for South African travellers; compared to a pre-Covid-19 year.

Source: Pexels

The Maldives

Uganda

Source: Pexels

Namibia

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Source: Pexels

Nelspruit, South Africa

Data indicates that locals can explore their continent for cheaper and even experience a sought-after island holiday.From the Lowveld in South Africa to the vast dunes of Namibia, here are the five destinations locals can explore for a smaller budget.In late April, the Maldives announced that they would be opening their borders to South Africans to visit. Known as vaccine tourism, South Africans should be able to travel to this well-loved destination to get their jab while on holiday. Locals can find flights to the Male for as little as R11,855 on average  which is 7,4% less than two years ago. Lower cost led to an increase in interest in this destination.The picturesque island has always been known as an exclusive destination visited by the wealthy but has now been made more accessible for those looking to travel there. Some of the exciting things to do include beach visits, snorkelling and browsing the local markets.This landlocked country in East Africa is growing in popularity for its tourist activities and receives almost twice more searches than pre-pandemic. Previously, flying to Uganda would set you back a pretty penny, but since 2019 the flight costs have come down by around 16%. This means its possible to travel from South Africa to Uganda for as little as R4,925 on average.Uganda is known for its lush natural landscape and vast wildlife. This would be the perfect trip for someone interested in being up close and personal with nature. The countrys largest national park, Murchison Falls, is over 1,500m and located in the northwestern part of Uganda. There are a plethora of animals to sightsee here on a safari, both on land and sea, as the Nile River runs through this park.Staying closer to home, Namibia is a destination that offers something for everyone. Previously a little more expensive to travel to, South Africans can now secure flights to Namibia from as little as R3,721 on average, which is around 16% cheaper than the price of flights in 2019. It seems that South Africans are sharing the excitement about travelling to the neighbouring country as the number of searches for travels to its capital Windhoek jumped by 27%. For those who are looking for a different winter getaway, the weather is perfect around this time. Travellers can go to Swakopmund  a coastal town famous for its beaches and is great for surfing. The Namib desert creates an opportunity for desert adventure activities like sandboarding, 4x4 or quad bike tours, as well as fishing, boating and coastal tours.Arguably the most beautiful waterfall in Africa, Victoria Falls is known around the world. And now is a good time to plan a trip there. If youve always wanted to take a trip, but it didnt quite fit your budget, now is a good time to plan it. Flights can be secured for as little as R3,677 on average, making it one-third more affordable than in 2019!With two-thirds of the waterfall being in Zimbabwe, it serves as the better option to seeing this sight, listed as one of the seven wonders of the world.Travellers who want to take an international trip just yet, but still need an escape, can visit a local game reserve. Flights to Nelspruit are much cheaper now than they were in 2019, and you can save up to around 27% with flights as low as R3,517 on average. But as domestic travels are on the rise this year, trips to Nelspruit are also picking up fast and flights are searched by 131% more often than two years ago.You are spoiled for choice with the number of game reserves in this beautiful province, with something suited for every budget. Who wouldnt want to wake up to the sounds of birds chirping in the distance or watch elephants and cheetahs around the watering hole from your balcony, while sipping on coffee? The winter season is also the best time to visit game reserves, making it the ideal time to book your trip to the Lowveld.Before travelling, South Africans are advised to check each country's local government travel rules and requirements related to Covid-19.
South Africa's livestock industry must focus on the implementation of proper traceability structures and biosecurity measures to contain the spread of localised Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks. This is the view of Beefmaster Group in response to the recent outbreak of FMD in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

The latest FMD outbreak could have far-reaching consequences for SA's livestock industry that employs 500,000 people. In response to the outbreak, Botswana's banned imports of South African red meat products.

Source: Shutterbug75 via Pixabay

FMD outbreak detected in KwaZulu-Natal According to a media release by the Minister of Agriculture (DALRRD), another outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), has, this time, appeared near Mtubatuba in KwaZulu-Natal.

Mitgating outbreak risks

Traceability, biosecurity measures

"Botswanas ban has once again highlighted the imperative for formal traceability measures like the Livestock Identification and Traceability System (LITS-SA) to be implemented. We believe LITS-SA will protect the beef industry and give us more access to global markets," says Roelie van Reenen, supply chain executive, Beefmaster Group.South Africas Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development signed new control measures into place on 30 June to prevent the spreading of FMD by prohibiting the movement of animals in the KwaZulu Natal area."We congratulate government for taking this necessary step to protect the industry, but we want to see more industry participation in implementing biosecurity, which will go a long way in limiting FMD outbreaks," says van Reenen.The latest FMD outbreak follows only two years after the 2019 FMD outbreak in Limpopo that resulted in South Africa losing its FMD-free zone status with the World Organisation for Animal Health. The 2019 outbreak also resulted in Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe suspending the importation of red meat products from South Africa. The outbreak cost the industry in the region of R8bn.The impact of export bans on South African red meat products can be catastrophic if outbreaks of FMD are not brought under control swiftly."If FMD spreads, the biggest impact of the crisis will be felt in South Africa  both at industry and consumer level as 95% of beef produced here is traded in SA. We would see an oversupply of beef, which would then have a knock-on effect on all players, including beef producers, farmers, agents and consumers. It could also have broader implications, such as banning beef exports to key markets. We know, based on what happened with the 2019 FMD outbreak, just how devastating an export ban is on our economy," says van Reenen.In its report dated 18 June 2021, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development stated that it managed to negotiate agreements with trade partners on the export of safe commodities, including heat-treated meat and dairy products, deboned and matured beef, scoured wool, salted hides and skins and livestock embryos, despite the loss of FMD-free zone status in 2019.Van Reenen agrees that a lot of work has gone into negotiating bi-lateral agreements with exporting counterparts who accepted South Africas status as positive for FMD, and says there is already great legislation in place to provide proof of origin and health certificates when exporting beef products.However, he also cautions that the latest FMD outbreak could jeopardise those trust relationships unless there is a swift move towards more robust traceability. "This can only be done if industry takes a leading role and all players in the beef value chain drive the implementation of better traceability structures while cooperating with government.""We need greater industry cooperation from all players in protecting South Africas livestock industry by ensuring a healthier herd. This starts with implementing measures and protocols that provide quality and health assurances for cattle," concludes van Reenen.
This month's Marketing Masterminds are Izolde Kriel, Mindshare's digital strategic planner, and Monica McLoughlin, PEP's digital marketing manager. They discuss #PEPcares.

Izolde Kriel Monica McLoughlin

- We gained over 11,000 new followers in one month, compared to an average of around 2,000 a month

- Comments peaked at 1,200 per hour

- Website traffic increased by 126%

- New visitors to the site increased 140%

- We achieved our highest ever Net Promoter Score of 9.2

: On the 27of March 2020, South Africa came to a standstill as we went into one of the world's earliest and strictest lockdowns. PEP, being Africa's largest single brand retailer, had to shut its doors at over 2,500 stores. Marketing campaigns for the next few months had already been planned and being unable to trade, we had to quickly change our product and price strategy.We had three tasks - continue to be relevant and connect with our customers in a meaningful way, take advantage of the decrease in competitor ad spend, and ensure no loss in ad spend revenue.This brought to life the idea of #PEPcares.: Our main focus at PEP is always to make our customer look and feel good. We knew that it was about walking the talk and displaying our culture of Sikhula KunYe (growing together), even when we are unable to trade. Parents were struggling to juggle everything at once, with seasons changing and babies and kids desperately needing new clothing. We knew we still had to help in some way. The #PEPcares campaign intended to offer customers advice on how to look after themselves and their families with health and hygiene tips. We then embarked on a special mission - to wish the world well. We knew we could not do this alone and therefore called on all PEP Kids to help us spread positivity, hope, and joy in this difficult time. Together with a mini-series of "At Home With PEP" activities, PEP ensured to keep families at home, connected, and entertained.: Within 48 hours all product and price ads were changed to #PEPcares messaging on all booked media. PEP kids got creative and made 'Get Well Soon' cards, which were uploaded to social media with the hashtag #PEPcares, or sent to our WhatsApp line. A collage of all these special messages was shared far and wide via free-to-air TV stations, community radio, and digital channels, spreading positivity, hope and inspiration.: Simultaneously, a mini-series of "At Home With PEP" activities was launched on social media aiding parents with kid-friendly home workouts, easy-to-follow recipes, and step-by-step arts and crafts. Kids were encouraged to share their activities with us to be featured on our social pages.: We predicted an increase in internet traffic during lockdown, especially on mobile phones as customers were at home. The mobile focus ensured that PEP was present, reaching our customers where traditional channels such as OOH and Print could not at the time. Facebook and Instagram were selected as the main channels, as it enabled us to run targeted as well as broad reach campaigns at the lowest cost. It also enabled us to engage with our consumers, leveraging the shareability of the platforms as customers shared their messages with the #PEPcares hashtag.: Our strategy was straightforward  we knew that we wanted to help parents keep their kids busy with fun, educational, yet affordable solutions. We gave away airtime vouchers to not only enable our customers to participate, but also to keep them connected while they were at home. We also introduced WhatsApp as an easier, cost-effective way to get more customers involved and made the entry mechanism on social platforms as easy as possible with the #PEPcares hashtag.: We received just over 3,000 Get Well messages. The #PEPcares messages were viewed over 34 million times on social media, and we recorded over 1.7 million engagements. Our year-on-year cost per reach decreased by 31%, and our cost per 1,000 by 45%.Other results:: We were kept busy, but it was such a joy, and thats the overwhelming sentiment that we received from our customers as well. It was extremely heart-warming to see.: When we opened for trading after lockdown, we recorded our best seven consecutive trading days in history; we sold over 15 million units and increased our basket size by 120%.: The biggest challenge came with creating content for the campaign. Because of the strict lockdown regulations, we were unable to shoot in-studio. It was time to innovate and we decided to keep the content as real and raw as possible. Two PEP kids were recorded at home with a smartphone, as we kicked off the at-home-with-PEP series. They baked, had fun with arts and crafts, and even showed our customers how to stay fit and healthy with a few home workouts.Through it all, while we were going through such a change in our personal and working environments, the teamwork that came together for this campaign was fantastic. Once again reminding us that we do everything for our remarkable customers.: A while ago, someone went into our Mossel Bay store and, in an anonymous act of kindness, paid off all the lay-bys held by the store. It was just the most incredible gesture that we've ever seen, and it made such a difference for these customers. So, we launched our Lay-by Buddy campaign, where anonymous donors can sponsor lay-bys. The uptake has been phenomenal, to date, weve received over R1m in lay-by donations.: Were making it easier for people to become a Lay-by Buddy as they can now also donate online. From as little as R20, you can help pay towards someones lay-by at PEP. Each month randomly selected beneficiaries will receive a voucher to settle their outstanding PEP lay-by.: Our biggest learning was that we have to be flexible during these uncertain times. We can continue planning for the future, but we have to be agile enough to change course and adapt ti what's happening around us. At the core of our business, we remain committed to delighting our customers. We have an amazing team, and everything just came together, it was quite something.Monica McLoughlin: moc.serotspep@macinom Izolde Kriel: moc.dlrowerahsdnim@leirk.edlozi
Bradley Elliott appointed as HyperionDev's chief marketing officer

South Africa 's online tech education provider, HyperionDev has appointed Bradely Elliot as its chief marketing officer. Elliot will focus on building and scaling the brand on a global scale to address the skills shortage in the tech industry. His other responsibilities include diversifying HyperionDev's offerings, entering new markets and providing an exceptional student experience underpinned by educational efficiencies to ensure graduates enter the workforce with digital confidence.
Much to the chagrin of the ruling class, despite their best efforts for over half of a year, an uncooperative 25% percent of the American proletariat still refuses to submit to the vaccine agenda.

Just like any analyst familiar with their keep-it-stupid-simple modus operandi would expect them to, the neoliberal media goon squad has turned, as it inevitably does, to old-fashioned Russophobia and race-baiting once their agenda hit a brick wall.

Nature Journal  in an information warfare manual masquerading as public health doctrine titled COVID vaccines: time to confront anti-vax aggression  plays the tried-and-true neoliberal Russiagate hand made infamous by MSNBC actress Rachael Maddow:

Investigations by the US State Department and the UK Foreign Office have described how Russian intelligence organizations seek to discredit Western COVID-19 vaccines President Joe Biden has warned Russian media groups to halt their anti-vaccine aggression.

Well, golly gee, if the US State Department says so. its not as if bureaucrats on its payroll lie all the time, as a matter of routine for political expediency:

State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said though the search for WMD yielded no results, the United States, based on extensive intelligence, believed before it invaded Iraq that Saddam was intent on acquiring them.

US Secretary of State Colin Powell displays the totally-not-fabricated, rock-solid evidence of Saddams WMD program, Feb 5, 2003

National security state gibberish translated:

Extensive intelligence = disembodied NSA spooks or whoever whispered in our ears and we credulously nodded our heads in agreement 

Shifting gears from red-baiting to racism, the Nature Journal war on anti-vaxxers manual offers the next explanation for why normal Americans dont believe the state propaganda on experimental mRNA gene therapies marketed as vaccines:

Many far-right extremist groups that spread false information about last years US presidential election are doing the same about vaccines. Anti-vaccine groups also target Black communities ; an anti-vaccine documentary released in March vilifies COVID-19 vaccine testing among African Americans, calling it medical racism.

Anita Sarkeesian, intersectional feminist philosopher, fully vaccinated

But, you might ask: where is the actual evidence that far-right extremists (whatever that means) are influencing racial minorities to disrespect the science?

The Nature Journal piece is long on paranoid accusations against Russians and white nationalists but notably short on facts.

The actual, primary reason normal Americans dont respect the science, as the corporate media puts it, is that the public health authorities (in collusion with the corporate media) lied for a year straight  in many instances citing the exact same Nature Journal that now peddles race-baiting Russiagate agitprop to harangue Americans into submission to the vaccine agenda  about the true origins of the COVID pandemic:

Theres still much we dont know about the coronavirus pandemic, but virus experts agree on one piece of its origin story In early February, Chinese researchers published an article in Nature  a top science journal  that concluded the 2019-nCoV is 96% identical at the whole-genome level to a bat coronavirus.

Supplemental: Take Your Gene Therapy For the Starving African Children, Bigot

In How Privilege Plays A Role In Americas Vaccine Hesitancy, NPR guest Junaid Nabi tries a variation on Nature Journals shut-up-racist-and-roll-up-your-sleeve strategy  in this instance, an homage to the classic eat-your-vegetables-because-starving-African-children-dont-have-any nag of mothers worldwide:

To refuse getting vaccinations, that to me is a big privilege because this is not something thats available to people in other parts of the world. They are struggling to get vaccinations.**

*Addendum #1: Impoverished residents of the Third World are not, in fact, struggling to get vaccinations because Nebraska corn farmers wont take their shots (or whatever the lazy insinuation from NPR is here); rather, they cant access said vaccines because self-professed philanthropist Bill Gates refuses to share vaccine formulas with third-party manufacturers in a cynical ploy to protect Big Pharma profits.

Perhaps, though, the NPR hit piece on Big Pharmas epic greed in the middle of what the medical-industrial complex itself describes as a worldwide public health catastrophe is forthcoming; just dont hold your breath.

*Addendum #2: Are the 40-50% of NIH employees who themselves refuse the COVID vaccines (as admitted by Anthony Fauci in May 11th, 2021 Congressional testimony) also exercising undue privilege?

COVID Nazis Debut Plague Rat Talking Points to Dehumanize the Vaccine-Hesitant

In the FB comments section of a June 28th Forbes article titled No Shot, No Service: Abu Dhabi To Ban Unvaccinated People From Most Public Places celebrating vaccine apartheid in the UAE, the pro-vaxxers ran wild, beta-testing plague rat as a visceral new replacement label for the tamer vaccine-hesitant label.

The subtext: youre filthy, youre naughty, youre subhuman.

Joseph Goebbels would be proud:

Nazi propaganda, circa 1940

Next stop on the COVID crazy-train: internment camps for the deplorables?

Volunteers Honey-Pot Social Media Users to Combat COVID Misinformation, Ironically Get Caught in Censorship Dragnet Themselves

Normal people volunteer by mentoring a daddy-less child or planting petunias along their neighborhood sidewalks or helping old ladies traverse the crosswalk, etc.

The trendiest #BlueMAGA volunteer work, though, is to manipulate unsuspecting social media users (i.e., honey-potting them) into getting vaxxed:

Dave and Richard now run multiple honeypot Facebook groups Inside the groups, people who believe in vaccine and Covid-19 conspiracy theories are allowed by the moderators to post false and misleading articles. And then Richard says, wed start questioning their narrative.'

In sweet, honey-coated irony, however, Facebook (as part of its extensive censorship regime uncovered by Project Veritas) suspended the group for COVID misinformation:

Richard and Daves honeypot group has been suspended  because while they say their intentions are good, the group does contain posts pushing falsehoods Its a situation that highlights the moderation challenges faced by Facebook  where a group like this, which they say is dedicated to helping individuals, technically breaches the companys rules.

Ben Bartee is a Bangkok-based American journalist with opposable thumbs. Via his blog, Armageddon Prose, subscribe to get his free stuff, contact him, or offer a token of financial support. Armageddon Prose on social media: Facebook Twitter Gab LinkedIn Medium
On Wednesday, the World Economic Forum (WEF), along with Russias Sberbank and its cybersecurity subsidiary BI.ZONE announced that a new global cyberattack simulation would take place this coming July to instruct participants in developing secure ecosystems by simulating a supply-chain cyberattack similar to the recent SolarWinds hack that would assess the cyber resilience of the exercises participants. On the newly updated event website, the simulation, called Cyber Polygon 2021, ominously warns that, given the digitalization trends largely spurred by the COVID-19 crisis, a single vulnerable link is enough to bring down the entire system, just like the domino effect, adding that a secure approach to digital development today will determine the future of humanity for decades to come.

The exercise comes several months after the WEF, the international organization for public-private cooperation that counts the worlds richest elite among its members, formally announced its movement for a Great Reset, which would involve the coordinated transition to a Fourth Industrial Revolution global economy in which human workers become increasingly irrelevant. This revolution, including its biggest proponent, WEF founder Klaus Schwab, has previously presented a major problem for WEF members and member organizations in terms of what will happen to the masses of people left unemployed by the increasing automation and digitalization in the workplace.

New economic systems that are digitally based and either partnered with or run by central banks are a key part of the WEFs Great Reset, and such systems would be part of the answer to controlling the masses of the recently unemployed. As others have noted, these digital monopolies, not just financial services, would allow those who control them to turn off a persons money and access to services if that individual does not comply with certain laws, mandates and regulations.

The WEF has been actively promoting and creating such systems and has most recently taken to calling its preferred model stakeholder capitalism. Though advertised as a more inclusive form of capitalism, stakeholder capitalism would essentially fuse the public and private sectors, creating a system much more like Mussolinis corporatist style of fascism than anything else.

Yet, to usher in this new and radically different system, the current corrupt system must somehow collapse in its entirety, and its replacement must be successfully marketed to the masses as somehow better than its predecessor. When the worlds most powerful people, such as members of the WEF, desire to make radical changes, crises conveniently emergewhether a war, a plague, or economic collapsethat enable a reset of the system, which is frequently accompanied by a massive upward transfer of wealth.

In recent decades, such events have often been preceded by simulations that come thick and fast before the very event they were meant to prevent takes place. Recent examples include the 2020 US election and COVID-19. One of these, Event 201, was cohosted by the World Economic Forum in October 2019 and simulated a novel coronavirus pandemic that spreads around the world and causes major disruptions to the global economyjust a few weeks before the first case of COVID-19 appeared. Cyber Polygon 2021 is merely the latest such simulation, cosponsored by the World Economic Forum. The forums current agenda and its past track record of hosting prophetic simulations demands that the exercise be scrutinized.

Though Cyber Polygon 2021 is months off, it was preceded by Cyber Polygon 2020, a similar WEF-sponsored simulation that took place last July in which speakers warned of a coming deadly pandemic of cyberattacks that would largely target two economic sectors, healthcare and finance. Cyber Polygon 2020 was officially described as international online training for raising global cyber resilience and involved many of the worlds biggest tech companies and international authorities, from IBM to INTERPOL. There were also many surprising participants at the event, some of whom have been traditionally seen as opposed to Western imperial interests. For example, the person chosen to open the Cyber Polygon event was the prime minister of the Russian Federation, Mikhail Mishustin, and its main host, BI.ZONE, was a subsidiary of the Russian-government-controlled Sberbank. This suggests that the overused Russian hacker narrative may be coming to an end or will soon be switched out for another boogeyman more suitable in light of current political realities.

Aside from Mishustin, WEF executive director Klaus Schwab and former UK prime minister Tony Blair participated in the Cyber Polygon 2020 event, which is due to be repeated annually and bears many similarities to 2019s Event 201. Rather than preparing for a potential medical pandemic, Cyber Polygon 2020 focused on preparing for a cyberpandemic, one that mainstream media outlets like the New Yorker claim is already underway. Given the WEFs recent simulations, powerful billionaire business owners and bankers appear to be poised to use both physical and digital pandemics to reform our societies according to their own design and for their own benefit.

The Architects of Cyber Polygon

According to Russian cybersecurity firm BI.ZONE, 120 organizations spread over twenty-nine countries took part in the two scenarios that were simulated at Cyber Polygon 2020, with as many as five million people allegedly having watched the livestream in over fifty-seven countries. Like many events that took place in 2020, the Cyber Polygon simulations were conducted online due to COVID-19 restrictions. Together with the World Economic Forum, BI.ZONE, a subsidiary of Sberbank, manages the Cyber Polygon project. Sberbanks largest shareholder, as of last year, is the Russian government, and it is thus often described by English-language media outlets as a state-controlled bank.

The 2020 event was launched with an address from the prime minister of the Russian Federation Mishustin, who has a history of courting Western tech companies prior to entering politics. In 1989, Mishustin graduated from Moscow State Technological University (generally known as Stankin) with a qualification in systems engineering. During the 1990s, he worked at the International Computer Club, a nonprofit organization with the goal of attracting Western advanced information technologies to Russia. Between 1996 and 1998, Mishustin was the chairman of the board of the ICC, but the company was liquidated in 2016. Between 2010 and 2020, he served as head of the Federal Taxation Service of the Russian Federation. Even though he had never shown any previous political ambitions, on January 16, 2020, he was appointed prime minister of the Russian Federation by an executive order issued by President Putin.

During Mishustins welcoming remarks at the WEFs Cyber Polygon 2020, the Russian PM warned of the need to create public policy to strengthen the digital security of critical activities without undermining the benefits from digital transformation in critical sectors that would unnecessarily restrict the use and openness of digital technology. The statement suggests that unnecessary restrictions could become seen as necessary in time.

Mishustin goes on to explain that Russias post-COVID economic recovery will be based on the increasing digitalization of that economy and government, adding that we will drastically increase the number of available digital public services and introduce fundamentally new support measures for digital businesses. He also stated that Russia has developed a common national system for identification and the prevention of cyberattacks with the government agencys information systems linked in the system. He also addressed the Cyber Polygon audience about the international community needing to come together to prevent a global cyberfraud pandemic.

Sberbank, the largest Russian banking institution and former Soviet savings monopoly, which was originally founded by Nicholas I, was an official host of the Cyber Polygon 2020 event alongside the World Economic Forum. As reported in the Economist in January 2021, the Russian banking giant has begun to reimagine its business in an effort to become a consumer-technology giant. Sberbank has spent around $2 billion on technology and acquisitions, including the acquisition of internet media group Rambler, which it fully acquired in 2020. As late as December 30, 2020, Sberbank acquired Doma.ai, which describes itself as a convenient real estate management platform. On June 15, 2020, Sberbank bought 2GIS, a map, navigator, and business directory with over 42 million monthly active users. Sberbanks twenty-two investments, eleven as the lead investor, include some of the most used services in Russia, and its clear intention is to become a one-stop digital shop for all services. The bank also became the owner of one of the largest data-processing centers in Europe when the South Port data-processing center opened in November 2011, replacing the existing thirty-six regional data centers. Sberbank is set to be the worlds first bank to launch its own cryptocurrency, Sbercoin, and digital finance ecosystem this March. It notably announced the coming Sbercoin, a stablecoin tied to the Russian ruble, just a few weeks after the Cyber Polygon 2020 exercise.

Sberbanks alliance with the WEF and prominence at Cyber Polygon 2020 was underscored at the event during the welcoming remarks delivered by Klaus Schwab. Schwab gave special thanks to Herman Gref, a member of the board of trustees of the World Economic Forum and Sberbanks CEO and also issued the following dire warning:

We all know, but still pay insufficient attention to, the frightening scenario of a comprehensive cyberattack which would bring to a complete halt to the power supply, transportation, hospital services, our society as a whole. The COVID-19 crisis would be seen in this respect as a small disturbance in comparison to a major cyberattack. We have to ask ourselves, in such a situation, how could we let this happen despite the fact we had all the information about the possibility and seriousness of a risk attack. Cybercrime and global cooperation should be on the forefront of the global agenda.

Similar warnings were heard at a 2019 simulation that was also cosponsored by the World Economic Forum, Event 201. Event 201, which simulated a global pandemic just months before the COVID-19 crisis, presciently warned in its official documentation: The next severe pandemic will not only cause great illness and loss of life but could also trigger major cascading economic and societal consequences that could contribute greatly to global impact and suffering. In contrast to similar simulations conducted in the past, Event 201 championed a public-private partnership approach to combatting pandemics, with a focus on engaging the private sector in epidemic and outbreak preparedness at the national or regional level. The WEF is, among other things, a major evangelist for the merging of the public and private sectors globally, describing itself as the international organization for private-public cooperation. It is thus unsurprising that their latest disaster simulation, which focuses on cyberattacks, would promote this same agenda.

The Speakers at Cyber Polygon 2020

Aside from Schwab and Mishustin, twenty others took part in Cyber Polygon 2020, including some big names from the top echelons of the political elite. First off, Herman Gref engaged in discussion with former UK prime minister Tony Blair, who has been pushing for digital identity systems for decades. Blair straightforwardly told the CEO of Sberbank that biometric digital identity systems will inevitably be the tools that most governments will use to deal with future pandemics. Blair, discussing the coronavirus pandemic with Gref, advocated the harshest of lockdown measures, saying the only alternative to biometric digital identities is to lockdown the economy.

Next, Sebastian Tolstoy, Ericssons general director for Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Russia and current chairman of the Tolstoy Family Foundation in Sweden, dialogued with Alexey Kornya. Kornya is president, CEO, and chairman of the management board of Mobile TeleSystems. He previously worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers and AIG-Brunswick Capital Management at North-West Telecom. Tolstoy and Kornya presented a segment at Cyber Polygon 2020 entitled Building a Secure Interconnected World: What Is the Role of the Telecom Sector? in which they discussed the importance of digital communication and connectivity to our modern way of living.

In the next segment, Nik Gowing, BBC World News presenter between 1996 and 2014 and founder and director of Thinking the Unthinkable, spoke with Vladimir Pozner, journalist and broadcaster, on the subject of fake news in a conversation that was actually somewhat refreshing in its arguments and approach.

Stephane Duguin, the CEO of the CyberPeace Institute, a Geneva-based company that describes itself as citizens who seek peace and justice in cyberspace, then gave a talk to the millions of viewers watching the simulation. The CyberPeace Institute, funded by Microsoft, Facebook, Mastercard, and the Hewlett Foundation, among others, claims to help their customers increase digital resilience and the capacity to respond to and recover from cyberattacks. The core backers of the CyberPeace Institute are also among the top backers of the Global Cyber Alliance, which unites the public sectors of the US, UK, and France with multinational corporations and intelligence-linked cybersecurity firms, employing a coordinated approach and nontraditional collaboration to reduce cyber risk.

Duguin, who is also on the advisory board of the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise, recently launched the Cyber4Healthcare initiative, a free cybersecurity service to healthcare providers fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The Cyber4Healthcare initiative includes as its main partners BI.ZONE as well as Microsoft and the Global Cyber Alliance. This is yet another suspicious Microsoft-linked free cybersecurity service currently being pitched to and adopted by healthcare providers around the world at a time when warnings of a coming cyberattack on healthcare systems globally are becoming more public.

Dhanya Thakkar, senior vice president of AMEA at Trend Micro, who advertises himself online as a top ASEAN LinkedIn cybersecurity influencer, and Wendi Whitmore, vice president of IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence, next discussed the topic Know Your Enemy: How Is the Crisis Changing the Cyberthreat Landscape? IBMs presence is notable due to the companys longstanding relationship with the CIA, dating back to the early Cold War. The company has become so entrenched that the CIA recently recruited their chief information officer directly from IBM Federal. Before joining IBM, Whitmore held executive positions at California-based cybersecurity technology companies CrowdStrike and Mandiant, the latter acquired by FireEye in a stock and cash deal worth in excess of $1 billion. Whitmore was responsible for professional services. Notably, both CrowdStrike and Mandiant/FireEye are the key organizations leading the investigation into the recent SolarWinds hack, which US intelligence has blamed on a Russian hacker without providing any evidence. Whitmore began her career as a special agent conducting computer crime investigations with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

Jacqueline Kernot, the Australian partner in cybersecurity for Ernst and Young, and Hector Rodriguez, senior vice president and regional risk officer for Visa, next discussed how to prepare for cyberattacks. Kernot worked for over twenty-five years as a military officer for the Australian Intelligence Corps and spent two years working at IBMs Defence|Space|Intelligence for Tivoli Software in the UK with international responsibilities within the UK Ministry of Defence, Defence Primes, and NATO. Ernst and Young and Visa, alongside other WEF-linked corporations such as Salesforce, are well represented on the Vaticans exclusive Council for Inclusive Capitalism. The Council, like the WEF, calls for the reconstruction of the economic system to be more sustainable, inclusive, and dynamic by harnessing the power of the private sector.

Troels rting Jrgensen , chairman of the advisory board of the World Economic Forums Centre for Cybersecurity, and Jurgen Stock, the Danish secretary general of INTERPOL, also spoke together at Cyber Polygon regarding the changes in global cybercrime over the course of the previous year. A few months after appearing at Cyber Polygon, the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority announced in an official statement that Troels rting has notified the Ministry of Business Affairs that he is resigning from the Danish Financial Supervisory Authoritys board. Citing unnamed sources, Danish financial news service FinansWatch reported that during the time between 2015 and 2018, when he was employed as head of security at Barclays bank, rting had been a key figure in the hunt for a whistleblower who had exposed the same criminal activity rting railed against at Cyber Polygon.

The man speaking alongside rting, Jurgen Stock, is a former German police officer, criminologist, and lawyer. He was elected for a second term as secretary general of INTERPOL in 2019, a term that generally lasts for five years. Craig Jones, the cybercrime director at INTERPOL, also joined the discussion at Cyber Polygon 2020. The New Zealander spent twenty-seven years in law enforcement and is considered an expert in cybercrime investigations. He previously held several senior-management positions in UK law enforcement, most recently at the National Crime Agency.

Petr Gorodov and John Crain were briefly interviewed at the Cyber Polygon 2020 event. Gorodov is head of the General Directorate for International Relations and Legal Assistance of the Prosecutor Generals Office of the Russian Federation and also sits on the Commission for the Control of INTERPOLs files. He is on the Requests Chamber of INTERPOL, which examines and decides on requests for access to data as well as requests for correction and/or deletion of data processed in the INTERPOL information system. John Crain is chief security, stability, and resiliency officer at ICANN, the nonprofit internet security corporation. He is currently responsible for the management of the L-Root server, one of the internets thirteen root servers, making his inclusion at the simulation particularly notable. At Cyber Polygon 2020 he promoted a long-term solution of working together in the cybersecurity community.

The final word at Cyber Polygon 2020 was delivered by Stanislav Kuznetsov, deputy chairman of the executive board at Sberbank. He is also a board member for the Sberbank charity foundation Contribution to the Future, a project that seeks to get Russian schoolchildren from grades seven through eleven interested in AI (artificial intelligence), machine learning, and data analysis and to help them develop math and programming skills. Kuznetsov studied at the Law Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation.

The Main Event: Enter the Polygon

Participants in the Cyber Polygon 2020 event, Source: https://cyberpolygon.com/

The simulation component of Cyber Polygon 2020 saw 120 teams from twenty-nine countries take part in the cybersecurity technical simulation. During the online event, participants exercise[d] the actions of the response team in a targeted attack aimed at stealing confidential data and thus resulting in damage to the company reputation. Two teams, the Red and the Blue, went head-to-head in the simulations where the Red Team, made up of the training organizers from BI.ZONE, simulated cyberattacks and the Blue Team members attempted to protect their segments of the training infrastructure. The actual simulation was made up of two scenarios in which the various subgroups making up the teams could gain points.

The first scenario, called Defence, made the Cyber Polygon participants practice repelling an active APT (advanced persistent threat) cyberattack. The scenarios objective was stated as being to develop skills for repelling targeted cyberattacks on a business-critical system. The simulations fictional organizations virtual infrastructure included a service that processes confidential client information. This service became the subject of interest to an APT group that planned to steal confidential user data and resell it on the darknet to financially benefit and damage the companys reputation. The APT group studied the target system in advance and discovered several critical vulnerabilities. In the scenario, the cyber gang plans to attack on the day of the exercise. The participants involved were judged on their ability to cope with the attack as fast as possible, to minimize the amount of information stolen, and to maintain service availability. Blue Team participants could apply any applications and tools to protect the infrastructure and were also allowed to fix system vulnerabilities by improving the service code.

In the second scenario, called Response, the teams had to investigate the incident using classic forensics and threat hunting techniques. Based on the information gathered, participants had to compose a dossier that would help law enforcement agencies locate the criminals. The second scenarios objective was to develop skills in incident investigation using the scenario in which cybercriminals gained access to a privileged account through a successful phishing attack.

When the BI.ZONE team released the results of the simulation they intentionally avoided using the real names of the organizations so as not to set off a competition between the participants and keep their results confidential. However, the teams could later compare their results with the others by using a basic scoreboard, and the hosts could analyse the crucial data showing various organizational weaknesses of each of the participating teams/institutions.

The final report states that the results showed that banks and companies from the IT industry demonstrated the highest resilience. Security assessment expertise in these sectors is quite well developed, with classic forensics and threat hunting widely applied. In lay terms, the teams from banks and the IT industry seemed to be better prepared than most other sectors for investigating and hunting down threats. However, all the teams involved proved to be less than able when it came to the initial defense from a cyberattack, with the BI.ZONE report stating that 27% of the teams had difficulties earning points for the first scenario, which allows us to conclude that some of the team members lack or have insufficient expertise in security assessment and protection of web applications. On the subject of threat hunting, the report goes on to say that 21% of the teams could not earn a single point for the second round of the second scenario. This was attributed to Threat Hunting being a relatively novel approach and the majority of organisations lacking experience of applying its techniques in practice.

The Cyber Polygon 2020 event revealed the weakness in human-led defensive response and resilience as it relates cyberdefense. This outcome is convenient for hi-tech cybersecurity companies like BI.ZONE that wish to highlight the superiority of AI-driven cybersecurity products in comparison to inefficient human workers. Also, it should be noted that BI.ZONEs gaining knowledge of global institutional weaknesses through cyberdefense training could be useful intelligence for their parent company, Sberbank, and in turn the largest shareholder of Sberbank, the Russian government.

Bringing Russia in from the Cold?

Although Russian Federation authorities are quite used to being out in the cold both politically and physically, there appears to be a change in the usual order of nations. Russias inclusion as the leader in such an important global cybersecurity initiative is a bit surprising, especially after Russia has been the scapegoat of choice for any cyberattack committed against any Western power for several years, most recently with the SolarWinds hack in the US. Yet, there was no outcry in the West over Cyber Polygon 2020, in which a company that is majority owned by the Russian government was able to gain direct knowledge of the cyberdefense weaknesses of major global institutions, banks, and corporations through their hosting of the exercise.

The complete absence of the Russian hacker narrative at Cyber Polygon as well as Russias leadership role at the event suggests either that a geopolitical shift has taken place or that the Russian hacker narrative commonly deployed by intelligence agencies in the US and Europe is mainly meant for the general public and not for the elite figures and policymakers in attendance at Cyber Polygon.

Another possibility for Russia no longer being treated as the perpetual enemy of cyberspace is that it is entirely on board with both the official coronavirus narrative and the allegedly imminent cyberpandemic. Cyber Polygon 2020 appeared, in part, to be a Russian charm offensive that was welcomed by the powerful elite. Tony Blair, who once held out the hand of false reconciliation on behalf of the international community to Colonel Gaddafi, has often been involved in these exercises of international diplomacy on behalf of the elites in the years since he left public office. His involvement in the exercise may have been meant to facilitate support among Western WEF-aligned governments for even greater Russian inclusion in the Great Reset. Part of this is due to the WEF-led effort to bring BRICS nations like China and Russia into the Great Reset fold because it is essential for their agendas success on a global scale. Now, Russia is pioneering this new model of supposedly national finance systems that the WEF supports through Sberbanks creation of a digital monopoly not only of financial services but all services within the Russian Federation.

Cyber Polygon 2020 was both an ad for pro-Russian relations and a promotional exercise for Klaus Schwab and the World Economic Forums Great Reset. Some of the people who took part and supported the Cyber Polygon event are involved at the highest levels of cyber intelligence; some may have even been unofficial representatives of their national state intelligence apparatus. The decisions of several national governments to participate directly in the WEF-led Great Reset is no conspiracy theory. For instance, the incoming Biden administration sent its climate envoy, John Kerry, to the WEF annual meeting last month, where Kerry underscored the US commitment to the Great Reset agenda and the associated Fourth Industrial Revolution that seeks to automate most jobs being currently performed by humans. With the governments of Russia, China, the US, the UK, Israel, Canada, and India, among others, on board with this transnational agenda, it becomes deeply unsettling that high-ranking operatives in both the public and private sectors joined the WEF to conduct a simulation of a crisis that would clearly benefit the Great Reset agenda.

As previously mentioned, the WEF cosponsored a simulation of a coronavirus pandemic just months before the actual event. Soon after the COVID-19 crisis began in earnest last March, Schwab noted that the pandemic crisis was just what was needed to launch the Great Reset as it served as a convenient catalyst to begin overhauling economies, governance, and social society on a global scale. If the destabilizing events simulated at Cyber Polygon do come to pass, it will likely be similarly welcomed by the WEF, given that a critical failure in the current global financial system would allow the introduction of new public-private digital ecosystem monopolies such as those being built in Russia by Sberbank.

This effort by Sberbank to both digitize and monopolize access to all services, both private and public, may be appealing to some because of its apparent convenience. However, it will also be emblematic of what we can expect from Schwabs Great Resetmonopolies of fused public- and private-sector entities disguised by the term stakeholder capitalism. What the general public does not realize yet is that they themselves will not be included among these stakeholders, as the Great Reset has been designed by the bankers and wealthy elite for the bankers and the wealthy elite.

As for the Cyber Polygon 2020 event, the coming cyberpandemic is being prophetically thrown in our faces just as the pandemic exercise was prior to the actual diseases appearance. Such prophetic warnings are coming not only from the WEF, however. For instance, the head of Israels National Cyber Directorate, Yigal Unna, warned last year that a cyber winter of cyberattacks is coming and coming faster than even I suspected. In the cyber directorate, Unna works closely with Israeli intelligence agencies, including the infamous Unit 8200, which has a long history of electronic espionage targeting the US and other countries and which has been responsible for several devastating hacks, including the Stuxnet virus that damaged Irans nuclear program. Israeli intelligence is also poised to be among the greatest beneficiaries of the Great Reset due to the strength of the nations hi-tech sector. In addition, last month saw the UAEs central bank following Cyber Polygons lead by conducting its first-ever cyberattack simulation in coordination with the Emirati private-finance sector. Corporate media outlets, for their part, began this year by claiming that cyberattacks may trigger the next crisis for banks and, as of February 1, that the next cyberattack is already underway.

Some will say that a cyberpandemic is an inevitable consequence of the quickly developing hi-tech world in which we live, but it still fair to point out that 2021 is the year that many have been predicting for the financial destruction of big institutions that will lead to new economic systems that align with the Great Reset. The inevitable collapse of the global banking system, resulting from the off-the-charts corruption and fraud that has run rampant for decades, is likely to be conducted through a controlled collapse, one that would allow wealthy bankers and elites, such as those that participated in Cyber Polygon, to avoid responsibility for their economic pillaging and criminal activity.

This is especially true for Cyber Polygon participant Deutsche Bank, whose inevitable collapse has been openly discussed for years due to the banks extreme corruption, fraud, and massive exposure to derivatives. In late 2019, months before the COVID-19 crisis began, the CEO of Deutsche Bank warned that central banks no longer had tools that could adequately respond to the next economic crisis. It is certainly telling that entirely new banking systems, such as Sberbanks soon-to-be-launched digital monetary monopoly, began to be developed just as it began to be publicly acknowledged that central banks traditional means of responding to economic calamities were no longer viable.

A massive cyberattack, such as that simulated at Cyber Polygon 2020, would allow faceless hackers to be blamed for economic collapse, thus absolving the real financial criminals of responsibility. Furthermore, due to the difficult nature of investigating hacks and the ability of intelligence agencies to frame other nation states for hacks they in fact committed themselves, any boogeyman of choice can be blamed, whether a domestic terror group or a country unaligned with the WEF (for now, at least) like Iran or North Korea. Between the well-placed warnings, simulations, and the clear benefit for the global elite intent on a Great Reset, Cyber Polygon 2020 appears to have served not only its publicly stated purpose but its own ulterior motives.
What's Included

With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 814-368-3173 or email nfinnerty@oleantimesherald.com.
Help Our Community

Please help local businesses by taking an online survey to help us navigate through these unprecedented times. None of the responses will be shared or used for any other purpose except to better serve our community. The survey is at: www.pulsepoll.com $1,000 is being awarded. Everyone completing the survey will be able to enter a contest to Win as our way of saying, "Thank You" for your time. Thank You!

Take The Survey
For the first time in more than a year, the Killarney Turtle Mountain Arts Council is putting together an in-person concert for Westman music lovers to enjoy.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

For the first time in more than a year, the Killarney Turtle Mountain Arts Council is putting together an in-person concert for Westman music lovers to enjoy.

This free event, which is set to take place outside the Heritage Home for the Arts on Saturday evening, will feature The Chris Ghidoni Band and is designed to reward those who have been fully immunized against COVID-19.

As such, seating for this concert, dubbed a "Two Shot Serenade," will be limited to those who can provide proof that theyve received both doses of the Pfizer, Moderna and/or AstraZeneca vaccine.

Heritage Home for the Arts administrator Jane Ireland told the Sun that this concert was put together after the province established new health guidelines late last month, which allowed for larger outdoor public gatherings throughout the province.

"Im beyond excited," Ireland said over the phone on Tuesday, revealing that the arts council has had to settle for organizing a series of virtual concerts ever since COVID cases began popping up across the province in March 2020.

While the council has managed to attract some high-profile acts using this online format  including actor Jeff Daniels in January  Ireland admits it will be a thrill to experience a band perform live and in person again.

"I loved our digital concerts, dont get me wrong  but man, theres something different about being live," she said.

"And I think for the bands and the musicians, the interactions with the audience are so different because they dont have to read a chat screen."

When it came time to select a group of musicians to headline this comeback concert, Ireland said that The Chris Ghidoni Band was an easy choice, since the classic rock and blues trio had performed at one of the councils previous fundraisers.

Bassist Hughie McLaughlin told the Sun that the band didnt need a lot of convincing either, since they havent played live since last fall.

While McLaughlin is expecting a significantly older-than-usual crowd for Saturdays event, based on how vaccines have been distributed, he doesnt think that fact will diminish the reaction they receive from the audience.

"From what I see, people are very anxious to get back to see live music. They cant wait for it," the bassist said.

"But were still going to be the most excited people there, because we really want to get back to the live audience."

The last in-person concert that the Killarney Turtle Mountain Arts Council tried to organize involved Winnipeg-based folk band Red Moon Road, who were supposed to headline a similar outdoor concert in August 2020.

Unfortunately, the council decided to cancel this concert at the last minute due to COVID-19 concerns.

However, Ireland remains confident that this upcoming concert will be a success and will serve as a sneak preview for other shows that they are hoping to put together throughout the rest of the year.

"We call them our Music on the Porch series, so Im hoping to get a couple more of those in this summer," she said.

"Come August, if the restrictions change, I would like to try and do a couple more big ones too, particularly if they let us go back indoors for concerts."

The Killarney Turtle Mountain Arts Councils "Two Shot Serenade" concert will take place outside the Heritage Home for the Arts starting at 8 p.m. on Saturday.

Seating will be limited to 50 people, who are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets, bug spray and non-alcoholic drinks.

Anyone looking to reserve a seat for this event should contact Ireland directly at 431-734-0394 or ktmartscouncil@gmail.com.

 kdarbyson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter:@KyleDarbyson
Advertisement Advertise With Us

A big investment by Maple Leaf Foods in a neighbouring province will have benefits for Brandons pork processing plant.

Last week, the Canadian food giant announced it had agreed to a deal on the purchase of four pig farms  two sow barns and two nursery barns  from Saskatchewans Polar Pork Farms.

Maple Leaf Foods president of pork complex Michael Detlefsen said that work will be done on the companys Brandon pork processing plant to bring it in line with American competitors. (Submitted)

After acquisition and investment costs, Maple Leaf expects to spend up to $27 million on the deal.

According to a news release on Maple Leafs website, the deal will supply the companys pork processing plants in Lethbridge, Alta., and Brandon with approximately 140,000 additional pigs per year.

Most of those animals will be destined for Brandon, Maple Leafs pork complex president, Michael Detlefsen, said in a Tuesday afternoon phone interview.

"Its a good purchase for three reasons," Detlefsen said. "One, its going to help us improve the capacity of the organization at our Brandon plant. I think you know that at one point, Brandon was processing almost 90,000 (hogs) a week. That fell down to 70,000-ish. This allows us to start building that back up, primarily in response to customer demand from Asia and from North America.

"I think the second thing it does is it gives us a bigger toehold in Saskatchewan. I personally have always liked doing business in Saskatchewan because the governments always been supportive and the people Ive worked with have always had a can-do attitude in whatever they tackle. And then I think the third benefit is were partnering with the Possberg family, who are well known in Saskatchewan for raising top-quality pigs and doing it in a way that is respectful to the animals."

According to him, Maple Leaf used to have farms in Saskatchewan but only owned one sow farm in Fairlight before the deal was announced. This new deal is seen as foundational in the companys growth in Saskatchewan and in Brandon.

"Its a good growth opportunity for us given where Brandon is located on the western side of Manitoba," Detlefsen said.

As for why Brandon has been such a good partner to Maple Leaf over the years, Detlefsen said that Manitobas provincial government and the City of Brandon have been just as welcoming as Saskatchewan.

In a June 2019 interview, a Maple Leaf official told the Sun that the plant was only operating at 80 per cent capacity because of both labour and hog shortages.

Last weeks deal will help address hog supply, and Detlefsen said the company is planning on recruiting more employees to the plant, Brandons single-largest private employer.

"If were going to do more, whether its this incremental volume  and I expect there to be more volume over time  and if were going to do more customized work for specific customers, we are going to need more people," he said. "The team has a plan to attract and retain more workers to Brandon in the coming years."

However, in the two years since that interview, it appears that the labour shortage has been somewhat addressed. In 2019, approximately 1,900 people worked at the Brandon pork processing plant. On Tuesday, Detlefsen estimated the current number of employees at just shy of 2,200.

UFCW Local 832, the union representing most of the workers at the plant, told the Sun on Tuesday that it represents "just over" 2,000 employees at the plant, not counting management, office staff and nurses not part of the union.

Beyond staffing increases, Detlefsen said improvements will be coming for the Brandon plant.

"I think that we have underinvested in keeping up with our U.S. and global competitors, so we are going to have to put some more capital into the plant," he said. "Where and how exactly, were still working out. But the teams putting together a five-year plan for capital for both our Brandon and Lethbridge plants. I would expect to see that by September and we would start to gradually implement that over the next two to three year."

Maple Leafs deal to purchase the four farms is expected to close in June 2022.

 cslark@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @ColinSlark
Mary Simon is the first Indigenous person to become Canadas governor general.

Advertisement Advertise With Us

Mary Simon is the first Indigenous person to become Canadas governor general.

She was appointed Canadas 31st governor general on Tuesday by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que., in which the theme of healing long-standing divides figured prominently.

An Inuk leader and former diplomat, she described her appointment as Canadas next governor general  the first Indigenous person to serve in the role  as a, "step forward on the long path to reconciliation."

Simon was born in Kangiqsualujjuaq, in the Nunavik region of northern Quebec. She is a well-known advocate for Inuit culture and rights and is the former president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, a national advocacy organization for Inuit.

Southern Chiefs Organization (SCO) Grand Chief Jerry Daniels was pleased to see an Indigenous person appointed to the position.

"While the role of governor general is mostly ceremonial in nature, its not lost on us, that having an Indigenous person at Rideau Hall marks another major step forward in the repairing our battered relationships with the Crown and its governments," he said in a statement.

Simon was instrumental in negotiating the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement in 1975. That deal is often referred to as the first "modern treaty" in Canada, Daniels said.

In 1986, Simon led the Inuit Circumpolar Conference (ICC), which represents Inuit people in all the Arctic countries. In that role, she championed two priorities for Indigenous Peoples of the North: protecting their way of life from environmental damage and pushing for responsible economic development on their traditional territory, he said.

Simon was also named as Canadas first Arctic Ambassador by Prime Minister Jean Chretien in 2002. She was made an Officer of the Order of Canada as well as a recipient of the Governor Generals Northern Award."

"Almost all of Mary Simons professional career has been dedicated to advocating for Indigenous rights," Daniels said.

"In what is amounting to be a very difficult year for First Nation people given the discovery of unmarked graves at former residential school sites, this announcement comes as very welcome news," he added.

Simon served as Canadas ambassador to Denmark.

Reflecting on her Inuk background, Simon made her first public remarks as governor general-designate in Inuktitut before switching to English, thanking Trudeau for the "historic opportunity to be Canadas first Indigenous governor general.

"I can confidently say that my appointment is a historic and is an inspirational moment for Canada and an important step forward on the long path towards reconciliation," she said while reflecting on having grown up with an Inuk mother and a father from southern Canada.

Simons appointment caps a nearly six-month search for a new governor general after the former governor general, Julie Payette, resigned in January following a scathing independent report on the work environment at Rideau Hall during her tenure.

One of Simons duties could soon include dissolving Parliament to trigger an election upon the prime ministers request, which many believe could happen before the summer is out.

Both Trudeau and Simon said they have not discussed the issue.

 kkielley@brandonsun.com, with files from The Canadian Press
LYTTON, B.C. - One of two rail companies with routes through Lytton, B.C., says it has resumed service after a wildfire devastated the village last week, a move one First Nations leader says he's willing to do "what's necessary" to stop.

A rail bridge spans the Fraser River as a wildfire burns in Lytton, B.C., on Friday, July 2, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

LYTTON, B.C. - One of two rail companies with routes through Lytton, B.C., says it has resumed service after a wildfire devastated the village last week, a move one First Nations leader says he's willing to do "what's necessary" to stop.

Chief Matt Pasco, chairman of the Nlaka'pamux Nation Tribal Council based in Lytton, said the decision by Canadian Pacific Railway to allow trains in the area is creating anxiety for members already shaken by the near-complete destruction of the village in a matter of minutes.

"It's tinder-dry, tinder-dry," Pasco said in an interview on Tuesday. "Our governance structures are saying there should be a pause here."

Canadian Pacific said in a statement that mainline operations resumed Monday after safety inspections were completed of the tracks and infrastructure.

The company said it is increasing inspections of its tracks and equipment during this period of extreme weather and staff are on-site supporting local authorities.

The fire disrupted critical transportation services for the movement of goods across Western Canada and the rest of the continent, CP said.

"The safety of the public and our employees is our priority and we are implementing appropriate measures," the statement said.

Canadian National Railway said it has investigated a video circulating on social media depicting a train characterized as having caused the fire in the village of Lytton and the nearby Lytton First Nation.

In an email, CN said after examining the evidence, it has concluded the video does not show a train in or near Lytton at the time of the fire in the village.

"In fact, the video shows a train 45 kilometers south of Lytton, and the smoke seen in the video comes from a different fire that was already burning," said Mathieu Gaudreault, a CN spokesman.

Gaudreault said the train in the video was identified by CN operations staff as Train M3551 28, originating in Prince Rupert, bound for Vancouver.

"Train M3551 28 passed uneventfully through Lytton at 1327 PDT, hours before the wildfire that destroyed Lytton was first reported."

Pasco said any possible fire risk, including trains, should be avoided. If the transportation of goods is deemed critical, then they can be moved by trucks, he suggested.

The Lytton fire made clear that, despite everyone's best efforts, the resources are not in place to protect residents against an aggressive blaze, he said.

Pasco said he has raised his concerns with both the premier's office and federal Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller.

When asked if he was considering blocking the rail line, Pasco said he hopes conversations with relevant agencies will result in the service stopping, but he is also willing to do what's necessary in the name of safety and has reached out to others asking them to stand in solidarity.

"I'm not here to threaten anyone or anything like that, but we take the safety of our people very seriously. I've reached out to others to stand with us and do right, and I suspect that sound minds will prevail," he said.

The tribal council will use its authority to protect its people, if required, he said.

"I will use our jurisdiction to do what's necessary to save our people and make sure they're out of harm's way."

Premier John Horgan said at a news conference Tuesday after flying over the devastated community that the federal government and Transport Canada is responsible for the railways and he would leave it to them to speak on behalf of rail operations.

"I'm confident that we can find a way forward," Horgan said.

Representatives from CN and CP are now to observe and review the damage that's been done in the community and the site has been secured by those who are doing the investigations, he said.

"I'll have more to say once that work is complete."

There are more than 200 wildfires burning across British Columbia.

The BC Wildfire Service has said investigators believe the fire that tore through Lytton on June 30 was human-caused, but the investigation is ongoing.

Teck Resources Ltd., which relies on CP and CN rail service through the area, said in a statement that it is rerouting shipments from its steelmaking coal operations to the Ridley Terminals in Prince Rupert.

The company is assessing the overall impact to customer shipments and production, which will depend on the length of the rail disruption.

However, based on guidance from the railways with respect to the timeline for repairs, Teck's third-quarter steelmaking coal sales are expected to be reduced by 300,000 to 500,000 tonnes due to the limited rail traffic flow, the statement said.

 By Amy Smart in Vancouver.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 6, 2021.
BATHURST, N.B. - Though the lanes will be closed, Lynn Vienneau is hoping the New Brunswick Bowlarama she manages will be packed Thursday.

New Brunswick's provincial flag flies on a flagpole in Ottawa, Tuesday, June 30, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

BATHURST, N.B. - Though the lanes will be closed, Lynn Vienneau is hoping the New Brunswick Bowlarama she manages will be packed Thursday.

The Bowlarama in Bathurst, N.B., is one of six sites across the province that will transform into a COVID-19 vaccination clinic this week. Vienneau said she hopes offering the shots in a familiar place will encourage more people to roll up their sleeves.

"This lady that was very hesitant, (who is) a frequent customer here, said she's going to come on Thursday and get her vaccine," Vienneau said in an interview Tuesday. "And she was right against it."

New Brunswick has Atlantic Canada's lowest first-dose vaccination rate but the province is home to the region's highest rate of people considered fully vaccinated, according to COVID-19 Tracker Canada, a website run by volunteers who compile data released by federal and provincial health authorities. The provincial government hopes its mobile clinics will help convince more people to get vaccinated.

Riders on the Metro bus in St. John's, N.L., adhere to COVID-19 guidelines on May 6, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Daly

As of Tuesday, nearly 79 per cent of New Brunswickers aged 12 and older had received at least one dose of vaccine. In the rest of Atlantic Canada, rates of first doses are above 80 per cent. And at nearly 42 per cent, New Brunswick has the highest rate of fully vaccinated people over the age of 12 in the region, which roughly equals the national rate.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, 83.2 per cent of residents over 12 have received at least one dose, compared with a national rate of 78 per cent. But COVID-19 Tracker Canada data shows just 24.8 per cent of residents in that province aged 12 and up were fully vaccinated, which is the lowest rate in the country.

In Prince Edward Island, 83 per cent of those aged 12 and older have had one dose, and 26 per cent of Islanders are fully vaccinated  the second-lowest rate in the country. COVID-19 Tracker Canada also shows 82 per cent of Nova Scotians aged 12 and up have received at least one dose, while 33 per cent are fully vaccinated.

Noni MacDonald, a vaccine specialist and professor in the pediatrics department at Dalhousie University's medical school, said it's crucial to consider the context that each of the four Atlantic Canadian governments is operating.

"It was never going to be one size fits all," she said in an interview Tuesday.

Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador didn't have many outbreaks at long-term care homes, and as a result, extended the period between doses to 3.5 months and four months, respectively, MacDonald said. New Brunswick, however, grappled with several outbreaks at long-term care homes throughout the pandemic, and the province focused on getting those populations fully vaccinated as quickly as possible, she added.

Newfoundland and Labrador also has a massive challenge with its geography, she said, noting there are many small, tough-to-access communities spread across a vast area. Putting together a program for a province so large and sparsely populated is "very complex," MacDonald said.

Hannah Wallace, a PhD student at Memorial University's medical school, said she's "a bit" concerned that some of the Atlantic provinces have been slower than other parts of the country to administer second doses. Her concern stems from the presence of the Delta coronavirus variant, which has been identified across the country and is believed to be at least 1.5 times more contagious than the mutation first identified in the U.K.

"I'm not so concerned because we haven't lifted restrictions like other places in Canada have," Wallace said in an interview Tuesday.

"We still have the mask mandates, we're still implementing physical distancing as much as possible. And those things are really going to keep us safe until we get to that upper limit of people getting their second vaccine."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 6, 2021.

 By Sarah Smellie in St. John's.
COWESSESS FIRST NATION, SASKATCHEWAN - A Saskatchewan First Nation where hundreds of unmarked graves were recently discovered near the site of a former residential school is the first in Canada to take back control of children in care under federal legislation.

A vigil takes place where ground-penetrating radar recorded hits of what are believed to be 751 unmarked graves near the grounds of the former Marieval Indian Residential School on the Cowessess First Nation, Sask. on June 26, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mark Taylor

COWESSESS FIRST NATION, SASKATCHEWAN - A Saskatchewan First Nation where hundreds of unmarked graves were recently discovered near the site of a former residential school is the first in Canada to take back control of children in care under federal legislation.

"Every day we will roll up our sleeves to make sure that every child, when we call them home, that they know where home is  that is Cowessess First Nation," Chief Cadmus Delorme said Tuesday.

The First Nation, east of Regina, is the first to sign an agreement with Ottawa that sees jurisdiction over children returned to the community. Federal legislation enabling an overhaul of Indigenous child welfare was passed in 2019 and came into force last year.

"We never gave up our sovereignty of our children," Delorme said.

The chief signed the agreement alongside Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Scott Moe on the powwow grounds at Cowessess. Nearby is the former Marieval Indian Residential School.

Last month, ground-penetrating radar detected a potential 751 unmarked graves at the site.

Trudeau and Moe also visited the area where the graves are located and heard from survivors.

After walking by hundreds of flags in the ground -- each one indicating a potential grave -- the prime minister and premier knelt and left teddy bears among other stuffed animals, pinwheels and flowers.

One survivor, Debbie Wapamoose, told the politicians that her children taught her how to love again and helped her heal from her experiences at the residential school.

Trudeau offered the group a message of hope and appreciation.

Chief Cadmus Delorme, left to right, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe walk though a field prior to a ceremony at the site of a former residential school where small flags which were placed, last month, in spots where ground-penetrating radar detected a potential 751 unmarked graves, in Cowessess First Nation, Sask., Tuesday, July 6, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Liam Richards

"You matter for what you went through," he said. "You matter for what you still have to share and for what you still have to learn."

At the signing ceremony, Trudeau said it is shameful children died because of a government policy that sent them to residential schools. That legacy must be recognized, he added, and the harm done must not happen again.

"No kids finally will be removed from the communities they are a part of. That is the goal.

"Never again should kids be taken from their homes, families and communities."

An estimated 150,000 First Nations, Inuit and Metis children attended residential schools between the 1860s and 1996.

The high number of Indigenous children currently in care has been called a legacy of the harm done in the schools.

More than 52 per cent of children in foster care are Indigenous, despite making up 7.7 per cent of the child population, according to Statistics Canada in 2016.

In Saskatchewan, 86 per cent of about 3,400 kids in care are Indigenous. Of those, 156 are from Cowessess.

Ottawa has said the legislation will reduce the number of Indigenous children in care by affirming the inherent rights of First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities.

Under the law, Indigenous groups must give notice of their intent to exercise jurisdiction or request a three-way agreement with the federal and provincial governments.

The groups are to be allowed to develop their own child-welfare laws or bring in traditional ones. Either would prevail over federal and provincial laws.

"Every Indigenous child deserves the best chance and we believe this will benefit their children to have the opportunity to grow up connected to their culture, language, heritage, and community," Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller said in a news release.

Indigenous Services Canada said that, as of June 8, it had received notices to exercise jurisdiction from 38 Indigenous governing bodies representing more than 100 Indigenous groups and communities.

Eighteen discussion tables have been established, it said, including the one with Cowessess First Nation.

There is no funding attached to the legislation. Tuesday's announcement did include a financial commitment from Ottawa for $38.7 million over the next two years for Cowessess.

Saskatchewan will also continue to provide protection services for Cowessess children off-reserve until the community's own program is fully implemented.

The jurisdiction of children in care was removed from Cowessess in 1951. Last year, the First Nation ratified its own laws asserting inherent rights for children and families in need of help.

Delorme said Tuesdays agreement with the two levels of government is a transition plan to assure the transfer is professional and at the right pace for the First Nation.

Mia Buckles with the Cowessess First Nation's youth council, said she has been impacted by the legacy of residential schools and child welfare  she doesn't know her language and is only now learning about traditions and ceremonies.

She said reclaiming jurisdiction of kids will be a huge first step "to breaking one of the many generational curses that bind us.

"We are strong. We are resilient. Our people may have been silenced, pushed to the side and buried," she said.

"But we will always come back stronger and louder than ever before."

The extensive overhaul of Indigenous child welfare has faced some criticism since it was brought in with a lack of details and funding commitments.

Provincial ministers in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta  where there are many Indigenous children in care  have expressed concern over the law, in particular how it applies to urban Indigenous children or for those with ties to multiple communities.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 6, 2021.
Big Tech is facing a big problem.

The House of Representatives Judiciary Committee prompted a flood of lobbying in June, having narrowly approved the passage of six antitrust bills. The legislation  which resulted in both bipartisanship and in-party fighting  has been divisive over its large-scale implications on the tech world.

Its approval, which still faces a tough hurdle in the Senate, has woken tech up from a very long political honeymoon, as one lobbyist described to The New York Times. Even Apple CEO Tim Cook personally phoned House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to urge a delay, warning of considerable consequences.

However, most legislators are keen to see these bills made into law. Democrats cite Big Techs monopolization of the online economy as alarming, while Republican supporters have framed the bills as a way to combat perceived free speech violations  namely social medias censoring of political figures.

While instances of these complaints can come to mind quickly  from Facebooks purchase of Instagram to former President Donald Trumps suspension on numerous platforms  not every lawmaker agrees with the bills passage.

Californian Democrats, for instance, see the measures as too punitive and a threat to their states industries. On the other side of the aisle, some Republicans doubt the bills ability to counter censorship, disliking how theyd weaken companies in the process.

These bills dont fix that problem; they make it worse, said Representative Jim Jordan, quoted in The New York Times.

Take a grenade and just roll it

Of course, to choose a side, one has to understand the content of the proposed laws. As broken down by The Washington Post  coincidentally owned by Amazons Jeff Bezos  the six bills have the potential to completely skew Big Techs business holdings and operations.

One, described by the paper as the most controversial, seeks to end platform monopolization, making it illegal for major tech platforms to operate another line of business that creates a conflict of interest.

Alongside this, an additional bill would prohibit the overtaking of rising competition.

Another act would make product or service preference illegal, while two others would raise filing fees to help fund the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as well as the Justice Department. The final proposal aims to help the public use different tech services together, even if theyre rivals.

Zoe Lofgren, a California Democrat quoted in another Washington Post article, summated her concern over the bill with a metaphor: This bill would essentially  take a grenade and just roll it into the tech economy and just blow it up and see what happens.

Yet, Big Tech seems certain as to what will happen. What have since been deemed baseless conspiracy theories by one Congressional spokesperson, industry supporters provided a laundry list of disincentives:

The bills would ban Alexa users from ordering goods from Amazon; block Apple from pre-installing Find My Phone and iCloud on the iPhone; ban Xboxs Games Store from coming with the Xbox; and ban Instagram stories from Facebooks newsfeed, a number of advocacy groups wrote in a letter. According to it, free services and apps would be put at risk, forced to be divested from their parent companies.

These theories have sprung up due to the fact that the language of the acts is incredibly broad. Yet, for now, nothing can be stated with certainty  but if antitrust laws were to change, consumers might need to adapt to a few things.

Sign up for the Madison Business Review Email Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request.

Big impacts on small businesses

A more practical rallying cry also formed around the concern for small businesses and startups. According to CNBC, tech leaders argue that their platforms help support new entrepreneurs and a vital means of connection with consumers.

Brian Huseman, Amazons VP of public policy, warned that, without access to Amazons customers, it will be much harder for these third-party sellers to create awareness for their business and earn a comparable income.

Yet, while arguments range over the perceived damage this could extend on small businesses, theyre already at a comparative disadvantage as it is.

According to a Vox article, the biggest issue is that major corporations act as gatekeepers and have consolidated market power for years. While, this isnt immediately a sign of an inequitable economy, its the amount of power these companies have thats worrisome.

Big Tech isnt alone in this  consolidation issues even reach into the agriculture world  but that doesnt excuse things. Google and Facebook algorithms dominate the ad economy, Apples app store is overbearingly controlling of those dependent on it and even delivery services such as GrubHub excessively charge the local restaurants that rely on it.

+7 Valley farmers get creative as agriculture industry evolves Agriculture is the backbone of the Shenandoah Valley and its economy. Yet, in recent decades, the farming landscape has transformed, creating a divide between large and small farms.

Though business may face some immediate hardships, updated antitrust legislation could have the power to make a more competitive and supportive market space for those currently left on the bottom.

Future outlooks

Its not clear how the legislation will fare moving forward. Spectators expect a tougher challenge in the Senate, and tech giants arent sitting ideally in the meantime.

Besides opposing the bills, Amazon filed a recusal request against Lisa Khan, the FTCs newest chairwoman. Khan  recently approved by the Senate and installed into the leadership position by President Biden  is the youngest to serve and, according to the company, incredibly biased.

Khan has been a vocal proponent for Big Tech break up. At the Yale Law School, she wrote a popular paper that criticized the failure of previous antitrust laws against Amazon, a reason the firm feels shes unethically fit for the position.

Meanwhile, around the time of the bills passing, Facebook won big in the courtroom, when a judge rejected FTC allegations that the company broke regulatory laws. Specifically, the Commission claimed that Facebook had become a monopoly, an argument rejected due to insufficient evidence.

Despite all this insecurity about the future, one things certain: Whatever the outcome, consumers, Big Tech or smaller businesses will lose out. Its up to the Senate to decide.

Filip De Mott is a journalism and international affairs senior. Contact him at demottfs@dukes.jmu.edu.
Two Crown Resorts directors have expressed doubt whether the boss of its Melbourne casino is fit for the job after he downplayed evidence that the group was dodging millions of dollars in tax payments to Victoria.

The new twist came as evidence emerged in state parliament that the number of gaming venue inspectors the governments watchdog employs across the state has fallen almost 20 per cent in the past six years, from 69 to 56.

In a sign Victorias royal commission into Crown could trigger a new round of bloodletting at the beleaguered company, Jane Halton and Toni Korsanos told the inquiry on Wednesday they were concerned chief executive Xavier Walsh had failed to tell them about Crowns tax issue at meetings in March.

Xavier Walsh leaving the Crown royal commission in Melbourne on Monday. Credit:Eamon Gallagher

The commission heard explosive evidence on June 7 that Crown had underpaid tax to Victoria since 2012 by making illegal deductions from its poker machine revenue and hid the practice from the states gambling regulator.
Jeff Bezos is leaving the rest of the world behind when it comes to wealth accumulation.

The worlds richest man reached a record $US211 billion ($281.5 billion) net worth overnight after Amazon.com shares jumped 4.7 per cent on Wall Street after the Pentagon announced it was cancelling a lucrative cloud-computing contract with rival Microsoft. The rally raised Bezoss fortune by $US8.4 billion ($11.2 billion) during Tuesdays trading session, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Jeff Bezos has just broken the worlds personal wealth record. Credit:AP

The last time anyone in the Bloomberg ranking neared this amount was in January, when Teslas Elon Musk briefly hit $US210 billion. The two men spent the first part of the year trading the top spot as the worlds richest person, but Bezos has cemented his hold on No. 1 since mid-March as Amazon shares climbed almost 20 per cent during that time.

Soaring stock prices in recent months have boosted the fortunes of a group of tech titans including Musk. He remains in second place behind Bezos with a $US180.8 billion net worth even as Tesla shares fell on Tuesday. French luxury goods magnate Bernard Arnault is third at $US168.5 billion.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has urged Sydneysiders to abide by stay-at-home orders as a cluster of COVID-19 cases in the city grew by 38 cases in 24 hours, the highest number of local cases recorded in a day in more than 14 months.

He indicated at a press conference in Sydney earlier today that 300,000 extra vaccine doses, evenly split between AstraZeneca and Pfizer, would be sent to NSW in the wake of the outbreak. He stressed this emergency measure would not affect the number of doses sent to other states.

Gladys Berejiklian and Scott Morrison, both in Sydney on Friday. Credit:James Brickwood

The federal government is also scrapping the assets test for Commonwealth disaster payments, which are available to NSW workers affected by the pandemic.

At $500 a week for people who have lost more than 20 hours of work a week and $325 for people who have lost less, the payment rates are equal to the reduced rates of JobKeeper that applied when it ended in March.

What I have said to the Premier and to the Treasurer today is that given the circumstances we are now seeing unfolding in NSW, we will work very closely with them to ensure there is appropriate economic support, should the conditions in NSW require further restrictions, Mr Morrison said.

We are having that discussion with NSW. They are shifting sands when it comes to the evolution of this issue, and we are working very cooperatively and positively together because, let me be clear, what is happening in Sydney just doesnt have implications for Sydney.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian this week extended the two-week lockdown imposed on Greater Sydney by an extra week, to July 16.

Read more here.
During the 24 hours to 8pm on Tuesday, 45,000 tests were reported. Ms Berejiklian also revealed Thursdays case numbers were higher than we would like to have seen and were concentrated in the Fairfield, Liverpool and Canterbury-Bankstown areas. Can I say to the communities in those areas, many have a similar background to me, please dont mingle with family, she said, adding that, while people might think they are doing the right thing by babysitting family members or visiting loved ones, the key message is do not leave the house. Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said the spread in the area was linked to a number of essential workplaces and their family groups. There are 37 COVID-19 patients in Sydneys hospitals, including seven in ICU and two ventilated. Fourteen of the people in hospital are under 55 and eight are under 35.

One of the ICU patients is in their 30s. COVID, including the Delta strain, is not a mild disease, Dr Chant said, adding that she hoped the statistics regarding hospitalisation in the young would be a wake-up call. The lockdown in Sydney has been extended by a week. Credit:Rhett Wyman The lockdown extension will mean schools in Greater Sydney move to remote learning when they return for term three on Tuesday. I hear from friends and families [that] homeschooling and home learning is difficult, but it is for four days  lets all pull together and do our best during those four days, the Premier said.

Loading Children of essential workers will still be able to attend school and no child will be turned away. Ms Berejiklian said she would be providing a plan out of the stay-at-home orders in the next few days. The Premier said NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet was considering options for further relief for business with the federal government, as the extension means many must remain shut. Businesses would much prefer a certain operating environment which is what we will be providing rather than have us going in and out of lockdown, she said.

The decision to extend the lockdown was made on the basis of health advice provided to a crisis cabinet meeting. A fourth nurse at SummitCare Baulkham Hills tested positive to COVID-19 overnight, bringing the total number of infections associated with the facility to 10. A sixth resident  the wife of a known case  also tested positive. Data released by NSW Health on Tuesday showed the majority of cases in this outbreak have been in people aged under 40  too young to receive a COVID-19 vaccine  and most of the citys cases last month were unvaccinated.

According to the ministrys weekly COVID-19 surveillance report, 100 (or 85 per cent) of the first 117 cases in the outbreak had not received a single dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Of the 117 cases acquired during the first 11 days of the outbreak, eight had received one dose of the vaccine. However, six of those received their shot within 14 days of testing positive to COVID-19, meaning they might have acquired their infection before the vaccination took effect. Its safe to say that if we had had the [vaccine] supply that we wanted ... we wouldnt now be in this situation here in NSW, Mr Hazzard said. Fifty-eight per cent of cases recorded to 8pm on Sunday were aged 39 and under, and more than a third were in their 20s and 30s.

Loading About one in five of the outbreaks first 117 cases did not have any symptoms when they tested positive. On Tuesday night, NSW Health confirmed customers had contracted COVID-19 at the Commonwealth Bank branch in Roselands, in Sydneys south-west, last week. Anyone who attended the branch on June 28, 29 or 30 is now considered a close contact and must get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result. Parramatta Coles, Country Growers Parramatta, a construction site in Toongabbie, and St Mary & St Mina Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Bexley were also added to the close contact list.
A Sydney high school teacher who repeatedly sexually abused a 14-year-old student, sending him photos and videos of herself, including one captioned Im waiting for you until she was caught, has been jailed.

Monica Elizabeth Young, 24, pleaded guilty in the NSW District Court earlier this year to three counts of aggravated sexual intercourse with a child under 16 in June and July 2020.

The teacher pleaded guilty to the sexual abuse of a 14-year-old student. Credit:Brook Mitchell

Judge Kate Traill on Wednesday jailed Young for a maximum of four years and nine months, with a non-parole period of two years and five months.

The trust that parents place on teachers to protect their children was breached egregiously by the offender on numerous occasions, the judge said, adding Young must have recognised the victims sexual immaturity.
Vaccine experts have cautioned against shortening the time frame between AstraZeneca doses, arguing that giving a second shot sooner could inadvertently reduce Australias protection against COVID-19.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, the federal governments panel of vaccine experts, recommends the first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine are given three weeks apart, while those receiving AstraZeneca are advised to wait 12 weeks between the first and second injections.

Vaccine experts have cautioned against shortening the timeframe between AstraZeneca doses in Australia. Credit:Eddie Jim

But as the highly infectious Delta variant spreads across the world, there have been increasing calls to shorten the time frame between AstraZeneca doses.

Health authorities in some countries including Britain, where coronavirus cases have surged, have already shortened the interval between jabs to speed up their vaccination programs.
Italian Formula One fans were devastated when this years Australian Grand Prix event was lost to coronavirus, but they won the morning on Wednesday as Italy triumphed over Spain in the Euro 2020 semi-final.

Melbournes Little Italy came alive in the early hours, with people scrambling into cafes and bars on Lygon Street to watch the game.

Cafe Notturno owner Salvatore Cultrera said about 450 people were lined up outside his business to watch the semi-final after they opened about 3.45am. They were able to let about 200 people in.

Later, when Italy came out on top after an anxiety-inducing penalty shootout, hundreds of people took to Lygon Street, some setting off flares, and others screaming up and down it, elated at the win.
A recognisable name  Lisa Hannan  cropped up on the Melbourne Magistrates Court list last week as a defendant in case number M11276622.

Known names do appear in the list from time to time  there are a few Scott Morrisons fronting court at the moment  but normally its not the famous persona.

Surely then this was not the same Lisa Hannan who is the current Chief Magistrate of the court? Yes, court staff informed The Age, it was indeed one and the same.

The private prosecution against Chief Magistrate Lisa Hannan, pictured here in 2019, was quickly dismissed in court.

The case was brought not by a prosecutor, nor a police officer, but rather an ordinary citizen who, like anyone in Victoria, can pay $85.70 and file a criminal charge in court.
Australia is relying on a boost in supplies from the European Union as soon as next week to meet rising demand for Pfizer vaccines while the United States continues to limit exports from its pharmaceutical giants.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the vaccine supplies were coming in very significant quantities over the coming weeks and months amid a growing dispute with Labor over why the government did not secure more doses sooner.

The two options currently available in Australia: AstraZeneca and Pfizer. Credit:Eddie Jim

The government is confident of receiving 2.8 million Pfizer doses this month but estimates that only 300,000 will arrive this week, setting up a challenge to secure a bigger shipment next week.

All the Pfizer vaccines shipped to Australia have come from the EU so far and this is expected to continue for the 32.6 million doses promised in a surge of supplies from August to December.
Singapore: Australia will send 2.5 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to Indonesia as well as testing kits and ventilators as part of a $12 million package for oxygen-related equipment announced on Wednesday night.

The support effort comes as south-east Asias largest country suffers a devastating new wave of the Delta variant of COVID-19 that has caused infections and deaths to climb to record levels and left hospital beds and oxygen in short supply.

Workers bury a COVID-19 victim at Rorotan Cemetery in Jakarta, Indonesia. Credit:AP

Foreign Minister Marise Payne said she had spoken to her Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi on Wednesday and confirmed an assistance package for Australias near neighbour as it battles the worst virus outbreak of the region.

It includes a shipment of AstraZeneca vaccines by the end of the year as well as more than 40,000 rapid antigen test kits, 1000 ventilators, up to 700 oxygen concentrators and more than 170 oxygen cylinders.
London: Britains High Court has granted the US government permission to appeal a decision that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange cannot be sent to the United States to face espionage charges.

The judicial office said on Wednesday, local time, that the appeal had been granted and the case would be listed for a High Court hearing. No date has been set.

Julian Assange, pictured in 2017. Credit:AP

In January, a lower court judge refused an American request to send Assange to the US to face spying charges over WikiLeaks publication of secret military documents a decade ago. District Judge Vanessa Baraitser denied extradition on health grounds, saying Assange was likely to kill himself if held under harsh US prison conditions.

The judge ordered that Assange must remain in prison during any potential US appeal, ruling that the Australian citizen has an incentive to abscond if he were freed.
Bryan, OH (43506)

Today

Partly cloudy in the morning. Thunderstorms developing later in the day. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 83F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms. Low 67F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
NEW ORLEANS  Eager to get your first look at the 2021 New Orleans Saints?
A day after the company's slumped following profit warnings by Jaguar Land Rover, the company assured the investors that it sees a strong rebound in overall volumes and cash flow in the second half of the year. The company stayed clear of giving any fresh guidance FY22 but said it doesnt see a sharp rebound for Q3 which may in turn impact the overall revenues. Meanwhile it doesnt plan to delay capex and the 2.5 billion pound guidance it gave earlier, remains unchanged.

We see the cash flows improving significantly in the second half of the year. Production will be higher in the second half as issues at Japanese and Texas chip suppliers are getting resolved. There will be a dramatic rebound once we start building back as demand is strong, Adrian Mardell, Chief Financial Officer at said. He added is seeing a strong demand and has record orders of 110,000 units. The company has no plans to delay launches of new models because of the current situation, he said. The whole sales production level is expected to be in the range of 60,000 to 65,000.

On Tuesday, warned investors that its volumes in the September quarter could fall short by as much as 50 per cent of the companys expectations as a dearth of chips, which has been disrupting supplies since December, is set to deepen. It said that because of the substantial drop in wholesale volumes during the first and second quarter, the company will face cash outflows of 2 billion pound sterling in the first half of the current financial year.

According to him, the visibility regarding the chip supply issue came in only a few days back. Hence the company could not have gauged the impact on the volumes earlier, Mardell told investors explaining the sudden change in outlook. I can assure you every day we are talking to engineers and suppliers to speed up supplies. JLR said that the company had earlier planned production of 235,000-odd units in April-Sept but may only manage up to 150,000 units due to the shortage of chips.

Mardell claimed that so far, the cancellations for JLR have been very few, only in tens. The bigger concern is not cancellation but supplies of chips, Mardell said in response to a question on whether the company will see cancellations as chip supplies seem to be a bigger concern for JLR than its rivals. The chip shortage is set to make a universal impact on other automakers as well, he said.
From the time films began to be made in 1900, stars the world over assiduously cultivated distinctive images. In the Golden Age of Hindi Raj Kapoor was always a Chaplinesque innocent. And Dev Anand was ever the happy-go-lucky urban imp. But there was one outlier. Picture these vignettes:





A debonair young man at a piano sings aaj kisi ki haar hui hai, aaj kisi ki jeet (somebody lost today, somebody won). He has just learnt that the heiress he loved is actually long enamoured of someone else.

The heir to the Mughal throne runs a feather along the face of an incredibly beautiful courtesan he passionately loves but cannot marry. Only the court musicians aalaps are heard in the background.

A farm labourer cavorts with his friends, singing nain lad jaihein until his fresh-faced beloved appears. He ends up a dacoit trying to save her from the clutches of the evil moneylender, only to die at the hands of his policeman brother.

A scion of landed gentry tells a Calcutta courtesan who loves and cares for him, kaun kambakht bardasht karne ke liye peeta hai (I want to drink beyond tolerance). However much he drinks, he says, a sliver of consciousness reminds him of the pain (of separation from his childhood sweetheart, now married to someone else).

Yusuf Khan from Peshawar, aka Dilip Kumar, was completely believable in all these roles  arguably his best  in Andaz (1949), Mughal-e-Azam (1960) Ganga Jumna (1961), and Devdas (1955), in a span of 12 years at the height of his career covering 62 films in nearly 50 years.

He was dubbed the tragedy king, but that was only a part of his repertoire. He was more than adequate as a swashbuckling hero (Aan, Azaad, Kohinoor), an upstanding tongawalla fighting greedy contractors (Naya Daur), a Roman (Yahudi), simpering/dare-devil twins (Ram Aur Shyam), a martinet of a father (Shakti) and a patriarch (Kranti, Saudagar) in some of his famous films. But his Gothic portrayals of conflicted characters in lesser films  Heathcliff in Emily Brontes Wuthering Heights (twice, in Arzoo and Hulchal), Edward Rochester in Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre (Sangdil) and Victor Stowell in Hall Caines The Master of Man (Amar)  testify to his range as well as courage in playing characters with deep negative traits in an age when romance alone was king.

Legend credits Thespis the Greek poet of sixth century BC to be the first actor, who actually became a different character on stage at a time when entirely comprised chorus performances. Aristotle called these new dramas tragedies. No one deserves the title thespian, the adjectival or noun form of Thespis, than

Born in 1922 in Peshawar, Yusuf came to Bombay with his well-off fruit-trader family as a school-boy. His good looks, well-bred manners and soft speech landed him a contract in 1942 with Devika Ranis Bombay Talkies on the look-out for a new hero. Without any training in acting, he was thrust into the lead in Jwar Bhata (1944). It did not do too well and Dilip attracted little attention.

No quitter, he studied film-making in all its aspects, sought advice from his many directors, and Ashok Kumar, his senior at the studio. A natural actor himself, Ashok Kumar told Dilip to be himself in front of the camera, possibly the best career-shaping advice he received. He avidly read classic novels which reflected in his choice of roles. He watched the latest Hollywood fare, with stars such as Paul Muni, Spenser Tracy, Henry Fonda, James Stewart, among others. All by himself, he realised that he had to explore his own feelings and experiences while portraying the screen character, the essence of the Stanislavski School of method acting.



Lord Meghnad Desai terms as the star of the Nehruvian era of social activism, but most of his memorable characters were from the middle or upper classes, angst-ridden and unable to cope with their existential dilemmas. Their future was predetermined by their birth, denying free will. Unable to cope with the conflict, they went down the path of self-destruction, often aided by demon brew.

Saratchandra Chattopadhyays Devdas was the very embodiment of this conflicted persona. was born to play the role in the Bimal Roy film, the best among the numerous versions. He brought the right mix of self-loathing and hopelessness to his understanding of the character.

Even the dacoit Gunga of Gunga Jumna is an extrapolation of this archetype, albeit from a different milieu. Dilip scoured the Badlands of Uttar Pradesh to get the ambience just right, including the Purbi dialect, and worked on every frame of the film, even though Nitin Bose, his early mentor, was the titular director.

That was the essence of Dilip Sahab, the sole supernova in the Galaxy

(This is an abridged version of the writers The self-taught actor, which appeared in Business Standard on October 25, 2014)
Chiratae Ventures, Indias leading venture capital advisory firm, on Wednesday announced the setting up of its seed initiative Chiratae Sonic to accelerate and democratise the fund-raise process for founders. The initiative guarantees a 48-hour turnaround time on seed fund requests/pitches for investments less than or equal to $500,000.

Chiratae has also introduced an application form and a dedicated website to make the process even simpler for early-stage founders. Aligned with Chirataes commitment towards empowering the homegrown startup ecosystem, the initiative aims to enable quicker access to capital for founders and help them prioritise innovation. The initiative will be rolled out in phases, with the first phase going live today. Chiratae is accepting applications under Chiratae Sonic for the next 30 days.

Chiratae Sonic is the eighth seed investment programme rolled out by Chiratae in line with their efforts to empower and support early-stage ventures.

Sudhir Sethi, founder & chairman, Chiratae Ventures, said, "One of the biggest challenges an early-stage entrepreneur faces is the tedious and time-consuming process behind raising capital. We believe innovation needs to be at the core of why and how founders interact with investors. By solving and simplifying the how of that conversation, Chiratae Sonic strives to empower founders to focus on innovation above all.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a key collaborator in the Sonic programme and will offer credit of up to $100,000 per eligible startup through the AWS Activate programme, which provides resources like AWS credits, business mentorship, and technical support to help early-stage founders build and scale successful businesses.

In addition to the promise of rapid decision-making for investments via Chiratae Sonic, the initiative entails standard investment terms for equity investments. Diligence for all investments under the initiative will be completed rapidly and remotely with trusted partners.

In addition to capital, Chiratae also offers its portfolio businesses access to the expertise and insights from its Global Advisory Board and India Advisory Council. Chiratae Ventures Global Advisory Board has Ratan Tata - Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, Kris Gopalakrishnan  Co-founder of Infosys, Bruno E. Raschle - Founder, Managing Director, and Non-Executive Vice Chairman of Schroder, and Manish Choksi - Non-Executive Vice Chairman of Asian Paints and Dr. Andreas Hettich, Chair, Hettich Group Advisory Board with the additional support of Dr. Ferzaan Engineer - Co-founder and Chairman of Cytecare Hospitals from the India Advisory Council of Chiratae.
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group's (SMFG's) investment in Temasek-backed Credit Company (FICC) will improve SMFG's profitability and diversify its overseas operations. These benefits will accrue without any significant weakening of its balance sheet, according to rating agency Moody's.

The deal to initially acquire 74.9 per cent shareholding and eventually have 100 per cent stake will result in significant goodwill and is credit positive for SMFG. Japanese financial services group has inked a pact with Fullerton Financial Holdings, a subsidiary of Singapore government-owned Temasek to acquire a 74.9 per cent stake for $ 2 billion.

However, the goodwill is a result of the high price book ratio of 4.7x at which SMFG is making the investment exposing SMFG to a high risk of future valuation losses on the investment.

The substantial goodwill that the deal will generate will result in SMFG's Common Equity Tier-1 ratio declining by only around 22 basis points in fiscal 2021. The investment is in line with SMFG's aim to expand its franchise in Asia.

SMFG aims to realise synergies by leveraging its knowledge of personal loans, loans to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and online lending in Japan. This it would do so by providing FICC's loan products to SMFG's Japanese customers in India, and giving funding support to FICC.

SMFGs international business accounted for around 40 per cent of its risk-weighted assets as of March 31, 2021. The additional foreign acquisitions will challenge its ability to manage its growing overseas business alongside its strong domestic franchise, Moody's added.

FIIC offers unsecured loans and loans against property, mainly to SMEs, the self-employed, and mass-market customers and has more than 650 branches across India. It had the sixth largest assets under management among non-banking in India as of March 31, 2021, and the highest net interest margin of 11.3% as of March 31, 2021.
Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL) will invest over Rs 1 lakh crore in to create employment opportunities in the state, its Chairman has said.

The industrialist said this responding to a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday in which five major industrial projects worth Rs 1,46,172 crore in metal and metal downstream sectors were approved.

"Thank you Hon'ble CM @naveen_odisha ji for approving the expansion of @JSPLCorporate's 6 MTPA existing Integrated steel plant to 25.2 MTPA. This expansion will make our Angul plant the largest single location steel plant capacity in the world," Jindal said in a Tweet on Tuesday.

He further said in the next 10 years will invest more than Rs 1 lakh crore and create huge employment opportunities in the state. Such decisions will go a long way in boosting industry confidence and propel our efforts towards building a prosperous and a self-reliant India.

The official twitter handle of the office of Chief Minister of Odisha on Tuesday said the State High Level Clearance Authority chaired by the CM approved five major industrial projects worth Rs 1,46,172 crore in metal and metal downstream sectors. These projects will almost double steel production of #Odisha to 58 million tonnes and create about 27,000 jobs.

"These projects include expansion of Bhushan Power and Steel Integrated Steel Plant in Sambalpur, expansion of @TataSteelLtd crude steel production, hot-rolled coil, cold-rolled and long products in Jajpur, and expansion of @JSPLCorporate existing Integrated steel plant in Angul," the chief minister's office said.

These projects will add steel production capacity of 28 million tonnes, in line with CM's vision of 2030 to make Odisha the steel hub of India by increasing production to 100 million tonnes, it 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.)
Two Chinese officers in 1999 put forward different methods to beat the US, these were the methods that could be used by nations that could not compete with the West in terms of military.

In their book, Unrestricted Warfare: China's Master Plan to Destroy America, they suggested ways to avoid a military confrontation with the US military, these ways included targeting financial systems, economical setbacks, taking infrastructure under control, cyber attacks, political propaganda and other 'indirect wars', said Author Janet Levy in American Thinker.

Undoubtedly, these tactics have been accepted by the Chinese government, especially, against the US ally India.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) came into power in 1949, a time when newly independent India was being led by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and it was seen as the only answer to in the region. But several events in the last two years have highlighted China's attempts to ravage the world's largest democracy, these include stealth appropriation of territory, skirmishes along the Sino-Indian border, several crippling cyber-attacks, the use of unorthodox weapons, including one that caused an extensive power outage in India's financial hub Mumbai, the diversion of shared water resources, and a treacherous geostrategic alliance with India's archenemy Pakistan. is deploying both Sun Tzu's The Art of War and the PLA officers' Unrestricted Warfare as playbooks, American Thinker reported.

Last year, also surprised Indian troops on LAC, violating a decades-old bilateral agreement. India was forced to respond with a restricted number of troops. In this skirmish, 20 Indian soldiers were killed and 75 injured. Several experts suggest that China has used 'microwave weapons' against Indian troops, that were effective up to a kilometer, cleverly dodging the "no live shot" rules of engagement. These mentioned this 'microwave technology' as something that heats up fluid under the skin, causing intense pain and vomiting and that resulted in Indian troops retreating after becoming violently ill.

Though border clashes between Indo-Chinese soldiers have been frequent, but in recent years, the PLA has built establishments, conducted war drills, and even tried to occupy territories. China has also used these tactics against other countries in the region. Calling off the troops when countries protest but yet intruding again.

In American Thinker, Janet Levy also mentioned that China's attacks on all fronts are well coordinated. At the height of the border standoff, there was a 200% increase in cyber attacks on Indian IT and banking systems over five days, with more than 40,000 attempts by Chinese hackers to install the malware in Indian networks. Chinese-sponsored groups also mounted espionage operations against India's power and transportation sector, including two ports.

The grand power-cut in Mumbai in 2020, that shuttered the complete infrastructure including stopped trains, closure of the stock market, hours of power cut in hospitals amid deadly pandemic was allegedly the result of an attack by the Chinese military group RedEcho.

A mega-dam that China is building on their side of the Brahmaputra River could also give India's water control to CCP, yet another potentially 'without gun' win over the world's largest democracy.

The American Thinker also reported that China is acquiring geostrategic control that is already posing a major threat to India. It has expanded its interests by cultivating politicians in Nepal, building infrastructure in Bhutanese villages, virtually owning a port in Sri Lanka that's within 100 kilometers of India, cultivating nearly 70 countries through its Belt and Road Initiative, and embracing India's archrival Pakistan with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Indo-China clash is way deeper than what it looks like on the ground, it's all a part of CCP's attempt to outweigh and destabilize the US through undermining India, the biggest democracy and a stalwart US ally. Chinese Communist Party is indeed a practical implementation of Sun Tzu's 'Art of War'. Author Janet Levy said in American Thinker.

(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 Wednesday reported a net reduction of 4,437 in active cases to take its count to 459,920. Indias share of global active cases now stands at 3.95 per cent (one in 25). The country is fourth among the most affected countries by active cases. On Tuesday, it added 43,733 cases to take its total caseload to 30,663,665 from 30,619,932  an increase of 0.1%. And, with 930 new fatalities, its Covid-19 reached 404,211, or 1.32 per cent of total confirmed infections.

With 3,605,998 more Covid-19 vaccine doses being administered on Tuesday, Indias total count of vaccine shots so far reached 361,323,548. The count of recovered cases across India, meanwhile, reached 29,799,534  or 97.18 per cent of total caseload  with 47,240 new cured cases being reported on Wednesday.

Now the fourth-most-affected country by active cases, third by deaths, second by total cases, and first by recoveries, India has added 300,817 cases in the past 7 days.

India now accounts for 3.95% of all active cases globally (one in every 25 active cases), and 10.06% of all deaths (one in every 10 deaths).

India has so far administered 361,323,548 vaccine doses. That is 1178.34 per cent of its total caseload, and 25.95 per cent of its population.

Among Indian states, the top 5 in terms of number of vaccine shots administered are Maharashtra (39498209), Uttar Pradesh (39378340), Gujarat (31285545), Rajasthan (30611308), and West Bengal (27329922).

Among states with more than 10 million population, the top 5 in number of vaccine shots per one million population are Delhi (509458), Kerala (494572), Gujarat (489813), Uttarakhand (473823), and J&K (410538).

Backwards from here, the last 1 million cases for India have come in 21 days.

The count of active cases across India on Wednesday saw a net reduction of 4,437, compared with 17,714 on Tuesday. States and UTs hat have seen the biggest daily net increase in active cases are Kerala (3480), Assam (654), Manipur (257), Arunachal (55), and Sikkim (25).

With 47,240 new daily recoveries, Indias recovery rate stands at 97.18%, while fatality rate remained unchanged at 1.32%.

The Indian states and UTs with the worst case fatality rates at present are Punjab (2.70%), Uttarakhand (2.15%), and Maharashtra (2.02%). The rate in as many as 17 is higher than the national average.

Indias new daily closed cases stand at 48,170  930 deaths and 47,240 recoveries. The share of deaths in total closed cases stands at 1.93%.

Indias 5-day moving average of daily rate of addition to total cases stands at 0.1%.

Indias doubling time for total cases stands at 485.7 days, and for deaths at 300.9 days.

Overall, five states with the biggest 24-hour jump in total cases are Kerala (14373), Maharashtra (8418), Tamil Nadu (3479), Karnataka (3104), and Odisha (3042).

Among states with more than 100,000 cases, the five with worst recovery rates at present are Kerala (96.04%) and Maharashtra (96.06%).

India on Tuesday conducted 1,907,216 to take the total count of tests conducted so far in the country to 423,332,097. The test positivity rate recorded was 2.3%.

Five states with the highest test positivity rate (TPR)  percentage of tested people turning out to be positive for Covid-19 infection (by cumulative data for tests and cases  are Goa (17.7%), Dadra & Nagar Haveli-Daman & Diu (14.6%), Maharashtra (14.25%), Kerala (12.61%), and Sikkim (12.4%).

Five states with the highest TPR by daily numbers for tests and cases added  are, Sikkim (20.92%), Manipur (17.03%), Meghalaya (10.98%), Kerala (10.9%), and Arunachal Pradesh (6.56%).

Among states and UTs with more than 10 million population, five that have carried out the highest number of tests (per million population) are Delhi (1170991), J&K (758037), Kerala (665784), Karnataka (520288), and Uttarakhand (504673).

The five most affected states by total cases are Maharashtra (6113335), Kerala (2996094), Karnataka (2859595), Tamil Nadu (2503481), and Andhra Pradesh (1908065).

Maharashtra, the most affected state overall, has reported 8418 new cases to take its tally to 6113335.

Kerala, the second-most-affected state by total tally, has added 14373 cases to take its tally to 2996094.

Karnataka, the third-most-affected state, has reported 3104 cases to take its tally to 2859595.

Tamil Nadu has added 3479 cases to take its tally to 2503481.

Andhra Pradesh has seen its tally going up by 3042 to 1908065.

Uttar Pradesh has added 79 cases to take its tally to 1706818.

Delhi has added 79 cases to take its tally to 1434687.
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on Tuesday said that he supported the lifting of all Covid-19 restrictions once a vaccine has been offered to everyone in the country.

When this is achieved, there is "no longer a legal or political justification for any kind of restriction," Maas told the German Press Agency on Tuesday, adding that he expected this to happen during August.

A narrow majority of Germans are in favour of lifting all Covid-19 measures for fully vaccinated people by September, according to a YouGov survey published on Tuesday.

Shortly after the start of Germany's campaign in January, Maas already called for lifting the restrictions on vaccinated people, who "should be allowed to exercise their basic rights again."

He was criticised at the time because it was not yet clear whether vaccinated people could spread the virus, the Xinhua news agency reported.

Almost 32.4 million people in had already been fully vaccinated by last Sunday, bringing the country's rate to 38.9 per cent, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the federal agency and research institute responsible for disease control and prevention.

--IANS

int/rs

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Delhi Wednesday sought the Centre's response on the issue of setting up buffer stock of liquid medical in the national capital to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, even as the AAP government submitted that it has 419 metric tonnes of LMO.

A bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Jasmeet Singh directed the to positively respond within one week on the steps taken by it in terms of the Supreme Court's April 30 order asking it to create buffer stock of LMO, as it is pending for a long time.

The court was informed by the Delhi government counsel that it has 419 metric tonne LMO in buffer as of now and it will be maintained and that the facility is being created at state hospital.

The court also directed the Delhi government to file a status report on the issue of buffer stock of and give details of the location of different storage tanks and how much quantity of the LMO is being stored there.

Senior advocate Rahul Mehra, representing the Delhi government, submitted that the LMO stock was being stored with the suppliers, later it would be transported here.

The court observed that if the Delhi government has storage facility, it should be used not to store the oxygen so that in case of a surge in COVID-19 cases, it would be readily available.

There might be a possibility that you have the capacity to store but you would not get the oxygen quantity when you need it and your storage tanks will be empty. At the time of crisis, every state will run for oxygen and they you will find it difficult to get, the bench said.

You go by our experience of April and May. You had issues of transportation, infrastructure, no storage facility. These were the bottlenecks.., it said, and asked the government whether the issue was scientifically examined.

The court also asked the to file a status report in response to recommendations made by IIT Delhi on oxygen storage in the national capital in which the institution has proposes certain steps to be taken by the central government.

It also asked the and Delhi government to file reports within a week giving data of usage of transportation and accommodation facilities, extended by them to the health workers.

During the hearing, the court was informed by the amicus curiae and senior advocate Raj Shekhar Rao that steps have been taken by the Centre on fixing of prices of oxygen concentrators, which were being sold at exorbitant rates during the second wave of the COVID-19.

The court asked the Centre to place on record the notification on fixing MRP of oxygen concentrators and capped trade margin on the prices.

(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 pulled up the and the Mumbai civic body over rampant in the city, saying it appeared the "state's property was the paternal property of the executive".

A bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice G S Kulkarni made the remark on Tuesday while hearing a public interest litigation taken up suo motu (on its own) last year on illegal constructions across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) after the collapse of a building in Bhiwandi town of neighbouring Thane district.

Senior counsel Aspi Chinoy along with advocate Joel Carlos, representing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), submitted that the state's slum rehabilitation policy protected encroachers.

Hence, the civic body could not take action against them under provisions of the Municipal Corporations Act. The BMC had a limited role to play as an outsider authority, they said.

Advocate General Ashutosh Kumbhakoni, who appeared for the Maharashtra government, told the HC that the state government's slum rehabilitation policies granted statutory protection against the demolition of structures, constructed before January 1, 2000, and not higher than 14 feet.

He said the structures of slum dwellers holding valid photo passes were protected and could not be demolished under the slum rehabilitation policies.

Kumbhakoni said successive governments had extended the cut-off date for protecting tenements in notified slum areas till 2000.

The high court said this translated into legitimising encroachers on government land.

The moment you (state) bring them under a beneficial scheme, state land and corporation lands are written off, the HC said.

"It seems like the state's property is the paternal property of the executive, the court remarked.

The HC will continue hearing the plea on Friday.

(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.)
Justice Kausik Chanda of the Wednesday recused from hearing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's petition challenging the election of BJP's Suvendu Adhikari from Nandigram, while imposing a cost of Rs 5 lakh for the manner in which the recusal was sought.

Releasing the election petition of Banerjee, Justice Chanda said that he was doing so in order to thwart at the outset attempts by trouble-mongers to keep the controversy alive.

"A deliberate and conscious attempt was made to influence my decision before the recusal application was placed before me for judicial consideration on June 24," Justice Chanda observed pointing at social media posts by some TMC leaders.

"The calculated psychological offensives and vilification adopted to seek recusal need to be firmly repulsed, and a cost of Rupees five lakh is imposed upon the petitioner," he said.

In the 13-page order, the judge said that the imbroglio stemmed from the inception of the litigation due to the assignment of the case before his bench.

"Since the two persons involved in this case belong to the highest echelon of the State politics, in the name of saving the judiciary, some opportunists have already emerged.

These trouble-mongers will try to keep the controversy alive and create newer controversies," the court observed.

"The trial of the case before this Bench will be a tool to aggrandise themselves. It would be contrary to the interest of justice if such unwarranted squabble continues along with the trial of the case, and such attempts should be thwarted at the threshold," Justice Chanda said.

ALSO READ: Boost for realty as West Bengal proposes rebate on stamp duty in budget

He said that the hearing of the case should proceed seamlessly, like any other litigation.

He noted that like any other citizen of the country, a judge also exercises his voting rights in favour of a political party, but he lays aside his individual predilection while deciding a case.

"Ironically, two leading counsel engaged in the case have well known political identities adverse to the petitioner's party," the court observed.

Abhishek Manu Singhvi and SN Mookherjee are two senior advocates representing the TMC chief in her election petition against Adhikari.

The court said that it is preposterous to suggest that a judge having a past association with a political party as a lawyer should not receive a case involving the said political party or any of its members.

"The past association of a Judge with a political party by itself cannot form apprehension of bias," the bench said.

"This proposition, if allowed to be accepted, would be destructive to the long-lived and deep-rooted notion of neutrality associated with the justice delivery system and lead to the unfair practice of Bench hunting to resist a fair adjudication by an unscrupulous litigant," Justice Chanda observed.

The bench noted that Banerjee sought recusal "since she apprehends that her objection against my confirmation as a permanent Judge of this Court is known to me," maintaining that in his view, such ground also cannot justify recusal.

The petitioner cannot seek recusal based upon her own consent or objection with regard to the appointment of a judge, the bench said, adding that a judge cannot be said to be biased because of a litigant's own perception and action.

"If such an argument is accepted, the election petition cannot be tried before this Court since the petitioner, in her capacity as the Chief Minister of the State, has either objected or gave consent to the appointments of most of the Hon'ble Judges of this Court," Justice Chanda said.

In his order, Justice Chanda noted that a letter by the petitioner's counsel to the Acting Chief Justice of the on June 16 seeking that the election petition be reassigned to another judge "contained highly confidential information concerning the appointment of a Judge of the High Court, and the petitioner, being the Chief Minister of the State, who took the oath of secrecy, was constitutionally obliged to maintain the secrecy of such information."





Observing that "the script was already prepared; the dramatis personae were ready to launch a well-rehearsed drama outside the Court", Justice Chanda said "on the own showing of the petitioner in the recusal application, it appears that the chief spokesperson and leader of the petitioner's party in the Rajya Sabha was ready by that time with two photographs of mine attending a programme of BJP legal cell in the year 2016."Justice Chanda said that another Member of Parliament of the TMC also by that time, apparently, "was ready with a purported list of cases where I had appeared for the Bharatiya Janata Party as a lawyer."The judge said "a nationwide controversy ensued" as some other state leaders of the party came up before the press and demanded recusal of this bench from the case.

Banerjee's lawyers had suggested that Justice Chanda should recuse himself from the case since he was associated with the legal cell of the BJP before his elevation as a judge and had appeared in a number of cases on behalf of the BJP before the high court as a lawyer.

After placing the application for recusal, Singhvi had submitted that the judge's close and long association with the BJP prior to his elevation was apparent.

He had suggested during his submissions that there is a conflict of interest since Justice Chanda had a close, professional, pecuniary and ideological relation with the BJP and the petitioner has challenged the election of a BJP candidate.

Singhvi had submitted that "the Hon'ble Judge of this Hon'ble Court should be like Caesar's wife, above suspicion" and it is not worth getting involved in the controversy.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Despite the Prime Minister Imran Khan-led Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government's campaign to vaccinate as many people as possible against COVID-19, only 3.5 per cent of the population in the country has been inoculated so far.

Citing the report, Geo News on Tuesday reported that so far, only 3.5 per cent of the 100 million people eligible for the anti- vaccine have been fully vaccinated.

According to data released by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), a total of 17,390,346 vaccine jabs have been provided across the country as of July 6.

Statistics show that more than 14 percent of the population has been partially vaccinated, while 290,377 vaccine jabs were administered across the country yesterday, July 5, Geo News reported.

It further reported that amid the worsening situation of COVID-19 in Pakistan, medical officials have warned about the fourth wave which is likely to hit the country by late July or early August, and raised his concern over the increasing figures of infections once again.

has reported 964,490 total COVID-19 cases while 22,452 total deaths. The total active COVID-19 cases in are currently 33,390.

However, the total cases reported in Sindh so far are 341,275, in Punjab 347,014, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 138,616, in Islamabad 83,048, in Balochistan 27,445, in Gilgit-Baltistan 6,504 and in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) 20,588.

(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.)
leader on Wednesday hit out at the government as petrol prices crossed the Rs 100-a-litre mark in Delhi, charging that the Modi government runs on "tax extortion".

Petrol prices crossed the Rs 100-a-litre mark after were increased in line with firming international oil trends.

"Your car may run on petrol or diesel, Modi government runs on tax extortion," Gandhi tweeted in Hindi, using hashtag 'TaxExtortion'.

In Delhi, petrol now costs Rs 100.21 a litre and diesel is priced at Rs 89.53 per litre.

Delhi is the last of the metro cities to see petrol rising above the Rs 100-a-litre mark. Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune already have prices above that mark. Kolkata also saw petrol prices climbing over Rs 100 per litre on Wednesday.

(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 ongoing debate over the Trinamool Congress seeking removal of of India Tushar Mehta over his alleged meeting with West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, state general secretary Kunal Ghosh on Tuesday dropped unannounced at Mehta's residence, but was denied entry.

Ghosh later told reporters that he had come to meet Mehta without an appointment and was denied entry.

"Then how come Suvendu was allowed inside if he had no prior appointment?" he questioned.

"I spoke to the security guards; they said I wouldn't be allowed entry as I don't have an appointment. Only those who have case-related matters or prior appointment are allowed to go inside and meet the Solicitor General," Ghosh told reporters in New Delhi.

He later said he has handed over a few documents related to the Narada case to the guards to be delivered to Mehta.

Later, in a series of tweets with pictures of him talking to security guards outside Mehta's residence, Ghosh said, "Enquiry Report: Now it is clear that if you want to take entry into SG's house, you have to be connected with related cases, or there must be a prior appointment. So the guy who entered that house that day had a prior appointment."



While reacting to the incident, West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh urged the leader to stop such theatrics.

A delegation of MPs on Monday met President Ram Nath Kovind and sought the removal of Mehta as the of India, alleging that his reported meeting with Adhikari raised serious doubts of impropriety.

However, Mehta has denied meeting Adhikari at his official residence in Delhi.

Once a TMC heavyweight, Adhikari is one of the accused in the 2016 Narada tapes case, and Mehta represents the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the Supreme Court and the Calcutta High Court in the agency's probe against senior TMC leaders in the matter.

Although, Adhikari has accepted that he had gone to Mehta's residence but has denied meeting the

(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.)
raises IPO size amid robust demand; issue likely to open on July 14

Food delivery company Zomatos Rs 9,375-crore initial public offering (IPO) will open for subscription on July 14, said investment banking sources on Wednesday.

The company initially was looking to raise Rs 7,500 crore through the offering. READ HERE.

Team Modi 2.0: 15 ministers inducted into Cabinet, 28 sworn-in as MoS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid a premium on performance in the 2021 Cabinet reshuffle. While 12 ministers were axed, seven junior ministers have been promoted as Cabinet ministers.

As many as 15 Cabinet ministers, including some new faces, were sworn-in at the swearing in ceremony held in the Darbar Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhawan. While 13 members took oath in Hindi, two took in English. READ HERE.

Legendary actor laid to rest with full state honours

Screen legend on Wednesday was buried with full state honours here, marking the end of an illustrious career as one of Indian cinema's most loved icons.

The 98-year-old actor, who passed away following prolonged illness, was laid to rest around 4:45 PM in the presence of family, including actor wife Saira Banu. READ MORE.

Haiti President Jovenel Moise assassinated at home

Haitian President Jovenel Moise was assassinated after a group of unidentified people attacked his private residence, the country's interim prime minister said in a statement Wednesday.

First Lady Martine Moise is hospitalised following the attack late Tuesday, interim Premier Claude Joseph said. READ HERE.
Chief Minister on Wednesday will chair two separate meetings via video conferencing with District Collectors, Divisional Commissioner, and Covid Task Force on COVID-19 management.

While the first meeting is scheduled at 12:30 pm today between the Chief Minister and the District Collectors, the second will be with the Covid Task Force at 7 pm.

In the month of April and May, the vaccination drive in Pune has frequently suspended owing to a shortage of vaccines. However, Union Health Minister recently announced that a total of 12 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccines will be made available in July to the country.

Currently, is the worst Covid affected state in the country. The state has 1,17,536 active cases of 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.)
The Indian will stage a strong recovery in 2021-22 with a revenue growth of up to 11 per cent, ratings agency Crisil said on Wednesday.

The recovery will be led by increasing outsourcing and accelerating digital transformation services mainly in sectors such as banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), healthcare, retail and manufacturing, it said.

As per Nasscom, the IT services industry grew 2.7 per cent to USD 99 billion in 2020-21. The wider industry including e-commerce, business process management and global back offices had grown 2.3 per cent to USD 194 billion in last fiscal year, as per the industry lobby.

Industry stalwart Azim Premji, the founder chairman of Wipro, also expected a double-digit growth on Tuesday.

Crisil said higher business levels, and more profitable digital deals (45 per cent share in revenues in FY21 versus 40 per cent in FY20) will also help IT services players maintain healthy operating margins.

With customers focussing on optimising costs, outsourcing of IT services is seeing a steady rise globally. The pandemic has opened up additional opportunities in digital services due to surge in remote working, e-commerce and automated services, Crisil's senior director Anuj Sethi said.

He added that deal wins by Indian players have expanded by 20 per cent year-on-year in 2020-21, with 80 per cent of them being digital deals across verticals.

The revenue growth in 2021-22 will be almost 4 percentage points more than the growth of 6 per cent in last fiscal year and similar to the 10 per cent growth logged over fiscals 2018-2020, the agency said.

BFSI, which accounts for 28 per cent of IT service revenue, will clock 13-14 per cent growth in this fiscal year, up from FY21's 9 per cent rise due to rising share of digital transactions, continued regulatory compliance and data security, it said.

Retail and manufacturing, which together account for 30 per cent of revenues, are expected to recover 8-9 per cent after slowing down to 2-3 per cent last fiscal year, it said.

Healthcare, though a small segment accounting for only 6 per cent of revenues, will sustain its high growth at 15-16 per cent, benefitting from higher spending on tackling COVID-19 and increasing adoption of virtual services.

Despite stronger revenue growth, profitability is unlikely to rise beyond the levels witnessed in 2020-21, it said, adding that operating margins expanded 2 percentage points to a seven-year high of 25 per cent in the last fiscal year mainly due to cost savings from lower travel, favourable onshore-offshore mix (due to lower onsite roles following the pandemic), and lower attrition levels.

This fiscal, with gradual normalisation of businesses across the globe, a partial reversal of the cost savings logged last fiscal is likely, Rajeswari Karthigeyan, associate director, said.

With the expansionary recruitment phase, including maintenance of higher bench strength, employee costs, which account for 67 per cent of revenues, are expected to rise.

The agency expects continued improvement in the credit quality of most IT firms, given their lowly leveraged balance sheets and robust liquidity.

Recurrence of additional waves of the pandemic in the US and Europe, which are key destinations for IT services, would be the factors to monitor, it 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.)
Few actors in have had as many clones as The assertion would seem like the greatest note of flattery in a film industry that survives and thrives on being 'inspired', more than superlatives such as star, superstar, megastar, thespian -- even legend, for the word is often loosely used in

Dilip Kumar, who passed away on Wednesday in Mumbai at the age of 98, was always the benchmark. He had a direct impact on many actors who worked in his time, from the forties to the nineties. He continues to indirectly impact actors post nineties too, for those who fashioned their acting after him continue to influence many rank newcomers of today.

Perhaps that is the mark of a legend -- when the trademark style of your art continues to outlive you, and find new ways to reinvent itself through budding talents who started out long after you quit.

For the record, quit acting in 1998. That was the year Yusuf saab -- as he was widely known to friends and fans alike -- last faced the camera for Umesh Mehra's "Qila". If the actor was never seen on screen over the past two decades since its release, the rest of the film's primary cast including Rekha, Mukul Dev and Mamta Kulkarni have also all but vanished, and director Mehra stopped making nearly two decades ago. "Qila", an otherwise forgotten attempt, will continue to garner recall value because it was the last film of one of Bollywood's greatest.

Flawed and over the top as the film was, "Qila" gave a dual role as protagonist and antagonist (or 'hero' and 'villain' as masala filmdom loves classifying). Somewhere in those portrayals lay the key to why he was hailed as the phenomenon back in the day, when they showered him with epithets as Tragedy King, and the Great Method Actor of

There are tales about Dilip Kumar's method acting. The most widely-known pertains to the self-produced "Gunga-Jumna", the Nitin Bose directorial of 1961 that, many whisper, was ghost-directed by the actor himself. Coming immediately after his 1961 superhit "Mughal-e-Azam", Dilip Kumar is said to have run all around the studio premise, to the point of collapsing, in order to get the right look and feel for his death scene in the film. The performance is counted among one of the finest by any male actor in mainstream Bollywood, and plot of the film would find resonance in many subsequent Hindi hits, notably "Deewar".

If the subject of method acting largely defines Dilip Kumar's oeuvre, the actor himself tried to deconstruct it in his autobiography "Dilip Kumar: The Substance And The Shadow", released in 2015.

"I am an actor who evolved a method, which stood me in good stead," he says.

That alone explains the consummate acting we saw in all his films, right from his debut effort "Jwar Bhata" (1944), as well as other notable early roles in "Milan " (1946) and "Jugnu" (1947).

By 1948, only four years into the industry, Dilip Kumar was a busy star. He had as many as five releases that year -- "Ghar Ki Izzat", "Shaheed", "Mela", "Anokha Pyar" and "Nadiya Ke Paar". By the time the last film of the year released and went on to become the biggest hit of 1948, Dilip Kumar was one of Bollywood's exciting new sensations along with two others -- Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand.

The trio would go on to define Hindi cinema in the next decade, and be called Bollywood's Triumvirate. Together, they continue to shine the brightest at the mention of the Golden Fifties of Hindi cinema. While each of them carved a niche to ensure greatness, somewhere their individual images as stars summed up the essence of an era that continues to be regarded as the classiest that Hindi cinema has seen.

Dilip Kumar would collaborate with Raj Kapoor, incidentally said to be his childhood friend from Peshawar, on Mehboob Khan's 1949 love triangle "Andaz" that co-starred the inimitable Nargis. The film was a superhit upon release and, for the second consecutive year, Dilip Kumar would be part of the year' highest-grossing film with "Andaz".

That was just the start of a dream run. The fifties saw him deliver innumerable superhits including "Jogan" and Babul (1950), "Tarana" and "Deedar" (1951), "Aan" (1952), "Footpath" (1953), "Amar" and "Daag" (1954). "Devdas", "Azaad" and Uran Khatola" followed in 1955, "Musafir" and "Naya Daur" released in 1957. The spate of memorable roles continued with "Yahudi" and "Madhumati" in 1958, and Dilip Kumar ended the decade with "Paigham" in 1959.

If the decade that ended established the method about Dilip Kumar's stardom in its versatility, it also prepared fans for the one role that continues to draw automatic recall when you think Dilip Kumar. The decade started with K. Asif' s epic "Mughal-e-Azam" for Dilip Kumar, after the successful "Kohinoor" the same year. The film became the highest grossing Hindi film of all time upon release

After the success of "Gunga Jumna" in 1961, Dilip Kumar would again essay a dual role of a very different mood in "Ram Aur Shyam" (1967). His other memorable roles in the decade were "Aadmi" and "Sunghursh" (1968).

He started out in the seventies with "Gopi" (1970). The sixties and the seventies, however, saw the actor slow down in terms of solo releases. The advent of Rajesh Khanna' brand of romance in the late sixties, and Amitabh Bachchan' Angry Young Man in the mid-seventies, changed Bollywood trends. The great socials of the fifties and the sixties seemed to be on the wane. Dilip Kumar decided to take a break in 1976, after "Bairag".

He would come back, of course, in Manoj Kumar's 1981 release "Kranti". The film was a multistarrer, Bollywood' chosen genre of the eighties, and Dilip Kumar found ready takers in such lavishly-mounted productions that needed multiple heroes across age groups. He was notably seen in the Subhash Ghai multistarrers "Vidhaata" (1982) and "Karma" (1986) as well as "Saudagar" in 1991. Two-hero or multi-hero projects as "Shakti" (1982), "Mazdoor" (1983), "Mashaal" (1984) and "Duniya" (1984) mark his last phase as an actor, one that culminated with "Qila" in 1998.

The five decades of acting is balanced by the irony that Dilip Kumar never released a film as director. In his lifetime, he is said to have been involved with direction twice. He is said to have directed the 1966 drama "Dil Diya Dard Liya" along with the officially-mentioned helmer, Abdul Rashid Kardar, though he isn't credited as a director for the project. Decades later, he would launch the self-starring "Kalinga", with Jackie Shroff, Meenakshi Sheshadri and Amitoj Mann. Some say the film was shot, though it never saw light of day.

For a man known to take an active interest in all departments of some of the biggest projects of his heydays, it remains a mystery why Dilip Kumar lost interest in releasing "Kalinga". Perhaps the phenomenon, one of 12 children born to a Peshawari fruit merchant, knew when to go cold on a bad business prospect.

--IANS

vnc/vnc

(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.)
Screen legend on Wednesday was buried with full state honours here, marking the end of an illustrious career as one of Indian cinema's most loved icons.

The 98-year-old actor, who passed away following prolonged illness, was laid to rest around 4:45 PM in the presence of family, including actor wife Saira Banu.

Kumar was given a gun salute, following which the police band paid him a tribute at the Juhu Qabrastan in Santacruz Mumbai.

While not more than 25-30 people were allowed inside the Qabrastan, the venue was packed with media and fans of the late star. The crowd, of nearly 100 people, was being controlled by the police.

Post the funeral, megastar Amitabh Bachchan and son Abhishek Bachchan visited the Juhu Qabrastan to pay their respects to Kumar.

As per the state funeral protocols, Kumar's body was draped with the tricolor at his Pali Hill residence, before being moved to the burial ground.

More than 60 policemen were present at his residence. Adequate security measures were taken by the police to prevent people to enter the lane leading to Kumar's house.

Born as Yousuf Khan in Peshawar on December 11, 1922, Kumar was known to generations of film-goers as the "tragedy king."



Filmmaker Subhash Ghai, who directed Kumar in movies like "Saudagar" (1991) and "Karma" (1986) also came for the funeral but COVID protocols prevented him to go inside.

Earlier in the day, Kumar's friends, colleagues and fans, including Dharmendra, Shah Rukh Khan, Shabana Azmi, Vidya Balan and producer Siddharth Roy Kapur, Ranbir Kapoor paid their respects to the acting legend at his residence.

The Hindi veteran, the last of the golden troika with Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand and one of India's most venerated stars, was admitted to hospital last month following episodes of breathlessness.

The actor had been battling ill health for the last few years, including advanced-stage prostate cancer and lung disease, and had been in and out of the hospital.

The first of the Khans, as he was sometimes referred to, was nominated to the Rajya Sabha for one term, awarded the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan and also served as sheriff of Mumbai. He was also honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke award.

(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.)
Legendary actor Dilip Kumar, who had been admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Mumbai's PD Hinduja Hospital, passed away at the age of 98 today. The 98-year-old screen icon was admitted in suburban Khar-based Hinduja Hospital, a non-Covid-19 facility, last week to address age-related "medical issues" days after being discharged from the same hospital.

Two days ago, a tweet post by his wife Saira Banu, from the official Twitter account of Kumar asked his fans to pray for the actor so that he is discharged from the hospital "soon."

"We are grateful for God's infinite mercy on Dilip Sahib that his health is improving. We are still in hospital and request your prayers and duas so that Insha'Allah he is healthy and discharged soon," the tweet read.

The Hindi cinema veteran was admitted to the Hinduja Hospital in June following episodes of breathlessness.





With a heavy heart and profound grief, I announce the passing away of our beloved Dilip Saab, few minutes ago.



We are from God and to Him we return. - Faisal Farooqui  (@TheDilipKumar) July 7, 2021

At the time, Kumar was diagnosed with bilateral pleural effusion -- a build-up of excess fluid between the layers of the pleura outside the lungs -- and underwent a successful pleural aspiration procedure.

He was discharged after five days.

Kumar''s career spans over five decades with hits like "Mughal-e-Azam", "Devdas", "Naya Daur", and "Ram Aur Shyam". His last big screen appearance was in the 1998 film "Qila".
appears to be preparing to ramp up its involvement in amid US troops withdrawal -- with Beijing eyeing the war-torn nation for investment and influence opportunities.

According to The New York Post, in recent weeks, Beijing has been vocal in slamming the United States for pushing forward with its troop withdrawal, citing the deteriorating situation on the ground. Still, it had not made any public commitments regarding a response.

US President Joe Biden has set a deadline of September 11 for the final pullout of the few remaining troops from

Citing the media reports, the Newspaper outlet reported that the Kabul authorities have become much more deeply engaged with Chinese leaders as the two work toward a deal to invest in Afghanistan's infrastructure through China's "Belt and Road Initiative."

As per the outlet, the trillion-dollar program has funded multiple projects -- generally focusing on hard infrastructures like airports, roads, and seaports -- throughout Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It has been used by the Chinese Communist Party to grow its influence by providing infrastructure loans to poorer countries in return for control over local resources.

The media report stated that the deal would extend the USD 62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the Beijing-led initiative.

"There is a discussion on a Peshawar-Kabul motorway between the authorities in Kabul and Beijing," New York Post quoted the sources. "Linking Kabul with Peshawar by road means Afghanistan's formal joining of CPEC," it said.

The outlet further reported that last month, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian confirmed that and were having discussions on a CPEC extension, though he declined to discuss the matter in detail.

(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.)
(Reuters) -Cryptocurrency exchange Binance will temporarily suspend euro bank deposits from one of Europe's key payments networks, it said in an email sent to users on Tuesday.

The email said that from 8 a.m. universal coordinated time on Wednesday, customers would no longer be able to deposit funds through the Single Euro Payments Area, or SEPA, schemes. The move was due to "events beyond our control", the exchange said in the email.

"Any deposits attempted via SEPA in the meantime will be returned within 7 working days. SEPA withdrawals are unaffected by this suspension", Binance said.

The development was reported earlier by the Financial Times.

The network, which is a project that aims to harmonise euro payments across the region, allows consumers to send euros across three dozen countries. Binance typically accesses SEPA through payment intermediaries.

Binance has recently faced a string of crackdowns on the platform by regulators globally.

Thailand's financial watchdog filed a criminal complaint against the cryptocurrency exchange on Friday for operating a digital asset business without a licence, and Britain's financial watchdog recently barred the company from carrying out regulated activities in the country.

Japan's regulator said last month that Binance was operating in the country illegally. Germany's watchdog said in April it risked being fined for offering tokens connected to stocks.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh and Ann Maria Shibu in Bengaluru; Editing by Leslie Adler and Sonya Hepinstall)

(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.)
Didi Global shares fell for a third consecutive day on Wednesday, dropping further below last weeks initial public offering (IPO) price, as was said to consider closing a loophole used by firms listing their shares abroad.

The ride-hailing company fell as much as 6.5 per cent and traded at $11.77 as of 10 am in New York. The American depositary shares slumped 20 per cent in Tuesdays session, and now trade more than 15 per cent from the $14 they were sold at in the

Didis offering was the second-largest US-listing for a Chinese firm on record. The company has lost more than $18 billion of market value so far this week, including about $15 billion on Tuesday alone.

The Chinese government has made it very clear that they act in what they believe to be their own best interests, said Steve Sosnick, chief strategist at Interactive Brokers. This doesnt rule out the idea that one could or should invest in China, it just changes the risk premium that is required.
The UK's Health Secretary Sajid Javid said that people who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 will not have to self-isolate if they are in close contact with an infected person starting from August 16 onwards.

Javid told lawmakers in Parliament on Tuesday that the same policy would also apply to anyone under the age of 18 from that date, reports Xinhua news agency.

The government would give more details later this week on self-isolation rules for travellers, he added.

"We will have a more proportionate system of test, trace and isolate, and it is absolutely right that those that have been double jabbed, we can take a different approach than the one we take today," he told the BBC.

More than 45.4 million people in Britain have received the first jab of COVID-19 vaccine and over 33.8 million people have received two doses, the latest official figures showed.

--IANS

ksk/

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise drew shock and condemnation from leaders in Latin America, Europe and elsewhere on Wednesday, along with calls for calm and unity in the troubled Caribbean nation.

Moise was killed in an attack on his private residence early Wednesday, according to Haiti's interim prime minister. First lady Martine Moise was shot in the overnight attack and hospitalized. It wasn't immediately clear who was behind the assassination in a country that had grown increasingly unstable and disgruntled in recent years.

Colombian President Ivn Duque condemned what he called a cowardly act and expressed solidarity with He called for an urgent mission by the Organization of American States to protect democratic order.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted that he was shocked and saddened at the death of President Moise.

Our condolences are with his family and the people of Haiti, he added.

This is an abhorrent act and I call for calm at this time.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Snchez condemned the assassination.

I'd like to make an appeal for political unity to get out of this terrible trauma that the country is going through, Snchez said during a visit to Latvia.

The White House described the attack as horrific and tragic.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the U. S. stands ready to assist in its time of need.

It's a horrific crime and we're so sorry for the loss that (the people of Haiti) are all suffering and going through as many of them are waking up this morning and hearing this news," Psaki said during a previously scheduled interview with CNN. "And we stand ready and stand by them to provide any assistance that's needed.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen offered her condolences in a statement on Twitter.

We wish the First Lady a prompt recovery, & stand together with our ally in this difficult time," Tsai wrote. Haiti is one of the few countries in the world that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which China claims as its own.

(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.)
is hosting talks between senior negotiators and officials from the Afghan government, as the militants make rapid territorial gains ahead of the complete withdrawal of US forces.

The said its delegation was led by Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, deputy head of the movements political office in Qatar, where months of formal peace talks between the Afghan adversaries appear to have stalled.

Irans semi-official Tasnim news agency on Wednesday published video of the meeting chaired by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Tehran, without naming any of the Afghans present.

 is ready to help in the process of dialog between different factions in order to resolve the current conflicts and crises in Afghanistan, Tasnim quoted Zarif as saying. The Talibans Mohammad Suhail Shaheen, another of the groups negotiators, said discussions would touch on the current situation of the country and exchange views on a peaceful solution of the issue.
Chief Executive Makoto Uchida told a Japanese court on Wednesday that the company's former chairman, Carlos Ghosn, had held too much power, failed to listen to others, and stayed on for too long.

Uchida said Wednesday that those were factors that led to financial misconduct charges for Ghosn. He was testifying as a witness for Motor Co, which as a corporate entity is standing trial on charges of having falsified securities reports in under-reporting Ghosn's compensation. It does not contest the charges.

Greg Kelly, an American former executive vice president at Nissan, also is on trial on charges of failing to fully report Ghosn's compensation. Both he and Ghosn have adamantly insisted they are innocent.

Ghosn was arrested in 2018, but fled to Lebanon while out on bail. Lebanon does not have an extradition treaty with

I felt ashamed and miserable when I learned that something this outrageous was happening, Uchida told the Tokyo District Court about the allegations against Ghosn and

The Nissan brand was tarnished, the workers were demoralised, and trust for management has been lost, he said.

Uchida said an atmosphere of fear prevailed at the company, with staff believing that challenging Ghosn carried serious risks.

We were only trying to play melodies that sounded good to our boss," he said. I've been working to try to change that since becoming CEO."



Ghosn was sent to Nissan by its French alliance partner Renault about two decades ago, helping to revive a company on the brink of bankruptcy. From about 2014, he became less collaborative and the company began to chase sales volume, setting overly ambitious goals, Uchida said.

While some at Nissan may have felt Ghosn stayed at the helm for too long, in his testimony Kelly has insisted issues over reporting of his compensation arose because the company was trying to find legal ways to improve his pay to prevent him from leaving for a rival automaker. Ghosn took a huge pay cut when the disclosure of big executive salaries became required in in 2010.

Uchida became chief executive and president in 2019. He worked at major Japanese trading company Nissho Iwai Corp before joining Nissan in 2003, when Nissho Iwai merged with another trading company, Nichimen, later becoming Sojitz Corp.

Uchida's predecessor, Hiroto Saikawa, resigned after he became embroiled in a scandal of his own, also related to under-reported compensation. Saikawa has not been charged.

Nissan has promised to strengthen its corporate governance and audits to prevent a recurrence of any financial wrongdoing.

Ghosn has accused other top Nissan executives of plotting to force him out of the company due to fears he might push for Renault, which owns 43% of Nissan, to gain more control over the Japanese automaker.

Nissan executives have testified at the trial that this was a concern.

The alliance of Renault, Nissan and smaller automaker Mitsubishi Motor Corp shares technology, auto parts and production plants. That makes Nissan and Renault nearly inseparable, according to industry experts.

It's unclear when the panel of three judges will hand down their verdict in the trial. It could take months. The maximum penalty Kelly could face is 15 years in prison.

(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.)
Pakistan's Sindh Irrigation Minister Sohail Anwar Khan Siyal on Tuesday warned that the province is heading fast towards due to the

Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, the irrigation minister said Sindh province only has 10 days of water reserves and the Meteorological Department had also expressed fears of severe consequences due to a drought in 10 districts, Geo News reported.

The minister said if there was no rainfall, water for agriculture and human needs would not be available and a severe shortage would affect the districts of Sindh, including Karachi.

Siyal blamed the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) for the and asked Prime Minister Imran Khan-led PTI government in the Centre to refrain from "spreading hatred".

Responding to the Balochistan government's warning of cutting Karachi's water supply, he said when Sindh does not have water to fulfil its needs, how will it provide for others, Geo News reported.

"Sindh and Balochistan are being punished for the incompetence of the Centre," Siyal added.

Earlier, the Balochistan government had warned that it would cut off Karachi's water supply from Hub Dam, as the provinces quarrelled over water shortage, Geo News reported.

Balochistan government's spokesperson Liaquat Shahwani, addressing a press conference in Islamabad, had blamed the Sindh government for releasing less water to his province.

"Sindh is supplying 42 per cent less water to Balochistan [...] the province is getting only 7,000 cusecs of water from Sindh," the spokesperson said.

"Chief Minister Sindh (Murad Ali Shah) had refused to provide Balochistan its due share of water," he claimed.

Earlier, this week, experts had also warned that famine-like situations may arise in due to the scarcity of water across the country if the issue is not resolved timely.

(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 Rs 1,500 crore initial public offer (IPO) by Pune-based specialty chemical firm Clean Science and Technology (CSTL) will open for subscription on Wednesday. The issue, which is slated to run between July 7-9, is priced in the range of Rs 880-900 per share and is entirely an offer for sale. The prime purpose is to enhance visibility, brand, provide liquidity to existing shareholders and achieve the benefits of listing shares on stock exchanges.

Company Details

Clean Science is among the few companies globally, focused entirely on developing newer technologies using in-house catalytic processes, enabling it to emerge as the largest global manufacturer of certain in terms of installed capacities as of March 31, 2021. It has two manufacturing facilities in India, with a combined installed capacity of 29,900 MTPA and a capacity utilisation rate of 72 per cent in FY21.

It enjoys a strong customer base with key customers like Bayer AG, SRF, Vinati Organics etc. As of FY21, ~48 per cent of its revenue is contributed from its top 10 customers.

Financial Snapshot

CSTL's financial performance has been impressive over the years on the back of strong traction in specialty chemical segment and consistent improvement in margin, say analysts.

Its consolidated revenue, EBITDA and net profit recorded 14 per cent, 38 per cent and 43 per cent CAGR, respectively through FY19-FY21. The company's EBITDA margin has improved from 24.8 per cent in FY19 to 38.7 per cent in FY21. The company has a healthy balance sheet with a D/E ratio of 0.1x as of FY21. Moreover, the return ratios RoE and RoCE remain healthy at 38 per cent and 26 per cent, respectively (3-year average).

Grey Market Premium

The company was trading at a premium of 52 per cent or Rs 470 in the grey market. "The company has a track record of strong and consistent financial performance. The issue is priced at 48 times P/E against the average industry P/E of 55 times. Considering, the stellar performance, the asking price does not look expensive. If such performance remains consistent, we may see the stock outperforming going ahead," said Manan Doshi, co-founder at UnlistedArena.com.

Analysts' Take

Leading brokerages have largely assigned a 'Subscribe' rating to the issue on the back of healthy growth prospects and reasonable valuations.

Geojit Financial: Subscribe

At the upper price band of Rs 900, CSTL is available at a P/E of 48x (FY21) which appears to be fully priced in. However, we assign a 'Subscribe' rating for the issue on a long-term basis considering its technical expertise, process innovation, consistent focus on R&D, positive industry outlook, superior margin profile and healthy return ratios.

Reliance Securities: Subscribe

The is valued at 42.2x of FY21 earnings, which looks to be reasonably priced. However, peers like Vinati Organics and Fine Organic trade at ~75x FY21 earnings, which offers valuation comfort for CSTL. CSTLs RoE at 37 per cent is superior to its peers, which along with a healthy asset turnover ratio at 3.8x FY21 and better OCF yield offer an edge. Further, strong growth prospects for domestic specialty chemical manufacturers on the back of China+ One strategy may eventually aid CSTL to sustain strong earnings momentum, going forward. Hence, we recommend 'Subscribe' to the

Aditya Birla Capital: Subscribe

CSTL is the leading manufacturer in several of its products using internally developed processes and catalysts. It has joined the sustainable chemistry bandwagon by eliminating the wastes and discharges from its manufacturing facilities. It enjoys healthy return ratios and margins through the creation of strong entry barriers. The is valued at 48.2x FY21 EPS which we believe is reasonable when compared to the valuations of several of the specialty chemical companies in the listed universe. We assign a 'Subscribe' rating on the issue.

Anand Rathi: Subscribe

The company possesses a healthy balance sheet and robust return ratios profile (FY21 RoE at 36.8 per cent). We recommend a 'Subscribe' rating to this IPO.

Hem Securities: Subscribe

On the back of the companys robust financial position, leadership in market share in some of its products, strong clientele and prospects of the chemical industry, we recommend 'Subscribe' on the issue both for listing gain and long term purposes.
TOKYO (Reuters) - steadied on Wednesday after a steep drop in the previous session, following the cancellation of talks among OPEC+ producers that raised the prospect that the world's major crude exporters will turn on the taps to gain market share.

was up 3 cents at $74.56 a barrel by 0115 GMT, after slumping more than 3% on Tuesday. U.S. oil was up 7 cents at $73.44 a barrel, having declined by more than 2% in the previous session.

Energy ministers from OPEC+, a grouping that includes the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) along with Russia and other oil producing countries, ended talks on supply policy on Monday.

Divisions between Saudi Arabia, the biggest producer, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which opposed extending supply constraints designed to support prices after the fall in demand from the pandemic, were the main reason behind the failure of the discussions.

"There is a possibility of an OPEC+ rebellion that could bring unregulated output back to the market," Rystad Energy oil analyst Louise Dickson said in a note.

Nonetheless, "the market is getting too tight for consumers, especially in the U.S., where oil is becoming uncomfortably expensive for consumers and industry," Dickson added.

voted on Friday to raise production by about 2 million barrels per day from August to December and to extend the remaining output reductions to the end of next year, but UAE resistance scuppered an agreement.

The breakdown of talks initially sent higher with U.S. oil hitting the highest since 2014.

Goldman Sachs said the failure of the discussions has clouded OPEC's production policy, although the bank reiterated its expectation that Brent would rise $80 per barrel early next year.

(Reporting by Aaron Sheldrick; Editing by Sam Holmes)

(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.)
Analysts tracking continue to see up to 66.5 per cent upside in the stock as they opine the concerns over deepening of semiconductor shortage are misplaced and are only near-term headwinds.



Investors dumped shares of the Tata Group firm on Tuesday after the companys UK subsidiary Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) warned of lower earnings on the back of semiconductor shortage in the September quarter of the current financial year.



Given the supply constraints, the company expects to report a cash outflow of about 1 billion with a negative EBIT margin for the quarter. Total liquidity at the end of the first (June) quarter was over 5.6 billion including a 1.9 billion undrawn committed credit facility (RCF), said. The company had earlier guided for earnings before interest and tax (Ebit) margins of over 4 per cent and a free cash flow (FCF) breakeven.



Following the development, the shares hit 10 per cent lower circuit (Rs 311.45) on Tuesday but erased some losses to close at Rs 316.95 apiece, down 8.41 per cent on the BSE. This translates into a market cap loss of Rs 9,663 crore on Tuesday.



The sell-off extended further on Wednesday as the shares fell another 3.4 per cent to hit a low of Rs 306 on the BSE in the intra-day trade. The scrip later recovered 3.5 per cent from lows and ended unchaged at Rs 317, ahead of the company's analyst call later in the day.



ALSO READ: JLR warns of lower Q2 volumes, downgrades outlook due to chip shortage



However, according to Nishant Vass and Pratit Vajani, research analysts at ICICI Securities, chip shortages remain a dynamic situation and difficult to forecast in the short-term due to the unique nature of the semi-conductor supply chain.



Most global OEMs (e.g. Ford, GM, Daimler) have witnessed similar chip shortages which has disrupted CY21 production schedules as capacity remains tight. We do not believe this to be lost sales as peers also dont have significant surplus capacity to benefit, they said in a report dated July 7.



Those at Motilal Oswal Financial Services, too, concur with the view and expect the company to continue to prioritize the production of higher margin vehicles for available chip supply as well as make chip and product specification changes wherever possible to reduce the impact.

From a long-term perspective, all three businesses of are in recovery mode. While the India CV business would see a cyclical recovery, the India PV business is in a structural recovery mode. is also witnessing a cyclical recovery, supported by a favorable product mix, Jinesh Gandhi, research analyst at the brokerage, noted in his report.



Nonetheless, analysts have revised their earnings forecast to factor in near-term supply constraints. Emkay Global, for instance, expects some dispatches to spill over from FY22 to FY23 due to near-term production constraints.



For (excluding China JV), we cut FY22E volume by 8 per cent and increase FY23E volume by 4 per cent. As a result, we reduce consolidated FY22E EBITDA by 9 per cent and increase FY23E EBITDA by 3 per cent, they said in a stock update report.



ALSO READ: Tata Motors to remain sharply focused on high-growth segments of the market



Gandhi of MOFSL, meanwhile, has lowered FY22E consolidated earnings per share (EPS) estimate by 40 per cent (from Rs 23.4 to Rs 14), but left it largely unchanged FY23E.



Currently, we are building in EBIT margin of 5.4 per cent in for FY22E. However, if we bake in the companys guidance of lower volumes in Q2FY22, negative EBIT margin in H1FY22, and strong recovery in volumes from Q3FY22, we see a potential downside risk of 5 per cent to our FY22 volume estimates for JLR, which could result in 20 per cent cut to our FY22 EBIT assumptions, wrote Hitesh Goel and Rishi Vora, research analysts at Kotak Institutional Equities.



In April-June quarter, JLR retail sales stood at 124,537 units with sales in China (+5% CAGR) and North America (+1% CAGR) witnessing higher volumes. Global retail orders stood at an all-time high of 110,000 units and dealer inventories are low at 20,000 units. Overall, the company reported a total domestic sales of 107,786 units in Q1FY22, marking a growth of 353 per cent year-on-year.





Source: Brokerage reports

Note: Upside from Wednesday's CMP of Rs 317
Japan stock market finished session lower on Wednesday, 07 July 2021, with every industry category lost ground except for precision instrument issues, as investors sentiments spooked by the recent acceleration in the new wave of coronavirus cases, particularly in Olympic city Tokyo

At closing bell, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average was down 276.26 points, or 0.96%, to 28,366.95. The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange fell 16.82 points, or 0.86%, to 1,937.68.

Trading volume turnover in the 1st section increased to 1,066 million shares from 794 million shares in previous session. Trading value turnover increased to 2,293.89 billion yen from 1,690.96 billion yen in previous session.

Total 32 of 33 sectors sub-indexes on the Tokyo exchange ended lower, with worst performers were Mining (down 3.5%), Oil & Coal Products (down 2.3%), Insurance (down 2.1%), Iron & Steel (down 2%), Banks (down 2%),Securities & Commodities Futures (down 1.9%), and Nonferrous Metals (down 1.8%) issues.

Chip-related shares were lower amid stronger yen against greenback, with Tokyo Electron slipping 0.4%, Advantest falling 0.82% and Shin-Etsu Chemical dropping 3.27%. Toyota Motor fell 0.6% to 9,734 yen and Sony Group declined 1% to 11,125 yen.

Bank shares fell, with Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group falling 2%, Mizuho Financial Group losing 1.9% and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group falling 1.8%.

Energy-related stocks dropped on the back of crude oil futures following a standoff over production levels among the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other major oil producers.

Inpex slipped 3.7% to 825 yen and Cosmo Energy Holdings lost 2.2% to 2,585 yen.

Technology start-up investor SoftBank Group fell 0.6% as Didi Global, which it backs, fell as much as 25% in early U. S. trading on Tuesday after Chinese regulators ordered Didi's app be taken down.

CURRENCY NEWS: The U. S. dollar fell to the mid-110 yen range as a safe-haven asset demand resumed after the U. S. data showing slower-than-expected growth in the services sector. The Japanese yen traded at 110.69 per dollar, stronger than levels above 110.8 seen against the greenback earlier this week.

Powered by Capital Market - Live News

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
NMDC shed 0.80% to Rs 168.30 after the company's offer for sale (OFS) concluded on Wednesday, 7 July 2021.

Through the OFS, the Government of India initially proposed to sell up to 11,72,24,234 equity shares (representing 4% stake). The Government of India held 68.29% stake in NMDC as of 31 March 2021.

The floor price for the OFS was Rs 165 per equity share, at a 5.88% discount to NMDC's closing price of Rs 175.30 on the BSE on Monday, 5 July 2021.

The OFS opened on Tuesday (6 July 2021) for non-retail investors, while both retail as well as non-retail investors were allowed to subscribe on Thursday (7 July 2021). A total of 10% of the offer size was reserved for retail investors.

On Tuesday (T day), the OFS received subscription for 22,55,13,374 shares or 213.75% against the base non-retail offer size of 10,55,01,810 shares.

Following the strong response on T day, the government decided to exercise the oversubscription option of 10,22,78,144 shares (3.49% equity) in addition to the base offer.

Accordingly, the final share sale was 21,95,02,378 shares, constituting 7.49% of the paid-up equity share capital of NMDC.

As on 15:30 IST on Wednesday (T+1 day), the OFS received total bids for 2,58,89,338 shares or 117.95% of the total enhanced retail offer size of 2,19,50,239 shares.

The retail segment received bids for 1,65,85,471 shares or 75.56% of the total retail offer size.

The non-retail segment received bids for 93,03,867 shares or 42.39% of the total retail offer size.

NMDC is India's single largest iron ore producer, presently producing about 35 million tonnes of iron ore from 3 fully mechanized mines, two located in Chhattisgarh and one in Karnataka. As on 31 March 2021, the Government of India held 68.29% stake in the company.

On a consolidated basis, NMDC's net profit surged 717.15% to Rs 2,835.54 crore on 114.83% jump in revenue from operations to Rs 6,847.57 crore in Q4 March 2021 over Q4 March 2020.

Powered by Capital Market - Live News

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The benchmark indices were trading near the day's high in early afternoon trade. The Nifty was hovering above 15,800 level. Realty stocks were in demand.

At 12:20 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, rose 52.95 points or 0.10% at 52,914.13. The Nifty 50 index gained 10 points or 0.06% at 15,828.25.

In the broader market, the S&P BSE Mid-Cap index added 0.16% while the S&P BSE Small-Cap index rose 0.16%.

The market breadth was positive. On the BSE, 1,690 shares rose and 1,356 shares fell. A total of 160 shares were unchanged.

Politics:

The Union Cabinet reshuffle/expansion will be reportedly taking place on July 7 at 18:00 IST. This will be the first cabinet reshuffle in the second term of the Narendra Modi government.

Coronavirus Update:

Total COVID-19 confirmed cases worldwide stood at 18,46,11,115 with 39,93,159 deaths. India reported 4,59,920 active cases of COVID-19 infection and 4,04,211 deaths while 2,97,99,534 patients have been discharged, according to the data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

India has reported 43,733 fresh cases of COVID-19 and 930 deaths in the last 24 hours. Recovery rate has increased to 97.18%.

Derivatives:

The NSE's India VIX, a gauge of market's expectation of volatility over the near term, rose 0.71% to 12.3625. The Nifty 29 July 2021 futures were trading at 15,852.45, at a premium of 24.20 points as compared with the spot at 15,828.25.

The Nifty option chain for 29 July 2021 expiry showed maximum Call OI of 27.2 lakh contracts at the 16,000 strike price. Maximum Put OI of 34.5 lakh contracts was seen at 15,500 strike price.

Buzzing Index:

The Nifty Realty index rose 1.88% to 359.45. The index has added 4.85% in the past four sessions.

Sobha (up 4.27%), Godrej Properties (up 3.26%), Oberoi Realty (up 2.44%), Brigade Enterprises (up 2.08%) and Hemisphere Properties (up 1.83%) were the top gainers in Realty segment.

Sobha spurted 4.27% after the company's total new sales increased by 37.69% to 8,95,539 square feet in Q1 FY22 from 6,50,400 square feet in Q1 FY21. Total sales value rose 40.02% to Rs 682.90 crore in Q1 FY22 from Rs 487.70 crore in Q1 FY21. Sobha's share in the sales values at Rs 570.90 crore in Q1 FY22, was higher by 45.23% as compared with Rs 393.10 crore in Q1 FY21. Total average price realization improved by 1.71% to Rs 7,626 per square feet in Q1 FY22 from Rs 7,498 per square feet in Q1 FY21.

Stocks in Spotlight:

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) slipped 1.15%. The company said that it will acquire 1.60 crore shares (up to 31.2% stake) in ReNew Sunlight Energy (RSEPL), in one or more tranches, for a cash consideration of Rs 16.07 crore. RSEPL is subsidiary of ReNew Green Energy Solutions, which in turn is a subsidiary of Renew Power.

The subscription of equity shares in RSEPL will enable M&M to become captive user and consume solar power generated by RSEPL. Accordingly, the company has also signed a power delivery agreement with RSEPL. Under the open access arrangement of the company with the electricity distribution companies, the manufacturing plants of the company in Maharashtra will consume the said solar power generated. The company expects to complete the transaction by 31 December 2021.

Tanla Platforms added 0.37%. Karix Mobile, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company, announced the deployment of a conversational solution for Panasonic India using the WhatsApp Business Solution Platform. The solution will facilitate one-to-one conversations between Panasonic's customers and the brand. Building strong, personalized connections with its end-users helping them connect with the brandis one of the primary objectives of this solution. While the other service channels, specifically SMS and email, will remain available and active, this new channel has been built to be a more convenient option for customers.

Powered by Capital Market - Live News

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The controversy over Bharat Biotechs Covaxin deal with the Brazilian government centres on, among other things, payments to offshore marketing agency.

Though the deal came to nothing, the practice of promoters routing related-party transactions through offshore shell companies can hardly be construed as good corporate governance. Though tax laws may close such loopholes, the responsibility lies with corporate boards to monitor such transactions, the top edit argues here

In other views:

R Jagannathan explains why the old assumptions on which Indian governments base tax policy should be done away with. Read it here

The second edit says the stock-holding limits on pulses will affect the governments reform credentials. Read it here

Vandana Gombar assesses the green energy plans of Reliance, NTPC, Tata and Ola. Read it here
A new look Modi government will be unveiled on Wednesday evening as 21 new faces find their way into the Council of Ministers.

This will be the first big reshuffle of Modi2.0 and the names have been arrived at after much distillation and confabulations, looking at 2022 election scenario with five states, including Uttar Pradesh headed for polls.

The reshuffle is likely to be dominated by with Janata Dal United making a comeback followed by BJP nominations from Bengal.

The prominent names include Jyotiraditya Scindia, Sushil Modi, Sarbananda Sonowal, Narayan Rane and West Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh who will be part of the massive reshuffle of the Union Cabinet.

The new Ministers in the Modi government who are likely to be sworn in include former Congress heavyweight from Madhya Pradesh, Jyotiraditya Scindia who is now in the BJP, former Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi.

At the time of writing, the following had gone to the PM's residence

1. Jyotiraditya Scindia,

2. Sarbananda Sonowal

3. Bhupender Yadav

4. Anurag Thakur

5. Meenakshi Lekhi

6. Anupriya Patel

7. Ajay Bhatt

8. Shobha Karandjale

9. Sunita Duggal

10.Pritam Munde

11.Santanu Thakur

12.Narayan Rane

13.Kapil Patil

14.Pashupati Nath Paras

15.R.C.P. Singh

16.G.Krishan Reddy

BJP spokesperson and minority face Syed Zafar Islam is also tipped for a central government role. Also on the list are former Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal and former Maharashtra CM Narayan Rane.

Alliance partner and Apna Dal chief, Anupriya Patel from Uttar Pradesh are among the probables. Ladakh MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal who impressed with his Parliament speech is also being considered.

The reshuffle is being necessitated by some vacancies caused due to deaths like Ram Vilas Paswan and exits of Akali Dal and Shiv Sena. Upcoming elections in UP is a factor in the reshuffle and also the need to add some heft to government with the entry of Bhupender Yadav, a strong organisational face.

Former Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari is also among the probables. Along with Ghosh, Bengal MP, Locket Chatterjee and Shantanu Thakur are part of the contingent.

The JDU is likely to get 3-4 berths from as the BJP has accepted Nitish Kumar's demand. The JDU will be represented by Lalan Singh, RCP Singh, Ramnath Thakur and Dileshwar Kamait and Santosh Kushwaha. Amidst the significant churn in Bihar, Pasupati Paras who rebelled against Chirag Paswan is getting a central berth.

Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, MP from Manipur, former Union Minister from Karnataka, Ramesh Jigajinagi are among the probables.

Uttar Pradesh will be represented by several faces, including Sakaldeep Rajbhar, Rajya Sabha member and Ajay Mishra, MP from Kheri.

--IANS

san/in

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In the most comprehensive reshuffle of his council of ministers in his seven-year tenure, Prime Minister on Wednesday sacked many senior colleagues, elevated some, and infused the government with new, young faces. A new ministry of cooperation was also created. In all, 43 ministers were sworn in, taking the strength of the council of ministers to 77.

The reshuffle had at its heart, but the inclusion of several technocrats and former bureaucrats suggested that governance and efficiency were the immediate priorities after the devastation left behind by the Covid-19 pandemic. The government seemed to have accepted responsibility for lapses, but signalled the intention to move ahead aggressively.

Battling the optics of Covid-19 mismanagement  the crisis faced by migrants that drew the ire of the judiciary; the oxygen and hospital bed shortages; and the extended uncertainty of school board examinations  the PM sought to change the faces associated with the ministries and appointed new ministers for labour, health, and education. He also sacked those ministers who forced the government to take its eye off the Covid-19 ball creating new problems for it by avoidable controversies, such as the clash with IT giants WhatsApp and Twitter.

Ministers whose performance in defending the government in Covid management was found sub-par were sent home. So labour minister Santosh Gangwar, health minister Harshvardhan, and education minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank were asked to resign along with their junior ministers. Minister for IT, telecommunications and law, Ravi Shankar Prasad was given the boot. And information and environment minister Prakash Javadekar was stripped of his ministership.





ALSO READ: Cabinet reshuffle: Full list of Modi govt ministers, and their portfolios

A late night announcement said while will be in charge of the civil aviation ministry, Manusukh Mandavia gets the health ministry, which was held by Harshvardhan. Ashwin Vaishnaw has been given the information technology & communications portfolio, replacing Prasad. Vaishaw has also got the important railways ministry, as Piyush Goyal, who is the commerce minister will get additional charge of railways. Dharmendra Pradhan has moved to education ministry from petroleum which will now be under Urban Development Minister Hardeep Puri.

While Home Minister Amit Shah will take on additional responsibilities of the newly constituted ministry of cooperation, Giriraj Singh is the new rural development minister and Bhupendra Yadav takes charge of labour, replacing Gangwar.

dictated some choices. Pashupati Paras, the new leader of the Lok Janshakti Party who ousted his nephew Chirag, was appointed Cabinet minister in charge of food processing. The biggest complement of new ministers, both Cabinet rank and below, came from UP, which is going to see Assembly elections in a few months. This was followed by concessions to alliance partners like the Apna Dal (led by Anupriya Patel who has become a minister), and the Janata Dal United (which is now represented in the by its general secretary, RCP Singh). West Bengal, especially smaller communities like the Rajbangshi and Matua, found representation. And L Murugan, BJP party chief in Tamil Nadu who lost the Assembly election but helped the party increase its representation in the state, has become a Union minister.



Scindia, who defected from the Congress, thus helping to install a BJP government in Madhya Pradesh, was rewarded with a Cabinet rank. Narayan Rane, who shifted to the BJP from the Shiv Sena and is expected to help the BJP install itself in the Ratnagiri area, a big Sena support base, because of him, has also become a Cabinet minister.





ALSO READ: Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank: Confusion over board exams may've led to his exit

Some ministers were elevated as a reward for the work done by them and also for defending the government despite odds. Puri is now a cabinet minister and the only Sikh in the government after the exit of the Shiromani Akali Dal from the Democratic Alliance (NDA). He has come out in fierce defence of the government against criticism of the Central Vista project. Minister of state for finance, Anurag Thakur, was elevated to cabinet rank. Kiran Rijiju, minister of state for youth affairs, was elevated to cabinet rank, possibly as a counterpoise to a man he considers a rival in the north east, Himanta Biswa Sarma, now CM of Assam. Sarbananda Sonowal, former Assam CM, was persuaded to join the enabling a free hand for Biswa Sarma, his successor.

Those among the technocrats who have become ministers for the first time are Vaishnaw, former IAS officer who was PS to Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Then an Odisha cadre officer, he was in the Biju Janata Dal but got a seat in the Rajya Sabha from the BJP. RCP Singh was chief Secretary of Bihar before he joined and is now a cabinet minister. Rajiv Chandrashekhar is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur and part owner in several media business. He was also one of the people who oversaw the Puducherry elections for the BJP, the only south Indian state among those that went to the polls earlier this year where the BJP was able to form a government. RK Singh was already a minister in the government but has been elevated to cabinet.





ALSO READ: Cabinet Reshuffle highlights: Amit Shah to head Ministry of Co-operation

Meenakshi Lekhi, MP from Delhi who became a minister, and Chandrashekhar are both on the joint parliamentary committee for the Personal Data Protection Bill, which is in its final draft stage. They will now have to resign from the committee in keeping with the convention that ministers do not serve on parliamentary committees. Abbaiah Narayanaswamy, MP from Chitradurga in Karnataka, is an MoS, as are Kaushal Kishore, MP from Mohanlalganj in UP; Ajay Bhatt, MP from Nainital in Uttarakhand, and BL Verma, RS member from UP.

Goa, which is headed for elections, is one state which has no presentation in the union council of ministers. Tripura, the tiny north eastern state which has a BJP government, found a representative in Pratima Bhoumik, Lok Sabha MP from Tripura West. The council has three medical doctors who are now ministers  Bharati Pawar, BJP MP from Dindori; Subhash Sarkar, first-time MP from Bankura in Bengal; and BK Karad, Rajya Sabha MP from Maharashtra.
Ahead of the expansion at 6 pm, several Union Ministers, including Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, resigned from their posts on Wednesday.

Education Minister Dr Nishank and Labour Minister have also submitted their resignations.

Union Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister D V Sadananda Gowda and Minister of State for Education Sanjay Dhotre have also resigned from Union Council of Ministers.

As many as 43 new members are all set to be sworn in this evening in Prime Minister Modi's new cabinet which will be one of the most inclusive with record representation of SC, ST members.

It is learnt from reliable sources that post-expansion, there will be 12 members from the SC community, including two in the cabinet; eight members will be from Scheduled tribes in the council of ministers out of which three will be in the cabinet.

After cabinet expansion, the Modi government is expected to have 27 OBC leaders out of which five will be in the cabinet.

Pokhriyal, who tested positive for COVID-19 on April 21, was admitted to AIIMS in June again following post Covid complications. He has resigned from his post citing health reasons.

The former Uttarakhand chief minister took charge as the HRD Minister in May 2019. Dhotre, who represents Akola constituency of Maharashtra also took charge as MoS for Education, Communications and Electronics and Information Technology, in May 2019.

Sources further informed that there will be a substantial increase in the number of professionals in the cabinet.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
has released an emergency Windows patch to fix a critical vulnerability in the Windows Print Spooler service called PrintNightmare that was released last week.

An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run arbitrary code with System privileges. An attacker could then install programmes, view, change, or delete data, or create new accounts with full user rights.

said on Tuesday that it has completed the investigation and has released security updates to address this vulnerability.

"We recommend that you install these updates immediately. Note that the security updates released on and after July 6, 2021 contain protections for CVE-2021-1675 and the additional remote code execution exploit in the Windows Print Spooler service known as "PrintNightmare," the company said in an update.

last week warned Windows users of an unpatched critical vulnerability that can help hackers install malicious programmes and access key data on their systems.

The US national cyber agency also admitted that the attacker can exploit 'PrintNightmare' to take control of an affected system.

The Print Spooler service runs by default on Windows, including on client versions of the OS, Domain Controllers, and many Windows Server instances.

Vulnerabilities in the Windows Print Spooler service have been a headache for system administrators for years.

This time, Microsoft has issued patches for Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2008, Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, a variety of supported versions of Windows 10, and even security patches for Windows 7 that is now out of support.

--IANS

na/

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pictured is the daily number of new cases in the District Health Department No. 10 jurisdiction since the beginning of the pandemic.
The full Wexford County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to discuss using the funds to give a $2,500 direct payment to all active county employees annually for three years, prorated per month of service from the prior year\'s work as of July 31 of 2021, 2022 and 2023. The new Wexford County budget also will be a topic of discussion at Wednesday\'s board of commissioners meeting.
New Zealand is open to engaging informally with other economies that have shown interest in joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), an 11-country free trade agreement, New Zealands Ambassador to China and Mongolia said in an interview with Caixin.

Clare Fearnley, a fluent Chinese speaker who has spent almost 16 years of her diplomatic life in North Asia, said the CPTPPs objectives of maintaining and growing open rules-based trade have contributed to the post-Covid economic recovery not only in the Asia-Pacific region, but also beyond.

New Zealand is hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) virtually this year. Its also a member of both Asia-Pacific mega trade agreements  the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the CPTPP. In early June, the CPTPP decided to begin talks about having the U.K. join the pact, which has drawn fresh attention to its expansion plans.

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced Chinas intent to favorably consider joining the mega trade deal in November, seen as a bold move to reassure the world of the countrys continuing commitment to reform and opening-up.

Fearnley said New Zealand has supported the expansion of the CPTPP from the beginning, We have an approach that we term open plurilateralism  plurilateralism means regional or other groupings of countries  and we see these as open to others to join as long as they can meet the standards of the agreement.

Talking about the implication of the U.K.s possible entry into the Asia-oriented CPTPP, she said, The CPTPP doesnt have a geographical restriction. Its grown out of APEC, and in fact if the UK were to proceed down the CPTPP path, then it would be the first non-APEC country involved.

At the moment, its unclear how the U.K will persuade members to adapt their existing trade agreements to suit British exporters. Fearnley said that the negotiation will be within the existing framework of the CPTPP and the discussions would be focused on market access.

This is the first time weve gone down this process. So there will be a lot of learning along the way. It will set a precedent. So at this stage, there are no answers to all of the questions around how the accession process will be made operational, Fearnley said.

Nikkei has reported that China has begun the CPTPP groundwork as the U.K. moves closer to entry, reaching out unofficially to New Zealand, Singapore and Australia, and also examining Vietnam as a case study.

Fearnley pointed out that the U.K. is the first economy to seek to proceed down the accession route, while a number of other countries have expressed interest including China. From New Zealands point of view, we are open to engaging informally with other economies that are willing to meet those high standards around the CPTPP, she said.

New Zealand and China upgraded their existing FTA in January to ensure the rules underpinning the bilateral trade are up to date and fit for purpose, and also incorporated environmental policy, competition policy and government procurement chapters into the FTA.

It means that were updating and making it relevant to our current economic relationship, Fearnley said. Bilateral goods and services trade have grown remarkably in recent years, reflecting the complementarity of our trade.

Contact reporter Lu Wen (wenlu@caixin.com) and editor Michael Bellart (michaelbellart@caixin.com)

Download our app to receive breaking news alerts and read the news on the go.

Get our weekly free Must-Read newsletter.
China will keep its economic operations within a reasonable range, Premier Li Keqiang says. The country has become the worlds largest exporter of Covid-19 vaccines. Shopee sees China as a bulwark against threats at home. Plus, Chinese big cities will suffer more heat waves and heavier rains, Greenpeace says.

Jul 15, 2021 09:06 AM
St. Johnsbury, VT (05819)

Today

Partly cloudy skies. High 86F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 68F. Winds light and variable.
Become A Subscriber

A subscription opens up access to all our online content, including: our interactive E-Edition, a full archive of modern stories, exclusive and expanded online offerings, photo galleries from Caledonian-Record journalists, video reports from our media partners, extensive international, national and regional reporting by the Associated Press, and a wide variety of feature content.


remaining of

Thank you for reading! This is your last free article before you will be asked to subscribe.

Already have a paid subscription? Sign in
* Username This is the name that will be used to identify you within the system. Choose wisely!

* First name

* Last name Your real name will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more!

* Email Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. We won't share it with anyone else.

* Password Create a password that only you will remember. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address.
An Emerald Isle turtle team volunteer measures a new sea turtle nest on the beach last week. (Contributed photo)
Boulder - Barbara Ann Keirana, of Boulder, Colo., passed away on May 12, 2021. She was 87 years old. An out of state celebration of her life will be held at a future date. Barbara's final resting place will be with her husband, Alan Keiran, at Ft. Logan Naional Cemetery in Denver. Howe Mortu
Photo: pixabay

A dead former B.C. Roman Catholic bishop convicted in 1997 of rape and indecent assault against residential school students has again been named in new allegations of sexual assault.

The now-dead Bishop Hubert O'Connor is one of three priests named in the lawsuit.

In 1997, O'Connor was convicted of rape and indecent assault of female students at schools. He was later acquitted of indecent assault in a 1999 appeal and a new trial was ordered for the rape charge but the Crown decided not to pursue the case after OConnor apologized.

Now, Ronald Wayne Petruk, 76, has filed suit against The Roman Catholic Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Vancouver, a Corporation Sole and the Oblates of Mary Immaculate.

In the suit, Petruk describes multiple assaults by three named and other priests, one in a church at Easter. He alleges he was forced to watch priests having sex with each other.

The suit said the priests misrepresented the sexual assaults and battery as acceptable to God, as part of the plaintiffs education, and as consistent with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, intending to persuade the plaintiff to submit to the sexual assaults and battery.

The notice of civil claim, filed in B.C. Supreme Court June 18, said Petruk was given up for adoption and placed in foster homes. At age five, he was placed with a couple called Macdonald where he was raised as a Catholic.

He said Oblate Father Allan M. (Glacier is seeking clarification on the correct spelling of his name) was a brother of Mrs. Macdonald and would pay frequent visits with other Oblates during which a lot of alcohol was consumed.

When Petruk was about 13, the claim said, Father M. twice took him into a room and began rubbing the front of his legs.

Shortly after, Father M. told Petruk he had to teach him about sex and took him again to the room. OConnor joined them.

The claim said Father M. pulled down the childs pants and the priests remarked on the fact he was not circumcised. Father M. allegedly then undid his own pants to show his penis was different from the teens after which he began rubbing the youths penis.

OConnor then grabbed the teen from behind and both men began rubbing themselves against him. Then, Father M. tried to bend the child onto his penis after which OConnor penetrated the child anally.

The pain made the plaintiff scream and fight harder to get away, the claim said. Eventually, the plaintiff broke away and ran and hid under his bed in the basement.

The claim said that Father M. would grab Petruk on subsequent visits telling him he would have to return to the room sooner or later.

The suit further said other priests whose names are unknown groomed him for further sexual assaults. Such incidents included him watching priests have sex.

When he was about 14 or 15 while serving as an altar boy, Petruk alleges a Father Roberts forced him to made to drink unconsecrated communion wine before an Easter service and then have anal sex in the church sacristy.

The plaintiff was crying and screaming and feared for his life, the suit said.

The claim said when Petruk told Mr. Macdonald he had been sexually assaulted by Roberts, the foster father told him a priest would do no such thing, that he was a liar and then kicked him in the groin with steel-toed boots, rupturing a testicle.

The archdiocese was not immediately available for comment.

However, current Archbishop Michael Miller has apologized to survivors of such abuse.

For those occasions when we failed to protect you or when we were more concerned with the churchs reputation than with your suffering, I am truly sorry and ask for your forgiveness as I strive to make amends and bind your wounds, he said in a 2019 report.

Other such cases continue through the court system.

Bishops apology

O'Connor didnt admit to the allegations of rape in the residential schools but he did admit to breaking his vow of chastity.

"I have and will continue to do my penance until I die, both in the community and before God," O'Connor said in his apology.

O'Connor served as bishop of Whitehorse from 1971 to 1986 and bishop of Prince George from 1986 to 1991. He died in 2007.

Other cases have been filed against OConnor since his death.

One in Yukon included defendants such as the Catholic Episcopal Corporation of Whitehorse, Les Oblats de Marie Immaculee du Manitoba and OMI Lacombe Canada Inc.

Such a filing where a person accused of actions but unable to answer them due to death or infirmity is not unusual.

In 2019, B.C. Supreme Court ordered the Kamloops Roman Catholic Diocese will pay a priests sexual abuse victim $844,140 in damages.

Rosemary Anderson alleged in a December 22, 2016, notice of civil claim that sexual abuse at the hands of Erlindo Molon, now 88, started when she was 26. She named Molon and the Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Kamloops, A Corporation Sole, in the claim.

Justice David Crossins decision said Molon, who was about 20 years Andersons senior, began a sexual relationship with her that was born of a betrayal of trust and perpetuated by an abuse of power.

Molon, however, was in a care home in Ontario and could not answer to the suit.

Former Archbishop of Vancouver Adam Exner was bishop in Kamloops at the time of those events and testified in the case.

At the time of the staying of the rape charges, Exner was Vancouvers archbishop. He said he regretted the suffering caused by OConnor, that the case would be reviewed and OConnors future decided by the pope  then John Paul II.
Photo: Contributed

A revitalization of the Dilworth strip mall along Highway 97 next to Superstore is being proposed by Vancouvers Peterson Group  and frankly its the kind of change we should welcome in Kelowna.

The proposal would replace 11 retail units and a surface parking lot with four six-storey apartment buildings with 466 new residential units and 10,000 square feet of retail space. Now before people start talking about the traffic issues of new developments, lets explore the merits of this proposal first.

Kelowna is primarily a vehicle city, most trips are made in our cars and this will likely remain the case for the foreseeable future. Were adding more residents all the time and regardless of what anyone thinks about our once small city growing each year, theres nothing anyone can do to stop that. If we simply stop building homes, housing prices will go up and new people will simply move to neighbouring towns and pay their taxes there, while still working, playing and using facilities in Kelowna without adding to our tax base. In addition, we will price out our children and their children from ever being able to live here.

The people who would move into these proposed buildings would be able to make their trips to the grocery store, hardware store, home office store and more by foot. Yes, they will likely all own cars, but with more trips made by foot, we will reduce the demand on our roadways in a way thats not possible when developments are far from stores.

Its also important to think about where we want apartments and what we want them to look like. Our recent councils have rightly or wrongly chosen to approve vast quantities of high-rise condo towers downtown. Theyve seen this as a quick fix to a supply problem and a way to revitalize downtown. However, the truth is that in a tourism-oriented city like Kelowna, condo towers by the lake will be bought up by investors and rented monthly or weekly during the summer months to the highest out-of-town bidder. If youve ever tried to rent in Kelowna, you know that finding somewhere to rent for a full year, rather than just for the non-summer months is not easy.

Of course, the other way to tackle this supply issue is to approve more low- and mid-rise apartments throughout downtown and into under-utilized areas that are currently slated for increased densification or not currently home to housing. When you build mid-rise apartment buildings at the bottom of Dilworth next to the Superstore, they will be owned and lived-in by Kelowna residents year-round  or purchased and rented year-round  rather than rented to tourists for high prices during the summer.

Proposals like Petersons Dilworth revitalization bring brand-new apartment housing, which is more affordable than single-family homes, to a new area. By bringing apartments with at-grade retail space into an existing big box retail area, the city can increase density without changing the fabric of existing communities, which often lead to community-level conflict. In addition, by focusing on low- and mid-rise buildings, we can build up our housing supply without irreparably altering and destroying the mountain and lake views that help make Kelowna the best place in Canada.

Is there room to improve on this development? Absolutely, there always is. But this is a good start and the right place.
Photo: The Canadian Press

With Lytton, B.C. fully destroyed by fire, the communitys local government says more hard times are ahead for residents, but they will persevere.

The Village of Lytton issued a news release Tuesday evening, the first since a fire last week destroyed the community. The message to residents who have been scattered as evacuees across the province delivers a blunt assessment of the mammoth task ahead.

We are a small community that has been devastated and we are all still reeling from the destruction of our homes, the tragic loss of life and the enormous impact this will have on us, both personally and financially, for years to come."

In the coming days, weeks, months and years our hearts will break again and again as that trauma and loss is replayed in our minds and our souls. But we are Lytton, we are strong and we will rebuild our homes and businesses, rekindle our friendships and community, stronger and more enduring than ever."

With the villages municipal hall destroyed along with all its emergency operations centre equipment, Lytton village staff are working out of the TNRD building in Kamloops and are still in the process of replacing technology and basic office supplies.

We are currently trying to operate it from a couple of laptops, an iPad and our cell phones, the release said.

Moving forward the village councils first priorities are locating and supporting residents and securing funding to rebuild the town. Anyone who knows someone who was living in for visiting Lytton on June 30 and has not been heard of since is urged to contact police.

The local government is also still getting a grasp on the extent of the destruction.

There are no services at this time. Hydro, water and sewer are not available; though we have been fortunate that our sewage treatment building did not burn, it is non-functional at this time. We are trying to ascertain if our watershed has been contaminated by retardant and what sort of physical state it is in. This will require testing and an in-depth on-site assessment, the release continued.

Infrastructure has been destroyed. What has not been melted, incinerated or damaged beyond repair has been compromised to the point of being unsafe. For those looking at heartbreaking pictures of our village, please understand that if a wall is standing, it does not mean there is anything on the other side of it.

BC Hydro and Telus were granted access to the burned village on July 4 to assess the damage while CP Rail and CN Rail are only being granted access for fire suppression of rail ties and repairs to infrastructure on their tracks and right-of-way.

The statement also provides some details on the moments the fire broke out.

"Village staff were alerted when someone banged on the office windows after hours. Staff immediately contacted the Mayor, Jan Polderman, and the Lytton Volunteer Fire Department Fire Hall and found our firefighters were already battling fires."

The mayor then contacted several people to confirm the severity of the fire and learned RCMP were already evacuating Fraser Street. Polderman then immediately contacted the TNRD and ordered a full evacuation.

"Due to drought conditions for several months, everything was extremely dry and a very brisk wind was blowing at the time. These conditions allowed the fire to tear rapidly into and then through our Village. Once it was established in the area of town closest to the river and homes there were burning, it spread east across the streets with ferocious speed."

"A few buildings survived in town but nearly every home in the centre of the Village is gone. Where many buildings stood is now simply charred earth."

The full statement from the Village of Lytton can be read here.
Photo: The Canadian Press Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Alberta Premier Jason Kenney on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Alberta Premier Jason Kenney are to meet Wednesday to discuss pipelines and the reopening of international borders. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Alberta Premier Jason Kenney sat down for a face-to-face meeting Wednesday following months of phone calls and online meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The two men met in a small room at the Fairmont Palliser Hotel with three Canadian and three Alberta flags. They bumped elbows instead of shaking hands before sitting down to chat in a pair of large blue leather chairs.

"It's great to be back in Alberta, a great opportunity to sit down to chat with Jason," said Trudeau.

"The premier and I have had many, many, many, many calls over the past year and a half, because of the pandemic, but on a broad range of things. It really has been a time where we've been working together as a federation with, I think, excellent results."

Trudeau said he realizes that Albertans are looking forward to the upcoming Calgary Stampede and are "feeling pretty good about things."

"We're going to keep being there to work together and make sure that people are safe. On rebuilding lots of investments, lots of opportunities to get our economies even stronger in the next couple of years."

Kenney said it's good to meet with Trudeau in person "after 16 tough months."

"It's nice to be able to welcome you back to Alberta as we start to get some more domestic travel going," Kenney said.

"I do hope to talk to you about that, about how we can help the 800,000 workers in the travel and tourism industries get back to work."

The premier also said Alberta is "crushing COVID" and was pleased governments have done their best to "park the politics" during the pandemic.

He also noted that things have been particularly difficult in Alberta during the past 16 months.

"We were hit harder than any province because of the energy crisis collapse on top of everything else last year, as you well know, but a lot of projections suggest we're going to lead the country in growth," he said.

"I look forward to talking to you about how ways we can make that happen so Albertans who have been unemployed or underemployed for a few years can get back to work."

Jerrica Goodwin, a spokeswoman for the premier's office, said Kenney wanted to discuss pipelines and reopening of international borders, which have been closed due to COVID-19.

She said the premier also planned to bring up a fair deal for Alberta in the federation and explain why he thinks it's important to wait to fill any Senate vacancies until after Alberta's October nominee elections.

Trudeau's first stop in the morning was at a Calgary business, AAA Doors Ltd., which received federal COVID-19 pandemic support.

He was given a tour of the facility and noted that the team "feels like a huge family," before asking how the business managed during the pandemic.

An employee said it was thanks to federal funding they were able to survive.

"We made a promise. We did what Canadians do  we were there for each other," said Trudeau, adding the funding allowed businesses to "scale up quickly" after various public health restrictions.

Some protesters stood outside both of Trudeau's stops and yelled. One woman held a flag with an upside down Maple Leaf and the word "freedom." Another woman called Trudeau a "treasonous leader," while a man told him "to go back to Toronto."

Local police, RCMP and security were on site.

Trudeau is also to meet Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi at a downtown hotel before visiting a transit maintenance facility with him for an announcement this afternoon.

The stop in Alberta follows Tuesday's visit to the Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan.

The First Nation, east of Regina, has signed an agreement with Ottawa that will see jurisdiction over children returned to the community.

Cowessess is also the site of a former residential school where, last month, ground-penetrating radar detected a potential 751 unmarked graves.
Michelle Rempel Garner claims the Liberal government has taken the Speaker of the House to court to hide Covid virus documents and that the action is an assault on our democratic rights.

It is unprecedented, she says.

Almost everything PM Trudeau is doing is usurping unprecedented control of Canada from the people to lock us down to a communistic socialist rule:

Unprecedented takeover of the news media,

Unprecedented travel restrictions,

Unprecedented lockdowns in Covid hotels under the pretext of Covid,

Unprecedented government arrests of innocent people,

Unprecedented changes to our Charter of Freedoms and Rights,

Unprecedented spending,

Unprecedented debt ($1.5 trillion),

Unprecedented shutting down of our natural resources

An unprecedented love affair with the Enemy of Freedom, the CCP.

Clearly, PM Trudeau does not want Canadians to prosper as individuals.

He has clearly chosen a socialist United Nations world control that will end Canada.

Remember, socialism leads to Communism. So, how do you create a socialistic state?

Here are 8 levels of control; note Trudeaus compliance with them:

1) Healthcare - Control healthcare (Covid) and you control the people.

2) Poverty - Increase the poverty level as high as possible, poor people are easier to control and will not fight back if you are providing everything for them. You can buy their vote.

3) Debt - Increase the debt to an unsustainable level. That way you are able to increase taxes, and this will produce more poverty.

4) Gun Control - Remove citizens ability to defend themselves from the government to create a police state.

5) Welfare - Take control of every aspect of their lives (food, housing, income) because that will make them fully dependent on the government.

6) Education - Take control of what people read, listen to and say (Bills C10, C36, etc.) and take control of what children learn in school.

7) Religion - Remove belief in God from Government and schools because the people need to believe that only the government (Trudeau) knows what is best for the people.

8) Class Warfare - Eliminate the middle class. Demonize taxpayers. Cause discontent and it will be easier to tax average wealth with support of the poor.

I would add a ninth level of control:

9) Deception  Lie about budgets, debt, and your intentions if it accomplishes your rise to power.

The PM has an almost straight A report card on all of the above.

Garry Rayner, Coldstream
Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription, or activate your access, to continue reading.
Cemento Rocafuerte opens Belize's first cement plant

ICR Newsroom By 07 July 2021

Cemento Rocafuerto, a subsidiary of Guatemala-based Cemento Progreso, has opened Belizes first cement plant at Mile 34 of the George Price Highway, near the capital Belmopan, in the presence of the countrys Prime Minister, John Briceno. The 10ha plant represents an investment of US$8m and provides employment to 28 Belizeans. The plant uses European technology that meets modern environmental and quality standards.



Company CEO, Jose Raul Gonzalez, emphasised, We are proudly now producing cement made in Belize by Belizean hands. For us, it was very important to consolidate the persons of Progresso Guatemala and for Belize to have strategic source of a product that mean development, that mean progress, and that is very important for the infrastructure of this country.



The Belize market had been previously supplied by Cemento Progreso as it exported bagged cement to the Central American country as well as other cement producers in Mexico and Central America.

Published under
Buena Vista, CO (81211)

Today

Sunshine in the morning followed by mostly cloudy skies during the afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 79F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low around 50F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.
Gwyneth Paltrow has surprised her long-time assistant with a spectacular home makeover.

The Oscar-winning actress teamed up with Drew and Jonathan Scott for the latest episode of 'Celebrity IOU', in which she surprises her assistant Kevin with an eye-catching makeover of his condo in California.

In the episode, the 48-year-old movie star shared: "Kevin has been an incredible constant in my life and I trust him with everything. Hes my right-hand man. Hes such a good person and hes always taking care of other people."

Gwyneth helps to overhaul Kevin's kitchen, living area, and loft space in the show, as she joins forces with the Scott brothers to turn Kevin's dreams into a reality.

The Hollywood star is thrilled that she's able to give something back to Kevin, having relied on his support for so many years.

She said: "Words truly cannot express how much I love Kevin. Hes my family. He has done so much for me over the past decade-plus and I just am so excited to be able to do something for him."

The Scott brothers relished the experience of working with the acclaimed actress.

However, Jonathan conceded that Gwyneth was the most "intimidating" star they've ever had on the show, and revealed that she had clear ideas in her mind about how she planned to transform Kevin's condo.

Speaking to ET Canada, he explained: "She was so confident in her design skills that she took the reins and Ive never had that with any celebrity before.

"Usually theyre collaborative, this is new to them but she was so confident, and so into the design so she grabbed the reins and made all the decisions, so I was like, Whoa.'"
Dr. Rebecca Morsch, MD, MPH, of Ooltewah is being honored by the American Medical Association (AMA) for her work in Papua New Guinea .

She will receive the Dr. Nathan Davis International Award in Medicine Monday in Washington, D.C .

Dr. Morsch is the director of the Community Based Health Care program of the Nazarene Health Ministry in Papua New Guinea . She is the sister of Mrs. Finley Knowles. Lori and her brother, Gary Morsch MD are accompanying her to the banquet.

Ceremonies on Monday are in conjunction with the AMA National Advocacy Conference, and AMA has flown Dr. Morsch to Washington to receive the prestigious award.

As director of the Health Care program Dr. Morsch trains community-chosen Community Health Volunteers and Village Birth Attendants in one of the United Nations designated Least Developed Countries. Her training curriculum focuses on prevention and provides culturally-sensitive health education about childbirth and childcare, hygiene, waste management, injury prevention and sexually transmitted diseases. Dr. Morsch also helped organize Papua New Guinea s array of community-based health organizations into the Effective Development Empowering the Nation (EDEN) Network. After working as a social worker for more than 15 years, Dr. Morsch changed course and entered medical school at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, and went on to earn a Masters of Public Health degree from Loma Linda University . By treating, educating and counseling patients beyond the U.S. border, her work is having a positive impact on health care in the global arena.

Dr. Morsch in learning of the honor said, I felt shocked, honored, humbled and unworthy, for I knew that every doctor at Kudjip Nazarene Hospital was more worthy of the award than I was, not to mention probably thousands of other missionary doctors around the world. Now I feel that this award is for everyone that makes Community Based Health Care (CBHC) happen and keeps me on the field, but mostly an acknowledgement of what happens when God uses ordinary people.

Travel is a huge challenge. Fuel is expensive, and our vehicle gets a beating on the back roads. Sometimes we have to take a boat, and/or fly to get near our destinations. Finding team members who are healthy and willing to make the hikes, stay in villages for weeks at a time, and have the passion and ability to be CBHC trainers is a challenge. The lack of infrastructure and communication ability with many of the communities is challenging, to say the least."
How do the citizens of Democrat cities celebrate the 4th? Well the old-fashioned way, they shoot each other.





As usual ChiTown led the way with over a hundred shootings and at least 18 dead. Two police officers were shot which brings the total number of cops shot so far this year to 33. Chicago hasn't had a Republican mayor since the 1930s.





Meanwhile in the Democrat paradise that is Oakland, the police chief said, "This is the most violent 4th we have ever had...nonstop chaos."





It's so bad in San Fran that Walgreens has closed 17 stores due to shoplifting. Across the bay in San Francisco, the Nieman-Marcus store was the victim of a gang robbery with at least nine of their most upstanding citizens involved.It's so bad in San Fran that Walgreens has closed 17 stores due to shoplifting.





Even here in our little town we had the 100th victim of a gunshot wound Monday. Last year at this time we had 61.

And the, "Concerned" Clergy is worried about Sheriff Hammond.





Happy 246th birthday, America.





Douglas Jones

Ooltewah

* * *

First I want to say to Doug, no one with a quarter of a brain expected there would be no serious blowback to talks of taking away funding from police. Not even if one percent was set aside to help rebuild communities policies and actions helped to decimate.





But let's go back to that 1930s Chicago under Republican leadership you so want to glorify. Is that the same 1930s Chicago "Taxi Wars?" Where rival taxi gangs threw dynamite into the taxi cabs of fellow cabdrivers in order to dominate the taxi cab business?

And what about organized crime and mafia. Say of the Al Capone kind?





Then there was the reporter who was murdered when he blackmailed bootleggers and threatened to write an expose' about whorehouse overseers and gamblers?





November 1930, the wife of the city's mayor was assassinated in a jewelry robbery by gangsters.





1933 Chicago's "reform" mayor sent two cops out to put a hit on a gangster in order to replace him with another gangster more to his liking. On up through 1939 when a Chicago attorney was gunned down while driving when unknowns drove up alongside his car spreading it with bullets.





For all of the above see: "Timeline of Organized Crime in Chicago."--Wikipedia





Today's Chicago is actually tame in comparison to that 1930s Chicago you're trying to convince others was so pristine and clean under Republican leadership.





You'll learn, Douglas, should the day come you're ever told "Arrangements can be made to have your house broken into just to prove to you the person you call first will be the police," there's something insidious, darker and wicked going on than we'll ever be privy to. If someone outside criminals hold so much control and power over them, then isn't it just as well and strong probability someone(s) is also controlling the crime?





Brenda Washington

* * *

First I want to say to Doug, no one with a quarter of a brain expected there would be no serious blowback to talks of taking away funding from police.

I think Brenda hit the nail on the head with that statement. So I guess the next question is why do people in these violent cities keep putting these brain dead politicians in office? All they are doing is putting innocent lives at risk with all the newly created crossfire and the increased crime from these budget cuts.

The social experiment of defunding the police has failed miserably and the hundreds if not thousands of innocent lives that have and will be lost as a result are at the hands of these politicians and their brain dead directives.

Its absolutely amazing we have reverted back to the Wild Wild West of criminals running wild in the streets in these liberal cities with little to no consequences for their actions while police have just enough manpower remaining to clean up the carnage left behind.

As the saying goes, Stupid is as stupid does and they are now reaping what they sowed. The truly unfortunate part is it is at the hands of innocent victims and business owners who have no recourse except to wait until the next election or close their doors.

Chris Morgan

* * *

How about this? A solution for opiate addiction was to flood the streets with Opiates! We know how that plays out in the Darwinist society we have. Now the solution to gun violence is: flood the streets with guns. After all that is what the Tennessee Legislature did with the approval of the Governor and disapproval of city police chiefs and Tennessee Sheriffs.

Open carry 21 and older is soon the rule of law in Tennessee. In Chicago where do you get your guns? Answer: Indiana, gun laws there are lax. In New York, where do you get your guns? Answer, some Southern states where gun laws are lax. Amazingly crime reports in todays Chattanoogan have no missives about guns taken from glove boxes or front seats.

So the saying goes If youre not part of the solution, youre part of the problem. Thats what our police departments have to deal with every time they make a traffic stop or encounter on the streets. They are rapidly having to make every encounter, be it a citizen who called them in distress or in danger versus the one they are in pursuit of, every encounter as potential of deadly threat until proven otherwise. So please, while we put out armchair definitions of urban issues, why dont we address the issues of the whole society that ail us. We are supposed to be members of the human race, arent we?

It is ironic the Legislative leader of Open Carry in Tennessee is from a small town, yet he gets to determine how urban cops now have to deal with every stop they make, day or night.

Prentice Hicks

* * *

Guns and Dems is not a new rock group though it might be a good name for a musical group rather then the grim reality of guns in this country.

Oh, the Republicans suggest that the big cities of NYC and Chicago have Democratic governors that the reason for all the gun activity is because Mayor DeBlasio is a Democrat or Chicago's Mayor Lightfoot.

Let me share the real truth and not Republican finger pointing. About 50 million people live in cities in the U.S. Many of those cities have mixed neighborhoods with lots of ethnic peoples. Maybe we could blame gun crime on ethnic gangs or such. Or maybe we could look a little deeper at not the politics of a mayor but the prevalence of guns..

Oh, it is the members of the Republican Party that put up such a squabble when legislation is suggested to address the guns on the street. That party wants nothing of it and frankly it is almost easy enough to buy, steal or open up a box of Wheaties and find a gun. I am not suggesting that Wheaties contains a gun but my point is it is easy to get a gun. Gun in the hands of someone that wants to harm is frighteningly easy..

Just to name a few Democratic mayors in the following cities: LA., Atlanta, Houston, San Diego, San Jose, Columbus, Austin and etc. Cities in Calif. have laws that make it very difficult to get a gun.. None of the other cities mentioned here and about 30 other large cities have such restrictive laws as does California. The solution to guns killing people is get the guns out of the hands of people that should not have a gun. Where is the Republican Party when that question comes up?

Political parties enjoy blaming the other party and rightfully acknowledged but when the facts are presented the blame takes on a different perspective. The state of Tennessee wants and has passed an open carry; open to anyone, man, woman or child to own and carry a weapon. Wonder if that Wayne LaPierre speech where he often said.. a good guy with a gun is better then a bad guy with a gun... Where are we going with guns or it is possible to open up a box of Wheaties and find a gun?

Robert Brooks
Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland will hold a Home Dedication Ceremony on Tuesday, July 13 to honor new Habitat homeowners, William & Rebekah Ashe and Merilee Fyffe. This two-family townhome marks the 145th and 146th homes built in Bradley County. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at 1205/1207 Franitza Way SW in Cleveland. It will also be shown live on Habitats Facebook page (/ClevelandHabitat).

About the homeowners:

William Ashe is legally blind. He relies on the eyes and kindness of others to navigate daily life. Rebekah came into his life when she was assigned to help William shop at Walmart. William enjoyed her company and began asking for her assistance during his shopping trips. They became friends, and eventually married a couple of years ago. They currently live in an apartment with stairs which are dangerous for William, given his limited vision. A single level affordable home represents not just safety, but lower housing costs and peace of mind for the couple. A one level house is what we need the most, and with Habitat's help, we will have exactly what we need, said Rebekah.

Merilee Fyffe has struggled to secure stable housing since her husband left her and their two daughters a decade ago. She had a job, but it did not meet the familys needs. Financial pressures mounted resulting in the family being evicted from their home. For several years, the family was forced to move often, relying on the generosity of multiple friends and family for shelter. Encouraged by her daughter and fellow Habitat homeowner, Ms. Fyffe applied to the program and was accepted after an eight month wait. Shes excited to own a home and grateful to Habitat for providing her with the opportunity. I cannot even come up with the words to tell them thank you for taking the time to look at my fileIm sure they could have passed me by. This opportunity, a chance of a lifetime, I will not take lightly, said Ms. Fyffe.



Faith Build Sponsors (Ashe home): Andy and Laura Anderson, Bowman Hills Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Broad Street United Methodist Church, Community Foundation of Cleveland and Bradley County, Eaton Corporation, Farmland Community Church, Father Mike Nolan, First Baptist Cleveland, First Presbyterian Church, Jack and Vicky Byrd, Jacintos Auto Sales LLC, Keith Street Ministries, Knights of Columbus, McReynolds Family Foundation, Mt. Olive Church of God, Nick and Mara Grisham, North Cleveland COG, Phil and Yaunna Higgins, Professional Title Services, Pyramid Construction, Rebecca Jabaley, The Chapel, Verrill Norwood and Westwood Baptist Church.



Legacy Build Sponsors (Fyffe home): Bank of Cleveland, Barry Boettner, Carolyn Ingram-Franitza, Chandler Properties, Cleveland/Bradley Chamber Youth Leadership, Community Foundation of Cleveland and Bradley County, Corey Divel, David and Ellen Smith, Don Rollens Legacy Fund, Doug Berry, Fitzgerald Family Foundation, George R. Johnson Foundation/Hardees, Habitat for Humanity International, Jeff and Kathy Morelock, Julian Sullivan and Publix Super Markets Charities.



For any questions regarding the Home Dedication Ceremony, contact Meta McGuire at 423-476-6947, ext. 312, mmcguire@habitatofcleveland.org.
I am an education activist and minister who is making a bid for the District 9 seat of the Hamilton County School Board.

An Ooltewah resident, i have spent the better part of my career engaging the community through educational activism and youth development. My mission: to enhance the lives of Hamilton County students through transparency, choice and compassion.

As the director of youth employment services at Chattanooga Goodwill Industries, I supervised mentorship programs and taught vital career development skills including resume writing, career planning and job searching.

In 2013, I announced a run for school board in District 5. That loss led me to rededicate my commitment to youth development. In 2015, I became the director of after school programming with Chattanooga LINKS, where I recruited certified educators across Hamilton County to facilitate college preparation programs. I also worked as a long-term substitute history teacher with Ivy Academy Charter School.

Later, I was named Dean of Students at Chattanooga Charter School of Excellence, and from 2016 through 2018, oversaw day-to-day disciplinary procedures and policies, attendance, classroom management and parent workshops.

In 2018, I became Vice President of Community Engagement with Hamilton Flourishing, a local think-tank committed to public awareness campaigns surrounding local education and civic issues.

I currently serve as regional director of The Access Academy, an organization with a mission to empower students with disabilities with workforce skills that encourage sustainable employment after high school.

I graduated from Tyner Academy and received my ministry designation from Covington Theological Seminary and Belhaven University. My wife, Sherinda, and I grew up together and attended school in the Eastdale and Brainerd communities. Together we have four boys  two attending Hamilton County Schools and two attending Baylor School.

An advocate for school choice with experience in public, charter and private schools, I encourage other parents to partner with an education program that is best for their child.
Billy Cannon has stepped down from the Red Bank Planning Commission after some Red Bank Commission members had issues with him attending a meeting with planning officials along with Mayor Hollie Berry.

Commissioner Ruth Jeno said she "was disturbed" after seeing a video of the meeting and said she believes it may have led to Red Bank getting turned down on a $1,350,000 state grant that would have funded a sidewalk from Signal Mountain Road to the Stringer's Ridge Tunnel as well as a traffic light at Ashmore Avenue.

She said Commissioner Ed LeCompte, who had appointed Mr. Cannon, was ready to remove him. No action was taken after Commissioner LeCompte announced the Cannon resignation.

Mayor Berry denied that their participation in the Transportation Planning Organization session on May 28 had anything to do with Red Bank not getting the grant.

She had Rachael Bergmann of the Tennessee Department of Transportation Region 2 office at the meeting. Ms. Bergmann said the primary reason the Red Bank grant did not get approved was because it involved a pedestrian walkway over a railroad right of way, and railroads often tie up such matters for years. She said the state did not want to wait that long.

Ms. Bergmann also said it is a very competitive grant program.

Red Bank officials are looking to reapply, though it was advised that the same railroad issue may again rule against them.

Vice Mayor Stefanie Dalton demanded to know where Commissioners LeCompte, Jeno and Pete Phillips had gotten the videos. The commissioners said it was emailed to them, though they declined to answer further despite the prodding of Vice Mayor Dalton.

She said that citizens and others can file Open Records requests related to commissioner emails. She said she and citizens want transparency and want to know a full explanation of upcoming items on the agenda.

Commissioner Phillips said, "I'm getting a little bit incensed that (it is alleged) that we did something wrong over here." He called the video "very disturbing."

Mayor Berry said Mr. Cannon "has been a real asset to the city for the last seven years."

She asked city Planning Commission members to attend the session to answer questions about Mr. Cannon. Two who did spoke well of him and said his engineering background was valuable to the panel.

Mayor Berry said she was disappointed that two veteran Planning Commission members chose not to attend.

Vice Mayor Dalton and Commissioner Jeno, who sit beside each other, sparred verbally on the video issue. Commissioner Jeno said, "You like to talk, but you don't like to listen." She added, "I don't sit and ask you questions about your email. I don't appreciate you questioning me."

A projector was set up to show the video of the Zoom meeting, but it was never shown.

Vice Mayor Dalton also said a look back at a 2003 Red Bank study had a number of ideas that have not been acted on. She said she brought up many of the issues during her campaign.

Commissioner Jeno, who was part of the early study, said, "You can sit here all day long and say nothing's happened, but Dayton Boulevard then was almost a Rossville Boulevard." She said a section of Ashmore Avenue that now has fine homes was in a deplorable rundown condition.

Commissioner Phillips said, "We've got a lot of stuff done. Back then, we had no street lights. I see the city moving really forward." He said he was offering some of his Dayton Boulevard property "and it gets shown three times a week. This place is hotter than fish grease."

There was a motion to table the Cannon issue, but it required four votes and the mayor and vice mayor did not go along.

Commissioner Phillips said, "You're keeping these people (audience) from home and me from my supper."

Vice Mayor Dalton said the city for a long time has been acting illegally in not sending certain matters before the Planning Commission.

Commissioner Phillips said that may be so, but he said the Planning Commission is advisory and it is up to the elected commissioners to make the hard decisions.

Meanwhile, the planned July 13 "civility training" for the commissioners has been pushed back. Commissioner Jeno said she will be gone then, but it was fine with her for the other four to go ahead with the session.

She said, "I'm 71 years old. I know how to act."

However, it was decided to delay the civility training until all can be there.
There are more than 13 cities that fell for the Black Lives Matter idea to Defund the Police after last summers rioting and mayhem. If the truth be told they now wish they had never made such a colossal mistake after another one of the bloodiest July 4th weekends on record. The final count is 618 Americans shot and 233 dead. There is no room for doubt; gun violence is at an all-time high and the Democratic-controlled cities lead the rap sheets.

In Chicago, where now over 2,000 people have been shot in 2021 alone, this past weekend  from Friday at noon until Sunday at midnight -- there were 104 people shot and more than 18 were fatal, some dying in the hospital.

The shootings included 13 children, a 15-year-old, and a five-year-old fatality, and to cap it off two uniformed police officers were shot at 1:45 a.m. on Monday as they tried to break up a fireworks party.

In Chattanooga there have been five shootings in as many days, with two separate incidents on Monday and another yesterday. Chattanooga is by far the smallest among the Most Dangerous Cities in the United States but, per capita, The Scenic City can roll with the big boys.

New York City had 26 shot, with two killed, as violence is climbing. There have been 826 shootings in NYC since January 1st and it is now both entering the Mayors and the Governors re-election hopes, the words They made a huge mistake on the voters lips.

In Chicago Alderman Anthony Napolitano slammed Mayor Lori Lightfoots repeated incompetence and labeled his city a war zone. Since January, mostly black-on-black gunfire has killed 380 within the Chicago city limits and in the last 30 days, 481 have been shot. Were over 6,000 for the last 18 months, Napolitano cried.

Believe it or not, this weekend tally boggles the mind but a year ago, fueled by the death of George Floyd, the record was set with 314 dead and 751 shot during the pandemic. But unlike last year, overall crime is now escalating in the Democratic Defund cities.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports: Both the number of fatal shootings and the number of shootings overall are highs for 2021, according to a Chicago Sun-Times database of shootings. Through July 4, the most recent city data available, 2,019 people have been shot in Chicago this year, an increase of almost 13 percent compared to the year before, and a 58 percent increase in shootings compared with 2019.

Also, from the Sun-Times last night: Last weekend, 10 people were killed, and 68 others wounded in shootings across Chicago. Amid the notoriously violent weekend, the Rev. Jesse Jacksons Rainbow PUSH Coalition on Sunday hosted a Fourth of July cookout and party at the Concordia Place Apartments on the Far South Side.

At the event, Jackson urged people to put down their guns and called on city officials, including Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago Police Supt. David Brown, to actively work together to tamp down gun violence. The finger-pointing must end, Jackson said. He later added that, We need better, and we deserve better.

Jacksons comments come two days after City Council members spent six hours interrogating Brown over his plans to curb the latest surge in summertime gun violence. We urge people... to put down their guns, stop the violence. Of course, when they see violence - (an) attempt to overthrow our government and theyre treated with kid gloves, it decreases the message: If you pick up a gun and shoot somebody, youre not walking away, Jackson said. We deserve a better America.

From the Guardian: Democrat-led city councils all over the country have voted to defund the police. Last year, the Los Angeles city council cut the police budget by $150 million, Portland cut $15 million from its police budget, Minneapolis cut $8 million from its police budget, and Seattle cut its police budget by 18%.

Now, those Democrat-led cities are reaping what they sowed - crime rates are skyrocketing. The New York Times has reported that homicides in Los Angeles increased 36 percent, more than 82 percent in Portland, and almost 72 percent in Minneapolis last year, and it looks like those homicide spikes will continue this year.

And just last month, Democrats on the Oakland, California, city council voted to cut over $18 million from the police department, when Oakland is seeing a 90 percent increase in homicides over last year.

The New York Times has also reported data is showing that in 2020, homicide rates increased more than 30 percent in big cities and so far theyre increasing this year too. Some preliminary data shows there were 4,000 more murders in 2020 than there were in 2019, according to the Guardian.

Did you get that: 4,000 more murders in 2020 - nation wide - with this year on a rampage!

From CBS News: In Cincinnati, two men are believed to have shot and killed each other, injuring three others, at the city's Smale Riverfront Park on Sunday night, according to CBS affiliate WKRC.

And in Dallas, five people were shot  three killed and one in critical condition  during a confrontation at a neighborhood block party on the Fourth of July, according to CBS Dallas.

According to Gun Violence Archive, there have been 22,662-gun violence deaths in 2021. This includes all causes, such as murder, unintentional killings, and suicide. There have been 336 mass shootings and 16 mass murders.

Finally, every gun that was used is just a tool. A gun never shot anyone. It is a human who pulls the trigger in each and every circumstance. Until society focuses on the shooter, how can anyone expect a different outcome? Read that again  22,662 violent deaths in just over six months in 2021. Its not about the tool, it is the user. And until the user is identified and dealt with, sternly, by our justice system, how can you expect a different outcome?

royexum@aol.com
Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report:

BARNES, VICKEAUNIA MONTRICIA

3203 HILLWOOD DR CHATTANOOGA, 37411

Age at Arrest: 30 years old

Arresting Agency: East Ridge

DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE

---

BELL, GREGORY LEBRON

710 MOORE ST CHATTANOOGA, 37411

Age at Arrest: 57 years old

Arresting Agency: Hamilton County

DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE

---

BIERLY, BRANDON JAMES

9317 MOUNTIAN SHADE DRIVE CHATTANOOGA, 37416

Age at Arrest: 25 years old

Arresting Agency: Game & Fish TWRA

BOATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

BOATING RULES AND REGULATIONS

---

BOWERS, KAITLIN NEIL

621 MEMORIAL DR CHATTTANOOGA, 37415

Age at Arrest: 30 years old

Arresting Agency: Red Bank

CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT

---

BOWERS, ROBERT C

621 MEMORIAL DR RED BANK, 37415

Age at Arrest: 38 years old

Arresting Agency: Red Bank

CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT

---

BRACEY, DAVID EDWIN

453 OLD GRAND CENTER ROAD CHICKAMAUGA, 30737

Age at Arrest: 41 years old

Arresting Agency: Hamilton County

FUGITIVE (ARREST FOR CRIME IN ANOTHER STATE) WALKE

---

BROCK, FEDERICO LEASTER

603 ARLINGTON AVE CHATTANOOGA, 37404

Age at Arrest: 39 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga

THEFT OF PROPERTY

---

BURT, SHAMECA LASHON

314 S MOORE RD APT A CHATTANOOGA, 37411

Age at Arrest: 45 years old

Arresting Agency: East Ridge

FAILURE TO APPEAR

---

COCHRAN, REBEKAH DALTON

105 SUNNYBROOK TRAIL SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, 37377

Age at Arrest: 37 years old

Arresting Agency: Hamilton County

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

THEFT OF PROPERTY

---

DANIELS, FRANCIS LORENIA

HOMELESS ,

Age at Arrest: 48 years old

Arresting Agency: Hamilton County

Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s)

---

FOX, WILLIAM

3809 LAMAR AVE CHATTANOOGA, 37415

Age at Arrest: 29 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga

STALKING

---

GRAHAM, TARA RACHELLE

2108 NORTH CHAMBER AVE CHATTANOOGA, 37390

Age at Arrest: 30 years old

Arresting Agency: Hamilton County

CHILD NEGLECT

---

HAWKINS, RASHAD YVES

3934 SOUTH MISSON DR EAST RIDGE, 37412

Age at Arrest: 46 years old

Arresting Agency: Hamilton County

POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

---

HERNANDEZ, SILVESTER

17 HILL STREET RINGGOLD, 30736

Age at Arrest: 34 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga

THEFT UNDER $1000

---

HOOD, BRITTANY KALAN

2767 LAKE HOWARD ROAD LAFAYETTE, 30728

Age at Arrest: 31 years old

Arresting Agency: Hamilton County

DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE

USE OF STOLEN PLATES

---

HOOD, SAMUAL FRANKLIN

63 GLENWAY DR CHATTANOOGA, 37341

Age at Arrest: 57 years old

Arresting Agency: Hamilton County

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

---

JACKSON, RUSSELL L

1809 Parkway Dr Chattanooga, 374062757

Age at Arrest: 62 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga

THEFT OF PROPERTY

BURGLARY

---

KING, JENNIFER LYNN

1303 GADD RD CHATTANOOGA, 37405

Age at Arrest: 36 years old

Arresting Agency: Hamilton County

FAILURE TO APPEAR

---

LEACH, MICHAEL EDWIN

6574 E BRAINERD ROAD CHATTANOOGA, 37421

Age at Arrest: 39 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

FOLLOWING TOO CLOSELY

DRIVERS TO EXERCISE DUE CARE

---

LOPEZ, ADAM JOSEPH

1737 GROVE DR CLEARWATER, 33759

Age at Arrest: 36 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga

LEAVING SCENE OF ACCIDENT W/DAMAGE TO VEHICLE

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

---

MARTINEZ, MICHELLE ALICIA

535 PINE TOP COURT EAST RIDGE, 37412

Age at Arrest: 37 years old

Arresting Agency: Hamilton County

Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s)

---

MCCALLIE, GEORGE EDWARD

727 E 11TH ST CHATTANOOGA, 374033104

Age at Arrest: 59 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga

CRIMINAL TRESPASSING

VANDALISM/MALICIOUS MISCHIEF

FAILURE TO APPEAR

THEFT OF PROPERTY (CONDUCT INVOLV.MERCHANDISE) UND

THEFT OF PROPERTY

FAILURE TO APPEAR

---

MCCLAIN, CURTIS LAMONT

4917 15TH AVE CHATTANOOGA, 37407

Age at Arrest: 40 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga

DOMESTIC ASSAULT

DOMESTIC ASSAULT

---

MCCOLLUM, HORTENCIA ESTHER

63 WHEELER RD #63 ROCKMART, 30153

Age at Arrest: 49 years old

Arresting Agency: Chattanooga

DOMESTIC ASSAULT

---

MOISES, MORENO URZUA

214 E 8TH ST CHATTANOOGA, 37402

Age at Arrest: 50 years old

Arresting Agency: Tenn Highway Patrol

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

---

NEAL, JIMMY LEE

360 WORTH STREET NW CLEVELAND, 37311

Age at Arrest: 35 years old

Arresting Agency: Red Bank

DRIVING WHILE LICENSE IS SUSPENDED

---

PAYNE, JOSHUA CLEVELAND

10169 BAKER BOY DRIVE OOLTEWAH, 37363

Age at Arrest: 33 years old

Arresting Agency: Hamilton County

DOMESTIC ASSAULT

---

PHILLIPS, CALVIN RICHARD

14907 ROUTE 20 TRLR 54 PEOSTA, 52068

Age at Arrest: 34 years old

Arresting Agency: East Ridge

PUBLIC INTOXICATION

DISORDERLY CONDUCT

---

RAY, GORDON

1515 N ORCHARD KNOB AVE.

CHATTANOOGA, 37406Age at Arrest: 21 years oldArresting Agency: ChattanoogaASSAULTINDECENT EXPOSUREDISORDERLY CONDUCTDISORDERLY CONDUCT---ROBERSON, DARRYL NATHANIEL731 W Main St Chattanooga, 374024704Age at Arrest: 31 years oldArresting Agency: ChattanoogaBooked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s)---SANTORO, CAITLYN BETHANY421 WILDCAT WAY KNOXVILLE, 37918Age at Arrest: 25 years oldArresting Agency: Hamilton CountyFUGITIVE (ARREST FOR CRIME IN ANOTHER STATE)---SELVIDGE, JEFFREY ALAN8937 SNOW HILL ROAD OOLTEWAH, 37363Age at Arrest: 35 years oldArresting Agency: Hamilton CountyHARASSMENT---SMARTT, DEREKE ANTWON129 AMHURST AVE CHATTANOOGA, 37411Age at Arrest: 31 years oldArresting Agency: ChattanoogaVIOLATION OF ORDER OF PROTECTION OR RESTRAINING ORHARASSMENT---SULLIVAN, JAMES SCOTT121 MEADOWBROOK LN TRENTON, 30752Age at Arrest: 38 years oldArresting Agency: East RidgeDRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCELEAVING SCENE OF ACCIDENT---TIMMONS, JAYLAN JEROME3616 Glendon Dr Chattanooga, 374114524Age at Arrest: 21 years oldArresting Agency: ChattanoogaAGGRAVATED KIDNAPPINGAGGRAVATED ROBBERYAGGRAVATED ROBBERYAGGRAVATED ROBBERYAGGRAVATED ROBBERYAGGRAVATED ROBBERYPOSSESSING A FIREARM WITH INTENT TO GO ARMED---WARNOCK, CODYRAY541 ISBILL ROAD CHATTANOOGA, 37419Age at Arrest: 33 years oldArresting Agency: ChattanoogaAGGRAVATED ASSAULT---WHITE, HARVEY LEE3729 DORRIS STREET CHATTANOOGA, 37410Age at Arrest: 60 years oldArresting Agency: Hamilton CountyDRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSELEAVING SCENE OF ACCIDENT W/DAMAGE TO VEHICLEFINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY---WHITE, JEROME MICHAEL1525 LILLIAN LANE CHATTANOOGA, 37411Age at Arrest: 42 years oldArresting Agency: Hamilton CountyBooked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s)---WILLIAMS, JAMES CLARK177 BUCKEYE LANE DAYTON, 37321Age at Arrest: 37 years oldArresting Agency: Hamilton CountyNONSUPPORT AND FLAGRANT NONSUPPORT---WILSON, ROBERT W2101 IVY STREET CHATTANOOGA, 37404Age at Arrest: 73 years oldArresting Agency: Hamilton CountyBooked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s)
When a woman was arrested last week for identity theft and other charges, it became clear to local authorities that there may be other victims in Hamilton County and the surrounding area.

Jennifer Shrum, who has a middle Tennessee address, was arrested July 1, 2021 by the Tennessee Highway Patrol's Special Investigations Bureau and the United States Postal Inspector.



Ms. Shrum has a history with identity theft. In March 2018, using the name of Diane Haworth, she was arrested by East Ridge Police and charged with 17 counts of identity theft. Police said Ms. Haworth would fraudulently sign up for the U.S. Postal Services Informed Delivery in the name of the victims. She would then receive e-mail images of what pieces of mail her victims were scheduled to receive on specific days. Police said that Ms. Haworth would then schedule mail thefts to intercept specific letters and packages and facilitate her ongoing identity theft activity. Ms. Haworth made multiple purchases with credit obtained in the name of the victims.



Hamilton County District Attorney General Neal Pinkston commended the two agencies for making the arrest and added that there is reason to believe there may be more victims. If you notice any odd changes with your mail service, such as strange mail or even not getting mail, you need to be suspicious, said General Pinkston. You should check your bank accounts and credit reports regularly and if you discover transactions you didnt make, contact your local police department immediately. General Pinkston said you can also report a scam directly to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at https://www.uspis.gov/report.

Ms. Shrum is currently being held in the Hamilton County jail on no bond until her arraignment hearing.



In 2017, nearly 16.7 million people had their identities stolen by thieves who unlawfully accessed their personal and financial information. Once your personal information is in the hands of a scammer, you could lose your money, your good credit rating and your overall financial health.

Identity theft is not a harmless crime, said THP Colonel Matt Perry. It can sometimes take years to financially recover from identity theft. Please monitor your financial records closely, and report any unauthorized transactions to local law enforcement, added Col. Perry.



Follow and share these tips from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to protect yourself and others against identity theft:



- Do not use your mailbox for outgoing mail. Deposit outgoing mail into USPS Blue Collection Boxes before the last collection time or at your local post office.

- Closely monitor the expiration dates on your credit cards and contact the issuer if you dont receive a replacement prior to the expiration date.

- Keep track of your credit and check your credit reports annually.

- Never give personal information over the phone or Internet unless you initiated the contact and you are sure the company is legitimate.

- Dont give your personal identifying information such as name, date of birth, Social Security number, mothers maiden name, credit card number, or bank PIN code with someone you dont know and dont trust.

- Sign new credit cards right when you get thembefore someone else does. If you applied for a card and did not receive it when expected, call the financial institution.

- Never carry your Social Security card or birth certificate with you.






The Tennessee Democratic Party will kick-off its statewide The Party Is Here Tour in Chattanooga, this Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Kingdom Center, 730 E. MLK Blvd. (behind the Urban League office).



The kick-off rally will feature Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Hendrell Remus as the keynote speaker. Also, appearing will be State Representative Vincent Dixie from Nashville, RaCarol Woodard from The Equality Alliance, State Representative Yusuf Hakeem, Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod and State House District 29 Candidate DeAngelo Jelks.



Following the rally, attendees will have the opportunity to canvass voters on behalf of the Democratic Party and Candidate DeAngelo Jelks.



All Democratic voter and supporters are welcomed to attend this inaugural rally of the statewide The Party Is Here Tour being initiated by the Tennessee Democratic Party.



Co-hosting this event will be the Hamilton County Democratic Party, the Chattanooga Young Democrats and the Greater Chattanooga Democratic Womens Club.
In a letter to President Joe Biden, Tennessee Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III, along with 20 other state attorneys general, voiced opposition to "the unlawful regulatory guidance recently issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the U.S. Department of Education." They said the new guidelines "attempt to force radical changes on nearly every employer and school across the nation."

The letter says, By unilaterally plunging ahead with these sweeping dictates, the administration harms the rule of law and undermines the legitimacy of these executive agencies.

In the letter, the attorneys general object to the federal agencies "disregard for procedural safeguards and democratic accountability in their interpretation and application of Bostock v. Clayton County. Instead of involving states, localities, and stakeholders, the EEOC and Department of Education instead chose to disregard the rule of law and precluded public notice and participation in the regulatory process. Americans are not passive recipients of the law, but rather active participants in the process of its creation and revision.

"On June 15, without approval from other commissioners or the public, the EEOC Chairwoman issued technical guidance dictating that employers cannot protect the privacy of their employees and their ability to utilize sex-specific bathrooms or locker rooms. The guidance relies on Bostock, even though the Supreme Courts narrow decision on employment discrimination explicitly refrains from addressing sex-segregated bathrooms, locker rooms, and dress codes.

"Similarly, reaching well beyond Bostock, the Department of Education announced on June 16th that Title IX, a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or education program receiving federal money, also protects students from discrimination based on sexual identification and gender identity. No longer, according to the Department of Education, will schools be allowed to preserve the privacy of middle school and high school students by ensuring they can use sex-specific showers, locker rooms, and restrooms. This is a matter of concern for millions of students and parents who appreciate the availability of private facilities for bathing and changing at school.

The group also responded to the agencies claim that using "biologically accurate" pronouns could violate the law.

The letter says, With respect to pronouns, the EEOCs guidance comes across as an effort to leverage the authority of the federal government to chill protected speech disfavored by your administration.

AG Slatery said, Federal agencies do not have the authority to unilaterally change laws. That is the exclusive prerogative of Congress. Actions like these exclude the voices, votes and participation of the people, and their representatives, which is neither right nor constitutional.

The letter was led by Tennessee Attorney General Slatery and signed by the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and West Virginia.
Hamilton County Register of Deeds Marc Gravitt announced over $4.1 billion in Hamilton County real estate was sold or transferred in fiscal year 2020 - 2021, an increase of over 30 percent from the previous fiscal year. Additionally, over $6.8 billion in mortgages were recorded, an increase of over 34 percent from the previous fiscal year.



The total amount of the state mandated Conveyance Tax and Mortgage Tax collected for Fiscal Year 2020 - 2021 was over $23 million, an increase of over 32 percent from the previous fiscal year. These taxes are both mandated by Tennessee Code requiring every County Register in Tennessee to collect. Each month the Registers Office remits payment to the Tennessee Department of Revenue.



Register Gravitt said, With the vast majority of the last fiscal year being dominated by COVID, demand for real estate in Hamilton County, both commercial and residential, never slowed, in fact, the opposite occurred. I think the dramatic, continued increase in the numbers in my office, helps to show just how strong the local real estate is.



Additionally, almost 81,000 documents were recorded for the fiscal year, an increase of over 21 percent. A set can be a single page document, or as is usually the case, multiple pages, which are uploaded into the Registers system.
The Chattanooga Police Department was awarded the 2021 recipient of the IACP Leadership in Victim Services Award - Midsize Agency. This international award recognizes CPDs excellence in providing services to crime victims by integrating current best practices into all facets of the department. The Leadership in Victim Services Award is the first International Association of Chiefs of Police annual award, in any category, the CPD has been honored with since the departments inception.According to IACP criteria, nominees in the Leadership in Victim Services category should demonstrate an innovative approach to meeting the needs of crime victims within their communities and showcase a program that has been fully implemented or is in the process of being fully implemented into their agency.In its letter of notification, IACP President Cynthia Renaud stated the CPD Victim Services Unit was chosen as the 2021 midsize agency award recipient because, The Chattanooga Police Department is an exemplary police agency and leader in the field of community safety.The CPD VSU was created in 2016 to respond to crime victims psychological, physiological and emotional needs. This has been and continues to be achieved through crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy, education, information and referral for victims of crime and trauma, witnesses and the community at large. The overall goal of the CPD Victim Services Unit is to collaborate with officers, investigators, and community partners to create a network of care and support for victims of violence in our City.The CPD Victim Services Unit has grown from a department of one to now six professional staff members, said Chief David Roddy. This growth is indicative of the need for this service in our community. I couldnt be more proud of their unwavering commitment to crime victims as well as the positive impact theyve had on CPD Officers and their support of victims, survivors, and their families.The VSU is one of just a few in Tennessee to be entirely integrated with its law enforcement agency. This incorporation was done deliberately in order to facilitate a more streamlined approach throughout the investigation and judicial processes and beyond. This structure and the work of the VSU advocates have resulted in more than 40,000 services provided to nearly 2,000 victims of crime since 2016. The VSU and CPD have also been honored with the following for their care and dedication:Case Study / Site: Promising Practices in Law Enforcement Victim Support with The IACP (2021)FBIs ELEVATE Project as a Promising Practice Agency & Mentor (2018 - Present)Human Smuggling / Trafficking Case of the Year for Homeland Security Investigations (2018)Voices for Victims Award - TDOC (2018)The CPD will receive the Leadership in Victim Services - Midsize Agency Award at the 2021 IACP Annual Conference and Exposition on Sept. 14 in New Orleans.
Queen Latifah has everyone waiting to see if shell debut her son, Rebel. The rapper turned Oscar-nominated actor and her partner Eboni Nichols became parents in 2019. Latifah acknowledged her family during a recent award show acceptance speech. Now, her friend is gushing over seeing a photo of baby Rebel.

Eboni Nichols and Queen Latifah 2020 | Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Queen Latifah and Eboni Nichols reportedly welcomed their son Rebel in 2020

Nichols and Latifah reportedly met on the set of Dancing with the Stars in 2009. Nichols is a trained dancer, having performed alongside the likes of big names in music like Beyonce, Aaliyah, Will Smith, Mary J. Blige, and Jennifer Lopez. The two began dating around 2013.

In 2017, Latifah confirmed her desire to want to start a family, though she continued keeping her love life under wraps. She has however proudly walked with Nichols on her arm at major events, attending the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards. Latifah also gave Nichols a shout-out during her acceptance speech at the VH1 Hip Hop Honors In 2016.

Source: YouTube

RELATED: This Was Queen Latifahs First Acting Role

Love B. Scott reported in January 2020 that Nichols gave birth to their son, Rebel. Photos of the baby boy surfaced from Radar Online, with a source noting, Latifah has never been so full of life, they gushed. Eboni and the baby have given Latifah something very special to live for. Rebels birth came two years after Latifah suffered the devastating loss of her mother and best friend, Rita Owens.

Latifah confirmed everything during her acceptance speech for her Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2021 BET Awards, noting, Eboni, my love  Rebel my loveHappy Pride. It marked the first public outing of her personal life.

Jason Lee describes Queen Latifah sharing a photo of her son Rebel

Now that Latifah has spoken publicly about Rebel, her friends are spilling some tea of their own. Hollywood Unlocked host Jason Lee met Latifah when he was 15-years-old and she became a mentor to him. Theyve since formed a close friendship and remain in contact.

During a recent episode of the show, Lee gushed over Latifahs BET moment. Declaring her love for her longtime partner Eboni Nichols  I thought it was powerful, I was moved, I saw the emotion, Lee says.

Source: YouTube

He also took a moment to tell the funny story of finally seeing a photo of Rebel, noting Latifah was jokingly hesitant to show him at first.

I was surprised she talked about this because the last time I saw her was at the All-Star game  I was there walking by and she was showing a picture of Rebel to Kim Kardashian, Lee explained. I tapped her and said, Bch, I know youre going to let me see and she kind of looked at me like I dont know  and I was like Girl, Ive known you way longer than this girl and Kims looking at me because Kim didnt know my relationship with LatifahIm going to tell yall right now [Rebel is] the cutest kid ever. Period.

Lee says hes set to sit down with Latifah on his show soon for an interview.
Gossip Girl is back with a new cast. The HBO Max show takes place in the same universe as the original show, so its still important. Whitney Peak talked about her role and said the original Gossip Girl was kind of weird.

Whitney Peak plays Zoya in Gossip Girl

RELATED: Gossip Girl Will Have Cameos From the Original Show but Not the Kind Youd Expect

The new Gossip Girl is full of new characters. But the whole story is kicked off with Zoya moving to New York and attending Constance Billard.

Zoya also happens to be the half-sister of Julien Calloway (Jordan Alexander). Julien is an Instagram influencer, and her father is rich. She says she rules the school with her friends in the trailer.

Obviously, Zoya getting along with Julien will be an important key to having a smooth time at the prep school. But if the original show has taught us anything, its very hard to get on the good side of a queen bee.

Peak is 18 years old and was in high school when she auditioned for the role. She previously played Alpha Jessica in Home Before Dark and Judith in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.

Why Whitney Peak thought the original show was kind of weird

Make way, make way. New girl coming through. pic.twitter.com/XqXcSaSZsD  Gossip Girl (@gossipgirl) July 7, 2021

RELATED: Gossip Girl: Dan Wasnt Gossip Girl in Season 5, According to Executive Producer

The actor talked about her role with The Hollywood Reporter. She answered if she watched the original show.

I thought it was so entertaining, she answered. It was also kind of weird because when I started watching it, I went to a regular public school and didnt really have to think about the fact that people live like that and have problems like that.

Peak also revealed how she felt about playing the only character who doesnt live a lavish life in the Upper East Side. Its fun because shes in a stage of being introduced to this world where shes still very authentic but also struggling with altering herself to fit in, the actor said. So there are moments where she gets to kind of tap into that [more privileged] world. Im always like, Whats the most Blair [Waldorf, from the original Gossip Girl] way that I could say this?

Are Zoya and Julien like Blair and Serena?

Whitney Peak and Jordan Alexander are seen on the set of Gossip Girl on the Upper East Side | James Devaney/GC Images

RELATED: Gossip Girl: Will the Trump Family Be in the HBO Max Show?

Some fans might assume Zoya and Julien will have a relationship like Blair and Serena (Blake Lively). But that wont be the case.

In the original, it was very much Blair versus Serena from the pilot episode, Peak told Teen Vogue. But Julien and Zoya actually want to make things work.

Alexander also talked about the sisters struggling to come together. Zoya and Julien are like a ship trying to dock in a storm, she said. The intention is there to reach their destination, but theres so much going on thats trying to sink the ship and pull it back out to sea.

But many things keep them apart from their friends to a love triangle. Fans will have to watch to find out if Zoya and Julien will ever get on the same page.
Its no secret that the marriage between Love & Hip Hop stars Safaree Samuels and Erica Mena is hanging on by a thread. The two have had major drama since tying the knot a little under two years ago. Theyve battled it out on social media, split and reconciled, and even welcomed a second child together. But amid Menas divorce filing, shes now accusing Kaylin Garcia, another former star of the show, of having an affair with Samuels.

Safaree Samuels and Erica Mena / Kailyn Garcia via Getty

Kaylin Garcia appeared on Love & Hip Hop New York

Garcia is a former video vixen and fitness enthusiast. The Florida native began dating rapper Joe Budden in 2012 and began appearing on Love & Hip Hop: New York in season 3 as his love interest.

Source: YouTube

Garcia credited Budden with rescuing her from the streets where she was experiencing homelessness. Still, it wasnt enough to keep the two together. Garcia fought over Budden with his longtime ex, Tahiry Jose.

Budden and Garcia later appeared on VH1s Couples Therapy to try and salvage their relationship, but it wasnt enough. Budden eventually reunited with Jose and Garcias final appearances on the show chronicled the demise of her relationship with Budden.

Since stepping away from reality television, Garcia returned to appearing in music videos. She also put her dancing skills and love for fitness to work, starting a twerkout class. Garcia loves arts and cooking, sharing her passions to her social media fans.

Shes been linked to Sage the Gemini and Tory Lanez.

Erica Mena accuses Kaylin Garcia of having an affair with Safaree Samuels

Mena and Samuels remain estranged, despite Mena prematurely giving birth to their newborn son. She took to social media to blast Samuels and Garcia, accusing them of philandering around as she cares for her and Samuels son who is freshly out of the NICU.

Source: YouTube

RELATED: Love and Hip Hop: Erica Mena Accuses Joe Buddens Ex-Girlfriend of Cheating With Safaree Samuels

Real talk, I been [sic] in the shoes of dealing with a man who lived a double life and I had no clue he was married, Mena began on Instagram, calling out Garcia. But you know Safaree is married. Who dont [sic] know that. Not to mention he [sic] real friends with Joe Budden, your ex. Safaree just had a baby who he hasnt seen in 4 days thats in the NICU. Thats also no secret. Im blasting both of you since he told you to lay low tonight  clearly who both know I found out yall been fking all weekend. My son [sic] not even a week old yet and he [sic] dking you down. I hope this is something you [sic] proud of shorty. This man lost his whole family officially. I wish you both the best.

Kaylin Garcia says Erica Mena is lying about her and Safaree Samuels having an affair

Garcia is responding and not taking Menas Instagram blast lightly. She shot back in her defense in an Instagram story of her own, denying Menas claims.

For years I have been to myself. No blogs. No drama. I am a women [sic] who is about accountability and morals. The fact that I have been called out for absolutely nothing, to me is insane. Me and Safaree are friends and nothing more. Thanks! Everyone stay [sic] blessed. And lets continue to spread love and light, Garcia wrote.

Mena is also accused of sending her friends beat up Garcia over the alleged affair.
A woman waits in line for a COVID-19 vaccination at a Caring Van clinic at the Imperio Event Center in May. The rapid spread of the delta variant of COVID-19 in Oklahoma has health officials urging people to get vaccinated now.
In this Oct. 24, 2019, file photo, supporters of Yes on 802 Oklahomans Decide Healthcare, calling for Medicaid expansion to be put on the ballot, carry boxes of petitions into the office of the Oklahoma Secretary of State, in Oklahoma City. Tens of thousands of Oklahoma residents are now covered by health insurance as a result of Medicaid expansion in Oklahoma. The voter-backed expansion took effect on July 1.
In this Oct. 25, 2018, photo, Brandon Nez displays his flag at near his jewelry stand in Monument Valley, Utah, where tourists stand the highway to recreate a famous running scene from the movie Forest Gump. As Native American tribes around the country fight for increased access to the ballot box, Navajo voters in one Utah county could tip the balance of power in the first general election since a federal judge ordered overturned their voting districts as illegally drawn to minimize Native voices. Native Americans werent granted U.S. citizenship until 1924, and even then some states prohibited them from voting for decades if they lived on reservations or couldnt pass an English literacy test.
Linda Fay Adams Jansen, known to many as Nana, went home to dance on the streets of gold July 4th, 2021. She was born in Sweetwater, Texas September 8, 1941 to Obe and Fern (Wood) Durham. Linda wore many hats throughout her life. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great gra
A growing number of ministers, missionaries, Christian workers, abuse victims, and victims advocates are publicly objecting to the non-disclosure agreements and confidentiality clauses used by major religious organizations. They say the legal tools that were designed to protect tech industry trade secrets are widely misused to conceal abuse, preserve secrets, and protect powerful reputations without regard for the human cost.

On Wednesday, an international group of them launched a campaign to end the misuse of non-disclosure agreements, called NDAs, with a website and the hashtag #NDAfree.

Its time to set people free, said Lee Furney, one of the organizers of #NDAfree and a British expat who lives in Malawi and works to support churches there. Furney played a key role in exposing the sexual abuse of evangelical Anglican leader Jonathan Fletcher, and has become an advocate for abuse survivors.

In some ways, an NDA can look reasonable, he told CT. But find for me the perfect NDA, and its still not perfect. Theres no transparency. No accountability. You cant track them or how theyre used. And theyre binding the conscience for the future, saying I cant change my mind, regardless of the situation.

Non-disclosure agreements and confidentiality clauses are often quite expansive, with broad and sometimes open-ended definition of confidential. One agreement reviewed by CT included the names of anyone the person had ever worked with in the parachurch organization, any information that could be deemed damaging or disparaging, and any information regarding ministries.

Most NDAs include prohibitions against disclosing the non-disclosure agreement, cloaking even the secrecy in secrecy.

Its suffocating, said John Sather, who signed an NDA with Cru in 2019, when he left the ministry formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ after 45 years on staff. Sather had a bitter dispute with leadership that left him in severe mental anguish, seeking therapy and any possible exit from the parachurch organization.

At the time he signed, Sather and his wife, Chris, saw the agreement as their only way out of Cru. They said they didnt think too much about the consequences of a contract that committed them to silence in perpetuity.

According to what we signed, If I say anything, thats covered by the NDA, Sather said. Ive learned in therapy how important it is to speak, but an NDA is this suffocating thing, when the very thing you so desperately want to do is tell your story.

The Sathers, who both worked for Cru, have asked the ministry to release them from their agreements. The request has been rejected, so they have decided to speak out against NDAs.

Theyre not alone. The #NDAfree website will attempt to raise awareness about the problems with confidentiality clauses, which are now frequently included in employment contracts, severance agreements, and legal settlements. The campaign will also seek to give people who have a signed NDAs a few tools to help them pressure Christian organizations to stop using NDAs. The website includes sample templates of letters asking for release, an #NDAfree pledge, and questions that organizations can ask as they evaluate the use of confidentiality clauses.

The Christian Reformed Church, the Church of England, and the Southern Baptist Convention are all currently reconsidering their use of NDAs.

Brad Patterson, lead pastor of the First Baptist Church in Lavon, Texas, called for a study of Southern Baptist NDAs at the conventions annual meeting in June. His motion asked that the Executive Committee, the six Southern Baptist seminaries, the International Missions Board, and the other convention entities give a report on confidentiality agreements next year, paying particular attention to what is the biblical justification, how many have been signed or agreed to in the last five years, and utilized for what specific purpose.

The resolution was referred to the Executive Committee for consideration. Patterson told CT he is not accusing anybody of anything but is concerned about the lack of trust in leadership and ongoing issues with transparency.

We will not be able to know the things we need to fix if were not able to know about them, he said. There have been a lot of changes made in a lot of entities in the last five years, and transparency is important.

The Christian organizations using NDAs agree there can be issues with transparency and abuse, but they argue that confidentiality is not always a sign of a cover-up.

Not intended to silence survivors

All Souls Langham Place, a conservative evangelical Anglican Church in central London, is named on the #NDAfree website as one church that has misused confidentiality agreements. A spokesman for the church said thats not true.

All Souls has on very rare occasions used confidentiality clauses in employment settlement agreements, and not to prevent the disclosure of abuse, the church said in an official statement. We condemn any action, including the use of Non Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), intended to silence survivors.

NDAs make it possible to resolve disputes with settlements that allow both parties to move on. As a legal tool, they are now standard practice almost everywhere.

Theres a general expectation of confidentiality that we ask staff to abide by, which is kind of normal for most organizations, said Steve Sellers, president of Cru. Were not overrun by trade secrets or anything, but we want to protect the location of staff, especially in hostile countries, the privacy of donors, and the privacy of other employees. Its not designed to silence anyone, but confidentiality is important.

The use of NDAs and similar legal tools is not confined to major denominations and the largest parachurch organizations. Many ministries have NDAs in their employee handbook, to be signed along with the statement of faith. Some churches, large and small, even require volunteers to sign confidentiality agreements.

It is not clear when churches started using these legal tools. In the US, NDAs were developed by the tech industry when legislatures started cracking down on the abuse of non-compete clauses and courts began limiting the definition of trade secret.

In 1978, an Illinois company sued a computer programmer who quit and went to work for a competitor. The company claimed that the legal protection of trade secrets should include everything the programmer did at his job, including basic programing methodology. The court rejected that argument, and the tech industry started including broader and broader confidentiality clauses in contracts.

These were soon added to the contracts of top executives in the tech industry and beyond. Today, according to one study, nearly 90 percent of CEOs in the US have an NDA with their company. Most of these do not define what is confidential, and many last in perpetuity.

By the 1980s, contracts of silence also became a regular feature of legal settlements. Lawsuits were taken out of court for an undisclosed sum of money, and corporations could reassure their stakeholders that they werent admitting to any wrongdoing or accepting liability. Since the large payouts were secret, they also wouldnt prompt more lawsuits.

The first public information about a Christian organization using an NDA is in the settlement of sexual abuse allegations. A Catholic family whose three sons had been abused by a priest in Louisiana accepted a settlement of several hundred thousand dollars and signed an agreement that included a confidentiality clause.

They regretted that, later, when they met other children victimized by the priest and learned their bishop had reassigned the serial predator to another congregation.

The bishop used the excuse that he made a vow to protect the church, the father of the family later told journalists. He made it very plain that the church came first.

Protecting reputations instead of people

Lucy Hefford, a graduate student and administrative assistant who says she was raped by a work supervisor at the Oxford Centre for Missions Studies (OCMS), had a very similar experience. When she signed an agreement with a non-disclosure clause, she thought the organization was acknowledging the truth of what happened to her and giving her a way to shut the door on an ugly and painful period in her life. She later learned her abuser was allowed to continue supervising graduate students, none of whom were told that the Christian leader they trusted to direct their academic studies had violently forced himself on a former supervisee.

Hefford said that when she protested, she was reminded of the confidentiality clause in her agreement.

Thats when I went, Oh Lucy, youve been so stupid. You thought they believed you, but they just wanted you to go away, she told CT. They were putting reputational damage over me as a person and that was excruciating.

Hefford does not know what legal risks shes running by speaking out about her abuse, but she has decided she cannot abide by the terms of the NDA.

Its evil, she said. I am at risk, huge financial risk, but I just have to trust God that if Im walking in the truthI dont want to over-spiritualize, but whatever will be will be.

David Cranston, chair of OCMSs board of trustees, said he could not comment on individual matters, but the organization does use confidentiality agreements.

OCMS considers that it is ethical and legitimate to use confidentiality clauses as part of a wider settlement agreement where the intention is to safeguard the interests of both the employee and employer and the wording does not preclude whistleblowing, he said in an email to CT. The wording of the clause would always be considered carefully to ensure it was appropriate and ethical for the particular situation.

NDAs have been used by the organizations associated with many prominent evangelical leaders accused of spiritual, sexual, or other kinds of abuse, including Ravi Zacharias, Dave Ramsey, Steve Timmis, Bill Hybels, and Mark Driscoll.

But organizations that use NDAs say that getting rid of the legal tool that protects confidentiality is not the only way or even the best way to prevent abuse from happening.

Other ways to prevent abuse

At Cru, Sellers said that while the ministry places a high value on protecting privacy, it also has confidential phone lines that allow staff to report abuse or misconduct to human resources and a whistleblower policy that bypasses management, allowing people to make complaints to the board. He said every claim is investigated.

I think you should tell the truth all the time, but that doesnt mean you tell everything to everybody, Sellers said. In the worst forms of abuse, theres a moral and legal responsibility to disclose things like that. But you also have to do it in a way that maintains the privacy of the persontheres a victim involved, you dont want to just broadcast their information to everyone.

The way confidentiality clauses can silence victims came to public attention when several women who said they had been sexually abused by movie mogul Harvey Weinstein came forward in 2017, launching the #MeToo movement. Some victims said they had been afraid to speak up because of what it would have done to their careers. Others pointed to the settlement agreements they had signed, with ubiquitous NDAs.

Christians opposed to confidentiality agreements say they create a similar problem in ministry. Even though there are certainly some things that should be kept confidential, the broad legal agreements conceal abuse and limit accountability.

Ben Nicholson, a British man who led the Zimbabwe arm of the international Christian charity Tearfund, left the organization in a dispute about visa status after reporting on the mismanagement of a sexual assault report. He believed he had done his duty as a whistleblower and accepted a severance, which included a confidentiality clause.

Later, he came to the conclusion that because he signed an NDA, Tearfund could bury the report hed hoped would bring a broader reckoning.

Im not against settlement as a process, said Nicholson, another organizer of the #NDAfree campaign. But using payment and NDAs as a way to not investigate something, thats totally unacceptable.

Tearfund disputes the allegation. In an official statement to CT, the charity said that We have never used a confidentiality clause to cover up wrongdoing and our settlement agreements make clear that they do not in any way prevent the individual from raising any concerns with relevant regulatory bodies.

Nicholson used his settlement money from Tearfund to earn a masters degree, writing his thesis critiquing Christians use of non-disclosure agreements. He argues that there are legitimate uses for NDAs but the way theyre currently used in most ministries does not comport with Christian values.

Rolling back the use of confidentiality clauses

In April, Tearfund announced that it will no longer use confidentiality clauses  in settlement agreements. It will maintain NDAs in very exceptional circumstances, where necessary to protect the identity of a victim or someone who is vulnerable. But Tearfund agrees to mutually lift existing confidentiality clauses from anyone who has signed one with us as part of a settlement agreement.

The hope, for the organizers of #NDAfree, is that this is just the start and more organizations will roll back their use of confidentiality agreements. But even if Christian organizations dont release people from their NDAs, the campaign aims to warn people about the high cost of silence.

Chris Sather thinks about what difference an awareness campaign might have made to her and her husband when they sat in a private conference room with a workmans compensation rep, looking at paperwork that promised them a way out of a bad situation.

In that moment, she said, they didnt realize an NDA would mean living with the knowledge that the abuse they suffered could happen again and again, and they wouldnt be allowed to say anything.

Theres no healing, no repentance, if you dont talk about it. Its just going to get swept under the rug, she said. Its really wicked. I think its wicked.
In the past several decades, a stream of new English translations of the Bible has flooded the market. Many have tried to distinguish themselves by claiming to be more literal or accurate than any other translation. Crossways English Standard Version (ESV) advertises itself as essentially literal and word-for-word [accurate]. B&H Publishings Christian Standard Bible (CSB) is billed as an optimal translation that is both highly literal and highly accurate. The forthcoming Legacy Standard Bible (LSB) from Three Sixteen Publishing, itself a revision of the most literally accurate English translationthe New American Standard Bible (NASB)is marketed as the most accurate, the most consistent translation in English. This is not a recent trend, with a centuries-long tradition of translations with literal right in the name, from Youngs Literal Translation of 1862 to 2020s Literal Standard Version.

But which version succeeds in doing what it saysor, perhaps a better question, is this a race even worth winning?

What We Want from a Literal Translation

While publishers rarely specify what the term literal means, one message is clear: When it comes to marketing Bible translations, literal is best.

People want to know that their Bible is reliable and true, ensuring they understand what the authorsand, more importantly, Godactually said. Words like literal and accurate appeal to that desire, but the most literal translation may not be the best translation. In fact, this fixation on accuracy can cover a multitude of potential misunderstandings about language, translation, and the nature of the Bible itself.

I have no qualms with literal translations or the people who work on them; the high market demand clearly speaks to a need. But lets pin down what Christians want when we chase after these literal translations and whether this pursuit truly quenches our thirst for understanding.

The desire for literal translations of Scripture is not new. It seems to have been the impulse behind Aquilas translation of the Hebrew Bible into Greek in the second century, and since at least the time of Jeromes translation of Scripture into Latin in the fourth century, readers have complained that new translations werent good enough or literal enough. In response to this charge, Jerome freely confessed in his letter to Pammachius that he translated not word by word but meaning by meaning, and he further asserted that this is how the New Testament authors themselves quoted and translated the Hebrew Bible. Not all were convinced, and to this day, many Christians long for an accurate word-by-word translation.

For those of us who hold that the words of the Bible are inspired by God, the words themselves matter in a way that the words of other ancient works dont. Theres a categorical difference between interpreting the words of Plato or Aristotle and interpreting the words of Jesus. Additional rigor is required to do the latter properly.

Why We Cant Have It

If we believe the words themselves are a product of inspiration, how are we to view translations, which by their very nature use different words in a different order?

Historically, some have avoided the issue by claiming that the translation itself is inspired. In the ancient world, this was how many viewed the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures. Jeromes own Latin version, the Vulgate, came to hold a similar authoritative status in the Catholic church. More recently, largely in America, some have viewed the King James Version in this light.

The idea of inspired translation, however, is not in keeping with what most Christians believe about inspiration, and so we are left reconciling the vagaries of translation with a strong sense that the precise words of Scripture, as written in its original languages, matter.

An emphasis on literalism would seem to address this tension. If the words matter, and if you do not understand the original language, then surely the best answer is a translation that consists of a word-for-word swap, staying as close to the wording and order of the original as possible.

Language, however, is complicated and layered. Even those who only studied French or Spanish in high school understand that a direct word-for-word translation of even a simple phrase is almost impossible to capture the full nuance and meaning. This hope for a literal translation relies on the belief that language is a cipher where each word is part of a code that will yield a consistent, perfect result if only the correct substitute for the code can be found.

But languages arent codes. And good translations cant be find-and-replace swaps.

Every word in every language has a web of meanings, one that only partially overlaps with the separate web of meanings found in another language. To add to the confusion, identical words in the same language can have drastically different meanings with little reason to translate them using the same word. For instance, an athlete, a refrigerator, and a nose may all run, but no one believes that they are all performing the same action. Similarly, although the Greek New Testament uses the same verb for John being arrested, Jesus being betrayed, and Paul being commended, there is no reason to translate them consistently with identical English terms.

Context governs meaning. While a Bible version can boast that it consistently translates a Hebrew or Greek noun with the same English noun, the words may be preserved but the meaning could be lost entirely.

Adding yet another layer of complexity is the translation of idioms. Im not aware of any mainstream translation, no matter how insistent it is about being word-for-word, that provides a literal version of the Greek idiom to receive a face found in Galatians 2:6 or Acts 10:34. To English readers, this phrase simply doesnt make sense. Instead, to receive a face is replaced by the English idiom that conveys the same meaning: to show favoritism.

Instead of being a betrayal of the word-for-word method, this change is a credit to the translators. Ultimately, a word-for-word translation, in the strictest sense, is not feasible. Though it may be an ideal or even a marketing tactic, it cannot be the grounds for a legitimate translation.

What We Have Instead

Readers should instead think of so-called literal translations as essentially literal (as the ESV bills itself) and an attempt to be a window into the original text (as the LSB describes itself in its preface). These kinds of translations attempt to reproduce not just the meaning of the original words but also the syntactical structure and linguistic choices of the underlying Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, but there are limits to this method as well.

English does not function the same way as Greek or Hebrew. Indeed, a given translations literalness is often a measure of how comfortable a translation committee is with bending English into increasingly odd shapes to accommodate the Greek or Hebrew grammar. This is not always wrong or unhelpful, but it is far more complicated and less direct than it can appear on the surface.

In a critique of maximally transparent translations, linguist Mike Aubrey argues that discussions about literal translations often fail to discuss language correctly because they privilege a certain set of English words and then judge a translation by how closely it translates that set of words. These discussions have at their core a fundamental conceit that meanings are, effectively, English, and there are Greek words for them. Aubrey argues translators should instead evaluate the language on its own. We should be wary of overly literal translations, Aubrey explains, because concepts are bigger than just individual words.  The best translators understand that. They understand that language has dynamic power for evoking ideas by the repetition of concepts without necessarily using the same word over and over.

Put another way, Greek and Hebrew words do not mean English words, just as French words do not mean English words.

All this may sound like an argument against literal translations, but its not. This is merely a reminder that despite many translations being described, justified, and marketed as literal, English will never be Hebrew or Greek or any other language, and no translation can make it so.

Words Matter

Literal translations are worthwhile insofar as readers do not think of them as superior. They offer specific tools to interpret the Bible, tools that should not replace every other item in the toolbox, but which most certainly have their place.

After all, words themselves matter. The syntax matters. The verb forms matter. The rhyme schemes matter. These all matter because how God said things provides nuance and depth to help understand who God is.

Meaning is not the sole consideration in translation. Diction, syntax, register, assonance, implication, and style are vitally important when trying to understandand then translateany literary text. Since most people only ever access the Bible through a translation, a version that gestures at rhythm and rhyme and repetition can be another immensely helpful tool.

These translations are still approximations, yes, but they can be useful in providing a readable, if sometimes awkward, glimpse at both what the texts say in their original languages and something approaching how they say it.

Some literal translations provide evocative phrasing that better reflects the original language. For example, the NASB tells us that Pauls spirit was being provoked within him when he saw that the city of Athens was full of idols (Acts 17:16). This may read a bit woodenly, but it tells you that the verb is both imperfect and passive. You can see that the action is both continuously happening and that it is being done to Paul. Thats a useful bit of information, especially when contrasted with the New International Versions translation that says Paul was greatly distressed. In the NASBs case, the translators have fulfilled their goal of bringing readers closer to the source language.

For the vast majority of readers, however, this glimpse of the original Greek is less gripping and meaningful than translators might hope. The attempt to hold on to the flavor of the original Greek is a plus for readers who can identify the source language, and an even greater bonus for those who have a good grasp of Greek and Hebrew. These readers are in a position to understand the significance of the translators grammatical decision.

The general reader, however, may have difficulty viewing this idiosyncrasy of translation as anything more than an awkward phrase. Literal translations may indeed provide a better map of the texts as written in their original languages, but these maps may be difficult to decipher unless one is already familiar with the terrain.

Embrace the Weird

No matter how skilled its translators may be, any literal translation will be in turns awkward and archaic. Now, if the intention of the translation was for it to read as fluid English, then this would be a failure, but, as previously noted, thats not the goal of a literal translation. A reader can benefit from bits of stilted phrasing.

Moments of woodenness in a translation offer us small disruptive opportunities to remember that when the Bible speaks to us, it does so with a foreign tongue and with underlying assumptions that are not our own.

Many Hebrew or Greek constructions imported into English will sound strange to the English reader, though they would have sounded natural to the original audience. Sometimes, however, the biblical authors used intentionally strange turns of phrase. Translators smooth over such turns of phrase at their, and their readers, peril. The awkwardness is itself a virtue. What if theres value in preserving Peters words in 1 Peter 1:13 when he writes to gird up the loins of your mind? That likely sounded as odd to the original audience as it sounds to us. Readers, learn to embrace the odd.

It can be easy to forget that the Bible is a collection of dozens of books, the most recent of which was written nearly two millennia ago. These books were written in places, cultures, and erasnot to mention languagesthat are very different from our own.

More dynamic translations do the valuable work of making the Bible understandable and readable to modern readers, as though it were always intended to be read in our own place and time. Literal translations, with their occasional bits of jarring syntax, make us uncomfortable, but its their very intent to make us uncomfortable. Literal translations remind us that while God speaks to us today through Scripture, the words were not written with modern American readers as the primary audience. In the brief glimpses offered by the infelicities of a literal translation, we are given a window that looks back over 2,000 years to a time and a place thats not our own.

Sometimes the best thing a translation can do is remind us of the words that arent on the page and the phrasing we cant see. A translation can push us back to the original contexts, the original languages, and the early ways in which these books were first written, read, and passed on.

A Place for Every Translation, and Every Translation in Its Place

There isnt one perfect Bible translation. Every translation has its strengths and weaknesses. Each brings something unique to the table. The best practice, if you dont plan on learning Greek and Hebrew, is to read several different translations and be aware of what each one is trying to achieve.

Most of us will continue to read the Bible in translation, so its important to keep a couple key truths in mind.

Every translation is a translation. No matter how literal it may be, it cannot fully reproduce the original text in modern English.

All translations serve different functions, but the unique features of a given translation do not always perform the work we think they do. Its okay to be a little bit skeptical and to seek out more information.

Dont be too quick to smooth out the little disturbances in the text. These rough edges provide us with a useful reminder that these words were written in a foreign worldmore bizarre, more enchanted, and more wondrous than the one we typically imagine. These small disruptions drive us to explore the context of the Bible.

We have so much to learn from the Scriptures that God has given us. Thankfully, as Jesus says in Matthew 5:18, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke of a letter shall pass from the Law, until all is accomplished!

Or at least thats how the NASB translates it.

Daniel Stevens is director of the Scholars Initiative at the Museum of the Bible, where he oversees research projects and develops new ways to responsibly make the museums collections accessible to the public and useful for scholars.
Hobby Lobby under fire for July 4th ad promoting 'One Nation Under God'; Franklin Graham defends

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Christian-owned arts and crafts chain Hobby Lobby has been accused of dominionism after running a full-page ad in newspapers nationwide on the Fourth of July promoting the idea of "One Nation Under God." The ad highlighted quotes from prominent Americans promoting God and the Bible.

The ad featured a child running with an American flag with the words, One Nation Under God." Lower in the advertisement are the words of Psalm 33:12, which reads, Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.

The page also features a series of quotes from American founders and other leaders essential to the shaping of the nation, touching on the importance of God or the Bible. Among those highlighted are former presidents, Supreme Court justices and Founding Fathers. The bottom of the page offered contact information for those interested in having a relationship with Jesus.

The ad ran in newspapers across the U.S. and was published on Hobby Lobbys social media pages.

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."  Psalm 33:12 https://t.co/wxCmPuRq1Dpic.twitter.com/yIoZU7326z  Official Hobby Lobby (@HobbyLobby) July 4, 2021

Social media users slammed the ad as unconstitutional and propaganda." And the secular legal organization Freedom from Religion Foundation posted a rebuttal.

In Hobby Lobby We DONT Trust, the title of FFRF's rebuttal webpage reads. The webpage includes a breakdown of each of the quotes Hobby Lobby included in the ad.

Do these quotes prove we are a Christian nation? Click them to find out, FFRF, which advocates for strict separation of church and state, posted with an exposition of each quote.

Critics accused Hobby Lobby of advocating for dominionism, a subset of American Christianity seeking a Christian-run nation governed by their understanding of biblical law.

David Weissman, a former Republican Trump supporter-turned-liberal Democrat, tweeted: As an American Jew who served in the United States Army and took an oath to defend the Constitution; I find your statement of America should be lead by Christians to be asinine and unconstitutional. Shame on you @HobbyLobby.

As an American Jew who served in the United States Army and took an oath to defend the Constitution; I find your statement of America should be lead by Christians to be asinine and unconstitutional. Shame on you @HobbyLobby.  David Weissman (@davidmweissman) July 4, 2021

Other influential users called the ad "absolutely frightening" and "dominionist propaganda." Some used the hashtag #seperationofchurchandstate.

A headline on the LGBT blog Joe My God reads, Hobby Lobby Goes Full Dominionist In July 4th Ad.

Prominent evangelical leader Franklin Graham, the son of the late evangelist Billy Graham and leader of the evangelical humanitarian organization Samaritan's Purse, commended Hobby Lobby's ad and thanked God for Hobby Lobbys owners.

Hobby Lobby is being attacked for running some beautiful full-page newspaper ads on July 4. , Graham shared on Facebook.

I hope this exposure for their ads, even though it was intended for harm, will actually allow even more people to read the message and appreciate what Hobby Lobbys owners, the Green family stand for, Graham continued. I thank God for the Green family, their Christian-run business, and their strong public stand for the Word of God and biblical values.

Messianic Jewish radio host and author Michael Brown published an op-ed defending the ad's message.

What we do believe is that Gods ways are always best, and thats why we advocate for biblical principles and seek to live by them personally, Brown wrote. In the same way, others (such as atheists, agnostics, Hindus, Muslims, or secular activists) advocate for their own particular spiritual or secular worldviews and seek to live accordingly. This is all part of the fabric of our nation.

In short, I do believe that the more truly Christian we are, the more blessed we will be as a nation, he continued. But we are not forcing this on anyone (God forbid), and we live by the rules of a Democratic Republic. Since the Hobby Lobby ad will get a lot of negative attention, lets be prepared to affirm what we do believe and deny what we dont.

Hobby Lobby, a company known for its conservative, Christian values, ran a similar ad in past years on Independence Day.

The company includes biblical messages in most of its holiday ads and provides a list of its prominent holiday ads since Easter 1997 on its website. Each of the ads provides a spiritual component.

Holiday Messages became part of Hobby Lobbys mission when founder David Green felt commissioned to do something more with advertisements in 1995 after noticing that newspapers failed to provide the true meaning of the advertised holidays.

Hobby Lobby ran its first newspaper ad that explained the true meaning behind Christmas in 1996. The company began placing beautiful full-page ads celebrating the real meaning of Christmas, Easter and Independence Day in newspapers across the country from then on, the Hobby Lobby website explains.
IRS reverses course, grants tax-exempt status to Christian group it accused of being too political

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

The IRS has reversed an earlier decision denying tax-exempt status to a Christian organization it had previously deemed too political because it advises voters to read what the Bible says on issues such as the sanctity of life and marriage.

Christians Engaged, a nonprofit group based in Garland, Texas, led by conservative activist Bunni Pounds, had previously applied for an exemption under Section 501(c)(3), only to be rejected earlier this year.

However, the First Liberty Institute, which helped to represent the Christian group, announced Wednesday that the IRS has granted Christians Engaged's request for tax-exempt status.

This is truly great news for our client, as well as religious organizations and churches across America, said First Liberty Institute counsel Lea Patterson in a statement shared with The Christian Post.

We are grateful the IRS changed course to bring its decision into line with the Constitution and its own regulations.

Christians Engaged President Bunni Pounds said she was incredibly thankful to the IRS for doing the right thing.

 we look forward to continuing our mission of educating more followers of Jesus to pray for our nation and to be civically engaged. When we stand up, our republic works for all Americans, she added in the statement.

In 2019, Christians Engaged applied for tax-exempt status, only to receive a notice of denial from IRS Exempt Organizations Director Stephen A. Martin on May 18.

In the notice, Martin argued that the group was too political, asserting that they engage in prohibited political campaign intervention.

You are also not operated exclusively for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3), because you operate for a substantial non-exempt private purpose and for the private interests of the [Republican] party, wrote Martin.

Pounds, who heads Christians Engaged, ran for Congress in 2018 but lost in the Republican primary. The organization's vice president is Trayce Bradford, who previously led the pro-family advocacy group Texas Eagle Forum.

Martin claimed that the group should be denied tax-exempt status because it works to instruct people on what the Bible says about various issues that "generally distinguish candidates and are associated with political party platforms."

Patterson noted in several media interviews that the IRS had granted a tax exemption to former first lady Michelle Obama and her activist group When We All Vote, as a counter to Martin's reasoning for denying Pounds' organization tax-exempt status.

In June, Christians Engaged filed an appeal with the help of the First Liberty Institute, arguing that the IRS reasoning was flawed in multiple ways, namely that it invented a nonexistent requirement that exempt organizations be neutral on public policy issues.

The appeal also argued that the agency wrongly assumed that "Christians Engaged primarily serves private, nonexempt purposes rather than public, exempt purposes because he [Martin] thinks its beliefs overlap with the Republican Partys policy positions."

Christians Engaged received the backing of several Republican members of Congress who sent a letter to the IRS on June 25 imploring the government agency to reverse its decision against the nonprofit.

The IRS must objectively analyze applications for tax-exempt status and cannot allow political biases to creep into its decisions, reads the letter in part.

We urge you to immediately review Christians Engageds application for 501(c)(3) status personally, and terminate the IRS staff involved in the flawed and politically motivated reasoning behind the determination.

In 2013, the IRS garnered controversy when the agency admitted to targeting conservative groups' tax-exempt applications with the terms Tea Party or Patriot in them during the 2012 presidential election season.

Lois Lerner, then director of the IRS Exempt Organizations Division, gave an apology, stating at the time that it was absolutely inappropriate and not the way we should do things.
New Fla. law improves protections for sex trafficking victims, makes it easier to expunge records

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Florida has passed a new bill aimed at bolstering efforts to protect human trafficking victims and foster better communication between advocates and victims at a time when data suggests that nearly half of trafficking victims do not have anyone reach out to help.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1826 into law last Tuesday as advocates commend the Sunshine State for having some of the strongest human trafficking demand laws in the United States. The bill was passed in the state House and Senate unanimously earlier this year.

The new law prioritizes victims of human trafficking by providing protection and advocacy for the victims and enables human traffickers and those looking to purchase sex to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Among other things, the bill allows for communication between a victim of sex trafficking and trained victims advocate to be confidential in certain circumstances and prevents court clerks from charging fees for petitions of expunction for sex trafficking victims criminal records. Sex trafficking victims are often forced to commit crimes under the pressure of their sex traffickers, advocates say.

The National Center on Sexual Exploitation, an advocacy group founded in 1962 that seeks to expose all forms of sexual abuse and exploitation, praised the measure. NCOSE attorney Pansy Watson said the new law strengthens trafficking laws in a number of different ways.

The process prior was a little bit more complex. They could only expunge one offense at a time. This allows them to expunge multiple offenses, Watson said in an interview with The Christian Post. Oftentimes, what a trafficker might do is ... force the victims to commit crimes. And there might be multitudes of misdemeanor crimes and maybe certain types of felonies that appear on their [the victims] record. But they were forced to do so under some form of coercion.

Further, the law establishes that the confidential communication helps with the victims protection, Watson explained.

Theyre not being forced to have to take a stand when they expunge their record or appear in court, she said. If a victim has been traumatized, it can compound the trauma to have to confront people and tell their story again and again.

Senate Bill 1826 authorizes judges to make procedural accommodations for victims of human sex trafficking in judicial proceedings.

The new law further expands the definition of human trafficking to include purchasing patronizing or procuring another person for exploitation and the trafficking of an adult believed by the person to be a child.

Additionally, the definition of obtain is amended to mean in relation to labor, commercial sexual activity, or services, to receive, take possession of, or take custody of another person or secure performance thereof.

Florida state Rep. Jackie Toledo thanked DeSantis on Twitter for signing this much needed bill that puts human traffickers on notice that Florida is NOT open to human trafficking! In an earlier tweet, Toledo stressed that the bill reduces the barriers survivors face when trying to live a normal life.

NCOSE CEO Dawn Hawkins said in a statement that the legal and procedural changes in the bill will have a real impact in the lives of survivors of human trafficking, supporting them in both the criminal justice system and in their healing journey.

In a time when some jurisdictions around the U.S. are systematically letting offenders off the hook, Florida is taking the crime seriously enough to continue fighting one of the fastest-growing criminal industries in the world.

Florida is absolutely taking the lead with human trafficking demand laws, Watson said. Only a handful of other states have very strong demand laws and Florida is probably the most renowned, and especially right now because of Gov. DeSantis.

The NCOSE lawyer said that other states are also taking steps to tackle sex trafficking.

Hawaii has just passed a bill that describes the demand for sex as commercial sexual exploitation, and it is very similar, Watson said. Maine recently attempted to pass a bill that would essentially stop punishing the prostituted person but punish sex buyers as commercial sexual exploiters. And the governor, unfortunately, vetoed that because she had concerns about the way it was written.

According to the Guardian Group, an organization whose mission is to prevent sex trafficking of women and children while enabling partners to identify victims and predators in the US, 44% of sex trafficking victims report that no one reached out and offered help. Another 26% reported rarely ever being offered support. Also, 55% of victims say they attended school at some point while being trafficked.

The Guardian Group contends that everyone in society must do better in capitalizing and counteracting sex traffickers efforts because it could be happening in the next aisle of the grocery store or their backyard.

The hotline for human trafficking is 1-888-373-7888.
Prison Fellowship partners with Moody Bible Institute to give daily devotionals to 100K inmates

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Americas largest evangelical prison ministry organization, Prison Fellowship, recently partnered with Chicagos Moody Bible Institute to create new daily devotionals to be distributed to over 100,000 inmates across the United States.

The two 120-day devotionals, which are based on Moodys Today in the Word daily devotional, contain readings on all four holy Bible gospels and include Bible studies, discussion questions and a series of Christian testimonies from previously incarcerated Christians who found God while in prison. While one devotional is crafted for incarcerated men, the other is geared for incarcerated women.

The partnership has been described as one of the largest outreach efforts in Prison Fellowships 45-year history. Prison Fellowship chaplains began distributing the Bibles to inmates on July 1.

We are thrilled to have partnered with Moody Bible Institute and we cannot wait to see so many lives changed through these devotionals, Prison Fellowship Vice President of Field Programs Dan Kingery told The Christian Post.

The devotionals are handheld books written by professors and staff of Moody Bible Institute, an evangelical Bible college with campuses in Illinois, Michigan and Washington state. The books have been ordered by many prisons throughout the U.S. They will be distributed to inmates who choose to receive copies.

The womens devotional differs from the mens devotional because it contains chapters that focus on how to heal after facing trauma. Both devotionals encourage incarcerated individuals to lead Bible-centered and goal-oriented lives.

Many women have suffered tremendous trauma who are in prisons, and men and women go through different walks and experiences in prison, Kingery, 60, said. So, we wanted to create two devotionals specifically designed to pinpoint key issues each gender primarily faces. And we hope these books remind both men and women that Jesus is there and that Jesus has extended an invitation that says, Come to me if you are weary and need help.

Kingery said that people in prison face the same kinds of spiritual struggles that people outside prison face. However, the spiritual struggles may be heightened for inmates due to a lack of access to friends and family and having no alone time.

He added that while inmates are often in very crowded prisons, they can feel very lonely because they are not near their close friends or family.

The mission of Prison Fellowship is to restore those impacted by crime and incarceration.

Its not like the people who are in prisons can just go to get a coffee with their best friends or see their family members or relatives, Kingery said. We want to encourage those in prisons to have the pattern of thinking daily about what they think about. And we hope to encourage them to think about what the truth is, where the truth comes from. And this will then allow them to apply truth to their everyday thinking and actions.

Jamie Janosz, managing editor of Today in the Word, who helped write the devotionals, said she has always had a heart for men and women in prison.

Employed at Moody Bible Institute for 31 years, she said she was naturally inclined to participate in creating a devotional. Janosz hopes the books will bless many.

Seeing the completed devotional is a dream come true, she said, because its been her dream since childhood to play a role in teaching others about the love of Jesus and find hope in Jesus.

The bigger picture is to show others how the word of God is applicable to their daily lives, and to show those in prisons how to read a scripture passage and reflect and pray while modeling what it looks like to live out a Gospel-centered life through the testimonies in the books, Janosz detailed. We wanted to make the devotionals understandable for the inmates so they could live out what they read.

Sam Choy, the five-year chief marketing officer at Moody Bible Institute, stressed that the Gospel should be available to every person and that folks that are in prison should be no different.

We are proud of how many people we know will be blessed by these two devotionals and we have been blessed to work alongside Prison Fellowship, Choy stated.
At least 17 children die in fire at Haitian orphanage run by Pennsylvania church

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

The controversial Church of Bible Understanding headquartered in Pennsylvania is now under scrutiny after at least 17 children, including babies and toddlers, died after a fire ravaged one of two orphanages run by the religious group in Haiti, officials said Friday.

Rose-Marie Louis, one of several devastated child care workers at the home where the tragedy unfolded, told The Associated Press that the fire began around 9 p.m. Thursday and firefighters took about 90 minutes to arrive. She explained that the orphanage had been using candles for light due to problems with its generator and inverter. Some half of the children who died in the fire, she said, were babies or toddlers while the others were about 10 or 11 years old.

The AP noted that the church that was started in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 1971 by founder Stewart Traill, had lost accreditation in November 2012 for its homes after Haitian inspectors faulted the group for overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and not having enough adequately trained staff.

Citing the authority for social welfare in Haiti, The New York Times reported that at least 17 children were killed.

Its a very sad situation, said Arielle Jeanty Villedrouin, general director of the Institute for Social Welfare and Research, which oversees social welfare programs and is responsible for issuing accreditations.

The Christian Post reached out to the churchs office in Scranton on Tuesday but no one was immediately available to discuss the fire which occurred in the Kenscoff area outside Port-au-Prince.

Temi J. Sacks, a spokesman for the group, told the AP, We are aware of the fire in the childrens home in Haiti. It would be irresponsible for us to comment until after all the facts are in.

Jean-Francois Robenty, a civil protection official, told the AP that the children could have been saved but rescue workers who arrived at the scene on motorcycles didnt have bottled oxygen and ambulances needed to transport children to a hospital were also not available.

They could have been saved, he said. We didnt have the equipment to save their lives.

It could have been me, Renadin Mondeline, a 22 year old who lived in the home with her son, now 6, for about two years before getting her own place, told the AP. These little girls inside were just like my baby.

The CBU, which has been called a "cult," states on their website that they serve about 150 children across their two orphanages.

The children that we take in come to us from many places and circumstances. Sometimes we learn of a gravely ill child during our food distributions, other times, sadly, they have been abandoned at our doorstep or in a neighboring area, and occasionally they come through referrals by friends or people who work with us. Currently there are around 150 children between our 2 very large houses (a slightly fluctuating number  as some become well and have families able to care for them). They range in age from infant to young adult. You can see the relief begin to show on their faces after only a short time being with us, the group said.

On Friday, however, after protests from grieving employees at the orphanages, police raided the churchs second home and removed several dozen children, the AP said.

Haiti's President Jovenel Moise tweeted Friday that he was "deeply moved" by the deaths and directed officials to "adopt urgent measures" to determine the cause of the fire.

The U.S. Embassy in Haiti also expressed sadness at the tragedy in a tweet Friday.

The U.S. Embassy is shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic loss of life resulting from the devastating fire at Orphanage of the Church of Bible Understanding in Kenscoff. We offer our deepest condolences to the loved ones of these children, whose lives were cut too short, the embassy said.
Haitis Pres. Jovenel Moise assassinated months after bishops urged him to step down

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Haitian President Jovenel Moise was assassinated Wednesday, and his wife was injured months after religious leaders called on him to step down as the country faces what some describe as a descent into hell amid rising political tensions and violence. He was 53.

Interim Premier Claude Joseph told The Associated Press that Moise was assassinated in an attack on his private residence early Wednesday, which he described as a hateful, inhumane and barbaric act.

The late presidents wife, first lady Martine Moise, was also shot and is currently hospitalized.

The countrys security situation is under the control of the National Police of Haiti and the Armed Forces of Haiti, Joseph said. Democracy and the republic will win.

In a message to the people of Haiti, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said in an interview with CNN Wednesday that Moises assassination is a tragic tragedy.

Its a horrific crime and were so sorry for the loss that they are all suffering and going through as many of them are waking up this morning and hearing this news," she said. "And we stand ready and stand by them to provide any assistance thats needed."

U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson was among the first world leaders to react to the killing of the Caribbean countrys head of state. He called the assassination abhorrent.

I am shocked and saddened at the death of President Moise. Our condolences are with his family and the people of Haiti. This is an abhorrent act and I call for calm at this time, Johnson said in a statement on Twitter.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said in a statement that the assassination is a stain on Haiti and a sorrowful time for the Caribbean.

This morning the world awoke to the shocking and tragic news of the assassination of Haitis President His Excellency Jovenel Moise. I have met and spoken with President Moise many times and in all my interactions with him, particularly within the context of CARICOM, I found him to be a man committed to seeing Haiti take her place in the world, Holness said. This heinous act is a stain on Haiti and a sorrowful time for the region. May God be a special covering over his family and over the people of Haiti during this dark time in the nations history.

Moise was killed as he pursued an aggressive agenda that included rewriting the countrys Constitution, The New York Times reported. It was not a move that was supported by the United States or some local religious leaders. Critics feared that he was setting the country down a path toward authoritarian rule and threatened the nation's democracy.

Moise was reportedly pushing for a Constitution that would grant Haitis leader immunity for any actions taken while in office. However, many Haitians felt a need for a new Constitution even if they were critical of Moise's proposal.

We need a system that works, Moise told The New York Times in March. The system now doesnt work. The president cannot work to deliver.

The Bishops' Conference of Haiti said the proposed changes to the countrys Constitution while in the middle of a national socio-political crisis were not wise, Vatican News reports. In a Feb. 2 statement, the conference argued that violence had escalated under Moises rule, and the Haitian people were bearing the brunt of it.

The daily life of the Haitian people is reduced to death, murders, impunity and insecurity, the Haitian Bishops' Conference wrote, according to Fides News Agency. Discontent is everywhere, in almost all areas.

In March, the Haitian Conference of Religious echoed the alarm raised by the country's bishops and called on Moise to step down as his political opposition claimed that his five-year term had expired on Feb. 7.

"No serious decisions have been taken to alleviate the suffering of the people or to protect them from aggression," the CHR argued in the letter. The only thing that seems to be of concern to you, is to carry out your so-called mandate at all costs, against the legitimate request of an entire people."

One wonders, what is the point of clinging to power even illegitimately or illegally when more than half the population lives in conditions of chronic food insecurity? they asked.

By April, the Catholic Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince said Haiti was facing a descent into hell after 10 people, including seven clergy members, were abducted by kidnappers demanding a $1 million ransom.

For some time now, we have been witnessing the descent into hell of Haitian society, the archdiocese said in a statement.

The public authorities who are doing nothing to resolve this crisis are not immune from suspicion. We denounce complacency and complicity wherever it comes from, the statement added.

Despite the calls for him to step down, Moise maintained that his term would not expire until February 2022 because he wasn't sworn in until 2017.

A provisional president ruled Haiti for one year following controversial elections clouded by fraud allegations. Moise had called for legislative and presidential elections to be held on Sept. 19, with a runoff scheduled for Nov. 21, Vatican News said. The government has been acting through continuous decrees.

In February, the U.S. State Department said that a new Haitian president should only take power once Moise's term ends in February 2022.

In 2019, Haitians took to the streets to demand Moise resign in light of allegations that the government misappropriated billions of dollars earmarked for reconstruction following a catastrophic earthquake in 2010 that killed 300,000 people and left between 1.5 million and 2 million people homeless.

With a Gross Domestic Product per capita of $1,149.50 and a Human Development Index ranking of 170 out of 189 countries in 2020, Haiti's economic and social development is hindered by political instability, governance issues and fragility, according to the World Bank. Haiti is the poorest country in the Latin America and Caribbean region and among the poorest countries in the world.
The urgent need for 'sin'

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

The cases of Bill Cosby, Harvey Weinstein, Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, among others, reveal the contradiction of a worldview and system that does not believe in original sin yet wants to punish those it deems sinners.

In efforts to discount the Bible and its condemnation of sin, disdain evangelists depicted as hypocritical condemners of sins they themselves secretly practice, and churches that dare to talk about sin, much of Hollywood and other establishment bastions smirk at the notion of original sin.

Cultural commentator Jeri Ungurean minces no words: Because morals are not something that those in Hollywood embrace there are no absolutes  no boundaries for actions  no good versus evil. But because these people were also created by God, they are aware of what is right and what is wrong. They may suppress this knowledge, but its there, nonetheless. Having good morals gets you nowhere in Hollywood.[1]

Despite the contradictory efforts by Hollywood to banish sin yet go after the sinners, sinthe recognition of it and its destructive poweris essential for society, which is the aggregate of people living together in a more or less ordered community.[2]

So, no recognition, acknowledgement, and repenting of sin, no well-ordered society.

Isaiah 14 speaks of the destruction wrought by Lucifers romp through the world. Among other things, the evil one made the world like a wilderness... and overthrew its cities. (Isaiah 14:17)

The polis, or city in Greek thought was to be a community of order and security. The fundamental struggle in the fallen world is that of chaos (fragmentation and disorder) against cosmos (order, harmony, peace). Chaos pushes in, looking for weak points in the boundaries of the polis, and the greater the evil the more the cracks in the wall.

Therefore, repentance from the original sin that so many in the Hollywood establishment seek to deny is essential for the order of society. If there is no acknowledgement of the existence of evil, neither is there an opportunity to repent and experience the ultimate freedom of grace.

Original sin is the only doctrine thats been empirically validated by 2,000 years of human history, quipped G.K. Chesterton.

The fashionable trend to disregard sin was a concern to Pope Pius XII as early as 1946, when he said that perhaps the greatest sin in the world today is that (people) have begun to lose the sense of sin.

The need for the recovery of belief in sin became so evident in the 20th century that famed psychiatrist Karl Menninger wondered whatever became of it. His book, Whatever Became of Sin? became a bestseller. He was concerned that there was a loss of the idea of sin and personal responsibility for harmful thoughts and behaviors both in psychiatric practice and the pulpit.

Without acknowledgement of sin there is no opportunity to receive forgiveness and move in a new, healthy, direction.

Scott Peck, another psychiatrist, believed that in many cases healing could not come until personal evil was faced and acknowledged, as he detailed in his bestseller, The Road Less Traveled.

There really are people and institutions made up of people, who respond with hatred in the presence of goodness and would destroy the good insofar as it is in their power to do so, thought Peck.

Hollywood tells us there is so much violence and graphic sex scenes in films because of the demands of honesty. The greater need, however, is for Hollywood to get honest with and about itself.

If there is any silver lining midst the #Metoo exposures, its that the pleasant Disney-esque mask that has hidden this evil is slipping off, exposing the rot and stench, and the vast emptiness, beneath, says John Paul Meenan in Catholic Insight. But we the consumers of the worst as well as the best of the Hollywood product, are also to blame. The Weinsteins of the world had power because we, the audience, gave them power, Meenan writes.[3]

The glitz and glamour of Hollywood and its highly polished products are suffused with a lot of sulfurous fumes. All who comprise Hollywoods audiences are to some degree complicit in the whole hyper-sexualized enterprise, says Meenan.

Thus, if Hollywood is so schizophrenic about sin that it seeks to deny it while condemning sinners, the fault is not only shared by its consumers, but especially churches that no longer preach sin and the need for forgiveness.

In the decades I have been writing about religion in both secular and religious media, I have never heard of more moral failings among Christian leaders. It seems we are living in a Luke 8:17 moment. There, Jesus says: For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be brought to light.

Thus, if the popular culture and its promoters and advocates are so confused that they want to punish sinners while not believing the Bibles teachings about sin, then we must ask, with Dr. Menninger: Whatever became of sin?

Sadly, the answer is that pulpits have largely lost the message of sin, judgment, and repentance to the socio-cultural demands of our brief moment for happiness, security, and mental and emotional well-being in a world collapsing into Lucifers chaos.

Hollywood and other socio-cultural institutions wont get the message until the church proclaims it once more.

Dont expect the voice of the culture to get a more doctrinally correct understanding of original sin if the voice of the prophets does not flame with the hard truth of the reality and consequences of sin and hope of forgiveness.

[1] Geri Ungurean  Absolute Truth from the Word of God (grandmageri422.me)

[2] definition of socety - Bing

[3] Hollywood's Sense of Sin  Catholic Insight
Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Chuck Colson would often say that the greatest gift Christianity gave the world other than the message of salvation is the idea of the image of God.

It is important for Christians to know and understand the image of God for three distinct reasons. First, the image of God has been among the most consequential ideas in all of human history. Even atheists like Friedrich Nietzsche or the modern-day philosopher Luc Ferry, have acknowledged that our ideas about human dignity, human equality and human value were not present across cultures and civilizations, but were introduced to the world in Christianity. Why? Because of its core belief that humans were made in the image and likeness of God.

Second, the image of God is central to a truly Christian worldview. Scripture has been given to us in a grand, sweeping narrative: the story of creation to new creation, from the heavens and earth to the new heavens and new earth. And one of the central characters in the Christian story is the image of God. We see this right away in Genesis 1, in which God creates the heavens and the earth; then He creates His image bearers to rule over them in His place and for His glory.

Finally, the image of God is critical if we are going to understand the issues and challenges of our day. The most significant challenges we face in our culture are not fundamentally moral ones. We do face moral challenges but the ones we face are the fruit of the problems, not the root. Its the effect, not the cause. At the root of the issues of our culture has been a dramatic shift in how we think about the nature and value of the human person.

At the recent Wilberforce Weekend, Rebecca McLaughlin talked about the significance of the image of God. This idea is in all of human history. She referenced the Declaration of Independence, went on to highlight how the image of God directs our hearts to freedom, and how the greatest freedom ever won is the freedom we find in Christ. Here is an edited excerpt of Rebeccas talk:

I am going to bring us back again to the Declaration of Independence. We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal. Now, people often talk about the New Testament as if it condones and justifies slavery, and I can understand why they do. Slaves are addressed in the New Testament because they were part of the early Church.

In fact, from very early on, Christianity was mocked as being a religion of slaves and women and little children. Slaves are given instructions about how to live for Jesus in the condition that they find themselves. We look at Pauls letter to Philemon and think, okay, the Apostle Paul wrote a letter sending an enslaved person back to his master. Of course, that means the Bible condones slavery. Right? Not if you read the letter.

Paul sends Onesimus back and tells Philemon to receive him as a brother. Thats not all. Paul tells Philemon that Onesimus is his very heart. He loves him that much. He tells him to receive him back as he would receive Paul himself, his most respected mentor. In the New Testament there are ways that we are called to relate to each other as fellow image bearers of God, which is a radical undermining of the idea of there being masters and slaves. There were those whose lives were valueless and could be exploited by the more powerful. We see that in Jesus own life as He takes on the slave role himself and dies a slaves death for us and for every enslaved person in history.

As Christianity starts to work its way through the West, we see slavery being progressively abolished. One of the earliest explicit arguments against slavery comes from Gregory of Nyssa in the fourth century. He asks, how much does rationality cost? How many obols (currency at the time) did you pay for the image of God? How many staters did you get for selling the God-formed man? Its ridiculous. It is absurd for somebody to think that he can own another human being who has been made in the image of God.

Were celebrating Wilberforce Weekend and its right and good that we look back to folks like William Wilberforce, whose Christian faith drove him to fight tooth and nail against the evils of slavery. But we have to recognize as well that if Christians had truly believed that black people were made in the image of God, just as much as white people were, that Africans were made in the image of God, just as much as Europeans were, there wouldnt have been anything to abolish at that point.

Its right for us to look back at the heroes of the faith, who fought for biblical values when it comes to human equality and who fought against slavery. But we must also reckon with the sins of our same sort of spiritual ancestors who didnt. Because the Imago Dei had to kill slavery twice. And just as a disproportionate number of folks in the early Church were enslaved, people who are clinging on to Jesus  who died a slaves death for them  so Jesus has been calling enslaved people to himself through the centuries.

To hear Rebeccas full talk, and gain access to the entire library of presentations about the image of God, visit wilberforceweekend.org.

Originally published at BreakPoint.
Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

I recently explained that, as much as I am sympathetic to the goals of gay Americans who feel that they are simply fighting for equality and freedom, I cannot support those goals for two reasons. The first is biblical: same-sex relationships and endless gender variations violate Gods best plan for humanity. The second is social: when we look at the trajectory of LGBTQ+ activism, we see that it ends up going in a very dangerous and destructive direction.

Recently, a man who identifies as a woman shocked patrons at a local spa when he exposed himself to the women and girls there. This led to protests condemning his behavior as well as defending his rights, with one protest turning violent thanks to the presence of Antifa.

To be sure, there were many in the LGBTQ+ community who were appalled, saying this is not what they stand for.

As reported on Fox News, Tammy Bruce a member of the LGBTQ community herself, told Tucker Carlson on Monday that the exchange was troubling to many of her transgender friends who found the individual's behavior offensive.

My concern here is that the average transgender person, and I have perhaps more transgender friends than some of the people watching the program, they are also appalled, Bruce said.

So, the trajectory of which I am speaking is not that there will suddenly be an epidemic of biological males who claim to be females exposing themselves to women and girls. (Sadly, this has happened in the past, and its another reason why biological males should not have access to womens bathrooms and locker rooms and the like.)

The trajectory of which I speak is the trajectory of social madness, resulting in headlines like this, from the Daily Mail: Violent clashes break out in LA between rival protesters after viral video showed customer complaining about transgender woman exposing their penis to children in upmarket spas steam room.

Just look at this four-word phrase: woman exposing their penis (and yes, never forget that he did this in the presence of girls). What kind of madness is this?

A woman does not have a penis (yes, we need to remind people of this fact these days, since it is hotly disputed). And a single woman is not described by the possessive pronoun their.

Of course, some of the absurdity and outrageousness of this whole situation would have been underscored by using correct grammar, hence woman exposing her penis (remember the realities of biology!). But using the generic, transgender their only heightens the ridiculousness of the sentence.

And what of the dangerous trajectory in which some believe that this man has the right to such behavior since, after all, he is trans? Is not this some of the very child abuse of which some of us have been warning for years?

Speaking of child abuse, Mary Margaret Olohan recently posted an article titled, You Should be in Prison: Critics Slam WaPo Article Encouraging Kink Culture for Children.

As she explained, A Washington Post op-ed published Tuesday [June 29] celebrates and encourages exposing children to kink culture, such as explicit performances at pride parades.

Yes, kink belongs at Pride, reads the headline of writer Lauren Rowellos Tuesday WaPo piece. And I want my kids to see it.

As for Rowello, Olohan tells us that she is a gendervague person who is married to a transgender woman. Rowello described how the couple attended a pride parade where their children were confused to see a few dozen kinksters who danced down the street, laughing together as they twirled their whips and batons, some leading companions by leashes.

But Rowello wanted her kids to see this  Hey kids, check out the BDSM practices enjoyed by some of our community!  since, Children who witness kink culture are reassured that alternative experiences of sexuality and expression are valid  no matter who they become as they mature, helping them recognize that their personal experiences arent bad or wrong, and that they arent alone in their experiences.

This is parental child abuse, plain and simple, adding to the confusion these kids will already experience due to the gender identities of their parents.

For good reason, Ben Shapiro tweeted, In a sane society, CPS [Child Protective Services] would already be on the way.

Of course, many in the LGBTQ+ community would be appalled at this as well, but that is not the issue. The issue is trajectory, and the fact is that it was the Washington Post  not even the Advocate or the Village Voice  that published this perverse editorial.

Yes, this is why weve been shouting from the rooftops for so many years. Just look at where this all leads.

Thats why others are speaking up as well, most recently Helen Joyce, senior writer at The Economist with a Ph.D. in Mathematics, and so, not one to focus on LGBTQ+ related issues.

Yet she has now written, Gender self-identification is often described as this generation's civil rights battle.

But for a man to declare 'I am a woman', and for everyone to be compelled to agree, is not, as with genuine civil rights movements, about extending privileges unjustly hoarded by a favoured group to a marginalised one.

What we are facing is a fundamental redefinition of what it means for anyone to be a man or woman  the supplanting of biology and a total rewrite of society's rules, with far-reaching consequences.

She has actually devoted a soon-to-be-released book to the subject titled Trans: When Ideology Meets Reality.

Remarkably, the book carries endorsements from world-famous atheist Richard Dawkins, who called it, A frighteningly necessary book: well-written, thoroughly-researched, passionate and very brave. Even gay activist Simon Fanshawe said, If anyone doubts that gender ideology poses a threat to all of us  including trans people  you really should read this book.

The reality  yes, lets focus on reality  is that something is terribly wrong with the direction our society is going. If we dont make a very serious about-face, our children and their children will pay dearly.

Will we let this happen on our watch?
Canadian Pastor Tim Stephens released from jail: 'I'm thankful for God'

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

A Canadian pastor who was arrested for holding an outdoor worship service after authorities ordered his church building to be closed has been released from jail and expressed gratitude to God for sustaining his congregation.

Tim Stephens, who serves as pastor of Fairview Baptist Church in Calgary, Alberta, spent the weekend with his family and church about two weeks after he was arrested, Rebel News reported.

He was arrested on June 14 after refusing to abide by the order from Alberta Health Services to refrain from holding worship services that didnt comply with the provincial COVID-19 restrictions at the time.

Police in a helicopter discovered where Stephens was holding worship gatherings and arrested him soon thereafter from his home, as his children witnessed the arrest and cried.

Today is a very thankful day, Rebel News quoted the pastor as saying. Im thankful that the restrictions are done and rescinded, including the court orders that go along with that.

[M]ost of all, Im thankful for God, he added. Im thankful that Hes built His church, that Hes sustained our church at Fairview Baptist Church. Im thankful that He strengthened me, my wife, and our family, and that, through this, people have come to know the saving love of the Lord Jesus Christ. People have been strengthened in this country and around the world, and so, for these many reasons, Im thankful.

On June 5, Stephens had tweeted pictures of notices that were posted on the doors of his church proclaiming that Alberta Health Services Has Ordered This Premises Closed to the Public and Alberta Health Services has secured this building as per section 62.1 of the Public Health Act.

Stephens attempted to make the best of the situation by vowing that Fines, injunctions, imprisonment, and seizure of property will only demonstrate the folly of their actions and bring glory to Christ.

During his confinement, Stephens wrote a letter to his children asserting that I have been arrested because I am convinced by the Word of God, reason, and science, that we must gather as a church and live our lives with freedom in Christ.

Stephens is not the only Canadian pastor to face legal consequences for holding in-person worship services.

The pastor of a church in Aylmer, Ontario, faced nearly $200,000 in fines for holding outdoor worship services after the local government shut down his church building.

Artur Pawlowski, another pastor based in Calgary, has had multiple encounters with law enforcement over ongoing coronavirus worship restrictions.

Pawlowski has angrily confronted local police and public health officials who showed up at his church in two viral videos and was eventually arrested for holding an illegal in-person gathering.

Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri recently urged the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom to consider placing Canada on its Watch List due to its continued lockdown restrictions, arrests of Christian pastors and seizure of church property.

I am troubled that our Canadian neighbors are effectively being forced to gather in secret, undisclosed locations to exercise their basic freedom to worship, Hawley said in his letter to the USCIRF. Frankly, I would expect this sort of religious crackdown in Communist China, not in a prominent Western nation like Canada. Canadian authorities arrest of faith leaders and seizure of church property, among other enforcement actions, appear to constitute systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom.
India: Christians celebrate first Indian Christian Day, feast of St. Thomas

Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

As it was Apostle Thomas who brought the Gospel to India and was martyred near the southern city of Chennai in 72 AD, Christians from all major denominations in the country celebrated July 3, the day he was killed, as the first Indian Christian Day amid rising persecution which is premised on the propaganda that Christianity is a foreign religion.

In India, July 3 was thus far observed as Saint Thomas Day to celebrate Saint Thomas who came to India in 52 AD with the message of Jesus. From this year onwards, it will also be celebrated as Indian Christian Day, according to Asia News.

Its a grassroots initiative, it is non-political and seeks no political patronage, Fr. Cedric Prakash, a Gujarat-based priest and social activist, wrote in a letter addressed to all churches in the country prior to the days observance, The Quint reported.

In recent years, there has been increased misinformation about the historicity of the message of Jesus in India; besides from certain quarters there are efforts to discredit the Christians with falsehoods and half-truths, Prakash added.

By marking it in 2021 and every year henceforth, we, as followers of the Lord Jesus, can preserve our identity within Indias cultural heritage, while uniting with all those who wish to celebrate it, irrespective of language, custom, creed, region or religion, the promoters of the event said.

Christians are estimated to make up about 2.3% of Indias population.

Attacks on Christians have been on the rise since the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party won the 2014 national elections.

Since the current ruling party (Bharatiya Janata Party) took power in 2014, incidents against Christians have increased, and Hindu radicals often attack Christians with little to no consequences, noted Open Doors World Watch List last year, which ranked India as the 10th worst country for Christians.

The view of the Hindu nationalists is that to be Indian is to be Hindu, so any other faith  including Christianity  is viewed as non-Indian. Also, converts to Christianity from Hindu backgrounds or tribal religions are often extremely persecuted by their family members and communities, Open Doors said at the time.

Several Indian states have anti-conversion laws, which presume that Christian workers force or give financial benefits to Hindus to convert them to Christianity.

While these laws have been in place for decades in some states, no Christian has been convicted of forcibly converting anyone to Christianity. These laws, however, allow Hindu nationalist groups to make false charges against Christians and launch attacks on them under the pretext of the alleged forced conversion.

Some of these laws state that no one is allowed to use the threat of divine displeasure, meaning Christians cannot talk about Heaven or Hell, as that would be seen as forcing someone to convert. And if snacks or meals are served to Hindus after an evangelistic meeting, that could be seen as inducement.

A recent report from Human Rights Watch warned that "prejudices embedded in the government" of the BJP led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi have infiltrated independent institutions, such as the police and the courts, empowering nationalist groups to threaten, harass and attack religious minorities with impunity.
In terms of quality and condition, its hard to beat  a 3,000-year-old bronze Irish horn

Antiquities specialist Claudio Corsi admires a remarkable relic from prehistoric Ireland  played using the same techniques as for a didgeridoo. It is offered on 7 July at Christies in London

Ive never been fortunate enough to handle one of these before, says Antiquities specialist Claudio Corsi, as he examines a 24-inch-long (61.5 cm) bronze horn from prehistoric Ireland. I think the last time one of them appeared at auction was half a century ago  and that was when Christies sold this same horn. The instrument dates from around the 7th or 8th century BC, about 300 years before the Celts arrived from mainland Europe and 1,000 years before Irelands first written language. It is thought to have been discovered somewhere near Derry, on Irelands northern coastline, around the turn of the 18th century. Its opening is decorated with a series of incised geometric patterns and bosses. At the opposite end are two bronze rings that were perhaps used to tie it to its owner. Near the rings is a hole, about an inch across, that would have been used to blow the horn. It requires a great amount of skill to play, says Corsi. You have to circulate air in through your nose and out through your mouth simultaneously, as with a didgeridoo. The Irish musician Simon ODwyer, who specialises in playing Irelands prehistoric instruments, can be seen blowing an identical horn on YouTube.

This horn produces a single booming note between an A and an A flat, which has led some archaeologists to believe it was used to transmit signals  perhaps alerting people to someones arrival  rather than to play musical tunes. Others have suggested that, given its conical shape, it may have played a role in bull worship.

Little is known about the everyday lives of the people of Bronze Age Ireland (2500-500 BC), says Corsi. But we do know that they lived in thatched wooden dwellings and farmed. They also buried the dead in stone tombs and built mysterious monolithic stone circles, comparable to Englands Stonehenge. A small number of surviving gold artefacts suggest that there was a social hierarchy, while excavated trumpets, pipes and rattles indicate that music was part of the culture.

The Bronze Age horn seen from the other side

This period in Ireland is characterised by the development of new, sophisticated metalworking techniques. Copper mined locally around County Kerry, for instance, was smelted with tin imported from Britain to create a strong bronze alloy. Initially the bronze was poured into moulds to create axes and daggers. Later, sheets of bronze were beaten into cauldrons and horns.

When you consider its age and what it might have been used for, it really is a fascinating object  specialist Claudio Corsi

Today, around 100 Bronze Age Irish horns are known to exist. Most of these were excavated from peat bogs  where they might have been hidden for safekeeping or buried as part of a ritual  and now reside in museums, including the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin, the Ulster Museum in Belfast and the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford. The present example is one of the finest still in private hands, says Corsi. It was first recorded in 1830 in the collection of Sir Samuel Rush Meyrick of Goodrich Court, a Neo-Gothic castle in the West Midlands of England. Meyrick inherited his passion for antiquities from his father and amassed one of the countrys greatest collections of historical arms and armour, much of which is now held in the British Museum.

Sign up today Christies Online Magazine delivers our best features, videos, and auction news to your inbox every week Subscribe
BEIJING (AP)  Companies including internet giants Alibaba and Tencent were fined Wednesday by anti-monopoly regulators in a new move to tighten control over their fast-developing industries.

In 22 cases, companies were fined 500,000 yuan ($75,000) each for actions including acquiring stakes in other companies that might improperly increase their market power, the State Administration for Market Regulation announced. It said violators include six companies owned by Alibaba Group, five by Tencent Holding Ltd. and two by retailer Suning.com, Ltd.
BANGKOK (AP)  Chinas most popular social media service has deleted accounts on LGBT topics run by university students and nongovernment groups, prompting concern the ruling Communist Party is tightening control over gay and lesbian content.

WeChat sent account holders a notice they violated rules but gave no details, according to the founder of an LGBT group, who asked not to be identified further out of fear of possible official retaliation. She said dozens of accounts were shut down, all at about 10 p.m. on Tuesday.

It wasn't clear whether the step was ordered by Chinese authorities, but it comes as the ruling party tightens political controls and tries to silence groups that might criticize its rule.

WeChat's operator, Tencent Holding Ltd., confirmed it received an email seeking comment but didnt immediately respond.

The Communist Party decriminalized homosexuality in 1997, but gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual and other sexual minorities still face discrimination. While there is more public discussion of such issues, some LGBT activities have been blocked by authorities.

The official attitude is increasingly strict, the founder of the LGBT group said.

Contents of the WeChat accounts, which included personal stories and photos of group events, were erased, according to the group's founder.

The former operator of a different group for university students, who asked not to be identified for fear of retaliation, called the step a devastating blow.

University officials asked students two months ago to shut down LGBT social media groups or to avoid mentioning their school names, according to the LGBT group founder. She said universities in the eastern province of Jiangsu were told by officials to investigate groups for women's rights and sexual minorities to maintain stability.

The U.S. said it was concerned the WeChat accounts had been deleted while merely expressing views and exercising freedom of speech. We oppose the use of network restrictions to suppress freedom of expression online, whether in China or anywhere else, State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters in Washington.

Surveys suggest there are about 70 million LGBT people in China, or about 5% of the population, according to state media.

Some groups have organized film festivals and other public events, but those have dwindled.

One of the most prominent, Shanghai Pride, canceled events last year and scrapped future plans without explanation after 11 years of operation.

Chinas legislature received suggestions from the public about legalizing same-sex marriage two years ago, according to the official Xinhua News Agency. However, it gave no indication whether legislators might take action.
BOSTON (AP)  Cybersecurity teams worked feverishly Sunday to stem the impact of the single biggest global ransomware attack on record, with some details emerging about how the Russia-linked gang responsible breached the company whose software was the conduit.

An affiliate of the notorious REvil gang, best known for extorting $11 million from the meat-processor JBS after a Memorial Day attack, infected thousands of victims in at least 17 countries on Friday, largely through firms that remotely manage IT infrastructure for multiple customers, cybersecurity researchers said.

REvil was demanding ransoms of up to $5 million, the researchers said. But late Sunday it offered in a posting on its dark web site a universal decryptor software key that would unscramble all affected machines in exchange for $70 million in cryptocurrency.

Earlier, the FBI said in a statement that while it was investigating the attack its scale "may make it so that we are unable to respond to each victim individually. Deputy National Security Advisor Anne Neuberger later issued a statement saying President Joe Biden had directed the full resources of the government to investigate this incident and urged all who believed they were compromised to alert the FBI.

Biden suggested Saturday the U.S. would respond if it was determined that the Kremlin is at all involved.

Less than a month ago, Biden pressed Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop giving safe haven to REvil and other ransomware gangs whose unrelenting extortionary attacks the U.S. deems a national security threat.

A broad array of businesses and public agencies were hit by the latest attack, apparently on all continents, including in financial services, travel and leisure and the public sector  though few large companies, the cybersecurity firm Sophos reported. Ransomware criminals infiltrate networks and sow malware that cripples them by scrambling all their data. Victims get a decoder key when they pay up.

The Swedish grocery chain Coop said most of its 800 stores would be closed for a second day Sunday because their cash register software supplier was crippled. A Swedish pharmacy chain, gas station chain, the state railway and public broadcaster SVT were also hit.

In Germany, an unnamed IT services company told authorities several thousand of its customers were compromised, the news agency dpa reported. Also among reported victims were two big Dutch IT services companies  VelzArt and Hoppenbrouwer Techniek. Most ransomware victims don't publicly report attacks or disclose if they've paid ransoms.

CEO Fred Voccola of the breached software company, Kaseya, estimated the victim number in the low thousands, mostly small businesses like dental practices, architecture firms, plastic surgery centers, libraries, things like that.

Voccola said in an interview that only between 50-60 of the company's 37,000 customers were compromised. But 70% were managed service providers who use the company's hacked VSA software to manage multiple customers. It automates the installation of software and security updates and manages backups and other vital tasks.

Experts say it was no coincidence that REvil launched the attack at the start of the Fourth of July holiday weekend, knowing U.S. offices would be lightly staffed. Many victims may not learn of it until they are back at work on Monday. Most end users of managed service providers have no idea" whose software keep their networks humming, said Voccola,

Kaseya said it sent a detection tool to nearly 900 customers on Saturday night.

The REvil offer to offer blanket decryption for all victims of the Kaseya attack in exchange for $70 million suggested its inability to cope with the sheer quantity of infected networks, said Allan Liska, an analyst with the cybersecurity firm Recorded Future. Although analysts reported seeing demands of $5 million and $500,000 for bigger targets, it was apparently demanding $45,000 for most.

This attack is a lot bigger than they expected and it is getting a lot of attention. It is in REvils interest to end it quickly, said Liska. This is a nightmare to manage.

Analyst Brett Callow of Emsisoft said he suspects REvil is hoping insurers might crunch the numbers and determine the $70 million will be cheaper for them than extended downtime.

Sophisticated ransomware gangs on REvil's level usually examine a victims financial records  and insurance policies if they can find them  from files they steal before activating the ransomware. The criminals then threaten to dump the stolen data online unless paid. In this attack, that appears not to have happened.

Dutch researchers said they alerted Miami-based Kaseya to the breach and said the criminals used a zero day, the industry term for a previous unknown security hole in software. Voccola would not confirm that or offer details of the breach  except to say that it was not phishing.

The level of sophistication here was extraordinary, he said.

When the cybersecurity firm Mandiant finishes its investigation, Voccola said he is confident it will show that the criminals didn't just violate Kaseya code in breaking into his network but also exploited vulnerabilities in third-party software.

It was not the first ransomware attack to leverage managed services providers. In 2019, criminals hobbled the networks of 22 Texas municipalities through one. That same year, 400 U.S. dental practices were crippled in a separate attack.

One of the Dutch vulnerability researchers, Victor Gevers, said his team is worried about products like Kaseya's VSA because of the total control of vast computing resources they can offer. More and more of the products that are used to keep networks safe and secure are showing structural weaknesses, he wrote in a blog Sunday.

The cybersecurity firm ESET identified victims in least 17 countries, including the United Kingdom, South Africa, Canada, Argentina, Mexico, Indonesia, New Zealand and Kenya.

Kaseya says the attack only affected on-premise customers, organizations running their own data centers, as opposed to its cloud-based services that run software for customers. It also shut down those servers as a precaution, however.

Kaseya, which called on customers Friday to shut down their VSA servers immediately, said Sunday it hoped to have a patch in the next few days.

Active since April 2019, REvil provides ransomware-as-a-service, meaning it develops the network-paralyzing software and leases it to so-called affiliates who infect targets and earn the lions share of ransoms. U.S. officials say the most potent ransomware gangs are based in Russia and allied states and operate with Kremlin tolerance and sometimes collude with Russian security services.

Cybersecurity expert Dmitri Alperovitch of the Silverado Policy Accelerator think tank said that while he does not believe the Kaseya attack is Kremlin-directed, it shows that Putin has not yet moved" on shutting down cybercriminals.

___

AP reporters Eric Tucker in Washington, Kirsten Grieshaber in Berlin, Jari Tanner in Helsinki and Sylvie Corbet in Paris contributed to this report.
Courtesy, ElringKlinger

A German auto parts manufacturing company with ties to Tesla is coming to the East Side. ElringKlinger AG is moving into a building at 4222 IH-35, near Fort Sam Houston, according to reporting by the Express-News.

The plant is poised to bring 52 new, full-time jobs over four years, including production worker, engineering, and technician positions. In documents filed with the city on June 17, ElringKlinger said the jobs will have an average of salary of $50,163. At least 15 of those positions will make more than $50,000, plus benefits.
CANNES, France (AP)  It's not hard to find people at the Cannes Film Festival dedicated to the big-screen, theatrical life of movies. But even among the devoted flocks of Cannes, Mark Cousins stands out as a true believer.

The Belfast-born, Edinburgh-based filmmaker and critic has a boundless affection for movies, and tastes that stretch around the globe. He has made pilgrimages in the footsteps of beloved films (like Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's I Know Where I'm Going!" which he turned into a documentary ) and composed mammoth, hourslong documentaries on the art form's history propelled as much as anything by his own romantic, inquisitive sense of wonder.

So great is his ardor that he literally drapes himself in movies. Directors' names typically adorn his clothing. He has tattoos of Orson Welles and the Japanese actor-filmmaker Tanaka Kinuyo. The tie he brings to Cannes has EP scrawled on the inside, for Pressburger. With him wherever he goes, as a reminder to preserve a childlike perspective, is a laminated still from Herz Frank's 10 Minutes Older of a boy with mouth open in awe.

I was brought up Catholic and we were of course all into devotional objects. So why not? Cousins says of his bodily props. Lifes tough in a way. Its easy to forget or get ground down or under imagine life. So if youve got enough visual reminders, it helps.

Cousins is very close to movie passion physicalized, and given an Irish accent. So it was fitting that the Cannes Film Festival turned to him to help raise spirits, and set the tone for the festival, on opening day. Cousins premiered his The Story of Film: A New Generation," a new installment to the epic undertaking of his The Story of Film: An Odyssey," a 15-hour project spanning the history of movies.

It may be an epilogue, but in addition to contemplating advances and new visions in 21st century film, the documentary, narrated lyrically by Cousins, is also occupied with cinema's uncertain present. It was made under lockdown with, he says, that feeling that weve all had this sort of forced dream together."

When we go inside our heads, what do we find?" he says "One of the things is cinema.

For anyone feeling down about the state of movies after a pandemic year that shuttered theaters around the world and heightened doomsday forecasts, talking to Cousins is like an elixir. To him, cinema is an unstoppable artform  one forever mutating, adapting and evolving.

The people who think its coming to a crawl arent looking in the right places. If you really look around the world, cinema is always evolving in an almost Darwinian sense, said Cousins. Its getting new branches and trees.

The reason I think its not dying is because when cinema came along unexpectedly in 1895, it was quite close to how our brains work, he adds. Shots and cuts almost feel like neurological events. I dont mean that in a fancy, intellectual sense. I mean just how emotionally we react on a day-to-day basis. Our brains do shots and cuts. They visualize and they jump.

Cousins is also premiering in Cannes The Storms of Jeremy Thomas, a profile of the prolific British producer of films like The Last Emperor," Sexy Beast" and Only Lovers Left Alive. He made it partly on a road trip with Thomas to Cannes two years ago.

There are also restorations of some films near and dear to Cousins playing at Cannes  a restored I Know Where I'm Going! and El Camino, the 1964 by the Spanish filmmaker Ana Mariscal, one of the many directors Cousins celebrated in Women Make Film," his lauded 14-hour documentary on female filmmakers that ran on Turner Classic Movies and the Criterion Channel.

In The Story of Film: A New Generation, he describes movie theaters as where our lives get relit.

Thats exactly what happens," says Cousins. "When you go into the cinema, you go into a moment of darkness and then theres illumination. Its like you go through a brief winter and then come into summer. I will switch off because I want you to switch me on if youre the filmmaker. I will close down and go into sleep mode so you can wake me up again. If somebody else wakes me up, they can shine a different light on it."

When Cousins goes to the movies (which he does almost daily, like breakfast, he says), he sits as far forward as possible. Hes lately been enamored with the lavish musical In the Heights and the Autism documentary The Reason I Jump. It did to me what cinema at its best does which is: I felt different after having watched that film," he says. "What more can you ask?

But for someone as omnivorous as Cousins, it doesn't have to be a masterpiece to be worthwhile. Any movie will do.

Even if a film is really terrible, theres going to be, like, a tree in it, or a sunshine, or a chicken or something, he says, laughing. There will be something.

___

Follow AP Film Writer Jake Coyle on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP
Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Ala.) only wants to face the good kind of consequences for his comments the morning of the January 6th riot at the Capitol.

The MAGA-friendly representative is basing his campaign for Senate in Alabama around his unequivocal support of Trump, including the false idea that he won the election last November, but hes had to temper his devotion to the former president in the face of a lawsuit filed by Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) alleging that Brooks speech at the Save America Rally on January 6th helped incite the insurrection.

In a July 2nd court filing, Brooks claimed he cant be sued for his comments the morning of the insurrection because they were made in the course of his duties as a federal employee, and that challenging the outcome of the election represented the interests of his constituency. Brooks also attempted to pin some of the blame on Trump, arguing that the only reason he spoke at the rally was because the White House asked him to make an appearance. But for the White House request, Brooks would have not appeared at the Ellipse rally, the filing read, also noting that Brooks office and the White House reached an agreement about the parameters of the speech in question.

Regardless of who devised its parameters, Brooks speech included a fiery call for the crowd of Trump supporters gathered at the Ellipse that morning to start taking down names and kicking ass. Brooks also noted how our ancestors sacrificed their blood, their sweat, their tears, their fortunes, and sometimes their lives before asking the audience if they were willing to do the same.

Are you willing to do what it takes to fight for America! Brooks yelled before telling rally attendees to carry the message to Capitol Hill and that the fight begins today.

The speech was so rousing that Swalwell in March sued Brooks  along with Trump, Trump Jr., and Rudy Giuliani  for violating D.C.s anti-terrorism laws by inciting the insurrection.

Brooks was not served with the suit until early June, but it wasnt for lack of trying. According to Swalwells team, Brooks office refused to respond to phone calls and emails about the suit, forcing them to hire a private investigator. Still, Brooks was able to avoid the suit. Plaintiffs investigator has spent many hours over many days in April and May at locations in multiple jurisdictions attempting to locate and serve Brooks, to no avail, Swalwells team wrote in a court filing in early June.

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta responded to the filing by giving Swalwells team 60 days to serve Brooks. Less than a week later, a process server tracked down Brooks wife at their home in Alabama, following her into their garage after she got out of her car. Brooks responded by tweeting a picture of his computer screen while alleging the process server broke the law.
If it seemed like June was a little hotter than usual, its because it was. In fact, it was hotter than its ever been in North America.

The Copernicus Climate Change Service reported on Wednesday that the average surface air temperature in North America last month exceeded that of any other June in recorded history, exceeding the previous record-holder, June 2012, by a quarter of a degree. Globally, June 2021 was tied with June 2018 for the fourth-hottest on record. The only years to feature a hotter June? 2016, 2019, and 2020.

In explaining the record in North America, the CCCS points to the extreme temperatures that swept the southwestern portion of the United States, before hitting the northwest and southwestern Canada. The all-time record for daily-maximum temperature in Canada was broken three days in a row in British Columbia, the services monthly report reads.

The temperature in Portland, Oregon, reached 116 degrees on June 28th, well above its previous record of 107, just one degree shy of the all-time record in Las Vegas, and hotter than its ever been in cities including Atlanta, Houston, and Miami. The heat dome that encompassed Portland and the rest of the northwestern U.S. and southwestern Canada is another acute reminder that the climate crisis is not an abstract concept society may have to contend with in the future, but an ever-present reality that is disrupting life on Earth in increasingly dramatic  and increasingly fatal  fashion.

As of Tuesday, Oregon state officials have reported 107 deaths from the heat wave, a tally that is expected to rise. Over 3,000 miles away in Miami, 36 people have been reported dead so far from a June 24th building collapse in Miami. The collapse may be related to rising sea levels and frequent flooding weakening the porous limestone on which Miami is built. The role that rising waters and the climate crisis played may be unanswerable in a definitive way, wrote our climate reporter Jeff Goodell. But one truth is inescapable: 20th century cities are not built for whats coming at them in the 21st century. And the longer it takes for us to grasp that, and to take dramatic action to fix it, the more people will die.

If youre looking for something a little more metaphorical to signal the grim urgency of the climate crisis, July began with the ocean literally catching on fire after a gas pipe burst in the Gulf of Mexico. The company responsible, Mexicos state-owned Pemex, had the gall to claim that no environmental damage resulted from the blaze.

The Gulf of Mexico is literally on fire because a pipeline ruptured pic.twitter.com/J4ur5MNyt1  Brian Kahn (@blkahn) July 2, 2021

It shouldnt come as a surprise that the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association is projecting July to be hotter than average across much of the nation. This includes the West, where AccuWeather predicts wildfires will ravage 9.5 million acres of land this year. This would be 130 percent of the five-year average, and 140 percent of the 10-year average. Not helping matters is that 90 percent of the West is currently in a drought, according to The New York Times, with conditions clocking in as severe or exceptional in close to half of the region.

As for the East Coast, in May NOAA predicted another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. NOAA noted at the time that it didnt expect 2021 to reach the historic level of storm activity seen in 2020, when there were 30 named tropical cyclones, seven of which were billion-dollar disasters, but as we enter July it looks like experts may have underestimated the severity of this season. On July 1st, Tropical Storm Elsa became the fifth named storm to form this year. In 2020, it took until July 5th for five such storms to form. A reminder that the Atlantic is usually not this busy so early, tweeted hurricane scientist Eric Blake. Even in the satellite era, a 5th storm in early July was unthinkable before 2020, and we were a few hours away from squeezing it in June 2021.

Meanwhile, the GOP remains one of the worlds only political blocs to refuse to acknowledge the reality of the climate crisis. Republicans in Congress only signaled their support of an infrastructure package last month once it was stripped of substantial climate policy. It gets even uglier on the state level, where Florida Governor and potential 2024 presidential nominee Ron DeSantis last month signed a bill mandating the use of fossil fuels.

While some Republicans admit publicly that climate change is real, CNN on Wednesday provided a window into whats being said behind closed doors. According to a video obtained by the network, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.), who has said hes not a climate change denier, told a GOP group last month that he thinks climate change is bullshit. Per CNN:

I dont know about you guys, but I think climate change is  as Lord Monckton said  bullsh*t, the Wisconsin Republican said, without uttering the expletive but mouthing it, and referring to British conservative climate change denier Lord Christopher Monckton. By the way, it is.

Johnson, its worth noting, is a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, which is responsible for policy related to oceans, weather, and atmospheric activities, as well as other issues pertinent to taking on the climate crisis.
A Texas-based chef took home the title and $250,000 in the most recent season of Bravo's 'Top Chef," but controversy from his own former restaurant has soured his win.

Austin chef Gabriel Erales won the 18th season of "Top Chef." But after his win aired, allegations of harassment and discrimination came to light from his time as the executive chef of Austin restaurant Comedor.

IN HOUSTON: Turkey Leg Hut under fire for new dress code

Two months after filming had wrapped for season 18 of "Top Chef" in Portland, Erales was fired from Comedor in December 2020 for violations of the restaurants policies on harassment and discrimination, the Austin American-Statesman's Matthew Odam reports.

However, details of those violations weren't revealed until Erales told the Austin American-Statesman that he had a consensual sexual relationship with a member of his staff in summer 2020 before filming "Top Chef." Their relationship ended when he returned from filming, but Erales continued communicating with her in an unprofessional manner" and cut the woman's hours at Comedor, citing poor performance, the Statesman reports.

But Philip Speer, chef and part-owner of Comedor, said he did not believe there was a performance-based reason to cut the employee's hours. Speer also clarified to the Statesman in June that Erales was fired for "repeated violations of the company's ethics policy as it relates to harassment of women," Odam reports.

"After I returned from 'Top Chef' I made some business decisions as a manager that affected this employee and were found to be discriminatory and I realized that those were bad decisions," Erales told the Statesman in an interview last week. "Ive spent the last six months really reflecting on these mistakes and taking the necessary steps to be a better husband, a father, a chef, and a leader, through therapy, through spirituality."

A source from "Top Chef" told Odam that the show had been aware of Erales' firing for violating the restaurant's harassment policy, but did not receive specific details. The company reportedly looked into Erales' on-set behavior and chose to continue to air the show when it found no concerns.

"Top Chef" host Padma Lakshmi called for a renewed investigation.

"As someone who has been sexually harassed, this topic is a serious one and merits openness," Lakshmi wrote on Twitter. "We filmed Top Chef in October of last year & were not aware of the allegations now coming out about Gabe. This should be investigated & the network should consider its best action."

She noted that no one has alleged any harassment from Erales during his time on the show.

ANOTHER SHORTAGE: Houston breweries grapple with aluminum can shortage

Erales is opening a new restaurant in Austin next year, Odam reports.

"Moving forward, my position in a restaurant as an authority figure is an important one, and I know that in order to improve our industry, creating a positive non-toxic work environment begins with a plan of checks and balances that need to be in place before the doors open," Erales told Odam.
Tucked away in the Timberwood Park area, a San Antonio family is giving new meaning to "living in a bubble."

Meet the Roznovsky family. Mom and dad, Sara and David, raise their kids Jo (16), Andrew (15) and Mae (12) inside the geodesic house.

Sara said the usual reaction when people drive up to the Roznovsky residence is "Oh whoa, this is cool!" The Instagram-worthy interior and the history of the home match the curb appeal intrigue.

The family moved into the home in October 2018. They are the second owners after the Novaks, who built the home from a kit produced by Cathedralite, a California company, in the 1980s.

Back in 1978, Cathedralite owners Scott Hewett, Barry Nottoli and Tate Miller told the New York Times the company was the largest producer of geodesic homes. They sold 175 dome homes a month. While most dome homes were small and cottage-like, the Cathedralite kits were expansive. The San Antonio home has four bedrooms and three baths on nearly 2,000 square feet.

Courtesy, Sara Roznovsky

READ ALSO: Houston homes are being snatched off the market at historic speeds

At the time, the complete cost of building a Cathedralite dome home ranged from $15,000 to $20,000. Cathedralite went out of business in the 1980s. Though rare, dome homes do occasionally pop up on the San Antonio market for about $350,000. Sara said she and her husband bought theirs for "significantly less" but agrees with the current price point.

The founders told the New York Times the light, airy feel of the design is what grabbed people in the 1970s. Sara said it's part of the appeal decades later. The centering sense provided by the ample natural light is the "absolute best" calming effect on her and her kids. She said the dome is her son's favorite of the places they've lived in because he enjoys being able to see all around the home while being cozied up on the living room couch.

Courtesy, Sara Roznovsky

Sara said living in a dome home wasn't originally part of the plan, but now calls finding the space "luck."

The Roznovsky family has spent the last three years making the dome home. Sara said the eyes of visitors go "all over" when they enter the unconventional house. There's plenty to look at. Sara, who has a background in fashion and visual merchandising, has brought an eclectic feel to the dome dwelling. Most of the furniture comes from her family's vintage furniture store in Comfort. Her eldest daughter covered the wall in aquatic-themed murals with the help of her little sister. The kitchen is wallpapered in old National Geographic maps her grandfather collected.

READ MORE: Custom-built home offers luxurious living in Katy for less than $1 million

She shares photos of the magazine-worthy interior on an Instagram account called "@dome_for_5."

"I've always really loved the visuals and art and color and this is just such a unique space so we were really excited about infusing even more design into the place," she said.

The windows to the sky wash the home with natural light, making for picture-perfect shots.

The dome's skylights also give the family a clear view of San Antonio's range of weather and events. Sara said thunderstorms, lightning and rain can be "scary," but New Year's Eve firework views are unmatched.

In February, as San Antonio experienced rare snowfall, the family lived in what felt like a "snow globe," Sara joked.

Courtesy, Sara Roznovsky

"The dome in the snow was beautiful," she said.

Aside from the winter wonderland views, the energy efficiency of the dome proved to be essential as the city lost power, leaving many to freeze in their houses. She said the dome was without energy for a full 48 hours. During that time, the temperature inside never dropped below the mid 50s.

Sara compared summer energy bills to their previous traditional home, which is similar in size, that would rack up a CPS bill of more than $500 a month. Now the costs averages $350 at most.

Home sweet dome.
The fun, summer water activities should be placed on hold  for now  at the Guadalupe River.

On Wednesday, the Guadalupe River State Park officials shared on Facebook they do not recommend swimming or tubing at this time. The advisory comes after heavy rainfall caused the river's flow to reach about 700 cubic feet per second.

For reference, a nice tubing rate is about 200 CFS, the post states. River flow before the rain was at 140 CFS, it adds.

READ ALSO: Inaugural River Rodeo music fest is coming to New Braunfels this August

"River is flowing fast and high after rains here and upstream," the post reads. "Water is muddy, and floating debris is likely. River use is always at your own risk but we recommend not swimming or tubing at this time."

Officials with the park tell MySA.com the river level might go down soon, however, they add it depends on how much rain the area gets over the next few days. In the San Antonio and Austin area, showers and storms are expected to occur until the end of the workweek.

The City of New Braunfels reopened access to the Comal River early Tuesday morning but urged all to still be cautious of possible debris. The city noted closures may come depending on the weather later this week.

In San Antonio, the city experienced some flooding and heavy rainfall Tuesday. Leon Creek at Interstate 35 recorded its fourth-highest crest on record at 25.79, according to the National Weather Service. The San Antonio Express-News reports the highest recorded in Leon Creek's history was 29.31 feet, measured during one of the city's worst floods in modern memory, on Oct. 18, 1998.
Does a little outdoor adventure sound enticing to you? To many Americans it does, as evidenced by crowded national parks and increased demand for trucks and SUVs. If youre looking for a vehicle that can handle going off-road yet still be your inexpensive source for daily transportation, there are several options at your disposal.

Edmunds experts highlight five new trucks and SUVs that are ready to explore right out of the dealership, and each is listed well below the average transaction price of around $40,000 for a new vehicle. All prices include the destination charge, and our list runs from lowest to highest manufacturers suggested retail price.

2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK

Subarus Crosstrek comes standard with two off-road essentials: all-wheel drive and above-average ground clearance for a small SUV. The former enhances traction when you need it, while the extra ground clearance helps you safely drive over treacherous terrain. You also get a comfortable ride and roof rails for carrying extra equipment.

When equipped with the optional automatic transmission, the Crosstrek also comes with X-Mode. This feature enhances the all-wheel-drive system and makes the Crosstrek more capable in low-speed off-road conditions. Our biggest concerns are the sluggish base engine and a lack of cargo space compared with competitors. However, the Crosstrek offers loads of capability in a small package, at a price that makes it an easy selection for this list.

MSRP of 2021 Subaru Crosstrek: $23,295

2021 JEEP RENEGADE

The Renegade is similar in size to the Crosstrek, and it also benefits from a higher ground clearance. It has an available all-wheel-drive system with up to five driving modes, and the Trailhawk version offers low-range gearing designed to help you crawl up steep inclines. Unlike the Crosstrek, however, the Renegade comes standard with front-wheel drive, so youll need to pay extra for four-wheel drive.

While the Renegade has real off-road chops, its daily usefulness takes a few hits. Cargo space is limited, and the interior is cramped for taller passengers. If youre OK with these sacrifices, the Renegade offers access to the outdoors at a compelling price.

MSRP of 2021 Jeep Renegade Sport 4x4: $26,365

2021 TOYOTA TACOMA

The Toyota Tacoma is one of the more affordable midsize pickups you can buy. And based on our testing, it also has the most out-of-the-box capability. Standard ground clearance of more than 9 inches is exceptional for a pickup truck of this size.

Rear-wheel drive is standard, so you will need to pay extra to upgrade to the four-wheel-drive system. Because of the ground clearance, it may take extra effort to climb inside the cabin. On the plus side, Toyota now offers more adjustability in the drivers seat to help you find a comfortable position. This generation Tacoma has been around for a while, but it has a strong reputation for a reason.

MSRP of 2021 Toyota Tacoma SR 4x4 Access Cab: $28,705

2021 FORD BRONCO SPORT

A newcomer on the crossover SUV scene is the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. Its more akin to Fords Escape small SUV than the full-fledged Bronco, but the Bronco Sport has loads of personality all its own. Its stubby, upright profile comes in handy on rocky terrain, and four-wheel drive is standard on all models.

Ford designed the Bronco Sport with adventure in mind. There are lots of clever storage areas for carrying wet or dirty gear, and some trims have trail-ready technology such as front-facing cameras and a low-speed cruise control system. The Bronco Sport trails the competition in terms of comfort, however. The steering and braking feel vague and slow to respond. Still, the Bronco Sport is enticing at this price due to its inherent toughness.

MSRP of 2021 Ford Bronco Sport: $28,155

2021 JEEP WRANGLER

No list of off-road vehicles is complete without including the Wrangler. And while some versions can quickly climb into $50,000 territory, the venerable two-door Wrangler Sport starts at a reasonable price considering its standout capability. Four-wheel drive is standard, as is rugged equipment such as skid plates and tow hooks.

Even in base trim, there are limitless opportunities to explore in a Wrangler. If you like, you can remove the doors or the roof, or fold down the windshield to better enjoy the outdoors. Any concerns about ride comfort and steering feel should be left at the door since they simply arent the point of the Wrangler. The point is uncompromised adventure, and on that front it delivers.

MSRP of 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport: $30,395

EDMUNDS SAYS

Off-road vehicles can provide years of adventure and family-friendly fun, provided you choose the right truck or SUV for your lifestyle. Affordable models are a great option over fully loaded versions because they offer strong capability without being so expensive that youll be afraid to actually use them.

_____

This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds. Ryan ZumMallen is a staff writer at Edmunds. Twitter: @zoomy575m; Instagram: zoomy575m.

Related links:

2021 Subaru Crosstrek; 2021 Jeep Renegade; 2021 Toyota Tacoma; 2021 Ford Bronco Sport; 2021 Jeep Wrangler
There are two things that Joyce Bailey practices practically every day: piano and braille.

Bailey, who is fully blind and will be going into third grade next school year, has made it to the finals in this years national Braille Challenge, organized by the Braille Institute. Each contestant is tested on five fundamental skills, including reading comprehension, spelling, speed and accuracy, proofreading and charts and graphs.

This is not her first time competing in the Braille Challenge. The Woodlands resident won for her region in last years competition in Austin but did not advance to the finals. This year, she has advanced to the finals and on July 30 the finalists will learn if they placed.

Braille Challenge is the only academic competition of its kind held in January through March each year in North America for students who are blind or visually impaired, according to the Braille Institute website. Braille Institute developed Braille Challenge to motivate students to practice and hone their braille literacy skills, which are essential to academic and employment success.

Her quick progress in braille was a bit of a surprise to her family. When she was adopted from China four years ago she was well below the weight and height that she should have been for her age and her facial muscles were so weak she couldnt even speak. Through physical and nutritional therapy her muscles improved and she learned to speak. She has now been learning English and braille for about three and a half years.

Its kind of a surprise that she could advance so much in such a short period of time with just nutrition and love and education, said Miranda Bailey, Joyces mother.

It was one of Baileys teachers at Conroe ISD that suggested she enter the challenge when the teacher noted how well she was learning braille. Even though she is home schooled now, she plans on continuing to enter the challenge in the years to come.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenge was held virtually this year instead of in-person. Miranda Bailey decided to home school her daughter this past year so she bought a software application that would translate text into braille, a braille printer and a Picture In A Flash machine that prints raised line images that Joyce can feel on the page.

Each day, she practices reading, writing and proofreading braille using her braille books and a braille typewriter. Shes excited to be in the finals for the challenge this year and hopes that she places.

I want to get a lot of awards, she said. Already her room is decorated with trophies, certificates and medals for piano and braille, but she has some room to add more.

The challenge is broken up into five age groups. Bailey is competing as part of the youngest age group, the Apprentices, which consist of first- and second-graders. Next year she will compete as a freshman, which is for third- and fourth-grade students. Miranda Bailey believes Joyce will continue to compete in the challenge through all the age groups, which end at grade 12.

jamie.swinnerton@chron.com
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP)  Attorney General Derek Schmidt said Wednesday that he will ask the Kansas Supreme Court to reconsider a historic 2019 ruling declaring access to abortion a fundamental right under the state constitution.

Schmidt filed a notice Tuesday that he plans to appeal an April lower court ruling striking down a a Kansas law banning a common second-trimester abortion procedure as unconstitutional and unenforceable. Shawnee County District Judge Teresa Watsons decision was the first on abortion from a lower court since the 2019 decision from the states highest court.
DAMASCUS, Syria (AP)  Ahmed Jibril, leader of a breakaway Palestinian faction that carried out hijackings, bombings and other attacks against Israeli targets in the 1970s and 1980s, has died in Damascus, his group and Syrian state TV reported on Wednesday. He was 83.

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command said Jibril had been sick for months and died at a Damascus hospital. It didnt offer details. Khaled Abdul-Mejid, who runs another Damascus-based Palestinian faction, said Jibril suffered from a heart condition.

The son of a Palestinian father and a Syrian mother, Jibril was born in Jaffa in 1938, in what was then British-ruled Palestine. His family later moved to Syria, where he became an officer in the Syrian army and acquired Syrian nationality.

Jibril founded the PFLP in the late 1950s but broke away over ideological disputes. In 1968, he founded the pro-Syrian breakaway PFLP-GC, which briefly joined the Palestine Liberation Organization, but left the umbrella group in 1974, amid sharp disagreements with PLO leader Yasser Arafat.

Jibril was a vehement opponent of peace talks with Israel. His group became known for some of the more headline-grabbing attacks against Israel, including the hijacking an El Al jetliner in 1968 and machine gunning another at Zurich airport in 1969. In 1970, it planted a time-bomb on a Swissair jet that blew up on a flight from Zurich to Tel Aviv, killing all 47 on aboard.

The Damascus-based group also carried out attacks against Israel from its bases in Lebanon. During Israels 1982 invasion of Lebanon, the PFLP-GC captured three Israeli soldiers and negotiated their release in exchange for more than 1,100 Palestinian, Lebanese and Syrian prisoners in 1985. One dramatic attack in 1987 was carried out by two of his fighters who crossed from Lebanon into Israel on hang-gliders and killed six Israeli soldiers. The attack was considered as one of the triggers for the first intifada.

The group is considered a terrorist organization by the United States and other Western countries.

Jibrils son Jihad was killed in an attack in 2002 in Beirut, for which the group blamed Israel. He was head of the PFLP-GC military wing at the time.

During Syrias civil war that erupted following peaceful protests in 2011, Jibrils group supported Syrian President Bashar Assads troops. His fighters battled alongside Syrian troops against opposition groups in Damascus Yarmouk Camp.

Jibril is survived by four daughters and three sons.
Texas family of five charged for allegedly storming the Capitol For five people arrested this week, the Jan. 6 insurrection appeared to be a family affair.

Video captures golf ball struck by lightning at Texas Topgolf Tomas Gomez wanted "to hit one last shot, then leave" when weather began to take a turn.
CHICAGO (AP)  Chicago schools will encourage student COVID-19 vaccinations ahead of the start of the school year with school-based vaccination sites and events, officials announced Wednesday.

Officials with the nations third-largest school district plan to offer full in-person instruction in the fall and want to vaccinate as many students as possible before classes begin next month. District officials said they are not in a position to mandate COVID-19 vaccines, but will ask families to submit COVID-19 vaccine documents as is the practice with other vaccinations.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP)  A 4-year-old child has died after finding a gun in a car outside a Colorado marijuana dispensary and accidentally shooting themselves, police said.

The Gazette reports that the child's mother and a younger sibling were in the car at the time of the shooting Tuesday, and the father was in the store in Manitou Springs, a resort city just outside Colorado Springs.
NEW YORK (AP)  Last year, companies around the U.S. scrambled to figure out how to shut down their offices and set up their employees for remote work as the COVID-19 virus suddenly bore down on the world.

Now, in a mirror image, they are scrambling to figure out how to bring many of those employees back.

Most companies are proceeding cautiously, trying to navigate declining COVID-19 infections against a potential backlash by workers who are not ready to return.

Tensions have spilled into the public at a few companies where some staff have organized petitions or even walkouts to protest being recalled to the office. Many workers in high demand fields, such as tech or customer service, have options amid a rise in job postings promising remote work  an alluring prospect for people who moved during the pandemic to be closer to family or in search of more affordable cities.

A lot of people have relocated and dont want to come back,  said Chris Riccobono, the founder of Untuckit LLC, a casual mens clothing company. Theres a lot of crazy stuff that is a big day-to-day pain point."

Riccobono said he cant wait to get his 100 corporate staffers back to the office in Manhattan's Soho neighborhood because he believes that productivity and morale are higher that way. Starting in September, the company will require those employees to report to the office Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays on the hope that the flexibility of a hybrid schedule will keep everyone happy.

Many others are similarly introducing a gradual return. Companies like Amazon and automakers Ford and General Motors have promised to adopt a hybrid approach permanently for their office staff, responding to internal and public surveys showing an overwhelming preference for work-from-home options.

But implementing a hybrid workplace can be a headache, from identifying which roles are most conducive to remote work to deciding which days of the week employees need to be in the office. There are client meetings to consider. And some business leaders argue newer employees need more face-time as they begin their careers or start new at at company.

Thursday is the new Monday," according to Salesforce, a San Francisco-based technology firm, which found that Thursday was the most popular day for employees to report to the office when the company reopened its Sydney offices back in August.

Riccobono, on the other hand, insists employees show up on Mondays to get organized and set the tone for the week. Like many employers, however, he acknowledges he is still figuring things out as he navigates uncharted territory.

We will revisit in January,  he said. We will see how it works.

Across the country, office buildings in the top 10 U.S. cities had an average occupancy rate of about 32% in late June, according to estimates from Kastle Systems a security company that monitors access-card wipes at some 2,600 buildings. In Manhattan, just 12% of office employees had returned as of late May, according to the latest survey by the Partnership for New York City, a non-profit organization of major business leaders and employers.

Romina Rugova, an executive at fashion brand Mansur Gavriel, enjoyed the tranquility as she sat on a riverside bench in lower Manhattan after a rare day back at the office for a meet-and-greet with the companys newly hired head of e-commerce.

A mother of two, Rugova had mixed feelings about returning to the office. Seeing colleagues in person after so long was invigorating, and she did not always enjoy blurring her family and professional life.

The challenge is you have to be three people at the same time. You have to be a professional, you have to be a cook, you have to be a cleaner, you have to be a mom, Rugova said. Being in the office after a while was so nice and refreshing. Its completely different experience, you dont realize it.

But she doesnt want to completely give up the three hours of extra time she saves without the commute. Many of her colleagues feel the same way, so Mansur Gavriel will likely implement a flexible policy when most of its 40 employees return to the office after Labor Day.

We are still figuring it out, Rugova said.

While most employers will accelerate their return-to-office plans over the summer, nearly 40% of office employees will still be working remotely in September, according to the Partnership for New York City's survey.

The trend has raised concerns about an unequal economic recovery, given that working remotely is an option available to a privileged few. Only about 15% of workers teleworked because of the pandemic in June, according the U.S. Department of Labor's monthly jobs report. Most work jobs at restaurants, schools, hospitals, factories and other places that require them to show up in person.

Some of large investment banks, which are top employers and office space tenants in New York City, are leading the push to bring employees back, taking a hardline approach in comparison with tech giants that have rolled out generous remote work policies.

Morgan Stanley CEO James Gorman said at a conference earlier this month that he would be very disappointed if people haven't found their way into the office by Labor Day.

If you can go a restaurant in New York City, you can come into the office, Gorman said, though he acknowledged that there should be flexibility for parents still struggling with childcare logistics that fell apart during the pandemic.

Gorman also made clear that he was not open to the work from anywhere mentality that some companies have adopted, saying employees who want to earn New York City salaries should work in the city. The CEOs of JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs have made similar comments, sparking furious debate about whether they would push employees out the door.

It remains to be seen how deeply remote work policies will influence recruitment and retention. But professionals looking for flexibility are finding they have options.

Brecia Young, a data analytics scientist and mother of a 1-year-old child, had choices when she was looking to switch jobs from a small Chicago firm. She accepted an offer from Seattle-based real estate company Zillow in part because the company allowed her to work from home and stay in Chicago, where she and her husband have relatives to help with child care.

Moving to the West Coast was on the table but it would have been a real hardship, said Young, adding that her husband also would have had to look for a new job. I love the time savings just in terms of the commute. It's like 90 minutes of saved time that I can repurpose.

____

Associated Press writer Anne D'Innocenzio contributed to this story from New York.

____

This story was first published on July 7, 2021. It was updated on July 8, 2021 to correct the title of Chris Riccobono. He is the founder of Untuckit LLC, not the CEO.
TUSKEGEE, Ala. (AP)  A council member using a saw cut into a 115-year-old Confederate memorial at the center of historic Tuskegee on Wednesday but failed to topple it, marking the latest move in a push to remove the contentious monument from the nearly all-Black Alabama town.

Johnny Ford, a former mayor whose City Council district includes the park where the monument is located, said he took action because constituents voted in a public meeting last week in favor of removing the rebel memorial, which has been the subject of complaints and a target for vandals on and off for years.

Using a lift to reach the statue of a Confederate soldier atop a stone pedestal, Ford said he sawed into a leg of the memorial, which was erected by the United Daughters of the Confederacy. The group has refused to take down the statue even though Tuskegee, a town of 8,100, is 97% Black and known internationally as a home of Black empowerment.

Ford said he stopped cutting when Sheriff Andre Brunson showed up and asked him to quit. But Ford said the fight isn't over.

We cant have a Confederate statue which represents slavery standing up in the middle of our town, Ford said in an interview with The Associated Press.

Brunson said it appeared Ford and another man had cut all the way through one ankle of the statue with an electric saw, but an engineer would have to conduct a full assessment. Neither man was arrested, Brunson said, but a report will be sent to the district attorney and he added charges are possible.

I understand what many people think and what he thinks, but its still destruction of property," Brunson said.

Tuskegee is the home of Tuskegee University and the place where the first Black military pilots, the Tuskegee Airmen, trained during World War II. Leaders previously draped the monuments pedestal with tarps to cover pro-Confederate writing, and the statue itself was covered later by Ford.

Demonstrators protesting the shooting death of a civil rights worker in 1966 attempted to pull down the statue but failed. It was been vandalized with spray paint several times in recent years.

Louis Maxwell, the chairman of the Macon County Commission, said the county wants the statue removed and has been talking with an attorney for the United Daughters of the Confederacy, which owns both the monument and the plot where it's located under an arrangement dating back to 1906.

Maxwell said he feared Ford's action might be a setback to avoiding a lawsuit.

This had quieted down to give us a chance to work on it, but now its going to rear up again, he said.
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP)  A Council Bluffs police detective has been arrested over allegations that he attempted to strangle his adult son during an argument over a dent in the son's car.

Detective Craig Schuetze, 59, was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of domestic abuse assault and strangulation with bodily injury, KETV reports. He is a 19-year veteran of the Council Bluffs Police Department and has been placed on administrative leave, the department said.
DOVER, Del. (AP)  A suspected serial killer accused in the deaths of several people in Delaware and Pennsylvania has been indicted on 41 felony charges, including two murders, authorities said Tuesday.

Delaware prosecutors allege that Keith Gibson, 39, killed two people and injured four others in Delaware during a weekslong crime spree earlier this year.

Gibson is also a suspect in several murders committed in Pennsylvania this year, including the killing of his mother and the robbery and slaying of a north Philadelphia doughnut shop manager.

This indictment lays out one of the most vicious, staggering crime sprees Ive seen in my career, Delaware Attorney General Kathleen Jennings said in a statement issued Tuesday. It is even more disturbing to think, based on what investigators have revealed in Pennsylvania, that this may just be the tip of the iceberg.

Gibson, who was previously convicted of manslaughter and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, was released from prison on Dec. 20 after a 13-year sentence. Authorities said Gibson violated the terms of his probation and was held in custody briefly before being released again on April 27.

Investigators allege that Gibson shot and killed Leslie Ruiz-Basilio, 28, during a robbery at a cellphone store in Elsmere, Delaware, on May 15, then stole her car.

Gibson then shot and killed Ronald Wright, 42, during a June 5 street robbery in Wilmington, also shooting another man, prosecutors said.

Earlier that same day, Christine Lugo, 40, was accosted by a gunman as she opened up her Philadelphia doughnut shop. Philadelphia police allege that Gibson pushed her inside at gunpoint, took about $300, shot her in the head and fled. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities believe Gibson robbed or assaulted three other people in Delaware, and tried to murder one of them, over the following three days. He was arrested June 8 in connection with the robbery of a Wilmington Rite-Aid during which a clerk was pistol-whipped.

Authorities in Pennsylvania also plan to charge Gibson in shooting death of his mother, Christine Gibson, 54. She was found shot to death in February. He is also a suspect in a January double murder in Philadelphia's Germantown neighborhood.

We are still awaiting extradition for him before we can charge him with the murders he committed in Philadelphia, Officer Tanya Little, a Philadelphia police spokesperson, said in an email Tuesday.

It was not immediately clear whether Gibson has an attorney who could comment on his behalf.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP)  Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday decried the Missouri Labor Department's decision to offer clemency for some federal unemployment overpayments as too little too late.

Democratic St. Louis Rep. LaKeySha Bosley said the state should have acted months ago to forgive the federal chunk of the unemployment overpayments. The agency's action on Tuesday still leaves thousands of workers on the hook for the state portion of those overpayments.

These are working families, Bosley told reporters Wednesday. These are people who did nothing wrong.

The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations on Tuesday said workers will be notified this month if they qualify to apply for a waiver of whatever they owe in federal unemployment overpayments that they were given during the pandemic.

The labor agency last year doled out $146 million in unemployment aid to 46,000 Missourians who didnt qualify amid a crush of unemployment claims. After a review, the agency discovered the mistake and has been trying to take that money back.

The problem is many of the low-income workers who received the money already spent it on rent and food, lawmakers have said.

Now theyre facing liens, garnished tax returns and debts of thousands of dollars.

Bosley said workers who mistakenly received the overpayments because of a Labor Department error should not be penalized for the governments mess up.

The Department of Labors Tuesday announcement for leniency on the federal portion came shortly after House Democrats called a news conference for Wednesday to complain about Republican Gov. Mike Parsons handling of the issue.

Parson told reporters in his Capitol office that he is fine with waiving the federal portion, but were still going to work on the state portion of that.

If it was a legitimate mistake, were fine with that," Parson said. "But if theres anything beside that, youre not going to get a blanket waiver."

The Labor Department on Tuesday said it will start collecting on the state unemployment overpayments in August.

A Republican-sponsored bill to exempt workers from having to pay back the state portion of unemployment overpayments passed the GOP-led state House 157-3 in March. But the measure didn't pass the Senate by the end of the legislative session in May and died.

Without that legislation, spokeswoman Maura Browning said in an email that the Labor Department is prohibited from waiving the state overpayments.
UNITED NATIONS (AP)  Egypts foreign minister said Wednesday he will urge the U.N. Security Council to require Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia to negotiate a binding agreement within six months on the contentious issue of water availability from the dam that the Ethiopians are building on the main tributary of the Nile River.

Sameh Shukry said in an interview with The Associated Press that 10 years of negotiations over the hydroelectric dam on the Blue Nile have failed to ensure that water will continue to flow downstream in sufficient amounts to Sudan and to Egypt, where 100 million people are dependent on the river as their sole source of water.

Shukry said Egypt and Sudan called for a Security Council meeting in light of the existential threat to the people of both countries from the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. He also cited Ethiopias decision to start a second filling of the dam's reservoir, which he said violates a 2015 agreement.

The Security Council is scheduled to meet Thursday and will hear from Shukry, Sudans foreign minister and Ethiopias water minister as well as its 15 member nations. It will be briefed by U.N. special envoy for the Horn of Africa Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, U.N. environment chief Inger Andersen and a diplomat from Congo, which holds the African Union presidency.

Tunisia, the Arab representative on the council, has circulated a draft resolution that requests Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia to resume negotiations at the invitation of the African Union chairman and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to finalize a legally binding agreement by next January on filling and operating the dam. It says the deal must ensure Ethiopias ability to generate hydropower ... while preventing the inflicting of significant harm on the water security of downstream states.

In addition, the draft resolution would urge Ethiopia to refrain from continuing to unilaterally fill" the dam's reservoir and call on Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia to refrain from making any statements, or taking any action that may jeopardize the negotiation process.

We certainly do support it and believe its a balanced resolution," Shukry said.

He said it empowers the central role of the African Union chairman to conduct negotiations in an enhanced format" to find ways to resolve "the issues that have obstructed reaching a conclusion to these negotiations.

The dam is 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 Ethiopias state media. Ethiopia says the $5 billion dam is essential for making sure the vast majority of its people don't lack electricity.

Shukry has been in New York for several days meeting with all council members to make his case that the resolution is a call for the U.N.s most powerful body to act under its mandate to ensure international peace and security. He said he also has argued that the council taking up the issue would not set a precedent for future discussions of water issues.

On the contrary, the main element of the resolution is very apparent -- that it is encouraging the states to continue to resolve a conflict through peaceful means, through negotiations, he said.

Asked if he foresaw any opposition among the 15 council members to the resolution, Shukry said Egypt believes many of them recognize the importance of addressing the issue. So we believe that in principle, and on the responsibility of the council, there should be no opposition, he said.

He said his message on Thursday will be that negotiations have to have a conclusion,

The resolution offers the best way to ensure that Ethiopia can take advantage of the dam to promote its development while avoiding any significant harm on either Sudan or Egypt, he said.

Stressing that Egypt is 95% desert, and that 60% of Egyptians depend on agriculture for their livelihoods, Shukry said there must be legally binding rules governing the filling of the reservoir and guaranteeing as an insurance that during drought, or an extended drought, Ethiopia would fill the dam in a responsible manner in conformity with the international guidelines and rules that govern this issue.

Shukry said his message to Ethiopia is that agreements have been reached elsewhere in Africa, including Senegal and Niger, as well as in Europe on the Danube River and in Asia on sharing water on rivers that cross borders.

If this cant be achieved, he said, millions of people in Sudan and Egypt will live without security with devastating effects on their livelihoods.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi warned Ethiopia earlier this year that his government would not tolerate any moves that would reduce Egypts share of water from the Nile. He said that all options are open should Egypts share be touched, urging Addis Ababa to cooperate with Cairo and Khartoum to avert any conflict.

Asked if military action was a possibility, Shukry said Egypt will continue to seek a peaceful resolution of the dispute.

So far, unfortunately, our Ethiopian brethren have not demonstrated the necessary flexibility or moderation that can lead to an agreement, Shukry said.

The Egyptian government, he said, "will take whatever measure is necessary to protect the people of Egypt and their water rights.
TACOMA, Wash. (AP)  A former guard at a juvenile detention center in Chehalis pleaded guilty Tuesday to a federal charge that he accepted bribes in exchange for smuggling marijuana, cell phones and other contraband inside.

Prosecutors said Julio Hayes, a former guard at the state-run Green Hill School, accepted more than $11,000 in payments for the contraband from offenders or their friends or relatives, and that he often took orders by text message. He was fired in early 2020 after an FBI investigation.
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP)  Washingtons former state auditor has reported to prison months after he exhausted his appeals on his 2017 tax fraud conviction.

KING 5 reported last week that Troy Kelley is at FCI Herlong, which is a medium-security federal prison in Herlong, California, about 50 miles northwest of Reno, Nevada. Kelley was sentenced to 366 days in prison, followed by a year of supervised release.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)  U.S. Rep. Jim Hagedorn has had a recurrence of his stage IV kidney cancer, the southern Minnesota Republican announced Wednesday.

Hagedorn, who was first diagnosed in February 2019, shortly after taking office for his first term, said his doctors just confirmed that his cancer has resurfaced.

Over the weekend, recent tests conducted at the Mayo Clinic revealed a reoccurrence of my kidney cancer," he said in a statement. The new diagnosis was surprising considering that just 14 weeks ago no cancer was detected. But, as every cancer survivor knows, you fight the disease each and every day. Even the best of recoveries present unexpected challenges like I am facing.

Hagedorn won a second term last November to represent Minnesota's 1st District, which stretches across the state's southern border. He said he would continue to serve with the highest level of energy and enthusiasm and that he remains upbeat about his future.

My doctors and I are very encouraged by a promising new FDA-approved cure that is available to attack this type of cancer, he said. The congressman did not provide details about that treatment. He underwent immunotherapy after his initial diagnosis.

Hagedorn is married to Jennifer Carnahan, chairwoman of the Republican Party of Minnesota.

We appreciate the prayers, outpouring of support, kindness and positive encouragement as we continue to fight cancer and fight for Minnesota, Carnahan said in a statement.
When former president Donald Trump weighed in on the criminal tax case against his business this weekend, some saw a tacit admission to the schemes the Trump Organization is accused of.

"They go after good, hard-working people for not paying taxes on a company car," Trump said Saturday night at a rally in Sarasota, Fla. "You didn't pay tax on the car or a company apartment. You used an apartment because you need an apartment because you have to travel too far where your house is. You didn't pay tax. Or education for your grandchildren. I don't even know. Do you have to? Does anybody know the answer to that stuff?"

It's certainly valid to suggest Trump is granting that these violations might have indeed happened. Perhaps the better interpretation, though, is that Trump is mounting a defense: one of ignorance. (OK, maybe this stuff happened, but we - or at least I - didn't know it was illegal.) And knowledge of the tax law is vital to proving tax fraud.

There is one massive problem with all of this, though. And that's that Trump has spent years telling us he is, in fact, the world's - and even history's - foremost expert on the tax code.

"By the way, just so you know, I know more formulas, I know more about tax abatements, I know more about taxes than any human being that God ever created," Trump said in March 2016.

"I know every form of tax - believe me - from the [value-added taxes] to the fair tax to - every single form of tax," he said in August 2015.

That same month, Trump claimed, "Look, nobody knows the tax code better than I do. OK? I know it better. I'm the king of the tax code."

Trump added in May 2016: "I think nobody knows more about taxes than I do, maybe in the history of the world. Nobody knows more about taxes."

That same month: "Nobody knows more about taxes than I do - and income than I do."

And after the New York Times in October 2016 obtained a 1995 tax return that suggested Trump went to great lengths to avoid paying taxes, Trump tweeted: "I understand the tax laws better than almost anyone, which is why I'm the one who can truly fix them."

He added two days later: "I know how the tax code works better than anyone, and I am going to fix it so it is fair, and just, and works for you and your family."

At other points, Trump avoided placing himself in the No. 1 slot, but rather merely put himself in the rarefied air of the extreme few who truly understand the tax code.

"I've been saying from the beginning of this campaign how ridiculous, complex and, yes, unfair the tax system is," he said in Colorado the day after the Times's report. "It is an unfair system, and so complex that very few people understand it. Fortunately, I understand it."

He added in the same speech: "My understanding of the tax code gave me a tremendous advantage over those who didn't have a clue about it, including many of my competitors, who lost everything they had, never to be heard from again - never - they were never heard from again."

And this continued into his presidency, particularly when it came to the tax cuts the GOP passed.

"I know more about the big bills . . . than any president that's ever been in office," he told the Times in December 2017. "Whether it's health care and taxes. Especially taxes."

Trump also said in January 2016, "I use every single thing in the book. And I have great people."

That last one, in particular, now looms pretty large. Trump wasn't just attesting to his own intricate knowledge of the finer points of the tax code, but also to the acumen of those surrounding him. The totality of his comments practically screams: We knew exactly what we were doing at all times, and I concerned myself with these matters greatly.

That's an extremely far cry from someone saying he didn't even know they had to pay taxes on perks like apartments and company cars. That's among the most basic bits of corporate tax knowledge one could have.

And as we and many others have noted, prosecutors in the indictment suggest this was indeed rather deliberate and carefully laid out in the documents they have obtained. Essentially, prosecutors say, those documents show direct compensation for chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg, who has been indicted along with the Trump Organization, was reduced in accordance with these indirect benefits.

"For certain years, the Trump Organization maintained internal spreadsheets that tracked the amounts it paid for Weisselberg's rent, utility, and garage expenses," the indictment says. "Simultaneously, the Trump Organization reduced the amount of direct compensation that Weisselberg received in the form of checks or direct deposits to account for the indirect compensation that he received in the form of payments of rent, utility bills, and garage expenses."

Trump's past comments about his knowledge of the tax code, of course, are characteristically full of bluster. This is hardly the only thing he's claimed to be the best or most knowledgeable about. Back in October 2016, after one of these same comments, I detailed 19 things Trump claimed he knew better than anyone else. (Among them: renewable energy, the military, debt, money and "the horrors of nuclear.")

But, to the extent the tax violations are indeed proved and the only defense left is to claim they were innocent mistakes, you can bet these past comments will factor into the case. And should the case ever ensnare Trump personally, he seems to be laying out a preemptive defense.

It's just a defense that bears no resemblance to pretty much everything he said before he found himself in legal hot water.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  Indianas Department of Workforce Development said Wednesday that it still hasnt decided how to continue payment of federal unemployment benefits, more than a week after a judge ruled that the state must restart the extra $300 weekly payments to unemployed workers.

An agency spokesperson declined to comment on if or when the state plans to rejoin the programs that expanded unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. It could still be nearly three weeks before a judge rules on Gov. Eric Holcomb's appeal to drop Indiana from the national programs before theyre scheduled to end on Sept. 6.

Attorneys for the state maintain Indiana cant continue paying out the benefits because the state has already ended its agreement with the federal government to administer the federal programs.

Entering into a new agreement would require the workforce development office to expend extra time and resources to rework its information technology system," according to court documents. The state also argued that Indiana would not have time to withdraw from the federal programs again should the appeals court rule in the state's favor.

Indianas Department of Workforce Development notified the labor department of the injunction and requested guidance on June 28, according to court filings, although the state agency has not confirmed whether its entered into a new agreement with the labor department.

A spokesperson for the Department of Labor told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the federal government will accept states back into the programs after theyve terminated the benefits, noting that the agency is working with Indiana officials to make technical or other changes needed to comply with the court orders.

Holcomb announced in May that Indiana would reinstate a requirement that those receiving unemployment benefits will again have to show they are actively searching for work as of June 1 and that the state would leave the federal programs effective June 19.

Indiana also ended its participation in a federal program that made gig workers and the self-employed eligible for assistance for the first time and another that provides extra weeks of aid.

The state is one of 27 that are terminating early at least one of the three pandemic unemployment insurance programs that Congress enacted in March 2020 to support workers affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

In Maryland, a judge issued a temporary restraining order Saturday morning  just hours before the benefits were set to expire  ordering that the governor cant remove the state from the programs. Echoing the Indiana court, the Baltimore circuit judge ruled that the benefits must continue until pending lawsuits are resolved to avoid irreparable harm to jobless workers. An appeal filed by Republican Gov. Larry Hogan was rejected Monday.

Lawsuits have also been filed in Ohio and Texas, where unemployment aid was terminated early in both states on June 26.

The Ohio suit, which argues that the state is required to seek the maximum benefits available to its residents, is still pending. A judge has rejected the lawsuit filed by more than 30,000 workers in Texas, however, citing concerns over the groups standing to sue.

___

Casey Smith 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.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP)  A western Indiana police officer was fatally shot Wednesday when he was ambushed near FBI offices in Terre Haute, according to federal officials.

Sgt. Ryan Adamson of the Terre Haute Police Department identified the officer as 30-year veteran Detective Greg Ferency. Ferency had been a federal task force officer since 2010, the FBI said in a statement.

An FBI agent shot and wounded the suspect who is currently in custody receiving medical attention at a local hospital, the FBI said in a statement late Wednesday that also indicated Ferency was "ambushed at the FBI Indianapolis Resident Agency.

The shooting incident is under investigation by the FBIs Inspection Division, according to authorities.

The review process is thorough and objective and is conducted as expeditiously as possible under the circumstances, The FBI said in the statement. The FBI takes all shooting incidents involving our agents or task force members seriously.

The shooting of Ferency occurred outside a federal office building behind the Vigo County Courthouse, according to authorities.

"Please keep the Ferency family in your prayers," Adamson said in a Facebook posting. "Thank you for all of the kind emails, posts, and calls. It is truly appreciated."

Law enforcement officials said the suspect underwent surgery at Regional Hospital in Terre Haute. The name of the suspect hasn't been released because charges hadn't been filed.
WINTHROP, Maine (AP)  A species of invasive moth that can cause an itchy rash in humans has hatched early this year in Maine.

Forestry officials in Maine have said they expect this to be the worst year in history for browntail moth encounters in the state. Populations of the moth have been in an outbreak phase for six years, and recent dry conditions have helped.
CHICAGO (AP)  An Iowa man was in custody in Chicago on Tuesday after police found a rifle with a laser sight in a hotel room that overlooks a Lake Michigan beach during the July 4th holiday weekend.

Authorities say a member of the cleaning staff at the W Hotel told police on Sunday they observed the rifle, a handgun and ammunition in the room held by Keegan Casteel, 32. The weapons were found on a 12th floor window sill. The window had a view of Ohio Street Beach and Navy Pier, a major tourist attraction.
TEHRAN, Iran (AP)  Iran on Wednesday hosted the first significant talks in months between the Taliban and Afghan government representatives  a previously unannounced meeting that comes as the U.S. completes its withdrawal from Afghanistan and districts increasingly fall to the Taliban across the country.

The high-level peace talks between the warring Afghan sides follow months-old discussions in Qatar that have been stalled by a diplomatic stalemate and escalating violence. Even as officials faced each other across the vast tables in Tehran and Irans top diplomat pledged to end the crisis, fighting surged in Afghanistans western Badghis province.

The Taliban political committee, led by chief negotiator Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, flew from Doha to Irans capital to meet Afghan government officials, including former Vice President Younus Qanooni and others from the High Council for National Reconciliation.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif greeted the delegates, urging them to take difficult decisions today for the future of their country," state-run media reported.

After the failure of the U.S. in Afghanistan, Zarif said, Iran stands ready to assist the dialogue and to resolve the current conflicts in the country."

Returning to the inter-Afghan negotiation table and committing to political solutions is the best choice, he added. Later, Zarif tweeted the meeting had been cordial and promised Iran would stand with Afghans on their road to peace.

But any solution appeared a long way off Wednesday as the Taliban offensive, which has recently captured many districts in the countrys north, pushed into Badghis province. The insurgents attacked the provincial capital of Qala-e-Naw from several sides, its governor Hasamuddin Shams said, adding that Afghan troops had so far managed to push the Taliban back.

From early Wednesday morning, battles raged near the provincial police headquarters and a Qala-e-Naw army base, said Abdul Aziz beg, head of the provincial council in Badghis.

The fighting killed at least two civilians and wounded 28 others, including women and children, said Dr. Sanahullah Sabit at the Provincial Badghis Hospital. Medics sent five people in critical condition to a regional hospital in the neighboring Herat province for further treatment, he added.

Videos widely circulated on social media appeared to show Taliban fighters speeding into the provincial capital on motorcycles. Other clips show insurgents approaching the citys prison and releasing inmates. The Associated Press could not independently verify the authenticity of the footage.

Fawad Aman, the Afghan defense minister's deputy spokesman, promised security forces would clear the city in the coming hours. The Taliban have not publicly commented on the violence in Qala-e-Naw.

The surge in fighting  and the sudden news of peace talks in Tehran  come at a critical time for the war-battered country.

After a two-decade-long military campaign, the U.S. military announced on Tuesday that 90% of American troops and equipment had already left the country, with the drawdown set to finish by late August. Last week, U.S. officials definitively vacated the countrys biggest airfield, Bagram Air Base, the epicenter of the war to oust the Taliban and hunt down the al-Qaida perpetrators of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on America.

The Taliban have made relentless territorial wins since April, when President Joe Biden announced that the last 2,500-3,500 U.S. soldiers and 7,000 allied NATO soldiers would depart Afghanistan. With their victories in northern and southern Afghanistan, the Taliban are escalating pressure on provincial cities and gaining control of key transportation routes.

Afghanistans uncertain path toward peace bears profound consequences for its western neighbor Iran, which the U.N. estimates hosts some 2 million undocumented Afghans. Amid the specter of another civil war, fears have grown in Iran over a new wave of Afghans seeking refuge in the country, which already is struggling to stem worsening poverty under tough U.S. sanctions.

Iran and Afghanistan share deep cultural ties and a 945-kilometer-long (587 miles) border. Tehran has historically viewed U.S. military presence in neighboring countries as a threat and pushed for American troop withdrawals from the region.

Iran, the Shiite powerhouse of the Middle East, has occasionally in the past hosted the Sunni militant Taliban and Afghan government officials in Tehran for peace talks. In playing host, Iran seeks counterbalance against regional rivals like Saudi Arabia that typically wield greater influence over Sunni groups in the Middle East.

The Taliban's recent territorial gains also have fueled national security concerns in Iran.

We do warn the Taliban not to get close to Iranian borders, said lawmaker Shahriar Heidari, a member of influential parliamentary committee on national security and foreign relations. This is Iran's red line.

___

Faiez reported from Kabul, Afghanistan. Associated Press writer Isabel DeBre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates contributed to this report.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  A federal judge has ruled that the U.S. Air Force is mostly responsible for a former serviceman killing more than two dozen people at a Texas church in 2017 because it failed to submit his criminal history into a database, which should have prevented him from purchasing firearms.

U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez in San Antonio wrote in a ruling signed Wednesday that the Air Force was 60% responsible" for the massacre at First Baptist Church in the small town of Sutherland Springs, where Devin Kelley opened fire during a Sunday service. Authorities put the official death toll at 26 because one of the 25 people killed was pregnant.

The attack remains the worst mass shooting in Texas history.

The trial conclusively established that no other individual  not even Kelleys own parents or partners  knew as much as the United States about the violence that Devin Kelley had threatened to commit and was capable of committing, Rodriguez wrote.

Kelley had served nearly five years in the Air Force before being discharged in 2014 for bad conduct, after he was convicted of assaulting a former wife and stepson, cracking the childs skull. The Air Force has publicly acknowledged that the felony conviction for domestic violence, had it been put into the FBI database, could have prevented Kelley from buying guns from licensed firearms dealers, and also from possessing body armor.

Rodriguez said that had the government done its job and entered Kelley's history into the database, it is more likely than not that Kelley would have been deterred from carrying out the Church shooting.

An Air Force spokeswoman did not immediately return a request seeking comment.

Authorities said Kelley fired at least 450 rounds at helpless worshippers who tried taking cover in the pews. As he left the small wood-frame church, Kelley was confronted by an armed resident who had grabbed his own rifle and exchanged fire with him. Kelley fled as two Sutherland Springs residents gave chase, and died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after losing control of his vehicle and crashing.

Last month, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that survivors and relatives cant sue a sporting goods chain where Kelley purchased an AR-556 semi-automatic rifle used in shooting. Academy Sports and Outdoors had appealed after two lower courts declined to dismiss lawsuits.

The lawsuit against the federal government was brought by family members of the victims. Rodriguez ordered a later trial to assess damages owed to the families.
LOUISVILLE, Ky (AP)  Kentucky state Sen. Tom Buford has died, Senate President Pro Tempore David Givens announced Tuesday. He was 72 years old.

Buford, of Nicholasville, represented the 22nd District in the Kentucky Senate for more than 30 years. He served as Senate Republican whip from 1991 to 1992.

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle mourned Buford's passing Tuesday, expressing condolences for his family members.

In a statement, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell recalled Buford as a a giant of the Kentucky Senate."

I had the pleasure of working closely with Tom and know how deeply committed he was to our state and its people, McConnell said. Tom was unafraid to take on tough issues and fought hard for Kentuckys most vulnerable, with a special focus on the disabled. The impact of his work could be felt far beyond the borders of his State Senate district, improving the lives of Kentuckians throughout the Commonwealth.

On behalf of the Kentucky Senate Majority Office, Givens said Buford's wit, intellect, and zest for life will be missed by all who knew him.

A statement from Kentucky Senate Democratic Caucus remembered Buford as a true public servant who was full of life, laughter, and had a contagious laughter that could light up any room."

Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, in a tweet, said, I am sad to hear of the passing of Senator Tom Buford. Britainy and I pray for solace and peace for his family.

Buford was a member of the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee, Senate Banking and Insurance Committee and The Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee.

___

Hudspeth Blackburn 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.
AMMAN, Jordan (AP)  Jordans state security court is to issue its verdict in a high-profile sedition case against a former senior official and a member of the royal family on Monday, just three weeks after the trial began.

The quick pace of the trial, its closed sessions and the courts refusal to accept testimony from key witnesses have given the defense little reason for optimism. Defense lawyers have already pledged to appeal any conviction.

Labib Kamhawi, an independent analyst and government critic, called the trial a cosmetic show that lacked sufficient debate or evidence.

I dont see any point in trying to emphasize the logic of justice in a case that lacks actually the acceptable boundaries of a fair trial in international standards," he said.

Sharif Hassan bin Zaid and Bassem Awadallah are accused of conspiring with a senior member of the royal family, Prince Hamzah, to foment unrest against King Abdullah II while soliciting foreign help.

Hamzah, a former crown prince and half-brother of the king, is not facing charges. The king has said the royal family is handling the matter privately, with Hamzah placed under house arrest in early April. He has been seen in public just once since then.

But he is the central figure in the case, with the indictment alleging Hamzah conspired with the two defendants to achieve his personal ambition of becoming king.

The unprecedented public palace drama has broken taboos in Jordan and sent jitters through foreign capitals, with Western powers rallying behind Abdullah, an indispensable ally in an unstable region. It also exposed rivalries in Jordans traditionally discrete Hashemite dynasty and sparked rare public criticism of the king.

Hamzah enjoys wide public popularity, and the defendants are the most senior establishment figures to appear before the security court. Bin Zaid is a distant cousin of the king, while Awadallah is a former top royal adviser.

The trial has been closed to the media and lasted just six sessions. The court rejected defense lawyers' request to bring Prince Hamzah and top royal and political figures to testify.

Defense lawyer Alaa al-Khasawneh said he submitted a 23-page written plea of innocence to the court.

Al-Khasawneh said he asked that the court find the defendants not guilty of charges of sedition and of opposing the regime. He declined to say whether he thought the trial is fair or not, saying he would wait for the verdict, scheduled for Monday. But he said he would appeal any conviction.

Hamzahs popularity stems from ties he has nurtured with Jordans tribes, the bedrock of Hashemite rule. Atef Majali, a tribal leader in the town of Karak, has said he and other sheikhs have met with the prince more than a dozen times over the years, but denied the king was criticized at these events.

The indictment alleged that Hamzah and the two defendants were working on social media messages the prince was to post, with the aim of inciting some groups in society against the ruling system and state agencies.

Hamzah has denied sedition claims, saying he is being punished for calling out high-level corruption and mismanagement.

On April 3, the day he was placed under house arrest, more than a dozen tribal and public figures were arrested, including his chief aide. Only Awadallah and bin Zaid remain in detention.

___

Federman reported from Jerusalem.
WICHITA, Kan. (AP)  Roger Cornish, a news anchor at KWCH-TV in Wichita for several decades, died Wednesday, the station reported. He was 66.

The station said Cornish died of liver disease. He was a news anchor at the Wichita station from the 1980s until his retirement in 2018.
LANSING, Mich. (AP)  State auditors will review the accuracy of the number of coronavirus deaths linked to nursing homes and other long-term care facilities in Michigan.

Auditor General Doug Ringler agreed last week to conduct a comprehensive study at the request of House Oversight Committee Chairman Steven Johnson of Wayland. Johnson is among Republican lawmakers who have questioned if there is an undercount and who have criticized Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for allowing hospitalized COVID-19 patients no longer needing acute care, but still in quarantine, to return to designated units in nursing homes as some hospitals faced surging cases.
Larry Mayer/AP

RED LODGE, Mont. (AP)  A Montana man pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges alleging he caused a wildland fire north of Yellowstone National Park that burned seven homes and 46 square miles (119 square kilometers) of land.

John Lightburn, 55, of Bridger appeared before District Court Judge Matthew Wald on felony and misdemeanor charges of negligent arson and a felony criminal mischief charge for the fire that started on June 13 on U.S. Forest Service land about 7 miles (11 kilometers) south of Red Lodge.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP)  A first-degree murder charge against a woman has been dismissed after it was determined she will never regain the mental capacity to stand trial, a North Carolina judge determined.

The decision came after a hearing in Forsyth County Superior Court in which a psychologist testified that the mental health issues of Tonesha Tonyae Collins, 38, prevent her from fully understanding her legal situation and participating in her defense, the Winston-Salem Journal reported.
TOKYO (AP)  Nissan Chief Executive Makoto Uchida told a Japanese court on Wednesday that the companys former chairman, Carlos Ghosn, had held too much power, failed to listen to others, and stayed on for too long.

Uchida said Wednesday that those were factors that led to financial misconduct charges for Ghosn. He was testifying as a witness for Nissan Motor Co., which as a corporate entity is standing trial on charges of having falsified securities reports in under-reporting Ghosns compensation. It does not contest the charges.

Greg Kelly, an American former executive vice president at Nissan, also is on trial on charges of failing to fully report Ghosns compensation. Both he and Ghosn have adamantly insisted they are innocent.

Ghosn was arrested in 2018, but fled to Lebanon while out on bail. Lebanon does not have an extradition treaty with Japan.

I felt ashamed and miserable when I learned that something this outrageous was happening, Uchida told the Tokyo District Court about the allegations against Ghosn and Nissan.

The Nissan brand was tarnished, the workers were demoralized, and trust for management has been lost, he said.

Uchida said an atmosphere of fear prevailed at the company, with staff believing that challenging Ghosn carried serious risks.

We were only trying to play melodies that sounded good to our boss," he said. I've been working to try to change that since becoming CEO."

Ghosn was sent to Nissan by its French alliance partner Renault about two decades ago, helping to revive a company on the brink of bankruptcy. From about 2014, he became less collaborative and the company began to chase sales volume, setting overly ambitious goals, Uchida said.

While some at Nissan may have felt Ghosn stayed at the helm for too long, in his testimony Kelly has insisted issues over reporting of his compensation arose because the company was trying to find legal ways to improve his pay to prevent him from leaving for a rival automaker. Ghosn took a huge pay cut when the disclosure of big executive salaries became required in Japan in 2010.

Uchida became chief executive and president in 2019. He worked at major Japanese trading company Nissho Iwai Corp. before joining Nissan in 2003, when Nissho Iwai merged with another trading company, Nichimen, later becoming Sojitz Corp.

Uchida's predecessor, Hiroto Saikawa, resigned after he became embroiled in a scandal of his own, also related to under-reported compensation. Saikawa has not been charged.

Nissan has promised to strengthen its corporate governance and audits to prevent a recurrence of any financial wrongdoing.

Ghosn has accused other top Nissan executives of plotting to force him out of the company due to fears he might push for Renault, which owns 43% of Nissan, to gain more control over the Japanese automaker.

Nissan executives have testified at the trial that this was a concern.

The alliance of Renault, Nissan and smaller automaker Mitsubishi Motor Corp. shares technology, auto parts and production plants. That makes Nissan and Renault nearly inseparable, according to industry experts.

Its unclear when the panel of three judges will hand down their verdict in the trial. It could take months. The maximum penalty Kelly could face is 15 years in prison.

___

Yuri Kageyama is on Twitter https://twitter.com/yurikageyama
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP)  The South Dakota National Guard will send 125 soldiers to the United States border with Mexico as part of a federal government mission, Gov. Kristi Noem announced Wednesday.

The deployment is expected to last up to a year and is separate from the National Guard force the Republican governor is sending as part of a state-backed effort initiated by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to clamp down on illegal border crossings.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  At least 71 people have gone missing this year on a highway between Mexicos industrial hub of Monterrey and the border city of Nuevo Laredo, authorities said Wednesday.

Earlier estimates by relatives of the victims  at least half a dozen of whom are U.S. residents  had placed the number of disappeared so far this year at around 50.

The head of Mexicos National Search Commission, Karla Quintana, said most of the missing are men who drove trucks or taxis on a road that local media have dubbed the highway of death.

Quintana said investigations are focusing on a point near where the highway enters Nuevo Laredo, which has long been dominated by the Northeast drug cartel. Quintana said the disappearances may be related to turf battles between the Jalisco and Northeast cartels.

But the missing also include women and children and men driving private cars.

The FBI office in San Antonio, Texas, has issued a bulletin seeking information on the disappearance of a Laredo, Texas, woman, Gladys Perez Sanchez, and her 16-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter, who were last seen setting out on the highway June 13. They had visited relatives in Sabinas Hidalgo, a town on the highway, and were returning to Texas in their car when they vanished.

In recent months, activists say about a half dozen men have reappeared alive and badly beaten after being abducted on the highway, and all they will say is that armed men forced them to stop on the highway and took their vehicles.

Despite alerts from relatives of the missing, the state government of Nuevo Leon, where Monterrey is located, didnt warn people against traveling on the highway until almost a month later, on June 23. Authorities have since increased policing and security on the highway, and are searching for the missing.

The disappearances, and the June shooting of 15 apparently innocent bystanders in the border city of Reynosa, suggest Mexico is returning to the dark days of the 2006-2012 drug war when cartel gunmen often targeted the general public as well as one another.

Its no longer between the cartels; they are attacking the public, said activist Angelica Orozco.

Given the propensity of cartels in the region to incinerate the bodies of their victims, it is not clear that if those who disappeared on the highway are dead whether their bodies could ever be found.

On Wednesday, Quintana revealed that at a point farther east along the border, authorities have excavated a shocking half-ton (500 kilograms) of burned bone fragments, apparently human, since the site was found in 2017. Quintana described the bone dumping ground at a spot near the border city of Matamoros as a place of extermination.

The total number of people who have gone missing in Mexico since 2006 and have never been found stands at almost 87,855.

Officials in the early 2000s were often quick to repeat an old belief that drug cartels only killed each other, not innocent civilians, a belief that apparently hasn't completely died.

On Wednesday, Assistant Interior Secretary Alejandro Encinas said that almost 80% of present-day killings are associated with criminal activities.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP)  A squad of gunmen assassinated Haitian President Jovenel Moise and wounded his wife in an overnight raid on their home Wednesday, with police killing four suspects and arresting two others hours later amid growing chaos in a country already enduring gang violence and protests of his increasingly authoritarian rule.

Three police officers held hostage by the suspected gunmen were freed late Wednesday after police surrounded a house where some of the suspects were hiding, said Leon Charles, chief of Haitis National Police.

Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph said the police and military were in control of security in Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas where a history of dictatorship and political upheaval have long stymied the consolidation of democratic rule.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Joseph called for an international investigation into the assassination, said that elections scheduled for later this year should be held and pledged to work with Moise's allies and opponents alike.

We need every single one to move the country forward, Joseph said. He alluded to enemies of the president, describing him as a man of courage'' who had opposed some oligarchs in the country, and we believe those things are not without consequences.''

Despite Josephs assurances that order would prevail, there was confusion about who should take control and widespread anxiety among Haitians. Authorities declared a state of siege in the country and closed the international airport.

The normally bustling streets of the capital, Port-au-Prince, were empty Wednesday. Sporadic gunshots were heard in the distance, public transportation was scarce, and some people searched for businesses that were open for food and water.

Bocchit Edmond, the Haitian ambassador to the United States, said the attack on the 53-year-old Moise "was carried out by foreign mercenaries and professional killers  well-orchestrated, and that they were masquerading as agents of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The DEA has an office in the Haitian capital to assist the government in counternarcotics programs, according to the U.S. Embassy.

Joseph said the heavily armed gunmen spoke Spanish or English, but gave no further details.

Moise's wife, Martine, was in stable but critical condition and was being moved to Miami for treatment, Edmond said in Washington.

Haiti has asked the U.S. government for assistance with the investigation, he said, adding that the assassins could have escaped over the land border to the Dominican Republic or by sea.

The Dominican Republic said it was closing the border and reinforcing security in the area, describing the frontier as completely calm.

Haiti appeared to be heading for fresh volatility ahead of general elections later this year. Moise had been ruling by decree for more than a year after failing to hold elections, and the opposition demanded he step down in recent months, saying he was leading it toward yet another grim period of authoritarianism.

It was a testament to Haitis fragile political situation that Joseph, a protege of Moise who was only supposed to be prime minster temporarily, found himself in charge.

But Haiti appears to have few other options. The Supreme Courts chief justice, who might be expected to help provide stability in a crisis, died recently of COVID-19.

The main opposition parties said they were greatly dismayed about the killing.

In this painful circumstance, the political forces of the opposition condemn with utmost rigor this heinous crime that is at odds with democratic principles, their statement said.

The parties added that they hope the National Police will take all necessary measures to protect lives and property, and they called on Haitians to be extremely vigilant.

Joseph is likely to lead Haiti for now, though that could change in a nation where constitutional provisions have been erratically observed, said Alex Dupuy, a Haiti-born sociologist at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut.

The best scenario would be for the acting prime minister and opposition parties to come together and hold elections, Dupuy said.

But, in Haiti, nothing can be taken for granted. It depends how the current balance of forces in Haiti plays out, he said, describing the situation as dangerous and volatile. Haiti's police force is already grappling with a recent spike in violence in Port-au-Prince that has displaced more than 14,700 people, he said.

Former President Michel Martelly, whom Moise succeeded, called the assassination a hard blow for our country and for Haitian democracy, which is struggling to find its way.

U.S. President Joe Biden said he was shocked and saddened to hear of the horrific assassination, and condemned this heinous act.

The United States offers condolences to the people of Haiti, and we stand ready to assist as we continue to work for a safe and secure Haiti, Biden said in a statement.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the assassination and stressed that the perpetrators of this crime must be brought to justice, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. The Security Council scheduled an emergency closed meeting on Haiti for Thursday.

Governments in Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe and elsewhere also expressed their concern at Haitis plight.

A resident who lives near the presidents home said she heard the attack.

I thought there was an earthquake, there was so much shooting, said the woman, who spoke on condition of anonymity because she fears for her life. The president had problems with many people, but this is not how we expected him to die.

The U.S. Embassy in Haiti said it was restricting U.S. staff to its compounds and closed the embassy Wednesday.

Its too early to know exactly what will happen next, said Jonathan Katz, who previously covered Haiti for the AP and wrote a book about the countrys devastating earthquake.

We dont know who did this, what their end game is, what else they have planned, he said, noting that Moise had a long list of enemies. There were a lot of people who wanted him gone. And there were a lot of people whom he wanted gone.

It seems to be a pretty well-financed operation, he said, adding it could take days to piece together what happened. Thats the question: Whos behind it and what do they want?

Moise was killed a day after he nominated Ariel Henry, a neurosurgeon, as the new prime minister. Joseph took over the job of interim prime minister in April following the resignation of the previous premier, Joseph Jouthe  the latest in a revolving door of prime ministers.

In the AP interview, Joseph said he had spoken three times with Henry and that there was agreement he was in charge for now.

He was actually designated but never took office, Joseph said of Henry. I was the one who was a prime minister, who was in office. This is what the law and the constitution says.

However, in a separate AP interview, Henry appeared to contradict Joseph. Its an exceptional situation. There is a bit of confusion, he said. I am the prime minister in office.

Haiti's economic, political and social woes have deepened recently, with gang violence spiking in Port-au-Prince, inflation spiraling, and food and fuel becoming scarcer in a country where 60% of the population makes less than $2 a day. These troubles come as Haiti is still trying to recover from the devastating 2010 earthquake and Hurricane Matthew in 2016.

Opposition leaders accused Moise of seeking to increase his power, including by approving a decree that limited the powers of a court that audits government contracts and another that created an intelligence agency that answers only to the president.

He had faced large protests in recent months that turned violent as opposition leaders and their supporters rejected his plans to hold a constitutional referendum with proposals that would strengthen the presidency.

In recent months, opposition leaders demanded he step down, arguing that his term legally ended in February 2021. Moise and supporters maintained that his term began when he took office in early 2017, following a chaotic election that forced the appointment of a provisional president to serve during a year-long gap.

In May, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced an 18-month extension of temporary legal status for Haitians living in the U.S., citing serious security concerns (in Haiti), social unrest, an increase in human rights abuses, crippling poverty, and lack of basic resources, which are exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The reprieve benefited an estimated 100,000 people who came after the devastating 2010 earthquake and are eligible for Temporary Protected Status, which gives haven to people fleeing countries struggling with civil strife or natural disasters.

___

This story has been updated to correct that Moise ruled by decree for more than a year, not more than two years.

___

Coto reported from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Associated Press writers Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations, Joshua Goodman in Miami and Ben Fox in Washington contributed.
ALMA, Neb. (AP)  Authorities have identified a man who drowned in a southern Nebraska lake on the July Fourth holiday.

Lazaro Hernandez, 23, of Grand Island, died Sunday in Harlan County Lake, according to the Harlan County Sheriffs Office. Sheriffs officials said a 911 call late Sunday afternoon reported the drowning, and deputies were joined by officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Nebraska State Patrol and Nebraska Game and Parks in searching for Hernandez.

His body was found about three hours later on the south side of the lake, which is located near Alma.

Investigators believe Hernandez had been swimming when he became fatigued and drowned.
KANO, Nigeria (AP)  Praying, crying and waiting for news about their children, the parents of more than 120 Nigerian students abducted by armed bandits at the Bethel Baptist High School in the nations northern Kaduna state have been gathering at the school awaiting updates about their children.

Some weeping mothers pleaded for help from Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai.

A group of gunmen stormed the school early Monday, at around 2 a.m., shooting sporadically as they kidnapped the students, according to the police.

Two security guards lost their lives while battling the kidnappers, said Kaduna's governor.

The Rev. Ishaya Jangado, head of the Kaduna Baptist Conference that manages the school, led prayers Tuesday and said the kidnappers made contact with him. He was allowed to talk with some students who confirmed that they were fine and said that the number of pupils abducted was 121.

We had a call from the bandits. They assured that our children are well, Jangado said. They (the students) counted themselves in the jungle and they gave us information that they are 121, he added.

He added that 28 students escaped from the abduction, some hiding in the school and others running away during the assault on Monday. Jangado said that he met with members of the government who vowed to work to rescue the students and bring them back home.

Tragically such school abductions are becoming common in northern Nigeria, where nearly 1,000 students have been kidnapped from schools since December.

The U.N. Childrens Agency said the abductions on Monday are the latest incident in an alarming spate of attacks against children and abductions, including of students, in parts of West and Central Africa.

The organization estimates at least 950 students have been abducted by armed gunmen since December, with more than half of the abductions occurring in the past six weeks alone.

This is the fourth abduction of students in Kaduna state in the past six months. There have been seven mass kidnappings of students in Nigeria so far this year. The abductions are being carried out by armed groups who want ransoms.

Public affairs analyst Malam Bashir Mohammed has attributed the disturbing rise of kidnappings to poverty, unemployment and greed.

The recent spate of kidnappings has become Nigerias worst-case scenario, he said, proving difficult to handle despite the efforts of security agents. He called on Nigerias leaders to rise to the challenge.

I cant imagine the way and manner these agents of banditry should be allowed to wreak havoc on innocent people for no just cause, he said. The government ought to take firm and ruthless action against the perpetrators of the despicable act.

Kidnapping is gaining credence in the country, because it has been considered by those blatantly committing the act as a legitimate business, he said, adding that some have succeeded in getting ransoms without being apprehended.

Many schools have been forced to close as authorities are unable to adequately protect them.

The spate of mass abductions from schools in Nigeria has grown significantly since 2014 when members of the jihadi rebels Boko Haram abducted 276 female students from a government school in Chibok in northeastern Borno State.

___

AP journalists John Shiklam in Kano, Nigeria, and Carley Petesch in Dakar, Senegal contributed.
PHOENIX (AP)  A death row prisoner who could be among the first in Arizona to be executed in almost seven years is opposing a move that would reduce the amount of time he would have respond to the states request for his execution warrant.

Prosecutors asked the Arizona Supreme Court two weeks ago to modify the briefing schedule in their bid to get an execution warrant for Clarence Dixon after they revealed the shelf life of the states lethal injection drug was half as long than they previously thought.

The changes are being sought to accommodate for the drugs shorter shelf life and keep the projected Oct. 19 execution date on track.

In a filing Tuesday, Dixons lawyer Cary Sandman said the states new scheduling proposal would give her only four days to respond to the execution warrant request, whereas she had 10 days under the current schedule.

The present dilemma was created by the state by prematurely seeking a briefing schedule to support issuance of a warrant for Mr. Dixons execution, without first obtaining reliable data essential to carrying out a lawful execution, Sandman wrote. The solution to the states unpreparedness is not to violate Mr. Dixons rights by suspending the operation of this courts rules, or to compromise the time the court has to deliberate.

Attorney General Mark Brnovichs office didnt return a call seeking comment.

Dixons projected Oct. 19 execution date was based around a belief by a compounding pharmacist that the drug pentobarbital had a shelf life of 90 days. The state now says until specialized testing on a sample batch of the drug is done, the shelf life of the pentobarbital to be compounded for Dixons execution would be 45 days.

Dixon and Frank Atwood are the first death row prisoners in Arizona to be eyed for execution since the 2014 death of Joseph Wood, who was given 15 doses of a two-drug combination over two hours. His attorney said the execution was botched.

States including Arizona have struggled to buy execution drugs in recent years after U.S. and European pharmaceutical companies began blocking the use of their products in lethal injections. Arizona corrections officials revealed earlier this year that they had finally obtained a lethal injection drug and were ready to resume executions.

Arizona has 115 inmates on death row.

Dixon was convicted and sentenced to death for the 1978 killing of Deana Bowdoin, a 21-year-old Arizona State University student.

Atwood was convicted in Pima County and sentenced to death for killing 8-year-old Vicki Lynn Hoskinson in 1984. Authorities say Atwood kidnapped the girl, whose body was found in the desert northwest of Tucson.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Security forces in Kuwait detained a prominent poet on charges of insulting the countrys ruler and spreading fake news, his family said Wednesday, inciting anger from rights activists and lawmakers who view his arrest as a sign of escalating government repression.

The poet, Jamal al-Sayer, had filled his Twitter page over the past weeks with fierce criticism of government corruption, posting lyrical verses that lament Kuwaits dysfunction and patronage system. In one of the more incendiary tweets, he directly addresses Kuwait's emir, deploring the ruler's complicity in the unbearable state of the country and the government's violating of the constitution."

In Kuwait, a nation distinguished in the region of autocratic Gulf Arab sheikhdoms for its relatively vibrant civic debate and bare-knuckle politics, authorities still vigorously prosecute the crime of insulting the country's emir, who the constitution calls immune and inviolable."

Although Kuwait's outspoken parliament can introduce legislation and question ministers, the emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, retains ultimate authority on all state matters. Disagreements between the emir-appointed government and elected parliament frequently spiral into political crises that analysts say impede the countrys progress.

Since his arrest late Monday, al-Sayer has remained in state custody, awaiting the court's decision, said his nephew, lawmaker Muhannad al-Sayer, who had joined him at the public prosecutor's office. Authorities cited the poet's tweets when presenting the two defamation charges, he added.

Local media reported that al-Sayer denied the charges before the court. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Information did not immediately respond to a request for comment. An official at the Ministry of Interior declined to comment on the case.

The Gulf Center for Human Rights reported that security agents had burst into al-Sayer's home in the middle of the night. News of the raid ignited outrage from a wide range of writers, lawyers, activists and politicians in Kuwait, who revere al-Sayer as a national poet known for his tributes to a beloved homeland.

Even some pro-government lawmakers voiced their solidarity with al-Sayer, criticizing security forces for employing harsh tactics against a man in his 70s with a soft-spoken reputation and little-known history in politics.

#Free Jamal al-Sayer read one popular hashtag on Kuwaiti social media Tuesday.

Kuwait is a constitutional state, said opposition lawmaker Khaled al-Otaibi. We will not accept such repressive practices, the import of totalitarian states' tactics and the culture of muzzling.

Further alarming rights advocates, al-Sayers arrest comes just months after Parliament passed an amendment to the legal code that abolished pre-trial detention for those arrested for expressing their opinions or making comments online, according to the country's official Gazette.

Kuwaiti laws criminalizing speech deemed insulting to Islam or the ruling family have broadened in scope since the government's social media crackdown in the wake of the 2011 Arab Spring protests.

Rights groups say that authorities seeking to quell political dissent have become increasingly empowered to arrest and interrogate activists, writers and political figures over their contentious online posts. Earlier this year, Kuwaits constitutional court expelled the countrys most outspoken opposition lawmaker from parliament, citing an old conviction for chastising the emir.

The continued detention of Jamal al-Sayer represents the continued bleeding of rights and freedoms from the homeland, his nephew Muhannad wrote on Twitter, noting the generations of prominent Palestinian and Iraqi writers who sought refuge in Kuwait from government repression back home.

The homeland that embraced their freedoms ... is now restricting the freedom of its children, he wrote.
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP)  Slovakias top court ruled Wednesday that a nationwide referendum cannot be held on whether to call an early parliamentary election.

President Zuzana Caputova had asked the Constitutional Court to rule on the matter after over 585,000 Slovak citizens signed petitions calling for the snap vote, which the political opposition proposed over the governments handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

At least 350,000 signatures are needed to qualify a referendum in the country of 5.4 million. If a majority voted yes in the proposed election referendum, a new parliamentary ballot would have to be held in 180 days.

Slovakias next regular general election is scheduled for 2024.

Justice Minister Maria Kolikova and some leading law experts doubted that such a referendum would be in line with the rule of law and advised the president to turn to the Constitutional Court.

The court agreed the proposed vote would not conform with the Constitution because it would violate the character of Slovakia as a democratic state with the rule of law, chief judge Ivan Fiacan said.

Parliament would have to amend the Constitution to specifically allow such a referendum, the court said.

Prime Minister Eduard Heger said he respected the ruling, which cannot be appealed, while opposition politicians condemned it. Ervin Erdelyi, the head of the petition committee that was gathering the signatures, said he would study the ruling before deciding on further steps.

Slovakias last election in February 2020 resulted in the formation of a four-party coalition government led by populist Prime Minister Igor Matovic.

A secret deal orchestrated by the prime minister for Slovakia to purchase 2 million doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine triggered a political crisis in March that resulted in Matovic's government becoming the first in Europe to collapse due to its handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

A new Cabinet sworn in in April kept the same four-party coalition in power.

Only one referendum in the countrys history, on European Union membership, produced a valid result. All others failed due to low turnout.
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP)  Officials in Washington's Spokane County say the death toll from the past week's heat wave has reached 17, about 10 more than previously reported.

The Spokane County Medical Examiners Office on Wednesday issued a press statement identifying 17 heat wave-related deaths in the eastern Washington county since last Thursday.
OHKAY OWINGEH PUEBLO, N.M. (AP)  The U.S. Department of Agriculture will issue up to $307 million in grants and low-interest loans in an effort to modernize rural water infrastructure, officials announced Wednesday.

The programs are aimed at towns with less than 10,000 people in 34 states and the territory of Puerto Rico.

Officials made the announcement at a wastewater treatment center in the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, north of Santa Fe, where employees have worked to keep the aging plant running for its thousands of residents along the Rio Grande.

Every community needs safe, reliable and modern water and wastewater systems, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement ahead of a tour at the plant run by the Indigenous tribe in New Mexico.

The announcement is part of a multistate push by President Joe Biden and his administration to gain more support for a $973 billion infrastructure package that includes more than a half-trillion dollars in new spending.

The Pueblo will receive a $610,000 loan and a $1.6 million grant to improve its wastewater treatment plant, part of a $4 million investment in the state. Federal officials say it will allow the tribe to start extending service to over 1,000 residents who are disconnected by treating 33% more water each day.

State and local grants will be needed to finish the wastewater treatment centers expansion, Vilsack said.

At the center of the small plant, a decades-old metal trough measuring about 100 feet (30 meter) sat rusted over, the metal now a dark orange. Workers at the plant said the equipment, which mixes sewage with air to induce bacterial breakdown of the waste, was about a year away from rusting through.

Were operating, but just barely, wastewater treatment plant manager Nelson Edmonds told Vilsack on the tour along with Democratic Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, who serves a majority Hispanic and Native American district.

The consequences of decades of disinvestment in physical infrastructure have fallen most heavily on communities of color. This is why USDA is investing in water infrastructure in rural and Tribal communities that need it most to help them build back better, stronger and more equitably than ever before, Vilsack said.

Among some minority communities, Vilsack has been the target of criticism for how he handled discrimination complaints during his tenure as agriculture secretary in the Obama administration.

African American farmers were angered by his appointment by Biden because of an unaddressed flurry of civil rights complaints. But in March, Vilsack announced a program that would forgive the debts of ranchers of color.

A coalition of Hispanic and Native American cattle ranchers in New Mexico complained in 2015 that they were being discriminated against through arbitrary revocations of grazing permits, concerns validated by a report from the agencys Office of Compliance, Policy, Training and Cultural Transformation.

One of them still blames the agency for the death of his cows a decade ago.

I had to liquidate 250 animals overnight, said Dave Sanchez, 61, of Chama, north of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo.

He said that during the Obama administration Vilsack turned down many requests to meet and address the concerns of a large group of cattle ranchers in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado.

Were really disappointed in Vilsack for what he did in the Obama administration. I dont know why hes coming to New Mexico. He didnt want to meet with Hispanic ranchers. He shunned us, Sanchez said Tuesday after learning of the visit.

The USDA takes complaints of discrimination seriously and seeks to ensure all programs are administered equitably, agency spokeswoman Kate Waters said in a statement Wednesday.

___

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.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  A delegation of five U.S. senators wound up two days of talks Tuesday with Mexican officials on migration and cross-border issues.

The three Republicans and two Democrats met Monday with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who called the conversation cordial and friendly.

The senators met Tuesday with other Mexican officials. U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia wrote in his social media accounts that the talks focused on the shared commitment to addressing the root causes of migration and enhancing our trade relationship.

Lopez Obrador said they also talked about how to handle the clear and evident advance of Asia in the region.

The issue closest to the Mexican president's heart is the lifting of coronavirus restrictions on non-essential cross border travel.

We also spoke about completely opening the border as quickly as possible, Lopez Obrador said.

Mexico hopes that roughly equalizing the vaccination rates on both sides of the border will hasten the lifting of those restrictions.

Mexico is in the process of vaccinating residents of its border states with 1.35 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine donated by the United States.

The Mexican government has completed the vaccination drive in the border states of Baja California and Sonora, and is starting in Chihuahua. Moving eastward, the states of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas will follow.
HELENA, Mont. (AP)  The U.S. Department of Agriculture declared Tuesday a drought disaster in 15 additional Montana counties, bringing the number of counties in a declared disaster to 31 of Montana's 56 counties.

The declaration makes farms in the affected area eligible for emergency loans and other federal assistance. It comes after Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte declared a statewide drought emergency last week and requested that the Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack declare a federal emergency in the entire state.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (AP)  A federal judge has handed down seven life sentences to a Virginia man convicted in the 2015 deaths of three teenagers, one of them a 13-year-old girl who was an innocent bystander at a birthday party.

Xavier BJ Greene, 26, of Newport News was convicted nearly two years ago of being one of the four men who showed up outside the birthday party and began firing at people standing outside, The Daily Press of Newport News reported Wednesday.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  South Korea on Wednesday reported 1,212 new cases, a steep rise in coronavirus infections unseen since the winter outbreak as it slips into another surge while most of its people are still unvaccinated.

Health experts say the government sent the wrong message by pushing for a premature easing of social distancing.

Packed restaurants, bars and stores and huge beer-drinking crowds at parks alongside Seouls Han River in recent weeks have illustrated how the country has let its guard down despite a slow vaccine rollout.

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said officials will consider tougher distancing rules if transmissions continue to grow over the next two or three days. President Moon Jae-in in a separate meeting instructed officials to swiftly deploy police officers, troops and civil servants to help with contact tracing.

This is an emergency situation where we need to invest all our abilities to respond to COVID-19, Kim said, while pleading for public vigilance.

The government had planned to raise the cap on private gatherings from four to six people, extend indoor dining at restaurants by two hours until midnight and allow vaccinated people to go without masks starting this month. But officials in Seoul and nearby areas held off the new rules as infections rose.

More than 1,000 of the new cases came from the greater capital area, home to half of the countrys 51 million people, including a record 577 in Seoul. Infections were also reported in other major cities and regions, fueling concerns the virus could spread further during the summer holidays.

While infections among people in their 60s and older have slowed following vaccinations, transmissions are accelerating across other age groups, including those in their 20s and 30s who are more likely to go out socializing, said Lee Ki-Il, deputy minister of health care policy at South Koreas Health Ministry.

The number of virus patients is increasing very fast in metropolitan areas where there is a high concentration of bars and other entertainment venues young people often go to, he said.

Lee also expressed concern over the spread of the more contagious delta variant of the virus. He advised tests for young adults who recently visited Seouls major entertainment districts, including Gangnam and Hongdae, regardless of whether they are exhibiting symptoms. He urged companies to have more employees work from home.

The government plans to add at least 25 more testing stations in Seoul and tighten the enforcement of restrictions at restaurants and other businesses, which from Thursday will face 10-day closures if they fail to implement distancing and other measures.

When asked whether the government worsened the outbreak by signaling an easing of social distancing rules, Son Young-rae, another Health Ministry official, said it's hard to ignore the pandemic fatigue and the struggles of small businesses and the self-employed who rely on a battered service sector economy.

We need to keep trying to find a balance between anti-virus measures and efforts to restore normalcy as the COVID-19 crisis prolongs, Son said. We have maintained that people should remain vigilant throughout this process  but considering the current surge in infections, theres regret that we should have communicated that message more effectively.

The countrys caseload is now at 162,753, after adding around 5,800 cases this month alone. The death toll is at 2,033.

Only 30% of its population have received first doses as of Wednesday. Just around 10% have got both jabs.

Those vaccinated include hospital and essential workers, people in long-term care settings, troops and adults in their 60s or older, but inconsistent supplies have left the vast majority of younger adults still waiting.

South Korea on Wednesday received 700,000 Pfizer shots from Israel in exchange for a future shipment of vaccines to Israel from September to November, when officials hope South Koreas shortage will have eased.

Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency Director Jung Eun-kyeong said the doses will go to Seoul and nearby Gyeonggi province where the virus is spreading fastest. She expressed hope the shots will help speed up vaccinations of nursery, day care workers and kindergarten and elementary schoolteachers, which authorities plan to start this month.
When board members for the Champlain Towers South condominium building were looking for someone to oversee a massive and urgent repair project in late 2019, they turned to an engineer already familiar with the building's problems: Frank Morabito and his firm Morabito Consultants.

"He is the only Engineering Firm that already knows the Building," Graciela Escalante, who chaired a committee focused on the project, wrote to the board on Sept. 13, 2019. She recommended it hire Morabito. "Bottom line; He can hit the ground running."

Morabito's knowledge of the Surfside, Fla., condo building that collapsed last month gave him a prime vantage point to detect any visible signs that the building's integrity was in doubt, according to a Washington Post review of board minutes and other documents. He had performed a 2018 inspection that found "major structural damage" to a concrete slab under the pool deck and entrance drive and been hired to help the board select and oversee a construction company to address that and other issues in an estimated $15 million project.

His oversight role left him still intimately involved with the 12-story, 136-unit building: drawing detailed plans, pursuing permits from town officials and attending condo association meetings. Yet work on the most serious problems identified in his report - including concrete restoration - had not begun when the building fell, killing 28 and leaving 117 unaccounted for as of Monday night.

While experts and investigators caution that it is too early to reach any conclusions about the cause or causes of the collapse, the tragedy has trained a spotlight on Morabito and his Sparks, Md.-based business - a family-run, 23-employee company that he launched in Maryland in 1983 and has expanded with the help of two brothers, who also lead the firm.

Surviving condo owners and relatives of the missing have begun filing lawsuits alleging Morabito, the condo association, Surfside building officials and others ignored or missed warning signs before the June 24 catastrophe.

"We had no idea the building was in imminent danger," Max Friedman, a former board member who is not a party in the litigation filed, told The Post. "Why didn't he tell us the building was going to fall down?"

Brett Marcy, a spokesman for Morabito, declined to comment for this report but pointed to a July 1 statement that said, in part, that the firm "did their job, just as they have done for nearly four decades - providing expert structural engineering counsel and services. And they will continue to work with the investigating authorities to understand why this structure failed, so that such a catastrophic event can never happen again."

Escalante, who sold her condo last year, could not be reached for comment.

Morabito, 66, received bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Maryland and is licensed to do structural engineering work in 23 states and the District of Columbia, according to his spokesman.

His firm's website touts its involvement in high-profile projects, including the expansion of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Md., and the restoration of Baltimore's Hippodrome Theatre, now the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center. The company assisted in the strengthening of concrete components during the remediation of the Dolphin Tower condo building in Sarasota, Fla., a building that some feared could collapse and whose residents were evacuated in 2010. That building reopened in 2015.

On Morabito's company website, he cites the Sarasota condo restoration project in Florida as his favorite, because he provided design ideas "that saved the homeowners millions of dollars and helped them return home safely and efficiently."

Morabito has been working primarily from Florida since 2018, his spokesman said. He and his wife bought a home in Florida in 2019, and his Florida engineering license states he is based there. An online database maintained by the Florida Board of Professional Engineers, which regulates and licenses engineers and investigates complaints, shows no complaints against Morabito.

Four building professionals who have worked with Morabito in the past and spoke with The Post described him as careful and thorough.

Tom Spies, a retired architect who estimated that he had worked closely with Morabito on more than 100 projects over several decades, said Morabito was "absolutely first-rate" and "generally conservative with his structural design."

Spies, who was chairman of Baltimore-based CSD Architects, one of Maryland's largest architectural firms before it closed in 2009, said Morabito was "our go-to guy."

"Concrete was a big specialty of his - he was good with both concrete and steel," he added. Spies cautioned that he did not know the details of Morabito's work in Surfside but said, based on his previous record, "I'm going to guess what he has done is above any standard of care."

- - -

In Surfside, Morabito won over the condo building's board after competing with several other engineering firms to supervise the repairs, board minutes show. Board members blanched at the cost of the repairs he proposed, including his fee of $546,900, plus any unanticipated engineering services to be billed hourly.

"I have to say that upon the commencement of this exercise I was a bit skeptical of Morabito's services and I suffered from sticker shock as did many of the Residents and Committee Members," Escalante wrote to board members in her September 2019 letter.

But she added: "In my opinion, Morabito's project approach is down to earth and realistic. He is not advising us of what we want to hear, but he is honestly providing his professional opinion of the state of our building and what it is going to take to restore it."

Escalante chaired a committee charged with making recommendations to the board about the building's safety recertification, which Miami-Dade County building code required this year, 40 years after its construction.

Morabito's inspection report in 2018 gave the board a jump on the recertification deadline.

While Morabito's 2018 report finding "major structural damage" to the concrete slab below the pool deck has received much attention since the collapse, it is not clear from his report how urgent he considered the issue. He did not mention that finding in the report's introduction, and it is cited after issues including storm water entering units through sliding glass doors and potential damage to balcony slabs. He broaches the subject in a section of the report that discusses the parking garage and pool deck repairs.

His subsequent hiring as the supervising engineer for the building's repairs put him in a position to continue to monitor the damage.

An Aug. 21, 2019 proposal Morabito submitted to the board describes in detail the work he would undertake as supervising engineer. It was separated into three phases: preparing documents that detail needed repairs and installing roof safety anchors; overseeing the selection of a concrete restoration contractor; and monitoring construction.

Documents released by Surfside town officials show that work in the first of those phases was underway. The day before the collapse, Surfside issued a permit for stucco work and the installation of the roof safety anchors to protect workers from falls, records show.

As part of that phase, Morabito's proposal said the company would provide "an experienced structural engineer to prepare repair documents which will describe, in detail, the repair and maintenance work that needs to be completed to this building structure."

It is not clear from publicly available records whether those documents had been completed.

A letter Morabito sent to the condo board's president in October 2020 said that contractors had taken samples of concrete from slabs around the ground level of the complex and that testing had produced "some curious results," which the letter did not specify.

In April 2020, board president Jean Wodnicki sent a letter to the building's residents, warning that "when performing any concrete restoration work, it is impossible to know the extent of the damage to the underlying rebar until the concrete is opened up. Oftentimes the damage is more extensive than can be determined by inspection of the surface."

Morabito's firm said in a statement after the collapse that the concrete restoration work had not begun.

In recent months, Morabito was working closely with town officials to secure approvals needed for the start of construction, documents released by Surfside show. In May, he wrote to town officials asking for authorization to set up a temporary satellite parking lot needed during construction.

"It is [Champlain Towers South's] desire to go out to bid for our 40-year recertification work ASAP and need the Town of Surfside input on this request so everyone has a clear understanding on how this project will be accomplished," Morabito wrote to three Surfside officials on May 20.

- - -

The condo board's minutes show that the board examined Morabito's prior work, seeking references. A May 2020 slide presentation shows that "license, legal and [Better Business Bureau] checks showed no issues." It also indicated that Morabito had worked on other large condominium buildings in Florida, including the Mirador 1000 in Miami Beach and Flamenco Towers in Aventura.

A person associated with the Flamenco Towers project served as a reference for Morabito to the Champlain Towers South board, saying he showed "excellent attention to detail" and was "easy to work with," according to the slide presentation. The reference said Morabito "came up with alternative methods that saved time and money."

In 2010, a real estate holding company connected to Baltimore Orioles owner Peter G. Angelos sued Morabito and his firm, alleging they failed to properly oversee the restoration of an underground parking garage and allowed costs to balloon as the scope of work expanded.

Morabito denied the accusation and paid an undisclosed amount to settle the case, Baltimore Circuit Court records show.

The Florida Board of Professional Engineers did not respond to multiple requests for comment about whether it is investigating or plans to investigate any engineer involved with Champlain Towers South.

The Florida administrative code lays out possible disciplinary measures for negligence, defined as a "failure by a professional engineer to utilize due care in performing in an engineering capacity or failing to have due regard for acceptable standards of engineering and special inspection principles."

The challenges Morabito was facing at Champlain Towers South appear similar to those of the earlier Dolphin Tower project in Sarasota, where he helped strengthen a failed concrete slab, enlarge concrete columns and add foundation piles.

In that high rise, a resident of the building overlooking Sarasota Bay found a wall bowing under pressure and cracks in the floor in 2010, according to news reports. Engineers soon discovered other alarming signs of deterioration and strain, and officials ordered the then nearly four-decade-old building vacated.

It was thought to be the first time an occupied high-rise had to be evacuated because of structural problems not related to weather or fire, the St. Petersburg Times reported at the time. Morabito Consultants was among several firms called in for a restoration project that took five years and cost nearly $9 million. The project won awards from the International Concrete Repair Institute and the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations.

Hytham Bakr, president of Bakr Group, the Dolphin Tower project's manager and owner's representative, said Morabito was brought in by Dolphin Tower's repair contractor, Baltimore-based Concrete Protection & Restoration, or CPR. Morabito's role was to provide "value engineering," Bakr told The Post.

Morabito has worked with CPR on various other projects, including Champlain Towers South before its collapse. CPR performed some "exploratory demolition" on the Surfside condo building's first floor, according to a letter Morabito wrote to the condo board president in October. A spokesman for CPR said its officials declined to comment.

The Sarasota firm Karins Engineering diagnosed the flaws and designed the restoration for Dolphin Tower, Bakr said. Karins, one of the firms Morabito beat out to be the supervising engineer at Champlain Towers South, did not respond to a request for comment.

"He's a great guy," Bakr said of Morabito. "I could see he's very creative, very smart, and he did an excellent job."
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  Soldiers from a National Guard unit based on southwestern Wisconsin will head to the southwestern U.S. border to assist federal officials, Guard officials announced Wednesday.

About 125 soldiers from the Prairie du Chien-based 229th Engineer Company will assist U.S. border patrol agents with what Guard officials called non-law enforcement activities for a year.
LANCASTER, Pa. (AP)  A woman has been arrested in the death of an infant found in a Pennsylvania trash container almost a decade and a half ago, authorities said.

Lancaster County prosecutors and police announced Wednesday that Tara Brazzle, 44, is charged with one count of criminal homicide in the death of the baby girl found in a Lancaster dumpster in September 2007.
BOSTON (AP)  Massachusetts and Rhode Island gained access to an additional $750 million in federal education relief Wednesday after the U.S. Education Department approved plans detailing how they will use the funding to reopen schools and get students caught up on learning.

The states are among the first to get approval for spending plans explaining how they will spend their shares of a $123 billion infusion of federal education relief. Arkansas, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Washington, D.C., also had their plans accepted Wednesday.

The funding is part of President Joe Bidens $1.9 trillion relief package signed in March.

Most of the education funding was released to states in March, but a third was held back until states had their spending plans accepted. Massachusetts will now have access to the final $611 million of its $1.8 billion allotment. Rhode Island is getting the final $138 million of its $415 million share.

States must distribute most of the funding among school districts using a formula that favors systems with high concentration of poverty. Schools have wide flexibility in using the funding, but at least 20% must be used to help students who have fallen behind in school during the pandemic. A portion of the funding can also be used for statewide education initiatives.

These critical funds will go a long way in addressing learning loss caused by the public health crisis and helping schools prepare for the 2021 school year, Massachusetts U.S. Sen. Ed Markey said in a statement.

As part of their spending plans, Massachusetts and Rhode Island both pledged to have all schools open for five days a week of in-person learning this fall. Both states are also using the relief to expand summer programs and to host vaccination clinics at schools in the coming months.

Massachusetts plan says some of the relief will be used to help student groups that were hit hardest by the pandemic. The state will identify those groups using standardized test results along with school data on student attendance and discipline, and through public conversations.

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has also issued an acceleration roadmap to help schools get students caught up, and the state says its considering using some federal relief to create small, hands-on learning opportunities for math and early literacy.

Rhode Islands spending plan says all schools are expected to use equity as the guiding lens in their efforts. The states Department of Education allocated a portion of the federal relief to support the lowest-performing schools, and it will give schools curriculum help with elementary math, a subject that has seen deep learning setbacks in many states.

The department is also urging schools to use federal funding to hire more counselors and social workers to focus on student mental health.

Individual school districts in both states will later be required to submit their own spending plans for their allotment of the funding. Massachusetts is giving districts until Oct. 4, while Rhode Island says plans will be due starting in August.

U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said he was encouraged by the first round of approved plans. In a statement, he said they lay the groundwork for the ways in which an unprecedented infusion of federal resources will be used to address the urgent needs of Americas children.

___

Follow APs coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic.
All around Lourdes Flores there are signs that her border town of Mission is returning to pre-pandemic life: More restrictions have been lifted, shes no longer working strictly from home, and most people in her household have been vaccinated.

However, theres one sign Flores is slow to embrace: Her daughter, Jazmin, will return to in-person learning for her sophomore year this fall in the La Joya Independent School District.

RELATED: Some Texas students with disabilities thrived on remote learning, but have few options this fall

If a choice is given, then Ill keep her at home for as long as I can until I know that it's really safe to be out there, Flores said, adding that she worries current COVID-19 infection rates don't paint an accurate picture of the virus spread, as her daughters district plans to move ahead with a full return to campus.

Remote learning soon wont be an option for many parents in the fall, as the Texas Education Agency pushes districts toward returning to in-person learning, citing data showing that it leads to better learning outcomes compared to remote instruction. The agency has announced that state funding for remote-only options wont be available for the upcoming school year, prompting many districts to announce a return to 100% in-person instruction.

Despite this, the return to in-person learning is not a simple transition for some parents  particularly parents of students of color  after a year in which they say their children reaped some benefits from remote-only learning.

When districts gave parents a choice between in-person and remote classes during the past year, according to data from the Texas Education Agency, students of color in Texas returned to in-person learning at lower rates than their white counterparts.

As of January, about 56% percent of Texas students on average returned to on-campus instruction during the school year, including 75% of white students, about 53% of Black students, 49% of Hispanic students and 31% of Asian students.

In an emailed statement, the TEA cited Covid-19s disproportionate economic and public health effect on communities of color as a reason for the lower in-person attendance and engagement rates among students of color.

READ ALSO: Texas students' standardized test scores dropped dramatically during the pandemic

Experts say its necessary to consider the intersection of circumstances that could lead to such rates: Students may live in a multigenerational household and worry about infecting family members, or they could be tasked with extra responsibilities during the pandemic  such as taking care of siblings or supplementing family income  that make remote learning more conducive to their needs.

Theres mostly quite a bit of fear and economic uncertainty. All of those things play a role in wanting to continue remote learning, said Hector Bojorquez, director of operations and educational practice at the Intercultural Development Research Association, a nonprofit that seeks to ensure equal opportunities for children in public education. Everybody's lives [were] thrown into chaos during the past year. People whose lives are already precarious economically are even more frightened of taking certain risks.

The disproportionate impact COVID-19 has had on communities of color can also present a challenge for parents in deciding to let their child return to in-person learning, said Leann Smith, an assistant professor at Texas A&M Universitys Department of Educational Psychology.

We know that there were higher rates of COVID-related illnesses and death in those communities, so we are then putting the burden on parents for the most part to decide whether or not they want to risk further exposing their own community or their family to this virus, Smith said.

Throughout the pandemic, a majority of coronavirus-related deaths in the state have been among Hispanic and Black Texans, who together comprise a little over 50% of the states population. As of late June, about 26% of Black Texans and about 32% of Hispanic Texans have been fully vaccinated, compared to about 38% of white Texans, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.

For Stacey Smith, whose daughter is pregnant and contracted COVID-19 this past year while attending school in-person and participating in sports, an option for her child to learn remotely would put her more at ease.

I feel like there should be options for parents that have kids that are at high risk instead of just saying This is what it is,  said Smith, whos Hispanic and lives in Austin. In June, Austin ISD announced it would no longer be providing a virtual learning option for students.

Catering to social needs

For some parents, the desire to keep their children at home during the school year stemmed from some of the social challenges students may face in a school setting that can be unique to their race or identity.

Tonya Reyes-Dickerson, who lives in Springtown outside of Fort Worth, said that before the pandemic, going to class in person was a challenge for her 10-year-old transgender son, who in the past has been the target of bullying at school. Springtown ISD has announced its returning to full in-person learning this fall.

Being in virtual [school], we don't have to worry about that, Reyes-Dickerson said. Our child is protected from any of those types of dangers.

During a school year that started on the heels of George Floyds death at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, and a summer of protests against racial injustice and police brutality, Smith said that because they were home, many children of color were also able to have more substantial conversations with their families that acknowledged their cultural perspective. That doesnt often happen in school, she said.

TXLEGE: Abbott includes voting restrictions, critical race theory, transgender restrictions on agenda

The socialization that we would hope would happen in school but that research shows does not happen in school  the parents were able to create that space at home, which is good, Smith said. So there are some mental health benefits of [students] being protected from what we know is very negative, discrimination and microaggressive experiences.

Lashonda Chavers said virtual learning has given her two daughters a much-needed reprieve from some difficult interactions in the public school system. For example, her youngest daughter told her that during a dissection of a sheeps heart in science class, her teacher commented that it was Black peoples heritage to eat chitlins and Hispanic peoples heritage to eat menudo  both dishes made with animal organs.

I think we did better, my children, my girls, did better learning from home, said Chavers, 46, who is Black and Hispanic and whose daughters, a rising freshman and a rising senior, attend school in Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD outside of Dallas. Their grades were just as good, and they were well adjusted, and they were happy, and they felt liberated.

Her daughters school district has already announced that it will be returning to in-person learning with no online options for the upcoming school year. Chavers said she and her daughters arent vaccinated against COVID-19 because of her distrust in Western medicine. And shes nervous about them returning to the classroom in the fall.

I think that all schools should provide hybrid courses for every child until this is over, or until we have such a good handle on it we haven't even heard of any COVID cases, Chavers said.

The return to in-person learning

Learning loss during the pandemic has surpassed the usual decline associated with the summer months, according to the TEA. Between March 2020 and September 2020, students have lost an average of almost six months of learning, according to the TEA, with virtual learning students being disproportionately affected.

Newly-released standardized test results also show the percentage of remote learning students who met grade level expectations dropped significantly this past year, especially in math and reading.

For example, districts in which a quarter or more of the students were learning virtually saw a 32% drop in mathematics performance from 2019 to 2021. However, in districts where less than a quarter learned virtually, performance only dropped by 9%.

Thankfully, from early on, Texas prioritized the availability of in-person instruction during this tremendously difficult year, Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath said in a statement. When students come into Texas public schools, they are well-served by Texas educators  a fact that these scores confirm.

In the plan that TEA submitted to the U.S. Department of Education that details how it intends to use federal stimulus funds from the American Rescue Plan, the agency said that African American and Hispanic students in Texas have experienced, in general, more lost instructional time due to absenteeism, lower student engagement, and have engaged more in remote learning than their peers of other races/ethnicities.

READ ALSO: Abbott allocates $94.6 million in federal money to help students and colleges recover from pandemic

The TEA said it is actively working to address pandemic-induced learning loss, and is overseeing the distribution of $18 billion in federal stimulus funds for public schools. In April, the state released $11.2 billion of the federal stimulus funds for public schools that were allocated to the state through the American Rescue Plan.

The recently released money requires that districts reserve 20% of their funds to address learning loss through strategies such as summer programs, after-school programs or extending the school year.

Kathy Rollo, superintendent of Lubbock ISD, said steps like those have helped students get back on track in her district, particularly through summer school programming to get children reacclimated to learning in person.

Some districts, such as Lubbock ISD, San Antonio ISD and Austin ISD, have said they opted to return to full in-person instruction for the upcoming school year because the Texas Legislature failed to pass a bill that would have helped to fund virtual school programs.

House Bill 1468 died as a result of House Democrats' walkout to stop the passage of a GOP priority voting bill. In a joint letter sent to Gov. Greg Abbott on June 16, 30 school districts, including San Antonio ISD and Austin ISD, called for virtual school funding to be added to the agenda for the Legislatures special session, which starts this month.

Rollo said even if the bill had passed, Lubbock ISD would not have offered virtual instruction for Pre-K through eighth grade.

We were interested in investigating the potential of having an online virtual school for our high school students who are older, are able to more self-navigate through their learning opportunities, but when that bill did not pass that really is not an option for our district at this point, she said.

The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that informs Texans  and engages with them  about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
(Photo by Saul Loeb-Pool/Getty Images)

The billionaire space race has one important fan cheering them on, it appears.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, a former senator and astronaut who flew on the Space Shuttle Columbia, talked about Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson, and their collective quest to get to space in an appearance on CNBC's "The News with Shepard Smith."
Two days before state lawmakers return to Austin for a special legislative session, Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday gave state electricity regulators marching orders to improve electric reliability.

In a letter to the Public Utility Commission, Abbott directed the three-person board of directors, who he appoints, to take action that would require renewable energy companies to pay for power when wind and solar arent able to provide it to the states main power grid, echoing a move state lawmakers rejected in May.

Abbott also told the PUC to incentivize companies to build and maintain nuclear, natural gas and coal power generation for the grid  which failed spectacularly during a February winter storm, leaving millions of Texans without power or heat for days in below freezing temperatures.

Texas energy experts were skeptical that Abbotts orders would actually improve the reliability of the state grid, which operates mostly independently of the nations two other major grids.

READ MORE: Someone is filing fake candidate forms to run against Rep. Dan Crenshaw

What is here is not a serious or prudent plan for improving the grid, Daniel Cohan, an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at Rice University, said in an interview Tuesday. Its more of a political job favoring some [energy] sources over others. For Texans to have a more reliable power supply, we need clearer thinking that makes the best of all the sources we have.

Abbotts letter also called on the PUC to direct the states main grid operator, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, to better schedule when power plants are offline, an issue that caused tension between state regulators and power generators after some power plants unexpectedly went offline in June and led ERCOT to ask Texans to turn their thermostats up to 78 degrees for a week during a heat wave to conserve energy.

Abbott responded to the plant outages by declaring the power grid is better today than its ever been.

GOVERNOR MCCONAUGHEY?: New poll shows how Abbott stacks up vs. McConaughey

In the letter, Abbott said his directives to the PUC are aimed at ensuring that all Texans have access to reliable, safe, and affordable power, and that this task is achieved in the quickest possible way."

The letter doesnt include many specifics about how the PUC should carry out Abbotts requests to improve the grid. A spokesperson for Abbott did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday.

State lawmakers responded to Februarys deadly winter storm with a few key changes to the power grid that energy experts have said will begin to address issues exposed by the storm, such as requiring power companies to upgrade plants to withstand more extreme weather and creating an emergency alert system. But lawmakers did not provide direct relief for everyday Texans.

Governor Abbott has been consistently clear on his desire for a reliable grid and the 87th Texas Legislature laid out a detailed road map to that goal, PUC spokesperson Andrew Barlow said in response to questions about Abbotts letter. While the PUC has been working on many of the items in his directive, this additional clarity is a welcome addition to our process.

As Abbott prepares to release the agenda for a special session of the Legislature that begins Thursday, Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and others have called on him to add energy-related issues to the list.

Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers and leaders have criticized Abbott For turning his attention to building a state-funded border wall rather than fixing the state power grid.

Disclosure: Rice University has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that informs Texans  and engages with them  about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
HARRY CABLUCK /Associated Press file photo

On Wednesday, July 7, Gov. Greg Abbott announced the agenda for the special legislature session  and many Texas lawmakers expressed their thoughts on Twitter.

The 11-item agenda includes many hot-button issues, such as the voting restriction bill, critical race theory, and prohibiting transgender children from competing in school sports teams that correspond with their gender identity.
A man police say yelled racist slurs in front of a residence in Mount Laurel, N.J., on Friday, gave out his address to a person filming him, and then challenged them to visit his home.

"Bring whoever," the man police identified as Edward Cagney Mathews, 45, added.

READ ALSO: ESPN takes Nichols off NBA Finals duty after leaked comments

The video, which appears to show Mathews repeatedly calling his Black neighbor the n-word and a "monkey," went viral.

Three days later, protesters started showing up at the address listed in the video. By Monday morning, dozens of protesters had gathered outside Mathews's door, chanting "We want Edward!" the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. And, by the evening, the crowd appeared to have grown to more than 100.

With a line of police officers guarding his house, Mathews briefly emerged during the protest and tried to apologize, the Inquirer reported, but protesters remained livid. As he faced charges for his behavior in the video, including harassment and biased intimidation, police later escorted Mathews out of his home with his hands behind his back.

Protesters cheered, while some hurled food and water bottles at him. The incident followed more than a year of nationwide protests over the treatment of Black people and race relations in the U.S.

"He said to pull up. We pulled up," Aliya Robinson, 43, who lives near Mathews, told the Inquirer. "We're not going to tolerate this anymore."

Mathews could not be reached for comment late Monday, but he told the Inquirer that his racist tirade was a result of him being drunk and the confrontation involved a long-running dispute over the homeowners' association. He apologized.

"I certainly wasn't expecting an encounter like that and certainly wasn't expecting to disrespect anybody," Mathews said. "Let me be clear: That is no excuse for what I said, but I lost my temper."

Robinson and her daughter, Jazmyn, are among several residents who claim that Mathews had harassed them and used racist language toward them before Friday's incident, according to KYW-TV. Ashleigh Gibbons, 35, another neighbor, told the Inquirer that Mathews has been harassing her for years.

IN HOUSTON: Houston is home to one of Texas' deadliest highways

"I totally understand why the protesters were here today," Burlington County Prosecutor Scott A. Coffina said at a Monday night news conference.

In a statement early Monday, the Mount Laurel Police Department said that the incident began at 7:50 p.m. on Friday, when a resident reported that she was "continually harassed by her neighbor," who police identified as Mathews. After the video of him spread on social media, which racked up tens of thousands of views by Monday, police launched the investigation and then announced the charges.

Coffina said at the news conference that his office is also charging Mathews with assault.

The police department said in its statement that it does not tolerate hate or bias intimidation "in any form."

"This type of behavior is totally unacceptable," the statement adds. "We can assure our residents that incidents like this are thoroughly investigated and that those who commit such offenses will be held accountable for their actions."

Likewise, the Mount Laurel Township mayor and council said it rejected Mathews's "horrible and dangerous behavior and acts of hate like it." "This is not who we are and what our township stands for," the statement adds.

The video appears to show Mathews approaching one of his neighbors, and repeatedly getting into the man's face. The unidentified neighbor, who is Black, tells Mathews to leave. But Mathews argues that he had a right to stand in front of the house and does not leave.

IN TEXAS: Abbott tells regulators to encourage building more power plants, penalize renewable energy

"Learn your laws," Mathews allegedly says to the man. "It's not Africa."

"I was born in America," the man replies.

A police officer shows up minutes later and asks Mathews to go back to his house. As Mathews continues to scream racial epithets, the police officer says, "Cut it out, dude."

Tia Brown, a protester at Mathews's house, saw the video and said it was the police officer's lax attitude that angered her, NJ.com reported. "They had a conversation with him like it was nothing," she said.

Likewise, the Mount Laurel police department was criticized for not acting on complaints it received in the past about Mathews. A police spokesman, who did not return calls from The Washington Post late Monday, told the Inquirer that there had not been enough evidence to bring charges in the past.

"We understand the frustration," Kyle Gardner, the department spokesman, said. "The perception was that we did nothing about it. We're doing the best we can."
Did you know the first covered bridge in the United States was built in Connecticut in 1804 by Theodore Burr and lasted 105 years, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation? But its Pennsylvania with its 219 covered bridges that wins for quantity. The majority of covered bridges in the United States were built between 1825 and 1875, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Covered bridges primary function is to avoid rotting of the wood due to weather.

While many covered bridges have disappeared with time, Connecticut still has several standing bridges that state residents can visit.
A. Asking isn't enough and neither is the current level of enforcement.

B. Entrance into Three Sisters Springs needs to be staggered.

C. Human entry into Three Sisters Springs should be limited to only the boardwalk - no swimming or paddlecraft.

D. The current levels of erosion are acceptable and can be addressed with additional rock installation.

Vote

View Results
In 2021 and beyond, business and technology leaders should not settle for a new normal, nor frame the future as the next normal. If we really think about it, the business and operational models that powered yesterdays companies were largely scaled and optimized from paper-based analog processes. Simply digitizing legacy systems, and mindsets, isnt going to cut it in the new world. We no longer have generous multi-year timelines to transform. Its time to reimagine the role of digital transformation in the future of work, create new value for digital-first customers, reskill employees for the new world, and explore innovative technologies to build tomorrows business, today.

The bright side of this global disruption revealed things that we previously thought impossible in such short time frames. We learned we were resilient when tested, and capable of assembling and executing in ways we didnt think were possible before. The best leaders are already leveraging those learnings and innovating.

Change by design: The role of software in digital transformation

For most established organizations, its not just about becoming as innovative as Google or Amazon; its about mastering tech with a purpose to make it a force multiplier for your specific business. For many, the goal of a digital transformation was simply to digitize and modernize legacy systems and processes. And after years of well-intended initiatives and projects, its safe to say that many leaders at organizations could no longer see the forest for the trees.

The pandemic has fundamentally changed that view, reminding us why we do anything: to delight our customers and to empower our employees as times and trends evolve.

With that north star, we can look to leverage software for true business model modernization. Software and digital are the main means of creative and functional production in this age. Incredible feats can be achieved by aligning business strategy with software products and software architecture to microservices and organizational structures. Like the technological revolutions that have come before it, software is this ages means to grow, to increase existing revenue streams and create new ones. Digital productionenabled by highly creative software delivery work to produce intangible assetsis the lifeblood of all customer and employee interactions, and it can make or break our relationship with a brand or organization.

I recently heard the story of global travel company TUI Group and how it turned disaster into an opportunity to overhaul how a business operates. With planes grounded and hotel doors bolted up, the leadership at TUIled by Group CTO Pieter Jordaan took proactive steps to prepare the organization for the new world unfurling.

Solve your biggest problem first

Identifying who our customers have become during these times and identifying their most pressing problem(s) and aspirations, and then walking back from there, is a great place to start. It can help block out the noisethe calls to return to pre-pandemic roadmaps, conflicting priorities, the whirlwind of opinions, the avalanche of vendor pitchesto hone in on what matters. The solving of these customer problems plants stepping-stones in the river that stands between our current and future state.

Jordaan offers some sound advice: Take your business and break it down into smaller chunks and start building things. And dont solve problems that dont exist yet, that you havent yet faced.

Through slicing their business into manageable chunks, TUI Group was able to reach a consensus on what their biggest current challenge was through the eyes of the customer. Looking at the software ecosystem that supported the customer experience, Jordaan realized the existing approach was too disjointed and insufficient. All 180 regions that TUI served across the globe were using individual systems to sell and market to customers using their own databases and customizations.

The group sought to unify these regions through a centralized cloud platformbuilt from existing piecesto remove the need to reinvent the wheel for each country. They faced some blowback as it entailed shutting down each regions system; the people in those regions naturally feared the loss of control over sales and their own customizations tailored to their unique customer journey. However, the team's fears and reservations were quickly allayed. The new modern and simplified digital experience was embraced, with TUI generating 50% of its revenues through the cloud platform in less than six months.

Set the vision, work backwards, move with charted, incremental measures

One of the key lessons of this story is that the company didnt just move to the cloud because its the thing to do. They had a clear business goal: they knew that the cloud platform would enable their teams to better support customers and that leadership would be able to measure this technology decision (a better platform for marketing and selling to customers) against business results (i.e., leads and sales). They didnt try to transform the whole business, just a key part of their incremental journey. In breaking down the universe into increments, Jordaan says he was able to see how the universe of business is changing.

This idea of seeing the universe change is so crucial. Were all guilty of hoping that just by doing things investing in development through talent, tooling and process (DevOps, SAFe, etc.), RPA, AI, machine learning, the cloudwere changing our universe for the better. But as Hemingway famously opined, dont confuse motion with action. As we continue to take steps to continuously, incrementally improve, we need clear outcomes aligned to our actions. We also need to measure each step as we go to ensure were achieving those outcomes. We need to track our progress; otherwise, whats the point?

So reassemble the business-technology taskforce that led your business through this challenging last year and pick the most glaring customer problem that you face today. And like TUI Group, start small; the company originally picked a low-volume region to trial the cloud platform before rolling it out. Whatever business-critical product or service you pick to double down on, dont think of this as a temporary solution or quick fix; these are changes that are taking you into the future.

With clear outcomes agreed upon, and with end-to-end Flow Metrics to close the feedback loop with customers to help you learn and iterate at a faster clip, you begin to score and promote little wins. These little wins are important because they reinforce the culture of continuous improvement. They allow you to see and feel the impact of your decisions and changes. It gives the whole organization a sense of purpose.

If youre waiting for instructions, you may be on the wrong side of innovation. Ask yourself, Whats my role in all this? The most important lesson in these times of disruption is that the role is actually yours to define and shape.

Whether youre a business or technology leader (or both), now is the time to grasp this opportunity, build on this momentum, and spearhead real business transformation and modernization. Set out your vision, define your future state, and map out how you incrementally get there.

You can hear more on this topic in a deeper conversation between Dr. Mik Kersten and Brian Solis on the podcast, Project to Product.

This article is co-authored with Dr. Mik Kersten, CEO and founder, Tasktop and the bestselling author of Project To Product: How to Survive and Thrive in the Age of Digital Disruption with the Flow Framework. Dr. Kersten started his career as a Research Scientist at Xerox PARC where he built the first aspect-oriented development environment. He then pioneered the integration of development environments with Agile and DevOps tools while working on his Computer Science PhD at the University of British Columbia. Founding Tasktop out of that research, Dr. Kersten has written over one million lines of open-source code that are still in use today and has brought seven successful open-source and commercial products to market.
34020

PDG is well on its way to acquiring a 600 MW portfolio, giving it an unmatched footprint in Asia.

FREMONT, CA: Princeton Digital Group (PDG), headquartered in Singapore and Asia's largest data center provider, plans to build one of the world's largest hyperscale data centers in Tokyo, Japan, with a total investment value of USD 1 billion. Japan is the company's fifth market entry since its inception four years ago. PDG reaches a significant milestone in its plan to develop a 600 megawatt (MW) portfolio across the region with this investment.

The new campus in Saitama City has nearly 100 MW of critical information technology capacity divided into two phases of 48.5 MW each. Saitama City is one of the Greater Tokyo area's major commercial centers. The PDG Saitama campus is located 30 kilometers north of central Tokyo on 33,047 square meters. The facility intends to serve Japan's leading hyperscalers in one of the world's most dynamic cloud markets.

PDG has already acquired the land and secured the power, and construction is scheduled to begin later this year. The facility will be designed and built to the most advanced hyperscale standards, providing unmatched scalability, connectivity, and reliability.

"The Asia Pacific region is set to be the largest data center market in the world, and this announcement underscores our vision to be the market leader in this region," says Rangu Salgame, Chairman and CEO of Princeton Digital Group. "Over the last four years, through our unique three-pronged strategy of acquisitions, carve-outs and greenfield development, we've built a strong portfolio of data centers across key Asian markets such as China, Singapore, Indonesia and India. PDG has become a partner of choice for hyperscalers across multiple countries. Our entry into Japan and, in particular, Tokyo demonstrates our continued ability to enter new markets that matter to our customers."

Tokyo is Asia's most significant data center market outside of China and is still in its infancy, particularly hyper-scale entry and expansion. According to Structure Research, the Greater Tokyo hyperscale colocation market is expected to reach USD1.6 billion by 2025, growing at a 25.1 percent compound annual growth rate from 2021 to 2025.

"The Greater Tokyo market is projected to see accelerated demand from hyperscale data center deployments moving forward from what we believe is a convergence of several critical factors that include Japan's sizeable addressable market as the 3rd largest country in the world by GDP, the absence of a domestic hyperscale cloud platform that presents an ideal competitive landscape between both US and Chinese hyperscale cloud providers, as well as being a key connectivity aggregation and distribution hub for submarine cables landing from the US West Coast to access the rest of the Asia Pacific region", says Jabez Tan, Head of Research, Structure Research.
You will receive 5-day a week delivery of the Citizen Tribune newspaper to your home or business, plus full, ad-free access to CitizenTribune.com as well as full access to the Electronic Edition of the newspaper.



ONLY $13.99 per month for the first 3 months!

Only $16.00 per month after promotional period.

Or

ONLY $169.99 for a full year

Only $198.95 per year after promotional period.
Malicious computer viruses have been snaking their way through New York towns, school districts, hospitals and more for years. And ransomware  when hackers breach computer systems, lock out the owners, and then extort the owners for access to their systems and their data  is having a moment. In 2014, the 8,000-person village of Ilion in Herkimer County paid $800 in ransom to regain access to its computer system after innocent-looking emails delivered malware to unsuspecting village employees. In 2019, cybercriminals set their sights on the much larger Albany, successfully hacking the citys computer system. The city avoided paying ransom to the hackers, but recovery from the breach  including updating security infrastructure and restoring data  amounted to around $300,000. Earlier this year, Buffalo Public Schools was hit with ransomware, exposing students and families personal information to the intruders. And thats just a fraction of the entities, small and large, that have been victims of cybercrime in New York.

The threat posed by ransomware has become painfully clear in a year when such offenses took down a major U.S. fuel pipeline and now threaten to cripple hundreds of entities at once. And while the hackers undoubtedly have their sights set on big fish like fuel pipelines, New Yorks small towns, government agencies, schools and more are at risk too. Thanks to generally weak security measures and the volume of highly valued data that they hold, the computer systems of small governments, school districts and hospital systems are among those particularly vulnerable.

And as the coronavirus pandemic shifted work and school to a largely remote basis, cybercriminals may have had even more opportunity to take advantage of those organizations security weaknesses.The number and severity of ransomware incidents that are happening across sectors has reached crisis proportions, said Douglas Levin, national director of the K12 Security Information Exchange, a nonprofit aimed at sharing information on cyberthreats among school districts. In some respects, the response to the pandemic has exacerbated the cybersecurity problems, Levin added, noting that schools may have deployed more devices and loosened cybersecurity controls to enable remote learning. Levin said that school districts have become a popular target for ransomware since 2019, though lax reporting requirements mean that its hard to tell whether the attacks on schools have really ramped up since then.

The increase in attempted cyberattacks in general over the past year and a half is apparent in New York specifically. As is often the case, cyber criminals do not miss an opportunity to capitalize on an opportunity and the pandemic is no exception, a spokesperson for the state Office of Information Technology Services wrote in an email. Like others, weve seen an increase in attempted attacks related to the pandemic generally.

Its incredibly easy to let malware in. Government workers, teachers and anyone else with access to the system who arent educated about cybersecurity or when the entities themselves arent deploying best practices, may inadvertently download a file, or open an email attachment giving bad actors an entry. Sometimes, its a matter of resources. Schools, for example, dont always have enough funding to commit to technology, let alone to making sure that that technology is secure by taking important steps including installing software updates and creating data backups. Theres already a shortage of skilled cybersecurity workers, and low-paying government jobs might not be at the top of the list for those who are able to help organizations advise and craft safe infrastructure and practices. There are millions of unfilled jobs in computer security, said Justin Cappos, a computer science professor at New York University. If you're going to have your choice of one of those jobs, it's probably not going to be to go do computer security for an elementary school.

And its not just ransomware that a lack of funding or lax security measures open the door to, but other varieties of cybercrime. New York government agencies have been affected by breaches  some identified as ransomware, others not. This June, hackers infiltrated the New York City Law Department, reportedly through one employees stolen email password. The New York Times reported that the department failed to implement multifactor authentication, despite being required by the city to do so.

While New York City has a dedicated agency for cybersecurity  called NYC Cyber Command  and has published security standards that all city agencies, employees, contractors and vendors are required to implement and follow, the Law Department hack suggests that there may be an issue with enforcement of those guidelines. A spokesperson for City Hall and Cyber Command did not comment on how the attack happened or how the citys standards are enforced. Our investigation is ongoing, Laura Feyer, the deputy press secretary of the NYC Mayors Office, said of the Law Department hack. We take cyberthreats extremely seriously and constantly enhance our defenses based on the evolving threat landscape. Our agencies work closely with Cyber Command and (the city Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications) to address cybersecurity issues on an ongoing basis.

The Law Department isnt the only New York agency to be hit lately. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority was hacked earlier this year by a group thought to have links to China, reportedly as part of a more widespread campaign. No ransom was demanded, transit functions werent affected and no personal information was compromised. The Times reported, however, that the breach was facilitated through vulnerabilities in a technology used to give workers remote access to their organizations network. A spokesperson for the MTA declined to comment on whether investigations into the breach are still ongoing, or on whether the agency implemented any additional security protocols during the pandemic. The MTA works closely with the (Federal Bureau of Investigation) and (the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) on a regular basis, Raf Portnoy, the agencys chief technology officer, said in an emailed statement. Our response to the attack, coordinated and managed closely with state and federal agencies, demonstrated that while an attack itself was not preventable, our cyber security defense systems stopped it from spreading through MTA systems.

Cybersecurity experts and local government leaders both look to the federal government to take action  increasing reporting requirements, creating security standards and funneling more money to local governments to protect from these kinds of threats. Republican Rep. John Katko is among those advocating for more investment in the federal governments Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. But preventative measures can start in New York too.

State Sen. Diane Savino, who chairs the Committee on Internet and Technology, introduced a bill that would prohibit the payment of ransom by government, business and health care entities in the face of an attack. Though, in an interview with City & State, Savino said her intention in introducing the bill was really to get New York thinking about cybersecurity. We introduced the bill almost as a shot across the bow, recognizing that maybe this is more of a blunt instrument to start a conversation, Savino said. What do we do to get the attention of, especially, government and health care institutions? How do we reduce ransomware attacks, improve peoples cyber hygiene and force a federal discussion? Those are questions lawmakers, federal, state and local officials still need to find the answers to. The FBI, Savino said, typically just tells victims not to pay ransom  an answer she called simply insufficient.

In the meantime, however, Savino said part of the answer has to include setting clear security standards for government that apply across the board. Some of these do exist. New York City has its standards, and the spokesperson for ITS said that the agency also has security requirements that all state entities must adhere to. And the state Education Department last year adopted regulations that implement new security standards across schools. But enforcement of the requirements has to happen too. It seems to be somewhat haphazard, Savino said of government cybersecurity standards. They're supposed to run security screens, they're supposed to do regular testing. Some agencies are better than others.

Its not just a matter of New York City and the state having these standards. Many attacked entities are much smaller local governments, and prevention is a matter of each of them maintaining and enforcing standards. This is a real crisis, and people are just not focusing on it, Savino said.
Eric Adams had to wait for it  but two weeks after primary day, the Brooklyn borough president has been declared the winner in the Democratic primary for New York City mayor, and will be all but guaranteed to take office on Jan. 1, 2022. Preliminary results released Tuesday by the New York City Board of Elections showed Adams with a 1 percentage point lead over Kathryn Garcia, the former New York City sanitation commissioner, in the final round of ranked-choice voting. Adams had 403,333 total votes to Garcias 394,907  a 8,426 vote difference out of nearly 940,000 ballots cast.

These results are nearly final. They include all the votes cast in-person  both in early voting and on Election Day  as well as 118,085 absentee ballots, mailed in or dropped off by New York City Democrats. There are still 3,699 outstanding absentee ballots that are eligible to be cured by July 14, Board of Elections Deputy Executive Director Dawn Sandow said at a regularly scheduled commissioners meeting Tuesday. But not all of those ballots will be fixed and counted, and even if they were, it would not be enough to change the outcome of the mayoral race. Leading candidates in the race, including Adams, Garcia and Maya Wiley, a former counsel to Mayor Bill de Blasio, have filed preemptive lawsuits, preserving their ability to challenge the Board of Elections if they take any issue with the process. It was not immediately clear if any of them would be exercising that right, and if so, what effect it could have on the counting. State law requires a manual recount if the final margin of any race is within one half of 1 percentage point, but Adams has a 1-point lead. Pending any legal challenges, Sandow said the board expected to certify the election on July 14.

But Tuesdays results were enough for The Associated Press, which called the race, and for Adams himself, who finally declared victory.

While there are still some very small amounts of votes to be counted, the results are clear: an historic, diverse, five-borough coalition led by working-class New Yorkers has led us to victory in the Democratic primary for Mayor of New York City, Adams said in an emailed press release. Now we must focus on winning in November so that we can deliver on the promise of this great city for those who are struggling, who are underserved, and who are committed to a safe, fair, affordable future for all New Yorkers.

Adams will face Republican Curtis Sliwa, among other third-party candidates in the general election in November. Given Democrats overwhelming registration advantage in New York City, Adams will be expected to win and to succeed de Blasio, who is term-limited at the end of this year after eight years in office.

Garcias campaign didnt have much to say Tuesday. Today, we have the nearly final results for the Democratic primary for mayor, campaign spokesperson Lindsey Green said in a statement texted to City & State. We are currently seeking additional clarity on the number of outstanding ballots and are committed to supporting the Democratic nominee.

These results came after a difficult couple weeks for the Board of Elections  and a stressful one for anybody waiting on election results. As usual, the board released preliminary election night results on June 22 that showed Adams with a comfortable lead in first-place votes of nearly 10 percentage points. A week later, on June 29, the board published a preliminary tabulation which ranked votes, but not including absentee ballots. But the BOE rescinded those results within hours, saying that some 135,000 dummy test votes had been included in the results in error. The next day, the BOE released the corrected preliminary results, which showed Garcia closing the considerable gap between herself and Adams, trailing him by just 2.2 percentage points, or just 14,755 votes, out of more than 800,000. Tuesdays results showed Garcia shrinking that gap even further  but it wasnt enough to win.

The Board of Elections was harshly criticized by observers, including, on Tuesday, by Wiley, in an emailed statement. It would be an understatement to express dismay at the BOEs administration of this election, she said. Today we simply must recommit ourselves to a reformed Board of Elections and build new confidence in how we administer voting in New York City. New York Citys voters deserve better, and the BOE must be completely remade following what can only be described as a debacle.

Wileys campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether she would pursue a lawsuit. Her statement read, in part, that We will have more to say about the next steps shortly.

At the BOE meeting earlier on Tuesday, Sandow briefly responded to criticisms of the boards tabulation error last week. The process we followed was transparent and open, she said. We were trying to satisfy expectations of quick results with the new way of voting. But we can say with certainty, this issue caused no votes to be lost, no voters disenfranchised, and no incorrect results to be certified.

This was the first major election in New York City utilizing ranked-choice voting, where voters could rank up to five candidates in order of preference. The board has not released data on how many voters utilized the ranking system yet, but uptick seemed to be high. In the final round of ranked-choice calculations, just 139,459 ballots were exhausted, meaning only 15% of voters included neither Adams nor Garcia on their ballot.

With 937,699 votes counted so far, this Democratic primary saw more voters than any mayoral primary since 1989, when massive numbers of New Yorkers helped the man who would become the citys first Black mayor, David Dinkins, unseat the incumbent Ed Koch. Adams, if elected in November, will be its second. The total far exceeds the 692,000 who came out in the late open mayoral primary in 2013, when de Blasio was chosen.

The BOE also released near-final results for other races, including comptroller, where City Council Member Brad Lander declared victory after holding on to his lead over City Council Speaker Corey Johnson. Lander had 51.9% of the vote in the final round of ranked-choice voting to Johnsons 48.1%.

I promise to work hard every single day to build a city that is more just, more equal, and more prepared for the future, Lander said in an emailed statement. We ran a campaign rooted in the idea that we can have bold, progressive local government that delivers for its people. This was the most grassroots campaign for Comptroller in NYC history  and I couldnt be more grateful to everyone who was part of it.

Lander, who ran with the support of a progressive coalition including the Working Families Party and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, seemed to be drawing a difference between himself and Adams, who ran with the support of some of the citys more politically moderate power brokers, including the Bronx Democratic Party and labor unions, including District Council 37 and 32BJ SEIU.

With Adams, Lander and New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams all but guaranteed to hold on to his seat, all three citywide elected officials next year would hail from Brooklyn.
Administratorii portalului nu poarta raspundere pentru continutul postarilor si materialelor plasate de utilizatorii site-ului. Utilizati informatia din acest articol pe propriul risc.
ISMAILIA, Egypt  The owners and insurers of the Ever Given container ship that blocked the Suez Canal in March said on Sunday a formal settlement had been agreed in a compensation dispute, and the canal authority said the vessel would be allowed to sail on July 7.

The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has held the giant ship and its crew in a lake between two stretches of the waterway since it was dislodged on March 29, amid a dispute over a demand for compensation by the SCA.

The Japanese-owned Ever Given had become stuck in high winds and remained wedged across the canal for six days, disrupting global trade. Ever Givens Suez Canal Detention Lifted: Reuters An Egyptian court has lifted the detention order on the Ever Given container ship, allowing its expected release from the Suez Canal on Wednesday, a lawyer and judicial sources said. The Ever Givens owners and insurers announced on Sunday that they had reached a settlement with the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) over compensation for the ship becoming grounded in March and blocking traffic in the waterway. The ship has been held under court order in a lake between two stretches of the canal since it was dislodged on March 29 as the SCA pushed for compensation from its Japanese owner Shoei Kisen and its insurers. Ahmed Ali, a lawyer representing Shoei Kisen, on Tuesday said he had been informed of the decision to lift the order. The SCA has announced that the ship will be allowed to sail on Wednesday, when a ceremony will be held to mark its departure. The 400 meter (430 yard) vessel, one of the worlds largest container ships, will be accompanied by two tugs and two senior canal guides, Suez Canal sources said. (Reuters. Reporting by Yusri Mohamed Writing by Aidan Lewis Editing by Jon Boyle and David Goodman)

The SCA said the settlement contract would be signed on Wednesday at a ceremony, and that participants would be able to watch the ship leaving.

Stann Marine gave no details of the settlement.

Osama Rabie, the SCA chairman, said the canal will receive a tug boat with a pulling capacity of about 75 tonnes as part of a settlement, without mentioning any other details.

We preserved the rights of the authority in full, preserved our relationship with the company and also political relations with Japan, he told a private TV channel on Sunday evening.

The canal earned revenue of $3 billion in the first six months of 2021, up 8.8% compared with the same period last year, despite the Ever Given accident, Rabie said.

Shoei Kisen and its insurers said last month they had reached an agreement in principle with the SCA.

The SCA had demanded $916 million in compensation to cover salvage efforts, reputational damage and lost revenue before publicly lowering the request to $550 million.

Shoei Kisen and the ships insurers had disputed the claim and the ships detention under an Egyptian court order.

Earlier on Sunday, an Egyptian court adjourned hearings in the compensation dispute to July 11 to allow the canal and the ships owner to finalize the settlement, court sources and a lawyer said.

(Reporting by Yousry Mohamed, Aidan Lewis and Omar Fahmy; writing by Mahmoud Mourad; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky, Catherine Evans, Nick Macfie and Daniel Wallis)

Top Photo: In this photo released by Suez Canal Authority, the Ever Given, a Panama-flagged cargo ship, is pulled by one of the Suez Canal tugboats, in the Suez Canal, Egypt, Monday, March 29, 2021. (Suez Canal Authority via AP)
President Joe Biden said on Tuesday the ransomware attack centered on the Florida information technology firm Kaseya seems to have inflicted only minimal damage on American businesses.

It appears to have caused minimal damage to U.S. businesses, but were still gathering information, Biden told reporters following a briefing from advisers.

I feel good about our ability to be able to respond.

Fridays ransomware attack scrambled the data of hundreds of small businesses worldwide, including many in the United States. REvil, a prolific, Russia-linked cybercrime syndicate, took credit for the breach.

The presidents comments follow a statement from Kaseya that the attack never posed a threat to critical U.S. infrastructure, which Biden declared off-limits during a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin last month.

But the attack was another illustration of how cybercriminals believed to be operating from Russia are running amok in the United States. Biden has sought to push Putin to bring Russian cybercriminals to heel, so far to little visible effect.

Attacks have escalated recently.

Last month REvil extorted an $11 million ransom out of meatpacker JBS after snarling its supply chain. In May an intrusion by another Russia-linked group at major U.S. fuel transporter Colonial Pipeline led to panic buying, price spikes, and gasoline shortages up and down the East Coast.

Republican Committee

The Republican National Committee said on Tuesday it learned over the weekend that third-party provider Synnex Corp. had been breached, but an investigation by Microsoft Corp. determined that no RNC data had been accessed.

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said earlier on Tuesday that senior U.S. officials would meet their Russian counterparts next week to discuss the ransomware menace.

If the Russian government cannot or will not take action against criminal actors residing in Russia, we will take action, or reserve the right to take action, on our own, she said.

The Russian Embassy in Washington and the U.S. National Security Council did not return messages seeking further details about the meeting.

On Wednesday, Biden will meet with officials from the Justice Department, State Department, the Department of Homeland Security and the intelligence community to discuss ransomware and U.S. efforts to counter it, Psaki said.

The hack that struck Kaseyas clients  many of whom are back office IT shops commonly referred to as managed service providers  did not have the same kind of impact in the United States as the ransoming of Colonial Pipeline.

Disruption elsewhere was more severe.

In Sweden, many of the 800 grocery stores run by the Coop chain are still in the process of recovering from the attack, which knocked out most of its supermarkets, though a spokesman told Reuters we have more open stores than closed ones now.

In New Zealand, 11 schools and several kindergartens were affected.

Germanys cybersecurity watchdog, BSI, said on Tuesday that it was aware of three IT service providers in Germany that were affected, with a spokesperson estimating that several hundred companies were touched overall.

In Germany there are no cases as prominent as the one in Sweden, the spokesperson added.

The hackers who claimed responsibility for the breach have demanded $70 million to restore all the affected businesses data, although they have indicated a willingness to temper their demands in private conversations with a cybersecurity expert and with Reuters.

Kaseyas CEO told Reuters he would not reveal whether his company planned to pay the ransom or not, or even whether it was negotiating with REvil.

Psaki said that while the administration discouraged such payments, questions about whether the data would be ransomed should be directed to Kaseya.

(Reporting by Raphael Satter and Andrea Shalal; Trevor Hunnicutt and Steve Holland in Washington, Douglas Busvine in Frankfurt and Johan Ahlander in Stockholm also contributed reporting. Editing by Kirsten Donovan, Alistair Bell and Sonya Hepinstall)
San Jose, Calif., officials have passed a new law that requires gun owners to carry liability insurance and pay a fee to cover taxpayers costs associated with gun violence.

The law is the first in the U.S. and was unanimously approved by the City Council on Tuesday, a month after a disgruntled San Jose rail yard employee fatally shot nine of his co-workers and then himself at the rail yard, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

Mayor Sam Liccardo praised the measures and said gun owners who do not comply with the new rules shouldnt have guns.

We wont magically end gun violence, but we stop paying for it, Liccardo said in a statement.

The new law is part of a 10-point gun control plan that Liccardo unveiled following the May 26 mass shooting at the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority rail yard.

Officials have not decided how much gun owners will be required to pay in fees. They would be used to cover the direct costs of gun violence to city taxpayers for services that include police response, ambulance transport and gunshot-related medical treatment for victims.

The fees would be determined upon completion of a gun harm study from the Pacific Institute on Research and Evaluation, a group that promotes individual and public health, welfare, and safety.

In a preliminary report released ahead of the vote, the institute estimated that gun-related homicides, suicides and other shootings cost San Jose around $63 million annually. A more thorough study is expected to be completed in the fall.

One challenge to enforce the law will be in determining how to administer the new liability insurance and fee requirements.

City officials know how many guns were purchased in San Jose since 2001, Liccardo said, but the city has no gun registry and no way to track gun owners.

Earlier this month, city lawmakers passed a new law requiring all retailers to record video and audio of all firearm purchases. San Jose became the largest California city with such a rule.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Stay up to date on COVID-19

Get Breaking News

Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox.
Israels new Diaspora Affairs Minister Nachman Shai found himself unexpectedly in the United States just days after taking office, on a solidarity mission to the Miami-area community of Surfside. He was in Florida in an Israeli show of support for the local Jewish community and the American people following the apartment building collapse there.

It was a mirror image of sorts of decades of solidarity missions to Israel organized by the American Jewish community  including one in late May with representation from Cleveland in the aftermath of the war that Israel fought with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Shai has nearly mythical stature among older Israelis. He was the Israeli army spokesman in 1991, when, in the first Gulf War, Israelis huddled in sealed rooms in gas masks in their apartments as Iraq lobbed volleys of missiles at Israeli cities. With every attack, he calmly went on television to tell members of the public how to conduct themselves.

Shai has come in for some criticism, however, for going to Miami, and to be honest, I was also a bit uncomfortable with the whole thing, lest it be seen as Israeli interference in an American rescue operation or even worse, as an Israeli rescue mission directed at the Jews of Surfside alone, perish the thought.

Sharon Idan, a reporter for Israeli public television, was particularly blunt in his criticism of Shai.

What the hell is Diaspora Minister Nachman Shai doing going to Miami? Local Jews who live there and are well-situated  are they connected to the Israeli government? Its a terrible and local disaster. It wreaks of a superfluous trip for hedonist purposes, which if it had happened under the prior (Netanyahu) government would have gotten endless headlines. Crazy and unnecessary, he tweeted.

Israeli journalist Zvika Klein responded: Expressing yourself that way shows a lack of gratitude and understanding regarding the relations between Israel and the Diaspora. Do you have any idea how may missions of American Jews visited Israel following the (military operation) in Gaza?

Beyond Shais presence at the scene of the disaster, an Israeli army search-and-rescue unit was dispatched after an Israeli army intelligence unit constructed models of the collapsed building to simulate where victims might be found. In addition, Shai was wisely careful to highlight the fact that Israel was there in an act of solidarity with the American people and not just the Miami Jewish community.

In comments to Haaretz, Shai eloquently explained Israels presence in Surfside as reflecting not only its responsibility for Jewish communities abroad but also a commitment to its relationship with the United States. Israeli humanitarian assistance is what friendship and alliance are all about, he said.

I was also impressed by an interview that Shai gave to Israeli public radio prior to his departure for the United States in which he talked about the bigger picture of U.S.-Israel relations. He lamented that former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had made Israel a partisan issue in the United States due his singular allegiance to former President Donald Trump and Netanyahus cultivation of right-wing Christian evangelical support for Israel, which alienated many Democrats, including American Jews.

Israeli-American relations can turn a new page now that Israel has a new prime minister, Naftali Bennett, and the United States a new president in Joe Biden. I am also confident Shai, the former Israel director of what is now Jewish Federations of North America, will show welcome respect for the pluralism of Jewish identity in the United States, a community that he knows well.

Cliff Savren is a former Clevelander who covers the Middle East for the Cleveland Jewish News from Raanana, Israel.
Beachwood, OH (44122)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. High 87F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Low 68F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Beachwood, OH (44122)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 88F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Low 68F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Clinton, IA (52732)

Today

Showers and thunderstorms likely. High around 75F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Showers early, becoming a steady rain late. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 6)  After nearly seven months of free use of Skyway 3, motorists will be charged toll fees starting July 12.

In a statement on Tuesday, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) said the rates would be lower than those originally proposed, "particularly for motorists traveling shorter distances."

"This, following the issuance of a Toll Operating Permit and a Notice to Start Collecting Toll by the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) on Skyway Stage 3. The company, through its SMC Infrastructure, will post the final approved toll rates at the toll plazas prior to the start of toll collection," SMC added.

"We know from experience that times are hard for many, and even a little relief for motorists can go a long way. These toll rates reflect our deferral of the collection of a substantial amount of the cost to build Skyway 3. We also further lowered the rates for those traveling shorter distances," SMC president Ramon S. Ang said.

READ: TRB OKs provisional rates for Skyway Stage 3

SMC added that the government can also start generating income from the expressway with the start of the toll collection, as a 12% VAT will be imposed on all toll fees.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 7)  A Department of Energy (DOE) official on Wednesday denied Senator Manny Pacquiao's corruption accusation against the agency.

Over the weekend, Pacquiao questioned why the DOE awarded a contract to the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) without any bidding, but he did not elaborate. IEMOP operates the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market - a venue for trading electricity as a commodity in the Philippines. It was constituted by the DOE, in accordance with the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, or EPIRA.

"Medyo ill-advised po yata dito si Senator Pacquiao at nagkulang ng research dahil wala pong ganyan na pangyayari dito," Energy Assistant Secretary Gerardo Erguiza, Jr. told a Laging Handa briefing on Wednesday.

[Translation: It seems Senator Pacquiao was a bit ill-advised on this matter and the allegation lacks research because that never happened.]

The lawmaker earlier said he will be filing a resolution urging the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to investigate corruption in several government agencies, including the DOE.

Erguiza welcomed the possible probe.

"Handa po kami na humarap. Kung ano ang hanapin nilang dokumento...ilalabas namin para patunayan po kung ano ang katotohanan," he said.

[Translation: We are ready to face an investigation. We will provide any document that will be asked of us to show them the truth.]
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 9)  The Inter-Agency Task Force on Friday said local government units can still require travelers to present negative swab test results even though they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

"LGUs retain the discretion if they will require RT-PCR testing or COVID-19 vaccination cards for interzonal travel," the pandemic task force said in a statement.

The IATF earlier approved Resolution No. 124-B, which states that fully vaccinated individuals regardless of age need not present swab test results if they want to travel within the Philippines, and will only need to present their vaccination card for interzonal travel or movement.

READ: IATF releases protocols for fully vaccinated individuals

But the Department of Health said on Wednesday there were concerns raised by some LGUs.

"As we iron out the operational concerns raised by some implementers, IATF Resolution No. 101 remains in effect, which affords the LGUs the flexibility to require a negative RT-PCR result before granting anyone entry to their locality," the agency said.

In a virtual briefing Friday, Department of the Interior and Local Government Assistant Secretary Odilon Pasaraba said that the IATF is studying the possibility of unifying vaccination cards.

The DOH also said that the Department of Information and Communications Technology is already working on a uniform vaccination certificate format.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the DICT's initial plan is to launch a mobile application where a person's vaccination record may be verified through a QR code.

But in an interview with CNN Philippines' Balitaan, Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines President Gov. Dakila Cua said the province is targeting to require travellers to provide an "early advice" if they plan to enter other localities.

"If the (DICT) system is already up, ipapasok lang namin yung pangalan niya, malalaman na naming vaccinated. Pagdating sa checkpoint dapat naka-appear na," he said.

[Translation: If the (DICT) system is already up, we will just input the name to know if the person is already vaccinated. The data should appear at the checkpoint.]
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 7) - The Department of Labor and Employment has suspended the local recruitment agency that allegedly ignored the complaints of a Filipina worker sexually assaulted in Saudi Arabia.

SAMA International Recruitment Agency is also now under probe, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said in a briefing on Wednesday.

He added that the foreign employment agency, Home Comfort Recruitment Office/Home Comfort Manpower Services, is likewise being investigated. It is not allowed to hire Filipinos in the meantime.

In a statement on Tuesday, DOLE said the recently repatriated Filipina worker was allegedly raped by the owner of the foreign recruitment agency and molested by one of her employers in Riyadh.

Forensic tests done by the Philippine Public Attorney's Office on the worker yielded results indicating sexual abuse and injuries. The Filipina is also now two months pregnant, Bello said.

He added that while the incident may not result in a criminal case being filed in a Philippine court "due to lack of jurisdiction", he has ordered Labor Attache Fidel Macauyag to coordinate with Arab authorities for the filing of criminal cases against the suspects in Saudi Arabia.

Bello also directed the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration to build up an administrative case against SAMA.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 7) - President Rodrigo Duterte again criticized longtime ally Senator Manny Pacquiao, this time for his previous tax evasion case.

"I remember he has a tax evasion case and he has been assessed to pay, 2.2 billion ang utang niya, na hindi niya binayaran ang gobyerno (he owes the government 2.2 billion) for all his fights," the President said during a meeting Wednesday with PDP-Laban members. Duterte is chairman of the ruling party while Pacquiao is president.

In 2013, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued a freeze order on Pacquiao's bank accounts and other assets after it computed the boxer-turned-senator's tax deficiencies for 2008 and 2009 at 2.26 billion. The amount blew up to 3.3 billion after penalties.

The Court of Tax Appeals in 2018 ordered the BIR to cease and desist from collecting the supposed tax deficiency of Pacquiao and his wife, Jinkee. It noted that the bureau failed to establish that the couple had committed fraud.

"I'll try to find out...Not because gusto ko siyang habulin, ayaw ko, but sabi kasi niya, corrupt. Eh kung corrupt kami, ikaw, when you cheat the government, you are [also] a corrupt official," Duterte said.

[Translation: I'll try to find out...Not because I want to go after him, I don't want to, but he claimed corruption. If we are corrupt, then you are also a corrupt official when you cheat the government.]

Pacquiao earlier accepted Duterte's dare to expose corruption in the government, after the senator claimed the current administration is more corrupt than its predecessor.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 7)  Ate, be ready. Im taking-off soon.

Jayma Maury received this message from her cousin Air Force pilot Major Michael Benolerao early morning Sunday when he was about to leave Villamor Airbase in Pasay City. They agreed to meet at the Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental for a quick catch up before flying to Jolo, Sulu.

Jayma recalled Michael requested for eight pieces of balut  one each for his flight crew. But Jayma and her sister Yami, who owns a balut business, prepared 30 pieces instead.

Their house is near the Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental. Reason why when they saw the military plane flying over their house, Jayma and Yami hurriedly left for the airport  it was Michael arriving.

At the airport, Michael was already at the gate. He welcomed his cousins with his usual infectious smile. It was January when they last saw each other when Michael celebrated his birthday with them.

Every lapag niya sa Laguindingan, gusto niya talaga kaming sumundo sa kanya o magkita lang kami kahit quick lang, Yami said.

[Translation: Every landing he made in Laguindingan, he wanted us to fetch him ourselves or even just meet up with him quickly.]

During their conversation, Michael, a COVID-19 survivor, even told them that he was already vaccinated.

Kwento-kwento kami. Nagyabang pa siya na nagpa-vaccine na siya. Pfizer daw ang vaccine niya. Sabi niya: Ate, magpa-vaccine ka na, Jayma recalled.

[Translation: We told each other stories. He even boasted he already got vaccinated. He said Pfizer was his vaccine (brand). He said: Ate, get the vaccine already.]

The pilot handed a Nintendo Switch to Jayma  his gift to her two children. Since Jaymas husband died, Michael had served as a second father to her boys.

After a few minutes of chit-chat, the military pilot said goodbye to his cousins since the refueling of the aircraft was almost done. Michael told the sisters to return to the airport with Jaymas children in the afternoon. He said hell meet with them again since he was supposed to fly another batch of soldiers to Sulu.

Nag-kiss siya first kay Yami. Nagpa-kiss naman ito. Ako, biniro ko siya na wag sa akin, wala pa akong vaccine, Jayma narrated.

[Translation: He kissed Yami first. She let him kiss her. I joked he shouldn't do that to me since I haven't received the vaccine yet.]

And to cap their meeting, Jayma snapped a souvenir photo Its her, Yami and Michael, and dozens of soldiers lining up, preparing to board the C-130 plane at the background.

Little did they know that it was the pilots last photo alive.

At 11:30 in the morning, the C-130 crashed at Barangay Patikul in Jolo, Sulu where 53 people including Maj. Benolerao died.

Jayma and Yamis eyes started to swell. Tears fell as they recall how they found-out about the tragedy.

Sabi mo sa akin 2:30 babalik ka kasi magsusundo ka pa ng [You told me you'll be back by 2:30 since you'll be fetching] another batch of military. Sabi mo dalhin ko ang mga bata kasi miss mo sila, gusto mo sila makita. Pero ikaw naman ang di bumalik, Jayma as she tried to explain how she felt after learning that Michael is already gone.

[Translation: You told me to bring the kids because you miss them, you want to see them. But you didn't come back.]

A dedicated soldier, a responsible son and brother

Michael was among the military pilots who had flown to China back and forth to get the much needed medical supplies during the beginning of the pandemic. In an interview with CNN Philippines last April 29, 2020, the pilot said it was his small contribution to help fighting the deadly virus.

We are doing this for the Filipino nation, and for the people. So we're proud of it, he said.

Michaels entire family has migrated to Canada. Even his fiance Mau already moved there from Singapore waiting for the day that they will all be together again as one family. He was set to retire from the service next year and marry the love of his life. But the tragedy that fateful morning shattered all their plans.

One time, he came here and we were talking about his job, about his plans And then he said to me: Mama, Im a soldier and Im ready to die, his mother Sheba Legaspi told CNN Philippines in an interview via Zoom.

While it was tough to hear those words from his son, Sheba said she will be forever of what his son had accomplished.

All we can do is to accept. Thy will be done because thats Gods plan. We cant do anything anymore. But its so painful. Its so painful especially to a mother who lost a son, she said.

Michael was the eldest of the four children. Their father died when he was just 13 years old. Something forced him to take the enormous task of assisting his mother so they may all survive.

For his siblings, their eldest Michael will be remembered as a loving, supportive and protective brother.

He was acting like a leader to us. Hes a real big brother, a Kuya teaching us the good ways to do things, said his brother Raphael, whom considers Michael as his first best friend.

Raphael recalled they shared toys and had common friends way back in their hometown Iligan City.

His sister Donna said that when they were young, Michael sometimes put his entire allowance in his piggy bank. And whenever their mothers budget went short, he offered his savings just to make ends meet.

Every single time that were in a pickle, we dont have money for whatever, I always hear mama: Kuya, we need this for this kinda things. And he was very very generous.

A fan of wrestling, Donna said Michael usually imitated wrestling moves and practiced it to her and their youngest sister Sandra. It was annoying for Donna sometimes but those were the moments where they enjoyed their childhood a lot.

Sandra meanwhile felt that growing up, their eldest brother was so strict. But later, she realized where his brother was coming from.

As I got older, I realized that he only wanted me to focus on my studies to get a chance to a good future, she said.

In the past five years, Donna said Michael would check on them almost every day. When she got married and gave birth to a child, Michael would always try to talk to his two-year old nephew and play kisses during video calls.

Donnas husband Mike said he will make sure that his son Gabe will remember his uncle as a generous and kind-hearted man.

Hed always say: Gabe, I cant wait to take you on the plane with me. Those are the things that I wanna share with Gabe. I know hes too young but we wanna share how great pilot that he was, and all the great stories that his friend and family told us, Mike said.

The entire family is planning to return to the Philippines as soon as possible to be with Michael for the last time.

But his legacy to the family will live on as his sister Donna, who is six months pregnant, will name his baby boy after his Kuya. Their way of honoring and remembering their beloved  Michael.

Kind, compassionate soldier/daughter

It was a nightmare for the Tato family of Davao City after learning that their loved one 1Lt. Sheena Alexandrea Tato or Rea to her family died in a plane crash.

Her father, retired Colonel Wilfredo Tato, was with the Army for 30 years and he is not new with soldiers dying in service. But this time, it is different.

Wilfredo said it is hard to accept that Reas career and life was cut short in an instant.

Mahal na mahal ka namin. Palangga ko yang anak ko. Sanay ako ng namamatay na sundalo sa Jolo. Pero iba ito, anak ko siya, Wilfredo sobbed as he talked about Ria.

[Translation: We love you so much. My daughter is my beloved. I'm used to soldiers dying in Jolo. But this is different, it was my child who died.]

A nurse by profession, Rea was about to render another two months of service at the hospital in a military camp in Jolo thats why she was on that C-130 aircraft that fateful morning.

Napagsabihan siya na yung kasamahan niya na magdu-duty, pupunta ng Jolo. Kaso lang yung anak niya, nung magdu-duty, may sakit. So siya ngayon ang ipinalit. Ibig sabihin, sinalo niya, said Wilfredo

[Translation: She was told that someone else was headed to Jolo but their kid got sick. So she was assigned instead. She assumed the duty.]

Wilfredo said at first, he didnt want his children to follow his path by being a soldier. He did not allow his first born Sheen when he asked his permission if he may join the military. The retired soldier said he doesnt want Sheen to experience the hardships that he encountered in the battlefield. But when it was Reas time, he changed his mind with the idea that she will just be assigned in the hospital as a military nurse.

Rea failed the physical fitness test when she first tried to enter the military service. Wilfredo offered his help by training her daughter. Their hardships paid-off as Rea successfully entered the Philippine Air Force six years ago.

I never thought na ganito ang mangyayari Parang sinisisi ko ang sarili ko. Parang ako ang nagtulak sa aking anak e, said the retired soldier.

[Translation: I never thought this would happen...like I'm blaming myself. It's like I'm the one who encouraged her.]

Rea, described as thoughtful and caring, was very close to Sheens 5-year-old daughter Alex.

She was lucky that her leave application in time for Alexs birthday last June 10 was granted. The soldier was able to stay in their house for two weeks. During that period, Wilfredo said there were nights that Rea slept beside him and her mother, just like when she was young or with Alex.

Now that Rea is gone, Sheen doesnt know how to explain the situation to his daughter. At first they thought that Rea was just hospitalized, reason why his daughter made a drawing that she hoped will make her aunt feel better.

May drawing siya para kay tita niya. Pero di niya alam si tita niya, wala na. Drawing lang po yun. Sabi niya po sa akin [She told me]: Papa, dont open please. Give this to Tita Rea, Sheen narrated.

[Translation: She made a drawing for her aunt. But she doesn't know her aunt is now gone. It's just a drawing.]

Rea may have gone too soon. The family said moving on from this tragic incident will be struggle. But they are proud of what she had achieved and her memories will always be in their hearts.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 8)  President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday said he has remained neutral with this relationship with the United States and China.

That is what the PDP stands for. It stands for our country that is really free from intervention," Duterte said during his taped meeting with the PDP-Laban, which he chairs. "Kaya ako nag-neutral (That is why I am neutral).

So, I made friends with China," he pointed out, "but I never abandoned our relationship with America.

The chief executive said the Americans are in the Philippines because they want to defend us.

As for China, he said he made friends with the East Asian superpower simply because we just like to be friends.

He clarified that it is not because of the assistance it has been providing the Philippines.

Beijing has been extending different forms of aid to the country, like loans for infrastructure projects and recently COVID-19 vaccines.

Duterte explained that it was China who offered to help.

He said even if aid was not given, it is fine since we do not make friends in anticipation of what they can give to us.

If your friend is kind to you, then be thankful, he added.

The President has been vocal about maintaining a good relationship with the Chinese government amid sovereignty issues over the West Philippine Sea, while he previously criticized the U.S. for being just pure talk and failing to help the Philippines defend its sovereignty over the disputed waters.

RELATED: Duterte: PH counts on China as friend, partner for peace and development
A former Penn State earth and mineral sciences associate professor filed a lawsuit against the university Monday for seven counts of human rights violations and sexual discrimination.

Jeffery Brownson has been denied tenure for "entirely pretextual" reasons, according to a lawsuit filed in Pennsylvania Eastern District Court. Brownson is a transgender person who has been diagnosed with gender dysphoria, the report said.

Brownson claims their wrongful termination "effectively destroyed" their career.

The lawsuit alleges Brownson's termination infringed upon their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act and was in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act for sex discrimination.

The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against people with disabillities by employers. Gender dysphoria is a disability that "substantially impairs one or more major life activities," according to the lawsuit.

Brownson, who joined the Graduate Faculty in 2007 and became an associate professor in 2013, was allegedly denied tenure in March 2020 for being "weak in research," the report said.

The lawsuit states seven out of eight candidates who began at the same time as Brownson in 2007 were granted tenure, some of which had done "far less" while working at the university.

The other professor who wasn't granted tenure, Yongsheng Chen, sued the school for racial discrimination in 2015.

While working at Penn State, Brownson had published 31 papers in peer-reviewed journals  10 as first author  as well as a book, according to the report.

Brownson is demanding a trial by jury and monetary compensation, the report said.

MORE COURTS COVERAGE
Colorado Politics is published both in print and online. Our website features subscriber-only news stories daily, designed for public policy arena professionals. Member subscribers also receive the weekly print edition of our award-winning newspaper, containing outstanding features and news stories, in their mailboxes every Saturday.
Are you a current print subscriber to Columbia Gorge News? If so, you qualify for free access to all content on columbiagorgenews.com. Simply verify with your subscriber id to receive free access. Your subscriber id may be found on your bill or mailing label.
This year our dine and drink business locations throughout the Gorge have suffered with closures. You can help support your favorites by purchasing take out and gift cards. Many of these business will offer curb-side delivery and some will deliver to your home. Lets keep the Gorge going strong!
Columbia, MO (65201)

Today

Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High near 85F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Low 69F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
The OptiXtrans DC908 has been essential.

InfraX, the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) arm of the Digital Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), focuses on connecting customers with value-added services from its data centers and cloud services.

Huawei

DEWA is the exclusive provider of electricity and water services to the residents of Dubai  the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)  and Digital DEWA, the organization's digital arm, was set up in 2017 with the ambition of forging a new digital future for the city. As such, it has played a leading role in the adoption of digital technologies. Indeed, DEWA is the worlds first digital utility, using autonomous systems for renewable energy, storage, expansion into the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and digital services.

The Challenge

With a clear strategy for Information Technology (IT) cloudification for its electric power operations, Digital DEWAs infrastructure includes equipment sourced from multiple vendors at the Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) layer, with an active-standby relationship between data centers. Such a setup increases bandwidth requirements between data centers and results in heavy traffic after enterprise services migrate to the cloud.

Quite simply, Infrax's smart grid services needed to be upgraded to increase bandwidth, improve overall Operations and Maintenance (O&M) efficiency, reduce costs, boost cost-effectiveness, and be able to meet future service plans.

Digital DEWA was therefore looking to upgrade its Data Center Interconnect (DCI) network to provide access to multiple services, greater bandwidth and reliability, simplified deployment, and visualized O&M across three data centers.

The Solution

Huawei's OptiXtrans DC908 features one-click automatic deployment  in just 8 minutes  and single-fiber bandwidth evolution to 88 Tbit/s, along with high reliability and high security. There were good reasons for Digital DEWA to opt for OptiXtrans DC908.

Ultra-large bandwidth and flexible evolution: With 9.6T per sub-rack, 48 Tbit/s per fiber (120 wavelengths at the Super C band lambda), 88 Tbit/s per fiber (220 wavelengths at the Super C + L bands), 100800G programmable for future requirements over 10 years, and a lower per bit cost.

Simplified deployment and intelligent O&M: Technologies such as automatic fiber discovery and automatic commissioning are used to implement one-click deployment and agile service deployment. In addition, in the case of a broken fiber, the built-in Fiber Doctor (FD) function quickly locates the fault site within 3 minutes, greatly improving O&M efficiency. Gradient fiber faults can also be predicted using intelligent algorithms, quite unlike the rest of the industry where, in most cases, external third-party Optical Time Domain Reflectometers (OTDRs) are required, meaning extra investment and more complex management.

Simplified hardware design: An integrated design reduces 90% of internal fiber connections at the optical layer.

Unified access: Diverse services are supported, including Fibre Channel (FC) 32G and 100 GE, with unified O&M for storage and Ethernet services.

High reliability: With more than 20 years of technical experience in the optical field, Huawei knows how to deliver reliable designs: All modules in the OptiXtrans DC908 solution feature 1 + 1 backup.

The Success

The dedicated DCI solution built by Huawei addresses the ICT and business requirements of Digital DEWA, delivering optimized Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and cutting-edge technology that represents extremely good value. The solution fully utilizes existing optical fiber resources and supports service expansion and smooth network evolution. Deploying Huaweis OptiXtrans DC908, the cost of a self-built network can be recovered within a single year, with automatic commissioning and simplified architecture allowing Digital DEWAs own IT engineers to deploy it with ease. High capacity per fiber and the high integration of OptiXtrans DC908 save fiber leasing- and space-related costs. And, after the deployment of the InfraX Network Operations Centre (NOC), Huawei continues to support Digital DEWA in providing rapid response and expert service support, as and when required.

Huawei will host Huawei Connect 2021 in Shanghai from September 23 to 25. The theme of this year's event is Dive into Digital. We're going to dive deep into the practical application of technologies like cloud, AI, and 5G in all industries, and how they can make organizations of all shapes and sizes more efficient, more versatile, and ultimately more resilient as we move towards economic recovery.

An online program will also be available if you are unable to make it in person.
Singapore to further ease COVID curbs from July 12

Singapore' Ministry of Health has decided to further lift the COVID-induced restrictions from July 12 (Monday).

Working from home, however, will remain the default arrangement so as to reduce overall interaction within workplaces and on public transport. Photo courtesy: Twitter/@ANI

From next Monday, the Singapore residents can return to dining at restaurants in groups of five.

The countrys COVID-19 taskforce today revealed that theyre easing measures across the board after successfully keeping the latest wave under control.

The health ministry added that up to five people can participate in social gatherings at the workplace, with safety measures in place.

Working from home, however, will remain the default arrangement so as to reduce overall interaction within workplaces and on public transport.

For employees that need to head in, companies should continue to stagger their start times and allow flexible working hours.

Indoor mask-off activities in gyms and fitness studios can also hold up to five people  an increase from the previous rule allowing two.
07/07/2021

Photo (c) Vanit Janthra - Getty Images It could be a glimpse of the future. Grubhub says it will use robots this fall to deliver food orders on college campuses.

The company plans to use small rovers built by Yandex, a Russian company, at 250 college locations. The rovers have six wheels and are about the size of a suitcase. Grubhub has been testing the vehicles at the University of Michigan.

The pandemic has been profitable for food delivery services. Both Grubhub and DoorDash have seen their businesses grow as more consumers have paid extra to have meals delivered to their homes rather than driving to a restaurant for pick up. For the most part, they like the service they get.

To avoid the cold weather and an unfamiliar city we ordered from Cheesecake Factory using Grubhub, William, of Andover, Kan., posted on ConsumerAffairs back in February. We were very pleased with the quick courteous service provided by Grub Hub. The hot food was still hot and the ice cream was not melted. We really enjoyed our meal in the comfort of our hotel room.

Grubhub is hoping for the same kind of response to its delivery robots. While the robots will cut labor costs the company will have to ensure the food arrives on time and at the correct temperature.

Potential consumer benefit

Consumers may also benefit from robotic delivery. Delivery personnel is the biggest cost for food delivery companies and Grubhub has said it expects to pass some of the savings onto customers in the form of a lower service fee. And customers wont need to tip the robot.

DoorDash is also moving into robotic delivery. Its acquired the robotics company Chowbotics to deliver salads and poke bowls.

More companies may also begin deploying robots for all types of delivery. One industry analyst told the Wall Street Journal that the pandemic didnt start the automated food delivery trend but it certainly accelerated it.
07/07/2021

Photo (c) Prostock-Studio - Getty Images A group of hackers with ties to the Russian government breached the computer systems of the Republican National Committee (RNC) last week, Bloomberg reported. The hackers are allegedly affiliated with the group Cozy Bear and carried out an attack on Synnex, a company that provides IT services for the RNC.

"Over the weekend, we were informed that Synnex, a third party provider, had been breached. We immediately blocked all access from Synnex accounts to our cloud environment, RNC chief of staff Richard Walters said in a statement. "Our team worked with Microsoft to conduct a review of our systems and after a thorough investigation, no RNC data was accessed.

Synnex put out a statement of its own on July 6 saying that it is aware of a few instances where outside actors have attempted to gain access, through Synnex, to customer applications within the Microsoft cloud environment. The company also said its continuing to review the attack in collaboration with Microsoft and a security firm.

Cyberattack efforts almost certainly ongoing

This isnt the first time that members of Cozy Bear have been accused of working with Russian foreign intelligence to target U.S. government organizations. In 2016, the hacker group was accused of breaching the Democratic National Committee. It has also been accused of carrying out a cyberattack against SolarWinds -- a breach that affected nine government agencies.

The latest breach comes on the heels of a series of ransomware attacks in the U.S. In the last year, Colonial Pipeline, insurance provider CNA, and IT software provider Kaseya have been targeted by these attacks.

In a report published Thursday, intelligence agencies from the U.S. and U.K. said Russian military hackers have attempted to access the computer networks of "hundreds of government and private sector targets worldwide" between mid-2019 and early 2021. The agencies warned that those "efforts are almost certainly still ongoing."
Conway eReader Headlines

Would you like to receive a link to the Conway Daily Sun online eEdition and preview the top stories? Signup today!
A class action suit has been filed against Johnson & Johnsons (J&J) OGX brand shampoos and conditioners due to speculated scalp irritation and hair loss.

Recently: Neutrogena Faces Suit Over Benzene in Sunscreens

The products are marketed to nourish, smooth and revive hair but according to Plaintiff Larissa Whipple, the products falsely represent those claims with their combination of ingredients including DMDM hydantoin, which has previously been alleged to cause hair loss and scalp irritation upon contact with water.

Previous DMDM Hydantoin Allegations

A previous suit was filed against Unilever/Conopco for its DMDM hydantoin-containing TRESemme Keratin Smooth Color Shampoo, to which industry expert Perry Romanowski, a consultant and former formulator on the TRESemme brand, responded, "...There is zero scientific evidence to indicate DMDM hydantoin would cause any hair loss."

The ingredient is a formaldehyde donor and is used to preserve formulations. Romanowski noted that numerous hair care brands use the ingredient in formulas and have done so for decades. "If this ingredient was causing hair loss problems, certainly the ingredient would have been noticed by consumers long before now."

In addition, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review expert panel and Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) have found DMDM hydantoin to be safe for use in cosmetic products at appropriate levels.

Formaldehyde Donor Concerns

The current suit states that J&J failed to properly warn consumers of the dangers associated with using "such a strong ingredient on their hair and scalp," even though the company knew of the risks. And although J&J pledged to remove formaldehyde from products, and did for its other consumer products, it reportedly failed to do so when it acquired Vogue International and its OGX product line in 2016, the case alleges.

'Johnson & Johnson misled and deceived the public, and placed its customers in harms way, all for the sake of increased profits.'

...DMDM hydantoin is a formaldehyde donor known to slowly leach formaldehyde when coming into contact with water, stated Whipple in the lawsuit. Formaldehyde is a well-known human carcinogen that can cause cancer and other harmful reactions when absorbed into the skin.

'Unnecessary Risk'

Furthermore, the class action suit states that DMDM hydantoin has been used as a preservative in J&J products for well over a decade while its use creates unnecessary risk because safer, natural alternatives exist. Whipple added: As such, the products are rendered dangerous and unsafe for sale as over-the-counter hair smoothing shampoo products.

Drawing on personal experience, Whipple says she and thousands of other customers have experienced hair loss and scalp irritation as a result of false misrepresentations. Whipple is seeking to represent anyone in the United States who bought the OGX-branded shampoo and conditioner products, plus a consumer fraud multistate subclass and an Illinois subclass.

The case argues that J&J has profited off the sale of its OGX shampoos and conditioners while consumers have been misled and harmed by the companys failure to warn them about the potential dangers of using its products.

According to the court document: Nowhere on the package labeling or Johnson & Johnsons websites or other marketing materials did Johnson & Johnson warn plaintiff and members of the class that they were at risk of significant hair loss and/or scalp irritation upon proper application of the products. Accordingly, Johnson & Johnson misled and deceived the public, and placed its customers in harms way, all for the sake of increased profits.

Joining the Suit

Currently, the suit is still under review, meaning theres nothing consumers need to do to join the lawsuit. It will take time before a lawsuit reaches the point where consumers need to take action by filing a claim, which occurs if and when a settlement is reached.

If the case moves forward and settles, those affected will be able to join and should receive notice of the settlement with instructions on what to do next.

Cited Product Violations

Provided below are the OGX shampoo and conditioner products cited, which contain DMDM hydantoin:
Today

Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. High 94F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 74F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow

Scattered thunderstorms in the morning becoming more widespread in the afternoon. High 86F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Modern medicine is built on an ancient and robust foundation of quackery, unmatched by any other major science. Treatments involving leeches, cocaine, ass-play, or all of the above have evolved into these equally stupid-sounding techniques, proving that medical history, like political history, is cyclical. The only difference is these therapies actually work ...

6 Killing Heart Muscles With Alcohol To Prevent Heart Attacks

Most people go to the hospital to prevent heart attacks. But a few, who have exhausted other treatments, go for the opposite reason. It's called alcohol septal ablation, and think of it as a medical "hair of the dog." To preempt future heart attacks, doctors literally shoot alcohol into your heart in a controlled, clinical setting. It's typically used to treat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a thickening of the heart muscle. And unlike the swole biceps and pecs that inspire praise from gym bros (what, you thought you were going to get compliments from girls?), thick cardiac muscle kills you by blocking blood flow.

Npatchett/Wiki Commons Muscle blocks blood flow, fat blocks blood flow ... damn, who designed this thing?

Continue Reading Below Advertisement

So when other options are infeasible, doctors thread a balloon-tipped catheter through an artery in the groin and into the heart, where it delivers a shot of pure alcohol oh, wow, suddenly the heart attack sounds not so bad. Like alcohol entering through the mouth, it kills and shrinks cells, allowing blood to pass through the thinned scar tissue (sick-ass potential band name) that remains. And despite its seemingly quacky nature, septal ablation offers multiple benefits.

It only takes a couple of hours and requires just a day or two of downtime, limiting patients' exposure to hospital food. Plus, it's minimally invasive, compared to traditional operations that open you up like the Griswold family Christmas turkey. Consider the case of 71-year-old Consuelo Moore, owner of one enlarged heart. She chose septal ablation instead of surgery and was out of the hospital and clipping cat litter coupons a couple of days after receiving an alcohol injection straight to the ticker.
Leslie Cunningham Haynes, "Les," passed away July 6, 2021. Les was born in Birmingham, AL. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife, Beverly; daughters and sons, Helen (Joel) Megginson, Beth Nabors, Michael Haynes and Ryan Jones-Haynes; grandchildr
Becky Goetsch grows marijuana. She has about 800 plants spread out in a pair of greenhouses. Shes hoping to grow more.

Inside the Killingworth garden store owned by Goetsch and her partner are huge plastic bins filled with dried cannabis buds ready to be rolled into joints and smoked.

Her plants are not psychoactive, though. They wont get you high. Her plants are not laden with THC, the psychoactive compound, but CBD, which has been legal to grow and sell for years.

I think Connecticut grows some of the best hemp in the country, Goetsch said. When asked what makes good hemp, a marijuana plant with little to no THC, she replied, good soil, good people, good farmers. Our Connecticut River Valley is so fertile. Theres some really, really good hemp being produced.

The problem, though, is can you sell it?

The sticker price for CBD is still really high to the customer, she said. That doesnt translate to the income that Im generating from growing.

When Goetsch got started, after the federal government allowed the growth and sale of CBD-heavy marijuana in 2018, farmers like her could sell marijuana plants for about $40 a pound. Nowadays, its more like $7.

When youre selling in bulk to an extraction facility for CBD extraction, thats where you get the least amount of money, she said.

Instead, Goetsch is marketing herself and her company, Running Brook Hemp Co., as craft cannabis, selling pre-rolled CBD-heavy joints, tins of CBD tea coupled with valerian root as a sleep aid, and other marijuana products intended for discerning customers.

Id like to be more like a Sallys pizza kind of person, than a Dominos, she said.

Now that Connecticut has legalized the recreational use of THC-heavy marijuana, Goetsch is applying to be a micro-cultivator, replicating her success with CBD.

Goetsch is a farmer. Even though shes been growing marijuana for years, she understands that plants need time. Her current CBD crop is doing well, but the state has said the first recreational dispensaries, selling THC-heavy cannabis, should open by July 2022, and thats not a lot of time from a farmers perspective.

If they want dispensaries open July 2022, weve got to get growing it, she said.

Laboratory and recovery

Goetsch is, perhaps, an odd person to be growing marijuana. Though she describes herself as a hippy, Goetsch has a doctoral degree in microbiology from Yale University, specifically in molecular, cellular and developmental biology.

Shes also in recovery. She said her shift from laboratory to farm has been a big part of that recovery.

When I started growing it I actually was able to get off all of my pharmaceutical meds trouble, she said. When you go through something, and then youre on antidepressants, and your life gets better, do you go off the antidepressants? You dont know what to do. Its like, whats keeping you sane? Thats where CBD came into my life, was to aid in my recovery.

Goetsch, originally from Branford, does not see a contradiction in being in recovery and growing recreational marijuana. Quite the opposite.

I think that cannabis in general, be it CBD or THC, has so many benefits for the recovery community at large, she said. Hopefully, I can help craft products that can be beneficial to the community.

Goetsch doesnt just grow marijuana. She has fields of lavender, valerian, basil, turmeric and other medicinal herbs. All the plants are grown organically, without the use of pesticides.

As she walked past rows of plants, she bent down to remove bugs from the tops of the leaves and eggs from the underside. There is no organic certification for cannabis products but shes proud that her marijuana is farm-to-table.

Her own teenagers have access to black market cannabis products, like vape cartridges, which she said are just super toxic and harmful.

I dont even know where they come from, she said. Thats what they have access to as teenagers and they have free access to it. Its all over. Its easier for them to buy than alcohol.

A seat at the table

Goetsch is applying to be one of Connecticuts micro-cultivators, allowing her to grow 2,000 to 10,000 square feet of marijuana, which she said fits into my model perfectly.

Shell pay $250 to enter a lottery, another $500 for a provisional license if shes selected and then $1,000 once her final license is granted. But there are no guarantees.

The law, as it was drafted by lawmakers and signed by Gov. Ned Lamont, stipulates a parallel process for so-called social equity applicants, producers and retailers in communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs.

I dont begrudge the fact that the focus was really on trying to correct the wrongs that have been done to these groups, Goetsch said.

But Goetsch sees herself as a part of two disadvantaged groups. Shes both a woman and a farmer.

One of our strategies is to try to get a voice about being a female-owned business, she said. New York state actually has language in their bill protecting farmers as a disadvantaged population. How many farmers do you know who are sporting a new boat and a Mercedes? So farmer, and then female farmer, hopefully, because women didnt really have a seat at the table at all in these negotiations.

During the negotiations that led to legalization, Lamont had been criticized by some advocates for favoring the states existing medical marijuana dispensaries at the expense of smaller growers.

What I hope is that these initial licenses are balanced, as well, because I do think that theres a lot of talent and a lot of people in my same situation, she said. Theres a lot of talent in the hemp community that can help achieve the governors revenue goals. Were all set. Its planting a different seed.

Craft cannabis

In addition to the possession, sale and use of marijuana, the bill allows residents to grow their own cannabis. Recreational users will be allowed to grow three immature and three mature plants as of October 2023.

But Goetsch thinks many of those home growers will be disappointed.

I think people are going to be disappointed getting their seeds started if they dont have the right setup, she said, but its not just growing it that can be a problem.

At the harvesting and drawing stage, you can have a beautiful crop and everything can go perfectly, and you have this plant thats absolutely stunning, and youve got these big, beautiful buds on it and it can all just fall apart on you during the drying and curing stage, she said.

Theres a fungus called bud rot, along with spider mites and powdery mildew, all sorts of challenges, Goetsch said, though thats something shes planning to help with.

Im also hoping that well be able to supply people who want to grow with good genetics and good seeds and good starter plants, she said. If we do get a cultivators license  hopefully we can  we can help the medical patient or the recreational grower be successful.

Those regulations havent been written yet, but Goetsch does hope to sell directly to the consumer, just as she does with CBD.

My interpretation of the law is, a micro-cultivator can sell to dispensaries and delivery services, she said. I have no idea how its gonna all slice out. But in my head, I could theoretically partner with a delivery service and sell directly to consumers that way.

Regardless how the regulations are written, Goetschs focus will be the same: Craft cannabis with an emphasis on organic growth for medicinal purposes, not marijuana that gets people stoned. Her hope is to grow plants with a one-to-one CBD and THC ratio.

My goal would be to try to source genetics that are balanced strains, she said. I wont be growing high THC marijuana.
GUILFORD  After hearing residents speak of the need for people to care for orphaned and injured wildlife in town, as well as concerns about rats and odors, the Board of Selectmen voted Tuesday morning to allow certified wildlife rehabilitators to operate in town.

The issue now moves the issue of Eunice Demonds Little Rascals Rescue and Rehabilitation to the Planning and Zoning Commission to determine whether she can continue to take in baby raccoons and other animals at her 311 Old Whitfield St. home.

Before the unanimous vote to approve the revised ordinance, Selectwoman Susan Renner said the ordinance was an example of taking away someones right to  what anyone can do on their property for the sake of public safety.

Selectman Charles Havida said the change was being made to be sure wildlife rescue and rehabilitation is done in a proper, professional way  Everybody has good intentions but you know we do have responsibility for all the taxpayers.

Most commenters spoke in favor of Demond, who has operated Little Rascals since 2012. Two residents of Old Whitfield Street spoke against the rescue facility operating on their street.

They included Alicia Dolce, who lives next-door to Demond and whose husband, Bill Freeman, wrote to town officials to complain about the size of Little Rascals, as well as rats, odors and flies. Town Attorney Peter Barrett then told the selectmen that the existing ordinance was inadequate and was enacted in 1991 when there was concern about a rabies outbreak in town.

It prohibits feeding, harboring or sheltering certain animals, which could occur not only at somebodys home or business, but it could be from your car or in a public park or on the Green or anything else, Barrett said. It also allowed the health director to add species without public review or action by selectmen.

First Selectman Matt Hoey said, There is some recognition that the work Eunice Demond does has value and that there are 15 licensed wildlife rehabilitators in Connecticut, including Demond. He said the ordinance does not address whether Demonds operation is operating within the zoning regulations.

Dolce said seven residents had met with Hoey just because we all live in close proximity to Little Rascals and we just and we just had questions about, again that this had been fast-tracked prior to the Planning and Zoning hearing tomorrow.

She said she believes the revision doesnt go far enough to address concerns, including animal waste, which attracts flies and has a stench. Weve had rats for three years and we currently have problems of rats in our backyard, she said.

Dolce added that if a neighbor has a problem or a concern or  complaint, thats the only thing that sets into motion an inspection of the facility.  No one wants the responsibility of alerting the town that they have rats in their backyard, theres a foul stench, theres an abundance of flies.

She said notifying the town exposes you to unbelievable character assassination, social media  If the town really sees value in having this facility located in Guilford, I think the logical question is, what can the town do to successfully support Eunices ability to rehab animals while also making sure there are no negative impacts on the neighbors and people who walk by.

Later, Demond said she didnt know of any rat problems. Right now, theres nothing in my pens. Theres no food available for them, she said. Its not from my facility and its not coming from my property.

Cindy Vaporis of East Haven said she thought the new ordinance was a good one but questioned if its decided to move Little Rascals it shouldnt be at someone elses expense. Why cant we just have a mediator with these two neighbors and see if they can talk it out?

Rick Sandella of Tuttles Point Road said, The issue is that we are losing habitat for animals here in Guilford, here in Connecticut and around the globe. He said wildlife rehabilitators are so overwhelmed, if you ever call one, they havent slept in hours. We really need a solution here.

The PZC will continue its public hearing on Demonds application for a special permit to continue operating Little Rascals at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Nathanael Greene Community Center.

edward.stannard@hearstmediact.com; 203-680-9382
99 cent introductory offer

Includes everything we offer online for 24-7 news. This option allows you to read unlimited stories at ctnewsonline.com, and access our e-Edition (digital replicate of the daily newspaper). $7.99 per month after the introductory offer.

This service comes with a complimentary CT Select Card allowing for local discounts.

Rates are subject to change.
This summer is already shaping up to be a difficult one for air travelers.

Southwest Airlines customers have struggled with thousands of delays and hundreds of canceled flights in the past three weeks because of computer problems, staffing shortages and bad weather.

American Airlines is also grappling with a surge in delays, and it has trimmed its schedule through mid-July at least in part because it doesn't have enough pilots, according to the pilots' union.

At the same time, the number of Americans getting on planes is at a pandemic-era high. Just under 2.2 million travelers were screened at U.S. airports on Friday, the highest number since early March 2020.

Travelers are posting photos of long airport lines and describing painful flights.

It was ridiculously crowded, Tracey Milligan said of airports after a round trip from her New Jersey home to Miami last week.

Milligan and her 6-year-old daughter endured hours-long delays on both legs of the trip. Before the flight to Florida, she said, JetBlue agents first told passengers there was a discrepancy with the plane's weight, then they were missing three crew members because the airline was short-staffed, then there was a weather delay.

I really wanted to start screaming and cursing everybody out, but that doesn't get you anywhere, and security will come and remove you from the plane, she said.

At least the passengers on Milligan's flights kept their cool. Airlines have seen a surge in unruly passengers, and some experts predict it will get worse this summer as planes become even more crowded.

There have been more than a dozen days in June and July when more than 2 million travelers went through U.S. airports, according to figures from the Transportation Security Administration. Airlines say that domestic leisure travel is back to 2019 levels, although the lack of business travelers means that overall, the number of passengers over the past week is still down slightly compared with the same days in 2019.

For the July Fourth weekend, U.S. airlines scheduled nearly twice as many flights between Thursday and Monday as they did over the same days last year, according to data from aviation researcher Cirium.

The weekend highlights the rapid turnaround boosting an industry that was fighting for survival last year. The recovery has been faster than many expected  including, apparently, the airlines themselves.

Since the start of the pandemic, U.S. airlines have received $54 billion in federal aid to help cover payroll expenses. In return, they were prohibited from furloughing or laying off workers. However, they were allowed to persuade tens of thousands of employees to take buyouts, early retirement or leaves of absence.

Now some are finding they dont have enough people in key roles, including pilots.

As Southwest officials braced for crowded flights over the holiday weekend, they offered to double pay for flight attendants and other employees who agree to extra work through Wednesday.

The staffing shortage is across the board. On the pilot side, it's a training backlog," said Casey Murray, president of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association. Southwest came into the summer with very little margin.

Murray said many pilots coming back from leave are still getting federally required training to refresh their skills and aren't yet eligible to fly. When storms cause long delays, pilots can reach their FAA limit on the number of hours they are allowed to work, and there aren't enough backups to step in, he said. On top of that, he said, Southwest pushed for an aggressive summer schedule to capitalize on rising travel demand.

Since June 14, Southwest has averaged more than 1,300 daily flights delays  a staggering 40% of its schedule  according to figures from tracking service Flightaware.com.

Southwest spokeswoman Brandy King said most delays were caused by weather, and that with fewer flights than before the pandemic, it's harder for Southwest to recover from long thunderstorms.

At American Airlines, unions say labor shortages are contributing to delays and the scrubbing of up to 80 flights a day from the schedule through mid-July. In echoes of Southwest, the pilots' union at American said management did not act quickly enough to retrain 1,600 pilots who were temporarily furloughed then rehired last year or replace the 1,000 who retired.

Delta canceled dozens of flights over Thanksgiving last year and again around Easter this year because of staffing problems.

Airlines that pushed people to quit a year ago are now beginning to hire again, which could help fix staffing shortages. Delta, for example, plans to hire more than 1,000 pilots by next summer, starting with about 75 by this August.

Passengers whose flights aren't canceled or delayed still risk being on board with troublesome plane mates. Airlines have reported more than 3,200 incidents of unruly passengers since Jan. 1. Most involve people refusing to wear masks, as required by the federal government. Some of those passengers face large fines.

Andrew Thomas, a frequent flyer who teaches international business at the University of Akron and has tracked air rage for more than 20 years, believes conditions are ripe for even more incidents on planes this summer because travelers are more stressed than ever.

The problem was there before COVID, and now you are putting more people in the sky and you exacerbate this with the masks, Thomas said. Service levels are atrocious. Planes are packed, they are not feeding you, its hard to get food in an airport. The only thing thats easy to get is alcohol, which is not a good thing.

___

David Koenig can be reached at www.twitter.com/airlinewriter
For Juneteenth, we published a list of seven Black historical figures who had, at one point or another, called Connecticut home. But the thing is, there are way more than just seven extraordinary Black leaders from Connecticut, so we're continuing our list here.

Did you know the first ever Black woman elected state treasurer in the U.S. grew up in Hartford? Or that the first Black female colonel in the air force was born in Stamford?
NEWTOWN  Alex Jones, an extremist who has previously promoted hoaxes on his Texas-based internet broadcast, has asked a Connecticut judge to subpoena Hillary Clinton, claiming she is behind a group of Sandy Hook families suing him for defamation.

Norm Pattis, one of Jones attorneys, said Clinton wanted revenge for Jones vitriolic criticism of her on his Infowars program.

The defendants in this case believe that this suit was filed six years after the shootings at Sandy Hook as part of a vendetta inspired, orchestrated and directed in whole or in part by Hillary Clinton, Pattis wrote in state Superior Court. (Its) part of a vendetta to silence Alex Jones after Ms. Clinton lost the presidential race to Donald J. Trump.

Christopher Mattei, an attorney for the families, responded in court on Tuesday with a motion to sanction Jones, calling the request to depose Clinton frivolous and abusive.

It appears to be a publicity stunt in service of a new conspiracy theory spun by Alex Jones filed for the abusive purpose of deposing a highly prominent person who has no relation to the case, Mattei wrote.

Eight families who lost loved ones in the Sandy Hook massacre are suing Jones for calling the slaying of 26 first-graders and educators in 2012 staged, synthetic, manufactured, a giant hoax, and completely fake with actors.

Jones in court papers says he no longer believes the worst crime in Connecticut history was a hoax, and that the First Amendment gives him the right to be wrong.

Jones is being sued for defamation by other Sandy Hook families in separate cases in Texas, but the Connecticut case has been making the headlines recently. In April, for example, the U.S. Supreme Court denied Jones appeal of sanctions he received in 2019 after he went on the air with Pattis and threatened an attorney representing the Connecticut families with a blood on the streets rant.

In the latest pretrial motion, Pattis argues that Clinton has a direct connection with Erica Lafferty, the daughter of slain Sandy Hook Elementary School principal Dawn Hochsprung, who is suing Jones.

It is clear as a matter of public record, that Erica Lafferty, the lead plaintiff in this case, was invited to speak at the Democratic National Convention in 2016. Ms. Lafferty was also praised thereafter by Hillary Clinton, Pattis writes. The defendants intend to ask Ms. Clinton about her endorsement of Ms. Lafferty in 2016, the factors that led Ms. Lafferty to be invited to speak at the Democratic National Convention, and what role, if any, Ms. Clinton or those working under her direction had in directing the plaintiffs to the same firm in this case.

Clinton and Lafferty were not immediately available on Tuesday morning to comment.

Although Mr. Jones made certain statements about Sandy Hook as early 2012, and largely stopped making claims about Sandy Hook in the years thereafter, the plaintiffs in this action waited until 2018 to bring the instant action, Pattis wrote. The litigation is brought and pursued in bad faith as part of a partisan effort to silence Mr. Jones for reasons wholly independent of the merits of the plaintiffs claims.

rryser@newstimes.com 203-731-3342
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)  State Rep. Rebecca Dow announced Wednesday that she will seek the Republican nomination for governor of New Mexico in next year's election, becoming the fifth GOP candidate looking to unseat Democrat Michelle Lujan Grisham.

Dow, who is serving her third term in the Legislature and works as a consultant to early childhood providers, said shes tired of New Mexico being last when it comes to educational outcomes, child well-being and employment opportunities.

The state currently has the second highest unemployment rate in the U.S. Critics have placed some of the blame on Lujan Grisham for her handling of the coronavirus pandemic and the effects of her public health restrictions on small businesses. Many were forced to close their doors for good over the past year, and the state recently started offering cash incentives in an effort to get people back to work.

Lujan Grisham announced her reelection bid at a June rally in Albuquerque that was derailed by protesters who were mostly upset over her handling of the pandemic, which included some of the nation's toughest restrictions.

Dow said during an interview on KKOB radio that her campaign will be a grassroots effort. She also pointed to her ability to win over Democrats in her rural district.

I am looking for the everyday New Mexican to join me," she said. I don't care what political party you're affiliated with  it's the people who want to see New Mexico thrive. It's time," she said, adding that New Mexico has the potential to do as well as the neighboring states of Arizona and Texas.

Dow described Lujan Grisham's policies as radical and said New Mexicans should be allowed to make their own choices.

We have rights, we are allowed to take risks and we take personal responsibility, she said. The everyday New Mexican, they're capable of making informed rational decisions for themselves and for their families. ... This governor assumes that we can't make choices for ourselves."

As part of her campaign, Lujan Grisham is running on her pandemic-related policies, saying they helped to save lives. She also has touted the approval of tax breaks for working families, increases in spending on public education and legalization of recreational marijuana during her first term.

Other Republicans seeking the GOP nomination for governor include former congressional candidate Karen Bedonie, investment adviser and West Point graduate Greg Zanetti, Sandoval County Commissioner Jay Block and retired teacher Tim Walsh.
Our Design Directory Jenny Bengeult joins Kelly Hellickson and Hilary Reed at EmpowerFion their podcast The Speakeasy for a series of three episodes on credit union trends relative to employees, brand, and workplaces.

In the second episode, Trends Relative to Brand, Jenny and the EmpowerFi team discuss pre-, during, and post-pandemic trends around credit union branding.

Sometimes credit unions can try to be everything to everyone, and sometimes brand can get diluted. Yet when you double down on your brand you come off as more authentic and connect with members in a way that develops lifelong relationships. Jenny dives into how credit unions can use brand to create these personal connections.
Henry James Twitty Jr. of Birmingham, formerly of Colony in Cullman County, passed away July 10, 2021 at the age of 57. He was born March 17, 1964 in Cullman to Henry James Twitty Sr. and Rosetta Munford Twitty. He was preceded in death by his mother and grandparents, Essie and Midas Twitty.
EU Sets Up An Emergency Team To Handle Large Scale Attacks

European Union agencies have suffered from damaging cyber attacks over the last year and in a recent Briefing Paper the EU Commission said it has identified weaknesses in cyber security governance abound in the public and private sectors across the EU as well as at the international level. This impairs the global communitys ability to respond to and limit cyber attacks and undermines a coherent EU-wide approach. The challenge is thus to strengthen cyber security governance.

In pursuit of this aim, the European Commission has announced that it plans to build a Joint Cyber Unit to be based in Brussels that and it will take-on large scale cyber attacks. The rapid-response Joint Cyber Unit will pool European cyber-security powers to launch operations against ongoing hacking threats.

Currently cyber security communities, including civilian, law enforcement, diplomatic and cyber defence communities, as well as private sector partners, often operate separately. However, while the sectors are specific, the threats are often common with consequent benefits from coordination, knowledge sharing and advance warning across communities.

National level cyber security attacks in Europe rose from 432 in 2019 to 756 in 2020 and the recent massive ransomware incidents on critical services in Ireland and the US has "focused minds" according to EU Commission sources.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) in Ireland was hit by a ransomware group called Conti which scrambled IT systems, causing major disruption to many hospitals.HSE chief Paul Reid told the Oireachtas health committee recently that it will take months to fix the system and that it will cost as much as 100m (85m) to recover.

The Commission intends that dedicated cyber team will be immediately deployed to EU countries during serious attacks and Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas has said recently that the hack on the vital US fuel pipeline was a "nightmare scenario that we have to prepare against".

In both instances, hackers use malicious software to scramble and steal an organisation's computer data and then used attempted to extort ransomware from the corporate victims in return for returning services back to normal. While the criminals were successful in being paid off by the US pipeline operator, the Irish Government has refused to pay.

The EUs aim is to ensure that the Joint Cyber Unit will be operational by June 2022, and that it will be fully established one year later, by 30 June 2023.

In the US the Biden Administration is taking urgent steps to address the wave of major ransomware attacks by strengthening and cetralising national capabilities and by appealing for international co-operation, notably form Russia, where many of these attacks originate:

European Court of Auditors: Bloomberg: BBC: ITGovernance: ITPro: The National: Smart Energy:

You Might Also Read:

The European Union's Digital Security Plan:
Kankakee, IL (60901)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms in the morning, then mainly cloudy during the afternoon with thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 78F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Showers and thunderstorms likely. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%.
Kankakee, IL (60901)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms in the morning, then mainly cloudy during the afternoon with thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 79F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Showers and thunderstorms likely. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%.
Elizabeth City, NC (27909)

Today

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 92F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low near 75F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Charles Addis, age 76, of Ringgold, passed away Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at the Hospice of Chattanooga Care Center. He is preceded in death by his parents; James and Edith Addis, brother; Randy Burkhart, sister; Wanda Casteel and a nephew, Shannon Addis. Mr. Addis was a veteran of the United S
Contributed photo

Nellie Gregg, a rising junior at Dalton High School, is a Governor's Honors Program finalist, and while math is her main focus at the month-long Berry College summer camp for finalists, she's also "well-rounded," with band and art both large parts of her life, she said.
Kingston

Clock ticking for group home residents

Clock ticking for residents of Chiz's Heart Street group home in Kingston

No one evicted from Chiz's Heart Street, but facility is to shut down next Thursday
featured

Ulster County

Task force outlines priorities for use of federal money
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.
The following items are based on information provided by officials in law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
Police say three undercover law enforcement officers were shot and wounded while driving onto an expressway on Chicagos South Side and that a person of interest was in custody and being questioned by detectives
Apr 12, 1969 - Jul 3, 2021 Brenda Lea Deem, 52, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away on Saturday, July 3, 2021 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center surrounded by family. Brenda was born on April 12, 1969 in Ashland, Kentucky to the late William "Bill" and Betty Jo Adkins of Flatwoods, KY.
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Please let us know what's going on!

Go to form
FILE - This June, 28, 2012, file photo shows hogs at a farm in Buckhart, Ill. The Biden administration plans to revive a set of rules designed to protect the rights of farmers who raise cows, chickens and hogs against the country's largest meat processors that the Trump administration killed four years ago.
@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.
Houlahan Town Hall

'We will come out of COVID very strong'

Rep. Houlahan calls for national $15 per hour minimum wage
Website upgraded

Nearly $4 billion in unclaimed property waiting to be claimed
What a relief the new Health Secretary Sajid Javid has been after the hectoring Matt Hancock, who combined a fair degree of incompetence with a lack of imagination in the role.

Mr Javid has quickly shown himself more broad-minded, and well aware of the terrible consequences not just on the economy but also on people's health of perpetuating lockdown a day more than is necessary.

It seemed that he had broken free of senior civil servants at the Department of Health, who had long ago taken possession of Mr Hancock's good sense by persuading him to champion a never-ending stream of coercive rules.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid has quickly shown himself more broad-minded, and well aware of the terrible consequences not just on the economy but also on people's health of perpetuating lockdown a day more than is necessary

Until now, that is. Yesterday afternoon the new broom that is Mr Javid suddenly looked alarmingly like his unlamented predecessor. His announcement that self-isolation rules are going to be dropped for the double-jabbed and under-18s was of course extremely welcome.

But why on earth has this long-overdue change been deferred until August 16, which is four weeks after so-called Freedom Day on July 19? The postponement runs counter to the Government's recent optimistic tone, and appears to make a nonsense of its entire strategy.

What this means is that millions of people  the Adam Smith Institute reckons 4.6million a week  could be forced to self-isolate until the rules are finally dropped in the middle of August.

Mr Javid suggested yesterday that Covid infection rates could surge to 100,000 a day over the coming weeks. That is why millions of healthy people could be caught in the self-solation trap. Having just emerged from ten days' quarantine myself, I can vouch for it being no fun at all.

It is very hard to see the logic behind the Health Secretary's statement to the Commons. Boris Johnson's press conference on Monday gave a strong impression of a Government opening up society again in the knowledge that vaccines have greatly reduced the likelihood of hospitalisation and death.

The consequence of clinging on to the existing self-isolation restrictions until August 16 will not merely be to imprison millions in needless and deeply frustrating self-isolation.

It seemed that he had broken free of senior civil servants at the Department of Health, who had long ago taken possession of Mr Hancock's good sense by persuading him to champion a never-ending stream of coercive rules

How is it possible for anyone to run a business such as a pub, restaurant or nightclub (many of which are short-staffed as it is) if large numbers of employees are required to quarantine at a moment's notice?

Imagine, too, the effect on people's holiday plans of Mr Javid's announcement. Many who book much-deserved holidays, whether at home or abroad, are bound to find themselves 'pinged' at the last moment, and so will be forced to cancel their plans and probably lose their money.

Are we opening up or not? It seemed after the Prime Minister's announcement on Monday, as well as some bullish comments from Mr Javid, that we were. Now the Government looks confused and contradictory. It has not thought things through.

My only explanation is that as the new boy at the Health Department Mr Javid has somehow been hoodwinked by officials for whom imposing silly and irrational rules has become a way of life.

Tomorrow Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is expected to announce the relaxation of regulations for travelling to so-called amber list countries, nearly all of which have infection rates very much lower than the UK's.

According to Mr Javid on Monday, travel restrictions will be eased 'very, very soon'. But will they be? Or will the plans of double-jabbed people to take holidays continue to face innumerable hurdles, including quarantine, for several more weeks?

One likely upshot of maintaining self-isolation restrictions until August 16 is that many people will delete their NHS apps or ignore a 'ping'. Even normally law-abiding folk may resist incarceration when logic and clear thinking have been manifestly jettisoned by the Government.

It's not too late to think again. If Mr Javid were to admit that it makes no sense to lock up millions of people at the very time the country is supposed to be returning to something like normality, he would earn widespread respect.

God knows, this Government has swerved about a good deal from the beginning of this pandemic. I had hoped that with a new man at the wheel we might follow a straighter course. After Sajid Javid's bombshell yesterday, I am much less sure.
My new hero is Heiko Maas, Germany's foreign minister and a member of the Social Democratic Party, which broadly corresponds to the moderate wing of the Labour Party.

Earlier this week, Mr Maas said there were no political or legal justifications for maintaining coronavirus restrictions in Germany once the whole adult population has been offered a jab. This target is expected to be reached by the end of the month.

Britain is slightly ahead of Germany's vaccination roll-out, and should open up a little earlier  by July 19, though we await confirmation from Boris Johnson next week.

And yet Labour's Sir Keir Starmer yesterday described the Government's plan as 'reckless' and forecast a 'summer of chaos and confusion'. Since it is widely accepted that his party stands in desperate need of an incisive new leader, perhaps it should send for the excellent Mr Maas.

Admittedly, Germany's current Covid infection rate is much lower than the UK's, but its number of fatalities is roughly the same. Over the past week, the country has reported an average of nearly 25 deaths a day whereas the UK's daily average was 23.

Mr Maas's point is that the vaccination provides a very high degree of protection against death. Once everyone has been offered two jabs, it makes no sense to keep a country in lockdown, with all the consequent damage to the economy and people's mental and physical wellbeing.

Labour's Sir Keir Starmer yesterday described the Government's plan as 'reckless' and forecast a 'summer of chaos and confusion'

Resolute

If only Sir Keir and Labour's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth were as clear thinking. Unfortunately, they whinge and they grumble without giving their own timetable for opening up society.

Let me make a prediction. Boris Johnson is about to enter the stormiest period of his prime ministership. If he keeps his nerve, he could be remembered not as a maverick easily tossed about by the waves, but as a resolute leader.

The infection rate will almost certainly rise over the coming weeks since the Indian (or Delta) virus is rampant. On Monday the PM imagined 50,000 new daily cases, while with seemingly greater candour the new Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, has suggested as many as 100,000.

If that happens, the death rate is bound to increase, though to levels very far below those of January. Unvaccinated people are obviously most vulnerable, but there are likely to be a few deaths even among those who have been double-jabbed.

Boris Johnson is about to enter the stormiest period of his prime ministership. If he keeps his nerve, he could be remembered not as a maverick easily tossed about by the waves, but as a resolute leader

When that transpires, Labour will create a stink and attempt to represent Boris Johnson as a trigger-happy prime minister who doesn't care a jot for human life.

Critical scientists and self-declared experts will emerge in droves and be given a pulpit by our state broadcaster, the BBC, from which to throw missiles at the Government. By contrast, the scientists who support official policy will be given short shrift by Auntie.

Note that chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty  who looked uncomfortable by the PM's side at Monday's No 10 press conference  has just delivered a characteristically lugubrious judgment that it is 'going to take quite a long time to get back to normality'.

If infection rates do soar, and fatalities climb a little, the Whittys of this world will multiply more quickly than the virus. There is going to be a cacophony of protest that could unnerve Mr Johnson.

After all, he stands accused of falling asleep at the wheel during earlier phases of the pandemic, and of being slow to countenance previous lockdowns. If ever there were a man sensitive to the charge of being heartless, it is Boris.

I expect an almighty political bust-up over the next few weeks. I very much hope the Prime Minister doesn't cave in, though I can't say for certain that he won't.

Fear

My argument is not that there are no circumstances in which the Government should back-pedal vigorously. If there were a nasty new variant over which existing vaccines proved ineffective, there would obviously have to be a change of policy.

But as things stand, and facing as we do an inevitable increase in infections and (I hope) only a very gentle rise in deaths, it is vital that Mr Johnson sticks to his guns, supported by a new health secretary who appears more robust than his predecessor.

The Government's plan of action is not a reckless one. It is backed by many scientists, including, with only mild caveats, the normally gloomy 'Professor Lockdown', aka Neil Ferguson.

Businesses, particularly restaurants, pubs and nightclubs, are crying out for liberation. So are seven million people who, according to Mr Javid, have missed NHS routine care since the pandemic began.

Tourists want to travel abroad. Students yearn for proper university courses  if they can persuade risk-averse tutors to teach them. Children would like not to be sent home from school to self-isolate.

Boris was right on Monday: 'if not now, when?' Unless we are shown a route out of the miserable and constricting circumstances of the past 16 months, how can we ever escape?

It's not just the PM who must hold his nerve. All of us have to. We have been indoctrinated into a state of fear for so long that many of us will blink nervously as we totter into the daylight.

Dear old Auntie (other channels aren't much better) has terrorised us with her graphic footage of intensive care wards and her phalanxes of medical folk who, like Sir Keir Starmer, always offer us reasons for staying in prison, never for getting out.

We have been traumatised by the daily litany of statistics those with Covid, and those who have died.

Yet few of us fret about the much greater dangers of dying from cancer or heart disease or even an accident at home. Fact: Covid was only the 24th 'leading' cause of death in June. Let's free ourselves from the tyranny of statistics pumped out by the media which have the effect of exaggerating the dangers of Covid. And let's remember that life is never without risks.

Just like Boris, all of us must show balance and good sense and fortitude as numbers edge up over the coming weeks, as the likes of Sir Keir Starmer seek to stir up public hysteria.

Incidentally, I wish restaurants and pubs would stop spreading gel around to ward off Covid, since there is little evidence it does any good as the virus is airborne.

Pressures

According to American microbiologist Emanuel Goldman, 'the chance of transmission through inanimate surfaces is very small' unless an infected person has just coughed or sneezed on them. We've been brainwashed by the Government as our medieval ancestors were brainwashed into believing that garlic deters evil spirits.

Now, thanks to the near miracle of mass vaccination, we finally have a chance of freedom. Barring unforeseen circumstances, we must hope Boris has the courage of what I trust are his true convictions.

In 1982, Margaret Thatcher ignored those experts who declared that re-taking the Falkland Islands was militarily impossible. She stood her ground because she knew it was the right thing to do.

This is the Prime Minister's Falklands moment. The pressures on him will be immense over the next few weeks. If he holds firm, Boris Johnson could at last emerge as a serious and formidable politician.
Summer is on the horizon, but it is not just the students who are excited at the thought of spending months away from school.

Teachers from around the world have taken to anonymous secret-sharing app Whisper to reveal how they spend their summer holidays - and the revelations range from the shocking to the depressing.

One teacher from the US revealed she spends her vacation working as a dominatrix and earns 'way more' than she does from her day job. Another admitted he takes advantage of the lack of routine and stays up all night 'getting high'.

A third said it would be hard to kick her habit of drinking on a daily basis once term restarts.

A habit they don't want to break! Daily drinking will have to start once term restarts

No rules, no responsibilities: A teacher wants to spend the time off indulging

Double life: This teacher from Virginia spends her summer working as a high-paid dominatrix

Smells like teen spirit! A teacher from Chicago is looking forward to having no responsibilities

Summer body: A woman from Hallsville, Texas, is ready for a major change in her lifestyle

Remembering the old days: This teacher dreams of a carefree life like the one before his job

Long summer: This teacher from Harker Heights, Texas, can't wait to get back in the classroom

Somebody call me! This teacher wishes they had someone to spend the days with

Off the clock! A teacher from Dansville, New York, does not want to be reminded of school
A creative home stylist has revealed how she up-cycled an old $40 desk and transformed it into a gorgeous tiled studio table.

Geneva Vanderzeil, from Brisbane, shared before and after images with her 275,000 Instagram followers along with a detailed insight on her website.

The project cost a total of $300 to complete using product from Bunnings Warehouse, including small square mosaic tiles, tile adhesive, tile grout, paint, a tile sponge, MDF boards and glue.

The desk was slightly moderated by adding MDF boards on the sides then covered in square mosaic tiles to create a continuous balanced look.

Scroll down for video

Stylist and author Geneva Vanderzeil (pictured) transformed a secondhand $40 desk into a stunning tiled desk for her studio

The desk originally looked worn and dull but was turned into a fantastic mosaic tiled piece

The project cost a total of $300 to complete using product from Bunnings Warehouse, including small square mosaic tiles, tile adhesive, tile grout, paint, a tile sponge, MDF boards and glue

'To me, the front sides of the table were very important to get right, meaning that all the tile lines connected and the table looked symmetrical,' Geneva wrote online.

MDF boards were glued and nailed to the back and sides of the desk as the legs were too narrow for the tiles.

Next, the tiles were laid out on top and measured down the sides to ensure it fit the desk perfectly.

The desk legs were initially too narrow to fit the square mosaic tiles (left). To fix this, Geneva glued and nailed pieces of MDF to the sides and back of the desk (right)

Geneva then glued the tiles on and used a square notch adhesive spread to spread the glue on thick.

To ensure the tiles on the sides didn't fall off or move, painters tape was used to keep the material in place.

'I made sure that the gaps between the sheets mirrored the tile gaps on the sheets,' she said.

'It was surprisingly fast to apply the tiles to the table! I did all the sides and it took about 1.5 hours.'

Geneva then glued the tiles on and used a square notch adhesive spread to spread the glue on thick

Before locking in the tiles with grout, Geneva added a touch of acrylic paint to the mixture to create a stunning light terracotta colour.

After completing a small test to ensure the grout dried properly with the paint, she applied the grout with her hands and pushed it into the cracks with her fingers.

'Once the grouting was complete, I cleaned the table as much as possible with the sponge to clean up all the grout,' she said.

Before locking in the tiles with grout, Geneva added a touch of acrylic paint to the mixture to create a stunning light terracotta colour

'Once the grouting was complete, I cleaned the table as much as possible with the sponge to clean up all the grout,' she said

Once the grout had dried, she then used a clean wet sponge to remove the top film then used a soft cloth the polish the surface.

As a final step, she painted the bottom trim of the desk the same colour as the grout.

'Unfortunately the tiles were too wide at the bottom to fit perfectly all the way down to the ground, and I considered cutting them one by one to fit, but in the end I simply painted them the same colour as the grout,' she said.

As a final step, she painted the bottom trim of the desk the same colour as the grout

The project was part of the Bunnings Warehouse annual DIY July campaign, which encourages customers to complete projects around the home

The project was part of the Bunnings Warehouse annual DIY July campaign, which encourages customers to complete projects around the home.

A new study commissioned by Bunnings found that 46 per cent of Australians will redecorate, remodel or repair their home to stay productive this winter.

The study also showed that more than four in five Australians (84 per cent) feel happier after completing a project around the home.
A linen bedding range beloved by the likes of Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky and Sam and Snezana Wood has seen a massive 265 per cent spike in sales over the past year, as more and more people look to create a sense of luxury while locked down at home.

Carlotta and Gee, was founded by the Sydney friends Georgie Cavanagh and Carlotta Casals in 2018, but the French-inspired eco-friendly and sustainable bedding range has become more and more popular during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020 and 2021.

This year, the pair were even listed on the Australian Financial Review's Rich List, and they have since expanded the range into the US and Europe.

A linen bedding range beloved by Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky and Sam and Snezana Wood has seen a massive 265 per cent spike in sales over the past year (founders pictured)

Carlotta and Gee , was founded by the Sydney friends Georgie Cavanagh and Carlotta Casals in 2018, but it has become more popular over the past year (linen pictured)

The friends boast an enviable celebrity client list including the Hemsworths (pictured), Sam and Snezana Wood, Renee Bargh and Ash Hart

Georgie Cavanagh (pictured) said Carlotta and Gee continues to see a 'huge spike' whenever there is a lockdown, such as the current lockdown in New South Wales

The friends boast an enviable celebrity client list including the Hemsworths, Sam and Snezana Wood, Renee Bargh and Ash Hart.

Matt Damon and his wife Luciana Barroso also discovered the brand in a store in Byron Bay and quickly 'fell in love' with the look and feel of the sheets.

'I think people are really wanting to live the slower life and invest in their home to create a happy and safe haven,' Georgie told FEMAIL.

'Because we can't travel, it's these creature comforts or hotel luxury items that you would get when travelling that people are wanting to bring into their home.'

Georgie added that Carlotta and Gee continues to see a 'huge spike' whenever there is a lockdown, for example over the past two weeks they have seen a massive sales increase in New South Wales.

Others including Sam and Snezana Wood (left) and blogger Harper and Harley are fans (right) of the luxury French linen range

Carlotta and Gee offers luxury French linen bedding, including duvets, pillows and fitted and flat sheets (the founders pictured)

Carlotta and Gee offers luxury French linen bedding, including duvets, pillows and fitted and flat sheets.

The brand also sells kitchenware including tablecloths and napkins, as well as linen bags and dressing gowns.

The linen is made from flax grown in Normandy, France.

The fabric is then washed in volcanic stones to accelerate the flax-softening process, and it is dyed without the use of any chemicals to promote a fully natural finish.

Prices start from around $270 for a duvet cover, and there is a broad range of 19 colours available, from white to natural, tobacco and patterns like nautical blue stripes.

Prices start from $270 for a duvet cover, and there is a broad range of 19 colours available, from white to natural, tobacco and patterns like nautical blue stripes (range pictured)

Sleeping on linen offers plenty of health benefits. Linen is a natural temperature regulator, meaning it keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer (the bedding pictured)

Sleeping on linen offers plenty of health benefits.

Linen is a natural temperature regulator, meaning it keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer.

The fabric also doesn't crease as much as regular bedding, and unlike other fabrics, it becomes softer with age.

The fabric of linen is naturally permeable and can absorb up to 20 per cent of its weight in moisture before it feels damp.

Unlike cotton, linen draws away the moisture in the air, remaining cool and dry to the touch, meaning it won't retain any nasty smells.

Linen's antibacterial properties are perfect for those with allergies or sensitive skin, and it's also been known to stimulate blood flow.

'I think people are really wanting to live the slower life and invest in their home to create a happy and safe haven,' Georgie told FEMAIL (the founders pictured)

Benefits of sleeping on linen revealed Linen also retains its shape thanks to its natural elasticity, and compared to wool and cotton, it's twice as durable * Linen retains its shape thanks to its natural elasticity, and compared to wool and cotton, linen is twice as durable. * Linen is temperature-regulating, anti-static, anti-bacterial and acts as a natural insulator. It also helps to keep you cool in the summer months. * Linen is moisture-wicking and this is an effective anti-perspirant. * The fabric also doesn't crease as much as regular bedding, and unlike other fabrics, it becomes softer with age. Source: Carlotta and Gee Advertisement

Those who have invested in the duvets and sheets left glowing reviews on the Carlotta and Gee website, describing it as 'perfect', the 'best quality' and 'beautifully soft' (bedding pictured)

Those who have invested in the duvets and sheets have left glowing reviews on the Carlotta and Gee website, describing it as 'perfect', the 'best quality' and 'beautifully soft'.

'Amazing linen, beautiful finishing and details, and the girls are so easy to deal with. Highly recommend,' one recent reviewer posted.

'I heart about C+G from the AFR magazine and I purchased a full set of linen in Tobacco, I'm so happy with it and compared to other brands these sheets are very soft,' another added.

'I have linen sheets from other brands and they are a bit rough but these ones are totally different and I'm having the best sleeps. Thanks girls!'

A third posted: 'Love the colour and the quality of the linen is fantastic. I just want to dive into my bed now. Thank you C+G!'

For more information about Carlotta and Gee, please click here.
A shopper has left the internet in stitches after penning an amusing review about a queen-size mattress she purchased from Kmart.

Mum Julia, from New Zealand, urged fellow customers to always read the instructions after her toddler son was flung across the room when her husband pulled the rolled up mattress out of the box.

'Mattress is great quality and super comfortable but take note of safety warning. When unfolding mattress, make sure nobody is in firing range,' she wrote.

'My husband didn't read instructions (shocking I know) and my son got kung fu kicked across the room as the mattress expanded.

'I checked to make sure he was okay before laughing until I almost wet my pants.'

A shopper has left the internet in stitches after penning an amusing review about a queen-size mattress she purchased from Kmart

Her review was posted on the website on May 23 but has been circulating on social media since Monday after an Australian parenting group re-shared it.

'This is too good. Those considering buying any sort of mattress that has been rolled/folded, please take note,' the caption said, along with a laughing emoji.

And much to everyone's surprise, the mum who wrote the review came forward.

'This is my review,' Julia wrote, adding: 'It was so funny! I wish I had it on camera. I would have won funniest home videos for sure! If it was the 90s and people still had videos.'

Mum Julia, from New Zealand, urged fellow customers to always read the instructions after her toddler son was flung across the room when her husband pulled the rolled up mattress out of the box

The post has since been 'liked' more than 800 times, with many declaring the shopper's review 'made' their day.

'I was crying with laughter before I even got to the end,' one wrote, while another mum said: 'I would be on the floor with my child laughing.'

'This happened to my son once with a rolled mattress. So funny,' another added, while one said: 'This is the best review ever.'
Princess Charlene of Monaco has said she 'misses Prince Albert dearly' after spending their 10th anniversary apart as she remains in South Africa.

Princess Charlene, 43, who is currently in her native South Africa while Albert remains in Monaco with their children, said she has faced a 'trying time' in recent months.

Calling Albert her 'rock and strength', she told Channel24: 'What has been extremely difficult for me was when I was instructed by my medical team that I could not return home for my 10th wedding anniversary. Without his love and support I would not have been able to get through this painful time.'

Charlene and Albert, who share six-year-old twins Jacques and Gabriella, spent their anniversary thousands of miles apart. The Princess remains in South Africa where she is undergoing 'multiple, complicated' procedures after contracting an ear, nose and throat infection in May, while on a solo visit to the country.

The mother-of-two hasn't been seen in Monaco since January, but her husband and children visited her in South Africa earlier this year.

Princess Charlene of Monaco, 43, has said she 'misses Prince Albert dearly' after spending their 10th anniversary apart as she remains in South Africa

Last week, Princess Charlene shared the two-minute long video, titled 'Chapter 1: A New Princess for Monaco', on her official account.

Set to stirring classical music, the video montage offers a behind-the-scenes look at the extraordinary time, effort and cost that went into staging the couple's civil wedding on July 1, 2011.

A religious ceremony was held the following day and a two-day national holiday was declared to mark the occasion.

Clips show Charlene and Albert exchanging vows in front of close family and friends in the Throne Room of the Prince's Palace, and sharing a kiss on the palace balcony to the delight of a cheering crowd. The couple also appeared on stage together at a celebratory concert for the public.

Charlene and Albert, who share six-year-old twins Jacques and Gabriella, spent their anniversary thousands of miles apart (pictured, Albert, Jacques and Gabriella last month in Monaco

The royal shared this photo of her husband Albert, her twins, her brother and nieces and nephews on safari in South Africa last month. It is thought Albert will travel to South Africa with their children soon so they can see their mother

The mother-of-two hasn't been seen in Monaco since January, but her husband and children visited her in South Africa last month.

Princess Charlene's life in the Monaco royal family 1987 - Bea Fiedler, a German topless model, claims her son Daniel was the prince's son. 1992 - An American national files a paternity lawsuit against the Prince, claiming that he was the father of her daughter, Jazmin Grace. 2000 - Princess Charlene meets Prince Albert at the Mare Nostrum swimming competition in Monte Carlo 2005 - In May, a former flight attendant claims that her youngest son, whom she named Alexandre Grimaldi-Coste, was Prince Albert's child. She states that his parentage had been proven by DNA tests requested by the Monegasque government. On 6 July, a few days before he was enthroned on 12 July, the Prince officially confirms via his lawyer Lacoste that Alexandre was his biological son. 2006 - After a DNA test confirmed the child's parentage, Albert admitted, via statement from his lawyer, that he is Jazmin Grace's father. 2010 - Princess Charlene and Prince Albert announce their engagement 2011 - Princess Charlene was said to have bolted two days before the royal wedding after hearing Prince Albert had a third love child during their relationship. It was alleged that Charlene tried to flee home to South Africa three times before her 'arranged marriage', at one point taking refuge inside her country's embassy in Paris. Monaco officials were said to have coaxed her back by brokering a deal between the Prince and his reluctant bride that she provide him with a legitimate heir. After that she would be free to leave of her own free will. During the wedding, Charlene was in floods of tears, while her husband looked on impassively. Later in the year, Princess Charlene confessed she felt 'very lonely' in Monaco 2012 - Princess Charlene was reported to be 'depressed' at her failure to provide her husband with a legitimate heir. 2014 - Pregnancy was announced in May. In December Charlene gave birth to twins Princess Gabriella and heir to the throne Prince Jacques. 2017 - Princess Charlene visits Africa, tells media: 'I am African and this is my heritage. It will always be. Its in my heart and in my veins.' 2019 - In a rare interview, Princess Charlene confessed it is 'sometimes hard to smile' and said the year had been 'very painful' In another interview, she said she found motherhood 'exhausting' 2020 - Charlene debuts a shocking half-shaved hairstyle. It is announced Prince Albert of Monaco will appear in court in the new year to fight explosive claims he fathered a third love child with a secret girlfriend before marrying his now wife Princess Charlene. 2021 - January 27 - Charlene is pictured with Albert for the Sainte Devote Ceremony in Monaco. It is the last time she has been seen in Monaco this year. March 18 - Charlene is pictured at the memorial for the late Zulu monarch, King Goodwill Zwelithini at the KwaKhethomthandayo Royal Palace in Nongoma, South Africa April 2 - Charlene posts an Instagram picture of herself, Albert and their twins Jacques and Gabriella for Easter. It is unknown where the image was taken. May and June - Albert, Jacques and Gabriella attend several events in Monaco without Charlene, while she shares snaps from her trip in South Africa. June 24 - Charlene's foundation releases a statement saying the royal is unable to travel and is undergoing procedures for an ear, nose and throat infection June 2 - Charlene and Albert mark their 10th anniversary separately Advertisement

In a statement last month, Charlene explained she would not return to her family in time for the anniversary, saying: 'This year will be the first time that I'm not with my husband on our anniversary in July, which is difficult, and it saddens me.

'However, Albert and I had no choice but to follow the medical team's instructions even though it is extremely difficult. He has been the most incredible support to me.

'My daily conversations with Albert and my children help immensely to keep my spirits up, but I miss being with them.

'It was special to have my family visit me in South Africa, and it was truly wonderful seeing them. I can't wait to be reunited with them.'

Princess Charlene came to South Africa to do conservation and anti-poaching work, earlier this year.

Her foundation says she was driving the causes close to her heart, pouring herself into her Foundation work in South Africa when she fell ill.

Before contracting the infection and undergoing the procedures, Princess Charlene worked with various ambassadors and partners to raise awareness and funds for the Foundation's initiatives.

Prince Albert and their children will visit Princess Charlene in South Africa again soon to be with her and support her, a spokesperson said.

Former Olympian Charlene, who debuted a radical new hairstyle while on the trip, had originally been due to return to Monaco in time for the Grand Prix in May, where she was guest of honour. Months later and she is still not home.

Charlene and Albert's marriage has been plagued with rumours from the start.

The couple met at the Mare Nostrum swimming competition in Monte Carlo in 2000, announced their engagement in 2010.

Former Olympic swimmer Charlene reportedly tried to flee Monaco for her native South Africa on three separate occasions before the royal wedding after discovering Albert had fathered a love child - his third - while they were together.

Monaco officials were said to have coaxed her back by brokering a deal between the Prince and his reluctant bride, saying she could leave once she had provided him with a legitimate heir.

One source said at the time: 'Charlene will provide an heir, then if things don't go well, she will receive a generous divorce settlement once she's served a decent amount of time.'

Charlene was seen in floods of tears on her wedding day in 2011.

Just one year after their wedding, it was reported that Charlene was 'depressed' at her failure to provide her husband with a legitimate heir.

Her pregnancy was announced in May 2014, and in December that year she gave birth to twins Princess Gabriella and heir to the throne Prince Jacques.

In the almost 10 years since, Charlene, who shares six-year-old twins with Albert, has rarely spoken publicly of her experience.

In 2017, the Princess made an emotional return to Africa, where she spoke about how much the continent means to her.

'I am African and this is my heritage. It will always be. Its in my heart and in my veins,' she told Eyewitness News.

Last year she admitted life was 'very painful', saying: 'I have the privilege of having this life, but I miss my family and my friends in South Africa and I'm often sad because I cannot always be there for them.'

It's been a tumultuous start to the year for the royal, after news emerged that her husband is facing a paternity suit over a love child born in the early years of their relationship.

The 63-year-old prince, who already supports two illegitimate children, is alleged to have had a relationship with a Brazilian woman which resulted in a daughter in 2005.

The claim, which his lawyers dismissed as a 'hoax', is particularly painful as he was dating Charlene at the time, having met the former Olympic swimmer in 2000.

The 34-year-old claimant  who cannot be named for legal reasons  says she had a passionate affair with Albert, leading to the birth of their daughter  whose name is also classified  on July 4, 2005.

Albert received a handwritten letter from the child, who is now 15, in September last year reading: I don't understand why I grew up without a father, and now that I have found you, you don't want to see me.

Legal papers were also filed, as lawyers for the claimant called on Albert to undergo a DNA test  just as he did before finally being identified as the father of two illegitimate children born in the 1990s and early 2000s.

In January, Charlene spoke publicly for the first time since the allegations, telling Point de Vue: 'When my husband has problems, he tells me about it.

Princess Charlene of Monaco shared a slickly-produced video documenting her royal wedding to Prince Albert on Instagram last week, a day after the couple spent their 10th anniversary apart. Pictured, the couple waving to a waiting crowd after their civil ceremony on July 1, 2011

Last public outing together: Charlene and Albert were last pictured together at an official event together in January (left) at the Sainte Devote Ceremony in Monaco. On April 2, she shared a photograph alongside her husband Prince Albert and their children Jacques and Gabriella to mark Easter, although it is not clear where it was taken

'I often tell him, "No matter what, no matter what, I'm a thousand percent behind you. I'll stand by you whatever you do, in good times or in bad."

The mother-of-two went on to say she also often tells her husband she will 'protect him' and will 'always be by his side.'

Charlene, who was raised in South Africa and represented the country at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, travelled to Thanda Safari in KwaZulu-Natal to learn more about being done by the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa to help save rhinos from poachers.

The princess took part in conservation operations including rhino monitoring and tracking, deployment with the Anti-Poaching Unit, educational wildlife photography sessions, and a White Rhino dart and dehorning exercise.
There is a hat for every occasion, or at least that seems to be the style mantra of Queen Maxima of Netherlands.

The 50-year-old Dutch royal rarely appears in public without some show-stealing statement headwear over her blonde locks - and a three-day visit to Germany this week has offered a veritable millinery masterclass.

In Berlin this morning, the fashion-conscious European royal debuted yet another piece from her diverse collection of hats - her third piece of headwear so far on the three-day visit - as she joined her husband King Willem-Alexander at the Technical University of Berlin.

This time, it was a caramel-hued woven straw hat, worn in her favoured wide-brim style, and tilted slightly down to her right shoulder to keep her face firmly on view at the public event.

Scroll down for video

Royal fashionista Queen Maxima of the Netherlands is known for choosing striking headwear for public events; and this morning, while accompanying husband King Willem-Alexander on a visit to the Technical University of Berlin, she sported a woven straw hat, worn in her favoured wide-brim style

The stylish queen chose the wide-brimmed hat in earthy tones, which she matched with a floral, floaty dress with floral detail in teal. She first wore the hat back in 2018, when the Dutch royals hosted the Jordanian royals in the Netherlands

Sitting alongside husband King Willem-Alexander at the University visit, part of the couple's three day tour of Germany this week, Maxima cut a striking figure among the attendees at the open day

Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander and on Pariser Platz in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on Monday. Maxima chose a white headband with multi-coloured floral branches - and wore a dress in a similar fabric by Maison Natan

The white headpiece, which sat neatly over Maxima's blonde hair, which was tied back in a ponytail, featured a green leaf design. Maxima is pictured signing the Golden Book during a visit to German national agency and research institute for disease control and prevention the Robert Koch Institute

The stylish queen, who frequently co-ordinates the colours of her hats with her outfits, donned a floral, floaty high-necked dress in teal and complemented the earthy tones of her hat with a pair of dramatic gold and stone drop earrings.

Maxima's love affair with millinery arches right back to her first public appearances after marrying King Willem-Alexander in February 2002 and appears to carry on European royalty's tradition of wearing eye-catching millinery at public events.

The mother of daughters Amalia, 17, Alexia, 15, and Ariane, 14, manages to offer a 21st take on the royal trend, and while tiaras do feature, Maxima seems much more comfortable with hats that appear straight out of the pages of fashion magazines.

More dramatic headwear has followed in recent years, including a side-worn fascinator the shape of a leaf, which she wore on a visit to a factory opening in Holland in 2016, and the luminous yellow headband, and matching suit dress, that she wore to meet Barack Obama in 2014.

A three-day millinery masterclass! Her Royal Highness pictured in Germany this week wearing a stunning floral fascinator by Dutch designer Berry Rutjes Jr

The dramatic headpiece included dozens of delicate flowers, in varying tones of brown and cream, which was perfectly matched with the shades in Maxima's dress. She previously wore the hat to Royal Ascot in 2019

Caramel hues: Maxima pictured alongside Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel at the Bundeskanzleramt in Berlin

Earlier this week, after the couple touched down in Germany, Maxima chose a white headband with multi-coloured floral branches - and wore a dress in a similar fabric by Maison Natan.

On day two, Her Royal Highness opted for a stunning floral fascinator that looked almost like a work of art and certainly caught the eye of German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Showcasing Dutch talent, the creation is the handiwork of Netherlands designer Berry Rutjes Jr and Maxima previously wore the hat to Royal Ascot in 2019.

The dramatic headpiece included dozens of delicate flowers, in varying tones of brown and cream, which was perfectly matched with the shades in Maxima's dress

Maxima is a huge fan of natural materials, something that's reflected in her headwear, including this feathered bonnet (worn in Holland in 2020), left, and a hessian-style blue beach hat on a visit to the Caribbean in 2018

Her hats are carefully chosen; the wide-brimmed hats always lift away from the face so Maxima can still be seen, says milliner Laura Cathcart

A love affair with extravagant headwear stretche back over the course of Maxima's marriage to King Willem-Alexander, who she wed in 2002. Here, pictured in 2015, at the Long Live Club festival in Zwolle, in the Netherlands, is a velour bonnet in gold

Flower power: Maxima donned this shimmering creation featuring an oversized silver floral decoration, during a state visit to South Korea in 2014

In the pink: a wide-brimmed cloche style hat was just the sartorial ticket on King's Day in 2016

Hats can help prevent hair disasters at outdoor public events, of which Maxima does many, says milliner Laura Cathcart. A clever choice can offer a regal air but still let the queen feel accessible by showing her face

Maxima is a huge fan of natural materials, a feathered bonnet worn in Holland in 2020 is one of her most arresting looks, and a trip to the Caribbean in 2018 saw her wear a hessian-style blue beach hat, with an oversized pair of sunglasses.

'Note too that Queen Maxima always has hats that show her face because she's aware of her role as a public figure - the brim is an upward brim, rather than a downward brim... Milliner Laura Cathcart

Another firm favourite is the felt hat. A classic wide fedora in green by Belgian designer Maison Fabienne Delvigne was worn by Maxima in May this year during a visit to a Dutch leather factory, teamed with a hound's tooth dress and matching cloak.

Milliner Laura Cathcart told FEMAIL that while Maxima is lucky in that she looks good in almost every style of hat, the royal has the perfect face shape for the wide brimmed hat.

'She does carry a wide-brimmed hat very well. It really suits her and 'halos' her face perfectly. She's quite tall and it makes her look very elegant. The look today in Berlin was very chic, as was the delicate floral headwear that she wore earlier this week.

'Likewise, she looks great in a pillbox hat and wears felt hats very well. They exude country chic and fabulous in the winter - and they're warm too.'

A flash of colour: In 2019, Maxima wore a salmon pink hat with a tilt that was as dramatic as the coloured blue, pink, orange and cream feathers that adorned it

A classic wide fedora in green by Belgian designer Maison Fabienne Delvigne, worn by Maxima in May this year during a visit to a Dutch leather factory, offered classic country chic. The royal teamed the look with a hound's tooth dress and matching cloak

'Note too that she always has hats that show her face because she's aware of her role as a public figure - the brim is an upward brim, rather than a downward brim. It lets people see who she is - she needs a hat that is lifted off her face.'

There are practical reasons to having an extensive hat collection, adds Cathcart. 'A hat pins up your hair and stops gusts of wind from blowing in your face, which is important at events that are often outdoors. A hat can be a useful way of keeping your hair off the face.'

If you're looking to capture the perfect photograph of yourself wearing a hat, Cathcart advises against over fussy designs but says you don't need to spend a fortune to create a Maxima-style hat wardrobe.

'A good hat collection could include some that are expensive but there are also good finds on the high street.'

More rural chic, this time in 2017, when Maxima donned this suede number, and matching coat, to open the National Education Exhibition in Utrecht

A velour favourite: This luxuriant hat has made several appearances including during the Queen's previous visit to Germany back in 2018

Earlier that year, Maxima had worn the same hat in her homeland to open the renovated Musis project in Arnhem

Stylist Simon Glazin agreed, telling FEMAIL: 'Whoever said big, statement hats were saved just for Ascot obviously hasn't met Queen Maxima.

'She favours an oversized brim, low on one side, high on the other which not only adds to the drama of it all, but also helps frame her face. A trick if you wanted to dress up your occasion looks but not be swallowed up by your accessories.

'Her most recent head gear, for her state visit to Germany, was a tone-on-tone compliment to her frock. However, it did resemble a big nest of neutral cocktail umbrellas. Not one of my faves.

'But I have to say, if you're a royal, we want you to LOOK like one. And Maxima does it with her hat choice. Not that she has many fashion faux pas, but all is forgiven with a say-something hat.'
A vicar who works as a 'deliverance minister' has claimed that he once rid a baby girl of a spirit that had 'attached itself' to her and was making her sick.

Reverend Jason Bray, of St Giles Parish Church in Wrexham, Wales, has spent two decades visiting homes across the country to help people who are convinced they are being haunted by ghosts, spirits and poltergeists.

The Anglo-Catholic vicar, 51, says that he's often called in to help when local vicars 'can't deal with' a certain problem, and that he visits families armed with a tool kit of a chalice, a paten and a holy water sprinkler.

Appearing on This Morning, Reverend Jason told the story of how he once helped a family convinced their baby was being tormented by a spirit when she kept getting infections and would look at them with 'old eyes'.

Reverend Jason Bray, of St Giles Parish Church in Wrexham, Wales, has spent two decades visiting homes across the country to help people convinced they are being haunted by ghosts, spirits and poltergeists

Appearing on This Morning, Reverend Jason told the story of how he once helped a family convinced their baby was being tormented by a spirit when she kept getting infections and would look at them with 'old eyes'

Reverend Jason, whose work as a deliverance minister is encouraged and insured by the church, recalled an 'agitated' man approaching him while he was in plain clothes after visiting the beach in Newport with his wife and children.

'He said "Are you the priest?" And I said, "Well yeah I am" and he said "I was told if I stood here I would meet the priest, and what I need to do is go home and bless my baby daughter because she's not thriving, will you come with me?"

'So he tried to encourage me to get in the car with him which is a bit of a risk and I said, "If you tell me where you live, I'll come along and do what I can for your baby daughter".

After changing into his clerical clothing, he visited the home where he was greeted by the man, his wife, and an aunt who claimed to be a psychic.

Reverend Jason, whose work as a deliverance minister is encouraged and insured by the church, recalled an 'agitated' man approaching him while he was in plain clothes after visiting the beach in Newport with his wife and children

'Somehow she felt something had almost attached itself to the baby, sometimes when you look at the baby she looked away, was looking at someone else in the room, she said, she looked at you with old eyes which was a strange thing and she kept getting these infections, she wasn't thriving.

After discovering that the baby had been both baptised and Christened the vicar carried out a blessing: 'I blessed her, I anointed her with the oil we use, that I carry around with me, it's blessed for healing.

'The aunt said, "That's it, that's what you needed to do, it's all gone". And the atmosphere changed completely, quite happy, relaxed.'

The reverend, who has detailed his supernatural experiences in memoir Deliverance, says that deliverance ministers are clergymen who are called in when a family has an unusual problem their vicar can't solve.

The vicar carries a took bag including a communion set and holy water sprinkler which he fills with blessed water and salt and sprinkles around the walls and doors of the homes he visits

'A deliverance minister is what are sometimes called exorcists as well', said Reveran Jason, 'But we try not to use that word, it comes up with images of spinning heads and Hollywood films.

'We call ourselves deliverance ministers we are people who are interested, we are trained to do this sort of thing, we are the people that get called in when your local vicar can't deal with it or you need a bit more help.'

The vicar carries a took bag including a holy water sprinkler which he fills with blessed water and salt and sprinkles around the walls and doors of the homes he visits

He also carries a communion set including a chalice for wine and paten for bread, he explained: 'Sometimes we bless the house and sometimes celebrate a requiem mass to ease the soul from where it is now to where it should be.'
The Marchioness of Bath is often pictured in stunning looks and glamorous dresses in exotic locations.

And today was no exception, as Emma Weymouth,35, sported a leopard print throw-over on top of a matching bikini as she shopped in the South of France.

Looking the epitome of summer in celeb-haven St Tropez, the mother -of-two opted for a 382 Sicilian pompom straw tote from British brand Muzungu Sister to complement the animal print dress.

The Marchioness of Bath is often pictured in stunning looks and glamorous dresses in exotic locations. And today was no exception, as Emma Weymouth sported a leopard print throw-over on top of a matching bikini as she shopped in the South of France.

Protecting herself from the French sun, Emma added a straw hat to the look, which was complete with pretty blue bow details.

She also kept Covid-safe in a coordinating face mask, which covered her make-up free face.

Emma, who appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2019, showed a peek of skin in the flowing maxi-dress, which had a deep V-neck revealing a bikini underneath.

Making sure she's beach-ready, Emma stayed jewellery free for the day out.

Looking the epitome of summer in celeb-have St Tropez, the mother -of-two opted for a Sicilian pompom straw tote from British brand Muzungu Sister to complement the animal print dress.

She was without her husband, Ceawlin Thynn, 47, and their two sons, who have joined her in the South of France.

Emma is married to Ceawlin Thynn, 8th Marquess of Bath, 47.

He is newly titled following the unexpected Covid-19 passing of his father Alexander Thynn, 7th Marquess of Bath in April, with his estate Longleat famously being the first drive-through safari park outside of Africa.

Emma has been married to Viscount Weymouth since June 2013, with the couple sharing sons John, five, and Henry, three.

On her wedding day Emma became the first black marchioness in British history.

Protecting herself from the French sun, Emma added a straw hat to the look, which was complete with pretty blue bow details

Yet in Novemeber Emma said she doesn't want her skin colour to be a 'defining characteristic' and is a reluctant role model after becoming Britain's first black marchioness.

Emma starred on the cover of Tatler's January 2021 issue and opened up about her family's wildly ambitious plans for Longleat, their Wiltshire estate.

While Emma, the daughter of a Nigerian oil tycoon, is deeply respectful of her new title, she is a reluctant role model, according to the society magazine.

'Where I have been discussed in a positive light, as positive change, I'm grateful for being included in the conversation,' she said.

'I see my role as a practical thing: as a wife, mother and someone with a responsibility to maintain this incredible estate. I aspire to a future where [my skin colour] is not a defining characteristic.'
The Duchess of Cornwall revealed she is looking forward to leaving her facemask at home as she told a Welsh college student: 'I can't wait to get rid of these'.

Camilla, 73, made the comment as she and the Prince of Wales, 72, visited the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama to learn how staff and students have coped during the pandemic on day three of their week-long visit to Wales.

When the royal couple first arrived at the newly restored heritage centre, they met students and staff in the college's foyer and the duchess told William Pearson, studying for an MA in advanced opera performance 'I can't wait to get rid of this' and touched her face mask.

The royal, who put on a stylish display in a white and black patterned dress, was also spotted with a Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness Tracker on her wrist, which helps wearers track their efforts to stay in shape.

The Duchess of Cornwall with puppeteer Ruby Brown during a visit to the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, as part of a week long tour of Wales for Wales Week

The Duchess of Cornwall revealed she is looking forward to leaving her facemask at home as she told a Welsh college student: 'I can't wait to get rid of these'

The gadget costs around 130 and has proved popular with those wanting to keep in shape during the lockdown, allowing users to monitor everything from heart rate to calories.

Charles and Camilla were treated to performances of music and drama by the talented students who, with the help of lecturers and tutors, have managed to continue their studies at the Cardiff-based college despite Covid restrictions.

Zoe Goriely, 24, who completes an MA in acting this month, gave a heartfelt performance of a scene from Shakespeare's The Two Gentlemen of Verona.

In the solo scene she played the character of a maid who teases her teenage ward about a love letter the young girl has received from an admirer, and at one point stamps on the pages of the note.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall with his Official Harpist, Alis Huws (pictured)

Prince Charles put on a dapper display in a navy pinstriped suit which he paired with smart shoes. Pictured, with his Official Harpist, Alis Huws

The Duchess of Cornwall admired costumes as she took a tour of the Costume Department during a visit to the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff

The Duchess of Cornwall in the Costume Department during a visit to the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff

The Duchess of Cornwall, President of Wine GB, unveils a plaque during a visit marking the 10th anniversary of the Llanerch Vineyard in Pontyclun

The 24-year-old spoke to the prince and his wife after the performance and said later: 'It's lovely to be able to do what we love to do, for people who love what we do.'

Charles' official harpist Alis Huws, who is a graduate of the college, also gave a performance before the royal couple met opera students in costume.

The prince is the college's president and while he held a private meeting with senior executives the duchess watched a brief scene from The Flying Bedroom - an immersive children's theatre production from a new company of music, composition and design students from the college.

As Ruby Brown cradled a puppet she chatted to Camilla who said about the performance 'It's brilliant' adding: 'I think it's a lovely thing to do, you're a really clever lady.'

The group of students who began working together via video calls are due to perform their show at Theatr Clwyd in north Wales in July and tour schools in the region in September.

During their visit, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall shared a sweet moment before trying their hand at archery.

The couple were photographed sharing a joke and looking lovingly at each other before trying their hand at archery after a quick lesson from archer, Bob Bannister.

Prince Charles, 72, and the Duchess of Cornwall, 73, looked in high spirits as they visited the newly restored Llantrisant Guildhall Heritage and Visitors' Centre in Llantrisant, Glamorgan on Wednesday

Charles tried his hand at archery and was photographed holding a bow while speaking with archer, Bob Bannister

The heir to the throne looked smart in a navy blue pinstripe suit as he engaged in conversation with locals

The visit marked part of Wales Week, which will see the couple travel across the country (pictured, today)

Camilla looked typically stylish in a white and black patterned dress which featured panelling detail

The pair donned protective face coverings in adherence to government guidelines as they were given a your of the visitor centre and signed the welcome book

Later, The Duchess of Cornwall praised the British wine industry and said she was glad it was 'giving the French a run for its money'.

Camilla was visiting the stunning Llanerch Vineyward in Pontyclun, South Wales, in her role as president of GB Wines.

The royal, whose beloved later father, Bruce Shand, worked in the wine industry, also sipped a glass of their award-winning sparking Cariad blush and declared it 'fantastic'.

She had met the vineyard's owner, Ryan Davies, at Buckingham Palace previously and had promised to visit when she was in the area next.

Good to her word, Camilla insisted on stopping off today she and her husband were in South Wales for their annual 'Wales Week.'

Later, The Duchess of Cornwall praised the British wine industry and said she was glad it was 'giving the French a run for its money'

Camilla was visiting the stunning Llanerch Vineyward in Pontyclun, South Wales, in her role as president of GB Wines

She was presented with posies on arrival by Mr Davies' two daughters, Holly, 18 months, and three-year-old Lilia.

After dashing in for a quick bite to eat in the vineyard's new restaurant and viewing its hotel, she meet with a range of local producers who supply it with everything from milk to coffee and free-range eggs.

She also admired its wedding facilities and praised Mr Davies, 34, who bought the vineyard when it was in receivership ten years ago and has worked his fingers to the bone to turn it into a thriving business, producing 12,000 bottles upwards a year of Cariad - meaning love in Welsh - sparking wine and rose.

Mr Davies explained to her that he was a geologist and entrepreneur by trade and took a huge risk taking over the estate - the oldest vineyard in Wales - at the age of just 24.

The royal couple were shown exhibitions within the centre and took time to speak to staff while they were there

The royals unveiled a new plaque during the visit which was propped up on a stand (pictured)

'You should be very proud of yourself,' she said admiringly.

And with a twinkle in her eye, she made very clear that in the interests of duty she would be more than delighted to try his produce for herself.

'Before I go can I congratulate you on the wonderful job you have done here with this incredible vineyard,' she said.

'I know you started knowing nothing about it and have learnt a lot in a short space of time.

'As president of Wines GB, I am so proud to be part of the wine growing industry in the UK. Ive been to quite a lot of vineyard - 600, I think so far - and I intend to visit as many as I possibly can. We are really getting it right in this country and giving the French a run for their money.

'Many congratulations.'

There was just enough time to plant a vine and unveil a plaque before the duchess, with a wink to the media, said she was hopeful that there would be someone to volunteer to drink the rest of her bottle.

Afterwards Mr Davies said: 'The duchess is a lovely woman and we are so proud and pleased to have her here today and working on our behalf as president of Wines GB.'

Dancers put on a show outside the new building, much to the dleight of the royals who watched the performance

Charles even tried his hand at some archery and was snapped holding a bow while chatting to archer Bob Bannister

Yesterday, the couple took solo trips, with Camilla enjoying an ice cream as she met with local business owners to celebrate the Hay Festival.

She opted for an all blue outfit as she chatted with locals while on a tour of tour independent shops and local businesses.

Camilla was without Charles, who tested out a hydrogen-powered car when visiting the manufacturer behind the eco-friendly vehicle.

He toured Riversimple, a hydrogen-powered car manufacturer in Llandrindod Wells, Powys, as part of his week-long trip to Wales.

The heir to the throne, who donned a protective face covering to combat the spread of the coronavirus, looked sharp in a grey suit with a purple tie for his visit.

On arrival at the company, Prince Charles visited the workshop where he saw a number of vehicles and discovered more about the production process.

The royal spoke to engineers and technicians about the cars, before taking the wheel of a green-coloured Rasa model - which is a lightweight, two-seat electric vehicle powered by hydrogen.

Taking it for a test-drive, Charles heard how the Rasa emits nothing but pure water vapour and is designed to minimise the particulates from tyres and brakes with its low weight, skinny tyres and high regenerative braking.
This 28-year-old woman is engaged to a prison inmate whom she's never met - and he won't be released until 2032.

Social work graduate Kelly Jacobs has been writing to James 'Wyatt' Dentel in his cell in Oregon where he is serving 20 years for shooting four men - since 2019.

After many letters, emails and instant message conversations their pen pal relationship developed into a romance.

Wyatt, 32, has had several tattoos of Kelly - who lives 5,000 miles away in the Netherlands - inked on his body including a 'K' on his ring finger, while Kelly had the letter 'W' tattooed on hers.

Beating the odds: A 28-year-old woman has revealed how she fell for a prisoner after meeting him through an inmate pen pal program, then bonding over video chat

Star-crossed lovers? Kelly Jacobs, from the Netherlands, began writing to James 'Wyatt' Dentel in 2019. He is currently serving a 20-year sentence in an Oregon jail for shooting four men

Surprise! Wyatt popped the question over video call from inside his jail, proposing to Kelly with a 'prison-made ring'

He proposed via video call and they plan to marry inside his prison in October of this year - over a decade before his release date.

'He proposed with a prison-made ring, but then he had someone in the free world order a ring at a jeweler for me,' said Kelly, who is hoping to work in psychiatry now she has graduated.

'For the wedding I won't wear a traditional, fancy dress, because people don't do that for prison weddings.

'I will probably just wear a simple white dress or white trousers or a white skirt and top.'

Remarkably Kelly's parents have given their blessing to the relationship and the couple plan to live together and have children when Wyatt is released.

He is serving a 20 year sentence at the Snake River Correctional Institution in Oregon for assault, and unlawful use of a firearm during a bar brawl in 2012.

Kelly explained: 'He was with a girlfriend, they were at a bar and they got attacked by five strangers, he tried to protect himself and his girlfriend, he pulled a gun and shot four of them, but none of them died.'

The couple have never been in the same room, and even after they are married they will not be able to have conjugal visits, because that is not permitted in the state of Oregon.

'Of course it is difficult,' said Kelly.

'He is worried that I won't pick up the phone eventually, or that I won't wait for him.

'He asks me how I feel about not having sex for such a long time, he worries how I would react if someone else flirts with me.

Forever: Wyatt, 32, has had several tattoos of Kelly inked on his body including a 'K' on his ring finger, while Kelly had the letter 'W' tattooed on hers

Meaningful: After proposing with a prison-made ring, Wyatt arranged for a jeweler outside of the jail to design a real piece for Kelly

Communication: The couple speak regularly over video chat, but Kelly says Wyatt still worries that she will grow tired of waiting for him

'But he says he's quite confident that I will wait, because I'm not the kind of person who goes to parties or leads a crazy life.

'If I found out that he was writing to other women that would end things for me. For me, creating a bond with someone else is also cheating.

'I sometimes wonder if there won't be physical chemistry when we meet in person for the first time, but I'm not worried too much.

Together: Kelly has taken several steps to feel closer to her fiancee, even holding her hand up against an outline of his handprint

'When COVID is over I plan to move closer to his prison so that I can visit him as much as possible.

'I had just bought my first ticket to visit him before the pandemic struck, but I had to cancel it because of the travel restrictions.'

Kelly, who began writing with Wyatt out of curiosity, had never expected to find love with a convict.

'I used to be an intern at a correctional facility, so I wanted to know more about what it's like to be an inmate, how they feel, what they think.'

At the end of 2019 she joined writeaprisoner.com and chose Wyatt to correspond with.

'I wasn't picky, I just chose someone who looked friendly.

'After a while we started calling and having video calls and using direct messenger, we would message each other for hours every day.'

As their correspondence continued, they began to fall in love.

She said: 'I was scared at the beginning, I didn't want it to go that way and I tried to fight it, but it was a torturing feeling honestly.

'But I feel like we can talk about pretty much anything, the smallest random things and more deep things, our lives are very different, so we learn a lot from each other.

Fears: 'He asks me how I feel about not having sex for such a long time, he worries how I would react if someone else flirts with me,' Kelly confessed

Meant to be? Kelly has had drawings made of her and Wyatt, which show what the couple might look like together when they are finally able to meet

Looking ahead: The couple are planning to marry inside his prison in October of this year - over a decade before his release date

'We share a lot of the same preferences in food, we both love Italian and Mexican food.

'And we share a lot of music that we listen to, we listen to it together, we send each other messages with songs and we even have a little song together, Sure Thing by Miguel. We both love Game of Thrones.

'After a growing of feelings for each other, he admitted it to me first, he was very nervous about it, I could tell, but I said I felt the same.

'We talked about it a lot, he described all the negative aspects of being in a relationship with a prisoner, but I said I wanted to give it a try.

'My parents were really shocked at first but once they had spoken to him online a few times they really grew to like him.

'They always thought that inmates were aggressive and rude, like on TV, but they now see that he is soft and warm and he has good manners. He is polite, kind and funny.'

Before Wyatt proposed he sought permission from Kelly's father.

'He wrote my dad a letter and my dad gave his blessing. My dad is going to come with me to the wedding,' said Kelly.

'My family and friends have mostly been really supportive of our relationship, I am lucky.

'My older brother is more skeptical about it, he's very protective of me. But he hasn't spoken to Wyatt yet, I think once they have a chance to meet then things will be different.'

Messages: As well as their video chats, the couple correspond via mail and have exchanged dozens of letters in the two years since they became pen pals

Kelly, who lives in Heerlen in the Netherlands, will be approaching 40 by the time Wyatt is released and he will be around 44, but the pair plan to start a family as soon as they can.

'I never wanted to get married or have children before I met him, but now I do,' she said.

'He's a little worried about being an older father, but my dad was around his age when he had my brother, so it's all possible.'

Although Kelly has received some backlash online about her unusual love affair she says much of the feedback has been positive.

'I have received negativity online about it, people say things like, 'how could you be with a criminal? He'll get out and then murder you.'

'I will never condone that what Wyatt did.

'Even though it was an act of self defense, it is never okay to do what he did. Though I sometimes question what I would do in the situation he was in.

'Still, he chose the wrong path of life, that led him to his prison sentence.

'But I do not judge him as a person for his past. Being a man in prison doesn't always make someone a bad person. Just like being a free man doesn't always make him a good one.'
The Countess of Wessex looked chic in a blue floral skirt and pristine white jacket as she joined the Queen's cousin at a new guide dog centre in the South West today.

The royal, 56, accompanied Princess Alexandra, 84, on a visit to a new regional centre for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association in Bristol.

The organisation was also celebrating its 90th anniversary, and both ladies appeared in great spirits as they spent time with the animals.

The Countess of Wessex looked typically chic in a blue floral skirt as she joined Princess Alexandra at a new guide dog centre in Bristol today

The royal, 56, visited The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association to open their new South West Regional Centre in Bristol

The pair then headed to visit Windmill City Farm in Bristol, where Sophie lent a helping hand and fed the goats

Princess Alexandra is also handing over the patronage of the charity to Countess Sophie.

The royal put her best fashion foot forward as she stepped out in a stunning blue midi skirt covered in pink, white and burgundy flowers.

She added a chic white blazer over the top, and tied the look together with a powder blue envelope clutch bag.

The mother-of-two completed her ensemble with a pair of cream stiletto heels and even made sure to add a matching blue face mask to finish her look.

Sophie appeared to be in great spirits under her mask, and wore her golden tresses in an effortless up-do.

Princess Alexandra, meanwhile, looked typically stylish in a stunning powder pink and black ensemble. She wore a black polka dot skirt coordinated with a matching pink bag.

Sophie was joined by the Queen's cousin, 84, on her visit, where she put her best fashion foot forward and stepped out in a stunning blue midi skirt covered in pink and burgundy flowers

Sophie appeared to be enjoying her day round the animals as she was pictured playing with and petting them

The royal also kept herself safe by wearing a face covering and added a chic hat and neck scarf to the look.

Sophie appeared to be enjoying her day spending time around the animals as she was pictured playing with and petting them.

Princess Alexandra gave a speech at the centre, and was snapped chatting animatedly while holding a microphone.

Princess Alexandra gave a speech at the centre, and was snapped chatting animatedly while holding a microphone.

The mother-of-two held a bucket of food out for another goat who had come to feed at the fence

The pair then headed to visit Windmill City Farm in Bristol, where Sophie lent a helping hand and fed the goats. She let one animal eat out of her hand and held a bucket of food out for another goat who had come to feed at the fence.

It's been a busy week for the Countess of Wessex after she hopped on her bike earlier this week to support a cause close to her heart, as she took part in a tandem cycle in London in aid of a sight loss charity.

Princess Alexandra, meanwhile, looked typically stylish in a stunning pink and black ensemble and wore a black polkadot skirt which grazed her shins and a pink jacket with a matching bag

The Countess of Wessex appeared interested as she watched numerous ducks inside a pen on the farm

The royal, who is Patron of the Vision Foundation, enjoyed a cycle on a double bike in Bushy Park, London on Tuesday.

She joined the group of visually impaired and sighted cyclists to highlight the importance of independent living for blind and partially sighted people.

The cause is also close to the royal's heart, because her daughter Lady Louise suffered from esotropia, and had corrective surgery as a toddler.
Former Victoria's Secret model Bridget Malcolm says she was told to do cocaine and have sex when she was a teenager - because an agent insisted it would help her to 'lose weight'.

The 29-year-old recalled the shocking advice in a new social media video, in which she opened up about the lasting mental and physical damage her time working in the fashion industry has left her with, detailing struggles with eating disorders, PTSD, and anxiety and depression.

Bridget, who is from Western Australia, also stated that she was 'groomed by a much older man' and 'sexually assaulted multiple times' before her 18th birthday.

'By the age of 18, I'd lived in three countries alone, I'd traveled to all continents except for Antarctica, I'd been groomed by a much older man, I'd been sexually assaulted multiple times, I'd been told to do cocaine to lose weight by my agent,' she said in the eye-opening video.

'I was told weekly... I'd been under a lot of pressure to lose weight by my agencies [and] I developed PTSD.

'I'd been told whilst I was underage to just have lots of sex to lose weight.'

Speaking out: Former Victoria's Secret model Bridget Malcolm says an agent told her to 'do cocaine' and 'have sex' in order to lose weight when she was under the age of 18

Career: The 29-year-old, seen in the 2016 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, says she was also 'groomed by a much older man' and 'sexually assaulted multiple times' before she turned 18

She did not name the agent or agency in question, however Bridget has been signed to multiple big-name companies, and is currently on the board of New York-based IMG, the same agency that looks after Gigi Hadid and Karlie Kloss.

Bridget, who was signed to her first agency - Australian company Vivien's - at the age of 14, went on to share how the constant pressure to slim down and look a certain way affected her mental health, detailing struggles with eating disorders, and depression and anxiety.

The model also began battling substance abuse, explaining that her severe anxiety made her feel as though she couldn't attend social functions without relying on alcohol to ease her nerves.

'I was struggling with my gender identity and I had developed anorexia and orthorexia [unhealthy focus on eating healthy food], and anxiety and depression,' she said.

'I couldn't socialize without drinking and was developing quite the reliance on Xanax and Ambien in order to get me through the night. And that was before I turned 18. It didn't get better from there.'

Bridget - who walked in two Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows, in 2015 and 2016 - did not reveal when all of this happened, however she turned 18 on November 3, 2009, suggesting that the 'abuse' she referred to all took place before she began working with the lingerie giant.

Childhood: Bridget was scouted by her first agent at age 14, and by 17 she was walking in New York City Fashion Week shows (pictured)

Battle: Behind the scenes, Bridget, seen backstage at a fashion show when she was 17, says that she was struggling with eating disorders, anxiety, and depression

However, the mental health struggles that were sparked by these early experiences were long-lasting and stuck with her throughout much of her career, before finally coming to a head on her 26th birthday in 2017 - the same year that she says she was rejected from the Victoria's Secret show because 'her body did not look good enough'.

'Eight years later, on my 26th birthday, I had a nervous breakdown and I couldn't leave my house for a year without panic attacks and severe anxiety,' she revealed.

'I also had a bout with suicidal ideations, which was terrifying, and that was four years ago.'

In recent months, Bridget has been incredibly outspoken about the physical and mental toll her modeling career has taken, and she explained that she has been asked by a number of people what made her decide to speak out now, so many years after she suffered the 'abuse'.

'Today, I am two years-plus sober, I am four years in recovery from an eating disorder. I'm happy, I'm balanced, I'm strong, and I feel the best I've ever felt,' she shared.

'The reality is, I couldn't talk about my experiences before I reached this place because I would have intense PTSD flashbacks, I would have panic attacks, and I wouldn't be OK.

'But I am OK now, and that's why I'm speaking out.

Upset: Although much of the abuse that Bridget detailed took place before she turned 18, the damaging affects were long-lasting, and on her 26th birthday she had a 'nervous breakdown'

Bridget has previously shared the pressure she felt to lose weight as a model, revealing in 2019 that she was rejected from a job for gaining 'half an inch', while sharing images from that time

'I am in solid recovery and I'm strong enough for any backlash, and I wasn't before this.

'The only reason why I'm doing this is because I am a strong believer that the fashion industry needs to change.

'I am one of the lucky models. I was able to make a long career out of the fashion industry but my job should not include abuse. And that is why I'm speaking up now.'

The eye-opening new video comes just days after Bridget slammed Victoria's Secret's woke new image as a 'joke', accusing the company of 'performative allyship' while revealing how underweight she was while walking in its annual show back in 2016.

Bridget hit out at the company in a June 26 TikTok video in which she tried on the skimpy 30A cup bra that she wore in the Victoria's Secret show to demonstrate how tiny it is on her now-'healthy' size 34B breasts.

She went on to detail her negative experiences with the lingerie brand, which recently announced that it has axed its catwalk show and cast of Angels in favor of hiring a group of seven 'diverse spokeswomen', including transgender and plus-size models, who will promote its woke new rebrand in a podcast.

'Too little, too late Victoria's Secret,' Bridget captioned the video, adding: 'Your performative allyship is a joke.'

Speaking out: Former Victoria's Secret model Bridget Malcolm has slammed the lingerie brand while trying on the 30A bra she modeled at its 2016 show, revealing how small it is on her now

Criticism: Bridget, who shared that she is now a 'healthy' size 34B, revealing that the undergarment was 'too big for her' when she wore it backstage at the Paris runway show

Looking back: Bridget, seen wearing the bra backstage, has been open in her criticism of Victoria's Secret and the unhealthy pressure she faced to stay slim during her time as a model

Performative allyship, also known as performative activism, is a term used to describe when a person or brand publicly aligns itself with a cause in order to improve their public image and reputation.

Bridget, who has often claimed she felt pressure to maintain an unhealthy weight during her days as a model, also opened up about her own negative experiences with Victoria's Secret while trying on the sparkly white bra that she had modeled backstage at its 2016 show.

'I found my bra from the 2016 Victoria's Secret fashion show,' she explained in her TikTok post, while holding up the tiny undergarment. 'It is a size 30A.

'I am now a size 34B. Which is healthy for me.'

Putting on the undergarment over a red-and-white bikini top, Bridget showed how small it is on her now, before sharing images of herself modeling the bra backstage at the 2016 show, which took place in Paris, revealing that it was actually to 'big for her' at the time.

She also shared that she was rejected from the show the following year by former Victoria's Secret executive Ed Razek, who she claimed told her that her 'body did not look good enough'.

'I was rejected from the show in 2017 by Ed Razek,' she said. 'He said "my body did not look good enough". I wore a size 30B at that point.'

Memories: Holding up the bra to the camera, Bridget showed off the size 30A label, before trying the undergarment on over a bikini top to show how small it now is on her healthy frame

Moving on: Bridget also accused the lingerie company of 'performative allyship' after it scrapped its infamous 'Angels' in favor of hiring a 'diverse' line-up of 'spokeswomen'

Upset: The model, pictured walking in the 2015 show in New York City, claimed that former VS executive Ed Razek rejected her in 2017 because 'her body didn't look good enough'

Looking back on photos of herself backstage in 2016, Bridget said that she is now heartbroken over how 'sad' she was at the time.

'The sadness behind my eyes from the 2016 show breaks my heart,' she added.

Razek resigned from his role as Chief Marketing Officer for Victoria's Secret parent company L Brands in 2019, days after the lingerie brand hired its first transgender model - having sparked outrage the previous year when he insisted that its show 'should not' feature 'transsexuals' because it 'is a fantasy'.

Controversy: Razek quit his job at the lingerie brand in 2019, less than a year after sparking fury when he insisted that transgender models should not be cast in the Victoria's Secret show 'because it is a fantasy'

His comments prompted fury the world over - forcing the marketing guru to issue a public apology.

Razek then announced his retirement from L Brands, where he had worked for more than three decades, in August 2019, less than a week after Victoria's Secret revealed that it had hired its first transgender model, Valentina Sampaio.

At the time, Victoria's Secret had come under increasing criticism for its blatant lack of diversity and for promoting a hypersexualized image of women.

In the two years since Razek stepped down from the brand, it has made numerous attempts to try and diversify its image amid plummeting sales - and in November 2019, it announced that it had canceled its fashion show following years of backlash over the 'sexist, outdated' event.

Then earlier this month, the lingerie giant unveiled a 'diverse' new line-up of spokeswomen - including Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Megan Rapinoe - who will replace its infamous Angels and will promote Victoria's Secret not by posing in underwear but instead by 'appearing on a podcast and in marketing materials'.

Priyanka and Megan will reportedly join Sudanese-Australian model Adut Akech, freestyle skier Eileen Gu, Brazilian transgender model Valentina Sampaio, plus-size model Paloma Elsesser, and journalist Amanda de Cadenet, who is set to host a 10-episode podcast where the women will share their stories.

Traditionally, the brand has been promoted by a roster of high-profile supermodels, with those under contract to the company known as Victoria's Secret 'Angels'.

She now focuses on promoting a healthy body image, revealing earlier this year how going sober helped her to feel 'happier, more positive, fitter, and more optimistic'

Asked whether the Angels would make a comeback in the relaunch, brand chief executive Martin Waters said: 'Right now, I don't see it as being culturally relevant.'

Waters, who was appointed chief executive in February after serving as head of Victorias Secrets international business, told the New York Times that the brand 'needed to stop being about what men want and to be about what women want.'

He added: 'I've known that we needed to change this brand for a long time, we just haven't had the control of the company to be able to do it.'

Former chief executive Cynthia Fedus-Fields added that although it was probably time for the Angels to go the brand had to find a way to move forward while maintaining existing customers.

She continued: 'If it was a $7billion business pre-COVID, and much of that $7billion was built on this blatant sexy approach, be careful with what youre doing'.

Bridget has been incredibly outspoken in her criticism of Victoria's Secret in recent years, revealing in a series of TikTok videos posted earlier this month that she faced enormous pressure from the brand to 'get skinnier'.

'There was this culture that was created that was like, if you just stay, if you get a bit skinnier, if you keep doing what we want you to do, you're going to be an Angel and you're going to be world famous and it's going to be amazing,' she said.

'And I was a kid, I was young and I hadn't developed a full sense of identity at that point, and so I believed it, and I was like, I want this. I would be stupid if I didn't make the most of this opportunity,' she went on.

'So I stayed. I once had one of the top photographers from Victoria's Secret say if you got skinnier you would become an Angel. And I thought great I am so close. But the reality was nothing was ever enough because it's the patriarchy, sorry.'
When Boris Johnson became Prime Minister, his earnings plummeted as he was forced to give up a 250,000-a-year newspaper job. With an expensive divorce and a growing family to support, he found himself struggling to make ends meet.

Carries decision to return to work nine months after the birth of their son, Wilfred, should have eased his financial woes but, as the couple soon discovered, childcare doesnt come cheap. According to reports, they were so taken aback by the crippling cost of employing a nanny that they hoped a wealthy donor might help.

While I had no sympathy for their troubles paying for fancy new wallpaper, I can relate to any new parents dismay at childcare costs. After all, the UK has the second most expensive childcare in the world  and if the Prime Minister and his wife keep working full-time, they will soon rack up a six-figure sum.

I speak from experience, having been paying for a full-time nanny for my three children, now 13, ten and eight, for more than a decade. Over the years, I have avoided calculating how much Ive spent, knowing that the grand total would be too depressing.

After all, I cant do my job without such help, and accept it as the price of having both a young family and a very rewarding career.

Hearing of Boriss travails, I decided it was time to face facts, so I did a back-of-the-envelope calculation. I have spent more than 500,000 on nannies, nurseries and au pairs since my youngest son was born in 2007. Over half a million pounds! Even I was shocked.

With all three children now at school, it has been a while since I have needed full-time help, but finding flexible wrap-around/after-hours childcare is near enough impossible where we live (the Cotswolds), so keeping our nanny on as the children got older made most sense. There are still the long school holidays to cover and very few au pairs around.

By the time I have finished paying for childcare, I reckon I will have racked up at least another 50,000  probably double that. Granted, I am an extreme case. I often work anti-social hours, including late nights and weekends. Prior to the pandemic, I travelled a lot. For a decade, I had no family nearby, plus a long-distance commute to London from Oxfordshire, making me heavily reliant on paid help.

Yet I am far from alone in depending on hugely expensive childcare. A full-time live-out nanny costs around 35,000 a year, while the average full-time nursery place for a child aged under two is just under 14,000.

At around 8 an hour, childminders, who look after small groups of children in their own home, are cheaper but can be hard to find. All this gobbles up half of the average salary, which is 31,461.

In the U.S., Canada, Ireland and Switzerland, its a third, while in Italy and Japan, hefty subsidies make childcare almost free.

There is some respite after children turn three, when the UK Government provides a minimum of 15 hours free nursery care in term time.

The pandemic has only made the situation worse. More than 2,000 childcare providers closed in the first four months of this year, according to government data.

Nearly half of English local authorities have seen nursery providers up their prices in the past year.

Some have also reduced the number of free early-education entitlement places they offer.Most women in the UK earn less than half of Carrie Symonds 70,000-a-year salary as a charitys head of communications. Many who want to carry on working have little left of their pay packet after childcare.

Others simply give up work, assuming they will be able to return later, only to lose their confidence and skills.

Now the Prime Minister can see that for himself, perhaps he will consider the bold reforms required for change. At the very least, childcare should be a tax-deductible expense for the self-employed.

The entitlement to an average of 15 hours a week free nursery care for three- and four-year-olds should be extended to the school holidays. Yes, its expensive  but not as costly as limiting so many women who want full-time jobs to part-time work.

Here, three mothers tot up their spend so far  and reveal how much childcare will set them back in total . . .

CHILDCARE IS MORE THAN I GOT PAID

Sarah Hesz (pictured with Rosie and Noa), 38, who works for a flexible childcare app, and her husband Alex, 39, who works in advertising, live in London with their children, Rosie, eight, Leo, six, and Noa, three

Its so expensive we just cannot afford to have more children Chloe Seeley, 39, who works in talent acquisition for Amazon, and husband Kyle, 35, an account director, from Rochester, Kent, have two children, Amelie, four, and Rafael, two. Chloe Seeley, 39, pictured with her two children, Amelie, four, and Rafael, two SPEND SO FAR: 100,000 Projected TOTAL: 200,000 The childcare system is really unfair and incredibly sexist, says Chloe. Unless you can afford it, you have to give up your job if you want kids. Rightly or wrongly, this choice always seems to fall on the woman. So people are reverting to these traditional set-ups. Women should be able to have children and a career  and at the moment its not really possible. For single parents, its impossible. Sarah earns more than her husband, who spends two-thirds of his salary on childcare. She says: We cant afford to have any more children. We wouldnt even contemplate it because its so crazy expensive. The amount of money going out of our account every month is depressing. It is more than our mortgage. Its enough to buy a house. The family were living in London when their eldest was born and Chloe signed up to a nursery in 2016. It cost 250 just to put my daughters name down. It was a lovely nursery and brand new, but it was extortionate  1,800 a month for one child. Id gone too far in my career to give it all up. She returned to work four days a week, although she would have liked to have done just three: That wasnt an option financially. It only just about made sense doing four days. With the grandparents two hours away, childcare was a constant source of stress for the working couple. By the time they had their second child, they realised it would be cheaper to hire a nanny than pay for them both to be in nursery. Its 2,500 a month for the nanny but thats still cheaper, says Chloe. Owing to the pandemic, she is working from home but things will become difficult when she returns to the office. The nanny does 9am to 5.30pm and that doesnt match working hours. Once theyre both in school, after-school clubs finish at 4.30pm so they will still need wrap-around care. If we keep going like this, well easily spend another 100,000 by the time they are both in full-time school, but what choice do we have? Once your child reaches three, you could be entitled to up to 30 hours of free childcare but Chloe says this is simply not good enough. You cant take a three-year gap out of your career . . . It feels like its either your career or your child and that is so unfair. Now, the couple have moved to Kent where things are marginally cheaper. Were going to go to the end of the year and see whats happening with coronavirus and working from home and assess if our childcare costs are still worth it. But I think the Government needs to urgently review this. Something needs to change and soon. Advertisement

Sarah Hesz, 38, who works for a flexible childcare app, and her husband Alex, 39, who works in advertising, live in London with their children, Rosie, eight, Leo, six, and Noa, three.

SPEND SO FAR: 200,000

Projected SPEND: 300,000

When Sarah got pregnant with their first child, she and her husband both had successful careers in advertising. She was so preoccupied with buggies, birth plans and baby clothes, she didnt consider how much it would cost for her to return to work.

People didnt talk openly about when they planned to have kids or how theyd manage work if they did, she says.

Fast forward eight years and the couple have spent a staggering 200,000. They expect to have spent more than 300,000 by the time all their children are in school. Sarah says: It makes me feel sick and a bit embarrassed when I think about how much weve spent so far in order for me to keep doing a job I love. I shouldnt be penalised for doing that  but I am.

Sarah has paid for every type of childcare holiday camps, nannies, nurseries, childminders  in order to maintain her career.

At first, the couple tried a childminder, costing 1,400 a month. Once their second child arrived, they realised their only option was a nanny.

There are legal limits around the number of under-fives childminders can take on, and having a nanny meant Sarah and Alex wouldnt have to factor in drop-offs or pick-ups to pre-school and school to their days.

Taking on a nanny is daunting because you become their employer  you pay their pension, tax, maternity leave etc  but having two small children, no family nearby and working in Central London, there were really no other options for my family as there were no nurseries close enough to where we lived.

My husband and I both loved our jobs and wanted to work. We love being parents as well but we thought it was important we both work. At its peak, they were forking out roughly 34,000 a year on a live-out nanny.

Its hard to leave the office at 5pm when no one else does. I felt as if people were rolling their eyes at me. I look back and think how stupid that was.

I should have been proud to leave on time. But I felt vulnerable. Its a constant jigsaw. Thirty per cent of my brain is always thinking about childcare.

When Sarah went back to work after her second child, there were times when childcare costs exceeded her income.

We had to take the long view, she says. It would be a few years of unbelievable costs but it will get better. I feel incredibly angry that many women cant do that . . . A lot of women are being forced out of the workforce. Its a real crisis.

Research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies found that women in paid work receive about 18 per cent less per hour than men. By the time their first child is 12, that figure increases to 33 per cent. Frustrated with the challenges of juggling work with raising her two children, Sarah decided to launch her own business, creating Mush, a social app for mums. She still needed a nanny but could dictate her own schedule to a greater degree.

Last year, she began working for Bubble, a flexible childcare app to find sitters and nannies. She now has a part-time nanny and uses after-school clubs (6 a day). The price and rigidity of childcare is so limiting to women. Research by Save The Children found that half of stay-at-home mums in the UK would rather be working if they had access to affordable childcare.

The cost of childcare has such an enormous impact on society, our economy. I think solving it could go some way to fixing the gender pay gap and equality.

MY COMPANY SAID NO FLEXI WORKING

Clare, 42, and Jon OReilly, 48, both journalists from Plymouth, Devon, have three children, Eddie, 17, Sammy, 12, and Annie, ten.

SPEND SO FAR: 150,000

Projected SPEND: 150,000

Clare, 42, and Jon OReilly, 48, both journalists from Plymouth, Devon, have three children, Eddie, 17, Sammy, 12, and Annie, ten (pictured together)

They have spent vast sums on childcare but for Clare, whose mother was a first-generation migrant from Portugal, work has always been paramount.

My mum worked as a cleaner and my dad was disabled so didnt work, she says. We were very much a working-class household and every penny counted. It was drilled into me from the get-go that having a career was extremely important.

Its important to me that my children have a female working role model. But many women are having to sacrifice their careers because its not cost-effective.

She was working in magazines when she had her first child and, despite earning a decent salary, spent the majority on childcare.

I remember asking if I could do flexible working and they said no, she says. It was really tough. I was made to feel uncomfortable. Women have got so much stacked against them in the workplace anyway, and when you have kids, youre made to feel like a dead weight.

Luckily for Clare, her husband is a freelance journalist and has always worked from home, meaning pick-ups and drop-offs are easier. That hasnt stopped them spending enough to buy a holiday home in France on nurseries, nannies and clubs.

Nursery costs 1,000 a month per child and I spent up to 300 a week on the nanny, says Clare. Its eye-watering sums. So no wonder a lot of women are being forced to stay at home.

While the couple have just about managed to afford it, they have made a lot of sacrifices. They didnt have their first foreign holiday until their eldest was nine and instead of trying to buy a bigger house in London, they moved to Plymouth.

Clare hopes that one upside to the pandemic may be a shift in attitudes towards flexible working but thinks more accessible childcare needs to be introduced. Things need to be easier.

Interviews by Giulia Crouch
A few weeks ago, the headmaster of a South-East London school made headlines when he suggested that teachers are walking on eggshells and terrified of using the wrong word.

He cited a righteous generation of children looking for the micro-aggressions that will trip teachers up. I wanted to cheer. I felt  as the kids might say  seen.

If youre blissfully unaware of the word micro-aggression, let me enlighten you. The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as a small act or remark that makes someone feel insulted because of their race, sex, etc, even though the insult may not have been intended.

As a straight, white woman in my 50s, teaching in a culturally diverse inner-city comprehensive, avoiding micro-aggressions feels like just another thing to add to my mental to-do  or dont  list.

I have taught in challenging situations for more than 20 years, but my job has never felt more fraught than it does today. Because, regardless of my intentions, a simple remark such as Girls, could you stop talking please? could see me accused of misgendering a pupil, while carelessly picking a picture for a presentation could well be construed as racism. Think that sounds OTT? Here is an example.

A teacher, whose name and certain other details have been changed to protect her anonymity, has revealed how cancel culture has made her terrified of saying the wrong thing (stock photo)

I am a geography teacher, so say I need to illustrate a lesson about wealth distribution. I do a quick Google image search for rich people and pick the first photo that pops up. If it only has white people in it, you could be suggesting only white people can be well-off when actually it was just very late, and you were tired and didnt think.

But in this job, you cant not think. From 8.30am until the last pupil goes home, youre on all the time.

Including my form, I teach up to 100 kids every day, and I see hundreds more if on lunch duty. It would only take one of them to take against me  they dont even need to actively hate me, they might just think my lesson was boring, or that it would be a laugh  and they could seize upon something like this and make my life hell, even lose me my job.

Think back to how you tormented teachers when you were at school. You probably werent nasty, just a teenager wielding whatever power you could.

In the current woke climate, pupils have more power than ever. They know the slightest slip by a teacher can be weaponised, so we must be constantly on our guard.

We get no training in this at all. Its something you have to figure out from the mistakes you make, the mistakes other people make and things you read in the papers  such as the teacher from Batley, West Yorkshire, who was suspended in March for showing pupils a drawing of the Prophet Mohammed from French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.

Although cleared of causing deliberate offence, that teacher has refused to return to work because he fears for his life.

Then theres the head at Londons Pimlico Academy who resigned after pupils staged a protest about the school flying the Union Jack, which they believed to be racist.

They had previously protested that a uniform code stipulating students could not have haircuts that block the view of others effectively banned Afro styles, and so was racist, and demanded that the history curriculum be decolonised because it focuses on white kings and queens.

The problem is, we dont set the curriculum, and the people who do dont come to our defence.

The history curriculum does focus on white kings and queens, friends in the English department do have to teach books mostly written by white men  and thats hard when youre in a multi-cultural school. But its teachers who bear the brunt of it, not the people higher up the food chain.

Its like walking a woke tightrope. You always feel as if youre one step away from losing your job.

Were expected to talk to pupils about religion and racism as part of PSHE  personal, social, health and economic education. That was where I tripped up.

I told the class an anecdote from when I started out in teaching. I aimed to emphasise how bad the language used back then was and show the progress being made.

I recalled speaking to a young girl of Pakistani origin while a (white) parent was waiting to talk to me. As the girl walked off, the parent audibly remarked: I cant believe I had to wait for you to stop talking to a P***.

Before I said it, I warned them I was going to use an offensive word that we wouldnt use these days, but I wanted to say it so they could understand how things had changed and how I hoped they would never face that sort of thing in the future.

A few days later, one of the boys who had been in the class told me his dad was going to get me for calling him a P***. I was terrified, not only at the threat of violence, but also about the potential repercussions of being labelled racist.

I went straight to my union rep for advice. Had I been wrong? Could I lose my job? Fortunately the school backed me. They understood the reason why I told the story  but I havent told it since, and never will again.

Who knows what the next flashpoint will be? Whats acceptable and whats not seems to change with the wind.

When I was growing up, racists would refer to brown people, but right-on types like me would say Asian. Now Asian is considered offensive, as it lumps together everyone from Japan to India. But now I hear pupils using the term black and brown people.

Six months ago, it was OK to talk about white privilege, but theres since been a report that suggests the term holds working-class white kids back. Even something like forgetting a name, or mixing up two pupils, is fraught with danger.

I try hard to remember every childs name, but am in constant paralysing fear of accidentally calling, for example, one black girl another black girls name and that Ill be accused of thinking they all look the same and being racist when its just that my menopausal memory has failed me. Of course, Id be just as likely to call a white pupil the name of another white pupil.

Im not sure thered be disciplinary action, but who wants to be labelled the racist teacher?

Its like religious festivals  I try to check the dates of any that might mean my pupils are fasting. For if a child is falling asleep in lessons, and I call them out for it and it turns out theyre exhausted as theyve been fasting, that could be considered a micro-aggression.

Keeping up with this stuff is like another full-time job on top of the (more than) full-time job I already have. And its exhausting.

Then theres the pupils who change their pronouns  thats absolutely fine. If a child is struggling with their gender identity and decides they want to change their pronouns, I will make every effort to use the terms they feel comfortable with  but sometimes I just dont know.

Maybe theyve told their form tutor, who meant to send an email but didnt get around to it. Maybe they sent the email but it was one of the 400 I didnt have time to read before school that morning. It hasnt happened to me, but I know of teachers being suspended pending an investigation into that sort of thing. You dont have to be guilty to be made to look guilty.

I dont want to suggest pupils shouldnt have the right to be spoken to in a way that makes them feel comfortable. But equally, teachers need to be given the benefit of the doubt.

No one goes into teaching because they want to insult their pupils. They do so because they want to make childrens lives better.

Were still trying to do that, its just were doing it in an era when social media is full of mob-stirring rhetoric that gives pupils ideas, and means already overworked teachers are forever anxious they cant do right for doing wrong.

The maddening thing is teachers cant lead the debate on this. If you stick your head above the parapet, you risk your career  thats why Im writing anonymously.

And ironically, the people who seem to be setting the rules of what is and isnt acceptable are not those who know children best, who have done the most research, or are the most intelligent, theyre simply the ones who are most vocal on Twitter.

And it has to stop.

The authors name and certain other details have been changed to protect her anonymity.
A three-month-old baby has become the latest patient to receive the world's most expensive drug on the NHS.

Riley Cadle-Birch, from Gloucester, was given the 1.8million one-time therapy last week to treat a deadly disorder which sees the muscles rapidly waste away.

The youngster suffers from spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), an often fatal condition that affects nerves in the spinal cord and causes paralysis.

It affects 60 babies in the UK each year and can limit the life expectancy of sufferers to just two years. And, until 2019, there were no proven treatments.

But Riley was given a pioneering gene therapy known as Zolgensma, which has been shown to drastically boost survival rates and help affected children breathe without ventilators, sit up, crawl and walk.

He received the drug, thought to be the most expensive medicine in the world, at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children on June 30.

Zolgensma, which costs an extraordinary 1.79m per dose, is administered via an IV drip and tells the body to make a protein which SMA sufferers are deficient in.

Riley Cadle-Birch, from Gloucester, has become the second patient to receive the world's most expensive drug on the NHS

The three-month-old with mother Jade Cadle-Billingham and father Ryan Birch after the procedure

WHAT IS ZOLGENSMA? The treatment Zolgensma works by replacing a faulty SMN1 gene that stops the body making the protein SMN, involved in muscle function. The corrected gene is put into a virus (that's had its DNA removed) which is then injected into the baby's hand. The gene starts making the SMN protein which prevents the loss of motor neurons  nerve cells that help co-ordinate movement in the spinal cord. These neurons send signals to the muscles. In a study of 15 babies treated with Zolgensma published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2017, all 15 were alive at 20 months of age, compared with 8 per cent among an untreated group from the past. Twelve of the children received a higher dose, and at 20 months 11 could sit unaided and two walked independently. Sixty children in the UK are born with SMA every year. Advertisement

The NHS struck a deal with Swiss-based company Novartis Gene Therapies for the treatment in March.

NHS England has not revealed how much it is paying for the drug but claim it is a price that is fair to taxpayers.

Five-month-old Arthur Morgan was the first to receive the treatment free of charge at at Evelina London Children's Hospital in May.

In studies, a single treatment with Zolgensma has helped babies with SMA to sit, crawl and walk and also prevented them from having to be put on a ventilator.

And in a study of 15 babies treated with Zolgensma, all 15 were alive at 20 months of age, compared with 8 per cent among an untreated group from the past.

The long-term benefits of the drug are still unclear due to how recently it was approved, but scientists believe that delaying symptoms could extend patients' lives.

Riley's mother, Jade Cadle-Billingham, first noticed something was wrong with her son when he struggled to move grip things or bend his hands.

He was taken to hospital for a series of tests to check his reflexes and was later diagnosed with SMA Type 1, the most common form of the disease.

Ms Cadle-Billingham said: 'We've been on a really rocky road with Riley, with him being so ill at times we weren't sure if he would make it.

'When we started to suspect he may have SMA, I began researching the condition and came across Zolgensma, which at the time had only been announced as approved by the NHS, but we didn't yet know where it would be available or if Riley would be able to have it.

The treatment Zolgensma works by replacing a faulty gene that stops the body making a protein involved in muscle function

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT SPINAL MUSCULAR ATROPHY, THE NUMBER ONE GENETIC CAUSE OF DEATHS FOR INFANTS Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a disease that weakens a patient's strength by affecting the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord. Those affected never gain the ability to walk, eat or breathe. SMA is the number one genetic cause of death for infants. It is genetic and passed from parent to child. There are four primary types of SMAI, II, III and IV, which are based on age of onset and the physical milestones achieved. Type I Onset is shortly after birth

Weakness

Difficulty breathing, sucking and swallowing

Never reach the developmental milestone of being able to sit on their own

Children with type 1 SMA can survive for a number of years Advertisement

'We want to do anything we can to raise awareness of this life-changing treatment, and to give hope to other SMA families going through the same thing.

'Having this treatment is like giving him his future.'

Dr Kayal Vijayakumar, who treated Riley, said: 'I feel very privileged as part of this team to be in a position where we can now offer families this ground-breaking treatment.

'The data from scientific studies illustrates that this treatment can significantly change the lives of those children affected by spinal muscular atrophy.

'We're incredibly excited to have been chosen as one of the four national centres in England and look forward to working closely with the other centres to ensure eligible patients are able to receive treatment regardless of where they live.

'I hope the success of this treatment will act as a springboard for more gene therapies to become available in the future.'

Zolgensma works by replacing a faulty gene that stops the body making a protein called SMN, which is critical for in muscle function.

The corrected gene is put into a harmless virus which is then injected into the baby's hand, working similarly to a vaccine.

The gene starts making the SMN protein which prevents the loss of motor neurons  nerve cells that help co-ordinate movement in the spinal cord. These neurons send signals to the muscles.

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW), which includes Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, is one of only four centres across the country administering the gene therapy.

The others are Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust and Evelina London Children's Hospital.
People display tell-tale signs of a looming stroke up to ten years before it happens, a study reveals.

They experience a more rapid mental decline and decreased ability to perform every day tasks, such as banking and cooking.

Spotting these early signals may allow patients to reduce their risk by adopting a healthier lifestyle or trialing new medication.

An ischemic stroke - which accounts for 80 per cent of strokes - occurs when there is a blockage in a blood vessel that prevents blood from reaching part of the brain (stock)

Researchers from Erasmus MC University, Rotterdam, examined data on 14,712 people who were tracked for up to 28 years.

Each sat a series of mental and physical tests and a forensic interview at the start of study and every few years throughout.

This included tests of memory, verbal fluency, reaction times and an assessment of their ability to wash, cook, clean and manage their finances.

During the study period, 1,662 participants suffered a first stroke, at an average age of 80.

Analysis revealed their performance in the tests began to diverge from those who did not suffer a stroke up to ten years prior to the event.

Differences in their ability to perform basic and advanced daily tasks emerged two to three years before the stroke.

Women, people with fewer academic qualifications, and those with a gene associated with Alzheimer's disease appeared at greatest risk.

The performance of stroke victims continued to fall more rapidly after the event.

Dr Alis Heshmatollah said: 'Our findings demonstrated that future stroke patients start to deviate from stroke-free controls up to 10 years before the acute event, suggesting that individuals with cognitive and functional decline are at a higher risk of stroke and are possible candidates for prevention trials.'

Dr Heshmatollah said the findings suggest harmful physical changes are taking place in the brain years in advance.

She added: 'The accelerated decline in cognition and daily functioning before stroke suggests that individuals with future stroke suffer from accumulating intracerebral damage years before the acute event, such as cerebral small vessel disease, neurodegeneration, and inflammation'.

Around 100,000 people in the UK suffer a stroke each year and there are 1.2million survivors nationwide.

The study, published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, did not examine differences in the type of stroke, nor their severity.
Fully vaccinated people may still be at risk of infection from the California 'Epsilon' coronavirus variant, a new study finds.

Researchers from the University of Washington and Vir Biotechnology, based in San Francisco, found that the variant had three mutations on the spike protein, which the virus uses to enter and infect human cells.

These mutations could provide resistance to neutralizing antibodies generated by the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines.

What's more, the mutations may be able to evade natural antibodies a person forms after being infected with the virus.

Health experts say neutralizing antibodies are what protect people from the virus, and the variant's ability to resist them could leave people in danger.

The Epsilon variant is not believed to be more infectious than the original virus, though.

The Epsilon variant is believed to be able to evade some of the neutralizing antibodies in COVID-19 vaccines, meaning it could likely still cause infection despite vaccine status

The Epsilon variant was first identified in May 2020 and was virtually nonexistent until October.

It would later split into two separate versions, the B.1.427 and the more common B.1.429 mutation.

It has remained a relatively quiet variant of the virus outside of California, not causing an outbreak similar to the Indian 'Delta' variant.

Epsilon still managed to find its way into at least 44 countries, though 97 percent of the 49,221 cases worldwide have been recorded in the U.S.

Of the 47,987 cases recorded in the U.S., more than 22,000 have been detected in California,.

Hawaii and Nevada also dealt with smaller outbreaks of the B.1.429 mutation of the virus.

Cases of both strains of the Epsilon variant largely remained in California, though it did spread through the western portion of the country. The B.1.427 is on the left, the B.1.429 is on the right

Cases of the Epsilon variant nationwide peaked in February. The B.1.427 is on the left, the B.1.429 is on the right

After being discovered in the state in Summer 2020, a large portion of cases of the Epsilon variant have been detected in California. The B.1.427 is on the left, the B.1.429 is on the right

Researchers, who published their data in the journal Science on July 1, found that both types of the variant had the ability to evade the neutralizing antibodies found in the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which use messenger RNA (mRNA) technology.

Effectiveness of the neutralizing antibodies was reduced by 50 to 70 percent.

They also found that neutralizing activity was reduced in 14 of 34 of the antibodies responsible for it.

The data is worrying, and is an early sign that the current crop of COVID-19 vaccines may not be enough to permanently protect from the virus.

Experts have long believed that a third 'booster shot' of the mRNA vaccines - produced by Pfizer and Moderna - would be needed in the future to protect from variants.

Both companies have launched clinical trials for a booster shot as well.

Prevalence of the variant is near non-existent at the moment, though.

Cases of both strains of the Epsilon variant spiked in February, accounting for 697 new cases per day on February 4.

Detections have dropped to near-zero for both strains in the time since.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the variant accounts for 0.1 percent of cases in the U.S.

The Delta variant, for comparison, is responsible for 51 percent of active cases in the country and is now the dominant strain.

There are concerns that variant could bypass the vaccines as well, with the variant causing a recent outbreak in Israel among vaccinated adults.
Soldiers in the U.S. Army may be required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as early as September 1.

According to the Army Times, the Department of Army Headquarters sent an order notifying members that a deadline would soon be set, pending licensure from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The decision comes as some prominent Republicans have voiced opposition to mandatory vaccines for members of the military.

Rep Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Rep Lauren Boebert of Colorado are among 24 House co-sponsors of a bill to prohibit these types of requirements for the military.

Leaked documents show that the Army plans to make vaccines compulsory for all soldiers as early as September 1

'Commanders will continue COVID-19 vaccination operations and prepare for a directive to mandate COVID-19 vaccination for service members [on or around] 01 September 2021, pending full FDA licensure,' the order from Army leadership said, as obtained by the Army Times.

'Commands will be prepared to provide a backbrief on servicemember vaccination status and way ahead for completion once the vaccine is mandated.'

An army spokesperson declined to comment on the requirement to DailyMail.com.

'As a matter of policy we do not comment on leaked documents. The vaccine continues to be voluntary. If we are directed by DoD to change our posture, we are prepared to do so,' said Major Jackie Wren in an email.

Around 68 percent of all active duty troops have received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and around 70 percent of soldiers in the Army.

The Navy is the most vaccinated branch of the military, with 77 percent of sailors having received at least one shot.

Both Veterans Affairs employees and sailors in the Navy may also be required to get COVID-19 vaccines in the near future.

Discussion over compulsory vaccination in the military has sparked backlash from some prominent Republicans.

Massie tweeted that his opposition to the requirements came from discussions he had with soldiers that said they would rather leave the Army than be vaccinated.

'Ive been contacted by members of our voluntary military who say they will quit if the COVID vaccine is mandated,' he said in a tweet on Saturday.

He filed HR 3860, which would prohibit all vaccine requirements for the armed forces, on June 14.

When asked for comment on the vaccine requirement, Rep Massie's office referred DailyMail.com to three tweets by him in recent days.

Among the others was a tweet from Monday that reads:

'NO ONE should be forced or coerced by ANYONE to take the COVID vaccine.

'The fact that policy discussions in the US are centered around proof of vaccine instead of "evidence of immunity" shows that science and reason have been drummed out by politics, profits, and superstition.'

The third tweet included a link to a Military.com article about 23 cases of heart inflammation among 436,000 vaccinated military members, and said:

'The military should not force members to take this vaccine... especially not those who have already developed immunity as a result of a prior SARS-CoV2 infection.'

Boebert, a longtime critic of vaccine requirements - opposing them before the vaccines were even available - also took to Twitter to criticize the proposed mandate.

'No American that does not want to be vaccinated should be forced. This includes our military members,' she wrote on Tuesday.

Her office did not return a request for comment from DailyMail.com

Also among the bill's the co-sponsors is Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia.

Greene previously embroiled herself in controversy when she compared vaccinated grocery store employees wearing a nametag badge signifying their vaccine status to Jewish people who were murdered by Nazis in the holocaust.

'Vaccinated employees get a vaccination logo just like the Nazis forced Jewish people to wear a gold star,' she wrote in a tweet in May, which included a link to a story about the grocery store.

Greene has been a long-time critic of the vaccines, and vaccine passports.

The representative's office did not reply to a DailyMail.com request for comment.

The bill is unlikely to pass into law due to Democrats holding the majority in the House and Senate.
Tricia Jones, 45 (pictured), of Grain Valley, Missouri, didn't get vaccinated against COVID-19 over fears of side effects

A Missouri mother-of-two who didn't get vaccinated against COVID-19 because she feared side effects has died after contracting the Indian 'Delta' variant.

Tricia Jones, 45, from Grain Valley, was hesitant about getting the shot after hearing news reports about people suffering rare side effects such as blood clots or heart inflammation and decided to wait.

However, in the spring, she contracted the Delta variant and never recovered, reported FOX 4.

Within a month, Jones was hospitalized, placed on a mechanical ventilator and, soon after, passed away.

Her family is now urging the public to get vaccinated and risk falling ill with COVID-19 like Jones did.

It comes the Delta variant has been declared the dominant strain of the virus in the U.S., making up 51.7 percent of all new infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Jones's mother, Deborah Carmichael, told FOX 4 that she got her COVID-19 vaccine when it became available to her in the spring.

However, her daughter was undecided and wanted to wait.

'She was afraid of the side effects, I think,' Carmichael told FOX 4.

'You hear a lot of horror stories. I, myself, when I had the shot, it was rough, so it scared her and freaked her out. So she didn't want to do it. I couldn't convince her.'

Her son contracted the virus in April at school and it was found to be linked to the Indian 'Delta' variant, and soon Jones and her husband fell ill. Pictured: Jones (left) with her mother

Jones (pictured) was hospitalized, placed on a ventilator on May 13 and passed away on June 9,

In April, Jones's son contracted the virus at his middle school, and it was later learned that his infection was linked to the Delta variant.

It wasn't long before Jones and her husband, Keith, both fell ill too.

Also know as B.1.617.2, the Delta variant has been labeled as a 'double mutant' by India's Health Ministry because it carries two mutations: L452R and E484Q.

L452R is the same mutation seen with the California homegrown variant and E484Q is similar to the mutation seen in the Brazilian and South African variants.

Both of the mutations occur on key parts of the virus that allows it to enter and infect human cells.

'After she got it, she said: "Mom you were right, about the shot, about masks, being diligent and all that,"' Carmichael told FOX 4.

'I was like: "I don't want to be right. I want you to be well. That's all that matters."'

The Delta variant is now the dominant strain of coronavirus, accounting for more than half of all new cases in the U.S., a

More than 80% of new infections in Midwestern states such as Iowa, Kansas and Missouri, with low vaccinations rates are linked to the Delta variant

Jones's health rapidly deteriorated. She was hospitalized at Research Medical Center in Kansas City in early May and placed on a ventilator on May 13.

Although her COVID-19 symptoms gradually disappeared, her respiratory health never improved and passed away on June 9.

'I never would have thought I would lose my daughter at 45,' Carmichael told FOX 4.

'It wasn't my choice. It wasn't what I wanted. Everything in me was screaming: "No, this can't be right. She's only 45."'

The family told FOX 4 it is encouraging all Americans to get their vaccines and not risk dying from the disease.

'Please take this seriously. You don't want to see a family member you love go through this,' Carmichael said.

'You have a way better chance of coming out OK than if you don't.'
Cases of influenza plummeted during the COVID-19 pandemic, with one Detroit health system having a zero percent positivity rate for the virus, a new study finds.

Researchers from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, looked at data from Detroit Medical Center for the 2019-20 and the 2020-21 flu seasons.

They found that every single one of the 6,830 tests administered for adults, and the 1,441 for children came back negative for Influenza A and Influenza B during the 2020-21 (September 2021 to February 2021) flu season.

There were also zero positive tests for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in adults - out of 6,822 - and one for children among 1,404 tests.

The findings add to the wealth of existing information that shows social distancing and mask mandates put in place to protect from COVID-19 were effective in combatting the flu.

Positive tests of Influenza A, Influenza B and RSV were near non-existent in the 2020-21 flu season among adults compared to the 2019-2020 season

'The incidence of influenza A and B and RSV infections in the 2020-2021 season decreased significantly compared to the 2019-2020 season in both pediatric and adult populations,' the team wrote.

'Community mitigating measures such as social distancing, school closures and use of masks may have decreased the spread of viral pathogens.'

For comparison, during the 2019-2020 flu season (September 2019 to February 2020), there were 780 positive cases of Influenza A (11.5 percent positivity rate) and 892 of Influenza B (13.1 percent positivity rate) out of 6,795 total tests administered to adults.

Among children, there were 1,300 positive cases of Influenza A (12.4 percent) and 2,117 cases of Influenza B (20.21 percent), out of 10,475 tests administered.

For RSV, the positivity rate in 2019-2020 among adults was nine percent among adults (240 out of 2,673 cases) and 23.7 percent among children (1,653 out of 6,985).

Researchers did find that cases of Group A Streptococcus (GAS), a throat infection that often follows viral upper respiratory tract infections, remained consistent, though there was a large reduction in the amount of tests administered.

The positivity rate among children decreased from 27 percent (1,050 out of 3,894) in 2019-2020 to 20.98 percent (163 out of 777) in the following year.

Positivity rate even increased among adults, from 22.8 percent (212 out of 933) in 2019-2020 to 23.11 percent (49 out of 212) in 2020-2021.

Researchers speculate that on top of distancing and masking, COVID-19 itself could have protected people from more minor viruses.

Once someone had been infected with coronavirus, it is possible that the virus prevented others from taking hold in the same person in what is called 'viral interference.'

Cases of Influenzas A and B reduced all the way to zero last flu season after recording standard levels in 2019-2020

Researchers expect cases of the flu to return to normal levels now, though, as many COVID precautions are dropped around the country.

'It is likely that the number of cases of flu and other respiratory infections will rise back to normal in the coming years as SARS-CoV-2 becomes a seasonal virus,' said Siri Sarvepalli, a member of the research team at Wayne State.

'However, if handwashing and other mitigating measures are followed to the same extent as last winter, numbers could instead remain lower than usual.'

The team will present its findings at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases this week.

Some experts even believe the upcoming flu season could be worse than usual, as almost nobody has natural antibodies to the common flu after not having it for a year.

'As with Covid, when somebody recovers from a seasonal influenza infection, they retain some level of immunity that protects them against future infection, at least for a short period of time,' Dr Lauren Ancel Meyers, an epidemiologist and director of the University of Texas COVID-19 Modeling Consortium, told CNBC.

'Since our Covid mitigation measures prevented influenza transmission last year, there are not a whole lot of people who were recently infected.

'So we may be entering flu season with a higher level of susceptibility than usual, which could exacerbate the risks,'
Our cash infrastructure is hanging by a thread. Bank branches and ATMs are closing at a record pace and, as Money Mail reported last month, scores of retailers are still using the pandemic as an excuse to refuse notes and coins.

So it is great news that the Treasury has finally woken up to the fact that urgent intervention is needed to prevent the millions of people who still rely on cash from being left behind.

In consultation documents, ministers said no one should have to travel beyond a reasonable distance to withdraw cash, and promised to introduce long-awaited legislation to protect this vital payment method.

This announcement is long overdue. And it is crucial that any new laws ensure people are still able to spend cash as well as access it.

Threat: Bank branches and ATMs are closing at a record pace with scores of retailers still using the pandemic as an excuse to refuse notes and coins

Too many essential shops, including pharmacies, are now insisting on card payments. And Im fed up with car parks demanding drivers pay via fiddly smartphone apps.

Regularly, you tell us that these slapdash attempts to push cash out the back door are leaving you feeling isolated. Well now you can have your say.

Before announcing its next steps, the Treasury is collecting views from industry and consumers.

If you would like to weigh in, write to moneymail@dailymail.co.uk or Money Mail, Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London, W8 5TT  and tell us why cash matters to you. We will then submit a response on behalf of all our readers.

Not far enough

For months, campaigners have expressed outrage that technology giants such as Google have facilitated an online fraud free-for-all, and lined their pockets from the proceeds of crime by allowing crooks to post scam adverts.

I am glad to hear that from September 6, all financial service providers who want to advertise on Google will need to show they are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority.

However, adverts relating to debt, credit-repair services, cryptocurrency and gambling will not be covered by the new policy.

Tougher action is still needed. It is mindboggling that ministers are yet to include protection against scam adverts in its Online Safety Bill.

Scam victims have lost upwards of 2.6billion since May last year, with the vast majority of fraud cyber-enabled, according to Action Fraud. We need new laws to stop crooks in their tracks.

From September 6, all financial service providers who want to advertise on Google will need to show they are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority

Hit the gazumpers

With competition in the property market at fever pitch, it was only a matter of time before the dastardly gazumpers began stirring up trouble again.

When a seller accepts an offer, that should be that. They shouldnt be allowed to ditch their buyer penalty-free if a higher bid comes in later.

It leaves hopeful buyers thousands of pounds out of pocket, and holds up entire chains.

You need only look to countries such as Australia for simple ideas on how this dirty practice can be stamped out. But despite years of talking about what could be done, we are still waiting for something actually to be done.

Tom Kitchin was accused of pocketing thousands in tips earned by staff over five years

Your tipping point

Tipping hit the headlines again this week after chef Tom Kitchin was accused of pocketing thousands of pounds in gratuities earned by front-of-house staff over five years.

This got me thinking. On holiday in sunny North Wales last week, not one of the pubs or restaurants I visited automatically added a service charge to the bill.

And after receiving particularly great service at a little place called The Last Inn in Barmouth, the waiter was genuinely surprised when we handed back the card terminal so he could add a tip before we paid.

What a contrast to London, where most eateries seem to add at least a 10 per cent voluntary service charge to every bill. Even pubs now heavily promote their tipping option when paying via a smartphone app.

As someone who spent their student years working in hospitality, I like to consider myself a generous tipper. But it was a breath of fresh air for a tip to be genuinely appreciated rather than expected.

Id love to hear your thoughts on tipping when eating and drinking out  write to me at the email address below.

v.bischoff@dailymail.co.uk
My cousin died a couple of years ago and left me 2,000 in her will. The executor is her nephew who has not sent me the money.

I was upset at the way her funeral was conducted and criticised this. He has not spoken to me since. Is there any way I can obtain the money?

J. H., Chelmsford, Essex.

Frozen out: A reader has been left waiting for two years for 2,000 which her cousin left to her in her will

Tony Hazell replies: If your cousin has left you money in her will, then her nephew must pay it to you. But you may have to employ a solicitor to force his hand.

Ian Bond, a member of the Law Society's wills and equity committee, says that you should first check if a grant of probate has been issued by the probate registry and obtain a copy of the will. These are public documents and you can request a copy of both from your cousin's nephew.

If he won't provide them, you can order them online for a small fee at probate search.service.gov.uk/#wills.

This will allow you to check if probate has been granted and that you actually are included in the final will, as your cousin may have changed it before she passed away. If the probate has not been granted, the executor might not have been able to administer the estate.

There are some more important points that may affect your case.

You are receiving a fixed sum of money, which is known as a pecuniary legacy,

Mr Bond adds: 'If there's a delay in paying it out (in this case, more than a year), the law requires the executor to pay interest.

'Income tax on that interest may have to be paid, depending on your circumstances.'

And there's more. 'As executor, the nephew is solely responsible for carrying out the administration of the estate and for honouring the deceased's wishes.'

As a beneficiary, you have the right to challenge an executor if you feel they are mismanaging the administration of the estate. And in extreme cases, the executor can be removed.

But, Mr Bond says, you should take specialist advice from a solicitor before you decide to take any action against the executor.

The Law Society says there is a legal rule that allows the executor a year to assess the estate, obtain probate, collect assets and settle liabilities.

The executor should produce a set of estate accounts. But as a person receiving a pecuniary legacy, you are not entitled to see these, as your inheritance is not affected by the estate's income or outgoings.

You have YOUR say Every week Money Mail receives hundreds of your letters and emails about our stories. Here are some on letting agents attempting to bypass a ban on rip-off fees: My son and three other students were charged a cleaning fee of more than 850. The housemates had already paid for a full house clean a few weeks before. We let it go to arbitration and they all got refunds. M. J., London. The 50 cap for tenancy fees is crazy - especially when you think about how it pays for around three to four hours of the admin needed to vet tenants and check them in and out. I would like to see a solicitor charge 50 for that labour. G. B., London. I was thinking about going to The Property Ombudsman, but I was told there was a four-month wait to be allocated a case worker, so I'd have to wait around seven months to get a decision from the Ombudsman. What is the point? F. P., Norfolk. Landlords are often bearing the brunt of these fees, after already being stung by a hike in taxes, so many are selling up. L. A., London. If a tenant ends their contract early, they should be charged fees which will pay for the agent to re-market, conduct viewings and do an inventory. There's nothing murky about it. A. M., Cambridge. When I moved into my flat I was charged 663 in fees, a 800 deposit, and the first month's rent in advance. I received no paperwork to document my payment. K. W., by email. There will be costs landlords need to recover which will be added to rent, so good tenants are penalised as a result of the actions of bad ones. But how do you expect landlords to pay for 10,000 worth of damage? K. W., Leeds, Yorks.

I lost 50k in a bank transfer scam

I was the victim of a bank transfer scam in November last year and lost 49,500  my entire mortgage deposit.

Fraudsters set up an almost identical email address to my solicitor's and responded to my questions about the survey before requesting the cash upon the exchange of contracts.

The emails looked legitimate and the invoice was headed with the firm's logo. When I made the payment online, my bank Barclays called me to ask if I knew the recipient.

I asked the firm to confirm the bank details, not realising I was corresponding with criminals. Satisfied, I made the payment. A week later the real solicitor asked for the deposit, and I realised I'd been scammed.

I had to borrow the money from my parents to complete the house purchase. Barclays keeps telling me it is waiting for information from Lloyds.

L. H., by email.

Tony Hazell replies: I am so tired of banks shrugging off responsibility when customers fall victim to scams.

New rules introduced on May 28, 2019 state that banks have to pay up if customers have taken care to protect themselves from scams.

The code of conduct is voluntary, but Barclays has signed up. You say the bank never mentioned this when you reported the scam.

Once I brought your case to the bank's attention, it agreed to fully refund you and give you 877 as redress.

A spokesman says: 'We've now investigated this case under the Contingent Reimbursement Model Code and Barclays accepts full liability for the loss.

'We urge people to check payment details carefully and call the solicitor or firm in advance of large payments to verify the authenticity of the instructions.'

Straight to the point I purchased a HP Chromebook from John Lewis in January but it was faulty. I had a telephone conversation lasting over an hour with the technical support department which got me nowhere. I was later told there is little to no chance of a repair being made until the middle of June. R. M., via email. John Lewis has apologised for the delay, and is now currently processing a refund for you. *** My husband died suddenly in December and our BT account was in his name. I rang BT to change the name and bank details. But in early January, my internet stopped working and was not restored until February 3 which led to a loss of earnings. BT agreed to compensate me 278 but I still have not received it. V. R., via email. BT said it has specially trained customer service agents in bereavement and your case was down to 'human error'. It says it had no record of you accepting the offer which explained the delay. *** I live in Spain and have a UK bank account with Clydesdale Bank which has been taken over by Virgin Money. My debit card expired in January but my new card got lost in the post. I eventually received a card on March 2 but no Pin has arrived. I have been on the phone to Virgin Money for 195 minutes to no avail. A. D., via email. Virgin Money apologises and says it is investigating why the previous Pins were not received. It has sent you a new one. *** I'm struggling to get hold of a 473 refund from HMRC. The taxman sent me a letter explaining how I could use its website to claim the cash online. But I was repeatedly asked for a Northern Ireland driving licence when I have an English one. D. L., Essex. When HMRC investigated, it discovered you are also due a 83 refund for the 2019/2020 tax year. You should receive both cheques in the post soon.

No-show rule is Virgin on the ridiculous

My daughter, 11, lives in the U.S. and I had planned to pick her up from Boston and fly with her to the UK five days later.

It can be a hassle trying to book one-way flights for a minor, so I paid for two Virgin Atlantic returns from London to Boston for 473 each.

Yet when I checked in at Heathrow, I was told my daughter's return flight would be cancelled if she did not board the outgoing leg.

A customer service adviser later assured me that they would be able to change her return ticket to a one-way. But as I had used a travel agent, I would need the firm to arrange this.

The flight is now 72 hours away and the agent Traveljunction is insisting Virgin is not responding to its messages.

J. D., Glasgow.

Tony Hazell replies: You are not the first reader to be caught out by airlines' 'no-show' rule.

The clause means that if you fail to turn up for your outgoing flight, the return leg will be automatically cancelled.

Virgin Atlantic claims the first email it received from the agent arrived three days after your flight to Boston.

It says it had responded quickly to highlight that Traveljunction had included the wrong flight details.

The airline later gave authority for the agent to change the flight to one-way as a gesture of goodwill.

But you were understandably worried that time was running out, so paid for a new ticket using 10,000 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points plus 106.10 in cash. After we intervened, Virgin Atlantic agreed to refund you in full.
As the world economy roars back into action, commodity prices are soaring. After slumping into negative figures last year, a barrel of oil is back at more than $78  its highest price since 2019.

Meanwhile, tensions between big oil exporters  including Saudi Arabia and UAE  could see prices rise further.

Non-energy commodities, resources such as copper, iron ore and palladium, have also rallied since the start of 2021.

Crude move: After slumping into negative figures last year, a barrel of oil is back at more than $78  its highest price since 2019

The trend has led some market-watchers to predict a commodity supercycle: a sustained period of rising prices.

Many investors will be wondering if this mini-boom might provide opportunities to strengthen their portfolio.

Of course, the rising oil price has boosted energy stocks  all of which had a hellish 2020. Shell is now up nearly 14 per cent since January, with BP up 27 per cent.

So what will the future hold for oil and other commodities  and for investors?

We are used to hearing about oil prices, but commodity markets are often a bit of a mystery for retail investors. But it is simply any type of raw material on which the economy depends.

In an expanding economy, demand for these rises  as does their price.

When you look at what's happening in the world, it's not hard to see why many people are expecting that to happen.

Both China (which consumes about 50 per cent of many commodities) and the U.S. have seen a rapid return to economic growth.

When it comes to investing in commodities, there is one vital difference from most assets.

Unlike stocks and shares, investors rarely own the actual commodities. Instead, they tend to trade contracts which allow them to buy (or sell) an item  say, a barrel of oil  at a set price in the future.

Should demand keep rising, they can sell the contracts to someone who wants oil, and make a profit.

High demand: Non-energy commodities, resources such as copper, iron ore and palladium, have also risen sharply since January

This kind of activity is almost entirely carried out by professional traders, rather than retail investors. But that doesn't mean DIY investors can't benefit from rising commodity prices too.

One way is to purchase commodity-based ETFs (exchange-traded funds) or ETCs (exchange-traded commodities).

As with equity funds, these essentially buy commodity options and package them as a single asset suitable for retail investors. iShares Physical Gold ETC, for example, is a popular option for investors wanting some exposure to gold in their portfolio.

And iShares Diversified Commodity Swap ETC invests directly in oil, gas, nickel and aluminium.

A 10,000 investment five years ago would be worth just 10,062  a reminder of the cyclical nature of commodity markets

The fund has risen more than 25 per cent this year, but its long-term performance is very different.

A 10,000 investment five years ago would be worth just 10,062  a reminder of the cyclical nature of commodity markets.

A more common way to make money from commodities is to invest in relevant companies.

In last year's gold rally, for example, a clear winner was FTSE-listed gold-miner Fresnillo, whose share price rose 70 per cent in 2020.

While rising oil prices have boosted the likes of Shell and BP for now, their future isn't so clear cut.

'The major hurdle facing the energy majors is the inexorable trend towards renewable energies,' says Richard Hunter, head of markets for Interactive Investor.

But this doesn't mean the end of energy companies  not least as both Shell and BP have committed to going emissions 'net zero'  but it does create uncertainty.







Black gold: After slumping into negative figures last year, a barrel of oil is now back at more than $70 - its highest price since 2019

Before buying into these companies, investors want to know how effective and profitable their green transition will be.

Mr Hunter says BP's low-carbon energy production has grown 1 per cent in a year  an encouraging sign for eco-conscious investors.

And fund manager William Lough, who runs River & Mercantile's UK Dynamic Equity fund, says there are reasons to be optimistic about Shell.

'The company is very cheaply valued against the cash flow it produces  even if the oil price drops slightly,' he says.

'Meanwhile, their transition strategy is focused less on large capital expenditure and more on getting renewables to market.'

Shell plans to be more involved, for example, in the infrastructure for charging electric cars.

Nevertheless, both BP and Shell remain significantly below their recent highs: with their share price down 40 per cent in two years.

It's also a mixed picture for mining stocks.

FTSE-listed miners Rio Tinto, Anglo American and Glencore are up 9 per cent, 17 per cent and 30 per cent respectively since January. Their prices have been volatile, though, often plummeting 4 per cent in one day when commodity markets wobble.

The low values of energy majors and mining stocks mean they appear in equity funds  often those focused on value investing.

River & Mercantile UK Dynamic Equity, for example, has holdings in Shell and Anglo American. 10,000 invested in the fund five years ago would now be worth 14,800.

Artemis SmartGarp UK Equity backs both energy majors as well as three large FTSE miners. The same 10,000 investment would now be worth 16,900. If oil prices keep up their momentum, both stand to benefit.
Sainsbury's bolstered its defences against potential takeover bids as the supermarket giant predicted bumper annual profits of 660million.

The figure is above its previous forecast of 620million and would eclipse its pre- pandemic peak of 601million, coming after lockdowns delivered a huge sales boost.

Boss Simon Roberts played down fears that Sainsburys could be targeted by private equity buyers, as Morrisons became the subject of a bidding war.

Roaring trade: Sainsbury's has predicted bumper annual profits of 660m. The figure is above its previous forecast of 620m and would eclipse its pre-pandemic peak of 601m

Asked if the grocer had received any approaches, he said: If we had anything to update on, wed be updating on it, so weve nothing to update you on.

Im not going to speculate on where things are in the wider sector. Analysts suggest Sainsburys could be a target if buyers fail to land Morrisons.

And speculation has been fuelled by billionaire Daniel Kretinskys stake-building, with the tycoon known as the Czech Sphinx holding just under 10 per cent.

Analysts at Shore Capital, one of Sainsburys brokers, said the firms value was far too low given the takeover activity in the sector.

The chain said like-for-like sales had increased by 1.6 per cent in the 16 weeks to June 26, its first quarter. Total retail sales grew 1.6 per cent excluding fuel.

Grocery sales rose 0.8 per cent compared to a year ago, with online sales rising 29 per cent.

Shares jumped 0.6 per cent, or 1.6p, to 279.8p.
Private equity giant KKR is plotting a raid on the UK in a move that will fuel concerns about pandemic plundering.

The Wall Street giants European boss, Mattia Caprioli, said it was expanding operations in Britain to take advantage of the relatively cheap company valuations compared to rivals abroad.

KKR is bringing in a team of five deal makers to hunt for bargains, and moving to a bigger London office in Mayfairs Hanover Square.

On the hunt: KKR is expanding its UK operations, bringing in a team of five deal makers to hunt for bargains, while also moving to a bigger London office in Mayfair's Hanover Square

The planned land-grab will send tremors through the City, which is already facing an onslaught of private equity takeovers.

Corporate raiders at KKR became notorious as the original Barbarians at the Gate in a 1989 book of the same name about their predatory assault on US conglomerate RJR Nabisco.

KKR was founded in 1976 by Jerome Kohlberg, Henry Kravis and George Roberts, and today manages 265billion of assets.

It bought Alliance Boots in 2007, with the support of top shareholder and boss Stefano Pessina, for 11.1billion.

Bosses now believe the UK is a fertile hunting ground once again, after Brexit and the pandemic depressed company valuations.

Caprioli said KKR will have dedicated people covering the UK, including investment director Michaela Wood, who is moving from rival CVC Capital Partners.

Theres more value at a high level in the UK than there is in other markets, Caprioli said.

He claimed the firm was not that focused on buying listed companies in the UK, however, because that was more difficult than buying private businesses.

There have now been 366 private equity bids for UK companies so far this year  by far the most since records began in 1984.

That has fuelled claims that companies are being sold off on the cheap, as well as concerns for jobs, pensions and tax contributions.
Ocado boss Tim Steiner said the pandemic has resulted in a permanent change to the groceries sector

Ocado boss Tim Steiner declared the pandemic has changed the groceries market for good after the online shopping firm posted another set of bumper sales.

The British company has added hundreds of thousands of customers during the Covid crisis, as restrictions have driven more shoppers online.

Sales jumped 19.8 per cent higher to 1.2billion in the 26 weeks to May 30, though it made a loss of 23.6million, down from 40.6million a year previously, which it blamed on a series of one-off costs.

However, analysts said the firm had struck gold with a partnership with Auchan Retail, which owns Spains Alcampo, that could be expanded to other countries.

And although shoppers are cutting down how much they buy on Ocados online platform as lockdown restrictions ease, Steiner said the pandemic has resulted in a permanent change to the groceries sector.

The firm still has more than 1m customers on its waiting list.

Steiner said: As we head towards a post Covid-19 future, it is increasingly clear that the landscape for grocery worldwide has changed, for good.

Shares in Ocado dipped 4.2 per cent, or 83.5p, to 1901.5p.

Ocado will provide its smart platform to Alcampos, using a robot warehouse that will serve Madrid from 2024, with potential to expand to the 12 other countries Auchan operates in.

Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said it had struck gold adding: Ocado has got its foot in a very important door.

Ocado has supplied its tech to supermarket groups in the US, France and Japan.
Luxury fashion house Mulberry has shut its shop in Paris because too few tourists are visiting the city.

The handbag-maker has ended the lease at its boutique on upmarket Rue Saint-Honore.

Mulberry will receive 13million back from a rent deposit it had to pay when it moved in, and will bank 10.8million of this after tax.

Adieu: Handbag-maker Mulberry has ended the lease at its Paris boutique on upmarket Rue Saint-Honore

It will leave by September, two years earlier than planned. France has been badly hit by Covid and is bracing for a fourth wave this year as the Delta variant spreads.

This has prompted fears that further restrictions or lockdowns could be introduced  though tourism is still expected to take years to recover to pre-pandemic levels.

Mulberry said the money saved could go towards new investment.

The AIM-listed company was founded in Somerset in 1971 by mother-and-son duo Roger and Joan Saul and has become renowned for its leather goods.

Mulberry said it would reopen a shop in the city when international tourists start returning.

Shares rose 1.7 per cent, or 5p, to 305p.
Morrisons chiefs are set to be quizzed by ministers over a takeover of the supermarket that could net them a 35million payout.

Kwasi Kwarteng, the Business Secretary, is seeking a meeting with the chain's board about its proposed sale to private equity for 6.3billion.

He is said to want reassurances over jobs, pensions and the company's UK operations, with Labour also calling for 'legally binding' commitments.

Concerns: Kwasi Kwarteng, the Business Secretary, is seeking a meeting with Morrisons' board about its proposed sale to private equity for 6.3bn

It came as an analysis by the Mail found that top executives at the company including boss Dave Potts stand to make 34.7million from the deal, while non-executives led by chairman Andy Higginson could bag another 750,000.

The board is recommending the bid from a consortium led by private equity firm Fortress, which is offering 254p per share overall.

Rival buyout firms Apollo and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice could swoop with a higher offer. But a backlash is growing, as a top 20 shareholder said the Fortress bid was 'far too low'.

And retail expert Bill Grimsey branded private equity 'the ugly face of capitalism' and said the late former chairman Sir Ken Morrison would be 'spitting' with rage.

Kwarteng's comments will lead to fresh speculation that the Government could intervene or demand binding commitments from a buyer.

He told the Financial Times: 'Morrisons is a historic brand name and I am very interested in seeing how the situation develops.'

Lord Field of Birkenhead, the ex-chairman of the House of Commons work and pensions committee, called on the Government to intervene on the grounds of 'food security'.

'During the pandemic we struggled with imports and this is the only grocer that owns its own farms,' he said.

Morrisons' executives stand to make 34.7m from the supermarket's takeover, while non-executives led by chairman Andy Higginson (pictured) could bag another 750,000

Morrisons, which employs 110,000 staff, is one of Britain's biggest food producers and claims to be the top customer of the country's farmers.

But critics have argued that a private equity takeover could see its properties sold for a quick profit, in sale and leaseback deals, while buyout firms are infamous for cutting jobs and retirement benefits.

If the deal goes through, analysts at UBS estimated Morrisons' debts will double to 6.4billion. To head off concerns, Fortress has promised to keep the grocer based in Bradford, keep a minimum staff wage, maintain relationships with suppliers and avoid 'material' property sales.

In a letter to the Government, it said that it was 'acutely aware of the wider responsibilities that come with ownership of a business with Morrisons' history, culture and importance to the British public'.

But the commitments have only been made as part of an 'intention statement'  so they are not legally binding and can be ditched after just 12 months.

The bid will need 75 per cent approval from shareholders but on Monday top 10 investor Legal & General warned a sale should not happen 'for the wrong reasons'.

A top 20 shareholder said: 'It is far too low. Back in 2018, Morrisons shares were actually trading higher than what is being offered at the moment, so this does not look like a knockout price to me. This is a very high-quality business that has been undervalued.'

Grimsey, the former boss of Iceland and Wickes, said: 'Private equity, particularly in the retail sector, is the ugly face of capitalism.'

Asked what he would say to shareholders who want the stock to rise, he said: 'I would say they are greedy, and Ken Morrison is fuming in his grave and spitting tacks.'
Shareholder pressure: Foxtons chairman Ian Barlows is stepping down after eight years

The chairman of Foxtons has resigned after the estate agents biggest shareholder demanded radical changes.

Ian Barlows departure after eight years in the post follows criticism by tycoon Jeremy Hosking.

Foxtons shares are nearly 40 per cent below their pre-pandemic level, despite the stamp duty holiday sales bonanza. Hosking Partners, which owns 11.2 per cent, had demanded board-level change.

It was also frustrated about pay after Foxtons boss Nic Budden, 53, got a near-1million bonus last year despite it receiving 6million of pandemic aid from the Government.

Barlow said he was stepping down due to governance guidelines that chairmen should not be on boards longer than nine years.

He blamed share performance on challenges to the London market since Brexit, and the pandemic. Stock fell 0.9 per cent, or 0.5p, to 58.5p.
Morrisons last night sought to head off political opposition to a private equity takeover of the supermarket amid calls for Parliament to scrutinise the 6.3billion deal.

In a letter to government ministers and MPs in constituencies where it is a top employer, the grocer claimed that buyout firm Fortress and its backers would be good stewards of the business.

It listed undertakings the consortium has given on pay, suppliers and properties, despite questions about how binding these will actually be and for how long.

Assurances: Morrisons has told the government that buyout firm Fortress and its backers would be good stewards of the business

Given all these assurances, the Morrisons board believes that Fortress would be a suitable and responsible owner, it said.

The move came the day after it emerged Kwasi Kwarteng, the Business Secretary, was monitoring the deal and seeking a meeting with the board. But there were calls yesterday for the House of Commons business committee, chaired by Labours Darren Jones, to probe the takeover.

Former Tory environment minister Lord Blencathra warned that Morrisons was ripe for asset-stripping and called for MPs to investigate, while trade union Unite called for the implications for the food industry to be scrutinised.

Jones has so far asked the Competition and Markets Authority to explain what powers it may have to intervene in the deal. But Lord Blencathra, who served in the governments of John Major and Margaret Thatcher, said executives from Morrisons and its potential buyers should be hauled into Parliament as part of a wider inquiry into private equitys raid on UK plc.

The Tory peer said: You can just imagine how vulture capitalists might sell it all off and then lease it back at enormous cost.

We are seeing this now across the board with British business and this is the second supermarket to be targeted by private equity.

They are only interested in maximising profits. There needs to be an inquiry into what vulture firms are doing to this country, so that we can actually get some perspective on what parts of British industry we are losing.

Unite national officer Adrian Jones added: It is entirely proper and correct for MPs on the business committee to demand answers and secure strict guarantees from the existing management and potential bidders about what is being offered and the impact on directly employed workers and those in the companys supply chain.

It came as it was claimed Morrisons property portfolio  listed as being worth 5.8bn in accounts  could be worth more.

Steve Windsor, of Atrato Partners, which advises investment trust Supermarket Income Reit, said they could be worth 9billion. It is understood that the portfolio has not been revalued since 2014.

Yesterday, former City minister Lord Myners claimed the board was not doing enough to protect shareholders.

He said: The board has thrown in the towel. It is their duty to show how the supermarket can grow as a stand-alone company. I cant see what these bidders bring. They are American and have little insight into the UK grocery market.
A steel company that makes parts for the UKs nuclear submarine programme is close to being nationalised amid concerns it could go bust.

The Ministry of Defence is adding the final touches to a deal for Sheffield Forgemasters, which has been beset by financial difficulties.

In 2016 defence firms BAE Systems, Babcock International and Rolls-Royce underwrote a 30million loan following an approach from a state-owned Chinese firm in 2015 about a rescue deal, which was blocked by ministers.

Strategic supplier: Sheffield Forgemasters makes parts for the UKs nuclear submarine programme

The problems mirror those of the wider UK steel industry  British Steel went bust, Tata Steel is reviewing its plants and Liberty Steel is fighting for survival.

Talks with the Government have been going on for six months, Sky News reported, and an announcement could be coming within days.

The Ministry of Defence said: Sheffield Forgemasters is a strategic supplier to Defence; therefore we are in regular dialogue with them. It would be inappropriate to comment further.

Sheffield Forgemasters boss David Bond said it would be inappropriate to comment further on such commercial sensitivities.
Brewdog is under scrutiny again after the Advertising Standards Authority banned one of its adverts for potentially being misleading.

The Scottish brewery posted an advert on social media app Instagram for its Clean & Press alcoholic hard seltzer drink with the text 'due to advertising regulations we cannot claim this drink is healthy'.

The text below the image stated: 'Even though Clean & Press is only 90 calories per can, with no carbs or sugar and a little bit of alcohol, this is not a health drink. If you are looking for a health drink, do not drink Clean & Press.'

The ASA challenged whether the claims 'only 90 calories per can' and 'no carbs or sugar' were nutrition claims that were not permitted for alcoholic drinks after it received five complaints.

The ASA said the Instagram ad for Brewdog's Clean & Press hard seltzer implied it was healthy

The advert under investigation appeared in January 2021 with complainants saying the above statements implied the drink was healthy and were therefore general health claims that were not permitted for alcoholic drinks.

The ASA also challenged whether the claim 'a little bit of alcohol' implied that the drink was low alcohol.

It said this would not be allowed because it had an alcoholic strength by volume (ABV) of 5 per cent.

Another issue was the claim 'no carbs or sugar' as it suggested the product had particular beneficial nutritional properties.

It added the claim 'sugar-free' could be made in relation to foods or drinks which met the associated conditions of use for the claim, but it was not a nutrition claim that was allowed to be made in relation to alcohol.

With regards to 'only 90 calories per can', the ASA said, whilst advertising the number of calories is accepted, putting 'only' in front suggested it had the particular beneficial nutritional property of being low in calories.

With all of the above claims being challenged, it suggests the advert itself could be misleading.

As a result, the regulator said the ad must not appear again in its current form and told Brewdog not to make health claims or non-permitted nutrition claims about alcoholic drinks.

It also told the company not to make 'permitted nutrition claims for alcoholic drinks' if the product did not meet the associated conditions of use for the claim.

Brewdog has recently been accused of mistreating its employees in a public statement

Brewdog replied that, although the claims in the ad were intended to be tongue in cheek, it accepted it breached the Code and agreed it would not be used in future campaigns.

A spokesperson said: 'We have accepted the ASA ruling and have removed the wording in question'.

From 1 January 2021, only nutrition claims authorised on Britain's nutrition and health claims register are permitted in marketing communications.

The CAP Code also required the only permitted nutrition claims that could be made in relation to alcohol were 'low-alcohol', 'reduced alcohol' and 'reduced energy'.

Brewdog is already in hot water for a promotion in which the firm promised 10 lucky winners the chance to find a 'solid gold can'.

However, one of the winners said the prize was mostly made out of brass and was nowhere near worth the 15,000 Brewdog claimed it was.

The Scottish brewer argued the value of the can is retained as it is a 'collectible' item.

The ASA said it is still looking into this claim before it makes a ruling.

The firm also came under fire in recent times after claims it mistreated employees were made public.
Two years ago, the remote Scottish fishing town of Buckie was rocked by scandal when it became the centre of an alleged tax ruse.

Stuart Forsyth, a well-known member of the community who ran a boat insurance company, was accused by the City of London's two main watchdogs of funnelling around 200,000 of his salary to his wife to cut his tax bill.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Bank of England's Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) fined him 154,498, and banned him from working in the regulated sector.

Unlikely setting: Stuart Forsyth, a boat insurer from the remote Scottish fishing town of Buckie (pictured), was accused of funnelling around 200,000 of his salary to his wife

But they yesterday had to apologise after a judgement from the Upper Tribunal found the accusations 'wholly unsubstantiated'.

The alleged misconduct related to Forsyth's time as chief executive of the Scottish Boatowners Mutual Insurance Association, set up by fishermen in 1918, which specialised in insuring fishing boats.

After 15 years at the business, he joined major insurer RSA in 2016 but lost his job due to the penalties which the FCA and PRA levied against him.

Forsyth, 51, said: 'Before this case I had a 30-year unblemished career in the marine insurance industry. Over the years of being subjected to the regulators' scrutiny, I have consistently maintained my innocence of the serious allegations levelled at me.

'I am relieved that through the expertise and experience of the tribunal it has been determined as a matter of fact that I have done nothing wrong.

'My wife and I have been through a hellish experience, which seems to me to have resulted from the regulators' flawed judgment.'

When they slapped Forsyth with penalties in 2019, the FCA and the PRA described his case as 'highly unusual'.

Because Buckie was so remote, and the company so small, Forsyth roped in his wife Penelope to provide hospitality to fisherman clients and visiting insurance professionals.

She also helped her husband with secretarial tasks, and took phone calls when he was out of the office. Between 2003 and 2010, Forsyth paid Penelope between 5,000 and 10,000 of his salary for the work  a sum the FCA and PRA said was 'not obviously unreasonable'.

But from 2010, Forsyth, who was paid between 125,000 and 180,000 a year, began to transfer 'excessive amounts of his own remuneration to his wife to reduce his own tax liability and took steps to conceal that', the regulators said.

Between 2010 and 2016, he allegedly transferred around 200,000 in pay and bonuses and managed to avoid paying 18,000 in income tax.

Hellish experience: Stuart Forsyth (pictured with his wife Penelope) was also accused of creating false boardroom meeting minutes

Forsyth was also accused of creating false boardroom meeting minutes, which created the impression that his company's remuneration committee had approved the payments to his wife, and sending these to the PRA.

But the tribunal said: 'We have found Mr Forsyth to be an honest and credible witness in respect of all of the disputed matters.'

It added that Mrs Forsyth was an 'impressive witness', and the tribunal panel, which included one judge and two independent experts, praised her 'full devotion to supporting her husband in the difficult situation'.

The tribunal said the watchdogs had not produced enough evidence to support their allegations, and snubbed claims that Forsyth would have been able to ease his workload if he had employed consultants to help with regulatory changes.

And the regulators' failure to comply with certain disclosure obligations 'cannot be regarded as anything other but the most serious failing on the part of the regulators,' the tribunal said.

The FCA said it would carefully consider the tribunal's recommendations, and admitted errors resulted in the late disclosure of documents. A spokesman added: 'The FCA has apologised to Mr Forsyth and the tribunal for those errors.'

The PRA said it 'accepts the findings that it took a flawed approach in relation to identifying material held in this case. 'These errors resulted in the late disclosure of certain materials, for which we have apologised to both Mr Forsyth and to the court.'
On Hold: First Direct customers are complaining about call wait times

First Direct is in danger of losing its customer-service crown because it cannot get a handle on call wait times.

For years the telephone and internet-only bank has topped satisfaction tables, and in January was named the 'best British brand' by the Institute of Customer Service.

But a spate of 'bad' reviews on Trustpilot has already dragged the bank's rating on the site to just two out of five.

'They are not interested in telephone customers,' one reviewer wrote. 'I waited more than two hours to get to speak to somebody.'

Twitter is also littered with complaints, with one customer told there was a 20-minute wait to speak to its fraud team.

James Daley, of consumer group Fairer Finance, says: 'It is completely out of character for First Direct to be receiving all of these complaints.'

A First Direct spokesman says: 'We offer our sincere apologies to customers for this.' The bank is also hiring and training more call centre workers.

f.parker@dailymail.co.uk
NS&I backtracked on plans to axe Premium Bond prize cheques after our campaign

Savers pressured by National Savings and Investments (NS&I) to have Premium Bond winnings paid directly into bank accounts can switch back to cheques.

The bank has ditched plans to axe the popular prize cheques following a Money Mail campaign.

Last year NS&I sent millions of letters to customers asking for their bank details.

But NS&I has now said customers can request to switch back to cheques  and 470 savers have already done so.

Money Mail reader Brian Roots, 70, says he felt 'pushed into' having prizes paid into his bank account.

But after calling NS&I last week, he has been allowed to revert back to cheques. 'They changed my account and my wife's in just a few minutes,' the retired accountant adds.

An NS&I spokesman says: 'We recognise some customers wanted the option of receiving prizes through the post.'

f.parker@dailymail.co.uk
Advertisement

Five members of Joe Biden's close family have been to rehab for drug or alcohol abuse, DailyMail.com can reveal.

The president's brother Frank, children Hunter and Ashley, his niece Caroline and his late son's widow who also became Hunter's lover, Hallie, have all suffered from addiction issues and had spells in treatment centers  some at the orders of a judge.

In text messages to Hunter, Joe even referred to his son's addiction as a 'disease from mommy and me.'

The revelations shed a new personal light on the president's previous war on drugs, criticizing George Bush Sr's 1980s War on Drugs for being 'not tough enough' and writing punitive laws with harsher sentences for drug crimes when he was head of the Senate Judiciary Committee in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Joe Biden himself is reportedly a teetotaler, after seeing the effects of alcoholism on his favorite uncle who he lived with as a child, according to an October 2020 New York Times profile.

The president has previously accused the truck driver involved in the 1972 accident that killed his first wife and daughter, of being drunk at the time, despite the fact that the driver was not charged with a DUI and police found no evidence of drunk driving.

In text messages to Hunter from June 2018, Joe Biden referred to his son's addiction as a hereditary 'disease from mommy and me'. Biden has never publicly revealed he or his late wife and Hunter's mother Neilia suffered from addiction of any kind. The family is pictured in 1972, months before the car crash that killed Neilia and their one-year-old daughter Naomi

'You've always made me proud you got the disease from mommy and me but you are strong and courageous with so much more to give,' Biden wrote to Hunter in June 2018

Hunter Biden became the poster child for drug addiction's ruinous effects, as his downward spiral into crack smoking and sordid affairs with prostitutes was laid bare last year when images and messages from his abandoned laptop fell into the media's hands

The President's wayward son became the poster child for drug addiction's ruinous effects, as his downward spiral into crack smoking and sordid affairs with prostitutes was laid bare last year when images and messages from his abandoned laptop fell into the media's hands.

But texts on the laptop also reveal that Hallie Biden, his brother Beau's widow who became his lover after Beau died of brain cancer in 2015, has been to rehab four times, costing over $100,000, some of it allegedly paid for by Joe Biden.

Hallie Biden (pictured with Hunter) has been to rehab four times, costing over $100,000 and some of it allegedly paid for by Joe Biden, texts reveal

Amid an argument in December 2018 in their rocky and controversial relationship, Hunter texted Hallie saying: 'You didn't stay longer than 10 days away from family at any one of the 4 times you went to rehab.'

During the conversation Hunter discussed which rehab center he will be attending, and revealed that the president spent $45,000 on a ten-day rehab stay for Hallie.

'It's 3 Months because you have told me and anyone who would listen that I need long term It's closer. D more accessible to my children and dad then Caron [a Pennsylvania and Florida rehab group] is by far,' he wrote.

'It's much less than the $57,000 I paid for you at [upscale Malibu, California rehab] Passages ($5,700 per day) or the $45,000 Dad paid at Caron (4500 per day you stayed). You don't [have] to help me with a dime.'

Other texts from Ashley, 40, on Hunter's laptop reveal that she has also had to get sober after falling prey to addiction.

She texted Hunter warning him against his relationship with their brother's widow, telling him his feelings for Hallie were fueled by his addiction.

'I have my outpatient program until 8 pm but will call you afterI thought i was ''in love'' until I got sober + realized it was all a joke,' Ashley wrote. 'This disease is cunning + baffling. And will f*** with you like no other. Now sober- I realized how much damage I did + how much my mind played tricks on me.

'I 'loved' xxxx because he let me use + didn't bother me about it. Then I got sober + I swear- it's been the biggest mind f***. I wasn't truly feeling any of those feelings. It was the drug.'

During the conversation with Hallie, Hunter discussed which rehab center he will be attending, and revealed his father spent $45,000 on a ten-day rehab stay for Hallie. 'It's 3 Months because you have told me and anyone who would listen that I need long term It's closer. D more accessible to my children and dad then Caron is by far,' he wrote

In September 2018 Ashley also refers to addiction as a disease. 'It is so hard and sad for me to see you in this state,' she texted Hunter. 'I [hate] seeing you always angry. At someone. I hate this disease. And how it has taken you from us'

Other texts from Ashley, 40, on Hunter's laptop reveal that she has also had to get sober after falling prey to addiction. She texted Hunter warning him against his relationship with their brother's widow, telling him his feelings for Hallie were fueled by his addiction

Ashley angrily referred to Hallie as 'the most selfish, self absorbed, idiotic woman I know,' blaming her for enabling Hunter's addiction.

'I will never look at Hallie again. She is truly the most selfish, self absorbed, idiotic woman I know. You + I used to talk about it all the time,' she texted Hunter.

Ashley herself was arrested in 1999 for possession of marijuana.

The then-18-year-old student at Tulane University in New Orleans was released on a $1,000 bond, and the local district attorney declined to prosecute.

Two years later the president's daughter was arrested again for underage drinking in Howard County, Maryland. She was issued a bench warrant after she failed to show up to a hearing for the charge.

Ashley later pleaded guilty and was fined $125.

Court records show that later in 2001 she was evicted from her home in New Orleans.

Ashley angrily referred to Hallie as 'the most selfish, self absorbed, idiotic woman I know,' blaming her for enabling Hunter's addiction

'I will never look at Hallie again. She is truly the most selfish, self absorbed, idiotic woman I know. You + I used to talk about it all the time,' Ashley texted Hunter

Ashley herself was arrested in 1999 for possession of marijuana. The then-18-year-old student at Tulane University in New Orleans was released on a $1,000 bond, and the local district attorney declined to prosecute

She had a third run-in with the law in August 2002, when she was arrested for allegedly obstructing officers trying to break up a bar fight in Chicago.

She reportedly 'blocked the officer's path and made intimidating statements' after one of the assailants threw a bottle at the police.

In March 2009 an anonymous informant approached the New York Post with a video they claimed showed Ashley snorting cocaine at a party in Delaware that month.

The Post declined to purchase the video but ran a story about it.

The newspaper reported that in the video a woman resembling Ashley snorted lines of white powder on a desk through a red straw, and later shouted 'Shut the f*** up' to others in the room.

The Post reported that lawyers who were touting the video for their client claimed 'At one point she pretty much complains that the line isn't big enough,' and that 'She talks about her dad,' adding that they had been offered $250,000 for the footage.

Ashley, her family and the White House did not respond to the Post's requests for comment at the time, and did not respond to DailyMail.com's current requests for comment.

Ashley was a social worker in Delaware at the time, and had campaigned for her father.

She went on to become Executive Director of the Delaware Center for Justice, a criminal justice reform-oriented nonprofit, and is now the founder of a social justice-focused clothing company.

Joe Biden's brother Frank has had multiple alcohol-related driving offences and was ordered by a judge to attend rehab for three months after a 2004 arrest for driving with a suspended license

Frank Biden was spotted walking his dog outside his home in Florida. DailyMail.com revealed last year that Frank, 67, had dodged paying a bereaved family a $1million judgement for 20 years after he was involved in an accident that killed their son in 1999

Joe Biden's brother Frank has had multiple alcohol-related driving offences and was ordered by a judge to attend rehab for three months after a 2004 arrest for driving with a suspended license.

DailyMail.com revealed last year that Frank, 67, had dodged paying a bereaved family a $1 million judgement for 20 years after he was involved in an accident that killed their son in 1999.

Frank rented a Jaguar with his friend, and after picking up two women during a night of drinking, they started speeding down Highway 101 in Southern California.

Frank Biden, then 43, was riding shotgun when he shifted the 290hp car into manual and told the driver to 'punch it,' just before hitting Albano (pictured with his daughter Nicole) Biden was allegedly heard saying 'keep driving' and Turton fled the scene, telling police someone advised him to, while another passenger in the car said 'everyone was drinking'

According to court documents from a civil lawsuit over the car killing, then-25-year-old Jason Turton was driving over 80 mph in a 35 mph zone while Frank operated the stick shifter from the passenger seat, when they ploughed into Michael Albano who was crossing the road.

One of the passengers claimed they heard Frank say 'keep driving' and Turton fled the scene, telling police someone advised him to, while another passenger in the car said 'everyone was drinking'.

Albano's family was awarded a $1 million default judgement after Frank failed to answer their civil case.

Despite earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from business ventures over the next two decades, the president's brother failed to pay any of the debt until DailyMail.com uncovered the story in February last year.

Four years after Frank's car crash, on August 20, 2003, the president's brother was arrested for a DUI.

He had an open and almost empty 375ml bottle of Popov Vodka in his car, 'red watery eyes, slurred speech, flushed face,' and he 'did not know where he had been or where he came from', a police affidavit said.

During the stop he gave the police officer his credit card and a handful of change in lieu of his driver's license and registration and flunked a roadside test, cops recorded.

His license had already been suspended a total of four times. He was given six months probation for the 2003 offence, public records show.

A month later Frank was arrested for petty theft at a Blockbuster in Pompano Beach, Florida.

He was arguing with store workers who called police and when he was searched he had DVDs of 'Rabbit-Proof Fence' and 'They' stuffed down his pants.

'The defendant's intention was to exit the store without paying for the above DVDs,' said one of the arresting officers on scene.

In May 2019 Frank told the Herald-Mail of Hagerstown, Maryland he was 23 years sober, though his DUI arrest records made clear that was untrue.

In a text message to Joe, Hunter accused his father of letting Frank give him and Beau driving lessons 'when he was more f***ed up than I've ever seen a person.'

'You let Uncle Frankie get be Beau and I driving lessons when he was more f***ed up than I've ever seen a person,' Hunter wrote to Joe.

'He had Beau go 79 miles p/h from our neighborhood entrance and without breaking ake that left on to Buck Rd. It was actually fun.

'When I knew Ash was using and told you you let her drive the kids to the Beach and back,' he added.

The news of Frank's involvement in the 1999 car crash killing would have brought back devastating memories for the Biden family, as Joe's first wife Neilia and his 13-month-old daughter Naomi died in a collision with a tractor-trailer in 1972.

A young Hunter and Beau were also in the car at the time, but survived.

Police determined that Neilia, 30, pulled out from a stop sign into the path of the farm vehicle, possibly because her head was turned. The driver, Curtis Dunn, overturned his truck swerving to avoid a collision, then sprinted to the mother and children to give aid.

Though investigators found no evidence of drink-driving, the president has repeated rumors that Dunn was drunk.

During a 2001 speech at the University of Delaware, Joe said a drunk driver crashed into his family, and repeated the story at a public appearance in 2008.

'A tractor-trailer, a guy who allegedly  and I never pursued it  drank his lunch instead of eating his lunch, broadsided my family and killed my wife instantly and killed my daughter instantly and hospitalized my two sons,' he said.

In 2008, the now-deceased Dunn's daughter Pamela Hamill demanded Joe apologize for the unfounded allegations.

'We always felt like our heartstrings were attached to [Biden's] heartstrings. Now we feel stabbed in the back,' she told the Newark Post.

Biden has since apologized Hamill. In 2008 his spokesperson said Biden 'fully accepts the Dunn family's word that these rumors were false.'

The two cousins - Hunter and Caroline Biden - ended up renting a sea view apartment at Surf and Sand Beach Resort in Laguna Beach in 2018

Text messages from July 2018 show Caroline planning a beach getaway with Hunter in Los Angeles where they partied before an upcoming court hearing she had to attend

Photos on Hunter's laptop show them partying and dancing in the seafront apartment lit with psychedelic lights during the getaway

Caroline Biden, daughter of Joe Biden's other brother, Jim, has also attended court-ordered rehab after a DUI and has struggled for years with addiction

Caroline Biden, daughter of Joe Biden's other brother, Jim, has also attended court-ordered rehab after a DUI and has struggled for years with addiction.

Friends told the New York Post the 34-year-old went to rehab for alcohol and Adderall addiction while studying at Georgetown University.

In 2009 she was briefly detained by Amtrak police after a dispute over a train fare, and in 2013 she was accused of assaulting a New York Police Department officer who broke up a fight.

Caroline is seen in June 2018 in court in NYC after partying with Hunter in Laguna Beach

She was sent to an anger management rehab the following year.

In 2017 Caroline admitted to spending $110,000 on a stolen credit card in New York, and in January she spent 20 days in rehab and was sentenced to six months' probation for a DUI after crashing her car into a tree in Pennsylvania.

The arresting officer, Jeffrey Seamans, noted Caroline was driving without a license and 'had difficulty focusing on the conversation' while being questioned.

Text messages from July 2018 show her planning a beach getaway with Hunter in Los Angeles where they partied before an upcoming court hearing she had to attend.

'It would be fun to decide on a place tonight I'm really lonely,' she wrote. 'I have a friend Victoria but she is NOT an escort and I don't know anyone cool w drugs.'

'I'm not looking for an escort dude! And not looking for a drug buddy,' Hunter replied. 'Find me a house.'

He also texted her father, telling Jim: 'im doing my best to get her to NYC w/o an arrest.'

The two cousins ended up renting a sea view apartment at Surf and Sand Beach Resort in Laguna Beach.

Photos on Hunter's laptop show them partying and dancing in the seafront apartment lit with psychedelic lights.

Texts show that at the time, Caroline was facing a court hearing and was out of work, but had just turned down a $85,000 job offered by a family friend.

Caroline also texted Hunter dejectedly telling him she felt unworthy of a job and that she was the 'untrustworthy black sheep' of the family.

'I'm not a fit for the f***ing company,' she wrote. 'Casey and missy [Caroline's cousins] work at coke and Starbucks but I'm untrustworthy black sheep. There's zero place for me anywhere.

In a January 2019 text conversation with Hunter, Caroline said, 'I'm the only person sober in this family. Literally. Not a joke.'

'True dat. B***hes,' Hunter replied. 'They all on something except dad.'

In June 2018 Joe Biden wrote to Hunter referring to his addiction as a hereditary 'disease'.

'You've always made me proud you got the disease from mommy and me but you are strong and courageous with so much more to give,' he wrote.

In September that year Ashley also referred to addiction as a disease.

'It is so hard and sad for me to see you in this state,' she texted Hunter. 'I [hate] seeing you always angry. At someone. I hate this disease. And how it has taken you from us.'

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.

Earlier this year DailyMail.com commissioned top cyber forensics experts Merriman & Associates, who verified the contents of the drive.
A finance guru is accused of swindling 340 investors out of at least $254 million over 16 years in a massive Ponzi scheme.

But instead of facing court, Chris Marco, 63, was spotted drinking coffee at a Perth cafe laughing at questions about his alleged misdeeds.

He is under investigation by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, accused of using investor money to fund his lavish lifestyle by buying properties and vintage cars.

Mr Marco's alleged embezzlement is 10 times the $25 million Sydney conwoman Melissa Caddick pilfered from her investors before disappearing on November 12.

Melissa Caddick was accused of swindling $25million from her investors before mysteriously vanishing on November 12, 2020

Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting the pair are connected in any way.

Mr Marco was confronted by 60 Minutes reporter Liam Bartlett while drinking his coffee before denying he 'duped' his investors.

'I certainly didn't do that, but if you'd make an appointment to speak with me I'd be very happy,' he said.

In December last year, the Federal Court ordered Mr Marco's unregistered managed investment company AMS Holdings to be wound up, and receivers liquidate it and his personal assets to refund investors.

The court judgement state many of Mr Marco's clients were 'mum and dad-type investors who have potentially lost the majority of their retirement assets'.

Investor Troy Adams claimed he lost $400,000 that he invested through Mr Marco's company.

'All my hopes and dreams gone. My home gone. My car is gone. My marriage is hanging on by a thread,' he said.

Patricia Markopolous also claimed her family was duped out of $5 million after investing with him.

Ms Markopolous was married to Mr Marco's second cousin Peter who died more than a year after falling onto his head and suffering catastrophic brain damage.

Mr Marco regularly visited the pair while Ms Markopolous was being treated in hospital.

Chris Marco, 63, was spotted drinking coffee at a Perth cafe as he faces allegations of orchestrating a ponzi scheme and duping as many as 340 investors for 16 years

The grieving widow said she was given financial advice to sell her properties and gave the money to Mr Marco on the promise he would invest it.

Mr Marco denied the claims made by Ms Markopolous, but the Supreme Court of Western Australia last year ruled he owed her family $5.9 million plus interest.

'The appellant's failure to account for and repay the trust monies was a wilful default of his obligations as trustee,' the two justices wrote in judgement.

'The respondents had not been repaid their monies and did not know what had become of them.'

The judgement also stated that Mr Marco appeared to be using funds from new investors to pay off the old ones.

'There is also a serious concern, based on ASIC's evidence, that the pooling of investor funds without adequate record keeping has meant that payment of some 'returns' to investors have come from contributions made by subsequent investors,' it read.

Investor Troy Adams claims he was swindled out of $400,000 by the businessman

Court-appointed receiver Rob Brauer alleged in affidavits relied on in the court's judgement that Mr Marco promised returns on investments but would simply take money from one investor and give some of it to another.

The court judgement stated that the interim receivers analysis of the sources and uses of funds found $18.4 million has been used to purchase, renovate or maintain property either directly by Mr Marco or indirectly by advancing funds to AMS or related parties.

The court heard Investors claimed they received payments of between seven and 40 per cent each quarter.

The Federal Court judgement also heard evidence from several other out-of-pocket investors.

They included Ross Edward Martin, 69, a self-employed homeopath, check-out operator and former teacher Lorraine Morrison, 65, Peter John Morrison, a 67-year-old compliance officer, and cafe and restaurant owner Michele de Marte, 53.

Mr Marco has not been charged with any crime, but the ASIC investigations are not over.

Daily Mail Australia contacted ASIC for comment but the organisation said it could not disclose specific details of its case.

'ASICs investigation into the conduct of Mr Marco is ongoing,' it said.
Personal assistants have declared war on virtual assistants amid fears they will be replaced by them due to the new work from home culture.

Some PAs are going freelance and setting up their own businesses after a jobs bloodbath hit the industry during the pandemic.

But others are turning into VAs - where they work for a client remotely and do not enter their offices - as they say top executives cannot operate without them.

There are fears PAs will become redundant due to the Covid crisis as the role 'may no longer be necessary in the same way'.

Earlier this week it emerged more than 500 secretaries at Deloitte had been told their jobs were at risk.

The bombshell came after 20,000 employees were told they can choose whether to work from home, the office or a mix of both from 'Freedom Day' on July 19.

Some PAs are going freelance and setting up their own businesses after a jobs bloodbath hit the industry during the pandemic. Left: Lily Shippen, who runs a recruitment service for PAs. Right: Lucy Everett

Kate Chastey director of The Passionate PA, said a lot of people are leaving offices to become virtual assistants or go freelance.

But she warned 'their success rate is very low' and many go back into jobs 'as soon as they find something suitable' which is often within months.

The PA, who started out as a freelancer more than a decade ago, added: 'They're not setting themselves up as a business, simply trying to fill time and make ends meet.'

She admitted the Covid crisis had changed the role of the personal assistant but said they had become 'even more important' during the pandemic,

Ms Chastey said: 'The entrepreneur has had more time with reduced travel et cetera, but most have worked even harder to keep their businesses going over the last 18 months.

'This means that the business support from their PA has been even more vital as a great PA will be doing so much more than handling meetings, diary management and HR matters.'

She said there are apps and ways of outsourcing receptionist and secretarial work at a fraction of the cost of a full time PA.

But she added: 'Our business leading clients still very much want their executive level PA support to be provided by a real person, with real personality  ready and willing to meet face to face when the time is right.'

Kate Chastey (pictured) director of The Passionate PA, said a lot of people are leaving offices to become virtual assistants or go freelance

Lily Shippen, who runs a recruitment service for PAs, said she had noticed the switch from many in her trade to freelance.

She continued: 'There were a lot of jobs going during Covid. But I don't think it is where the role is going.

'The role is growing year on year just in a more strategic way rather than the traditional roles.'

But Rosemary Parr, a former executive assistant to BT Chairman Sir Christopher Bland, said she is concerned by the way the industry is going.

She said: 'As a result of Covid there may be some industries where there is a cut back in admin staff.

But Rosemary Parr (pictured), a former executive assistant to BT Chairman Sir Christopher Bland, said she is concerned by the way the industry is going

'However no executive at a senior level can do their job to their best ability without an efficient EA/PA supporting them.

'EAs & PAs ease the pressure, take on multiple tasks, become the software and app expert, implement time saving structures and can make their executive 40 per cent -50 per cent more efficient.'

She added: 'Through Covid many of them I have trained tell them they have been given additional responsibility, manage reduced office staff and working from home schedules and Covid facilities management.

'The role is evolving and moving upwards into management with 50 per cent of the profession now educated to degree level. As a profession they will never be eliminated.'

Yet a senior PA for a healthcare firm, who asked not to be named, said she had found her job 'extremely boring' during the pandemic so she launched her own business.

She said it started really busy as she helped ICUs and doctors across the country, but her work dried up and became 'extremely quiet'.

She said: 'For the first few months of Covid as our clinicians were busy being redeployed to ICU and writing Covid guidance for doctors across the country, I was fairly busy supporting them.

'And then things became extremely quiet. Since January, I have maybe a handful of tasks to do each week. It's extremely boring.

'One day last week I even forgot to log on in the morning - yes, I forgot I had a job - and nobody even noticed.

'I was so desperate for something to do that I launched my own business. I spend roughly half an hour doing PA-related tasks each day, and for the rest of the time I'm an entrepreneur. A bizarre situation, but I need to put myself first.'

Despite the PAs backing the necessity of their jobs, big businesses appear to be shifting away from the traditional personal assistant (file photo)

And Lucy Everett, a former EA in the City of London who created Virtually Supported, made a similar move.

She said: 'Some people have the opinion that PAs & EAs are simply an admin support role.

'But my experience as an EA in the City prior to starting my business was so much more than that.

'Most EAs are the right hand person for the board level exec they support. They're expert problem solvers who can organise multiple diaries, across a range of time zones without any fuss at all.

'They sit at board meetings with high level execs and get to understand how to run a big business and what goes into strategic decisions.'

Despite the PAs backing the necessity of their jobs, big businesses appear to be shifting away from the traditional personal assistant.

More than 500 secretaries at Deloitte have been told their jobs are at risk after 20,000 employees were told they can choose whether to work from home.

Big businesses appear to be adopting 'hybrid models' for staff and this will speed up the digitisation of staff services meaning fewer PAs may be needed.

Deloitte is considering making at least one third of secretarial staff redundant which would save them 4million-a-year.

Deloitte is considering making at least one third of secretarial staff redundant which would save them 4million-a-year (file photo)

Boris Johnson is ready to ditch the 'work from home' guidance  but it will be left to employers and their staff to decide when workers go back to their desks (file photo)

Instead there would be 'pools' of secretaries for staff to use - with only the most senior management retaining personal PAs.

The official guidance telling people to 'work from home if you can' will be scrapped on July 19 in England.

But it will be left up to employers and their staff to decide whether they have to go back to their desks.

Deloitte is the latest of several large companies to announce plans for hybrid working.

A spokesman said: 'We are consulting on proposed changes to executive assistant roles at Deloitte, which, unfortunately, could lead to some redundancies.

'We know this will be difficult news for those affected and we are supporting our people during this process.'

It follows Asda, Lloyds, Barclays and HSBC Banks, as well as call-centre operator Capita and British Gas owner Centrica.
The Los Angeles police officer who circulated a Valentine's Day-themed meme with the words 'you take my breath away' poking fun at George Floyd's murder has been cleared of wrongdoing and will not face any disciplinary action.

The cop, a sergeant who works at the LAPDs air support division who has not been named publicly, was found not guilty of any administrative charges by a internal disciplinary panel comprised of community members, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed on Tuesday.

Police Chief Michel Moore had directed the officer to the panel, known as a Board of Rights, in May with the recommendation that the officer be fired. The chief does not have the authority to dismiss officers.

'The Department respects the disciplinary process and will direct employees to a board of rights where it is believed that termination is the appropriate penalty,' the LAPD said in a statement Tuesday.

The LAPD officer who shared a photo of George Floyd with the words 'you take my breath away' has been found not guilty of any administrative charges. In May, LAPD Chief Michel Moore (pictured speaking in June 2020) recommended that the officer be fired

The officer chose to have their case heard by a board of three civilians, instead of two LAPD officers of the rank of captain or higher and one civilian panelist. KNBC first reported the panel's findings.

Leslie Wilcox, the officer's attorney, said the officer only shared the Valentine to report it to his superior.

'The Board of Rights panel was absolutely correct in exonerating the officer based on the evidence of this case. The officer found the meme offensive, he did not create the meme, nor did he distribute it beyond notifying a commanding officer of its existence,' Wilcox said in a statement.

'This decision shows that the Board of Rights process works and that the civilian panel is able to put aside political pressure and focus on the evidence in front of them in making objective decisions.'

The offensive meme was said to have featured George Floyd's photo in a Valentine's Day card format

Floyd, a black men, was killed beneath the knee of then-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in May 2020

Chauvin was sentenced in May 2021 to more than 22 years in prison for Floyd's murder

Moore had ordered an investigation into the racist Valentine in February, vowing that if the probe found that LAPD officers were circulating the image, 'people will find my wrath.'

'Our investigation is to determine the accuracy of the allegations while also reinforcing our zero tolerance for anything with racist views,' Moore said.

Floyd, a black man, was killed in May 2020 after then-Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin pressed a knee on his neck for more than eight minutes as Floyd repeatedly said, 'I can't breathe.'

His death, which was captured on video, launched massive protests nationwide over racial injustice and police brutality, including in Los Angeles.

Chauvin was sentenced to more than 22 years in prison last month after being found guilty of murdering Floyd.
The body of a boy believed to have died before his fifth birthday was found in his parents' freezer two months ago and may have been there for as long as two-and-a-half years, it has been revealed.

Cops found Eliel Adon Weaver, 4, when they obtained a warrant and searched the family's home on Lookout Point Circle in the Richmond suburb of Chesterfield on May 4 after a tipster said his body may be hidden there.

Kassceen Weaver, 49, and Dina D. Weaver, 48, have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to conceal a body and failing to render aid to a child and have since been released on bond, WTVR-TV reported.

Kassceen was also charged with concealment of a body, domestic assault and malicious wounding of an adult woman after he allegedly beat and burned his wife with a curling iron, WWBT reported citing court records.

Kassceen Weaver, 49, and Dina D. Weaver, 48, have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to conceal a body and failing to render aid to a child

Cops found Eliel Adon Weaver, 4, when they obtained a warrant and searched the family's home on Lookout Point Circle

Cops said that charges were recently filed after an autopsy report from the county's chief medical examiner confirmed Eliel's identity - though his cause and manner of death were not yet available, Fox News reported.

DailyMail.com has reached out to the Virginia Department of Health's Central Region for more information about the autopsy.

Chesterfield Police Major Mike Louth told WTVR-TV: 'It's taken a little bit of time to get us to the point right here just for the fact that this isn't your typical type of investigation.'

'We have human remains that had been in a freezer for approximately a year and a half to two years. So you know, we needed to have an autopsy done, and they worked really well with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner,' Louth said.

He added: 'They brought in some specialists, some forensic anthropologists to help us out on this.'

The couple may face more charges after a final autopsy report from the medical examiners office is revealed, according to WWBT.

DailyMail.com has also reached out to the Chesterfield County Juvenile and Domestic Court clerk's office for the court records.

Dina Weaver has claimed that she suffers a history of physical and mental abuse, according to court records obtained by WWBT. She also allegedly feared for her safety and that of her brother.

Court records show Dina's brother, who was not named by the outlet, had also told cops he was worried his sister was a victim of domestic violence.

Video shows officials unloading the freezer from the home near Richmond

Cops found the body of the boy in the freezer after receiving a tip

The freezer in which the body of the boy was reportedly found is loaded onto a trailer at the home

It is believed that the boy had been in the freezer for as long as two and a half years

Dina's brother claimed she would talk to him using her work phone and that she allegedly told him on such a phone call on May 3 that Eliel had died two years prior

Dina reportedly did not call police when the boy died because of bruising on his body - though does not mention in the court documents how Eliel died

In the complaint, Dina's brother detailed Kassceen's 'manipulative' behavior such as preventing her from owning a car or cell phone. Kassceen also allegedly did not want Dina talking to her family, WWBT reported.

Dina's brother claimed she would talk to him using her work phone and that she allegedly told him on such a phone call on May 3 that Eliel had died two years prior.

She allegedly accused Kassceen of wrapping little Eliel's body up to place it in the freezer, WWBT reported.

Dina reportedly did not call police when the boy died because of bruising on his body - though does not mention in the court documents how Eliel died.

As noted by WWBT, Dina Weaver was also pictured in mugshot with a black eye which she claimed in the court documents were caused by a 'scuffle' with Kassceen.

Dina also detailed a time in which Kassceen allegedly tied her up with an electrical cord and burned her with a curling iron, the outlet reported.

A second child living with the Weavers has been placed into foster care, outlets reported.
Former Superman actor Dean Cain slammed comics giant Marvel for its decision to slate the American Dream in its latest Captain America comic book.

Speaking to Fox and Friends on Monday, Cain said he loves Captain America and the concept of the American super-soldier, 'but I m so tired of this wokeness and anti-Americanism.'

'We just celebrated our 245 birthday,' Cain, who donned a red cape in DC's 'Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,' continued.

'In my opinion, America is the greatest country in history,' he said. 'It's not perfect. We are constantly striving for a more perfect union, but I believe she's the most fair, equitable country anyone's ever seen, and that's why people are clamoring to get here from all over the globe.'

'I agree with Sen. Tom Cotton, who was on a couple of days ago,' he said, 'who said that perhaps the captain needs to be demoted to lieutenant, because I think it makes good sense.

His comments come in response to a new Captain America comic book, 'The United States of Captain America,' which has come under criticism for the titular character claiming the American Dream doesn't exist.

Speaking to Fox and Friends on Monday, actor Dean Cain said he is 'tired of this wokeness and anti-Americanism' in response to a new Marvel comic in which Captain America says the American Dream isn't real

Cain said he believes anti-American sentiment has infiltrated the media, comic books, television shows and movies

'You know America has its founding principles, which I firmly believe in,' Cain said. 'I believe in individual freedom, I believe in equality of opportunity - not outcome, competition - the ability to compete fairly, hard work, which brings you material wealth, which in turn gives you self-reliance.

'That's what everybody wants on the face of this planet, that's what everybody strives for, that's why they are trying to come here.

'And I find this wokeness - it's pervasive. It goes through everything, it's in our school system.

'The cool thing to do today is to bash America,' he said. 'The comic books do it, the schools, they indoctrinate our kids they do that, our movies, our television shows are full of it, celebrities, athletes, actors, the media - they love to bash America.

'I don't get it,' Cain told the Fox and Friends hosts. 'I wonder to myself often - do these people ever travel outside o America? Do they go to where they have to deal with governments who aren't anywhere near as fair as [the] United States?'

'I don't think they do,' he said. 'I do it all the time, and I kiss the soil when I get back here.'

He also said that he has become a 'revolutionary in some terms' for supporting the country, 'which I'm fine with,' and offered hope that patriotism will return to the mainstream when education once again emphasizes American greatness.

'I believe the pendulum will swing back to openly appreciating American values, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, as soon as people start studying them in school again,' Cain said, according to FOX News.

Cain, right, gained fame as DC Comics' Superman in 'Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman' in the 1990s alongside co-star Teri Hatcher

A recent Captain America comic book, 'The United States of Captain America,' has come under fire for a segment in which Steve Rogers laments the American Dream

In the new Captain America comic book, 'The United States of Captain America,' the titular character claims the American Dream doesn't exist.

'I'm loyal to nothing,' Steve Rogers says in the comic. 'Except the dream.

'Here's the thing about a dream, though. A dream isn't real.

'I'm starting to think America actually has two dreams,' he continues. 'And one lie.'

'The first American dream is the one that isn't real. It's the one some people expect to just be handed to them. And then they get angry when it disappears. When the truth is, it never really existed in the first place.'

Rogers then goes on to lament the 'white-picket fence' dream as he washes his shield.

'This is the white-picket fence fallacy, that if we're not careful becomes nationalism. Jingoism,' Rogers says. 'That dream isn't real because it never was. Because that dream doesn't get along nicely with reality.

'Other cultures. Immigrants. The poor. The suffering. People easily come to be seen as "different or un-American,"' he says. 'The white picket fence becomes a gate to keep others out.'

'We're at our best when we keep no one out,' he continues. 'A good dream is shared. Shared radically. Shared with everyone.

'When something isn't shared it can become the American lie.'

At another point in the story, the Washington Times reports, a character standing next to Steve Rogers, a white man, suggests that Sam Wilson, a black character, is more representative of all Americans.

'Wow, Sam Wilson,' the character says, according to the Times. 'Two Captain Americas for the price of one.

'I can't tell you how much it means to meet both of you,' he says. 'You fight for everyone, I mean everyone.'

The comics giant had previously riled conservatives in February 2010, when it pitted Captain America against 'Angry White folks' at an apparent Tea Party rally, the Times reports.

It called the movement 'a grassroots anti-government army' that 'looks like some kind of anti-tax thing,' according to NewsBusters.

A lewd message related to Tea Party activists was reportedly removed from future printings of the book, and was blamed on 'someone in lettering and production.'
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's gun violence 'disaster emergency' has been slammed as 'political grandstanding' by opponents because he should be cracking down on criminals rather than weapons manufacturers.

New York became the first state in the nation to declare gun violence an emergency on Tuesday as Cuomo pointed the finger at the manufacturers of weapons as one of the main reasons behind the spate of shootings and killings that is at its highest level since the early 2000s.

However, critics have claimed it is 'political grandstanding' and that an increase in gun violence has been caused by 'soft-on-crime' policies such as the early release of prisoners, treating criminals 'like victims' and calls to defund the police.

Cuomo targeted manufacturers of guns in a speech on Tuesday, with a bill allowing the New York Attorney General to sue them in some circumstances, and announced almost $139 million in investment to reduce the rapidly-rising death toll.

Weapon manufacturers could face a lawsuit for harming the public by failing to take steps to prevent firearms from being sold unlawfully in New York, for instance.

The announcement comes ahead of next year's election, where he is expected to launch a reelection campaign to stay in office.

'It is a matter of saving lives, and New York's future depends on it,' Cuomo said at a news conference at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Manhattan.

Cuomo is finally taking action over the surging crime rate in the Big Apple and the rest of the state, by signing legislation allowing for a lawsuit to be brought in cases where 'reasonable controls and procedures are not in place'.

He also closed a loophole that allowed people with outstanding warrants for their arrest to purchase guns and said that they want to form a council aimed at gun-violence prevention.

The announcement was made on the same day anti-crime Eric Adams won the New York City Democratic mayoral primary, putting him on track to succeed Mayor de Blasio.

However, Cuomo placing the blame of a surge in gun violence on the manufacturers has faced criticism, with opponents claiming policies put in place which treat 'criminals like the victims' and releasing offenders from their prison sentences early is the reason, rather than the guns themselves.

Mike Lawler, a member of the New York State Assembly, said that policies put in place which treat 'criminals like they are the victims' is the reason for the gun violence emergency, rather than the guns themselves.

He said: 'Cashless bail for violent criminals; non-enforcement of petty crimes; defunding the police; eliminating the anti-crime unit; parole for cop killers, child rapists, murderers and depraved violent criminals. That is why we have a rise in crime and shootings.

'If you want to fix it, cut the political grandstanding and reverse these disastrous policies now, otherwise we can expect the violence to continue and get worse.'

New York state Republican Leader Rob Ortt, who slammed it as 'political grandstanding'.

Andrew Cuomo, the governor of New York, was in Manhattan on Tuesday to sign into law a $139 million plan to combat gun crime in the state. Almost half of the money will go to violence prevention initiatives and finding jobs and training for young people deemed most at risk

Bill Neidhart, spokesman for Mayor Bill de Blasio, said that Cuomo should address the issue of state bills which are in favour of state parolees after a bill in April restored their voting rights, the New York Post reported.

He added that it was 'encouraging to see today's plan reflects what is in Safe Summer NYC, the comprehensive plan to fight back gun violence in New York City.

'Unfortunately, the Governor did not mention state bills that support state parolees, who are disproportionately involved in New York City shootings.'

Cuomo said: 'The only industry in the United States of America immune from lawsuits are the gun manufacturers, but we will not stand for that any longer.

'I am not only signing a new law that does away with this immunity, giving New York the ability to hold them accountable, but also closing the destructive Trump loophole which has allowed people with active warrants to purchase guns for far too long.

'Now, if you have an active warrant, you cannot buy a gun in the State of New York, period.'

Cuomo also outlined a vision of building a 'magic wall', in reference to former president Donald Trump, to stop traffickers from smuggling weapons from states such as Pennsylvania and New Jersey, which have less-restrictive gun laws than New York.

Cuomo's announcement faced further criticism from Rob Ortt, who slammed it as 'political grandstanding' because the gun violence crisis has a direct link to the state's bail reform laws.

In a statement posted to Twitter, Ortt said: 'The crisis in cities across our state today directly correlates with the passage of the disastrous bail and other criminal justice "reforms", an out-of-control Parole Board that has released countless murderers and other dangerous criminals, and calls by democrats to defund our police.

'These heinous acts of violence and the victims affected deserve real solutions - not political grandstanding.'

Meanwhile, president of the London Center for Policy Research Tony Shaffer said the emergency order is a 'created crisis and "epidemic"' because of the reformed prison system which saw felons freed.

However, critics have claimed it is 'political grandstanding' and that an increase in gun violence is caused by soft crime policies

He added: 'Guns are not the issue... political leadership failure is...'

Cuomo unveiled a seven-point plan, including using 'data and science' to look at shooting 'hotspots' and treating gun violence as an 'emergency public health issue'.

It comes less than two weeks after Cuomo lifted the state's disaster emergency on the Covid-19 pandemic, and he said gun violence should be treated as a public health crisis.

Over the Fourth of July weekend, 51 people were shot in New York state with 26 of those in New York City alone. At least two of those were killed. Across the state, 14 victims were in Buffalo, five in Syracuse, three on Long Island, two in Utica and one in Rochester. During the holiday weekend, 13 people in the state died of COVID-19.

'If you can beat COVID, you can beat gun violence. We're in a new epidemic, and it's gun violence, and it's a matter of life and death also,' Cuomo said.

'People are not coming back to this city, they're not coming back to any city, until they know they are safe.'

The order allows the state to free up funds to create a special police unit to fight the trafficking of firearms from other states. At least 74% of guns used in crimes in New York were purchased out of state.

New York City police officers investigate the scene where a man was shot and killed in Brooklyn on June 11. Gun crime is soaring in the city, and across the state

In New York City police recorded more than 1,500 shootings in 2020, nearly almost twice as many as 2019, and the violence so far this year is at its highest level since the early 2000s.

In New York, gun violence has spiked 32% over the same period in 2020 - some 886 people have been shot in 765 incidents this year through July 4, according to police statistics.

Cuomo's war against guns comes after political foe de Blasio vowed to slash $1 billion from the police budget amid calls to defund the police, despite the surging crime rate in the past year.

Adams, 60, is a former police officer and current president of the borough of Brooklyn. He said: 'I wore a bulletproof vest to keep my neighbors safe. I served my community as a State Senator & Brooklyn Borough President. And I'm honored to be the Democratic nominee to be the Mayor of the city I've always called home. Thank you, New York!'

He said he was running to 'deliver on the promise of this great city for those who are struggling, who are underserved, and who are committed to a safe, fair, affordable future for all New Yorkers.'

Cuomo's announcement comes off the back of a bloody Independence Day weekend across the nation. Between July 3 and July 5, there were 379 shootings and 142 people were killed across the US, according to Gun Violence Archive.

The governor said that New York should show the rest of the U.S. how to deal with the crisis.

'Treat gun violence as it is - which is really a public health emergency,' said Cuomo. 'That's what it is, and that's how we're going to treat it. So today, first state in the nation, is going to declare a disaster emergency on gun violence.'

In his announcement, Cuomo said gun violence overwhelmingly affects poor, black and Latino communities, whose youth are three to 10 times as likely as whites to be victims of gun violence. But it matters for all, he said, because the state cannot rebound from the pandemic without addressing it.

The governor said he was appointing a special coordinator for the prevention of gun violence attached to the state's health services.

The office will have to coordinate with social services, prison services, police forces and others. A special police unit to fight the trafficking of firearms from other states will also be created.

The new legislation means gun manufacturers cannot endanger the safety and health of the public through the products they sell, which can be considered a public nuisance even if harm was not purposely caused.

'This is a national problem - I get it. But somebody has to step up and somebody has to address it,' Cuomo said.

'And the place that should step up and address it is the state of New York.

'And we should do it comprehensively and honestly and creatively. And that's what today is all about,' he said.

Cuomo poses for photos with advocates working to reduce gun violence in New York

New York City police officers with the Crime Scene Unit investigate the scene in Brooklyn on June 11

Members of the New York Police Department investigate the scene of a fatal double-shooting on June 6

The governor said that New York should lead the nation in tackling gun violence.

New York has some of the strictest gun laws in America but it is easy to travel and buy weapons in the neighboring states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, which are more lax.

'This is the state - when it sees an injustice, we don't look the other way: we stand up and we fight it, and that's what we're going to do with gun violence,' he said.

Cuomo unveiled special measures aimed at curbing an increase in shootings that have beset New York City since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in spring last year.

'If you look at the recent numbers, more people are now dying from gun violence and crime than COVID,' his office said in a press release.

'This is a national problem but someone has to step up and address this problem because our future depends on it.'

Cuomo also announced $138 million of investment in intervention and prevention programs, including $76 million to create jobs for young people deemed most at risk.

Police in the New York City borough of Queens investigate a shooting on June 6. A man was wounded and a 10-year-old boy was hit in the chest and pronounced dead at a nearby hospital following the drive-by shooting

The governor signed two laws into effect on Tuesday as well.

One 'public nuisance liability' law makes it easier for civilians to bring lawsuits against gun makers and dealers.

Manufacturers have been largely exempt from liability by federal law, which the New York law will circumvent.

State Senator Zellnor Myrie, who sponsored the gun nuisance law and attended the governor's announcement, said it gave grieving mothers from the violence-plagued Brooklyn district of Brownsville and the city of Buffalo leverage against a gun industry that is making record profits.

'Illegal guns are responsible for the overwhelming amount of violence on our streets  including the murder of police officers  and now we're the first state in the nation to say enough is enough; if you're a bad actor, you will pay,' he told The New York Times.

In a statement, he added: 'In this year's state budget, we declared gun violence a public health crisis, especially affecting Black and Brown communities like the ones I represent.

'Today, we're taking bold action to address this crisis head on by enacting the strongest gun industry liability law in the nation. This new law makes it clear: New York will not hesitate to hold gun companies accountable for reckless and irresponsible actions that lead to bloodshed in our streets.'

The second is designed to prevent those wanted for crimes from being able to acquire a weapon.

Senator Brian Kavanagh said that the new legislation 'represents significant steps in our continuing efforts to end the scourge of gun violence'.

He said: 'While we have enacted some of the strongest gun laws in the US and have much lower rates of gun deaths and injuries than most other states, we must remain committed to doing all we can to keep guns out of the hands of those who shouldn't have them.'

Assembly Member Patricia Fahy said that they are helping to keep New Yorkers safe from 'the scourge of gun violence'.

She said: 'For far too long, most guns recovered from violent crimes and shootings in New York are trafficked in from out-of-state, yet the gun industry in the United States enjoys special protection from civil liability under a 2005 federal law known as PLCAA.

'Passing this landmark legislation will allow gun manufacturers and distributors, who knowingly use bad actors to market their products, to be held civilly liable for the damage they cause on our streets.

'We have led the nation on gun legislation - and we aren't letting up now to help keep New Yorkers safe from the scourge of gun violence.'

She added: 'It will be an effective tool to leverage in the fight against gun violence this year in New York State and shift the national conversation.'

Assembly Member Amy Paulin said that it 'makes common sense' for people who have an outstanding warrant to not be able to buy a gun.

She said: 'Too often, we see guns get into the wrong hands, with disastrous results.

'If you have committed a serious offense, and there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you shouldn't have a gun.'

New York Stat Republican Leader Rob Ortt, who slammed it as 'political grandstanding'.

'Days after finally relinquishing his emergency powers, the governor has declared another emergency,' Ortt said. 'The crisis in cities across our state today directly correlates with the passage of the disastrous bail and other criminal justice 'reforms,' an out-of-control parole board that has released countless murderers and other dangerous criminals, and calls by Democrats to defund our police.'

These measures come as New York and the US face a sharp rise in crime since last summer.

The country's major cities saw a 30 per cent increase in homicides in 2020, with Republicans accusing Democratic leaders of negligence.

President Joe Biden introduced measures on June 23 to limit the flow of firearms but a divided Congress makes it difficult for Democrats to pass laws.
Australians across the country have woken to find mysterious purple balloons floating above their mailbox - with a special gift dangling at the bottom.

Residents in Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Newcastle stepped outside to find balloons lining their streets on Wednesday morning.

While many first thought the decorations were a gift to brighten their day, they soon discovered the real treat was a block of chocolate hidden at the end of the string.

The kind deed was the work of Cadbury, who have gifted a block of their new Breakaway bars to selected residents to mark World Chocolate Day.

Lucky residents in four Australian states were gifted a block of Cadbury's new Breakaway chocolate bars on Wednesday to mark World Chocolate Day

Cadbury teamed up with food rescue organisation OzHarvest for the promotion, which saw those lucky enough to be selected wake up to a balloon outside their home.

Paul Chatfield, Senior Marketing Director for Cadbury, said the company wanted to make Australians smile as the nation continues to battle against the Covid-19 pandemic.

'Its been a difficult time for many Australians, so we wanted to use World Chocolate Day as an opportunity to surprise and delight everyday Aussies across the country to make their morning a little more interesting with Cadbury Breakaway,' he said in a statement.

A little card accompanied each block of chocolate, explaining it had been delivered Covid-safely.

'We know it has been a challenging time for many, but we want to continue to celebrate the small things in life,' it reads.

While Covid restrictions in some states meant the freebie could not be delivered nationwide, those who donate $5 or more to OzHarvest will receive a free block of chocolate in return.

Balloons were left on the mailboxes of the homes selected to be apart of the chocolate giveaway

As Cadbury intended, the promotion brightened Australians days with many flocking to social media to share their surprise.

'Thank you to whoever decided to surprise our street with purple balloons and blocks of chocolate attached to them brightened up my morning,' a Newcastle woman wrote.

State MP for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said she had been contacted by a number of residents who had received the treat.

'The streets of Lambton have turned purple this morning for World Chocolate Day,' she wrote on Facebook.

'It seems Cadbury Dairy Milk paid a visit to a number of lucky residents and left behind some of their new breakaway chocolate bars.

'Now disappointingly, I didnt get any, so if you dont want yours, I can give it a good home.'
International flights arriving in Australia will be near-empty from next week as the cost of getting home from abroad skyrockets to as much as $70,000.

Australia's weekly flight cap was cut in half indefinitely last week, causing prices to inflate exponentially and demand plummet.

Recent flights from New York to Sydney, usually a $2,500 return trip, are now as much as $70,309 one-way, as arrivals into Australia could see major airlines bringing in between zero and five passengers.

International flights arriving in Australia will be empty from next week as the cost of getting home from abroad skyrockets to as much as $70,000

There are still 40,000 Australians stranded overseas who have registered with DFAT wanting to return home - with the latest cuts set to further complicate their ambition

Airlines could be crippled by the flight cap, with the Board of Airline Representatives of Australia confirming as many as 18 international carries will pull their services.

Sydney, which had 42,330 arrivals in May alone, will be accepting just 215 a day for the foreseeable future, with a third of flights arriving empty.

The remaining planes will be restricted to 26 passengers, and the incredibly high fares they will have to offer will scare off the vast majority of passengers.

BARA executive director Barry Adams said the industry was in turmoil upon learning of the flight caps that are likely to last for months.

'We're back to the terrible state we were a year ago when the passenger caps first came in,' he told The Australian.

'That very low load factor and the very high fixed cost of operating long- and medium-haul flights will mean a lot of passenger flights are no longer commercially viable.'

The federal government's decision to slash incoming travellers by 50 per cent has seen prices inflate exponentially and demand plumment

Prime Minister Scott Morrison admitted cutting the number of people coming back into the country wouldn't solve the crisis but said it was part of the government's 'four-phase' plan out of the pandemic.

'Simply reducing the caps doesn't necessarily provide a fail safe, but because of the particular virulence of the Delta strain, it is believed that is a prudent action while we remain in this suppression phase of the virus,' he said.

'I would note in recent days and weeks that we have seen demand for those facilitated flights run by the Commonwealth having actually dipped and so those flights we have been bringing in have not been full because there hasn't been the demand to take those up.'
Controversial lingerie brand Honey Birdette has come under fire over claims workers were made to wink at male shoppers and wear stiletto heels all day.

Ex-employees have shared their experiences working at the risque fashion label to Instagram, with one claiming they were told 'sexual harassment is part of the job'.

Another claimed the brand 'exploited workers' and made them dress like 'sex dolls in the name of sexual empowerment'.

'Honey Birdette needs to be held accountable for exploiting workers, performative feminism, and continuing to perpetuate sexism,' the former shop assistant said.

Women who used to work at controversial lingerie brand Honey Birdette have lashed out at the brand's 'sexist' culture with claims they were made to wink at male shoppers and wear stiletto heels all day

Employees are given strict instructions on what to wear to their shifts with heels and painted nails compulsory

The worker said the company needed to update its policies on 'consent, uniform standards and safety', with some ex-employees claiming their feet were left in agonising pain and bleeding from having to wear high heels for up to 12 hours straight.

A different disgruntled ex-employee said she was told to wink at some of the men that would enter the store - resulting in one man following her around the shopping centre while she was on her lunch break.

Another former 'Honey' alleged management offered no support to workers who felt uncomfortable.

'I used to work for Honey Birdette and I can absolutely say there is truth to all of these claims,' she said.

The successful lingerie company is set to make $97million in revenue and $37million in earnings for the 2021 financial year

Staff are also encouraged to take on certain phrases when dealing with customers including 'spank me if I'm wrong but...' and 'Welcome to the Pleasure Parlour'

'Their company culture is exploiting women and forcing them into uncomfortable situations without compassion or any support. I will never forget being told 'sexual harassment is a part of the job''.

The brand also has strict uniform guidelines with all staff made to wear red lipstick, either black, white or red clothes, high heels, painted nails either with the colour red, black or nude, and outfits that are only made out of silk, satin, lace or chiffon.

Staff are also encouraged to take on certain phrases when dealing with customers including 'spank me if I'm wrong but...' and 'Welcome to the Pleasure Parlour'.

There's also a handbook instructing staff on words they can and can't say to keep up the image of the brand.

Honey Birdette was recently sold to the parent company of Playboy for a whopping $440million. Pictured is a promotional photo for Honey Birdette

One-star reviews left on job websites such as Indeed tell the same story with former staff warning new applicants of the 'toxic culture' and 'bullying' from higher management.

Some claimed staff often received 'uniform violations' for things such as wearing the wrong nail colour and alleged there was a very high employee turnover.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Honey Birdette for comment.

The shocking claims come after it was announced Honey Birdette had been bought by the company behind Playboy for a whopping $443million.

Honey Birdette which now has 60 stores including some in the US and UK, is known for pushing boundaries with its racy advertisements that have raised the eyebrows of many parents wandering past shop fronts with their impressionable children.

The successful lingerie company is set to make $97million in revenue and $37million in earnings for the 2021 financial year.

In 2016 a group of former staff protested and burnt their bras demanding the brand improve working conditions for staff.
Several members of the 'Rise of the Moors' sovereign citizen militia have appeared in court for arraignment, where they refused to cooperate and rejected the court's authority, claiming they are not subject to U.S. laws.

The arraignment on Tuesday in Medford, Massachusetts came after the 11 militiamen were arrested in an armed standoff with police over the weekend, which was resolved without casualties.

They face several charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition and the use of body armor in commission of a crime, in connection with the standoff that started early Saturday morning on Interstate 95 in Wakefield.

The group's purported leader Jamhal Tavon Sanders Latimer, 29, also known as Jamhal Talib Abdullah Bey, told the judge: 'I don't understand how these charges can be brought against me.'

Militia leader Jamhal Tavon Sanders Latimer, 29, also known as Jamhal Talib Abdullah Bey, told the judge: 'I don't understand how these charges can be brought against me'

Quinn Cumberlander, 40, of Pawtucket, told the judge he was a 'foreign national' who cannot face criminal charges, and said he did not want a defense attorney

One defendant, who has refused to identify himself to authorities, told the judge only that he was a 'free Moor.' He is one of 11 people charged in connection with an armed standoff

Defendant Conrad Pierre appeared in court with notations written all over his shirt, which appeared to reference court cases and legal theories in support of his unique worldview

Several women arrive to support the defendants from the gallery as state police look on. Security was heavy at the courthouse, where the militiamen refused to cooperate

Latimer, a former U.S. Marine from Providence, Rhode Island, waived his right to an attorney, but the judge said she would have a lawyer speak to him about his rights before the next hearing in the case.

Pleas of 'not guilty' were entered on behalf of all the defendants, who were held without bail pending a hearing Friday to determine whether they are dangerous.

Latimer is seen posting a YouTube video during the standoff on Saturday

Security was tight for the hearing at Malden District Court, with scores of state police securing the perimeter as bomb-sniffing dogs checked for explosives.

The arraignments were delayed for hours and descended into a circus-like atmosphere, with supporters of the militiamen logging on to Zoom to heckle the court.

The first to appear, Quinn Cumberlander, 40, of Pawtucket, told the judge he was a 'foreign national' who cannot face criminal charges, and said he did not want a defense attorney.

Cumberlander invoked his Second Amendment right to bear arms, said the case should be heard in federal court, and said he meant no harm.

'We didn't want to cause fear. I object to being held without bail. I am not a threat to society or anybody,' he said in court.

Cumberlander described his group as a 'well-regulated militia' and said he was not opposed to the law, according to WCVB-TV.

As he began describing Saturday's events, the judge reminded him that his statements can be used against him as evidence at trial.

Robert Rodriguez, 21, of the Bronx, New York, asked that a fellow defendant serve as his attorney. The judge noted the man is not a licensed lawyer and declined the request

Lamar Dow appears at his arraignment on Tuesday in connection with an hours-long standoff on Interstate 95 in Wakefield, Massachusetts

Aaron Johnson appears at his arraignment. The group of 11 charged, including one juvenile, are associated with the 'Rise of the Moors' militia group and are from several states

Wilfredo Hernandez, also known as Will Musa, appears at his arraignment on Tuesday

Another defendant, Robert Rodriguez, 21, of the Bronx, New York, asked that a fellow defendant serve as his attorney.

The judge noted the man is not a licensed lawyer and declined the request.

Rodriguez also refused to be interviewed by the Probation Department, which is part of the process for setting bail.

'I was seen by a probation officer,' Rodriguez said. 'But I did not commit a crime.'

One defendant, who has refused to identify himself to authorities, told the judge only that he was a 'free Moor.'

The judge ruled he had waived right to counsel, then ordered him out of the courtroom to watch proceedings on Zoom because he kept interrupting her.

Judge Emily A. Karstetter struggled to keep the wild proceedings under control as the defendants refused to cooperate and interrupted with outbursts in the courtroom

Conrad Pierre, 29, of Baldwin, New York is arraigned in connection with the standoff

Alban El Curraugh, 27, of the Bronx is arraigned on Tuesday in Massachusetts

A Moors community member sits in the gallery to support the defendants during arraignments

The defendants, 10 men and a 17-year-old juvenile, say they are members of a group called Rise of the Moors. Several of their supporters were also in court, while others watched remotely, sometimes interrupting.

The weekend standoff began when a State Police trooper stopped to offer assistance to the vehicles he found on the side of the highway that were refueling.

The men, who were dressed in military fatigues and body armor and were armed with long guns and pistols, did not have licenses to carry firearms in Massachusetts, police said.

They told police they were traveling from Rhode Island to Maine to conduct what they called 'training.'

Some of the defendants ran into the woods along the highway, leading to a standoff that lasted several hours and prompted the closure of the busy highway on a holiday weekend.

State police say they recovered three AR-15 rifles, two pistols, a bolt-action rifle, a shotgun and a short-barrel rifle.

The militiamen posted video showing them camouflage clothing waving a Moroccan flag as they stand at the side of the I-95

The I-95 was closed in both directions as state and local police combed the area

The Southern Poverty Law Center says the Moorish sovereign citizen movement is a collection of independent organizations and individuals that emerged in the 1990s as an offshoot of the antigovernment sovereign citizens' movement.

People in the movement believe individual citizens hold sovereignty over, and are independent of, the authority of federal and state governments.

The vast majority of Moorish sovereign citizens are African American, according to the SPLC.

On the Rise of the Moors website, however, they say they are not sovereign citizens, but the original sovereigns of the U.S. based on a 1789 letter from George Washington to the sultan of Morocco.

Family members react as some of the 11 people charged in connection with an armed standoff along a Massachusetts highway last weekend are seen at the arraignment

Security was tight for the hearing at Malden District Court, with scores of state police securing the perimeter as bomb-sniffing dogs checked for explosives

Militia leader Jamhal Tavon Sanders Latimer describes himself as the chief of the 'Rhode Island State Republic and Providence Plantations'

Those arrested Saturday were identified as Latimer; Cumberlander; Rodriguez; Wilfredo Hernandez, also known as Will Musa; Alban El Curraugh; Aaron Lamont Johnson, also known as Tarrif Sharif Bey; Lamar Dow; Conrad Pierre; a 17-year-old juvenile; and two who have refused to identify themselves, state police said.

They are from Rhode Island, New York and Michigan.

A refusal to acknowledge US laws, belief in UFOs and selling fake passports to pay for their abandoned house HQ: The inside story of the 'Rise of the Moors' militia who hit the headlines after stand-off with Massachusetts cops

By Tate Delloye for DailyMail.com

Eleven men were taken into custody early Saturday morning after a nine-hour standoff between Massachusetts police and heavily armed men in tactical gear who claimed to be part of a militia group called Rise of the Moors.

A Massachusetts State Police trooper saw two cars with their hazard lights on parked on the shoulder of Interstate-95, outside the town of Wakefield at about 1:30 a.m. The group of heavily armed men were refilling gas tanks with their own fuel and told law enforcement that they were headed to Maine for 'training.'

After refusing to comply with an order to drop their weapons, several men took off into a nearby woodland area, prompting a shelter-in-place order for local communities.

They indicated to police that they were not carrying gun licenses and that they did not recognize US laws as members of a little-known group named 'Rise of the Moors.'

State law enforcement said the men referred to themselves 'as a militia' and that they 'adhere to 'Moorish Sovereign Ideology.''

Here's what we know about the group, which only formed in the late 1990s, but has recently exploded in popularity thanks to social media...

A group of heavily armed men were refusing to comply with police Saturday morning north of Boston, prompting Interstate 95 to be closed and a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents after several of the men fled to a nearby woodland area. The men were said to be members of a little-known extremist group called 'Rise of the Moors,' that believes they are not subject to US laws

Jahmal Latimer also known as 'Talib Abdulla Bey' cofounded the militia group which claims to be a non-profit educational group based out of Rhode Island. He identifies himself on the group webpage as the chief of the 'Rhode Island State Republic and Providence Plantations'

'Sovereign citizens' who claim they're not subject to US laws

Rise of the Moors are a 'Moorish sovereign citizens' group whose adherents say they are part of their own sovereign nation and therefore are not subject to any US law.

According to the group's website, Rise of the Moors is based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island and is one of 25 active antigovernmental sovereign-citizen groups identified by the Southern Poverty Law Center in 2020.

While the group's Facebook page has 1,100 followers and a YouTube channel with 17,000 subscribers, the total number of members is unknown.

Freddy Cruz, a research analyst with the Southern Poverty Law Center told the Washington Post: 'They have the idea that they have the authority to essentially detach themselves from the United States. So they do things like refusing to pay taxes, get driver's licenses, or register firearms, and they try to get their members to challenge those federal laws.'

The Rise of The Moors, which flies the Moroccan flag, is centered on the belief that its followers are the 'aboriginal people' of the US and takes its teachings partly from a religious sect known as the Moorish Science Temple, a religious movement that dates back to 1913.

It wasn't until the 1990s that the Moorish movement began merging their beliefs with 'the sovereign citizens movement.' Sovereign Citizens believe that individual citizens are independent of federal and state governments. Thus was the birth of the 'Moorish Sovereign Citizens.'

Jamhal Talib Abdullah Bey (pictured in the center wearing a turban) poses with fellow members of the Rise of the Moors group in January 2021

'Salad bar' group founded on a non-existent 1787 treated between the US and Morocco

Rise of the Moors (like other Moorish sovereign citizen groups), believe in a fictitious 1787 treaty between the United States and Morocco that grants them immunity from US law.

'There's no such treaty,' says Kenneth Gray, a retired FBI Agent who specialized in Counter-Terrorism. 'It's bogus. It's all part of their fraudulent historical claims.'

They use this perceived immunity to justify refusing to pay taxes, buy auto insurance, register their vehicles and to defraud banks and other lending institutions.

Rise of the Moors is just one offshoot of many different types of 'Moorish Sovereign Citizen' groups. Most groups tend to be small, with only a couple dozen followers.

JJ MacNab, a fellow at George Washington University's Program on Extremism described Moorish sovereign citizens on Twitter as 'a salad bar' group made up of different factions that have cobbled together their own ideology from a variety of sources.

'They rely on an alternative history that borrows from Moorish Science Temple, Black Hebrew Israelism, Nation of Islam, UFO theories, phony Native American tribes, and the pseudo-legal arguments crafted by white supremacist 'patriot' groups in the 1970s,' she says.

Some Moorish Sovereign Citizen groups believe that Black Moors were the first settlers in the United States and argue that slave ships were a fiction created by white historians to cover up their claim on the land. Others believe that a UFO mothership will soon descend to earth to collect the chosen people (Moors) and return them to their home galaxy.

The Rise of the Moor webpage states in no-uncertain terms: 'Moors are the organic or original sovereigns of this land  America.' It continues, 'When we declare our nationality as Moorish Americans we are taking back the position as the aboriginal people of the land, to which the sovereign power is vested in.'

They believe in the notion that all African-Americans (as well as Dominicans, Haitians and Tainos) were descended from African 'Moors' and therefore they do not, and should not 'identify as black.'

'The Moors of North America have been branded by European Colonial occupiers of our land in order to strip us of our illustrious history.'

The temple founded in 1913 that gives the group its Moroccan influences

Much of the dogma in Rise of the Moors is based in a religious sect known as the Moorish Science Temple.

The organization was founded by Noble Drew Ali (born as Timothy Drew) in 1913.

The Rise of the Moors pays tribute to the Noble Drew Ali on their website, calling him the 'first Patriot of the fallen Moors here in America' as well as the 'Savior of Humanity.'

Drew Ali taught that all blacks were of Moorish origins but had their Muslim identity taken away from them through slavery and racial segregation. He also encouraged use of the term 'Moor' rather than 'black' in self-identification. Many of the group's formal practices were derived from Muslim observances.

He established new traditions that required all male members of the Temple to wear a fez or turban. They added the suffixes 'Bey' or 'El' to their last names as a way to signify their Moorish heritage and the new journey as Moorish Americans.

Unlike the Rise of the Moors, most adherents of the Moorish Science Temple are not 'sovereign citizens' nor do they shows an interest in paramilitary activity.

Jahmal Latimer, who also goes by the title Talib Abdulla Bey and identifies as the 'grand chief of Rhode Island. Rise of the Moors are an offshoot of the 'Moorish sovereign citizen movement' which is described by The Southern Poverty Law Center as a collection of independent organizations and lone individuals that emerged in the early 1990s who believe that individual citizens are independent from the authority of federal and state governments

Jahmal Latimer shared footage of him him racking a gun and bragging that he had three rifles to his 17,000 followers on YouTube

One clip shows several men dressed in camouflage clothing waving a Moroccan flag as they stand at the side of the I-95. The Rise of The Moors is centered on the belief that all African-Americans are Moorish descendants of Morocco. Its followers also claim that Moors are the 'aboriginal people' of the US

The ex-marine who declared himself leader after studying 'Moorish science'

Jahmal Latimer (who also goes by the title Talib Abdulla Bey) is listed on the group's website as their leader. He also identifies himself as the chief of the 'Rhode Island State Republic and Providence Plantations.'

According to the site, Bey served in the military for four years, some or all of that time in the Marines, after which he began studying 'Moorish Science.'

Income generated though illegal schemes including selling fake license plates and passports that funded abandoned Rhode Island house HQ

According to the Southern Poverty Law Center: 'Moorish sovereigns sustain themselves by selling bogus legal documents, fraudulent auto insurance forms, fake license plates, counterfeit passports and various other documents.'

They also save money by avoiding taxes. 'They have perpetrated large-scale financial fraud, including creating false money orders, fraudulent cashier's checks, and bogus financial instruments.'

Members of Rise of Moors profit from selling various items through their webpage, such as online courses, e-readers and suspicious-looking financial schemes. One member named Sanchez Bey, hawks clothing apparel that 'that represents ancient knowledge' and their 'dominion and rulership over the universe.'

Another member by the name of Muris Sylfstr Mawal Bey claims to offer customers, 'the best shoes available online.' And Delvon al-Lanier Bey, provides 'Afrocentric-based spiritual and educational training.'

The Rise of the Moors' clubhouse in Rhode Island was an abandoned home which they acquired through 'adverse possession.' The property is owned by Midfirst Bank which has sued the militia group over it, reported the Globe.

Their website explains 'adverse possession' as 'simply taking what's yours and not waiting for anyone to give it to you.'

'As an example, our people have been waiting for reoperations, waiting to get access to our resources, waiting for better homes, waiting for better business and waiting for our freedom. Adverse possession puts an end to waiting.'

Their threaten to 'repeat the process' until 'every Moorish family has a home and a business.'

Much of the dogma in Rise of the Moors is based in a religious sect known as the Moorish Science Temple. The organization was founded by Noble Drew Ali (left) in 1913. The Rise of the Moors pays tribute to the Noble Drew Ali on their website, calling him the 'first Patriot of the fallen Moors here in America' as well as the 'Savior of Humanity.' They also state that Edward Mealy El (right) is the true successor of Noble Drew Ali, whose death lead to a schism in the religion

The Rise of the Moors clubhouse is based out of an abandoned home they said was acquired through 'adverse possession.' Their website explains that 'adverse possession' as 'simply taking whats yours and not waiting for anyone to give it to you.' The property is legally owned by Midfirst Bank which has sued the militia group over squatting

Many of the group's formal practices were derived from Muslim observances. He established new traditions that required all male members of the Temple to wear a fez or turban. They added the suffixes 'Bey' or 'El' to their last names as a way to signify their Moorish heritage and the new journey as Moorish Americans

Saturday's police standoff - the Rise of the Moors hit the mainstream

The group were reportedly on their way from Rhode Island to Maine to conduct 'training' when the incident in Massachusetts occurred.

One clip shows several men dressed in camouflage clothing waving a Moroccan flag as they stand at the side of the I-95 and declare 'we are not anti-government'.

A separate video, filmed after daybreak, shows one of the camouflage-clad members speaking directly to the camera, stating: 'We're not anti- police, we're not sovereign citizens, we're not black identity extremists.

'The possession of a gun per se, constitutes no offence, so we haven't violated any laws.'

'The police saw us on the side of the road with our guns secured, we were afraid, so we got out with our arms, and I have a body camera that has been recording the whole time,' the Rise of the Moors member insisted.

'We reassured them multiple times that we are abiding by the federal laws as well as the judicial opinions of the United States Supreme Court, but they keep portraying us as being anti-government but we're not anti-government at all.'

The member did not specifically outline his group's goals or beliefs.

One of the camouflage-clad members speaking directly to the camera, stating: 'We're not anti- police, we're not sovereign citizens, we're not black identity extremists.

'The possession of a gun per se, constitutes no offence, so we haven't violated any laws.'

'The police saw us on the side of the road with our guns secured, we were afraid, so we got out with our arms, and I have a body camera that has been recording the whole time,' the Rise of the Moors member insisted.

'We reassured them multiple times that we are abiding by the federal laws as well as the judicial opinions of the United States Supreme Court, but they keep portraying us as being anti-government but we're not anti-government at all.'

The member did not specifically outline his group's goals or beliefs.

In a clip filmed during the standoff, leader Jamhal Talib Abdullah Bey told the camera: 'We're not anti- police, we're not sovereign citizens, we're not black identity extremists'
A selfless Sydney nurse who spent the day swabbing her community for Covid-19 has been hit with an 'unwarranted' $275 parking fine.

The frustrated health worker took to a local Facebook group to vent on Tuesday, explaining she had parked her car at 11pm after a long day at the hospital.

The inner west resident said she didn't return to her vehicle the following morning because Greater Sydney was in lockdown and she had been feeling unwell.

A selfless Sydney nurse who spent the day swabbing her community for Covid-19 has been hit with an 'unwarranted' $275 parking fine

The inner west nurse supplied a photo of the parking ticket which revealed the $275 fine had been issued for obstructing access to a ramp, path or passageway.

'I'm glad parking inspectors are considered essential,' she wrote.

'Now my whole pay will go to the inner west council.'

The nurse supplied a photo of the parking ticket which revealed the $275 fine had been issued for obstructing access to a ramp, path or passageway.

However, the inner west resident denies she parked over a driveway on the Rozelle street or blocked wheelchair access.

'I looked at it before I left, the guy in front of me was so close to the other car I needed to leave him room to get out,' the nurse explained.

The frustrated health worker took to a local Facebook group to vent, explaining she had parked her car at 11pm after a long day at the immunisation clinic

To add salt to the wound, the woman said her car's back windscreen had been smashed in by a removalist truck on the same street in April.

Angry members of the Facebook group were quick to leave their advice in the comments, many encouraging the nurse to dispute the fine with local council.

'You 100 per cent should ask for special consideration, you should not be punished after giving so much to the community,' one woman wrote.

'The amount they fined you is a joke in itself. You haven't blocked the driveway or ramp access, there are steps to that path which you haven't blocked either. It doesn't make sense,' another local said.

'At a time when so many people are forced to be at home during the two hour parking limits, meter maids should not be counted as essential,' a third shared.

Angry members of the local group were quick to leave their advice in the comments, many encouraging the nurse to dispute the fine with local council

'Oh wow that looks very marginal. I hope you can over-turn this. Unfair,' a fourth commented.

A few hours later the Sydney nurse posted an update in her original post revealing a Good Samaritan had paid her $275 parking fine.

'I'm absolutely lost for words, never in my life have I experienced kindness like this,' she wrote, explaining a 'beautiful' person in the community had sent her a receipt of payment.

'I will work extra hard tomorrow at my shift at the Covid vaccination clinic vaccinating as many as I can in our community.

'And I will try and park better.'
Double-jabbed British travellers could be allowed to return from amber list countries quarantine-free under new plans expected to be set out by the Government later this week.

But British travellers will still face entry requirements when travelling to some of the most popular holiday destinations, while countries such as Australia and New Zealand continue to ban holidaymakers completely.

Here is a list of entry requirements UK travellers face when arriving at top holiday destinations:

Europe

France

The UK is currently on the French amber list. If travelling to France from a country on the amber list, those who are not fully vaccinated will only be permitted to travel for essential reasons. Travellers who are not fully vaccinated will need to self-isolate for 7 days after arrival, then take another PCR test following this period of self-isolation.

Spain

From 2 July, the Spanish government requires all arrivals to Spain from the UK to present on entry one of the following: a negative COVID-19 test; or proof of vaccination.

Italy

From 21 June to 30 July, on arrival in Italy travellers who have been in the UK in the previous 14 days must present a negative antigen test taken in the 48 hours preceding entry into Italy and fill in a digital localisation form. They must also self-isolate for 5 days, at the end of which they must take a rapid antigenic or molecular swab test for COVID-19 and test negative for release.

Greece

Arrivals from the UK must provide either: proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test, undertaken within the 72 hour period before arrival into Greece; proof of a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test from an authorised laboratory, undertaken within the 48 hour period before the scheduled flight; or proof of two COVID-19 vaccinations completed at least 14 days before travel. Greece will also accept proof of recovery from COVID-19 for entry.

Portugal

All travellers, apart from children under 12, must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test to travel to or through mainland Portugal. If you have travelled from the UK to mainland Portugal, you must quarantine for 14 days in the place you are staying or at a place indicated by the Portuguese health authority, unless you can show you have been fully vaccinated with an EU approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to travel.

Germany

From 7 July the UK is designated as a high-incidence area, which means that you may only enter Germany from the UK if you are fully vaccinated (for any travel purpose), or, if not, you are a German citizen or, resident, or their spouse/partner/child under 18 serve in an important role, or have an urgent need to travel. Otherwise travellers may not enter Germany from the UK.

Cyprus

The UK entered Cyprus Amber category on 29 April.Passengers coming from Amber Category countries are required to undergo a PCR test within 72 hours prior to departure and provide proof of a negative result. Travellers with proof of two COVID-19 vaccinations are not required to take a PCR test before departure.

Malta

From 30 June 2021, the Maltese authorities require all arrivals from the United Kingdom to present proof of full vaccination. This must show that you received a full course of vaccination at least 14 days prior to your arrival. Only fully vaccinated people from the UK will be able to travel to Malta.

Turkey

All arrivals into Turkey, except Turkish citizens or residence permit holders, must complete an online form within 72 hours of travel. This is not required for those passengers transiting Turkey en route to another country. From 1 June, passengers arriving from the UK will require a negative PCR test taken within the 72 hours prior to arriving in Turkey.

Croatia

UK nationals travelling to Croatia are subject to strict epidemiological measures and must carry evidence of their negative COVID-19 health status, to present on arrival to Croatia (a negative COVID-19 antigen test not older than 48 hours or a PCR test result not older than 72 hours, proof of full immunisation, or a certificate of recovery following a positive test result between 11 and 180 days prior). Without this evidence, you will be required to self-isolate until a negative test result has been obtained locally

North America

USA

Since 16 March 2020, it is not possible for most British nationals to enter the USA if they have been in the UK . US citizens and permanent residents of the USA, certain specified close family members and certain other limited categories of visas holders (such as UN staff and diplomats) are exempt. They will still be able to enter the USA.

Caribbean

Jamaica

All travellers from 12 years and upwards arriving in Jamaica must present a negative COVID-19 molecular (PCR, NAA, RNA) or Antigen test, which was conducted within the 72 hours prior to the date of travel. Tourists will be screened on arrival and may still be required to be tested at the airport or designated facility. If the test is negative, you will remain at your hotel/resort.

Barbados

All travellers from the UK must present on arrival a valid COVID-19 PCR negative test result taken no more than 3 days in advance of your flights arrival. If you live in England, Barbados will accept the NHS COVID Pass or your NHS letter to demonstrate your COVID-19 vaccination status. If you are fully vaccinated you will have to take a PCR test on arrival, and will have to remain in quarantine until the result comes back positive  which is usually within 24 hours.

Grenada

Effective from 1 May persons providing proof of full vaccination will only be required to quarantine for up to 48 hours, pending a negative result from a PCR test, administered on entry, and paid in advance.

Cuba

From 10 January 2021, everyone travelling to Cuba must have a certified proof of a negative result of a PCR test taken within 72 hours before travel. Non-residents will be given a PCR test on arrival and will have to stay at a designated isolation centre (may be a hotel) until they have a second negative PCR test (the test may be on fifth day).

Africa

Egypt

From 1 September 2020, all persons (including those who hold Egyptian nationality) arriving from overseas, to any part of Egypt, will be required to present a negative PCR test certificate on arrival, and an indication of when the test was taken. The Egyptian authorities have advised that PCR tests must be conducted no more than 72 hours prior to flight departure. Passengers arriving from London Heathrow only are permitted to have their PCR test conducted no more than 96 hours prior to flight departure.

Asia

UAE

Residents, tourists and visitors travelling from or through the UK and arriving in Dubai and Abu Dhabi must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test which was taken no more than 72 hours before departure and present the certificate at check in. Travellers arriving in Abu Dhabi will also be required to undertake a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival. Travellers arriving in Dubai may be required to undertake a further COVID-19 PCR test on arrival and will have to isolate pending the result of the COVID-19 PCR test. All arrivals in Abu Dhabi must isolate for up to 10 days on arrival.

Thailand

Most travellers to Thailand, including all British nationals travelling from the UK, are required to complete 14 days quarantine at a State Quarantine centre.

Japan

British nationals with Status of Residence in Japan and who leave or have left Japan with a valid re-entry permit are allowed to re-enter Japan. However, you will need to follow appropriate arrival and quarantine rules as set out below, and provide written evidence of a negative COVID-19 test conducted within the 72 hours before your flight departure time.

Maldives

All visitors must present a negative PCR test for COVID-19 on arrival to Maldives. The test and negative PCR certificate must be issued no more than 96 hours prior to departure. Temperature checks and screening procedures will be in place on arrival. Quarantine facilities have been set up to isolate any suspected cases of COVID-19.

Australia and New Zealand

Australia

Entry to Australia is currently closed to most arrivals. Australian citizens and returning permanent residents and their immediate family members are permitted to enter Australia without an exemption. All international travellers entering Australia need to undertake a mandatory 14-day quarantine at a designated facility (for example a hotel).

New Zealand

From 28 April 2021, travellers to New Zealand from very high risk countries are temporarily restricted to New Zealand citizens, their partners, dependent children, the parent of a dependent child who is a New Zealand citizen, and those with significant humanitarian reasons. Anyone entering New Zealand (except from within a quarantine-free travel bubble, currently arranged with Australia and the Cook Islands) needs to undergo quarantine or managed isolation in an approved facility for a minimum of 14 days.

A full list of entry requirements for 226 countries and territories is available on the Government's website.
Advertisement

A convicted killer who used a narwhal tusk to help bring down Fishmongers' Hall terrorist Usman Khan during his London Bridge rampage has been directed for early release from prison.

Steven Gallant, who was jailed for life with a minimum term of 17 years in 2005 for the murder of a firefighter in Hull, was one of three men who restrained Khan until armed police arrived at the scene and shot the 28-year-old jihadist dead in November 2019.

Khan, who had two large knives and a fake suicide belt, fatally stabbed Cambridge graduates Jack Merritt, 25, and Saskia Jones, 23, and injured three other people during his frenzied attack at a prisoner rehabilitation event before running out onto London Bridge.

Giving evidence at the inquest in April this year into the victims' deaths, Mr Gallant said he 'whacked' Khan with a narwhal tusk but was empty-handed by the time of the battle on the bridge.

A spokesperson for the Parole Board said: 'We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board has directed the release of Steven Gallant following an oral hearing.

'Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community.

Steven Gallant, 43, chased and helped pin down jihadist knifeman Usman Khan during the 2019 terror incident. Pictured with London Bridge victim Jack Merritt

Undated handout file photo issued by West Midlands Police of Usman Khan

Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook from a video of Steven Gallant wielding a narwhal tusk which was shown during the inquest into the terror attack at the Fishmongers' Hall in London

Handout photo issued by the Metropolitan Police that was shown to the jury in the inquest into the death of Fishmongers' Hall terrorist Usman Khan at the Guildhall

The terrorist killed graduates Jack Merritt (pictured left) and Saskia Jones (pictured right) at the event in Fishmonger's Hall before running out on to London Bridge

'A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims.'

The decision on release is provisional for 21 days subject to any appeal by the Justice Secretary.

Mr Gallant had been on day release at the event for reformed prisoners in Fishmongers' Hall when he helped end Khan's rampage. His actions on the day later saw his sentence cut following an intervention by the Queen.

The Ministry of Justice revealed in October that the monarch had employed the little-used 'Royal Prerogative of Mercy' to bring Mr Gallant's case before the Parole Board 10 months early.

It was considered at a remote oral hearing on June 21, during which Mr Gallant gave evidence.

Gallant (pictured) was part of a gang who attacked firefighter Mr Jackson after he was cleared of the alleged attempted murder of a prostitute in Hull

In a summary of the Parole Board's decision, it said the panel had recognised his conduct during the Fishmongers' Hall incident but 'was clear that it was not a reason to direct his release'.

The board said professional witnesses had recommended Mr Gallant be released on licence, telling the panel he had 'worked hard to understand and address his risk factors and to bring about a change to his life'.

Of its decision, the board said: 'After considering the circumstances of his index offending, his pattern of previous offending, the progress made while in custody, the details of the release plan and all the evidence presented at the hearing, the panel was satisfied that Mr Gallant was suitable for release.'

Conditions of his release on licence would include a curfew, staying at a designated address and to comply with an exclusion zone to avoid contact with his victim's family.

During the inquest for Mr Merritt and Ms Jones, Mr Gallant recalled a crowd of bystanders gathering and somebody suggesting to 'give him (Khan) a kicking'.

He told jurors: 'I said no, we had control of him at that time. It would make it more difficult.'

Mr Gallant said Khan managed to get up, so he gave the suspect 'a couple of uppercuts to the face', which he said helped to 'stun him a little bit'.

Ms Jones and Mr Merritt were stabbed to death by convicted terrorist Khan at an alumni event put on by Learning Together on November 29, 2019. The extremist, who wore a fake bomb vest, was tackled by delegates armed with a narwhal tusk and a fire extinguisher, and driven out onto nearby London Bridge where he was shot dead by police.

Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Steven Gallant in the Guildhall in London during the inquest into the terror attack at the Fishmongers' Hall

Khan stabbed Cambridge graduates Jack Merritt, 25, (left) and Saskia Jones, 23, at a prisoner education event in Central London in November 2019

The Fishmongers' Hall terrorist fled to London Bridge, where he was shot at 20 times by police

Wiring detectives believe was part of the fake suicide vest

An inquest at the Guildhall in the City of London heard he had been released from prison 11 months earlier under strict licence conditions and was under investigation by counter-terrorism police and MI5.

But the 'manipulative and duplicitous' terrorist hid his murderous intent from those tasked with keeping the public safe, the hearing was told. The combination of his lies and communication break-downs between authorities meant he was able to travel free to London to wage his bloodthirsty attack.

The jury found the victims had been 'unlawfully killed' and confirmed basic facts surrounding their deaths. It concluded that failings in Khan's management in the community and information-sharing and guidance by agencies responsible for monitoring or investigating Khan contributed to the deaths.

Jurors also found that omissions or deficiencies in the organisation of the event at Fishmongers' Hall and its security contributed to the deaths.

Khan was arrested in December 2010 and sentenced to 16 years in jail after he eventually admitted planning to set up a terrorist training camp in Pakistan and plotting to bomb the London Stock Exchange.

Though he was regarded as one of the most high-risk inmates across the prison estate, Khan's sentence was varied on appeal - meaning he no longer needed the approval of the Parole Board before his release.

The jihadist, from Staffordshire, was released on Christmas Eve 2018, to complete the rest of his sentence on licence in the community. Less than a year later, he launched his attack at London Bridge.
Eric Adams has been declared the winner of the New York City mayoral primary by Associated Press, setting him on course to be the next mayor of the biggest city in the United States.

Adams, a former police officer and current president of the borough of Brooklyn, fought off a fierce challenge from Kathryn Garcia - a former sanitation chief, hoping to become the first female mayor.

The 60-year-old has vowed to stamp down on violent crime in the city, after it recorded more than 1,500 shootings in 2020, nearly almost twice as many as 2019. Violence in the Big Apple so far this year is at its highest level since the early 2000s. In the last year, Mayor de Blasio has vowed to slash $1 billion from the police budget despite the surging crime rate.

In New York, gun violence has spiked 32% over the same period in 2020 - some 886 people have been shot in 765 incidents this year through July 4, according to police statistics.

Adams - who will become the second black mayor of the city after David Dinkins - won 50.5 per cent of the vote, according to preliminary results - defeating Garcia by only one per cent.

State law triggers a manual recount if the difference is less than 0.5 per cent.

Garcia has not conceded, and is asking for further details said spokeswoman Lindsey Green, saying they are 'currently seeking additional clarity on the number of outstanding ballots.'

Adams said: 'While there are still some very small amounts of votes to be counted, the results are clear: an historic, diverse, five-borough coalition led by working-class New Yorkers has led us to victory in the Democratic primary for mayor of New York.'

Eric Adams, 60, has been declared the victor in the Democratic primary to replace Bill de Blasio as mayor of New York City. He will take on the Republican challenger in November, with his success in the strongly Democrat city almost guaranteed

Adams is seen speaking to reporters on June 24 in New York City

Kathryn Garcia, Adams' main rival, is yet to concede and is awaiting further results, her campaign said on Tuesday night

He said he was running to 'deliver on the promise of this great city for those who are struggling, who are underserved, and who are committed to a safe, fair, affordable future for all New Yorkers.'

The Brooklyn-born veteran politician then tweeted: 'I grew up poor in Brooklyn & Queens.

'I wore a bulletproof vest to keep my neighbors safe. I served my community as a State Senator & Brooklyn Borough President.

'And I'm honored to be the Democratic nominee to be the Mayor of the city I've always called home. Thank you, New York!'

Adams will take on his Republican challenger Curtis Sliwa, the 67-year-old founder of the Guardian Angels patrol group, in November.

In the strongly-Democrat city, Adams's victory is all-but guaranteed.

He will take over from the immensely unpopular Bill de Blasio, also a Democrat, who cannot run for a third term.

On Tuesday night, Fox News host Tucker Carlson praised Eric Adams for the win because he vowed to stamp down on surging violent crime in the Big Apple.

'The Associated Press has called the New York City Democratic mayoral primary which is effectively the same as the mayor's race given it's a one-party state in New York,' Carlson said on his show on Tuesday.

'It looks like Brooklyn borough president Eric Adams is very likely to be the next mayor of New York.'

Carlson continued: 'We are absolutely certain we will be deeply disappointed by Eric Adams - at least as he has all kinds of problems and we don't agree with him on anything, but the point of Eric Adams is worth remembering.'

'He won because he was alone in acknowledging that violent crime is a huge problem for everyone in New York and he vowed to do something about it. That is a winning message because it is rooted in the physical reality and we wish him absolutely the best in fighting crime in New York,' Carlson said.

The election was the first time that New York City used ranked choice voting (RCV).

The experiment was not without problems: last week, the Board of Elections had to admit that they had mistakenly counted test ballots, and redo their count.

Yet on Tuesday night they felt confident enough in the results to publish them, leading AP to make the call.

The Board of Elections said less than 4,000 absentee ballots remained outstanding after the Tuesday release, making Adams' lead effectively insurmountable. The outstanding ballots featured errors that voters are allowed to fix, or 'cure,' by Friday if they wish to have them counted, the board said.

Dave Wasserman, House editor of the Cook Political Report, agreed, tweeting: 'It's been a wild ride, but I've finally seen enough: Eric Adams (D) is the apparent winner of the NYC Democratic mayoral primary, defeating Kathryn Garcia (D).'

Adams, a veteran political operator, has promised to crack down on crime in the city

Wasserman, known for his election analysis, said that Garcia performed less well when absentee ballots were counted.

'How did Adams win? Garcia didn't get as much of an RCV boost from absentee voters as in-person voters,' he tweeted.

'By my math... In-person voters: Adams 32%-19% 1st choice, Garcia 46%-24% non-1st choice.

'Absentee voters: Adams 24%-21% 1st choice, Garcia 40%-26% non-1st choice.'

Adams mingles with supporters during his election night party, late on June 22

Adams' main Democratic rivals included Garcia, who campaigned as a technocrat and proven problem-solver, and former City Hall legal advisor Maya Wiley, who had progressive support including an endorsement from U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Andrew Yang, the 2020 presidential candidate known for his proposed universal basic income, was an early favorite but faded in the race.

Wiley - who filed court papers last week to reserve her right to request a recount -also refused to concede and criticized the Board of Elections for their vote counting error that plunged the primary into chaos last week.

'We will have more to say about the next steps shortly,' said Wiley.

'Today, we simply must recommit ourselves to a reformed Board of Elections and build new confidence in how we administer voting in New York City.

'New York City's voters deserve better, and the BOE must be completely remade following what can only be described as a debacle.'

Voting in the primary ended on June 22.

Early returns showed Adams in the lead, but New Yorkers had to wait for tens of thousands of absentee ballots to be counted and for rounds of tabulations done under the new ranked choice system.

Kathryn Garcia is seen in Manhattan on election day - June 22. She put up a strong challenge but appears to have lost to Adams by one per cent

Maya Wiley, endorsed by progressives such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, holds a news conference in front of City Hall on July 1

Under the system, voters ranked up to five candidates for mayor in order of preference. Candidates with too few votes to win were eliminated and ballots cast for them redistributed to the surviving contenders, based on the voter preference, until only two were left.

The city's first experience with the system in a major election was bumpy.

As votes were being tallied on June 29, elections officials bungled the count by inadvertently including 135,000 old test ballots.

Erroneous vote tallies were posted for several hours before officials acknowledged the error and took them down.

The mistake had no impact on the final outcome of the race.

A New York City Board of Election staff member counts absentee ballots in the primary election on July 2

A New York City Board of Election staff member, left, shows a ballot to a campaign observers on July 2

Adams is a moderate Democrat who opposed the 'defund the police' movement.

'We're not going to recover as a city if we turn back time and see an increase in violence, particularly gun violence,' Adams said, after three people including a 4-year-old girl were shot and wounded in Times Square in May.

'If black lives really matter, it can't only be against police abuse. It has to be against the violence that's ripping apart our communities,' he told supporters the night of the primary.

But Adams is a study in contradictions who at different times has been a defender of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, a registered Republican and a Democratic state senator thriving in a world of backroom deals.

Adams speaks frequently of his dual identity as a 22-year police veteran and a black man who endured police brutality himself as a teenager. He said he was beaten by officers at age 15.

Adams became a police officer in 1984 and rose to the rank of captain before leaving to run for the state Senate in 2006.

While in the police department, he co-founded 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care, a group that campaigned for criminal justice reform and against racial profiling.

After winning a state Senate seat from Brooklyn in 2006, Adams made an impression with an impassioned speech favoring same-sex marriage rights in 2009, two years before New York's state legislators passed a marriage equality bill.

Adams also weathered a few controversies, including a 2010 report from the state inspector general that faulted his oversight of the bidding process to bring casino gambling to the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens. Adams had accepted campaign contributions from a politically connected group bidding for the gambling franchise.

Adams was elected in 2013 as Brooklyn borough president, his current job.

Adams is a vegan who credits a plant-based diet with reversing his diabetes. He has a 25-year-old son, Jordan Coleman, with a former girlfriend.

His current partner is Tracey Collins, an educator who holds an administrative job in the city's public school system.

Journalists raised questions during the race about where Adams lived.

He was born in Brooklyn, walked the beat there as a cop, owns real estate there and represented it in the state Senate. But he slept in his office in Brooklyn Borough Hall for months during the pandemic and opponents noted that he shares a place with his partner in Fort Lee, New Jersey.

Adams gave reporters a tour of a basement apartment in Brooklyn that he said was his primary residence.

Adams can be a charismatic speaker but has also said cringe-worthy utterances, such as his 1993 suggestion that Herman Badillo, a Puerto Rican-born politician, should have married a Latina instead of a white, Jewish woman.

Speaking at a Martin Luther King Jr. Day event last year, Adams complained about gentrifiers moving to the city from elsewhere.

'Go back to Iowa. You go back to Ohio,' Adams said.

'New York City belongs to the people that were here and made New York City what it is.'
Schools are using 'overtly political materials' to educate children about gender issues, Ofsted has warned.

Despite a statutory requirement for neutrality, some staff are 'confusing' their legal obligations under The Equality Act 2010 with moral issues and often 'inadvertently' teaching without acknowledging certain material as political, the watchdog said.

Ofsted's director of corporate strategy Chris Jones said that 'increasing political sensitivities' in areas addressed by the act 'have made it harder for schools to handle equalities well'.

He added: 'We have also seen recent examples of schools and parents being unable to see eye-to-eye on the content and age-appropriateness of curriculum materials used to teach primary school pupils about same-sex relationships.'

The 2010 Equality Act created a 'public sector equality duty' requiring every public authority to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, harassment, and victimisation and advancing equality of opportunity.

Despite a statutory requirement for neutrality, some staff are 'confusing' their legal obligations under The Equality Act 2010 with moral issues and often 'inadvertently' teaching without acknowledging certain material as political, the watchdog said (stock image)

'In practice, the Act gives all public authorities a degree of responsibility for encouraging and promoting equality in relation to protected characteristics,' Mr Jones writes.

He adds: 'The Act was contentious from the outset for certain groups, particularly in relation to characteristics relating to sex, sexual orientation and gender reassignment.'

The report came after it was revealed earlier this year that schools are increasingly sanctioning the use of male names for girls as young as 13 without the consent of their parents.

An investigation by The Mail on Sunday found three mothers discovered schools had allowed their daughters to be called by boys' names without first being consulted.

Ofsted's director of corporate strategy Chris Jones said that 'increasing political sensitivities' in areas addressed by the act 'have made it harder for schools to handle equalities well' (stock image)

Campaigners said some in the education sector are misinterpreting  or even misusing  equality regulations.

The mothers, who each spoke on condition of anonymity to protect their children, say that their daughters, who are all under the age of 16, were given boys' names by teachers after saying that they identified as male.

The 'new' names were used in the classroom, and on pupil registers and official communications from school authorities.
Advertisement

A dissenting government scientist has insisted that not wearing a face mask is a 'moral' choice in solidarity with children and disabled people amid warnings of a new so-called 'culture war' erupting over coverings as lockdown restrictions are scrapped from July 19.

Sociology professor Robert Dingwall, who sits on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, said that the benefits of masks 'have always been uncertain because the quality of the evidence in both directions is so weak'.

The Nottingham Trent University academic said he would stop wearing a covering from the so-called 'Freedom Day' in 'solidarity' with various groups including 'people with communication difficulties, whether auditory and unable to lip-read' and 'all the small children whose education has been disrupted by the lack of visual clues, especially in language development'.

Speaking to Sky News, Professor Dingwall said he accepted that others may take a different view but went on: 'I will not allow them to suggest that I am less moral or caring and I will expect them to respect my choices as I respect theirs.'

At a Downing Street press conference on Monday evening, Prime Minister Boris Johnson declared that mask laws would be axed - but sowed confusion after admitting that people would still be encouraged to wear coverings in 'enclosed and crowded places'.

He confirmed that he would continue to wear a mask in certain scenarios out of politeness. Mr Johnson was echoed by Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty, who said he would cover his mouth and nose when in crowded spaces, when asked to by a competent authority, or if he felt that not wearing a mask would make another person uncomfortable.

Sir Patrick Vallance, the Chief Scientific Adviser, added: 'I'm exactly the same in terms of mask-wearing.'

Experts appear divided on whether people in England should be asked to continue to wear face masks after July 19, with Dr Laurence Aitchison, from the department of computer science at the University of Bristol, saying: 'Our research has shown mask-wearing reduces the spread of Covid-19 by around 25 per cent if everyone wears them.'

Paul Hunter, professor in medicine at the University of East Anglia, said he thought lifting face mask restrictions was fine, though people who are vulnerable may wish to take extra care as he warned Covid 'will never go away'.

But masks are controversial among anti-lockdown Tory backbenchers. Ex-minister Steve Baker, the deputy chairman of the Covid Recovery Group of MPs, told the Telegraph newspaper 'how easily we have forgotten that at the beginning of this crisis, the scientific advice was that the public shouldn't wear masks'.

As the coronavirus crisis reaches its latest crucial phase, it emerged:

Britain's daily Covid hospital admissions have reached a four month high, rising by 50 per cent in a week;

Department of Health figures posted today also showed hospitalisations reached 406 on June 30;

Shops, pubs and airlines that continue mask rules after July 19 have a legal right to turn away customers;

Sajid Javid revealed the requirement for the double-jabbed to self-isolate will not be dropped until August 16;

School bubbles to be scrapped but isolation rules for children of positive cases will stay in place until August;

Six of the ten areas worst-hit by Covid in Europe are currently in Scotland, according to data;

England and Wales recorded more deaths last year during pandemic than at anytime since the Spanish flu;

Leave voters are more willing than Remainers to ditch masks when laws demanding their use are scrapped.

Sociology professor Robert Dingwall, who sits on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, said that the benefits of masks 'have always been uncertain because the quality of the evidence in both directions is so weak'. But Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty said he would cover his mouth and nose when in crowded spaces, when asked to by a competent authority, or if he felt that not wearing a mask would make another person uncomfortable

A dissenting government scientist has insisted that not wearing a face mask is a 'moral' choice in solidarity with children and disabled people amid warnings of a new so-called 'culture war' erupting over coverings as lockdown restrictions are scrapped from July 19

At a Downing Street press conference on Monday evening, Prime Minister Boris Johnson declared that mask laws would be axed - but sowed confusion after admitting that people would still be encouraged to wear coverings in 'enclosed and crowded places'

Britain's daily Covid hospital admissions have reached a four month high, rising by 50 per cent in a week. Department of Health figures also showed hospitalisations reached 406 on June 30

Do face masks work? Studies find coverings reduce spread of Covid and chance of inhaling infected droplets Most scientific studies conducted to date suggest face masks do reduce the spread of coronavirus in enclosed indoor settings. A number of studies have concluded that face coverings reduce the spread of airborne droplets that carry covid bacteria between people. The latest data, from the Lancet, studies in China and Thailand as well as on the USS Theodore Roosevelt, suggests a mask stops up to 80 per cent of droplets from being released into the air by a person wearing a mask, and they also block around 50 per cent of them being inhaled by a potential victim. Covid-19 is spread through these airborne droplets when people cough, sneeze or talk - and standing in close proximity can assist transmission. The US Centers for Disease Control found in one real-world data experiment the coverings were useful. Two hair stylists who had Covid symptoms worked on 139 customers in eight days. Everyone involved wore masks and no one out of the 67 who volunteered to be tested came back positive. Another experiment in China looked at 124 houses where there had been a case of the virus. It found transmission was reduced by 79 per cent by wearing a face covering. And an example also came from the USS Theodore Roosevelt - a cramped vessel with tight living quarters and makes social distancing hard. But the study found when using face coverings there was a 70 per cent reduced risk of infection. Meanwhile in Thailand a retrospective case-control study discovered out of 1,000 spoken to during a contact tracing probe, those who said they wore a covering had a 70 per cent reduced chance of catching Covid. And the Lancet in its report looked at 172 studies from 16 countries and concluded wearing a mask gives a person just a three per cent chance of getting the virus. Edinburgh University looked into the different types of masks people can wear and found homemade ones can be effective. Researchers tested seven types, including surgical masks, respirators, lightweight and heavy-duty face shields and handmade masks. All of them - except ones with a valve - reduced the distance droplets could get by at least 90 per cent. The CDC says: 'Experimental and epidemiological data support community masking to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2. The prevention benefit of masking is derived from the combination of source control and wearer protection for the mask wearer. 'The relationship between source control and wearer protection is likely complementary and possibly synergistic, so that individual benefit increases with increasing community mask use,' the agency added. The WHO says: 'Masks should be used as part of a comprehensive strategy of measures to suppress transmission and save lives; the use of a mask alone is not sufficient to provide an adequate level of protection against COVID-19. 'If COVID-19 is spreading in your community, stay safe by taking some simple precautions, such as physical distancing, wearing a mask, keeping rooms well ventilated, avoiding crowds, cleaning your hands, and coughing into a bent elbow or tissue. Check local advice where you live and work. Do it all!' Advertisement

Scientific evidence suggests that face coverings worn over the nose and mouth reduce the spread of coronavirus droplets from coughs, sneezes and speaking. The main purpose is to protect others from Covid, but there is some evidence they also protect the wearer.

One Royal Society report last summer found that the use of cotton masks was associated with a 54% lower odds of infection in comparison with the no-mask groups, when tested in a healthcare setting.

In another study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, scientists calculated that wearing face coverings prevented more than 78,000 infections in Italy between April 6 and May 9 2020, and more than 66,000 infections in New York City over just a few weeks.

Earlier on Monday, Nikki Kanani, primary care director for NHS England, told Times Radio that masks work.

She said it was 'really important that people follow the guidance that's there at the time', adding: 'That's what I will be doing, that's what I'll be advising our teams to do.

'The guidance does come from Government, but I think one of the things that we know is, masks work.

'So let's see what the announcements are but certainly, if there is advice to keep wearing masks, I know I will and I'll be encouraging others to do so as well.'

Asked whether this was offering contradictory advice, she said: 'The decision is for Government in terms of the final guidance but that's certainly where we focus, and that's what's been an important part of the way that we've worked, having our masks on, and making sure our communities are wearing their masks as much as possible, and that's what's keeping us safe and well.'

Meanwhile, Professor Stephen Reicher, a member of the Scientific Pandemic Insights Group on Behaviours which advises the Government, called for 'support and proportionate mitigations to keep us safe' from coronavirus.

Asked if he was more concerned about the Government's messaging around the pandemic or the requirement to wear facemasks potentially being dropped, he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I think both.

'I think we need very clear messaging and I think in certain spaces, crowded, badly ventilated spaces, masks are crucial mitigation.'

Elsewhere, Professor Calum Semple, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) and professor of child health and outbreak medicine at the University of Liverpool, told Sky News he may continue to wear a mask after July 19.

He said: 'I probably will in some settings, but it's got to be remembered that the mask-wearing is primarily to stop transmission rather than acquisition, so it's people that have got symptoms, who should really be staying at home, that are going to be the risk here, rather than the people walking around who are double-vaccinated. They're far less at risk.'

Prof Semple said the link between severe disease and hospital admission is 'being broken from the cases in the community', adding that people in hospital at the moment were mostly unvaccinated and were not critically ill.

On Monday, care minister Helen Whately said she expects the requirement for facemasks in health and care settings to continue after July 19.

'I'll be looking at the guidance, I'll be making a judgment, but I'm not keen to wear one when I don't need one - personally, it's not something I enjoy doing,' she told Times Radio.

'But I'm also really aware that there will be circumstances, I'm expecting to continue in health and social care clearly, where people will need to continue to wear PPE (personal protective equipment), which includes masks.'

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick and Chancellor Rishi Sunak have both said they plan to stop wearing masks when it is no longer legally required.

It comes as lawyers warned that shops, pubs and airlines that continue mandatory mask rules after July 19 have a legal right to turn away customers who refuse to wear a face covering.



Legal experts warned owners can enforce them regardless of the government's rules as long as they are not guilty of discrimination under the Equality Act.

Stores would be in breach of the law if they are prejudicial against someone who cannot wear a mask because of a medical condition or disability, but otherwise private firms are free to set their own rules.

Westfield is among the stores which has already said it will 'encourage' customers to wear coverings after 'Freedom Day' but will not insist on it. But Sainsbury's has adopted a more relaxed approach saying it will 'respect and support the individual choices the customers and colleagues want to make'.

Airlines including British Airways, Ryanair and easyJet said they will also keep coverings mandatory after the date. And train workers' unions are pushing for the mask measures to remain compulsory after restrictions are eased.

Meanwhile a major pub chain said it will still encourage coverings, social distancing and table service to 'avoid a scrum at the bar'.

One lawyer pointed out businesses could insist staff wear them after July 19 for fear of a worker taking them to a tribunal under health and safety legislation if an outbreak leads to serious illness such as long Covid or death.

Adam Wagner, a human rights lawyer at Doughty Street Chambers, said bosses have a legal duty to protect the health of their staff and the burden of safety has grown amid the pandemic.

Legal experts warned owners can enforce mask wearing regardless of the government's rules as long as they are not guilty of discrimination under the Equality Act (file photo)

What do the biggest businesses say about masks? Shops Sainsbury's: Chief Executive Simon Roberts said: 'I think in the end it will come down to the choices that individual customers and colleagues want to make. It is going to be driven by customer and by colleague choice.' He added: 'We're clearly going to follow the Government advice, we'll continue to listen to our customers and colleagues and we'll respect and support the individual choices the customers and colleagues want to make.'

Chief Executive Simon Roberts said: 'I think in the end it will come down to the choices that individual customers and colleagues want to make. It is going to be driven by customer and by colleague choice.' He added: 'We're clearly going to follow the Government advice, we'll continue to listen to our customers and colleagues and we'll respect and support the individual choices the customers and colleagues want to make.' Westfield: Jacinta Rowsell, general manager at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, said: 'At the moment we actively ensure our guests are wearing masks when they're visiting the centre, and with the changes post July 19 we will continue to encourage guests to wear masks when they're coming into the centre.'

Jacinta Rowsell, general manager at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, said: 'At the moment we actively ensure our guests are wearing masks when they're visiting the centre, and with the changes post July 19 we will continue to encourage guests to wear masks when they're coming into the centre.' Asda: Asda says it is waiting for the government guidance to change before announcing its role. Airlines British Airways: BA is expected to keep masks, with a spokesman saying: 'We keep our policies under constant review.'

BA is expected to keep masks, with a spokesman saying: 'We keep our policies under constant review.' Tui: The firm hinted travellers could be required to wear face coverings after restrictions relax further.

The firm hinted travellers could be required to wear face coverings after restrictions relax further. Ryanair: A spokesman said: 'In order to protect the health of our customers and crew, the use of face masks will still be mandatory across all Ryanair flights.'

A spokesman said: 'In order to protect the health of our customers and crew, the use of face masks will still be mandatory across all Ryanair flights.' easyJet: A spokesman said: 'At present there are no changes to easyJet's on-board mask policy. We continue to be guided by our in-house medical adviser and a number of key industry governing bodies and at present their guidance around the wearing of masks on board remains unchanged.'

A spokesman said: 'At present there are no changes to easyJet's on-board mask policy. We continue to be guided by our in-house medical adviser and a number of key industry governing bodies and at present their guidance around the wearing of masks on board remains unchanged.' Virgin Atlantic: The firm hinted travellers could be required to wear face coverings after restrictions relax further. Pubs City Pub Group: Chief Executive Clive Watson said staff will be asked to wear masks with customers encouraged to do the same. Advertisement

Retail and transport worker unions also insist that making mask wearing mandatory is essential for their members' health and 'is not merely a personal choice' because shop workers have no choice but to come into contact with the public.

Nevertheless Steven Mather, consultant solicitor for Nexa Law, noted employers would be able to sack staff who refuse to wear a mask because it is a 'a reasonable instruction' and this would overrule the government's slackened rules.

Mr Mather, a consultant solicitor for Nexa Law, told MailOnline as long as a business is not being discriminatory they can enforce the rule in their stores.

He said: 'If a shop keeper or other premises owner wanted to continue to require customers to wear masks, they would be entitled to do so provided that they did not discriminate on certain grounds set out in the Equality Act.'

He continued: 'Ultimately, a shop is private property and so I would suggest that the owner could do what they wanted on masks.

'A shop can refuse entry to any one on any grounds - except discrimination - and so the same would apply to a non-mask wearer  they could refuse them entry.'

He added: 'The handing back to the public of this moral responsibility actually causes more problems than the legislation did.

'Wear a mask or don't wear a mask will become one's own decision, and therefore it is difficult to see shops and public places having the same mandatory rules.

'It would be better for shops just to say that we ''support the government guidance and recommend mask wearing in store'' but then not enforce it and leave people to make their own mind up.'

Maria Chadwick, partner in the employment and discrimination department at Stephensons, said: 'The easing of the face mask requirements, as the position is understood, will do away with any legal requirement to wear a face covering in public spaces and as such, will limit further the power of businesses and service providers to attempt to enforce it in accordance with any government issued guidance.

'However, as the guidance will no longer be in place, it could give more scope for businesses to implement their own policies, theoretically giving them more freedom to do so on their own terms.

'However, if their policies incorporated a blanket requirement for the wearing of face coverings on their premises with no provision for medical exemption  the same risks as are run in respect of potential discrimination claims being brought against them by way of failure to make reasonable adjustments for their disabled customers.'

Luke Gittos, a partner at Murrays Partnership, added: 'There is no legal right to be served in a shop. These are private enterprises who can, in theory, refuse to serve whoever they choose.

'They could, in theory, get into trouble if they refuse to serve someone because of a 'protected characteristic' under the Equality Act for example, if they were not wearing a mask because of a disability.

'But in general there is nothing illegal in a shop refusing service to someone who refuses to wear a mask. We can only hope that after the 19th of July, shop owners will appreciate that people have their own view on mask wearing which should be respected.'

Toby Young, editor of Lockdown Sceptics, pointed out it is going to be difficult for stores to force people to wear masks.

He said: 'It's going to be very difficult for shops to insist people wear masks. At the moment, people can simply announce that they're mask exempt and shops aren't legally allowed to ask for proof and if they refuse someone entry on the grounds that they're unmasked they could be in breach of anti-discrimination law.

'After July 19th it's going to become even harder, because many people will simply refuse to wear masks, whether they have a disability or not.

'And if some shops don't insist on masks, which they won't, any shop insisting on a mask will be at a competitive disadvantage. The easiest thing will be for all shops to drop the insistence.'

Leading retailers this morning came out and suggested they would continue to want face coverings on shoppers, but would not enforce it.

Jacinta Rowsell, general manager at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, told Today: 'At the moment we actively ensure our guests are wearing masks when they're visiting the centre, and with the changes post July 19 we will continue to encourage guests to wear masks when they're coming into the centre.

'We have a number of Covid secure measure that we take and again we will continue to offer these in the form of ticketless. We are very aware and very focused on the fact that guests coming to the centre want to feel safe.

'They are our priority as are our retailers and our staff, where possible we would be encouraging the wearing of masks when people are coming into the centre.'
Tackling cancer, dementia and obesity are priorities in the Government's major science plan for the next decade.

The ten-year plan for life sciences aims to follow the successful Vaccines Taskforce by cutting red tape and recruiting the private sector.

After many cancer symptoms went unreported during lockdowns, the UK Life Sciences Vision is set to focus on tests for early diagnosis.

Following a breakthrough for dementia, when the first new drug for Alzheimer's in nearly 20 years won approval in the US, the plan will help speed up studies to find other treatments.

Tackling cancer, dementia and obesity are priorities in the Government's major science plan for the next decade (stock image)

It follows the launch of the Life Sciences Investment Programme, with 200million of Government money, which brings the funding for selected life sciences companies to 1billion.

It will also tackle obesity, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which has become a personal focus for Prime Minister Boris Johnson  who admitted he was 'way overweight' when he was hospitalised with Covid last year.

Scientists will also be supported to develop more tools to tackle mental illness, and look at 'the underlying biology of ageing'.

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: 'The UK life sciences sector has been a beacon of hope over the past year and a half, developing diagnostics and life-saving vaccines at remarkable speed to secure our route out of the pandemic.

'This ambitious strategy sets out how we can replicate this same scientific excellence and agility to meet today's greatest health challenges, doing with cancer, dementia and obesity what we did with this virus - gaining the upper hand with brilliant science.'

Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund, Mubadala Investment Company, had already committed to invest 800 million in the UK life sciences industry.

During the pandemic, the UK was reliant on overseas companies for certain vaccine supplies and ingredients, which raised fears the EU could block exports to the UK amid a row over scarce jabs.

It will also tackle obesity, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which has become a personal focus for Prime Minister Boris Johnson  who admitted he was 'way overweight' when he was hospitalised with Covid last year (stock image)

Mr Kwarteng has emphasised the importance of future treatments being produced in this country, stating: 'Crucially, we're going to build a pro-enterprise environment where our life sciences firms can access the finance to grow, are incentivised to onshore manufacturing, and can commercialise breakthrough products right here in the UK - rather than elsewhere - as we cement the UK's position as a science superpower.'

The vision will also look at immune therapies such as cancer vaccines and seek to maintain the UK's position in vaccine discovery, development and manufacturing, while reducing illness and death from respiratory disease.

Professor Sir John Bell, from the University of Oxford, who co-chaired an advisory board helping to devise the strategy, said: 'We have demonstrated throughout the Covid pandemic how effective we can be when industry, academia, government, charities and the NHS all work together.

'If we continue to work as effectively together, we are very likely to bring great benefits to patients and also to grow our economy at pace.'
A hero policeman told motorcycle hoons not to speed because he doesn't want to scrape their dead bodies off the road if they crash.

Video footage uploaded to TikTok on Tuesday evening by user adamedge2600 showed the New South Wales officer lecturing the bikers on the side of a main road.

Instead of berating the group and issuing hefty speeding fines, the cop encouraged them to ride their bikes but in a sensible way - without flouting road rules.

Pictured: A NSW policeman telling a group of motorcyclists not to travel beyond the speed limit

'I know what it's like to be able to have fun and have a ride, but I'm sure every single one of you guys wants every single one of your guys to go home this afternoon,' he said.

'No body bags involved. It's as simple as that. I don't want to have to come out here and pick you up off the road. Have some fun, but do it sensibly.'

The bikers, who were not seen in the video, could be heard agreeing with the officer.

'Yeah alright, thanks mate,' a male voice replied.

Speeding fines in NSW range from $123 for travelling 10km under the limit, to more than $2500 and loss of licence if the driver is moving at 45km or more over the limit.

Social media users applauded the policeman for his reasonable response to the group of bikers.

Social media users praised the officer for choosing to explain the situation to the group, instead of simply issuing them with a fine

'A great policeman - he will get respect back from this. He is showing that it doesn't cost anything to be nice,' one person wrote.

'This is how policing should be done, well done to this officer,' another wrote.

Someone else said: 'Nice one. He knows what fun is but also knows what it looks like when it goes wrong.'

According to transport NSW, there have been 296 road fatalities within the last 12 months up to July 6 - and 61 of those were motorcyclists.
Disneyland Paris has been forced to apologise to an Australian woman who was ordered by two security guards to stop breastfeeding her daughter on a bench.

Management at the biggest theme park in Europe were accused of 'stigmatising mothers' by suggesting she should have cared for her two-month-old daughter in a 'dedicated room'.

The incident happened on Sunday when another woman tweeted that the guards had 'prevented a mother from breastfeeding her two-month-old baby on the grounds that it shocked foreign visitors. In France, in July 2021!'

Disneyland Paris has been forced to apologise to an Australian woman who was ordered by two security guards to stop breastfeeding her daughter on a bench (pictutred)

The tweet added: 'The offense of obstructing breastfeeding, where are we?'

There was also a photo of the park's agents  a man and a woman  a standing over the two women, who have not been named. The women can be seen sitting on a bench with their child.

Disneyland initially refused to apologise, saying that breastfeeding mothers could use a dedicated Baby Care Centre.

The centre includes rooms 'with suitable and comfortable equipment such as special breastfeeding seats,' Disneyland tweeted.

But Marlene Schiappa, France's former minister for gender equality, then joined in the exchange, writing: 'Dear @DisneylandParis, breastfeeding a baby is not an offence.

'It is good that you have dedicated rooms but no-one knows when and where a baby will be hungry.'

Disneyland then said it 'profoundly regrets this situation' and 'presents once more our apologies to the mother in question'.

Disneyland initially refused to apologise, saying that breastfeeding mothers could use a dedicated Baby Care Centre

The tweet said the security guards' behaviour were 'not compatible with our regulations and our values,' adding that 'there is no restriction on breastfeeding at Disneyland Paris'.

Disneyland Paris reopened last month after being closed since late October because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The official reopening came as France discards many of its remaining Covid-19 restrictions and attempts to revive tourism.

The success of Disneyland Paris  which attracted more than 9.7 million visitors in 2019  is viewed as a key part of the recovery.

Disneyland Paris, which includes seven hotels, usually attracts huge numbers of British visitors, including many mothers with babies.
The president of America's second-largest teacher's union has said Critical Race Theory is not being taught in public schools as she prepares a legal defense fund for teachers accused of teaching the controversial practice.

In her remarks to the 1.7 million members of the American Federation of Teachers on Tuesday, President Randi Weingarten vowed legal action to protect any member who 'gets in trouble for teaching honest history,' as more than 20 states consider bills banning the theory, which claims racism is systemic and ingrained in American society.

She said it is not being taught in elementary, middle and high schools, and is only taught at college or graduate studies, 'but culture warriors are labeling any discussion of race, racism or discrimination as [critical race theory] to try to make it toxic,' she said, according to the Washington Post.

'They are bullying teachers and trying to stop us from teaching students accurate history,' she said, noting that the union is preparing litigation and has a legal defense fund 'ready to go.'

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, claimed critical race theory is not being taught in primary schools, but announced the creation of a legal fund to represent teachers who are being accused of teaching the theory. She is pictured here at a rally outside the Supreme Court in June in support of the For the People Act

Six states have banned the critical race theory and another dozen are considering passing similar resolutions

The fund includes $2.5 million to represent teachers accused of teaching the controversial lesson plan, and the union is also considering filing lawsuits against states that have passed legislation limiting how racism could be taught.

At least six states have passed new laws limiting how race can be taught in the classroom, and similar proposals are being considered in at least a dozen others.

Many of the bills are intended to bar the teaching of critical race theory - an academic framework that examines history through the lens of racism. It centers on the idea that racism is systemic in the nation's institutions and that they function to maintain the dominance of white people in society.

Last month, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law forbidding schools from teaching that people 'should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish or any other form of psychological distress' because of their race or sex.

It adds that slavery and racism can only be taught as a deviation from the nation's 'authentic founding principles' of liberty and equality.

Bills in some other states threaten to fine individual teachers who violate the rules or reduce state funding to their schools.

'Mark my words: Our union will defend any member who gets in trouble for teaching honest history,' Weingarten said in her remarks for a virtual address to union members on Tuesday.

'Teaching the truth is not radical or wrong. Distorting history and threatening educators for teaching the truth is what is truly radical and wrong.'

In an interview with the Associated Press, Weingarten said the union is adding $2.5 million to an existing legal defense fund in anticipation of local fights over the teaching of race. The funding will be used to defend teachers who are disciplined for teaching about slavery and racism, Weingarten said.

The union is also considering filing lawsuits to get clarification about new state laws limiting how racism can be discussed in schools, she said.

'We're looking at these laws to see if courts will give some clarification in advance,' Weingarten said. 'It just looks like its an attempt to erase so much of the history of the United States.'

Lawn signs opposing the critical race theory were posted outside a school board meeting in Virginia last month

Virginians gathered to rally against critical race theory at the Loudoun County Government center in Leesburg on June 12

One woman held up a sign claiming the theory creates racial tension

Some parents held signs showing their opposition to the theory as the meeting went on inside

Critics of the theory claims it separates children into two categories based on their skin color - oppressed or oppressor

CRITICAL RACE THEORY: WHAT DOES IT MEAN? The fight over critical race theory in schools has escalated in the United States over the last year. The theory has sparked a fierce nationwide debate in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests around the country over the last year and the introduction of the 1619 Project. The 1619 Project, which was published by the New York Times in 2019 to mark 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived on American shores, reframes American history by 'placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the center of the US narrative'. The debate surrounding critical race theory regards concerns that some children are being indoctrinated into thinking that white people are inherently racist or sexist. Those against critical race theory have argued it reduces people to the categories of 'privileged' or 'oppressed' based on their skin color. Supporters, however, say the theory is vital to eliminating racism because it examines the ways in which race influence American politics, culture and the law. Advertisement

Once an obscure academic idea, critical race theory has become a political rallying cry for Republicans who argue that it sows division and makes children feel guilty for being white.

But Weingarten said the concept has mostly been taught at the college level and is not taught at the nation's elementary, middle and high schools.

She claimed that conservatives are invoking the theory to bully teachers and prevent any critical discussion of the nation's history. Some of the state laws are so expansive, she said, that they appear to prevent any accurate lesson on the Civil War, slavery or its abolition.

'Teaching America's history requires considering all the facts available to us - including those that are uncomfortable - like the history of enslavement and discrimination toward people of color and people perceived as different,' she wrote in her comments.

'Years ago, the country unified against Holocaust deniers. We must unite again to address racism and its long-term effects.'

Her remarks came just two days after she was accused of gaslighting parents by tweeting 'these bans on teaching history and discussing racism are so dangerous.'

In response, New York Post columnist Karol Markowicz wrote: 'No one gaslights quite like Randi Weingarten gaslights.'

Others on Twitter also called out her remarks, with user GoPackJo saying, 'If you need to lie in order to push your agenda, it's gotta be awful,' and Daniela Oertli writing that it is 'Incredibly deceitful to pretend that teaching and discussing racism can only happen in the framework of CRT.'

@LibertyBellaDon, meanwhile, wrote that 'CRT is neither history nor a discussion on racism. Its a one-sided view that does not allow for a discussion,"' and Marilyn Muller said: 'Lets not misappropriate the word history, Randi.'

'I dont know one American that's against ensuring all students know all history facts, but segregating students into one of two categoriesoppressed or oppressor is teaching children to #BeRacist,' Muller wrote.

And @aphofer asked, 'So which is it, we arent teaching CRT in schools or CRT=History?"

'Neither is close to the truth,' he wrote.

Over the weekend, Weingarten tweeted that bans on critical race theory were bans on history

People took to Twitter afterwards to criticize her remarks, accusing her of gaslighting parents

Meanwhile, the nation's largest teachers union, the National Education Association has deleted its agenda item to discuss their support for their theory, according to Jessica Anderson, executive director of Heritage Action, who asked: 'Why are they covering up their support for CRT?' in a tweet on Tuesday.

The union had recently approved a resolution to promote critical race theory through its existing channels, work to 'fight back' against opponents of the practice.

It also wants to assemble a team to teach it to union members and create a 'national day of action' to start a dialogue about systemic racism on October 14  George Floyd's birthday.

The resolution reads that the NEA will 'provide an already-created, in-depth, study that critiques empire, white supremacy, anti-Blackness, anti-Indigeneity, racism, patriarchy, cisheteropatriarchy, capitalism, ableism, anthropocentrism (human centered points of view) and other forms of power and oppression at the intersections of our society.'

It continues to say that the NEA plans to 'publicly (through existing media) convey its support for the accurate and honest teaching of social studies topics, including truthful and age-appropriate accountings of unpleasant aspects of American history, such as slavery, and the oppression and discrimination of Indigenous, Black, Brown, and other peoples of color, as well as the continued impact this history has on our current society.

'The Association will further convey that in teaching these topics, it is reasonable and appropriate for curriculum to be informed by academic frameworks for understanding and interpreting the impact of the past on current society, including critical race theory.'

At the union's national meeting last week, president Becky Pringle urged teachers to prepare students for a society that 'has wrestled with the sins of its past' and learned from them.

'If this grand experiment in democracy is to succeed, if the inhabitants of our nation are to prosper, we must continuously do the work to challenge ourselves and others to dismantle the racist interconnected systems, and the economic injustices that have perpetuated systemic inequities,' she said.
A 15-year-old schoolboy stabbed to death in Woolwich 'wanted to be a lawyer', according to the mother of one of his friends.

Named locally as Tamim Ian, the Harris Academy Greenwich pupil was attacked in Woolwich New Road shortly before 5.25pm on Monday.

He was apparently caught up in a fight among a group of teenagers, according to a nearby resident.

As they waited for emergency services to arrive, members of the public stepped in to try and help Tamim as he lay bloodied and dying, including one person who attempted CPR.

While some witnesses got their cameras out to film the tragedy, others held up sheets to give some privacy to Tamim once paramedics had arrived to try and save his life.

Named locally as Tamim Ian, the Harris Academy Greenwich pupil was attacked in Woolwich New Road shortly before 5.25pm on Monday

Police cordoned off a block of shops on Woolwich New Road, Greenwich

Despite their best efforts he died on the pavement less than an hour after he was stabbed.

The mother of a friend of Tamim, who wishes to remain anonymous, told My London: 'My daughter is devastated. Justice is needed. There were other people with him but they are too traumatised to speak.

'His name is Tamim and he went to Harris Greenwich. He wanted to become a lawyer.'

My London has approached Harris Academy Greenwich for comment but the school has yet to respond.

Flowers left near the scene at Woolwich New Road, Greenwich, where a 15-year-old boy was stabbed to death

Police cordoned off a block of shops on Woolwich New Road, Greenwich

Shortly after the attack police evacuated a nearby Tesco Extra so armed officers could search it for possible suspects.

A 15-year-old boy treated at a South London hospital for a stab wound was later arrested on suspicion of murder.

Superintendent Petra Lazar, of the Metropolitan Police South East BCU, said: 'It is shocking and extremely saddening that a teenage boy has lost his life as the result of knife crime.

'My thoughts at this time are with the family of the boy who has died.

'This incident will understandably cause worry and concern to local residents and I would like to reassure them my officers are supporting the murder detectives in every way we can.

'Increased patrols will be carried out in the area over the next few days.'

Police stop and search powers were temporarily ramped up in the wake of the incident.

Officers are also urging anyone with information to call police via 101 quoting reference Cad 5748/05Jul. To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Amazon chairman Jeff Bezos, already the world's wealthiest man, has set a new record for personal net worth by topping $211 billion.

Bezos, 57, gained $8.4 billion in net worth on Tuesday alone, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, as Amazon stock soared 4.7 percent on the Pentagon's announcement that it is canceling the $10 billion JEDI contract with Microsoft.

It vaulted Bezos above the previous record of $210 billion, held briefly in January by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has seen his fortunes decline and now holds a mere $181 billion, putting him in distance second after Bezos.

While Tesla stock has declined nearly 10 percent so far this year, Amazon shares have continued to soar, adding 15.4 percent since January 1.

Amazon chairman Jeff Bezos, already the world's wealthiest man, has set a new record for personal net worth by topping $211 billion

Amazon stock soared 4.7 percent Friday on the Pentagon's announcement that it is canceling the $10 billion JEDI contract with Microsoft

Amazon's soaring shares have boosted the fortunes of Bezos, who on Monday stepped down as chief executive of Amazon, handing over the reins to his experienced lieutenant Andy Jassy.

World's 10 richest men As of Tuesday: Jeff Bezos: $211B Elon Musk: $181B Bernard Arnault: $169B Bill Gates: $147B Mark Zuckerberg: $131B Larry Page: $115B Sergey Brin: $111B Warren Buffett: $101B Steve Ballmer: $99.8B Larry Ellison $96.3B Source: Bloomberg Billionaire Index Advertisement

Bezos now takes over the role of executive chairman at Amazon. He still owns about 51 million shares of Amazon stock, a position that makes up the vast majority of his wealth.

His gains on Tuesday broke the record for wealth since the Bloomberg index began tracking billionaire net worth in 2012, making Bezos the richest man in modern history.

Adjusted for inflation, historical figures such as the 19th Century's John D. Rockefeller (worth $350 billion in modern dollars) could be considered richer.

Deeper in history, some historical leaders controlled wealth that is nearly incalculable. Mongol warlord Genghis Khan, for example, had a peak net worth that is estimated in the hundreds of trillions of dollars.

Amazon stock rose sharply on Tuesday after the Pentagon canceled a contract with Microsoft that was forged under the Trump administration.

The contract has been on hold after Amazon filed a lawsuit challenging the decision under then-President Donald Trump, alleging that the former president exerted improper pressure on military officials to steer the contract away from Amazon.

Amazon argued that the deal was tainted by politics, particularly Trump's antagonism toward Bezos, who owns the Washington Post.

Amazon said in 2019 the Pentagon decision was full of 'egregious errors,' which it suggested were a result of 'improper pressure from Trump.'

The company cited a 2019 book that reported Trump had directed the Defense Department to 'screw Amazon' out of the JEDI contract.

The contract for cloud-computing service could eventually have been worth $10 billion for Microsoft.

Instead, the Pentagon will pursue a deal with both Microsoft and Amazon and possibly other cloud service providers.

Amazon argued that the Pentagon deal was tainted by politics, particularly Trump's antagonism toward Bezos, who owns the Washington Post

'With the shifting technology environment, it has become clear that the JEDI Cloud contract, which has long been delayed, no longer meets the requirements to fill the DoDs capability gaps,' the Pentagon said in a statement.

Shares of Microsoft and Amazon both closed at a record high with the online retailer up 4.7 percent and shares of the software firm a penny higher.

Michael Pachter, an analyst with Wedbush Securities, said the absolute dollars involved - $10 billion over a decade - are at most a nice-to-have for the cloud companies, with AWS alone generating $45.3 billion in sales and $13.5 billion in operating profits for 2020.

The real value, he said, was in showcasing the security of the clouds, 'but it's not going to move the needle' for either company.

Ultimately, the cancellation and new contract could benefit Microsoft, Moerdler said, because the Redmond, Washington-based company has had nearly two years during the legal wrangling to invest in its technology.

'If there is now another competition, Microsoft is going in from a better position,' Moerdler said.

As recently as September the Defense Department re-evaluated the contract proposals and said Microsoft's submission was the best.
Queensland has recorded one new locally-acquired case of Covid-19 as government hopes grow that the state's five outbreaks are under control.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says the new case in Tarragindi, in Brisbane's south, is a contact of a known case and was already in home quarantine.

She says the case emerged after 16,336 tests across the state in the 24-hours to 9am on Wednesday.

Queensland has recorded one new locally-acquired case of Covid-19 as government hopes grow that the state's five outbreaks are under control

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says the new case in Tarragindi, in Brisbane's south (pictured), is a contact of a known case and was already in home quarantine

'In really good news today, we've only got one new case,' Ms Palaszczuk told reporters.

Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said the single person who tested positive has the Alpha variant, was asymptomatic and had been in home quarantine during their entire infectious period.

She said the state was in 'good place' but people should continue to get tested if they feel unwell.

Dr Young said Queensland Health had identified 9827 close contacts of cases across the five outbreaks across the state.

'So that is very good news, excellent testing numbers again, so thank you,' she told reporters.

'Please keep that up, if we could just keep up every single time someone develops symptoms that they immediately come forward and get tested so we can find any outbreaks right at the start - that's extremely important.'

Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young (pictured) said the single person who tested positive has the Alpha variant, was asymptomatic and had been in isolation during their infectious period

Queensland Health has identified 9827 close contacts of cases across the five outbreaks across the state, with 5701 people in home quarantine and 3093 in hotel quarantine

591 contacts were related to the Brisbane Airport Delta outbreak, 250 were contacts of the Virgin crew member, 3265 were related to the two Northern Territory miners and 5587 contacts of the Alpha outbreak in the Portuguese club and Greek community centre clusters.

There were 5701 people were in home quarantine and 3093 were in hotel quarantine in Queensland on Wednesday.

Dr Young said there was no estimate on when travel restrictions would be lifted on Greater Sydney.

'Well, it depends what happens, whether they remove the total lockdown, whether they leave restrictions, how many cases they've got, there are so many variables there, we'll just have to wait and see, and we'll have to wait and see whether they extend the lockdown,' she said.

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced on Wednesday, Sydney's lockdown would be extended another seven days, to end at 11:59pm on July 16.

'In really good news today, we've only got one new case,' Ms Palaszczuk told reporters, in reference to the single locally-acquired case recorded in Queensland on Wednesday

Meanwhile, NSW recorded 18 new locally-acquired infections on Tuesday bringing the city's Bondi cluster to 225 cases - with over a hundred more that are yet to be linked

The harsh measures, originally brought in for a week on June 26, were enacted to confine the highly infectious Indian Delta strain to the epicentre in Sydney's east.

There will be no relaxation of restrictions as planned on Friday, with shops and restaurants kept shut and schools closed except for children of essential workers.

The state recorded 18 new locally-acquired infections on Tuesday bringing the city's Bondi cluster to 225 cases - with over a hundred more that are yet to be linked.

In another worrying statistic which prompted Ms Berejiklian to make her decision, 122 new cases were found to have been out in the community while infectious within the last ten days.

As part of the extended lockdown, face masks will remain mandatory, schools will be shut with at-home-learning replacing face-to-face classes and there are still only four lawful reasons to leave home.
The coronavirus pandemic saw more men than women die in 2020 for the first time since 1981, figures have revealed.

Raw figures, released by the Office for National Statistics, showed that 308,069 men died in England and Wales last year compared to 299,853 women.

The sharp rise in male death rates comes as it was also revealed that England and Wales recorded more deaths last year during the coronavirus pandemic than at anytime since the Spanish flu outbreak of 1918.

Prior to 1981, women accounted for a greater proportion of the death toll due to two key factors - women have a higher life expectancy than men and there are more women than men.

Raw figures released by the Office for National Statistics showed that 308,069 men died in England and Wales last year compared to 299,853 women. Pictured: The National Covid memorial wall

However the latest figures show that of the 73,766 coronavirus-registered deaths last year, 40,995 (55.6 per cent) were men.

The statistics showed that the Covid pandemic saw 8,216 more men die than women last year and coronavirus was the cause of death for 13.3 per cent of men but just 10.9 per cent of women.

It comes as separate figures from the ONS showed England and Wales recorded more deaths last year during the coronavirus pandemic than at anytime since the Spanish flu outbreak of 1918.

There were a total of 607,922 deaths in England and Wales last year, of which 72,950 (12 per cent) were caused by Covid. More may have died indirectly from the virus, including tens of thousands who may have struggled to get healthcare in lockdown.

It is the highest death toll since 1918 when 611,861 people died, including 228,000 directly from the H1N1 flu strain that sparked the last global pandemic.

Figures also showed the death rates last year were highest in the North East, which saw 1,399 per 100,000 men die and 1,045 per 100,000 women die over the year.

They were followed by the North West (1,392 and 1,024), Yorkshire and the Humber (1,358 and 968) and East Midlands (1,277 and 921).

England and Wales recorded more deaths last year than anytime since the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 because of Covid, the ONS said

Rates were lowest in the South West (1,098 and 791), South East (1,106 and 807) and London (1,171 and 812).

But the death rates for Covid varied significantly, with the North West recording the most fatalities caused by the disease. Some 178 per 100,000 people died with Covid in the region.

It was followed by London (167), the North East (167) and Yorkshire and the Humber (155).

The South West recorded the lowest rate of Covid deaths, with the disease causing 59 per 100,000 people to die.

Official figures today showed Britain's daily Covid hospital admissions have reached a four month high, rising by 50 per cent in a week to their highest level since March.

Department of Health figures showed hospitalisations reached 406 on June 30  the most recent day figures are available for.

Covid deaths also jumped their highest level since the end of April, increasing 20.3 per cent in a week. Another 37 victims were recorded today.

Meanwhile, infections are continuing to spiral across the UK, jumping to 28,773  up 49 per cent on last Tuesday and the highest daily figure since January 29.
A 14-year-old boy who was sexually assaulted by his geography teacher says his life was 'ruined' by the relationship - as she is sentenced to four years and nine months behind bars.

Monica Elizabeth Young, 24, was supported by family as she arrived at NSW District Court on Wednesday to learn her fate after pleading guilty to three counts of aggravated sexual intercourse with a minor.

Judge Kate Traill described her offending as a 'violation of trust' before delivering the sentence. Young will be eligible for parole on October 31st, 2023.

'[You] exploited his vulnerability and manipulated him,' Judge Traill said.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, the boy described how his relationship with his brother, parents, only friend and cousin deteriorated when they found out about his relationship with Young.

The boy said he 'feels like a failure who let his entire family down' and has only recently realised the extent of the abuse.

'He says the offender has ruined his dreams ruined his school and his relationship with his family and friends and trust in others and ruined his life,' Judge Traill said.

Young arrived at court more than an hour early ahead of her sentencing on Wednesday, rugged up in the same black jacked she wore on her last appearance, with her mother at her side

The court heard the boy constantly hears his parents bicker and blame each other for not noticing the abuse sooner.

His brother 'hates him for embarrassing him in front of his friends at school' and the victim says he can no longer go on family holidays due to a strained relationship with extended family.

The victim never returned to the school he once loved because all of his peers were aware of the court case, and he is now enrolled at TAFE, despite once having aspirations of becoming a physiotherapist.

'He struggles to smile about anything anymore,' the court heard.

Judge Traill said she couldn't look past Young's good character, emphasised by ten character references she received, and her remorse shown when she tearfully apologised to her victim's family at her last court appearance.

Young cried as she apologised for 'letting the relationship progress' over the period of offending between June 24 and July 6 2020.

She revealed that she, too, was a victim of sexual assault when she was in grade seven and therefore could understand the trauma she had subjected the boy to.

The court heard Young has 'no evidence of a sexual disorder' but displays strong features of a borderline personality disorder due to her sensitivity to rejection and her attachment issues in relationships.

She was supported by family members as she prepared to find out her fate for sexually abusing a student

Young was 'bullied in high school' and struggled to make any friends after her peers called her a 'snitch' for reporting a sexual assault she experienced, resulting in the boy involved being expelled from school.

The 24-year-old was facing a custodial sentence of 12 years for the crime, and previously told the court she was 'entirely expecting' to go to jail and had started preparing herself for the experience.

She vowed to continue with her appointments with psychologists and wanted to further educate herself to begin a career in fitness and personal training upon her release.

When apologising to the boy's family and to her own, she tearfully told the court: 'I just never imagined I'd be one of those people I've never been in trouble with the law. I hope he and his family can forgive me.

'I was foolish.'

The court heard Young started teaching at the all-boys school in southwest Sydney on March 20th, 2020, and was given 23 classes between year seven and 10.

Young sported a slimmed down figure and wore all black when she appeared in court on Thursday, tearfully begging her victim's family for forgiveness

Monica Elizabeth Young, 24, was supported by family as she arrived at NSW District Court on Wednesday to learn her fate after pleading guilty to three counts of aggravated sexual intercourse with a minor

She'd spent four-and-a-half years at university studying to teach PDHPE, and was 'so proud' of herself when she landed her first full time role.

Of the 23 classes she was assigned, 12 were in geography - a subject which she had no formal training in and was always just 'one page ahead' of her students as she tried to teach herself the curriculum.

By April, the Covid pandemic had forced the closure of schools and Young was required to teach her classes remotely via online learning channels.

It was at this point that 'the lines were criminally blurred' as Young became 'more accessible' to her students, many of whom contacted her all hours of the night and day.

When school returned six weeks later, it was mid-May. The physical relationship between the pair started in June.

They had sex on multiple occasions between June 24 and July 6 2020, including at least twice on the school's grounds and once in her car at a local park.

The agreed facts also reveal the manipulative behaviour she used to encourage the boy to have sex with.

On one occasion, she sent a message to the victim which read: 'It's dangerous if we get caught, but if you do it it'll be worth it'

Young expected to be sentenced two weeks ago but the judge delayed proceedings to consider the outcome

On one occasion, she messaged him asking him to hug her at school the next day, and when he didn't, she sent a follow up accusing him of 'not having the balls'.

The dare became a frequent tactic Young used to convince the boy to lure the boy into sexual liaisons.

On another occasion, she sent a message which read: 'It's dangerous if we get caught, but if you do it it'll be worth it'.

The duo exchanged messages about the sex acts they wanted to perform on each other, with Young initiated the 'sexting' on several occasions.

The most brazen of her offending occurred inside the school's classrooms, once where she messaged her victim to meet him in an English room to perform a sex act on him, and a second time where she groped the boy at the back of the classroom while the rest of the year nine class watched Disney movie, WALL-E.

The sexting began on Instagram, but quickly moved to SnapChat (above)

During the movie, a friend of the boy even sat on the other side of him as the sex act took place.

On the last day of school, the duo met on the staircase at 3.20pm to kiss goodbye, and Young performed oral sex on the 14-year-old.

A police statement of facts previously tendered in court said Young drove her pupil to a western Sydney park, mounted him and had sex in her car.

Investigators obtained CCTV footage allegedly showing Young's car approaching the park, according to material before the court.

The relationship only ended when the boy's aunt and cousin saw him get in Young's car on July 7.

The victim's cousin even filmed the moment he dragged the boy from the car and reported the pair to the school the next day.

The court heard Young started teaching at the all-boys school in southwest Sydney on March 20th, 2020, and was given 23 classes between year seven and 10

Young had been in a relationship for several years at the time of offending, but her defence counsel, former top prosecutor Margaret Cunneen SC, told the court it was 'going very badly by this stage'.

'There was a background of physical abuse, infidelity and drug taking In addition she had an experience herself as a child.'

Ms Cunneen implored the Judge Traill to consider 'how often this terrible crime rears its' head again in people who have been victims themselves'.

'She can hardly believe that what happened, happened.'

The court heard Young attempted to maintain a professional working relationship with the student, who she was 'forced to block' from the classroom online feed for repeatedly posting inappropriate content for his peers to see.

Young moved in with her grandmother when she was granted bail, where she has no access to internet or a mobile phone

But after returning to the classroom, Young claims she was trying to keep on top of the syllabus herself while also catching up students who fell behind, including the victim.

Young told the court in her tearful letter to the family that she regrets the relationship and understands that both her victim and his family will carry the trauma of the offence 'for the rest of their lives'.

'I knew it was wrong, I knew my actions were inappropriate but I couldn't let myself believe it,' she said. 'He trusted me and I abused that trust.'

Young spent five weeks in custody after her arrest in protection in the maximum security jail - locked up 22 hours a day - and another inmate in an adjacent cell killed herself.

'I never thought I'd be behind bars,' she told the court as she wiped away tears. 'Five weeks in custody was confronting enough and a difficult situation.

'I'm a hardworking woman who is honest, reliable and has integrity... I'll never commit an offence again.'

Monica Elizabeth Young (pictured) originally pleaded not guilty but admitted to three counts of aggravated sexual intercourse with a minor. Pictured with her former fiance
An Australian in their 30s is one of many fighting for life in intensive care with Covid-19, with 37 now in hospital.

Intensive care doctors in New South Wales are treating a total of seven Covid patients, chief health officer Kerry Chant told reporters on Wednesday morning.

Two of those patients are breathing through a ventilator.

In total, 37 people have been hospitalised while they fight the deadly virus, eight of whom are under the age of 35, in a clear warning to younger Australians that they need to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Health officials have issued a 'wake up call' for young NSW residents as a Covid-19 patient in theirn 30s fights for life. Pictured are Sydneysiders getting some fresh air on Wednesday

Pictured: Dr Kerry Chant speaking to reporters on July 7. She said 37 people are in hospital with Covid

Dr Chant said the figures should serve as a 'wake-up call' to young people who may think the virus only impacts older people.

'(This) should dispel the myth that this is something that only impacts on the elderly  A bit of a wake-up call to young people,' she said.

'The fact that 37 patients have been admitted to hospital should indicate to the community the fact that Covid is  not a mild disease.'

She also said that 14 of the people in hospital are under the age of 55.

'It can be mild in some but for many it can lead to hospitalisation and death.'

The other patients are one in their 50s, two in their 60s and three in their 70s, with two on ventilators.

DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA'S INTERACTIVE MAP SHOWS SYDNEY'S COVID EXPOSURE SITES

Pictured: Doctors treating an Australian with Covid. Currently, 14 people under 55 have been hospitalised

Fourteen NSW Covid-19 patients currently in hospital are under the age of 55. Pictured are Sydneysider queuing to be vaccinated at Sydney Olympic Park on Wednesday

Five million Greater Sydney residents will be locked down for an extra seven days as the Indian Delta variant continues to spread around the city with 27 new cases on Wednesday.

Many of the new cases were recorded in Canterbury-Bankstown, Liverpool and Fairfield as the so-called Bondi cluster spread from the city's east to the west.

Fourteen of the cases had been infectious in the community, prompting Premier Gladys Berejiklian to keep schools closed and restaurants and shops shut until Friday July 16.

The extension of lockdown applies to the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Shellharbour and Wollongong, while regional NSW residents will have to continue wearing masks.

Ms Berejiklian said the state of NSW is relying on more vaccinations in an attempt to reduce infection rates

Ms Berejiklian said the decision to extend lockdown was 'difficult' but was taken to stop the state 'living in and out of lockdown' until more people are vaccinated.

'The reason why the New South Wales government has taken this position is because we don't want to be in a situation where we are constantly having to move between lockdown, no lockdown, lockdown, no lockdown.

'What we want to do is give us our best chance of making sure this is the only lockdown we have until the vast majority of our citizens are vaccinated.

'We know the vaccine is the key to our freedom. The vaccine is key to saving lives and keeping the economy open.'

Ms Berejiklian said she made her decision based on the number of cases not in isolation.
Mitch McConnell has warned Joe Biden that he faces a 'hell of a fight' over his prized infrastructure bill, describing it as 'wildly inappropriate' and criticizing attempts to pass the plan along party lines.

McConnell, speaking at an event in Kentucky on Tuesday, told the crowd that there would be a 'big argument' about Democrats' plan to use reconciliation, which allows them to bypass Republicans in the Senate, to pass the $1.7 trillion bill.

'There is a process by which they could pass this without a single Republican,' said McConnell, the most senior Republican in the Senate.

Mitch McConnell, the Senate Minority Leader, was in his home state of Kentucky on Tuesday and asked about the $1.7 trillion infrastructure plan. He warned that there would be trouble if Democrats tried to ram it through without Republican support

McConnell, who entered the Senate in 1985, described Biden, who was sworn in as a senator for Delaware in 1973, as an 'old friend' and a good person - even though they disagreed on some issues

'But we're going to make it hard for them. And there are a few Democrats left in rural America and some others who would like to be more in the political center who may find this offensive.'

McConnell, 79, who has been a senator for Kentucky since 1985, said that the impending battle was one of the biggest the country had faced.

'The era of bipartisanship on this stuff is over,' he said.

'This is not going to be done on a bipartisan basis. This is going to be a hell of a fight over what this country ought to look like in the future and it's going to unfold here in the next few weeks.

'I don't think we've had a bigger difference of opinion between the two parties.'

McConnell's remarks come as the Senate is in a two-week July 4 recess.

Biden is seen on April 30 at an event celebrating Amtrak's 50th anniversary. He has made infrastructure a key part of his program

Once it returns, Chuck Schumer, the Senate Majority Leader, hopes to vote on both a smaller, bipartisan infrastructure plan and the budget resolution - which allows Democrats to pass a second larger bill along party lines - before the Senate leaves in early August until September.

McConnell called Biden a 'nice guy' but that he hasn't 'seen any evidence yet of moderation' from the administration.

'On things of this magnitude, we're not going to have an agreement. We're going to have a big argument,' he said.

'There's no mandate to do this stuff. So we're there to argue about this and to hopefully in the end prevail.'

But McConnell also added that 'we do not hate each other.'

He continued: 'We do a lot of things on a bipartisan basis.

'It's not that we have personality problems with each other, it's not that we have a lack of collegiality.

'On the things we can agree on, we do them.'

In an interview with The Atlantic, McConnell said that he had not spoken to Biden since he became president.

'Joe has decided to go hard left' in terms of the policies he's pursuing, so 'as long as he's trying to do these kinds of things, there's not much for us to talk about.'

Biden on Saturday was in Michigan, promoting the bill to voters.

President Joe Biden poses for a photo after touring King Orchards fruit farm Saturday in Central Lake, Michigan. The visit is part of his administration's attempt to sell his infrastructure plan to voters

Biden eats a cherry as he tours King Orchards fruit farm with Senator Debbie Stabenow on Saturday

First lady Jill Biden visited Maine and New Hampshire to sell the plan, while Vice President Kamala Harris visited a union training center in Las Vegas.

The agreement, announced in June, features $109 billion on roads and highways, $15 billion on electric vehicle infrastructure and transit systems and $65 billion toward broadband, among other expenditures on airports, drinking water systems and resiliency efforts to tackle climate change.

It would be funded by COVID-19 relief that was approved in 2020 but unspent, repurposed money for enhanced unemployment benefits and increased enforcement by the IRS on wealthier Americans who avoid taxes. The financing also depends on leasing 5G telecommunications spectrum, the strategic petroleum reserve and the potential economic growth produced by the investments.

Biden intends to pass additional initiatives on education and families as well as tax increases on the wealthy and corporations through the budget reconciliation process.

This would allow the passage of Bidens priorities by a simple majority vote, avoiding the 60-vote hurdle in a Senate split evenly between Democrats and Republicans.
The U.S. software firm hit by a REvil ransomware attack that crippled hundreds of companies worldwide has failed to bring its services online after discovering an 'issue' that delayed the redeployment.

Kaseya, the Miami-based company at the center of the hack, said in an alert on Tuesday night that 'an issue was discovered that has blocked the release' of its key service, which provides system monitoring and management for IT service providers.

'We apologize for the delay and R&D and operations are continuing to work around the clock to resolve this issue and restore service,' the company added, saying another status update would be issued on Wednesday morning.

The delay in the planned deployment came as another embarrassment to the company, soon after CEO Fred Voccola vowed in a video message that service would be restored 'in the coming hours'.

Scroll down for video

Kaseya CEO Fred Voccola vowed in a video message that service would be restored 'in the coming hours' but an issue on Tuesday night blocked the planned deployment

A geography of attack attempts is seen in data from Kaspersy's Threat Intelligence service. REvil does not target victims in Russia or the former Soviet satellite states

Until it can redeploy its cloud-based services, Kaseya told customers to keep their systems shut down until it assures them that it is safe.

'We have been advised by our outside experts that customers who experienced ransomware and receive communication from the hackers should not click on any links -- they may be weaponized,' Kaseya warned.

The unprecedented attack unfolded over the Independence Day holiday weekend, affecting an estimated 1,500 businesses.

The REvil hacker gang, a notorious group thought to be based in Russia or Eastern Europe, demanded a ransom of $70 million to release the decryption key that would unlock all the affected systems.

The group bragged that it had infected one million companies through the supply-chain attack, but cyber security experts consider this to be a gross exaggeration.

Kaseya said on Tuesday that approximately 50 of its customers had been breached.

Those customers primarily provide IT services to other companies, and about 800 to 1,500 local and small businesses were compromised, Kaseya said.

Kaseya said on Tuesday that approximately 50 of its customers had been breached - but another 800 to 1,500 of their customers' customers have also been knocked offline

Cyber attack on US IT provider forces Swedish grocery store chain to close ALL 800 stores The Swedish Coop grocery store chain closed all its 800 stores on Saturday after the ransomware attack on Kaseya left it unable to operate its cash registers. According to Coop, one of Sweden's biggest grocery chains, a tool used to remotely update its checkout tills was affected by the attack, meaning payments could not be taken. 'We have been troubleshooting and restoring all night, but have communicated that we will need to keep the stores closed today,' Coop spokesperson Therese Knapp told Swedish Television. The Swedish news agency TT said Kaseya technology was used by the Swedish company Visma Esscom, which manages servers and devices for a number of Swedish businesses. State railways services and a pharmacy chain were also impacted by the attack. 'They have been hit in various degrees,' Visma Esscom chief executive Fabian Mogren told TT. Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist told Swedish Television the attack was 'very dangerous' and showed business and state agencies need to better prepare. 'In a different geopolitical situation, it may be government actors who attack us in this way in order to shut down society and create chaos,' he said. Advertisement

Even at that scale, the problem is significant, with some 1,000 companies down and unable to do business, costing them money for every hour that the attack drags on.

In his video address on Tuesday, Kaseya's CEO spoke out in defense of the company, saying 'even the best defenses get scored on.'

'Unfortunately this happened. And it happens. Doesn't make it ok, it just means it's the way the world we live in is today,' said Voccola.

Voccola named other major IT providers that have suffered breaches, including Microsoft, and then tried to pin the blame on cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, which are the preferred method of ransom payment for hackers.

'Unfortunately there are bad people out there who can make a lot of money, or try to make a lot of money, and get paid in anonymous currencies that are very difficult if not impossible to trace by the authorities, so there's no money trail for them to go and get these criminals,' he said.

Voccola said that the staff at Kaseya had slept for 'a grand total of four hours in the last two days literally and that'll continue until everything is as perfect as can be.'

He added in a statement: 'Our global teams are working around the clock to get our customers back up and running. We understand that every second they are shut down, it impacts their livelihood, which is why we're working feverishly to get this resolved.'

While Kaseya is little known to the public, analysts say it was a ripe target as its software is used by thousands of companies, allowing the hackers to paralyze a huge number of businesses with a single blow.

Kaseya provides IT services to some 40,000 businesses globally, some of whom in turn manage the computer systems of other businesses.

The hack affected users of its signature VSA software, which is used to manage networks of computers and printers.

Experts believe this could be the biggest 'ransomware' attack on record -- an increasingly lucrative form of digital hostage-taking in which hackers encrypt victims' data and then demand money for restored access.

A sign that reads: 'Coop Forum supermarket in Vastberga is closed due to IT disturbances, no prognosis as to when we will open again' is seen Stockholm, Sweden on Saturday

The Kaseya attack has ricocheted around the world, affecting businesses from pharmacies to gas stations in at least 17 countries, as well as dozens of New Zealand kindergartens.

Most of Sweden's 800 Coop supermarkets were shut for a third day running after the hack paralyzed its cash registers.

Kaseya says it is actively engaged with various governmental agencies including the FBI, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Department of Homeland Security and the White House.

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden is still not calling on his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to respond to the massive ransomware attack.

On Tuesday, he again pulled out notes to deliver a prepared response to reporters questioning whether the hack calls for retaliation.

'I can tell you a couple things,' Biden said when asked if the attack warrants a response from the U.S. as he started reading from a notebook. 'I received an update from my national security team this morning.'

Critics are lashing out at President Joe Biden for not keeping his promise to get tough on Russia over cyberattacks after the most recent REvil hack affected some 1,000 companies

The president insisted the attack 'appears to have caused minimal damages to U.S. businesses,' despite reports showing at least 1,000 American companies were affected.

'We're still gathering information to the full extent of that attack,' Biden said after delivering an update on the coronavirus pandemic and state of vaccinations from the White House.

He previewed: 'I'm going to have more to say about this in the next several days. We're getting more detail and information  but that's what I can tell you now.'

'And I feel good about our ability to be able to respond,' he as he trailed off and left the room after taking just one question.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki has said Howard University students are 'lucky to have' 1619 Project founder Nikole Hannah-Jones as a faculty member after she rejected a contentious offer of tenure from the University of North Carolina.

Psaki's comments come after she was asked by a reporter at a press briefing what President Joe Biden made of the UNC tenure process and Hannah-Jones' ultimate decision to join the historically-black college Howard University.

'I have not spoken with the president about the decision on tenure by the institution in North Carolina. I will say that the students at Howard are quite lucky to have her as a professor and in their family,' Psaki said.

'But I think there is no question that there continues to be systemic racism in our country. We see that in some sectors, including in some learning institutions.'

She added: 'That's why the president is continuing to make racial equity and addressing racial equity as a central priority and crisis he would like to address and focus on as president.'

Jen Psaki has said Howard University students are 'lucky to have' 1619 Project founder Nikole Hannah-Jones as a faculty member

Psaki said that Howard University students 'are quite lucky' to have Nikole Hannah-Jones as a faculty member 'and in their family'

Hannah-Jones has announced she will join the historically-black Howard University

Hannah-Jones has rejected the University of North Carolina's tenure offer and will go to Howard University instead after protesters brawled during a board meeting and she claimed a 'powerful donor' blocked her from the lifetime role.

The New York Times reporter won the Pulitzer Prize for the 1619 Project which 'reframed' American history to focus on when the first Africans arrived to Virginia as slaves.

But the 2019 series of essays has come under withering criticism for portraying American history as fundamentally racist and also containing historical inaccuracies and generalizations.

UNC had initially offered Hannah-Jones the role as the Knight Chair in Race and Investigative Journalism at their Hussman School of Journalism - a role which has been appointed with tenure since 1980.

She rejected the University of North Carolina's tenure offer after a months-long controversy over her appointment

Psaki's comments come after she was asked by a reporter at a press briefing what President Joe Biden made of the UNC tenure process

But they later backed out of the offer of lifetime tenure offer amid criticism of her appointment, and she was offered a five-year contract after officials said they were concerned about her lack of a 'traditional academic background'.

Hannah-Jones noted the influence of a 'powerful donor' to UNC, a reference to Arkansas newspaper publisher Walter Hussman, who revealed that he had emailed university leaders calling the 1619 Project about the legacy of American slavery 'highly contentious and highly controversial' before the process was halted.

But the decision not to give Hannah-Jones a tenured position sparked further outrage from the left, leading to UNC last week pulling off a second u-turn and deciding to approve her tenure.

They voted 9-4 to accept her application at a special meeting in a closed-door session that was invaded by her supporters, sparking an ugly brawl.

But Hannah-Jones has now refused to take up the officer, deciding to instead accept the position of Knight Chair in Race and Investigative Journalism at Howard, a historically black school in Washington, D.C.

Hannah-Jones told CBS This Morning on Tuesday that she will become a member of the historically black university's Cathy Hughes School of Communication

JUST IN: Award-winning journalist @nhannahjones reveals on @CBSThisMorning she has declined the University of North Carolina's offer for tenure and will be the inaugural Knight Chair in Race and Reporting at @HowardU. pic.twitter.com/w9j0gVe0cd  CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) July 6, 2021

How fight over appointment of 1619 Project founder unfolded August 2019 - The New York Times begins its 1619 project which aims to 'reframe the country's history' on slavery, but faces criticism over historical inaccuracies and generalizations May 2020 - Nikole Hannah-Jones is awarded the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary for her introductory essay to the project Summer 2020 - UNC start considering hiring Hannah-Jones to its journalism faculty. December 2020 - In an email, Arkansas newspaper publisher Walter Hussman - a top donor to UNC - expresses his fears that Hannah-Jones was, 'trying to push an agenda,' through the 1619 Project, and that, 'they will assume she is manipulating historical facts to support it.' April 2021 - UNC announces that Hannah-Jones would be joining the journalism school's faculty as Knight Chair in Race and Investigative Journalism, traditionally a tenured professorship. May 2021 - Following criticism of the appointment, UNC u-turns and instead says she would take up the position on a five-year contract. This sparks a torrent of criticism, including from black students who claimed they had been neglected. June 30, 2021 - The trustees ultimately approved tenure last week, voting 9-4 to accept her application at a special meeting with a closed-door session that was invaded by her supporters, sparking an ugly brawl. July 6, 2021 - Hannah-Jones announces she has turned down the tenure offer and will go to Howard University instead. Advertisement

Speaking to CBS This Morning, she called it 'a very difficult decision, not a decision I wanted to make.'

She said: 'This was a position that since the 1980s came with tenure. The Knight Chairs are designed for professional journalists who are working in the field to come into academia.

'Every other Chair before me, who also happened to be white, received that position with tenure. I was denied that.

'To be denied it to only have that vote occur on the last possible day, at the last possible moment, after threat of legal action, after weeks of protest, after it became a national scandal, it's just not something that I want anymore.'

She added: 'It's pretty clear that my tenure was not taken up because of political opposition, because of discriminatory views against my viewpoints, and I believe my race and my gender.'

Faculties of the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media said Tuesday they were 'disappointed, but not surprised' at Hannah Jones's decision to turn down the school's offer.

Howard has also recruited the author Ta-Nehisi Coates, who won a National Book Award for 'Between the World and Me,' which explores violence against black people and white supremacy in America. Both have been given MacArthur 'genius' grants for their writings.

Their appointments are being supported by nearly $20 million donated by Knight Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Ford Foundation, as well as by an anonymous donor, to support Howard's continued education of and investment in black journalists, the university said.

'It is my pleasure to welcome to Howard two of today's most respected and influential journalists,' Howard President Wayne A. I. Frederick said in a news release. 'At such a critical time for race relations in our country, it is vital that we understand the role of journalism in steering our national conversation and social progress.'

UNC had announced in April that Hannah-Jones - who won the Pulitzer Prize for her work on The New York Times Magazine's 1619 Project focusing on America's history of slavery - would be joining the journalism school's faculty. It said she would take up the Knight Chair in Race and Investigative Journalism at UNC in July.

But the news was swiftly condemned by conservative political groups with links to the UNC Board of Governors which oversees the state university's 16-campus system, according to NC Policy Watch.

Among the loudest critics was the The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal, which argued that Hannah-Jones is unqualified for the position because her 1619 Project was 'unfactual and biased'.

The conservative watchdog group said her hiring signaled 'a degradation of journalistic standards, which should deter any serious student from applying to the journalism school'.

Hannah-Jones announced Tuesday she will become a member of the historically black university's (pictured) Cathy Hughes School of Communication

One week ago, trustees at UNC-Chapel Hill approved Hannah-Jones' tenure, capping weeks of tension that began when a board member halted the process over concerns about her teaching credentials because she did not come from a 'traditional academic-type background'

The appointment was also apposed by millionaire newspaper tycoon Walter Hussman Jr, 75, who donated $25 million to his alma mater in 2019, and who UNC's journalism department is named after.

'I worry about the controversy of tying the UNC journalism school to the 1619 project,' he wrote to Susan King, dean at the Hussman School of Journalism.

He added: 'Based on her own words, many will conclude she is trying to push an agenda, and they will assume she is manipulating historical facts to support it.'

Hannah-Jones' tenure application was halted, and she was offered a five-year-contract as officials said she did not come from a 'traditional academic-type background'.

Trustee Charles Duckett, who vets lifetime appointments, wanted more time to consider her qualifications, university leaders had said.

But Hannah-Jones' attorneys announced in late June that she would not report for work without tenure.

When the latest vote was taken Wednesday, Duckett voted to approve her tenure application.

Demonstrators are removed from a closed session meeting of the UNC-Chapel Hill trustees Wednesday as the board prepared to discuss and vote on tenure for distinguished journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones

They regathered just outside the room, using a bullhorn to shout their frustrations at police who they said pushed them out of the room

Officials had reportedly not communicated the process with the public - which frustrated the demonstrated who were asked to leave the room

The students who had protested outside of the meeting had chanted 'No Justice! No Peace'

Police are seen confronting protesters who descended on Wednesday's closed-door meeting

The previous decision by trustees to halt Hannah-Jones' tenure submission sparked a torrent of criticism, including from black students who claimed they had been neglected.

The school's board of trustees at had gone into a closed-door session to discuss her appointment soon after the meeting began, which is a standard practice when discussing personnel matters, according to The Daily Tar Heel.

Officials had reportedly not communicated the process with the public - which frustrated the demonstrated who were asked to leave the room.

Hannah-Jones wrote in a tweet that the confusion led to black students getting 'shoved and punched' instead of attempts to de-escalate the situation.

'It should have been communicated how this meeting would go, that tenure proceedings are always held in closed session, and an attempt made to de-escalate.

Instead Black students were shoved and punched because they were confused about the process. This is not right,' Hannah-Jones tweeted.

She added: 'To be clear: My legal team did not request the closed session. The closed session is the normal procedure for tenure votes and our desire was, for the first time in this process, to be treated by the [board of trustees] like every other tenure candidate.'

Protesters and interested parties gather outside the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill on Wednesday where the University of North Carolina Board of Trustees voted on tenure for Nikole Hannah-Jones

A small group of protesters refused to leave the meeting room and police attempted to usher them out

Deborah Dwyer, a doctoral candidate, holds a sign while gathered with fellow students and alumni on the steps of Carroll Hall, where the UNC-Chapel Hill Hussman School of Journalism and Media is located

The students who had protested outside of the meeting had chanted 'No Justice! No Peace,' The State reported.

Julia Clark, the vice president of the UNC Black Student Movement, told the outlet that an officer who told her to move back had 'felt threatened.'

'Be afraid,' Clark said. 'Be afraid. I want you to be scared, because we are scared on this campus every day.'

The organization's president Taliajah 'Teddy' Vann told The State she was frustrated that the board went into closed session and would not vote in public.

'What are you hiding?' Vann said, according to the outlet.

She added: 'Y'all think y'all are safe hiding behind those doors? You're not. Because our voices will be heard regardless.'

Hannah-Jones wrote in a tweet that the confusion led to black students getting 'shoved and punched' instead of attempts to de-escalate the situation

Hannah-Jones cited political interference by conservatives because of her work on The 1619 Project.

'I went through the official tenure process. My peers in academia said that I was deserving of tenure. These board members are political appointees who decided that I wasn't.'

She noted that UNC-Chapel Hill is her alma mater.

'I love the university. The university has given me a lot and I wanted to give back. It was embarrassing to be the first person to be denied tenure. It was embarrassing and I didn't want this to become a public scandal. I didn't want to drag my university through the pages of newspapers because I was the first and the only Black person in that position to be denied tenure.'

On going to Howard instead, she referred to her childhood during which she was bused to white schools:

'I spent my entire life proving that I belonged in elite white spaces that were not built for Black people. I got a lot of clarity through what happened with the University of North Carolina. I decided I didn't want to do that anymore.'
Health Minister Brad Hazzard has snapped at a reporter after being asked how 163 elite private school students were mistakenly given the in-demand Pfizer jab.

St Joseph's College at Sydney's affluent Hunter's Hill confirmed to Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday the Year 12 students were vaccinated in May, as millions of more vulnerable Aussies are forced to wait until the final quarter of this year.

The blunder sparked outrage nationwide, but the NSW minister fired back on Wednesday, shooting down suggestions from a reporter that NSW Health should be embarrassed.

'What I find more embarrassing is that you would make that sort of question and accusation against frontline health staff who work their butts off and will have tomorrow achieved one million vaccinations in arms,' he told reporters.

St Joseph's College at Hunter's Hill, Australia's largest boarding school for boys, confirmed to Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday that 160 of its Year 12 students received the vaccine in May - despite the vaccine not being officially available to under-40s

When questioned about the blunder on Wednesday, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard told a reporter the error was marginal compared to the amount of successful vaccines administered across the state

'The school intended it well. There was a mistake and so what?

'Its happened, out of a million vaccinations, move on.'

Dr Teresa Anderson, Chief Executive of Sydney Local Health District which falls under NSW Health, said the jabs had been intended to vaccinate only Aboriginal students at the school.

Under eligibility guidelines, Indigenous Australians aged 16 to 49 are eligible for the jab which is in short supply nationwide.

'It was agreed that the Aboriginal students would be vaccinated through the state health system at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital's vaccination hub,' Dr Anderson said in a statement.

'Through an error, the wider group of boarders in Year 12, a total of 163 students, were also vaccinated. Sydney Local Health District apologises for this error.'

The school's headmaster Ross Tarlinton confirmed the school approached health authorities to enquire about vaccination for students.

'We have a large number of boys who live in a residential community, which includes boys from rural, remote and indigenous communities,' he said in a statement.

The revelation came after the desperate family of a 90-year-old woman in a nursing home said they had tried and failed to get their mum the jab.

Australians have been waiting in long queues to receive Covid vaccines, but the Year 12 students from an elite Sydney boys' school was bussed to a NSW Health venue to receive Pfizer jabs nearly two months ago

Sue Halford's 90-year-old mother Barbara resides in a nursing home and is still yet to be vaccinated, after being told she may have to wait until September.

'She's waiting and I really think she needs to get her shot as a priority group 1A, 90-year-old in aged care, she really should have got her shot yesterday,' Ms Halford told A Current Affair.

Due to medical concerns, Barbara requires the Pfizer jab but with stock in short supply due to the federal government's bungled vaccine rollout, it meant she may have to wait until the final quarter of the year.

'I know it's supposed to be coming September 1, but there's still how long until then? So it needed to happen yesterday,' Ms Halford said.

Despite the apparent shortage, NSW Health and Sydney Local Area Health District responded to the school's request and arranged vaccinations at an approved site.

Mr Tarlinton pointed out the school, which charges $35,800 for day students, and $50,000 for boarders, does not decide who gets what vaccine.

Sue Halford's 90-year-old mother Barbara resides in a nursing home and is still yet to be vaccinated (pictured together) due to a shortage of Pfizer jabs

'Acknowledging that the college does not determine vaccination priority, it welcomed the opportunity to offer the vaccine for students given the approvals provided and for the reasons listed above,' the statement read.

Mr Tarlinton said he and the college would 'continue to encourage and support members of its community to receive the appropriate vaccine as the opportunity arises'.

However, the move sparked backlash within the community, with some critics slamming the government while others called on the school's principal to apologise.

'160 private school students being vaccinated before theres even A PLAN to vaccinate public school teachers is the most NSW Government thing Ive ever heard,' NSW Greens MP David Shoebridge wrote on Twitter.

NSW Teachers Federation senior vice-president Amber Flohm described it as 'absolutely obscene'.

'It highlights the inequality that exists across our society,' she told the ABC.

'That sort of behaviour is not going to get us through the pandemic.'

Because Pfizer is in short supply in Australia, it is not yet available to people under 40.

Instead, younger Australians can only get the abundant AstraZeneca vaccine via their GPs because the government is prioritising Pfizer jabs for people aged 40 to 60.

Young Australians are not expected to be able to choose their vaccine until at least September.

Almost 8,000 younger people have received their first AstraZeneca dose since Prime Minister Scott Morrison highlighted it as an option last week.

In a major change in the vaccine rollout strategy, Prime Minister Scott Morrison last week suggested people under 60 could discuss getting Astra Zeneca with their doctor - although it is not advised by medical authorities because of a low risk of blood clotting

AstraZeneca, which is only recommended for people over 60 because of extremely rare but serious blood clots, has a 12-week gap between doses, while Pfizer has a three-week space.

Covid-19 vaccine task force head John Frewen said under current supply forecasts Pfizer will be expanded to under-40s in September or October.

Lieutenant General Frewen said ample supplies of locally made AstraZeneca vaccines and limited imports of Pfizer meant age group priorities would stay in place.

But he said as soon as supplies of Pfizer and the yet-to-be approved Moderna jab were available other options would be on the table.

State and federal health officials met on Tuesday to discuss potential problems with the rollout, including possible staff shortages.

Some officials are concerned there may not be enough workers available to roll out vaccines quickly and easily when tens of millions of Pfizer and Moderna doses arrive later this year.

They are considering options including drafting in trainee paramedics or final year medical students. Mobile mass vaccination hubs will also be considered.

Jane Halton, who chairs the Coalition of Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, said Australia needed to be prepared for glitches in vaccine delivery.

Younger Australians can only get the abundant AstraZeneca vaccine via their GPs because the government is prioritising Pfizer jabs for people aged 40 to 60. Young Australians are not expected to be able to choose their vaccine until at least September

'This is not something that you can just stick on general practice across the country and then get that huge number of people through,' she told ABC radio.

'The federal government is starting to sit in a really co-operative way, not just with the states, but working with industry, who are really desperate to help their workforces get vaccinated as well.'

State governments are jostling to get their hands on the doses, with Mr Hazzard likening the rollout to The Hunger Games.

He concedes a global contest for vaccine supplies is providing to be a major problem.

'This is a war and the federal government is doing their best to try and get vaccines,' he previously told ABC radio.

Almost 9.5 per cent of Australians aged over 16 have been fully vaccinated.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese said the government had gone from being complacent last year when it claimed to be at the front of the vaccine queue to being incompetent.

'Australia is last in the developed world when it comes to fully vaccinating our population,' he told reporters in Brisbane.
The distraught mother of a young woman who was found dead by a friend in remote bushland has accused police of failing to look for her daughter - but cops insist they searched extensively for the 23-year-old.

Sarah Brown's lifeless body was discovered by a male friend near her home in the Gympie suburb of Victory Heights, north of Brisbane, on June 14 - one week after she went to get a bottle of wine and never returned.

Mystery surrounded her death because she was 'dressed to go out' wearing make up, a summer dress and thongs, until police confirmed the situation was not being treated as suspicious.

Earlier this week, Ms Brown's mother Janet Gardner slammed detectives and accused them of doing a 'terrible' job at searching for her daughter - claiming that her disappearance was treated differently because had a history with drugs.

Family and friends described Sarah Brown (pictured) as special and having a gorgeous heart

Janet Gardner (left) was very close to her youngest daughter Sarah Brown (right) - whose body was found a week after she went missing

'I didn't see any evidence of anyone looking,' she told The Gympie Times.

'It made me feel like she wasn't important and she didn't matter.'

Ms Gardner claimed she told officers everything she knew about her daughter to help them locate her, but says she didn't hear from them again until her body was uncovered.

Even after Ms Brown's remains were found, Ms Gardner said she wasn't allowed to see them.

'Surely I could've seen a picture of her or viewed her from a distance,' she said.

Police have confirmed they're not treating Sarah Brown's death as suspicious after her body was found in bushland

But Queensland Police defended the heartbroken mother's claims to Daily Mail Australia and insisted they conducted thorough inquiries.

'Police commenced an investigation on June 10 when Ms Brown was reported missing. Detectives liaised with the Missing Persons Unit and conducted extensive inquiries to locate Ms Brown,' a spokesman said.

'Gympie Detectives used all methodologies available to them to locate Ms Brown. Tragically, Ms Brown was located deceased on June 14.

'Based on scientific and autopsy results her death is not being treated as suspicious.'

Margaret Reidy doesn't believe her granddaughter Sarah Brown (pictured) took her own life

Margaret Reidy (centre) said her daughter Janet Gardner (right) had an unbreakable bond with her daughter Sarah (left)

In June, Ms Brown's 76-year-old grandmother told Daily Mail Australia that the death was the worst thing that has ever happened to her.

'Horrible things have happened in my life but this is worst ever,' her grandmother Margaret Reidy said.

'I wouldn't wish on any parent or grandparent what we're going through. Sarah didn't deserve to die.'

Ms Reid's said her daughter Ms Gardner has been struggling to comes to the terms with the sudden death of her youngest child, whom she had an 'unbreakable' bond with.

Janet Gardner (pictured with her daughter Sarah) is struggling to deal with the loss of her daughter

Ms Gardner arrived in Gympie to visit Ms Brown on the day she went missing and arranged to meet the next day to check her daughter's new place.

But Sarah never rang.

'Sarah would ring her mum at least once or twice a day,' Ms Reidy said.

'We're all devastated over Sarah's death but my daughter has fallen to pieces and is in a bad place right now. Sarah was the love of her life.'

Ms Reid also claimed police didn't tell the family what happened to their beloved girl, and 'did nothing' to help find her for several days - despite her body eventually being found close to where she went missing.

She is adamant her granddaughter would not take her own life, despite having lost her way several times though struggles with drugs, alcohol and mental health.

In a haunting last message on social media, Ms Brown posted on Facebook that she was 'feeling positive' just six hours before she disappeared on June 7.

'No, I wouldn't think so, she was a happy kid,' Ms Reidy said.

'I wouldn't suspect she'd do such a thing.'

Sarah Brown appeared to be in positive spirits several hours before she disappeared. Pictured is her last Facebook post

Ms Brown left the house without her beloved dog, who went everywhere with her.

Ms Reidy recalled Ms Brown being happy, laughing, joking and in high spirits as she mowed the lawn for her grandmother the last time she'd seen her a month earlier.

At the time of her death, Ms Brown had been staying with friends after fleeing a volatile relationship.

'Sarah was homeless and had nowhere else to go,' Ms Reidy said.

'She couldn't find direction and often lost her way.'

'But then she was granted a place through the department of housing. She was all set to move in and had arranged to go and see it with her mum the day after she disappeared.'

Sarah Brown (pictured) had posted she was feeling 'positive' just hours before she went missing on June 7

Ms Reidy remembered her granddaughter as a talented artist, painter and piano player who was well-liked and had many friends.

'She shone like a bright light,' she said.

'She was no shrinking violet and always made her presence felt.

She was good fun and often had us in hysterics.

'She loved animals, kind to everyone and would defend anyone in need. She was one who always defended the underdog.'

For 24/7 confidential support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
An Iowa man was arrested in Chicago after a semi-automatic rifle and semi-automatic handgun were allegedly found lying in the window sill of his hotel room by a housekeeper who alerted police.

Chicago police found Keegan Casteel, 32, at 5:45 p.m. on July 4 with the two weapons in a W Hotel room overlooking Ohio Street Beach in the 600 block of North Lake Shore Drive, WFLD reported.

Cops found a .308 caliber semi-automatic rifle that was not engraved with a serial number - and had a round in the chamber.

Police also found a high-power scope with laser-sight attachments, five magazines and a .45 caliber handgun, prosecutors said.

Chicago police found Keegan Casteel, 32, with the two weapons in a W Hotel room on July 4. The arrest was announced by David Brown, the Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, during a detailed news conference about recent gun violence

Cops said Casteel has been charged with two felony counts of aggravated unlawful use of a loaded weapon without a Firearm Owners Identification card, required in the state of Illinois

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot also praised the hotel worker for reporting Casteel's 'arsenal'

The weapons were found in the window sill of Room 1208 on the 12th floor of the hotel after receiving a tip from a housekeeping employee, according to WBBM-TV.

Authorities said that the rifle had been left in 'in a very suspicious position' and that the area was crowded with Independence Day revelers.

The arrest was announced by David Brown, the Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, during a detailed news conference about recent gun violence in the Windy City.

'This was unique that we're still within COVID restrictions somewhat and this employee saw something by entering the room to clean it that likely prevented a tragedy from happening,' Brown said.

'So it's significant  and very valuable. A lot of praise for that employee for making us aware so we could act quickly and potentially avoid a tragedy.'

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot also praised the hotel worker for reporting Casteel's 'arsenal,' WBBM-TV reported.

'I want to thank the hotel worker who spotted this individual from Iowa who decided it was a good idea to come to our city with an arsenal, an AR-15, and five loaded magazines which he had perched up on the windowsill,' Lightfoot said.

'Thank God for that hotel worker, who saw something, and said something, and I believe averted disaster.'

It was not immediately clear why Casteel had weapons in his hotel room and if he had planned to use them.

'There is no previous criminal history of this person nor any other issues in our federal databases, but obviously very concerning given the position of the W Hotel to Navy Pier,' Brown said.

'Our joint terrorism task force officers debriefed, interviewed this person along with a companion, and we are continuing this investigation,' the superintendent said.

Casteel's wife was also in the room and their two children were also on the trip, WLS-TV reported.

A sign in the hotel's window spotted by NBC Chicago notes that guns are not allowed on the property

The weapons were found in the window sill of Room 1208 on the 12th floor of the hotel

The hotel room reportedly overlooked Ohio Street Beach in the 600 block of North Lake Shore Drive - which was crowded for Fourth of July revelry

The hotel is positioned near the historic Navy Pier in Chicago, pictured

According to the Illinois State Police Firearm Services Bureau, Illinois residents must have a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card, which is issued by the agency in order to legally possess firearms or ammunition.

Cops said Casteel has been charged with two felony counts of aggravated unlawful use of a loaded weapon without a FOID card.

A judge set his bond at $10,000 and ruled that Castell - who lives in Ankeny, Iowa - can return home while awaiting trial but must appear for all hearings, the next of which is scheduled for July 14.

Casteel was also ordered to turn in all of his weapons, outlets reported.

Prosecutors said Casteel has an Iowa gun permit, WLS-TV reported. However, Judge David Navarro told Casteel 'clearly, we are not in Iowa.'

The outlet reported that Casteel owns an auto repair shop in Des Moines.

The W Hotel has directed comment to the Chicago Police Department, though a sign in the hotel's window spotted by NBC Chicago notes that guns are not allowed on the property.

Brown said during the press conference that over Fourth of July weekend, officers recovered 244 illegal guns making 86 arrests for illegal gun possession. In addition, officers cleared 10 murder cases from June 28 to July 4.
The New York Times has taken aim at Australia's low vaccination rates by using the country's bungled vaccine rollout as an example of how not to manage Covid-19.

In an episode of the publication's podcast 'The Daily', science journalist Carl Zimmer weighed in on why he thought Australia has swung from one extreme to the other.

Once the envy of the world boasting a country almost coronavirus-free, Australia's glacial vaccine rollout has meant frustrated residents have become all too familiar with the incessant cycle of lockdowns and border closures.

The New York Times has taken aim at Australia's low vaccination rates by using the country's bungled vaccine rollout as an example of how not to manage Covid-19

In an episode of 'The Daily', science journalist Carl Zimmer weighed in on why he thought Australia has swung from one extreme to the other

Mr Zimmer said the highly contagious Indian Delta strain of the virus was 'a recipe for disaster among countries with low vaccination rates'.

The journalist said the lethal combination of an infectious strain and a slow rollout was playing out in countries like Bangladesh, Russia, Malaysia and Australia.

Mr Zimmer said it was interesting that Australia was a relatively wealthy country but lacked a great vaccine supply.

He put it down to the government believing lockdown strategies like contact tracing, testing and strict limits on travel would continue to keep the virus at bay.

'They had incredibly low rates, life was normal in Australia. So they thought, "We can take our time with vaccination because we've got this big wall keeping the virus out," but then the virus came over the wall and they didn't have their vaccines ready.'

Just six per cent of the population have been double-jabbed, compared to 46 per cent in the United States and 47 per cent in the United Kingdom.

Once the envy of the world boasting a country almost coronavirus free, Australia's glacial vaccine rollout has meant an incessant cycle of lockdowns and border closures

More than 8.4million vaccine doses have been administered since the rollout began in February, but the vaccination rate still sits at a low 6 per cent

Israel has vaccinated almost 60 per cent of its population followed by Chile with almost 55 per cent.

Australia is also trailing behind Latvia, Turkey, Mexico and Colombia and even New Zealand, which only uses the Pfizer jab.

More than 8.4million vaccine doses have been administered since the rollout began in February, but the vaccination rate still sits at a low six per cent.

International travel has been off limits since March last year when Australia closed its borders, which aren't expected to reopen before mid-to-late 2022.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison introduced a raft of changes to the rollout last week, as two-thirds of the country went into lockdown as states battled new outbreaks.

He outlined a a four-phase transition towards creating a new Covid-normal and finally ending the cycle of lockdowns and border closures.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison introduced a raft of changes to the rollout last week, as two-thirds of the country went into lockdown as states battled new outbreaks

He outlined a a four-phase transition towards creating a new Covid-normal and finally ending the cycle of lockdowns and border closures

The first phase involves halving the number of arrivals into the country to 3,035 a week until August 31 to help keep out the highly contagious Delta strain, while the final stage sees all restrictions lifted except for testing of unvaccinated arrivals.

The pace of the plan - which will eventually let the country manage Covid like flu - depends on the efficiency of the 'ramped up' vaccine rollout.

The 'new deal' provides some light at the end of the tunnel, with lockdowns to be eliminated once a certain percentage of Aussies have been double-jabbed.

The country's rollout has been plagued with supply issues and health advice which prevented millions from getting the AstraZeneca shot due to fears of very rare blood clots which have only killed two people across the nation.

The deaths came after 3.8million had taken the AstraZeneca vaccine, meaning a death rate of one per 1.9million.

Last week, Scott Morrison announced under 60s could opt for the AstraZeneca shot, with many young people across the nation rushing to roll up their sleeves.

SCOTT MORRISON'S FOUR PHASES TO OPEN UP AUSTRALIA 1. Vaccinate, prepare and pilot (from July 14) Arrival caps cut in half to 3,035 a week until August 31; lockdowns and state border closures as a last resort; trials of seven-day home quarantine for vaccinated arrivals; medicare vaccination certificates available on apps like apple wallet 2. Post vaccination phase (when an as-yet unannounced percentage of Aussies are jabbed, expected early next year) No lockdowns or state borders except for 'extreme circumstances'; caps for unvaccinated arrivals doubled to 6,070; home quarantine for vaccinated arrivals; capped entry for students and economic visa holders 3. Consolidation phase (date not announced) Lifting all restrictions for outbound travel for vaccinated travellers; no caps for vaccinated arrivals; vaccinated people exempted from domestic restrictions; increased caps for students and visa holders; more travel bubbles being set up with countries such as Singapore; booster shots rolled out 4. Final phase (date not announced) Uncapped arrivals for vaccinated people without any quarantine and uncapped arrivals for unvaccinated people with testing before departure and on arrival Advertisement

However, top doctors have now urged young Australians to stick to the Pfizer vaccine after the Australian Medical Association said they were not consulted before the Prime Minister announced the policy change.

The Morrison government then backflipped on its guidelines, with the AMA advising patients 59 and under to stick to immunisation experts' advice.

Meanwhile, residents in states across the country have been gridlocked in testing queues to get vaccinated, with thousands in Sydney facing a three-hour wait.

Royal Prince Alfred Hospital at Camperdown in Sydney's inner west has seen hundreds of people turn up to its vaccination centre during he most-recent lockdown.

Despite turning up on time for appointments, crowds were left waiting in lines which snaked around the building, many leaving in frustration.

It comes as New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced on Wednesday the state's two-week lockdown would be extended by another seven days until July 16.

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced on Monday the state's two-week lockdown would be extended another 7 days until July 16

The harsh measures, originally brought in for a week on June 26, were enacted to confine the highly infectious Indian Delta strain to the epicentre in Sydney's east

There will be no relaxation of restrictions as planned on Friday, with shops and restaurants kept shut and schools closed except for children of essential workers.

The harsh measures, originally brought in for a week on June 26, were enacted to confine the highly infectious Indian Delta strain to the epicentre in Sydney's east.

The state recorded 18 new locally-acquired infections on Tuesday bringing the city's Bondi cluster to 225 cases - with over a hundred more that are yet to be linked.

In another worrying statistic which prompted Ms Berejiklian to make her decision, 122 new cases were found to have been out in the community while infectious within the last ten days.

As part of the extended lockdown, face masks will remain mandatory, schools will be shut with at-home-learning replacing face-to-face classes and there are still only four lawful reasons to leave home.
Stephen Byron says Canberra Airport should block all travel to and from the states until they receive a guarantee borders won't be closed

Canberra Airport's boss wants all flights from Western Australia and South Australia banned in retaliation to the their coronavirus border closures.

Stephen Byron said all travel to and from the states should be blocked until they receive a guarantee borders won't be closed to the Australian Capital Territory when they are Covid-free.

'Our proposal is that flights between Perth and Canberra and Adelaide and Canberra be suspended until we the airport and the airlines get a guarantee that borders will not be closed while there are zero cases,' he told The Australian.

'These governments are shutting down our business and putting people out of work, and there is no lawful reason why.'

The CEO of Canberra Airport wants all flights from Western Australia and South Australia banned as a response to the state's coronavirus restrictions

Mr Byron says the fact Queensland and New Zealand haven't mandated against the ACT shows the unfairness of the decision by the WA and SA governments

Mr Byron slammed the decision makers in the two states, saying it was illogical that residents of the ACT could travel to states like NSW and Queensland but not WA and SA.

'It's as if Premier Mark McGowan and Premier Steve Marshall think Canberra is an outer suburb of Sydney, and that's just embarrassing,' he said.

He said the airport was operating at about 50 per cent capacity before Sydney's latest outbreak - and was now at 20 per cent.

Mr Byron says the fact that Queensland and New Zealand, two of the quickest to block travel from coronavirus-effected states, haven't banned the ACT shows the unfairness of the decision by the WA and SA governments.

'It's time for a national position on what is the health advice for border closures,' he said.

International flights arriving in Australia will be empty from next week as the cost of getting home from abroad skyrockets to as much as $70,000

International flights arriving in Australia will be near-empty from next week as the cost of getting home from abroad skyrockets to as much as $70,000.

Australia's weekly flight cap was cut in half indefinitely last week, causing prices to inflate exponentially and demand plummet.

Recent flights from New York to Sydney, usually a $2,500 return trip, are now as much as $70,309 one-way, as arrivals into Australia could see major airlines bringing in between zero and five passengers.

Airlines could be crippled by the flight cap, with the Board of Airline Representatives of Australia confirming as many as 18 international carries will pull their services.

Sydney, which had 42,330 arrivals in May alone, will be accepting just 215 a day for the foreseeable future, with a third of flights arriving empty.

The remaining planes will be restricted to 26 passengers, and the incredibly high fares they will have to offer will scare off the vast majority of passengers.
Raytheon Technologies, the second largest U.S. defense contractor, is asking its employees to 'identify their privilege' and 'develop intersectional allyship' in a 'woke' training course, leaked documents show.

Raytheon CEO Greg Hayes spearheaded the campaign called 'Stronger Together' starting last summer, which was revealed through training documents reported by Chris Rufo, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a conservative think-tank.

The documents instruct employees at the weapons-maker to strive for 'equity' over 'equality', and tutor them on 'intersectionality', a world-view that critics say divides people into different categories in a hierarchy of privilege and oppression based on race, gender, sexual identity, and other factors.

In one document, the company urges white employees to 'identify [their] privilege,' and argues that straight white men are the most privileged, and the least oppressed.

Raytheon CEO Greg Hayes is seen above in March 2020. His 'Stronger Together' training program is facing criticism after

The training documents urge workers to 'develop intersectional allyship in the workplace'.

One training slide urges white employees to 'identify everyone's race' during workplace conversations about race.

'Someone's race or ethnicity isn't a taboo topic,' the slide advises. 'Talk openly about it to appeal to people's conscious values and challenge their unconscious biases.'

The training material urges white people to 'listen to the experiences' of 'those with marginalized identities' and to 'give them the floor in meetings or on calls, even if it means silencing yourself.'

The material also offers helpful tips on what white people should and should not say to their black colleagues.

'I can't wait for things to calm down and get back to normal' is a forbidden remark, but 'I realize my discomfort is a fraction of what you're feeling' is encouraged.

Raytheon's StormBreaker smart weapon has a unique tri-mode seeker that allow pilots to hit moving land-based or maritime targets in adverse weather or low visibility

The document notes that black people are 'exhausted, mentally drained, frustrated, stressed, barely sleeping, scared and overwhelmed.'

The training document also recommends an article called 75 Things White People Can Do For Racial Justice that encourages white employees to 'defund the police,' 'participate in reparations,' 'decolonize your bookshelf,' and 'join a local 'white space.''

The slides tout the fact that CEO Hayes signed a pledge promising in part, 'I will check my own biases', and urged other employees to sign the pledge.

In a column for City Journal, Rufo argued that 'the end goal of this program' is 'the rejection of the principle of equality under the law.'

'The company claims that the colorblind standard of 'equal treatment and access to opportunities' is not enough; 'anti-racist' policies must sometimes utilize unequal treatment to achieve equal outcomes,' he said.

Rufo is a conservative activist who opposes Critical Race Theory, a controversial field that critics say categorizes people as privileged or oppressed based on their skin tone.

Defenders argue CRT merely examines the ways in which race and racism influence American politics, culture and the law, and say it is vital to eliminating racism.

A Raytheon spokesperson did not immediately respond to an after-hours inquiry from DailyMail.com requesting a response to Rufo's criticism.

In an appearance on Fox News, Rufo slammed Raytheon over the training material.

'This is really astonishing because this is one of the largest corporations in the world and manufactures key defense armaments, and yet it has been captured by this woke ideology that seems to be now the dominant force, not only in education and government, but also in business,' he said.

'It was a joke last year that Raytheon would put the rainbow flag on a drone strike and now, that meme, that joke has become a reality,' he added.
A woman mowing the grass at an airfield in Canada was killed in a freak accident Monday afternoon when a plane struck her as it was coming in for a landing.

The 27-year-old woman, who was not identified, was driving a ride-on mower at 12.50 pm, authorities said, near the runway at the Saint-Esprit airfield, just 35 miles north of Montreal where the incident occurred.

'What we can understand is that the woman was on a tractor mowing the lawn and when the plane did its descent to land on the airstrip the airplane hit the woman,' Marc Tessier a spokesman for the Quebec municipal police told CNN.

The woman worked for a company that maintained the airfield, and was taken to a hospital after the accident where she subsequently died.

The pilot was uninjured, but was also taken to a hospital in shock.

'When you hear about someone struck by lightning, it's overwhelming, but by a landing airplane?' Pierre Remialle a resident who lives nearby the airfield told CTV. 'Never heard anything like that before.'

The plane is a Chinese-built Nanchang CJ-6, and damage could be seen on its wing where it struck the woman. It was a private plane, Tessier said, and the owner was its pilot.

A Chinese-made Nanchang CJ-6, similar to the one that struck and killed a 27-year-old woman who was mowing the grass at an airfield in Canada Monday as it came in for a landing

The accident took place at the Saint-Esprit airfield (pictured) just 35 miles north of Montreal

The woman worked for a company that maintains the airfield, and was using a ride-on mower when she was struck

Visibility at the time of the accident was high, according to Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB), and the weather 'was appropriate for visual flight rules flying,' TSB spokesman Christ Krepski told CNN.

It could, however, take weeks or months for investigators to find out what truly happened.

'We're going to have a look at what happened so we're here today to gather information to understand the event,' Transportation safety board investigator Simon St-Pierre told CTV. 'It's way to early to have any conclusion so we're going to have time to have time to gather everything and analyze what happened.'

According to the agency, out of 170 air transportation accidents were reported to the TSB in 2020, 114 involved private aircraft. Additionally 16 people died in accidents involving aircraft in Canada last year.
A Brazilian woman has tragically died while celebrating her birthday after she plunged 25metres down the Kangaroo Point cliffs.

Fernanda Morella was enjoying her 33rd birthday when she accidentally fell down the heritage listed cliffs in Brisbane's CBD.

Emergency services were called to River Terrace, in Brisbane's CBD, at 5pm Tuesday after Ms Morella was found at the base of the rockface.

Despite efforts by paramedics to revive her, but she was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Fernanda Morella (pictured) was tragically killed after she fell down the Kangaroo Point cliffs, in Brisbane's CBD, while celebrating her 33rd birthday

The heritage-listed cliffs (pictured) are 25 metres high and sit in the city's CBD, alongside the Brisbane River

Queensland Police confirmed her family in Brazil have been informed of her death.

Tributes have begun pouring in online from devastated loved ones who have remembered Ms Morella as a 'loving person'.

'I love you more than one day I could say,' one friend wrote.

'At the moment, you can only say that.'

Another friend said she was shocked to learn about the death and had received a message from Ms Morella on her birthday.

'I can't believe it! 'To what a sensitive and loving person!' one friend wrote.

'My friend fell yesterday when she saw the sunset and rested!'

'She always called me, always loved me, always been present, wanted to be here for her birthday, and sleep here at home, but Sydney closed and she wouldn't be able to come!

'We didn't talk much this week, but we always talk, every week we video call. Yesterday was her birthday, and she sent me ''I love you''. RIP Fernanda.'

Kangaroo Point cliffs are a popular abseiling and rock climbing spot nestled in the heart of the city alongside the Brisbane River.

Devastated friends have remembered Ms Morella (pictured) as a 'loving person'

In the wake of the tragedy, locals have reported witnessing people behaving dangerously at the natural attraction.

'[There is] a high number of people who muck around at the edge of the KP cliff not realising the danger they are in,' one man wrote in a local Facebook group.

'A couple of weeks ago I was at the top of the KP cliff... and next to me was a young couple drinking wine looking over the city scape while dangling their feet over the edge.'

'What do you expect when people actually picnic regularly on the dangerous side or, as I have seen, young children as young as five collecting stones from the cliff side of the barrier,' another person wrote online.

Queensland police are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.

It is believed to be a case of misadventure and it not being treated as a suicide.
A freshman Congresswoman from South Carolina is now carrying a gun with her wherever she goes and is visiting a gun range at least once a week, after at least one vandal defaced her home, front steps, sidewalk and street with black spray paint.

The messages the vandal allegedly left at Nancy Mace's Charleston home while she was away for Memorial Day weekend included 'F*** you Nancy,' 'all politicians are bastards,' 'no gods, no masters,' and 'pass the pro act' next to Antifa symbols.

'When they show up to your house and physically just, you know, try to destroy it with graffiti, it's personal and its invasive and it's violating and it doesn't feel good,' Mace, a Republican, told Fox News

Shortly after the incident, the Republican congresswoman posted on her personal Twitter account that she was 'buying another firearm. This one to carry.'

'Feeling safer today than yesterday,' she wrote on June 5.

Nancy Mace, a Congresswoman from South Carolina, said she has been visiting the gun range at least once a week since her home in Charleston was vandalized over Memorial Day weekend

She said she feels empowered by being able to defend herself, and carries a concealed weapon with her everywhere she can

Following the alleged vandalism, Mace, a graduate of The Citadel, posted on her personal Twitter page that she was buying a new firearm 'this one to carry'

She told Fox that the vandalism over Memorial Day weekend was not the first time she felt threatened.

In October 2020, one month before narrowly beating Democrat incumbent Joe Cunningham, she reported that her car had been keyed, and after receiving death threats in December, she got a concealed weapons permit.

'It doesn't feel good that I feel like I have to look behind my shoulder every day,' she said. 'It doesn't feel safe.'

'I carry a gun wherever I go today,' she said. 'Wherever I'm allowed to carry.'

Mace, the first woman to graduate from The Citadel, said she grew up with guns in her home and is now teaching her two middle school-aged children to shoot.

'When this happened, it really changed everything for me,' she told FOX News.

'I'm not going to live in fear, and I'm not going to be intimidated.

'I think it's one of the most empowering things that you can do is be able to defend yourself.'

Some of the alleged graffiti at Mace's house include the phrase 'All politicians are bastards' surrounded by three Antifa symbols

Mace's steps were also allegedly defaced with spray paint reading 'no gods, no masters'

Spray paint on the side of her home allegedly told her to 'pass the pro act'

Police responded to Mace's home at around 8.10am on May 31, according to police reports, and Mace said she awoke to a call from police officers asking her if she was home or if she knew her house had been vandalized.

A nearby park was also spray painted with one bridge painted 'MAGA,' and a roadway was painted with 'Black Lives Matter.'

Additionally, police report, an anarchist symbol was spray painted in black on one of the welcoming columns to Smythe Park, near Mace's home.

'It's such a violation of one's privacy,' she said at the time. 'It doesn't matter what your political beliefs are or your political affiliation, everyone should feel safe in their own home. And to have someone trespass onto your property and deface it in such a vile manner - even my children ha to see that.'

She said she had asked Charleston city officials to remove the messages immediately so that other children would not have to see the crude language, and it was power washed off later that day.

Charleston crews power washed and remove the graffiti later that day

Police are still searching for the alleged vandal, seen here in video surveillance footage

Following the alleged vandalism, FOX reports, there was some speculation online that she vandalized her own home.

'There was no empathy, there was only let's re-victimize her,' Mace recounted to the news station. 'I challenge anybody, if I did this, please send the evidence to the FBI and please charge me with a crime.

'I dare you to because the evidence just doesn't exist out there

'And it's crazy to me that this is where we are in this country - you're seeing the downfall of civility on social media.'

So, she decided to turn the vandalism into a fundraising opportunity, emailing supporters on June 3 'Did you see what Antifa did to my house?'

'Americans should be able to disagree without suffering property damage by the hands of the woke mob,' the email read. 'If you agree, will you chip in today to help me defend against this nonsense violence?'

It is unclear how much money she raised from that email, according to Fox, but Mace said she plans to send out another round of emails about the vandalism in the coming days, as the Charleston Police Department investigation continues.

Mace, a Republican, is in her first term in Congress after narrowly defeating incumbent Joe Cunningham in November

Meanwhile, threats against federal lawmakers have been on the rise.

In May, the Capitol Police Department reported there had been a 107 percent increase in threats against federal lawmakers in the first few months of this year when compared to the same time in 2020.

In one case, Sen. Rand Paul received a package at his Kentucky home filled with white powder, which Capitol Police later confirmed was not dangerous.

But on the envelope, there was a picture of a the senator covered in bruises and bandages with a threat 'I'll finish what your neighbor started you motherf*****,' a reference to Rene Boucher who pleaded guilty in 2018 to assaulting Paul the year before while he was doing yardwork.

The senator suffered multiple rib fractures and underwent multiple treatments for pneumonia that resulted from the attack, the Washington Examiner reports.

Paul also had surgery from a hernia related to the assault.
Australians could get vaccinated at Bunnings or Officeworks later this year in a bid to speed up the slow Covid vaccine rollout.

CEOs of the nation's biggest companies had a video call with Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on Wednesday morning to discuss how they could help get jabs into arms.

Rob Scott, the boss of Wesfarmers which owns Bunnings and Officeworks, offered his stores as vaccination hubs when jab supply increases from September.

Australians could get vaccinated at Bunnings (pictured in Perth) or Officeworks later this year in a bid to speed up the slow Covid vaccine rollout

Qantas boss Alan Joyce and Virgin chief Jayne Hrdlicka said they would offer frequent flyer points to their customers who had been vaccinated. Pictured: Sydney Airport

It means Aussies could get their vaccine, buy some furniture and enjoy a traditional Bunnings sausage at the same time.

'There were many offers of premises for vaccinations being rolled out, including from Wesfarmers that raised the opportunities that could be provided at the local Bunnings or Officeworks,' Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said after the meeting.

The leaders also discussed how they would incentivise Aussies to get the jab. Qantas boss Alan Joyce and Virgin chief Jayne Hrdlicka said they would offer frequent flyer points to their customers who had been vaccinated.

'A number of businesses raised very interesting and exciting ideas about how they can put their resources to work,' said Mr Frydenberg.

'Airlines were talking about free frequent flyer points and other benefits for example. I think it is more than a snag at Bunnings.'

Several corporations have also offered to vaccinate their staff at work.

Aussies could get their vaccine as they buy some officer equipment. Pictured: Officeworks in Five Dock, Sydney

For example, the big banks already offer employees the flu vaccine and are keen to offer Covid jabs once more supply enters Australia.

On Tuesday, Lieutenant General John Frewen, head of the Covid-19 taskforce, said workplaces could offer jabs from September.

'Around September and October, when we have greater access to the vaccine that's when workplace vaccination can open up,' he told reporters.

Which companies have offered to help with the vaccine rollout? These are the companies that met with Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on Wednesday: Coles Group Woolworths Group Wesfarmers Commonwealth Bank of Australia Westpac Group NAB ANZ Bank Virgin Qantas Telstra Optus Ernst and Young Deloitte PWC KPMG Melbourne Airport Advertisement

'It takes burden off both the primary healthcare system and some of the state mechanisms.

'Many of these industries already do anti-flu vaccinations.'

It comes as several rich countries relax Covid restrictions but Australia faces the prospect of lockdowns for the rest of this year due to the slow vaccination rollout.

Meanwhile, Australians under 40 are expected to be offered Pfizer vaccines from September.

Mr Frewen said young people will be able to chose which jab they get later this year.

Currently, Aussies under 40 can only get the abundant AstraZeneca vaccine via their GPs because the government is prioritising scare Pfizer jabs for people aged 40 to 60.
A $1million reward has been announced for information about a fatal fire at Sydney's Luna Park more than 40 years ago after allegations the blaze was deliberately lit and linked to an underworld figure.

Seven people including six boys were killed in the blaze while riding the theme park's ghost train on the evening of June 9, 1979.

John Godson and his two sons Damien, 6, and Craig, 4, plus mates Jonathan Billings, Richard Carroll, Michael Johnson, and Seamus Rahilly, aged 12 to 13, were killed in the fire.

A $1million reward has been announced for information about a fatal fire at Sydney's Luna Park more than 40 years ago after allegations the blaze was deliberately lit and linked to an underworld figure

Seven people including six boys were killed in the blaze while riding the theme park's ghost train on the evening of June 9, 1979

An ABC TV investigation alleged the fire was intentionally lit by associates of Sydney underworld boss Abe Saffron (pictured right), in a bid to secure the prime waterfront property, and that police helped cover up the crime

NSW Police Minister David Elliott on Wednesday said meeting with the victim's families convinced him more could be done to get answers.

'Despite the passage of time, this horrific incident remains embedded in the psyche of Sydneysiders,' he said in a statement.

'I am appealing to those who may know something but have not previously been inclined to assist.

'You now have a million reasons to come forward.'

The reward doesn't require a charge or conviction of any person, just fresh, significant information about the fire, he said.

Since the airing of an ABC TV investigation into the fire, the NSW Coroner has announced it will consider holding a fresh inquest, asking NSW police to review their evidence.

The TV program alleged the fire was intentionally lit by associates of Sydney underworld boss Abe Saffron, in a bid to secure the prime waterfront property, and that police helped cover up the crime.

John Godson and his two sons Damien, 6, and Craig, 4, plus mates Jonathan Billings, Richard Carroll, Michael Johnson, and Seamus Rahilly, aged 12 to 13, were killed in the fire

The devastation after the Ghost Train fire at Luna Park in Sydney in 1979. Photo: The Sydney Morning Herald

NSW Police Minister David Elliott (pictured) said members of the public now have 'one million reasons' to assist police helping to solve the 1979 Luna Park tragedy

Mr Saffron, who died in 2006, was a property developer who owned hotels and nightclubs, and was one of Sydney's major organised crime figures at the time of the fire.

Initial investigations pointed to an electrical fault and some subsequent inquiries proved inconclusive.

But NSW Police Force Commissioner Mick Fuller is hopeful reviewing the evidence with the advances made in investigation tools over the past four decades may bear fruit.

He also promised detectives would probe allegations of corruption or malpractice by police.

Detectives are pouring over a significant amount of evidence, including documents, video recordings, witness statements and forensic evidence.

That will take some time to complete, Homicide Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty said.

'We know that the families who lost loved ones during this tragic fire have suffered immensely over the years, not knowing how and why their lives were cut short.

'Rest assured that if the NSW Police Force uncovers evidence to progress a criminal investigation into this historic event, then we will,' Det Supt Doherty said.
A group of scientists who infamously rejected the theory that Covid leaked from a Wuhan laboratory have doubled down on their claim in a new letter.

The international coalition of experts said there was still 'no scientifically validated evidence' to support the so-called 'lab leak theory'.

Signatories include Dr Peter Daszak, the British president of EcoHealth Alliance, which funnelled money into controversial research at a Wuhan Institute of Virology, and UK Government scientific adviser Sir Jeremy Farrar.

The letter, published in the Lancet, follows a controversial piece in the same journal last February, which claimed the lab leak theory created 'fear' and 'prejudice'.

It has been heavily criticised in recent weeks after it emerged at least one of the signatories had undisclosed financial ties to the Wuhan lab.

Twenty-four of the scientists who signed last year's letter have also put their name to the new edition, which said 'allegations are of no help' and that the 'strongest clue' about the origin of the virus points to it evolving in nature.

But three did not appear on the recent update, including Professor Peter Palese who previously told MailOnline a 'lot of disturbing information' had surfaced since the letter and he wanted 'to see answers covering all questions'.

The mainstream school of thought is that the coronavirus first emerged in bats and jumped to a host species before finally being passed to humans.

However, despite being more than 16 months into the pandemic, scientists have still not found any trace of the virus in the animal population.

The lack of evidence, combined with a series of recent revelations that the Chinese Government concealed crucial data, has led many to question the official narrative.

Pictured: The Wuhan Institute of Virology in China, where some experts believe Covid may have originated

Pictured: Dr Peter Daszak, one of the signatories of the letter, at the Wuhan Institute of Virology last year

In their new letter, the experts say there is more evidence to support the natural origin hypothesis.

They wrote: 'Recently, many of us have individually received inquiries asking whether we still support what we said in early 2020.

'The answer is clear: we reaffirm our expression of solidarity with those in China who confronted the outbreak then, and the many health professionals around the world who have since worked to exhaustion, and at personal risk, in the relentless and continuing battle against this virus.

'Our respect and gratitude have only grown with time.'

DID COVID LEAK FROM A WUHAN LAB? THE EVIDENCE FOR AND AGAINST Evidence for Wuhan lab-leak theory An article in the respected Science journal on May 14 kick-started the recent surge in interest for the lab-leak theory. Some 18 experts wrote in the journal that 'we must take hypotheses about both natural and laboratory spillovers seriously until we have sufficient data'. Later that month, a study by British Professor Angus Dalgleish and Norwegian scientist Dr Birger Srensen claimed it had 'prima facie evidence of retro-engineering in China' for a year. The study included accusations of 'deliberate destruction, concealment or contamination of data' at Chinese labs. It followed statements from the WHO Director General, US and EU that greater clarity about the origins of this pandemic is necessary and feasible to achieve. Previously, the theory had been dismissed as conspiracy by most experts, partly because of its association with President Donald Trump. President Joe Biden in May ordered a full investigation into the origin of the pandemic virus and demanded scientists work out whether there is truth to the theory. The head of the World Health Organization insisted just a day earlier that the theory that Covid emerged from a Wuhan lab has not been ruled out  as he said China should help solve the mystery out of 'respect' for the dead. The body's director-general, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, suggested that Beijing had not cooperated fully as he urged more 'transparency' in the continuing investigation. Evidence against the theory Several other sects of the scientific community continue to suggest the virus could only be natural in origin. A series of recent papers pointed to the virus evolving in animals before being transmitted to humans, in the same way as all other previously discovered coronaviruses. The first study, published in Scientific Reports, showed some 47,000 wild animals from 38 species were sold across four markets in Wuhan between May 2017 and November 2019. The authors, including Dr Chris Newman, an evolutionary ecologist at Oxford University, claimed the evidence showed the conditions for animal-to-human transmission were in place in Wuhan. But they acknowledged there was no proof Sars-CoV-2 was present or originated in any of these animals. A joint World Health Organization-China investigation also concluded it was 'very likely' the virus jumped from bats to humans via an as-yet-unknown intermediary animal. Advertisement

They described any theory suggesting otherwise as 'allegations and conjecture', which will not help to uncover how the virus came about.

While the new letter calls for 'careful and transparent collection of scientific information', the authors make clear their position is it is unlikely the virus came from the lab.

It says: 'It is time to turn down the heat of the rhetoric and turn up the light of scientific inquiry if we are to be better prepared to stem the next pandemic, whenever it comes and wherever it begins.

'Allegations and conjecture are of no help, as they do not facilitate access to information and objective assessment of the pathway from a bat virus to a human pathogen that might help to prevent a future pandemic.

It adds: 'Recrimination has not, and will not, encourage international cooperation and collaboration.

'New viruses can emerge anywhere, so maintaining transparency and cooperation between scientists everywhere provides an essential early warning system.

'Cutting professional links and reducing data sharing will not make us safer.

'The critical question we must address now is, how did SARS-CoV-2 reach the human population? This is important because it is such insights that will drive what the world must urgently do to prevent another tragedy like Covid-19.

'We believe the strongest clue from new, credible, and peer-reviewed evidence in the scientific literature is that the virus evolved in nature, while suggestions of a laboratory-leak source of the pandemic remain without scientifically validated evidence that directly supports it in peer-reviewed scientific journals.'

Among the most well known signatories is Dr Daszak, one of the ringleaders of the original letter.

Dr Daszak was last month removed from a Lancet commission looking at the origins of the pandemic over his ties to the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

He works for EcoHealth Alliance, a New York-based non profit that funded the the lab to carry out controversial gain-of-function research.

The studies involve collecting the world's most dangerous viruses and genetically engineering them to be able to infect humans, with the goal of developing treatments that could preempt future pandemics.

Gain-of-function research is banned in the US and UK, which means funding is often sent via research teams in the West to China, where it is still allowed.

Professor Palese, a microbiologist at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, was one of the original signatories who did not author the new letter.

He made a significant U-turn 16 months after signing the original letter, admitting all theories on how Covid came about now need proper investigating.

Last month he told MailOnline a 'lot of disturbing information' had surfaced since the letter and he wanted 'to see answers covering all questions'.

Dr William Karesh, a colleague of Dr Daszak's at EcoHealth Alliance, was also conspicuous in his absence.

The third, Professor Bernard Roizman, a virologist at the University of Chicago who has four honorary professorships at Chines universities, also previously reversed course.

He said in May he was 'convinced' the virus was brought to a lab before being accidentally leaked.

He told the Wall Street Journal: 'Im convinced that what happened is the virus was brought to a lab, they started to work with it and some sloppy individual brought it out.

'They can't admit they did something so stupid.'

Professor Palese declined to comment on the latest letter. Dr Karesh and Professor Roizman were approached by MailOnline for comment.

It comes after it was revealed last month that China wiped dozens of test samples from patients in epicentre Wuhan from an international database used to track the virus' evolution.

The files could have provided vital clues about how the virus originated and how long it had been spreading before the seafood market outbreak in December 2019.

The American professor who spotted their deletion and managed to recover some of the data said they suggested Covid was circulating long before China's official timeline.

He found the early samples of the virus were more evolved than would be expected of a pathogen that had recently jumped from animals to humans  but did not say it gave more weight to the 'lab leak' theory.

Professor Jesse Bloom, a virologist from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, said he believed China had removed the files to 'obscure their existence'.

British scientists told MailOnline the findings confirm Covid was spreading in people before being linked to wet markets, 'perhaps months before'.
Power shortages in Iran have given rise to widespread blackouts and triggered protests in the streets.

Outgoing president Hassan Rouhani apologised to Iranians on Tuesday over the massive power outages which have come amid a heatwave, with temperatures reaching 50 degrees celsius.

Officials have blamed the blackouts on surging demand for power, along with low rainfall cutting hydroelectric output and illegal cryptocurrency mining farms accessing subsidised electricity.

Protests turned political is some areas, with people chanting 'Death to the dictator' and 'Death to (Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali) Khamenei' and other slogans during blackouts, according to videos posted on social media.

President Hassan Rouhani (pictured) offered a rare apology Tuesday for the country's most severe summer power outages in recent memory, as blackouts cripple businesses and darken homes for hours a day

Lake Urmia in northwestern Iran is one of the biggest saltwater lakes in the world, but is at risk of drying up amid a brutal heatwave and countrywide drought

Rouhani said: 'I apologise to our dear people who have faced problems and suffering in the past few days and I urge them to cooperate (by curbing power use).

'People complain about power outages and they are right.

'The Energy Ministry is not at fault... but the minister should come and explain to the people what the problem is and we have to find a solution.'

Angry residents gathered in several cities to protest against the outages, which often did not follow blackout schedules announced by the state-run electricity companies, according to Iranian news outlets and postings on social media.

Protesters said the frequent power outages had caused many problems, including water cuts in apartments, spoilage of meat and poultry, and damage to household appliances.

Protests are reported in several #Iranian cities against politicians and weeks of power cuts last night people were chanting Death to Khamenei, Death to dictator pic.twitter.com/LHdWEr8UK1  Rana Rahimpour (@ranarahimpour) July 5, 2021

This comes just hours after the UN's atomic watchdog announced that Iran has begun producing enriched uranium metal - a key step in the development of nuclear weapons.

Authorities in Tehran told the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) their aim is to develop fuel for nuclear reactor research.

But British, French and German authorities have condemned the action and say it threatens the talks to revive the previously abandoned 2015 nuclear deal.

The Russian-built Bushehr nuclear power plant is Iran's only nuclear power plant, and supplies a considerable amount of the country's electricity

The plant was brought back online on Monday after two weeks off-grid after an unexplained 'technical fault' caused a two-week shutdown

'Iran has no credible civilian need for uranium metal R&D and production, which are a key step in the development of a nuclear weapon,' the three countries said in a joint statement issued by the British Foreign Office.

Iran's only nuclear power plant, which supplies a considerable amount of the country's electricity, was brought back online earlier this week after an unexplained 'technical fault' caused a two-week shutdown.

On June 20, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) gave the ministry one day's notice before going offline due to the 'technical fault'.

But Iran's foreign ministry at the time described the shutdown as 'routine', saying it was carried out 'once or twice each year'.
The Taliban on Wednesday launched their first assault on a provincial capital in Afghanistan, since waging a major offensive against government forces, local officials said.

Fierce fighting has erupted in the western city of Qala-i-Naw, the capital of Badghis, after the militants captured all the surrounding districts of the province.

'The enemy has entered the city, all the districts have fallen. The fighting has started inside the city,' Badghis governor Hessamuddin Shams told reporters in a text message. He was later seen taking up arms to defend the city, a BBC Persia journalist reported.

Footage posted online appeared to show Taliban fighters entering the city on motorbikes, several holding guns, with residents lining the streets to welcome them.

Other videos allegedly showed Taliban emptying the province's Qala-e-Naw prison.

It comes after the US withdrew from Afghanistan last week by slipping away in the night without telling the base's new Afghan commander who discovered they had gone the next morning.

The Taliban on Wednesday launched their first assault on Qala-i-Naw, Afghanistan, since waging a major offensive against government force (pictured, smoke rising from the town on Wednesday)

Footage posted online appeared to show Taliban fighters entering the city on motorbikes, several holding guns, with residents lining the streets to welcome them

People in Qala-i-Naw lined the streets and welcomed the Taliban fighters into the city as they launched an offensive against government forces on Wednesday

               .



                .



           .#Afghanistan #Badghis #Taliban #ANDSF pic.twitter.com/iJ5L3LGpy6  azamnews   (@azamweb) July 7, 2021

The Taliban on Wednesday launched their first assault on Qala-i-Naw, a provincial capital in Afghanistan

Pictures appeared to show smoke rising from the town of Qala-i-Naw after Taliban fighters launched an offensive against the provincial capital

Footage posted online allegedly showed Taliban fighters emptying the province's Qala-i-Naw prison

       



      .    .



     . pic.twitter.com/3CASmaGdQ7  / H_Afghan (@HAfghan8) July 7, 2021

Video posted on Twitter appeared to show Taliban fighters releasing fellow jihadists from prison in Qala-i-Naw, Afghanistan

 |    

            . @A_Jahid_Jalal pic.twitter.com/uxDbOpVCgg  Jahid Jalal -  (@A_Jahid_Jalal) July 7, 2021

The Taliban appear to be winning the propaganda war with videos to prove they will welcome surrendering soldiers (pictured, Taliban fighters and villagers on March 2, 2020)

Afghan troops were filmed laying down their arms to the Taliban days after the US departure.

Soldiers have also deserted in droves, with more than 20,000 fleeing over the border to Tajikistan.

Jihadists were also able to seize the border crossing with Tajikistan - a site worth millions of dollars a year - on Wednesday, after Afghan soldiers abandoned their posts.

The American-built Sher Khan Bandar bridge usually takes upwards of $5million a year in customs, money which the Taliban will now collect.

Taliban sources told The Times they had agreed a tacit arrangement to take over the running of the bridge effective immediately.

Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid said revenue from the bridge would be put in the group's unofficial treasury - the 'bayt al mal' - to be spent on 'the people's welfare'.

It marks a quiet acquiescence to Taliban rule by Afghanistan's neighbours, despite Tajikistan's once strong opposition to the jihadist group.

The latest Taliban gains come after the group managed to assert control over much of the northern border regions in a wide reaching offensive this week.

Militants attacked Faizabad and managed to take 26 of the 28 regions in the Badakhshan province.

Russia withdrew its diplomats from Mazar-i-Sharif in anticipation of the Taliban's arrival in the city following the new round of fighting.

The Kremlin also scrambled attack helicopters from its base in Tajikistan and ran a joint exercise with the local military designed to discourage a potential incursion.

Meanwhile a tent city has been erected in Termez, a Uzbek town 18km from the border with Afghanistan, in preparation for a potential refugee crisis.

The US has also reached out to Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan, to ask them to temporarily accommodate thousands of Afghanis who worked with the US military and might face persecution at the hands of the Taliban, Bloomberg reported.



The militant group appear to be winning the propaganda war in Afghanistan with videos to prove they will welcome surrendering soldiers - as long as they hand over their state-of-the-art weapons and Humvee armoured cars.

However, General Austin Scott Miller, commander of US and Nato troops in Afghanistan, said he was shocked by how quickly the Afghan National Army had surrendered to the Taliban.

'I don't like leaving friends in need,' he told ABC on Monday. 'We should be concerned. The loss of terrain and the rapidity of that loss of terrain has to be concerning. You look at the security situation, it's not good.

'The Taliban are on the move. War is physical, but it's also got a psychological or moral component, and hope actually matters. What you don't want to have happen is that the people lose hope.'

The Taliban uploaded footage which purports to show Afghan National Army troops laying down their US-made arms and surrendering

Afghan soldiers purportedly surrendering to Taliban warlords in footage uploaded by the terror group

The Taliban are on the move across the country, most notably in the northern province of Badakhshan which borders Tajikistan, sending Afghan troops fleeing over the border. Meanwhile in Kandahar province to the south the jihadists are encircling their former capital city

Badghis provincial council chief Abdul Aziz Bek and council member Zia Gul Habibi confirmed fighting between the Taliban and government forces had erupted inside the city.

'Fighting continues in different parts of the city right now,' Bek said, adding that some security officials had surrendered to the Taliban during the night.

Taliban seizes 900 guns, 30 Humvees, 20 army pickups and 15 military trucks from surrendering Afghan troops Stacks of US assault rifles seized by the Taliban from surrendering Afghan troops The Taliban have seized more than 900 guns from surrendering Afghan soldiers in the hinterland surrounding Kabul as they continue their resurgence in the wake the US and Nato retreat. The jihadists have been posting videos online showing how they are happy to welcome their former adversaries as long as they lay down their arms. The propaganda appears to be working. A Sky News report showed the Taliban proudly displaying US-made guns along with stacks of brand new ammunition and grenades still unopened in their boxes. The commander, based in Wardak province west of Kabul, told the broadcaster his men had retrieved 70 sniper rifles, 900 guns, 30 Humvees, 20 army pickups and 15 articulated military trucks. They also had satellite phones, grenades, mortars, bullets, many with labels on the front saying 'Property of USA Government'. They have captured Sultan Khil military base, a key strategic site in the region formerly held by Afghan troops. A box of rockets which the Taliban seized from the Afghan National Army Advertisement

Provincial council member Habibi said the Taliban were inside the police headquarters of the city and the local office of the country's spy agency, the National Directorate of Security.

'The provincial council officials have fled to an army camp in the city. Fighting continues in the city,' she said.

An Afghan government delegation met with Taliban representatives in Tehran on Wednesday, the Iranian foreign ministry said, as the Islamist militia has swept through northern areas following the pullout of US troops.

Opening the Tehran talks, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif welcomed the US departure from its eastern neighbour.

But warned: 'Today the people and political leaders of Afghanistan must make difficult decisions for the future of their country.'

In the capital of Badakhshan, Faizabad, video emerged which purported to show Afghan officials attempting to flee on a commercial jet as the Taliban surrounded the town of around 30,000 people.

Some civilians are trying to escape by road but many have accepted the return of the Taliban as a fact of life.

'The Taliban have cut off all gates out of the city, and there are checkpoints on all the roads, searching for government officials. Those who can have abandoned the city, by air of course,' one local resident called Abdul told The Times.

'Most districts in Badakhshan are falling without any fighting. Many believe that officials have done a secret deal with the Taliban. People are afraid of what comes next.'

Ahmad Zaman, another Faizabad resident, told the paper: 'The situation is really bad. Everyone is in fear and panic. The Taliban are gaining control without fighting. The insurgents are sending messages to Afghan forces to surrender without fighting.'

President Ashraf Ghani has promised a counter-attack and sources said that commandos had been deployed to defend the town.

The assaults across the country, from Helmand in the south to Badakhshan in the north, come just days after the bulk of US and British troops left Afghanistan.

The US left Bagram Airfield last week - its fortress in the country for nearly 20 years - by slipping away in the night without telling the base's new Afghan commander who discovered they had gone the next morning.

'We (heard) some rumor that the Americans had left Bagram ... and finally by seven o'clock in the morning, we understood that it was confirmed that they had already left Bagram,' Gen. Mir Asadullah Kohistani, Bagram's new commander said.

Before the Afghan army could take control of the airfield about an hour's drive from the Afghan capital Kabul, it was invaded by a small army of looters, who ransacked barrack after barrack and rummaged through giant storage tents before being evicted, according to Afghan military officials.

'At first we thought maybe they were Taliban,' said Abdul Raouf, a soldier of 10 years. He said the the US called from the Kabul airport and said 'we are here at the airport in Kabul.'

Kohistani insisted the Afghan National Security and Defense Force could hold on to the heavily fortified base despite a string of Taliban wins on the battlefield. The airfield also includes a prison with about 5,000 prisoners, many of them allegedly Taliban.

Afghan soldiers who wandered Monday throughout the base that had once seen as many as 100,000 US troops were deeply critical of how the US left Bagram, leaving in the night without telling the Afghan soldiers tasked with patrolling the perimeter.

'In one night, they lost all the goodwill of 20 years by leaving the way they did, in the night, without telling the Afghan soldiers who were outside patrolling the area,' said Afghan soldier Naematullah, who asked that only his one name be used.

Within 20 minutes of the US's silent departure on Friday, the electricity was shut down and the base was plunged into darkness, said Raouf, the soldier of 10 years who has also served in Taliban strongholds of Helmand and Kandahar provinces.

US troops are seen loading a helicopter onto a C-17 Globesmaster at Bagram on June 16 as they prepare to leave the airbase

An Afghan soldier stands guard on a security tower at Bagram airfield after US troops left

An Afghan soldier plays a guitar that was left behind when the Americans departed Bagram air base

The sudden darkness was like a signal to the looters, he said. They entered from the north, smashing through the first barrier, ransacking buildings, loading anything that was not nailed down into trucks.

On Monday, three days after the US departure, Afghan soldiers were still collecting piles of garbage that included empty water bottles, cans and empty energy drinks left behind by the looters.

US slipped out of Bagram base in the night without telling new Afghan commander they were off The U.S. left Afghanistan's Bagram Airfield after nearly 20 years by shutting off the electricity and slipping away in the night without notifying the base's new Afghan commander, who discovered the Americans' departure the next day, Afghan military officials said. 'We (heard) some rumor that the Americans had left Bagram ... and finally by seven o'clock in the morning, we understood that it was confirmed that they had already left Bagram,' Gen. Mir Asadullah Kohistani, Bagram's new commander said. U.S. military spokesman Col. Sonny Leggett did not address the specific complaints of many Afghan soldiers who inherited the abandoned airfield, instead referring to a statement last week. The statement said the handover of the many bases had been in the process soon after President Joe Biden's mid-April announcement that America was withdrawing the last of its forces. Leggett said in the statement that they had coordinated their departures with Afghanistan's leaders. Before the Afghan army could take control of the airfield about an hour's drive from the Afghan capital Kabul, it was invaded by a small army of looters, who ransacked barrack after barrack and rummaged through giant storage tents before being evicted, according to Afghan military officials. 'At first we thought maybe they were Taliban,' said Abdul Raouf, a soldier of 10 years. He said the the U.S. called from the Kabul airport and said 'we are here at the airport in Kabul.' Kohistani insisted the Afghan National Security and Defense Force could hold on to the heavily fortified base despite a string of Taliban wins on the battlefield. The airfield also includes a prison with about 5,000 prisoners, many of them allegedly Taliban. Advertisement

Kohistani, meanwhile, said the nearly 20 years of US and NATO involvement in Afghanistan was appreciated but now it was time for Afghans to step up.

'We have to solve our problem. We have to secure our country and once again build our country with our own hands,' he said.

A small number of troops have remained to advise the Afghan National Army who still hold all of the major towns and cities.

The US have said they will retain a 1,000-strong force to protect foreign diplomatic missions and Kabul international Airport.

British special forces sources said that a small contingent of SAS troops might also remain, with Downing Street still in talks with the top brass over the precarious situation.

There are mounting fears that the Taliban could soon march on major urban centres such as Kandahar.

Fierce clashes in Kandhar province at the weekend resulted in yet more victories for the jihadists, who overran the district of Panjwai, just over 20 miles from the provincial capital.

The district could provide a platform for the capture of Kandahar, a city of 600,000, which acted as the Taliban's capital during the 1990s.

Afghan authorities on Tuesday deployed hundreds of commandos and pro-government militiamen to counter the Taliban's blistering offensive in the north.

'We are planning to launch a big offensive to retake the lost territories from the enemy,' Fawad Aman, a spokesman for the Ministry of Defence told AFP.

'Our forces are being organised on the ground for this operation.'

Hundreds of troops and pro-government militiamen were deployed in the northern provinces of Takhar and Badakshan where the Taliban have captured swathes of territory, often without any fighting.

Afghan defence officials have said they intend to focus on securing major cities, roads and border towns in the face of the onslaught.

The speed and ease of the Taliban's effective takeover of swathes of areas in Takhar and Badakhshan represent a massive psychological blow to the Afghan government.

'Afghan forces have lost their morale,' said analyst Atta Noori in Kabul.

'It is an emergency situation for the Afghan government. They need to step up their counteroffensive as soon as possible.'

Afghan commander General Mirassadullah Kohistani, who is now in charge of Bagram Air Base put on a brave front when asked about the insurgents rapid gains.

'We are trying to do the best and as much as possible secure and serve all the people,' he said.

An Afghan flag is raised during a handover ceremony from the US Army to the Afghan National Army, at Camp Anthonic, in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan in May 2021

Vehicles sit on the tarmac at Bagram air base after US soldiers left the base on Monday, July 5, after more than 20 years

What does the future hold for Afghanistan after the US-led coalition quit? With the United States military presence in Afghanistan effectively over, the country faces an uncertain future with Taliban attacks rampant and the threat of civil war looming. Fears are growing that the loss of vital American air cover - massively curtailed by the closure of Bagram air base - will knock the Afghan government's ability to hold power, as multiple players circle to take advantage of the power vacuum. Here are some of the scenarios at play: - Will the US pullout end the war? - While Washington's withdrawal ends America's longest war, the conflict in Afghanistan continues, with no obvious signs of a ceasefire. The insurgents appear focused instead on a total military victory and the overthrow of President Ashraf Ghani. They have recently made huge advances across the country, claiming control of dozens of new districts, but Afghan security forces remain in firm control of major cities. 'For now, the fighting will intensify and Afghan forces will have a hard time sustaining militarily on their own,' Afghan security analyst Bari Arez said. A leaked internal US intelligence assessment reportedly said the Taliban could take Kabul within six months of the US departure. Government forces and the Taliban regularly claim to have inflicted enormous casualties on each other, but independent verification is impossible. However, the number of targeted assassinations of educated Afghans, and sticky bomb attacks against civilians, has dropped in recent weeks. - Can Afghan forces provide security? - That remains to be seen, with an all-out civil war looming. US air power had been a key factor in the ongoing fight, offering vital support to Afghan security forces when they risked being overwhelmed. In a sign of possible growing desperation, the Afghan government has made calls for civilians to form militias to fight the Taliban - a move some analysts say could only add fuel to the fire. 'This strategy has to be well-led, well-orchestrated and well-controlled or else it might backfire,' said a foreign security analyst who did not want to be named. With warlords re-emerging, there is a risk of Afghanistan falling back into a state of civil war as security deteriorates, with armed factions entering the fray in a free-for-all power grab. - Could there be a political settlement? - President Ghani wants a ceasefire with the Taliban ahead of a presidential election where voters will choose a 'government of peace'. He has refused calls for an unelected interim government that includes the Taliban. The United States favours such a caretaker government, pushing for a consensus between the warring sides at landmark talks in Doha, which have stalled. While loose on specifics, the Taliban insist Afghanistan should return to being an emirate, run along strict Islamic lines and led by a council of religious elders. Afghanistan has seen four presidential elections since the Taliban were overthrown in 2001, and millions of Afghans have embraced a plural, democratic system - though voting was fraught with corruption. Now that the stage is set for the insurgents to return, analysts fear the democratic gains of the past two decades could be lost. 'The Taliban for now seem to be convinced they can take power forcefully,' political analyst Ramish Salehi said. 'This is a fight that will determine... whether democracy will prevail against ideological forces.' - What about Afghanistan's women? - There is palpable fear that hard-fought women's rights will be lost. Before being deposed in 2001, the Taliban banned girls from studying and stoned to death women accused of crimes such as adultery. With the Taliban out of power, Afghan women have become prominent politicians, activists, journalists and judges. The Taliban insist they will respect women's rights in accordance with Islamic law, but activists note the multiple interpretations of that across the Muslim world. 'There is a general feeling of insecurity among women who think that the extremists would again imprison them in their homes,' said activist Hosay Andar. 'But they would not give up this time... there would be resistance this time.' With the security situation deteriorating, development work will become increasingly hard to carry out across the impoverished country. - What are the economic prospects? - Afghanistan is one of the world's poorest countries, deeply indebted and utterly reliant on foreign aid. While the nation boasts lucrative mineral reserves that neighbours including China and India are keen to exploit, the security situation has never been stable enough for revenues to boost state coffers. In November, global donors pledged to offer aid to Afghanistan up to 2024, but there are concerns that with the imminent exit of foreign forces, the donors might not follow up on their commitments. 'The economy is already in a steep decline... and the already terrible unemployment rate will again hit the skies,' said analyst Salehi. Advertisement
Robert Jenyo (above) falsely claimed he was called a 'f***ing n****r' during a phone call with a late patient's son

A black GP who was struck off for failing to spot cancer in a patient has admitted to falsely accusing the man's son of racial abuse in an attempt to save his career.

Robert Jenyo, 53, falsely claimed he was called a 'f***ing n****r' and told to 'give way for white doctors to work' after he was sued for negligence and investigated by the General Medical Council in 2015.

Jenyo, a Nigerian-born GP in Sale, Greater Manchester, had failed to spot signs of cancer in a 60-year-old man who complained of shoulder and mid-back pain in 2007.

The medic later claimed the unidentified man's son - known as Dr AB - subjected him to a torrent of racial abuse in a bid to deflect criticism of his mistakes.

Jenyo was struck off in 2015 after his bogus account was rejected, but in May he returned to the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service in Manchester to appeal for his medical licence.

In the latest hearing, he confessed using the false allegations against Dr AB as a 'front' in the hope he would 'get away with it', adding what he did was 'completely wrong'.

His appeal was thrown out after it emerged Dr AB, who has 'emphatically' denied using racist language during an alleged phone call, has not received an apology.

Jenyo, now a care support worker, said: 'I had been under pressure at work and was stressed and I was trying to cover up things.

'When the complaint came in, I did not want the details of this case to come out and suggest to patients, my colleagues and to the public I am a bad doctor.

'At the time, a high workload was making him tired and stressed but I now realise the impact my actions have had on Patient A and his family and I regret what happened.'

Jenyo was previously a GP at Firsway Health Centre in Sale, Greater Manchester

Jenyo was reported to the General Medical Council after a 60-year-old man, identified as Patient A, died three months after being diagnosed with cancer in 2007.

It emerged the patient had complained to Jenyo of shoulder and mid-back pain and was referred for physiotherapy.

The man was later sent for an X-ray and blood tests after the physiotherapist noticed weight loss and pain which appeared 'not to be mechanical.'

The hearing was told Patient A's family were critical of Jenyo's care, claiming the man had complained of back pain since 2005 which had not been properly investigated.

They sued the GP for medical negligence in 2010 and two years later a settlement of 30,000 was agreed without any admission of liability.

It later emerged that Jenyo had altered some of Patient A's medical notes following his death, and the son - Dr AB - made a formal complaint.

In 2015, Jenyo claimed all the misconduct charges against him were 'racially motivated.'

He falsely alleged that in a phone call on May 11 2007, Dr AB made a 'number of racist and abusive comments' to the medic before hanging up on him.

Jenyo claimed Dr AB said: 'I will ensure you are sued and struck off. Where do you come from - you to go back to your own country and give way for white doctors to work you 'f***ing n****r'.

Dr AB only learnt of the false claims when he turned up at the tribunal to give evidence and was said to be 'shocked' when they were put to him.

He said during the phone call Jenyo had been trying to 'garner sympathy and justification' for his treatment of Patient A.

Jenyo was struck off in 2015 after his account was rejected, but in May he returned to the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service in Manchester (above) to appeal for his medical licence

The 2015 panel later found Jenyo had made mistakes when treating Patient A but said the GP had then made 'serious and unjustified allegations against a fellow medical practitioner' and 'had no thought of the personal consequences such accusations would have for him and his reputation.'

It said Dr AB had shown 'humility and honesty' when recounting the events leading up to the death of his father and was 'not markedly angry or overly critical, and gave a measured account.'

Speaking at the latest hearing, Jenyo said: 'I am a good doctor who needs to care for his patients as my first priority. My skillset, attitude and personality has changed and I'm no longer stuck up and self-centred.

'At the time I thought Patient A's family were trying to attack my personality and I used the allegations of racism as a front to get away with it. I now realise I was completely wrong.

'I now appreciate that Patient A's family would have been grieving his loss and that my accusations of racism against Dr AB were completely wrong.'

He added: 'I feel deep shame for accusing Dr AB of racism, and I should have shown insight in realising that this conduct was wrong.

'I take ownership of my actions and have put myself himself in the shoes' of Patient A's family and and would act differently now.'

He confessed he has not yet apologised to Dr AB, later agreeing to write to the family saying he would 'take responsibility for his dishonest actions.'

Ceri Widdett, for the GMC, said Jenyo still has a 'limited understanding of what went wrong' and has shown 'limited remorse regarding his false allegations of racism.'

But lawyer Lee Gledhill, for Jenyo, alleged Patient A's family 'may not want to receive' his apology, adding it is a 'significant moment that he is willing to make such a statement.'

Tribunal chairman Lee Davies refused Jenyo's application for his name to be restored to the UK Medical Register.

He said: 'Dr Jenyo did not consider the significant impact that making false allegations of racism may have had on Dr AB professionally and personally.

'The Tribunal did not accept Dr Jenyo's evidence that he did not know any contact details for Patient A nor that an apology may not have been welcomed by the family of Patient A.'


Britain could be left battling against a vaccine-resistant Covid variant if cases are allowed to spiral to 100,000 a day, scientists warned today.

Sir Paul Nurse, director of the Francis Crick Institute, claimed letting the coronavirus rip may lead to another mutant strain arising in the UK, which could pose a threat to any hopes of a life without lockdown.

But not all scientists monitoring the pandemic are convinced that the summer surge in cases will inevitably turn the UK into a variant factory.

Seeking to play down the fears, the boss of Britain's largest Covid surveillance centre pointed out variants are normally either vaccine resistant or more transmissible.

SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus behind Covid, is constantly evolving and the majority of mutations are 'benign', according to Dr Jeff Barrett, of the Sanger Institute.

The South African 'Beta' variant, which can dodge vaccine-triggered immunity, has failed to gain a foothold in the UK. But the more transmissible Indian 'Delta' variant quickly became dominant, and now accounts for nine in ten cases.

Ministers warned yesterday cases in Britain could hit more than 100,000 a day next month, following 'Freedom Day' on July 19.

The country is currently recording almost 30,000 a day, with the outbreak fuelled by the rapid spread of the Indian Delta variant.

Hospitalisations and deaths are now beginning to tick upwards but Health Secretary Sajid Javid yesterday insisted that the 'wall of protection' from vaccines would hold.

Vaccines still work against the Indian mutant strain, drastically cutting the risk of infected people becoming severely ill. But Boris Johnson has already admitted the emergence of a vaccine-resistant variant could threaten plans in the future.

Sir Paul Nurse, director of the Francis Crick Institute, (left) warned today that high case numbers could spark a vaccine resistant variant. But Dr Jeff Barrett, who directs the largest Covid surveillance centre in the country, sought to play down the fears saying variants tend to be either more transmissible or vaccine resistant

More than 100 Britons could die each day from Covid when Britain finally emerges from lockdown later this month, according to the Government's own assumptions. No10 said it expects up to 50,000 cases a day by July 19 Freedom Day and potentially 100,000 daily cases in August. Professor Neil Ferguson said about 0.1 per cent - or one in 1,000 - of people who catch Covid will die from the virus. The above graph shows how cases and deaths could rise based on these remarks. Deaths lag behind case spikes by about three weeks

Dozens of variants have already been spotted across the world but none are thought to render the current crop of jabs useless.

And Oxford University academics who crafted the AstraZeneca jab say it is unlikely that any mutation will ever completely defeat vaccines.

But the spread of one that dodges immunity could still lead to a spike in hospital admissions and deaths, forcing ministers to divot from their plans.

Sir Paul, a Nobel prize winning geneticist, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'Letting [the] infection spread to large numbers of people... could give rise to another problem, which is encouraging new variants arising within the UK itself.

'We know that vaccinated people generally do not get serious disease but they are still getting infected.

Pfizer and Moderna vaccines work against Lambda variant Pfizer and Moderna's Covid vaccines are both effective against the troublesome Lambda variant, scientists believe. The mutant strain has now been spotted in 31 countries  and some doctors fear it is more transmissible than any existing versions. But in a glimmer of hope, academics in New York say data suggests the variant is still susceptible to vaccines. New York University Grossman School of Medicine researchers found antibodies triggered by MRNA jabs still neutralised the Lambda variant in laboratory studies. It is not proof the jabs definitely work in thwarting the strain  but the scientists are confident. Both Pfizer's and Moderna's vaccines are based on mRNA technology, which had never been used to make jabs until the Covid pandemic. The mutant strain caught the attention of World Health Organization bosses after it was spotted in the UK, US and Germany. Advertisement

'This is a situation which can select for variants, and that may give rise to variants that are resistant to the vaccine.

He added: 'If all controls are lifted and the virus is allowed to let rip, will that result in more resistant variants arising within the country itself which are more difficult to control?'

But Dr Barrett told the programme that although the virus is mutating all the time, the vast majority of these changes tend to be 'benign'.

'But then somewhat rarely the virus mutates in a way which makes it either more transmissible or less well neutralised by vaccines,' he said.

'We have seen that in the Alpha variant from last year and the Delta variant from this year, when they go from being sort of anonymous to taking over around the world very quickly.'

Asked whether a variant could emerge that is both more transmissible and more resistant to vaccines, he said: 'One thing that seems to have happened so far is that many mutations are strongly associated either with increased transmissibility or evasion to antibodies, so basically the vaccines working less well.'

But he admitted high cases were 'clearly one of the big risks' in the Government's unlocking strategy.

Dr Barrett was also asked whether he was concerned about the Peruvian 'Lamba' variant, which emerged in August last year and has since exploded across South America.

But there have only been eight cases spotted in the UK so far, and there is no sign it is growing.

'It is clearly at a high frequency in South America,' he said. 'But I don't think it is inherently worrying.'

'We should keep an eye on it but I don't think there is any reason to panic just yet.'

He said the virus had key mutations that made it more transmissible, and that these were in a slightly different place compared to other faster spreading variants.

Professor Christina Pagel, a mathematician at University College London, echoed his view, telling MailOnline there was still little reason to be concerned.

'I think Lambda is definitely a variant that we should be tracking, but I wont be worried about it until it starts growing week on week and at the moment its too early to say,' she said.

Only the more infectious Covid variants have managed to take hold in the UK so far, and displace other mutant strains.

The more infectious Kent variant spread across Britain within three months last year because of the N501Y mutation that made it more infectious.

But in early May it was replaced by the Indian variant which has the D614G and P681R mutations, which are thought to make it even more infectious.

Public Health England says it is at least 50 per cent more transmissible than the Kent strain.

A 'Delta plus' variant has been detected which also carried the K417N mutation that makes it more resistant to vaccines, but it is yet to gain a foothold.

The vaccine-resistant South African variant first arrived on Britain's shores last year, but its cases have consistently remained below 100 every week.
Ministers are planning to ban boiling lobsters alive as they look to extend new animal sentience laws to include crustaceans.

The Government's new Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill, which is currently making its way through Parliament and will recognise animals as sentient beings, currently only covers vertebrates.

But the legislation will reportedly be extended to also cover invertebrates, formally recognising that lobsters, crabs and octopuses feel pain.

The planned change comes after animal welfare campaigners, including an organisation backed by Carrie Johnson, Boris Johnson's wife, called for the laws to be broadened.

Boiling lobsters alive is already illegal in some countries like Switzerland, Norway and New Zealand

Boiling lobsters alive is already illegal in some countries like Switzerland, Norway and New Zealand.

Ministers are now looking at backing an amendment being brought forward in the House of Lords which would add sentient protection for invertebrates, according to The Times.

The Government is talking to the catering and restaurant industries about other alternative methods of killing lobsters, including stunning with electricity and chilling with ice.

Ministers launched an independent review last year on whether decapods and cephalopods should be recognised as sentient. It is yet to publish its findings.

The Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation, which counts Mrs Johnson as one of its patrons, had urged ministers to include the animals in the legislation.

It said in a recent report: 'There is sufficiently strong evidence to conclude that both cephalopods and crustaceans are sentient.'

Maisie Tomlinson, co-director of Crustacean Compassion, said: 'It is wonderful to hear that the government is planning to support the inclusion of decapods and cephalopods in the sentience bill.

Animal welfare campaigners, including an organisation backed by Carrie Johnson, Boris Johnson's wife, had called for the sentience laws to be broadened

'There is more than enough evidence for the ability of these sensitive, captivating creatures to feel pain and suffer.'

A spokeswoman for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: 'We're proud to have some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world and we are fully committed to strengthening them further to ensure all animals avoid any unnecessary pain, distress or suffering.

'We have commissioned an independent external review of the available scientific evidence and will carefully consider the results of this review.'
A United States Air Force Academy professor has argued Critical Race Theory should be taught to all cadets so that they can understand how the United States was 'shaped by racism.'

Political scientist Lynne Chandler Garcia said the Constitution brought about 'inequality' and that George Washington was a racist. She argued that the history of the U.S. proved that 'racism has shaped both foreign and domestic policy.'

Garcia, who teaches Marxist theory at the USAF Academy in Colorado Springs, said she agreed with the Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley who recently told Congress that Critical Race Theory 'is not unpatriotic.'

CRT exploded to prominence in the spring as it started to appear in classrooms from kindergarten to Grade 12, leading to several bans including in Florida and Texas, however it has been taught in higher education for decades.

It teaches that racism is not the result of nature or biology but that it is a social construct, an idea invented to exploit and control minorities. It argues racism is a structural problem in the United States, particularly toward black people, embedded in its institutions, legal system and even the Constitution.

Political scientist Lynne Chandler Garcia said the Constitution brought about 'inequality' and that George Washington was a racist. She argued that the history of the U.S. proved that 'racism has shaped both foreign and domestic policy'

Members of the United States Air Force march in the 91st Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 23, 2017 in New York City

As Garcia wrote in The Washington Post: 'Cadets, like all military members, take an oath to defend the Constitution with their lives  so it is crucial they have a sensitive understanding of that Constitution.

'In my classes, cadets learn about the ideals embedded in this founding document. We explore the liberalist theories that promoted these ideals, and we embrace our democratic system of government.

'But we also acknowledge that the United States was founded on a duality: liberalism and equal rights on the one hand; inequality, inegalitarianism and second-class citizenship on the other.'

She claimed that even the first Commander in Chief Washington was a racist because he 'is said to have initially opposed the recruitment of Black soldiers' in the Revolutionary War.

Garcia added: 'In other words, racism was ingrained in the system from the beginning, and the military still struggles with these issues.'

Not only does she take the view that the founding ideals of the U.S. are bound up in racism, but she argues that those structures of oppression have been perpetuated throughout its history.

Garcia wrote: 'I teach critical race theories to our nation's future military leaders because it is vital that cadets understand the history of the racism that has shaped both foreign and domestic policy 

'It helps students identify the structural racism and inequality that has been endemic in American society. And it provides methods for deconstructing oppressive beliefs, policies and practices to find solutions that will lead to justice.'

She said she wanted future USAF officers to be equipped to lead a diverse group of airmen so they need to have a broad understanding of racism.

'Officers must comprehend the unique experiences and concerns of their diverse troops. A holistic education leads to understanding and unity as service members consider what it's like to walk in another's shoes,' Garcia wrote.

The former community college teacher concluded the column, saying: 'Cadets must learn to be brave on the literal battlefield, yes  but they must also be equipped to participate bravely on the battlefield of ideas.'

Last month, Milley defended the teaching during a House Armed Services Committee hearing, saying that recruits should be 'open-minded and be widely read.'

Milley hit back last month against growing criticism over teaching critical race theory in the military and said recruits should be 'open-minded and be widely read' during a hearing on the Defense Department's 2022 budget

General Milley was grilled by Republican Congressmen who claim the U.S. military is becoming more 'woke' as military institutions like the U.S. Military Academy adopt the teaching.

'What is wrong with understanding - having some situational understanding - about the country for which we are here to defend?' Milley asked.

'And I personally find it offensive that we are accusing the United States military, our general officers, our commissioned and noncommissioned officers, of being, "woke" or something else, because we're studying some theories that are out there.'

The general stressed during the hearing on June 23 the need for greater understanding of the driving forces behind the Capitol siege by Trump's supporters, who tried to stop Congress from certifying Joe Biden's election win.

'What is it that caused thousands of people to assault this building and try to overturn the Constitution of the United States of America? What caused that? I want to find that out. I want to maintain an open mind here,' Milley said.

He noted that university graduates should be aware of all kinds of theories and that just because he read about Marxism didn't make him a Communist.

'I've read Mao Zedong. I've read Karl Marx. I've read Lenin. That doesn't make me a communist, he told the lawmakers.

'I do think it's important, actually, for those of us in uniform to be open-minded and be widely read,' Milley said.

Donald Trump later appeared on TV to blast the general who he said had come across as 'sad and pathetic' for defending the Marxist race theory.

'General Milley  I watched his statements and it was pathetic,' Trump told Newsmax two days after the congressional hearing. 'I watched the statements of some others  your head of the Navy. It was pathetic.'

'They didn't talk that way when I was around, I can tell you. They didn't talk that way or I would have gotten rid of them in two minutes. In particular Navy and Milley, just sad, pathetic statements,' the former president continued.

Trump announced he would nominate Milley to take the United States' top military office in December 2019, he was confirmed in July 2019 and sworn in September 30, 2019.

Joint Chiefs served for four years, meaning Milley will remain in his post until September 30, 2023, a few months before the end of Biden's third year as president.
A daughter has been ordered to pay more than 300,000 after wrongly accusing a 61-year-old churchgoing family friend of looting her dead mother's home.

The 'decomposed' body of Lucille Maeda, 77, was found by police in September 2015 in her 700,000 Surrey home after her USA-based daughter Deborah Ziparo, 59, raised the alarm when she failed to return her calls.

When the former secretary flew over from the states in November 2015 to sort out her mother's possessions, she claims a long list of valuable items - including her wedding ring and other jewellery - had 'mysteriously vanished' from her home.

After spending 100,000 hiring private investigators to solve the puzzle, Mrs Ziparo tried to sue family friend, neighbour and former executor of her mother's will Christopher Martin, 61.

She accused Mr Martin of 'taking items' from her late mother's home before she arrived in the UK - after not seeing Mrs Maeda for 37 years.

But a judge rejected her claim and cleared Catholic churchgoer Mr Martin, from Frimley, Surrey, of any wrongdoing.

Mrs Ziparo now faces paying bills totalling 300,000.

The 'decomposed' body of Lucille Maeda, 77, was found by police in September 2015 in her Surrey home after her USA-based daughter Deborah Ziparo raised the alarm when she failed to return her calls. Mrs Ziparo tried to sue family friend, neighbour and former executor of her mother's will Christopher Martin, 61, (right) for taking jewellery and other valuables, but a judge cleared his name

Judge Simon Monty QC said the missing items had probably been sold by the pensioner, who was in financial difficulty and had sold other jewellery.

He said Mrs Ziparo had been 'too willing' to point the finger at Mr Martin.

Speaking afterwards, quality engineer Mr Martin - who had known Mrs Maeda's family for 30 years as his parents were close friends and neighbours - said: 'This has just been a nightmare for me for five years.'

Mrs Ziparo said she had been calling her mother up to 20 times a day for weeks and getting no response, and told a coroner's inquest that she had 'feared the worst'.

A post-mortem examination was carried out, but the cause of death was 'unascertained' because the pathologist was unable to conduct a toxicology report because there were no fluids or blood to take.

The inquest concluded that Mrs Maeda - who had become a 'reclusive hoarder' after the death of her husband in 2011 - could have been lying undiscovered for weeks before the police found her.

Family friend Mr Martin had been appointed one of the executors of Mrs Maeda's will made in 2012.

But Mrs Ziparo - who inherited her mother's entire estate - took him to court and had him removed from that role by a judge in 2019.

She then sued him at Central London County Court, demanding that he pay her mother's estate for the missing valuables.

This included the cost of jewellery, that Mrs Ziparosays her mother had told her she had placed in an envelope and was keeping for her, and the costs of her investigation.

Her barrister Gideon Roseman claimed that Mr Martin had 'secretly attended the property on repeated occasions' but 'failed to carry out any inventory of the chattels in the property during any of his repeated visits.

But giving his ruling, Judge Monty said there was no evidence of wrongdoing on the part of Mr Martin.

He said the missing items were likely to have been sold by Mrs Maeda or skipped when the house was cleared.

'The basis of the claim can fairly be said to be put as a process of elimination,' the judge said.

The 700,000 house in Guildford, Surrey, where Lucille Maeda lived and her body was found

The judge highlighted evidence that Mrs Maeda 'appears to have been living off her credit cards and to have got into financial difficulty' and that she had previously sold items of jewellery for cash.

'In my view, it is quite likely that Mrs Maeda made further sales of jewellery which are undocumented.

'Any written record of further sales may have been somewhere among the papers in the house which went into the skip,' the judge found.

'In my view, the claimant was too willing to assume that her mother was right about placing jewellery in an envelope and was not prepared to accept that her mother might have made a mistake,' he added.

He also said she was 'too willing' to blame Mr Martin, who the judge found was completely innocent.

'Having heard Mr Martin cross-examined at length, I formed the clear view that he is not a dishonest man and that he was giving truthful evidence,' he said.

'I accept that he did not find an envelope full of jewellery at the property.

Turning to the other missing items - which included expensive watches and Cartier cigarette lighters - the judge went on: 'In my judgment, what actually happened was far more prosaic than the alleged theft of dozens of items, most of negligible value.

'The items now said to be missing were thrown into the skip during the house clearance.'

The judge ordered Mrs Ziparo to pay Mr Martin's lawyers' bill, with 80,000 up front pending an assessment of the final total, which could be more than 160,000.

She will also have to pay her own costs of about 210,000, which includes her fees for the private investigators.

Mr Martin's barrister William Moffett said he had been 'perplexed and upset' at the allegations and that Mrs Ziparo, in spending hundreds of thousands on the case, had 'lost all sense of proportion and reality in this matter.'
Billy Krey was four years old when he began 'stabbing motions' and the knives were hidden away.

His blackouts were rare, but one of the last times he experienced 'black mode,' he fatally plunged a knife into his neighbour, the NSW Supreme Court was told on Wednesday.

At 19, Krey followed and stabbed father-of-seven Ioakima Sini 16 times outside his home in Whalan in Sydney's west, on July 15, 2017.

Billy Krey (pictured) pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was given six years and six months in prison after being deemed substantially impaired by abnormality of the mind

Krey plead guilty to manslaughter and was deemed substantially impaired by abnormality of the mind and sentenced to at least six years and six months in prison by Justice Mark Ierace.

While Mr Sini had engaged with him first 'the offender's response was so disproportionate that I find the attack was unprovoked,' Justice Ierace said.

Krey's childhood of extreme deprivation and significant mental disorders - foetal alcohol syndrome, intermittent explosive disorder and complex post-traumatic stress disorder - contributed to the offence, the judge found.

'Without them, the attack would not have occurred,' Justice Ierace said.

'The attack was explosive, random and inherently lethal in nature.'

Mr Sini's eldest daughter wrote a statement on behalf of her siblings of the profound impact of losing their father.

Krey had been living with his mother when he awoke at 4pm 'in a bad mood or something' he told police soon after the attack.

The 19-year-old stabbed father-of-seven Ioakima Sini (pictured right) 16 times in an attack outside his home in Whalan in Sydney's west

After accusing his mother of stealing $50 and threatening to stab her, she left and briefly spoke to Mr Sini.

He then walked over to Krey still inside the home and yelled out to him before leaving.

Moments later several witnesses watched the teenager follow and confront the neighbour outside, repeatedly stabbing him until he crumpled to the ground.

Mr Sini had four times the legal driving limit of alcohol in his system which 'may explain why he was unable to react defensively by running away, fighting back or calling for help,' the court was told.

Krey immediately walked to his grandfather's telling him 'I think I hurt someone,' before police arrived and arrested him.

At the station, he asked detectives: 'The person I stabbed, can you tell me anything about him?'

He explained he always carried a knife when walking to protect him from the 'boys' who tried to rob people around their neighbourhood, but then his neighbour started yelling at him.

'That ticked me off and like everything just went black.'

Krey (pictured) had been begun making 'stabbing motions' as young as four-years-old and all the knifes around his house were hidden from the child

His early experience of 'severe childhood abuse and trauma,' was laid out in multiple specialist reports.

Growing up he experienced 'extreme domestic violence,' involving his father who was jailed for attempted murder.

His mother was drug and alcohol addicted while pregnant, and by the age of 15, he had been moved around 16 different placements and continues to suffer from intellectual impairment.

The pre-schooler would light fires, punch family members, 'climb the roof' and was deemed extremely hyperactive and diagnosed with ADHD.

Visitations with his mother during foster care resulted in markedly deteriorating behaviour immediately after, improving when their contact was limited.

After living under the supervision and care of his grandfather he moved back in with his mother and stopped taking his medication that had a calming influence on him, according to multiple reports.

Following the attack, one treating doctor found Krey 'expressed seemingly genuine regret and remorse'.

His prospects of rehabilitation were dependent on the long-term treatment he would need but could be positive, the judge found.

Krey has been jailed for a maximum of 11 years and granted special circumstances with a lengthy parole period to allow a program of treatment to address his mental conditions.
The body of a missing six-year-old boy who disappeared from a Florida beach while his family was on vacation has been found, police say.

Panama City Beach police spokeswoman Debbie Ward said Enrique Cortez-Dubon's body was found on the sand in the 86000 block of Surf Drive at around 4 p.m. on Tuesday, WVTM13 reported.

Police said the boy appeared to have drowned but that an investigation into his cause of death was under way.

'This was nobody's fault. This was a tragic accident,' Chief J.R. Talamantez told reporters on Tuesday evening.

'Of course, this is not the outcome we would have wanted, but it is some closure for the family.

'Our hearts are broken for this family. We know they are grieving and our prayers are with them.'

A GoFundMe page has been set up to cover the funeral expenses.

Police say the body of Enrique Cortez-Dubon, a missing six-year-old boy who disappeared from a Florida beach while his family was on vacation, has been found.

Police said the boy appeared to have drowned but that an investigation into his cause of death was under way

The six-year-old boy went missing while on vacation in Panama City Beach, Florida with his family

Cortez-Dubon was last seen at around 11:30 a.m. on July 5 in shallow water on the beachfront of the Shores of Panama resort in popular vacation destination Panama City Beach, about 1.5 miles away from where his body was found.

The six-year-old and his family were on vacation from the Atlanta area, arriving on Saturday with plans to stay one week, the Panama City News Herald reported.

Cortez-Dubon's family realized he was missing some time after noon on July 5 and immediately contacted law enforcement.

More than 80 first responders were dispatched to search for the young boy on Monday, Panama City Beach Police Chief Talamantez told reporters at the time.

Members of the Beach Police, Panama City Police Department, the Bay County Sheriff's Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, U.S. Marshals Service, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, U.S. Coast Guard and local firefighters assisted in the search, the News Herald reported.

The chief added that authorities were utilizing drones, helicopters and were performing dive searches in an effort to locate the boy.

Talamantez has urged parents to talk to their children about water safety.

'Enrique was a small child. There were hundreds of people around him, and it can happen that quickly,' he said.

Police searched for the child for two days, using helicopters and drones to scan the island and sending divers into the water. Talamantez said the body was found after someone reported seeing a body in the water.

Before the boy was found, police said they were investigating the possibilities that the child may have drowned or that he was abducted, although 'the evidence leads us to believe he went missing in the water.'

Christina Majors of Tennessee told the Panama City News Herald that she saw Enrique playing in the sand with his family Monday morning behind a restaurant.

'When we saw his picture, we knew exactly who it was,' she said. 'I know we personally don't know them, but it just breaks my heart. That's every parent's worst fear. I couldn't imagine having to live that through.'
Advertisement

A pensioner who has spent two decades collecting barbed wire believes she is the only person in the UK to collect the spiked steel fencing.

Jacky Smith, from Christchurch, Dorset, picked up her prickly hobby more than 20 years ago and says she finds the history behind barbed wire 'fascinating'.

Others argue that her 1,400 collection might be the 'dullest' in the country.

But the retired English teacher, who is in her 70s, explained how a trip to Texas kickstarted her unusual pastime.

'I came across a museum in Texas called the Devil's Rope Museum - it was all about barbed wire.

'I purchased a zip lock bag of 4in pieces of wire from there which contained an information sheet about barbed wire. I became slightly obsessed ever since.'

Pensioner Jacky Smith, from Christchurch, Dorset has spent the last two decades assembling a formidable 1,400 collection of barbed wire (above)

The retired English teacher, who is in her 70s, believes she is the only person in the UK to collect the spiky steel fencing

Before the pandemic, Jacky would visit rotary clubs, church groups and even The Women Institute to provide informative talks

Jacky has decorated her hallway with approximately 90 unique pieces of mainly American barbed wire, with some dating back 160 years to the American Civil War.

And her interest in the spiky steel fencing even led her to decorate her toilet in a barbed wire theme.

She has a monthly subscription to a barbed wire magazine from America, and says she 'always makes time' to visit museums or conventions when she visits the States.

Before the pandemic, Jacky would visit rotary clubs, church groups and even The Women's Institute to provide informative talks about barbed wire.

Her prickly passion began after a trip to Devil's Rope Museum, Texas and she explains she has been 'slightly obsessed' ever since

Jacky has decorated her hallway with approximately 90 unique pieces of barbed wire, some dating back more than a century to the American Civil War

Even the toilet (pictured) and toilet roll holder in Jacky's house has been adorned with a unique barbed wire theme

She continued: 'I believe I am the only person in the UK to collect it - it is much bigger in the US and Australia.'

'Some people may consider my hobby as boring and unusual but it is so interesting.

'My two kids think it is weird and my husband tolerates it. But many people enjoy listening to the history.'

The pieces of 18-inch wire that make up her prized possessions range in price from as little as a penny to over 200.

But much of Jacky's collection was gifted by kind collectors, who she has met online.

She said: 'I've got 90 different barb wires on display in my hall which is a talking point when I have guests.

'The most expensive piece I own was 212 [$300] but it was a gift. The value is scarcity.'
A French court handed down suspended prison sentences of between four to six months to 11 people on Wednesday who were found guilty of harassing a teen online over her anti-Islam videos on social media.

Prosecutors put 13 people on trial after the teen, known only as Mila, was forced to change schools and accept police protection due to threats to her life.

Mila, now 18, sparked outrage with her provocative comments about the religion made at age 16 which led to death threats and Emmanuel Macron speaking out in her defence.

She recently wrote a book defending freedom of speech after the ordeal, which arose after she posted a video online saying: 'The Koran is filled with nothing but hate, Islam is a s****y religion.'

Mila, the 18-year-old French girl who called Islam a 's*** religion', has written a book defending freedom of speech (pictured at court)

The court in Paris tried 13 people from several French regions aged 18 to 30 who were charged with harassing Mila, with some of them sending her death threats.

One of them told her she deserved 'to have your throat cut.'

In its judgement on Wednesday, one of the defendants was acquitted for lack of proof, while another was released due to a procedural problem.

The remaining 11 were handed suspended sentences, meaning they will not serve time in jail unless they are convicted for other offences.

Mila, who has since refused to back down over her remarks, says she has received more than 100,000 hateful messages and her new book, titled I Am the Price of Your Freedom, continues her provocative message.

The furore erupted in January 2020, when Mila, then 16, launched into an anti-Islam tirade online

She writes: 'If I get attacked then I am going to defend myself.'

'We no longer have the right to mock, criticise or insult religions, even when they are intolerant, sexist or homophobic.'

The furore erupted in January 2020, when Mila, then 16, who describes herself as pansexual, meaning she is attracted to people of all genders, was asked if she had a preference for white, Arabic or black people

'I answered simply that Arabic and Black people are not particularly my type and that they do not attract me physically,' she said.

A boy who had shown interest in her then insulted her 'in the name of Allah'.

After receiving threats she launched into an anti-Islam tirade, declaring: 'Islam is s*** (...) Your religion is s***. I put my finger into the a****** of your God. Thank you and goodbye.'

Her outburst triggered a flood of insults, with one person writing: 'You deserve to have your throat cut.'

She said she was forced to leave school and no other establishment wanted her for security reasons, saying her life became 'hell'.

To go unnoticed during rare trips outside, she wore a disguise that made her feel like 'Inspector Gadget', she said in a recent French television interview.

'Even when I go outside, I am in prison,' she said, declaring she just 'wants to live free'.

Her story goes to the core of the debate over freedom of expression which has raged in secular France since 2015 when Islamist gunmen attacked the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo for publishing cartoons of the prophet Mohammed.

The controversy intensified further when teacher Samuel Paty - who had shown the caricatures in his civics class - was beheaded by an Islamist radical outside his school in Paris in October 2020.

The mass trial of 13 people over death threats sent to Mila (pictured at court earlier this month) after she called Islam a 's**t religion' has resumed

Mila has been feted by some as a hero of the fight for freedom of expression in France although critics accuse her of needlessly provoking observant Muslims.

On a language study trip to Malta last summer she was threatened with death and rape by a fellow student, who recognised her. He was arrested and convicted on the island.

But in November Mila published a new video, reaffirming her previous tirade.

The 13 being tried in Paris for subjecting her to online harassment, including death threats, are all aged between 18-30. Most have never had any brushes with the law before.

'She received over 100,000 hate messages and death threats saying she would be tied up, cut up, quartered, stoned, beheaded, accompanied by coffin images, and photo-montages of her bloodied decapitated head,' her lawyer Richard Malka who also represents Charlie Hebdo, told the court.

When the controversy erupted, the hashtag #JeSuisMila (I am Mila) went viral in solidarity with her, echoing the #JeSuisCharlie slogan around which millions of people rallied following the 2015 attacks on Charlie Hebdo's cartoonists.

Mila has been feted by some, especially on the right, as a hero of the fight for freedom of expression in secular France

President Emmanuel Macron was among those who defended Mila, saying: 'The law is clear. We have the right to blaspheme, to criticise and caricature religions'.

Not all echoed such sentiments, however, especially on the left. Asked by French television 'Are You Mila?' Socialist ex-president Francois Hollande replied testily: 'No, I am Francois Hollande'.

He added: 'We have the right to criticise religions. Mila had every right to criticise religion. But, like everyone else, she should not engage in hate speech about those who practice their religion.'

Mila says she finds France now a 'fragile and cowardly nation' claiming that the 'silent majority' who support her 'do not do anything'.

'Even if I have a knife placed under my neck, I won't stop speaking out,' she told the TF1 channel. 'But I am still a young woman who does not know what to think about her future.'

France's defence of its secular values and a crackdown on religious extremism have stirred fierce protests by many Muslims worldwide, who accuse the country of encouraging insults against their beliefs.

But defence lawyers have argued that the 13 on trial are unfairly taking the rap as scapegoats for thousands of people taking advantage of the anonymity offered by social media platforms.

'My client is totally overwhelmed by this affair,' said Gerard Chemla, a lawyer for one of the accused. 'He had a fairly stupid instant reaction, the type that happens every day on Twitter.'

The accused face up to two years in prison and fines of 30,000 euros ($36,600) for online harassment.

A conviction of death threats carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison - two people previously convicted of death threats against Mila have received prison terms.
Advertisement

While five million residents in Sydney and surrounding areas digest the difficult news their city would remain on lockdown for at least another week due to a worrying Covid outbreak, 10,000 revellers in outback Australia were busy partying on in the desert.

Queensland's Big Red Bash is the worlds most remote music festival, held about 35km west of Birdsville on the edge of the Simpson Desert where the borders of South Australia, New South Wales and the Sunshine State converge.

The dog-friendly three-day festival, which runs from July 6 to 8, was established in 2013 and is now considered a 'bucket list event' for live music lovers.

But the stunning photographs of spectators having the time of their lives while standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the massive crowds will be a bitter pill to swallow for Sydneysiders who've been on stay-at-home order for almost two weeks already.

All residents of New South Wales are living under some form of restrictions until at least July 16, including mandatory masks and only five visitors round at a home, with dancing banned and 50 per cent capacity at major events.

In Sydney, the restrictions are even harsher - but no such rules are in place for Queensland, with roaring crowds packed into the beloved outback festival.

About 10,000 revellers in outback Australia are pictured partying in the desert at the Big Red Bash music festival in Birdsville on July 7

The stunning photographs of spectators having the time of their lives while standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the massive crow is in stark contrast to the situation in the Harbour City. Pictured: Empty tables and chairs are seen at a locked down restaurant in Sydney on July 6

Russell Morris is pictured on stage shredding on guitar at the 2021 Big Red Bash in Birdsville, Australia on July 7

Boogie board riders (pictured) slide down the red sand dunes at the Big Red Bash 2021 on July 7, 2021 in Birdsville, Australia

This year's festival is headlined by Daryl Braithwaite, Paul Kelly, The Black Sorrows, Busby Marou and former Superjesus frontwoman Sarah McLeod.

Apart from kicking back to Aussie rock tunes, festival-goers are equally enamored with the starry outback sky and the jaw-dropping scenery, where the Wangkangurru-Yarluyandi Traditional Owners would gather for thousands of years to trade 'grinding stones, ochre, weapons and other goods'.

'The concert and campsite grounds, known as Bashville, are located on an organic cattle station called Adria Downs,' Organisers of the Big Red Bash said on their website.

'The camping area sits on the dried-out bed of an ancient lake with the giant red sand dune as a backdrop.

'It forms a natural amphitheater making it the perfect setting for an outback concert.

'The majestic desert landscape is coated in red dust that comes from the small pieces of gibber rock present throughout the region.'

Organisers said that on the final day of the festival there will be two new world records attempts.

One is for the Largest Nutbush Dance and the another for the Largest Twist Dance, with all proceeds going to the Royal Flying Doctors Service.

'In 2019 more than 2,300 revellers stomped up a storm whilst setting their new Largest Nutbush Dance World Record, and if theres anything 2020 has shown us its that the only way is up,' organisers said.

But the rocking outback festival wasn't the only Queensland event putting the big smoke to shame, with tens of thousands also jamming into Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane for the Wallabies clash with France - Australia's first rugby match against the Les Bleus since the Covid pandemic took hold.

Tens of thousands of Queenslanders pack into Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium for the Wallabies clash with France on July 07, 2021

The photo of Wallabies fans huddled together at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium is a far cry from the empty locked down streets of Sydney

An empty George Street in Sydney's CBD sits empty during the evening rush hour on July 7, 2021 with lockdown restrictions still in place

A woman wearing a face mask is pictured at Bondi Beach on July 2 with the Sydney in lockdown after a wave of Covid cases

Five million Greater Sydney residents learned they will be stuck in lock down for at least another seven days as the Indian Delta variant of coronavirus continues to spread around the city with 27 new cases on Wednesday and 350 total infections.

Many of the new cases were recorded in Canterbury-Bankstown, Liverpool and Fairfield as the so-called Bondi cluster spread from the city's east to the west.

Fourteen of the cases had been infectious in the community, prompting Premier Gladys Berejiklian to keep schools closed and restaurants and shops shut until Friday July 16.

The extension of lockdown applies to the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Shellharbour and Wollongong, while regional NSW residents will have to continue wearing masks.

Ms Berejiklian said the state was facing its biggest test so far in the pandemic, and urged residents to follow the rules and limit their movement as far as possible.

Adam Thompson from Chocolate Starfish (centre) is pictured with the Crack Up Sisters backstage at the Big Red Bash 2021

Meanwhile in Queensland, spectators (pictured) watch Russell Morris perform at the Big Red Bash 2021 on July 7

The iconic and normally thriving Sydney Opera House forecourt is pictured lifeless and empy on July 6, 2021, as the city remains in lockdown

Spectators (pictured) take selfies at the Big Red Bash 2021 on July 7 in Birdsville, as Sydney remains on lockdown

'It is so important for all of us to stick together. We've beaten the odds before and this is perhaps the biggest challenge our state faces since the beginning of the pandemic,' she said.

New South Wales wants to eliminate community transmission until 'the vast majority' of adults are vaccinated. So far only nine per cent of Aussie adults have had both doses of the jab as the federal government struggles to secure Pfizer supplies.

The premier - whose parents are Armenian immigrants - warned harsher restrictions may be required in Sydney's ethnically diverse west and urged families to stop mingling.

'Can I say to the communities in those areas, many have a similar background to me, please don't mingle with family. I haven't seen my parents since the lockdown started.'

The premier did not elaborate on what further restrictions could involve, except to say exercise could be limited.

Ms Berejiklian said the decision to extend lockdown was 'difficult' but was taken to stop the state 'living in and out of lockdown' until more people are vaccinated.

Russell Morris performs at the Big Red Bash 2021 on July 7, 2021 in Birdsville, Australia to about 10,000 spectators

A normally busy shopping area in Sydney is nearly empty of people on July 7, 2021 as lockdown orders are extended

This year's show is headlined by Daryl Braithwaite, The Black Sorrows, Busby Marou and former Superjesus frontwoman Sarah McLeod. Pictured: Spectators attend the Big Red Bash 2021 on July 7, 2021 in Birdsville, Australia

'The reason why the New South Wales government has taken this position is because we don't want to be in a situation where we are constantly having to move between lockdown, no lockdown, lockdown, no lockdown.

'What we want to do is give us our best chance of making sure this is the only lockdown we have until the vast majority of our citizens are vaccinated.

'We know the vaccine is the key to our freedom. The vaccine is key to saving lives and keeping the economy open.'

Ms Berejiklian said she made her decision based on the number of cases not in isolation.

'They are the numbers we are looking at when it comes to determining the length of the lockdown,' Ms Berejiklian said.

She warned case numbers will increase in Sydney's west because household contacts of positive cases have been out and about in the community.

George street in Sydney's CBD was empty on Wednesday morning as stay-at-home orders were continued

Apart from kicking back to Aussie rock tunes, festival-goers are equally enamored with the starry outback sky and the jaw-dropping scenery. Pictured: A huge crowd is seen at the Big Red Bash 2021 on July 7, 2021 in Birdsville, Australia

For thousands of years the Wangkangurru-Yarluyandi Traditional Owners would gather to trade 'grinding stones, ochre, weapons and other goods' at the site. Pictured: Spectators watch Russell Morris perform at the Big Red Bash 2021 on July 7, 2021 in Birdsville, Australia

A completely empty Martin Place is pictured during the evening rush hour on July 7, 2021 in Sydney, Australia

'I'm anticipating that tomorrow's number will be higher than what we have seen today but they are at the moment concentrated in three local government areas,' she said.

Amid fears young people are not obeying lockdown rules, Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant warned the virus was affecting the young as well as old.

'Of the seven people in ICU, one is in their 30s. A bit of a wake-up call to young people,' she said.

The other patients are one in their 50s, two in their 60s and three in their 70s, with two on ventilators.

In total, 37 patients are in hospital with 14 under 55 and eight under 35.

The premier said she is working on a 'roadmap' to outline how New South Wales lives with the virus once this lockdown is over.

Restrictions will remain until the 'vast majority' of adults are vaccinated, she said.

Perhaps then, even Sydneysiders will be able to visit the Big Red Bash.
The British Army ran out of ammunition after just eight days during a recent online war simulation, the former commander of the US Army in Europe has warned.

Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, a retired US officer, told MPs that the 'entire British Army's inventory' was exhausted and 'every bit of important ammunition was expended' before the 10-day exercise finished.

Mr Hodges said while it was a computerised simulation it illustrated that 'ammunition expenditures go off the charts when you get into a serious, high end, force on force conflict'.

The comments are likely to spark concerns about the UK's ability to fight another prolonged conventional war.

Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, a retired US officer, told MPs that the 'entire British Army's inventory' was exhausted and 'every bit of important ammunition was expended' before the 10-day exercise finished

The comments by Mr Hodges are likely to spark concerns about the UK's ability to fight another prolonged conventional war. Boris Johnson is pictured at the Aldershot Garrison on June 24

War games involving the US, the UK and France took place four months ago, with the UK's 3rd Division taking part.

The so-called 'Warfighter' simulation saw 1,300 British troops fighting alongside their French and US counterparts in a realistic modern combat situation.

The exercise was due to last for 10 days but the UK 3rd Division ran out of ammunition after eight days, Mr Hodges said.

He told the Defence Select Committee: Exercises have got to take organisations to the point of failure, otherwise you never really can find out where the weaknesses are, the vulnerabilities, such as can units communicate with each other while they are being under massive cyber attack, when systems, GPS, gets knocked out, those kind of things.

As we discovered in this latest Warfighter exercise in which 3 UK Div participated.

In about eight days of exercises, every bit of important ammunition was expended, in the entire British Armys inventory.

Now this was a computerised simulation but nonetheless that has been my experience as well, that ammunition expenditures go off the charts when you get into a serious, high end, force on force conflict.

So no, we absolutely do not have enough of the critical munitions that we need, especially what is called the preferred munitions, the ones that are precise in targeting.

And in the US there is only one factory that makes them and so the industrial side of this is obviously a vulnerability.
Australia has donated $12million to Covid-ravaged Indonesia, with the nation on its knees due to a surge in infections and hospitals at breaking point.

A sharp rise in Covid cases saw Indonesia run out of oxygen tanks in hospitals last weekend, with the much needed grant to also go towards buying 1,000 ventilators for patients.

Additionally, Australia has pledged to pass on 700 oxygen concentrators, 170 oxygen cylinders, 40,000 testing kits as well as 2.5 million AstraZeneca vaccine doses.

'We stand with our close partner and neighbour Indonesia as it responds to a significant surge in Covid cases,' Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne said in a statement on Wednesday.

Australia has generously donated $12million to Covid-ravaged Indonesia, with Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne (pictured) confirming the development on Wednesday

Indonesia will now be able to fit numerous hospitals with oxygen tanks (pictured) and at least 1,000 ventilators for patients

'Australian support will extend rapid testing capacity, maintain existing health services and assist with emergency medical facilities as Indonesia responds to growing (Covid) case numbers.

'Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have extended a $1.5billion loan to support Indonesias Covid-19 response and economic resilience.

'This donation also reinforces our long-standing development partnership with Indonesia.'

Before the hefty $12million donation was confirmed with Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, the Indonesian health system was said to be on the verge of collapse due to the coronavirus.

Indonesias president Joko Widodo announced earlier this week emergency restrictions across Jakarta, Java and Bali as data suggested the Delta variant was responsible for the countrys worsening outbreak.

The number of fatalities due to Covid in Indonesia exceeds at least 61,000 citizens.

But the actual death toll number is believed to be much higher due to the nation's low testing rates.

Before the donation was rubber stamped, Labors foreign affairs spokesperson Penny Wong said the Morrison government had not done enough to help its neighbours in their desperate time of need.

Covid has ravaged Indonesia, with at least 61,000 citizens dying since the pandemic started in 2020

The actual number of deaths is believed to be much higher in Indonesia, with the nation having low testing numbers (pictured a worker arranges oxygen tanks for hospitals at an oxygen distribution facility)

'We know the Morrison governments $143million contribution to Gavis Covax facility to help countries like Indonesia with vaccine supplies pales in comparison to other similar nations,' she said.

'The United States has contributed US$5.2billion, Germany US$2.6billion, and the UK and Canada $US1.1billion each.

'It is time to make Indonesia a priority.'
Ministers should not wobble on easing Covid restrictions in two weeks, Sir John Bell says

No10 should not 'wobble' on easing Covid restrictions on July 19 because the vaccines are working well, a top Government adviser has said.

Oxford University's Sir John Bell today heaped praise on the jabs for 'holding their own' against the virus and preventing serious disease and death.

'I see no reason to wobble,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme when asked if Boris Johnson should press ahead with the 'big bang' reopening on Freedom Day.

'If you double-vaccinate in every age group the risk of hospitalisation and death is very small indeed. I think that is what the Government is counting on.'

Sir John, who helped devise the Government's testing regime and a member of the UK Vaccine Taskforce, added that immunity sparked by the jabs may even improve over time thanks to the eight-week gap between doses.

'After you've had two vaccines, when you pop back up six months late, your immune system has developed the response to the virus to an even more mature state,' he said.

Top scientists don't yet know how long immunity from shots lasts, but ministers are planning to roll out 'booster' doses in September to the over-50s.

Ministers warned yesterday cases in Britain could hit more than 100,000 a day next month, as part of No10's drive to learn to live alongside the virus. The UK is currently recording almost 30,000 a day.

Hospitalisations and deaths are now beginning to tick upwards.

But Health Secretary Sajid Javid yesterday insisted that the 'wall of protection' from vaccines would hold, with ministers confident that the third wave this summer won't be as bad as previous surges.

It comes after Professor Chris Whitty warned yesterday that Britain will not return to a pre-pandemic normal this year even though ministers are pressing ahead with Freedom Day.

England's chief medical officer hinted that some curbs may have to be rolled back later this year when the NHS faces a 'difficult winter'.

But, in a glimmer of hope, Professor Whitty claimed he anticipated that the UK could return to the 'status quo' by next spring.

However, he admitted that he would be 'surprised' if British life managed to return to pre-Covid normality before then, adding it was 'going to take quite a long time to get back to normality'.

Daily hospitalisations from Covid spiked above 400 yesterday for the first time since March and are starting to rise exponentially, though from a low starting point

The rise in coronavirus cases has been driving up the numbers forced to self-isolate after being 'pinged' - with the trend now set to continue into the middle of August

More than 100 Britons could die each day from Covid when Britain finally emerges from lockdown later this month, according to the Government's own assumptions. No10 said it expects up to 50,000 cases a day by July 19 Freedom Day and potentially 100,000 daily cases in August. About 0.1 per cent - or one in 1,000 - of people who catch Covid will die from the virus. The above graph shows how cases and deaths could rise based on these remarks. Deaths lag behind case spikes by about three weeks

More than 45.4million Britons  or 86.2 per cent of adults  have got one dose of the vaccine, and 33.8million  or 64.3 per cent  have received both doses.

Sir John told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'It really does look like vaccines are holding their own.

'I think not only have we got good immunity, but that immunity may well improve over time. As you know, I'm a sort of glass half-full guy and I'm sort of three-quarters full at the moment.'

Letting Covid cases spiral to 100,000 a day risks emergence of new jab-resistant variants Britain could be left fighting a vaccine-resistant Covid variant if cases are allowed to spiral to 100,000 a day, scientists warned today. Sir Paul Nurse, director of the Francis Crick Institute, claimed letting the coronavirus rip may lead to another mutant strain arising in the UK, which could pose a threat to any hopes of a life without lockdown. But not all scientists monitoring the pandemic are convinced that the summer surge in cases will inevitably turn the UK into a variant factory. Seeking to play down the fears, the boss of Britain's largest Covid surveillance centre pointed out variants are normally either vaccine resistant or more transmissible. SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus behind Covid, is constantly evolving and the majority of mutations are 'benign', according to Dr Jeff Barrett, of the Sanger Institute. The South African 'Beta' variant, which can dodge vaccine-triggered immunity, has failed to gain a foothold in the UK. But the more transmissible Indian 'Delta' variant quickly became dominant, and now accounts for nine in ten cases. Ministers warned yesterday cases in Britain could hit more than 100,000 a day next month, following 'Freedom Day' on July 19. Advertisement

Britain yesterday recorded 28,773 new cases, up 40 per cent in a week and the highest daily number since the end of January.

Daily hospital admissions also reached a four-month high, up by 50 per cent in a week to their highest level since March.

Department of Health figures posted today showed hospitalisations reached 406 on June 30  the most recent day figures are available for. It is a sign the explosion in cases over the past month is now beginning to put extra pressure on the NHS.

Covid deaths also jumped their highest level since the end of April, increasing 20.3 per cent in a week. Another 37 victims were recorded today.

Meanwhile, infections are continuing to spiral across the UK, jumping to 28,773  up 49 per cent on last Tuesday and the highest daily figure since January 29.

If both measures spike at the same speed as cases, then deaths may breach 100 a day by mid-August and hospital admissions may reach 1,500  similar to levels seen last September as the second wave began to pick up pace.

England's chief medical officer has warned some restrictions may be reimposed later in the year because of concern over a winter wave of infections.

Speaking to the Local Government Association's (LGA) annual conference, Professor Whitty said: 'There will almost certainly be a Covid surge [in winter] and that will be on top of a return to a more normal respiratory surge.

'It's going to take quite a long time, I think, to get back to normality and I certainly would be surprised if we got back to what most of us would see as a kind of status quo  before the pandemic  by the next spring.

'Because I think weve got this current wave, hopefully there will be a period of quieter Covid after that, and then it will still be quite a difficult winter, especially for the NHS  then by next spring Im hoping slightly more into a more predictable pattern.'

At a Downing Street press conference on Monday, Professor Whitty backed the Government's plans to push ahead with July 19 in the face of surging infection numbers.

He claimed delaying lockdown beyond July 19 will not reduce the number of Covid deaths and could potentially lead to a worse peak in winter.

DAILY HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS: Modelling by Professor Neil Ferguson's team at Imperial College London found that delaying Freedom Day until December (shown in green) to let all adults get double-vaccinated would push the peak in Covid hospital admissions further into winter, rather than reducing the number of admissions completely. The yellow line shows the effect on admissions if the unlocking was to go ahead in late July, with hospitalisations peaking in summer and plummeting by winter. Releasing curbs in June (blue) or early July (red) would have led to a bigger peak in summer, which is why the decision was made to push the original June 21 Freedom Day back by a month

COVID INPATIENTS: The same was true for hospital occupancy levels and, although the graphs don't explicitly show it, the team at Imperial said in some scenarios, delaying the unlocking until December could lead to more deaths. In their paper, they write: 'In some of our modelled scenarios, this long delay paradoxically leads to more total deaths since the third wave would be pushed into the winter, when transmission may be higher because of seasonality and increased indoors interactions, and when an increased proportion of individuals may have lost protection from prior infection'

DAILY HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS: Imperial presented three different modelling of the final unlocking in the roadmap - optimistic, pessimistic and 'central'. Each makes various assumptions about the epidemic, including how fast the virus will take off after lockdown and how well the vaccines will work against transmission and serious illness. In each scenario, the 'sweet spot' appears to be opening in late July (yellow). Any earlier would lead to higher peaks of about 10,000 daily admissions and delaying until December would push the crisis into the winter, where the green line appears to spike upwards quicker than any other scenario

COVID INPATIENTS: The models suggest that there could have been 100,000 patients in hospital with Covid if the country opened up as planned on June 21  even though there are just 2,000 currently being treated by the NHS. Releasing curbs in late July (yellow) could still lead to a peak of 80,000 patients in hospital, which would be double the peak in January. This seems increasingly unlikely now that the vaccines have proven to be extremely effective against the Indian variant in the real world

Joining the Prime Minister at the podium, the CMO acknowledged that while some restrictions will always be better than none in terms of containing Covid, at some point they have to be released for the sake of the economy and impact on wider health.

With that in mind, Professor Whitty revealed he believed 'quite strongly' that there are many benefits to unlocking now rather than waiting until autumn - which some have suggested could buy No10 time to get every adult fully vaccinated.

It would get the big bang of Covid infections and hospital admissions  expected when social distancing comes to an end  out of the way in summer when the NHS is less busy.

Euro 2020 games at Wembley could fuel fresh Covid spike Euro 2020 games at Wembley could fuel large spikes in England's Covid cases, it was warned today as tens of thousands descend on the stadium for tonight's semi-final game against Denmark. Ministers warned there are 'no guarantees' that huge crowds will not spark outbreaks amid claims of Cabinet anxiety over the risks. More than 60,000 fans will be able to attend England's semi-final match against Denmark tonight, as well as the final on Sunday, with Wembley allowed to have 75 per cent capacity. The social distancing rules tell fans to stay in their seat during games, maintain their distance from others where possible and wear face masks when not seated. They also encourage those at games to avoid hugging and high fives during games but thousands ignored the guidelines during Italy's semi-final victory against Spain last night. Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng insisted the potential problems can be 'managed' ahead of the crucial match. But some ministers are understood to be concerned that matches at the London stadium could be fuelling sharp rises in cases. One Cabinet source told MailOnline that it was 'fair' to say nerves are jangling. 'As we continue the greater likelihood these things are going to happen,' they said. Senior Government figures are concerned about fans breaching social distancing when travelling to matches on public transport Advertisement

'At a certain point, you move to the situation where instead of actually averting hospitalisations and deaths, you move over to just delaying them,' he said.

'So you're not actually changing the number of people who will go to hospital or die, you may change when they happen.

'There is quite a strong view by many people, including myself actually, that going in the summer has some advantages, all other things being equal, to opening up into the autumn when schools are going back and when we're heading into the winter period when the NHS tends to be under greatest pressure for many other reasons.'

His comments came on the back of modelling from prominent SAGE member 'Professor Lockdown' Neil Ferguson that suggested late July was an apparent 'sweet spot' for releasing curbs.

His team at Imperial College London found delaying the original June 21 date until later this month likely prevented thousands of deaths. Delaying them until autumn or winter could result in more fatalities.

Even though more people would be vaccinated, scientists believe releasing curbs in winter would cause a bigger spike because people spend more time indoors and other respiratory viruses are rife. The NHS will also be grappling with normal winter pressures.

During a round of interviews yesterday morning, the normally cautious 'Professor Lockdown' Neil Ferguson said pressing ahead with July was 'justifiable' and revealed he was 'reasonably optimistic'.

He said: 'This is a slight gamble, it's a slight experiment at the moment, and I think it's justifiable and I'm reasonable optimistic, but policy will have to remain flexible.'

He said the vaccines' effect on hospitalisations and deaths gave him confidence that the NHS will be able to cope despite rising cases, but warned that if infections continue to grow exponentially then hospitals could be pushed to the brink.

The Government scientific adviser added: 'At the peak of the second wave 50,000 cases would translate into something like 500 deaths, but that's going to be much lower this time, more like 50 or so.

'The challenge is, there's still the potential of getting very large numbers of cases and so if we get very high numbers of cases a day, 150,000 or 200,000 it could still cause some pressure to the health system.

'If we end up in something close to the worst-case scenario we and other groups are looking at, which I think is unlikely but can't be ruled out, then yes there will need to be some course direction later.'
A woman has shared her heartbreak of being forced to fight her aggressive cancer battle alone while her husband is stranded on the other wide of the world due to coronavirus border closures.

Juliet Wilson is in the fight of her life after she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer on New Year's Eve, which has since spread to her lymph nodes.

On top of her cancer battle and chemotherapy treatment, the Melbourne woman is desperate to be reunited with her husband David Macneill, who is stranded in Canada.

Despite being fully vaccinated and booked to fly to Australia within days, the federal government has rejected countless applications to allow him to entry the country on compassionate grounds.

Ms Wilson will undergo a double mastectomy and surgery to remove her lymph nodes next month and will be unable to use her arms for up to six weeks afterwards.

She requires a full-time carer and broke down in tears at the prospect of going through post-operation recovery alone.

Juliet Wilson (right) is desperate to have her husband David Macneill (left) by her side as she battles an aggressive breast cancer

'It has been difficult enough dealing with chemotherapy by myself, the days I can't stand up or have to crawl upstairs to get to the bathroom' Ms Wilson told A Current Affair.

'The idea, that I was facing recovery from my surgery without David here was horrific.

'I won't actually be able to lift my arms, so being able to get myself dressed, shower, prepare food - even go and do the shopping won't be possible, and I'm going to need someone to look after me full-time.'

The couple recently had their fourth application rejected, despite tying the knot in an online wedding ceremony in May and providing pages of evidence such as records of shared finances and wills naming each other as the beneficiary.

Ms Wilson explained that the moment she learnt her husband couldn't come to Australia was 'the day that nearly broke her'.

International borders have been closed since March 2020, making it exceptionally difficult for even Australian citizens to fly home, made even worse by the recent slashing of arrival caps.

Meanwhile Mr Macneill is desperate to be at his wife's side.

Juliet Wilson is distraught at the prospect of not having her husband by her side when she undergoes surgery next month

'I want to be there, and we're trying to do everything we can to make that happen but it just seems like we're hitting roadblocks every on every turn,' he told the program.

'Juliet doesn't need this, going through the chemo that she's going through now, let alone the surgery that she's going to have to face alone.

'It's breaking my heart.'

Time is running out for Mr Macneill to be given the green light to enter Australia next week with the flight booked for July 12.

He also has to undergo two weeks of quarantine before he can be reunited with his wife.

'Some of the prices are gone anywhere from $5,000-$35,000 for an economy class ticket to Melbourne,' he said.

'So, at this point, if I don't, if I'm not able to make it on the 12th, then I'm not going to be able to make it.

'Regardless of whether they want to honour the marriage or think it's legit or not, it's really not about that - it's about me going down there to take care of the person that I love. She has no one down there.'

Juliet Wilson has undergone five months of chemotherapy treatment (pictured) since her diagnosis on New Year's Eve

Ms Wilson's world was turned upside down when she got the devastating diagnosis last December.

'It felt like my heart was like a glass hitting the tiles, and the pieces just went any way, and for a couple of weeks I couldn't even say the word 'cancer' out loud,' she said.

She grew up in Canada but is now an Australian citizen who has lived here for almost 20 years.

The couple have known each other since the late 1980s when they were growing up on Canada's east coast.

They became close friends when they reconnected five years ago and fell in love two years ago while Juliet was back in Canada visiting.

Ms Macneill came to Australia to visit Ms Wilson in early 2020 before the pandemic hit but hasn't seen her in over a year.

Ms Wilson remains hopeful her husband will be granted an exemption to enter Australia

Friends have set of a Change.org petition campaigning for the Department of Home Affairs to grant Mr Macneill a travel exemption on compassionate grounds.

The online petition was already garnered almost 5,000 signatures.

'Juliet does not have anyone who can move in and care for her during her 4-6 week recovery,' the petition states.

'As well, due to the significant permanent change to her body, and personal nature of her post-op care, her husband is the only person suitable to provide this support she will need as she confronts the physical and emotional effects of her surgery, and the rest of her treatment.

The Australian Border Force has contacted Ms Wilson to seek additional information and continues to assess the exemption application.

A spokesperson said immediate family members of Australian citizens and permanent residents are exempt from the travel restrictions and can enter Australia.

'This includes spouses and de facto partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents,' they said.

'The ABF has reached out to the couple requesting they provide further information to help with their application.'
Advertisement

Have you experienced hotel quarantine? Share your experience by emailing katie.feehan@mailonline.co.uk Advertisement

A couple who stayed in a quarantine hotel have revealed how they were served stale food they could barely eat and sometimes made to wait more than nine hours for it to be delivered to their room.

Muhammad Imran, 62, and his wife Tahira Sultana, 57, fumed that during their stay they were 'treated like prisoners' and when they complained to hotel staff about the dire meals they were told: 'You can always order a takeaway.'

Mr Imran and his wife spent 12 days at the Holiday Inn Express in Luton after arriving from Pakistan in June.

They were forced to extend their mandatory quarantine period of 10 days for arrivals from a red list country by an extra two days after Ms Sultana tested positive for COVID-19 while at the hotel.

They paid a total of 3,050 for three people, with Mr Imran's sister Zaeema sharing a room with them to save costs.

The hotel quarantine scheme costs 1,750 for one person for ten days with 650 for each additional person sharing the same room.

Muhammad Imran and his wife Tahira Sultana (pictured) have said they were treated like prisoners during their quarantine stay at Holiday Inn Express in Luton after returning from red listed Pakistan due to the high temperatures in the summer

Mr Imran said they were served substandard meals (pictured) which included sandwiches made from hard bread, oily fish fingers and cold bland vegetable curry throughout their stay and that sometimes they had to wait nine hours for meals

But Mr Imran and his wife have been left seething about their meals which included sandwiches made from hard bread, oily fish fingers and cold, bland vegetable curry.

Mr Imran, from Romford, Essex told MailOnline: 'The food was disgusting - it was cold, stale and hard to swallow. It wasn't fit for an animal, never mind a human being.

'When we complained about it, the attitude of the staff was horrendous. They didn't seem to care and just shrugged their shoulders and told us: 'You can always order a take-away.'

Ms Sultana added: 'We paid a lot of money for our stay and deserved better food and respect. The staff behaved like prison wardens, and we were treated like prisoners. To be honest, you probably get better treatment in prison.'

Mr Imran and his wife travelled to Pakistan earlier this year but decided to remain in the country hoping that it would be removed from the UK Government's red list.

They returned to the UK after being unable to tolerate high summer temperatures in Pakistan.

Holiday Inn Express in Luton (pictured) said matters relating to quarantine guests were responsibility of Department of Health

Mr Imran said when they complained about the food (pictured) they were told by hotel staff that they could order takeaway if they were unhappy. Mr Imran said they spent hundreds of pounds on takeaway food when they resorted to ordering out

Red list countries Afghanistan Angola Argentina Bahrain Bangladesh Bolivia Botswana Brazil Burundi Cape Verde Chile Colombia Costa Rica Democratic Republic of Congo Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia French Guiana Guyana Haiti India Kenya Lesotho Malawi Zimbabwe Maldives Mongolia Mozambique Namibia Nepal Oman Pakistan Panama Paraguay Peru Philippines Qatar Rwanda Seychelles Somalia South Africa Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Tanzania Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Uganda United Arab Emirates Uruguay Venezuela Zambia Advertisement

He added: 'We stuck it out for as long as we could but then thought we'd pay the money to quarantine in the UK because it was so hot in Pakistan.

'We tried to save costs by sharing a room with my sister. We had no choice over which hotel was allocated to us and ended up in a cramped room with lots of luggage. When I complained about the size of the room, the staff just said if I don't like it, I could go back to Heathrow.'

Ms Sultana, a diabetic, revealed how matters came to a head after they were served breakfast on some days at 7.30am with lunch arriving more than nine hours later at 4.45pm.

She said: 'I started feeling unwell and was crying to the manager "We are old people, I'm sick. Please send us decent food on time".

'But like the rest of the staff he didn't seem that bothered. It was the hotel from hell and I'm so happy that I'm no longer there.'

After their repeated complaints went unheard, Mr Irman, his wife and sister eventually resorted to ordering takeaways, which they claim cost them hundreds of pounds.

They are demanding Corporate Travel Management (CTM), the company which organises quarantine hotels on behalf of the UK Government or the Holiday Inn Express compensate them for the extra money they were forced to spend.

Mr Imran said: 'We've kept the bills in the hope that we might get compensation from CTM or the hotel but in truth, I don't think we'll get very far.

'It's impossible to get them to answer the phone and even when they do, they're not very helpful.

'I understand the need to quarantine but it should be done properly. The current system is just a money-making scam.'

The couple are amongst hundreds of people who have vented anger at their quarantine hotel stays.

Many have taken to social media, with a special Facebook page set up to allow people to share their experiences.

One man posted a picture of a mouldy orange, which he claimed had been given to his nine-year-old nephew, who ended up getting food poisoning.

Others have complained about lengthy waiting times for test results and the cleanliness of rooms.

One irate traveller, who posted pictures of his quarantine hotel near Gatwick Airport moaned: 'My room is so dirty that I can't imagine letting my 8 month old crawl on this dirty carpet or touch anything, food isn't great with small portionswe have paid so much yet did not get the service we deserve.'

Corporate Travel Management, company that organises quarantine hotels, said it is not responsible for standard of the food

The couple say that on occasion their lunch arrived nine hours after they had eaten breakfast

Earlier this year, a family of three complained of the 'inhuman' conditions at the same quarantine hotel in Luton.

Shabana Shah and her children Rida, 15, and Raiyman, 20, had been holidaying in Dubai but were forced into quarantine after they travelled home through Turkey due to flight cancellations.

Ms Shah said her stay at the Holiday Express Inn hotel in Luton was 'awful' as they were forced to stay in one small room with all their luggage and she said the food was substandard.

When Sabana complained to hotel staff about the conditions, she was told to contact Australian firm Corporate Travel Management (CTM) Ltd, which has the contract with the government.

Shabana Shah (pictured) and her children had to stay at the same Holiday Inn Express hotel in May after returning from holiday via Turkey due to flight problems and said the room was too small for them with luggage and that the food was 'awful'

She said: 'They were just blaming each other and were just playing games. We were in there for 10 days and nothing was done. We were treated really badly.'

The Shah family were put in a 'family room' at the Holiday Inn at a total fixed cost of 3,050.

Pictures showed two double beds have been squeezed into a single room to accommodate the three of them.

With luggage taking up what little floor space that is left, the trio have been forced to climb across a bed to get to the bathroom.

It is understood they could get an additional room at a further cost of 650 but declined.

They family said they were permitted to leave for fresh air for only 15 minutes at a time.

In response to the most recent complaint, CTM said in a statement that it was not responsible for the quality of food and the treatment of guests but when any complaints are raised, it does its utmost to address them.

It said in a statement: 'Service level experiences at each hotel within the Managed Hotel Quarantine Programme are the responsibility of the hotel operators.'

It added: 'Where comments and complaints relate to elements of the programme outside of CTM's involvement, CTM has a robust complaint management process in place to share feedback with the relevant providers to enable continuous improvement to the hotel quarantine programme.'

The Holiday Inn Express in Luton said: 'All matters relating to quarantine hotels are the responsibility of the Department of Health.'

The Department of Health has been contacted for comment.

Summer holidays are set for July 19 take-off! Fully-vaccinated travellers could avoid quarantine after Freedom Day as Boris Johnson prepares to tear up self-isolation rules

By Jason Grovesand David Churchill For The Daily Mailand Henry Martin For Mailonline

Boris Johnson is set to tear up travel quarantine rules from as early as July 19, allowing millions of fully-vaccinated Britons to take summer holidays abroad without having to self-isolate.

Ministers are expected to make a final decision tomorrow on exactly when to drop the requirement for double-jabbed travellers to quarantine after returning from amber list destinations such as France, Spain and Greece.

But multiple sources told the Mail that the Prime Minister is determined to implement the move on so-called 'Freedom Day' on July 19, when most remaining domestic restrictions will be scrapped.

It follows the departure of former health secretary Matt Hancock, who had pushed for the change to be delayed until as late as mid-August.

Whitehall sources said Border Force  which had asked for more time to prepare for introducing the change at ports and airports  has now dropped its objections, removing the last major hurdle to early implementation.

One source said: 'Border Force do have to make some technical changes and they had asked for a bit longer to get the new systems in place. But they can see the writing on the wall on this and they have accepted it will be the 19th.'

Another source said: 'It is not just that people can see the writing on the wall  they can see it is the Prime Minister who is writing it and the objections to the 19th are falling away.'

As the coronavirus crisis reaches its latest crucial phase, it emerged:

Britain's daily Covid hospital admissions have reached a four month high, rising by 50 per cent in a week;

Department of Health figures posted today also showed hospitalisations reached 406 on June 30;

Shops, pubs and airlines that continue mask rules after July 19 have a legal right to turn away customers;

Sajid Javid revealed the requirement for the double-jabbed to self-isolate will not be dropped until August 16;

School bubbles to be scrapped but isolation rules for children of positive cases will stay in place until August;

Six of the ten areas worst-hit by Covid in Europe are currently in Scotland, according to data;

England and Wales recorded more deaths last year during pandemic than at anytime since the Spanish flu;

Leave voters are more willing than Remainers to ditch masks when laws demanding their use are scrapped.

Boris Johnson is set to tear up travel quarantine rules from as early as July 19, allowing millions of fully-vaccinated Britons to take summer holidays abroad without having to self-isolate (stock image, Athens, Greece)

Arriving passengers queue at UK Border Control at the Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport in London, Britain, June 29

HEATHROW FAST TRACK ARRIVALS FOR DOUBLE-JABBED PASSENGERS Heathrow is to provide fast-track lanes for fully-vaccinated arrivals as the airline industry steps up pressure on ministers to open up quarantine-free travel to amber destinations. Under a pilot programme to be launched this week, passengers from selected destinations will be able to upload their coronavirus vaccination certificate before boarding. On arrival at the airport, they will then be directed to dedicated lanes at the border to speed their passage through immigration. The move comes ahead of an expected announcement on Thursday when Transport Secretary Grant Shapps will set out details of the Government's plans to end the requirement for travellers from amber list countries to self-isolate on arrival. Boris Johnson is said to favour easing the controls from July 19 - when other Covid lockdown restrictions in England are due to be lifted - according to The Times. Heathrow together with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic - the two airlines involved in the trial programme - said it was essential that there was no delay in implementing the changes. The scheme will initially involve fully vaccinated volunteers travelling on selected flights from Athens, Los Angeles, Montego Bay and New York. Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye said: 'This pilot will allow us to show that pre-departure and arrival checks of vaccination status can be carried out safely at check in, so that fully vaccinated passengers can avoid quarantine from July 19.' His comments were echoed by Virgin Atlantic chief executive Shai Weiss who said: 'To reap the benefits of the UK's world-leading vaccine roll out, the UK Government must act now to remove self-isolation for fully vaccinated passengers arriving from 'amber' countries, and no later than the domestic reopening on July 19. 'The UK is already falling behind US and EU and a continued overly cautious approach towards international travel will further impact economic recovery and the 500,000 UK jobs that are at stake.' The call came after Health Secretary Sajid Javid announced that people in England who have been double jabbed - as well as the under 18s - will no longer have to self-isolate if they have been in contact with someone who tests positive for Covid-19. However, there was consternation among some Tory MPs that the change will not come into force until August 16, almost a month after other controls are due to have ended. With cases continuing to soar, there were fears that millions of people could be required to quarantine in the meantime, potentially damaging output just as the economy looks to pick up pace. Mr Javid has acknowledged that the numbers of new infections could rise to 100,000-a-day as restrictions come to an end. Ministers are relying on the vaccination programme to protect people from becoming seriously ill with the virus and prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed. However former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith warned the hospitality sector - already ravaged by the economic fallout from the pandemic - could be particularly hard hit by the delay in easing the self-isolation rules. 'Why would you even go to a pub (after step four of the lifting of lockdown)? This makes it worse,' he told The Daily Telegraph. 'I wouldn't go to a pub that wasn't still having six around a table and social distancing, otherwise you run the risk of everyone in the pub being pinged and locked down.' Mr Javid said the aim was to 'manage the virus in a way that is proportionate to the pandemic' while maintaining as much freedom as possible. Advertisement

Heathrow is to provide fast-track lanes for fully-vaccinated arrivals as the airline industry steps up pressure on ministers to open up quarantine-free travel to amber destinations.

Under a pilot programme to be launched this week, passengers from selected destinations will be able to upload their coronavirus vaccination certificate before boarding.

On arrival at the airport, they will then be directed to dedicated lanes at the border to speed their passage through immigration.

The move comes ahead of an expected announcement on Thursday when Transport Secretary Grant Shapps will set out details of the Government's plans to end the requirement for travellers from amber list countries to self-isolate on arrival.

The system, running on British Airways and Virgin Atlantic flights into Heathrow, is an attempt to prove the ease with which vaccine status could be checked without creating queuing havoc.

Chief executive of Virgin Atlantic Shai Weiss said: 'To reap the benefits of the UK's world-leading vaccine rollout the UK government must act now to remove self-isolation for fully vaccinated passengers arriving from amber countries and no later than the domestic reopening on July 19.'

Chief executive of Heathrow John Holland-Kaye said: 'This pilot will allow us to show that pre-departure and arrival checks of vaccination status can be carried out safely at check-in, so that fully vaccinated passengers can avoid quarantine from July 19.'

Downing Street said a final decision had not been made on the timing of the change to current travel quarantine rules but acknowledged it was now likely to be this month rather than August.

The move could open up dozens of popular holiday destinations for fully-vaccinated travellers. Most European countries are currently on the amber list, as are the United States, Mexico, Thailand and many Caribbean destinations.

At present, only travellers returning from a small green list of countries can avoid quarantine when they return to the UK. Government advice remains not to holiday in amber list countries. And if they do, travellers have to quarantine at home for ten days but they can be released after five days if they pay for a PCR test.

Under the proposal, the government advice will be dropped and fully-vaccinated UK residents will be allowed to travel home from amber countries without the need to quarantine. Children, who are not eligible for vaccination, will be exempted from self-isolation if they are travelling with family. But they will have to take additional tests. Ministers will finalise the plan for children tomorrow.

Those who have not received both vaccines will still have to quarantine when they arrive in the UK or face a 10,000 fine.

The change will make no difference to red list countries such as India, Turkey and Brazil.

Anyone returning from a red list country must quarantine in an approved hotel at a cost of 1,750 each. People returning from amber list countries will also continue to have to pay for a pre-flight test, followed by a second test two days after their arrival home. But they will not have to pay for a further test eight days after they land as they do at present.

The change to quarantine rules has been a key demand of the beleaguered travel sector.

But the timing of the move split the Cabinet. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and Chancellor Rishi Sunak both pushed for July 19 to allow the industry to maximise the school summer holidays. But Mr Hancock and Michael Gove wanted to delay until August.

Mr Hancock's replacement by the more business-friendly Sajid Javid helped tip the balance in favour of opening up early.

Former cabinet minister Liam Fox last night called on ministers to act after they agreed to curb self-isolation rules for the double-jabbed. Dr Fox said it was time for 'the same common sense to apply to international travel'.

British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Heathrow Airport yesterday launched a trial in which fully-vaccinated passengers will be asked to submit proof of their inoculation status before flying.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps (pictured) and Chancellor Rishi Sunak both pushed for July 19 to allow the industry to maximise the school summer holidays. But Mr Hancock and Michael Gove wanted to delay until August

Former cabinet minister Liam Fox last night called on ministers to act after they agreed to curb self-isolation rules for the double-jabbed. Dr Fox said it was time for 'the same common sense to apply to international travel' (pictured: Italy)

Daily hospitalisations from Covid spiked above 400 today for the first time since March and are starting to rise exponentially, though from a low starting point

Travellers of all nationalities on flights into the UK from the US, Europe and the Caribbean will present their vaccination credentials in paper and digital format.

Data from the trial, designed to show vaccination status can be checked quickly at airports, will be shared with ministers. It will put pressure on the Government to introduce plans for quarantine-free travel for double-jabbed people by July 19.

Earlier this year queues of up to seven hours were seen at Heathrow as a result of the Covid paperwork border guards had to check.

BA chief Sean Doyle said: 'We need to act quickly to protect jobs, re-build the UK economy and reunite loved ones. We look forward to providing the data that proves it's simple for fully-vaccinated status to be verified.' Shai Weiss, head of Virgin Atlantic, said the UK's cautious approach will 'further impact economic recovery and the 500,000 UK jobs that are at stake'.

And Heathrow's boss John Holland-Kaye said: 'This pilot will allow us to show that pre-departure and arrival checks of vaccination status can be carried out safely at check-in, so that fully-vaccinated passengers can avoid quarantine from July 19.'
A schoolboy has been praised for pointing out Covid is going to 'spread a lot' in Sydney after the city was forced to extend lockdown due to the vulnerability of the largely unvaccinated Australian population.

The young boy was asked on the Today show on Tuesday whether he believed Sydneysiders were taking lockdown seriously.

'There were a lot of people at Bondi, and no one was social distancing, so I think the cases are going to be spreading a lot,' he told reporter Lara Vella.

New South Wales state health minister Brad Hazzard said the lockdown would be extended until midnight on July 16 'because we haven't been able to get the vaccine that we need'.

Only six per cent of Australian adults are fully vaccinated, compared to 46 per cent in the US and over 60 per cent in the UK.

A schoolboy (pictured) has been praised for pointing out Covid is going to 'spread a lot' in Sydney after the city was forced to extend lockdown due to the vulnerability of the largely unvaccinated Australian population

The schoolboy complained that 'there were a lot of people at Bondi, and no one was social distancing'. This was the scene over the weekend as people flocked to the beach

Two young women are pictured exiting the water after a dip at the world famous Bondi Beach

Several shirtless and barefooted men worked out on the small exercise park next to the beach's surf lifesaving club alongside a woman dressed in pink activewear

Australia is also trailing behind Latvia, Turkey, Mexico and Colombia and even New Zealand, which only uses the Pfizer jab.

The slow roll out has heightened fears the highly contagious delta variant could quickly spread beyond control.

State premier Gladys Berejiklian said lockdowns will no longer be necessary when the majority of Australians are vaccinated, but after a disappointingly slow jab roll out, it is not clear when this will be.

She said the decision to extend the lockdown was made on health advice after a rise in cases, adding 'we extended the lockdown to give us the best chance of not having another lockdown.'

Officials said 27 new infections of the delta variant were reported in the latest 24-hour period, but only 13 of those were in isolation while infectious.

There are 37 Covid-19 cases in Sydney hospitals. Of those, seven are in intensive care, the youngest aged in their 30s.

Only 9 per cent of Australian adults are fully vaccinated, compared to 46 per cent in the US and over 60 per cent in the UK

Footage of the boy's interview was shared on social media with many praising the young Australian for his observation.

'Thanks for your advice little man!' one person commented.

'I may not be able to buy that kid a beer. But I sure f*****g want to!' another added.

'This is why all planning and policy meetings need children to sit in so they can point out the bleeding obvious,' a third said.

The words of wisdom come as NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Wednesday confirmed Greater Sydney would remain under stay-at-home orders for another week.

Fourteen of the new cases were in the community while infectious, prompting Ms Berejiklian to declare the lockdown for Greater Sydney, Wollongong, Shellharbour, Blue Mountains and the Central Coast will now end at midnight on July 16, rather than Friday.

'This decision wasn't taken lightly,' she told reporters on Wednesday.

'This Delta strain is a game-changer - it is extremely transmissible and more contagious than any other form of the virus that we've seen.'

'The reason why the NSW government has taken this position is because we don't want to be in a situation where we are constantly having to move between lockdown, no lockdown, lockdown, no lockdown.

'That is not a way to live and we want to give our citizens the best chance of staying safe and healthy but also making sure our businesses survive and thrive moving forward until the vaccination period is upon us.'

Most of the new cases were recorded in Sydney's west, as the so-called Bondi cluster shifts from the city's eastern suburbs. Pictured: People line up at a mass vaccination hub on Wednesday

The latest shutdown, which covers Australia's largest city and some nearby communities, means most children will not return to school next week following their mid-year break.

School students will mostly learn from home, but schools will be open for children of essential workers.

On the current timetable, schools across NSW will return to full face-to-face learning on July 19.

Ms Berejiklian confirmed the attention of health authorities was shifting to the Fairfield, Canterbury-Bankstown and Liverpool local government areas amid a surge in cases in Sydney's southwest.

NSW police issued 75 infringement notices on Tuesday.

Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said some NSW residents were eligible for the Commonwealth Covid disaster payment but the government wasn't considering any other financial support at this stage.

Workers can get payments of $325 or $500, depending on the number of hours of weekly work they have lost because of the lockdown.

It comes after several outbreaks across the country in recent weeks as hotel quarantine and vaccinations fail to halt the spread of the virus.

The largest outbreak was in Sydney, where 130 people have tested positive for Covid-19 since a limousine driver for an international flight crew was diagnosed with the Indian variant on June 16.

Sydney residents have flocked to get vaccinated since the city was put into the new lockdown, with many more concerned than ever about the virus lingering in the community.

Business owners, who basked in the early success of the government's response to the virus, are worried about how much longer the constant 'circuit breakers' will continue to plague their livelihoods.

In the north, a 48-hour lockdown of Darwin was imposed after a cluster linked to an outback gold mine grew to seven cases.

The miner flew into Brisbane on June 18 and is believed to have been infected in a quarantine hotel before arriving at Newmont Corporation's Tanami gold mine.

All mine workers who travelled to Alice Springs and Darwin are in isolation, while authorities are frantically trying to track and trace 900 miners across Australia who may have had contact with the initial case.

Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner said that for the first time during the pandemic there were hotspots of local transmission in Darwin, which is home to a large indigenous population feared to be more vulnerable to Covid-19.

'The risk to the community has grown in the past 24 hours. We are now in an extremely critical period. We must stay in lockdown while we keep this virus trapped,' he said, urging Aboriginal people living in remote areas not to travel to Darwin.

The child's observation comes as NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed Greater Sydney's lockdown would be extended for another week after the state recorded 27 new cases

Last week, almost half Australia's population was locked down with cities on the east, west and north coasts tightening pandemic restrictions due to clusters.

Some of those lockdowns were as short as three days.

Sydney and its surrounding areas are the only part of Australia still in lockdown.

Australia has been relatively successful in containing clusters throughout the pandemic, registering fewer than 31,000 cases and 910 deaths total.

Australia has recorded a single Covid-19 death since October - an 80-year-old man who died in April after being infected overseas and diagnosed in hotel quarantine.
Lady Lavinia Nourse has described the 'shame and sheer terror' of facing her accuser in court during an emotional interview after she was cleared of false sex abuse allegations.

In May, the 77-year-old widow of Sir Martin Nourse - one of Britain's most senior judges - was found not guilty of all 17 fabricated sex abuse charges regarding a boy under the age of 12.

She defiantly denied the historical offences had taken place, claiming that her accuser - who is now an adult - was 'very psychologically disturbed'.

Now, Lady Lavinia has spoken out about the 'deep shock' that left her 'almost incoherent' when her accuser - who cannot be named - took her into a London park to inform her of his made-up accusations.

In an emotional interview on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, she told host Emma Barnett of the trauma of facing a judge wearing 'the sort of clothes that my husband used to wear' as she stood up in court.

She said she had 'never been so frightened, lonely and utterly miserable' than she was during the trial, and stressed that, although she was cleared, she has been 'left with a shattered life'.

Lady Lavinia Nourse has described the 'shame and sheer terror' of facing her accuser in court during an emotional BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour interview (pictured) after she was cleared of false sex abuse allegations

Lady Lavinia said: 'You can imagine that because my husband was such a senior lawyer that the shame and just the sheer terror of being in a court and looking at a judge who, in the sort of clothes that my husband used to wear [...] you can't imagine what that's like for someone who's lived in the law all her life.

'Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would find myself in that position.

'Just to look at the papers, the Crown Prosecution papers. I mean to see that in print was almost enough to finish me let alone the actual process.

'It was simply terrifying. Absolutely terrifying. I've never been so frightened, lonely and utterly miserable.'

Talking about the moment she first heard of the false allegations, Lady Lavinia said: 'I had been in London and the accuser took me into a public park and simply blurted out the news that I had abused him as a young child.

In May, the 77-year-old widow of Sir Martin Nourse (pictured after she was cleared) - one of Britain's most senior judges -was found not guilty of all 17 fabricated sex abuse charges regarding a boy under the age of 12

'For starters, I didn't even know what abuse between a woman and a young boy could be because I'm of an age when one doesn't understand these things.

'I couldn't understand what he was talking about. It was something so alien to me. I was so shocked, so deeply shocked I was almost incoherent.

'You can't imagine what's it's like to be told something so devastatingly awful. It was ghastly, absolutely ghastly.

With her voice beginning to crack, she said: 'It's difficult for me talking to you because I know who accused me.

'But of course I can't say who accused me and this makes conversations with people like you and anybody else extremely difficult because I can't be honest and frank.

'And that's what makes it so appalling. And makes things like this so difficult because I can't be truly honest about it.'

The accuser later went to the police and Lady Lavinia was hauled in for an interview, she which she dubbed 'the most awful, awful experience'.

She told her the accuser had 'taped' all their previous discussions.

Even so, Lady Lavinia did not think the accusations would end up in court. She waited a year and a half for charges to be brought against her.

Lady Lavinia (pictured) defiantly denied the historical offences had taken place, claiming that her accuser - who is now an adult - was 'very psychologically disturbed'

She added: 'The accuser was very happy to let it be known widely in London and in and around Newmarket where I live, freely admitting that this is what I had done.

'And so a lot of my friends had been told of what I had done long before I was charged. When I was interviewed by the police they said "we've got a list of the people that have been told".

'Intolerable on top of everything else. I didn't know who I could trust. I didn't know what had been said to anyone.

'You disappear into your house and try to keep strong and stay there but it's not easy. The problems I had, and lockdown it was just intolerable.

'God's given me the strength to deal with this. But I don't quite know how I've got through it.'

Asked to describe her trial, she said: 'Hell. That's all I can say. I've never been so frightened, lonely and utterly miserable.

Lady Nourse was accompanied by companions as she left The Knights' Chamber in Peterborough at the end of the two-week trial in May

'It was terrifying and of course knowing I suppose if it hadn't gone that way I could have gone to prison.

'Luckily my legal people were very gentle with me. I asked the question but they very carefully sort of skirted around it. They didn't say no and they didn't say "yes you will go to prison".

'But I knew perfectly well that there was a very high chance that if I was found guilty that I would go to jail.

'And I just find it really frighting that people can tell lies that can send an innocent person to prison. That's what would have happened.

She told how the complainant opted not to be behind a screen in court, meaning Lady Lavinia had to face him 'face to face'.

She said: 'It was horrendous. He was as close to me as you are now. I had to sit for the best part of a day and a half and listen to all the ghastly things that were said about me.

'Its just horrendous that's all I can say. It's a nightmare. Absolute nightmare.'

She said the fewer than five hours taken for the jury to deliberate were 'the worst of my life'.

She said: 'I remember it was pouring with rain. I couldn't eat, I couldn't sleep, I couldn't do anything.

'I'd been like that for weeks. They almost had to drag me back into the court because I was so frightened. Absolutely petrified of what's going to happen.'

On how it felt hearing she was cleared, Lady Lavinia said: 'I just still didn't believe it. I had to go through 17 times not guilty. After the first one I almost collapsed. In fact I did collapse. It just took me days to believe it.

'Sometimes even now I don't believe it. I know that might sound strange but when you live with something for so long and the fear and the trauma of what might happen it doesn't go overnight.'

She said she is still 'playing with nightmares' months on.

Dame Mary Archer appeared as a character witness , describing Nourse as 'kind hearted' and 'generous', a keen flower arranger and hostess who doted on her grandchildren

She added: 'I'm left with a shattered life. Which I have to pick up and hold my head up. But what's been said, what's been written, will live with me forever.

'And yet the person who has made these accusations walks free and can continue to say what he likes for the rest of his life.'

Talking about her husband, she said: 'To say that he knew about it and didn't do anything was beyond belief.

'And at the end of the day I have to live with what was being said. But at least he's been cleared. And there's no question about whether he knew about it because there's nothing to know.

'I'm left with the mess but luckily his name is cleared. And to me that is the most important outcome. I can't help myself or my circumstances but at least he has been cleared.'

She now hopes to change the law for those charged with such offences to be given anonymity until convicted.

She also questioned why those who make false accusations cannot be named after the person they accused is cleared.

Lifelong anonymity is granted to anyone who makes an allegation that they are the victim of a sexual offence, but suspects can be named when charged, even if they ultimately end up being found not guilty.

As a result, Lady Lavinia is joining the likes of Sir Cliff Richard and Paul Gambaccini - two other falsely accused public figures who, although never charged, saw their reputations tarnished regardless - in backing the FAIR pressure group.

The group which campaigns for those accused of child sexual abuse to not be named in the press until and unless found guilty.
Advertisement

There is enough evidence to show masks offer at least some protection against catching and spreading Covid, experts said today amid fears that a culture war could break out over coverings after July 19.

Throughout the pandemic there has been fierce scientific debate about how well the guards work at reducing transmission, despite nearly every country in the world mandating or encouraging their use.

Wearing a mask will become personal choice instead of a legal requirement when England finally comes out of lockdown later this month, in a move that has sparked a fresh row about their effectiveness.

Experts told MailOnline today they were confident there is 'some' benefit to wearing masks to prevent Covid from spreading  but they admitted to what degree remains unknown because there is a lack of quality evidence.

Cambridge University's Dr Raghib Ali, a clinical epidemiologist, added the vaccines are doing such a good job at reducing transmission that there is now little need for masks to be worn everywhere.

But he said they could still be beneficial in hospitals, care homes and in crowded and poorly ventilated areas like the Tube, adding that a high-grade FFP3 mask would be the best option over a surgical or cloth mask.

Lab tests and observational studies have shown masks can block infected people from exhaling up to 80 per cent of the virus into the air and also protect wearers from inhaling up to 50 per cent of the particles.

But real-world studies, which involve more scientific rigour, have produced mixed results, with some showing a huge impact on infection rates and others showing virtually none.

Government scientific adviser Professor Robert Dingwall, a sociologist at the University of Nottingham, said the quality of the evidence in both directions is 'so weak'.

'It's really been the working from home and shutting down society that has reduced transmission, face masks and interpersonal distances will have only played a small role,' he told MailOnline.

A lab study by Duke University in North Carolina showed that a variety of different face masks reduced the amount of viral droplets expelled into the air. The N95 and surgical masks were found to be much better than various cotton and other cloth coverings but every type was better than none. In the study, a mask wearer repeated the sentence 'Stay healthy, people' five times, after which and researchers used a thermal camera and thermal camera to monitor the amount of droplets released

A similar study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US looked at how efficient each type of covering was at blocking different sized droplets (shown along the bottom). Again, the high-grade N95 mask was shown to collect 100 per cent of droplets except the finest. Surgical masks (orange) and double-layered cloth masks (in lighter blue) performed second best. Gaiter 1-layer represents a single cloth mask

A laboratory experiment by the University of Edinburgh showed that even cotton masks (left) and face shields (right) reduced the distance Covid particles travel when exhaled by 90 per cent. Although handmade masks (left) stop breath flowing forwards, exhaled air leaks elsewhere, which meant that the risk of passing Covid to someone nearby was still higher than with a tight-fitting industrial mask. Full-face shields generated a strong downward jet (right)

A randomised study known as the 'Danmask' trial, published by scientists at Copenhagen University over winter, found no statistical evidence that they offer any protection whatsoever. Experts recruited 6,000 volunteers in the spring  before masks were mandatory there  and split the them into two groups, with half wearing masks in public and half not. Results showed that, after one month, 1.8 per cent of the people wearing masks had been infected with the virus. By comparison, 2.1 per cent of the people in the unmasked group had tested positive for Covid

Vaccines have been proven to reduce Covid transmission by at least 60 per cent after two doses, but studying the effect of masks is more difficult because there are more variables - including how often a person wears the mask, what type they use and if it fits properly.

A retrospective US trial in Missouri last May looked at two hairdressers who had Covid and interacted with nearly 140 clients over the space of a week. Of the clients who wore masks during their appointment, none caught the virus.

WHITTY, VALLANCE AND OTHER KEY MINISTERS SAY THEY WILL KEEP WEARING MASKS AFTER JULY 19 At a Downing Street press conference on Monday evening, Prime Minister Boris Johnson declared that mask laws would be axed - but sowed confusion after admitting that people would still be encouraged to wear coverings in 'enclosed and crowded places'. He confirmed that he would continue to wear a mask in certain scenarios out of politeness. Mr Johnson was echoed by Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty, who said he would cover his mouth and nose when in crowded spaces, when asked to by a competent authority, or if he felt that not wearing a mask would make another person uncomfortable. Sir Patrick Vallance, the Chief Scientific Adviser, added: 'I'm exactly the same in terms of mask-wearing.' Care minister Helen Whately risked further muddying the waters this week as she admitted she will not be abandoning masks 'entirely' from July 19. She suggested during a round of interviews that she might still wear one on 'crowded' trains from her Faversham constituency. Her comments came as Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said he will 'probably' wear a mask on the London Underground after the legal requirement ends. Experts appear divided on whether people in England should be asked to continue to wear face masks after July 19, with Dr Laurence Aitchison, from the department of computer science at the University of Bristol, saying: 'Our research has shown mask-wearing reduces the spread of Covid-19 by around 25 per cent if everyone wears them.' Paul Hunter, professor in medicine at the University of East Anglia, said he thought lifting face mask restrictions was fine, though people who are vulnerable may wish to take extra care as he warned Covid 'will never go away'. But masks are controversial among anti-lockdown Tory backbenchers. Ex-minister Steve Baker, the deputy chairman of the Covid Recovery Group of MPs, told the Telegraph newspaper 'how easily we have forgotten that at the beginning of this crisis, the scientific advice was that the public shouldn't wear masks'. Sir Paul Nurse, director of the Francis Crick Institute, said today that it made 'no sense not to insist on the wearing of masks'. Advertisement

Another real-world study looked at 124 households with a confirmed case of Covid in Beijing last February. It found that, when masks were worn by everyone in communal rooms in the home, transmission was reduced by 79 per cent.

A report published in the Lancet last June found the risk of catching Covid was as low as 3 per cent if people wore masks and properly social distanced from others. The findings were based on 172 studies in 16 countries.

In a Thai study published in November, researchers found that of 1,000 patients contacted through test and trace systems, those who reported always wearing a mask in public were 70 per cent less likely to become infected than those who didn't.

A laboratory experiment by the University of Edinburgh showed that even the most flimsy face coverings reduce the distance Covid particles travel when exhaled by 90 per cent. Despite the findings, scientists still cannot say for certain how effective masks really are.

Professor Dingwall, who sits on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) which advises No10 on the Covid jab rollout, told MailOnline: 'The problem is we don't have many randomised studies.

'Instead we've got observational studies, modelling studies and laboratory studies where findings can be cherry-picked. The randomised trials we do have don't show much benefit [to wearing masks].'

A randomised study known as the 'Danmask' trial, published by scientists at Copenhagen University over winter, found no statistical evidence that they offer any protection whatsoever.

Experts recruited 6,000 volunteers in the spring  before masks were mandatory there  and split the them into two groups, with half wearing masks in public and half not.

Results showed that, after one month, 1.8 per cent of the people wearing masks had been infected with the virus. By comparison, 2.1 per cent of the people in the unmasked group had tested positive for Covid. The difference between the two groups was not found to be statistically significant.

However, the findings from the Danmask study came under scrutiny, with critics pointing out that less than half of participants actually wore masks when they were supposed to.

It also only looked at the benefit of masks on protecting the wearer. Masks are thought to be much better at preventing infected people from passing the disease onto others, which the trial did not look at.

The Copenhagen researchers noted this, writing: 'The findings, however, should not be used to conclude that a recommendation for everyone to wear masks in the community would not be effective in reducing SARS-CoV-2 infections, because the trial did not test the role of masks in source control of SARS-CoV-2 infection.'

Two other real-world studies - in Guinea-Bissau and India - found no evidence that masks significantly reduce Covid transmission.

Oxford University's Professor Carl Heneghan and Dr Tom Jefferson, from the prestigious Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, said following the Danmask study: 'Now we have properly rigorous scientific research we can rely on, the evidence shows wearing masks in the community does not significantly reduce the rates of infection.'

In its recommendations, the World Health Organization concluded that the use of a mask alone 'is not sufficient to provide an adequate level of protection against COVID-19.'

However, Dr Ali told MailOnline today that it was 'common sense' that wearing some form of mouth guard will give at least partial protection against catching or spreading any virus.

He added: 'Looking at the totality of evidence over the past year, my view is there's enough evidence to say that wearing masks both protects the person wearing it and stops them passing it on.

'But how big that protection is is uncertain. I'm confident there's some benefit, if you look at hospitals before and after they introduced face masks, even ordinary surgical ones, infection rates in hospitals came down.

Dr Ali said that the best protection against catching or passing on the virus was to get vaccinated.

Sadiq Khan has suggested that face masks could still be required on the Tube even if the national rules change

Do face masks work? Studies find coverings reduce spread of Covid and chance of inhaling infected droplets Most scientific studies conducted to date suggest face masks do reduce the spread of coronavirus in enclosed indoor settings. A number of studies have concluded that face coverings reduce the spread of airborne droplets that carry covid bacteria between people. The latest data, from the Lancet, studies in China and Thailand as well as on the USS Theodore Roosevelt, suggests a mask stops up to 80 per cent of droplets from being released into the air by a person wearing a mask, and they also block around 50 per cent of them being inhaled by a potential victim. Covid-19 is spread through these airborne droplets when people cough, sneeze or talk - and standing in close proximity can assist transmission. The US Centers for Disease Control found in one real-world data experiment the coverings were useful. Two hair stylists who had Covid symptoms worked on 139 customers in eight days. Everyone involved wore masks and no one out of the 67 who volunteered to be tested came back positive. Another experiment in China looked at 124 houses where there had been a case of the virus. It found transmission was reduced by 79 per cent by wearing a face covering. And an example also came from the USS Theodore Roosevelt - a cramped vessel with tight living quarters and makes social distancing hard. But the study found when using face coverings there was a 70 per cent reduced risk of infection. Meanwhile in Thailand a retrospective case-control study discovered out of 1,000 spoken to during a contact tracing probe, those who said they wore a covering had a 70 per cent reduced chance of catching Covid. And the Lancet in its report looked at 172 studies from 16 countries and concluded wearing a mask gives a person just a three per cent chance of getting the virus. Edinburgh University looked into the different types of masks people can wear and found homemade ones can be effective. Researchers tested seven types, including surgical masks, respirators, lightweight and heavy-duty face shields and handmade masks. All of them - except ones with a valve - reduced the distance droplets could get by at least 90 per cent. The CDC says: 'Experimental and epidemiological data support community masking to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2. The prevention benefit of masking is derived from the combination of source control and wearer protection for the mask wearer. 'The relationship between source control and wearer protection is likely complementary and possibly synergistic, so that individual benefit increases with increasing community mask use,' the agency added. The WHO says: 'Masks should be used as part of a comprehensive strategy of measures to suppress transmission and save lives; the use of a mask alone is not sufficient to provide an adequate level of protection against COVID-19. 'If COVID-19 is spreading in your community, stay safe by taking some simple precautions, such as physical distancing, wearing a mask, keeping rooms well ventilated, avoiding crowds, cleaning your hands, and coughing into a bent elbow or tissue. Check local advice where you live and work. Do it all!' Advertisement

'My advice to people who are worried about masks not being mandatory would be to get vaccinated, it's the most important thing,' he added. 'f they're still worried, or if they are vulnerable or can't be vaccinated, then buy a FFP3 mask.'

The Government should have kept masks and social distancing mandatory on public transport, Dr Ali said, because 'now we're going to have an awkward situation where some people are and some aren't wearing masks which could cause conflict.'

Professor Dingwall told MailOnline that there was now a danger of a culture war erupting over face masks when Britain emerges from lockdown.

'In the absence of a clear scientific case for continuing to wear masks, the issue is being framed as a moral or ethical case.

'There is an attempt to say that unless you continue wearing mask, you don't care about other people's welfare.'

At a Downing Street press conference on Monday evening, Prime Minister Boris Johnson declared that mask laws would be axed - but sowed confusion after admitting that people would still be encouraged to wear coverings in 'enclosed and crowded places'.

He confirmed that he would continue to wear a mask in certain scenarios out of politeness. Mr Johnson was echoed by Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty, who said he would cover his mouth and nose when in crowded spaces, when asked to by a competent authority, or if he felt that not wearing a mask would make another person uncomfortable.

Sir Patrick Vallance, the Chief Scientific Adviser, added: 'I'm exactly the same in terms of mask-wearing.'

Experts appear divided on whether people in England should be asked to continue to wear face masks after July 19, with Dr Laurence Aitchison, from the department of computer science at the University of Bristol, saying: 'Our research has shown mask-wearing reduces the spread of Covid-19 by around 25 per cent if everyone wears them.'

Paul Hunter, professor in medicine at the University of East Anglia, said he thought lifting face mask restrictions was fine, though people who are vulnerable may wish to take extra care as he warned Covid 'will never go away'.

But masks are controversial among anti-lockdown Tory backbenchers. Ex-minister Steve Baker, the deputy chairman of the Covid Recovery Group of MPs, told the Telegraph newspaper 'how easily we have forgotten that at the beginning of this crisis, the scientific advice was that the public shouldn't wear masks'.

Sir Paul Nurse, director of the Francis Crick Institute, said today that it made 'no sense not to insist on the wearing of masks'.

His comments came as Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said he will 'probably' wear a mask on the London Underground after the legal requirement ends.



Sir Paul told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I think it's not unreasonable for the Government to open the country up more, given the successful vaccine rollout. But it's not sensible to open up so much so fast when the level of infections is rising so quickly.

'This decision is informed by science but it's a political decision. And some factors are important, like the economy, but some of this could be achieved by keeping some of the checks in place.

'It makes no sense not to insist on the wearing of masks. We need sensible, well thought-out, good plans.

'Of course we have to make the most of the summer but it doesn't mean we have to open the door wide open.'

And Mr Kwarteng told Sky News: 'Personally, I use the Tube a lot in London, and I would probably wear a mask in that context, on the Tube, on public transport.

'That's a personal view, it's not something I would mandate, or necessarily dictate to other people.'

Meanwhile, Dr Katherine Henderson, president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said face masks may still be needed in A&E departments to 'keep people safe'.

'So, we haven't seen what the plans are for hospitals, but the likelihood is that we will want to make it as safe as possible for everybody,' she told Times Radio.

'And the only way to do that will be to maintain the hand hygiene, the social distancing and mask-wearing within a hospital.

'A&E departments are often quite crowded environments and that's one of our worries  so, as people come in, we may need mask-wearing to help keep other people safe because you might be an asymptomatic carrier and come with a cut finger, but you might be near somebody who's immunosuppressed with a kidney transplant.'

Professor Laurence Lovat, clinical director at the Weiss Centre at UCL, questioned whether it is 'wise' to make face masks optional.

He told Sky News: 'There is no doubt that face masks have an enormous impact on the transmission of droplets  these tiny aerosols that sort of float around in the air.

'And one thing we really don't want to be doing is to have a major spike of patients coming into hospitals again just as hospitals are starting to settle down and get back to routine work.

'And face masks are a really simple way to prevent people from transmitting disease to others.'

Meanwhile, Professor Sir John Bell said there is no need to 'wobble' on plans to ease coronavirus restrictions, and suggested that immunity from vaccinations could be increasing over time.

The regius professor of medicine at Oxford University said he is encouraged by evidence that vaccines are 'holding their own' by reducing the likelihood of hospital admission and death to 'very small indeed' after both doses.

'That's what the Government is counting on and I see no reason to wobble on that,' he told the Today programme.

'The second thing is, our immune responses seem to get better over time. After you've had two vaccines, when you pop back up six months later, your immune system has developed the response to the virus to an even more mature state.

'So, I think, not only have we got good immunity but that immunity may well improve over time. As you know, I'm a sort of glass half-full guy and I'm sort of three-quarters full at the moment.'
A mother has shared a video of the emotional moment her 15-year-old son stood unaided for the first time since leukaemia attacked his spinal cord - after doctors told him he would never walk again.

Emma Davidson, 40, from Midlothian, Scotland, said son Aidan Hogg was a 'healthy and happy teenage boy' until his shock diagnosis during the pandemic in March this year.

The mother-of-six, who works as a florist, said her world came crashing down as Aidan, who initially thought he had a sore back, questioned whether he would die.

However, he has refused to accept that he might never walk again.

She shared the footage of Aidan standing up in an emotional post on Facebook, writing: 'I wanted to share this with you all. I feel we have all shared so much with each other during lockdown I wanted something to make you all smile.

Aidan Hogg, 15, from Midlothian, stands unaided for the first time since beginning his battle against leukaemia in March of this year

Aidan can be seen smiling at the camera in the emotional moment he stands unaided for the first time, recorded by his mother Emma Davidson, 40

'My son Aidan (in the video) is 15. On the March 4 this year he was diagnosed with leukaemia.

'The leukaemia attacked his spinal cord and we were told he may never walk again.

'This is him today during physio. He's a warrior and he gives me hope that when you set a goal anything is possible.'

Instantly the post was flooded with support, reaching 17,000 likes and gaining more than 2,000 comments.

Emma said her son's diagnosis was a shock - and came after he complained of a sore back - which she thought was down to his new mattress.

She said: 'Aidan was a healthy, happy teenage boy. He played in his school rugby team and also loved going out with his friends.

'The last week in February he began complaining of a sore back and we thought it was because we had bought him a new mattress.

Aidan, pictured with his sister Nicole, is determined to walk again. He was diagnosed with leukaemia in March, after complaining of a sore back

Emma pictured with Aidan on her 40th birthday before the shock diagnosis

'It was like this for a few days but other than the sore back he was his normal happy self, there was nothing to suggest we should be worried.

'He was seen at our local GP office on Monday March 1. The GP thought he had a kidney infection and did tests.'

But by Thursday, Aidan's legs felt like constant pins and needles so Emma's husband Craig, 43, took him to the hospital in Edinburgh.

She thought he had fatigue due to lack of sleep as he had been finding it hard to get comfortable at night time.

So Emma was shocked when her husband called at 9am to deliver the devastating news that professionals thought Aidan had leukaemia.

'My heart just sank and I couldn't stop crying,' explained mum Emma.

'I called Aidan's dad Mark to ask him to meet us there and my parents gave me a lift in. They told us they were taking him for an MRI scan.

'By lunchtime, we were all sitting in a room with the oncology consultant who told us that Aidan had AML - acute myeloid leukaemia.

'I don't think I've ever felt more sad my whole life than when I heard that news. The consultant explained that Aidan would require four rounds of chemotherapy that takes six months.

'He also said that during the MRI they discovered a mass of the congealed cancerous blood on Aidan's spine. This is what had caused the back pain and the loss of feeling in his legs.

'By this point Aidan was in a wheelchair and could not feel anything below his belly button.'

The consultant told Emma that he would like Aidan to receive radiotherapy and that it would be carried out at Edinburgh's Western General Hospital where he would be transferred by ambulance and back four days in a row.

The consultant told her he feared that the damage to Aidan's spine was already too severe but hoped that the radiotherapy may ease it.

He described the radiotherapy as like trying to melt an ice cube with a hairdryer.

Emma added: 'I cried all the way home in the car and so did my husband. We didn't talk to each other at all on the car journey home.

Aidan pictured with his little brother Robbie who wears a hoodie reading: 'My big brother is my hero'

Aidan, pictured centre with his family, including Emma's husband Craig (far right), has kept a positive attitude throughout his leukaemia treatment

'Breaking the news to my children that their lovely brother had cancer was one of the worst jobs I've ever had to do.

'It was on Friday that the consultant told me that Aidan may never walk again.

'He said the damage caused to Aidan's spine was already damaged and that they never knew if his nerves would ever recover but that we had to prepare for the fact he may never walk again.

'That was so hard to take in and I felt sick and like I'd had the wind knocked right out of me.'

But throughout the difficult times, Aidan remained positive. He asked his consultant if he would die when they told him he had leukaemia.

They told him it was treatable and curable providing that his body reacted well to chemotherapy - which it has.

Aidan being visited by his best friend Mason while receiving leukaemia treatment in Edinburgh

Aidan has been left very poorly after each round of chemo and has been very sick but his mum Emma said he took the news about his legs so well.

She said: 'He actually consoled me when I was crying over it and said, "Don't worry mum, I'll walk again." He's so determined and has been smashing his physio.

'He can now get himself from his bed into his wheelchair using a lateral slide and he's really proud of his progress.

'He's amazed the doctors and nurses with how much he's managed in 19 weeks!'

But despite his progression the family still don't know if Aidan will ever walk again.

They said they have to take each day as it comes and see every step he takes, no matter how small, as a tiny miracle.
Russian fighter jets have been filmed 'buzzing' a US spy plane over the Black Sea in the latest standoff between Moscow and western powers in the contested region.

Footage released by the Russian Defence Ministry showed two Sukhoi Su-30 fighters flying close alongside a Boeing P-8 Poseidon of the US Navy on Tuesday evening.

The Kremlin said fighters were scrambled as the plane approached its airspace and blocked in from 'violating the state border'.

It did not say where precisely the intercept happened, though it is likely to have been close to Crimea - which Russia considers to be part of its territory but western powers say is Ukrainian territory that has been illegally occupied by Moscow's forces.

Then, on Wednesday, Russia said it is tracking a Spanish warship in the Black Sea amid joint Ukraine-NATO military exercises in the region which Moscow has condemned as a 'provocation'.

It comes exactly two weeks after Russian warships and fighter jets shadowed British warship HMS Defender as it sailed close to the coast of Crimea, with Moscow claiming warning shots and bombs were fired as it was 'chased away'.

This is the moment Russian fighter jets 'buzzed' a US spy plane over the Black Sea after accusing it of approaching their airspace

Two Su-30 fighters were sent to intercept the Boeing P-8 Poseidon reconnaissance plane, claiming they blocked it from 'violating Russian airspace'

The British Navy denies that account, saying no shots were fired at the vessel - though admitted jets made low passes and Russian ships followed it as it sailed along the 'shortest route' from Odessa towards Georgia.

Speaking about Tuesday's standoff-in-the-skies, a Russian Defence Ministry spokesman said: 'On the evening of July 6, Russian airspace control devices over the neutral waters of the Black Sea detected an air target approaching the state border of the Russian Federation.'

Two Su-30s were dispatched to identify the aircraft and prevent it entering Russian airspace, according to the Russians.

'The crews of Russian fighters identified the air target as a Boeing P-8 Poseidon and escorted it over the Black Sea.

'The flight of Russian aircraft was carried out in strict accordance with international rules for the use of airspace.

'Violation of the state border of the Russian Federation was not allowed.'

There was no immediate comment from the US and no direct evidence that the plane had sought to encroach Russian airspace.

Russia is tracking a Spanish naval ship in the Black Sea, the Interfax news agency cited Russia's defence ministry as saying on Wednesday, as Ukraine and NATO countries both held military drills in the area.

The American plane is thought to have been participating in NATO Sea Breeze drills which are currently taking place in the Black Sea

One of the Russian fighter pilots is seen in the cockpit of his jet amid increasing tensions between western powers and Moscow's forces in the Black Sea

The ministry said the Spanish ship had entered the Black Sea on Wednesday to take part in the Sea Breeze 2021 military drills.

The drills, which began on June 28 and will last until July 10, involve 30 ships, 40 aircraft and around 5,000 troops from 32 nations including the likes of Japan, South Korea and Australia.

Officially a defensive exercise to test 'interoperability' between the countries' militaries, the drills will also send a message to Russia as it takes a more-aggressive stance in the Black Sea and surrounding region.

It comes after Russia moved some 100,000 troops, tanks and artillery pieces on Ukraine's border - the biggest build-up of troops since it annexed Crimea in 2014.

Moscow called the move a training exercise to test combat readiness, but many of its forces still remain in the region.

That was followed by an icy summit between Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin - the first since Biden became president - in which the two men drew red lines for their future relationship in an attempt to restore 'predictability'.

Russia views any military drills on its border as a provocation, fearing they could be used as a pretext for an invasion.

It comes after the Russian navy said it had fired warning shots at British destroyer HMS Defender as it carried out a patrol in the Black Sea

In response to the Sea Breeze drill, Moscow has deployed dozens of aircraft including fighters and bombers to Crimea and accused the west of engaging in 'brinkmanship' in the Black Sea.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov also told Russian media that 'provocateurs' risk an escalation,

'They would be better off leaving their provocations aside next time and staying away from that area because they will get punched in the nose,' he said.

But Commander Daniel Marzluff, the U.S. Sixth Fleet's Black Sea Region Engagement Lead, said the Sea Breeze drills are 'essential' in deterring Russian aggression.

'This is clearly the most effective way to bring a unified front to this kind of rogue action,' Marzluff told Newsweek.

Russia will hold a major strategic military exercise, Zapad 2021, in September with Belarus, an annual event focused on what Russia calls the 'western strategic direction.'

Russia's Defense Ministry said last month that it planned to monitor the Sea Breeze exercises and 'if necessary, respond adequately to the evolving situation in the interests of ensuring the military security of the Russian Federation.'
Parents who sat a toddler on busy train tracks for the perfect selfie have been blasted by rail bosses.

The little girl was snapped by railway cameras as she sat on the level crossing wearing her navy coat and pink wellies.

Her family could then be seen taking a photo of the youngster - in the middle of the tracks at Harlech in Gwynedd, North Wales.

The level crossing sees passenger and freight trains zooming past at 55mph and has a collective risk rating as 'high'.

Other pictures show various individuals, one with a professional camera, standing on the tracks for prolonged periods of time.

Rail bosses have blasted parents who put their toddler on train tracks so they could take a picture as the pandemic has seen a spike in the number of people taking similar pictures

Photos show others lying down and sitting on the same level crossing in Harlech, North Wales

Network Rail says the pandemic has seen a spike in incidents involving 'trackside selfies'

Photos show older teenagers and adults lying down and sitting on the tracks at the level crossing in Wales.

Rail officials have now warned against 'extremely dangerous' trackside selfies following the shocking image.

It comes after a boom in walkers posing for selfies on the rails - with photos and videos getting over 1million views on TikTok and Instagram.

In May, shocking images showed a teenage girl lying in the middle of a railway line where trains fly past at high speeds of 85mph.

The picture, captured by CCTV at a level crossing near Horsham in West Sussex last month, was shared by Network Rail to urge children to keep away from the tracks.

The teenager appears to be casually using her mobile phone while another girl stands next to her, despite the incredible dangers of trains hurtling past at 85mph.

A shocking CCTV image taken a level crossing near Horsham in West Sussex last month shows a teenage girl lying in the middle of a railway line where trains hurtle past at 85mph

The children were spoken to by transport police officers, the railway company confirmed.

Earlier this year, shocking CCTV footage showed a woman lying down at the Tidemills level crossing near Seaford, Sussex, while her friend took a picture.

Footage showed the pair hanging around by the tracks for around 50 seconds at the crossing where trains pass through at up to 70mph. The stunt was branded 'unthinkably stupid' by police.

Vandalism and trespassing on railway lines is illegal and people can be taken to court and face a 1,000 fine, according to National Rail.

Network Rail said there had been 433 serious incidents reported across the country since the start of the pandemic.

During the whole of 2019, there were only four recorded incidents, with three recorded near misses.

Pictured: Two women's actions were branded 'unthinkably stupid' by British Transport Police after one lay down on a level crossing near Seaford, East Sussex, while another took a picture

It has joined with British Transport Police and Transport for Wales to launch a new campaign highlighting the dangers.

Insp Richard Powell, of BTP, said: 'No photograph is worth the risk to you or the consequences for your family.

'Messing around on level crossings - including lingering to take photos - is illegal and extremely dangerous. You could be taken to court and face a 1,000 fine.'

Train driver Jody Donnelly, of TfW, said she and her colleagues deal with 'hundreds of frightening and sometimes tragic occurrences at level crossings'.

She said: 'People seem to think that the worst won't happen to them - but if you're caught short at a level crossing, it simply isn't true.

'Unlike cars, trains can take hundreds of metres to stop when travelling at top speed, meaning that a decision to nip across the tracks can be fatal.'
Selfless workers from an Australian hospital who saved the life of a patient with Covid have now been forced into two weeks of isolation.

The 10 staff members from Sunshine Coast University Hospital in Queensland all became casual contacts after the patient, who was moved from the Covid ward to the medical unit, suffered an anaphylactic shock.

Staff raced to save the patient's life, but didn't have time to put on personal protective equipment.

As a result, they have been forced into 14 days of isolation.

The patient went into shock due to contrast dye used before an MRI scan on Wednesday.

Almost a dozen workers from an Australian hospital who saved the life of a patient with Covid on Wednesday have now been forced into two weeks of isolation

Quick thinking staff from Sunshine Coast University Hospital (pictured) saved the life of a patient on Wednesday - but are now in two weeks of isolation

He is believed to now be in a stable condition.

Queensland's chief health officer Doctor Jeanette Young praised the selfless actions of the hospital workers.

'These staff put themselves in harm's way to help a patient in need. They put the patient's welfare before their own,' she said.

'From the information I have, staff were required to act quickly and may not have been able to maintain full infection control while attending to the emergency.

'They absolutely followed the right process.

'Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service has put a range of measures in place and there is no risk to anyone else from this incident.'

Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service acting chief executive Andrew McDonald was also highly impressed by the conduct of the hospital staff in a life and death situation.

'Our staff put their lives at risk to provide life-saving treatment to this patient,' he said.

In Western Australia, dozens of workers had to get tested and isolate after an infection breach at a hospital in Geraldton, on the state's coast.

An international bulk carrier crew member was being treated for coronavirus after falling ill when on the Singaporean ship MV Emerald Indah.

After he was taken off the ship and taken to Geraldton Hospital, a staff member entered a lift where the patient had previously been.

She was then sent home to isolate.

In a separate incident at the same hospital involving the infected crew member, only a curtain separated the man from other patients waiting in emergency for three hours on Sunday.

As a result, 28 staff and 18 patients are now considered casual contacts and will be Covid tested three times over the next fortnight.
Fox News presenter Tucker Carlson has demanded cameras to be put in every classroom to 'oversee the people teaching your children'.

It came during a broadcast on Tuesday night about critical race theory (CRT), which he branded 'civilization-ending poison'.

Carlson showed a clip of a black father attending a school board meeting in Illinois where he criticized CRT.

The presenter said the theory was 'more than BS', claiming that an 'overwhelming majority of Americans' think that 'this is insane' and 'think you should judge people by what they do, not on the basis of their skin color'.

Fox News presenter Tucker Carlson has demanded cameras to be put in every classroom to 'oversee the people teaching your children' during a broadcast on Tuesday night about critical race theory (CRT)

Carlson said: 'How widespread is it? Well, we can't really be sure until we finally get cameras in the classroom, as we put them on the chests of police officers, until we finally get a civilian review board in every town in America to oversee the people teaching your children, forming their minds - and let's hope we get both of those very soon.

'But until we do we can't know exactly how widespread this is but there are indications.

'We know that these ideas, this poison, has made it all the way to expensive private schools in central Ohio.'

In footage shown by Carlson, the father told the school board meeting: 'You are going to deliberately teach kids that this white kid right here has got it better than you because he's white?

'You are going to purposefully tell a white kid, "oh the black people are all down and oppressed"?

'How do I have two medical degrees if I'm sitting here oppressed?'

Other parents and attendees of the meeting burst into applause and cheered as the father tried to quieten them down so he could continue talking.

Carlson showed a clip of a black father attending a school board meeting in Illinois where he criticized CRT, calling it 'BS' and explaining that he worked his way through college and earned two medical degrees

He added: 'Two medical degrees. No mom, no dad in the house, worked my way through college. Sat there and hustled to get through college.

'You going to tell me that somebody that looked like all you white folks kept me from doing that? Are you serious?'

He continued: 'I do this stuff on a daily basis. I'm in the hood, I'm in the communities. I'm out there with folks in their face. I've been doing stuff since I was 18 years old, talking to black folks, and you know what? None of them are buying this nonsense.'

The father added that the 'CRT stuff' is 'BS'.

According to Education Week, CRT is a concept which is more than 40 years old with the core idea that 'race is a social construct'.

It says that racism is embedded in legal systems and policies, rather than just being the result of individual biases and prejudices.

CNN reported that the theory's teaching is banned in public schools in Tennessee and Idaho.

Conservatives have accused the theory of poisoning discussions on racism, while former president Donald Trump called it a 'Marxist doctrine' which holds that 'America is a wicked and racist nation, that even young children are complicit in oppression, and that our entire society must be radically transformed'.

Founding critical race theorist and law professor Kimberle Crenshaw said that acknowledging the history of racism in the US is seen as 'anti-American'.

The presenter said the theory was 'more than BS', claiming that an 'overwhelming majority of Americans' think that 'this is insane' and 'think you should judge people by what they do, not on the basis of their skin color'

Earlier today, it was reported that a US Air Force Academy Professor argued CRT should be taught to all cadets so that they can understand how the United States was 'shaped by racism'.

Political scientist Lynne Chandler Garcia said the Constitution brought about 'inequality' and that George Washington was a racist. She argued that the history of the U.S. proved that 'racism has shaped both foreign and domestic policy'.

Garcia, who teaches the Marxist theory at the USAF Academy in Colorado Springs, said she agreed with the Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley who recently told Congress that CRT 'is not unpatriotic.'

CRT exploded to prominence in the spring as it started to appear in classrooms from kindergarten to Grade 12, leading to several bans including in Florida and Texas, however it has been taught in higher education for decades.

It says that racism is not the result of nature or biology but that it is a social construct, an idea invented to exploit and control minorities.

It argues racism is a structural problem in the United States, particularly towards black people, embedded in its institutions, legal system and even the Constitution.
A mother who watched on in horror as a rip sucked her daughter out to sea before claiming the life of her husband who went to the rescue has opened up about how their family day at the beach turned deadly in just seconds.

Silpa and Raj Kishore's daughter Sreya was building sandcastles at Surf Beach in Batemans Bay on July 5 at about 1pm.

Sreya, nine, left her older brother Omkar, 14, and went swimming in the shallow waters before becoming caught in a rip.

Raj, 48, dived in to save her but ended up being sucked out to sea at what was his favourite beach where he had swum hundreds of times before.

Raj Kishore drown at Surf Beach in Batemans Bay (pictured) on July 5, after diving into the water to save his nine-year-old daughter Sreya

Mrs Kishore said the conditions were mild but took a wild turn before her husband drowned.

'That day we were just going to go in for five minutes,' she told the Daily Telegraph.

'Before I knew it I saw my husband and daughter deeper in the water.

'It happened in a matter of seconds.'

Two local surfers heard Mrs Kishore's cries for help and dove in to find Sreya 250 metres off shore before bringing her back to the beach.

She was bundled into an ambulance and taken to hospital in a stable condition but her father was not so lucky.

Raj was found unconscious in the ocean by surf lifesaving crews who performed CPR but to no avail.

His wife was in an ambulance with her daughter when her husband was declared dead.

Sreya was caught in a rip, and was saved by two bystanders while Raj was found 20 minutes later unconscious and CPR attempts were unsuccessful

Mrs Kishore said she was grateful for the bystanders who were able to rescue her daughter.

She spoke glowingly of her husband who migrated from India to Australia in 1997 and was an IT consultant.

'He would always say life is like a box of chocolates, you get whatever you're given and don't get upset,' she said.
Donald Trump apparently sparked a history lesson from a 'stunned' John Kelly during a 2018 Europe trip when the then-president said, 'Hitler did a lot of good things,' a new book claims

Kelly, then Trump's chief of staff, immediately pushed back against the comment, according to Michael Bender's upcoming book Frankly, We Did Win This Election obtained by The Guardian.

'You cannot ever say anything supportive of Adolf Hitler,' Kelly told Trump during a trip to Europe in 2018 to mark 100 years since the end of World War I, Bender wrote in excerpts published Wednesday. 'You just can't.'

Trump, however, was undeterred by Kelly's shock, instead going on to praise the Nazi leader's efforts to pull the German economy out of disarray in the 1930s after World War I.

Bender wrote that Kelly told Trump that the German people would have been 'better off poor than subjected to the Nazi genocide.'

The Wall Street Journal reporter said Trump denied making the comment.

'This is totally false,' Trump spokesperson Liz Harrington told DailyMail.com. 'President Trump never said this'

'It is made up fake news, probably by a general who was incompetent and was fired,' she added, taking a swipe at former chief of staff.

A new book details that Donald Trump (right) 'stunned' then-chief of staff John Kelly (left) when he said during a 2018 trip to Europe to commemorate the end of World War I that 'Hitler did a lot of good things'. The duo lays flowers at the grave of Kelly's son at Arlington National Cemetery on May 29, 2017

A December 2018 report revealed Kelly and Trump were no longer on speaking terms and on December 28, 2018, the then-president announced Kelly would be leaving by the end of the year.

The White House announced that Mick Mulvaney would replace Kelly as the White House chief of staff.

Notably, Vanity Fair reported in 1990 that Ivana, Trump's wife at the time and now ex-wife, told her lawyer Michael Kennedy that her husband kept My New Order near his bed, which is a book of Hitler's speeches.

Adolf Hitler is one of the most prolific dictator's in history, rising to power as the leader of the Nazi Party, becoming Chancellor in 1933 and then assuming the title of Fuhrer und Reichskanzler in 1934.

Wall Street Journal reporter Michael Bender's book on the Trump's 2020 election loss will be released July 13

His radical expansionism agenda led to World War II and his campaign against the Jews led to the genocide of six million Jewish people in Europe.

Trump's comments seeming to praise Hitler prompted his then-chief of staff to give him a brief history lesson on the different sides in World War II, Bedner wrote in excerpts of his book.

Kelly 'reminded the president which countries were on which side during the conflict' and 'connected the dots from the First World War to the Second World War and all of Hitler's atrocities,' Bender writes.

Bender's book Frankly, We Did Win This Election: The Inside Story of How Trump Lost comes out on July 13.

A report in The Atlantic about the 2018 Europe trip claimed that upon canceling a visit to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, a U.S. military graveyard in France, Trump called the deceased American soldiers 'losers.'

Trump also said on the trip, according to that report, the some 1,800 Marines who died at Belleau Wood, France in World War I were 'suckers' for getting killed.

Trump has denied making these comments.

A 2020 report revealed that during Trump's trip he called deceased American soldiers 'losers' and 'suckers' for getting killed. The former president views a headstone at the Suresnes American Cemetery near Paris on November 11, 2018

The 45th president made a last-minute change by deciding not to visit the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, blaming rain for disrupting transportation plans.

Four people with first-hand knowledge of the discussion that day, however, said Trump was worried his hair would become disheveled in the rain and did not think it was a priority to honor the fallen American military members.

John Kelly did attend the ceremony to honor the dead at that cemetery on November 10, 2018.

Trump did participate in an American Commemoration Ceremony at Suresnes American Cemetery, also near Paris, on November 11, 2018. It was also raining that day.
Boris Johnson today demanded the EU make 'repairs' to the Northern Ireland Protocol as the row over the Brexit agreement continued to simmer today.

The Prime Minister repeated his complaint that Brussels is taking an 'excessively legally purist' approach to implementing the international agreement he signed off at the end of last year.

The two sides have clashed over the UK's unilateral decision to extend a grace period for checks on perishable goods including chilled meats between Britain and Northern Ireland.

The grace period, which was due to end at the end of June, has now been extended, but Mr Johnson was challenged over a long-term solution by eurosceptic Tory David Jones at Prime Minister's Questions today.

Former minister Mr Jones said the extension amounts to a 'temporary sticking plaster' and demanded the UK 'do whatever is necessary - legislative or otherwise - to fix the problem permanently'.

Mr Johnson replied: 'There remains very serious problems in what I believe is the misapplication, the excessively legally purist application of that deal, of that protocol, and what we're hoping for is some progress from the European Commission, some repairs that I think they should make to the way that this is working.'

It came after the European Commission's Brexit envoy Maros Sefcovic yesterday raised the prospect of heightened sanctions from Brussels, including regular fines.

The Prime Minister repeated his complaint that Brussels is taking an 'excessively legally purist' to implementing the international agreement he signed off at the end of last year, after a question by David Jones (left)

Tension has mounted over trade arrangements for Northern Ireland, particularly for chilled meats, because the province's open border with EU member Ireland is Britain's only land frontier with the EU and its vast single market.

'To build trust in each other requires first working together cooperatively and refraining from surprises,' he said, referring to Britain's unilateral extension of grace periods for some food imports to Northern Ireland.

'In response, we were forced to launch an infringement procedure (legal action), and without satisfactory steps by the UK to remedy these measures we will have no choice but to step up these legal proceedings,' he told a conference.

The Northern Ireland Protocol aims at avoiding a hard border on the island by effectively keeping the province in the EU's single market for goods.

Tension has mounted over trade arrangements for Northern Ireland, particularly for chilled meats, because the province's open border with EU member Ireland is Britain's only land frontier with the EU and its vast single market.

But Unionists have complained the terms are splitting Northern Ireland from Great Britain and hitting the pockets of businesses.

later this afternoon, asked about Northern Ireland at the Liaison Committee, Mr Johnson said the EU is implementing the Northern Ireland Protocol in a 'grossly disproportionate and unnecessary' fashion.

The Prime Minister said the issue over the movement of chilled meats from Great Britain was still 'far from fixed'.

He said there had only been a 'stay of execution', leading to concerns in Northern Ireland's Jewish community that they will be unable to access kosher foods.

'They are talking now about an exodus from Northern Ireland. We want to do everything that we can to avoid that,' he said.

Mr Johnson said the UK had agreed to checks on goods moving from Great Britain out of 'neighbourliness' as part of the arrangements to ensure there was no return of a hard border with the Republic.

'We also agreed unfortunately that the EU could have a say in how this was done,' he said.

'I think what we all need to do is work rapidly on some solutions, fix this thing fast. I think it will take some effort but we really can't exclude any actions that the UK Government my need to take to protect what it says in the Protocol.'

European Commission Brexit envoy Maros Sefcovic yesterday raised the prospect of heightened sanctions from Brussels, including regular fines

Last Wednesday the EU announced a number of solutions to ease the implementation of the Protocol.

As well as agreeing to the grace period extension it changed its rules to allow medicines to continue to flow from the UK into Northern Ireland and waived the obligation to show the motor insurance green card for drivers from the UK.

Despite this, UK Cabinet ministers have turned up their rhetoric in a bid to push Brussels into further concessions by warning of possible disruption to peace in the region.

In a joint article in the Irish Times on Saturday, Brexit Minister Lord Frost and Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said the extension of the grace period on chilled meats was 'welcome' but added that it 'addresses only a small part of the underlying problem'.

They warned the deal risks 'damage' to the Good Friday Agreement, which in 1998 helped to secure peace after decades of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland, unless a 'new balance' is found in terms of customs checks.

The European Union yesterday urged London to consider a Swiss-style veterinary agreement on agri-foods to end the row

Britain's ambassador to the EU, Lindsay Appleby, told the conference that London sees 'a very broad and very significant range of problems' stemming from the protocol that needs to be addressed while the EU sees only 'a few very specific problems'.

'It can't really be the case that prohibiting the movement of British sausages is necessary for the preservation of the single market,' Appleby said. 'The problems are much more severe than the kind of problems that the Commission is currently talking about solutions to.'

Sefcovic said a longer-term solution to avoid Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) checks for agri-food products, ranging from live animals to fresh meat and plant products, could be along the lines of an agreement the EU has with Switzerland.

That pact removes nearly all physical SPS checks, though not documentary checks, and achieves this through a dynamic regulatory mechanism that creates a Common Veterinary Area.

'This could be negotiated very quickly and would address many concerns,' Sefcovic said. 'The UK continuing to apply EU SPS rules will do away with a vast majority of the checks in the Irish Sea and would not require checks elsewhere, say in Northern Ireland.'

He said he was aware of the British government's concerns about such a solution, but added it was important 'not to get too caught up' with concerns about alignment of rules and regulations between Britain and the EU.
Alan Jones has unleashed on Australia's 'contemptible' leaders, calling for all politicians' pay to be scrapped until the nation ends its relentless campaign of coronavirus lockdowns.

The outspoken Sky News host took aim at several political figures including NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Victorian leader Dan Andrews, as he launched a tirade against Covid 'fear peddling'.

His fiery rant comes on the same day five million residents in Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and the Shellharbour region were told stay-at-home orders already in place for almost two weeks would be extended for at least another seven days.

The lockdown is estimated to cost businesses an eye-watering $1billion-a-week, with many fearing their shops, cafes and restaurants may not survive.

Alan Jones has unleashed on Australia's 'contemptible' leaders, calling for all politician's pay to be scrapped until the nation ends its relentless campaign of coronavirus lockdowns (pictured, a sole passenger rides a Sydney Harbour ferry on Wednesday)

The outspoken Sky News host took aim a several political figures for the lockdowns (pictured, a near empty George Street in Sydney's CBD on Wednesday)

The Sydney region recorded a further 27 new locally-acquired cases on Wednesday bringing the total number to 350.

Poll SHOULD AUSTRALIAN POLITICIANS HAVE THEIR PAY SUSPENDED? Yes - they are doing a terrible job No - they work hard SHOULD AUSTRALIAN POLITICIANS HAVE THEIR PAY SUSPENDED? Yes - they are doing a terrible job 309 votes

No - they work hard 35 votes Now share your opinion





As a result, all residents of NSW are living under some form of restrictions until at least July 16, including mandatory masks and only five visitors round at a home, with dancing banned and 50 per cent capacity at major events.

In Sydney, the restrictions are even harsher with only four lawful reasons to leave home including work, essential shopping, exercise and medical care.

'While we let them keep going they will continue on their power surge and we will pay,' Jones, who is fiercely opposed to lockdown restrictions, said.

His solution to solve the problem is to 'suspend all political salaries until the lockdown ends'.

'Those of us who give a voice to the voiceless are not going to fall in line just because you are Mr Prime Minister or Ms Premier,' he said.

Jones' fiery rant comes on the same day Premier Gladys Berejiklian (left) told five million residents in Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and the Shellharbour region that lockdown would be extended

People are seen exercising along the boardwalk at Milsons Point on Wednesday (pictured) - with Sydneysiders only allowed out for exercise, work and essential shopping

'The government might listen to bureaucrats but they don't listen to those who pay their bloated salaries.'

Jones called Ms Berejiklian's announcement 'nothing short of a disgrace' after she boasted back in May that NSW had put systems in place to make sure there would be no more lockdowns.

'While we have suffered this idiocy, this inaccuracy, dishonesty, unscientific pronouncements everyday, Gladys Berejiklian forfeits the right to lead and to run the state,' he said.

'When she talks about the Delta strain being a game changer she's placing alarmism over truth... and it's contemptible behaviour.'

A cyclist is seen riding along an eerily quiet Sydney Harbour Bridge (pictured) on Wednesday, with the city having become a ghost town

Jones called Ms Berejiklian's announcement 'nothing short of a disgrace' after she boasted back in May that NSW had put systems in place to make sure there would be no more lockdowns (pictured, Sydneysiders queueing for vaccines on Wednesday at Olympic Park)

Jones argued that influenza deaths are comparable to the number of Covid fatalities with 705 flu deaths in 2019 out of 300,000 cases, compared to 910 coronavirus fatalities stemming from 30,000 infections since the pandemic hit Australian shores in early 2020.

'Were there lockdowns, mandatory masks, border closures, businesses ruined, egotistical power hungry Premiers and a Prime Minister locking the country down and talking about how we wouldn't return to normal for years?' Jones said of the influenza figures.

'Stop hyperventilating over Covid cases and think about the people right now who are hyperventilating over how they are going to pay their mortgage, their bills, their wages, their kids' school fees.'
Advertisement

Britain's largest aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth has sailed through the Suez Canal for the first time as it crosses from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea as part of its maiden deployment.

The 3billion vessel - affectionately dubbed 'Big Lizzie' - was pictured sailing through the strategic Egyptian waterway on Tuesday alongside her carrier strike group which includes two Type 45 destroyers, two Type 23 frigates and two support vessels.

Among them are HMS Defender and Dutch frigate HNLMS Evertsen, two vessels which were involved in recent confrontations with Russian forces in the Black Sea. Also present is American destroyer USS The Sullivans.

The voyage takes the Elizabeth and her carrier group into dangerous waters that have been the site of clandestine fighting between Iran and its proxies and western-allied nations in recent years.

In April, an Iranian vessel suspected of being a spy ship was blasted by a limpet mine as it was anchored off Yemen's Red Sea coast. In October 2019, an Iranian oil tanker was shot by two missiles as it sailed in the region.

The route will also take the Queen Elizabeth close to China's only overseas naval base, located in Djibouti.

HMS Queen Elizabeth, Britain's largest aircraft carrier, has sailed through the Suez Canal for the first time during her maiden deployment alongside her carrier strike group

Part of the carrier group accompanying the Queen Elizabeth is pictured sailing through the canal on Tuesday, including a US destroyer, two British warships, and two Royal Navy support vessels

'Big Lizzie', as she is affectionately known, crossed to the Red Sea from the Mediterranean having completed 'phase one' of her voyage which saw her carry out drills alongside French carrier Charles de Gaulle and strike ISIS targets

F-35 fighter jets are seen on the deck of the Queen Elizabeth as they pass a sign reading 'welcome to Egypt'. Two squadrons of the jets are stationed on board - one British and one American

Royal Navy support ship RFA Fort Victoria (left) sails behind USS The Sullivans (centre) which is led by the Queen Elizabeth (right) on the voyage through the Suez Canal

USS The Sullivans is seen ahead of RFA Fort Victoria as the vessels sail through the Suez Canal on Tuesday

Dutch frigate HNLMS Evertsen, which was involved in recent confrontations with Russian forces in the Black Sea, is seen sailing through the Suez Canal as part of the carrier strike group

The journey marks the end of of 'phase one' of the Queen Elizabeth's deployment, which saw it carry out operations in the Mediterranean including exercises alongside French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.

Phase one also saw the carrier involved in strikes on ISIS targets in the Middle East, aimed at helping US forces focus on their withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Commodore Steve Moorhouse, who is in charge of the carrier group, said last month that the Queen Elizabeth had been taking on the 'lion's share' of ISIS strikes.

'Phase two' of the deployment will see the group sail around the Arabian Peninsula and across the Arabian Sea to India for joint exercises with the country's navy.

'Phase three' of the mission will then see UK Carrier Strike Group head to the China-Pacific region for joint exercises with Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand which will include sailing through the South China Sea - which is sure to produce an angry backlash from Beijing.

Its final stops will be in Japan and South Korea, ending a voyage of some 26,000 nautical miles which will have spanned some 40 countries.

The deployment of the carrier group marks a major milestone for the British Navy and has been described as the single largest concentration of naval power to leave the country in a generation.

While 'Big Lizzie' has sailed through the Suez Canal, her giant sister ship HMS Prince of Wales arrived in Gibraltar yesterday (pictured)

HMS Prince of Wales, the Royal Navy aircraft carrier,made its first overseas port visit in Gibraltar yesterday (pictured)

The 65,000-tonne Royal Navy vessel (pictured off Gibraltar yesterday) has been undergoing simulations to prepare for active deployment and will move on to Carrier Sea Training later this year

Easy does it! Ever Given container ship that blocked the Suez Canal sparking global trade chaos finally resumes its journey after 400million settlement

The megaship which blocked the Suez Canal for six days in March set sail Wednesday following a compensation deal between Egypt and the vessel's Japanese owner.

The ship, MV Ever Given, started to move north from the central canal city of Ismailia towards the Mediterranean Wednesday morning after having been impounded for more than 100 days.

The nearly 200,000-tonne container vessel was wedged in the canal during a sandstorm on March 23, blocking a passage from Asia to Europe that carries 10% of global maritime trade and pumps vital revenues into Egyptian state coffers.

Egypt seized the ship after an urgent salvage operation and demanded compensation from Japanese owners Shoei Kisen Kaisha for lost canal revenues, salvage costs and damage to the canal.

The megaship blocked the Suez Canal for six days in March finally set sail again on Wednesday after having been impounded for more than 100 days

The ship was released following a compensation deal between Egypt and the vessel's Japanese owner, the amount of which has not been disclosed

Both parties signed a non-disclosure agreement ahead of reaching the final deal, but final negotiations had proceeded from a value of almost 400 million

The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) announced Sunday that a final deal had been reached without disclosing the amount of compensation to be paid, but final negotiations proceeded from a figure of $550 million (398 million).

The SCA announced last month that it had signed a non-disclosure agreement with the Japanese firm ahead of reaching a final deal.

SCA chairman Osama Rabie, in a televised interview on Sunday, hailed the deal.

'We maintained our rights and we kept good relations with our clients,' he said.

Cairo, which earns over $5 billion a year from the Suez, lost between $12 million and $15 million in revenues for each day the waterway was closed, according to the SCA.

The MV Ever Given's grounding and the intensive salvage efforts needed to refloat it also resulted in significant damage to the canal.

In April, maritime data company Lloyd's List said the blockage by the vessel, longer than four football fields, held up some $9.6 billion-worth of cargo each day it was stuck.

The Taiwanese-operated and Panama-flagged vessel was refloated on March 29, and tailbacks totalling 420 vessels at the northern and southern entrances to the canal were cleared in early April.

On Tuesday, the Ismailia Economic Court ruled the seized ship with its crew on board was being released following a request from the SCA.

The nearly 200,000 tonne vessel became lodged in the canal during a sandstorm and created a tailback of 420 other ships and held almost $10 billion in cargo

The Ever Given was seen leaving the Suez Canal after its Japanese owner, Shoei Kisen Kaisha Ltd., reached a settlement with the canal authorities over a compensation amount after more than three months of negotiations and a court standoff

Wednesday's release came a day after an Egyptian court lifted the judicial seizure of the vessel following the Suez Canal Authority's notification that that it reached a settlement in its financial dispute with the vessels' owners and insurers

The Panama-flagged vessel ran aground in March, blocking the crucial waterway for six days. It has been since held amid a dispute over financial compensation

According to tracking service MarineTraffic, the ship had been moored in the northern part of Great Bitter Lake.

Rabie said the MV Ever Given had suffered 'no leakage' and was leaving after a signing ceremony.

He said Egypt would also receive a 75-tonne tugboat from Shoei Kisen Kaisha as part of the compensation package, and noted that the family of one rescue worker who died during the salvage operation would also be compensated.

'The Suez canal has always been a site of sacrifices since it was built,' he said.

The Suez Canal earned Egypt just over $5.7 billion in the 2019/20 fiscal year, according to official figures - little changed from the $5.3 billion earned back in 2014.

Even with the grounding of the ship, Rabie said Sunday that canal revenues in the first half of the year had topped $3 billion.

But officials have been keen to avoid reputational damage from the incident, trumpeting Egyptian efforts in the salvage operation.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi swiftly pledged investment to avoid any repetition of the crisis, and in May approved a two-year project to widen and deepen the southern part of the waterway where the ship ran aground.

Sisi had overseen the $8 billion expansion of a northern section of the canal to much fanfare in 2014-15.
Carroll Baker - one of the last living stars of Hollywood's Golden Age - branded Bill Cosby's prison sentence 'a sin' and criticized the dozens of women who accused him of rape in an interview one day before his sexual assault conviction was overturned last week.

Baker, 90, who is best known for her starring role in the 1956 film Baby Doll, voiced her support for Cosby on The Hollywood Reporters Awards Chatter podcast, which was recorded on June 29 and released Tuesday.

The outlet reported that Baker brought up the embattled comedian unprompted, saying: 'My heart is broken for Bill Cosby.

'Bill Cosby did not deserve, at his age and in the condition he's in. ... He's a wonderful human being, absolutely wonderful, and I cant bear the fact that he's in prison.'

Carroll Baker (left in 2011 and right in 1965) - one of the last living stars of Hollywood's Golden Age - branded Bill Cosby's prison sentence 'a sin' and criticized the dozens of women who accused him of rape in an interview one day before his sexual assault conviction was overturned last week

Cosby walked free from prison - three years into his 10 year sentence - on June 30 after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned his conviction for drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand in 2004. He is pictured returning home after his release

'I don't think it was his fault,' she added. In addition to saying he was 'wonderful,' she also referred to Cosby as 'a very sexy man.'

Baker went as far as to blame the roughly 60 women who accused Cosby of sexual assault.

'They did it voluntarily. Why would you go into a secluded place with a man? To play pinochle?' Baker asked.

'I'm sure they were all entranced with him. I have a feeling that that drink was just an aphrodisiac and he did not force them to take it, he just offered it to them. And I think it's a sin he's in jail.'

The following day, Cosby walked free from prison - three years into his 10 year sentence - after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned his conviction for drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand in 2004.

After his release, he tweeted that he has always maintained his innocence and thanked his fans, supporters and friends who stood by him.

Carroll Baker, US actress, reclining against a yellow surface, wearing a white night shirt, surrounded by pieces of foliage, in a studio portrait, circa 1960

Baker, 90, is one of the last living members of Hollywood's Golden Age, best known for starring in Baby Doll in 1956, which earned her a Best Actress nomination from the Academy Awards

Baker also expressed anger towards women who 'come back from years before and they ruin a man's career.'

She shared her own experience in the industry: 'I was only asked once to lie down on the casting couch, and I just walked out the door.'

'What the hell do you let a man do that to you for?' she continued. 'I wouldn't let a man do that to me. If he made any pass at me, I would tell him how ugly and disgusting and filthy he was, and get away from me and I hate you, and I'd hit him if I could.

'We're not in the 18th century where we were wearing hoopskirts. Women, stick up for yourself and stop playing like you're such a little girl!'

Baker did not share the same warm feelings for Cosby for disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, calling him 'a maniac' who deserved to be in jail.

Baker earned a Best Actress nomination from the Academy Awards for her role in Baby Doll.

Other film credits include The Big Country, How the West Was Won and Cheyenne Autumn.

She does not appear to share any acting credits with Cosby, though he was an executive consultant on Grand, a two-season 1990s sitcom she had a recurring role in for three episodes.

People took to social media to express their disappointment in the Hollywood legend's comments.

'Carroll Baker, much like her career, is a joke,' one user said.

'Carroll Baker's comments about Bill Cosby are really gross,' said another.

Jeremy Kinser joked, 'This is more disastrous than her performance in Harlow.'

Baker is not the first Hollywood legend to go to bat for Cosby after his co-star from The Cosby Show celebrated the comedian's release last week.

Phylicia Rashad tweeted: 'FINALLY! A terrible wrong is being righted - a miscarriage of justice is corrected.'

The hashtag 'ByePhilicia' began trending after the star tweeted her message, drawing instant backlash.

Rashad, who has been dean of the College of Fine Arts at Howard University since May, issued a groveling apology after outraged students called for her to be fired.

'I am sorry. I intend to earn your trust and your forgiveness,' Rashad wrote.

'My remarks were in no way directed towards survivors of sexual assault. I vehemently oppose sexual violence and find no excuse for such behavior.

'Over the next few weeks, I plan to engage in active listening and participate in trainings to not only reinforce University protocol and conduct, but also to learn how I can become a stronger ally to sexual assault survivors and everyone who has suffered at the hands of an abuser.'

Rahsad sent this tweet after Cosby was released - and condemnation soon followed
President Joe Biden will pitch his plan for free childcare in a trip to Illinois on Wednesday, touting the 'human' infrastructure package he will push to pass Congress without Republican votes.

Biden will visit McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, a community college with a workforce development program and a child care center similar to the programs he wants to pass as part of his American Families Plan.

The sales pitch is part of the president's larger economic agenda that includes around $4 trillion in traditional infrastructure spending along with his investments in social programs such as free community college, green projects and expanded paid family medical leave.

President Joe Biden will pitch his plan for free childcare in a trip to Illinois

The administration is negotiating a nearly $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill - which focuses on traditional infrastructure projects - with senators that would need Republican support to pass.

Biden is looking to pass a second bill - focused on social programs - through the Senate via a process called reconciliation, which would allow Democrats to get it approved without a single Republican vote and bypass the 60-vote threshold needed to advance legislation.

Liberals, however, are stacking that measure with more than $6 trillion in spending to expand social programs that benefit working Americans and the poor. Moderate Democrats like Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia have expressed their concern at the ballooning costs.

Republicans oppose the measure, which is financed by tax increases on the wealthy.

Biden has made clear he would like both measures to pass but he said one is not dependent upon another.

In his remarks during the trip, Biden will discuss his plans for child care and workforce development programs, two years of free community college, universal prekindergarten and paid family and medical leave.

'As the president presses for the bipartisan infrastructure framework, he's also pressing ahead on a dual track for the full breadth and scope of the Build Back Better agenda, which includes his critical climate priorities and the American Families Plan,' White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Tuesday when previewing his trip.

Congressional Democrats are hoping to move on both bills in the halls of Capitol Hill this month but the legislative language on the two measures is still being worked out.

Biden will pitch his American Families Plan and its provisions for free childcare, universal pre-K and free community college during the trip; above Biden visits a Virginia elementary school in May

Biden will be greeted by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker when he lands. He'll be stopping in a district held by Democratic Rep. Lauren Underwood.

The district is a key swing district that will help determine which party controls the House of Representatives after next year's midterm election.

Biden won Illinois in the 2020 presidential election but Donald Trump carried McHenry county, where Biden will visit on Wednesday.

But Psaki argued it was not a political trip, saying President Biden 'ran as someone who would represent, not just Democrats, not just Republicans, not just independents, but all people so I would see this as less of a political trip, more of as an opportunity to speak to all Americans.'
Advertisement

The uncle of the 18-year-old woman who filmed the fatal arrest of George Floyd in Minneapolis last year has been killed in a high-speed police pursuit of a suspected carjacker.

Darnella Frazier, who was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for filming police officer Derek Chauvin as he knelt on Floyds neck for more than nine minutes in May of last year, announced the death of her uncle, Leneal Frazier.

Minneapolis police are investigating whether the squad car had its emergency lights and sirens on as is required in instances of pursuits of suspects.

Leneal Frazier, who was not suspected of a crime, was driving westbound in his Jeep on West 41st Avenue in the Camden section of north Minneapolis just after midnight on Tuesday when a police car slammed into his vehicle at the intersection of Lyndale Avenue.

The image above shows a mangled SUV after a police car collided into near the intersection of West 41st Avenue and Lyndale Avenue in northern Minneapolis after midnight on Tuesday

The image above shows the SUV (left) and a minivan (right) involved in the three-car crash

The image above shows a Minneapolis Police Department squad car that was in the midst of a pursuit of an armed robbery suspect when the crash took place

Darnella Frazier (left), who was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for filming police officer Derek Chauvin as he knelt on George Floyds neck for more than nine minutes in May of last year, announced the death of her uncle, Leneal Frazier (right)

Minneapolis police killed my uncle, she wrote in a Facebook post sent on Tuesday. Another black man lost his life in the hands of the police!

According to Minneapolis police, a squad car was driving north on Lyndale at high speed in pursuit of a carjacking suspect when Leneal Frazier's SUV, which was driving westbound on 41st Avenue, entered the intersection of Lyndale and 41st. The squad car is said to have 'T-boned' Frazier's Jeep, sending it crashing into a nearby bus stop. Another vehicle, a minivan that was heading southbound on Lyndale, was also involved in the collision

Another vehicle belonging to a bystander who was driving south on Lyndale at the time of the chase was also involved in the crash.

A witness said that the Jeep was T-boned into a bus stop near a gas station.

The police car was driving north on Lyndale in hot pursuit of a suspect in a stolen vehicle who was believed to have been behind a carjacking and several robberies of businesses in the area, according to the MPD.

Officers first saw the stolen vehicle near North 6th Street and Lowry Avenue and tried to have the driver pull the car over.

But the driver accelerated in an attempt to flee arrest. The chase continued for more than a mile-and-a-half.

Frazier was rushed to North Memorial Health in Robbinsdale, where he was pronounced dead. The police officer driving the squad car was also rushed to hospital, where he was later released.

Local residents said they heard two loud bangs at around the time of the collision after midnight on Tuesday

Police officers were called to the scene which was cordoned off by yellow tape so as to keep bystanders at a distance

The investigation into the crash is being handled by the Minnesota State Patrol

Investigators are looking into whether the squad car had its sirens and lights on during the chase

Darnella Frazier shared a screen shot of text messages that she recently exchanged with her uncle

The armed robbery suspect was not involved in the collision and remains at large, according to authorities.

Minneapolis police killed my uncle, she wrote in a Facebook post sent on Tuesday.

Another black man lost his life in the hands of the police!

She added: Minneapolis police has cost my whole family a big loss...today has been a day full of heartbreak and sadness.

Frazier slammed MPD officers for conducting a high-speed chase on a residential road.

You took an innocent life trying to catch someone else, the message read.

The Minnesota State Patrol arrived on the scene in the aftermath of the crash and launched an investigation.

DailyMail.com has reached out to MPD and MSP seeking comment.

In June 2019, MPD updated its pursuit policy, which now bans officers from initiating chases if they pose an unreasonable risk to the officers, the public or passengers of the vehicle being pursued who may be unwilling participants.

MPD officers may initiate a pursuit if they believe a suspect either has committed or is about to commit a serious and violent felony or gross misdemeanor.

Officers can also give chase if they believe the suspects driving is so flagrantly reckless that the driver would pose an imminent and life-threatening danger to the public if not apprehended.

John Elder, a spokesperson for the MPD, told the Star Tribune that Tuesday mornings pursuit fit the criteria spelled out in the departments updated policy.

Darnella Frazier when they found Floyd pinned to the ground by Chauvin and two other police officers

Darnella was recognized 'for courageously recording the murder of George Floyd, a video that spurred protests against police brutality around the world, highlighting the crucial role of citizens in journalists' quest for truth and justice,' the citation said

We are limiting what we can chase for, but these were obvious felonies, Elder said.

Witnesses said they heard back-to-back collisions. Residents living in homes nearby went to their windows to take a glance at the scene.

Investigators who arrived on the scene found a mangled SUV with its driver side crumpled after it was smashed into a bus stop in front of a nearby gas station.

Another vehicle involved in the crash, a minivan, had both driver side and passenger side airbags deployed.

Raquel Brown, a local resident, saw the crash site while she and two siblings were on their way to the store.

She then took out her cell phone and started recording.

While examining the scene, Brown said it appeared that one of the cars hit by the police squad car was just T-boned right into the bus stop.

The whole drivers side was gone, Brown told the Star Tribune.

Police officers were summoned to the crash site, which was cordoned off with yellow tape in order to keep bystanders at a distance.

We asked one [officer] who came up, and he said, We don't really know. Let's calm down, she said.

We were like, we want to know what happened. He really wasn't able to tell us anything.

As of early Wednesday morning, there was no publicly available video footage of the crash or the high speed chase.

The Clark gas station located on the intersection has surveillance cameras pointed toward the crash site, but police have yet to obtain that footage.

Local residents were angered that police would conduct a high-speed chase on a residential road.

'What do you think, that a life is more important or the car is more important?' said Dwayne Bledsoe, a resident of the nearby Prosperity Village Apartments.

Bledsoe told the Star Tribune that he was about to sit at the bus stop in the moments before the crash.

'I would have been dead,' he said.

Crashes during law enforcement pursuits killed more than 7,000 people nationwide between 1996 and 2015, or 355 annually on average, according to the last comprehensive report by the Bureau of Justice Statistics on the issue in 2017.

On the anniversary of his death, Darnella Frazier posted a touching tribute to George Floyd

Nearly 30 percent of the people killed were in vehicles not involved in pursuits, 4 percent were bystanders, 65 percent were suspects and 1 percent were officers.

A study in the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin in 2010 said some officers can't stomach allowing a suspect to drive off, even if it's the safer option.

Researchers also said chases produce an adrenaline rush impairs officers' motor skills.

Technology has been available for years that offers alternatives, including magnetized GPS devices that can be flung onto a suspects car, enabling police to stop and track the signal.
A baby monitor captured the terrifying moment a tree crashed into a Louisiana home causing debris to rain on a five-month-old boy in his crib.

Courtney and Kale Buchholtz say they are grateful their son Cannon was unharmed when a storm caused a tree to fall through their Prairieville home last Friday, leaving the roof seriously damaged.

Video recorded by the baby monitor over Cannon's crib shows him being shaken awake by a loud noise followed by debris showering down on him.

Scroll down for video

A baby monitor captured the terrifying moment a tree crashed into a Louisiana home causing debris to rain on five-month-old boy Cannon Buchholtz in his crib

Video shows Cannon being shaken awake by a loud noise followed by debris showering down

Cannon's mom Courtney runs into the room and carries her baby to safety, crying: 'Oh my god! oh my god'

'All of a sudden it sounded like a loud thunder, stuff was coming off the walls,' Kale, who was in the living room with his wife at the time, told WBRZ.

The startled baby begins to cry until his mother Courtney runs into the room and carries him to safety while exclaiming: 'Oh my god! oh my god!'

Miraculously, Cannon was uninjured.

Courtney had just put Cannon to sleep two minutes earlier and when the parents heard the loud noise the couple initially believed a window had broken in their baby's room.

But when they rounded the corner on the way to the bedroom they saw a tree inside the hallway.

The Buchholtz's were able to more clearly assess the damage the following morning when they saw that a massive tree with a four-foot trunk sliced the house in half and left their home with gaping holes on their roof.

'The night it happened I had, you know, three or four neighbors throughout the neighborhood show up that I'd never even met before that all live in the back and just showed up, asking what they could do to help,' Kale said.

'It took two days for it to set in, we were both in shock,' he added.

His wife Courtney posted about the ordeal on Facebook, saying the family had actually gone through something similar in 2016, when their Denham Springs home was damaged by flooding.

Courtney had just put Cannon to sleep two minutes before the tree crashed into the house

A large tree split the Buchholtz's Prairieville home in half following a storm on Friday

The roof of the Buchholtz's Prairieville home collapse after a large tree crashed into it Friday

'Running to get my baby under debris was one of the scariest things I've ever experienced,' she posted. 'We are okay and safe at my cousin's houseour house, however, is unlivable right now. Trying to remember that all of our material things (once again) can be replaced. We did it once in 2016.. we'll do it again.'

She said she is feeling 'defeated,' but thanked her neighbors and friends for showing up for her family.

The couple and their child are currently staying with family while they contact their insurance company to get repairs on the home started, CBS 21 reported.

'I am so thankful that our lives were spared tonight,' Courtney wrote on Facebook. 'Our nightly bedtime prayers absolutely worked... Holding my sweet babe tight right now & counting my blessings.'

Kale Buchholtz holds five-month-old Cannon, who was unharmed in the incident
Justine Ang Fonte, the health and wellness and the Dalton School, came under fire for her sex education classes

A sex-ed teacher who resigned from a prestigious $55,000-per-year Manhattan private school following a backlash at the porn lessons she gave to kids says she stepped down due to a lack of support from bosses.

Justine Ang Fonte spoke out on Wednesday for the first time since quitting Dalton School on Manhattan's Upper East Side last month.

Parents had been left fuming at Fonte's controversial program, which included showing first graders cartoons about masturbation.

Her classes also reportedly included lessons on gender identity and consent, instructing children that their parents and grandparents should not touch them without asking permission..

Fonte, who also taught at Columbia Prep, the oldest nonsectarian independent school in NYC founded in 1764, said she felt let down by both schools and feared for her safety as she faced email threats, and says her private information was shared online, a practice known as 'doxxing'.

'I wanted to believe that Columbia Prep was a school that was ready to take on these issues in an educational, intellectual way and at least one person at that school trusted that I could do it,' she told the New York Times.

'And I did. But they weren't ready to back it up, and it cost me my safety.'

Fonte, who is now planning to write children's books, produce podcasts and deliver talks, insisted her workshops - including a compulsory one on porn encompassing incest roleplay and OnlyFans - reflected mainstream approaches to sexual education.

Parents at an elite private school in New York City are furious that first-graders have been shown sex education videos

Describing her hopes for students, she said: 'I equip them with a way that they can exercise body agency and consent, by knowing exactly what those parts are, what they are called, and how to take care of them.'

'That was paired with lessons around, what are the different ways to say ''no''? And what's the difference between a secret and a surprise?

'And why you should never have a secret between a grown-up and you. Because it's never your responsibility as a child to hold a secret or information of a grown-up.'

She was backed up by several sex educators, who told the NYT there was nothing inappropriate about her classes, which they said were in line with current National Sex Education Standards and the World Health Organization's International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education.

Fonte's resignation was announced in June by Dalton head Jim Best, who insisted the school - once attended by Barron Trump - still stood 'firmly behind the program and those who teach it'.

However, in her interview Wednesday, the teacher insisted she felt unsupported by school officials and that led to her stepping down.

Fonte, the health and wellness and the Dalton School, showed students a video last fall from the free sex education series AMAZE

In the video, a cartoon little boy asks: 'Hey, how come sometimes my penis gets big sometimes and points in the air?'

In Best's message, sent to parents on June 11 and seen by the New York Post, Best wrote: 'Throughout her tenure at Dalton, Justine Ang Fonte has helped to develop an exemplary K-12 Health and Wellness program.

'Dalton  our faculty, staff, administration, and trustees  continue to stand firmly behind this program and those who teach it.

'At faculty and staff meetings this week, Justine announced her decision to leave Dalton to focus on her work as an independent Health Educator. She has been working toward this goal for over a year. We support Justine's aspirations and look forward to honoring her accomplishments as the academic year comes to a close.'

One Dalton parent reacted angrily to the statement, saying: 'This inability to admit a mistake or acknowledge misstep is strange.'

One mother said when the row first broke: 'Kids have no less than five classes on gender identity  this is pure indoctrination. This person should absolutely not be teaching children.'

The cartoon adult then tells the boy that's called an 'erection' before the boy seemingly addresses masturbating

A young cartoon girl then tells the adult she also touches her vulva when she goes to bed

Fonte, Dalton's director of health and wellness, showed students a video last fall from the free sex education series for children called AMAZE, in which a cartoon boy asks about erections.

In the video, a cartoon little boy asks: 'Hey, how come sometimes my penis gets big sometimes and points in the air?'f

'That's called an erection,' the cartoon adult woman responds.

'Sometimes I touch my penis because it feels good,' the boy adds.

Then a cartoon little girl says: 'Sometimes, when I'm in my bath or when Mom puts me to bed, I like to touch my vulva too.'

'You have a clitoris there, Kayla, that probably feels good to touch the same way Keith's penis feels good when he touches it,' the adult character tells the little girl.

The adult woman adds: 'Have you ever noticed that older kids and grown-ups don't touch their private parts in public? It's okay to touch yourself and see how different body parts feel - but it's best to only do it in private.'

Following an outcry, Fonte told parents that she did not use the word 'masturbation' in class.

Those who complained to school administrators were told they had misinterpreted the lessons, the Post reported earlier this year.

The video also teaches the first graders about the differences between a penis and a clitoris

Hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman's Pershing Square Foundation provided the school, where his ex-wife Karen is on the board of trustees, with a $450,000 grant which reportedly funded Fonte's work.

The series in which the controversial video appears was created through a partnership between the Washington D.C. based nonprofit Advocates for Youth and the organizations Answer and Youth Tech Health.

The Post also recently revealed that Fonte led 'Porn Literacy' workshops on May 5 at a $47,000-a-year Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School on Manhattan's Upper West Side.

The school allegedly forced juniors to attend a compulsory workshop on porn which included lessons on incest roleplay and OnlyFans.

The students at Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School on Manhattan's Upper West Side were told to watch a slideshow entitled, 'Pornography Literacy: An intersectional focus on mainstream porn.'

Fonte recently presented a slideshow to high school students about porn literacy

The slideshow included images of partially-nude women, asking students if it was 'art or porn?'

Most of the 120 students, between the ages of 16 and 17, who attended the lecture watched it on Zoom from home.

The teens were also shown statistics on the 'orgasm gap' showing straight women have fewer orgasms with their partners than gay men or lesbians.

Students were also shown photos of partially-nude women, some of whom were in bondage, to analyze 'What is porn and what is art?'

Another slide cited various genres of porn, such as 'incest-themed,' consensual or 'vanilla,' 'barely legal,' 'kink' and BDSM.

Additionally, the slideshow included a list of the most-searched pornographic terms in 2019, including 'anal,' 'gangbang' and even 'stepmom,' and discussed OnlyFans, where 'content creators' share photos and videos of themselves naked or having sex with subscribers for a monthly fee.

School officials later apologized to parents for the lecture, with headmaster Dr. William Donohue saying they were not aware of what the lesson would entail.

The slideshow allegedly told students what kinds of pornography are legal to produce
More coronavirus exposure venues have been announced, forcing thousands of Sydneysiders to isolate and get tested.

An Aldi supermarket, car yard, Woolworths, Coles and medical centre among the 18 new exposure sites across Sydney announced by NSW Health late Wednesday night.

Half of the new sites are in the three local government areas in Sydney's south-west, where residents have been ordered to stay at home due to a rapid rise in cases.

An urgent alert has been issued for anyone who attended the ATMs at the Commonwealth Bank Burwood branch on June 28 6.50pm-7.10pm and July 2 5.30pm 5.50pm.

Anyone at the ATMs at the listed times is regarded as a close contact and has been ordered to get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result.

A host of new close contact exposure sites have been listed, including Aldi Canterbury (pictured)

The same orders apply to anyone who attended Aldi in Canterbury on June 28, 12pm 1.50pm, Billy's Cars in Revesby July 2 and 3 9am-5pm MeatFish Burwood, July 3, 12.15pm-12.55pm or Myhealth Medical Centre in Burwood on July 6, 11.45am-1pm.

Thirteen casual contact exposure sites were also listed, including Coles, Aldi and Freshworld Fruit Market at Maroubra, Costco at Casula, Charing Cross Pizza in Waverley, Little General Espresso Bar Riverwood, Evergreen Fresh World Burwood, Shell Coles Express Pagewood, Metro Petroleum Condell Park and Woolworths Bonnyrigg.

A host of Revesby sites were also listed including the local Woolworths, Cha Point and Bakers Delight.

Anyone at those sites at the specific times must immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.

Anyone who attended the ATMs at the Commonwealth Bank Burwood branch on June 28 6.50pm-7.10pm and July 2 5.30pm 5.50pm must get tested and isolate for 14 days

Sydney has had its lockdown extended another week until at least July 16. Pictured is a deserted CBD on Wednesday

SYDNEY EXPOSURE SITES ANNOUNCED WEDNESDAY NIGHT Anyone who attended the following venues at the listed time is regarded a close contact. They must get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result. Myhealth Burwood, July 6, 11.45am-1pm Aldi Canterbury, June 28, 12pm-1.50pm Commonwealth Bank ATMs Burwood, June 28, 6.50pm-7.10pm and July 2, 5.30pm-5.50pm Billys Cars Revesby, July 2, 9am-5pm and July 3, 9am-5pm MeatFish Burwood, July 3, 12.15pm-12.55pm Anyone who visited the following sites at the specific times listed is regarded a casual contact. They must immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received. Coles Maroubra, July 2, 1.15pm-2pm Freshworld Fruit Market Maroubra, July 5, 1.15pm-2.15pm Charing Cross Pizza Waverley, June 28, 4pm-10pm and June 30, 4pm-9pm Little General Espresso Bar Riverwood, July 1, 8am-8.30am Woolworths Bonnyrigg, July 2, 3pm-5pm Aldi Maroubra, July 3, 11.15am-12pm Evergreen Fresh World, Burwood, July 3, 12.25pm-1pm Shell Coles Express, Pagewood, July 3, 9.55am-10am Woolworths Revesby, July 3, 10am-12pm Bakers Delight Revesby, July 3, 12pm-1pm Cha Point Revesby, July 3, 12pm-1pm Metro Petroleum, Condell Park, July 5, 11.30am-11.35am Advertisement

Residents are urged to check the NSW government website regularly, as the list of venues of concern and relevant health advice are being updated as investigations continue.

It comes after a host of close contact exposures venues, including Bunnings, Dan Murphy's, a SuperCheap Auto store and brewery were announced earlier on Wednesday.

An urgent alert was been issued for the Commonwealth Bank branch in Riverwood after a staff member worked there for three days while infectious July 1-2 and July 5 and transmitted the virus to others.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has extended the lockdown of Sydney and surrounding regions another week until July 16 after 27 new cases were recorded on Wednesday.

Only 13 new cases were in isolation for the entirety of their infectious period.

Ms Berejiklian warned case numbers would spike in the coming days due to the highly infectious Delta strain of the virus spreading across Sydney's south-west.

Residents in the local government areas of Fairfield, Liverpool and Canterbury-Bankstown have been ordered to not leave home unless necessary.

Harsher restrictions haven't been ruled out if the virus in those areas continues to spread at a rapid rate.
The identity of the Capitol Police officer who shot the MAGA rioter on camera on January 6 has remained one of the most closely guarded secrets in America.

But I know who it is.

I know his name, his age, his rank, his family status and his service record.

I know all this because DailyMail.com journalists did their job and found out, as I am sure have journalists from other news organizations.

Although Im equally sure that many prestigious left-leaning news organizations - who ought to know better - have probably not even bothered.

Nobody has reported the information yet because there has been enormous pressure put on the media from the Capitol Police and the officers legal team not to do so for fear it would endanger his life.

That is a perfectly legitimate concern.

It seems increasingly outrageous to me that you, the public, have no idea who shot and killed Ashli Babbitt.

Emotions are still running scarily high about what happened that day.

But given the scale of global attention this shooting attracted, and the overwhelming public interest in the dreadful events of January 6, how tenable is this ongoing wall of silence?

Particularly as the National Commission into the riot is coming soon.

It seems increasingly outrageous to me that you, the public, have no idea who shot and killed Ashli Babbitt.

It doesnt matter whether you support the action of the rioters that day, or, like me, you found it a shocking and reprehensible act of insurrection aimed at the very heartbeat of US democracy fueled by a woefully reckless President Trump.

What matters is that justice is seen to be done, and that means every salient detail from what occurred is made public.

As I write this, even Ashli Babbitts own family dont know for sure who killed her or been told the details of the investigation that cleared the officers actions.

How can that be right?

Her widower Aaron Babbitt has now filed a lawsuit claiming the Metropolitan Police Department failed to comply with a Freedom of Information Act request either to provide or deny his request for information.

What matters is that justice is seen to be done, and that means every salient detail from what occurred is made public.

'Somebody in D.C. knows, I think a lot of people know, but nobody is telling us and the silence is deafening,' Babbitt told Fox News's Tucker Carlson on June 14.

What is incontrovertible is that Ashli Babbitt was shot dead as she tried to climb through a window into the Speaker of the House's lobby during the riot by Trump supporters who had invaded the Capitol in a bid to prevent the certification of the results of the presidential election in which Joe Biden defeated Trump by 306 electoral college votes to 232.

Cops had warned her to stop, but she pressed forward.

The confrontation was caught on cellphone video as Babbitt, unarmed and wearing a Trump flag as a cape, climbed up to squeeze through the opening.

The footage showed the unnamed officer darting out of a corridor as she was ready to jump down and shooting her in the left shoulder from a few feet away.

Babbitt, 35, an Air Force veteran from San Diego, slumped to the floor in a pool of blood.

She was rushed to the hospital but died later that day.

Capitol Hill Police chiefs swiftly announced that the officer who fired at Babbitt had been placed on leave pending an independent inquiry into his use of lethal force by the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police.

Her widower Aaron Babbitt has now filed a lawsuit claiming the Metropolitan Police Department failed to comply with a Freedom of Information Act request

But both departments ignored federal government guidance urging transparency in officer-involved shootings and declined to name the officer.

When DailyMail.com asked for confirmation of his identity, Thomas DiBiase, General Counsel for the Capitol Police, wrote back requesting that we 'refrain' from naming the officer involved 'until the conclusion of the ongoing investigation,' citing 'threats a number of Capitol Police officers have received in connection with the events of January 6th.'

That investigation was concluded in April when the officers actions were deemed lawful by the Department of Justice, which said there was no evidence to support a criminal prosecution.

In that announcement, the department still did not identify him and have continued not to do so.

But other officers who have shot people this year, either with justification or not, have been identified publicly.

In April, Officer Nicholas Reardon was named within a day of fatally firing four shots at knife-wielding 16-year-old Ma'khia Bryant as she charged at two women in Columbus, Ohio.

Also in April, Kim Potter was named as the officer who shot and killed Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota.

And Eric Stillman was identified as the Chicago cop who fatally shot 13-year-old Adam Toledo during a foot chase in March.

By stark contrast, the U.S. Capitol Police have not even held a single briefing on Babbitt's death.

Babbitt was at the front of a large, furious and violent mob that was clearly presenting a very real danger.

Her attorney Terrell Roberts told DailyMail.com: 'In every case I've known of a police shooting, the officers have been named. I don't know of one where they haven't been named. 'These police officers are regarded as public officials. They're acting for the government and there should be public accountability. The public has a right to know.'

He called the decision not to reveal the officers identity as 'a blatant double-standard' that impedes the family's attempts to find out more about Babbitt's death and said: 'I don't know, but I think one of the reasons they are hiding his identity they don't have a good reason for this shooting. If Ashli Babbitt had been brandishing a firearm and she was shot, the officer would be identified by now and pinning a medal on him. So, I don't think we have an explanation for the shooting and that's why they have not identified him.

In a previous statement last month, Roberts said: It is clear from video footage that Ashli did not pose a danger to the officer, or any other person, when she was shot. was unarmed. She did not assault anyone. She did not threaten to harm anyone. There was no excuse for taking her life. To date, the officer who shot Ashli has not been identified. Neither the Capitol Police nor any other governmental authority has given an account of the facts surrounding the shooting. There has been no official explanation or justification for the use of lethal force in this matter. This lack of transparency impedes the public scrutiny which is necessary to hold government officials accountable in a free society. It also interferes with the ability of Ashli's family to obtain justice for their loss.'

I dont agree with his claim that she didnt pose a threat.

Babbitt was at the front of a large, furious and violent mob that was clearly presenting a very real danger.

And I believe the Capitol officers who held them back were absolutely heroic and showed enormous courage.

Her attorney Terrell Roberts told DailyMail.com: 'In every case I've known of a police shooting, the officers have been named

The officers attorney Mark Schamel has defended his client  without naming him  in several media interviews, insisting his split-second decision to take out Babbitt was entirely lawful.

He maintains the officer screamed 'stay back, stay back, don't come in here' as he and other officers stood with guns drawn on the other side of the barricaded door.

And after the officer was cleared by the investigation, Schamel told the Wall Street Journal: 'This is the only correct conclusion following the events of Jan. 6. The (officer) exercised professionalism and fantastic restraint in defending and protecting members of Congress.'

That may well be the case, and it was quite clear that many of the rioters  although not Ms Babbitt - were armed, but that doesnt mean he should remain anonymous,

Amye Bensenhaver, director of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition and a former assistant state attorney general, said: 'While the lives of the officers and their families are no doubt adversely impacted by disclosure of their names, I genuinely believe the public's interest is superior. In the case of the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor in March 2020 the names of the officers were almost immediately made public. The public has a right to know when a police officer is accused, investigated, disciplined, and even exonerated of an alleged breach of the public trust.'

I agree.

I have no reason to doubt that the officer who shot and killed Ashli Babbitt did so because he believed his own life was in danger, as were the lives of his colleagues and politicians inside the Capitol building.

It was a frantic, desperate scene of utter chaos, and the behavior of the rioting mob smashing their way inside was terrifying.

But if it had been the other way round, and Ashli Babbitt had shot the police officer dead, would her identity have been protected?

No, of course not.

Wed have all known exactly who she was within hours, notwithstanding the obvious risk to her life that would ensue from her name being revealed.

Risk of reprisals is not a good enough reason to abandon transparency in such incidents.

Imagine the reaction if the identity of George Floyds killer cop Derek Chauvin had been kept secret for his personal safety?

That would have rightly been seen as an unacceptable outrage.

The January 6 commission must be fair, impartial and democratic.

And that means the officer involved must give evidence. And not from behind a screen.

America cannot afford for yet more partisan political nonsense to dictate how it is conducted.

If its simply seen as a Nancy Pelosi-led Democrat stitch-up to make all Trump voters look like extremists, it will have failed.

Whether you think Ashli Babbitt is a traitor or a patriot, for justice to be done, the identity of the officer who killed her should be made public and we should hear his story.
Villagers have erected headstones for hedgehogs and called the police claiming the animals were 'massacred' by workers mowing overgrown grass on a verge.

A private contractor was hired to cut back the grass on a verge using a tractor with a flail attachment in Hazelbury Bryan, Dorset.

He accidentally killed four hedgehogs - and further hoglets - during his work, prompting outrage from villagers who erected a makeshift memorial to the dead creatures.

They stuck cut-out hedgehogs with black x's in the place of eyes to wooden stakes and stuck them in the earth.

Local environmental campaigners condemned the contractor's mistake - and reported him to the police - who referred the complaint to the area's local neighbourhood policing team to deal with.

Hedgehogs are a vulnerable species and are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Villagers have erected headstones for hedgehogs and called police claiming the animals were 'massacred' by workers mowing overgrown grass on a verge in Hazelbury Bryan, Dorset. Pictured: Locals Hazel Hedley and Susy Varndell

Property developers AJC Group, who hired a contractor to clear the verge ahead of development work, has since apologised for the 'unfortunately irreversible' incident.

The aftermath was discovered by Hazel Hedley in the hedgehog-friendly village of Hazelbury Bryan - which has its own rescue team for the mammals.

Susy Varndell, hedgehog leader of the Dorset Mammal Group, visited the site afterwards.

A private contractor was hired to cut back the grass on a verge using a tractor with a flail attachment. He accidentally killed four hedgehogs - and further hoglets - during his work, prompting outrage from villagers who erected a makeshift memorial to the dead creatures (pictured)

She said: 'It was absolutely horrific and anything like this should not happen.

'It was ghastly with the remains of hedgehogs and hoglets - absolutely tragic.

'The developers should have been aware that the animals were there - this is a hedgehog friendly village. We even have a rescue team here.

'Clearly no checks were made before mowing commenced and as the verge in question is not on a roadside causing any danger to the public, it begs the question as to why it was necessary to be mown at all.

Local environmental campaigners condemned the contractor's mistake - and reported him to the police (the dead hedgehogs, pictured)

'We all need to take responsibility for our actions especially when we are driving a machine which can cause horrendous damage to either a wild animal, or indeed a human.'

Mrs Varndell and Mrs Hedley fear that other injured adult hedgehog casualties may have moved away and could have died somewhere else.

A police spokesperson said: 'Dorset Police received a report on Monday 5 July 2021 that a number of hedgehogs had died after grass was cut in Hazelbury Bryan near Sturminster Newton.

'It is reported that the incident occurred on Friday 25 June 2021.

'Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team have been made aware and will be carrying out enquiries into the report.'

AJC Group construction director Ben Peddie was left 'deeply upset' by what happened and said several measures will be put in place to prevent future tragedies.

Hedgehogs are a vulnerable species and are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Pictured: One of the hedgehogs accidentally killed

He said an ecologist will supervise the remaining demolitions, create hedgehog habitats in grassland areas, and educate workers about the local hedgehog population.

Mr Peddie said: 'I have already spoken to one of the local residents regarding this incident and expressed our sincere apologies.

'The countryside management contractor who carried out the works on our behalf also visited to review the incident and spoke with the same local resident.

Property developers AJC Group, who hired a contractor to clear the verge (pictured) ahead of development work, has since apologised for the 'unfortunately irreversible' incident

'This incident is unfortunately irreversible, but we would like all the local residents of Hazelbury Bryan to accept our sincere apologies and acknowledge our efforts to promote the well-being of the local hedgehog population on and around the development going forwards and to prevent this from happening again.'

Hedgehogs are a protected species in the UK and their numbers have declined by a third in the last 20 years.

There are now believed to be as few as one million hedgehogs left in the UK.
Advertisement

The FBI was tricked into helping Dubai's leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum find his runaway daughter Princess Latifa after being told by the Dubai government that she had been kidnapped and they needed American help to find her, a new investigation by USA Today claims.

Latifa was found aboard the yacht Nostromo off the coast of Goa, India, in March 2018 after a failed attempt to escape her father and his kingdom. She begged to be shot when Indian commandos stormed the boat and seized her, yelling: 'Shoot me here, dont send me home!

She had been helped by Herve Jaubert, a former French naval captain and spy who had helped her escape from Dubai to Oman. It was previously revealed that the Indian authorities found the Nostromo by pinpointing the internet usage on Jaubert's phone.

The yacht's internet provider was Rhode Island-based company named KVH Industries. They have not commented on the claims.

But on Wednesday, USA Today reported that it was the FBI that actually found the yacht, and gave the information to Dubai after being misled into thinking that Latifa had been kidnapped.

That is the story Sheikh Mohammed stands by - that he rescued her. Latifa has claimed in videos since she was taken back to the UAE that she was recaptured by her father and remains a prisoner.

USA Today's investigation cites unnamed sources who say FBI agents were tricked into thinking she had been taken against her will.

'The FBI truly believed this was a kidnapping case and the U.S. was saving the day,' one unnamed source said.

It's unclear whether President Trump was aware of any such alleged involvement by the FBI. The FBI won't confirm or deny the report.

Princess Latifa bint Mohammed al-Maktoum tried to escape Dubai in 2018 but was found less than two weeks later on a yacht in the Indian Ocean and was taken back to her father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum. USA Today reports that it was the FBI that led him to her by giving the Dubai government the yacht's location which they obtained via its American internet provider

Latifa was found aboard the yacht Nostromo off the coast of Goa, India, in March 2018 after a failed attempt to escape her father and his kingdom. She begged to be shot when Indian commandos stormed the boat and seized her, yelling: 'Shoot me here, dont send me home!

Latifa was found aboard the yacht Nostromo, sailing in the Indian Ocean, in 2018, after eight days at sea. The yacht is pictured

The sources also say the agents circumvented procedure and didn't provide a subpoena for the internet data, as they should have.

Instead, they asked the internet provider to hand it over as part of a 'dynamic, emergency situation involving a hostage who was the daughter of the leader of a close U.S. ally in the Middle East'.

Latifa had hoped to file for asylum in the US. She had the help of Jaubert and Finnish fitness instructor, Tiina Jauhiainen. Together they hatched a plan which involved her being driven in a hidden compartment of a car, out of Dubai to Oman, then being taken via jet ski and speedboat to the Nostromo.

She boarded the Nostromo on February 24, 2018, in international waters off the coast of Muscat. They sailed for eight days, southward on the Arabian Sea. Jaubert had told them not to use any form of internet but Latifa checked her email several times.

In Dubai, her father was trying to find her. His office contacted an FBI agent stationed in Dubai and asked for help, claiming she had been taken hostage, USA Today reports.

The agent was specifically asked to check with US internet providers when her email accounts were last access. The agent consulted with their boss, who is stationed at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi, according to the report.

Pictured: Former French Naval Captain, and One-time spy, Herve Jaubert, and Finnish fitness instructor Tiina Juahianinen, who helped her attempt her escape

They then contacted the unnamed internet provider which Nostromo uses and asked for information.

At first, the company told the agent that they'd need a subpoena but it handed it over when the agent responded saying it was an urgent situation regarding an international hostage rescue.

Rhode Island based internet provider KVH gave the FBI information on where the yacht was after being told it was a 'hostage emergency'

'Latifa's fatal mistake was she checked her email. That was the breakthrough.

'It was cross-checked with other information and databases in the area, and the Emiratis were able to figure out precisely which boat she was on, and where that boat was located,' another source said.

The FBI declined to comment but USA Today to keep the agents' identities confidential.

Before she escaped, she filmed an insurance video that was to be published in the event that her effort failed.

'Pretty soon Im going to be leaving somehow and I am not so sure of the outcome, but Im 99% positive it will work.

'And if it doesnt then this video can help me because all my father cares about is his reputation. He will kill people to protect his own reputation.

'He  he only cares about himself and his ego. So this video could save my life.

'And if you are watching this video, its not such a good thing. Either I'm dead, or Im in a very, very, very bad situation,' Princess Latifa she says.

It was published 15 days after boarding the Nostromo.

Some skeptics have expressed doubt over how the sources said it happened, adding Dubai has enough resources of its own to find the princess without America's help.

'It doesn't sound right. This is not how it should happen,' one said.

Tom Fuentes, a former FBI assistant director, said the request from Dubai for help would have triggered more senior conservations than those described.
Two men have spent 45 days in prison in India with no word of their release after saying cow urine and dung is not a cure for Covid-19 on social media.

Erendro Leichombam, an activist, and Kishorechandra Wangkhem, a journalist, refuted claims made by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party that cow excrement can protect against coronavirus.

The men were swiftly dragged from their houses in the state of Manipur and arrested after local BJP party members reported their posts to the police.

Both Leichombam and Wangkhem have a history of holding India's political leaders to account on their social media and have spoken out previously against members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Erendro Leichombam, an activist (left) and Kishorechandra Wangkhem, a journalist, were arrested by state police after refuting politician's claims that cow excrement can protect against Covid-19

India's BJP party has authorised the use of cow dung and urine as a method to protect against coronavirus

Although the pair have been jailed already for 45 days without word of release, India's National Security Act (NSA) gives the Indian state powers to arrest and detain suspects for up to 12 months without any formal charge or trial.

The men's Facebook posts criticising the health advice from the BJP party were reportedly sent to the police by BJP members who complained that they 'deliberately and wilfully insulted and outraged religious feelings and sentiments' of BJP workers and family members of the deceased.

The questionable health advice was given by Pragya Thakur, a controversial MP from BJP who also claimed that the urine can cure lung infections caused by the virus and stated she drinks the urine daily.

Her comments in May amid the peak of India's second wave contradicted the advice of doctors who implored citizens not to cover themselves in dung as they said it could aid transmission of the virus.

The coronavirus crisis in India has been devastating with the country reaching the grim milestone of over 400,000 deaths last week, but some experts believe the actual case and fatality numbers to be far higher and are putting pressure on the authorities to report the numbers accurately.

Over 30 million people in India have been infected by Coronavirus, with statistics from John Hopkins university stating that less than 5% of the country's population has been fully vaccinated.

The coronavirus crisis in India has been devastating with the country reaching the grim milestone of over 400,000 deaths last week, but some experts believe the actual case and fatality numbers to be far higher

Over 30 million people in India have been infected by Coronavirus, with statistics from John Hopkins university stating that less than 5% of the country's population has been fully vaccinated

Chongtham Victor, the lawyer representing both detainees, said he is challenging the arrests on grounds of the right to free speech.

'The allegations are completely illogical and totally false,' Victor told VICE World News.

'I can't say how long [Leichombam and Wanghkem] will be in jail.

We're approaching this case carefully. It's a very tricky circumstance.'

Many people are undergoing 'cow dung therapy', believing it will boost their immunity to defend against Covid-19, despite the advice of Indian doctors who have implored citizens not to use the treatment as it could spread the virus faster

Leichombam's Facebook post read: 'The cure for Corona is not cow dung & cow urine. The cure is science & common sense,' while Wanghem's post simply stated that cow dung and urine are not effective cures for COVID-19.

The men made their comments after a local BJP leader died from COVID-19 complications.

Wanghem, who has been arrested three times previously for criticising politicians on social media, was arrested within half an hour of the post going live according to his wife Elangbam.

Mumbai Press Club condemned the journalist's imprisonment and demanded his release.

Both men have been imprisoned for 45 days so far without any word of a trial or release date, as India's laws permit state authorities to arrest and jail someone for up to 12 months without a formal trial or charge

Biswajit Singh, Manipur's Minister of Information and Public Relations, said the district authority took action against the two men after 'finding merit' in the cases against them.

'The government has taken note of the entire issue; the file is pending with the chief minister,' he told The Print.

Earlier this year, Manipur state's Chief Minister Biren Singh told reporters that freedom of speech and expression, although protected under the Indian Constitution, cannot be misused.

'In cases where security and public order is violated, the law will automatically take its course,' he said.

Leichombam's family has filed a plea at the Supreme Court to challenge the order for his indefinite detention.
The widow of a firefighter murdered by London Bridge terror attack hero Steven Gallant said she is struggling to process the news of his release from prison.

Widowed Vicky Foster, whose husband Barrie Jackson was beaten to death by Gallant in a 2005 attack in Hull, has previously said his actions on London Bridge were 'not enough proof' of his reform.

It comes as Gallant was given early release from his 17-year murder sentence, after using a narwhal tusk in a bid to take down Fishmonger's Hall jihadist Usman Khan during his deadly 2019 terror attack.

Speaking from her home in Hull, Mrs Foster, who had two children with Mr Jackson, said: "I need a bit more time to think about what has happened here, it is a very strange thing for me and the children to have to process.

'Every time this is in the news it brings it all back for me and the kids and that's obviously difficult.

'It's not something I want to talk about, at the moment I'm trying to let it sink in."

Vicky Foster whose firefighter husband was murdered by London Bridge terror attack hero Steven Gallant (left) said she is struggling to process the news of his release from prison

Pictured: Fishmongers Hall attacker Usman Khan being detained by Steve Gallant and others

Firefighter Barrie Jackson had been enjoying a night of drinking in The Dolphin, in Greenwich Avenue, Hull, on the night of Sunday, April 24, 2005.

But just at 10.30pm, before he could finish his drinks and make his way home, he had been attacked and beaten so severely paramedics who tried to revive him could not find his mouth.

Pictured: Vicky Foster has said she is struggling to process the early release of her husband's killer

Mr Jackson had been sprayed with CS gas and beaten to the ground with a hammer by a gang of men - including Gallant - who wanted revenge after he was cleared of the attempted murder of a 64-year-old Hull prostitute.

The prostitute was attacked in Staples car park in November 2002 and left for dead in a nearby skip, until a scrap metal collector found her with a broken jaw, fractured nose and wounds to her forehead that were caused by being stamped on.

In October 2003 Barrie Jackson, a father-of-two, was acquitted of attempted murder.

But he was found guilty of attacking Rosaleena Capell, who was left with severe facial injuries after she came across Jackson punching his elderly father in Albert Avenue and tried to intervene.

Just a month after his death, Mr Jackson had been due to appear in court for intimidating a witness during the trial.

After a city-wide police hunt, Jackson's murderers were finally found.

The attack was deemed to have been pre-meditated and co-ordinated, as the gang had laid in wait for Jackson, and continued to attack him despite him trying to run away.

A post-mortem revealed every bone in his face had been broken.

Steve Gallant and James Gilligan, both of east Hull, were eventually convicted of murder, and ordered to spend at least 17 years behind bars.

Barrie Jackson was sprayed with CS gas and beaten to the ground with a hammer by a gang of men - including Gallant. He was so badly beaten paramedics struggled to find his mouth

But 15 years after entering prison aged 28, Gallant would find himself back out on the streets, saving the lives of innocent citizens.

Speaking to Radio 4 earlier this year, Vicky revealed she had not a clue that the man who confronted Khan with a narwhal tusk was the same one who had killed her partner.

At the time, she said: 'I was drawn in by images of a man on London Bridge tackling an armed terrorist with a narwhal tusk.

'A light in the middle of a tragic event. A video to share on social media, show to your friends and then forget about.

'It appeared to be a clear-cut case of good triumphing over evil; a physical, decisive, spur-of-the-moment act that saved lives.

'But then in January this year word came to me that the hero I'd admired was actually one of the men who murdered the father of my children. I tried to brush it off at first; get on with other things.

Khan is confronted by armed police on London Bridge following attack at Fishmongers' Hall

'The past is the past and there's nothing I can do about it. But it wasn't that simple.

'You see, when extreme violence enters your life, everything you think you know is shattered. Everything becomes harder.'

Ms Foster said that her family had been hugely impacted by the coverage of Steven Gallant in the news.

She said: 'Despite letters from my MP Dame Diana Johnson, explaining this to members of the government - including Boris Johnson - we have had no contact or consideration in their processes whatsoever.

'Gallant no doubt helped save lives on London Bridge last year, but he has also caused lifelong damage to myself and my family.'

Vicky said: 'I find it difficult to understand how one violent man can be held up as an example of what rehabilitation can do, while it's suggested that another deserved to meet with the brutal murder that man committed.

Pictured: terrorist Usman Khan who was killed by police on London Bridge

'Logic alone means those two things cannot both be true. It just makes more distress and trauma that we've had to work through.

'Myself and my boys definitely did not and do not deserve that, or the added trauma that this year of news has caused us.'

Gallant was one of three men who restrained terrorist Khan until armed police arrived at the scene and shot the 28-year-old jihadist dead in November 2019.

Khan, who had two large knives and a fake suicide belt, fatally stabbed Cambridge graduates Jack Merritt, 25, and Saskia Jones, 23, and injured three other people during his frenzied attack at a prisoner rehabilitation event, before running out onto London Bridge.

Giving evidence at the inquest in April this year into the victims' deaths, Mr Gallant said he 'whacked' Khan with a narwhal tusk but was empty-handed by the time of the battle on the bridge.

A spokesperson for the Parole Board said: 'We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board has directed the release of Steven Gallant following an oral hearing.

'Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community.

'A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims.'

The decision on release is provisional for 21 days subject to any appeal by the Justice Secretary.

Mr Gallant had been on day release at the event for reformed prisoners in Fishmongers' Hall when he helped end Khan's rampage. His actions on the day later saw his sentence cut following an intervention by the Queen.

Narwhal tusk, which was used by members of the public as they tackled terrorist Usman Khan

The Ministry of Justice revealed in October that the monarch had employed the little-used 'Royal Prerogative of Mercy' to bring Mr Gallant's case before the Parole Board 10 months early.

It was considered at a remote oral hearing on June 21, during which Mr Gallant gave evidence.

In a summary of the Parole Board's decision, it said the panel had recognised his conduct during the Fishmongers' Hall incident but 'was clear that it was not a reason to direct his release'.

The board said professional witnesses had recommended Mr Gallant be released on licence, telling the panel he had 'worked hard to understand and address his risk factors and to bring about a change to his life'.

Of its decision, the board said: 'After considering the circumstances of his index offending, his pattern of previous offending, the progress made while in custody, the details of the release plan and all the evidence presented at the hearing, the panel was satisfied that Mr Gallant was suitable for release.'

Conditions of his release on licence would include a curfew, staying at a designated address and to comply with an exclusion zone to avoid contact with his victim's family.
Bosses of financial services firms could see their pay linked to diversity targets under plans set out by the Bank of England and City regulators.

The Bank, Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) are looking at ways to use their powers to boost diversity and inclusion in financial services, including the use of targets, regular reporting and linking pay to progress.

And some industry leaders have warned of a correlation between a lack of diversity and the quality of decision-making at listed firms.

FCA boss Nikhil Rathi said: 'We are concerned that lack of diversity and inclusion within firms can weaken the quality of decision-making.

'We look forward to an open discussion on how we should use our powers to further diversity and inclusion within financial services.'

In a discussion paper on increasing diversity, the regulators are proposing to make senior leaders directly accountable for diversity and inclusion in their firms, with a focus on data and disclosure to allow regulators to monitor progress.

It comes after recent data lamented the lack of representation of women and black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups in senior leadership roles across the sector.

Financial Conduct Authority chief Nikhil Rathi (pictured) warned of a correlation between a lack of diversity and the quality of decision-making at firms

Sam Woods, Bank of England deputy governor for prudential regulation and chief executive of the PRA, admitted 'more needs to be done' to speed up progress on increasing diversity throughout the sector.

He said: 'While some progress has been made to improve diversity and inclusion in parts of the financial services sector over the last decade, the discussion is still in its early stages and more needs to be done to speed up progress.

'Regulators and industry need to work together to increase diversity at senior levels and ensure that the UK's financial services firms are best equipped to serve the economy.

'A lack of diversity of thought can lead to a lack of challenge to accepted views and ways of working, which risks compromising firms' safety and soundness.'

The 2021 Women in Finance Charter Annual Review found 32 per cent of senior manager roles were held by women on average - edging up less than one percentage point year-on-year since 2017.

While gender balance progress has been made across the FTSE 100 thanks to the Hampton-Alexander Review, a recent report by Women on Boards UK found less than half of listed firms outside of the biggest 350 companies have met targets for women in the boardroom.

There are also signs that the situation for ethnic minorities may be going into reverse, with this year's Green Park Business Leaders Index showing a decline in the number of black leaders within FTSE 100 companies.

Bosses of financial services firms could see their pay linked to diversity targets under plans set out by the Bank of England and City regulators Above: The Bank of England in London

It revealed fewer than one in 10 financial services management roles are held by BAME people.

The City regulators said they believe it is vital to increase diversity to improve governance, decision-making and risk management within firms, as well as to promote a more innovative industry.

The FCA is already looking into how it can increase diversity within listed firms, with more details due over the coming months.

A one-off pilot will be conducted later this year to gather data on diversity within workforces as the regulators look into the possibility of regular reporting from firms in future.

They are also seeking views on the discussion paper, which remains open until September 30, with a view to launching proposals under a joint consultation in the first quarter of 2022.
A woman with her hands tied and burns on her arms has been found in a Western Australian hospital carpark.

Stunned staff members discovered the woman at King Edward Memorial Hospital in Subiaco, Perth, at 6.30am on July 6.

The woman was rushed to the burns unit at Fiona Stanley Hospital in Murdoch where she is said to be in a stable condition.

A woman has been found in the carpark of King Edward Memorial Hospital (pictured) in Subiaco, Western Australia with burns to her arms and her hands tied together

The car park was closed to the public, as detectives and forensic officers spent hours searching the area, where they found only a few items of note, including an Aldi shopping bag.

The West Australian have confirmed that specialist sex assault detectives have taken over the investigation.

Police said the investigation is ongoing but investigators believe there is no risk to the community.

Security measures will be increased around the hospital following the incident in an effort to make staff feel safer.

Extra security guards, new CCTV cameras and new lights are being installed.
The decision to make fully-vaccinated people isolate if they come into contact with a a Covid carrier is set to prolong the heavily criticised splurge of taxpayers' money on the Test and Trace network.

Private consultants are charging more than 1,000-a-day for their work on NHS Test and Trace, with the service having now cost the taxpayer more than 23billion so far - despite scientists saying it has failed to slow the pandemic.

And multinational Deloitte is among those supplying consultants, with its contract worth 298m out of 516m in fees agreed with City companies including McKinsey and Ernst and Young.

The service has been allocated a 37billion budget for two years - 18.5billion-a-year- - but has already burned through 23billion of that cash according to figures released earlier this month.

A National Audit Office report at the end of June revealed that 2,239 consultants are employed by NHS Test and Trace - 45 per cent of the organisation's full-time staff - despite the organisations claim to be attempting to reduce their numbers.

The service employed 18,000 contact tracers last October, 13,000 in February and 10,000 in March - but their contracts make them difficult to switch between departments leading to many of them going unused.

Auditors also found that 80 per cent of contact tracers spent their time sitting idle while on shift, and that public compliance with their instructions was 'low'.

And in February just after the peak o the second wave, every contact traced cost the taxpayer 47, compared to 5 per contact last October because the service struggles to match its staff levels to variable demand.

NHS Test and Trace was headed-up by Lady Dido Harding from its launch in May last year.

The latest NAO figures show Serco has been awarded contracts worth 623m to run contact tracing and test sites, while Deloitte's 298m was purely for consultancy services'.

She stepped down last month, before applying to become the new head of the NHS - a job which reports suggest she is 'unlikely' to get.

Her tenure was criticised by former Treasury chief Lord Macpherson, who accused her of presiding over 'the most wasteful and inept public spending programme of all time'.

NHS Test and Trace's yearly budget is worth almost have of the total yearly budget for policing and public safety in the entire UK. And it is almost a third of the defence budget

NHS Test and Trace was headed-up by Lady Dido Harding from its launch in in May 2002. She stepped down last month, before successfully applying to become the new head of the NHS

'the most wasteful and inept public spending programme of all time'

In the rush to get the service up, NHS Test and Trace seconded staff from management consultancy firms such as Ernst and Young, Deloitte and McKinsey to work on NHS Test and Trace.

At least 73 consultancy firms have been used, including the above mentioned Deloitte, as well as the Boston Consulting Group and PA Consulting.

Reports last year suggested that consultants at one firm, BCG, were receiving more than 6,600-a-day for their work on NHS Test and Trace.

Average daily wages for consultants are thought to be in the region of 1,000.

From TalkTalk to Test and Trace: Dido Harding's journey to leading UK's 'most wasteful public spending programme of all time' Dido Harding first achieve notoriety in 2010 as chief executive of telecoms group TalkTalk. Dido Harding During her time in charge she was twice give MoneyMail's 'wooden spoon' award for having the most appalling customer service of any British company. It was handed record fines by the regulator Ofcom for over-billing and in 2015 fell victim to a cyber attack in which 157,000 clients had their data stolen, causing 100,000 of them to leave, company profits to halve and TalkTalk's shares to lose two-thirds of their value, Harding, 53, who had by then been elevated to the House of Lords as Baroness Harding of Winscombe by old university friend David Cameron  an ally of her Tory MP husband John Penrose  was eased out of her 2.7 million-a-year role in 2017, only to be immediately handed a new job chairing the powerful hospital regulator NHS Improvement. Then came another big promotion: last May, the Prime Minister put Harding in charge of Test and Trace, promising that this would help free Britain from the shackles of coronavirus. Despite its huge budget, with the 2,500 consultants on its payroll earning an average of 1,000 a day, Harding's organisation has 'failed to make a measurable difference to the progress of the pandemic', according to a February report by the Commons Public Accounts Committee. The grandee Lord Macpherson, former head of HM Treasury, has dubbed it 'the most wasteful and inept public spending programme of all time'. And this week, a damning National Audit Office report found that Test and Trace is still struggling to get to grips with the basics of its job. Last month Harding quit Test and Trace, defending the service from criticism by saying the exceptions were 'set too high'. She also said Covid testing in the UK was now 'the envy of the world'. Last month it was revealed Harding had applied to become the new head of the NHS, after Sir Simon Stevens leaves his role. But reports suggested that after Matt Hancock's resignation amid revelations of an affair with an aide, that Harding she was 'unlikely' to get the role, An ally of the prime minister told the Financial Times that Boris Johnson 'did not want further controversy' at the Department of Health and Social Care, adding: 'I can't see Dido getting the nod, especially after the last couple of days.' Advertisement

According to a report in the Times today, some consultants were earning 'city rates' of thousands of pounds a week - and some as much as 1,200.

The consultants have reportedly been helping with topics including 'diversity and inclusion', 'human-centred' software, and media strategy.

One former Waitrose boss, Ben Stimson, appointed to the role of chief customer officer at NHS Test and Trace, reportedly signed off on a 1,200-a-day 'social purpose' consultant.

The consultant had 'no medical expertise', the Times reports.

The criticism comes amid mounting pressure on the Test and Trace service over its cost and efficacy.

The two-year budget for the service was set at 37billion. It has already spent 23billion of that.

In comparison, the Government has sidelined an estimated 40billion on policing and security and 60billion on defence in 2021/22.

One particular area of concern is on the spend of professional services - such as management consultants - which has now spiralled to more than 438million.

According to figures released in February, Test and Trace has used a total of 2,500 consultants since the start of the pandemic.

According to reports in the Financial Times last month, Test and Trace officials say the average day rate for consultants on the programme is 1,100.

Such a salary is equivalent to around 280,000-a-year - which dwarfs even the Prime Minister's 161,000-a-year pay-cheque.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) last month attempted to justified the scale of investment, in part, on the basis that an effective test and trace system would help avoid a second national lockdown.

But since its creation there have been two more lockdowns.

Meanwhile, a report published by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) accepted that Test and Trace had to be set up at an 'incredible speed', it called on the service to 'wean itself off its persistent reliance on consultants'.

'It is concerning that the DHSC (Department of Health and Social Care) is still paying such amounts - which it considers to be "very competitive rates" to so many consultants,' the report said.

In a damning report added that there was 'still no clear evidence of Test and Trace's overall effectiveness; and it's not clear whether its contribution to reducing infection levels - as opposed to the other measures introduced to tackle the pandemic'.

The report was picked up by former Treasury chief Lord Macpherson, who was Permanent Secretary at the Treasury from 2005 to 2016 and worked on 33 Budgets and 20 Spending Reviews.

He tweeted: 'Th(is) wins the prize for the most wasteful and inept public spending programme of all time.

'The extraordinary thing is that nobody in the government seems surprised or shocked. No matter: the BoE (Bank of England) will just print more money.'

It comes as a separate, by budget watchdog, the National Audit Office, warned most contact tracers were 'sitting' idle.

The report, published last month, found one in nine contact tracers were used in February.

It also found that the service was taking around 74-97 hours between a person testing positive and their contracts being traced.

The target time is significantly less - between 48-72 hours, the report said.

Later this year, Test and Trace will be absorbed into the new UK Health Security Agency but will still enjoy a multi-billion budget - raising fears of a continued overspend.

It comes as Boris Johnson today faced a mounting backlash against a 'lockdown by stealth' amid claims that Britons are deleting the NHS app to avoid being 'pinged'.

Business have voiced alarm that the test and trace system is 'casting the net wide' with how many people it orders to stay at home after coming close to a positive case - as anger grows at the six week delay in exempting double-jabbed people from the regime.

In a bruising PMQs clash, Keir Starmer swiped at Boris Johnson: 'It won't feel like Freedom Day to those who are having to self-isolate.'

Hospitality chiefs said say they are already seeing staff uninstalling the official app to avoid the threat to their livelihoods, and MPs questioned whether customers will take the chance of going to pubs while the rules are so tight.

In a bruising PMQs clash, Keir Starmer swiped: 'It won't feel like Freedom Day to those who are having to self-isolate.'

He went on: 'There are already too many stories of people deleting the NHS app.

'And they're doing it because they can see what's coming down the track. Now of course we don't support that, but under his plan it's entirely predictable.

'What is the Prime Minister going to do to stop people deleting the NHS app because they can see precisely what he can't see, which is millions of them are going to be pinged this summer to self-isolate.'

But Mr Johnson retorted that those who self-isolate are doing the 'right thing', stressing that the government will be moving away from the system over the 'next few weeks'. 'We will continue with a balanced and reasonable approach,' he said.

Shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth said self-isolation should be replaced with daily tests before August 16.

Q&A: Will the delay to scrapping self-isolation rules cause 'carnage'? What did Javid say? From August 16, the double-jabbed and under-18s will no longer have to self-isolate if a close contact tests positive. Adults would be 'advised' to get a PCR test as soon as possible, but it will not be mandatory. If you test positive, you will have to self-isolate, jabbed or not. So what's the fuss? It had been hoped the change would come into force on Freedom Day, July 19. It means rules will continue for longer than expected  and well into the holiday season. What are the rules now? Close contacts of a confirmed Covid case have to self-isolate for up to ten full days when contacted by NHS Test and Trace. They also have to self-isolate if pinged by the NHS Covid app. What's the difference between these two? There is no legal duty to have the NHS Covid app and no legal duty to self-isolate if pinged  although it is strongly recommended. The Test and Trace system however is legally binding and failure to comply can result in fines starting at 1,000. Officials can check up to see if you are isolating. Why is this a problem? Despite the success of the vaccination programme, Covid cases are on the rise again. Yesterday Mr Javid suggested they could hit 100,000 a day. This means hundreds of thousands more people will get pinged by the NHS app or contacted by test and trace. One organisation, the ASI, believes that as many as 3.5million a week could be told to self-isolate. Will it hit the economy? It could have a devastating impact, with companies unable to run full services if too many staff are forced to stay at home. The delay could also cause mayhem for hospitality, with pubs forced to shut and theatres forced to cancel plays. There could be chaos for the NHS itself, if large numbers of staff have to self-isolate. What about holidays? Families could see everything wrecked at the last minute thanks to one ping from the app or a call from Test and Trace before August 16. Will insurance cover me? Most policies do not cover this, so the holidaymaker would have to try to get a refund. It is more likely they would be allowed to rebook or to receive a credit note, rather than getting the cash back. Why the six-week wait? Ministers want to make sure most adults have the chance to be double-jabbed. They are also worried about cases rising too sharply. Isolation is a very important weapon in stopping the spread of the virus. Will ministers rethink? It is hard to see them reversing their decision to delay the change in policy until August 16. It is possible that the date could be delayed even further  if a new variant of the disease appears. Advertisement

Tories are raging that Freedom Day on July 19 has 'in reality' been pushed back after Sajid Javid announced that fully vaccinated people will not be excused self-isolation until August 16.

Kwasi Kwarteng defended keeping the rules in place for longer this morning, despite fury that it will doom millions of healthy people to house-arrest and wreak havoc on the economy.

The Business Secretary insisted the extension was 'reasonable' and a 'balance' on the wider unlocking.

But Tory MP David Jones told MailOnline: 'It is a huge worry. Everyone was given the impression that Freedom Day would be the 19th. But now it is perfectly clear it is being delayed in reality by another five weeks.

'It is stage five. It just continues forever, stretches into infinity.'

He added: 'I don't like to use the word 'con', but there is a bit of sleight of hand going on here.'

From the middle of next month people who have received two doses - with the second administered at least two weeks previously - can take PCR tests rather than self-isolating. Under-18s will also not be subject to the restrictions from the same date.

But the timetable means 'scary' numbers will be caught in the system after all other restrictions lift on July 19, with furious firms warning they are on the brink of disaster amid 'massive' problems of staff absence and customers bailing out out of bookings. Others also raged that the government is failing to provide any clarity on the rules for getting staff back in offices.

Critics claimed it could mean a de facto continuation of restrictions, with pubs forced to keep to the rule of six and table service to avoid all drinkers being ordered to self-isolate when one tests positive. There are also fears that people will start deleting the NHS app to avoid being notified.

Former Cabinet minister Iain Duncan Smith said the announcement 'makes a mockery' of the idea that July 19 will mark the end of restrictions.

He told the Telegraph: 'Why would you even go to a pub [after Step 4]? This makes it worse.

'I wouldn't go to a pub that wasn't still having six around a table and social distancing, otherwise you run the risk of everyone in the pub being pinged and locked down.'

Sir Iain told MailOnline that unlocking without dropping isolation rules was a 'disaster' for hospitality and 'ironically makes it worse not better'.

'A restaurant can't say we carried on with the restrictions because it was better for us,' he said.

'The government has not thought things through. This becomes a pointless exercise. Because actually if I was running a restaurant I would not want to be unlocked

'You are telling everyone you are going to unlock. But they have not given anyone a choice to say, well we won't fully unlock, we will still run it like this as it means we won't all have to go home.'

Today, on the issue of Test and Trace, a government spokesperson told MailOnline: 'As part of our urgent response to this global pandemic we have drawn on the extensive expertise of a number of private sector partners who have been invaluable in helping us work faster and more effectively to tackle this virus.

'Through the new UK Health Security Agency we are consolidating the expertise built up across our health system to ensure we have access to the specific skills needed in the future.

'NHS Test & Trace has published a workforce strategy outlining plans to scale down the use of consultancy services, and increasing the proportion of civil servants employed. Recruitment spend is in line with Crown Commercial Service procurement frameworks.'
Advertisement

Pardoned former Trump National Security Advisor Mike Flynn and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell can be seen posing in front of a giant whiteboard in an image Flynn shared Tuesday that shows Donald Trump at the center of a melange of political figures sprinkled with religious slogans.

The creators call it a 'path to Trump,' and it features a bizarre conglomeration of individuals with a series of lines and arrows all ultimately pointing to the former president who has turned out throngs of followers to his rallies.

'This is the path to Trump  the trail to Trump,' said an unidentified man in an April video about the whiteboard. 'We're trying to get connected, reach the man.'

Lindell, a Trump advisor who continues to promote Trump's election fraud claims, can be seen grinning in front of the board. Flynn, who was convicted of lying to the FBI about his conversations with the Russian ambassador before being pardoned by Trump, grins and gives a thumbs-up sign.

PatriotTakes, which says it exposes right wing extremism on the internet, posted images of the board, after Flynn posted the image of himself in front of it on his Telegram account Tuesday.

There are other more circuitous routes, such as one that lists federal prosecutor John Durham, Pastor David Bendett, Georgia lawyer Lin Wood, and Rudy Giuliani. Giuliani, the Trump lawyer, is pictured immediately to Trump's right ear, with televangelist Trump advisor pastor Paula White just below him. Both have direct arrows pointing to Trump.

A bizarre whiteboard that Gen. Mike Flynn and MyPillow exec Mike Lindell posed in front of lists 'paths to Trump'

The insane compilation features figures ranging from famous to obscure. Atop the board are the words 'JESUS IS KING.' The word Jesus is underlined, with a dark arrow pointing directly to Trump. A crown is drawn adjacent to the phrase.

Other listings include Trump-backing Pastor Darrell Scott, Project Veritas, former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, and Texas Rep. Dr. Ronny Jackson.

All have been loyal Trump backers, and many backed his effort to have Congress not accept presidential electoral votes certified by states where Trump claims there were fraud.

Many appear to have been guests on the Clay Clark podcast, and the whiteboard appears to be Clark's. A person who may be Clark can be heard discussing the poster in another man on a video posted April 17.

PatriotTakes posted images of the whiteboard

The board is filled with religious quotations and pictures former President Trump at its center

Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani and pastor Paula White are seen with direct arrows pointing to Trump

A crown is seen next to the phrase 'JESUS IS KING' at the top

it contains quotes from Gen. Mike Flynn as well as from scripture

Ivanka Trump, Tiffany Trump, Sean Spicer, and conservative media figures all are included

The whiteboard also lists former Attorney General Bill Barr, although he is quoted in the last weeks of the administration saying of Trump's election fraud claims: 'It was a bull****.'

It quotes Flynn in the upper left corner, with the words: 'MISSION OVER EGO.'

There are numerous quotations from scripture, including 'cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.'

A quote from Revelations 3:7 states: 'And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth.'

The whiteboard drew some mockery online, which RawStory compiled.

In a brief explanation of the board posted on YouTube, an interviewer describing the board puts forward covid-denial questions, saying PCR tests are 'calibrated' and 'COVID's 100 per cent treatable.'

Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) mocked the board and its contents on Twitter. 'And the answer is: What does a cult look like?' he wrote.

Trump daughter Tiffany Trump's name is included, as is conservative author and Trump pardon recipient Dinesh D'Souza.

Newsweek back in April reported on Flynn and Lindell posing in front of the board along with Lin Wood. The publication reported they did so at the Health and Freedom Convention in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma organized by Clark.

With Clark evidently filming, the unidentified man says: 'The thing is, is that I think, Clay, almost every single one of these people that is on this board, almost every single one we've had on the podcast, we called them, we've talked to them because we're trying to get the message to Trump.' Said Clark: 'We're trying to ignite a revival.'
Peter Sutcliffe (above), 74, died after becoming infected with Covid-19 last November, having fallen ill in prison on October 27, a pre-inquest review was told

An inquest into the death of serial killer the Yorkshire Ripper will focus on the last 17 days of his life, it emerged today.

Peter Sutcliffe, 74, died after becoming infected with Covid-19 last November, having fallen ill in prison on October 27, a pre-inquest review was told.

Sutcliffe, who changed his name to Peter Coonan, had been suffering from increasing breathlessness and needed additional levels of oxygen.

The serial killer, who murdered at least 13 women in the 1970s, died at the University Hospital of North Durham at 1.10am on November 13 after his lungs failed.

He was serving a life sentence at HMP Frankland in Durham and had previously boasted he would not catch Covid in jail.

Before he was caught in January 1981, his killing spree terrified much of northern England.

Assistant Senior Coroner for County Durham Crispin Oliver today set out the scope of the inquest, which will be held in September.

He said the death in custody was from natural causes, does not have Human Rights Act implications and will not require a jury hearing.

He will hear evidence from HMP Frankland, Spectrum, which provides healthcare for prisoners, pathologist Dr Clive Bloxham, and Detective Sergeant Alistair Rogowski, from Durham Police.

Sutcliffe was pictured in public for the last time on September 26, 2015 when he was being taken from Broadmoor to Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey for eye treatment

A composite of 12 of the 13 victims murdered by Sutcliffe. Victims are: (top row, left to right) Wilma McCann, Emily Jackson, Irene Richardson, Patricia Atkinson; (middle row, left to right) Jayne McDonald, Jean Jordan, Yvonne Pearson, Helen Rytka; (bottom row, left to right) Vera Millward, Josephine Whitaker, Barbara Leach, Jacqueline Hill

Sutcliffe's next of kin, his ex-wife Sonia, is aware of the proceedings and will be invited to make a statement.

Mr Oliver is still waiting for a final report from the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.

He said: 'My preliminary view at the moment is that the medical records do not reveal anything unusual or untoward in Mr Sutcliffe's death.'

He said the timeline for the inquest will be from October 27, when Sutcliffe fell ill, to his death on November 13.

The serial killer tested positive for coronavirus on November 5, and had been suffering from diabetes and heart disease, known risk factors for Covid-19.

He received palliative care before he died and a post-mortem examination confirmed severe heart disease, including stenosis of three coronary arteries, with the cause of death being Covid-19.

Sutcliffe had written regular letters to a penpal during the pandemic and months before his death had boasted about feeling 'much safer' in prison than in the outside world.

On August 10 1974, Sutcliffe married Sonia (they are pictured at their wedding day). Less than a year later, the lorry driver picked up a hammer and began attacking women, two in Keighley and one in Halifax

Sutcliffe, under a blanket, arriving at Dewsbury Magistrates Court charged with the murder of 13 women and attempted murder of seven others in 1981

Mentioning the 'horrible worldwide pandemic', he told the correspondent, who asked to remain anonymous: 'The world is stuck with this Covid.

'Makes me feel much safer being in here with all that's going on in the world.'

He had regularly described his fears about contracting coronavirus in the months before he tested positive. He first mentioned it on March 16 writing: 'You be careful with this horrible virus about.'

He also declined to have visitors due to his fears about the virus, writing on May 10: 'Visits are going again but I won't be bothering with them in the present circumstances. I'd rather wait until they've discovered an effective vaccine.'

In July, Sutcliffe said he was 'fed up with lockdown' and moaned about a prisoner friend not being able to cook him a Full English breakfast, before mentioning on August 4 how he had taken a covid test that came back negative.

Sutcliffe pictured at his father's home with his wife Sonia in late 1980 in the midst of his killing spree

Transcript from letter on May 10: 'Here goes with another few lines to complete your letter our [removed for privacy reasons]. As you now know are going again but I won't be bothering with them in the present circumstances. I'd rather wait until they've discovered an effective vaccine. But I've put in for a video link between [removed] 2 to 3pm on Saturdays and 2.45 to 3.15 on Sundays. So we'll have to wait and see what transpires. I've just [unreadable] in a lot of trouble with his [unreadable]'

Sutcliffe's letter on June 14 to his penpal - who asked to remain anonymous - in which he boasted about feeling 'safer' behind bars during the covid pandemic

In his last recorded words, he wrote: 'Lockdown still no change here and with all the new spikes going on outside these walls I don't there will be any change until the new year. Health-wise we are both doing OK and getting on with life the best we can.'

The Ripper had previously signed 'do not resuscitate forms' - while friends said he astonishingly believed he would 'go to heaven' after his death because he had become a Jehovah's Witness.

Families of his victims celebrated his death and said the serial killer will 'rot in hell'.

Marcella Claxton, who was left needing more than 50-stitches after being hit over the head with a hammer, told MailOnline: 'I'm happy he's gone. I've thought about what he did to me every day since and although the news that's he's died brings those horrible memories back at least now I may be able to get some closure.

'I'm hoping it will bring me a little peace knowing he's no longer with us.'

Neil Jackson, whose mother Emily was killed by Sutcliffe after he hit her 52 times with a hammer, heard about his death today in a phone call from his son.

He said: 'My first thought was "thank God for that". It's a big relief.'

The inquest is set to take place in September.
James Brokenshire resigned as security minister today, telling Boris Johnson that his recovery from lung cancer treatment is 'taking longer than anticipated'.

The former Cabinet minister underwent a fresh round of treatment in January, three years after surgery to remove part of one lung.

But the Old Bexley and Sidcup MP, 53, stepped down as a minister today, telling Boris Johnson that he wanted to focus on his health.

In a letter to the Prime Minister the married father of three thanked him for his support, adding: 'My recovery from treatment and return to full duties is, however, taking longer than anticipated.

'Given my responsibilities to the public, the Government and to Parliament, I have therefore concluded that it is best that I stand down from my ministerial role and focus on restoring my health.'

The former cabinet minister underwent a fresh round of treatment in January, three years after surgery to remove part of one lung.

In a letter to the Prime Minister the married father of three thanked him for his support, adding: 'My recovery from treatment and return to full duties is, however, taking longer than anticipated.

Mr Brokenshire, pictured with wife Cathy, was Northern Ireland secretary under Theresa May before stepping down in January 2018 - on his 50th birthday- after his cancer diagnosis

He said he hopes to be able to 'serve again in some way in the future', and Mr Johnson responded by offering his full support and to wish a 'speedy return to full health'.

The Prime Minister added: 'I understand entirely your need to step down from your role but look forward to welcoming you back as soon as possible.'

Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds was quick to wish Mr Brokenshire a 'full and swift recovery'.

'I know it will be difficult for him to stand back from his duties, but I look forward to seeing him again soon,' the Labour MP tweeted.

Mr Brokenshire has been a minister under three consecutive prime ministers.

He was Northern Ireland secretary under Theresa May before stepping down in January 2018 - on his 50th birthday- after his cancer diagnosis.

The non-smoker had been in the job for barely 14 months when his world turned upside down.

Doctors told him he had lung cancer  which kills more people in the UK than prostate, breast and pancreatic cancer combined.

After surgery in 2018 he returned to the Cabinet as communities secretary later that year, but was axed by Mr Johnson when he became Prime Minister in July 2019.

He was forced to undergo surgery and take leave again in January this year after a relapse in the same lung

He told the Mail at the time how he had been on a family day out at Hillsborough Castle, Ulster, when he first coughed up blood. 'It came as a complete shock,' he said.

'I didn't know what to think. Your heart starts pounding and you get a knot at the core of your stomach.'

A fitness fanatic, he ran regularly on a treadmill in his living room and hadn't been feeling unwell.

After surgery he returned to the Cabinet as communities secretary later that year, but was axed by Mr Johnson when he became Prime Minister in July 2019.

He was brought back for a second term as security minister in February last year after Brandon Lewis was promoted to Northern Ireland Secretary.

But he was forced to undergo surgery again in January after a relapse in the same lung.

At the time he said he was 'in good hands' with the NHS team looking after him and was 'keeping positive'.
Marjorie Taylor Greene again compared Joe Biden's coronavirus response to Nazi Germany on Tuesday as she lashed out at the president's plan to 'target' unvaccinated Americans by going door-to-door to promote the jab.

'Biden pushing a vaccine that is NOT FDA approved shows covid is a political tool used to control people,' the Georgia congresswoman wrote on Twitter Tuesday afternoon.

'People have a choice, they don't need your medical brown shirts showing up at their door ordering vaccinations,' she continued.

'Brown shirts' is a reference to the official uniform of the SA or Sturmabteilung, which means 'assault division', where members wore brown shirts and brown ties.

Greene tweeted: 'You can't force people to be part of the human experiment.'

Marjorie Taylor Greene again likened the Biden administration's coroanvirus policies to Nazi Germany as she said they are sending out 'medical brown shirts' to peoples' homes and 'ordering vaccinations'

President Joe Biden revealed in Tuesday remarks a new initiative of 'COVID-19 surge response teams', where neighbors go door knocking to urge their unvaccinated neighbors to get the jab

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki responded on Wednesday morning: 'I will tell you we don't take any of our health and medical advice from Marjorie Taylor Greene. So I can assure everyone of that.'

'What we've seen over the course of the last several months is that one of the biggest barriers is access. And people knowing when they can get the vaccine, where they can get the vaccine, the efficacy and safety of the vaccine,' Psaki told CNN's New Day.

'It's up to every individual to decide whether they are going to get vaccinated, but especially this is about protecting people and saving lives,' she added. 'That's a role we're going to continue to play from the federal government, and use any of the tools and tactics that we think will be effective.'

Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccines, the only three administered in the U.S., were approved for emergency use authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration.

A EUA, however, allows the FDA to approve a drug or vaccination during public health emergencies and does not require the same requirements be met as a full approved drug  just as long as the relevant statutory criteria are met.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki responded on Wednesday morning: 'I will tell you we don't take any of our health and medical advice from Marjorie Taylor Greene. So I can assure everyone of that'

Geene's latest comments come just three weeks after she was forced to publicly apologize for likening mask mandates to Jews being forced to wear gold stars during the Holocaust. She repeatedly stood by those May comments, but ended up apologizing.

Now she is again likening the dictatorship to Biden's coronavirus initiatives.

The American Jewish Congress, an advocacy group for the rights of Jewish people, released a statement Wednesday on Greene's comments, claiming she 'has no place in Congress.'

'Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene continues to prove that there is no limit to her brutal trivialization of the Holocaust for her own personal politial power,' the group wrote.

It continued: 'The Holocaust and Jewish suffering is not a prop for her delusional views comparing efforts to save lives through vaccines with the most heinous, systematic state-sponsored slaughter of millions of innocent lives.'

In Tuesday remarks on the administration's coronavirus response and vaccination program, Biden said people who haven't received their COVID-19 shot should 'think twice.'

He also announced a new plan to have Americans spread the word about vaccines to their neighbors in a door-to-door campaign of region strike teams.

'We need to go to community by community, neighborhood by neighborhood, at all times, door to door, knocking on doors to get help with remaining people protected from the virus,' Biden said.

COVID cases are up in nearly half of U.S. states, a new analysis showed, while the Delta variant, first detected in India, is responsible for 26 per cent of new cases.

The U.S. failed to hit Biden's goals to get 70 per cent of adults at least partially vaccinated by July 4 and 160 million Americans fully vaccinated by the same date.

At least 67 per cent of American adults have received one shot.

Biden said is going to 'mobilize what I'm calling COVID-19 surge response teams.'

'These teams are made up of experts from FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, CDC, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and elsewhere across our government other groups, and they're going to help states with particular problems, prevent, detect and respond to the spread of the Delta variant among unvaccinated people in communities with low vaccination rates,' the president detailed in his Tuesday remarks.

'We can't get complacent,' he warned. 'The best thing you can do to protect yourself and your family and the people you care about the most is getting vaccinated.'

The White House has been on a push to get shots in arms  especially as several southern and southwestern states hover around the 50 per cent vaccinated mark.
A homeowner in California's Bay Area shot and killed an armed intruder who he claimed kicked down his front door while he and his wife were eating breakfast.

The Fairfield Police Department received a 911 call about the shooting at around 8.30am Tuesday.

The homeowner told police he and his wife - who are both in their 60s but have not been named - heard a knock on the door before the intruder proceeded to kick it down.

He said he feared for the safety of his wife and himself and ran to retrieve the legally-owned gun he used to shoot the man two times before he scrambled into the street.

The homeowner was not arrested after the incident and will likely not face charges due to a California law that allows people to act in self-defense if an intruder comes on their property and poses a threat of danger.

Scroll down for video

A homeowner in the Bay Area of California shot and killed an intruder who broke into his home while he was having breakfast with his wife (home pictured)

ABC10 reported that couple didn't answer the knock on the door because they checked their doorbell camera and didn't recognize the man.

'The suspect actively started kicking the door and he did kick the door off the hinges and then started to make entry into the home,' Lt. Jausiah Jacobsen told ABC10.

When police arrived, they checked the welfare of the married couple who lived at the residence.

Police then came across the intruder, who was across the street, and detained him. They discovered the intruder was in possession of a loaded semiautomatic handgun with an extended magazine.

The homeowner told police that a person broke into his home and that he had shot the intruder, leading the intruder to flee from the home

The couple looked at their doorbell camera at the stranger and didn't recognize him, leading them to not answer the door

Because the intruder had been shot, officers started lifesaving measures while waiting for Fairfield Fire to arrive on scene.

Ultimately, the intruder was pronounced dead just after 9am. The 27-year-old male from Suisun City has not been identified by name, but he was on parole for another home invasion.

It's not clear if the home was targeted or if the attempted home invasion location was random - the homeowners were not associated with the intruder, according to police.

The Fairfield Police Departments Investigations Bureau is now leading the investigation.

'I'd like to emphasize that we're still going through this, and I know that there's information that's been released that we would like to make sure that we do our due diligence and make sure these facts are all substantiated,' Jacobsen said of the investigation.

'The suspect actively started kicking the door and he did kick the door off the hinges and then started to make entry into the home,' Lt. Jausiah Jacobsen said

A victim advocate from the police department is on hand to assist the married couple as needed.

'Im kind of blown away,' neighbor Nathan Biggs said to FOX40. 'I've lived here all my life, 18 years. Probably the most eventful thing thats happened in this neighborhood.'

Cordelia resident Tamer Totah revealed more about the couple to FOX40 after the incident.

'Theyre a wonderful family. And theyre well-liked in the community. And Im just really grateful that nothing more serious might have happened to them,' Totah said.

After two similar home invasions in Modesto - about an hour and a half away - police are also looking for potential connections.

'And the biggest thing that we're happy about is that the homeowners and the residents are safe, but, definitely...the detectives need to reach out to the other agencies and find out, is there some type of nexus or not?' Jacobsen said.

'Are they connected, or they just, unfortunately, have to be coincidence?'

It was not immediately clear if the homeowner will be charged, but he was not arrested after the incident.

Additionally, he is likely protected by the 'Castle Doctrine,' a law on the books in California for almost 150 years.

The law allows people in the state to act in self-defense if an intruder comes on to their property and poses a threat of danger.

'You have a right to use as much force as you need to use to make yourself feel safe against that person,' Sacramento-area criminal defense attorney Jennifer Mouzis told KCRA.

Fairfield is approximately 40 miles from the city centers of San Francisco, Sacramento and Oakland.
Pictured: Noshad Khan has been convicted of dangerous driving after crashing his electric bike in Birmingham last September

A reckless e-bike rider who caused a horror crash at a busy junction has been spared jail in what is believed to be the first conviction of its kind involving an electric vehicle.

Noshad Khan, 30, admitted dangerous driving after he went through a red light and collided with a Ford Galaxy in Moseley, Birmingham on September 5 last year.

He was riding the electric bike without a helmet and with defective brakes when was involved in the smash at a busy junction.

Khan was treated in hospital for serious head injuries while a passenger in the people carrier suffered minor injuries.

The driver of the Galaxy remained at the scene and assisted police while witnesses told how they saw Khan go through the red light at the junction.

Officers also retrieved dashcam footage which showed the biker had earlier been dangerously weaving in and out of traffic.

Khan, of Birmingham, admitted dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified and without insurance at Birmingham Magistrates Court on May 24.

On Tuesday, he avoided jail after being sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months.

Noshad Khan ran a red light and smashed into a car when riding recklessly on his electric bike through Birmingham. He was left with a serious head injury and has now been prosecuted

Khan admitted dangerous driving and was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison suspended for 18 months. He was also banned from driving for three years and must complete an extended test

What does the law say about electric bikes? Riders are not required to hold a driving licence to use an electric assisted pedal cycle (EAPC) on UK roads. These types of electric bike rely on a battery and are limited to 15.5mph. The motor used by the bike must not be higher than 250watts and riders must be over 14 years of age. However, despite not requiring tax or insurance, they are still bound by the laws of the road. That means if they are found to have been riding in a dangerous manner that puts other road users at risk, they could be prosecuted. A rider's driving is regarded as dangerous if it falls below the standards expected of a careful and competent driver. Advertisement

Khan was also banned from driving for three years and must complete an extended test before taking to the road again.

Det Sgt Paul Hughes, of West Midland's Police's Serious Collision investigation Unit, said afterwards: 'This case shows how important it is to stick to the rules and regulations.

'As an electric motorbike, this vehicle still needed to be insured, driven in a manner that did not put others in danger and, as with all motorbikes and mopeds, the rider must be wearing a helmet for their own safety and protection.'

The case is believed to be first, or one of the first, convictions in Britain for driving an electric vehicle dangerously.

Several people have been convicted of drink-driving on electric scooters, which are illegal to ride in any public place in the UK if they are privately owned.

Rental e-scooters can be used on roads, in cycle lanes and on cycle paths, but are banned from being ridden on pavement.

And last March electric bike rider Thomas Hanlon, 32 was cleared of causing death by careless driving after he knocked down Sakine Cihan, 56, in Dalston, east London.

The case was billed as the first prosecution of its kind before the bricklayer was found not guilty by a jury sitting at the Old Bailey.
A glamorous executive assistant who set her boyfriend's clothes on fire after the couple necked three bottles of wine has avoided a stint in jail.

She also threw his wallet off a balcony, a court heard, after they had fallen out when she called a male friend.

Jessica Mary O'Brien, 32, pleaded guilty in the Brisbane District Court on Wednesday to one count of endangering a property by fire.

The court heard at 8.50pm on July 13 in 2018, O'Brien was at a Kangaroo Point unit complex with her then partner.

The relationship was labelled 'volatile', with the man 17 years her senior, according to The Courier Mail.

On the night in question, the pair knocked back three bottles of wine together, with O'Brien also taking Prozac tablets, the court heard.

On one July night in 2018, Jessica Mary O'Brien (pictured) set her ex-boyfriend's clothes on fire before throwing his wallet from a high rise balcony

The Brisbane District Court heard Jessica O'Brien (pictured) had a history of mental health issues

An argument followed when O'Brien rang a male friend.

In a rage, O'Brien threw the man's wallet off the balcony, to which he responded by tossing her phone over too, the court was told.

When the irate man left the building complex to cool off, a seething O'Brien set fire to some of his clothing before leaving herself.

When she left the unit, O'Brien spoke to two strangers and told them to call the fire brigade, the court heard.

The pair of bystanders later said she had been slurring her words and seemed 'off her face'.

She was also not wearing shoes that night according to the witnesses.

O'Brien then bizarrely offered one of the bystanders $10,000 to help her flee, before then calling a taxi to take her to her ex-husband's house in nearby Ashgrove, the court heard.

On her bender for the ages in July of 2018, Jessica O'Brien had shared three bottles of wine with her ex before taking Prozac

When she left the unit, O'Brien (pictured) spoke to two strangers and told them to call the fire brigade, the court heard

After arriving at the house and finding her ex not home, she broke in and slept in his bed, the court heard.

She was found by police a few hours later and arrested, where she vomited before getting bail, police recalled.

The court also heard New Zealand born O'Brien had a history of mental health issues.

She is now engaged to another man, and is confident she has her alcohol abuse under control.

Judge Paul Smith sentenced O'Brien to a 12-month intensive correction order.
Shocking footage shows the moment a female tourist hit her head on a speedboat while parasailing on holiday in Egypt.

The Ukrainian tourist, who has not been named, ended up in the water with blood pouring from her head.

The incident was filmed earlier this month off the coast of Sharm El Sheikh, an Egyptian Red Sea resort.

The tourist was parasailing behind a speedboat when the rope broke on her parachute and she ended up in the sea.

Shocking footage shows the moment a Ukrainian tourist hits her head on a speedboat while parasailing on holiday off the coast of Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt, after her parachute rope snapped and she ended up in the water

The excursion was organised by the hotel where the tourist and her friends were staying.

In the footage, the woman is seen stranded in the sea with her parachute dragging her through the water.

The speedboat approached her, but her parachute sent her flying through the air and into the back of the vessel with a sickening thud.

A tourist aboard the speedboat screamed as the cameraperson moved to the side of the boat and filmed the woman who appeared to be unconscious in the water with blood pouring out of her head.

In the footage, the woman is seen stranded in the sea while the speedboat approaches her. Her parachute sends her flying through the air and into the back of the vessel with a sickening thud

A tourist aboard the speedboat screams as the cameraperson moves to the side of the boat and films the woman who appears to be unconscious in the water with blood pouring out of her head

After the incident, the injured tourist was pulled out of the water and taken to shore.

Hospital doctors reportedly diagnosed concussion and a spinal injury and used 15 stitches to close her head wound.

According to the Ukrainian tourist's friends, the hotel's representatives refused to accept responsibility for the incident and were selling parasailing trips the following day.

Her friends said that they noticed they were using the same red parachute allegedly used by their friend when the accident occurred.

It is unclear if they have filed an official complaint.
Advertisement

Heartbreaking before and after pictures show the extent of the devastation in Lytton, British Columbia, a Canadian town nearly wiped off the map following a fire.

The fire last Wednesday razed 90 per cent of the small town's buildings just days after it recorded the country's hottest temperature ever - 121 degrees Fahrenheit.

Roughly 1,000 people living in and around Lytton fled from their homes as flames fuelled by soaring temperatures ripped through the area, engulfing the town in a matter of minutes and killing at least two people.

A before and after photo of the town's Main Street shared on social media showed how the buildings that lined the thoroughfare have completely disappeared.

Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire, which is not believed to have been linked to a wildfire burning in the area at Lytton Creek.

Around 200 wildfires are raging across British Columbia, due to the extreme heat caused by a 'heat dome' responsible for unprecedented weather in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest region of the US settled over British Columbia.

Dramatic pictures show the extent of the devastation in Lytton, British Columbia, a Canadian town nearly wiped off the map following a fire

 Slide me  The fire last Wednesday razed 90 per cent of the small town's buildings just days after it recorded the country's hottest temperature ever - 121 degrees Fahrenheit

A before and after photo of the town's Main Street shared on social media showed how the buildings that lined the thoroughfare have completely disappeared

Social media users have suggested a train may to to blame, after reporting seeing sparks flying from its brakes as it passed through the town on Wednesday before the fire broke out. Pictured: The damaged rail bridge

Smoke rises outside of Lytton on June 30. Authorities said infrastructure in the town has been completely destroyed by the fire

According to village officials, 'almost all' of the homes in the centre of town have been destroyed by the fire

Social media users have suggested a train may to to blame, after reporting seeing sparks flying from its brakes as it passed through the town on Wednesday before the fire broke out. One clip appears to show a smoking train moving through the area.

Scott Hildebrand, Thompson-Nicola Regional District chief administrative officer, said the train being the fire's origin was 'certainly not our view'.

'That information is unconfirmed and we are investigating,' The Independent reported Hildebrand as saying.

'I do know for a fact though, that the fire in Lytton had nothing to do with the wildfire that was in that area.'

A more likely cause of the fire was human activity, according to the BC Wildfire Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), who are investigating the blaze.

BC Wildfire Service fire information officer Forrest Tower told The Independent that the investigation is ongoing but the fire is 'suspected to be human-caused.'

Roughly 1,000 people living in and around Lytton fled from their homes on Wednesday as flames fueled by soaring temperatures ripped through the area, engulfing the town in a matter of minutes

Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire, which is not believed to have been linked to a wildfire burning in the area at Lytton Creek

He added that the investigation was expected to take 'weeks to months'.

'This has almost never happened in BC before, where an entire village has been affected  the bank, the supermarket, the post office, everything. So it's really important to get this one right,' he told the paper.

The RCMP refused to speculate whether the train may have caused the fire and urged witnesses who were in the Lytton area at the time of the blaze to contact police.

Train services operated by Canadian Pacific (CP) Railway and Canadian National (CN) Railway run through Lytton.

CN was fined $16.6million in damages for causing The Cisco Road wildfire 10 kilometres south of Lytton in 2015, which burned 2,200 hectares of land.

A NASA image shows the huge plumes of smoke from the June 30 fire

Pictured: A view of Lytton before the fire showing buildings that were destroyed in the blaze

An investigation found that rail workers cutting a line near the tracks sparked the blaze, The Independent reported.

CN said they are providing 'full assistance' in investigations into the cause of the June 30 fire.

'The tragic events in Lytton are deeply distressing and we are very concerned for the safety of residents. CN representatives will work closely with the community and Lytton First Nation in the recovery from this devastating event,' the company said in a statement.

On Monday, CP began running trains through the area after completing safety inspections.

In a statement village officials, said everything was 'extremely dry' and a wind was blowing at the time of the fire.

'These conditions allow the fire to tear rapidly into and then through our village,' the statement read.

'A few buildings survived in town but nearly every building in the centre of the village is gone. Where buildings stood is now simply charred earth; it is going to take in-person assessments to determine the actual extent of the damage.'

The statement went on to say that the town had no hydro, water or sewer services. The sewage plant did not burn but was not functional as of Tuesday.

'Infrastructure has been destroyed,' the statement said. 'What has not been melted, incinerated or damaged beyond repair has been compromised to the point of being unsafe.'
Co-founder of chain Yummy Pubs Tim Foster, 40, reminded people on social media that ignoring NHS Covid app alerts telling them to self-isolate is not technically illegal

A pub owner today issued a reminder to the public that it is not illegal to ignore alerts from the NHS Covid app, amid fears Test and Trace is creating a 'lockdown by stealth' by forcing people to stay at home even when they have been vaccinated and test negative.

App users who are 'pinged' after coming into contact with someone who has tested positive are not obliged to stay at home.

They are kept anonymous through the app, meaning authorities are unable to track them down if they have been told to quarantine.

But people contacted by NHS Test and Trace workers do have to self-isolate under regulations brought in last autumn to tackle coronavirus or face hefty fines. That rule won't be dropped for fully vaccinated adults until August 16.

Amid fears millions could be told to self-isolate over the next few weeks because of soaring cases, one pub owner was keen to point out notifications on the app carry no legal obligation to quarantine at home.

Writing on Twitter, the co-founder of chain Yummy Pubs Tim Foster, 40, said: 'Good news.

'There is no legal requirement to isolate if notified by the app. Only legal requirement is if Test and Trace contact you. Pssst, pass it on.'

The reminder comes amid claims that Brits are deleting the NHS app to avoid being 'pinged'. It has been downloaded almost 26million times.

Business have voiced alarm the test and trace system is 'casting the net wide' with how many people it orders to stay at home after coming close to a positive case  as anger grows at the six week delay in exempting double-jabbed people from the regime.

Hospitality chiefs said say they are already seeing staff uninstalling the official app to avoid the threat to their livelihoods, with many unaware there is no legal obligation to follow its instruction.

MPs questioned whether customers will take the chance of going to pubs while the rules are so tight.

NHS Covid-19 app users who are 'pinged' after coming into contact with someone who has tested positive are under no legal obligation to follow suit because they are anonymous

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Self-Isolation) (England) Regulations 2020 order people to self-isolate if contacted by Test and Trace, but not the app [bolded in red]

Contact tracing app Q&A: How does it work and will it make a sick note to take to my boss? How does it work? Bluetooth technology keeps a record of which phones spend 15 minutes within two metres of one another and then alert people if they have been near someone who later tests positive for Covid. People's phones are only recognised by the system if they are running the app themselves  it cannot detect others. The contacts it keeps track of are all anonymous and phones exchange digital 'tokens' with every app-using phone within Bluetooth range. If one person develops symptoms of Covid or tests positive, they will be able to enter this information into the app. The phone then sends out a notification to all the devices they have exchanged tokens with during the infection window, to make people aware they may have been exposed to Covid. Each phone keeps an individual log of the Bluetooth profiles someone has come close to. These are linked anonymously to people's NHS apps and alerts can be pushed through that even after the person is out of bluetooth range. Will the app produce me a sick note? The app does not generate a sick note itself. But if you need one for an employer you can inform the NHS's online 111 service that you have been told to self-isolate by the app and it will generate one. Will the government know if it tells me to self-isolate but I don't? No, the system relies on the goodwill of users to comply with the app's request to self-isolate. App users are entirely anonymous and the app cannot force them to self isolate or identify them if they are failing to do so. Any personal data is anonymous and will not be sent to the government so police can check if the app's instructions are being followed. The app can only react to data that people put into it, and it will only ever offer guidance. If a user reports that they have symptoms of coronavirus - a new continuous cough, a fever, or a changed sense of smell or taste, they will be urged to self-isolate for 10 days from the start of the symptoms and to get tested. How well does it work? The app is far from perfect, with the Department of Health has admitted that around half of people who are warned they have been near an infected person will actually not have been within the 2m for 15 minutes danger window. And three out of 10 people who were put at risk  31 per cent  won't receive a notification at all. In trials it had a 69 per cent accuracy rate at detecting people who had been at risk, and it was 55 per cent accurate at detecting people who had not. Advertisement

A Government document published in April, which outlined the effects of the app, said: 'A key point to note is that an app notification to isolate, based on exposure, is not legally enforceable.'

But it said the instruction becomes legally enforceable as soon as someone who is pinged attempts to apply for isolation support payments.

From the middle of next month people who have received two vaccine doses  with the second administered at least two weeks previously  can take PCR tests rather than self-isolating, and will no longer be 'pinged'.

Under-18s will also not be subject to the restrictions from the same date.

The NHS Covid-19 app was finally rolled out in September last year, four months later than planned, but people with phones more than five years old reported being unable to download it.

Its software works by using Bluetooth technology to detect when users have come into close contact with someone who tests positive for the virus.

They then receive an alert telling them to self-isolate for up to 10 days and to book a test if they start suffering from Covid symptoms.

But although 'close contact' in theory means being within a two-metre radius of someone for at least 15 minutes, some people will receive alerts when they have been further away.

The app struggles to calculate distances so it may record someone as being in close contact even if they have been just over two metres away, and in rare cases up to four metres away.

It is for those living in England and Wales. Northern Ireland and Scotland have their own contact tracing apps, which were launched at earlier dates.

People across England must now self-isolate if they test positive for Covid or are contacted by the Test and Trace service or risk being hit with fines.

Fines start at 1,000 and increasing up to 10,000 for repeat offenders or serious breaches, according to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

People who have received a positive test must isolate for ten days after displaying symptoms or their test date if they do not have symptoms, while members of their household must isolate for 14 days.

The DHSC also said that police resources will be used to check compliance in the highest incidence areas and in high-risk groups based on 'local intelligence'.

But people on low incomes who cannot work from home and have lost income as a result are eligible 500 Test and Trace support payment in England.

The payment is available to people who are employed or self-employed and in receipt of Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income-based Employment and Support Allowance, Income-based Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit or Pension Credit.

The DHSC said a number of other measures will be taken to ensure people comply with the rules including Test and Trace call handlers increasing contact with people self-isolating.

High profile and 'egregious' cases of non-compliance are investigated and prosecuted while action has been taken on tip-offs from 'third parties' about people who have tested positive but are not self-isolating, the DHSC said.

A DHSC spokesman said: 'Users of the official NHS Covid-19 contact tracing app are anonymous and we cannot force them to self-isolate or identify them if they are not self-isolating.

'The app will advise a user to self-isolate if they have come into close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus. Users should follow that advice to protect their loved ones and stop the spread of the virus.'
An eight-and-a-half months pregnant woman lost her unborn twins after border agents allegedly refused to give her medical care before deporting her back to Mexico.

Mayli Vazquez had crossed the US-Mexican border into Yuma, Arizona with her son, 2, and husband Cristhian Perez, via a dry riverbed early Saturday.

The family were caught within minutes by U.S. Border Patrol agents who held them in custody for around five hours, after taking their fingerprints and photos.

During that time, Vazquez began feeling seriously unwell and in extreme pain but when her husband asked for medical assistance, they border agents allegedly refused.

Perez, 26, claims he pleaded with the officers to tend to his wife, 'while she writhed in pain in a chair and they ignored her. The Americans denied us care.'

He told news agency EFE the agents even refused to take her temperature and blood pressure.

'They did not even take her pressure, absolutely nothing,' he added.

The family were deported back to Mexico that same day and say they arrived in San Luis Rio Colorado without money or any idea where to go. They found shelter at a local non-profit, but by the following morning, Vazquez's condition had gotten worse.

Vazquez was rushed to San Luis General Hospital, where doctors discovered that her twin boys had been dead for over 24 hours.

The couple are heartbroken by the loss.

Perez said they felt they had no choice but to leave their native Honduras for the US, to escape the endemic violence and gangs, but that the price had been too much.

'Either we stayed to die in our country of hunger or violence, or we migrated,' he said.

'Today I feel that we have lost too much, I could barely hold my children Derek and John Patrick for five minutes in my arms. We had to cremate them.'

Vazquez had to undergo a Caesarean to remove the deceased babies.

A doctor in San Luis Rio Colorado, a city in the northern Mexico state of Sonora, tends to Mayli Vazquez, a Honduran migrant, who lost both of her unborn twins on Sunday, a day after she along with her husband Cristhian Perez and two-year-old son were deported from Arizona to Mexico by U.S. Border Patrol agent. Her husband told news agency EFE that he pleaded with the officers to tend to his wife, 'while she writhed in pain in a chair and they ignored her'

Mayli Vazquez's journey to the United States border began in January when they abandoned Honduras and spent six months traversing through Mexico before they managed to cross the border. They were denied asylum in the US but she and her husband Cristhian Perez have ruled out returning to Honduras. They said they are planning to seek employment in Mexico and will attempt to cross the border at a later date.

Maria de la Paz Cortes, a Mexico-based lawyer representing the family, claimed that she's heard multiple similar cases of abuse of migrants by border agents.

'It is not common for the Border Patrol to act this way. In fact, migrants (can suffer from) dehydration and injuries and they are taken to receive medical attention. But this does not rest on (the U.S. Border Patrol), but in the way in which each immigration agent exercises their duty,' de la Paz Cortes said.

DailyMail.com reached out to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for comment, but a spokesperson said the agency does not 'comment on individual cases due to privacy considerations.'

A section of the United States-Mexico border fence that separates San Luis Rio Colorado, a city in the northern state of Sonora, and Arizona

This chart shows how 2021 border crossings - pictured in blue - rocketed on crossings made in 2020, represented by the brown line (2018 is pictured in gray, with 2019 in orange)

The couple's journey to the United States border began in January when they abandoned Honduras and spent six months traversing through Mexico before they managed to cross the border.

They were denied asylum in the US but Perez and Vazquez have ruled out returning to Honduras. They said they are planning to seek employment in Mexico and will attempt to cross the border at a later date.

The last monthly report released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection showed that Border Patrol agents stopped 180,034 migrants in May along the southwestern border, a slight increase from 178,854 the prior month, with the increase driven largely by single adults.

From March to May more than 530,000 people were apprehended and pushed back into Mexico after attempting to cross without legal immigration documents, the June 10 report also indicated.

Of the 897,213 migrants who have been stopped for unlawful border entry since October 1, 2020, 167,240 individuals are natives of Honduras.

Border stats for the month of June are slated to be released next week.
A total of 19 bodies have been found at the site of a plane crash in eastern Russia that killed everyone on board.

The Antonov An-26 plane, carrying 22 passengers and six crew, had been on its descent into the village of Palana around 3pm Tuesday when it suddenly lost radio contact with ground crews.

It is thought the plane, which was operated by Kamchatka Aviation Enterprise, struck the top of the cliff amid low-lying cloud and broke apart.

Divers and rescue teams searching through the wreckage were forced to cope with high waves, strong winds and fog at the crash site, a cliff on the Kamchtka peninsula's western coast in the Sea of Okhotsk.

Sergey Gorb, deputy general director of Kamchatka Aviation Enterprise, denied there were technical problems with the plane.

Divers and rescuers of the Ministry of Emergency Situations have been combing the site where the An-26 plane crashed near Palana

This is the scene of the crash in eastern Russia which is thought to have killed all 28 passengers on board after the aircraft hit a clifftop while coming in for landing

The plane had taken off from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky airport around 1pm and was descending into Palana around 3pm when it suddenly lost radio contact with the ground

Local reports said the plane had been flying 'at full speed' when it slammed into the cliff.

It broke into two parts with the main part of the aircraft falling into the sea.

A search is also underway for flight recorders from the stricken Soviet-built twin-engine turboprop.

Russian president Vladimir Putin has sent his condolences to the bereaved relatives.

Part of the plane's stabiliser was found on top of the cliff, Russian media reported, while sections of its tail were found on rocks that drop down into the Sea of Okhotsk.

Other parts of the wreckage were found floating in the ocean including the plane's radio distress beacon, which is what naval crews tracked to find the crash site.

Maria Shirokova, 22 (right), a passenger aboard the An-26 plane that crashed en-route to Palana, pictured with her husband Oleg Shirokov (left)

Vladimir Sadiev, navigator (left) and Alexander Anisimov, second pilot (right) were aboard the An-26 plane that crashed en-route to Palana

Several senior officials from Palana village are said to have been on board the flight, including mayor Olga Mokhireva, 42, head of the mobilization department Alexander Andreikin, and his wife Olga Andreikina, who heads the financial department.

The pilot was named as Dmitry Nikiforov, and the co-pilot Alexander Anisimov, 27.

An investigation into the crash is underway, as inspectors say the 39-year-old plane had a certificate of airworthiness and passed pre-flight checks when it took off from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky airport two hours before the crash.

The pilots had not reported any faults during the flight.

Aleksey Khrabrov, the head of Kamchatka Aviation Enterprise, confirmed the wreckage had been found but would not give more details.

Rustem Zavgarov, flight mechanic (left) and Irina Sereda, flight attendant (right) were aboard the An-26 plane that crashed en-route to Palana

Artyom Tischenko, 17, a passenger aboard the An-26 plane that crashed en-route to Palana

A near-identical crash happened on the same section of cliffs back in 2012, when an An-28 plane carrying 14 people from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to Palana hit treetops on the cliffs in poor visibility and crashed.

Ten people, including both pilots, were killed in the wreck which happened around 10 miles south of Palana.

It was later discovered that both pilots had alcohol in their blood, they had approached the airfield too low and along the wrong flight path, and had given false position readings to ground control crews.

Regional deputy transport minister Anatoly Bannikov, said: '[The plane] was supposed to arrive at the Palana airport at 15:05 (local time).

Residents of Petropavlovsk lit candles and laid flowers in memory of those who died in the plane crash in Palana

Residents of Petropavlovsk lit candles and laid flowers in memory of those who died in the plane crash in Palana

'The plane did not arrive at the appointed time.

'According to updated data, there were 28 people on board... six crew members and 22 passengers, including one child born in 2014.'

Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin ordered a special commission to find out what had happened.

A criminal case was also launched into its fate, a normal measure when a plane goes missing or crashes in Russia.

Employees of the Russian Emergencies Ministry conduct a search operation at the crash site of the An-26 passenger aircraft near the village of Palana.

Rescuers say that the wreckage of the plane is strewn across a cliff, beach and in the sea near the village of Palana.

Russia, once notorious for plane accidents, has improved its air traffic safety record in recent years.

But poor aircraft maintenance and lax safety standards still persist, and the country has seen several deadly air accidents in recent years.

The last major air accident took place in May 2019, when a Sukhoi Superjet belonging to the flag carrier airline Aeroflot crash-landed and caught fire on the runway of a Moscow airport, killing 41 people.

In February 2018, a Saratov Airlines An-148 aircraft crashed near Moscow shortly after take-off, killing all 71 people on board. An investigation later concluded that the accident was caused by human error.

Flying in Russia can also be dangerous in the vast country's isolated regions with difficult weather conditions such as the Arctic and the Far East.

The vanished plane was produced in 1982 and was owned by Kamchatka Aviation Enterprise, said local transport officials.

It has a valid certificate of airworthiness, they said.

The Soviet-era workhorse planes are widely used in remote areas of Russia.

In 2012, an An-28 plane crashed near Palana, killing ten.

The pilots were eventually found guilty, as they had alcohol in their blood.
British health chiefs have quietly released a warning that Pfizer and Moderna's Covid vaccines may cause heart damage, MailOnline can reveal.

Fears about the mRNA jabs' links to myocarditis have grown in recent weeks, following a string of cases in young adults and children in Israel and the US.

Now the UK's drug watchdog has updated its safety information to accept that the condition is a possible side effect of both vaccines, without a formal announcement.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency insists the complication  inflammation of the heart muscle which can damage the organ over time  is still 'extremely rare' and 'typically mild'.

But it wasn't listed as a potential side effect until last week, when the MHRA released its most up-to-date safety surveillance data.

Cardiologists say the benefits of both jabs still clearly outweigh the risks for the vast majority of the population.

However, they say it 'completely changes' the debate about vaccinating children in Britain. They won't get AstraZeneca's jab because of its links to deadly blood clots in young people.

The UK's drug safety watchdog has updated its safety information to accept that myocarditis is a possible side effect of both vaccines (left). The MHRA insists the complication  inflammation of the heart muscle that can damage the organ over time  is 'extremely rare' and 'typically mild'. But it wasn't listed as a potential side effect until last week (pictured right, a screenshot of the same site last month), when the agency released its most up-to-date safety surveillance data

Scientists had expected the protection given by vaccines to begin to wear off over time but they don't yet know how long immunity from jabs lasts for. Pictured, a stock image of jabs made by Pfizer and Moderna

MHRA statistics dated up until June 23 show 60 cases of myocarditis have been spotted among Pfizer vaccine recipients.

There have also been 42 cases of pericarditis  a similar condition that affects the protective layer around the heart.

Five instances of myocarditis and two of pericarditis have been detected in over-18s given Moderna's vaccines, the same figures show.

But fewer than 900,000 doses of Moderna's jab have been dished out, compared to nearly 30million of Pfizer's.

Both complications have also been spotted in patients given the AstraZeneca jab, but it is not occurring more often than expected.

What is myocarditis? Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. There are no specific causes of the condition but it is usually triggered by a virus. Some of the most common infections which cause myocarditis, are those called adenovirus and Coxsackie B. It can be caused by the common cold, hepatitis B and C, and herpes simplex virus. The most common symptoms of the condition include chest pain, a fever, a fast heartbeat, tiredness and shortness of breath. If the inflammation damages the heart muscle or the fibres that conduct electrical pulses to the heart, complications can develop. They can develop quickly, and include sudden loss of consciousness, an abnormally fast, slow or irregular heartbeat. In very severe cases the condition is fatal, causing heart failure or sudden death. The inflammation enlarges the heart and creates scar tissue, forcing it to work harder and therefore making it weaker. In most cases of viral myocarditis, the illness goes away and there are no complications. But in rare cases when inflammation is severe, there can be damage to the heart which needs monitoring and possibly a heart transplant. Myocarditis can reoccur, but there is no known way to prevent this. The risk of recurrence is low, around 10 to 15 per cent, according to Myocarditis Foundation. It is difficult to gauge the prevalence of myocarditis because there is no widely available test for it. In 2010, approximately 400,000 people died of heart muscle disease - cardiomyopathy that includes myocarditis - worldwide. Expert consensus opinion estimates that up to 40 per cent of dilated cardiomyopathy results from myocarditis, according to the National Organisation for Rare Disorders. Advertisement

Almost 45million doses of the British-made jab, which works in a different way to the mRNA jabs, have been administered.

The MHRA says the conditions are 'occurring more frequently in young males and shortly after the second dose'.

It says: 'There has been a recent increase in reporting of these events in particular with the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines,

'These reports are extremely rare, and are typically mild with individuals usually recovering within a short time with standard treatment and rest.

'People should come forward for their first and second vaccination when invited to do so, unless advised otherwise.'

Product information leaflets published by the Government now both say myocarditis and pericarditis are possible side effects.

But experts say there is an urgent need for more detailed data on the risks, especially given fears it may be more common after second doses. Around 8million Britons are waiting for top-ups of Pfizer or Moderna.

The MHRA only says that there are around six cases for every 100,000 people in the general population every year.

There is not enough data to estimate exactly how common the complications are in vaccinated people yet. But the change in stance was based on a 'thorough review' of international data.

Britain's historic inoculation campaign is currently reliant on Pfizer's jab, given the limited supply of Moderna and the drive to offer jabs to over-18s.

AstraZeneca's jab is not routinely being offered to under-40s because of its links to blood clots  and no other jab has yet to come on stream.

Johnson and Johnson's Covid jab  also linked to blood clots  has been approved in Britain but No10 won't get hold of any doses until later this summer.

If health chiefs make the same ruling for that vaccine, it means under-40s will still only be able to get Pfizer or Moderna until other candidates come on stream.

With hopes of vaccinating children this summer before they return to school in the autumn, it could also mean Pfizer and Moderna's jabs are given to youngsters.

Pfizer's jab has already been given the green light for over-12s in the UK and Moderna is seeking approval.

Dr Aseem Malhotra, a former NHS cardiologist, told MailOnline: 'Its important that the regulator is transparent both with doctors, healthcare workers and the public regarding the potential risks of vaccines.

'Although the number of reports are very small, its important to quantify that risk to try to figure out whether there is an increased harm vs benefit [ratio] for younger people  especially children.

'This will completely change the discussion and the management of children when it comes to vaccinating against Covid.'

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention last month said there was a 'likely association' between the Pfizer and Moderna jabs and myocarditis and pericarditis in young adults.

Health officials found that the very rare side effect mostly occurs in men aged between 18 and 24, with 233 reports in that group after 3.6million second doses.

In that many people in the average population, two to 25 cases would be expected.

The US Food and Drug Administration, which is responsible for protecting public health, said it would add a warning about the risk of the condition to information sheets for mRNA Covid vaccines.

Dr June Raine, MHRA's chief executive, said: 'Over 79million doses of Covid vaccines have been administered in the UK, saving thousands of lives, and our advice remains that the benefits of getting vaccinated outweigh the risks in the majority of people.

'We have carefully reviewed reports of suspected adverse reactions involving types of heart inflammation known as myocarditis and pericarditis and we have concluded that the Covid vaccines made by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna may be linked with a small increase in the risk of these very rare conditions.

'The cases tended to be mild and the vast majority recovered with simple treatment and rest.

'The available evidence for AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine does not suggest an increased risk of myocarditis or pericarditis.

'No medicine is without risk, and in this case the risk appears to be small. We will continue to monitor this issue closely.

'The benefit risk balance for the Pfizer/BioNTech and for the Moderna vaccine remain favourable. It is still vitally important that people come forward for their first and second vaccination when invited to do so, unless advised otherwise.'
The son of a prominent Dutch crime reporter shot in the head last night has spoken out about the suspected hit - saying his 'worst nightmare has come true.'

Peter R. de Vries, 64, is fighting for his life in hospital today after being gunned down in broad daylight in central Amsterdam around 7.30pm Tuesday as he walked to his car after one of his regular TV appearances.

Son Royce tweeted out support for his father today, saying that his family will 'surround Peter with love and hope during this difficult phase'.

He added: 'Much is still uncertain, but what is certain is that all statements of support from all over the country now offer [us] a lot of support.'

He spoke out after police announced they had arrested two suspects - a 35-year-old Polish-born man resident in the Netherlands, and 21-year-old from Rotterdam.

Police said the two men were stopped late Tuesday in what they described as a getaway car near The Hague, and one of them is believed to be the shooter.

A third man, an 18-year-old, was also detained in Amsterdam but was later released and is no longer a suspect, officers said.

The shooting comes amid the Mafia-style 'maxi-trial' of alleged boss Ridouan Taghi - a Moroccan-Dutch national known as the Netherlands' most-wanted man until his arrest in Dubai in 2019 - who is being prosecuted alongside sixteen co-defendants.

De Vries is heavily involved in the case, and last year agreed to act as 'confidential counselor' to the state's star witness - a man known only as Nabil B.

Royce de Vries (left), the son of Dutch crime reporter Peter (right), has spoken out after his father was shot in the head in Amsterdam last night in a suspected hit

Royce wrote a heartfelt Twitter post thanking people for their support as his father fights for life in hospital after being shot multiple times

The shooting happened in broad daylight on a street in central Amsterdam in front of dozens of witnesses, who held de Vries' hand until an ambulance arrived (pictured)

Ridouan Taghi: Angel of Death 'leader' and Holland's most-wanted Born in Morocco in 1977, Taghi emigrated to the Netherlands in 1980 with his parents who settled in Vianen. He became involved in a life of crime as a teenager and was involved with a gang known as the Bad Boys who operated in the Nieuwegein region. Between 1992 and 1998, he racked up a series of convictions for burglary and possession of weapons. He is then alleged to have got involved in the drug trade and become an expert in 'disposing' of people who others wanted out of the way. Between 2014 and 2019, Taghi is alleged to have been involved in at least 10 killings, including the deaths of Reduan B - the brother of police informant Nabil B - and Derk Wiersum, Nabil's lawyer. Dubbed the Angel of Death, prosecutors say Taghi also ran a drug trafficking empire that was ferrying cocaine into the Netherlands. A warrant for his arrest was issued in 2018 and he became known as the Netherlands' most-wanted man when a 100,000 bounty was offered for information on his whereabouts - the largest ever offered by Dutch police. In December 2019 he was found living in Dubai, where he had fled the previous year using a fake ID. Taghi was arrested in a joint operation by police in the Netherlands, Morocco and the UAE, and extradited back to Holland. He is now being held in maximum-security jail in Vught where he is being prosecuted for murder and drug trafficking as part of a Mafia-style 'maxi-trial' alongside 16 co-defendants. Advertisement

He stepped into the role despite the high-profile murder of several figures close to Nabil, including brother Reduan who was shot to death in Amsterdam in 2018, and lawyer Derk Wiersum who was killed in similar fashion in 2019.

Taghi is currently being held in maximum-security jail in the city of Vught, suspected of leading a cocaine-smuggling gang called the 'Angels of Death' and of being involved in a string of murders.

De Vries had agreed to be Nabil's counselor in spring 2020 when two new lawyers - Peter Schouten and Onno de Jong - also joined the case, De Telegraaf reports.

But, unlike the lawyers, de Vries had refused offers of security to protect him.

That is despite the fact that - even before he joined the case - de Vries had publicly spoken of suspicions that Taghi had placed him on a 'hit list'.

Taghi subsequently wrote to de Vries assuring him that he had 'nothing to fear'.

Police said that several properties in Tiel, Maurik and Rotterdam overnight and seized hard drives and ammunition. They did not link any of the properties to the suspects.

Speaking about Tuesday night's shooting, a police spokesman said that 'Peter R. de Vries was shot down in Lange Leidsedwarsstraat,' referring to a street near one of the city's largest public squares.

The shooting happened in broad daylight in front of dozens of witnesses, who said a slender, light-skinned man wearing a military-print tracksuit, black facemask and cap had walked up to him and opened fire.

Five or six shots were fired, hitting de Vries in the chest and head, before the gun fled on foot through two nearby streets.

Passersby rushed to help de Vries, calling medics and holding his hand until they arrived and took him to hospital.

Police have now cordoned off the street where the shooting took place, while heavily armed guards have been placed at the hospital where de Vries is battling for life.

Finance Minister Wopke Hoekstra said in Parliament he was 'deeply shocked' by the attack.

'We don't know the circumstances, but whatever the circumstances this is unimaginable and terrible news,' Hoekstra said.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte told a press conference in The Hague the attack was 'shocking and inconceivable'.

'It's an attack on a courageous journalist and by extension an attack on the freedom of the press, which is so essential for our democracy and rule of law,' he said.

The shooting comes amid the prosecution of Ridouan Taghi (pictured), an alleged Mafia boss, with de Vries acting as a 'confidential counsellor' to star state witness Nabil B

Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands speak about the shooting of de Vries while attending a press conference in Germany

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima wrote in a statement: 'The report that journalist Peter R. De Vries was shot has shocked us deeply.

'He and all those dear to him are in our thoughts.

They said journalists must be able to do their work without threat.

'We feel connected to everyone who is committed to the free press in our constitutional state.'

'This is what you've been hoping all along that doesn't happen,' said Thomas Bruning, general secretary of the Dutch Association of Journalists.

'Of course it remains to be seen which activities of De Vries this is related to, but the attack took place in front of RTL Boulevard.

'This hits journalism right in the face. Let's hope and pray for his health.'

De Vries, 64, is known both for his fearless reporting on the Netherlands' present-day criminal underworld, and his work trying to close cold cases.

He won an International Emmy Award in 2008 for a television show he made about the disappearance of U.S. teenager Natalee Holloway who vanished while she was on holiday in the Caribbean island of Aruba in 2005.

De Vries helped heap suspicion on Dutchman Joran van der Sloot, who had been identified but not arrested by police, by pointing out that he had lied several times during questioning.

People leave flowers, candles and messages of support to Dutch crime reporter Peter R. de Vries at the spot where he was shot in Amsterdam on Tuesday night

A woman leaves flowers where Dutch celebrity crime reporter Peter R. de Vries was gunned down in broad daylight

De Vries eventually captured Sloot saying on camera that he had dumped Holloway's body in the ocean, though he was not jailed for the killing because he was already serving a 28-year term in Peru for the murder of Stephany Flores.

He was also the driving force behind the acquittal of two men known as the 'Putten two' who had been wrongly convicted of the murder of Christel Ambrosius near the town of Putten in 1994.

The pair were acquitted of the killing in 2002 after de Vries helped prove their innocence, an won compensation of 900,000 each. In 2008, another suspect was arrested and subsequently jailed for the killing.

De Vries had been a guest at Dutch broadcaster RTL Boulevard to talk about the case of Seif Ahmed, a hairdresser who was shot dead in his car in 2019.

He had also been subjected to threats from the criminal underworld in the past in connection with several cases.

In 2013 Willem Holleeder, the Heineken kidnapper, was convicted of making threats against De Vries.

Holleeder is currently serving a life sentence for his involvement in five murders.

Holland, the drug smugglers' paradise that gangs are turning into a narco-state with illicit operations worth billions

To the casual observer, the Netherlands might seem a liberal paradise - famously tolerant of cannabis and sex work, it is a nation that prides itself on a culture of 'pragmatic tolerance'.

But scratch the surface even a little, and what you expose is a blood-soaked criminal underworld that - at its worst - has echoes of South America.

Indeed, it is South American drugs that have brought much of the Netherlands' troubles - namely cocaine, for which the country's bustling ports act as a gateway to the rest of Europe.

Experts warn that Holland provides the 'ideal environment' for a drugs trade which has left the country in fear of becoming a 'narco-state'.

While more than 14,000kg of cocaine is seized by Dutch authorities every year, it is believed that around 56,000kg goes undetected, making Holland one of the major drug-trafficking hubs in Europe.

Busted: In one major drugs raid last year, more than two tons of cocaine with an estimated street value of 136million were found in a banana shipment in Rotterdam

Often hidden in fruit shipments, some of the lucrative stashes of cocaine are worth more than 100million alone and are sometimes smuggled along with firearms.

The criminal trade at Dutch ports has also started to seep into the mainland, with gang violence causing an outcry in Amsterdam where drug kingpins run money-laundering rackets and a 'ring of hustlers and parasites' have 'free rein'.

In one major drug bust last year, more than two tons of cocaine with an estimated street value of 136million were found in a banana shipment in Rotterdam.

Arriving from Ecuador, the illegal drugs were meant to use Holland as a gateway to Europe before making their way to Hungary.

Rotterdam is Europe's largest sea port and handles nearly 15million containers a year, only a small fraction of which are routinely scanned.

Even when containers are inspected, gangs can use accomplices at Dutch and Belgian docks to sneak past authorities.

Last year, police discovered that seven shipping containers had even been adapted into prison cells and a 'torture chamber' used by the criminal underworld.

Believed to be used for kidnappings, 'torture chamber' included what looked like a dentist's chair with straps for the prisoner's arms and legs.

Six people were arrested on suspicion of 'preparing kidnappings and hostage-taking' after the containers were discovered near the Belgian border in a raid linked to the drugs trade.

Pieter Tops, a professor at the Dutch police academy, said in October that Holland's tolerant penal system and its extensive transport links make it an 'ideal environment for the drugs trade'.

'Torture chamber': Last year, police discovered that seven shipping containers had even been adapted into prison cells used by the criminal underworld

The professor said that schoolchildren were sometimes offered 500 to transport a package while farmers were approached about letting out their land to drug gangs.

'The main problem is the enormous flow of money and its rippling effect throughout our society,' he told Dutch News.

A 2019 report by the EU's drug agency estimated that around 14,600kg of cocaine are seized in the Netherlands every year - with a separate IMF report giving a 'seizure rate' of around 20 per cent.

Tops said that each kilogram of cocaine is worth around 50,000, meaning the overall trade is worth billions.

In Amsterdam, a report commissioned by city authorities in 2019 found that hard drugs had led to rising violence and corruption at the hands of 'hustlers, parasites and extortionists'.

The Netherlands has a 'policy of toleration' on soft drugs which means that Amsterdam's 'coffee shops' are not prosecuted for selling marijuana.

'Separating soft and hard drugs shields the users of soft drugs from the criminal circuit that is involved in the hard drugs trade,' the government says.

But the report found that the same 'toleration' was gradually being extended to harder drugs, with up to 17 per cent of the population using cocaine or heroin.

'Amsterdam has given free rein...to a motley crew of drugs criminals, a ring of hustlers and parasites, middle-men and extortionists, of dubious notaries and real estate agent,' the report said.

At the top of the criminal chain are wealthy organised crime bosses who may not be physically located in Amsterdam, the report said.

At the bottom are 'lackeys such as scooter and taxi chauffeurs and even young messenger boys set to follow quite a career path: offering murder as a service.'

The report also found evidence of money-laundering systems and turf wars between drug retailers in Amsterdam.

Shipping hub: The port of Rotterdam is the largest in Europe and handles nearly 15million containers a year, making it an attractive gateway for drug smugglers

Across the Netherlands, around six per cent of men aged 15-34 and three per cent of women in the same age group say they use cocaine.

Cannabis produced in Holland is also sold to other countries, while Dutch ports serve as a point of transit for cocaine to be transported elsewhere in Europe.

In 2019, the killing of a lawyer for a protected witness in a drugs case led the head of a Dutch police union to say that 'we definitely have the characteristics of a narco-state'.

'Sure we're not Mexico. We don't have 14,400 murders. But if you look at the infrastructure, the big money earned by organised crime, the parallel economy. Yes, we have a narco-state,' Jan Struijs told BBC News at the time.

The murdered lawyer, Derk Wiersum, was shot dead in the Amsterdam suburbs by a man dressed in black who fled on foot and was thought to be no older than 20.

Wiersum was representing a 'supergrass' witness in a drugs case who had cut a deal with prosecutors to provide evidence against suspected underworld bosses.

Months later, another Dutch lawyer involved in several drug-related cases was shot across the border in Germany, although he was not seriously injured.

Hook of Holland was also the departure point for a 35kg cocaine run to Britain which was eventually uncovered when the shipment arrived in Humberside.

Lorry driver Hendrik van der Genugten was later jailed for 10 years after smuggling the drugs out of the Netherlands in 2019.
This is the adorable moment an English bulldog repeatedly tries in vain to carry his favourite toy through a doggy flap.

Cyndi Hueth, 59, recorded the moment her beloved Doc refused to give up on taking his big green ball inside with him.

The retiree, from Sequim, Washington, said her pet has what she calls 'bulldog tenacity' - so much so that he spent 15 minutes trying to get his toy through the door.

In footage shared online, the brown and white pooch can be seen holding the large ball by its handle.

He then sizes up the dog flap, seeming to ponder whether or not he can fit through it.

Despite the ball he is holding in his mouth being bigger than his head, Doc attempts to enter the dog flap, but fails.

He is then seen walking away from the hole in the wall before returning for another attempt.

His owner said he repeated this process again and again for around 15 minutes before eventually giving up.

Doc sizes up the dogflap while holding his huge green ball toy at his home in Sequim, Washington

Doc the English bulldog tries in vain repeatedly to take his toy inside, with the help of sibling Fiona

The video shows him being followed around by Cyndi's other bulldog, named Fiona.

According to the American Kennel Club, Bulldogs were the fifth most popular dog breed in the US in 2020.

Much like Doc, they are described as being 'friendly but dignified' while their 'sourmug face is the universal symbol of courage and tenacity.'

Tragically the breed has suffered in recent years due to overbreeding.

In 2020, the Dutch Kennel Club became the first international kennel club to ban the registration of new bulldog puppies.

The kennel's move came after the Dutch government introduced new laws restricting the breeding of broad-skulled dogs who can suffer issues with breathing, as well as their eyes and spines.
British health officials will help track Covid variants abroad with the hopes of shutting down troubling new strains before they become widespread.

Public Health England said it will train up research labs in countries that lack the means to analyse positive tests for signs of mutated viruses

The first countries to benefit from the project, known as the New Variant Assessment Platform, will be Brazil, Kenya, Nigeria, and Pakistan.

Plans are also in development for the UK to collaborate with both the African Centre for Disease Control in Ethiopia, and Singapore.

The nations will receive equipment to increase sequencing as well as technical advice and training from British experts.

Variants that can slip past vaccines are now the single biggest threat to the UK's Covid fight, now that nearly nine in 10 adults have been jabbed at least once.

Ministers praised the UK's role as a 'science superpower' and said the country has a duty to lend expertise in the global fight against Covid as new variants emerge.

Public Health England today said the UK will provide Covid genomic sequencing support to other countries, including Brazil, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Pakistan. Pictured: A lab assistant uses a pipette to prepare Coronavirus RNA for sequencing at the Wellcome Sanger Institute that is operated by Genome Research in Cambridge

The Lambda variant: Is it REALLY the world's most transmissible strain? Name: Lambda or C.37 Where was it first spotted? The strain was first sequenced in Peru in August 2020. How many cases have there been in the UK? Britain has sequenced seven cases of the variant. Only one has been spotted in the last four weeks, with the strain making up less than 0.1 per cent of infections during the period. Where else has it been spotted? The variant has been spotted in 30 other countries, including the US, Australia and Germany. What mutations does it have? It has two concerning mutations on its spike protein  known as L452Q and F490S. The mutations are feared play a role in making it more infectious and able to dodge some immunity. Is it more infectious? Scientists in Peru have claimed the mutation is more infectious because of its rapid spread in the country. But there is no significant proof the virus is actually any more contagious than existing strains, including Delta. Is it more deadly? Experts insist there is no evidence to suggest it is deadlier, despite some doctors linking its spread to Peru having the world's worst Covid mortality rate. Advertisement

It comes after scientists warned today Britain could be left battling against a vaccine-resistant Covid variant if cases are allowed to spiral to 100,000 a day.

Sir Paul Nurse, director of the Francis Crick Institute, claimed letting the coronavirus rip may lead to another mutant strain arising in the UK, which could pose a threat to any hopes of a life without lockdown.

But not all scientists monitoring the pandemic are convinced that the summer surge in cases will inevitably turn the UK into a variant factory.

Seeking to play down the fears, the boss of Britain's largest Covid surveillance centre pointed out variants are normally either vaccine resistant or more transmissible.

SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus behind Covid, is constantly evolving and the majority of mutations are 'benign', according to Dr Jeff Barrett, of the Sanger Institute.

The South African 'Beta' variant, which can dodge vaccine-triggered immunity, has failed to gain a foothold in the UK. But the more transmissible Indian 'Delta' variant quickly became dominant and now accounts for nine in ten cases.

Announcing the variant tracking programme abroad today, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the new partnership would help prevent any new variants from spreading globally in the same way.

He said: 'The UK is a science superpower and it is right that we share our expertise in the global fight against Covid.

'I welcome this partnership with Brazil, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Singapore and the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention to identify, track and respond to new Covid variants and future health threats globally.

'No one is safe until we are all safe.'

The UK is also planning to work with the African Centre for Disease Control in Ethiopia and Singapore.

A technical advisor will be stationed in Ethiopia to provide guidance on sequencing across Africa.

Plans in Singapore are yet to be finalised but support is expected to be given to other countries in South East Asia.

Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency, said: 'Strong surveillance is vital to controlling the transmission of the virus and international co-operation is crucial in developing a system that works to protect all of us.

'The NVAP will provide valuable support to many international public health colleagues to strengthen their genomic sequencing capability, which in turn will make us all safer.

'New SARS-CoV-2 variants are a major threat and it is important to remember that in a global pandemic, no country is safe until all countries are safe.'

Health Secretary Sajid Javid added: 'As we learn to live with Covid, we cannot underestimate the threat new variants could pose.

'This ground-breaking genomics work  building on the phenomenal genomics expertise in the UK - will allow our global partners to identify variant cases of Covid and support us all to future-proof our way of life by preventing potential pandemics in the years ahead.

'We are working arm-in-arm with nations to tackle this global pandemic, helping us all return to normality as quickly as possible by saving lives and protecting livelihoods.'

Sir Paul Nurse, director of the Francis Crick Institute, (left) warned today that high case numbers could spark a vaccine resistant variant. But Dr Jeff Barrett, who directs the largest Covid surveillance centre in the country, sought to play down the fears saying variants tend to be either more transmissible or vaccine resistant

More than 100 Britons could die each day from Covid when Britain finally emerges from lockdown later this month, according to the Government's own assumptions. No10 said it expects up to 50,000 cases a day by July 19 Freedom Day and potentially 100,000 daily cases in August. Professor Neil Ferguson said about 0.1 per cent - or one in 1,000 - of people who catch Covid will die from the virus. The above graph shows how cases and deaths could rise based on these remarks. Deaths lag behind case spikes by about three weeks

Ministers warned yesterday cases in Britain could hit more than 100,000 cases a day next month, following 'Freedom Day' on July 19.

The country is currently recording almost 30,000 a day, with the outbreak fuelled by the rapid spread of the Indian Delta variant.

Hospitalisations and deaths are now beginning to tick upwards but Health Secretary Sajid Javid yesterday insisted that the 'wall of protection' from vaccines would hold.

Vaccines still work against the Indian mutant strain, drastically cutting the risk of infected people becoming severely ill. But Boris Johnson has already admitted the emergence of a vaccine-resistant variant could threaten plans in the future.

Pfizer and Moderna vaccines work against Lambda variant Pfizer and Moderna's Covid vaccines are both effective against the troublesome Lambda variant, scientists believe. The mutant strain has now been spotted in 31 countries  and some doctors fear it is more transmissible than any existing versions. But in a glimmer of hope, academics in New York say data suggests the variant is still susceptible to vaccines. New York University Grossman School of Medicine researchers found antibodies triggered by MRNA jabs still neutralised the Lambda variant in laboratory studies. It is not proof the jabs definitely work in thwarting the strain  but the scientists are confident. Both Pfizer's and Moderna's vaccines are based on mRNA technology, which had never been used to make jabs until the Covid pandemic. The mutant strain caught the attention of World Health Organization bosses after it was spotted in the UK, US and Germany. Thought to have originated in Peru last summer, it quickly spiralled and now makes up 80 per cent of the South American country's cases. Doctors monitoring its growth fear it spreads easier than other strains, including the Indian version that has caused havoc across the world. But coronavirus-tracking scientists are puzzled about the true transmissibility of the variant, given it was first spotted in Britain and February and has yet to take off. They have yet to uncover any proof the variant is actually any more contagious than existing strains, including Delta or 'Delta Plus'. Experts told MailOnline the variant is no reason to cancel or delay Freedom Day in the UK on July 19. Others also insist there is no evidence to suggest it is deadlier, despite some doctors linking its spread to Peru having the world's worst Covid mortality rate. The new study, published in a preprint on BioRxiv, offers more hope the variant may not be any more dangerous than other strains already circulating. Researchers tested samples of the Lambda variant against vaccine-elicited antibodies and ones triggered by powerful drugs  the experimental therapy given to President Donald Trump during his hospital stay with Covid last year. It showed while the variant 'showed a partial resistance' to the antibodies created by the vaccines, the resistance 'is not likely to cause a significant loss of protection against infection'. Advertisement

Dozens of variants have already been spotted across the world but none are thought to render the current crop of jabs useless.

And Oxford University academics who crafted the AstraZeneca jab say it is unlikely that any mutation will ever completely defeat vaccines.

But the spread of one that dodges immunity could still lead to a spike in hospital admissions and deaths, forcing ministers to divot from their plans.

Sir Paul, a Nobel prize winning geneticist, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'Letting [the] infection spread to large numbers of people... could give rise to another problem, which is encouraging new variants arising within the UK itself.

'We know that vaccinated people generally do not get serious disease but they are still getting infected.

'This is a situation which can select for variants, and that may give rise to variants that are resistant to the vaccine.

He added: 'If all controls are lifted and the virus is allowed to let rip, will that result in more resistant variants arising within the country itself which are more difficult to control?'

But Dr Barrett told the programme that although the virus is mutating all the time, the vast majority of these changes tend to be 'benign'.

'But then somewhat rarely the virus mutates in a way which makes it either more transmissible or less well neutralised by vaccines,' he said.

'We have seen that in the Alpha variant from last year and the Delta variant from this year, when they go from being sort of anonymous to taking over around the world very quickly.'

Asked whether a variant could emerge that is both more transmissible and more resistant to vaccines, he said: 'One thing that seems to have happened so far is that many mutations are strongly associated either with increased transmissibility or evasion to antibodies, so basically the vaccines working less well.'

But he admitted high cases were 'clearly one of the big risks' in the Government's unlocking strategy.

Dr Barrett was also asked whether he was concerned about the Peruvian 'Lamba' variant, which emerged in August last year and has since exploded across South America.

But there have only been eight cases spotted in the UK so far, and there is no sign it is growing.

'It is clearly at a high frequency in South America,' he said. 'But I don't think it is inherently worrying.'

'We should keep an eye on it but I don't think there is any reason to panic just yet.'

He said the virus had key mutations that made it more transmissible, and that these were in a slightly different place compared to other faster spreading variants.

Professor Christina Pagel, a mathematician at University College London, echoed his view, telling MailOnline there was still little reason to be concerned.

'I think Lambda is definitely a variant that we should be tracking, but I wont be worried about it until it starts growing week on week and at the moment its too early to say,' she said.

Only the more infectious Covid variants have managed to take hold in the UK so far, and displace other mutant strains.

The more infectious Kent variant spread across Britain within three months last year because of the N501Y mutation that made it more infectious.

But in early May it was replaced by the Indian variant which has the D614G and P681R mutations, which are thought to make it even more infectious.

Public Health England says it is at least 50 per cent more transmissible than the Kent strain.

A 'Delta plus' variant has been detected which also carried the K417N mutation that makes it more resistant to vaccines, but it is yet to gain a foothold.

The vaccine-resistant South African variant first arrived on Britain's shores last year, but its cases have consistently remained below 100 every week.
The government's national security adviser is to examine the sale of a UK microchip maker to a Chinese firm, Boris Johnson said today.

The Prime Minister confirmed the U-turn to ask Sir Stephen Lovegrove to examine the 63million deal that would see Welsh company Newport Wafer Fab taken over by Nexperia.

NWF's facility in South Wales manufactures crucial power components for cars that have been in limited supply amid a global shortage of microchips.

But Netherlands-based Nexperia is owned by Chinese electronics company Wingtech, whose shareholders include state-funded investors.

Despite MPs raising security concerns this week, the Government had previously refused to intervene.

The Welsh Government had also welcomed the investment, which will safeguard 400 jobs at the factory and help pay off several outstanding debts.

However, facing the Liaison Committee this afternoon, Mr Johnson said: 'We are looking into it, I have asked the NSA to review  we will look at it again.'

The Prime Minister confirmed the U-turn to ask Sir Stephen Lovegrove to examine the 63million deal that would see Welsh company Newport Wafer Fab taken over by Nexperia.

Ministers have been urged to intervene because Nexperia is owned by Chinese electronics company Wingtech, whose shareholders include state-funded investors (stock image)

NWF's facility in South Wales manufactures crucial power components for cars that have been in limited supply amid a global shortage of microchips.

He said the Welsh Government had asked the UK Government to deal with the issue - something it later denied.

'There is this company in Newport, we have to judge whether the stuff that they are making is of real intellectual property value and interest to China, whether there are real security implications, I have asked the National Security Adviser to look at it,' Mr Johnson said.

However, in his exchange with Tom Tugendhat, a China hawk and the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, he cautioned against refusing all Chinese investment.

'I don't want us and I do not want anti-China spirit to lead to us trying to pitchfork away every investment from China into this country,' Mr Johnson said.

'That would be economically foolhardy.'

Mr Tugendhat has previously urged ministers to review the deal under the National Security and Investment Act.

Sir Stephen Lovegrove

He warned that the UK was 'turning a blind eye to Britain's largest semiconductor foundry falling into the hands of an entity from a country that has a track record of using technology to create geopolitical leverage'.

Such chips, which act as the brains of digital devices, are used in everything from cars to washing machines to toothbrushes - but there are not enough to keep up with the increasing demand.

Analysts have warned the global shortage - which has affected the automotive industry the most - could last until 2023.

It has put a spotlight on the supply chain as a result, with governments increasingly concerned about their reliance on foreign chip manufacturers.

The deal will protect some 400 jobs at the factory - which produces 8,000 wafers, mass-produced sheets of microchips, each week - and help pay off several outstanding debts.

The Welsh Government today denied asking Boris Johnson's administration to deal with the Newport Wafer Fab issue.

'The Welsh Government has not made a request to the UK Government to review the takeover of Newport Wafer Fab,' a spokesman said.
A man has been charged with the murder of a brother and sister who died during a suspected burglary at their home nearly 30 years ago

Danville Neil, 63, from Lewisham, south east London, was charged with the double murder of Ann Castle, 74, and her brother William Bryan, 71, who died during an alleged break-in at their flat in Bethnal Green, east London, in 1993.

A post-mortem showed war veteran Mr Bryan died from suffocation and ischaemic heart disease, while his sister died from the same heart condition.

Police said at the time of the discovery of the sibling's bodies that they were found sitting side-by-side in chairs.

Ann Castle, 74, and her brother William Bryan, 71, died during an alleged break-in at their flat in Clare Street, Bethnal Green, east London, in 1993. Pictured: Street view of Clare Street

Both were found by a neighbour who became suspicious when they did not answer the door and the lights were left on.

Scotland Yard put out appeals for information at the time, but no one was charged until today, some 28 years later.

Neil was arrested last October after existing evidence was re-examined, police said.

He was charged yesterday with the double of murder of Mr Bryan and Mrs Castle as well as one count of burglary.

At Bromley Magistrates' Court today, Neil appeared before magistrates and was remanded in custody.

His next court appearance will be at the Old Bailey later this week.

The Met Police said their investigation into the deaths is still continuing.

Danville Neil, 63, from Lewisham, south east London, appeared at Bromley Magistrates' Court today and was remanded in custody

A spokesman for the force said: 'A man has been charged with the murder of a man and a woman in 1993.

'Danville Neil appeared in custody at Bromley Magistrates' Court today having been charged with the murders of Ann Castle and her brother William Bryan who died at an address in Clare Street in August 1993.

'Neil was also charged with burglary. He is next due to appear at the Central Criminal Court on Friday.

'Neil was charged on Tuesday. He was arrested in October 2020 after existing evidence was re-submitted for further examination.

'A post-mortem examination held at Poplar Mortuary in 1993 gave Mrs Castle's cause of death as ischaemic heart disease. Mr Bryan died from asphyxia and ischaemic heart disease.'
A black employee at Tesla's California gigafactory claims he was called the N-word 'approximately 100 times' and saw swastikas and KKK signs plastered over the bathroom as the company faces a major racism lawsuit.

Aaron Craven's sworn declaration is among 100 others from fellow staff members claiming Elon Musk's electric car giant discriminates against black people and has created a toxic atmosphere at its main factory in Fremont.

'I was directly called ''n*****' approximately 100 times at the Fremont factory,' Craven said in a sworn statement filed to Alameda County Superior Court, which has been seen by Dailymail.com.

Craven has since left the car giant.

Aaron Craven's sworn declaration is among 100 others from fellow staff members Tesla is racist against black people and has created a toxic atmosphere at its main factory in Fremont (pictured)

Another plaintiff, ex-contractor Aaron Minor, said he heard Tesla employees describing the factory as 'the Plantation' and its black employees as 'cotton workers', according to a 500-page exhibit.

'My understanding is that people refer to the Tesla factory as the Plantation and call employees cotton workers because Tesla treats its Black employees like slaves,' Minor wrote.

Other employees claimed black workers struggled to get promotions and were forced to perform menial tasks. They also claim bosses were not interested in investigating claims of racism.

The action by four plaintiffs alleges that Tesla has 'created an intimidating, hostile, and offensive work environment for black and/or African-American employees that includes a routine use of the terms 'n****r' and 'n***a' and other racially-derogatory terms, and racist treatment and images'.

The sworn statements, given on pain of perjury, are part of a 2017 class-action lawsuit to win damages against the Fremont factory, which employs close to 10,000 people.

Since 2018, just under 120 have requested the right to sue Tesla in California for discrimination, with nine claims rejected due to insufficient evidence, Protocol.com reported.

Another plaintiff, ex-contractor Aaron Minor, said he heard Tesla employees describing the factor as 'the Plantation' and its black employees as 'cotton workers'

Tesla insists the reports do not represent the experience of black employees and has fought the lawsuit, Marcus Vaughn v. Tesla, in Alameda County Superior Court since 2017.

Larry Organ, an attorney for the California Civil Rights Law Group, said: 'My personal view is that Tesla does not focus on investigating and preventing these claims.

'It all depends on the facts of the case.

'However, what our class action has revealed and what the culmination of these cases shows, use of the N-word and other racist symbols like a swastika has been consistently used at the factory in Fremont since 2015.'

The lawyer is demanding punitive damages and a jury trial.

The Fremont plant, located in Alameda County, was at the centre of criticism last year after Tesla CEO Elon Musk urged workers back to work at the height of the pandemic in March.

Three workers claimed they had been fired after choosing to stay home after refusing to go into work following Tesla's decision to renege on a policy where they could stay at home if they feared passing on COVID to a loved one.

Tesla insists the reports do not represent the experience of black employees and has fought the lawsuit, Marcus Vaughn v. Tesla, in Alameda County Superior Court since 2017. Pictured is its CEO, Elon Musk

Musk - who decried government lockdowns as 'fascist' - tweeted on May 11: 'Tesla is restarting production today against Alameda County rules. I will be on the line with everyone else. If anyone is arrested, I ask that it only be me.'

Several days later, the billionaire reached an agreement with officials to allow the reopening of the plant as long as all COVID cases at the facility were reported to the Alameda County Public Health Department.

Data from the Department obtained by The Washington Post earlier this year showed that around 450 employees contracted COVID-19 between May and December 2020.
Ronald Greene is pictured in an undated photo taken before his May 2019 death after leading Louisiana State Troopers on a high-speed chase

The FBI has ordered a second look at the autopsy of a black Louisiana driver who died in a 2019 traffic stop after police finally released bodycam footage showing cops punching and kicking him after a minor crash.

The move is part of a federal civil rights investigation into the death of Ronald Greene, 44, which has taken on new urgency after the video was published by police two months ago - more than two years after the incident.

Federal prosecutors also met with his family last month, and made clear they plan to present the case to a grand jury by the summer's end.

'They wanted to emphasize to the family that they're serious this time,' the family's attorney Lee Merritt said.

'Their new enthusiasm is based on the public pressure that's come from the release of the videos.'

Trooper Dakota DeMoss, one of the troopers involved in the deadly stop, was recently fired.

The second, Master Trooper Chris Hollingsworth, died in a a single-vehicle crash last year just hours after learning he would be fired for his role in Greenes arrest. A third, Kory York, has been suspended.

The autopsy could be crucial in determining if anyone is charged in the case.

The initial examination of Greene's body two years ago failed to determine whether his most severe injuries were caused by the troopers' violent use of force or a minor crash that followed the police chase.

Several people familiar with the case said that the FBI recently asked Dr. Frank J. Peretti, who conducted the initial autopsy, to take another look that takes into account a raft of evidence the Louisiana State Police refused to provide the first time, including the troopers' body camera footage and even the most basic police reports.

Video taken from Trooper Dakota DeMoss' body camera shows the violent of arrest of Greene. Louisiana State Police initially reported that he had died in a car crash

His review in the coming days, which will focus on the supporting evidence and not require another exam of Greenes long-buried body, could result in a revised autopsy report.

'No cause of death is carved in stone,' Peretti said. 'Sometimes additional investigative materials become available years later that you didnt have. The correct thing to do is to review it.'

The materials that weren't shared for the initial autopsy are just part of the secrecy that has shrouded Greenes May 2019 death, which state police initially blamed on a crash following a high-speed chase outside Monroe.

The ranking officer at the scene of Greenes arrest denied the existence of his own body camera footage for two years, and state police did not open an administrative investigation into the troopers use of force until 474 days after Greenes death.

The autopsy, conducted at the Arkansas State Crime Lab, listed Greenes cause of death as 'cocaine induced agitated delirium complicated by motor vehicle collision, physical struggle, inflicted head injury and restraint.'

But it notably left unanswered whether the crash or excessive police force caused his most severe injuries, including a fractured breastbone and lacerated aorta.

'There were lacerations of the head inconsistent with motor vehicle collision injury,' the 10-page autopsy report says.

'These injuries are most consistent with multiple impact sites from a blunt object.'

An independent autopsy commissioned by Greene's family days after his death found it was 'not possible to determine the cause,' citing a 'significant lack of information regarding the circumstances.'

State police did not respond to a request for comment.

The FBI declined to comment. The Justice Department said in a statement: 'If the investigation reveals prosecutable violations of any federal criminal statutes, the Department will take appropriate action.'

The new activity follows mounting criticism that the federal investigation into Greenes death has moved far too slowly.

At one point Trooper Kory York grabbing the leg shackles and dragging Greene on his stomach. York was suspended without pay for 50 days

York stands over Greene lying on his stomach outside of Monroe, Louisiana, during the shocking incident

John Belton, the Union Parish district attorney, referred the case to federal authorities in September 2019, telling colleagues he was aghast at the body camera footage.

But more than five months passed before the FBIs satellite office in Monroe even collected the case file, according to law enforcement officials familiar with the matter.

'We do appreciate that the case is moving forward, but the pace is still a problem for the family,' Merritt said. 'Theyre just not acting swiftly enough.'

In June 2020, federal authorities subpoenaed an array of training materials from state police ranging from use of force to 'the provision of medical care to arrested persons,' according to documents.

The federal subpoena also requested training records for Chris Hollingsworth and Dakota DeMoss, the two troopers who first encountered Greene and rushed his SUV following the high-speed chase.

Hollingsworth, who later admitted striking Greene in the head with a flashlight, died last year in a single-vehicle crash hours after he learned he would be fired for his role in the Greene case.

The FBI in recent weeks has focused on the question of whether troopers willfully mistreated Greene, seeking to determine, among other things, whether he was pepper-sprayed after being handcuffed.

A use-of-force report authored by Hollingsworth includes a reference to the pepper-spray, but its unclear from the body camera video exactly when the chemical was deployed.

A coroner's report said Greene died of cardiac arrest. This photo provided by his family shows injuries to his body

State and federal authorities also are examining whether troopers can be charged for showing deliberate indifference to Greenes medical needs or for failing to intervene in his violent arrest - such as when Master Trooper Kory York dragged the man on his stomach by his ankle shackles.

Troopers also have been criticized for ordering the heavyset, 49-year-old Greene to remain facedown on the ground with his hands and feet restrained for more than nine minutes - a tactic use-of-force experts described as dangerous and likely to have restricted his breathing.

The clip, of Greene's May 2019 arrest in Monroe County, Louisiana, depicts what happened when state troopers pulled Greene over after the barber led them on a 115 mile-per-hour chase. He died in an ambulance after suffering a cardiac incident during the arrest.

It begins with Master Trooper Chris Hollingsworth and Trooper DeKota DeMoss rushing Greenes SUV, as he can be seen appearing to raise his hands and repeating, 'OK, OK. I'm sorry.'

Greene is also heard to say: 'Im your brother! Im scared! Im scared!'

Hollingsworth shocks Greene with a stun gun within seconds through the drivers side window as both troopers demand he get out of the vehicle.

Greene's damaged vehicle after it was released by the Louisiana State Police following an investigation

Greene exits through the passenger side as Hollingsworth appears to wrestle him to the ground, putting him in a chokehold and punching him in the face while another trooper can be heard calling him a 'stupid mother***r.'

Hollingsworth strikes Greene multiple times and appears to lie on one of his arms before he is finally handcuffed.

The troopers then leave the burly man unattended, facedown and moaning for more than nine minutes, as they use sanitizer wipes to wash blood off their hands and faces.

'I hope this guy aint got f***ing AIDS,' one of the troopers can be heard saying.

At one point, another trooper, Kory York, yanks Greenes leg shackles and briefly drags the man, facedown on his stomach.

Moments before, York was seen kicking Greene as he tried to shift from his stomach onto his side in an apparent attempt to breathe more easily.

At least six troopers were on the scene of the arrest but not all had their body cameras on.

After a several-minute stretch in which Greene is not seen on camera, he appears again, limp, unresponsive and bleeding from his head and face. He is then loaded onto an ambulance gurney, his arm cuffed to the bedrail.

Troopers initially told Greene's family he died on impact after crashing into a tree during the chase. Later, state police released a one-page statement acknowledging only that Greene struggled with troopers and died on his way to the hospital.
The 15-year-old girl who was run over and killed after she jumped out of a moving car during an argument with her mother on a Texas highway has been identified.

Maddison Taylor died on Monday in a hit-and-run crash on the North Freeway in Harris County.

The teen was reportedly engaged in a dispute with her mother when she decided to open the car door and jump from the passenger seat.

Taylor's relatives lashed out at the driver who struck her before fleeing the scene on Wednesday, saying they should have had the respect to wait for emergency personnel to arrive.

Maddison Taylor (pictured) died on Monday when she jumped out of a moving car on the North Freeway in Harris County, Texas, while having an argument with her mother

Family remembered the 15-year-old nicknamed 'Maddy' as a 'fighter' with a 'heart of gold' who 'went through way too much'

Taylor's cousins (pictured) are asking the driver who struck her to come forward, acknowledging that they understand the accident was not intentional

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said preliminary investigations revealed that Taylor was struck by an unknown car that fled the scene.

A motorist driving directly behind the mother and daughter told investigators they swerved to avoid hitting the teen after she jumped onto the roadway.

The 15-year-old was pronounced dead on the scene.

The sheriff's office has yet to release a description of the vehicle that hit Taylor.

Family members told ABC 13 that Taylor was an affectionate person, but also someone who lived a troubled life.

'She didn't really get to live her life. She didn't get to walk across the stage. She didn't get to go to prom. She didn't even get to be in high school yet,' Taylor's cousin Denajah Love told ABC 13.

Her family is asking the driver who struck her to come forward, acknowledging that they understand the accident was not intentional.

Maddison Taylor died on North Freeway in Harris County, Texas, on Monday night after jumping out of her mother's moving car

Deputies say the mother and daughter had been arguing before the teen exited the car, believed to be pictured above

'Whenever I found out about that, I was kind of angry because I get that it was not on purpose, it was an accident. But at least have the respect to wait there until an ambulance gets there or police get there,' Love said.

Taylor's other cousin Ja'kaiah Franklin is asking the hit-and-run driver put themselves in the grieving family's position.

'It's really hard, the whole scene of them leaving,' she told ABC 13. 'It makes us angry basically because what if they were in the same shoe? They would want to know who hit their daughter.'

A GoFundMe set up to cover funeral cost remembered the 15-year-old nicknamed 'Maddy' as a 'fighter' with a 'heart of gold' who 'went through way too much.'

'Maddy was the most affectionate person in our family,' the fundraiser said. 'She had dreams and hopes for a great life she didnt deserve this Im so sorry baby forever In our hearts we love and will miss you so dearly.'
North Dakota is now the seventh Republican state to mobilize reinforcements to the southern border as new video shows hundreds more migrants crossing into Texas on Wednesday.

Governor Doug Burgman announced Tuesday that 135 North Dakota National Guard members will support Customs and Border Protection by assisting southern states in securing their borders with Mexico.

'We are deeply grateful for the courageous men and women of the North Dakota National Guard and their readiness to protect our great state and nation when needed,' Burgum said. 'We have monitored the ongoing crisis at the southern border and have responded to the request by sending North Dakota National Guard Soldiers to support the efforts to secure our border.'

A spokesman for Burgum says the federal government will pay for the deployment, according to local North Dakota news outlet KFGO.

Republican governors claim Joe Biden is failing in his effort to address the border crisis as Texas Governor Greg Abbott laments the president is relying on the states to do the federal government's job.

Seven states with Republican governors, North Dakota South Dakota, Florida, Arkansas, Ohio, Iowa and Nebraska are sending law enforcement and National Guard members to help secure the southern border amid the growing migration crisis

An unaccompanied migrant minor from Honduras is carried by a pastor after crossing the Rio Grande River into Roma, Texas from Mexico. There are thousands of children migrants still in U.S. custody

NEW: We just arrived in La Joya, TX this morning, and as usual, we are witnessing several groups of migrants crossing into the U.S. They are all walking around the incomplete border wall about a half mile away from us. This group told me they are from Honduras. @FoxNews pic.twitter.com/4U8WSFMZUz  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) July 7, 2021

Also on Wednesday, a Fox News reporter posted video and images of at least 150 migrants arriving from Mexico in La Joya, Texas. One group said they are coming from Honduras.

The reporter said the illegal border crossers were 'all walking around the incomplete border wall.'

With a record number of migrants crossing into the U.S. each day, enforcement officials and facilities at the border have become overwhelmed, leading to an oversaturated system with, in some cases, inhumane living conditions.

Ohio, South Dakota, Florida, Iowa, Nebraska and Arkansas have already announced they are sending in reinforcements. Now North Dakota is joining that list.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, both Republicans, asked every state to send law enforcement to help secure the border. They also requested the officials assist in making arrests of migrants who illegally crossed the border.

A family of asylum-seekers disembark from an inflatable raft after crossing the Rio Grande River into Roma, Texas from Mexico on July 7

Migrant families wait to be escorted by border patrol agents to a processing facility after being apprehended at the border Texas shares with Mexico late Tuesday night

Migrants pray after illegally entering the U.S. on July 6, 2021

BREAKING: Another large group of migrants has just walked past the incomplete border wall and is currently crossing into the U.S. This morning is the most activity Ive ever seen here in La Joya, TX in my several trips. At least 150+ so far in the last couple of hours. @FoxNews pic.twitter.com/S1CTIBPBjq  Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) July 7, 2021

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced Friday he is mobilizing 185 members of the Ohio Army National Guard to the U.S.-Mexico border in response to a request from the Department of Homeland Security and National Guard Bureau to help support efforts at the border.

Governor Kristi Noem announced last week that she will send up to 50 South Dakota National Guard troops to Texas in an effort to increase border security.

She also announced Wednesday that she will deploy an additional 125 soldiers, bringing her state's total National Guard troop contribution to 175.

'I am hopeful that this mission indicates the Biden Administration is waking up to the devastating situation at the border,' Noem wrote in a statement announcing the deployment later this year.

Her office said the troops can be deployed for up to nine to 12 months and will be on the federal government's payroll.

The new presence of National Guard soldiers will join the estimated 3,000 troops already stationed along the border in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

Republican Governors Ron DeSantis of Florida, Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas, Pete Ricketts of Nebraska and Kim Reynolds of Iowa are all sending law enforcement officers to the southern border  but not National Guard members.

The move to send reinforcements to the border comes as the GOP ramps up its criticism of this administration over its handling of the crisis there, which has seen a record number of illegal crossings in the months after Biden took office.

Less than one-third of Americans approve of Joe Biden 's handling of mass migration at the U.S.-Mexican border, a new poll revealed last week.

A WashingtonPost-ABC News poll conducted June 27-30 shows 51 per cent of adults are not happy with the president's response to the situation at the border, while only 33 per cent of the 907 respondents say they approve of its handling.

The survey, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points, notes other areas where the president is succeeding, including his response to the coronavirus pandemic and overall approval rating.

He also fell short, however, when it comes to rising crime in the U.S., with 10 per cent more respondents claiming they disapprove of Biden's handling of that issue over those who approve, 48 per cent to 38 per cent.

A new poll released Sunday shows only 33% of Americans approve of Biden's handling of the border and more than half think the president is not handling the migration crisis well

The low numbers on immigration issues come as Customs and Border Protection revealed that there were more than 180,000 encounters in May alone, which is the highest month-long number in 20 years.

Biden's dismal showing also comes as a growing list of Republican governors announced they will send reinforcements down to the U.S. border with Mexico to help with the growing crisis and spiking number of illegal crossers.

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) sent a letter to the White House on Sunday demanding Biden to block governors from sending assistance to secure the Texas border.

'We told the president in no uncertain terms, this is an insurrection by recalcitrant and rebellious states that must be stopped,' Domingo Garcia, national president of LULAC, told the Washington Times.

Abbott, a Trump ally, claims Biden's government has failed in securing U.S. borders and is relying too much on states to do the job for them.

The GOP is ramping up a political fight with President Joe Biden over border security. Migrants get off an inflatable raft after crossing the Rio Grande River to seek asylum in the U.S.

Ohio's Mike DeWine (left) and South Dakota's Kristi Noem are sending 185 and 50 respectively National Guard troops to the border

In response, Abbott ordered the Lone Star State's police and National Guard to respond and has vowed to continue construction on Trump's border wall with his state's money.

Abbott and Trump held a briefing on border security last Wednesday and surveyed an unfinished part of the former president's border wall in McAllen, Texas, which is part of the Rio Grande Valley  where a massive amount of illegal crossings occur.

The trip came five days after Harris finally visited the border after three months of pressure from critics who said she can't effectively address the crisis without visiting ground zero.

Instead of going to the main issue area in the Rio Grande, however, Harris visited El Paso, Texas, leading to more criticism from Republicans for her choice of location.

Governor Noem drew a distinction between her decision to send the National Guard to the border and other governors who are sending state police officers.

'The border is a national security crisis that requires the kind of sustained response only the National Guard can provide,' she said in a statement.

'We should not be making our own communities less safe by sending our police or Highway Patrol to fix a long-term problem President Biden's Administration seems unable or unwilling to solve.

Abbott's new push to build more barriers along the border has been criticized as political theater, but he has defended the plan, saying the number of border crossers remains high.

The governor said he will use $250 million in state money and crowdsourced financing for the barriers, although the timeline and cost for the push are unclear. It also faces potential court challenges from the federal government.

Large numbers of migrants have been showing up at the U.S. border with Mexico, with many turning themselves over to U.S. Border Patrol agents in seeking legal asylum status.

But the numbers of families and children traveling without their parents crossing into the U.S. have dropped sharply since March and April, while the encounters with single adults have remained high.

A private donation will fund the cost of sending the South Dakota National Guard troops, Noem said.

Former President Donald Trump (left) visited part of his unfinished border wall in McAllen, Texas last Wednesday and five days earlier Vice President Kamala Harris visited the border in El Paso, Texas with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas

The deployment is expected to last from 30 to 60 days, while the other states involved are sending law enforcement officers for roughly two-week stints.

The governor's office did not respond when asked for the identity of the private donor paying for the National Guard deployment.

But Democratic state Sen. Reynold Nesiba said the fact Noem was using a private donor to pay for the deployment showed it was not a ' real priority' for the state, but instead gave her 'political cover.' He said he was looking into whether using a private donation to fund the deployment is legal.

'This could set a dangerous precedent to allow anonymous political donors to call the governor and dispatch the Guard whenever they want,' he said.
President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that he will personally deliver a message to Vladimir Putin about the rash of cyber attacks taking place on American companies and groups.

'I will deliver it to him,' he told reporters at the White House when asked his message for the Russian president.

It's unclear how the message will be transmitted or when and comes less than three weeks after he warned Putin he would respond if the US was hit by another hack.

Biden's new message came after conservatives criticized him for an early lackluster response to the latest cyber attack.

Last week, a U.S. software firm was hit by a REvil - a Russian cybercriminal group - in a ransomware attack that crippled hundreds of companies worldwide.

Kaseya provides services to more than 40,000 organizations and it was considered the single, largest global ransomware attack on record.

Additionally, Russias S.V.R. intelligence agency hacked a contractor for the Republican National Committee last week, the New York Times reported, although the committee said none of its data had been breached.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Wednesday the administration won't 'preview our punches' and has a 'range of options' when it comes to a response.

President Joe Biden said that he will personally deliver a message to Vladimir Putin about the rash of cyber attacks

It's unclear how President Biden will deliver his message to President Vladimir Putin and what it will be

And Psaki said on Tuesday that the US and Russia have kept up a dialogue on the issue since the June 16 sitdown between the two leaders.

Since the Geneva summit 'we have undertaken expert-level talks that are continuing, and we expect to have another meeting next week focused on ransomware attacks,' she said.

'And I will just reiterate a message that these officials are sending. As the President made clear to President Putin when they met, if the Russian government cannot or will not take action against criminal actors residing in Russia, we will take action or reserve the right to take action on our own,' she added.

The White House has not offered any hint of their response or what action officials may take.

Right-wing media and groups excoriated Biden for an awkward exchange in Michigan on Saturday where he fumbled with paper in his suit jacket pocket to answer a question on the ransomware attack.

During that trip to a cheery farm store, Biden said he was just briefed on the attack, which was launched on Friday, but he had to refer to notes to give a non-answer updating reporters on the situation.

And, on Tuesday, Biden again pulled out notes to deliver a prepared response to reporters questioning whether he would retaliate against Russia.

'I can tell you a couple things,' Biden said when asked if the attack warrants a response from the U.S. as he started reading from a notebook. 'I received an update from my national security team this morning.'

The president insisted the attack 'appears to have caused minimal damages to U.S. businesses,' despite reports showing at least 1,000 American companies were affected  and the hacking gang claims up to 1 million companies were targeted.

'We're still gathering information to the full extent of that attack,' Biden said after delivering an update on the coronavirus pandemic and state of vaccinations from the White House.

He previewed: 'I'm going to have more to say about this in the next several days. We're getting more detail and information  but that's what I can tell you now.'

At their meeting on June 16 in Geneva, President Biden warned President Putin he will take action if the ransomware attacks continue

REvil was able to breach Kaseya, a Miami-based IT firm, and use their malware protection product to target, it claims, up to 1 million different businesses in at least 17 different countries.

The gang is publicly demanding $70 million bitcoin to fix the issue, which the White House is advising Kaseya against.

REvil has lowered their asking price to $50 million, according to private negotiations reported by Reuters on Monday.

Biden has faced a slew of criticism for his slow response to the ransomware attack and his failure to 'get tough' on Russia despite vowing retaliation if there were any attacks on U.S. critical infrastructure.

Rep. John Katko told DailyMail.com Monday night the U.S. is 'facing a time of reckoning' in relations with Russia.

'Only weeks after President Biden sat down with Putin and allegedly talked a tough game with Russia, hackers from Russia again attacked thousands of U.S. companies, compromising our nation's critical infrastructure,' Katko, ranking member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, said.
Chinese state media have published a sickening cartoon mocking the violence that gripped American cities over the Fourth of July weekend.

The cartoon, posted by Xinhua News Service, depicts two men in business suits clinking glasses of wine and chanting 'to freedom,' while a crazed-looking man next to them finishes their sentence with 'of shooting.'

The gunman is wearing a shirt adorned with a skull and surrounded by a spray of blood as he blasts off a long gun and pistol. He's standing over a gravestone that reads, 'death from firearm.'

'How a gun-happy nation spends its #FourthofJuly weekend,' they captioned the cartoon.

The post was made as America's streets were bathed in blood over Independence Day weekend, with 142 killed in 379 separate shootings.

A cartoon published by Xinhua News Service, a media outlet owned by the Chinese Communist Party, satirized the violence American cities faced over the Fourth of July weekend

Republican lawmakers slammed the post and branded China as 'hypocrites' for criticizing the US despite their own human rights record.

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio told Fox News that 'No amount of propaganda can change the fact that the Chinese Communist Party is a murderous, genocidal regime that fears freedom, undermines democracy, destroys cultures and betrays its people.'

House Foreign Affairs Committee ranking member Michael McCaul said that the cartoon shows 'just how crass and violent the Chinese Communist Party is that they have their propaganda outlets celebrating the deaths of 450 Americans over the July 4th holiday.'

He added, 'The CCP is currently committing genocide against ethnic and religious minorities in their country and are brutally cracking down on peaceful protesters in Hong Kong who are simply crying out for freedom. Until they stop murdering and imprisoning their own people, I don't believe anyone in the world should look to them for moral advice.

Meanwhile, Texas Senator Ted Cruz told Fox News that the cartoon could have come from a leftist American outlet. He said it 'increasingly difficult to distinguish Chinese Communist Party propaganda from the progressive left's anti-American incitement.'

Twitter users also weighed in, criticizing China's state media for the post and making their own digs against the Chinese Communist Party and how it treats its citizens. Many posted the iconic 1989 photo of a man protesting in front of tanks in Tiananmen Square.

Twitter user Jay T wrote, 'How CCP spends theirs,' with two photos: one a cartoon depicting a Chinese solider attacking a citizen while both of them wear party hats to celebrate the party's 100th anniversary. The other shows a someone with a sign that reads, 'Up to 1.5million people killed in China for their organs.'

User Moon13 was one of several Twitter users to comment with a famed 2017 photo showing detainees in a political education camp in Lop County, Hotan Prefecture, Xinjiang. He added the caption, 'How a camp-happy nation celebrates it's party's 100th anniversary.'

And Jessica O'Donnell commented on the tweet, 'When you stop holding thousands in concentration camps, complete with forced sterilization, then you can chime in.'

This map shows the locations of all 379 shootings known to have hit the United States over the July 4 weekend

Chicago Police are filmed on the beat Sunday night, after the Windy City saw 92 people struck by bullets during the long weekend

This is not the first time that Beijing has mocked American tragedies.

Li Yang, a consul general for the Chinese government in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, posted multiple tweets poking fun at the Miami condo collapse which has left at least 46 dead and 99 missing.

'American-style rescue: very layman in saving people, but too expert in blasting!!!' Li wrote on Monday, including pictures of the condo collapse.

'America is coming back!' the CCP diplomat wrote in a tweet from July 2. 'But none of the people buried in the ruins has come back!!!'

The graphic cartoon came after a weekend of bloody violence plaguing American cities. Chicago suffered the greatest bloodshed, with at least 92 shootings over the long weekend. That saw 16 killed and 76 injured.

National Guard soldier Chrys Carvajal, 19, was shot while attending a house party after coming home to visit his family for the Independence Day celebrations.

19-year-old National Guard soldier Chrys Carvajal was among the 14 killed in Chicago over the July 4 weekend

'My brother. He was all of life. He had a bright future in front of him,' Carvajal's sister Jennifer Ramirez told ABC 7.

Ramirez told ABC 7 that her brother was gunned down in a drive-by shooting when he went outside to grab something. A motive is unclear.

Others who survived shootings in the Windy City included children as young as five and six, with others shot in the 12 to 30 age bracket, the Chicago Sun Times, reported.

Two cops were among the city's shooting victims. The unidentified officers were shot in the early hours of Monday while trying to disperse a crowd in the city's Washington Park.

They were rushed to hospital, and are expected to survive their injuries.

Philadelphia saw a total of 17 people shot over the weekend, with 21 injured, and seven killed.

Eleven people were shot, four died and another was stabbed during a six hour orgy of violence in Philadelphia during July 4 celebrations.

Six of those 11 shot were teenagers aged between 15 and 19.

The grim toll included a double murder where more than 100 shots rang out.

Shortly after 10:30pm on Sunday, more than 100 bullets ripped through a West Philadelphia barbeque, hitting 22-year-old Sincarr Johnson Jr. in the head, a 23-year-old man multiple times in the torso and a 16-year-old girl in the butt and leg.

Johnson Jr. and the 23-year-old, who hasn't been identified, died. The teenager is in stable condition, police said.

On Saturday, three people were fatally shot, including a six-year-old boy in the Northeast section of the city.

There's no motive for the attack. Officials believe there were at least three shooters.

They also killed an unnamed 18-year-old, who was shot 13 times in the West Oak Lane section of the city, as well as a 21-year-old, who was shot multiple times in the abdomen and thigh in West Philadelphia.

Gunshot victims seemed to come from all over the city, with a 19-year-old being dropped off at a hospital by an unknown person with gunshot wounds to his groin and and lower back and a 20-year-old walking into the hospital as his own with a bullet wound in his leg.

At least 26 people people were shot in New York City on Saturday and Sunday. Two men shot in the Bronx in separate incidents on Sunday died. A 19 year-old woman is fighting for her life after being shot in the chest by a man dressed in black while she and her boyfriend walked through Harlem on Sunday night.

And in the Dallas Forth Worth area, 29 people were shot on July 4, with five of those gunshot victims later succumbing to their injuries.

Three of those victims died while celebrating July 4 at the city's Hamilton Park on Sunday night. Joseph Berry, 61, was shot while walking down Dallas' Gould Street on Sunday evening. A third, unnamed victim, was shot and killed in Fort Worth on July 4.

Denver also saw five people shot and injured in less than three hours on Sunday morning.

One of the victims was Sincarr Johnson Jr, 23, left, died after more than 100 bullets ripped through a West Philly barbecue on Sunday, while Dexter Wright Jr, 19, right, was identified as one of the victims who lost their lives in Cincinnati

Loved-ones console each other after Sincarr Johnson, 23, became one of seven people shot dead in Philadelphia over the July 4 weekend

Johnson was shot dead in this Philadelphia street, with the city plagued by shootings over the long weekend
Police probing the death of a pensioner whose torso was found 200 miles from her London home have arrested a 36-year-old woman on suspicion of murder.

Mee Chong, 67, was found dead in woods in Salcombe, Devon, on June 27, two weeks after going missing from her home in Wembley, north west London

The victim - known to friends as 'Debbie' - had been reported missing from her home on June 11. Her death was initially treated as unexplained with enquiries led by Devon and Cornwall Police.

A post-mortem took place at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on June 28, but the cause of death has not yet been ascertained.

Further enquiries undertaken by Devon and Cornwall Police in South Devon and the London area led to a murder investigation being launched and an incident room being set up yesterday by the Met Police's Specialist Crime Command.

Scotland Yard confirmed that a 36-year-old woman was arrested at a residential address in Kilburn, north west London last night on suspicion of murder. She remains in custody at a north London police station.

Mee Kuen Chong, 67, was found dead in woods near Salcombe in Devon on Sunday, after going missing from her Wembley home more than a fortnight earlier

Police at the scene where Ms Chong was found dead in woods near Salcombe in Devon on Sunday

A crime scene remains in place at the address and in South Devon.

Police say searches are likely to continue for several days.

Mee was originally from Malaysia, but had been living in Wembley for over 30 years. Her family has been updated about this development and are being supported by specially trained officers.

Detective Chief Inspector Jim Eastwood, who is leading the murder investigation, said: 'The discovery of Mee's body is a tragic development and my thoughts are with her family and friends.

Police at the scene where Mee Kuen Chong was found dead

'At this stage, we are working on establishing the full circumstances surrounding Mee's death and in particular her movements.

'I would ask anyone who saw her between Thursday June 10 and Sunday June 27 either in London or Devon, who has not yet spoken to police, to please come forward.'

He added: 'It is absolutely vital that anyone who may have information about Mee's movements over this period share what they know to help us fully understand what happened to her.'

The Met's Directorate of Professional Standards were informed following the discovery of Mee's body. A referral has also been made to the IOPC.
Bill Gates has the option of removing his estranged wife Melinda French Gates from the board of their foundation in two years if their post-divorce relationship deteriorates to the point where they can't work together, the charity announced.

The soon-to-be-divorced billionaires will continue to work together as co-chairs of their foundation even after their planned divorce.

However, if after two years Gates and French Gates decide they cannot continue in their roles, French Gates will resign her positions as co-chair and trustee, according to the Bill and Gates Melinda Foundation.

If French Gates resigns, Gates would essentially buy her out of the foundation, one of the world's largest private charitable organizations, and she would receive resources from him to do her own philanthropic work.

The resources received would be separate from the foundation's endowment, according to the announcement.

Bill Gates has the option of removing his estranged wife Melinda French Gates from the board of their foundation in two years if their post-divorce relationship deteriorates to the point where they can't work together, the charity announced. The couple is seen above on May 3

The soon-to-be-divorced billionaires will continue to work together as co-chairs of their foundation even after their planned divorce. However, if after two years Gates and French Gates decide they cannot continue in their roles, French Gates will resign her positions as co-chair and trustee, according to the Bill and Gates Melinda Foundation. Melinda is seen above at Elysee Palace in Paris on July 1

The 65-year-old Microsoft co-founder announced plans to divorce French Gates, his wife of 27 years, on May 4.

Since then, reports have emerged claiming that Bill Gates used an elaborate system of meeting women, including switching cars in order to cover his tracks.

In May, The New York Times reported that Gates, a father of three, pursued women who worked for him a few times when he was the chairman of Microsoft.

He once emailed an employee to ask her out to dinner, and another time told a woman who worked for the Gates Foundation that he wanted to take her out to dinner while they were on a business trip to New York.

In 2019, Microsoft's board of directors opened an investigation into his behavior after it was notified about his advances on an employee in 2000, and Gates stepped down from the board the following year, after the company hired a law firm to look into the allegation.

Mark Suzman, the Gates Foundation's CEO, said in a statement that the couple has added $15billion to the charity's endowment

A spokeswoman has said that his 'decision to transition off the board' had nothing to do with the affair, and Gates himself has described it as ill-advised and in the past.

Vanity Fair magazine reported that many of the Microsoft employees were made to sign Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) to prevent them from talking about his management style.

The former Microsoft boss has been described by at least one employee of being 'unrelenting' and 'condescending.'

Despite the acrimony surrounding their pending divorce, however, the couple appears intent on continuing their joint philanthropic work.

To reflect their commitment to continue the Gates Foundation together, Gates and French Gates announced an additional $15billion to the foundation's endowment.

Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman also announced that the foundation would expand its board of trustees.

Currently, only Gates and French Gates are on the board of trustees, after Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett's resignation as trustee in June.

'Our vision for the foundation has grown over time, but it has always been focused on addressing inequity and expanding opportunity for the worlds poorest people,' Bill Gates said in a statement.

'These new resources and the evolution of the foundation's governance will sustain this ambitious mission and vital work for years to come.'

Gate and French Gates announced in May that they were divorcing after 27 years of marriage.

'I am deeply proud of all that the foundation and its partners have accomplished over the past two decades to bring us closer to a world where everyone, everywhere has the chance to live a healthy and productive life,' said French Gates in a statement.

Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates, pictured in May 2018, shocked many with the announcement in May that they were ending their 27-year marriage

'These governance changes bring more diverse perspectives and experience to the foundation's leadership.

'I believe deeply in the foundations mission and remain fully committed as co-chair to its work.'

In May, The Wall Street Journal was first to report that the couple was considering the addition of board members.

It was French Gates who insisted on expanding the board in order to ensure 'future stability' for the charity.

The decision came amid their pending divorce and the publicity surrounding Bill Gates' relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after it was reported they met multiple times.

Epstein, who has been accused of sex trafficking minors, even reportedly gave Bill marriage advice.

Epstein, who had been charged with sexually abusing dozens of young girls in the early 2000s, died by suicide while in custody in 2019.

French Gates was said to have been deeply uncomfortable with Epstein after their first meeting, and urged her husband to steer clear of the pedophile financier.

Yet Gates held several meetings with Epstein - to the chagrin of his wife.

Billionaire Warren Buffett resigned as a member of the foundation's board of trustees. Melinda French Gates has insisted that the foundation expand the number of people on the board, something that her estranged husband has agreed to do

Sources told The Wall Street Journal that Gates Foundation leaders are trying to protect its reputation after recent calls from grant recipients questioning Bill's ties to Epstein.

Suzman, who handles the foundation's daily operations after joining the foundation in 2007, told the outlet in a statement that 'no decisions have been made' regarding any changes.

'Bill and Melinda have reaffirmed their commitment to the foundation and continue to work together on behalf of our mission. These discussions are part of their prudent planning for the future,' he said.
Advertisement

A mother-to-be has praised the TikTok postwoman who sparked outrage by giving customers just two seconds to open their door to receive a delivery in a viral video.

Laura Orgill, 26, filmed herself at the front door of heavily pregnant Kate Pearce, 32, who had no chance of getting to the door in time at her home in Pontypridd, South Wales.

The video - captioned 'when a customer takes longer than two seconds to answer the door' - sees uniform-clad Ms Orgill laugh as she drops off the slip, which tells a customer to collect their parcel at their local delivery office.

Many people slammed the controversial video and reported her to her employer. The Royal Mail refused to fire its poster girl and said that it has 'reminded her of the need to always uphold the highest standards'.

Ms Orgill yesterday insisted the video 'was a joke' and broke down in tears amid backlash over it.

Ms Pearce, who was behind the door of the home featured in the video, has revealed she was not expecting a parcel - just a baby in three weeks time.

The drama teacher said: 'It was just a joke - there never was a parcel. I had no idea the postwoman had filmed herself at my front door until I saw it on social media later.

'But she was welcome to film here - she is a breath of fresh air.'

Ms Pearce has even put up a sign on her front door saying: 'We love the TikTok postie. Don't let them get you down!!'

But other locals in the villages of Pentre and Ystrad in the Rhondda Valley - where Ms Orgill works - say she is letting down the community.

Barmaid Sophie Evans, 24, said: 'I'm not really fussed on her, I think it's a disgusting way to behave. She does it for the attention and has lots of people following her on TikTok but if you ask me it's for all the wrong reasons.'

Others said she was 'disrespecting' residents and the Royal Mail.

But Ms Pearce, whose father Mark Lewis is a retired postman, said: 'I feel very sorry for her, it's all been overblown.

Kate Pearce (pictured outside her front door) has praised Laura Orgill and said she was a 'breath of fresh air' in the community

Furious villagers have slammed 'attention-seeking' post woman Laura Orgill, 26, (pictured today) after she shared a TikTok video bragging about waiting just two seconds before not delivering their parcels

'I didn't know anything about it until I recognised my own front door in the video.

'I have nothing but good things to say about Laura, she's a positive role model in our community.

'She did shopping for elderly people during lockdown, she dances and sings to local children, she wouldn't offend anyone.'

Ms Pearce, who has a two-year-old son Charlie with school transport manager husband Michael, said she was delighted Laura has kept her job.

She said: 'Her video was a parody of what people think postmen and postwomen are like. But Laura's not like that - we all think she's amazing.

'Delivering the mail is a very undervalued service to society.'

Ms Orgill (pictured) yesterday insisted the video 'was a joke' and broke down in tears amid backlash over it

The video - captioned 'when a customer takes longer than two seconds to answer the door' - sees uniform-clad Ms Orgill laugh as she drops off the slip, which tells a customer to collect their parcel at their local delivery office

Retired fireman Trevor Holloway, 85, said: 'She sounds like a right pain in the a**e - I need a walking stick to get about, there's no way I can answer the door in two seconds.

'I get parcels from my grandchildren and great grandchildren for my birthday and Christmas - I can't get to the sorting office so I could miss out altogether.

'People pay the post office to have their items delivered, this young lady is not doing her job.'

Retired Red Cross worker William Davies, 63, said: 'It's part of the postman's job to keep an eye on old folk, not to treat them disrespectfully.

'This young lady is not doing her job and sounds like a bit of a no-hoper to me. I'm surprised she's not been sacked.'

Father-of-three Ian Jones, 39, said: 'I've seen her video a few times and what gets me is that she laughs her head off while she's doing it.

'She's in Royal Mail uniform and totally disrespecting people who pay good money to have parcels delivered.

Ms Pearce has even put up a sign on her front door saying: 'We love the TikTok postie. Don't let them get you down!!'

'There could be an old person on the other side of the door who takes a while to get out of their chair. I'm pretty fit and I can't get to my front door in two seconds.'

Ms Orgill yesterday said she has been left 'upset' by the furore, telling the Sun: 'I've very upset about the situation. All I did was use a trending sound and think of a funny scenario that people think that posties do to match the sound and unfortunately people have taken it seriously.

'All I've tried to do is use my platform to spread positivity and fun. During such uncertain times which has now led to me being upset, all through the last year I used my platform for good.'

Her mother told the publication: 'What she said was plainly a joke. It's ridiculous. She phoned me crying and saying how upset she is and that it was only ever a joke.I don't think what she did was stupid. It really was just a joke.'

Today, Ms Orgill - who has raised 7,000 for cancer charities through her videos - shared another video saying a 'massive thank you' for the support she received from fans. She said she wants to 'put all this in the past' and move forward.

She then posted another clip asking her viewers what their plans are for the day.

Ms Orgill, the self-proclaimed 'TikTok postie', has become an online star after posting videos in south Wales' Rhondda valley, where she lives with her girlfriend. The account is her own but she appears to have the backing of bosses, who put her in a video for Royal Mail's official careers page on Facebook.

A Royal Mail postwoman broke down in tears amid a backlash over a TikTok video in which she bragged that she only waited two seconds for people to answer the door

She shares videos about her work with Royal Mail to the platform, on which she has 745,000 followers.

After she was inundated with trolls, Ms Orgill posted another video in which she said: 'Comments like this really upset me.

'All I do is try to upload silly videos day in day out to cheer people up because I know how much they do in these uncertain times and people like this have the audacity to try and bring me down.

'I'm one of the only full-time workers during the pandemic - when parcels went through the roof - which was so hard. All I do while working, doing a hard day's graft, is try and find some time to make some videos as I know how much it cheers people up.'

Ms Orgill has also featured as a poster girl for the delivery service in a Cosmopolitan article about the 'unlikely celebrities of TikTok'. The postwoman was inundated with angry comments from customers fed up of having to chase their packages after her 'we missed you' leaflet video was shared.

One said: 'Sacked tomorrow.' Another said: 'It's been 24 hours since you posted, have you still got your job?'

One viewer said: 'Joke's on you, I've sent this to your employer.' Another speculated: 'I know it's a joke but it doesn't look good on the company, I'd never post in uniform, wouldn't surprise me if disciplinary.'

And another said: 'This actually really bugs me. I get to the door fast and they've lit got to the bottom of the drive.

Ms Orgill has since posted a tearful video in which she says she has been left 'upset' by the furore and insisting that the clip was just a joke

Ms Orgill has appeared in a video for Royal Mail's official careers page on Facebook (pictured)

Ms Orgill (pictured), the self-proclaimed 'TikTok postie', has become an online star after posting videos in south Wales' Rhondda valley, where she lives with her girlfriend

Royal Mail's fails: Flag bans, suspensions and compensation A shocking video of a Welsh postwoman bragging about only waiting two seconds for people to answer the door before leaving is not the first time Royal Mail has sparked controversy. Earlier this year, postman Thomas McCafferty was suspended by Royal Mail for refusing to assist Patricia Stewart, 72, when she lost her footing and fell down her icy front steps as she tried to collect a parcel he left for her. Mr McCafferty, 51, responded to her appeals for help by telling her 'I can't help, I'm too knackered' and then walked away. Calling over his shoulder, McCafferty told Mrs Stewart to put on her slippers as he walked off, which had come loose during her fall. The incident in the village of Bainford, Falkirk, took place during the coldest February since 1955. It came to light after footage from a neighbour's doorbell camera was posted on social media and gained traction worldwide. Meanwhile, Roo Rawal was sacked after he was filmed by a member of the public urinating in a lay-by while on duty. He later won almost 40,000 for unfair dismissal after a tribunal heard 'there is not a person alive' who hadn't at some point been forced to do the same thing. Last month, Royal Mail banned 100,000 posties from flying England flags during Euro 2020 - as patriotic postmen blasted bosses for their 'woke attitude.' All flags - of England and other countries - are barred from the firm's 45,000 vans and lorries. Royal Mail bosses did not deny posties' claims that mini St George's flags and stickers are not allowed on walking postmen and women's letter trolleys. They blamed safety reasons, stating it has a general policy in place at all times preventing drivers attaching items to vehicles in case they blow off and become 'hazards' to road users. The organisation declined to confirm if staff could display flags inside depots. Advertisement

'What if someone's old. Give people a chance.'

Another said: 'When you are wheelchair bound and can't rush to the door and they force you to collect the package three miles away.'

Posting a second video after followers queried if she'd been sacked, Ms Orgill said: 'My new tactic this week is no comment, so just no comment.'

Ms Orgill posted another video addressing the reaction she received.

She said: 'Comments like this really upset me.

'All I do is try to upload silly videos day in day out to cheer people up because I know how much they do in these uncertain times and people like this have the audacity to try and bring me down.

'I'm one of the only full-time workers during the pandemic - when parcels went through the roof - which was so hard.

'All I do while working, doing a hard day's graft, is try and find some time to make some videos as I know how much it cheers people up.

'People think I make loads and have six figures in the bank, that's not the case at all.

'Please be mindful of what you're commenting because it can really really affect people.'

Responding to Ms Orgill's video, a Royal Mail spokesperson said: 'Royal Mail always strives to give customers the highest levels of service.

'Our postmen and postwomen always go the extra mile to get customers their mail as quickly and as conveniently as possible.

'We have discussed this with the employee concerned, and reminded her of the need to always uphold the highest standards.'

Ms Orgill's TikTok isn't the first time a postie has raised eyebrows.

Earlier this year, postman Thomas McCafferty was suspended by Royal Mail for refusing to assist Patricia Stewart, 72, when she lost her footing and fell down her icy front steps as she tried to collect a parcel he left for her.

Mr McCafferty, 51, responded to her appeals for help by telling her 'I can't help, I'm too knackered' and then walked away.

Calling over his shoulder, McCafferty told Mrs Stewart to put on her slippers as he walked off, which had come loose during her fall.

The incident in the village of Bainford, Falkirk, took place during the coldest February since 1955.

It came to light after footage from a neighbour's doorbell camera was posted on social media and gained traction worldwide.

Meanwhile, Roo Rawal was sacked after he was filmed by a member of the public urinating in a lay-by while on duty.

He later won almost 40,000 for unfair dismissal after a tribunal heard 'there is not a person alive' who hadn't at some point been forced to do the same thing.

Pictured: Thomas McCafferty is identified as the Royal Mail postal worker who left Patricia Stewart, 72, in the snow after she fell while collecting a parcel because he was 'too knackered'

Last month, Royal Mail banned 100,000 posties from flying England flags during Euro 2020 - as patriotic postmen blasted bosses for their 'woke attitude.'

All flags - of England and other countries - are barred from the firm's 45,000 vans and lorries.

Royal Mail bosses did not deny posties' claims that mini St George's flags and stickers are not allowed on walking postmen and women's letter trolleys.

They blamed safety reasons, stating it has a general policy in place at all times preventing drivers attaching items to vehicles in case they blow off and become 'hazards' to road users.

The organisation declined to confirm if staff could display flags inside depots.
A Chicago police officer and two federal agents working undercover were shot and wounded early Wednesday morning while driving onto an expressway on their way to an undisclosed assignment.

The shooting took place at 5.50am near the 22nd District police station in the Morgan Park neighborhood on the South City of Chicago, which has been overwhelmed with gun violence.

The three law enforcement officers were in an unmarked car when they were shot, Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown told reporters during a press briefing. He declined to say what the trio were doing, or where they were headed, only saying they were 'conducting an investigation.'

Scroll down for video

Chicago police and ATF agents work the scene of a shooting on South Ashland Avenue near West 118th Street next to Interstate 57 Wednesday, which left a city officer and two federal agents wounded

The two ATF agents and Chicago cop were shot on an onramp to Interstate 57 as they worked undercover in the early hours of Wednesday morning

An ATF agent works the scene of the shooting on Chicago's South Side Wednesday

A car involved in the officers' shooting sits outside Chicago Police Department's Morgan Park District station

Two of the officers are agents from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and one is a Chicago officer, Brown said. Their injuries were not considered life-threatening.

No arrests have been reported as the unidentified suspect or suspects remained at large.

The shooting comes the same day as a scheduled visit to suburban Crystal Lake, Illinois, by President Joe Biden to promote his economic plan.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has said she plans to discuss gun control and the citys violence, which has included a sharp spike in shootings this year, when she meets with the president.

At the morning press conference, Brown declined to talk about what the officers were working on. He did not say whether the shooter or shooters knew that they were officers, and department spokesman Tom Ahern later said that detectives had not yet interviewed the three officers to determine if they believe whoever shot them knew they were law enforcement officers.

The three injured officers were on their way to an undisclosed undercover assignment before 6am when a suspect or suspects opened fire on their unmarked vehicle

A bullet sits on the street at a crime scene near the border between the Morgan Park and West Pullman neighborhoods

Police officers stand outside Advocate Christ Medical Center, where the injured victims were taken for treatment

The officers, described as experienced and senior, Brown said, were driving on an onramp to Interstate 57 when they were 'fired upon from the street.'

One of the ATF agents was shot in the hand and the other was struck in the torso. The Chicago officer was struck on the back of his head but that 'it appears to be a graze wound.' All three were in stable condition.

The shootings come a day after police reported that 100 people were shot in Chicago  including two police officers who were wounded while trying to break up a crowd  over the long Fourth of July weekend.

The holiday bloodbath left 18 people dead, up from the same time last year, where 17 people were killed and 70 more were wounded.

An overhead shot shows police vehicles and personnel at the hospital after the shooting

Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown (center) said at a press conference this is a 'very challenging' time to be in law enforcement

With Wednesdays shooting, 36 Chicago officers have been shot so far this year, Brown said.

'This is a very challenging time to be in law enforcement but they are rising to the challenge of doing all they can. And the work they do is extremely dangerous,' Brown said.

Brown previously put much of the blame for the proliferation of gun violence on a court system that allows people charged with violent crimes, including murder, to be released from custody on electronic monitoring.

On Wednesday, he eluded to some of his previous statements concerning the rise in crime rates.

'I think this highlights some of the things I've been saying over the last several weeks,' Brown said. 'The officers are performing their jobs at the highest level. They're risking everything to protect the people of Chicago and this includes our collaboration with ATF officers.'

The shooting took place just hours before President Joe Biden landed at O'Hare International Airport, where he was greeted by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot

Chicago Alderman Matt OShea said on Wednesday the city was overrun with 100,000 gang members.

'They are emboldened and have nothing to fear from law enforcement,' O'Shea told the Chicago Sun-Times. 'The police are under siege.'

Even before the holiday weekend, the Chicago Police Department said in the first six months of the year there were 332 homicides compared to 338 for the same period last year and that there were more shooting victims and shooting incidents than during the same six-month period last year.

Alderman Anthony Napolitano recently called the city a 'war zone' and blasted Mayor Lightfoot for the surge in crime.

Lightfoot has blamed joblessness, poverty and out-of-state gun smuggling for the ongoing violence spiral gripping the city of 2.7 million people she runs.
This is the terrifying moment a 15-year-old girl risked her life by playing chicken with a freight train while stood on railway tracks.

A photo taken with a police drone shows the teenager standing just metres away from the locomotive, which came to a grinding halt after the un-named girl walked onto a railway line.

Amazingly, the teen avoided any injuries but the incident in Manea, Cambs caused an hour of delays for trains using the route on Monday evening.

The girl was arrested on suspicion of trespass on a railway and for an alleged assault on a woman who tried to help her off the tracks.

This is the terrifying moment a 15-year-old girl risked her life by playing chicken with a freight train while stood on railway tracks

Cambridgeshire Police's Rural Crime Action Team (RCAT) used the drone to help the British Transport Police to locate the teenager on the railway tracks.

A Cambridgeshire Police spokesperson said: 'A 15-year-old girl from Manea was arrested on suspicion of assault and trespass on a railway in Wisbech Road, Manea at just before 10pm on Monday (July 5).

'The assault is reported to have happened against a woman the 15-year-old girl knew and who was trying to help during the incident on the railway line.

'She was taken to Kings Lynn custody and has since been released under investigation.'

Amazingly, the teen avoided any injuries but the incident in Manea, Cambs caused an hour of delays for trains using the route on Monday evening. (File photo of Manea railway station)

The RCAT revealed that locating the teenager was one of many jobs involving their drone.

The team had been called earlier in the day to assist officers locate a car which had been used in a crime.

The RCAT tweeted: 'Multiple drone jobs yesterday for the RCAT. First was locating a car which had been used in crime and made off from officers then dumped near Jack's in Chatteris.

'The second Job was to assist BTP with a person stood on the train track in a standoff with a train. #Dronesforgood.'
University students are outraged after around 1,500 finished the year without their grades this week after staff boycotted marking.

The move at the University of Liverpool has left graduating students with a score of 'zero' and is already threatening to derail job and onward study offers, they claim.

The boycott - reportedly involving more than 1,000 staff - came after the vice chancellor threatened to make more than 20 teachers and researchers redundant.

The move at the University of Liverpool has left graduating students with a score of 'zero' and is already threatening to derail job and onward study offers, they claim

Around 1,500 students were robbed of their celebrations when they were given incomplete or 'zero' grades on Monday, according to union UCU.

Appey Ogenyi, 21, a psychology student was expecting to get at least a 2:1 on Monday, but was scored zero.

She was hoping to secure a place to study a masters at Kings College in September, but said she's been told she might have to defer her place due to her lack of marks.

She said: 'Students are really angry and upset. I couldn't believe it - there were no results for me.

'I've already moved to London for my masters, so that will be expensive if I have to defer. I feel so angry that my great memories have been spoiled by something so reversible.

'It was a crazy results day. Is the uni going to message every employer to explain why we have zeros?

'Our degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society and we're not sure they will still accredit it.'

The boycott was announced on June 18 in response to the university's decision to make redundancies using 'false metrics', opponents said.

Appey Ogenyi, 21, a psychology student was expecting to get at least a 2:1 on Monday, but was scored zero

In a statement issued at the time, lecturers said the marking boycott would mean new measures including 'suspending second marking/moderation of your work, returning work without feedback, having people who do not teach on our module mark your work, and scrapping external examiners'.

An email from the university to students admitted it would leave final year students to graduate ' without all of your module marks'.

The statement said it could cause problems for students applying for jobs and further studies.

The university had told students it would award temporary grades based on an average of marks.

Then in a further email on Friday some students were told they would have to wait for their results until July 12.

But in solidarity with the protest she added: 'We're really close to the staff and although it's a bit annoying I think it's one of the only ways they can get the uni to listen.'

It is understood students from a range of year groups and courses have been affected, including psychology, maths, life sciences and modern languages.

The university said in an earlier statement it said bosses would 'withhold 100% of pay from colleagues' whose boycott impacted results day.

A spokesperson for the University of Liverpool said: 'We are working hard to mitigate the impact of ongoing industrial action on our students but unfortunately, a small number of subjects are significantly affected by the current marking and assessment boycott.

'As such, the university has communicated with students in those subject areas, to let them know that there is a short delay to their results.

'The majority of our subjects have released results on time and over 98 per cent have achieved a classified or pass degree, in line with previous years.

'Of the small number of subjects whose results should be published next week we again expect the majority of students to receive their classification.

'We recognise that this is frustrating for those students affected, but it is extremely important that additional time is taken to process these marks in line with the Code of Practice on Assessment, to ensure that all the necessary quality assurance has been completed.'
Advertisement

Americans who have waited more than a year to travel are having their summer vacations dampened before they begin by flight cancelations and delays caused by a shortage in pilots.

Travel is on the up, with 9.8million Americans flying between July 2nd and July 6th - three times as many as in the same period last year. It was still 3million off the 12.5million who flew over the Fourth of July weekend in 2019.

But since 2019, tens of thousands of pilots have been fired along with flight attendants and airport workers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pilots have also retired, but no new pilots have had enough training to replace them.

It has created a bottleneck scenario that is forcing airlines to scramble pilots from wherever they can. Often they can't find any, and the flights are canceled.

On Tuesday, 541 flights were canceled in, out and within America, which is 200 more per day than were being canceled on average between January and April, when fewer people were flying.

They included 126 Southwest flights, 82 American Airlines flights, 77 United Airlines flights, 36 JetBlue flights, 27 Delta flights, 22 Frontier flights and 10 Spirit airlines flights.

Travellers wait in line for immigration process ahead of the July 4th holiday, at the Newark Liberty International Airport, in Newark, New Jersey, U.S., July 2, 2021

Travel is on the up, with 9.8million Americans flying between July 2nd and July 6th - three times as many as in the same period last year. It was still 3million off the 12.5million who flew over the Fourth of July weekend in 2019.

CANCELED FLIGHTS ON TUESDAY JULY 5 Southwests - 126 American Airlines - 86 United Airlines - 77 JetBlue - 36 Delta - 27 Frontier - 22 Spirit - 10 Advertisement

It's down to more flights being scheduled to meet passenger demand, without enough staff there to run them. Pilots say the problem lies with a lack of training.

'Many U.S. airlines are seeing increased flight demand and thanks to the Payroll Support Program, ALPA pilots are on the job and ready for takeoff.

'However, everyone has to do their part. Airline training departments must deal with increased flight schedules, and we believe that most should be able to predict and respond appropriately to retraining demands.

'As we were throughout the pandemic, ALPA is a willing partner and we are actively working with the airlines to ensure that the investments made in our industry help fuel the economic recovery, continue to produce an adequate supply of highly-trained pilots and keep flying safe,' a spokesman for the Airline Pilots Association told DailyMail.com.

Not every airline laid off staff in the pandemic. It was only American that furloughed pilots and they got rid of 1,600.

All of those pilots need to be retrained before they can fly again and that could take months.

Captain Dennis Tajer, who has been an American pilot for more than 20 years, told DailyMail.com last month: 'It's surreal. This time last year we were canceling flights because there weren't enough passengers.

'Now we're canceling flights because there aren't enough pilots.'

He is also the spokesman for the Allied Pilots Association - the union which represents American's 15,000 pilots.

Tajer doesn't believe that the shortages are down entirely to the COVID-19 furloughs, but says the airline is unwilling to work with the pilots to plug the holes.

'Instead of coming to us and working with us, they've just surrendered to reducing the schedule.

'There's a scheduling problem in that pilots can't accept overtime work legally without maxing out their flying hours.

'A lot of people who want to help aren't provided the flexibility to help so it narrows the players to a very small margin.

'But this is the same issue as American was having in 2019- this is not specifically a COVID problem.

'We firmly believe we could have sustained the schedule but they didn't consult it. I don't know if their plates were just too full or what,' he said.

American said all of its pilots would return to work by the end of July.

'The first thing AA did was furlough 1,600 pilots in October. No one else did that.

'Those pilots are still awaiting training and they won't be ready to fly by the end of August. Legally, if you have had a break of three months you have to be trained up again. So the school house is at full tint.

'Then you have the 1,000 who took early retirement. They've got to fill those positions which takes months and months.
A former Republican candidate for mayor of San Francisco says the city is run by left-wing ideologues whose calls to defund the police are responsible for low morale among cops and whose policies are to blame for the rise in crime.

Richie Greenberg made the comments just a day after video emerged on social media showing shoplifters brazenly making off with stolen goods after ransacking a local Neiman Marcus store.

Crime statistics indicate an increase in burglaries this year compared to 2020, with critics blasting the progressive district attorney, Chesa Boudin, for being too lax in meting out punishments to offenders.

I called this years ago and we see this is now coming to fruition, Greenberg told Fox News on Wednesday.

Its astounding, its jaw-dropping, its completely unacceptable...its outrageous, he said.

Richie Greenberg, a former Republican candidate for mayor of San Francisco, says the city is run by left-wing ideologues whose calls to defund the police are responsible for low morale among cops and whose policies are to blame for the rise in crime

Greenberg says there is a drop in morale among the police officers, which he attributes to a November ballot measure that ended a requirement that there be a specified number of cops assigned to patrol certain neighborhoods.

Before Proposition E was adopted, San Francisco law required that at least 1,971 full-duty officers be staffed at the police department.

Prop E now requires the police to submit a staffing report and recommendation every two years to the Police Commission, a body whose members are appointed by the mayor and the city Board of Supervisors.

Greenberg says that the problem is the city does not have enough ideological diversity.

'This is a far left-wing governed city,' he said.

'There's virtually no conservative, even centrist candidates that really win, especially on the city council and our board of Supervisors.

'This city is controlled completely by left-wing ideologues.'

He added: 'Theres not enough police - part of the whole defunding police movement.'

Earlier this week, video was posted to Instagram capturing yet another brazen act of shoplifting in San Francisco.

At least 10 people are seen in the video with armfuls of designer goods and then fleeing the luxury department store Neiman Marcus - without anyone trying to stop them.

The footage reveals the shoplifters leaving the Union Square store, each carrying bags of stolen items with the security tags still dangling off of them.

The perpetrators then ran in different directions, with a few speeding away from the scene in a white sedan.

One person watching says, They cant do anything, perhaps referring to security at Neiman Marcus.

Shoplifting cases are all too common in San Francisco, where charges of property theft less than $950 in value was downgraded from a felony to a misdemeanor in 2014 - meaning that store staff and security do not pursue or stop thieves who have taken anything worth less than $1,000.

A video posted to Instagram earlier this week captures the moment at least 10 people stole loads of designer bags from Neiman Marcus in San Francisco and fled undeterred

Police are still investigating the incident and the suspects were already gone by the time they arrived

Witnesses told KTVU that the store was about to close when the suspects came in and smashed display cases before nabbing the goods and leaving

Shoplifting cases are all too common in San Francisco, where charges of property theft less than $950 in value was downgraded from a felony to a misdemeanor in 2014

The person who posted the video wrote a message demanding San Francisco crackdown on shoplifters and called for District Attorney of San Francisco Chesa Boudin to be removed from office.

Everyone in the city is tired of this so please sign the recall petition to oust Chesa Boudin now! Crime is legal basically and allowed and tolerated due to policies put in place and supported by all our supervisors and mayor and DA,' Instagram user sfstreets415, whose bio reads, Asian photographer and crime reporter,' wrote.

The petition was first launched in March to recall Boudin, who has come under fire in recent years, along with the citys leadership, for allegedly not doing enough to combat San Franciscos shoplifting problem.

The citys surge in such incidents arose almost immediately after the passage of Proposition 47, a ballot referendum known as the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act that downgraded the theft of property less than $950 in value from a felony charge to a misdemeanor.

The monetary value of the goods stolen from Neiman Marcus is not clear and police are still investigating the incident. According to KTVU, when officers arrived at the scene the suspects were already gone.

Witnesses told KTVU that the store was about to close when the suspects came in and smashed display cases before nabbing the goods and leaving.

Larceny is the most common crime committed in the Bay Area, according to the San Francisco Police Department's Crime Dashboard.

There were 12,194 instances of larceny between January 1 and June 27, 2021, according to SFPD's most recent data.

This is a drop by around 11 percent from the same time period in 2020, when there were 13,804 instances.

The second-most committed crime is burglary. So far this year, there have been 3,624 instances of burglary, a roughly 5 percent increase from the 3,439 acts committed in 2020 during the same time period.

Burglary differs from larceny in that it is defined by the department as including 'thefts of bicycles, motor vehicle parts and accessories, shoplifting, pocket picking, or the stealing of any property or article that is not taken by force and violence or by fraud.'

Larceny is the most common crime committed in the Bay Area, according to the San Francisco Police Department's Crime Dashboard

Burglary is different from larceny because it involves unlawful trespassing to commit a crime.

The most recent retail chain to address San Francisco's shoplifting problems was Target, which announced last week that six of its San Francisco stores will be closing at 6pm instead of 10pm in an effort to prevent further theft.

The retailer wrote in a statement, 'for more than a month, weve been experiencing a significant and alarming rise in theft and security incidents at our San Francisco stores.'

One Target security guard, Kevin Greathouse, told Newsweek that management has instructed him and other employees not to physically engage the shoplifters.

Greathouse said he carries a handgun, a taser and pepper spray on him at all times when at Target.

However, he described one alleged shoplifter recently threatening him with a knife and said, 'I don't have any intention of getting stabbed for $60 worth of stuff.'

It is not clear what Neiman Marcuss security guard intervention policy is, though the department store sent a statement to the Daily Mail that reads, 'The safety and welfare of our associates and customers is our top priority, and were relieved to report that no one was harmed in the incident. Were cooperating with the San Francisco Police Department in their investigation.

Safai told Newsweek that the city and the district attorney's office have gotten involved in Target's case and that many of the retail giants alleged perpetrators are part of an organized retail crime group.

'These are people who are recruited, organized and are reselling these good and San Francisco is hurting for it,' Safai said.

Small business owners cant always afford security guards and must take matters into their own hands when it comes to addressing shoplifting.

Such is the case for the family-owned Daniels Pharmacy, in the Crocker-Amazon neighborhood, where Ed Nasrah told DailyMail.com that staff wont let shoplifters get off easily.

We approach them and try to take [stolen goods] back, he said.

Once they know youve got a reputation for not letting shoplifters get away, theyre less likely to do it. We do get ripped off sometimes and people get away with stealing things, Im not gonna lie about that. But when we see it, we dont just let them get away.

Jalal Haydari, owner of Limoncello Italian Market and Deli, recently told Fox News that his store in tony Pacific Heights is targeted day and night. He has 32 cameras installed to catch criminals and has caught many in the act.

One video reveals a thief breaking in through a window before stealing from a cash register and nabbing the electronic tablets used to take delivery orders.

Another video reveals a man taking armfuls of food containers and drinks off the deli counter before fleeing.

Broken windows are costing him Haydari even more than stolen merchandise, totalling $23,000 in the past year.

'My store has been broken into more than 14 times,' Haydari says.

'And I have all the police reports, but I have not been notified if anybody got arrested. I think before you open a business in San Francisco you should think twice because youre not protected at all no matter what.'

A statement sent to Fox News by Safeway supermarket reads, 'Like other retailers, we've seen a dramatic increase in shoplifting incidents and losses from shoplifting since California sentencing laws changed in 2014 to make all theft below $950 a misdemeanor when it was previously a wobbler, either a felony or a misdemeanor based on prosecutorial discretion.

'Enterprising thieves have figured out there are few consequences to shoplifting if they keep the value of their crimes below $950.'

The Neiman Marcus videos surface comes less than a month after another shameless shoplifting case was caught on camera. Footage showed a brazen robber, on his bicycle, as he filled a garbage bag with products at a San Francisco Walgreens and bicycled out of the store - as a bystander and security guard watch

The man rode his bike to the store, filled a garbage bag with stolen goods and rode away

The Neiman Marcus video comes less than a month after another shameless shoplifting case was caught on camera and went viral online.

The footage posted on Twitter by ABC7 Reporter Lyanne Melendez was filmed on June 14 and reveals the moment a brazen robber filled a garbage bag with products at a San Francisco Walgreens and bicycled out of the store after no one tried to stop him.

According to KTVU, San Francisco's District Attorney's Office have since filed formal charges against the perpetrator, Jean Lugo Romero, for the incident as well as other acts of commercial shoplifting and robbery at various Walgreens and CVS stores throughout the city.

The Walgreens scene followed the closing of 17 San Francisco Walgreens locations due to shoplifting cases, where theft in the pharmaceutical chain's 53 remaining stores is four times the average for stores elsewhere in the country, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

One Walgreens reportedly loses $1,000 a day to shoplifters, the news outlet adds.

Across the city, 18 Walgreens stores saw 94 shoplifting incidents between September 1 and December 31, 2020, according to data compiled by the San Francisco Police Department and obtained by news outlet Mission Local.

Walgreens also spends 35 times more on security guards in the city than elsewhere, Jason Cunningham, regional vice president for pharmacy and retail operations in California and Hawaii, said at a hearing on retail crimes held in May by Boudin and Ahsha Safai, a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, and retailers, police and probation departments.

Safai had not addressed the most recent shoplifting incident as of Tuesday morning.

Last month, he and Boudin announced a partnership with ALTO Alliance, an organization that provides legal support to retailers impacted by shoplifting in efforts to prevent repeat offenses.
Celebrity hotspot Mahiki is closing the doors of its flagship Mayfair club after 16 years as the Covid fallout continues to bite.

The bar and club, that has previously hosted famous faces including Beyonce, Rita Ora and Prince Harry, is now seeking a new location.

'After sixteen years in our original location, now is the right time for us to find a new home for Mahiki,' co-owner David Phelps said.

'We are looking for somewhere where we can really make the most of what people love best about our Mayfair spot  the Lanai lounge bar, the cocktails, and the sense of pure escapism which had people wanting to dance on the tables every night.'

Celebrity hotspot Mahiki is closing the doors of its flagship Mayfair club after 16 years as the Covid fallout continues to bite

Mahiki was opened in 2006 as the brainchild of David Phelps, Piers Adam and Nick House. Pictured: Kate Middleton leaving the Mahiki in 2007

The bar and club, that has previously hosted famous faces including Prince William (left) and Prince Harry (right), is now seeking a new location

Mahiki, named after the Polynesian path to the underworld, was opened in 2006 as the brainchild of David Phelps, Piers Adam and Nick House.

It offered a 'Tiki Paradise' that 'earned its place as the Mayfair legendary institution to have fun', the official website states.

The announcement comes after Mahiki announced its new partnership with Silverstone ahead of the Formula 1 British Grand Prix later this month.

Other famous faces to have frequented the Mayfair-based club include Rihanna (left) and Zara Phillips (right)

Celebrity hotspot Mahiki is closing the doors of its flagship Mayfair club after 16 years. Pictured: Sarah Harding leaving the Mahiki night club in 2011

The Mahiki T1 Enclosure overlooks the first corner of the famous race circuit.

It will host the Friday Launch Party, Saturday Night Session and Official Sunday After Party with tickets priced at 70 each.

A spokeswoman for Mahiki said it 'will bring its Tiki glitz and glamour, serving up signature Pina Coladas, while DJs spin iconic playlists to revellers across the entire weekend'.

The new partnership with Silverstone builds on existing tie-ins with the Henley Royal Regatta and Polo in the Park at Hurlingham Park in London.

It represents a renewed focus on Mahiki events and immersive experiences, which include the much-loved 'Mahiki At Home' - a pop up experience which brings a Mahiki paradise to your home, yacht, office or beach.
This is the shocking moment a man appears to punch a police officer in the face as he is arrested on a London tube after allegedly becoming aggressive when he was confronted over failing to wear a face mask.

The incident took place on the District Line on 6 July near Acton Town Underground Station at around 7.35pm in front of shocked onlookers.

Video footage recorded by a witness and shared online shows the 26-year-old man, who is dressed head-to-toe in black and wearing white trainers, sitting on an empty row of seats on the busy carriage.

The clothed officer is trying to place handcuffs on him but the man, who has not been named by police, keeps resisting before appearing to punch the officer in the face.

The officer was attempting to arrest the man for breaching Covid regulations by not wearing a face mask on public transport. He had refused to provide his details meaning a fixed penalty notice could not be issued, a spokesperson for the Met Police told MailOnline.

This is the shocking moment a man appears to punch a police officer in the face as he is arrested on a London tube after allegedly becoming aggressive when he was confronted over failing to wear a face mask

The Met Police told MailOnline the footage posted online shows only a portion of the events and the man was being arrested for his earlier aggressive behaviour.

As the officer tries to restrain him, the man punches him in the face and shouts: 'Don't touch me!'

The officer then pulls out his baton and demands that the man give him his wrists so that he can cuff him.

'You just punched me in the face,' he tells the man, who in turn accuses the officer of 'strangling' him.

'Do as you're told!' the police officer shouts, as a second male passenger stands up and tried to reason with the man.

At this point, the train conductor makes an announcement that a passenger alarm has been sounded.

'Do as you're told!' the police officer shouts, as a second male passenger stands up and tried to reason with the man. Finally, the police officer takes hold of the man's arm and pulls him out of his seat (right)

The officer again pleads with the man several times to give him his wrists, and tells him to get on the floor and spread his arms out so that he 'cuff you safely'.

But the alleged attacker refuses to do so and repeatedly tells him: 'If you hit me, I'll do you for assault,' before accusing the officer of putting his hands over his head.

The conductor then makes an announcement that the train will be moving into the next station where further assistance will be called in.

At this point, a female passenger can be heard telling another passenger: 'He might be exempt, you don't know, so you shouldn't judge.

'He's getting beaten up for nothing because he might be exempt.'

Finally, the police officer takes hold of the man's arm and pulls him out of his seat before placing his hands behind his back and cuffing him.

The officer then proceeds to read him his rights.

The police officer then places the man's hands behind his back and cuffs him. The officer then proceeds to read him his rights

As he does so, the man repeatedly tells him; 'You're finished, that's assault' as the officer places a hand on his back to push him against the wall of the train.

'That's assault, that's the second time,' he says, adding 'you're fired, you're gone, you're finished.'

The man was arrested on suspicion of assault on an emergency worker and taken to a west London police station.

The police officer was taken to hospital after being punched in the face for treatment to a minor facial injury and has since been discharged, the Met Police said.

A spokesperson for the police force told MailOnline: 'We are aware of a video circulating on social media which shows the arrest of a man at Acton Town Underground Station on Tuesday, 6 July.

'The man had been spoken to by an officer at approximately 19:35hrs in relation to failing to wear a mask on a tube train. The man became aggressive and the officer was subsequently assaulted.'

'The officer was attempting to arrest the male for a breach of Covid regulations [by not wearing a face covering]. He had refused to provide his details meaning a fixed penalty notice could not be issued.'

The spokesperson added: 'The officer was taken to hospital for treatment to a minor facial injury and has since been discharged.

'A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault on an emergency worker and taken to a west London police station.

'The footage online shows a portion of the entire interaction of the incident between the officer and the man.

'The footage was referred to the Mets Directorate of Professional Standards who reviewed all material available in order to understand the full facts.

'The review has been completed and no misconduct has been identified.

'Our officers understand that their actions will be scrutinised as they go about their work, and that the public have the right to hold them to account where appropriate.'

A spokesperson for the British Transport Police told MailOnline: 'Officers were called to Acton Town underground station at 7.41pm on Tuesday 6 July following reports of an assault on board a train.

'A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and conveyed to police custody where he remains.

'One person was taken to hospital for treatment to minor injuries.

'Enquiries into this incident are ongoing.'
A EU chief has told Hungry to overturn its controversial LGBTQ+ law while Brussels is said to be considered legal action against the country.

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday warned Hungry to reverse course on its anti-LGBTQ+ policy after pressure mounted on Brussels to cut EU funding to Budapest.

But a spokesman for Hungary's Government insisted they would still press on in spite of the Commission's 'unprecedented' interference in the country's internal affairs.

Von der Leyen, who heads the EU executive, said: 'It is a disgrace this legislation... It is something that flies in the face of the values of the European Union.'

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen (pictured) has warned Hungry to reverse course on its anti-LGBTQ+ policy while Brussels is considered legal action against the country

Brussels is also believed to be considering legal action against the EU member state and may also link the payment of post-Covid recovery funds to the law's repeal.

The new law is ostensibly designed to crack down on paedophilia, but critics say the law dangerously conflates paedophilia with homosexuality and stigmatises support for the LGBTQ+ community.

The law prohibits sharing any content portraying homosexuality or sex reassignment to children under-18 in school sex education programs, films and advertisements.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban insists the measure is to protect children but has received growing international protest over the law, which is due to take effect on Thursday.

The European Commision is understood to be planning an infringement proceeding, which amounts to a lawsuit over failure to implement EU law that can lead to fines inflicted by the bloc's top court.

'If Hungary does not rectify the situation, the commission will use its powers available as the guardian of the treaties,' von der Leyen told the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

The law prohibits sharing any content portraying homosexuality to under-18s in school sex education, films and advertisements. Pictured: Demonstrators protest against the law

MEPs have called for the commission to go further, saying they want it to use its new powers to withhold Covid pandemic recovery cash when violations of EU values are proven.

But Hungarian cabinet chief Gergely Gulyas has shot back and denounced what he claimed was an 'unprecedented campaign' by Brussels to meddle in the country's affairs.

'No matter that Brussels wants to let LGBTQ activists into kindergartens and schools, we refuse to do so,' Gulyas told a press briefing in Budapest.

Hungary has for years defied the EU with authoritarian laws that critics say have undermined free speech and threatened the independence of the country's judiciary.

The European Commission has launched several legal procedures against Budapest, including a threat to strip it of EU voting rights, but those moves were blocked by Poland and Hungary.

The latest dispute is over an Anti-Paedophilia Act that was originally billed as toughening punishments for child abuse.

But its final draft contained amendments including a ban on the 'display or promotion' of homosexuality to under-18s, and restrictions on sex education and media content.

'Europe will never allow parts of our society to be stigmatised, be it because of whom they love, because of their age, their ethnicity, their political opinions, or their religious beliefs,' said von der Leyen.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (pictured) insists the measure is to protect children but he has received growing protest over the law, which is due to take effect on Thursday

MEPs mostly backed von der Leyen's tough words for Orban and her threat of legal proceedings. They are expected to pass a resolution on Thursday asking the commission to cut off funding to Hungary.

At last month's summit of EU leaders, led by the Netherlands, nationalist leader Orban was heavily criticised over the law, with only Poland coming to his defence.

'Our conversation was necessary, difficult, and at times emotional,' EU Council chief Charles Michel, who hosted the summit, told MEPs.

At the summit, Luxembourg's leader Xavier Bettel told Viktor Orban that he has 'crossed a red line' with the new law banning LGBTQ+ content in Hungarian schools.

Prime Minister Bettel, who is openly gay, said the Hungarian law further stigmatises homosexuals and should be fought.

'To be nationally blamed, to be considered as not normal, to be considered as a danger for young people - it's not realising that being gay is not a choice,' he said.

'But being intolerant is a choice. I would stay intolerant to intolerance and this would be today my fight... I am going to tell him that what he is doing in his country is intolerant and that being gay is not a choice.'

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte also told reporters before last month's summit that Hungary 'has no place in the EU' after passing the law.

And facing Orban inside, Rutte said: 'You have passed the line. This time it is too much,' according to another EU official in the room.

At last month's summit of EU leaders, Orban was heavily criticised over the law, with only Poland coming to his defence. Pictured: Demonstrators protest against the new law

At the summit, Luxembourg's openly gay leader Xavier Bette (pictured) told Orban he has 'crossed a red line' with the new law banning LGBTQ+ content in Hungarian schools

Others joined in the criticism, delivering a scathing broadside to Hungary's leader, who has frequently clashed with Brussels and with EU counterparts over his socially conservative policies and perceived undercutting of democratic norms.

'Being homosexual is not a choice. Being homophobic is a choice. We cannot accept a legislation that is legitimising such a behaviour,' Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo was said to have told Orban.

Even before the summit, most EU countries - 17 of them, including heavyweights Germany, France, Italy and Spain - had made their criticism clear.

They had signed a joint declaration raising 'grave concerns' over the Hungarian law and a follow-up letter deploring any threats to 'the principle of non-discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation'.

But some far-right lawmakers, a substantial political force in the European Parliament, continue to back Orban.

French MEP Nicolas Bay of Marine le Pen's far-right National Rally party called the targeting of Hungary 'scandalous'.

'Hungary wants to protect its children against the delusion of gender theory,' he said. 'Budapest is right.'
Former President Donald Trump called the January 6 Capitol attack an 'unfortunate event' during a press conference Wednesday at his Bedminster resort.

He went on to complain about the 'unfair' treatment his supporters have received while 'nothing happens' to Antifa or the Capitol Police officer who killed Ashli Babbitt, the 35-year-old Trump supporter who was shot trying to enter the Speaker's Lobby during the insurrection attempt.

'He would be the most well known person in this country, in the world. The person that shot Ashli Babbitt, boom, right through the head, just boom,' Trump said. 'There was no reason for that.'

Former President Donald Trump said Wednesday at a press conference in Bedminster, New Jersey that the January 6 Capitol attack was an 'unfortunate event'

Trump also claimed that a Senate report on the January 6 attack (pictured), which was carried out by his supporters, didn't name him and let him off the hook for blame

Trump complained that the officer who killed Ashli Babbitt (pictured) hasn't been publicly named. Babbitt was shot on January 6 as she tried to get into the Speaker's Lobby

Trump hosted reporters and supporters to an outdoor press event Wednesday to announce that he was headlining a class action lawsuit against Facebook, Twitter and other 'Big Tech' companies, blasting them for stifling conservative viewpoints.

Trump got banished from Twitter and Facebook for his actions on January 6.

The then-president didn't condemn his supporters' actions as they broke into the U.S. Capitol Buildling as Congress was trying to certify the election of now-President Joe Biden.

During a brief Q&A session, Trump was asked what he had done to halt the insurrection - and why he wasn't able to stop it.

Trump answered by pointing to a report, likely the bipartisan Senate report, 'Examining the Capitol Attack,' which he claimed let him off the hook for any blame.

'I was surprised, frankly, because I would have assumed that they would have come up with a typically biased, at least on the Democrat side, statement. But the report came out a few weeks ago my name wasn't even mentioned,' Trump said.

Trump's named in the report 44 times, but the Senate Homeland Security Committee and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration didn't delve into the root causes of the attack.

Those areas will likely be explored by the select committee assembled by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in the wake Senate Republicans filibustering a bill that would have created a bipartisan 9/11-style commission to investigate the 1/6 attack.

'It was an unfortunate event,' Trump said of January 6 at his press conference Wednesday.

'I say though, however, our people are being treated unbelievably unfairly,' Trump continued. 'When you look at people in prison, and nothing happens to Antifa and they burned down cities and killed people.'

'There were no guns in the Capitol,' the ex-president added. 'Except for the gun that shot Ashli Babbitt. And nobody knows who that man [was].'

The police lieutenant who shot Babbitt hasn't been publicly named.

'If that were the opposite way that man would be all over, he would be the most well known, and I believe I can say a thing because I believe I know exactly who it is,' Trump continued.

The Department of Justice said after a three-month-long investigation into the shooting that it would not bring criminal charges against the officer for fatally shooting Babbitt.

Trump suggested this wasn't enough.

'And why isn't that person being opened up and why isn't that being studied? They've already written it off, they said that case is closed,' he said.

'If that were the opposite, that case would be going on for years and years and it would not be pretty,' he continued. 'So I just thought this was a very important time,' he added, seguing back to why he was suing Facebook and Twitter.
Elon Musk's Boring Company has won a $72million contract to build an underground tunnel through Fort Lauderdale despite his widely mocked efforts in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

The tunnel, called the Las Ollas Loop, will allow commuters to avoid traffic by taking driverless vehicles - traveling up to 155mph - underneath the city from downtown to State Road A1A, which runs along its coastline and is usually bustling with traffic. It is expected to cost between $60 to $72million.

Fort Lauderdale's Mayor Dean Trantalis announced the plans on Friday which he hailed as 'the future of Fort Lauderdale' and 'the future of transportation.'

But the news received a more mixed response from locals who are concerned that the multimillion dollar project could be a flop after Musk's less than impressive tunnels in LA and Vegas.

In both cities, he promised a super speed, automated driving system which would avoid traffic and allow commuters to get to work in record time. Instead, both remain simple tunnels - albeit with flashing colored lights - which are traversed by regular cars at regular speeds.

On Tuesday, Fort Lauderdale voted to become the third city to join billionaire and SpaceX CEO Musk's vision for faster subterranean travel.

Elon Musk's Boring Company has won a $72million contract to build an underground tunnel through Fort Lauderdale. Musk is pictured at an unveiling for the first tunnel in Los Angeles, California, in December, 2018

Elon Musk's Boring Company gained approval to bring its flashy and colorful underground tunnels to Fort Lauderdale, announced Mayor Dean Trantalis in a tweet Tuesday

The tunnel, called the Las Ollas Loop, will allow commuters to avoid traffic by taking driverless vehicles, traveling up to 155mph. The exact route and distance has not been confirmed, but it will run underneath the city from downtown to State Road A1A

After the vote, Trantalis tweeted: 'Fort Lauderdale formally accepted tonight a proposal from @elonmusk's @boringcompany to build an underground transit system between downtown and the beach. Other firms have 45 days to submit competing proposals. This could be a truly innovative way to reduce traffic congestion.'

Trentalis also told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel: 'It must be something the community feels it needs and we can afford. And it needs to help solve some of our acute traffic problems. We'll see where this goes.'

Charlie Ladd, a local developer and chair of the Downtown Development Authority, added he believed it t's a project worth exploring.

'Anything we can do to move people is big because we're not going to build any more roads,' he said.

Commissioner Robert McKinzie cast the only vote against the tunnels, but did not publicly explain why. He could not be reached for comment.

But Randy King, a longtime resident of Las Olas Isles, called the idea 'beyond stupid' in an email to city government obtained by the Sun-Sentinel.

'Hopefully we don't waste more money on "studying" something that doesn't work. In spite of the fact it doesn't really affect traffic, do we really want to open up caverns under the ground in light of what happened in Surfside? Do you want to lose power in that 3 mile tunnel? Please stop the insanity at the local government level.'

Trentalis, however, insists that the tunnels could withstand the hurricanes and floods that regularly afflict South Florida. 'We have two tunnels in South Florida. One is in Fort Lauderdale and one is in Miami,' he said.

The city voted Tuesday in favor of accepting a contract that would cost a total of $60 to $72Million. Pictured is Musk driving in a Tesla through the first Boring Company tunnel in Los Angeles in December 2018

Instead of the futuristic cars zipping people from place to place, it is regular Tesla vehicles, being driven by humans trundling through a tunnel at just 35mph - although the lighting is colorful and flashy. Pictured is Musk driving his Tesla through the Los Angeles tunnel in December 2018

Boring Company officials told the city that they projected it costing about $10 million to $12 million a mile or a total of $60 million to $72 million.

Initially, Trantalis and the city had reached out to the Boring Company in January about finding a better way to move train traffic north and south, reported Local10. Trantalis was seeking alternatives for another plans in the works to add a high-rise commuter rail bridge over the New River, from Miami to West Palm Beach, which could put 40 more trains on tracks every day.

'Imagine what that's going to do to vehicular traffic. People will be pulling their hair out of their head trying to get across town,' he said in the Local10 article.

When Boring Company executives visited Fort Lauderdale, they pitched the underground transit loop to 'provide quicker and more efficient access between downtown and the beach as well as alleviate street-level traffic,' reads a city news release.

'The folks at the Boring Company have traveled around our city, they've seen the opportunities we have, they've seen the pathways that we could create to try to make this city more efficient and more enjoyable,' Trantalis said.

More details about the Fort Lauderdale proposal are still unknown as the city can't release any further details until the 45-day competitive proposal process is complete.

In addition to Fort Lauderdale, the Boring Company has also proposed a $30 million loop system in Miami, reported The Verge. Previous projects, such as a proposed Chicago loop system and 35-mile Washington, DC-to-Baltimore tunnel appear to be canceled. The DC-to-Baltimore project has disappeared from the company's website altogether.

The tunnel would be called the 'Las Ollas Loop' and connect the city's downtown to State Road A1A, which runs along its coastline and is usually bustling with traffic

Musk began The Boring Company, with its tongue-in-cheek name completely intentional, after announcing on Twitter about four years ago that 'traffic is driving me nuts' and he was 'going to build a tunnel boring machine and just start digging.'

He unveiled the first tunnel in Los Angeles in December 2018. The so-called 'Test Tunnel' runs underneath the SpaceX headquarters in Hawthorne, California.

Musk originally wanted to use sleds in the design, but gave that idea up for retractable side wheels to help guide vehicles. In the end, he scrapped both and said, 'This is simple and just works.'

The purpose of the Hawthorne tunnel was 'for the research and development of The Boring Company's public transportation systems, Loop and Hyperloop,' according to the Boring Company's website.

At the test tunnel reveal, Musk explained his original conception for how the system, which he simply calls 'Loop,' could work on a larger scale beneath cities across the globe.

Autonomous, electric vehicles could be lowered into the system on wall-less elevators the size of two cars. Such elevators could be placed almost anywhere cars can go.

A number of autonomous cars would remain inside the system just for pedestrians and bicyclists. Once on the main arteries of the system, every car could run at top speed except when entering and exiting.

However, reality did not meet expectations and tunnels built in Los Angeles and Las Vegas were subject to mass criticism. Pictured is a Tesla parked in the Las Vegas tunnel in April

Many were disappointed by the Los Angeles test tunnel and the same went when one was debuted in Las Vegas in April, as pictured

But many were disappointed by the Los Angeles test tunnel and the same went when one was debuted in Las Vegas in April.

Instead of the futuristic cars zipping people from place to place, it is regular Tesla vehicles, being driven by humans trundling through a tunnel at just 35mph - although the lighting is colorful and flashy.

And it isn't clear if the system will ever develop into anything more like what was promised, as Musk's company didn't answer questions from the media.

Musk's underground transportation system located beneath the Las Vegas Convention Center campus was supposed to serve as a quick way to move convention attendees throughout the 200-acre campus, 40 feet beneath the ground in all-electric Tesla vehicles.

But media outlets dragged the tunnel shortly after its unveiling. 'Elon Musk's 'Public Transit' in Las Vegas Still Just Humans Driving Cars Slowly in a Tunnel,' wrote tech website Gizmodo.

'Elon Musk's Dumb Tesla Tunnel Now The Lamest Thing In Las Vegas!' added tech and motoring site Jalopnik,.

'It's about as exciting as a sheet of unpainted drywall discarded in a closed office park. It's just some Tesla Model 3s driving slowly in a tube,' wrote Jason Torchinsky. 'All this really is are some Teslas driving in tunnels lined with LED lights.

It is something that Musk appears to agree with: 'We simplified this a lot. It's basically just Teslas in tunnels at this point, which is way more profound than it sounds,' he wrote in a tweet last October.

CNET's Roadshow similarly declared the tunnel to be 'lame'.

'It seems like this project is quickly turning into Tesla cars driving people underground, rather than some sort of futuristic transport system. Unfortunately, for now, it looks sort of disappointing.' wrote Sean Szymkowski in his review of the system.

'The tunneling remains the most impressive thing about the project, with both tunnels completely excavated this past May. However, the rest of the process seems to boil down to a ride in a Model 3.'

Costing $52.5 million, the Boring Construction Company has built two one-way, 0.8-mile tunnels and three passenger stations which connects the existing convention center campus to the 1.4 million square foot West Hall expansion.

Ultimately, the system will allow for up to 4,400 convention attendees per hour to be whisked across the sprawling campus in just under two minutes. It's a journey which on foot would take approximately 25 minutes.

Early plans for the system depicted vehicles that could carry 16 people at once but for now, it is regular electric Model 3 and Model X Tesla cars providing the rides.

The vehicles only travel at 35-40 mph because of the short distance of the tunnels rather than the 150mph they might be capable.

Furthermore, the system will be staffed with drivers instead of them operating autonomously.

When fully up and running, the system is designed to transport up to 4,400 people per hour in more than 60 cars under the 200-acre campus, authority officials said.

Musk has also advocated for a futuristic underground tunnel system for trains, called the Hyperloop, which would allow passenger capsules on Tesla-built chassis to move through low-pressure tubes at high speeds.

He aspires eventually to build such a system linking Washington and New York along the busy US Northeast corridor; he has also proposed projects for Chicago and Los Angeles.

The billionaire hopes Boring's people-moving technology will help revolutionize urban transit in an ever more crowded world.

He says the idea came to him as he sat in growing frustration in his car, stuck in a traffic jam between his pricey villa in Bel Air, California and the SpaceX offices in Hawthorne, south of Los Angeles.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot greeted President Joe Biden upon his arrival in Chicago on Wednesday, holding a quick conversation with him on tarmac about the gun violence that has roiled the city.

The Chicago mayor told local reporters ahead of the president's trip she planned to ask him to send in more federal aid to Chicago to combat ongoing gun violence.

The July 4th weekend saw the deadliest and most violent weekend this year in Chicago, more than 100 people were shot and 19 of them killed. Among the wounded were at least 13 children and two Chicago police supervisors.

Through July 4, the Chicago Sun-Times reported, 2,019 people have been shot in Chicago this year, an increase of almost 13 percent compared to the year before.

On Wednesday morning, ahead of Biden's visit, a Chicago police officer and two federal agents working undercover were shot and wounded while driving onto an expressway on their way to an undisclosed assignment.

Two of the officers are agents from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and one is a Chicago officer, Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown said. Their injuries were not considered life-threatening.

During his conversation with Lightfoot, Biden 'expressed his personal support' for the two ATF officers and the Chicago cop, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in statement.

'He reiterated his commitment to working with the Mayor and leaders in Chicago in the fight against gun violence and conveyed that the Department of Justice would soon be in touch about the strike force announced just a few weeks ago that will be working with cities like Chicago,' Psaki said.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot greets President Joe Biden upon his arrival to her city

Mayor Lori Lightfoot told local reporters ahead of President Biden's trip she was going to press him for federal funds to combat gun violence

Officers work the scene where a young girl was shot in the leg on July 4; the holiday weekend saw more than 100 people shot and 19 killed in Chicago

The two ATF agents and Chicago cop were shot on an onramp to Interstate 57 as they worked undercover in the early hours of Wednesday morning

President Biden had an extended conversation with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot upon landing in Chicago. They shook hands and he held hers in his as they spoke, standing close together. He then went to hug Toni Preckwinkle. pic.twitter.com/zXrJi4bY41  Alexandra Jaffe (@ajjaffe) July 7, 2021

Biden's focus on his daylong trip is on his plan for free childcare and the education component of his 'human' infrastructure package that he will push to pass Congress without Republican votes.

The president, in his remarks, called for the education system to be expanded from 12 years to 14 years for all Americans to make the US more competitive on a global scale.

His speech in Illinois drew about 100 protesters holding signs supporting Donald Trump. McHenry County, where Biden made his remarks, went for the former president in the 2020 election. One large sign read: 'Make America Proud Again.'

'We should have a minimum of 14 years of education,' the president said, 'without spending a cent.'

'Does anybody think in the 21st century, with changes taking place in technology and across the board, than 12 years of education is enough to be able to live enough middle class life? I don't think so,' he noted.

Biden argued such a move would make America more competitive with the world.

'Imagine if we present the world and nation with a better-educated workforce. It helps everybody,' he said.

President Joe Biden called for the education system to be expanded from 12 years to 14 years for all Americans

About 100 protesters supporting Donald Trump picketed Biden's Illinois trip

President Joe Biden speaks to a child as he tours a children's learning center at McHenry County College; he was in Illinois to push his 'human' infrastructure plan

President Biden speaks to a little girl during his tour

The 14 years would include two years of free pre-K for three and four years and then two years of free community college, both part of Biden's American Families Plan.

The president also called for his child tax credit to be expanded until 2025. The payments kick in on July 15. Biden raised the Child Tax Credit from $2,000 per child to $3,000 per child for children over the age of six and from $2,000 to $3,600 for children under the age of six, and raised the age limit from 16 to 17.

'I know that's a boring speech but it's an important speech,' he said at the end of his remarks.

Biden visited McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, a community college with a workforce development program and a child care center similar to the programs he wants to pass as part of his American Families Plan.

The sales pitch is part of the president's larger economic agenda that includes around $4 trillion in traditional infrastructure spending along with his investments in social programs such as free community college, green projects and expanded paid family medical leave.

The administration is negotiating a nearly $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill - which focuses on traditional infrastructure projects - with senators that would need Republican support to pass.

Biden is looking to pass a second bill - focused on social programs - through the Senate via a process called reconciliation, which would allow Democrats to get it approved without a single Republican vote and bypass the 60-vote threshold needed to advance legislation.

Liberals, however, are stacking that measure with more than $6 trillion in spending to expand social programs that benefit working Americans and the poor. Moderate Democrats like Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia have expressed their concern at the ballooning costs.

Republicans oppose the measure, which is financed by tax increases on the wealthy.

'I don't want to punish anybody,' the president said in his remarks. 'Everybody has to pay their fair share. I'm not trying to gouge anybody but we just get in the game.'

Biden has made clear he would like both measures to pass but he said one is not dependent upon another.

Congressional Democrats are hoping to move on both bills in the halls of Capitol Hill this month but the legislative language on the two measures is still being worked out.

President Joe Biden speaks with Heather Zaccagnini , a professor, and college president Dr. Clint Gabbard during his tour of a manufacturing lab at McHenry County College

Biden used his trip to tout the education component of his American Families Plan

The president's stop in Illinois was to a congressional district held by Democratic Rep. Lauren Underwood.

The district is a key swing district that will help determine which party controls the House of Representatives after next year's midterm election.

Underwood was with Biden on his visit to the community college.

'This woman here, hang on to her,' the president told people.

Biden won Illinois in the 2020 presidential election but Donald Trump carried McHenry county, where Biden visited on Wednesday.

But White House press secretary Jen Psaki argued it was not a political trip, saying President Biden 'ran as someone who would represent, not just Democrats, not just Republicans, not just independents, but all people so I would see this as less of a political trip, more of as an opportunity to speak to all Americans.'
An Oklahoma wife and mother who has been accused of orchestrating the murder of her pastor husband in a twisted case involving the married couple's younger lover now claims she was the victim of prolonged emotional, psychological and verbal abuse.

Kristie Evans, 48, was arrested in March along with Kahlil Square, 26, for the murder of the woman's husband, David Evans, 50, the pastor at Harmony Free Will Baptist Church in Ada, Oklahoma.

Police at the time said Kristie and David Evans had had threesomes together with Square, but the wife and the younger sex partner also had a separate affair just the two of them.

Murder suspect Kristie Evans, 48 (right), claims her pastor husband, David (left), had subjected her to years of psychological and verbal abuse before he was shot dead in their bed

Kristie (left) and her and David's lover, 26-year-old Kahlil Square (right), were arrested in March on first-degree murder charges in connection with the pastor's killing. All three had had threesomes together

According to reporting by NBC News based on extensive interviews with Kristie, her grown children and other family members, the woman allegedly had suffered from a form of abuse at the hands of her husband known as 'coercive control,' which is defined as a pattern of behaviors used to intimidate, humiliate, surveil and control another person, ultimately robbing victims of autonomy.

It's mainly experienced by women and perpetrated by men in intimate relationships, and can take the form of threats; gaslighting; stalking; instituting arbitrary rules; withholding money and isolating victims from their loved ones.

Kristie's father, Ed Armer, told the news outlet that his daughter was trapped in an abusive relationship with no way out.

'She seized an opportunity to escape from her personal hell,' Armer said.

On March 22, Square entered the Evans family's home while the husband and wife were sleeping and shot the pastor dead in his bed, according to police.

Square then fled the scene and Kristie called 911, claiming an intruder had broken in and killed her husband. Four days later, she allegedly confessed to her daughter, Brittney Long, that she had 'begged' her lover to kill her father. She then went to the police and turned herself in.

Kristie and David had been together since 1991 (pictured left as a young couple) and welcomed three children. She and her family claimed her husband isolated her from her friends, kept a tight control on her spending and physically abused their sons and daughter

According to charging documents, Kristie told detectives she had given Square the gun, a box of bullets and left the backdoor of her home open for him to enter through.

Kristie has pleaded not guilty to a charge of first-degree murder. She is due back in court on Thursday. Her lawyer said they plan to argue self-defense.

Kristie reportedly told investigators that her late husband of nearly 30 years was 'controlling and verbally abusive.'

Long, the pastor's daughter, and one of their two sons, 28-year-old Zachary Evans, described their father as physically abusive. According to the siblings, he would slam the children's heads together, lift them off the floor by their hair, and make them clean the house at night while berating them.

The abuse escalated to a point when in April 2010, the three children were placed with their maternal grandparents after reporting their father's behavior to the police.

Kristie said her husband physically abused her, too, by holding a pillow to her face while pinning down her arms, but she never reported it to anyone because he never left marks on her.

Over the course of their marriage, David allegedly isolated his wife from her friends and kept a tight rein on her spending, which are said to be textbook coercive control behaviors.

Private Facebook messages exchanged between the couple and shared by their grown daughter with NBC News revealed that beginning sometime in 2017, David had been pressuring Kristie to bring additional people into their relationship, have group sex and make things more 'fun' for him in the bedroom.

According to Kristie, her devout Christian pastor husband would place ads on Craigslist seeking sexual partners, harangue her about inviting a co-worker over to their home for a threesome, and urge her to perform sex acts with other men.

Brittney Long, the Evans' daughter, said her mother told her she 'begged' her lover to shoot her father in their bed.

During one fiery exchange in April 2020, David allegedly called Kristie a 'frigid b****.'

Kristie also said her husband threatened to commit suicide if she did not go along with his sexual demands. At one point, she said her husband aimed a gun at his chin as she spoke on the phone with their daughter, reassuring her that she and her dad were fine.

David's mother, Jean Richardson, defended her son, saying that he was not as controlling as Kristie and her family made him out to be, evidenced by the fact that her daughter-in-law had a job outside the home, drove a car and had a credit card.

Richardson also argued that if the relationship had been as troubled as Kristie claimed, she could have left her husband, or sought help, instead of passing a 'death sentence' on her son.

Long, Kristie's daughter, who is now married and has a young child of her own, said she does not know what ultimately prompted her mother to take matters into her own hands, but she speculated that it might have been a feeling of hopelessness.

'My mom didnt see an end to it,' she told the outlet. 'I dont think she had it in her to continue living that way.'
Kenya voiced concern on Wednesday over plans by Carrie Johnson's animal charity to fly a herd of elephants from a Kent wildlife park to the country in a 'world first' rewilding project.

The Aspinall Foundation, which is fronted by Mrs Johnson, said it plans to transport a total of thirteen elephants - weighing 25 tonnes - more than 4,000 miles on a Boeing 747 to a secret location in Kenya in a 'ground-breaking step for this country and the conservation movement'.

The charity said it would work with anti-poaching teams to help ensure the long-term survival of the 13 animals - including three babies - once they reach one of two sites under consideration in southern Kenya.

But Kenya's Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife said it 'noted with concern' the reports in the British media about what the charity has described as the first rewilding project of its kind.

'The ministry wants to state that neither them nor the Kenya Wildlife Service have been contacted or consulted on this matter,' the ministry said.

'Relocation and rehabilitation of an animal from a zoo is not easy and is an expensive affair.'

The Aspinall Foundation (chairman of the foundation Damian Aspinall with Carrie Johnson) said it will transport the elephants to a secret location in Kenya in a 'ground-breaking step for this country and the conservation movement'

But Kenya's Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife said it 'noted with concern' the reports in the British media about what the charity has described as the first rewilding project of its kind. Pictured: Elephants at Howletts Wild Animal Park

A ministry official said that the Kenyan authorities would be guided by specific regulations drawn up by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) on the movement of animals.

The IUCN warned in March that poaching and habitat destruction, particularly due to land conversion for agriculture, was devastating elephant numbers across Africa.

The population of African savanna elephants shrank by at least 60 percent in the last half century, prompting their reclassification as 'endangered' in the latest update to the IUCN's 'Red List' of threatened species.

The Aspinall Foundation said the operation was planned for next year and that it would be the first time a breeding herd of elephants will have been rewilded.

The herd of elephants, which includes three calves and a 34-year-old matriarch, currently live on an eight-acre enclosure at Howletts Wild Animal Park, near Canterbury, in Kent.

The Aspinall Foundation is dedicated to protecting endangered species and returning captive animals to the wild. Pictured: Damian Aspinall with wife Victoria Fisher

But after months of organising, including purchasing purpose-made crates to transport the animals, the elephants are set to Kenya where they will be part of a conservation project.

They will spend six months being observed by conservationists before they are released back into the wild to roam free as part of a project that is being run with the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

Damian Aspinall, chairman of The Aspinall Foundation, told the Daily Telegraph: 'This is an incredibly exciting project and a genuine world-first. As with any conservation project of this magnitude, there are obviously big risks, but we consider them well worth it to get these magnificent beasts back into the wild where they belong.

'By supporting the project, members of the public will be part of conservation history, helping to restore an iconic species to its ancestral homeland.

'If this is successful, I would love to see elephants held in captivity all over the world be rewilded too.'

The elephants, which includes three calves and a 34-year-old matriarch, will spend six months being observed by conservationists before they are released back into the wild

During the 1980s, an attempt was made to transfer an African elephant from London Zoo to Whipsnade.

However the London Zoo elephant was kept in its travelling enclosure for too long and collapsed and later died.

The Aspinall Foundation, which was founded in 1984, now hope the 13 elephants will be able to start a new life in the wilds of Africa in 'an unprecedented project'.

The charity believes no elephant should be held in captivity and aims to ensure all those in its parks are returned to their homelands.

In a piece for The Sun, Ms Johnson and Mr Aspinall wrote: 'It will be a ground-breaking step for this country and for the conservation movement.

'We strongly believe this is the right future for them, and other wildlife organisations are increasingly sharing our view.

'Life in Kent is pretty good for these elephants, all things considered. But Africa is where they belong.'

Angela Sheldrick, CEO of the Sheldrick Trust, told The Guardian: 'Since the 1970s we have been helping elephants.

The project by the Aspinall Foundation is also being run with the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Pictured: Elephants walking in their enclosure at Howletts Wild Animal Park

'Providing a wild future to more than 260 rescued orphans and operating extensive protection projects to ensure they, their wild-born babies and their wild kin are best protected throughout their lives.

'We look forward to offering that same opportunity to these 13 elephants when they step foot on African soil, home where they belong and able to live wild and free as nature intended.'

Mrs Johnson's fondness for elephants was recently observed when she took her son Wilfred to see the wooden elephants in Green Park. The statues were put there to support charities for the giant animals abroad.

Earlier this year, Ms Johnson, who is also a patron of the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation, was appointed head of communications for the Aspinall Foundation.

Speaking of her appointment, Mr Aspinall said: 'Carrie takes up her role at an exciting time for the foundation and we are delighted to have someone of her calibre on the team.

'She is a passionate champion for wildlife and conservation, whose energy and expertise will be a huge asset to us.'

The Aspinall Foundation is dedicated to protecting endangered species and reintroducing animals born in the UK or held in captivity abroad back to the wild.

The charity also funds and manages animal protection projects in Congo, Gabon, Java and Madagascar, as well as supporting schemes in India and Cambodia.

They have so far released eight black rhino, 135 primates, 11 European bison, and more than 70 western lowland gorillas back into the wild.
A coalition of 24 industry organizations on Wednesday urged the White House to lift restrictions that bar much of the world from traveling to the United States but the Biden administration showed no signs of taking immediate action.

Separately, in a bipartisan effort, 75 members of the House of Representatives called on Biden to reopen the U.S. border with Canada to non-essential travelers. Last month, the administration extended restrictions barring non-essential travel at Mexican and Canada land borders until July 21.

The groups led by U.S. Travel Association and representing airlines, casinos, hotels, airports, airplane manufacturers and others, urged the administration to ease entry restrictions by July 15 that were imposed last year during the pandemic, and to quickly lift entry restrictions on UK travelers.

Lawmakers and industry groups are pushing the Biden administration to reopen the borders, including the U.S.-Canada border that has been shut down for non-essential travel

President Joe Biden's administration is not expected to make changes to travel restrictions anytime soon, sources told Reuters. Biden was photographed speaking in Illinois Wednesday

'We have the knowledge and the tools we need to restart international travel safely, and it is past time that we use them,' U.S. Travel Chief Executive Roger Dow said.

The lawmakers in a letter cited projections that if the restrictions are not lifted, the United States could 'lose 1.1 million jobs and an additional $175 billion by the end of this year.'

The White House did not immediately comment to Reuters.

On Tuesday, press secretary Jen Psaki answered a question on how delta variant concerns were informing travel restrictions.

'Well, certainly, as you may know, there are working groups and - with Canada, with European - with our European partners, and we're working to continue to assess what criteria would need to be in place in order to reopen travel,' she said.

'And we know that, in many cases, families are separated. We know that's a heartbreaking challenge that a lot of people are dealing with. And a lot of people are eager to travel, be with loved ones, or even do work travel. We understand that. We're eager to do that as well,' the press secretary continued.

She noted that the U.S. has one of the highest vaccinations rates in the world and said that vaccination rates in other countries are being considered when looking at when to reopen travel.

'But these working groups are meant to have an open line of transparent communication with these countries about what steps need to be taken,' she added.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has raised concerns about the Delta variant of COVID-19 in U.S. government meetings, sources said.

Industry and U.S. officials told Reuters they do not expect the administration to lift restrictions soon.

The CDC wants airlines to implement international passenger contact tracing as part of any lifting of restrictions, sources told Reuters.

The administration has been holding separate working group calls with Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union typically every two weeks to discuss how to unwind the restrictions.

Airlines and others have pressed the administration to lift restrictions covering most non-U.S. citizens who have recently been in Britain, the 26 Schengen nations in Europe without border controls, Ireland, China, India, South Africa, Iran and Brazil.

The 75 lawmakers called for lifting restrictions that bar most UK travelers and to develop 'a risk-based, data-driven roadmap to ease inbound entry restrictions.'

Some in Congress have also called on the administration to lift requirements that travelers wear masks in airports, subway stations and on airplanes and trains but is not currently considering lifting those requirements, officials told Reuters.

The Transportation Security Administration in April extended the face mask requirement in transit through Sept. 13.
The 46 Boston teenagers who were accused of refusing to wear masks on an American Airlines plane en route to the Bahamas were not responsible for the flight being delayed an entire day, the tour company behind the graduation trip says.

AA Flight 893, which was bound for Nassau, faced extensive delays on Monday after the mask-wearing ordeal on the plane at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

Fellow passengers say the teens, who had just graduated from Winthrop High School outside of Boston, refused to wear their masks and became disruptive on the plane.

The airline said the delay was the result of non-compliance with the federal mask mandate and that the passengers involved refused to follow crew member instructions.

But the owner of Breakaway Beach, a private tour company they had booked their trip through, says the airline wrongly punished the entire group after just one teenager refused to wear their mask.

AA Flight 893, which was bound for Nassau, faced extensive delays on Monday after the mask-wearing ordeal on the plane at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Passenger Stephanie Krzywanski filmed this video from the plane and, at one point, a mask-less young man waved at the camera. It is not clear if he was among the group of teens

Eugene Winer told the Boston Globe that the flight had initially been delayed for a technical issue, which forced passengers to remain on the plane without ventilation for about two hours.

'During this time some passengers including the students may have removed masks due to the no air-conditioning/ventilation, quite unbearable conditions,' he said.

'One passenger was officially escorted off of the aircraft but was not ticketed or charged with an offense.'

Winer said all passengers were them removed from the flight while repairs were carried out but the 46 teens were told they couldn't re-board because their classmate had been removed for not wearing a mask.

'The actions of this passenger resulted in the entire group of graduates being labelled 'unruly' and 'disruptive,' ' he said.

'Breakaway was told [by American Airlines] that the actions of one individual were the responsibility of the entire group.'

The airline eventually allowed the teens back on the plane but then the flight had to be delayed until the following day because there was no pilot, according to Winer.

The airline said the delay was the result of non-compliance with the federal mask mandate and that the passengers involved refused to follow crew member instructions

Fellow passengers say the teens, who had just graduated from Winthrop High School outside of Boston, refused to wear their masks and became disruptive on the plane. The teens were en route to the Bahamas on a graduation trip

Those on the flight were given hotel and meal vouchers while they waited for the new flight.

The teens, however, were unable to check in to a hotel due to age requirements and had to sleep in the airport instead.

Winthrop School District Superintendent Lisa Howard told DailyMail.com that the trip was not a school-sponsored event.

Jean Holgerson, the mother of one of the teens, said the entire ordeal has been blown out of proportion.

'It wasn't this big standoff like everyone is portraying,' Holgerson told WHDH.

'A representative from Breakaway Beach was there. We have 46 children that are saying this differently. I have no idea why some would fabricate that.'

The mother said flight attendants initially asked one of the teens to get off the flight for not complying with the mask mandate.

'As soon as they walked away, some woman walked to the bathroom without a mask,' she said.

'So now, the kids got a little bit upset how she can and this that so at that point they might've gotten a little rowdy. No one swore, they were still respectful.'

The owner of Breakaway Beach (above), a private tour company they had booked their trip through, says the airline wrongly punished the entire group after just one teenager refused to wear their mask

Other passengers, however, had earlier accused the teens of being unruly and 'very obnoxious'.

Passenger Stephanie Krzywanski filmed herself on a call with News19 from the plane and, at one point, a mask-less young man waves at the camera.

It is not clear if he was among the group of teens.

'There were a group of high school seniors celebrating their graduation who were being rowdy and not wearing their masks,' she said.

Malik Banks, who was sitting next to the group, told WSOC-TV: 'It was bad. Firstly they were yelling, they were cussing. They were being very obnoxious.

'It wasn't all of them... I'd say 75 to 80 percent of them were being terrible kids.'

He said they were forced to wait six hours before they were told what was happening with the flight.

Another passenger, Christina Randolph, said: 'All they had to do was follow the rules, put the mask on, sit there, no smart mouth comments. They couldn't do it.'
Teachers who oppose critical race theory are muzzled by their principal at an Ohio private school, according to two moms whose children were expelled after launching a campaign against 'woke' curriculum.

Andrea Gross and Amy Gonzalez made the claim on Fox & Friends First on Wednesday after Columbus Academy sent them a letter informing them that their children will not be reenrolled at the school, where tuition fees cost up to $30,000 a year.

The school said Gross and Gonzalez leveled 'false and misleading attacks' on the school and its leadership through their 'inflammatory' campaign, including making claims that students were being subjected to bomb sniffing dogs on campus.

Their actions amounted to a breach of their contract with the institution in which both parties promise to nurture a 'positive and constructive working relationship.'

Gross had two children enrolled in the school while Gonzalez had one.

In their appearance on Fox, the moms slammed the school for punishing their children for the activism of their parents - and claimed that teachers have had an equally difficult time voicing their opposition to CRT and other liberal ideologies being brought into the classroom.

Parents Andrea Gross (left) and Amy Gonzalez (right) were informed that their children will not be reenrolled at Columbus Academy, where tuition fees cost up to $30,000 a year

'I feel like it is unfortunate that when you are speaking out and you are trying to say your truth, unfortunately there are people who want to retaliate against you. In this case, they retaliated against our children, who are innocent,' Gross said.

Gonzalez chimed in, saying they weren't only fighting for the students, but the teachers of the school as well.

'We tried, in the best way possible, to represent and speak up not only for our children but also our teachers,' Gonzalez said.

'At a private school, they did not have a union. I believe a lot of it is coming from The National Association of Independent Schools.'

Gonzalez also claimed that teachers didn't have the proper support to come forward with their own issues.

'We feel like how are they going to come forward?' Gonzalez asked. 'They have one-year contracts, which whenever they have any grievances, they dont have an H.R. department, they have to take that to the head of school as well.'

The moms added that they asked for a 'confidential reporting line' for teachers and were rebuffed.

It's not clear if any teachers have attempted to complain about the teaching of CRT at the school.

Tucker Carlson also spoke about the growing furor at Columbus Academy during his show on Tuesday night - comparing the school to the Soviet Union.

'In the past year, Columbus Academy, which has a long history of academic excellence, has become race-obsessed,' Carlson said.

'School administrators arent working to help unwed teenage mothers or improve black neighborhoods. That might actually make the country better. If you want to talk about race, maybe you could improve someones life. But theyre not.

'Instead, theyre doing what all guilty white liberals do. Theyve adopted the same familial racist curriculum: some people are better than others based on the color of their skin,' Carlson continued.

'A lot of parents went along with it. They didnt say a word. They didnt know what was happening, or they were too afraid to speak up. But two mothers decided they werent going to have it, so they objected.

Speaking of the two moms, he said: 'Their mission was to stop the bigotry and return the school to its academic mission: teaching kids to read, teaching them history, showing them to do math.

'Last month, instead of punishing them, the school decided to punish their children. Columbus Academy kicked their three daughters out of school. They expelled them for what their mother did. So, challenge the regime and well hurt your children. The Soviets did it. Columbus Academy did it too.'

Carlson concluded, 'In other words, if you dare to question us, we wont disagree with you, well attack you, well hurt your children, and well accuse you of assault. Youre making us afraid.'

Tucker Carlson spoke about the growing furor at Columbus Academy during his show on Tuesday night, comparing the school administration's tactics to the Soviet Union

Columbus Academy pictured. The Ohio private school expelled three students whose moms led a coalition campaigning against Critical Race Theory being taught to their children

In a letter sent to the parents, seen by Fox News, CA Head of School Melissa Soderberg and Board of Trustees President Jonathan Kass said Gross and Gonzalez had caused 'pain, and even fear for physical safety, among students, families, faculty, and staff.'

The parents 'pursued a course of action that has been anything but civil, respectful and faithful to the facts.'

'Instead you have engaged in a campaign against Columbus Academy through a sustained, and increasingly inflammatory, series of false and misleading attacks on the School and its leadership,' reads the letter.

'Your actions caused pain, and even fear for physical safety, among students, families, faculty, and staff.'

The letter also says the two moms pushed 'false' claims that bomb sniffing dogs were patrolling the school and used a 'sham' video as part of their campaign.

'Among other things, no bomb sniffing dogs were brought to campus  the Gahanna Police Department does not even have dogs, bomb sniffing or otherwise  and there were never police cars with flashing lights,' the letter reads.

The letter claims the two mothers plotted how they and other parents could withhold paying their children's tuition to the school 'until your demands are met.'

'You have taken steps to explore how you, and with your encouragement, others, could withhold tuition payments and place them in escrow until your demands are met,' it reads.

'You have also discussed pursuing charitable entity status for your organization, in the stated hope of persuading Columbus Academy donors to re-direct their contributions to your organization where you could use the funds as leverage to pursue your agenda.'

Columbus Academy pictured displaying a banner that says it 'Stands Against Racism'

The two moms founded the Pro-CA Coalition back in January, campaigning against what they say is 'political extremism and a culture of fear and administration' at Columbus Academy.

As part of the campaign they say they have collected sworn testaments from other parents accusing the school of pushing progressive ideas about race on students and discriminating against conservative thinking.

Around 400 other parents of Columbus Academy students are said to have joined the campaign.

Gross and Gonzalez blasted the decision to deny their 'innocent' children's reenrolment as 'retaliation' against them for spearheading the campaign against the school.

They accused the school's leadership of trying to silence them and 'intimidate' other parents who speak out.

'The school's retaliation will forever affect my innocent children,' Gross said in a statement, per PRNewswire.

Gonzalez called the move 'retaliatory and discriminatory.'

CRITICAL RACE THEORY: WHAT DOES IT MEAN? The fight over critical race theory in schools has escalated in the United States over the last year. The theory has sparked a fierce nationwide debate in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests around the country over the last year and the introduction of the 1619 Project. The 1619 Project, which was published by the New York Times in 2019 to mark 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived on American shores, reframes American history by 'placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the center of the US narrative'. The debate surrounding critical race theory regards concerns that some children are being indoctrinated into thinking that white people are inherently racist or sexist. Those against critical race theory have argued it reduces people to the categories of 'privileged' or 'oppressed' based on their skin color. Supporters, however, say the theory is vital to eliminating racism because it examines the ways in which race influence American politics, culture and the law. Advertisement

They also pushed back on the school's claims that there were no bomb sniffing dogs on the grounds telling Fox they have several sworn affidavits testifying to incidents at the school, including some in relation to this.

A Columbus spokesperson defended the decision telling Fox that waging a public campaign of 'inflammatory attacks' if a violation of the school's enrollment agreement.

'Columbus Academy does not comment on the circumstances of any student or family,' the spokeperson said.

'However, any parent who waged a public campaign of false and misleading statements and inflammatory attacks harmful to the employees, the reputation, or the financial stability of Columbus Academy would be in clear violation of the Enrollment Agreement and would be denied re-enrollment for the following school year.'

The school did not provide examples of such 'attacks' or 'false or misleading statements' and the two moms denied attempting to withhold payments to the school.

However, during a Blunt Force Truth podcast interview in April, Gross and Gonzalez discussed the possibility of withholding funds.

They also spoke of it being 'easier to go for an individual than an institution.'

The topic of withholding tuition payments was also brought up in a May Zoom call, the moms told Fox, but insisted they did not follow through with any such plan.

Gross and Gonzalez are just some of the parents who have gone to war with elite private schools across the US over the teaching of Critical Race Theory.

Critical Race Theory highlights how historical inequities and racism continue to shape public policy and social conditions today.

It has become a key focus on the curriculum of schools over the last year amid the nationwide reckoning for racial justice following the murder of George Floyd.

But it has starkly divided opinion.

Conservatives allege that students are being taught a warped version of American history that claims the impact of slavery remains present throughout society.

Critics say the teachings reduce people to 'privileged' or 'oppressed' based on skin color.

But supporters say it is vital to understand how race impacts society in order to eliminate racism.
Young Australians are exploiting a glitch in the Covid-19 vaccine booking system to get the Pfizer jab despite a national shortage.

A New South Wales Health government link offering bookings for the in-demand jab to those in the 16-49 age range has been widely circulated among the state's residents.

Some of those who have taken advantage of the loophole have turned up at vaccination centres as little as three weeks later and been given the jab.

Only Australians over the age of 40 though are eligible for the in-demand Pfizer vaccine unless they have exceptional circumstances such as underlying health conditions.

Anyone who falls outside of that criteria has been told they can only receive the AstraZeneca jab - which has been linked to rare blood clotting incidents.

Pictured: A queue of people at the New South Wales Health Vaccine Centre at Homebush Olympic Park in Sydney. Federal health officials are scrambling to source sufficient supplies of the Pfizer jab after the EU imposed controversial export rules

Young Australians are exploiting a glitch in the Covid-19 vaccine booking system to get the in-demand Pfizer jab. A link seen by Daily Mail Australia sends even those aged between 16-49 to a calendar-style booking form where they can choose a time and date for their Pfizer vaccination

Pictured a health worker holding a Pfizer-BioNTech vial. Unless they have exceptional circumstances such as an underlying health condition, Australians under the age of 40 have been told they can only receive the AstraZeneca jab

Federal health officials are scrambling to source sufficient supplies of the Pfizer jab due to export restrictions imposed earlier this year.

But the NSW Health registration form allows young applicants to book an appointment even if they have no underlying health conditions.

The link, which has been seen by Daily Mail Australia, sends users to a page where they are told to create an account and provide their address and Medicare number.

Users can then choose a time and date for their vaccination from a calendar-style booking form.

Applicants have booked in appointments for the Pfizer jab at health clinics such as St Vincent's and Randwick Campus CoVax Clinic, The Australian reported.

The loophole comes after health officials in NSW admitted giving 163 students at one of Australia's most elite private schools the Pfizer Covid vaccine ahead of vulnerable groups by mistake.

St Joseph's College at Sydney's affluent Hunter's Hill confirmed to Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday that the Year 12 students were vaccinated last month, as millions of other less fortunate Aussies are forced to wait until the final quarter of this year.

With community outrage surging over why students at the $50,000-a-year boarding school were given their first shot of the Pfizer vaccine despite the jab not yet being available to under 40s, health bosses blamed an 'error'.

St Joseph's College at Hunter's Hill, Australia's largest boarding school for boys, confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that 160 of its Year 12 students received the vaccine in May - despite the vaccine not being officially available to under-40s

Dr Teresa Anderson, Chief Executive of Sydney Local Health District which falls under NSW Health, said the jabs had been intended only for Aboriginal students at the school.

Under eligibility guidelines, Indigenous Australians aged 16 to 49 are eligible for the jab which is in short supply nationwide.

'It was agreed that the Aboriginal students would be vaccinated through the state health system at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital's vaccination hub,' Dr Anderson said in a statement.

'Through an error, the wider group of boarders in Year 12, a total of 163 students, were also vaccinated. Sydney Local Health District apologises for this error.'
This is the heartbreaking moment a father cradles his newborn son who was saved after his pregnant wife was killed on impact when a robbers fleeing cops crashed into her car.

Samantha Russell, 22, was 33-weeks pregnant at the time of the crash on Tuesday night, and died on impact. Doctors were able to safely deliver her baby boy.

In an emotional Facebook post following the tragedy, her husband, Brandon Russell, 21, posted a photo of himself holding his newborn son, Mac.

'Words cannot explain or express the emotions going through everyone's head today in light of the events that took place on July 6, 2021 at around 5.30 CST,' wrote. 'Sammy was taken from us, but left behind the most beautiful gift of life.'

He continued to say that Samantha 'was going to be a fantastic mother'.

'She always had everything planned out and ready to go. She was driven and the hardest worker I knew.'

Brandon Russell posted a photo of himself holding his newborn baby son following the death of his wife, Samantha, in a fatal car crash in Wichita, Kansas Tuesday night

First responders were unable to save Samantha, but were able to rescue her son, Mac, who is reported to be healthy

Samantha Russell, 22, was pregnant when an alleged thief driving at high speeds to flee from the cops slammed into her car Tuesday night, killing her

Mac was born weighing five pounds and 4.3 ounces on July 6

'She always, always knew what to say when I was going through an issue or needed advice. She was the best person to know. From her bubbly attitude and being all over the place to her knowing when it was "couch-thirty" and time to watch Netflix. She was an all-around good person who did not deserve to die on impact from a reckless driver,' he wrote.

He added: 'She was the best example of what it looks like to be happy. She showed happiness to everyone and anyone she knew. 'She will always be my wife and the person I turn to when I need advice or to ask another one of my dumb questions.

'I love you Samantha Russell. You are everything to me.

'With all that said, I want anyone reading to take a moment to cherish and love those special people around you while they are here, that no one could ever replace because they mean so much to you.

'You never know what to expect everyday,' he concluded. 'Live everyday to your fullest.'

Samantha and Brandon were married in 2019, according to their Facebook profiles

Samantha and Brandon were married in 2019, according to their Facebook profiles.

In January, Samantha posted a picture of the two of them holding sonogram photos to announce her pregnancy, and in March, they announced that 'baby Russell' would be a boy.

Samantha created crafts she sold on Etsy, according to her public profile, and worked at a real estate company, the owner of which posted about Samantha's tragic passing on Wednesday.

'Yesterday we lost a member of our work-family, a great agent and an even better person,' the post reads.

'Samantha left a mark on our lives. She was so passionate in everything she did.

'She had a certain genuineness about her that was real and magnetic ... Her passion for her clients was amazing. I affectionally referred to her as our in-house real estate ninja. She was quickly becoming a powerhouse in our firm.

'I appreciated the opportunity to go into business with her and both she and I were excited to be writing history together with this firm; and she definitely did that.

'She was with us for a short time, but she left an incredible impact on our lives,' the post continues.

'She left this earth with one final gift, Mac, her son, who praise God is doing well.

'Samantha was so excited to be a mother, and I take solace in knowing that her family has a beautiful blessing her son to cherish and remember her.'

A GoFundMe set up to support the Russell family had already doubled its $5,000 goal by Wednesday night.

Javan Ervan, 37, left, was arrested following the fatal collision on suspicion of aggravated battery, first-degree murder and criminal possession of a firearm. He allegedly drove the Dodge truck that caused the accident. Police also arrested Jaime Chavez, 34, right, in connection with the alleged robbery

The accident reportedly occurred when an alleged thief ran a red light in his attempt to flee from police officers Tuesday night

Samantha was stopped at the intersection in her Mazda, and was reported dead on the scene

Wichita police said the suspect was driving his Dodge truck at high speeds when the accident occurred

A Nevada man driving a Chevy Silverado and a 73-year-old Wichita woman were also struck in the crash, with the woman requiring medical attention at a local hospital

Wichita police officers were onsite Tuesday night to arrest robbery suspects, when one fled northbound in a 2003 Dodge Ram pickup.

'Our officers turned around to pursue, but it was quickly disregarded,' Captain Paul Duff told KSN. 'Our officers then turned around and went back to assist the other officer who took the original robbery suspect into custody.'

Meanwhile, the suspect, 37-year-old Javan Ervan, continued to travel at a high speed, running a red light and causing a multiple car crash, hitting Samantha in her Mazda CX3 while she was stopped at an intersection.

A Nevada man driving a Chevy Silverado and a 73-year-old Wichita woman were also struck in the crash, with the woman taken to a local hospital for her injuries, KSN reports.

Ervin was later arrested on suspicion of aggravated battery, first-degree murder and criminal possession of a firearm.

According to the Kansas Department of Corrections, Ervin had several robbery convictions in the past.

Wichita police also arrested 34-year-old Jaime Chavez on suspicion of robbery and criminal possession of a firearm. He had a previous conviction of aggravated indecent solicitation of a child under the age of 14 and was paroled in March.
Cambridge yesterday sparked controversy after it emerged it is negotiating with United Arab Emirates over a potential 400million partnership.

The proposed UAE-Cambridge Innovation Institute would be a collaboration between the university and 'several educational, governmental and corporate partners' in the UAE.

But the Emirates has faced criticism around human rights issues  including its treatment of foreign nationals.

The University and College Union (UCU), which represents academics and support staff, accused the UAE of attempting to 'launder its reputation' and said it would be 'shameful' if Cambridge were 'willing to be used in this way'.

The university has acknowledged there are risks associated with such a project, including 'reputation' and a 'values gap' between the UK and UAE, according to documents obtained by Cambridge's student newspaper Varsity.

Cambridge yesterday sparked controversy after it emerged it is negotiating with United Arab Emirates over a potential 400million partnership

They also highlight the 'potential burden' a large partnership could place on parts of the university as well as the possible impact on 'academic freedom and institutional autonomy'.

The collaboration would seek to strengthen global understanding of Islamic art and culture, as well as create sustainable solutions that will help the international economy transition away from fossil fuels.

Documents outline an approximate budget of 400million over ten years, with 90million coming from in-kind contributions of academics and staff time.

The foreign partners would contribute the remaining 312million, according to Varsity.

Additional funding of around 25million could be obtained from external sources over the ten-year period.

The initiative is reportedly pending approval from the General Board, but a document sent to the Faculty of Education said it has the support of vice chancellor Stephen Toope.

The document states: 'We are also fully aware that there will be questions relating to matters of human rights and environmental sustainability and stewardship in the UAE, especially in light of recent university decisions relating to engagement with certain state actors in the region, and with petroleum-based energy producers.'

These risks could 'damage the University's ability to fulfil its mission', which is 'to contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning and research at the highest international levels of excellence'.

The University and College Union (UCU), which represents academics and support staff, accused the UAE of attempting to 'launder its reputation' and said it would be 'shameful' if Cambridge were 'willing to be used in this way'

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: 'This is a clear case of a rich authoritarian state using its wealth in an attempt to launder its reputation.

'It would be shameful if the University of Cambridge were willing to be used in this way. It is one of the wealthiest institutions in the UK and does not need this money.'

A Cambridge University spokesman said last night: 'These are talks regarding a potential partnership and no details have been finalised.'

nMeanwhile, record numbers of students are set to attend university this autumn despite classes being online.

There have been 1,474,900 applications made by 18-year-olds to universities  a 12 per cent rise on last year.

And applicants have seen a ten per cent increase in offers from institutes across the UK  with 1,147,460 made.

Offers from elite universities were up by 4 per cent from last year to 412,670.
The officer has been named as Detective Greg Ferency, a 30-year veteran with the Terre Haute Police Department

A western Indiana police officer was shot dead Wednesday outside a federal office building behind the Vigo County Courthouse, authorities said.

The officer has been named as Detective Greg Ferency, a 30-year veteran with the Terre Haute Police Department, Sgt. Ryan Adamson tweeted.

'Detective Ferency was assigned to the FBI Taskforce on behalf of the Terre Haute Police Department. The FBI is leading this investigation,' the department posted on Facebook.

'Please keep the Ferency family in your prayers. Thank you for all of the kind emails, posts, and calls. It is truly appreciated.'

The shooting happened around 2 p.m. outside an FBI office, according to WTHI-TV.

'We have unfortunately had an officer shot in the line of duty. Our officer has passed away. We will release more information as the case allows,' Adamson said earlier in the day.

A western Indiana police officer was fatally shot Wednesday outside a federal office building

Sgt. Ryan Adamson of the Terre Haute Police Department confirmed on Twitter that the officer had died

State Police Sgt. Todd Ringle confirmed on Twitter that the suspect was in custody.

'A Terre Haute Police Officer was shot and killed this afternoon. My thoughts and prayers are with the Terre Haute Police Department and the officer's family. The suspect is in custody,' Ringle tweeted.

Law enforcement officials said the suspect was in surgery late Wednesday afternoon at Regional Hospital in Terre Haute. The condition of the suspect was not immediately clear.

The suspect was described as 'a white male in a pickup truck with a damaged back end,' WTHI-TV reported.

Cops told WISH-TV that they believe the suspect drove himself to the hospital and police set up a perimeter around his truck to search it.

According to the Tribune-Star, a gold-colored Ford F-150 pickup truck was found outside the hospital with bullet holes in the window.

Indiana State Police Sgt. Matt Ames tweeted that there would be a procession for the fallen officer leaving Union Hospital that would pass the Terre Haute Police Department Headquarters.

According to his LinkedIn, Ferencey was an accomplished narcotics detective who had written a book titled Narc Ops.

The book's summary on Amazon reads: 'The author explains what is going on in our War on Drugs.'

'The book explains how the police fight the battle in the covert world of illicit drug use and distribution. The reader will experience undercover buys, search warrant executions, along with everything else the police officer experiences when working this particular type of assignment.'

Ferencey had received specialized training and experience in methamphetamine related investigations, according to Police-Writers.com.

'Greg has been at the scene of over 550 methamphetamine lab scenes as both lead investigator and site safety officer since 1999,' the website reads.

'He is a court certified expert in methamphetamine and its associated clandestine labs. Greg has trained law enforcement, civilian groups, educational system employees, medical staff and correctional personnel in methamphetamine and other drug related topics.'

The National Fraternal Order of Police, a large union for police officers, tweeted: 'Please pray for the family of the Terre Haute Police Officer who was shot and killed this afternoon in Indiana.'

'The violence against our officers MUST STOP. We are Fathers and Mothers, Sons and Daughters, Members of your Community,' the union tweeted.

Sen. Mike Braun, who represents Indiana, tweeted: 'Praying for the family of this officer killed in the line of duty today in Terre Haute, the men and women of the Terre Haute Police Department, and all Hoosier law enforcement who every day put their lives on the line to protect the communities they serve.'

DailyMail.com has reached out to the Terre Haute Police Department for more information and additional comment.

The Terre Haute shooting came as three undercover law enforcement officers were shot in Chicago while working on a case around 5:50 a.m., Chicago police Superintendent David Brown said Wednesday during a news conference.

During that shooting, a Chicago police officer and two agents with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were wounded but are expected to recover from their injuries.
A glamorous high school dropout has revealed she earns more than $1770 per week working as a lollipop lady - a job which can pay up to $130,000 per year.

Belinha Ferreira uploaded a video to TikTok on Wednesday evening detailing how much she makes each day controlling traffic at constructions sites in Melbourne.

In a series of text captions placed over clips of the 21-year-old dancing in her high-vis uniform, she outlined the number of hours she worked versus how much she was paid.

Pictured: Belinha Ferreira, 21, working at a construction site where she is paid well above minimum wag

Her largest pay packet was $544 for 13 hours of work, while her smallest was for eight hours of work for $255 - which is about $12 higher than minimum wage at $32 per hour.

She worked about 46 hours that week, which is eight hours longer than a regular desk job, but Ms Ferreira explained in the comments that she is often paid overtime.

'I make however much I can make when I can cop the hours,' she wrote.

'I do get overtime hours a lot which results in more money.'

Ms Ferreira (pictured) said she dropped out of school in Year 10, but she now earns more than teachers

Belinha Ferreira (pictured) said standing up for hour is tough, but she perseveres with pain killers

HOW MUCH DOES A LOLLIPOP LADY MAKE? Traffic controller Belinha Ferreira outlined how many hours she worked versus how much she was paid: Monday: 10.5 hours, $407 Tuesday: 4 hours, $136 Wednesday: 13 hours, $544 Thursday: 10.7 hours, $432 Friday: 8 hours, $255 Advertisement

The young woman also revealed she is given travel and meal allowances on top of her pay packet.

One social media user was baffled as to how Ms Ferreira wound up controlling traffic.

'Tell me you didn't try in school,' they wrote.

The young woman replied: 'True cos I dropped out in Year 10.'

The user piped up again and asked if she had any regrets.

'Do you regret it? I don't know what I would do with my life if I did that,' they said.

Again, the construction worker replied: 'Not at all, to be honest.'

An ex traffic controller asked how she manages the long hours.

'How do you deal with standing for all those hours? I had to quit because it was so painful,' she asked.

Ms Ferreira wrote: 'I honestly push through it after the eighth hour and if it's really bad I'll have Nurofen and I'm fine.'

Last year it was revealed that traffic controllers in Melbourne make at least $105,000, depending on project costs.

Unions say wages are just a fraction of those cost and they are deserved because workers do long hours in dangerous conditions.

Belinha Ferreira (pictured) said she doesn't regret dropped out of school at all

Others in Sydney said they earned $130,000 a year and some patrolling the lonely outback highways of the Northern Territory almost as much.

One Sydney woman previously told Daily Mail Australia that she ditched her job as a teacher to become a traffic controller.

'I was looking for a change of lifestyle. I was working as a teacher but this pays a lot more.'

One 'lollipop lady', Amy Dowsett, has raked in $130,000 a year since joining the trade.

Unions say wages are just a fraction of the cost and they are deserved because workers do long hours in dangerous conditions

The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union member earns over $40 an hour and also receives a $45 per day travel allowance and a $22 meal allowance.

Depending on the size of the project, she is also paid a site allowance of between $2.10 and $3.95 per hour.

Pay varies from state to state, but workers can pocket about $26 an hour to $55 an hour depending on the job, according to online job site Indeed. The jobs usually include penalty rates, allowances and superannuation.

The salary is justified though, industry insiders say, as traffic controllers have to stand outside in all weather and they generally cop abuse from the public.
Tucker Carlson said on Wednesday night that he was trying to arrange an interview with Russian president Vladimir Putin when he 'was spied on by the NSA'.

The Fox News host said that his communications were intercepted by the National Security Agency, and his identity - which should by law have been kept a secret - was 'unmasked' by senior intelligence officials. Carlson claimed that the content of his emails and texts was then disseminated, in a bid to discredit him.

'Late this spring I contacted a couple of people I thought could help get an interview with the Russian President Vladimir Putin,' Carlson told his viewers.

Trying to secure an interview with a world leader is routine journalistic practice, and should not have raised alarm.

Indeed, his Fox News colleague Chris Wallace won Fox News its first Emmy nomination for his 2018 Putin interview.

Shortly before Putin met President Joe Biden in Geneva, NBC's Keir Simmons sat for a lengthy interview with the Russian leader, which aired on June 14, scooping Carlson.

Tucker Carlson on Wednesday night said that he was trying to secure an interview with Vladimir Putin when his emails and texts were intercepted, and the contents of them relayed back to him. The Fox News host accepted that the people he was liaising with could have been being spied on, but demanded to know why, as a U.S. citizen, his own identity was not kept secret, as law dictates

'I told nobody I was doing this other than my executive producer, Justin Wells,' Carlson said.

'I wasn't embarrassed about trying to interview Putin. He's obviously newsworthy. I'm an American citizen, I can interview anyone I want, and I plan to.

'But still in this case I decided to keep it quiet. I figure that any kind of publicity would rattle the Russians and make the interview less likely to happen.

'But the Biden administration found out anyway by reading my emails.'

Carlson said that, despite telling no one, apart from his producer, news of his efforts soon spread around Washington DC.

'I learned from a whistle-blower that the NSA planned to leak the contents of those emails to media outlets,' he said. Earlier on Wednesday he said he had been approached at a funeral in Washington DC by someone who told him of the spying.

'Why would they do that? 'Well, the point, of course, was to paint me as a disloyal American, a Russian operative. I've been called that before, ' he said.

'A stooge of the Kremlin, a traitor doing the bidding of a foreign adversary.'

Carlson was trying to secure an interview with Vladimir Putin before the Russian leader's June 16 meeting with Joe Biden

Carlson emphasized that even if his emails and texts were incidentally intercepted - and that he himself was not a target - his identity should have been kept secret.

'By law, the NSA is required to keep secret the identities of American citizens who have been caught up in its vast domestic spying operation,' he said.

'So by law, I should have been identified internally merely as a U.S. Journalist or American journalist, that's the law.

'But that's not how I was identified, I was identified by name, I was unmasked.

'People in the building learned who I was. And then my name and the contents of my emails left that building at the NSA and wound up with a news organization in Washington. That is illegal.'

The 52-year-old pointed out that only senior officials within the agency can request the 'unmasking' of American citizens who are listened to during the course of their work. They would usually remain anonymous.

He demanded that Paul Nakasone, the director of the NSA, or Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence, explain who requested the 'unmasking' of him, and why.

Carlson called on Paul Nakasone, the director of the NSA, to explain why he was 'umasked'

Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence, would also be aware of who requested the 'unmasking' of Carlson and why, he said

'We cannot have intelligence agencies used as instruments of political control,' he said.

'Both parties use to agree on that, Democrats were especially adamant on the point. But not anymore.

'You can't have a democracy in a place where unaccountable spy agencies keep people in line by leaking the contents of their emails, discrediting them with their own emails which they thought were private.'

Wednesday night's remarks provide Carlson's most in-depth explanation yet for what happened.

On June 28, Carlson had told his three million viewers that the day before, he had heard 'from a whistleblower within the U.S. government who reached out to warn us that the NSA is monitoring our electronic communications and is planning to leak them in an attempt to take this show off the air.'

Carlson on Wednesday morning provided more detail, saying he was at a funeral in Washington DC and an acquaintance informed him that the NSA knew about the content of his email.

The NSA took the highly unusual step of denying his allegation, but Carlson has insisted that his emails were intercepted.

He said the whistleblower knew details that could only have come from his email.

Tucker Carlson, the Fox News host, on Wednesday doubled down on his claims that the NSA had spied on his emails in June. Carlson, according to Axios, was trying to set up an interview with Vladimir Putin at the time

Carlson was speaking to Kremlin insiders, based in the U.S., at the time that he claimed he was spied on by the NSA, Axios reported. The Fox News host was hoping to secure an interview with Putin

Joe Biden met Vladimir Putin in Geneva on June 16. On June 28 Carlson told his viewers he had been spied on by the NSA, because a whistleblower told him the contents of his emails were being discussed

Putin met Joe Biden in Geneva on June 16.

It was unclear who Carlson was speaking to, and the interview with Putin never materialized.

A Fox News spokesperson said: 'We support any of our hosts pursuing interviews and stories free of government interference.'

Carlson on June 28 said he learned of the alleged spying on his show thanks to 'a whistleblower within the US government who reached out to warn us that the NSA, the National Security Agency, is monitoring our electronic communications and is planning to leak them in an attempt to take this show off the air.'

Carlson said that the whistleblower 'repeated back to us information about a story that we are working on that could have only come directly from my texts and emails.'

He added: 'The Biden administration is spying on us. We have confirmed that.'

The NSA on June 29 responded with a highly unusual denial. The intelligence agency does not normally comment on its activities.

The NSA denied the targeting of Carlson, but did not deny that his communications were incidentally collected.

On June 29, the NSA denied that Carlson was 'an intelligence target'

The NSA, in their June 29 statement, denied that Carlson had been deliberately targeted. But they did not deny that may have been incidentally swept up in their surveillance of foreign targets

They tweeted: 'On June 28, 2021, Tucker Carlson alleged that the National Security Agency has been 'monitoring our electronic communications and is planning to leak them in an attempt to take this show off the air.'

'This allegation is untrue. Tucker Carlson has never been an intelligence target of the Agency and the NSA has never had any plans to try to take his program off the air.

'NSA has a foreign intelligence mission. We target foreign powers to generate insights on foreign activities that could harm the United States.

'With limited exceptions (e.g. an emergency), NSA may not target a US citizen without a court order that explicitly authorizes the targeting.'

Axios reported that Carlson could potentially have been monitored, if the U.S. government submitted a request to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court to monitor him and protect national security. Such a request would be highly unusual.

More likely was that Carlson was communicating with people whose email and phones were being monitored by the NSA. Carlson's identity would have been secret, unless someone requested his 'unmasking', to better understand the communications. Only senior officials can request unmasking, and each request is reviewed by officials at the agency that generated the intelligence report.

Two sources familiar with Carlson's communications told Axios his two Kremlin intermediaries live in the United States, but the sources could not confirm whether both are American citizens or whether both were on U.S. soil at the time they communicated with Carlson.

The site reported that it mattered because if one of them was a foreign national and on foreign soil during the communications, the U.S. government wouldn't necessarily have had to seek approval to monitor their communications.

Carlson said: 'As I've said repeatedly, because it's true, the NSA read my emails, and then leaked their contents. That's an outrage, as well as illegal.'

Carlson on Wednesday doubled down on his claims, telling his Fox News colleague Maria Bartiromo that he was convinced of the espionage.

Carlson on Wednesday provided more detail to support his June 28 claim. He said he was at a funeral in Washington when someone told him the NSA was aware of the contents of his emails. He said he had learnt, on Tuesday, that the content of his emails was about to be leaked

#BREAKING Tucker Carlson Joins @MariaBartiromo This Morning To Give An Update On NSA Spying



Tucker Announces That He Was Contacted By A Journalist Yesterday Who Informed Him The NSA Leaked His Emails To Journalists



"They're not allowed to spy on American citizens, they are." pic.twitter.com/Lq6BPHNXJ4  The Columbia Bugle  (@ColumbiaBugle) July 7, 2021

'You don't go on TV lightly to say the government is spying on me because you sound like a crazy person,' he said.

'And of course you would never say that unless you knew it was true. And I did know it was true, almost accidentally.

'I was in Washington for a funeral last week and ran into someone I know well, who said I have a message for you. And then proceeded to repeat back to me details from emails and texts that I sent, and had told no one else about. So it was verified.

'This person said, look, the NSA has this, and that was proven by the person repeating back the contents of the email, and is going to use it against you.'

Carlson said that only his executive producer knew about the communication in question and that he did not mention it to anybody else, including his wife.

The people receiving the emails and texts could, of course, have been monitored.

'Now, to be totally blunt with you, I would never have said this in public if it was something I felt was wrong or illegal or immoral. They don't actually have anything on me, but they do have my emails,' Carlson said.

'But I knew they were spying on me. As a defensive move, I thought I better say this out loud.

'I do have a megaphone. So I should say this out loud, and I did.

'The NSA didn't deny it.

'Then yesterday I learnt that - and this is going to come out soon - the NSA leaked the contents of my emails to journalists, in an effort to discredit me.

'I know because I got a call from one of them, saying this is what your email is about.

'It is not in any way a figment of my imagination. It is confirmed, it is true.

'They are not allowed to spy on journalists - they are.

'I think more ominously they are using the information they gather to put leverage and threaten opposition journalists. It is happening to me right now and I think it is shocking, and we should not put up with it in a free country.'

Carlson said that the NSA 'routinely' gives information on U.S. citizens to the Department of Justice, which is illegal. He said two FBI sources told him of the surveillance.

Carlson said it was 'a totally dysfunctional, out-of-control system.'

He added: 'Someone needs to step up and say: this is scary, we need to stop it now.'

Kevin McCarthy on Wednesday issued a statement saying that Carlson's claims were deeply troubling

Carlson's claims have set off a firestorm among conservatives.

Kevin McCarthy, the House Republican Leader, said that Carlson's claims 'raise serious questions about the NSA's practices'.

He pointed out that last week he tasked Devin Nunes, the Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, to investigate.

'In addition to congressional oversight being stonewalled, there was a public report that the NSA read the private communications of Tucker Carlson, a Fox News host,' said McCarthy.

'Today's additional reporting on this issue raises serious questions about the NSA's practices as it relates to American citizens.

'Ranking Member Nunes will initiate a thorough and aggressive investigation on behalf of the American people. Our liberties are preserved by the Constitution, the document creating the freest country in the world. Congressional Republicans will make sure our privacy and civil liberties are not sacrificed in the name of national security.'
The White House defended its effort to go 'door-to-door' to distribute vaccine information after some prominent Republicans hammered the plan.

'What we're doing is local officials are going to areas where there are lower vaccination rates and providing information on where people can get access to a vaccine, where they can go, that it's free, that they can take time off of work,' press secretary Jen Psaki said Wednesday aboard Air Force One. 'It's up to individuals to decide whether they want to get vaccinated or not.'

On Tuesday, President Joe Biden spoke about the effort in a speech where he pushed unvaccinated Americans to get their jabs as the worrisome delta variant of COVID-19 spreads.

Press secretary Jen Psaki, photograhed at Tuesday's briefing, said aboard Air Force One Wednesday that 'it's up to individuals to decide whether they want to get vaccinated or not,' after conservatives complained that President Joe Biden talked about going 'door-to-door'

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene again compared the Biden coronavirus response to Nazi Germany saying the government would be like the Nazi party's 'brown shirts' going door-to-door

Rep. Dan Crenshaw, a Texas Republican, responded to Biden's comments by saying, 'You're not my parents. You're the government. Make the vaccine available, and let people be free to choose'

Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado, another far-right Republican, said of Biden's plan that the 'government now wants to go door-to-door to convince you to get an "optional" vaccine'

'Now we need to go community by community, neighborhood by neighborhood and oftentimes door-to-door - literally knocking on doors - to get help to the remaining people protected from the virus,' Biden said.

The White House aims to get one shot in the arm of 70 per cent of Americans 18 and older, a Fourth of July goal that the administration missed. By the Fourth, 70 per cent of Americans 27 and up had gotten their first vaccine shot.

Conservatives viewed Biden's 'door-to-door' quote as government intrusion.

'How about don't knock on my door. You're not my parents. You're the government. Make the vaccine available, and let people be free to choose. Why is that concept so hard for the left?' tweeted Rep. Dan Crenshaw, a Texas Republican.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia Republican, again tied the Biden's administration's coronavirus response to Nazi Germany.

'Biden pushing a vaccine that is NOT FDA approved shows covid is a political tool used to control people,' she tweeted Tuesday afternoon. 'People have a choice, they don't need your medical brown shirts showing up at their door ordering vaccinations.'

The term 'brown shirt' comes from the official uniform of the SA or Sturmabteilung, the Nazi party's paramilitary unit.

'You can't force people to be part of the human experiment,' Greene added.

The three COVID-19 vaccines being used in the United States - Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson - have been approved by the FDA for emergency use, but haven't received full FDA approval.

Rep. Lauren Boebert, a Republican from Colorado, tweeted, 'The government now wants to go door-to-door to convince you to get an "optional" vaccine.'

On board Air Force One, Psaki was asked by a reporter what the White House's reaction was to how the door-to-door comment was interpreted by the 'far-right sphere.'

'Let me tell you what this is and what it is not. What this effort is is a continuation of what we have seen as an impactful effort that we've had by local public health officials and volunteers in a range of communities over the last month of action,' she began.

Psaki used red states like Florida and Mississippi as examples of where there have been improvements in vaccine rates.

'But what we've seen as a barrier all along, for months, has been access and information, and so we're going to continue to deploy the tactic - tactics that we've seen effective over the last few months,' she continued.

Psaki also said 'that's not currently the role of the federal government' to push for the COVID-19 vaccine to be mandatory.

'Our role is to provide supply, provide information, provide public health experts,' she said.

The press secretary also said that the U.S. government was 'not taking issue' with private institutions, like universities, mandating vaccines.

A reporter then pointed out that the government is 'trapped between the people who are saying, "You need to do more; you need to mandate or you're just not going to reach people," and the people who are saying, "Oh, my God. The government is going to mandate this."

'It seems like you're kind of stuck in the middle,' the journalist offered.

Psaki agreed.

'Sure,' she answered. 'But I think what we continue to remember is what constructive role we can play as the federal government, and that includes continuing to use resources to get out into communities; to empower public health officials; to get accurate information out; to ensure people understand ... that 50 per cent of the ... cases are now, as a result of the delta variant, higher in areas where there are lower vaccination rates.'

'That is the role where we're going to spend our energy and our resources,' Psaki added.
Common bone and joint operations may be no more effective than physiotherapy or treatment with drugs, a study suggests.

It found the benefits of some of the most frequently performed surgery  including hip replacements and knee repair  were not backed up by high-quality evidence.

Researchers at the University of Bristol looked for studies that compared the clinical effectiveness of ten procedures with no treatment, placebo or non-operative care such as physiotherapy and drugs.

Researchers found the benefits of some of the most frequently performed surgery  such as hip replacements and knee repair  weren't backed up by high-quality evidence (stock image)

They found evidence from randomised controlled trials supporting the better effectiveness of carpal tunnel decompression surgery and total knee replacement over non-operative care.

But no high-quality trials directly compared total hip replacement or knee cartilage (meniscal) repair with non-operative care.

For six other procedures including shoulder rotator cuff repair and lumbar spine decompression, trials found no benefit of surgery over non-operative care, according to the review published in the British Medical Journal.

... and back pain drugs 'ineffective' Muscle relaxants commonly prescribed to treat lower back pain provide no effective relief, a study suggests. They can reduce short-term discomfort but the effect is too small to be meaningful, says Neuroscience Research Australia, which reviewed 31 previous studies. Last year in England more than 1.3 million prescriptions were issued for muscle relaxants including non-benzodiazepine antispasmodics and antispastics. The study, published in the British Medical Journal, found no disability reduction after two weeks of use and no reduction in pain or disability at weeks three to 13. The authors say patients should be told about their findings and the risk of side-effects including dizziness and nausea. Advertisement

While seven of the procedures have been recommended for use by national guidelines, there is not a high-quality body of evidence to 'definitively' support most of them, it concludes.

Around one million patients have surgery for musculoskeletal conditions on the NHS each year, official figures show.

A lack of evidence does not mean the interventions are ineffective but it makes it difficult to identify the 'true treatment effect'.

Study leader Professor Ashley Blom, an orthopaedic surgeon, said: 'An urgent need exists to prioritise research. The observation that most commonly used and recommended orthopaedic procedures had a limited and low-quality evidence base relating to their effectiveness is concerning.'

He added: 'Interventions may work even if the evidence base has not yet been established or the observational evidence may be so overwhelming that trials would be deemed unethical or redundant. Hip replacement may be an example of this.'

Dr Benjamin Ellis, of the charity Versus Arthritis, said: 'There should be no place in the NHS for operations that don't work.

'But data from millions in the National Joint Registry has shown the benefits people get from hip and knee replacement surgery.'

Bob Handley, president of the British Orthopaedic Association, said: 'This study has taken a narrow view of the evidence available for orthopaedic operations.

'In particular, total hip replacement is one of the most successful and cost effective of all operations, not just in orthopaedics.'
An appeals court has suspended Rudy Giuliani from practicing law in Washington D.C. after he temporarily lost his license in New York for making 'demonstrably false' statements in court regarding the 2020 election.

The Washington court suspended Giuliani, 77, from working as an attorney in the city 'pending final disposition' of his New York case, according to disciplinary court records obtained by CNN.

Giuliani had his law license suspended last month by a New York appellate court for making 'demonstrably false and misleading statements' while pushing Donald Trump's election fraud claims and 'threatening public interest'.

An appeals court has suspended Rudy Giuliani from practicing law in Washington D.C. after he temporarily lost his license in New York

The Washington court suspended Giuliani from working as an attorney in the city 'pending final disposition' of his New York case

The DC court suspended Giuliani's license under D.C. Bar Rule XI for 'reciprocal discipline' which reads that attorneys can face discipline in Washington for facing disciplinary action in another state or jurisdiction.

'Upon learning that an attorney subject to the disciplinary jurisdiction of this Court has been disciplined by another disciplining court, Disciplinary Counsel shall obtain a certified copy of the disciplinary order and file it with this Court,' Section 11 of D.C. Bar Rule XI reads.

'In addition, any attorney subject to the disciplinary jurisdiction of this Court, upon being subjected to professional disciplinary action by another disciplining court, shall promptly inform Disciplinary Counsel of such action in writing.'

The order also notes that annual reports on the status of the disciplinary proceedings in New York must be filed.

D.C. Bar rules note that any suspended attorney may be required to provide 'proof of rehabilitation' as a condition of reinstatement.

Giuliani was an inactive member of the D.C. Bar when he was suspended on Wednesday and records show he was in good standing.

In its 33-page decision, the New York appellate court wrote: '[W]e conclude that there is uncontroverted evidence that respondent communicated demonstrably false and misleading statements to courts, lawmakers and the public at large in his capacity as lawyer for former President Donald J. Trump and the Trump campaign in connection with Trump's failed effort at reelection in 2020.'

It claimed that the former New York mayor threatened 'public interest' in his capacity as Trump's personal attorney and insisted his actions 'warrant interim suspension from the practice of law.'

Giuliani was an inactive member of the D.C. when he was suspended on Wednesday and bar records show he was in good standing. He is pictured during a "Save America Rally" near the White House before the deadly riots on January 6

Giuliani was one of the figures in Trump's inner circle who led the former president's legal challenge to the 2020 presidential election results

Giuliani also faces legal trouble after the FBI seized 18 electronic devices when they raided Giuliani's New York City home and office in May

UNREDACTED: The 18 electronic devices 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 last month

Giuliani was one of the figures in Trump's inner circle who led the former president's legal challenge to the 2020 presidential election results.

The court said Giuliani made numerous false statements about the voting in Arizona, Georgia and Pennsylvania, including that hundreds of thousands of absentee ballots or votes, including from dead people, had been improperly counted.

He argued the vote was riddled with fraud and claimed voting machines had been rigged in favor of Joe Biden.

'We find that there is evidence of continuing misconduct, the underlying offense is incredibly serious, and the uncontroverted misconduct in itself will likely result in substantial permanent sanctions', the court said.

Giuliani was admitted to the state bar in New York in 1969 and had a prominent legal career before joining Trump's team  including working in the Justice Department under Ronald Reagan.

He was named U.S. Attorney in Manhattan in 1983 where he remained through 1989 before running and becoming Mayor of New York City.

The New York State Bar Association announced January 11, 2021 that it was launching an investigation into whether Giuliani's membership should be revoked, noting his comments on January 6 to a crowd of Trump supporters before they stormed the Capitol.

Although removal from the Bar Association membership does not disbar Giuliani, the ruling in New York does stop him from practicing law in the Empire State.

Giuliani is also facing a slew of legal troubles stemming from his involvement with the Trump administration  specifically his foreign dealings with Ukraine.

The FBI seized 18 electronic devices when they raided Giuliani's New York City home and office in May, court documents unsealed last month revealed.

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 recently made public.

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 investigating the former New York City mayor's dealings with Ukrainian oligarchs while working for then-President Trump.

They are specifically 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 U.S. government.

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.

Giuliani, a Republican 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.
From smiling sunflowers to Jesus on a piece of toast, humans see faces in all sorts of objects.

Now, new research by the University of Sydney has delved deeper into the phenomenon, known as face pareidolia.

The findings suggest that face pareidolia is a key part of our survival mechanism, helping us to quickly decide if a face is a friend or a foe - regardless of whether or not it is real.

Professor David Alais, who led the study, said: 'We need to read the identity of the face and discern its expression. Are they a friend or a foe? Are they happy, sad, angry, pained?'

From smiling sunflowers to Jesus on a piece of toast, humans see faces in all sorts of objects due to a phenomenon known as face pareidolia

Why do we see faces in inanimate objects? Pareidolia is the psychological response to seeing faces and other significant and everyday items in random stimuli. It is a form of apophenia, when people see patterns in random, unconnected data. There have been multiple occasions when people have claimed to see religious images and themes in unexpected places. On the red planet, one of the most famous is the 'face on Mars' spotted by one of the Viking orbiters in 1976. This was later proven to just be a chance alignment of shifting sand dunes. Advertisement

Until now, scientists have not understood exactly what the brain is doing when it processes visual signals and interprets them as representations of the human face.

The new research suggests how the brain identifies and analyses real human faces is conducted by the same cognitive processes that identify illusory faces.

Professor Alais explained: 'From an evolutionary perspective, it seems that the benefit of never missing a face far outweighs the errors where inanimate objects are seen as faces.

'There is a great benefit in detecting faces quickly, but the system plays "fast and loose" by applying a crude template of two eyes over a nose and mouth.

'Lots of things can satisfy that template and thus trigger a face detection response.'

Researchers say this facial recognition happens lightning-fast in the brain  within a few hundred milliseconds.

Prof Alais said: 'We know these objects are not truly faces, yet the perception of a face lingers.

'We end up with something strange  a parallel experience that it is both a compelling face and an object. Two things at once.

'The first impression of a face does not give way to the second perception of an object.'

Until now, scientists have not understood exactly what the brain is doing when it processes visual signals and interprets them as representations of the human face

This error is known as face pareidolia, and is such a common occurrence that people accept the notion of detecting faces in objects as normal.

However, humans do not experience this cognitive process as strongly for other phenomena.

The brain has evolved specialised neural mechanisms to rapidly detect faces and it exploits the common facial structure as a short-cut for rapid detection, researchers say.

The brain has evolved specialised neural mechanisms to rapidly detect faces and it exploits the common facial structure as a short-cut for rapid detection, researchers say

As well as imagining faces, humans give them emotional attributes. The researchers say this expression analysis of inanimate objects is because, as deeply social beings, simply detecting a face is not enough

Prof Alais said: 'Pareidolia faces are not discarded as false detections but undergo facial expression analysis in the same way as real faces.'

As well as imagining faces, humans give them emotional attributes.

The researchers say this expression analysis of inanimate objects is because, as deeply social beings, simply detecting a face is not enough.

'We need to read the identity of the face and discern its expression. Are they a friend or a foe? Are they happy, sad, angry, pained?' explained Prof Alais.

The findings suggest that face pareidolia is a key part of our survival mechanism, helping us to quickly decide if a face is a friend or a foe - regardless of whether or not it is real

The study examined whether once a pareidolia face is detected, it is subsequently analysed for facial expression, or discarded from face processing as a false detection.

Once a false face is retained by the brain it is analysed for its facial expression in the same way as a real face, according to the study.

Participants  a total of 17  were presented with sequences of faces and asked to rate each face's expression on a scale ranging from angry to happy.

A previous study undertaken by Prof Alais showed that in a Tinder-like situation of judging face after face, a bias is observed whereby the assessment of the current face is influenced by our assessment of the previous face.

The scientists tested this by mixing up real faces with pareidolia faces  and the result was the same.

The study, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, was undertaken in collaboration with scientists at the Laboratory of Brain and Cognition at the National Institute of Mental Health in the United States.
Conservationists are in a rush to raise $65 million (47 million) to fund a 'green bridge' stretching across a highway in California that will allow mountain lions to roam more freely.

While the bridge over Freeway 101 in the Santa Monica Mountains would be built by the California Department of Transportation, it has to be privately funded.

It will allow isolated populations of mountain lions, facing extinction due to inbreeding, to roam across a much larger area, crossing the road safely.

Campaigners have raised $38 million of the $65 million price tag required to build the bridge, and hope to raise the rest in time to finish construction by 2025.

Highway 101 attracts up to 300,000 cars per day and created a crack in the habitat of many species, including the endangered mountain lions, snakes and deer.

Known as the Liberty Canyon wildlife crossing, it will be the largest animal bridge in the world, stretching 200ft across the 10-lane road and 164ft wide.

The artist's rendering above, provided by the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains, shows a planned wildlife crossing over US Highway 101 in Agoura Hills, California

Hoping to fend off the extinction of mountain lions and other species that require room to roam, California is building a mostly privately funded wildlife crossing over US Highway 101. It will give big cats, coyotes, deer, snakes and other creatures a safe route to open space

WHAT ARE MOUNTAIN LIONS? Mountain lions, or cougars, are large cats native to the Americas, ranging from the Yukon to the southern Andes. They are an adaptable, generalist species found in most American habitat types. They are a largely solitary and secretive nocturnal species. They are more closely related to domestic cats than other large cats. It is an ambush predator that feasts on deer, rodents and insects, preferring dense underbrush and rocky areas. They are of least concern in terms of conservation, but there are some areas, such as the Santa Monica mountains, where human development is causing problems. Advertisement

Famous for traveling across two freeways and making a huge Los Angeles park his home, the lonesome mountain lion has become a symbol of the shrinking genetic diversity of wild animals that must remain all but trapped by sprawling highways.

The bridge, that will be made to appear as similar to the creatures' habitat as possible with oak and willow trees, will give them access to food and potential mates.

'When the freeway went in, it cut off an ecosystem. We're just now seeing impacts of that,' Beth Pratt of the National Wildlife Federation said.

Scientists tracking mountain lions fitted with GPS collars found that roadways are largely trapping animals in the Santa Monica Mountains, which run along the Malibu coast and across the middle of Los Angeles to Griffith Park.

'They can't get out of here to get dates, and cats can't get in to get dates. ... For those of us in LA, having a romance prospect quashed by traffic is something we can all relate to,' Pratt said.

The result of that isolation, researchers say, is imminent genetic collapse for mountain lions.

The new bridge will give big cats, coyotes, deer, lizards, snakes and other creatures a safe route to open space and better access to food and potential mates.

Highway 101 attracts up to 300,000 cars per day and created a crack in the habitat of many species, including the endangered mountain lions, snakes and deer

While the bridge over Freeway 101 in the Santa Monica Mountains would be built by the California Department of Transportation, it has to be privately funded

Habitat loss has driven the populations to inbreeding that could lead to extinction within 15 years unless the big cats regularly connect with other populations.

When development begins on the bridge, which completed the design phase in 2019, it will happen mostly at night and not require lengthy freeway shutdowns.

Some 300,000 cars a day travel that stretch of the 101 in Agoura Hills, a small city surrounded by a patchwork of protected wildland that the crossing will connect.

Residents regularly spot tarantulas, coyotes and bobcats in their yards and enjoy a short walk to hiking and biking trails that offer sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.

The artist's rendering above, provided by the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains, shows a planned wildlife crossing over US Highway 101 in Agoura Hills, California

The span along US 101 will only be the second animal overpass in a state where tunnels are more common. Officials say it will be the first of its kind near a major metropolis and the largest in the world, stretching 200 feet (61 meters) above 10 lanes of busy highway

Scientists tracking mountain lions fitted with GPS collars found that roadways are largely trapping animals in the Santa Monica Mountains, which run along the Malibu coast and across the middle of Los Angeles to Griffith Park

LIBERTY CANYON WILDLIFE CROSSING The Liberty Canyon wildlife crossing will span part of Freeway 101 in the Santa Monica Mountains. It will be the largest animal bridge in the world, stretching 200ft across the 10 lane road and 164ft wide. The bridge has a $65 million price tag, with the funding coming from private sources, rather than the government. It is being designed to include oak and willow trees and appear like the natural habitat of animals in areas surrounding the roadway underneath. The total project will span about eight acres, and the bridge will be an acre of that space. This extra land will include efforts to ensure the land surrounding the entrance match those on the bridge. Advertisement

Drivers on the busy freeway in the Liberty Canyon area might do a double-take as they speed under a bridge 165 feet (50 meters) wide with brush and trees growing on top, seamlessly joining hillsides on both sides of the lanes.

'And who knows, you might see an animal peeking over as it's crossing,' Pratt said.

From the perspective of that animal meandering to or from the Santa Monica Mountains, the topography will hopefully be indistinguishable from the scenery on either side, said architect Clark Stevens.

His design will total about 8 acres of landscape - of which the bridge top occupies about an acre.

He's working with biologists and engineers to design berms and hollows with high edges that will block sound and light from the lanes below.

'Ideally the animals will never know they're on a bridge,' said Stevens, with the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains. 'It's landscape flowing over a freeway. It's putting back a piece of the ecosystem that was lost.'

Wildlife crossings - bridges and tunnels - are common in western Europe and Canada, with a famous one in Banff National Park in Alberta spanning the Trans-Canada Highway and is frequently used by bears, moose and elk.

This will be the second bridge in California, the first opened with little fanfare in 2018 near Temecula, about 60 miles (97 kilometers) north of San Diego.

The Los Angeles-area bridge has enjoyed nearly universal support, unusual for a public works project. The draft environmental impact document received nearly 9,000 comments - with only 15 opposed, according to the NWF.
NASA Administrator and former astronaut Bill Nelson believes it's likely that humans will get some kind of indication that intelligent life outside of our own exists in the universe.

The 78-year-old former US Senator told CNBC's Shepard Smith that it's likely that life exists in the universe, pointing to its age and expanse as potential reasons for intelligent life to exist.

'If you have a universe that is 13.5 billion years - it is so big - is there another chance for another sun and another planet that has an atmosphere like ours?' Nelson said.

'I would say yes, so I think we're gonna get some indication that there is intelligent life out there.'

He added that NASA has been 'involved for years' looking for life, referring to NASA's Astrobiology program.

'We're looking for life on Mars, on the other planets, in the cosmos, trying to determine other suns that have planets with a habitable atmosphere,' Nelson pointed out.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson believes it's likely that we will get some kind of indication that intelligent life outside of our own exists in the universe, the 78-year-old former astronaut said on Tuesday

NASA's Perseverance rover - along with its Ingenuity helicopter - are currently on the Red Planet, looking for fossilized evidence of life as one of the mission's goals.

Nelson's comments on the subject are the second time in less than two weeks he has said humans may not be alone in the universe.

After the release of the Pentagon's report on unidentified aerial phenomena last month, Nelson said that he had seen the classified version and believes 'there is clearly something there.'

'We dont think [it is an adversary], but when it comes to universe, remember the universe is so large, we have a program in NASA called the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence,' Nelson told CNN in late June.

'But thus far, we dont have any receipt communication from something thats intelligent.'

Nelson's comments are the second time in less than two weeks he has said humans may not be alone in the universe. After the release of the Pentagon's report on unidentified aerial phenomena last month, he said that he had seen the classified version and believes 'there is clearly something there'

In June, the Pentagon said it had no explanation for 143 of the 144 unidentified aerial phenomenon observations dating back to 2004

The declassified report, which came from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, added that it lacks sufficient data to determine the nature of mysterious flying objects

'In 18 incidents, described in 21 reports, observers reported unusual UAP movement patterns or flight characteristics'

June's long-awaited report from the Pentagon on the subject of 'unidentified aerial phenomenon' (UAPs) offered no explanation for 143 of the 144 observations dating back to 2004.

The declassified report, which came from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, added that it lacks sufficient data to determine the nature of mysterious flying objects.

'In 18 incidents, described in 21 reports, observers reported unusual UAP movement patterns or flight characteristics,' the report reads.

'Some UAP appeared to remain stationary in winds aloft, move against the wind, maneuver abruptly, or move at considerable speed, without discernable means of propulsion. In a small number of cases, military aircraft systems processed radio frequency (RF) energy associated with UAP sightings.

'The UAPTF holds a small amount of data that appear to show UAP demonstrating acceleration or a degree of signature management. Additional rigorous analysis are necessary by multiple teams or groups of technical experts to determine the nature and validity of these data.

'We are conducting further analysis to determine if breakthrough technologies were demonstrated.'

One of the videos was captured off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida, in 2015 (pictured)

The other video shows the notorious 2004 'Tic Tac' incident (pictured) that was recorded over the Pacific Ocean

The term UFO has been more recently replaced by unidentified aerial phenomenon, especially in light of the U.S. Pentagon declassifying three videos in April 2020.

The footage had been previously acknowledged as real by the Navy, and captured what pilots recorded on their video sensors during training flights in 2004 and 2015.

Two of the clips were first published in 2017 by the New York Times and the third by the To The Stars Academy in 2018 - a group that specializes in unexplained phenomenon and was founded by Blink-182 guitarist Tom DeLonge.
Advertisement

The next SpaceX 160ft Starship prototype, known as SN20, will be launched into orbit as early as next month strapped to the massive Super Heavy booster.

Starship requires the booster stage to reach orbit and combined the two reach a whopping 394ft tall, much larger than the Statue of Liberty with its full plinth, which reaches 305ft. Without the plinth Lady Liberty is closer is 151ft, closer in size to the upper stage of Starlink, which stands at 160ft.

SN20 will launch for low Earth orbit once construction has finished of the orbital launch tower at the SpaceX Boca Chica facility in Texas later this month.

According to a filing with the FCC, the prototype will launch from Texas and make a 'soft ocean landing' off the coast of Hawaii after 90 minutes in orbit.

The Elon Musk-owned space firm hasn't confirmed when they will launch the prototype, but experts predict it could be as soon as early August.

Once the booster gets Starship into orbit it will come back to Earth making a landing in the Gulf of Mexico about 20 miles from shore, ready to fly again in future.

SpaceX has completed a number of tests on the 160ft Starship upper stage, with the most recent, SN15, landing on the launch pad after a short high-altitude flight, but this will be the first test of the full Starship system, including the booster stage.

The fully re-usable Starship rocket will be able to carry a payload of more than 220,000lb into low Earth orbit, and even send humans to Mars in future.

Scroll down for video

Starship requires the booster stage to reach orbit and combined the two reach a whopping 394ft tall, larger than the Statue of Liberty and its full plinth

An artist's impression reveals what the Starship SN20 and Super Heavy booster will look like on SpaceXs Orbital Launch Mount

The Super Heavy booster is required to give the 160ft Starship the lift necessary to get into orbit, once it performs its service it will come back to Earth making a landing in the Gulf of Mexico about 20 miles from shore

STARSHIP AND SUPER HEAVY LAUNCHER SpaceX Starship is made up of two stages, the Super Heavy booster and the Starship vehicle on top. Super Heavy fires and gives Starship the boost it needs to reach orbit. Once in space, Starship separates and continues its journey, while Super Heavy returns to land on the ground. It is designed to be a reusable launch vehicle that could put humans on Mars, according to founder Elon Musk. Super Heavy The first stage, or booster, of the next-generation launch system with a gross liftoff mass of over three million kg. It uses sub-cooled liquid methane and liquid oxygen (CH4/LOX) propellants. The booster will return to land at the launch site on its six legs. Height: 70m (230ft) Diameter: 9m (30ft) Starship Starship is the fully reusable spacecraft and second stage of the Starship system. It offers an integrated payload section and is capable of carrying passengers and cargo to Earth orbit, planetary destinations, and between destinations on Earth. Height: 50m (160ft) Diameter 9m (30ft) Advertisement

According to SpaceX, Starship is both the Super Heavy and the upper stage combined, with the upper stage the only portion so far tested by the firm.

The Super Heavy Booster BN4 prototype is currently being built and when finished it will be moved to the launch pad where a massive orbital launch tower is currently under construction.

The seventh section of the tower was lifted into place last week, and final construction is due for completion by the end of the month.

Musk shared photos of the earlier BN3 prototype on July 1, showing the mammoth booster towering over Starbase.

Alone, the booster stands at 230ft and when the Starship is added it will reach almost 400ft - the tallest rocket ever made.

SpaceX had originally hoped to launch this month, but Elon Musk said he'd be happy to have Starship stacked on top of the Super Heavy by the end of the month, with a launch the following month.

For the next test, once launched into orbit, Starship will perform a powered, targeted landing after achieving orbit, coming down 60 miles off the Hawaii coast.

The FCC filing explains: 'The Starship Orbital test flight will originate from Starbase,' the home of SpaceX in Boca Chica, Texas, then the booster stage will separate 170 seconds into the flight.

'The Booster will then perform a partial return and land in the Gulf of Mexico approximately 20 miles from the shore,' the filing says.

'The Orbital Starship will continue on flying between the Florida Straits.

'It will achieve orbit until performing a powered, targeted landing approximately 100km (~62 miles) off the northwest coast of Kauai in a soft ocean landing.'

A year ago, Elon Musk announced to SpaceX employees that Starship progress was a top priority, with progress accelerating 'dramatically and immediately.'

When Super Heavy and Starship are combined they stand 394ft tall, and will be able to carry a payload of more than 220,000lb into low Earth orbit and be fully reusable. Making it the largest rocket ever created

The Super Heavy Booster BN4 prototype is currently being built and when finished it will be moved to the launch pad where a massive orbital launch tower is currently under construction

The orbital part of Starship, the portion tested so far, will perform a powered, targeted landing after achieving orbit, coming down 60 miles off the Hawaii coast

A map provided as part of SpaceX's FCC filing shows how the Starship rocket would launch from Texas before reaching orbit

That resulted in a rapid increase in Starship prototypes being built, often with a new prototype ready before the previous one had even been tested.

The test flights have ranged from static firing the engines, to launching up to six miles into the air and attempting to land back down on the launch pad.

The first time SpaceX achieved a landing without blowing up was on May 5, when the SN15 rocket flew six miles up then returned safely to the landing pad.

SpaceX has completed a number of tests on the 160ft Starship upper stage, with the most recent, SN15, landing on the launch pad after a short high-altitude flight, but this will be the first test of the full Starship system, including the booster stage

When Super Heavy and Starship are combined they stand 394ft tall, and will be able to carry a payload of more than 220,000lb into low Earth orbit and be fully reusable

SpaceX is working with the FCC, US Air Force, NASA and the FAA for the flight to arrange the safest time to launch.

One of SpaceX's key goals is to ensure that the Starship rockets are reusable, and future tests will see both stages return to the launch pad, rather than the ocean.

Musk has calculated that to put one million humans on Mars by 2025, his Starship rockets would need to conducted around three flights a day and a total of 1,000 flights a year.
Archaeologists in Mississippi say they've uncovered dozens of metal objects from Hernando de Soto's 16th-century expedition into what would become the southeastern United States.

What's more unusual is that it appears the itemswhich include blades, axe heads, nails and other iron, lead and copper toolswere repurposed by local Chickasaws Indians after de Soto and his conquistadors fled their attack in 1541.

According to their research published in the journal American Antiquity, that would have been a rare score at a time when European goods were incredibly scarce in North America.

Typically such items that would have been reserved by Europeans for strategic trades with local leaders.

You might find a handful of European goods 'in connection with a high-status person or some other special context,' said archaeologist Charles Cobb, the study's lead author.

'But this must have been more of an open seasona pulse of goods that became widely available for a short period of time.'

Chickasaw craftspeople turned parts of horseshoes into scrapers, barrel bands into cutting tools, and bits of copper into 'jingling pendants,' according to a release from the Florida Museum of Natural History.

Archaeologist Charles Cobb and his colleagues discovered more than 80 metal items left behind by Hernando de Soto when his expedition team fled a bloody massacre by the Chickasaw Indians in 1541. Pictured: Cobb displays an iron celt, or axe head, reshaped from a Spanish design to mimic a traditional stone axe head

If their assessment is correct, the team said, this would be only the second site offering solid archaeological evidence of de Soto's expedition into the Southeast, which researchers believe he began in Tampa Bay.

The only other evidence, according to the Florida Division of Historical Resources, are fragments from his winter encampment in the Apalachee capital of Anhaica from 1539 to 1540, uncovered in 1987.

An explorer who made forays into Nicaragua and the Yucatan Peninsula, and was involved in conquistador Francisco Pizarros conquest of the Inca in Peru, De Soto is best known for leading the earliest European expeditions into the Southeast.

Initially he was searching for gold, rumored to be plentiful in the region, or alternately a passage to China or the Pacific coast.

A map of De Sotos' expedition through the southeast United States. Stark Farms was located near the Mississippi-Alabama border (see inset)

After de Soto demanded 200 Chickasaw men as porters, the tribe attacked the conquistadors as they slept. Pictured: The Chickasaw likely sewed rolled pieces of copper to clothing as 'tinkling ornaments,' according to archaeologists

Frustrated in his efforts, he settled for obtaining what he could from native tribes.

De Soto first encountered the Chickasaw in 1540 near the Tombigbee River in northeastern Mississippi.

At the time, the tribe numbered less than 5,000 and the 600 heavily armed Spaniards easily dominated them.

A 19th century wood engraving of conquistator Hernando de Soto in Florida with captured Indians, after a drawing by Felix Darley

It's not clear if Chickasaw leader Chikasha Minko gave de Soto a modest village to ride out the winter of 1541, or if the conquistadors seized and occupied the wigwams.

As the cold season continued, though, tensions flaredaccording to Cobb, de Soto killed two Chickasaw men and cut off the hands of another accused of stealing pigs.

Cobb theorizes the Chickasaws also probably grew weary of giving free food and lodging to 600 ungrateful guests.

In spring 1541, as he prepared to depart with his team, de Soto demanded the Chickasaw provide 200 men to use as servants.

Instead, tribe members set fire to the wigwams under cover of nightburning at least 12 men aliveand then killed two dozen more men.

The trove of metal items is one of the few examples of material evidence of de Soto's forays into the southeastern US. Pictured: A variety of copper items left by de Soto that were punctured and transformed into ornaments

This embellished medallion emblazoned with a golden cross may have formed part of a Spanish horse bridle

According to 19th century historian George Payn Quackenbos, the Chickasaw could have annihilated the Spaniards utterly, but chose to let them flee.

In their haste, they left behind much of their remaining livestock, clothing and goods, which the Chickasaw apparently put to good use.

Metal detectors at Stark Farms, an archaeological site in northeastern Mississippi, uncovered more than 80 items, including a mouth harp and what could be a Spanish bridle bit emblazoned with a golden cross.

Europeans rarely traded or gave military items to Native Americas, so the presence a cannonball at the site adds to the idea the items were spoils left behind when the Spaniards fled the Chickasaw in 1541.

Europeans rarely traded or gifted military items to Native Americas. The presence of objects such as this palm-sized cannonball lead researchers to believe the items were spoils believe left behind Spaniards fled the Chickasaw in 1541

They also found chain links that had been pulled apart with sharpened edges.

'The Spanish brought reams of chain with them to shackle Native Americans as captives and porters,' Cobb said. 'This is evidence of some of the first examples of European enslavement of people in what is now the U.S.'

Some of the artifacts were still in their original form, but many had clearly been repurposed.

Co-author Brad Lieb, an archaeologist with the Chickasaw Nation's Heritage Preservation Division, called the findings 'remarkable.'

'This research shows how Chickasaws adapted to invasion by alien intruders and secured their reputation as unconquered and unconquerable,' Lieb said.

It establishes 'a baseline event in Chickasaw cultural historythe first encounter with Hernando de Soto and the Spanish invaders.'

Shortly after their brush with the Chickasaw, on May 8, 1541, de Soto's team became the first Europeans to set eyes on the Mississippi River.

He died on the banks of the river the following year.

Not all the objects left behind by de Soto's forces were reworked. Pictured: (A) unmodified wrought-iron nails, (B) ramrod tip, (C) cast-iron shot, (D) lead shot, (E) a harness ring, and (F) barrel band section

The Chickasaw remained mostly free of Europeans for the next 150 years, Cobb said.

In later centuries, though, they encountered and developed relationships with colonists from France, Spain and England.

The US considered the Chickasaw one of the 'Five Civilized Tribes' of the Southeast, though they resisted attempts at taking their land,

Eventually during the era of Indian Removal in the 1830s, the Chickasaw were forced to sell their territory to the US government and move to Oklahoma in the Treaty of Pontotoc Creek.

Today, the Chickasaw Nation counts some 38,000 members, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.

Cobb and his team had been commissioned by the Nation to identify and preserve ancestral sites in their original homeland.

The objects will be repatriated to the Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma for permanent exhibition.
The common cold could predate modern humans by hundreds of thousands of years, according to scientists.

DNA from traces of adenovirus C which was found in a pair of 31,000-year-old teeth suggests the bug, one of many viruses associated with the common cold, is far older than modern human beings.

In fact, it probably gave Neanderthals the sniffles more than 700,000 years ago.

The teeth, uncovered in Siberia in 2019, were examined by a team of microbiologists at Denmark's University of Copenhagen, who found microscopic strains of several well-known human infectionsincluding human adenovirus C and herpes simplex-1, the virus that causes cold sores.

It's the oldest known evidence of viral infections found in human beings, according to New Scientist. Previous proof of an identifiable virus in a homo sapien dates back just 7,000 years.

According to the researchers, who published their work in the non-peer-reviewed pre-print site BioRXiv, comparing the ancient strain of adenovirus to modern strains suggests their common ancestor emerged between 487,000 and 963,000 years ago, with a best estimate of about 702,000 years ago.

It's 'the oldest virus in humans yet,' lead author Sofie Holtsmark Nielsen, a microbiologist at Denmark's University of Copenhagen, told New Scientist.

Scroll down for video

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen were able to retrieve DNA from several viruses from 31,000-year-old baby teeth found in Siberia. Among them were four strains of herpes and human adenovirus C, which is associated with the common cold

The hepatitis B virus has been infecting people since at least the Bronze Age, according to a 2019 study in the journal Nature, which found the virus in 4,500-year-old remains in Mongolia.

As for a bacterial infections, the earliest known case of tuberculosis dates to around 17,000 years agobut it was a bison in Wyoming.

Known tubercular decay in humans dates from 5,000 years ago, found in the spine of some Egyptian mummies.

Nielsen and her colleagues analyzed DNA taken from baby teeth found buried deep in a remote archaeological site near the Siberia's Yana River.

The choppers, a pair of children's baby teeth, were estimated to be 31,000 years old.

The discovery made headlines because the teeth appeared to belong to a heretofore unknown ethnic group, dubbed the 'Ancient North Siberians,' who some believe are directly related to Native Americans.

'These people were a significant part of human history,' Eske Willerslev, an evolutionary geneticist at Cambridge University and co-author of the Nature report, said at the time.

'They diversified almost at the same time as the ancestors of modern day Asians and Europeans and it's likely that at one point they occupied large regions of the northern hemisphere.'

The 31,000-year-old teeth also contained DNA from four strains of herpesvirus, including herpes simplex-1, which causes cold sores. Pictured: Three herpesvirus virions under an electron microscope

Lead author Martin Sikora, a researcher with the University of Copenhagen's Lundbeck Foundation Center for GeoGenetics, said the Ancient North Siberians 'adapted to extreme environments very quickly, and were highly mobile.'

The teeth were found at the Yana Rhinoceros Horn Site (RHS), which was first excavated in 2001 and has turned up more than 2,500 animal bones and ivory, as well as stone tools and evidence of human habitation.

Holtsmark Nielsen's team studied the dental fragments found in Yana and found low-grade genetic material from four species of herpesvirus.

They also found higher-quality genomes of human adenovirus C, which Holtsmark Nielsen compared to the common cold.

'You almost certainly have had it as a kid,' she said. 'Pretty much everyone has been infected with it.'

To get a handle on when adenovirus C first began infecting humans, the researchers compared the ancient genomes to modern-day strains and extrapolated their common ancestor first emerged long before modern homo sapiens did - some 200,000 years ago.

Their analysis put the original virus at between 487,000 and 963,000 years old, with a best estimate of emerging about 702,000 years ago.

According to researchers from the University of Copenhagen, Neanderthals (pictured) would have battled adenovirus C, one of the many viruses associated with the so-called 'common cold.' Their analysis finds the bug to be approximately 702,000 years old, more than three times as old as the earliest estimates for when modern homo sapiens arrived on the scene.

Back then, Neanderthals and Denisovans were walking the Earth.

'This particular adenovirus C has probably been around as long as humans in the broad sense were aroundincluding Neanderthals, including sapiens, including probably erectus before us,' says Sikora.

Not everyone in the field is convinced of the timeline, though: Caitlin Pepperell, a microbiologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison not involved with the study, told NS that when organisms recombine their DNAlike adenovirus C often does, 'the signal gets scrambled.'

Still, Pepperell said the extraction of genetic information from such ancient material was 'a remarkable technical accomplishment.'
Love Island star Luke Mabbott has urged the police to clamp down on Internet trolls  and says producers don't always portray contestants accurately.

The former contestant, 26, who appeared on the 2020 series in South Africa, told MailOnline 'more needs to be done' by the authorities to regulate trolling, because negative comments can escalate to much larger problems.

In an exclusive interview, Luke said it was 'shocking' new Islander Chloe Burrows' family had to appeal to the public for nasty comments about their daughter to stop, after she was inundated with horrific death threats.

'A lot more needs to be done': Love Island star Luke Mabbott has urged the police to clamp down on Internet trolls  and says producers don't always portray contestants accurately

Luke, whose new collaboration with His Column is out now, said: 'Chloe's family shouldn't have to put a statement out to say stop, it should be an automatic thing not to do it. It's disappointing and shocking. You don't sign up to get trolled the hell out of.

'Everyone that goes on Love Island gets trolled in some way and no matter how good you are, you will get people who don't like you and a lot more needs to be done to stop them by the police.

'It begins with trolling, but it can escalate and become something much larger. People used to say to me "this is what you've signed up to", but it isn't, it isn't what you sign up to. You don't sign up to get absolutely rinsed.

'You can report and block them but then they make another account a week later, and it's never ending. Hopefully, something will be done this year about it.

'The thing is with Love Island, depending on what they chose to run on you, it's 24 hours you're in there and viewers only see an hour, the person you're portrayed as on the outside might not be the person you are in real life. You can't always judge a book by its cover.'

'You don't sign up to get rinsed': The former contestant told MailOnline 'more needs to be done' by the authorities to regulate trolling, because negative comments can escalate

Luke, who's in a relationship with 2019 Islander Lucie Donlan, 23, said the couple are watching the current series of Love Island together, and he predicts Jake Cornish could easily have his head turned.

Jake is paired with Liberty Poole but has admitted to being open to getting to know new arrivals in the villa, especially blonde bombshells who he describes as his 'type.'

On Jake and Liberty's romance, Luke said: 'When they first walked in and started getting together, I thought Jake and Liberty would be the strongest couple because they seem good together.

'But they've already grown apart and if you like someone you don't say you're going to look elsewhere, so it's a tricky one. The other girls can see the red flags, which is hard because Liberty is quite sweet and gentle. Jake's head could be very easily turned. It's not good. If his type did come in, he'd be straight there.'

'It's not good': Luke, who's in a relationship with 2019 Islander Lucie Donlan, said the couple are watching the series together, and he predicts Jake could easily have his head turned

'If anyone hurts Hugo that's it!': Luke's in defence of Hugo after he sobbed on Tuesday's show following run-ins with Sharon and Faye over comments he made about disliking 'fake' women

Luke said he sympathises with Hugo Hammond, who is struggling to form a connection with any of the female Islanders.

He's also in defence of the former P.E. teacher, after he was reduced to tears on Tuesday's show following run-ins with Sharon Gaffka and Faye Winter over comments he made about disliking 'fake' women.

Luke said: 'Lucie and I are watching every night. It's getting juicy now. People don't know what they're doing in their couples, it's getting to the best bit.

'Hugo is my favourite, he seems genuine, down to earth, and he has been in the same position as me, so I feel for him. I know what he's going through. If anyone hurts Hugo that's it! When you see everyone else coupling up and there's nothing going on for you it's a bit sad.'

'We're the perfect match': Luke and Lucie, who are looking forward to celebrating their one-year anniversary this month, are planning on moving to Newquay together

Luke and Lucie, who are looking forward to celebrating their one-year anniversary this month, are planning on moving to Newquay together, where they will start a new chapter of their relationship alongside pet dog, Bunny.

And Luke is already thinking ahead to when the couple gets married, revealing he wants to wed Lucie one day.

He said: 'We have nearly been together a year, which is crazy. We're told all the time we're the perfect match.

'We like to do all sorts together, motocross, diving, literally everything. We're thinking about moving to Newquay, because I fell in love with it. It's the place for me. So, I think we'll probably be moving together to Newquay very soon. It'll be hard because it's far away, but I've lived here all my life and in Newquay there's so much more to do.

'I think we will get married eventually; Lucie is a bit younger than me. You can't put a time on it. I definitely want to marry her, but it needs to be the perfect time. I am a relationship type of guy and I prefer to have a best friend and partner there.'

Luke Mabbott's edit with His Column is available on His Column's website now
The hosts of Channel Seven breakfast show Sunrise couldn't resist joking about the feud between warring princes William and Harry on Wednesday.

Co-anchor Natalie Barr compared the Duke of Sussex and Duke of Cambridge to the Australian Taylor brothers, who made headlines this week for the extraordinary lengths they went to to spite their estranged sister.

Malcolm, 57, and Garry Taylor, 59, destroyed their family home to stop their sister Kerrie, 61, getting cut of their their parents' estate when it went to auction.

Ouch! The hosts of breakfast show Sunrise couldn't resist joking about the feud between warring princes William and Harry on Wednesday. Pictured: Natalie Barr and David Koch

Sunrise newsreader Edwina Bartholomew reported: 'There's bitter family feuds and then there's this.

'Two brothers have pleaded guilty to criminal damage after they flew from Queensland to regional Victoria [and] hired an excavator to destroy their own property.

'Malcolm and Garry Taylor ripped apart the house in Murtoa. It was part of their deceased parents' estate. They just wanted to ensure their estranged sister was left penniless when the house went to auction.

'It was going to sell for about $100,000 [but] ended up selling for $7,000.'

Rift: Natalie Barr compared the Duke of Sussex and Duke of Cambridge to the Australian Taylor brothers, who made headlines this week for the extraordinary lengths they went to to spite their estranged sister. Pictured: William and Harry on July 1 at Kensington Palace in London

The brothers' bizarre act of revenge - which has resulted in a fine rather than jail time - prompted host David 'Kochie' Koch to say: 'Family disputes: you can't beat them, can you?'

Natalie then added: 'Yeah, see this is where Will and Harry are going to end up!'

As the Sunrise panel burst into laughter, Kochie joked in response: 'They'll be tearing down each other's palace!'

Petty: Malcolm, 57, and Garry Taylor, 59, destroyed their family home to stop their sister Kerrie, 61, getting cut of their their parents' estate when it went to auction

The Taylor brothers travelled from Hervey Bay to Murtoa in regional Victoria to destroy the house left to them as inheritance the day before it went to auction in March 2019

Excavator: The destruction, which was filmed by the brothers much to their 'amusement', was to rob their sister Kerrie of any money made as a result of the sale

The once-close bond between Prince William and Prince Harry, the sons of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, has deteriorated rapidly over the past few years.

Harry, 36, said in an October 2019 interview the brothers were on 'different paths' after growing apart following his marriage to Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.

Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior royals in January 2020 and relocated to California, where they have repeatedly criticised the Royal Family.

In March, the Sussexes accused the family of racism and claimed The Firm had shown negligence when Meghan, 39, was feeling suicidal.

Feud: The once-close bond between Prince William and Prince Harry, the sons of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, has deteriorated rapidly over the past few years. Pictured in 2020

A friend and confidant of the couple, author Omid Scobie, recently alleged William's aides had 'planted stories' about his brother's mental health as their rift deepened.

William and Harry put their personal animosity aside last Thursday for the unveiling of a statue of their late mother, Princess Diana, at Kensington Palace in London.

They spent just over an hour together, and Harry reportedly left 20 minutes later after one polite drink and returned to Los Angeles.
Australian Idol's notorious 'fat-shaming' incident from 2003 has been blamed for causing a generation of women to suffer from body-image issues.

Footage of the moment judge Ian 'Dicko' Dickson told contestant Paulini Curuenavuli to 'choose more appropriate clothing and shed some pounds' went viral this week, prompting a wave of outrage from women on social media.

Paulini was just 21 at the time, and had chosen to perform her song in a show-stopping gold dress.

'This is why women have body issues': Australian Idol's notorious 'fat-shaming' incident from 2003 involving a 21-year-old Paulini Curuenavuli resurfaced online this week

Celebrity podcast Shameless posted the footage to Instagram on Tuesday, and captioned it: 'This is why every millennial woman has body-image issues now, episode two: that time Australian Idol was actual trash.'

The post was soon flooded with comments from women, including outspoken celebrities such as feminist author Clementine Ford.

'Its wild how much this was just the norm then,' Ford wrote.

Remember this? Footage of the moment judge Ian 'Dicko' Dickson (pictured) told contestant Paulini Curuenavuli to 'choose more appropriate clothing and shed some pounds' went viral on Tuesday, prompting a wave of outrage from women on social media

Backlash: The video, uploaded to Instagram by the Shameless podcast, was soon flooded with comments from women, including outspoken feminist author Clementine Ford (pictured)

Disbelief: 'Its wild how much this was just the norm then,' Ford wrote

'I mean, it still happens obviously. But it was so blatant then. No wonder we all hated ourselves,' she added.

Former Gogglebox star Evie Jones agreed: 'I hated this moment so much! I thought (and still do) @paulini_curuenavuli looked absolutely stunning in this dress.

'Record labels have so much to answer for. Men would make comments like this constantly to female artists. Hideous and dangerous.'

Outraged: Former Gogglebox star Evie Jones agreed: 'I hated this moment so much! I thought (and still do) @paulini_curuenavuli looked absolutely stunning in this dress'

Unimpressed: Model and influencer Steph Claire Smith commented with a facepalm emoji

Take THAT! But it was Paulini herself who had the last laugh, commenting: 'And Ive made many gold dresses look even better since that night in 2004'

Model and influencer Steph Claire Smith commented with a facepalm emoji.

But it was Paulini herself who had the last laugh, responding: 'And Ive made many gold dresses look even better since that night in 2004 [sic].'

Paulini, 38, told Woman's Day in 2014 that Dicko's words affected her tremendously at the time, admitting: '[It] really hurt my confidence.

'I went backstage and started sobbing.'

Rattled: Paulini, 38, told Woman's Day in 2014 that Dicko's words affected her tremendously at the time, admitting: '[It] really hurt my confidence. I went backstage and started sobbing'

She later told news.com.au Dicko would never have been able to get away with his comments in today's landscape.

'I think it has changed a lot. There's no way anyone could do that today. People would just be outraged. There's no way,' she said.

'And anyway, they shouldn't be able to; these are often young kids standing up there being judged [on talent shows]. We have so many problems with young girls who don't think they're skinny enough.

'There's so much pressure about this mould that you have to fit into - it's all crap.'

Dicko expressed regret over his remarks in 2017, saying: 'I was trying to be nice at the time, can you believe. But I'm glad [Paulini has] gone on to do such great things.'

'There's no way anyone could do that today': She later told news.com.au Dicko would never have been able to get away with his comments in today's landscape
Fans of talkback radio king Alan Jones have savaged the 2GB host's successor Ben Fordham in the wake of his historic ratings slide.

After Fordham acknowledged his loss to KIIS FM's Kyle and Jackie O Show in the latest radio survey, his critics were quick to suggest the 44-year-old was losing listeners due to his perceived political leanings.

'2GB sealed their fate when they swung to the left,' tweeted one listener.

Brutal: Fans of talkback radio king Alan Jones have savaged the 2GB host's successor Ben Fordham (pictured last month) in the wake of his historic ratings slide

Ben had tweeted on Tuesday: 'Congrats @kyleandjackieo on the win in the radio ratings. Youve worked hard over decades and deserve the victory. Congratulations.'

However, 2GB listeners were less graceful, with one responding: 'Go woke, go broke. Lost me a long time ago, Benny. Not prepared to make tough calls, like the man in the seat before you.'

Another commenter described Fordham as 'a mad leftie' - which is bizarre given that his views are hardly left wing.

The criticism follows a report in The Australian that said 'a common refrain within the industry is that Fordham is "too safe"' compared to his predecessor.

Too far left? Fordham's critics attributed the ratings decline to his perceived political leanings, which are considered further to the left than those of Alan Jones (right, with Peta Credlin)

Gracious: Ben had tweeted on Tuesday: 'Congrats @kyleandjackieo on the win in the radio ratings. Youve worked hard over decades and deserve the victory. Congratulations'

Savage: 2GB listeners were less graceful, with one responding: 'Go woke, go broke. Lost me a long time ago, Benny. Not prepared to make tough calls, like the man in the seat before you'

Before the latest ratings survey, which saw 2GB toppled in the breakfast ratings for the first time since 2003, Jones had indicated he'd be open to coming back to radio.

The veteran broadcaster, 80, who retired last year after claiming the workload was 'detrimental' to his health, told The Australian he was pondering a talkback return.

'If someone wants to put a piece of paper in front of me I'll be able to give them a 'yes' or a 'no' in five days,' said the former 2GB star.

Too safe? The criticism on Twitter follows a report in The Australian that said 'a common refrain within the industry is that Fordham is "too safe"' compared to his predecessor

Coming back? Jones (pictured in May) indicated on Monday he was open to a return to radio

Jones also railed against his former contemporaries, claiming many are 'too intimidated to say what needs to be said' in the face of 'cancel culture warriors'.

It's a topic with which Jones has some experience, with 'about 80 advertisers' publicly distancing themselves from the former talkback king in the wake of comments he made about New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

In 2019, Jones said the politician should have a 'sock [shoved] down her throat'.

Down: Jones' comments come as Fordham continues to slide in the breakfast radio ratings

The Sky News host told The Australian the country was 'screaming out' for more conservative voices, with many commentators 'too intimidated' to speak up.

'There's no point to being in the chair or behind the microphone if you haven't got any balls, and that's what the public expect,' he said.

Jones' comments come as his 2GB successor, Ben Fordham, continues to slide in the breakfast radio ratings.

The former drive-time host has held onto Jones' top spot in the AM rankings, but ABC Sydney's breakfast duo Wendy Harmer and Robbie Buck have significantly closed the gap between first and second place.

Meanwhile, KIIS FM's Kyle and Jackie O Show beat Fordham in the ratings for the first time ever, making them Sydney's number-one show across both AM and FM bands.
Former Bachelorette Georgia Love has insisted she is 'not trying to get pregnant' after she was flooded with insensitive comments about her family plans.

The Seven News journalist, 32, hit back at trolls who asked personal questions about why she wasn't drinking, following her report about Dry July that aired on Monday.

Georgia, whose decision to wear a winter coat during the broadcast sparked false speculation she was hiding a baby bump, told Who Magazine: 'We're not trying to get pregnant at the moment, so it's not an offence to me directly.'

Hitting back: Georgia Love has insisted she is 'not trying to get pregnant' after she was flooded with insensitive comments about her family plans. Pictured with her husband, Lee Elliott

She added: 'But I think the conversation of asking people if they're pregnant, when they're going to be pregnant and if they want kids at all is offensive.'

She went on to say that many people are going through hidden fertility struggles, and so to ask if someone is pregnant could be 'triggering and hurtful'.

Georgia, who married Lee Elliott in March, continued: 'When you've had a big lunch or wearing a felt coat that sits out away from your stomach, everyone assumes.'

Speculation: The Seven News journalist, 32, hit back at trolls who asked personal questions about why she wasn't drinking, following a report about Dry July that aired on Monday

She said it needs to be taught that it's 'never okay to ask anyone if they're pregnant or planning to be' because it's 'no one else's business'.

Georgia is doing Dry July, which requires abstaining from alcohol for a month, to raise funds for pancreatic cancer charity Pancare.

Her mother died of pancreatic cancer four years ago.

Earlier this week, trolls hit her comments section to say she must be taking part in the charitable cause due to 'pregnancy' - prompting her to respond directly.

'What the actual f**k is wrong with people?' Earlier this week, trolls hit her comments section to say she must be taking part in Dry July cause due to 'pregnancy' - prompting her to respond

'Outrageous when the caption is about you doing Dry July, as have been many of your posts lately!' one troll wrote.

'No, just outrageous to ask at all,' Georgia responded, while saying to another: 'How am I clearly pregnant? Are you saying I look like I have a big belly?

'And/or are you suggesting I am lying about doing Dry July for the sole purpose of raising funds and awareness for the cancer that killed my mum?'

Slamming rumours: Another posed the same question adding 'not because you look it, but because of the video you're giving' - with Georgia responding with a blunt: 'No'

Fuming: Georgia then responded to trolls' theories that she was pregnant because she's doing Dry July, saying: 'Are you suggesting I am lying about doing Dry July for the sole purpose of raising funds and awareness for the cancer that killed my mum?'

When one fan shared an emoji of a pregnant woman, Georgia bit back: 'What the actual f**k is wrong with some people?!'

Another posed the same question adding 'not because you look it, but because of the video you're giving' - with Georgia responding with a blunt: 'No.'

Georgia has long been plagued by pregnancy rumours, first brushing off the speculation by fans in 2017 by claiming she had just had a 'big breakfast'.

Shocked: 'Outrageous when the caption is about you doing Dry July, as have been many of your posts lately!' someone wrote, with Georgia replying: 'No, just outrageous to ask at all'

The following year, Georgia said: 'I'm not fat, I'm not a big girl' in response to a new surge of rumours.

Georgia chose Lee in the finale of The Bachelorette in 2016 and the pair announced their engagement in 2019.

The duo tied the knot in a stunning ceremony in Tasmania in March this year.
Outspoken model Samantha Harris has come out swinging against the New South Wales government over its decision to extend Sydney's Covid-19 lockdown for another week.

A furious Samantha wrote on Instagram on Wednesday: 'Thank you very much, NSW government. How good is this? Didn't realise I was in jail, locked in for another week. What did we do wrong?'

The 30-year-old continued: 'Do you not realise the amount of people struggling out there? This is absolutely ridiculous.'

'Ridiculous': Outspoken model Samantha Harris (left) has come out swinging against the New South Wales government over its decision to extend Sydney's Covid-19 lockdown for another week. Right: NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian at a press conference on Tuesday

Samantha went on to accuse the government of inflicting financial and emotional damage upon Sydney residents with its lockdowns.

'I have friends that have small business and they have been absolutely destroyed by this three-week lockdown, not to mention what this has done to everyone's mental health,' she wrote.

'People are crying out for these jabs and you cant provide them. This is all on you; its absolutely unforgivable.'

Samantha concluded her post by insisting the NSW government should change tack and lift Covid restrictions for good while vaccinations are rolled out.

Outraged: Samantha wrote on Instagram, 'Thank you very much, NSW government. How good is this? Didn't realise I was in jail, locked in for another week. What did we do wrong?'

Rant: Samantha went on to accuse the government of inflicting financial and emotional damage upon Sydney residents with its lockdowns

'These lockdowns need to stop,' she declared. 'Surely it's time to live with this the best we can while you are implementing and rolling out these vaccinations.'

Samantha became a household name after winning the Girlfriend Model Search at the age of 13.

At 18 she became the second Indigenous model to appear on the cover of Vogue.

Living with coronavirus: Samantha concluded her post by insisting the NSW government should change tack and lift Covid restrictions for good while vaccinations are rolled out

Meanwhile, five million Sydneysiders are preparing to remain in lockdown for at least another week as an outbreak of the highly-infectious Indian Delta strain of Covid continues to spread across the city.

With community transmission confirmed in Sydney's west late on Tuesday night, including in a busy Coles in Parramatta, the NSW government made the call to extend restrictions until 11.59pm on July 16.

The decision to extend stay-at-home orders and keep schools closed in Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Shellharbour and Wollongong is set to be officially announced by Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Wednesday morning.

Extended: The decision to extend stay-at-home orders and keep schools closed in Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Shellharbour and Wollongong is set to be officially announced by Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Wednesday morning

The harsh measures, originally brought in for a week on June 26, were enacted to confine the highly infectious Indian Delta strain to the epicentre in Sydney's east.

But the strategy has failed to keep locally-acquired cases under control across Sydney, with 18 new infections on Tuesday bringing the city's Bondi cluster to 225 cases - with over a hundred more that are yet to be linked.

In another worrying statistic which prompted Ms Berejiklian to make her decision, 122 new cases were found to have been out in the community while infectious within the last ten days.

As part of the extended lockdown, face masks will remain mandatory, schools will be shut with at-home-learning replacing face-to-face classes and there are still only four lawful reasons to leave home.
He's the handsome pilot putting his heart on the line on The Bachelor Australia.

And in a new trailer, Jimmy Nicholson admits he made the 'right decision' by signing up for the series as he meets his stunning contestants for the first time.

Jimmy, 31, is blown away as he greets the women at the Bachelor mansion.

Smitten! The Bachelor is back! Jimmy Nicholson is blown away by his gorgeous contestants in a new trailer - as Channel 10 reveals the premiere date for the ninth season

Meanwhile, Channel 10 also confirmed the show will premiere at 7:30pm on Wednesday, July 21.

In the teaser, Jimmy first meets gorgeous blonde Lily, who arrives via a crane that lifts her into the mansion grounds.

'That's a very impressive entrance,' Jimmy says, adding: 'You've got very beautiful eyes, Lily, very blue.'

What an entrance! In the teaser, Jimmy first meets gorgeous blonde Lily, who arrives via a crane that lifts her into the mansion grounds

From the skies: 'That's a very impressive entrance,' Jimmy says

He admits he has a 'big smile on his face' as he meets more of the contestants.

One brunette named Brooke soon catches his eye in a figure-hugging dress and presents him with a Sri Lankan 'love cake'.

'Brooke is breathtakingly beautiful. I'm doing backflips inside,' Jimmy says.

Will she steal his heart? One brunette named Brooke soon catches his eye in a figure-hugging dress and presents him with a Sri Lankan 'love cake'

He then meets a chess enthusiast and a wine lover.

After chatting to all the ladies individually, Jimmy can't help but say he 'made the right decision' by agreeing to be the Bachelor.

'I'm loving it. I think I made the right decision coming here,' he smiles.

Varied interests: He then meets a chess enthusiast and a wine lover

The Bachelor premieres Wednesday, July 21, at 7:30pm on Channel 10 - just days before the Tokyo Olympics begin on Seven on Friday, July 23.

Jimmy is already on the pre-show publicity trail.

He chatted to KIIS FM's Pete Deppeler about his love life earlier this week.

'It's a date!' The Bachelor premieres Wednesday, July 21, at 7:30pm on Channel 10 - just days before the Tokyo Olympics begin on Seven on Friday July 23

'Have you had sex in a plane before?' Pete asked, to which Jimmy replied without hesitation: 'I have not, no.'

He went on to say he had experienced heartbreak in the past.

'I think we all have, haven't we? Yeah, I have,' he confessed.
Chris Brown has been sued by a cleaning woman who claimed that one of his dogs attacked her last December while she was working at his Los Angeles home.

The housekeeper filed the Jane Doe lawsuit alleging that Brown, 32, was responsible for injuries she suffered when his Caucasian Shepherd Ovcharka, named Hades, attacked her while she was working at his home in the Tarzana area, according to an article Tuesday by TMZ.

The woman claimed in court documents that she was emptying trash outside when the big dog appeared and tore into her allegedly biting off chunks of flesh from her face, arms and body.

Dog lawsuit: Chris Brown, shown in January 2020 in Los Angeles, has been sued by a cleaning woman who claimed that one of his dogs attacked her last December at his home

The alleged victim also claimed in court documents that Brown and his associates were home at the time, but no one came to her aid despite her cries.

The lawsuit claimed that Brown after coming upon her ordered his team to grab the dogs and leave before police and paramedics arrived.

The woman in court documents claimed that Brown was evasive and misleading with authorities and allegedly told police he didn't know what happened or who left with the dogs.

The lawsuit stated that Hades was euthanized weeks later by the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office Animal Shelter after finding the dog was dangerous.

Damages sought: The 32-year-old rapper, shown in April in Los Angeles, was sued in a Jane Doe lawsuit by a woman seeking unspecified damages, according to an article Tuesday by TMZ

The housekeeper claimed that she had to undergo extensive surgery to save her life and has suffered injuries that have permanently scarred her, according to court documents.

Her husband also was suing for the alleged loss of the ability to have his wife's love and companionship.

The lawsuit was seeking unspecified major damages.

The alleged dog attack at Brown's Tarzana home also was detailed in a separate lawsuit filed in April by the housekeeper's sister who was working with her.

911 caller: The dog eventually was pulled off and Brown, shown in October 2020 in London, was allegedly evasive and misleading with authorities, according to court documents

The lawsuit filed in April against Brown claimed the sisters had been hired by the rapper to clean his Los Angeles home twice a week for a rate of $600 a day.

The sisters acknowledge being aware that Brown had dogs, but claimed they were kept in a separate part of the property in the Tarzana area whenever they worked.

The lawsuit detailed the alleged attack and claimed the sister was bitten in the face and leg and three to four inches of skin was ripped off her arm.

Brown has seven year-old daughter Royalty with Nia Guzman, 37, and 19-month-old son Aeko with Ammika Harris, 28.
He portrays a doting dad named John in the forthcoming film Nowhere Special.

And James Norton put on a stylish display in a blazer on Tuesday as he joined his adorable six-year-old co-star, Daniel Lamont, for a special screening of the new movie in London.

The actor, 35, sported a white tee and cream trousers for the event at Curzon Cinema in Mayfair.

So sweet: James Norton put on a stylish display in a blazer on Tuesday as he joined his adorable co-star, Daniel Lamonta, for a special screening of Nowhere Special in London (pictured with director Uberto Pasolini right)

James completed the look with black brogues as he put his hands in his pockets and posed in front of a promotional banner.

Daniel, who plays his on-screen son, looked delightful in a crisp white shirt and black jeans which he teamed with spotless white trainers.

The pair were joined at the event by Uberto Pasolini.

Nowhere Special is an upcoming internationally co-produced drama film, written, directed, and produced by Uberto. It is scheduled for release on July 16.

Dashing: The actor, 35, sported a white tee and cream trousers for the event at Curzon Cinema in Mayfair

Smile! James completed the look with black brogues as he put his hands in his pockets and posed in front of a promotional banner

Dressed for the occasion: Daniel, who plays his on-screen son, looked delightful in a crisp white shirt and black jeans which he teamed with spotless white trainers

James, who plays window cleaner John, dedicates his existence to his three-year-old son after his mother left them soon after she gave birth.

But when John is given just months to live, he sets out to find a perfect family for his little boy once he is gone.

James, who recently starred in the BBC drama The Trial Of Christine Keeler, has been hotly-tipped as the latest actor to play James Bond.

The Sun claimed bookmaker Ladbrokes has suspended betting on the star being the next man to portray the fictional secret agent.

Converse: James was seen chatting to a lady in a pastel blue top and faux leather skirt

Around the corner: Nowhere Special is an upcoming internationally co-produced drama film, written, directed, and produced by Uberto, it is scheduled for release on July 16th

Role: James, who plays window cleaner John, dedicates his existence to his three-year-old son after his mother left them soon after she gave birth

Amid frenzied speculation about who will be the next to play Bond, with stars including Richard Madden and Idris Elba being linked with the role, a source told the publication both sides were trying 'to get a deal signed off'.

They said: 'Producers wanted a Brit and James ticks all the boxes - tall, strapping, physically fit and, of course, looks great in a dinner jacket.

'Everyone is hoping to get the deal confirmed and signed off, with an announcement in the summer.'

Legacy: But when John is given just months to live, he sets out to find a perfect family for his little boy once he is gone
Michael Goonan has received backlash online for a distasteful joke on Instagram.

The former Married At First Sight star was slammed by his fans after saying that he'd be 'happy to let a few turtles go' to get plastic straws back.

According to Perth Now, the comment received some major pushback, with hundreds of the businessman's followers sending him enraged messages about it.

Hot water: Michael Goonan is receiving backlash for a distasteful joke. The former MAFS star was slammed by fans after saying that he'd be 'happy to let a few turtles go' to get plastic straws back

'Imagine for every person who thinks theyre above letting *a few turtles go* for a PLASTIC STRAW! Turtles are CRITICALLY ENDANGERED rapidly from PLASTIC POLLUTION,' raged one.

Michael later admitted that he'd learned his lesson about the remark.

'Every day is a learning curve. Today I learnt from 284 dms... you can f**k with any animal in the world... but you stay well away from the turtles,' he said.

Lesson: Michael later admitted that he'd learned his lesson about the remark. 'Every day is a learning curve. Today I learnt from 284 dms... you can f**k with any animal in the world... but you stay well away from the turtles,' he said

Michael recently debuted his new ripped figure after undergoing an eight-week body transformation.

And now the cheeky reality star has revealed he has a new girlfriend, a fitness model called Cheyenne Donaghey.

The ice cube mogul, 30, and his ladylove both shared a video of them passionately kissing on Thursday evening, joking they were going to join OnlyFans.

New love! The Married At First Sight bad boy has debuted his new blonde bombshell girlfriend Cheyenne Donaghey in a VERY steamy video of the couple passionately kissing

In the clip, Michael cupped the glamorous fitness model's bottom and lifted her into his arms before the pair locked lips.

Across the footage, Cheyenne asked her fans if they should join adult subscription site OnlyFans.

Later in the evening, the pair hit the pub to enjoy dinner and drinks and Cheyenne told the cheeky reality star 'So happy we met'.

Michael's last known girlfriend was stunning dancer KC Osbourne, who he met on the Channel Nine experiment last year after his TV marriage to Stacey Hampton didn't work out.

Lucky Michael! Cheyenne is a fitness model who is based in Michael home city of Adelaide

KC recently finally shot down rumours that she and Michael began their romance while 'married' to others on season seven of Married At First Sight.

Appearing on Bryce Ruthven and Melissa Rawson's podcast, What Happens After... his week, the former reality star, 32, said their romance sparked up after the reunion - when they were both single.

The dancer had recently split with her TV 'husband' Drew Brauer and Michael had split with his 'wife' Stacey, 27.

Saucy: In the clip, Michael cupped the glamorous fitness model's bottom and lifted her into his arms before the pair locked lips

'Nothing ever happen in there. I have never cheated in my life,' she said, revealing that while the pair shared 'banter' at the reunion, they were single when they began dating one another.

'Michael and I had this friendship, he is from Scotland, my family is from Scotland, and we had a lot of banter.

'I was feeling rejected, he was feeling rejected, and Michael was just like a dog with a bone perusing me, and I kept saying no,' she admitted.

Out with the old: Michael's last known girlfriend was stunning dancer KC Osbourne, who he met on the Channel Nine experiment last year after his TV marriage to Stacey Hampton didn't work out

KC added that she didn't think Michael was trustworthy - but eventually he wore her down.

'I would see him on the couch [on Married At First Sight] every week and think I would never date a guy like that, I would never trust him,' she said.

'He's persistent man, he has the gift of the gab. There was one line I said after we broke up, 'I got sold the dream and I fell for it'.

'That is exactly what happened. At the end of the day I wanted love so bad and I thought he was going to be the guy that just loves me, and he definitely sold me on that. It's kind of a regret of mine,' she said.

The co-stars called it quits on her relationship in May last year, announcing their split on Instagram.
She has made her love for all thing French widely known.

And former Home and Away star Melissa George was the epitome of Parisian chic as she attended the Giorgio Armani Prive Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2021/2022 show in the famous city on Tuesday.

The 44-year-old actress turned heads in a sequined jacket and a matching beret from the designer.

She's a long way from Summer Bay! Melissa George was the epitome of Parisian chic as she attended the Giorgio Armani Prive Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2021/2022 show in the famous city on Tuesday

She teamed the ensemble with a pair of wide-legged black trousers and strappy suede flats.

Melissa had her auburn hair coiffed in curls and painted her pout with red lipstick.

The former soap star currently lives in Paris with her two sons, Raphael, six, and Solal, four.

In 2012, Melissa was left furious when The Morning Show hosts Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies played clips of her soap star days and asked her about her time on Home And Away.

Tres chic! The 44-year-old actress turned heads in a sequined jacket and a matching beret from the designer

News Corp reported that the actress had threatened to walk off set if her time on Home And Away was mentioned.

'She kept saying she's had so many bigger roles since Home And Away that it was offensive to talk about it - she even said she'd send Seven an invoice because she inadvertently promotes it through the media,' a source told The Daily Telegraph.

Melissa broke her silence about the incident in an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, explaining she wasn't going to come back to Australia for a while because of the stress local media interviews caused her.

'I don't need credibility from my country any more, I just need them all to be quiet. If they have nothing intelligent to say, please don't speak to me any more,' she said.

'I'd rather be having a croissant and a little espresso in Paris or walking my French bulldog in New York City.'

Star-studded! Celina Locks, Malika Ayane, Roberta Armani, Hugo Marchand, Maria Bakalova, Diane Kruger, Ashely Park and Melissa (left to right) all attended the show
Karl Stefanovic was famously a little worse for wear while hosting the Today show the morning after the 2009 Logies.

But he found himself on the other side of a tipsy TV appearance on Wednesday, as celebrity guest David Walliams admitted he was drunk for his live cross from the UK.

The loose interview left Karl, 46, and co-anchor Allison Langdon, 42, in stitches.

Worse for wear: The Today show's interview with a 'drunk' David Walliams (right) left co-hosts Karl Stefanovic and Allison Langdon (left) in stitches on Wednesday

David began by admitting he'd just returned from a dinner, during which he'd met Sir Paul McCartney.

'Just to warn you I'm a bit star-struck and a bit drunk,' said the 49-year-old comedian.

'Perfect! That's the way we like to do the show,' Karl assured him.

Speaking about his chance encounter with the former Beatle, David said: 'He's so fit and full of life, and really fun...

'And he was of life, and really fun, and he was... he's really happy to talk about The Beatles, which is good, because it would be awkward if he wasn't.'

At least he's honest! 'Just to warn you I'm a bit star-struck and a bit drunk,' said David, 49, prompting laughter from Karl and Allison

The Come Fly with Me funnyman then spoke of his love of Australia, before forgetting the name of one of the country's most famous beaches.

'I remember just swimming in... in the sea and someone was swimming past me, what's that famous beach everyone goes to?' he said before trailing off.

'Bondi Beach. That's right!' he continued. 'This is why you shouldn't drink wine before morning TV.'

Whoops! The Come Fly with Me funnyman then spoke of his love of Australia, before forgetting the name of one of the country's most famous beaches

Meanwhile, like all Sydneysiders, Karl is in the midst of a strict lockdown.

But the Channel Nine anchor appeared in great spirits on Saturday as he shared a video to Instagram from his new home in Castlecrag.

He busted a few dance moves in front of the TV after ordering cocktails from trendy Cantonese restaurant Mr Wong.

In great spirits: Karl appeared in great spirits on Saturday as he shared a video to Instagram from his new home in Castlecrag

Filmed by wife Jasmine Stefanovic, 37, Karl cut a casual figure in a white polo shirt, dark pants and a paperboy cap.

He moved to the beat and made a number of animated facial expressions while holding bottles of liquor.

'Lockdown, dad and mum. Thanks @mrwongsydney,' Karl captioned the clip, as his shoe designer wife laughed in the background.

Lockdown treats: He busted a few dance moves in front of the TV after ordering cocktails from trendy Cantonese restaurant Mr Wong. Pictured with his wife, Jasmine Yarbrough

Karl and Jasmine finally moved into their new home in Castlecrag, on Sydney's Lower North Shore, last week.

The couple took ownership of the property just two days before Sydney was forced into lockdown, reports Realestate.com.au.

The Stefanovics purchased the home in March for $3.2million after the house they'd been renting nearby was sold for more than $8million.

New home: Karl and Jasmine finally moved into their new home (pictured) in Castlecrag, on Sydney's Lower North Shore, last week. The couple took ownership of the property just two days before Sydney was forced into lockdown, reports Realestate.com.au

Purchase: The Stefanovics (pictured with their daughter Harper) purchased the home in March for $3.2million after the house they'd been renting nearby was sold for more than $8million

The new property, which the pair are expected to renovate, boasts views over Castlecrag's north escarpment and is close to the village's cafes and shops.

It includes a self-contained unit with a separate entry and its own bathroom.

They also own a holiday home on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, which they bought for $3.6million in January last year and travel to frequently.

Karl and Jasmine - along with their one-year-old daughter, Harper - divide their time between Sydney and Queensland.

The couple married in December 2018 in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico.
Christina Haack has a new man in her life.

The Flip Or Flop star, 37, was seen holding hands with real estate agent Joshua Hall as the pair arrived at LAX airport on Tuesday, as per Page Six.

A source told the outlet that Christina and Joshua 'have been dating for the last few months' and that they are jetting off to Mexico to celebrate Christina's 38th birthday.

News of Christina's budding relationship with her 'boyfriend' Joshua comes shortly after her former spouse Ant Anstead made his romance with actress Renee Zellweger official.

New man! Christina Haack appeared to confirm her burgeoning romance with real estate agent Joshua Hall as the pair were seen holding hands at LAX on Tuesday, as per pictured obtained by Page Six; Christina (left) pictured in January, Joshua (right) pictured

Another insider divulged to People on Tuesday that Christina and Joshua 'recently started dating each other and it was an immediate, real connection.'

They added: 'They've enjoyed getting to know each other one-on-one without outside noise.'

Not much is known about Hall, but it was uncovered by numerous outlets that the hunk was a former police officer and now works in real estate, which Christina is plenty familiar with.

He is currently based in Austin, Texas and works for a successful realty firm in the area.

In a self-written bio on the firm's website, Joshua revealed that his '16-year career' in law enforcement 'was cut short due to injuries sustained in the line of duty ultimately leading to an early retirement.'

Taking things slow: 'They've enjoyed getting to know each other one-on-one without outside noise,' a source told People of Christina's burgeoning relationship with Joshua; Christina pictured in May

He stressed that he has always taken 'great pride in helping people with everyday difficulties and putting them at ease,' something he is now able to do through real estate.

Although he has been hunkered down in Texas since 2017, Joshua was reportedly born and raised in Southern California.

How he and Christina met remains a mystery as the mother of three resides in Newport Beach, California, so things most likely blossomed on a long-distance level.

Christina's budding relationship with Joshua, which was made public Tuesday during their PDA-packed LAX outing, is her first since splitting from husband Ant Anstead last year.

Moving on: News of Christina's budding relationship with her 'boyfriend' Joshua comes shortly after her former spouse Ant Anstead made his romance with actress Renee Zellweger official; Renee pictured in February 2021, Ant pictured in 2019

Split: Haack called it quits with Anstead in September 2020 after less than two years of marriage, something she shared regretfully in a lengthy statement published to Instagram at the time; Christina and Ant pictured

Haack called it quits with Anstead in September 2020 after less than two years of marriage, something she shared regretfully in a lengthy statement published to Instagram at the time.

'Ant and I have made the difficult decision to separate. We are grateful for each other and as always, our children will remain our priority,' wrote Christina of the pair's divorce, which was officially finalized in June 2021.

The former couple share one-year-old son Hudson, while Christina also has daughter Taylor, 10, and son Brayden, five, with ex husband and Flip Or Flop co-host Tarek El Moussa.

Finalized: 'Ant and I have made the difficult decision to separate. We are grateful for each other and as always, our children will remain our priority,' wrote Christina of the pair's divorce, which was officially finalized in June 2021; Ant and Christina pictured in 2019

Christina and Tarek, who is currently engaged to Selling Sunset star Heather Rae Young, divorced one another in 2018 after nine years of marriage,

In late June, it was reported that Christina's ex Ant had officially moved onto Academy Award-winner Renee Zellweger, just days after their divorce was finalized.

The 42-year-old British television personality reportedly 'hit it off' with the 52-year-old Chicago star as they filmed an episode of his upcoming Discovery+ series Celebrity IOU: Joyride in early June, as per People.

Co-parenting: The former couple share one-year-old son Hudson; Christina, Hudson, and Ant pictured in 2019

Friendly exes: Christina also has daughter Taylor, 10, and son Brayden, five, with ex husband and Flip Or Flop co-host Tarek El Moussa; Christina, Taylor, Tarek, and Brayden pictured

On Tuesday, Renee and Ant confirmed their budding romance by sharing a kiss during a romantic bike ride through Laguna Beach, where Ant is based.

Days prior, Renee was seen driving Ant and his 21-month-old son to grab lunch at a vegan cafe. Outside she seemed right at home cradling the toddler in her arms while leaning against the hood of the car.

Things are moving fast and furious with the couple after rumors emerged last week that the unlikely duo were dating.

Over the weekend they were seen looking close while attending an open air church service and Renee was even spotted at Ant's Orange County home.
Love Island alum Joanna Chimonides stepped out with fellow ex-Islander Molly Smith on Tuesday night in Manchester.

The duo held hands as they headed into Menagerie, both flashing their lithe frames in ab-teasing looks.

Joanna, 24, stunned in a bright blue ensemble - a cropped bloused with a plunging collared detailing and short sleeves in a crimped design.

Love Island alum: Joanna Chimonides stepped out with fellow ex-Islander Molly Smith on Tuesday night in Manchester

She matched this with shorts and black strapped heels.

She toted a pink purse and accessorised with gold jewelry, wearing her blonde locks in sleek waves around her shoulders.

Molly, 25, wore a pink corset-style top, also flashing her waist.

She added black leather trousers to the look and peep-toe heels.

Pose: Joanna, 24, stunned in a bright blue ensemble - a cropped bloused with a plunging collared detailing and short sleeves in a crimped design

Gals night: The duo held hands as they headed into Menagerie, both flashing their lithe frames in ab-teasing looks

She carried a cream purse and wore her golden locks loose, like her pal.

Joanna was one of many celebrities to jet off to the beach during the UK's national lockdown.

Joanna returned from the Maldives with her fellow Love Island alum Georgia Steel, 22, in February.

The pair had been busy documenting their lavish getaways with pals including Francesca Allen and Hayley Hughes in a series of snaps, while most of the UK was ordered to stay at home.

Travel abroad was banned from the UK without a legally permitted reason.

Controversial: Joanna had been busy documenting her lavish getaway with pals including in a series of snaps, while most of the UK was ordered to stay at home

And Home Secretary Priti Patel criticised those who had been holidaying in the sun when they have been told to stay at home.

Members of the public took umbrage with influencers' tone deaf posts from warmer climates like the Maldives and Dubai - now dubbed 'Covid Cosablanca.'

Hostile messages on Instagram and Twitter pages are accused them of recklessly spreading the virus and putting the NHS under increasing strain.

Many claim they jetted off for 'unavoidable work trips' - with some even going so far as to suggest that their social media posts should make them 'key workers'.
Kelly Ripa is wondering why some followers are now 'fixated' on her feet.

Ripa got an answer from husband Mark Consuelos, 50, who patiently explained how her latest Instagram post made it looked like she was 'missing a leg.'

Confused, Kelly went on to call people obsessing over the photo 'weirdos.'

Optical illusion: Kelly Ripa filmed a video of herself asking her husband Mark Consuelos to explain why some followers are 'fixated' on her 'feet in a family photo'

Optical illusion: Kelly Ripa filmed a video of herself asking her husband Mark Consuelos to explain why some followers are 'fixated' on her 'feet in a family photo'

After admitting she was 'jetlagged' in the footage, Ripa replied 'obviously' she was not missing the limb because 'it is in the other photos,' where the couple posed with their three kids Michael, 24, Lola, 20, and Joaquin, 18 and other family.

'Could it be that I just crossed one foot over the other? There's another foot there, it's just crossed over,' she pointed out.

Consuelos quipped, 'Maybe they don't have the zoom function on their phones.'

She finished by telling viewers: 'You guys are weirdos. You are. There I said it.'

The image in question showed the power couple and their children posing alongside Consuelos' extended relatives as they celebrated two graduations in the family.

Perplexed: The Riversale star, 50, patiently explained to his wife that in the photo with their three kids Michael, 24, Lola, 20, and Joaquin, 18, it looked like she was 'missing a leg'

Too funny: After admitting she was 'jetlagged' in the footage, Ripa replied 'obviously' she was not missing the limb because 'it is in the other photos'

Both Ripa and Consuelos's eldest son and niece graduated last spring.

'Last years graduation trip for our oldest son and niece was delayed long enough to become a graduation trip for the family newborns as well!' the talk show host captioned a slideshow of snaps around Italy.

One photo shows the family members on a deck all dressed in white outfits, while another snap shows them all posing on a beach.

'Could it be that I just crossed one foot over the other? There's another foot there, it's just crossed over,' she pointed out

European vacation: Consuelos quipped, 'Maybe they don't have the zoom Eldest son: Michael, 24, finished up his undergraduate studies at New York University, in May last year. He's pictured here with dad Mark Consuelosfunction on their phones'

The third photo in the collection shows the family all gathered on some steps as they enjoy a stroll through a European town.

Michael finished up his undergraduate studies at New York University, in May last year.

To mark the moment, Ripa shared a photo from Michael's high school graduation.

Eldest son: Michael, 24, finished up his undergraduate studies at New York University, in May last year. He's pictured here with dad Mark Consuelos

2020 graduate: Michael, 24, finished up his undergraduate studies at New York University, in May last year. To mark the moment, Ripa shared a photo from Michael's high school graduation

'2016 fours years passed in the blink of an eye and today you take your final final exam in college. Congratulations Michael! Youre a virtual graduate. Literally! #classof2020 #NYU' she captioned the flashback shot.

Last month, the proud parents celebrated Joaquin's graduation from high school.

Ripa posted a series of pictures throughout to her Instagram Stories, showing Joaquin wearing his graduation robe.

As Joaquin is the youngest child in the family, the TV personality noted in another photo that she and Consuelos will soon be 'empty nesters' when he leaves for college.

Joaquin will be attending the University of Michigan, where he will be part of the wrestling team.
Former MasterChef star Poh Ling Yeow runs her Jamface cafe at the Adelaide Central Market with her two ex-husbands and one of her best friends.

And on Sunday, Poh was seen working hard at her stall alongside her first husband, Matt Phipps.

Poh, 48, turned heads in a bright pink jumper as she made some decadent fresh desserts and greeted customers with Matt behind her.

Business as usual! MasterChef's Poh Ling Yeow got to work on Sunday making desserts at her market stall in Adelaide with ex-husband Matt Phipps (pictured)

She teamed her look with casual black pants and pulled her dark locks back and off her face into a ponytail.

Poh appeared in high spirits as she whipped up some cream filling for her desserts and happily spoke to Matt at one point.

In a unique situation, Poh, her most recent ex-husband Jonathan Bennett and her ex-husband Matt Phipps run Jamface Cafe at the Adelaide Central Market, along Matt's new wife Sarah Rich (who also happens to be Poh's best friend of 20 years).

Looking fresh! Poh, 48, turned heads in a bright pink jumper as she made some decadent fresh desserts

Doing her thing: Poh appeared in high spirits as she whipped up some cream filling for her desserts and happily chatted away to Matt

Unique: In a unique situation, Poh, her most recent ex-husband Jonathan Bennett and her ex-husband Matt Phipps run Jamface Cafe at the Adelaide Central Market, along Matt's new wife Sarah Rich (who also happens to be Poh's best friend of 20 years)

In February, Poh revealed her marriage to Jonathan was over, speaking to The Weekend Australian.

She revealed the shock news when asked what she plans to do this year, saying: 'It is about me doing the things I love and remembering who I am without another person. [Husband] Jono and I broke up.'

'But Jono and I still work together and are the best of friends,' she said.

Over: In February, Poh revealed her marriage to Jonathan (pictured) was over, speaking to The Weekend Australian. The former MasterChef star revealed the shock news when asked what she plans to do this year, saying: 'It is about me doing the things I love and remembering who I am without another person. [Husband] Jono and I broke up'

Reflective: She joked that Jamface 'is a catalogue of failed marriages'

She added that it was the most 'untraumatic breakup possible.'

She joked that Jamface 'is a catalogue of failed marriages.'

Speaking of working with ex-husband Matt back in 2017, Poh told Mamamia: 'He's my ex-husband. She's my best friend. And when we broke up, they got together and it's all dandy.'

She said Matt was 'like her brother' and there was no such thing as a 'love triangle.'

Poh became a household name after appearing on MasterChef season one in 2009.

In 2019, she returned to the show as a mentor. And in 2020, Poh gave it one more shot as a contestant in the Back to Win series and placed 6th.
Joey King's Elle Evans tries to decide between going to college with her BF or her BFF in the new trailer for Netflix's The Kissing Booth 3.

The streaming service's franchise started with The Kissing Booth in 2018, with both The Kissing Booth 2 and The Kissing Booth 3 filmed back-to-back, before the COVID-19 outbreak.

Netflix will release the romantic comedy sequel on August 11, following Elle, her boyfriend Noah (Jacob Elordi) and best friend Lee (Joel Courtney) celebrating their final summer of high school before heading to college.

Decision: Joey King's Elle Evans tries to decide between going to college with her BF or her BFF in the new trailer for Netflix's The Kissing Booth 3

BF and BFF: Netflix will release the romantic comedy sequel on August 11, following Elle, her boyfriend Noah (Jacob Elordi) and best friend Lee (Joel Courtney) celebrating their final summer of high school before heading to college

The trailer begins with Elle, Noah, Lee and Rachel (Meganne Young) arriving at Mrs. Flynn's (Molly Ringwald) beach house, asking her if they could help take care of the place, to which she agrees.

The trailer cuts to a raucous party at the beach house, as Lee raises a glass to, 'the last summer at the beach house.'

Lee clearly has a bit too much fun, with Elle waking him up with an airhorn at 1 in the afternoon.

Arrive: The trailer begins with Elle, Noah, Lee and Rachel (Meganne Young) arriving at Mrs. Flynn's (Molly Ringwald) beach house, asking her if they could help take care of the place, to which she agrees.

Party time: The trailer cuts to a raucous party at the beach house, as Lee raises a glass to, 'the last summer at the beach house'

Wake up: Lee clearly has a bit too much fun, with Elle waking him up with an airhorn at 1 in the afternoon

Elle and Lee come across an old 'beach bucket list' that they made several years ago, filled with things they wanted to do before going to college.

Items in this list included hanging out in the massive donut in Randy's Donuts in Inglewood, cliff diving, skydiving, shark cage diving and more.

However, all of these bucket list items have essentially served as a distraction for Elle, who has to choose between going to college with her boyfriend, or going to college with her best friend, like she's planned on doing since their were little kids.

Bucket list: Elle and Lee come across an old 'beach bucket list' that they made several years ago, filled with things they wanted to do before going to college

Donut: Items in this list included hanging out in the massive donut in Randy's Donuts in Inglewood, cliff diving, skydiving, shark cage diving and more.

Elle is on a phone call where she's told that one of the schools, 'will need a decision by tomorrow,' though Elle is still trying to hold on to this last summer with all three of them together.

Elle tells Noah that she, 'got off the wait list,' as Noah talks to Chloe (Maisie Richardson-Sellers) over a game of pool.

'If you trust her, you've got to believe what she says, and nothing else,' Chloe tells him, while Elle runs into Marco (Taylor Zakhar Perez).

Decision: Elle is on a phone call where she's told that one of the schools, 'will need a decision by tomorrow,' though Elle is still trying to hold on to this last summer with all three of them together

Wait list: Elle tells Noah that she, 'got off the wait list,' as Noah talks to Chloe (Maisie Richardson-Sellers) over a game of pool

Marco: 'If you trust her, you've got to believe what she says, and nothing else,' Chloe tells him, while Elle runs into Marco (Taylor Zakhar Perez)

He asks if, 'things can be cool for us,' and she says, 'of course they can,' though things are getting tense with her and Noah.

He invites her to a surprise fancy dinner but she, 'has a thing with Lee,' and he angrily says, 'Don't tell me it's a bucket list thing.'

Elle opens up to Marco, saying that between spending time with Noah and trying to pick a school and the bucket list with Lee, 'I just feel like I'm running around like a crazy person.'

Tense: He asks if, 'things can be cool for us,' and she says, 'of course they can,' though things are getting tense with her and Noah

The trailer winds down with a number of quick shots including Marco telling Elle that she shouldn't be with him and Noah taking off in the night.

Mrs. Flynn tells Elle that maybe her choices are all for someone else and she has to decide what she wants for herself.

She tells Lee that she has 'so much pressure' and she has to 'figure out who I am,' while Chloe tells her she thinks she's a, 'brilliant woman.'

The Kissing Booth 3 debuts on Netflix August 11.

Choices: Mrs. Flynn tells Elle that maybe her choices are all for someone else and she has to decide what she wants for herself

Marco: The trailer winds down with a number of quick shots including Marco telling Elle that she shouldn't be with him and Noah taking off in the night
It may be July but it's feeling like December in Ryan Reynolds' world.

On Tuesday, the Canadian actor tweeted a photo of himself posing head to head with Will Ferrell as he revealed filming has begun on the pair's new musical movie based on the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol.

The project, that was first announced a couple of years ago, is titled Spirited.

Day 1: Ryan Reynolds tweeted a photo of himself posing head to head with Will Ferrell as he revealed filming has begun on their new musical movie Spirited, based on A Christmas Carol

Reynolds is reported to be starring in the lead role of an Ebenezer Scrooge-type character who is visited by three Ghosts on Christmas Eve.

Ferrell, who cemented his festive credentials in the big screen comedy Elf, is playing the Ghost Of Christmas Present.

Other cast have yet to be confirmed.

What a duo: Reynolds stars stars as an Ebenezer Scrooge-type character who is visited by three Ghosts on Christmas Eve. Ferrell is playing the Ghost Of Christmas Present

Playing for laughs: Ferrell, of curse, cemented his festive credentials in the 2003 Christmas comedy Elf

The film reunites Ferrell with his Daddy Home writers and directors Sean Anders and John Morris, who are directing Spirited from their own screenplay.

Sharing the on set pic, Reynolds couldn't resist joking about how the musical movie is being produced for Apple TV+.

'He tweeted: 'Day 1 shooting with one of my comedy idols, Will Ferrell. You'd barely notice this was an @Apple movie! Also iOS 14.6 will begin installing in 7 seconds'

Streaming: Sharing the on set pic, Reynolds couldn't resist joking about how the musical movie is being produced for Apple TV+. It's not known then the film will be released

Reynolds will next be seen in the highly-anticipated Free Guy, arriving in theaters August 13.

He also recently completed filming on The Adam Project, starring alongside Zoe Saldana, Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo.

He's also wrapped production on Netflix movie Red Notice with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and Gal Gadot which is expected to premiere on the streaming service towards the end of this year.
Sydney was just plunged into lockdown for another week.

And while the announcement has left most people reeling, Karl Stefanovic and his wife Jasmine Yarbrough seem to be taking it all in their stride.

Jasmine took to Instagram to share a photo of the couple's daughter, Harper, one, playing in a ball pit in her pink play pen at home.

Cutie: Karl Stefanovic's wife Jasmine Yarborough has shared an adorable photo of their daughter Harper, one, (pictured) playing at home on Wednesday

The youngster was in high spirits, poking her tongue out at the camera while surrounded by plastic balls.

'Harper's very own Princess Ninja Warrior Course,' Jasmine captioned the photo.

Adorable Harper regularly features on her famous parents' Instagram accounts.

Family time: Adorable Harper regularly features on her famous parents' Instagram accounts, including at one of their family barbecues

The couple finally moved into their new home recently in Castlecrag, on Sydney's Lower North Shore.

They took ownership of the property just two days before Sydney was forced into lockdown, reports Realestate.com.au.

The Today host, 46, and his shoe designer wife, 37, purchased the home in March for $3.2million after the house they'd been renting nearby was sold for more than $8million.

Welcome home! Karl and Jasmine (left) finally moved into their new home in Castlecrag, on Sydney's Lower North Shore, just two weeks ago

They also own a holiday home on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, which they bought for $3.6million in January last year and travel to frequently.

Karl and Jasmine - along with their one-year-old daughter, Harper - divide their time between Sydney and Queensland.

The Yarborough family is based in the Sunshine State, while Karl also began his journalism career there.

The couple married in December 2018 in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico.
The Project's Carrie Bickmore is often lauded for her fashion prowess.

And the 40-year-old proved her eye for style yet again on Tuesday.

Carrie impressed fashionistas when she donned an affordable baby blue frock from high-street brand C/meo Collective.

Steal her style: Carrie Bickmore impressed fashionistas on Tuesday by wearing an affordable baby blue frock on The Project

The demure frock features an elegant twist at the waist, as well as a split at the front.

The dress retails for $239.95 and can be purchased at Fashion Bunker.

A number of viewers expressed their approval after Carrie shared a photo of herself wearing the number on The Project.

High-street queen: The demure frock features an elegant twist at the waist, as well as a split at the front. It retails for an affordable $239.95 and can be purchased at Fashion Bunker

'You're the best dressed woman on Australian TV,' one fan commented on Instagram.

'I actually thought you looked so lovely tonight,' another wrote, while a third added: 'So gorgeous.'

It comes after the TV personality revealed earlier on Tuesday she'd found a potato rolling around her leather tote bag just a day before.

Fancy that! It comes after the TV personality revealed earlier on Tuesday she'd found a potato rolling around her leather tote bag just a day before

'The weird things you find in your handbag. #potato,' she captioned the picture.

Last Thursday, Carrie enjoyed a playdate at the beach with Fifi Box, 47, and their respective daughters.

Fifi was joined by her children, Trixie Belle, seven, and Daisy, two, while Carrie brought along her girls, Evie and Adelaide.
An AVO against Wippa super-fan Lisa Christian may not go ahead, a court heard

An apprehended violence order case against a super-fan of Nova breakfast host Wippa could be dropped after a magistrate flagged concerns raised by a health worker.

Lisa Christian, who ran a fan site for the radio star named 'All My Love', appeared at Sydney's Downing Centre local court on Wednesday morning.

Four days earlier, prominent radio presenter and comedian Wippa went to police out of concern at Ms Christian's alleged 'escalating' behaviour.

Wippa alleged that Ms Christian had bombarded him with messages and sent him a package of dolls to his home address in the city's east after tracking down his address.

Police have applied for an AVO against Ms Christian which would ban her from contacting Wippa or coming within 200m of his home.

Magistrate Jane Mottley told the court today that the court had received a message from a health worker raising concerns about an intellectual disability.

The message was 'very unusual in the manner in which its come to the court' in that it was sent directly to the magistrate.

Ms Christian allegedly bombarded Wippa with hundreds of messages and sent him a package of dolls late last month

Ms Christian runs a fan website for Wippa named All My Love. She had a long-standing interest in the presenter, according to court documents (above, with Wippa, Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald and a Nova mascot)

The message suggested that Ms Christian's case could be dealt with in an alternative way involving the Justice Health agency.

Magistrate Mottley said the message 'might inform' how the AVO case ultimately proceeds.

Magistrate Mottley compared Ms Christian's case to a 2010 District Court decision where an intervention order brought against an intellectually disabled woman was ruled to be both inappropriate and 'unfair'.

Ms Christian's Legal Aid lawyer Matthew Bogunovich said that he was instructed to oppose the AVO application if it went ahead.

The magistrate ordered police serve their evidence on Ms Christian's defence by August 4.

In their application, police said alleged Ms Christian began messaging Wippa on Instagram in August 2019.

The texts weren't threatening and didn't always make sense, the court document said.

Wippa, above with his wife Lisa, has co-hosted 'Fitzy and Wippa' on Nova since 2011 and recently featured on the Nine Network's Celebrity Apprentice program

However, the star 'became increasingly concerned when the defendant mentioned one of (Wippa's) children and knowledge of the (person in need of protection's) residential address.'

The super-fan shares pictures of plasticene dolls she makes on social media

In late June, Ms Christian sent a message containing a Domain article which describes details of Wippa's $6.5million property in Sydney's east.

She asked if she could send 'monkey dolls' directly to his home, rather than to Nova's offices, the court document said.

On July 1, Wippa opened a parcel at home and found dolls wrapped in bubble wrap with a pink note stuck to them, police said.

He reported it to police at the weekend.

The AVO document said Wippa 'is concerned about the defendant's behaviour escalating and is concerned about what she may do next.'

The matter returns to court in a month. Wippa is on holidays.
The Biggest Loser's Michelle Bridges has apologised for past comments she made about mature pregnancies.

Michelle, who gave birth to her first child, Axel, at age 45, told Who magazine in 2015 she was able to fall pregnant at such a late stage in life because of her 'good health'.

The remarks caused backlash, with readers branding Michelle 'ignorant' and 'smug'.

Setting things straight: The Biggest Loser's Michelle Bridges has apologised for past comments she made in 2015 about mature pregnancies

The personal trainer, 50, addressed the controversy this week during an interview with The Good Chat with Anita Anabel podcast.

'I got blasted in the media for saying that,' she admitted.

'There was a lot of backlash from people that had said, "I look after myself, I've done all of that too!"'

'I get that,' she continued. 'So I thought, "Okay, that was a naive thing to say, Michelle, lesson learned."'

Controversial: Michelle, who gave birth to her first child, Axel, at age 45, told Who magazine in 2015 she was able to fall pregnant at such a late stage in life because of her 'good health'

Michelle has been single for almost two years since her split from longtime partner Steve 'Commando' Willis in January 2020.

And the Celebrity Apprentice star recently told Woman's Day she was 'more than content' being on her own and focusing on her five-year-old son, Axel.

'He is the only man in my life,' she said. 'Without question. I love him to pieces.'

She offered a similar response in an interview with TV Week.

Remorse: 'I thought, "Okay, that was a naive thing to say, Michelle, lesson learned,'" she told The Good Chat with Anita Anabel podcast this week

'I was getting asked by a lot of people, "Have you gone on a date yet? Have you met someone?" And the answer is nope,' she insisted.

'I'm not someone who's easily offended... but personally, I don't feel the pressure [to go on dates] because I know the questions are coming from a good place.'

Michelle said she was enjoying life with Axel after relocating from Sydney to the NSW Southern Highlands following her break-up.

'Life for Axel and I is pretty great since moving out of the city. We needed a change,' she said.
They've put thousands of miles between themselves and the cyberbullying scandal back home in the U.S. that refuses to go away.

And on Tuesday, during their luxury vacation in Italy, Chrissy Teigen and John Legend arrived in Portofino, a small village on the Italian Riviera that holds special memories for them.

Sharing a photo of himself planting a kiss on his wife's cheek to his Instagram, Legend posted: 'We spent the evening in Portofino, the first stop on our honeymoon in 2013. Its still magical.'

'Magical': During their luxury vacation in Italy, Chrissy Teigen and John Legend arrived in Portofino on Tuesday, a village on the Italian Riviera that holds special memories for them

In the snap, Teigen is wearing a low-cut summer dress with spaghetti straps and is in full glam makeup with her hair styled in a half ponytail.

The lights of the coastal village are seen twinkling in the background.

The pair first met in 2006 on the set of the music video for the Grammy winner's single Stereo.

They tied the knot on September 14, 2013, in Como in Italy and are now parents to daughter Luna, five, and son Miles, three.

Italian tourism hotspot: Legend shared photos of Portofino's picturesque harbor and told his Instagram followers that it's still 'magical' more than seven years after his honeymoon

Doting dad: The Grammy winner also posed for a picture with daughter Luna, five, who, along with her brother Miles, three, are holidaying with their famous parents

Their celebrity world has been rocked, though, recently after it emerged that Teigen, 35, had posted hurtful messages on social media about a number of fellow celebrities including Lindsay Lohan, child Oscar nominee Quvenzhane Wallis and reality star Farrah Abraham.

In one of the most shocking revelations, she had bullied the then teenage Courtney Stodden in 2011 even suggesting she kill herself.

The model and cookbook author has since apologized but has had to deal with the fallout which has reportedly included losing some lucrative business for her cookware and other business ventures.

But the scandal doesn't seem to be marring Teigen and Legend's time in Italy as they tour the sights with their kids.

To date, they've been spotted visiting Rome and Florence before heading to the coast.
Bollywood icon Dilip Kumar, hailed as the 'Tragedy King' and one of Hindi cinema's greatest actors, died Wednesday in a Mumbai hospital after a prolonged illness. He was 98.

The 'Tragedy King' title came from Kumars numerous serious roles. In several, his character died as a frustrated lover and a drunkard. He also was known as one of Bollywood's earliest Method actors for his expressive performances identifying a character's emotions.

Kumar was hospitalized twice last month after he complained of breathlessness, and his family tweeted 'with a heavy heart and profound grief' the announcement of his passing. His death comes after he lost two brothers last year to COVID-19.

Bollywood icon: Dilip Kumar, hailed as the 'Tragedy King' and one of Hindi cinema's greatest actors, died Wednesday in a Mumbai hospital after a prolonged illness; pictured 2008

Mourning: His loved ones are seen mourning at his body near a hospital in Mumbai this Friday

'Dilip Kumar will be remembered as a cinematic legend. He was blessed with unparalleled brilliance, due to which audiences across generations were enthralled. His passing away is a loss to our cultural world,' Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a tweet that also offered his condolences to Kumar's family and admirers.

'An institution has gone,' Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan tweeted. 'Whenever the history of Indian Cinema will be written, it shall always be "before Dilip Kumar, and after Dilip Kumar..."'

'Its the end of an era,' filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar said.

Kumar was born Muhammad Yusuf Khan, a Muslim, on Dec. 11, 1922. His Pathan family hailed from Peshawar, in what became Pakistan after Partition, and he visited his ancestral home in the late 1980s.

Iconic: The 'Tragedy King' title came from Kumars numerous serious roles including in the 1960 historical epic Mughal-E-Azam where he is pictured with Madhubala

He changed his name as he debuted in Bollywood, the Hindi-language film industry centered in what was then Bombay, with Jwar Bhata, or 'Sea Tides,' in 1944.

His career spanned over six decades with over 60 films. His first major box-office hits were Jugnu, or 'Firefly,' in 1947 in which he starred alongside Noor Jehan, and the 1948 film Shaheed, or 'Martyr.'

He played a variety of characters - a romantic hero in Andaz, a swashbuckler in Aan, a dramatic drunkard in Devdas, a comic role in Azaad, a Muslim prince in the historical epic Mughal-e-Azam and a robber in the social movie Ganga Jamuna.

Mehboob Khan's blockbuster Aan in 1952 was his first film in Technicolor and was among a string of light-hearted roles he took at the suggestion of his psychiatrist to shed his 'Tragedy King' image.

Legends both: 'An institution has gone,' Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan tweeted; the duo are pictured together in 2012 in Mumbai

He starred in many social drama films like Footpath, Naya Daur ('New Era'), Musafir ('Traveler') and Paigham ('Message') in 1950s.

It was the only film he produced. Indian media reports say he declined the role of Sherif Ali in David Leans Lawrence of Arabia in 1962. The role went to Egyptian actor Omar Sharif.

He took a break in the late '70s but returned with a character role in the successful Kranti, or 'Revolution' in 1981. He continued playing key roles in films such as Shakti, Karma and Saudagar. His last film was Qila ('Fort') in 1998.

In 1961, he produced and starred in Ganga Jamuna in which he and his brother Nasir Khan played the title roles.

Looking back: In several of Kumar's films, his character died as a frustrated lover and a drunkard; one of them is the 1995 film Devdas

In 1994, he was given the Dadasaheb Phalke award, the highest honor for contributions to Indian cinema. He also served in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, after being nominated for a six-year term.

His top female co-stars included Madhubala, Nargis, Nimmi, Meena Kumari, Kamini Kaushal and Vyjanthimala.

Kumar had a relationship with Madhubala that lasted seven years and culminated in an engagement - only for them to split in acrimony amid his feud with her father, whom Kumar called a 'dictator' while testifying against him in court.

In 1966, Dilip Kumar married Saira Banu, who was 22 years younger than him, and the couple acted in Gopi, Sagina Mahato and Bairaag. They had no children.

Grand return: He took a break in the late '70s but returned with a character role in the successful Kranti, or 'Revolution' in 1981; the poster for Kranti is pictured

While he was with Banu he took a second wife - socialite divorcee Asma Rehman - in accordance with Islamic custom allowing a man to have four wives at a time.

'I am not prepared to be just one of his two wives,' Banu said after learning of the second marriage. 'Earlier there were rumors and suspicions, but since he swore to me on the Quran that they were not true I was duty-bound to believe him.'

However the marriage to Rehman broke up in 1983 after just two years and he later called their relationship 'a grave mistake I made under pressure.'

He remained married to Banu until his death and she looked after him through his final decline. His burial will occur Wednesday at the Juhu Qabrastan in Mumbai.

Side by side: He married Saira Banu, who was 22 years his junior, in 1966 and they remained together until his death; the couple are pictured in 2004
The Big Red Car won't be travelling near or far after The Wiggles cancelled their NSW and QLD tour following the news that the Sydney lockdown would be extended.

The popular children's group made the announcement on their Instagram on Wednesday, explaining that the dates for the tour will now be moved from July to September.

'G'day NSW and QLD, sadly due to todays announcement, we will be postponing the rest of our The Great Wiggly Road Trip Tour! shows,' the post read.

How could you, Gladys? The Wiggles have cancelled their 'Great Wiggly Road Trip Tour' after the Sydney lockdown is extended by one week

'All purchased tickets for the original dates will remain valid without the need for exchange,' the caption added, providing a list of new dates for each venue.

Fans were then requested to contact their vendor if they wish to receive a refund instead.

'We appreciate your understanding with these fast-moving changes; we have a duty of care to do the right thing to protect the health and safety of our cast, crew and all of you,' the group said.

'We'll Wiggle along with you in September and October!': The popular children's group made the announcement on their Instagram on Wednesday, explaining that the dates for the tour will now be moved from July to September

Special: The tour is one of The Wiggles's biggest this year, covering venues all across the east coast from Southport in Queensland to Young in southern NSW. It also coincides with their 30 year anniversary

'We'll Wiggle along with you in September and October! #TheWiggles,' they added.

The tour is one of The Wiggles' biggest this year, covering venues all across the east coast from Southport in Queensland to Young in southern NSW. It also coincides with their 30 year anniversary.

A week ago, the group made further cancellations at venues throughout Western Sydney, from Penrith to Orange in far Western NSW.

Not travelling near or far: A week ago, the group made further cancellations at venues throughout Western Sydney, from Penrith to Orange in far Western NSW

The new dates for those cancellations will be postponed to late September, in-between the scheduled dates for their trip along the east coast.

27 new cases of coronavirus were recorded in the state on Wednesday.

Many of the new cases were recorded in Canterbury-Bankstown, Liverpool and Fairfield as the so-called Bondi cluster spread from the city's east to the west.

Fourteen of the cases had been infectious in the community, prompting Premier Gladys Berejiklian to extend the lockdown until Friday, July 16.
Kyle Sandilands has echoed the demands of Alan Jones supporters for the former talkback king to return to radio.

Just one day after toppling Jones' successor Ben Fordham in the breakfast ratings, Sandilands, 50, said he 'would love' for the former 2GB star to return to the airwaves, in an interview with the Daily Telegraph.

'He still has plenty to say,' said the shock jock.

'He still has plenty to say': Kyle Sandilands has backed calls for Alan Jones to return to radio - after trouncing the former talkback king's old network in the ratings

'The more the merrier, I love the whole radio industry,' concluded the KIIS FM star.

On Tuesday, Kyle's breakfast show bested their 2GB equivalent for the first time ever, winning the time slot across both AM and FM bandwidths.

Sandilands' comments come after fans of Jones have savaged the 2GB host's successor Ben Fordham in the wake of the historic ratings slide.

After Fordham acknowledged his loss to KIIS FM's Kyle and Jackie O Show in the latest radio survey, his critics were quick to suggest the 44-year-old was losing listeners due to his perceived political leanings.

Come back! Just one day after toppling Jones' successor Ben Fordham in the breakfast ratings, Sandilands, 50, said he 'would love' for the former 2GB star to return to the airwaves

Brutal: Fans of talkback radio king Alan Jones have savaged the 2GB host's successor Ben Fordham (pictured last month) in the wake of his historic ratings slide

'2GB sealed their fate when they swung to the left,' tweeted one listener.

Ben had tweeted on Tuesday: 'Congrats @kyleandjackieo on the win in the radio ratings. Youve worked hard over decades and deserve the victory. Congratulations.'

However, 2GB listeners were less graceful, with one responding: 'Go woke, go broke. Lost me a long time ago, Benny. Not prepared to make tough calls, like the man in the seat before you.'

Another commenter described Fordham as 'a mad leftie' - which is bizarre given that his views are hardly left wing.

The criticism follows a report in The Australian that said 'a common refrain within the industry is that Fordham is "too safe"' compared to his predecessor.

Too far left? Fordham's critics attributed the ratings decline to his perceived political leanings, which are considered further to the left than those of Alan Jones (right, with Peta Credlin)

Gracious: Ben had tweeted on Tuesday: 'Congrats @kyleandjackieo on the win in the radio ratings. Youve worked hard over decades and deserve the victory. Congratulations'

Before the latest ratings survey, which saw 2GB toppled in the breakfast ratings for the first time since 2003, Jones had indicated he'd be open to coming back to radio.

The veteran broadcaster, 80, who retired last year after claiming the workload was 'detrimental' to his health, told The Australian he was pondering a talkback return.

'If someone wants to put a piece of paper in front of me I'll be able to give them a 'yes' or a 'no' in five days,' said the former 2GB star.

Savage: 2GB listeners were less graceful, with one responding: 'Go woke, go broke. Lost me a long time ago, Benny. Not prepared to make tough calls, like the man in the seat before you'

Too safe? The criticism on Twitter follows a report in The Australian that said 'a common refrain within the industry is that Fordham is "too safe"' compared to his predecessor

Jones also railed against his former contemporaries, claiming many are 'too intimidated to say what needs to be said' in the face of 'cancel culture warriors'.

It's a topic with which Jones has some experience, with 'about 80 advertisers' publicly distancing themselves from the former talkback king in the wake of comments he made about New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

In 2019, Jones said the politician should have a 'sock [shoved] down her throat'.

Coming back? Jones (pictured in May) indicated on Monday he was open to a return to radio

The Sky News host told The Australian the country was 'screaming out' for more conservative voices, with many commentators 'too intimidated' to speak up.

'There's no point to being in the chair or behind the microphone if you haven't got any balls, and that's what the public expect,' he said.

Jones' comments come as his 2GB successor, Ben Fordham, continues to slide in the breakfast radio ratings.

The former drive-time host has held onto Jones' top spot in the AM rankings, but ABC Sydney's breakfast duo Wendy Harmer and Robbie Buck have significantly closed the gap between first and second place.

Meanwhile, KIIS FM's Kyle and Jackie O Show beat Fordham in the ratings for the first time ever, making them Sydney's number-one show across both AM and FM bands.
Hilaria Baldwin shared some sweet snaps to her Insta Stories of breastfeeding her baby son Edu this Wednesday.

The 37-year-old, who shares six children with her husband Alec Baldwin, used a wide enough angle to show Edu's infant sister MariLu sitting right behind him.

'There is a line at the dairy cafe,' joked Hilaria before posting another snap that also showed there was 'Some pushing too' as MariLu tried to nudge past her brother.

Baby mine: Hilaria Baldwin shared some sweet snaps to her Insta Stories of breastfeeding her baby son Edu this Wednesday

'It's a farm girl day,' wrote Hilaria alongside a heartwarming picture that showed her clasping MariLu to her breast.

Hilaria shares six children including infants Eduardo Pau Lucas Baldwin, whom she gave birth to on September 8 last year, and Maria Lucia Victoria Baldwin, whom she welcomed via a surrogate this February, with her 63-year-old husband.

Prior to welcoming Eduardo and MariLu she and Alec already shared Carmen, seven, Rafael, six, Leonardo, four, and Romeo, three.

Alec and Hilaria shocked the public and sent the internet aflutter when they announced MariLu's birth but an insider has since told People: 'It's no one's business about a woman's right to choose how and when she expands her family.'

'Line at the dairy cafe': The 37-year-old, who shares six children with her husband Alec Baldwin, used a wide enough angle to show Edu's infant sister MariLu sitting right behind him

The pair have remained tight-lipped about the process of bringing MariLu into the world just six months after Edu and have not publicly named a surrogate.

However in an Instagram post late last month she did say that she underwent 'a round of ivf' in order to have MariLu.

Hilaria's latest posts come months after she apologized for faking her Spanish heritage in a controversy that came to light at the end of 2020.

Although she goes by 'Hilaria' and her CAA bio claimed she was born in Majorca, she is in fact from Boston and had the given name Hillary Hayward-Thomas.

Her turn: 'It's a farm girl day,' wrote Hilaria alongside a heartwarming picture that showed her clasping MariLu to her breast

Various interviews show her slipping into a Spanish accent and she once forgot the English word 'cucumber' during a televised cooking segment.

As the story gained steam she insisted to the New York Times that the 'cucumber' moment was a 'brain fart' because she was nervous and unused to TV.

While appearing on the Cat & Nat podcast in New York in April 2020 she said: 'I moved here when I was 19 to go to NYU,' and when she was asked: 'From?' she replied: 'From - my family lives in Spain. They live in Majorca.'

When the scandal took off she told the New York Times: 'I was born in Boston. I spent time in Boston and in Spain. My family now lives in Spain. I moved to New York when I was 19 years old and I have lived here ever since.'

Multitasking: Hilaria joked in a recent Insta Stories post that Alec was 'JEALOUS' while FaceTiming her and seeing her nursing one of their babies

In March she said on Instagram that she was 'sorry' about the whole affair and allowed that she 'should have been more clear.'

However she insisted that she was brought up 'with two cultures, American and Spanish' and feels 'a true sense of belonging to both.'

Alec and Hilaria shocked the public and sent the internet aflutter when they announced MariLu's birth but an insider has since told People: 'It's no one's business about a woman's right to choose how and when she expands her family.'
It was confirmed in June that she would not be returning to Bravo's Real Housewives Of Orange County.

And on Tuesday, Kelly Dodd posted video to Instagram in which she publicly apologized for claiming she and husband Rick Leventhal had contracted COVID-19 from fellow reality star Heather Dubrow's son Nicholas, 16.

'So I got this letter from an attorney for the Dubrow family reminding me I made a statement that may sound like truth, when in fact it was a joke and for that, I am offering my sincere apology,' the 45-year-old Dodd explained.

Sorry: Kelly Dodd posted video to Instagram Tuesday in which she publicly apologized for claiming she and husband Rick Leventhal contracted COVID-19 from fellow reality star Heather Dubrow's son Nicholas, 16

Kelly and Rick, who married in October 2020, got the coronavirus in January after ringing in the New Year in Aspen, Colorado.

Holding up the legal letter she had received , the reality star shared: 'I did get COVID at a party New Year's Eve, and Heather Dubrow's son and his friends were all there.

'And while I had information leading us all to believe we could've gotten COVID from them, because we all, like 24 of us, got COVID that night, we obviously have no way of proving or knowing for sure he or his friends were the source of our infection.'

Kelly added: 'And for that, I apologize. I'm going on the record right now to be very clear, Rick and I don't know how we caught the virus, and we're both very very sorry for any trouble we caused the Dubrow family.'

Legal warning: 'So I got this letter from an attorney for the Dubrow family reminding me I made a statement that may sound like truth, when in fact it was a joke and for that, I am offering my sincere apology,' the 45-year-old Real Housewives of Orange County alum explained.

Couple: Kelly and Rick, who married in October 2020, got the coronavirus in January after ringing in the New Year in Aspen, Colorado, and attending a party

Public mea cupla: 'I'm going on the record right now to be very clear, Rick and I don't know how we caught the virus, and we're both very very sorry for any trouble we caused the Dubrow family,' Dodd said (Heather Dubrow pictured in 2018)

Meanwhile, in late June, Dodd's daughter Jolie, 15 also got COVID-19.

Dodd had faced intense backlash last year for her controversial COVID-19 opinions and later toasted to being a 'super-spreader' while at a bar with friends amid strict lockdown and social distancing measures in California.

And on June 16, Variety confirmed that Kelly, along with Braunwyn Windham-Burke and Elizabeth Lyn Vargas, would not be appearing in season 16 of The Real Housewives of Orange County.

At the time, Kelly tweeted: 'The last five years have been an amazing experience. The next five years will be even better. I am so grateful for all the love and support and so excited about the future.'

Ironically, Dubrow was invited back to the Bravo reality show after taking four seasons off following season 11.
Natalie Portman and her husband, Benjamin Millepied, have been pictured taking a leisurely boat ride with their A-list buddy Sacha Baron Cohen amid Sydney's Covid-19 lockdown.

They were spotted cruising around in a rented boat north of Sydney as they made the most of the winter sunshine on Monday.

Sacha, 49, boarded the vessel with his kids in tow, while Natalie, 40, and Benjamin, 44, were joined by their two children, son Aleph, nine, and daughter Amalia, four.

During the lockdown covering greater Sydney, residents are banned from leaving their homes for reasons that are non-essential.

Is that really an essential outing? Natalie Portman (centre) and her husband, Benjamin Millepied (left), headed out for a leisurely boat ride north of Sydney with Sacha Baron Cohen (right) during Sydney's Covid lockdown on Monday

Dressed in life jackets, the group looked to be in good spirits as they took the small boat for a spin.

Director Benjamin showed off his seafaring skills as he sat behind the wheel, while Natalie and Sacha watched on from the back of the vessel with the kids.

The outing proved to be a hands-on experience for everyone, as Natalie, Benjamin and Sacha were later seen anchoring the boat onto a nearby beach using a rope.

Smooth sailing: They were spotted cruising around in a rented boat north of Sydney as they made the most of the winter sunshine

Joined family outing: Dressed in life jackets, the group looked to be in good spirits as they took the small boat for a spin

In the driver's seat: Director Benjamin showed off his seafaring skills as he sat behind the wheel, while Natalie and Sacha watched on from the back of the vessel with the kids

According to the NSW government website, Sydneysiders can only leave their homes if they have a 'reasonable excuse' - including for 'exercise and outdoor recreation'.

The definition of what 'outdoor recreation' has not been defined by the government, so it's unclear whether a leisurely boat trip would fall into this category.

On dry land: The outing proved to be a hands-on experience for everyone, as Natalie, Benjamin and Sacha were later seen anchoring the boat onto a nearby beach using a rope

Pull harder! Standing inside the boat, Natalie gestured dramatically as Sacha pulled the rope

Helping hand: Natalie eventually climbed out and helped Sacha pull the boat to shore

Sydney residents are also advised to practise social distancing to reduce the spread of Covid-19, especially as the highly infectious Indian Delta strain continues to spread across the city.

The website recommends people stay '1.5 metres away from people you don't live with'.

Chilly: Natalie covered up against Sydney's winter weather in a navy puffer jacket and jeans

Catching up: The trio enjoyed a merry conversation as they strolled down the sand

Doting parents: Natalie and Benjamin brought their two children, son Aleph, nine, and daughter Amalia, four, along for the boat ride

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Natalie, Benjamin and Sacha's representatives for comment.

Sydney's lockdown measures, originally brought in for a week on June 26, were put in place to confine the highly infectious Indian Delta strain to the epicentre in Sydney's east.

But the strategy has failed to keep locally acquired cases under control across Sydney, with 18 new infections on Tuesday bringing the city's Bondi cluster to 225 cases - with more than a hundred more that are yet to be linked.

Famous friends: Sacha and Benjamin chatted as they strolled down a wharf

Rules: The boat outing came amid Sydney's Covid-19 lockdown, which prevents residents from leaving their homes for reasons that are non-essential

Lockdown: According to the NSW government website, Sydneysiders can only leave their homes if they have a 'reasonable excuse' - including for 'exercise and outdoor recreation'

Outing: The definition of what 'outdoor recreation' has not been defined by the government, so it's unclear whether a leisurely boat trip would fall into this category

On Wednesday, the lockdown was officially extended for another week.

With community transmission confirmed in Sydney's west late on Tuesday night, including in a busy Coles in Parramatta, the NSW government made the call to extend restrictions until 11.59pm on July 16.

During a press conference on Wednesday, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the state was facing its biggest test and urged residents to follow the rules and limit their movement as far as possible.

Social distancing: Sydney residents are also advised to practise social distancing to reduce the spread of Covid-19, especially as the highly infectious Indian Delta strain continues to spread across the city

Safety first: Sydney's lockdown measures, originally brought in for a week on June 26, were enacted to confine the highly infectious Indian Delta strain to the epicentre in Sydney's east

Outbreak: But the strategy has failed to keep locally acquired cases under control across Sydney, with 18 new infections on Tuesday bringing the city's Bondi cluster to 225 cases - with over a hundred more that are yet to be linked

Ms Berejiklian - whose parents are Armenian immigrants - warned harsher restrictions may be required in Sydney's ethnically diverse west and urged families to stop mingling.

'Can I say to the communities in those areas, many have a similar background to me, please don't mingle with family,' she said.

'I haven't seen my parents since the lockdown started.'

Extended: Premier Gladys Berejiklian (pictured) on Wednesday morning announced the decision to extend stay-at-home orders and keep schools closed in Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Shellharbour and Wollongong
She recently took a break from social media to focus on her new three-month-old daughter, Grace.

And Bindi Irwin, 22, appeared to be doing just on Wednesday when she was seen singing a nursery rhyme about US states to the cherubic infant.

In a clip shared to Instagram by husband Chandler Powell, Bindi is seen happily belting out the adorable tune.

So sweet: Wildlife warrior Bindi Irwin, 22, sung a nursery rhyme about US states to her adorable daughter Grace Warrior on Wednesday

Grace smiled and laughed as Bindi alphabetically read out the names while playing with her arms, with the tot clearly enjoying it.

'Our little Grace Warrior learning about her dad's home country from her beautiful mama,' Chandler wrote under the clip.

He then made a joke about Bindi missing New Hampshire, due to Grace's lovely laugh distracting her during the song.

Playful: Grace smiled and laughed as Bindi alphabetically read out the names while playing with her arms

'P.S. Bindi wanted to send a shoutout to New Hampshire! Grace's laugh was too adorable to remember every state!'

Bindi resurfaced on Instagram on Sunday after exposing her highly publicised rift with grandfather Bob Irwin Snr.

The wildlife warrior was pictured cradling daughter Grace in a post shared to husband Chandler Powell's Instagram.

Oops, missed one: 'P.S. Bindi wanted to send a shoutout to New Hampshire! Grace's laugh was too adorable to remember every state!' Chandler wrote

Last month, Bindi made headlines when she spoke about her strained relationship with Bob, 82, in a scathing Facebook post.

She claimed he has shown 'no interest in spending time with me or my family'.

On June 21, Bindi shared a photo on Instagram of herself cuddling Grace and said she was 'working hard' to protect her mental health.

New addition: Bindi and husband Chandler announced their daughter's birth on March 26

She wrote: 'Hi guys, Just a note to say thank you for your support. I'm taking a break from social media and most of my work in the public eye for a month to be with my beautiful daughter and my wonderful family.

'I feel tremendously grateful to share our life and conservation work with you but I need some time to focus on the happiness that is my family (both human and animal). You can keep up with our adventures by following my family and Australia Zoo on social media,' as part of her statement.

Bindi and husband Chandler announced their daughter's birth on March 26, just one day after she was born on their first wedding anniversary.
She is due to give birth to her first child later in the year.

And Victoria's Secret stunner Georgia Fowler is bumping along in her pregnancy.

The 28-year-old beauty showed off her baby bump as she posed in a black jumpsuit on Tuesday evening.

Bumping along nicely! Victoria's Secret model Georgia Fowler showed off her growing baby bump on Tuesday

Genius: The onesie was designed by fellow Aussie Model Nicole Trunfio from her Bumpsuit line

The all-in-one clung to the stunner's pregnancy curves seamlessly as she took a mirror selfie.

The onesie was designed by fellow Aussie model Nicole Trunfio for her popular Bumpsuit line.

Last week, Georgia showed off her stunning pregnancy figure as she posed beach-side in a matching white bikini set.

Hot mama: Last week, Georgia showed off her stunning pregnancy figure as she posed beach-side in a matching white bikini set

She simply captioned the post, which included scenic footage of the sea before her, 'Winter swims.'

In one photo, she had her toes sinking into the sand as she tasseled her hair up and looked off into the distance.

Meanwhile, in a second, Georgia was seen looking into the camera lens, while her body was angled on the side, showing off her burgeoning baby bump.

Beautiful: Georgia was seen looking into the camera lens, while her body was angled on the side, showing off her burgeoning baby bump

Georgia, is expecting the baby with restauranteur boyfriend Nathan Dalah, 26.

Back in April, Georgia announced she's pregnant with her first child.

She shared the happy news on Instagram alongside a series of gorgeous black and white photographs of her baby bump.

Family: Georgia is expecting her first child with restaurateur boyfriend Nathan Dalah, 26

At the time, she sweetly announce the news by writing: 'We can't wait to meet you little one.'

'It's been hard to keep this one quiet, but now it's pretty hard to hide,' Georgia continued.

'Nathan and I couldn't be happier to share our exciting news with you. We cannot wait to meet you little one and begin our next adventure together.'

She finished: 'The best is yet to come.'

Nathan, a co-founder of the Fishbowl restaurant group, also shared the sweet baby news on his respective Instagram account and revealed they're having a daughter.
Channel Nine personality Lauren Phillips has a lot of famous friends.

And on Wednesday, the presenter showed off her friendship with Matt Damon's wife, Luciana Barroso.

In a photo shared to Instagram, Lauren and Luciano posed together on the beach, arm in arm, while holding wine glasses.

BFFs: Channel Nine personality Lauren Phillips has a lot of famous friends. And on Wednesday, the presenter showed off her friendship with Matt Damon's wife, Luciana Barroso

'How lucky are we to have this in our backyard,' Lauren gushed.

'And how lucky are we to have you dont ever leave me because I find youuuuuuuuu,' she added.

Luciana has been Down Under for a while now with husband Matt, who was filming a movie in the country.

Lauren is no stranger to mingling with A-listers, having recently attended the exclusive Gold Dinner in Sydney alongside Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky.

The Weekend Today weather presenter, 34, looked glamorous in a black gown that hugged her figure as she posed at the event with the A-list couple, Liam Hemsworth and his girlfriend Gabriella Brooks, and Luciana.

And while she seamlessly fitted into that famous social circle for the group photo at the charity event - it's quite a long way from her early days as the host of a children's show.

Hanging with the Hemsworths: Lauren (second from left) looked glamorous in a black gown at the Gold Dinner in Sydney alongside Chris Hemsworth, Elsa Pataky (centre), Matt Damon's wife Luciana Barroso (left), Liam Hemsworth and Gabriella Brooks

In 2011, she was cast as the co-host of Channel Nine's now defunct program, Kids' WB Australia, alongside former Block star Andy Sunderland.

But the show was given the axe in November 2019 because Channel Nine's long-running deal with Warner Bros had expired.

Lauren made headlines earlier in December 2018, when she announced her split from Lachlan Spark after just one year of marriage.

At the time, her representative confirmed the marriage was over in a brief statement to The Daily Telegraph newspaper.

Remember this? And while she seamlessly fit into that famous social circle at the charity event - it is quite a long way from her early days hosting Kids' WB Australia. She was on the show from 2011 until it was axed in 2019. Pictured alongside Shane Crawford

Relationships: Lauren made headlines in December 2018, when she split up from Lachlan Spark (left) after a year of marriage. She is now believed to be dating multi-millionaire jet tycoon Paul O'Brien (right) whose celebrity clients include Matt Damon and Chris Hemsworth

Lauren is now believed to be dating multi-millionaire jet tycoon Paul O'Brien, who happens to be the ex-boyfriend of Sunrise host Sam Armytage.

Paul runs high-end aviation business AVMIN, which boasts celebrity clients including Matt Damon and Chris Hemsworth.

She has been enjoying getting to know Paul's many celebrity friends, including Hollywood superstar Hemsworth and his wife.

Surprise guest! Back in September, Lauren surprised Weekend Today hosts Richard Wilkins (left) and Rebecca Maddern (centre) with a special appearance by Chris Hemsworth in the New South Wales town of Scone

If the acting career doesn't pan out: The Thor star read her weather report live on air, and afterwards she joked the A-list star gave her a run for her money and take her job

Back in September, Lauren surprised Weekend Today hosts Richard Wilkins and Rebecca Maddern with a special appearance by Hemsworth in the New South Wales town of Scone.

The Thor star read her weather report live on air, and afterwards she joked the A-list star gave her a run for her money and may take her job.

In November, Lauren was among the small group of several women who got a tattoo with Elsa during Chris' mother Leonie's 60th birthday in Byron Bay.

Mutual pals: Then in November, Lauren was among the small group of several women who got a tattoo with Elsa Pataky during a Chris' mother Leonie's 60th birthday in Byron Bay. Lauren had in fact shared the original post from their mutual friend, Byron Bay-based Elke Ricks

Elsa was tagged in a post by Lauren, which showed her, Elsa and friends showing off the new inkings on their wrists and ankles - including a shell and a paper plane.

The Channel Nine presenter had in fact shared the original post from their mutual friend, Byron Bay-based Elke Ricks.

Since then Lauren has become part of the Hemsworth orbit and shared a number of photos that feature the Hollywood couple, their famous friends and family members on her social media.

Celebration: For her 34th birthday, Lauren posted a group photo of her Byron Bay bash. 'Totally spoilt by these legends yesterday,' she captioned a large group photo that included Chris (far left), Elsa (centre in black), and Luke and his wife Samantha (right)

Spot the famous faces! Last month, she shared photos from a lavish white party with the famous family which 'was a send-off for American TV personality Michele Merkin', according to Sydney Morning Herald

For her 34th birthday in January, Lauren shared a photo of her Byron Bay bash.

'Totally spoilt by these legends yesterday,' she captioned a large group photo that included Chris, Elsa, Liam and his girlfriend Gabriella, Luke and his wife Samantha.

Last month, she shared photos from a lavish white party with the famous family which 'was a send-off for American TV personality Michele Merkin', according to Sydney Morning Herald.

Just weeks later, Lauren shared photos from a recent holiday to the The Kimberley in Western Australia with Gabriella Brooks and Hemsworths' parents Craig and Leonie.
She has been busy teasing clips from the upcoming music video for her latest single EveryTime I Cry.

But Ava Max took a well-deserved break from self promotion on the Fourth Of July as she was seen soaking up the sun in Hawaii.

The 27-year-old pop star put her sensational figure on display in a quirky bikini while trekking through the sand towards a luxe yacht with her vacation crew.

Day off: Ava Max took a well-deserved break from self promotion on the Fourth Of July as she was seen soaking up the sun in Hawaii

While on the yacht, Ava was seen with her arms wrapped around a muscular mystery man who had his hands on her hips.

They continued to pack on the PDA in the water, with the mystery hunk hugging Ava from behind as they floated near the yacht.

She eventually turned towards her beach date, once again wrapping her arms around him and putting her face close to his.

For her day out on the water, Max sported a string bikini top with bold, contrasting patterns and a pair of bottoms that tied on each side.

Bikini babe: The 27-year-old pop star put her sensational figure on display in a quirky bikini

Mystery man: While on the yacht, Ava was seen with her arms wrapped around a muscular mystery man who had his hands on her hips

She first appeared in a pair of white crochet swim shorts, later ditching them as she and her friends ventured into the water.

The My Head & My Heart hitmaker wore her bright blonde hair in a ponytail that poked out from under her wide-brimmed sunhat.

She carried her beach belongings in a striped tote and kept her eyes concealed behind a pair of oversized shades.

Beach vibes: The My Head & My Heart hitmaker wore her bright blonde hair in a ponytail that poked out from under her wide-brimmed sunhat

Ready to go: She carried her beach belongings in a striped tote and trotted across the sand in a pair of platform slide sandals

Shady: She kept her eyes concealed behind a pair of oversized shades

Ava was all smiles as she and her group of friends boarded a boat that would take them out to the anchored yacht.

Once on the yacht, the Sweet But Psycho songstress removed her bathing suit coverup and prepared to jump into the ocean.

She let her hair down from her ponytail, placed her hands over her mouth, and took the plunge - with her mystery man waiting patiently nearby.

Smiley: Ava was all smiles as she and her group of friends boarded a boat that would take them out to the anchored yacht

Ready! Once on the yacht, the Sweet But Psycho songstress removed her bathing suit coverup and prepared to jump into the ocean

Taking the plunge: She let her hair down from her ponytail, placed her hands over her mouth, and took the plunge - with her mystery man waiting patiently nearby

Like no one is watching: They packed on the PDA in the water, with the mystery hunk hugging Ava from behind as they floated near the yacht

After they got in enough cuddle time in the water, Ava's romantic link helped her up onto the yacht's ladder.

Ava was then seen grabbing a drink in a red cup, before deciding to walk along the perimeter of the yacht.

The breeze blew her longe blonde hair around as she chatted with fellow yachters and let out some laughs.

Helping hand: After they got in enough cuddle time in the water, Ava's romantic link helped her up onto the yacht's ladder

Mystery: All though the man's identity is unknown, Ava looked more than familiar with him

Max landed a spot on Forbes' annual 30 under 30 list as one of the break-out stars from 2020, following the success of her hit Sweet But Psycho.

The Albanian-American artist released her debut album last year and has performed on just about every late night American talk show since.

Single Kings & Queens spent five weeks at No. 1 and the music video for her track Sweet but Psycho has been viewed more than 650million times of YouTube.

The songstress had a dedicated fanbase before her first record even came out, amassing four billion streams with her prior material.

The grand tour: Ava was then seen grabbing a drink in a red cup, before deciding to walk along the perimeter of the yacht
Married At First Sight's Bryce Ruthven has revealed he's been diagnosed with severe anxiety.

The 31-year-old reality star shared a post to Instagram on Wednesday and revealed he's been taking cannabis oil.

'Over the past few months I've been medically diagnosed with severe anxiety,' Bryce wrote.

Chill: Married At First Sight's Bryce Ruthven (pictured) revealed he's taking cannabis oil after being diagnosed with severe anxiety

'I haven't been in my normal routine, I have regularly struggled to sleep and have felt on edge almost everyday,' he continued.

'I then discovered Canna Active and their organic oil. Since I've started using it I felt less anxious and more relaxed to go about daily life the way I should.'

He went on to say: 'Everyone has their own ways of dealing with anxiety, I'm sharing my personal story and can say it has genuinely worked for me!'

Confession: 'Over the past few months I've been medically diagnosed with severe anxiety. I haven't been in my normal routine, I have regularly struggled to sleep and have felt on edge almost everyday. I then discovered Canna Active and their organic oil,' he wrote

It comes after Melissa Rawson lashed out at female trolls for making her feel unsafe by constantly criticising her relationship with Bryce online.

Posting to Instagram Stories last month, the 32-year-old uploaded a message she'd received from a fan who felt sorry for the couple amid the constant trolling.

Melissa responded to the fan's comment with an essay slamming people who 'spew hate' and 'send DMs threatening to harm' herself or Bryce.

'My mental health is not okay. There are a few women who continuously drag myself/Bryce/us over and over again in their comments, posts or tags,' she wrote.

'My mental health is not OK': It comes after Melissa Rawson lashed out at female trolls for making her feel unsafe by constantly criticising her relationship with Bryce online

'They think that is entertaining and have no idea the damage it does to myself and everyone that I love or that knows Bryce or myself as an individual or as a couple.'

The Melbourne-based workplace trainer went on to say that because of these women, she feels 'frightened every day'.

'I fear opening my social media,' she wrote. 'I [ fear being] approached suddenly on the street fearing verbal abuse because of a recent post or comment made online.'

'I should not have these fears, not when there have been so many beautiful people who send sweet messages or comments and have genuinely hugged me in the street out of sheer kindness. Enough is enough,' she finished.
She first found fame on the 2016 season of The Bachelor before returning to TV for Bachelor In Paradise last year.

But these days, Kiki Morris looks quite different thanks to a major makeover.

Instead of her blonde bombshell image from before, the 33-year-old is now a brunette beauty.

Brand new me! Bachelor star Kiki Morris looks quite different thanks to a major makeover. Instead of her blonde bombshell image from before, the 33-year-old is now a brunette beauty

Showing off her chic brown bob, the reality star posed in revealing activewear while promoting frozen meals to her 90,000 followers.

Kiki's a fixture on the Sydney social scene as one of the city's most well-known influencers.

But she surprised fans recently when she let them know she was 'back on the tools' as a makeup artist.

Before and after: The 33-year-old has changed quite a bit since her days on The Bachelor back in 2016 (left)

The Bachelor in Paradise star shared a glam photo of herself in a body-hugging navy blue dress with a kit of brushes sitting on her hips.

'So excited to be back on the tools tomorrow,' Kiki wrote alongside the image on Instagram.

Kiki then revealed she was starting an account just for her makeup business with her encouraging fans to give her a follow.

She went on to say she would be posting weekly with new looks and products she will be endorsing.

Makeup artist: Kiki, 33, revealed a shock new career move recently

The star certainly takes her beauty seriously with her showing herself getting a Brazilian butt lift just two-weeks-ago.

She documented the procedure on Instagram Stories, and wrote: 'Even though we're going into lockdown... keeping this booty in check.'

The ex-reality star, who was visiting Beautylicious by Sophie in Marrickville, also had her beauty practitioner focus on her inner thighs.

That's one way to prepare! The Bachelor's Kiki Morris underwent a non-surgical Brazilian butt lift just two weeks ago

Kiki shared an optimistic message about the future in an Instagram post in April.

'Smooth seas don't make a skilled sailor,' she captioned a photo of herself posing in a denim mini-dress on a boat's deck.

'I have faced some epic storms the past 12 months and finally the blue sky is on the horizon,' she added.

The optimistic message came after her boyfriend Lucas Azzopardi's legal woes when he was convicted of supplying steroids in January.
She is renowned for her effortless fashion sense.

And Hailey Bieber proved this yet again on Tuesday when she took to the streets of Beverley Hills in a stylish lemon blazer co-ord worn over a bra.

Hailey, 24, looked a vision in the ensemble, keeping the oversized blazer open and the sleeves rolled back as she went for a stroll.

Effortless: Hailey Bieber wore a bra under an oversized lemon suit as she enjoyed a stroll around Beverly Hills on Tuesday

The model showed a hint of her tanned skin in high-waisted cream trousers and a small crop top.

Hailey, wife of singing sensation Justin Bieber, opted for black Nike Jordan shoes for her outing, adding an element of comfort.

The model showcased her ability to keep up with the latest trends, accessorising with the brand new Monica Vinader Groove Curb Necklace with Deia Gemstone Pendant - which just hit the shelves on Monday.

A vision: The 24-year-old kept the blazer open and the sleeves rolled back as she went for a stroll wearing Nike trainers

Tanned: The model donned high-waisted cream trousers and flashed her abs in her daring bra

Accessorising: Hailey wore the brand new Monica Vinader Groove Curb Necklace with Deia Gemstone Pendant - which just hit the shelves on Monday. She also paired with with the Monica Vinader Disco hoops and Signature Wide Bangle

She paired the necklace with the Monica Vinader Disco hoops and Signature Wide Bangle.

The media personality wore natural makeup and slicked her hair back, keeping it in place with a leopard print clip.

She completed the summer style with a pair of black sunglasses.

Glam: Hailey, wife of singing sensation Justin Bieber, wore natural makeup and slicked her hair back, keeping it in place with a leopard print clip

This LA outing comes as her and Justin have just returned from a luxurious holiday in Greece.

The celebrity couple appeared to be more loved up than ever as they gave fans glimpses of their luxe lodgings and accommodations at the $1,400-per-night Calilo hotel on Instagram.

Hailey described their holiday as 'beautiful', with her husband penning a gushing tribute to her.

'Thank you for being the squishiest most lovable human on the face of the earth,' he wrote alongside a holiday snap.

Greece getaway: Hailey's LA outing comes as as her and Justin have just returned from a luxurious holiday in Greece

Loved up: The celebrity couple gave fans glimpses of their luxe holiday on Instagram
She plays assassin Sam in upcoming movie Gunpowder Milkshake.

And Karen Gillan, 33, looked ready for action as she shared a picture on Instagram on Tuesday of herself with her lookalike stunt double Aurelia Agel on set.

The pair wore matching costumes, including a bright orange and gold-hue Gutterball bowling team satin jacket.

Action! Karen Gillan, 33, (right), looked ready for action as she shared a picture on Instagram on Tuesday of herself with her stunt double Aurelia Agel on the set of Gunpowder Milkshake

They wore a pair of black trousers with a stripe down the side and matching black boots.

Their auburn hair was styled identically, pulled back into ponytails with strands hanging down either side of their faces.

And they wore matching watches with brown straps to ensure the fine detail of their attire was the same so not to set them apart in the film.

Hollywood star: Karen signed up to play assassin Sam, the estranged daughter of fellow assassin Scarlet, played by Lena Headey, last year

On duty: Karen, (right), and Aurelia wore matching costumes, including a bright orange and gold-hue Gutterball bowling team satin jacket, as they stood on set while crew milled about

In one picture, Karen could be seen standing alongside Aurelia as they both held their fists up as if ready for combat.

In another, they could be seen casually standing in a library as other people milled about on set.

And in another the pair could be seen larking about as they shared a laugh with one another.

Just another day in showbiz: The pair could be seen larking about as they shared a laugh with one another on set

Karen wrote on Instagram: 'Me and my insanely tough/fast/extremely dangerous/just as goofy as me Stunt Double.

'She looks like Brigitte Bardotif Brigitte Bardot could kill you.

'She trained me and then stretched me every day. Shes so badass I would walk in from my lunch break and shed be wrestling the stunt guys. Just for fun.

Fighting fit: The Gunpowder Milkshake plot follows three generations of female assassins who set out to destroy an all-male crime syndicate, with the film set for release on 14 July

'Thanks for everything Aurelia! Out July 14th in cinemas and on Netflix!!!'

Karen signed up to play assassin Sam, the estranged daughter of fellow assassin Scarlet, played by Lena Headey, last year.

The plot follows three generations of female assassins who set out to destroy an all-male crime syndicate.

In the film, set for release in UK cinemas, and on Sky Cinema and streaming service NOW, on September 17, Sam takes on her own agenda, deciding to protect a young girl being hunting by her shady former employers, the Firm.

Following her path: In the film, Sam takes on her own agenda, deciding to protect a young girl being hunting by her shady former employers, the Firm

The film has been compared to Kill Bill and the cast also features Angela Bassett (Mission: Impossible - Fallout), Carla Gugino (The Haunting of Hill House), Michelle Yeoh (Crazy Rich Asians), Chloe Coleman (Big Little Lies) and Paul Giamatti (Shoot 'Em Up).

In January Karen confirmed she would be reprising her role as Nebula for the upcoming Marvel movie Thor: Love And Thunder.

When asked on Instagram if she was wearing a wig to prepare for a new role, she stated she had cut her hair in order for it to fit inside the bald cap for the character.

Longstanding role: Karen has appeared as Nebula in multiple Marvel films, beginning with 2014's Guardians Of The Galaxy

She said in a video on her Instagram Stories: 'I cut it the other day in preparation for Nebula, so that we don't have to get so much hair into the bald cap because I have so much hair, it's unbelievable. It's just so thick.'

Speculation around her role in the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe entry had been rampant after the Doctor Who actress made a post to her Instagram Story in December depicting her touching down in Sydney, where the sequel is being shot.

The film is set to star series lead Chris Hemsworth alongside costars Tessa Thompson and Natalie Portman.

Breaking the news: In January, Karen revealed that she will be reprising her role as Nebula in the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe entry Thor: Love And Thunder

Sharing the view: In December, the actress made a post to her story to let her followers know that she had touched down in Sydney, where the upcoming Marvel feature is set to be filmed

The film is set to be directed by Taika Waititi, who will also portray Korg in the upcoming motion picture; the actor-director also led the production of the previous film in the Thor series, which was released in 2017.

Karen has been involved with the Marvel Cinematic Universe ever since 2014, when she first appeared in the original Guardians Of The Galaxy film.

The actress also returned for the feature's 2017 sequel, where she switched allegiances and became an ally to the aforementioned superhero team.

She took up the mantle of Nebula for the third time in the 2018 blockbuster film Avengers: Infinity War, where she was part of the universe that was not wiped out by Thanos.

Karen made her most recent appearance as the character in 2019's Avengers: Endgame, where her character committed an act that would normally result in a time paradox, although the writers explained that Nebula's past did not affect her future.
She recently treated her son Wolf to a lavish sixth birthday party.

And on Wednesday, Tammy Hembrow reminisced on her early days of motherhood.

The fitness mogul, 26, shared an adorable throwback video to Instagram of her son as a newborn.

'Forever my baby!' Tammy Hembrow shared an adorable throwback of her six-year-old son Wolf as a newborn. Pictured Tammy, son Wolf and daughter Saskia

In the video, a baby Wolf is giggling for the camera while lying on the floor.

'Forever my baby,' Tammy captioned the video.

In May, Tammy treated Wolf to a lavish sixth birthday party complete with a DJ, gamer cake and jumping castle.

Throwback: In the video, a baby Wolf is giggling for camera while lying on the floor

In photos shared to Instagram, Wolf couldn't wipe the smile off his face as he enjoyed face painting, a jumping castle and a FGTeev-themed cake with his friends.

'Such a fun afternoon for Wolfie & all his friends. Thank you everyone for all the b'day love! He had the best day ever,' Tammy captioned her Instagram post.

The birthday boy wore an all-white ensemble and nestled in close to Tammy, who covered up her figure in an oversized black Balenciaga T-shirt and blue jeans.

Party time! In May, Tammy treated son Wolf to a lavish sixth birthday party complete with a DJ, gamer cake and jumping castle

Birthday boy: In photos shared to Instagram, Wolf couldn't wipe the smile off his face as he enjoyed face painting, a jumping castle and a FGTeev-themed cake with his friends

Tables were laid out featuring boxes of treats and a gamer-themed cookie, and the decadent two-tier cake was inspired by FGTeev, the YouTube channel for gamers.

Tammy shares her son Wolf and daughter Saskia, four, with ex-fiance Reece Hawkins.

Tammy has moved on from Reece with Gold Coast-based Ironman Matt Poole, 32.

Reece and his American model fiancee London Goheen, 23, welcomed their first child together, son Stone, in March.
Advertisement

Ferne McCann has offered fans a glimpse into the idyllic Cornwall getaway she went on with her daughter Sunday and a group of her friends.

The former TOWIE star, 30, took to Instagram to share a number of pictures taken during her recent staycation in Cornwall with her 2.6million followers, across two different posts.

The most recent collection of images, which were uploaded to her social platform on Tuesday, Ferne showcased a picturesque boat trip she took with Sunday and her friends.

'The ultimate staycation': Ferne McCann shared a glimpse into the Cornwall caravan holiday she took with daughter Sunday and a trio of friends in a pair of Instagram posts in the last week

Sweet: The most recent collection of images, which were uploaded to her social platform on Tuesday, Ferne showcased a picturesque walk she went on through a forest trail as she held daughter Sunday's hand

Among the images uploaded by Ferne was a picture of her sat in a white rowboat, with Sunday sitting on her lap as she laughed away with her friends.

All of the adults had a glass of drink in their hands as they bobbed along the water in Cornwall.

A short, slow motion clip of the group of friends travelling along in the boat was also among the media shared online by Ferne.

Meanwhile, Ferne also revealed she had embarked on a hike while caravaning in Cornwall, with a sweet picture showing her walking along a forest trail while holding Sunday's hand.

Adorable: Sunday featured prominently among the images uploaded to Instagram, with a picture of her stood on the beach in a Minnie Mouse top, and a photo of her receiving a personalised dessert at a restaurant among those included

Selfie: Ferne made sure to take a number of photographs of herself alongside her friends who joined her and Sunday on the caravan holiday

The group seemed to have embarked on a number of walks, with another photograph revealing the troupe had ambled alongside a harbour area while on their travels.

Her daughter featured prominently among the images uploaded to Instagram, with a picture of her stood on the beach in a Minnie Mouse top, and a photo of her receiving a personalised dessert at a restaurant among those that were uploaded.

Captioning the latest collection of images, Ferne wrote: 'Wow what a trip. Ive never been to a more beautiful place in the UK.

'I will 100% be back so many wonderful beaches to visit. The best memories made with my princess and besties.'

Incredible views: The group seemed to have embarked on a number of walks, with another photograph revealing the troupe had ambled alongside a harbour area while on their travels

Big smiles! Another selfie, this time taken while inside a restaurant, showed the group of holidaymakers as they smiled for the camera

And on Tuesday, Ferne also uploaded a selection of additional photos of her trip to Cornwall.

She started the photo montage with a sweet group photo showing herself, sitting next to her friends, with Sunday perched on her lap.

The group are all flashing grins as they sit together on a beach for the photograph.

The beach pictures didn't stop there though, with Ferne also uploading an adorable image of her giving Sunday a kiss as she holds her daughter up in her arms.

Beach day: A sweet group photo was among the images Ferne shared earlier, on Tuesday, which showed her, sitting next to her friends, with Sunday perched on her lap

Loving: The beach pictures didn't stop there though, with Ferne also uploading an adorable image of her giving Sunday a kiss as she holds her daughter up in her arms

Tuck in: Sunday made sure to lean in close on her mother's shoulder in this sweet selfie taken by one of Ferne's friends

Still at the beach, in another striking image, Sunday stands on the sand and stares out across the water as the Sun begins to set.

Ferne also made sure to showcase her fashion pedigree as she put on a number of stunning outfits during the getaway.

In one image, standing on front of her caravan, Ferne flashed cleavage in a plunging white top, which she paired with short black leggings and impressively tall cowboy boots.

In another, she put on a racy display as she posed in a close-up shot, wearing a bright orange bikini top.

Stylish: Ferne also made sure to showcase her fashion pedigree as she put on a number of stunning outfits during the getaway

Racy: In one image, she put on a racy display as she posed in a close-up shot, wearing a bright orange bikini top

Writing a caption for the earlier collection of photos, Ferne said: 'Well this tripIve laughed so hard that Ive cried.

'We could of jetted off to Ibiza or Majorca but we stuck to Cornwall..in a campervan and what a beautiful trip it has been. The ultimate #staycation with my baby girl and besties.'

Ferne's Cornwall getaway comes a month after she split from Jack Padgett.

Ferne and the marketing manager were first linked in December and she later gushed that he was 'The One', with them moving in together during lockdown.

Fun in the Sun: Sunday appeared to have had a whale of a time in Cornwall, sporting a pink swimsuit covered in flamingos as she made the most of the area's incredible sand beaches

Picturesque: In another striking image, Sunday stands on the sand and stares out across the water as the Sun begins to set

However the duo have now called it quits, with a source saying they're 'on different paths' and the end of lockdown made it 'clear' their lifestyles didn't match up.

A source close to Jack & Ferne confirmed the break up to MailOnline and said it was clear when lockdown started to lift their work and lifestyles were just too different.

They said: 'Ferne's an early bird up first thing for work and Jack's events are all night time. They got on great but it's hard to make things work when they were like passing ships.'

While a source also told The Sun: 'Ferne said it was a case of 'right guy wrong time'. It was clear to all of us that they were both on different paths.

'She's sad but she's realistic about the situation... She has no regrets. They both got on great and had a lot of fun, but you need more than that in a relationship.'

Splashing around: Ferne and her group of friends posed in wet suits as they took full advantage of the pristine beach near their caravan
He's been busy filming John Wick 4 in Berlin in recent months.

And Keanu Reeves was back on set again on Tuesday as he shot eerie night time scenes in the German capital.

The actor, 56, looked suave in a dark grey suit as he roamed the streets in front of the iconic Sacred Heart Church, while a smoke machine added to the atmosphere.

Star: Keanu Reeves was back on the set of John Wick 4 again on Tuesday as he shot eerie night time scenes in Berlin

He teamed his smart suit with a black shirt and shoes and wore his long dark hair swept back.

Keanu could be seen sporting some stubble which had been carefully shaped and he looked pleased to be at work as he smiled while going about his business.

Keanu is in Berlin to film John Wick 4, in which he plays the character of the same name.

Eerie: The actor, 56, looked suave in a dark grey suit as he roamed the streets in front of a large building, as a smoke machine added to the atmosphere

Suave: He teamed his smart suit with a black shirt and shoes and wore his long dark hair swept back

Project: Keanu is in Berlin to film John Wick 4, in which he plays the character of the same name

Work on the next installment of the action thriller franchise began shortly after the release of its third film, John Wick: Chapter 3  Parabellum, in May of 2019.

In April of last year, series director Chad Stahelski spoke to Collider and noted that the project's creative team had set their bar much higher for the upcoming film from its inception.

'We submitted an idea or thematic [plan] and it was really big. So, we're talking about doing a little bit more than a [John Wick 4], or something like that, and trying to develop that,' he said.

Busy: Work on the next installment of the action thriller franchise began shortly after the release of its third film, John Wick: Chapter 3  Parabellum, in May of 2019

Looking good: Keanu could be seen sporting some stubble which had been carefully shaped

Locations: Production for the fourth entry in the franchise will take place in Berlin and Paris

Chilling: The actor was seen taking breaks between scenes and sat on a chair while sipping on some water

The filmmaker also expressed that the development team had a relatively fleshed-out story in mind for the forthcoming feature and that they were glad to have a roadmap of sorts.

Stahelski said, 'I'm in a happy place where we are in development...we're in a place where we know what we want do and where we want to do it.'

Production for the fourth entry in the franchise will take place in Berlin and Paris.

Touch ups: A member of the crew was present to make sure his costume looked perfect

Exciting: New York City and Japan will serve as additional filming locations but currently they are shooting in Berlin

On set: Berghain nightclub bouncer Sven Marquardt was also seen filming and wore a smart jacket and unbuttoned shirt

New York City and Japan will serve as additional filming locations.

The crew behind the film originally intended to shoot back-to-back for another John Wick feature, although this idea was later shot down, leaving the possibility of a fifth movie in limbo.

The fourth entry in the action franchise was originally scheduled to make its debut sometime this year, although the onset of the global pandemic forced the release date to be pushed back to May 27 2022.

All smiles: The actor looked in high spirits and beamed as he filmed the scenes in Berlin on Tuesday
She has an enviable wardrobe which she shows off on a daily basis.

And Myleene Klass looked radiant as ever as she arrived for work at Smooth Radio in London on Wednesday.

The presenter, 43, battled the blustery wind on her way to the office where she donned a tweed blazer with green tracksuit bottoms with white stripes.

Style: Myleene Klass looked radiant as ever as she arrived for work at Smooth Radio in London on Wednesday wearing green tracksuit bottoms and a tweed jacket

The media personality also wore a navy top while she added to her outfit with several gold necklaces.

Myleene sported black sandals for the day while she let her brunette locks fall loose down her shoulders.

The mother-of-three also donned a pair of sunglasses and completed her outfit with gold hoop earrings.

The outing comes after Myleene recently hit back at accusations that she'd had lip filler, insisting her Filipino heritage is behind her plump pout.

Fashion: The presenter, 43, got caught in a bluster on her way to the office where she donned a tweed blazer with green trousers with white stripes

Trendy: The mother-of-three also donned a pair of sunglasses and completed her outfit with gold hoop earrings

Taking to Instagram last month, the star shared a series of behind-the-scenes clips of herself and Rachel Riley filming Countdown, flashing her fans a pout while looking typically chic in a tailored red suit.

Her post prompted one user to ask: 'Have you had your lips done or is this your selfie pout?' to which doting mother Myleene swiftly responded: 'I'm biracial! These are the lips I was given.'

Last June, Myleene, who has a Filipino mother and Austrian father, detailed the horrific racial abuse she experienced in her childhood and the prevalent prejudice she still witnesses.

The songstress, who was born in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, took to Instagram to reveal she was struggling to explain racism to her children amid the Black Lives Matter movement.

Radiant: Myleene sported black sandals for the day while she let her brunette locks fall loose down her shoulders

Speaking out: The outing comes after Myleene recently hit back at accusations that she'd had lip filler, insisting her Filipino heritage is behind her plump pout

Abuse: Myleene, who has a Filipino mother and Austrian father, detailed the horrific racial abuse she experienced in her childhood and the prevalent prejudice she still witnesses

In her impassioned post, Myleene listed some of the horrendous slurs she has faced over the years, with a shocking list reading: 'Chink. Slit eye. Number 69, Fried rice. Mongrel. Ping pong. Sl*t. All Tai girls are sluts. Banana'.

Discussing her own experiences - yet conceding she cannot understand the struggles in the US - Myleene also shared a childhood snap.

Myleene opened the post with explaining what she is working to do by revealing the struggles she has faced in her past.

Difficult: The songstress, who was born in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, took to Instagram to reveal she was struggling to explain racism to her children amid the Black Lives Matter movement

She wrote: 'I'm trying so hard to explain the complexities of racism to my children. How it happens...

'How whilst I don't understand the struggles a black person living in America might be experiencing, how I do understand and know my own experience of being a mixed race Filipino girl growing up in Norfolk...

'I had those words thrown at me. On other occasions, it wasn't just words, it was rock filled snowballs by a group of boys as I walked home, I had my hair cut in the school cloakrooms by some girls, later they threatened a lighter...
Laura Byrne shared a heartwarming tribute to her fiance Matty J Johnson as they celebrated his 34th birthday on Tuesday.

The former Bachelor star shared a series of photos of her beau and their two children to Instagram and professed her love for Matty.

'Yesterday it was this beautiful DILF's birthday and I almost missed my opportunity to idolise him in a proper insta montage,' she wrote.

'You're the best thing that has ever happened to me': The Bachelor's Laura Byrne shared a heartwarming tribute to fiance Matty Johnson as they celebrated his birthday on Tuesday

'Matty you're the best thing that has ever happened to me,' she continued.

Laura added: 'I love doing life with you, I love our little family and I can't wait to marry the pants off you 'you're a sexy boi.'

In one photo, Matty is smiling for the camera alongside Laura and their daughters, Marlie Mae, one, and Lola, three-months.

Tribute: The former Bachelor star shared a series of photos of her beau and their two children to Instagram and professed her love for Matty

In another image, Matty is pictured striking a pose for the camera while on a yacht.

Matty and Laura fell in love on The Bachelor three years ago, and got engaged in April last year during a romantic holiday in Fiji.

They welcomed their first child, daughter Marlie-Mae Rose, in June 2019.

Looking back! 'Yesterday it was this beautiful DILF's birthday and I almost missed my opportunity to idolise him in a proper insta montage. Matty you're the best thing that has ever happened to me,' she wrote on Instagram

During an Instagram Q&A session with fans Laura revealed some intimate details about her wedding.

'We've just got ourselves a wonderful wedding planner @kashayaco because we have zero time... but we are getting married at the end of this year,' she wrote.

Matty said that they thought they were going to tie the knot in 2020, but failed to plan anything before the coronavirus pandemic hit.
They emerged from The Bachelor as best friends, but Bella Varelis and Bec Cvilikas are rumoured to have had a falling out.

According to a report by The Daily Telegraph on Wednesday, the once close former reality stars, both 26, are no longer on good terms.

'They had a disagreement a few months ago and unfollowed each other on Instagram,' a source told the publication.

Friends no more: They emerged from The Bachelor as best friends, but Bella Varelis (left) and Bec Cvilikas (right) are rumoured to have had a falling out

Tellingly, despite once featuring heavily on each other's Instagram pages, Bec last shared a photo with Bella in April, during a holiday to the Gold Coast.

Meanwhile, Bec hasn't been seen on Bella's Instagram page since January.

While it's not known what caused their rift, the former housemates are no longer living together.

Separate ways: According to a report by The Daily Telegraph on Wednesday, the once close former reality stars, both 26, are no longer on good terms

'They had a disagreement a few months ago and unfollowed each other on Instagram,' a source told the publication

Both Bec and Bella confirmed their falling out in separate statements to gossip website The Wash on Wednesday.

'Sometimes friendships grow apart, the same way relationships do. Small details are irrelevant and unnecessary for it to be public information,' said Bella.

Bec added: 'No real comment from me... We're just two different kinds of people.'

Phased out: Tellingly, despite once featuring heavily on each other's Instagram pages, Bec last shared a photo with Bella in April, during a holiday to the Gold Coast

Moving out and moving on: While it's not known what caused their rift, the former housemates are no longer living together

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to both Bella and Bec for additional comment.

Bella and Bec met on last year's season of The Bachelor, and quickly formed a strong friendship, even moving in together in Sydney after the show.

Meanwhile, Bella previously boasted about her friendship with Bec on Instagram in October.

The way they were: Bella and Bec met on last year's season of The Bachelor, and quickly formed a strong friendship, even moving in together in Sydney after the show

Over: Both Bec and Bella confirmed their falling out in separate statements to gossip website The Wash on Wednesday

'I've never met anyone that loves snails as much as this little smoosh, but she's never met anyone who loves Disney as much as me, so as long as I let her have her snails, she lets me have my Disney,' she wrote.

Following Bec's elimination from The Bachelor in September, Bella admitted it was difficult to say goodbye to her friend.

'I don't think people understand the bonds that are formed in here, but I'm beyond grateful to have formed a friendship I'll have for the rest of my life,' she wrote on Instagram at the time.

'Sometimes friendships grow apart, the same way relationships do. Small details are irrelevant and unnecessary for it to be public information,' said Bella

'There is a silver lining in everything,' Bec captioned a photo of herself and Bella following her elimination.

Meanwhile, in an interview with 10play in September, Bec said she and Bella clicked straight away on The Bachelor.

After Bec came in as an intruder, Bella quickly asked her if she wanted to be roommates, beginning their friendship.

Once close: In an interview with 10play in September, Bec said she and Bella clicked straight away on The Bachelor

'From that moment on, it was nice to know I had someone who instantly I felt comfortable with,' said Bec.

'We hit it off really fast. We're really similar people, so it's nice to have that support in the mansion as you can imagine, it's absolutely manic most of the time.'

She added: 'No one will fully understand what it's like to go through this experience and, to have someone who has been through it with you, you really get it.'
Advertisement

They've been enjoying a romantic getaway in Portofino this week.

And Bethenny Frankel and her fiance Paul Bernon continued to soak up the sun during their lavish vacation on Wednesday in the Italian Riviera.

The former Real Housewives Of New York star, 50, showcased her incredible figure in a plunging red swimsuit as she checked something on her film producer beau's phone during their stay at the historic and luxurious Belmond Hotel Splendido.

Stunning: Bethenny Frankel showcased her incredible figure in a plunging claret swimsuit as she continued her romantic holiday in Portofino with fiance Paul Bernon on Wednesday

Her gorgeous swimsuit featured a ruffle design and had thin straps and she teamed it with a blue, purple and red beach cover up.

The reality star accessorized perfectly with a navy sunhat and gold chain necklace while opting to go makeup free while soaking up the rays.

Meanwhile Paul looked casual in a relaxed white shirt and colourful swimming trunks as he enjoyed quality time with his bride-to-be.

Vacation: The former Real Housewives Of New York star, 50, looked relaxed an happy to be on holiday as she checked something on her film producer beau's phone

Style: Her gorgeous swimsuit featured a ruffle design and had thin straps and she teamed it with a blue, purple and red beach cover up

It comes after the couple were seen packing on the PDA while enjoying a swim during their stay on Tuesday.

Bernon dropped down to one knee in February with a low-key proposal while the couple vacationed near Florida.

She said of the engagement: 'It was intimate. Just the two of us, on an island off of Florida. No makeup, no manicure, no ring photos. It was very simple and beautiful.'

Mike Fried, CEO of the Diamond Pro told PEOPLE in May that her sparkler could 'definitely top $1 million.'

'With its stunning size and exquisite style, Bethenny's ring is a nod to her relationship with Paul Bernon and their future together,' he added.

Vacationing: Bernon dropped down to one knee in February with a low-key proposal while the couple vacationed near Florida (pictured last week on Lake Como)

Paul and Bethenny met on a dating app and began a relationship in fall 2018, shortly after the death of her on/off boyfriend Dennis Shields who died of a suspected overdose at the age of 51.

Her relationship and marriage to Jason Hoppy was documented for Bravo camera crews as she starred on RHONY before getting her own spin-off focused on their wedding, Bethenny Getting Married, which was later changed to Bethenny Ever After.

Jason and Bethenny called it quits on their marriage in 2014, but their divorce wasn't finalized until January 2021. They share co-parenting responsibilities of their 10-year-old daughter Bryn Hoppy.
Honey Ross showed off her charitable side on Wednesday as she handed money to a homeless man while out in Primrose Hill.

The 25-year-old writer and activist was spotted walking through the capital before stopping to help to the man.

Honey stepped out in a grey Juicy Couture velour tracksuit and a black T-shirt as she spent the day out in London.

Good deed: Honey Ross stepped out in a grey Juicy Couture velour tracksuit and purple Crocs on Wednesday - as she handed a 20 note over to a homeless man in London

On her feet, she wore a pair of purple Crocs, and she had her hair up, using a red hair tie to keep it in place.

She accessorised her casual outfit with a brown and gold handbag which she had slung over her shoulder.

Her charitable act comes after she shared a number of racy pictures on her Instagram story as she partied up a storm with pals on Monday.

Comfort: The writer and activist, 25, cut a casual figure as she walked through Primrose Hill in her tracksuit, and she had her hair up, using a red hair tie to keep it in place

Honey, who boasts 50.4k followers on the photo-sharing site, was seen in one of the images sipping her drink while she lifted up her dress to reveal she was wearing no underwear shortly before she was seen posing in a tracksuit.

Honey was leaving little to the imagination as she sported the pink floral dress and her trademark big glasses.

In pulling up the hemline on the dress, the daughter of Jonathan Ross showed off her thigh tattoo of a naked woman kneeling down.

The next day, in a snap on her Instagram story, she kept things comfy in a Juicy Couture velour grey tracksuit.

Revealing: Honey shared a number of racy pictures on her Instagram story as she partied up a storm with pals on Monday

She captioned the photo: 'Happy 25th to the iconic @juicycoutureuk tracksuit - here's to another 25 of making my ass look like this. Love you.'

She posed up a storm in the mirror selfie, and kept it natural wearing her hair curly.

In later stories, it seemed like Honey was having a good time as she was videoed partaking in karaoke. Honey and her friend were singing All That Jazz from the musical Chicago, as her friend wore a racy corset top and cream satin skirt.

She later appeared all smiles as she posed for a snap with two friends.
On Wednesday night, England will face Denmark at Wembley to fight for a place in the Euros 2020 final.

And on Wednesday morning, Coleen Rooney, 35, led the stars taking to social media to share their excitement ahead of the big match.

The Liverpudlian beauty - who is married to former England captain Wayne Rooney -woke their kids by playing It's Coming Home, taking to her Instagram Stories to show off the special wake-up.

Morning! On Wednesday morning, Coleen Rooney, 35, woke her kids by playing 'It's Coming Home,' taking to her Instagram Stories to show off the special wake-up

Coleen filmed their sleeping children while blaring out Three Lions (It's Coming Home) and added laughing emojis to her videos.

Eldest son Kai, 11, rubbed his eyes and looked a little confused as he slowly sat up in bed while the song played out.

Baby Cass, three, was clearly already wide awake, and could be heard in the background yelling: 'Mum, mum.'

Next up, Klay, eight, and Kit, five, who lay next to each other in a football themed bed, refused to be woken from their slumber by the football anthem.

Excited! The Liverpudlian beauty led the stars taking to social media to share their excitement ahead of England v Denmark at Wembley as they fight for a place in the Euros 2020 final

What's going on? Eldest son Kai, 11, rubbed his eyes and looked a little confused as he slowly sat up in bed while the song played out

Bless him! Kai had been sleeping soundly before his mother burst in playing It's Coming Home

Not happening! Klay, eight, and Kit, five, who lay next to each other in a football themed bed, refused to be woken from their slumber by the football anthem

And other stars also took to social media ahead of England's Euros semi-final match against Denmark at Wembley.

Jack Whitehall shared a childhood photograph of himself wearing an England kit and holding up a cake adorned with candles.

The birthday boy - who is celebrating turning 33 - wrote alongside: 'I have only one birthday wish. Bring it home! #england.'

Roman Kemp, 28, took to Instagram where he posted a still of himself with England flags painted on his face, and screaming into a Capital FM microphone.

The radio host captioned the action shot: 'PLEASE @england PLEASE,' which led his famous uncle Gary Kemp, 61, to reminisce.

Commenting beneath, the Spandau Ballet star wrote: 'Saw so many England matches with you when you were a kid. Let's hope this one ends better than some of those. COE!!!!'

Throwback: Birthday boy Jack Whitehall, 33, shared a childhood photograph of himself wearing an England kit and wished for England to 'Bring it home!'

Please! Roman Kemp, 28, took to Instagram where he posted a still of himself with England flags painted on his face, and screaming into a Capital FM microphone

Sweet: The radio host's action shot led his famous uncle Gary Kemp, 61, to reminisce

Lady in red: Susanna Reid, 50, showed her support for England by sharing snaps of her GMB outfit - a bright red dress - with a red rose and the England flag in her caption

Atomic Kitten member Liz McClarnon, 40, posted a photograph of the artwork for their latest single: 'Southgate You're The One,' which has made it into the UK top 10.

The reworked version of the girlband's smash hit 'Baby, You're The One' has been an overnight success and the blonde beauty shared her enthusiasm on Instagram.

She wrote: 'It's been a whirlwind couple of days, but we are super excited and grateful to be able to contribute to the awesome energy and patriotism that is filling the England Streets with a brand new version of Whole Again.

'Totally inspired by the England Football fans in support of Gareth Southgate and the super talented England Football team, we Liz, Natasha and Jenny will be singing loud and proud 'Football's Coming Home! DOWNLOAD IT NOW!'

Amazing! Atomic Kitten member Liz McClarnon, 40, shared her enthusiasm as their latest single: 'Southgate You're The One,' made it into the UK top 10

Exciting stuff: Circling the news, Liz wrote: 'TOP 10! OH MY GOD'

Coleen's celebratory wake-up came as Mrs Justice Steyn rejected Rebekah Vardy's lawyers' bid at the High Court to issue a summary judgement on one part of Coleen's defence to the long-running 1million libel suit against her.

Her team have claimed a '2-1 victory in the semi final' as a judge ruled largely in her favour in the latest stage of her Wagatha Christie legal battle.

Although the judge did agree to strike out some sections of the Rooney defence - including a claim Mrs Vardy stole a seat behind Mrs Rooney at Euro 2016 to boost her profile - it left the majority of her case intact, and will only result in two paragraphs being removed, rather than the 12 demanded by Rebekah's lawyers.

Crucially, an application to strike out Coleen's 'public interest' defence was also rejected.

Getting into the spirit: Holly Willoughby, 40, wore an England T-shirt and waved a flag on This Morning as she geared up to watch the semi-final

Getting into the spirit: The presenter switched her pretty floral blouse for an England T-shirt

Hopeful! Nicola McLean, 39, wore a red England shirt and shared a lyric from Three Lions

Drumming up support: Will Mellor was on a London Bus to promote his single 'Vindaloo Two'

As England face Denmark at Wembley tonight, a source close to Coleen declared: 'This is the equivalent of a 2-1 win in the semi finals without the agony of extra time or a penalty shoot-out.'

Rebekah Vardy sold stories for cash and to boost her profile, says Coleen's counsel Coleen Rooney's barrister David Sherborne argued that the 'exceptionally close relationship' Mrs Vardy is said to have had with The Sun is a key part of the case. In written submissions, Mr Sherborne said Mrs Vardy had a 'habitual practice' of providing private information to the press to promote her profile. He said: 'The timing of positive coverage of the claimant in The Sun was strikingly close to the publication of other articles ... that were leaked from the defendant's private Instagram. 'This supports the inference that the claimant was benefiting from the leak of private information about the defendant to the newspaper.' Mr Sherborne added that that Mrs Vardy used her close relationship with The Sun or its journalists 'for the purposes of promoting or financially exploiting her public profile'. The barrister later claimed that Mrs Vardy would receive a split of commission and revenue for stories given to The Sun through the Front Row Partnership, a PR agency where Mrs Vardy was a client. Mrs Vardy has denied any knowledge or authorisation of passing on private information. Advertisement

The long-running feud between the high-profile WAGS erupted after Coleen revealed that she had set a trap to see who was responsible for leaks to the media, which earned her the nickname Wagatha Christie.

Coleen famously wrote: 'I have saved and screenshotted all the original stories which clearly show just one person has viewed them. It's ................ Rebekah Vardy's account.'

The Instagram post went viral, and soon after Rebekah took to social media to deny being the person who had leaked the stories to the press.

Rebekah's team launched a bid last month to have large parts of Coleen's defence in the ongoing libel case struck out.

Rebekah's barrister Hugh Tomlinson QC told Mrs Justice Steyn: 'The purpose of this application is to clear away a mass of irrelevant and peripheral material in order to save time and costs and focus on the main issues in the case.'

But the move was branded a 'tactical exercise' to avoid having to disclose matters which will prove Coleen's case is correct, according to her own lawyer David Sherborne.

Coleen's team told the court that the sections which Rebekah was seeking to remove are 'plainly relevant and proportionate' and the argument that leaving them in will substantially increase the costs of the trial is 'seriously overstated and bears no real scrutiny'.

They added: 'Another factor that should be borne in mind is that the Claimant [Rebekah] is seeking to remove what are, no doubt, paragraphs that [she] finds uncomfortable and embarrassing. '

The key issue in Rebekah's pre-trial application to the court concerned the so-called 'TV decisions post' which Coleen put out on Instagram and claims she blocked all her other followers apart from Rebekah from viewing.

In the post, the Liverpool-born star posted a selfie with text reading 'easing my way back into work!! TV decisions today' in September 2019.

A story reporting her desire to revive her TV career appeared on The Sun's website three days later, Coleen claims.

However, Coleen said she 'invented' the story as part of her investigation to discover the source of the leaks and had no intention of entering into more television work.

Ongoing: Coleen (pictured with Wayne in 2016) said she discovered Rebekah Vardy's alleged betrayal by carrying out a months-long 'sting operation'

But the judge rejected the application for summary judgement, saying: 'It is one of many factual issues to be resolved at trial in determining whether the truth defence is made out. It seems highly unlikely that resolution of this issue would assist the parties to settle the claim.'

She added: 'While there is some force in the claimant's submission that there are significant differences between the TV Decisions Articles and the Post from which they are alleged to derive, the question whether the claimant disclosed the TV Decisions Post to The Sun is one that can only properly be answered having regard to all the evidence at trial. '

Coleen's solicitors, Brabners, put out an immediate statement headed: 'Rebekah Vardy's summary judgment application fails.'

They added: 'Rebekah Vardy's application for summary judgment was dismissed by Mrs Justice Steyn DBE in a judgment handed down this morning in the ongoing Vardy v Rooney libel litigation.

'The court also refused Rebekah's application to strike out Coleen's public interest defence.

WAGatha Christie: Coleen wrote on Instagram and Twitter: 'I have saved and screenshotted all the original stories which clearly show just one person has viewed them'

'In the same application, Mrs Vardy had also sought to limit what documents and information she will be required to disclose by applying to strike out twelve paragraphs of Mrs Rooney's defence.

'The court rejected those applications by Mrs Vardy, with the exception of two paragraphs and parts of another one relating to allegations of Ms Vardy's self-promotion in the press.

'Wagatha Christie' trial could cost 1million The Wagatha Christie libel trial could last nearly two weeks and cost almost 1m, the High Court heard. Dashing any hopes of a last-minute settlement between the warring Wags, Hugh Tomlinson QC, representing Rebekah Vardy in her 1.5m lawsuit against Coleen Rooney, said: 'There can be no doubt that it will go to trial.' He said that his own side's costs alone for a nine-day trial would be 475,000. Mr Tomlinson, who has launched an application to have large sections of Coleen's defence 'struck out' from the case, said it could almost slash the trial costs in half. He said 'assuming a five-day trial with the material taken out, we estimate our costs at 273,000. I'm not suggesting these figures are set in stone, they are provided in good faith.' Mr Tomlinson said sections of the defence around Mrs Vardy's relationship with The Sun newspaper, including her alleged but denied authorship of 'The Secret Wag' column, are not relevant to the trial. 'Much of it is so far away from the issues as to be patently irrelevant,' he told the court. Referring to one part of Mrs Rooney's defence, he added: 'There was almost nothing about leaking private information about anyone to the press, let alone the defendant's family and friends.' Mr Tomlinson highlighted that both women have a public profile and their own relationships with the media. Mr Tomlinson, referring to sections of Coleen's defence which allege that Rebekah was a 'close friend' of Sun journalist Simon Boyle, said: 'What has happened in this case is that the defendant has gone through the claimant's appearances in the newspapers, put two and two together and made seven.' 'It's effectively saying that 'she's had an interview with Simon Boyle, so he's a close friend of yours'. Advertisement

'A key part of the defence that Mrs Vardy failed to strike out is Mrs Rooney's allegation that Ms Vardy was a primary source for the 'Secret Wag' column in The Sun.

'The high-profile libel claim brought by Ms Vardy is over a post on social media that alleged she had secretly informed The Sun newspaper of Ms Rooney's private posts and stories from Instagram.'

'The claimant's engagement on social media with these journalists is relevant in considering the defendant's case that she had an exceptionally close relationship with them, which I have accepted is one of the building blocks on which the defendant seeks to build her defence of truth.'

Mrs Justice Steyn threw out parts of Coleen's defence but kept some aspects that Rebekah had applied to strike out.

The judge dismissed a claim by Coleen that her fellow footballer's wife showed 'publicity-seeking behaviour' when sitting behind her in someone else's seat at the 2016 Euros.

Mrs Justice Steyn found that even assuming the allegation was true, it would still not help Coleen's case.

She said: 'The fact that a person seeks media coverage of their own attendance at a football match does not make it more probable that they would disclose private information about another person to the press.'

Another section concerned Rebekah's so-called 'campaign of self-promotion' and outlined alleged dealings between her and paparazzi agencies.

It was claimed that in June 2018, during the World Cup, Rebekah 'orchestrated' a photograph of her with other WAGS Millie Savage, Gemma Acton, Megan Davison, Annabel Peyton, Fern Hawkins, Shannon Horlock, Annie Kilner, and Lucia Loi outside a restaurant in St Petersburg which appeared in The Sun.

Another section claimed that Rebekah was accused by former Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding of taking 'intrusive photographs' or her at the National Television Awards ceremony in 2018.

The judge said the argument was irrelevant, adding 'it would be a waste of time and resources' for the claim to continue.

Mrs Justice Steyn also threw out an allegation that Rebekah was leaking about the libel case itself to The Sun.

She said: 'While this is an allegation of leaking confidential information to The Sun, the nature of it is very different to what was alleged in the post.

'Notably, the defendant has pleaded it in support of the contention that there is a close relationship between the claimant and The Sun, rather than as an instance of the claimant disclosing another person's private information.'

Drama: Coleen publicly accused Rebekah of sharing stories about her back in October 2019

The judge further dismissed part of Coleen's defence about how Rebekah had written a statement for the press regulator IPSO after a complaint was made about The Sun.

She later dismissed Rebekah's bid for summary judgment - a legal step which would see that part of the case resolved without a trial - in relation to Coleen's claim that Rebekah leaked a story to The Sun about her returning to TV presenting.

The judge concluded: 'It is one of many factual issues to be resolved at trial in determining whether the truth defence is made out.

'It seems highly unlikely that resolution of this issue would assist the parties to settle the claim.'
She's been modelling an array of stylish looks during Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week.

And Bella Hadid managed to rock two different ensembles within the space of an hour as she was spotted out in the French capital on Wednesday.

For her first stop of the day, the 24-year-old model was seen leaving the Balenciaga show at the 10 Avenue George V in a quirky denim corset that she teamed with oversized navy jogging bottoms.

Twice as nice: Bella Hadid looked radiant in a denim corset at the Balenciaga PFW show on Wednesday before changing into a skintight Jean Paul Gaultier co-ord later in the day

The garment offered a glimpse at her tiny waist and ample cleavage, yet skimmed over her enviably long pins.

Adding to the glamour, Bella donned a chunky gold necklace and pendant, as well as pair of wayfarer shades.

In a sensible yet stylish move, Bella swapped her typical stilettos for a pair of chunky black boots and wore her raven locks swept up in a topknot.

Gorgeous: Bella looked phenomenal as she clutched onto a vibrant red flower and smiled for the waiting photographers

Bold look: Ensuring all eyes would be on her as she made her way into the venue, the 24-year-old model looked quirky in a denim corset that she teamed with oversized navy joggers

Turning heads: The garment offered a glimpse at her tiny waist and ample cleavage, yet skimmed over her enviably long pins

Looking good: Adding to the glamour, Bella donned a chunky gold necklace and pendant, as well as pair of wayfarer shades

Woman of the hour: There was a buzz around Bella as she headed into the venue

The ensemble appeared to be a hit with passers-by, as she was seen carrying a single flower that had been given to her.

The brunette beauty also caught the eye of other attendees at the show, which included Anna Wintour, Salma Hayek and Lewis Hamilton.

Bella then left the venue to head to the Royal Monceau hotel, where she performed a quick change before heading out again.

Making moves: Bella then left the venue to head to the Royal Monceau hotel, where she performed a quick change before heading out again

Chic: Her second look of the day was equally as stylish, with Bella slipping into a skintight Jean Paul Gaultier co-ord that showed off her incredible figure

Chic co-ord: The black long sleeved top was adorned with a gold pattern that matched her fitted satin trousers

Her second look of the day was equally as stylish, with Bella slipping into a skintight Jean Paul Gaultier co-ord that showed off her incredible figure.

The black long sleeved top was adorned with a gold pattern that matched her fitted satin trousers.

Adding to the glamour, Bella wore her locks loose and wavy, pushed away from her face with a chunky polka dot headband.

Hair she is: Adding to the glamour, Bella wore her locks loose and wavy, pushed away from her face with a chunky polka dot headband

On the move: Despite looking runway ready in her ensemble, she merely changed outfits to catch a flight, with Bella later seen arriving at Paris' Le Bourget airport

She kept her accessories to a minimum, toting a small brown Fendi handbag.

She completed the look with gold hooped earrings and patent black shoes.

Despite looking runway ready in her ensemble, she merely changed outfits to catch a flight, with Bella later seen arriving at Paris' Le Bourget airport.

Cute couple: Salma Hayek looked radiant as she posed alongside her billionaire husband Francois-Henri Pinault at the Balenciaga show

Blue-tiful: Salma looked phenomenal in cobalt blue dress with a wrap neckline that skimmed over her sensational figure

Double trouble: The actress boosted her frame with a pair of nude heels and toted a small handbag as she cuddled up to her husband

Making an entrance: Kanye West, 44, made a surprise appearance in a black balaclava and Yeezy shoes

Keeping it casual: Lewis Hamilton was seen at the show sporting an all-black ensemble

The night before, Bella had been across the country in Cannes for the opening night of the annual Film Festival, which saw the premiere of musical film Annette directed by Leos Carax and starring Marion Cotillard and Adam Driver.

Bella exuded elegance in Jean Paul Gaultier dress gown that hugged her supermodel frame.

The ensemble featured a halterneck detailing, with the train sweeping along behind the starlet in the same fabric.

Blooming lovely! Anna Wintour looked radiant in a floral long-sleeved midi dress that cinched in at her slender waist and flared out to ankle length to show off her brown boots

Stepping out in style: The queen of fashion looked in good spirits as she made her way out of the venue after watching the Balenciaga show

Less is more: Former editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris, Carine Rotfeld looked effortlessly chic in a black dress that she teamed with a gold pendant

Gorgeous in green : Aya Nakamura wowed in a silk maxi dress which gathered at the side while Giovanna Battaglia dazzled in a strapless top and matching choker

Dressed to impress: Yana Rudkovskaya looked radiant in a floral print maxi dress and matching jacket set while she boosted her frame with pale pink heels

Sporting success: American basketball player James Harden attended the show in a white hoodie by the fashion house

The floor-length dress trickled around the mode's figure, and she teased black heels as she strutted and posed for snaps.

Bella looked flawless with a natural wash of make-up, bronzed cheekbones, a nude slick to her pout and smoky eyes.

She whipped her raven locks back in a tight bun, showing off her sculpted features.
She's no stranger to glamorous attire.

And Salma Hayek was the picture of elegance in a flowing purple silk dress as she arrived at the Balenciaga Haute Couture Show as part of Paris Fashion Week on Wednesday.

The actress, 54, posed alongside her billionaire husband Francois-Henri Pinault, 59, who looked dapper in a charcoal grey suit and navy blue tie.

Happy: Salma Hayek, 54, cut an elegant figure was elegant in a purple dress as she arrived for the Balenciaga Haute Couture show in Paris with husband Francois-Henri Pinault, 59

Salma's dress featured a delicate floral pattern which was visible in the bright daylight as she posed for pictures outside the venue.

The V-shaped neck of her gown left her decolletage on show with the outfit reaching down to her ankles.

The dress was loosely ruffled at the hem as she wore a pair of open-toed heels, leaving her painted nails on show.

Star power: The star wore the flowing dress and a pair of oversized sunglasses as she stepped out in the French capital during the star-studded fashion event

Fashion focus: Salma's elegant garment featured a delicate floral pattern which was visible in the bright daylight as she posed for pictures outside the venue

Working it: The dress was loosely ruffled at the hem and she posed up a storm for awaiting photographers ahead of the show

The star held her latte-coloured faux crocodile skin leather handbag in her hand which matched the colour of the straps of her heels.

She completed her ensemble by wearing a pair of black diamond-shaped sunglasses while her loosely curled auburn hair rested on her shoulders.

Salma posed up a storm for awaiting photographers, temporarily removing her mask to flash a smile, abiding by the local rules for all pedestrians to wear a face covering amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Happy couple: Salma posed alongside her billionaire husband of 11 years Francois-Henri Pinault, who looked dapper in a charcoal grey suit and navy blue tie

The Hollywood star posed alongside husband Francois-Henri who wore a grey suit and navy blue tie.

He had on a white shirt and a pair of perfectly polished black shoes, ensuring he looked smart for the event.

Salma whipped fans up into a frenzy as she greeted them before heading inside building, ensuring she made time to stop for a chat.

Family unit: Salma and Francois-Henri married in 2009 and they share daughter Valentina Paloma Pinault, 13, who they welcomed in 2007

Making their day: Salma whipped fans up into a frenzy as she greeted them before heading inside building, ensuring she made time to stop for a chat

Last month, Salma said she was working on losing the weight she put on for her role in House Of Gucci, admitting he was worried about what people 'expect' her to look like.

In an interview with InStyle, she insisted her main goal was to keep healthy, but the Mexican-born beauty admitted she was also worried about 'what's expected for a woman who people consider good-looking'.

'As you get older, you're expected not to age,' she explained.

'I don't think I am some hot tamale, but I know that for my age, for the lifestyle that I lived, I'm not doing too badly.'

Making moves: Among the stars in attendance at Paris Fashion Week was model Bella Hadid, who changed into an eye-catching ensemble

The actress plays psychic Pina Auriemma in Ridley Scott's House Of Gucci, which explores the 1995 murder of Italian fashion heir Maurizio Gucci, played by Adam Driver.

Based on a non-fiction of the same name, the movie tells the saga of how Maurizio's jilted ex-wife Patrizia Reggiani, played by Lady Gaga, organised a hit on her ex-husband.

She was eventually tried and convicted of orchestrating the assassination.

As Patrizia's best friend, Pina also had a hand in organising the murder-for-hire, also serving time in a Milan prison.

House Of Gucci - which also stars Jared Leto, Jeremy Irons, Jack Huston, Reeve Carney, and Al Pacino - is planned for a November 2021 release.
Nicole Kidman has shared a heartwarming tribute to her daughter Sunday Rose as she celebrated her 13th birthday on Wednesday.

The actress, 54, posted a photo to Instagram of Sunday standing next to balloons and holding a birthday cake while shielding her face from view.

'Happy happy birthday Sunday! We love you so much - yum yum,' Nicole wrote.

'We love you so much!' Nicole Kidman has shared a sweet tribute to her daughter Sunday Rose on her 13th birthday on Wednesday

Nicole and her husband Keith Urban are understandably protective of their two daughters, keeping them off their social media accounts.

Sunday is the Hollywood power couple's eldest daughter. They also are parents to nine-year-old Faith Margaret.

The Big Little Lies star also has two adopted children, Isabella, 28, and Connor, 26, from her marriage to Tom Cruise, but it's believed they are estranged.

Tribute: The actress, 54, posted a photo to Instagram of Sunday standing next to balloons and holding a birthday cake while shielding her face from view

It comes after Nicole and husband Keith celebrated 15 years of marriage last month.

Nicole shared a very racy Instagram post to mark her anniversary with the country music superstar, 53.

In the image, Nicole tilted her head back as her Grammy winner husband sensually licked her neck.

'Happy anniversary baby': It comes after Nicole and husband Keith Urban (pictured) celebrated 15 years of marriage last month

'Happy Anniversary baby!' the Moulin Rouge star boasted in the caption, along with a series of kiss emojis.

Keith and Nicole were first introduced to one another in January 2005 at G'Day LA, following her 2001 split with fellow actor Tom Cruise.

The couple tied the knot at the Cardinal Cerretti Chapel in the grounds of St Patrick's College in Manly, Sydney, on June 25, 2006.
She never puts a foot wrong in her stylish ensembles.

And Vogue Williams, 35, cut a stunning figure as she stepped out to record her podcast at Global Studios on Wednesday.

The model wore sky-blue denim shorts with frilled trim detailing that ensured she put on a leggy display as it showed off her toned limbs.

Leggy display: Vogue Williams, 35, cut a stunning figure in blue denim shorts as she stepped out to record her podcast at Global Studios on Wednesday

Vogue paired the look with a bohemian style white floaty blouse with covered buttons down the middle.

The media personality was beaming as she strolled down the London street, and wore a slick of red lipstick over her full lips.

In keeping with the boho vibe, Vogue wore her golden tresses in a side parting and natural waves.

In Vogue: The presenter's shorts showed off her toned legs and had touches of boho chic with frilled trim detailing

Wow: Vogue complemented her attire by wearing a floaty white blouse

She accessorised by framing her glowing face with black lens sunglasses.

The social media influencer slung a baby blue snake print hand bag over her shoulder.

Elevating her height, she wore tan coloured leather mules with a skinny kitten heel.

Strutting her stuff: She wore tan coloured leather mules with a skinny kitten heel

Beautiful: The social media influencer slung a baby blue snake print hand bag over her shoulder

She completed the look with accents of gold jewellery, including a watch, rings and a necklace.

The mother-of-one was heading to record her podcast My Therapist Ghosted Me, which she hosts with Irish comedian Joanne McNally, 37.

In the episodes, the two BFFs dish out honest advice on various issues, after Joanne's therapist 'ghosted' her.
Chloe Ferry let her tastebuds run wild on Wednesday as she enjoyed an afternoon of sweet shopping in Liverpool.

The Geordie Shore star, 25, spent her afternoon at Kingdom Of Sweets, indulging on and purchasing a range of goodies - including some lewd pasta.

For the day out, the TV personality flaunted her signature curves by opting for a Chanel tank top, black Lycra leggings and knee-high boots.

Looking good! Sweet tooth: Chloe Ferry stunned in Chanel tank top as she enjoyed an afternoon of sweet treats - including some lewd pasta - in Liverpool on Wednesday

Completing the outfit for the exciting day, Chloe wore a smart black buttoned blazer as she headed to the shops.

The afternoon couldn't have gone ahead without Chloe recording the best bits for her 3.7million Instagram followers, as she giggled holding up a packet of baughty pasta.

'Candy isn't just a sweet, it's an object! This is the bit that's done it for me!' she said, panning to the packet of pasta.

Tasty: The Geordie Shore star, 25, spent her afternoon at Kingdom Of Sweets in Liverpool, indulging on and purchasing a range of goodies

Standing out: For the day out, the TV personality flaunted her signature curves by opting for a Chanel tank top, black Lycra leggings and knee-high boots

Cheeky! Completing the outfit for the exciting day, Chloe wore a smart black buttoned blazer as she headed to the shops

Take me to the candy shop: Chloe went out with a full-face of makeup and curled her dark locks into loose waves

The Newcastle-born star tried out numerous sweets but was filmed putting some fudge into her treat bag.

She joked: 'This is going straight in my basket!'

The outing comes as Chloe moved into her dream house last week - and she got very sentimental.

Candy's an object!: Newcastle-born Chloe joked that the penis pasta was 'what had done it' for her as she giggled to fans after spotting the odd treat

New pad: The Liverpool outing comes as Chloe got sentimental last week when she moved into her new house

'If you would have told me five years ago I would be in my dream home I would of laughed, never doubt yourself and Never let anyone tell you, you cant! Welcome to @chloe_manor_' she wrote on Instagram.

Her 'dream home account', which she recently launched on Instagram, encompasses snaps from her new pad - and she looks like she's settled in very well.

Earlier this month Chloe confirmed she had split from Hollyoaks hunk Owen Warner just days after going Instagram official during a Portugal getaway.

Dream home: 'Never let anyone tell you can't' Chloe told her followers as she set up a 'dream house' account
A car crashed into George Lopez's restaurant in Torrance, California on Tuesday.

A driver ran a stop sign and hit another car outside of The Brews Hall, which caused it to spin out of control and into George's restaurant Chingon Kitchen, according to TMZ.

Four people were injured in the crash - both drivers, plus a passenger and a pedestrian.

The latest: A car crashed into George Lopez's restaurant in Torrance, California on Tuesday. A driver ran a stop sign and hit another car outside of The Brews Hall, which caused it to spin out of control and into George's restaurant Chingon Kitchen, according to TMZ

They were taken to the hospital with moderate injuries, per the outlet.

No one was injured inside of the restaurant.

His brewing company, George Lopez Brewing Co. is based in The Brews Hall, which is next door to the restaurant.

The crash left broken glass and smashed storage racks at Chingon - as the car crashed into the front entrance of the restaurant.

Scary moment: Four people were injured in the crash - both drivers, plus a passenger and a pedestrian; seen March 1, 2018

Despite the damage, the restaurant can remain open and has not been red tagged due to the damage, per TMZ.

George, 60, launched George Lopez' Chignon Kitchen in 2017 at its first location at San Manuel Casino in Highland, California with hotelier/restaurant entrepreneur Michael Zislis.

Soon after, he opened Chingon Kitchen in Torrance.

In 2019, George founded George Lopez Brewing Co., which is based next door to Chignon - at The Brews Hall in Torrance.

Expanding: In 2019, George founded George Lopez Brewing Co., which is based next door to Chignon - at The Brews Hall in Torrance

George and Colin Cowherd partnered up to open Brews Hall on the Hermosa Beach Pier this year.

There is also a Chingon Kitchen location in Arizona at Vee Quiva.

The menus at his restaurants are all inspired by family recipes.

Earlier this year, the Chingon Kitchen Carne Asada and Pollo Asado was made available at the grocery store Food4Less.

In addition, four of the beers from his Brew Company are available to purchase at the same grocery store - their first four Ta Loco Cervezas.
He's one of the world's most famous showmen.

And Kanye West, 44, certainly made an entrance as he arrived at the Balenciaga Haute Couture Show, as part of Paris Fashion Week on Wednesday.

The rapper could be seen wearing a black and white balaclava and a matte black puffer-style jacket with matching trousers, while he had Yeezy trainers on his feet.

In disguise: Kanye West, 44, hid beneath a black balaclava as he arrived at the Balenciaga Haute Couture Show at Paris Fashion Week on Wednesday in a matte jacket and Yeezy shoes

The star appeared in an energetic mood as he leapt out of the Mercedes people carrier he was chauffeured in.

As he ran into the building the material of his trousers and jacket crumpled, giving texture to his attire.

The musician was spotted inside the venue by The New York Times fashion director Vanessa Friedman as he spoke to racing driver Lewis Hamilton, 36, who finished in fourth place in the Austrian Grand Prix at the weekend.

In style: Kanye (pictured in October 2020) is a regular at fashion shows, having his own Yeezy fashion brand

Making an entrance: The star appeared in an energetic mood as he leapt out of the Mercedes people carrier he was chauffeured in

Kanye's appearance at the Balenciaga show has sparked speculation he is to release another piece from his Gap x Yeezy collaboration.

Last month he put out a light blue jacket which quickly sold out and there has been no word on when the rest of the collection will go on sale.

The shape and fabric of the black jacket Kanye wore in Paris on Wednesday was almost identical to the blue coat he released last month.

Man of style: Kanye sparked speculation he is to release a new piece from his Gap x Yeezy collab after he released a blue jacket last month similar to the one he was wearing in Paris

The US star wore the blue piece out the day before it went on sale, so his clothing in France could be a hint of things to come.

Kanye was spotted in Provence, France last month with model Irina Shayk, 35, as it emerged he was dating the Russian beauty.

Hitmaker Kanye and Irina confirmed heated rumors of a new romance amid his divorce from wife of seven years Kim Kardashian, 40.

Kanye West and Lewis Hamilton having a confab before the @BALENCIAGA #couture show pic.twitter.com/tiTkzSrsIa  Vanessa Friedman (@VVFriedman) July 7, 2021

Another Kanye/Lewis Hamilton moment pre-@BALENCIAGA #couture. Kanye modeling the black version of his Yeezy x Gap jacket. Also a full head covering. pic.twitter.com/oT04oZNh7B  Vanessa Friedman (@VVFriedman) July 7, 2021

Rumors of the pair's romance began late last month, with claims that Kanye was 'secretly' dating the Russian supermodel, who shares a child with actor Bradley Cooper.

DailyMail.com learned Kanye and Irina arrived at a hotel at the start of June, staying for three nights before departing around lunch time three days later.

The rapper is believed to have hired out the luxury space, which was closed to the public during their stay.

New couple: Kanye was spotted in Provence, France last month with model Irina Shayk, 35, as it emerged he was dating the Russian beauty

France has always been a favored destination for the Yeezy star, who has spent extensive time there with his estranged wife Kim - having whisked her off to Paris when they first began dating in 2012.

Kim famously sat front row at Kanye's runaway show during Paris Fashion Week in March 2012, which amplified the huge buzz surrounding their relationship at the time.

Then in 2014, ahead of their lavish nuptials in Florence, Italy, Kim and Kanye had an extravagant pre-wedding party at the Palace of Versailles in Paris.

Reality star Kim filed for divorce from Kanye in February this year. They share four children daughters North and Chicago, aged seven and three, and sons Saint, five, and Psalm, two.
Britney Spears believes her doctors 'have failed her' and doesn't trust the medical teams she's worked with so far in her ongoing conservatorship battle.

Spears made it clear in court that she would like her conservatorship to end without a mental health evaluation typically required.

'She doesn't have much trust for the doctors that she has worked with so far,' sources told PEOPLE magazine. 'She feels like they have failed her.'

Struggle: Britney Spears believes her doctors 'have failed her' and doesn't trust the medical teams she's worked with so far in her ongoing conservatorship battle; seen in 2015

Britney, 39, gave an emotional, 23-minute testimony during a hearing in a Los Angeles court on June 23 where she pleaded with Judge Brenda Penny for freedom.

The last time Spears spoke directly to the judge was in May 2019, but the court was closed to the public and her testimony was sealed, and details of her mental health have never been disclosed.

Britney has been under a court order for 13 years where her father, Jamie, has held the power over all of her personal and financial decisions following her multiple involuntary holds in psychiatric hospitals.

'I'm sorry for my ignorance, but I honestly didn't know that. But honestly, but I don't think I owe anyone to be evaluated. I've done more than enough. I don't feel like I should even be in room with anyone to offend me by trying to question my capacity of intelligence, whether I need to be in this stupid conservatorship or not. I've done more than enough.'

Tough: Britney has been under a court order for 13 years where her father, Jamie, has held the power over all of her personal and financial decisions following her multiple involuntary holds in psychiatric hospitals; Jamie and Lynn seen in 2012

Out with the old: Britney's longtime manager, Larry Rudolph, resigned saying he was no longer needed; seen in 2008

Spears pleaded with the judge to re-evaluate the conservatorship she's been under for 13 years, with dad Jamie at the helm of her $60million fortune.

'This conservatorship is doing me way more harm than good. I deserve to have a life, I've worked my whole life. I deserve to have a two to three-year break,' she said.

Since her shocking testimony, Britney's court-appointed attorney, Sam Ingham, resigned on Tuesday after failing to file paperwork to end conservatorship.

And just the day before, Britney's longtime manager, Larry Rudolph, resigned saying he was no longer needed.

The next court hearing is July 14, when lawyers for Jamie and the conservatorship 'team' will give evidence to prove Britney does want the court order in place.

A Spears family source added: 'Britney is following everything closely,' before noting that her boyfriend, model Sam Asghari, 'continues to be her rock. She is hopeful that there will be huge changes' (seen in 2019)

In the shocking testimony, Britney admitted: 'I've lied and told the whole world I'm OK and I'm happy. It's a lie. I've been in denial. I've been in shock. I am traumatized. Fake it 'til you make it, but now I'm telling you the truth, OK? I'm not happy. I can't sleep. I'm depressed. I cry every day.'

Spears said she did not feel she 'was heard on any level' the last time she was able to speak to the court in 2019.

'I want changes and I want changes going forward,' she said. 'I deserve changes. I was told I have to sit down and be evaluated, again, if I want to end the conservatorship. Ma'am, I didn't know I could petition the conservatorship to end it.'

And while there are some changes in the works for Spears' management, her personal conservator, Jodi Montgomery, has no plans to leave Britney's side.

'She remains committed to steadfastly supporting Ms. Spears in every way she can within the scope of her duties as a conservator of the person,' Montgomery's lawyer Lauriann Wright told PEOPLE. 'Ms. Spears as recently as yesterday has asked Ms. Montgomery to continue to serve. Ms. Montgomery will continue to serve as a conservator for as long as Ms. Spears and the Court desire her to do so.'

A Spears family source added: 'Britney is following everything closely,' before noting that her boyfriend, model Sam Asghari, 'continues to be her rock. She is hopeful that there will be huge changes.'
Ryan Gosling looked worse for wear while working on the Prague set of the upcoming action-thriller feature The Gray Man this week.

The 40-year-old performer had a bloody cut in his forehead as he was seen between takes of the film near benches.

And at one point the partner of Eva Mendes stood patiently as his stylist set his blonde locks with hair spray.

That's got to hurt! Ryan Gosling looked worse for wear while working on the Prague set of the upcoming action-thriller Netflix feature The Gray Man on Monday

He was pictured working on a fight scene with multiple stuntmen.

Gosling wore an eye-catching light gray jacket, a pair of dark pants and a set of brown high-top boots as he spent time around the other cast and crew members.

His bright blonde hair provided an element of light color to his otherwise neutral-toned clothing ensemble.

At certain points, the performer was seen wearing a black facial covering to keep himself protected from COVID-19 as he interacted with other people on set.

Dressed well: Gosling was costumed in a dark gray zip-up jacket while working on the forthcoming project's set; here his hair is sprayed

Getting through the day: The actor was seen relaxing and posing for a photo after filming a fight scene with several other crew members

Contrast: The Only God Forgives star's top was offset by a pair of dark pants and brown high-top boots

The upcoming feature is based on Mark Grearney's 2009 novel of the same name and is currently set to be released on the Netflix streaming service sometime in the near future.

The movie is centered on Court Gentry, a former CIA operative who is betrayed by those who were close to him.

When the fugitive goes on the run, the agency sends his former colleague, Lloyd Hansen, to try and stop the former agent in his tracks.

Source material: The Gray Man is based on Mark Grearney's 2009 novel of the same name

Storyline: The feature will be centered on Court Gentry, a former CIA operative who has left the agency for good

Conflict: When the former agent is betrayed by those close to him, he goes on the run and is pursued by a former colleague

The role of Gosling's counterpart will be filled by Chris Evans, who signed on to the feature last July.

The Gray Man features an ensemble cast, with performers such as Ana de Armas, Wagner Moura and Billy Bob Thornton in major parts.

Michael Gandolfini, Alfre Woodard and Sam Lerner will also fill out the flick's supporting roles.

Opposite parts: Chris Evans will fill the role of Lloyd Hansen, who is tasked with stopping the former operative

Stacked cast: Performers such as Ana de Armas and Billy Bob Thornton will appear in main roles in the forthcoming feature

Solid directors: Anthony and Joe Russo signed on to work on the project in July of last year

The movie is being directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, who also serve as executive producers on the project.

The latter of the two also collaborated on its screenplay with their longtime collaborators Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely.

The feature first entered into development in 2011, when it was announced that Brad Pitt would star in the feature, which was set to be helmed by The Lost City Of Z director James Gray.

Dual roles: The Gray Man's directors also serve as executive producers on the project

Putting in work: The brothers worked on the feature's script with their regular collaborators, Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely

Long process: The Gray Man first entered development in 2011, and James Gray was initially set to helm the feature

The pair eventually exited the project, and Charlize Theron was previously in talks to appear in a gender-swapped version of the feature, although the efforts eventually fell through.

In July of last year, it was announced that the Russos had signed on to helm the feature and that its two leads were both committed to their parts.

According to Deadline, the film's producers intend to start a franchise following The Gray Man's eventual release.

Former lead: Brad Pitt was originally set to star in the forthcoming feature, although he later dropped out of the production

Different approach: At one point, Charlize Theron was interested in starring in a gender-swapped version of the feature, although those plans fell through

Making moves: The involvement of Gosling, Evans and The Russos was initially announced in July of last year

The media outlet also reported that the movie had a budget of over $200 million, making it Netflix's costliest project to date.

Anthony Russo spoke about what he and his brother wanted to achieve with the feature and expressed that its leads were a match made in heaven.

'The movie is a real mano a mano between those two great actors who represent two different versions of the CIA, in what it can be, and what it can do,' he said.

Serious cash: The Gray Man's team is reportedly working with a budget of over $200 million

Serious investment: The project has become Netflix's costliest project to date

Working well: Anthony Russo noted that the upcoming movie would feature a 'mano a mano between those two great actors'

Both sides: The director also expressed that the film's main characters 'represent two different versions of the CIA'

The filmmaker also made a reference to a project that he and Evans had previously worked on while expressing that he and his brother were trying something new.

'For those who were fans of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, this is us moving into that territory in more of a real-world setting. That's what this movie really means for us,' he remarked.

Joe Russo went on to note that he was grateful for the involvement of the two leads and stated that he wanted the feature to be able to stand on its own aside from movies released in traditional theaters.

Making a statement: Joe Russo also expressed that he wanted The Gray Man to be able to perform well alongside traditionally released features

In his words: The filmmaker expressed that he wanted The Gray Man to be 'competitive with any theatrical'

'The intention is for it to be competitive with any theatrical, and the ability to do with with Gosling and Evans is a dream for us,' he noted.

The director also expressed that the film's team was interested in furthering the story of Gentry and his counterparts, although they wanted to ensure that the initial feature was good enough to stand on its own.

'The idea is to create a franchise and build out a whole universe, with Ryan at the center of it. We have all committed to the first movie, and that's got to be great to get us to the second movie,' he said.

Grateful: The director also expressed that being able to work with both Gosling and Evans was 'a dream for us'

Moving forward: Russo noted that the production team's intention was to 'create a franchise and build out a whole universe'

Quality control: He did note that The Gray Man would have to 'be great to get us to the second movie'

Production was initially set to begin in the Los Angeles area this past January, although it was later pushed back to March.

The feature's crew later moved to Europe, where they shot scenes in France and are currently working in the Czech Republic.

The Gray Man will be released on Netflix at an unspecified date in the future.

Moving fast: Production on The Gray Man began this past March in the Los Angeles area

Switching over: The production of the feature eventually moved to Europe, where scenes were shot in France and the Czech Republic
Real Housewives of New York City alum Bethenny Frankel kissed her on/off fiance Paul Bernon while hanging out at the harbor in Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy on Wednesday.

The 50-year-old Skinnygirl CEO was clad in only a maroon ruffled swimsuit beneath a colorful patterned cover-up and kitten heels.

Bethenny reportedly got re-engaged to the 43-year-old Peabody Award-winning producer in February after a four-month split.

PDA alert! Real Housewives of New York City alum Bethenny Frankel kissed her on/off fiance Paul Bernon while hanging out at the harbor in Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy on Wednesday

The NYU grads enjoyed a cruise around the Ligurian Sea where she spotted a luxurious villa on the coast owned by Dolce & Gabbana.

Frankel originally met Bernon through a dating app in the fall of 2018.

That same morning, the Just B podcaster woke up with her hair in such a state she joked she was a Seussian citizen of Whoville from How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

On Tuesday evening over dinner, Bethenny announced that she was no longer vegan.

Met on a dating app in 2018: The 50-year-old Skinnygirl CEO was clad in only a maroon ruffled swimsuit beneath a colorful patterned cover-up and kitten heels

Back on: Bethenny reportedly got re-engaged to the 43-year-old Peabody Award-winning producer in February after a four-month split

Sightseeing: The NYU grads enjoyed a cruise around the Ligurian Sea where she spotted a luxurious villa on the coast owned by Dolce & Gabbana

Poking fun of herself: That same morning, Frankel woke up with her hair in such a state she joked she was a Seussian citizen of Whoville from How the Grinch Stole Christmas

'I mean, I did it and I might do it again and I did a lot of it, but I'm not doing it right now,' Frankel - who boasts 5M social media followers - said via Instastory.

'Girl, don't do it. It's not worth it. I'm not going to do it, girl, I was just thinking about it.'

The Big Shot star - who has a severe fish allergy - then panned over her and Paul's dishes littered with what appeared to be lamb chops and prawns.

Missing from Bethenny's side was her 11-year-old daughter Bryn Casey from her three-year marriage to pharmaceutical sales executive Jason Hoppy, which finally ended in January after a nine-year legal separation.

'It's not worth it': On Tuesday evening over dinner, the Just B podcaster announced that she was no longer vegan

Meat eaters: Bethenny - who has a severe fish allergy - then panned over her and Paul's dishes littered with what appeared to be lamb chops and prawns

Meanwhile, the Massachusetts-born businessman has two children - son Tucker and daughter Skylar - from his 14-year marriage to marketing director Ashley, which ended in 2017.

Bernon last produced Kimmy Gatewood's dismally-reviewed rom-com Good On Paper, which started streaming June 23 on Netflix.

Through her foundation BStrong, Frankel revealed Friday they've raised $325K for the residents of the Surfside Tower collapse in Florida.

The Manhattan socialite's organization also distributed $157K of BStrong cards, delivered 250 family necessity kids, and relocated six residents to apartments.

Podcasting together: Missing from Frankel side was her 11-year-old daughter Bryn Casey (R, pictured June 24) from her three-year marriage to pharmaceutical sales executive Jason Hoppy, which finally ended in January

'Out now!' Bernon last produced Kimmy Gatewood's rom-com Good On Paper, which started streaming June 23 on Netflix
Katie Holmes' dashing ex Emilio Vitolo Jr was seen walking with a new lady friend in New York City on Wednesday.

The mystery woman had a striking resemble to the Dawson's Creek actress and even dressed similarly to her in a casual dress with black loafers.

It has been three months since the single mother to Suri Cruise and the chef-turned-actor split up after a year of romantic al fresco dates in Manhattan.

On the move: Katie Holmes' dashing ex Emilio Vitolo Jr was seen walking with a new lady friend in New York City on Wednesday

They could be sisters: The mystery woman had a striking resemble to the Dawson's Creek actress - seen here in 2018 - and even dressed similarly to her in a casual dress

The lady not only had similar facial features to Katie - a strong jawline, full lips and almond eyes - she also had the same long brunette hair that was put back in a messy style.

And her clothes were similar to what the Batman Begins star would wear: she had on a black slip dress with white polka dots and spaghetti straps, adding chunky black schoolgirl loafers. And the woman flashed a designer wallet from Christian Dior.

Like Katie, the looker seems to be a bit taller than Emilio.

Vitolo had on a blue shirt with gray shorts and sneakers as he walked his small brown dog Bruno that had a red collar.

In step: The lady not only had similar facial features to Katie - a strong jawline, full lips and almond eyes - she also had the same long brunette hair that was put back in a messy style

The pair were seen in Manhattan's Washington Square Park where there has been wild partying in the past month causing havoc in the area.

Last month he was seen with Zoe Kravitz as well as a pretty redheaded woman.

Katie - who has daughter Suri Cruise, 15, with ex-husband Tom Cruise - was last seen in NYC on Tuesday as she looked chic in a green print dress.

Emilio and Katie broke up earlier this spring as she worked in Connecticut on her new movie The Watergate Girl.

Katie and Emilio began dating in September and seemed to go full speed ahead with reports emerging that she thought the relationship could go 'all the way.'

Katie Holmes style 101: And her clothes were similar to what the Batman Begins star would wear: she had on a black slip dress with white polka dots and spaghetti straps, adding chunky black school girl loafers

Twice as nice: The woman could pass as a family member of Katie's. They both also have winning smiles

He was said to be 'incredibly charismatic' according to Katie's friends and even got on good with Suri, with the chef treating Katie like a 'princess,' throughout the relationship.

But in April it was alleged the pair were 'taking space,' before their official split was revealed less than a month later.

It was reported that 'different schedules and different commitments,' were partially to blame, with Katie filming an untitled romantic feature upstate and Emilio trying to nurture his own acting career on top of working at his family's restaurant.

And after the split, Emilio was said to be leaning on friends for support but as the breakup was confirmed he was glimpsed by single New Yorkers on the celebrity dating app Raya.

The loved-up days: It has been three months since the single mother to Suri Cruise and the chef-turned-actor split up after a year of romantic al fresco dates in Manhattan: seen in New York City in October

'It's not just Raya  he's on a bunch of other dating apps too. He didn't exactly hide the fact that he's broken up from Katie,' an insider told Page Six.

Prior to Katie, Emilio was engaged to Rachel Emmons, breaking things off with her via text just days before photos of he and Katie emerged on a PDA-packed date in SoHo.

Now it looks like her Emilio's career is heating up.

Earlier this month Emilio - who is friends with the Jonas brothers - shared an article from Variety that reported his film The Birthday Cake was acquired by Screen Media.

It's a mob crime drama from director Jimmy Giannopoulos that stars Shiloh Fernandez, Ewan McGregor, Val Kilmer, Lorraine Bracco, William Fichtner, Ashley Benson, Luis Guzman, Paul Sorvino, Vincent Pastore, Aldis Hodge, Penn Badgley, Emory Cohen, and Jeremy Allen White.

A good read: The siren has been reading a lot during COVID-19. In June she called Heavy a must read book

Heart-shaped treats: And the Batman Begins star has been baking cookies

A natural painter: The mother to Suri Cruise has also been painting; this is one of her pieces from the winter

Emilio has a small role.

The film will be released in June 2021.

The official logline is: 'The Birthday Cake takes place on one fateful evening in the life of Gio (Fernandez), the son of a murdered mobster and the nephew of Brooklyn mob boss, Angelo (Kilmer). On the 10th anniversary of his fathers mysterious death, Gio carries on the family tradition of bringing a cake his mother (Bracco) baked to this uncles house for a celebration.'

Vitolo has appeared in other projects: he played the bartender in Royal Pains and had a part as Mike Cambioti in 2015's Around Every Corner. He has also been seen in the movies Tapestry and The Vigil.

But with The Birthday Cake he has a larger part and he is working with a higher caliber of actors.

Watch Dawson's Creek on Stan in Australia.
She launched a lifestyle brand in 2019 and often shares tips and tricks for best wellness and beauty practices.

And Kourtney Kardashian was talking all things 'sex and supplements' as she sprawled out across a bed wearing laced-up leather slacks for a snap shared to Instagram on Wednesday.

The 42-year-old blogger appeared to be diving into a good book just hours after taking to the keys and playing a duet on the piano with boyfriend Travis Barker.

Literary enthusiast: Kourtney Kardashian was talking all things 'sex and supplements' as she sprawled out across a bed wearing laced-up leather slacks for a snap shared to Instagram

Kourtney's incredible figure was on display in the skin-tight number which also featured a patent leather corset with a plunging neckline.

Her intricate slacks included leather panels with rope wrapped around her legs through silver studs.

She let her chocolate brown hair drape down across her shoulder and showed off a perfect pout with pale pink gloss.

Leather and literature: The 42-year-old blogger appeared to be diving into a good book in the sultry social share

Book worm: Kourtney's incredible figure was on display in the skin-tight number which also featured a patent leather corset with a plunging neckline

'Sex, supplements, and skincare in our @Poosh July Shop Drop,' she captioned the sultry set.

She launched her blog in March 2019 and has since covered a wide range of topics from stretch mark solutions and sleeping patterns to planning the perfect party and vaginal health.

Back at the home front, Kourtney proved to still be going strong with the man in her life as she sat at the piano with her Blink 182 musician beau.

Travis and Kourtney smiled and giggled while playing a cute rendition of Heart and Soul together.

Sweethearts: Back at the home front, Kourtney proved to still be going strong with the man in her life as she sat at the piano with her Blink 182 musician beau.

Music makers: Travis and Kourtney smiled and giggled while playing a cute rendition of Heart and Soul together

Duet! Posting the same video to his account, Travis captioned it, 'Album coming soon'

'This is what I come home to,' Barkers 15-year-old daughter Alabama wrote across the Instagram Story, with a teary-eyed emoji.

Posting the same video to his account, Travis captioned it, 'Album coming soon.'

Travis and Kourtney went public with their relationship at the beginning of the year and have since been inseparable with trips to Utah, Palm Springs and Disneyland.

Kourtney shares three children with her ex-partner, Scott Disick: Mason, 11, Penelope, eight, and Reign, six.

Travis has two kids with his ex-wife, Shanna Moakler, and also co-parented her daughter, Atiana, with her ex, Oscar De La Hoya.
She's began her career as a dancer, starring in Janet Jackson's Doesn't Really Matter in 2000.

And 21 years later, Jenna Dewan showed off her incredible physique in two nude images posted to her Instagram page.

The 40-year-old mom of two showcased her toned form while posing in a bathtub, captioning the images 'Swipe for self love #humpday.'

Stunning: She's began her career as a dancer, starring in Janet Jackson's Doesn't Really Matter in 2000. And 21 years later, Jenna Dewan showed off her incredible physique in two nude images posted to her Instagram page

In the first image, Jenna posed with her back turned from the camera, with one hand on her neck.

The Step Up star showcased her wings tattoo, located on the top part of her back.

Jenna posed in a bathtub with a view of the landscape in front of her.

The beauty rocked black nail polish with her engagement ring on full display.

Wow factor: The 40-year-old mom of two showcased her toned form while posing in a bathtub, captioning the images 'Swipe for self love #humpday'

In the second image, Jenna sat on the ledge of the bathtub with her eyes closed, as she covered her chest with her arms.

The stunner had her toned thighs on full display, as well as her sculpted abs.

The beauty only had her feet in the water, with her locks damp behind her.

Jenna is engaged to fellow actor Steve Kazee; they welcomed their son Callum Michael Rebel Kazee, born in March 2020.

She was previously married to Channing Tatum; they tied the knot in 2009 and announced their separation in April 2018, finalizing their divorce in November 2019.

They have one daughter together, Everly Tatum, eight.

So adorable: Jenna is engaged to fellow actor Steve Kazee; they welcomed their son Callum Michael Rebel Kazee, born in March 2020

Jenna recently returned back to Los Angeles following a work trip to Australia.

Before she jetted back to the US, the brunette beauty shared a stunning snap of herself as she posed in front of an incredible sunset.

Jenna donned a white crop top with a pale pink pair of underwear as she posed on a balcony with the city of Melbourne behind her.

The Supergirl star captioned the image: 'I love a flair I love a sunset and I love a view.'

Views: Before she jetted back to the US, the brunette beauty shared a stunning snap of herself as she posed in front of an incredible sunset

Star power: The Supergirl star captioned the image: 'I love a flair I love a sunset and I love a view;' seen March 4, 2018 in Beverly Hills at the Vanity Fair Oscar party
Angelina Jolie is eager to cut business ties with ex Brad Pitt and is now asking the courts to lift a temporary order blocking the sale of their joint assets.

Jolie recently filed paperwork asking for a judge to lift a restraining order on the transfer of their assets, something which is automatically put in place when divorce proceeding begin.

It seems the Oscar-winner, 46, is especially keen on selling her interest in Nouvel, LLC the winery company they co-own and operate Chateau Miraval in Provence, France under.

Wants out: Angelina Jolie is asking the courts to lift a temporary order blocking the sale of her joint assets with Brad Pitt in hopes of selling her stake in their French winery company

Cheers: Jolie's main interest is in selling Nouvel, LLC the winery company she and Putt co-owned and operated Chateau Miraval in Provence, France under

Jolie is hoping to unfreeze the assets so she can sell her stake in the company, telling the courts she already had interested buyer and a deal in the works.

Her legal team went on to note that they reached out to Pitt's attorneys in hopes of avoiding court, but the have yet to return to Jolie with terms.

In the legal docs, Jolie added she is worried her potential buyer might back out if the assets remain frozen while Pitt's team considers the matter, which is why she is asking a judge to intervene.

The request has yet to be approved.

Nouvel LLC appears to be the entity in charge of the exes' French chateau/vineyard Chateau Miraval and the wine produced at the vineyard, which they bought in 2011 for a reported $60million.

Major asset: The couple bought the Provence, France winery Chateau Miraval in 2011 for a reported $60million

Arrangement: Jolie's team say they reached out to Pitt's attorneys before filing formal court docs but they did not propose a way to free up the assets. They're seen in 2007 above

This is just another chapter of the drawn out legal battles between Pitt and Jolie, over their divorce and custody of their six children.

Pitt was awarded 50/50 custody of their couple's five-minor children Maddox, 19, Pax, 17, Zahara, 16, Shiloh, 14 and twins Vivienne and Knox, 12, earlier this year by an LA judge, a decision Jolie was reportedly 'bitterly disappointed' by.

The decision was met with controversy as it was revealed that none of the couple's children under the age of 18 were allowed to testify during the case, and Jolie's legal team indicated that they would continue to fight the outcome in the future.

The actress/activist filed for divorce in 2016 - citing the 'the health of the family' - in the wake of a conflict on a private flight from France to Los Angeles in which she accused Pitt of behaving abusively to son Maddox, who was 15 at the time.

The Academy Award-winning actor faced no charges in connection with the incident amid probes from the FBI and social services.
She was front and centre on the red carpet during the opening night of Cannes Film Festival at the Annette screening on Monday night.

And Bella Hadid ensured all eyes were on her once again as she arrived at the Bella Hadid in the French town on Monday evening.

The model, 24, looked incredible in a black and white mini dress by Lanvin which featured dramatic feathered detailing and showcased her toned legs.

Wow! Bella Hadid ensured all eyes were on her once again as she arrived at the Bella Hadid in the French town on Monday evening

Bella's statement gown boasted sheer sleeves and was teamed with a pair of delicate black stiletos with a jewelled strap.

The youngest Hadid sister added further glitz to her look with a pair of huge dazzling drop earrings.

Keeping the attention on her ensemble, Bella opted for a chic ponytail and sported a subtle coat of make-up.

Leggy! The model, 24, looked incredible in a black and white mini dress which featured dramatic feathered detailing and showcased her toned legs

Breathtaking: From the back Bella's long brunette ponytail was visible

Showstopping: Bella's statement gown boasted sheer sleeves and was teamed with a pair of delicate black stiletos with a jewelled strap

Flawless: She styled her emerald earrings with a matching ring

Legs 11! Bella's thigh-grazing number showcased her endless pins

Hello! Bella flashed a wave as she arrived at the party

It's been a busy week for Bella as she flits between Cannes Film Festival and Paris Fashion Week.

Earlier in the day, Bella managed to rock two different ensembles within the space of an hour as she was spotted out in the French capital.

For her first stop of the day, she model was seen leaving the Balenciaga show at the 10 Avenue George V in a quirky denim corset that she teamed with oversized navy jogging bottoms.

Hollywood glamour: Bella looked stunning as she posed inside the dinner event

Sartorial prowess: Bella showed off her outfit from multiple angles

Striking: Bella was sure to turn heads in her stunning ensemble

Strike a pose: Bella showed off her outfit in full for the cameras

Oozing glamour: Bella looked gorgeous no matter the angle she took

Two sides: Bella smiled for the camera after striking some fierce poses

All that glitters: Bella's ensemble was sure to grab attention

The garment offered a glimpse at her tiny waist and ample cleavage, yet skimmed over her enviably long pins.

Adding to the glamour, Bella donned a chunky gold necklace and pendant, as well as pair of wayfarer shades.

In a sensible yet stylish move, Bella swapped her typical stilettos for a pair of chunky black boots and wore her raven locks swept up in a topknot.

Muse: Bella posed for snaps alongside Chopard president Caroline Scheufele

Delighted: Bella and Caroline held each other close as they posed for snaps

Sensational: Models Elvira Jain (L) and Catrinel Marlon (R) posed in stunning ensembles

Glam: Caroline and Catrinel also posed together at the event

Gothic: Isabelle Huppert stepped in a black dress she paired with a diamond neckalce

The ensemble appeared to be a hit with passers-by, as she was seen carrying a single flower that had been given to her.

The brunette beauty also caught the eye of other attendees at the show, which included Anna Wintour, Salma Hayek and Lewis Hamilton.

Bella then left the venue to head to the Royal Monceau hotel, where she performed a quick change before heading out again.

Twice as nice: Earlier in the day, Bella managed to rock two different ensembles within the space of an hour as she was spotted out in the French capital

Gorgeous: Bella looked phenomenal as she clutched onto a vibrant red flower and smiled for the waiting photographers

Bold look: Ensuring all eyes would be on her as she made her way into the venue, the 24-year-old model looked quirky in a denim corset that she teamed with oversized navy joggers

Turning heads: The garment offered a glimpse at her tiny waist and ample cleavage, yet skimmed over her enviably long pins

Looking good: Adding to the glamour, Bella donned a chunky gold necklace and pendant, as well as pair of wayfarer shades

Woman of the hour: There was a buzz around Bella as she headed into the venue

Her second look of the day was equally as stylish, with Bella slipping into a skintight Jean Paul Gaultier co-ord that showed off her incredible figure.

The black long sleeved top was adorned with a gold pattern that matched her fitted satin trousers.

Adding to the glamour, Bella wore her locks loose and wavy, pushed away from her face with a chunky polka dot headband.

Making moves: Bella then left the venue to head to the Royal Monceau hotel, where she performed a quick change before heading out again

Chic: Her second look of the day was equally as stylish, with Bella slipping into a skintight Jean Paul Gaultier co-ord that showed off her incredible figure

Chic co-ord: The black long sleeved top was adorned with a gold pattern that matched her fitted satin trousers

Hair she is: Adding to the glamour, Bella wore her locks loose and wavy, pushed away from her face with a chunky polka dot headband
They have been going from strength-to-strength, ever since they first met on the 2019 series of Love Island.

And Molly Mae-Hague was lavished with flowers, balloons and perfume on Wednesday by Tommy Fury, before they headed to a luxury spa in celebration of their two year anniversary.

The influencer 22, put on a loved-up display with her boxer beau, 22, as they surprised each other with presents before enjoying a day of pampering.

Go all out: Molly Mae-Hague was lavished with flowers, balloons and perfume on Wednesday by Tommy Fury, before they headed to a luxury spa in celebration of their two year anniversary

Tommy pulled out all the stops as he gifted her a bouquet of flowers and a Maison Francis Kurkdjian fragrance worth 215.

Meanwhile Molly-Mae treated her boyfriend to a Louis Vuitton belt.

During their spa treatment, she was seen wearing a robe as she stood between two massage beds, her blonde locks tumbled down in glamorous waves and she opted for a soft make-up look.

Petals were sprinkled over the spa tables and the towels were folded into heart shapes as Molly-Mae typed on Instagram: 'So cute'.

Only eyes for him: The influencer 22, put on a loved-up display with her boxer beau, 22, as they surprised each other with presents before enjoying a day of pampering

Mark the occasion: Tommy pulled out all the stops as he gifted her a bouquet of flowers and a Maison Francis Kurkdjian fragrance worth 215 meanwhile Molly-Mae treated him to a Louis Vuitton belt

Love is in the air: Petals were sprinkled over the massage tables and the towels were folded into heart shapes during their afternoon at the spa as Molly-Mae typed on Instagram: 'So cute'

Capturing a shirtless Tommy perched on the side of a hot tub before revealing the luxurious pool, Molly-Mae penned online: 'Been a while... We used to love it here when we lived in the city. [heart emoji].'

She proceeded to share a series of loved-up throwback photos including a paparazzi snap of them leaving a restaurant, a candid pre-red carpet photo and a picture in the sea while on holiday.

The former Love Islander wrote: '2 years of loving each other unconditionally [heart emoji] how did we get so lucky? 07/07/2021.'

She also typed: 'I'll be obsessed with you forever.'

Making memories: Molly-Mae revealed the luxurious pool and penned online: 'Been a while... We used to love it here when we lived in the city [heart emoji]'

The look of love: After their relaxing afternoon at the spa, the couple changed into stylish outfits as they posed for additional snaps in Manchester

Declarations of love: The pair gazed lovingly into each other's eyes and shared a kiss as they posted the photos to their respective Instagram accounts

Blissfully happy: She proceeded to share a series of loved-up throwback photos including a paparazzi snap of them leaving a restaurant and a candid pre-red carpet photo (pictured)

Smooch: She also shared a picture in the sea while on holiday

Hand-in-hand: The former Love Islander penned: 'I'll be obsessed with you forever'

Sharing a screenshot of the moment they first met in the Love Island villa, she penned: 'Magic'.

Tommy also uploaded a series of throwback photos to social media.

He shared another black tie snap next to Molly-Mae who looked elegant in a black one-shoulder gown.

For another picture, he wrapped his arms around his girlfriend's waist and wrote: 'Forever'.

Unforgettable: Sharing a screenshot of the moment they first met in the Love Island villa, she wrote: 'Magic'

Smitten: Tommy also uploaded a series of throwback photos to social media

Dressed to the nines: He shared another black tie snap next to Molly-Mae who looked elegant in a black one-shoulder gown

Passionate embrace: For another picture, he wrapped his arms around his girlfriend's waist and wrote: 'Forver' [sic]

Throwing it back to a recent trip to Dubai, Tommy beamed at Molly-Mae and said: 'Today marks 2 years of laughter and love. Thanks for the amazing memories, can't wait to make more with you my girl,' alongside romantic emojis.

After their relaxing afternoon at the spa, the couple changed into stylish outfits as they posed for additional snaps in Manchester.

Molly-Mae was seen wearing a bomber jacket which she teamed with denim jeans and a cream tee.

Love: Throwing it back to a recent trip to Dubai, Tommy beamed at Molly-Mae and said: 'Today marks 2 years of laughter and love. Thanks for the amazing memories, can't wait to make more with you my girl'

Fashionista: Molly-Mae was seen wearing a bomber jacket which she teamed with denim jeans and a cream tee

The Love Island beauty proved she has expensive taste as she carried a mini Balenciaga handbag for the outing.

Meanwhile Tommy showed off his ripped physique in a snug charcoal grey top and jogging bottoms.

The pair gazed lovingly into each other's eyes and shared a kiss as they posted the photos to their respective Instagram accounts.

Tommy wrote: '2 years down, forever to go,' with Molly-Mae commenting: 'You're everything. Happy Anniversary baby.'

Designer accessories: The Love Island beauty proved she has expensive taste as she carried a mini Balenciaga handbag for the outing

Biceps: Meanwhile Tommy showed off his ripped physique in a snug charcoal grey top and jogging bottoms
She split with Hollywood heartthrob Zac Efron earlier this year in April.

And Vanessa Valladares appears to be well and truly over the Baywatch star and relishing in the single life.

The model enjoyed sunset drinks with some friends at popular Byron Bay bar Swaay on Wednesday night.

Cheeky! Zac Efron's ex Vanessa Valldaras went braless in a blazer following a sunset swim with friends in Byron Bay on Wednesday evening

Vanessa went braless in a purple blazer for the outing, but earlier took the jacket off to go for a swim at the beach.

The brunette beauty has remained relatively quiet since appearing at Sydney Fashion Week earlier last month.

Meanwhile, Zac has also been largely silent on social media ever since splitting with Vanessa in April.

But he did make a rare reappearance on Instagram earlier this month, breaking his social media silence to congratulate the team behind his travel show Down To Earth on their recent Emmy nominations.

'So proud of this show and love the entire team,' wrote the Baywatch hunk, 33.

Fun with friends: The model also enjoyed sunset drinks with some friends at popular Byron Bay bar Swaay

Congrats! Meanwhile, Zac has been largely quiet on social media ever since splitting with Vanessa in April. But he did make a rare reappearance on Instagram earlier this month, breaking his social media silence to congratulate the team behind his travel show Down To Earth on their recent Emmy nominations

Netflix series Down To Earth was nominated for best Travel, Adventure and Nature Program and best Daytime Program Host at the upcoming Daytime Emmys.

According to various reports, Zac was introduced to ex Vanessa by her boss at Byron Bay's General Store cafe in June last year, and the pair hit it off straight away.

Two months later, in August, Daily Mail Australia revealed Zac had cancelled his scheduled return flight to Los Angeles because he 'didn't really want to go back'.

Love story: According to various reports, Zac was introduced to ex Vanessa by her boss at Byron Bay's General Store cafe in June last year, and the pair hit it off straight away

Within weeks, the genetically-blessed couple had moved in together in Byron Bay.

Zac confirmed their relationship in September when they were spotted holding hands in public.

Vanessa would accompany her famous boyfriend as he travelled around Australia for various work projects from late 2020 to early 2021.

But it was confirmed in April they had called it quits, with Kyle Sandilands announcing on his KIIS FM radio show: 'I can confirm [the break-up], after speaking with him yesterday.'

Solo now: Zac confirmed their relationship in September when they were spotted holding hands in public

Kyle also confirmed Zac had been dating Vanessa for much longer than reported.

Speculation recently surfaced that the former couple knew each other three years before their 'official' first meeting at Byron Bay's General Store cafe last June.

Kyle, 49 - who is good friends with Zac - revealed on live radio that it wasn't just a rumour.

The radio host confirmed on The Kyle and Jackie O show: 'They've been together for a lot longer than people realise.'

'I don't know where they met, but it wasn't recent. It's been going for a little while, but I don't know exactly how long' he added.
Nacogdoches, TX (75965)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms. High 87F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

A few clouds from time to time. Low 73F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.
The assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise has drawn shock and condemnation from leaders around the world, along with calls for calm and unity in Haiti.

Moise was killed in an attack on his private residence early Wednesday, according to Haiti's interim prime minister. First lady Martine Moise was shot in the attack and is hospitalized. It wasn't immediately clear who was behind the assassination in the troubled Caribbean nation, which has grown increasingly unstable in recent years.

We are shocked and saddened to hear of the horrific assassination of President Jovenel Moise and the attack on first lady Martine Moise of Haiti. We condemn this heinous act, U.S. President Joe Biden said in a statement. The United States offers condolences to the people of Haiti, and we stand ready to assist as we continue to work for a safe and secure Haiti.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the assassination in the strongest terms and stressed that the perpetrators of this crime must be brought to justice, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

The secretary-general calls on all Haitians to preserve the constitutional order, remain united in the face of this abhorrent act and reject all violence, Dujarric said. The United Nations will continue to stand with the government and the people of Haiti.

Colombian President Ivan Duque described the assassination as a cowardly act and also expressed solidarity with Haiti. He called for an urgent mission by the Organization of American States to protect democratic order.

Marlene Bastien, the executive director of Family Action Network Movement, a group that assists residents in Miamis Little Haiti community, said the next few days are going to be very chaotic and contentious as government supporters and opponents jostle for power.

There is definitely a constitutional crisis and political void right now, said Bastien.

Bastian called on the Biden administration to take an active role in efforts to hold free, fair and credible elections in Haiti, following the assassination of Moise who had been ruling by decree for more than a year.

Here is a chance to do it right from the start, said Bastien. No more Band-aids. The Haitian people have been crying and suffering for too long.

In Boston, home to one of the largest Haitian communities in the U.S., a pastor who heads a Haitian advocacy group, Dieufort Fleurissaint, said hes worried about reprisals and unrest.

Fleurissaint said hes been checking in with family, friends and fellow pastors in Haiti to make sure everyone stays at home for now.

To kill and assassinate a president in his home just shows the level of insecurity in the country and how no one is exempt from the violence, said the 59-year-old Fleurissaint, who has lived in the U.S. since he was 18. Its unacceptable.

Leaders across the world voiced fears that the assassination could lead to more turmoil.

The European Unions foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, warned in a tweet that this crime carries a risk of instability and (a) spiral of violence.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for calm, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the assassination.

Id like to make an appeal for political unity to get out of this terrible trauma that the country is going through, Sanchez said during a visit to Latvia.

Frances Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said he was stunned by this despicable assassination and urged those involved in Haitis political life to show calm and restraint.

In written statement, Le Drian also advised French citizens in Haiti to exercise the utmost caution.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen offered her condolences via Twitter.

We wish the first lady a prompt recovery, & stand together with our ally Haiti in this difficult time," Tsai wrote. Haiti is one of only a handful of countries that maintains formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which China claims as its own.

Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, a New York Assembly member who represents a large Haitian enclave in Brooklyn said many of her constituents had called her.

People on the ground here are afraid because they have family back there," said Bichotte Hermelyn, the first Haitian-American woman elected to office in New York City

Their fears revolve around political stability, access to food and coronavirus vaccinations, as well as free elections, she said. All of that is at risk because Haiti just lost its leader.

Carissa F. Etienne, the director of the Pan American Health Organization, said in a statement that her group would continue working with Haiti to provide vaccinations and control the spread of COVID-19.

"I am hopeful that the imminent arrival of vaccines in the country can start to turn the tide of the pandemic and bring some relief to the Haitian people during these very difficult times, Etienne said.
NEW YORK (AP)  Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones used major philanthropic donors to build her future as a tenured professor at Howard University, just as other major donors sought to stymie the Pulitzer Prize-winning Black investigative reporter at the University of North Carolina.

Backed by $20 million in donations, Hannah-Jones announced Tuesday the establishment of the Center for Journalism and Democracy at Howard to increase diversity in journalism. She also said that political interference from Arkansas newspaper publisher Walter Hussman, who pledged $25 million to UNC's journalism school and whose name adorns its building, resulted in questions about her receiving tenure, which she was belatedly offered last week following an outcry from students and faculty members.

How could I believe Id be able to exert academic freedom with the schools largest donor so willing to disparage me publicly and attempt to pull the strings behind the scenes? Hannah-Jones wrote in a statement. Why would I want to teach at a university whose top leadership chose to remain silent, to refuse transparency, to fail to publicly advocate that I be treated like every other Knight Chair before me?

Hussman said Tuesday that he still has concerns about The 1619 Project but that he respects Hannah-Jones.

The donations announced Tuesday  $5 million each from the MacArthur, Knight and Ford foundations and an anonymous donor  will also bring award-winning author Ta-Nehisi Coates to Howard, a historically Black school in the nation's capital and his alma mater, as the Sterling Brown Chair in the Department of English.

Its a large gift for journalism, and one that points to a growing philanthropic effort to diversify news organizations and strengthen journalistic standards.

It is important in a democracy like America, that journalism reflects America, said Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation. The community of people who are producing news and information needs to look like America, if journalism is to be credible. ... And its not just Black journalists. Its the diverse array of journalists. Its journalists who have a disability, and journalists who live in small towns and rural America.

In the past five years, the Ford Foundation has given more than $77 million to various media diversification initiatives in the U.S., including to minority journalism groups and research projects centered on newsroom diversity, Walker said.

What happened at UNC is deeply regrettable, he said.

At Howard, Hannah-Jones has accepted something that is more meaningful and more valuable to her. That allows her to have both her dignity and values affirmed, Walker said.

The new center will attempt to tackle the lack of racial diversity in many newsrooms and senior management. A 2018 report from the Pew Research Center found that 77% of newsroom employees were white, compared to 65% for U.S. workers overall. And according to a 2019 survey of 428 news organizations from the News Leaders Association, only 18.8% of newsroom managers were from racial minorities.

It is clear that within journalism, as in other fields, there are too few people of color in positions of leadership, said John Palfrey, the president of the MacArthur Foundation. And one of the things philanthropy can do is, support institutions, like Howard University, that are correcting that imbalance.

So when Hannah-Jones approached the foundations with a vision of what the funding could do at Howard, they were happy to pitch in.

Before pledging its $5 million donation to support Howards center, the MacArthur Foundation already intended to support the next phase of Hannah-Jones 1619 Project  a New York Times Magazine endeavor focusing on America's history of slavery. In addition to winning a Pulitzer Prize for her work on the project, Hannah-Jones was a recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship, also known as the genius grant.

The best way to fund Hannah-Jones ongoing work was to join with the Ford Foundation and Knight Foundation, and to make a larger grant than we anticipated to the new Howard center, Palfrey said. This was certainly an unplanned grant. But it struck us as an unusually wonderful opportunity to support Black journalism.

The $5 million grant from the Knight Foundation, the third funder, will include a $500,000 investment to launch a symposium that aims to strengthen the teaching of journalism across various historically Black colleges and universities, according to a statement from the foundation, which has an endowed chair of journalism at Florida A&M University, which is also a historically Black college.

The newly announced gifts add to the estimated $1 billion in philanthropic funding that has been given to journalism-related initiatives in the U.S. during the past five years, according to preliminary data from the philanthropy research organization Candid. One large gift of $20 million is rare for the industry, but its not unheard of.

The Knight First Amendment Institute, which defends the freedoms of speech and the press, was established in 2016 at Columbia University with a $30 million gift from the Knight Foundation.

With Hannah-Jones departure, there are two vacant Knight Chairs at UNC-Chapel Hill. The Knight Foundation does not plan to cut ties with the school, despite the controversy surrounding her extended tenure fight, which was marked by allegations of racism and a conservative backlash to her work.

The Knight Chair at UNC-Chapel Hill is endowed in perpetuity, the director of the foundations journalism program, Karen Rundlet, said in an emailed statement. Our goal is to fund endowed chairs to enable universities to hire people, who in their judgment, are distinguished in the field of journalism and bring newsroom experience to the classroom. UNC Chapel Hill has been a leader in journalism education. We will continue to support UNCs efforts to independently hire Knight Chairs.

Craig Newmark, the founder of Craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies, which donated $20 million to the City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism in 2018, called on major donors of all sorts to support the program at Howard and similar programs across the country to strengthen journalism.

He said it is a national security issue that so much disinformation is being spread in the country and that clear journalism from diverse sources is a way to defend the country.

Whats being done at Howard is a big deal, Newmark said. We need to work together more. This is protecting the country, protecting the democracy. It should be all hands on deck.

___

The Associated Press receives support from the Lilly Endowment for coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits. The AP is solely responsible for all content. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of APs philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.
CHICAGO (AP)  Three undercover law enforcement officers were shot and wounded Wednesday morning while driving onto an expressway on Chicagos South Side, and detectives were questioning a person of interest about the shooting, police said.

The shooting occurred at 5:50 a.m. near the 22nd District police station in the city's Morgan Park neighborhood. The three were in an unmarked undercover vehicle on their way to an assignment when they were shot, Chicago police Superintendent David Brown told reporters.

Two of the officers are agents from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and one is a Chicago officer, Brown said. The officers were treated for their injuries at an area hospital and released later Wednesday. A department spokesman told the Associated Press that a person of interest was in custody and being questioned by detectives. He did not provide any other details.

The shooting came ahead of a scheduled visit to suburban Crystal Lake, Illinois, by President Joe Biden. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has said she plans to discuss gun control and the citys violence, which has included an increase in shootings this year, when she meets with the president.

A Justice Department spokesperson said Attorney General Merrick Garland was briefed on the shooting and aboard Air Force One on the president's flight to Chicago, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the administration was also monitoring the situation in coordination with the Department of Justice and ATF.

When Air Force One landed, Biden spoke with Lightfoot, expressing his personal support for the officers who were shot. He reiterated his commitment to working with the mayor and leaders in Chicago in the fight against gun violence and conveyed that the Department of Justice would soon be in touch about the strike force announced just a few weeks ago that will be working with Chicago and other cities.

I will note, in terms of efforts the president has under way to address the rise in violence weve seen over the last 18 months, including in Chicago, there are a number of steps that impact Chicago directly, White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters before Air Force One landed.

At a morning press briefing, Brown declined to talk about what the officers were working on. He did not say whether the shooter or shooters knew that they were officers, and department spokesman Tom Ahern later said detectives had not yet interviewed the three officers to determine if they believe whoever shot them knew they were law enforcement officers.

The officers, Brown said, were driving on an onramp to Interstate 57 when they were fired upon from the street." One of the ATF agents was shot in the hand and the other was struck in the torso, Brown said from outside a hospital where the officers were taken. He said the Chicago officer was struck on the back of his head but that it appears to be a graze wound.

The shootings come a day after police reported that 100 people were shot in Chicago  including two police officers who were wounded while trying to break up a crowd  over the long Fourth of July weekend.

With Wednesday's shooting, 36 Chicago officers have been shot or shot at this year, Brown said.

This is a very challenging time to be in law enforcement but they are rising to the challenge of doing all they can. And the work they do is extremely dangerous, Brown said.

The holiday weekend shootings included 18 homicides. The bloodshed was comparable to the long Fourth of July weekend last year, when 17 people were fatally shot and 70 more were wounded.

___

Associated Press writers Corey Williams in West Bloomfield, Michigan, and Alexandra Jaffe, traveling with President Biden, contributed to this report.
BANGKOK (AP)  Chemicals at a factory just outside the Thai capital burst back into flames briefly Tuesday, sending up another cloud of toxic black smoke and highlighting the continuing health danger from an industrial accident that killed one and injured dozens more.

Extinguishing the first blaze took more than 24 hours after it started with an explosion about 3 a.m. Monday that could be heard for kilometers (miles) and blew out the windows and doors of nearby homes.

Firefighters continued to douse the site with water and foam to keep the highly flammable chemical styrene monomer from reigniting, but flames broke out again and burned for about an hour Tuesday afternoon.

Little was left of the Ming Dih Chemical factory other than the twisted metal frames and charred remains of its warehouses that were destroyed in the explosion and fire.

More than 60 people were injured in the disaster, including a dozen emergency responders, and more than 30 of them were hospitalized. An 18-year-old volunteer firefighter was killed in the blaze.

Police questioned the factory manager in their investigation of the cause of the explosion, who told them that he and eight staff members were woken from their sleep on the site by a strong chemical smell and fled just before the blast, said Maj. Gen. Chumpol Poompuang, the district's police commander.

Authorities ordered a 5-kilometer (3-mile) area around the foam and plastic pellet manufacturing factory, near Bangkok's main airport, evacuated as the factory burned, telling residents to avoid inhaling any fumes and warning that they could cause dizziness and vomiting, and cancer in the long term.

On Tuesday, Attapol Charoenchansa, who heads the countrys pollution control department, said teams were testing the air quality and water in the area of the factory, and were considering narrowing the evacuation zone to allow some residents to return home.

He cautioned, however, that rain which fell Tuesday afternoon could wash the chemicals into water sources, which would be difficult to control.

ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, a regional advocacy group, urged the Thai government to provide the public with more information on the chemicals that had been released, as well as all of its findings on possible contamination.

It also stressed that firefighters and others working at the scene, many of whom wore only the masks required by the government to prevent the spread of COVID-19  or none at all  as they battled the blaze, had to be outfitted with better protective equipment during the cleanup.

Now is the time to understand what the impacts of the fire and explosion might be, and ensure that all those still operating in the vicinity are adequately protected, said group member and Philippine lawmaker Sarah Elago.

Seeing firefighters with surgical masks fighting against potentially cancerogenic chemicals was an atrocious sight. The government should urgently provide adequate material for all those still at risk, she said.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has ordered authorities to gather as much information as possible on contamination of soil, ground water, the city's drinking water and air so as to mitigate the health impact in both the short and long term.

Although the fire is under control, our work has not yet been completed, he said in a statement posted on Facebook.

Officials said shockwaves from the initial explosion damaged about 100 houses and 15 cars.

It wasn't clear how much monetary damage the fire caused to the factory.

Styrene monomer is used in the production of disposable foam plates, cups and other products, and can produce poisonous fumes when ignited.

The chemical itself also emits styrene gas, a neurotoxin, which can immobilize people within minutes of inhalation and can be fatal at high concentrations. Last year in the Indian city of Visakhapatnam, a leak of styrene gas from a chemical factory killed 12 people and sickened more than 1,000.

The area around the Thai factory is a mixture of older industrial complexes and newer housing developments that were built after the opening of Suvarnabhumi Airport in 2006.

A fire at another factory broke out Tuesday evening in eastern Bangkok, with no casualties reported, said Bangkok Gov. Aswin Kwanmuang. The cause of the fire at the Floral Manufacturing Group Co. in the Lat Krabang Industrial Estate was not immediately known.

It was put under control, though not totally extinguished, after several hours. No highly toxic chemicals were involved.

Veeris Ammarapala, governor of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, was quoted by the Bangkok Post news site as saying the fire spread quickly because of the large quantities of alcohol on hand used in making perfumes, shampoo and hand sanitizer. He said his agency needs to review fire protection measures for industrial estates.

___

Associated Press writer Chalida Ekvittayavechnukul contributed to this report.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription and are still unable to access our content, please link your digital account to your print subscription If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
Md Khalilur Rahman, (born 06 July 2002), is a popular musician and successful entrepreneur and founder of the Cretive Digital Bangladesh. He started practising music at an early age and worked in his own studio. At the same time, he was recognized as a successful entrepreneur at an early age.

When we ask Md Khalilur Rahman to say something about his audience, he says that his path is with the audience, they are there, I am moving forward, their enthusiasm shows me the way forward, so I think the audience is my everything except them, I am zero.

He is the new inspiration for the young society. Despite being born into a middle-class family, Md Khalilur Rahman has improved his business through his hard work from an early age.

Asked about the success of the business, khalilur said, When you run your own business, you will always try to do business honestly and keep your customers happy. You will think that their success means your success, then it will be easier for you to move forward.

He is now at the heart of success. He thinks that if you move forward without thinking of yourself as big and walk with the love of people, then you will be one of the thousands of people and even if you dont want to, you can build yourself as an influential good person. If there is an obstacle in the way, he resolves it with a cool head and settles it with the right decision. He never gives up, he always works in a cold head and wins over it and these are the things that make him an influential person.

Talking about his career, Md Khalilur Rahman said, Before you start a job, ask yourself if you like it or not. If you work on what you like, then you are more likely to succeed in it. I always try to do what I like. Love doesnt really seem difficult when you work with love. It doesnt take long to succeed with love, so I would say always do what you want, focus on your needs and move forward accordingly. Obstacles must come and go. It is the job of successful people to solve them in a cold head and move forward

Md Khalilur Rahman has verified his own YouTube channel as an official artist group and regularly uploads his music there and he has helped many people to open their YouTube channel so far. He is a kind and honest entrepreneur.

Md Khalilur Rahman has received honest advice from his family since childhood and he has tried to build himself that way. He never gives back to his fans. He always tries to satisfy them. He tells us that his work is moving forward and many more new albums will come soon He is running their work in his own studio. So far he has released more than 10 albums. And he has worked as a music artist in Bangladeshi movies. And he is working in Bengali films regularly.

No Deccan Chronicle journalist was involved in creating this content. The group also takes no responsibility for this content.
Justice Chanda had on June 24 reserved order on Banerjee's application that the judge recuses himself from hearing her election petition apprehending bias on his part. (PTI)

Kolkata: Justice Kausik Chanda of the Calcutta High Court Wednesday recused himself from hearing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's petition challenging the election of Suvendu Adhikari from Nandigram, while imposing a cost of Rs 5 lakh on her.

Observing that a deliberate and conscious attempt was made to influence his decision before the recusal application was placed before him, Justice Chanda imposed the cost for the manner in which the recusal was sought and directed that the amount be deposited to the Bar Council of West Bengal within two weeks.

"Such calculative, psychological and offensive attempt to seek recusal need to be firmly repulsed and a cost of Rs. 5 lakh is imposed upon Petitioner," he said in the order.

Justice Chanda had on June 24 reserved order on Banerjee's application that the judge recuses himself from hearing her election petition apprehending bias on his part.

As the judge released the election petition from his court, the matter will now be referred to Acting Chief Justice Rajesh Bindal for assigning it to a different bench.

Seeking his recusal, it was claimed that Justice Chanda was an active member of the BJP till his appointment as the Additional Solicitor General of India in 2015 and since the election of a BJP candidate was challenged, there were apprehensions of bias in the adjudication of the election petition.

Justice Chanda had said that he was never a convenor of the BJP Legal Cell, but had appeared in many cases representing the party before the Calcutta High Court.

Banerjee's counsel had earlier written to the Acting Chief Justice of the high court seeking reassignment of her election petition to another bench.
The CJ found fault with the charges made by the office of the Advocate-General of Telangana state towards the High Court judge and insisting on a takeover of the matter from the bench of Justice Ramachandra Rao. (Twitter)

Hyderabad: Chief Justice Hima Kohli of the Telangana High Court Justice on Tuesday expressed disgust over attempts of the TS government, TS Advocate-Generals office and senior counsel Vedula Venkataramana to get the benches of their choice to hear a case filed by Andhra Pradesh farmers.

The farmers had challenged the TS decision to fully utilize the water of Krishna river for 100 per cent power generation. Venkataraman was arguing counsel for the farmers of Andhra Pradesh.

CJ Kohli observed that both the sides had made attempts of bench hunting.

Pointing out the steps taken by counsels for the petitioners to hear the case urgently, CJ criticised Venkataraman by recollecting the manner in which he approached the High Court by filing the writ petition in the registry and seeking a house motion on a Sunday.

When the registry found some technical errors in the writ petition, the petitioner took one whole day to rectify these errors. Then, without giving ample time to the registry to place the writ petition file before the CJ bench, senior counsel approached the division bench No. 2 comprising of Justice Ramachandra Rao and Justice Vinod Kumar and requested an urgent hearing.

Is this not bench hunting, asked CJ Kohli.

Disputes regarding inter-state river disputes are before the Chief Justices bench and certain matters pertaining to state re-organisation are before the division bench No. 2. There is an overlapping of subjects.

In this writ petition, two issues are raised  viz inter state water disputes as well as re-organisation issues. To take a decision under such circumstances, the registry should be given ample time. Without giving such time, counsel for the petitioners approached the division bench No. 2, seeking an urgent hearing. This is not in good taste, observed the CJ.

The CJ found fault with the charges made by the office of the Advocate-General of Telangana state towards the High Court judge and insisting on a takeover of the matter from the bench of Justice Ramachandra Rao. She questioned Advocate General B.S. Prasad as to how the roster could be decided by the AG office or the state government, whereas it was purely in the administrative jurisdiction of the High Court.

You should have told the bench that it was not your roster, because it involved an inter-state water dispute. If the concerned bench did not take cognizance or it was ignored, then you should have approached the Chief Justice. On the contrary, you have asked the judge to recuse from the hearing. How could you do it?

Are you of the opinion that we would recuse ourselves from the hearing as per your wishes and choices? How will you make allegations against a judge, Chief Justice Kohli asked the AG.

Suggesting that a conflicting attitude be avoided, CJ said judges do not have any personal interest in any case or matters. CJ said it was unfortunate and added that a date will be fixed in one or two days to hear the case filed by the Andhra Pradesh farmers.

Before the observations of CJ Kohli, Prasad informed the CJ bench that as per the roster, the inter-state river dispute matters come under the CJ bench purview. Hence it should be heard by the CJ bench.

He informed the court that an interlocutory application has been filed before the CJ bench stating that Justice Ramachandra Rao is of Andhra origin. In view of this, the writ petition filed by two farmers from Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, seeking suspension of the GO.Rt.34, through which TS Govt is utilising the irrigation water for generating hydel power should not be allocated to the division bench No. 2.

CJ directed the AG to withdraw the interlocutory application. Adhering to the directions of the CJ, the AG withdrew the plea.

After completion of arguments before the CJ bench, the advocate general and Venkataramana appeared before the division bench 2 comprising Justice Ramachandra Rao and Justice T. Vinod Kumar.

Venkataramana informed the bench that the TS government has filed an interlocutory application before the CJ bench, praying it to hear the writ petition as it dealt with inter-state water dispute; that Justice Ramachandra Rao hails from Andhra Pradesh and hence this writ petition should not be allocated to him for hearing.

Justice Ramachandra Rao expressed surprise on the developments which occurred before the CJ bench because this writ petition was partly heard on Monday by division bench No. 2. Further, he observed, It is unbecoming on the part of the Telangana state government and the AG is taking such a stand. It amounts to bench hunting. This is in bad taste. If I may say so, such things are happening from the office of the advocate general.
A team from the firms met Telangana Industries minister KT Rama Rao in virtual mode on Wednesday and made this announcement. (Twitter)

Hyderabad: In a big boost to the Telangana governments focus on the life sciences sector, Ivanhoe Cambridge, a subsidiary of the Canadian institutional fund manager Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec (CDPQ) and Singapore-based asset management firm Lighthouse Canton, have committed to invest $100 million (around Rs750 crore) to develop about 1 million sq-ft of labspace in Genome Valley, Hyderabad.

Genome Valley is Indias first and largest cluster for life science research and development and clean manufacturing cluster housing over 200 life sciences companies. Telangana government has taken various

initiatives to strengthen the cluster further.

A team from the firms --Leadership of Ivanhoe Cambridge and Lighthouse Canton- Chanakya Chakravarti, MD and head, Ivanhoe Cambridge India, Hare Krishna, senior director, Ivanhoe Cambridge India, Shilpi Chowdhary, CEO, Lighthouse Canton and Sanket Sinha, head, Asset Management, Lighthouse

Canton; and head, MN Park Portfolio -- met Telangana Industries minister KT Rama Rao in virtual mode on Wednesday and made this announcement.

Ivanhoe Cambridge and Lighthouse Canton aspire to contribute to the growth of the R&D sector in Hyderabad, thereby creating more life sciences infrastructure over a period of time. The MN Park portfolio will receive investment from Ivanhoe Cambridge and Lighthouse Canton in an 80:20 ratio respectively.

Industries minister KT Rama Rao said,  Im delighted to announce the entry of Ivanhoe Cambridge, Canada, in Genome Valley through MN park with an investment commitment of $100 million for creation of about 1 million SFT labspace.

This new investment in MN Park, Hyderabad allows us to reinforce our conviction in life science real estate, a key focus area of our diversification strategy into high growth, innovation-focused sectors, commented Chanakya Chakravarti, MD, India, Ivanhoe Cambridge. We anticipate that India and Hyderabad will further cement

its position in the global life science arena in the post pandemic world, he stated.

Sanket Sinha, head, Asset Management, Lighthouse Canton, Singapore said: This is the first time a global pension fund is investing in life sciences R&D real estate in the country. Genome Valley, being the core of that investment, reinforces Hyderabads leadership position in

the life sciences R&D sector. Our collective vision is to invest circa $100 million and double the existing infrastructure, thereby adding over 1mn sq ft of life sciences facilities in the next few years.

Jayesh Ranjan, principal secretary, Industries & Commerce & IT, Narasimha Reddy, vice chairman & MD, Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation and Shakthi Nagappan, director, Life Sciences & Pharma, Government of Telangana also attended the meeting.
Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh is preparing to effectively cope with Covid-19 third wave by giving priority to administering the second dose Corona vaccine across the state.

Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday directed the officials to be prepared to face Covid-19 third wave by completing 100 percent vaccination in the state. Addressing the Spandana review meeting with district collectors and SPs on Covid-19, vaccination, agriculture, mega housing programme and others on Tuesday, Jagan Mohan Reddy asked the officials to conduct Rythu Bharosa Chaitanya Yatra from July 9 to July 23, to create awareness among farmers on agriculture related aspects like RBKs, CMAPP, e-cropping and many more.

He said he would visit the village and ward secretariats twice a week after a decline in Covid cases and also start a programme where MLAs and officials visit a village and ward secretariat every day at the zonal level. He told the district collectors to visit both the village and ward secretariats on a weekly basis and directed joint collectors, municipal commissioners and ITDA POs to visit four village and ward secretariats per week to know the ground-level reality. He said that an additional 200 services would be provided to the people through village and ward secretariats, taking to a total of 740 services.

Interacting with the officials, Jagan Mohan Reddy directed the authorities to brace up for the possible third wave. Since studies showed that children would be affected in the third wave, officials were instructed to be prepared with a good action plan, especially considering the treatment for children and to complete all works in the next two months. He instructed the officials to check whether all required infrastructure was in place including special wards for children. He told the officials to check on the quality of ICU beds in teaching hospitals and provision of medical care to infants and ensure that oxygen beds were available at CHCs and area hospitals and avail the services of paediatricians.

The Chief Minister directed the officials to prepare an action plan at district level for the next two months and implement it. He told them to ensure all the medicines in the government hospitals met the standards of WHO and GMP. Also, he stressed on providing training to nurses in giving treatment to children.

Asserting that vaccination was the only solution to Covid, the Chief Minister ordered the officials not to deviate from the prescribed vaccination policy as still there was a long way to go in vaccination. He said the second dose should be prioritised, as everything would go in vain if the second dose was not given at the right time. So far, 1,28,84,201 people had been vaccinated, where 96,25,316 got single dose vaccination and 32,58,885 completed the two-dose vaccination. He told the officials to focus on other categories, after completing the 90 percent vaccination for those over 45 years.

It has been decided to give lands as an incentive to set up 16 private multi and super specialty hospitals in each district centre and each corporation, where Rs 100 crore should be invested over a period of three years in setting up a hospital. These private hospitals should be located in various cities and towns rather than in one place and get them empanelled with Aarogyasri, he added and instructed the collectors to identify land for the construction of these hospitals within a week.

Further, the Chief Minister emphasised on continuing the economic activity in those districts where the curfew relaxations were given. He said the poor would suffer a lot, if the economic activity did not progress.

The Chief Minister directed the district collectors to monitor all the notified hospitals to ensure that quality food, infrastructure, medicines and sanitation were in place and told to review these aspects at least once in every 15 days. He said steps should be taken to provide free medical care under YSR Aarogyasri and develop 104 call centre as a one stop solution for the public, where they could receive services within three hours.

The officials informed that currently 322 hospitals were offering Covid treatment, where 3,196 ICU beds were still available of the total 4,592 ICU beds. Similarly, of the total 19,258 oxygen beds, 15,309 beds are available. The Chief Minister directed the officials to equip all those hospitals with a CCTV network and monitor.
anvir and the Pakistan national were arrested by the Saudi Arabia police and released after one and a half years in prison. (Photo: Representational)

Nizamabad: One Tanvir, 38, of Renjal Base in Bodhan was arrested by Counter Intelligence sleuths two months ago on suspicion that he was involved in terrorist activities. The arrest came to light on Tuesday in connection with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducting searches in the house of two Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT) suspects in Hyderabad.

According to police sources, Tanvir went Saudi Arabia in search of livelihood a long time ago. He shared a room with a Pakistani national, who is believed to be an ISI agent.

Tanvir and the Pakistan national were arrested by the Saudi Arabia police and released after one and a half years in prison. Tanvir allegedly disappeared from Saudi Arabia and reached Bodhan, his native town.

Following an alert from the Saudi Arabia police, the Intelligence Bureau and Counter Intelligence sleuths picked him up, sources said. Tanvir is one of three siblings.
Hyderabad: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state unit president Bandi Sanjay Kumar termed the Krishna basin water projects taken up by the Andhra Pradesh government as the outcome of a secret agreement between Chief Ministers Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy made in August 2019.

He accused Chandrashekar Rao of being the number one cheater of Telangana who allowed AP to divert Telanganas share of water to that state. Sanjay recalled that in the first apex committee meeting, the state government agreed to provide 512 tmc ft of water to AP and 299 tmc ft to Telangana. He questioned the Chief Minister how he had agreed to the decision in the first meeting and what was in his mind while signing the agreement.

Sanjay alleged that Chandrashekar Rao helped Jagan Mohan Reddy during the last Assembly elections with Rs. 600 crore through a contractor and also advised the AP CM to get commissions from contractors of Rayalaseema, Polavaram and other irrigation projects, adding that both the Chief Ministers were trying to fool people of the Telugu states.

He alleged that Chandrashekar Rao agreed to the AP CMs proposal of 34 percent of Krishna water for Telangana state and 66 per cent for Andhra Pradesh, but now was playing games with the sentiments of people of Telangana with the water issue.

He also found fault with the Chief Minister for not speaking a word about the expansion works of projects on the Krishna river for a year and a half. Coming down heavily on Chandrashekar Rao for neglecting construction of the Palamuru-Ranga Reddy lift irrigation project which was started before the Kaleshwaram project and not allocating sufficient funds for south Telangana projects, the Karimnagar MP accused the latter of not attending the apex council meeting even though the Union minister Gajendra Shekhawat tried twice to settle the dispute over the share of water in Krishna River.

With the Huzurabad bypoll fast nearing, Chandrashekar Rao conspired to get the apex council meeting postponed and was trying to blame the Centre to cover up his failure and carrying out his secret agenda, Sanjay said.

Referring to the Chief Ministers letter to the Jal Shakti minister to notify the KRMB territory, the BJP state president requested the Centre for justice to both the Telugu states. Alleging that the Telangana Chief Minister was trying to get votes by raking up water sentiments in Huzurabad bypolls, Sanjay said it was unfortunate that Rao was trying to provoke the police officers of both the states to attack each other in his efforts to garner votes.

He challenged the Chief Minister to come for discussion over his statements on Krishna basin projects and said if he could prove them wrong, he was ready to die in Srisailam dam, else, Chandrashekar Rao should apologize by touching his feet with the latters nose.
MP Revanth Reddy takes charge as the new president of Telangana pradesh congress committee (TPCC) at Gandhi Bhavan. MP Uttamkumar Reddy and CLP leader Mallu bhatti Vikramarka are also seen. (Photo:DC/Surenderreddy Singireddy)

HYDERABAD: Amid much fanfare, Malkajgiri MP A. Revanth Reddy assumed charge as new Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president from outgoing president and MP Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy here at Gandhi Bhavan on Wednesday. Uttam symbolically assigned the charge to the new chief by handing over a flag. Revanth Reddy reached the state Congress headquarters in a huge rally after performing special pujas at Peddamma Talli temple in Jubilee Hills and special prayers at Nampally dargah.

Speaking on the occasion, Revanth Reddy called upon the civil society to liberate the state from the clutches of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government led by Kalvakuntla family, which destroyed liberty and social justice of people. Only four members of Kalvakuntla family - Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, his son and minister K. T. Rama Rao, daughter and MLC K. Kavitha, nephew and minister T. Harish Rao - are dictating four crore people of Telangana state, he said.

Revanth Reddy came down heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and said misrule of BJP at the Centre and the TRS in Telangana adversely affected people. There was no concern about the life of common man for the BJP government, which increased the process of petrol and diesel making lives miserable, he said. They (Modi and KCR) were more dangerous than Coronavirus, which damaged the lives of people, he added.

Referring to some mythical characters in the Ramayana, Revanth Reddy accused Chandrashekar Rao of abducting Telangana Talli and keeping her in his farmhouse. It is the need of the hour to free Telangana Talli from the clutches of KCR, he said.

Though Chandrashekar Rao came to power by giving several promises to people, suicides by farmers, and fake encounters continued in his rule. Government job vacancies increased from 1.07 lakh at the time of formation of new state to 1.91 lakh now, he said.

Revanth Reddy said the Congress would work unitedly under the able leadership of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi and come back to power in 2023. Congress activists should work hard for the next two years reaching people at all villages, thandas and towns to explain the ideology of the party, he said. Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao is looting the state in all fronts, destroying the lives of all including SC/ST, BC and minorities, he alleged.

People of Telangana fought against the Nizams rule and Razakars for liberty, but we continued to experience misery in the united Andhra Pradesh, Revanth Reddy reminded, adding that Congress chief Sonia Gandhi granted Telangana state realising the decades-old dream of people.

Revanth Reddy thanked Sonia Gandhi for giving him the chance to serve that party as TPCC president and to work for the aspirations of four crore people in Telangana state. He suggested party activists not to raise slogans in favour of any individual leader, but all should work under Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi to bring back the party into power.

Congress Telangana state in-charge Manickam Tagore, outgoing TPCC president N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, CLP leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, TPCC election and campaign committee chairmen Damodar Raja Narsimha, Madhu Goud Yashki and others spoke. Congress working committee member Tariq Anwar, former union minister Renuka Chowdary, senior leaders Ponnala Lakhmaiah, Nagam Janardhan Reddy and others were present.
As Mao rides again, his successor should not forget that the point of his tale about the one and a half wars was that India and China are not doomed to perpetual enmity. (AFP Photo)

The only reference amidst Beijings centennial celebrations to Sino-Indian differences  posthumous awards for four Chinese soldiers out of more than 40 believed to have fallen in the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020  gives no glimpse of the unsmiling President Xi Jinpings dreamof the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. For that one must go back 228 years to Emperor Qianlongs haughty rebuff to Englands King George III.

Official India is sometimes equally enigmatic. Indians were completely taken aback when Gen. V.K. Singh, who soldiers on in politicians garb, announced that if China had transgressed (the Line of Actual Control) 10 times, we must have done it at least 50 times. Was it the eternal soldiers boast that no one can beat our jawans in derring-do? Or flaunting loyalty to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who astonished everyone back in June 2020 by exonerating the Chinese of any incursion or encroachment?

Imitation being the best form of flattery, no one was surprised either when, while visiting Ladakh, defence minister Rajnath Singh would not even mention China. He spoke only about our neighbours and the neighbourhood.

Reportedly, the Prime Minister had done so earlier, which was rather like the ancient Greeks, who were as superstitious as todays Hindu stalwarts, calling the Furies the Eumenides or good-humoured ladies to flatter them into being less furious.

Chinas disdain for verbal gymnastics recalls Deng Xiaopings advice to hide your strength and bide your time. Unlike Indian politicians, Deng abjured any hankering for superpower status. So do his successors. What they assert instead is that although they have suffered oppression and exploitation by European nations and their colonial lackeys (India?) for a century, they will overtake the United States economically in 10 years. Mr Xi called this xiaokang, basically well-off, the term Deng used in a display of humility that was as ostentatious as Mahatma Gandhis poverty. China knows that the gun out of whose barrel power grows rests on a booming economy.

Although Deng was the unaggressive architect of Chinas modernisation, there really isnt much fundamental contradiction between his legacy and that of Mao Zedong. The difference is mainly of style. Deng ousted Maos designated successor, Hua Guofeng, launched and guided the Boluan Fanzheng (literally eliminating chaos and returning to normal) and the Four Modernisations movements, and suppressed the Democracy Wall and the Beijing Spring.

His only designation may have been Most Honorary President of the Chinese Bridge Association, but his word was law. The quaintly named June Fourth Incident  when tanks and troops massacred thousands of unarmed young democracy supporters  bore his imprimatur. He could obfuscate his purpose with aphorisms like A market economy is not necessarily capitalist, and a planned economy is not necessarily socialist.

Chairman Maos singular ability was to draw on the past even while dismantling its legacy. Thus, he told his commanders on the eve of the 1962 war that India and China had fought one-and-a-half wars in ancient times. The first was during the Tang dynasty (618-907), when Chinese troops helped an Indian monarch suppress a pretender. The half was Timurs sacking of Delhi seven centuries later, which Mao included because the Mongol Yuan dynasty, founded by Kublai Khan, ruled China at the time. Had Mao known that Emperor Babur was Timurs great-great-great-grandson, he would undoubtedly have laid claim to the Delhi masnad; perhaps the ambition did stir in his subconscious as he ordered his commanders to be restrained and principled, unlike Timur who massacred more than 100,000 Indian prisoners.

Mao must have enjoyed the 2,893-word letter in which Qianlong projected himself as the Son of Heaven, the whole world his vassal. He regarded envoys as supplicants, gifts as tribute, politeness as submission, and diplomatic relations as a plea for protection. Asked for trading ties, he ordered King George III to tremblingly obey and show no negligence!

The Great Helmsman, who swam in the Yangtse river at 62 to demonstrate his fitness, was blamed for the miseries of the Great Leap Forward when millions of people died, the anarchic violence of the Cultural Revolution, and the depredations of the Gang of Four. But millions of Chinese truly believe that it was only because of Mao that they could stand up. All Under Heaven acknowledge that Deng could not have built what he did if the feared, reviled and worshipped Mao hadnt laid the foundations. Even Deng admitted that Mao was seven parts good and only three parts bad.

On July 1 Mr Xi, whose own Mandate of Heaven will soon be renewed for yet another five-year term, announced from the same balcony where Mao had proclaimed the born-again Middle Kingdom in 1949 that 1.4 billion Chinese were marching in confident strides toward the goal of building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects. As Mao rides again, his successor should not forget that the point of his tale about the one and a half wars was that India and China are not doomed to perpetual enmity.

It was a point that had been made eight years earlier during Maos last conversation with Jawaharlal Nehru. Discussing their differences, Mao referred to the old Chinese saying, to seize somebodys pigtail. He and Nehru agreed that India and China would not do that. Sometimes we have differences, but we do not quarrel, Nehru responded. That is something for Mr Xi to remember, no matter how deeply he might resent the new map of the now downgraded Jammu and Kashmir state that New Delhi belatedly released last November.

Unless he does, India and China will stand like two goats with locked horns on a narrow bridge, as Liu Shuqing, a former Chinese vice-foreign minister, warned Bhutans Dawa Tsering. Prime Minister Modi gave a new twist to the stalemate with the slogan Inch towards Miles on the eve of Mr Xis first visit to India in 2014. If the Prime Minister has forgotten what he said, Beijing can jog his memory by reiterating the old Chinese saying: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Someone has to take that first step.
President Arif Alvi on Wednesday accused India of involvement in hybrid warfare against Pakistan by using the soil of Afghanistan and supporting militancy in the country.

He also alleged that terrorist activities in the country, including the recent blast outside the house of the 2008 Mumbai terror attack mastermind and chief of the banned Jamat-ud-Dawa Hafiz Saeed in Lahore's Johar Town, were "carried out with Indian support to destabilise Pakistan", according to a statement issued by his office.

In the past, the External Affairs Ministry has dismissed Pakistans allegations of India's involvement in some of the terror strikes in that country and said the so-called claims of 'proof' are figments of imagination.

The MEA had said that Pakistan's desperate attempt will find few takers as the international community is aware of its tactics, and proof of Islamabad's terror sponsorship has been admitted by none other than its own leadership.

"This is yet another futile anti-India propaganda exercise. The so-called claims of 'proof' against India enjoy no credibility, are fabricated and represent figments of imagination," a MEA spokesman had said in November last after Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi alleged that India was behind some of the terror attacks in that country.

Addressing the participants of 7th National Workshop on Balochistan here, Alvi also said that India would "not succeed in evil designs" because Pakistan's armed forces were fully capable of overcoming security challenges, especially the fifth-generation war.

Also read: Pakistan alleges Indian citizen behind blast outside JuD chief Hafiz Saeed's house

Talking about Balochistan, he said that the government was seriously focusing on the social and economic uplift of the province to bring it at par with other provinces of the country.

He highlighted that Gwadar Port and various projects, under the $60 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), would change the lot of the people of Balochistan.

Alvi said the CPEC would bring enormous opportunities to Balochistan as the regional countries, particularly Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, would use the corridor for their exports and trade through Gwadar port.

While responding to the question of a participant about the emerging situation in Afghanistan, he said Pakistan has been making sincere efforts to promote peace and stability in the war-torn country.

He urged the need for a peaceful political settlement to the existing situation in Afghanistan.
Trinamool Congress leader Mukul Roy's wife Krishna Roy died at a private hospital in Chennai on Tuesday, family sources said.

She died of cardiac arrest.

Krishna Roy was suffering from post-Covid complications for a long time. She was taken to Chennai from Kolkata sometime back. She is survived by her husband and son Subhrabgshu.

Her body will be brought to West Bengal on Wednesday, sources said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar condoled her death. Banerjee, also the TMC supremo, visited the MLA at his residence in the afternoon.

TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, who is known to be close to Krishna Roy, also paid a visit to the family in the evening. "Heartfelt condolences @MukulR_Official Mukul Roy, Former Union Minister and MLA, WBLA on the sad demise of his wife Mrs. Krishna Roy. Pray Almighty to bestow eternal peace on departed soul and strength to family and numerous friends to bear this huge loss and setback," the governor tweeted.

Heartfelt condolences @MukulR_Official Mukul Roy, Former Union Minister and MLA, WBLA on the sad demise of his wife Mrs. Krishna Roy Pray Almighty to bestow eternal peace on departed soul and strength to family and numerous friends to bear this huge loss and setback.     Governor West Bengal Jagdeep Dhankhar (@jdhankhar1) July 6, 2021

Mukul Roy recently returned to the TMC, his old party, thogh he had won the assembly election on BJP ticket.

Check out DH latest videos:
This article was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet. Ryan Lane is a writer at NerdWallet. Email: rlane@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @ryanhlane.

RELATED LINKS:

NerdWallet: Small-Business Grants http://bit.ly/nerdwallet-smb-grants

Grants.gov https://www.grants.gov/

SCORE: Find a Location https://www.score.org/find-location
The Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union Foundation recently gave a donation to the Bernadine Center in Chester to help combat food insecurity. Rick Durante, FMFCU Foundation executive director, and Danielle Griffin, FMFCU Foundation program manager, presented a check to Sister Sandra Lyons, executive director of the Bernardine Center, and other Bernadine Center volunteers and staff.
You are the owner of this article.
featured

CORONAVIRUS

With only 27 percent fully vaccinated, Chester urges residents to get vaccines
In this June 19, 2021 photo, Sha'Carri Richardson celebrates after winning the first heat of the semis finals in women's 100-meter runat the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in Eugene, Ore. Richardson cannot run in the Olympic 100-meter race after testing positive for a chemical found in marijuana. Richardson, who won the 100 at Olympic trials in 10.86 seconds on June 19, told of her ban Friday, July 2 on the Today Show.
Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content.

Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist.

If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider subscribing to our ePaper and/or free daily Newsletter .

Support our mission and join our community now.
The Bookmonger is Barbara Lloyd McMichael, who writes this weekly column focusing on the books, authors and publishers of the Pacific Northwest. Contact her at barbaralmcm@gmail.com.
Subscriber content preview

MEADOW LAKES, Alaska (AP)  Numerous residents of an Anchorage suburb want officials to deny a permit for a proposed gravel pit, arguing the mine doesn't belong in a residential area and raising concerns about road safety and decimated property values.

Quality Asphalt Paving and parent company Colaska, part of the international Colas Group, have proposed the gravel pit for 160 forested acres in Meadow Lakes, about 50 miles north of Anchorage.





. . .
Subscriber content preview

EAST WENATCHEE, Douglas County (AP)  A wildfire in Central Washington has expanded to burn 7,900 acres of land and authorities have called for additional evacuations.

The Batterman fire near East Wenatchee started Sunday afternoon and was only 10 percent contained Monday. More local crews are heading to Douglas County to help in the effort, KOMO-TV reported.





. . .
Subscriber content preview

SEATTLE  The Brentwood Apartments, at 2919-2923 Franklin Ave. E., sold for just over $3.4 million, according to King County records.

The seller was Brentwood Partners LLC, which acquired the property in 2011 for a bit under $1.3 million.





. . .
And now, cherries from Kashmir find market in Dubai

In a boost to horticultural crops exports from Kashmir, the first commercial shipment of Mishri variety of luscious cherries from Kashmir valley has been exported to Dubai from Srinagar. APEDA assisted the shipment of cherries to Dubai by MS Desai Agri-Food Private Limited, a venture company of MS Innoterra, Dubai.

Prior to this shipment, a sample consignment was sent in the middle of June 2021 from Srinagar to Dubai through air which were transhiped from Mumbai. Following encouraging response from the consumers in Dubai, the first commercial shipment of Mishri variety of cherries were exported to Dubai.

Mishri variety of Cherries are not only taste delicious but also contain vitamins, minerals and plant compound with health benefits.

The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir produces more than 95 per cent of the total countrys production of commercial varieties of cherries in the country. It produces four varieties of cherries  Double, Makhmali, Mishri and Italy.

Prior to the shipment, the cherries were harvested, cleaned and packed by APEDA registered exporter while the technical inputs were provided by the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology of Kashmir.

APEDA-National Referral Laboratory at National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune provided support for ensuring food safety and quality in the shipment, which would help create brand for cherries, especially in the Middle East.

The commencement of commercial shipment of cherries would provide huge opportunities for exports of several temperate fruits like plums, pears, apricot and apples from Kashmir, especially to Middle East countries in the coming seasons.

APEDA has been conducting interactions with farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), government officials and other stakeholders for boosting export potential of agricultural produce from Kashmir such as apples, almonds, walnuts, saffron, rice, fresh fruits and vegetables and certified organic products.

APEDA has been conduction several rounds of virtual awareness creation programmes involving local producers, suppliers, FPOs and exporters from Kashmir for ensuring export of temperate fruits from the region.

For ensuring exports of quality agricultural produce that adheres to global standards, APEDA has also initiated awareness programmes on National Programme on Organic Production and ISO-17065 requirements for the officials of te union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The programmes are intended to acquaint officials with the third-party certification system for organic products as well as international trade of organic products.
Big Tech entry poses threat to stability of banking system: RBI

The Financial Stability Report (FSR), released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has raised concerns over the entry of major technology firms like Amazon and Google into the countrys financial system, saying that the tech firms could undermine the banking system by circumventing financial sector regulations.

The RBI report, which is the collective assessment of the sub-committee of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) on risks to financial stability and the resilience of the financial system, reflects on the contemporaneous issues relating to development and regulation of the financial sector.

RBI said the entry of Big Tech firms into the digital financial services would give rise to important policy issues. To resolve such issues, RBI has suggested better assessment of their functioning and entity-based prudential regulations.

"Specifically, concerns have intensified around a level playing field with banks, operational risk, too-big-to fail issues, challenges for antitrust rules, cyber security and data privacy," RBI said in its biannual Financial Stability Report.

Big Tech usually refers to the five biggest information technology companies that include Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple and Microsoft.

While it acknowledges that big techs offer a wide range of digital financial services and have a substantial footprint in the payment systems, crowdfunding, asset management, banking and insurance of several advanced and emerging market economies, the central bank flagged three unique challenges that these big techs pose.

First, they operate in many different (non-financial) lines of business with sometimes opaque overarching governance structures. Second, they have the potential to become dominant players in financial services and third, big techs are generally able to overcome limits to scale in financial services provision by exploiting network effects, RBI noted.

As of now, UPI payments are dominated by Walmart-owned PhonePe, which has a market share of over 40 per cent and Google Pay, which has 37-38 per cent. The other key players include Paytm, Amazon Pay and WhatsApp Pay, which launched a few months ago.

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) had already introduced a volume cap for a Third-Party Application Provider or TPAP (payment apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, Amazon Pay etc) effective 1 January 2021. Existing TPAPs who exceeded the volume cap as on 31 December 2020, will have a period of 2 years from the effective date to comply with the provisions. On the other hand, banks apps (Paytm, Axis etc) are exempted.

RBI noted that sustained policy support, benign financial conditions and the gathering momentum of vaccination are needed to nurture back an uneven economic recovery.

Policy support has helped in shoring up financial positions of banks, containing non-performing loans and maintaining solvency and liquidity globally.

On the domestic front, the ferocity of the second wave of corona pandemic has dented economic activity, but monetary, regulatory and fiscal policy measures have helped curtail the solvency risk of financial entities, stabilise markets, and maintain financial stability.

The capital to risk-weighted assets ratio (CRAR) of scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) increased to 16.03 per cent and the provisioning coverage ratio (PCR) stood at 68.86 per cent in March 2021.

Macro stress tests indicate that the gross non-performing asset (GNPA) ratio of SCBs may increase from 7.48 per cent in March 2021 to 9.80 per cent by March 2022 under the baseline scenario; and to 11.22 per cent under a severe stress scenario, although SCBs have sufficient capital, both at the aggregate and individual level, even under stress.

Going forward, as banks respond to credit demand in a recovering economy, they will need to reinforce their capital and liquidity positions to fortify themselves against potential balance sheet stress, the report added.
Paytm to file draft prospectus for Rs16,600-cr IPO next week: report

One97 Communications Ltd, the parent of payments firm Paytm, will file a draft prospectus, on 12 July, for raising around Rs16,600 crore ($2.23 billion) through an initial public offer (IPO) in the domestic market, reports citing sources close to the development said on Monday.

The offer will include new Paytm stock as well as a secondary offer of shares, with an option to raise the amount at a later stage if required, reports said, adding that this would give Paytm a valuation of $24 billion to $25 billion, say reports.

At $2.23 billion, Paytm's proposed IPO will make it India's third-biggest public listing after state-run miner Coal India Ltd (about $3.3 billion) in 2010 and Reliance Power (around $2.4 billion) in 2008, according to reports.

The reports said the prospectus will be filed shortly after Paytm's extraordinary general meeting to be held in Delhi on 12 July, possibly on the same day, citing sources.

Noida-based Paytm, which is backed by China's Alibaba and Japan's SoftBank, proposes to sell up to Rs12,000 crore in new stock with an option to retain over-subscription of up to 1 per cent.

The offer for sale (OFS) option, where Paytms investors can directly sell their stakes during the IPO, will form the rest of the issue size, of about $600 million (Rs4, 580 crore).

Paytm may also seek shareholders approval to increase the size of the IPO to nearly Rs19,318 crore ($2.6 billion) closer to the date of its proposed, say reports.

Ant Group and Alibaba own nearly 38 per cent of One97 Communications, Paytms parent entity. SoftBank holds 18.73 per cent, while Elevation Capital (formerly SAIF Partners) has a 17.65 per cent stake.

JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, ICICI Securities, Goldman Sachs, Axis Capital, Citi and HDFC Bank are helping Paytm in the rollout of the IPO, the report added.
Suzlon announces lower Q4 FY21 loss; reports Rs103.59-cr profit for full fiscal

Suzlon Group, India's largest renewable energy solutions provider, has reported a consolidated net loss of Rs54.25 crore in the quarter ended 31 March 2021, against a net loss of Rs834.22 crore in the quarter ended 31 March 2020, according to a regulatory filing.

The reduction in net loss comes mainly on the back of higher revenues. Total income of the company rose to Rs1,141.15 crore in the January-March 2021 quarter, from Rs658.89 crore in the same period a year ago.

For the financial year 2020-21, however, the company posted a consolidated net profit of Rs103.59 crore, whereas it had reported a consolidated net loss of Rs2,691.84 crore in 2019-20. Total income during the fiscal rose to Rs3,365.59 crore, from Rs3,000.42 crore in 2019-20.

"It was an unprecedented and challenging year where economies around the world were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic... The sector (wind energy) was restricted to low volumes with installations of only 1.5 GW, which is lower by almost 30 per cent from last year  amounting to only 15 to 18 per cent capacity utilization in India," Tulsi Tanti, chairman and managing director, Suzlon Group, stated in a release.

At the same time, total wind energy installations in India stand at 39.24 GW which is nearly 42 percent of the total renewable energy installations in the country, Tanti said, adding that the massive global push for renewables and the government's thrust on 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' will help Suzlon manufacture wind turbines and its components for the sector as a whole in the future and reduce imports while creating long term sustainable jobs and energy security.

"For Suzlon, this was the first year of restarting our operations post debt restructuring. However, exponential increase in commodity prices like those of steel has impacted our profitability significantly in India," Ashwani Kumar, CEO, Suzlon Group said. "We closed the year with a healthy order-book of over 817 MW, which we aim to service this year, Kumar added.

The board of directors of Suzlon at its meeting on Tuesday also approved divestment of the company's 75 per cent stake in Suzlon Generators Limited (SGL), a subsidiary of the company, to Voith Turbo Private Limited or its associates, subject to customary due diligence, necessary approvals and execution of definitive documents. The SGL sale or disposal is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2021-22 ((July-September).

The said buyer does not belong to the promoter / promoter group / group companies of Suzlon Energy Limited, the company said adding that the consideration (for stake sale in SGL) would be received post execution of definitive agreements. The company's 26th annual general meeting will be held on 24 September 2021, it stated.

The company also said that Suzlon Wind Energy Corporation, USA (SWECO), a step-down subsidiary of the Suzlon Energy, has filed for voluntary liquidation in the US Bankruptcy Court of the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division under Chapter 7 of the United States Bankruptcy Code and Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure of the USA. "The board of SWECO took this decision in wake of continued financial stress sustained by its operations during the pandemic. We do not foresee this decision to have any direct and/or material impact on Suzlon Energy Ltd," it said.
Early Sunday morning, the weather was cool and the sun softly lit the sage and historic buildings at Fort Fetterman. It was a beautiful Fourth of July.

The former military base, active from 1867 to 1882, was about to erupt in activities like a running competition, historical re-enactment and pony express demonstration.

Heidi McCullough, co-chair of Friends of Fort Fetterman, an organization that helps with events and maintenance, said, My favorite part is probably the flag raising. The Fourth of July is my birthday, so anything patriotic tugs at my heart strings.

The 5k race proceeds went to the Friends of Fort Fetterman and the race was sponsored by Peak Fitness, Tractor Supply and College Inn Bar.

Near the sign-in area for the runners, Cameron Lally expressed his favorite part of the event is just runnin the course.

Ron Casalenda said, Its the Fourth, so you get to come out and do something on Independence Day. Its kinda nice.

Cindy Stewart said, Its fun to get out and be a part of the local community activities. Its great to come out!

Soon the racers were off and traversing the hilly route. Lally came in first.

By the museum, historical re-enactor Travis Blankenbaker set up his equipment for his presentation on historical blacksmithing.

I get to beat red hot burning steel into a finished product, Blankenbaker said when asked about his favorite part of the event.

Nearby, Chris Caves and Eli Jones set up their fur trapper exhibit with their dog lady close by. Part of their exhibit was an old Scandinavian game called Kubb, which Caves described as a, cross of chess and horseshoes. Soon, they would be accompanied by Christina Haroldson and Charity Caves.

Fathom Swanson portrayed Madame Via, the owner of the Hog Ranch brothel.

Les Bennington, Wyoming Division president of the National Pony Express Association, blew the bugle, and a color guard of Donald York, Bill Sinnard, Nic Skalicky and William Lane raised the flag.

Skalicky, dressed in a post surgeon captains uniform, and his daughter Lilly Skalicky taught visitors like Chip Terry and Linda Staley about historical medicine including the use of leaches.

Pioneer reenactors Katelynn Hirdning, Lisa Thalken and Liberty Skalicky made yarn dolls.

Along with Les, additional Pony Express representatives taught the public, like Miles and Chet Barger and Mary Morgan, about the historic mail carriers.

National Pony Express Association Rider Rick Bretton showed his white horse to Jack McCollough.

Pony Express was, the email of the 1860s, Les said. It started in April 1860 and was over in November 1861 largely due to the use of the telegraph machine.

There was a lot to see this year at Fort Fettermans Fourth of July Celebration. For those who took part, the event was filled with memorable moments.
Duncan, OK (73533)

Today

Partly to mostly cloudy. High 91F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy with widely scattered showers or thunderstorms possible later at night. Low 73F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Pub owners in Louth have expressed concerns about the delayed reopening of indoor hospitality, as Government officials meet with industry bodies over vaccination passes for indoor dining.

Eoghan Herity, of Heritys Bar in Dromiskin, says that he feels let down by the government with multiple delays to the reopening of indoor hospitality.

Our core business, which is indoor hospitality, is being absolutely strangled, said Mr Herity, saying that he wants to see some certainty sooner rather than later.

Currently, the government and officials are meeting with industry bodies like the Vintners and Restaurants Association of Ireland to discuss plans to allow those who have been vaccinated enter their premises.

In a statement, the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) said that the proposed plan was unworkable and was unfair to publicans and their staff.

The idea that only allowing the fully vaccinated into hospitality venues is highly problematic and probably unworkable for a number of reasons, not least how do publicans and their staff police such a policy? said Padraig Cribben, Chief Executive of the VFI.

Mr Herity says while he is able to facilitate his customers outdoor, his primary business is based indoors inside his pub.

Its very frustrating Its not good for the average rural pub, said Mr Herity.

Wheres the security of our future, never mind, where is the security of our present.

According to Mr Herity, his customers have enjoyed the outdoor experience, but are still saying that they prefer the usual indoor experience.

One of the concerns of Mr Herity is Irelands changeable weather, saying that a bad spell of bad weather could lead to closures.

Currently, the government are targeting the reopening of indoor hospitality for the 19th of June, after it was delayed from the 5th of June.
Families of those who died in Dealgan House are continuing to campaign for a public inquiry into the deaths of 22 elderly people within the nursing home last year.

The families, who have been pushing for a public inquiry since last year, have said that without an inquiry, they will continue to be unable to grieve for their lost loved ones.

Laura Newberry, whose mother passed away in Dealgan last year, said that the group want the inquiry held as soon as possible.

I would like it done as soon as possible This is 14 months now and we are not grieving, said Mrs Newberry.

We were blue in the face asking Ministers for this inquiry, said Mrs Newberry, with multiple members of the group meeting with Health Minister Stephen Donnelly in October last year.

Previously, Dealgan House has said that they would cooperate fully with any investigations or inquiry into what happened within their nursing home early last year.

According to Jane Wynne, whose father passed away in Dealgan, she alongside several other campaigners met with Minister Donnelly and junior Minister Mary Bulter on the 28th of October 2020.

Ms Wynne said that both Ministers said it would only be a few short weeks before there would be a decision made on the inquiry, but that they hadnt heard back from the government since that meeting.

That [meeting] was on the 28th of October and weve emailed them since and theres no response from them, said Ms Wynne.

They told us that wed get a response in a few short weeks.

When we spoke to them, I remember saying to them, Please do this, every single person that you hear of dying just makes it harder and harder to grieve and harder to get over and that we didnt want it to happen to anyone else.

In a statement, the Department of Health said that the government are currently examining ways to improve protections of nursing homes, on the back of a report by the Nursing Homes Expert Panel.

There has been significant and ongoing consideration of this impact since the start of the pandemic, with various examinations and development of reports with a focus on COVID-19, its impact on nursing homes and the pandemic learnings that can inform future policy, regulation and the model of care for older persons, said a spokesperson for the Department of Health.

However, the Department did not specifically comment on questions asked by the Democrat around a public inquiry into what happened at Dealgan House Nursing Home.

Marybeth Mulligan said that they didnt believe that the government had forgotten about them, but that they might not be willing to face the backlash.

They might not necessarily have forgotten us, but its like they dont want to face the heat of it.. Its such a serious situation, said Mrs Mulligan.

Vivian McNally, whose father Dominic McNally passed away in Dealgan, said that the inquiry is needed to find out why the nursing home was non-compliant with seven regulations after the RCSI took control of the service.

According to a HIQA report on the nursing home released last year, the home was non-compliant with regulations like infection control.

Mrs McNally expressed her concerns, saying that if there were gaps in regulations after the RCSI came in, what was it like before.

The issue has returned to the forefront after an RTE Investigates programme on nursing homes during the early stages of the pandemic that aired last week.

The group released a statement after the programme aired where they said they were saddened but not surprised by what the documentary showed.

Our concerns about what was happening in Dealgan House were raised with TDs, HIQA, the HSE and others and, even today, more than 14 months after the tragedy in Dealgan, we continue to have to navigate the web of agencies and organisations that have part-responsibility for those in nursing home care, said the group in a statement.

Trying to gather pieces of information, through Freedom of Information requests, in order to put together a picture of what happened in Dealgan has been time-consuming and frustrating, to say the least.

The efforts we have made as families have been done against the very difficult background of our personal grief at losing our loved ones.

In a statement to the Democrat, Dealgan House said: Dealgan House Nursing Home remains deeply saddened by the loss of 22 residents due to Covid-19 during our outbreak in April and May of last year.

Over the last fourteen months we have engaged at length with any relatives of those who passed away who may have questions and we continue to do so.

Emma Duffy and Paul Crewe, whose father Oliver Crewe passed away in the nursing home last year, said that there needs to be a significant tightening of regulations surrounding privately run nursing homes.

I assumed before Dad went in that these facilities were highly regulated and from what I can see the regulations are very lax, said Mrs Duffy.

A sheer tighten of those regulations needs to come into place, like mandatory staffing per resident. If thats the one thing that comes out of it, Id be happy.

The onus is on the government to enforce that.

Mrs Duffy also wants to see more work on legislation to protect older people, similar to the Children Act, 2001.

Both Mrs Duffy and Mr Crewe said that the inquiry needs to be done to expand beyond Covid and to examine how privately run nursing homes are operated, managed and regulated.

Were living in a very ageing population, globally and in Ireland, and if they [the government] want nursing home models to be in any way palatable for people going forward, they need to either make a completely public service, find ways to look after people in their homes or regulate more rigidly the private sector, said Mr Crewe.

The group have gathered support from local politicians, with both Sinn Feins Ruairi O Murchu and Fine Gaels Fergus ODowd raising the issue of a public inquiry in the Dail last Friday.
A Louth TD has called the Governments response to requests for a public inquiry into the deaths of 23 residents in Dealgan House Nursing Home last year a whitewash.

Fine Gael Government backbencher Fergus ODowd and Sinn Feins Ruairi O Murchu raised questions about Dealgan House during a sitting of the Dail last night, with both deputies calling for a public inquiry.

In response to their questions, Minister of State for Older People Mary Bulter said that the pandemic had not concluded, and that the Governments primary goal was to manage the response to Covid-19.

It must be recognised that the pandemic has not concluded and at this time a priority focus of Government remains on the ongoing management of the Covid-19 response to ensure that the positive gains now being experienced are preserved and that those most vulnerable to the virus continue to be safeguarded in light of the residual risk, said Minister Butler.

I am very aware that listening to families can bring great learning to many situations.

While we are still dealing with a degree of risk in nursing homes due to Covid-19, we are continuing to look at options which may be available to the State in listening to the voices of those who have lost a loved one.

Both Deputy ODowd and Deputy O Murchu rejected the Ministers comments, with Deputy ODowd saying Minister Butlers response was unacceptable and a whitewash

I have to say I am deeply unhappy and I cannot accept what the Minister of State is putting before us this evening. It is a whitewash. It is unacceptable. It is insulting, most of all to those families who have fought tooth and nail, said Deputy ODowd.

They have had no closure and will not get it until there is a fair inquiry into the failure of management, into the weak policy of legislation and the weak regulation.

Deputy O Murchu said that there were questions that needed to be answered, not just by Dealgan House, but by the HSE, HIQA and the RCSI Hospital Group, who took over Delagan House in April 2020.

There are questions to be answered by the nursing home but also by the HSE, by HIQA and the RCSI Hospital Group, said Deputy O Murchu.

HIQA has put it on the record many times that it would accept its own weaknesses as a regulatory body and that it needs greater legislative powers.

According to Deputy ODowd, there are currently witnesses who want to give evidence on what happened in Dealgan House to a public inquiry, and that there is precedent available to carry out an inquiry.

A public inquiry must be commissioned to investigate the tragic loss of life in Dealgan Nursing Home in #Louth. Families of loved ones need this now Minister... pic.twitter.com/CPg2CA5tw8  Fergus O'Dowd (@Fergusodowd) July 7, 2021

I know two witnesses who want to give evidence to such an inquiry who were shocked and appalled by what they found in the home when they went in there. They are ready, willing and able to come before such an inquiry, said Deputy ODowd.

The Democrat recently spoke with families of those who passed away due to Covid-19, with all members who spoke out seeking a public inquiry.

I would like it done as soon as possible This is 14 months now and we are not grieving, said Laura Newberry, whose mother passed away in Dealgan last year.

We were blue in the face asking Ministers for this inquiry, said Mrs Newberry, with multiple members of the group meeting with both Health Minister Stephen Donnelly and Minister Butler last October.
Young people in County Louth experienced significant loss of connection during pandemic, a new study has revealed.

The Covid-19 crisis was a time of significant struggle for young people, according to a study on transition year students by psychologists at Perspectives Ireland.

In the small study involving one transition year group in Louth as a snapshot of the national attitude of young people, the same themes emerged again and again.

When asked about their overall experiences of the pandemic, the majority of young people described the situation as extremely difficult.

A sense of things not being normal during lockdown recurred repeatedly.

One respondent said: I miss things being normal. I hate this, having to be careful about going everywhere.

All students in Louth surveyed reported that the greatest difficulty was coping with the loss of connections with friends, extended family, classmates, teachers and their school.

This generated a strong sense of being alone and feeling isolated, with one student saying: I dont get along with anyone like I do with my friends.

One male student described the loss of his solid support system.

This strong response was repeated in many of the young peoples reactions which suggests that a significant social lifeline has been lost.

Students told Perspectives Ireland of the small things that they missed most, such as having a laugh and gossiping and holidays.

One student said: I miss the little things, like going out for lunch, hugging family members and going on trips.

Responses overall clearly showed that lunchtime at school is a key context for vital social interaction in this group.

The young people in the study had surprisingly strong negative reactions to having to stay at home.

The phrases cabin fever, nothing interesting happens and Im sick of my parents captured this.

Most did not feel fully understood at home.

One young person described the challenge of dealing with my issues without my friends there.

Other examples of not feeling understood included: Its easier to relax around my friends than my family and my friends understand me better and its easier to relate to them about my life.

Homeschooling in particular produced strong, negative reactions. Most of the young people reported that learning was hampered by not being physically at school.

Its harder to learn, I couldnt concentrate and we get a lot more work represented typical responses.

Some young people felt unable to ask the specific questions they felt they needed to be answered and several described their discomfort at having to have their camera on.

The more practical aspects of the pandemic were also a source of frustration to this group. They particularly disliked wearing masks and having to social distance.

But overall, what was most difficult about these new social requirements was that they reminded young people that life was no longer normal.

In conducting this small study with Transition Year students in Louth, it became clear to Perspectives Ireland that Irish society had not listened to these young people about the challenges they faced during the pandemic.

Director of Perspectives Ireland and Ardee native, Ciara McEnteggart said: There was an undertone that their worries were less important or trivial and that they could easily catch up in time but, our findings clearly show that they did not see their experiences as trivial at all but extremely difficult.

"The fact is that young people are struggling in significant ways and experiencing loss at key points in their lives.

"As psychologists, it is a given that struggle and loss need to be addressed, if we are to avoid it leading to greater emotional difficulties and poor mental health.
Readers Survey

As our valued readers, we want to hear from you. Please take a moment to fill out the survey below. - Thank you, Eastern Arizona Courier Click Here
JULIE HUSS/Staff photoA hearse carrying the flag-draped coffin of Brandon Martinez came through downtown Derry on Wednesday afternoon en route to Peabody Funeral Home. Martinez died last month in South Korea while serving in the U.S. Army. Martinez was a 2015 graduate of Londonderry High School. The hearse had an escort into Derry that included state police and members of the Londonderry Police Department.
By The Staff of The News

CLOVIS  A Clovis man was sentenced to 11 years in the Department of Corrections Tuesday for charges of possession of a controlled substance and tampering with evidence, according to a release from the district attorney's office.

Ernesto Martinez, 32, was found guilty of the charges June 23.

According to the release, Martinez, while a detainee at the Curry County Adult Detention Center, was observed trying to pass an item to another detainee. The item intercepted by detention officers contained methamphetamine, and during a search Martinez attempted to flush additional methamphetamine down the toilet.

Judge Drew Tatum's sentence included habitual offender designation, with Martinez convicted of prior felonies in Georgia and New Mexico.

The case was prosecuted by Chief Deputy District Attorney Brian Stover. Martinez was represented by Sandra Gallagher of Clovis.
EBRD co-finances investment package with up to 16 million

eMAG Group is largest ecommerce platform in Romania

Investment in new state-of-the-art logistic centre

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is arranging alongside Raiffeisen Bank a debt financing package for the leading Romanian online retailer eMAG.

The syndicated loan package of 37.55 million was arranged by the EBRD and Raiffeisen Bank as Original Mandated Lead Arrangers and by Alpha Bank as Mandated Lead Arranger. The loan is part of a larger package of 73.4 million aimed to finance the development of the companys second state-of-the-art logistic center as well as the hi-tech automation equipment to be installed.

Founded in 2000, eMAG is today the largest online retailer in Romania connecting customers, suppliers and entrepreneurs across Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary. Responding to the rapidly growing demand for online services during the coronavirus pandemic, the company expanding its logistics capacity. Latest technology will support automation and efficiency. The investment will enable eMAGs commercial expansion increase capacity of its fulfilment services while indirectly supporting SMEs to expand their business and improve their operations by leveraging eMAGs marketplace platform, which reaches millions of customers in the CEE region.

The company also committed to follow BREEAM green building certification requirements to optimise energy consumption and limit greenhouse gas emissions.

Dirk Werner, EBRD Director, Telecommunications, Media and Technology, said: The Bank is proud to support eMAG as a digitalisation leader in Romania and wider CEE countries. By strengthening its logistics services, eMAG will not only increase its own logistics capacity but will also facilitate a faster development of local SMEs as it allows them to reach customers and markets not accessible before and in a more cost efficient way. The development of the marketplace is expected to serve customers who will benefit from wider choice, better quality and prices.

Mark Davis, EBRD Regional Director for Romania and Bulgaria, commented: Given the sustainability standards of the Project, it fits well with the EBRDs Country Strategy for Romania, according to which the Bank will support green and sustainable operations to enhance competitiveness of local companies, across all sectors and including green and sustainable buildings.

Cristian Sporis, VP Corporate Banking, Raiffeisen Bank, said: The transition to a greener and sustainable economy is central to our strategy and we are committed to support our corporate customers to further invest in assets and activities that will not only benefit their future competitiveness in the region but also the local economic and social ecosystem, the SMEs and the consumers.

Periklis Voulgaris, Executive Corporate VP Alpha Bank Romania said: In our history of joint projects and successful cooperation we are very proud to participate in this sustainability linked project of eMAG. Alpha Bank Romania promotes green, digital and energy efficiency changing projects, which will help make the economy even more sustainable. This is the challenge we are really looking forward to.

Tudor Manea, CEO eMAG, mentioned: To fulfil our mission, we are always looking for ways to serve our customers ever more reliably, faster and cheaper, with an ever increasing range of products. This sizeable investment, close to 100 mil eur, will enable just that. The state of the art logistics capacity, a technological and sustainability benchmark in our CEE region, will increase our capacity to store an even broader product range, improve order preparation time by cca 90 minutes/order while also materially reducing cost of doing so. We are also pursuing our commitment of sustainable development, the new facility being designed according to BREEAM Excellent standard.

The EBRD is a leading institutional investor in Romania and has invested 9 billion through 468 projects in the country to date, with 76 per cent of that in the private sector.

Raiffeisen Bank is servicing over 2.2 million customers in Romania, consumers, SMEs, mid-sized and large companies. At the end of Q1 2021, the loans to customers stood at over EUR 6 billion.
A GREEN-ENERGY facility is to be developed at Bantry Bay, in a joint venture between two companies.

Global firm Zenith Energy and Cork company EI-H2 have come together for the project, which will produce green hydrogen and green ammonia.

It is envisaged that the 3.2GW (gigawatt) facility will have the capacity to reduce Irish carbon emissions by 2.4m tonnes a year. It will be located on Zeniths Bantry Bay terminal.

The location was chosen because of its proximity to some of the most productive off-shore locations for wind-generated electricity.

First phase

The first phase of the project will be the construction of a scalable, green hydrogen-production facility, up to 2.7GW in capacity. The second phase involves the construction of a 500MW (megawatt) green ammonia facility, using the green hydrogen from the first phase. It is envisaged that the green-energy output from the facility will be used not just in Ireland, but internationally. The plan is that it will help place Ireland on the green-energy export map.

A feasibility study will take place over a 12-month period, after which the companies will lodge an application for planning permission.

It is hoped that the facility will be up and running by 2028.

Ellen Ruhotas, managing director of Zenith Energy, said: This partnership is an excellent opportunity for our Bantry operations, for the local community, and for Ireland as a country. For many years now, our Whiddy Island operation has supported the security of Irelands energy supply.

This new, joint venture will see Zenith Energy take a pioneering role in the development of a new green-energy industry for Ireland, Ms Ruhotas said.

Critically, our green hydrogen and green ammonia-production plans align with government and EU policy for meeting the regions 2050 climate action goals.

Pearse Flynn, founder of EI-H2, said, Ireland is on the cusp of a genuine green revolution. Instead of waiting for someone else to decarbonise our country, we are looking to develop domestic ways of making a real difference. With a renewable source of off-shore wind and water, we can produce real fuel alternatives to help industry and commercial customers reduce their carbon footprint.

EI-H2 recently announced plans for Irelands first green hydrogen facility, in Aghada.
THE campaign for justice for the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier has been dealt a blow by the death of one of its most vocal supporters.

The death of Jean Antoine Bloc Daude occurred on Thursday of last week, as two documentaries about the 1996 murder of the Frenchwoman have resulted in a frenzy of publicity about the case.

President of the Association for the Truth about the Murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier (ASSOPH), Jean Antoine Bloc Daude, who has died after an illness. Pic: ASSOPH

Mr Bloc Daude was the president of the Association for the Truth about the Murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier and was a friend of Sophies family.

He had headed up press conferences and had visited Cork in a bid to seek advances in the investigation into the 1996 murder.

He also acted as an intermediary between the media and Sophies family.

Sophies uncle, Jean Pierre Gazeau, said the 80-year-old passed away after an illness.

He said that Mr Bloc Daude had also known Sophie.

The association was set up in 2008, and wrote letters to the then President, Mary McAleese, and the then taoiseach, Brian Cowen, to seek help in getting justice for Sophies family.

His death comes as the story of Sophies murder in West Cork has been catapulted into the headlines with the release of documentaries on Sky Crime and Netflix.

Sophies family co-operated with the three-episode Netflix production, on which her cousin, Frederic Gazeau, was a producer.

Filmmaker Jim Sheridan made the five-part Sky Crime series.
ASYLUM seekers living in Macroom's Riverside Park Hotel for the past two years have been given a weeks notice advising them that they are to be moved to the other end of the country, according to a support organisation.

Sile Ni Dhubhghaill from Macroom Friends of Asylum Seekers, an organisation that provides help and support to asylum seekers in the town, said that families living in the centre have been informed that they will be moved to Letterkenny next week.

Sile Ni Dhubhghaill said the families have worked to integrate into the community in the past two years.

They were only told yesterday [Tuesday] so they get a weeks notice to pack up and move to the other end of the country," she said.

The centre in Macroom when it opened was always classed as temporary emergency accommodation so originally they were to be here three months and then it became six months and now theyre here two years, Ms Ni Dhubhghaill told The Echo.

Over the two year period, Ms Ni Dhubhghaill said these families have integrated into the community, with many getting involved in community groups such as Tidy Towns and children settling into schools.

Its been two years of building relationships and making a life for themselves and then they get a weeks notice that theyre being shipped off to Donegal, she said.

Theyre trying to be positive and trying to look at the benefits but one of the families was saying that its really the children who are the most upset.

One of the families going to Letterkenny next week is quite close to another family.

The other family have been told theyre being moved in two weeks but they havent been told where.

Ms Ni Dhubhghaill said she understands that families will be provided with own-door accommodation in Donegal.

Instead of living in a hotel room, theyll have an apartment," she said.

That is a very positive thing for people, but its just that that apartment is six hours away at the opposite end of the country.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth said that it does not comment on the movements of individual applicants or applicant families.

However, it added: More broadly, IPAS [International Protection Accommodation Service] has committed to ending the use of emergency accommodation for International Protection applicants by the end of this year, and moving residents to own door accommodation. This is in the context of the wider Government commitment to end direct provision by the end of 2024.

The minister understands that moving to new locations is difficult for any family, particularly those in the international protection process, but by moving from emergency accommodation to own door accommodation, the outcome for those families will be more appropriate accommodation for their needs.

It said that the minister is committed to improving conditions for IP applicants in direct provision.

To this end, IPAS has a new dedicated Customer Service unit to engage with IPAS residents, as well as a new residents welfare team, it said.
A Cork TD has voiced strong opposition to proposed legislative changes to allow "cuckoo funds" and vulture funds that lease properties back to the state to avoid stamp duty.

Solidarity TD Mick Barry has accused the Government of engaging in a "spectacular climbdown" on the issue of tackling vulture funds.

"Nine weeks ago the Taoiseach was spitting fire about the actions of the vultures and the cuckoos and telling the country that he was the man to clip their wings.

Today he's the leader of a Government which is offering them a new incentive to bulk buy.

It's a pretty spectacular climbdown by any standards but worse again when you consider that it means the taxpayer is going to be paying over the odds for social housing and the winners are going to be the vulture funds yet again, Deputy Barry said this morning.

Speaking in the Dail today, Taoiseach Micheal Martin claimed the amendment will mean 2,400 families can avail of social housing this year.

Under new planning rules, a 10% stamp duty for bulk purchases of 10 or more properties will apply.

The measure is aimed at tackling so-called cuckoo funds buying up housing developments from first-time buyers.

However, a change to the legislation that will exempt vulture funds that lease the properties back to local authorities for social housing has been proposed.

"The reason being is that for quite some time now leasing has been a feature, I have a view on that and we're going to change that and we are in a transition phase," Mr Martin said.

"There's 2,400 social housing that can be provided to families through this leasing right now.

"We just can't turn off the tap immediately.

"Yes, we can move to different models and transition to different models."

Mr Martin said that the approach taken by some local authorities to tackle homelessness has been assisted by the leasing model.

"My own view is that any model of leasing should be one where the State ends up owning the homes, so there will be a move," he added.

The vote is expected to take place in the Dail later tonight.
Emergency services and local authority staff are this evening continuing to respond to a partial building collapse in a Cork town.

Cork County Council said that its staff are at the scene of the incident on Main Street in Mitchelstown, after being alerted to the partial building collapse at around 6pm.

No injuries have been reported, it said.

Emergency Services and Council staff are currently responding to a partial building collapse on Main Street Mitchelstown.



No injuries have been reported.



Traffic restrictions remain in place while the building is being further assessed.



Please avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/eR3j2ocZS4  Cork County Council (@Corkcoco) July 7, 2021

This evening the local authority said it had requested the attendance of a specialist structural engineer on site to assess and advise on the partial building collapse.

"They are currently attending on site and engaging with emergency personnel to ensure public safety is safeguarded."

A garda spokesperson confirmed that houses on either side of the building had been evacuated.

People are being urged to avoid the area.

In a tweet, Cork County Council said that traffic restrictions remain in place while the building is being further assessed.

The road will remain closed overnight.
Effingham, IL (62401)

Today

Partly cloudy in the morning followed by scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. High 88F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Low around 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.
Tuesday saw the start of the trial of Carles Puigdemont's bodyguards, who accompanied the exiled Catalan president on the European trip on which he was arrested. The two Mossos d'Esquadra police officers were in charge of the presidents security during his trip from Stockholm to Brussels on March 23rd, 2018.

Two days later, German police arrested Puigdemont just after he had crossed the border from Denmark. Spanish public prosecutors are demanding three years' prison for the two officers for an offence of concealment. That is, they are accused of attempting to prevent the exiled Catalan president from facing justice. The two officers assert that just the opposite was true: their destination was the Belgiun prosecutors office.

A European Arrest Warrant - the second from Spain's Supreme Court - had just been issued for Carles Puigdemont and the intention of the travelling group was, according to the two defendants, to report to the Belgian prosecutors as soon as possible. That's why they took "fast routes to be able to deliver Puigdemont", they explained in the first session. They reiterated that in no way did they attempt to dodge the police, hide or flee. They believed that what they were doing was the right thing because the lawyers had told them that president Puigdemont had to be taken to the prosecutors' office in Belgium after Spanish judge Pablo Llarena had issued a new arrest warrant.

Statements of the defendants

The Mossos had taken holidays when they travelled to Belgium. The two officers arrived on March 19th in Waterloo, where Puigdemont had settled after leaving Spain - following the Catalan declaration of independence and the simultaneous imposition of Spanish direct rule on October 27th, 2017.

On March 23rd, 2018, while they were in Belgium, "an unidentified person" asked them to pick up Puigdemont, who was in Helsinki (Finland) when the Spanish judge carrying the case at its investigative stage, Pablo Llarena, reactivated the European Arrest Warrant. The officers testified at trial that they did not "at any time" feel that they were committing any wrongdoing, although they were aware that they could be arrested. "We didn't have to hide anything from anyone," said Xavier Goicoechea.

The two Mossos explained that their mission was to pick up Puigdemont, who was in Stockholm, and return him to appear before the prosecutors because a new European warrant had just been issued. And both stated that they did so at the directions of the presidents lawyers.

The bodyguards said that they used the president's usual car, "known to the police and the press", said Carlos de Pedro Lopez, and went via main routes. Fast highways which had traffic controls, such as licence plate readers, cameras, radar... with no intention of evading or hiding.

The border crossings did not cause any problems until they arrived in Germany, where they were stopped, taken to a rest area and, although they were told it was a routine traffic check, hooded agents with long weapons began to appear. After checks of their documentation, the two Mossos were released, and Puigdemont was transferred to Neumunster prison.

The day to day in Waterloo

The two Mossos, Xavier Goicoechea, from the bodyguard unit, and Carles de Pedro Lopez, a public security officer, spent a few days of their holidays in Waterloo in March 2018. In their brief statement in the first trial session they explained that the day to day in the house where Carles Puigdemont lived was to do household chores. We would assemble furniture, we cleaned and we went shopping, Goicoechea said. In his case, he had also acted as a driver at times to pick up the president.

The major task arrived on March 23rd when they were asked to pick up the president in Stockholm and they ended up being arrested.

Carlos de Pedro Lopez returned home on March 28th, three days after Puigdemont's arrest. He was arrested at Barcelona airport. Just as the plane landed "four or five Spanish police cars showed up. They came out hooded and asked everyone for documentation."

Xavier Goicoechea was arrested one morning when he was leaving his home in Vilassar de Mar.
Washington, MO (63090)

Today

Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 91F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms. Low around 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%.
Duck Kelley passed away peacefully after an extended illness Monday, June 28, 2021, surrounded by his wife and daughters. He was born May 17, 1950, in Wayne County, West Virginia. At the age of 6, he moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, and resided there until 2001, when he moved to Athens, Al
Google has yet another antitrust lawsuit on its hands. Politico reports 36 states and Washington DC have banded together to sue the company over its handling of the Play Store. They say Google's control over the marketplace violates US antitrust law. The bipartisan group of attorneys general behind the suit filed the case in the same California federal court where Judge James Donato is scheduled to hire Epic's suit against Google over Fortnite's removal from the Play Store last year.

This latest action is the fourth antitrust lawsuit launched against Google following three similar claims in 2020. In December, a group of 38 states and territories led by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser filed antitrust charges against the company over its search business. The tech giant is also the subject of a Department of Justice probe.

The timing of Wednesday's suit follows after Google recently lowered its Play Store commission fee to 15 percent on the first $1 million developers earn on the marketplace every year. When Google announced the change back in March, it claimed it would reduce the fees it takes from 99 percent of Android developers by 50 percent. Later this year, Google also plans to enforce a policy that will require all developers to process their payments through the Play Store's billing system. The announcement led to uproar among companies like Netflix and Spotify that had in the past skirted that requirement.

While the Play Store comes preinstalled on the majority of Android devices, it is not the only place where you can download software to your phone. Amazon and Samsung operate their own app stores. It's also possible to sideload Android apps from websites like APK Mirror, allowing you to bypass the Play Store completely. Both those facts are not true of iOS devices where Apple's App Store is the only place where you can download software for your iPhone or iPad.

Today's suit also comes a little more than a week after a federal judge in Washington dismissed the FTC's antitrust complaint against Facebook, saying the agency hadn't presented sufficient evidence to back up its claims that the social media giant is a monopoly.

Update 07/07/21 10:30PM ET: Colorado has joined the lawsuit against Google, bringing the total number of states to 37. The tech giant has published a blog post defending its practices, however, calling the lawsuit "strange" and "meritless" for "attacking a system that provides more openness and choice than others." Google's Senior Director of Public Policy, Wilson White, concluded the post with this note: "This lawsuit isn't about helping the little guy or protecting consumers. It's about boosting a handful of major app developers who want the benefits of Google Play without paying for it."
Microsoft has released an emergency patch to address a critical flaw in the Windows Print Spooler service that bad actors are actively exploiting, as noticed by The Verge. A few days ago, the tech giant has published a security advisory to notify users about the flaw called PrintNightmare, though it didn't name the bad actors currently using it to infiltrate victims' computers.

Attackers taking advantage of the vulnerability can remotely run code with system-level privileges, giving them the ability to install programs in the victims' computers, delete or change data and create new accounts with full user rights. The vulnerability impacts all versions of Windows, and the company advised users to disable Print Spooler to deactivate local and remote printing to prevent hackers from getting in. They can also disable just the inbound remote printing capability through Group Policy.

Now, after investigating the vulnerability, Microsoft has issued patches for several versions of the Windows Server, Windows 10, Windows 8 and even Windows 7  security updates for this OS ended in January 2020  platforms. The vulnerability has been classified as "Critical," which means its "exploitation could allow code execution without user interaction." Microsoft is asking users to install the updates immediately or to take steps towards protecting their systems if they can't.
As expected, former President Donald announced on Wednesday he plans to file lawsuits against Facebook, Twitter and YouTube as well as the CEOs of each respective company. Trump announced the legal bid at a press conference in Bedminster, New Jersey, promising the case would lead to an "end of the shadow banning, a stop to the silencing and the canceling that you know so well." Trump and his lawyers, many of whom he said come from the tobacco industry, plan to file the lawsuits in the Southern District of Florida and hope to obtain class action status with each one.

Trump alleges the tech giants violated his First Amendment rights and even calls Facebook a "state actor" in one of the suits. The lawsuit against Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai names YouTube as a defendant. "Our case will prove this censorship is unconstitutional," Trump said, adding that he plans to seek punitive damages from each of the companies. The decision to file the suits in Florida may prove an early roadblock for Trump. As noted by Reuters, both the Facebook and Twitter note in their terms of service that any case brought against them must done so at select courts in California.

Following the January 6th US Capitol riot, both Twitter and Facebook suspended Trump from their respective platforms. "We believe the risks of allowing the President to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great," Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said at the time. The action comes more than two months after Facebook's Oversight Board said the company's suspension of the former president was "appropriate." Facebook currently plans to uphold the ban until at least January 2023. Following the decision, Trump called Facebook's actions a "total disgrace and an embarrassment to our country."

We've reached out to Facebook and YouTube for comment, and we'll update this article when we hear back from the companies. Twitter declined to comment.
The services celebrating and honoring the life of Daniel Stoker, 44, of San Antonio, TX, formerly of Enid, are pending under the direction of Brown-Cummings Funeral Home. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.Brown-Cummings.com.
Click for the latest, full-access Enid News & Eagle headlines | Text Alerts | app downloads

Kevin Hassler is associate editor of the Enid News & Eagle.

Have a question about this story? Do you see something we missed? Do you have a story idea for Kevin? Send an email to enidnews@enidnews.com.
Kim Kardashian will be shutting off Kanye West from her life by making a major change in her KKW Beauty brand.

Kardashian and her team will shut down the online operations of her most-loved KKW Beauty and promised to return with a new look.

Multiple sources revealed that, despite its continuous success, the TV personality still wants to apply major changes to the brand.

KKW Beauty Signing Off

On Kardashian's Twitter account, she shared a thread where she expressed how she specifically aims to come back with new packaging and formulas.

"On August 1st at midnight we will be shutting down the http://KKWBeauty.com site so that we can come back to you under a completely new brand with new formulas that are more modern, innovative, and packaged in an elevated and sustainable new look," she said.

The "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" star hinted that she wants to develop and expand her brand as part of her company's vision.

READ ALSO: [VIDEO] Mark Zuckerberg Waves American Flag A La George Washington During 4th of July Celebration

Furthermore, she assured that they will be improving customer experience so her fans and consumers can enjoy a one-stop-shop online.

Kardashian concluded her post with a "Thank You" message to her followers before assuring them that they will not be absent for too long.

Amid her divorce from Kanye West, Kardashian still used "Kim Kardashian West" as her full name - where the KKW initials came from.

Despite using West's last name, some of her fans speculate that the major change would snub the "Jesus is King" rapper.

No More Kanye West?!

On the same social media platform, several fans started to theorize that Kardashian would be removing the "W" from the brand's name. The move would surely brush off West who has been stirring romance buzzes with Irina Shayk.

One Twitter follower said (as quoted by Daily Mail), "Lol so basically now that you're getting divorced you don't want that 'W' in the name. Just say it and keep it moving Sis we ain't brand new."

The move may no longer be surprising as Kardashian herself filed for divorce from her estranged husband in February. On the official documents, she cited that the reason behind it was due to irreconcilable differences.

As of the writing, their filing is yet to be finalized. However, the ex-couple agreed to have shared and joint custody of their four children - North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm.

READ MORE: Prince William, Prince Harry Display Signs of Reconciliation During Princess Diana's Statue Unveiling - Beef Over?
Prince Harry might try building bridges with Prince William this time.

Royal commentators suggested that Prince Harry seemingly began to realize the effect of his controversial actions that he feels regret now. This would reportedly push the duke to make it up with Prince William again.

The Royal Holloway Marketing and Consumer Research Professor, Pauline Maclaran, spoke about this possibility in a new interview.

During her appearance on Us Weekly's Royally Us podcast, Maclaran said that the Duke of Sussex opened up a bit to start "building bridges."

"One of the well-known royal biographers has said just in the last couple of days that he has heard that Harry does regret a little bit the things that he said," she revealed.

Maclaran added that the royal prince never thought his actions would bring such an effect that could make him miss the U.K. even more. In addition, Prince Harry reportedly told his friends that he wants to "repair" the relationship little by little.

She warned that this should be taken with a grain of salt, though. However, the professor also noted that Prince Harry's statement at the Diana Awards resonated with his desire for reconciliation.

What Happened During Diana Awards?

Before the official unveiling of Princess Diana's statue, the Duke of Sussex delivered a virtual message during the Diana Awards ceremony.

During that time, Prince Harry mentioned Prince William twice. The royal prince told the listeners that he and his brother would recognize Princess Diana's 60th birthday before adding that the late royal would be proud of the recipients.

The Diana Awards are given to people between ages nine to 25. It recognizes their humanitarian and social action in pursuit of continuing the Princess of Wales' legacy.

After Prince Harry acknowledged his brother, some royal commentators saw the move as an "olive branch."

READ ALSO: Prince William, Prince Harry Display Signs of Reconciliation During Princess Diana's Statue Unveiling - Beef Over?

Meanwhile, they also ignited reconnection talks during the special event itself. Body language expert Judi James said that the royals showed signs of reconciliation during Princess Diana's supposed 60th birthday.

James explained to Express UK that Prince Harry's gazed at his brother was a sign of reconciliation.

"They used identical poses and intrinsic subliminal close bonds. That's the old brotherly bond that they would have had," she said.

Their recent reunion came after they appeared together during Prince Philip's funeral in April.

READ MORE: Princess Diana Statue: Reason Why There Are Three Children Beside Late Royal Revealed
Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani got married over the weekend. It was said to be just an intimate ceremony, with the guest list not publicized which celebrities attended the event.

But according to Radar, Maroon 5 Frontman Adam Levine, who is said to be a "close friend" of the couple after meeting on "The Voice," wasn't at the ceremony.

In fact, he reportedly didn't get an invite. Similar to many people who did not know first-hand about last weekend's festivities, the Maroon 5 frontman just found out about the wedding through the media.

An insider revealed to the outlet, "Adam had no idea when Gwen and Blake very going to get married."

"Adam wasn't invited to the wedding and was not given the heads up despite the fact that Blake and Adam used to be as close as brothers when they were both on 'The Voice' together."

Reports suggest that only 40 people have attended Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani's wedding, which took place on the country superstar's ranch in Oklahoma.

However, this may not mean that they are not on good terms.

As another insider confirmed the outlet, Adam Levine wasn't the only "The Voice" co-star or famous friend missing from the ceremony.

It is said that even other co-judges like Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, and previous co-judges Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, CeeLo Green, Shakira, Usher, Pharrell, Miley Cyrus weren't invited.

The insider explained, "This was a wedding for close friends and family. Not Hollywood celebrities."

READ ALSO: Gwen Stefani's Relationship To Ex-Husband Days After Wedding to Blake Shelton Revealed; Was Gavin Rossdale Invited?

Despite not inviting numerous A-lists to their wedding, one person Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani wanted to be included in their special day was "The Voice," host Carson Daily.

Not only was he invited, but he also reportedly officiated the wedding ceremony.

Radar's insider discussed that instead of focusing on who the newly-wed couple is NOT close with, it's "interesting to focus on how close they are with Carson."

They even went on to say that the host is "literally family" to both of them.

Meanwhile, it seems like Carson also feels the same, especially with Blake.

He previously talked about his friendship with the "Minimum Wage" hitmaker, revealing to Today, "He's become one of the closest people in my life, to be honest with you."

Carson went on to say, "My friendship with Blake is probably the next best thing I've yielded by being on the show."

Just before the official wedding, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani signed a prenup and agreed to sign as they both have been divorced before.

READ MORE: Kim Kardashian vs. Kanye West: Who Is Likely To Become The Next Best 'Kris Jenner'?
Soulja Boy is in a lot of trouble, but he currently denies all of it.

An unnamed woman has sued the 30-year-old rapper for several things.

However, he has filed documents demanding the court to throw the case out.

Soulja Boy, whose real name is DeAndre Way, reportedly assaulted his girlfriend so severely that she ended up in a miscarriage, losing their child in the process.

Under the alias Jane Doe, his ex filed documents in the LA Superior Court two months ago accusing the "Pretty Boy Swag" hitmaker of physically and sexually abusing her for numerous years.

He even allegedly threatened her life and engaged in other forms of domestic violence during and after living together.

Jane Doe described an incident where the rapper reportedly viciously attacked her, resulting in them verbally arguing. At that point, Soulja Boy allegedly started to punch her in several body parts, including her face and chest that later on, she couldn't stand on her feet.

According to Jane's lawyer, "His punches caused her to fall to the ground, where she curled her body in to protect her stomach and used her hands to cover her head."

Another incident was when he started kicking his then-girlfriend "all over her body" and "particularly in the stomach," where Jane suffered a miscarriage.

There was also an incident that the musician pulled a gun on Jane back in 2016.

Jane also revealed that the "Turn My Swag On" rapper coerced her into providing sex by threatening violence.

Now, Jane Doe is seeking damages.

Soulja Boy Responds To The Claims

In response to the claims, Soulja Boy's lawyers told Radar, "With respect to all causes of action, even if someone is liable for improper or illegal conduct, a fact which Defendant denies, Defendant is in no way or manner vicariously liable for that conduct."

The Chicago native also insisted that the alleged actions that happened between him and Jane years before were something she reportedly "consented" at the time.

In court documents, he claimed that "willful, intentional, deliberate, malicious and fraudulent conduct of others was/were responsible for and proximately contributed to the damages alleged to have been sustained."

He wants the entire case to be dismissed.

READ ALSO:Britney Spears' BF Sam Asghari 'Manipulating' Her For Money?

Lawsuit Against Soulja Boy Not The First Time

Soulja Boy is also involved in another lawsuit filed by another ex-girlfriend named Kayla Myers.

Kayla submitted her case in 2020 and accused the rapper of tying her up with extension cords and even assaulting her at a 2019 party which left her with fractured ribs and bruises on her face.

Soulja Boy also denies any wrongdoings.

READ MORE: Alex Rodriguez Acting Weird and Obsessing Over Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's Romance?
Actor Kal Kilmer successfully survived cancer and decides to share his journey towards recovery.

According to sources, named after the actor himself, "VAL," the documentary is set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.

The whole film is made out of several clips taken over the past forty years, and Amazon Prime has already released the official trailer.

Directed by Leo Scott and Ting poo, the film showcased the decline in Val's health, which led him to retire early in his career.

The narration in the documentary was made possible through a voice box device as the tracheotomy, chemotherapy, and radiation heavily affected the star's voice.

In the trailer, Val's voice box was heard saying, "It's a story about my life that is also not my life."

Val Kilmer Recalls Glory Days of 'Batman Forever,' 'Top Gun,' 'Willow,' 'Tombstone'

Val Kilmer's "VAL" showed his legendary and miraculous life through the actor's lens, offering everything he had experienced.

The film was purely authentic home movie vibes with Kilmer's self-shot clips recorded using a 16mm video camera.

According to the New York Post, the documentary amounted to thousands of hours worth of footage.

Aside from diving into Kilmer's life-threatening disease, the documentary also featured behind the scene shots of the actor's career in the industry.

Everything is from Val Kilmer's perspective, including hanging out with his celebrity friends Kevin Bacon and Sean Penn during their peak.

After the initial premiere at Cannes, "VAL" will be available for viewers in theaters starting July 23 and August 6 for streaming on Amazon Prime subscribers.



READ ALSO: James Cameron Spills He Came Up with 'Terminator 2' John Connor Character While High on Ecstacy

Val Kilmer Fans Express Their Excitement for New Documentary

Val Kilmer announced the premiere of his documentary on Twitter, to which avid fans react and reply.

The former actor shared his thoughts with his tweet, "It feels like yesterday and yet it has been a lifetime... I look forward most to sharing my life's story with all of you."

As a lifelong filmmaker it thrills me to say the film will be in theaters July 23. And as a person who also enjoys getting cozy, I'm possibly more happy that it will be on @PrimeVideo Aug 6. Here's to giving every day the opportunity to be the most beautiful of your life. pic.twitter.com/noQ16UB0GN  Val Kilmer (@valkilmer) July 6, 2021

Twitter had been buzzing with tweets similar to this, "I need to watch that Val Kilmer documentary he shot of himself throughout his career."

I need to watch that Val Kilmer documentary he shot of himself throughout his career.  smile, accept others, and laugh (@okaytato) July 7, 2021



One fan commented under Val's post, "I've enjoyed everything you've shared with us since "Top Secret." Everything from this point on is just icing on an awesome cake."

I've enjoyed everything you've shared with us since "Top Secret". Everything from this point on is just icing on an awesome cake.  Cape Cod Tweetaah (@CapeCodTweetaah) July 6, 2021

Comedian Jenny Johnson also replied to his tweet with "Can't wait to watch."

Cant wait to watch.  Jenny Johnson (@JennyJohnsonHi5) July 6, 2021

Val Kilmer remains to be seen as an iconic legend in Hollywood and continues to inspire people.

READ MORE: Miranda McKeon Gets Honest About Breast Cancer Diagnosis: 'I Don't Want People Googling.'
2021-07-06

Maeci

Deputy Minister Benedetto Della Vedova spoke today at the conference From Yugoslavia to the European Union: the European integration of the Western Balkans and the new geopolitical challenges, organised by Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI).

In his opening remarks, Della Vedova emphasised that Italy supports the European aspirations of the Western Balkans countries with the aim of reviving the enlargement process and restoring its credibility, overcoming the current deadlock. We are convinced, he added, that the integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union is an essential step for the definitive stabilisation of the region and for the security of the European continent. All efforts must be made, the Deputy Minister added, not to invalidate the results achieved so far by the countries of the Western Balkans to conform to European standards, and to encourage the adoption of structural reforms to be adopted and implemented in order to come closer to Europe.

We should not forget, Della Vedova concluded, that the process of European integration does not consist merely in adapting national legislation to the Community acquis, but in internalising the set of values and principles that underpin the common European home. The political challenge for the Union lies first and foremost on the Brussels/Budapest/Warsaw axis. If the Union is able to tackle the violations of the rule of law in the existing member states, beyond the proclamations made, then it will be more credible in the negotiations on the various chapters for the accession of candidate countries: a Country wishing to join the Union must not only achieve the Community acquis, but above all maintain it.
'Magneto-rotational hypernova' soon after the Big Bang fuelled high levels of uranium, zinc in ancient stellar oddity

A massive explosion from a previously unknown source - 10 times more energetic than a supernova - could be the answer to a 13-billion-year-old Milky Way mystery.

Astronomers led by David Yong, Gary Da Costa and Chiaki Kobayashi from Australia's ARC Centre of Excellence in All Sky Astrophysics in 3 Dimensions (ASTRO 3D) based at the Australian National University (ANU) have potentially discovered the first evidence of the destruction of a collapsed rapidly spinning star - a phenomenon they describe as a "magneto-rotational hypernova".

The previously unknown type of cataclysm - which occurred barely a billion years after the Big Bang - is the most likely explanation for the presence of unusually high amounts of some elements detected in another extremely ancient and "primitive" Milky Way star.

That star, known as SMSS J200322.54-114203.3, contains larger amounts of metal elements, including zinc, uranium, europium and possibly gold, than others of the same age.

Neutron star mergers - the accepted sources of the material needed to forge them - are not enough to explain their presence.

The astronomers calculate that only the violent collapse of a very early star - amplified by rapid rotation and the presence of a strong magnetic field - can account for the additional neutrons required.

The research is published today in the journal Nature.

"The star we're looking at has an iron-to-hydrogen ratio about 3000 times lower than the Sun - which means it is a very rare: what we call an extremely metal-poor star," said Dr Yong, who is based at the ANU.

"However, the fact that it contains much larger than expected amounts of some heavier elements means that it is even rarer - a real needle in a haystack."

The first stars in the universe were made almost entirely of hydrogen and helium. At length, they collapsed and exploded, turning into neutron stars or black holes, producing heavier elements which became incorporated in tiny amounts into the next generation of stars - the oldest still in existence.

Rates and energies of these star deaths have become well known in recent years, so the amount of heavy elements they produce is well calculated. And, for SMSS J200322.54-114203.3, the sums just don't add up.

"The extra amounts of these elements had to come from somewhere," said Associate Professor Chiaki Kobayashi from the University of Hertfordshire, UK.

"We now find the observational evidence for the first time directly indicating that there was a different kind of hypernova producing all stable elements in the periodic table at once -- a core-collapse explosion of a fast-spinning strongly-magnetized massive star. It is the only thing that explains the results."

Hypernovae have been known since the late 1990s. However, this is the first time one combining both rapid rotation and strong magnetism has been detected.

"It's an explosive death for the star," said Dr Yong. "We calculate that 13 billion-years ago J200322.54-114203.3 formed out of a chemical soup that contained the remains of this type of hypernova. No one's ever found this phenomenon before."

J200322.54-114203.3 lies 7500 light-years from the Sun, and orbits in the halo of the Milky Way.

Another co-author, Nobel Laureate and ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt, added, "The high zinc abundance is definite marker of a hypernova, a very energetic supernova."

Head of the First Stars team in ASTRO 3D, Professor Gary Da Costa from ANU, explained that the star was first identified by a project called the SkyMapper survey of the southern sky.

"The star was first identified as extremely metal-poor using SkyMapper and the ANU 2.3m telescope at Siding Spring Observatory in western NSW," he said. "Detailed observations were then obtained with the European Southern Observatory 8m Very Large Telescope in Chile."

ASTRO 3D director, Professor Lisa Kewley, commented: "This is an extremely important discovery that reveals a new pathway for the formation of heavy elements in the infant universe."

Other members of the research team are based at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the US, Stockholm University in Sweden, the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics in Germany, Italy's Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica, and Australia's University of New South Wales.

###
Mandatory covid-19 vaccination for care home workers is unnecessary, disproportionate and misguided, warn experts

And is based on unreliable data

In The BMJ today, experts argue that mandatory vaccination is "unnecessary, disproportionate, and misguided."

The government decision to remove the right of care home staff in England to choose whether or not to be vaccinated against covid-19 is a profound departure from public health norms. The intended next step is a rapid and massive expansion of compulsory vaccination to legally require covid-19 and flu vaccination of all frontline health and social care workers, subject to consultation.

But Lydia Hayes, Professor of Law at Kent University and Allyson Pollock, Professor of public health at Newcastle University, say vaccination "is not a panacea for safety" and "will not remedy the serious shortcomings of the care sector in England."

They note government consultation documents and subsequent media reports have claimed that mandatory vaccination is necessary because of low vaccination take up rates in some care homes.

But figures show that by 20 June 2021, over 90% of care home residents in England had received two doses of a covid-19 vaccine, 84% of care workers in England had received a first dose, and 72% of care workers had received a second dose - in line with Scientific Advisory Group recommendations.

Their closer scrutiny of the data shows that uptake of the first dose of covid-19 vaccination among care workers is below 80% (68-74%) in only three English local authorities but these numbers are an artefact of very low numbers of staff employed by care homes in these London areas.

Moreover, they highlight that the government's own methodology note warns that reliable information on vaccination uptake cannot be directly derived from the data the government is using.

According to regulatory law, safety in care homes "is achieved through adequate staffing levels, training, equipment, cleanliness, personal protective equipment, risk assessment, and consultation with staff and residents," they write.

Vaccination protects individuals from covid-19 and reduces the risk of transmission of disease to others, but neither duration of protection nor efficacy against new variants are known.

Wales and Scotland have rejected compulsory vaccination for care workers and invested in systems of mandatory registration for care workers designed to professionalise the sector, increase access to training, and embed a culture of continuous professional development, they add.

But in England, successive ministers have rejected national care worker registration. "Hence, the Department of Health and Social Care and the CQC don't know who England's care workers are and training of the care workforce is woefully inadequate."

"Civil liberty is a necessary component of strong public health. Mandatory vaccination is unnecessary, disproportionate and misguided, they warn. "Safety can be assured only by taking steps to build trust and to mitigate outbreaks."

"Care workers need paid time in which to access vaccination and good training, decent wages (including sick pay), personal protective equipment, and strong infection control measures," they conclude.

###

Externally peer reviewed? No

Evidence type: Editorial; Opinion

Subjects: Care home workers
Palo Alto, CA--Dehydrated plant seeds can lay dormant for long periods--over 1,000 years in some species--before the availability of water can trigger germination. This protects the embryonic plant inside from a variety of environmental stresses until conditions are favorable for growth and survival. However, the mechanism by which the baby plant senses water and reactivates cellular activity has remained a mystery until now.

New work jointly led by Carnegie's Yanniv Dorone and Sue Rhee and Stanford University's Steven Boeynaems and Aaron Gitler discovered a protein that plays a critical "go, or no-go" role in this process--halting germination if the soil's hydrological conditions are less than ideal or allowing it to proceed if the chances of survival are good. Their findings have major implications for understanding plant ecology in a warming world and for the possibility of designing drought-resistant crops that can survive climate change and fight world hunger.

Their work is published in Cell.

Dorone, Rhee, Boeynaems, Gitler, and their colleagues--including Carnegie's Benjamin Jin, Shannon Hateley, Flavia Bossi, Elena Lazarus, and Moises Exposito-Alonso--used molecular, physiological, and ecological research techniques to reveal a previously uncharacterized protein that they named FLOE1.

"Despite the extraordinary toughness of many seeds, plants are still at their most vulnerable during this stage of their lives, because germination must be precisely timed to ensure the greatest chance of survival. Once germination starts, the plant cannot go back into its hibernation state--the genie can't be put back in the bottle," Dorone explained. "So, a protein like FLOE1 is crucial to a plant's ability to walk the tightrope between too soon and too late."

The key to FLOE1's capabilities is a recently discovered biophysical phenomenon that's a hot research topic right now called phase separation. This mechanism allows cells to dynamically compartmentalize biomolecules into membrane-less assemblies, rather than cordoning them off in a cellular organelle surrounded by a membrane.

"Think of an organelle as an office building where components of the cell are assigned to complete their physiological jobs; whereas, these phase-separation-enabled assemblies are more like a maker faire or hackathon, where proteins can come together to accomplish a task and then disburse when it's complete," Rhee said. "We found that FLOE1's ability to very quickly initiate this type of temporary gathering is crucial to its functionality."

When a dormant seed senses moisture in its proximity, FLOE1 almost instantaneously assembles in the cell to test the waters, so to speak, and determine whether the conditions are good for the seed to reactivate and start growing. Because the FLOE1 aggregation is temporary and reversible, it can act as a go or no-go signal, halting germination if water availability is determined to be less than optimal, or allowing it to proceed if the environment has enough water to support successful growth.

"We believe that this is the first study that provides information on how seeds can directly perceive their hydration state and act upon it," Rhee added.

The authors say that their discovery could lay the groundwork for engineering crops that are able to harness FLOE1's abilities in order to withstand the detrimental effects of climate change. This type of enhancement will be increasingly important to combat hunger around the world.

Although their work was conducted using the experimental mustard green Arabidopsis thaliana, Dorone, Rhee, Boeynaems, and Gitler found found that FLOE1 is present throughout the plant kingdom, even in plants that precede the evolution of seeds, meaning it could play many additional roles in plant cellular physiology, which could have additional bioengineering potential.

"What's more, FLOE1 is the first known protein to reversibly phase separate over hydration-dehydration cycles, but it's likely that similar processes occur in other organisms that have desiccated periods of dormancy, including human pathogens," Dorone concluded.

###

Other collaborators on the research team were: Eduardo Flores and Shahar Sukenik of University of California Merced; Janice G. Pennington and Marisa S. Otegui of University of Wisconsin Madison; Emiel Michiels, Mathias De Decker, Katlijn Vints, and Pieter Baatsen of KU Leuven; George W. Bassel of University of Warwick; and Alex S. Holehouse of Washington University in St. Louis.

This work was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. National Science Foundation, a Stanford Graduate Fellowship in Science and Engineering, the Carnegie Institution for Science, Brigitte Berthelemot, EMBO, and the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

The Carnegie Institution for Science (carnegiescience.edu) is a private, nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., with three research divisions on both coasts. Since its founding in 1902, the Carnegie Institution has been a pioneering force in basic scientific research. Carnegie scientists are leaders in the life and environmental sciences, Earth and planetary science, and astronomy and astrophysics.
"As our understanding of the mechanisms that control mTOR grows, new possibilities are opening up to interfere with these processes for therapeutic purposes," says Oscar Llorca, co-author of the study

The principle that form follows function does not only apply to design and architecture. It also applies to biology. Every organism is a universe that lives thanks to the activities of tens of thousands of nanomachines, whose functions depend on their forms. Biologists say macromolecular complexes instead of nanomachines and structure instead of form, but the idea is the same: know the form and you will understand the function. Now, a group at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) has helped determine the structure of a nanomachine essential for the functioning of another, mTOR, which plays fundamental roles in cancer and nutrition, ageing and other vital processes in the body.

The study, published in the journal Cell Reports, was carried out by the groups of Laurence H. Pearl and Chrisostomos Prodromou from the Genome Damage and Stability Centre at the University of Sussex (UK), in collaboration with Oscar Llorca, Director of the Structural Biology programme and Head of the Macromolecular Complexes in DNA Damage Response Group at the CNIO.

The golden age of structures

The finding comes in the middle of the golden age of structural biology. Researchers speak of the structural revolution: in recent years, the shape of an increasing number of molecular nanomachines has been solved, at a much faster rate than was typical a decade ago. The change is due to high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy, a technique that has made spectacular progress and now allows proteins to be visualised in atomic detail.

Knowing the structure of proteins helps in the search for new drugs. Proteins interact by fitting together, as in a tiny three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle; knowing the shape of one piece allows us to try to design another one that matches it and blocks it, thereby inhibiting it.

The importance of understanding how mTOR works

The mTOR protein acts as a sensor that alerts the cell to the presence of nutrients. Since its discovery in the 1990s, it has been observed to be involved in a wide range of pathologies, including cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. It is estimated that at least 60% of tumours show some form of modification in mTOR or proteins that interact with it.

It is, therefore, crucial to understand in detail how it works. But mTOR is not a protein that works alone: it is part of a macromolecular complex, a cluster of several proteins that join to work together like the parts of a complex (nano-) machine. As Llorca explains, "mTOR alone does nothing; it is part of a giant structure that contains other proteins, which allows it to behave in a complex way."

An assembly line of proteins

As with many other large macromolecular structures, the construction of the mTOR complex needs the help of other nanomachines that, "like an assembly line, add and assemble the elements of the final large structure," explains Llorca. If this large structure is not assembled, "mTOR is not able to decide whether the cells should grow or not."

The functioning of the proteins that make up this mTOR assembly army is not yet well understood.

The study carried out by Mohinder Pal, a researcher of the Pearl and Prodromou groups at the University of Sussex (UK) in collaboration with Llorca, helps to shed further light on this by determining the structure of part of the assembly machinery and the mechanisms by which it can recognise and manipulate mTOR.

The significance of the result is not merely fundamental. As Llorca points out, "as our understanding of the mechanisms that control mTOR grows, new possibilities are opening up to interfere with these processes for therapeutic purposes."

###

This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, the National Institute of Health Carlos III, the Welcome Trust, the European Regional Development Fund, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Community of Madrid.

Reference Article: Structure of the TELO2-TTI1-TTI2 complex and its function in TOR recruitment to the R2TP chaperone. Pal et al. (Cell Reports, 2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109317
BOSTON - The numbers of cancer screening tests rebounded sharply in the last quarter of 2020, following a dramatic decline in the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, at one large hospital system in the Northeastern United States. These findings were released in a study published in Cancer Cell. The research also found an increase in racial and socioeconomic disparities among users of some screening tests during the pandemic.

Study co-senior author Toni K. Choueiri, MD, director of the Lank Center for Genitourinary Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, said following a dramatic decline during the first pandemic peak, there was a "substantial increase in screening procedures during the more recent periods with numbers exceeding those seen before the pandemic. However, racial disparities appear to differ between screening procedures, and are more marked in patients undergoing mammography."

"Early screening and diagnosis provide patients with the best chance for cancer cure--a widened racial gap in cancer screening due to COVID-19 will exacerbate existing racial disparities in cancer mortality," adds Quoc-Dien Trinh, MD, co-director of the Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Prostate Cancer Center, co-leader of the Mass General Brigham United Against Racism prostate cancer outreach clinic, and co-senior author on the study.

During September to December 2020, cancer screening rates for breast, prostate cervical, and lung cancer recovered and exceeded numbers seen before the pandemic, the study authors said. However, the recovery was not seen in colonoscopy screening to detect colorectal cancer.

"Colonoscopy did not get back to normal levels," said Chris Labaki, MD, of Dana-Farber, co-first author of the study. One reason may be that it is the most invasive of the tests, requiring hospital and anesthesia services, the authors suggested. The investigators also noted that some patients who would have undergone colonoscopies to screen for colorectal cancer may have opted for alternative, home-based methods such as tests for occult blood in stool.

In addition to the pandemic's temporary stifling of routine cancer screening, the researchers also found an increase in racial and socioeconomic disparities with some screening tests. Significant shifts in the racial distribution of patients undergoing mammography were revealed in the decreased numbers of Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic patients having mammographies during the period September to December 2020 compared to the three months preceding the pandemic. This contrasted with an increase in mammography tests in the whole group of patients during the last quarter of 2020, according to the study. "These findings are concerning and suggest the pandemic may accentuate racial disparities related to cancer screening," the authors noted.

The racial proportions of patients undergoing screening during the pandemic remained stable for PSA, colonoscopy, Pap test, and CT scanning for lung cancer, compared to the pre-pandemic periods.

The study was based on records of the Mass General Brigham system, a large healthcare system in the Northeast -- a region that had experienced a sharp decline in screening during the early months of the pandemic. A decrease in numbers of screening tests during March to June 2020 and June to September 2020 ranged from minus 65% to minus 82% and minus 4% to minus 44%, respectively, depending on screening type.

The reduction in tests initially in 2020 and the resurgence in the last quarter of 2020 was accompanied by changes in diagnoses of cancer: only 1,985 positive tests were reported during the early pandemic (March-June 2020) compared to 3,476 positive tests in the September-December period.

Statisticians calculated that 1,187 diagnoses were "missed" from March to June 2020 because of reduced use of screening. Of those, 323 were "recovered" from September to December 2020, although the study did not note whether the cancers were found at later stages. For colonoscopy, no diagnoses were "recovered" and 38 positive diagnoses were "missed" across the three pandemic periods analyzed.

"The increase in screening tests that was identified from September to December 2020 helped to recover some of the "missed" cancer diagnoses from earlier time periods," Labaki added. "However, more efforts are still needed to ensure the implementation of large screening campaigns as a significant proportion of cancers remains undiagnosed." The delays in diagnosis are expected to cause adverse oncologic outcomes, the researchers say.

"We don't want to miss out on cancer screenings," Choueiri emphasized. "We would want patients to come back to discuss with us and their primary care providers and to embark on screening following the national COVID-19 pandemic guidelines."

###

The co-first authors of the study with Labaki are Ziad Bakouny, MD, MSc, and Andrew Schmidt, MD, of Dana-Farber. Co-authors are Stuart Lipsitz, ScD, of Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Timothy R. Rebbeck, PhD, of Dana-Farber and Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.

About Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center

Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center (DF/BWCC) brings together specialists from two world-class medical centers. DF/BWCC has a singular focus on conquering cancer and improving the way that cancer care is delivered throughout the world. Through our 12 specialized disease treatment centers, experts from one of the world's leading cancer institutes and one of the world's leading hospitals work together as one team to offer the most advanced treatments with the compassion and care that makes all the difference.
The Hikurangi Margin, located off the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand, is where the Pacific tectonic plate dives underneath the Australian tectonic plate, in what scientists call a subduction zone. This interface of tectonic plates is partly responsible for the more than 15,000 earthquakes the region experiences each year. Most are too small to be noticed, but between 150 and 200 are large enough to be felt. Geological evidence suggests that large earthquakes happened in the southern part of the margin before human record-keeping began.

Geophysicists, geologists, and geochemists from throughout the world have been working together to understand why this plate boundary behaves as it does, producing both imperceptible silent earthquakes, but also potentially major ones. A study published today in the journal Nature offers new perspective and possible answers.

Scientists knew that the ocean floor at the northern part of the island, where the plates slide slowly together, generates the small, slow-moving earthquakes called slow slip events--movements that take weeks, sometimes months to complete. But at the southern end of the island, instead of sliding slowly as they do in the northern area, the tectonic plates lock. This locking sets up the conditions for a sudden release of the plates, which can trigger a large earthquake.

"It is really curious and not understood why, in a relatively small geographic area, you would go from lots of small, slow-moving earthquakes to a potential for a really large earthquake," said marine electromagnetic geophysicist Christine Chesley, a graduate student at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and lead author on the new paper. "That's what we've been trying to understand, the difference in this margin."

In December 2018, a research team began a 29-day deep-sea cruise to collect data. Similar to taking an MRI of the Earth, the team employed electromagnetic wave energy to measure how current moves through features in the ocean floor. From these data, the team was able to get a more precise look at the role seamounts, large undersea mountains, play in generating earthquakes.

"The northern part of the margin has really large seamounts. It had been unclear what those mountains can do when they subduct (dive down into the deep earth) and how that dynamic affects the interaction between the two plates," said Chesley.

It turns out, the seamounts hold a lot more water than geophysicists had expected -- about three to five times more than typical oceanic crust. The abundant water lubricates the plates where they join, helping to smooth any slippage, and preventing the plates from the sticking that can set up a large earthquake. This helps explain the tendency toward the slow, silent earthquakes at the northern end of the margin.

Using these data, Chesley and her colleagues were also able to closely examine what is happening as a seamount subducts. They discovered an area in the upper plate that seems to be damaged by a subducting seamount. This upper plate zone also seemed to have more water in it.

"That suggests the seamount is breaking up the upper plate, making it weaker, which helps explain the unusual pattern of silent earthquakes there," said Chesley. The example provides another indication of how seamounts influence tectonic behavior and earthquake hazards.

Conversely, the lack of lubrication and the weakening effects of seamounts may make the southern part of the island more prone to sticking and generating large earthquakes.

Chesley, who is on track to complete her Ph.D. in the fall, hopes that these findings will encourage researchers to consider the way water in these seamounts contributes to seismic behavior as they continue to work to understand slow-moving earthquakes. "The more we study earthquakes, the more it seems water plays a starring role in modulating slip on faults," said Chesley. "Understanding when and where water is input into the system can only improve natural hazard assessment efforts."

###

Samer Naif, former Lamont Assistant Research Professor, now assistant professor at Georgia Tech; Kerry Key, associate professor at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory; and Dan Bassett, research scientist at GNS Science, collaborated on this research. This project was funded by the National Science Foundation.

Scientist contacts:

Christine Chesley: chesley@ldeo.columbia.edu

Kerry Key: kkey@ldeo.columbia.edu

More information:

Kevin Krajick, Senior editor, science news, The Earth Institute

kkrajick@ei.columbia.edu 212-854-9729

The Earth Institute, Columbia University mobilizes the sciences, education and public policy to achieve a sustainable earth. http://www. earth. columbia. edu .
Problem is "systemic but solvable" - Prof Chris Jackson

Parliamentary Inquiry - comment by Chi Onwurah MP

Climate change and the geosciences risk being seen as largely 'white sciences' in the Global North, according to a new study. The research shows that racial minority students are significantly underrepresented in Geology and other sciences of relevance to climate change.

Presenting the work at the Goldschmidt Geochemistry Conference*, author Professor Chris Jackson says that the lack of minority students and opinion leaders in these vital sciences reflects "systemic exclusion", and risks alienating large sections of the global population from our efforts to combat climate change and protect the environment.

Following findings in the USA showing racial exclusion in the environmental sciences, the UK researchers reviewed data from the HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency) for the main environmental sciences: Physical Geography, Geology, and Environmental Science. They then combined this with data from the 2011 UK census, to contrast participation of the various racial groups in these sciences against population data.

Despite 18.5% of UK 18 to 24 year-olds being from a minority population, in the 2018/2019 academic year only 5.2% of Physical Geography postgraduate research students came from BAME (Black, Asian or other Minority) groups. Environmental science (6.86%) and Geology (10.4%) fared slightly better, but with still far lower representation than other Physical Science subjects (for example, 22.5% of Materials Science postgraduate researchers were from BAME groups).

On average over the 5 years studied, just 1.4% of postgraduate geology students were Black; this compares with 3.8% of the UK university-attending population identifying as Black. During the last five years, there have been two years for both Geology and Physical Geography when no Black women entered postgraduate research.

These results reflect similar findings** in the USA, which showed that just 6% of Geoscience PhDs are awarded to minority students, despite 31% of the population coming from these groups. Taken together with the UK data, this indicates that the environmental sciences may be systemically excluding racial minority groups.

Professor Jackson (University of Manchester) said: "You can imagine that not seeing Black or Asian faces amongst the people who are taking important decisions is demoralising for these communities; it would be for any community. The level of BAME participation in the environmental sciences is extremely low. Census details tell us that we'd expect around 18% of students to come from BAME backgrounds. In geology it's around 10%, and in other environmental sciences, such as physical geography, this drops to just over 5%. This straddles the extreme low levels seen in the police service, which as we know has been blighted by racial discrimination, and which is rightly considered by some as being a 'hostile environment' for racial and ethnic minorities. The lack of participation of minorities in these environmental subjects, and the lack of identifiable opinion leaders which we see in both the US and the UK, cannot be a coincidence; it's systemic, but it's also solvable.

This matters to the wider community as well. COVID has shown us that feelings of exclusion have produced overall lower rates of vaccine uptake in some racial and ethnic minority groups compared to the dominant white population, and this is one of these situations where the whole population needs to participate for our efforts to succeed. We know that climate change is at least as big a challenge as COVID, and we need buy-in to address the problem. We can't afford our efforts to be impeded by white people failing to understand the scale and cause of this problem, and the exclusion felt amongst many Black, Asian and Minority people. These are not marginal issues: for example, my own science, Geology, is key to our understanding of climate change. The people and political powers who take decisions, and who are, for example, responsible for driving changes change, and for putting in place policies to help mitigate its impacts, must talk to and be trusted by the whole population".

The UK Parliament's All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Diversity and Inclusion in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) is currently undertaking an inquiry into equity in the UK STEM workforce, https:/ / www. britishscienceassociation. org/ appg This is chaired by Ms Chi Onwurah (Labour) MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central, who commented:

"The UK has a proud scientific history, the circumstances of the pandemic have only emphasised the central role that science plays in our day to day lives. As we begin to exit the pandemic and look to how we can build back better and greener, environmental science and geology will play a vital role in developing what our greener world will look like. But sadly, our science and geology sector is not representative of the UK with less than 25% of the STEM workforce being women and less that 10% of STEM Russell Group students coming from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. We are missing out on the potential of so many talented scientists, and risk further entrenching inequalities for the next generation if we do not act now to show everybody, no matter their background or gender, that science is for them".

Dr Amy Riches (University of Edinburgh), Co-Chair of the European Association of Geochemistry's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee commented:

"These observations showing lower than anticipated numbers of Black, Asian and other minority students studying geoscience and environmental subjects in UK higher education are concerning. Many people are working hard to ensure that geosciences, wider science, and other disciplines change to become more attractive, friendly, and inspiring for a diversity of students and staff. We cannot understate the importance of these progressive actions for our education system, society, and science."

###

Note: the headline and release summary text have been changed to reflect Eurekalert's word restrictions.

*The work on which this presentation is based has recently been published in Nature Geosciences "A UK perspective on tackling the geoscience racial diversity crisis in the Global North", by Natasha Dowey et al. Professor Jackson is a contributing author. See https:/ / www. nature. com/ articles/ s41561-021-00737-w

** see Bernard, R. E. & Cooperdock, E. H. G., No progress on diversity in 40 years Nat. Geosci. 11, 292-295 (2018)
There are some large shield volcanoes in the world's oceans where the lava is usually not ejected from the crater in violent explosions, but flows slowly out of the ground from long fissures. In the recent eruption of the Sierra Negra volcano in the Galapagos Islands, which lie just under a thousand kilometres off South America in the Pacific Ocean, one of these fissures was fed through a curved pathway in June 2018. This 15 kilometre-long pathway, including the kink, was created by the interaction of three different forces in the subsurface, Timothy Davis and Eleonora Rivalta from the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam, together with Marco Bagnardi and Paul Lundgren from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, now explain based on computer models in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.

Even before the eruption, the geoscientists in California had seen in radar satellite data that the surface of the flank of the 1140-metre-high Sierra Negra volcano had bulged to a height of about two metres: this bulge, about five kilometres wide, stretched from the crater rim about ten kilometres in a west-northwest direction and turned at a right angle to the north-northeast near the coast. Timothy Davis and his team then found out what this structure and its perplexing bend were all about with the help of computer models.

Driving Force 1: Hotspot beneath the Galapagos Islands

As with many other volcanoes in the middle of the world's oceans, a "hotspot" is hidden beneath the Galapagos Islands. For at least 20 million years, hot rock has been rising slowly from deep within the Earth's interior, like a solid, but difficult-to-form plasticine. Like a blowtorch, this hotspot, up to 200 kilometres wide, melts its way through the solid crust of the Earth. This hot magma is a little lighter than the solid rock around it, so it keeps rising until it collects in a large cavity about two kilometres below the crater of the Sierra Negra volcano. "With a diameter of around six kilometres and a thickness of no more than one kilometre, this magma chamber resembles an oversized pancake of molten rock," Timothy Davis describes this structure.

Driving Force 2: the Weight of the Volcano Rock

In the almost 13 years since the last eruption in October 2005, more and more magma has flowed into the chamber from below. There, the pressure rose and lifted the crater floor up to 5.20 metres. However, the enormous force of the gathering magma masses sought another way out. Deep underground, the viscous rock slowly crawled in a west-northwest direction. Another force plays an important role here: the enormous weight of the volcano's rock masses presses from above on the magma flow that is just forming. As the shield volcano becomes flatter and flatter towards the outside, the pressure there also decreases. As the molten rock is pressed in the direction with lower pressure, it slowly swells outwards in a magma flow that is four kilometres wide but only about two metres high.

Driving Force 3: Buoyancy

Near the coastline, the flattening shield volcano presses ever more weakly on the now almost ten-kilometre-long magma corridor deep below the surface. There, a third force gains the upper hand. The magma is much lighter than the rock around the passage and was previously only prevented from swelling by the overlying weight of the shield volcano. Near the coastline, however, this buoyancy becomes stronger than the pressure of the rock from above. On top of that, the magma slope there tilts about ten degrees into the depths. Together, these forces change the direction in which the viscous rock is pressed and the magma slope bends towards the north-northeast.

The rock cracks, the volcano erupts

Still, the magma swelling under the crater continues to increase the pressure until the upward-pressing molten mass begins to crack the rock around the magma passage. At no more than walking speed, this magma-filled crack (dyke) is travelling deep underground towards the coastline. "The magma rising from the crack reaches the surface after a few days and continues to flow there as lava, which solidifies after some time," Timothy Davis explains the subsequent course of the volcanic eruption.

Important prerequisite for prediction and hazard minimization

For the first time, the geophysicist was able to simulate such a tortuous magma propagation pathway feeding an eruption and determine the forces that control this. Timothy Davis and Eleonora Rivalta, together with their colleagues in California, have thus laid important foundations for research into such fissure eruptions. And they have taken a decisive step towards predicting such eruptions and thus reducing the dangers they pose.

###
In a new study on mice, Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers report that using MRI scans to measure blood volume in the brain can serve as a noninvasive way to potentially track the progress of gene editing therapies for early-stage Huntington's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that attacks brain cells. The researchers say that by identifying and treating the mutation known to cause Huntington's disease with this type of gene therapy, before a patient starts showing symptoms, it may slow progression of the disease.

The findings of the study were published May 27 in the journal Brain.

"What's exciting about this study is the opportunity to identify a reliable biomarker that can track the potential success of genetic therapies before patients start manifesting symptoms," says Wenzhen Duan, M.D., Ph.D., director of the translational neurobiology laboratory and professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. "Such a biomarker could facilitate the development of new treatments, and help us determine the best time to begin them."

Huntington's disease is a rare genetic disorder caused by a single defective gene, dubbed "huntingtin," on human chromosome 4. The gene is passed on from parents to children -- if one parent has the mutation, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting it. Huntington's disease has no cure and can lead to emotional disturbances, loss of intellectual abilities and uncontrolled movements. Thanks to genetic testing, people can know if they have the disease long before symptoms arise, which typically happens in their 40s or 50s.

For the study, Duan and her team collaborated with colleagues from Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, who developed a novel method to more precisely measure the blood volume in the brain by using advanced functional MRI scans. With the scans, they can map the trajectory of blood flow in small blood vessels called arterioles in the brains of mice engineered to carry the human huntingtin gene mutation that mirror the early stages of Huntington's disease in humans.

Duan notes that there are many known metabolic changes in the brains of people with Huntington's disease, and those changes initiate a brain blood volume response in the disease's early stages. Blood volume is a key marker for oxygen supply to brain cells, which in turn supplies energy for the neurons to function. But with Huntington's disease, the brain's arteriolar blood volume is dramatically diminished, which makes the neurons deteriorate because of lack of oxygen as the disease progresses.

In a series of experiments, the researchers suppressed the mutation in the huntingtin gene in mice, using a gene-editing technology known as CRISPR -- a tool for editing genomes that allows the alteration of a DNA sequence to modify gene function. Then, they used the MRI scanning technique and other tests to track the brain function over time both of mice with the huntingtin mutation, in which they edited out the faulty gene sequence, and a control group of mice in which the faulty gene was unedited.

The experiments assessed abnormalities in the trajectory of arteriolar blood volumes in mouse brains with the Huntington's disease mutation at 3, 6 and 9 months of age (pre-symptom stage, beginning of symptoms and post-symptom stage, respectively). The researchers looked at whether suppression of the mutant huntingtin gene in the neurons could normalize altered arteriolar blood volumes in the pre-symptom stage, and whether reduced expression of the huntingtin gene at the pre-symptom stage could delay or even prevent development of symptoms.

"Overall, our data suggest that the cerebral arteriolar blood volume measure may be a promising noninvasive biomarker for testing new therapies in patients with Huntington's who are yet to show symptoms of the disease," says Duan. "Introducing treatment in this early stage may have long-lasting benefits."

When the researchers mapped the trajectory of cerebral blood volume and conducted an assortment of brain and motor tests in the mice at 3 months of age, and compared the test to those of the control group, they observed no significant differences except in cerebral blood volumes. However, Huntington's symptoms in the mice with the huntingtin gene started at 6 months of age and progressively worsened at 9 months, suggesting that altered cerebral blood volume occurs before motor symptoms and atrophy of the brain cells -- typical traits of the disease.

The cerebral blood volume changes were also found to be similar to those observed in patients with Huntington's disease before they start manifesting symptoms, which declines with the start of symptoms and while the disease progresses over time.

The researchers also analyzed the structure of the arteriole blood vessels in the brains of mice with the mutant huntingtin gene at 3 and at 9 months of age and found no differences in the numbers of vessel segments in the pre-symptom stage. However, they observed that smaller blood vessels had an increased density and reduced diameter, which may be a vascular response to compensate for the impaired neuronal brain function. This might suggest, the researchers conclude, that impaired vascular structure leads to lowered arteriole blood volumes and possibly compromised ability to compensate for the loss in the symptom stage.

Considering that Huntington's disease symptoms depend not only on brain cell loss but also on how neurons deteriorate, the researchers set out to determine if suppressing the huntingtin gene during the pre-symptom stage in mice could delay or even prevent disease progression. To do that, the researchers introduced the altered huntingtin gene to the neurons in mice at 2 months of age and evaluated the outcomes at 3 months of age (when no atrophy or motor deficits were present).

Remarkably, the researchers say, the cerebral arteriolar blood volume in mice with the altered huntingtin gene was This suggests that the altered cerebral blood volume during the pre-symptom stage in mice is most likely due to neuronal changes in either activity or metabolism.

"Our findings demonstrate that significant changes in arteriolar cerebral blood volumes occur before neurons start to degenerate and symptoms begin, further supporting the idea that altered cerebrovascular function is an early stage symptom in Huntington's disease," says Duan. She explains that these changes also indicate there's a pre-symptom therapeutic window in which to test interventions. While no animal model replicates all the symptoms of human Huntington's disease, this research offers an alternative system to study functional changes in the pre-symptom stage, she says.

Further validation of these findings in human clinical trials would facilitate development of efficient therapeutic interventions for patients with Huntington's disease before they start developing symptoms. "The goal is to delay or even conceivably prevent the manifestation of Huntington's disease altogether," says Duan.

Along with Duan, other researchers who contributed to the work are Hongshuai Liu, Chuangchuang Zhang, Jing Jin, Liam Cheng, Qian Wu, Zhiliang Wei, Peiying Liu and Christopher Ross from Johns Hopkins, and Jiadi Xu, Xinyuan Miao, Hanzhang Lu, Peter van Zijl and Jun Hua from the Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins.

###
Production, warehouse, shipping - where goods are produced, stored, sorted or packed, picking also takes place. This means that several individual goods are removed from storage units such as boxes or cartons and reassembled. Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), together with partners from Germany and Canada, want to make picking robots smarter using distributed AI methods. To do this, they are investigating how to use training data from multiple stations, from multiple plants, or even companies without requiring participants to hand over sensitive company data.

"We are investigating how the most versatile training data possible from multiple locations can be used to develop more robust and efficient solutions using artificial intelligence algorithms than with data from just one robot," says Jonathan Auberle from the Institute of Material Handling and Logistics (IFL) at KIT. In the process, items are further processed by autonomous robots at several picking stations by means of gripping and transferring. At the various stations, the robots are trained with very different articles. At the end, they should be able to grasp articles from other stations that they have not yet learned about. "Through the approach of federated learning, we balance data diversity and data security in an industrial environment," says the expert.

Powerful algorithms for industry and logistics 4.0

"Until now, federated learning has been used predominantly in the medical sector for image analysis, where the protection of patient data is a particularly high priority," explains Auberle. Consequently, he says, there is no exchange of training data such as images or grasp points for training the artificial neural network. Instead, only the local weights of the neural network, i.e. parts of the stored knowledge, are transferred to a central server. "There, the weights from all stations are collected and optimized using various criteria. Then the improved version is played back to the local stations and the process repeats." The goal is to develop new, more powerful algorithms for the robust use of artificial intelligence for industry and Logistics 4.0 while complying with data protection guidelines.

During the project, a total of four autonomous picking stations will be set up for training the robots: Two at the KIT Institute for Material Handling and Logistics (IFL) and two at the Festo SE company based in Esslingen am Neckar.

In the FLAIROP research project, we are developing new ways for robots to learn from each other without sharing sensitive data and company secrets. This brings two major benefits: we protect our customers' data and we gain speed because the robots can take over many tasks more quickly. In this way, the collaborative robots can, for example, support production workers with repetitive, heavy, and tiring tasks", says Jan Seyler, Head of Advanced Develop. Analytics and Control at Festo SE & Co. KG.

"DarwinAI is thrilled to provide our Explainable (XAI) platform to the FLAIROP project and pleased to work with such esteemed Canadian and German academic organizations and our industry partner, Festo. We hope that our XAI technology will enable high-value human-in-the-loop processes for this exciting project, which represents an important facet of our offering alongside our novel approach to Federated Learning. Having our roots in academic research, we are enthusiastic about this collaboration and the industrial benefits of our new approach for a range of manufacturing customers", says Sheldon Fernandez, CEO, DarwinAI.

"The University of Waterloo is ecstatic to be working with Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and a global industrial automation leader like Festo to bring the next generation of trustworthy artificial intelligence to manufacturing. By harnessing DarwinAI's Explainable AI (XAI) and Federated Learning, we can enable AI solutions to help support factory workers in their daily production tasks to maximize efficiency, productivity, and safety", says Dr. Alexander Wong, Co-director of the Vision and Image Processing Research Group, University of Waterloo, and Chief Scientist at DarwinAI.

###

About FLAIROP

The FLAIROP (Federated Learning for Robot Picking) project is a partnership between Canadian and German organizations. The Canadian project partners focus on object recognition through Deep Learning, Explainable AI, and optimization, while the German partners contribute their expertise in robotics, autonomous grasping through Deep Learning, and data security.

KIT-IFL: consortium leadership, development grasp determination, development automatic learning data generation.

KIT-AIFB: Development of Federated Learning Framework

Festo S.E.: development of picking stations, piloting in real warehouse logistics

University of Waterloo (Canada): Development object recognition

Darwin AI (Canada): Local and Global Network Optimization, Automated Generation of Network Structures

Contact for this press release:

Dr. Felix Mescoli, Press Officer, Phone: +49 721 608 41171, felix mescoli?kit edu

Being "The Research University in the Helmholtz Association", KIT creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is the objective to make significant contributions to the global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 9,600 employees cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences. KIT prepares its 23,300 students for responsible tasks in society, industry, and science by offering research-based study programs. Innovation efforts at KIT build a bridge between important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural basis of life. KIT is one of the German universities of excellence.
An estimated 8.4 billion people could be at risk from malaria and dengue by the end of the century if emissions keep rising at current levels, according to a new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health.

The research team estimates that this worst-case scenario would mean the population at risk of the diseases might increase by up to 4.7 additional billion people (relative to the period 1970-1999), particularly in lowlands and urban areas, if temperatures rise by about 3.7C 1 by 2100 compared to pre-industrial levels.

The study was led by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) with partners from Umea University, Sweden; Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Italy; University of Heidelberg, Germany; and the University of Liverpool.

The team used a range of models to measure the potential impact of climate change on the length of the transmission season and population at risk of two important mosquito-borne diseases - malaria and dengue - by the end of the 21st century compared with 100 years earlier. They made their predictions based on different levels of greenhouse gas emissions, population density (to represent urbanisation) and altitude.

For malaria, the modelling for the worst-case scenario estimated a total of 8.4 billion people being at risk in 2078 (ie 89.3% of an estimated global population of 9.4 billion) compared with an average of 3.7 billion over the period 1970-1999 (ie 75.6% of an estimated global population of 4.9 billion)2. For dengue, the modelling estimated a total of 8.5 billion people at risk in 2080 compared with an average of 3.8 billion in 1970-1999.

Malaria suitability is estimated to gradually increase as a consequence of a warming climate in most tropical regions, especially highland areas in the African region (eg Ethiopia, Kenya and South Africa), the Eastern Mediterranean region (eg Somalia, Saudi Arabia and Yemen), and the Americas (eg Peru, Mexico and Venezuela). Dengue suitability is predicted to increase mostly in lowland areas in the Western Pacific region (eg Guam, Vanuatu, Palau) and the Eastern Mediterranean region (eg Somalia and Djibouti), and in highland areas in the Americas (eg Guatemala, Venezuela and Costa Rica).

The research predicts there will be a northward shift of the malaria-epidemic belt in North America, central northern Europe, and northern Asia, and a northward shift of the dengue-epidemic belt over central northern Europe and northern USA because of increases in suitability.

All the scenarios predicted an overall increase in the population at risk of malaria and dengue over the century. However, the impact would reduce substantially if action were taken to reduce global emissions, according to the modelling.

In the scenario where emissions are reduced the most - greenhouse gas emissions decline by 2020 and go to zero by 2100 and global mean temperature increases by 1C between 2081 and 2100 - an additional 2.35 billion people are predicted to be living in areas suitable for malaria transmission. For dengue in this scenario, the modelling suggests 2.41 additional billion people could be at risk.

The study highlighted that if emission levels continue to rise at current levels, tropical high-elevation areas (more than 1,000 metres above sea level) in areas such as Ethiopia, Angola, South Africa, and Madagascar could experience up to 1.6 additional climatically suitable months for malaria transmission in 2070-2099 compared with the period 1970-1999.

The study predicted that the length of the dengue transmission season could increase by up to four additional months in tropical lowland areas in south east Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Indian sub-continent.

First author Dr Felipe J Colon-Gonzalez, Assistant Professor at LSHTM, said: "Our results highlight why we must act to reduce emissions to limit climate change.

"This work strongly suggests that reducing greenhouse gas emissions could prevent millions of people from contracting malaria and dengue. The results show low-emission scenarios significantly reduce length of transmission, as well as the number of people at risk. Action to limit global temperature increases well below 2C must continue.

"But policymakers and public health officials should get ready for all scenarios, including those where emissions remain at high levels. This is particularly important in areas that are currently disease-free and where the health systems are likely to be unprepared for major outbreaks."

Climate change has increased concerns that mosquito-borne disease transmission will intensify through increased vector survival and biting rates, increased replication of pathogens within vectors, shorter reproduction rates, and longer transmission seasons.

Malaria and dengue, the most important mosquito-borne global threats3, are being found in more areas, gradually emerging in previously unaffected places, and re-emerging in places where they had subsided for decades. Malaria is shifting towards higher altitudes, and urbanisation is associated with increasing dengue risk.

While differential effects of climate change with altitude and urbanisation have been previously discussed, they have not been quantified globally for different levels of altitude and urbanisation, until now.

The research team's methods involved identifying the risk for each World Health Organization (WHO) region4 using six emission and socioeconomic scenario combinations ranging from conservative to business as usual5, and six disease models.

Although the worst-case scenario models indicated that some areas could become too hot for some mosquito species, that situation would likely cause other health effects such as heat-related mortality, reduced labour productivity, and reduced food production.

Moreover, mosquito-borne diseases could become a bigger problem elsewhere, including expanding further north and into higher altitude and temperate regions, as climatic conditions such as temperature and rainfall enable malaria and dengue to thrive in different parts of the world.

Senior author Dr Rachel Lowe, Associate Professor and Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellow at LSHTM, said: "A number of interventions will be needed to adapt to the health effects of a warmer and more urbanised world and to prepare for all scenarios.

"Our findings stress the importance of increased surveillance in potential hotspot areas to monitor the emergence of diseases, especially in places without previous experience of dengue or malaria.

"Public health action will be particularly important in areas where transmission is occasional because public health systems might be unprepared to control and prevent these diseases."

The authors acknowledge limitations in the study including the fact they did not consider the effects of socioeconomic development, disease and vector evolution, or the development of more effective drugs and vaccines, all of which could lead to important differences in the amount of risk simulated. The estimates are also constrained by the selection of climate and disease models, and the selected combinations of emission and socioeconomic scenarios. In future experiments, researchers could incorporate larger model ensembles and scenario combinations to provide a richer view of the uncertainty around the estimates.

###

For more information or interview requests, please contact press@lshtm.ac.uk.

A copy of the embargoed paper is available upon request. Once published the paper will be available here: http://www. thelancet. com/ journals/ lanplh/ article/ PIIS2542-5196 (21)00132-7/fulltext

Publication:

Felipe J Colon-Gonzalez at al. Projecting the risk of mosquito-borne diseases in a warmer and more populated world: a multi-model multi-scenario intercomparison modelling study. The Lancet Planetary Health.

The researchers are funded by the UK Space Agency, Royal Society, UK National Institute for Health Research, and Swedish Research Council.

Notes to Editors

1. Range = 2.6-4.8C

2. Overall global population was, on average, 4.9 billion over 1970-1999 and is predicted to rise to 9.4 billion in 2080.

3. There are an estimated 230 million cases of malaria per year, and about 93% of those cases occur in Sub-Saharan Africa. The estimated burden of dengue is estimated at about 390 million annual cases.

4. African Region (AFR), Region of the Americas (AMR), South-East Asian Region (SEAR), European Region (EUR), Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), Western Pacific Region (WPR).

5. Scenarios:

RCP2.6-SSP1: stringent pathway with greenhouse emissions declining by 2020 and go to zero by 2100, low challenges to the mitigation of such emissions, and low challenges for adaptation to the new conditions

RCP2.6-SSP2 stringent pathway with greenhouse emissions declining by 2020 and go to zero by 2100, medium challenges to mitigation and adaptation

RCP4.5-SSP2 Intermediate greenhouse emission scenario with emissions peaking at about 2040, then decline, medium challenges to mitigation and adaptation

RCP6.0-SSP2 greenhouse emissions peak by 2080 and stabilise shortly after 2100 by the application of a range of technologies and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, medium challenges to mitigation and adaptation

RCP8.5-SSP2 increasing carbon emissions over time, medium challenges to mitigation and adaptation

RCP8.5-SSP5 increasing carbon emissions over time, high challenges to mitigation with low challenges to adaptation

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is a world-leading centre for research, postgraduate studies and continuing education in public and global health. LSHTM has a strong international presence with over 3,000 staff and 4,000 students working in the UK and countries around the world, and an annual research income of 180 million.

LSHTM is one of the highest-rated research institutions in the UK, is partnered with two MRC University Units in The Gambia and Uganda, and was named University of the Year in the Times Higher Education Awards 2016. Our mission is to improve health and health equity in the UK and worldwide; working in partnership to achieve excellence in public and global health research, education and translation of knowledge into policy and practice.
Bahamian mosquitofish in habitats fragmented by human activity are more willing to explore their environment, more stressed by change and have smaller brain regions associated with fear response than mosquitofish from unaffected habitats. The new study from North Carolina State University shows that these fish have adapted quickly in specific ways to human-driven change, and cautions that environmental restoration projects should understand these changes so as not to damage adapted populations.

The Bahamas mosquitofish is a small, coastal fish species that frequently inhabits tidal creeks - shallow, tidally influenced marine ecosystems. In the 1960s and 70s, road construction in The Bahamas caused many of these habitats to become "fragmented," or largely cut off from the ocean.

"Mosquitofish in these fragmented areas suddenly found themselves in a much different environment than previously, in terms of things like predation and tidal dynamics," says Brian Langerhans, associate professor of biology at NC State and corresponding author of the study. "We set out to determine how natural variation in structural habitat complexity and human-induced fragmentation influenced exploratory behavior, stress response, and brain anatomy."

Langerhans and a team of NC State researchers observed about 350 mosquitofish from seven different populations: three fragmented and four non-fragmented. The habitats varied in complexity, from simple mud-bottomed spaces to those that included a large number of rocks and vegetation, such as mangroves.

"We were testing predictions based upon our understanding of natural selection," Langerhans says. "For instance, in a fragmented space with fewer natural predators, we hypothesized that those fish would be more exploratory, since exploratory behavior could be rewarded in terms of competing for food. We also wanted to see if there were physiological changes to the areas of the brain that are associated with those and other similar behaviors."

The team measured stress response and exploratory behavior by temporarily placing mosquitofish in a different environment and observing changes in respiration and their willingness to explore. They also compared brain size in fish from the different habitats.

They found that overall, fish from a more complex environmental habitat were more willing to explore new environments. But for a given level of habitat complexity, fish in fragmented sites were more exploratory than those from unfragmented sites. In addition, fish from fragmented habitats had a higher stress response to change.

"These findings were in line with our expectations," Langerhans says. "Exploratory behavior can reward fish in habitats with few predators by helping them compete for food, and can give fish in complex habitats an advantage in locating safety and hard-to-find food resources. As for the stress response, fish in unfragmented tidal creeks with lots of predators and high tidal dynamics have a higher level of everyday stress than those in more static, predator-free habitats. Change will be much more stressful for fish in the latter areas, since they're less stressed to begin with."

They also noted that while there were no overall differences in brain size between fish from differing habitats, fish from fragmented environments had a smaller telencephalon - the region of the brain associated with fear response, while fish in complex environments had a larger optic tectum and cerebellum, brain regions associated with responding to visual stimuli, motor skills, and associative learning.

"Brain tissue is expensive for an organism to produce," Langerhans says. "If fish in fragmented or simple environments no longer experience major demands for behaviors such as avoiding predation or navigating complex situations, seeing changes in these brain areas isn't that surprising."

The study also highlights how quickly organisms adapt to new environments, and how those environments affect the biological makeup of their inhabitants - something that restoration project planners should keep in mind when attempting to restore habitats to their ancestral state.

"Everything that humans plan to do to these environments should have a lot of forethought put into it," Langerhans says. "If local adaptations occurred over a 50-year period in response to an altered environment and we quickly restore it to 'normal,' you could do more harm than good to some of its inhabitants."

The research appears in the Journal of Animal Ecology, and was supported by NC State's W.M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, the Helge Axson Johnson Foundation, and the Swedish Research Council (Grant 2015-00300). NC State graduate student Matthew Jenkins is first author. NC State undergraduates John Cummings and Alex Cabe, fisheries and wildlife professor Nils Peterson, and former NC State postdoctoral researcher Kaj Hulthen, also contributed to the work.

###

Note to editors: An abstract follows.

"Natural and anthropogenic sources of habitat variation influence exploration behaviour, stress response, and brain morphology in a coastal fish"

DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13557

Authors: Matthew R. Jenkins, John M. Cummings, Alex R. Cabe, Kaj Hulthen, M. Nils Peterson, R. Brian Langerhans, North Carolina State University

Published: Journal of Animal Ecology

Abstract: Evolutionary ecology aims to better understand how ecologically important traits respond to environmental heterogeneity. Environments vary both naturally and as a result of human activities, and investigations that simultaneously consider how natural and human-induced environmental variation affect diverse trait types grow increasingly important as human activities drive species endangerment. Here, we examine how habitat fragmentation and structural habitat complexity, affect disparate trait types in Bahamas mosquitofish (Gambusia hubbsi) inhabiting tidal creeks. We tested a priori predictions for how these factors might influence exploratory behaviour, stress reactivity, and brain anatomy. We examined approximately 350 adult Bahamas mosquitofish from seven tidal creek populations across Andros Island, The Bahamas that varied in both human-caused fragmentation (three fragmented, four unfragmented) and natural habitat complexity (e.g. 5-fold variation in rock habitat). Populations that had experienced severe human-induced fragmentation, and thus restriction of tidal exchange from the ocean, exhibited greater exploration of a novel environment, stronger physiological stress responses to a mildly stressful event, and smaller telencephala (relative to body size). These changes matched adaptive predictions based mostly on 1) reduced chronic predation risk and 2) decreased demands for navigating tidally dynamic habitats. Populations from sites with greater structural habitat complexity showed a higher propensity for exploration and a relatively larger optic tectum and cerebellum. These patterns matched adaptive predictions related to increased demands for navigating complex environments. Our findings demonstrate environmental variation, including recent anthropogenic impacts (<50 years), can significantly affect complex, ecologically important traits. Yet trait-specific patterns may not be easily predicted, as we found strong support for only six of 12 predictions. Our results further highlight the utility of simultaneously quantifying multiple environmental factors--e.g. had we failed to account for habitat complexity, we would not have detected effects of fragmentation on exploratory behaviours. These responses, and their ecological consequences, may be complex: rapid and adaptive phenotypic responses to anthropogenic impacts can facilitate persistence in human-altered environments, but may come at a cost of population vulnerability if ecological restoration were to occur without consideration of the altered traits.
From above, the Antarctic Ice Sheet might look like a calm, perpetual ice blanket that has covered Antarctica for millions of years. But the ice sheet can be thousands of meters deep at its thickest, and it hides hundreds of meltwater lakes where its base meets the continent's bedrock. Deep below the surface, some of these lakes fill and drain continuously through a system of waterways that eventually drain into the ocean.

Now, with the most advanced Earth-observing laser instrument NASA has ever flown in space, scientists have improved their maps of these hidden lake systems under the West Antarctic ice sheet--and discovered two more of these active subglacial lakes.

The new study provides critical insight for spotting new subglacial lakes from space, as well as for assessing how this hidden plumbing system influences the speed at which ice slips into the Southern Ocean, adding freshwater that may alter its circulation and ecosystems.

NASA's Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite 2, or ICESat-2, allowed scientists to precisely map the subglacial lakes. The satellite measures the height of the ice surface, which, despite its enormous thickness, rises or falls as lakes fill or empty under the ice sheet.

The study, published July 7 in Geophysical Research Letters, integrates height data from ICESat-2's predecessor, the original ICESat mission, as well as the European Space Agency's satellite dedicated to monitoring polar ice thickness, CryoSat-2.

Hydrology systems under the Antarctic ice sheet have been a mystery for decades. That began to change in 2007, when Helen Amanda Fricker, a glaciologist at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego, made a breakthrough that helped update classical understanding of subglacial lakes in Antarctica.

Using data from the original ICESat in 2007, Fricker found for the first time that under Antarctica's fast flowing ice streams, an entire network of lakes connect with one another, filling and draining actively over time. Before, these lakes were thought to hold meltwater statically, without filling and draining.

"The discovery of these interconnected systems of lakes at the ice-bed interface that are moving water around, with all these impacts on glaciology, microbiology, and oceanography--that was a big discovery from the ICESat mission," said Matthew Siegfried, assistant professor of geophysics at Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colo. and lead investigator in the new study. "ICESat-2 is like putting on your glasses after using ICESat, the data are such high precision that we can really start to map out the lake boundaries on the surface."

Scientists have hypothesized subglacial water exchange in Antarctica results from a combination of factors, including fluctuations in the pressure exerted by the massive weight of the ice above, the friction between the bed of the ice sheet and the rocks beneath, and heat coming up from the Earth below that is insulated by the thickness of the ice. That's a stark contrast from the Greenland ice sheet, where lakes at the bed of the ice fill with meltwater that has drained through cracks and holes on the surface.

To study the regions where subglacial lakes fill and drain more frequently with satellite data, Siegfried worked with Fricker, who played a key role in designing the way the ICESat-2 mission observes polar ice from space.

Siegfried and Fricker's new research shows that a group of lakes including the Conway and Mercer lakes under the Mercer and Whillans ice streams in West Antarctica are experiencing a draining period for the third time since the original ICESat mission began measuring elevation changes on the ice sheet's surface in 2003. The two newly found lakes also sit in this region.

In addition to providing vital data, the study also revealed that the outlines or boundaries of the lakes can change gradually as water enters and leaves the reservoirs.

"We're really mapping out any height anomalies that exist at this point," Siegfried said. "If there are lakes filling and draining, we will detect them with ICESat-2."

'Helping Us Observe' Under the Ice Sheet

Precise measurements of basal meltwater are crucial if scientists want to gain a better understanding of Antarctica's subglacial plumbing system, and how all that freshwater might alter the speed of the ice sheet above or the circulation of the ocean into which it ultimately flows.

An enormous dome-shaped layer of ice covering most of the continent, the Antarctic ice sheet flows slowly outwards from the central region of the continent like super thick honey. But as the ice approaches the coast, its speed changes drastically, turning into river-like ice streams that funnel ice rapidly toward the ocean with speeds up to several meters per day. How fast or slow the ice moves depends partly on the way meltwater lubricates the ice sheet as it slides on the underlying bedrock.

As the ice sheet moves, it suffers cracks, crevasses, and other imperfections. When lakes under the ice gain or lose water, they also deform the frozen surface above. Big or small, ICESat-2 maps these elevation changes with a precision down to just a few inches using a laser altimeter system that can measure Earth's surface with unprecedented detail.

Tracking those complex processes with long-term satellite missions will provide crucial insights into the fate of the ice sheet. An important part of what glaciologists have discovered about ice sheets in the last 20 years comes from observations of how polar ice is changing in response to warming in the atmosphere and ocean, but hidden processes such as the way lake systems transport water under the ice will also be key in future studies of the Antarctic Ice Sheet, Fricker said.

"These are processes that are going on under Antarctica that we wouldn't have a clue about if we didn't have satellite data," Fricker said, emphasizing how her 2007 discovery enabled glaciologists to confirm Antarctica's hidden plumbing system transports water much more rapidly than previously thought. "We've been struggling with getting good predictions about the future of Antarctica, and instruments like ICESat-2 are helping us observe at the process scale."

'A Water System That Is Connected to the Whole Earth System'

How freshwater from the ice sheet might impact the circulation of the Southern Ocean and its marine ecosystems is one of Antarctica's best kept secrets. Because the continent's subglacial hydrology plays a key role in moving that water, Siegfried also emphasized the ice sheet's connection to the rest of the planet.

"It's not just the ice sheet we're talking about," Siegfried said. "We're really talking about a water system that is connected to the whole Earth system."

Recently, Fricker and another team of scientists explored this connection between freshwater and the Southern Ocean--but this time by looking at lakes near the surface of an ice shelf, a large slab of ice that floats on the ocean as an extension of the ice sheet. Their study reported that a large, ice-covered lake collapsed abruptly in 2019 after a crack or fracture opened from the lake floor to the base of Amery Ice Shelf in East Antarctica.

With data from ICESat-2, the team analyzed the rugged change on the landscape of the ice shelf. The event left a doline, or sinkhole, a dramatic depression of about four square miles (about 10 square kilometers), or more than three times the size of New York City's Central Park. The crack funneled nearly 200 billion gallons of freshwater from the surface of the ice shelf into the ocean below within three days.

During the summer, thousands of turquoise meltwater lakes adorn the bright white surface of Antarctica's ice shelves. But this abrupt event occurred in the middle of the winter, when scientists expect water on the surface of the ice shelf to be completely frozen. Because ICESat-2 orbits Earth with exactly repeating ground tracks, its laser beams can show the dramatic change in the terrain before and after the lake drained, even during the darkness of polar winter.

Roland Warner, a glaciologist with the Australian Antarctic Program Partnership at the University of Tasmania, and lead author of the study, first spotted the scarred ice shelf in images from Landsat 8, a joint mission of NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey. The drainage event was most likely caused by a hydrofracturing process in which the mass of the lake's water led to a surface crack being driven right through the ice shelf to the ocean below, Warner said.

"Because of the loss of this weight of water on the surface of the floating ice shelf, the whole thing bends upwards centered on the lake," Warner said. "That's something that would have been difficult to figure out just staring at satellite imagery."

Meltwater lakes and streams on Antarctica's ice shelves are common during the warmer months. And because scientists expect these meltwater lakes to be more common as air temperatures warm, the risk of hydrofracturing could also increase in coming decades. Still, the team concluded it's too early to determine whether warming in Antarctica's climate caused the demise of the observed lake on Amery Ice Shelf.

Witnessing the formation of a doline with altimetry data was a rare opportunity, but it is also the type of event glaciologists need to analyze in order to study all of the ice dynamics that are relevant in models of Antarctica.

"We have learned so much about ice sheet dynamic processes from satellite altimetry, it is vital that we plan for the next generation of altimeter satellites to continue this record," Fricker said.

###

By Roberto Molar Candanosa NASA's Earth Science News Team
A recent study by scientists from Japanese universities has shown that the shape of cell-derived nanoparticles, known as "extracellular vesicles" (EVs), in body fluids could be a biomarker for identifying types of cancer. In the study, the scientists successfully measured the shape distributions of EVs derived from liver, breast, and colorectal cancer cells, showing that the shape distributions differ from one another. The findings were recently published in the journal Analytical Chemistry.

Early detection of cancerous tumors in the body is essential for effective treatments. However, it is difficult to detect all types of tumors at an early stage, because detection methods differ among types of cancer, and some of the methods require painful medical procedures. It is thus vital to find methods that are painless and can detect multiple types of cancer.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are biological particles with a diameter of about 100 nanometers (nm) that are secreted from various cells and exist in body fluids like blood and urine. Notably, EVs contain biological molecules that carry information about the cells of the secretion sources. In addition, genetic materials contained in EVs are involved in communications among cells. This suggests that analyzing biological molecules in EVs present in body fluids could help to detect and identify some kinds of cancerous tumors in the body.

Previous studies had observed images of various shapes of EVs with electron microscopes. However, no technology existed to investigate the shapes of EVs distributed in body fluids, mainly because of difficulties in measuring the shape of nanomaterials in solution. In this context, a team of researchers from Kyushu University, Nagoya University, Osaka University, and Tokyo Medical University tried to investigate the shape of individual EVs in a fluid using a device that they had developed, which can analyze the shape of single particles in solution by measuring the change of ionic current flowing through pores of 200 nm in diameter when particles pass through there.

Using the device, the team successfully measured the shape of EVs derived from cultured liver, breast, and colon cancer cells, as well as from cultured normal breast cells, and found that their shape distributions differ from each other. For example, EVs derived from liver cancer cells include a mix of spherical particles and oval (like rugby balls) particles, whereas EVs from breast cancer cells consist solely of spherical particles.

The team then compared shape distributions of EVs in blood samples from breast cancer patients and non-cancerous individuals. The results showed that the shape distributions of EVs from the two groups differ from each other, indicating that measuring shape distributions of EVs in blood could distinguish patients with breast cancer from non-cancerous individuals.

"In this study, we found that measuring shape distributions of EVs in body fluids could identify the type of cancer," said Associate Professor Takao Yasui at the Nagoya University Graduate School of Engineering, one of the authors of the study.

The researchers note that measuring a greater variety of types of EVs will provide them with a more accurate idea of potential EV shape distributions as an index for cancer detection, screening, and diagnosis.

###

The paper, "Rapid Discrimination of Extracellular Vesicles by Shape Distribution Analysis," was published online in the journal Analytical Chemistry on April 28, 2021, at https:/ / pubs. acs. org/ doi/ 10. 1021/ acs. analchem. 1c00258

About Nagoya University, Japan

Nagoya University has a history of about 150 years, with its roots in a temporary medical school and hospital established in 1871, and was formally instituted as the last Imperial University of Japan in 1939. Although modest in size compared to the largest universities in Japan, Nagoya University has been pursuing excellence since its founding. Six of the 18 Japanese Nobel Prize-winners since 2000 did all or part of their Nobel Prize-winning work at Nagoya University: four in Physics - Toshihide Maskawa and Makoto Kobayashi in 2008, and Isamu Akasaki and Hiroshi Amano in 2014; and two in Chemistry - Ryoji Noyori in 2001 and Osamu Shimomura in 2008. In mathematics, Shigefumi Mori did his Fields Medal-winning work at the University. A number of other important discoveries have also been made at the University, including the Okazaki DNA Fragments by Reiji and Tsuneko Okazaki in the 1960s; and depletion forces by Sho Asakura and Fumio Oosawa in 1954.
A new study in the Journal of the European Economic Association, published by Oxford University Press, finds that electoral districts with a larger gender pay gaps show favoritism toward male political candidates in Parliamentary elections, with fewer female candidates on the ballot.

The researchers here gathered data for seven parliamentary elections in France between 1988 and 2017. Researchers studied candidates from the Left and Right political coalitions, which account for 80% of elected members of Parliament. The researchers consulted administrative and web data on candidates and electoral outcomes, survey data on voters' attitude towards gender, as well as census data on earnings, and voters' demographics across electoral districts.

Analysis found that female candidates made up approximately 15% of all Parliamentary candidates in the 1980s and 1990s. The figure doubled to nearly 30% following the implementation of the Parity Law in 2000, which stipulated that each party should have an equal fraction of male and female candidates across electoral districts in Parliamentary elections. Noncompliance with the parity rule results in a financial penalty to the public funding provided to political parties.

Researchers analyzed local gender pay gaps compared to voting support for male and female candidates in the same electoral districts. Researchers found a positive and strong correlation between gender earnings gaps and electoral gaps across municipalities of the same electoral district: a 150 euros increase in gender monthly earnings gap leads to an increase by 0.6 percentage points in vote shares between male and female candidates. Researchers concluded that female candidates obtain lower votes in areas with less favorable attitudes towards women, including significant gender pay gaps, and thus women are less likely to run for elections in these areas.

Indeed researchers found that voters' attitudes towards gender are strongly associated with the gender distribution of candidates across electoral districts within France. A 10 percentage points increase in survey respondents who thought that men were better political leaders than women correlated with a 2.3 percentage points decrease in the share of female candidates.

Researchers concluded that in districts with strongest electoral competition, the electoral cost of selecting women outweighs the cost of the financial penalty under the Parity Law. When voters are biased against female candidates, electoral competition limits the effectiveness of "soft" quota rules on candidates. In the last Parliamentary election (17 years after the Parity rule was introduced) the two main political parties still selected an average of 40% of female candidates, significantly below the 50% objective of the Parity Law.

"Overall we find that parties allocate female candidates across districts strategically," Thomas Le BarBanchon, Bocconi University, said. "This is very clear after the introduction of the Parity Law. Then parties avoid putting women on the ballot of the most contested districts. In such districts, voters biased against female politicians may lead women to lose the few votes that matter for winning the close race, and parties internalize this competitive disadvantage."

###

Direct questions about the study to:

Thomas Le Barbanchon

Bocconi University

Via Roentgen 1

Department of Economics, Office 5-E1-11 20136 ITALY

lebarbanchon@unibocconi.it

To request a copy of the study, please contact:

Emily Tobin

Emily.tobin@oup.com

Sharing on social media? Find Oxford Journals online at @OxfordJournals

Please acknowledge Journal of the European Economic Association as a source in any articles.
Sudanese Islamic burial sites are distributed according to large-scale environmental factors and small-scale social factors, creating a galaxy-like distribution pattern, according to a study published July 7, 2021 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Stefano Costanzo of the University of Naples "L'Orientale" in Italy and colleagues.

The Kassala region of eastern Sudan is home to a vast array of funerary monuments, from the Islamic tombs of modern Beja people to ancient burial mounds thousands of years old. Archaeologists don't expect these monuments are randomly placed; their distribution is likely influenced by geological and social factors. Unraveling the patterns of the funerary landscape can provide insight into ancient cultural practices of the people who built them.

In this study, Costanzo and colleagues collected a dataset of over 10,000 funerary monuments in the region, distributed over 4000 km2, identified by field work and remote sensing using satellite imagery. They then analyzed the arrangement of these sites using a Neyman-Scott Cluster model, originally developed to study spatial patterns of stars and galaxies. This model revealed that, just like stars cluster around centers of high gravity, burials in Kassala cluster in the hundreds around central "parent" points which likely represent older tombs of importance.

The authors hypothesize that the larger scale distribution of tombs is determined by the environment, with "high-gravity" areas centering on regions with favorable landscapes and available building materials. Smaller scale distribution seems to be a social phenomenon, with tombs commonly built nearby older structures, possibly including recent family burials or more ancient burials of traditional importance. This is the first time this cosmological approach has been applied to archaeology, representing a fresh tool for answering questions about the origins of archaeological sites.

The authors add: "An international team of archaeologists discovered the environmental and societal drivers underlying the creation of the monumental funerary landscape of Eastern Sudan with a novel application of advanced geospatial analysis."

###

Press-only preview: https:/ / plos. io/ 3h7fQYn

Contact: Stefano Costanzo, ste.costanzo92@gmail.com, Ph.: +39 3472907097

Image Caption: Landscape views of scatters of qubbas around the Jebel Maman.

Image Credit: Stefano Costanzo (CC-BY 4.0, https:/ / creativecommons. org/ licenses/ by/ 4. 0/ )

Citation: Costanzo S, Brandolini F, Idriss Ahmed H, Zerboni A, Manzo A (2021) Creating the funerary landscape of Eastern Sudan. PLoS ONE 16(7): e0253511. https:/ / doi. org/ 10. 1371/ journal. pone. 0253511

Funding: This research was made possible through the support of the fundings awarded to the Italian Archaeological Expedition to the Eastern Sudan (IAEES) by the University of Naples "L'Orientale", the ISMEO -- Associazione Internazionale di Studi sul Mediterraneo e l'Oriente, and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The IAEES is also supported by the Regional Government of the Kassala State, Sudan. Additional financial support was provided by Italian Ministry of Education, University, and Research through the project 'Dipartimenti di Eccellenza 2018-2022' (WP4 -- Risorse del Patrimonio Culturale), awarded to the Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra 'A. Desio' (University of Milan, Italy). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
The numbers don't lie: Women and minorities have historically, and continue to be, underrepresented in STEM fields -- science, technology, engineering and mathematics -- and it's no different at Portland State.

Beyond the numbers is a more complicated picture of why some faculty stay and others leave. Results from a 2018 workplace climate survey point to serious and entrenched equity issues for women faculty and faculty of color in STEM at PSU, but a group of faculty say a more nuanced understanding of systemic inequalities is needed to help drive institutional change. Now they have the funding to take that closer look.

The project team -- led by Eva Thanheiser, professor of mathematics education; Jola Ajibade, assistant professor of geography; Gina Greco, professor of French; Larry Martinez, associate professor of psychology; and Lisa Weasel, a biologist and professor of women, gender and sexuality studies -- will take a deep dive into the data and stories of STEM faculty, thanks to a new $300,000 grant from the National Science Foundation's ADVANCE Program's "Catalyst" track.

The ADVANCE program provides grants to enhance the factors that support equity and inclusion and mitigate the systemic causes of inequities in the academic profession and workplaces.

"I am grateful that this impressive and thoughtful proposal by PSU faculty was selected for funding," said PSU Provost Susan Jeffords. "I have been a part of ADVANCE grants at previous institutions and I know how truly impactful they are. This is a pivotal opportunity for Portland State."

PSU's "Catalyst" project aims to identify, understand and improve the workplace experiences and retention of faculty in STEM fields who have been traditionally marginalized based on gender, race/ethnicity and other intersectional identities through an innovative approach to data collection, analysis and visualization. This self-assessment will then lay the foundation for the next phase of work: systemic and campus-wide implementation of a five-year strategic equity plan.

Thanheiser says numbers don't tell the whole story. For example, she and Ajibade both come from departments where they are just one of two tenured or tenure-track women faculty, yet their experiences differ.

"Just saying 2 vs. 20 doesn't tell you anything about the experience," Thanheiser said. "What helped all of us persist? We're still here. What worked for us? What are we struggling with? All of us have colleagues that have left. What happened that didn't allow them to stay? Not everyone leaves for a bad reason but there are some people who have and it would be good to understand whether that could have been avoided or not."

The ADVANCE proposal grew out of frustrations over tracking down accurate faculty data and whether any reports or recommendations they submitted as members of the Diversity Action Council's Committee on Recruitment and Retention of Diverse Faculty would ever lead to meaningful change. Martinez, who was involved with an ADVANCE grant as a graduate student, suggested applying to the program.

The group's combination of disciplines is rare for a grant but it's also what allows them to take a different approach.

"Our disciplinary lenses gave us different ways of looking at this issue and we were able to bring these perspectives together to create something new," Ajibade said. "We were also willing and humble enough to learn from each other."

Inspired by the book Data Feminism, the team is combining qualitative, quantitative and socio-spatial data that they expect will yield deeper and more nuanced understandings of the equity landscape and "ecosystem" for diverse faculty at PSU.

In-depth interviews will be conducted with 33 faculty to elicit narratives about intersecting dynamics involving what they call the "5 P's":

Policies (concerning recruitment, hiring, promotion, tenure, etc.);

Practices (i.e. invisible labor related to diversity, equity and inclusion services or devaluing community-engaged scholarship);

Power structures (such as within departments or colleges/schools);

Places (i.e. welcoming vs. chilly classroom climates, affinity groups, community resources); and

People (i.e. mentors and collaborators on and/or off campus)

"We want to know how these 5 P's are being exerted on faculty and how that shapes the whole idea of retention and attrition," Ajibade said. "Do they empower or disempower? Do they allow for higher performance for some and lower performance for others? Do they make some people feel welcomed and others unwelcomed? Do they make some people have delayed tenure processes and others not? Do they make them feel their job is secure or insecure?"

Interviewees will include tenured, tenure-track and non-tenure track faculty across 11 STEM and social-behavioral science departments within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science and Management, Geography, Geology, Mathematics + Statistics, Physics, Psychology, Sociology and Systems Science.

The interviews will then be analyzed and coded -- with involvement from the participants -- to help the group identify overall themes, create a series of visual maps based on the responses and develop a survey that can then be distributed to STEM faculty across PSU.

"The beauty of having topographic maps is that we can slice the data in different ways and see what the landscape looks like as we group our participants in different overlapping ways," Weasel said. "We're going to get this topography of their whole experience that will inform where the levers of change are."

That's key for the group -- identifying potential levers of change to improve the experiences, retention and career progression of faculty who have been marginalized in STEM.

"The ultimate goal is to develop a five-year plan for the university that's going to lead to real change at the university that should have implications for the climate and culture, and ultimately, for retention and performance," Martinez said.

So far there's been buy-in and support for the project from the PSU administration at every level -- and they hope that's only the start. An internal steering committee, which includes top administrators from across campus, will meet quarterly with the group to advise, support and evaluate PSU's self-assessment as well as guide the implementation of a sustainable five-year STEM faculty equity strategic plan following the grant period, while an external advisory board will meet twice a year to provide expertise on intersectionality, DEI, organizational change, STEM policies and practices and strategic planning.

###
Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer and a leading cause of death by cancer in Australian men.

Early detection is key to successful treatment but men often dodge the doctor, avoiding diagnosis tests until it's too late.

Now an artificial intelligence (AI) program developed at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia could catch the disease earlier, allowing for incidental detection through routine computed tomography (CT) scans.

The tech, developed in collaboration with clinicians at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, works by analysing CT scans for tell-tale signs of prostate cancer, something even a well-trained human eye struggles to do.

CT imaging is not suitable for regular cancer screening because of the high radiation doses involved, but the AI solution could be used to run a cancer check whenever men have their abdomen or pelvis scanned for other issues.

RMIT's Dr Ruwan Tennakoon said CT scans were great for detecting bone and joint problems but even radiologists struggled to spot prostate cancers on the images.

"We've trained our software to see what the human eye can't, with the aim of spotting prostate cancer through incidental detection," he said.

"It's like training a sniffer dog - we can teach the AI to see things that we can't with our own eyes, in the same way a dog can smell things human noses can't."

Prostate cancer is slow growing and is usually detected incidentally, so can go undiagnosed for years. In 2020, it was responsible for an estimated 12% of male cancer deaths in Australia.

*How it works*

For the study, published in Nature's Scientific Reports, researchers from RMIT and St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne studied CT scans of asymptomatic patients, with and without prostate cancer.

The team trained the AI software to look for features of disease in a variety of scans and where exactly to look for them, avoiding the need to manually crop the images.

The AI performed better than radiologists who viewed the same images, detecting cancerous growths in just seconds.

What's more, the AI improved with each scan, learning and adapting to read images from different machines to spot even the smallest irregularities.

RMIT's Head of Artificial Intelligence, Professor John Thangarajah, said the study demonstrated how AI can and should be used to create public good.

"Our health sector needs smarter solutions and AI can help, but we're only scratching the surface," he said.

"There's a lot of good that artificial intelligence can bring to the world, which is our focus at RMIT, and this study forms a big part of that."

Dr Mark Page, Head of CT in Diagnostic Imaging at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, said early intervention for prostate cancer was key to a better health outcome.

"Australia doesn't have a screening program for prostate cancer but armed with this technology, we hope to catch cases early in patients who are scanned for other reasons," he said.

"For example, emergency patients who have CT scans could be simultaneously screened for prostate cancer.

"If we can detect it earlier and refer them to specialist care faster, this could make a significant difference to their prognosis."

The technology can be applied at scale, potentially integrating with a variety of diagnostic imaging equipment like MRI and DEXA machines - pending further research.

"It was excellent to tap into the AI expertise at RMIT and we look forward to future possibilities for analysing more radiology scans," Page said.

The multi-disciplinary team, including researchers from RMIT's School of Engineering and School of Computing Technologies, is looking for interested commercial partners to develop software to further integrate the AI technology with hospital equipment for possible clinical trials.

###

'Incidental detection of prostate cancer with computed tomography scans', with Steven Korevaar, Ruwan Tennakoon, Mark Page, Peter Brotchie, John Thangarajah, Cosmin Florescu, Tom Sutherland, Ning Kam and Alireza Bab-Hadiashar, is published in Scientific Reports (DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86972-y).
The measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic limited the access of citizens to natural objects. It is still unexplored, what consequences this had for the residents and what conclusions should be drawn for more effective urban planning. RUDN University scientists with colleagues from Australia and Germany studied how the restrictions associated with COVID-19 affected the use of blue and green infrastructure by citizens in Moscow (Russia) and Perth (Australia), and what consequences this had for their health. In the article "Human Dimensions of Urban Blue and Green Infrastructure during a Pandemic. The Case Study of Moscow (Russia) and Perth (Australia)", published in Sustainability, they presented the results of a study on the importance of green and blue infrastructure for the physical and mental health of the citizens. The results give a basis for developing a balanced strategy for landscape design and urban space planning based on the development of green infrastructure that allows effectively maintaining the well-being and health of citizens, especially during a crisis such as that caused by COVID-19.

The significant challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic emphasized that the concept and features of the modern environmentally balanced cities development should consider not only the implementation of economic and social urban strategies, but also functional urban design, related to the urban spaces planning and the development of green infrastructure. Using the results of a web questionnaire survey conducted in May-July 2020 in Moscow (Russia) and Perth (Australia), the article presents an analysis of the significance of contact with nature and various objects of green and blue infrastructure of cities, as well as their changes during and after the COVID-19 restrictions. In order to identify the way people relate to green and blue urban objects and what role they play in providing a comfortable environment, as well as how the general restrictions associated with COVID-19 affected the nature of their interaction with natural infrastructure, they developed a questionnaire of 25 questions, which became the basis of an online study.

216 Muscovites and 110 residents of Perth took part in the survey. The results were analysed statistically. The survey data collected during the isolation period provided information about access to green and blue urban spaces, inequalities in access, as well as changes in the development of urban green infrastructure that are necessary from the respondents' point of view. Scientists analysed the social aspects of citizens' perception of natural objects of the urban and emphasized the importance of contact with nature for maintaining physical and mental health, socio-cultural identification, and socialization (the importance of green and blue objects as social and multicultural spaces). In both cities, measures taken during the COVID-19 restricted people's access to green spaces and water bodies, which negatively affected their mental and physical health and well-being. The survey results showed that the quality, functionality, and location of open natural spaces illustrate the inequality in their distribution and accessibility to the population. In some cases, it was noted that residents of certain areas of cities suffered from limited access to natural objects.

"The COVID-19 circumstances, when access to natural urban facilities was limited for millions of people around the world, highlighted that in extraordinary situations, urban nature can play an essential role in contributing to human well-being and shaping human-nature relationships. Studies have confirmed that public green and blue spaces play a key role not only in maintaining a comfortable environmental situation, but also in restoring mental and physical health during and after an emergency. owever, the issues of how these differential impacts could influence future urban development that will make the cities sustainable and resilient towards addressing challenges, such as those associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, need to be better understood. In this sense, the comparison of experiences from cities in different countries could be very valuable," says Diana Dushkova, PhD, associate professor at the RUDN University and senior researcher at The Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research

The researchers compared Moscow and Perth as two cities with different approaches to the organization of natural objects and landscaping strategies. In Moscow, most of the green areas and water bodies are open to public. In Perth, more than half of the city's green infrastructure facilities are located on private territories. It turned out that residents of Perth and Moscow consider access to nature equally important, even though cities differ in size, climatic conditions, and planning approaches. In both cities, more than 60% of residents said that the opportunity of contact with nature is important or extremely important for physical and mental health. Among the main values of contact with nature, citizens noted fresh air (82.9% in Perth and 51.6% in Moscow), a sense of unity with nature (89.5% in Perth and 71.2% in Moscow), the scenic beauty (89.5% in Perth and 71.2% in Moscow). The differences in the responses of residents of the two cities are noticeable in questions that relate to the specifics of the restrictions adopted in the pandemic. Changes in visiting natural spaces before and during the pandemic are especially noticeable in Moscow, where strict restrictions were introduced. 56.9% of Muscovites visited green and water zones less often. In Perth, parks and other natural recreation areas remained open, and 59.4% of residents did not visit urban natural spaces less often, and 26.7% even began to do it even more often.

"Our results showed that urban residents are aware of the value of green and blue spaces and emphasize their important role in maintaining health and well-being, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is new convincing evidence that the issues of accessibility of natural objects and their balanced distribution in urban areas should be considered in the development strategy of a modern city, which considers the new requirements of the modern world in ensuring safe and comfortable life and maintaining human health. In addition, it indicates that access to nature and public rights to use green spaces determine the overall resilience of cities to the crisis. The obtained results obtained provide the basis for further research in the development of modern approaches to landscape design and planning of urban green and water zones and allow us to see how effectively they can ensure and maintain the well-being and health of citizens, especially during a crisis such as that caused by COVID --19," says Diana Dushkova.

###
Dutch-French research shows that Optical Genome Mapping (OGM) detects abnormalities in chromosomes and DNA very quickly, effectively and accurately. Sometimes even better than all existing techniques together, as they describe in two proof-of-concept studies published in the American Journal of Human Genetics. This new technique could radically change the existing workflow within cytogenetic laboratories.

Human hereditary material is stored in 46 chromosomes (23 pairs). Although those chromosomes are quite stable, changes in number or structure can still occur. A well-known example is Down syndrome, which is caused by an extra chromosome 21 (trisomy 21). An extra chromosome makes a big difference and is quite easy to visualize. But all kinds of other, smaller changes can occur as well in chromosomes. Sometimes pieces of DNA are lost (deletions), sometimes a piece is just repeated (duplication) or it is moved to another place (translocation). An existing piece can also be turned over (inversion) and sometimes new pieces are inserted (insertions). All these structural abnormalities in the chromosomes can cause disease, either congenital genetic diseases, which are present from birth, similar to Down syndrome, or acquired disorders, when the change occurs in a few cells during life which can lead to cancer, such as in leukemia.

Optical Genome Mapping

Cytogenetics is the genetic discipline that examines chromosomes for such abnormalities. To visualize both the large and small changes, several complementary techniques are needed, such as FISH, karyotyping and Copy Number Variant (CNV) microarrays. These are often laborious techniques that individually can only visualize a part of the above-mentioned abnormalities. Recently a new technique has become available - Optical Genome Mapping - which more or less brings together the previous techniques. But new techniques must prove themselves in practice. At Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc), Alexander Hoischen, associate professor of Genomics Technologies and Immuno-Genomics, researches new techniques for usability in clinical research and possibly later in patient care. It requires close cooperation between Radboudumc and the industry involved in building latest genomic technologies, in this case the America-based company Bionano Genomics.

Two advantages

Hoischen immediately mentions two major advantages of OGM: "We can now look at extremely long stretches of DNA, so there's fewer pieces needed to map the entire chromosome. It's faster and produces fewer errors. Furthermore, unlike the other techniques, we do not have to pre-process or manipulate the DNA, so we look at the real, 'natural' DNA. In short: what you see is what you get."

Automatic, objective, digital

Bionano has created a label that attaches to a specific piece of DNA that occurs very often, but irregularly. The ever-changing distances between the labels create a unique barcode so researchers always know exactly where they are situated in the DNA. This labeled DNA is pulled through thin long nanochannels, while a camera continuously takes pictures. Hoischen: "In this way we can automatically, objectively and digitally record DNA at a rapid pace, and at a resolution that is 10,000 times higher than in karyotyping. It's a kind of 'cytogenetics on steroids' because of its power and speed."

Hereditary disorders

But how well does the technology work? Two papers in the American Journal of Human Genetics give a positive answer. Dr. Laila El Khattabi of the Universite de Paris, Alexander Hoischen, and their colleagues, tested OGM on 85 samples from patients with a hereditary disorder that had previously been examined with the standard tests (karyotyping, FISH, CNV microarray). Remarkable and exceptional: OGM found them all. El Khattabi: "OGM can really revolutionize the detection of chromosomal aberrations. I think it could be the most significant technological breakthrough in the history of cytogenetics since the CNV microarray."

Early adapters

In the second paper, the team of Nijmegen researchers again compared the technique to the standard tests. This time they looked at the DNA of leukemia cells of 52 patients with leukemia, a hematological malignancy. Here too, OGM performed optimally by detecting all clinically known deviations. And even more than that. In a number of cases, the technique provided better and more accurate analyzes of chromosomal abnormalities. This is rather important, because the right treatment often depends on this. Hoischen: "We are early adapters of different genome technologies, often with the aim of quickly applying them routinely in the clinic. The very convincing data in these two proof-of-concept studies again place Radboudumc at the forefront of technical innovation for healthcare in human genetics. This 'Next Generation Cytogenetics' could replace decade old routine testing, vastly improving workflow and patient care." This is echoed by Dr. Marian Stevens-Kroef, Clinical Laboratory Geneticist for hematological malignancies: "OGM promises to greatly improve cytogenetic testing in patients with hematological malignancies."

Further roll out

Radboudumc researchers Dr. Kornelia Neveling and Dr. Tuomo Mantere, first authors in both studies, are also positive about the technique. Neveling: "It is a rather simple technology, for both the wet lab and data analysis, and we foresee great advantages for a use in a clinical setting. In addition, OGM has already helped to solve several medical mysteries, some of which have been waiting for answers for more than 20 years."

Tuomo Mantere, former postdoc in Alexander Hoischen's laboratory and now affiliated with Oulu University in Finland: "The easy implementation of this technique and the convincing concordance with the standard cytogenetic methods as presented in these two studies convinced me to set up OGM now in Finland as well."

###

*Paper in AJHG: Next generation cytogenetics: comprehensive assessment of 52 hematological malignancy genomes by optical genome mapping - Kornelia Neveling, Tuomo Mantere, Susan Vermeulen, Michiel Oorsprong, Ronald van Beek, Ellen Kater-Baats, Marc Pauper, Guillaume van de Zande, Dominique Smeets, Daniel Olde Weghuis, Marian JPL Stevens-Kroef, Alexander Hoischen

*Paper in AJGH: Optical genome mapping enables constitutional chromosomal aberration detection - Tuomo Mantere, Kornelia Neveling, Celine Pebrel-Richard, Marion Benoist, Guillaume van der Zande, Ellen Kater-Baats, Imane Baatout, Ronald van Beek, Tony Yammine, Michiel Oorsprong, Daniel Olde-Weghuis, Wed Majdali, Susan Vermeulen, Marc Pauper, Aziza Lebbar, Marian Stevens-Kroef, Damien Sanlaville, Jean Michel Dupont, Dominique Smeets, Alexander Hoischen, Caroline Schluth-Bolard, Laila El Khattabi
As melting sea ice brings more ships through the Northwest Passage, new research shows that Canada must prepare for the costs and consequences of an Arctic oil spill

The growing rate of ice melt in the Arctic due to rising global temperatures has opened up the Northwest Passage (NWP) to more ship traffic, increasing the potential risk of an oil spill and other environmental disasters. A new study published in the journal Risk Analysis suggests that an oil spill in the Canadian Arctic could be devastating--especially for vulnerable indigenous communities.

"Infrastructure along the NWP in Canada's Arctic is almost non-existent. This presents major challenges to any response efforts in the case of a natural disaster," says Mawuli Afenyo, lead author, University of Manitoba researcher, and expert on the risks of Arctic shipping.

Afenyo and his colleagues have developed a new method that could help managers predict the risk of pollutants from increased shipping activity. The paper describes how they used it to assess the socio-economic impacts of a potential oil spill in the Rankin Inlet region of the Canadian Arctic. This area is a critical regional hub for Arctic shipping where traffic has been increasing since 2010. For their analysis, the researchers simulated the conditions of the Exxon Valdez disaster in 1989, when an oil tanker released 11 million gallons of oil into Alaska's Prince William Sound. It should be noted that an oil spill of the magnitude of the Exxon Valdez has not occurred in the Rankin Inlet; this study is a simulation to project the potential impact of such a spill.

"One of our key findings was that the negative socio-economic impact of an oil spill in the Arctic accelerates quickly with time if there is no intervention," says Afenyo. "Our study also showed that an oil spill in this region has serious social impacts--affecting the family dynamics, hunting traditions, and culture of vulnerable indigenous communities."

Cleaning up a spill in the Arctic is different from that in other parts of the ocean due to the harsh nature of the environment and the remoteness of the region. Oil from a spill can move under the ice, between ice, get absorbed by snow, and become encapsulated in ice. This makes response efforts and long-term monitoring difficult and expensive.

Using two different risk assessment models, the researchers evaluated the probability and consequences of an oil spill in the Rankin Inlet. To estimate the probability, they reviewed past incidents and scientific reports about oil spills and also surveyed scientists, government workers, insurance specialists, and rights holders who live or work in the Arctic.

To estimate the consequences of a spill, they used a multi-period model to predict the socio-economic impacts over a period of five years if no recovery efforts were conducted--one of the most probable scenarios for this area based on current conditions. "This worse-case scenario analysis gives decision-makers the opportunity to put into place intervention that will help mitigate risks to a bare minimum," Afenyo explained.

All of the consequences of a potential spill were incorporated into an influence diagram to help managers assess the risk of a spill in terms of U.S. dollars. It includes such impacts as the destruction of flora and fauna and the disruption of hunting and culture for indigenous communities in the region. In the first year following the spill in the Rankin Inlet, the cost with no intervention was estimated to be $500 million. By the fifth year, this figure rose to $7.5 billion.

"Our method is very comprehensive as it uses both qualitative and quantitative inputs and can be used to assess not only the socio-economic impacts but also the environmental consequences," says Afenyo. He adds that it can serve as a decision-making tool for policy makers, insurance companies, and government institutions responsible for risk assessment and emergency response.

In their analysis, the researchers identified an urgent need to develop a good communication network between indigenous nations within the region, the Canadian federal government, and companies looking to work there. "The challenge will be determining how the Canadian federal government should collaborate with indigenous people to respond rapidly to an oil spill," says Afenyo.

In future research, the team plans to develop an app to help decision-makers assess the socio-economic impacts of shipping spills in the Arctic and examine how different policy responses could minimize the negative impacts of those spills. This would help marine insurers develop practical tools to help accurately calculate risk and insurance premiums for ships traveling through the Arctic. The newly constructed Churchill Marine Observatory will be an important source of data to further improve the accuracy of the model.

###

The paper is co-authored by Changmin Jiang of the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba and Adolf K.Y. Ng in the Division of Business and Management at Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (China). The joint Sino-Canadian research is part of the GENICE project (Microbial Genomics for Oil Spill Preparedness in Canada's Arctic Marine Environment) led by the University of Manitoba and the University of Calgary.

About SRA
ST. LOUIS -- In the United States, low-income and minority students are completing college at low rates compared to higher-income and majority peers -- a detriment to reducing economic inequality. Double-dose algebra could be a solution, according to a new study published in roceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS).

The paper, "Effects of Double-Dose Algebra on College Persistence and Degree Attainment," is the culmination of a series of studies that followed two cohorts of ninth-grade students over a period of 12 years in the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) where double-dose algebra was introduced in 2003.

The new policy required incoming ninth graders with eighth-grade math scores below the national median to complete two periods of math -- one period of algebra, plus an additional period of instruction designed to build foundational prealgebra skills. Research findings showed that, for median-skill students scoring at or above the 50th percentile in the 2003 cohort, double-dose algebra significantly increased semesters of college attended and college degree attainment.

"This provides unique insight for districts that provide extra instruction but are unable to rigorously study the impact of those programs," said Takako Nomi, Ph.D., associate professor of educational studies at Saint Louis University. Her work focuses on educational policy and equity.

Nomi, who also serves as research affiliate at the University of Chicago's Consortium on Chicago School Research, led the study. Other authors include Stephen W. Raudenbush, Ed.D., of the department of sociology at the University of Chicago; and Jake J. Smith, of Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago.

A key takeaway from the study is how schools chose to implement the policy matters, Nomi said. Fewer schools adopted the cut-score-based double-dose algebra program in 2004 than in 2003. Most schools that did strongly comply in 2004, did so by placing their median-skill double-dose students in low-skill algebra classrooms, according to the study.

In terms of classroom peer composition, "the impact was largest when schools didn't group double-dose students with low-skilled students," Nomi said. Research findings demonstrate that when students were placed in double-dose classes with much lower-skilled peers, the program had no effect. Subsequent research should address the design of optimal policies for lower-skill students, Nomi said. A math intervention far more intensive than double-dose algebra is essential to improve their high school and postsecondary outcomes. The study also notes that ninth-grade students who fail math also tend to fail other core classes.

"It's not just a math issue," Nomi said. "The policy of giving extra math is not enough to change the trajectory for the students who struggle the most. It's important to support struggling students in general."

This study was supported by grant R305A170602 from the Institute of Education Sciences entitled, "Doubling Up? Understanding the Long-Term Effects of Ninth-Grade Algebra Reform on College Persistence and Graduation."

Nomi's research interests include urban education, education policy, inequality in education, school reforms, and college readiness. Nomi is associate director of the Sinquefield Center for Applied Economic Research where she collaborates with top SLU researchers. In a separate study, she's exploring why low-income and minority students -- particularly Black males -- are less likely to complete college. She is also a part of a faculty advisory board at SLU's Geospatial Institute.

###

About Saint Louis University

Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious Catholic institutions. Rooted in Jesuit values and its pioneering history as the first university west of the Mississippi River, SLU offers more than 12,000 students a rigorous, transformative education of the whole person. At the core of the University's diverse community of scholars is SLU's service-focused mission, which challenges and prepares students to make the world a better, more just place.
'We can do better with a systems approach...instead of catching up after each hurricane'

DALLAS (SMU) - Halit Uster, an engineering professor at SMU, has been awarded a three-year National Science Foundation (NSF) grant of $315,580 to investigate integrated evacuation planning and disaster preparedness models that offer relief to evacuees in a more robust, predictive, timely and cost-effective manner than was seen in past natural disasters.

The optimization and simulation models that will be developed with a systems view will load in information such as where the disaster is expected to occur and its intensity, how many people are expected to flee those places, where they are likely to travel and how long on average it will take them to get from one spot to another. Using that data, the model will determine the most cost-effective options to move people out of harm's way, make sure those people have enough supplies where they're going and do all of this as quickly as possible.

This approach will help decision-makers put shelters and the larger supply locations that support those shelters in the right places and size, Uster said, before damaged infrastructure and transportation routes prevent options.

"The complexity of such coordination became obvious in the recent events of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma in 2017 as well as earlier ones, such as Katrina and Rita in 2005. These events created significant awareness of shortcomings in existing response plans," said Uster, who is a professor of Operations Research and Engineering Management at SMU's Lyle School of Engineering.

Too often, Uster said, emergency response plans don't recognize the interdependence that evacuation activities play with the supply-side, and vice versa.

Decision-makers in charge of getting people out of danger from a hurricane or flood are most focused on the removal of people from the danger zone, but they don't give as much thought to where those evacuees are heading, Uster said.

"On the other hand, you have people on the supply side, who are thinking, 'We have people who are moving to different locations. We have to get supplies for them.' But they don't know where those people are going to go," he added.

Planners are left with the choice of sending fewer supplies to various places where they think evacuees might go, or waiting to see what happens with a storm and then trying to send supplies where they are most needed. That approach has not been successful, Uster said.

"If you wait, the hurricane can come in, and the conditions change. So you can't send supplies in time to those places, and it quickly becomes a mess. We can do better proactive planning using a systems approach instead of trying to catch up when things go wrong."

Uster built an earlier model after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. He was living in College Station at the time and saw first-hand how that disrupted life in Houston and its environs when so many evacuees fled there.

"When Rita happened, people had learned about the need to evacuate from their experience with Katrina just weeks before, and overnight, we had people everywhere. You could not find anything in any grocery store, and people were just spending nights at gas stations, because they couldn't find a place to sleep," he said.

The NSF grant will enable Uster to add more variables and detail to his earlier model and develop solution methods to solve the complicated mathematical optimization models using real data managed by geographical information systems (GIS) using SMU's own supercomputing facilities. For example, he and SMU students will use more recently available data science tools to look through post-event surveys that report why people in harm's way evacuated or didn't, and where they evacuated to look for trends that will build a stronger preparedness model.

"There will always be some uncertainty with a natural disaster," he said. "But our goal is to minimize that and help guide evacuees to open shelters as well as provide them with supplies in a cost-effective, timely fashion."

###

To read more about NSF and the project description, click here.

About SMU

SMU is the nationally ranked global research university in the dynamic city of Dallas. SMU's alumni, faculty and nearly 12,000 students in eight degree-granting schools demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit as they lead change in their professions, communities and the world.
Gender stereotypes around reading may be holding boys back in the classroom, according to a new study published in the peer-reviewed International Journal of Inclusive Education.

In what is described as an 'unexpected' and 'significant' finding, fiction is the most favoured reading genre for schoolboys compared with non-fiction, comics and magazines.

Well over half (57%) of the boys said they liked fiction or story books 'a lot' according to research based on more than 300 pupils aged from seven to eight in Australia.

Girls were more likely to rate enjoyment of reading non-fiction more highly than boys (55% vs 51%).

The results have important implications for parents, teachers and policy-makers. They suggest that the range of boys' reading preferences may have been underestimated.

Now, lead study author Laura Scholes, an expert in educational semiotics from the Institute of Learning Sciences and Teacher Education, Australian Catholic University in Brisbane, Australia, who led the study is calling for reform of literacy agendas, so lessons do not just focus on developing reading skills. Teachers should also promote the will to read and the enjoyment gained from literature.

Associate Professor Scholes wants teachers to also communicate with parents on a regular basis about strategies that encourage children to read, including fiction.

"These findings challenge the long-standing myth that boys prefer non-fiction.

"The study demonstrates the importance of promoting reading enjoyment - particularly fiction - early on in schooling.

"This includes special consideration for boys and students from economically marginalized communities.

"Fiction plays a key role in reading development. So, facilitating opportunities to develop sustained enjoyment of reading of this text type in the classroom is one way to expand boys' repertoire of experience. It also supports students with more limited access to quality reading resources."

Evidence from international studies shows that reading for pleasure is linked to higher reading outcomes. However, this varies according to a child's gender, location and socio-economic status.

Some teachers may believe pupils from low-income homes have less desire to read a range of texts. Others are influenced by stereotypes and assume boys prefer non-fiction, so they give them more of what they believe they like. This is despite fiction being more closely aligned with more advanced reading ability.

The aim of this study was to investigate self-reported reading enjoyment, frequency, and achievement on national reading tests for 318 Year 3 pupils in Australia.

The researchers used data on 152 boys and 166 girls attending 14 schools across South East Queensland in a range of socioeconomic communities, with the majority of students being in state schools.

All children were asked to rate their level of enjoyment for reading fiction, non-fiction, and comics and magazines from 'like a lot' to 'like a little' or 'don't like'. They also had to indicate how frequently they read, ranging from 'daily' to 'hardly ever'.

Overall, the proportion of girls and boys who liked fiction 'a lot' was 63%, just over half (53%) said the same for non-fiction, and 37% for comics and magazines.

The findings showed that students who had higher levels of enjoyment for fiction and non-fiction, and who read more frequently were more likely to have better reading skills.

The results also confirm that students from schools in poorer areas tend to struggle to achieve the same reading scores as more affluent children.

Library visits are 'particularly important for emerging readers' according to Scholes who says these may especially broaden the experience of boys and students from under-resourced homes.

###
SILVER SPRING, Md.--Vaccines such as Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca are designed to prevent severe Coronavirus-19 Disease (COVID-19) due to acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and are highly efficacious. The efficacy is not different in people with and without obesity except for AstraZeneca which is not known, according to a new position statement from The Obesity Society (TOS), the leading scientific membership organization advancing the science-based understanding of the causes, consequences, prevention and treatment of obesity.

Trials have demonstrated high efficacy in individuals with and without obesity against COVID-19-associated hospitalization and death. Therefore, TOS encourages individuals with obesity to undergo vaccination with any of the available vaccines authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as soon as they are able.

"Analysis of COVID-19 vaccine efficacy in certain disease sub-groups has been difficult because the number of trial participants with the disease was too small. This was not the case for obesity. Because the prevalence of obesity among trial participants was high, and because obesity is highly associated with hospital admission and death in COVID-19, the trial results were able to show that, contrary to concerns of reduced vaccine efficacy in people with obesity, that the vaccines were just as efficacious among persons with obesity compared with persons without obesity," said Alexandra M. Hajduk, PhD, MPH, an epidemiologist and associate research scientist in the Department of Internal Medicine (Geriatrics) at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Conn. Hajduk is one of the co-authors of the position statement.

The disease of obesity is a recognized risk factor for increased morbidity and mortality in persons with COVID-19 subsequent to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In addition, obesity is associated with conditions that are independent risk factors and predictors of mortality from COVID-19, including diabetes, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and pulmonary diseases.

Due to the increased prevalence of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified obesity as body mass index (BMI) 30 kg/m2 as a high-risk medical condition in the COVID-19 pandemic. On Dec. 20, 2020, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended that persons aged 16-64 years with obesity should be prioritized for vaccination in Phase 1c of the phased allocation to provide guidance for federal, state and local jurisdictions where vaccine supply was limited.

Authors of the position statement wrote the document in response to published literature, as well as inquiries made to the Society by patients, providers, Society members, policymakers and others regarding the efficacy of vaccines in persons with obesity against SARS-CoV-2.

"In addition to general misconceptions about the disease of obesity, speculation on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in obesity has certainly added to vaccine hesitancy in those individuals with obesity. I hope this position statement not only will encourage those with and without obesity to get vaccinated, but to continue the conversations on the existing weight bias in our current health policies and poor coverage and reimbursement of effective treatments for obesity," said first author, W. Scott Butsch, MD, MSc, director of obesity medicine at the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.

In their review, the authors found the following based on each of the vaccines:

Pfizer: In a sub-group analysis of the 13,218 participants with obesity (BMI 30 kg/m2, 31.5% of the study cohort), vaccine efficacy was 95.4 % among participants with obesity compared to 94.8% among participants without obesity. Further stratification by age revealed vaccine efficacy of younger adults (age 16-64) with obesity (94.9 %) and older adults (age 65) with obesity (100%).

Moderna: In a sub-group analysis among participants with severe obesity (BMI 40 kg/m2; 6.5% of cohort) demonstrated a vaccine efficacy of 91.2%, with only one case of severe COVID-19 illness identified among 901 participants with severe obesity, compared to 11 cases among 884 participants in the placebo group with severe obesity. Post hoc analysis reported a vaccine efficacy of 95.8% for participants with obesity (BMI 30 kg/m2; 34.5 percent of cohort), with 2 COVID-19 cases in the vaccine group and 46 in the placebo group.

Johnson & Johnson: There were 12,492 participants (28.5% of cohort) with obesity (BMI 30 kg/m2) in the trial. Vaccine efficacy 14 days after dose one was 66.8% and 65.9%, 28 days after dose one compared to placebo in participants with BMI 30 kg/m2. There were no deaths attributable to COVID-19 in the vaccine group, whereas 6 of the 7 fatalities due to COVID-19 in the placebo group were among participants with obesity.

AstraZeneca: Participants with obesity (BMI 30 kg/m2) comprised 19.4% and 20.3% of each trial cohort and was the most common comorbid condition. In an interim sub-group analysis of participants with one or more comorbidities, the vaccine efficacy was 73.4%, though, in the updated sub-group analysis, the vaccine efficacy was 62.7%. The specific vaccine efficacy and safety data in persons with obesity is not yet published.

The following recommendations are currently endorsed by TOS regarding vaccine efficacy in persons with obesity:

1. TOS has confidence in the FDA-approved vaccine trials and the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices updated interim vaccine allocation recommendations in the indicated U.S. populations, including those individuals with obesity and severe obesity.

2. TOS recommends that persons with obesity be vaccinated for prevention of COVID-19, in agreement with CDC recommendations, as obesity is clearly associated with an increased risk of more severe course of COVID-19 disease and death.

3. There is no definitive way to determine which COVID vaccine is "best." Current FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson were all highly efficacious against COVID-19--associated hospitalization and death in trials, and were found to be equally efficacious in persons with obesity compared to normal weight individuals. TOS advises persons with obesity to accept whichever available vaccination is offered.

4. Publication of long-term vaccine efficacy outcomes, stratified by obesity status, in peer-reviewed journals is needed and is strongly encouraged.

5. Currently, available peer-reviewed data do not support the hypothesis of impaired humoral responses to SARS-CoV2 vaccine in people with obesity.

6. TOS recommends that in the development of care plans for patients with COVID-19, obesity (BMI >30kg/m2) and severe obesity (BMI 40kg/m2) should be included as a significant risk of more severe course and outcome of COVID-19.

7. TOS strongly supports evidence-based weight management therapies which support a healthy BMI and the promotion of COVID-19 prevention strategies, including vaccine prioritization. TOS strongly supports policies which ensure access to such treatments, including adequate and equitable coverage for behavioral, medical, device and surgical treatments for obesity.

TOS plans to monitor emerging data on vaccine efficacy and will issue an updated evidence-based position statement at a future time.

"As new, more transmissible variants of SARS-CoV2 emerge, including the Delta variant, vaccination efforts are even more pressing to help limit the spread of disease. These vaccines work in individuals with and without obesity. We want to end this pandemic. Let's make it happen by getting vaccinated," said Catherine Kotz, PhD, FTOS; professor, University of Minnesota (Integrative Biology and Physiology), associate director of research, Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Care, Minneapolis VA Health Care System; and president of The Obesity Society. Kotz is a co-author of the position statement.

"Accruing data on obesity and risk of COVID-19 severity are shocking, alarming and tragic. As individuals with obesity have a greater risk of severe COVID-19, in a sense they have even more to gain by getting vaccinated, preventing heart-breaking outcomes. By getting vaccinated, we are protecting ourselves and each other; let's get vaccinated!," said Ania M. Jastreboff, MD, PhD, associate professor, Yale University School of Medicine, an endocrinologist and obesity medicine physician-scientist and vice chair of TOS's Clinical Care Committee. Jastreboff is the senior author of the position statement.

###

Other authors of the position statement include Michelle I. Cardel, of WW International, Inc., New York, NY; William T. Donahoo of Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, and Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville; Theodore K. Kyle of ConscienHealthTM, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Fatima Cody Stanford of Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Medicine (Neuroendocrine Unit), Department of Pediatrics (Division of Endocrinology), Nutrition Obesity Research Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.; and Lori M. Zeltser of Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY.

The position statement, titled "COVID-19 Vaccines are Effective in People with Obesity: A Position Statement from The Obesity Society", is published online in Obesity.
Researchers from IDIBELL and the University of Barcelona (UB) have described that neurons derived from Parkinson's patients show impairments in their transmission before neurodegeneration. For this study, it has been used dopaminergic neurons differentiated from patient stem cells as a model.

Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the death of dopaminergic neurons. This neuronal death leads to a series of motor manifestations characteristic of the disease, such as tremors, rigidity, slowness of movement, or postural instability. In most cases, the cause of the disease is unknown, however, mutations in the LRRK2 gene are responsible for 5% of cases.

Current therapies against Parkinson's are focus on alleviating the symptoms but do not stop its progression. It is thought that early interventions before the appearance of the first symptoms that prevent neuronal death could slow down or even stop the evolution of the disease. However, currently, the diagnosis is based on the appearance of symptoms, when 70% of the neurons have already been lost.

A group of researchers from IDIBELL and the University of Barcelona (UB), led by Dr. Antonella Consiglio (group leader at IDIBELL, ICREA Academy researcher, and professor at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of the UB and IBUB/Institute of Biomedicine of the UB), Dr. Angel Raya (coordinator of the IDIBELL Regenerative Medicine program and ICREA researcher) and Dr. Jordi Soriano (group leader and professor at the UB and the Institute of Complex Systems from the University of Barcelona), with other national and international collaborators, have identified early functional deficiencies, before death, in neurons derived from patients with genetic Parkinson's. According to Dr. Consiglio ", these discoveries open the door to early diagnosis, which would allow us to carry out a premature intervention that would slow down neuronal death, and therefore, would stop the evolution of the disease".

In this work, dopaminergic neurons, the most vulnerable in Parkinson's, differentiated from stem cells (iPSC) of healthy individuals and patients with genetic Parkinson's, have been used as a model. Researchers have observed that these dopaminergic neurons are capable of maturing and forming functional neural networks in culture, in both control and Parkinson's disease conditions.

However, in this work published in npj Parkinson's Disease, it is shown that neurons from individuals with Parkinson's are more spontaneously active and present more explosion episodes in which, for example, the entire network is activated at the same time. All this before the neurodegeneration. The researchers believe that this early neuronal dysfunction could be contributing to initiating the cascade of events responsible for the death of dopaminergic neurons, and consequently, Parkinson's disease. Furthermore, this work highlights the extraordinary window of opportunity provided by experimental models based on iPSC in the understanding and presymptomatic evaluation of neurodegenerative diseases.

This work was supported by the European Research Council-ERC, the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, the Carlos III Institute, AGAUR, and the CERCA program of the Generalitat de Catalunya.

###
The UK public is likely to take the COVID-19 pandemic less seriously once restrictions are lifted, according to new research led by Cardiff University.

Psychologists found lockdown in itself was a primary reason why so many people were willing to abide by the rules from the start - believing the threat must be severe if the government imposes such drastic measures.

The team from Cardiff and the universities of Bath and Essex examined the reasons behind headline polling support for COVID-19 measures. They carried out two UK surveys*, six months apart, during 2020. Their findings are published today in the journal Royal Society Open Science.

Lead author Dr Colin Foad said: "Surprisingly, we found that people judge the severity of the COVID-19 threat based on the fact the government imposed a lockdown - in other words, they thought 'it must be bad if government's taking such drastic measures'.

"We also found that the more they judged the risk in this way, the more they supported lockdown. This suggests that if and when 'Freedom Day' comes and restrictions are lifted, people may downplay the threat of COVID."

The research also found:

- Raising people's personal threat was unlikely to enhance their support for restrictive measures;

- People supported lockdown yet thought many of its side effects were "unacceptable" in a cost-benefit analysis.

Dr Foad said: "The pandemic has been characterised by strong public support for lockdowns, but our research suggests that people have actually been much more conflicted than the headline polls suggest.

"For example, we found that when people think about the costs of this policy, such as detriment to mental health and reduced access to treatment for non-COVID health problems, these can outweigh its benefits."

On the finding around personal threat, he said: "In order to try and keep public support for lockdowns high, various strategies have been tried by the government, including reminding people that they and their loved ones are at risk from COVID-19.

"However, we find that most people's personal sense of threat does not relate to their support for restrictions. Instead, people judged the threat at a much more general level, such as towards the country as a whole. So, any messaging that targets their personal sense of threat is unlikely to actually raise support for any further restrictions."

The researchers warned there was a risk of public opinion and government policy "forming a symbiotic relationship", which could affect how policies are implemented now and in future.

Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh, an environmental psychologist from the University of Bath, said: "This has important implications for how we deal with other risks, like climate change - the public will be more likely to believe it's a serious problem if governments implement bold policies to tackle it."

Professor Whitmarsh suggested bold actions might include stopping all road building (as has happened recently in Wales) or blocking airport expansions.

The researchers are calling for more nuanced use of polling data during the pandemic to accurately gauge the diversity and complexity of public opinion.

Dr Paul Hanel, a lecturer in psychology at the University of Essex, said: "Polling data from large samples are important in understanding what people think. Our study, however, shows that it is crucial to ask the right questions because otherwise we are only getting a limited and potentially even misleading picture of how diverse and even conflicting public opinions truly are."

###
In 2019, Anais Llorens and Athina Tzovara -- one a current, the other a former University of California, Berkeley, postdoctoral scholar at the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute (HWNI) -- were attending a scientific meeting and pleased that one session, on gender bias in academia, attracted nearly a full house. The problem: The audience of some 300 was almost all women.

Where were the men, they wondered? More than 75% of all tenured faculty in Ph.D. programs around the world are men, making their participation key to solving the problem of gender bias, which negatively impacts the careers, work-life balance and mental health of all women in science, and even more so for minority women and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

"If they are not on board, and they don't feel that this is also their fight, then nothing will change," Llorens said.

That was only one of the incidents that led the two women to round up 45 men and women from 40 institutions across 10 countries and 18 nationalities, divide them into small groups and task them with scouring the literature for practical tips -- proven and unproven -- on how best to counteract all aspects of gender bias in academia. The study, with Llorens and Tzovara as first authors, appears today in the journal Neuron, and provides a comprehensive summary of the many forms that gender bias takes, along with a checklist that individuals, lab leaders, university administrators, journal editors and grant reviewers at funding agencies can use to remedy them.

Both women thank their mentor, Bob Knight, a UC Berkeley professor of psychology and neuroscience in the HWNI, for his enthusiastic support of women researchers and of their project, which they admit was substantially different from their main fields of research: how the brain deals with language and conscious perception of the environment. But as the two women transition to the next stages of their careers -- Tzovara, originally from Greece, left two years ago to become an assistant professor at the University of Bern in Switzerland, while Llorens, who is French, is finishing up her postdoctoral research at UC Berkeley -- they wanted to leave a legacy for women who follow them in neuroscience.

In a Q&A, Llorens and Tzovara talk about their motivations and the problem of gender bias in the ivied halls.

What drove you to undertake this year-long project?

Llorens: The starting point was at the end of 2019, when we went to a neuroscience conference, a big one, and we talked with many of our women colleagues and realized how many of us were struggling to find a correct balance between having a family, a life, and also finding a permanent position. In science, you often have to move abroad, for most of us in Europe, especially, and it is a long process before you can settle down and find a permanent position.

Then, at this very same conference, we attended a workshop on how to strive as a woman in neuroscience, and we really felt the discrepancy between what we were actually living as scientists and what the panelists were telling us. There were five successful women who managed to have a perfectly balanced life, with 300 women listening. When we came out of the room, we felt like we were the issue, because, obviously, they made it. Maybe we are the problem?

Tzovara: There is this notion of survivorship bias -- often we look at people who have made it, and we forget all the people who did not have a straightforward career path and are not there yet. That helped us to identify this gap between what others described, and what we experienced ourselves, and realize that the more we talk about bias, the more interest we find from men and women. That is why we wanted to give voice to all these discussions that we had among ourselves and write them down, hoping that these will be the beginning of a bigger conversation.

Llorens: After that workshop, I felt that had I wasted my time, because nothing will change by simply listening to successful women, if I may say so; we need more than that to actually see some improvements. That is why, for us, it was important to have as many men on board in this project who felt concerned and also wanted to fight for equity. It is something we need to discuss together.

Hasn't the situation improved for women in STEM fields over the past generation?

Llorens: Absolutely. We can really see improvement in many aspects of science. In many countries, between 20% and 25% of women are professors. We can also see progress in preventing sexual harassment. It is better, but we are far from equity. It is still not safe enough and still not equal enough.

Tzovara: I've observed improvements even in the last five or 10 years. These days, if there are conferences that have men-only panels, they will be called out. If there are journals where the editorial board is composed exclusively of men, they will be called out. So, there is concrete change compared to some years ago. I think it might be like a cascade effect -- the more we talk about bias, the more people are aware of it, the more we can realize that we need to take action. All this together has the power to bring positive change.

Llorens: But now some people think, "Ok, there is some improvement, so maybe we don't need to work as hard to make things better." And that is a problem, because equity won't just come magically; we need to keep working on it. And that is also an issue when we talk to people and they say, "It's better, it is just a matter of time." No, it isn't, actually. It is a matter of people making that change. We still need actions to make things right. There is progress, for sure. We are moving in the right direction. But we need to keep making the effort.

You provide many suggestions, but one is having a gender target in grants to improve equity, which some people -- women, as well as men -- might object to in the same way that people have objected to affirmative action for people of color.

Llorens: We advocate for a more equitable distribution of funding. Funding agencies should make an extra effort to insure a fairer distribution of the resources between genders. That said, during my career, I was hired through a grant promoting diversity by potentially hiring a woman, and I must admit when I read that I wondered, "Did I get the job because I was the best applicant or because I was a woman?" That is the tricky thing with positive actions: We still need them, as academia is still imbalanced for now, but we must somewhat force it. But I also had to work on my own self-esteem to understand that this is the way that things have to be done. It is not because I am not good, but it is just because we have to make things right.

Tzovara: Sometimes it is just about giving the right opportunities to people who are not traditionally represented in academia and then giving them some space. And that can often be enough by itself to let individuals that are traditionally underrepresented shine.

Do men suffer from the same pressures when trying to succeed in academia?

Tzovara: That reminds me of a discussion we had with one of our men co-authors who was trying to understand the way that women experience science. He, too, felt that he had experienced similar issues: difficulties moving abroad or difficulties with his family. But as women, we experience it much, much worse. Sometimes bias and discrimination or micro- and macro aggressions pile on top of the usual challenges associated with working in science.

Llorens: Biology is different. Men don't feel the same pressure as we do because, for us, literally, everything happens at the same time. In this window between 28 and 36 years of age, we need to find a position, but this is also when we have to be the most mobile, and it is the right age to build a family. For men, they can wait. It is challenging for everyone to keep relationships, but it is not the same pressure.

If you had to prioritize the most important interventions for reducing gender bias, where would you start?

Llorens: There are existing tools that people can use to mitigate bias pretty easily. For instance, regarding equitable citations in journal articles or in syllabi for teaching. These are easy actions that can be taken right now to make things better, and they are already known to be valuable.

For me, the biggest challenge, and I think the most impactful, would be to change mindsets. Everyone needs to be on board with this topic to make real change. If men are on board, then we will have allies at the top, because most of the leaders are men. We also need more action around sexual harassment. Stopping sexual harassment is everyone's job, of course, but the leaders need to be strict and clear with sexual harassment policies; they have to lead by example. Change has to come from the top. It is really important to make the working environment safe.

Tzovara: There are so many different things that we can do, and I think everybody should do both the smaller and the larger things. If they see injustice or bias, they should speak up. If someone is representing an institute, like a university or funding agency, they should make sure that the work of the institute represents equity. They should make sure that funding is equally distributed, that the institute doesn't only hire men, that promotions take gender bias into account, and so on. If someone has the power to change society and change mindsets, they should start working on that. And that is the message we tried to convey with this manuscript, where we split the suggested solutions into three levels of individual, institutional and societal to show that everybody has a responsibility, depending on their position and abilities.

Llorens: And also removing the burden that we have as women. On top of having to represent ourselves as women, we have to be part of committees and to add some extra work to represent women in science. If we can have everyone on board, meaning everyone advocates for underrepresented groups, even though they are not part of a one of those groups themselves, then the burden will be shared, and it will become easier for everyone. For me, that will be the most impactful action, for everyone to be more aware of these issues and take a stand and help us with that.

I also think that transparency is key. For instance, institutions must be transparent regarding negotiations, such as about the scale you can ask for salaries. The institution has to make things easier for everyone to navigate academia, to be honest. And because most of the biases are implicit, we need to call them out and make them explicit because many people think that they are not biased. I feel like I, too, am part of the problem. I have my own biases, everyone has their own bias. But I think acknowledging them, making them explicit, is also a step forward that people need to take.

How would you characterize UC Berkeley's response to gender bias?

Llorens: I think the way that they advertise now for positions -- making it mandatory to have women applicants -- is a good step forward. It means that the department has to actually do research when they are hiring for a position. When we talk now with students about gender bias, some of them are worried that if we do that, it means that we might need to go for someone who is not the best candidate. When I mentioned this to Bob Knight, who has been part of recruiting committees for many, many years, he said that the fact that you actually have to look for a broader pool of people you might not have thought of before was actually a good thing, that they never, ever chose someone that wasn't the top choice. For him, it didn't change the way he was recruiting people, it only diversified and increased the pool of subjects. The best candidate was offered the job. It just might not have been the best person they thought about before.

Also, in the past few years UC Berkeley has done a good job of increasing awareness of sexual assault and sexual harassment. The kinds of services and help offered by the university, including the Path to Care Center, for example, I found really interesting. Not all institutions have that. I also would add that UC Berkeley has really tried to raise awareness about women in science this year with the emphasis on 150 Years of Women at Berkeley. It is always important to try to raise awareness of this topic.

But UC Berkeley is a bubble.

Tzovara: And the lab we were in is a bubble within a bubble. I think I speak for a lot of people in the lab that we felt secure that, if something happened, Bob would have our backs. It is very important for members of any institution or individual lab to know that their mentors have their backs and speak up when they see injustice.

Llorens: You know the imposter syndrome -- it impacts women and men, but mostly women. When you have a PI who makes sure you are in a safe environment and makes you feel like you can do it, it helps a lot. It is not like that in many places, to be honest with you. Bob and Nina Dronkers (an adjunct professor of psychology who also is a co-senior author of the paper) were wonderful mentors.

How did you put together these checklists?

Tzovara: We wanted to base the paper on data. We read a lot -- we have almost 300 references in the paper -- and tried to back up everything with science and describe what worked and what didn't in remedying gender bias. We wanted to give examples of which of the proposed solutions can work and have been actually tested, and which are implemented in some parts of the world, but may still have uncertain results. The goal is to start from there and see what can be done to improve things on the individual, institutional and societal level.

What are your hopes for this paper?

Llorens: We want this paper to be disseminated widely and across different borders in academia. We are also now giving workshops at various scientific meetings and talking to undergraduate students.

Tzovara: Other activities that we plan to pursue include organizing mentoring seminars for women in science. One of the next steps is to also reach out to even younger ages. We would like to start talking about bias to young students in schools when their mindsets are still being shaped, in order to have an impact on the next generation.

Llorens: Gender bias is a sensitive topic, but we just want to get the discussion rolling. Hopefully, we can do a follow-up study in five years and say which suggestions worked to mitigate gender bias, and keep making progress on that topic so that we will end up with a checklist that each lab can refer to.

###
On any given day, there are approximately 1,300 to 3,200 people on the wait list for a lung transplant in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The average wait time for donor lungs is 180 days.

Recently, the lung transplant team at UC San Diego Health performed San Diego County's first transplant surgery with lungs donated after cardiac death, an approach that could mean more opportunities to save the lives of those in critical need of new lungs.

"We have successfully performed two lung transplants using lungs from donors whose hearts had stopped functioning prior to organ removal. The recipients of those donated lungs are recovering well, and both have good prognoses," said Eugene Golts, MD, surgical director of the lung transplant program at UC San Diego Health. "Organ donation after cardiac death is one possible solution to the current organ shortage we face because it could expand the pool of potential donors."

Standard practice for lung transplant requires that all organs, except the brain, be functional at the time of donation. This is known as donation after brain death, or DBD. Brain death is diagnosed when two independent physicians examine the comatose patient and note the absence of brain activity with no possibility of functional recovery and the inability of the patient to breathe without assistance from a mechanical ventilator.

During donation after cardiac death (DCD), the lungs are procured from patients who have died because their heart has stopped -- either naturally or because physicians discontinued life support, in accordance with the donor's or donor family's wishes. The transplant team waits a prescribed amount of minutes to remove the lungs after the donor has passed and no organs are functioning. It requires significant coordination and rapid decision-making under severe time constraints.

The procuring team coordinates this process in the operating room of the donor's hospital. A team confirms no electrical activity in the heart before proceeding. After declaration of cardiac death, teams combine efforts to visually assess all organs potentially viable for transplantation.

Using a lung perfusion machine, the transplant team tests the donor lungs outside of the body before transplantation to ensure high organ quality. The surgeons are able to visually inspect the lungs, perform biopsies, check gas exchange function, conduct x-rays and remove secretions.

"The process takes approximately four hours. During this time, we care for the lungs as we would for our patients. It is quite incredible to see the lungs inflate and deflate rhythmically in the large, transparent incubator," said Golts.

DCD transplants in the U.S. have been performed with other organs, including the kidney and liver. Now, with the method being applied to lung transplants, experts say it could expand suitable lung donor availability by a significant percentage.

Previous studies have shown that lung transplant outcomes are equivalent between DCD and DBD. However, the rate of DCD lung transplantation is markedly lower than DBD. Only 3.7 percent of lung transplants are from DCD in the U.S. To date in California, 63 DCD lung transplants have been performed; in 2021, only five.

"Almost all of our patients are fearful of dying while waiting for donor lungs. In addition to the challenges of performing their daily activities, they suffer from anxiety, panic attacks and depression. For many, this fear becomes a reality given the high risk of death with severe pulmonary exacerbation," said Kamyar Afshar, DO, medical director of the lung transplant program at UC San Diego Health.

"The lung transplant team at UC San Diego Health aims for our patients to live well longer, to celebrate more birthdays and to build upon memories with their loved ones. The donation after cardiac death is another option we are providing to the many treatment and donation options we already have."

Both Golts and Afshar said none of these life-saving transplant approaches would be possible without the generosity of the organ donors and their families.

"It is so important to sign up to be an organ donor. By doing so, you are giving the ultimate gift to recipients, new lungs and a new life," said Golts.

###

UC San Diego Health is the only hospital system in San Diego County with a lung transplant program. Approximately 40 lung transplant surgeries are performed a year. The program recently ranked #1 in the nation for one-year patient survival rates among programs with 30 to 100 lung transplants performed, and #2 among all lung transplant programs. It is part of a world famous Cardiothoracic Surgery Division and Pulmonary and Critical Care specialty that is ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Irvine, Calif., July 7, 2021 -- Joyce Yu-Chia Lee, clinical professor of health sciences at the University of California, Irvine, has received the 2021 Clinical Practice Award from the American College of Clinical Pharmacy. An advanced practice pharmacist, Lee is a founding faculty member of UCI's School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences and the first to earn the prestigious recognition.

ACCP is a professional and scientific society with more than 15,000 members from over 60 countries committed to excellence in clinical pharmacy. Each year, the award is given to one member who has developed an innovative clinical pharmacy service, provided innovative documentation of the impact of clinical pharmacy services, demonstrated leadership in the development of cost-effective clinical pharmacy services or shown sustained excellence in providing clinical pharmacy services. Past recipients are prominent and well-respected leaders in the field of clinical pharmacy. Lee was nominated by Alexandre Chan, UCI chair and professor of clinical pharmacy practice.

"Joyce came to UCI in 2020 after an 11-year stint in Asia, where she was a trailblazer who successfully changed the landscape of clinical pharmacy practice by establishing and expanding services and systems that did not previously exist," Chan said. "She developed and directed numerous training programs, including the first pharmacy residency program in ambulatory care in Singapore and chronic disease certification courses made accessible to countries across the Asia-Pacific region. She also instrumentally developed and implemented practice algorithms to address diversity, equity and inclusion in patient care."

"I am thrilled and surprised to receive this award and appreciate the recognition for the work overseas that I've done," Lee said. "While away from home, ACCP was my way to stay connected to colleagues and best practices, and I hope that my experience and this recognition will encourage other pharmacists to make an impact in other countries to achieve global advancement in clinical pharmacy. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of a new school at a public university and look forward to welcoming our inaugural Doctor of Pharmacy class this fall."

Since arriving at UCI and despite the pandemic, Lee has launched the first pharmacist-led comprehensive medication management clinic at the UCI Health Family Health Center in Anaheim, where she optimizes medication use among patients with chronic diseases. She also actively volunteered in the administration of COVID-19 vaccinations at the campus's Bren Events Center.

"Joyce is dedicated to patient care, regardless of their socioeconomic status, and is sensitive to creating an environment of inclusion for diverse cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds," Chan said. "As a clinical pharmacist, she strives to address challenges and increase treatment accessibility and convenience."

###

About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UCI is the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation's top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced three Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It's located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide. For more on UCI, visit http://www. uci. edu .

Media access: Radio programs/stations may, for a fee, use an on-campus ISDN line to interview UCI faculty and experts, subject to availability and university approval. For more UCI news, visit news.uci.edu. Additional resources for journalists may be found at communications.uci.edu/for-journalists.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have identified rare genetic variants - carried by one in 3,000 people - that have a larger impact on the risk of developing type 2 diabetes than any previously identified genetic effect.

Type 2 diabetes is thought to be driven in part by inherited genetic factors, but many of these genes are yet unknown. Previous large-scale studies have depended on efficient 'array genotyping' methods to measure genetic variations across the whole genome. This approach typically does a good job at capturing the common genetic differences between people, though individually these each confer only small increases in diabetes risk.

Recent technical advances have allowed more comprehensive genetic measurement by reading the complete DNA sequences of over 20,000 genes that code for proteins in humans. Proteins are essential molecules that enable our bodies to function. In particular, this new approach has allowed for the first time a large-scale approach to study the impact of rare genetic variants on several diseases, including type 2 diabetes.

By looking at data from more than 200,000 adults in the UK Biobank study, researchers from the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge used this approach to identify genetic variants associated with the loss of the Y chromosome. This is a known biomarker of biological ageing that occurs in a small proportion of circulating white blood cells in men and indicates a weakening in the body's cellular repair systems. This biomarker has been previously linked to age-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cancer.

In results published today in Nature Communications, the researchers identified rare variants in the gene GIGYF1 that substantially increase susceptibility to loss of the Y chromosome, and also increase an individual's risk of developing type 2 diabetes six-fold. In contrast, common variants associated with type 2 diabetes confer much more modest increases in risk, typically much lower than two-fold.

Around 1 in 3,000 individuals carries such a GIGYF1 genetic variant. Their risk of developing type 2 diabetes is around 30%, compared to around 5% in the wider population. In addition, people who carried these variants had other signs of more widespread ageing, including weaker muscle strength and more body fat.

GIGYF1 is thought to control insulin and cell growth factor signalling. The researchers say their findings identify this as a potential target for future studies to understand the common links between metabolic and cellular ageing, and to inform future treatments.

Dr John Perry, from the MRC Epidemiology Unit and a senior author on the paper, said: "Reading an individual's DNA is a powerful way of identifying genetic variants that increase our risk of developing certain diseases. For complex diseases such as type 2 diabetes, many variants play a role, but often only increasing our risk by a tiny amount. This particular variant, while rare, has a big impact on an individual's risk."

Professor Nick Wareham, Director of the MRC Epidemiology Unit, added: "Our findings highlight the exciting scientific potential of sequencing the genomes of very large numbers of people. We are confident that this approach will bring a rich new era of informative genetic discoveries that will help us better understand common diseases such as type 2 diabetes. By doing this, we can potentially offer better ways to treat - or even to prevent - the condition."

Ongoing research will aim to understand how the loss of function variants in GIGYF1 lead to such a substantial increase in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Their future research will also examine other links between biomarkers of biological ageing in adults and metabolic disorders.

###

The research was funded by the Medical Research Council. UK Biobank is supported Wellcome, the Medical Research Council, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Department of Health, Northwest Regional Development Agency and the Scottish Government.

Reference

Zhao, Y. et al. GIGYF1 loss of function is associated with clonal mosaicism and adverse metabolic health. Nature Communications 2021; 07 Jul 2021; DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24504-y
Opioid prescribing preferences and practices among surgical residents and faculty differ, according to a new study published in the journal Surgery.

The study, titled "Evaluation of opioid prescribing preferences among surgical residents and faculty," was based on a survey of 56 residents and 57 faculty within the University of Colorado School of Medicine Department of Surgery. In the survey, participants were asked how many oxycodone tablets they would prescribe for 14 common surgical procedures.

Answers were compared between residents and faculty, as well as against the Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network (OPEN) guidelines and actual opioids prescribed (pulled from electronic medical records).

"The opioid epidemic is a huge problem," says Sarah Tevis, MD an assistant professor of surgery in Breast Surgical Oncology and the study's principal investigator. "We know that more than two thirds of the prescriptions that surgeons prescribe aren't used in the immediate post-operative period by patients and that one in 16 patients who are prescribed opioids for surgery end up having chronic opioid use."

"It's been very well established that post-operative opioid prescribing varies across the board," continues Victoria Huynh, MD, a third-year resident in the department and first author on the study. "We wanted to look at how we're doing as a department in terms of opioid prescribing."

Comparing resident and faculty opioid prescribing habits

The results showed that faculty preferred to prescribe more opioid tablets than suggested by OPEN in five of the 14 surgical procedures, while residents did so in nine of the procedures.

"In some instances, faculty and residents prescribed more than suggested for certain surgical procedures. So that's certainly an opportunity for improvement," Huynh says. "But I think the most striking aspect of the study was just how much faculty and resident prescribing preferences differ from each other."

Tevis said one of the reasons providers may prescribe more than suggested by the OPEN guidelines is CU's large catchment area.

"We have patients coming from hours away and from other states for surgery. So, one factor may be that prescribers are worried that patients are going to drive eight hours home and then not have enough pain medicine," Tevis says.

Another concern is patient satisfaction. Tevis says providers may be worried that a patient who runs out of pain medicine will be less satisfied with their care or need to call back or even go to the emergency room for more pain medication.

As for why residents seem to prefer prescribing more opioids than faculty, Huynh thinks it may be at least partially due to the limited interaction residents have with patients after surgery.

"We often see patients pre-op and immediately post-op, and we help take care of them in the immediate post-operative period while they're in the hospital," Huynh says. "But as far as the post-operative follow-up care, we're not as involved as the attendings are."

Tevis agrees. "When I call patients with their pathology results about a week after surgery, I also ask them about their pain control. But the residents miss out on a lot of that feedback."

The study also assessed the frequency with which faculty communicate prescribing preferences to residents and the desire among all participants for feedback and transparency in prescription practices.

Both residents (80%) and faculty (75%) were open to seeing regular reports of personal opioid prescription practices, and most of those were also open to seeing how their numbers compared with their peers.

Education and assessment: initiatives to address post-operative opioid over-prescription

Since studies show that most prescription opioid abusers get medication from family and friends, the challenge is learning how to adequately treat post-operative pain while limiting opportunities for misuse and diversion.

"For us, that means limiting the excessive opioids that we prescribe," Huynh says.

As a result of their research, Huynh and some of her co-residents are setting up ongoing initiatives within the Department of Surgery to address over-prescription of opioids. For instance, they have been developing a dashboard that will allow anyone who prescribes opioids to receive regular feedback about how much they're prescribing and how their prescribing practices compare with their peers. They recently sent it out to a handful of faculty to get feedback on the functionality and features.

"We're hoping that once we get that worked out, we can send it out to the entire department so that everybody can use it," Huynh says.

Tevis, one of the faculty members who has started using the dashboard, says it is already proving effective. "Surgeons are competitive people," she says. "So, when we get that email every month, my partners and I immediately start emailing back and forth about how we did compared to last month, how we're all doing compared to each other. I think people are really liking that feedback, and it's influencing what they're doing."

In addition to the dashboard, Huynh and her colleagues have built pathways (called Enhanced Recovery after Surgery protocols) that providers can follow through a patient's electronic medical record. The pathways recommend which pain medications to order before and after surgery, including how many opioids to prescribe for certain procedure based on the national guidelines.

Tevis predicts the pathways will be especially helpful for residents who periodically rotate between different services.

"If you haven't been on the breast service for three years, how are you going to remember how many pills you should prescribe after a lumpectomy?" she asks. "If it's built into this pathway, it becomes very clear."

The clinicians have also developed a protocol to utilize multimodal pain management to try to decrease the need for opioids after surgery, as well as instituted an educational program for interns around opioid prescribing.

"It's really impressive what Tori has accomplished in just two years in the research lab," Tevis says. She's examined this problem from multiple angles, and her work has already led to big changes in the Surgery Department."

###
Environmental education provision needs greater investment and innovation if future generations are to be able to respond fully to the climate emergency, experts have said.

The deepening environmental crisis will continue to worsen if there is not significant support and investment in environmental and science education, researchers have warned. Reforms would help young people to address the complex, interlinked and dynamic issues of our contemporary situation.

The experts argue Governments and other organisations must direct more funding to education innovation in response to consistent warnings from scientists about trends in the deteriorating state of ecosystems, biodiversity and climate, amongst other environmental issues.

Writing in Environmental Education Research, Alan Reid, from Monash University, Justin Dillon, from the University of Exeter, Jo-Anne Ferreira, from the University of Southern Queensland and Nicole Ardoin from Stanford University, who are senior editors of the journal, say environmental education is a "cornerstone for the social and environmental changes" needed in the future.

Environmental and science education helps people to identify fake information and ideologies, and understand and respond appropriately to warnings about the climate emergency.

They add that consensus on our environmental predicaments is not simply a matter for scientists, however. It must be supported by those in the humanities, arts, and social sciences, and wider society. Only then will contemporary calls by organisations such as UNEP and UNESCO that 'environmental education be a core component of all education systems at all levels by 2025', have a chance of gaining the multilateral and multileveled support the situation so urgently requires.

The academics highlight international surveys that show many governments continue to fail to support and invest enough in environmental and sustainability education across pre-school, school, college and university settings.

Professor Ferreira said: "The research base is clear about the superiority of whole-school approaches to quick curriculum fixes for addressing topics such as the climate emergency. The existential risk aspects also mean we need to look at investment and innovation in lifelong learning and non-school based provision, alongside examining the focus of current initial teacher education and continuing professional development."

Professor Reid said: "The popularity of outdoor education centres and activities are testament to the broader base of interest in environment and nature, as well as when arts, media and civil society addresses the climate crisis. Flagship environmental and science communication documentaries by the likes of David Attenborough examining the causes and effects of the climate emergency whet many people's appetites for understanding more from credible sources. Sir David's own learning journey in coming to understand the urgency of the situation underscores the rich learning opportunities available to us all, particularly in the run up to COP26 in Glasgow."

He added: "Ensuring any form of environmental education is relevant, coherent, fit for purpose, funded appropriately, and available to current and future generations within and beyond the curriculum will be crucial to addressing sound and pertinent warnings from scientists."

Professor Dillon said: "Global leaders should be discussing how to reimagine, recreate and restore environmental education to reduce the consequences of the environmental crisis. Countries should embed environmental and science education throughout society in ways that make sense locally."

Professor Ardoin said: "Only by investing in education--and especially environmental and sustainability education--will it be possible to radically alter the course we are currently on, and thus demonstrate to ourselves and future generations that sufficient heed was given to our warnings."

###
CHAMPAIGN, Ill.  A new book by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign journalism professor Nikki Usher examines the market failure of local newspapers in the context of larger U.S. problems such as rising social inequality, geographic polarization and political discord. In News for the Rich, White, and Blue: How Place and Power Distort American Journalism, Usher posits that newspapers are becoming more focused on serving wealthy, white and politically liberal news consumers.

In the wake of the many local newspaper collapses, the American public is left wondering how this new reality fits into Americas foundational idea of an informed and representative democracy. Usher wrote that newspapers have not served American democracy well in this area for a long time.

It is a well-accepted premise that local journalism is inherently good for democracy, and that it is something that we absolutely need for democratic life to function and flourish, Usher said in an interview. But, as newspapers continue to rely on subscription revenue, they need to hold the interest of those willing and able to pay for news. This leads to journalism that perpetuates an elite democracy, where news is about elites for elites.

This problem is nothing new to journalism, Usher said. Mainstream journalism perpetuates the status quo and newsrooms remain stubbornly white and increasingly off limits to those without a financial safety net, despite efforts made in the past to correct the issue. These shortcomings within newsrooms are compounded by the financial crisis facing newspapers. To survive, some newspaper executives concede that it is wealthy white people who continue to pay for news, she said.

One of those newsrooms most likely to survive is The New York Times, a site of Ushers previous research in her book "Making News at the New York Times." Ten years after her initial research, Usher returned to the newspaper and found that the newsrooms survival strategy now explicitly focuses on reaching an elite, global audience, even as newsrooms leaders are aware that they are out of touch with nonurban, noncoastal America.

While philanthropy, nonprofit news organizations and public media are often touted as better business models for news organizations, Usher reminds the reader that philanthropists often have pet causes, and nonprofit and public media still rely on those who can pay for news.

In the book, I illustrate this with data to show that news philanthropy overwhelmingly goes from foundations in blue places to journalism in big blue cities, regardless of how much or how little news provision is available, Usher said.

But that does not mean that Americans should let go of hope for good local journalism, Usher said, because it is a powerful concept. She offers a variety of possible solutions.

One solution may be the return to local partisan reporting, she said. Being open and honest about partisanship is really important, particularly in local communities. In the American news market, the Republican Party is funding some local news organizations, but the Democratic Party has done little to think about how theyre going to respond. Going back to the party-subsidized press may not be such a bad idea. After all, partisan media sells.

Usher also offers local news innovations such as looking to local institutions and organizations already in place for help.

There are many things that newspapers do that community organizations, institutions and civic groups already do, she said. For example, the public health department in my county has been responsible for producing maps and charts of COVID-19 case numbers. We should look more closely into the value of offloading basic responsibilities of ordinary information gathering to these types of groups.

###

Usher also holds affiliate appointments in communication and political science at the U. of I. She is the author of Interactive Journalism: Hackers, Data, and Code and a senior fellow at the Open Markets Institutes Center for Journalism and Liberty, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank.

Editors notes:

To reach Nikki Usher, call 213-220-7824; email nusher@illinois.edu; Twitter handle @nikkiusher.
Coastal communities across the world are increasingly facing up to the huge threats posed by a combination of extreme storms and predicted rises in sea levels as a result of global climate change.

However, scientists at the University of Plymouth have developed a simple algorithm-based model which accurately predicts how coastlines could be affected and - as a result - enables communities to identify the actions they might need to take in order to adapt.

The Forecasting Coastal Evolution (ForCE) model has the potential to be a game-changing advance in coastal evolution science, allowing adaptations in the shoreline to be predicted over timescales of anything from days to decades and beyond.

This broad range of timescales means that the model is capable of predicting both the short-term impact of violent storm or storm sequences (over days to years), as well as predicting the much longer-term evolution of the coast due to forecasted rising sea levels (decades).

The computer model uses past and present beach measurements, and data showing the physical properties of the coast, to forecast how they might evolve in the future and assess the resilience of our coastlines to erosion and flooding.

Unlike previous simple models of its kind that attempt forecasts on similar timescales, ForCE also considers other key factors like tidal, surge and global sea-level rise data to assess how beaches might be impacted by predicted climate change.

Beach sediments form our frontline of defence against coastal erosion and flooding, preventing damage to our valuable coastal infrastructure. So coastal managers are rightly concerned about monitoring the volume of beach sediment on our beaches.

The new ForCE model opens the door for managers to keeping track of the 'health' of our beaches without leaving their office and to predict how this might change in a future of rising sea level and changing waves.

Model predictions have shown to be more than 80% accurate in current tests, based on measurements of beach change at Perranporth, on the north coast of Cornwall in South West England.

It has also been show to accurately predict the formation and location of offshore sand bars in response to extreme storms, and how beaches recover in the months and years after storm events.

As such, researchers say it could provide an early warning for coastal erosion and potential overtopping, but its stability and efficiency suggests it could forecast coastal evolution over much longer timescales.

The study, published in Coastal Engineering, highlights that the increasing threats posed by sea level rise and coastal squeeze has meant that tracking the morphological evolution of sedimentary coasts is of substantial and increasing societal importance.

Dr Mark Davidson, Associate Professor in Coastal Processes, developed the ForCE model having previously pioneered a traffic light system based on the severity of approaching storms to highlight the level of action required to protect particular beaches.

He said: "Top level coastal managers around the world have recognised a real need to assess the resilience of our coastlines in a climate of changing waves and sea level. However, until now they have not had the essential tools that are required to make this assessment. We hope that our work with the ForCE model will be a significant step towards providing this new and essential capability."

The University of Plymouth is one of the world's leading authorities in coastal engineering and change in the face of extreme storms and sea-level rise.

Researchers from the University's Coastal Processes Research Group have examined their effects everywhere from the coasts of South West England to remote islands in the Pacific Ocean.

They have shown the winter storms of 2013/14 were the most energetic to hit the Atlantic coast of western Europe since records began in 1948, and demonstrated that five years after those storms, many beaches had still not fully recovered.

CASE STUDY - PERRANPORTH, NORTH CORNWALL

Researchers from the University of Plymouth have been carrying out beach measurements at Perranporth in North Cornwall for more than a decade. Recently, this has been done as part of the 4million BLUE-coast project, funded by the Natural Environment Research Council, which aims to address the importance of sediment budgets and their role in coastal recovery.

Surveys have shown that following extreme storms, such as those which hit the UK in 2013/14, beaches recovered to some degree in the summer months but that recovery was largely wiped out in the following winters. That has created a situation where high water shorelines are further landward at sites such as Perranporth.

Sea level is presently forecast to rise by about 0.5m over the next 100 years. However, there is large uncertainty attached to this and it could easily be more than 1m over the same time-frame. If the latter proves to be true, prominent structures on the coastline - such as the Watering Hole bar - will be under severe threat within the next 60 years.

###
As society moves towards a renewable energy future, it's crucial that solar panels convert light into electricity as efficiently as possible. Some state-of-the-art solar cells are close to the theoretical maximum of efficiency--and physicists from the University of Utah and Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have figured out a way to make them even better.

In a new study, physicists used a technique known as cross-correlation noise spectroscopy to measure miniscule fluctuations in electrical current flowing between materials inside silicon solar cells. The researchers identified crucial electrical noise signals that are completely invisible to conventional noise-measuring methods. They were also able to pinpoint the likely physical processes causing the noise, which often results in a loss of energy and lower efficiency.

"Measuring noise on an object is relatively simple. You can just buy devices that do it. But the problem that plagues us is that these devices also have noise," said Kevin Davenport, associate instructor of physics at the U and lead author of the paper. "This cross-correlation technique allows us to not only measure the noise of the device, but to also measure the noise of our detector and remove it so that we can see much, much smaller noise signals."

The technique, that was published on June 24 in the journal Scientific Reports, is an important new tool to improve material interfaces for a better solar cell, or to analyze inefficiencies in other complicated devices.

"It's surprising how important tiny improvements in efficiency is for industry. Just a fraction of a percent improvement translates into billions of dollars because of the scale of production," said co-author Klaus Lips, professor of physics at Freie Universitat Berlin and department head at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin where the solar cells have been designed and fabricated.

"In the past, we have used the cross-correlation technique to study fairly simple research-grade light emitting diodes, but advantages of the method truly came into the light in this work," said Andrey Rogachev, professor of physics at the U and co-author of the study. "And it goes beyond the solar industry. In any device with many layers, each interface between materials can diminish efficiency in some way. It's so complicated, you have to be really discreet to be able to say what's going on and, more importantly, where the particular noise is happening. It turns out that this technique allows us to do just that."

As often happens in modern research, a single method was not enough to understand complex devices. Interpretation of the noise date have been heavily helped by solar cell simulations carried out by C.T. Trinh, a postdoctoral researcher at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin and co-author of the study. The final co-author is Mark Hayward, then an undergraduate research at the U and now a graduate student at University of California, Irvine.

Analyzing noise

The study analyzed silicon heterojunction solar cells (HSCs), a high-end type of single-material solar cell and currently the most efficient of its kind on the market--26.7% of light that hits the cell is converted into electricity. In contrast, the cells that make up solar panels on a residential house range between 15% and 20% efficiency.

In an HSC, electricity generation starts when individual particles of light called photons are absorbed by the photo-active layer made of crystalline silicon and creates pairs of negatively charged electrons and positively charged holes, which are charges caused by missing electrons. Electrons and holes are then pulled in opposite directions by an electrical field created by two selective contacts made of hydrogenated amorphous silicon modified with impurities. This process produces current that we use as electricity. The problem is that the selective electrode and photo-active silicon do not match together perfectly, creating defects that trap electrons. To eliminate these defects in research-grade solar cells like the ones in the study, the scientists place between them an ultrathin layer of pure amorphous silicon. Finally, all of these five layers are sandwiched between two layers of transparent conducting material, known as ITO, and gold electrodes.

The efficiency of HSCs depends on how well the different layers are connected together. A slight mismatch between two layers can make it difficult for the electrons to get where they need to go--a problem that will produce a noise signal.

"That problem is kind of hidden inside these interfaces, and it's really difficult to be able to detect any kind of signal. But the noise technique that we use is very sensitive to really, really small individual signals," said Davenport. It's like listening to a note played by different instruments, he continued. A C-note on a violin is the same as a C-note on a cello, but they sound different. If you were to analyze that note, you can pull out information to learn something about the instrument that produced it, like the length or material of the strings.

"We do something similar to that. We see this wide spectrum of different noise signals and different positions along the frequency axis. We can say, 'OK, this part of the note that we see, we can attribute to this physical process and this part is a different physical process,'" said Davenport. "But the device is full of these processes that all generate noise and it's really difficult to un-entangle them--like pulling out a single voice in a 200-person chorus. This technique allows us to remove a lot of the unwanted portion of the signal."

Mapping inefficiencies

The silicon HSCs are excellent as they are, but they still have limits. The research team's new technique identified key areas in the device where specific physical processes are producing electrical signals. In the future, small adjustments at these stages could improve the efficiency of these cells, and solar cells of the future. After sifting through the electrical cacophony to discover the relevant signals, the physicists ran a simulation to pinpoint what physical processes were happening at the location of the signal.

The next generation of solar cells are known as tandem cells, which are stacks of different photovoltaic materials that are each sensitive to a different part of the sun's light, giving such a device an ability to generate more energy. One proposed device layer is the hot-ticket perovskite material.

"Together, the new solar cell can break through the limit of the silicon device by itself, beyond 30% efficiency," said Lips.

At this edge of efficiency, small losses matter. One such loss has been observed by material scientists; the deposition of the transparent ITO somehow modifies the underlying silicon layers, creating defects which reduce the device's efficiency. One of the major electrical noise signals that the researchers identified in this study was at this interface, where the charges are trapped and released. Another major signal occurred as holes passed through a similar barrier on the back side of the device.

"The ability to detect these signals means that we can understand their sources and mitigate them," said Davenport.

###

The research at the University of Utah was supported by NSF and at Helmholtz-Zentrum by DFG.
July 7, 2021 - The murders of George Floyd and other Black Americans have prompted a national outcry against structural racism and police brutality. How are leading nursing organizations and schools of nursing defining their positions on racism? That's the topic of a special article in the July/August issue of The Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (JANAC). The official journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, JANAC is published in the Lippincott portfolio by Wolters Kluwer.

Three major national nursing organizations and many top-ranked schools of nursing have issued position statements on racism in the past year, according to the report by Amelia Knopf, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN, of Indiana University, Indianapolis, and colleagues. These statements "assert an organizational or institutional commitment to confronting racism and provide direction for nurses to engage in anti-racist actions," the researchers write.

'A unified response from the nursing profession' Over a three-month period in 2020, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd - three unarmed Black Americans - were killed during responses to alleged criminal activity. These events spurred a massive series of anti-racism protests, a major social movement that has "shed a glaring light on the criminal justice system as a racist structure," according to the authors.

"This movement also provided a call to action to dismantle other racist structures, including those that permeate the health care system," Dr. Knopf and colleagues add. In the new paper, they analyze key ideas set out by position statements issued by three prominent national professional nursing organizations: the American Nurses Association (ANA), American Academy of Nursing (AAN), and American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).

Thematic analysis revealed that "these national bodies responded in a timely and consistent manner...[providing] direction for a unified response from the nursing profession." The statements addressed six key themes:

Condemnation of police brutality: Sending "a clear message that injustice and racism will no longer be tolerated" (AACN)

Sending "a clear message that injustice and racism will no longer be tolerated" (AACN) Acknowledgement of the effects of racism on health: Recognizing racism as "a public health crisis that impacts the mental, spiritual, and physical health of all people" (ANA)

Recognizing racism as "a public health crisis that impacts the mental, spiritual, and physical health of all people" (ANA) Calls to combat racism: Pledging to "oppose and address all forms of racism and discrimination" (ANA)

Pledging to "oppose and address all forms of racism and discrimination" (ANA) Calls to end systemic racism: Opposing the "institutional structures and processes that can block openness and prevent change" (AAN)

Opposing the "institutional structures and processes that can block openness and prevent change" (AAN) Calls to stand by or support those working against racism or discrimination: Calling for "action to change structures and policies that have enabled and permitted senseless violence to occur" (AAN)

Calling for "action to change structures and policies that have enabled and permitted senseless violence to occur" (AAN) Calls for respect for all persons: Speaking "with one strong voice as leaders and role models of compassion and empathy for our patients, families, communities and most importantly towards one another" (ANA)

The researchers then analyzed position statements by top-ranked US schools of nursing. Of 32 schools of nursing included in the review, 18 had issued statements on racism. Most were "well-aligned" with national statements, addressing at least two and up to six of the key themes.

However, the school of nursing position statements varied significantly. Although most addressed systemic racism, several avoided comments that might be considered "controversial" - such as references to White supremacy as the foundation of racism, support for protests and the Black Lives Matter movement, and calls for substantial policing reforms.

"[W]hile position statements are a viable approach to the public assertion of commitment to anti-racist reforms by schools of nursing, it remains unclear if and how such statements can promote meaningful and measurable changes," Dr. Knopf and colleagues conclude. "These calls must be accompanied by efforts that support lasting reform."

Click here to read "A Review of Nursing Position Statements on Racism Following the Murder of George Floyd and Other Black Americans."

DOI: 10.1097/JNC.0000000000000270

###

is a peer-reviewed, international nursing journal that covers the full spectrum of the global HIV epidemic, focusing on prevention, evidence-based care management, interprofessional clinical care, research, advocacy, policy, education, social determinants of health, epidemiology, and program development.functions according to the highest standards of ethical publishing practices and offers innovative publication options, including Open Access and prepublication article posting, where the journal can post articles before they are published with an issue.

About the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care Since 1987, the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC) has been the leading nursing organization responding to HIV/AIDS. The mission of ANAC is to foster the professional development of nurses and others involved in the delivery of health care for persons at risk for, living with, and/or affected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and its co-morbidities. ANAC promotes the health, welfare and rights of people living with HIV around the world.

About Wolters Kluwer Wolters Kluwer (WKL) is a global leader in professional information, software solutions, and services for the clinicians, nurses, accountants, lawyers, and tax, finance, audit, risk, compliance, and regulatory sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with advanced technology and services.

Wolters Kluwer reported 2020 annual revenues of 4.6 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 19,200 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands.

Wolters Kluwer provides trusted clinical technology and evidence-based solutions that engage clinicians, patients, researchers and students in effective decision-making and outcomes across healthcare. We support clinical effectiveness, learning and research, clinical surveillance and compliance, as well as data solutions. For more information about our solutions, visit https:/ / www. wolterskluwer. com/ en/ health and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @WKHealth.

For more information, visit http://www. wolterskluwer. com , follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

###
Belgium's Africa Museum, once a celebration of the country's colonial rule, will begin a multi-year process of returning stolen art to Democratic Republic of Congo, the Belgian government said on Tuesday.
The British Pound Euro (GBP/EUR) exchange rate has been volatile since markets opened this morning as lack of notable data from the UK limits the appeal of Sterling.

The GBP/EUR pairing are trading around the 1.1671 level as economic data from Germany failed to meet forecasts.

Pound (GBP) Exchange Rates Strengthen on UK PMI Figures

The Pound has been struggling to hold onto any of its gains this morning as a lack of notable data from the UK damages Sterling sentiment.

More so, concerns over the UKs reopening from lockdown restrictions on the 19th July has drawn caution from experts and doctors alike.

Whilst Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed on Monday that social distancing measures along with face masks would be scrapped if the easing goes ahead, many experts have voiced their concerns over the move and the effects reopening too early could have:

Dr Strain, who speaks on Covid for the British Medical Association, told The Independent:

Around two-thirds of those developing long Covid say that their ability to carry out normal daily activities is affected for 12 weeks or more, and many of them will go on to have symptoms for 12 months or more. If Covid cases increase exponentially as restrictions are removed, the best-case scenario is that we will have something like 3,000 people a day becoming incapable of working for three months or longer. In the worst case, that could be 10,000 a day or more.

Sir Paul Nurse, a medical nobel laureate spoke to UK radio this morning surrounding face masks:

I think its not unreasonable for the government to open the country up more, given the success of the vaccine rollout. But Im really not sure its sensible to open up so much so fast when the level of infection is rising so quickly. It makes no sense not to insist on the wearing of masks. We need sensible, well thought out, good plans.

Euro (EUR) Exchange Rates Firm on Disappointing German Industrial Production

The Euro has found itself firming this morning as the single currency limits any major losses on the back of a weakening US Dollar.

German industrial production fell for the second consecutive month against a forecasted 0.5% increase.

As reported by Reuters:

The economy ministry said the decline was mainly due to semiconductor bottlenecks which are hitting the automotive sector, but said the forecast for the economy remained positive due to strong demand and optimistic export expectations.

However, limiting any major losses for the single currency has been the negative correlation between Euro and US Dollar pairing which has allowed the Euro to remain appealing during todays session.

GBP to EUR Exchange Rate Outlook: German Balance of Trade in Focus

For Euro investors, tomorrow will see the release of the latest German balance of trade figures which could provide the single currency with much needed support.

For Pound traders, a lack of notable economic data from the UK will instead see a focus on any further coronavirus developments in the coming days.

The Pound to Euro exchange rate will continue to be driven by the global market mood, a more cautious mood surrounding rising global coronavirus cases could see the exchange rate stumble.
The Pound US Dollar (GBP/USD) exchange rate has made some gains this morning, with the US Dollar subdued ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting minutes this evening.

US Dollar (USD) Exchange Rates Down on Dovish FOMC Expectations

The US Dollar (USD) has been muted today, as USD investors refrain from placing any aggressive bets ahead of upcoming data releases and the FOMC June meeting minutes.

Despite the Federal Reserve striking a hawkish tone last month, many analysts expect the latest meeting minutes to be broadly dovish, which may be dampening demand for USD.

In response to this, and a disappointing services PMI from the US, US Treasury yields slumped yesterday. They continued to drop today, with the 10-year yield hitting 1.33%, its lowest level in almost five months, earlier this morning.

As a result, USD is currently trending downwards against the Pound.

Pound (GBP) Exchange Rates Firm on Lockdown Lifting Hopes

Meanwhile, the Pound (GBP) has caught some bids against the US Dollar today, underpinned by optimism about the reopening of the UK economy.

On Monday evening, Boris Johnson set out his plans for the next stage of lockdown lifting, which remains on track to go ahead on 19 July.

With the majority of coronavirus restrictions set to be removed, this is expected to bring another boost to the UK economy. The lifting of capacity caps and other limitations could see a sharp increase in consumer spending, especially in events and hospitality.

However, the upside in GBP may be limited by concerns that lifting too many restrictions too soon could dent the progress that the UK has made. Some members of the scientific community have warned that increased transmission could lead to new variants of the virus.

Yet the overall outlook is optimistic, thanks to the UKs impressive vaccination programme, and this has helped buoy Sterling.

GBP/USD Exchange Rate Forecast: FOMC Minutes in Focus

USD investors will be searching the meeting minutes for any clues of the direction of monetary policy. With analysts expecting the minutes to reveal a mostly dovish outlook from the Fed, its possible that USD could stumble this evening.

The JOLTs job openings report could potentially bolster the US Dollar this afternoon, as the figure is expected to rise. However, investors may be hesitant to make bids ahead of the FOMC release.

USD could recoup some losses tomorrow, as the initial jobless claims are expected to fall yet again.

Meanwhile, with no more UK releases coming out today or tomorrow, the Pound US Dollar pair may be at the whim of the US data.
My kids are doing their summer reading while we take a needed post-COVID vacation. But the tradition of summer reading shouldnt end with our school years.

My book this week is The Four Pillars of Investing: Lessons For Building a Winning Portfolio by William Bernstein. It makes many top 10 lists of best personal investing books, but Id never read it.

Bernstein, a neurologist-turned-investment writer and adviser, published The Four Pillars in 2002 and updated it in 2010.

Despite never reading it, I can honestly say that over the years, I have 100 percent absorbed Bernsteins philosophical approach to personal investing. There is almost no daylight between what he thinks we should do and what I think we should do. I guess that means I have read many of the other books or papers that underpin his approach. Or that Ive been reading people influenced by Bernstein. Or maybe just that there is a single objectively best way to go about personal investing and we have independently arrived at the same place. (Im sure its one of the first two options, not the third).

If you were a blank slate and wondering what philosophical approach you should bring to investing  and you trusted my judgment  I would posit that you could read Bernstein and know just what I would endorse.

His four pillars are the theory, history, psychology and business of investing. Bernstein offers a lightning round  a mere 200 pages  describing what you need to know about these four topics. In his fifth and final section he brings together a practical how to based on the earlier chapters. Spoiler alert: The how to is diversified index funds.

On investing theory, Bernstein says you must expose yourself to risk to receive a positive return, that markets are more efficient than you think, and that fundamental investing derives from valuing future cash flows with a mathematical calculation that tells you what they are worth today. All very solid stuff.

Knowing investment history is the key next step. I learned plenty about the development of mutual funds and the origin stories of firms like Merrill Lynch, Fidelity and Vanguard, as well as deeper histories about up-market manias and down-market busts. His history of Vanguard and its role in pioneering low-cost mutual funds alone is worth the price of admission.

I believe that understanding investing psychology  the problems coming from inside our own brain  is the key to succeeding as an individual investor. Bernstein explains the pitfalls of misunderstanding risk, the classic errors of confusing luck and skill, being overinfluenced by the recent past and seeing patterns where there are none.

Finally, understanding the business of investing  the real way in which investment firms earn a living from us  is essential.

There are investment companies, and there are marketing companies disguised as investment companies. Bernstein suggests that 90 percent are really marketing companies while only 10 percent are investment companies. The majority of investment professionals are focused on sales, not investing. One way you can spot the marketing companies is that they sell high-fee mutual funds, load funds, variable annuities and other insurance products.

Is The Four Pillars perfect? No.

One area where I disagree with Bernstein is workplace retirement accounts such as 401(k) plans, which he warns are disasters. I think they are beautiful and important.

He writes, The ascent of self-directed, defined-contribution plans  of which the 401(k) is the most common type  is a national catastrophe waiting to happen. The average employee, who is not familiar with the market basics outlined in this book, is no more able to competently direct his own investments than he is to remove his childs appendix or build his own car.

I worry his readers would not take advantage of tax-deferred workplace investment programs. But I take Bernsteins point that few people are prepared to maximize their opportunity or efficiently manage their own investing. Reading one or two classic personal investing books  like his  would go a long way toward correcting this problem.

Bernsteins section on investment fees seems outdated in that hes referencing 2 percent investment adviser fees and the prevalence of front-loaded mutual funds. Dont get me wrong: These still exist and Bernsteins main point still stands, which is that traditionally the money management industry charges ridiculously high fees and delivers mediocre results.

You could accurately call The Four Pillars a slightly dated book. In an important sense, however, a bit of mustiness enhances the credibility of a personal finance book. It means the book has stood the test of time. It means something timeless and true is being taught.

My own personal Mount Rushmore of investing books are ones first published in 1999, 1978, 1973 and 1949. They are Simple Wealth, Inevitable Wealth by Nick Murray; The Only Investment Guide Youll Ever Need by Andrew Tobias; A Random Walk Down Wall Street by Burton Malkiel; and The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham.

You will gain more from reading one of those books than you possibly could learn in hundreds of hours watching videos, browsing online or even reading this column.

In The Four Pillars, Bernstein makes the correct observation that investment journalism has an inherent problem in that the correct thing to advocate  always and only invest in terribly boring index funds  is the dullest possible story. How can we write headlines with that message day after day? So instead we write endlessly about the improbable and the sensational  the cryptocurrencies and the billionaires.

I enjoy learning about other finance books I have yet to read, so please feel free to send me your top recommendation  something that improved your relationship with money and investing. I still have a few weeks left for summer reading.

Michael Taylor is a columnist for the San Antonio Express-News and author of The Financial Rules for New College Graduates.

michael@michaelthesmart

money.com |twitter.com/michael_taylor
One day in 2004, Ralph Blumenthal, then The New York Times Southwestern Bureau chief, recalled, a slim paperback fell into my hands in a used bookstore. It may have been in Archer City, he said, because he was an admirer of the late author Larry McMurtry, who owned a sprawling used bookstore there.

The book that fell into his hands was Passport to the Cosmos: Human Transformation and Alien Encounters by Dr. John E. Mack, one-time head of the department of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and the subject of Blumenthals new book, The Believer: Alien Encounters, Hard Science and the Passion of John Mack (University of New Mexico Press, $29.95).

Mack did not start out his distinguished career writing about alien abductions. He also was the author of A Prince of Our Disorder, a biography of Col. T. E. Lawrence  better known as Lawrence of Arabia  that won the Pulitzer Prize in 1977.

I was amazed there was this Harvard psychiatrist who was interested in aliens, Blumenthal said in a recent interview. I wasnt particularly interested in UFOs myself, but I think every journalist could see the appeal of a story of a Harvard psychiatrist who risked his career to investigate alien abductions.

Blumenthal, of course, is now known for his interest in UFOs. Along with Leslie Kean and Helene Cooper, he broke the story in The New York Times of the Pentagons Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program, a secret unit that investigated unidentified flying objects.

On ExpressNews.com: Editors picks: 10 new books to read in July

That 2017 story, and others that followed on close encounters and revived military efforts to study UFOs, paved the way for the recent release of a report by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence titled Preliminary Assessment: Unidentified Aerial Phenomena.

There is no evidence that any of the episodes involve secret American weapons programs, unknown technology from Russia or China or extraterrestrial visitations, Julian E. Barnes wrote in the Times on June 25. But the government report did not rule out those explanations.

Its fair to say Blumenthals nearly 20 years of research and reporting on John Mack, through which he got to know many experts on the subjects of UFOs and alien-human encounters, put him in a key position to report on those developments.

University of New Mexico Press

Following his discovery of Passport to the Cosmos, Blumenthal was so intrigued by Macks status as the first noted American academic figure to study the experiences of people who reported encounters with aliens that he wanted to write a profile of him for the Times.

At the time, he said, he was enjoying his dream assignment, living with his family in Houston, writing about Texas, where you could throw a stone in any direction and hit a great story.

On ExpressNews.com: A peek inside Jenny Lawsons Nowhere Books

Those stories included coverage of the flight to Oklahoma of the Democrats dubbed the Killer Bees to avoid a legislative vote in Austin and the opening of the Museo Alameda in San Antonio, which he calls the most soulful city in Texas.

I tried to call Mack for an interview, Blumenthal said, only to find out he had been run over and killed in London. I originally thought I had kind of discovered him, but I soon learned he was already pretty famous  in fact, he was very famous.

While some journalists might have dropped the idea of a profile, Blumenthal said he realized Macks life had come to an end, and it was time to look back in a biography.

He was caught by the paradox of a noted, socially active psychiatrist  Mack protested with his family against nuclear weapons, advocated for peace in the Middle East and helped found a mental health facility for people in one of Bostons poorest neighborhoods  who also apparently took seriously the idea that aliens were visiting human beings with sometimes traumatic, sometimes ecstatic results.

Mack was, in fact, in tune with his times. From the late 1980s and well into the early 2000s, the concept of alien abduction was very much alive in the American media. In addition to Macks books such as Passport and Abduction: Human Encounters with Aliens, there were San Antonio native Whitley Striebers bestselling book Communion: A True Story as well as books like Missing Time by Budd Hopkins, a pioneer in the investigation of people describing anomalous experiences with apparent aliens and an influence on the Harvard psychiatrists work.

In pop culture, human-alien encounters were a central theme of the TV series The X-Files, which debuted in 1993 on Fox.

Macks family eventually gave Blumenthals project their blessing  and gave the journalist access to everything they had from his extensive personal records.

I had all his movies, his lectures, his therapy sessions, which he taped, and his journals, all on a hard drive, he said, and so I really had a very privileged entree.

After 15 years of research and extensive interviews with family members and contemporaries, Blumenthal has produced a biography that focuses on Macks life as a whole. In addition to the self-professed alien abductees and the organization Mack created to study them, that includes his family, his colleagues at Harvard, other UFO researchers such as Hopkins and the numerous women in his life, about which, Blumenthal says, Mack was quite open.

One of the highlights of The Believer is a captivating account of what Blumenthall calls the inquisition at Harvard.

Mack was called to defend himself against a panel of his peers from other disciplines who were questioning his abduction research  funded in great part by Laurance Rockefeller  and the viability of his career at Harvard Medical School.

Mack and his career survived with expert legal counsel from Danny Sheehan and Eric MacLeish, who represented hundreds of victims of alleged sexual abuse by priests in Boston  the subject of the movie Spotlight.

Believer also provides insight into Macks character through its account of his research into the life of T.E. Lawrence, upon whom, Blumenthal said, he patterned himself  fascinated by the interplay between Lawrence's inner life and his life of action.

Blumenthal admits he was captivated by Mack in the early stages of his research.

The hardest part was to separate myself from him because he was such an overwhelming figure, really powerful and charismatic, he said.

While chronicling all of Macks accomplishments, Blumenthal also leaves the reader with the sense that Mack could have done much more with his research into extraordinary human experience had he lived longer, and had he gone about his business differently.

There was something cavalier about the way he didn't seem to care much about what the consequences were of what he was doing, he said, and that was both a blessing and a curse.

Ed Conroy is a freelance writer in San Antonio.
Many San Antonians still affectionately refer to St. Joseph Catholic Church as St. Joskes, a nod to the bygone department store that failed to purchase the downtown church in 1945 and built around it instead.

But St. Joseph wasnt always surrounded by the former retail giant, or by the shopping mall that later took its place and still encircles the church to this day. In 1868, a procession of German-Catholic families set its cornerstone on whats now East Commerce Street, back when just the Menger Hotel and a few small buildings and horse-drawn carriages occupied nearby Alamo Plaza.

Now that tucked-away church is home to a few hundred registered families, thousands of visitors from around the world and even a two-story parish hall named Mother of the Americas  and most parishioners prefer a more illustrative name for the ensconced property: the jewel in the heart of San Antonio.

In the beginning, obviously, the church was not anything like it is now, said longtime St. Joseph parishioner and historian Charles Fisk. But we understand how that (nickname) came about.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio's iconic old ButterKrust billboard still cooks up memories of spinning bread slices and school bakery tours

When it comes to the history of St. Joseph church, that St. Joskes moniker is literally just the half of it.

St. Joseph occupies whats believed to be the second site of the Alamo mission before it was moved in 1724 to its current home around 350 yards away. German Catholics would have secured the Alamo itself for their parish, had it not been for the Army using it as a storage facility.

St. Josephs cornerstone bears a German inscription that translates to Behold the Dwelling of God Among Men. Just the fourth Catholic parish in San Antonio, that dwelling was first completed and dedicated in 1871 as a relatively understated neo-Gothic structure, with no steeple and just canvas to cover the windows.

That would change, most notably with the pastorate of Rev. Henry Pefferkorn. An artist as well as a priest, Pefferkorn painted the churchs Renaissance-like depictions of the Annunciation and Assumption over its side altars, as well as its Stations of the Cross that hang on the churchs interior walls. He also acquired a pipe organ and four consecrated bells for the church.

St. Joseph Catholic Church

St. Joseph later added its steeple in 1898. Then in 1902, the church acquired Bavarian stained-glass windows from Munich.

On ExpressNews.com: This 1894 photo shows St. Mary's University and end of horse and buggy trail. A look at how it's grown and what's there now

Meanwhile, the adjacent Joskes flagship store experienced its own growth. After moving to the corner of Alamo and Commerce in 1887, the store added two stories and elevators in 1909 and then expanded again in 1939 with an Art Deco facade and the first escalators in a Texas store.

Soon Joskes sought inroads into St. Josephs territory for further expansion, with memorable results.

In 1944, the church sold to Joskes its St. Joseph College located a few lots away. But when Joskes offered to buy the church itself, parishioners unanimously rejected the offer, which went as high as $200,000, or nearly $3 million today.

And so since they were opposed to that, then Joskes built around it, Fisk said. So were encased in that. Which, you know, looks kind of pretty.

Despite Joskes all but engulfing St. Josephs, the separation of church and sales was relatively amicable. On his history website, stjsa.net, Fisk noted Joskes paid for the exterior lighting that enhanced the churchs nighttime aesthetics and security, while St. Josephs scheduled Saturday evening masses to coincide with Joskes closing hour.

Kin Man Hui /Staff photographer

People at lunch would go ... eat, pray and shop, said Conservation Society of San Antonio president Kathy Rhoads.

St. Josephs ultimately outlasted Joskes when the store was bought out and renamed Dillards in 1987. The following year, Dillards adjoining retail space opened as Rivercenter Mall, now known as the Shops at Rivercenter, which continues to surround the church on three sides.

On ExpressNews.com: Peacock Alley, the new hotspot for free summer events in downtown San Antonio, celebrates music, art and Topo Chico

Then theres St. Josephs own expanded footprint of sorts. Despite its tight confines, the church added a two-story, 6,500-square foot parish center in 2017 to its already tiny parking lot. Fisk noted the church provides Rivercenter an emergency exit through its patio in exchange for validated parking for its parishioners and visitors.

Its a work of art, Fisk said. It has this charm that has not changed since the beginning.

No matter what surrounds it.

rguzman@express-news.net | Twitter: @reneguz
Update 4:30 p.m.

San Antonio police have confirmed that an Amber Alert for 2-year-old Kayeden Stutsman and the stabbing incident from Wednesday morning were related.

In an email, a department spokesperson said it appears the child was not a home at the time of the incident but was in the care of a relative. When police arrived at the scene, they were notified the woman who had been stabbed had a child. Police said at the time they did not know where the child was, prompting the Amber Alert.

The child was found safe Tuesday afternoon.

Update 1:45 p.m.

Kayeden Stutsman was found safe Wednesday afternoon, police said in an email.

Police did not say whether anyone has been arrested in connection with the abduction but said an investigation into a stabbing incident from the same address the boy was taken from is ongoing. Police have not said whether the stabbing and kidnapping were related.

Original

San Antonio police have issued an Amber Alert for a San Antonio toddler they believe to be in danger.

Kayeden Matthew Stutzman, 2, was last seen around 11 p.m. Tuesday in the 11700 block of Parliament Street on the North Side.

The child weighs 25 pounds and has blond and blue eyes.

On ExpressNews.com: Rise in homicides puts San Antonio on track for one of its deadliest years in decades

The alert also asks residents to keep an eye out for 28-year-old Erik Stutzman in connection with to the missing toddler. Officials did not say how the two may be related. The older Stutzman is described as 5-foot 8-inches with black hair and brown eyes and weighs 140 pounds.

Police believe he is driving a gray 2019 Toyota Corolla with Texas license plate number NTZ6442.

In an email from a department spokesperson, police say this is an active investigation and believe the child is in danger.

San Antonio police responded to reports to a reports of a stabbing around 5 a.m. Wednesday at the same address the child was last seen. Police have not said the two incidents are related.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the SAPD Missing Persons Unit at 210-207-7660.

taylor.pettaway@express-news.net
BULLHEAD CITY, Ariz. (AP)  A California man on a boat on the Colorado River was fatally injured when a personal watercraft carrying two teenage boys crashed into the boat, an Arizona police department said Tuesday.

Timothy Randall David Lee, 33, of Ontario, California, was sitting on the back of the boat's swim deck when the wreck occurred Sunday, the Bullhead City Police Department said in a statement.
HELENA Mont. (AP)  A tiny western Montana town where a grizzly bear pulled a woman from her tent and killed her this week welcomes visitors year-round to the mountain valley community along the banks of a river made famous by the movie A River Runs Through It.

They come to Ovando to fish, hike, camp and float the river in the summer and to snowmobile, cross country ski or snow shoe in the winter.

The warmer months also bring bicyclists traversing the scenic Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, which this year runs nearly 2,500 miles (4,023 kilometers) from northern Montana to southern New Mexico.

A break in the long-anticipated ride on that route is what brought Leah Davis Lokan, 65, of Chico, California, to the town on Monday for an overnight stay, her friends said.

She and her party were camped near the towns post office and museum when a grizzly bear pulled her out of her tent and killed her early Tuesday, officials said. It was the second time the bear was at the campsite that night, they said.

Wildlife officials spent Thursday trying to find and kill the approximately 400-pound (181-kilogram) bear, but came up empty for a third straight day.

The sheriff closed the informal campsites around town at least until Sunday and the town opened up a fire station and church for cyclists to sleep inside. The town already had an old jail that had been remodeled with some cots for campers, said Kathleen Schoendoerfer, who owns the Blackfoot Angler fishing shop with her husband, Travis Thurmond.

Ovando sees about 1,000 cyclists per year who are traveling the Great Divide route, Schoendoerfer estimated, with varying numbers staying overnight.

The route loosely follows the Continental Divide, at times zig-zagging over it on gravel roads, dirt roads and trails and some single tracks, said Dillon Key, who works at Great Divide Cyclery in Helena. There are also some highway miles.

The route is absolutely gorgeous through Montana, taking riders over mountain passes and through big, open meadows, Key said.

A lot of the towns on the route, small towns in the middle of the mountains, tend to be really welcoming to divide riders coming through, Key said. Theres a couple farms and ranches along the way that allow riders to come stay with them. Its kind of a communal feeling to it. Everyones really welcoming.

Lokan, a registered nurse who had worked at a hospital in Chico, California, would have fit right in, said Mike Castaldo, president of the Chico Cycling Club.

She had a really good spirit. She always had a smile on her face. Always lit up when she saw you. Always gave you a big hug, said Castaldo, who knew Lokan for about 15 years. But I think most of her identity was, you know, outside on the bike, enjoying the outdoors was her thing.

She participated in mountain bike races and was a road cyclist and experienced outdoorswoman.

I think she was competitive, but that was secondary to the journey or the adventure she was on that particular day," he said Thursday.

Lokan had been looking forward to the Montana bike trip for months, said Mary Flowers, another friend from Chico. Lokan had taken long-distance bike trips and on this one was accompanied by her sister and a friend, Flowers said.

She was talking about her summer plans  this wonderful wild adventure, riding her bike on, I dont know, a 400-mile trip or something, Flowers said. A woman in her 60s, and shes doing this kind of stuff  she had a passion for life that was out of the ordinary.

Another friend remembered Lokan as a free spirit with many friends.

She always greeted you with a smile. She was one of those people that was always up for an adventure and always made you to feel like you were the center of her attention at all times, said Leesa Stefano, who met Lokan when Stefano moved to Sandpoint, Idaho, in 2006 and got involved in a bicycling club to which Lokan belonged.

Stefano said Lokan was the type of person who would find a way to check in with everyone at some point to make sure friends knew they were still part of her life.

We were all really excited for her, because we know what it meant, Stefano said about the bike ride. We couldnt wait to hear the stories. Its considered an epic ride.

Lokan and two others were camping when a bear startled them at 3 a.m. Tuesday before wandering off, Montana wildlife officials said. The bicyclists removed food from their tents, stored it and went back to sleep, officials said.

About 4:15 a.m., the sheriffs office received a 911 call after two people in a tent near the victims were awakened by sounds of the attack, Powell County Sheriff Gavin Roselles said. They discharged their bear spray, and the bear ran away.

Lokan was well versed in what she was doing. She knew the dangers, Castaldo said, suggesting she may have let her guard down while camping in a town, rather than along the trail.

The fact that it was right in town  that's pretty messed up, Thurmond told the Missoulian.

People who camp in grizzly bear country  whether deep in the woods or in a developed campground  are advised to keep food and scented products like toothpaste away from their campsites at all times and to cook elsewhere.

If a bear comes through a campsite, its important to stay on lookout for the animal to return, said Greg Lemon, spokesperson for the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Wildlife officials initially used helicopter flights to search for the grizzly. They also set up large traps  made out of culverts and baited with roadkill  in and around Ovando. That included traps near a chicken coop that the bear raided the night Lokan was killed, as well as near the campsite.

Investigators obtained DNA left by the bear in the attack and could compare it with any bruin they are able to trap. Bear specialists and game wardens also were stationed near the traps to shoot the animal if the opportunity arises, said Greg Lemon, spokesperson for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Our best chance would be if the bear comes back and tries to get another chicken or some more food around town, Lemon said.

The wardens feel they could easily identify the bear, which was recorded on a stores surveillance camera in the minutes after its first visit to Lokans campsite, Lemon said.

If they saw that bear at the trap and had a clear shot at it, they might choose to do that.

___

This story has been updated to correct the last name of one of the owners of the Blackfoot Angler fishing shop. She is Kathleen Schoendoerfer, not Loendoerfer.

___

Brown reported from Billings.
A San Antonio police detective has been suspended for the second time this year for his "inappropriate" Facebook posts, suspension records provided by the department show.

Rudy P. Guzman received a 20-day suspension after a civilian reported comments he made in a social media post about the Jan. 6 Capitol riot that left several dead and dozens injured.

On Jan. 20, the civilian reported the "inappropriate social media post" that contained a photo and comment from Guzman. According to records, the civilian responded to the Facebook post, which prompted an alleged derogatory response from Guzman.

On ExpressNews.com: 'It's war, don't go quietly': 45 Texans facing charges in connection with Capitol riot

The department said that Guzman's actions "did not conform to the ordinary and reasonable rules of good conduct and behavior."

Guzman also was suspended in February after "inappropriate and offensive" videos and comments he posted on Facebook about the George Floyd protests were reported. TikTok videos, a meme and comments were posted to his Facebook page on May 28, 2020, just three days after Floyd died while in Minneapolis police custody.

One of the videos depicted the military insulting a protester and another of the Venezuelan military using a vehicle-mounted water cannon on protesters, the Express-News reported.

The department did not reveal what comments Guzman made in either instance.

Guzman will serve his latest suspension between July 11 and July 30.

taylor.pettaway@express-news.net
ANKARA, Turkey (AP)  A prominent Turkish opposition legislator was released from prison on Tuesday, days after the countrys top court ruled his rights to freedom and to exercise politics had been violated, the country's state-run news agency reported.

Anadolu Agency said Omer Faruk Gergerlioglu, a lawmaker from the pro-Kurdish Peoples Democratic Party, or HDP, was released from his prison in the outskirts of Ankara. He was stripped of his parliamentary seat three months ago and jailed for allegedly engaging in terrorist propaganda.

Gergerlioglu, who denied any wrongdoing, was also expected to return to parliament to resume his political activities.

The politician was convicted in 2018 and sentenced to two years and six months in prison after he retweeted a 2016 news article about a call for peace by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK. The court deemed the tweets to be propaganda on behalf of the PKK.

An appeals court had confirmed the conviction earlier this year. But the Constitutional Court ruled in favor of Gergerlioglu last week.

The former head of an Islamist human rights association, Gergerlioglu has exposed several rights violations in Turkey, including alleged illegal strip-searches of detainees by police.

The PKK is considered a terrorist organization in Turkey, Europe and the United States. It has led an armed insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and the conflict has killed tens of thousands of people. A fragile cease-fire and peace talks collapsed in the summer of 2015.

High court prosecutors have, meanwhile, filed an indictment at the Constitutional Court seeking the HDPs closure as well as five-year bans from political office for hundreds of party members. The closure case is the latest crackdown on the party, which has seen its former leaders, lawmakers and thousands of activists arrested.
Texas will receive another $4.1 billion in federal stimulus money to address the post-pandemic needs of public school students, many of whom fell behind academically during months of remote learning.

The U.S. Department of Education announced on Wednesday that it approved Texas plans for spending $12.4 billion allocated to the state. The states plan was among the first proposals to receive approval from the federal government.

The Texas Education Agencys plan calls for mitigating learning loss as a top priority, though part of the money will go to bolster the mental and emotional health needs of Texas schoolchildren, expanded tutoring, high-quality instructional materials and job-embedded learning.

The agency estimates Texas students lost an average of 5.7 months of learning last school year.

The approval of these plans enables states to receive vital, additional American Rescue Plan funds to quickly and safely reopen schools for full-time, in-person learning; meet students academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs; and address disparities in access to educational opportunity that were exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a news release.

The Department of Education distributed $81 billion nationally earlier this year, which accounted for two-thirds of the American Rescue Plans emergency relief funding for K-12 schools. The remaining funding will be distributed to states as their plans are approved. Texas received $8.3 billion in late March.

School districts and charter schools that received Title 1 grants, or federal funding for schools in which more than 40 percent of students come from low-income families, during the past school year are eligible for the American Rescue Plan funding. The amount TEA allocates to each district is calculated based on how much Title 1 funding was distributed to the school system.

Districts across San Antonio have been working on plans to spend the additional funding during the 2021-22 school year and beyond, having received notice of how much money they can expect between now and 2024.

Theyve also received guidelines on how these funds must be spent, including allocating at least 20 percent to address learning loss. The deadline to submit the plans to the TEA is July 27.

San Antonio ISD is expecting to receive $70 million from ESSER III funds for year one, $70 million for year two and $68M for year three, for a total of $208 million.

For the first round of federal funds, which was presented to the board on June 21, SAISD allocated about $42.7 million for instruction, about $9.2 million for guidance and counseling services, and $7.8 million for social work services, among other expenditures.

At Northside ISD officials are expecting to receive about $173 million over the next three years. The latest expenditures approved by the board of trustees include about $89 million for academic support, about $26 million for whole child support services, and $88,350 allocated for health and safety measures.

At North East ISD, officials are expecting a total of $117.1 million. The board has been briefed on the federal requirements but plans on the allocation on the funds are still being worked on.

The boards have not fully approved their plans while awaiting for additional guidance or changes before the deadline.

Houston ISD is set to receive another $268 million, making its total allocation from the federal funding $804 million.

Staff writer Danya Perez contributed to this report. alejandro.serrano@chron.com; hannah.dellinger@chron.com
Staff file photo

San Antonio Express-News reporter Emilie Eaton has won a coveted Texas Gavel Award for exposing deficiencies in Bexar Countys criminal justice system during the pandemic year of 2020.

The awards, sponsored by the State Bar of Texas, recognize journalism that deepens public understanding of the legal system and sheds light on practices or procedures needing correction to improve the justice system.
With 81 homicides in the first six months of 2021, San Antonio is on track for one of its deadliest years in nearly three decades.

Homicides rose from 75 during the same period a year ago, an eight percent increase, according to preliminary data from the San Antonio Police Department.

Five years ago, San Antonio had recorded 73 homicides by this point on the calendar  and that year (2016) ended with a total of 149 slayings, making it the citys deadliest year since 1994, when there were 194.

This years rise in homicide mirrors a trend seen in many major U.S. cities. It began last year amid the economic and social hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, crime figures across the country decreased in 2020.

On ExpressNews.com: 911 family violence calls spiked in San Antonio during COVID lockdown

Its important to note that homicides are part of a much bigger picture of the state of violent crime in San Antonio, SAPD spokeswoman Mariah Medina said in a statement. Our internal numbers show, preliminarily, violent crime as a whole - homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault - was down for the first five months of this year in comparison to the same period last year. Similarly, we saw a decrease in property crimes.

The new homicide tally, as of Monday, is subject to slight adjustments because some deaths still under investigation could later be classified as homicides.

The count also does not include what the FBI calls justifiable homicides. Under the bureaus Uniform Crime Reporting program, homicides are deemed justifiable when a police officer kills a suspect in the line of duty or a private individual kills someone who was committing a crime.

San Antonios latest homicide figure comes after a particularly violent three-day holiday weekend, when at least nine people were killed.

Deadly standoff

On ExpressNews.com: After three-year decline, homicides spiked in San Antonio last year

Among the fatalities: A man shot by five police officers after a standoff near his home on Monday. The confrontation began after the man fired a weapon at family members and a KSAT television crew that was reporting on a house fire at the location.

The man fled to a home in the 300 block of Noria on the citys near West Side. He ran to the backyard and moved between two sheds throughout the standoff.

Around 3 p.m., officers who had positioned themselves inside the house attempted to lock the back door to keep him from reentering. Police Chief William McManus said the man saw officers locking the door and began firing at them.

The officers returned fire, killing him, McManus said.

Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News / Staff photographer

We did not intend to engage the individual, McManus said Monday. This was a plan to keep him locked out of the house and make it easier for us to apprehend him.

On ExpressNews.com: Suspect in West Side standoff killed in shootout with police

The suspect has not been officially identified. Family members identified him as 28-year-old Eduardo Mendez Amezquita.

A string of convictions

Amezquita had been arrested seven times in the last 10 years, Bexar County court records show.

The first time was in January 2011, on two drug charges. He pleaded no contest to one of the charges, meaning he neither admitted nor disputed the charge but acknowledged that there was sufficient evidence to find him guilty.

A judge placed Amezquita on deferred adjudication, which allows defendants to avoid a conviction if they meet requirements set by the court. His probation was later revoked after he failed to meet those requirements, records show.

Amezquita was convicted in three subsequent criminal cases  of drunk driving, burglary and assault causing bodily injury of a family member.

For the drunk driving conviction, he was sentenced to six months in jail and fined $500. For the assault, he was sentenced to 11 months and fined $4,000.

The judge in the burglarly case sentenced Amezquita to four years in prison. He was released in December 2020 after serving half his sentence.

Risky behavior

Homicides in San Antonio have generally declined since the early 1990s, when the city was dubbed the nations Drive-By Shooting Capital. In 1993, the city had 220 killings and a rate of 22 homicides per 100,000 people.

In 2016, the numbers again shot up. In response, McManus launched a violent crime task force to pursue violent suspects with lengthy criminal records rather than focus on geographic hot spots, as the department had in the past.

Crime doesnt just happen in one section of the city, and we dont want to target one section of the city, McManus said then. We dont want to overpolice. We have our intelligence unit detectives talking about who we need to target  people, not areas.

By the end of 2017, homicides had decreased 16 percent  though that years total was the citys second highest since 1994.

The 2017 homicide count included the deaths of 10 immigrants who were smuggled across the U.S.-Mexico border and held in an overheated semitrailer, where they died of heat exposure and asphyxiation.

San Antonio homicides dropped in 2018 and 2019.

On ExpressNews.com: Homicides in San Antonio fall for third straight year, increase slightly in Bexar County

The number rose 22 percent last year, although the per capita homicide rate was significantly lower than during previous spikes: about 8 homicides per 100,000 people.

At the time, McManus said it was difficult to pinpoint why homicides increased, though he suspected many deaths could be blamed on family violence or risky behavior, such as drug use and gang involvement.

Criminology experts say its normal for crime to fluctuate from year to year because of various factors, including changes in economic conditions, police staffing, gang-related activity, police-community relations and general trust in government.

They have attributed the most recent nationwide surge in homicides to higher unemployment, racial unrest and stress caused by the pandemic. Experts noted that the pandemic kept many families in close quarters, making already volatile and abusive relationships worse.

The unfortunate fact is that while numbers show a decrease in crimes, crime is still occurring, said Medina, the SAPD spokeswoman. Our primary concern is for the victims of these offenses and ensuring justice in each and every case.

Staff writer Jacob Beltran contributed to this report.

eeaton@express-news.net
Rosie Lopez surveyed the devastation at the Comfort Cafe San Antonio in Leon Valley with an air of resignation.

Tomatoes and lemons had rolled across the wet mud that covered every square inch of the floor. Refrigerators, ice machines and display cases had tipped over. Dining tables and chairs were tossed together in a chaotic pile.

Fierce rains Tuesday had brought more than four feet of water into the low-slung building on the banks of Zarzamora Creek just inside North Loop 410.

Lopez looked at the messages of encouragement to people in recovery from addiction  affixed to the restaurants walls as part of its mission as a fundraising arm of a nonprofit group  and wondered how that decor could be saved.

Some of this stuff I have to surrender, she said.

Now Playing: Video: San Antonio Express-News

Since Monday, 9 to 10 inches of rain had fallen in some areas of San Antonio, according to National Weather Service measurements. And chances of more rainfall remain strong every day this week through Friday. The citys Emergency Operations Center will continue to closely monitor weather conditions.

Some areas around Culebra Road and Loop 1604 were pummeled by up to 6 inches of rain in a four-hour period Tuesday, while 4 to 5 inches fell in the same period in an area extending from the South Texas Medical Center out to Helotes, said Cory Van Pelt, an NWS meteorologist.

Most of that ton of rainfall went right into the Leon Creek stream area, he said. Its all just cramming down that stream there.

The National Weather Service often releases an impact statement if Leon Creek reaches a height of 22 feet, Van Pelt said. On Tuesday afternoon, Leon Creek at Interstate 35 stood at 19.7 feet.

That waterway is expected to crest at 26 feet, San Antonio officials said Tuesday evening. The highest recorded in Leon Creeks history was 29.31 feet, measured during one of the citys worst floods in modern memory, on Oct. 18, 1998.

William Luther /Staff

On ExpressNews.com: Flood risk in San Antonio: an interactive map

The San Antonio Fire Department responded Tuesday to reports of flooding near homes and conducted a water rescue on the citys North Side, spokesman Woody Woodward said. Two people were rescued after being swept away by floodwaters near Jackson Keller Road.

Laura Mayes, a spokeswoman for San Antonio, asked that residents check for road closure information on the city's website.

At Comfort Cafe San Antonio, Lopez and her wife, Teri Lopez  co-founders of the dining establishment at 5616 Bandera Road  said they will rebuild.

Its totaled, the whole cafe, Rosie Lopez said. Theyre going to have to start from the ground up, pretty much.

The restaurant is a nonprofit operation. All proceeds benefit an alcohol and drug recovery program, SerenityStar Recovery Resource Center, which Rosie and Teri Lopez established in Smithville in 2009. Diners are asked to make a $10 donation for any breakfast or lunch dishes they order.

Sometimes customers choose to give more  at times, donations of up to $100. Everyone working at the restaurant is in recovery and provides their services on a volunteer basis.

Interactive San Antonio Flood Map Joy-Marie Scott Current flooding and road conditions

The Lopezes also opened an additional restaurant known as Comfort Cafe East just last month at the Los Patios development at 2015 Northeast Loop 410. That establishment follows the same nonprofit and donation model benefiting SerenityStars recovery program.

Despite the severe damage to their Bandera Road restaurant, Rosie and Teri Lopez were calm.

We live with a full heart knowing that for anything that happens, there is something much bigger and better on the opposite end, Rosie Lopez said. We take it literally  Serenity is not freedom from the storm, its peace amid the storm.

Were kind of used to dealing with crisis, Teri Lopez said.

pohare@express-news.net | Twitter: Peggy_OHare; jbeltran@express-news.net | Twitter: @JBfrom SA
Whatever one feels about the Battle of the Alamo, there was an actual fight, one-sided though it was. Debates over the reasons it was fought, if it made sense to fight and what the Alamo represents do not detract that when attacked, the Alamos defenders either fought to the death or were captured before being executed.

Which makes it ironic that one of the Alamos most powerful modern-day fans, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, was so perturbed by an onrushing cavalcade of icon-busting facts that instead of defending the John Wayne-inspired mythology he cherishes, Patrick found a back door to avoid confrontation.

Or more like a front door when he used his power of elected office to force the states history museum to cancel the appearance of an army of three writers, armed with a new book on the Alamo.

Forget the Alamo: The Rise and Fall of an American Myth, by Houston Chronicle and Express-News columnist Chris Tomlinson, Bryan Burrough and Jason Stanford, was already garnering attention and critical acclaim when it was released June 8. Building on primary documents and the scholarship of others, the trio methodically and zestfully dismantles the wall of myth that has surrounded the Alamo for generations, strips away the garments of hagiography that has long adorned the legends of Travis, Bowie and Crockett, and highlights slaverys undeniable role leading to the 1836 battle.

The writers were scheduled to appear at the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin on July 1 when the museum pulled out hours before the event. The next day, Patrick took credit for the cancellation, tweeting: As a member of the Preservation Board, I told staff to cancel this event as soon as I found out about it. Like efforts to move the Cenotaph, which I also stopped, this fact-free rewriting of TX history has no place.

Patrick is proud of his exercise in state censorship, unaware or unconcerned of how childish he looks.

Has Patrick read the book? Can he specifically say what the authors got wrong? As happens in moments like this, Patricks cancellation of the museum event also sent Forget the Alamo soaring up the Amazon rankings, making Patrick the Oprah of Texas letters.

But whether hes read it and can produce a scholarly and detailed refutation of Forget the Alamo is a side issue. More concerning is the states lieutenant governor canceling a free-and-open discourse on Texas history  at the Texas history museum!  because he didnt agree with the premise of the book.

This is literal cancel culture, which Patrick and other conservatives regularly decry. It is the drowning out of opposing and uncomfortable viewpoints and ideas. After the recently completed 87th Texas Legislature, which he oversaw, is there a better embodiment of cancel culture than the man pushing through legislation canceling voters who dont vote as he wants, and canceling intellectual inquiry by limiting what can be taught in schools about racism?

Some of the distress felt by the likes of Patrick and Gov. Greg Abbott, who signed into law The 1836 Project mandating patriotic education, is the denial of the central role slavery has had on this nation, including the Civil War and Battle of the Alamo.

The distress is also because most of us prefer the myths about ourselves, our families, states and nations than the truths, which arent always so flattering and comforting but whose acceptance signals maturity and a capacity to grow and embrace complexity.

History is always rewritten, revised and expanded as new information becomes available. Reassessments and critical examinations appear, but closed minds wont open new books.

Were Patrick confident in his factual knowledge about the Alamo, hed debate the Forget the Alamo authors. Instead, the man who worships the bravery of Travis, Bowie and Crockett, and the ground on which they died (well, Crockett probably didnt die at the Alamo), doesnt have the guts to face Tomlinson, Burrough and Stanford.
Twenty-four hours before the Texas Legislature was set to begin a special summer session, Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday called for lawmakers to tackle a slew of hot-button conservative priorities, including a package of Republican voting restrictions that Democrats managed to derail in dramatic fashion on the last day of the regular session in May.

Abbott, a Republican facing two conservative primary challengers next year, waited until the day before the special session that he had called to set the agenda for state lawmakers. He called on the GOP-led Legislature to tackle border security; so-called social media censorship of conservatives; additional restrictions on the teaching of critical race theory in schools; and barring transgender girls from playing on girls scholastic sports teams.

Most of the 11 priorities involved bills that failed to clear the Legislature during its regular session. Abbott called it unfinished business to ensure that Texas remains the most exceptional state in America.

These Special Session priority items put the people of Texas first and will keep the Lone Star State on a path to prosperity, said Abbott.

Democrats, however, were quick to slam the governor for loading up the agenda with conservative talking points rather than calling for more action on issues such as the reliability of the states electrical grid.

State Rep. Chris Turner, chair of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, blasted the agenda as more inspired by former President Donald Trump and his false claims of stolen elections than what Texans really need.

The governors agenda for the special session shows he is more concerned with pandering to die-hard Trump supporters and right-wing extremists than he is with serving everyday Texans, the Grand Prairie Democrat said. Abbott's agenda proves one thing: he is clearly panicked about his upcoming primary election.

The call for a special session took root in the final hours of the regular session in May when Democrats in the Texas House staged a walkout that left the House without enough legislators in the chamber to pass a sweeping, GOP-backed elections bill .

Texas has some of the most restrictive voting measures in the country, and the latest push by Republicans is part of a national campaign in the wake of unsubstantiated claims by Trump that the 2020 presidential election was stolen. Abbott and Republicans have said the measures take aim at voter fraud, though they have not established that it is a widespread problem.

The GOPs election integrity package took aim at, among other things, new voting options that had been offered by local elections officials during the 2020 election, including all-night and drive-thru voting. Democrats accused Republicans of trying to suppress the vote of Black and Latino voters, and were outraged at last-minute additions that would have made it easier to overturn elections and limited early-voting hours on Sundays. They saw the latter as targeting the Sunday tradition of Souls to the Polls for African American voters.

What exactly will wind up in the special-session version of the elections bill remains unclear. However, House Democrats say they are prepared go to war if provisions like the Sunday voting restrictions are included again.

State Rep. Julie Johnson, D-Carrollton, said House Democrats are united and will do what they have to do  even if it means breaking quorum again, as they did on the regular sessions final day.

We`re ready to fight in whatever means necessary to make sure that we have a fair elections bill for the people of Texas, she told MSNBCs Lawrence ODonnell.

Democrats believe polling supports their position. Most Texans surveyed say they approve of the state's election system, and a poll late last month from Ragnar Research Partners found a large majority of likely Texas voters support increasing the number of early voting days and polling sites.

The regular session in May was considered one of the more conservative in recent years, and some see Abbotts push to revisit other priorities as an effort to solidify his base in advance of his bid for a third term next year. Abbott has already drawn two conservative challengers, outgoing state GOP chairman Allen West and former state Sen. Don Huffines of Dallas.

The special session, which Abbott announced last month, can last up to 30 days. The Texas Constitution only allows lawmakers to take up what Abbott puts on the agenda.

More Information Gov. Greg Abbott outlined the topics he wants the Texas Legislature to tackle in a special session starting on Thursday. Here is the list: Elections: Although state officials say the 2020 elections were safe and secure, Abbott has called for additional security measures that Democrats worry will restrict voting. Bail reform: Abbott wants to make it harder for violent criminals to get bail, but it comes at a time when many are pushing for reforms that would end cash-bail for non-violent offenders who are left in jail because they cannot afford bail. Border security: Even though Texas has more than 1,000 Department of Public Safety troopers on the Texas border helping federal border patrol officers, Abbott is vaguely asking for "other strategies as part of Texas' comprehensive border security plan." Social media companies: Abbott wants to make it harder for social media companies to remove people and posts from their platforms. Legislature funding: Abbott vetoed funding for the Legislature after Democrats walked out of the regular session without passing new election restrictions among other bills. This would allow lawmakers to reinstate the money for staff and other non-elected workers in the Legislature who are affected by Abbott's veto. Family violence prevention programs: Abbott vetoed a bill last month that would have required middle school and high school students to learn about child abuse prevention, family violence and dating violence. Abbott said he wants a similar bill to sign, but one that has an opt-out option for parents. Transgender kids: Although Texas already has rules against transgender girls from competing in girls scholastic sports, lawmakers want to make it state law. Abortion-inducing drugs: Abbott wants legislation similar to a bill that never passed the House earlier this year that would put new restrictions in place for doctors who provide abortion-inducing drugs Teacher Retirement System of Texas change: Abbott wants legislation to boost the benefits of retired teachers. Critical race theory: Although the Legislature already passed legislation banning the teaching of critical race theory, a key element of which is systemic racism, Abbott wants a stricter version of the bill even though it has already become law. Budget issues. Specifically Abbott wants lawmakers to find money for property taxes relief, improvements to the foster care system and more protection from cyber attacks. Compiled by Jeremy Wallace See More Collapse

The focus now shifts to the Republican-controlled House and Senate, where leaders left the regular session at odds over their unfinished legislative priorities. House Speaker Dade Phelan, a Republican who faces pressure from both sides of the aisle, on Tuesday announced a new bipartisan committee of lawmakers who will head negotiations on special session items.

Bail reform is once again on Abbotts priority list. During the regular session, Abbott, a former judge and Texas Supreme Court justice, wanted lawmakers to make it harder for violent criminals to make bail. This comes as some lawmakers have fought against the cash-bail system that they say keeps too many poor suspects in jail because they dont have money. But lawmakers never got very far on the bail reforms in the regular session and never produced a bill for Abbott to sign.

Abbotts agenda also includes addressing funding for the legislative branch, which he had vetoed in retaliation for the Democrats May walkout; new legislation on family violence prevention; and more limits on abortion-inducing drugs. Abbott last month signed into law one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country, a prohibition on the procedure after six weeks of pregnancy.

The governor has also called on lawmakers to pass legislation related to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas and address budget issues including property tax relief, improving the foster care system and better protecting the state from cybersecurity threats.

Missing from the agenda, among other issues, is a call to further address the electric grid issues  something Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick had specifically called on Abbott to add. Some 200 Texans died and millions were left without power and heat last February when the states power grid broke down amid subfreezing temperatures.

The Ragnar poll showed that a majority of Texans view reforming the states electric grid operator as a top priority this special session, followed by border security.

Abbott on Tuesday ordered the Public Utility Commission to make substantial changes to ensure the reliability of the Texas power grid but that prioritize the same sources that caused the bulk of the failures during power crises this year, energy experts say.

While Abbott has the power to call a special session and set the initial agenda, it doesnt mean hell get everything he is asking for. In 2017, Abbott listed 21 items on his special session call, but many of the items never made it to his desk to be signed into law. Lawmakers dont even have to meet for a full 30 days. Once in 1922, lawmakers convened for just about an hour before ending a special session without taking up then-Gov. Pat Neffs agenda items.

But if Abbott doesnt get what he wants, he can continue to call lawmakers back for additional special sessions. There is no limit in the Texas Constitution on how often a governor can call legislators back into special session. Republican Rick Perry called 12 special sessions during his tenure as governor. In the 1980s, then-Gov. Bill Clement, also a Republican, had the Legislature come back over and over for what totaled more than 150 days.

Jeremy Blackman and Taylor Goldenstein contributed to this report.

jeremy.wallace@chron.com
SRINAGAR, India (AP)  Young health worker Masrat Farid has trekked long distances through remote Himalayan meadows in Indian-controlled Kashmir to vaccinate nomadic herders in a campaign launched in June. Her challenge isn't the treacherous terrain, she says, but persuading people to get inoculated against the coronavirus.

Everywhere we go it seems rumors reach earlier than we do, and it makes our job difficult, Farid said during a recent vaccination campaign in a high altitude meadow. She said most people are hesitant to get vaccinated because of the rumors.

And the rumors are plentiful.

Fueled by misinformation and mistrust, many residents, particularly in remote areas, believe that the vaccines cause impotence, serious side effects and could even kill. Some simply say they don't need the shots because theyre immune to the coronavirus.

Still, Kashmir has done better than the rest of India. Scores of health workers like Farid have fully vaccinated over 9% of the eligible people among the region's 14 million population, compared to less than 5% for India's nearly 1.4 billion people. Almost 53% in Kashmir have had a first shot.

Mukhti Khan, an elderly woman, belongs to a family of nomads who have traveled for centuries between summer mountain pastures and winter grazing grounds in the lowland plains, herding their goats, sheep and horses.

On a recent day, Mukhti expressed her gratitude as a medical team visited the village near the remote pasture where she and her extended family have camped with their cattle. They can travel on foot to the village but must walk for hours to the nearest town for any medical emergency.

It would have been quite an effort to go to the town for vaccinations, she said as she received her first shot.

Apart from the hesitancy, the health workers have faced hostility as well.

There are places where our colleagues have been attacked, said Farid, who has vaccinated over 800 people so far.

Some of the attacks were fueled by fears that videos taken by officials of the vaccination campaign could be used by authorities to encourage support for the Indian government, which many Kashmiris deeply dislike. Most want independence or a merger with neighboring Pakistan, which controls another part of Kashmir. Both countries claim the entire disputed territory.
CANBERRA, Australia (AP)  Australia will always put its national interests ahead of economic interests in its troubled relationship with China, a senior Australian lawmaker said Wednesday after a White House official predicted Sino-Australian tensions will persist.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, deputy leader of Australias ruling conservative Liberal Party, said China remained a very important economic partner despite bilateral disputes that have disrupted tens of billions of dollars in trade in Australian commodities including coal, wine, beef, barley, wood and lobsters.

We will not put economic interests first, Frydenberg told reporters.

We will put the broader national interest first and that means standing up with a very clear and consistent sense of where our national interest is and that is what we have done, he added.

Frydenberg spoke after White House Coordinator for the Indo-Pacific Kurt Campbell said there was a harshness in Chinas approach to Australia that appears unyielding.

I would have thought we were basically settling in for the long-haul in terms of tensions between China and Australia, Campbell told an Asia Society webinar late Tuesday.

A clash over vaccine diplomacy this week was the latest rift in bilateral relations, which plummeted last year when Australia called for an independent investigation into the origins of and responses to COVID-19.

Australia on Tuesday denied Chinese government and state-media allegations that it was interfering in the rollout of Chinese vaccines in Papua New Guinea.

While an increasingly assertive Chinas relations have soured with several countries, Australia has been singled out for special treatment through a ban on government minister-to-minister contacts.

Campbell said China appeared to have attempted to cut Australia out of the herd and to try to see if they can effect Australia to completely change how it both sees itself and sees the world.

The United States . . . have tried to make clear that were not going to leave Australia on the field. Thats just not going to happen, Campbell said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin dismissed Campbells characterization of Chinese policy toward Australia and denied Beijing was interfering in other countries' internal affairs.

China welcomes all constructive suggestions and well-intentioned criticisms, but will never accept any condescending, preaching or lecturing and will resolutely follow its own path, Wang said.

Frydenberg said Australia was definitely living with a different China than weve seen in years prior.

He said Australia had protected its national interests by barring Chinese communication giant Huawei from involvement in the nations 5G networks, outlawing covert foreign interference in domestic politics and canceling deals struck by an Australian state government under Beijings Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.

Frydenberg has also personally blocked Chinese investment applications in Australia on national interest grounds.

Ive increasingly seen foreign investment applications that have been pursued not necessarily for commercial objectives but for strategic objectives and, as you know, Ive said no to applications that in the past may have been approved, Frydenberg said.

Wang accused Frydenberg of hyping the China threat theory and making irresponsible remarks for his own political interests.
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP)  When the University of North Carolina first declined to vote on granting tenure to journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, kicking off a protracted battle marked by allegations of racism and conservative backlash over her work examining the legacy of slavery, Black students and faculty at UNC saw yet another example of the institution's failure to welcome and support scholars and students of color.

For years, Black students and faculty at UNC have expressed frustration with the way they are treated, from disproportionate scrutiny by campus police to the dearth of Black professors and staff. Without meaningful self-examination and change, they said, UNC risks its ability to recruit and retain students and faculty of color and continues to alienate its Black community.

Right now, the relationship between the University of North Carolina and its Black students, faculty and staff is broken, said Jaci Field, advocacy committee co-chair of the Carolina Black Caucus, a faculty group. But have no fear. You belong. This is your home, too.

UNC's Black student and faculty groups presented a list of demands to the institution at a news conference Wednesday. Many centered on eliminating structural barriers Black students face, such as formalizing access to resources that many only learn about through word of mouth. The groups also urged the university to hire Black counselors and support staff in offices that work with students.

It is hypocritical for this university to claim that Black lives matter, while disregarding the pain they have caused their own Black students and faculty, said Julia Clark, vice president of the Black Student Movement.

Hannah-Jones said Tuesday that she will turn down a faculty position at UNC and instead join Howard University as a tenured professor. Last year, she submitted her tenure application to UNC after being recruited by the dean of the journalism school. But the submission was halted earlier this year by a trustee who vets the lifetime appointments because he had questions about her nonacademic background, university leaders have said. Major donor Walter Hussman Jr., for whom the journalism school is named, had also sent emails to university leaders raising questions about her Pulitzer-winning work on The 1619 Project.

That work examines the legacy of slavery in the U.S. and has drawn backlash from conservative critics. Hannah-Jones was initially offered a contract position, despite her predecessors receiving tenure with their appointments. After weeks of mounting pressure, including protests led by the Black Student Movement, the schools trustees voted last week to offer her tenure.

In a statement Wednesday, Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz said that he has reviewed the list of changes sought by the Black Student Movement and is asking the university's leadership team to develop a plan to address those and other concerns.

I am grateful for the continued advocacy of the Black Student Movement, the Carolina Black Caucus and the Black Graduate and Professional Student Association. Their voices have been vital throughout the history of Carolina," he said.

But Black faculty and students say promises without action will not be enough. The Carolina Black Caucus has previously said that a growing number of its members are thinking about leaving the university after recent events.

The delay in the vote on offering tenure to Hannah-Jones, along with the perception that the university allowed political interests to override the faculty vote that largely supported granting her tenure, has resonated far beyond Chapel Hill.

William Brit Kirwan, chancellor emeritus of the University System of Maryland and a consultant for the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, said the perception that Hannah-Jones' tenure vote was delayed by outside political forces touched the third-rail of serious academic institutions.

The events will likely impede UNC's ability to recruit and retain top researchers, who may conclude that academic freedom at the school  especially to research topics like systemic racism  could be jeopardized by outside influence, said Irene Mulvey, president of the American Association of University Professors.

I think its going to be a very long and difficult process to recover, if they can even recover from this. This is a black eye on the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, she said. And its not only on campus; its nationwide. Certainly all of academia has watched this unfold with horror.

Institutes of higher education have long struggled to retain faculty of color, who often face systemic barriers in academia. Mulvey said faculty of color often face greater demands on their time, such as constantly being asked to serve on diversity and inclusion committees, and risk being viewed as uncooperative relative to white peers if they decline.

Asked on Tuesday whether she felt her decision to reject the tenure offer would hurt UNCs ability to recruit and retain Black students and faculty, Hannah-Jones said the fault would lie with the board of trustees, if that were the case.

I didnt create this situation, she said. So if theyre that concerned, theyll do something different."

She added: The issues on that campus, we know, go back further than my decision. Im not to blame for that.

___

Ma covers education and equity for APs Race and Ethnicity team. Follow her on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/anniema15

The Associated Press reporting around issues of race and ethnicity is supported in part by the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Associated Press writer Aaron Morrison in Brooklyn contributed to this report.
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP)  With his aunt gasping for breath at home from her COVID-19 infection, 17-year-old Ridho Milhasan took matters into his own hands Wednesday and went to find her some oxygen.

After his uncle scrounged an empty tank from a friend, Milhasan found an oxygen filling station in southern Jakarta, waited in the long line of others also in desperate need, and emerged triumphantly after three hours with the supply he needed.

My aunt badly needed this oxygen, he said before strapping the oxygen container to his small scooter. This pandemic is getting dire.

Across Indonesia the coronavirus is again spreading rapidly, and Wednesday was the country's deadliest day since the start of the pandemic with 1,040 reported deaths. Hospitals are bursting beyond capacity and oxygen supplies are running out, leaving people like Milhasan to do what they can to care for sick friends and relatives at home.

In Milhasan's case there was no other option  his uncle tried to get his aunt into multiple hospitals in Jakarta after she tested positive for COVID-19, but was turned away and told to find an oxygen tank and help her at home.

COVID-19 patients have had difficulties to get proper medical services," Milhasan said. "Now they have to find their own oxygen.

Over the last two weeks, the 7-day rolling average of daily new cases in Indonesia has more than doubled from 4.72 new cases per 100,000 people on June 22 to 9.85 on July 6. Over the same period, the 7-day rolling average of daily deaths has gone from 0.11 to 0.20 per 100,000 people.

Despite new lockdown measures and pledges from the government to provide more hospital beds and supplies, there's no indication of that trend slowing.

This is our critical period during the next two weeks, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, the government minister in charge of Indonesias pandemic response, told reporters on Tuesday. He pledged to move quickly to provide more hospital beds, healthcare equipment and oxygen.

In the capital, daily burials have increased 10-fold since May, said Ngabila Salama, head of surveillance and immunization at the Jakarta Health Office. Of the 369 COVID-19 fatalities in Jakarta reported Saturday, 45 people died at home, she said.

We are worried that this is the tip of the iceberg, said LaporCOVID-19, an independent virus data group that keeps track of deaths at home, noting that many go unreported. This must be addressed immediately to prevent more people from dying outside of health facilities.

Overall, Indonesia, the worlds fourth-most populous country, has reported nearly 2.4 million infections and almost 63,000 fatalities from COVID-19. Those figures are widely believed to be a vast undercount due to low testing and poor tracing measures.

With the health care system struggling to cope with the ever-rising numbers, even patients fortunate enough to get a hospital bed are not guaranteed oxygen.

Over the weekend, at least 33 patients with severe coronavirus infections died after the central supply of liquid medical oxygen ran out at a hospital in Yogyakarta.

Indonesias Hospital Association said the problem is widespread, with many hospitals' oxygen supplies running close to empty overnight before morning supplies are delivered.

We need the governments guarantee that the distribution of medical oxygen can reach hospitals as needed and in time," said the associations secretary general, Lia Partakusuma.

Across Java, Indonesias most populous island, hospitals began erecting tents in mid-June as makeshift intensive care units, and many patients waited for days before being admitted. Oxygen tanks were rolled out on the sidewalk for those lucky enough to receive them, while others were told they would need to find their own.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin told a parliamentary commission overseeing health issues on Monday that his ministry has set up a special unit to deal with oxygen supplies amid a dramatic spike in cases on Java and Bali islands.

We have identified oxygen needs in each hospital, and set up oxygen task forces in each province, Sadikin said in a virtual hearing with the lawmakers.

Sadikin said the Industry Ministry has been asked to dedicate 90% of oxygen production to medical oxygen, from the current 25%, where the rest is produced for industrial purposes. The daily need of COVID-19 patients is 1,928 tons a day, while the country's total available production capacity is 2,262 tons a day, according to government data.

He said the scarcity of oxygen in several areas was largely due to distribution not keeping up with skyrocketing demand, and pledged the government would take all efforts to fix it and speed up distribution to areas with high virus infection cases.

___

Associated Press writer Edna Tarigan and photographer Achmad Ibrahim contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The fencing installed around the Capitol after the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection will start being removed as soon as Friday, but most visitors are still not allowed inside the iconic building.

That's according to the House sergeant-at-arms in a memo Wednesday to all members of Congress and staff. The Associated Press first reported last week that the fence was coming down.

The stark, black perimeter fence is one of the last remaining signs of the horrific mob siege that shook the world as supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the building, trying to stop the certification of President Joe Biden's election victory.

Even with its removal, the Capitol will remain closed to most visitors, the memo said.

Although the temporary fencing will be removed, current building access restrictions will remain in place, according to the memo.

Federal officials are aware of online chatter from far-right groups and people who believe in conspiracy theories discussing potentially returning to Washington as part of an unfounded and baseless conspiracy theory that Trump will be reinstated in August.

Five people died in the January attack, including a Trump supporter shot and killed by police inside the Capitol and three people who suffered medical emergencies in the crowd. One police officer died later after having battled rioters. Two other officers later took their own lives.

The U.S. Capitol Police will continue to monitor intelligence information and potential threats, and new fencing could be swiftly erected, the memo said.

The Architect of the Capitol has the ability to and will expeditiously reinstall the temporary fencing should conditions warrant, according to the memo.

The Capitol has been closed to most visitors for the longest stretch in the nation's history, the one-two hit of the coronavirus outbreak that shuttered operations last spring and the insurrection that kept it off limits. It's now nearing 16 months.

The parklike grounds have been a favorite spot for visiting tourists to snap a photo of the iconic dome, and some 2.5 million visitors typically tour the inside of the building each year, among some 12 million who annually visit the campus-like complex of offices.

The memo came six months after the attack and followed consultations with the Capitol Police Board, the Capitol Police and congressional stakeholders.

Removal of the fence will take up to three days, weather permitting.

Lawmakers have been away for the Fourth of July holiday week, but some are expected to return Monday.

During the virus outbreak, House lawmakers have been working under a proxy voting system that enabled them to avoid travel during the pandemic, though most now vote in person. Senators have mostly been back to business as usual.
FAIRFIELD  A defamation case centered around a Facebook post has come to an end after Jason Gladstone, a New Canaan attorney and Fairfield resident, withdrew his lawsuit against a town official due to safety concerns, according to court documents.

According to the case details, Gladstone withdrew his lawsuit against Laura Karson, a member of Fairfields Democratic Town Committee and Representative Town Meeting, on June 30, just six days after the initial complaint was amended to provide more context and information. It is unclear why Gladstone expressed concern for his safety amid the lawsuit.

The suit stemmed from an email sent from Superintendent Mike Cummings to the Fairfield Public Schools community. According to a special motion to dismiss, Cummings said in the email that in the wake of national demonstrations and conversations about racism over the past summer, and with acts of violence against Asian Americans on the rise, he was reaffirming Fairfield Public Schools commitment to racial awareness and anti-racism.

Fairfield Public Schools is committed to continuing to examine our own policies, practices, beliefs, and actions so that we can become aware of the hurt we may cause students, staff, and the community, when we are unmindful of our own inherent biases, Cummings wrote, as quoted in Karsons special motion to dismiss.

Gladstone responded to Cummings email, copying elected officials like Karson, suggesting the superintendent was out of line for his message, according to court documents.

I am truly offended that you would insinuate that I am inherently racist or biased within your March 19, 2021 email, Gladstone wrote in an email, which was also included in the special motion to dismiss.

On March 24, Karson sent an email to Fairfield First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick to garner support for Cummings.

As quoted in the special motion to dismiss, she also expressed in the email to Kupchick that Gladstone was outraged that Mr. Cummings insinuated he was inherently racist, which couldnt be farther from the truth, and Mr. Gladstone and others on the email chain exhibited white fragility, a discomfort and defensiveness on the part of a white person when confronted by information about racial inequality and injustice.

According to Karsons special motion to dismiss, in an attempt to gain support for the superintendent, Karson posted a copy of her email to Kupchick in the Facebook group, Fairfield Standing United, which represents residents of Fairfield and New Haven counties that focus on advocacy of social and political issues on federal, state and local levels.

According to the special motion to dismiss, Gladstone on April 12 sent Karson a letter demanding a full retraction for allegedly defamatory statements in her Facebook post. Karson removed her original post and on April 21 posted a retraction, yet Karson was still served with Gladstones complaint on May 4.

Within the amended complaint, it states that Gladstone believed the statements in the Facebook post were untrue, false, defamatory and that Karsons malicious conduct are the direct cause of his emotional distress.

According to the court documents, Gladstone sustained and will continue to sustain pain such as, nausea, a general feeling of malaise, headaches, anxiety, fear of injury, shame and guilt, as well as loss of sleep, appetite and focus.

Neither Gladstone or Karsons attorney returned requests for comment on the withdrawal on Tuesday.

In Gladstones affidavit in support of his application for prejudgment remedy, Gladstone claims the allegedly defamatory statements have damaged him financially in the amount of $1 million. Judge Barry Stevens denied the application for prejudgment remedy on May 5.

The situation brought a lot of eyes to the incident, generating Facebook posts and emails in support of Karson.

According to an exhibit attached to the amended complaint, one Karson supporter simply titled The Voice of Reason sent Gladstone a letter on June 18 calling Gladstone a poster-boy for white, male privilege. The author continued to say initially suing for $1 million was beneath contempt.
PIERRE, S.D. (AP)  More federal funding is on its way to South Dakota for safely open and operate its schools.

The U.S. Department of Education announced Wednesday it has approved emergency relief funds for South Dakota, five other states and the District of Columbia.

For South Dakota, it means another $127 million has been released to the state on top of the $254 million sent in March.

Federal education officials approved of South Dakota's plan for the funds. The South Dakota Department of Education has three main priorities for the funding, the Argus Leader reported.

The first priority is providing educational opportunities to engage students who fell behind last school year when the coronavirus was raging.

The second priority is to address students social, emotional and mental health needs. South Dakota is partnering with the Department of Social Services to provide access to mental health services through technology to youth in remote areas of the state where access might not otherwise be possible.

The third priority of Secretary Tiffany Sandersons plan is to continue to address teacher recruitment and retention. Sanderson said it will be paramount to understand the pandemic's true impact on the education workforce.

Of the 679 public schools that participated in a COVID-19 impact survey by the education officials in May, 676 of the schools started their school year in August or September. Of those schools, 92% reported most or all of their students were instructed in person.
The email smelled as bad as week-old fish: It was a screenshot of a $1,000 cellphone I had supposedly bought on Amazon.

I quickly checked my Amazon account. No purchase was recorded. Then I checked my credit card account. Ditto.

This was clearly a scam and the real action was the Amazon order number and phone number, with a Philadelphia area code, included on the email. I dialed the number.

The man who answered sounded unprofessional but he was all business: He immediately wanted to know my credit card information to verify. I asked him how he got my email. Agitated, he repeated his demand for a card number. When I told him I knew he wasnt legit, he hung up.

Turns out, I had been caught up in one of the largest ongoing scams on the planet. Its estimated that hundreds of millions of potential marks are targeted by the confirm-your-Amazon-transaction ruse each month by email or robocall, according to YouMail, a phone security company.

Although media attention focuses on high-tech operations, such as the recent spate of ransomware attacks on big enterprises, these consumer-based scams appear far more ubiquitous and are less sophisticated than the headline-grabbing cybercrimes. They illustrate how cons preying on peoples trust have evolved from one of the oldest tricks in the book  brand fraud  which used to mean knockoff Rolexes, Louis Vuitton handbags and, much earlier, cattle rustling. Caveat emptor, pilgrim.

Now, after the global coronavirus pandemic made people more homebound, scammers have turned to trusted brands including Amazon, Apple, and warehouse retailer Costco as decoys in their relentless quest. The torrent of fake online inquiries and offers reached spectacular levels during the last year when millions were stuck at home and ordered online.

Costco, for example, is falsely cited in at least 13 different scams targeting online shoppers. Cybercriminals have used a number of methods to gain customer information including a fake customer satisfaction survey promising exclusive awards of up to $500, giveaways, free HDTVs, and a 2% reward redemption and overcharge reimbursement. The retailer provides screen shots of the fraudulent offers on its customer service website.

It is an unfortunate fact of the Internet that at any given time there are numerous illegitimate pop-up ads, surveys, websites, emails, social media posts and advertisements that purport to be from or authorized by Costco, the company states on its website. Unsolicited electronic communications from Costco do not ask for your personal information.

Scammers are also invoking smaller trusted names. Mary Johnson, an analyst for the Senior Citizens League, found that her name was used as a decoy in one scam. The emails were impersonating me, using a fake phone number, she said. These scamsters are getting extremely brazen. I cant say if the scammer who was impersonating me was part of an Amazon scam. I only know that a scammer had contacted a supporter of The Senior Citizens League, and that individuals daughter contacted me to check out the phone number used.

Traditional cons have long played on peoples desire to be the lucky one in the crowd who gets something for nothing, and so these clickbait frauds often invoke key words such as exclusive, survey, reward, redeem and gift cards. The swindles fall into broader consumer theft categories of identity theft, fake prizes/sweepstakes, Internet merchandise and spoofing. Swindlers often use a technique called pharming that directs Internet traffic from a legitimate site to a look-alike homepage explicitly designed to grift personal account information, Social Security numbers, PINs and addresses.

The scammers dont require much more than cheap router to blast out emails and robocalls  it costs $100 to $200 to make 1 million calls  and the unauthorized use of corporate logos.

These frauds are part of an unrelenting, metastasizing cybercrime trend that targets consumers, businesses and government 24/7. And theres plenty to be worried about: Online consumer threats rose 82% in 2020, according to Atlas VPN, a cybersecurity firm.

Apples website warns consumers about fake calls or emails that pretend to alert potential victims through pop-ups and ads that say your device has a security problem.

They may also issue bogus warnings of an iPhone calendar virus, iCloud locked email, or a breached account, according to scam-detector.com.

Despite the variety of approaches, the core emotional trap of these scams typically is to scare and implore you to call, click or email to quickly reveal account information. Criminals may even send fake texts with the same intent, a practice known as smishing. They may also pretend to be from Apple, Costco or other large retailers.

Although exact numbers are difficult to come by  since the majority of these come-ons are never reported  it was clear that scamsters took advantage of the blizzard of online commerce during the pandemic lockdown.

Plugging "Amazon" into the Better Business Bureau Scamtracker site, which tracks complaints made to the organization, shows reported scams more than doubling between March 14, 2020 through June 14, 2021 from the comparable period starting in 2019 -- the rise coming roughly from the start of the pandemic to the reopening date for most businesses and organizations. This is just a tiny sampling of the larger problem, though: Online purchase scams made up 38.3% of all scams reported to the BBB site in 2020, up from 24.3% in 2019.

Fraud merchants have gotten more creative over the past year in bamboozling Amazon customers. There are several variations of these swindles out there now, according to scam-detector.com:

Free gifts. These fake offers range from PlayStations to massage guns.

These fake offers range from PlayStations to massage guns. Gift cards. They may be falsely tied into Amazon Prime or the companys anniversary.

They may be falsely tied into Amazon Prime or the companys anniversary. Locked Account. The ruse is similar to other scams that claim to freeze your account. They get you to call out of fear. They even may state that your Amazon Prime Account was breached.

The ruse is similar to other scams that claim to freeze your account. They get you to call out of fear. They even may state that your Amazon Prime Account was breached. Login attempts, shopping credits, reviews. Again, no one from Amazon will call you on these illegitimate messages. Many of the scams can be spotted by scrutinizing for misspellings.

Again, no one from Amazon will call you on these illegitimate messages. Many of the scams can be spotted by scrutinizing for misspellings. Shipping. The scammer will steal an order and ship you an empty box or an email with an incorrect shipping address with a phishing link.

The scammer will steal an order and ship you an empty box or an email with an incorrect shipping address with a phishing link. Confirm a Recent Transaction. This is the one I mentioned above. You call and they want to steal your personal information.

The swindles are a numbers game. Even though the vast majority of people do not take the bait, even a tiny fraction of hundreds of millions is still large. Since consumers do so many transactions online, it can be hard for distracted shoppers to keep track of their online retail orders, even those made by people using their stolen information.

John Breyault, vice president of public policy telecommunications and fraud for the National Consumers League, said that three Amazon-linked scams his organization hears from consumers often about involve clicking on [email phishing] links, compromised accounts and updating payment information.

The Federal Trade Commission has frequently warned against the scams  and is empowered to police them  but they are too numerous to crack down on or shut down.

Keep in mind that, like similar swindles falsely invoking the IRS, Medicare or Social Security, giant retailers and government agencies seldom call you directly unless you call them first. The FTC did not respond to a request for comment. (RealClearInvestigations filed a Freedom of Information Act request for specific reports on these retail scams. The FTCs FOIA system noted that the request was closed without delivering any information requested.)

All government watchdog agencies have been overwhelmed by the sheer volume of scams, many involving relentless robocalls and even fake unemployment claims.

The FTCs resources are woefully inadequate to shut down these frauds, Breyault notes. People were stuck at home and disconnected from their social networks during the pandemic while these complaints increased.

Wed like to see stronger enforcement, Johnson says. Theyre destroying lives when they clean out accounts. And Johnson would like to see technical solutions that could block robocalls, except in emergencies.

On its website, Amazon makes clear that its concerned about all this. We take fraud, scam, phishing and spoofing attempts seriously, says the retailer. If you receive correspondence you think may not be from Amazon, please report it immediately. Note: Amazon can't respond personally when you report a suspicious correspondence to stop-spoofing@amazon.com, but you may receive an automatic confirmation. If you have security concerns about your account, please contact us.

All well and good, but shortly after I finished my phone interview with Mary Johnson, she emailed me with a fresh incident: I received a phone call to tell me that someone had made a $354 purchase on my Amazon account. I hung up and checked. No such Amazon purchase was showing on my account.
BILLINGS - When House Bill 701 became law, local governments were given some flexibility on how to handle recreational marijuana in city limits.

A big theme at the City Council meeting was regulating marijuana businesses.

This could impact how many dispensaries you see in the future.

The council eventually has to make a choice: Will they create new rules for marijuana dispensaries, or go through the election recall process on approval of cannabis businesses?

If the council eventually decides to regulate the industry, there could be several topics that follow, like limiting marijuana businesses to specific areas of the city.

There could also be a cap on how many cannabis business licenses are issued.

Legislators changed I-190 so cities could put more regulations on marijuana if they wanted to.

"There was language in 190 that said that the city could not put unreasonable restrictions on adult use marijuana, they just basically struck through that. So, I think there's a lot of latitude in the legislature to be very restrictive with the number of licenses," Deputy City Attorney Karen Tracy said.

If the council takes the regulatory approach, they could also decide if zoning rules for medical marijuana dispensaries should be less restrictive than the rules for adult-use locations.

No final decisions have been made at this time.
BILLINGS, Mont., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Global Indigenous Council released a short film titled "FAMILY" as a part of a broader campaign to restore federal protections to wolves across the continental United States. Directed by renowned filmmaker Rain ('Somebody's Daughter'/'Say Her Name') and featuring award-winning indigenous actress Crystle Lightning ('Yellowstone'/'Trickster') the short film provides crucial insight into how wolves are foundational to Indigenous cultures and how the Trump Administration's removal of federal protections from wolves severely undermines tribal cultures.

"FAMILY" appeals to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to reverse President Trump and relist the wolf under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Leaving the Trump Administration's wolf delisting rule in place contradicts President Biden's January 26, 2021 "Memorandum on Tribal Consultation and Strengthening Nation-to-Nation Relationships" as the vast array of tribes impacted by Trump's decision were not consulted. In a recent interview on 'Brave Wilderness,' President Biden said, "I'm in" when asked about protections for wolves.

The impending decimation of the wolf by white trophy hunters isn't simply an "environmental" or "wildlife" issue; it is a social justice issue. It tears at the heart of many traditional Indigenous cultures. It is one more example of the suppression of minority voices in the United States.

Crystle Lightning stated that "what is happening to the wolf is a social justice issue for Indigenous people. The wolf has a vital role in so many of our cultures - in our clans, our songs, our ceremonies." Lightning continued, "yet, our voices are ignored. Whenever the voices of any people are silenced, it is suppression. We are the First People of this land but always the last to be heard."

For the politicians that have enacted legislation that encourages the mass slaughter of wolves, this issue is an opportunity for cultural oppression, rather than a rational response to a growing threat. Wolves account for less than 1% of all livestock losses in the U.S. and wolf attacks on humans are exceedingly rare. For the far-right, wolves represent a front in its "culture war" which, akin to QAnon, is devoid of scientific fact, evidence, or rational analysis.

"These wolf extermination bills passed and signed into law by rightwing extremists at the state level demonstrate that they are not only hunting democracy to extinction, they are also conflating Euro-Medieval sadism with so-called wildlife management to the same ends with wolves," said Rain.

The film also highlights that the state-sanctioned slaughter of wolves stands in violation of tribal sovereignty and treaties. In response, over 120 tribal leaders joined in signing the Wolf Treaty that outlines a sustainable and culturally appropriate wolf management system. The signatories urge Secretary Haaland to incorporate the Wolf Treaty's core tenets into future wolf management plans.

"This trophy killing of wolves and bears is a manifestation of patriarchy and misogyny. Anybody who has heard the acronym MMIWG is aware that we as Indigenous women continue to be hunted too," added Crystle Lightning.

To make you voice heard, visit relistwolves.org

Contact:

info@relistwolves.org

Source: Global Indigenous Council

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tribal-leaders-urge-secretary-haaland-to-reverse-trump-action-and-honor-bidens-promises-with-launch-of-film-calling-for-federal-protections-to-be-restored-to-the-gray-wolf-301326713.html

SOURCE Global Indigenous Council
Around 50,000 chickens have been killed following a substantial blaze in two poultry sheds in East Yorkshire.

The fire broke out at shed on a farm in Driffield on Friday (2 July), before spreading to another unit nearby.

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service said that a total of 45 firefighters were at the scene.

According to the fire service, the substantial blaze was caused by 'accidental ignition'.

A spokeswoman for the Humberside Fire and Rescue Service said: "The fire investigation concluded yesterday evening and decided it was accidental ignition.

"[It was] two poultry houses, approximately 100m by 20m, each containing 25,000 hens destroyed by fire."

CONTROL - Drone footage from the incident at Driffield. #RedWatch pic.twitter.com/0VUJmXgnak  Humberside Fire & Rescue (@HumbersideFire) July 2, 2021

The cost of farm fires in the UK reached a five-year high in 2019, totalling over 49m, according to the most recent claims statistics by NFU Mutual.

Electrical faults accounted for over half the total last year, followed by arson which rose by 40 percent to 9 million.

How can I reduce the risk of fire?

NFU Mutual has offered farmers and landowners tips on how to lower the risk of fires:

Fire prevention:

 Get electrical systems and equipment regularly inspected by a competent electrician

 Dont overload electrical systems  and avoid using multigang connectors

 Ensure there are sufficient fire extinguishers for the size of buildings and that they are inspected regularly to ensure they are in the right location and condition

 Ensure staff and adult family members know the location of fire extinguishers and how to use them

 Reduce the risk of arson by fencing off straw stacks and farm buildings

 Use CCTV cameras on straw stacks and farm buildings, along with warning signs to deter arsonists

 Store hay and straw away from equipment that could give off heat (e.g. hot vehicle engines, overhead lights) and at least 10m from other buildings

 Put in place an evacuation plan for staff and livestock

 Store petrol, diesel and other fuels in secure areas

 Pre-plan hot works such as welding in clear areas

 Ensure you have safe, designated smoking areas

 Ensure you can direct emergency services to the exact location of fires e.g. download the what3words app which pinpoints specific 3m x 3m locations

 Ask your local Fire and Rescue service to visit to check water supplies and access routes

If a fire breaks out:

 Make sure everyone evacuates the immediate area and remains in a safe location

 Call the Fire and Rescue Service without delay

 If possible, send someone to the farm entrance to direct the Fire and Rescue Service to the fire

 Prepare to evacuate livestock but only if safe to do so should the fire spread
The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you, we are excited to offer 4 weeks FREE Digital & Print access to all subscribers new and returning alike.

We are dedicated to continuing providing reliable, high quality journalism. This is possible with the trust and support of our subscribers in the community we are proud to serve.
Paris Saint-Germain has between eyebrow and eyebrow the signing of Leo Messi from does several months and still has not thrown the towel with him. Although the Argentinian wants to remain in the FC Barcelona and that is negotiating his continuity, the Parisians have hopes and believe in his signing. The French know that the Barca has economic problems bass to be able to sign him his new agreement and are to the threaten waiting for that the '10' call to the door.

But while this sucede, in Paris follow lidiando with the 'case Kylian Mbappe'. When seeing that Messi had foot and half in the Camp Nou, the ones of the capital of France wanted to centre in the renewal of the ex of the Monaco. However, up to now all the efforts have resulted useless and in the newspaper 'ACE' ensure that the international 'bleu' has already decided that it will not renew. His agreement finish in 2022 and his aim is to leave this summer or do it free in a year.

Unless the Parisian attacker of course backwards, the PSG risks to lose him in 2022 if it does not sell him now. But remain without one of his big stars without having a relief is something that from Qatar do not pose . Therefore, in the Park of the Princes expect that the Barcelona can not fichar to Messi to go with everything to by the one of Rosario. The international albiceleste would be the key so that the French accessed to negotiate the sale of Mbappe.

In other words the Real Madrid depends on that I Read do not remain in the Barca to attain that Paris Saint-Germain access to sell to the 'crack' of France. Seemingly, the objective number one of Kylian is to play in Santiago Bernabeu this summer and in the White House dream with this from does years. Nevertheless, it will be very complicated that this suceda if before the Frenchmen do not achieve fichar to Messi.

The PSG could not joint to Messi, Mbappe and Neymar

The big dream of the PSG is can joint to the now ex star of the Barcelona, to Neymar Jr and to the own Mbappe. However, economically speaking seem impossible that this can happen, since the French would break with almost total security the called 'Fair Play Financial'. Thus, the natural in case that the Argentinian arrived to the Park of the Princes is that the Parisians traspasaran to the '7' to the Madrid.
Discuss this article with your neighbors or join the community conversation.

Click here to get access
Fountain Hills, AZ (85268)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 100F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 81F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.
Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release

SubCategory Select Sub-Category
As the film fraternity and the country mourn the loss of a legendary actor, Dilip Kumar, the internet is shrouded by the tragedy. Many from the industry have visited the actors residence to pay their last respects and condolences to the family. Others took to social media to speak of how Dilip Kumar impacted them as an artiste.

Alia Bhatt shared a beautiful picture and penned a note talking about how he was an actor who inspired her and many others through his career. She wrote, The power of his being lies in his unmatchable body of work. Every time I have watched him portray legendary characters I felt like I was being swept away and yet being educated. Educated by his nuances, his silences, his unparalleled depth and his sheer aura. He will always be the gold standard for actors to imbibe from the cultural world just lost its shine but the legacy of his light lives on forever.
Actor Shagufta Ali, like many people across the country, is still in shock about veteran cinestar Dilip Kumar's death. The actress had worked with the thespian in her Bollywood debut, Kanoon Apna Apna. Dilip Kumar was laid to rest earlier this evening with full state honours. "I am in such a shock. I was talking to Farida Dadi last night and I was telling her not to worry as everything will be fine. I told her everyone is praying for Dilip Saab. It is a personal loss for me and my mother (gets emotional). The things Yusuf Saab has done for us, is beyond comparison and nobody can do what he did for us. He was an angel for me and I have lost an angel from my life," she told a leading daily.

Shagufta Ali said that the late Dilip Kumar had paid for her father's surgery which had cost INR 6 Lakhs. "My father was his close friend and so all the expenses were taken care of by Dilip uncle and this was 38 years ago. During that time Dilip uncle had spent INR 6 lakh on his treatment in London. The surgery was successful; he stayed there for 2 months and came back. My mother and I are too indebted to him. He did us a big favour, she said.
The entire nation and our film industry has been shaken-up by the sad demise of legendary actor Dilip Kumar. The icon passed away this morning and left us for heavenly abode. The actor died at 98, after battling age-related illness.





Dilip Kumars family and friends took to his official Twitter account and posted details about his final rites to update his fans and netizens. The tweet says, Burial today at 5:00 PM. Juhu Qabrastan at Santacruz Mumbai.



Burial today at 5:00 PM. Juhu Qabrastan at Santacruz Mumbai.  Dilip Kumar (@TheDilipKumar) July 7, 2021




In what is comforting news, ace actor Naseeruddin Shah has returned home after being discharged from a Mumbai hospital. The actor had been diagnosed with pneumonia recently and was undergoing treatment for the same. The news of his return was shared by his son, Vivaan who shared pictures of the actor with his wife, actress Ratna Pathak Shah. In the pictures shared by Vivaan, Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah can be seen in their bedroom. While Pathak appears to be folding clothes, Naseeruddin Shah seems to be checking his phone.











Read More - He just got discharged today morning," Vivaan wrote, adding: "Back home". Naseeruddin Shahs secretary Jairaj had told the media that the actor was doing well. The news of his diagnosis was shared by Ratna Pathak Shah who told PTI: "Yes (he has a) small patch and all under control. (He is) Responding well to treatment so hope he'll be discharged soon".Read More - Lata Mangeshkar Grieves The Loss Of Dilip Kumar, Who She Considered Her Elder Brother
LAGUNA HILLS, Calif., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Adagio Medical, Inc., a leading innovator in catheter ablation technologies for atrial fibrillation (AF) and ventricular tachycardia (VT), today announced successful first-in-human use of ultra-low temperature cryoablation (ULTC) for the treatment of monomorphic VT.

The two-hour mapping and ablation procedure was performed by Dr. Tom De Potter, MD, Associate Director, Cardiovascular Center Department of Cardiology, Electrophysiology Section at the Cardiovascular Center OLV Hospital, Aalst, Belgium. Procedural success was ascertained by the lack of the inducible arrhythmia after a set of ULTC lesions was delivered to isolate inferior-posterior ischemic scar in patient's left ventricle. No procedural complications were observed, and patient remained arrhythmia-free through the first 30 days of the follow-up.

"This first procedure marks the beginning of a prospective, multi-center study for Adagio's VT Cryoablation System, which will support future CE-mark submission," said Olav Bergheim, President and CEO of Adagio. "The system leverages our unique iCLAS platform technology for the ablation of atrial arrythmias which is commercially available in Europe and is undergoing FDA IDE trial in the US. The VT catheter is designed to meet stringent anatomic and physiologic requirements of ventricular ablations."

VT and ventricular fibrillation are important causes of sudden cardiac death, accounting for as many as 450,000 annual deaths in the US alone. Implantable cardiac defibrillators reduce the incidence of death in patients with arrhythmias, but are not curative, and can contribute to reduced quality of life in patients with recurring episodes.

"Catheter ablations for the treatment of ventricular tachycardia have been proven effective in preventing recurring arrhythmias in cardiomyopathy patients who are refractory to the anti-arrhythmic drug therapy," commented Dr. De Potter. "These ablation procedures can be very technical, and current energy sources are often insufficient to terminate arrhythmia circuits beyond subendocardial surface." "The unique advantage of Adagio's ultra-low temperature cryoablation is its ability to create fully transmural, contiguous lesions through thick ventricular tissue," added Professor Lucas Boersma, MD, PhD at St. Antonius Hospital Nieuwegein and professor at Amsterdam UMC, a global expert in catheter treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, a study investigator and a pioneer of ULTC technology. "If proven safe and effective, this feature of ULTC will undoubtedly make it a go-to tool for any center performing VT interventions."

Adagio Medical VT Cryoablation study (NCT #04893317) will enroll up to 40 patients with monomorphic VT of both ischemic and non-ischemic origin at six academic medical centers in Europe and Canada. To date, this is the only registered study designed to evaluate acute and long-term safety and effectiveness of cryoablation in VT patients.

About Adagio Medical

Adagio Medical, Inc. is a privately held company located in Laguna Hills, California developing innovative cryoablation technologies that create continuous, linear, transmural lesions to treat cardiac arrhythmias, including paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and ventricular tachycardia. Adagio Medical, Inc. is a Fjord Ventures portfolio company.

Follow Adagio Medical on:
SYDNEY, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Dragonfly Biosciences Ltd ('Dragonfly') is pleased to announce Dragonfly CBD oil products are approved for use by the Australian Government's Therapeutic Goods Administration ('TGA'). The products have been approved under the TGA's Special Access Scheme ('SAS') making them immediately available to be prescribed by Australian health practitioners.

Highlights:

Dragonfly Biosciences is a global leader in the cannabidiol market

The success of Dragonfly CBD is built on a unique 'seed to shelf' quality guarantee.

Any Australian health practitioners can prescribe Dragonfly CBD products.

Dragonfly is an established global leader in CBD oil and topical products, a market that is experiencing rapid growth[1][2]. The legalisation of cannabidiol products around the world, including Australia, is driving demand from the pharmaceutical sector and rising awareness of the health benefits of CBD among consumers.

Dragonfly products are sold in international markets via over-the-counter and online sales at stores including Boots, the UK's leading pharmacy-led health and beauty retailer; Harrods, the World's Leading Luxury Store; Sainsbury's, Tesco and direct to consumer channels in the US and EU markets.

The company has internationally recognised third party accreditations and certifications for every step in its production process, from its organic plantations through to pharmaceutical grade formulation of the final CBD oil products. This allows Dragonfly to guarantee the quality of its products and to set the standard for CBD oil products.

Australian consumers can now access two products from Dragon fly's CBD range with a prescription:

Dragonfly Biosciences' Narrow Spectrum 1000mg CBD Oil

Dragonfly Biosciences' Narrow Spectrum 3000mg CBD Oil

Supplies of both products are being shipped to Australia to be available for use during July 2021.

CBD is used to help alleviate chronic pain, joint pain and arthritis as well as to help manage anxiety and sleep disorders. Although no direct claims can be made, consumer testimonials are encouraging. The quality and consistency of Dragonfly CBD formulations allows health practitioners to prescribe these products with confidence and allows consumers to use the products in a highly personalised way.

Following this SAS approval, Dragonfly is seeking further TGA approval for Dragonfly CBD to be listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. This registration would allow consumers more convenient and safe access to Dragonfly CBD products via over the counter sales through pharmacies and supermarkets as well as other specialty stores. This distribution model has been successfully rolled out in our key international markets.

In Australia, Dragonfly has an agreement with Health House International Australia for the distribution of Dragonfly CBD products prescribed under the SAS. This distribution agreement has the capacity to scale up to meet demand increases.

Regan Saveall, Chief Executive at Dragonfly Biosciences, said "The fact that health practitioners in Australia can now prescribe Dragonfly's CBD oil is great news for consumers who need access to a trustworthy source of high quality, CBD infused products under medical guidance. We control the entire production process from 'seed to shelf' so we can ensure the quality of Dragonfly's products and give consumers confidence they contain the stated amount of CBD; are THC-free; will have a batch number and use-by date on every pack and are compliant with all regulatory frameworks."

"From the very beginning we made sure we were organically certified and invested in the highest production standards. We have a state-of-the-art laboratory for extraction, toxicity testing and processing. We have the very best High-Performance Liquid Chromatography testing facilities, which also review our CBD oils' microbiology to ensure there are no heavy metals, herbicides or pesticides present. Each batch of our Dragonfly CBD product has a supporting Certificate of Analysis from a third party, ISO accredited laboratory confirming CBD content and the absence of THC. This is what sets us apart and is why we are an award winning CBD brand."

"Making sure consumers across the globe can access our CBD products is a key part of Dragonfly's business strategy. Being approved under the TGA's Special Access Scheme is the first step in making our CBD products available in Australia. The next step is to have Dragonfly added to the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods so we can sell our products directly to consumers through pharmacies, supermarkets and extended channels. Our target is to achieve this in the next 12 to 18 months."

[1] The CBD oil market is poised to grow by USD $3.52 billion during 2020-2024 progressing at a CAGR of over 32% during the forecast period. - Yahoo Finance [2] The global cannabidiol market size was valued at USD $2.8 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.2% from 2021 to 2028" - Grandview Research

- ENDS -

Media Contact:

Giles Rafferty

First Advisers

grafferty@firstadvisers.com.au

+61 481 467 903

About Dragonfly Biosciences

Dragonfly Biosciences was founded in 2017 and is the leading international premium retailer of cannabidiol (CBD) oil. Through its extensive research and development, Dragonfly controls the process from seed to sale, with the aim of producing the highest and most consistent product quality. Dragonfly currently offers a range of CBD health and lifestyle products.

Dragonfly aims to expand its business and product range in line with legislative changes in Europe, the USA and Australia. As demand grows for CBD health supplements, Dragonfly seeks to be the go-to producer and supplier of CBD for both businesses and consumers.

In Australia, Dragonfly CBD oil can be prescribed by health practitioners under the Therapeutic Goods Administration's Authorised Prescriber Scheme. Dragonfly is available in two ranges - narrow spectrum and broad spectrum - and in a range of strengths to take by mouth. Vitamin D is included in some oral preparation to facilitate consumers obtaining the recommended daily dose of this essential vitamin. Dragonfly also produces a CBD skin care range. www.dragonflycbd.com
- 34.86 Million tonnes of Measured and Indicated Resources grading 6.42% Mn; plus

- 25.91 Million tonnes of Inferred Resources grading 6.66% Mn

Highlights:

The mineral resource estimate utilizes a 2.5% Mn cut-off grade that reflects total operating costs having "reasonable prospects for economic extraction."

Operating costs applied in the pit optimization reflect an innovative processing flow sheet designed by Kemetco Research.

Kemetco will be applying for a Provisional Patent on behalf of the Company to protect this process. The process focuses on production of 99.95 % High-Purity Manganese Sulphate Monohydrate (HPMSM) for the electric vehicle (EV) and back up energy storage sectors. The HPMSM will be devoid of selenium, the bane of some 98% of current producers.

Based on the large inventory of Measured and Indicated mineral resources defined to date, MXE will move quickly to acquire all information required to bring the project to a Feasibility Study stage.

Current focus is on the HPMSM market. The Company also anticipates potentially recovering lower grade Mn to produce additional products such as those used in the agricultural industry.

Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - July 7, 2021) - Manganese X Energy Corp. (TSXV: MN) (FSE: 9SC2) (OTC: MNXXF) ("Manganese" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the first Mineral Resource Estimate for its Battery Hill Manganese Project of 34.86 million tonnes of Measured and Indicated mineral resources grading 6.42% Mn, plus an additional 25.91 million tonnes of Inferred mineral resources grading 6.66% Mn. The mineral resource estimate was prepared in accordance with the CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (2014) and is tabulated in Table 1.

Table 1: Battery Hill Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate - Effective Date June 18th, 2021

Cut-off Grade (Mn %) Category Rounded Tonnes Mn % Fe % 2.5 Measured 11,260,000 6.75 10.96 Indicated 23,600,000 6.26 10.53 Measured Plus Indicated 34,860,000 6.42 10.67 Inferred 25,910,000 6.66 10.92

Mineral Resource Estimate Notes:

1) Mineral resources were prepared in accordance with the CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (MRMR) (2014) and CIM MRMR Best Practice Guidelines (2019).

2) Mineral resources are defined within an optimized pit shell with average pit slope angles of 45 and a 3.7:1 strip ratio (waste: mineralized material).

3) Pit optimization parameters include: pricing of US$1500/tonne for High Purity Manganese Sulphate Monohydrate - 32% Mn (HPMSM - 32 %), exchange rate of CDN $1.30 to US$ 1.00, mining at CDN $6.50/t, combined processing and G&A (1000 tpd) at CDN $86.22/t processed and a process recovery of Mn to HPMSM of 65%. Fe content was not included in the pit optimization.

4) Mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 2.50 % Mn within the optimized pit shell. This cut-off grade reflects total operating costs used in pit optimization to define reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction by open pit mining methods.

5) Mineral resources were estimated using Ordinary Kriging methods applied to 3 m downhole assay composites. No grade capping was applied. Model block size is 5 m (x) by 5 m (y) by 5 m (z)

6) Bulk density was applied using a regression curve based on Mn % and Fe % block grades.

7) Mineral resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, or other relevant issues.

8) Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.

9) Mineral resource tonnages are rounded to the nearest 10,000.

Martin Kepman, CEO of the Company, states "This is game changing news for the Company, having such a large resource totalling 34.9 million Measured and Indicated tonnes and 25.9 million Inferred tonnes underwrites the project's long-term potential for supply of manganese. In addition, our ongoing metallurgical testing is making great strides toward achieving an economically optimized extraction process. We look forward now to the completion by Wood Canada Ltd. of a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the project that will incorporate this new mineral resource estimate plus the latest metallurgical developments to provide important insight into the economic viability of producing high purity manganese sulphate from our Battery Hill deposit. We are buoyed by the knowledge that, with a positive outcome from the PEA, there appears to be sufficient tonnage of Measured and Indicated mineral resources to potentially sustain long term production while we explore the potential of the other Mn mineralization on our 1228-hectare property. The EV revolution is well underway and innovative battery chemistry is a large part of the disruption. We believe manganese will have a large influence over EV batteries going forward. Our Battery Hill property could potentially have a long-life cycle, estimated at 25 years based on the Measured and Indicated Resource, and potentially service the EV sector for years to come within the North American and European supply chain"

The Company has undertaken several core drilling programs over the past 5 years that support the current mineral resource estimate. These include 53 holes totaling 9,697 metres over a deposit strike length of approximately 2.0 kilometres to arrive at this point. A diamond drilling program is being planned to expand Measured and Indicated mineral resources and to explore other known Mn showings on the 7 kilometer long MXE property.

The associated mineral resources now defined form the basis of the PEA being prepared by Wood Canada Ltd. The PEA will characterize and assess Commercialization and Economic Viability Potential for a future mining and processing operation at the Battery Hill Property.

The Battery Hill Deposit is comprised of the Moody Hill, Sharpe Farm, and Iron Ore Hill Zones. On a contained tonnage basis the Moody Hill, Sharpe Farm, and Iron Ore Hill Zones comprise approximately 56%, 29%, 15%, respectively, of the Battery Hill Deposit mineral resource. The Moody Hill and Sharpe Farm Zones, just a few hundred meters apart (see Map, Figure 1), contain all of the Measured and Indicated mineral resources for the Battery Hill Deposit. The grade/tonnage sensitivity analysis that appears in Table 2 provides insight into the character of Mn mineralization present within the Battery Hill Deposit over the cut-off grade range of 2.5% Mn to 7% Mn. Although iron (Fe) content has also been estimated and is currently reported for the deposit, only manganese content was used in the pit optimization process. The Company will further assess Fe by-product opportunities through future metallurgical studies.

Table 2: Tonnage/Grade Sensitivity Details (Pit Shell Constrained) for the Battery Hill Mn Deposit

Cut-off Grade (Mn %) Category Rounded Tonnes Mn % Fe % 2.5 Measured 11,260,000 6.75 10.96 Indicated 23,600,000 6.26 10.53 Inferred 25,910,000 6.66 10.92 5 Measured 8,680,000 7.52 11.73 Indicated 15,930,000 7.26 11.65 Inferred 18,630,000 7.71 11.92 6 Measured 6,250,000 8.32 12.44 Indicated 11,680,000 7.91 12.35 Inferred 14,130,000 8.41 12.64 7 Measured 4,460,000 9.06 13.11 Indicated 7,790,000 8.61 12.95 Inferred 10,610,000 9.05 13.30

Note: This table shows sensitivity of the June 15, 2021 Battery Hill deposit mineral resource estimate to cut-off grade. The base case at a cut-off value of 2.5% Mn is bolded above for reference. The data presented is a summary of the Mercator Geological Services Battery Hill Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate. A complete version will be posted to www.sedar.com within 45 days.

Qualified Persons

Mr. Harrington, P. Geo., of Mercator Geological Services Limited (Mercator) is responsible for technical disclosure in this press release regarding the Battery Hill Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate. Mr. Harrington is a qualified person ("QP") as defined under NI 43-101 and both he and Mercator are fully independent of Manganese X Energy Corp., as also defined under NI 43-101.

This News Release has been reviewed and approved by Perry MacKinnon, P.Geo, Vice President of Exploration with Manganese X Energy and a "Qualified Person" as defined under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Manganese X Energy Corp. at Emerging Growth Conference July 7, 2021: 9:30 AM Eastern time

Manganese X Energy Corp., Martin Kepman CEO and Perry Mackinnon VP Exploration, will be presenting their Companies latest milestone at the Emerging Growth Conference July 7, 2021: 9:30 AM Eastern time Please register here to ensure you are able to attend the conference and receive any updates that are released.

https://goto.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1477114&tp_key=6d2d562bcc&sti=mnxxf

About Manganese X Energy Corp.

Manganese X's mission is to advance our Battery Hill project into production, with the intent of supplying value added materials to the lithium ion battery and other alternative energy industries, as well as achieving new carbon-friendly, more efficient methodologies, while processing manganese at a lower competitive cost. We are the only company in North America moving toward commercialization utilizing the novel Kemetco process.

Subsidiary Disruptive Battery Corp.'s mission is to develop an HVAC air purification delivery system for cleaner and healthier air, aiming to mitigate Covid-19 and other contaminants on surfaces and in the air.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Of Manganese X Energy Corp

Martin Kepman, CEO and Director

Email: Martin@kepman.com

Ph: (514) 802-1814

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.

Figure 1: Plan Map - Moody Hill and Sharpe Farm Zones





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2487/89551_4437a95224b3693a_001full.jpg

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89551
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.
Clio Grow will enable law firms in the UK and Ireland to deliver a more efficient and client-centred experience by automating the client intake process

Dublin, Ireland, July 07, 2021, the world's leading provider of cloud-based legal technology, announces the UK and Irish release of Clio Grow, the legal client intake and client relationship management solution already used by thousands of legal professionals worldwide. As the legal landscape continues to change in response to remote work, an increasing number of legal clients expect to find, contact, and interact with a lawyer online. The addition of Clio Grow in the UK and Ireland will empower legal professionals to meet this changing demand and balance meaningful client touch points throughout the entire client journey.

Since 2015, lawyers in the UK and Ireland have relied on Clio Manage-the world's leading legal practice management software-to manage clients, organise matters, automate tasks, and to simplify time recording and billing processes. When combined, Clio Manage and Clio Grow form the Clio Suite, the legal industry's first and only end-to-end software solution focused on enhancing the client experience.

"The introduction of Clio Grow to the UK and Irish markets is part of our commitment to ensuring that legal professionals around the world are equipped with the tools they need to be both cloud-based and client-centred," said Colin Bohanna, Clio General Manager for the UK and Ireland. "By continuously improving our offering to the legal profession, we're helping firms remain consistently and predictably profitable while also making it easier for those in search of legal representation to connect with a lawyer anywhere, anytime."

Firms using client intake and relationship management software are creating more manageable, effective, and profitable processes while also delivering the seamless, online and client-centred experiences prospective clients were looking for in their search for a lawyer. As highlighted in Clio's annual Legal Trends Report, law firms using client intake and relationship management software saw as much as 20% more cases and 9% more revenue in 2020-earning an equivalent of 28,000 (33,000) more per lawyer.*

To help law firms achieve better business performance, client intake and CRM software has been designed to improve client experiences by:

Enabling online bookings directly from Google search results

Capturing matter and client information quickly with online intake forms

Reducing meeting no-shows with automated appointment reminders

Helping monitor prospective client pipelines to ensure timely follow-ups

UK solicitor Sarah Khan-Bashir MBE, founder of SKB Law, which has Yorkshire and London offices, sees clear value in what this type of solution has to offer. With a focus on family law and providing legal advice at an affordable cost, efficient time management and easier client contacts are paramount to SKB Law.

"My priority is making sure every client feels valued. As a busy sole practitioner, I'm constantly juggling a lot of tasks and time-sensitive matters, so finding a way to streamline our client intake process and being able to automate administrative follow-up frees me up to do the work that really matters for my clients. Importantly, it makes the process easier and more efficient for our clients, saving them time or resources. Clio Grow is game changing for SKB Law."

Clio is building on the momentum from its recent rise to unicorn statusand the tectonic shift towards cloud-based technology to address the needs of the global legal community. Today's announcement signals another step in Clio's increased global expansion as it continues to build the first legal operating system on the market. As a leader in the legaltech market, Clio is shaping the future of the industry, enabling legal professionals to deliver meaningful work to their clients throughout their entire legal journey.

For more information about Clio Grow and its feature offerings, visit clio.com/uk/grow.

###

About Clio

Clio is transforming the legal experience for all through cloud-based and client-centred legal technology. Clio has become a company to watch on a global scale after securing a CA$6M Series B investment in 2012 by German-based Acton Capital, a CA$20M Series C investment in 2014 by Bessemer Venture Partners and one of the largest investments in legaltech and Canadian history in 2019 with a US$250M Series D funding round led by TCV and JMI Equity. In 2021, Clio made history again by becoming the first legal practice management unicorn globally with a US$110M Series E investment led by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. and OMERS Growth Equity. Learn more at clio.com/uk.

*28,000 (33,000) calculated based on estimated revenues per lawyer in US dollars for American law firms.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 7, 2021 / NeutriSci International Inc. ("NeutriSci" or the "Company") (TSX-V:NU)(OTCQB:NRXCF)(FRANKFURT:1N9), an innovative technology company developing products, licensing IP and technology for B2B partnerships and the nutraceutical industry, is pleased to provide an update on previously announced projects.

Biople: Biople's trusted reputation amongst consumers has made it the #1 retailer of high-end, quality CBD and CBD related products in Japan. Biople, by CosmeKitchen (biople.jp) has 22 locations in Kanto, Tokai, Kinki, Chugoku/Shikoku, Kyushu-Okinawa; specializing in a line of organic cosmetics, beauty products, fashion accessories, mail-order business and organic food sales.

In the short period of time that the brand has been for sale on the Biople shelves, sales of the Tabletz Brand have been brisk, extremely positive, and well received by Biople's consumers. The Company looks forward to the next phase of sales and development of the Tabletz brand.

Pacwest Manufacturing Project Update: The dielines for packaging have been received by NeutriSci's manufacturing partner, Pacwest, from their customer. Information for the packaging is being finalized and will be sent to the packaging manufacturers for production. The use of the Company's IP and technology to assist with the production is planned to begin in the coming weeks. Discussions around potential future projects with Pacwest involve several possible scenarios such as sales of ingredients, use of technology and access to the Company's packaging infrastructure. Financial terms of production agreements with its partners range from royalty percentages to revenue from ingredients sales and packaging. Each potential project will yield one or more of these revenue streams. Discussions around the mix of products includes several different SKUs.

Glen Rehman, CEO of NeutriSci, commented, "We continue to build out our B2B partnerships and to create scenarios where our technology, IP and infrastructure can be maximized by B2B partners. Revenue streams from each of the opportunities we are building are different depending on the project we assist with. The Tabletz product has been very well received. We are excited by how well sales are going. While still early, this leading indicator is validating our expectations. We look forward to see the Tabletz brand become one of the bestselling CBD products in Japan."

About NeutriSci International Inc.

NeutriSci specializes in the innovation, production, and formulation of nutraceutical products. Established in 2009, NeutriSci's is building sustainable sales models with Convenience, Chain Drug, and Mass Market and Supermarket retailers for its products offering co-branding as well as private label opportunities and contract manufacturing services. For more information, please visit: www.neutrisci.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of

NEUTRISCI INTERNATIONAL INC.

Glen Rehman

CEO

Tel: (403) 264-6320

For investor inquiries, please contact investors@neutrisci.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward-looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws.

Statements in this press release have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products or ingredients are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

SOURCE: NeutriSci International Inc

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654461/Neutrisci-Provides-Update-on-Tabletz-and-Previously-Announced-Project-Development
Latest Results Include High Grade Intercepts from Deep Step-Out Drilling

North Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 7, 2021) - Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO) (OTCQX: LOMLF) (ASX: LLO) ("Lion One" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its latest high-grade gold intercepts including deep step-out intercepts from drilling at its 100% controlled Tuvatu alkaline gold project, Fiji.

Highlights

Two deep step-out high-grade intercepts: 6.00m grading 9.11 g/t Au including 1.20m grading 33.81 g/t Au from 444m in hole TUDDH526 2.15m grading 17.70 g/t Au including 0.30m grading 122.00 g/t Au from 505.65m in hole TUDDH528

Further confirmation of vertical continuity and alkaline gold system model

Underground drilling and development progressing; drilling imminent at Banana Creek

The Company is undertaking three tiers of drilling: 1) shallow resource infill drilling from surface, 2) resource infill drilling from underground and 3) deep exploration drilling looking for lode extensions under the Tuvatu resource and soon, other target areas within the Navilawa caldera, the first being Banana Creek, 3.5 km NE of Tuvatu. Lion One's aggressive 2021 drill campaign is well underway.

Recent results include:

Two deep intercepts including 6.0m grading 9.11 g/t Au beginning at a down hole depth of 444.0m in hole TUDDH526 and 2.15m grading 17.70 g/t Au beginning at a down hole depth of 505.65m in hole TUDDH528. Both of these intercepts are from previously untested areas beneath the Tuvatu resource. It is believed that the former intercept occurs within the UR4 lode, an indication there is a large panel of this lode open for further testing. The latter intercept is potentially associated with the "500" lode, nearly 75m above a high-grade intercept encountered in hole TUDDH500, 12.7m grading 55.43 g/t Au, intercepted last year.

Numerous lode intercepts occurring within shallower parts of the Tuvatu gold system. Most notably:

6.47m grading 17.90 g/t Au including 0.35m grading 138.50 g/t Au (unknown lode) in hole TUDDH528

including (unknown lode) in hole TUDDH528 1.2m grading 8.85 g/t Au (UR4FW lode) in hole TUDDH526

(UR4FW lode) in hole TUDDH526 1.27m grading 11.58 g/t Au including 0.32m grading 40.94 g/t Au (M2FW lode) in hole TUDDH528

including (M2FW lode) in hole TUDDH528 2.10m grading 10.41 g/t Au including 0.75m grading 16.99 g/t Au (UR2 lode) in hole TUDDH528

including (UR2 lode) in hole TUDDH528 0.3m grading 31.09 g/t Au (M1HW lode) in hole TUDDH532

(M1HW lode) in hole TUDDH532 3.18m grading 5.72 g/t Au (S1 lode) in hole TUDDH532

(S1 lode) in hole TUDDH532 1.20m grading 10.45 g/t Au including 0.30m grading 36.69 g/t Au (M2 lode) in hole TUDDH533.

including (M2 lode) in hole TUDDH533. Preparation for a deep drilling program at Banana Creek is underway. Data from controlled-source audio-magnetotellurics, similar to that which helped defined the deep target under Tuvatu leading to the discovery of high-grade feeder mineralization encountered in hole TUDDH500, is the principal means of defining targets for this test. One of our deep capacity surface drills will be utilized for this work.

The Company continues to maintain a strict regimen of safety with respect to COVID-19 for its employees and surrounding communities.

Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Drilled Interval (m) Au (g/t) Lode TUDDH526 366.75 367.95 1.20 8.85 UR4FW incl 367.05 367.65 0.60 15.55 UR4FW

422.45 425.40 2.95 1.49

incl 422.45 423.00 0.55 6.28



429.90 450.00 20.10 3.38 UR4 incl 444.00 450.00 6.00 9.11 UR4 incl 448.80 450.00 1.20 33.81 UR4

462.60 465.45 2.85 4.65 UR2 incl 464.10 465.00 0.90 12.57 UR2

468.00 469.80 1.80 3.97 UR2 incl 469.20 469.80 0.60 10.62 UR2

481.20 483.60 2.40 1.40 UR3

524.60 525.20 0.60 3.03 URW3

594.40 594.70 0.30 1.53 URW1a

601.60 604.60 3.00 1.38 URW1a

605.80 606.10 0.30 0.91 URW1a

844.85 845.00 0.15 1.61

TUDDH528 18.44 20.47 2.03 1.49 M2 incl 19.34 20.11 0.77 3.22 M2

25.33 29.60 4.27 3.72 M2FW incl 27.16 28.43 1.27 11.58 M2FW incl 27.16 27.48 0.32 40.94 M2FW

32.07 32.80 0.73 2.22 M2FW

35.40 36.00 0.60 2.22 M2FW

45.69 49.68 3.99 1.50 SKL4

52.95 53.25 0.30 24.62 M1

191.83 192.22 0.39 7.44



263.33 269.80 6.47 17.90

incl 263.33 265.19 1.86 20.39

incl 264.22 264.57 0.35 78.51

and incl 266.85 269.80 2.95 26.43

incl 268.25 268.60 0.35 138.50



308.00 310.10 2.10 10.41 UR2 incl 308.30 309.05 0.75 16.99 UR2

314.80 317.48 2.68 2.50 UR2 incl 317.08 317.48 0.40 11.29 UR2

319.25 320.30 1.05 11.90



323.87 324.17 0.30 3.56



505.65 507.80 2.15 17.70 500 incl 506.30 506.60 0.30 122.00 500 TUDDH529 124.51 127.52 3.01 1.02 S2

128.80 130.12 1.32 1.06 S2FW

176.80 177.30 0.50 1.73

TUDDH530 149.18 150.15 0.97 3.54 S1FW

166.67 167.17 0.50 9.70

TUDDH532 81.10 81.40 0.30 31.09 M1HW

120.72 132.64 11.92 3.39 S1 incl 122.74 125.92 3.18 5.72 S1 incl 123.58 123.72 0.14 18.77 S1 and 124.69 125.18 0.49 11.88 S1 incl 131.67 132.05 0.38 15.05 S1 TUDDH533 12.45 13.65 1.20 10.45 M2 incl 13.00 13.30 0.30 36.69 M2

15.35 15.65 0.30 2.18 M2

17.50 17.80 0.30 2.91 M2

20.30 23.80 3.50 2.72 M2

20.60 20.90 0.30 9.23 M2

36.00 39.00 3.00 3.47 M2FW incl 37.60 38.20 0.60 10.06

TUG130 4.55 5.15 0.60 6.05 M1

129.80 129.95 0.15 10.77 URW1 TUG131 50.30 51.50 1.20 1.35

TUG132 111.00 111.30 0.30 7.44 URW1

Note: true width of intersections has yet to be accurately determined for the numerous lodes intersected to date. A Company news release dated May 26,2021 included several holes that were in progress, hence results from 366.75m to 483.60m in hole TUDDH526, from 18.44m to 324.17m in hole TUDDH528 and from 4.55m to 5.15m in hole TUG130 were previously announced in that release.

"With the 2021 drill campaign fully underway, Lion One continues to see a steady stream of high-grade drill intercepts return from Tuvatu," commented Dr. Quinton Hennigh, technical advisor to Lion One. "While shallow intercepts help us build confidence with the resource area, our deeper drill holes continue to demonstrate excellent opportunity for expansion of some of the principal Tuvatu lodes at depth. The UR4 lode looks particularly promising given we can now see at least 200m of untested strike at depth. Shortly, drilling will commence at Banana Creek where a deep capacity rig will probe deeper parts of that large anomalous gold system in search of Tuvatu style lodes."

Survey details of diamond drill holes discussed in this release

Hole No coordinates

RL final depth dip azimuth

N E





(TN) TUDDH526 3920460 1876584 318.9 900.00 -81 252 TUDDH528 3920795 1876351 209.4 701.60 -54 128 TUDDH529 3920735 1876266 225.8 179.80 -59 348 TUDDH530 3920735 1876265 225.8 248.60 -88 348 TUDDH532 3920735 1876266 225.8 169.50 -60 20 TUDDH533 3920795 1876351 209.4 In progress -60 130 TUG130 3920761 1876456 139.0 182.4 -60 270 TUG131 3920761 1876456 139.0 152.9 -40 270 TUG132 3920761 1876456 139.0 147.90 -30 270

Drilling and Assay Processes and Procedures

The Company is utilizing its own diamond drill rig, using PQ, HQ and ultimately NQ sized drill core rods. Drill core is logged by Company geologists and then is sawn in half and sampled by Lion One staff.

Samples are analyzed at the Company's own geochemical laboratory in Fiji, whilst pulp duplicates of samples with results >0.5g/t Au are sent to ALS Global Laboratories in Australia for check assay determinations. Assays reported here will be sent to ALS Global Laboratories for check assays shortly. All samples are pulverized to 80% passing through 75 microns. Gold analysis is carried out using fire assay with an AA finish. Samples that have returned grades greater than 10g/t Au are then re-analyzed by gravimetric method. Lion One's laboratory can also assay for a range of 71 other elements through Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), but currently focuses on a suite of 9 important pathfinder elements. All duplicate anomalous samples sent to ALS Townsville, Queensland, Australia are analyzed by the same methods (Au-AA26, and also Au-GRA22 where applicable). ALS also analyze for 33 pathfinder elements by HF-HNO3-HClO4 acid digestion, HCl leach and ICP-AES. (method ME-ICP61).

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed, prepared, and approved by Mr. Stephen Mann, P. Geo, and a Director of Lion One, who is a qualified person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI-43-101).

About Tuvatu

The Tuvatu gold deposit is located on the island of Viti Levu in the South Pacific island nation of Fiji. The mineral resource for Tuvatu as disclosed in the technical report "Tuvatu Gold Project PEA", dated June 1, 2015, and prepared by Mining Associates Pty Ltd of Brisbane Qld, comprises 1,120,000 tonnes indicated at 8.17 g/t Au (294,000 oz. Au) and 1,300,000 tonnes inferred at 10.60 g/t Au (445,000 oz. Au) at a cut-off grade of 3 g/t Au. The technical report is available on the Lion One website at www.liononemetals.com and on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.

About Lion One Metals Limited

Lion One's flagship asset is 100% owned, fully permitted high grade Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project, located on the island of Viti Levu in Fiji. Lion One envisions a low-cost high-grade underground gold mining operation at Tuvatu coupled with exciting exploration upside inside its tenements covering the entire Navilawa Caldera, an underexplored yet highly prospective 7km diameter alkaline gold system. Lion One's CEO Walter Berukoff leads an experienced team of explorers and mine builders and has owned or operated over 20 mines in 7 countries. As the founder and former CEO of Miramar Mines, Northern Orion, and La Mancha Resources, Walter is credited with building over $3 billion of value for shareholders.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of

Lion One Metals Limited

"Walter Berukoff"

Chairman and CEO

For further information

Contact Investor Relations

Toll Free (North America) Tel: 1-855-805-1250

Email: info@liononemetals.com

Website: www.liononemetals.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release may contain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "proposed", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Lion One Metals Limited's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Lion One Metals Limited and on assumptions Lion One Metals Limited believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the actual results of exploration projects being equivalent to or better than estimated results in technical reports, assessment reports, and other geological reports or prior exploration results. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Lion One Metals Limited or its subsidiaries to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the stage development of Lion One Metals Limited, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the actual results of current research and development or operational activities; competition; uncertainty as to patent applications and intellectual property rights; product liability and lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting mining, timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; not realizing on the potential benefits of technology; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals. Although Lion One Metals Limited has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Lion One Metals Limited does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89597
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 7, 2021) - Datametrex AI Limited (TSXV: DM) (FSE: D4G) (OTCQB: DTMXF) (the "Company" or "Datametrex") is pleased to announce that further to its press release of June 21, 2021, Medi-Call Inc. ("Medi-Call") is fully incorporated into Datametrex and posed for growth with private telemedicine.

Medi-Call, founded by Dr. Omar Sharif, is a fully integrated telemedicine company within a mobile platform and is a first mover in the health sector that offers "on-demand" medical services via geo-located physicians in real-time. Medi-Call can dispatch appropriate medical attention physically to clients in real-time to their homes and/or places of work as well as provide telehealth follow-ups.

The Medi-Call mobile platform allows for online, encrypted and virtually enabled medical consultations. For the first time, patients will be able to track the progress of their health care provider in real-time through our online platform. Physicians will be able to re-assess patients for clinical deterioration and prevent readmission to a hospital due to chronic conditions.

Combined with Datametrex AI technology, Nexa Intelligence, Medi-Call will be able to identify patients and reach those in greatest need of medical services quickly and efficiently, leading to improved health care management, significantly reduce wait times and quicker diagnoses. Patients will be able to register for Medi-Call using a subscription-based mobile app in a few easy steps.

The global telemedicine market size was USD 41.63 billion in 2019. The global impact of COVID-19 has been unprecedented and staggering, with telemedicine witnessing a positive demand shock across all regions amid the pandemic. Based on our analysis, the global market will exhibit a stellar growth of 91.7% in 2020. The market is projected to grow from USD 79.79 billion in 2020 to USD 396.76 billion in 2027 at a CAGR of 25.8% in the 2020-2027 period.

(Sourced online - accessed July 3, 2021- https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/telemedicine-market-101067 )

Dr. Omar Sharif, President of Medi-Call Inc., stated: "This is an exciting stage for Medi-Call to be rolling out services. Since our inception, we have developed what I think is an unbelievably valuable healthcare tool in the med-tech space. Patients are lacking access to healthcare and Medi-Call will make a big difference in their lives. We have just added an amazing amount of support from Datametrex. It made sense to team up with them to roll out telemedicine services and locations in BC and eventually across Canada. The demand for digital health services has emerged as a powerful new industry and healthcare model for doctors like me in diagnosing patients promptly and efficiently."

Marshall Gunter, CEO of the Company, stated: "We are thrilled with our partners and team to have been able to complete the acquisition of Medi-Call. The delivery of online medical consultations is a sector that is growing exponentially, in it we see continued growth, revenue and profit."

About Medi-Call Inc.

Medi-Call is an enhanced telemedicine company providing technology-driven e-health or m-health care services including prescriptions, launching initially in British Columbia, and then expanding across Canada. The objectives of Medi-Call, include making health care accessible to people who live in rural or isolated communities and make services more readily available or convenient for people with limited time, mobility, or transportation choices. Medi-Call is driven to improve coordination and communication of treatment among members of a health care team and its patients.

For additional information on Medi-Call and other corporate information, please visit the Company's website at www.medicallmd.ca/

About Datametrex

Datametrex AI Limited is technology-focused with exposure to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Nexalogy (www.nexalogy.com). Datametrex's mission is to provide tools that support companies in fulfilling their operational goals, including Health and Safety, with predictive and preventive technologies. By working with companies to set a new standard of protocols through Artificial Intelligence and health diagnostics, Company provides progressive solutions to support the supply chain.

For additional information on Datametrex and other corporate information, please visit the Company's website at www.datametrex.com.

For further information, please contact:

Marshall Gunter - CEO

Phone: (514) 295-2300

Email: mgunter@datametrex.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 Statements:

All statements included in this press release that address activities, events, or developments that the Company expects, believes, or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions made by the Company based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. In addition, these statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections, and other forward-looking statements will prove inaccurate, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date hereof or revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events.

###

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89555
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 7, 2021 / Pampa Metals Corp. ("Pampa Metals" or the "Company") (CSE:PM)(FSE:FIRA)(OTCQX:PMMCF) is pleased to report that it has now completed 1500 meters of drilling at its Redondo Veronica project with 4 holes completed to date and drilling of a fifth ongoing. At least one additional hole is planned and should be completed in 7 to 10 days.

The Company is also pleased to report that after careful interpretations of data from its Cerro Buenos Aires project, and in particular the Cerro Chiquitin target in the north of the project area, the Company is finalising its drilling plans in preparation for the arrival of a drill rig to the project site later this month.

Results from the gradient array IP survey (see news release dated May 12, 2021) at Cerro Buenos Aires were received and processed and are being incorporated into the interpretations and drill plans. Of particular interest are two principal anomalous areas, both of which are potential drill targets:

A "donut"-shaped IP chargeability anomaly, some 1.5 km to 2.0 km in diameter, to the north of Cerro Chiquitin, in an area obscured by post-mineral gravel cover. The outer chargeability ring may be related to a pyritic halo to a central porphyry-related system.

An approximately N-S trending chargeability anomaly more than 2 km long and up to 1 km wide, to the south of Cerro Chiquitin, also in an area obscured by post-mineral gravel cover. This anomaly is open to the south towards the epithermal alteration zone outcropping at Cerro Intermedio on the Company's property.

Additionally, a pronounced approximately N-S oriented resistivity anomaly extends to the north of Cerro Chiquitin, and is partially coincident with the core of the "donut" chargeability anomaly. The anomaly is made of two sub-parallel branches at its northern and southern ends, one of which is the vicinity of Cerro Chiquitin. The resistivity signature from the gradient array IP corresponds in part to the resistivity signature obtained from previously available Heli-borne TEM (time-domain electro-magnetic) data at a modelled depth of about 150m.

The relatively small Cerro Chiquitin outcrop (+/- 500m across) exposes portions of a tourmaline breccia body as well as a diorite porphyry complex. The tourmaline breccia shows weak phyllic alteration with some porphyry-style D-type quartz veinlets, and a fine-grained diorite has sub-parallel porphyry-style A-type quartz veinlets on its eastern flank, both of which are interpreted to indicate that a porphyry-related system is located in the vicinity. The results from the gradient array IP together with existing Heli-borne TEM and magnetics data, and surface soil geochemical data, are supportive of this interpretation.

As part of the data integration underway, the historic Heli-borne magnetics data from the project is being re-processed by the Company's geophysical contractors to produce improved products to assist in the interpretation process.

About Cerro Buenos Aires

Cerro Buenos Aires is a 7,600-hectare property prospective for porphyry copper (+/- gold +/- moly) and possibly epithermal gold-silver deposits, located in the heart of the Paleocene mineral belt of northern Chile. The Paleocene belt (also known as the Central Depression) is host to important copper and several gold-silver deposits and mines. The property is located along a prolific segment of the prospective belt, along trend from important copper mines such as Spence (BHP), Sierra Gorda (KGHM and Sumitomo), and Lomas Bayas (Glencore), and immediately southwest of the El Penon gold-silver mining district (Yamana Gold).

Hydrothermal alteration typical of the epithermal / porphyry transition extends over approximately 12 Km north-south centred on 3 principal outcrops, with the largest at Cerro Buenos Aires hill to the south being the least exhumed, and the smallest at Cerro Chiquitin to the north representing a porphyry-type level of exposure. Extensive post-mineral covered "pampas" surround the outcrops, where geophysical exploration is the prime exploration tool prior to drill testing. Several IP chargeability, resistivity, and magnetic anomalies of potential interest for exploration extend under the large pampas.

The project has excellent access and infrastructure, being located directly alongside the Pan American Highway of northern Chile, and with the main north-south high-tension power line of the Chilean interconnected system running alongside the highway. The project is also located just 80 Km in a straight line from the coast.

Note: The reader is cautioned that the Cerro Buenos Aires Project is an early-stage exploration property and reference to existing mines and deposits, or mineralization hosted on adjacent and nearby properties, is not necessarily indicative of any mineralization hosted on the Cerro Buenos Aires Project.

Qualified Person

Technical information in this news release has been approved by Mario Orrego G, Geologist and a Registered Member of the Chilean Mining Commission and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Orrego is a consultant to the Company.

COVID-19

The global outbreak of COVID-19 has led governments worldwide to enact emergency measures to combat the spread of the virus. Such measures may result in a period of business disruption including reduced operations, which could have a material adverse impact on the Company's results of operations, financial condition and the market and trading price of the Company's securities.

As of the date of this news release, the duration and immediate and eventual impact of the COVID-19 pandemic remains unknown. It is not possible to reliably estimate the length and severity of these developments and the impact on the financial results and condition of the Company. The outbreak of COVID-19 has not caused significant disruptions to the Company's business to date, with field activities being conducted by Chile-based specialists and consultants, although international travel to Chile for management is currently not practical. Important business communication is largely reliant on digital media. However, the COVID-19 outbreak may yet cause disruptions to the Company's business and operational plans.

ABOUT PAMPA METALS

Pampa Metals is a Canadian company listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange (CSE:PM) as well as the Frankfurt (FSE:FIRA) and OTC (OTC PINK:PMMCF) exchanges. Pampa Metals owns a highly prospective 59,000-hectare portfolio of eight projects for copper and gold located along proven mineral belts in Chile, one of the world's top mining jurisdictions. The Company has a vision to create value for shareholders and all other stakeholders by making a major copper discovery along the prime mineral belts of Chile, using the best geological and technological methods. For more information, please visit Pampa Metals' website www.pampametals.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Julian Bavin | Chief Executive Officer

INVESTOR CONTACT

Ioannis (Yannis) Tsitos | Director

investors@pampametals.com

www.pampametals.com

Neither the CSE nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed 'forward-looking statements'. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events or developments that Pampa Metals expects to occur, are 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', 'indicate' and similar expressions, or that events or conditions 'will', 'would', 'may', 'could' or 'should' occur. Although Pampa Metals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guaranteeing of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements.

SOURCE: Pampa Metals Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654474/Pampa-Metals-Completes-4-Holes-at-Redondo-Veronica-Prepares-Drill-Targets-for-Its-Cerro-Buenos-Aires-Project
- Experienced Industry Leader with successful Oncology, Immunotherapy & ADC Development Track Record

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Adcendo, a biotech company developing innovative antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for the treatment of underserved cancers, announces today the appointment of Michael Pehl as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Henrik Stage, co-founder of Adcendo, will move to the role of Chief Financial Officer.

Michael Pehl has over 25 years of international biotechnology and oncology leadership experience in both the US and Europe. He joins Adcendo from GEMoaB, where he served as CEO and led the recent formation and launch of a globally leading allogeneic CAR-T company together with Blackstone Life Sciences and Intellia Therapeutics. Prior to this, he was CEO of Immunomedics Inc., leading the development of sacituzumab govitecan in metastatic triple negative breast cancer, which was approved in the U.S. in 2020. Immunomedics was acquired by Gilead in 2020 for $21 billion. Previously, Michael Pehl was President of Oncology at Celgene, responsible for the global commercial, clinical development, medical strategy and operations. His responsibilities included overseeing global clinical programs and commercial launches of several drugs including Lenalidomide (Revlimid), Pomalidomide (Pomalyst; Imnovid), Enasidenib (IDHIFA), Nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane) and Luspatercept (Reblozyl). Prior to this he held commercial leadership roles in Oncology and Nephrology at Amgen.

John Haurum, Chairman of the Board of Adcendo, said: "We are delighted to welcome Michael to Adcendo. This comes at a critical inflection point in Adcendo's development and we are very pleased to have someone with such a unique blend of proven scientific and commercial experience, including taking drugs from bench to market, to build on the company's momentum and help maximize the potential of our unique biologic insights and novel ADCs."

Michael Pehl, Chief Executive Officer of Adcendo, added: "I am incredibly excited to join Adcendo and help advancing our ADCs into the next wave of development. The company has a unique scientific understanding of its novel targets and I have been genuinely impressed by the progress achieved in such a short period since inception. I look forward to working with Henrik, the excellent team in Copenhagen and our Board to unlock the full potential of our science and bring a pipeline of next generation ADCs to underserved cancer patients."

These appointments follow the company's recent EUR 51 million Series A round, which was one of the largest such financings for a Nordic biotech company. The company is working to bring the lead program targeting the novel cancer target uPARAP/Endo180 to proof of concept in patients. In addition to this program, Adcendo aims to build a pipeline of additional novel cancer targets ideally suited to ADC approaches.

About Adcendo ApS

Adcendo ApS, a spin-out from the University of Copenhagen and Rigshospitalet, is developing novel antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for treatment of cancers. It was founded in 2017 by scientists Niels Behrendt, Lars Henning Engelholm and Christoffer Nielsen from The Finsen Laboratory of Rigshospitalet and the University of Copenhagen, and Henrik Stage, a biotech-entrepreneur active in several biotech companies, and previously CEO/CFO of Santaris Pharma which was acquired by Roche in 2014.

In 2021, the company raised its Series A round of EUR 51 million, which was one of the largest such financings for a Nordic biotech company. Investors include Novo Holdings, Ysios Capital, RA Capital Management, HealthCap, Gilde Healthcare and BioInnovation Institute.

About antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs)

ADCs are a class of highly potent biopharmaceutical drug composed of an antibody linked, via a chemical linker, to a biologically active drug or cytotoxic compound. ADCs combine the unique and very sensitive targeting capabilities of antibodies, with the potent effects of the conjugated cytotoxic drugs, allowing sensitive discrimination between healthy and cancer tissues.

About the uPARAP target

uPARAP is a cell-surface receptor involved in collagen degradation and was cloned and characterized by the scientific founders. The receptor has a restricted expression profile in healthy individuals but is highly upregulated on the tumor cells of several cancer forms, including soft-tissue sarcoma, osteosarcoma, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), triple-negative breast cancers and certain leukemias. Additionally, uPARAP is found to be upregulated in the stromal cell compartment of several larger tumor indications, including breast-, colon- and prostate cancers. uPARAP is a recycling endocytic receptor, which mechanistically provides an extraordinarily efficient entry point into uPARAP-expressing cells. Hereby the target may be used as a cancer-associated "drug internalization pump" to bring the drug to the cancers. Adcendo is first to demonstrate targeted drug delivery via uPARAP.
UK farmers enjoyed leisure-time sitting in deckchairs while drones and robots took on spraying and spreading. That was the joyful scene from XAG's European debut at the Cereals event.

The autonomous P Series Agricultural Drone and R150 Unmanned Ground Vehicle were on display together with potential to improve yields while reducing carbon footprints.

LINCOLN, England, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Joining hands with Harper Adams University, XAG started launching into Europe and showcased its autonomous drones and robots at Cereals 2021, the UK's largest arable farming event hosted on June 30 and July 1 in Lincolnshire.

As its robots can take on farming tasks with precision, XAG is hoping to help farmers grow more with fewer chemical used and less manpower, while contributing to UK's net zero farming goal by 2040. With many uses around the farmlands, these lightweight, electric-powered machines aim for a fundamental change of making the transition into low-carbon agriculture.

Ground-air solution to resolve labour shortage

Crowds flooded to the Cereals Drone Zone, where XAG's ground-air farming solutions were demonstrated and attracted a lot of attention from local farmers and agronomists. XAG P Series agricultural drone, fitted with the JetSeed spreading system, was able to spread seeds and fertilisers via a stable jet of air. As an electric four-wheel-drive system, the R150 Unmanned Ground Vehicle was spraying the plants on targeted plots with less wear on the soil.

The demonstration was led by Harper Adams University mechanical researcher Jonathon Gill, who has been working with XAG to promote the use of drones in the UK. After pre-programming parameters on the agri-app, his team deployed the drones and robots with a few simple clicks to conduct autonomous operations.

"Everybody can use a smartphone app to give a path plan and locate a particular task zone for your drones. That means the vehicle will stick to the exact path to centimetre accuracy following RTK positioning system, which allows us to do farm work very efficiently without physically getting our feet into the fields," he said.

High tech solutions are also welcomed by the British government to rejuvenate many less developed rural communities. The UK agriculture sector is currently facing a labour shortage because of fewer EU workers coming due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the end of EU free movement.

Justin Gong, Co-founder of XAG, explained in an interview with CGTN Europe that "drones and robots are not really taking the job of people who work in the rural area, but to complete those left-over jobs." This technology can fix the growing gap between labour shortage and food demand, as well as attracting young people back to the countryside as tech-savvy professional farmers.

"XAG's drone series can not only spray pesticides, but also come with other various functions such as seeding, fertilising, and remote sensing that finds out what is happening in the field for farmers to predict diseases, herbs, and fungus," said Justin Gong.

Towards net-zero farming emissions

Since 2018, XAG has been collaborating with Harper Adams University as strategic partners to introduce precision agriculture technologies to the UK market. Since XAG's drones and robots are all powered by smart batteries and use fewer chemicals, they can help take the pressure off the environment to reduce carbon and cut down pesticide usage. According to Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), agriculture accounts for 10% of the UK's total greenhouse gas emissions.

As the UK pushes its ambitious net-zero emission action plan in agriculture, drones and ground robots are gradually seen for their potential to boost productivity and reduce carbon footprints. During his speech at the Cereals event, Environment Secretary George Eustice published updates on the Sustainable Farming Incentive, which is planned to be rolled out from spring 2022.

"Farmers will be able to earn up to 70 per hectare for actions to improve the health of their soil. Well-managed soil can lead to increased biodiversity, improve water quality and reduce carbon emissions." This encourages UK farmers to adopt green agricultural practices and precision tools.

Since this March, the XAG R150 farm robots have been introduced into the UK and have been tested in a variety of orchards, ranging from apple trees, strawberries, to gooseberries and blackcurrant bushes. The UK has become the first European country to embrace autonomous robots for crop spraying. The Dearnsdale Fruit Farm and Grove Estate Vineyard in Stafford got their first anti-fungal sprays of the year by the R150. It is anticipated that high-quality fruit crops can be farmed without causing pollution of soil and water.

Autonomous drones and robots will be game changers in the future. They will play a key role in tackling climate change and bring a new step of change to farmers' lives.

Read more: https://www.xa.com/en/news/official/xag/114

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1558796/Farmers_enjoyed_leisure_time_sitting_deckchairs_XAG_agricultural_drone_R150_robot.jpg
London, United Kingdom, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cancer informatics and digital pathology provider Inspirata announced today that its UK subsidiary, Inspirata Europe, has achieved certification to ISO 9001 Quality Management System, and UK government-backed cybersecurity accreditation, Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essential Plus. Achieving ISO 9001 also sees Inspirata's pathology and oncology AI solutions approved for full inclusion on the Medical IT Departmental Software and Hardware Solutions framework operated by NHS Supply Chain.

"Securing these various external certifications is a testament to the high levels of regulatory and quality governance we practise as a company, the hard work and fabulous talent of our European team and our commitment to making it as easy as possible for the NHS to work with Inspirata," says Satish Sanan, CEO, Inspirata. "We look forward to supporting the NHS and its incredible staff make every moment matter in the global fight against cancer."

Inspirata offers intelligent automation solutions which utilise oncology- and pathology-specific natural language processing (NLP) and AI to interrogate and make immediate sense of the thousands of complex and frequently unstructured medical reports and documentation a hospital produces each day. Cancer centres around the globe draw on this automation technology to improve the timeliness, accuracy and completeness of their cancer reporting, accelerate the identification of eligible cancer patients for clinical trials, and to expedite the return of clinical insights. All Inspirata cancer informatics offerings will now be available for purchase by the NHS.

"It is imperative that all vendors looking to work with the NHS Supply Chain are evaluated to the very highest standards prior to inclusion in our frameworks," says John Lambert, Medical IT Buyer at NHS Supply Chain. "Independent accreditation of Inspirata's quality management processes represented the final step in achieving our full approval and we now welcome being able to admit its various cancer informatics AI software onto our medical IT framework."

The process of obtaining ISO 9001 certification started in late 2020 and involved back-to-back Stage One and Stage Two audits by BSI, in the spring of this year. External counsel for both ISO 9001 and Cyber Essentials accreditation was provided by Information Assurance for Small and Medium Enterprises Consortium (IASME) organisation Hytec Information Security.

"Inspirata Europe has successfully demonstrated a quality management system for the provision of pre-sales and project management for healthcare-related AI software applications which meets the requirements of ISO 9001. I would like to congratulate them on this achievement which allows organisations to continually improve and satisfy customers," says Matt Mato, Client Manager, BSI.

"Inspirata's success across multiple different awards is a reflection of the organisation's relentless focus on ensuring its solutions, systems and processes are always architected to the very highest standards," says Jonathan Barr, Client Manager at Hytec Information Security Ltd. "Inspirata represent model clients and Hytec is proud of its role in helping the UK team achieve relevant data security and quality management accreditation consistent with offering their software services here in the United Kingdom."

Inspirata Europe already possess local customers for digital pathology and are close to a number of new customers announcements with its cancer informatics toolsets.

"Inspirata offer all the agility and creativity you commonly expect from a fast-growing technology start-up but are able to combine it with the quality safeguards and guarantees typically only seen with more established companies," says Oenone Duroe, General Manager, Inspirata Europe. "This is already proving to be an extremely attractive proposition with local audiences wishing to deploy our intelligent automation solutions."

About Inspirata Europe Ltd.

Inspirata Europe helps patients fighting cancer-and the clinicians they trust-to make every moment matter. Our comprehensive cancer informatics solutions bring disparate data together throughout the entire cancer care journey to drive informed decisions that improve survivorship.

Inspirata has assembled the most advanced and proven technologies to address the complex challenges of delivering cancer care and conducting ground-breaking research. We combine leading digital pathology solutions with automated cancer registry solutions, comprehensive cancer informatics and advanced patient engagement tools to bring users the broadest oncology informatics platform available globally. For more information, please visit www.inspirata.comor contact info@inspirata.com.

For further information about Inspirata, please contact:

Graeme Collins

Inspirata Europe, Ltd.

Tel: +44 (0)330 330 9038

E-mail: gcollins@inspirata.com
July 7, 2021

Expanded capabilities ofPhilips Image Guided Therapy System - Azurion -and new collaboration with NICO.LAB add to the latest advances in Philips' commitment to reduce time to stroke treatment, a key factor in improving outcomes

Partnership enhances Philips' deep portfolio of solutions across the stroke care pathway with advanced artificial intelligence and cloud capabilities, strengthening care collaboration and optimizing decision making at each step

Amsterdam, the Netherlands - Royal Philips , a MedTech stroke care company. Together with the recently expanded stroke capabilities of Philips Image Guided Therapy System - Azurion - this new partnership significantly advances Philips' commitment to improving outcomes for people who suffer a stroke. Philips is connecting information, technologies and people across the stroke care pathway, enabling care teams to work quickly and act decisively - a key factor in providing the best patient treatment.

Stroke remains the leading cause of disability

Globally, one in four adults over the age of 25 will suffer a stroke in their lifetime [1]. Stroke is the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide [2]. According to the U.S. National Stroke Association, 40% of stroke victims experience moderate to severe impairments that require special needs for the rest of their lives, with another 25% continuing to suffer minor impairments [3].

The key to reducing the risk of death or disability is to get stroke patients treated as quickly as possible. Physicians in an emergency stroke setting are fighting the clock and are under intense pressure to make optimal treatment decisions. Despite the imperative for speed, care teams currently lose valuable time due to gaps in communication, information, and access to stroke expertise.

"The biggest gain for faster treatment for stroke patients is in the workflow," said Professor Dr. Wim van Zwam, Interventional Radiologist at Maastricht University Medical Center. "Reducing the throughput time of patients requires faster exchange of critical patient information, such as high-quality medical images, between hospitals and departments, in order to decide on the best patient treatment."

Solutions across the stroke care pathway

Philips has a deep portfolio of stroke care solutions and a strong commitment to further innovation in this field. Its partnership with NICO.LAB brings a cloud-based, end-to-end artificial intelligence- that aims to improve patient outcome by optimizing the stroke workflow. It analyzes CT scan data with AI, and automatically detects large vessel occlusion (LVO) and its location. It then shares this analysis with physicians at both primary stroke centers (general radiologists and neurologist) and intervention centers (stroke neurologists, interventional neurologists, and radiologists) where the patient is eventually treated.

Recent Philips innovations that optimize the imaging capabilities of its Image Guided Therapy Angiography Suite with new 3D visualization and measurement tool - SmartCT - aim to get patients into treatment quickly.

Philips is also pioneering a new approach to speed up stroke treatment for early time-window stroke patients- a global multi-center randomized clinical trial to assess the impact of a Direct to Angio Suite workflow focusing on improving care for stroke patients. This approach can allow for quick patient routing, and with the new SmartCT imaging capabilities in Philips' Azurion Angio Suite, further diagnosis can be done to confirm eligibility for treatment.

"By expanding our offerings in stroke care we are able to provide an integrated portfolio of intelligent solutions across the full stroke care pathway, giving clinicians the right information during every critical step," said Bert van Meurs, Chief Business Leader for Image Guided Therapy at Philips. "With our integrated portfolio, and by using validated AI and cloud technologies, we can facilitate collaborative care to optimize the stroke care pathway from diagnosis to treatment."

Philips' stroke portfolio includes solutions for stroke monitoring and communication in ambulances, tele-stroke patient assessment, diagnostic imaging and analysis, image-guided therapy, neurological monitoring and assessment, and more.

[1] World Stroke Organization

[2] Global Burden of Stroke, PubMed.

[3] U.S. National Stroke Association

For further information, please contact:

Joost Maltha

Philips Global Press Office

Tel: +31 610 558 116

Email: joost.maltha@philips.com

Twitter: JoostMaltha

Fabienne van der Feer

Philips Image Guided Therapy

Tel: +31 622 698 001

Email: fabienne.van.der.feer@philips.com

Twitter: FC_Feer

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips



About NICO.LAB

At NICO.LAB, we believe connecting human and artificial intelligence will revolutionize emergency care. Founded in 2015, NICO.LAB is a MedTech company that stems from leading clinical research. We develop end-to-end solutions to further empower physicians in emergency care. Powered by unique datasets, our artificial intelligence product StrokeViewer significantly enhances stroke patient outcomes by reducing time to treatment. With CE, TGA and FDA clearance and following a recent successful investment round, we are destined to enhance patient outcomes all over the world. Learn more on www.nico-lab.com Follow us on www.linkedin.com/company/nico-lab

Attachments
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 7, 2021) -MAX RESOURCE CORP. (TSXV: MXR) (OTC PINK: MXROF) (FSE: M1D2) ("Max" or the "Company") is pleased to report the expansion of the newly discovered URU zone from 4 to 12-kilometres of strike, at CESAR North, within the wholly-owned CESAR copper-silver project in North Eastern Colombia (refer to Figures 1 to 5).

The URU copper-silver zone lies along the southern portion of the 80-kilometre-long CESAR North belt. URU appears to be continuous over 12-kilometres, and open in all directions. Samples from the new URU copper discovery have been shipped to ALS preparation laboratory in Medellin and to Lima for assays.

The initial URU discovery (April 8, 2021 NR) reported sixteen rock chip channel samples returning of over 1% copper extending over a 4-kilometre-long-strike with highlights of 5.7 % copper and 14 g/t silver including:

4.3% copper and 8 g/t silver over widths of 10-metres;

3.6% copper and 12 g/t silver over widths of 10-metres;

3.0% copper and 6 g/t silver over widths of 10-metres.

The URU copper mineralization is hosted in a stockwork within igneous host rock that crosscuts sediment-hosted stratabound mineralization. Observed minerals include chalcocite, native copper, cuprite and copper oxide. The copper mineralization is often associated with the presence of epidote.

"In less than three months the Max field team extended the URU zone to 12-kilometres of strike, which is a testament to their expert field skills. The strike extension remains open in all directions, demonstrating the major-scale potential of URU. We look forward to the new URU copper assay results due late this month," commented Max CEO, Brett Matich.

"Max's in-country team is continuing its field exploration programs through to end of year," he continued.

"CESAR provides Max shareholders significant copper exposure, the key metal for the "green revolution's move to electric vehicles, solar, wind and clean power grid infrastructure. In addition, copper's declining reserve base requires major copper discoveries to replace depleting reserves," he concluded.





Figure 1. New URU copper discovery

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3834/89623_15cc28796499a909_002full.jpg

New URU copper discovery video





Cannot view this video? Visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDM06fhDu0s





Figure 2. CESAR Copper-Silver Project

To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3834/89623_15cc28796499a909_003full.jpg

Figure 3. CESAR North, URU discoveries and locations

To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3834/89623_15cc28796499a909_004full.jpg





Figure 4. URU Discovery cross-section

To view an enhanced version of Figure 4, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3834/89623_15cc28796499a909_005full.jpg

Max interprets the sediment-hosted stratabound copper-silver mineralization in the Cesar Basin to be analogous to both the Central African Copper Belt (CABC) and the Polish Kupferschiefer. Almost 50 percent of the copper known to exist in sediment-hosted deposits is contained in the CACB, including Ivanhoe Mines Ltd (TSX: IVN) 95-billion-pound Kamoa-Kakula copper deposits in the Congo.

Kupferschiefer, is the world's largest silver producer and Europes largest copper source, mining an orebody 0.5 to 5.5-metres thick at depths of 500m. The silver yield is almost twice the production of the world's second largest silver mine.

Source: Central African Belt Descriptive models, grade-tonnage relations, and databases for the assessment of sediment-hosted copper deposits with emphasis on deposits in the Central Africa Copperbelt, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia by USGS 2010. Kamoa-Kakula by OreWin March 2020. World Silver Survey 2020 and Kupferschiefer Deposits & Prospects in SW Poland, September 27, 2019. Max cautions investors that the presence of copper mineralization of the Central African Copper Belt and the Polish Kupferschiefer are not necessarily indicative of similar mineralization at CESAR.

CESAR COPPER-SILVER PROJECT IN COLOMBIA - OVERVIEW

CESAR, is located along the 200-kilometre-long Cesar Basin in North Eastern Colombia encompassing widespread highly prospective copper-silver mineralization.

This region enjoys major infrastructure resulting from oil & gas and mining operations, including Cerrejon, the largest coal mine in South America, now held by global miner Glencore (refer to Figure 5).





Figure 5. CESAR Project location

To view an enhanced version of Figure 5, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3834/89623_15cc28796499a909_006full.jpg

Due to the regional-scale and prospectivity of the Cesar Basin, Max has implemented a multi-faceted exploration program for 2021:

Advanced Drill Core Analysis and Modelling: ongoing analysis of historical drill holes and seismic sections integrated into our structural modelling of the Cesar Basin, in collaboration with Ingenieria Geologica Universidad Nacional de Colombia ("IGUN") in Medellin (January 7, 2021 NR);

Geochemical and Mineralogical: geochemical and mineralogy studies by the University of Science and Technology ("AGH") of Krakow, Poland. AGH bring their extensive knowledge of KGHM's world renowned Kupferschiefer sediment-hosted copper-silver deposits in Poland to the CESAR project;

Geophysical: Fathom Geophysics is interpreting seismic data, funded by the Company in collaboration with one of the world's leading copper producer;

Proprietary Field Exploration & Techniques: Max's in-country exploration teams continue to identify new stratabound copper-silver mineralized zones;

CESAR North 80-kilomtre-long-copper-silver zone (refer to Figure 2):

- In 2020, Max identified the AMS (previously named AM South) and AMN (previously named AM North) stratabound copper-silver zones, collectively spanning over 45-km, with values of 0.1 to 34.4% copper and 5.0 to 305.0 g/t silver over intervals ranging 0.1 to 25.0-metres;

- The CONEJO zone, discovered March 2021, spanning an area of 3.2-km by 1.6-km and open in all directions. CONEJO returned values above 5.0% copper from 23 rock panels varying from 5.0m by 5.0m to 1.0m by 1.0m, 66 rock panel samples returned values over 1.0% copper (March 24, 2021 NR). Highlight assays above 9% copper and 50 g/t silver:

- 12.5% copper + 84 g/t silver over 5.0-metre by 5.0-metre

- 10.5% copper + 50 g/t silver over 3.0-metre by 2.0-metre

- 10.4% copper + 95 g/t silver over 5.0-metre by 5.0-metre

- 10.2% copper + 62 g/t silver over 5.0-metre by 5.0-metre

- 10.0% copper + 80 g/t silver over 5.0-metre by 5.0-metre

- 8.7% copper + 89 g/t silver over 5.0-metre by 5.0-metre

- 8.4% copper + 60 g/t silver over 5.0-metre by 5.0-metre

- 7.9% copper + 21 g/t silver over 5.0-metre by 5.0-metre

- 7.7% copper + 84 g/t silver over 5.0-metre by 5.0-metre

- 7.4% copper + 47 g/t silver over 5.0-metre by 5.0-metre

- The URU zone, discovered April 2021, extends over 4-kilometres, and open in all directions, located 30-km south of CONEJO. URU demonstates major-size potential; Sixteen rock chip channel samples returned over 1% copper with assay values up to 5.7 % copper and 14.4 g/t silver including URU results include (June 10, 2021 NR):

- 4.3% copper and 8 g/t silver over widths of 10-metres;

- 3.6% copper and 12 g/t silver over widths of 10-metres;

- 3.0% copper and 6 g/t silver over widths of 10-metres;

- April 2021, Max identified the SP target, which lies along the mid portion of the CESAR North 80-km belt in line with the four previous copper discoveries URU, CONEJO, AMN and AMS;

- Exploration continues on CONEJO and the URU zone;

- In addition, Max has initiated the process of mineral claim approvals and drill permiting;

CESAR West: Max has identified copper porphyry mineralization along a significant target zone.

QUALIFIED PERSON

The Company's disclosure of a technical or scientific nature in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Tim Henneberry, P Geo (British Columbia), a member of the Max Resource Advisory Board, who serves as a qualified person under the definition of National Instrument 43:101.

ABOUT MAX RESOURCE CORP.

Max Resource Corp. is an energy and precious metals exploration company, engaged in advancing both newly discovered global scale CESAR copper-silver project (100% owned) in Colombia and the newly acquired RT Gold project (100% earn-in) in Peru. Both projects have potential for the discovery of large-scale mineral deposits; both startbound-type copper-silver in Colombia and high-grade gold porphyry and massive sulfide in Peru.

Max Resource was awarded a Top 10 Ranked Company in the Mining Sector on the TSX Venture 50 for 2021, achieving a market cap increase of 1,992% and a share price increase of 282% in 2020.

For more information visit: https://www.maxresource.com/

For more information visit: www.tsx.com/venture50

TSX Venture 50 for 2021 video: MAX Resource Corp. (TSXV: MXR) - 2021 TSX Venture 50 - YouTube

For additional information contact:

Max Resource Corp.

Tim McNulty

E: info@maxresource.com

T: (604) 290-8100

*The Venture 50 ranking is provided by TSX Venture Exchange Inc. ("TSXV") for information purposes only. Neither TMX Group Limited nor any of its affiliated companies guarantees the completeness of this information and are not responsible for any errors or omissions in or any use of, or reliance on, this information. The Venture 50 program is not an invitation to purchase securities listed on TSX Venture Exchange. TSXV and its affiliates do not endorse or recommend any of the referenced securities or issuers, and this information should not be construed as providing any trading, legal, accounting, tax, investment, business, financial or other advice and should not be relied on for such purposes".

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.

Except for statements of historic fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates 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 anticipated in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to delays or uncertainties with regulatory approvals, including that of the TSXV. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the commercialization plans for Max Resources Corp. described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89623
SAN FRANCISCO, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The global AI-based surgical robots market size is expected to reach USD 17.2 billion by 2028, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 17.2% from 2021 to 2028. Increased efficiency and success rate provided by robotic surgeries are boosting the growth of the market. In addition, the shift in preference for minimally invasive surgeries by patients over traditional methods is further bolstering the growth.

Key Insights & Findings:

The market is anticipated to witness significant growth by 2028, owing to the increased efficiency and success rate provided by robotic surgical interventions

The services segment dominated the market in 2020 due to comprehensive contracts of services provided by the key players to the customers and higher maintenance and routine servicing costs associated with the surgical robots.

The others segment dominated the market in 2020, owing to the growing number of robot-assisted general surgeries and laparoscopies, along with the increasing prevalence of conditions such as breast cancer

North America dominated the market with a revenue share of 46.9% in 2020, owing to various factors covering ongoing developments in the robotics sector and artificial intelligence, the presence of key players, and a rising number of technological advancements concerning surgical robots in the region

Read 118 page market research report, "AI-based Surgical Robots Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Services, Instruments And Accessories), By Application (Orthopedics, Neurology, Urology, Gynecology), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028", by Grand View Research

In 2020, services dominated the market with a share of 52.0%. It is attributed to the comprehensive contracts of services provided by key players to the customers and higher maintenance and routine servicing costs associated with the surgical robots. In addition, the technologically advanced algorithms provided by the companies in these products and their upgrades further add to the services segment, thereby increasing its revenue share.

In 2020, based on application, the other segment accounted for the highest revenue share in the market. The others segment comprises applications such as general surgeries, laparoscopies, and oncological interventions or procedures. The growing number of robotic interventional and assisted surgical procedures and the increasing prevalence of conditions such as breast cancer are some of the major factors responsible for higher revenue share.

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the market owing to the postponement of elective surgical procedures by various healthcare institutions across the globe. It can be witnessed by the decline in revenue generated by key players in 2020 compared to 2019 further signifies the de-growth of the market due to the pandemic. The presence of benefits of Robot-assisted Surgeries (RAS), such as a reduction in the interaction time between the medical staff and patients for these procedures, is likely to boost market growth post-pandemic.

Grand View Research has segmented the global AI-based surgical robots market based on product, application, and region:

AI-based Surgical Robots Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

Services



Instruments and Accessories

AI-based Surgical Robots Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

Orthopedics



Neurology



Urology



Gynecology



Others

AI-based Surgical Robots Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

North America



U.S.





Canada



Europe



U.K.





Germany





Italy





France





Spain





Russia



Asia Pacific



Australia





China





Japan





South Korea





India



Latin America



Mexico





Brazil





Argentina



Middle East Africa



South Africa





Saudi Arabia





UAE

List of Key Players of AI-based Surgical Robots Market

Accuray Incorporated

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.

Medtronic, plc

Medrobotics Corporation

Zimmer Biomet

Stereotaxis, Inc.

TransEnterix, Inc. (Asensus Inc.)

Stryker Corporation

Activ Surgical, Inc.

Titan Medical, Inc.

CMR Surgical, Inc.

Smith and Nephew

Check out more studies on integration of Artificial Intelligence Technologies into Healthcare Procedures & Therapeutics, by Grand View Research:

Artificial Intelligence In Healthcare Market - Global artificial intelligence in healthcare market size was valued at USD 6.7 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 41.8% from 2021 to 2028.

- Global artificial intelligence in healthcare market size was valued at in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 41.8% from 2021 to 2028. Artificial Intelligence In Medical Imaging Market - Global artificial intelligence in the medical imaging market is expected to witness growth from 2020 to 2027 owing to the digital transformation and technological advancements in the healthcare sector.

- Global artificial intelligence in the medical imaging market is expected to witness growth from 2020 to 2027 owing to the digital transformation and technological advancements in the healthcare sector. Artificial Intelligence In Remote Patient Monitoring Market - The rise in prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic respiratory diseases, is increasing the need for real-time data, which in turn, is boosting the demand for AI technology in remote patient monitoring.

Browse through Grand View Research's coverage of the Global Healthcare IT Industry

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












HONG KONG, July 7, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - Global New Material, the global leader in the field of new consumable materials, specifically pearlescent materials, is currently in the offering stage, a step away from its official June 17 listing (6166.HK) on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong.Global New Material International Holdings Limited, or Global New Material, has become the largest pearlescent material manufacturer in China and is aiming to be the largest in the world by virtue of its unique technical advantages.Synthetic mica is expected to replace traditional pigments, while pearlescent materials should further expand in middle and high-end consumption fields, ushering in higher localization rates. We expect Global New Material, benefitting from opportunity in both pearlescent materials and synthetic mica, will develop at a firmer pace with capital market support.Global New Material remains the industry leader by virtue of its dominant advantages in technologyWith the top talent in the industry and synthetic mica as a key base material, Global New Material focuses on R&D and innovation, and has accumulated significant and dominant technical advantages.Global New Materia's technical team is headed by Professor Jiansheng Fu, a world-renowned pearlescent material expert, and is acclaimed as the premier authority on pearlescent materials in China and as the father of chameleon pearlescent materials. His team authors more than 100 advances in new material research every year, including the silicon ball series, the "Light of the Dawn" series and other innovative material lines already leading international markets.Global New Material has also hired two doctors from the French Academy of Sciences to run the development of cosmetics products. Global New Material's products have been put into mass production, and have been supplied to several big-name cosmetics companies. Moreover, Global New Material has set up a team dedicated to studying the downstream application of pearlescent materials and has developed thousands of personalized products using pearlescent materials, as well as personalized color product-related services for customers.In particular, Global New Material has the technical advantages in manufacturing synthetic mica, the second-generation base material used in pearlescent materials. There is an increasingly stronger demand for synthetic mica as natural mica is on the verge of exhaustion. In this context, Global New Material is currently the only company in the industry that has all core technologies required for manufacturing synthetic mica.To date, Global New Material pearlescent materials are found in 473 natural mica-based products, 266 synthetic mica-based products, 30 glass sheet-based products, and 5 silica-based products. Global New Material pearlescent materials are widely applied for different purposes and in different industries covering automotive coatings, cosmetics, industrial coatings, plastics, printing, textiles, leather and ceramics.Additionally, Global New Material sells synthetic mica powder products of different particle sizes which are used in pearlescent material products of different grades and produce functional fillers, insulating materials, refractory materials and raw materials of nickel-hydrogen batteries. Global New Material not only remains the industry leader by relying on technical advantage, but it has shaped its business scale as well.According to the prospectus, Global New Material has sold products to more than 30 countries and regions in Asia (excluding China), Europe, Africa and South America. As shown in a report issued by Frost & Sullivan, in terms of corporate revenue, Global New Material was the largest manufacturer of pearlescent materials and China's industry leader in 2020 with a market share of 11.0%, the only company in China with a market share of over 10%.In the global market, Global New Material ranked as the fourth largest manufacturer of pearlescent materials in 2020 with a market share of 3.0%, only 0.2% lower than that of the third largest. In the synthetic mica-based pearlescent materials market, the top five by corporate revenue in 2020 occupied a market share of 28.1%, Global New Material ranked first with a market share of 8.9%, 3.4% higher than that of the second one. In the domestic market, Global New Material ranked first with a market share of 25.4%, more than twice the market share of the second player.In recent years, Global New Material's production capacity has been on the rise. Specifically, its annual planned production capacity of pearlescent material products reached 10,464 tons, 12,978 tons and 13,740 tons at the end of 2018, 2019 and 2020 respectively, and its annual planned production capacity of synthetic mica powder doubled from 4,752 tons at the end of 2019, which remained stable for two years, to 9,504 tons at the end of 2020.Driven by existing advantages, business performance is growing at a remarkably expedited paceGlobal New Material's two core business segments, natural mica-based and synthetic mica-based products have been on the marked rise, leading to continued increases in corporate revenue.According to the prospectus, 2018 to 2020 sales volume of natural mica-based products, which account for the largest percentage of Global New Material's revenue, reached 7,217.9 tons, 8,822.4 tons and 10,056.8 tons respectively, an average annual compound growth rate of 18.04%.Sales volume of synthetic mica-based products, which account for the second-largest percentage of Global New Material's revenue, reached 1,228.8 tons, 2,231.8 tons and 3,943.5 tons respectively an average annual compound growth rate of 79.14%.Benefiting from the stable increase in sales volume of the forgoing core business segments and of glass sheet-based and silicon oxide-based products, the overall sales volume of Global New Material increased from 8,535.5 tons in 2018 to 11,264.5 tons in 2019 and even reached 14,243.3 tons in 2020.In terms of corporate revenue, natural mica-based products contributed RMB245 million, RMB296 million and RMB319 million in 2018, 2019 and 2020 respectively, showing a steady increase. The corporate revenue contributed by synthetic mica-based products rapidly increased from RMB68.28 million in 2018 to RMB197 million in 2020, with the proportion of total corporate revenue increasing from 21.5% to 34.6%.The corporate revenue contributed by glass sheet-based products increased by 9.1 times and 2.4 times in 2019 and 2020 respectively from RMB1.375 million in 2018, and reached RMB46.821 million in 2020. In the past three years, Global New Material's corporate revenue reached RMB318 million, RMB441 million and RMB569 million respectively, increasing by 38.44% and 29.17% in 2019 and 2020 respectively. In particular, a remarkable increase was achieved during COVID-19 in 2020.We can see that growth in gross profit margins and optimization of expense ratios continues to enhance Global New Material's profitability.According to financial data, benefiting from the expansion of business scale and technological improvement, Global New Material's gross profit margin increased from 49.5% in 2019 to 49.9% in 2020 even though it lowered prices of its core products during the epidemic prevention and control period in 2020. Besides, its sales expense ratio, administrative expense ratio and financial expense ratio dropped from 5.29%, 12.87% and 4.19% in 2019 to 4.32%, 12.81% and 3.41% respectively in 2020.In this context, Global New Material had its net profit reaching RMB153 million in 2020, with an increase of 42.42% which is significantly higher than 31.92% in 2019, and also had its net profit margin increasing from 24.4% in 2019 to 26.9% in 2020.Benefiting from its production capacity expansion plan and the increasingly stronger demands in the industry, we expect Global New Material to remain on its growth trend with business performance.The era of pearlescent materials is comingPearlescent materials, which replace traditional pigments with new applications under exploration, will be of great potential in the future. Pearlescent pigment is a new composite material produced by imitating the formation principle of pearls, and has a micron-sized mica flake at the core which is coated with a nano-sized metal oxide film. Pearlescent pigments can create beautiful, brilliant and long-lasting colours without harm to human health and the environment, as with natural pearls, and are therefore called "pearlescent materials".As set forth in the Classification of Strategic Emerging Industries (2018) issued by the Chinese central government, mica products are functional fillers as new energy materials used in strategic emerging industries, and mica-based pearlescent materials are pigments as other new functional materials used in strategic emerging industries.Compared with traditional pigments, pearlescent materials involve 2 distinct and innovative elements: (1) pearlescent materials abandon the color generation principle requiring three primary colors that applies to traditional pigments, and adopt the principle of light interference effect for color generation to ensure long-lasting colors; and (2) pearlescent pigments are non-toxic and harmless to human health and environment. As a new consumable material without a definite industry life cycle, pearlescent pigments are rapidly replacing traditional organic and metal pigments, and are widely applied in coatings, inks, plastics, cosmetics, automobiles, aerospace and other fields.With the benefit of higher market penetration in the automotive market, automotive-grade pearlescent materials reached RMB950 million in 2020, accounting for 5.0% of the overall market size of the pearlescent materials market. The market size of cosmetic-grade pearlescent materials is also on a steady rise. From 2021 to 2025, pearlescent materials to be applied in the global automotive market and the global cosmetics market will experience a compound growth rate of 47.1% and 32.8% respectively.On the whole, the global pearlescent material market is on a steady rise with the market seize reaching RMB18.9 billion in 2020 and with a compound annual growth rate of 19.2% from 2016 to 2020. Considering that the total market size of the global pigment market is currently RMB160 billion, pearlescent pigments are expected to replace other pigments and gain an ever-larger market share.As forecasted by Frost & Sullivan, in view of consumption upgrade and of the fact that pearlescent materials are gradually replacing other pigments, the market size of the pearlescent material market will reach RMB44.6 billion in 2025, and the compound annual growth rate of the global pearlescent pigment market will further climb to 23.9% from 2021 to 2025.Meanwhile, the trend of replacing imported products with Chinese-made products is creating great market opportunities for leading companies such as Global New Material.It is known that pearlescent pigment is included in the Directory of High-tech New Material Products for Export and enjoys export tax benefits, and falls in the new material industry encouraged by the state. At present, the market size of the Chinese pearlescent pigment market is expanding at a pace significantly faster than that of the global pearlescent pigment market.The market size of the Chinese pearlescent pigment market expanded at a compound annual growth rate of 23.9% from 2016 to 2020, and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 30.8% from 2021 to 2025. Even though some pearlescent pigments sold in China are still imported from Germany-based Merck, BASF and other overseas suppliers, the trend of replacing imported products with Chinese-made products will empower the development of Chinese leading companies such as Global New Material.Furthermore, the synthetic mica market is boomingFirst-generation pearlescent materials are natural mica-based, and all-natural mica materials currently used are imported from India as natural mica in China has been exhausted. In this context, the best solution is to replace natural mica with synthetic mica. In 2015, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China listed synthetic mica as one of the 18 key basic new materials for the national industrial upgrading project, and only CHESIR was authorized to take on this project.Given that synthetic mica-based products show better insulation, high-temperature resistance and corrosion resistance than natural mica-based products, synthetic mica-based products are more likely to be used in higher-end fields and broader applications. At present, synthetic mica powder is usually used to produce cosmetic-grade and automotive-grade pearlescent pigment products.Data shows that the market share of synthetic mica-based pearlescent pigments has increased from 5.3% in 2016 to 11.7% in 2020. Driven by the technology advancement and productivity improvement of synthetic mica, the market share of synthetic mica-based pearlescent pigments in the global market is expected to reach 23.6% in 2025, and the synthetic mica-based pearlescent pigment market will usher in a compound annual growth rate of 47.6% from 2021 to 2025.Like pearlescent materials, synthetic mica is used in broader applicationsIn addition to pearlescent materials, mica products are used in producing insulating and refractory materials which are then used in automobiles, cosmetics, electric power, high-temperature smelting, household appliances and other fields. From 2018 to 2020, the market size of mica applied in producing pearlescent materials reached RMB1.38 billion, RMB7.66 billion, and RMB3.70 billion respectively. Additionally, insulating materials will be applied to semiconductors and other cutting-edge fields.With the improvement of the overall R&D capabilities, synthetic mica with better properties will be applied in more fields such as thermal insulation materials. At present, Global New Material is the only company in the industry that has the core technologies required in producing synthetic mica, and it also occupies the largest market share in the global synthetic mica-based pearlescent material market.With its production capacity being expanded greatly, we expect Global New Material to be the biggest winner of the upcoming market opportunities.All existing production facilities producing pearlescent pigment in Global New Material's first-phase plant are near full capacity. In view of this, Global New Material is investing RMB1.338 billion to build a second-phase facility covering an area of 145,200 square meters, including four factories with a planned capacity of 30,000 tons/yr, power supply facilities, ancillary facilities and warehouses.When the new plant is completed and put into operation, Global New Material should be able to dominate the upstream in the global supply chain of synthetic mica, and therefore become the leading enterprise in the pearlescent material and synthetic mica industry.In summary, Global New Material remains first in China with its technical advantages and aims to lead the global market, developing at an expedited pace following industry opportunity and based on its expansion strategy. We expect to see a new wave of investment by Global New Material following its HKEx debut later this month.Contact:Haolu Wang, PeanutmediaEmail: wanghaolu@czgmcn.comURL: https://www.Peanutmedia.comSource: PeanutMediaCopyright 2021 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Not for release, publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia or any other jurisdiction where to do so would constitute a violation of the relevant laws of such jurisdiction.

Regulatory News:

Transition S.A. (Paris:TRAN) (the "Company" or "Transition") has received notification that Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE acting as stabilization manager on behalf of the Bookrunners (as defined below) (the "Stabilization Manager") has undertaken stabilization activities (as defined under Article 3(2)(d) of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of 16 April 2014 on market abuse (the "Market Abuse Regulation")) in relation to the first admission to trading on the professional segment (compartiment professionnel) of the regulated market of Euronext in Paris of certain of its securities pursuant to the Prospectus (as defined below).

Issuer: Transition S.A. Securities: Actions de preference stipulees rachetables

assorties de bons de souscription d'actions

ordinaires de la Societe rachetables

(ISIN: FR00140039U7) Market Euronext Paris, compartiment professionnel Stabilization Manager: Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE

Pursuant to Article 6(2) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016 supplementing the Market Abuse Regulation with regard to regulatory technical standards for the conditions applicable to buy-back programmes and stabilisation measures (the "Delegated Regulation"), the Company, on the basis of the information disclosed by the Stabilization Manager, hereby communicates the data relating to the stabilization activities undertaken by Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE (or any entity acting on its behalf) as stabilization agent.

For each of the dates during which stabilization transactions were carried out, the price range was as follows:

Execution Date Lowest Price

(EUR) Highest Price

(EUR) Trading Venues 28 June 2021 9.95 9.95 PARE

This press release is also issued on behalf of Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE pursuant to Article 6(2) of the Delegated Regulation.

Important information

No communication and no information in respect of this transaction may be distributed to the public in any jurisdiction where a registration or approval is required. No steps have been or will be taken in any jurisdiction (other than France) where such steps would be required. The issue, the subscription for or the purchase of the securities of Transition may be subject to specific legal or regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions. Transition assumes no responsibility for any violation of any such restrictions by any person.

This press release is not a prospectus but an advertisement provided for information purposes only. It does not constitute and should not be deemed to constitute an offer to the public of securities by Transition, nor a solicitation of the public relating to an offer of any kind whatsoever in any jurisdiction, including France.

A prospectus (the "Prospectus") has been approved by the Autorite des Marches Financiers (the "AMF") on 16 June 2021 under no. 21-231 solely for the purpose of listing of Transition's securities on the professional segment (compartiment professionnel) of the regulated market of Euronext Paris. A copy of the Prospectus is available on the AMF's website (www.amf-france.org) and on Transition's website (www.spactransition.com) and may be obtained free of charge from Transition. The Prospectus includes a detailed description of Transition, including a section describing certain risk factors relating to Transition and the Offering (as defined in the Prospectus). Potential investors should carefully review the risk factors described in the Prospectus.

Investors should not subscribe for or purchase any securities referred to in this press release except on the basis of the information contained in the Prospectus.

The distribution of this press release may be subject to legal or regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions. Any person who comes into possession of this press release must inform itself of, and comply with, any such restrictions.

The distribution of this document may constitute a breach of the legal provisions in force in certain jurisdictions. The information contained in this document is not intended for, and must not be accessed by, published, distributed, disseminated or circulated, directly or indirectly, to persons resident, physically present or located in the United States of America (the "United States", which shall include its territories and possessions and any state of the United States), Canada, Japan or Australia, and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or acquire any securities of Transition in the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia or in any other jurisdiction in which it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation.

This press release may not be released, published, forwarded or distributed, directly or indirectly, in the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia or any other jurisdiction where to do so would constitute a violation of the relevant laws of such jurisdiction.

Prohibition of sales to European Economic Area, UK and Swiss retail investors

No action has been undertaken or will be undertaken to make available any of Transition's securities to any retail investor in the European Economic Area (the "EEA"), the United Kingdom (the "UK") or Switzerland. For the purposes of this provision:

the expression "retail investor" means a person who is one (or more) of the following:

in the EEA:

a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU of 15 May 2014 (as amended, "MiFID II"); or a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97 of 20 January 2016 (as amended, the "Insurance Distribution Directive") where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or not a "qualified investor" as defined in Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of 14 June 2017 (as amended, the "Prospectus Regulation

in the UK:

a retail client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2017/565 of 25 April 2016 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (as amended, "EUWA"); or a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended, the "FSMA") and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement the Insurance Distribution Directive, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) 600/2014 of 15 May 2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA; or not a qualified investor as defined in Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA.

in Switzerland:

a retail client as defined in Article 4 para. 2 of the Swiss Federal Act on Financial Services ("FinSA"), i.e. not a professional client as defined in Article 4 para. 3 FinSA; or a professional client that has opted in to be treated as a retail client pursuant to Article 5 para. 5 FinSA.

the expression "offer" includes the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and Transition's securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe Transition's securities.

Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 of 26 November 2014 (as amended, the "PRIIPs Regulation") in the EEA or by the PRIIPS Regulation as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the "UK PRIIPs Regulation"), for offering or selling Transition's securities, or otherwise making them available, to retail investors in the EEA, in the UK or in Switzerland has been prepared and therefore offering or selling Transition's securities, or otherwise making them available, to any retail investor in the EEA, in the UK or in Switzerland may be unlawful under the PRIIPS Regulation or under the UK PRIIPS Regulation.

MIFID II product governance

Solely for the purposes of the manufacturer's product approval process, the target market assessments (the "Target Market Assessments") have led to the conclusion that:

in respect of the Units (as defined in the Prospectus):

the target market is eligible counterparties and professional clients only, each as defined in MiFID II; and

all channels for distribution to eligible counterparties and professional clients are appropriate.

in respect of the Market Shares (as defined in the Prospectus) and the Market Warrants (as defined in the Prospectus):

the target market is retail investors, and investors who meet the criteria of professional client and eligible counterparties, each as defined in MiFID II; and

all channels for distribution to eligible counterparties and professional clients are appropriate.

Notwithstanding the Target Market Assessments, distributors should note that: the price of the Market Shares and the Market Warrants may decline and investors could lose all or part of their investment; the Market Shares and the Market Warrants offer no guaranteed income and no capital protection; and an investment in the Market Shares and/or the Market Warrants is compatible only with investors who do not need a guaranteed income or capital protection, who (either alone or in conjunction with an appropriate financial or other adviser) are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of such an investment and who have sufficient resources to be able to bear any losses that may result therefrom. The Target Market Assessments are without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual, legal or regulatory selling restrictions in relation to the Offering.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Target Market Assessments do not constitute: (a) assessments of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of MiFID II; or (b) recommendations to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to the Units, the Market Shares or the Market Warrants.

Each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessments in respect of the Units, the Market Shares and the Market Warrants and determining appropriate distribution channels.

European Economic Area France

This press release is an advertisement and not a prospectus within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation.

With respect to any Member State of the European Economic Area, including France, any offer of Transition's securities is addressed solely to qualified investors, as defined in Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation and, in France, in accordance with the provisions of Article L. 411-2, 1 of the French Code monetaire et financier

United Kingdom

This press release does not constitute an offer of securities to the public in the United Kingdom.

In the United Kingdom, this press release is for distribution only to and is directed only at: (a) "qualified investors" within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA which are (b) (i) persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within the provisions of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order") or (ii) "high net worth entities", "unincorporated associations" and other persons to whom it may otherwise lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as "Relevant Persons"). This press release must not be acted on or relied on, in the United Kingdom, by persons who are not Relevant Persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this communication relates is only available to Relevant Persons and will be engaged in only with Relevant Persons. Persons distributing this press release must satisfy themselves that it is lawful to do so.

Switzerland

This press release is an advertisement for financial instruments.

In Switzerland, Transition's securities are only offered to professional clients within the meaning of the Swiss Federal Act on Financial Services ("FinSA") and Transition's securities will not be admitted to trading on any trading venue (exchange or multilateral trading facility) in Switzerland. Therefore, the offering of Transition's securities is exempt from the requirement to prepare and publish a prospectus under the FinSA. This press release does not constitute a prospectus pursuant to the FinSA, and no such prospectus has been or will be prepared for or in connection with the offering of Transition's securities.

United States of America

This press release and the information it contains does not, and will not, constitute or form part of any offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy or acquire, any of Transition's securities in the United States. The securities of Transition may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or an applicable exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"). Transition's securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act and Transition does not intend to register any portion of the offering of its securities in the United States or to conduct a public offering in the United States.

Canada

This press release and the information it contains do not, and will not, constitute an offer to the public to subscribe for or sell, nor the solicitation of an offer to subscribe for or buy, Transition's securities in any province or territory of Canada. Securities may not be offered or sold in Canada except in a transaction exempt from the prospectus requirements of applicable Canadian securities laws or pursuant to a prospectus that qualifies those securities in the relevant provinces and territories of Canada, it being specified that Transition's securities have not been and will not be qualified by way of prospectus under the securities laws of any province or territory of Canada and Transition does not intend to qualify any such securities or conduct an offering to the public in Canada.

Stabilization

The Company has granted to Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE (or any entity acting on its behalf), acting as stabilization manager on behalf of the Bookrunners (as defined below) (the "Stabilization Manager"), an option to purchase up to 1,500,000 additional Units at a price of 10.00 per Unit (the "Over-allotment Units"), in an aggregate amount of up to 15 million, exercisable for 30 days following the Listing Date (as defined in the Prospectus) (the "Stabilization Period"), solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments and facilitating stabilization activities, if any (the "Over-allotment Option

The Stabilization Manager (or any entity acting on its behalf) may, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and rules, over-allot the Units or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the Units at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. However, there is no assurance that the Stabilization Manager (or any entity acting on its behalf) will undertake any stabilization action. Any stabilization action may be conducted for a period of 30 days following the date of adequate public disclosure of the offering price (i.e., until 22 July 2021) and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time. In compliance with the provisions of the Market Abuse Regulation and the Delegated Regulation, stabilization transactions may not be effected at a price greater than the offering price in the Offering. Any stabilization action or over-allotment of the Units must be conducted by the Stabilization Manager (or any entity acting on its behalf) in accordance with all applicable laws and rules.

In the event the Over-allotment Option is not exercised in full, the Company will cancel the Over-allotment Units which have not been purchased by the Stabilization Manager. In such event, the Company will also buy back a proportionate number of Founders' Units (as defined in the Prospectus) or Founders' Shares (as defined in the Prospectus) from the Founders (as defined in the Prospectus) and will cancel such Founders' Units or Founders' Shares.

Bookrunners

Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE acted as Global Coordinator and Joint Bookrunner on the Offering and Credit Industriel et Commercial S.A., Natixis and ODDO BHF SCA acted as Joint Bookrunners (collectively, the "Bookrunners

The Bookrunners are acting exclusively for Transition and no other person in connection with any offering of securities of Transition. The Bookrunners will not regard any other person as their respective clients in relation to any offering of securities of Transition and will not be responsible to anyone other than Transition for providing the protections afforded to their respective clients nor for providing advice in relation to any offering of securities of Transition, the contents of this press release or any transaction, arrangement or other matter referred to herein.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005050/en/

Contacts:

Transition S.A.
HATTIESBURG, Miss., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Spartan Mosquito, the leading mosquito-control company in the U.S., today launched their "Serve the Underserved" Program, focused on removing trade barriers with parts of the world that could directly benefit from its technology. One of the trade barriers removed in their announcement is their official acceptance of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies from countries worldwide.

Ac2T Inc dba Spartan Mosquito accepted its first official crypto payment over the last 48 hours and has upgraded its website to now accept many of the major cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Dai, Ethereum, Litecoin, and USD Coin.

Jeremy Hirsch, the company's Chairman and Founder, said that "we are finally closing the loop on the unbanked economies that struggle with the devasting impacts of mosquitoes from Africa to Asia." Hirsch said, "As a company most of our efforts are focused on Culex quinquefasciatus (the Southern House Mosquito), Aedes aegypti (the Yellow Fever Mosquito), Anopheles quadrimaculatus, and Anopheles gambiae (the most important vector of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa). In particular, there are many areas of the world that struggle with Anopheles gambiae almost as much as they struggle with reliable commercial banking infrastructures. It is irresponsible for us to merely have effective technologies in the United States; these technologies must reach those most in need across the globe. We are opening sales outside of the United States mid-July and are extremely proud that our 100% American Made product will finally reach the unbankable."

Based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Spartan Mosquito developed the Pro Tech technology as the next generation of its attractive toxic sugar bait slow release devices. Spartan Mosquito Pro Tech system uses naturally occurring borate and easy installation to kill mosquitoes.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1556999/Ac2T_Inc_dba_Spartan_Mosquito_Malaria.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1557000/Spartan_Mosquito_Logo.jpg
Federal funding for Enapter and FH Munster bringing AEM Multicore to market faster in 2022

BERLIN, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Enapter has received a boost in the roll-out of its megawatt-class AEM Multicore Electrolysers: The German Ministry of Research has acknowledged the innovative potential of the AEM Multicore, awarding 5.6 Million in funding to Enapter and the Munster University of Applied Sciences (FH Munster) for its final development. Enapter is planning to introduce the ground-breaking AEM Multicore to the market in 2022 and has partnered with the FH Munster to this end.

Final development of the new model has started, further tapping into the innovative power of Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) technology - widely considered by scientists to be the most cost-efficient electrolysis technology. The AEM Multicore leverages AEM's cost advantage, pairing it with a strategically new approach: Instead of tailor-making electrolysers, Enapter will fit 440 mass-produced core modules into a complete system that produces ~450 kg of hydrogen per day.

"AEM electrolysis technology shows huge promise for enabling low-cost green hydrogen production. As Germany is the home of the AEM technology leader, we are pleased to help drive the launch of this innovation." - German Federal Research Minister Anja Karliczek.

Enapter is developing the AEM Multicore, while the FH Munster will support by testing the machines in its specially-developed "Application Lab". The Multicore's modular approach reduces development time and allows Enapter to offer systems for green hydrogen needs at any scale. Orders are now open for the system, which will be a lower-cost alternative to traditional MW-class electrolysers.

"Making a megawatt electrolyser modular also means it is enormously flexible. This makes it ideal for using intermittent renewable energy," explains Dr. Elmar Brugging, leader of the joint research project for the FH Munster. "Its multi-core approach also makes it extremely robust."

The development is ramping up at the same time as Enapter prepares for the autumn construction start of its "Enapter Campus" mass-production and R&D site in Saerbeck, Germany.

"This support from the federal government will drive the development of our megawatt-scale green hydrogen solution forward immensely," says Sebastian-Justus Schmidt, Chairman of Enapter AG. "We are thankful for the recognition of the role AEM Electrolysers can play in cutting green hydrogen costs and scaling up production - it's an urgent task to tackle."

Download the Enapter press kit here

About Enapter

Enapter is an award-winning energy technology company producing highly-efficient hydrogen generators to replace fossil fuels. Its patented and proven Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) technology allows for the mass production of low-cost, plug-&-play electrolysers for green hydrogen at any scale. The modular systems are used in 36 countries, in sectors like energy, mobility, industry, heating and telecommunications. Enapter has offices in Italy, Germany, Thailand and Russia. Learn more at https://www.enapter.com/.

Contact

Andrea Spiegl: aspiegl@enapter.com (+49 30 92 100 81 35)

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1558511/Enapter_AEM_Multicore.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1312105/Enapter_Logo.jpg
Responsible For Standardising Optimising Quality Assurance Strategy

Digital consulting company ADROSONIC has added to its fire power by appointing Mr Phillip Burgess as head of digital assurance services (DAS). Burgess, who brings with him a vast 26 years' experience in quality assurance from an array of fields, would be based in ADROSONIC's London office.

Burgess will be playing the role of Program Test Manager for one of ADROSONIC's esteemed customers, providing leadership and governance on ongoing quality assurance program. He will be responsible for standardising and optimising quality assurance strategy, processes, KPI's and Quality Metrics across programme projects and will be working closely with business stakeholders and product owners to drive the improvements within ongoing transformation programs.

Welcoming Mr Burgess on board,ADROSONIC Chief Operating Officer (COO) Ms Sonalsaid: "The appointment of Phillip is a great addition to our client delivery team. His vast range of experience will strengthen our Quality assurance practice and processes."

"He will be working closely with business stakeholders and product owners to drive the improvements and add value in delivery," Ms Sonal added.

"I'm delighted to be joining ADROSONIC and helping their clients improve their IT Service Delivery functions through robust and high quality digital assurance services. This is an exciting opportunity to join a rapidly scaling international consultancy firm. I'm looking forward to playing a key role in the journey," said Mr Burgess on his appointment.

During his 26 years' professional journey, Burgess has been associated with many renowned companies besides working as an independent consultant for a fair amount of time. Some of his noted workplaces in the past are: Allianz Global Corporate Specialty, QBE, Ten10, Christie's and Markel International.

About ADROSONIC

ADROSONIC is an innovative, business-focused Digital consulting firm empowering organisations with a complete framework of IT Solutions and Services. A trusted partner for both service and product-based companies, ADROSONIC has a global presence with offices in India, UK, LATAM and the USA. Possessing competencies in the fields of Robotic Process Automation, Data Analytics, CRM services, Application Services, Digital Quality Assurance and Software Testing, ADROSONIC strives to pave the Digital Roadmap for emerging and traditional business organisations.

Visit https://www.adrosonic.com/ for more information and follow us on @adrosonic on Twitter and ADROSONIC on LinkedIn or contact at info@adrosonic.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005397/en/

Contacts:

ADROSONIC Media Contact

Wanpherlin M Shangpliang

Wanpherlin.Shangpliang@adrosonic.com

+91 22 68159923








Singapore, July 7, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - The 2021 W.Media Cloud & Datacenter Awards season is officially underway. Now is your chance to come together as an industry to celebrate the outstanding technological achievements of teams and individuals across the region.Nominees will have the opportunity to compete across 61 categories in 4 different regions. The Awards categories highlight outstanding projects that have had a defining impact on the cloud, datacenter, and IT industries within the past 18 months.Categories include, but are not limited to Hyperscale Innovation to Sustainable Design & Build to Cybersecurity Implementation. These categories will exist in 4 Different Awards Regions: Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Australasia, and the nomination window is open until 31 July 2021.All submissions will be reviewed by the Awards Judging Panel, which comprises of independent and reputable industry leaders who will announce the shortlisted finalists for each of the four geographic awards regions in September and October of this year.After the Nomination Windows close, we will be hosting a series or digital regional summits to further explore the incredible innovations we've seen this year. The W.Media Cloud & Datacenter Awards season will conclude at the end of the year with black-tie galas hosted across the APAC region.There are many ways to get involved with the W.Media Awards season--from nominations to digital summits to the end-of-year galas. Participation and Sponsorship slots available for each stage of the Awards season from now until December 2021.More information can be found by emailing awards@w.media or by visiting https://w.media/awards/About W.MediaW.Media is a global B2B technology marketing agency specialising in PR, Media, and Events. It is the anchor of the cloud, datacenter and cybersecurity communities in Asia Pacific, combining market knowledge and network to uplift brands via targeted communication. W.Media educates both industry stakeholders and the public on the latest developments in these industries through personalized engagement with the marketplace.From its founding in 2018, W.Media began organising Cloud & Datacenter Conventions throughout the APAC region, in countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and South Korea. In 2020, W.Media complemented its in-person events offerings by launching a series of webinars to connect top industry professionals in the three pillars driving tech today: Cloud, Cybersecurity, and Datacenters.Beyond events, W.Media works closely with its clients to curate effective content marketing, editorial coverage, and digital advertising campaigns. This expertise and expansive regional network make W.Media a key player in Asia's Cloud and Datacenter market.Source: W.MediaCopyright 2021 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 7, 2021 / Kingfisher Metals Corp. (TSX-V:KFR)(FSE:970) ("Kingfisher" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the commencement of drilling at the Goldrange Project, located approximately 25 km south of the town of Tatla Lake in Southwest British Columbia. The maiden diamond drill program will consist of approximately 5,000 meters over ~15 holes. Diamond drilling will test the Cloud Drifter Trend which is defined by a 3 km long gold-in-soil anomaly including 50 samples over 1 g/t Au and rock samples grading up to 128.9 g/t Au.

The previously announced induced polarization (IP) geophysical survey at the Goldrange Project is currently underway and surveying to date has highlighted several chargeability and resistivity anomalies throughout the trend. Incoming IP geophysical data is being used for drill targeting and the final results of this survey will be communicated to the market once the survey and analysis is completed.

Dustin Perry, CEO of Kingfisher states "We are thrilled to begin drill testing this exciting epizonal gold target. Since beginning our 2021 field program at the Goldrange Project in early May, we have made significant progress on our regional programs in addition to completing initial drill pad construction and IP geophysical surveying at the Cloud Drifter Trend. Initial IP geophysical data has highlighted several chargeability anomalies coincident with mapped zones of quartz-sulfide vein swarms and high tenor gold-in-soil geochemical anomalies. This provides additional confidence in our drill targeting within the prospective Cloud Drifter Trend."

The Goldrange Project covers a significant deformation zone with numerous precious metal veins across the project. Mineralization at Goldrange occurs within the orogenic Yalakom Gold Belt, which is host to the Bridge River District that includes the past producing Bralorne Mine. Several areas of historical hand mining are located within the project and date back to the 1930s.

Initial work completed by Kingfisher in 2020 included infill and confirmation soil sampling within the Cloud Drifter Trend. The 2020 survey (see March 31, 2021 release) outlined a 3 km-long gold-in-soil anomaly with 134 samples over 0.5 g/t Au and 50 samples over 1 g/t Au with a highlight of 22.08 g/t Au. Rock sampling returned highly anomalous gold grades with 312 samples (see April 14, 2021 release) averaging 6.26 g/t Au and a highlight of 128.9 g/t Au. Backpack drilling within the Cloud Drifter Trend included highlights of 6.9 m of 10.84 g/t Au (BP-ST-20-01) (see April 21, 2021 release) and 8.3 m of 0.97 g/t Au (BP-CD-20-02) separated by ~750 m. Plan view maps of the initial planned drill holes at the Cloud Drifter Trend are outlined in figures 1 and 2 below.

Figure 1: Cloud Drifter Trend: Initial Planned Diamond Drill Holes

Figure 2: Cloud Drifter Zone: Initial Planned Diamond Drill Holes

Geological mapping by VP-Exploration Gayle Febbo, outlined a robust structurally hosted vein system with multiple styles and phases of quartz-sulfide mineralization within sedimentary, volcanic, and intrusive rocks (figure 3). Additionally, Kingfisher completed a high-resolution airborne magnetic and radiometric survey over the Cloud Drifter Trend. Prior to the 2021 field season, the Company prepared a 3D geological and structural model for the Cloud Drifter Trend.

Figure 3: Cloud Drifter Zone Geology: Initial Planned Diamond Drill Holes

The 2021 diamond drill program is guided by detailed surface geochemical and structural data collected in 2020 in addition to the ongoing IP geophysical survey. Initial drilling is focused on a ~500 m segment of the Cloud Drifter Trend, within the Cloud Drifter Zone, and is defined by the best bedrock exposure and geological confidence. Initial results from the IP geophysical survey indicate the presence of strong chargeability anomalies associated with high-tenor soil geochemical anomalies, strongly anomalous rock chip samples, and mapped mineralization at surface.

A more detailed explanation of the planned initial drill holes at the Cloud Drifter Trend, including geological and geophysical cross sections can be found on Kingfisher's website: Drill Target Presentation.

Additionally, Dustin Perry, CEO and Gayle Febbo, VP-Ex discuss the planned program in video format on Kingfisher's YouTube channel: Goldrange: Maiden Drill Program Target Selection.

Qualified Person

Dustin Perry, P.Geo., Kingfisher's CEO, is the Company's Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and has prepared the technical information presented in this release.

About Kingfisher Metals Corp.

Kingfisher Metals Corp. (https://kingfishermetals.com/) is a Canadian based exploration company focused on underexplored district-scale projects in British Columbia. Kingfisher has three 100% owned district-scale projects that offer potential exposure to high-grade gold, copper, silver, and zinc. The Company currently has 78,335,301 shares outstanding.

For further information, please contact:

Dustin Perry, P.Geo.

CEO and Director

Phone: +1 236 358 0054

E-Mail: info@kingfishermetals.com

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information in this news release relate to, among other things: formulation of plans for drill testing; and the success related to any future exploration or development programs.

These forward-looking statements and information reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include; success of the Company's projects; prices for gold remaining as estimated; currency exchange rates remaining as estimated; availability of funds for the Company's projects; capital, decommissioning and reclamation estimates; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); no labour- related disruptions; no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled construction and production; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner; and the ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic; fluctuations in gold prices; fluctuations in prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar); operational risks and hazards inherent with the business of mineral exploration; inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks and hazards; our ability to obtain all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in a timely manner; changes in laws, regulations and government practices, including environmental, export and import laws and regulations; legal restrictions relating to mineral exploration; increased competition in the mining industry for equipment and qualified personnel; the availability of additional capital; title matters and the additional risks identified in our filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com). Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described, or intended. Investors are cautioned against undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.

SOURCE: Kingfisher Metals Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654404/Kingfisher-Begins-Diamond-Drilling-at-the-Goldrange-Project-to-Test-the-Cloud-Drifter-Trend
Polpharma Biologics Group announces that its joint venture company with Santo Holding (Strungmann Group), Bioeq, has concluded a commercial partnership with Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. for their biosimilar candidate of the ophthalmological drug Ranibizumab (Lucentis) in Europe, Canada, Israel and New Zealand.

The reference product is a monoclonal anti-angiogenic antibody fragment (Fab) that has been approved to treat the "wet" type of age-related macular degeneration, a common form of age-related vision loss. Worldwide, at least 25 to 30 million people are affected by age-related macular degeneration. The launch of a biosimilar Ranibizumab can increase market competition, reduce cost and expand patient access with proven analytical and clinical similarity to the original product.

This agreement with Teva complements an existing agreement concluded with Coherus BioSciences, Inc. for commercialisation in the United States.

Dr Joerg Windisch, CEO of the Polpharma Biologics Group, commented on the achievements of the joint venture:

"This is a huge milestone for the progression of a life changing therapeutic. We are proud the development program has been successfully completed, and that, through this agreement, more patients will gain access to highly effective treatments for vision loss including for age-related macular degeneration. This is another demonstration of our passion for providing safe and effective medicines to patients."

About the Ranibizumab biosimilar

The Ranibizumab biosimilar, FYB201, was originally licensed in from Formycon AG (FRA: FYB/ WKN A1EWVY), a leading German biosimilars company, and subsequently developed by Bioeq AG, a joint venture between Polpharma Biologics and Santo Holding AG (Strungmann Group). Phase III clinical trials for FYB201 have clinically demonstrated that the efficacy of FYB201 in patients with nAMD is comparable to that of Lucentis.

Biosimilars are intended for use in place of existing, branded biologics to treat a range of chronic and often life-threatening diseases, with the potential to reduce costs and expand patient access. Biosimilars exhibit proven analytical and clinical similarity to their respective branded reference products.

About the Polpharma Biologics Group

Polpharma Biologics Group is a biopharmaceutical group focused on the development and manufacture of biosimilars. It provides fully integrated solutions along the biopharmaceutical value chain including cell line development, product and process development and clinical and commercial scale manufacturing to support the development of its proprietary portfolio of products and those of industry partners around the globe.

Polpharma Biologics has two sites in Poland, an advanced research and development center in Gdansk and a commercial scale manufacturing facility in Warsaw. It also has a research center in the Netherlands.

It is the largest Polish biotechnological firm developing and manufacturing biosimilars. It has been active for over 10 years on a scale previously unknown in the Polish biotechnological sector, investing not only in labs and production lines, but also in know-how, creating highly specialised work places and developing co-operation between business and science.

The Group currently employs over 800 people in Poland, including top-class specialists from the country and from around the world.

Learn more at www.polpharmabiologics.com

About Bioeq

Bioeq AG is a Swiss biopharmaceutical joint venture between the Polpharma Biologics Group and the Strungmann Group. Bioeq develops, licenses and commercializes biosimilars.

Learn more at www.bioeq.ch

About Teva

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. has been developing and producing medicines to improve people's lives for more than a century. Teva is a global leader in generic and specialty medicines with a portfolio consisting of over 3,500 products in nearly every therapeutic area. Around 200 million people around the world take a Teva medicine every day and are served by one of the largest and most complex supply chains in the pharmaceutical industry. Along with an established presence in generics, they have significant innovative research and operations supporting a growing portfolio of specialty and biopharmaceutical products.

Learn more at www.tevapharm.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005415/en/

Contacts:

Joseph Reeds

Head of Marketing

Polpharma Biologics

M +44 7807832776

E joseph.reeds@polpharmabiologics.com
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

REGINA, SK / ACCESSWIRE / July 7, 2021 / ROK Resources Inc. ("ROK" or the "Company") (TSXV:ROK) As per previous press releases, ROK has completed a series of acquisitions including the acquisition of producing assets in the Glen Ewen area effective June 2020 and the Florence area effective April 2021. Total consideration for the acquisitions was $4,835,000. As of May 2021, these assets are producing an estimated 240 Boepd. The recent $6.2 million equity and secured note financing has financed these recent acquisitions and is expected to fund the drilling of two farmin wells to earn 35% of the Carievale prospect.

The Company is now pleased to announce their upcoming development program. The Company intends to drill 6 gross (4.53 net) development locations and perforate an untested zone in an existing wellbore. All seven operations will test a separate prospect directly offsetting existing production and have potential for additional development drilling offsetting these initial tests. Independent third party reserve evaluators have attributed an initial production rate of 175 Boepd for the Glen Ewen 10-9-2-34W1 location, which is typical of Frobisher performance throughout the Glen Ewen and Florence area.

The first Carievale farm-in well and the perforation of the existing well are both scheduled for late July. Additional locations in the program are expected to be drilled over the balance of 2021.

Of the 6 wells planned, only 3 locations have attributed reserves within the Company's year-end 2020 reserve report. Each successful well is expected to prove up additional development drilling locations and be accretive to production, cash flow and future reserves bookings.

Cam Taylor, CEO & Chairman, stated, "With oil prices showing significant strength, we are very pleased to begin drilling these high impact development locations. Success on any one of these seven prospects has the ability to significantly impact the Company. The recent acquisitions have provided the Company with a strong platform of reserves and infrastructure. Now we can begin to focus on rapidly growing production and cash flow with this set of low risk drilling locations."

About ROK

ROK is engaged in exploring for petroleum and natural gas development activities in Saskatchewan. Its head office is located in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada and ROK's common shares are traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol "ROK".

For further information, please contact:

Cameron Taylor, Chairman and CEO

Lynn Chapman, CFO

Phone: (306) 522-0011

Email: info@rokresources.ca

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Company's objectives, goals or future plans with respect to pursuing the drilling opportunities identified herein and the intended use of the proceeds from the financings described herein. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause 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 and social uncertainties; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals; those additional risks set out in ROK's public documents filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com; and other matters discussed in this news release. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except where required by law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Statements relating to "reserves" are also deemed to be forward looking statements, as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the reserves described exist in the quantities predicted or estimated and that the reserves can be profitably produced in the future. Any estimate of reserves and future net revenue referenced herein for individual properties may not reflect the same confidence level as estimates of reserves and future net revenue for all properties, due to the effects of aggregation.

Oil and Gas Disclosures

Management uses oil and gas metrics for its own performance measurements and to provide shareholders with measures to compare the Company's operations over time. Readers are cautioned that the information provided by these metrics, or that can be derived from the metrics presented in this press release, should not be relied upon for investment or other purposes. The term "boe" or barrels of oil equivalent may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of oil equivalent (6 Mcf:1 bbl) is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Additionally, given that the value ratio based on the current price of crude oil, as compared to natural gas, is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1; utilizing a conversion ratio of 6:1 may be misleading as an indication of value.

Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility of the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: ROK Resources Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654480/ROK-Resources-Announces-Upcoming-Development-Drilling-Program
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 7, 2021 / Komo Plant Based Foods Inc. (CSE:YUM)(OTC PINK:KOMOF)(FSE:9HB) ("Komo") announces the launch of its direct-to-consumer recurring subscriptions service on its Shopify-enabled platform, in addition to six new product bundles and a new two-serving size of its Plant-Based Shepherd's Pie.

On its Shopify platform, Komo added a Pasta Lovers Bundle, the Ready-to-Bake Classics Bundle, the Komo Family Bundle, as well as Shepherd's Pie (Two-serve) x 6-pack bundle and 3-pack bundle. The Komo eCommerce platform now offers 11 bundles featuring different combinations of 7 SKUs. In addition, Komo consumers can now order any combination of bundles and products for recurring deliveries every two, four, six, or eight weeks.

"Consumers are becoming more aware of the positive impact to their health and environment by switching one or more meals a week to plant-based food," says Komo Plant-Based Comfort Foods CEO Jeffrey Ma. "With our subscription model, families can make a regular commitment to Komo meals that are wholesome and sustainable. By delivering directly to consumers' doors, we aim to continuously make plant-based eating easy, yet deliciously satisfying."

According to The Guardian, "In 2018, scientists behind the most comprehensive analysis to date of the damage of farming to the planet found avoiding meat and dairy products was the single biggest way to reduce your environmental impact on the planet. The research showed that without meat and dairy consumption, global farmland use could be reduced by more than 75% - an area equivalent to the US, China, European Union and Australia combined - and still feed the world."

Komo is pleased to announce that it has retained the services of Renmark Financial Communications Inc. to communicate with institutions and brokerage firms to expand Komo's investor audience, for a fee of $7,000 per month for 6 months beginning July 1, 2021. Renmark does not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in Komo or in its securities, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest.

About Komo

Komo Plant Based Foods Inc. is an emerging plant-based food company that develops, manufactures, markets and sells a variety of plant-based frozen meals that are always hearty, satisfying, and made with wholesome ingredients. At Komo, our mission is to help make plant-based meals a staple on every dinner table by sharing our love for feel-good food that connects the people to the planet. We believe plant-based eating is the future and - Change can start with a single biteTM. Our experienced plant-based innovation and development team recreates vegan versions of traditionally cheesy and meaty classics, with 100% plants. Komo's products are sold direct-to-consumer through our eCommerce website and a distribution network of online and brick and mortar grocery, convenience and natural retailer channels. Our operating subsidiary Komo Comfort Foods launched in 2021 with our flagship products: plant-based Lasagna, Shepherd's Pie and Chick'n Pot Pie and has recently launched a new line - Komo Plant-Based Meal HelpersTM - versatile meal starters to allow the creation of many dishes at home.

Learn more at: www.komocomfortfoods.com and follow on Instagram: @komocomfortfoods

For further information, please contact:

William White, President & CEO

will@komoeats.com

1-866-969-0882

Renmark Financial Communications Inc.

Joshua Lavers: jlavers@renmarkfinancial.com

Tel: (416) 644-2020 or (212) 812-7680

www.renmarkfinancial.com

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this news release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or Komo's future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected","estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on Komo's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, Komo's product development plans, its ability to retain key personnel, and its expectation as to the acceptance of its products by consumers constitute forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The statements made in this press release are made as of the date hereof. Komo disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be expressly required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE: KOMO Plant Based Foods Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654496/Komo-Plant-Based-Foods-Adds-Bundles-and-Subscriptions-to-Shopify-Enabled-Platform
SAN FRANCISCO, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The global organic chocolate spreads market size is expected to reach USD 834.0 million by 2028, registering a CAGR of 4.8% over the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Increasing consumption of chocolate-based spreads as a part of the breakfast meal coupled with consumer inclination towards organic and natural food products is expected to be a key factor driving the market over the forecast period.

Key Insights & Findings:

The dark chocolate segment is expected to register the fastest growth rate of 5.8% during forecast years owing to the increasing awareness about the health benefits of the product

The online distribution channel is expected to register the fastest growth during forecast years

Europe held the largest revenue share of the market in 2020 due to the high demand for organic food in the region

The hazelnut segment held the largest revenue share in 2020 due to the wide popularity of hazelnut-based products among consumers

Read 145 page market research report, "Organic Chocolate Spreads Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Hazelnut, Dark), By Distribution Channel (Supermarket & Hypermarket, Online), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028", by Grand View Research

The hazelnut segment accounted for the largest share of the market in 2020 and will expand further at a steady CAGR from 2021 to 2028 due to rising product innovation in this segment. For instance, in October 2019, Rigoni di Asiago launched the Nocciolata Bianca Hazelnut Spread, which is gluten-free and is high in protein. Companies all over the globe, especially start-ups, have been focusing on making products available to consumers through online distribution channels. Moreover, the increasing influence of western food habits in the Asia Pacific region has significantly increased the salability of the product in the market.

Supermarkets & hypermarkets emerged as the largest distribution channel segment in 2020 accounting for a revenue share of over 50%. These stores focus on customer satisfaction and specific food categories pertaining to organic products. Also, the availability of complete household items of all brands in one place drives the segment growth.

Europe emerged as the largest regional market in 2020 with a revenue share of more than 40%. Europe is also a key market for certified organic cocoa in the world. Furthermore, European brands benefit from a large consumer base across countries, such as Germany, the U.K., and Switzerland. The increasing trend of snacking among younger European consumers further fuels the market growth.

Grand View Research has segmented the global organic chocolate spreads market on the basis of product, distribution channel, and region:

Organic Chocolate Spread Product Outlook (Volume, Thousand Units; Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

Hazelnut



Duo



Milk



Dark



Others

Organic Chocolate Spread Distribution Channel Outlook (Volume, Thousand Units; Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

Hypermarket & Supermarket



Online



Others

Organic Chocolate Spread Regional Outlook (Volume, Thousand Units; Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

North America



U.S.





Canada





Mexico



Europe



Germany





U.K.





Switzerland





Russia





The Netherlands





Italy





France





Spain





Sweden





Denmark





Belgium



Asia Pacific



China





Japan





South Korea





Australia



Central & South America



Brazil



Middle East & Africa

&

South Africa





Saudi Arabia





Israel

List of Key Players of Organic Chocolate Spreads Market

Nutiva, Inc.

Rigoni di Asiago

Phalada Pure & Sure

Askinosie Chocolate, LLC

The Organic Family Ltd. (Mr. Organic)

Cocofina

Mason & Co.

BIONA

Artisana Organics

Pana Organic

Browse through Grand View Research's coverage of the Global Consumer F&B Industry.

Organic Chocolate Confectionery Market - The global organic chocolate confectionery market size was valued at USD 824.1 million in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% from 2021 to 2028.

The global organic chocolate confectionery market size was valued at in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% from 2021 to 2028. Spreads Market - The global spreads market size was valued at USD 27.5 billion in 2018 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 3.1% from 2019 to 2025. The spreads form an essential breakfast ingredient in the western countries, which has been driving the market.

The global spreads market size was valued at in 2018 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 3.1% from 2019 to 2025. The spreads form an essential breakfast ingredient in the western countries, which has been driving the market. Vegan Sauces Market-The global vegan sauces, dressings and spreads market size was valued at USD 194.6 million in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% from 2020 to 2027.

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
Esperanza/Rocio highlight near mine high grade zones

New discovery of the Antena Vein System

Trench results from Chulengo and Arana target provide details for drilling targets

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 7, 2021) - CERRADO GOLD (TSXV: CERT) ("Cerrado" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results from a further nineteen drill holes (totalling 2,868 m) from its ongoing 12,000-metre exploration drill program at its Minera Don Nicolas Project ("Minera Don Nicolas" or the "MDN Project") located in Santa Cruz province, Argentina. Reported diamond drill holes were collared at the Esperanza/Rocio and other Paula Andrea targets. As previously outlined, the focus for the current 12,000-metre district exploration program is to delineate new high grade mineralized zones and increase confidence, of near surface mineralization in the proximity of Cerrado's mining operations: La Paloma and Martinetas Pits. Results are actively being integrated into further economic studies for ultimate conversion of additional resources into the mine plan.

The 2021 exploration drill program at the Minera Don Nicolas Project commenced on February 5th at and has targeted initially areas within the Paloma area and the adjacent Paula-Andrea Area, including: Baritina, Chulengo, Antena, Esperanza and Rocio. Results from the first two target areas were released in May of this year.

The drill results reported in this press release include all assays received as June 25th, 2021 and represent complete for file holes from Esperanza/Rocio, nine holes from Antena, and five holes from the Chulengo and adjacent NW corridor target.

Mark Brennan, CEO & Co-Chairman commented, "We are very pleased that the initial drill results at Minera Don Nicolas continue to support our view that significant near surface and near mine targets remain to be defined. As these new targets are more fully defined, we believe they have the potential to support not only adding additional resources but potentially increasing the grade of the overall resource base, supporting production in the future."

Current Near Mine Drill Program at MDN

The near mine exploration program at Minera Don Nicolas is comprised of 12,000 metres of diamond drilling. As June 25th, 6675 meters have been completed. The program is focusing mainly on step-out and downdip drilling to target extensions of gold mineralization and infill drilling to upgrade resources. The initial areas of focus for the program follow mainly exploration targets that have been defined by limited historical drilling, such as the Esperanza South vein at Paloma and the Paula Andrea Area (e.g. Baritina, Chulengo and Arana targets).

Given that these targets are close to the current, high grade, La Paloma mining area they are ranked as high priority in order to potentially add new resources that subsequently undergo economic evaluation by the mine team. The current program is in addition to RC drilling undertaken by the mine for infill and grade control to extend the current mining areas of La Paloma and Martinetas both along strike and at depth.

Drilling in the La Paloma adjacent areas is expected to be completed early in July. The diamond rigs will then mobilize to the Martinetas area. As is the case in La Paloma, drilling priorities in Martinetas will consider the proximity and economic viability of the different targets in the proximity of the Cerro Oro and Coyote Pits. The distribution of the footage of this years program, for which the ultimate scope is to gain confidence on the extent and economics of the satellite structures, aims to keep the balance of the resource inventory between the two main operations that Cerrado currently mines.

Esperanza/Rocio Vein

The Esperanza veins are part of the La Paloma system characterized by discrete narrow, arcuate, steeply dipping quartz breccia veins. The most notable structure within this system is the Sulfuro vein currently being mined by Cerrado. Esperanza is located west of Sulfuro, the northern segment of the 1km continuous strike vein was shallowly mined prior to Cerrado acquisition of Minera Don Nicolas.

Current drilling at Esperanza has focused on the southern zone of the vein system. The Esperanza vein system dips 75 degrees to the east (toward the Sulfuro vein) and has an average thickness of 0.3m to 6m. The five holes reported here, totalling 499m (see Figure 1) systematically intercepted also at depth the Rocio vein (slightly oblique with respect to Esperanza). Seven additional holes drilled at the Esperanza/Rocio veins are pending results. Preliminary modelling suggests stronger mineralization and gold tenor along the domain where both veins coalesce (sub vertical linear feature).

Importantly, the Esperanza structure is thought to coalesce with the main Sulfuro vein at an absolute depth of ~ 450 metres. The geometry of the predicted structural intersection is sub horizontal in nature and could be the loci of relevant additional gold endowment. This structural/mineralization model hypothesis remains drill untested but will be tested in the near future.

Drilling results at close space centers are being integrated in the updated long-term model and economically evaluated by the mine team for potential reserve conversion.





Figure 1. 3D View looking north of the Esperanza Rocio south drilling reported in this press release.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6185/89585_721adaef7424d8ce_002full.jpg

Antena Target

The Antena target is located 1,250m to the SSE of the Sulfuro pit. The width of the structure varies from 1m to 2m and consists of cryptocrystalline quartz veins and vein breccias with sulphides (pyrite, sphalerite, molibdenite  galena). Textures features include breccias, massive and banding. Surrounding the veins massive-cryptocrystalline-quartz-sulphides stockworks develop as halos. The structures are dipping to the west between 70 to 80 and some of them are subvertical. Post-mineralization tectonic breccias are common affecting the veins, vein-breccias and stockworks, and probably represents the reactivation of the syn-mineralization faults. Also, the presence of post-mineralization low-angle dipping faults are interpreted and dislocates the mineralization (see Section below)

The 8 drill holes reported for the Antena target, totalling 1776 m, provide the first confirmation of continuity of mineralization below surface on this target and represent a new discovery. Refinement of the 3D modelling will be completed to better understand the geometry and grade potential size of these structures.





Figure 2. Antena Target Location.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6185/89585_721adaef7424d8ce_003full.jpg





Figure 3. North/South cross section of Antena Discovery.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6185/89585_721adaef7424d8ce_004full.jpg

Chulengo Target

Drill holes PA-D21-66 and PA-D21-67 completed in Chulengo did not intersect relevant mineralization, missing the gold endowed zones of the breccia/ledges domains. Chulengo mineralization is characterized by silica-sulfide cemented hydrothermal breccias and ledges with vuggy silica textures infilled by sulfides (oxides) and controlled by ENE-WSW to E-W faults dipping to the north. Also, the mineralization shows a lithological control forming dissemination and fine veinlets/stockworks in permeable lithologies.





Figure 4. Location of Chulengo Target.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 4, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6185/89585_721adaef7424d8ce_005full.jpg

Drill hole PA-D21-68 was drilled ~ 500 m to the south of the Chulengo breccias and intercepted anomalous gold values resembling some of the proximal halos found in the Baretina target. Further field work will be completed to assess need of follow-up drilling.

Drill hole PA-D21-69 and 70 targeted IP chargeability anomalies that were explained by coarse pyrite concentrations in barren argillic altered volcanic rocks.

Chulengo trench results includes 3.70 m grading 18.31 g/t Au starting from 11.60 m (PA-T21-041) and 5.70 m @ 5.97 g/t Au starting from 20.20 m (PA-T21-035).

The results obtained confirm that the structures in Chulengo form "rosaries or possible extensional jogs" along the ENE-WSW corridor. In domains with efficient structural opening there is a better continuity of gold mineralization hosted by hydrothermal breccias with a matrix of quartz and sulfides that cut the entire volcanosedimentary sequence (ignimbrites and volcanoclastics) providing better vertical extent and overall economics significance as a possible near mine satellite.

Arana Target

Arana mineralization is characterized by Fe-Mn oxides, barite and cryptocrystalline quartz veinlets and stockworks and sectors with vuggy silica textures infilled by oxides). The main recognized structure has a NE-SW orientation, and the host rock is a rhyolitic dome. Figure 5 shows the trenches intersections and the interpretation of the ore bodies at surface and high-grade zones.

Notable trench results in Arana include 4.80 m grading 4.09 g/t Au (PA-T21_029) and 9.40 m grading 5.06 g/t Au (see Figure 5 and table 2). These encouraging results will be follow-up with shallow diamond drilling. Drill pads have been prepared and drilling should commence in July as part of the current phase.





Figure 5. Arana Target Trench Results.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 5, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6185/89585_721adaef7424d8ce_006full.jpg

Table 1. Drill Hole Collars

Hole_Id Easting Northing Elevation Depth

(meters) Azimuth Dip ESP-D21-49 2592817 4715707 153.68 122 270 -50 ESP-D21-50 2592837 4715707 153.69 137 270 -50 ESP-D21-51 2592810 4715690 154.88 88 270 -50 ESP-D21-52 2592820 4715674 156.29 82 270 -50 ESP-D21-54 2592827 4715640 157.67 70 270 -50 AN-D21-001 2593342 4714418 148.47 253 100 -50 AN-D21-002A 2593347 4714457 148.74 118 100 -50 AN-D21-003 2593266 4714429 153.62 247 100 -50 AN-D21-004 2593321 4714380 150.34 103 100 -50 AN-D21-005 2593281 4714391 151.65 151 100 -50 AN-D21-006 2593250 4714100 140.36 257 90 -60 AN-D21-007 2593181 4714445 160.23 229 100 -60 AN-D21-007A 2593179 4714446 160.33 293 100 -60 AN-D21-008 2593426 4714399 151.64 125 100 -50 PA-D21-66 2595695 4713025 159.89 48 350 -60 PA-D21-67 2595692 4713033 159.6 32 170 -60 PA-D21-68 2595640 4712570 154.26 80 225 -50 PA-D21-69 2595180 4713041 133.43 230 330 -60 PA-D21-70 2595122 4713140 136.33 203 330 -60

Table 2. Drill Hole relevant Intercepts



Drillholes Target DDH From To LENGTH

(m) True Width

(m) Au

(g/t) Esperanza ESP-D21-49

39.15 40.30 1.15 0.96 6.01 ESP-D21-49

97.00 99.00 2.00 1.98 0.63 ESP-D21-49

105.60 108.10 2.50 2.50 1.43

including 105.60 106.90 1.30 1.30 2.24 ESP-D21-49

109.00 113.60 4.60 4.60 3.02

including 109.00 111.40 2.40 2.40 3.76 ESP-D21-49 and 112.90 113.60 0.70 0.70 4.50 ESP-D21-50

64.50 65.00 0.50 0.42 0.59 ESP-D21-50

122.65 129.20 6.55 6.55 1.21

including 122.65 125.25 2.60 2.60 2.36 ESP-D21-51

27.60 29.40 1.80 1.60 5.13

including 27.60 28.35 0.75 0.67 8.05

and 29.00 29.40 0.40 0.36 7.75 ESP-D21-52

39.60 40.55 0.95 0.85 3.30

including 39.60 40.00 0.40 0.36 4.24 ESP-D21-52

78.05 78.85 0.80 0.78 0.95 ESP-D21-54

50.15 54.00 3.85 3.74 0.67

including 51.25 54.00 2.75 2.67 0.82 Antena AN-D21-001

37.30 38.00 0.70 0.48 1.31 AN-D21-001

84.05 86.60 2.55 1.70 4.30

including 84.05 85.00 0.95 0.63 10.45 AN-D21-002A

47.60 49.00 1.40 1.08 0.64 AN-D21-002A

57.30 58.00 0.70 0.54 0.50 AN-D21-003

50.25 50.75 0.50 0.32 1.19 AN-D21-003

65.50 66.50 1.00 0.87 1.71 AN-D21-003

95.50 101.45 5.95 4.55 0.38 AN-D21-003

105.00 106.00 1.00 0.76 1.36 AN-D21-004

55.85 58.90 3.05 2.20 0.50 AN-D21-004

74.70 75.35 0.65 0.47 0.83 AN-D21-005

74.85 77.80 2.95 2.21 1.82

including 75.70 76.50 0.80 0.60 3.48 AN-D21-006

80.00 84.00 4.00 2.49 1.49

including 80.00 81.00 1.00 0.62 2.01

and 83.00 84.00 1.00 0.62 3.01 AN-D21-006

117.45 120.70 3.25 2.01 1.76

including 119.15 120.70 1.55 0.96 2.88 AN-D21-007

NSA AN-D21-007A

189.60 191.00 1.40 0.98 2.09

including 190.45 191.00 0.55 0.39 3.49 AN-D21-008

82.20 84.80 2.60 2.52 0.33

including 83.20 83.90 0.70 0.68 0.48 Chulengo PA-D21-66

NSA PA-D21-67

NSA Corredor NW PA-D21-68

NSA PA-D21-69

NSA PA-D21-70

NSA

Table 3. Trench relevant Intercepts

Target Trench ID From To LENGTH

(m) Au

(g/t) Antena AN-T21-018

NSA Antena AN-T21-019

NSA Antena AN-T21-020

181.00 182.00 1.00 1.60

196.10 198.60 2.50 0.42 Antena AN-T21-021

31.70 39.60 7.90 1.10 including 33.80 35.80 2.00 1.83 and 36.80 38.90 2.10 1.37

121.50 122.00 0.50 1.14 Chulengo PA-T21-025

18.00 19.00 1.00 2.31 Chulengo PA-T21-026

NSA Chulengo PA-T21-027

NSA Chulengo PA-T21-035

20.20 25.90 5.70 5.97 including 20.90 25.00 4.10 7.97 and 24.40 25.00 0.60 28.96 Chulengo PA-T21-037

14.50 16.90 2.40 0.53

14.50 15.40 0.90 1.04 Chulengo PA-T21-040

NSA Chulengo PA-T21-041

4.00 9.00 5.00 1.54 Including 6.00 7.00 1.00 2.97

11.60 15.30 3.70 18.31 Including 12.90 14.30 1.40 37.03 Arana PA-T21-029

5.30 10.10 4.80 4.09 including 6.30 7.30 1.00 15.25 and 9.10 10.10 1.00 2.08 Arana PA-T21-030

7.20 8.30 1.10 1.94 Arana PA-T21-031

7.20 16.60 9.40 5.06 including 9.20 11.00 1.80 7.87 and 15.60 16.60 1.00 17.81 Arana PA-T21-032

10.50 13.50 3.00 2.00 including 10.50 11.50 1.00 3.28 Arana PA-T21-033

16.30 21.00 4.70 0.46

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Analytical work was carried out Alex Stewart international, Argentina S.A. Labs (ASI). The facilities of the prep lab and assay lab are in San Julian, 184 Km from MDN mine operations. MDN sends out 10% of samples to check at ALS international labs (ALS) with the prep lab located in Mendoza and assay labs in Lima, Peru and Vancouver, Canada. In the main laboratory ASI (Mendoza), the samples are systematically analyzed for gold (ppm) and silver (ppm) by fire assay (Au4-50 + AgICP-AR-39) regarding the over limits with fire assay results greater than 10 ppm, a second assay is applied including gravimetric finishing (FA50GRAV), with respect to silver, analyzes greater than 200ppm are carried out by AgFA50GRAV.

ASI has routine quality control procedures which ensure that every batch of samples includes three sample repeats, two commercial standards and blanks. Cerrado used standard QA/QC procedures, when inserting reference standards and blanks, for the drilling program. The Reference material used are from CDN Resource Laboratories Ltd. Included in the batches following MDN internal protocols.

Review of Technical Information

The scientific and technical information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Sergio Gelcich, P.Geo., Vice President, Exploration for Cerrado Gold Inc., who is a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101.

Minera Don Nicolas Overview

Minera Don Nicolas is located 1,625km southwest of Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Deseado Massif region in the mining-friendly province of Santa Cruz. The project is comprised of several exploration concessions totaling 333,400 ha. The largest regional centre is Comodoro Rivadavia, which provides logistical and other support for the operations.

MDN Project is situated within the world renowned Deseado Massif where the underlying geology of the region is dominated by rhyolitic and andesitic volcanic and tuffaceous volcaniclastic lithologies of Middle to Upper Jurassic age (130 to 170 ma). It is criss-crossed by numerous extensive fault and fracture zones, which served as conduits for hydrothermal activity during periods of Jurassic volcanism. The result of this activity is a widespread network of shallow level mineralized "epithermal" fissure veins, breccias, and stock-work systems, many of which carry potentially economic Au and Ag mineralization. The Deseado Massif region is host to several epithermal gold-silver deposits and several multi-million-ounce gold deposits, including Cerro Vanguardia (Anglo Gold), Cerro Negro (Newmont GoldCorp), Cerro Morro (Yamana).

In February 2012, Minera IRL published a Full Feasibility Technical Report in accordance with NI 43-101 (Filed on SEDAR, MINERA IRL LTD, Feb 16, 2012). Construction of the facilities was completed in 2017 and initial production began December 2017.

Current mining operations are conducted in two areas, the high grade La Paloma deposit and the Martinetas deposits, approximately 30km apart. Ore is processed through a 1,000 tpd CIL plant located near the Martinetas pit. The project currently supports 325 employees and contractors on a fly-in fly-out basis. Mineral Don Nicolas has strong regional and local community backing having signed agreements with the two neighboring communities.

Cerrado acquired the MDN Project property in March 2020 and undertook a fundamental review of the resource database and based upon a significant geological re-interpretation, engaged SRK to conduct an independent NI 43-101 updated resource technical report (August 2020) which is available on the Cerrado Gold website and SEDAR.

Mark Brennan

CEO and Co Chairman

Tel: +1-647-796-0023

mbrennan@cerradogold.com

Nicholas Campbell, CFA

Director, Corporate Development

Tel.: +1-905-630-0148

ncampbell@cerradogold.com

About Cerrado Gold

Cerrado Gold is a public gold producer and exploration company with gold production derived from its 100% owned Minera Don Nicolas mine in Santa Cruz province, Argentina. It also owns 100% of the assets of Minera Mariana in Santa Cruz province, Argentina. The company is also undertaking exploration at its 100% owned Monte Do Carmo project located in Tocantins, Brazil. For more information about Cerrado Gold please visit our website at: www.cerradogold.com.

Disclaimer

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 statements that constitute "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation, All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, without limitation, statements regarding the business and operations of Cerrado Gold. In making the forward- looking statements contained in this press release, Cerrado Gold has made certain assumptions, including, but not limited to ability of Cerrado to expand its drilling program at its Minera Don Nicolas Project and increase its resources. Although Cerrado Gold believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors 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. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release. Except as required by law, Cerrado Gold disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89585
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 7, 2021) - Kodiak Copper Corp. (TSXV: KDK) (the "Company" or "Kodiak") today reports the first drill results for the fully funded 30,000 metre 2021 drill program at the 100% owned MPD copper-gold porphyry project in southern British Columbia.

Gate Zone: 575 metre Step-out to South

The Gate Zone discovery has been successfully expanded by 6x its previous strike length from approximately 125 metres to approximately 800 metres in a north-south direction .

New drill hole MPD 21-009 was a 575 metre step-out south of all other Gate drill collars, and intersected 87 metres of 0.51% Cu, 0.43 g/t Au and 0.81 g/t Ag (0.78% CuEq*) within 242 metres of 0.38% Copper and 0.22g/t Gold (0.52% CuEq*) and a broader 468 metre interval of 0.25% Cu, 0.16 g/t Au and 0.51 g/t Ag (0.35% CuEq*). Table 1 and Figure 3A.

MPD 21-009 intersected the first high-grade bornite-dominated copper-gold-silver mineralization observed on the property , accompanied by strong, illite-kaolinite overprinting of potassic alteration. Alteration and mineralization suggest this is the highest temperature area of the Gate Zone porphyry copper system drilled to date and may be located closer to a potential mineralization source than the original Gate Zone discovery area.

With over 15 drill holes completed by Kodiak to date, results suggest that the 1.2 kilometre long copper-in soil target in this area is underlain by a significant copper-gold-silver porphyry system.

Chris Taylor, Chairman of Kodiak said, "With a six-fold increase in its drill-confirmed strike length to over 800 metres, and the identification of high-temperature bornite-rich copper mineralization, the Gate Zone has growing similarities to other large scale copper porphyry systems in British Columbia. In particular, recent mineralization and alteration discoveries have similarities to the Red Chris deposit where Newcrest Mining Ltd. recently acquired a 70% interest. Like the Gate Zone at MPD, Red Chris has high-grade copper-gold-silver mineralization core with a broad lower grade halo. Grades at Red Chris are similar to many of the drill intervals reported from the Gate Zone to date."

Ongoing Drilling in Gate Zone Discovery Area

Step-out drilling has intersected a significantly enriched copper-gold system over 800 metres of strike length, 350 metres width, and to 850 metres depth. Drilling continues to demonstrate excellent continuity of porphyry mineralization at the Gate Zone. Figure 1 and 2.

New drill holes MPD-21-003, 004 and 006 were drilled southward between the original Gate Zone discovery and the 575 metre step-out in drill hole MPD-21-009. All holes successfully intersected copper-gold-silver mineralization.

Drill hole MPD-21-004 intersected 87 metres of 0.58% Cu, 0.32 g/t Au and 3.33 g/t Ag (0.81% CuEq*) within a broader 361.4 metre interval of 0.35% Cu, 0.18 g/t Au and 1.50 g/t Ag (0.47% CuEq*). Table 1.

Drill hole MPD-21-006 intersected 51 metres of 0.54% Cu, 0.36 g/t Au and 2.77 g/t Ag (0.79% CuEq*) within a broader 678.0 metre interval of 0.26% Cu, 0.11 g/t Au and 0.89 g/t Ag (0.34% CuEq*) . Table 1 and Figure 3B.

Drill hole MPD-21-003 intersected 72 metres of 0.39% Cu, 0.09 g/t Au and 1.23 g/t Ag (0.46% CuEq*) within a broader 546 metre interval of 0.12% Cu, 0.04 g/t Au and 0.48 g/t Ag (0.15% CuEq*). Table 1 and Figure 4B.

Step-out drilling will continue to systematically evaluate the Gate Zone copper-in-soil anomaly, which lies central to a regional magnetic low spanning three kilometres. The Company also plans to explore for possible connections between the Gate Zone into the Man target area which is located an additional 1 kilometre to the south within the same regional magnetic low.

Claudia Tornquist, President and CEO of Kodiak said, "We are delighted with the 2021 drill results to date. This is a big step forward, validating our thesis that MPD has the potential to host a major porphyry system. We have still only tested a portion of the target area defined by the copper-in-soil anomaly that is related to the Gate Zone mineralization. We are also looking forward to further exploration along the underlying three kilometre-long magnetic trend that extends all the way to the Man area which has historical copper in trenches and shallow drill holes. With two drill rigs turning now we also plan to turn our attention to other, equally promising target areas such as Dillard in the second half of this year.

Step-Out to North of Gate Discovery Area

Two step-out drill holes MPD-21-001 and 002 were collared 70 metres north of the original Gate Zone discovery. While the centre of the porphyry system is interpreted to occur to the south, the Company must also define the outer margins of the copper mineralization in all directions.

Both drill holes intersected wide intervals of lower grade copper mineralization, with propylitic alteration (epidote pyrite +/- chalcopyrite) typical of the outer envelope of larger porphyry systems. These holes represent the northern most intercepts of the wider envelope of porphyry related mineralization at Gate.

New drill hole MPD-21-001 intersected a broad zone of 517.5 metres of 0.10% Cu, 0.02 g/t Au and 0.35 g/t Ag (0.11% CuEq*). Table 1.

New drill hole MPD-21-002 also intersected a wide zone of 537 metres of 0.15% Cu, 0.04 g/t Au and 0.57 g/t Ag (0.18% CuEq*) Table 1 and Figure 4A.

Table 1: Weighted assay intervals for holes MPD-21-001 to MPD-21-004, MPD-21-006 and

MPD-21-009 (also see Figure 2)

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval**(m) % Cu Au g/t Ag g/t %CuEq* MPD-21-009 245 713 468 0.25 0.16 0.51 0.35 includes 414 656 242 0.38 0.22 0.63 0.52 includes 434 614 180 0.43 0.27 0.67 0.6 and includes 446 533 87 0.51 0.43 0.81 0.78 MPD-21-006 143 821 678 0.26 0.11 0.89 0.34 includes 323 686 363 0.29 0.16 1.19 0.39 includes 436.9 515 78.2 0.37 0.21 1.4 0.51 includes 623 674 51 0.54 0.36 2.77 0.79 and includes 737 821 84 0.4 0.08 0.5 0.46 MPD-21-004 184.8 546.2 361.4 0.35 0.18 1.5 0.47 includes 320 527 207 0.47 0.27 2.06 0.66 includes 326 413 87 0.58 0.32 3.33 0.81 and includes 440 494 54 0.53 0.31 1.24 0.73 MPD-21-003 102 648 546 0.12 0.04 0.48 0.15 includes 444 648 204 0.23 0.05 0.74 0.27 includes 498 648 150 0.28 0.06 0.86 0.32 and includes 576 648 72 0.39 0.09 1.23 0.46 MPD-21-002 150 687 537 0.15 0.04 0.57 0.18 includes 306 687 381 0.18 0.04 0.68 0.21 includes 434.7 633 198.4 0.21 0.05 0.86 0.25 and includes 453 603 150 0.24 0.06 0.96 0.29 MPD-21-001 86 603.5 517.5 0.1 0.02 0.35 0.11 includes 121.9 179 57.1 0.12 0.03 0.31 0.14 includes 359 454.9 95.9 0.17 0.03 0.5 0.2 and includes 556.4 603.5 47.1 0.12 0.03 0.35 0.14

*Copper equivalent grades (%CuEq) are for comparative purposes only. Calculations are uncut and recovery is assumed to be 100% as no metallurgical data is available. Metal prices of US$4.25/lb copper, US$1,800/oz gold, and US$26/oz silver, using the formula: %CuEq = Cu grade + (Au price x Au grade + Ag price x Ag grade)/31.104/(Cu price*22.046)

**Intervals are downhole drilled core intervals. Drilling data to date is insufficient to determine true width of mineralization.





Figure 1: Plan map of the Gate Zone showing all 2021 drilling with assay results to date. Background data is contoured historic copper-in soil data. Mineralization at Gate has been traced down to 850 m depth, across a width of 350 m (east-west) and over 800 m in length (north-south).



To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3803/89603_93000fd4b4325b03_002full.jpg



Figure 2: North-South cross-section 681400mE, see results Table 1 for drill holes MPD-21-001 to

MPD-21-004, MPD-21-006 & MPD-21-009





To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3803/89603_93000fd4b4325b03_003full.jpg





Figure 3: Examples of core from 2021 Drilling at MPD: 3A) MPD-21-009 - Bornite-dominated copper mineralization as disseminations and in late quartz veining. Core is from an 87.0 metre intercept reporting 0.51% Cu, 0.43 g/t Au and 0.81 g/t Ag from 446.0 to 533.0.



To view an enhanced version of Figure 3A, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3803/89603_93000fd4b4325b03_004full.jpg









Figure 3: Examples of core from 2021 Drilling at MPD: 3B) MPD-21-006 - Strongly mineralized hydrothermal breccia with chalcopyrite-pyrite. Core is from a 51.0 metre intercept reporting 0.54% Cu, 0.36 g/t Au and 2.77 g/t Ag from 623.0 to 674.0 metres. Images are of selected intervals and do not represent all mineralization on the property.





To view an enhanced version of Figure 3B, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3803/89603_93000fd4b4325b03_005full.jpg

Figure 4: Examples of core from 2021 drilling at MPD: 4A) MPD-21-002 - Massive sulphide vein dominated by chalcopyrite. Core is from a 99.7 metre intercept reporting 0.21% Cu, 0.04 g/t Au and 0.64 g/t Ag from 306.0 to 405.7 metres.



To view an enhanced version of Figure 4A, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3803/89603_93000fd4b4325b03_006full.jpg





Figure 4: Examples of core from 2021 drilling at MPD: 4B) MPD-21-003 - Chalcopyrite-pyrite-quartz veining in altered volcanics. Core is from a 72 metre intercept reporting 0.39% Cu, 0.09 g/t Au and 1.23 g/t Ag from 576.0 to 648.0 metres. Images are of selected intervals and do not represent all mineralization on the property.



To view an enhanced version of Figure 4B, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3803/89603_93000fd4b4325b03_007full.jpg

Table 2: 2021 MPD Drill Collar Information - Gate Zone

Hole ID Easting

(UTM Z10) Northing

(UTM Z10) Elevation (m) Azimuth (degrees) Dip EOH

(m) Reported MPD-21-001 681755 5515769 1258 270 -67 766 2021-07-06 MPD-21-002 681756 5515769 1258 270 -50 750 2021-07-06 MPD-21-003 681415 5515638 1237 165 -60 648 2021-07-06 MPD-21-004 681415 5515638 1237 115 -67 641 2021-07-06 MPD-21-005 681415 5515638 1237 135 -75 86 Lost Hole MPD-21-006 681415 5515638 1237 130 -76 821 2021-07-06 MPD-21-009 681280 5515076 1204 90 -88.5 713 2021-07-06 Total 4425

The Gate Zone was discovered in 2019 and the 2020 drill campaign extended the Gate Zone with a total of 6,698 metres drilled in nine holes. Drilling in 2021 will continue to focus on expanding the copper-gold mineralization at the Gate Zone through step-out drilling along the kilometre-long copper-in-soil anomaly. The 2021 drill program of up to 30,000 metres will also test additional analogous porphyry targets such as Dillard that demonstrate strong potential for similar copper-gold porphyry mineralization.

Drill holes MPD-21-001 and 002 were drilled westward from the first 2021 drill set up located 70 metres north of last year's drilling. Holes MPD-21-003 to 006 were drilled to test the Gate zone mineralization south and southeast from a previously approved site (MPD-21-005 was lost before target depth). Hole MPD-21-009 was drilled from a third pad located 575 metres south of the second set up (Table 2).

The Company recently received an amendment to its current area-based exploration permit authorizing expanded exploration activity and multiple new drill sites to 2026. Work will now focus on infill drilling at Gate and additional high priority targets across the MPD Property. Plans for 2021 also include geotechnical studies, prospecting, and geophysical, geochemical and environmental surveying.

MPD is a large, consolidated land package (14,716 hectares with the recent Axe acquisition) located near several operating mines in the southern Quesnel Terrane, British Columbia's primary copper-gold producing belt. The project is located midway between the towns of Merritt and Princeton, with year-round accessibility and excellent infrastructure nearby.

Webinar

Kodiak will host a webinar to discuss the Company's recent results and future exploration plans. The webinar will take place on Wednesday, July 7th at 9am PST / 12pm EST. Management will be available to answer questions following the presentation.

To join the webinar, register from this link (also includes dial-in instructions): https://my.6ix.com/8Jg24o4r

QA/QC Procedures

NQ size core was split and sampled over approximately three metre intervals. All core samples were sent to ALS Canada Ltd. (ALS) in North Vancouver, BC for preparation and analysis. ALS meets all requirements of International Standards ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and ISO 9001:2015 for analytical procedures. Samples were analyzed using ALS's Fire Assay Fusion method (Au-AA24) with an AA finish for gold; and by a 33-element four acid digest ICP-AES analysis (ME-ICP61) with additional analysis for Ore Grade Elements (ME-OG62) and Ore Grade Cu (Cu-OG62). In addition to ALS Laboratory quality assurance / quality control (QA/QC) protocols, Kodiak implements an internal QA/QC program that includes the insertion of sample blanks, duplicates, and standards in the field.

Jeff Ward, P.Geo, Vice President Exploration and the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release. Kodiak believes historic results referenced herein to be from reliable sources using industry standards at the time. However, the Company has not independently verified, or cannot guarantee, the accuracy of this historic information.

For further information please contact Mr. Knox Henderson, Investor Relations, at +1 604-646-8362 or khenderson@kodiakcoppercorp.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Kodiak Copper Corp.

Claudia Tornquist

President & CEO

About Kodiak Copper Corp.

Kodiak is focused on its 100% owned copper porphyry projects in Canada and the USA. The Company's most advanced asset is the MPD copper-gold porphyry project in the prolific Quesnel Trough in south-central British Columbia, Canada, where the Company made a discovery of high-grade mineralization within a wide mineralized envelope in 2020. Kodiak also holds the Mohave copper-molybdenum-silver porphyry project in Arizona, USA, near the world-class Bagdad mine. Kodiak's porphyry projects have both been historically drilled and present known mineral discoveries with the potential to hold large-scale deposits.

Kodiak's founder and Chairman is Chris Taylor who is well-known for his gold discovery success with Great Bear Resources. Kodiak is also part of Discovery Group led by John Robins, one of the most successful mining entrepreneurs in Canada.

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 Statement (Safe Harbor Statement): This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "expect", "estimate", "objective", "may", "will", "project", "should", "predict", "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements concerning the Company's exploration plans. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company cannot give any assurance that they will prove correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, they involve inherent assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of assumptions, factors and risks. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to, assumptions and risks associated with conditions in the equity financing markets, and assumptions and risks regarding receipt of regulatory and shareholder approvals.

Management has provided the above summary of risks and assumptions related to forward-looking statements in this press release in order to provide readers with a more comprehensive perspective on the Company's future operations. The Company's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive from them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89603
SHENZHEN, China, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Huawei Global Intelligent Education Summit 2021 - themed Accelerate the Digital Journey of Education: New Value Together - has commenced today online. Huawei proposed the "3/3/9" principle as the foundation of the all-scenario education solution that aims to speed up the digital upgrade of the education industry. Together with partners, Huawei aims to create new shared value by enabling innovative teaching methodologies, inclusive educational resources, improved research capabilities, and optimized management approaches.

"The education industry sees the inevitable deep integration of teaching and technology. The pandemic has made us realize that intelligent education has never been a more urgent demand. In the future, teaching, management, and research will become fully aware, fully connected, and fully intelligent. Joined by solution partners in the education industry, Huawei will help our customers transform faster towards all-scenario intelligent education," said Thomas Xu, President of the Global Government Sales of Huawei Enterprise BG.

"New ICT technologies are actively driving the innovative practice of higher education. Designing and organizing training based on capacity building can effectively help partner universities solve the problem of insufficient ICT application capabilities of teachers. Enterprises play a vital role of pushing and promoting the application of ICT technologies in higher education within the ICT-driven higher education innovation model. "said Prof. Zhao Jianhua, senior expert at the International Centre for Higher Education Innovation under the Auspices of UNESCO (UNESCO-ICHEI).

By building an intelligent education platform, Huawei's Intelligent Education Solution aims to meet the requirements of various campus service scenarios, support a variety of teaching applications, and integrate intelligence in all aspects of teaching, learning, management, and research." Said Frank Huang, Director of the Global Education and Healthcare Industry of Huawei Enterprise BG.

3/3/9 principle: Accelerating Digital Upgrades with All-Scenario Intelligence

Huawei introduced the "3/3/9" principle of the all-scenario education solution. It targets "three" key customer groups: basic education, higher education, and NREN. The "three" major scenarios are: smart classroom, smart campus, and research innovation. The solution offers "nine" customizable solutions: hybrid learning, collaborative classroom, digital classroom, intelligent collaboration, safe campus, school connectivity, smart campus network, NREN, and HPC.

Smart Classroom: It features hybrid learning, collaborative classroom, and digital classroom. Huawei integrates the smart devices such as the IdeaHub Board, efficient network connections, and cloud services to support teaching that uses a variety of media. Huawei currently serves more than 2600 universities and research institutions worldwide.

Smart Campus: Technologies like IoT and Wi-Fi 6 enable a smart campus network with all-wireless coverage and network-wide automation, which builds an intelligent and open education environment, improves the interaction between students and teachers. Cloud-based Soochow University is a smart campus project that goes beyond the traditional campuses, exploring the new form of future universities.

Research Innovation: Huawei is actively working to meet the future requirements of online and cloud-based research, and promoting the sharing of educational and research resources. Huawei also helps researchers obtain information through shared research network resources by providing cloud-based research services. For example, Huawei worked with RNP ( Brazil ) build its first education OTN backbone network, with, a multi-service and block-free network beyond 100G.

Diversified Talent Development: Huawei Helps Deliver Inclusive Education Resources and Improve Research Capabilities

Huawei offers student-centered hybrid learning and digital classroom solutions, to deliver quality education resources to all.

N'dja Kole Jean-Baptiste, Headmaster of Lycee Classique Abidjan in Cote d'Ivoire, says "I experienced the live lesson function in two different classes. Teachers are now able to teach and reach more students online, meaning that the shortage of teachers can be overcome."

Huawei is actively working on cultivating qualified talent in the field of higher education. For vocational education, Huawei promotes the integration of education with hands-on industry practice by encouraging students' practical learning that will prepare for the markets.

Xu Lei, Associate Professor PhD at Guangdong Polytechnic of Science and Technology, said, "Cultivating talent in vocational schools requires the transformation of traditional teaching models and the binding between school and professional practice. We must focus on cultivating students' professional capabilities to provide market-ready talent."

In the research field, Huawei has launched the NREN solution, whose IP + optical hybrid model provides high bandwidth, deliver reliable and low-latency services, and overcome distance limitations to improve research efficiency.

"Huawei has enabled us to deliver a great variety of quality cloud services to our partners across the UAE - which has boosted efficiency, reduced costs, and facilitated collaboration across the education industry," said Fahem Al Nuaimi, CEO of Ankabut.

Work with Partners to Build an ICT Talent Ecosystem

Huawei reiterated its three strategic initiatives regarding ecosystem: (1) Gaining in-depth insights into industry scenarios for inclusive and quality education; (2) Striving for mutual benefit, by enabling partners to reduce costs and increase efficiency; (3) Working together with partners to build a foundation for ICT talent and a new "industry-university-research" ecosystem.

Huawei has set up 1,500 Huawei ICT academies worldwide, More than 3,000 teachers have been certified as lecturers training over 60,000 students each year. Huawei has more than 60 partners in the education industry and has established OpenLabs in multiple countries to incubate joint solutions developed by Huawei and ISVs.

Huawei has upgraded the ISV partner system and the planning and consulting partner certification system. In addition, it has added technical support to provide solutions based on consulting. Huawei has upgraded the rights and interests of HUAWEI CLOUD strategic technology partners.

"By converging technological innovation with high-quality professional ICT education resources, Tech Education empowers universities, enterprises, training institutions, and governments to cultivate ICT talent at scale. We wish to cooperate with Huawei global partners to create a prosperous talent ecosystem." said Lily Chen, Co-Founder and Vice President of Tech Education.

For more information about Huawei Global Intelligent Education Summit 2021, please click https://e.huawei.com/topic/2021-event-education-summit/en/index.html.
Mississauga, Canada, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mississauga, Canada- Hatch employees came together in an eight-week-long campaign to raise funds in support of COVAX, helping them progress towards their goal of procuring and delivering 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines globally. Through the employees' generous donations and a corporate match, $C1 million was raised!

COVAX is co-led by Gavi, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the World Health Organization, alongside key delivery partner, UNICEF. Its aim is to accelerate the development and manufacture of COVID-19 vaccines, and to guarantee fair and equitable access for every country in the world.

Unfortunately, many countries do not have the ability to maintain progress or even start. It is clear the pandemic will not truly end until all countries have equitable access to vaccines. UNICEF is working with manufacturers and partners on the procurement and delivery of vaccine doses, as well as freight, logistics, and storage for countries around the world. With Hatch's donation, UNICEF will be able to fully vaccinate (two doses) more than 187,000 people worldwide.

"To end this pandemic, we need to think globally and act locally to make a difference beyond our families and our company-this is the basis of real positive change around the world. As a global company, we are engaging great people who make a difference every day in their communities, with our clients, and with each other. Together, we saw the imperative to support the world's largest mass health campaign to stop the COVID-19 virus and move forward into a better future," shared John Bianchini, Hatch's Chairman and CEO.

"On behalf of UNICEF, I would like to thank Hatch for its support in ensuring widespread and equitable delivery of COVID-19 vaccines. They stepped up to help UNICEF in its efforts to deliver the largest fastest immunization campaign in history. We are grateful to Hatch employees for their contributions and to Hatch for increasing the impact by matching every dollar raised," shared David Morley, UNICEF Canada's President and CEO.

Hatch is committed to doing its part to support efforts to end the COVID-19 pandemic. Hatch also recently sponsored the "This is our Shot" movement, a consortium of grassroots organizations, Canadian businesses, associations, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and influencers focused on educating and inspiring Canadians so that vaccine hesitancy is replaced with confidence.

To learn more about how Hatch continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit our COVID-19 Information Center.

To learn more about the UNICEF COVAX campaign, click here.

*****

About Hatch

Whatever our clients envision, our professional teams can design and build. With over six decades of business and technical experience in the mining, energy, and infrastructure sectors, we know your business and understand that your challenges are changing rapidly. We respond quickly with solutions that are smarter, more efficient, and innovative. We draw upon our 9,500 staff with experience in over 150 countries to challenge the status quo and create positive change for our clients, our employees, and the communities we serve.

Find out more on?www.hatch.com.


CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Japanese yen fell against its key counterparts on Wednesday, ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve's release of minutes from the June meeting that could offer more clues on the central bank's policy outlook.



Market participants keenly await the minutes to see whether there is a growing support among officials to start tapering bond purchases.



U.S. Treasury yields stabilized after a fall on Tuesday in the wake of a slowdown in U.S. service sector growth in June.



Weaker U.S. data tempered bets on a faster tightening of monetary policy.



Investors are positioning for a less hawkish Fed amid signals that the economy may not be prone to overheating.



Preliminary data from the Cabinet Office showed that Japan's leading index decreased in May.



The leading index, which measures the future economic activity, fell to 102.6 in May from 103.8 in April. In March, reading was 102.4.



The yen dropped to 110.79 against the greenback, 131.01 against the euro and 120.03 against the franc, from its early fresh 2-week high of 110.40, more than 2-week highs of 130.50 and 119.39, respectively. The yen is seen finding support around 112 against the greenback, 133 against the euro and 122 against the franc.



Reversing from its prior highs of 77.38 against the kiwi and 88.52 against the loonie, the yen edged down to 77.92 and 89.06, respectively. The yen is likely to test support around 80 against the kiwi and 90 against the loonie, if it drops further.



The yen came off from its Asian session's fresh 2-week high of 82.68 against the aussie, with the pair trading at 83.24. The yen is poised to target support around the 86 level.



The yen was trading at 152.99 against the pound, down from more than a 2-week high of 152.33 seen in the Asian session. On the downside, 154.00 is likely seen as its next support level.



Looking ahead, Canada Ivey PMI for June will be featured in the New York session.



The Fed minutes from the June 15-16 meeting are set for release at 2:00 pm ET.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
LONDON, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Wallpaperdirect is home to thousands of wallpapers from big brands to independent designers. Also known for their exclusive wallpaper collections, wallpaperdirect have collaborated with Morris & Co, Sanderson, Clarke & Clarke, Layla Faye and Mini Moderns to name a few plus the latest collection, Signature, from Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.

Encompassing Laurence's vivacious personality, humour and style, Signature features an eclectic mix of hand illustrated patterns exuding luxury, grandeur and escapism. Each pattern is full of interesting detail, layering different influences in one look to tell a story and to take you somewhere full of colour and life.

You can download high res lifestyle imagery here.

Laurence is a talented artist and his craftsmanship is showcased in these detailed drawings, inspired by his global experiences including Eastern exoticism and tropical influences with a nod to mythology.

Club Tropicana - Tall, twisting towers of palm fronds and tropical leaves inspired by Laurence's time in Singapore.

Copacabana - Wrought-iron arches with pineapples as keystones, emerge from pots containing palm fronds and tropical leaves. Classical Palladian style set amongst a verdant tropical context.

Craney Day - Depicting a herd of Cranes as they fly over a simplistically stylised ocean composed of deco fan geometrics and Hokusai-like swirls, inspired by Oriental art and design.

Damask Dangereuse - A fabulously dense damask - its scale and detail make it one of the most iconic patterns in the collection.

Fantoosh - Created by Laurence for the Great Room in his own home, Fantoosh is an energetically stylish re-vivification of 18th Century bird and bough patterns with a nostalgic nod to the 70's.

Latin Quarter - Ornate metalwork scrolls inspired by the Rat Pack era of Downtown Miami adorned with palm fronds and tropical leaves.

Pleasure Island - Parrots flutter about the ripe fruits hanging from palm leaves stylised to form a Deco interlocking 'arch' pattern.

Pretty Boys - Fruit-bearing vines twist along trailing branches in full leaf, this is where the wood pigeons and other domestic birds rest.

The Boys Are Back In Town - The sinuous S-curves convey all the swaggering beauty of the King of the Birds whilst also inspiring sophisticated parallels with the glittering exoticism of oriental pattern making.

Topical Tropical - A collection of playful tropical motifs; roaming lions, resting cheetahs and various incarnations of palms.

Tropicalia - Tropicalia is Laurence's homage to the gilded, decadent Art Deco era.

Notes to editors:

Founded in 1999 by C. Brewer & Sons, wallpaperdirect is a leading online wallpaper store with more than 18,000 designs from all the main brands in wallcoverings. Wallpaperdirect features an easy to use search tool, free samples and a handy how-to guide plus fabrics, bedding and a made to measure bespoke curtain service.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1558313/wallpaperdirect_Signature_Laurence_Llewelyn_Bowen.jpg
Leader in sustainable, cultivated meat will use funds to scale-up manufacturing and grow operations internationally ahead of initial market launch in 2022

REHOVOT, Israel, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Aleph Farms , the cultivated meat company growing steaks directly from non-genetically modified animal cells, has announced the completion of a $105 million Series B funding round. The funding round was led by the Growth Fund of L Catterton, the largest global consumer-focused private equity firm, and DisruptAD, one of the largest venture platforms in the Middle East. It also saw participation from Skyviews Life Science, as well as a consortium of leading global food and meat companies including Thai Union, BRF, and CJ CheilJedang. Additionally, existing investors, including VisVires New Protein, Strauss Group, Cargill, Peregrine Ventures, and CPT Capital, participated in the Series B funding round. To date, the Company has raised more than $118 million.

The Company will use the funds to execute its plans for large scale global commercialization of cultivated beef steaks and portfolio expansion. Near-term milestones include scaling-up manufacturing, growing operations internationally, and expanding its product lines and technology platform ahead of Aleph Farms' initial market launch in 2022. The Company is currently working with regulatory agencies on its plans for market entry.

DisruptAD's investment in Aleph Farms will also help bolster Abu Dhabi's long-term focus on food resilience. As a strategic partner to DisruptAD, Aleph Farms will evaluate the establishment of a manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi to supply its cultivated meat products across the UAE and the broader GCC region.

"We are thrilled to grow our relationships with existing partners, and welcome select new investors in this funding round," said Didier Toubia, Co-Founder and CEO of Aleph Farms. "This additional capital from top-tier partners with unparalleled experience and expertise brings us significantly closer to our vision of providing secure and unconditional access to high-quality nutrition to anyone, anytime, anywhere. We see our investors as partners for building this new category of meat and it was critical to us that they share our strong commitment to improving the sustainability of our global food systems."

Michael Farello, a Managing Partner at L Catterton's Growth Fund, said, "With cultivated whole-muscle cut steaks, an optimized platform for cost parity at scale, and a global partnership network with the world's largest meat producers, Aleph Farms has differentiated itself as the leading cultivated meat company poised to go to market. We are excited to support their success as they prepare for global launch, and we look forward to leveraging our significant expertise in food and sustainable businesses that meet the needs of a changing consumer and a changing world."

Mansour AlMulla welcomed Aleph Farms on behalf of DisruptAD as its first Israel-based partner, and said: "Our partnership with Aleph Farms underpins our long-term desire to accelerate the path for technology pioneers and change leaders that are building technologies of tomorrow."

Mayank Singhal, speaking on behalf of DisruptAD, added "Our belief is that the future of food will be built around evolved consumer choices and a redressal of climate concerns, with Aleph playing a central role in shaping this agenda across global markets. We are delighted to partner with them."

About Aleph Farms

Aleph Farms grows beef steaks, from non-genetically engineered cells isolated from a living cow, without harming animals and with a significantly reduced impact to the environment. The company was co-founded in 2017 by Didier Toubia, The Kitchen Hub of the Strauss Group, and Professor Shulamit Levenberg from the Biomedical Engineering Faculty at the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology. The company's Series A funding round was led by VisVires New Protein, with participation from Peregrine Ventures and Strauss Group, as well as other leading global food and meat companies including Cargill and M-Industry. For more information, please visit www.aleph-farms.com .

About L Catterton

With approximately $30 billion of equity capital across its fund strategies and 17 offices around the world, L Catterton is the largest global consumer-focused private equity firm. L Catterton's team of nearly 200 investment and operating professionals partners with management teams around the world to implement strategic plans to foster growth, leveraging deep category insight, operational excellence, and a broad partnership network. Since 1989, the firm has made over 250 investments in leading consumer brands. For more information about L Catterton, please visit www.lcatterton.com.

About DisruptAD

DisruptAD is ADQ's venture capital platform. Its activities include investments in start-ups and venture capital funds, as well as the creation of new incubators and accelerators to support Abu Dhabi's evolution as a global start-up destination and accelerate the development of its innovation ecosystem. DisruptAD invests across the UAE as well as other global markets including the Middle East and North Africa region, India, China, South East Asia and the United States. The platform aims to support and nurture over 1,000 start-ups by 2025.

Press Contacts:

NutriPR on behalf of Aleph Farms

Liat Simha

liat@nutripr.com

+972-9-974-2893

L Catterton

Andi Rose / Haley Salas

Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher

212-355-4449

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1557372/Aleph_Farms_team.jpg
VANCOUVER, BC, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CoinPayments, the world's leading cryptocurrency payment processor, today announced a strategic product integration with Quid POS, a developer of innovative point-of-sale (POS) merchant solutions for small businesses. The integration enables Quid POS merchants to accept in-store crypto payments, providing financial access to smaller businesses.

The CoinPayments gateway makes crypto payments accessible for everyone, and is currently serving over 70,000 merchants globally. The Quid POS integration further expands CoinPayments' reach into the micro business sector, helping businesses of all sizes stay ahead of the digital payments curve.

"For smaller businesses, which have historically relied heavily on cash, missing out on a sale because they cannot accept other methods of payments can be damaging," explains Sheryl Carr, Co-founder & CEO for Quid POS. "We aim to empower merchants and customers to have the freedom of choice to pay any way, without risk. The strategic integration with CoinPayments opens a gateway to the future of digital payments for owner-operated businesses, who would otherwise struggle to enter the world of crypto. And the timing couldn't be more important, as those hardest hit by the pandemic are seeking new ways to secure sales."

Quid POS has been built around a merchant-focused philosophy, informed by interests in micro grassroots projects and social entrepreneurship, finding smart ways to transform the future of POS for independent shop owners.

"CoinPayments' POS interface is the easiest way for merchants to accept crypto as a form of payment, and aligns perfectly with Quid POS' mission to streamline in-store payments for small businesses often underserved by fintech solutions," said Jason Butcher, CEO of CoinPayments. "Through our integration, more micro-businesses can join our merchant community to benefit from accepting crypto payments and tap into a new, tech-savvy customer base."

The CoinPayments and Quid POS product integration is live.

About CoinPayments

CoinPayments is the easiest, fastest and most secure way for merchants worldwide to transact in cryptocurrencies. It is the first and largest cryptocurrency payments processor with more than US $10 billion in total payments to date, while supporting more than 2,000 coins. It is the preferred cryptocurrency payment solution for merchants and eCommerce platform providers worldwide. Founded in 2013, CoinPayments is dedicated to providing clients with fast, secure and user-friendly crypto payment APIs, shopping cart plugins, digital wallets, cryptocurrency custody, and a host of other solutions supporting cryptocurrency payment applications. Learn more at: https://www.coinpayments.net/
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN (THIS 'ANNOUNCEMENT') IS RESTRICTED AND IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN, INTO OR FROM THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, NEW ZEALAND OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL ('RESTRICTED JURISDICTION'). THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT AN OFFER OF SECURITIES FOR SALE IN THE UNITED STATES. THE SECURITIES DISCUSSED HEREIN HAVE NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE US SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE 'US SECURITIES ACT') AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES ABSENT REGISTRATION OR AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE US SECURITIES ACT. NO PUBLIC OFFERING OF THE SECURITIES DISCUSSED HEREIN IS BEING MADE IN THE UNITED STATES AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING OF SECURITIES FOR SALE IN THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA OR NEW ZEALAND. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT SHOULD BE READ IN ITS ENTIRETY.

FURTHER, THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS MADE FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR ISSUE OR SOLICITATION TO BUY, SUBSCRIBE FOR OR OTHERWISE ACQUIRE SHARES IN i3 ENERGY PLC IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH ANY SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE 7 OF REGULATION (EU) NO 596/2014 (AS IMPLEMENTED INTO ENGLISH LAW) BY VIRTUE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018 AND CERTAIN OTHER IMPLEMENTING MEASURES) ('MAR'). PRIOR TO PUBLICATION, CERTAIN INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WAS DEEMED TO CONSTITUTE INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE 7 OF MAR. IN ADDITION, MARKET SOUNDINGS (AS DEFINED IN MAR) WERE TAKEN IN RESPECT OF THE PLACING WITH THE RESULT THAT CERTAIN PERSONS BECAME AWARE OF INSIDE INFORMATION (AS DEFINED IN MAR), AS PERMITTED BY MAR. DUE TO THE PUBLICATION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, THOSE PERSONS THAT RECEIVED INSIDE INFORMATION IN A MARKET SOUNDING ARE NO LONGER IN POSSESSION OF SUCH INSIDE INFORMATION RELATING TO THE COMPANY AND ITS SECURITIES.

PLEASE SEE THE IMPORTANT NOTICES AT THE END OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.

EASTLEIGH, UK / ACCESSWIRE / July 7, 2021 / i3 Energy plc (AIM:I3E) (TSX:ITE), an independent oil and gas company with assets and operations in the UK and Canada, is pleased to announce that following the announcement made at 7 a.m. on 7 July 2021 (the 'Launch Announcement') regarding the proposed conditional Placing and PrimaryBid Offer:

Company has raised 40 million via the placing of 363,700,000 Placing Shares at the Issue Price of 11 pence per Placing Share, a 3% discount to the 15-day average closing price of 11.4p, this includes the Primary Bid offer.

the asset sale agreement with Cenovus Energy Inc., a senior Canadian oil and gas producer, pursuant to which it has been agreed that the Company's group will acquire certain conventional central Alberta petroleum and infrastructure assets, is now effective. Completion under the ASA is conditional on customary conditions, standard regulatory approvals and payment of the cash consideration of CA$65 million (US$53.7 million), subject to customary adjustments.

Capitalised terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meaning as set out in the Launch Announcement.

The issue of the Placing Shares and PrimaryBid Shares is subject to, inter alia, Shareholder approval to enable the issue of the Placing Shares and PrimaryBid Shares, which will be sought at a General Meeting of the Company expected to be held at 11.00 a.m. on 26 July 2021.

Subject to, inter alia, Shareholder approval, the Placing Shares and PrimaryBid Shares are expected to be admitted to trading on AIM on or around 27 July 2021. Applications will be made in due course to the London Stock Exchange for the Placing Shares and PrimaryBid Shares to be admitted to trading on AIM.

The Placing Shares and PrimaryBid Shares, when issued, will be fully paid and will rank pari passu in all respects with the existing Ordinary Shares of the Company.

A circular, containing further details of the Placings and convening the General Meeting (the 'Circular') is expected to be despatched to Shareholders on 9 July 2021. The Circular will thereafter be available on the Company's website at https://i3.energy/.

WH Ireland Limited acted as Nomad and Joint Broker, Cannacord Genuity Limited acted as Joint Broker, and Tennyson Securities acted as Joint Broker and Sole Bookrunner, in each case, to the Company on the Placing.

Next steps

In order for the Placing and PrimaryBid Offer to proceed, Shareholders are required to approve the proposed issuance of the Placing Shares and the PrimaryBid Shares at the General Meeting.

The expected timetable relating to the Placing and the PrimaryBid Offer is set out below.

EXPECTED TIMETABLE OF PRINCIPAL EVENTS

Announcement of the Placing and PrimaryBid Offer 7 July 2021 Expected posting of Circular and Forms of Proxy 9 July 2021 Latest time and date for receipt of Forms of Proxy and CREST proxy instructions 11 a.m. on 22 July 2021 General Meeting 11.00 a.m. on 26 July 2021 Expected date for Admission and commencement of dealings of the Placing Shares and the PrimaryBid Shares 8.00 a.m. on 27 July 2021 Expected time and date for CREST accounts to be credited in relation to the Placing Shares and the PrimaryBid Shares 8.00 a.m. on 27 July 2021 Expected date for despatch of definitive share certificates (where applicable) in relation to the Placing Shares and the PrimaryBid Shares expected by no later than The week commencing 2 August 2021

Notes:

References to times in this Announcement are to London time (unless otherwise stated). Certain of the events in the above timetable are conditional upon, amongst other things, the approval of the resolutions to be proposed at the General Meeting. If any of the above times or dates should change, the revised times and/or dates will be notified by an announcement to an RIS.

For further information, please contact:

i3 Energy plc Majid Shafiq (CEO) / Graham Heath (CFO) c/o Camarco Tel: +44 (0) 203 781 8331 WH Ireland Limited (Nomad and Joint Broker) James Joyce, James Sinclair-Ford Tel: +44 (0) 207 220 1666 Canaccord Genuity Limited (Joint Broker) Henry Fitzgerald-O'Connor, James Asensio Tel: +44 (0) 207 523 8000 Tennyson Securities (Joint Broker) Peter Krens Tel: +44 (0) 207 186 9030 Camarco Owen Roberts, James Crothers, Violet Wilson Tel: +44 (0) 203 781 8331

Notes to Editors:

i3 Energy is an oil and gas Company with a low cost, diversified, growing production base in Canada's most prolific hydrocarbon region, the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin and appraisal assets in the North Sea with significant upside.

The Company is well positioned to deliver future growth through the optimisation of its existing 100% owned asset base and the acquisition of long life, low decline conventional production assets.

i3 is dedicated to responsible corporate practices and the environment, and places high value on adhering to strong Environmental, Social and Governance ('ESG') practices. i3 is proud of its performance to date as a responsible steward of the environment, people, and capital management. The Company is committed to maintaining an ESG strategy, which has broader implications to long-term value creation, as these benefits extend beyond regulatory requirements.

i3 Energy is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange under the symbol I3E and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ITE. For further information on i3 Energy please visit https://i3.energy/

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014.

IMPORTANT NOTICES

The information contained in this Announcement is for information purposes only and does not purport to be full or complete. No reliance may be placed for any purpose on the information contained in this announcement or its accuracy, fairness or completeness.

This Announcement is not for publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States of America. This Announcement is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, except pursuant to an applicable exemption from registration. No public offering of securities is being made in the United States.

This Announcement and the information contained herein is not for release, publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, in, into or within Australia, Canada, Japan, the Republic of South Africa or any other jurisdiction where to do so might constitute a violation of the relevant laws or regulations of such jurisdiction.

This Announcement is for information purposes only and is not intended to and does not contain or constitute or form part of any offer or any solicitation to purchase or subscribe for securities in Australia, Japan, the Republic of South Africa or any other state or jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not authorised or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of such jurisdictions.

This Announcement does not constitute a prospectus or offering memorandum or an offer in respect of any securities and is not intended to provide the basis for any decision in respect of the Company or other evaluation of any securities of the Company or any other entity and should not be considered as a recommendation that any investor should subscribe for or purchase any such securities.

This Announcement has been issued by, and is the sole responsibility of, the Company. No undertaking, representation, warranty or other assurance, express or implied, is made or given by or on behalf of the Company or any member of the Company's group or any of the Brokers or any of their respective directors, officers, partners, employees, agents or advisers or any other person as to the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained in this Announcement and no responsibility or liability is accepted by any of them for any such information or opinions or for any errors, omissions or misstatements, negligence or otherwise in this Announcement.

WH Ireland Limited is acting as Nominated Adviser and each of WH Ireland, Tennyson Securities and Canaccord Genuity Limited is acting as joint broker and as agent for and on behalf of the Company for the Placing. Each of the Brokers is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (the 'FCA') in the United Kingdom. Each of the Brokers is acting exclusively for the Company and no one else in connection with the matters referred to in this Announcement and the Brokers will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to their respective clients or for providing advice in relation to the matters described in this Announcement.

No representation or warranty, express or implied, is or will be made as to, or in relation to, and no responsibility or liability is or will be accepted by any of the Brokers or by any of their respective affiliates or agents as to, or in relation to, the accuracy or completeness of this Announcement or any other written or oral information made available to or publicly available to any interested party or its advisers, and any liability therefor is expressly disclaimed.

No statement in this Announcement is intended to be a profit forecast or estimate, and no statement in this Announcement should be interpreted to mean that earnings per share of the Company for the current or future financial years would necessarily match or exceed the historical published earnings per share of the Company.

The price of shares and any income expected from them may go down as well as up and investors may not get back the full amount invested upon disposal of the shares. Past performance is no guide to future performance, and persons needing advice should consult an independent financial adviser. No statement in this Announcement is intended to be a profit forecast and no statement in this Announcement should be interpreted to mean that earnings per share of the Company for the current or future financial years would necessarily match or exceed the historical published earnings per share of the Company.

Neither the content of the Company's website nor any website accessible by hyperlinks on the Company's website is incorporated in, or forms part of, this Announcement.

This Announcement includes statements, estimates, opinions and projections with respect to anticipated future performance of the Company ('forward-looking statements') which reflect various assumptions concerning anticipated results taken from the Company's current business plan or from public sources which may or may not prove to be correct. These forward looking statements can be identified by the use of forward looking terminology, including the terms 'anticipates', 'target', 'believes', 'estimates', 'expects', 'intends', 'may', 'plans', 'projects', 'should' or 'will', or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology or by discussions of strategy, plans, objectives, goals, future events or intentions. Such forward-looking statements reflect current expectations based on the current business plan and various other assumptions and involve significant risks and uncertainties and should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. As a result, prospective investors should not rely on such forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. No representation or warranty is given as to the completeness or accuracy of the forward-looking statements contained in this Announcement. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of such statements and, except as required by the FCA, the London Stock Exchange or applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. No statement in this Announcement is intended to be a profit forecast and no statement in this Announcement should be interpreted to mean that earnings per share of the Company for the current or future financial years would necessarily match or exceed the historical published earnings per share of the Company.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. 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.

SOURCE: i3 Energy PLC

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654523/i3-Energy-PLC-Announces-Results-of-Accelerated-Bookbuild
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN (THIS 'ANNOUNCEMENT') IS RESTRICTED AND IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN, INTO OR FROM THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, NEW ZEALAND OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL ('RESTRICTED JURISDICTION'). THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT AN OFFER OF SECURITIES FOR SALE IN THE UNITED STATES. THE SECURITIES DISCUSSED HEREIN HAVE NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE US SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE 'US SECURITIES ACT') AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES ABSENT REGISTRATION OR AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE US SECURITIES ACT. NO PUBLIC OFFERING OF THE SECURITIES DISCUSSED HEREIN IS BEING MADE IN THE UNITED STATES AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING OF SECURITIES FOR SALE IN THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA OR NEW ZEALAND. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT SHOULD BE READ IN ITS ENTIRETY.

FURTHER, THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS MADE FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR ISSUE OR SOLICITATION TO BUY, SUBSCRIBE FOR OR OTHERWISE ACQUIRE SHARES IN i3 ENERGY PLC IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH ANY SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.

This Announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (as implemented into English law) by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 and certain other implementing measures) ('MAR'). Prior to publication, certain information contained within this Announcement was deemed to constitute inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of MAR. In addition, market soundings (as defined in MAR) were taken in respect of the Placing with the result that certain persons became aware of inside information (as defined in MAR), as permitted by MAR. Due to the publication of this Announcement, those persons that received inside information in a market sounding are no longer in possession of such inside information relating to the Company and its securities.

PLEASE SEE THE IMPORTANT NOTICES AT THE END OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.

Strategic Central Alberta Acquisition Delivers Strong Free Cash Flow

Proposed Conditional Placing and PrimaryBid Offer

EASTLEIGH, UK / ACCESSWIRE / July 7, 2021 / i3 Energy plc (AIM:I3E)(TSX:ITE), an independent oil and gas company with assets and operations in the UK and Canada, is pleased to announce that its wholly owned Canadian subsidiary has signed into escrow, pending receipt of irrevocable commitments for the Placing (as defined below), a definitive agreement with Cenovus Energy Inc., a senior Canadian oil and gas producer, to acquire certain petroleum and infrastructure assets within i3's Central Alberta core area (the 'Assets'), for a total consideration of CA$65 million (US$53.7 million) (the 'Acquisition'). The strategic Acquisition delivers extensive operational synergies, predictable low-decline production, a large reserve base with multi-year development inventory and expected strong free cash flow.

The Company intends to raise a minimum of 40 million (before expenses) through a placing of new ordinary shares of 0.0001 each in the capital of Company (the 'Placing Shares') at a price to be confirmed (the 'Issue Price') (the 'Placing'). The Placing will be conducted through an accelerated bookbuild (the 'Bookbuild'), which will be launched immediately following the publication of this Announcement. The Placing is subject to the terms and conditions set out in the Appendix to this announcement (which forms part of this announcement, such announcement and its Appendix together being this 'Announcement').

In addition to the Placing, the Company intends to raise further funding by way of an offer made by the Company on the PrimaryBid platform through the issue of new ordinary shares in the capital of the Company (the 'PrimaryBid Shares') at the Issue Price (the 'PrimaryBid Offer'). A separate announcement will be made shortly regarding the PrimaryBid Offer and its terms. The Placing is not conditional upon the PrimaryBid Offer. The PrimaryBid Offer will close on completion of the Bookbuild process.

Highlights:

Strategic core area consolidation - Acquiring approximately 8,400 boepd (51% oil and NGLs) of predominantly operated, conventional, low-decline production and an extensive network of complementary midstream infrastructure to support long-term sustainable operations

- Acquiring approximately 8,400 boepd (51% oil and NGLs) of predominantly operated, conventional, low-decline production and an extensive network of complementary midstream infrastructure to support long-term sustainable operations Large reserve base with development upside - Total Proved plus Probable Developed Producing reserves of 27.5 mmboe with an NPV10 of US$90 million and 2P reserves of 79.5 mmboe with an NPV10 of US$193 million (inclusive of undiscounted asset retirement obligations ('ARO') of US$92 million, inflated at 2% and discounted at 10% for an NPV10 ARO value of US$23 million), including an inventory of greater than 220 identified development drilling locations and reactivation opportunities

Total Proved plus Probable Developed Producing reserves of 27.5 mmboe with an NPV10 of US$90 million and 2P reserves of 79.5 mmboe with an NPV10 of US$193 million (inclusive of undiscounted asset retirement obligations ('ARO') of US$92 million, inflated at 2% and discounted at 10% for an NPV10 ARO value of US$23 million), including an inventory of greater than 220 identified development drilling locations and reactivation opportunities Strong net operating income to support consistent free cash flow yields - Next twelve months ('NTM') estimated net operating income ('NOI' = revenue minus royalties, opex, transportation and processing) of US$31 million supported by a low-decline production profile and minimal required annual maintenance capital provides predictable long-term free cash flow to support i3's planned dividend distribution policy

- Next twelve months ('NTM') estimated net operating income ('NOI' = revenue minus royalties, opex, transportation and processing) of US$31 million supported by a low-decline production profile and minimal required annual maintenance capital provides predictable long-term free cash flow to support i3's planned dividend distribution policy Immediately accretive on all key per-share metrics - Materially accretive to forecast production, NOI, and reserves (approximately 30%, 20%, and 76%, respectively) in the 12-month period following closing of the Acquisition

- Materially accretive to forecast production, NOI, and reserves (approximately 30%, 20%, and 76%, respectively) in the 12-month period following closing of the Acquisition 'Hand-in-glove' acquisition provides synergies and scale - Significant expansion of ownership in existing and additional oil and gas licenses and infrastructure in i3's Central Alberta core area will allow i3 to materially reduce unit operating costs and maximise third party tariff income

- Significant expansion of ownership in existing and additional oil and gas licenses and infrastructure in i3's Central Alberta core area will allow i3 to materially reduce unit operating costs and maximise third party tariff income Strengthened financial position - Pro forma at closing of the Acquisition, i3 expects to have estimated net debt of only US$27 million, which translates to a current net debt to NTM NOI ratio of approximately 0.36x

- Pro forma at closing of the Acquisition, i3 expects to have estimated net debt of only US$27 million, which translates to a current net debt to NTM NOI ratio of approximately 0.36x Fundraise for the Acquisition - i3 is raising a minimum of 40 million (before expenses) at a price to be confirmed per share through the Placing and the PrimaryBid Offer to fund the Acquisition by way of (i) an accelerated book build to both current and new institutional investors, and (ii) a PrimaryBid Offer to retail shareholders.

- i3 is raising a minimum of 40 million (before expenses) at a price to be confirmed per share through the Placing and the PrimaryBid Offer to fund the Acquisition by way of (i) an accelerated book build to both current and new institutional investors, and (ii) a PrimaryBid Offer to retail shareholders. Shareholder approval - The Placing and the PrimaryBid Offer are conditional upon, amongst other things, the approval by the Company's shareholders of certain resolutions to be proposed at a general meeting of the Company's shareholders on or around 26 July 2021. The Company wishes to conduct the General Meeting in a way that limits the risk associated with the Coronavirus pandemic and complies with the law. In light of this, although shareholders (including their duly appointed proxies and/or corporate representatives) will be, subject to any changes to the rules which may arise after the publication of this Announcement, permitted to attend the General Meeting in person, shareholders will be discouraged from doing so.

Majid Shafiq, CEO of i3 Energy plc, commented:

'We continue to execute on our business plan which is to build and grow a material and diversified production business through the most efficient deployment of capital, whether that is through exploitation of opportunities within the Company's existing portfolio or through accretive acquisitions such as this one. This transaction not only scales up our cashflow, but it will also, in the near term, lower our unit operating costs, increase third party tariff income and add scale to i3's expanding list of varied development opportunities, which will materially increase our options to both grow the business and manage risks.'

Ryan Heath, President of i3 Energy Canada Ltd., commented:

'i3 Canada is extremely pleased to have entered into the Acquisition from a top-tier veteran participant of the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. The inherent synergies of the transaction, being immediately evident and robust, will most certainly expand with time to further enhance field efficiencies and cash flow throughout our central Alberta core area, to the benefit of the Company and its stakeholders.'

Acquisition Details

On 6 July 2021, i3 has signed into escrow, pending receipt of irrevocable commitments for the Placing, an Asset Sale Agreement ('ASA') with Cenovus Energy Inc., a senior Canadian oil and gas producer, to acquire certain conventional central Alberta petroleum and infrastructure assets. The Acquisition includes approximately 8,400 boepd (51% oil and NGLs) of predictable low-decline production, 79.5 mmboe of 2P reserves with an NPV10 of US$193 million (inclusive of undiscounted asset retirement obligations ('ARO') of US$92 million, inflated at 2% and discounted at 10% for an NPV10 ARO value of US$23 million), an inventory of greater than 140 net drilling locations and 80 net reactivation opportunities across approximately 212,000 net acres, an 1,140 km network of operated pipelines, and key processing facilities.

The Assets complement i3's existing area assets with approximately 3,090 boepd of overlapping joint working interest production and associated land position. The complementary nature of the Assets provides the basis for strong operational and financial synergies and continued good stewardship on behalf of all stakeholders.

The profits attributable to the assets being acquired in the year ended 31 December 2020 were 7.1 million.

Under the ASA, i3 will be acquiring the Assets free of all encumbrances (apart from industry standard or acceptable permitted encumbrances) for cash consideration of CA$65 million (US$53.7 million). The Acquisition is subject to normal interim period adjustments, customary conditions, and standard regulatory approvals.

Pro Forma Benefits of the Acquisition

The Acquisition is a continuation of i3's strategy of capitalizing on the recent market conditions to create a cash-generative, all-weather portfolio by efficiently consolidating high quality undercapitalized assets within its core operating areas. The production, infrastructure and lands associated with the Acquisition directly overlap i3's current asset base and provide meaningful operational synergies which are expected to further enhance free cash flow, enabling the Company to unlock development upside within the acquired and i3's existing portfolio of assets.

Through this strategic Acquisition, i3 significantly enhances its production, cash flow and reserve base while maintaining a strong balance sheet. Pro forma the Acquisition, i3 is expected to:

Increase NTM production 84% to 18,470 boepd (47% oil and NGLs)

Increase NTM net operating income 70% to US$75 million

Increase 2P reserve volumes by over 150% to more than 132 mmboe

The Acquisition of the Assets enhances i3's ability to grow production, free cash flow, and its planned return of capital to shareholders.

i3 will continue to balance its pursuit of organic and inorganic opportunities, directing disciplined capital allocation towards its core operating areas. i3 remains committed to its long-term growth while delivering to its shareholders meaningful share price appreciation and cash distributions.

Details of the Placing and the PrimaryBid Offer

i3 is raising a minimum of 40 million from current and new institutional investors and retail shareholders at a price to be confirmed. The financing is comprised of the Placing and the PrimaryBid Offer.

The Placing is being conducted by way of an accelerated book build in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in the Appendix to this Announcement. The Bookbuild will commence immediately following the publication of this Announcement. The Placing is not underwritten.

PrimaryBid (primarybid.com) is running the PrimaryBid Offer in order that i3's retail shareholder base may participate alongside Placing participants. Total net funds raised from the Placing and PrimaryBid Offer (together, the 'Placings') will be used to fund the Acquisition and associated costs. Any residual funds will contribute to the Company's ongoing operations and general corporate purposes.

The Placings and the related issue of new ordinary shares in the capital of the Company ('Ordinary Shares') remain subject to, amongst other things, shareholder approval at a General Meeting of i3's shareholders, expected to be held on or about 26 July 2021. Further details of the General Meeting will be announced in due course.

The Company has today entered into a placing agreement with Tennyson Securities Limited ('Tennyson'), W H Ireland Limited ('WH Ireland') and Canaccord Genuity Limited ('Canaccord') (Tennyson, WH Ireland and Canaccord together being the 'Brokers') relating to the Placing (the 'Placing Agreement'), pursuant to which the Brokers have each agreed to use their respective reasonable endeavours as agents of the Company to procure subscribers for the Placing Shares at the Issue Price.

The Placing Agreement provides, inter alia, for the payment by the Company to the Brokers of commissions based on the number of Placing Shares placed by the Brokers multiplied by the Issue Price.

The Placing Agreement contains certain warranties and indemnities from the Company in favour of the Brokers and is conditional, inter alia, upon (i) the Placing Agreement having become unconditional in all respects (save for the condition relating to the admission of the Placing Shares to trading on AIM ('Admission')) and not having been terminated in accordance with its terms prior to Admission, and (ii) Admission becoming effective not later than 8.00 a.m. on 13 August 2021. Each of the Brokers may terminate the Placing Agreement if, inter alia: the Company is in material breach of any of its obligations under the Placing Agreement; or there has occurred, in any of the Broker's reasonable opinion acting in good faith, an event which is likely to materially and adversely affect the position of the Company's corporate group taken as a whole.

Applications will be made in due course to the London Stock Exchange for the Placing Shares and the PrimaryBid Shares to be admitted to trading on AIM. Admission of the Placing Shares and the PrimaryBid Shares is expected to become effective and dealings in such shares are expected to commence at 8.00 a.m. on 27 July 2021.

The Placing Shares and the PrimaryBid Shares, when issued, will be fully paid and will rank pari passu, in all respects with the existing ordinary shares in the capital of the Company.

The Appendix contains the detailed terms and conditions of the Placing. Persons who have chosen to participate in the Placing, by making oral, electronic or written offers to acquire Placing Shares, will be deemed to have read and understood this Announcement (including the Appendix) in its entirety and to be making such offers on the terms and subject to the conditions herein, and to be providing the representations, warranties, agreements, acknowledgements and undertakings contained in the Appendix.

---------------------------------

EXPECTED TIMETABLE OF EVENTS

Announcement of the Placing and the PrimaryBid Offer 7 July 2021 Expected posting of the shareholder circular convening the General Meeting 9 July 2021 Latest time and date for receipt of forms of proxy and CREST proxy instructions in relation to the General Meeting 11 a.m. on 22 July 2021 General Meeting 11 a.m. on 26 July 2021 Expected date for Admission and commencement of dealings of the Placing Shares and the PrimaryBid Shares 8.00 a.m. on 27 July 2021 Expected time and date for CREST accounts to be credited in relation to the Placing Shares and the PrimaryBid Shares 8.00 a.m. on 27 July 2021 Expected date for despatch of definitive share certificates (where applicable) in relation to the Placing Shares and the PrimaryBid Shares expected by no later than The week commencing 2 August 2021

---------------------------------

Glossary

boe Barrels of oil equivalent boepd Barrels of oil equivalent per day CA$ Canadian Dollar mmboe Millions of barrels of oil equivalent NOI Net operating income NGL Natural gas liquids NPV10 Net Present Value at 10 per cent. annual discount rate NTM Next 12 months US$ United States Dollar 2P Proved plus Probable Reserves

The evaluation of the reserves set out in this Announcement has been prepared in accordance with the reserves definitions, standards and procedures contained in the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook.

END

Qualified Person's Statement

In accordance with the AIM Note for Mining and Oil and Gas Companies, i3 discloses that Majid Shafiq is the qualified person who has reviewed the technical information contained in this document. He graduated with a Master's Degree in Petroleum Engineering from Heriot-Watt University in 1988 and is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers. Majid Shafiq consents to the inclusion of the information in the form and context in which it appears.

Enquiries:

i3 Energy plc Majid Shafiq (CEO) / Graham Heath (CFO) c/o Camarco Tel: +44 (0) 203 781 8331 WH Ireland Limited (Nomad and Joint Broker) James Joyce, James Sinclair-Ford Tel: +44 (0) 207 220 1666 Canaccord Genuity Limited (Joint Broker) Henry Fitzgerald- O'Connor, James Asensio Tel: +44 (0) 207 523 8000 Tennyson Securities (Joint Broker and Sole Bookrunner) Peter Krens Tel: +44 (0) 207 186 9030 Camarco Owen Roberts, James Crothers, Violet Wilson Tel: +44 (0) 203 781 8331

Notes to Editors:

i3 Energy is an oil and gas Company with a low cost, diversified, growing production base in Canada's most prolific hydrocarbon region, the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin and appraisal assets in the North Sea with significant upside.

The Company is well positioned to deliver future growth through the optimisation of its existing 100% owned asset base and the acquisition of long life, low decline conventional production assets.

i3 is dedicated to responsible corporate practices and the environment, and places high value on adhering to strong Environmental, Social and Governance ('ESG') practices. i3 is proud of its performance to date as a responsible steward of the environment, people, and capital management. The Company is committed to maintaining an ESG strategy, which has broader implications to long-term value creation, as these benefits extend beyond regulatory requirements.

i3 Energy is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange under the symbol I3E and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ITE. For further information on i3 Energy please visit https://i3.energy/

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014.

IMPORTANT NOTICES

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO TAKE PART IN THE PLACING. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS DIRECTED ONLY AT PERSONS WHOSE ORDINARY ACTIVITIES INVOLVE THEM IN ACQUIRING, HOLDING, MANAGING AND DISPOSING OF INVESTMENTS (AS PRINCIPAL OR AGENT) FOR THE PURPOSES OF THEIR BUSINESS AND WHO HAVE PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IN MATTERS RELATING TO INVESTMENTS AND ARE: (1) IF IN A MEMBER STATE OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA ('EEA'), QUALIFIED INVESTORS ('QUALIFIED INVESTORS') AS DEFINED IN ARTICLE 2(e) OF REGULATION (EU) 2017/1129 (THE 'PROSPECTUS REGULATION'); (2) IF IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, QUALIFIED INVESTORS WHO (A) FALL WITHIN ARTICLE 19(5) OF THE FINANCIAL SERVICES AND MARKETS ACT 2000 (FINANCIAL PROMOTION) ORDER 2005, AS AMENDED (THE 'ORDER') (INVESTMENT PROFESSIONALS) OR (B) FALL WITHIN ARTICLE 49(2)(a) TO (d) (HIGH NET WORTH COMPANIES, UNINCORPORATED ASSOCIATIONS, ETC.) OF THE ORDER (ALL SUCH PERSONS TOGETHER BEING REFERRED TO AS 'RELEVANT PERSONS').

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND THE INFORMATION IN IT MUST NOT BE ACTED ON OR RELIED ON BY PERSONS WHO ARE NOT RELEVANT PERSONS. PERSONS DISTRIBUTING THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MUST SATISFY THEMSELVES THAT IT IS LAWFUL TO DO SO. ANY INVESTMENT OR INVESTMENT ACTIVITY TO WHICH THIS ANNOUNCEMENT RELATES IS AVAILABLE ONLY TO RELEVANT PERSONS AND WILL BE ENGAGED IN ONLY WITH RELEVANT PERSONS. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF CONSTITUTE AN OFFER FOR SALE OR SUBSCRIPTION OF ANY SECURITIES IN I3 ENERGY PLC.

THE PLACING SHARES HAVE NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE 'SECURITIES ACT') OR WITH ANY SECURITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF ANY STATE OR JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATES, AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR TRANSFERRED, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN THE UNITED STATES EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATES. THE PLACING SHARES ARE BEING OFFERED AND SOLD ONLY OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES IN 'OFFSHORE TRANSACTIONS' WITHIN THE MEANING OF, AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH, REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT. NO PUBLIC OFFERING OF THE PLACING SHARES IS BEING MADE IN THE UNITED STATES OR ELSEWHERE.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT (INCLUDING THE APPENDIX) AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS RESTRICTED AND IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO OR FROM THE UNITED STATES, THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA OR JAPAN OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT FOR PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT AN OFFER OF SECURITIES FOR SALE INTO THE UNITED STATES. THE SECURITIES REFERRED TO HEREIN HAVE NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES, EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION.

The distribution of this Announcement and/or the Placing and/or issue of the Placing Shares in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. No action has been taken by the Company, any of the Brokers or any of their respective affiliates, agents, directors, officers or employees that would permit an offer of the Placing Shares or possession or distribution of this Announcement or any other offering or publicity material relating to such Placing Shares in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. Persons into whose possession this Announcement comes are required by the Company and the Brokers to inform themselves about and to observe any such restrictions.

All offers of the Placing Shares in the EEA will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Regulation from the requirement to produce a prospectus. In the United Kingdom, this Announcement is being directed solely at persons in circumstances in which section 21(1) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended) does not apply.

The Placing Shares have not been approved or disapproved by the US Securities and Exchange Commission, any state securities commission or other regulatory authority in the United States, nor have any of the foregoing authorities passed upon or endorsed the merits of the Placing or the accuracy or adequacy of this Announcement. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence in the United States. The relevant clearances have not been, nor will they be, obtained from the securities commission of any province or territory of Canada, no prospectus has been lodged with, or registered by, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission or the Japanese Ministry of Finance; the relevant clearances have not been, and will not be, obtained from the South Africa Reserve Bank or any other applicable body in the Republic of South Africa in relation to the Placing Shares and the Placing Shares have not been, nor will they be, registered under or offered in compliance with the securities laws of any state, province or territory of Australia, Canada, the Republic of South Africa or Japan. Accordingly, the Placing Shares may not (unless an exemption under the relevant securities laws is applicable) be offered, sold, resold or delivered, directly or indirectly, in or into Australia, Canada, the Republic of South Africa or Japan or any other jurisdiction outside the United Kingdom.

Persons (including, without limitation, nominees and trustees) who have a contractual right or other legal obligations to forward a copy of this Announcement should seek appropriate advice before taking any action.

By participating in the Placing, each person who is invited to and who chooses to participate in the Placing (a 'Placee') by making an oral and legally binding offer to acquire Placing Shares will be deemed to have read and understood this Announcement in its entirety, to be participating, making an offer and acquiring Placing Shares on the terms and conditions contained herein and to be providing the representations, warranties, indemnities, acknowledgements and undertakings contained in the Appendix.

WH Ireland is acting as Nominated Adviser and each of WH Ireland, Tennyson and Canaccord is acting as joint broker and as agent for and on behalf of the Company for the Placing. Each of the Brokers is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (the 'FCA') in the United Kingdom. Each of the Brokers is acting exclusively for the Company and no one else in connection with the matters referred to in this Announcement and the Brokers will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to their respective clients or for providing advice in relation to the matters described in this Announcement.

No representation or warranty, express or implied, is or will be made as to, or in relation to, and no responsibility or liability is or will be accepted by any of the Brokers or by any of their respective affiliates or agents as to, or in relation to, the accuracy or completeness of this Announcement or any other written or oral information made available to or publicly available to any interested party or its advisers, and any liability therefor is expressly disclaimed.

No statement in this Announcement is intended to be a profit forecast or estimate, and no statement in this Announcement should be interpreted to mean that earnings per share of the Company for the current or future financial years would necessarily match or exceed the historical published earnings per share of the Company.

The price of shares and any income expected from them may go down as well as up and investors may not get back the full amount invested upon disposal of the shares. Past performance is no guide to future performance, and persons needing advice should consult an independent financial adviser. No statement in this Announcement is intended to be a profit forecast and no statement in this Announcement should be interpreted to mean that earnings per share of the Company for the current or future financial years would necessarily match or exceed the historical published earnings per share of the Company.

The Placing Shares to be issued pursuant to the Placing will not be admitted to trading on any stock exchange other than on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.

Neither the content of the Company's website nor any website accessible by hyperlinks on the Company's website is incorporated in, or forms part of, this Announcement.

This Announcement includes statements, estimates, opinions and projections with respect to anticipated future performance of the Company ('forward-looking statements') which reflect various assumptions concerning anticipated results taken from the Company's current business plan or from public sources which may or may not prove to be correct. These forward looking statements can be identified by the use of forward looking terminology, including the terms 'anticipates', 'target', 'believes', 'estimates', 'expects', 'intends', 'may', 'plans', 'projects', 'should' or 'will', or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology or by discussions of strategy, plans, objectives, goals, future events or intentions. Such forward-looking statements reflect current expectations based on the current business plan and various other assumptions and involve significant risks and uncertainties and should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. As a result, prospective investors should not rely on such forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. No representation or warranty is given as to the completeness or accuracy of the forward-looking statements contained in this Announcement. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of such statements and, except as required by the FCA, the London Stock Exchange or applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. No statement in this Announcement is intended to be a profit forecast and no statement in this Announcement should be interpreted to mean that earnings per share of the Company for the current or future financial years would necessarily match or exceed the historical published earnings per share of the Company.

Notice to distributors

UK Product Governance Requirements

Solely for the purposes of Paragraph 3.2.7R regarding the responsibilities of UK Manufacturers under the Product Governance requirements contained within Chapter 3 of the FCA Handbook Product Intervention and Product Governance Sourcebook (the 'UK Product Governance Requirements') and disclaiming all and any liability, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any 'manufacturer' (for the purposes of the UK Product Governance Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, the Placing Shares have been subject to a product approval process, which has determined that the Placing Shares are: (i) compatible with an end target market of (a) retail investors, (b) investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and (c) eligible counterparties, each as defined in UK Product Governance Requirements; and (ii) eligible for distribution through all distribution channels as are permitted by UK Product Governance Requirements (the 'UK Target Market Assessment'). Notwithstanding the UK Target Market Assessment, distributors should note that: the price of the Placing Shares may decline and investors could lose all or part of their investment; the Placing Shares offer no guaranteed income and no capital protection; and an investment in the Placing Shares is compatible only with investors who do not need a guaranteed income or capital protection, who (either alone or in conjunction with an appropriate financial or other adviser) are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of such an investment and who have sufficient resources to be able to bear any losses that may result therefrom.

The UK Target Market Assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual, legal or regulatory selling restrictions in relation to the Placing.

For the avoidance of doubt, the UK Target Market Assessment does not constitute: (a) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of MiFID II; or (b) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to, the Placing Shares.

Each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the Placing Shares and determining appropriate distribution channels.

EU Product Governance Requirements

Solely for the purposes of the product governance requirements contained within MiFID II and Articles 9 and 10 of Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2017/593 supplementing MiFID II (the 'EU Product Governance Requirements') and disclaiming all and any liability, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any 'manufacturer' (for the purposes of the EU Product Governance Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, the Placing Shares have been subject to product approval process, which has determined that the Placing Shares are: (i) compatible with an end target market of (a) retail investors, (b) investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and (c) eligible counterparties, each as defined in EU Product Governance Requirements; and (ii) eligible for distribution through all distribution channels as are permitted by EU Product Governance Requirements (the 'EU Target Market Assessment'). Notwithstanding the EU Target Market Assessment, distributors should note that: the price of the Placing Shares may decline and investors could lose all or part of their investment; the Placing Shares offer no guaranteed income and no capital protection; and an investment in the Placing Shares is compatible only with investors who do not need a guaranteed income or capital protection, who (either alone or in conjunction with an appropriate financial or other adviser) are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of such an investment and who have sufficient resources to be able to bear any losses that may result therefrom.

The EU Target Market Assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual, legal or regulatory selling restrictions in relation to the Placing.

Furthermore, it is noted that, notwithstanding the UK Target Market Assessment and the EU Target Market Assessment, the Brokers will only procure investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties. For the avoidance of doubt, the EU Target Market Assessment does not constitute: (a) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of MiFID II; or (b) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to the Placing Shares.

Each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the Placing Shares and determining appropriate distribution channels.

APPENDIX

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE BOOKBUILD

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON THE BOOKBUILD FOR INVITED PLACEES ONLY.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO TAKE PART IN THE PLACING. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET OUT IN THIS APPENDIX ARE DIRECTED ONLY AT: (A) PERSONS IN MEMBER STATES OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA ('EEA') OR IN THE UNITED KINGDOM WHO ARE QUALIFIED INVESTORS WITHIN THE MEANING OF ARTICLE 2(E) OF THE EU PROSPECTUS REGULATION (WHICH MEANS REGULATION 2017/1129, AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME) (THE 'PROSPECTUS REGULATION') ('QUALIFIED INVESTORS'); AND (B) IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, QUALIFIED INVESTORS WHO ARE PERSONS WHO (I) HAVE PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IN MATTERS RELATING TO INVESTMENTS FALLING WITHIN ARTICLE 19(1) OF THE FINANCIAL SERVICES AND MARKETS ACT 2000 (FINANCIAL PROMOTION) ORDER 2005 (THE 'ORDER'); (II) ARE PERSONS FALLING WITHIN ARTICLE 49(2)(A) TO (D) ('HIGH NET WORTH COMPANIES, UNINCORPORATED ASSOCIATIONS, ETC') OF THE ORDER; OR (III) ARE PERSONS TO WHOM IT MAY OTHERWISE BE LAWFULLY COMMUNICATED (ALL SUCH PERSONS TOGETHER BEING REFERRED TO AS 'RELEVANT PERSONS'). THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET OUT HEREIN MUST NOT BE ACTED ON OR RELIED ON BY PERSONS WHO ARE NOT RELEVANT PERSONS. PERSONS DISTRIBUTING THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MUST SATISFY THEMSELVES THAT IT IS LAWFUL TO DO SO. ANY INVESTMENT OR INVESTMENT ACTIVITY TO WHICH THIS APPENDIX AND THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET OUT HEREIN RELATE IS AVAILABLE ONLY TO RELEVANT PERSONS AND WILL BE ENGAGED IN ONLY WITH RELEVANT PERSONS. THIS APPENDIX DOES NOT ITSELF CONSTITUTE AN OFFER FOR SALE OR SUBSCRIPTION OF ANY SECURITIES IN THE COMPANY.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT FOR PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. THE SECURITIES MENTIONED HEREIN HAVE NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE US SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE 'SECURITIES ACT') OR UNDER ANY SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATES AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, RESOLD, TRANSFERRED OR DELIVERED, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATES. THERE WILL BE NO PUBLIC OFFER OF THE SECURITIES MENTIONED HEREIN IN THE UNITED STATES.

THE SECURITIES MENTIONED HEREIN HAVE NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE US SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (THE 'SEC'), ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION OR ANY OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY IN THE UNITED STATES, NOR HAVE ANY OF THE FOREGOING AUTHORITIES PASSED UPON OR ENDORSED THE MERITS OF THE PLACING OR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE IN THE UNITED STATES.

THE CONTENT OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED BY AN AUTHORISED PERSON WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE FINANCIAL SERVICES AND MARKETS ACT 2000 (AS AMENDED). RELIANCE ON THIS ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENGAGING IN ANY INVESTMENT ACTIVITY MAY EXPOSE AN INDIVIDUAL TO A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF LOSING ALL OF THE PROPERTY OR OTHER ASSETS INVESTED.

EACH PLACEE SHOULD CONSULT WITH ITS OWN ADVISERS AS TO LEGAL, TAX, BUSINESS AND RELATED ASPECTS OF AN ACQUISITION OF PLACING SHARES. Unless otherwise defined in these terms and conditions, capitalised terms used in these terms and conditions shall have the meaning given to them in this Announcement.

If a person indicates to Tennyson Securities ('Tennyson'), Canaccord Genuity Limited ('Canaccord') and/or WH Ireland Limited ('WH Ireland') that it wishes to participate in the Placing by making an oral or written offer to acquire Placing Shares (each such person, a 'Placee') it will be deemed to have read and understood these terms and conditions and the announcement of which they form a part in their entirety and to be making such offer on the terms and conditions, and to be providing the representations, warranties, indemnities, agreements and acknowledgements, contained in these terms and conditions as deemed to be made by Placees.

In particular each such Placee represents, warrants and acknowledges that:

it is a Relevant Person and undertakes that it will acquire, hold, manage or dispose of any Placing Shares that are allocated to it for the purposes of its business; it is and, at the time the Placing Shares are acquired, will be outside the United States and acquiring the Placing Shares in an 'offshore transaction' in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 of Regulation S under the Securities Act ('Regulation S') and it is acquiring beneficial interests in the Placing Shares for its own account; if acquiring the Shares for the account of one or more other persons, it has full power and authority to make the representations, warranties, agreements, undertakings, and acknowledgements herein on behalf of each such person; and if it is a financial intermediary, as that term is used in Article 5(1) of the Prospectus Regulation, any Placing Shares acquired by it in the Placing will not be acquired on a non-discretionary basis on behalf of, nor will they be acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in circumstances which may give rise to an offer of securities to the public other than an offer or resale to Qualified Investors in the United Kingdom or a member state of the EEA, or in circumstances in which the prior consent of Tennyson, Canaccord and/or WH Ireland has been given to each such proposed offer or resale.

This Announcement, including this Appendix, does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, securities in the United States. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent (i) registration under the Securities Act or (ii) an available exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, registration under the Securities Act. The securities mentioned herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act. The Placing Shares are being offered and sold outside the United States in 'offshore transactions' in accordance with Regulation S. There will be no public offering of the securities in the United States.

The distribution of these terms and conditions and the offer and/or placing of Placing Shares in certain other jurisdictions may be restricted by law. No action has been taken by Tennyson, Canaccord and/or WH Ireland or the Company that would permit an offer of the Placing Shares or possession or distribution of these terms and conditions or any other offering or publicity material relating to the Placing Shares in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, save as mentioned above. Persons into whose possession these terms and conditions come are required by Tennyson, Canaccord, WH Ireland and the Company to inform themselves about and to observe any such restrictions.

No prospectus or other offering document has been or will be submitted to be approved by the FCA in relation to the Placing or the Placing Shares and each Placee's commitment will be made solely on the basis of the information set out in this announcement and the pricing information expected to be made available to Placees on or around 7 July 2021. Each Placee, by participating in the Placing, agrees that it has neither received nor relied on any other information, representation, warranty or statement made by or on behalf of Tennyson, Canaccord, WH Ireland or the Company and none of Tennyson, Canaccord, WH Ireland, the Company, nor any person acting on such person's behalf nor any of their respective affiliates has or shall have liability for any Placee's decision to accept this invitation to participate in the Placing based on any other information, representation, warranty or statement. Each Placee acknowledges and agrees that it has relied on its own investigation of the business, financial or other position of the Company in accepting a participation in the Placing. Nothing in this paragraph shall exclude the liability of any person for fraudulent misrepresentation.

No undertaking, representation, warranty or any other assurance, express or implied, is made or given by or on behalf of Tennyson, Canaccord or WH Ireland or any of their respective affiliates, their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, advisers, or any other person, as to the accuracy, completeness, correctness or fairness of the information or opinions contained in this announcement or for any other statement made or purported to be made by any of them, or on behalf of them, in connection with the Company or the Placing and no such person shall have any responsibility or liability for any such information or opinions or for any errors or omissions. Accordingly, save to the extent permitted by law, no liability whatsoever is accepted by Tennyson, Canaccord, WH Ireland or any of their respective directors, officers, employees or affiliates or any other person for any loss howsoever arising, directly or indirectly, from any use of this announcement or such information or opinions contained herein.

All offers of the Placing Shares will be made pursuant to an exemption from the requirement to produce a prospectus.

These terms and conditions do not constitute or form part of, and should not be construed as, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer to purchase or subscribe for, any Placing Shares or any other securities or an inducement to enter into investment activity, nor shall these terms and conditions (or any part of them), nor the fact of their distribution, form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any investment activity. No statement in these terms and conditions is intended to be nor may be construed as a profit forecast and no statement made herein should be interpreted to mean that the Company's profits or earnings per share for any future period will necessarily match or exceed historical published profits or earnings per share of the Company.

Proposed Placing of Ordinary Shares

Placees are referred to these terms and conditions and this announcement containing details of, inter alia, the Placing. These terms and conditions and this announcement have been prepared and issued by the Company, and is the sole responsibility of the Company.

The new Ordinary Shares issued under the Placing, when issued and fully paid, will be identical to, and rank pari passu with, the existing Ordinary Shares, including the right to receive all dividends and other distributions declared, made or paid on the existing Ordinary Shares after their admission to trading on AIM.

Application will be made to the London Stock Exchange for the Placing Shares to be admitted to trading on AIM ('Admission'). It is expected that Admission will become effective and that dealings in the Placing Shares will commence at 8.00 a.m. on or around 27 July 2021.

Bookbuild of the Placing

Commencing today, Tennyson, Canaccord and WH Ireland will be conducting the Bookbuild to determine demand for participation in the Placing. Each of Tennyson, Canaccord and/or WH Ireland will seek to procure Placees as agent for the Company as part of this Bookbuild. These terms and conditions give details of the terms and conditions of, and the mechanics of participation in, the Placing.

Principal terms of the Bookbuild

By participating in the Placing, Placees will be deemed to have read and understood this announcement and these terms and conditions in their entirety and to be participating and making an offer for any Placing Shares on these terms and conditions, and to be providing the representations, warranties, indemnities, acknowledgements and undertakings, contained in these terms and conditions. Tennyson, Canaccord and/or WH Ireland are arranging the Placing as agents of the Company. Participation in the Placing will only be available to persons who are Relevant Persons and who may lawfully be and are invited to participate by Tennyson, Canaccord and/or WH Ireland. Tennyson, Canaccord, WH Ireland and their affiliates are entitled to offer to subscribe for Placing Shares as principal in the Bookbuild. Any offer to subscribe for Placing Shares should state the aggregate number of Placing Shares which the Placee wishes to acquire or the total monetary amount which it wishes to commit to acquire Placing Shares at the Issue Price which is ultimately established by the Company, Tennyson, Canaccord and WH Ireland or at a price up to a price limit specified in its bid. The Issue Price will be jointly agreed between Tennyson,. Canaccord, WH Ireland and the Company following completion of the Bookbuild and will be payable by the Placees in respect of the Placing Shares allocated to them. The Bookbuild is expected to close on 7 July 2021 but may close earlier or later, at the discretion of Tennyson, Canaccord, WH Ireland and the Company. The timing of the closing of the books and allocations will be agreed between Tennyson, Canaccord, WH Ireland and the Company following completion of the Bookbuild (the 'Allocation Policy'). Tennyson, Canaccord and WH Ireland may, in agreement with the Company, accept offers to subscribe for Placing Shares that are received after the Bookbuild has closed. An offer to subscribe for Placing Shares in the Bookbuild will be made on the basis of these terms and conditions and will be legally binding on the Placee by which, or on behalf of which, it is made and will not be capable of variation or revocation after the close of the Bookbuild. Subject to paragraph (e) above, Tennyson, Canaccord and WH Ireland reserve the right not to accept an offer to subscribe for Placing Shares, either in whole or in part, on the basis of the Allocation Policy and may scale down any offer to subscribe for Placing Shares for this purpose. If successful, each Placee's allocation will be confirmed to it by Tennyson, Canaccord and WH Ireland following the close of the Bookbuild. Oral or written confirmation (at Tennyson's, Canaccord's or WH Ireland's discretion) from Tennyson, Canaccord or WH Ireland to such Placee confirming its allocation will constitute a legally binding commitment upon such Placee, in favour of Tennyson, Canaccord, WH Ireland and the Company to acquire the number of Placing Shares allocated to it on the terms and conditions set out herein. Each Placee will have an immediate, separate, irrevocable and binding obligation, owed to the Company, to pay to Tennyson, Canaccord, WH Ireland (or as Tennyson, Canaccord and WH Ireland may direct) as agents for the Company in cleared funds an amount equal to the product of the Issue Price and the number of Placing Shares which such Placee has agreed to acquire. The Company will make a further announcement following the close of the Bookbuild detailing the Issue Price and the number of Placing Shares to be issued (the 'Placing Results Announcement'). It is expected that such Placing Results Announcement will be made as soon as practicable after the close of the Bookbuild. Subject to paragraphs (g) and (h) above, Tennyson, Canaccord and WH Ireland reserve the right not to accept bids or to accept bids, either in whole or in part, on the basis of allocations determined at Tennyson's, Canaccord's and/or WH Ireland's discretion and may scale down any bids as Tennyson, Canaccord or WH Ireland may determine, subject to agreement with the Company. The acceptance of bids shall be at Tennyson's, Canaccord's and/or WH Ireland's absolute discretion, subject to agreement with the Company. Irrespective of the time at which a Placee's allocation(s) pursuant to the Placing is/are confirmed, settlement for all Placing Shares to be acquired pursuant to the Placing will be required to be made at the time specified, on the basis explained below under the paragraph entitled 'Registration and Settlement'. By participating in the Bookbuild, each Placee agrees that its rights and obligations in respect of the Placing will terminate only in the circumstances described below and will not be capable of rescission or termination by the Placee. All obligations under the Placing will be subject to the fulfilment of the conditions referred to below under the paragraph entitled 'Conditions of the Placing and Termination of the Placing Agreement'.

Conditions of the Placing

The obligations of Tennyson, Canaccord and WH Ireland under the Placing Agreement in respect of the Placing Shares are conditional on, amongst other things:

the Company having complied with its obligations under the Placing Agreement (to the extent that such obligations fall to be performed prior to Admission); the passing of the resolutions at the General Meeting being held on 26 July 2021;and Admission having occurred not later than 8.00 a.m. on 27 July 2021 or such later date as the Company, Tennyson, Canaccord and WH Ireland may agree, but in any event not later than 8.00 a.m. on 13 August 2021.

If (i) any of the conditions contained in the Placing Agreement in relation to the Placing Shares are not fulfilled or waived by Tennyson, Canaccord or WH Ireland by the respective time or date where specified, (ii) any of such conditions becomes incapable of being fulfilled or (iii) the Placing Agreement is terminated in the circumstances specified below, the Placing will not proceed and the Placee's rights and obligations hereunder in relation to the Placing Shares shall cease and terminate at such time and each Placee agrees that no claim can be made by the Placee in respect thereof.

Tennyson, Canaccord and WH Ireland, at their discretion and upon such terms as they think fit, may waive compliance by the Company with the whole or any part of any of the Company's obligations in relation to the conditions in the Placing Agreement. Any such extension or waiver will not affect Placees' commitments as set out in this Announcement.

None of Tennyson, Canaccord, WH Ireland nor the Company nor any other person shall have any liability to any Placee (or to any other person whether acting on behalf of a Placee or otherwise) in respect of any decision they may make as to whether or not to waive or to extend the time and/or the date for the satisfaction of any condition to the Placing nor for any decision they may make as to the satisfaction of any condition or in respect of the Placing generally, and by participating in the Placing each Placee agrees that any such decision is within the absolute discretion of Tennyson, Canaccord and/or WH Ireland.

Termination of the Placing Agreement

Tennyson, Canaccord or WH Ireland are entitled at any time before Admission, to terminate the Placing Agreement in relation to their obligations in respect of the Placing Shares by giving notice to the Company if, amongst other things:

the Company fails, in any material respect, to comply with any of its obligations under the Placing Agreement; or it comes to the notice of Tennyson, Canaccord or WH Ireland that any statement contained in this announcement was untrue, incorrect or misleading at the date of this announcement or has become untrue, incorrect or misleading in each case in any respect which Tennyson, Canaccord or WH Ireland reasonably considers to be material in the context of the Placing or that any matter which Tennyson, Canaccord or WH Ireland reasonably considers to be material in the context of the Placing has arisen which would, if the Placing were made at that time, constitute a material omission therefrom; or any of the warranties given by the Company in the Placing Agreement has ceased to be true and accurate in any material respect which Tennyson, Canaccord or WH Ireland reasonably considers to be material in the context of the Placing by reference to the facts subsisting at the time when notice to terminate is given; or there happens, develops or comes into effect: i) a general moratorium on commercial banking activities in London declared by the relevant authorities or a material disruption in commercial banking or securities settlement or clearance services in the United Kingdom; or ii) the outbreak or escalation of hostilities or acts of terrorism involving the United Kingdom or the declaration by the United Kingdom of a national emergency or war; or iii) any other crisis of international or national effect or any change in any currency exchange rates or controls or in any financial, political, economic or market conditions or in market sentiment which, in any such case, in the reasonable opinion of Tennyson, Canaccord and/or WH Ireland is materially adverse.

Placing Procedure

Placees shall acquire the Placing Shares to be issued pursuant to the Placing and any allocation of the Placing Shares to be issued pursuant to the Placing will be notified to them on or around 7 July 2021 (or such other time and/or date as the Company, Tennyson, Canaccord and WH Ireland may agree).

Payment in full for any Placing Shares so allocated in respect of the Placing at the Issue Price must be made by no later than 27 July 2021 (or such other date as shall be notified to each Placee by Tennyson, Canaccord or WH Ireland). Tennyson, Canaccord or WH Ireland or the Company will notify Placees if any of the dates in these terms and conditions should change.

Registration and Settlement

Settlement of transactions in the Placing Shares following Admission of the Placing Shares will take place within the CREST system, subject to certain exceptions. Tennyson and the Company reserve the right to require settlement for, and delivery of, the Placing Shares to Placees by such other means that they deem necessary if delivery or settlement is not possible within the CREST system within the timetable set out in this announcement or would not be consistent with the regulatory requirements in the Placee's jurisdiction. Each Placee will be deemed to agree that it will do all things necessary to ensure that delivery and payment is completed in accordance with either the standing CREST or certificated settlement instructions which they have in place with Tennyson, Canaccord and/or WH Ireland.

Settlement for the Placing will take place on or around 27 July 2021. Interest is chargeable daily on payments to the extent that value is received after the due date from Placees at the rate of 2 percentage points above prevailing LIBOR. Each Placee is deemed to agree that if it does not comply with these obligations, Tennyson, Canaccord and WH Ireland may sell any or all of the Placing Shares allocated to it on its behalf and retain from the proceeds, for its own account and benefit, an amount equal to the aggregate amount owed by the Placee plus any interest due. By communicating a bid for Placing Shares, each Placee confers on Tennyson, Canaccord or WH Ireland all such authorities and powers necessary to carry out any such sale and agrees to ratify and confirm all actions which Tennyson, Canaccord or WH Ireland lawfully take in pursuance of such sale. The relevant Placee will, however, remain liable for any shortfall below the aggregate amount owed by it and may be required to bear any stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax (together with any interest or penalties) which may arise upon any transaction in the Placing Shares on such Placee's behalf.

Acceptance

By participating in the Placing, a Placee (and any person acting on such Placee's behalf) irrevocably acknowledges, confirms, undertakes, represents, warrants and agrees (as the case may be) with Tennyson and the Company, the following:

in consideration of its allocation of a placing participation, to subscribe at the Issue Price for any Placing Shares comprised in its allocation for which it is required to subscribe pursuant to these terms and conditions; it has read and understood this announcement (including these terms and conditions) in its entirety and that it has neither received nor relied on any information given or any investigations, representations, warranties or statements made at any time by any person in connection with Admission, the Placing, the Company, the Placing Shares, or otherwise, other than the information contained in this announcement (including these terms and conditions), that in accepting the offer of its placing participation it will be relying solely on the information contained in this announcement (including these terms and conditions) and undertakes not to redistribute or duplicate such documents; its oral or written commitment will be made solely on the basis of the information set out in this announcement and the information publicly announced to a Regulatory Information Service by or on behalf of the Company on the date of this announcement, such information being all that such Placee deems necessary or appropriate and sufficient to make an investment decision in respect of the Placing Shares and that it has neither received nor relied on any other information given, or representations or warranties or statements made, by Tennyson, Canaccord, WH Ireland or the Company nor any of their respective affiliates and none of Tennyson, Canaccord, WH Ireland nor the Company will be liable for any Placee's decision to participate in the Placing based on any other information, representation, warranty or statement; the content of this announcement and these terms and conditions are exclusively the responsibility of the Company and agrees that none of Tennyson, Canaccord, WH Ireland nor any of their respective affiliates nor any person acting on behalf of any of them will be responsible for or shall have liability for any information, representation or statements contained therein or any information previously published by or on behalf of the Company, and none of Tennyson, Canaccord, WH Ireland nor the Company, nor any of their respective affiliates or any person acting on behalf of any such person will be responsible or liable for a Placee's decision to accept its placing participation; (i) it has not relied on, and will not rely on, any information relating to the Company contained or which may be contained in any research report or investor presentation prepared or which may be prepared by Tennyson, Canaccord, WH Ireland or any of their affiliates; (ii) none of Tennyson, Canaccord, WH Ireland, their affiliates or any person acting on behalf of any of such persons has or shall have any responsibility or liability for public information relating to the Company; (iii) none of Tennyson, Canaccord, WH Ireland their affiliates or any person acting on behalf of any of such persons has or shall have any responsibility or liability for any additional information that has otherwise been made available to it, whether at the date of publication of such information, the date of these terms and conditions or otherwise; and that (iv) none of Tennyson, Canaccord, WH Ireland their affiliates or any person acting on behalf of any of such persons makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of any such information referred to in (i) to (iii) above, whether at the date of publication of such information, the date of this announcement or otherwise; it has made its own assessment of the Company and has relied on its own investigation of the business, financial or other position of the Company in deciding to participate in the Placing, and has satisfied itself concerning the relevant tax, legal, currency and other economic considerations relevant to its decision to participate in the Placing; it is acting as principal only in respect of the Placing or, if it is acting for any other person (i) it is duly authorised to do so and has full power to make the acknowledgments, representations and agreements herein on behalf of each such person, (ii) it is and will remain liable to the Company, Tennyson, Canaccord and WH Ireland for the performance of all its obligations as a Placee in respect of the Placing (regardless of the fact that it is acting for another person), (iii) if it is in the United Kingdom, it is a person (a) who has professional experience in matters relating to investments and who falls within the definition of 'investment professionals' in Article 19(5) of the Order or who falls within Article 49(2) of the Order, and (b) is a qualified investor' as defined in section 86 of the FSMA, (iv) if it is in a member state of the EEA, it is a 'qualified investor' within the meaning of Article 2( E) of the Prospectus Regulation and (v) if it is a financial intermediary, as that term is used in Article 5(1) of the Prospectus Regulation, the Placing Shares subscribed by it in the Placing are not being acquired on a nondiscretionary basis for, or on behalf of, nor will they be acquired with a view to their offer or resale to persons in a member state of the EEA in circumstances which may give rise to an offer of shares to the public, other than their offer or resale to qualified investors within the meaning of Article 2(E) of the Prospectus Regulation in a member state of the EEA which has implemented the Prospectus Regulation; if it has received any confidential price sensitive information about the Company in advance of the Placing, it has not (i) dealt in the securities of the Company; (ii) encouraged or required another person to deal in the securities of the Company; or (iii) disclosed such information to any person, prior to the information being made generally available; it has complied with its obligations in connection with money laundering and terrorist financing under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, the Terrorism Act 2000, the Terrorism Act 2006, the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing) Act 2010 and the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any government agency having jurisdiction in respect thereof (the 'Regulations') and, if it is making payment on behalf of a third party, it has obtained and recorded satisfactory evidence to verify the identity of the third party as may be required by the Regulations; it has only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only communicate or cause to be communicated any invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of FSMA) relating to the Placing Shares in circumstances in which section 21(1) of FSMA does not require approval of the communication by an authorised person; it is not acting in concert (within the meaning given in the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers) with any other Placee or any other person in relation to the Company; it has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the FSMA with respect to anything done by it in relation to the Placing Shares in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom; it and any person acting on its behalf is entitled to acquire the Placing Shares under the laws of all relevant jurisdictions and that it has all necessary capacity and has obtained all necessary consents and authorities to enable it to commit to this participation in the Placing and to perform its obligations in relation thereto (including, without limitation, in the case of any person on whose behalf it is acting, all necessary consents and authorities to agree to the terms set out or referred to in these terms and conditions); unless otherwise agreed by the Company (after agreement with Tennyson, Canaccord and WH Ireland), it is not, and at the time the Placing Shares are subscribed for and purchased will not be, subscribing for and on behalf of a resident of the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, the Republic of South Africa or any other Excluded Territory and further acknowledges that the Placing Shares have not been and will not be registered under the securities legislation of any Excluded Territory and, subject to certain exceptions, may not be offered, sold, transferred, delivered or distributed, directly or indirectly, in or into those jurisdictions; it does not expect Tennyson, Canaccord and WH Ireland to have any duties or responsibilities towards it for providing protections afforded to clients under the rules of the FCA Handbook (the 'Rules') or advising it with regard to the Placing Shares and that it is not, and will not be, a client of Tennyson, Canaccord and WH Ireland as defined by the Rules. Likewise, any payment by it will not be treated as client money governed by the Rules; any exercise by Tennyson, Canaccord or WH Ireland of any rights to terminate the Placing Agreement or of other rights or discretions under the Placing Agreement or the Placing shall be within their absolute discretion and Tennyson, Canaccord and/or WH Ireland shall not have any liability to it whatsoever in relation to any decision to exercise or not to exercise any such right or the timing thereof; neither it, nor the person specified by it for registration as a holder of Placing Shares is, or is acting as nominee(s) or agent(s) for, and that the Placing Shares will not be allotted to, a person/person(s) whose business either is or includes issuing depository receipts or the provision of clearance services and therefore that the issue to the Placee, or the person specified by the Placee for registration as holder, of the Placing Shares will not give rise to a liability under any of sections 67, 70, 93 and 96 of the Finance Act 1986 (depositary receipts and clearance services) and that the Placing Shares are not being acquired in connection with arrangements to issue depository receipts or to issue or transfer Placing Shares into a clearance system; the person who it specifies for registration as holder of the Placing Shares will be (i) itself or (ii) its nominee, as the case may be, and acknowledges that Tennyson, Canaccord, WH Ireland and the Company will not be responsible for any liability to pay stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax (together with interest and penalties) resulting from a failure to observe this requirement; and each Placee and any person acting on behalf of such Placee agrees to participate in the Placing on the basis that the Placing Shares will be allotted to a CREST stock account of Tennyson, Canaccord and/or WH Ireland who will hold them as nominee on behalf of the Placee until settlement in accordance with its standing settlement instructions with it; where it is acquiring Placing Shares for one or more managed accounts, it is authorised in writing by each managed account to acquire Placing Shares for that managed account; if it is a pension fund or investment company, its acquisition of any Placing Shares is in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations; it has not offered or sold and will not offer or sell any Placing Shares to persons in the United Kingdom, except to persons whose ordinary activities involve them in acquiring, holding, managing or disposing of investments (as principal or agent) for the purposes of their business or otherwise in circumstances which have not resulted and which will not result in an offer to the public in the United Kingdom within the meaning of section 85(1) of the FSMA; it has not offered or sold and will not offer or sell any Placing Shares to persons in any member state of the EEA prior to Admission except to persons whose ordinary activities involve them acquiring, holding, managing or disposing of investments (as principal or agent) for the purpose of their business or otherwise in circumstances which have not resulted and will not result in an offer to the public in any member state of the EEA within the meaning of the Prospectus Directive; participation in the Placing is on the basis that, for the purposes of the Placing, it is not and will not be a client of Tennyson, Canaccord or WH Ireland and that Tennyson, Canaccord or WH Ireland do not have any duties or responsibilities to it for providing the protections afforded to its clients nor for providing advice in relation to the Placing nor in respect of any representations, warranties, undertakings or indemnities contained in the Placing Agreement or the contents of these terms and conditions; to provide Tennyson, Canaccord, WH Ireland or the Company (as relevant) with such relevant documents as they may reasonably request to comply with requests or requirements that either they or the Company may receive from relevant regulators in relation to the Placing, subject to its legal, regulatory and compliance requirements and restrictions; any agreements entered into by it pursuant to these terms and conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales and it submits (on its behalf and on behalf of any Placee on whose behalf it is acting) to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts as regards any claim, dispute or matter arising out of any such contract, except that enforcement proceedings in respect of the obligation to make payment for the Placing Shares (together with any interest chargeable thereon) may be taken by Tennyson in any jurisdiction in which the relevant Placee is incorporated or in which any of its securities have a quotation on a recognised stock exchange; to fully and effectively indemnify and hold harmless the Company, Tennyson, Canaccord and/or WH Ireland and each of their respective affiliates (as defined in Rule 501(b) under the Securities Act) and each person, if any, who controls Tennyson, Canaccord and WH Ireland within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the US Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any such person's respective affiliates, subsidiaries, branches, associates and holding companies, and in each case their respective directors, employees, officers and agents from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (i) arising from any breach by such Placee of any of the provisions of these terms and conditions and (ii) incurred by Tennyson, Canaccord, WH Ireland and/or the Company arising from the performance of the Placee's obligations as set out in these terms and conditions; to indemnify on an after-tax basis and hold the Company, Tennyson, Canaccord, WH Ireland and any of their affiliates and any person acting on their behalf harmless from any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses (including legal fees and expenses) arising out of or in connection with any breach of the representations, warranties, acknowledgments, agreements and undertakings in these terms and conditions and further agrees that the provisions of these terms and conditions shall survive after completion of the Issue; in making any decision to subscribe for the Placing Shares, (i) it has knowledge and experience in financial, business and international investment matters as is required to evaluate the merits and risks of acquiring the Placing Shares; (ii) it is experienced in investing in securities of this nature and is aware that it may be required to bear, and is able to bear, the economic risk of, and is able to sustain a complete loss in connection with, the Placing; (iii) it has relied on its own examination, due diligence and analysis of the Company and its affiliates taken as a whole, including the markets in which the Group operates, and the terms of the Placing, including the merits and risks involved; (iv) it has had sufficient time to consider and conduct its own investigation with respect to the offer and purchase of the Placing Shares, including the legal, regulatory, tax, business, currency and other economic and financial considerations relevant to such investment and (v) will not look to Tennyson, Canaccord or WH Ireland or any of their respective affiliates or any person acting on their behalf for all or part of any such loss or losses it or they may suffer; its commitment to acquire Placing Shares will continue notwithstanding any amendment that may in future be made to the terms and conditions of the Placing, and that Placees will have no right to be consulted or require that their consent be obtained with respect to the Company's or Tennyson's, Canaccord's and/or WH Ireland's conduct of the Placing; and Tennyson, Canaccord, WH Ireland and the Company and their respective affiliates and others will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing representations, warranties, acknowledgments and undertakings which are irrevocable.

Please also note that the agreement to allot and issue Placing Shares to Placees (or the persons for whom Placees are contracting as agent) free of stamp duty and stamp duty reserve tax in the UK relates only to their allotment and issue to Placees, or such persons as they nominate as their agents, direct from the Company for the Placing Shares in question. Such agreement assumes that such Placing Shares are not being acquired in connection with arrangements to issue depositary receipts or to transfer such Placing Shares into a clearance service. If there were any such arrangements, or the settlement related to other dealing in such Placing Shares, stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax may be payable, for which none of the Company, Tennyson, Canaccord nor WH Ireland would be responsible and Placees shall indemnify the Company, Tennyson, Canaccord and WH Ireland on an after-tax basis for any stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax paid by them in respect of any such arrangements or dealings. Furthermore, each Placee agrees to indemnify on an after-tax basis and hold each of Tennyson, Canaccord, WH Ireland and/or the Company and their respective affiliates harmless from any and all interest, fines or penalties in relation to stamp duty, stamp duty reserve tax and all other similar duties or taxes to the extent that such interest, fines or penalties arise from the unreasonable default or delay of that Placee or its agent. If this is the case, it would be sensible for Placees to take their own advice and they should notify Tennyson, Canaccord and WH Ireland accordingly. In addition, Placees should note that they will be liable for any capital duty, stamp duty and all other stamp, issue, securities, transfer, registration, documentary or other duties or taxes (including any interest, fines or penalties relating thereto) payable outside the UK by them or any other person on the acquisition by them of any Placing Shares or the agreement by them to acquire any Placing Shares.

Selling Restrictions

By participating in the Placing, a Placee (and any person acting on such Placee's behalf) irrevocably acknowledges, confirms, undertakes, represents, warrants and agrees (as the case may be) with Tennyson, Canaccord, WH Ireland and the Company, the following:

it is not a person who has a registered address in, or is a resident, citizen or national of, a country or countries, in which it is unlawful to make or accept an offer to subscribe for Placing Shares; it has fully observed and will fully observe the applicable laws of any relevant territory, including complying with the selling restrictions set out herein and obtaining any requisite governmental or other consents and it has fully observed and will fully observe any other requisite formalities and pay any issue, transfer or other taxes due in such territories; if it is in the United Kingdom, it is a person (i) who has professional experience in matters relating to investments and who falls within the definition of 'investment professionals' in Article 19(5) of the Order or who falls within Article 49(2) of the Order, and (ii) is a 'qualified investor' as defined in section 86 of the FSMA; if it is in a member state of the EEA, it is a 'qualified investor' within the meaning of Article 5 (1) of the Prospectus Regulation; it is a person whose ordinary activities involve it (as principal or agent) in acquiring, holding, managing or disposing of investments for the purpose of its business and it undertakes that it will (as principal or agent) acquire, hold, manage or dispose of any Placing Shares that are allocated to it for the purposes of its business; it is and, at the time the Placing Shares are acquired, will be outside the United States, purchasing in an offshore transaction pursuant to Regulation S; none of the Placing Shares have been or will be registered under the Securities Act or with any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States; none of the Placing Shares may be offered, sold, taken up or delivered directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, into or within the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and in compliance with any applicable securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States; if it is in South Africa, it is a person falling within a category of person listed in section 96 of the South African Companies Act, 2008 as not being a member of the public; if it is in Australia, it is a person who falls within an exemption from disclosure to investors in Australia under the Australian Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (the 'Corporations Act'), including a 'sophisticated investor' within the meaning of Section 708(8) of the Corporations Act or a 'professional investor' within the meaning of Section 708(11) of the Corporations Act or a 'wholesale client' within the meaning of Section 761(G) of the Corporations Act; it (on its behalf and on behalf of any Placee on whose behalf it is acting) has (a) fully observed the laws of all relevant jurisdictions which apply to it; (b) obtained all governmental and other consents which may be required; (c) fully observed any other requisite formalities; (d) paid or will pay any issue, transfer or other taxes; (e) not taken any action which will or may result in the Company, Tennyson, Canaccord or WH Ireland (or any of them) being in breach of a legal or regulatory requirement of any territory in connection with the Placing: (f) obtained all other necessary consents and authorities required to enable it to give its commitment to subscribe for the relevant Placing Shares and (g) the power and capacity to, and will, perform its obligations under the terms contained in these terms and conditions.

Miscellaneous

The Company reserves the right to treat as invalid any application or purported application for Placing Shares that appears to the Company or its agents to have been executed, effected or dispatched from the United States or an Excluded Territory or in a manner that may involve a breach of the laws or regulations of any jurisdiction or if the Company or its agents believe that the same may violate applicable legal or regulatory requirements or if it provides an address for delivery of the share certificates of Placing Shares in an Excluded Territory or the United States, or any other jurisdiction outside the United Kingdom in which it would be unlawful to deliver such share certificates.

When a Placee or person acting on behalf of the Placee is dealing with Tennyson, Canaccord or WH Ireland, any money held in an account with Tennyson, Canaccord and/or WH Ireland on behalf of the Placee and/or any person acting on behalf of the Placee will not be treated as client money within the meaning of the rules and regulations of the FCA made under the FSMA. The Placee acknowledges that the money will not be subject to the protections conferred by the client money rules; as a consequence, this money will not be segregated from Tennyson's, Canaccord's or WH Ireland's money in accordance with the client money rules and will be used by Tennyson, Canaccord or WH Ireland in the course of their own business; and the Placee will rank only as a general creditor of Tennyson, Canaccord or WH Ireland.

Times

Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to time are to London time. All times and dates in these terms and conditions may be subject to amendment. Tennyson, Canaccord and/or WH Ireland will notify Placees and any persons acting on behalf of the Placees of any changes.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. 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.

SOURCE: i3 Energy PLC

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654521/i3-Energy-PLC-Announces-Alberta-Acquisition-and-Proposed-Placing
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 7, 2021 / BeMetals Corp. (TSXV:BMET)(OTCQB:BMTLF)(Frankfurt:1OI.F) (the "Company" or "BeMetals) is pleased to announce that Mr. Nicholas Furber has been appointed the Company's new Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"). Mr. Furber will be assuming the CFO responsibilities from Ms. Kristen Reinertson who will be continuing her role as Corporate Secretary with the Company.

John Wilton, President and CEO of BeMetals stated, "We are delighted to have Nick join our senior management team and we look forward to his contributions as our new CFO, especially during this exciting time for the Company. Nick's prior experience as a CFO guiding a company from exploration, through development and into production will be of specific value to BeMetals. BeMetals is well-capitalized to advance its key precious and base metal assets in Japan, the U.S.A., and in Zambia. During just the first half of 2021, BeMetals; acquired the Kazan Gold Project in Japan, doubled the mineral resource estimate and initiated a preliminary economic assessment at our high-grade polymetallic South Mountain Project in Idaho. We also launched an exploration drill program at our Pangeni Copper Project in Zambia with funding from Japan Oil and Gas Metals National Corporation ("JOGMEC") and we brought in B2Gold Corp. as a new strategic shareholder with a C$7.5M investment.

The Company would like to thank Kristen Reinertson for her diligent work and stewardship of our finances since the inception of BeMetals. We look forward to her continuing with us in her role as Corporate Secretary given the value and continuity this will provide."

Nick Furber, CA (ICAEW), CFA is senior financial professional with some 25 years of experience providing consulting, management and financial advisory services for private and publicly traded companies. This included 10 years as CFO and Corporate Secretary of Dynasty Metals & Mining Inc. ("Dynasty") when Dynasty evolved from gold exploration into a producer listed on the TSX. Mr. Furber also has over 10 years of accounting, Mergers & Acquisitions, valuations and due diligence experience in a variety of industries while at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Mr. Furber was educated in the U.K. and has his Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) and Chartered Financial Analyst designations.

In connection with Mr. Furber's appointment, he has been granted an aggregate of 500,000 incentive stock options of the Company exercisable at a price of $0.425 per share for a period of 10 years, vesting over the period of two years and subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

ABOUT BEMETALS CORP.

BeMetals is a precious and base metals exploration and development company focused on becoming a leading metal producer through the acquisition of quality exploration, development and potentially production stage projects. The Company has recently established itself in the gold sector with the acquisition of certain wholly owned exploration projects in Japan. BeMetals is also progressing both its advanced high-grade, zinc-silver-gold-copper polymetallic underground exploration at the South Mountain Project in Idaho through a preliminary economic assessment, and its tier-one targeted, Pangeni Copper Exploration Project in Zambia. Guiding and leading BeMetals' growth strategy is a strong board and management team, founders and significant shareholders of the Company, who have an extensive proven record of delivering considerable value in the mining sector through the discovery, construction and operation of mines around the world.

ON BEHALF OF BEMETALS CORP.

'John Wilton'

John Wilton

President, CEO and Director

For further information about BeMetals please visit www.bemetalscorp.com and sign-up to our email list to receive timely updates, or contact:

Derek Iwanaka

Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Development

Telephone: 604-609-6141

Email: diwanaka@bemetalscorp.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 Statements

This news release contains 'forward-looking statements' and "forward looking information" (as defined under applicable securities laws), based on management's best estimates, assumptions and current expectations. Such statements include but are not limited to, statements with respect to future exploration, development and advancement of the South Mountain Project, the Pangeni project and the Japan properties, and the acquisition of additional base and/or precious metal projects. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as 'expects', 'expected', 'budgeted', 'forecasts', 'anticipates', '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. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to: the actual results of exploration activities, the availability of financing and/or cash flow to fund the current and future plans and expenditures, the ability of the Company to satisfy the conditions of the option agreements for the South Mountain Project and/or the Pangeni Project, and changes in the world commodity markets or equity markets. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The forward-looking statements and forward looking information are made as of the date hereof and are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any forward-looking statements or forward looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as require by law. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. Please refer to the Company's most recent filings under its profile at www.sedar.com for further information respecting the risks affecting the Company and its business.

SOURCE: BeMetals Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654470/BeMetals-Appoints-New-Chief-Financial-Officer-to-Management-Team
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / July 7, 2021 / Idaho Champion Gold Mines Canada Inc. (CSE:ITKO)(OTCQB:GLDRF)(FSE:1QB1)("IdahoChampion" or the 'Company') is pleased to announce that the Company has commenced the planned drill program to test the large geophysical anomaly reported earlier this year at its 100% controlled Champagne Gold Project ("Champagne") near the city of Arco, Butte County, Idaho.

The Company recently announced that it has signed a contract with National Drilling for an 8,000 metre exploration core drilling program (See press release dated June 8, 2021). The drill and crew have mobilized to site and drilling is underway on the first hole.

The drill program is designed to test the large induced polarization (IP) anomaly (Figure 1) with a series of drill holes comprising "fences" along IP Lines 4 and 5. The first two (2) drill holes will be placed on the recently acquired private ground located toward the west end of the IP anomaly (See press release dated June 29, 2021).

"Commencing this drill program marks an exciting step for Idaho Champion as we begin fence drilling the IP anomaly. Given the evidence uncovered so far on this huge anomaly, we have high expectations of encountering mineralization as we test the roots of the Champagne mineral system. It is helpful that we are able to drill immediately on our recently acquired private ground," commented President and CEO, Jonathan Buick.

Figure 1. 2021 Drill Program Location in relation to IP anomaly.

About the Champagne Project

The Champagne Mine* was operated by Bema Gold as a heap leach operation on an epithermal gold-silver system that occurs in volcanic rocks. Bema Gold drilled 72 shallow reverse circulation holes on the project, which complement drilling and trenching from other previous operators. The property has had no deep drilling or significant modern exploration since the mine closure in early 1992.

The Champagne Deposit contains epigenetic style gold and silver mineralization that occurs in strongly altered Tertiary volcanic tuffs and flows of acid to intermediate composition. Champagne has a near surface cap of gold-silver mineralization emplaced by deep-seated structures that acted as conduits for precious metal rich hydrothermal fluids. Higher grade zones in the Champagne Deposit appear to be related to such feeder zones.

* The Company cautions that the information about the past-producing mine may not be indicative of mineralization on Champion's property, and if mineralization does occur, that it will occur in sufficient quantity or grade that would result in an economic extraction scenario. The historic data were simply used to evaluate the prospective nature of the property. The Company has not yet conducted sufficient exploration to ascertain if a mineral resource is present on the property.

Qualified Person

The technical information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Peter Karelse P.Geo., a consultant to the Company, who is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Karelse has more than 30 years of experience in exploration and development.

About Idaho Champion Gold Mines Inc.

Idaho Champion is a discovery-focused gold exploration company that is committed to advancing its 100%-owned highly prospective mineral properties located in Idaho, United States. The Company's shares trade on the CSE under the trading symbol "ITKO", on the OTCQB under the trading symbol "GLDRF", and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "1QB1". Idaho Champion is vested in Idaho with the Baner Project in Idaho County, the Champagne Project located in Butte County near Arco, and four cobalt properties in Lemhi County in the Idaho Cobalt Belt. Idaho Champion strives to be a responsible environmental steward, stakeholder and a contributing citizen to the local communities where it operates. Idaho Champion takes its social license seriously, employing local community members and service providers at its operations whenever possible.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Jonathan Buick"

Jonathan Buick, President and CEO

For further information, please visit the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com or the Company's corporate website at www.idahochamp.com.

For further information please contact:

Nicholas Konkin, Marketing and Communications

Phone: (416) 567- 9087

Email: nkonkin@idahochamp.com

THIS PRESS RELEASE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION, NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY OFFER, SALE, OR SOLICITATION OF SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN THE UNITED STATES IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SALE, OR SOLICITATION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.

Cautionary Statements

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider has reviewed or accepted responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business of the Company. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of the Company, including suggested strike extension. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based on are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE: Idaho Champion Gold Mines Canada Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654511/Idaho-Champion-Gold-Commences-Drill-Program-at-Champagne-Gold-Project
Highlights

Kaukua South IP anomaly expanded to over 7 kilometers in length, from ~4 kilometers.

IP has proven to be a reliable tool for targeting high-grade mineralization.

A new and, the largest and strongest anomaly in the Kaukua area has been discovered immediately west of the NI43-101 Kaukua pit-constrained Resource.

in the Kaukua area has been discovered immediately west of the NI43-101 Kaukua pit-constrained Resource. Additionally, a new large IP anomaly has been discovered on the far east side of Kaukua South. This may represent a new high-grade core zone of mineralization.

has been discovered on the far east side of Kaukua South. This may represent a new high-grade core zone of mineralization. The Kaukua South IP anomaly has been extended northwest and to the south of the Kaukua pit-constrained Resource, thereby potentially allowing for a significant expansion of the envisioned Kaukua open-pit.

First release of a detailed Kaukua South long section.

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 7, 2021) - Two additional Induced Polarization ("IP') surveys were carried out in the Greater Kaukua Area to expand the known 4-kilometer long Kaukua South IP anomaly on both it's eastern and western ends (see news release March 11, 2021). The results of the new surveys confirm an over 75% increase in the Kaukua South IP chargeability anomaly, which is now greater than 7 kilometers in strike length, said Palladium One Mining Inc. (TSXV: PDM) (FRA: 7N11) (OTCQB: NKORF) ("Palladium One" or the "Company") today. Drilling to date has confirmed extensive mineralization over the initial 4-kilometer Kaukua South anomaly, the 3-kilometer expansion suggests a much large resource endowment is possible (see Long Section - Figure 3)

Derrick Weyrauch, President and CEO of Palladium One, said, "These new IP survey results highlight how robust the mineralized system is in the greater Kaukua area. In 2019, the Kaukua zone was only 1.2 kilometers long, we have now outlined a zone of over 7 kilometers in length, drilled and proven mineralization over 4 kilometers of strike length and are nearing completion of infill drilling in advance of a maiden NI43-101 resource for a 2-kilometer portion of the Kaukua South zone."

IP has proven to be a reliable technique for discovering and outlining shallow higher grade PGE-Ni-Cu mineralization at Kaukua and elsewhere on the LK project. The NI43-101 Kaukua pit constrained Resource and the Kaukua South zone were both discovered as a result of testing IP chargeability anomalies. The Kaukua Resource only covers a strike length of 1 kilometer, whereas the LK project includes approximately 38 kilometers of strike length of the favourable basal unit in the Koillismaa mafic ultramafic complex.

Kaukua National Instrument 43-101 pit constrained Resource Estimate (see news release September 9, 2019)

Class Tonnes (kt) Pd g/t Pt g/t Au g/t PGE (Pd+Pt+Au)

g/t Ni % Cu % Pd_Eq* Spot Au_Eq** g/t Spot Cu_Eq** % g/t Oz Indicated 10,985 0.81 0.27 0.09 1.17 0.09 0.15 1.80 635,600 2.02 1.32 Inferred 10,875 0.64 0.20 0.08 0.92 0.08 0.13 1.50 525,800 1.64 1.08

Selection of previously released Kaukua South drill results:

63 meters grading 3.5 g/t Palladium equivalent * ( 4.1 g/t Gold equivalent* *, 2.5% Copper equivalent**) in hole LK20-016 (see news release October 22, 2020)

* ( *, 2.5% Copper equivalent**) in hole LK20-016 (see news release October 22, 2020) 53 meters grading 2.1 g/t Palladium equivalent* (2.3 g/t Gold equivalent **, 1.4% Copper equivalent**) in hole LK20-028 (see news release January 18, 2021)

**, 1.4% Copper equivalent**) in hole LK20-028 (see news release January 18, 2021) 47 meters grading 2.6 g/t Palladium equivalent* (2.9 g/t Gold equivalent**, 1.8% Copper equivalent** ) in hole LK20-045 (see news release March 18, 2021)

Hole From (m) To (m) Width (m) Pd g/t Pt g/t Au g/t Cu % Ni % LK20-016 23.5 86.2 62.7 1.84 0.64 0.14 0.18 0.15 LK20-028 42.6 95.5 52.9 1.00 0.36 0.08 0.11 0.11 LK20-045 122.8 170.2 47.4 1.20 0.42 0.11 0.17 0.14

Including the recent surveys, the Company completed a total of 143 kilometers of IP on the LK Project. The 2021 IP surveys were a follow up to the highly successful 2020 survey which resulted in the discovery of Kaukua South. The current surveys consisted of two grids (Figure 1 and 2.).

Kaukua West IP Survey Grid

The objective of this survey was to extend the Kaukua South anomaly further to the west (Figure 1).

The survey indicates Kaukua South swings northwest and possibly parallel the Kaukua Resource Pit. This is an important drill target as little drilling has been done in this area, and if mineralization is found it could substantially widen the existing Kaukua Pit.

Additionally, this survey detected a significant IP anomaly to the west of a fault that was thought to cut off the Kaukua Resource Pit. This is the strongest IP response within the whole Greater Kaukua Area and could represent the chance to discover high-grade mineralization that could support an underground PGE-Ni-Cu mine.





Figure 1. Western half of >7 kilometer Long IP chargeability anomaly. Showing the new Kaukua West survey area.



To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6502/89580_2dc3e7eaf435a839_001full.jpg

Kaukua East IP Survey Grid

The objective of this survey was to extend the Kaukua South anomaly at least two kilometers to the east (Figure 2).

Regional airborne magnetic data strongly suggested that favourable Kaukua-style mafic-ultramafic hosts rocks extend into this area. This hypothesis appears to be correct with a strong chargeability anomaly located on the far eastern side of the grid. This anomaly is a significant drill target and may represent another higher-grade core zone similar to the western portion of Kaukua South.





Figure 2. Eastern half of the >7 kilometer IP chargeability anomaly showing the Kaukua East survey area.



To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6502/89580_2dc3e7eaf435a839_002full.jpg





Figure 3. Kaukua South Long Section having a drill data cut-off date of February 16, 2021 (hole LK20-066). This section covers only the western portion of Kaukua South for which the Company plans to report an initial NI43-101 resource estimate in Q1 2022. The section is a vertical slice representing only the ~55 south dipping Lower Zone of Kaukua South. Intercepts are represented in both width (meters) and palladium equivalent (Pd_Eq*) grade as well as gram*meters (grade*width).



To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6502/89580_2dc3e7eaf435a839_003full.jpg

*Palladium Equivalent (Pd_Eq)

Palladium equivalent is calculated using US$1,100 per ounce for palladium, US$950 per ounce for platinum, US$1,300 per ounce for gold, US$6,614 per tonne for copper, and US$15,4332 per tonne for nickel. This calculation is consistent with the calculation in the Company's September 2019 NI 43-101 Kaukua resource estimate. Additionally, US$1,100 per ounce for palladium is consistent with the UBS January 2021 long-term consensus price forecast even though the current price of palladium is approximately US$2,800 per ounce.

**Spot Palladium, Copper and Gold Equivalent

Spot palladium and gold equivalents are calculated using recent spot prices for comparison purposes using US$2,730 per ounce for palladium, US$1,090 per ounce for platinum, US$1,790 per ounce for gold, US$9,259 per tonne for copper, and US$18,298 per tonne for nickel.

Qualified Person

The technical information in this release has been reviewed and verified by Neil Pettigrew, M.Sc., P. Geo., Vice President of Exploration and a director of the Company and the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Palladium One

Palladium One Mining Inc. is an exploration company targeting district scale, platinum-group-element (PGE)-copper nickel deposits in Finland and Canada. Its flagship project is the Lantinen Koillismaa or LK Project, a palladium dominant platinum group element-copper-nickel project in north-central Finland, ranked by the Fraser Institute as one of the world's top countries for mineral exploration and development. Exploration at LK is focused on targeting disseminated sulfides along 38 kilometers of favorable basal contact and building on an established NI 43-101 open pit resource.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Derrick Weyrauch"

President & CEO, Director

For further information contact:

Derrick Weyrauch, President & CEO

Email: info@palladiumoneinc.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release includes "forward-looking information" that is subject to a few assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Statements regarding listing of the Company's common shares on the TSXV are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties normally incident to such events. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future events and that actual events or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements represent management's best judgment based on information currently available. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include regulatory actions and general business conditions. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those set out in the Company's annual information form dated April 29, 2020 and filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, except as required by law. 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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89580
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 7, 2021) - NEPTUNE DIGITAL ASSETS CORP. (TSXV: NDA) (OTC Pink: NPPTF) (FSE: 1NW) ("Neptune" or the "Company"), a leader in diversified cryptocurrency and blockchain assets, is pleased to announce that it has secured the purchase of new next-generation mining machines for its continued strategy to scale its Bitcoin mining operations.

The mining machines were sourced through Neptune's growing network of global blockchain partners providing it with the highest performing mining hardware available. The Antminer S19 Pro is the latest generation Bitcoin ASIC miner produced by leading hardware manufacturer Bitmain. The Antminer S19 Pro, mining SHA-256 algorithm, boasts a hashrate of 110 terahash per second (TH/s) with an energy efficiency of 29.5 joules per terahash (J/TH) and a power consumption of 3250W.

Neptune's secured order of 200 S19 Pro machines is expected to be delivered and functioning by the end of summer 2021 and produce a combined hashrate of 22,000 terahash per second (TH/s). Neptune will continue to work with partners and suppliers that focus on renewable power aligning with Neptune's green Bitcoin initiative.

"Patience has paid off with the expansion of our Bitcoin mining operations as machines have dropped in price substantially over the last two months. We waited until we hit what we felt was the near-term bottom to make the purchase. We are excited to expand our existing fleet of mining machines with these new S19 Pros and will get them up and running as soon as possible," stated Cale Moodie, CEO of Neptune. "Our existing partnerships puts Neptune in a great position to quickly and efficiently scale our Bitcoin mining revenues while taking advantage of market pricing fluctuations. We will continue to update shareholders on the progress as new information becomes available and more equipment is procured."

At the time of this release, Neptune currently holds $47.06M in cash, investments and digital assets. The Company now holds 105 BTC, 285 ETH, 142,300 ATOM, 2,070 DASH, 1,440,400 FTM, and smaller positions in LTC, DOT, BCH, Stellar, NEO, OMG, and QTUM; as well as its investment in the Protocol Quant Fund. The Company has 298 ASIC S17 Bitcoin mining machines currently hosted with Link Global Technologies that are averaging 0.09BTC per day (based on month-to-date) or $114,000 per month at the current Bitcoin price. In addition to Bitcoin mining operations, Neptune's staking operations are generating $323,000 per month at current prices.

About Neptune Digital Assets Corp.

Neptune Digital Assets aims to be a cryptocurrency leader with diversified assets and cryptocurrency operations across the digital asset ecosystem including bitcoin mining, tokens, proof-of-stake cryptocurrencies, decentralized finance (DeFi) and associated blockchain technologies.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Cale Moodie, President and CEO

Neptune Digital Assets Corp.

1-800-545-0941

www.neptunedigitalassets.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.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains certain "forward-looking statements" and certain "forward-looking information" as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "plans", "proposes" or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to, the anticipated total hash rate of the S19 Pro Bitcoin mining machines; the Company's ongoing business relationship with its partners and suppliers; the anticipated timing for commencing operations of the S19 Pro Bitcoin mining machines; the future rate of production from the Company's Bitcoin mining machines; the revenues from the Company's mining and staking operations;; the future scaling of the Company's Bitcoin mining operations; the Company's ability to grow and optimize its proof of stake operations; the Company's future earnings and operating costs; the Company's future growth in total assets; the Company's strategy to purchase crypto currency and optimize its crypto portfolio; the Company's ability effectively dollar cost average its purchases of crypto currency; and the future outlook of the crypto currency market generally. Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, and contingencies. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein, including but not limited to: the inherent risks involved in the cryptocurrency and general securities markets; the Company's ability to successfully mine digital currency; revenue of the Company may not increase as currently anticipated, or at all; the Company may not be able to profitably liquidate its current digital currency inventory, or at all; a decline in digital currency prices may have a significant negative impact on the Company's operations; the volatility of digital currency prices; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, currency fluctuations; regulatory restrictions, liability, competition, loss of key employees and other related risks and uncertainties. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89590
Victoria, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 7, 2021) - Plurilock Security Inc. (TSXV: PLUR) (OTCQB: PLCKF) and related subsidiaries ("Plurilock" or the "Company"), an identity-centric cybersecurity solutions provider for workforces, has secured a purchase order worth US$500,000 from a California state utility resource organization through a statewide contract.

The contracts and orders signed by Plurilock since May 2021 including the latest order, represent a combined total of US$3.81 million in sales.

The newly secured purchase order is part of the Company's continued efforts to secure larger contracts with organizations across different key industry verticals. For this new order, Plurilock will provide the California state utility resource organization with the renewal of their Earthsoft EQuiS data management software licenses, as well as implementation and maintenance support.

Being a trusted advisor and solution provider to government agencies and utility organizations is crucial today, particularly in light of recent news that technology company Kaseya's network management and remote control software was compromised in a ransomware attack.1 The attack was allegedly perpetrated by the Russia-linked REvil ransomware-as-a-service group, impacting over 1,000 businesses in 17 countries, and causing disruptions to business operations and supply chains, following similar ransomware attacks at Colonial Pipeline, SolarWinds, and JBS Meats.2 These attacks underscore the importance for organizations to have trusted IT and cybersecurity advisors to turn to in the event of cyber incidents.

Additionally, Plurilock has completed its US$1.15 million order with the U.S. Department of the Navy. Per the terms of the contract, previously disclosed on May 7, 2021, the Company provided the U.S. Department of the Navy with hardware, procured as part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Solution for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP), a U.S. Government-Wide Acquisition Contract Vehicle (GWAC).

About SEWP

The SEWP V program, launched by NASA in 2015, is the leading information technology (IT) contract vehicle, with government agencies spending $7.9 billion in fiscal 2020.3 Estimates anticipate that agencies will utilize SEWP V for $8.8 billion in contracted spending in fiscal 2021.4 The contract vehicle provides Plurilock with the opportunity to access downstream customers in the government sector.

About Plurilock

Plurilock provides identity-centric cybersecurity for today's workforces. The Plurilock family of companies enables organizations to operate safely and securely while reducing cybersecurity friction. Plurilock offers world-class IT and cybersecurity solutions through its Solutions Division, paired with proprietary, AI-driven and cloud-friendly security through its Technology Division. Together, the Plurilock family of companies delivers persistent identity assurance with unmatched ease of use.

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") related 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, the impact of general economic conditions, the 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. They are otherwise disclosed in its filings with securities regulatory authorities available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

https://techcrunch.com/2021/07/05/kaseya-hack-flood-ransomware/ https://techcrunch.com/2021/07/05/kaseya-hack-flood-ransomware/ https://about.bgov.com/news/this-is-it-sewp-v-is-the-top-it-vehicle-in-fiscal-2020/ https://about.bgov.com/news/this-is-it-sewp-v-is-the-top-it-vehicle-in-fiscal-2020/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89601
BUDAPEST, Hungary, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- At the 15th World Congress of Biological Psychiatry, which was held virtually between the 28-30thJune 2021, Gedeon Richter Plc presented new analyses of cariprazine studies in form of two scientific posters and a free communication presentation. Gedeon Richter organised and sponsored a satellite symposium where knowledgeable psychiatrists discussed the unmet medical needs and cariprazine's efficacy in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Furthermore, Gedeon Richter collaborated with Recordati on the organisation of another satellite symposium that focused on the broad-spectrum treatment of schizophrenia and cariprazine's potential in fulfilling the wide-ranging needs of patients. This was the first time that the Hungarian company attended the event.

Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder that is comprised of positive, negative, and affective symptoms, as well as cognitive impairment. The illness affects about 1% of the population globally; and an estimated 5 million people struggle with this disorder in the EU.

On the first day of the virtual conference, within the framework of a satellite symposium titled "Cariprazine as a broad-spectrum treatment", three well-known European psychiatrists - Christoph U. Correll from Germany, Koen Demyttenaere from Belgium and Johan Sahlsten Scholin from Sweden - discussed the concept of broad-spectrum treatment and the potential advantages of cariprazine in different clinical scenarios and symptoms domains. The first lecture set the stage and explained the broad-spectrum concept of schizophrenia and what the different symptom domains that are need to be targeted to improve outcomes. The second lecture explored cariprazine's role in addressing broad-spectrum needs, while the third and final lecture presented case reports to translate the theory and clinical trials data into real-life settings.

On the second day of the congress, the second satellite symposium with the title "Unmet medical needs in bipolar disorder" was held. Eduard Vieta from Spain, Roger S. McIntyre and Lakshmi N. Yatham, each from Canada, discussed the unmet clinical needs in bipolar disorder and how cariprazine can help address these medical challenges. The first lecture gave an overview of the current treatment strategies and unmet medical needs in bipolar disorder. The second lecture mainly focused on the accurate and timely diagnosis of bipolar depression, while the final lecture presented cariprazine's role in the treatment of bipolar disorder mania and bipolar depression.

During the three-day long congress, two scientific posters and a free communication presentation from Gedeon Richter were also available with the following contents:

Efficacy of Cariprazine on Cognitive Symptom Domains in Patients with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Depression

Broad Spectrum Clinical Efficacy of Cariprazine in Schizophrenia

A Post Hoc Analysis of the Safety Profile of Cariprazine and Potential Relevance for Patient Adherence in Schizophrenia

It is important to note, that cariprazine is approved solely for the treatment of schizophrenia in the EU, while in the USA, besides that indication, it is further approved for manic, mixed, or depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. On the 1st of July the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation has expanded the list of indications for the medicine: the updated list includes such states in adult bipolar disorder as manic or mixed episodes, as well as bipolar depression. Until now, the medication has only been used in Russia for the treatment of schizophrenia, in addition this is the first country besides the USA, where the medicine has the approval now for the indications above.

About Cariprazine

Cariprazine, a potent dopamine D3/D2 receptor partial agonist with preferential binding to D3 receptors, is approved in the EU for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults under the brand name Reagila and in the US for the treatment of schizophrenia and manic, mixed or depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder under the Brand Name Vraylar. In addition, cariprazine is being investigated as an adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder in adults. Cariprazine is protected by a composition-of-matter patent that expires in 2029. Cariprazine was discovered by Gedeon Richter Plc. and is licensed to Allergan (AbbVie) in America and to Recordati SpA in Western European Countries.

About Richter

Gedeon Richter Plc. (www.gedeonrichter.com), headquartered in Budapest/Hungary, is a major pharmaceutical company in Central Eastern Europe, with an expanding direct presence in Western Europe, in China and in Latin America. Having reached a market capitalization of EUR 3.8 billion (USD 4.5 billion) by the end of 2020, Richter's consolidated sales were approximately EUR 1.6 billion (USD 1.8 billion) during the same year. The product portfolio of Richter covers many important therapeutic areas, including Women's Healthcare, Central Nervous System and Cardiovascular areas. Having the largest R&D unit in Central Eastern Europe, Gedeon Richter's original research activity focuses on CNS disorders. With its widely acknowledged steroid chemistry expertise, Gedeon Richter is a significant player in the Women's Healthcare field worldwide. Gedeon Richter is also active in biosimilar product development.

About Recordati

Recordati, established in 1926, is an international pharmaceutical group, listed on the Italian Stock Exchange (Reuters RECI.MI, Bloomberg REC IM, ISIN IT 0003828271), with a total staff of more than 4,300 people, dedicated to the research, development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceuticals. Headquartered in Milan, Italy, Recordati has operations in Europe, Russia and the other C.I.S. countries, Ukraine, Turkey, North Africa, the United States of America, Canada, Mexico, some South American countries, Japan and Australia. An efficient field force of medical representatives promotes a wide range of innovative pharmaceuticals, both proprietary and licensed, in several therapeutic areas including a specialized business dedicated to treatments for rare diseases. Recordati is a partner of choice for new product licenses for its territories. Recordati is committed to the research and development of new specialties with a focus on treatments for rare diseases. Consolidated revenue for 2020 was  1,448.9 million.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/872464/Gedeon_Richter_Logo.jpg
Near-mine underground exploration drilling yields multiple high-grade gold intersections.

High-grade results include 119.0 g/t Au over 0.5 m, 56.1 g/t Au over 0.8 m and 45.6 g/t Au over 0.75 m.

The 42,500-metre drilling program is ongoing, with four drills underground and one on surface.

Monarch has initiated exploration drilling testing the area below the lower most level of the mine.

First-ever Beaufor mine block model mineral resource estimate under way.

MONTREAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / July 7, 2021 / MONARCH MINING CORPORATION ("Monarch" or the "Corporation") (TSX:GBAR) (OTCQX:GBARF) is pleased to announce additional results from its 2020?2021 42,500-metre exploration diamond drilling program on its wholly-owned Beaufor Mine gold project, located 20 kilometres east of Val-d'Or, Quebec. The results include several high-grade assays, including 119.0 g/t Au over 0.5 m within a wider zone of 18.93 g/t Au over 3.5 m, 56.1 g/t Au over 0.8 m within a wider zone of 29.53 g/t Au over 1.78 m and 45.6 g/t Au over 0.75 m within a wider zone of 27.60 g/t Au over 1.65 m, as Monarch continues to test for potential resources in proximity to the historical mine.

The Beaufor Mine initially began commercial production in the early 1930s and over the years has produced over 1.1 million ounces of gold. The mine is currently on care and maintenance, which has given Monarch an opportunity to drill-test targets throughout the mine area. In June 2020, the Corporation initiated a 42,500-metre diamond drilling program to test two types of targets: the areas around historical high-grade intersections near the existing underground infrastructure, and isolated resource blocks, which are typically defined by a single drill intersection. Both of these 'near-mine' targets can often be tested from the existing underground workings, generally by holes less than 200 metres long. Currently, 275 holes are planned or are already being drilled at 25-metre centres. If positive results are received, additional holes will be drilled to allow the zones in question to be converted into reserves and included in a future mine plan.

Assay results have been received for a total of 162 holes (19,394 m), representing roughly 46% of the planned metres of drilling. High-grade results previously reported from the program included 783 g/t Au over 0.2 m and 293 g/t Au over 0.5 m (see press release dated October 1, 2020), 35.87 g/t Au over 9.8 m (see press release dated January 19, 2021) and 187 g/t Au over 0.5 m and 151.5 g/t Au over 0.5 m (see press release dated April 29, 2021).

Since the last reported results, the Corporation has drilled 42 additional underground exploration holes (4,928 m). The best results are shown in Table 2 below and illustrated in the attached figures. Several of the holes have multiple intersections due to the stacked nature of the mineralization. The intersection widths reported are core lengths and high-grade intersections have not been capped, as the vein interpretation and statistics have not been finalized for the zones.

Figure 1: Beaufor property recent assay results (longitudinal view looking N)

Figure 2: Beaufor property recent assay results (sectional view looking NW)

Near-mine exploration drilling is ongoing, with four drill rigs underground and one on surface. The focus remains high-grade composites that are open along strike and existing resource blocks that contain sufficient room for expansion. The Corporation is also pleased to report that the exploration drift at the lower-most level of the mine is progressing well and the first drill station has been established. An underground drill has been mobilized to the first station and will start drill-testing the continuity of the mineralization below the lower-most level of the mine this month.

The BBA Inc. mineral resource estimate (MRE) for the Beaufor mine is in progress. This new resource estimate will incorporate much of the current 2020-2021 drilling program and will represent the first block model resource estimate for the Beaufor mine.

'The drill results continue to meet and even beat our expectations,' said Jean-Marc Lacoste, President and Chief Executive Officer of Monarch. 'All the pieces of the puzzle put in place since we purchased the Beaufor mine back in 2017, starting with our initial 3D modelling and targeting, followed by a significant near-mine exploration drilling program with consistent high-grade results and our upcoming block model mineral resource estimate, are starting to come together.'

Sampling consists of sawing the drill core into equal halves along its main axis and shipping one of the halves to ALS Canada in Val-d'Or, Quebec, and AGAT Laboratories in Mississauga, Ontario, for assaying. The samples are crushed, pulverized and assayed by fire assay, with atomic absorption finish. Samples exceeding 10.0 g/t Au are re-assayed using the gravity method and samples containing visible gold are assayed using the metallic screen method. Monarch uses a comprehensive QA/QC protocol, including the insertion of standards, blanks and duplicates.

The technical and scientific content of this press release has been reviewed and approved by Christian Tessier, P.Geo., the Corporation's qualified person under National Instrument 43-101.

About Beaufor

The Beaufor Mine is located within the Bourlamaque Pluton at the eastern contact with the Dubuisson Formation. The Bourlamaque Batholith, a synvolcanic intrusion, is a major geological feature of the Val-d'Or mining camp. It is a quartziferous granodiorite cut by fine-grained diorite dykes. Gold mineralization occurs in veins associated with shear zones dipping moderately south. Mineralization is associated with quartz-tourmaline-pyrite veins resulting from the filling of shear and extension fractures. Gold-bearing veins show a close association with mafic dykes intruding the granodiorite. A National Instrument 43-101 resource estimate for the Beaufor Mine property was prepared for Monarch Mining in December 2020 by Carl Pelletier, P. Geo., InnovExplo Inc., and John Langton, P. Geo., JPL GeoServices Inc. The mineral resource estimate is listed in the table below.

Table 1: 2020 mineral resource estimate for the Beaufor Mine

Category Tonnes Grade (g/t Au) Gold (ounces) Measured 121,000 5.62 21,900 Indicated 310,100 7.10 70,800 Total M+I 431,100 6.68 92,700 Inferred 134,600 6.96 30,100

Mineral Resource Estimate notes:

The independent and qualified person for the 2020 MRE, as defined by NI 43-101, is Carl Pelletier, P.Geo. (InnovExplo Inc.), and the effective date is December 18, 2020. These mineral resources are not mineral reserves as they do not have demonstrated economic viability. The mineral resource estimates follow CIM Definition Standards and Guidelines. A capping of 68.5 g/t Au on assays was applied for zones 8, B, M, M1 and Q, and 34.25 g/t for all other zones. The DDH intercepts (min. 2.4 m) were capped at 16.5 g/t. The estimate method was polygonal on cross-sections with a minimum width of 2.4 m using a density of 2.75 t/m 3 for the 63 mineralized zones. Measured resource polygons extend 8 m above and below development and up to 10 m laterally. Indicated resource polygons extend up to 20 m from DDH intercepts, along dip and along strike and a minimum of 2 polygons need to be in contact. Inferred resource polygons extend up to 40 m from DDH intercepts, along dip and along strike where a drill spacing ranges from 20 m to 40 m and/or in areas of isolated drill holes where mineralization is known. The reasonable prospect for an eventual economical extraction is met by having a reasonable minimum width for the polygons, a cut-off grade of 3.20 g/t Au, application of constraining volumes on the blocks (potential underground scenario) below a 30 m crown pillar. The cut-off grades inputs are: a gold price of USD1,612/oz, a CAD:USD exchange rate of 1.34; a mining cost of $100/t for the long hole method and $145/t for the room and pillar method; a processing cost of $50/t; and G&A and environment of $13/t and includes the royalty of 1.0% and a refinery charge of $5/t. The cut-off grades should be re-evaluated in light of future prevailing market conditions (metal prices, exchange rate, mining cost, etc.). Results are presented in situ. Ounce (troy) = metric tons x grade / 31.10348. The number of tonnes and ounces was rounded to the nearest hundred. Any discrepancies in the totals are due to rounding effects; rounding followed the recommendations as per NI 43-101. InnovExplo Inc. is not aware of any known environmental, permitting, legal, title-related, taxation, socio-political, marketing or other relevant issue that could materially affect the mineral resource estimate.

About Monarch

Monarch Mining Corporation (TSX: GBAR) is a fully integrated mining company that owns four advanced projects, including the fully permitted past-producing Beaufor Mine, which has produced more than 1 million ounces of gold over the last 30 years. Other advanced assets include the Croinor Gold, McKenzie Break and Swanson properties, all located near Monarch's wholly owned and fully permitted Beacon 750 tpd mill. Monarch owns 28,725 hectares (287 km 2 ) 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

Table 2: Beaufor Mine significant assay results

Hole From (m) To (m) Width* (m) Au (g/t) 20-125-69 102.7 105 2.30 8.05 Incl. 103.7 104.35 0.65 24.60 20-133-72 33.9 34.4 0.50 22.30 BEU-20-15-007 53.75 54.5 0.75 23.80 BEU-20-30-002 60.6 61.1 0.50 19.70 BEU-20-30-003 53.55 55.2 1.65 27.60 Incl. 54.45 55.2 0.75 45.60 BEU-21-10-005 100.95 103.8 2.85 5.57 BEU-21-10-011 82.0 83.78 1.78 29.53 Incl. 82.0 82.8 0.80 56.10 BEU-21-10-012 108.6 109.1 0.50 15.10 BEU-21-10-014 17.7 19.2 1.50 29.70 BEU-21-10-014 36.7 37.2 0.50 55.80 BEU-21-10-015 26.1 26.6 0.50 38.20 BEU-21-10-015 36.05 36.55 0.50 25.00 BEU-21-12-001 25.8 26.3 0.50 17.90 BEU-21-12-003 147.5 150.65 3.15 5.52 Incl. 147.5 148.7 1.20 12.00 BEU-21-12-004 132.0 133.0 1.00 8.75 Incl. 132.0 132.5 0.50 13.60 BEU-21-12-004 142.0 145.5 3.50 18.93 Incl. 144.0 144.5 0.50 119.00 BEU-21-15-014 3.4 4.8 1.40 18.70 BEU-21-15-014 12.0 12.5 0.50 14.70 BEU-21-15-014 20.4 20.9 0.50 18.20 BEU-21-15-014 27.3 28.8 1.50 8.27 Incl. 28.3 28.8 0.50 15.80 BEU-21-15-014 38.8 39.4 0.60 31.80 BEU-21-20-011 6.85 7.35 0.50 13.10 BEU-21-30-005 54.6 56.4 1.80 24.15 BEU-21-30-006 65.35 65.85 0.50 13.60 BEU-21-30-013 83.6 84.6 1.00 9.46 BEU-21-30-029 91.75 92.75 1.00 11.40 *The width shown is the core length. True width is unknown at this time. *The width shown is the core length. True width is unknown at this time.

Table 3: Beaufor Mine drill hole location

Hole Easting

(Mine Grid) Northing

(Mine Grid) Elevation

(m) Az

(deg.) Dip

(deg.) Length

(m) 20-116-125A 2048.279 3253.518 2256.27 29 -18 82.4 20-125-69 2117.114 3202.596 2739.927 220 -3 174.9 20-133-72 2184.8 3166.768 2739.214 72 -60 131.5 BEU-20-15-007 2362.249 3051.656 2596.228 211 -76 214.3 BEU-20-17-009 1811.965 3474.44 2519.488 261 8 210.2 BEU-20-17-010 1811.339 3474.667 2519.882 258 4 205 BEU-20-17-011 1921.716 3318.44 2517.905 74 -57 102.1 BEU-20-30-002 2032.256 3229.841 2251.44 325 -61 88.2 BEU-20-30-003 2036.404 3228.737 2251.055 50 -59 91 BEU-21-08-002 2049 3648 2798 128 15 100.7 BEU-21-10-005 2116.982 3202.788 2739.538 223 -17 144.6 BEU-21-10-009 2209.071 3474.529 2740.371 22 40 215 BEU-21-10-010 2209.062 3474.585 2740.249 20 38 202.5 BEU-21-10-011 2149 3504 2740 213 22 156.1 BEU-21-10-012 2149 3504 2740 219 37 151.5 BEU-21-10-013 2110.05 3618.359 2737.238 333 -36 54 BEU-21-10-014 2124.144 3654.079 2736.531 333 -46 55.5 BEU-21-10-015 2123.955 3654.503 2737.377 333 -17 57.7 BEU-21-12-001 2237 3194 2673 142 50 212.5 BEU-21-12-003 2025.347 3327.479 2672.85 182 31 183 BEU-21-12-004 2025.329 3327.774 2673.084 181 41 181.8 BEU-21-15-009 2362.013 3052.04 2596.274 268 -79 161 BEU-21-15-011 2028.128 3255.221 2595.719 13 -10 82.1 BEU-21-15-012 2028.247 3255.047 2595.004 19 -40 128.3 BEU-21-15-013 2028.653 3255.093 2595.763 19 -40 94.8 BEU-21-15-014 2104.718 3293.553 2594.458 13 -57 46.6 BEU-21-15-015 2128.971 3347.104 2593.948 325 -40 35.5 BEU-21-15-016 2129.951 3346.995 2593.891 20 62 31 BEU-21-15-017 2199.086 3598.054 2592.662 61 -8 66.3 BEU-21-15-019 2176.669 3635.192 2592.529 335 -11 61.1 BEU-21-15-020 2177.6 3635.182 2592.559 6 -10 43.2 BEU-21-15-021 2177.753 3635.086 2592.118 12 -28 159 BEU-21-20-011 1991.852 3323.38 2444.051 196 22 31.8 BEU-21-30-005 2050.383 3223.386 2248.147 8 -34 80.2 BEU-21-30-006 2050.561 3222.519 2248.241 26 -53 69.6 BEU-21-30-010 2159.058 3381.587 2223.175 237 31 46.5 BEU-21-30-012 2156.736 3382.424 2220.618 228 0 59 BEU-21-30-013 2106.127 3382.927 2200.114 296 -36 109.2 BEU-21-30-028 2315.912 3255.547 2200.884 210 -11 147.9 BEU-21-30-029 2315.988 3255.565 2201.201 208 -1 117.4 BEU-21-30-030 2316.278 3255.275 2200.736 197 -14 165.5 BEU-21-30-031 2316.722 3255.158 2200.98 184 -7 177.4

Table 4: Monarch combined gold resources

Tonnes

(metric) Grade

(g/t Au) Ounces Croinor Gold 1 Measured Resources 80,100 8.44 21,700 Indicated Resources 724,500 9.20 214,300 Total Measured and Indicated 804,600 9.12 236,000 Total Inferred 160,800 7.42 38,400 Beaufor Mine 2 Measured Resources 121,000 5.62 21,900 Indicated Resources 310,100 7.10 70,800 Total Measured and Indicated 431,100 6.68 92,700 Total Inferred 134,600 6.96 30,100 McKenzie Break 3 In-pit Total Indicated 1,441,377 1.80 83,305 Total Inferred 2,243,562 1.44 104,038 Underground Total Indicated 387,720 5.03 62,677 Total Inferred 1,083,503 4.21 146,555 Swanson 4 In-pit Total Indicated 1,864,000 1.76 105,400 Total Inferred 29,000 2.46 2,300 Underground Total Indicated 91,000 2.86 8,400 Total Inferred 87,000 2.87 8,000 TOTAL COMBINED 5 Measured and Indicated Resources Inferred Resources 588,482 329,393 1 Source: Monarch Gold prefeasibility study (January 19, 2018) and resource estimate (January 8, 2016). This resource estimate was prepared for Monarch Gold and has not been reviewed by a qualified person for Monarch Mining as required under National Instrument 43-101 and is thus considered as an historical estimate. 2 Source: NI 43-101 Technical Report and Mineral Resource Estimate for the Beaufor Mine, December 18, 2020, Val-d'Or, Quebec, Canada, Carl Pelletier, P. Geo., InnovExplo Inc. and John Langton, P. Geo., JPL GeoServices Inc. 3 Source: NI 43-101 Technical Evaluation Report on the McKenzie Break Property, February 1, 2021, Val-d'Or, Quebec, Canada, Alain-Jean Beauregard, P.Geo., Daniel Gaudreault, P.Eng., Geologica Groupe-Conseil Inc., and Merouane Rachidi, P.Geo., Claude Duplessis, P.Eng., GoldMinds GeoServices Inc. 4 Source: NI 43-101 Technical Report and Mineral Resource Estimate for the Swanson Project, January 22, 2021, Val-d'Or, Quebec, Canada, Christine Beausoleil, P. Geo. and Alain Carrier, P. Geo., InnovExplo Inc. 5 Numbers may not add up due to rounding.

SOURCE: Monarch Gold Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654427/Monarch-Intersects-High-Grade-Gold-on-Its-Beaufor-Property-Including-119-GT-AU-over-05-M-164-Feet-561-GT-AU-over-08-M-262-Feet-and-456-GT-AU-over-075-M-246-Feet
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 7, 2021) - ScreenPro Security Inc. (CSE: SCRN) ("ScreenPro" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has expanded its operations to Montreal on demand. The facility is an approved Level II laboratory facility certified by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

The laboratory will work with ScreenPro on scaling up services and providing access to its testing facility located in downtown Montreal, to provide support and services for COVID-19 testing for film and TV productions, the public travelling documents, social and cultural events, and businesses in Quebec.

The Company and its laboratory has fully integrated suite of testing systems for diagnostics of COVID-19 in clinical laboratories for the isolation and recovery of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from patient samples. ScreenPro coordinates on-site testing for large and small groups. The COVID-19 testing services are tailored to the needs of a specific group or workplace. A team of ScreenPro health professionals is always available to answer questions and assist with the follow-up of testing.

"Montreal is an important market and we believe that it's a long-term growth strategy for us and has a well trained medical workforce. Over the last few years, Montreal has been one of the top growth cities in North America. With new waves of COVID-19 circling the globe driven by the Delta variant, and with passengers arriving daily on full planes, businesses understand that to keep operating they will need to continue testing," said Andrew Ryu, CEO of the Company.

About ScreenPro

ScreenPro is a Screening and Medical Technology company. ScreenPro provides turnkey screening solutions with alerting software, GoStop. ScreenPro's unique access to multiple manufacturers of high quality test kits and its strategic partnership with Labs in Vancouver and Ontario allows ScreenPro to be a nationwide provider of a full-service testing solutions across Canada. In addition, ScreenPro has its own nursing professionals, and access to high quality PPEs to ensure that its clients are protected in all aspects of their testing needs. GoStop's passport was developed with a privacy preserving approach that will enable individuals to use the alerting software and downloadable app with authentication certificates. The alerts can be scheduled on an on-demand, daily, weekly, or monthly basis and can be used also for vaccine scheduling.

For additional information on ScreenPro and other corporate information, please visit the Company's website at www.screenprosecurity.com.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") nor it's Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information please contact:

Jamie Hyland, Director

Email: info@screenprosecurity.com

P. (604) 442-2425

Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information, including statements relating to expectations regarding the future development of ScreenPro's business. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "intend", "should", and similar expressions. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. The actual results of ScreenPro could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result of regulatory decisions, competitive factors in the industries in which ScreenPro operates, prevailing economic conditions, changes to ScreenPro's strategic growth plans, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of ScreenPro. Management of ScreenPro believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information herein are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. Any forward-looking information contained in this news release represents ScreenPro's expectations as of the date hereof and is subject to change after such date. ScreenPro disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities legislation.

###

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89546
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 7, 2021) - Psyched Wellness Ltd. (CSE: PSYC) (OTCQB: PSYCF) (FSE: 5U9) (the "Company" or "Psyched") a life sciences company focused on the production and distribution of artisanal functional and psychedelic mushrooms, is pleased to announce that Amanda Galbraith has been appointed to its Board of Directors to drive its communications strategy.

A trusted advisor to political leaders, CEOs, Board of Directors and executive teams, Amanda Galbraith is one of Canada's foremost crisis communications and public affairs experts. Ms. Galbraith is currently a Principal at Navigator, Canada's leading high stakes public affairs firm, where she provides strategic counsel to private, public, and not for profit organizations, including those in the health, pharmaceutical, retail, finance and technology sectors. Over the past twenty years, Ms. Galbraith has held senior communications roles with the Prime Minister of Canada and Mayor of Toronto and has also worked as a journalist. A regular media contributor, Ms. Galbraith is also the host of Free For All Friday, a weekly national radio show in the iHeartRadio talk network.

Ms. Galbraith said, "I have had the opportunity to be at the centre of major political and regulatory decisions that have brought tremendous economic change and opportunity to the public throughout my career. The potential for functional and psychedelic mushrooms to address real health and wellness challenges underserviced by conventional medicine is transformative and something I am thrilled to be a part of. The product Psyched Wellness has begun to develop with Amanita shows tremendous promise, and I look forward to working with Jeff Stevens, the executive team, and the Board of Directors to move this product forward," Ms. Galbraith stated.

Jeff Stevens, CEO of Psyched said, "I am thrilled to welcome Amanda to our team as a Director on the Board. Amanda's wealth of experience in all things communications, coupled with her strong network of political and corporate contacts, will prove to be a great benefit to Psyched as we continue to move closer to commercialization of AME-1 derived consumer products."

In connection with Ms. Galbraith joining the board, she will be issued 750,000 options, subject to board and exchange approvals. In addition to Ms. Galbraith's option issuance, 250,000 options will be allocated to a consultant for his efforts.

For further information, please contact:

Jeffrey Stevens

Chief Executive Officer

Psyched Wellness Ltd.

t: (647) 400-8494

e: jstevens@psyched-wellness.com

Investor Contacts:

Tim Regan / Sophia Bashford

KCSA Strategic Communications

t: (978) 505-2478

e: PsychedWellness@kcsa.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider have reviewed or accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

About Psyched Wellness Ltd.:

Psyched Wellness Ltd. is a Canadian-based health supplements company dedicated to the distribution of mushroom-derived products and associated consumer packaged goods. The Company's objective is to create premium mushroom-derived products that have the potential to become a leading North American brand in the emerging functional food category. The Company is in the process of developing a line of Amanita muscaria-derived water-based extracts, teas and capsules designed to help with three health objectives: promote stress relief, relaxation and assist with restful sleeping.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to Ms. Galbraith's comments with respect to the potential for functional and psychedelic mushrooms to address real health and wellness challenges underserviced by conventional medicine, the Company's expectations with respect to the commercialization of AME-1, and the Company's expectation to develop a line of Amanita muscaria-derived water-based extracts, teas and capsules designed to help with stress relief, relaxation, and restful sleeping. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the 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 state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, including the Company's ability to commercialize the products which depends on the Company receiving the necessary raw materials needed to complete the research and market the products, the Company having the resources to complete the research and prepare and file the necessary regulatory applications needed to commercialize the product, and the products having the expected impact on stress relief, relaxation, and sleeping.

There can be no assurance that such information 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 information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89600
TAIPEI (dpa-AFX) - Taiwan's exports rose less than expected in June, figures from the Ministry of Finance revealed on Wednesday. Exports increased 35.1 percent year-on-year in June, after a 38.6 percent rise in May. Economists had forecast shipment to grow 30.3 percent. Exports of parts of electronic product, information, communication and audio-video products, base metals and articles of base metal, plastics and rubber and articles thereof, and machinery increased in June. Imports advanced to 42.3 percent annually in June, following a 40.9 percent rise in the previous month, while the rate was expected to slow to 33.4 percent. The trade surplus totaled $5.145 billion in June, which was below the expected level of $5.68 billion. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 7, 2021 / Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd. ("Quartz Mountain" or the "Company") (TSXV:QZM)(OTC PINK:QZMRF) has completed the acquisition transaction announced on June 10, 2021. Under a mineral claims purchase agreement (the "Agreement") dated June 8, 2021 between the Company and Impala Capital Corp. (the "Vendor"), the Company will acquire a 100% interest in nine mineral claims located near Houston, British Columbia (the "Property"). Under the terms of the Agreement, the Company acquired a 100% interest in the Property by making $105,000 in cash payments and issuing 1,000,000 shares to the Vendor, which are subject to a 4 month resale restricted period. The Property is subject to a pre-existing 2.5% net smelter returns royalty held by an unrelated arm's length third party, of which 1.5% can be purchased for $1.5 million.

The claims have been the subject of about 4000 m of previous drilling which showed encouraging grades over significant intervals. The Company will review and compile the previous results in the course of planning a 2022 exploration program and preparing a technical report on the project.

For further details, contact Investor Services at (604) 684-6365 or within North America at 1-800-667-2114.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Leonie Tomlinson

Director

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking-statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking-statements. These statements include expectations about the likelihood of completing the private placement and share consolidation and the ability of the Company to secure regulatory acceptance for the private placement and share consolidation. Though the Company believes the expectations expressed in its forward-looking-statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are subject to future events and third party discretion such as regulatory personnel. For more information on the Company, and the risks and uncertainties connected with its business, investors should review the Company's home jurisdiction filings as www.sedar.com.

SOURCE: Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654509/Quartz-Mountain-Completes-Purchase-of-BC-Mineral-Project
Paris, France, July 7, 2021 - Pierre Fabre, a pharmaceutical and dermocosmetics group, has selected Atos to handle its secure, decarbonized digital transformation. As part of this jointly developed project, Pierre Fabre will initiate a multi-cloud strategy based on the one-stop shop offered by Atos OneCloud. The Pierre Fabre Group will gain access to an infrastructure and wide range of services which meet its strict requirements in terms of security and compliance, operational excellence, and decarbonization.

"Digital is at the heart of Pierre Fabre's global transformation strategy and it will be key to our future success. Atos has become our trusted partner in meeting these challenges, not only for its technological excellence, but also for its values of social and environmental responsibility, which are particularly important to our Group. At the same time, its European origins are a guarantee of security, allowing us to access cutting-edge digital technology without sacrificing our sovereignty," said Olivier Siegler, CIO Pierre Fabre.

The transformation plan developed by Atos for Pierre Fabre is based on three key areas:

Security and compliance: As the leading company in security services in Europe and second leading company in security services worldwide, Atos will provide its expertise and cybersecurity solutions to Pierre Fabre, ensuring that it has full control over all its data, even the most sensitive. Atos's pragmatic approach targets data flow according to the principle of "security by design," allowing operational teams to easily conduct projects in compliance with the company's security policy. At the same time, as a founding member of Gaia-X, Atos provides a guarantee of compliance with the upcoming Gaia-X framework and other European data protection regulations.

As the leading company in security services in Europe and second leading company in security services worldwide, Atos will provide its expertise and cybersecurity solutions to Pierre Fabre, ensuring that it has full control over all its data, even the most sensitive. Atos's pragmatic approach targets data flow according to the principle of "security by design," allowing operational teams to easily conduct projects in compliance with the company's security policy. At the same time, as a founding member of Gaia-X, Atos provides a guarantee of compliance with the upcoming Gaia-X framework and other European data protection regulations. Operational excellence: Through the transformation program implemented by Atos, Pierre Fabre's Digital Acceleration & Information System (DAIS) department will become a true partner to the business teams, focusing on their needs and productivity. In order to accomplish this, DAIS will implement automation and artificial intelligence solutions in order to accelerate incident resolution. Furthermore, Atos Technology Framework-a suite of standardized tooling-will contribute to infrastructure management and the running of applications. At the same time, Atos will provide Pierre Fabre with 24/7 support in France and internationally. What's more, through its cloud orchestration platform, Atos will give Pierre Fabre access to its private cloud as well as to a wide catalog of multi-cloud services (OVH.cloud and Microsoft Azure in particular), accessible through a unified portal.

Through the transformation program implemented by Atos, Pierre Fabre's Digital Acceleration & Information System (DAIS) department will become a true partner to the business teams, focusing on their needs and productivity. In order to accomplish this, DAIS will implement automation and artificial intelligence solutions in order to accelerate incident resolution. Furthermore, Atos Technology Framework-a suite of standardized tooling-will contribute to infrastructure management and the running of applications. At the same time, Atos will provide Pierre Fabre with 24/7 support in France and internationally. What's more, through its cloud orchestration platform, Atos will give Pierre Fabre access to its private cloud as well as to a wide catalog of multi-cloud services (OVH.cloud and Microsoft Azure in particular), accessible through a unified portal. Decarbonization: Atos has made a contractual commitment to reduce Pierre Fabre's carbon footprint using technology, through the implementation of a Decarbonization Level Agreement (DLA). To fulfill this commitment, Atos will use its decarbonized digital solutions and the the optimization of its network of energy-efficient data centers.

"We are delighted to continue our longstanding, trustful partnership with Pierre Fabre, on this key project. With our Atos OneCloud initiative, which involves all major Cloud providers, Pierre Fabre will be able to adopt a secure, neutral approach to the Cloud, which will support the company's changing needs. Capitalizing on our cooperation with leading international pharmaceutical groups, our in-depth knowledge of the healthcare sector is an asset that will enable us to anticipate our customer's current and future requirements," explains Yannick Tricaud, Head of Southern Europe, Atos.

****

About Atos

Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with 105,000 employees and annual revenue of over  11 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 71 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos operates under the brands Atos and Atos|Syntel. Atos is a SEis to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space. www.atos.net



Atos press contact: Marion Delmas | marion.delmas@atos.net | +33 6 37 63 91 99

About Pierre Fabre

Pierre Fabre is the world's 2nd largest dermo-cosmetic laboratory, the 2nd largest privately-owned pharmaceutical group in France and the leader in non-prescription products sold in pharmacies in France. Its portfolio includes several medical franchises and international brands such as Pierre Fabre Oncology, Pierre Fabre Dermatology, Eau Thermale Avene, Klorane, Ducray, Rene Furterer, A-Derma, Naturactive and Pierre Fabre Oral Care.

In 2020, Pierre Fabre achieved 2.3 billion in revenues, 65% of which was generated internationally. The group has always been based in the Occitanie region of France and manufactures more than 95% of its products in France. It employs nearly 10,000 people worldwide and distributes its products in some 130 countries.

Pierre Fabre is 86% owned by the Pierre Fabre Foundation, a foundation recognized as being of public interest, and secondarily by its employees through an employee shareholding plan.

In 2020, Ecocert Environment assessed for the second consecutive year the Group's social and environmental responsibility approach according to the ISO 26000 standard for sustainable development and confirmed the award of the "Excellence" level.

For more information, visit www.pierre-fabre.com, @PierreFabre

Laboratoires Pierre Fabre: our purpose

Every time we innovate to help each person live better

Every time we repay nature for her treasures...

Every time we share the fruit of our efforts with those working and living beside us...

Every time the Pierre Fabre Foundation improves access to health care for those most in need

Every time we care for a single person, we make the whole world better.

Laboratoires Pierre Fabre press contact: Dorothee Kohler | dorothee.kohler@pierre-fabre.com

Attachment
LAS VEGAS, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via InvestorWire -- ISW Holdings, Inc. (OTC: ISWH) ("ISW Holdings" or the "Company"), a global brand management holdings company, is excited to announce that it has finalized its land lease development agreement, which grants the Company full use of a 1st phase 7-acre parcel of property in Georgia tailored for cryptocurrency mining operations, complete with access to energy resources capable of powering over 100 MW of cryptocurrency mining capacity.



"This agreement puts us in position to scale up into a top-five global cryptocurrency mining position by volume," remarked ISW Holdings President and Chairman, Alonzo Pierce. "We control an ideal plot of land, to initiate the 1st phase with additional access to over 100 megawatts of power for use in crypto mining. We also have our close partner Bit5ive, LLC - North America's largest provider of collective management of renewable, clean energy services and mining equipment - right on premises to manage and develop the mining operations at the site. China is cracking down hard and shutting down its domestic crypto mining industry. This has enormous consequences because more than half of the world's cryptocurrency mining has been taking place in China. As a result, we are already fielding calls from mining firms seeking a new home. We are now equipped to handle this at scale. We have the power!"

For more details and forward-looking statements, view the entire announcement: https://ibn.fm/ISW100MWAnnouncement

Pierce added, "Our plan is to execute an additional agreement with some of the world's largest and best-known mining companies seeking additional accommodation for expanded mining operations. We are already beginning to design and plan for this added scalability. Once we deploy the full 100 MW, we see total gross revenue run rate exceeding $100 million on an annualized basis."

About ISW Holdings

ISW Holdings, Inc. (ISWH), based in Nevada, is a diversified portfolio company comprised of essential business lines that serve consumer product demands. Our expertise lies in strategic brand development, early growth facilitation, as well as brand identity through our proprietary procurement process. Together, with our partners, we seek to provide a structure that meets large scalability demands, as well as anticipated marketplace needs. We are able to meet these needs through a variety of strategic innovative processes. ISWH is creating and managing brands across a spectrum of disruptive industries. It maneuvers its proprietary companies through critical stages of market development, which includes conceptualization, go-to-market strategies, engineering, product integration, and distribution efficiency. The company has also partnered with a well-known software development and consulting company, Bengala Technologies LLC, which is developing significant enhancements in the supply chain management space; and the partnership has a vitally needed patent now pending.

The Company's cryptocurrency mining segment, established in partnership with industry leader, Bit5ive LLC, is driven by a mission to mine cryptocurrency with a zero carbon footprint. Learn more at www.iswholdings.com.

About Bit5ive

Bit5ive is a leader in crypto currency mining data centers with several projects currently in development in the United States. Bit5ive's success lies in its commitment to its clients, hailing from a variety of industries and professions. Bit5ive's corporate headquarters is based in Miami, Florida, from which it operates as a management hub for its data centers, sales and customer service. Learn more at www.Bit5ive.com.

Company Contact:

info@ISWHoldings.com

Public Relations

EDM Media, LLC

https://edm.media

Corporate Communications:

InvestorBrandNetwork

310.299.1717 Office

Editor@InvestorBrandNetwork.com
Optics icon joins with digital astronomy disruptor to unlock the future of consumer telescope technology and accelerate New Astronomy.

Since the beginning of time, humans have observed the night sky with awe and wonder and sought to connect our lives to the events we see happening far above us. And for generations, people everywhere have been captivated by space exploration. But while industrial and professional space technologies race ahead at lightspeed, consumers have been left far behind in the race to explore, observe, and understand outer space.

Today, thanks to a collaboration between astronomy disruptor Unistellar and optics icon Nikon, a wide public of consumers is about to catch up to their professional and scientific counterparts. People everywhere will soon be able to see the hidden beauties of the night sky and connect to the universe like never before. Not only will they enjoy and learn about the universe on an emotional level, but they will also have a decisive impact on astronomical research: Fostered by Unistellar, this change is so complete and dramatic it was called "New Astronomy."

A Global Revolution in Popular Astronomy

Thanks to its groundbreaking patented technologies, Unistellar's eVscope has ignited a global revolution in popular astronomy. This unique, easy-to-use, smart telescope allows everyone to enjoy astronomy, combining high visual power and unparalleled convenience with the ability to make serious scientific discoveries.

Today, five thousand eVscope users worldwide have already created a new phenomenon, experiencing the thrill and beauty of outer space while learning about the cosmos. This community also works as a network of citizen astronomers which already started to make important contributions to science, thanks to collaborations with renowned institutes like the SETI Institute, helping professional astronomers observe and understand what is happening in the night sky. An experience which can be achieved from anywhere, even in light-polluted urban cores, thanks to Unistellar's unique light-pollution reduction technology. This was recently illustrated when users from seven different countries successfully detected the poorly known Near-Earth Asteroid 1999 AP10, in the world's largest-ever citizen astronomy planetary defense research campaign.

Meanwhile, Nikon has an incredible legacy of democratizing complex and expensive human endeavors with highest quality optics and industrial expertise, empowering everyone to see and capture the world around us in an entirely new light. Nikon products have also provided key contributions to space exploration: Most cameras used by astronauts to show the beauty of Earth from above, for example, are Nikon cameras.

Democratizing High-End Technologies

Through this new partnership, Nikon will help Unistellar expand its success by sharing its cutting-edge optical technologies and industrial know-how. Nikon's skill at embedding high-end technologies into popular hobbies such as photography is a natural fit with Unistellar's vision of making space exploration an adventure everyone can experience.

"Like Nikon has done and continues to do in many fields related with optics and imaging, we see Unistellar's products spark joy and excitement on an important and meaningful topic that was previously difficult to grasp for consumers." said Yasuhiro Ohmura, Senior Vice President of Nikon. "We are also especially sensitive to the unique way Unistellar promotes science and enlightenment at a popular level and are happy to collaborate in widening and furthering this mission."

Sharing Their Passion for Science

Unistellar and Nikon also share a commitment to enhancing the human experience. Both are eager to join forces to promote knowledge, education, and advancements in science in general and astronomy in particular.

The Unistellar community has already achieved groundbreaking citizen science successes in many places around the world, including Japan, detecting asteroids and exoplanets while cooperating with outreach institutions.

"The Unistellar and Nikon brands share remarkably similar values at heart. Not only this partnership represents a great business opportunity for Unistellar, as we are looking to benefit from Nikon's incredible know-how in democratizing technology," said Laurent Marfisi, CEO of Unistellar. "But the passion and drive of Nikon's teams for our common projects has been incredible. We can't wait to reveal our future products to the public and how they will accelerate the New Astronomy revolution."

About Unistellar

Unistellar is the start-up behind the eVscope and the eVscope eQuinox, the world's most powerful and simple-to-operate digital telescopes that bring the wonders of the universe to life in seconds-even in light-polluted urban settings. Thanks to a partnership with the SETI Institute, these game-changing consumer telescopes allow users to become citizen scientists and contribute to cutting-edge research on exoplanet transits, asteroid occultations, comets, and much more.

The Unistellar eVscope received a CES Innovation Award in 2018 in the Tech for a Better World category and was nominated for a SXSW 2019 Innovation Award. Nearly 5,000 Unistellar digital telescopes are now operating in Europe, Japan, and North America, and their users are participating in an unprecedented observing experience.

About Nikon

Nikon has been a pioneer in optical technology markets worldwide since its inception in 1917. Today, utilizing advanced technologies, Nikon offers a wide range of products and solutions from digital cameras and binoculars to industrial precision equipment such as FPD and semiconductor lithography systems, microscopes, and measuring instruments, as well as for the healthcare field. In the future, Nikon will take advantage of Nikon's core technologies to generate new core pillars of profit including the material processing business. Nikon strives to be a leading company in precision and optics fields that realizes sustainable growth of enterprise value in the medium to long term.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005315/en/

Contacts:

For distribution or business inquiries, please contact sales@unistellaroptics.com

For North America: Bospar PR

Marissa Goldman

marissa@bospar.com

+1 847.951.5715

For Europe: Liberty Communications PR

unistellareurope@libertycomms.com

+ 44 207.751.4444
ANYLINE RAISES $20 MILLION IN GROWTH FUNDING ROUND TO ANSWER EXPONENTIAL DEMAND FOR MOBILE DATA CAPTURE TECHNOLOGY

Latest round of funding for mobile AI vision technology company brings total venture capital investment to $37 million

Anyline, a market leader in mobile data capture, today announced that it has raised $20 million in a growth funding round to meet the rapidly growing global demand for mobile scanning technology. This round of funding is led by the European growth equity fund Digital+ Partners and supported by Anyline's existing investors, which include Project A, Senovo, Johann 'Hansi' Hansmann and PUSH Ventures.

Anyline's AI-enabled mobile scanning technology is leveraged across a variety of industries around the world, including retail, logistics, manufacturing, law enforcement and automotive. Anyline solutions have also played a key supporting role throughout the pandemic by processing more than 3.4 million lab-certified PCR tests for at-home COVID-19 testing in its headquarter city of Vienna.

"We celebrated our Series A round in January 2020 with enthusiasm for the potential of our data-capture technology and how it would be embraced by the market," said Lukas Kinigadner, CEO and co-founder, Anyline. "We never could have anticipated how 2020 would accelerate our growth, as we fulfilled the critical need that businesses had to deliver safe, contactless digital experiences. Companies have been challenged to do more, at a faster rate, often with far fewer resources. Anyline's technology has helped them to gain efficiencies and reduce the errors that can occur with manual data entry. Energized by our increased momentum over the past year, this latest round of investment will enable us to substantially grow our team as we strive to make mobile data capture even more intuitive and attainable for businesses today."

Founded in 2013, Anyline now supports more than 250 companies and governmental organizations using its scanning solutions to digitize their data and improve operational efficiency. The company has strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Zebra Technologies, and key customers include Discount Tire, PepsiCo, E.ON, Tata, Comerso, Canon, and the World Food Programme.

Since Anyline's Series A funding round last year, the company has released its proprietary AI platform, Anyline Trainer, a web-based, end-to-end computer vision and machine learning suite that can train a custom Optical Character Recognition (OCR) scanner in hours. The solution automates the process of developing a tailor-made mobile data capture solution, reducing a process that normally takes weeks to only a few hours for a working prototype. Using this technology, Anyline has created new solutions for the likes of Discount Tire and Tata. The company has also recently developed ID scanners for Arabic text and will soon launch Cyrillic text recognition.

The company has also expanded outside of Austria with the opening of its U.S. headquarters in Boston. With a current staff of 100 between the company's Vienna and Boston offices, Anyline plans to expand the team further in the next 12 months. The company also announced two new appointments to its executive team, with Christian Stadlmann, former SVP Global Sales of Aurea Software, starting as the company's new chief revenue officer alongside Dan Sirk, former CMO and managing director of employer-rating platform kununu, who joined Anyline as chief marketing officer in November 2020.

"Investing in companies building best-in-class technology is our strategic focus, and we felt that the opportunity to financially support Anyline was a natural fit for our portfolio," said Tim Kindt, partner, Digital+ Partners. "Anyline understands the complexities of doing business today, made even more challenging by the new digital imperatives introduced by the pandemic. The mobile scanning capabilities that companies obtain by working with Anyline is second to none, and the team supporting the technology behind the scenes is one of a kind. We look forward to great things from the Anyline team and are proud to be involved in their future success."

"At Anyline, we're truly defining the future of mobile data capture, and it has been a thrill to have jumped in at such an exciting time," said Christian Stadlmann, CRO, Anyline. "The past year has proven the need for companies to not only employ contactless and easy-to-use technology, but also to keep a pulse on consumer demand to provide an ideal user experience. For example, research that we conducted in May 2021 found that 70% of U.S. consumers would be happy to use biometric identification like face scanning or liveness detection to register or instantly complete transactions on a mobile banking app. Reinforced by our latest funding, we look forward to driving even more innovation around optical character recognition and data capture, watching consumer trends closely to inform our roadmap as we go."

About Anyline

Founded in Vienna in 2013, Anyline has established itself as a market leader in mobile data capture. Using the newest and most innovative artificial intelligence approaches, Anyline enables any mobile device to process written characters and barcodes in real time, even when offline.

Anyline mobile data capture technology is CCPA/GDPR compliant, processing all data collected securely on the users' device, and removing any chance of data interference. It's not only more accurate than manual data entry, but also works 20 times faster. These scanning solutions are trusted by household brands such as PepsiCo, Discount Tire and IBM, as well as national governments and the United Nations. For more information, visit www.anyline.com.

About Digital Partners

Based in Munich and Frankfurt, Germany, Digital Partners is a leading technology growth equity investor focused on European and US technology companies with over 500 million assets under management. Digital Partners aims to support ambitious entrepreneurs build global technology leaders, providing them with strategic advice and long-term financial support to help them define and execute their growth plans. Digital Partners focuses exclusively on B2B technology companies and leverages a deep corporate network to help portfolio companies access new markets and build new partnerships. For more information please visit: www.dplus.partners

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005337/en/

Contacts:

Stacy Lan

Ketner Group Communications (for Anyline)

stacy@ketnergroup.com
Transaction enhances McKesson's focus and commitment to future investments in strategic growth, including oncology and biopharma services, and core pharmaceutical and medical distribution

Agreement includes the sale of McKesson Europe businesses in France, Italy, Ireland, Portugal, Belgium, and Slovenia

McKesson committed to explore strategic alternatives for all remaining businesses in the UK, Norway, Austria, and Denmark

McKesson Corporation (NYSE: MCK) today announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell its European businesses in France, Italy, Ireland, Portugal, Belgium, and Slovenia to the PHOENIX group. This transaction also includes McKesson's German-based AG headquarters in Stuttgart, Recucare GmbH, its German wound-care business, its shared services center in Lithuania, and its 45% ownership stake in Brocacef, the company's joint venture in the Netherlands. The transaction is expected to close in 2022, subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals.

The remaining European businesses in the UK, Norway, Austria, and Denmark are not included in this transaction and will continue to be operated by McKesson. However, McKesson is committed to exploring strategic alternatives for all remaining European businesses and focusing future investments on growth strategies outside of Europe. McKesson will also retain its minority equity stake in the company's Germany joint venture with Walgreens Boots Alliance.

"Today's transaction marks an important step in advancing McKesson's commitment to streamline the business and prioritize investments in the areas where we have deep expertise and are central to our long-term growth strategy," said Brian Tyler, chief executive officer, McKesson. "We are confident that under the PHOENIX group's strong leadership, the businesses included in this agreement will be well-positioned for the future to compete more effectively and better serve customers. We will continue to operate our remaining businesses in the UK, Norway, Austria, and Denmark while also exploring a strategic path forward to fully exit the European region. Our goal is to accelerate our growth strategies, becoming a more focused organization and enabling our mission to improve care in every setting."

The PHOENIX group is a leading integrated healthcare provider and a leader in the European healthcare sector, with over 25 years' experience serving customers, patients, and partners across Europe. The PHOENIX group shares McKesson's deep commitment to these groups, which is one of the many reasons that the PHOENIX group is the ideal leader to take these European businesses into the future.

As previously announced, McKesson will release its first quarter fiscal 2022 financial results after market close on Wednesday, August 4, 2021. The Company will host a live webcast of the earnings conference call for investors at 4:30 PM Eastern Time to review its financial results. The Company will not provide further comments regarding the sale of the European businesses until its earnings call on August 4, 2021.

Cautionary Statements

Except for historical information, statements in this press release elated to McKesson's proposed disposition of certain operations and assets in Europe constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in those statements. It is not possible to identify all such risks and uncertainties. The reader should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are first made. Except to the extent required by law, the company undertakes no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements. We encourage investors to read the important risk factors described in the company's most recent Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risk factors include, but are not limited to: we might be adversely impacted by delays or other difficulties with divestitures such as the transactions described in this press release; we from time to time record significant charges from impairment to goodwill, intangibles and other assets or investments; we might be adversely impacted by events outside of our control, such as widespread public health issues, natural disasters, political events and other catastrophic events.

About McKesson Corporation

McKesson Corporation is a global leader in healthcare supply chain management solutions, retail pharmacy, community oncology and specialty care, and healthcare information solutions. McKesson partners with pharmaceutical manufacturers, providers, pharmacies, governments and other organizations in healthcare to help provide the right medicines, medical products and healthcare services to the right patients at the right time, safely and cost-effectively. United by our ICARE shared principles, our employees work every day to innovate and deliver opportunities that make our customers and partners more successful all for the better health of patients. McKesson has been named a "Most Admired Company" in the healthcare wholesaler category by FORTUNE, a "Best Place to Work" by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, and a top military-friendly company by Military Friendly. For more information, visit www.mckesson.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005500/en/

Contacts:

Holly Weiss, 972-969-9174 (Investors)

Holly.Weiss@McKesson.com

David Matthews, 214-952-0833 (Media)

David.Matthews@McKesson.com
Awakn's Chief Research Officer Prof. David Nutt Will Chair Both Advisory Boards with Prof. Stephen Husbands, Prof. Harriet De Wit, and Prof. Kevin Fone Joining the Preclinical Advisory Board

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 7, 2021) - Awakn Life Sciences Corp. (NEO: AWKN) (Awakn), a biotechnology company with clinical operations developing and delivering psychedelic medicines to better treat Addiction, announced today that it will establish separate preclinical and clinical expert advisory boards to add to its existing Scientific Advisory Board's capabilities, to optimize delivery of its expanding development pipeline.

Both advisory boards will be led by Prof. David Nutt, Awakn's Chief Research Officer and globally renowned neuroscientist and addiction researcher. Awakn's new clinical and preclinical boards will ensure that Awakn adopts and delivers optimum strategies to bring new therapeutic paradigms to market rapidly. These pioneering boards consist of leading preclinical and clinical experts in the fields of drug discovery, psychedelic drug development and clinical trials. Awakn has recently expanded its pipeline significantly, moving to initiate Ketamine and MDMA clinical trials alongside its discovery and development of novel drug candidates for drug-assisted psychotherapy. Separation of the existing Board into preclinical and clinical Boards will facilitate focus to drive rapid progression of these activities in parallel. This will allow Awakn to build on its position and experience as a clinical phase biotechnology company to bring a range of novel innovative and targeted treatments against addictions to market.

Awakn is delighted to announce the addition of Prof. Stephen Husbands, Prof. Harriet de Wit, and Prof. Kevin Fone to the Preclinical Advisory board. Stephen, Harriet, and Kevin are leading experts in their disciplines, and bring outstanding medicinal chemistry, pharmacology and human experimental study expertise to Awakn's research. They will be joined on this board by Shaun McNulty, Awakn's Chief Scientific Officer and its chair Prof. David Nutt.

The Clinical Advisory Board will consist of Dr. Ben Sessa, Prof. Celia Morgan, Ann Mithoefer, Dr. Michael Mithoefer and Prof. Matt Johnson, all of which were already existing members of Awakn's previously named "Scientific Advisory Board'. It will also be chaired by Prof. Nutt.

Professor Nutt commented; "Drug-assisted psychotherapy offers a new paradigm to treat patients with severe drug, alcohol, and behavioral addictions who are presently poorly served by inadequate treatments. Awakn has established two world leading teams each possessing proven deep expertise to drive both preclinical and clinical drug discovery activities. These teams will oversee Awakn's strategy and data to ensure we deliver appropriately across our pipeline. It is my privilege to lead these teams to ensure that Awakn establishes and delivers our new therapies for the benefit of patients their families and the wider community."

Prof. Stephen Husbands

Professor Husbands is professor of medicinal chemistry in Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology at the University of Bath. His research has focused on the development and therapeutic potential of central nervous system targeted ligands, particularly those interacting with multiple receptors. His interests relate to neuropsychological diseases, in particular the development of low abuse liability analgesics and new treatment agents for drug abuse, depression and anxiety. He has more than 120 publications (including book chapters) and his work has been supported by national and international (NIH) funding agencies as well as industry. Prof Husbands' work is highly interdisciplinary, and he collaborates and publishes with researchers around the world.

Prof. Harriet De Wit

Professor de Wit obtained her PhD in Experimental Psychology from Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, in 1981. Since then, she has been associated with the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Chicago, where she is currently Professor and Director of the Human Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory. In addition to her role as Principal Investigator for several NIH-funded research projects, Prof. de Wit serves as Field Editor for the journal Psychopharmacology. She is a consultant to the Food and Drug Administration and serves on scientific advisory boards at other institutions. She has received awards for her research, including the Marian W. Fischman Memorial Lectureship Award in 2009, the European Behavioral Pharmacology Society Distinguished Investigator Award in 2019 and the Research Society on Alcoholism Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.

Prof. Kevin Fone

Prof. Kevin Fone is the Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Nottingham. His research interests include improving our understanding of the neurobiological aetiology of common CNS disorders, such as schizophrenia, depression, PTSD and ADHD, and to help develop novel therapeutic treatment strategies for these. His research uses integrated physiology to investigate the functional role of 5-HT and dopamine in the CNS and to evaluate the impact of early-life interventions on brain development and behaviour. The fundamental approach is to concomitantly measure neurotransmitter function, neurochemistry and behaviour in paradigms designed to model CNS disorders. Kevin has benefited from extensive funding from Research Councils, EU consortiums, and many pharmaceutical companies from all over the world. He is a Fellow of the British Pharmacological Society, member of the scientific advisory board for the ECNP and has been President for both the International Society for Serotonin Research and the British Association for Psychopharmacology.

About Awakn Life Sciences Corp.

Awakn Life Sciences is a biotechnology company with clinical operations, researching, developing, and delivering psychedelic medicine to better treat Addiction. Awakn's team consists of world leading chemists, scientists, psychiatrists, and psychologists who are developing and advancing the next generation of psychedelic drugs, therapies, and enabling technologies to treat Addiction. Awakn will also deliver evidence backed psychedelic therapies for Addiction in clinics in the UK and Europe and through licencing partnerships globally.

www.awaknlifesciences.com | Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements reflect current expectations or beliefs regarding future events or the Company's future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "continues", "forecasts", "projects", "predicts", "intends", "anticipates", "targets" or "believes", or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, including statements relating to the proposed NEO listing, and the business of the Company. All forward-looking statements, including those herein are qualified by this cautionary statement.

Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in such 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 statements. There are certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking information. These include: whether conditions to the listing on NEO will be satisfied; the business plans and strategies of the Company, the ability of the Company to comply with all applicable governmental regulations in a highly regulated business; the inherent risks in investing in target companies or projects which have limited or no operating history and are engaged in activities currently considered illegal in some jurisdictions; changes in laws; limited operating history; reliance on management; requirements for additional financing; competition; inconsistent public opinion and perception regarding the medical-use of psychedelic drugs; and regulatory or political change. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date or dates specified in such statements.

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 information. For more information on the Company, investors are encouraged to review the Company's public filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities in the United States. The Company's and Awakn's securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

Investor Enquiries:

KCSA Strategic Communications

Valter Pinto / Tim Regan

Phone: +1 (212) 896-1254

Awakn@KCSA.com

Media Enquiries:

America and Canada: KCSA Strategic Communications

Anne Donohoe

Adonohoe@KCSA.com

Rest of World: ROAD Communications

Paul Jarman / Anna Ramsey

Awakn@roadcommunications.co.uk

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89561
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 7, 2021) - US Copper Corp (TSXV: USCU) (OTCQB: USCUF) (FSE: C730) ("US Copper" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it is expanding the previously announced diamond drilling program at its 100% owned Moonlight-Superior Copper Project in north-east California. The revised plan is to drill 12-15 holes instead of the initially planned seven holes.

The current drill program has been progressing well, with six holes totaling 5,000 feet completed to date at the Superior deposit, one of three deposits at the Moonlight-Superior Copper Project. With the closing of the Company's $2 million financing in May, the Company has determined that it can advance its plans to upgrade the Superior deposit to the indicated category with the upsized drill program.

Stephen Dunn, President and CEO, commented: "We will take advantage of the progress of the drilling unit on site and the availability of funds to expand our 2021 in-fill drilling program at the Superior deposit. This fully-funded program will have the dual objectives of converting existing resources to higher confidence categories as well as quantifying silver and gold credits in the deposit. Silver and gold assays were incompletely assayed by the previous operator because of substantially lower prices for precious metals at that time. At today's prices, precious metal credits could be much more material to our economics than they were to previous generations."

About US Copper Corp

US Copper controls approximately 13 square miles of patented and unpatented federal mining claims in the Light's Creek Copper District in Plumas County, NE California; essentially, the entire District. The District contains substantial copper (silver) sulfide and copper oxide resources in three deposits - Moonlight, Superior and Engels, as well as several partially tested and untested exploration targets.

The Superior and Engels Mines operated from about 1915-1930 producing over 161 million pounds of copper from over 4 million tons of rock containing 2.2% copper with silver and gold credits.

The Moonlight Deposit was discovered and drilled by Placer Amex during the 1960's. Details of the resources on US Copper's property and the parameters used to calculate them can be found in the "Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Moonlight Deposit, Moonlight-Superior Copper Project, California, USA" dated April 12, 2018, on both the company's website at www.uscoppercorp.com or on www.sedar.com under the US Copper Corp profile.

Mr. George Cole is the Qualified Person pursuant to NI 43-101 responsible for the technical information contained in this news release, and he has reviewed and approved this news release.

For Further Information Contact:

Mr. Stephen Dunn, President, CEO and Director, US Copper Corp (416) 361-2827 or email info@uscoppercorp.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 press release.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws and regulations, including statements regarding the future activities of the Company. Forward-looking statements reflect the current beliefs and expectations of management and are identified by the use of words including "will", "hopes", "anticipates", "expected to", "plans", "planned", "intends" and other similar words. Actual results may differ significantly. The achievement of the results expressed in forward-looking statements is subject to a number of risks, including those described in the Company's management discussion and analysis as filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities which are available at www.sedar.com. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89636
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 7, 2021) - VOLATUS CAPITAL CORP. (TSXV: VC) ("Volatus" or the "Company"), announces that Mr. Michael Collins has resigned from his position as chief executive officer ("CEO") of the Company and has appointed Fred Tejada to take his place. Mr. Collins will focus on running Crest Resources Inc., where is he is the CEO, and its subsidiaries. Mr. Collins will remain as a director of the Company.

Mr. Tejada is a professional geologist, registered in British Columbia. He has over 35 years of international mineral industry experience and has a proven track record, working with both major and junior mining and exploration focused organizations. He is currently CEO and a director of Kalo Gold Holdings Corp. Mr. Tejada was Country Manager for Phelps Dodge Exploration Corporation in the Philippines and previously Vice President for Exploration of Panoro Minerals Ltd., where he directed resource drilling of its two major porphyry copper projects in Peru, and Tirex Resources Ltd. He was involved in the exploration of the Trend and the Belcourt Saxon coal projects in Northeast British Columbia. Mr. Tejada has been involved in various stages of exploration from project generation to mine site exploration and has experience in both underground and open pit geology. Mr. Tejada is also a director of several junior mining companies based in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The Company plans to advance the JD Project which hosts the Finn Gold Deposit along with other known gold targets on the property. Together with the Belle Project, the Company holds over 15,000 hectares of prime exploration ground in the Toodoggone District in north-central British Columbia located immediately north of the Lawyers Project of Benchmark Metals. The Company is planning to conduct exploration work consisting of geophysical survey, both airborne and ground-based, sampling and mapping and potentially a fall drill program at JD. The company envisions the start of field programs in early August.

Chafika Eddine has stepped down from the board of directors to pursue other opportunities. The Company would like to take this opportunity to thank her for her hard work in the development of the company and wish her well in her future endeavors.

About Volatus Capital Corp.

Volatus is focused on exploration and development of resources in gold and copper in the Toodoggone District of Central British Columbia as well as Magnesite in South Australia and battery metals that have strong demand profiles in the growing green economy.

Qualified Person

The technical information in this news release was reviewed by Michael Collins, P. Geo, Director of Volatus, and a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101.

On behalf of Volatus Capital Corp.

Fred Tejada

President and CEO

Volatus Capital Corp.

For more information contact, please contact Volatus at 604-819-2709.

Neither the TSX Venture 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 press release.

Forward Looking Statements Disclaimer

The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release and accepts no responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy hereof.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected including, but not limited to, market conditions, availability of financing, actual results of the Company's exploration and other activities, environmental risks, future metal prices, operating risks, accidents, labor issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry. All the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those in our continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. 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 save as required by applicable law.

THIS NEWS RELEASE, REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE CANADIAN LAWS, IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES, AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL SECURITIES AND THE COMPANY IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN. THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO U.S. PERSONS UNLESS REGISTERED OR EXEMPT THEREFROM.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89584
Announcement to the Creditors in Relation to the General Mandate Granted to the Board to Repurchase H-Shares and D-Shares

Qingdao / Shanghai / Frankfurt, 07 July 2021 - Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. (the "Company" or "Haier Smart Home", D-Share 690D.DE, A-Share 600690.SH, H-Share 06690.HK) recently published an announcement to the Creditors in Relation to the General Mandate Granted to the Board to Repurchase H-Shares and D-Shares on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in accordance with the applicable trading rules in China.

Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. convened the 2020 Annual General Meeting, 2021 Second A-Share Class Meeting, 2021 Second D-Share Class Meeting and 2021 Second H-Share Class Meeting on 25 June 2021 at which Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.'s Resolution on the General Meeting to Grant a General Mandate to the Board of Directors to Decide to Repurchase Not More Than 10% of the Total Number of H-Shares of the Company in Issue and Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.'s Resolution on the General Meeting to Grant a General Mandate to the Board of Directors to Decide to Repurchase Not More Than 10% of the Total Number of D-Shares of the Company in Issue were passed after consideration and approval, granting the rights to the Board of the Company or the Chairman and its authorized person(s) to decide to repurchase H-Shares and/or D-Shares of the Company not exceeding 10% of the total number of H-Shares and/or D-Shares of the Company in issue. If the Board of the Company and relevant parties exercise the repurchase on the basis of above mandate, according to the relevant requirements, the Company will cancel the repurchased H-Shares and/or D-Shares by law, and the registered capital of the Company will be reduced accordingly. In compliance with the relevant requirements under the Company Law of the People's Republic of China and the Articles of Association, the Company hereby announces as follows:

All legal creditors of the Company are entitled to submit a claim for creditors' rights against the Company since the date of publication of this announcement (i.e., 6 July 2021). Creditors of the Company may require the Company to repay the debts or to provide corresponding guarantee by producing valid documents of creditors' rights, evidence and identity documents within 30 days after receiving a written notice from the Company, or, in case of absence of serving of such notice, within 45 days after the date of publication of this announcement. If the creditors fail to submit the claims against the Company within the specified period, the effectiveness of such creditors' rights will not be affected. The relevant debts will be repaid by the Company in accordance with the date and ways agreed in original documents of creditors' rights.

Ways of declaring debts:

Creditors of the Company who intend to advocate the above rights can bring along the original and copy of the respective contract, agreement or other proofs proving the existing relationship between a creditor and a debtor to the Company for declaring debts. For a legal entity creditor, it has to bring along both the original and copy of duplicate of the business license and the identity document of the legal representative; in case of claiming through proxy, in addition to the aforementioned documents, he has to bring along the original of the power of attorney signed by the legal representative and the original and copy of the valid identity document of the proxy. For a natural person creditor, he has to bring along both the original and copy of the valid identity document; in case of claiming through proxy, in addition to the aforementioned documents, he has to bring along the original of the power of attorney and the original and copy of the valid identity document of the proxy.

1. By mail (postmark date as reporting date), please send the debt claims information to the following address:

Mailing address: No.1 Haier Road, Laoshan District, Qingdao City, Shandong Province

Attention: Security Department of Haier Smart Home

Tel: +86 532 8893 1670

Postal code: 266101

Special reminder: Please mark "Debts declaration" on the envelope.

2. By facsimile, please send the debt claims information to the following fax no.:

Fax: +86 532 8893 1689

Tel: +86 532 8893 1670

Special reminder: Please mark "Debts declaration" on the cover page



About Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.:

Haier is one of the world's leading manufacturers of household appliances with a focus on smart home solutions and customized mass production. Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. develops, produces and distributes a wide range of household appliances. These include refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, air conditioners, water heaters, kitchen appliances as well as smaller household appliances and an extensive range of intelligent household appliances. The Company distributes its products through leading household brands such as Haier, Casarte, Leader, Candy, GE Appliances, AQUA and Fisher & Paykel. Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. has launched Smart Home Experiential Cloud, which connects homes, users, enterprises and ecosystem partners, and facilitates the integration of Haier's online, offline and micro-store businesses and supports user interaction to further optimize the user experience.

IR Contact:

Yao Sun (Sophie) - Haier Smart Home Germany

T: +49 6172 9454 143

F: +49 6172 9454 42143

M: +49 160 9469 3601

Email: y.sun@haier.de
Paris, July 7, 2021 - Atos today announces that 8 new start-ups are joining " Scaler , the Atos Accelerator " program, which now includes 20 start-ups. These start-ups will complement Atos' industry-centric portfolio and boost its go-to-market, with a specific focus on decarbonization and digital security. Since its launch , Atos Scaler has fostered open innovation projects that are ever closer to customers' business needs.

"We can undoubtedly say that our Scaler startups complete and boost our go-to-market with additional industry-focused solutions and emphasis on digital security and decarbonization.Atos' approach is perfectly consistent with our transformation plans and allows us to address very specific customer needs. The new startups integrating Atos Scaler are particularly innovative and reinforce our leadership position in secure and decarbonized digital." said Elie Girard, Atos CEO.

Over the last few months, more than 50 customer meetings involving Scaler's startups have been held across the world, pro-actively addressing co-innovation with customers on their digital transformation agenda and opening new business opportunities in various industries such as energy & utilities, manufacturing, healthcare, media, finance or the public sector - with innovative solutions such as energy platform management, a computer vision platform for manufacturing, smart video thumbnails for a TV channel, patient clinicians digital platform for hospitals, sustainable finance, decarbonization of processes, or eco-design applications, etc.

The new startups joining the Atos Scaler accelerator program are:

Decarbonization focus

Carbon Minds (http://www.carbon-minds.com) (Germany) - builds the world's largest life cycle database for the chemical industry with the aim to reduce its environmental impact.

(http://www.carbon-minds.com) (Germany) - builds the world's largest life cycle database for the chemical industry with the aim to reduce its environmental impact. Circular Computing (https://circularcomputing.com/) (UK/USA/UAE) - offers carbon neutral remanufactured HP, Dell and Lenovo laptops, creating a more ethical, sustainable and socially responsible way to buy enterprise grade IT.

(https://circularcomputing.com/) (UK/USA/UAE) - offers carbon neutral remanufactured HP, Dell and Lenovo laptops, creating a more ethical, sustainable and socially responsible way to buy enterprise grade IT. Woop (https://www.woopit.fr/?lang=en) (France) - offers a one-stop-shop last mile delivery platform to orchestrate delivery needs and offerings for retail and logistics industries, including decarbonization criteria.

Digital security focus

Cerbair (https://www.cerbair.com/) (France) - provides homeland security solutions to the defense sector with revolutionary counter-drone technology.

(https://www.cerbair.com/) (France) - provides homeland security solutions to the defense sector with revolutionary counter-drone technology. ProvenRun (https://www.provenrun.com/) (France) - resolves the security challenges linked to the deployment of connected devices and of the Internet of Things.

(https://www.provenrun.com/) (France) - resolves the security challenges linked to the deployment of connected devices and of the Internet of Things. Otorio (https://www.otorio.com/) (Israel) - delivers the next-generation of OT industrial cybersecurity and digital risk-management solutions and services.

(https://www.otorio.com/) (Israel) - delivers the next-generation of OT industrial cybersecurity and digital risk-management solutions and services. IPtoki (https://www.iptoki.com/) (Canada) - develops a highly innovative solution based on behavioural biometrics, AI algorithms which is validated by distributed registers (blockchain).

Digital business focus

Kore.ai (https://kore.ai/) (USA) - provides an intelligent virtual assistant that delivers personalized conversational banking experiences across a wide range of voice and digital channels.

These startups are joining the startups and SMEs which had already been onboarded. Atos Scaler now includes:

The complete Scaler program

Healthcare & Life Sciences Big Picture (https://landing.bigpicturemedical.com/)* Manufacturing Carbon Minds (https://www.carbon-minds.com/)* NEW

(https://www.carbon-minds.com/)* SiaSearch (https://www.siasearch.io/) Resources & Services Opinum (https://www.opinum.com/)

(https://www.opinum.com/) Sentient Science (https://sentientscience.com/)*

(https://sentientscience.com/)* Woop (https://www.woopit.fr/?lang=en)* NEW Financial Services & Insurance DreamQuark (https://www.dreamquark.com/)*

(https://www.dreamquark.com/)* Kore.ai (https://kore.ai/) NEW Public Sector & Defense Cerbair (https://www.cerbair.com/) NEW Telecommunications & Media Synchronized (http://www.synchronized.tv/) Digital Security Claroty (https://www.claroty.com/)

(https://www.claroty.com/) United Biometrics (https://unitedbiometrics.com/news/)

(https://unitedbiometrics.com/news/) ProvenRun (https://www.provenrun.com/) NEW

(https://www.provenrun.com/) Otorio (https://www.otorio.com/) NEW Decarbonization Circular Computing (https://circularcomputing.com/) * NEW

(https://circularcomputing.com/) Greenspector (https://greenspector.com/en/home/)*

(https://greenspector.com/en/home/)* Plan A (https://plana.earth/)*

(https://plana.earth/)* Tier 1 Asset Management Ltd. (https://www.tier1.com/)* Advanced Technology IQM (https://www.meetiqm.com/)

(https://www.meetiqm.com/) IPtoki (https://www.iptoki.com/) NEW

* Startups with which Atos is working on decarbonization projects

More information about Atos Scaler and selected startups: https://atos.net/en/atos-scaler

***

About Atos

Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with 105,000 employees and annual revenue of over  11 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, the group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 71 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos operates under the brands Atos and Atos|Syntel. Atos is a SEis to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

Press contact

Lucie Duchateau | lucie.duchateau@atos.net | +33 7 62 85 35 10

Attachment
Announcement on the Resolutions of the First Holders' Meeting of the Core Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Qingdao / Shanghai / Frankfurt, 07 July 2021 - Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. (the "Company" or "Haier Smart Home", D-Share 690D.DE, A-Share 600690.SH, H-Share 06690.HK) published an announcement on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in accordance with the applicable trading rules in China with regard to the Resolutions of the First Holders' Meeting of the Core Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

The first holders' meetings of the A-Share and H-Share core employee stock ownership plan (2021) of Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as the "Employee Stock Ownership Plan") were held on 7 July 2021 at 303A in Haier Eco Brand Central Building by means of on-site meeting and communication. The meetings were convened and presided over by Chairman Liang Haishan. The A-Share core employee stock ownership plan holders' meeting shall have 1,599 holders and 1,599 holders actually attended the meeting, representing 708 million shares of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan and accounting for 100.00% of the shares under the Employee Stock Ownership Plan. H-Share core employee stock ownership plan holders' meeting shall have 35 holders and 33 holders actually attended the meeting, representing 87 million shares of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan and accounting for 96.67% of the shares under the Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The meetings complied with the relevant regulations of the Company's core employee stock ownership plan. The proposals deliberated at the meeting are as follows:

I. The First Holders' Meeting of A-Share Core Employee Stock Ownership Plan (2021)

After discussion and voting by the holders at the meeting, the following resolutions were made on matters related to the current phase stock ownership plan:

1. The Proposal on Establishing the Management Committee of A-Share Employee Stock Ownership Plan (2021) of Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. was reviewed and approved

(voting results: 708 million voted for, accounting for 100% of the total number of shares held by holders attending the meeting; 0 voted against, accounting for 0% of the total number of shares held by holders attending the meeting; 0 abstained, accounting for 0% of the total number of shares held by holders attending the meeting)

All holders are aware of and understand the content of the A-Share Core Employee Stock Ownership Plan (2021-2025) (Draft) of Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "A-Share Employee Stock Ownership Plan") and voluntarily participate in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan. They have been informed the risks of participating in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan and agreed to be responsible for their own profits and losses. They voluntarily assume the risks of participating in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan and abide by the relevant provisions of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

According to the A-Share Employee Stock Ownership Plan, it has established the Management Committee of the A-share Employee Stock Ownership Plan (2021) of Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. to supervise the daily management of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan. They will exercise or authorize the management party to exercise shareholders' rights on behalf of the holders of the stock ownership plan. The Management Committee of the A-Share Employee Stock Ownership Plan (2021) of Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. consists of four members.

2. The Proposal on Determining Members of the Management Committee of A-Share Employee Stock Ownership Plan (2021) of Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. was reviewed and approved

(Voting results:708 million voted for, accounting for 100% of the total number of shares held by holders attending the meeting; 0 voted against, accounting for 0% of the total number of shares held by holders attending the meeting; 0 abstained, accounting for 0% of the total number of shares held by holders attending the meeting)

The meeting confirmed that Liang Haishan, Gong Wei, Ming Guozhen and Song Shangyi were the members of the Management Committee of A-Share Employee Stock Ownership Plan (2021) of Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.

Liang Haishan has been selected as the director of the Management Committee of the A-Share Employee Stock Ownership Plan (2021) of Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. by the above members jointly.

3. The Proposal on Authorization to the Management Committee of A-Share Employee Stock Ownership Plan (2021) of Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. to Handle Matters Related to A-Share Core Employee Stock Ownership Plan (2021) of Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. was reviewed and approved

(Voting results:708 million voted for, accounting for 100% of the total number of shares held by holders attending the meeting; 0 voted against, accounting for 0% of the total number of shares held by holders attending the meeting; 0 abstained, accounting for 0% of the total number of shares held by holders attending the meeting)

The meeting authorized the members of the Management Committee of A-Share Employee Stock Ownership Plan (2021) of Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. to handle the following matters related to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan:

(1) Convene the meeting of the holders;

(2) Supervise the ordinary management of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan on behalf of all holders;

(3) Exercise the rights of shareholders or authorize the management party to exercise the rights of shareholders on behalf of all holders;

(4) Review and confirm the qualification, scope, number, quota of the participates under the Employee Stock Ownership Plan;

(5) Formulate and revise the management measures of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan;

(6) Determine the holders' equity (share number) according to the Company's assessment results;

(7) Connection works with the asset management unit of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan;

(8) Handle all matters including lock-up, unlocking and vesting of the stocks purchased under the Employee Stock Ownership Plan;

(9) The financing method and amount of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan and other matters related to the financing of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan;

(10) Responsible for the asset management of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan and can delegate such duties to third-party management, including but not limited to sell the Company's stocks for cash after the lock-up period and invest the cash assets of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan in cash management instruments including fixed income securities, wealth management products and money market funds;

(11) Formulate and implement the plan for participating in the Company's refinancing activities including further issues, rights issue or issuance of convertible bonds during the duration of the current phase Employee Stock Ownership Plan;

(12) Authorize the director of the management committee to specifically exercise the rights of shareholders under the current phase Employee Stock Ownership Plan until the completion of liquidation and distribution of the current phase Employee Stock Ownership Plan;

(13) Determine the allocation of the assets of Employee Stock Ownership Plan;

(14) Other duties as authorized by the holders' meeting.

4. The Proposal on Reviewing the 'Management Measures of A-Share Core Employee Stock Ownership Plan (2021) of Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.' was reviewed and approved

(voting results: 708 million voted for, accounting for 100% of the total number of shares held by holders attending the meeting; 0 voted against, accounting for 0% of the total number of shares held by holders attending the meeting; 0 abstained, accounting for 0% of the total number of shares held by holders attending the meeting)

For details of the Proposal on Reviewing the 'Management Measures of A-Share Core Employee Stock Ownership Plan (2021) of Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.', please refer to the full text of such Management Measures disclosed on the same date as this announcement.

(II) First Holders' Meeting of H-Share Core Employee Stock Ownership Plan (2021)

After discussion and voting by the holders at the meeting, the following resolutions were made on matters related to the current phase stock ownership plan:

1. The Proposal on Establishing the Management Committee of H-Share Employee Stock Ownership Plan (2021) of Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. was reviewed and approved

(voting results: 87 million voted for, accounting for 100% of the total number of shares held by holders attending the meeting; 0 voted against, accounting for 0% of the total number of shares held by holders attending the meeting; 0 abstained, accounting for 0% of the total number of shares held by holders attending the meeting)

All holders are aware of and understand the content of the H-Share Core Employee Stock Ownership Plan (2021-2025) (Draft) of Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "H-Share Employee Stock Ownership Plan") and voluntarily participate in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan. They have been informed the risks of participating in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan and agreed to be responsible for their own profits and losses. They voluntarily assume the risks of participating in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan and abide by the relevant provisions of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

According to the H-Share Employee Stock Ownership Plan, it has established the Management Committee of the H-Share Employee Stock Ownership Plan (2021) of Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. to supervise the daily management of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan. They will exercise or authorize the management party to exercise shareholders' rights on behalf of the holders of the stock ownership plan. The Management Committee of the H-Share Employee Stock Ownership Plan (2021) of Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. consists of four members.

2. The Proposal on Determining Members of the Management Committee of H-Share Employee Stock Ownership Plan (2021) of Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. was reviewed and approved

(voting results: 87 million voted for, accounting for 100% of the total number of shares held by holders attending the meeting; 0 voted against, accounting for 0% of the total number of shares held by holders attending the meeting; 0 abstained, accounting for 0% of the total number of shares held by holders attending the meeting)

The meeting confirmed that Liang Haishan, Gong Wei, Ming Guozhen and Song Shangyi were the members of the Management Committee of the H-Share Employee Stock Ownership Plan (2021) of Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.

Liang Haishan has been selected as the director of the Management Committee of the H-Share Employee Stock Ownership Plan (2021) of Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. by the above members jointly.

3. The Proposal on Authorization to the Management Committee of H-Share Employee Stock Ownership Plan (2021) of Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. to Handle Matters Related to H-Share Core Employee Stock Ownership Plan(2021) of Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. was reviewed and approved

(Voting results:87 million voted for, accounting for 100% of the total number of shares held by holders attending the meeting; 0 voted against, accounting for 0% of the total number of shares held by holders attending the meeting; 0 abstained, accounting for 0% of the total number of shares held by holders attending the meeting)

The meeting authorized the members of the Management Committee of H-Share Employee Stock Ownership Plan (2021) of Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. to handle the following matters related to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan:

(1) Convene the meeting of the holders;

(2) Supervise the ordinary management of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan on behalf of all holders;

(3) Exercise the rights of shareholders or authorize the management party to exercise the rights of shareholders on behalf of all holders;

(4) Review and confirm the qualification, scope, number, quota of the participates under the Employee Stock Ownership Plan;

(5) Formulate and revise the management measures of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan;

(6) Determine the holders' equity (share number) according to the Company's assessment results;

(7) Connection works with the asset management unit of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan;

(8) Handle all matters including lock-up, unlocking and vesting of the stocks purchased under the Employee Stock Ownership Plan;

(9) The financing method and amount of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan and other matters related to the financing of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan;

(10) Responsible for the asset management of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan and can delegate such duties to third-party management, including but not limited to sell the Company's stocks for cash after the lock-up period and invest the cash assets of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan in cash management instruments including fixed income securities, wealth management products and money market funds;

(11) Formulate and implement the plan for participating in the Company's refinancing activities including further issues, rights issue or issuance of convertible bonds during the duration of the current phase Employee Stock Ownership Plan;

(12) Authorize the director of the management committee to specifically exercise the rights of shareholders under the current phase Employee Stock Ownership Plan until the completion of liquidation and distribution of the current phase Employee Stock Ownership Plan;

(13) Determine the allocation of the assets of Employee Stock Ownership Plan;

(14) Other duties as authorized by the holders' meeting.

4. The Proposal on Reviewing the 'Management Measures of H-Share Core Employee Stock Ownership Plan (2021) of Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.' was reviewed and approved

(voting results: 708 million voted for, accounting for 100% of the total number of shares held by holders attending the meeting; 0 voted against, accounting for 0% of the total number of shares held by holders attending the meeting; 0 abstained, accounting for 0% of the total number of shares held by holders attending the meeting)

For details of the Proposal on Reviewing the 'Management Measures of H-Share Core Employee Stock Ownership Plan (2021) of Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.', please refer to the full text of such Management Measures disclosed on the same date as this announcement.

About Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.:

Haier is one of the world's leading manufacturers of household appliances with a focus on smart home solutions and customized mass production. Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. develops, produces and distributes a wide range of household appliances. These include refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, air conditioners, water heaters, kitchen appliances as well as smaller household appliances and an extensive range of intelligent household appliances. The Company distributes its products through leading household brands such as Haier, Casarte, Leader, Candy, GE Appliances, AQUA and Fisher & Paykel. Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. has launched Smart Home Experiential Cloud, which connects homes, users, enterprises and ecosystem partners, and facilitates the integration of Haier's online, offline and micro-store businesses and supports user interaction to further optimize the user experience.

IR Contact:

Yao Sun (Sophie) - Haier Smart Home Germany

T: +49 6172 9454 143

F: +49 6172 9454 42143

M: +49 160 9469 3601

Email: y.sun@haier.de
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 7, 2021 / Jackpot Digital Inc. (the "Company" or "Jackpot") (TSXV:JJ)(TSXV:JJ.WT.A)(TSXV:JJ.WT.B)(TSXV:JJ.WT.C)(OTCQB:JPOTF)(Frankfurt:LVH3)(Berlin:LVH3) is pleased to announce that its largest customer, Carnival Corporation & plc, kicked off its first cruise in almost 16 months from the Port of Miami, the Cruise Capital of the World, on July 4 with the departure of the Carnival Horizon.

The ramp up toward regular sailings from Miami, the world's largest cruise ship port, also signals the re-start of gaming activity on cruise ships. Jackpot Blitz electronic table games (ETGs) are installed aboard many of these ships and have generated revenues for Jackpot.

Jackpot Digital CEO, Jake Kalpakian, states "the resumption of sailings by our largest customer is meaningful and we expect an immediate and positive revenue impact for our Company. We are emerging from a challenging year when ships and their casinos were closed. A return to business with our at-sea customers will complement Jackpot's aggressive land-based expansion plans. Since receiving GLI certification, the Company has experienced increased interest in its ETGs from regulated land-based casinos."

The Company has positioned itself as a leading provider of ETGs on cruise ships around the world including leading brands such as Carnival, Princess, Costa and Virgin Voyages. This winter, the Company is also scheduled to begin installations aboard Royal Caribbean vessels.

Jackpot's recent acquisition of key assets from 52 Gaming LLC have also added Holland America and P&O Australia to its roster of customers.

In addition to the Miami departures, many more ships are scheduled to depart from multiple ports as the cruise ship industry moves toward resuming normal operations.

About Jackpot Digital Inc.

Jackpot Digital Inc. is a leading electronic table games manufacturer and mobile gaming provider for the cruise ship industry and regulated casino industry. The Company specializes in multiplayer gaming products, including poker and casino games, which are complemented by a robust suite of backend tools for operators to efficiently control and optimize their gaming business.

For more information on the Company, please contact Jake H. Kalpakian, President and CEO, at (604) 681-0204 ext 6105, or visit the Company's website at www.jackpotdigital.com.

On behalf of the Board of Jackpot Digital Inc.,

"Jake H. Kalpakian"

Jake H. Kalpakian

President & CEO

Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered speculative.

The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Certain statements contained herein are "forward-looking". Forward-looking statements may include, among others, statements regarding future plans, costs, objectives, economic or technical performance, or the assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. In this News Release, words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "likely", "enable", "feel", "seek", "project", "predict", "potential", "should", "might", "objective", "believe", "expect", "propose", "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "estimate", and similar words are used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, projections and estimations, there can be no assurance that these assumptions, expectations, projections or estimations are accurate. Readers, Shareholders and Investors are therefore cautioned not to place reliance on any forward-looking statements as the plans, assumptions, intentions or expectations upon which they are based might not occur.

SOURCE: Jackpot Digital Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654484/Jackpots-Largest-Customer-Resumes-Sailings
BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - Healthcare firm McKesson Corp. (MCK) announced Wednesday that it has agreed to sell its European businesses in France, Italy, Ireland, Portugal, Belgium, and Slovenia to German healthcare provider PHOENIX group. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. This transaction also includes McKesson's German-based AG headquarters in Stuttgart, Recucare GmbH, its German wound-care business, its shared services center in Lithuania, and its 45% ownership stake in Brocacef, the company's joint venture in the Netherlands. The transaction is expected to close in 2022, subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals. It will also explore strategic alternatives for all remaining European businesses in the UK, Norway, Austria, and Denmark. The transaction enhances McKesson's focus and commitment to future investments in strategic growth outside of Europe, including oncology and biopharma services, and core pharmaceutical and medical distribution. McKesson will also retain its minority equity stake in the company's Germany joint venture with Walgreens Boots Alliance. 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.
Green Monke Launches in California with Three Infused Sodas that Make Happy Hour Even Happier with 3mg THC, 6mg CBD

Starting today, the United Kingdom's number one CBD social tonic is now available with THC in California as Green Monke, a happy new low-dose, cannabis-infused line of sodas that celebrate people who love to laugh and make every moment memorable. With three summer-loving flavors-Tropical Citrus, Orange Passionfruit and Mango Guava-Green Monke can hang without the hangover thanks to its 3mg THC and 6mg CBD for fast effects that deliver the party. Green Monke offers easy-drinking sodas that make happy hour even happier, and are best served chilled or over ice and garnished with a slice of orange.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005251/en/

Green Monke offers easy-drinking infused sodas that make happy hour even happier. (Photo: Business Wire)

Whether drinking less alcohol, or simply looking for a laugh, Green Monke is an anytime soda that pairs well with your favorite bag of chips or anything fun. Pizza delivery, movie nights, avocado-is-extra moments, and parties of all sizes, Green Monke goes where the energy flows.

"We're incredibly excited for people to taste Green Monke and experience how our social sodas spark happiness and deliver the party," said Pat Gleeson, Green Monke President and CEO. "California's good-time vibes make it the perfect place for the UK's best-selling cannabis drink to launch in America."

Since feeling fun and frivolous can be a challenge for some, Green Monke is committed to helping California communities by supporting mental health organizations and nonprofits that assist people who experience isolation and loneliness. Green Monke contributes one percent of all gross profits to Californian organizations providing mental health services to people in need.

With a 2:1 ratio of CBD to THC, Green Monke is the happy soda for happy hour that gives you an effervescent and easy social high. Green Monke is vegan, gluten-free and has only 5g sugar and 25 calories per 12oz can. Green Monke is available direct-to-consumers in Los Angeles through www.greenmonke.com, delivered by Pineapple Express. In addition, consumers can shop throughout California via dispensaries and delivery services such as Sweet Flower in Los Angeles, Basa Collective and Marygold Delivery in San Francisco, and Cannable Delivery in Fresno. The happy soda retails for $5 per can and $18 for four-packs.

ABOUT GREEN MONKE

England does a few things bloody well. Pop music, fish and chips, and now Green Monke. The United Kingdom's number one CBD social tonic is now a THC-infused happy soda for happier hours with 3mg THC plus 6mg CBD. With three incredible flavors-Tropical Citrus, Orange Passionfruit and Mango Guava-Green Monke can hang without the hangover. Backed by St. Peter's Spirits, Green Monke launched in California and will soon expand to more adult-use regions throughout the United States. For more information, visit www.greenmonke.com and follow on Instagram @drinkgreenmonke.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005251/en/

Contacts:

Ryan Robles

ryan@hotline-agency.com

415-216-3570
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / ACCESSWIRE / July 7, 2021 / CocoSwap secured the second place in Coinmarketcap's trending crypto token list on June 17. Coinmarketcap is the go-to platform for nearly 300 million visitors every month who visit the website to check crypto rankings, news, analysis, and much more. A mention on the platform's trending crypto token list proves the token is being noticed by a majority of the crypto world and Cocoswap has managed to do just that in a very short period since launch.

Cocoswap, the next-generation autonomous yield, and liquidity protocol have climbed to the second spot of Coinmarketcap's trending crypto token list on June 17. $COCO was trending in the Asian markets as well which is a significant frat given Asia accounts for the majority of the crypto trades and traders.

The native $COCO token would fuel the CocoSwap decentralized ecosystem. $COCO is a progressive deflation token build on the latest DeFi protocol systems. The main goal of the token is to provide decentralized transaction network transactions with a faster time and cheaper exchange fee. The path forward for COCO is determined by market fluctuations. The recent rankings in the top trending chart not only show the growing popularity of the platform but would also help it reach to new user base through a website that boasts hundreds of millions of visitors every month.

How $COCO Managed to Garner Such Attraction in a Short Time Frame.

The deflation token model has worked wonders as it distributes 2% to holders, 2% to token burn, and the remaining 3% of the deflationary transaction to project incentives ensuring the platform sustenance. COCOSWAP tokens are paired automatically with the previously mentioned BNB and added as a liquidity pair on Pancake Swap.

Built on top of the Binance Smart Chain The Coco Swap protocol will enable users to exchange cryptocurrencies, NFT's, and other derivatives through its autonomous yield protocol. The liquidity, on the other hand, will enable seamless and easy staking options for users to incentive the network while earning rewards for their service.

The other reason for its popularity is the all-in-one defi and NFT experience that the platform offers. Defi has emerged as one of the most successful use cases over the past couple of years, growing into a $100 billion industry within a year. CocoSwap leverages the functionality of Defi to allow traders on the platform to earn the most by staking and holding onto the $COCO token.

Secret Sauce to $COCO's Success

While there are hundreds of Defi protocols out there in the market, what propelled Cocoswap to the top was its automatic liquidity pools. Liquidity is a big issue for any new defi project in absence of centralized stablecoin inflow like centralized exchanges. Thus defi protocols create liquidity pools where traders stake their tokens for a certain period in return for reward in the form of LP tokens. This form of staking and passive income is also called yield farming. While liquidity could be a big headache for any defi project, Cocoswap's automatic liquidity pools are a secret sauce to its success.

Automatic Liquidity

Cocoswap's liquidity pools have a function that acts as a two-fold beneficial implementation for holders. First, the contract sucks up tokens from sellers and buyers alike and adds them to the LP creating a solid price floor. Second, the penalty acts as an arbitrage-resistant mechanism that secures the volume of COCOSWAP as a reward for the holders. In theory, the added LP creates stability from the supplied LP by adding the tax to the overall liquidity of the token, thus increasing the token overall LP and supporting the price floor of the token. This is different from the burn function of other reflection tokens which is only beneficial in the short term from the granted reduction of supply. All of this is an effort to alleviate some of the troubles observed with the current DeFi reflection tokens.

Manual Burn

Another factor that plays in the popularity and demand for $COCO tokens is manual burn. While token burns might work as well as not work for many token ecosystems. CocoSwap aims to implement a burn strategy that is beneficial and rewarding for those engaged for the long term.

Static Rewards

Static Rewards are the third prominent secret sauce to the success of cocoswap. Static rewards solve a host of problems. First, the reward amount is conditional upon the volume of the token being traded. This mechanism aims to alleviate some of the downward sell pressure put on the token caused by earlier adopters selling their tokens after farming crazy high APY's. Second, the reflecting mechanism encourages holders to hang onto their tokens to garner higher kick-backs which are based upon percentages carried out and dependant upon the total tokens held by the owner.

The Web 3.0 Future

Cocoswap is working to become a core part of Web 3.0 via its platform and upcoming app and platforms. The platform is still in the early stages of development and the background work will be finalized by the end of this quarter.

The third quarter would see the start of COCO Swap alpha development. During this phase, the application will be developed on a closed alpha. Along with the app developments, the platform would finalize exchange listings, and the COCO Swap beta registrations waitlist would be released.

To learn more about CocoSwap visit https://coco-swap.finance/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/coco_swap

Telegram: https://t.me/cocoswapofficial

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cocoswap

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/cocoswap

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCouisb_bVXXcRWeJGfLwUeA

Media Contact:

Company: Coco Swap

Contact: Edward - Coco Swap

Email: info@coco-swap.finance

Website: https://coco-swap.finance/

SOURCE: CocoSwap

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654548/CocoSwap-Becomes-Second-Trending-Token-on-CoinmarketCap-Just-Months-After-its-Launch
ELKO, NV / ACCESSWIRE / July 7, 2021 / Lithium Corporation (OTCQB:LTUM) ("LTUM" or "the Company"), a North American corporation focused on energy metals for the growing energy storage sector and high-tech industries, wishes to announce the Company has recently commenced fieldwork on its Yeehaw prospect in southern British Columbia.

Lithium Corporation field personnel discovered Titanium with Rare Earth Element (Ti/REE) mineralized lamprophyre dykes in this area in 2017, conducting prospecting, geological, geochemical with some geophysical investigations to date. Since this time, for the most part efforts focused mainly in the immediate area of the known mineralization, which was successful in the uncovering of two distinctly different lamprophyre dykes, and two separate correlatable exposures roughly 30 meters wide at the main "Horseshoe Bend" showing. The Horseshoe Bend showing is mineralized with approximately 0.90% titanium and strongly anomalous in both light (LREE's) and heavy (HREE's).

Field conditions are currently optimum, and the Company is intent on increasing the known strike length of the main mineralized structure this field season. To that end Lithium Corporation has commenced prospecting, and geological work, which will be followed by geochemical work, and possibly trenching at higher elevations if the pending permit application is approved prior to the onset of winter.

About Lithium Corporation

Lithium Corporation is an exploration company based in Nevada devoted to the exploration for energy storage related resources throughout North America, and looking to capitalize on opportunities within the ever-expanding next generation energy storage markets. The Company has maintained a strategic alliance with Altura Mining for the past eight years, and has recently entered signed a Letter of Intent with Altura with respect to an earn-in on the Company's Fish Lake Valley lithium-in-brine prospect in Esmeralda County, Nevada. Website: www.lithiumcorporation.com.

Contact Info

Tom Lewis, CEO

Lithium Corporation

775-410-5287

info@lithiumcorporation.com

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This current report contains "forward-looking statements," as that term is defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future.

Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with mineral exploration and difficulties associated with obtaining financing on acceptable terms. We are not in control of minerals prices and these could vary to make development uneconomic. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our most recent annual report for our last fiscal year, our quarterly reports, and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE: Lithium Corporation

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654422/Lithium-Corporation-Commences-Work-On-Yeehaw-Titanium-Ree-Prospect
DUESSELDORF (dpa-AFX) - German electric utility E.ON AG (EONGY.PK) said that it has supported the European union's plan to cut carbon emissions by 55% by 2030. The EU aims to achieve carbon neutrality in 2050. Twelve business leaders meet in Paris to discuss ways to further support the EU Green Deal. As the EU Commission prepares to present its 'Fit for 55' legislative package, the European CEO Alliance has issued policy recommendations supporting a progressive and ambitious push to achieve climate neutrality. The CEOs' proposals include sending a strong carbon pricing signal, accelerating measures to decarbonize mobility and transport, facilitating the transformation of the buildings sector and speeding up the restructuring and renewal of the energy system in all EU member states. 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.
SpotSee, a global leader in temperature, shock, tilt and vibration monitoring through low-cost, connected technologies, has appointed Reuben Isbitsky as the company's Temperature Business Director.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005213/en/

Reuben Isbitsky (Photo: Business Wire)

Isbitsky will lead SpotSee's new Temperature Solutions Group, which will bring customized solutions to customers' temperature problems, with a focus on Life Sciences Applications, the company's largest market segment. His responsibilities will include product development, application engineering and growing the temperature product lines.

"Reuben has been very successful with the conception and implementation of temperature-related products, particularly in Life Science, for many global brands," said Tony Fonk, president and CEO, SpotSee. "We are excited to combine his unique experience and passion with SpotSee technologies, particularly with our recent acquisitions of TMC and LCR Hallcrest."

Isbitsky co-founded and served for 16 years, until 2018, as CEO of Timestrip, a SpotSee competitor based in the United Kingdom. During his nearly 30-year career, he has specialized in global marketing and sales of advanced Life Sciences technologies. He has successfully brought several new technologies, products and brands to market.

"The prospect of driving the efforts of a company like SpotSee, with the kind of leadership and innovation it has shown in temperature monitoring, is quite exciting to me," said Isbitsky. "I am really looking forward to joining this team."

Isbitsky began his career in marketing, focusing on product and project management, and leading several global product launches at Clorox, Brita and SodaStream. Timestrip, the company he co-founded in 2002, is a leader in time-temperature indicators used in pharmaceuticals, blood bags and other applications.

To learn more about SpotSee, visit www.spotsee.io.

About SpotSee

SpotSee provides condition-indicating and -monitoring solutions that help customers spot condition changes in their operations, supply chain and products; and see these changes through low-cost data acquisition technologies such as RFID, BLE, cellular and satellite. SpotSee devices monitor shock, vibration, temperature and other environmental conditions through market-leading brands such as WarmMark, ColdMark, Thermax, ShockWatch, TiltWatch, ShockLog, SpotBot and OpsWatch, among others. The company has a global network of nearly 2,000 sales and technical service partners in 62 countries. SpotSee is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with additional U.S. operations in Glenview, Illinois and Graham, Texas, as well as Brazil, China, Mexico, Netherlands and United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.spotsee.io.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005213/en/

Contacts:

Elle Collazo

Mod Op for SpotSee

elle.collazo@modop.com

972-480-8383
All divisions achieved a significant jump in earnings in second quarter 2021; Group EBIT more than doubled to around EUR 2,075 million compared to previous year

Outlook: short and mid-term EBIT guidance raised; Group EBIT in 2021 expected to be more than EUR 7.0 billion

Free cash flow jumps above EUR 2.0 billion in the first half of 2021

Once again one-time corona bonus for approx. 550,000 employees worldwide

CEO Frank Appel: "We want to thank our employees who do fantastic work around the world and deserve another corona bonus."

Deutsche Post DHL Group (Symbol: DPW), the world's leading logistics company, has today released preliminary results for the second quarter of 2021. Simultaneously, the outlook for the current financial year and for 2023 has been raised. Furthermore, an one-time corona bonus1 for approximately 550,000 employees worldwide has been decided. Preliminary operating profit (EBIT) for the second quarter has improved to record level with around EUR 2,075 million (Q2 2020: EUR 912 million) and has more than doubled compared to previous year. Against the backdrop of the excellent business performance, the Group has raised its EBIT outlook for 2021 to more than EUR 7.0 billion (so far: more than EUR 6.7 billion). The mid-term EBIT outlook for 2023 is now expected to be more than EUR 7.4 billion (so far: more than EUR 7.0 billion).

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005615/en/

"The second quarter proved once again that global trade volume continues to recover and the e-commerce boom is sustainable and we benefit strongly from both. All divisions continue to operate at full speed worldwide and achieve double-digit EBIT growth rates. We want to thank our employees who do fantastic work around the world and deserve another corona bonus", said Frank Appel, CEO of Deutsche Post DHL Group.

Group grants once again one-time corona bonus of around EUR 200 million

As an appreciation for their tireless efforts during the pandemic the Group has decided to grant again a corona bonus of EUR 3002 to employees worldwide. This one-time payment is aimed at approximately 550,000 colleagues in all divisions and countries. Excluded are Executives. The corresponding expenses of around EUR 200 million will be booked in the third quarter 2021 and are already included in the updated earnings outlook for 2021.

All divisions achieved a significant jump in earnings

All divisions significantly exceeded the previous year's results. Network capacity utilization was constantly high in the second quarter 2021. B2C shipment volumes remained ahead of last year in all networks, while the recovery in the B2B businesses continued to gain momentum. At the same time the tight capacity situation both in Ocean and Air Freight markets remained unchanged.

Express: EBIT in the Express division reached around EUR 1,170 million in the second quarter 2021 compared to EUR 565 million in the previous year's quarter.

Global Forwarding, Freight: EBIT in Global Forwarding, Freight stood at around EUR 315 million in the second quarter 2021, also clearly ahead of previous year's result of EUR 190 million.

Supply Chain: EBIT at Supply Chain came in at around EUR 195 million in the second quarter 2021. It was at EUR 33 million in Q2 2020 in the initial stage of the pandemic.

eCommerce Solutions: eCommerce Solutions recorded EBIT of around EUR 115 million in the second quarter 2021, significantly above last year's Q2 result which stood at EUR 1 million.

Post Parcel Germany: EBIT in Post Parcel Germany in the second quarter 2021 was around EUR 315 million (Q2 2020: EUR 264 million).

The positive business development is underpinned by a continued strong development of cash flow. Free cash flow in the second quarter 2021 amounted to more than EUR 800 million (Q2 2020: EUR 605 million). For the first half of 2021 free cash flow now stands at more than EUR 2.0 billion (H1 2020: EUR 196 million).

Earnings outlook raised in expectation of unchanged high shipment volumes and improved efficiency

In light of the ongoing earnings momentum the Group EBIT for 2021 is now expected to be more than EUR 7.0 billion (so far: more than EUR 6.7 billion). This includes additional expenses of around EUR 200 million for the one-time corona bonus. For the full year 2021, the Group now forecasts a free cash flow of more than EUR 3.2 billion (so far: more than EUR 3.0 billion). Gross capex in 2021 is expected to reach around EUR 3.9 billion (so far: around EUR 3.8 billion). The full year 2021 Group tax rate will now reach 28 percent, the upper end of the previously guided range of 26-28 percent.

Mid-term guidance for Group EBIT 2023 is now expected to be more than EUR 7.4 billion (previously: more than EUR 7.0 billion). The aggregated 2021-2023 guidance for free cash flow was left unchanged at around EUR 9.0 billion. The cumulative outlook for gross capex was also confirmed at around EUR 11.0 billion for the period 2021 to 2023.

The comprehensive disclosure for Q2/H1 2021 will be published as planned on August 5, 2021.

- End

Deutsche Post DHL Group Deutsche Post DHL Group is the world's leading logistics company. The Group connects people and markets and is an enabler of global trade. It aspires to be the first choice for customers, employees and investors worldwide. The Group contributes to the world through responsible business practice, corporate citizenship and environmental activities. By the year 2050, Deutsche Post DHL Group aims to achieve zero emissions logistics.

Deutsche Post DHL Group is home to two strong brands: Deutsche Post is Europe's leading postal service. DHL offers a comprehensive range of international express, freight transport, and supply chain management services as well as e-commerce logistics solutions. Deutsche Post DHL Group employs approximately 570,000 people in over 220 countries and territories worldwide. The Group generated revenues of more than 66 billion Euros in 2020.

THE logistics company for the world.

1 EUR 300 per full-time employee

2 EUR 300 per full-time employee

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005615/en/

Contacts:

Press contact

Deutsche Post DHL Group

Media Relations

Anita Gupta Tobias Ender

Tel.: +49 228 182-9944

E-Mail: pressestelle@dpdhl.com

On the Internet: dpdhl.de/presse

Follow us: twitter.com/DeutschePostDHL
OSLO, Norway, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SuperLenny is launching a new collection of merchandise to be used by old and new fans all over the world. The collection consists of a range of items, ranging from face masks to protect yourself and your loved ones from disease, and homeware such as beach towels, pillows, and yoga matts.

Repping the brand offline

The new fashion line will allow fans to represent the brand they love also when away from the keyboard.

Editor at SuperLenny UK, Gemma Heathcote, is one of the key initiators behind the new fashion collection.

- We live by our slogan "deer to be different", and have always pushed the boundaries. We're now taking it to a new frontier. The SuperLenny life doesn't have to end online, and fans and loyalists eager to repping the brand away from the keyboard, are now able to do so with ease, says Gemma Heathcote.

Two industry leaders join forces

SuperLenny has partnered with the industry leading merchandise producer TeeSpring for it's new collection and merchandise store. TeeSpring is the leading social commerce platform for creating and selling custom products online. Like SuperLenny, TeeSpring is a quality obsessed service provider that does a series of quality assurance checks to ensure the best experience for users and their customers.

- We wouldn't feel comfortable distributing and selling merch to our best customers, if we weren't absolutely sure that it would be of a quality that we could stand for and would like to be associated with. SuperLenny stands for innovation. It stands for quality. It stands for fair play and fair terms. Poor quality products aren't in line with those values, concludes Gemma Heathcote.

Eco and human friendly

SuperLenny and it's parent company Gaming Innovation Group has taken a clear stand against slavery and the use of slave labor. Modern slavery is rampant in the textile industry, and it was crucial for SuperLenny to find a partner that shared it's vision to end slavery.

- All product suppliers are asked to comply with an ethical code of conduct that covers health and safety regulations, labor and human rights laws, and ethical business practices. We also prioritize suppliers who offer eco-friendly products or use practices that reduce environmental impact, says a TeeSpring representative.

Leveraging a strong brand

SuperLenny's history has its roots in one of the most popular online casinos on the web, once running TV-commercials in half of Europe simultaneously. After a strategic pivot from its owners, Gaming Innovation Group, the brand was converted into an online gambling portal for online casino players and bettors all over the world. Now serving eight markets in their native languages, SuperLenny is eager to expand its presence.

The strong foundation of the brand is still paying dividends through its current business model by benefiting from a strong and vital army of loyal fans and users, some having been with SuperLenny from it's very first days online as an online casino.

SuperLenny hopes to convert those fans into true brand ambassadors with it's new collection.

- We believe that there are many that would be proud to associate with SuperLenny and our brand. We represent core values that are important to many people. I think brands must recognize that we do live in a society, and although you exist primarily online - as in our case, you also have to have a presence in the offline world. The two are connected, explains Gemma Heathcote.

What's next?

Not ones to sit on the sidelines, the SuperLenny crew are always on the lookout for new ideas to help spread the Superlenny brand.

- After launching our fashion and homeware range, the SuperLenny team and I will be back to the drawing board thinking of new products and other offerings we can bring to the market. Who knows maybe we could even release a SuperLenny greatest hits album, says Gemma Heathcote.

Check out the SuperLenny merch store here!

Contact Details:

Editor at SuperLenny:

Gemma Heathcote

gemma@superlenny.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com
Zebra-Med's solution, which will be included under the new Category III CPT codes for radiologists, will help promote increased detection of risks for osteoporotic fractures in the U.S. population and broader adoption of AI in population health

Zebra Medical Vision, the leading medical imaging analytics company, announces an industry-first, landmark approval of a Category III Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code application for utilizing AI for VCF detection as an incidental finding in chest CT, by the American Medical Association (AMA). This is the first artificial intelligence CPT code specific to radiology, and will be released on July 1 this year on the AMA's website, becoming effective January 1, 2022.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005601/en/

Zebra-Med Announces the American Medical Association's (AMA) Issuance of the Category III CPT Code for VCF detection from CT scans for Population Health (Photo: Business Wire)

The new CPT III code was submitted to the AMA's CPT Editorial Panel, by the The American College of Radiology, Radiological Society of North America, American Roentgen Ray Society, and the Association of University Radiology.

Nearly 50 percent of all women and a quarter of men over the age of 50 will suffer an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime, with 2 million cases of broken bones in the U.S. alone each year. Moreover, these fractures cost an estimated $52 billion annually in the U.S., according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), and 75 percent of them go undetected. Zebra Medical Vision's VCF solution substantially increases detection rates, raising the number of patients eligible for treatment, without the need for additional staff, imaging, or radiation.

Sites that run fracture-prevention programs or population-management programs use Zebra Medical Vision to systematically onboard patients to these programs and initiate further examinations and treatment. The code approved by the AMA will allow clinics to code for this AI application and help them identify more patients for potential osteooporotic fractures.

Zebra Medical Vision's FDA and CE-cleared VCF solution, which enables radiologists to diagnose vertebral fractures more confidently and quickly for increased detection of osteoporosis, would be coded under the latest approved CPT code proposal as the only FDA-cleared VCF product for AI in medical imaging on the market.

As triage solutions, which saturate the AI-in-medical-imaging market, become less relevant to solving long-term medical problems, Zebra Medical Vision is transforming the AI-in-medical-imaging field by shifting to population health solutions. The company is providing real cost-effective technology for healthcare systems and providers to improve pre-emptive care and boost the quality of existing care services.

"The latest development regarding the CPT code approval by the AMA is an industry milestone in the effort to boost the adoption of AI in imaging for VCFs, and other underdiagnosed chronic conditions for which AI can help reveal and drive care," says Zohar Elhanani, CEO of Zebra Medical Vision. "Backed by such a major endorsement from the CPT panel and Zebra Medical Vision's technology, radiologists will now be able to identify more patients with undiagnosed fractures and provide better care for patients who may be vulnerable."

About Zebra Medical Vision

Zebra Medical Vision's Imaging Analytics Platform allows healthcare institutions to identify patients at risk of disease and offer improved, preventative treatment pathways to improve patient care. Zebra-Med is funded by Khosla Ventures, Marc Benioff, Intermountain Investment Fund, OurCrowd Qure, Aurum, aMoon, Nvidia, J&J, Dolby Ventures and leading AI researchers Prof Fei Fei Le Prof Amnon Shashua and Richard Shocher. Zebra Medical Vision has raised $52 million in funding to date, and was named a Fast Company Top-5 AI and Machine Learning company. www.zebra-med.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005601/en/

Contacts:

Media:

Alona Stein

alona@reblonde.com
Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 7, 2021) - Small, Canadian, family-owned duty-free stores are on the brink of collapse as the U.S.-Canada land border closure hits the 16-month mark. These export stores have been shuttered for over a year and are down over 95% in sales, as the border closure, made originally to protect the Canadian public, continues without modification.

The Frontier Duty Free Association (FDFA), representing the small independently-owned, land-border duty-free businesses, today called on Ottawa for a specific package to save the sector from closing its doors and ending 40 years of successful export to the United States. "Our border stores have been essential in building the economies of Canadian border communities and an integral part of the tourism export industry in Canada. Our industry cannot come back without specific relief measures," said FDFA Executive Director, Barbara Barrett. "We are the hardest hit of the hardest hit businesses in Canada," added Barrett.

Tight and appropriate regulations for the duty free sector has meant that duty-free stores have not been able to shift business models to domestic or online sales during the border closure. None of their inventory has been allowed to be used for donations or returns. While other Canadian businesses have been open or allowed to adapt during COVID, the land border closure has killed these stores.

FDFA is calling on the federal government to take three specific measures:

Relief Fund

Land border duty-free stores have taken on significant debt to survive almost a year and a half with no sales and no end in sight. Out of the $500 million Tourism Relief Fund, the Association is asking for a $200,000/store grant program for each store, or a $6.6 million program based on size and need.

Export Designation

Despite being for export only, land border duty-free products are subject to domestic policy, putting Canadian stores at a competitive disadvantage with U.S. duty-free retailers, resulting in significant revenue loss. It is critical to the recovery and competitiveness of this vibrant Canadian industry that it be treated as EXPORT ONLY and given an Export Designation.

Open the land border in line with climbing vaccination rates and declining COVID-19 cases on both sides of the border.

"I don't know what business can be closed for sixteen months and be expected to survive without additional support," said Barrett. "We gladly did our part to help keep Canadians safe, but it is time now for the government to step up and help us get to the other side of this."

Some government relief programs have been helpful, such as CEWS, but this program has begun winding down and the industry has not begun recovery as the border remains closed. Further, the stores fall through the cracks of other programs such as the Rent Subsidy Top-up because of their unique, regulated business model.

"It is a matter of fairness," said Barrett. "As long as the government keeps the land border closed, we cannot do our business and we are asking to be able to survive and have a future. Our retailers and their employees did not make business mistakes or plan badly, but we closed to protect Canadians and we deserve not to be left behind and kill a 40-year-old export sector."

-30-

The FDFA is the national association representing Canada's the 33 land border duty free shops. Our mandate is to promote the development and success of the land border duty free sector by acting as a voice, advocate and business resource for members.

For more information, please contact: Sophie Normand, Phone: 613.407.4294 or info@fdfa.ca

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89553


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Eric Adams has emerged winner at the Democratic Primary for New York City's mayoral election.



The former police officer won the party ticket for the prestigious election by winning more than 50 percent of the nearly 938,000 votes.



The city's Board of Election determined the mayoral primary winner using ranked-choice voting tabulation of in-person votes and more than 125,000 absentee ballots after Adams failed to win more than 50 percent of first-choice votes on the initial tally.



Adams, who is currently the Brooklyn Borough President, held off former sanitation commissioner Kathryn Garcia with a 8,426-vote lead after the count of absentee ballots saw his substantial lead narrowing down to a single percentage point.



Adams won 50.5 percent of the votes while Kathryn Garcia received 49.5 percent.



Maya Wiley, a former counsel to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, finished third.



Former presidential candidate Andrew Yang had already conceded defeat after he was placed a distant fourth.



'While there are still some very small amounts of votes to be counted, the results are clear: An historic, diverse, five-borough coalition led by working-class New Yorkers has led us to victory in the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City,' Adams said in a statement issued after the outcome.



The odds are in favor of Adams in the general election against Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, as New York City is a traditional Democratic bastion.



If he wins, Adams will become the second Black mayor in the history of the nation's largest city.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
WILMINGTON, DE / ACCESSWIRE / July 7, 2021 / Marketing Worldwide Corporation, (OTC PINK:MWWC), 'the Company', is pleased to announce three major corporate updates to the shareholders.

Marketing Worldwide recently hosted a majority shareholder meeting where the new management and leadership team was elected. At the same time the official transfer agent was changed from 'Continental Stock Transfer' to 'Issuer Direct.' The Company is pleased to report that all associated fees for this action have been paid in full and 'Issuer Direct' has been working hard for the benefit of the Company.

Additionally, the Company approved moving the domestication of Marketing Worldwide to the State of Wyoming with the intentions of dissolving the Delaware entity. Future State filings, amendments, and documentation should appear in those respective States as they continue to be processed under the direction of corporate legal counsel.

Lastly, an internal audit and review of the share structure has taken place over the last week. The Company will be cancelling 7.4 billion shares from the authorized share count during the Wyoming relocation per the approved 'Board Resolution MW07.06.2021'. The new authorized share total will be 3.5 billion shares of common stock, reduced from the former 10.9 billion shares.

Jason Schlenk, the newly appointed CEO of Marketing Worldwide said, "I am thrilled to see how far we have come in a short period of time, and that we are efficiently executing to achieve a number of short-term milestones." Mr. Schlenk continued, "I have already submitted my application to OTC Markets for subscription services over a week ago, and look forward to seeing any updates or requests for more information as they deem appropriate. Obviously, our goal of getting back to a pink current standing is of priority importance, and I thank everyone for their continued support."

Contact Information:

Twitter: @MWWCOfficial

Email: LetsConnect@marketingworldwide.co

Website: www.marketingworldwide.co

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements. The words 'believe,' 'may,' 'estimate,' 'continue,' 'anticipate,' 'intend,' 'should,' 'plan,' 'could,' 'target,' 'potential,' 'is likely,' 'will,' 'expect' and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The Company has based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Some or all of the results anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not be achieved. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

SOURCE: Marketing Worldwide Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654467/Marketing-Worldwide-Corporation-Provides-Corporate-Update
CHICAGO, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In-depth analysis and data-driven insights on the impact of COVID-19 included in this global industrial laundry detergent market report.

The industrial laundry detergent market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 7.39% during the period 2020-2026.

Key Highlights Offered in the Report:

APAC & Latin America are home to several developing industries and emerging economies. The growing demand for food products, vehicles, and hospital beds is expected to have a corresponding impact on the demand for industrial laundry detergents in these regions. Additionally, the increasing frequency of travel and tourism activities in these regions is contributing to the market's growth. The high penetration of food and beverages, chemical, and automotive industries, and the significant increase in awareness of hygienic practices in the health industry are driving the use of industrial laundry detergents. Manufacturing industries and hospitals are expected to witness the highest growth at a CAGR of over 9% and 7%, respectively. The liquid laundry detergent and fabric care segments are expected to grow at a CAGR of 7% and 8%, respectively. Although the fabric care segment accounts for a meager share in the market, the rising awareness among end-use industries will create long-term demand for fabric care products. One of the key growth restraints in the global industrial laundry detergent market is the volatility in the oil & gas industry. The uncertainty in the market is affecting raw material prices in many countries. Also, the COVID-19 outbreak and associated lockdown restrictions have adversely affected the unorganized industrial sectors in developing economies. The advent of the online platform has created a tremendous opportunity for numerous vendors to step up and pitch their offerings worldwide without being restrained by physical boundaries. Emerging economies such as Brazil , India , and China , are witnessing an increase in the demand for liquid laundry detergents due to rising awareness of cleanliness and hygiene and improving economic conditions.

Key Offerings:

Market Size & Forecast by Revenue | 2020-2026

Market Dynamics - Leading trends, growth drivers, restraints, and investment opportunities

Market Segmentation - A detailed analysis by product, application, distribution channel, and geography

Competitive Landscape - 14 vendors are profiled

Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/industrial-laundry-detergent-market-size

Industrial Laundry Detergent Market - Segmentation

North American and European regions are dominating the industrial liquid laundry detergent market. With the improvement of the industrial and commercial sectors in emerging countries, liquid laundry detergents will likely expand at a CAGR of over 7% by 2026. In the coming years, concentrated liquid laundry detergents demand is expected to increase globally.

The rise of healthcare spending is expected to increase the number of hospitals, which will boost the demand for industrial laundry detergent. The hospital relies heavily on a dependable laundry service. In addition, the rising health awareness among people, growing HAIs, and the significant surge in COVID-19 cases in some parts of the world are expected to accelerate the demand for laundry detergent globally.

The key players in the US and the UK primarily sell their finished products either in B2B or brick and mortar stores, directly through distributors, through their websites, or through other online channels to smoothen the distribution channels. The distribution through retail stores is substantially generating revenue opportunities for various vendors across the market.

Industrial Laundry Detergent Market by Product

Powder



Liquid



Fabric Softener



Others

Industrial Laundry Detergent Market by Application

Hospitality



Hospitals



Manufacturing Industries



Other Applications

Industrial Laundry Detergent Market by Distribution Channel

Offline



Online

Industrial Laundry Detergent Market - Dynamics

On a broader level, industrial laundry detergents can be categorized under powder laundry detergents and liquid laundry detergents. Although the powder laundry detergent segment dominates the market, the liquid laundry detergent segment has also gained a significant share in recent times. Liquid industrial laundry detergents can be manufactured using less energy-intensive processes. The growing preference for liquid industrial laundry detergent variants is attributable to their compact nature and sustainability savings. The gradual shift in consumer demand from powder laundry detergents to liquid laundry detergents is also due to the convenience associated with liquid formats and fewer instances of after-wash issues. The liquid laundry detergent segment has immense potential for future growth. Several developed regions such as Europe and North America are witnessing a higher penetration of liquid laundry detergents. However, the demand for liquid laundry detergents is expected to grow significantly in developing regions such as APAC and Latin America. Also, China's liquid laundry detergent market has tremendous potential for future growth as the penetration of the liquid laundry detergent segment in the country is expected to exceed 58% by 2024.

Key Drivers and Trends fueling Market Growth:

Impact of Transition to Natural & Sustainable Products

Impact of Increasing Penetration of Internet

Impact of Long-Term Growth in Travel & Tourism Industry

Industrial Laundry Detergent Market - Geography

In 2020, APAC emerged as the most dominant geographical segment in the industrial laundry detergent market and accounted for a revenue share of 31.27%. Factors such as rapidly expanding population, massive penetration of the commercial and industrial sectors, and rising awareness of hygiene have accelerated the demand for industrial laundry detergents in the region. Additionally, deep penetration of distribution channels such as supermarkets and hypermarkets and easy access to the Internet and online shopping have contributed to the growth of the regional market. Countries such as China, India, and Japan are the largest contributors to the regional market. South Korea is another major market for industrial laundry detergents in APAC.

Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/industrial-laundry-detergent-market-size

Industrial Laundry Detergent Market by Geography

APAC

China



India



Japan



South Korea



Rest Of APAC

Europe

UK



Germany



France



Spain



Italy

North America

US



Canada

Middle East & Africa

Saudi Arabia



UAE



South Africa



Turkey

Latin America

Mexico



Brazil



Rest Of Latin America

Major Vendors

Accurate Chemical Acquisitions

AGAR

Ashland

BASF

Croda International

Deluxe Chemicals

DeVere Company

JLA

Kao Corporation

Procter & Gamble

Solvay

Stepan Company

The Clorox Company

Unilever

Explore our chemicals & materials profile to know more about the industry.

Read some of the top-selling reports:

Talc Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2021-2026

Hot Melt Adhesives Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2021-2026

Specialty Chemicals Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2021-2026

Stain Remover Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2021-2026

About Arizton:

Arizton Advisory and Intelligence is an innovation and quality-driven firm, which offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients across the world. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services.

We offer comprehensive market research reports on industries such as consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare, and life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals and materials, IT and media, logistics and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts.

Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered in generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports.

Mail: enquiry@arizton.com

Call: +1-312-235-2040

+1 302 469 0707

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/818553/Arizton_Logo.jpg
BANGALORE, India, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cocoa Market by Product Type ( Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Liquor , and Cocoa Powder ), Process ( Dutch Process and Natural Process), Nature (Organic and Conventional), Quality (Bulk, Specialty, and Fine Flavor), and Application (Confectionery, Food & Beverages, Bakery, and Others). This report is published on Valuates Reports in the Food & Drink Category.

The global Cocoa Market size was valued at USD 12,874.0 Million in 2019 and is estimated to reach USD 15,501.1 Million by 2027, registering a CAGR of 4.3% from 2021 to 2027.

Major factors driving the growth of the cocoa market are:

The growing demand for chocolates is boosting the cocoa market growth. It is estimated that more than 40% of the global cocoa produced is used for making chocolates.

Health benefits such as reduced cholesterol levels and a lower risk of cardiovascular problems associated with chocolate are expected to drive the cocoa market.

View Full Report: https://reports.valuates.com/reports/ALLI-Manu-3M59/cocoa

TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE COCOA MARKET

In recent years, the demand for chocolate confectioneries in emerging economies has shown a favorable trend, owing to increased consumer spending on decadent confectionery items, particularly chocolate confectioneries. Thus with the increasing use of cocoa in confectionery, food & beverages, the bakery is expected to drive the cocoa market size.

Cocoa is also used in the cosmetics, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals industry as flavoring and coloring agents. Furthermore, antioxidants contained in cocoa help delay the signs of aging, keep skin healthy, activate fat burn, and have a psychologically stimulating effect. Thus the increased adoption of cocoa in cosmetics, and the pharmaceutical sector is expected to boost the growth of the cocoa market.

Inquire For Sample: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/ALLI-Manu-3M59/Cocoa_Market

COCOA MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS

Based on product type, the cocoa liquor segment was the highest contributor to the market, with USD 4,837.1 million in 2019, and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. Cocoa liquor, often known as chocolate liquor, is a necessary ingredient in the production of raw chocolate. Cocoa liquor is also used to make cocoa butter and cocoa powder.

Based on process, the Dutch process segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period. The natural acid in cocoa is neutralized in the Dutch process, and the pH level is raised to as high as 8. The bitterness of cocoa liquor is reduced using the Dutch method. Because the flavors of Dutch-processed cocoa and naturally processed cocoa differ, they are used interchangeably in the confectionery and bakery industries to impart the desired flavor to food products.

Based on nature, the Organic segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 5.0% during the forecast period. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are not used in the production of organic cocoa. Organic cocoa is also healthier to ingest, thus people are willing to spend a greater price for it. As a result, the organic segment of the global cocoa market is predicted to grow at the fastest rate.

Based on quality, Around 90% of the global cocoa produced is bulk cocoa. However, the specialty segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period.

Based on application, Food & beverages segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 4.4% during the forecast period.

Europe is the main market for cocoa in the world. Europe is the world's largest consumer of cocoa and chocolate. In terms of both volume and value, the Netherlands imported the most cocoa in 2019. The country that consumes the most chocolate in Europe is Switzerland.

Inquire for Regional Report: https://reports.valuates.com/request/regional/ALLI-Manu-3M59/Cocoa_Market

Key Market Segments

By Product Type

Cocoa butter

Cocoa liquor

Cocoa powder

By Process

Dutch process

Natural process

By Nature

Organic

Conventional

By Quality

Bulk

Specialty

Fine flavor

By Application

Confectionery

Food & beverages

Bakery

Others

By Region

North America

U.S.



Canada



Mexico

Europe

The Netherlands



Germany



Belgium



France



UK



Italy



Spain



Switzerland



Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific

China



Japan



India



Malaysia



Indonesia



Singapore



Rest of Asia-Pacific

LAMEA

Brazil



Iran



UAE



Rest of LAMEA

Inquire For Chapter Cost: https://reports.valuates.com/request/chaptercost/ALLI-Manu-3M59/Cocoa_Market

Inquire For Customization: https://reports.valuates.com/request/customisation/ALLI-Manu-3M59/Cocoa_Market

Buy Now for Single User: https://reports.valuates.com/api/directpaytoken?rcode=ALLI-Manu-3M59&lic=single-user

Buy Now for Enterprise User: https://reports.valuates.com/api/directpaytoken?rcode=ALLI-Manu-3M59&lic=enterprise-license

SUBSCRIPTION

We have introduced a tailor-made subscription for our customers. Please leave a note in the Comment Section to know about our subscription plans.

SIMILAR REPORTS :

- The global cocoa products market size was valued at USD 24.5 Billion in 2019 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.1% to reach a value of USD 30.2 Billion in 2026.

- Organic Cocoa market is segmented by Type, and by Application. Players, stakeholders, and other participants in the global Organic Cocoa market will be able to gain the upper hand as they use the report as a powerful resource. The segmental analysis focuses on sales, revenue and forecast by Type and by Application for the period 2016-2027.

- Global Bulk (Ordinary) Cocoa Sales Market Research Report contains Market Size, Market Share, Market Dynamics, Porter's 5 force Analysis, Segmentation, Regional and Competitor Analysis. Product-Type: Cocoa Liquor, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Powder, Application: Confectionery, Food and Beverage, Others.

- Global Fine or Flavour Cocoa Sales Market Research Report contains Market Size, Market Share, Market Dynamics, Porter's 5 force Analysis, Segmentation, Regional and Competitor Analysis. Product-Type: Cocoa Liquor, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Powder, Application: Chocolates Market, Alcoholic Drink Market, Cosmetics Market, Pharmaceutical Market, Others.

- Global Alkalized Cocoa Powder Sales Market Research Report contains Market Size, Market Share, Market Dynamics, Porter's 5 force Analysis, Segmentation, Regional and Competitor Analysis. Product-Type: Organic Alkalized Cocoa Powder, Conventional Alkalized Cocoa Powder, Application: Supermarket, Convenience Store, Online Store, Others.

- Global Cocoa Powder Market Research Report BY Product-Type: Natural Cocoa Powder, Alkalized/Dutch-process Cocoa Powder, Application: Chocolate, Beverage & Dairy, Desserts, Baking and Biscuit, Others. On the basis of product type, the alkalized/dutch-process cocoa powder segment is projected to account for the largest revenue share during the forecast period; this segment was estimated to account for 56.89% revenue share in 2019. While the natural cocoa powder segment will grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period.

- Global Fat-Reduced Cocoa Powder Sales Market Report 2021



- Global Cocoa Derivatives Sales Market Report 2021



- Global Cocoa Grindings Market Insights and Forecast to 2027



- Global Fairtrade Chocolate Sales Market Report 2021



- Global Private Label Chocolate Sales Market Report 2021



- Global Craft Chocolate Sales Market Report 2021



- Global Stevia Chocolate Sales Market Report 2021

- Global Sugar-Free Milk Chocolate Sales Market Report 2021

Click Here To See Related Reports On Cocoa

ABOUT US:

Valuates offers in-depth market insights into various industries. Our extensive report repository is constantly updated to meet your changing industry analysis needs.

Our team of market analysts can help you select the best report covering your industry. We understand your niche region-specific requirements and that's why we offer customization of reports. With our customization in place, you can request for any particular information from a report that meets your market analysis needs.

To achieve a consistent view of the market, data is gathered from various primary and secondary sources, at each step, data triangulation methodologies are applied to reduce deviance and find a consistent view of the market. Each sample we share contains a detailed research methodology employed to generate the report. Please also reach our sales team to get the complete list of our data sources.

CONTACT US:

Valuates Reports

sales@valuates.com

For U.S. Toll-Free Call 1-(315)-215-3225

For IST Call +91-8040957137

WhatsApp: +91 9945648335

Website: https://reports.valuates.com

Follow Twitter - https://twitter.com/valuatesreports

Follow Linkedin - https://in.linkedin.com/company/valuatesreports

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082232/Valuates_Reports_Logo.jpg
Hess Corporation (NYSE: HES) today announced a $1.4 million grant to the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) as part of the company's longstanding commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

The grant includes $1 million to support the new Jackie Robinson Museum being built in New York City, which will serve as a venue for innovative educational programming and dialogue on critical social issues. The remaining $400,000 will provide four-year scholarships and support services as part of the JRF Scholarship Program to five underrepresented college students starting in the fall of 2021. In addition, Hess will provide internship opportunities for JRF Scholars, with a goal of five Hess JRF Scholar internships per year starting in 2022.

"Our company has a proud history of social investment programs focused on education to advance equal opportunity and economic growth throughout society," said Chief Executive Officer John Hess. "We are delighted to support the Jackie Robinson Foundation in its celebrated work to promote the humanitarian values that defined Jackie Robinson's life through higher education and leadership."

"The Jackie Robinson Foundation is extremely grateful for Hess Corporation's generous investment in our mission. This extraordinary gift allows us to provide critical support to young leaders who go on to embrace the values embedded in the life and legacy of our namesake," said Della Britton, JRF President and CEO. "What's more, Hess' pledge to help bring to fruition the Jackie Robinson Museum also speaks to its commitment to promote equal opportunity and to challenge society to use history to inform a better future. We could not be more thrilled to partner with Hess Corporation."

About Hess

Hess Corporation is a leading global independent energy company engaged in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas. More information about Hess Corporation is available at www.hess.com.

About the Jackie Robinson Foundation

Since 1973, the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) has perpetuated the memory of Jackie Robinson by providing four-year scholarships and comprehensive support to highly motivated students with financial need attending colleges and universities across the country to ensure their success and develop their leadership potential. With the opening of the Jackie Robinson Museum in 2022, the Foundation will build on the legacy of Jackie Robinson by educating and inspiring the general public around his heroic story and the ideals and values that defined his life. Learn more by visiting www.jackierobinson.org.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005693/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Lorrie Hecker

(212) 536-8250
HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / July 7, 2021 / According to the Texas Department of Transportation, motor vehicle accidents on the state's roadways result in more than 3,000 deaths and more than 15,000 serious injuries annually. Many of these are the result of accidents involving commercial vehicles.

These numbers place Texas firmly in contention among those states reporting the most motor vehicle accidents and vehicular deaths.

With so many individuals and families impacted, Kirk Law Firm seeks to educate the Texas public about their rights, and the importance of hiring a personal injury attorney when injured in a commercial vehicle accident .

The Devastating Impact of a Commercial Vehicle Accident

Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of accidental injury and death across the state of Texas, with those involving commercial trucks such as tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, semis and big rigs being especially catastrophic.

Large trucks and heavy (sometimes dangerous) loads increase the risk for extensive damage and loss of human life.

Common Contributing Factors of Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Although some accidents are simply due to being in the wrong place at the wrong time, or unavoidable human error, in others, the accident could have been avoided had the other party involved taken certain precautions or actions to avoid it. In such cases, the victim may be entitled to compensation for damages and injury under Texas state law. A personal injury attorney can help.

Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents Include:

Substance abuse

Driver fatigue

Failure to adjust to road or weather conditions

Failure to properly maintain the vehicle

Failure to properly secure the vehicle's load

Overloading of materials or items being transported

Improper lane usage or signaling

Defective parts or mechanical failure

Driver distractions (such as cell phone use)

And more

The Role of a Personal Injury Attorney

A personal injury attorney acts as an advocate for the rights of victims who have been injured due to the negligence of a third party. In the case of commercial vehicle accidents, this negligent party is often a trucking company or truck driver.

In the aftermath of a commercial vehicle accident, victims and families feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn for support and assistance. A personal injury attorney acts as an extension of their support system, fighting for victims both in and out of court so that they can focus on what matters the most; recovery.

Helping Clients Understand The Claims Process

The claims process can be complex and nuanced, often with claims or cases involving multiple parties such as insurance providers, companies or organizations, drivers and more. A good personal injury attorney helps their clients easily navigate each step involved, taking a load off of the stress that claims can sometimes cause.

Evaluating Claim Worth

No two cases are alike, and while a personal injury attorney can never guarantee a 'win', settlement or favorable judgment in court, they can help in evaluating the potential of each case. This step can assist individuals and families in planning for their financial future and in setting proper expectations regarding the outcome.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are often quick to try and get victims to settle. A good personal injury attorney will help their clients understand the potential worth of their case, advocating for maximum compensation. Kirk Law Firm advises to never accept the first offer or sign any documents without the guidance and advice of a personal injury lawyer.

Suing In Court

In situations when a favorable settlement can't be reached, a personal injury attorney will file suit in court. An experienced personal injury law firm, such as Kirk Law Firm, will use its extensive resources and experience to fight for winning its clients maximum compensation under Texas state law.

About the Kirk Law Firm, PLLC

Conveniently located at 440 Louisiana St Suite 2425Houston, TX 77002, Kirk Law Firm is an award-winning Houston-based law firm that brings more than 60 years of combined legal experience to the table.

With extensive experience fighting for the rights of personal injury victims, and a documented track record of successful outcomes, this Kirk Law Firm believes in providing ethical and effective legal services to residents throughout Texas.

Those interested in learning more about the firm or their rights if injured in an auto, truck or other type of accident are encouraged to reach out for a no-cost consultation .

Media Contact:

Kirk Law Firm

kirk@kirklawfirm.com

713-651-0050

SOURCE: Kirk Law Firm

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654554/Kirk-Law-Firm-Discusses-the-Importance-of-Hiring-a-Personal-Injury-Attorney-When-Injured-in-a-Commercial-Vehicle-Accident
HIGHLIGHTS

Reject samples from the 2020 drilling campaign have arrived at MinAnalytical in Perth, Western Australia for analysis by PhotonAssay





Samples had been integrated in the laboratory schedule ahead of delivery to allow for immediate start at reception and analysis has started





Whole rock analysis to be conducted capturing visible gold, observed in core and potentially not reflected in standard fire assays





Historical analysis from 2010/11 programs highlighted that fire assays under called grades by on average 34% compared with screen fire assays





Analysis run in conjunction with large scale heterogeneity test quantifying the nature of the high-grade gold at the Eastmain deposit





Understanding and quantifying the nature of high-grade gold mineralisation will improve future resource estimate and confidence

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 7, 2021) - Benz Mining Corp. (TSXV: BZ) (ASX: BNZ) (the Company or Benz) is pleased to announce that a single shipment of over 8t of coarse rejects from its 2020 drilling campaign has been received by MinAnalytical's Perth laboratory from Quebec.

Coarse rejects are the leftover material from the processing of core samples during the assaying process. On average, coarse rejects represent over 80% of the core samples submitted to Actlabs in Quebec for standard fire assays in 2020 (fire assays with both AAS and gravimetric finish, only using a 50g subsample of the material submitted).

The industry standard fire assay method used in the 2020 drill program includes fine grinding and pulverisation of samples to a particle size of 75m. Due to the malleable nature of gold, nuggets with a size over 75m have a chance of being retained in the fraction of the sample that is not analysed.

Benz geologists have observed multiple occurrences of visible gold in the core from Eastmain. Visible gold usually indicates that gold particles are larger than the 75m of the sieve used in the fire assay preparation.

CEO Xavier Braud Commented: "The numerous observations of visible gold in core from the Eastmain Project mean that we need to use an assay method best suited to high-grade gold. PhotonAssay will give us a much better estimation of true gold grade in our drill core as the sample method removes the bias created during the sample preparation in traditional assay methods. If this round of assays shows that fire assay analytical methods have underestimated grades, then we can legitimately ask ourselves about a potential underestimation of our current resource which is based on historical fire assay results."

The coarse rejects shipped to Australia have been crushed to a size of 2mm.

The whole lot of the samples will be assayed, providing a whole rock analysis, capturing all the gold present in each sample without the bias introduced by subsampling, fine grinding and sieving.

The expectation is that a method capturing the oversized gold fraction will return more accurate assays better correlating grade and geological observations.





Figure 1: EM20-137, Fire Assay results: 1.5m at 2.8g/t Au from 519.5, 30 grains of visible gold observed (being re-assayed by PhotonAssay)

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/1818/89648_pic1.jpg





Figure 2: EM20-132 - Fire Assay Results - 3.0m at 13.7g/t Au from 531.8m, one grain of visible gold observed (being re-assayed by PhotonAssay)



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/1818/89648_b7095947f45009dd_004full.jpg

Screen fire assays (metallic screen) (SFA-Grav) vs. fire assays (FA-AAS) in 2010-11 drill results from the Eastmain Project

During the 2010 and 2011 drilling campaigns at Eastmain, observations of visible gold prompted the geological team to submit samples for both fire assays (FA-AAS) and screen fire assays (metallic screen) (SFA-Grav).

A total of 361 samples were submitted for analysis with 2 duplicate measurements conducted by FA-AAS and one by SFA-Grav. The average gold grade over the 361 samples by standard fire assay is 2.24g/t Au whilst metallic screen returned an average of 3.04g/t Au, an increase of 34% in the average measured grade.

The graph in Figure 3 shows a plot of the historical results by SFA-Grav versus results obtained by FA-AAS (average of the 2 duplicate results).





Figure 3: Assays by fire assays vs screen fire assays in 361 sets of duplicates from 2010 and 2011 drilling campaigns

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/1818/89648_picture1.jpg

Both metallic screen and standard fire assay methods use a subsample from the half core sample submitted to the laboratory.

In the case of fire assays, the aliquot (the final sample physically used for analysis) is 50g.





In the case of metallic screen FA, the aliquot used is 1kg.

Both fire and metallic screen fire assays involve some level of preparation of the sample.

In the case of fire assays, the whole half core sample is crushed down to a maximum particle size of 2mm. Then a subsample of 250g is pulverized until 80% of the sample passes a 75m mesh. The final aliquot is obtained by sampling 50g from the fraction finer than 75m.





In the case of screen fire assays, the whole half core sample is crushed for a set period of time. A 1kg subsample is collected and screened through a 106m mesh. The coarse and fine fractions are assayed separately by fire assay and the final reported result is a weighted average of the coarse and fine fraction analysis.

Screen fire assays partly remove the sampling bias introduced by the small size of the subsample and the fine grinding to 75m used in fire assays.

Benz has used both the standard 50g fire assay with AAS and gravimetric finish and, in 2021, has used metallic screen FA with gravimetric finish for mineralised samples and those with visible gold.

Benz is currently analysing core sample rejects from its 2020 drilling campaign by PhotonAssay, a technology using high energy x-ray fluorescence.

PhotonAssay technology should be an improvement on both analytical methods for the following reasons:

100% of rejects sampled (>80% of the core samples originally submitted) - larger sample





No fine grinding - no further processing of the material than standard 2mm crush





No screening bias





No destruction of the sample - the samples can still be assayed by another method afterwards

Further details on PhotonAssay technology can be found here. https://www.chrysos.com.au/replacing-fire-assay

The Eastmain Gold Project, situated on the Upper Eastmain Greenstone Belt in Quebec, Canada, currently hosts a NI 43-101 and JORC (2012) compliant resource of 376,000oz at 7.9gpt gold (Indicated: 236,500oz at 8.2gtp gold, Inferred: 139,300oz at 7.5gtp gold). The existing gold mineralization is associated with 15-20% semi-massive to massive pyrrhotite, pyrite and chalcopyrite in highly deformed and altered rocks making it amenable to detection using electromagnetic techniques. Multiple gold occurrences have been identified by previous explorers over a 10km long zone along strike from the Eastmain Mine with very limited but highly encouraging testing outside the existing resource area.

This press release was prepared under supervision and approved by Dr. Danielle Giovenazzo, P.Geo, acting as Benz's qualified person under National Instrument 43-101.

About Benz Mining Corp.

Benz Mining Corp. brings together an experienced team of geoscientists and finance professionals with a focused strategy to acquire and develop mineral projects with an emphasis on safe, low risk jurisdictions favourable to mining development. Benz is earning a 100% interest in the former producing high grade Eastmain gold mine, Ruby Hill West and Ruby Hill East projects in Quebec.

The Eastmain Gold Project is situated within the Upper Eastmain Greenstone Belt in Quebec, Canada and currently hosts a NI 43-101 and JORC (2012) compliant resource of 376,000oz at 7.9gpt gold. The existing gold mineralization is associated with 15-20% semi-massive to massive pyrrhotite, pyrite and chalcopyrite making it amenable to detection by electromagnetics. Several gold mineralization occurrences have been identified by previous explorers over a 10km long zone along strike from the Eastmain Mine with very limited testing outside the existing resource area.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Benz Mining Corp.

Xavier Braud, CEO

For more information please contact:

Paul Fowler

Head of Corporate Development (Canada)

Benz Mining Corp.

Telephone: +1 416 356 8165

Email: info@benzmining.com

Xavier Braud

CEO, Head of Corporate Development (Aus)

Benz Mining Corp.

Telephone +61 423 237 659

Email: info@benzmining.com





Forward-Looking Information: Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is used in applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information is based on plans, expectations and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and is subject to certain factors and assumptions, including, that the Company's financial condition and development plans do not change as a result of unforeseen events and that the Company obtains regulatory approval. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause plans, estimates and actual results to vary materially from those projected in such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause the forward-looking information in this news release to change or to be inaccurate include, but are not limited to, the risk that any of the assumptions referred to prove not to be valid or reliable, that occurrences such as those referred to above are realized and result in delays, or cessation in planned work, that the Company's financial condition and development plans change, and delays in regulatory approval, as well as the other risks and uncertainties applicable to the Company as set forth in the Company's continuous disclosure filings filed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Competent Person's Statements: The information in this report that relates to Exploration Results is based on and fairly represents information and supporting information compiled by Mr Xavier Braud, who is a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG membership ID:6963). Mr Braud is a consultant to the Company and has sufficient experience in the style of mineralization and type of deposits under consideration and qualifies as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 edition of the "Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves". Mr Braud holds securities in Benz Mining Corp and consents to the inclusion of all technical statements based on his information in the form and context in which they appear.

The information in this announcement that relates to the Inferred Mineral Resource was first reported under the JORC Code by the Company in its prospectus released to the ASX on 21 December 2020. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original market announcement and confirms that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimate continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Person's findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original market announcement

Appendix 1: Historical data (2010-11 assays data used in this release)

Table 1: Drillholes collar information

Hole_ID Easting_X_Nad83Z18 Northing_Y_Nad83Z18 Elevation TotDepth Azimut_at_CLR Dip_at_CLR EM10-02 698873.9 5798667 483.912 444 224 -85.39 EM10-03 698822.8 5798639 484 387 246 -79.27 EM10-04 698868.9 5798671 483.87 423 257 -80.27 EM10-05 698835.5 5798569 484.636 330 223 -85.31 EM10-12 694522.2 5801514 505 309 218 -43.43 EM10-13 694522.2 5801514 505 342 220 -60.35 EM10-17 698705.9 5798655 484.72 315 209 -80.14 EM10-18 698943.1 5798733 483.905 480 205 -86.9 EM10-19 698942.5 5798733 483.944 402 239 -68.48 EM10-22 698986.7 5798759 484.389 450 238 -74.98 EM10-26 699084.1 5798450 481.509 279 217 -59.69 EM10-28 699082.5 5798341 480.931 249 213 -79.57 EM10-29 699081.9 5798340 480.903 237 220 -53.81 EM10-30 699138.9 5798265 486.53 246 199 -84.01 EM10-33 699297.1 5798420 480.231 354 216 -75.79 EM10-34 699296.9 5798419 480.174 366 227 -85.24 EM10-36 699229.4 5798287 482.929 279 211 -76.4 EM10-37 699205.7 5798177 485.568 216 217 -71.33 EM10-38 699016.4 5798038 489.257 195 218 -56.09 EM10-42 699425.9 5798261 481.801 351 210 -74.92 EM10-43 699472.3 5798216 482.014 351 208 -80.7 EM10-46 699961.3 5797734 487.645 330 209 -79.29 EM11-48 698933.5 5798922 489 507 213 -62 EM11-49 698933.5 5798922 488.9738 534 195 -84.6 EM11-50 698952.9 5798918 488 543 208 -60 EM11-51 698952.9 5798918 488 573 207 -53.1 EM11-52 698952.9 5798918 488 528 207 -45.1 EM11-53 698952.9 5798918 488 51 207 -43.4 EM11-54 698931 5798930 489 516 211 -44.9 EM11-58 699142.7 5798915 485 561 215 -71.5 EM11-59 699225 5798037 492 204 215 -69.9 EM11-60 699284 5798500 486 552 177 -83.4 EM11-61 699346.4 5798519 483 522 203 -83.9 EM11-62 699415.2 5798509 481 525 197 -78.5 EM11-63 699556.1 5798429 480 507 213.75 -74 EM11-64 699579 5798397 481 501 208 -73.4 EM11-65 699619.1 5798346 481 498 212 -73.4 EM11-66 699619.1 5798346 481 501 208 -78.8 EM11-67 699512 5798177 483 393 196 -84.9 EM11-69 700000.6 5797789 486 375 200 -84.5 EM11-70 700025 5797831 486 411 196 -84.5 EM11-71 700020.3 5797718 494 408 213 -70.2 EM11-72 700102 5797662 498 363 212 -68 EM11-74 700350 5797750 499 483 210 -75

Table 2: Assay data

Sample# Hole ID Gold (g/t) method Au-AA26 (fire assay, AAS Finish) Gold (g/t) method Au-AA26 (fire assay, AAS Finish) duplicate sample Gold (g/t) method Au-SCR24 (Screen fire assay, gravimetric finish C152757 EM10-03 0.24 0.25 0.25 C152759 EM10-03 7.09 6.94 11.55 C152760 EM10-03 13.3 11 19.35 C152761 EM10-03 11.55 10.35 17.95 C152762 EM10-03 1.31 1.34 1.68 C152763 EM10-03 1.68 1.85 2.03 C152764 EM10-03 0.01 0.01 0.025 C152765 EM10-03 1.21 1.14 1.6 C152766 EM10-03 0.01 0.01 0.025 C176144 EM10-02 0.31 0.41 0.4 C176145 EM10-02 3.05 2.78 2.99 C176146 EM10-02 2.27 2.07 2.16 C176147 EM10-02 0.48 0.55 0.54 C176148 EM10-02 0.49 0.41 0.46 C176268 EM10-04 0.04 0.04 0.025 C176269 EM10-04 2.29 1.63 2.31 C176270 EM10-04 24.3 21.9 51.4 C176273 EM10-04 0.86 0.41 0.75 C176276 EM10-04 0.4 0.31 0.39 C176278 EM10-04 5.2 5.29 5.55 C176280 EM10-04 2.41 2.57 3.25 C176281 EM10-04 0.89 0.69 1.25 C176282 EM10-04 0.96 0.95 0.99 C176283 EM10-04 1.37 1.26 1.31 C176284 EM10-04 0.29 0.28 0.42 C176417 EM10-05 0.42 0.42 0.42 C176418 EM10-05 1 1.19 1.37 C176419 EM10-05 0.1 0.09 0.09 C176423 EM10-05 0.21 0.17 0.2 C176424 EM10-05 1.71 1.87 1.93 C176426 EM10-05 0.03 0.01 0.025 C178201 EM10-12 0.09 0.06 0.38 C178202 EM10-12 0.96 0.86 1.05 C178203 EM10-12 1.24 0.98 1.25 C178204 EM10-12 1.1 1.22 1.81 C178205 EM10-12 0.15 0.12 0.14 C178206 EM10-12 0.11 0.1 0.12 C178207 EM10-12 0.24 0.27 0.25 C178208 EM10-12 1.09 0.55 0.82 C178209 EM10-12 0.53 0.45 0.48 C178221 EM10-12 0.11 0.11 0.13 C178222 EM10-12 6.75 7.82 8.17 C178223 EM10-12 0.02 0.04 0.05 C178238 EM10-13 0.02 0.02 0.025 C178239 EM10-13 10.1 10.75 13.9 C178240 EM10-13 0.03 0.04 0.14 C178257 EM10-13 0.01 0.005 0.025 C178258 EM10-13 5.57 6.08 8.73 C178259 EM10-13 0.18 0.18 0.18 C178263 EM10-13 0.005 0.01 0.025 C178264 EM10-13 6.79 6.09 11.75 C178265 EM10-13 0.13 0.08 0.28 C178267 EM10-13 0.01 0.01 0.025 C178268 EM10-13 3.63 3.66 4.07 C178269 EM10-13 0.96 0.98 0.98 C178273 EM10-13 0.01 0.01 0.025 C178274 EM10-13 2.39 2.95 2.69 C178276 EM10-13 0.02 0.02 0.025 C179567 EM10-17 0.51 0.51 0.48 C179568 EM10-17 9.38 9.98 10.1 C179569 EM10-17 0.06 0.06 0.06 C179682 EM10-18 0.04 0.04 0.025 C179683 EM10-18 1.09 1.09 1.1 C179684 EM10-18 0.04 0.04 0.025 C179766 EM10-19 0.56 0.55 0.59 C179767 EM10-19 2.35 2.56 3.42 C179768 EM10-19 3.14 3.76 4.41 C179769 EM10-19 7.36 8 9.52 C179770 EM10-19 2.24 2.43 2.91 C179771 EM10-19 0.79 0.71 0.79 C179772 EM10-19 11.65 10.6 14.3 C179773 EM10-19 1.56 1.85 2.08 C179774 EM10-19 0.49 0.64 0.69 C179776 EM10-19 4.13 4.29 4.56 C179777 EM10-19 0.35 0.12 0.26 C179778 EM10-19 0.03 0.05 0.025 C179779 EM10-19 0.01 0.06 0.025 C179780 EM10-19 3.49 4.4 5.17 C179781 EM10-19 0.03 0.02 0.025 G0779169 EM10-03 0.01 0.005 0.025 G0779397 EM10-33 0.01 0.01 0.025 G0779398 EM10-33 1.02 1.16 2.07 G0779399 EM10-33 4.22 4.32 7.21 G0779872 EM10-18 0.02 0.01 0.025 G0779873 EM10-18 1.03 0.37 0.83 G0779874 EM10-18 0.04 0.03 0.025 H875044 EM10-22 0.67 0.6 0.75 H875045 EM10-22 3.93 4.22 6.94 H875046 EM10-22 0.05 0.02 0.025 H875047 EM10-22 0.05 0.99 0.56 H875048 EM10-22 0.005 0.28 1.52 H875049 EM10-22 0.47 0.21 0.52 H875153 EM10-26 0.01 0.01 0.025 H875154 EM10-26 1.3 1.55 1.87 H875155 EM10-26 0.06 0.06 0.08 H875171 EM10-26 0.59 0.58 0.72 H875172 EM10-26 1.09 0.97 1.11 H875173 EM10-26 0.005 0.005 0.025 H875183 EM10-28 0.09 0.1 0.09 H875184 EM10-28 8.29 10.7 13.9 H875185 EM10-28 0.05 0.16 0.23 H875186 EM10-28 1.16 0.72 1.19 H875187 EM10-28 2.24 2.3 2.95 H875188 EM10-28 0.67 0.78 0.9 H875189 EM10-28 0.74 0.57 0.72 H875190 EM10-28 6.73 6.9 21.5 H875191 EM10-28 5.43 7.36 6.03 H875192 EM10-28 13.35 12.35 15.1 H875193 EM10-28 0.75 0.84 0.95 H875194 EM10-28 8.25 7.92 8.88 H875195 EM10-28 24.9 24.9 28.9 H875196 EM10-28 17.85 16.9 19.6 H875197 EM10-28 13.95 13.25 13.45 H875198 EM10-28 12.95 12.5 15.05 H875199 EM10-28 25.2 24.3 31.9 H875201 EM10-28 5.22 5.3 7.45 H875202 EM10-28 15 13.8 15.4 H875203 EM10-28 2.28 2.49 2.36 H875204 EM10-28 0.2 0.14 0.18 H875215 EM10-30 0.02 0.02 0.025 H875216 EM10-30 3.19 2.74 3.55 H875217 EM10-30 0.01 0.02 0.025 H875234 EM10-30 10 9.74 10.15 H875235 EM10-30 0.4 0.6 0.82 H875236 EM10-30 0.01 0.02 0.025 H875237 EM10-30 0.03 0.03 0.05 H875238 EM10-30 2.18 2.25 2.32 H875239 EM10-30 0.17 0.19 0.22 H875338 EM10-34 0.02 0.03 0.025 H875339 EM10-34 1.35 1.43 1.49 H875340 EM10-34 0.1 0.11 0.1 H875342 EM10-34 0.18 1.01 0.6 H875343 EM10-34 0.25 0.37 0.36 H875344 EM10-34 0.44 0.47 0.44 H875351 EM10-33 0.13 0.58 0.39 H875352 EM10-33 0.13 0.11 0.11 H875451 EM10-22 0.06 0.07 0.06 H875452 EM10-22 0.04 0.01 0.025 H875553 EM10-22 0.15 0.13 0.18 H875554 EM10-22 3.14 3.12 3.43 H875555 EM10-22 0.03 0.04 0.05 H875567 EM10-29 0.07 0.08 0.07 H875568 EM10-29 4.17 3.6 6.03 H875569 EM10-29 0.02 0.02 0.025 H875584 EM10-29 0.13 0.21 0.22 H875585 EM10-29 1.75 1.61 1.71 H875586 EM10-29 0.03 0.02 0.025 H875601 EM10-29 0.03 0.03 0.025 H875602 EM10-29 30.3 29.3 34.4 H875603 EM10-29 0.4 0.76 5.16 H875604 EM10-29 0.38 0.3 4.54 H875704 EM10-38 0.11 0.09 0.14 H875705 EM10-38 13.7 13 21.8 H875706 EM10-38 1.4 1.72 1.9 H875707 EM10-38 17.75 17.45 31.6 H875708 EM10-38 5.57 5.7 7.2 H875709 EM10-38 3.12 4.56 7.65 H875710 EM10-38 10.4 9.82 14.6 H875711 EM10-38 14.3 12.6 17.8 H875712 EM10-38 0.16 0.16 0.16 H875713 EM10-38 0.02 0.05 0.025 H875714 EM10-38 1.15 1.05 1.93 H875715 EM10-38 0.02 0.01 0.025 H875874 EM10-43 0.26 0.21 0.31 H875876 EM10-43 4.81 4.79 6.07 H875877 EM10-43 0.52 0.7 0.72 H875878 EM10-43 0.89 0.73 0.93 H875879 EM10-43 0.06 0.08 0.09 H876160 EM10-37 0.04 0.07 0.63 H876161 EM10-37 1.37 1.28 1.95 H876162 EM10-37 2.78 2.82 3.12 H876163 EM10-37 1.99 2.11 2.25 H876164 EM10-37 0.01 0.02 0.025 H876242 EM10-42 0.39 0.35 0.38 H876243 EM10-42 2.03 2.3 5.56 H876244 EM10-42 2.21 2.08 2.69 H876245 EM10-42 1.68 1.76 1.8 H876246 EM10-42 0.1 0.1 0.1 H876335 EM10-46 0.11 0.1 0.1 H876336 EM10-46 6.21 6.24 13.7 H876337 EM10-46 0.22 0.21 0.24 H876367 EM10-12 0.01 0.01 0.025 H876368 EM10-12 2.31 2.41 2.65 H876369 EM10-12 0.01 0.02 0.025 H876399 EM10-13 0.03 0.03 0.025 H876401 EM10-13 1.43 1.48 1.51 H876402 EM10-13 0.08 0.07 0.07 H876486 EM10-36 0.01 0.01 0.025 H876487 EM10-36 37.8 34.9 56.2 H876488 EM10-36 0.01 0.16 0.08 H876494 EM10-36 0.58 0.2 0.41 H876495 EM10-36 35.6 34.7 39.6 H876496 EM10-36 0.01 0.04 0.025 H877516 EM11-48 0.005 0.01 0.025 H877517 EM11-48 3.15 3.26 3.46 H877518 EM11-48 0.03 0.04 0.025 H877686 EM11-49 0.59 0.55 0.58 H877687 EM11-49 0.06 0.08 0.07 H877688 EM11-49 0.61 0.41 0.62 H877689 EM11-49 1.74 1.83 1.76 H877690 EM11-49 0.34 0.37 0.35 H877852 EM11-49 0.005 0.005 0.025 H877853 EM11-49 1.65 1.94 1.8 H877854 EM11-49 0.03 0.02 0.025 J423462 EM11-50 11.9 11.1 11.6 J423553 EM11-50 0.04 0.04 0.42 J423554 EM11-50 0.7 0.74 0.7 J423555 EM11-50 0.005 0.005 0.025 J423637 EM11-51 0.05 0.03 0.025 J423638 EM11-51 0.27 0.27 0.83 J423639 EM11-51 0.01 0.01 0.025 J423793 EM11-51 0.13 0.04 0.08 J423794 EM11-51 0.35 0.23 0.32 J423795 EM11-51 0.005 0.005 0.025 J423815 EM11-51 0.45 0.47 0.48 J423816 EM11-51 5.38 5.31 5.83 J423817 EM11-51 0.005 0.005 0.025 J423827 EM11-51 0.07 0.07 0.07 J423828 EM11-51 0.85 1.16 1.4 J423829 EM11-51 0.005 0.005 0.025 J423871 EM11-51 0.03 0.08 0.05 J423872 EM11-51 1.39 1.45 1.4 J423873 EM11-51 0.005 0.01 0.025 J425655 EM11-52 0.76 0.7 0.74 J425656 EM11-52 2.06 2.13 2.17 J425657 EM11-52 3.78 3.78 3.96 J425658 EM11-52 1.83 1.82 1.86 J425659 EM11-52 1.32 1.41 1.37 J425660 EM11-52 0.26 0.28 0.29 J425661 EM11-52 0.42 0.37 0.44 J425662 EM11-52 0.14 0.12 0.12 J425693 EM11-52 0.56 0.64 0.64 J425694 EM11-52 0.62 0.62 1.31 J425695 EM11-52 8.87 8.97 13.2 J425696 EM11-52 2.95 3.16 3.38 J425697 EM11-52 0.27 0.23 0.32 J425698 EM11-52 1.47 1.8 1.76 J425699 EM11-52 4.18 3.9 5.24 J425701 EM11-52 14.3 15.6 20.2 J425702 EM11-52 2.39 1.72 2.64 J425703 EM11-52 2.3 2.5 2.68 J425704 EM11-52 7.37 7.22 11.55 J425705 EM11-52 4.47 4.51 5 J425706 EM11-52 4.36 4.09 4.99 J425707 EM11-52 0.99 0.85 1.07 J425708 EM11-52 0.22 0.22 0.27 J425709 EM11-52 0.55 0.53 0.72 J425710 EM11-52 1.12 1.36 1.47 J425711 EM11-52 1.68 1.68 1.79 J425970 EM11-54 0.14 0.14 0.14 J425971 EM11-54 1.83 2.26 2.78 J425972 EM11-54 0.31 0.36 0.37 K561587 EM11-58 0.14 0.1 0.12 K561588 EM11-58 8.41 8.01 9.53 K561589 EM11-58 0.07 0.08 0.07 K561590 EM11-58 0.01 0.01 0.025 K561591 EM11-58 1.15 1.31 1.4 K561592 EM11-58 0.005 0.005 0.025 K561662 EM11-58 0.005 0.005 0.025 K561663 EM11-58 0.8 0.9 1.36 K561664 EM11-58 0.005 0.01 0.025 K561766 EM11-59 0.32 0.03 0.3 K561767 EM11-59 0.07 0.07 0.07 K561768 EM11-59 0.3 0.35 0.33 K561769 EM11-59 1.52 1.75 1.9 K561770 EM11-59 0.13 0.2 0.18 K561771 EM11-59 0.33 0.26 0.3 K561772 EM11-59 0.69 0.9 0.77 K561851 EM11-60 0.005 0.01 0.025 K561852 EM11-60 0.63 0.57 0.65 K561853 EM11-60 2.75 2.54 3.29 K561854 EM11-60 0.02 0.02 0.025 K563014 EM11-60 0.01 0.02 0.025 K563015 EM11-60 4.02 3.34 6.24 K563016 EM11-60 0.24 0.01 0.11 K563297 EM11-61 0.03 0.03 0.025 K563298 EM11-61 0.09 0.12 0.28 K563299 EM11-61 0.005 0.01 0.025 K563427 EM11-61 0.02 0.01 0.025 K563428 EM11-61 1.83 2.46 2.72 K563429 EM11-61 5.33 5.61 10.6 K563430 EM11-61 0.06 0.06 0.06 K563431 EM11-61 0.02 0.02 0.025 K563435 EM11-61 0.11 0.12 0.12 K563436 EM11-61 5.5 5.53 6.43 K563437 EM11-61 0.02 0.03 0.025 K563986 EM11-62 0.02 0.01 0.025 K563987 EM11-62 0.24 0.29 0.32 K563988 EM11-62 0.07 0.05 0.07 L758193 EM11-63 0.22 0.22 0.24 L758194 EM11-63 0.85 0.91 1.37 L758195 EM11-63 0.2 0.32 0.27 L758196 EM11-63 1.07 1.35 2.68 L758197 EM11-63 0.08 0.11 0.09 L758198 EM11-63 1.66 1.44 3.76 L758381 EM11-64 0.02 0.02 0.025 L758382 EM11-64 7.11 6.19 6.49 L758383 EM11-64 0.03 0.03 0.05 L758538 EM11-64 0.51 0.56 0.66 L758539 EM11-64 0.86 0.85 1.01 L758540 EM11-64 0.14 0.19 0.17 L758817 EM11-65 0.01 0.005 0.025 L758818 EM11-65 2.5 2.39 3.36 L758819 EM11-65 15.5 14.55 20 L758820 EM11-65 6.85 6.24 8.69 L758821 EM11-65 0.79 0.93 0.97 L758822 EM11-65 1.73 1.57 1.79 L758823 EM11-65 1.24 1.03 1.29 L760023 EM11-66 0.83 0.61 0.76 L760024 EM11-66 0.13 0.17 0.24 L760026 EM11-66 1.08 0.88 1.19 L760027 EM11-66 0.48 0.81 0.72 L760028 EM11-66 1.63 1.65 1.84 L760029 EM11-66 6.63 4.96 7.61 L760030 EM11-66 0.33 0.6 0.51 L760031 EM11-66 0.19 0.25 0.22 L760032 EM11-66 0.57 0.37 0.53 L760033 EM11-66 1.22 1.06 1.17 L760034 EM11-66 1.15 0.84 1.78 L760117 EM11-67 0.12 0.01 0.1 L760118 EM11-67 1.49 1.89 6.61 L760119 EM11-67 2.04 1.97 3.31 L760120 EM11-67 1.06 1.44 2.77 L760121 EM11-67 0.25 0.23 0.42 L760230 EM11-67 0.13 0.16 0.17 L760231 EM11-67 1.1 0.88 1.23 L760232 EM11-67 0.02 0.02 0.05 L760633 EM11-69 0.01 0.01 0.025 L760634 EM11-69 3.45 3.79 4.1 L760635 EM11-69 0.005 0.005 0.025 L760647 EM11-69 0.02 0.02 0.025 L760648 EM11-69 1.51 1.21 1.61 L760649 EM11-69 0.25 0.26 0.25 L760914 EM11-70 0.01 0.01 0.05 L760915 EM11-70 3.96 4.32 5.81 L760916 EM11-70 0.03 0.03 0.13 L760919 EM11-70 0.91 2.26 2.59 L760920 EM11-70 0.03 0.03 0.025 L760921 EM11-70 0.005 0.005 0.025 L760987 EM11-71 0.005 0.005 0.025 L760988 EM11-71 0.34 0.27 0.42 L760989 EM11-71 0.23 0.24 0.26 L761086 EM11-71 0.53 0.53 0.57 L761087 EM11-71 0.91 1.35 1.73 L761088 EM11-71 0.09 0.05 0.08 L761095 EM11-71 0.005 0.005 0.025 L761096 EM11-71 1.37 1.3 1.97 L761097 EM11-71 0.05 0.06 0.08 L777131 EM11-72 0.005 0.005 0.025 L777132 EM11-72 0.85 0.89 1.06 L777133 EM11-72 0.03 0.01 0.07 L777472 EM11-74 1.73 0.01 0.81 L777473 EM11-74 3.3 2.45 3.06 L777474 EM11-74 0.11 0.13 0.12 L777521 EM11-74 0.01 0.01 0.025 L777522 EM11-74 0.43 0.42 0.56 L777523 EM11-74 0.32 0.36 0.33 L777524 EM11-74 8.46 9.47 9.79 L777526 EM11-74 0.09 0.06 0.09 L777611 EM11-50 0.005 0.005 0.025 L777612 EM11-50 0.005 0.005 0.025 Average 2.26 2.22 3.04

Appendix 2: JORC Tables

Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data

(Criteria in this section apply to all succeeding sections.)

Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary Sampling techniques Nature and quality of sampling (eg cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling.

Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used.

Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Public Report.

In cases where 'industry standard' work has been done this would be relatively simple (eg 'reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay'). In other cases more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (eg submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information. Results presented in this release are from historical drilling conducted in 2010 and 2011 by Eastmain Resources. Information available to Benz Mining is from electronic records and may be incomplete. 361 samples (1/2 NQ diamond core) were submitted to ALS Global, a commercial laboratory for assays by both fire assays and metallic screen fire assays. Samples were known to contain coarse visible gold. The analysis by metallic screen fire assays was conducted to try and alleviate sampling bias in samples with coarse gold particles Assays by both fire assays and metallic screen fire assays was aimed at verifying the potential bias introduced by sample preparation and the small size of the aliquot analysed by conventional fire assays. Drilling techniques Drill type (eg core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (eg core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc). NQ size diamond core Drill sample recovery Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed.

Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples.

Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material. Historical data

Based on current drilling by Benz Mining, recoveries in fresh rock are typically >90% at the Eastmain project however exact recoveries are not exactly known. Logging Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies.

Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc) photography.

The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged. Core had been logged for geology, alteration, mineralization, structural information. Geological logging is qualitative in nature and depends on the logging geologist's appreciation at the time of logging. 100% of the core recovered at the time was logged Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken.

If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and whether sampled wet or dry.

For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique.

Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximise representivity of samples.

Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling.

Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled. Cut Core Half core samples Half core samples were crushed and split so the split material could be submitted to fire Assaysor screen fire assays. Further splitting of sample occurred so other assay techniques could be used (results not reported in this release) 100% of the half core samples crushed to <2mm For fire assays: 250g of material obtained by splitting crushed core pulverised to 80% passing 75m. 2x50g aliquots of the <75m fraction submitted to fire Assays with AAS Finish For metallic screen,1kg of 2mm material submitted to further crushing, screening of material using 106m mesh. Both coarse (>106m) and fine (<106m) fractions analysed separately by fire assays with a gravimetric finish Quality of assay data and laboratory tests The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total.

For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc, the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc.

Nature of quality control procedures adopted (eg standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (ie lack of bias) and precision have been established. Both assay methods used are considered partial as only a subsample of the original core sample is submitted to analysis. Metallic screen fire assays is considered a more appropriate method when coarse gold is present in the system as a 1kg sample is considered more representative than the 50g used in standard fire assays and there is less potential bias introduced by the samples preparation. Verification of sampling and assaying The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel.

The use of twinned holes.

Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols.

Discuss any adjustment to assay data. Results have been reported to have been verified by company personnel and consultants at the time of analysis No adjustment to assay data was done at the time Location of data points Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation.

Specification of the grid system used.

Quality and adequacy of topographic control. All drillhole locations have been checked in the field by Benz personnel Grid: UTM NAD83 Zone 18N Topographic control is cross-checked with a 2013 LIDAR survey Data spacing and distribution Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results.

Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied.

Whether sample compositing has been applied. Historical drilling reported in this release does not have a regular spacing. The drilling data reported was used as part of the Eastmain Resource Estimation reported by P&E Consultants under Orientation of data in relation to geological structure Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type.

If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material. Drilling azimuth was oriented perpendicular to the main interpreted strike of the mineralized zones. Dip was chosen so the drilling would be as perpendicular as possible to the interpreted mineralized zones. Sample security The measures taken to ensure sample security. Historical results reported have been used in the latest resource calculation. Sample security at the time of drilling and sampling was documented and sufficient for the results to be used in a resource estimation compliant with both NI-43-101 and JORC code. Audits or reviews The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data. The duplicated analysis of several samples by different methods formed part of the audit process and review of sampling techniques and assays methods used.

Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results

(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section.)

Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary Mineral tenement and land tenure status Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings.

The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area. The Eastmain Mine Project comprises 152 contiguous mining claims each with an area of approximately 52.7 ha covering a total of 8,014.36 ha plus one industrial lease permit that are owned by Eastmain Mines Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fury Gold Mines. The claims are numbered 1133433 to 1133583 consecutively plus claim 104458 (Figure 4.2). All of the claims are located within NTS sheet 33A 08. The former Mine Lease BM 817 was issued on January 10, 1995 and expired in 2015 after a 20-year term. This former Mine Lease was converted to Industrial Lease 00184710000 on September 1, 2015 and contains all normal surface rights. The former mineral rights for BM 817 are now included in the expanded Claims 1133523, 1133524, 1133525, 1133505, 1133506 and 1133507. The claims are 100% held by Fury Gold Mines subject to certain net smelter royalties ("NSR"). On August 9, 2019, Benz Mining Corp. announced that it has entered into an option agreement with Eastmain Resources Inc. (now Fury Gold Mines) to acquire a 100% interest in the former producing Eastmain Gold Project located in James Bay District, Quebec, for CAD $5,000,000. Eastmain Resources would retain a 2% Net Smelter Return royalty in respect of the Project. Benz may, at any time, purchase one half of the NSR Royalty, thereby reducing the NSR Royalty to a 1% net smelter returns royalty, for $1,500,000. The Eastmain Mine, as defined by the perimeter of a historic mining lease, is subject to a production royalty net smelter return ("NSR") of 2.3% through production of the next 250,000 oz produced and 2% thereafter. A package of claims surrounding the mine precinct is subject to a production royalty (NSR) of 2% in favour of Goldcorp as a result of their succession to Placer Dome in an agreement dated December 30, 1988 between Placer Dome, MSV Resources Inc. and Northgate Exploration Limited. The 152 claims that form the Eastmain Mine Property are all in good standing with an active status. Exploration done by other parties Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties. 1930s & 1940s - Prospecting of gossans 1950s & 1960s - Riocanex - Exploration of the Upper Eastmain Greenstone Belt Mid 1960s - Fort George - Diamond drilling of a gossan zone 1696 - Canex Aerial Exploration Ltd & Placer Dvelopment Ltd - Airborne magnetic and EM surveys with ground geophysics follow up. 1970 - Placer Development Ltd - Seven holes testing an EM anomaly. Discovery of A Zone with 1.5m @ 13.71g/t Au 1974 - Nordore - Aerodat airborne AEM survey and Ground geophysics. 3 holes returned anomalous gold values adjacent to B Zone 1974 - Inco Uranerz - Airborne geophysical survey over the whole greenstone belt. 1981 & 1982 - Placer - Airborne and ground EM, ground magnetics. Drilling of EM anomalies discovered B zone and C zone. 1983 to 1985 - Placer - Airborne and ground EM, downhole PEM, 91 holes over A B and C zones. 1986 - Placer - 25 holes into A B and C zones 1987 &1988 - Placer Dome / MSV JV - Drilling of A, B and C zones 1988 to 1994 - MSV Resources - Drilling, surface sampling, trenching, regional exploration, Seismic refraction over ABC Zones, 1994 & 1995 - MSV Resources - Mining of 118,356t at 10.58g/t Au and 0.3%Cu, processed at Copper Rand plant in Chibougamau, 40,000oz recovered 1997 - MSV Resources- Exploration, mapping, prospecting, trenching. 2004 - Campbell Resources - M&I resource calculation for Eastmain Mine. 2005-2007 - Eastmain Resources - Purchase of the project from Campbell Resources, VTEM, Prospecting, regional exploration. 2007-2019 - Eastmain Resources - Sporadic drilling, regional exploration, mapping, sampling, trenching. Surface geochemistry (soils) Geology Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation. In the Eastmain Gold Deposit, gold mineralization occurs in quartz veins with associated massive to semi-massive sulphide lenses/ veins and silicified zones associated with a deformation corridor. The mineralized zones are 3 m to 10 m thick and contained in a strongly deformed and altered assemblage (Mine series) consisting of felsic, mafic and ultramafic rocks. Mineralized quartz veins and lenses show a variable thickness between 10 cm and 13 m, and sulphide contents average 15% to 20% in the mineralized quartz veins and sulphide lenses. In order of decreasing abundance, sulphides consist of pyrrhotite, pyrite, and chalcopyrite, with minor sphalerite, magnetite and molybdenite. Visible gold occurs in the mineralized quartz veins as small (<1 mm) grains associated with quartz and (or) sulphides in the A, B and C Zones. Drill hole Information A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for all Material drill holes: easting and northing of the drill hole collar elevation or RL (Reduced Level - elevation above sea level in metres) of the drill hole collar dip and azimuth of the hole down hole length and interception depth hole length.

If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the case. Refer to tables in Annexure 1 Data aggregation methods In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (eg cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated.

Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high grade results and longer lengths of low grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail.

The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated. Historical results reported for the sole purpose of comparing assays techniques used at the time The value for fire assay data plotted in figure 1 is the result of the average between two duplicates analyzed by the same method No cut off grades used in the process No top cut applied to the data No aggregation of data Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results.

If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported.

If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (eg 'down hole length, true width not known'). Only historical punctual assays data reported in this release under the form of comparison diagram for single point assays data by two different assay techniques. Diagrams Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar locations and appropriate sectional views. No maps or sections reported as only assay values comparisons of historical data reported in this release Balanced reporting Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results. Benz Mining is not reporting its own exploration results in this release. It is the Company's intention to report all of its own exploration results together when they become available. Other substantive exploration data Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples - size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances. Benz Mining Corp conducted a 109 line km Fixed Loop Time-Domain Electromagnetics survey by Abitibi Geophysics on the Eastmain Property in 2020. Additional ongoing TDEM ground surveys were conducted in 2021 by TMC geophysics. Benz conducted systematic BHEM of each hole drilled as well as some historical holes. BHEM identified numerous in-hole and off-hole conductors coincident or not with drilled mineralization. >130 BHEM conductors identified to date being currently systematically drilled Multiple intervals with visible gold observed previously reported (see ASX release dated 5th May 2021 "ELECTROMAGNETICS EXTEND MINERALISED TRENDS TO THE EAST, CONFIRMED BY VISIBLE GOLD IN DRILLING") Further work The nature and scale of planned further work (eg tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling).

Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive. Benz Mining is currently conducting a 50,000m drilling campaign which started in January 2021 and is planned to last until December 2021. The program is designed to test for extensions of existing resource and new targets obtained by the geophysics. This drilling campaign is being conducted alongside regional Fixed Loop Electromagnetic (FLEM) surveys and airborne Variable Time Domain Electromagnetics (VTEM) All new holes drilled by Benz Mining are surveyed by BHEM



NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. 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/89648
CHICAGO, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the new market research report "Clinical Trial Supplies Market by Services (Manufacturing, Packaging, Logistics, Distribution), Phases (I to IV), Type (Small molecule, Biologics, Medical Devices) Therapeutic Areas (Oncology, CNS, CVD, Infectious, Immunology) - Global Forecast 2026", published by MarketsandMarkets, the global market is projected to reach USD 2.9 billion by 2026 from USD 1.9 billion in 2021, at a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period of 2021 to 2026.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Clinical Trial Supplies Market"

237 - Tables

47 - Figures

242 - Pages

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=172240059

The market growth is largely driven by the increasing R&D expenditure in pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies and the growing number of clinical trials conducted globally. However, the increasing cost of drug development and clinical trials is expected to restrain the growth of this market during the forecast period.

The logistics and distribution segment accounted for the largest share of the services segment in the clinical trial supplies market in 2020.

Based on the service, the market is segmented into manufacturing; packaging, labeling, and blinding; comparator sourcing; logistics & distribution; storage & retention; and other services. Logistics & distribution services accounted for a share of around 26%. This segment is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Logistics & distribution and storage & retention are seen to be the leading segments with respect to the growth rate during the forecast period as a result of greater reliance on decentralization of clinical trials.

The oncology segment accounted for the largest share of the therapeutic area segment in the market in 2020

Based on the therapeutic area, the clinical trial supplies market is segmented into oncology, CNS & mental disorders, cardiovascular diseases, digestive disorders, infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, immunology, blood disorders, and other therapeutic areas (respiratory disorders, dermatological disorders, rare diseases, ENT diseases, Nephrology) Oncology is the largest segment in this market owing to the high and growing number of research studies on cancer therapeutics and the increasing number of companies focusing on bringing innovative cancer drugs into the market. The oncology segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=172240059

The Asia Pacific region is the fastest-growing region of the clinical trial supplies market in 2020.

Based on the region, the market is broadly segmented into North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The huge population base, presence of less stringent and harmonized regulatory frameworks, and limited competition make patient recruitment and seeking approval for clinical trials more convenient, less time-consuming, and cost-efficient in the APAC region. This is attracting the attention of a majority of pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and biotechnology giants to consider conducting their clinical trials in APAC countries. The Asia Pacific market is projected to register the highest growth during the forecast period due to the presence of many emerging players, less-stringent regulations, and the ease and cost-effectiveness of patient recruitment in APAC countries.





The global clinical trial supplies market is competitive. Prominent players operating in the global market include Catalent, Inc. (US), Thermo Fisher Scientific (US), Piramal Pharma Solutions (India), Parexel International Corporation (US), and UDG Healthcare (Ireland).

Speak to Analyst: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/speaktoanalystNew.asp?id=172240059

Browse Adjacent Markets: Pharmaceuticals Market Research Reports & Consulting

Browse Related Reports:

Clinical Trial Management System Market by Product (Software, Services), Delivery (Web-hosted, On-premise, Cloud-based), Deployment (Enterprise, On-site), End User (Pharma, Medical Device Manufacturers, CROs) - Global Forecasts to 2025

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/clinical-trial-management-systems-market-470.html

Contract Research Organization Services (CROs) Market by Type (Discovery, CMC, Preclinical, Clinical Research, Laboratory Services), Therapeutic Area (Oncology, CNS, Cardiovascular), End User (Pharmaceuticals & Medical Device) - Global Forecast to 2025

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/contract-research-organization-service-market-167410116.html

About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions.

Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve.

MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets.

Contact:

Mr. Aashish Mehra

MarketsandMarkets INC.

630 Dundee Road

Suite 430

Northbrook, IL 60062

USA: +1-888-600-6441

Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com

Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/clinical-trial-supplies-market.asp

Visit Our Web Site: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com

Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/clinical-trial-supplies.asp

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg
NOIDA, India, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A comprehensive overview of the Digital Health Market is recently added by UnivDatos Market Insights to its humongous database. The Digital Health Market report has been aggregated by collecting informative data from various dynamics such as market drivers, restraints, and opportunities. This innovative report makes use of several analyses to get a closer outlook on the Digital Health Market. The Digital Health Market report offers a detailed analysis of the latest industry developments and trending factors in the market that are influencing the market growth. Furthermore, this statistical market research repository examines and estimates the Digital Health Market at the global and regional levels. Digital Health Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 26.3% from 2021-2028 to exceed US$ 746 billion by 2027.

Market Overview

Growing number of smartphone users across the globe, rapidly growing healthcare IT infrastructure, growing awareness about the importance of health and fitness among the population, increasing use of health and medical apps to maintain fitness are some of the major factors driving the market growth. Moreover, growing geriatric population, rising healthcare expenditure, and increasing prevalence of diseases including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), diabetes, and cancer also propels the market growth. As per International Diabates Federation (IDF) 2019, approximately 463 million adults (20-79 years) were living with diabetes; by 2045 this will rise to 700 million. With more digital health applications being developed, data privacy concerns will remain on top of mind, this would hamper the growth of the market.

Request To Download Sample of this Strategic Report- https://bit.ly/3dQDYww

COVID-19 Impact

During the COVID-19 pandemic, every healthcare sector has been affected and a significant effect can be seen on the Digital Health market as well. During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare professionals have started using digital health services for online consultation and drug prescription. Moreover, the several initiatives taken by the government bodies to initiate digital health services in their country also propel market growth. A United Nations study found that 86% of member states had placed COVID-19 information on national websites by early April 2020.

Global Digital Health Market report is studied thoroughly with several aspects that would help stakeholders in making their decisions more curated.

By Technology, the market is primarily bifurcated into:

Mobile Health Technology

Health Information Technology

Wearables Technology

Telehealth Technology

Others

The Mobile Health Technology sub-segment dominated the global Digital Health Market and is expected to grow at a noteworthy CAGR by the year 2027.

Ask for Price & Discounts @ https://bit.ly/3dQDYww

By Deployment Mode, the market is primarily segmented into:

Software

Service

Hardware

Amongst Deployment Mode, Software accounted for the largest share in 2020 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period 2021-2027.

By Modality, the market is primarily segmented into:

Wired

Wireless

Amongst Modality, Wireless accounted for the largest share in 2020 and are expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period 2021-2027.

By End-user, the market is primarily segmented into:

Clinics

Hospitals

Ambulatory Surgery Centers

Home Care Settings

Others

Amongst end-user, Hospitals accounted for the largest share in 2020 and are expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period 2021-2027.

Digital Health Market Geographical Segmentation Includes:

North America ( United States , Canada , Rest of North America )

( , , Rest of ) Europe ( Germany , United Kingdom , Italy , France , Spain , and Rest of Europe )

( , , , , , and Rest of ) Asia-Pacific ( China , Japan , India , Australia , and Rest of Asia-Pacific )

( , , , , and Rest of ) Rest of the World

North America is dominating the Digital Health Market in 2020 and is anticipated to maintain its dominance during the forecast period.

Ask for Report Customization @ https://bit.ly/3dQDYww

The major players targeting the market includes:

Medtronic

Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc.

BioTelemetry Inc.

eClinicalWorks

iHealth Lab Inc

McKesson Corporation

Koninklijke Philips N.V

AT & T

Cisco Systems

Athenahealth Inc

Competitive Landscape

The degree of competition among prominent global companies has been elaborated by analyzing several leading key players operating worldwide. The specialist team of research analysts sheds light on various traits such as global market competition, market share, most recent industry advancements, innovative product launches, partnerships, mergers, or acquisitions by leading companies in the Digital Health Market. The major players have been analyzed by using research methodologies for getting insight views on global competition.

Key questions resolved through this analytical market research report include:

What are the latest trends, new patterns, and technological advancements in the Digital Health Market?

Which factors are influencing the Digital Health Market over the forecast period?

What are the global challenges, threats, and risks in the Digital Health Market?

Which factors are propelling and restraining the Digital Health Market?

What are the demanding global regions of the Digital Health Market?

What will be the global market size in the upcoming years?

What are the crucial market acquisition strategies and policies applied by global companies?

We understand the requirement of different businesses, regions, and countries, we offer customized reports as per your requirements of business nature and geography. Please let us know If you have any custom needs.

Request for full report- https://bit.ly/3dQDYww

About UnivDatos Market Insights

UnivDatos Market Insights (UMI) is a passionate market research firm and a subsidiary of Universal Data Solutions. We believe in delivering insights through Market Intelligence Reports, Customized Business Research, and Primary Research. Our research studies are spread across topics across the world, we cover markets in over 100 countries using smart research techniques and agile methodologies. We offer in-depth studies, detailed analysis, and customized reports that help shape winning business strategies for our clients.

Contact

UnivDatos Market Insights

Pawnendra Pawan

Client Development Lead

Ph: +91-7838604911

Email: pawnendra@univdatos.com

Website: https://univdatos.com/

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1225049/UnivDatos_Logo.jpg
Regulatory News:

SpineGuard (Paris:ALSGD) (FR0011464452 ALSGD), an innovative company that deploys its DSG (Dynamic Surgical Guidance) sensing technology to secure and streamline the placement of bone implants, announced today that its first half 2021 revenue was 2.2 m at constant exchange rate (cc).

Pierre Jerome, Co-founder, Chairman and CEO of SpineGuard, declared: "Our excellent sales momentum OUS, especially in Europe, over the last three quarters is ramping-up and we are now back to growth in the United States. This concurrence enables us to deliver a great performance in this second quarter of 2021 with close to 40% global growth at constant exchange rate. This is particularly encouraging considering that our DSG Connect platform is still in pre-launch phase. In addition, we now have the cash runway to fund both our commercial deployment in the United States and our very promising innovation pipeline.

H1 and Q2 2021 revenues

 thousands IFRS (Unaudited) 2021 2020 Variance



Var. cc First Quarter 1,049 1,376 -24% -19% Second Quarter 1,179 902 +31% +39% Half-Year 2,228 2,278 -2% +4%

Outside the USA, the revenue of the second quarter grew by +146% at 304K. The half-year revenue grew by +59% at 652K.

In the United States, the revenue of the second quarter 2021 grew by 22% to 1,054K from 862K (+13% as reported).

2,731 DSG units were sold in the first half of 2021 from 2,422 units in 2020, a growth of 13%. 1,293 units were sold in the United States i.e. 47%.

Status of the French "Sauvegarde" and Chapter 11 procedures

Following the exit of the French "procedure de Sauvegarde" earlier this year on March 24, the Company is now executing the plan approved by the French Court of Commerce.

In the USA, the steps for the exit of the chapter 11 are running smoothly. The next step will be a hearing scheduled on July 22 at the Delaware Court. We expect to emerge from chapter 11 in late August.

Cash position

The cash position as of June 30, 2021 is 5.2 m The secured equity line facility for 6.5 m and the potential conversion of equity warrants issued in June 2021 for a maximum of 5.2 m should be added. Considering the current cash position, the secured convertible bond facility, the equity warrants potential conversions and the recurring expected business, the Company estimates that it can fund its needs through 2023.

2021 Perspectives

For 2021 SpineGuard focuses on the following priorities:

Boost commercial activities with the launch of the DSG-Connect visual interface. Accelerate the implementation of the DSG digital technology in ortho-robotics through the deployment of AI algorithms, new scientific evidence, and additional patents. Intensify the collaboration with ConfiDent ABC for the dental application and co-develop a new generation of products embedding the DSG technology. Affirm the company's technological shift and sign strategic partnerships in particular for the use of DSG technology in the robotic field.

Next financial press release: 2021 Half-year financial results on September 15, 2021

About SpineGuard

Founded in 2009 in France and the USA by Pierre Jerome and Stephane Bette, SpineGuard is an innovative company deploying its proprietary radiation-free real time sensing technology DSG (Dynamic Surgical Guidance) to secure and streamline the placement of implants in the skeleton. SpineGuard designs, develops and markets medical devices that have been used in over 85,000 surgical procedures worldwide. Seventeen studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals have demonstrated the multiple benefits DSG offers to patients, surgeons, surgical staff and hospitals. Building on these solid fundamentals and several strategic partnerships, SpineGuard has expanded its technology platform in a disruptive innovation: the smart pedicle screw launched late 2017 and is broadening the scope of applications in dental implantology and surgical robotics. DSG was co-invented by Maurice Bourlion, Ph.D., Ciaran Bolger, M.D., Ph.D., and Alain Vanquaethem, Biomedical Engineer.

For further information, visit www.spineguard.com

Disclaimer

The SpineGuard securities may not be offered or sold in the United States as they have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or any United States state securities laws, and SpineGuard does not intend to make a public offer of its securities in the United States. This is an announcement and not a prospectus, and the information contained herein does and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of the securities referred to herein in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or exemption from registration.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005710/en/

Contacts:

SpineGuard

Pierre Jerome

CEO Chairman

Tel: +33 1 45 18 45 19

p.jerome@spineguard.com

SpineGuard

Manuel Lanfossi

CFO

Tel: +33 1 45 18 45 19

m.lanfossi@spineguard.com

NewCap

Investor Relations Financial Communication

Mathilde Bohin Louis Tilquin

Tel.: +33 1 44 71 94 94

spineguard@newcap.eu
On 30 June 2021 and according to Wavestone's agreement with Portzamparc the following means were dedicated to implement the liquidity contract:

19,234 Wavestone shares;

 588,588.75 in cash.

Note that at the launch of the contract (on the date of entry into force of the contract, in accordance with AMF decision no 2018-01 of 2 July 2018 - position on 31/12/2018), the means were the following:

36,611 Wavestone shares;

 88,633.74 in cash.

Trading summary for the first half:

Purchases 46,149 shares  1,647,491.58 512 transactions Sales 51,006 shares  1,818,984.82 542 transactions

About Wavestone

In a world where knowing how to drive transformation is the key to success, Wavestone's mission is to inform and guide large companies and organizations in their most critical transformations, with the ambition of a positive outcome for all stakeholders. That's what we call "The Positive Way."

Wavestone draws on some 3,000 employees across 8 countries. It is a leading independent player in the European consulting market.

Wavestone is listed on Euronext Paris.

Wavestone

Pascal IMBERT

Chief Executive Officer

Tel.: +33 (0)1 49 03 20 00

Benjamin CLEMENT

Financial communication

Tel.: +33 (0)1 49 03 20 00 Actus

Financial news

Mathieu OMNES

Analyst & investor relations

Tel.: +33 (0)1 53 67 36 92

Nicolas BOUCHEZ

Press relations

Tel.: +33 (0)1 53 67 36 74

Details[1] of the transactions executed: purchases on the one hand and sales on the other hand; in an aggregated table for each trading day of the 1st half of 2021

PURCHASES SALES Date Number of transactions Number of shares Traded capital Date Number of transactions Number of shares Traded capital 01/04/2021 8 705 20,402.49 01/04/2021 3 425 12,398.74 01/05/2021 3 143 4,177.44 01/05/2021 9 860 25,233 01/06/2021 2 101 2,974.55 01/06/2021 3 201 5,969.56 01/07/2021 2 157 4,625.8 01/08/2021 2 101 3,029.8 01/08/2021 1 1 29.8 01/11/2021 10 901 27,390.04 01/11/2021 1 1 30 01/13/2021 6 600 18,715.02 01/13/2021 4 360 10,959.01 01/14/2021 3 240 7,561.01 01/14/2021 6 600 18,750 01/15/2021 5 410 12,681.01 01/15/2021 2 160 4,922 01/18/2021 1 100 3,090 01/18/2021 6 600 18,270 01/19/2021 2 200 6,070 01/19/2021 2 200 6,050 01/20/2021 2 109 3,303.6 01/20/2021 3 393 11,868.6 01/22/2021 1 24 723.6 01/21/2021 1 100 3,015 01/26/2021 2 164 4,844.4 01/22/2021 2 200 6,020 01/27/2021 5 500 14,825 01/25/2021 6 530 15,812.97 01/28/2021 4 400 11,950 01/26/2021 2 200 5,880 01/29/2021 6 600 18,199.98 01/27/2021 1 10 294 02/01/2021 7 1,127 33,903.88 01/28/2021 4 400 11,870 02/02/2021 12 1,200 37,595.04 01/29/2021 4 387 11,682.41 02/03/2021 6 600 19,785 02/01/2021 6 539 16,154.42 02/05/2021 2 101 3,302.8 02/04/2021 8 800 26,380 02/08/2021 1 100 3,290 02/05/2021 9 899 29,108.09 02/09/2021 10 1,000 32,460 02/08/2021 6 600 19,440 02/10/2021 1 100 3,295 02/09/2021 1 33 1,064.25 02/11/2021 6 538 17,926.81 02/10/2021 1 100 3,285 02/12/2021 6 600 20,250 02/11/2021 1 50 1,650 02/15/2021 8 800 27,240 02/12/2021 2 200 6,670 02/16/2021 3 159 5,473.19 02/15/2021 1 10 344.5 02/17/2021 1 16 540.8 02/16/2021 7 700 23,775.01 02/18/2021 6 463 15,766.68 02/17/2021 6 501 16,903.39 02/19/2021 2 109 3,706.9 02/18/2021 2 101 3,413.9 02/22/2021 3 261 8,846.7 02/19/2021 4 316 10,710.79 02/23/2021 2 85 2,851.95 02/22/2021 4 400 13,480 02/24/2021 11 1,100 37,294.95 02/23/2021 5 401 13,433.74 02/25/2021 6 478 16,454.48 02/24/2021 3 300 9,995.01 02/26/2021 2 120 4,036 02/25/2021 7 700 23,884.98 03/01/2021 6 600 20,400 02/26/2021 5 500 16,715 03/02/2021 7 601 20,524.09 03/01/2021 2 200 6,780 03/03/2021 8 715 24,578.48 03/02/2021 7 573 19,380.52 03/04/2021 2 500 17,425 03/04/2021 9 900 31,235.04 03/05/2021 6 532 18,240.58 03/05/2021 4 400 13,640 03/09/2021 8 701 24,144.12 03/08/2021 1 45 1,530 03/12/2021 1 100 3,520 03/09/2021 1 1 34.1 03/15/2021 1 100 3,510 03/10/2021 2 200 6,970 03/16/2021 5 500 17,570 03/11/2021 1 100 3,490 03/17/2021 5 500 17,825 03/12/2021 3 106 3,700 03/18/2021 4 301 10,685.71 03/15/2021 5 500 17,470 03/19/2021 4 388 13,849.82 03/17/2021 5 412 14,595.59 03/22/2021 8 800 29,045.04 03/18/2021 6 600 21,180 03/23/2021 2 102 3,758.7 03/19/2021 2 50 1,770 03/24/2021 8 701 25,035.58 03/22/2021 4 313 11,311.04 03/25/2021 1 1 36 03/23/2021 9 820 29,688.02 03/26/2021 2 101 3,656.2 03/24/2021 4 301 10,655.61 03/29/2021 2 200 7,140 03/25/2021 5 580 20,820.03 03/30/2021 2 270 9,504 03/26/2021 9 900 32,159.97 03/31/2021 7 641 22,540.32 03/29/2021 5 550 19,475.01 04/01/2021 8 800 27,850 03/30/2021 6 528 18,418.8 04/06/2021 8 675 23,817.78 03/31/2021 7 700 24,399.97 04/07/2021 11 1,097 38,972.02 04/01/2021 3 300 10,370.01 04/08/2021 4 303 10,969.21 04/06/2021 4 328 11,434.41 04/09/2021 5 402 14,491.82 04/07/2021 5 440 15,400 04/12/2021 3 262 9,409.6 04/08/2021 9 756 27,095.19 04/13/2021 7 700 25,399.99 04/09/2021 4 290 10,411.99 04/14/2021 10 1,000 37,260 04/12/2021 5 500 17,840 04/16/2021 2 63 2,343.6 04/13/2021 1 73 2,613.4 04/19/2021 3 300 11,040 04/14/2021 1 56 2,055.2 04/20/2021 2 200 7,190 04/15/2021 8 800 30,070 04/21/2021 9 950 33,305.01 04/16/2021 6 529 19,458.52 04/22/2021 6 588 21,104.38 04/19/2021 5 500 18,100 04/23/2021 1 95 3,429.5 04/20/2021 7 620 21,970.01 04/26/2021 5 500 17,960 04/21/2021 7 700 24,150 04/27/2021 3 220 7,933.99 04/23/2021 6 521 18,752.3 04/28/2021 11 1,050 40,925.01 04/26/2021 3 104 3,733.3 04/29/2021 9 900 34,885.98 04/27/2021 4 279 10,009.4 05/04/2021 5 500 19,060 04/28/2021 9 1,162 44,449.41 05/05/2021 3 300 11,349.99 04/29/2021 5 500 19,240 05/06/2021 1 100 3,800 04/30/2021 10 950 36,314.99 05/07/2021 1 100 3,800 05/03/2021 4 302 11,435.59 05/10/2021 8 701 26,427.28 05/04/2021 8 800 30,200 05/11/2021 1 100 3,750 05/07/2021 6 600 22,470 05/12/2021 4 326 11,839.02 05/10/2021 2 101 3,757.3 05/14/2021 12 1,036 38,295.74 05/11/2021 11 1,100 40,420.05 05/17/2021 3 300 11,340 05/13/2021 3 164 5,921.79 05/18/2021 7 409 15,544.29 05/14/2021 1 1 36.2 05/20/2021 4 400 15,180 05/18/2021 2 87 3,274.9 05/21/2021 6 600 23,010 05/19/2021 4 315 11,935.51 05/25/2021 2 200 7,590 05/20/2021 2 106 3,996.2 05/26/2021 4 400 15,300 05/21/2021 3 218 8,314 05/27/2021 7 750 28,239.98 05/24/2021 6 600 22,720.02 05/28/2021 3 300 11,370 05/25/2021 4 244 9,263.09 05/31/2021 6 600 22,669.98 05/26/2021 8 848 32,163.96 06/01/2021 7 700 26,670 05/27/2021 6 533 19,907.71 06/02/2021 12 1,323 50,173.98 05/28/2021 5 479 18,052.5 06/03/2021 8 800 30,470 05/31/2021 2 156 5,875.6 06/04/2021 7 700 27,050.03 06/01/2021 8 701 26,517.78 06/07/2021 7 700 27,940.01 06/02/2021 7 695 26,123.03 06/08/2021 6 600 23,929.98 06/03/2021 3 300 11,349.99 06/09/2021 2 160 6,502 06/07/2021 1 100 3,958.3 06/10/2021 1 100 4,070 06/09/2021 3 300 12,060 06/11/2021 6 600 24,510 06/10/2021 1 100 4,050 06/14/2021 1 1 40.6 06/14/2021 11 1,100 44,509.96 06/15/2021 6 600 24,480 06/15/2021 1 100 4,050 06/16/2021 1 10 403 06/16/2021 10 832 33,648.83 06/18/2021 6 570 22,375.98 06/17/2021 12 920 36,422.98 06/21/2021 5 500 19,770 06/18/2021 2 200 7,740 06/22/2021 8 800 31,440 06/21/2021 13 1,201 46,868.9 06/23/2021 9 812 32,564.77 06/22/2021 1 100 3,900 06/24/2021 7 610 24,732.02 06/23/2021 5 261 10,403.41 06/25/2021 1 100 4,060 06/25/2021 7 700 28,140 06/28/2021 1 100 3,980 06/28/2021 6 600 23,850 06/29/2021 8 800 32,090 06/29/2021 1 100 3,970 06/30/2021 1 47 1,884.7 06/30/2021 6 600 23,970

[1] Number of transactions and volume (number of shares and traded capital)

------------------------

This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ".

- SECURITY MASTER Key:

m2udYJ1vl2fHlWptZsttm5eYaWqSlmLGZWaemWmZaczHnHFmnJxqbMiWZnBhlW5o

- Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com.

------------------------



 Copyright Actusnews Wire

Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free

Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-70092-wavestone_cp-bilan-semestriel-contrat-liquidite_070721-en.pdf
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / July 7, 2021 / NMS Consulting, Inc. ("NMS"), a global management consulting and strategic advisory firm, announced today that it has successfully completed the acquisition of Softforay Dijital Donumsum A.S. ("Softforay"), an Istanbul, Turkey-based management consulting firm. As part of the transaction, NMS has also closed on its minority stake in Softeconomics Yazilim Ve Danismanlik A.S. ("Softeconomics"), a leading Instanbul, Turkey based integrated services provider and reseller of ERP and Accounting Software programs.

Softforay, which specializes in providing end-to-end management consulting services, Organizational Architecture, Business Processes and Management, Information Systems Management, Human Resources, Risk Management, Financial Audit, M&A, Government Incentives Preparations and Corporate Board Services, shall change its name to NMS Consulting (MENA) A.S., and will operate under the global branding banner as NMS Consulting.

Trevor M. Saliba, Managing Partner and Global Head of Private Equity, M&A and Strategy of NMS commented, 'We are extremely excited to have finally completed this acquisition which was delayed due to the temporary quarantine shutdowns of certain government offices within Istanbul and Turkey. I'd like to personally thank Aykut and the entire Istanbul team for their effort in making this process a seamless transaction". Saliba further commented, "Ever since COVID-19 became a global pandemic, technology-enabled transformation has been a critical catalyst for businesses as they look to recover. With many private and public entities in Turkey and the surrounding region including the Middle East still needing to implement solutions for business processes, information systems, and more, our global team is now able to provide 'on the ground' support more readily and thoroughly. As businesses and industries continue to need to evolve, we will be focused on helping clients maintain their long-term goals, while also identifying pitfalls and market opportunities for them. Combining our business and people with the brilliant team at Softforay, and fusing the organization's technology and consulting capabilities with our own, will ensure that we are able to operate and innovate at an even larger global scale."

Aykut Cakir, Managing Director, Senior Partner and Head of Turkey and Middle East of NMS stated, "By joining NMS Consulting, our local team is now able to provide a wider breadth of services and solutions beyond Turkey and the surrounding region to stay ahead of trends and changes. Both companies share similar cultural and business values, and we will be in a much stronger position together to deliver solutions for customers that will overcome significant business challenges. Organizations of all sizes need to find novel ways to thrive post COVID-19, and our team's solutions will be right at the heart of this. The knowledge and experience that NMS Consulting will bring to the Turkish and Middle East regions will help companies make monumental shifts and bring them closer to achieving their financial, operational, and cultural goals."

About NMS Consulting

Founded in 2018, NMS Consulting is a global management consulting and strategic advisory firm that specializes in delivering services to a global client base of private and public companies, government agencies, philanthropic organizations and the individuals who lead them.

With a global footprint of fifteen offices located through the United States, Asia, Europe and the Middle East staffed with more than 250 seasoned professionals, our clients benefit from a combination of our diverse skills, expertise and global organization offering a unique multi-disciplinary 360 solutions platform.

Unlike other leading management consulting firms, NMS Consulting provides its clients the experience of working with a "big firm consultancy" without the higher premium. Client projects are staffed with qualified professionals who have trained at many of the leading global consultancy firms enabling the NMS professionals to deliver "big firm" experience and capabilities, while providing flexibility on mandate sizes and pricing.

For more information, please visit www.nmsconsulting.com.

Media Contact:

NMS Consulting, Inc.

Lili Swanson

+1 310 855 0020

news@nmsconsulting.com

SOURCE: NMS Consulting, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654601/NMS-Consulting-Completes-Acquisition-of-Istanbul-Based-Management-Consulting-Firm-Softforay-Dijital
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / July 7, 2021 / Black Tusk Resources Inc. ("Black Tusk" or the "Company) (CSE:TUSK) is pleased to announce the results for all drill holes completed on the McKenzie East gold property located north of Val d'Or, Quebec. Results include 1.185 grams per tonne gold (gpt Au) over 1 metre from hole MKE-21-01 as well as intercepts of > 0.5 gpt from holes MKE-21-03, MKE-21-06 and MKE-21-08.

A summary of drill hole locations, orientation, and depths are provided on Table 1.

Table 1 - Summary of McKenzie East 2021 Drill program

Hole id Azimuth Dip Depth (m) UTM E UTM N MKE-21-01 20 -60 402 312600 5357250 MKE-21-02 200 -60 312 312600 536950 MKE-21-03 31 -60 336.6 312687 5356655 MKE-21-04 30 -60 300 312651 5356723 MKE-21-05 160 -60 303 312000 5357100 MKE-21-06 180 -60 345.5 312384 5357499 MKE-21-07 12 -60 300 312176 5357549 MKE-21-08 220 -52 288 312809 5356754 NAD 83, Zone 18

A total of 548 core samples were shipped to ALS Lab in Val d'Or, Quebec for analysis. Table 2 provides a summary of all samples that returned greater than 0.1 grams per tonne gold.

Table 2 - Gold results >0.1 gpt from 2021 McKenzie East drilling program

Hole id From To Width** Sample id Au gpt MKE-21-01 217 218 1 A0369897 1.185 280.1 281.1 1 A0369902 0.215 308 308.5 0.5 A0369905 0.279 339.7 340.3 0.6 A0369911 0.13 MKE-21-02 125 126 1 A0369937 0.201 MKE-21-03 29 30 1 B0116007 0.183 34 35 1 B0116012 0.295 84 85 1 B0116051 0.108 87.3 88.3 1 B0116055 0.35 88.3 89.3 1 B0116056 0.61 89.3 90 0.7 B0116057 0.13 96 97 1 B0116065 0.188 99 100 1 B0116069 0.12 105 106 1 B0116075 0.211 116 117 1 B0116087 0.1 144 145 1 B0116100 0.117 MKE-21-04 182 183 1 B0116194 0.106 183 184 1 B0116196 0.101 184 185 1 B0116197 0.102 MKE-21-06 56 57 1 B0116270 0.571 167 168 1 B0116279 0.115 MKE-21-08 147 148 1 B0116347 0.12 151 152 1 B0116351 0.713 221 222 1 B0116418 0.569 **True width not known and may be less than interval width

Black Tusk noted in a previous news release that drill hole MKE-21-03 showed the most promise during the drilling campaign. Geologic observations of that drill hole indicated a section of core that contained a visible gold grain of approximate 1mm by 2mm size, as well as veining, alterations and associated sulphide minerals over a wide interval. The sample interval that included the section with the visible gold was analyzed by metallic assay, as well as the adjoining samples. The results of those analyses are summarized below (previously released).

Results of Metallics Assay

Au Total Au coarse Au fine Hole id Sample id From (m) To (m) Interval width** (m) gpt gpt gpt MKE21-03 B0116055 87.3 88.3 1 0.35 2.6 0.3 MKE21-03 B0116056* 88.3 89.3 1 0.61 8.01 0.3 MKE21-03 B0116057 89.3 90 0.7 0.13 0.06 0.14

*Section containing visible gold

** True width not known

The section containing the visible gold returned a weighted average 0.61 gpt Au. However, the coarse fraction contained 8.01 grams per tonne indicating that coarse gold was a significant part of the overall content, as might be expected from sections containing visible gold. Drill holes MKE-21-03, MKE-21-04, and MKE-21-08 were all designed to test a geophysical anomaly of primary interest. These holes returned a total of 17 core analysis containing over 0.1 gpt Au, and is considered a target worthy of continued exploration.

The results of the 8-hole diamond drilling program indicate that gold is present within veins and altered rock cored during the McKenzie East project. The Black Tusk team continues to evaluate these drill results in contemplation of continued exploration on the property. The team is encouraged by the presence of gold mineralization on the property, as evidenced by assay results and the identification of free gold grains in core. There are many untested targets remaining on the property that require continued evaluation.

Drill core was logged and sampled at the Black Tusk secure facility located near the property. Samples were taken directly to ALS Lab located in Val d'Or, an accredited laboratory. Samples were continuously under custody of the Black Tusk team members until delivered to the lab. Black Tusk undertakes QA/QC procedures including insertion of blanks and standards at regular intervals into the sample stream.

At the lab, the samples underwent ALS analysis ME-ICP41 for 35 elements by Aqua Regia ICP-AES, and AU-ICP21 for gold by Fire Assay with AES finish. For the observed coarse gold samples, the samples were processed by Au-SCR21 coarse screening and Fire Assay with AA finish.

The Black Tusk - McKenzie East program is supervised by VD Geo Service based in Val d'Or, including Black Tusk company director Dr. Mathieu Piche, OGQ.

Perry Grunenberg, PGeo, a qualified person as that term is defined under NI 43-101, has reviewed the and approved the technical data disclosed in this press release, including core sample intervals and corresponding analytical results as presented. Mr. Grunenberg personally assembled and tabled results, including QA/QC (quality assurance/quality control) results from standard and blank materials inserted into the core sample stream.

Mr. Grunenberg is a former Director of the company and continues to act as an adviser to the company.

We seek Safe Harbour.

Cautionary Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions as of that date. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to exploration and development; the ability of the Company to obtain additional financing; the Company's limited operating history; the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations; fluctuations in the prices of commodities; operating hazards and risks; competition and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Company's Prospectus dated September 8, 2017 available on www.sedar.com. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions, and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions, and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Richard Penn

CEO

(778) 384-8923

SOURCE: Black Tusk Resources Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654602/Black-Tusk-Resources-Inc-Completes-Diamond-Drilling-on-the-McKenzie-East-Gold-Project-Val-dOr-Quebec
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 7, 2021) - GoldHills Holdings Ltd. (TSXV: GHL) (OTCQB: GODZF) (FSE: GRYA) ("Goldhill" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has signed a share exchange agreement with Sun & Sand Mine and Mineral Trading DMCC. ("Sun & Sand") dated June 29, 2021 as amended July 6, 2021 (as amended, the "Definitive Agreement"), for the acquisition of a 100% interest in its gold focused Siguiri Property (the "Siguiri Gold Property") located in in Guinea, West Africa (the "Transaction").

Highlights of the Transaction:

 Gold project is complemented by a seasoned international team led by Sergei Stetsenko.

 175 km2 land package contiguously located 35 km southwest of Anglo Ashanti's Siguiri gold mine.

The Transaction

Under the terms of the Definitive Agreement, Goldhills has agreed to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Sun & Sand Mining & Metals Guinea SA ("SS Guinea"), which holds a 100% interest in the Siguiri Gold Property and, in consideration of which, Goldhills will issue to Sun & Sand or its delegates, a total of 18,142,838 common share of Goldhills. Upon completion of the Transaction, SS Guinea will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Goldhills.

The Company currently has 18,513,073 common shares issued and outstanding. Upon closing of the Transaction, the Company anticipates it will have a minimum of 36,655,911 common shares issued and outstanding.

The Transaction is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval and other commercially reasonable conditions for the Transaction. The Transaction will constitute an arm's-length transaction.

Further information will be set forth in a subsequent news release and in associated documents to be filed on www.sedar.com.

The Siguri Gold Project

The Siguiri Gold Project is a gold exploration property wholly owned by Sun & Sand Mining & Metals SA. The property consists of two contiguous blocks covering a total area of 175 km2 located in Siguiri and 35km southwest of the Anglo Gold Ashanti Siguiri gold mine. The Siguri region has a record of historic production dating back to the 13th century.and is one of the first - gold producing regions in west Africa. The reader is cautioned that resources that exist on adjacent properties (including the Anglo Ashanti's Siguiri gold mine) is not necessarily indicative of potential on the Siguiri Gold Property.

About Goldhills

GoldHills Holding Ltd. ("Goldhills") is a Canadian exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange. Goldhills' strategy is to generate or acquire early-stage precious metals exploration opportunities and advance them through direct exploration by our experienced team or by business partnerships and joint venture arrangements focuses on sourcing production and near-term production mining opportunities.

On behalf of the Board of Directors:

Sergei Stetsenko

CEO and Director

For further information contact:

Telephone +16046307296

Website http://goldhills.co/

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.

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements. These statements relate to the completion of the Transaction, the expectations relating to officers, directors and insiders of Goldhills, among others, reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guarantees of future performance. Goldhills cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond Goldhills' control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Goldhills' ability to complete the proposed Transaction; and other risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Goldhills undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and if applicable pursuant to Exchange Requirements. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

A halt in trading shall remain in place until after the Transaction is completed or such time that acceptable documentation is filed with the TSX Venture Exchange.

The securities referred to in this news release have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This release does not constitute an offer for sale of, nor a solicitation for offers to buy, any securities in the United States.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89668
Delta, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 7, 2021) - AirTest Technologies Inc. (the "Company") (TSXV: AAT) (OTC Pink: AATGF) (FSE: 71A) (WKN: A1JMFL) CEO, Ted Konyi is very pleased to announce that the Company has signed a Consulting Agreement with Mr. Robin Shaffer. Robin has extensive sales and marketing experience in HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Robin will be assisting the Company with its sales strategies. The initial focus will be in the California market where utility rates are high, and the Company's products can generate very effective savings in energy consumption and good ROI.

About Robin: With an Engineering Degree, with a focus on HVAC as well as an MBA, Robin has had a successful career in the HVAC industry. His previous experience includes work with The Trane Company and 10 years with Johnson Controls, Inc. At Johnson, Robin managed a portfolio of 100+ electronic/electromechanical product lines of sensors/transducers used in building automation. In addition, he had the executive position of National Sales Manager - Distribution, where he managed a field sales force of 24 engineers generating annual sales revenue exceeding $75M.

Robin commented, "I'm looking forward to working with the team at AirTest. I have been following their progress for some time and with the current emphasis on energy reduction. particularly in Californiathe time is right for AirTest's new innovative wireless sensor technologies. The market for the AirTest solutions is enormous in California and I'm very optimistic about the sales prospects."

About AirTest: AirTest Technologies is a Green-Tech company specializing in Demand Control Ventilation systems that improve commercial building operating efficiency and generate proven energy savings. The Company has developed new wireless sensors with dynamic realtime communication and control technologies, which builds upon 17 years of experience and thousands of installations amongst clients such as Lowe's, Shoppers Drug Mart and Ikea. AirTest solutions provide data on levels of Indoor Air Quality required by Schools, Retail Stores and Offices.

For further information, please contact:

Mr. George Graham, President

Phone: (604) 517 3888

Fax :(604) 517 3900

Email: ggraham@airtest.com

Website: www.airtest.com

Or

Investor Relations Contact

Jeff Walker

Vice President

The Howard Group Inc.

Email: jeff@howardgroupinc.com

Tel: 403-221-0915

Toll Free: 1-888-221-0915

Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward looking statements". Forward-looking statements are projections of financial performance or future events. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "believe", "estimate" and words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and they are subject to risks that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include those concerning the Company's belief in the energy savings that can be achieved through installation of the Company's products and that these installations lead to reduced maintenance, downtime expenses, future cost savings, and improvements in the bottom line. These statements are subject to risks that may cause the actual results to be materially different in future periods from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Risks that may prevent or delay the forward-looking statements from coming to fruition as anticipated include the availability of working capital, risks inherent in product development, as well as market factors that may increase costs or time to market. It is our policy not to update forward looking statements except to the extent required under applicable securities laws. Further information on the Company is available at www.sedar.com or at the Company's website, www.airtest.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89673
ANGLE plc Director/PDMR Shareholding Exercise of Options and Total Voting Rights

GUILDFORD, SURREY / ACCESSWIRE / July 7, 2021 / ANGLE plc ('ANGLE' or the 'Company') (AIM:AGL) (OTCQX:ANPCY), a world-leading liquid biopsy company, announces that it has agreed to allot 1,023,826 new ordinary shares of 10 pence each in the capital of the Company ('Ordinary Shares'). This is following the exercise of share options by Andrew Newland, Chief Executive of the Company, at exercise prices of 0.2575 and 0.10 per Ordinary Share. Almost all of the exercised share options pursuant to this transaction were due to expire in August 2021. The new Ordinary Shares rank pari passu with the existing Ordinary Shares in the Company.

Following the above exercise, Mr. Newland has today sold all 1,023,826 Ordinary Shares at a price of 125 pence per Ordinary Share, for personal financial and estate planning purposes. Following the above transactions, Mr. Newland's holdings in the Company remain unchanged at 7,054,686 Ordinary Shares, representing approximately 3.0 per cent. of the Company's issued share capital. Mr Newland also holds share options over an additional 3,000,000 Ordinary Shares, and Long-Term Incentive Plan Options up to a maximum of 5,400,000 additional Ordinary Shares, depending on future performance conditions.

Application will be made to the London Stock Exchange for the 1,023,826 new Ordinary Shares to be admitted to trading on AIM ('Admission') and it is expected that Admission will become effective and trading will commence at 8.00 a.m. on 14 July 2021.

Following Admission, the total number of Ordinary Shares in issue will be 234,181,384 and the total number of voting rights will therefore be 234,181,384. This figure may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the share capital of the Company under the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

Contacts:

ANGLE plc +44 (0) 1483 343434 Andrew Newland, Chief Executive

Ian Griffiths, Finance Director

Andrew Holder, Head of Investor Relations

finnCap Ltd (NOMAD and Joint Broker)

Corporate Finance - Carl Holmes, Simon Hicks, Teddy Whiley

ECM - Alice Lane, Sunila de Silva +44 (0)20 7220 0500 WG Partners (Joint Broker)

Nigel Barnes, Nigel Birks +44 (0) 203 705 9330 FTI Consulting

Simon Conway, Ciara Martin

Matthew Ventimiglia (US)

+44 (0) 203 727 1000

+1 (212) 850 5624

For Frequently Used Terms, please see the Company's website on https://angleplc.com/investor-relations/glossary/

Notes for editors

About ANGLE plc www.angleplc.com

ANGLE is a world leading liquid biopsy company with sample-to-answer solutions. ANGLE's proven patent protected platforms include a circulating tumor cell (CTC) harvesting technology and a downstream analysis system for cost effective, highly multiplexed analysis of nucleic acids and proteins.

ANGLE's cell separation technology is called the Parsortix system, and it enables a liquid biopsy (a simple blood test) to be used to provide the cells of interest to the user in a format suitable for multiple types of downstream analyses. The system is based on a microfluidic device that captures cells based on a combination of their size and compressibility. The system is epitope independent and can capture all types of CTCs as well as CTC clusters in a viable form (alive). CTCs enable the complete picture of a cancer to be seen; as being an intact cell they allow DNA, RNA and protein analysis and may provide comparable analysis to a tissue biopsy. Because CTC analysis is a non-invasive process, unlike tissue biopsy, it can be repeated as often as needed. This is important because cancer develops and changes over time and there is a clear medical need for up-to-date information on the status of a patient's tumor. In addition, the live CTCs harvested by the Parsortix system can be cultured, which offers the potential for testing tumor response to drugs outside the patient.

The Parsortix technology is the subject of 26 granted patents in Europe, the United States, China, Australia, Canada, India, Japan and Mexico with three extensive families of patents are being progressed worldwide.

The Parsortix system has a CE Mark in Europe for the indicated use and, in the United States, a De Novo Submission has been made to FDA for the Parsortix PC1 system seeking FDA clearance with Class II Classification for use with metastatic breast cancer patients. FDA clearance is seen as the global standard. ANGLE is seeking to be the first ever FDA cleared system for harvesting CTCs for subsequent analysis.

ANGLE has also completed two separate 200 subject clinical studies under a program designed to develop an ovarian cancer pelvic mass triage test, with the results showing best in class accuracy (AUC-ROC) of 95.1%. The pelvic mass triage assay has undergone further refinement and optimisation and a 200 patient clinical verification study has now completed enrolment.

ANGLE's technology for the multiplex evaluation of proteins and nucleic acids of all types is called the HyCEADTM platform and is based on a patented flow through array technology. It provides for low cost, highly multiplexed, rapid and sensitive capture of targets from a wide variety of sample types. A proprietary chemistry approach (the HyCEAD method) allows for the capture and amplification of over 100 biomarkers simultaneously in a single reaction. The HyCEAD system is extremely sensitive and is ideal for measuring gene expression and other markers directly from Parsortix harvests and was used in the ovarian cancer pelvic mass triage test to achieve best in class accuracy (AUC-ROC) of 95.1%.

ANGLE's proprietary technologies can be combined to provide automated, sample-to-answer results in both centralised laboratory and point-of-use cartridge formats.

ANGLE has established formal collaborations with world-class cancer centres and major corporates such as Abbott, Philips and QIAGEN, and works closely with leading CTC translational research customers. These Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) are working to identify applications with medical utility (clear benefit to patients), and to secure clinical data that demonstrates that utility in patient studies. The body of evidence as to the benefits of the Parsortix system is growing rapidly from our own clinical studies in metastatic breast cancer and ovarian cancer and also from KOLs with 45 peer-reviewed publications and numerous publicly available posters, available on our website.

ANGLE's has established clinical services laboratories in the UK and USA to accelerate commercialisation of the Parsortix system and act as demonstrators to support product development. The laboratories offer services to pharmaceutical and biotech customers for use of Parsortix in cancer drug trials and, once the laboratories are accredited and tests validated, will provide Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs) for patient management.

Notification of a Transaction pursuant to Article 19(1) of Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 1 Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated a. Name Andrew Newland 2 Reason for notification a. Position/Status Chief Executive b. Initial notification/ Amendment Initial Notification 3 Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a. Name ANGLE Plc b. LEI 213800BY11K6W3NMS374 4 Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a. Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument



Identification Code Ordinary Shares of 10 pence each ISIN: GB0034330679 b. Nature of the transaction Acquisition of Ordinary Shares following the Exercise of Share Options and Sale of Ordinary Shares c. Price(s) and volume(s)











Price(s) Volume(s)

0.2575 950,000 Purchase

0.10 73,826 Purchase

1.25 1,023,826 Sale

d. Aggregated information Aggregated Purchase Volume Aggregated Purchase Price Aggregated Sale Volume Aggregated Sale Price 1,023,826

0.2461

1,023,826

1.25 e. Date of the transaction 7 July 2021 f. Place of the transaction London Stock Exchange

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. 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.

SOURCE: ANGLE plc

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/654613/Angle-PLC-Announces-DirectorPDMR-Shareholding
Technology enables digital transformation of offshore development project in Guyana

Regulatory News:

TechnipFMC (NYSE:FTI) and Halliburton Company (NYSE: HAL) today announced they received an OTC Spotlight on New Technology Award (SONT) for their Odassea Subsea Fiber Optic Solution, an advanced downhole fiber optic sensing system. ExxonMobil selected the solution for its Payara development project in Guyana. The award followed completion of front-end engineering and design studies and qualifications.

"We are excited to win OTC's Spotlight Award and deploy Odassea in Payara, the industry's largest subsea fiber optic sensing project," said Trey Clark, vice president of Halliburton Wireline and Perforating. "By collaborating with TechnipFMC, we combine our sensing and subsea expertise to enhance reservoir insight and to lower the total cost of ownership for our customers."

The Odassea service integrates hardware and digital systems to strengthen capabilities in subsea reservoir monitoring and production optimization. Halliburton provides the fiber optic sensing technology and analysis for reservoir diagnostics. TechnipFMC provides the optical connectivity from the topside to the completions. Through this collaboration, operators can accelerate full field subsea fiber optic sensing, design, and execution.

The Payara development, located 200 kilometers offshore Guyana in 1,800 meters water depth, is the third development within the Stabroek block with current discovered recoverable resources estimated at approximately 9 billion oil-equivalent barrels.

"To win the SONT award and to help our client enable an enhanced level of reservoir understanding are great achievements," said Christina Johansen, Senior Vice President of TechnipFMC Subsea Product Management. "Solutions such as Odassea transform our clients' project economics and demonstrate how we are continuously driving change in the industry."

TechnipFMC and Halliburton are delivering Odassea solutions to multiple other subsea projects at all stages, from conceptual design to execution.

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 uses 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.

About Halliburton

Founded in 1919, Halliburton is one of the world's largest providers of products and services to the energy industry. With approximately 50,000 employees, representing 140 nationalities in more than 80 countries, the company helps its customers maximize value throughout the lifecycle of the reservoir from locating hydrocarbons and managing geological data, to drilling and formation evaluation, well construction and completion, and optimizing production throughout the life of the asset. Visit the company's website at www.halliburton.com. Connect with Halliburton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

Category: UK regulatory

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005783/en/

Contacts:

For Halliburton

Investors:

Abu Zeya

Halliburton, Investor Relations

Investors@Halliburton.com

281-871-2633

Media:

William Fitzgerald

Halliburton, External Affairs

PR@Halliburton.com

713-876-0105

For TechnipFMC

Investors:

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

Catie Tuley

Director, Public Relations

Tel: +1 713 876 7296

Email: Catie Tuley
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 7, 2021) - Battery Mineral Resources Corp. (TSXV: BMR) ("Battery" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary Minera BMR Chile has awarded the three key contracts to support the execution of the Punitaqui mine drilling program and technical report. JDS Energy and Mining Inc. ("JDS") has been appointed to author the Punitaqui mine technical report and is responsible for oversight of the study - the conclusion of which will be the basis for the decision to proceed with a production re-start for the Punitaqui copper-gold mine. Its anticipated it the report could be filed in approximately six to eight months.

JDS has a proven track record providing clients with fit-for-purpose solutions and value delivery and has acquired a reputation for delivering and executing project plans on budget, on time, and most importantly, safely.

In addition, local company South Pacific Drilling SPA ("SPD") has been awarded the exploration and in-fill drilling contract, which includes up to 6,000 meters of both core and reverse circulation surface drilling. Knight Piesold ("KP") had been chosen to oversee the progress of the tailings dam development plans with the detailed planning being performed by RV Engineering Associates ("RVIA"), a local geotechnical firm who is a pioneer in filtered tailings facilities in Chile. SPD, KP and RVIA have extensive experience in their core businesses and share a proven ability to safely perform well under a variety of conditions.

These appointments establish a key milestone in the Company's Punitaqui mine development strategy by employing strong expertise in engineering, exploration drilling, permitting and tailings impoundment design and operations, in order to advance the Punitaqui Mine project towards a production re-start decision.

Corporate Appointment

The company is also pleased to announce the hiring of Mr. Jacob Willoughby of Toronto for the newly created position of Vice President of Corporate Development and Strategy. Mr. Willoughby is a geologist and MBA graduate and has been working in mining capital markets since 2004. He has over eight years of experience as a mining analyst covering base and precious metals, coal, uranium, fertilizes and rare metals while working in Toronto. Most recently he was Vice President of Research and Analyst covering over 30 issuers at a boutique mining securities firm in Toronto. Jacob also has experience as a President and director of a junior mining company that focused on base metals with assets in Turkey and Papua New Guinea. Initially, he will focus on supporting the company's aggressive growth strategy, engaging with current and potential future shareholders, research analysts, investment bankers and consultants, while also supporting the efforts of the company's CEO, Martin Kostuik.

Commenting on these important developments, Mr. Kostuik stated, "We are very pleased to have attracted these quality contractors and consultants to kick off the progression of the Punitaqui copper-gold mine so soon after the private placement and acquisition. As for the appointment of Jacob, we look forward to his energy and knowledge in support of the actions we are taking in evaluating next steps for the growth of the company as we strive to become a near-term and premier supplier of battery metals to the market."

About Battery Mineral Resources Corp.

Battery is a multi-commodity resource company which provides investors with exposure to the world-wide trend towards electrification. Battery is engaged in the discovery, acquisition, and development of battery metals (cobalt, lithium, graphite, nickel & copper), in North and South America and South Korea with the intention of becoming a premier and sustainable supplier of battery minerals to the electrification marketplace. Battery is the largest mineral claim holder in the historic Gowganda Cobalt-Silver Camp, Canada and continues to pursue a focused program to build on the recently announced, +1 million pound cobalt resource at McAra by testing over 50 high-grade primary cobalt silver-nickel-copper targets. In addition, Battery owns 100% of ESI Energy Services, Inc., a pipeline equipment rental and sales company with operations in Leduc, Alberta and Phoenix, Arizona. Finally, Battery is currently developing the Punitaqui Mine Complex, and pursuing the potential near term resumption of operations at the prior producing Punitaqui copper-gold mine. The Punitaqui copper-gold mine most recently produced approximately 21,000 tonnes of copper concentrate in 2019 and is located in the Coquimbo region of Chile.

For further information, please contact:

Battery Mineral Resources Corp.

Martin Kostuik

Phone: +1 (604) 229 3830

Email: info@bmrcorp.com

Additional Information

Scientific and technical information pertaining to the cobalt resource at McAra was extracted from the Company's NI 43-101 "Technical report on Cobalt Exploration Assets in Canada" dated as of May 26, 2020 with an effective date of March 31, 2020, prepared by Glen Cole (P. Geo) of SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc.

The securities offered pursuant to the Private Placement have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections of the Company on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, 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 and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to complete exploration and development activities, risks related to share price and market conditions, the inherent risks involved in the mining, exploration and development of mineral properties, government regulation and fluctuating metal prices. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Battery undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements contained herein whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY, OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89704
Regulatory News:

Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (LN:PSH) (LN:PSHD) (NA:PSH) today released its regular weekly Net Asset Value ("NAV") and performance returns on its website, https://www.pershingsquareholdings.com/company-reports/weekly-navs/. The NAV and returns were computed as of the close of business on Tuesday, 6 July 2021.

PSH NAV per share as of close of business on 6 July 2021 was 48.43 USD 35.08 GBP and year-to-date performance was 7.0%.

Weekly net asset value ("NAV") is calculated as of the close of business on each Tuesday and posted on the following business day. In the event that Tuesday is not a business day, the Company will calculate the close-of-business NAV as of the business day immediately preceding that Tuesday. The end-of-month NAV is calculated as of the close of business on the last day of the month and posted on the following business day. For weeks that include a month-end NAV report, PSH will provide only the month-end NAV and not report the Tuesday NAV. Monthly NAVs are published in accordance with the Decree on Conduct of Business Supervision of Financial Undertakings under the Wft (Besluit Gedragstoezicht financiele ondernemingen Wft).

Performance is presented on a net-of-fees basis and reflects the deduction of, among other expenses: management fees, brokerage commissions, administrative fees and accrued performance fees, if any. The performance figure includes the reinvestment of all dividends, interest and capital gains. Depending on the timing of a specific investment, net performance for an individual investor may vary from the net performance as stated herein. Net performance is a geometrically linked time weighted calculation.

Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. All investments involve risk including the loss of principal.

About Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd.

Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (LN:PSH) (LN:PSHD) (NA:PSH) is an investment holding company structured as a closed-ended fund that makes concentrated investments principally in North American domiciled companies.

Category: (PSH:WeeklyNAV)

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005898/en/

Contacts:

Media

Camarco

Ed Gascoigne-Pees Hazel Stevenson +44 020 3757 4989, media-pershingsquareholdings@camarco.co.uk
Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - July 7, 2021) - Benchmark Metals Inc. (TSXV: BNCH) (OTCQX: BNCHF) (WKN: A2JM2X) (the "Company" or "Benchmark") is pleased to announce a comprehensive exploration plan at the Marmot and Marmot East discoveries at its flagship Lawyers Gold-Silver Project, located within the Golden Horseshoe area of north-central British Columbia, Canada.

2021 Proposed Work Program - Marmot and Marmot East

~12,500m planned exploration drilling to follow up on the 2020 discovery hole of 101.00 m of 0.82 g/t AuEq (including 18.00m of 2.5 g/t Au), with: ~10,000 m planned at Marmot ~2,500 m planned at Marmot East

Ground-based Induced Polarization (IP) surveys to delineate subsurface chargeability and resistivity anomalies that are associated with mineralization. 34.8 line-kilometres of induced polarization (IP) geophysics

Expansion of detailed ground magnetics survey to expand delineated structural trends

Extensive surface sampling and geological mapping

Airborne VTEM geophysical and radiometric survey spanning the southern half of the project to identify EM and radiometric anomalies that could be associated with porphyry and epithermal mineralization. 621 line-kilometres at 100 metre line spacing



John Williamson, CEO, commented, "Benchmark is seeing near-term potential for significant expansion of gold-silver ounces with the combination of drilling to expand the existing deposits and drilling to define brand new discoveries. The Marmot targets have significant potential to generate gold and silver ounces of the same scope and scale as the Cliff Creek deposit. The Marmot and other new targets are all road accessible with mineralization at surface."

The Marmot and Marmot East discoveries have a similar geochemical footprint to the Cliff Creek resource area (Figure 1), comparable airborne gamma-ray spectrometry (AGRS/radiometrics), magnetic and EM geophysical signatures and dimensions, and have delivered similar drill intercept widths and grades. Additionally, the Marmot and Marmot East areas are located within the same northwest-southeast trending structural corridor interpreted as a significant control on mineralization at Cliff Creek (Table 1).

Table 1: Cliff Creek and Marmot-Marmot East mineralization features

Feature Cliff Creek Marmot and Marmot East Radiometric anomaly 



Au- and Ag-in-soil anomaly   Multi-element soil anomaly dimensions 1500x2000m 2000x3000m NW-trending structure in magnetics  

Alteration - adularia, silica, propylitic  

Stratigraphy - Toodoggone Volcanics   Best rock grab samples 105.8 g/t AuEq* 58.5 g/t AuEq* IP anomaly Coincident resistivity high-chargeability low IP survey pending

*AuEq calculate based on an 80:1 silver to gold ratio

Completion of the proposed VTEM survey is imminent, and will resolve magnetic, EM, and radiometric anomalies at Marmot and Marmot East that remain open to the south. Benchmark will conduct a ground based induced-polarization (IP) geophysical survey prior to drilling to contextualize surface geochemistry and geological mapping results. It is likely that IP geophysics will be a strong targeting tool for Marmot and Marmot East due to a more robust correlation between total sulphide content and precious metals grades in drill core relative to other areas at the Lawyers Gold-Silver Project.





Figure 1: Comparison of the Cliff Creek Dukes Ridge-Phoenix and AGB resource areas with the newly discovered Marmot zones

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6169/89702_44c84d0a245a8b8c_011full.jpg

*AuEq calculated using an 80:1 silver to gold ratio.

**see press release dated May 14, 2021 for Benchmark's initial mineral resource estimate (MRE) covering Cliff Creek, Dukes Ridge-Phoenix, and AGB.

About Benchmark Metals

Benchmark Metals Inc. is a Canadian based gold and silver company advancing its 100% owned Lawyer's Gold-Silver Project located in the prolific Golden Horseshoe of northern British Columbia, Canada. The Project consists of three mineralized deposits that remain open for expansion, in addition to +20 new target areas along the 20 kilometre trend. The Company trades on the TSX Venture Exchange in Canada, the OTCQX Best Market in the United States, and the Tradegate Exchange in Europe. Benchmark is managed by proven resource sector professionals, who have a track record of advancing exploration projects from grassroots scenarios through to production.

www.metalsgroup.com

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

s/ "John Williamson"

John Williamson, Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:

Jim Greig

Email: jimg@BNCHmetals.com

Telephone: +1 604 260 6977

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 may contain certain "forward looking statements". Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that 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 the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this news release 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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89702
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 7, 2021) - Destiny Media Technologies Inc. (TSXV: DSY) (OTCQB: DSNY), the makers of Play MPE, a cloud-based SaaS solution for promotional music marketing, today announced that the Company will hold a live webinar on July 14, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time) to discuss financial results for its third quarter ended May 31, 2021. The Company plans to release financial results for the third quarter before market opens on July 14, 2021.

This webinar replaces the Company's traditional conference call format.

The live webinar will include comments from President and Chief Executive Officer - Fred Vandenberg, Director of Business Development - Glenn Mattern, and Chief Financial Officer - Sam Ritchie.

Date: July 14, 2021

Time: 2:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time)

Attendees are encouraged to register prior to the scheduled time at the following:

https://investors.dsny.com/investors/financials/

or directly on the REGISTRATION FORM by clicking here.

Attendees viewing the webinar can voluntarily submit either verbal and written questions during the live presentation. Attendee cameras will remain off throughout the presentation. Attendees' microphones will remain off unless the attendee voluntarily selects to engage in verbal questions similar to the format available on traditional conference call format.

The webinar format will provide the Company an opportunity to present visual information and provide attendees an opportunity for written questions.

For those without internet access, the webinar can be accessed via the following dial in details:

Direct dial in: +1 301 715 8592 or +1 647 374 4685

Webinar ID: 848 9340 6221

Attendees participating via dial in will not have access the webinar video stream, and will not have access to question and answer functions.

A recording of the webinar will be available after the event on https://investors.dsny.com/investors/financials/.

About Destiny Media Technologies Inc.

Destiny Media Technologies Inc. ("Destiny"), provides software as service (SaaS) solutions to businesses in the music industry solving critical problems in distribution and promotion. The core service, Play MPE (www.plaympe.com), provides promotional music marketing to engaged networks of decision makers in radio, film, TV, and beyond. More information can be found at www.dsny.com.

Contact:

Fred Vandenberg

CEO Destiny Media Technologies, Inc.

604 609 7736 x236

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/89712
Stylish man using smartphone in startup office

The last 18 months were very difficult for businesses since the majority of them shut down due to the pandemic. However, some tech startups have been thriving and will continue to expand given their capabilities to bring disruption in the way we live and work, in every sector.

This article descripts five among the most successful tech startups to follow in 2021.

5. AirGarage

This tech startup was found in 2018. The tech startup was created to combat a common problem, which was finding a better way to pay for parking at a university where the parking prices are very high. The solution was to build a platform that has physical spaces that are for different businesses, churches, and hotels. It will assist with payment collection, customer support, visitor directory, and lot enforcement. The company was founded by three Arizona State University students. The students were Jonathan Barkl, Scott Fitsimones, and Chelsea Border. The company is responsible for handing all of the logistics that go into customers using parking lot and garages to park their vehicles. The company has a mobile application that customers can use.

4. Calm

Calm is a tech startup that appeals to those wanting to meditate, relax, and sleep better during the busy day to day life. The companys app has over 100 million downloads and rave reviews. Some programminggeeks have praised the app for the meditation skills that they learned to use to calm themselves during times of anxiety and stress in their highly demand roles of being programmers for tech companies. daily. The main reason for Calms success in 2020 was because they partnered with Kaiser Permanente to help customers deal with the anxiety and mental toll. The company was able to tap into the mental health sector with offering the apps for distressed people whom were in need of mental calamity in their lives during a devastating pandemic.

3. Allbirds

Allbirds was created as the anti-plastic tech startup that deals with creating running shoes. Unlike most other shoes companies that rely on plastics, Allbirds build their shoes from natural materials. The shoes use merino wool and eucalyptus fibers. This startup was successful because it appeals to the average person dashing to the grocery store in the morning.

2. Bloomscape

Bloomscape is a tech startup that is very eco-friendly with the relationship between humans and plants. The plants that Bloomscape helps with delivering to customers are healthy. Plants have been shown to boost mood, productivity, concentration, and reduce stress. During the pandemic, plants were often useful at calming down the anxiety and stress that customers feel during the uncertain times. This is the reason why Bloomscape was successful in 2020.

Doordash

Doordash is a tech startup that connects local businesses with restaurants to deliver food to customers. During the pandemic, the company adapted to customers. They achieve this by using contactless delivery. Contactless delivery is where the customer and delivery drivers dont interact with each other face to face. As a result, the company offered thousands of gloves and hand sanitizer to their delivery drivers. The company became the fastest growing food delivery service during the early months of the pandemic.
Casafari, a Lisbon, Portugal-based real estate data platform, raised $135m in funding.

This include:

a $120m mandate from private equity investors, such as Geneva based investment group Stoneweg, to be deployed in a buy-to-let strategy targeting the acquisition of fragmented units in residential and commercial real estate.

a $15m Series A equity funding led by Prudence Holdings, with participation from Armilar Venture Partners, Amavi Capital, HJM Holdings, 1Sharpe and FJ Labs, as well as existing investor Lakestar.

Founded by Mila Suharev, Nils Henning and Mitya Moskalchuk in 2018, Casafari is an independent real estate network connecting real estate professionals to property listings. Casafari has developed proprietary machine learning technology and extensive data operations to automatically index, clean, classify and match duplicates of millions of property listings from thousands of websites in different languages. With operations in Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy, the company has grown to serve 1,500 clients and 15,000 professionals supported by 90 employees of 24 nationalities.

Since launching in 2018, the company has won major clients from brands such as Sothebys International Realty, Coldwell Banker, RE/MAX franchises, Savills, Fine & Country, Engel & Voelkers, Keller Williams and important institutional investors and developers like Stoneweg, Kronos, Vanguard and Vic Properties.

FinSMEs

07/07/2021
Medorion, a Tel Aviv, Israel-based developer of behavioral intelligence SaaS solutions for health insurers, completed a $6m funding round.

The round, which brought total funding to $9m, was led by 10D with participation from existing investors iAngels and TAU Ventures.

The company intends to use the funds to hire new people, boost the adoption of its behavioral intelligence SaaS platform among additional U.S. insurers, accelerate the development of new risk adjustment and member experience solutions, as well as expand its platforms utilization beyond Medicare Advantage plans into other government markets.

Led by Asaf Kleinbort, co-founder and CEO, Medorion provides an AI-powered SaaS platform that analyzes claims and social determinants of health (SDOH) data to accurately pinpoint the underlying psychological, environmental, and economic drivers and barriers behind peoples health decisions. With Medorion, insurers can understand members needs and personalize and automate one-on-one member conversations at scale, facilitating proactive interactions that improve health delivery and financial outcomes.

The technology combines behavioral science and AI to create a unique Electronic Behavioral Record (EBR), the behavioral equivalent to electronic health records (EHR), for each health plan member. The platform includes a variety of clinical, risk adjustment, operational cost, and marketing applications to facilitate effective individualized communication.

FinSMEs

07/07/2021
Verkor, a Grenoble, Francebased battery cell producer, raised 100m in funding.

The round was co-led by EQT Ventures and Renault Group, with participation from the French Government and Auvergne- Rhone-Alpes Region, EIT InnoEnergy, Groupe IDEC, Schneider Electric, Capgemini, Arkema, Tokai COBEX and the Fund for Ecologic Modernisation of Transport (FMET) managed by Demeter.

The company intends to use the funds to accelerate expansion, and trigger the construction of the Verkor Innovation Centre (VIC), where the advanced battery cells and modules will be designed.

Founded in July 2020 by Benoit Lemaignan, CEO, Verkor is an industrial company which will ramp up low-carbon battery manufacturing in France and southern Europe to meet the demand for electric vehicles  and electric mobility as a whole  and stationary storage in Europe.

Verkor will have a battery cell manufacturing capacity of 16 GWh in 2024, scaling to +50 GWh by 2030. The VIC, which will be located in Grenoble and operational in 2022, will accommodate a pilot line for battery cell manufacturing, a R&D centre, testing facilities, module prototyping, and provide training for a new generation of engineers and technicians.

FinSMEs

07/07/2021
VitriVax, a Boulder, Colorado- and Boston, Massachusetts-based developer of a novel stabilization and delivery platform for vaccines and therapeutics, closed its Series A financing round with Adjuvant Capital.

The amount of the deal was not disclosed. Concurrent with the financing, Adjuvant Capitals Charlie Petty and Glenn Rockman have joined VitriVaxs board of directors.

The company intends to use the proceeds to develop and commercialize technology with the potential to eliminate barriers to global vaccine administration, extending their life-saving benefits to underserved populations and compressing multidose regimens into a single shot.

Formed by Dr. Robert Garcea and Dr. Theodore Randolph at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and and led by CEO Matt Raider, VitraVax leverages the Atomic Layering Thermostable Antigen and Adjuvant (ALTA) technology platform to enable the development of vaccines that can be transported and stored without complex refrigeration and temperature monitoring requirements. The platform also aims to enable full immunization with a single vaccination via timed release of antigen/adjuvant complexes weeks or months after injection.

The company uses a spray drying process to embed antigens and adjuvants in a sugar-glass matrix, protecting them against thermal and chemical degradation at temperatures as high as 70 Celsius (158 Fahrenheit) for months, as demonstrated in multiple mouse studies using HPV capsomeres as a model antigen, as well as in multiple studies with commercial partners.

VitriVax has established a number of partnerships with clinical- and commercial-stage pharmaceutical partners across a wide range of disease areas and modalities in human and animal health.

Prior to the funding from Adjuvant Capital, the research leading to the ALTA platform had been supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health, the State of Colorado and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

FinSMEs

07/07/2021
As the search for a missing Prestonsburg woman enters its second month, her family and local authorities remain hopeful she will be located.

Kandi Green Gonzalez, 36, of Floyd County went missing on June 1 near a property on Abbott Creek Road.

Surveillance video from a residents door bell camera shows Gonzalez pacing frantically in a backyard, before disappearing into a nearby creek.

Her shoes were found in the creek two days later.

Gonzalezs mother, Betty Jo Dixon and her family in conjunction with the Floyd County Sheriffs Office and Kentucky State Police organized a search of the Abbott Creek community and surrounding area June 19.

Volunteers from multiple counties joined in on the search, which included dogs, and aerial and submersible drones. The Thealka Fire and Rescue Squad along with Oil Springs Fire and Rescue also assisted.

The dogs tracked Gonzalez up an embankment and down the other side to a logging or gas well road. According to Floyd County Sheriff John Hunt the day of the search, thats where the trail goes cold.

The dogs tracked her up a hill and down the other side and onto a road. The dogs lost her from there, Hunt said.

The search is entering its second month. The family is offering a $10,000 reward for information that will lead to her return.

If you have any information you are asked to call the Kentucky State Police Post 9 in Pikeville at, (606) 433-7711 or contact the Floyd County Sheriffs Office at, (606) 886-6711.
 Unlimited website access 24/7

 Unlimited e-Edition access 24/7

 The best local, regional and national news in sports, politics, business and more!

With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime.
Paxton, IL (60957)

Today

Mostly cloudy early with thunderstorms developing later in the day. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 82F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%.
PHOTO BY TOM SPARKS

Claire Cavinder of Wheatfield (left) giggles as she chases Avrie Finley of Hebron as they run in the Sparkler Sprint in Hebron. Both girls are six years old.
MAHOGANY BAY, Roatan. --Marking Carnival Cruise Lines highly anticipated return to guest operations, Carnival Vista arrived at Mahogany Bay, Roatan, while Carnival Horizon visited Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, today for the first time in 16 months.

Carnival Vista, which operates from Galveston, and Carnival Horizon, sailing from PortMiami, are the lines first two ships to depart from the U.S. since resuming service this past weekend.

The return of Carnival Vista to Mahogany Bay and Carnival Horizon to Amber Cove represent a tremendous step forward for the local community, said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

The resumption of service and pent-up demand for cruising translates to an immediate positive economic impact for our valued destinations partners. We look forward to bringing back the benefits and fun of cruising, while remaining committed to our highest responsibilities and top priorities of the health, safety and well-being of our guests, crew and the many communities we serve and visit.

In addition to Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon resuming service, sailing on Carnival Breeze and Carnival Miracle will begin later this month, followed by the inaugural sailing of Carnivals newest and most innovative ship, Mardi Gras, on July 31.

Carnival will resume sailing from the West Coast with Carnival Panorama sailing from Long Beach beginning in August. Additional ships will resume service in August, as well.
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. -- A six-year-old boy who was reported missing in Panama City Beach was found dead Tuesday afternoon.

Investigators said they found the body of Enrique Cortez-Dubon along the shore near Surf Drive. The boy was last seen around noon on Monday on the beach near the Shores of Panama Resort. The boy and his family are from Georgia and were staying at the resort.

Police said they believe the little boy drowned in the Gulf.
The Governor tweeting Thursday morning: No one asked for my input for this story, and the headline is misleading. So, I'll respond here: Alabama is open for business. Vaccines are readily available, and I encourage folks to get one. The state of emergency and health orders have expired. We 
More Information

For a list of public supply drop-off locations and instructions for how to donate to the virtual collection drive, visit unitedwayfrederick.org/stuffthebus

Examples of supplies to purchase for elementary schoolers include tissues, pencil boxes, glue sticks, crayons, markers, pencils, pencil sharpeners, scissors, resealable bags, dry erase markers and headphones.

Examples of supplies to purchase for middle schoolers include two-pocket folders, loose leaf paper, spiral notebooks, highlighters, colored pencils, calculators, rulers, backpacks, dividers and binders.

Examples of supplies to purchase for high schoolers include binders, rulers, backpacks, pencil sharpeners, spiral notebooks, college-ruled paper, colored pencils and folders.
We welcome your letters and columns!

Use the button below to send us your thoughts.

Remember:

Letters must include your real name, town of residence and daytime phone number, which we use for verification. We do not accept anonymous letters or letters written under a pseudonym. Letters should be no more than about 400 words. Those of no more than 200 to 300 words are more likely to be published.

Submit
FILE - In this Feb. 20, 2021, file photo, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman wears a face mask to help curb the spread of the coronavirus as he attends the Saudi Cup award ceremony during the final race of the $20 million, the Saudi Cup, at King Abdul Aziz race track in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Top Biden administration officials on Tuesday, July 6, hosted a brother to Saudi Arabia's powerful crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, in the highest-level such visit known since the U.S. made public intelligence findings linking the crown prince to the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil, File)
WASHINGTON  The Army has become a leader in new technology but must continue to m
Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has denied a recent report that alleged some of its partner factories in China were relying on forced labor from detained members of the Uyghur ethnic group.

The original report came from the Australian Strategic policy Institute (ASPI), a think tank founded by the Australian government (with some support from the United States State Department).

For the last decade China has faced accusations of targeting Uyghurs and other majority-Muslim ethnic groups based in the Xinjian region.

Those accusations include the report from ASPI, which alleges that the Chinese government has forcibly transferred Uyghurs from the Xinjiang region to factories across the region. ASPI alleged that these factories are part of the supply chain for companies like Apple, Google, Microsoft, and of course Nintendo.

Speaking to investors during a recent Q&A, Furukawa denied this report, saying it had investigated the claims after they emerged. As far as we have been able to investigate, there is no record of the reported factories among Nintendos business partners, he stated.

In addition, we have not received any reports of forced labor within Nintendos supply chain up to this point.

Furukawa also laid out that Nintendos long-established Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy has been supposed to ensure the company does not rely on prison or forced labor in its supply chain.

Parsing Furukawas explanation about the ASPI report is somewhat difficult. The report links Nintendo to these camps by way of the Dongguan Yidong Electronic Co. Ltd, which apparently claimed Nintendo as one of its partners on its website. Furukawa did not mention the factory by name.

Its possible to take Furukawas claim in good faith while also recognizing that the long-standing claims against the Chinese government on its treatment of Uyghur minorities may mean theres an overlap not being formally recognized here.

Or more frustratingly it may be just that difficult to tell which companies benefit from the labor simply based on the timing of when these firms are working together, and the strategies involved in using forced labor. The ASPIs report notes that it removed some companies (like North Face) from its list based on the timing of when those companies worked with the alleged factories.




[This unedited press release is made available courtesy of Gamasutra and its partnership with notable game PR-related resource Games Press.]

July 7th, 2021 - The wait is nearly over. Kuro Game are proud to announce their ultra-stylish hack n slash sci-fi action-RPG Punishing: Gray Raven launches in English next week on Android and iOS. Releasing across North America, Europe, South-East Asia and Australia on July 16th, the critically acclaimed overseas hit is just days from its global release. Pre-registration is open now (with over 300,000 pre-registrations already confirmed) providing players with a generous bundle of resources to help tip the odds in their favour in the war to reclaim Earth.





In a grim post-apocalyptic future, humanity has been pushed to the brink. A biomechanical virus known as the Punishing has almost wiped out organic life on the planet and converted a legion of Corrupted machines into an army. Deploying from the space station Babylonia, the Gray Raven squad are the elite cyborg soldiers leading the mission to reclaim our world. You are their Commandant. Free-to-play and designed around minimising grind, Punishing: Gray Raven features stunning graphics, frantic combo-chaining 3D arcade combat, RPG-style squad management systems and far more. Featuring a deep, dark and ongoing sci-fi story; players will slowly unravel the secrets behind the Punishing virus, and unearth truths that might have been better off staying buried. Outside of its massive and ever-expanding story (look forward to multiple new story chapters and limited-time events by the end of 2021), Punishing: Gray Raven features online co-op scenarios for up to three players, online leaderboards for challenge stages and social features, including a dorm-management minigame. Use the spoils of war to create a home away from home, decorate it and invite your friends to visit. Pre-registration is open for both iOS and Android players now, so sign up, claim your rewards early and support your fellow Commandants when the battle begins on July 16th. See below for details on the Reclaim The Earth pre-registration campaign and follow Punishing: Gray Raven on Twitter , Facebook or our official Discord channel for further information. Game Features: Experience a dark cyberpunk story of mankinds endless war to reclaim a ruined Earth.

Spectacular sci-fi melee action. Dodge, parry & tag between heroes to extend combos.

A dark and atmospheric cyberpunk world rendered in gorgeous 3D graphics.

A chart-topping hit in China and Japan finally playable in English.

Epic and dramatic boss battles against rogue androids, hulking mechs and beyond.

Collect and unlock a squad of elite cyborgs, assemble teams and develop their skills.

Dive into the future and immerse yourself in a powerful electronic soundtrack. Reclaim the Earth campaign rewards: 50,000 Registrations - Black Card x 50, Cog x 5000

100,000 Registrations - Black Card x 100, Cog x 10,000, C.E.M. IV x 1

200,000 Registrations - Black Card x 100, Cog x 10,000, C.E.M. IV x 1, Memory - Anderia x 2

300,000 Registrations - Black Card x 200, Cog x 20,000, C.E.M. IV x 2, Construct EXP Pod (Medium) x 2, Kuroro Furniture Set x 1

500,000 Registrations - Black Card x 200, Cog x 20,000, C.E.M. IV x 2, Construct EXP Pod (Medium) x 2, Overclock Alloy x 2, exclusive Lucia Lotus: Daybreak character skin All players  regardless of the number of sign-ups  will also receive a voucher in-game to redeem for one of five high-tier Constructs to add to their squad. Players can choose from: Liv - Luminance (Support Type)

Karenina - Ember (Attacker Type)

Nanami - Pulse (Tank Type)

Lee - Entropy (Attacker Type)

Kamui - Tenebrion (Tank Type) These can even be deployed in-game alongside other versions of the same character, because one Karenina just isn't enough to level an entire city block. Sign up now . Review copies are available NOW. Email the media contact below for access. Press Assets Downloadable Here



Press Contact:

Dominic Tarason

Vicarious PR

[email protected]
Undocumented, Gomez at age 15 came here with two brothers and a sister. None of them spoke English and Nestor had it tougher. So bad was his stutter, his parents lacking money for speech therapy, that he did not speak at all.

He taught himself English at first by watching television, as the family lived in various neighborhoods. He graduated from Roberto Clemente Community Academy, married immediately afterward and began working in a restaurant. Soon two children arrived. I worked hard and was working my way up to better positions but when they found out I was undocumented, they had to let me go. I wound up as a garbage man and a bus boy. I was just trying to put food on the table and pay the rent.

He did have a secret life: It was the only way I could express myself. I would write poems and I would write stories. I only let a few people read them. I buried them under clothes in a drawer.

One night he felt brave enough read in public, going to the Green Mill. He was, he thought, ready to participate in Marc Smiths Poetry Slam.

He chickened out. His girlfriend at the time, and the woman who is currently his third wife, Melissa Pavlik, convinced him to compete at an upcoming Moth storytelling event. She gave me the courage, he says. I told my story, and I changed my life.
Anna Scharf will replace Mike Nearman in Oregon House District 23.

Scharf, a former legislative aide to the ousted Nearman, received the near-unanimous support of the county commissioners of the four counties that are part of the district. The vote took place Tuesday at the Polk County Courthouse in Dallas.

Nearman, a Republican serving his fourth term, was expelled on a 59-1 vote of the House on June 11 for his role in admitting anti-lockdown protesters to the Capitol on Dec. 21 during a special session of the Legislature.

Nearman was the first state legislator to be expelled in Oregon's 162 years of statehood.

The House concluded that Nearman engaged in "disorderly behavior" when he opened a door and allowed protesters to enter the Capitol's northwest vestibule. Police eventually ejected the demonstrators and blocked their second attempt to breach a different entrance to the Capitol later that day. Several people were arrested.

Nearman also was among the five nominees put forth by the Oregon Republican Party, but he received just one of the 11 votes, from Mary Starrett of Yamhill County. Starrett said she backed Nearman because he was the top choice of the state party.
Other key portfolios were given to Jyotiraditya Scindia (Civil Aviation), Kiren Rijiju (Law and Justice), Hardeep Singh Puri (Petroleum and Natural Gas), Bhupender Yadav (Environment), Anurag Singh Thakur (Information and Broadcasting) and Dharmendra Pradhan (Education).

It is the first Cabinet reshuffle since Modi was returned to power for a second term in 2019.

The government is facing increasing criticism for its handling of the pandemic.

Vardhan, who was in charge of the Health Ministry as well as the Science and Technology Ministry, led the response to the pandemic.

"In one clean sweep, you have senior ministers being removed. The government has admitted by these changes that it has failed miserably in handling the pandemic as it should have, said Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay, a well-known journalist and political analyst.

More than half of Indias reported 400,000 coronavirus deaths  the third most of any country  have occurred over the past two months as the delta variant of the virus tore through the nation and overwhelmed its already strained health system.

New cases are on the decline after exceeding 400,000 a day in May, but authorities are preparing for another possible wave and are trying to ramp up vaccinations.
The staff leading the apps development include, from left: Front row: Mike Bogner, Technopreneur Experience lead programming professor; Diane Meza, director of Maricopa IT Institute - East Valley; back row: Dr. Angeline Surber, Mesa Community College Computer Information Systems chair; Dr. Deb LaVergne, MCC Computer Information Systems Program director; and Helen Bland, Computer Information Systems administrative specialist senior.
Gillette, WY (82718)

Today

Plentiful sunshine. High 91F. S winds shifting to NNW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 61F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.
NeRRe Therapeutics raises 20 million in a Series B2 financing round

New funds to evaluate orvepitant as a treat ment for the disabling chronic cough associated with i diopathic p ulmonary f ibrosis (IPF).

New investor Columbus Venture Partners joins existing investors Advent Life Sciences, Fountain Healthcare Partners, Forbion Capital Partners, OrbiMed, and the UK Governments Future Fund.

Stevenage, UK, 7 July 2021  NeRRe Therapeutics, a clinical-stage company developing orvepitant, its wholly-owned neurokinin-1 (NK-1) antagonist, as a first in class treatment for disabling chronic cough caused by reflex hypersensitivity disorders, today announces it has raised an additional 20 million in a Series B2 financing round.

Having demonstrated proof of efficacy in patients with refractory or unexplained chronic coughi, NeRRe will now continue the clinical development of orvepitant in chronic cough caused by IPF, a rare type of interstitial lung diseaseii. A dominant symptom of this severe progressive fibrotic pulmonary disease, in a high proportion of these terminally ill patients, is an uncontrolled, persistent, and disabling cough.

The chronic cough can markedly reduce quality of life, is often refractory to medical therapy and there are no approved treatments for itiii. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is recognised as an orphan disease in both Europe and the US.



The financing round involved a syndicate of leading transatlantic life sciences investors led by new investor Columbus Venture Partners and existing investors Advent Life Sciences, Fountain Healthcare Partners, Forbion Capital Partners, OrbiMed and the UK Governments Future Fund. The proceeds from the financing round will primarily be used to fund the Phase 2 clinical development of orvepitant as a treatment for chronic cough associated with IPF. Preparation for the start of the Phase 2 trial is underway.

Dr. Mary Kerr, CEO of NeRRe Therapeutics, said: After demonstrating that orvepitant reduces the burden of chronic cough in one population, we are delighted to have received the financial support to further advance this promising asset for patients suffering from chronic cough associated with IPF. I am also pleased to welcome Columbus Venture Partners to the syndicate and would like to thank our existing investors for their continued support of the NeRRe team, and this exciting first in class asset.

Toby Maher Professor of Medicine and Director of Interstitial Lung Disease at Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles said: IPF is a rare, progressive, and fatal form of interstitial lung disease in which cough can be a dominant and distressing feature. A treatment that improves this chronic cough would substantially improve the quality of life of many IPF patients.



Javier Garcia, General Partner and Founder of Columbus Venture Partners, said: We have been impressed by NeRRe's clear strategy and focus on chronic cough associated with IPF, a condition of high unmet medical need and we look forward to supporting the company as it fully uncovers the multiple benefits that orvepitant can provide to these patients.



Notes to Editors



About NeRRe Therapeutics (www.nerretherapeutics.com)

NeRRe Therapeutics is a clinical-stage company developing orvepitant, a neurokinin(NK)-1 receptor antagonist, as a first in class, once daily breakthrough treatment for cough hypersensitivity disorders. Having demonstrated proof of efficacy in patients with refractory or unexplained cough, NeRRe will now continue development in chronic cough caused by the rare and terminal lung disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). A dominant feature of this severe progressive respiratory disease in a high proportion of patients is an uncontrolled and persistent cough which is disabling for these terminally ill patients. The cough is often refractory to medical therapy and there are no approved treatments for it. IPF has been designated an orphan disease in both Europe and the USA. Preparations for the start of the Phase 2 trial to evaluate orvepitant as a treatment for disabling chronic cough associated with IPF are currently underway.



About Columbus

Columbus Venture Partners is a Spanish independent venture capital that brings a unique approach for investing in outstanding early-stage and high growth opportunities in the life science industry of Spain. Columbus has $275M under management through three funds. Our team includes solid and internationally experienced investment professionals with a deep scientific, medical and business development background combined with a proven experience in building and investing in companies to accelerate their commercialization. The combination of industry possibilities and investment experience will provide Limited Partner investors in the Fund a level of professionality and deep expertise that is essential for success in this field.

For more information, refer to www.columbusvp.com

About Advent Life Sciences

Advent Life Sciences founds and invests in early- and mid-stage life sciences companies that have a first- or best-in-class approach to unmet medical needs. The investing team consists of experienced professionals, each with extensive scientific, medical and operational experience, a long-standing record of entrepreneurial and investment success in the UK, the US and Europe and is particularly focused on supporting entrepreneurs and founders to take innovative new medical entities from concept to approval. The firm invests in a range of sectors within life sciences, principally drug discovery, enabling technologies and med tech, always with an emphasis on innovative, paradigm-changing approaches. Advent Life Sciences has a presence in the UK, US and France.

For more information, refer to: www.adventls.com

About Fountain Healthcare Partners

Fountain Healthcare Partners is a life science focused venture capital fund with EUR 300 million (USD 354 million) under management. Within the life science sector, specific areas of interest to Fountain include specialty pharma, medical devices, biotechnology and diagnostics. The firm deploys the majority of its capital in Europe, with the balance in the United States. Fountain's main office is in Dublin, Ireland, with a second office in New York. fh-partners.com



About Forbion

Forbion is a dedicated life sciences venture capital firm with offices in The Netherlands, Germany and Singapore. Forbion invests in life sciences companies that are active in the (bio-) pharmaceutical space. Forbion manages well over EUR 1.7 billion across multiple fund strategies that cover all stages of (bio)pharmaceutical drug development. Forbions current team consists of 20 life sciences investment professionals that have built an impressive performance track record since the late nineties with successful investments in over 69 companies. The firm is a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment. Besides financial objectives, Forbion selects investments that will positively affect the health and well-being of patients. Its investors include the EIF, through its European Recovery Programme (ERP), LfA, Dutch Venture Initiative (DVI), AMUF and EFSI facilities and KfW Capital through the Programme, ERP  Venture Capital Fonds investments. Forbion operates a joint venture with BGV, the manager of seed and early-stage funds, especially focused on Benelux and Germany.

For more information, please visit: www.forbion.com



About OrbiMed

OrbiMed is a leading healthcare investment firm, with approximately $19 billion in assets under management. OrbiMed invests globally across the healthcare industry through a range of private equity funds, public equity funds, and royalty/credit funds. OrbiMeds team of over 100 professionals is based in New York City, San Francisco, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Herzliya and other key global markets.

For more information, please visit: www.OrbiMed.com



About the Future Fund

The Future Fund was established to support the UKs innovative businesses currently affected by Covid-19. These businesses have been unable to access other government business support programmes, such as CBILS, because they are either pre-revenue or pre-profit and typically rely on equity investment. The Future Fund provided eligible companies with convertible loans, on the condition that private investors at least match the governments commitment. The convertible loans are designed to convert into equity at the next qualifying funding round. The Future Fund is developed by the government and delivered by the British Business Bank.

For more information, please contact:



Mary Kerr, CEO of NeRRe Therapeutics

Tel: +44 1438 906960

Email: info@nerretherapeutics.com



Consilium Strategic Communications

Mary-Jane Elliott/ Lindsey Neville/ Carina Jurs

Tel: +44 (0) 20 3709 5700

Nerretherapeutics@conslium-comms.com

i Smith J, Ballantyne E, Kerr M, Mcgarvey L, Morice A, Sher M, Trower M & Pawsey S. The neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist orvepitant improves chronic cough symptoms: results from a Phase 2b trial European Respiratory Journal 2019 54: PA600; DOI: 10.1183/13993003. 0

ii Orphanet  portal for rare diseases and orphan drugs. IPF entry: ORPHA:2032

iii Van Manen MJ, Birring SS, Vancheri C, Cottin V, Renzoni EA, Russell AM & Wijsenbeek MS. Cough in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Eur Respir Rev 2016; 25: 278-286.

Vigeland CL, Hughes AH & Horton MR. Etiology and treatment of cough in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Respiratory Medicine 2017; 123: 98-104
Dublin, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Precision Medicine Market Research Report: By Type (Therapeutics, Diagnostics, Personalized Medical Care) - Global Industry Analysis and Growth Forecast to 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global precision medicine market size is expected to grow at a 12.1% CAGR between 2020 and 2030, to reach $738.8 billion by 2030 from $203.5 billion in 2019, according to the publisher.



Similarly, in 2017, a grant was established by the Argentine government to bring the experimental precision medicine practices to the clinical field. Another such move that is benefitting the precision medicine market advance is the 2015 investment of $215 million by the U.S. government in this field to find a better cure for lung cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and several other diseases. In the same vein, the government of Hong Kong plans to monitor cancer patients and use precision medicines for better outcomes.



The COVID-19 pandemic is acting as a precision medicine market growth driver, as the surging number of cases and deaths has drastically raised the demand for an effective treatment. Moreover, with different people reacting differently to the disease, which has been characterized by wide-ranging complications, research and development (R&D) activities to come up with personalized treatments have picked pace.



In the past, the precision medicine market was dominated by the therapeutics category, on the basis of type. The technological advancements in the field of gene therapy, along with the various benefits such a treatment offers, are propelling the demand for precision medicines



In the coming years, the telemedicine category will continue to hold the largest share in the precision medicine market, based on the type of personalized medical care. The healthcare sector is quickly adopting telemedicine to widen the access to medical services and reduce the burden on the staff.



Historically, North America was the largest precision medicine market as a result of the rising incidence of lifestyle-associated and chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and diabetes, and high disposable income of people. Additionally, the region is home to a large number of medical researchers who are extensively studying the potential applications of precision medicine. Moreover, the government here is offering grants and conducting awareness-raising programs.



The highest CAGR in the precision medicine market in the years to come is projected to be experienced in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The increasing government and private funding in the field, improving healthcare infrastructure, and rising purchasing power are propelling the market here. Additionally, market players are coming up with better precision medicine products, including those integrated with artificial intelligence (AI), to improve the overall patient outcomes.



The most-prominent companies in the global precision medicine market are Myriad Genetics Inc., Partek Inc., Pacific Biosciences of California Inc., Randox Laboratories Ltd., Oracle Corporation, Menarini Silicon Biosystems S.p.a., 23andMe Inc., EPIC SCIENCES INC., Precision BioLogic Incorporated, MDxHealth SA, General Electric Company, Intomics, Asuragen Inc., International Business Machines (IBM) Corporation, Almac Group Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Eli Lilly and Company, Johnson & Johnson, Sanofi, Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc., Abbott Laboratories, Danaher Corporation, bioMerieux S.A., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.



Key Topics Covered:



Chapter 1. Research Background

Chapter 2. Research Methodology



Chapter 3. Executive Summary



Chapter 4. Introduction

4.1 Definition of Market Segments

4.1.1 By Type

4.1.1.1 Therapeutics

4.1.1.2 Diagnostics

4.1.1.2.1 Esoteric lab services

4.1.1.2.2 Esoteric tests

4.1.1.2.3 Molecular diagnostics

4.1.1.3 Personalized medical care

4.1.1.3.1 EMR

4.1.1.3.2 Telemedicine

4.1.1.3.2.1 By service

4.1.1.3.2.1.1 Tele consulting

4.1.1.3.2.1.2 Tele monitoring

4.1.1.3.2.1.3 Tele education

4.1.1.3.2.1.4 Tele training

4.1.1.3.2.1.5 Others

4.1.1.3.2.2 By specialty

4.1.1.3.2.2.1 Dermatology

4.1.1.3.2.2.2 Gynecology

4.1.1.3.2.2.3 Cardiology

4.1.1.3.2.2.4 Neurology

4.1.1.3.2.2.5 Orthopedics

4.1.1.3.2.2.6 Others

4.1.1.3.3 DM

4.2 Market Dynamics

4.2.1 Trends

4.2.1.1 Increasing number of clinical trials for precision medicine

4.2.2 Drivers

4.2.2.1 Increasing government support

4.2.2.2 Rising number of approved personalized medicine

4.2.2.3 Growing medical tourism industry

4.2.2.4 Surging use of AI in precision medicine

4.2.2.5 Impact analysis of drivers on market forecast

4.2.3 Restraints

4.2.3.1 High cost for developing a precision medicine

4.2.3.2 Reimbursement policies

4.2.3.3 Impact analysis of restraints on market forecast

4.2.4 Opportunities

4.2.4.1 Companies across APAC are showing interest toward the development of new precision medicine

4.3 Impact of COVID-19

4.3.1 Supply Side Analysis

4.3.1.1 Current scenario of major key players offerings precision medicines

4.3.1.2 Situation of lockdown and workforce availability

4.3.1.3 Production scenario

4.3.1.4 Situation of major countries supplying precision medicines

4.3.2 Demand Side Analysis

4.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis

4.4.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers

4.4.3 Intensity of Rivalry

4.4.4 Threat of New Entrants

4.4.5 Threat of Substitutes



Chapter 5. Global Market Size and Forecast

5.1 By Type

5.1.1 Precision Medicine Diagnostics Market, by Type

5.1.2 Personalized Medical Care Market, by Type

5.1.2.1 Telemedicine market, by service

5.1.2.2 Telemedicine market, by specialty

5.2 By Region



Chapter 6. North America Market Size and Forecast



Chapter 7. Europe Market Size and Forecast



Chapter 8. APAC Market Size and Forecast



Chapter 9. LATAM Market Size and Forecast



Chapter 10. MEA Market Size and Forecast



Chapter 11. Competitive Landscape

11.1 Product Benchmarking of Key Players

11.2 Strategic Developments of Key Players

11.2.1 Product Launches and Approvals

11.2.2 Partnerships and Collaborations

11.2.3 Others



Chapter 12. Company Profiles

12.1 Myriad Genetics Inc.

12.1.1 Business Overview

12.1.2 Product and Service Offerings

12.1.3 Key Financial Summary

12.2 Pacific Biosciences of California Inc.

12.2.1 Business Overview

12.2.2 Key Financial Summary

12.3 Partek Inc.

12.3.1 Business Overview

12.4 Randox Laboratories Ltd.

12.4.1 Business Overview

12.4.2 Product and Service Offerings

12.5 Menarini Silicon Biosystems S.p.a.

12.5.1 Business Overview

12.5.2 Product and Service Offerings

12.6 Oracle Corporation

12.6.1 Business Overview

12.6.2 Product and Service Offerings

12.6.3 Key Financial Summary

12.7 23andMe Inc.

12.7.1 Business Overview

12.7.2 Product and Service Offerings

12.8 Precision BioLogic Incorporated

12.8.1 Business Overview

12.8.2 Product and Service Offerings

12.9 EPIC SCIENCES INC.

12.9.1 Business Overview

12.9.2 Product and Service Offerings

12.10 Intomics

12.10.1 Business Overview

12.10.2 Product and Service Offerings

12.11 MDxHealth SA

12.11.1 Business Overview

12.11.2 Product and Service Offerings

12.11.3 Key Financial Summary

12.12 Asuragen Inc.

12.12.1 Business Overview

12.12.2 Product and Service Offerings

12.13 Almac Group Limited

12.13.1 Business Overview

12.13.2 Product and Service Offerings

12.14 International Business Machines Corporation

12.14.1 Business Overview

12.14.2 Product and Service Offerings

12.14.3 Key Financial Summary

12.15 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

12.15.1 Business Overview

12.15.2 Product and Service Offerings

12.15.3 Key Financial Summary

12.16 Johnson & Johnson

12.16.1 Business Overview

12.16.2 Product and Service Offerings

12.16.3 Key Financial Summary

12.17 Eli Lilly and Company

12.17.1 Business Overview

12.17.2 Product and Service Offerings

12.17.3 Key Financial Summary

12.18 Sanofi

12.18.1 Business Overview

12.18.2 Product and Service Offerings

12.18.3 Key Financial Summary

12.19 Abbott Laboratories

12.19.1 Business Overview

12.19.2 Product and Service Offerings

12.19.3 Key Financial Summary

12.20 Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc.

12.20.1 Business Overview

12.20.2 Product and Service Offerings

12.20.3 Key Financial Summary

12.21 Danaher Corporation

12.21.1 Business Overview

12.21.2 Product and Service Offerings

12.21.3 Key Financial Summary

12.22 F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.

12.22.1 Business Overview

12.22.2 Product and Service Offerings

12.22.3 Key Financial Summary

12.23 bioMerieux S.A.

12.23.1 Business Overview

12.23.2 Product and Service Offerings

12.23.3 Key Financial Summary

12.24 General Electric Company

12.24.1 Business Overview

12.24.2 Product and Service Offerings

12.24.3 Key Financial Summary

12.25 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

12.25.1 Business Overview

12.25.2 Product and Service Offerings

12.25.3 Key Financial Summary



Chapter 13. Appendix



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/yurz0y
Pune, India, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Asia Pacific commercial air conditioner market is set to gain traction from the rising usage of energy-efficient inverter type air conditioners, especially in India, the Philippines, and Myanmar. These can prevent the negative effects of global warming by using refrigerants with low global warming potential, such as R-32. As per a report by Fortune Business Insights, titled, Asia Pacific Commercial Air Conditioner Market, 2021-2028, the market size is projected to grow from USD 12.16 billion in 2021 to USD 16.28 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 4.3% in the forecast period. It stood at USD 11.72 billion in 2020.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Uncertainty in Manufacturing & Healthcare Sectors to Hinder Growth

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact worldwide and this industry is not an exception. It has sparked vulnerability and uncertainty in the manufacturing sector in South-East Asia. According to the United Nations ESCAP (UN ESCAP), the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Myanmar have very weak healthcare systems and therefore, are vulnerable amid the pandemic. Similarly, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) declared that Vietnam (communication equipment), Japan (machinery and automotive), the Republic of Korea (machinery equipment), and Taiwan-Province of China (office machinery and communication equipment) are the worst affected areas.

To get to know more about the short-term and long-term impact of COVID-19 on this market,

Please Visit: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/asia-pacific-commercial-air-conditioner-market-105467

Segments-

R-600A/ R-290 Segment Generated 21.5% Share in 2020: Fortune Business Insights

Based on the refrigerant, this industry is segregated into R-32, R-410A/R-407C, R-600A/ R-290, and others (R-22, etc.). Out of these, the R-600A/ R-290 segment earned 21.5% in terms of the Asia Pacific commercial air conditioner market share in 2020. The R-32 segment is expected to grow rapidly backed by its ability to minimize the electricity consumption.

Report Coverage-

The research report aims to analyze the market by considering contributions, prospects, and growth trends. It presents detailed profiles of every Asia Pacific commercial air conditioner manufacturer operating in the market to assess their core competencies in each segment. Besides, it would help our clients better understand the competitive developments, such as mergers & acquisitions, new product launches, joint ventures, and collaborations.

Request a Sample Copy of Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/asia-pacific-commercial-air-conditioner-market-105467

Drivers & Restraints-

Expansion of Tourism Industry in Thailand and Malaysia to Bolster Growth

South Asian countries, such as China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand are experiencing high demand for air conditioners because of the surging number of construction projects. The expansion of the tourism industry and the rising infrastructural activities would mainly propel the Asia Pacific commercial air conditioner market growth in the near future. The World Economic Forum (WEF) mentioned that Southeast Asia welcomed around 40% of international tourists in 2019. However, the usage of harmful refrigerants, such as R-12 and R-410A can cause environmental issues. It may hinder the demand for commercial air conditioners in Asia Pacific.

Country Insights-

India to Show Highest CAGR Stoked by Unfavorable Climatic Conditions

Amongst all the countries in Asia Pacific, India is expected to showcase the highest CAGR in the forthcoming years. The country stood at USD 0.92 billion in terms of revenue. The high demand for commercial air conditioners in this country on account of unfavorable climatic conditions is expected to augment growth. As per the India Brand Equity Foundation IBEF, the production of air conditioners surged by 4.9% during the first quarter of 2018 in India. This number is set to increase in the upcoming years, thereby propelling the Asia Pacific commercial air conditioner industry.

Quick Buy: Asia Pacific Commercial Air Conditioner Market Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/checkout-page/105467

Competitive Landscape-

Key Players Focus on New Product Developments to Cater to High Consumer Demand

This industry houses a large number of big, small, and medium companies that are majorly focusing on introducing state-of-the-art products to reduce the effects of global warming and cater to the high consumer demand. At the same time, they are striving to keep up with the strict guidelines provided by regulatory bodies. Below are the two industry developments:

September 2020 : Carrier upgraded its WeatherExpert line of rooftop units by including the variable-speed 50JC electric/electric and 48JC gas/electric models. They are designed to vary cooling capacity up to 105% and down to 25% of normal capacity.

: Carrier upgraded its WeatherExpert line of rooftop units by including the variable-speed 50JC electric/electric and 48JC gas/electric models. They are designed to vary cooling capacity up to 105% and down to 25% of normal capacity. August 2020: Johnson Controls unveiled its latest NexusPremier 25-50 ton commercial rooftop line. It would comply with the stringent 2023 energy efficiency standards implemented by the Department of Energy (DOE).

A list of renowned companies present in the Asia Pacific commercial air conditioner industry:

Carrier (Florida, United States)

DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, Ltd. (Osaka, Japan)

Johnson Controls (Cork, Ireland)

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Tokyo, Japan)

LG Electronics (Busan, South Korea)

SAMSUNG (Suwon-si, South Korea)

Trane (Ingersoll Rand) (Dublin, Ireland)

Blue Star Limited (Mumbai, India)

FUJITSU (Tokyo, Japan)

AIREDALE INTERNATIONAL AIR CONDITIONING LTD. (Leeds, United Kingdom)

Major Table of Contents:

Introduction Definition, By Segment Research Approach Sources

Executive Summary

Market Dynamics Macro and Micro Economic Indicators Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities and Trends Impact of COVID-19 Short-term Impact Long-term Impact

Competition Landscape Business Strategies Adopted by Key Players Consolidated SWOT Analysis of Key Players Porters Five Force Analysis Asia Pacific Commercial Air Conditioner Market Share Analysis, 2020

Key Market Insights and Strategic Recommendations

Profiles of Key Players (Would be provided for 10 players only) Overview Key Management Headquarters etc. Offerings/Business Segments Key Details (Key details are subjected to data availability in public domain and/or on paid databases) Employee Size Key Financials Past and Current Revenue Gross Margin Geographical Share Business Segment Share Recent Developments

Primary Interview Responses

TOC Continued!

Speak To Our Analyst: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/asia-pacific-commercial-air-conditioner-market-105467

Have a Look at Related Research Insights:

Walk in Coolers and Freezers Market Size , Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Indoor, Outdoor) By Application (Commercial Kitchen and Restaurants, Retail Stores, Cold Storage Warehouse, Pharmaceuticals, Others), and Regional Forecast, 2021-2028

Asia Pacific Chillers Market Size , Share & Covid-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Screw, Scroll, Centrifugal, and Others), By Application (Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Food & Beverage, Medical, Plastic, and Rubber) and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027

Road Transport Refrigeration Equipment Market Size , Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Install Vehicle (Van & Light Truck, Heavy Truck, Trailer), By Mode of Operation (Single Temperature, Multi-Temperature), By Power Source (Vehicle Powered, Self-Powered), By Application (Food and Beverage Products, Pharmaceutical and Other Healthcare Products, Floral Products) and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027

Central Air Conditioning Market Size , Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Split System, Packaged Unit, and Rooftop System), By Application (Residential and Commercial) and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027

Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Market Size , Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Refrigerator & Freezer, Transport Refrigeration, Refrigerated Display Cases, Ice Machines, and Others), By Application (Food & Beverage, Retail Stores, Hotels & Restaurants, Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals, and Others) and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026

About Us:

Fortune Business Insights delivers accurate data and innovative corporate analysis, helping organizations of all sizes make appropriate decisions. We tailor novel solutions for our clients, assisting them to address various challenges distinct to their businesses. Our aim is to empower them with holistic market intelligence, providing a granular overview of the market they are operating in.

Contact Us:

Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd.

308, Supreme Headquarters,

Survey No. 36, Baner,

Pune-Bangalore Highway,

Pune - 411045, Maharashtra, India.

Phone:

US :+1 424 253 0390

UK : +44 2071 939123

APAC : +91 744 740 1245

Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortune-business-insights

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FortuneBusinessInsightsPvtLtd
Des Moines, Iowa, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LCS continues laying the foundation for its growth strategy. The nations second-largest senior living operator announced today that Zane Bennett was promoted to director of business development. He joins Joe Weisenburger and Ross Nichols, two recent additions to the companys business development team. Bennett starts his new role on October 1, 2021, and will work with Weisenburger to grow top-line revenue for Life Care Services, the management business line in the LCS Family of Companies.

Zane has worked alongside boards and owners for nearly a decade, says Rick Exline, executive vice president at LCS. His deep understanding of the senior living industry, ability to solve problems and drive results will benefit potential clients and LCS alike.

Most recently, Bennett served as executive director for Plantation Village in Wilmington, North Carolina. Under his leadership, the organization has grown its annual revenue by over 35% and nearly tripled its equity position. Bennett has helped lay the groundwork for a $50 million expansion project to commence in late summer.

Bennett serves the LeadingAge North Carolina Public Policy Committee and chairs ACCESS of Wilmington, a nonprofit organization serving those living with disabilities. He holds a bachelors in business administration degree in both management and marketing from Florida Atlantic University and an MBA from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. He is an alumnus of the National Emerging Leadership Summit for Health and Aging Services Executives.

About LCS

As a pioneer in the senior living industry since 1971, making a difference in the lives of seniors has been our sole focus since day one. The dedicated LCS Family of Companies is designed to help fulfill your communitys mission. This structure allows us to develop and share expertise across our company to deliver innovative solutions to partners, seniors, and their communities. LCS has the experience, leadership, and integrity to meet the unique needs of your community. When you partner with LCS, you receive more than just a single perspective; you get the experience of six senior-focused companies working together as one. In the field of senior living, Experience is Everything. For more information, visit LCSnet.com.

###

Attachment
Dublin, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Bio-Based Ethylene Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis by Raw Material and End-User Industry" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global bio-based ethylene market was valued at US$ 414.34 million in 2019 and is projected to be worth US$ 718.32 million by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 7.12% during 2020-2028.



Based on raw material, the global bio-based ethylene market is segmented into sugars, starch, and lignocellulosic biomass. The sugars segment led the market with the largest share in 2019. Bio ethylene is produced from bioethanol, which is a liquid biofuel widely utilized in the transportation sector.

Sugar from sugarcane is a highly utilized raw material while producing bio ethylene, mainly in India and Brazil. In Brazil, production of bioethylene is economically competitive, owing to the wider availability of cheap sugarcane feedstock. Sugarcane, sugar beets, and sweet sorghum are quite easy to break down since the sucrose is a disaccharide, which can be further directly fermented into bio ethanol utilizing yeast.

Sugar based bio-ethylene production is estimated to save about 60% of fossil energy as compared to petrochemical production since the process can further produce electricity. The production cost of sugarcane-based bio-ethylene is also very low. The greenhouse gas emissions caused by using fossil fuel can also be minimized by utilizing bio ethylene in the petrochemicals industry. Due to these benefits, most of the industries are adopting bio ethylene for various applications.



North America is expected to be the fastest-growing market for bio-based ethylene in the coming years. The largest market share of Europe is primarily attributed to the presence of major manufacturers such as The Dow Chemical Company, Oxy Low Carbon Ventures (OCLV), and Enerkem.

North America is anticipated to account for a remarkable share of the bio-based ethylene market during the forecast period, owing to the wide applications of this material in packaging and plastic production industries located in this region. Bio-ethylene is manufactured from bio-based materials, including starch, sugars, and lignocellulosic biomass.

Bioethanol is primarily utilized as a blend in transportation fuel, and it is further gaining importance in the automotive industry in this region, which is further influencing the market growth. The people living in North America and even the industry players are nowadays quite concerned about greenhouse gas emission; hence, they are adopting the bio ethylene as an alternative to petrochemical products. This is further bringing a positive outlook for the bio ethylene market in this region.



Ethylene is used as a feedstock for many downstream chemical products. It is one of the largest bulk chemicals and is extensively used in the production of plastics. Due to the wide-scale applications of ethylene, its demand is likely to continue to rise in the coming years. Traditionally, ethylene is manufactured from petroleum derivatives, which is resulting in the depletion of fossil fuels.

To overcome this problem, biomass feedstock is considered a reliable alternative for the manufacturing of bio-based ethylene. Bio-ethylene is produced from bioethanol, which is widely made using lignocellulose biomass such as wood, sugarcane, and corn-starch, thus, reducing the dependency on petroleum derivatives, as well as on fossil fuels. Bio-based products produced using local resources are also capable of cutting down a country's dependency on fossil fuel imports, thereby stimulating the domestic economy.



Further, bio-based ethylene reduces greenhouse gas emissions both during production and use. However, the environmental performance of bio-ethylene principally depends on the regional conditions of the production of bioethanol, emission of greenhouse gases caused due to the changes in land usage, and conditions of the necessary energy systems. However, bio-based ethylene can significantly decrease the environmental impact of chemical industries.

Thus, urgent need to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels and rise in awareness regarding environmental sustainability are bolstering the bio-based ethylene market growth. Bio-based ethylene and petroleum-based ethylene are chemically identical, and thus, the existing production capacities and equipment can be used to produce other downstream products, including plastics as usual, without having much impact on the existing market, which is another factor supporting the market growth.



Braskem SA, The Dow Chemical Company, LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V., SABIC, and Oxy Low Carbon Ventures (OCLV) are among the major players operating in the global bio-based ethylene market.

Key Topics Covered:



1. Introduction



2. Key Takeaways



3. Research Methodology



4. Bio-Based Ethylene Market Landscape

4.1 Market Overview

4.2 PEST Analysis

4.3 Expert Opinions



5. Bio-Based Ethylene Market - Key Industry Dynamics

5.1 Key Market Drivers

5.1.1 Need to Decrease Dependency on Fossil Fuels

5.2 Restraints

5.2.1 High Cost of Entire Production Set-Up

5.2.2 Biomass Availability in Case of Full Roll-Out

5.3 Opportunities

5.3.1 Nascent Stage of Bio-Based Ethylene Market

5.4 Future Trends

5.4.1 Alternative Sources of Biomass

5.5 Impact Analysis of Drivers and Restraints



6. Bio-Based Ethylene- Global Market Analysis

6.1 Global Bio-Based Ethylene Market Overview

6.2 Global Bio-Based Ethylene Market Forecast and Analysis

6.3 Market Positioning - Global Market Players Ranking



7. Bio-Based Ethylene Market Analysis - By Raw Material

7.1 Overview

7.2 Bio-Based Ethylene Market, By Raw Material (2019 and 2028)

7.3 Sugars

7.4 Starch

7.5 Lignocellulosic Biomass



8. Bio-Based Ethylene Market Analysis - By End-Use Industry

8.1 Overview

8.2 Bio-Based Ethylene Market, By End-Use Industry (2019 and 2028)

8.3 Packaging

8.4 Detergents

8.5 Lubricant

8.6 Additives



9. Bio-Based Ethylene Market- Geographic Analysis

9.1 Overview



10. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Global Bio-Based Ethylene Market



11. Global Bio-Based Ethylene Market -Industry Landscape

11.1 Overview

11.2 Strategy & Business Planning

11.3 Market Initiatives



12. Company Profiles

Braskem S.A.

The Dow Chemical Company

LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V.

SABIC

Enerkem

Linde

Shell Global

TotalEnergies

Axens

Sigma-Aldrich

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/zi5aan




TORONTO, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Psyence Group Inc. (CSE: PSYG) (Psyence or the Company), a life science biotechnology company pioneering the use of natural psychedelics in mental health and well-being, is pleased to announce it has signed a partnership agreement with Clerkenwell Health (Clerkenwell). Clerkenwell is a leading psychedelic Contract Research Organisation (CRO) based in the United Kingdom.



Psyence is developing market leading clinical trials in the field of palliative care and has partnered with Clerkenwell, which will be responsible for jointly designing and delivering the UK clinical trial. Palliative care is the treatment and alleviation of suffering for those facing a serious acute or persistent medical issue, whether the prognosis is deemed terminal or chronic and ongoing. European Director Xan Morgan, based in the United Kingdom, will work closely with Clerkenwell to ensure the successful delivery of the project.

Psyences palliative care clinical trials are being designed by Dr. Dingle Spence, a Palliative Care Specialist and Psyences Medical Advisor. There is an historic opportunity for psychedelics such as psilocybin to play a significant role in Palliative Care. We are interested in helping alleviate the many symptoms and conditions experienced by people dealing with serious illness including anxiety and depression, existential distress, quality of life concerns, and issues around grief and bereavement, using a Palliative Care lens that will provide a more holistic approach to their therapy, says Dr. Spence.

Psyence recently strengthened its executive team with the appointment of biopharmaceutical stalwart Dr Neil Maresky, M.B, B.Ch. as Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Maresky has been instrumental in the launch, commercialization, and uptake of many ground-breaking medical innovations in North America.

As we embark on our journey to commence a clinical trial we are excited to see the promising results from other early-stage clinical trials, which show the efficacy of psychedelic therapies across a multitude of mental health conditions, says Dr Maresky, Clerkenwells expertise, depth of knowledge and progressive thinking made them the ideal partner to collaborate with.

The United Kingdom is increasingly becoming a destination for medical psychedelic trials and a number of listed companies have successfully established and completed their Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials in the market. However, these companies have typically focused their research on synthetic compounds, while Psyences trial will use natural psilocybin produced at our federally licensed facility in Lesotho in Southern Africa, Maresky says.

Psyences federally licensed commercial psilocybin cultivation and production facility produces certified, high-quality psilocybin yielding mushrooms for research and development purposes for research centres and universities. Designed and constructed to The British Standards Institute (BSI) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, the facility is equipped with specialised equipment to ensure optimum growing conditions and efficient harvesting and packaging.

Having designed our own trial examining different doses of psilocybin and digitally-supported therapy for the treatment of depression, we are delighted to draw on our experience and provide advisory and operational support to Psyence. We will help them establish the procedures and protocols required to successfully run a clinical trial in order to gain regulatory approval for their products, says CEO of Clerkenwell Health, Tom McDonald.

Psyence will apply for the necessary approvals in order to commence its clinical trial. The trial will be conducted in the United Kingdom and will be aligned with European, Canadian and US clinical trial guidelines.

About Psyence

Psyence, a public life science biotechnology company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE: PSYG), sets the global standard for natural psychedelics. Psyence leads the way in natural psilocybin and other psychedelics for the healing of psychological trauma and its mental health consequences in the context of palliative care. Our name Psyence combines the words psychedelic and science to affirm our commitment to producing psychedelic medicines developed through evidence-based research.

Informed by nature and guided by science, we built and operate one of the worlds first federally licensed commercial psilocybin mushroom cultivation and production facilities. Our team brings international experience in both business and science and includes experts in mycology, neurology, and drug development. We work to develop advanced psilocybin products and other psychedelic breakthroughs for research institutes, clinics, therapeutic immersions, and destination experiences for clinical research. We are also developing a nutraceutical mental wellness collection that supports improved focus, calm, and sleep.

Our four key divisions (Psyence Production, Psyence Therapeutics, Psyence Function, and Psyence Experience) anchor an international footprint with operations in Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Jamaica, Brazil, South Africa, and Australia. www.psyence.com

About Clerkenwell Health

Clerkenwell Health is an innovative, UK-based mental health start-up building a platform to accelerate patients access to a range of psychedelic-assisted therapies over the coming years. Clerkenwell is focused on generating the clinical data required to mainstream these exciting treatment methodologies with doctors and regulators alike. The team is led by CEO Tom McDonald, a former Accenture pharmaceutical specialist with a focus on patient-centric care and CSO Dr Henry Fisher, a chemist and drug policy expert. Patient therapy is led by Dr Sara Tai, a clinical psychologist, a Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at the University of Manchester and an expert in psychotherapy in clinical trials of psychedelic medicine. www.clerkenwellhealth.com

For more information

Lisa-Marie Iannitelli

Investor Relations

ir@psyence.com

Media Inquiries: media@psyence.com

General Information: info@psyence.com

Certain statements in this news release related to Psyence Group Inc and its subsidiaries (collectively "the Company") are forward-looking statements and are prospective in nature. Forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as may, should, could, intend, estimate, plan, anticipate, expect, believe or continue, or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the future operations of the Company and future product development and commercialization which shall be dependent on the obtaining of all such licenses, registrations and consents as may be required from regulatory and governmental authorities regulating such products and activities referred to in this news release. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the Companys plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. These and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking information are based on estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

The Company makes no medical, treatment or health benefit claims about the Companys proposed products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Health Canada or other similar regulatory authorities have not evaluated claims regarding psilocybin, psilocybin analogues, or other psychedelic compounds or nutraceutical products. The efficacy of such products has not been confirmed by approved research. There is no assurance that the use of psilocybin, psilocybin analogues, or other psychedelic compounds or nutraceuticals can diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. Vigorous scientific research and clinical trials are needed. The Company has not conducted clinical trials for the use of its proposed products. Any references to quality, consistency, efficacy, and safety of potential products do not imply that the Company verified such in clinical trials or that the Company will complete such trials. If the Company cannot obtain the approvals or research necessary to commercialize its business, it may have a material adverse effect on the Companys performance and operations.
Dundonald South Resource Extension: Phase 1 drilling to expand the current Mineral Resources has intersected massive sulfides east of the known nickel sulphide mineralization



Phase 1 drilling to expand the current Mineral Resources has intersected massive sulfides east of the known nickel sulphide mineralization Dundonald South Exploration Targets: Phase 1 drill testing borehole electromagnetic (BHEM) conductors to the north and east of the known mineralization has also encountered massive sulphide mineralization

Phase 1 drill testing borehole electromagnetic (BHEM) conductors to the north and east of the known mineralization has also encountered massive sulphide mineralization Phase 2: Phase 2 drill program will follow-up on the Phase 1 results intersections and continue with resource expansion



TORONTO, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Class 1 Nickel and Technologies Ltd. (CSE: NICO/OTCQB: NICLF) ("Class 1 Nickel" or the "Company") is pleased to announce progress of the Phase 1 drilling program at Dundonald South Deposit, on the Alexo-Dundonald Nickel Sulphide Property, 45 km northeast of the City of Timmins, Ontario (Canada). The objective of the program is to drill test targets in the vicinity of the known Dundonald South mineralized zones. The Phase 1 program was designed from three-dimensional modelling and interpretation of extensive historical drilling and BHEM survey databases. The Company is delighted to report that the Phase 1 drilling intersected massive sulphide mineralization at Dundonald South (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Location of Phase 1 drill holes at Dundonald South. Red circles indicate the holes drilled to date that intersected massive and semi-massive nickel sulphides. The coloured lines represent the individual mineralized zones (A-H) that make-up the Dundonald South Deposit.

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4fbd3da9-91f4-4005-ab6d-e056266f952b

Phase 1 Drilling

The Phase 1 program at Dundonald South is focused on drill testing parallel and extensional BHEM targets near known mineralization. Massive sulphide mineralization was intersected in two of the first three holes drilled: hole DS-21-006 (Figures 2 and 3) and hole DS-21-005 (Figures 4 and 5).

The sulphide mineralization is indicated to be nickeliferous by hand-held XRF analysis. The third drill hole, DS-21-008, intersected semi-massive nickel sulfides near-surface.

Core samples have been submitted to AGAT Laboratories of Mississauga (Ontario) for confirmation assay. On completion of the Phase 1 drilling, up to half of the holes will be selected for BHEM surveys to further refine targets for Phase 2 and future drilling.

Figure 2. Drill hole DS-21-006 intersected BHEM target.

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/742579b6-49d9-4be2-b34a-e1ac1714f0df

Figure 3. Massive and semi-massive sulphide mineralization from drill hole DS-21-006.

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c7b46387-9d11-4f2b-aa55-8432794bdc0e

Figure 4. Drill hole DS-21-005 intersected BHEM target.

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7f42273e-86b7-426a-9347-8de337798577

Figure 5. Two distinct massive sulphide intercepts in drill hole DS-21-005.

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0aea099d-6414-4f4b-b373-4f16b286bf28

Phase 2 Drill Program

The Phase 2 drilling at Dundonald South will follow the same priorities as previously to the northeast at Alexo North and South: 1) expanding the Mineral Resources by following-up on drill intersections and BHEM-generated targets from the Phase 1 drilling; 2) infill drilling to advance Inferred Mineral Resources to Indicated Mineral Resources; and 3) testing new and under-tested, priority geophysically-generated targets on the Alexo-Dundonald Property. Phase 2 will commence in late summer 2021 and is fully funded by the Company treasury (see Company press release dated June 7, 2021).

About Alexo-Dundonald Property

The 100% Class 1 Nickel owned Alexo-Dundonald Property is an advanced portfolio of komatiite-hosted magmatic nickel-copper-cobalt sulphide deposits located 45 km northeast of the

City of Timmins (Ontario, Canada), a world-class mining jurisdiction with processing plants in need of additional feed. Class 1 Nickel has assembled a strategic land package that combines the historically mined Alexo nickel sulphide deposits with the Dundonald nickel sulphide deposits to create a larger and more diversified property portfolio. Class 1s updated total estimated Indicated Mineral Resource of 1.25 Million tonnes (Mt) with an average grade of 0.99% Ni and a total estimated Inferred Mineral Resource of 2.01 Mt with an average grade of 1.01% Nickel.

The Company is currently drilling to expand the known Mineral Resources and discover new resources to support a Preliminary Economic Assessment.

Qualified Persons

The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by

Dr. William Stone (P.Geo.), independent geological consultant to the Company, who is a Qualified Person under the definitions established by National Instrument 43101.

About Class 1 Nickel

Class 1 Nickel and Technologies Limited (CSE: NICO/OTCQB: NICLF) is a Mineral Resource Company focused on the development of its 100% owned Alexo-Dundonald Property, a portfolio of komatiite hosted magmatic nickel-copper-cobalt sulphide Mineral Resources located near Timmins, Ontario. The Company also owns the Somanike komatiite-hosted nickel-copper sulphide property in Quebec, which includes the famous Marbridge Nickel Mine.

For more information, please contact:

David Fitch, President

T: 011 +61 400.631.608

E: dfitch@class1nickel.com

For additional information please visit our website at www.class1nickel.com and our Twitter feed: @Class1Nickel.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider has reviewed or accepted responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

This news release contains forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information is characterized by words such as plan, expect, project, intend, believe, anticipate, estimate and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions may or will occur. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, and other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, including those risks set out in the Companys managements discussion and analysis as filed under the Companys profile at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including that all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals will be received as and when expected. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable securities laws.
EDINA, Minn., July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Trusting Heart Blood Center (THBC) held a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 23, 2021, to commemorate the opening of its platelet collection facility in Edina, Minnesota. This is the first of several THBC centers planned to open across the United States. The Edina opening represents THBCs initial step in its mission to address the nations growing platelet shortage and help patients in need.



Each day, hospitals around the U.S. require an average of 7,000 platelet doses, and a significant number of hospitals are struggling to meet this demand, threatening the well-being of patients and institutions alike, said Carlie Pedersen of Trusting Heart Blood Center. We warmly welcome new donors in Edina and the Minneapolis metropolitan area to join us on our mission and help patients get the life-saving treatments they need.

The U.S. faces rising blood and platelet shortages that can cause hospitals to postpone vital treatments and surgeries. The majority of platelet transfusions at hospitals are used to prevent bleeding in certain cancer patients and those undergoing cardiac surgeries and organ transplants. Platelets must be transfused within five to seven days from collection, driving a continuous need. Exacerbated by industry challenges to the effective recruitment of blood donors, hospital demand for platelet units is likely to continue to exceed available supply.

Building a community of recurring, impassioned donors by offering a first-in-class experience with state-of-the-art facilities and by responsibly compensating donors for their time, THBC is reimagining the typical platelet donation experience to recruit and maintain currently nonparticipating blood donors, including millennials and Generation Z cohorts. Platelets collected at THBC can supplement and diversify hospitals supplies with 100% pathogen-reduced, single-donor apheresis platelets. By partnering with hospitals and donors, THBC sends donated platelets to communities where they are used within days, helping patients struggling with diseases like cancer or undergoing major surgeries.

It is so good to know I am able to help people in need, said ViAnn Carlson Cabezal, donor at THBC. Trusting Heart has a wonderful staff and my experience was professional and painless.

Individuals interested in becoming donors can find more information at our website here, or call (844)-222-7001.

Trusting Heart Blood Center

Do Good. Get Paid. Save Lives.

Hospitals desperately need platelets as part of life saving treatments given to seriously ill patients. On average, we need 7,000 platelet doses each day to meet the nations need. Trusting Heart Blood Center is committed to working with hospitals to help ensure a readily available supply.

Our donors give back to the community, and we believe in giving back to them.

Company Contact:

Trusting Heart Blood Center

info@trustingheart.com

(844) 222-7001

Media Contact:

Mike Tattory

LifeSci Communications

mtattory@lifescicomms.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6669a112-958b-4e83-bb62-5d6d0eefa413

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/56f609ab-465a-4444-8579-bd5803f51d9f

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/92fc2204-9be7-415e-97fa-975f82df961f




VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Turmalina Metals Corp. (Turmalina, or the Company; TBX-TSXV, TBXXF-OTCQX) is pleased to announce that several agreements have been finalised to consolidate regional acquisitions adjacent to the San Francisco project (San Francisco or the Project). These acquisitions increase the Companys holdings along the mineral belt from 3404 ha to 34,651 ha, an increase of 1018 percent. The new holdings cover numerous prospects, mineralised breccia clusters and former small-scale mines.



An agreement with government organisation Instituto Provincial de Exploraciones y Explotaciones Mineras de la Provincia de San Juan, Argentina (IPEEM) provides Turmalina, through its operating company in Argentina, Aurora Mining S.A. (AMSA), with exploration rights to an 11,038 ha area immediately to the north of the existing Project area (Figure 1). This area (the IPEEM JV) includes several undrilled clusters of tourmaline breccia pipes and epithermal vein systems that have supported previous small scale mining. Sampling by Turmalina has returned grades of up to 5.2 g/t Au and 158 g/t Ag from oxidised material at tourmaline breccia workings within the IPEEM JV (Figures 2 and 3).

Turmalina also has an option to purchase agreement for two tenements totalling 15,576 ha from a private company, Miranda S.A.. These tenements (the Miranda Tenements) are located to the east and northeast of the existing project area (Figure 1) and include several breccia, intrusion-hosted and quartz tourmaline vein occurrences. Preliminary sampling has returned values up to 2.0 g/t Au, 411 g/t Ag and 5% Cu from quartz-tourmaline veins.

Turmalina has also acquired several areas totalling 4628 ha in the belt through a staking process (the AMSA tenements). This new ground contains several tourmaline breccia and vein occurrences that supported small scale mining work previously. Preliminary sampling has returned values up to 9.2 g/t Au and 1.6 % Cu from veins within altered sediments and granodiorite.

The Company plans to commence field work within these new acquisitions in the coming months, with mapping, soil sampling and rock chip sampling to determine high priority targets for detailed review and drilling testing.

Dr. Rohan Wolfe, Chief Executive Officer, states:

These acquisitions consolidate our holdings in this impressive mineral belt and are an integral part of our strategy of growth through the discovery and development of multiple mineralised breccias pipes.

We started the process of acquiring further ground prior to our listing in late 2019, and we are thrilled to recently sign the final agreement that amalgamates our holdings in this highly prospective and underexplored belt. While this extensive regional consolidation process underway, we were not in a position to communicate about the various targets but with this now complete, we look forward to executing and keeping investors up to date as we advance these newly acquired areas.

IPEEM Agreement Terms

Aurora Mining has signed a two-stage agreement with IPEEM. The first (Exploration) stage lasts for five years with payments of USD $20,000 on signing, monthly payment of $0.50 per hectare and the loan to IPEEM of a 4-wheel drive vehicle, with a minimum exploration commitment by AMSA of US$5,100,000 staged over 5 years:

 Year 1: USD$ 505,000 exploration spend (to July 1st, 2022).  Years 2 to 4: USD$ 1,124,000 exploration spend per year (to July 1st, 2025).  Year 5: USD$ 1,223,000 exploration spend (to July 1st, 2026).

The second (Exploitation) stage requires a monthly payment of $1.50 per hectare until production starts, and then a 1 to 2% royalty, with a value to be set at the time the exploitation stage commences.



Miranda Agreement Terms

To purchase the Miranda Tenements AMSA paid USD$5,000 on signing and will pay USD $220,000 over 5 years:

 January 6th, 2020 US$ 5,000 (paid)  July 6th, 2021 US$ 15,000 (paid)  July 6th, 2022 US$ 20,000  July 6th, 2023 US$ 30,000  July 6th, 2024 US$ 150,000

Miranda S.A. maintains a NSR of 1% on the properties, which can be purchased by AMSA for US$300,000.



Current work at San Francisco

One drill rig is currently drilling at the Project, testing new breccia pipes identified by a project-wide mapping campaign. Samples from recent drilling at the San Francisco de Los Andes (SFdLA) breccia pipe have been dispatched for assay, with results expected late July.

Other Projects

Field work continues at the companys Chanape copper-gold project located in the Lima District in Peru. Initial work is focused on improving access to the project area in order to sample the large number (>50) of outcropping tourmaline breccias at the project.

Changes to Board

The Company announces the resignation of Mark Eaton as a director of Turmalina and thanks him for his service and contributions to the company. As a replacement for Mark, the Board has nominated Ms. Latika Prasad to stand for election as a director in the Companys upcoming Annual General Meeting to be held on July 28, 2021. Latika is one of the founders of Turmalina, and was a director and officer of the company from March 2017 to July 2019 and continues to work with the Company.

Stock Options

The Company has granted 900,000 incentive share purchase options to technical staff, management, consultants and a director of the Company, exercisable for 5 years at an exercise price of CAD$0.91 per share.

About the San Francisco Project

The 34,651 ha San Francisco project is located in San Juan, Argentina. The original 3404 ha of the project area contains over 60 tourmaline breccia occurrences, several of which have supported small-scale mining. The Company is focused on mapping and sampling the breccias in the project area, and drill testing the highest priority targets.

On Behalf of the Company,

Dr. Rohan Wolfe, Chief Executive Officer and Director.

Website: turmalinametals.com

Address: #488 - 1090 West Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6E 3V7.

For Investor Relations enquiries, please contact Bryan Slusarchuk at +1 833 923 3334 (toll free) or via info@turmalinametals.com.

Statements

About Turmalina Metals and the San Francisco Project: Turmalina Metals is a TSXV-listed exploration company focused on developing our portfolio of high grade gold-copper-silver projects in South America. Our focus is on tourmaline breccias, a deposit style overlooked by many explorers. Turmalina Metals is led by a team responsible for multiple gold-copper-silver discoveries who are highly experienced in this deposit style. Our projects are characterised by open high-grade mineralization on established mining licenses that present compelling drill targets. The principle project held by Turmalina is the San Francisco project in San Juan, Argentina. For further information on the San Francisco Project, refer to the technical report entitled NI43-101 Technical Report San Francisco Copper Gold Project, San Juan Province, Argentina dated November 17, 2019 under the Corporations profile at www.sedar.com.

Sampling and Analytic procedure: Turmalina Metals follows systematic sampling and analytical protocols which exceed industry standards and are summarized below.

All drill holes are PQ, HQ or NQ diameter diamond core holes. Drill core is collected at the drill site and transported by vehicle to the Turmalina core logging facility in Villa Nueva, where recovery and RQD (Rock Quality Designation) measurements are taken before the core is photographed and geologically logged. The core is then cut in half with a diamond saw blade with half the sample retained in the core box for future reference and the other half placed into a pre-labelled plastic bag, sealed with a plastic zip tie, and identified with a unique sample number. The core is typically sampled over a 1 to 2 meter sample interval unless the geologist determines the presence of an important geological contact. The bagged samples are then stored in a secure area pending shipment to the ALS sample preparation facility in Mendoza where they are dried, crushed and pulverized. Following sample preparation the prepared pulps are then sent to the ALS laboratory in Lima for assay. The samples are then analyzed using a 50g aqua regia digest and fire assay-AA finish analysis for gold and four acid digestion with ICP-MS analysis for 53 other elements. Samples with results that exceed maximum detection values for gold are re-analyzed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish and other elements of interest are re-analyzed using precise ore-grade ICP analytical techniques. Turmalina Metals independently inserts certified control standards, coarse field blanks, and duplicates into the sample stream to monitor data quality. These standards are inserted blindly to the laboratory in the sample sequence prior to departure from the Turmalina Metals core storage facilities.

Qualified Person: The scientific and technical data contained in this news release pertaining to the San Francisco and Turmalina projects has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Rohan Wolfe, Chief Executive Officer, MAIG, who serves as the Qualified Person (QP) under the definition of National Instrument 43-101.

Forward Looking Statement: This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of such statements under applicable securities law. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "anticipates", "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed", "positioned" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this news release. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks (including those risk factors identified in the Corporations prospectus dated November 21, 2019) and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The Corporation 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.

There is no assurance when the government-imposed measures related to COVID-19 in Argentina will be lifted. There is uncertainty over the form and duration of government measures and multiple policy changes may occur with regards to these measures over time. The Company may not provide updates on various government measures and changes to these measures as they occur. Protocols related to COVID-19, and the effects of the pandemic on service providers located throughout South America, may lead to delays in the future reporting of results.

Figure 1  Location of new acquisitions. The acquisition of the IPEEM, Miranda and AMSA ground consolidates Turmalinas holdings in the mineral belt. Initial reconnaissance by Turmalina has identified numerous mineralised tourmaline breccia pipes and vein systems within the IPEEM, Miranda and AMSA ground.

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a8a31a80-1470-4609-9685-ca98e649e63f

Figure 2  Typical untested mineralised tourmaline breccia pipe cluster in the IPEEM licenses.

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/23774fac-721c-44bb-9e07-b1244bb46f36

Figure 3  Typical tourmaline breccia from IPEEM ground. Tourmaline-silica altered siltstone clasts set in a tourmaline-pyrite matrix. A rock chip sample from this outcrop returned 5.2 g/t Au and 158 g/t Ag.

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a277a901-d22f-4667-be35-8ad6a22c52e1
NEW YORK, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Unibuddy , the number one peer-to-peer university recruitment platform that has helped 770,000 students from more than 180 countries make better decisions about their higher education journey, has raised $20 million USD in funding. The Series B round was led by Highland Europe with additional participation from Stride.VC. Unibuddy has raised a total of $32 million USD since its inception in 2017.



This round comes on the heels of a record-breaking year for Unibuddy that saw the company almost triple its revenues. Accelerated by the pandemic, interest in the peer-to-peer platform and its products soared. Unibuddys growth is also indicative of a larger trend, as the rate of digital adoption within higher education marketing has skyrocketed: 82% of institutions are either engaging in, exploring or working to develop a digital transformation strategy.

Unibuddy has provided a first-of-its-kind virtual window into the higher education experience for the digitally native Gen Z community. When exploring a universitys website, applicants from anywhere in the world can chat with existing students and staff in real-time about a variety of topics. Popular discussions on the platform center around fitting in, programs of study, employability upon graduation, student life, admissions requirements, and testing criteria. In 2020, the number of messages sent by college applicants via Unibuddys platform quadrupled compared to the prior year.

Unibuddy has partnered with 450+ higher education customers to help prospective students applying to college in 35 countries worldwide. By connecting student ambassadors and staff with university applicants, institutions can attract a larger and more diverse student population as well as significantly increase student enrollment. The 12 million messages exchanged on Unibuddy to date have provided universities with insights that inform their marketing strategies. On average, Unibuddys partners experience a 51% yield globally compared to the 40% U.S. institutional average.

The United States is one of Unibuddys largest markets with 136 university partners across the country, from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., to Fordham University in New York City, and the University of Arizona. Ready to rebuild and innovate after COVID-19, U.S. institutions are focused on addressing new student recruitment challenges, from attracting quality candidates, cultivating diversity and inclusion, and addressing concerns on trust and safety. Unibuddys platform is most popular with prospects and institutions alike in New York, California, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Massachusetts. College applicants three biggest concerns in the U.S. are related to admissions and applications, finances and financial aid, and careers and employability. The most popular courses discussed are Computer Science, Communications, Political Science, Business and Economics.

Diego Fanara, co-founder and CEO of Unibuddy, explains: By 2025, our goal is to partner with institutions to empower 10 million students to progress on their higher education journey. We will triple the size of our engineering team, expanding our product suite and with it, our role in the higher education journey - from selecting a program, to onboarding to post-graduation. In particular, the team will double down on efforts in the United States and APAC where there is a strong appetite for university admissions and recruitment teams to engage with both domestic and international students.

Jessica Raquel Stern, Assistant Director, Graduate & International Recruitment at the University of Southern California Viterbi School, commented: Our mission is to serve California, the nation and the world. Unibuddy helps us connect with university applicants of all backgrounds from all over the globe, ensuring that we maintain that commitment to a diverse student population. By turning our own students into digital brand ambassadors, we create meaningful virtual connections that serve to inform and inspire - through thoughtful and engaging conversations.

Fergal Mullen, partner at Highland Europe, said: The higher education market is projected to reach almost $118 billion USD by 2027 and areas such as recruitment and retention are ripe for innovation. Unibuddys impressive list of institutional partners and growing participation from students around the world are indicative of the platforms impact on university marketing and recruitment. We know from conversations with many university administrators that Unibuddy delivers significant benefits by enabling them to more effectively target suitable student applicants and to improve yield on offers made. We also noted that Unibuddy positively impacts first-year retention, which is a huge win for universities. Were excited to invest in disruptive products such as Unibuddy and the ambitious teams behind them.

Fred Destin of Stride.VC added, "Unibuddy empowers students to take that life-changing leap of faith, to build the confidence to go study anywhere in the world their talent takes them. At Stride.VC that's a mission we are happy to double down on and put both our name and capital behind."

All images and logos can be found here .

About Unibuddy

Unibuddy offers smarter student recruitment for higher education institutions by enabling prospects and applicants to virtually connect with student ambassadors and school staff through the seamless web-integration of its direct messaging platform. Partnering with universities around the world since 2017, Unibuddy has helped more than 770,000 domestic and international prospects make one of the most important decisions of their lives by humanizing, personalizing and digitizing their higher education journey through chat, live events and top-tier partnerships with institutions worldwide. Unibuddy has 117 employees across New York, London, Bangalore and Singapore.

To learn more, visit www.unibuddy.com .

For all media inquiries, please contact:

Arianna Imperato | intra-pr

347 224 9940

arianna@intrapr.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b4b9cd5c-78bc-4ce8-9083-1ad4a6a5e05c
No lost time injuries at the Beatons Creek conglomerate gold project in Nullagine, Western Australia (the  Nullagine Gold Project )

at the Beatons Creek conglomerate gold project in Nullagine, Western Australia (the  ) Record gold production of 5,898 oz Au in June , a 16.5% increase over May (Q2 2021  14,890 oz Au)

, a 16.5% increase over May (Q2 2021  14,890 oz Au) June revenue of C$11.9 million (A$12.8 million) , an 11.4% increase over May (Q2 2021  C$31.7 million (A$33.1 million))

, an 11.4% increase over May (Q2 2021  C$31.7 million (A$33.1 million)) Operational positive cash flow from Nullagine Gold Project achieved in May and June

Mining and processing rates continued to increase, with 232 kt gold-bearing conglomerate material mined in June (Q2 2021  477 kt gold-bearing conglomerate material mined) and 134 kt gold-bearing conglomerate material processed in June (Q2  366 kt gold-bearing conglomerate material processed)

(Q2 2021  477 kt gold-bearing conglomerate material mined) and (Q2  366 kt gold-bearing conglomerate material processed) Recovery rates reaching optimal levels, with June recovery of 96.4% , up from 94.4% in May

, up from 94.4% in May Significant cost saving and operational improvements , including flight sharing arrangements

, including flight sharing arrangements Quarter-end cash balance of C$46.3 million. The fair value of Novos investments also increased to approximately C$200 million1 (Q1 2021 balance  approximately C$77 million2)

We are very pleased with the operational trajectory of the Nullagine Gold Project, commented Mr. Rob Humphryson, CEO and a director of Novo. All key project metrics are trending positively and the Novo team are working diligently on operational improvements that will further benefit the operation. Given the abundance of gold-bearing conglomerate mineralization across the Pilbara region (refer to the Companys news release dated June 3, 2021), we are pleased to demonstrate that the Nullagine Gold Project is generating positive cash flow. We look forward to providing our investors with regular quarterly updates.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Novo Resources Corp. (Novo or the Company) (TSX: NVO, NVO.WT & NVO.WT.A) (OTCQX: NSRPF) is pleased to provide a quarterly operational update from the first full quarter at the Companys Nullagine Gold Project.

NULLAGINE GOLD PROJECT

Safety and Sustainability

The lost time injury frequency rate for the past twelve months remains at zero for the Nullagine Gold Project and also for the Company.

The Company works in numerous communities across the Pilbara region of Western Australia and endeavours to be a responsible and trusted corporate citizen throughout all aspects of its operations, as evidenced by recent co-funding of the construction of a playground for local youth in the town of Nullagine.

The Company responded swiftly to COVID-19 related lockdown measures implemented by the Western Australian government in late June and has not been materially impacted by COVID-19 to date.

Gold Production

Gold production at the Nullagine Gold Project continued to increase month-on-month with a record month of 5,898 ounces produced during June 2021 (Figure 1). Q2 2021 gold production totalled 14,890 ounces.

Figure 1 is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7a528f13-9833-4433-bf22-05988dd6e2e9

Processing

Mill throughput continued to increase month-on-month. As contemplated in the Companys news release dated June 8, 2021, the processing plants annualized rate is increasing towards 1.8 mtpa (Figure 2). A total of 134 kt of gold-bearing conglomerate material was processed in June, for aggregate Q2 2021 processing of 366 kt of gold-bearing conglomerate material. Recovery rates have also increased steadily in Q2 2021, with record recovery of 96.4% achieved in June, up from 94.4% in May. June average grade was 1.45 g/t Au, an increase over Q2 2021 average grade of 1.30 g/t Au.

Mining

Mining productivity has continued to improve, with record movement of 232 kt gold-bearing conglomerate material in June, for aggregate Q2 2021 movement of 477 kt gold-bearing conglomerate material. Ozland Drill and Blast Pty Ltd (Ozland) has mobilized to site and have assumed drill and blast operations (Figure 3). The Company has also internalized control of its explosive supply to optimize cost and operational efficiencies in conjunction with its transition to Ozland.

Figure 2 is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/adb97c88-33a7-4c73-8ac3-dcd3d6f7b761

Figure 3 is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9308a2fc-2cbb-43fa-a148-10703b853246

Operational Improvements

The Company has recently entered into an agreement with Roy Hill Holdings Pty Ltd (Roy Hill), allowing access to its flights to the Ginbata airstrip around 100 km south of the Nullagine Gold Project. This will result in significant operational cost savings and substantially reduced travel time and travel risk exposure for the Companys employees. It also allows for more effective handover logistics between crews as they transition between rosters. The Company thanks Roy Hill for its efficient commercial engagement in this area for mutual benefit.

In addition, significant improvements have been achieved in assay receipts. Quick turnaround of assays is critical for grade control at the Nullagine Gold Project. Intertek Testing Services (Australia) Pty Ltd (Intertek) has now fully commissioned two Chrysos PhotonAssay machines at its Maddington (Perth) facility. Planning is also well advanced for the establishment of a sample preparation laboratory at the Nullagine Gold Project site in conjunction with Intertek (refer to the Companys news release dated May 18, 2021).

Novo Financial Position

Novos cash position and working capital remains robust, with cash reserves of C$46.3 million as at June 30, 2021. In addition to its cash reserves, the Companys portfolio of investments held a fair value of approximately C$200 million1 as at June 30, 2021. In particular, the value of Novos 9.9% investment in New Found Gold Corp.1 (TSXV: NFG) (New Found) has increased significantly following the publication of continuing drill results by New Found from its wholly-owned Queensway project in Newfoundland, Canada.

Dr. Quinton Hennigh (P.Geo.) is the qualified person, as defined under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, responsible for, and having reviewed and approved, the technical information contained in this news release. Dr. Hennigh is a director of Novo and its president and chairman.

Cautionary Statement

The decision by the Company to produce at the Nullagine Gold Project was not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability and, as a result, there is 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. There is no guarantee that that anticipated production costs will be achieved. Failure to achieve the anticipated production costs would have a material adverse impact on the Companys cash flow and future profitability.

About Novo

Novo is commissioning its flagship Beatons Creek gold project while exploring and developing its prospective land package covering approximately 14,000 square kilometres in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. In addition to the Companys primary focus, Novo seeks to leverage its internal geological expertise to deliver value-accretive opportunities to its shareholders. For more information, please contact Leo Karabelas at (416) 543-3120 or e-mail leo@novoresources.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

Novo Resources Corp.

 Quinton Hennigh 

Quinton Hennigh

Chairman and President

Forward-looking information

Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information (within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation) including, without limitation, planned mining and processing activities; that the agreement entered into with Roy Hill will result in significant operational cost savings, reduced travel time and travel risk exposure for the Companys employees and will allow for a far more effective handover logistics between crews as they transition between rosters; and that the Companys internalization of control of its explosive supply will optimize costs and operational efficiencies in conjunction with its engagement of Ozland. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include, without limitation, customary risks of the resource industry and the risk factors identified in Novos annual information form for the 11-month fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, which is available under Novos profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date those statements are made. Except as required by applicable law, Novo assumes no obligation to update or to publicly announce the results of any change to any forward-looking statement contained or incorporated by reference herein to reflect actual results, future events or developments, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting the forward-looking statements. If Novo updates any forward-looking statement(s), no inference should be drawn that the Company will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

1 This value excludes the fair value of warrants held in GBM Resources Ltd. and Kalamazoo Resources Limited. Novos ability to dispose of its investments is subject to certain thresholds pursuant to its senior secured credit facility with Sprott Private Resource Lending II (Collector), LP. Please refer to the Companys management discussion and analysis for the 11-month fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, which is available under Novos profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Novos investment in New Found Gold Corp. is subject to escrow requirements pursuant to National Instrument 46-201 Escrow for Initial Public Offerings. The value of Novos holdings in Elementum 3D, Inc. (E3D) is based on E3Ds most recent financing price of US$2.50 per share. Except for its investment in E3D, the fair value of Novos investments is based on closing prices of its investments and relevant foreign exchanges rates as at June 30, 2021.

2 As above, except that this fair value is based on closing prices of the Companys investments and relevant foreign exchange rates as at March 31, 2021.
Philadelphia, PA, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire -- Pennexx (OTC: PNNX), a leader in bringing social media and discounts together to virally market products and services with its https://yoursocialoffers.com platform, is pleased to announce that Emerging Markets Consulting, LLC (EMC) has been retained to provide investor and public relations services.



EMC specializes in helping small and mid-sized public companies establish brand awareness and increase market share to its customer base while improving visibility to the institutional and retail investment community.

"With our profitability, nearly complete audit, anticipated up listing to OTCQB, and success with our platform, we believe this is an excellent time to share our story and brand to a national audience," says Vincent Risalvato, CEO of Pennexx.

James Painter, President of EMC, said, "We are pleased to represent Pennexx during the coming year. We have conducted our due diligence on the Company and have been very impressed with the management, share structure, and overall business strategy."

About Emerging Markets Consulting LLC

Based in Orlando, Florida, Emerging Markets Consulting, LLC (EMC) brings over 40 years of combined experience in the investor relations industry. EMC is an international investor relations firm with affiliates around the world. EMC is relationship-driven and results-oriented to seek attractive emerging companies and concentrate its resources and efforts to serve a limited number of high-quality clients. For more information, visit EMC's website at www.emergingmarketsllc.com

For More Information

Pennexx will do its best to openly and publicly answer your questions and concerns via social media on Twitter https://twitter.com/pennexx @pennexx, or you may email investors@pennexx.net.

You may also follow them on Twitter; Ms. Sunny Sweet (@sunnysweettweet) https://twitter.com/sunnysweettweet , Joe Candito (@jcandito) https://twitter.com/jcandito , and Mr. Risalvato (@vrisalvato) https://twitter.com/vrisalvato .

About Pennexx Foods Inc.

About Pennexx Foods Inc. (PNNX: OTCMKTS US). Pennexx, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is a holding company within the Software/Internet Industry focused on social media, prepaid debit cards, artificial intelligence, targeted marketing, and consumer rewards.

Safe Harbor Act: This release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and such forward-looking statements are made according to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. "Forward-looking statements" describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "may," "future," "plan" or "planned," "will" or "should," "expected," "anticipates," "draft," "eventually" or "projected." You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company's annual report.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With a lot of British Columbians gearing up to travel locally this summer, the BC Farmers Market Trail produced by the BC Association of Farmers Markets (BCAFM) is one of the best ways to explore and make the most of what BC has to offer this season. As the definitive guide to finding the freshest food and handmade artisan goods, the Trail can help locals and visitors enhance their travel experience, reconnect with communities around the province, and support local businesses across 145+ farmers markets within BC.



By visiting BC farmers markets, British Columbians will enjoy fresh air while shopping outdoors and directly invest in 4,000+ local farmers and entrepreneurs. These are the heroes safeguarding BC's foodlands and sustaining the local economy for future generations.

The BC Farmers Market Trail is an excellent tool, helping food lovers, locals and travelers alike explore, shop and directly support entrepreneurs at farmers' markets across the province, said Andrea Harris, Director of Community Investment at Vancity. This past year has made us even more aware of how essential farmers' markets are to local economies, food systems and communities and we hope everyone makes use of this website.

PEOPLE LOVE THE BC FARMERS MARKET TRAIL

Over 300,000 people in the past year visited the BC Farmers Market Trail website. BC farmers markets are perfect venues to support and connect with local growers, makers, and bakers, while celebrating the specialties of each community. The Trail is a free, mobile-friendly website featuring a farmers market finder which quickly directs shoppers to fresh local food and goods available in both big city and small town BC.

REDISCOVER COMMUNITY

Its time to reconnect with people, bring back that community feeling and explore BC. Farmers market visitors can enjoy and rediscover regional flavours that reflect the supernatural landscapes and unique communities that surround them, from volcanic valleys in Northern BC to seaside farms in Sunshine Coast. This year, the Trail will be enhanced with 5 additional featured regions that host diverse vendors across the province including MJs Caribbean Cuisine in Vancouver City, Takhar Berry Farms in Fraser Valley, A Sweet Romance Bakery in Thompson Okanagan, Nunachi from Metro Vancouver and Whistler Harvest in Sea to Sky. With 145+ authentic in-person farmers markets on the Trail, including some with online market stores , its never been easier to find hidden gems in BCs food scene while supporting local communities.

Throughout COVID, farmers markets across the province have continued to operate and heroically stepped up to support the safety of customers, vendors and market organizers, says Heather OHara, Executive Director at BCAFM. Its more clear now than ever that in order for our local economy to thrive, we need farmers and small businesses to survive and the public to support these local businesses. The BC Farmers Market Trail website makes it easy for the public to find and support local farmers and artisans, and explore BC all at the same time!

The BC Farmers Market Trail is supported by the BC Association of Farmers Markets, Destination BC Co-operative Marketing Program, Vancity and multiple funders and supporters . The Destination BC Co-operative Marketing Program enables communities and sector organizations, who share common interests and marketing goals, to align with provincial tourism priorities, maximize funding and marketing impact, and raise BC tourism revenues.

BC Association of Farmers Markets (BCAFM) is a non-profit organization committed to supporting, developing and promoting farmers markets across all regions of British Columbia. BCAFM is passionate about supporting farmers markets, farmers and small businesses so local food continues to thrive. To learn more about BCAFM, visit bcfarmersmarket.org .

Connect with BC Association of Farmers Markets on social media:

Media Contact

Sonam Ram

The Social Agency

+ 778-990-6008

sonam@thesocialagency.ca

www.thesocialagency.ca

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2484e3b3-347a-4ceb-aa50-6f02a3c21399
PALM BEACH, FL, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American consumers looking for organic and plant-based nutrition now have access to NanoVedas revolutionary products, which combine Swiss nanotechnology with traditional Ayurveda remedies.

We developed rapid dissolve oral strips with Swiss nanotechnology that turns the nutritional ingredients into fine particles for faster, more effective absorption, said Rakshit Mehta, founder of the Swiss-based NanoVeda health and wellness company.

Nanoveda developed rapid dissolve oral strips for people with sleep issues, fatigue, iron deficiency, stress, digestion problems, and weakened immune systems.

Mehta said NanoVedas oral strips are based on nanotechnology and Ayurveda, the traditional Hindu system of medicine, which is based on balance in the body. NanoVeda products use the patented ThinkSol Technology, an innovative process that converts ingredients into fine nanoparticles.

NanoVeda takes the best of our traditional remedies and science to create a smarter way to health, Mehta said.

The Swiss company will continue adding retail outlets in 2021 to make it easy for American consumers to find its nutritional products.

Already, Amazon and OneLavi.com carry NanaVeda products, including:

NanoVeda Energy Strips

NanoVeda Sleep Strips

NanoVeda Iron Strips

NanoVeda Probiotics Strips

NanoVeda Curcumin Strips

NanoVeda Ashwagandha Strips

Mehta said NanoVedas product line is perfect for todays post-COVID-19 consumers who are more concerned about their physical wellbeing and the health of the planet.

To appeal to these consumers, NanoVeda oral strips are organic, plant-based, and only use pure ingredients obtained through sustainable sourcing.

We manufacture the oral strips without harming the planet. So you can improve your health by using our fast-dissolving oral strips without any guilt, he added.

NanoVedas oral strips also are a perfect solution for millions of American adults, who have trouble swallowing pills.

Place the strips on your tongue and let them dissolve. It is as easy as that, Mehta said.

NanoVeda oral strips are the 21st-century nutritional product to improve the quality of your life, Mehta added.

To purchase, visit Amazon or OneLavi.com.

Attachments
Potsdam, NY, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ichor Therapeutics, Inc. has expanded to the North Country Incubator at Clarkson University as an anchor tenant to establish a biotechnology cluster in Potsdam, NY.

Ichor studies fundamental mechanisms of aging to develop new classes of drugs dedicated to helping people live longer, healthier lives. CEO and Founder Dr. Kelsey Moody, a native of the North Country, said he recognizes the unique opportunities for industry and academic collaborations and entrepreneurial spirit of Clarkson.

Ichor aims to build upon obvious synergies between its core competencies in structure-based drug discovery and translational medicine, and Clarksons deep expertise in chemistry, engineering, and health sciences, Dr. Moody said.

A special open house will be held to welcome Ichor Therapeutics, Inc. to the North Country Incubator at Clarkson University on Tuesday, July 13 from 3pm to 5pm at Peyton Hall on Clarksons downtown campus.

In collaboration with the Lewis School for Health Sciences, Ichor is expanding their protein science division and will occupy offices and wet laboratory space in Peyton Hall. As part of the expansion, Ichor will provide over $2 million in state-of-the-art equipment and 8 full-time staff, offering regional universities and start-up companies access to industrial scale drug development capabilities, including world-class protein engineering.

With Clarkson, Ichor will also train high school, undergraduate, and graduate students and university faculty in advanced techniques in biophysics, structural biology, biochemistry, and translational medicine.

Ichors presence in Clarksons incubator space marks a major step forward in the biotechnology field for the North Country, said Clarkson University President Anthony G. Collins. Collaborating with the Lewis School of Health Sciences and the School of Arts and Sciences not only helps Ichor expand, but also offers cutting edge educational opportunities to Clarkson students and faculty. Access to new equipment and expertise as a result of Ichors expansion to the North Country will also benefit academic labs, start-ups, and other companies in the field.

Dr. Moody is a process-oriented drug developer and executive who has specialized in the study of aging and aging mechanisms for more than a decade. Since 2013, he has raised over $27 million in venture funding and built Ichor from a living room start-up into a premier, vertically integrated research organization. Dr. Moody received a PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology from Miamis Miller School of Medicine, an MBA from Concordia University Wisconsin and a BSc from SUNY Plattsburgh.

Chief Science Officer Dr. Aaron Wolfe is an entrepreneur and biophysicist. He co-founded Finger Lakes Bio, a boutique protein engineering company, which was acquired by Ichor. He previously served as biotechnology consultant to RLH, a private investment company. Dr. Wolfe holds a PhD in structural biology, biochemistry, and biophysics from Syracuse University and a certificate in entrepreneurship from the Warton School.

Attachment
Gloucester, MA (01930)

Today

Cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. High near 75F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 67F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Milwaukee, WI (53187)

Today

Showers in the morning, then cloudy in the afternoon. High 74F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 59F. Winds light and variable.
Goshen, IN (46526)

Today

Mixed clouds and sun with scattered thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 79F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Showers and scattered thunderstorms. Low 66F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
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.
Grand Haven, MI (49417)

Today

Showers likely along with a possible rumble of thunder this morning, then cloudy skies this afternoon. High 73F. Winds WSW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 62F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
Aker Solutions has been awarded a major contract from Chevron Australia Pty Ltd to provide a subsea gas compression system for the Jansz-Io field, offshore Western Australia. (Earlier post.) The company has booked around NOK 7 billion (US$812 million) as order intake in the second quarter of 2021 related to this contract.

The scope covers engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of the all-electric subsea gas compression system. It also includes interface responsibility, and assistance during installation and commissioning.

The subsea gas compression system will include a complete compression station with three compressor modules and two subsea pump modules, all-electric control systems and actuators, structures including mud mats, high-voltage electrical power distribution system, several spare modules and equipment and various associated tooling.





The award follows completion of the front-end engineering and design (FEED) awarded in 2019. The work starts immediately with delivery expected during 2025. The project will be managed from Aker Solutions headquarters in Fornebu, Norway. Client interface and operational planning will be handled from Perth, Australia.

The Jansz-Io gas field was first discovered in April 2000 and is located around 200 kilometers offshore the north-western coast of Western Australia, at water depths of approximately 1,400 meters. The Jansz-Io field is a part of the Chevron-operated Gorgon project, one of the worlds largest natural gas developments.

The worlds first subsea gas compression system was delivered by Aker Solutions to Equinors Asgard field in Norway in 2015. The technology had been developed through several years of strong in-house expertise and in close collaboration with the customer and suppliers such as MAN Energy Solutions and ABB.

The technology has since been taken further, and the Jansz-Io Compression (J-IC) project will have close to three times more compression power than the Asgard system at a comparable physical dimension and lower weights.

Our world-leading subsea gas compression technology has demonstrated an impressive system regularity of close to 100 percent, during its six years in operation at Asgard. This technology was a game-changer for the industry, by significantly improving recovery rates, reducing costs and enhancing safety, with a much smaller environmental footprint than the traditional alternative. We have further improved the technology and are very excited to deliver the next generation subsea gas compression system to Chevron. Continuous improvements will be a focus to increase efficiency, optimize execution and maximize potential. Maria Peralta, executive vice president and head of Aker Solutions subsea business

Compared to the traditional alternative from a topside compression platform, subsea gas compression is a low-carbon solution for the production of natural gas.

During the lifetime of a natural gas field, the pressure in the reservoir will drop during production, and compression is the primary way to maintain the production and enhance recovery. Compared to the alternative, subsea compression represents a significant reduction in energy consumption and carbon emissions in a lifecycle perspective. Placing the system close to the reservoir at the seabed, with significantly higher pressure than at sea level, typically reduces the energy consumption by about 20-60% per year.

The size and weight of the subsea system is significantly smaller than a platform solution, which means a major reduction in steel and other materials. It also reduces health and safety risk and eliminates the need for logistics and transportation versus a normally manned platform. The system is all-electric, which means no risk of hydraulic discharge to sea. This results in increased cost-efficiency and lower carbon footprint versus a traditional topside platform solution.

The Chevron-operated Gorgon Project is a joint venture between the Australian subsidiaries of Chevron (47.3%), ExxonMobil (25%), Shell (25%), Osaka Gas (1.25%), Tokyo Gas (1%) and JERA (0.417%).
Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) announced that five key affiliate companies, including Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation, will join Climate Groups RE100, a global initiative committed to moving toward 100% renewable energy. Joining 300 other global companies, the Group plans to further accelerate efforts on sustainable development and carbon neutrality.

Hyundai Motor and Kia, along with Hyundai Mobis Co., Hyundai Wia and Hyundai Transys Inc., each will submit applications to the Korea RE100 Committee later this month.

While all five companies aim to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050, each will make independent efforts to achieve targets ahead of schedule, by as early as 2040, depending on energy supply and demand conditions at their respective overseas operations.

To this end, the five companies plan to establish a joint RE100 response system at global sites where they commonly operate. The Group is considering various ways to procure renewable energy such as self-production through solar panels, power purchase agreements (PPA) with wind and solar energy producers, as well as purchase through Korea Electric Power Corporations (KEPCO) Green Premium program.

Other Group affiliates agree about the need to transition to 100% renewable energy and plan to actively use it at their operations going forward.

Prior to the announcement to join RE100, major affiliates of Hyundai Motor Group were already expanding implementation of renewable energy sources as well as technologies to reduce energy use across production processes.

Hyundai Motor installed roof-type solar power facilities at its Asan automotive plant (South Korea) in 2013 to produce 13,000 MWh per year. The company is also producing 12,500 MWh of electricity through solar power facilities that were installed in its Ulsan plant last year, in cooperation with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Company.

In 2019, Kia established a system to replace all power used in its production plant in Zilina, Slovakia with renewable energy. In Korea, Kias Gwangmyeong, Hwaseong and Gwangju plants have obtained ISO50001 certifications.

Hyundai Mobis made a full switch to renewable energy sources in its Slovakia and Sweden operations earlier this year. In Korea, Mobis is pushing to reduce energy usage by establishing the Global Mobis Energy Management System (GMEMS).

RE100, which stands for Renewable Energy 100 Percent, is a global initiative led by the Climate Group bringing together the worlds most influential businesses committed to 100% renewable energy and has been campaigning since 2014. To be a member, a company must have significant power footprint (i.e. 100 GWh annually) and are required to submit mid- to long-term renewable energy power securing plans within a year after joining. More than 300 global companies are participating.

General Motors and the BMW Group are also RE100 members.
Support local journalism

We are making critical coverage of the coronavirus available for free.

Please consider subscribing so we can continue to bring you the latest news and information on this developing story.


DALLAS (AP)  American Airlines says it carried nearly three times as many passengers over the July 4 weekend than it did over the holiday last year, the latest sign that travel  at least within the United States  is continuing to rebound from pandemic lows of 2020.

American said Wednesday that it carried nearly 2.7 million passengers on more than 26,000 American and American Eagle flights between last Thursday and Monday.

The airline did not provide comparisons with 2019, but the Transportation Security Administration screened 10.1 million travelers in the same five-day period, down 17% from the comparable period in 2019. Those figures have been improving every month.

Most U.S. travelers are taking domestic flights; international travel remains more deeply depressed. A global airline trade group on Wednesday urged governments to relax travel restrictions that were imposed to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Willie Walsh, head of the International Air Transport Association, said the rules are confusing and discourage people from travel, which his group insists can be done safely. He said COVID-19 tests required by many countries are too expensive, further discouraging travel.

The group said that air travel worldwide was down 63% in May compared with the same month in 2019. The group said domestic travel is China and Russia is higher than it was before the pandemic, but that a travel recovery in Japan and India has been thrown into reverse by the rise of new and more contagious variants of the virus.

American Airlines disclosed the July 4 traffic in a note to employees. Chief Operating Officer David Seymour said that after a challenging year, this weekend proved that people are ready to travel again.

Bad weather from Tropical Storm Elsa contributed to about 14,000 delayed flights in the U.S. between Saturday and Monday, according to figures from Flightaware. American, Southwest, United, JetBlue and regional affiliates all posted significant delay percentages. More than half of budget airline Allegiants flights were late on Saturday, according to the tracking service.
GREENWICH  The GOP race to succeed Carmella Budkins after 30 years as town clerk is taking shape after three members of the Republican Party declared their candidacies Tuesday.

Registrar of Voters Fred DeCaro III was the first to throw his hat into the ring late Tuesday afternoon. Soon after, he was joined by Karen Fassuliotis, acting chair of the Board of Estimate and Taxation, and Jackie Budkins, a local Realtor, former vice chair of the Republican Town Committee and the daughter of Carmella Budkins.

All three will be considered when the RTC meets to nominate a slate of candidates July 27.

The Democratic Town Committee has already said it intends to back Molly Saleeby, an RTM member who is running for town clerk again after an unsuccessful bid in 2019 against Carmella Budkins.

DeCaro, who was elected registrar in 2009, said his experience running a town department has prepared him to be town clerk.

This is a natural combination of my interests, DeCaro said. I have a degree from Harvard (University) in American history and I love the history that is stored in the town clerks vault. And I have an interest in voting and absentee balloting is becoming a larger and larger portion of that process. My passion for public service has always been related to customer service, nuts and bolts and making people happy one customer at a time. All of that gets to come together (as town clerk) in a much larger fashion than in my part-time position in the registrars office.

Fassuliotis, an attorney who is in her second term on the BET, said she had the right background for the job.

As an attorney who practices both real property law and within the probate court system I have a deep understanding of the town clerks office, said Fassuliotis, who previously served on the Representative Town Meeting. The town clerks office touches each and every resident of this town and I look forward to expanding the foundation built by Carm Budkins in assuring that the customer always comes first, improving the electronic records network and so much more.

Fassuliotis said she will concurrently said run for reelection on the BET, of which she is the current acting chair.

For Jackie Budkins, she said she was making a run after hearing so much kind encouragement from across our town. She said shed had a front-row seat to the job her mother had done for 30 years and was confident that I can build on her great legacy of modernizing the office.

Greenwich has always been my home and my familys home, Jackie Budkins said. I built a business here over decades in real estate, with very close interaction with the real estate attorneys and title searchers in the town clerks office, and have also been an active volunteer including as an executive member of St. Rochs Church Feast Committee. Now I am ready to serve our town as town clerk.

She vowed to make the office,  as modern, effective, and responsive for all residents in the next decade.

I know how intensive the role in public service is and am excited that Jackie has put her name forth, said Selectwoman Lauren Rabin. I am confident that she will serve everyone across the Town of Greenwich in an exemplary fashion.

DeCaro also has an endorsement, his from RTM Moderator Tom Byrne.

Byrne served with DeCaro in the RTM when they were both elected in 1996 and he praised DeCaro for his volunteer work bringing the RTM into the internet age.

Fred proved right from the beginning of his involvement in town government that he had the vision to make government operations transparent to all and the skills necessary to implement that vision, Byrne said. I can say with complete confidence based upon my experience working with Fred over the past 26 years that there is no one more qualified to become town clerk in Greenwich than Fred DeCaro.

Carmella Budkins announced last week that she is retiring and would not seek a 16th term, opening up the position for the first time in decades.

The RTCs Executive Committee will meet before the July 27 nominating meeting and recommend a candidate to the membership.

kborsuk@greenwichtime.com
GREENWICH  The Greenwich United Way issued its second round of 2021 Community Impact Grants, awarding more than $347,000 to local health, education and self-sufficiency programs across 20 partner agencies.

That brings the total amount of the nonprofits grants for this year to nearly $1 million, the the Greenwich United Way said in a statement.

Grant recipients included the following local groups: Abilis, the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich, Building One Community, Caritas, Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut, Coffee for Good, Family Centers, Filling in the Blanks, Food Rescue, Jewish Family Services of Greenwich, Kids In Crisis, Laurel House, Liberation Programs, Pacific House, Pathways Inc., River House Adult Day Center, The Rowan Center, Transportation Association of Greenwich, YMCA of Greenwich and YWCA Greenwich.

Grants were awarded to programs in priority areas, which include, mental health, self-sufficiency, and early childhood education, according to research conducted by the Greenwich United Way.

The Greenwich United Ways Community Investment grants are awarded to local organizations that submit applications and participate in a rigorous review process led by dozens of community volunteers. Those volunteers review grant applications from human services agencies that serve Greenwich residents and visit the program sites. After intensive evaluation of their financials, applications and other data, trained volunteers recommend funding to the Greenwich United Ways board of directors.

Our Community Investment Process ensures that our donors funds are put to work where needed most, positively impacting the lives of all Greenwich residents, said David Rabin, CEO of Greenwich United Way.

We remain committed to our mission to find it, fund it, fix it, so that every Greenwich resident has the opportunity to be educated, healthy and self-sufficient, he said. We are grateful for the generous support of our donors and volunteers who contribute time, talent and capital to make their hometown a better place.

In April, the Greenwich United Way awarded more than $645,000 in grants to local health, education and self-sufficiency programs in 22 partner agencies.

For more information, visit greenwichunitedway.org.
Coinciding with the recent revelation of UFO reports, this frightening sci-fi fantasy imagines what might happen if, today, we learned about a future alien invasion and, perhaps, had the power to prevent it.

In December 2022, Earthlings discover that  30 years in the future  the entire planet will be invaded by ravenous, relentless beasts who feast on humans. Resembling alien-infused velociraptors, theyre called White Spikes because of the bony projectiles stemming from their tentacles.

Utilizing an experimental time-travel device, young soldiers from 2051 arrive, urgently begging for global help. Since theyre our descendants, the various nations of the world unite to conscript ordinary adults. Implanted with a digital armband, each draftee is required to serve for seven days but only 20 percent survive the week.

Recruits include suburban high school science teacher Dan Forester (amiable Chris Pratt), whose career has faltered since he returned from fighting in Iraq. Estranged from his reclusive, cantankerous father (J.K. Simmons), hes married to Emmy (Betty Gilpin) and besotted by their bright nine-year-old daughter Muri (Ryan Keira Armstrong).

During a truncated period of basic training, Dan befriends anxiety-riddled chatterbox Charlie (Sam Richardson) and surly Dorian (Edwin Hodge) before theyre catapulted into battle, joining a resistance unit under code-named Romeo Command (Yvonne Strahovski).

A brilliant, methodical scientist, shes working on a lethal toxin to save the human species from extinction and needs Dan to retrieve vital ampules from a science lab in war-ravaged Miami. If her time-jumping plan works, they might be able to change the course of history.

Scripted by Zach Dean and directed by Chris McKay (The Lego Batman Movie), this popcorn-picture adventure incorporates many familiar elements, including father/son issues, father/daughter devotion, second chances, acceptance/forgiveness, climate change and time travel  like a futuristic Its a Wonderful Life amid marauding aliens.

Full disclosure: My son, Don Granger, is one of the producers.

On the Granger Gauge of 1 to 10, The Tomorrow War is an exciting, escapist 7, streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Susan Granger has been an on-air television and radio commentator and entertainment critic for more than 25 years. Raised in Hollywood, Granger appeared as a child actress in movies with Abbott & Costello, Red Skelton, Lucille Ball, and Lassie. She currently resides in Westport.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP)  The largest party in Malaysias ruling alliance said Thursday that it will withdraw support for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin immediately and urged him to make way for a new leader.

The announcement is a political bombshell that could potentially trigger the collapse of the government if he refuses to quit and spark a general election.

Muhyiddin took power in March 2020 after initiating the downfall of the former reformist government that won the 2018 elections. His Bersatu party joined with the United Malays National Organization, or UMNO, which was ousted in the 2018 polls, and others to form a new government, but his alliance has a razor-thin majority in Parliament.

UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Muhyiddins government has failed to curb the coronavirus pandemic. Instead, he said its inconsistent policies and half-baked lockdown measures have deepened the economic hardship.

Zahid urged Muhyiddin to resign and make way for a temporary leader to take over until the pandemic eases and a general election can be held safely.

This is important to allow a government that is truly stable and has the mandate of the majority of the people to be formed, he said in a statement after a meeting of UMNOs top decision-making body.

There was no immediate reaction from Muhyiddin or his party.

UMNOs decision came just hours after Muhyiddin named an UMNO lawmaker as his deputy, in what was seen as a calculated bid to persuade the party to stay on. Tensions have been brewing for months in the ruling alliance, with UMNO unhappy at playing second fiddle to Bersatu.

The prime ministers office named Defense Minister Ismail Sabri as the deputy premier and said he also would retain his security post. Muhyiddin had broken with tradition by not appointing a deputy premier to his Cabinet last year but named four senior ministers instead, two of which are from his own party and Ismail from UMNO.

Muhyiddins office said Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein would take over Ismails post as one of the four senior ministers, while retaining his diplomatic portfolio. It had voiced hope that the promotions would unite the ruling parties and boost the governments strength.

Analysts said Muhyiddin has split UMNO by appointing second-tier leaders to his Cabinet and reinforced it with the new appointments. Both those two UMNO lawmakers are in a camp opposed to UMNO leader Zahid.

But the move failed to stem the strong opposition in UMNO to Muhyiddin and his party.

UMNO earlier this year said the party will not work with Muhyiddins alliance in the next general election. Its attempt to seek early elections has been stymied by a worsening coronavirus crisis, with the country plunged in a second national lockdown since June 1.

Zahid noted that the countrys deaths from the pandemic had doubled to 5,768 since the lockdown began. Total confirmed coronavirus infections in Malaysia now stand near 800,000, with daily infections breaching 7,000 in the past two days.

He said Muhyiddin abused a coronavirus emergency that was declared in January for his political gain. The emergency suspended Parliament, which means support for Muhyiddins leadership cannot be tested.

Muhyiddin agreed to let Parliament resume July 26, ahead of the Aug. 1 expiration of the emergency, after growing pressure, including from the nations king.

Zahid didnt propose anyone as the interim prime minister but said UMNO will not support opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, who has been lobbying for support. It is unclear how the political situation will pan out as no coalition now has a clear majority.

As long as Bersatu is in charge, UMNO will not be all right, said Oh Ei Sun, senior fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  At least nine people who work at the California state Capitol tested positive for the coronavirus last week, including four who are fully vaccinated, triggering a return of the mask mandate for lawmakers and staff.

When the Capitol reopened last month, masks were still required in public places like hallways, committee rooms and legislative chambers. But fully vaccinated lawmakers and staff were allowed to remove their masks while working in their offices.

That changed this week following the outbreak. The new directive applies not just to the Capitol, but also the Legislative Office Building and lawmakers' district offices. Unvaccinated lawmakers and staff must also be tested twice per week, according to memos from the state Assembly and Senate.

It appears the outbreak is among employees of the state Assembly, although no official has confirmed all nine cases occurred among those workers.

Debra Gravert, the Assembly's chief administrative officer, said in a memo last week that seven cases were of people who worked in the same office. Secretary of the Senate Erika Contreras said that chamber doesn't have any current cases.""

Last month, with infection rates at record lows, Gov. Gavin Newsom lifted nearly all of the state's coronavirus restrictions. But recently, public health officials shave warned that the especially contagious delta variant of the coronavirus has spread rapidly among the unvaccinated population, causing a rise in new cases and hospitalizations.

Los Angeles County public health officials have urged people to resume wearing masks indoors regardless of their vaccination status. Newsom is not now considering a return of a statewide mask mandate or other restrictions.

Well, if we continue to get people vaccinated that will be unnecessary, he said Wednesday. This is the call to anyone who hasn't been vaccinated: Get vaccinated. What more evidence do you need?

Anyone 12 and over is eligible for the vaccine. So far, about 70% of that population in California has received at least one dose.

At the Capitol, four of the nine cases were fully vaccinated people, a much high percentage of so-called breakthrough cases than the tiny number statewide. Between Jan. 1 and June 30, the state identified 8,699 coronavirus cases among people who are fully vaccinated. That represents 0.043% of the more than 20 million who have received the vaccine.

Fully vaccinated means a person is at least two weeks removed from their final dose of the vaccine.

Of those breakthrough cases, at least 652 people were hospitalized  although the Department of Public Health said it was missing hospitalization data in about half the cases. Another 71 people who had been fully vaccinated died, but state health officials said they did not know if the coronavirus was the primary cause of death.

While COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, some cases are still expected in persons who have been vaccinated, as no vaccine is 100% effective, the Department of Public Health wrote on its website.

___

This article has been updated to correct the spelling of Debra Gravert's name.
AMSTERDAM (AP)  European leaders expressed dismay, media rights advocates demanded justice and the Netherlands reeled in shock Wednesday after a veteran Dutch crime reporter was shot in the head in downtown Amsterdam following a TV appearance.

Peter R. de Vries, celebrated for his courageous reporting on the Dutch underworld, was fighting for his life in an Amsterdam hospital after the Tuesday night shooting.

Two suspects remained in custody Wednesday, a 35-year-old Polish citizen living in the Netherlands and a 21-year-old Dutchman, while a third person detained Tuesday night was let go, according to a Dutch police statement. Their first court appearance was scheduled for Friday.

The motive for the attack was not disclosed.

The shooting was seen as a national tragedy in the Netherlands, and dozens of people brought flowers to the scene of the attack, less than a block from the capital's famous Rijksmuseum. Some said it shook their sense of security and raised worries about respect for the rule of law.

Dutch King Willem Alexander called the shooting an attack on journalism, the cornerstone of our constitutional state and therefore also an attack on the rule of law.

It also struck a chord elsewhere in Europe, where such brutal attacks on reporters are rare and where the killings of journalists in Slovakia and Malta in recent years raised concerns about reporters safety in developed, democratic societies.

We might disagree with a lot we see in our media, but we have to agree that journalists investigating potential abuses of power are not a threat but an asset to our democracies and our societies, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told European Parliament lawmakers Wednesday.

De Vries, 64, is the Netherlands' most prominent journalist, vaulting to fame after he covered the kidnapping of a Heineken heir in 1983. Hes a regular on evening news programs and has continued to break stories about the Dutch criminal underworld. He won an International Emmy in 2008 for a television show about the disappearance of U.S. teenager Natalee Holloway while she was on holiday in the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba in 2005.

Yesterday our worst nightmare became reality, de Vries son Royce tweeted on behalf of the family. We as a family surround Peter with love and hope during this difficult phase. Much is still uncertain, but what is certain is that all expressions of support from all over the country now offer enormous support.

De Vries had long been considered a possible target of the criminals he doggedly reported on. Police and prosecutors would not comment on whether he had police protection.

De Vries had recently been acting as an adviser and confidant to a witness in a major trial of the alleged leader of a crime gang, Ridouan Taghi, who was extradited to the Netherlands from Dubai in 2019. Taghi is currently in jail while he stands trial along with 16 other suspects.

Liam Bakker, an Amsterdam resident who lives near the site where de Vries was attacked, described hearing three or four shots and then rushing to see what happened.

We came out and saw him lying on the ground... bleeding, Bakker said, still rattled the next day.

He was among those paying homage at the impromptu memorial site Wednesday on a quiet, brick-lined street. A student from the nearby University of Amsterdam called it horrible. Another woman, two generations older, set down a bouquet of sunflowers saying, Its a shame, its terrible. A man on a bike said he came simply because he wanted to do something.

Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders expressed full solidarity with de Vries family and all Dutch journalists on Wednesday, and called for those responsible for the shooting to be brought to justice.

Lawmakers and officials in other European Union countries also spoke out. European Council President Charles Michel called the shooting a crime against our fundamental value of freedom of the press.

The commissioner for human rights at the Council of Europe, Dunja Mijatovic, tweeted, Everything should be done to bring perpetrator(s) and mastermind(s) of this horrific crime to justice and ensure #SafetyOfJournalists in #Europe.

___

Aleks Furtula in Amsterdam, Mark Carlson in Brussels and Angela Charlton in Paris contributed.
2021-07-15



40 easy ways to make money quickly 2021-07-15

earn money from home data entryIf you have always thought of writing a book but have no idea how to sell it, now is the time to start. There is no pressure from anyone but yourself to put your book out there. The good thing is, all the sales of your book will come back to you since you will not be using a publishing house to sell the book. The other perk of writing an eBook is that you can sell it around the world, which will come in handy when you want to increase your scope of influence. Look for good deals on bundled items



Philip Sturm in 2021.

Then youll be asked a few basic demographic questions. According to the app, this helps it show you more relevant offers. clicking ads to earn money If youre looking for a fast and highly-customizable pick, check out our list of best WordPress themes.

SEO is the applied strategy of making your blog findable by search engines and potential readers looking for content like yours. Yes we also have Cypto News, Forex Trading, Stock Trading, Online Casinos, Live Stream Gaming, Print on Demand and so much more. how i earn money from internet

Around 76% of gamers believed that by regularly assessing the best way to win a game, they develop strong analytical skills. More than half (57%) felt that an individual could hone practical life skills with online games the same way they would through a whole day at the workplace  57% men and 56% women agreed with this sentiment. Kaho is a sweet, timid girl, in search of a part-time job to help her put aside money for college. In spite of her cute and petite appearance, her sharp eyes always work against her credibility in every interview. make earn moneyWorking weddings for a catering company on a contract basis, however, absolutely can be a lucrative and reliably steady side gig during wedding season. Since you work only the gigs you want, its flexible work. The national average wage is $13, according to ZipRecruiter. Dropshipping. You can create your own dropshipping business and sell products online. Use eBay and Amazon for these, as well as wholesale sites and social media like Facebook.




The latest smartphones that Samsung is about to announce are the Galaxy M22 and the Galaxy A12s, as evidenced by their newly issued Bluetooth certifications.

Samsung Galaxy A12

The Samsung Galaxy M22 has also been certified by Thailands NBTC with a model number SM-M225FV. We already know it will have a Helio G80 chipset and a 4GB RAM option, thanks to an entry on Geekbench.

There are claims it will be a rebranded Galaxy A22, which is also sold under the name Galaxy F22 in India.

The Galaxy A12s is likely a minor update over the Galaxy A12, which is a pretty cheap midranger, on the border of being an entry-level smartphone.

The SM-A127F/DS support page is already up at the Samsung Philippines website, and we know its name is A12s thanks to a previously leaked Google Play Console listing.

Source | Via 1  Via 2




Haiti - FLASH : The State of siege is declared in Haiti





In an address to the Nation broadcast on the National Television of Haiti (TNH) a few minutes ago, Prime Minister a.i. Claude Joseph declared :



Extracts :

"[...] the first pieces of information we have is that it is a group of English and Spanish speaking individuals with large caliber weapons who killed the President of the Republic https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34162-haiti-flash-president-jovenel-moise-assassinated-by-mercenaries-official-updated-7am-+-video.html .



As Head of Government still in office, this morning I convened a Special Superior Council of the National Police (CSPN) in the strict application of article 149 of the Constitution https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34165-haiti-assassination-of-jovenel-moise-what-says-the-constitution.html . I have just chaired an extraordinary Council of Ministers where we decided to declare the State of siege over the whole country.



[...] we ask the population to keep calm, I appeal to the intelligence of the Haitian people in these difficult times.



[...] all people and sectors in countries must stand together as ONE to condemn what has happened. Haitian people keep calm because the situation is under control.



[...] the Council of Ministers met to ensure the continuity of the State



[...] President Jovenel Moise will not be dead without justice being done, you can kill him, but you cannot kill his ideas.



[...] I ask all the vital forces of the Nation to help us in the battle, in the continuity of the State, because it is democracy, it is the Republic which must win, the black forces will lose



[...] the assassins of President Jovenel Moise will pay for what they did in court, keep calm the security of the country is under control. Living forces of the Nations, let's seek harmony, let's move forward together so that the country does not sink into chaos [...]"



Find out more about the State of siege :

The State of siege is a legal device implemented by a Government in the event of imminent danger (armed insurrection or foreign invasion) for the Nation.



It generally includes several provisions: the army replaces the police for public security; certain freedoms of the rule of law (movement, demonstration, expression) are severely restricted; the media are controlled; a curfew comes into force in the territory affected by the state of siege; national mobilization can be decided; civilian courts are replaced by military courts; increased surveillance of the population.



See also :

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-34164-haiti-dr-luis-abinader-closes-the-border-with-haiti-and-convenes-the-military-commanders.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34163-haiti-flash-closure-of-the-airport.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34162-haiti-flash-president-jovenel-moise-assassinated-by-mercenaries-official-updated-7am-+-video.html



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - FLASH : Rain of reactions on the assassination of President Moise (Part 1)





President of Chile Sebastian Pinera :

"We reject the cowardly assassination of the President of Haiti, Jovenel Moise and his wife,"



Colombian President Ivan Duque :

"Colombian President Ivan Duque condemns the assassination of President Jovenel Moise. The Colombian President expresses his solidarity with Haiti following this assassination and reiterates his support for institutions and democracy in Haiti"



Boris Johnson Prime Minister of the United Kingdom :

"I am shocked and saddened at the death of President Moise. Our condolences are with his family and the people of Haiti. This is an abhorrent act and I call for calm at this time."



Tsai Ing-wen, President of Taiwan (Republic of China) :

"On behalf of the people and government of Taiwan, I would like to offer my condolences on the passing of Haitian President Jovenel Moise. We remain in solidarity with our ally Haiti during this difficult period."



Mexico :

Mexico conveyed its deep condolences to the Haitian people on Wednesday morning for the assassination of President Jovenel Moise and expressed strong condemnation of the violence, through a message from Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard.



Rockefeller Vincent, Minister of Justice and Public Security :

"The Nation is in mourning. Our President, His Excellency Jovenel Moise, has just been cowardly assassinated. The dark forces wanting to sow chaos in the country will not succeed in bringing the Nation to its knees. Let's close our ranks to preserve our threatened democracy."



Smith Augustin , Ambassador of Haiti to the Dominican Republic :

"Upset, I strongly condemn the violent death of the President of the Republic, His Excellency Mr. Jovenel Moise. My sympathies to all the presidential family. Haiti deserves better and we will recover."



Euvrard Saint Amand, Ambassador of Haiti to the United Kingdom :

"My heart is broken by the assassination of President Jovenel Moise. Haiti has lost a committed leader and defender of the democracy of our country. At this point, we are focused on keeping the peace as the authorities urgently investigate this tragedy and bring those responsible to justice."



Former President Michel Martelly :

"Haiti woke up to the news of the cruel assassination of President Moise [...] A hard blow for our country and for Haitian democracy which is struggling to find its way."



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - FLASH : The First Lady Martine Moise would still be alive but...





Martine Moise in Florida for treatment : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34172-haiti-flash-martine-moise-in-florida-for-treatment.html



Contrary to the first informations obtained this morning from a medical source, it would seem, according to a statement by the director of communication of the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Haiti, Jose Luis Soto, that Martine Moise would still be alive after having been seriously injured by the armed group that killed her husband, President Jovenel Moise. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34162-haiti-flash-president-jovenel-moise-assassinated-by-mercenaries-official-updated-7am-+-video.html



Soto said the transfer of Martine Moise to the United States or the Dominican Republic to continue medical assistance was being analyzed due to her serious condition.



The Haitian embassy in Santo Domingo also clarified during a press conference that has just taken given by Ambassador Smith Augustin place that the Haitian first lady, Martine Moise, is not deceased.



The Embassy has indicated that Martine Moise has stable vital signs. It added that there is a medical plane at Port-au-Prince airport to take Martine Moise abroad to receive medical care.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - FLASH : Martine Moise in Florida for treatment (Video)





Following the attack on the residence of the presidential couple on the night of July 7 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34162-haiti-flash-president-jovenel-moise-assassinated-by-mercenaries-official-updated-7am-+-video.html by a group of heavily armed mercenaries, which cost the life of President Jovenel Moise, and seriously injured the First Lady Martine Moise, the latter was rushed to a health center, in order to stabilize her, being in serious condition but with stable vital signs, it was decided to transport her to the United States urgently via a medical aircraft so that she could receive treatment that his condition requires.



The first lady of Haiti, Martine Moise, arrived this Wednesday at the executive airport of Fort Lauderdale, north of Miami, for treatment. According to local South Florida media videos, the first lady landed around 3:30 p.m. today on a Trinity Air Ambulance flight, and was then transferred to Miami Baptist Hospital.



According to the Local 10 television channel, the first lady has stable but "critical" vital signs.







See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34170-haiti-flash-the-first-lady-martine-moise-would-still-be-alive-but.html



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Update Required

To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
Published on 2021/07/07 | Source

New stills added for the upcoming Korean movie "Hostage: Missing Celebrity" (2019)

Advertisement

Directed by Pil Kam-sung

With Hwang Jung-min, Han Kyu-won-I, Lee Ho-jung, Kim Joo-hee-I, Ji Nam-hyuk,...

Synopsis

After a VIP movie premiere, Korean top movie star Hwang Jung-min gets kidnapped by strangers. Jeong-min first thinks that someone is playing pranks, but the kidnappers' cruelty helps Jeong-min realize that the abduction is no joke. Jeong-min tries to find his way out, while the kidnappers demand him a huge amount of ransom within 24 hours.

Jeong-min encounters a real brutality that is way different and more extreme than the ones he has seen in the movies.

Release date in Korea : 2021/08
Published on 2021/07/06 | Source

Netflix has confirmed the production of the SF film "Jung Yi" (tentative title), directed by Yeon Sang-ho, and stars Kang Soo-yeon, Kim Hyun-joo and Ryu Kyung-soo.

Advertisement

"Jung Yi" is a science fiction film about people trying to succeed in brain cloning robots of legendary mercenary "Jung Yi" who is the key to victory in the 22nd century when civil war breaks out in a shelter shell made by mankind, at a time when it is no longer suitable to live on Earth due to climate change. It is expected that the story will revolve around brain cloning and human-type combat robots presented by director Yeon Sang-ho, who is rewriting the future of Korean video contents such as "Train to Busan", "Peninsula" and "Hellbound".

The cast is also impressive. Kang Soo-yeon, the first Korean actress to win the Best Actress Award at the Venice Film Festival and the world's top three film festivals for a film in 1986, will meet director Yeon Sang-ho, who laid the foundation for the Korean cultural renaissance through numerous masterpieces. She stars as Seo-hyeon, the head of the research institute that develops brain cloning and AI technology and is responsible for brain cloning and combat power testing by Jung-yi. Kim Hyun-joo plays the role of Jung-yi, a former elite leader of the coalition and subject to brain cloning experiments. Kim Hyun-joo, who is portraying attractive characters in various genres with the dramas "WATCHER" and "Undercover", is expected to perform dynamic combat actions and subtle emotional acting of clones in repeated brain cloning experiments. In addition, Ryu Kyung-soo, who showed 180-degree transformation from his previous works, will star as Sang-hoon, the head of the institute who must succeed in brain cloning experiments. In particular, Kim Hyun-joo and Ryu Kyung-soo will immediately reunite with director Yeon Sang-ho following the Netflix series "Hellbound" which is scheduled to be released.

Director Yeon Sang-ho's SF films, which show unprecedented imagination, the fresh material of the 22nd century's 'legendary mercenary' brain cloning experiment, legendary Kang Soo-yeon's return, Kim Hyun-joo and Ryu Kyung-soo's acting transformation, and hot and real battle action will only be released on Netflix.
Hannibal, MO (63401)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 82F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Low 69F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
Added to list of declared counties, governor asks for statewide declaration

The U.S. Drought Monitor shows drought status in Montana. Agricultural producers in Hill County and the contiguous counties - Blaine, Chouteau and LIberty - are eligible for drought disaster relief due to a declaration from Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.

Editors note: This has been updated to include counties declared disaster areas Wednesday.

Multiple counties including Hill and Blaine counties have been added to the growing list of Montana counties declared drought disaster areas by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The declarations by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack opens the opportunity for agricultural producers in those counties and in contiguous counties to federal disaster benefits.

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced the designation of Hill and Wheatland counties Tuesday in a letter to Gov. Greg Gianforte and the department added seven more counties including Blaine Wednesday.

Vilsack said the designation, based on records of drought listed on the U.S. Drought Monitor, makes farm operators in primary counties and those counties contiguous to such primary counties eligible to be considered for certain assistance from the Farm Service Agency, provided eligibility requirements are met.

The designation Tuesday impacts Hill and Wheatland counties as primary disaster areas and the contiguous counties are Blaine - already an eligible county in a previous disaster declaration - Chouteau, Liberty, Fergus, Judith Basin, Meagher, Golden Valley and Sweet Grass.

The designation Wednesday added Blaine, Beaverhead, Fergus, Golden Valley, Musselshell, Petroleum, Powder River and Rosebud counties as primary disaster areas with Big Horn, Carter, Chouteau, Custer, Deer Lodge, Garfield, Hill, Judith Basin, Madison, Phillips, Ravalli, Silver Bow, Stillwater, Sweet Grass ,Treasure, Wheatland and Yellowstone counties as eligible contiguous counties.

The department in May declared Carter, Dawson, Phillips, Roosevelt, Valley, Custer, Fallon, Prairie, Sheridan, Wibaux, Daniels, McCone and Richland counties as primary disaster area counties and Blaine, Garfield, Powder River, Fergus, Petroleum and Rosebud counties were declared eligible contiguous counties.

Gianforte, who declared a statewide drought emergency last week, praised the designation Tuesday but urged Vilsack to designate the entire state as in emergency status.

"I appreciate Secretary Vilsack responding to my request and designating additional Montana counties as natural disaster areas, but there's more USDA needs to do now to help our ag producers," Gianforte said in a release Tuesday. "With every region of the state facing severe to extreme drought conditions, I continue to call on USDA to declare the entire state a drought disaster area."

Gianforte's office said a declaration in Idaho also applied to some western Montana counties as contiguous counties. That declaration applied to Lincoln, Missoula, Sanders, Mineral and Ravalli counties.

The U.S. Drought Monitor's July 1 update lists most of the state in abnormally dry to extreme drought conditions. Only a pocket from western Chouteau County to parts of some counties across the Great Divide from Flathead to Granite and Ravalli are listed as no dry or drought conditions, and that region is ringed by abnormally dry to severe drought status.

Patches of extreme drought are listed on the eastern edge of the state and on the southwest tip and in a region including Valley, Phillips, Jordan, Winnett and Fergus counties.

Blaine County is listed as in severe drought and Hill, Liberty and most of Chouteau counties range from abnormally dry to moderate drought.

Vilsack's letter said the designation is made for counties that suffer from a drought intensity value during the growing season of severe drought for eight or more consecutive weeks or extreme or exceptional drought.

Vilsack wrote that agricultural operators in primary counties and counties contiguous to them eligible to be considered for certain assistance from the Farm Service Agency, provided eligibility requirements are met. The assistance includes FSA emergency loans.

Ag operators in eligible counties have eight months from the date of a secretarial disaster declaration to apply for emergency loans, Vilsack's letter said.

FSA considers each emergency loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of production losses on the farm and the security and repayment ability of the operator, the letter said, adding that local FSA offices can provide affected ag oeprators with more information.
(The Center Square)  A group of bipartisan members in the U.S. House of Representatives released an endorsement Tuesday of the latest iteration of President Joe Bidens proposed infrastructure bill.

The delayed endorsement signals a renewed hope for the infrastructure deal, which has been in question for months. The Problem Solvers Caucus released its own version of the infrastructure plan last month, but has now endorsed the plan hammered out between a bipartisan group of Senators with the White House.

The bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus strongly supports the Senate infrastructure framework, which is closely aligned with our own Building Bridges proposal released last month, said the bipartisan group, which is comprised of 58 members, evenly split between Republicans and Democrats. In light of the bipartisan, bicameral genesis of the framework, we encourage an expeditious, stand-alone vote in the House and thank our bipartisan Senate partners and the Biden Administration for working so closely with us to demonstrate that cooperation is still possible in Washington.

Senate legislation is being written based on the bipartisan framework agreed to last month which includes $1.2 trillion in infrastructure spending with no tax increases. The plan, though, still faces a tough road through Congress after months of difficult negotiations.

Biden initially laid out a corporate tax hike from 21% to 28% to fund his first infrastructure proposal, which cost roughly $2 trillion. However, Republicans drew a red line on reversing President Donald Trumps 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

President Biden's plan to raise taxes would hit Americans at all income levels and slow the economy down to a crawl, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said of the earlier version. It won't earn a single Republican vote. We're going to fight it the whole way.

That disagreement stalled negotiations for weeks. Sen. Shelly Moore Capito, R-W.V., led negotiations with the White House, but those ended without a compromise.

In late June, though, a bipartisan group of Senators agreed to the latest compromise. Since the latest version did not include tax hikes, some Republicans have changed their tune.

Today, were proud to advance this bipartisan proposal to make a historic investment in Americas critical infrastructure needs, advance cleaner technologies, create jobs, and strengthen American competitiveness, without raising taxes, the bipartisan group of senators who negotiated the compromise said in a joint statement. This agreement shows that the two parties can still come together, find common ground, and get things done that matter to everyday Americans. We are happy to have President Bidens support, and will now get to work enlisting the support of colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

Now, the deal faces the scrutiny of Republicans, who have since expressed concern that another round of infrastructure spending could come through reconciliation later this year.

The caucus endorsement, though, gives the plan an extra push going into this debate, and some in the Senate welcomed that endorsement.

The Caucuss endorsement of the framework again shows that investment in our nations infrastructure has support from both Republicans and Democrats, and should be developed in a bipartisan way, Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, said. I look forward to working with the 58 members of the caucus, along with my Senate colleagues, to provide an historic investment in our nations infrastructure, which will create [jobs], improve our productivity, and strengthen our economy long term.
(The Center Square)  Government officials and representatives from the business community in Lexington, Kentucky are looking forward to receiving a 200-acre parcel of land from the University of Kentucky they say will help the states second-largest city compete for economic development projects.

Nearly four years ago, the city and the states flagship university reached a deal that would give the city 250 acres of land on the northern end of town in exchange for giving the school control of about 13 acres of roads in and around the campus.

The land is in two tracts at UKs Coldstream Research Campus. Lexington has already received one 50-acre section, which is shovel-ready for development opportunities. The remaining 200 acres in the back part of the campus will be transferred to the city next year. The deal gives area economic development officials property they can market for business expansion and attraction projects.

More than 60 years ago, officials in Lexington and Fayette County established the urban services boundary, which works to preserve farmland in the outer stretches of the county while keeping development projects within the urban core.

While the pact is hailed by many as a strong example of responsible growth, it can also provide a challenge when trying to attract new businesses or help an existing one expand.

Gina Greathouse, the executive vice president for economic development for Commerce Lexington told The Center Square, theres not much available land for light industry in the city. Commerce Lexington works with Lexington and surrounding communities to attract new businesses, help existing ones with expansion projects and foster entrepreneurial development.

There are some little pieces of I-1 (zoned) land, but it's scattered, she said. So, there's not one site truly where you could put a 25-acre high-tech manufacturing company right now that's properly zoned.

Thats where the Coldstream property will help, she said.

The 200-acre site on the northern edge of the urban service boundary should yield about 135 developable acres once infrastructure, buffers and roads are in place. Thats what Erin Hathaway, a project manager for Gresham Smith, told Lexington Urban-County Council members last week during a Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee meeting. Gresham Smith, an architectural and development planning firm, is working with city leaders to develop a master plan for the property.

The firm estimates the Coldstream Park would accommodate nearly 940,000 square feet of industrial space and almost 400,000 square feet of office space.

In a statement to The Center Square, Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said thanks to UKs help, the Coldstream property will address the citys business growth needs in the near future.

To give you an idea of the impact of a business park, lets look back to the 100-acre Bluegrass Business Park, which the city and Commerce Lexington started back in the 90s, the mayor said. It is now fully developed. In 2019 the businesses in Bluegrass together produced $93.4 million in payroll and net profits tax revenue. Thats a huge contribution to Lexingtons quality of life and basic services.

Greathouse said the park could attract computer and life sciences companies, but the city also is looking to lure more agri-tech companies as well.

Lexington officials expect to invest up to $17.9 million in preparing the property to be shovel-ready for companies.

According to the project timeline, the city should officially receive the land in about a year.
BARDSTOWN, Ky., July 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Bardstown Bourbon Company, one of the world's most modern and technically advanced bourbon distilleries, is excited to launch the second annual World's Top Whiskey Taster competition, presented in partnership with Moonshine University. The contest calls on whiskey connoisseurs, enthusiasts and fans to compete for a grand prize of $20,000, a scholarship to Moonshine University's Executive Bourbon Steward program, the opportunity to create their own Whiskey Blend with bourbon hall-of-famer and Master Distiller Steve Nally and a sponsored block party in their hometown featuring the Bardstown Bourbon Company mobile tasting bar.
Kerrville Police officers were based at the multi-purpose Kerrville City Hall in the 600 block of Main Street for many years, into the early 1990s. The parking bays were on the east end, where the Pioneer Bank's customer drive-through is now.
Kerrville city manager e.a. Hoppe draws from his personal experience growing up in the Hill Country to guide the City of Kerrville into the future, using the Kerrville 2050 Comprehensive Plan as a roadmap.




CBD consumption is growing. More and more people are using CBD for pain management, stress, and anxiety. But is it suitable for post-surgery?

Dr. Jejurikar and the minds behind '3 Plastic Surgeons and a Microphone' recently brought the founders of Welzel, Dr. Lisa Gardner-Phillips, and Trey Phillips, on their show to discuss the ins and outs of CBD for pain management. They answer important questions about how CBD interacts with other medications, proper dosages, and how to use CBD for post-surgery pain.

What is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, a chemical compound found within the cannabis plant. It is a naturally occurring substance that is used in products such as edibles and oils to produce a feeling of relaxation.

How should I take CBD?

CBD is available in oral doses and topical forms, such as creams, oils, and lotions. Dr. Jejurikars podcast guests, Dr. Lisa Gardner-Phillips and Trey Phillips, recommend that CBD beginners start with a low dose of CBD, observe its effects over 2-3 days, and increase the dosage if necessary. They reiterate that there is no one-size-fits-all CBD solution  suitable dosages depend on the individual's specific needs, goals, and even physiology.

For best results, the doctors on 3 Plastic Surgeons and a Microphone recommend consuming an oral dose of CBD alongside a topical CBD product. In this case, "high-quality" CBD refers to a full spectrum or broad-spectrum type of CBD. Topical creams and similar products are easiest to make with CBD isolate, which means that most topicals won't deliver the same efficacy as an oral CBD dose. That being said, Dr. Gardner-Phillips says that a 50-60mg daily dose of CBD helps maintain overall health and wellness but that oral and topical products are best used simultaneously to address specific pain. She also emphasizes that CBD topicals should not be used over surgical incisions; instead, any surgical or incision site should be kept covered and dry.

The effects of CBD for post-surgery pain?

CBD can help alleviate pain after surgery and keep you feeling calm and relaxed while you recover. Depending on the surgery in question, many people need to take opioid medication for about one to two weeks to get through the acute pain. After that, they can work with their surgeon to transition from the opioid to CBD.

What amount of CBD should I use after surgery?

When it comes to controlling postoperative pain, many people need to orally take a relatively high CBD dosage. While a usual daily dose might range from 20 to 50 milligrams, a postoperative amount may hit 100 milligrams or more.

The exact dose you need depends on many factors, so there's no universal dose, unfortunately. Your surgeon can help you find the right dose by slowly titrating it up every two to three days.

You may also get additional benefits from using CBD topically near the surgical site but never over the incision. Beyond that, if you live in a state where it's legal, THC can help when used in conjunction with oral and topical CBD. Always work with your doctor to find the right amount/type of medication to use after surgery and beyond.

What happens when you take too much CBD?

There are virtually no adverse side effects of taking "too much" CBD. As explained on Jejurikars podcast, once the body's receptors are complete, the body will expel the rest of the CBD through waste before it has a chance to take any further physiological  or mental  effects. In some cases, consuming excessive amounts of CBD could result in diarrhea, a stomach ache, or fatigue. Still, there are no severe side effects associated with taking large amounts of CBD. There are no documented reports of fatalities due to CBD consumption.

What are the Differences Between THC & CBD?

Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the compound responsible for causing the mental and physical high people to feel when using marijuana. Unlike THC, CBD on its own does not cause any psychoactive effects. Instead, it provides a mellow sense of wellbeing while helping people feel distanced from pain and discomfort.

Can you use THC with CBD?

CBD and THC can be used in tandem without many adverse side effects if used appropriately. Because our bodies receive THC and CBD with entirely separate systems, these compounds have entirely different effects on the human body and offer unique benefits.

THC is illegal in Texas. Therefore, to use them together safely, you would have to access them through the State's compassionate use program administered by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

CBD vs. Opioids

CBD can serve as a non-addictive solution to recovery after about a week of opioids. While opioids are known for their highly addictive nature and adverse side effects that include fatigue, nausea, confusion, and much more, CBD poses minimal risk to the user and manages to relieve their pain.

Despite the opioids' side effects, CBD is not always a substitute for the narcotic. Your surgeon will help you find the right combination when appropriate.

How Does CBD Interact with Other Medications?

You have to be careful with combining CBD with other prescription drugs you're taking.

When the concentration is altered, the medication may not work or increase adverse side effects.

For example, If the CBD causes that medication to work too well, your blood pressure could drop, causing you to pass out or experience other ill effects. Be careful and consult with your physician before using CBD with other medications, as it may produce adverse effects.

What Kind of CBD Products are Available?

High-quality CBD products come in three main configurations:

Full-spectrum

Broad-spectrum

CBD isolate

The full spectrum CBD contains all cannabinoid compounds in the cannabis plant, including up to 0.3% THC. As these cannabinoids work together, the entourage effect helps the CBD work better to control pain and discomfort.

Broad-spectrum CBD is similar to full-spectrum, except it doesn't have any THC at all. The THC removal allows people in local careers to use this product without worry about false positives on their employment drug tests.

CBD isolate only has cannabidiol in its formula as all the other cannabinoids, terpenes, and other ingredients are left behind during extraction. This provides a purer product that works well for people who strictly control what goes into their bodies.

Across all product types, CBD is available in oral and topical form. CBD oil is the most popular way to ingest this cannabinoid orally, although there are also capsules, sprays, and powders. Topical CBD products come in ointments, lotions, and rollers.

What Makes a Good CBD Product?

There are currently no strict labeling guidelines or other standards to meet, making it a free-for-all for distributors. As a result, it's common for the products to contain little to no CBD and potentially have arsenic, pesticides, and even lead in their formulas.

To avoid that, everyone must look for the following signs of a high-quality CBD product:

Only uses American grown hemp

Meets all organic standards

Extracted using quality processes, like CO2 extraction

Beyond all that, the CBD manufacturer should provide third-party lab test results for each batch. The results must consistently show all the ingredients and their concentrations in each dose, so customers can confirm they are only getting the best products possible.

Delta 8 THC vs. Delta 9 THC

Delta-9 is the scientific name for THC and what Phillips calls a "traditional THC molecule." It is the primary component of cannabis and delivers the psychoactive "high" commonly associated with THC. Certain states have banned the use of Delta-9 in products if their THC concentration is higher than .3%.

For this reason, another component, Delta-8, is becoming increasingly popular, given that many states have not yet banned its use and that it delivers a similar psychoactive effect.

But they are not the same. It is strongly recommended that you ask your surgeon if you want to use Delta-8 and the procedure as that molecule hasn't been researched in the same manner as Delta-9 THC has.

Where to Find More Answers About CBD

Beyond exploring what Dr. Sameer Jejurikar brings to light about CBD, it's possible to get more information by calling WelCel's recommended registered nurse hotline at 817-989-6219. Operating as part of the Leaf Nurse Network, these independent nurses act as trusted patient advocates with extensive knowledge about using CBD for post-operative pain and more. From 9 am to 5 pm CST on Monday through Friday, they are happy to answer everyone's questions and offer additional resources on the benefits and usage of CBD.

About Dr. Jejurikar and his Podcast

Dr. Sam Jejurikar is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Texas. He specializes in plastic surgery on the nose, body, eyes, breast, & face. He has been in practice for nearly ten years and has a reputable standing in the community.

Dr. Jejurikar's clients are given a realistic understanding of what to expect from their desired procedure, and he focuses on bringing the best care to all his patients.

He hosts a podcast that answers questions about plastic surgery such as surgery & social media, breast enlargement/reduction, and more. Alongside Doctors Sam Rhee and Salvatore Pacella, Dr. Jejurikar explores topics related to plastic surgery and various health solutions. If you want to hear the latest news on plastic surgery and how the industry is changing, listen here.

If you want to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jejurikar or get more details about the procedures offered. In that case, you can contact Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute, located at 9101 N. Central Expwy., Suite 600, Dallas TX 75231.
Detectives arrest eight for catalytic converter thefts

Henderson County sheriffs detectives made numerous arrests in the thefts of catalytic converters, the sheriffs office reported.

Related Stories Detectives charge two, seek third in catalytic converter thefts



As a result of the on-going investigations, reported thefts of catalytic converters are estimated to have dropped over 85 percent in the county, a news release said, and more arrests are anticipated. Arrested were:


Today

Sunny, along with a few afternoon clouds. High 93F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

A few clouds from time to time. Low 72F. Winds light and variable.

Tomorrow

Mixed clouds and sun with scattered thunderstorms. High 92F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
MORE than 100 tractor enthusiasts took part in the 15th Chiltern Vintage Tractor Run on Sunday.

This years theme was Independence Day and about 60 vintage tractors, adorned with American flags, were driven across the Hambleden Valley in a figure of eight loop starting from Hanger Farm in Fingest.

Rev Sue Morton, from the Hambleden Valley group of churches, blessed the tractors at the start of the run, which raised more than 1,400 for the Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

Organiser Gary Anderson led the convoy on his little grey 1953 Ferguson, while his son Henry, 17, took up the rear of the convoy as mechanical and technical support driving a 1955 Series 1 Land Rover.

Mr Andersons wife Heley was one of the marshals who lined the route and made sure no one got lost, while his mother Barbara was part of the catering team that provided refreshments for the participants.

Mr Anderson said: With the weather forecast as it was, we were worried people wouldnt show up but it was great. Everyone turned up regardless of the weather, in true British spirit.

We had a couple of minor breakdowns during the run, which is normal when driving such old vehicles, but we carried on. There was a great community spirit. I think everyone wanted to get out and do something they perceived as normal, which was lovely and we received a lot of positive feedback.

We received a lot of cash donations with a lot more coming in and it is all for a good cause. The air ambulance kept going for the whole of the pandemic and in this climate, we were really grateful for their efforts.

When I started the run 15 years ago, I didnt imagine it would take off in this way.

Mr Anderson thanked the landowners for their support.

Since it was established, the run has raised more than 60,000 for the Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

To donate, /www.justgiving.com/

fundraising/gary-anderson21
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday he had signed an executive order declaring a gun violence emergency and told an audience in New York City he was going to sign legislation that allows for civil lawsuits against gun manufacturers, distributors and dealers for how they market and sell firearms.

The new law would close what he said was a "Trump-backed federal loophole" that allowed people with active warrants to purchase guns.

The statute says industry stakeholders can be held liable for the illegal or "unreasonable" sale, manufacture, distribution, importing or marketing of firearms that cause harm to the public as a "public nuisance."

It prohibits false marketing and requires gun industry players to take steps to prevent theft and illegal or unreasonable sales of firearms.

The statute explicitly allows the state attorney general and corporate counsel for local municipalities to sue them when those stipulations are violated.

Private citizens could also sue under the new law if they endured damages "as a result of a gun industry member's acts or omissions," it says.

The governor noted there were at least 51 shooting victims across the state over the Fourth of July weekend.

When you break down the numbers, Cuomo said, there are more people dying in New York of gun violence and crime than of Covid-19.

"We went from one epidemic to another epidemic. We went from Covid to the epidemic of gun violence and the fear and the death that goes along with it," Cuomo said.

He said the legislation will do what Washington refused to do: to hold gun manufacturers "legally liable for the death and destruction their businesses cause."

The governor said over the weekend 14 people were shot in Buffalo, five were shot in Syracuse, three were shot on Long Island, two were shot in Utica, one person was shot in Rochester and 26 people were shot in New York City.

Cuomo said that shootings were up 38% in New York City through the first six months of 2021, as compared to the same time period in 2020.

However, in the month of June, city officials noted that gun arrests were up nearly 100% compared to 2020 while shootings, shooting victims and murders were down from a year ago.

Cuomo on Tuesday also announced new legislation which would prohibit officers that have committed serious or criminal misconduct during their tenure at one police department from being able to serve in another law enforcement department.

Seven-part plan

The announcement at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice came as the governor unveiled a plan to combat gun violence.

Cuomo broke down parts of the executive order into seven key areas:

 Treating gun violence as a public health emergency

 Targeting hot spots where gun violence is coming from

 Having positive engagements with at-risk youth

 Breaking the cycle of escalating violence

 Getting illegal guns off the streets

 Keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous people

Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request.

 Rebuilding the police-community relationship

New York will invest $138.7 million in creating intervention, prevention and jobs programs designed for at-risk youth in the state with the goal of getting young people off the streets, he said.

"It's a matter of life and death also and we can't afford not to commit ourselves 100% to this effort and spend what we need to spend," Cuomo said.

New York will be the first state to create an office within the department of public health aimed at preventing gun violence, the governor said. One of the first action items from the executive order will be to require police departments across the state to submit incident-level data revealing exactly where all shootings have taken place.

The governor's office said 74% of guns used during crimes were purchased out of state.

Cuomo said New York would be commencing a border war against illegal guns.

"I have a vision of a border war because we wasted so much time and money in this nation fighting illegal immigration," he said. "Illegal immigration is not killing Americans! Illegal guns are killing Americans."

A new gun trafficking interdiction unit will focus on the state's borders to stop illegal gun trafficking.

Drawing a comparison between New York's rich and poor residents, Cuomo highlighted what he posited as the reality of at-risk youth stuck in the city who have few options but to run "up and down the hallways" or "go to the little broken-down playground" where they have nothing, "no activities, no support, nothing," he said.

The governor said the best way to address these youths and their situation is to provide them with job opportunities. Cuomo said his office would make a $57 million investment aimed at creating 21,000 jobs for at-risk youth this summer.

Another program would is aimed at providing jobs for 2,400 young people in communities most impacted by gun violence, he said. The state would pay up to 100% of the salaries of jobs offered through the program.

Praising violence intervention programs, Cuomo cited a program implemented at a hospital in the Bronx where "shootings fell 60% in that precinct when you intervened with people in the hospitals."

The state will "create a new hospital-based violence intervention program in hotspot communities" working off the model studied at Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx.

Cuomo also announced that he would be increasing money for outreach programs and triple funding for sports, arts, and recreational facilities in hotspot areas across the state.

NYPD gun arrests up sharply in June

In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio credited the New York Police Department and the end of Covid-19 restrictions with an improvement in crime statistics last month.

"Look, we have a long way to go, but we saw some real progress, we saw some change in the month of June," said de Blasio. "And that speaks volumes on the impact of the work of the NYPD working with communities, but also the impact of the recovery itself."

According to crime stats, the department made 361 gun arrests for the month of June -- which is a 99.4% increase compared to the same period in 2020.

"We're going to continue to work with our partners to make sure that the message is simple: anyone that is carrying an illegal firearm in New York City has to have consequences and should be taken off the street," NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said.

For the month of June, shootings were down from 205 to 165, shooting victims are down 26% and murders are down just over 23%, from 43 to 33 year over year, de Blasio and Shea said.

Earlier this year, the NYPD and the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives formed a partnership in an effort to reduce gun violence and stop the flow of illegal guns into the city.

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
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 customercare@heraldandnews.com for help creating one.
Anderson, IN (46016)

Today

Partly cloudy early followed by scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. High 88F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Low 69F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
St. Joseph, MI (49085)

Today

Thunderstorms this morning, then variable clouds during the afternoon with still a chance of showers. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High near 75F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Rain showers early will evolve into a more steady rain overnight. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.
As many as eight illegal Bangladeshi immigrants were nabbed by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the police at Rajamahendravaram and Vijayawada railway stations in Andhra Pradesh on Friday. As per The Hindu, the eight who were travelling in batches of four had entered the country through drainage pipes on the Indo-Bangladesh border, revealed the investigation officer.

An investigation has been launched to ascertain facts about the drainage pipes along the international border as claimed by the arrested immigrants. Chances of gaining entry into India through some underground passages are also being explored.

The accused Mohammed Haasan (33), his brothers Hydar Ali Khan (37), Imdadil Khan (21) and another relative Syudullah Sheikh (25) were arrested while travelling in Howrah-Goa Vasco Da Gama express without passports. They confessed to having sneaked into the country illegally, informed a senior police official.

While the other batch of Shaik Saddam (25), Mohammed Ali Ameen (19), Mohammed Sakayath Hussain (37) and Khayyum Khan (25) arrested by sub-inspector L Viswanadh of RPF were heading to Chennai for work.

Information received through intelligence

The police had received information from the intelligence officials that some Bangladeshi nationals had gained illegal entry into India and were travelling in the Howrah-Chennai Mail and Howrah-Vascodagama Amaravati Express trains.

The Bangladeshi nationals confessed to crossing the borders after the restrictions imposed during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic were relaxed.

After gaining entry into the country, they reportedly settled in different parts of West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and other States, and have been working as daily wagers at construction sites since then.

As per reports, the mobile phones used by these Bangladeshis were not Android devices. The seized mobile phones have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to trace the contacts of the illegal immigrants.

Additionally, the Vijayawada and Rajamahendravaram police have informed that the Ministry of External Affairs, Bangladesh Embassy and the Indian Embassy in Dhaka have been apprised of the arrests. Arrangements are being made to file petitions in the courts, seeking police custody of the immigrants.

Fake identity cards

In almost all the arrests made, the police said that while the illegal immigrants do not have passports, they do have fake identity cards such as Aadhar cards, PAN cards and voter IDs with fake addresses.

Source : OpIndia
Larry was born on May 1, 1961, in Marin County. He grew up on the Half Moon Bay Coastside wi
Hello, my name is Michel. Ive been a local ever since I was 5, going on to be 18 now.
One of these condemnable activities is the annual food market, which served dogs. This made the celebrity Ricky Gervais call those responsible for the act.

All these shocking sights were revealed by the Sun that reported about a farm specializing in dog meat slaughter of dozens of canines for a 10-day festival in Guangxi, China.

One of the reports said that puppies and older dogs were made meat by getting boiled and beaten till dead. Then, its fur was scorched off with a blow torch. After this preparation, dogs were ready for any style of dish to be cooked by local chefs.

Dogs were slain for food

The Human Society International said as many as 10 to 20 million dogs are slaughtered for meat in China per year.

According to PETA VP of International Programmes Mimi Bekhechi, the event was very shameful, adding it might be a pandemic petri dish waiting to happen, noted the Scottish Sun.

Her organization asks the public to ignore the event and not to give money to continue the monumental suffering of these animals, adding to stop support anything that leads to animal pain, all over the world.

Miss Bekhechi told the outlet that dogs suffer terribly from this celebration, but other animals do experience the same pain in unpalatable animal slaughter festivals. These include hogs, chickens, cows, ducks, and other animals that were slain for food as well.

Read also: British Woman Seriously Injured After her Twin Fights Off Savage Crocodile in Mexican Lagoon

China is not the only place with such horrific festivals, there are more of these utterly Barbaric events.

Other Events That Slaughter Animals for Celebrations

One such festival happens in Medinaceli, Spain, every second week of November per year.

Called Toro Jubilo or the Fire Bull festival, it is done to celebrate the 800-year reign of the Moors in Spain, during 1942, cited by the Independent.

The celebration involves tying a bull. Tarballs are put on its horns.When set on fire, the bull will be in frenzy. This causes fear and makes the animal act unpredictably.

In Hanoi, those living in Nem Thuong will do the bloody festival and ceremonial killing to get "Good Luck." It has been done for eight centuries when it recalls how General Doan Thuong sacrificed two hogs for feeding soldiers protecting the land.

Two hogs will be readied by locals to be given a bath and dye red before the ceremonial slaughter. Animals will be hogtied and paraded with their executioner carrying a large ax.

When it is time, the two hogs are tied and positioned, next their throats will be slit. People will dip money in the pig's blood for luck, said PETA.

On the day, the animals are strung up, alongside their executioner, who carries a large blade.

Another festival is the Gadhimai which lasts for two days, that happens once in five years. According to Animal Equality, 3,203 buffalos with other lives stock were killed four years before it was outlawed. The animals were hacked to death, but suffering was prolonged for some.

These unpalatable animal slaughter festivals are still held as cultures cannot let them go. But, PETA hoped there will an end to it.

Related article: Zookeeper Fatally Wounded As He Tried to Escape Rogue Siberian Tiger That Leapt From Its Cage

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
You're ready to make your next big vehicle purchase and you're thinking about trading in your old car for something more cost-efficient and tech-forward. An electric vehicle would check those boxes while being better for the environment, making it a win for you and for the planet.

If you haven't kept up with each new generation of electric vehicles, you'd be surprised to see how far they've come! In 2021, there are more options than ever with even more benefits. If the idea of switching over to an electric vehicle appeals to you, keep reading for some important facts that will help you make your decision.

1. Eliminate Emissions

Unlike mechanical engines that release gases as they fire, an electric engine doesn't use an exhaust system and it doesn't produce any harmful emissions. This benefits the environment by cutting down on air pollution.

In addition to cutting down on air pollution, the increased use of electric engines helps cut down on fossil fuel dependence in general.

2. Convenient Charging

If you opt for an electric vehicle, you'll enjoy the added benefit of having a charging station installed at your home for convenience. This allows you to charge your vehicle overnight so that it's ready to go for your morning commute.

This eliminates any need to stop for gas, allowing you to get on your way faster and easier than ever. If you keep your car's range in mind and stick to your regular routes, you may not even have to stop into public charging stations often at all.

3. Cost Efficiency

In addition to being convenient, charging your car can be less expensive than refueling with gas. You will also save on maintenance services, like oil changes, because your electric vehicle won't require them.

4. Insurance Options

With all of these benefits, you're likely wondering about the inevitable drawbacks. Unfortunately, electric cars can be more expensive to insure than traditional cars. Why? One reason is that electric cars cost more upfront than traditional cars do, making them more expensive to replace if they're irreparably damaged in an accident. The other reason is that their complex systems could be difficult and costly to fix.

For those reasons, you may be looking at higher rates for insurance if you choose an electric vehicle. You can research different companies' policies to find the best rates and coverage options. That way, you can enjoy all of the benefits of your electric vehicle while keeping it protected.

5. Tax Incentives

Luckily, the federal government offers incentives for choosing electric vehicles in the form of tax credits. Depending on the vehicle you choose and your circumstances, you could qualify to receive thousands of dollars back for your investment.

Not only is this beneficial for electric vehicle owners, but it clearly represents the government's support of renewable energy. You could be rewarded for making a purchase that's good for you and for the environment!

6. Better Driving Experience

Further, electric cars provide an even better driving experience. Electric engines are nearly silent, offering a smooth and calming ride. Some manufacturers are even adding sound into their vehicles' systems to alert nearby people and other drivers that a vehicle is present--otherwise, they're nearly undetectable.

The engine improves the driving experience in other ways as well. For instance, an electric engine is so efficient that it can accelerate instantly. The motor is also oriented differently in electric cars, providing more space in the cab for passengers.

7. Variety of Options

Compared to the earliest electric vehicles, there are now more options for size and style than you might realize! In addition to compact cars, popular manufacturers like Nissan, Tesla, and Ford are now offering electric SUVs and pickup trucks with impressive performance. No matter your preference or needs, there are electric options out there that will suit your needs. And in an always-growing industry, more are coming!

If these facts have you convinced, start researching electric vehicle options today and get on track with the future of transportation!

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
United States President Joe Biden recently released a thinly-veiled threat towards Russian leaders on Tuesday after an alleged ransomware attack from their territory caused minimal damage to the country.

American authorities have determined that the Russian-based group REvil was responsible for the attack during the Fourth of July weekend. Officials recorded the ransomware crime as the largest cyberattack in world history. Thousands of businesses were affected by the attack where the gang demanded $70 million in cryptocurrency before they unlocked the affected systems.

However, despite the effect of the attack, the Biden administration has been urging companies to not pay the criminals' demands.

Biden's Threat to Putin

The majority of the companies that were targeted were conducting IT work for other establishments. The ransomware attack caused a ripple effect worldwide, with hundreds of supermarkets in Europe being forced to close down.

Weeks after Biden warned Russian President Vladimir Putin about controlling the surging cybercriminal groups that operate within his territory, the Democrat was questioned about the Miami-based Kaseya attack. The U.S. leader said the attack only caused minimal damage to American businesses.

Last month, Biden and Putin discussed the issue in a closed-door summit in Geneva, Switzerland. The Democrat said he warned the Russian leader about the potential consequences that could result if he allowed the ransomware attacks to continue.

Read Also: Laptop Emails Reveal: Hunter Biden Reportedly Forced to Pay Joe's Bills, Give Half of His Salary

Biden specifically noted how he asked the Russian what he would feel if his country's oil fields were attacked by cyber attacks. On Tuesday, he repeated that warning as a thinly-veiled threat to Putin's administration, Yahoo News reported.

During a daily press briefing, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said officials have not yet fully determined if the ransomware attack was conducted within Russia. However, she noted that talks with Russian authorities were ongoing to identify where the criminals were based.

Psaki said Biden would gather key leaders across the interagency, including the State Department, Department of Justice, DHS and other intelligence community members, to discuss the issue surrounding ransomware attacks. The Democrat would talk about potential strategic efforts on how to counter the crimes.

Russian Ransomware Attack

Several weeks ago, Biden asked the team to assess and review the possible options that the American government can do to control the surging ransomware attacks. Sen. Mark Warner said the U.S. can demand Russia to take responsibility for its territory and crackdown on the surging number of ransomware attacks coming from its region, NBC News reported.

After the ransomware attack on the weekend, Biden ordered U.S. intelligence agencies on July 3 to investigate the issue. Security firm Huntress Labs was the first one to identify REvil as being the one responsible for the crime that hit hundreds of American companies. The same group was believed to be behind the attack on meatpacker JBS SA, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said.

REvil used a Kaseya tool called VSA that many companies use to manage technology at smaller businesses. The ransomware group then proceeded to encrypt the files of those providers' customers simultaneously, Reuters reported.



Related Article: FALSE: Disneyland Records Zero Death Being the "Happiest Place on Earth"; Here Are Some Incidents That Cause Loss of Life

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
President Joe Biden delivered remarks on Tuesday mentioning the administration's continuous response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He said, "Millions of Americans are still unvaccinated and unprotected, putting their communities at risk."

In his latest public plea for citizens to get vaccinated against COVID-19, the President said that the delta variant of COVID-19, which is more transmissible and potentially more deadly, is already responsible for half of the cases in various parts of the country. After failing to meet his target of 70% of American adults obtaining at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine by July 4, Biden urged Americans to be vaccinated.

Biden says being vaccinated is a patriotic action

He revealed that more than 182 million Americans had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, with 160 million receiving both doses by the end of the week. "If you're vaccinated, you're protected. If you're unvaccinated, you're not," Biden said, emphasizing that being vaccinated is a patriotic thing to do.

Biden said the federal government is deploying COVID-19 surge response teams, staffed with experts from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other agencies, to respond to future outbreaks expected among the unvaccinated. In an address from the White House South Auditorium, Biden said that the teams will assist states with specific issues to prevent, identify, and respond to the spread of the delta variant among unvaccinated Americans in places with poor vaccination rates.

In Kentucky, where only around 43% of residents are completely vaccinated, Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell remarked shortly before Biden spoke, "There's no good reason not to be vaccinated," as per Voice of America News. McConnell made his statements in response to vaccine skeptics, saying that while vaccinations do not guarantee against COVID-19 infection, it "almost ensures you don't die from it if you get it."

Read Also: CDC Launches Investigation Following Teen's Death After Receiving Second Dose of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine

Biden's new vaccination strategy

After falling short of his prior vaccination goal for July 4, President Joe Biden proposed a new targeted strategy to the national COVID-19 vaccine program. At a news conference Tuesday following a meeting with his COVID-19 response team, Biden listed five key objectives as part of the new approach.

Per The Center Square, increased vaccination outreach at pharmacies, family doctors' offices, and pediatricians' offices are the first three elements of the plan. People should be able to get the vaccination simply when picking up medications or going to a doctor's visit, according to Biden.

The plan's fourth component entails increasing the number of vaccination opportunities available to workers. To urge people to receive the vaccine, Biden's new strategy involves setting up additional mobile immunization clinics at major events and gathering spots.

After missing his goal of 70% of American adults taking one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by July 4, he has redoubled his efforts. This objective will be met within the next week, the President said. Biden also mentioned having response teams ready to cope with possible outbreaks in places with poor vaccination rates in his speech.

COVID-19 delta variant could increase cases in the US

According to the CDC, over 67% of American adults have had at least one vaccination, with 58% completely vaccinated as of Tuesday morning.

Biden had set a goal of vaccinating 70% of individuals in the United States with at least one dose by July 4. According to state health data, 79.7% of people 18 and older in Nassau County had received at least one vaccination shot as of Tuesday morning. In Suffolk, 72.4% of people Suffolk have got at least one dose.

Overall 72.6% of New York adults have gotten at least one dosage, and 66% of which are fully vaccinated. The number of COVID-19 cases in the United States climbed by 10% in seven days, according to CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, with the delta variant accounting for a quarter of all new cases.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the delta variant, which was originally discovered in India last December, has spread to 96 nations. "Delta is the most transmissible of the variants identified so far," WHO head, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said last week, NewDay reported.

Because of its high rate of transmissibility, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Biden's chief medical adviser and director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said Sunday that the delta variant would likely cause an increase in COVID-19 cases in communities with lower vaccination rates.

Related Article: Joe Biden Delivers Remarks in Celebration of Independence Day, Progress on the COVID-19 Pandemic



@YouTube

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Myanmar's military junta has continued its aggressive takeover of the country after a coup in February, now targeting medical practitioners who are assisting protesters who officials said are part of the "Civil Disobedience Movement."

Many of the country's doctors and nurses have been forced to conduct health care in secret areas, one of which was tucked in a monastery that serves as a safe haven for injured protesters. However, security forces were able to discover this location and quickly assaulted health workers.

War on Medics

One military personnel shot his firearm and struck a young man who was defending the door. A nearby medical staff immediately tried to save the victim's life by stopping the hemorrhaging. The young man's blood quickly littered the floor.

The military junta has declared a war on medics after doctors and other health care workers were part of the initial resistance to the coup in February. Security forces continued to arrest, assault and kill medical personnel. They have been dubbed as enemies of the state for their assistance of protesters. Health care workers have been driven to hide away in fear of their safety as the country's ongoing health crisis worsens due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Read Also: Laptop Emails Reveal: Hunter Biden Reportedly Forced to Pay Joe's Bills, Give Half of His Salary

One Yangon doctor who has been avoiding the military for months said the junta has targeted the country's entire healthcare system to use as a weapon. The man's colleagues were previously arrested at an underground clinic during a military raid. He argued that treating injured people should not constitute a crime, the Associated Press reported.

A medical student who was assisting the secret clinic, whose name has been hidden for his safety, wept for the young boy who was slowly dying from loss of blood. It was the first time she had seen anyone shot by a firearm, but she became a target of the military too. Two protesters immediately opened an escape route by breaking a window, giving their apologies to the medical workers.

As other health care workers proceeded to escape through the window, one doctor stayed to finish treating the wounded patient. The others hid inside a nearby apartment complex for hours, waiting for the military to leave the area. Some of the medical workers were too afraid to go home. The medical student said that the incident was a terrible day, saying she was not able to sleep or eat well since, Mercury News reported.

Mass Number of Killings

Since the military coup in February, the junta has killed at least 890 people, including a six-year-old girl who was shot in the stomach, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners said. The group which monitors arrests and deaths in Myanmar, said about 5,100 people have been locked in detention as thousands of others have been forcibly disappeared. Families of the deceased have been given their loved ones' mutilated bodies as a means of spreading fear.

Many have criticized the Myanmar military's war on medics as an outrageous attempt to control the country. The country has now become one of the most dangerous regions worldwide for health care workers. This year, the country has recorded 240 attacks on medical personnel, which is nearly half of what the World Health Organization has recorded worldwide at 508, JEMS reported.



Related Article: 4-Year-Old Boy's Dead Body Found Inside Freezer; Parents Allegedly Stored Corpse for Years

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Figures from June's jobs report show large numbers of Americans remain unemployed, which gives hopes for a fourth stimulus check. Since the beginning of the pandemic, households have received three rounds of stimulus payments; and President Joe Biden has yet to announce whether the fourth round of extra cash would appear in bank accounts.

According to AS, the number of Americans classified as "long-term unemployed" increased by 233,000 to four million in June, after falling by more than 430,000 in May. This category includes those who have been jobless for at least 27 weeks.

In June, 850,000 jobs were created for the economy, bringing the unemployment rate to 5.9%. The rate remained mostly constant since May.

If the rate remains unchanged until summer, some experts believe the US economy will be unable to sustain all of the people who lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts, on the other hand, are skeptical that Biden would propose a fourth round of stimulus payments.

Joe Biden has not suggested a fourth stimulus check, but the door has not been fully shut. Biden might be convinced to propose another tranche of more funding, according to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki.

However, if you're looking for additional payment to help you pay your obligations and get out of debt, more federal funds may already be available. According to MoneyWise through Yahoo, here are a few options for getting what amounts to a new stimulus check without waiting for Congress to enact new legislation.

Monthly stimulus checks for families

Under a temporary extension of the child tax credit, the IRS will begin sending monthly payments to roughly 39 million people on July 15. The enhanced credit, which was included in President Joe Biden's stimulus package in March, provides families with $250 per month for each child aged 6 to 17 and $300 for each child younger than 6 for the rest of the year.

For 2021, the checks will offer half of the credit. The remainder will be refunded to parents when they pay their taxes next year. If your family filed a tax return this year, the IRS should have enough information to automatically send your child credit payments.

Stimulus payments for renters

Congress authorized a total of $46.6 billion in immediate assistance for renters who can't afford their rent in the two most recent pandemic relief acts - one enacted in March and another signed in December. The level of assistance offered to renters, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, is "unprecedented."

If you can prove that the pandemic has affected your ability to pay rent or utilities, and you're at risk of being homeless, you may be eligible for assistance. Renters can get up to 18 months of help to pay both past and future rent obligations. More than 400 state and local entities are distributing the cash.

Read Also: Child Tax Credit: The Benefits of Opting Out the Monthly Stimulus Check

Relief assistance for homeowners

Although the pandemic ushered in ultra-low mortgage rates, which have helped some homeowners save money by refinancing, many others are still struggling to make their mortgage payments. If you're having problems keeping up with your mortgage payments and are worried about delinquency or foreclosure, the government can help.

In March, Biden's stimulus package established a $10 billion homeowner relief fund, with each state receiving at least $50 million. You can apply for funds through the housing agency in your state.

To be eligible for a portion of the money, you must show that you are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the pandemic. You're eligible if your income is less than 150 % of the area's median income and your loan debt is less than $548,250.

Will there be a fourth stimulus check?

Many people are still struggling financially as a result of the pandemic, and they have joined appeals for further stimulus checks. There are calls for not only a fourth but a fifth additional relief payment, as per The Sun.

Millions of people have signed a petition on Change.org calling for recurring $2,000 stimulus payments. It is one of the most popular petitions on the platform, with the hashtag #moneyforthepeople.

Its author has set a goal of three million signatures for the petition. Congress is being asked to grant payments of $2,000 per adult and $1,000 each child, according to the petition.

It claims that the payments are required regularly since American households are still struggling to pay their rent and support their family. It states that some families are "deeply struggling" as a result of the lack of more stimulus payments.

Related Article: Fourth Stimulus Check Update: There's $8,000 Surprise Stimulus Check That May Hit Your Bank Account



@YouTube

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
After Pyongyang's repeated rejection of the Biden administration's efforts to initiate talks, the US' top envoy for North Korea talked with his Chinese counterpart on Tuesday, according to a State Department spokesperson.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated earlier that Liu Xiaoming, the country's special envoy on the Korean Peninsula, spoke by phone with US special representative Sung Kim and that the two "agreed to remain in touch." Last month, Kim paid a visit to South Korea to try to break the deadlock in denuclearization negotiations with North Korea, which has ignored Washington's attempts to contact it since President Joe Biden took office in January.

Donald Trump, Biden's predecessor, met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un three times but failed to persuade him to give up his nuclear arsenal.

Ned Price, a spokesman for the State Department, acknowledged the contact but declined to say what was discussed. The US will cooperate with allies South Korea and Japan on North Korea, while China has a role to play and certainly has influence with the regime, said Price. He added that the Biden administration was waiting for a positive response from North Korea.

Biden administration seeks help from China

At a time when the leaders of the two allied Asian neighbors are highlighting the developing relations between their nations, China has encouraged the US to listen to North Korea and its concerns. The Biden administration is seeking China's assistance in resolving the ongoing Korean Peninsula issue as he shapes his strategy to the nuclear-armed nation, as per Newsweek.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry released a transcript of a phone discussion between Liu Xiaoming, China's special representative for Korean Peninsula Affairs, and Sung Kim, the United States' special representative for North Korea. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Liu stressed the importance of the dual-track approach and the phased and synchronized principle in promoting the political settlement of the Peninsula issues and called on the US to take seriously and address the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s legitimate and reasonable concerns and support DPRK-ROK reconciliation and cooperation.

Sung Kim's remarks were also summarized in China's readout. The phone call comes less than a week after North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping on the ruling Communist Party of China's centennial on July 1.

His flowery speech remembered the seven-decade friendship between the two communist countries. It also alluded to the pressures that both Beijing and Pyongyang have faced in the contemporary period, as the United States and Western countries strive to disarm North Korea's nuclear weapons and contain China's rise to global leadership.

The US accused China, North Korea's primary ally, of "flagrant violation" of its responsibility to implement UN sanctions against the country in December. China says it abides by UN sanctions against North Korea; but it has voiced optimism, along with Russia, that relaxing those requirements would help break the impasse in nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang, Reuters via MSN reported.

Read Also: Iran's Missile Attack May Have Mistakenly Targeted Cargo Ship, Thinking It Is Israel-Owned

Can China persuade North Korea to denuclearize?

The historical ties between China and the Korean Peninsula appear to indicate that China has a significant impact on the peninsula. Many historic Korean characteristics, such as governance, architecture, painting, and literature, are based on Chinese models.

Economic support from China was crucial in Korea's post-war rebuilding. As a result, China must wield tremendous influence over North Korea.

However, the connection between Korea and China is considerably more complicated than this basic analysis suggests. The Korean people have a long history of defying Chinese pressure.

According to National Interest, even if the Chinese were to exercise influence, the North Koreans are just as likely to reject it. They have not embraced North Korea's nuclear development since it has tended to strengthen US nuclear capacity and, perhaps more importantly, may inspire Japan to fall into line. However, the Chinese have tended to be careful in their pressure on North Korea, concerned that it would be driven further into a position and then lash out.

Related Article: US Raises Concern as China Builds Over 100 Missile Launchpads as Part of Nuclear Capabilities Expansion



@YouTube

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The United States' child tax credit payments will be distributed starting on July 15, but despite many parents looking forward to receiving the financial support, some are turned away from the prospect and want to opt-out.

Qualified families will start receiving their money relief under the country's coronavirus relief package. The payments will be given out in July and will be distributed in a monthly scheme, similar to the stimulus checks.

Child Tax Credit Payment

The amount of money that families will receive is based on the number of children that they have, their age range, and their income. Another requirement for eligibility is that joint filers should have an adjusted gross income of less than $150,000 while single filers should have less than $75,000.

The U.S. government will hand out monthly payments worth $300 to children under the age of six years. And for children who are between six and 17 years old, the child tax credit payment amounts to $250 per month.

However, despite the assistance that the child tax credit payment can provide families, some parents are hesitant to receive it primarily due to it not being a stimulus payment. Tax experts have warned families about the matter, arguing it is an advance on a person's increased child tax credit that they can claim on their 2021 taxes.

Read Also: Joe Biden Says Unvaccinated Americans Put Communities At Risk, Offers New Strategy After Missing Goals

The payment represents half of the money as a monthly advance and the other half would be given out once residents file their taxes next year, KHOU reported.

The payments are part of President Joe Biden's American Rescue Plan, which was signed into law in March. The child tax credit has been in existence since 1997 in another form. Over the years, lawmakers have increased the amount included in the payment and were recently boosted again by the legislation.

American officials have decided to make the child tax credit monthly payments available until December 15, 2021. The total amount that parents can receive for each child under the age of six years will be $3,600; and for children between six to 17 years, it would be $3,000.

Financial Support for Parents

Michael Jamison, president of OnTarget CPA, said U.S. officials approved the payments as a way to support parents financially amid the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. He said lawmakers believe the relief program offset costs that come with having children and that it would provide "some level of support for children throughout the year," Indy Star reported.

A children's nanny in Chicago said she was relieved to hear that the child tax credit payments would provide some sort of financial support to struggling families nationwide. She was hopeful that the money would be put to good use and help parents pay for necessities or past due bills.

On Tuesday, Senator Dick Durbin and Congresswoman Robin Kelly and Marie Newman stood with families and advocates at Pulaski Park to remind residents of the incoming payments. They noted that the payments would be one of the real support that comes from the government, ABC7 Chicago reported.



Related Article: Fourth Stimulus Check Status: How to Get Money While Waiting for Congress to Pass New Legislation

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
After being diagnosed with the COVID-19 Delta variant, a veteran is admitted to the hospital. Joe Pucci, 73, of Ambridge, claimed he is fully vaccinated; but he had COVID-19 symptoms on his birthday, June 21, and went to the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center to be examined.

Pucci was sent to the intensive care unit because he was having difficulties breathing. Doctors moved him from the ICU to a normal room on Monday night after he reported he was feeling much better. He told WPXI that he did not think he would make it. He believes the vaccination saved his life.

Veteran may not survive the Delta variant if not vaccinated

His family claims he has diabetes and other underlying health problems. Doctors told his daughter that if it had not been for early treatment, Pucci might not have survived. The veteran also attributes his success to vaccinations. The fully vaccinated veteran spent a few weeks in South Carolina before becoming ill then traveled to Beaver County for a graduation party and a veterans ceremony.

Rachelle Pucci, his daughter, said she was worried about her father since he had underlying health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and lung ailments. Her family is unsure how her father got the Delta variant because he hasn't been out much recently, according to her.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officials, scientists are still figuring out how effective the vaccines are against new variants, especially against the highly contagious Delta variant. It is still possible for individuals who have been fully vaccinated to contract COVID-19, but experts say the immunization helps lower the risk of becoming ill.

Read Also: CDC Warns New Deadly Soil Bacteria in the US; Infection's Origin Remains a Mystery

Delta variant becomes dominant in the US

Per KOAT, as more states fully reopen, health professionals are raising red flags as the Delta variant of COVID-19 becomes the most common. According to the CDC, the delta variant is responsible for more than 51% of new COVID-19 infections in the United States. The variant, also known as B.1.617.2, was first discovered in India.

President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that the White House is forming COVID-19 surge response teams to prevent another outbreak of coronavirus infections due to the Delta variant's increasing threat. The delta variant of COVID-19 is 50% more infectious than the original strain, as per health experts. It appears to significantly increase an unvaccinated person's chances of being hospitalized, experts added.

New COVID-19 infections with the Delta variant currently account for 51.7% of all infections. After months of being the dominant variety, the B.1.1.7 or Alpha variant now represents 28.7% of cases.

The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies the Delta variant as a "variant of concern." According to surveillance data, a rise from 30.4 percent to 51.7 percent occurred in the two weeks between June 20 and July 3.

According to Johns Hopkins University, more than 33.7 million coronavirus infections have been documented in the United States, with more than 605,000 individuals dying as a result of the illness. In the last week, over 11,000 new COVID-19 infections have been found per day, with approximately 200 fatalities recorded.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, dubbed the Delta variant as the "biggest threat" to America's quest to exterminate the pandemic. Fauci also expressed his concern about the dangers that communities with low vaccination rates face and pose to the rest of society when new variants emerge, The Independent reported.

Related Article: CDC Launches Investigation Following Teen's Death After Receiving Second Dose of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine



@YouTube

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
German authorities arrested a retired political scientist and charged him with spying for the Chinese government, calling him a double agent who used political connections to gather classified intel for the Asian nation for nearly a decade.

The suspect identified as Klaus L., was believed to have been recruited in 2010 during a lecture trip to Shanghai. The incident took place nearly 10 years after joining the think tank. Prosecutors accused the man of providing the sensitive information to China until November 2019. They said he was paid with money and was given trips by Chinese authorities.

The German public broadcaster ARD said that the suspect was also a spy working for the country's foreign intelligence agency, the BND, for about 50 years before he retired. Initially, Klaus L., told the BND about China's attempts to recruit him but did not do so on subsequent attempts, ARD said, citing unnamed sources.

Double Agent for China

The broadcaster also accused Klaus L. of previously working under the Munic-based Hanns Seidel Foundation. The agency was affiliated with the Christian Social Union (CSU), Bavarian sister party to Chancellor Angela Merkel's CDU.

The foundation alleged that it had been working with authorities since June last year to investigate the matter. A spokesperson for the think tank said that potential misconduct via intelligence activities was unacceptable. He added that the suspect has been retired for nearly a decade and had not been in contact with the foundation since, Reuters reported.

Read Also: Joe Biden Says Unvaccinated Americans Put Communities At Risk, Offers New Strategy After Missing Goals

German authorities said the 75-year-old suspect got his intelligence from high-ranking political contacts he made from the foundation. They said his position allowed him to travel around the world, attending events as a guest lecturer to various countries, including Russia, South Africa, and South Asia.

It was reported that German authorities raided Klaus L.'s residence in Munich and confiscated his computers. They also arrested the man himself when he got home from a trip to Italy. The report document said that the suspect did not deny being involved with China and confessed that he shared his contact with the Chinese to BND, the New York Post reported.

Discussions Between Germany and China

The incident comes amid discussions between Germany and China's defense ministers regarding the situation in the South China Sea. The Berlin ministry said that authorities were planning to deploy a German frigate into the region.

During a Tuesday video call, minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer asked her Chinese counterpart General Wei Fenghe to uphold a 2016 international arbitration decision. This would have limited China's claims to some sea areas in the contested waters in the region. She also allegedly raised concerns regarding human rights in the Xinjiang province relating to the Uighur minority.

Wei, however, focused on the recent celebration of the Communist Party's centenary. He urged the German authority to "properly manage disagreement" through discussions, a statement by the Chinese defense ministry said. The Chinese official expressed his hopes that Germany would join China in upholding multilateralism, resisting politicizing the coronavirus pandemic, rejecting a zero-sum game, and supporting global justice, the South China Morning Post reported.



Related Article: Stimulus Updates - Free Health Insurance Now Available to Millions of Americans as Part of Latest Stimulus Package

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Kyle Rittenhouse's attorney wants a judge to allow him to argue that one of the men his client killed during a protest in Wisconsin last year was a sex offender, in hopes of showing the man was trying to steal Rittenhouse's gun because he couldn't possess one
Yes, but not by choice - people were shooting them off all over - even in town.

No, but I didnt go looking for them

With the dry weather, I was hoping fireworks would be put on hold.

Vote

View Results
Copyright  2021 at Sun Newspapers. Digital dissemination of this content without prior written consent is a violation of federal law and may be subject to legal action.
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.
Thank you! You've reported this item as a violation of our terms of use.

This content was contributed by a user of the site. If you believe this content may be in violation of the terms of use, you may report it.
Now Open

7 July 2021

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world's largest hotel franchising company with over 8,900 hotels across nearly 95 countries, today announced the opening of H2 Hotel Budapest, Trademark Collection by Wyndham, the latest addition in Wyndham's strong portfolio of Trademark properties across Europe and its first property under the Trademark Collection brand in Hungary.

Located on the eastern side of the Danube River, minutes from the iconic Szechenyi Chain Bridge and within walking distance of many iconic attractions, the 157-room H2 Hotel Budapest is the ideal gateway for travelers looking to explore the rich history and culture of Hungary's capital city.

The new hotel builds on the Company's longstanding relationship with H-Hotels.com, a leading hotel operator headquartered in Germany that manages 50 Trademark Collection hotels across key European destinations. H2 Hotel Budapest, Trademark Collection by Wyndham marks the hospitality group's first hotel outside of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Launched in 2017, Trademark Collection by Wyndham is a fast-growing brand, designed and perfectly suited for hoteliers who seek independence on their terms and take pride in their unique spirit, while leveraging the competitive advantages that come with the scale of a global partner such as Wyndham. The H2 Hotel Budapest adds to Trademark Collection's international growth trajectory over the past four years, bringing its footprint to 115 hotels in countries such as Australia, Austria, Canada, Curacao, Germany, Mexico, Sint Maarten, Switzerland, and the United States. Earlier this year, the brand also launched a first-in-market property in Belgium and a new private island beach resort in Belize. It is set to continue its global growth with additional openings in Germany and Belize.
Press Release

7 July 2021

Los Angeles - This Trade Conference is an online gathering of enlightened women and advocates in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. The event has been held annually since 2013 and is supported by more than 12,500 women globally who belong to the Travel Industry Executive Womens Network (TIEWN).

Advertisements

This Conference recognizes women internationally who lead in their fields and who are excited to pass on their legacies. This conference consciously creates a forum for women to support each other and to discuss, debate, and deliberate on issues of importance as it relates to the modern female achiever. As our community grows, we feel it is important to tackle issues that influential women in this industry space must face, particularly post-Pandemic. We consciously support all avenues of success for our network of femme entrepreneurs and professionals including ownership and management as well as securing investors for their hotels, technology, and other projects.

Highlights include support of women in media such as Lisa Ellen Niver with over 1.3 million views of her travel videos and her panelists from National Geographic and AFAR Media. Top travel advisor owners will review how resiliency carried them through the Pandemic to their success today and guiding business and leisure travelers through the myriad of global travel restrictions. From top female hotel owners to wellness to new technologies to crisis management, the array of topics in this year's Agenda is a very wide range of content you wont find anywhere else. Niki Leondakis, ex-CEO of Kimpton Hotels returns to the stage for an update on Leadership Skills in a Changing World. Attendees will select their favorites and then be able to come back for a week or a month, depending on their ticket, to review the other sessions.

There will be several sessions for attendees to meet one-on-one through a speed-dating App, as well as in small introduction rooms throughout the day. Additionally, they can connect with each other via the conference App where they will build their own profile. Sponsors will have extensive opportunity to present and connect, all supported by gamification with prizes given away at the end of the day.

A highlight of the day's speakers includes Frances & Ariela Kiradjian, Partners - TIEWN, BLLA, StayBoutique, Boutique Money Group and BLLA Events; Amber Asher, President & General Counsel - Standard Hotels International, Bev Maloney-Fischback. CEO, Founder, & Publisher - Organic Spa Media, Dr. Peter Tarlow , Author and Founder & President - Tourism & More, Louise Gillon, Head of Hotel Finance - Bank Leumi Israel, Virginia Messina, Senior Vice President - World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Sowon Kim, Associate Professor - Ecole hoteliere de Lausanne (Switzerland), Shirnett Fleet, Chief Marketing Officer - Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection and many more.

Tickets are still available - please click Get Tickets. Sponsorships are fairly priced and include multiple tickets and other benefits. Email [email protected] to discuss available sponsor packages. The network is grateful to current sponsors including Curator Hotel & Resort Collection, Organic Spa Magazine, LUTRON, Greenberg Traurig, C2C Designs, EHL (Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne), GitGo Group, Marble Systems, studio.nile.brand, Meetaway, Dragonfly Strategists, Revenue Analytics and many Supporting Sponsors.

2021 Series

This years theme is RESILIENCY. We rally women in the travel, hospitality, and tourism businesses to evoke contemporary change and support each other as a community. The past year and a half, while an extreme challenge for most of us, has taught us to tap into our resilient nature, creating positive moments that carry us all through to rebuilding our lives and continuing our progress, both personal and professional.

Our attendees come to feel empowered, gain the right resources, make strategic interactions, and celebrate the growing movement of modern feminism. We are crusaders and intellectuals coming together with the same goal. Together, let us defy the convention of sameness. Words spark movements, so let us come together and keep the conversation going and growing.

Attendees join fellow professionals in changing the status quo on July 14, 2021.

#womenintravel #femaleleaders #inclusivehospitality #tiewn2021 #executivewomeninhospitality #leadershipforwomen #femaleempowerment #WomenSupportingWomen #womenleaders #hospitality #traveladvisors #hotelmanagement #resilientwomen

About TIEWN

Founded in 2008 by Frances Kiradjian, Founder & CEO of BLLA (The Boutique Lifestyle Leaders Association, the Travel Industry Executive Womens Network (TIEWN) was created to facilitate global connections between female hospitality, travel, and tourism executives, both online and face-to-face at conferences and events. TIEWNs more than 12,500 global members have chosen their lifes work in hotel & lodging, airlines, cruise lines, car rental, travel agencies, corporate travel management, tour operation, rail, and travel technology. With a goal of collaboration and mutual support, TIEWN is in sync with other tourism organizations such as HoteliersGuild, working to improve the industry through the dynamic participation of professional women. TIEWN.com

About the Boutique & Lifestyle Leaders Association (BLLA)

The official organization for the worlds boutique lifestyle leaders promoting connection, education, and advocacy. As a pioneer in forecasting the boutique movement, the BLLAs network has grown beyond its hotel foundation to welcome more passionate entrepreneurs, businesses, and purveyors that amplify the boutique lifestyle. BLLA is a catalyst for trends and the future of boutique. blla.org
U.S. oil companies have long made big bets in Latin America, only to have their major fields and assets taken over by foreign governments in the name of nationalism.

Occidental Petroleum in Ecuador. Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips in Venezuela. And now, Talos Energy in Mexico.

There are potentially great returns from these kinds of discoveries, but also a significant above-the-ground risk, said Francisco Monaldi, a fellow in Latin American energy policy at Rice Universitys Baker Institute. This is a recurring lesson in Latin America. Almost every country has reneged deals or changed its policy when the price of oil goes up or after a major discovery.

Mexicos recent decision to designate its state oil company, Petroleos Mexicanos, or Pemex, as the main operator of a potentially lucrative oil field in the Gulf of Mexico was a major setback in U.S.-Mexico trade relations, one that will have implications for U.S. energy firms operating in Mexico. The decision stripped Talos of control over developing the Zama oil field, which the Houston independent offshore company discovered in 2017. Zama is one of the largest oil discoveries in the past two decades, with an estimated 2 billion barrels of oil.

STAYING THE COURSE: Talos Energy fights through waves of challenges

Experts and analysts, however, said the fallout from the Pemex takeover of Zama is unlikely to have a lasting impact on U.S.-Mexico trade. The economic relationship between the two nations is too big and too important for it to be derailed by a failed oil deal.

Mexico is the third-largest U.S. trading partner, with billions of dollars of computers and electronics, automotive parts and agricultural products moving across the border each year. The U.S. produces the majority of the natural gas and refined petroleum products, such as gasoline and jet fuel, used in Mexico. Millions of American tourists visit Mexican resorts each year, while many Mexicans travel to Houston for medical care and to shop at the Galleria.

United States goods and services trade with Mexico totaled an estimated $677.3 billion in 2019, according to the U.S. government.

I think many companies will be hesitant before they make major investments, but itll be temporary, said Pete Garcia, executive director of the U.S. Mexico Chamber of Commerces Gulf Coast chapter based in The Woodlands. No, the Talos deal wont stop trade between U.S. and Mexico.

Striking big in Mexico

When former President Enrique Pena Nieto opened Mexicos oil fields to outside investment in 2015, Talos took a chance and became the first foreign company in more than 80 years to discover oil in the Mexican waters of the Gulf.

The Zama oil field was heralded as the dawn of a new era for a Mexican oil industry in need of outside investment and expertise.

Pemex, the most indebted oil company in the world with liabilities of $100 billion, was looking for foreign capital to boost its production, which has been in decline over the past two decades. U.S. oil companies such as Talos, having exhausted much of the oil reservoirs in shallow U.S. waters of the Gulf, wanted to search in yet-to be-explored Mexican waters.

A year after Talos discovered a vast amount of oil in Zama, Mexicans elected populist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador president in 2018. Known as AMLO, he promised to restore Pemex to its former glory and consolidate control of Mexicos energy industry.

AMLO banned foreign companies from signing new leases to drill in Mexican oil fields, and then set his sights on Zama. The oil field, in shallow waters west of the Yucatan Peninsula, is easier and less expensive to develop than in deeper Gulf waters. Its a perfect location for Pemex, which leases a neighboring section, to boost production and revenue after losing $22 billion last year.

Fuel Fix: Get energy news sent directly to your inbox

For the past three years, Talos and Pemex have been negotiating who would develop the lucrative oil field.

On July 2, as oil prices soared toward $75 a barrel, Mexicos Energy Ministry notified Talos that it had designated Pemex as the operator of Zama. Talos, which remains a non-operating partner with Pemex, had spent $100 million to explore and drill four wells in Zama.

After six years of significant investments in Zama and the Mexican economy, as well as the delivery of a Zama development plan that is credible and in line with the objectives of Mexico, Talos is very disappointed with (Mexicos) sudden decision to award operatorship to Pemex, especially in light of the timing under which the award occurred, Talos said in a statement this week.

Talos-Pemex fallout

Talos has little recourse to reverse Mexicos decision, analysts said.

The company could argue that the Mexican government reneged on its promise to open its oil fields to foreign investment, but Mexico always retained the legal right to determine who can develop its oil reserves, the Baker Institutes Monaldi said.

Talos could sue Mexico in international court, or seek mediation from an arbitration court under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement signed last year. The Biden administration is unlikely to intervene on behalf of Talos, given the administrations climate agenda and its dependence on Mexico for help on immigration matters, Monaldi added.

Analysts said they believe Talos would have been a better operator of Zama than Pemex, which has less experience operating in the regions specific geologic formation. If Talos were the operator, they would likely produce more oil more efficiently than Pemex, resulting in more money for both parties. As a non-operating partner, Talos is still entitled to receive any profits from any oil recovered from Zama.

This is going to result in a less rapid production and probably worse total recovery from the field but (Mexico) doesnt seem to care, Monaldi said. Pemex doesnt have a track record of drilling on time and under budget. The project will be slower to develop and less profitable for Talos and Pemex. Thats a really disappointing result.

Theres also an increased environmental risk with Pemex in control, analysts said. Pemex this month struggled to contain a natural gas leak and fire in the Gulf of Mexico. Photos of a swirling fire in the Gulf spread widely on social media, raising public concerns of how Pemex will develop Zama safely.

Given the political uncertainty surrounding Mexico, many Talos investors are breathing a sigh of relief at the outcome, said Subash Chandra, managing energy director for Northland Capital Markets.

Its not the outcome Talos wanted, but the irony here is that the market was actually hoping that good money wouldnt go after bad, Chandra said. The market knows that what Mexico wants, Mexico will get, which is pretty alarming. Its better at this point to say whats sunk is sunk. Lets not put another dime into the project until theres some clarity.

Mexico has already stopped leasing its oil fields to foreign companies, so its decision to strip Talos of Zama operations wont immediately stifle foreign investment in Mexicos energy sector, Monaldi said. Leases operated by other foreign oil companies in Mexico are set to expire next year, and have yet to produce a major discovery like Zama.

In general, this is a very bad signal that will increase the risk of operating in Mexico, Monaldi said. But the effect will be less significant since Mexico is already closed for new business.

Ultimately, the fallout from the Talos snub will be short-lived and is unlikely to affect overall trade between the U.S. and Mexico, analysts said.

This didnt go the way the U.S. would have hoped, and certainly could be seen as a setback for many, said Laura Murillo, CEO of Houstons Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Having said that, we are optimistic, given our proximity and large massive scale of goods, human resources and capital, that Texas will continue to play ball with Mexico on a variety of other matters and economics. Theres no way we can afford not to. Its in our best interest to continue trading with Mexico.

paul.takahashi@chron.com

twitter.com/paultakahashi
On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, Ruth McDonald stands alone in a conference room writing on the whiteboard. The volunteer English teacher at nonprofit Memorial Assistance Ministries arrives before the working adults she teaches, but the silence doesnt last long.

Her students appear one by one, sitting toward the front, workbooks ready. They listen intently to McDonalds soft-spoken English accent and deliberate wording.

Today we are going to talk about our goals, McDonald said on a recent Tuesday. Do you remember goals?

The still-unfamiliar word sets off glances between Paola Molina and her classmates. Dressed in a bright yellow printed sweater, Molina looks like a college student, but the 27-year-old was an engineer in Venezuela before coming to Houston in 2019.

Molina works at an Amazon warehouse while building a business making videos for cosmetics brands. She dreams of going back to college to be an orthodontic technician. But like her classmates  and 1.5 million other Houstonians  Molina said she couldnt reach her goals without the ability to speak, read and write confidently in English.

For decades, Houston has faced the challenge of basic education for adults. One in three Harris County adults are functionally illiterate, meaning they lack basic reading, writing, speaking, language and computer skills needed to work or go to school, according to a June report by the City of Houston and the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. The results place Houston among the nations least literate cities  a problem officials said worsens systemic injustices and threatens the citys ability to grow an educated workforce.

Renewable energy, health care and technology require high levels of skills, said Federico Salas-Isnardi, director of the Mayors Office for Adult Literacy. The office and the foundation consulted adult education providers, learners and employers to create the Houston Adult Literacy Blueprint, a set of seven priorities to create a cohesive network that will develop shared tools over the next decade.

We need to work together because the issue of literacy impacts every single aspect of our community life, Salas-Isnardi said.

A systemic issue

Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Adults with low literacy can struggle with paying bills, understanding their medication or applying for jobs. They earn $13,000 less than those with even moderate literacy and are 10 times likelier to face poverty than highly literate adults. Children whose parents struggle with literacy are 10 times likelier to have low literacy, according to the blueprint.

Investing in children is an easy pitch, but if we dont invest in their parents, their home lives, then we wont have the life paths and economic opportunities that break the cycle of poverty, said Jackie Aguilera, a former English language instructor and director at EastSide University in Third Ward.

Due to disparities in the education system, many Houstonians enter adulthood with lower levels of schooling or digital skills. Black and Hispanic adults are three times likelier to face low literacy compared to white adults and make up 85% of adult learners served by Houstons federally funded providers, the blueprint noted.

NEWSLETTERS Join the conversation with HouWeAre We want to foster conversation and highlight the intersection of race, identity and culture in one of America's most diverse cities. Sign up for the HouWeAre newsletter here.

Closing the gap is a complex challenge. Houstonians speak 145 languages and attend nearly 70 adult education providers, from community colleges to churches. Credentials and student records dont always transfer well. Advocates said language barriers, lack of computer access and frequent relocation discourage many immigrants and lower-income families.

Despite the challenges, success stories abound.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Opinion: Packing poverty into schools is costing America and we know how to fix it

Cindy Estrada, who immigrated to Houston in 2007, said she spent years working at a cafe while struggling to learn English. When Estrada enrolled at EastSide University, her teacher, Aguilera, tailored a plan of ESL and high school equivalency classes to enable her to go to college. After Estrada moved to west Houston, she drove an hour a day to EastSide rather than switch to nearby schools unfamiliar with her goals.

I felt comfortable there, and I felt I was going somewhere, said Estrada, who earned her bachelors degree from the University of Houston-Downtown in 2019. Now an accountant, she said knowing she had support helped her persist.

I was there when she got her associates at HCC, I was there when she got her acceptance to UHD and when she graduated, said Aguilera, now the project manager at the mayors adult literacy office. Thats what can happen when you get the right people together with the right resources.

Aguilera said the pandemic revealed more collaboration is needed. Large organizations like community colleges and the county equipped students with computers and digital literacy training to continue online. But many smaller providers had to stop teaching, setting back thousands of adult learners.

Bridging divides

Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Partnerships between larger and smaller providers can help resolve mismatches in funding, demand and expertise, advocates said.

BakerRipley, a network of community centers typically serving 1,600 adult learners, can negotiate federal grants and corporate sponsorships out of reach for smaller providers, said Melanie Fisk, director of adult education. If we have this resource, and they have this fantastic program, how do we all match together?

Under the blueprint, the city and the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation will be networkers and advisers, helping providers complement each others programs. Another goal is a city-wide database to help students transfer smoothly and provide the first clear picture of Houstons adult learners, enabling advocates to ask legislators for more funds.

Smaller providers agreed partnerships were needed. But some worry about referring students to programs they say may lack the sensitivity or community ties needed to serve marginalized populations.

We have refugees in our classes, students whove had trauma, said Jannette Diep, executive director of Boat People SOS-Houston, where ESL and US citizenship classes serve 350 students. BPSOS is Houstons only provider focused on Vietnamese speakers, who often have specific cultural expectations.

Weve had mock (citizenship) interviews with students where they walked out because it was taking them back to when they were being persecuted and interrogated, Diep said. Theyll tell us outright, but at a bigger institution, theyre just going to leave.

Diep said many beginner ESL students stay on their waitlist even when referred elsewhere.

Salas-Isnardi stressed the city sees a vital role for smaller providers. We want to make sure that this is a system where the small providers have the resources to take the student as far as they can, he said.

He wants to start building the database and other tools within five years. By then, he hopes to see greater digital literacy among adult learners.

Its a Texas-sized challenge, a Houston-sized challenge, remarked Aguilera.

But for students like Molina, success is within sight. On a recent Tuesday, her class flew through an adjectives lesson and a drama recital, only hesitating slightly when McDonald proposed they describe who they wanted to be. One by one, they went to the board.

When Molinas turn came, she stood in front of her class, took a deep breath, and wrote her goals: Generous. Disciplined. Amiable. Just.
In the days after Lisa Torry Smith was struck and killed by a driver while walking her 6-year-old son to school, her family pledged to do something to prevent more senseless deaths.

Joining forces with Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Middleton, the womans husband, sister and parents spoke with state lawmakers, launched a letter-writing campaign and testified at the Texas Capitol to push for a new law that would make it easier to prosecute drivers who injure a pedestrian or cyclist in a crosswalk.

On June 18, Gov. Greg Abbott signed the Lisa Torry Smith Act into law. It goes into effect Sept. 1.

I just hope that this saves more lives, said Elaine Brooks, the womans mother, during a Tuesday news conference in Richmond. Because the grief that we feel will always be with us. And its good to know that there will be families that down the road will be spared deaths.

Brooks, clutching a photo of her smiling daughter, stood alongside Middleton, state lawmakers and Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan as the group announced and celebrated the passage of the law.

In October 2017, the 37-year-old mother was walking her son to school in the Sienna subdivision of Missouri City. While they were in a crosswalk, an SUV driver struck them both. The boy suffered severe injuries from which he has since recovered and the mother died.

Fort Bend County prosecutors presented the case to a grand jury, which declined to indict the driver on criminal charges.

It was my belief at the time that the grand jurys decision had a lot to do with the way the law was written, Middleton said. I promised (Lisas sister) and her family that I would work to change the law.

Before the Lisa Torry Smith Act, drivers in such cases may have been charged with criminally negligent homicide, a catch-all provision that is broad and doesnt provide much guidance for jurors, Middleton said.

The new law, formally known as Senate Bill 1055, states that a person commits a criminal offense if he or she is operating a motor vehicle in a crosswalk and causes bodily injury to a pedestrian, cyclist or someone using an electric scooter or cart, according to the bill.

Now, you have a very specific statute thats easy to track, Middleton said. Grand jurors and petit jurors can now have a road map to follow.

The offense is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year of incarceration and up to a $4,000 fine, Middleton said. If the pedestrian suffers serious bodily injury, the crime would be considered a state jail felony and the driver could face up to two years of confinement and a fine up to $10,000.

Pedestrian deaths are rising in Texas, according to the states department of transportation. In 2019, more than 660 pedestrians were killed in crashes across Texas, a 5% increase from the previous year. The number of pedestrian fatalities in Texas jumped 18% from 2015 to 2019, the agency said.

State Rep. Ron Reynolds, D-Missouri City, and State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, sponsors of the bill, said the Lisa Torry Smith Act was a rare display of bipartisan success during a particularly contentious legislative session.

Reynolds said he felt personally connected with the familys story because his young children attend school in the same area.

That couldve easily been my wife, he said. I want to see people paying attention when theyre in a crosswalk, I want to see people thinking twiceif it saves a life, that makes a difference.

Elliot Smith said his wife would be happy with the outcome of the legislation. Lisa Torry Smith was truly selfless and devoted to helping other people, he said, at times offering a shoulder to cry on and making time for others.

Beyond the grief of losing his wife, Smith said the circumstances were challenging because the family received no apology from the driver and no justice from the courts.

Driven by the desire to prevent any other family from experiencing the same tragedy, family members propelled their time and energy into passing the Lisa Torry Smith Act.

We made a goal that no matter how long it takes, its going to happen, Smith said. Because thats what Lisa would have wanted. Although its a tragedy, the end result was really born out of love and our love for Lisa.

anna.bauman@chron.com
The artwork hanging in Montgomery Countys 359th District courtroom displays the dynamics presiding Judge Kathleen Hamilton has been drawn to since taking the bench 18 years ago.

I love everything about trials. I love the people, the emotions, the passion, Hamilton, 69, said during a recent tour of her courtroom, situated on the third floor of the Lee G. Alworth Building in downtown Conroe.

Consisting of gifts from friends and from those whose lives have been directly impacted by decisions made in the 359th, Hamiltons collection makes her courtroom the countys most colorfully decorated.

Freedom

A painting featured on a navy blue wall to the right of the judges bench illustrates the arch of redemption its creator took after being convicted in the 359th.

Snow spreading across a mountains shadowy peak and crimson-colored slope makes it resemble the Stars and Stripes. A bald eagle swoops in the foreground. The wings beckon interaction from the viewer, Hamilton pointed out.

You just want to touch the eagles feathers, she said.

The artist is a Conroe man who pleaded guilty to a couple of felony drug charges in Hamiltons second year as a judge. His attorney, John Choate, was seeking probation for the then 49-year-old. Due to the seriousness of the offense, Hamilton was initially unconvinced.

The day of the sentencing, Choate presented boxes full of paintings by the defendant  proof he had a livelihood that could get him through probation.

I saw this other side of him and I thought, You know what? Maybe there is a way. And he successfully completed his probation, Hamilton said.

Reformed through the court, the artist had spotted a postage-sized version of the original in an airlines in-flight magazine. The painting, aptly titled Freedom, was presented to the 359th when the defendant moved on from probation.

Primary colors

Americana is a recurring theme in the 359th District Court.

Now laminated and hanging behind the judges bench and above her shoulder, a paper sheet with primary colors was crafted to look like Old Glory by a 7 or 8-year-old girl whose parents divorce was presided over by Hamilton.

Placed between Freedom and the girls paper streamer is a work of crotchet by Betsy Scherzer, a sister of Hamiltons brother-in-law. Scherzer, who died well in her 60s a few years ago, relied on a wheelchair and crutches to get around and had difficulty using her hands. Still, Hamilton notes with admiration, Scherzer managed to crotchet this gift for her.

God Bless America is emblazoned in blue yarn, a windswept American flag is the focal point of Scherzers artistic endeavor.

A three-dimensional star-spangled banner on flat wood and topped off with toy soldiers painted red, white and blue was constructed in 2019 by then Conroe High student Joshua Shaw. Bought by Hamilton at a Conroe Noon Lions Club auction, the piece awaits to be added to the 359ths collection. A glass case has been considered to exhibit the work as its tiny plastic warriors are at risk of coming unglued if turned sideways.

Career transitions

Kathleen Tamborello was the first-born child in a big Italian family consisting of seven kids. The Tamborellos moved from Houston to Magnolia in southwest Montgomery County when she was a teen. She graduated from Magnolia High School. Receiving a masters degree in French at Texas Tech University, she did postgraduate studies in Paris.

Married to Jim Hamilton for the last 48 years and now a mother of three and grandmother of two, Hamilton in the mid-1980s was a French teacher at McCullough  then serving grades nine through 12. She had never been inside a courtroom. But one day as she stood in the schools hallway, the idea of pursuing a law degree came to her.

I was 32. I thought, in three years Ill be 35 and my teacher friends were saying, Yeah, but Kathy, in three years youre gonna be 35, anyways, so do you wanna be 35 and be a lawyer or do you not? And I thought, Well that makes sense, she said.

She would make the drive to the University of Houston Law Center with a 4-year-old daughter in tow, eventually becoming president of the student bar association. After completing law school, Hamilton became a Montgomery County prosecutor for 10 years. She was then managing attorney for the Montgomery County Womens Center for another five.

Hamilton ran unsuccessfully for the 359th in 1994 against the courts first judge, James Keeshan. She was elected in 2002 when Keeshan, whose portrait can be seen in the courtroom today, chose to not run.

Fair and kind

Upon her election, Hamilton expressed a desire for a supportive staff, according to a Houston Chronicle story published at the time.

Around the time the 359th District moved to its current space six years after she was sworn in, and ahead of her Hamiltons birthday, staff pitched in for a special courtroom installation. Over a weekend, court coordinator Susan Mitchells now former husband, Earl Mitchell, and his friend, the late Wayne Tewksbury, cut and laid limestone on a wall that stands behind the judges bench.

A circled star cut out of a chunk of dark stone by Earl Mitchell is mounted on the rock wall. Overlooking the judges leather chair, the astral sculpture serves as something of a piece de resistance for the courtroom.

Susan Mitchell, who was enrolled at McCullough while Hamilton taught there, has been working in the judges office for the past 14 years.

We see some pretty bad stuff. She just tries to make it more bearable, said Mitchell, pointing out the judges jovial disposition. Shes extremely funny.

Jo Ann Linzer has been a lawyer before Hamiltons court for around a decade now. First serving as the 359ths chief prosecutor at the Montgomery County District Attorneys Office, Linzer is now a criminal defense attorney there.

Judge Hamilton commands respect through her fair and kind demeanor, said Linzer, who also attended McCullough High when Hamilton was there and remembers her as a beloved educator. Linzer added the judge retains a teachers sensibility.

Shes patient with lawyers who are new to the courthouse or new to felony. She takes her time to make sure that each side has an opportunity to be heard, Linzer said of Hamilton.

A special court

Where spectators sit on wooden benches, an approximately 4.5-by-6 painting can be observed up close. On loan from Willis nature artist Vickie McMillan-Hayes, it depicts a river surrounded by soft earth tones. Under McMillan-Hayes supervision, the textured painting was completed by detainees at the Montgomery County Juvenile Services center, many of whom passed through Hamiltons specialty court for juvenile drug offenders.

The judge currently heads up the countys veterans treatment court, a voluntary program for U.S. military vets facing criminal charges and who are potentially afflicted by PTSD. A 2016 statewide resolution by the State Bar of Texas honored Hamiltons efforts in the specialized courts set up for veterans and juveniles.

Hamilton has a heart for programs that can impact a person who can be rehabilitated or reformed, which is reflected by the artwork in her courtroom, Linzer said.

In addition to Montgomery County, Linzer has practiced law in Harris, Grimes, Tarrant, Walker and Waller counties. Hamiltons courtroom decor makes the 359th District Court unlike any Linzer has ever been in. Its ambiance is likely appreciated by members of her specialty courts, the lawyer offered.

I think its important for those folks, Linzer said.

And the work is important for Judge Hamilton who is so devoted to the 359th District Court she feels it is her second home.

If you gave me a hammock, I could sleep in here, she joked.

jose.gonzalez@chron.com

twitter.com/jrgzztx
Some residents and several Montgomery County Democratic Party officials are asking for answers after three vehicles with political stickers touting political phrases and sexual comments about the 2020 election appeared in the South County 4th of July Parade on Saturday.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Upset over political signs? Township official offers rules update

In a series of photographs provided by several township residents and Lorena Perez McGill, who ran for state office in 2018 and 2020 and lost twice to state Rep. Steve Toth, R-The Woodlands, a total of three vehicles in the parade can be seen driving the route bearing the offensive signs and stickers.

The vehicles  a white sedan, a small white pick-up truck and a over-sized, black Texas-style pick-up truck with a lift kit  all flew U.S. flags and were plastered in what appear to be homemade bumper stickers expressing multiple political views, including questioning the validity of the 2020 presidential election, criticizing immigration policies and offering support for former President Donald Trump.

Stuart Schroeder, the executive director of the South County 4th of July Parade Committee, said the committee was deeply troubled by the incident and wanted to apologize to the community.

We sincerely apologize for the disrespectful expressions during the parade by an unauthorized group who entered the parade undetected, and without registration or consent of the Parade Committee, committee members wrote in a letter. We apologize to those in attendance who may have seen or been offended. The Parade Committee does not permit any form of expression which is disrespectful or hateful towards another person or group.

Political tones

The anger over the incident led dozens of residents to contact the Villager as well as post comments on the Villager Facebook page decrying the vehicles and messages.

Courtney Frost-Tadlock, the secretary of the Montgomery County Democratic Party as well as the parade committee chairperson for the group, said she saw both the black truck and the white sedan at about 7:30 a.m. on Saturday morning staging for the parade near the Montgomery County Republican Party entry.

I personally found the displays on both vehicles I saw distasteful because of the vulgar and profane references in a family friendly event. However, I also am a strong supporter of free speech, even if it is speech I do not agree with, as I am sure there are those that disliked our organizations display-but for much different reasons, Frost-Tadlock said.

Frost-Tadlock said she hopes the incident can serve as a lesson for better community relations and set an example for youth of the community.

Marc Meyer, the immediate past county chairperson and Precinct 90 chairperson for the Montgomery County Democratic Party, said he was at the parade to assist with the groups float when he saw one of the vehicles.

I saw those vehicles right behind the parade entry entitled Montgomery County Republican Party of Texas, which is the Tea Party (and) Trump affiliated part of the Republicans here in Montgomery County, Meyer said in an email. I didnt snap any pictures at the time because I pretty much consider that par for the course for the MCRP now.

Parade rumors

Several false rumors spread over the weekend on social media and text messages claimed the South County 4th of July Parade is managed by The Woodlands Township. The parade is managed by the South County 4th of July Parade Committee and is staffed by community volunteers, said The Woodlands board chairman Gordy Bunch

Bunch, who received numerous complaints about the vehicles and the signs himself, said those misleading claims online are false and created an incorrect narrative the township had a role in the vehicles being in the parade.

He also reiterated the parade is not a production of the township nor does the township have any role in managing the parade.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Woodlands board candidates lament negativity, shenanigans at polling places

Bunch said the signage on the vehicles was offensive and inappropriate for the parade, and he added, township staff is going to probe the incident to possibly develop protocols in the future to request parade officials control the entrants more closely.

The obscenities displayed had no business being allowed into the (South County) 4th of July Parade. We will visit with the (parade)committee on how they allowed the vulgar laced vehicles to participate, Bunch said in an email. I have asked staff to get with the South County 4th of July committee to review their protocols and controls to make sure they do not allow profanity laced vehicles to participate. These vehicles should have been pulled from the route once identified.

The Woodlands did have a float in the parade and several township directors appeared in the parade.

Township director Shelley Sekula-Gibbs was a member of the parades organizing committee this year as an individual resident, not a township board member.

Incident investigation

Schroeder said parade committee members are investigating the incident. Schroeder said it is not known who was driving the vehicles.

They initially told our volunteers that they were United 45. When they were told that there was no organization registered in the parade by that name, (the people in the vehicles) told the volunteers that they were with the Republican Party, Schroeder said in a email. The staging volunteers stated that they did not see any signage that violated parade rules in the staging area. The staging area is extremely busy on parade morning. It is quite possible that the signage with the profanity was a magnetic sign that was attached to the vehicle after it left the staging area. I can assure you that United 45 was not authorized to enter the parade and did not pay an entry fee.

Hong Huynh, who said he is the vice chairperson of United 45, said in a message the group was not responsible for the vehicles in the parade. However, Huynh said group members posted a flier on their Facebook page telling supporters about The Woodlands parade.

It was open invitation. I am sure they responded to our flier. But I can guarantee they are not a enrolled member of United 45, they are there as our guest, I suppose, Huynh said of the flier the group posted online. But, no they arent apart of United 45. I personally would not promote obscene language but I do believe other have the right to practice their First Amendment (rights).

Volunteer effort

Schroeder said the parade is staffed by volunteers and coordinating the parade before it begins can be a chaotic experience. He said despite the cars being improperly allowed into the parade, no volunteers will be disciplined.

They were not authorized parade entries, he added. Again, on parade day, the parade relies completely on volunteers to do the very best that they can.

Wendy Hammarstrom, a local resident who was at the parade and saw the vehicles, decried the politicization of what is supposed to be a family friendly event.

On HoustonChronicle.com: South County Fourth of July parade back

The parade is supposed to be fun family event, supposedly non-partisan, but there are usually decent Republican and Democrat floats and marchers. The stickers on these vehicles are not only not family friendly, but offensive and down right nasty, in my opinion, to any age group, Hammarstrom said. Many of the stickers are incredibly racist as well. They also tried to say the vehicles were pulled from the parade. They were not; we saw them in the beginning and we took pictures after the parade completed its course and was ending.

Bunch said he was unaware of the vehicles during the parade and stressed he and other township officials were appalled by the presence of the obscene words and phrases.

The Woodlands Township does not condone profanity at any events whether or not they are produced by The Woodlands Township or a third party, Bunch added. The 4th of July Parade was produced by the South County 4th of July Committee which is a separate non-profit entity that has been producing the annual Parade for decades.

jeff.forward@chron.com
NEW YORK (AP)  Alina Clark is about as tired of her pandemic wardrobe as her comfort clothes are stretched and torn.

I have four sets of jeans, seven shirts and five sweaters that I wear every week, said Clark, co-founder of a software development company in Los Angeles. They're everything I've worn in the last two years. Me and my wardrobe are suffering from COVID fatigue."

A wardrobe purge is on for some as vaccinations have taken hold, restrictions have lifted, and offices reopen or finalize plans to do so. The primary beneficiaries: resale sites online and brick-and-mortar donation spots, continuing a trend that's been building for the last several years.

At the resale site Poshmark, orders are up for handbags and work-worthy dresses when compared to last year. The same goes for blazers, suit jackets and heels.

Projections show the trend growing stronger. The secondhand clothing business is expected to more than double, from $36 billion to $77 billion in 2025, according to a recent report commissioned by the secondhand marketplace ThredUP and the research firm GlobalData.

The growth is driven by an influx of new sellers putting high-quality clothing into the market, said James Reinhart, co-founder and CEO of ThredUP. He estimates that 9 billion clothing items that are hardly worn are sitting in shoppers closets.

Even before COVID, buying and selling secondhand clothing was popular, but the pandemic made the appetite for thrift even more appealing.

The post-pandemic shopper is more environmentally conscious and is showing a greater appetite for clothes that have good resale value, rather than disposable fast fashion, Reinhart said. People who haven't been able to wear most of the items in their closets for a year are more aware of waste and want to put their clothes back in circulation.

Theres a new mindset around clothing consumption, Reinhart said. Its not this buy, wear, throw out. There is this consciousness that happened during the pandemic where people were much more sensitive to this notion of waste.

Maia DiDomenico's mother introduced her to ThredUp during the pandemic. A recent college graduate who began a new job working with kids on the autism spectrum, the 23-year-old in Cranford, New Jersey, purged some Athleta sportswear on the site and received $557.60 in Athleta gift cards in exchange.

It cleans your closet out quickly, and you have the chance to donate unwanted clothes, she said.

For months, the 29-year-old Clark has had the urge to declutter her overflowing wardrobe, and she began piling up clothes for donation several weeks ago. But she'll be purchasing new clothes.

She's looking for some glitz and glamour as her Zoom life soon ends and physical get-togethers have begun.

Consumers are purging more than their worn-out pandemic wear.

At the luxury resale site TheRealReal, with more than 22 million members, the total value of pre-owned goods sold this year through May was about $239 million, up by 53 percent from the same period in 2019, according to a company report.

Some are taking the opportunity to reinvent their personal style, said Jessica Richards, a trend forecaster and fashion director for the Accessories Council, a nonprofit trade group.

We saw a lot of consumers abandon their mindless shopping habits and instead focus on investment dressing. Less of being sick of their pandemic wardrobes but more wondering why they might own as much or what is the breadth of their closet, she said. Its now about streamlining and zeroing in on what their desired personal style image should be.

Not everybody is looking to abandon their COVID style, however.

In Lynchburg, Virginia, 33-year-old Cameron Howe is ready to burn just about everything she has worn during the pandemic  except her impressive legging collection  as she transitions from a school career.

I bought 15 to 20 plus pairs of leggings, she said. In a few weeks, I'll start a new career as a project manager for a local nonprofit. I plan on wearing leggings to work. Thankfully, both my past and new employer are legging-friendly. I dont really want to wear real pants again. I developed an absolute love of leggings during the pandemic.

Among those benefiting from the pandemic reawakening in clothes are dry cleaners.

Tom Ryan, vice president of franchising for CD One Price Cleaners, with 34 locations in the Chicago area, said they've been seeing an upward turn in dry-cleaning customers after a plunge of 80 percent during the pandemic.

In March, we started making progress again given the vaccine distribution, he said. As more people go back to work, we're finally starting to see more people bringing their in-office clothes back for professional cleaning. Still, we expect post-pandemic attire and fashion trends to be different going forward with more people in the office less often.

Ryan expects business casual to be more the new normal  swapping out button-up shirts for more polo-style wear.

While piles of pandemic clothes are going to churches, donation boxes, and online thrift and resale sites, some people are keeping them in the family.

Samantina Zeon, like many, has gained weight during the pandemic. She has plenty of great clothes she can no longer fit into, so she plans to send the stylish ones to a cousin in Haiti in a 77-gallon blue barrel.

It's something many people that have families in different countries do. I have done it before to send food, said the 31-year-old Zeon, in Queens, New York. She plans on reselling them in her neighborhood for extra cash.

___

Associated Press retail writer Anne D'Innocenzio in New York contributed to this report.
Prior to being elected governor of Texas, Greg Abbott served as the states attorney general for 12 years. Before that, he was a member of the Texas Supreme Court  a position to which he was appointed by then-Gov. George W. Bush in 1995.

So the governor has certainly heard of the separation of powers, and understands why the Texas Constitution, like the Constitution of the United States, is predicated on that principle. Perhaps he simply doesnt like the idea.

Thats an unavoidable takeaway from Abbotts recent decision to veto funding for the entire legislative branch of state government  an unprecedented move and one that should alarm Abbotts critics and supporters alike.

The veto was inspired by the events of the final day of this years legislative session, May 31. Outraged by the efforts of Republicans to impose severe voting restrictions, Democrats staged a walkout that evening to deny the quorum needed to pass Senate Bill 7. The so-called election integrity measure was controversial even before Republicans made substantial changes to its text in the final days of the session.

The move effectively scuttled everything left on the calendar, including a bail reform measure that Abbott had also described as a priority.

I will veto Article 10 of the budget passed by the legislature, Abbott tweeted that night, explaining: Article 10 funds the legislative branch.

No pay for those who abandon their responsibilities, he continued.

The governor was similarly pointed on June 18, when he followed through on his threat, signing the state budget for the next two years after vetoing the legislative branch funds appropriated under Article 10.

Texans dont run from a legislative fight, and they dont walk away from unfinished business, Abbott said, using the language of a Western gunslinger. Funding should not be provided to those who quit their jobs early, leaving their state with unfinished business and exposing taxpayers to higher costs for an additional legislative session.

These statements left little doubt whom Abbott was targeting, or attempting to target. As a number of legislators were quick to note, though, the Texas Constitution explicitly provides for their salaries  a measly $600 a month, in keeping with our historic tradition of limited government  in a clause that the governor cant simply override.

Once that was pointed out, Abbotts explanation for his veto altered slightly.

The Constitution protects the legislative branch, & as the Democrats well know, their positions, their powers & their salaries are protected by the Constitution, said Abbotts press secretary, Renae Eze, in a statement after Democratic legislators filed a lawsuit opposing the veto. They can continue to legislate despite the veto.

The governor may be frustrated, but his response is more than disconcerting.

The Democratic legislators who broke quorum werent abandoning their responsibilities, per se. They, along with their Republican colleagues, are members of a co-equal branch of state government, not the governors interns or his steno pool.

And breaking quorum is a legitimate though contentious tactic  used in this case, as noted, after Republican negotiators from the House and Senate made last-minute changes to the bill, some of which havent held up to scrutiny. These included a proposal to limit early-voting hours on Sundays, a move that was widely seen as targeting the Sunday tradition of Souls to the Polls for African American voters. A Republican legislator later claimed the proposal to prohibit early voting before 1 p.m. (instead of 11 a.m.) on Sundays was a typo.

More to the point is that under the Texas Constitution, the governor has certain powers that help him strong-arm the Legislature. He can, for example, call as many special sessions as he wants. Whats extremely debatable is whether he can use funding for an entire branch of state government as a cudgel in order to smash through the constitutional limits on his authority.

Democrats argued in their lawsuit that the veto is unconstitutional and grants the executive branch unconstitutional coercive authority over the legislative branch. If the veto is allowed to stand, they said, it would effectively result in the abolition of the Legislature on September 1, 2021.

To that point, Abbott has effectively engineered a hostage crisis, affecting more than two thousand men and women who work as staffers for legislators of both parties. These state employees  ranging from policy experts and analysts at the Legislative Budget Board to support staff at the Capitol complex  face an uncertain future come September if the situation isnt resolved.

And even if you cant sympathize with the plight of those public servants, theres a principle at stake here, as two former Texas House speakers  Republican Joe Straus and Democrat Pete Laney  as well as former Republican Lt. Gov. Bill Ratliff point out in an amicus brief opposing Abbotts veto.

The former legislative leaders describe the move as an attempt to intimidate members of the Legislature and circumvent democracy.

This action should be rebuked by people of all political persuasions, they continue.

State Rep. Lyle Larson, a New Braunfels Republican, has also spoken out against Abbotts veto.

The separation of powers is clearly stated in the constitution, he said over the weekend, positing that if a Democratic governor had pulled such a stunt, every Republican in the Legislature would take issue with its constitutionality.

Larson is right about that, and its a shame that hes the only current member of the House GOP caucus standing up for his staffers and constituents, as well as the branch of government in which he serves.

Other Republican legislators may be hoping this will all blow over. Abbott has called a special session to begin Thursday, raising the prospect that if lawmakers swiftly pass an election integrity bill, the governor will allow them a chance to restore Article X funding before the end of the current two-year budget next month. Failing that, the Texas Supreme Court may rule that his veto was unconstitutional in the first place.

But regardless, what weve seen from the governor over the past few weeks is alarming.

Legislators obviously displeased the governor, when they failed to do his bidding. But while that may not be their job, it certainly is their right to do so  without the threat of him withholding pay from dedicated state workers.

erica.grieder@chron.com
A Houston police officer fatally shot a man during a struggle inside a southeast Houston apartment complex, according to HPD Chief Troy Finner.

The deceased man was only identified as a suspect in his 30s. The two officers involved did not suffer major injuries.

The officers originally responded to a report of a disturbance at 6:23 p.m. at the Villa Paree Apartments at 7525 Park Place Blvd. At the complex, the officers took a statement from the caller who said she had been assaulted.

The officers went inside a unit and tried to detain the suspect, Finner said. The suspect began struggling with the officers while another man, only identified as the suspect's relative, joined in the scuffle, he said.

At some point, the suspect tried to take an officers weapon despite repeated commands to stop, Finner said. Thats when one officer fatally shot the suspect.

The suspects relative fled but was later apprehended. He was taken from the scene in handcuffs.

Finner said he did not know the relationship between the two men. He also did not know the exact relationship between the woman and the original suspect.

"If you call because you've been assaulted, that doesn't mean you don't love your relative," Finner said. "But it's ended tragically and I'm sure she's shaken as well."

The Harris County District Attorneys Office and the HPD Internal Affairs Division are investigating the shooting, the second involving Houston police in as many days.

On Monday, Michael Zachary Howard-Dale was accused of shooting a senior Houston police officer in the arm and abdomen during a disturbance call at a Kingwood apartment complex. Howard-Dale was charged Tuesday with aggravated assault of a public servant. The officer, whose vest protected his abdomen, is expected to recover.

Anna Bauman contributed to this report.

julian.gill@chron.com
Houston Police Department

A man was shot and killed Wednesday in northeast Houston, police said.

Officers responded to a shooting on the 3200 block of Wayne Street in Greater Fifth Ward where they found a man dead, according to the Houston Police Department. The suspect surrendered.
Texas soon will receive another $4.1 billion in federal stimulus money to address the post-pandemic needs of public school students, many of whom fell behind academically during months of remote learning.

The funding comes come as the U.S. Department of Education announced Wednesday that it has approved Texas plans for spending $12.4 billion allocated to the state. The states plan was among the first proposals to receive approval from the federal government. While some of the money will be spent on improving academics, the funding also aims to address student inequities that were worsened by the pandemic, as well as kids social and emotional needs.

The Texas Education Agencys plan calls for mitigating learning loss as a top priority. The agency estimates students in the state lost an average of 5.7 months of learning last school year. Meeting student and staff mental health needs, expanded tutoring, high-quality instructional materials and job-embedded learning are included in the plan.

The approval of these plans enables states to receive vital, additional American Rescue Plan funds to quickly and safely reopen schools for full-time, in-person learning; meet students academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs; and address disparities in access to educational opportunity that were exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a news release.

The DOE distributed $81 billion nationally earlier this year, which accounted for two-thirds of the American Rescue Plans emergency relief funding for K-12 schools. The remaining funding will be distributed to states as their plans are approved. Texas received $8.3 billion in late March.

Most Houston-area districts have not yet finalized their respective plans for using the funds. The deadline to submit those to the TEA is July 27.

School districts and charter schools that received Title 1 grants  federal funding for schools in which more than 40 percent of students come from low-income families  during the last school year are eligible for the American Rescue Plan funding. The amount TEA allocates to each district is calculated based on how much Title 1 funding was distributed to the school system.

Houston ISD is set to receive another $268 million, bringing its total allocation from the federal funding to $804 million.

Millard House II, HISDs new superintendent, said the districts yet-to be approved plan is "about support."

While there is a minimum percentage that must be focused on learning, House said the district officials "expect to go beyond that 20 percent to ensure that our kids get what they need."

The district previously said it would extend the coming school year by 15 days. A spokesman for the school system said it still formulating plans that will mitigate students lost time and improve educational performance.

In Spring Branch ISD, Terry Abbott, executive director of communications for the school system, said the district plans to use the $86 million it was given for summer learning and enrichment programs, as well as an extended school day and year.

The school district must use the federal money to address the academic impact of lost instructional time due to the pandemic, he said.

The districts money also will be budgeted for comprehensive after-school programming, added classroom support, specialized instructional coaching for teachers and instructional materials.

Katy ISD has proposed to use some of its $67 million in federal funds to hire more teachers to reduce class sizes.

All posted job listings will indicate that the positions are funded for a 3-year period, but as a fast-growth school district, it is anticipated that we will be able to absorb a majority of the positions through growth and attrition by the end of the grant period, said Christine Caskey, chief academics officer of the district, at a recent board meeting.

Investing in mental health and counseling, increasing parental engagement, providing transportation to tutoring sessions and specialized programs for specific student populations also have been suggested by Katy ISD administrators. The districts plan has not yet been approved by TEA.

Aldine ISD is set to get a total of $235 million in federal relief funding. Sheleah Reed, chief communications officer for the district, said the money will be used to support students with social and emotional tools, as well as to extend school days and add Saturday school for more classroom time in certain subject areas.

We are also using resources to support facility improvements and continued technology costs, Reed said.

alejandro.serrano@chron.com

hannah.dellinger@chron.com
Houston ISDs new superintendent, Millard House II, said Wednesday that instruction will be entirely on campus this fall for the states largest school district as it emerges from the coronavirus pandemic.

Houses remarks at Sugar Grove Academy, his first since starting as HISDs superintendent last week, offered a glimpse into his vision for the district for his first 90 days. In addition to aiming for 100 percent in-person learning, he said he plans to reengage students and begin addressing inequities that he says are crucial to students success.

As your new superintendent, my job is to ensure the students and staff have a fair shot at success by leveraging resources to mitigate disruptions in learning, he said. That means we must recognize where we have fallen short and forge new paths from the beginning to the end.

House steps into the job as the district faces a number of challenges. Districts across Texas have to submit plans for hundreds of millions of dollars that they will receive in federal stimulus money. Newly released standardized test result data showed students fell further behind. Meanwhile, other students stopped attending classes altogether.

He did not specify the districts plan for use of federal money, but said he hopes to share the plan in the following weeks.

To allay concerns about the spread of COVID-19, House pointed to scientific studies about community transmission in classrooms, a decrease in the number of confirmed cases in the district and the countys current 4.3 percent positivity rate. He noted there is a vaccine trial underway with elementary-age students and said he did not think schools should require vaccinations.

As the father of a 10- and 16 year old, he said, he understood parents anxious feelings. More than half of HISDs 197,000 students remained in online classes through February.

Our environment is safe and we want to educate, House said. As vaccinations continue to increase throughout Harris County and the country, we are confident that a full return to in-person learning  again, a full return to in-person learning  this coming school year will be completely safe for our staff, students and teachers.

He plans to hold community forums over the next couple of months and welcomed input from all, especially individuals who have not always had a seat at the table, he said.

While recently released standardized test results showed the pandemics detrimental impact on students learning, House said the data also presents an opportunity to examine plans currently in place and how best to address academic losses.

He called previously announced plans for adding 15 days to the school year a first step that will offer students time to catch up, but said it was not a means to an end.

My mission as superintendent is to maintain and grow a rigorous teaching and learning environment that provides every student with a sense of belonging or helping students grow intellectually, emotionally and socially, he said. This is not a small task, as you all know, but it is vital  I mean vital  that we do it and we execute it in the manner that we plan to do so.

Houses visit to the southwest Houston middle school began with a tour in which he met students, teachers and staff.

He listened in while a circle of youngsters read No Promises in the Wind out loud and as a teacher taught how different kinds of processes influenced the growth of representative government.

He flashed smiles, spied on the papers on students desks and paused for photographs.

At a school garden outside, standing between an empty bed of soil and a bed with tomatoes, bell pepper and ghost pepper plants, House asked a handful of students, hoes in hand, to tell him their names.

He repeated the name of each student after they introduced themselves and returned the greeting.

Im Millard House, he told them. Im your superintendent. Its a pleasure to meet you.

alejandro.serrano@chron.com
Immigration hearings that have been at a standstill for 16 months finally kicked into gear Tuesday at courts in Houston and across the country.

Some who have waited years for a resolution will present their cases in an altered landscape.

One Houston applicant must explain to a judge why she still needs asylum now that her abuser back home died. A severely disabled 11-year-old U.S. citizen whose parents who were applying for residency is now, a decade later, sponsoring her parents in a separate case. A third case hinges on whether a victim of a drug dealer and a corrupt cop has a stronger asylum case under the Biden administrations new asylum regulations.

As hearings resume for nondetained immigrants, Texas has the biggest logjam in the country with 213,000 immigration cases. Houston judges are chipping away at a 80,000-case backlog amid pandemic safety precautions that limit how many people can be on the docket and in the room at any one time.

Houston now has four court facilities (twice what it had in 2019) and 33 judges (roughly three times what it had before the pandemic).

Hearings that began this week sparked a range of emotions for those now facing a court date.

Elizabeth Mendoza, a veteran Houston immigration attorney who serves as the local liaison to immigration courts for the American Immigration Lawyers Association, sees upcoming hearings as a mixed bag for clients.

On one hand, for certain clients, its a relief, but theres also a lot of hesitation about how safe it is to return to court and protect people from COVID exposure, Mendoza said. Theres also concern about how new ICE policies will be enforced and new prosecution guidelines  its a very fluid situation.

Mendoza is among many lawyers navigating complex proceedings for people awaiting a resolution of their status amid a shifting political landscape in the U.S. and their home countries.

The court backlog has hurt individuals with straightforward adjustment of status cases, who could have obtained permanent residency years ago, and might have already become eligible for naturalization to U.S. citizenship if they hadnt been waiting for seven, eight or more years to become permanent residents, said Magali Suarez Candler, a Houston immigration lawyer.

The backlog has hurt some individuals with pending cancellation of removal cases whose U.S. citizen children aged out as qualifying relatives (required to win their cases), and may have hurt some individuals with asylum claims, whose cases were made weaker by changes made overnight to the case law during the last administration, or by the passage of time.

The extra time in some cases meant some clients could seek new relief from removal based on marriages or births. Others, Candler said, could benefit from new asylum policies due to the delay.

A growing backlog

Before Trumps presidency 500,000 cases were backed up in immigration court. Judges now face a national backlog of 1.3 million cases. Austin C. Kocher, a professor and immigration researcher who has studied the federal courts through the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University said ICE officials ramped up deportation filings at Trumps direction and hired more judges for expediency.

The Trump administration had a very clear agenda, he said, They wanted to increase the number of deportations.

ICE officials created hundreds of thousands of deportation cases in the last two years alone, Kocher said, and continued to file more cases during the pandemic.

The Executive Office for Immigration Review and the Department of Justice did not respond to a request for comment.

But Kocher suggests that tackling the massive number of cases generated during the Trump era should not be simply a numbers game.

It is vital that courts maintain due process, he said. The big increase in immigration judges hired during the Trump administration is not sufficient to ease the pressure.

If the public and elected officials and government officials have an interest in ensuring that the immigration courts are producing fair and equitable outcomes, we cannot be only concerned with how fast cases are moving or how many judges are in court, but must also actually ask, Are we improving the quality of justice in the immigration courts? Kocher said.

Many of the judges hired during the Trump administration were given a two- or three-week crash course and put on the bench. Thats not quality justice.

The National Association of Immigration Judges welcomes the new hires but has told Congress the problem cant be solved by simply hiring more people to occupy the bench. Rather the volunteer group believes judges need training and resources, and more autonomy and control over their docket.

A tremendous amount of hiring was done under the Trump administration, said Judge Amiena Khan, president of the association. The process was faster than years before and they increased the number of judges, but an failure of the prior administration that we hope will be corrected were not hired with adequate resources such as the needed staff and support personnel.

Anticipation and anxiety

Khan, the immigration judge who heads the National Association of Immigration Judges, said many people awaiting their day in court experience both anticipation and anxiety.

When scheduled hearings are delayed it complicates cases, she said. Among the fallout: conditions in home countries change, evidence becomes stale, witnesses fall off the map and relatives face increased peril. And all of this is exacerbated by impacts and effects of COVID at home and abroad.

Khan recognizes that Homeland Security is reevaluating its priorities so there arent so many cases piling up. She said there must be more discretion in terms of which cases are prosecuted.

NAIJ welcomes novel and creative approaches to address the backlog: you need inter-agency cooperation and you need to have input from the front line immigration judges, the judge said.

Some busy urban regions are seeing cases scheduled for 2023, Khan said. And then theres New Orleans, where judges are setting immigration proceedings for 2025.

gabrielle.banks@chron.com
Not so long ago, in a Texas statehouse not so far away, Republicans and Democrats could stand to be in the same room together. They used words such as common ground and bipartisan. Among their leaders at various points were a West Texas cotton farmer known for his nasal, consensus-building refrain, the will of the House, and an East Texas engineer nicknamed Obi-Wan Kenobi for the integrity and problem-solving prowess he demonstrated time and again in the Texas Senate.

Weve often wondered what would happen if these old masters were transplanted into the current galaxy of partisan warfare where the dark side reigns supreme in the form of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a former TV shock jock, and Gov. Greg Abbott, a former sensible human being who sold his soul to a Republican primary focus group long ago.

Recently, we got as close as well ever get to seeing how respected former Texas leaders would get along in this decidedly un-brave new world of Texas legislating.

Answer: they wouldnt. There was not a hint of going along to get along in a friend-of-the-court brief penned by the old Jedi himself, former Republican Lt. Gov. Bill Ratliff, Republican House Speaker Joe Straus and Democrat House Speaker Pete Laney, the ex-cotton farmer. All wrote to condemn the governors latest scorched-earth act of political vindictiveness: vetoing the Texas Legislatures budget, including salaries for the roughly 2,100 staff members who write and research legislation and perform myriad other tasks to keep state government going.

The governors veto is a threat to Texas system of government, the three wrote to the all-Republican Texas Supreme Court in a case brought by Democratic lawmakers, accusing the governor of violating the Texas Constitution in his veto of the Legislatures entire operating budget. The Governor has used his veto power to render inoperable a co-equal branch of government.

The rebels urged the court to protect the balance of power and defend the constitutional order that has governed in Texas for almost two centuries.

Weve often accused Abbott of attempting to crown himself king with his efforts to micromanage the affairs of local governments, but this time, Abbotts executive overreach has gone farther than ever before, with an apparent attempt to co-opt and practically extort another branch of government until it does what he wants.

Wed condemn this tactic even if it were done in the name of a noble cause, such as, say, demanding decent treatment of Texas foster children or even Texas dogs. The last group, incidentally, was left out in the cold (and 100-degree heat) when Abbott vetoed a popular bipartisan bill to protect them from abuse.

But no. Abbotts cause isnt worthy. It isnt life or death. It isnt even substantiated by common sense or basic math.

Abbott seeks the passage of yet another bill to make voting in Texas harder, particularly for people of color and those with disabilities, even though we already have the most restrictive voting laws in the country.

Abbott promised to retaliate when House Democrats staged a walk-out in the waning days of the session that ended in May, thereby denying a quorum and killing Senate Bill 7, the omnibus voting bill. Democrats claimed they had no choice after last-minute, back-room dealing dramatically changed a bill they had spent long hours working with Republicans to amend in an overnight debate on the House floor.

What makes Abbotts ploy so disingenuous is that the group he claimed to be targeting with the veto  the House Democratic lawmakers who walked out  wont be personally affected since their salaries are protected by the constitution. In fact, while he claims he acted because the Legislature failed to do its job, its not the legislators of either party wholl pay.

The salaries on the chopping block belong to rank-and-file legislative staff  Republican and Democrat  whose median salary is $52,000, according to the Texas Tribune, citing state comptroller numbers.

Weve asked before how low the governor would go to appease his political base. Now we know: veritable economic hostage-taking.

Even House Speaker Dade Phelan, a Republican, expressed worry with Abbotts scheme: My concern is how it impacts staff, especially those who live here in Austin, which is not an inexpensive place to live and raise your family and children, Phelan said.

Abbott is holding the staff salaries over the heads of all lawmakers to force Democrats specifically to show up for the special session planned to begin Thursday, and to make sure they stay until a voting bill is passed that will signal to Trump loyalists that voter integrity has been protected in Texas  even though theres no evidence voter fraud is a problem in the Lone Star State.

And most Texans know that.

In a June poll by the University of Texas and Texas Tribune, only 19 percent of voters indicated that they thought ineligible people were frequently casting ballots. Even among Republicans, believers in the myth of widespread voter fraud made up only 31 percent.

There are plenty of worthy legislative items that Abbott could add to the call when he finally announces it on Wednesday, including a bill he vetoed to educate Texas middle- and high-schoolers about sexual abuse.

But Texans neednt wait with bated breath for Abbott to reveal his agenda. We already know it. And it has nothing to do with common ground, or bipartisanship, or the greatest good for the most Texans, or all those silly things real Texas leaders fretted about not so long ago.
Alamo history

Regarding History museum was right to cancel cancel culture, (July 3); I find it both sad and regrettable that we have in our state both elected officials such as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and individuals such as Patti Miller, whose letter was published in Fridays Chronicle, who are either afraid or unwilling to face the truth about the history of our state of which we are so proud for the most part. The very obvious and provable role that slavery played in our history is nothing to be denied or of which we can be proud. To censor discussion of a book which exposes this shameful element of our history as well as a more truthful depiction of the battle at the Alamo is beyond disgusting.

I say the above as a great-great-grandson of a slave-owning man who came to Texas while it was still a part of Mexico and whose great-grandfather was the first representative of his county to the Republic of Texas.

Jay Hollenburger, Houston

Many years ago, as a student of Houston ISD, I was taught every year about the heroes of the Alamo. Unfortunately, not one of my teachers connected this battle for freedom as a stepping stone for the legalization of slavery in Texas. It is important for people to be informed of other views, not just the pro-business, conservative-driven, single-race perspective that is overwhelmingly present in the Texas education system. Forget the Alamo should be explored, not censured.

James Waters, Houston

The Texas Revolution was fought over the fact that the dictator Santa Anna abolished the Constitution of 1824, abolishing the rights of free people in the federal republics that had established states, territories and a federal district in Mexico City, denying its citizens democratic rights and establishing himself as a military dictator. If the revolution in Texas was fought over slavery, then why did the people of Zacatecas, Mexico revolt? They, like the Texians and Tejanos, revolted against the dictator Santa Anna because he had denied them their rights as free citizens. As a result of the Zacatecas revolt in 1835, the people of that town were ruthlessly crushed and he allowed his troops two days to pillage the town. In fact, Santa Anna wanted to crush Lorenzo de Zavala who was imprisoned twice for his political beliefs advocating for democratic reforms. When De Zavala observed Santa Annas power grab, he opposed his efforts and fled to Texas where he played an instrumental role in the fight for Texas independence serving on the Consultation of 1835 and 1836, signing the Texas Declaration of Independence and serving as the first vice president of the Republic of Texas. The grievances elaborated in the Texas Declaration of Independence echo the rights of free people to be free of a dictatorship.

Few of the Alamo Defenders owned slaves. My family that fought to the death were yeoman farmers and ranchers. That is, they worked their own land and were the embodiment of honest, virtuous, hardworking and independent people that did not want to live under tyrannical rule. I am offended that the blood of heroes is being denigrated by those who have the freedom to criticize those who fought to the death to ensure their rights to free speech. That does not give them the right to tear down monuments, statues, documents and heroes who have given us the right to live in the greatest country in the history of the world. If the United States is such a racist evil country, then why are people from all over the world knocking down the doors to get here?

Amy Jo Baker, Alamo Couriers Chapter, Daughters of the Republic of Texas Past President and Education Chair

Texas was attractive to cotton farmers. Cotton farmers used slaves. Mexico did not agree in the trading of slaves  ergo, the problem. Rich, cheap land and a port were a natural for cotton and at the time, cotton required slaves. Patrick has one more time demonstrated the paucity of leadership and narrow-mindedness in Austin. He needs to realize that when leaders speak, people listen  no matter the veracity of the content. Patrick is a blemish on Texas.

Mark Niles, Houston

I have to now express what I have learned in my many years of being a third-generation native Houstonion.

The people that gained independence from Britain were not my people, they were white people, so the Constitution was written for them by them. We are now included in these laws, but with conditions. Do we address our white brethren as British American, German American, etc.? Then why are we categorized as Mexican American when American would suffice? Which history are we taught in schools?

I have had my share of racist remarks thrown at me but classify them as ignorance. If history is correct we were the first here before the British exodus and our entrance did not require crossing an ocean on ships.

Marie Perez, Houston

There is the John Wayne Alamo mythology, there is the Texan view of fighting for freedom and then there is the methodical research into original letters and documents of the era. We should never be afraid to learn more even it it explodes our myth. We should always seek the best knowledge available. I used to be a history docent and would always preface my tours saying, This is history as we know it today. But we know that history changes with new discoveries. Now I have to order the book to see what scares the politicians and others.

Mary T. McGuire, Houston

Declaration of Independence

Regarding What will it take to unite Americans this Fourth of July? (July 4): We were very disappointed when we opened the Chronicle on the Fourth of July to find that that the Declaration of Independence was not included this year. Every July 4 our family reads the document out loud. There is something about opening the newspaper and reading it, word for word, for all to hear. Instead we saw a headline U.S. still aspiring toward all men are created equal and What will it take to unite Americans this holiday? We did not need this negativity. Its a day to celebrate the greatness and goodness of the United States.

Patti Harper, The Woodlands
WASHINGTON  Some Texas Republicans are pushing back against President Joe Bidens push for greater outreach to get more Americans to receive COVID-19 shots, as vaccination drives in states like Texas have stagnated.

Not on my watch! Attorney General Ken Paxton tweeted in response to the presidents comments on Tuesday that we need to go community-by-community, neighborhood-by-neighborhood, and oft times door-to-door, literally knocking on doors.

U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, a San Antonio Republican, on Wednesday directed a tweet at Biden with a play on the Come and Take It flag that shows an image of a syringe with the words Come Inject It. In a separate tweet, the congressman said he thought a door-to-door push would be unconstitutional, as such an approach was only really contemplated in Constitution for the census.

Don't knock on my door to ask about vaccines...or anything else, U.S. Rep. Pat Fallon, a Sherman Republican, tweeted. He said there are BIG red flags anytime the federal government is going door to door.

BACKGROUND: White House envoys come to Texas to address lagging vaccine rate

The resistance came as Biden on Tuesday gave a speech urging more Americans to get vaccinated, even as his administration has resisted calls from some health officials to push states and employers to require vaccinations. More than 99 percent of those dying from COVID-19 are unvaccinated, federal officials say.

Do it now for yourself and the people you care about, for your neighborhood, for your country, Biden said. It sounds corny, but its a patriotic thing to do.

Health experts have said that because of its size, Texas is a big reason for the nations slowing progress on vaccinations, even as providers in the state have administered nearly 26 million doses.

With more than 50 percent of Texans eligible for the shot  those age 12 and older  fully vaccinated, Texas trails other populous states, including Florida, New York and California. Health officials are making a concerted effort to get more residents  especially younger Texans and those in rural parts of the state  to get shots as the more contagious Delta variant spreads.

But Texas isnt alone. The national vaccination campaign has slowed significantly in recent weeks, with those most eager and willing to get shots  especially older Americans and those more at risk  having largely been vaccinated. As of Tuesday, providers were administering about 0.87 million doses per day on average, a 74 percent decrease from the peak of 3.38 million doses reported on April 13, according to the New York Times.

Data indicates that a partisan divide on who is willing to get shots has emerged as a major hurdle.

A recent Quinnipiac University poll found that nearly half of Texas Republican voters say they do not plan to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. A Harvard University analysis of vaccination rates by congressional district shows Texas Republicans represent the 14 districts in the state with the lowest rates.

Roys Central Texas district bucks the trend, however. It has among the highest vaccination rates in the state, with nearly 49 percent of its residents fully vaccinated.

Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, a Republican from The Woodlands whose district has among the lowest rates in the state at just under 40 percent, accused Biden of fearmongering during the presidential campaign when he questioned that a vaccine could safely be rolled out before Election Day.

Biden in September said he trusted vaccines and science, but not then-President Donald Trump, who had vowed to get a vaccine out by the Nov. 3 election.

The president is running into a bit of a wall that he and Vice President Harris helped create, Brady said. Right now what we hear is that people dont trust the safety of this vaccine  The burden is on them to make sure people understand these vaccines are safe.

Still, Brady said he will continue to support and urge the White House to make progress on these vaccinations.

I dont think we should give up until weve continued to drive these vaccination rates up higher, because it certainly, to a layman, is clear that the cases were seeing and the illnesses were seeing are coming from unvaccinated Americans, he said.

Some medical experts have said Republican officeholders should be doing more to encourage constituents to get vaccinated. More than 52,000 people in Texas have died of the virus.

Unfortunately, we're not seeing a lot of leadership among the governors in the southern states to emphasize the importance of getting vaccinated, Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, told the Chronicle in June. All you're hearing about is legislation to halt vaccine passports and vaccine mandates, when we really should be emphasizing how critically important it is for everybody to get vaccinated.

ben.wermund@chron.com
Houston, MO (65483)

Today

Partly cloudy skies during the morning hours will become overcast in the afternoon. High near 90F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms. Low near 70F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Houston, MO (65483)

Today

Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. High near 90F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. Low around 70F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Chicago, IL (60637)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 76F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Showers early, becoming a steady rain late. Low 66F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.
Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print.

Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition.

If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create.
How The Kid LAROI went viral on TikTok (twice) [Case Study]

In this case study of viral success, Amber Horsburgh explores how 17-year-old Australian rapper, The Kid LAROI was able to achieve TikTok virality twice.

Guest post from Amber Horsburgh

Watch the full case study on how 17-year-old Australian rapper, The Kid LAROI went viral on TikTok twice.

The Kid LAROI has benefited from TikTok virality and many artists want to replicate his success.

Does that mean opening a TikTok account and posting? Probably not.

As a new artist, is there a way to purposefully orchestrate vitality?

Australian-born, 17-year-old The Kid LAROI is one of the fastest-rising music stars in the world right now.

In the past four months alone, he has:

Released collaborations with Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber.

Hit the top 10 in charts in more than a dozen countries.

Signed an enormous worldwide deal with Sony Publishing.

And performed on Saturday Night Live.

In this post, Ill walk you through how The Kid LAROI set himself up for internet virality twice using TikTok to grow his audience. And what emerging artists can apply to speed up their own growth.

Virality comes from doing the work. It can never be a priority.

Virality cant be your goal. You just need to do the work and with luck and timing, you might strike it lucky.

The Kid LAROI got on TikTok after being urged by friends and blew up when he posted a verse from an unreleased song name-checking TikToks second most followed creator, Addison Rae. She posted herself and her mother reacting to the video, which racked up 10 million views, which encouraged user-generated content of the song. As a result, the original video hit 14 million views.

Whether or not he thought he was being strategic, LAROI still looked up Addison Rae, found her, made the verse, and planted the seed with her. Did he make it a priority to go viral when he wrote the song? I doubt it. But, he was still strategic to put the song in places it could reach a much bigger audience by leveraging the influencer.

2. Success on any platform means speaking the language of the platform.

LAROIs TikTok success wouldnt have come without knowing the language of the platform.

Social platforms are closed ecosystems where most of the action is contained within the platform. So, your ability to make a ton of noise happens when you can identify sparks, jump on trends and make your content blow up. In order to do this, you need to be tapped into the language of the platform.

He joins fans in creating meme content for his songs. Fueling the fire of engagement and racking up millions of views. Since releasing Addison Rae she has been featured on his page twice.

3. Focus on the bigger picture.

Virality for The Kid LAROI came from tapping into internet culture, making music, and luck. Hes spent the last couple of months creating and collaborating with Marshmello, MGK, Bieber, and more. Striking gold a second time when Miley Cyrus hopped on the remix to Without You. Also active on TikTok she created her own meme to tease the release of the remix.

Stack your deck to increase your chances.

If youre an artist who is wanting to replicate this success it is very important to know and understand that:

Virality is an outcome, but it should not be a plan and never a goal.

Be native the platform. Use what makes sense for you and pour gas when you see a spark.

Viral content is a small part of a marketing plan, but you should have a larger career goal. For LAROI, it was creating albums and collaborating with other musicians.

And while traces of a content plan are not visible from the audiences perspective no doubt there is one in play here, and it is vital you have one too.

If you want to go deeper, watch the full video on how The Kid LAROI went viral twice on TikTok.

For weekly marketing insights from the music business, get on the Deep Cuts newsletter

Share on:
Fahri Karakaya, owner of Pera Mediterranean Bistro in Williamstown, pours a drink at the Spring Street cafe. Karakaya, like many restaurateurs, had to close up in the initial days of the pandemic and a year later is trying to return to normal.

Berkshire Business: Hospitality Took a Hit During COVID-19

iBerkshires is taking a look at business and employment as the Berkshires emerges from the pandemic through a series of articles. Business owners and community leaders were interviewed over the past couple months about jobs, challenges and chances for recovery.



Help wanted signs have been ubiquitous around the county for both small and large food service concerns. PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Businesses throughout the county have felt different degrees of pressure over the past year as the novel coronavirus continued to tighten its grip. While some industries focused on adaptation, others were focused on survival.

In the food and service industry, this grip felt more like strangulation.

"I've been doing this for 17 years now, I've been in food for 17 years," Luke Marion, owner of Otto's Kitchen and Comfort said. "Yeah. And that's like almost a bragging point for people in food service or like pirates. You know, whatever comes our way we just deal with job, you deal with all the mud and the shit that gets flung at you.

"And if it's bad this year, whatever. I got no choice but to keep on cooking and keep on serving."

Initially, many businesses were forced to close outright when the pandemic picked up steam in Massachusetts in March 2020.

Eventually, some establishments were able to reopen in different capacities, trying to abide by changing regulations and protocols. Many of these regulations have been dropped or demoted to suggestions as vaccine rates rose and the state began to return to normal during the spring.

According to the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, it's estimated that 20 percent of restaurants did not survive 2020. Those who have braved the storm are now focused on recovery now that they can open their doors a little wider.

The case is no different in Berkshire County.

"We all are aware that COVID negatively impacted specific industries more than others," said Marcus Coleman, a financial advisor at Raymond James & Associates Inc. in Pittsfield. "One sector that was affected the hardest due to COVID was the service industry. With the Berkshires being a summer vacation destination, many restaurants, resorts, hotels, and inns struggled financially in 2020 without their traditional summer season."

Restaurant owners and other members of the service industry confirm this without hesitation.

"I don't know where it is going to end," Fahri Karakaya, owner of Pera Mediterranean Bistro in Williamstown, said when interviewed in May. "Hopefully it is going to end soon."

Karakaya said before the pandemic he had 18 to 20 employees. With the pandemic, they were forced to downsize to about six employees

In May, this number was increased to about nine. Only three of these employees were full time, which created new challenges for Karakaya who has struggled to staff his bistro.

"Because we were short on staff, we closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and we want to open the restaurant -- we want to go back to normal hours, which is seven days a week, lunch and dinner. But we cannot do that because of the shortened staff," he said. "Until we hire more people, we're going to be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. I'm hoping that by the end of May, we are going to hire more people, and then we'll go back to our normal operating hours."

Last month, Pera was able to open six days a week but other venues continue to struggle to fill empty jobs.

Karen Gosselin, the owner of Spring Street Market and Cafe in Williamstown, had faced similar staffing challenges. Like Karakaya, she was forced to close in March 2020 and although the cafe was able to open back up a few months, the hours had to change.

"Instead of being open until 5 p.m., we started closing at 3. Luckily, most of our people came back, and we went from there," she said. "The summer of 2020, we closed at 3 every day instead of 5. It was definitely difficult, really hard."

Even national chains like Wendy's felt impacts from the pandemic and the decreased workforce. The Pittsfield location was forced to close its dining room and only operate the drive-through.

Adaptation has been important over the past year and many restaurants operated purely on takeout and delivery with investments in online ordering systems. Marion said this was new to Otto's but something they had to do in order to continue business in some way.

"You can say we're relatively new to online ordering. You know, we started implementing a system in December, before pandemic, so December 2019," he said. "We saw the business decline. We said, 'alright, so we got online ordering going'. And so that's a dance we've been playing for over a year is 'all right, now we need to balance our in-house business with the phone and online.' "

Others saw this same opportunity and in North Adams, the Italian restaurant Grazie offered family-style meals for takeout that allowed different portion options. Freight Yard Pub overhauled its website to streamline online orders.

The Freight Yard Pub owners went as far as to open up a new business, the Craft Food Barn, that purely focuses on takeout.

COVID-19 not only affected restaurants directly but also the services connected to them

Gosselin said everything has changed and even simple things like purchasing plastic gloves have become a bigger expense. The plastic gloves she used to purchase have increased in price from $39 to $106

"You're paying more," she said. "Everything has to be in to-go containers, which are expensive, you're paying three times as much for gloves, and the cleaning supplies, which I always used a lot of anyway, all those chemicals cost more."

Karakaya aired similar concerns. He said food prices are trampolining through the roof.

"The guy was just here [delivering food]," he said. "Chicken and steak and produce is skyrocketing. Chicken is like $85 a case, and it used to be $50. Steak is crazy. And seafood is crazy. And produce. It's the same issue. They cannot find the people to trim the meat or trim the meat or trim the chicken. There's a supply problem. They cannot find enough people to produce more stuff."

Throughout May and June, restaurateurs complained of missed or shorted deliveries and climbing prices.

Karakaya said he, unfortunately, had to increase his prices.

Gosselin said this is also something she has to consider.

"And I haven't raised my prices. In June, it will be seven years we've been open, and the prices we opened with for sandwiches, I never raised them," she said in May. "My friends say you have to raise your prices. I raise grocery prices as they're raised to me. But that part is tough. I don't want to do that. What am I going to raise my prices now? Everyone is having a hard time. That part is the tough part to figure out."

Karakaya said he sees the problem in other industries connected to his own. He said he had difficulties scheduling someone to clean his hood which is a bigger concern with impending inspections.

"I try very hard to get people here to clean the hood. Every time I call them, they don't come. They keep rescheduling," he said. "I talked to the owners and said, 'Come on, I need you guys to come here and clean the hood because of the inspections. I don't want to get in trouble with the town hall.' And he was so upset. He said, 'Fahri, I don't know what to do. I don't have any employees.' So you're going to wait."

The circle gets wider and the hospitality industry is also feeling some pandemic pressure.

"We're definitely in the same boat as our counterparts in restaurants, hotels and retail. We're slowly bringing people on, but it's been a trickle, not a river," Williams Inn General Manager Kevin Hurley said.

He said like many others, the hotel was fully closed for three months, which meant laying employees off.

"Even now that they are open, services are still limited, especially in the hotel restaurant," he said. "We've run a far limited offering since we reopened in July [2020], particularly on the restaurant front. We're offering only dinner four nights a week and brunch on Sundays right now. Originally, we served breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. There were quite a few positions that were cut back."

A fully-staffed Williams Inn has around 80 employees. At the time of this interview, there were around 20 on staff.

Hurley cited similar challenges in hiring employees.

But there is optimism within the industry, especially with the summer season in full swing and the pandemic seemingly ramping down.

"We do want to expand the restaurant offerings back to more dinner periods and breakfast, to every position  the structure is not exactly the same as it was before," Hurley said. "But for the most part, and definitely in some areas. We're still in the process and still opening positions as well."

The inn is open but daily breakfast and service at the bar is not available yet; but there is brunch on Sunday and dinner service Wednesday through Sunday.

"I'm super optimistic. Really because we're on the Williams College campus we have been so lucky. We still get a fair amount of business with students, and the locals in this town are fantastic," Gosselin said. "I feel like the summer, the theater is coming back a little bit, we're definitely going to stay open to 5 p.m. I'm really optimistic and hopeful. I'm just mad at how the government went about it. I'm sure it doesn't feel good for the people staying home either. It's just not good for anybody. It does make it really difficult for making small businesses."

Staff writers Jack Guerino, Brittany Polito and Stephen Dravis contributed to this report.


Viewed of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
Your support is needed now more than ever

Help support your local news

Local news sources need your help. Stay in the know on Coronavirus, local updates, and more.
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@idahopress.com for help creating one.
Community Information

If you would like to submit an upcoming event or community announcement, please contact our staff at 208-232-4161 or send an email to cjohnson@journalnet.com. We will also accept news from local clubs and engagement, wedding and anniversary announcements. You can post your community or club events on our calendar.

Obituaries

Submit an obituary/notice All obituaries must be placed by your mortuary or onlineDeadline is 3 p.m. for publication the next day. The ISJ is not responsible for spelling, grammar, or basic mistakes.
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 circulation2@journalnet.com for help creating one.
Name: Matt Watts

Company: NetApp

Job title: Chief Technology Evangelist

Date started current role: August 2020

Location: Bristol, England

Matt Watts has been with NetApp for 15 years, but in the IT industry for much longer, in fact he has more than 25 years of IT experience. Watts work closely with the Office of the CTO, Product Operations and Marketing teams at NetApp, but he spends most of his time at events or with businesses articulating NetApps Strategy and the business value of IT.

What was your first job? Other than various part time jobs, my first real job was as an aerospace engineer for British Aerospace. I worked on various aircraft such as the Airbus A320, A340 and was part of the conceptual design time for the A380.

Did you always want to work in IT? Ive always been an engineer at heart. My move from physical engineering work to computer-based was when I started working in computer-aided design (CAD). As part of that process, I realised that I really enjoyed helping others get to grips with technology too. This led to my move into pure-play IT in the early 1990s. As you can imagine, this was an exciting time - we were moving towards the dot-com bubble and I wanted to be part of it.

What was your education? Do you hold any certifications? What are they? I left school at 17 after my GCSEs and I went straight into a 4-year apprenticeship with British Aerospace where I got my B-tech, ONC and HNC in production engineering whilst learning a lot of on-the-job skills. It was a mixture of practical work and part-time education.

Explain your career path. Did you take any detours? If so, discuss. No, it was a very natural evolution. I started off as an engineer for British Aerospace straight out of school, then into CAD work. Then I took on a job to essentially decommission a mainframe in Holland, where I became a programmer of sorts. This then moved me into the emerging industry of IT, growing my business development and project management skills, which lead me to where I am today at NetApp.

What type of CTO are you? Im an engineer at heart, BUT I do not care how something works unless I can see the value it brings. What that translates to in my role, is that when I talk to companies about our technology, Im not really there to tell them how it works. I am there to tell them why they should care, why this piece of technology could make their lives so much better tomorrow than it currently is today. If I can convince them of that, then we might be able to discuss how we [NetApp] can make that happen.

Which emerging technology are you most excited about the prospect of? Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning  When used to its true potential, it can truly save lives. For example, when they tried to work out the DNA sequencing for SARS it took months, for Covid-19 that time could be measured in hours.

Are there any technologies which you think are overhyped? Why? Same answer: Artificial Intelligence. At the very high-end, there are great promises of what AI can do, but there are few companies working on AI at that level of scale. What frustrates me is when we see something exciting and we all jump on it. We have this technology, these huge concepts that have the potential to change and save lives, then we reduce it down to saying something like we have a chat-bot".

What is one unique initiative that youve employed over the last 12 months that youre really proud of? My view is, in order to progress in an organisation you need to make what you currently do redundant. Every year I do two things. Firstly, I work out what I want to do next year. And secondly, I convince the company that it would have value for them so that they can create a new role for me to move into. So, in this instance, the initiative in the last 12 months was that I was a CTO, which had an important internal and external focus - but we realised we needed to split that role in two. As such I now hold a brand-new role of Chief Technology Evangelist which has a solely outward looking focus, concentrated on articulating who NetApp is and the value our technology brings.

Are you leading a digital transformation? If so, does it emphasise customer experience and revenue growth or operational efficiency? If both, how do you balance the two? This isnt my role  that's for our Chief Strategy Officer and also our Chief Technologists such as Grant Caley who you interviewed a while back. As I said, my role is primarily to articulate and educate externally.

What is the biggest issue that youre helping customers with at the moment? Were seeing businesses look more into multiple-clouds. There is a widespread lack of insight and understanding into what resources they are consuming across these multiple clouds. There is also confusion around how to optimise their multi-cloud environments, and how to reduce the running costs. So, one of the main issues I  and NetApp  is really focused on, is helping customers achieve consistent insight across their entire hybrid-multicloud environment an reduce the cost of running it.

How do you align your technology use to meet business goals? As my role is externally focused, I strive to learn what issues our customers are having, and align our technology offerings to alleviate these pains, or unlock new opportunities. By understanding our customers business goals, we can align our services and products accordingly.

Do you have any trouble matching product/service strategy with tech strategy? Not really, as you always have to start with the pain point, the product or service is then tailored to meet it. The problem some vendors face is they push a product without truly understanding the customers need, when all you have is a hammer then every problem is made to be a nail that needs to be hit, which may not actually be the real problem.

What makes an effective tech strategy? What makes an effective tech strategy is not starting with the tech strategy. Your focus needs to be on your customers business problem, and you should work from there to alleviate this pain with your technology. Its problems and opportunities that drive tech strategy and never the other way round.

What predictions do you have for the role of the CTO in the future? At NetApp weve recognised that you need to split the CTO role in two. Companies need a CTO to guide the company internally, as well as a CTE (Chief Technology Evangelist) to be out there in the market communicating about the changes the company are seeing in the industry. This can be applied to any company.

What has been your greatest career achievement? For the last 7-8 years at NetApp, each role that I have taken on has been a role that has never existed before. My biggest achievement is consistently creating new roles that I can take on, and getting the company to continuously embrace them.

Looking back with 20:20 hindsight, what would you have done differently? In general, I think people tend to spread themselves too thin. We try and fix everything at once, rather than dedicate time to fixing one thing really well. This is especially difficult for me as I come from an engineering background, and it is in my nature to want to fix everything immediately. But it is just as important to take the time to become an expert in one thing at a time, and do one job really well, rather than do several adequately.
Prosecutor decides not to charge deputy who killed suspect south of Othello in 2019
Dutch journalist Peter R. de Vries is fighting for his life in hospital after being shot five times in Lange Leidsedwars street in Amsterdam yesterday evening at around 7.30. The police has arrested three suspects. The International and European Federations of Journalists (IFJ/EFJ) condemned the murder attempt as another tragic blow to press freedom in Europe.

On Tuesday evening, Peter R. de Vries was a guest on daily television programme RTL Boulevard. After leaving the building, he was shot several times at close range, including in the head, in a side street of the studio. Amsterdams mayor Femke Halsema told a press conference that the investigative journalist was fighting for his life. The police have arrested three suspects.

Peter R. de Vries (64) is a well-known Dutch investigative journalist who covered high-profile criminal investigation. He worked for De Telegraaf, Panorama magazine, Algemeen Dagblad and ran his own crime programme on television. He won an international Emmy Award in 2008 for his work investigating the 2006 disappearance of teenager Natalee Holloway in Aruba.

According to media reports, De Vries has been threatened in the past and was granted police protection. In 2019, he said on Twitter that he would be on a death list. He has been acting as a counselor to a state witness testifying in the case against Ridouan Taghi, suspected of murder and drug trafficking.

The General Secretary of the Dutch Journalists Association (NVJ) Thomas Bruning said: This hits journalism right in the heart. Of course, it remains to be seen what De Vries activities are related to, but the attack took place outside RTL Boulevard. De Vries is a fierce crimefighter, persistent and courageous. We can only hope he survives.

EFJ President Mogens Blicher Bjerregard said: I send my thoughts to Peter and expect an immediate investigation bringing the masterminds of this awful attack to justice. Enabling and protecting the crucial work of (investigative) journalists to deal with crime and other essential issues is key for any democracy.

IFJ President Younes MJahed said: "We are shocked by this attack against a journalist who has reported extensively on matters of public concerns and has taken huge risks to tell the truth. This is an attack on press freedom and we urge authorities to swiftly investigate this case. Our thoughts are with Peter, his family and friends."

The EFJ had recently alerted over the escalation of violence against media professionals with an increase in attacks since last year and repeatedly called on the Dutch authorities to do the utmost to protect journalists and investigate all attacks.
Cebelihle Mbuyisa and Magnificent Mndebele, two South African journalists working for New Frame, were on assignment in Eswatini to report on recent pro-democracy demonstrations which have been violently suppressed by the authorities.

On their way back from the funeral of Vincent Bhembe, a civilian killed by security forces outside a primary school, both journalists were stopped by armed soldiers. They were reportedly threatened, their cameras were seized and they were forced to delete the footage they had collected.

Mbuyisa and Mndebele were later taken to a police station for questioning, during which they were beaten and tortured, notably with a plastic bag over their heads. Thanks to their lawyer, they were released later in the day and taken to hospital. The next day, they returned to South Africa.

The two journalists had previously denounced threats and harassment by the Eswatini security forces.

Violent repression of pro-democracy demonstrators

Since May, pro-democracy protests have been taking place in Eswatini, the last absolute monarchy in Africa. The demonstrators are calling for an end to the reign of Mswati III, who has been in power for 35 years. The protests have intensified since the end of June, and so has state repression. King Mswati III has allegedly since fled the country.

Civilians have been violently repressed by the security forces during the demonstrations. According to Amnesty International, at least 20 people have already been killed. Other media speak of 70 people. The authorities have also reportedly asked network providers to cut off the Internet to prevent the protests and repressions from being reported, which clearly threatens the right to information.

IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said: Journalists, who play a key role in reporting on the violent repression of Eswatini security forces are deliberately being targeted and attacked. We call on the international community to address the serious human rights violations in Eswatini and to investigate all the attacks against media workers. Torturing journalists and shutting down the internet are serious attacks against freedom of information that cannot go unpunished.
Palestinian security forces have repeatedly attacked and harassed journalists covering recent anti-government demonstrations across the West Bank. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) affiliate, the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS), has responded by calling on all Palestinian journalists to strike to protest against the violent attacks on media workers.

Since the killing of Palestinian activist Nizar Banat on 24 June, thousands of civilians have joined demonstrations against the government across the West Bank and called for an independent investigation into his killing.

During the demonstrations, Palestinian Authority security forces are targeting media workers, threatening, beating, detaining and seizing their work equipment.

The PJS documented at least six attacks against journalists:

Beating and detaining journalist Aqeil Awawdeh, he needed medication and was taken to the hospital. Detaining journalist Mohammed Hamayel Beating and detaining woman journalist Mais Abu Ghoush Beating woman journalist Hind Shraidi Beating journalist Moammar Orabi Confiscating equipment and personal mobile phone of journalist Badr Abu Nijm

Several journalists, including a number of women, were attacked and their equipment was damaged or confiscated by security forces while they were covering previous demonstrations in Ramallah held on 26 and 27 June.

These attacks followed the Prime Ministers speech guaranteeing that the rights to protest and freedom of expression were being protected. The PJS called on journalists on 4 July to boycott the media coverage of the Palestinian Authoritys government, as well as their news conferences until those responsible for the attacks against media workers are held responsible.

On Tuesday 6 July, the PJS released a statement calling for a strike to protest against the unsafe environment in which Palestinian journalists are forced to carry out their work

The PJS calls on all Palestinian journalists to participate in a strike, stop working and organise vigils in front of their working places. It also calls on Palestinian media in West Bank and Gaza and the diaspora to suspend work and broadcast between 12:00-13:00 on Tuesday. According to the PJS, many journalists joined in the strike.

IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said: We join the PJS in condemning these unjustifiable targeted attacks on journalists. We call on the Palestinian authorities to prosecute the aggressors and guarantee journalists safety when covering public demonstrations.
After being delayed by nearly a year due to the Covid pandemic, Marvels Black Widow is finally out in cinemas.

The thriller sees Scarlett Johansson reprise her role as Natasha Romanoff, AKA Black Widow. Johansson has previously played the character in multiple films across the MCU.

Because Johanssons character was killed off during the events of Avengers: Endgame (2019), Black Widow is set earlier in the Marvel timeline, and will serve as a prequel.

While the film is available to see in UK cinemas today (7 July), viewers will also have the option to watch it at home, via Disney Pluss Premiere Access service.

However, Black Widow is not arriving on the streaming service until Friday 9 July.

We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content.

On Disney Plus, Premiere Access films require an additional payment on top of the regular subscription fee, offering access to the film on a short-term rental basis.

Black Widow on Premiere Access will cost 19.99 in the UK.

The film will also arrive in the streaming services regular catalogue later in the year, however, with a date of 6 October already confirmed.
Spike Lee has commented on racial injustice in America, saying Black people are being hunted down like animals.

The director was speaking at the Cannes film festival on Tuesday (6 July), in response to a question at the first days press conference about his 1989 film Do the Right Thing.

In one scene in the movie, a young Black man called Radio Raheem is killed by police.

I wrote it in 1988, said Lee, who is the president of the jury that will pick the winner of the Cannes Palme dOr.

When you see brother Eric Garner, when you see king George Floyd murdered, lynched, I think of Radio Raheem; and you would think and hope that 30 motherf***ing years later, that black people stop being hunted down like animals.

The statement drew loud applause from the journalists in attendance. Lee was wearing a 1619 cap, in reference to the year the first enslaved Africans arrived in Virginia.

He also condemned populist political leaders when answering a question about anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Georgia: This world is run by gangsters: Agent Orange [Donald Trump], theres a guy in Brazil and Putin. Thats it: theyre gangsters. They have no morals, no scruples. Thats the world we live in. We have to speak out against gangsters like that.

Lee is the first Black president of the Cannes jury.

The Cannes film festival runs until 17 July. It opened last night with Annette, starring Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard.

Read about the most intriguing films on the line-up here.
Loki viewers have spotted a tantalising detail hidden away in the shows end credits.

With the conclusion to the Disney Plus series nearing, fans have been scrupulously going over every moment to try and discover future plot points before theyre revealed.

One shot featured in every episode has been highlighted, with Twitter user @loki_supremacy wondering whether it suggests Loki (Tom Hiddleston) could still be under the influence of fearsome Avengers villain Thanos (Josh Brolin).

The series begins after Loki escapes from the 2012 timeline after being captured by the Avengers following the battle of New York in Avengers Assemble.

If you cast your minds back, youll remember that Loki was working in cahoots with the Mad Titan and had promised him the Tesseract so that he could retrieve the Sceptre, which contained the Mind Stone.

He then used that to manipulate peoples minds in the following films he featured in.

Of course, Loki ultimately ended up working alongside his brother Thor (Chris Hemsworth) to take Thanos down, which led to his death in Avengers: Infinity War  events he became aware will happen during the first episode of Loki.

As highlighted by Metro.co.uk, in the end credits, around the 44.16 mark of episode four, a slip of paper is shown featuring the last thing he said to the Avengers in the 2012 film: If its all the same to you, Ill have that drink now.

But, if you focus, youll see the first words Loki is supposedly said to have uttered to the Time Variance Authority (TVA) before being captured by them: Friend, I think theres been a mistake. I am Loki of Asgard and you will regret this. I am burdened with glorious purpose. I stand at the right hand of Thanos.

The TVA document mentioning Thanos in the Loki end credits (Disney Plus)

Now, its worth noting that, because this is the 2012 version of Loki, it makes sense that hes still dropping Thanos name in an attempt to escape. However, knowing how slippery Loki has been in the past, its worth remembering this very fact: the Loki weve been watching, and feeling some connection to over the past month, is technically still working with the MCUs scariest villain.

Interestingly, this is not the first thing he says after the drink line. In episode one, after using the Tesseract to escape from the Avengers, he starts talking, but stops after the TVA arrive to arrest him for crimes against the sacred timeline. He says to some confused Mongolians in the middle of the Gobi desert: I am Loki of Asgard, and I am burdened with glorious purpose. I... never mind.

Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up

So, why would the end credits be intent on reminding us of his allegiance to Thanos via a document of words he didnt actually say? Could it be yet more evidence of the TVAs corruption? Or could it just be deleted dialogue from the first episode being retooled for the end credits?

This is what Loki actually says after escaping the 2012 timeline (DIsney Plus)

Marvel does everything for a reason Im scared now, the original poster wrote, adding: YALL IM HAVING A BREAKDOWN RN- IF LOKI STILL WITH THANOS RN OH MY GOD IS THANOS BEHIND THIS ALL. IS HE TRYNA WORK WITH THE TVA TO HELP THANOS IN THE END?? WHAT. DOES. THIS. MEAN.

Ok I genuinely hope it was just to scare them because I cant handle Marvel putting him through that again, one person wrote.

In the latest episode of Loki, Thanos made a rather unconventional cameo thanks to the unexpected inclusion of a bizarre Marvel comics meme.

We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content.

Loki is available to stream on Disney Plus.
A US official has warned China that any action towards Taiwan would be "catastrophic, saying Beijing should look at the international response to its crackdown in Hong Kong.

White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell on Tuesday said that the US supports a strong unofficial relationship with the island, but does not support Taiwan's independence.

Taiwan is self-governing but claimed by Beijing as a breakaway province. China has not ruled out the use of force to unite it with the Chinese mainland.

Mr Campbell was speaking at a discussion organised by the Asia Society think tank. He said that the island should not be ignored by the international community or shut out of multilateral collaboration where it can make contributions.

He also said that China should look at the US and the international response to its crackdown on democracy in Hong Kong and any similar move against Taiwan would be catastrophic, according to Reuters.

Several countries condemned the closure of Hong Kongs pro-democracy newspaperApple Daily last month. Calling it a sad day for media freedom, president Joe Biden had said that it signalled "intensifying repression" by China.

He had vowed that the US will not waver in its support of people in Hong Kong and all those who stand up for the basic freedoms all people deserve.

Japans deputy prime minister Taro Aso also warned this week that Chinas invasion of Taiwan could trigger regional war. Mr Aso said that Japan needed to defend Taiwan with the US if it was invaded.

These statements come after Chinese president Xi Jinping committed to resolving the Taiwan question during his address at a ceremony marking the centenary of the ruling Communist Party. He said that realising Chinas complete reunification is a historic mission and commitment of the Communist Party.

Mr Campbell also said he believed that the US and China can coexist peacefully, but it will be a difficult challenge.

He said: Do I believe that China and the United States can coexist peacefully? Yes, I do. But I do think this challenge is going to be enormously difficult for this generation and the next.
Itching to break free after months under Covid-19 lockdowns, people across India are heading to domestic tourism hotspots in their droves, just weeks after restrictions started to ease following a devastating second wave.

The situation has deteriorated to the point where Indias federal health ministry was forced to issue a statement warning against what it described as revenge travel.

The ministry, during a press briefing, said the issue of revenge travel... could nullify all the gains made so far.

The phenomenon of people around the world traveling straight after Covid-19 restrictions are eased is not unique to India, but is particularly stark given how bad its outbreak has been this year.

Between 600,000 and 700,000 tourists have rushed to the relatively cool northern Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh since June alone, when border restrictions were relaxed, according to Amit Kashyap, director of Himachal Pradeshs tourism department.

Pictures and videos of large crowds of people  without masks and packed shoulder-to-shoulder on streets  went viral on social media, adding to already heightened concerns that a third wave is just around the corner. Doctors and experts lashed out at people enjoying vacations, even as many are still reeling from the impact of the second wave that began in April.

Balram Bhargava, the director general of the Indian Council of Medical Research, described the pictures as frightening.

The pictures that we have seen today are frightening and we have to be very careful, very responsible and very cautious, he said.

In Delhi, similar scenes were witnessed in markets, forcing the government to order closure of shops in Lajpat Nagars Central Market and Sadar Bazars Rui Mandi on the basis of gross violations of Covid-19 protocols.

Speaking to The Independent, tourism industry expert Subhash Goyal said the scenes from the Himalayan states showed how we are definitely moving towards the third wave, even though he supports reopening the economy and the badly hit tourism sector.

There is pent-up demand for travel and I am in favour of opening tourism and also opening of international borders, but at the same time the government as well as people have to ensure strict adherence to Covid-19 rules, said Mr Goyal, who is the president of the Confederation of Tourism Professionals of India.

There should be severe penalties for people flouting Covid-19-appropriate behaviour for endangering the lives of thousands of people, he added.

The images of large crowds during the pandemic have been likened to the millions of Hindu pilgrims who thronged the shores of the holy Ganges river in the ancient city of Haridwar in Indias Uttarakhand state a few months ago, even as cases began to rise at an alarming rate.

The annual Kumbh mela religious festival continued despite calls to cancel it. Thousands of Covid cases were later linked to the festival, with 2,000 attendants testing positive by 15 April, according to reports at the time.

We saw that second wave came because we were careless. We thought we have defeated Covid. Then 2 million people went for the Kumbh [festival] and elections were conducted, thus the result was in front of us, Mr Goyal said, also referring to the state elections in West Bengal and rural body elections in the northern Uttar Pradesh state.

Therefore, I appeal to the central government to please open up the economy, but by deploying measures to allow vaccinated people and those with Covid tests to travel, as the industry has borne the brunt of lockdowns, he added.

Devotees gather for an evening prayer on the banks of Ganges river during Kumbh Mela on 11 April (REUTERS)

The pictures of people taking up revenge travel left many in shock, as it came after earlier chilling visuals of people scrambling for oxygen cylinders, beds and medicines flooded social media in mid-May. It was the period when a single-day surge of more than 400,000 cases was reported and crematoriums in several cities across India ran out of space.

More than 400,000 people have lost their lives to Covid in the country, out of which half the deaths were from the devastating second wave.

Aditya Gupta, a resident doctor at Indias apex hospital, AIIMS lost his father to Covid. He slammed maskless people in an angry Twitter thread after the pictures of tourists went viral, saying he feels so f***ing numb.

People walking around with no masks makes me so furious. Like you all are bloody murderers. You - every single one of you not wearing a mask- killed my father, he said.

God, his face. My fathers breathless face. I so want to forget that. Please help me. Please please I beg anyone. Its not leaving me. Every time I see anything Covid related  and especially people not wearing mask  God, I wish you just felt that. Im angry, sad, furious, he added.

The photos triggered a wave of similar messages, where people narrated losing their loved ones and how they are still dealing with the loss.

India is still reporting an average of around 40,000 cases daily, more than Indonesia where the infection is said to be surging on the basis of 31,189 new cases a day, and Bangladesh with 11,525. Lockdown measures have been imposed in both these Asian nations, while restrictions have been steadily eased state by state in India since June.
Rupert Murdoch, the owner of Fox News and its sister channel Fox Business, is aiming to add a weather channel to its portfolio later this year, a development that has outraged those who believe the network will continue to peddle climate change denial under the guise of weather news.

According to an analysis by Public Citizen, 86 per cent of Fox News segments dealing with the climate deny that climate change is driven by human action.

On Tuesday night, MSNBC host Chris Hayes tore into both Mr Murdoch and the network's decision to wade into climate discussions through a weather channel.

He said that Mr Murdoch will "try to do for the world's climate what he has done for American democracy - deny it, undermine it, lead it to the brink of destruction."

Mr Hayes said Fox News and its on-air personalities have already had a detrimental effect on the fight to adjust the world's carbon output in order to stave off the worst potential effects of climate change.

Its really not a stretch to say Rupert Murdochs media empirestopped us from taking action on climate change sooner, continues to block us, and were now dealing with the fallout," he said. "One could only imagine how a weather channel practicing climate change denial would approach these stories. How would they explain the insane heat?

He said that rising temperatures would inevitably cause mass human suffering, and claimed that Mr Murdoch would be directly responsible for placing hurdles in front of the forces trying to stop that suffering.

The world we live in is being ravaged by the heat. That heat will cause incalculable human misery, and that misery is thanks  in large part  to Rupert Murdoch and his lifes work," he said. "Murdoch is 90 now so he will not be here to see all of what he put into motion, but I truly hope that none of us ever forget what he has done.

On top of Mr Murdoch's obvious ideological motivations, the move may also be a good business move; viewership at The Weather Channel has risen 7 per cent in the first half of the year, while viewership for all big cable networks has fallen.

The fear among critics is that Fox's weather network will use its right-wing ideological bent and conspiracy mongering to undermine legitimate climate information, further politicising a topic that should be of concern to every human on the planet.

Last month, Fox's top star, Tucker Carlson, forwarded a conspiracy theory alleging that climate activists want to conduct experiments that would "make children smaller" in an effort to fix global warming. That claim, of course, is not true.

Allison Fisher, the director of the climate and energy program at Media Matters, told Gizmodo that Fox News uses "weather to push climate denial. That is a long-worn tactic of Fox News, even before Trump was tweeting out, like 'where's your global warming now?' during a snowstorm. That's a very classic Fox move."

She said that Fox personalities will use cold weather to deny global warming and often try to divorce weather from climate when discussing examples of climate change like the growing intensity of wildfires or the increasing strength of hurricanes.

"They're the ones who have made weather political," she said.
Last month was the warmest June ever on record for North America, and one of the hottest ever globally, according to newly released data, the latest manifestation of the intensifying climate crisis that sent deadly heat waves across the Pacific Northwest.

The record highs have temporarily subsided over parts of the Northwest, but forecasters are warning that the region could be in for yet another heat wave by as soon as the weekend .

The new figures, from the EUs Copernicus Climate Change Service, were the result of billions of measurements from satellites, ships, aircraft and weather stations around the world, authorities said.

The findings come after a hellish month of heat across North America.

The small town of Lytton, British Columbia, broke Canadas all-time temperature record three days straight with a high of 121 degrees before burning down in a wildfire, while readings in US cities like Portland and Seattle also shattered records.The heat strained governments across the region, as the most vulnerablethe poor, the unhoused, those without air conditionsbaked in unseasonably early and unprecedentedly high heat.

The record temperatures were particularly disastrous for unhoused people , as The Independent reported, whove been battered with wildfires and the coronavirus over the last year.

Last summer and fall we had the horrific wildfires, said Scott Kerman, executive director of Blanchet House, which offers free meals, housing, and other services in Portland, Oregon.

The smoke was unbearable. Then you get into the winter. Now we just went through an unprecedented heat wave. It was really a matter of life or death just to keep people hydrated.

For many, the heat served as a reminder of the anomalous new normal of the climate crisis .

Im sure that people will  including public entities  start to build in cooling requirements and investments where that can be done, Washington governor Jay Inslee said on Tuesday, but theres not enough chilling stations in the world to stop this problem if you dont attack it at its source, which is climate change.

Temperatures, he added, are just the tip of the melting iceberg.

It was also the second-warmest June on record, according to the figures, as well as the fourth warmest June ever in Arctic Siberia and across the whole globe.
The record-breaking heatwave that gripped the northwestern US and Canada has claimed more than 100 lives in the state of Oregon, according to officials.

State medical examiner figures now show that the number of suspected deaths tied to the heat has risen to 107. Their ages range from 37 to 97  75 were men, and 32 were women. One county has labelled the heatwave a mass casualty event.

During an appearance on CBS News Face the Nation, Governor Kate Brown said that the death toll was absolutely unacceptable and despite preparations, too many lives had been lost.

Oregon endured triple-digit temperatures between 25-30 June, with a high of 116F (47C) recorded in Portland on 28 June.

This is a harbinger of things to come, Ms Brown predicted.

We have been working to prepare for climate change in this state for a number of years, she said on Sunday. What was unprecedented, of course, was the three days of record-breaking heat, and it was horrific to see over 90 Oregonians lose their lives. And we have to continue with our preparedness work.

Those who died include a 38-year-old immigrant farmworker from Guatemala; an unsheltered man in Polk County found by a camper in a park, also aged 38; and a 90-year-old woman in Washington County who was found in her home by a friend.

Multnomah County, which includes much of Portland, has seen 67 deaths, leading the county to call it a mass casualty event.

Health officials said in a press release that the suspected cause of death for all of the victims is hyperthermia  when the body temperature of an individual is above normal for a sustained period. Hyperthermia has been confirmed in 40 of the cases.

Some of the deceased were found in their homes without air conditioning or fans, according to local news reports.

Multnomah County opened three 24-hour cooling centres, nine cooling spaces, and directly contacted tens of thousands of seniors, people with disabilities, and pregnant women  those deemed most at risk in extreme heat.

More than 60 outreach teams were also deployed to focus on people without housing or shelter.

County officials will now be conducting a review of their tools and response to the extreme heat  though their toolkit had already been updated in both 2018 and 2021.

It is hoped that a review of the response will inform how to better deploy resources in the future.
North Americas deadly heatwave, which smashed temperature records across Canada and the western US, was made at least 150 times more likely by the climate crisis, a rapid analysis concludes.

An international team of climate scientists have found that the recent record heat in cities including Vancouver, Seattle and Portland would have been virtually impossible without human-driven global heating.

Last week, Canada saw a new record temperature of 49.6C (121F)  more than 4C above the previous record of 45C (113F) . Meanwhile, Seattle and Portland hit new highs of 42.8C (109F) and 46.7C (116F) respectively. Both records are several degrees higher than their predecessors.

The staggering new temperature records have left the scientists stunned.

Its an extraordinary event, Dr Geert Jan van Oldenborgh, a climate scientist and co-leader of the World Weather Attribution initiative, a group of researchers tracking the fingerprint of the climate crisis on extreme weather events, told a press briefing held on Wednesday.

Within our knowledge, this [heatwave] is basically impossible. Its surprising and shaking that our theoretical picture of how heatwaves behave has been broken so [dramatically].

We are entering uncharted territory, added co-author Prof Sonia Seneviratne, a climate scientist at ETH Zurich in Switzerland.

The extreme heat has killed hundreds of people across Canada and the US as the death toll continues to mount. Among the dead was Sebastian Francisco Perez, a 38-year-old immigrant farm worker from Guatemala, who collapsed and died while working at a nursery in St Paul, Oregon last Saturday.

Another victim was Debra Moore, 68, who suffered a fall on a street in Enumclaw, Washington, The New York Times reported. Ms Moore had recently undergone chemotherapy and was using a cane or a walker, said local police. She was not discovered for several hours as houses surrounding where she had fallen had closed blinds to shield from the heat.

Soaring temperatures have also fanned the flames of wildfires. In Lytton, where Canadas highest-ever temperature was recorded, fires razed 32,000 square miles (83,000 sq km) of land last week  destroying most of the towns buildings and killing at least two people.

We already knew that climate change was loading the dice against us, but now we know by how much  and its enormous, Prof Katharine Hayhoe, chief scientist at the Nature Conservancy, told The Independent.

Climate change is no longer a future issue. As this analysis shows, its impacts are here and now  and its costs are being measured not just in dollars, but in human lives.

In Canada, a leading government minister said that the new analysis underlined how the climate crisis was no longer a looming threat but one that had already arrived.

George Heyman, British Columbias Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, told The Independent that people across the province, have seen the effects of climate change first hand  from the recent unprecedented heatwave to record wildfires, flooding and droughts.

We know that climate change is expected to make these types of extreme events more frequent and this new study provides further evidence of the seriousness of the climate crisis and the need for strong, coordinated global action to reduce emissions and build a cleaner economy for everyone, he said.

He added: This new study emphasizes that climate change is having significant impacts now and we need to work together to reduce future impacts by both cutting greenhouse gas pollution and continuing to prepare for a changing climate in B.C.

People gather at a cooling centre to escape the heat amid record-breaking temperatures in Portland, Oregon (Getty)

The researchers have two theories to explain why the temperatures recorded during the recent heatwave were so much higher than those seen previously.

The first is that the climate crisis, which has already caused average global temperatures to increase by around 1.2C since the start of the industrial era, combined with unusual atmospheric conditions  known as the heat dome  to create the extreme heat.

If this theory is correct, it means the heatwave was around 2C hotter than it would have been in a world without the climate crisis, the researchers said.

It also means that, if global temperatures reach 2C above pre-industrial levels  the upper limit set by countries under the Paris Agreement  such extreme heat could occur roughly every five to 10 years, according to the findings. At present, such extreme heat is only expected once every 1,000 years.

The second theory is that the world, or at least the North American region studied, has now crossed a non-linear threshold  meaning that small increases in temperature are causing greater rises in extreme heat than scientists expected.

At the moment, we just dont know, said Dr van Oldenborgh. We are planning to continue investigating these possibilities.

The findings are the latest in a string of scientific analyses linking the climate crisis to recent extreme heat in the UK, Japan, Australia and France, among other regions. The study of how the climate crisis has influenced an extreme weather event is known as attribution science.

For the analysis, the team of 27 scientists used a set of climate models to compare the chances of such a heatwave occurring in todays world to a world without human-caused climate change.

They defined the heatwave as being the maximum daily temperatures recorded in June in a geographical region encompassing Seattle, Portland and Vancouver.

The results are yet to be published in a scientific journal but use peer-reviewed methods.

Environmental campaigners said the analysis was yet another signal that a rapid, global transition is needed away from our reliance on oil, gas and coal.

Shane Moffatt, head of the nature and food campaign for Greenpeace Canada, told The Independent: The authors findings that such extreme heat would be virtually impossible without climate change starkly exposes the true costs of our addiction to fossil fuels.

These unprecedented temperatures are already impacting the most vulnerable in our society and contributing to devastating wildfires that release even more carbon into the atmosphere. Its a vicious cycle. If our governments value human health over oil company profits, then we need to see a massive shift away from fossil fuels and towards community resilience in 2021.
Oil and gas producers including ExxonMobil, BP and Shell lobbied a government minister to keep burning natural gas for years - even though the UK is committed to reaching net zero damaging greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The companies described continued use of the fossil fuel as a necessary compromise.

Representatives from the three gas giants, plus Chevron and Equinor, used a dinner with then-trade minister Conor Burns in February last year to argue the fossil fuel industry should be seen as a vital part of the solution to climate change.

They also encouraged a greater recognition for the role of gas in transition to a lower carbon future, because it was cleaner than coal and is fundamental to the Texas economy.

The International Energy Agency has warned there can be no new gas development if the world is to reach net zero by 2050 and stay within safe limits of global heating.

The methane emitted by gas is 84-86 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

And a UN report earlier this year said that slashing methane emissions would be the strongest action possible in the world to slow global warming.

In the memo, Mr Hyde says the firms argued that moving the US and the developing world from coal to gas is a necessary compromise, while they make inroads in affordability of genuinely clean energy.

The government has banned the installation of oil and gas boilers in new homes from 2025 to try to meet the 2050 target.

BP, Equinor and Chevron all defended their lobbying, telling Channel 4 News they were committed to a cleaner energy future and reducing carbon emissions.

Shell, Chevron, Equinor and ExxonMobil all said they support the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C.

Shell said: We make no apology for talking to policymakers and regulators around the world about climate change and how to tackle it  business must be part of the solution.

BP said gas was an important part of our business and has a critical role to play in the transition to net zero - but that its strategy includes a fall in global oil and gas production and a tenfold rise in renewables by 2030.

Equinor too said it was accelerating our own transition away from fossil energy sources to renewable ones.

ExxonMobil said oil and gas would continue to play a critical role in meeting the worlds demand for energy, noting that many national and state governments have included a shift to natural gas in their carbon-reduction programmes, recognising the contribution that natural gas can make.

The Foreign Office told Channel 4 News the meeting was a routine engagement with the energy industry.

We discussed their investments in renewable energies and their decarbonisation plans, and we were not lobbied.

Last week, Channel 4 News aired covert recordings of a senior ExxonMobil lobbyist claiming that the company had secretly fought against climate change legislation.

Further footage appeared to show the firm also lobbied against action on plastic waste.

Speaking to undercover Greenpeace reporters, he also appeared to admit that Exxon produced products containing highly toxic fluorinated chemicals known as for ever chemicals, which remain in the environment.

The Chairman of the Congressional Oversight Subcommittee on the Environment, Rep Ro Khanna, told Channel 4 News he was prepared to take steps to ensure ExxonMobil executives appeared before his committee to discuss the issues raised.
Its now established that one of the triggers of the Syrian conflict is related to the scarcity of natural resources, primarily pastoral land. New research demonstrates similar factors playing out across the Levant  covering Jordan, Israel and Palestine  which has grabbed recent headlines as a conflict flashpoint.

In the West African Sahel (Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Chad), nearly 29 million people need assistance and protection. Thats seven million more than when the pandemic began. This prompted organisations like Action Against Hunger to sound the alarm regarding unprecedented levels of food and nutritional insecurity.

In both the Levant and Sahel, political instability plays a major factor. Still, a complex web of natural resource challenges, especially food systems, are made worse by climate change. Making matters more complex, natural resources and agricultural value chains are the engines of many emerging economies.

In the face of a more turbulent climate, a pandemic and more complex and protracted conflicts, decades of progress on hunger and nutrition are unravelling. The World Food Programme estimates 41 million people (up from 27 million two years ago) in 43 countries are teetering on the very edge of famine. And this perfect storm is creating an altogether new security challenge.

While the global community rightly invests in peace and security operations, the complex links between climate, food and peace are too poorly understood. As such, they are not a priority for the worlds most influential countries and institutions. But 2021 is a mega year for diplomacy, giving us a chance to change course.

With renewed energy from the G7 and G20, the UN is hosting an international summit on food systems (September) and a climate summit (November)  the latter to be hosted by the UK. These diplomatic opportunities present a unique chance to radically uproot thinking on security threats, enable more agile strategies and enact policies informed by the latest climate science.

In February, the UK hosted the first ever UN Security Council meeting on climate security  which is emerging as the new paradigm. Since then, the UK has made climate action an integral part of its foreign policy agenda, including the G7 summit. As host of the UN Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow, the UKs diplomatic machinery is working overtime getting nations to commit to ambitious, multilateral climate actions.

It is clear that the UK and its allies in Nato, G7, G20 and the UN Security Council must embrace the opportunity to place climate science at the very heart of how we adapt to a changing world. They must mainstream climate science  from economic recovery to managing conflicts and responding to humanitarian crises.

Having worked as a scientist for the past 20 years in 15 countries, Ive seen too many international organisations, spanning security, hunger and malnutrition or humanitarian relief, pay lip service to climate science. Rather than viewing these issues as interconnected problems that require coherent, coordinated responses based on hard science, their own topics are prioritised and kept in silos.

Thats why it has been fascinating to develop a whole new climate security agenda over the last year with CGIAR, the worlds largest global agricultural innovation network. Using a variety of lenses  gender, justice, migration and the unintended consequences of policies  our new strategy builds an evidence base for drivers of climate security threats.

Were also building a more granular picture of whats driving climate conflicts across Africa and Latin America, with a particular focus on the so-called dry corridor, spanning Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua.

Four broad pathways for better managing climate security threats have emerged from our work.

First, we need more evidence to understand the complexity of climate and security to more adequately inform policy. Second, we need better national and international polices on food and agricultural systems that can adapt to the role they play in peace and stability. Third, we need to change the way we programme humanitarian operations, so they benefit millions more people.

Finally, we need to leverage untapped sources of finance that can be earmarked for innovative projects that create both more peaceful and sustainable societies. Investment targets should be re-aligned to simultaneously address climate and security challenges so that humanitarian and peace objectives are not competing for resources.

Mainstreaming climate security on all policy levels, national, regional and global, requires significant collaboration and solidarity. Leadership from the worlds most influential security players can drive this momentum. And an ambitious climate agreement on the banks of the River Clyde would be an exciting starting point.

Peter Laderach leads CGIARs Climate Security programme and the Climate-Smart Technologies and Practices Flagship of the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS).
The defence attorney appointed to represent Britney Spears in her conservatorship battle has resigned after almost 13 years, according to multiple media reports.

Samuel D Ingham officially filed his application to resign effective upon a new court-appointed counsel, CNN reported.

His resignation comes a day after Spears manager Larry Rudolph quit, and a week after the co-conservator of his estate resigned, as chronicled by The New York Post. The law firm Loeb & Loeb, brought on to assist Mr Ingham is also seeking to resign.

TMZ, which also obtained the court filing, reported earlier that Mr Ingham was extremely upset at Spears testimony in court that she never knew she could end the conservatorship.

Following her dramatic testimony at a court in Los Angeles as she appeals to have her conservatorship removed, she has been spending time on holiday in Maui with her boyfriend, Sam Asghari.

In her first public statement since her explosive courtroom testimony on Wednesday (24 June), the pop star said she had pretended like everything was OK for years because I was embarrassed to share what happened to me.

Spears asked Judge Brenda Penny to end the conservatorship that controls her life and career, describing it as abusive.

She also revealed the court-ordered arrangement requires her to use a birth control device and prevents her from marrying Asghari.

She called on the judge to end it without the need for further medical assessment and fiercely criticised her father, Jamie, who has overseen much of her life for the last 13 years.

Spears has not been seen on stage since 2018 and has said she will not perform again until her father is removed from her controversial conservatorship.

I truly believe this conservatorship is abusive, she said in court. Its my wish and my dream for all of this to end.
In early May, Annalena Baerbock was a rising political star in the EUs most powerful member state. As the new leading figure of the German Green party, she was the main candidate for a political organisation that had gone from being a fringe player to having a shot at the federal governments leadership.

Could Green Party leader Annalena Baerbock become Germanys next Angela Merkel? Deutsche Welle, the German state-owned broadcaster, cooed. Annalena Baerbock: Woman who could be Germanys next chancellor, the BBC proclaimed. With the federal election coming up in September, it seemed the position was Ms Baerbocks to lose.

Then the hashtags started.
The president of El Salvador has declared bitcoin legal tender, allowing it to be used as an official form of currency in the country.

President Nayib Bukele is the first world leader to formally adopt bitcoin or any other decentralised cryptocurrency, and emphasised his enthusiasm for the digital currency by adding laser eyes to his Twitter profile picture.

This gesture, which was recently adopted by fellow crypto advocate Elon Musk, signifies his hope that the price of bitcoin will hit $100,000. It is currently trading at around $36,000 after falling from an all-time high above $64,000 in April.

>> Follow all the latest price updates and predictions with The Independents live coverage of the crypto market

President Bukeles plan requires the backing of congress in the Central American country, which will consider the legislation next week.

Speaking at the Bitcoin 2021 conference in Miami on Saturday, President Bukele said: In the short term, this will generate jobs and help provide financial inclusion to thousands outside the formal economy.

He said that roughly 70 per cent of Salvadorans do not have access to bank accounts or financial services.

The news was welcomed by crypto industry figures, with some hailing it as one of the most significant milestone in bitcoins 12-year history.

Bitcoin pioneer Charlie Shrem, who was involved in the cryptocurrencys early development, described it as a major step towards hyperbitcoinization that will further disrupt the traditional financial system.

Few understand how disruptive the separation of money and the state will have on society, he said.

Danny Scott, the CEO of crypto exchange CoinCorner, speculated that the move could have a great knock on effect for how bitcoin is treated in other countries.

So in theory if El Salvador makes Bitcoin legal tender... This makes it a foreign currency and will mean no capital gains tax on bitcoin in other countries, he wrote on Twitter.

We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content.

If you are interested in trading, eToro* and Coinbase are two of the biggest exchanges operating in the UK and a good place to start.

Cryptocurrencies are a highly volatile unregulated investment product and investing in them could lead to a loss of capital. *No FSCS or Financial Ombudsman investor protection. 67% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. *You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
More than a decade after its inception, bitcoin and the broader cryptocurency industry are still widely referred to as being in the Wild West phase of their development.

As recently as last month, US Senator Elizabeth Warren used this cliche to describe crypto trading, following a meeting of the Senate Banking Committee to discuss digital currencies.

While there are a number of well-established exchanges that allow customers to securely trade fiat currencies for cryptocurrencies  Coinbase even became a publicly traded company earlier this year  a new breed of platforms are emerging that some experts warn could carry immense risk.

>> Follow all the latest updates with The Independents live coverage of the crypto market

Bitcoin SuperSplit and Immediate Bitcoin are among this latest trend of sites promising huge returns through something known as bitcoin Contracts For Difference (CFDs). They claim to be AI-driven systems that use algorithms to guess the direction of the market.

A single $250 deposit could generate up to $750 in just one day, according to a boast on Immediate Bitcoins site, though a lack of oversight from regulators mean little is being done to protect users. The pace of the advancement of technology mean regulation is typically several steps behind, with CFDs able to operate in over 160 countries around the world.

One of the few places where they are banned is the US, where cryptocurrency experts have called on authorities to establish crypto-specific regulation in order to curb market abuses.

Crypto is characterised as the Wild West of financial markets at the moment  even though US regulators have been trying to rein in the sector their attempts have been underwhelming, said Carol Alexander, Professor of Finance at the University of Sussex.

To be truly effective, there needs to be regulation for all crypto players so there is no room for uncertainty about who will bring an action and how they will tackle the worst market abuses. If US regulators dont take this step to show that they are serious about specific oversight of the sector then they may open themselves to the risk of class action lawsuits from investors arguing that they have taken insufficient steps to limit the risk of loss from malpractice.

Other emerging trends include crypto casinos, which allow users to gamble bitcoin, Ethereum (ether) and other cryptocurrencies in relative anonymity.

Even classic video game firm Atari has been drawn in by the potential of lucrative profits, announcing a crypto casino earlier this year. Set in a virtual world called Vegas City, Atari is expecting up to $400 million in bets to be made over the next two years, as players gamble on nostalgia-inducing games like Pac-Man and Space Invaders.

Video games firm Atari is planning a cryptocurrency casino (Getty Images)

While Ataris efforts appear sincere, experts say other copycat ventures could undermine the entire industry unless a robust regulatory framework is introduced that sifts out scam sites without stifling innovation in the space.

I think the US needs to take the global lead on this issue, theyre the only regulators who have shown any stomach for the fight. The UK has merely tinkered around the edges with some changes in tax rules but it has shown very little interest largely because it doesnt have the same exposure to crypto from corporate investors and retail banks, said Professor Alexander.

Neither the UK nor European regulators have really started to get to grips with crypto regulation... So really the responsibility falls upon the US to get this right and show the way for others to follow.

We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content.

If you are interested in trading, eToro* and Coinbase are two of the biggest exchanges operating in the UK and a good place to start.

Cryptocurrencies are a highly volatile unregulated investment product and investing in them could lead to a loss of capital. *No FSCS or Financial Ombudsman investor protection. 67% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. *You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Chinese researchers want to send more than 20 rockets from the country to practise diverting asteroids away from Earth.

Scientists at Chinas National Space Science Centre found in simulations that 23 Long March 5 rockets, which weigh 900 tonnes when they leave the planet, hitting simultaneously could divert an asteroid from its original path by nearly 9,000 kilometres  1.4 times the Earths radius.

The Long March 5B rocket was also the type that was infamously left free-falling by China in May this year, traveling around the world every 90 minutes  too fast for space agencies to tell where it is going to land. Fortunately, it disintegrated over the Indian Ocean.

The probability of an asteroid colliding with Earth is low but one, the 78 billion kilogram Bennu, has been targeted for investigation.

Bennu is classified as a B-type asteroid, which means it contains a lot of carbon along with various other minerals, formed over 4.5 billion years ago. As a primordial artefact that has been preserved by the vacuum of space, the asteroid could contain molecules that developed when life was first evolving on Earth. It might also, ironically, be the end of life on Earth.

Between 2175 and 2199, Bennu will come within 7.5 million kilometres of Earths orbit and will be classified as potentially hazardous. Although the chance that Bennu will impact Earth is only 1-in-2700, that risk is still enough to concern scientists due to the amount of destruction the asteroid could cause.

A huge amount of kinetic energy would be needed in order to divert the asteroid, but nuclear power risks breaking an asteroid like Bennu apart into chunks that could still hit the Earth. This makes sending multiple rockets, which would have to travel for three years before reaching their target, a more practical option.

[It is] possible to defend against large asteroids with a nuclear-free technique within 10 years, said researcher Li Mingtao, quoted in the South China Morning Post.

Fuel that is not used during the rocket launch could give extra thrust, as well as increasing the total mass of the rocket  making deflection more efficient. The researchers suggest that existing rockets would only require a few minor modifications, such as adding thrusters, to be ready for the mission.

The United States is planning a similar endeavour called HAMMER (Hypervelocity Asteroid Mitigation Mission for Emergency Response), which would send more material - 400 tonnes of rocket material - to Bennu; it would also make the trip faster, only taking two years to reach the asteroid.

However, that plan is more expensive, and would take longer to prepare. The United States would need to discover the asteroid 25 years before a potential collision, while the Chinese plan would only need a decades warning.

Nasa also sent a spacecraft chasing after Bennu in order to collect samples from the asteroid. Osiris-Rex hovered above the asteroid before its three meter-long arm descended and collects loose particles from the rock.

Nasa expects Osiris-Rex to return to Earth, with its samples, in 2023.
Chinas central bank told a Beijing-based software firm on Tuesday to shut down over suspected involvement in cryptocurrency transactions, and has warned companies against assisting crypto-related businesses.

The Peoples Bank of China (PBoC) said in a statement that financial and payment institutions are banned from providing operating venues or commercial promotions to cryptocurrencies after ordering the closure of the software company Beijing Qudao Cultural Development.

The move was necessary to prevent and control the risk of speculation in virtual currency transactions, and protect the safety of the publics assets, according to the central bank.

In the statement, the PBoC warned firms not to provide business premises, commercial display, marketing... for virtual currency-related business activities.

The move comes amidst Chinas ongoing crackdown against cryptocurrencies as authorities continue to close mines minting the virtual currencies in several districts that supply more than half of the worlds digital tokens.

Bitcoin mining is a digital process that generates new units of the virtual currency by solving complex mathematical equations which require energy-intensive computer operations.

As China makes a majority of the worlds cryptocurrencies, experts have pointed out that even the slightest regulations restricting their production in the country have the potential to create huge swings in the global market.

China has intensified crackdowns against cryptocurrency mining in provinces including Sichuan and Qinghai since June, shutting down mines along with periodic warnings to banks to halt crypto-related transactions. Social media accounts of some crypto-influencers were also blocked.

Last month, the country called on major banks and payments companies to take stronger actions against the trading of the virtual currencies, lowering the price of bitcoin by as much as 10 per cent the same day.

In May, three Chinese authorities  the National Internet Finance Association of China, the China Banking Association, and the Payment and Clearing Association of China  announced that they would be launching a widespread crackdown on cryptocurrencies, which sent the market down by as much as 25 per cent over the course of the day.

The moves, which the country has deemed necessary for achieving its climate crisis targets, have collectively led to the price of bitcoin and several leading digital currencies to dive in value since their April high. Crypto mining and transactions consuming large quantities of energy.

While people in China can still hold cryptocurrencies, they would continue to find it harder to use them.
An enormous 3D cat has gone viral after appearing on a Tokyo billboard.

The animal is visible on a 1,664-square-foot curved 4K LED screen in the Shinjuku district, CNN reports.

The felines activities change throughout the day. In the morning, the cat wakes up, progressing through a period of standing and meowing. In the evening, it lies down and eventually falls asleep with its head on its paws.

Test broadcasts have been taking place since last month.

This is a video taken locally around 3:30 pm today. The crowd is unexpectedly noisy, so I have to adjust the volume of my voice. Be careful of the volume during playback!, an account associated with Cross Shinjuku Vision tweeted, sharing a video of the billboard.

The company is sharing a live broadcast of the billboard, but the astonishing visible effect is only visible at particular angles.

This is not the only 3D broadcast that has gone viral; in South Korea, a giant wave was displayed on the countrys biggest digital billboard.

It appeared for one minute every hour, with impressive realism, developed by dstrict, which specialises in immersive technology to create art.
The government announced on Tuesday that rules for self-isolation will be eased for people who have received both doses of a Covid vaccine, as it continues to push ahead with plans to lift all coronavirus restrictions in England later this month.

From 16 August, people who have been fully vaccinated will no longer have to self-isolate for the standard 10 days after coming into contact with a positive coronavirus case. They will be advised to take a Covid test, but it will not be mandatory. If they test positive they will have to isolate.

The travel industry is also prioritising fully-vaccinated travellers, with Heathrow providing fast-track lanes for such arrivals and the airline industry stepping up pressure on minister to open up quarantine-free travel to countries on the amber list.

Although this is welcome news for more than 33 million people (and counting) who have received both jabs - 45.4m people have had one dose so far - it comes as a blow to vulnerable people who are unable to get a Covid vaccine for various reasons  including those with allergies or those who are immuno-compromised and have been advised against taking it.

Julianne Ponan, 32, told The Independent she has been struggling to get her first jab, despite having been in the permitted age bracket for several weeks, because she has a number of food and medication allergies.

Julianne Ponan, 32, told The Independent she wants to be vaccinated but has not been able to get a Covid jab (Julianne Ponan)

Ponan, whose allergies are so severe she has to carry an Epipen wherever she goes, said she tried to get a Covid vaccine several weeks ago at a local vaccine centre in Surrey. However, she was told she would have to get it in a hospital due to her severe allergies.

Prior to my visit to the vaccine centre, I spoke to my GP who said it should be alright for me to go there for a jab, but when I got there they said absolutely not, that I had to go to a hospital to get the jab in a controlled environment, she said.

Its been a few weeks now but Ive still not been able to get it, which makes me quite worried. Everyone around me seems to have had it, but if theyre going to go out and not wear a mask, they can still carry the virus and pass it on to me.

Its like theres one rule for all, and the others will just have to suck it up. Its not fair in any shape or form

Ponan said the governments plan to allow double-vaccinated people to skip self-isolation is unfair for people like her who are unable to access it despite wishing to, and would create bigger problems for vulnerable people like herself.

I dont think the new rules are right or fair. They [double-vaccinated people] can still carry Covid and be asymptomatic, she said. I cant get the vaccine, thats not my choice. Its been taken away from me, and as a vulnerable person, if people arent even going to wear masks, it makes me feel really unsafe.

People who have had the Covid vaccine can still contract the virus and spread it - although the risk is reduced - but the vaccine reduces the risk of more serious illness or death as a result of contracting it.

Its like theres one rule for all, and the others will just have to suck it up. Its not fair in any shape or form, said Ponan.

Scientists and MPs have called for caution as the government pushes forward with its plans to reopen the country, following months of lockdown. It comes as health secretary Sajid Javid admitted that England was entering uncharted territory and infection figures could easily rise above 100,000 a day over the summer.

Green MP Caroline Lucas said: Sajid Javid talks about roadmap to freedom. Theres no freedom for people who arent vaccinated or who are vulnerable  yet their health is being put at risk by reckless gamble to lift all safety measures. The vaccine wall is only half-built  its too soon for all of this.

Allowing infection rates to run rampant could run the very real risk of new variants developing, said Professor Richard Tedder from Imperial College.

Prof Tedder warned against using vaccines as a way to free up our behaviour and said new variants would be even more resistant to vaccines and potentially more infectious.

However, there is a general consensus that there is a need for Britons to learn how to live with Covid-19, as eradication of the virus appears unlikely in the short term.

Vaccination is highly effective at stopping infection... This does not mean that people do not need to be careful

Keith Neal, professor of the epidemiology of infectious diseases at the University of Nottingham, pointed out that in the US and some parts of Europe, fully-vaccinated people do not have to self-isolate unless they have symptoms of the disease.

Vaccination is highly effective at stopping infection and in stopping transmission should people become infected, including the Delta variant, he said.

This does not mean that people do not need to be careful and I will continue to wear a mask.

Ponan said she is 100 per cent on board with learning to live with Covid-19, but added: [The government] needs to make specific rules for people who want the vaccine but cant get it for whatever reason.

If they dont want the vaccine, then fine, but those of us who havent got a choice should get an exemption rule or a letter, or something.

The Independent has contacted the Department of Health and Social Care for comment.
Australia will always keep its national interests ahead of economic interests in its troubled relationship with China a senior Australian lawmaker said Wednesday after a White House official predicted long-term Sino-Australian tensions.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, deputy leader of Australias ruling conservative Liberal Party said China remained a very important economic partner despite bilateral disputes that had disrupted tens of billions of dollars in trade in Australian commodities including coal, wine, beef, barley, wood and lobsters.

We will not put economic interests first, Frydenberg told reporters.

We will put the broader national interest first and that means standing up with a very clear and consistent sense of where our national interest is and that is what we have done, he added.

Frydenberg spoke after White House Coordinator for the Indo-Pacific Kurt Campbell said there was a harshness in Chinas approach to Australia that appears unyielding.

I would have thought we were basically settling in for the long-haul in terms of tensions between China and Australia, Campbell told an Asia Society webinar late Tuesday.

A clash over vaccine diplomacy this week was the latest rift in bilateral relations, which plummeted last year when Australia called for an independent investigation into the origins of and responses to COVID-19.

Australia on Tuesday denied Chinese government and state-media allegations that it was interfering in the rollout of Chinese vaccines in Papua New Guinea.

While an increasingly assertive Chinas relations have soured with several countries, Australia has been singled out for special treatment through a ban on government minister-to-minister contacts.

Campbell said China appeared to have attempted to cut Australia out of the herd and to try to see if they can effect Australia to completely change how it both sees itself and sees the world.

The United States ... have tried to make clear that were not going to leave Australia on the field. Thats just not going to happen, Campbell said.

Frydenberg said Australia was definitely living with a different China than weve seen in years prior.

He said Australia had protected its national interests by barring Chinese communication giant Huawei from involvement in the nations 5G networks, outlawing covert foreign interference in domestic politics and canceling deals struck by an Australian state government under Beijings Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.

Frydenberg had also personally blocked Chinese investment applications in Australia on national interest grounds.

Ive increasingly seen foreign investment applications that have been pursued not necessarily for commercial objectives but for strategic objectives and, as you know, Ive said no to applications that in the past may have been approved, Frydenberg said.
Australia on Tuesday denied Chinese government and media allegations that it was interfering in the rollout of Chinese vaccine in Papua New Guinea

The clash over vaccine diplomacy marks another rift in bilateral relations, which plummeted last year when Australia called for an independent investigation into the origins of and responses to COVID-19.

Australia in March became the first country to provide Papua New Guinea with vaccines as infection numbers rose rapidly in the former Australian colony and Australia's nearest neighbor.

Papua New Guinea took delivery of 200,000 doses of the Chinese-made Sinopharm vaccine on June 23. The Papua New Guinea government said the Sinopharm vaccine would initially be provided to Chinese citizens in the country.

Chinese Communist Party English-language newspaper Global Times accused Australia of planting Australian consultants in Papua New Guinea to undermine Chinas vaccine cooperation with Pacific island countries.

Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific Zed Seselja denied the accusation during a visit to the South Pacific island nation.

"When it comes to the rollout, what were focused on is just making sure that we are providing as much assistance as we possibly can. If other countries want to provide assistance, thats wonderful, Seselja told Australian Broadcasting Corp. in an interview televised on Tuesday.

We come to these issues in good faith and we will continue to do things that are in the interests of our region and interests of our friends and neighbors, most particularly Papua New Guinea, Seselja added.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin backed the Global Times criticism, saying on Monday that China expresses its serious concern and resolute opposition to what he described as Australias irresponsible behavior.

Someone in Australia is using the vaccine issue to engage in political manipulation, bullying and coercion. It is indifferent to the lives and health of the people in Papua New Guinea, contrary to the basic humanitarian spirit, and seriously disrupts the overall situation of the global fight against the epidemic, which is extremely hypocritical and irresponsible, Wang said in mandarin.

We have no geopolitical purpose and no political strings attached (to our vaccine supply). We urge the Australian side to stop disrupting and undermining Chinas vaccine cooperation with Pacific island countries, and join China in making practical efforts to safeguard the health and well-being of the island people and promote international cooperation in fighting the epidemic, Wang added.

Papua New Guinea Planning Minister Rainbo Paita had thanked both China and Australia for their help in the pandemic.

Australia has provided Papua New Guinea with almost 30,000 AstraZeneca doses. Papua New Guinea has also received 132,000 doses of AstraZeneca through the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access, or COVAX, facility.

Papua New Guinea locals in the capital Port Moresby complained last week that they had been told the Sinopharm vaccine was still only available to Chinese, the Post-Courier newspaper in Port Moresby reported.

There are concerns among receiving countries that Chinas vaccine diplomacy may come at a cost, which China has denied.

Beijing first promised the vaccines in February, but Papua New Guinea did not approve Sinopharm for emergency use until May.

Australia on Tuesday promised to share up to 15 million COVID-19 vaccine doses with Pacific island neighbors and East Timor.

Papua New Guinea is a nation of almost 9 million people who mostly live in traditional villages.

It has recorded more than 17,000 infections and 173 deaths since the pandemic began, but the true extent is difficult to gauge because of a lack of testing.
Last year, companies around the U.S. scrambled to figure out how to shut down their offices and set up their employees for remote work as the COVID-19 virus suddenly bore down on the world.

Now, in a mirror image, they are scrambling to figure out how to bring many of those employees back.

Most companies are proceeding cautiously, trying to navigate declining COVID-19 infections against a potential backlash by workers who are not ready to return.

Tensions have spilled into the public at a few companies where some staff have organized petitions or even walkouts to protest being recalled to the office. Many workers in high demand fields, such as tech or customer service, have options amid a rise job postings promising remote work  an alluring prospect for people who moved during the pandemic to be closer to family or in search of more affordable cities.

A lot of people have relocated and dont want to come back,  said Chris Riccobono, the CEO of Untuckit LLC, a casual mens clothing company. Theres a lot of crazy stuff that is a big day-to-day pain point."

Riccobono said he cant wait to get his 100 corporate staffers back to the office in Manhattan s Soho neighborhood because he believes that productivity and morale are higher that way. Starting in September, the company will require those employees to report to the office Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays on the hope that the flexibility of a hybrid schedule will keep everyone happy.

Many others are similarly implementing a gradual return. Companies like Amazon and automakers Ford and General Motors have promised to adopt a hybrid approach permanently for their office staff, responding to internal and public surveys showing an overwhelming preference for work-from-home options.

But implementing a hybrid workplace can be a headache, from identifying which roles are most conducive to remote work to deciding which days of the week employees need to be in the office. There are client meetings to consider. And some business leaders argue new younger need more face-time as they begin their careers or start new at at company.

Thursday is the new Monday," according to Salesforce a San Francisco-based technology firm, which found that Thursday was the most popular day for employees to report to the office when the company reopened its Sydney offices back in August.

Riccobono, on the other hand, insists employees show up on Mondays to get organized and set the tone for the week. Like many employers, however, he acknowledges he is still figuring things out as he navigates uncharted territory.

We will revisit in January,  he said. We will see how it works.

Across the country, office buildings in the top 10 U.S. cities had an average occupancy rate of about 32% in late June, according to estimates from Kastle Systems a security company that monitors access-card wipes at some 2,600 buildings. In Manhattan, just 12% of office employees had returned as of late May, according to the latest survey by the Partnership for New York City, a non-profit organization of major business leaders and employers.

Romina Rugova, an executive at fashion brand Mansur Gavriel, enjoyed the tranquility as she sat on a riverside bench in lower Manhattan after a rare day back at the office for a meet-and-greet with the companys newly hired head of e-commerce.

A mother of two, Rugova had mixed feelings about returning to the office. Seeing colleagues in person after so long was invigorating, and she did not always enjoy blurring her family and professional life.

The challenge is you have to be three people at the same time. You have to be a professional, you have to be a cook, you have to be a cleaner, you have to be a mom, Rugova said. Being in the office after a while was so nice and refreshing. Its completely different experience, you dont realize it.

But she doesnt want to completely give up the three hours of extra time she saves without the commute. Many of her colleagues feel the same way, so Mansur Gavriel will likely implement a flexible policy when most of its 40 employees return to the office after Labor Day.

We are still figuring it out, Rugova said.

While most employers will accelerate their return-to-office plans over the summer, nearly 40% of office employees will still be working remotely in September, according to the Partnership for New York City's survey.

The trend has raised concerns about an unequal economic recovery, given that working remotely is an option available to a privileged few. Only about 15% of workers teleworked because of the pandemic in June, according the U.S. Department of Labor's monthly jobs report. Most work jobs at restaurants, schools, hospitals, factories and other places that require them to show up in person.

Some of large investment banks, which are top employers and office space tenants in New York City, are leading the push to bring employees back, taking a hardline approach in comparison with tech giants that have rolled out generous remote work policies.

Morgan Stanley CEO James Gorman said at a conference earlier this month that he would be very disappointed if people haven't found their way into the office by Labor Day.

If you can go a restaurant in New York City, you can come into the office, Gorman said, though he acknowledged that there should be flexibility for parents still struggling with childcare logistics that fell apart during the pandemic.

Gorman also made clear that he was not open to the work from anywhere mentality that some companies have adopted, saying employees who want to earn New York City salaries should work in the city. The CEOs of JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs have made similar comments, sparking furious debate about whether they would push employees out the door.

It remains to be seen how deeply remote work policies will influence recruitment and retention. But professionals looking for flexibility are finding they have options.

Brecia Young, a data analytics scientist and mother of a 1-year-old child, had choices when she was looking to switch jobs from a small Chicago firm. She accepted an offer from Seattle-based real estate company Zillow in part because the company allowed her to work from home and stay in Chicago, where she and her husband have relatives whose help they relied for child care during the pandemic.

Moving to the West Coast was on the table but it would have been a real hardship, said Young, adding that her husband also would have had to look for a new job. I love the time savings just in terms of the commute. It's like 90 minutes of saved time that I can repurpose.

____

Associated Press writer Anne D'Innocenzio contributed to this story from New York.
Kosovos parliament on Wednesday adopted a resolution condemning the 1995 massacre of thousands of Bosnian men and boys in Srebrenica by Bosnian Serb troops, which was branded as genocide by a U.N. war crimes court.

The resolution, initiated by the Vakat coalition of parties representing the Bosnian minority in Kosovo, was approved by 89 lawmakers in the 120-seat parliament. None voted against.

The Srpska Lista party of Kosovo's ethnic Serb minority boycotted the debate on the resolution and did not take part in the vote. They declined to talk to reporters when leaving parliament.

On July 11, 1995, the U.N.-designated safe haven of Srebrenica in Bosnia-Herzegovina fell to Bosnian Serb forces, who then killed more than 8,000 Muslim men and boys.

Both the wartime Bosnian Serb army commander, Ratko Mladic, and former political leader Radovan Karadzic were subsequently sentenced to life in prison by the U.N. war crimes court in the Netherlands for genocide in Srebrenica.

Bahri Shabani of the Vakat coalition said the resolution would help the victims of the massacre get justice.

That would help not only the victims in Bosnia-Herzegovina but also the victims in Kosovo not to be forgotten, he said. Such a resolution and the memorial day of the genocide in Srebrenica are a lesson for future generations and a reconciliation effort for nations.

Kosovos Prime Minister Abin Kurti said parliament's official condemnation of the genocide "needs to be undisputable so that it wont happen again.

Kosovos 1998-1999 war was the next in line in the violent break-up of the former Yugoslavia, and left more than 10,000 mainly ethnic Albanians killed. More than 1,600 are still missing.

Kosovo was then a Serbian province. The fighting ended after a NATO military intervention that forced Serbia to withdraw its forces. The United Nations ran the territory for nine years before Kosovo in 2008 declared independence, a move that Serbia doesnt recognize.

-

Semini reported from Tirana, Albania.

___

Follow Llazar Semini at https://twitter.com/lsemini
The brave mother of murdered sisters Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman has praised police for bringing the killer to justice, saying that this is the kind of police force that I believe in.

Mina Smallman, the Church of England's first female archdeacon of black and minority ethnic descent, has previously criticised officers for failing to treat the case seriously.

She also condemned the actions of two despicable police constables who are accused of taking photos with the bodies while they were supposed to be guarding the crime scene in Wembley, north London.

However, after Danyal Hussein was convicted of the murders at the Old Bailey, Ms Smallman said the team investigating the case had moved heaven and earth to support the family.

Speaking outside the court, she said: I have made no bones about my complaints with the Metropolitan Police office but today I have to say I can only commend them.

This team moved heaven and earth to ensure we felt that we were being supported.

This is the kind of police force that I believe in and we need to work towards so we have justice and families are treated with respect.

She added: Today we remember our girls as the wonderful, strong women they were and we hope that some good will come out of this horrible story.

Ms Smallman had earlier told of her reaction to learning her daughters had been found dead. I instantly fell to my knees and began screaming, screaming and screaming, she said. I sobbed for ages, I have no idea how long for, I lost all concept of time.

No-one expects their children to die before them but to have two out of three of your children to be murdered on the same night is just incomprehensible.

Bibaa Henry (left) and Nicole Smallman were murdered in a park in Wembley in June last year (AP)

As a person of faith, a follower of Christ, losing two of my girls in this way could have been enough to shake a persons faith. Fortunately it didnt.

She went on: Our familys grief was further compounded by the cordon officers who will now be known as despicable 1 and 2, any inner strength I had reserved had been torn away.

Mrs Smallman added that hearing details of the crime revealed in court had been horrific.

She said: To hear that our girls were dragged along the grass so their clothes were pulled up then placed in some kind of macabre position, it makes you think that this is a person who actually doesnt have a heart. There can be no connection with humanity.

The police watchdog is investigating the Mets failure to send out officers until 36 hours after they had last been seen alive.

Two police officers have been charged with misconduct in public office and are due to appear at the Old Bailey at a later date.

Additional reporting by Press Association
A staggeringly high number of autistic people - including children - are being drawn into terrorism, it has been warned.

In a speech marking the 16th anniversary of the 7/7 London bombings, the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation is to say it is necessary to speak about autism.

It comes after police revealed that more than one in 10 terror suspects arrested in Britain is now a child, and that most are linked to right-wing extremism.

Jonathan Hall QC will say autism is a relevant factor for people being drawn into terrorist violence, alongside other cognitive difficulties and a persons family background.

He will tell an event hosted by think-tank Bright Blue on Wednesday: My understanding is that the incidence of autism in Prevent referrals is also staggeringly high.

It is as if a social problem has been unearthed and fallen into lap of counter-terrorism professionals.

Mr Hall will question whether criminal prosecution is the right outcome in all cases, such as those over the possession of material likely to be useful to a terrorist.

Is the use of strong powers to detect and investigate suspected terrorism in children justified? he will ask.

I believe it is because of the potential risk to the general public, but is the criminal justice outcome the right one in all cases?

Mr Hall will say that possessing terrorist material does not necessarily mean you are going to do something with it.

What about autistic people who simply develop what is called a special interest in this sort of material? Police and prosecutors fret about whether there is an alternative to arrest and prosecution.

Mr Hall is to draw attention to several autistic teenagers who have been convicted of plotting terror attacks in recent cases, including Isis supporter Lloyd Gunton and neo-Nazi Jack Reed.

A judge found that Reed, who is one of the UKs youngest terror plotters, had autism spectrum disorder that played a part in offending and online behaviour dating back to the age of 13.

Ben Hannam, the former Metropolitan Police officer who was convicted of National Action membership earlier this year, was on the autism spectrum and socially isolated when he joined the terrorist group as a teenager.

 Met Police officer convicted of membership of neo-Nazi terrorist group

The role of autism in terror offending was considered by the Court of Appeal in January, when neo-Nazi Paul Dunleavy, then 17, appealed his conviction.

He was jailed for five-and-a-half years for preparing acts of terrorism by researching how to convert a blank-firing gun into a live weapon, and providing advice and encouragement to others online.

The Court of Appeal heard evidence that many autistic people have intense and highly focused interests, such as Dunleavys obsession with guns, but judges ruled that autism spectrum disorder did not make it reasonable for him to possess [terrorist] information for a particular purpose when it would not be reasonable for anyone else to do so.

Lawyers defending autistic people accused of terror offences frequently argue that associated traits and characteristics played an instrumental part in their actions.

In November, a barrister representing teenage neo-Nazi propagandist Harry Vaughan said his autism and a deficiency in emotional intelligence made him susceptible to influence from online groups.

All cases have primarily involved online radicalisation, either where the defendants have self-initiated, or come into contact with other extremists through social media, gaming and chat forums.

Mr Halls most recent report on the operation of terror laws in Britain said that evidence suggested Autism Spectrum Disorder was over-represented in lone-actor terrorist samples, compared to the general population.

Unpalatable though it may be, a large number of lone actor plots are believed by counter-terror police, rightly or wrongly, to involve individuals on the autistic spectrum, it added.

Harry Vaughan was 16 when he started making propaganda for neo-Nazi groups (Central News)

Individuals suffering from poor mental health or learning difficulties are often extremely isolated and may be particularly susceptible to online radicalisation.

The national coordinator for the Prevent counter-extremism programme, chief superintendent Nik Adams, previously told The Independent that autistic people were more vulnerable to be given that obsession, fascination, fixation.

He warned that online terrorist propaganda plays entirely to that because what it seeks to do is mobilise people very quickly to do something really terrible.

Ch Supt Adams said the number of people being referred to Prevent with mixed or unclear ideological beliefs was also rising and included those with complex needs including autism and mental illness.

Clare Hughes, criminal justice manager at the National Autistic Society, said many autistic people and families were concerned that high-profile cases could warp public understanding.

The vast majority of the 700,000 autistic people in the UK are law abiding  sometimes particularly so because of a propensity to know and stick to the rules, she added.

If autistic people do come into contact with the criminal justice system, its absolutely essential that professionals working in the system really understand autism and that specialist support is available for autistic children and adults when its needed.

At the same time, the right early support must be available to stop people getting into dangerous situations, including mental health support to help autistic people to navigate what can feel like a chaotic and overwhelming world.
Boiling lobsters alive will be banned under plans being drawn up by the government.

Ministers are planning to strengthen the welfare rights of crustaceans and molluscs in the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill, which is currently making its way through the House of Lords.

The Bill only covers vertebrates  animals with a backbone  but, after pressure from animal rights groups, the government is set to recognise that shellfish and cephalopod molluscs such as lobsters, crabs, octopuses, squid, cuttlefish and other invertebrates can also feel pain.

The legislation, which was introducted to Parliament in May, would give these animals new legal protections, such as banning restaurants and fishmongers from boiling lobsters and crabs alive or sending live lobsters through the post.

It comes after prime minister Boris Johnson had promised that he would require all government departments to consider, by law, the safeguarding of creatures physical well-being and feelings when writing policy and regulations.

The Bill appears to go further than European Union protections for animals, as banning the live export of cattle  which the Bill also intends to do for England and Wales  cannot currently be criminalised under EU law.

The idea of animal sentience was incorporated into EU law in 2009. But, after the UK left the EU, Mr Johnson came under pressure from campaigners  including the Crustacean Compassion group, which is supported by the RSPCA and British Veterinary Association (BVA)  to establish similar, or more robust, protections and to extend these to invertebrates.

The BVA, which represents more than 18,000 vets, proposes mandatory stunning of lobsters before killing and cooking them.

The practice of boiling a lobster alive is unnecessary torture as it can take up to 15 minutes to kill it with this method, according to a researcher in the journal Science.

The practice of boiling lobsters alive is already illegal in Austria, New Zealand, and Switzerland.

The idea that animals are sentient is not new. Charles Darwin wrote 150 years ago that the lower animals, like man, manifestly feel pleasure and pain, happiness and misery.
Boris Johnson has warned of an exodus of Jewish people from Northern Ireland as a consequence of the protocol he agreed as part of his Brexit deal.

Mr Johnson told MPs the government had been approached by representatives of the Jewish community in the province who raised fears over supplies of kosher food under post-Brexit trade rules which the PM negotiated and signed in 2019 and which began coming into effect in January.

Giving evidence to the House of Commons Liaison Committee, Mr Johnson again attempted to blame disruption of food supplies on the European Unions implementation of the new regulations.

He suggested that the onus was on the EU, rather than the UK, to make concessions in the joint committee set up to oversee the operations of his Northern Ireland protocol, which avoided a hard border with the Republic by effectively creating a customs border in the Irish Sea.

And he insisted that the UK had faithfully fulfilled its side of the protocol bargain, despite the launch by Brussels of legal action over unilateral breaches by London.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and the president of the Jewish Board of Deputies, Marie van der Zyl, joined David Kale and Michael Black of the Belfast Jewish community in a meeting with Northern Ireland secretary Brandon Lewis on Tuesday to call for action to avoid the protocol potentially ending Jewish life in Belfast.

They said that supplies of foods that comply with dietary guidelines set by traditional Jewish law from the British mainland will end in September under the terms of the protocol.

And they warned: If kosher food and religious artefacts cannot be supplied, the community is likely to collapse.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 13 July 2021 Rehearsals are held in a car park in Glasgow for a parade scene ahead of filming for what is thought to be the new Indiana Jones 5 movie starring Harrison Ford PA UK news in pictures 12 July 2021 A local resident puts love hearts and slogans on the plastic that covers offensive graffiti on the vandalised mural of Manchester United striker and England player Marcus Rashford on the wall of a cafe on Copson Street, Withington in Manchester Getty Images UK news in pictures 11 July 2021 England's Bukayo Saka with manager Gareth Southgate after the match Pool via Reuters UK news in pictures 10 July 2021 Australias Ashleigh Barty holds the trophy after winning her final Wimbledon match against Czech Republics Karolina Pliskova Reuters UK news in pictures 9 July 2021 England 1966 World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst stands on top of a pod on the lastminute.com London Eye wearing a replica 1966 World Cup final kit and looking out towards Wembley Stadium in the north of the capital, where the England football team will play Italy in the Euro 2020 final on Sunday PA UK news in pictures 8 July 2021 Karolina Pliskova celebrates after defeating Aryna Sabalenka during the women's singles semifinals match on day ten of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London AP UK news in pictures 7 July 2021 The residents of Towfield Court in Feltham have transformed their estate with England flags for the Euro 2020 tournament PA UK news in pictures 6 July 2021 A couple are hit by a wave as they walk along the promenade in Dover, Kent, during strong winds PA UK news in pictures 5 July 2021 Alexander Zverev playing against Felix Auger-Aliassime in the fourth round of the Gentlemen's Singles on Court 1 on day seven of Wimbledon at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club PA UK news in pictures 4 July 2021 Aaron Carty and the Beyonce Experience perform on stage during UK Black Pride at The Roundhouse in London Getty for UK Black Pride UK news in pictures 3 July 2021 Englands Jordan Henderson celebrates after scoring his first international goal, his sides fourth against Ukraine during the Euro 2020 quarter final match at the Olympic stadium in Rome AP UK news in pictures 2 July 2021 Dan Evans serves against Sebastian Korda during their mens singles third round match at Wimbledon Getty UK news in pictures 1 July 2021 Prince William, left and Prince Harry unveil a statue they commissioned of their mother Princess Diana, on what would have been her 60th birthday, in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace, London AP UK news in pictures 30 June 2021 Dancers from the Billingham Festival and Balbir Singh Dance Company, during a preview for the The Two Fridas, UK Summer tour, presented by Billingham International Folklore Festival of World Dance in collaboration with Balbir Singh Dance Company, inspired by the life and times of female artists Frida Kahlo and Amrita Sher-Gil , which opens on July 10 at Ushaw Historic House, Chapel and Gardens in Durham PA UK news in pictures 29 June 2021 A boy kicks a soccer ball in front of the balconies and landings adorned with predominantly England flags at the Kirby housing estate in London AP UK news in pictures 28 June 2021 Emergency services attend a fire nearby the Elephant & Castle Rail Station in London Getty UK news in pictures 27 June 2021 People walk along Regent Street in central London during a #FreedomToDance march organised by Save Our Scene, in protest against the governments perceived disregard for the live music industry throughout the coronavirus pandemic PA UK news in pictures 26 June 2021 A pair of marchers in a Trans Pride rally share a smile in Soho Angela Christofilou/The Independent UK news in pictures 25 June 2021 Tim Duckworth during the Long Jump in the decathlon during day one of the Muller British Athletics Championships at Manchester Regional Arena PA UK news in pictures 24 June 2021 A member of staff poses with the work 'The Death of Cash' by XCopy at the 'CryptOGs: The Pioneers of NFT Art' auction at Bonhams auction house in London EPA UK news in pictures 23 June 2021 Bank of England Chief Cashier Sarah John displays the new 50-pound banknote at Daunt Books in London Bank of England via Reuters UK news in pictures 22 June 2021 Actor Isaac Hampstead Wright sits on the newly unveiled Game of Throne's "Iron Throne" statue, in Leicester Square, in London, Tuesday, June 22, 2021. The statue is the tenth to join the trail and commemorates 10 years since the TV show first aired, as well as in anticipation for HBO's release of House of the Dragon set to be released in 2022 AP UK news in pictures 21 June 2021 Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon receives her second dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 20 June 2021 Joyce Paton, from Peterhead, on one of the remaining snow patches on Meall aBhuiridh in Glencoe during the Midsummer Ski. The event, organised by the Glencoe Mountain Resort, is held every year on the weekend closest to the Summer Solstice PA UK news in pictures 19 June 2021 England appeal LBW during day four of their Womens International Test match against India at the Bristol County Ground PA UK news in pictures 18 June 2021 Scotland fans let off flares in Leicester Square after Scotland's Euro 2020 match against England ended in a 0-0 draw Getty UK news in pictures 17 June 2021 Members of the Tootsie Rollers jazz band pose on the third day of the Royal Ascot horse racing meet AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 16 June 2021 A woman and child examine life-size sculptures of a herd of Asian elephants set up by the Elephant Family and The Real Elephant Collective to help educate the public on the elephants and the ways in which humans can better protect the planets biodiversity, in Green Park, central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 June 2021 Hydrotherapists with Dixie, a seven-year-old Dachshund who is being treated for back problems common with the breed, in the hydrotherapy pool during a facility at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home's in Battersea, London, to view their new hydrotherapy centre PA UK news in pictures 14 June 2021 Scotland's David Marshall in the net after Czech Republic's Patrik Schick scored their second goal at Hampden Park Reuters UK news in pictures 13 June 2021 Raheem Sterling celebrates with Harry Kane after scoring Englands first goal of the Euro 2021 tournament in a match against Croatia at Wembley Reuters UK news in pictures 12 June 2021 Oxfam campaigners wearing costumes depicting G7 leaders pose for photographers on Swanpool Beach near Falmouth, Cornwall EPA UK news in pictures 11 June 2021 Members of the Vaxinol team, who are commercial, industrial and residential cleaners specialising in disinfection and decontamination, use electrostatic spray systems to deep clean the Only Fools Bar in Liverpool PA UK news in pictures 10 June 2021 A woman walks her dogs as the incoming tide begins to wash away the heads of G7 leaders drawn in the sand by activists on the beach at Newquay, Cornwall AP UK news in pictures 9 June 2021 Adam Chamberlain, 45, general manager of Big Tree pub in Sheffield, has put up over 500 flags, taking 36 hours, in preparation for Euro 2020, which kicks off this weekend Tom Maddick / SWNS UK news in pictures 8 June 2021 REUTERS UK news in pictures 7 June 2021 A pedestrian wearing a face covering walks over Westminster Bridge near the Houses of Parliament in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 6 June 2021 Isobel Salamon, founder of the Edinburgh Cinema Club, poses alongside the Leith Trainspotting murals in Quality Yard, Leith, Edinburgh, for the programme launch of the Cinescapes Festival which starts on July 4 with a Trainspotting 1 and 2 double bill PA UK news in pictures 5 June 2021 A long exposure photograph captures the rotation of the earth as the stars blur into circles over Knowlton church ruins in Dorset Nick Lucas/SWNS UK news in pictures 4 June 2021 Balloonists take flight during the opening of the Midlands Air Festival in Alcester, Warwickshire PA UK news in pictures 3 June 2021 Members of the Household Cavalry during the Major General's annual inspection of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment in Hyde Park, London PA UK news in pictures 2 June 2021 Hannah Vitos of the Blenheim Art Foundation, poses for a photograph next to artist Ai Weiwei's Gilded Cage (2017) sculpture in the grounds of Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Britain Reuters UK news in pictures 1 June 2021 People swim in the Sky Pool, a transparent swimming pool bridge across two exclusive residential blocks standing next to the US Embassy in Nine Elms, in London, Tuesday, June 1, 2021 AP UK news in pictures 31 May 2021 People enjoy the hot weather at Brighton beach Reuters UK news in pictures 30 May 2021 People venture into the sea as they enjoy themselves during a hot day on Brighton Beach AP UK news in pictures 29 May 2021 Swimmers at the Stonehaven Open Air Pool in Aberdeenshire, which reopens after lockdown restrictions were eased PA UK news in pictures 28 May 2021 Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures as he meets Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban at Downing Street in London REUTERS UK news in pictures 27 May 2021 White Pelicans in the sunshine in St James's Park, London PA UK news in pictures 26 May 2021 Boats are seen at Southsea Moorings in Portsmouth Reuters UK news in pictures 25 May 2021 York Glaziers Trust employees Kieran Muir (left) and Emily Price (right) remove a stained glass window panel at the start of a new five year, 5m project to conserve York Minsters South East Transept and its medieval St Cuthbert Window PA

Mr Johnson told MPs the government had received very serious representations from the Jewish community that because of the problem with the food sector, it was becoming difficult to for them to have timely access  or any access  to kosher food.

He told the liaison committee: They are talking now about an exodus from Northern Ireland by the Jewish community.

Clearly, we want to do everything we can to avoid that and to sort it out.

But its going to take our friends in the joint committee to make some movement and to make that movement pretty fast.

He indicated that the UK government is not planning any concessions on its side to help resolve the situation.

I think weve been very clear that we are implementing the protocol, he said. The UK is a faithful obedient servant of the law.

The things that I have described are a direct result of what UK officials are doing in upholding the law and obeying the EU jurisdiction.

The problem is that I think  and I think any impartial listener of this conversation would think  the way the EU is trying to implement the protocol is currently grossly disproportionate and unnecessary.

Following Tuesdays meeting, the Board of Deputies said that Mr Lewis had pledged the governments support on the issue.

Ms van der Zyl said: The Belfast Jewish community is a great community with a rich history, but also an older and vulnerable one. We thank the minister for his time, and urge the UK and the EU to generate a creative solution which means that Jews can continue to practise their faith in Northern Ireland.
Boris Johnson has falsely claimed that MPs were offered a vote on his huge overseas aid cuts  yet mysteriously chose not to take it up.

An estimates vote was held last week  but this was on all government spending and could not be used to reverse cuts that will means thousands of children will die, Tory rebels are protesting.

Voting down the estimates  effectively the Foreign Offices budget  would have left the key department with no funds at all, it was suggested.

Nevertheless, the prime minister told the Commons: The House was given a chance to vote on this matter on the estimates vote, but it mysteriously chose not to.

In response, former Cabinet minister David Davis warned the government is risking an imminent court challenge  although campaigners have stepped back from that move so far.

Everyone knows that last weeks estimates debate allows only for a vote to reduce the budget, not restore the cuts, he told The Independent.

And, making a direct threat, he said: If tomorrows business statement, confirming the House of Commons business for the final two weeks, does not include a vote on this, the government risks judicial review over the summer.

In fact, the government is still refusing to grant a specific vote  breaking a promise made last year  because, the rebels say, ministers know they would lose it.

Aid has been slashed from 0.7 to 0.5 per cent of national output  swiping around 4bn a year  and there is no date for restoring the temporary reduction, which could be years away

At the weekend, ex-Scottish leader Ruth Davidson joined the battle, warning Mr Johnson that the Tories will again be seen as the nasty party, as the horrific pictures of famine in Ethiopia repel voters.

In the Commons, Mr Davis said: This year, thousands of children will die because of the governments dramatic cuts in international aid.

Top lawyers in the country advise us that this policy is unlawful and its never been presented to this House for approval. When are we going to get a binding vote?

The Tory rebels are demanding that the aid cuts are reversed from the start of next year, but ministers have hinted they will last for much longer than that.

Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, asked if the cut must be for one year only, to comply with the law  if no fresh legislation is passed  said, in April: I dont think it is quite as straightjacketed as that.

Last week, the prime minister dismissed a warning that hundreds of thousands of people will die from tropical diseases because of his aid cuts  despite it coming from the World Health Organisation.
Security minister James Brokenshire has announced he is standing down from the government to concentrate on his fight against cancer.

The Old Bexley and Sidcup MP resigned as Northern Ireland secretary in 2018 for surgery to remove a lesion on his right lung, but returned to Theresa Mays cabinet later that year as housing secretary and joined the Home Office under Boris Johnson in 2020.

He announced in January he was taking a leave of absence from ministerial duties for surgery on a tumour.

But in a letter to Mr Johnson, he today said that his recovery from treatment and return to full duties was taking longer than anticipated.

I have therefore concluded that it is best that I stand down from my ministerial role and focus on restoring my health, he said.

Mr Brokenshire said he hoped to be able to serve again in some way in the future.

The 53-year-old father-of-three has previously said that his lung cancer diagnosis came as a jolt as he had never smoked.

In a letter accepting his resignation from the government, Mr Johnson said: I look forward to welcoming you back as soon as possible.
About 125 students are still missing after armed men attacked a boarding school during the night in Nigeria.

Twenty eight children have since been reunited with their families after the mass kidnapping at the Bethel Baptist High School in the state of Kaduna.

Reverend Ishaya Jangado, head of the Kaduna Baptist conference, which manages the school, gave an update on the situation after more than 150 children were taken from the school on Monday.

He said that the abductors made contact with him on Tuesday, and that he was allowed to talk to some students who confirmed that they were unharmed.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing, Rev Jangado said, adding that he strongly believes that the students will soon return safely to their parents.

He added: The situation we have found ourselves in is indeed pathetic, particularly for the parents of the kidnapped students and the school community.

A video on the website Africa News shows the distraught parents praying in a group, for the childrens return, while holding the sandals that they had left behind.

The mother of a 15-year-old girl who was kidnapped from the school told the BBC that the children had been seized by a large group of armed men who arrived on motorbikes and broke down the fence.

In a statement, police said gunmen overpowered the schools security guards and made their way into the students hostel where they abducted an unspecified number of students into the forest.

A local government official said troops were stepping up efforts to find the victims. It is believed that some of the students may have escaped the attackers.

It is the 10th mass school kidnapping in northwest Nigeria since December, and is the fourth in the Kaduna state in the last six months alone.

Parents told Reuters that 180 students typically attend the school, and that pupils were in the process of sitting exams.

Nigerian authorities have attributed the kidnappings to what they call armed bandits that are seeking ransom payments.

Many schools have been forced to close as officials are unable to adequately protect them.

The United Nations childrens agency Unicef warned that the rise in school kidnappings is disrupting the education of students in northwest Nigeria, with between 300,000 to 400,000 children being out of school.

It estimated that more than about 1,120 schools are closed in the region. Even where schools are open, some parents are too afraid to send their children.

On Sunday morning, at least eight people were also abducted from the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Centre in Zaria, in the Kaduna state. Two nurses, a 12-month-old child and the mother were among those seized, said a hospital worker.
Retailers Sears and Kmart have pulled a T-shirt from their websites that called Ashli Babbitt, the woman shot and killed by a police officer during the 6 January US Capitol riot, an American Patriot.

A screenshot of the black T-shirt, featuring a monochrome American flag, was posted to Twitter by Vox journalist Aaron Rupar with links to the product pages on the respective brand websites.

Ms Babbitt, an Air Force veteran, Trump supporter, and alleged QAnon conspiracy theorist, was shot dead while attempting to climb through the broken glass of a barricaded door leading to the Speakers Lobby in the Capitol as pro-Trump rioters stormed the building.

A few hours after Mr Rupars tweet highlighting the product, the official Sears Twitter account responded thanking him for bringing the product to the companys attention and saying that this item is no longer available for purchase.

Both Sears and Kmart are owned by the same parent company, Transformco. It is unclear how long the shirt had been for sale but it may have come from a third-party company permitted to use the retailers platform to sell merchandise.

The Independent has asked Transformco for comment.

Links to the product on both sites now bring up an error page saying that it may no longer be available or has been removed.

The shooting of Ms Babbitt was captured in graphic footage at the height of the chaos during the 6 January insurrection as rioters attempted to disrupt Congress confirming the election result formally naming Joe Biden as the next US president.

She was one of several people to die during, and in the immediate aftermath of, the assault on the Capitol. Dozens of others were injured.

On Wednesday when former president Donald Trump was asked at a press conference about what he did on 6 January to stop the rioting, he deflected saying those involved were being treated unfairly and brought up the fact that the identity of the officer who shot Ms Babbitt has not been publicly revealed.

Ms Babbitts death has been politicised by others, including Representative Paul Gosar of Arizona who was condemned after saying that she had been executed by the police.

Mr Trump and other Republicans have joined the family of Ms Babbitt in calling for the name of the officer who shot her to be made public.

In April, the US Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia said that it would not pursue criminal charges against the officer, who is not identifiable in the footage.

However, the Babbitt family has filed a lawsuit in Washington DCs Superior Court seeking the officers records, footage of the incident, and documents and witness statements obtained by the police during their investigation.

Mr Rupars tweet flagging the shirt came on the six-month anniversary of the violent assault on the Capitol.

Since then, more than 535 individuals in almost every state have been charged with crimes relating to their alleged actions during the insurrection.
The Miss Mexico pageant has been accused of moving ahead with its competition despite a mass outbreak of coronavirus among its contestants, with those exhibiting symptoms allegedly being told not to complain.

The Associated Press reported that contestants from 14 of Mexicos 32 states at a Miss Mexico contest tested positive for Covid-19 amid the competition.

Health secretary for the northern Mexico border state of Chihuahua, Eduardo Fernandez Herrera, told local media about the outbreak on Tuesday.

The health official said that the contest, held in the state capital, was shortened and brought to an abrupt end on Saturday after the positive cases were discovered.

Reports have alleged that organisers had initially pushed ahead with the competition despite the illness outbreak, allegedly telling those with symptoms not to complain.

Even though many [of the contestants] were coughing, had body aches and even a temperature, they asked them not to complain, a source from the pageant told Reforma, according to The Guardian.

The source also reportedly alleged to the Spanish newspaper that a minimum 10 [contestants] had symptoms on a trip to a school in Copper Canyon prior to the pageant.

Mr Herrera said that the contestants had all submitted negative tests before the pageant but authorities received an anonymous tip about a positive case.

Following the anonymous tip, health officials then reportedly visited the site of the competition to administer tests.

The state health secretariat regrets the lack of honesty and transparency from the organising committee, he said in a statement.

The event was reported to have been scheduled for 3 July but was rescheduled for 1 July without explanation, The Guardian reported.

In total, nearly half of the contestants in this years pageant and one other staff member ultimately tested positive for the virus.

The Independent has contacted Miss Mexico for comment on the claims.

Additional reporting from the Associated Press
An Australian TV host has called Joe Biden a bloke who most probably couldnt find his way home after dark during a discussion on the American presidents recent gaffes and the calls for him to take a cognitive test.

Sky News Australia host Alan Jones also said that it was clear that there is no way US President Joe Biden would pass a test to determine his cognitive ability or memory impairment.

The TV host said: The disturbing thing here is the free world depends on the United States as the unfree world gains momentum. And the free world is run by a bloke who most probably couldnt find his way home after dark.

Sky News Australia has called Mr Biden as struggling, barely cogent, and a human corpse deep in the stages of progressive cognitive decline. That coverage, reports indicated, continued on Monday as well.

Mr Jones said: Suddenly, the worlds greatest power is in the hands of a slightly dazed bloke who looks like hes always waking up from heavy anaesthesia. He also quoted New York Post columnist, Kyle Smith, who had asked: whether its safe for [Biden] to be near a pair of scissors.

Mr Jones also pointed out that representative Ronny Jackson (R-TX)  the former White House physician for former presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump  had proposed that the US president take a mental acuity examination and submit its results.

Mr Jackson sent a letter to Mr Biden demanding that he immediately submit to a cognitive test because his mental decline and forgetfulness have become more apparent over the past eighteen months.

Mr Jones added: Its clear theres no way that Joe Biden would pass a test to determine his cognitive ability or memory impairment. He said: The greater concern is, he would be replaced by the ideologically dangerous Kamala Harris.

On Monday, Sky News Australia host Andrew Bolt also attacked the US president. He played footage of Mr Biden struggling to answer a reporters question about Russian hacking. He mocked Mr Bidens long pause before he took out note cards to read the answer someone had prepared for him.

Mr Bolt asked: If Putin sees this footage, and Im sure he will, what will he conclude about the guy leading the worlds biggest superpower?

In 2020, when Errol Barnett, a CBS reporter for the National Association of Black Journalists and National Association of Hispanic Journalists, asked Mr Biden about the cognitive test, he had bristled: No, I havent taken a test. Why the h**l would I take a test?
A Texas man who allegedly stormed the US Capitol declaring this is our house, this is our country was killed in a motorcycle crash while awaiting trial, according to police and prosecutors.

Joseph Cable Barnes, who was facing charges of obstruction of an official proceeding, was hit by a car in Austin after running a red light at the intersection of the Capital of Texas Highway and Westbank Drive in June.

The Austin Police Department said Mr Barnes was pronounced dead at the scene after the motorcycle he was riding collided with a Toyota Avalon on 12 June. Prosecutors on Tuesday filed a motion to drop the charges following his death about three weeks ago.

Mr Barnes, 35, was identified by three witnesses as the person seen in video footage published by ITV News telling an interviewer, This is our house. This is our country. This is our country, according to the Department of Justice.

While yelling, Barnes is gesturing forcefully, pointing downward as if to identify the Capitol and the country, a Federal Bureau of Investigation agent wrote in arrest documents.

One of the witnesses told the FBI they were students together at Anderson High School in Austin, Texas. Another witness identified him as a real estate agent, pointing to a listing on the company of Jones Lang LaSalle naming him as vice president of the companys Austin branch. A company spokesperson told The Austin American-Statesman in February that he no longer worked at the company.

While Mr Barnes died on the morning of 12 June about 8.14 am, his death was not widely recognized until Acting United States Attorney Channing D Phillips filed the motion to abate his prosecution, as first reported by NBC4 Washington investigative reporter Scott MacFarlane

In addition to obstruction of an official proceeding, Mr Barnes also faced charges related to entering and remaining in a restricted building, disorderly and disruptive conduct, and parading, demonstrating or picketing.

He entered a plea of not guilty on 9 March, according to motions filed with the court, while notice of a defence attorney had been filed just five days before his death.
Indigenous leaders are calling for arsonists to stop attacking Catholic churches in reaction to thousands of unmarked graves being discovered at former residential schools.

More than 150,000 indigenous children were taken from their families and placed in residential schools across Canada from 1863 to 1998, and thousands of the graves were only recently uncovered.

The Canadian government apologised for the residential school system in 2008, but the Catholic church, who were responsible for nearly 70 per cent of institutions, has not.

A wave of arson attacks against Catholic churches is thought to be connected to the finding of a further 751 graves at a school in Saskatchewan, and 215 children at a residential school in British Columbia.

Jenn Allan-Riley, a survivor of a residential school and assistant Pentecostal minister at Living Waters Church, told reporters on Monday that attacking churches is not in solidarity with the indigenous community.

She continued: We're concerned about the burning and defacing of churches bringing more strife, depression and anxiety to those already in pain and mourning."

Among the churches targeted by arsonists in Alberta in recent days include a century-old Catholic church in Edmonton and the Vietnamese Alliance Church in Calgary.

A further 10 churches were damaged across Calgary in a single night, according to CTV News.

Some residential school survivors have remained Catholic, and now have lost their place of worship and comfort, Ms Allan-Riley added of the attacks.

Canadas prime minister, Justin Trudeau, said the arson attacks on Catholic churches were simply not right, although he fully understood the anger and grief of so many.

It is a shame and, indeed, it is something that is going to prevent people who will seek solace in times of grief from being able to visit their own places of worship, Mr Trudeau said on Monday.
Eleven anti-mask protesters are reportedly facing criminal charges after disrupting a Utah school board meeting in May.

In video of the 4 May incident in Salt Lake City, protesters could be seen grabbing the microphone following a public comment period during the Granite School District board meeting, which was broadcast online.

This is wrong, you all know it, one demonstrator shouts before crowds chant no more masks! no more masks! in opposition to the school districts mandatory mask rules to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

After the board decided to adjourn the meeting, citing safety reasons, the protesters claimed they would hold their own vote to rescind the school districts face mask policy.

Last week, charges were filed by the South Salt Lake City Attorney against 11 individuals who disrupted the Granite District Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, district spokesman Ben Horsley said.

Because many of the individuals were not associated with the district as patrons or residents, there was an extended amount of time needed to identify the perpetrators as part of this investigation, he said.

In a previous interview with The Salt Lake Tribute, he said: They came in and took the spots on the stand and held a mock meeting for several minutes before they left the building.

The district spokesman compared the incident to the 6 January insurrection that saw rioters storm the US Capitol building in an attack that left five people dead, according to the newspaper.

In a separate statement to Salt Lake Citys Fox affiliate, Mr Horsely said: While there was a police presence at the meeting, the decision was made in advance to be non-confrontational unless the situation became violent.

Regardless, there are repercussions for these actions and the board was unable to conduct its business as a result of these disruptive criminal actions, he said, adding: The board and district encourage civil discourse as we model appropriate behavior for our children and students.

Mr Horsely said in a statement that the South Salt Lake City Attorney filed charges against 11 individuals last week.

Because many of the individuals were not associated with the district as patrons or residents, there was an extended amount of time needed to identify the perpetrators as part of this investigation, he said.

In the wake of the incident, Mr Horlsey told The Tribune that the school district had received an overwhelming number of emails in support of the mask mandate.

The Independent has contacted the South Salt Lake City Attorneys office for comment.
Arizona wants to fast-track two executions because the states drug supply has a shorter shelf life than first thought.

The Arizona Department of Corrections announced in April it was ready to execute two inmates and spent $1.5 million (1.1 million) for the drug. Both men were convicted of murder.

But authorities recently acknowledged in court that it only has 45 days to carry out the lethal injections, according to AZ Central. It was thought that Arizona had 90 days from issuing motions for two execution warrants to compound the drug, test it, and carry out executions by the fall.

Frank Atwood, the first of the two inmates scheduled for execution, has a date for 28 September; the second, Clarence Dixon, has a date for 19 October, according to AZ Central.

Filing two requests in court on 22 June, Arizona attorney general Mark Brnovich asked for the two executions to be carried out sooner than the scheduled dates.

An attorney for Dixon said it would give the inmate four days to respond to the state's motion for an execution warrant.

Dale Baich, one of Dixons attorneys, added that Arizona should refile its motion for an execution warrant "at such a time as it is prepared to pursue Mr Dixon's execution in a manner consistent with his state and federal rights.

Mr Baich told Newsweek: "The State of Arizona has full control over its execution drugs, and it sought the original briefing schedule based on information received from its own pharmacist.

The state now says that pharmacist was wrong. This is not the first time Arizona has had problems with execution drugs.

The attorney noted that in 2014, the execution of Joseph Wood took nearly two hours because the novel drug combination did not work as the state intended.

In 2015, the state had an illegal import of lethal drugs seized by federal authorities because it violated a federal court injunction that stemmed from Arizonas 2011 illegal importation of drugs, Mr Baich added.

An attorney for Atwood initially questioned Arizona's 90-day execution schedule because medical journals and scientists argued that it was effective for only 45 days.

"He is trying to shirk responsibility for any foul-up," Mr Perkovich told AZ Central of the attorney general, Mr Brnovich "He has blown a million and a half dollars on a drug he can't legally use in Arizona."

The Independent has reached out to the Arizona Department of Corrections for comment.
A federal judge has refused the QAnon Shamans third request to be released from jail, saying the accused Capitol rioter still poses a flight risk.

A lawyer for Jacob Chansley, who infamously wore an animal headdress into the Capitol during the 6 January insurrection , had asked that his client be permitted to stay with family members in Phoenix, Arizona.

On Monday, Judge Royce Lamberth turned down that request.

As Chansleys family connections have not prevented him from traveling undetected in the past, the court is unpersuaded that they will prevent him from doing so again in the future, the judge wrote.

On the day of the Capitol riot, Mr Chansley, 33, was filmed wandering into the United States Senate Chamber, where he posed for photos in a horned hat and face paint and left a note for then-vice president Mike Pence .

Its only a matter of time, the note read. Justice is coming!

Mr Chansley was arrested three days later. He has been indicted on six different federal charges, including violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.

Mr Chansleys lawyer, Albert Watkins, has argued that his client has mental health problems , and believed he was obeying former president Donald Trump s orders when he entered the Capitol.

He also maintains that throughout the riot, Mr Chansleys actions were peaceful.

He was not violent. He did not assault. He did not steal or destroy while he was in the Capitol, Mr Watkins told Reuters .

As Judge Lamberth has repeatedly pointed out, however, Mr Chansley was carrying what appeared to be a spear during the mob attack. Mr Watkins has contested that description, saying the object was merely a flagpole with a pointy ornament at the top.

In May, the judge ordered that Mr Chansley be given a psychological evaluation at a suitable facility for a competency examination. The next month, Mr Chansley was sent to a facility in Colorado for that exam, and Mr Watkins has said the results are coming soon.

If the attorney can prove that Mr Chansley is not mentally competent, he may be able to save him from serving a lengthy prison sentence, but Mr Chansley would likely be treated at a hospital within a federal prison.
A GoFundMe was set up for the family of an Uber Eats driver after he was killed during an armed hijacking  and it has raised more than $1 million.

Mohammad Anwar, 66, of Springfield, Virginia, was working in Washington DC on 23 March when two teenage girls assaulted the man with a stun gun and attempted to steal his car, according to police.

The two girls, ages 13 and 15 at the time of the incident, jumped into Mr Anwars Honda Accord in Washington DCs Navy Yard and drove off with it while the man clung to the side of the vehicle.

They crashed the car, and the man, who was married with three adult children and four grandchildren, died from the incident.

Mohammad Anwar was a hard-working Pakistani immigrant who came to the United States to create a better life for him and his family, the GoFundMe page states. He was simply at work yesterday evening, providing for his family, when his life was tragically taken in an appalling act of violence.

More than $1 million has been raised for the family since starting the fundraiser three months ago.

One girl, who was 13 years old at the time of the incident, was ordered by a judge on Tuesday to remain in the custody of Washington DCs Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services until she turns 21. This came after she pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in June.

I never meant to do it, the teenager said in court on Tuesday, adding, I will change, according to The Washington Post.

The other teeanger, who was 15 at the time of the crime, also received the same sentence.

During her sentencing, the 15-year-old told Mr Anwars family, No matter how much stuff Ive been through, I would never intentionally murder someone, according to The Washington Post.

Police have not publicly identified the teenagers due to their age.

Mr Anwars daughter spoke out against the two children following the 15-year-olds sentencing.

I cannot move past that sidewalk on N Street on March 23rd, where he lay broken, while one of you was only concerned about your phone, she said, Washingtons Top News reported. You broke most of the bones in his body. No amount of years you spend in any facility can ever make you go through even one per cent of that pain.

She added: I can never, and will never, forgive you for the pain you caused him.
Julian Assange will not be held in a supermax prison if he is extradited to the US, American authorities have told Britain. They also said they would be happy for the Australian citizen to serve any custodial sentence there.

The British High Court ruled that the US government could appeal an earlier ruling that rejected its demand to extradite the WikiLeaks founder to the US, to face espionage and computer charges.

A lower court in January turned down the US request, with a judge saying she was concerned that if he were sent to the America, there was a very real possibility the 50-year-old whistleblower might take his own life.

Mr Assanges lawyers had told the court last year that if he was sent to America he would likely be held in so-called supermax facility in Colorado, where he would spent most of his time confined to his cell, and having to confront harsh measures.

Maureen Baird, a former warden at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York, who was called by Mr Assanges lawyers had said: From my experience, of close to three decades of working in federal prisons, I would agree that long term isolation can have serious negative effects on an inmates mental health.

Mr Assange could face a penalty of 175 years imprisonment if convicted of charges related to the US Espionage Act, as well as computer hacking.

On Wednesday, as the court in London granted the US permission to appeal the ruling on three out of five grounds.

Two were technical legal grounds relating to the interpretation of case law by the judge in the lower court.

According to part of the judgement shared by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) with the media, the court also said the third ground for appeal that had been granted was that the United States has provided the United Kingdom with a package of assurances which are responsive to the District Judges specific findings in this case.

It added: In particular, the United States has provided assurances that Mr Assange will not be subject to SAMs or imprisoned at ADX, unless he were to do something subsequent to the offering of these assurances that meets the tests for the imposition of SAMs or designation.

It said the US had also provided an assurance that the United States will consent to Mr Assange being transferred to Australia to serve any custodial sentence imposed on him.

The development, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, came as the judge also ordered that Mr Assange must remain in prison during any potential US appeal, ruling that he has an incentive to abscond if he were freed.

 Trump once said he 'loved' Wikileaks

Friends, relatives and supporters of the WikiLeaks founder point out he has been held at Londons high-security Belmarsh Prison since he was arrested in April 2019, when he was detained for skipping bail seven years earlier. He has always insisted he took refuge in Ecuadors Embassy, where he was granted asylum because he feared the US wanted to punish him for the role of his organisation in exposing what he and his supporters say were war crimes committed during the war on terror.

Nils Melzer, the UN Special Rapporteur on torture, has said the way Mr Assange has been treated by Britain and the US amounts to collective persecution. He has also condemned the way the US held whistleblower Chelsea Manning in solitary confinement.

Ms Manning was among the best known of WikiLeaks sources, and in early 2010 provided hundreds of thousands of secret documents to the site. She did so after becoming horrified at what the US and its allies were doing.

Among the material was a piece of footage showing two US AH-64 Apache helicopters attacking buildings in Baghdad in 2007, and then closing in a group of people on the ground. Among them were children and journalists.

Julian Assange (Getty)

Ms Manning was eventually charged with 22 offences. A court martial sentenced her to 35 years in a a military prison at Fort Leavenworth. She spent seven years in jail before her sentence was commuted by Barack Obama.

On Wednesday, Mr Assanges fiancee, Stella Moris, urged Joe Biden to drop the prosecution launched under his predecessor, Donald Trump.

Ms Moris, who has two young sons with Assange, said outside the High Court that the WikiLeaks founder was very unwell in prison.

He won his case in January. Why is he even in prison? she said.

Im appealing to the Biden administration to do the right thing. This appeal was taken two days before the Trump administration left office, and if the Biden administration is serious about respecting the rule of law, the First Amendment and defending global press freedom, the only thing it can do is drop this case.
Canada has announced that its new governor general will be Mary Simon  the first Indigenous person to fill the role.

Today, after 154 years, our country takes a historic step, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Tuesday. I cannot think of a better person to meet the moment.

The governor general is a representative for Queen Elizabeth II , who is officially the monarch of Canada. Mr Trudeau announced on Tuesday that the Queen had approved the appointment of Ms Simon, a prominent Inuk leader and Canadiant diplomat.

I can confidently say that my appointment is a historic and inspirational moment for Canada and an important step forward on the long path to reconciliation, Ms Simon told Global News on Tuesday.

So who is Mary Simon? First and foremost, she is a highly experienced public servant, both for the Inuit people specifically and for Canada in general. She was born in 1947 in Nunavik, the Arctic region of Quebec , and her mothers side of the family was Inuit.

Part of my cultural tradition, as an Inuk, are the strong bonds that are created across the generations, Ms Simon said. My grandmother Jeannie and my mother Nancy were my teachers and mentors, and these influences continue today.

Ms Simon began her career as a journalist, working as a producer for CBC in the 1970s. But she soon branched out into politics, and was elected secretary of the board of directors of the Northern Quebec Inuit Association.

This began her long career as an advocate for Indigenous peoples rights. Later she joined the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, a Canadian Inuit organisation, and took on a number of leadership roles at the Inuit Circumpolar Conference, a multi-national NGO for Indigenous peoples.

In 1994, Ms Simon was appointed to national office. Canadas prime minister at the time, Jean Chretien, named her the first Canadian Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs, a position she held for seven years. During this time, Ms Simon led the negotiations to create the Arctic Council , an alliance of eight countries in the region. Under Ms Simons leadership, the council expressly called for the participation of Indigenous groups.

The late 1990s and early 2000s were an extremely busy period for Ms Simon. From 1997 to 1998, she chaired the NAFTA Commission on Environmental Cooperation. At the same time, she was chancellor of Trent University in Ontario. And in 1999, she was appointed Canadas ambassador to Denmark , which she remained until 2002.

Ms Simon has won a number of national honours for her work, including being named an officer of the Order of Canada in 2005.

Ms Simons career has always been one of breaking down barriers, Mr Trudeau said on Tuesday.

Ms Simon is taking on the position of governor general at a crucial time. Her predecessor, Julie Payette, resigned in January amid reports that she oversaw a toxic, abusive workplace.

Meanwhile, Canada is grappling with disturbing revelations about its history. In recent weeks, hundreds of unmarked graves have been discovered on the grounds of former residential schools, which were used in the 19th and 20th centuries to forcibly assimilate Indigenous children.

As governor general, Ms Simon says she hopes to help all Canadians, including Indigenous people, achieve a reconciliation.

The past is something that we have to come to terms with but I am going to look forward to ensure Canadians together will build a better Canada, and I think that is my important role, she said on Tuesday. I see a very bright future.
The US Coast Guard said it rescued 13 people out of 22 who were tossed into the ocean after their ship capsized near the Florida Keys due to Tropical Storm Elsa.

The Coast Guard is still searching for the other nine victims.

The boat reportedly left from Cuba. The first two survivors were rescued by a nearby cargo ship, which prompted the rescue effort from the US Coast Guard.

Two helicopters and an airplane were called in to assist with the search.

Tropical Storm Elsa made landfall on Wednesday morning in Taylor County, Florida.

According to The National Hurricane Centre, the storm had sustained winds of 65 miles per hour and was moving north at 14 miles per hour.

All watches and warning associated with the storm in Central Florida were lifted late Wednesday morning.

The storm has spun off some tornado warnings in northern Florida and will dump heavy rain on that part of the state as it continues north along the East Coast.

The states Governor Ron DeSantis answered questions about the storm during a press conference. Clearly, this could have been worse, he said.

He also cautioned people to be careful when cleaning up debris, as many hurricane deaths actually come as a result of injuries like electrocutions after the storm passes through.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis wouldnt commit to any actions on the state level to address worries about ageing condo towers, saying that condominiums are kind of a dime a dozen, particularly in southern Florida and that the collapsed Champlain Towers South had problems from the start.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Mr DeSantis wouldnt say if he supported having older buildings around the state be recertified to reassure residents that they are safe following the deadly collapse of the 12-story tower in Surfside north of Miami Beach, The Miami Herald reported.

The building was in the process of its recertification when it collapsed at 1.20am on 24 June. The process takes place every 40 years, but its only required in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

Experts argue the collapse shows inadequacies in the certification process and state legislators, structural engineers, and insurance agents have indicated that the state laws that apply to high rises in coastal areas are due for an update.

We obviously want to be able to identify why did this happen, Mr DeSantis said. Is this something that was unique to this building? Is it something that was unique to the person that maybe developed it  because obviously there are sister properties? Is it something that buildings of that age, that would have implications beyond that whether southern Florida or the entire state of Florida? I think we need to get those definitive answers.

Mr DeSantis was then asked about the impact that the collapse may have on the condo market as those interested in buying a condo may now hesitate.

I can just say, just having talked with people whove been on the scene  people whove done stuff  I think this building had problems from the start, lets just put it that way, he said.

I wouldnt jump to conclusions about it but, at the same time, if there is something identified that would have implications broader than Champlain Towers, then obviously were going to take that and act as appropriate, he added.

Several coastal cities have launched their own reviews of older buildings following the collapse. The city of North Miami Beach issued an evacuation order on Friday for one building not considered to be safe. Firefighters ordered residents to leave a low-rise condo building in Miami Beach on Saturday after a building inspector noted a flooring system failure and damage to outside walls.

Democratic state Senator Jason Pizzo said re-inspections should include more aspects, in particular for buildings close to the shore and in flood zones. The scrutiny of coastal condominiums should be increased, he argued.

Mr DeSantis said on Wednesday that the collapse would be a deep wound for a long time.

But as tragic as its been, I think the outpouring of support has shown a lot of great parts of our community, he added.

I dont think the states ever going to quite be the same. But Ill tell you, you never want to go through the tragedies but those folks there, you know, they are leaving a very impressive legacy, he said of the rescue teams.

And for those who are missing, who have been identified as being deceased, the impact that theyve had, not just on Florida but through folks all across the country and the world, has really been profound, Mr DeSantis concluded.
Brooklyn borough president Eric Adams  a former New York City Police Department officer and state legislator whose campaign centred around public safety in its final weeks  is the winner of the Democratic primary for New York Citys next mayor.

The Associated Press has called the race following his narrow lead after elections officials tallied thousands of absentee ballots in the primary election on Tuesday, putting him closer to becoming the second-ever Black man to lead Americas most populous city.

Mr Adams emerged with a slim, 1 per cent lead over the citys former sanitation director Kathryn Garcia following the latest tally.

The preliminary count from the citys Board of Elections on 6 July includes roughly 125,000 absentee ballots, which voters had until 29 June to submit in time for the primary election.

Mr Adams now leads with roughly 8,000 votes, eclipsing the total of outstanding ballots to be cured or corrected before the city certifies the results by 14 July.

While there are still some very small amounts of votes to be counted, the results are clear: an historic, diverse, five-borough coalition led by working-class New Yorkers has led us to victory, he said in a statement.

In the citys first-ever ranked-choice voting system, voters selected up to five candidates in order of preference in the citywide races on the ballot.

No candidate in the mayoral race won more than 50 per cent of the first-choice votes, so a process of elimination began. After lower-ranked candidates were eliminated from the race, voters other picks were distributed  round by round  to determine the winner. The process stands in contrast to a two-round runoff, in which candidates who did not win a simple majority vote then face off in a second election.

Pollsters predicted that the absentee ballots would generally favour Ms Garcia, tightening the gap between her and Mr Adams, with progressive candidate Maya Wiley holding steady in third place.

Following the first round of results from Election Day, Mr Adams was leading by nearly 10 percentage points, which shrank after the ranked-choice results were tallied.

In a corrected tally after an initially botched roll out of additional ranked-choice results, Mr Adams was leading Ms Garcia by fewer than 15,000 votes, or a margin of roughly 2 per cent, with Ms Wiley trailing by only 347 votes.

Mr Adams will go on to face Republican Curtis Sliwa in the general election in November, though the citys overwhelmingly Democratic electorate is likely to choose the Democratic candidate.

We must now focus on winning in November so that we can deliver on the promise of this great city for those who are struggling, who are underserved, and who are committed to a safe, fair, affordable future for all New Yorkers, Mr Adams said in a statement.
The assassination of President Jovenel Moise seemed to have thrown an already turbulent nation into chaos on Wednesday, with a muddled line of succession. Here is a look at the situation:

WHO WAS THE ASSASSINATED PRESIDENT?

Jovenel Moise was a 48-year-old businessman and political neophyte when he was sworn in as president of Haiti on Feb. 7, 2017. The former banana producer inherited a nation in turmoil  one that had gone a year without an elected leader in place. He leaves it in chaos as well.

Taking office, he pledged to strengthen institutions, fight corruption and bring more investments and jobs to the hemisphere's poorest nation. We can change Haiti if we work together, Moise said on the grounds of what used to be the national palace  one of many buildings obliterated by a January 2010 earthquake that killed thousands of Haitians.

But togetherness never arrived, and his administration was plagued by massive protests from the start. Even his initial election in 2015 was annulled, forcing a re-do that he also won. Critics accuse him of growing increasingly authoritarian. He had been ruling by decree for more than a year after dissolving a majority of Parliament in January 2020 amid a delay in legislative elections.

In February, Moise told the U.N. Security Council that powerful oligarchs had made seven attempts to overthrow him. He also announced that month that about 20 people had been arrested in an assassination plot. But an appeals court later rejected the claim and released the accused plotters, who included a judge and a police inspector general.

___

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE ASSASSINATION?

Details so far are slim. Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph said highly trained gunmen, some speaking Spanish or English killed the president at his home. The first lady also was shot and wounded. He said police and the armed forces were controlling security. A resident who lives near the presidents home compared the sound of the shooting to an earthquake.

WHAT IS THE SITUATION IN HAITI?

The country has struggled with political instability  along with dire poverty and crime  since the end of the brutal dictatorships of Francois and Jean-Claude Duvalier from 1957 to 1986.

Criminal gangs this year have driven thousands of people from their homes, protesters demanding Moise's ouster in 2019 shut down much of the economy and the country has yet to begin vaccinating its 11 million people against the new coronavirus, which is surging.

Bruno Maes, Haitis representative for the U.N.s children agency, last month compared the gang situation to guerrilla warfare, with thousands of children and women caught in the crossfire. Pierre Esperance, executive director of the Haitian National Human Rights Defense Network, said gangs control about 60% of the countrys territory.

Police and the military, too, have been troubled, often targeted by gangs. Masked officers who said they belonged to a disgruntled faction stormed several police stations in March to free comrades who'd been accused of participating in a coup attempt. The army was re-inaugurated only in 2017. It had been disbanded in 1995 after the fall of a dictatorship.

Political strife has deepened since Feb. 7, when opposition leaders claim Moises legal term had expired  five years after he would have taken office if the initial vote had been allowed. Moise argued it ends in February 2022 since he wasnt sworn in until 2017.

The government has been without a formal prime minister since April, when Joseph Jouthe resigned amid a spike in killings and kidnappings. His replacement has not yet been approved by the parliament.

With Moise ruling by decree, the government has scheduled new elections for September and a possible runoff in November. The government also has pushed a referendum on a new constitution that critics allege might allow the president to extend his power. But that vote has also been delayed.

WHATS NEXT?

Authorities have closed the international airport and declared a state of siege.

Under the Haitian Constitution, the National Assembly would select a new leader. But that's not possible because there's effectively no current legislature: The terms of the lower house members have all expired as well as two-thirds of those in the Senate.

That leaves the acting prime minister, Joseph, in charge along with his fellow government ministers, according to Haitian attorney Salim Succar, once chief of staff to former Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe.
As the U.S. House of Representatives began calling the roll last month to vote on a repeal of the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force, staffers at the Friends Committee on National Legislation couldnt stop messaging each other.

According to Shoshana Abrams, a manager of advocacy teams at the FCNL, her colleagues began frantically chatting over Zoom as the votes trickled in. Meanwhile, members of FCNLs volunteer network exchanged exuberant emails, their excitement peaking as they watched numbers tick up among a difficult-to-persuade demographic: Republicans

It was like: 20 Republicans! 47 Republicans! Abrams said in an interview. It was our team really seeing that their work was paying off.

As with most legislative victories, many organizations played a role in the 268-161 House vote to repeal the 2002 AUMF, which originally authorized then-President George W. Bushs invasion of Iraq. But few focused on the issue longer or more doggedly than the FCNL, which has toiled for years to stop what it describes as the endless wars launched by the United States. As the AUMF repeal effort moves to the Senate, activists are celebrating the culmination of decades of quiet  but persistent  faith-rooted advocacy.

Peace is possible! tweeted FCNL General Secretary Diane Randall after the vote.

___

This content is written and produced by Religion News Service and distributed by The Associated Press. RNS and AP partner on some religion news content. RNS is solely responsible for this story.

___

Founded in 1943, the Quaker group  whose tradition often refers to members as friends  has long taken an anti-war posture. It lobbied against conscription during World War II and launched a successful, decade-long campaign to defeat legislation in the 1950s that would have required military training for young men.

The group hasnt let up since. Its headquarters still sits just across the street from Senate offices on Capitol Hill, often adorned with distinctive blue-and-white signs decrying war.

The anti-war theology of the Quakers though, traces its roots back much further  to a 17th century letter sent by Quakers to King Charles II of England, according to Alicia McBride, FCNLs director of Quaker leadership. The letter, now known as the Peace Testimony, condemned all outward wars and strife and fightings with outward weapons, for any end, or under any pretense whatsoever.

According to historians, Quaker communities largely maintained those beliefs when they arrived in what would become the United States. Adherents generally declined to participate in the American Revolution: Some of their governing bodies declared neutrality in the conflict, and the small number of Quakers who aided the fighting were often exiled from the community for violating the Peace Testimony.

McBride said the original Peace Testimony likely had a lot to do with the politics of the era  namely, assuring a worried king Quakers wouldnt rise up against him. But it nonetheless outlined a theology that has guided many Quakers ever since.

(Its) this idea that there is that of God in each person, and each person has access to the divine, McBride said. So to kill someone is to deny that of God in them.

FCNL brings similar religious zeal for the dignity of life to a variety of issues, such as nuclear disarmament, ending gun violence, opposing the death penalty, acting to prevent climate change and working to convince the U.S. government to put peacebuilding and violence prevention  not the military at the center of its foreign policy.

McBride was quick to note Quakerism expresses a range of beliefs; many eschew traditional ordained leadership, for instance, whereas some allow for clergy. The denomination can be traced back to George Fox, a 17th century Englishman who founded the tradition after growing frustrated with the Church of England and other religious voices of his day. In addition to insisting direct encounters with God can occur without assistance from clergy, he and others in his community developed atypical worship practices that reflect their interpretation of early Christianity.

Its an old tradition, but not an especially sizable one. The Friends World Committee for Consultation estimated less than 400,000 members worldwide in 2017, and FCNL leaders said they dont know of any Quakers currently serving in Congress. FCNL staffers told Religion News Service they are largely funded by individual donors, both Quakers and non-Quakers.

But what they lack in numbers they make up for in fervor. McBride described many of FCNLs religious supporters as unprogrammed Quakers who engage in largely silent worship services  sometimes bringing that Quakerism to lawmakers.

We have some teams that insist every lobby visit start with Quaker silence, Abrams said. You better believe that no one on Capitol Hill starts a meeting with four or five minutes of silence.

The Quaker embrace of silence is often attributed to Psalm 46:10 from the Bible: Be still and know that I am God.

Religious opposition to war is hardly a Quaker invention. Its one of three peace churches that champion forms of pacifism and anti-war sentiment, the other two being Mennonites and the Church of the Brethren. Similar beliefs can be found across a broad spectrum of faith traditions (Abrams noted she isnt even Quaker herself), and FCNLs work often involves building like-minded coalitions that span religious and political divides.

You dont have to be a Quaker to think its a bad idea to be in these wars, McBride said.

Organizers for FCNL say theirs is a form of long-game advocacy that can garner results in the right moment, such as the recent AUMF repeal vote. When Rep. Barbara Lee, a California Democrat who sponsored the bill, took a moment on the House floor earlier last month to thank groups that helped the cause, the first organization she named was FCNL. Lee, who also voted against war power resolutions in both 2001 and 2002, mentioned FCNL again a few days later during an appearance on MSNBC.

FCNL is one of the most well-organized and strategic advocacy teams in Washington  Lee told RNS. Their advocates always speak with detailed knowledge and moral clarity. I have found them to be an invaluable ally in our shared efforts to end war and advance human rights and needs.

Bipartisan support will be key as the effort reaches a divided Senate, Abrams said. In addition to President Joe Biden backing the idea of narrowing existing AUMFs in general, support for repealing the 2002 AUMF runs the ideological gamut, with advocates ranging from the American Civil Liberties Union to the Heritage Foundation. Both Abrams and McBride also noted that FCNLs long-standing efforts now coincide with waning support for military intervention abroad  not to mention Bidens withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.

I think the moment is finally right, Abrams said. Though it isnt the first time the House has voted to repeal the 2002 AUMF, she noted that when it did so in 2020, it was with far less bipartisan support.

Abrams argued that FCNL benefits from relationships it has built with members of both parties, often by relying on a personalized form of advocacy. She recalled a recent meeting with a Republican lawmakers staff: When an activist for FCNL discussed the damage post-traumatic stress disorder can do to military families, a GOP aide perked up.

Immediately the staffer in that meeting was able to connect with us and said, You know, we experienced the same thing in my family, Abrams said.

The power of those relationships will soon be tested further. The 2002 AUMF is only one of several AUMFs, and Abrams said it isnt currently being used for any ongoing military actions. However, a separate debate is already brewing around a 2001 AUMF authorizing war against the perpetrators of the September 11, 2001, attacks. Various presidents expanded its interpretation over the years  such as invoking it to justify aggression against the Islamic State group  and it is being used to defend ongoing military action.

We spend a lot of time as the (FCNL) advocacy teams network educating members of Congress on what the difference was between the 2001 and 2002 AUMF, she said. Its been a huge effort to separate those pieces of legislation in their view, and to really consider one and then move on to the other.

Come what may, McBride said FCNL will continue advocating for the same religious ideal it has championed since 1943: protecting the divine in everyone.

We have been so consistent in trying to carry out policies that are true to this belief for the entire length of our history, she said. Even if people dont come to the position were asking them to for the same reason that we do  as Friends, theres a respect for that consistency, that trying to bring something better into being.
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was mocked after he argued that teaching that the founding of America was flawed, corrupt and racist would be really dangerous.

If we teach that the founding of the United States of America was somehow flawed. It was corrupt. It was racist. Thats really dangerous. It strikes at the very foundations of our country, Mr Pompeo tweeted in an apparent criticism of Critical Race Theory.

The academic concept has existed for more than 40 years and tries to critically examine US law at its intersection with issues of race. But its recently been used by Republicans to bash Democrats and educators trying to introduce a more nuanced view of American history that acknowledges the countrys problematic past.

Mr Pompeo, 57, has criticised multiculturalism as he uses culture war issues to carve out a lane for himself amid speculation he may be preparing for a 2024 presidential run.

The former director of the US Office of Government Ethics, Walter Shaub, tweeted: Former Secretary of State argues that slavery was not flawed, corrupt or racist.

Howard Jackson added: It was flawed. It was corrupt. It was racist. If we deny our past and omit it from our education we will never realize the promise of what we can be, and heal the wounds that divide us.

Conservative political analyst Bill Kristol wrote: The Founders themselves thought  and said!  that their founding was in some ways flawed. They argued after 1789 as before. They worried, even agonized, about compromises theyd had to make facing circumstances they hadnt chosen. The founders were serious people. Trumpists arent.

The founding document of our government was so inadequate those founders amended it 10 times as soon as it was ratified, William Tulloch tweeted. Its been amended 17 additional times since then to correct flaws (well, 15 times, Prohibition is an outlier). Do you even know American history?

Writer Oliver Willis sarcastically tweeted: Yes, the founding of our nation via mass genocide and continued enslavement was flawless. No notes.

The inability of conservatives to hold two ideas in their brain  the founding of America was good, the founding of America involved massive injustice  is a key dysfunction of that entire movement, he added.

The Founding was flawed, thats why there [are] 27 amendments and thousands of SCOTUS precedents to clarify constitutional ambiguity, teacher Nate Bowling tweeted. The Founding was racist; there was slavery, landed white male-only suffrage, and a 3/5ths clause. Its a country, not a cult. Get over it, Mike..
A US senator has denied being a climate change denier after he was caught on camera telling a private gathering of Republicans that the climate crisis was bulls***.

In the video, first reported by CNN, GOP senator Ron Johnson refers to conservative British climate crisis denier Lord Christopher Monckton before mouthing the expletive.

I dont know about you guys, but I think climate change is  as Lord Monckton said  bullsh**, he said in the clip. By the way, it is, he added.

Mr Johnson, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, made the remarks in early June during a luncheon event for the Republican Women of Greater Wisconsin at Aliotos in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, according to CNN.

Calling action to combat climate change a self-inflicted wound, he said there are more and more scientists writing books just laying this to waste.

What are we doing here? Well, were killing ourselves, he added.

Mr Johnson also he accused the media and Democrats of using the Covid-19 pandemic and the climate crisis to create a state of fear.

It was all about creating the state of fear as they tried to do with global warming. Oh, Im sorry. Its climate change now. Yeah. Whatever works, he said. Whatever works that they can, you can set up a state of fear so they can step in and alleviate their fear.

In a statement to CNN, however, Mr Johnson again said he was not a climate crisis denier. My statements are consistent. I am not a climate change denier, but I also am not a climate change alarmist. Climate is not static. It has always changed and always will change, he said.

This is not the first time that Mr Johnson has downplayed the climate crisis caused by human actions.

Earlier in March this year, he told The New York Times that the climate crisis cannot be real because of an assumption that Greenland was actually green at one point in time.

I could be wrong there, but thats always been my assumption that, at some point in time, those early explorers saw green, he told the newspaper, before adding that he had no idea.

You know, theres a reason Greenland was called Greenland. It was actually green at one point in time. And its been, you know, since, its a whole lot whiter now, so weve experienced climate change throughout geologic time, he told Madison TV station WKOW in 2010.

In 2016, he reportedly said that civilisation thrives in warmer weather and people will adapt. How many people are moving up toward the Antarctica, or the Arctic? Most people move down to Texas and Florida, where its a little bit warmer, he told Wisconsin-based radio station WHBY.

In 2010, when Mr Johnson was a Senate candidate, he reportedly told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that he absolutely [does] not believe in the science of man-caused climate change. Its not proven by any stretch of the imagination. He also reportedly claimed sunspot activity or just something in the geologic aeons of time was responsible for the planet warming.

He further said efforts to mitigate the effects of the crisis are a fools errand, adding he does not think we can do anything about controlling what our climate is.
Former President Donald Trump, who has called for political opponents to be fined, fired or even jailed on numerous occasions, is now painting himself as an anti-censorship champion with his new lawsuits against two social media titans.

On Thursday, the former president announced action against Facebook and Twitter CEOs Mark Zuckerberg and Jack Dorsey, in the form of class-action suits demanding the reinstatement of accounts for plaintiffs and an end to content warnings placed on videos and images by Facebook moderators.

The suits also urge the court to declare Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act unconstitutional, ending the protections ISPs and social media giants enjoy by not being classified the publishers of the content on their platforms.

At a press conference on Wednesday that at times devolved into rambling diatribes about his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and other topics, Mr Trump accused social media giants of engaging in censorship and echoed baseless claims that Democrats in Congress were forcing tech companies to discriminate against conservatives and their content.

These companies have been coopted, coerced, and weaponised by government and by government actors to become the enforcers of illegal, unconstitutional censorship, Mr Trump said at his news conference.

Thats what it is, censorship, he continued.

Conservatives of many stripes have long argued that Facebook and Twitter shadow ban their content or make it harder for other users to see, a charge fiercely denied by both companies. Mr Trump himself was actually banned from the platforms in January following his supporters deadly assault on the US Capitol; he has argued that the platforms claims that he incited violence are efforts to silence him over his political views, namely his refusal to accept the 2020 election results.

With his announcement Wednesday and accusatory news conference, Mr Trump cast himself and conservatives as the opponent of liberal boogeymen in Congress who supposedly have control over the US tech sector.

But the former president himself is no stranger to efforts to silence political enemies for their views; on numerous occasions, both before and during his presidency, Mr Trump showed the same instinct in the face of a wide range of opponents.

The conservative news network Fox News, which usually takes a pro-Trump stance in its commentary and reporting choices, has nevertheless been a frequent target of Mr Trumps attacks ranging back to his 2016 campaign for office. At the time, he called for the firing of host Megyn Kelly, who famously clashed with him on numerous occasions, as well as commentator Karl Rove, who he said Fox News should not have on air.

Liberals too have often been the presidents targets for ire. His son Donald Jr, an active member of his campaigns, led a Twitter campaign calling for Kathy Griffins firing from CNN after she posted a picture depicting Mr Trumps severed head, and he himself called for HBO host Bill Mahers firing in 2013.

The news media, which covered Mr Trump extensively throughout his campaigns and White House tenure, has also been a top victim for his censorious inclinations. In 2015, he called for the firing of two reporters over their reporting about protesters at one of his rallies; Mr Trump has also called for boycotts of CNN, the firing of The Wall Street Journals editorial board members, and for his fans to cancel subscriptions to various local newspapers.

Its unclear whether the former presidents legal efforts will gain any traction whatsoever, as Facebook and Twitter are private companies and the presidents lawsuits appear to hinge on a court deciding that the social media giants do not have the same freedoms as other companies to moderate speech on privately-owned apps and websites.

In 2018, a court in California ruled against a far-right activist, Charles C Johnson, who sought to have his own social media bans reversed, finding that the companies had the right to moderate speech on their platforms.

Defendants choice to close Plaintiffs account on the ground that Plaintiffs tweet was threatening and harassing is an editorial decision regarding how to present content, ie, an act in furtherance of Defendants free speech right, the court found, adding:  Defendants choice not to allow certain speech is a right protected by the First Amendment.
Adolf Hitler did a lot of good things, former US president Donald Trump reportedly said during his trip to Europe to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, according to a new book.

Mr Trump is said to have made these remarks to his then-chief of staff John Kelly in 2018, when the retired marine corps general was telling the former president which countries were on which side during the conflict, wrote Michael Bender, in his new book Frankly, We Did Win This Election: The Inside Story of How Trump Lost.

Mr Kelly was connecting the dots from the First World War to the Second World War and all of Hitlers atrocities, according to Bender.

Bender, who covers the White House for the Wall Street Journal, wrote that it was during these impromptu history lessons from Mr Kelly that Mr Trump remarked: Well, Hitler did a lot of good things. The remarks reportedly stunned Mr Kelly, according to excerpts published by the Guardian on Wednesday.

The former president denied saying these things about Hitler, Bender wrote. His sources, however, told him that even after Mr Kelly informed the former president that he was wrong, Mr Trump was undeterred and emphasised the economic recovery of Germany under Hitler during the 1930s.

Kelly pushed back again, Bender writes, and argued that the German people would have been better off poor than subjected to the Nazi genocide.

He told Mr Trump that even if his claim about economic recovery were correct, he still cannot ever say anything supportive of Adolf Hitler, according to Bender in his book. You just cant.

In a statement to The Independent, Mr Trumps spokesperson Liz Harrington denied he ever made the comments about Hitler. This is totally false, she said. President Trump never said this. It is made up fake news, probably by a general who was incompetent and was fired.

Mr Trumps 2018 trip to Europe also ran into controversy after he canceled the commemoration in France for US soldiers and marines killed during the First World War. While the White House at the time said the rain made it impossible to arrange transport, the last-minute cancelation prompted widespread criticism for dishonouring US servicemen.

Mr Kelly, who left the White House at the beginning of 2019, reportedly told friends that Mr Trumps dishonesty was astounding and pathetic.

The depths of his dishonesty is just astounding to me (sic), the retired Marine general told friends, according to a report by CNN. The dishonesty, the transactional nature of every relationship, though its more pathetic than anything else. He is the most flawed person I have ever met in my life, he allegedly said.

In the book, Bender said Mr Kelly tried his best to work around Mr Trumps stunning disregard for history.

Senior officials described his understanding of slavery, Jim Crow or the Black experience in general post-civil war as vague to nonexistent, he wrote. But Trumps indifference to Black history was similar to his disregard for the history of any race, religion or creed.
The "reinstatement" theory that Donald Trump will return to the White House now has an exact date, thanks to the man who says he inceptioned the idea into the former presidents mind.

MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell claims that by the morning of Friday, 13 August, Mr Trump will be president again and it "will be the talk of the world".

"Going, Hurry up! Lets get this election pulled down, lets right the right. Lets get these communists out, you know that have taken over, he told Brannon Howse of Worldview Weekend Broadcast Network, as flagged by the left-wing activist group Patriot Takes.

The specificity is in stark contrast to Mr Lindells comments to The Daily Beast in June that the August date was "subjective", but that he hoped the proof would come out by the end of the month.

The New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman reported on 1 June that Mr Trump was telling people he expects to be reinstated by August.

The next day, Mr Lindell told The Daily Beast that he "probably" inspired the idea after publicly saying the ex-president would be reinstated, which he said in late March during the War Room podcast of Steve Bannon.

The month of August, for this, is subjective, Mr Lindell told the outlet. It is my hope that Donald Trump is reinstated, after all the proof comes out, by the end of August, but I dont know if itll be that month, specifically. I started saying August  about four weeks ago. That was my estimation."

That estimation now has become a prediction, which Mr Lindell said will also change results for senators and likely flip control of the upper chamber of Congress away from the Democrats.

"Right now the biggest concern is, get this election pulled down, Donald Trump won, I mean its pretty simple, OK, and there were many down-ticket too that they did too and stuff, youll find all that out," he said.

Mr Lindell did not immediately respond to The Independents request for comment on what, exactly, would happen by 13 August and how.

He previously said his lawyers should have "something ready" to bring to the US Supreme Court by July, which is how he landed on August for Mr Trumps surprise comeback.
In the lead-up to the 2016 US election, then-candidate Donald Trump claimed to be the king of the tax code.

I know every form of tax  believe me  from the [value-added taxes] to the fair tax to  every single form of tax, he once said back in August 2015, according to The Washington Post.

Around the same time that summer, he said: Look, nobody knows the tax code better than I do. OK? I know it better. Im the king of the tax code.

Less than a year later, in March 2016, he would once again claim that he knew more about taxes than any human being that God ever created.

Fast-forward several years, and the now-former president, whose company, the Trump Organization, is facing charges in a criminal tax case, claims to be clueless when it comes to certain tax rules.

Speaking at a rally on Saturday in Sarasota, Florida, Mr Trump said: They go after good, hard-working people for not paying taxes on a company car.

You didnt pay tax on the car or a company apartment. You used an apartment, because you need an apartment, because you have to travel too far where your house is. You didnt pay tax. Or education for your grandchildren. I dont even know, he continued. Do you have to? Does anybody know the answer to that stuff?

Some saw the former presidents comments as a possible admission of sorts, with the company and its chief financial officer, Allen Weisselberg, facing a host of tax-related crimes following a years-long probe by New York prosecutors.

However, as The Washington Post notes, it could also be possible that Trump could be looking to mount a defence by claiming ignorance about US tax law, particularly if he himself ever faces charges in the ongoing investigation.

If his companys defence team does try to argue that any tax violations made were mistakes, it is possible that Mr Trumps past comments could come back to haunt him.

Speaking with CNN in an interview last week, Mr Trumps former attorney Michael Cohen said he believed every single thing, whether it was the acquisition of paper clips, light bulbs, furniture, mattresses, you name it ... would have Donalds signature on it or his initial.

The former Trump attorney said he believed the former president would have likely been aware of the existence of the tax scheme the Trump Organization is accused of having carried out.
President Joe Biden has said that hes shocked and saddened to hear of the horrific assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise and the attack on First Lady Martine Moise.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said on Wednesday morning that the Biden administration is assessing the situation after Mr Moise was shot dead in his private residence by unknown attackers overnight. The Haitian first lady was wounded in the attack and was taken to hospital.

We condemn this heinous act, and I am sending my sincere wishes for First Lady Moises recovery. The United States offers condolences to the people of Haiti, and we stand ready to assist as we continue to work for a safe and secure Haiti, Mr Biden said in a statement.

He also said that the attack was very worrisome.

The message to the people of Haiti is this is a tragedy, its a horrific crime, and were so sorry for the loss that they are all suffering and going through as many of them are waking up this morning and hearing this news, Ms Psaki told CNN. We stand ready and stand by them to provide any assistance that is needed.

Of course our embassy and State Department will be in close touch, but its a tragedy. We stand with them and its important that people of Haiti know that, Ms Psaki added.

The country was already enduring a rise in gang violence, anti-government protests, and a wave of coronavirus infections.

Interim prime minister Claude Joseph said: The countrys security situation is under the control of the National Police of Haiti and the Armed Forces of Haiti. Democracy and the republic will win.

General elections were planned for later this year before the 53-year-old president was killed. He had been ruling by decree for more than a year following the failure to hold elections. The opposition has called for his resignation in recent months, the AP reported.

The US is Haitis top foreign donor. The opposition in the country had accused the US of being lenient towards President Moise because of his support for US foreign policy.

His administration opposed Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro, unlike the rest of the Caribbean community, Reuters reported.

Mr Moises predecessor, former President Michel Martelly, said he was praying for the first lady and that the assassination was a hard blow for our country and for Haitian democracy, which is struggling to find its way.

A history of dictatorship and political upheaval have made the establishment of a stable democracy difficult.

Mr Joseph added that the killing was a hateful, inhumane and barbaric act.

A resident who lives near the presidents home said she heard the attack.

I thought there was an earthquake, there was so much shooting, said the woman, who wanted to remain anonymous. The president had problems with many people, but this is not how we expected him to die. This is something I wouldnt wish on any Haitian.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
New Zealands prime minister Jacinda Ardern has dismissed the idea of following the UKs approach of easing restrictions and living with Covid-19.

Earlier on Monday, Boris Johnson announced plans to scrap Covid restrictions in England by 19 July, but he warned that there could be a spike in cases soon after.

We must reconcile ourselves, sadly, to more deaths from Covid, he said.

However, Ms Ardern has refused to adopt the strategy of letting cases go up. Different countries are taking different choices, she said at a news conference on Tuesday.

The priority for me is: how do we continue to preserve what New Zealand has managed to gain and give ourselves options because this virus is not done with the world yet, she said.

New Zealand has one of the lowest vaccination rates among developed countries with just 12.9 per cent of the population vaccinated.

The countrys Covid-19 response minister, Chris Hipkins, agreed that this strategy is not something the NZ government is willing to accept, in a news conference.

One of the things the UK government have been very clear about [is] that there will be a spike in cases, potentially thousands of cases a day. There will be more people dying, he said. We are likely to see more incremental change than dramatic change where we wake up one morning and say: We just go back to the way things were before Covid-19.

New Zealands director general of health, Ashley Bloomfield, said on Wednesday that the country would also be watching closely and could place the UK on a no-fly list if cases grew out of control.

The governments border closures have helped keep Covid-19 out of the Pacific nation, but a critical shortage of migrant labour is now fuelling protests among businesses and workers struggling with a staffing crisis.

About 2,000 eateries stopped service and turned off lights across on Tuesday and are planning other stop work events as part of a two-month campaign to draw the governments attention to the severe shortages in skilled labour.

The labour crunch comes after New Zealand sealed its border in March last year in response to the raging coronavirus pandemic. The measures helped contain Covid-19 locally, and PM Ardern has vowed to maintain an elimination strategy thats been lauded globally.

But although the Covid-free economy has bounced back faster than expected, it now faces acute labour shortages due to low rates of immigration and a slow vaccination rollout.

Before Covid-19 hit and closed our borders upwards of 25 per cent of our workforce were international work visa holders, Restaurant Association of New Zealand, an industry body organising the protests, said in a statement.

Losing them is enough to make a difference so big that it can affect a business in catastrophic ways, the association said.

Some restaurants in Auckland and other major cities temporarily shut due to understaffing or just to give their burnt out staff a break, media reports have said.

Adding to business frustrations is the governments reset on immigration announced in May, which would further cut the number of low-skilled migrants when borders eventually re-open, and look to attract more highly skilled migrants and rich investors.

If the government dont reverse this policy, more restaurants will shut down and thats sad, and potentially new and great restaurants wont be able to open because the innovators out there will find it too hard to start recruiting, National President of Restaurant Association of New Zealand Mike Egan told 1NEWS.

Additional reporting by Reuters
The assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise drew shock and condemnation from leaders in Latin America Europe and elsewhere on Wednesday, along with calls for calm and unity in the troubled Caribbean nation.

Moise was killed in an attack on his private residence early Wednesday, according to Haiti's interim prime minister. First lady Martine Moise was shot in the overnight attack and hospitalized. It wasn't immediately clear who was behind the assassination in a country that had grown increasingly unstable and disgruntled in recent years.

Colombian President Ivan Duque condemned what he called a cowardly act and expressed solidarity with Haiti. He called for an urgent mission by the Organization of American States to protect democratic order.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted that he was shocked and saddened at the death of President Moise.

Our condolences are with his family and the people of Haiti, he added. This is an abhorrent act and I call for calm at this time.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the assassination.

Id like to make an appeal for political unity to get out of this terrible trauma that the country is going through, Sanchez said during a visit to Latvia.

The White House described the attack as horrific and tragic.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the U.S. stands ready to assist Haiti in its time of need.

Its a horrific crime and were so sorry for the loss that (the people of Haiti) are all suffering and going through as many of them are waking up this morning and hearing this news," Psaki said during a previously scheduled interview with CNN. "And we stand ready and stand by them to provide any assistance thats needed.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen offered her condolences in a statement on Twitter.

We wish the First Lady a prompt recovery, & stand together with our ally Haiti in this difficult time," Tsai wrote. Haiti is one of the few countries in the world that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which China claims as its own.
Lithuania on Wednesday accused Belarus of flying in migrants and said it would build a barrier on the border to prevent them crossing illegally into its territory.

Belarus decided to allow migrants to cross into Lithuania in response to European Union sanctions imposed after Minsk forced a Ryanair flight to land on its territory and arrested a dissident blogger aboard.

Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte said Belarus has been offering migrants flights to Minsk, citing evidence found on at least one migrant who had reached Lithuania.

There are travel agencies, direct flights that connect Minsk with Baghdad for example, and there are agencies both in Belarus and other countries that operate and attract tourists to Minsk, Simonyte told Reuters.

She said the main airport from where people flew into Belarus was Baghdad, but she would not rule out people also flying in from Istanbul.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on 26 May that his country would no longer prevent migrants from crossing its western border into the EU.

Simonyte said Lithuania would take action to stop migrants crossing the border by increasing patrols and building a barrier.

We will begin building an additional physical barrier, which divides Lithuania and Belarus, which would be a certain sign and a certain deterrent to organisers of the illegal migration flows, she told a news conference.

She also said the country, a Schengen free travel area member, was considering imposing border controls with neighbouring EU countries to stop the migrants travelling from it towards Western EU countries.
Two suspects are due in court on Friday to face charges of attempted murder after the shooting of Dutch crime journalist Peter R de Vries in Amsterdam, an attack that has stunned the Netherlands.

Mr de Vries, 64, was in a critical condition after being shot in the head while leaving a television studio. Police say he was shot five times at close range and Amsterdams Mayor Femke Halsema said he was fighting for his life.

The two suspects were not named but were described as a 35-year-old Polish man living in Maurik, a town in theprovince of Gelderland, and a 21-year-old man from Rotterdam.

They were arrested in their silver Renault on the motorway leaving Amsterdam. Police searched homes in Tiel, Maurik and Rotterdam and uncovered IT equipment and ammunition. A third man has been released from custody and is not considered a suspect, police said.

King Willem-Alexander led the condemnations of the shooting, interrupting a state visit to Berlin to express his deep shock. He said: Journalists must be able to do their important work freely and without being threatened.

Prime minister Mark Rutte said that the gunning down of Mr De Vries was, an attack on a brave journalist... and on free journalism which is so important for our society.

Jan Struijs, chair of the Dutch police union, described it as, an attack on our justice system and democracy.

Even Geert Wilders, the far-right PVV party leader who recently described journalists as, scum of the earth, wrote on social media that the attack was terrible.

Mr De Vries is a celebrity in the Netherlands, where his crime investigations have gripped television viewers for decades. He had received multiple threats while covering the criminal underworld but despite these dangers, he refused security, saying that having guards around him made him uncomfortable.

Mr De Vries made his name in the 1980s reporting on the high-profile kidnapping of beer magnate Freddy Heineken but later fell out with the leader of the gang, Willem Holleeder, when he was involved in a 2015 film adaptation Kidnapping Freddy Heineken, starring Anthony Hopkins.

Mr Holleeders death threats against Mr De Vries earned him an extra three years jail in 2017, on top of his life sentence for his involvement in five murders.

Mr De Vries won an international Emmy Award in 2008 for his work investigating the disappearance of teenager Natalee Holloway in 2005. His reporting included undercover footage of prime suspect Joran Van der Sloot apparently preparing to traffic Thai women for sex in Bangkok.

Dutch crime reporter Peter R de Vries is the latest victim of attacks on journalists (ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

In 2019, Ridouan Taghi, on trial for murder and drug trafficking in the so-called Mocro mafia drugs war, made a public statement denying that he had threatened to have Mr De Vries killed for representing a key witness Nabil B  whose lawyer Derk Wiersum had just been gunned down on his doorstep in Amsterdam.

De Vries is the latest victim of a series of attacks in Europe in recent years targeting journalists investigating organised crime and corruption.

In 2016, Dutch crime blogger Martin Kok was murdered in Laren, close to Amsterdam. In 2017 investigative reporter Daphne Caruana Galizia was killed by a car bomb outside her home in Malta. The following year Slovakian journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancee Martina Kusnirova were murdered at their home in Bratislava.
A huge explosion rocked Dubai on Wednesday night after fire ripped through a container ship at the port of Jebel Ali  a the biggest port in the Middle East.

Residents reported the blast shook windows in the city, and a fireball could be seen in the night skyline.

Two fire trucks and other emergency vehicles could be seen heading south of Dubai on the main road that leads to Abu Dhabi, Reuters reported.

The United Arab Emirates governments Dubai Media Office (DMO) said the fire was under control and that there were no deaths or injuries.

More follows...
A dispute over Irans latest nuclear advances is adding further tensions on ongoing talks meant to restore an atomic technology deal abandoned by the United States.

The United Nations atomic watchdog has reportedly confirmed that Iran has followed through on plans to begin production of sensitive uranium metals that are essential for the assembly of nuclear weapons. This has prompted complaints by the U.S. and European allies that Tehran has violated its obligations under the deal and violating the spirit of ongoing talks.

Kazem Gharibabadi, Irans envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency, said it had informed inspectors two years ago of plans to produce the uranium metal and nine days ago of its move to begin doing so as fuel for a Tehran Research Reactor used for cancer therapies.

He said the uranium silicide plates would be enriched to 20 percent purity.

Silicon fuel is an advanced type of nuclear fuel whose technology is available to a handful of countries, he was quoted as saying by state broadcasting. "This measure, which will significantly improve the quality and quantity of radiopharmaceutical production, will make the Islamic Republic of Iran one of the leading countries in the field of nuclear technology.

The disclosure prompted the United States, United Kingdom, France and Germany to voice alarm and express concern the move could damage ongoing attempts to return to the terms of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The deal was negotiated by former President Barack Obama and other world powers but the administration of Donald Trump sought to destroy it, reimposing draconian sanctions on Iran, which responded by ramping up its nuclear programme.

It is worrying that Iran is choosing to continue to escalate its nonperformance of its JCPOA commitments, especially with experiments that have value for nuclear weapons research, US State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters. Its another unfortunate step backwards for Iran, particularly as we, for our part, have demonstrated our sincere intention and willingness to return to the JCPOA and to find more productive and durable ways to deal with the nuclear issue.

The latest development does not suggest Iran is racing forward to build a nuclear weapon. Uranium metal must be enriched to 90 percent and shaped with precision instruments to form the core of an atomic weapon. Neither non-proliferation experts nor western security officials believe Iran has that capacity, or is determined to acquire an arsenal of nuclear weapons in the immediate future.

They have this hedging programme in that they do things under a civilian cover that can be used for military purposes, and this is really moving toward the edge of that strategy and doing things that are designed to be provocative in order to gain leverage Fabian Hinz, a non-proliferation expert

But they also worry that Iran is steadily progressing in its mastery of sensitive technologies, gaining the metallurgic expertise it might need to be able to quickly build a bomb if it so decided. Documents recovered from Iran suggest that it also tried to experiment with production of uranium metals at two secret facilities before 2003, when its clandestine nuclear activities were made public.

Iran is also determined to build up leverage in ongoing talks to pressure western partners into accepting its terms for a return to the JCPOA. Progress at the talks in Vienna appears to have slowed after six rounds of discussions.

Tehrans demands include that it be allowed to continue using advanced centrifuges to replace those destroyed in an alleged Israeli sabotage attack along with guarantees that a future American administration does not again abrogate the nuclear deal.

They have this hedging programme in that they do things under a civilian cover that can be used for military purposes, and this is really moving toward the edge of that strategy and doing things that are designed to be provocative in order to gain leverage, said Fabian Hinz, a non-proliferation expert.

In a statement, the foreign minister of France, Germany and the U.K. urged Iran to stop this brinksmanship and warned Iran that such a gambit would fail. We have made clear that such provocative steps would not and will not provide Iran with any leverage in negotiations, it said. Instead, they would only intensify our concerns with Irans activities.

The talks in Vienna are complicated by a change of administration in Tehran. The relatively moderate Hassan Rouhani is about to hand over the reins to hardliner Ebrahim Raissi, who is set to take office in early August.

Though Mr Raissi has said he is willing to continue talks, his administration may make fresh demands, or set a less cooperative tone. Mr Hinz, who lived and studied in Iran for a year, said some of Irans perceived provocationsincluding ongoing drone and missile attacks on US bases in Iraq and Syriamight be an attempt by the regime to save face.

What the Iranians are doing is an attempt to build a certain narrative, that the Americans were forced to re-enter the JCPOA through their actions, he said. They want it to appear that Iran is not begging to come back to the deal.
A man has been arrested in Kuwait after he posted a video on TikTok complaining about bad weather.

In the footage uploaded to the social media app the man, who has not been identified, can be heard complaining about a sandstorm that has engulfed the country in the past few days.

Im inside a dust storm right now, I literally cant see anything in front of me, the man says, showing the dust coating the highway like a thick fog.

Fine, Kuwait, fine, he adds, with an expletive in Arabic. The clip went viral on Twitter, racking up tens of thousands of views.

Kuwaits Ministry of Interior, said on Sunday that the person behind offensive video was arrested and referred to authorities, which would take the necessary legal action against him.

In response to the arrest of the Egyptian man, who is a resident in the country, a number of social media users posted their own videos insulting the weather in the country.

The Gulf Arab state has an outspoken parliament and relatively vibrant civic life, but authorities have been known to use cybercrime laws to prosecute dissidents and police speech.

Additional reporting by AP
Iranian-backed Iraqi militias launched several rocket and drone barrages on facilities hosting American forces in Iraq and Syria on Wednesday, just nine days after deadly United States airstrikes on the armed groups that were meant to deter such attacks.

US and local media outlets reported attacks on the Ain al-Assad airbase in western Iraq, another facility in the northern Iraqi city of Erbil overnight and another attack on an oil field where American forces are positioned in northeast Syria.

At least two people suffered minor injuries after 14 rockets struck the massive military base at Ain al-Assad shortly after noon local time, a US official said.

The rockets landed on the base and perimeter, US Col. Wayne Marotto, spokesman for US-led forces in Iraq, said in a tweet. Force protection defensive measures were activated.

Col Marotto vowed 100 per cent accountability for the Ain al-Assad attack, suggesting the possibility of a US counterattack.

The rockets were reportedly launched from Khan al-Baghdadi, a village that lies near the airbase. Photos posted online by Iraqi security forces suggested the launchers had been destroyed in subsequent counter-attacks.

The Security Media Cell, affiliated with Iraqs security forces, said a mobile rocket launcher used in the attack was hidden in a truck loaded with bags of flour and parked in the village. It said aside from the 1 4 rockets which were fired towards the base the rest exploded on the truck, damaging some village homes and a mosque. The Iraqi government, meanwhile, called it a terrorist attack and a flagrant violation of Iraqi laws.

A previously unknown group calling itself The brigades to avenge al-Muhandis, said its members fired 30 rockets toward the base run by American occupiers. In a threatening message to American forces, it added: We will force you to leave our lands defeated. The group is named after a top Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis who was killed last January in a surprise US drone attack on Baghdad airport along with top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.

Wednesdays targeting of Ain al-Assad amounts to a potentially dangerous round of escalation in the ongoing tit-for-tat rivalry between Iran and the US in Iraq. Iran and its allies in the Iraqi political elite have stepped up demands that the US withdraw its troops from the country following the assassinations of Iranian clandestine forces commander Qassem Suleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes in a January 2020 US drone strike.

Attacks on US facilities by Iranian-backed militia groups appear to be accelerating following the 28 June airstrikes, which were in response to continuing attacks on American facilities in Iraq. At least four militiamen were killed in the US airstrikes, prompting raucous funerals and demands for revenge.

Ain al-Assad was the target of a rocket attack on Monday, with no casualties. Late Tuesday an airport housing US troops in northern Iraq was also hit in a drone attack that caused no injuries. In Syria, the US-backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces said in a statement that drones were used to also attack the al-Omar oil field in Syrias eastern province of Deir Azzour, which hosts US forces.

It added that the attack was foiled and that further details would be released. Irans state-owned Press TV attributed the attacks to the Iraqi resistance movement, a reference to Shia militias that are often trained, armed or financed by Tehran.

Most likely, the strike was meant to destroy very important and expensive equipment and installations belonging to US troops, said the report.
The New Zealand government continues to enforce strict border controls for those entering the country, including health screening and testing for almost all arrivals, and managed isolation or quarantine for anyone who is not travelling quarantine-free.

The health ministry has also urged the public to keep good hygiene, stay at home, and get tested if they show symptoms. If they show symptoms or had exposure to a confirmed case, they must self isolate for at least 14 days and until they are no longer required to do so by a public health official, who directly manage cases.

Other social distancing rules remain as well as mask-wearing on public transport, including domestic flights, taxis or ride-share drivers.

New Zealand health ministry's Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) guidelines stipulate that almost all passengers travelling into New Zealand are legally required to have a voucher confirming their place in a managed isolation before they board a flight.

The New Zealand health ministry makes provisions for last-minute travels and emergency requests. Without a voucher, passengers will not be allowed to board a flight.

Within 24 hours of entering New Zealand, passengers will be tested on the first day and asked to remain in their room until they receive their test results.

If the passenger is symptomatic on arrival, or the test result shows positive on day one, they are taken to a quarantine facility. Even if the test results are negative, the passenger must quarantine for the remaining 14 days. Tests continue on days 3 and 12, as usual.

The MIQ also warns that passengers on arrival might be assigned a facility in a different city to the one they arrived in. The government will provide transport to the quarantine facility and back to the airport, where the passenger first arrived. Passengers will bear the expense of their own travel to their final destination after finishing the isolation period.

New Zealand's borders remain closed except for New Zealand citizens and residents with valid travel conditions. There are a small number of limited exceptions to the border closure for visa holders.

Arrivals from high-risk countries will be required to provide evidence of a negative nasopharyngeal RT-PCR (PCR) test from a government-approved laboratory, taken 72 hours before travel. Very high-risk countries include Brazil, India, Pakistan and Papua New Guinea.

The government has extended the pause on quarantine-free travel from Queensland, New South Wales, in Australia due to a rise in Covid-19 infections.

Arrivals by sea will be required to either isolate on the boat for a total of 14 days or transfer to a managed isolation facility.
Fully jabbed Britons are set to avoid quarantine from amber countries from as early as 19 July, the date when all remaining Covid restrictions will be dropped in England.

The prime minister confirmed in a Downing Street briefing on Monday that the government would work with the travel industry towards removing the need for fully vaccinated arrivals to isolate on return from an amber country.

Currently all arrivals from amber countries  which covers most of Europe  have to self-isolate for 10 days and take two post-arrival PCR tests, regardless of vaccination status.

Ministers are due to meet tomorrow to sign off the policy, according to reports in The Times and The Sun. Boris Johnson confirmed on Monday that transport secretary Grant Shapps would provide an update on the issue later this week.

The lifting of quarantine for amber arrivals would coincide with the lifting of other restrictions in England from 19 July, including social distancing and mandatory mask-wearing.

A previous Department for Transport statement, released at the most recent traffic light travel review on 24 June, simply gave a timeframe of later in the summer.

The statement read: In recognition of our successful domestic vaccination programme, and as part of the Global Travel Taskforces checkpoint review, our intention is that later in the summer, arrivals who are fully vaccinated will not have to quarantine when travelling from amber list countries.

We expect this to occur in phases, starting with UK residents. They will still be required to take a pre-departure test and a test on day two, and any positive results will be sequenced to continue to manage the risk of importing variants.

Tourism heavyweights France, Spain, Italy and Greece are currently on the amber list.

Just 27 destinations are currently on the green list, which allows quarantine-free travel for those returning to the UK. Malta, Madeira and the Balearics all went green at the last review of the traffic light travel system, although the Spanish islands status could be under threat due to a surge in Covid infections.

However, while double-jabbed Britons may soon be able to escape quarantine when returning from much of the EU, many countries across the bloc are tightening curbs on Britons amid a spike in Delta infections on home soil.

Malta, Portugal and Germany, among others, are only accepting fully vaccinated travellers, while last Friday Spain tightened its rules to require a negative Covid test for the non-jabbed contingents.

It comes as Heathrow airport, Europes busiest, says it will unveil a trial of fast-track lanes for vaccinated travellers.

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic passengers checking in at Athens, Montego Bay, New York JFK and Los Angeles will be invited to prove their vaccination status before boarding their planes.

In total, several hundred people each day could take part in the Heathrow trial. The option will allow them to join a special arrival queue, though they will still need to comply with all the rules for amber list countries  including multiple tests and self-isolation at home.
The US Supreme Courts conservative supermajority is looking to take away your rights. And theyve just gotten started.

The next few cases lining up for consideration look especially worrying to those of a liberal mindset. Firstly, by agreeing to take up Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, the court will review the constitutionality of 2018 Mississippi legislation that bans abortions after week 15 of pregnancy, except in cases of health emergencies or fetal abnormalities. In the case, Jackson Womens Health Organization  which is also the only licensed abortion provider in Mississippi  challenged the laws constitutionality. The Federal District Court for the 5th District agreed with Jackson Womens Health, ruling that court precedent prohibits bans before viability of a fetus, which happens around week 24 of pregnancy. The US Court of Appeals for the 5th Circut upheld the federal district courts decision arguing that Mississippi was effectively banning pre-viability abortions. Mississippi appealed the appellate courts decision and the Supreme Court effectively said, Bring it on, liberals.

The Supreme Courts decision to take up this case is especially stomach-churning when you consider who sits on it: Justice Kavanaugh is an accused rapist and Justice Thomas is an accused sexual harasser. Even without those details, the idea that six men and just three women could overturn landmark legislation on womens bodily autonomy is maddening. Yet a look at past decisions cast by the Supreme Court Justices means we need to take this challenge seriously. Justice Thomas has criticized abortion jurisprudence and said that the Supreme Court should be open to reconsidering precedent, including on abortion rights, in the past. In 2017, Kavanaugh praised the dissent in Roe v. Wade. That same year, Kavanaugh dissented in a case where an undocumented teenager in Texas was ultimately allowed to get an abortion. And after the death of fierce abortion rights activist Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the Courts newest appointee, Amy Coney Barrett, signed an anti-abortion ad in a local newspaper back in 2007 criticizing what the ad termed abortion on demand.

And then theres the other cases the court has agreed to review next term. New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Corlett reviews gun rights, and Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. President & Fellows of Harvard College questions the Ivy League institutions lauded race and admissions policy. In practical terms, that means that if conservative justices take traditionally conservative positions on the issues in front of them, Americans can look forward to more uncared-for babies in the foster care system, more child poverty and single mothers, more public shootings, more armed, angry and legally emboldened white supremacists, and more domestic abusers with easy access to deadly weapons. It also means that Americans will see fewer Black and other historically disadvantaged communities of color in the hallways of the nations higher education institutions. Without question, these potential case outcomes spell a giant step backward for mankind.

Hope is not lost, however. This issue and others that progressives face with a testosterone-heavy, conservative Supreme Court could be changed by President Biden and the Democratically-held Congress. In April of this year, Biden issued an executive order to study reforms to the Supreme Court. And that same month, Democrats introduced a bill to increase the number of justices on SCOTUS from nine to 13. This would give Biden and Dems a chance to stack the court with more progressive justices, a threat that has proved successful in keeping conservatives from running riot in the past: In 1937, FDR threatened that route when the Court struck down, and then (under pressure) upheld the New Deal reforms. FDR subsequently dropped the proposal.

But Pelosi and other top Democratic leaders have said that increasing the number of justices is suboptimal. So, the court-packing bill is all but guaranteed to fail. There is also the option of changing the term limits of the justices, which is a much better way to make an impact on the ridiculously powerful court. The bad part? Congress might have to amend the Constitution, since Article III (which is dedicated to the judiciary) states: The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behavior. And we all know how easy it is to amend the US Constitution.
The best hope for US democracy in the short term rests with former President Donald Trump.

Venture capitalist, Hillbilly Elegy author, and Ohio Senate wannabe J.D. Vance illustrated this uncomfortable and unfortunate truth again this week. Back in 2016, Vance, in a rare display of insight, tweeted that Trump was reprehensible and promised to vote for Never Trump independent candidate Evan McMullin. Five years later, though, Vance is trying to win a primary dominated by Trump-loving conservatives. So he flip-flopped, deleting the old posts. I regret being wrong about the guy, he said, in a full-fledged mea culpa for his apostasy. I think he [Trump] was a good president.

Republicans, in short, are tripping over themselves to kiss Trumps orange appendages. That in itself is not hopeful. Trump is still falsely claiming the 2020 election was illegitimate, and most Republicans still believe the lie. The ex-presidents paranoid delegitimization of democracy has already led local election officials to try to pass laws giving local Republicans greater power to overturn election results. Its not hard to imagine a Trumpist GOP in 2024 engaging in another coup attempt like that of January 6th.

But the thing about Trump is that he is not selectively destructive. He is doing his best to knock out the guardrails that safeguard democracy from authoritarianism. But as he careens erratically about the political arena, hes also a threat to those who are nominally on his side. Especially now that hes no longer president, Trumps easiest opportunity targets are other Republicans. And if were very lucky, he will damage his supposed allies enough in 2022 and 2024 that progressives will be able to shore up democracy before the GOP is able to launch their next assault.

It may seem wildly overoptimistic to hope that Trump will damage Republicans enough to allow Democrats time to rebuild. But this is exactly what happened in Georgia at the beginning of this year.

Democrats hadnt won a Senate race in Georgia for two decades when Democrats Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff forced run-offs in both Georgia Senate races in November 2020. Usually, after a Democratic presidential win, the electorate moves right. There was plenty of reason for Republicans to hope they could eke out victories for the second-round elections in January.

But rather than devoting his efforts to helping Republican candidates David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler to victory, Trump did what Trump does, and spread chaos. He refused to concede, and blasted state Republican officials in Georgia for certifying their states vote for Democratic president-elect Joe Biden.

When Trump held a Georgia rally in early January, he ranted about how hed been robbed rather than boosting the Republican Senate hopefuls. As the electorate polarized further, Loeffler and Perdue were put in the impossible position of trying to appease Trump to keep the base on board and distance themselves from him to compete in a general election. Black Democratic organizers capitalized on the chaos and gave Georgia two Senate victories. That balanced the Senate 50-50, with Vice President Harris as the tie-breaking vote. Biden was able to pass the $2 trillion, extremely popular American Rescue Plan. By providing money to fight Covid, and funds to shore up state and local governments, the legislation has helped to stabilize the economy, and gives Democrats at least a fighting chance at retaining control of Congress in 2022.

There are signs that Trump may be gearing up to repeat this thumb-fingered, bumble-brained exercise in self-injury. Hes already begun to interfere in the 2022 Republican primary process. He endorsed his former staffer Max Miller for an Ohio seat currently held by incumbent Republican Representative Anthony Gonzalez, leading to tension and recriminations in the Republican caucus.

Trump might be a force for division in the Ohio Republican contest as well. The race for retiring Republican Senator Rob Portmans seat is already contentious and confused, with former state treasurer Josh Mandel, party chair Jane Timken, and others vying for state party endorsements and for Trumps blessing. Vances waffling is a preview of contortions to come. Imagine Trump endorsing Candidate A, becoming enraged when Candidate B wins, and spending the general election denouncing his own partys nominee. Ohio is very conservative, but a dynamic like that might simultaneously depress the GOP base and turn off white suburban Republican voters who dislike Trump, allowing a Democrat to sneak through.

Trump also could complicate the governors race in Texas where radical Trumpy Republican Allen West just declared a primary challenge to fairly Trumpy Republican incumbent Greg Abbott, or in Pennsylvania where incumbent Senate Republican Pat Toomey is stepping down. And the prospect of another Trump run for president in 2024 has already immensely complicated the nomination process for other would-be Republican leaders.

Trump exacerbates divisions animosities and chaos wherever he goes. Its hard to say how his influence will affect any given race, but both the House and Senate contests are likely to be very close in 2022. If Trump damages Republican chances in a seat or three, he could easily shift the national balance of power left, as he did when he dragged Perdue and Loeffler down with him in Georgia.

Of course, you cant trust Trump to save democracy, even inadvertently. Its ultimately up to activists and voters to demand, and Democrats to institute, changes that will help protect our democracy. We have to abolish gerrymandering, institute nationwide AVR, pass a new voting rights act, enfranchise DC, expand the Supreme Court, and more. Trumps incompetence may, ironically, end up giving us slightly more time to do what needs to be done.
"Prevent Unauthorized Transactions in your demat / trading account Update your Mobile Number/ email Id with your stock broker / Depository Participant. Receive information of your transactions directly from Exchanges on your mobile / email at the end of day and alerts on your registered mobile for all debits and other important transactions in your demat account directly from NSDL/ CDSL on the same day." - Issued in the interest of investors." | "KYC is one time exercise while dealing in securities markets - once KYC is done through a SEBI registered intermediary (broker, DP, Mutual Fund etc.), you need not undergo the same process again when you approach another intermediary." | "No need to issue cheques by investors while subscribing to IPO. Just write the bank account number and sign in the application form to authorise your bank to make payment in case of allotment. No worries for refund as the money remains in investor's account."

www.indiainfoline.com is part of the IIFL Group, a leading financial services player and a diversified NBFC. The site provides comprehensive and real time information on Indian corporates, sectors, financial markets and economy. On the site we feature industry and political leaders, entrepreneurs, and trend setters. The research, personal finance and market tutorial sections are widely followed by students, academia, corporates and investors among others.
Indiana, PA (15701)

Today

Showers early, then partly cloudy for the afternoon. High 87F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

A few passing clouds. Low 68F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
Anthill Creation is an NGO based in Bengaluru. Their mission in life is to build playgrounds for children from scrap, as per The New Indian Express.

The leader of the team is IIT Kharagpur alumnus Pooja Rai and the members put their technical knowledge to good use to provide underprivileged kids with the room to explore and enjoy their childhood.

Anthill sees playgrounds and parks as the best way to develop the spirit of sharing, teamwork, and mutual respect among children.

Then the pandemic happened and the option to go out and play dwindled due to health risks. So Pooja and her team got creative in the times of masks and sanitisers.

If kids cannot go out then play could come in. So what did the NGO do? Thinking out of the box, they came up with the project "Play In A Box".

It's an indoor play solution that can allow kids to play without going out.

EPS

What is Play In A Box?

"Play In A Box came into being last year around March-April. The idea was that since children can't go out and the schools are closed, we wanted to design something that can help while they were at home. We are continuing with it for the second year as schools remain closed due to the second wave," said Pooja.

"Our idea is to reach out to the most marginalised children from low-income communities who have no access to digital devices. Last year, we were focusing on cities, but now we have turned our focus to rural areas and have redesigned a few games in the Box to make them contextual to rural kids," she added.

Of course, they did not stop building playgrounds. In fact, Anthill built 90 out of their 284 playgrounds during the COVID era.

"It has been on and off lately depending on the Covid situation. However, we managed to finish 90 playgrounds - mostly existing MOUs that we helped to finish in association with governments," she went on to say.

IE

"We have worked with Odisha government's Bhubaneswar Development Authority to make the city more child friendly. Andhra government involved us in the Nadu Nedu scheme to improve the infrastructure of government schools. The government reached out after understanding that we have the expertise to complete pilot projects. We have become more innovative and inclusive over the past one and a half years. Apart from building for regular kids, we have also built sensory parks for the blind and are working on a park for children with muscular dystrophy," she continued.

This NGO is doing good work and putting a smile on the faces of kids all over the country who do not have access to certain things we take for granted.


He got infected with COVID-19 first, his organs failed, then he got black fungus and now, he has miraculously returned home. The odds were never in the favour of Bharat Panchal, a 54-year-old resident of Mumbai's Vikhroli, reported The Times of India.

Panchal fought an arduous battle against the deadly COVID-19 and many complications that followed, for over 85 days. On Monday, he was finally discharged from Powai's L H Hiranandani Hospital. His family says they never thought, they would see this day.

TOI

Kidney, liver, lung failed

Panchal, who owns and manages a chemist shop in Vikhroli, came down with a fever on April 8, around two weeks after taking the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Within four days, he developed severe lung complications and within a week he had to be put on mechanical ventilation support.

The CT value, which determines the severity of the Covid-19 infection, reached 21 from 25. Soon, Panchal started developing further complications in other organs of the body. As his condition deteriorated, he battled an acute kidney injury, liver dysfunction, sepsis, multiorgan failure, lung rupture and even black fungus seen among Covid-19 patients.

ANI

Ventilator support for 70 days

Panchal was on ventilation support for 70 days. The doctors at Hiranandani Hospital said Panchal developed every complication that a Covid-19 patient could. The hospital has not seen a longer hospital stay in the past 15 months.

The doctors tried every trick in the book, from remdesivir to plasma therapy and other treatment methods, but none brought any results.

TOI

In the meantime, Panchals family fought an equally tough battle while he continued to struggle for survival at the hospital. At last, when Panchal started bleeding from his lungs, the family gave up hope. But a fortnight later, he managed to survive the last threat and now is back home after spending almost three months in the hospital.


A Tibetan girl dances to traditional Tibetan music. To celebrate the Dalai Lama's 86th birthday, and his decades of work for human rights, justice, and peace, a big event was organized in Amsterdam. Hundreds of people gathered at the Dam square in the center of the city that was decorated with colorful Tibetan flags. During the celebration a Sangsol ceremony was carried out by a Tibetan monk, and to end the ceremony a traditional Tibetan dance was performed by the Tibetan community in the Netherlands. (Ana Fernandez/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Real-time social media posts from local businesses and organizations across Northern Virginia, powered by Friends2Follow. To add your business to the stream, email cfields@insidenova.com or click on the green button below.
Local Twin Cities artists Enzyrose, Eyenga Bokamba, Noah Lawrence-Holder, LeShon Lee, and Meadow Gillispie, talk about their reaction to the murder of George Floyd, the trial of Derek Chauvin, and life as a black artist during this time.
Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is working alongside the districts Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) to increase opportunities for high school and college students to pursue careers in financial services, including insurance, by expanding DISBs Financial Services Academy (FSA).

Now, more than ever, young people need help in jump starting their careers in the financial services sector and elsewhere, DISB Commissioner Karima M. Woods told Insurance Journal.

The FSA is a public private partnership between DISB, local education institutions and private companies. It began nine years ago through a partnership with the Marion Barry Summer Youth Program and the Departments Bank on DC Program.

The Bank on DC program is a collaborative effort between district government, financial institutions, non-profit organizations and community organizations. It was initiated as part of a national campaign to address unbanked residents and provide financial education.

The FSA then expanded five years ago in partnership with Gallaudet University as an opportunity to afford deaf and hard of hearing students in the Gallaudet risk management program with internships within the Insurance Bureau, Woods explained.

DISB has been an invaluable partner with Gallaudet University, providing internships to students in our risk management and insurance program since 2016, said James Bruner, executive director for the Gallaudet University Maguire Academy of Risk Management and Insurance, in a DISB press release. The internships have allowed students to learn about real life insurance issues, become problem solvers and learn how insurance regulation plays a vital role in protecting and educating consumers.

Bruner said program interns have moved on to work for insurance companies and brokerage firms, as well as pursue graduate school degrees.

DISBs vision now is to grow the FSA to include an expanded number of internship opportunities in the Insurance Bureau as well as opportunities in the Securities and Banking Bureaus to encourage as many young people as possible to pursue financial services careers, Woods said.

Its purpose is to introduce high school and college students, especially underrepresented students, to the financial services sector and eliminate barriers such as unpaid internships or scarce pre-career opportunities, as well as build pathways for all communities to gain full-time employment in insurance, securities and banking.

Unpaid internships can often be a barrier to participation for many students who count on income to help fund their education, Woods said.

The FSA will offer paid internships to encourage participation from all students regardless of their financial situation. The academy is comprised of its year-round internship program, year-round externships, its Bank on DC Young Money Managers Program, the DISB SYEP Insurance Internship Program and the DISB SYEP Securities Internship Program.

Within the Insurance Bureau in particular, FSA participants not only learn about the regulation of insurance and the responsibilities of bureau staff, but they are able to conduct research on a variety of topics. Prior students have done research on the insurance impacts of telematics, artificial intelligence, voice activated controls, wearable devices and cryptocurrency, Woods said.

I am confident that our partnerships will allow us to create pre-career opportunities through our sister agencies, industry partners and local universities, she said.

FSA partners include the Department of Employment Services, DC Public Schools and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education, local colleges and universities and local industry organizations. Woods said she sees an exciting road ahead for the FSA and the career paths it will foster for D.C. residents.

The Bowser Administration is committed to building pathways for all communities to successfully gain full-time employment in the insurance, securities and banking industries, she said.

Topics Washington
InsurTech NY will be accepting applications for its growth-stage InsurTech accelerator. The application window will be open from July 7 to August 2 and applications will be accepted through the InsurTech NY website.

The program is designed for growth-stage companies with an existing customer base in funding stages between Seed and Series B. Last year, applications were accepted from more than 20 countries.

The InsurTech NY program is built for the moment in time when startups are transitioning from surviving mode to thriving mode, said David Gritz, InsurTech NY managing director, in an InsurTech NY press release. InsurTechs from our past cohort have gone on to raise over $100 million in follow-on funding and find fruitful partnerships with our carrier and broker partners. This cohort will have the same opportunity.

The accelerator will work to provide InsurTechs with support in the areas they need to scale, such as market traction, recruiting talent and raising funds. The program will provide startups with access to insurance carriers and brokers eager to work with startups. The participating corporations will be looking to collaborate with startups on insurance capacity, reinsurance treaties and software pilots.

The InsurTech NY accelerator provides a unique formula for matchmaking that supports carrier core initiatives and removes the bloat of typical time-consuming accelerator programs, said Steve Bernardez, partner at Avanta Ventures, the venture capital arm of CSAA Insurance Group, in the release. We look forward to the opportunity to work with InsurTech NY to spot our next unicorn investments and partnership opportunities for CSAA Insurance Group.

The program will feature more than 20 carriers, brokers and their affiliated venture arms including Avanta Ventures, CNO Financial, Gallagher, Greenlight Re, Lockton, Nationwide and Transverse. The 2021 cohort will run as a hybrid model, partially virtual and partially in-person over a six-week period. The program will close with a demo day to more than 30 dedicated InsurTech investors.

Source: InsurTech NY

Topics New York InsurTech Tech
British Airways has settled a case brought by customers and staff affected by a massive 2018 data breach that led to personal information being leaked, the court-appointed lead solicitors in the case said on Tuesday.

Law firm PGMBM said those affected by the data leak would receive a confidential settlement following mediation with British Airways. The resolution does not include any admission of liability by the airline, it added.

British Airways, owned by IAG, revealed a breach of its security systems in 2018 that caused the personal data of 420,000 staff and customers to be leaked.

British Airways in an emailed statement said it was pleased it has been able to settle the group action.

Britains Information Commissioners Office in October fined British Airways 20 million pounds ($27.7 million)  the data protection watchdogs biggest such penalty at the time  for failing to protect the personal and financial details of its customers.

IAG shares were up 3% by 0820 GMT on the London Stock Exchange.

($1 = 0.7212 pounds) (Reporting by Yadarisa Shabong in Bengaluru; editing by Shailesh Kuber and Louise Heavens)

Related:

Topics Lawsuits Cyber
This group of International People Moves covers appointments at three brokers: Miller, BMS and Lockton Re.

A summary of these new hires follows here.

Miller, the London-based independent specialist re/insurance broker, announced the appointment of Rhys Newland as head of Renewable Energy and Environmental Technology. Newland commenced his role on July 1, reporting to Martin Henderson, head of Energy.

The newly created position signals Millers commitment to the fast-moving renewable energy sector as it continues to make high profile appointments across its key specialist areas.

Newland brings over 25 years of environmental risk experience to Miller, including expertise across PFI/PPP and nationally significant infrastructure projects. He joins Miller from Willis Ltd. where, most recently, he held the position of head of Infrastructure, specializing in environmental infrastructure. Prior to joining Willis in 1998, he worked as an environmental consultant where he undertook work for major projects including the World Bank and EBRD.

Newland has a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from Lancaster University and is a Chartered Environmentalist.

Martin Henderson, head of Energy, commented: The formation of a dedicated renewables team at Miller reflects the importance we attach to delivering the highest quality of service and insight to our clients to help them navigate the complex risks they face. Rhys is an ideal candidate to help spearhead our growth in this key area and we look forward to making further announcements relating to our teams expansion over the coming months.

***

BMS, the independent specialist insurance and reinsurance broker, announced the appointment of Andrew McKenzie as Northern Region manager of financial lines in Australia, effective Sept. 1, 2021. Based in Brisbane, McKenzie will report to Stuart Davies, head of financial lines at BMS Australia.

McKenzie joins BMS in Australia from his most recent role as director of Specialties at Aon, where he also led Aons Financial Services Group (FSG). With more than 25 years experience in the insurance sector, McKenzie brings to BMS in Australia a wealth of industry experience and a deep understanding of the risks facing financial institutions, professional service providers and the boardrooms of corporate Australia. Prior to McKenzies 19 years at Aon, he was the specialty insurance lines leader at Marsh for eight years.

In addition to specializing in the traditional financial lines and professional insurance classes, McKenzie is heavily focused on providing solutions and products for emerging global risks such as cyber and workplace health and safety to protect organizations, their executives and most importantly, their people.

***

Lockton Re, the reinsurance business of the worlds largest privately held independent insurance broker, announced that Showvanik Dasgupta has joined as a senior broker in its International P&C division in London.

Showvanik is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries with experience across the insurance market, having spent time at Beach Re, Tokio Millennium Re and Aspen Re where he started his career in 2006. Most recently, he was with Dynamo Analytics where he worked as Nordic lead consultant, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Showvanik will be focused on long tail and multiline creative solutions working with our established international P&C business as well as driving new opportunities, said Carla Moffett, head of International P&C, Lockton Re.

Topics Energy Aon Australia Lockton
Smallcombe to Lead Argo Construction

Specialty insurer Argo Group International Holdings announced that Kristyn Smallcombe has been appointed senior vice president, Argo Construction practice leader.

Smallcombe joins Argo from Swiss Re, where she previously served as the global head of construction, casualty and professional lines. Prior to that role she served as Swiss Res North American head of construction. Before joining Swiss Re, Smallcombe served in a variety of roles at AIG for more than 16 years, including senior underwriter for architects and engineers  professional and construction casualty and senior underwriter, excess casualty, for AIGs Lexington London division. She also held leadership roles at AIG, including product line manager for energy and construction and energy and construction industry practice group leader for AIG Property Casualtys Midwest Zone.

Smallcombe will report to Gary Grose, executive vice president, Argo Group U.S. Operations.

Markel Hires Towse as Executive Underwriting Officer

Kristin Towse has joined specialty insurer Markel Corp. as executive underwriting officer for the Markel Specialty division. She will be responsible for leading the Products and Regulatory Services and Risk Solution Services teams. She will also be responsible for further building out Markel Specialty multiline capabilities, focusing on industry verticals.

Towse has direct underwriting experience in professional, casualty, and property lines and brings more than 20 years of broad insurance expertise to Markel Specialty. Prior to joining Markel, Towse held multiple leadership roles at Chubb.

Towse will report to Jane Peterson, chief underwriting officer for Markel Specialty, and is based out of Bostons.

Cakes Norris Joins Celent as Senior Analyst

Boston-based research and advisory firm Celent announced that Rob Norris, chief executive officer of a digital workers compensation provider Cake, has joined its Property & Casualty Insurance practice as a senior analyst.

Norris brings 25 years of experience leading technology organizations of insurance companies. His experience includes nearly two decades with Pinnacol Assurance as chief information officer and chief strategy officer. In 2017, he founded the insurtech startup Cake, where, as CEO and chief innovation officer. Most recently, Norris served as chief technology officer at BiggerPockets, which offers digital tools for real estate investors.

Ascot Expands U.S. FAC Reinsurance Team

Specialty insurer Ascot has expanded its U.S. facultative reinsurance capabilities with the appointment of Anthony Kashuba, executive vice president, and Steve Robinson, senior vice president.

Kashuba will help oversee Ascots overall North America Casualty FAC product suite and facilitate new and expanded casualty products. Based in Ascot Groups Stamford, Conn. office, he joins Ascot from Arch Reinsurance where he was managing director, responsible for casualty FAC operations in North America. In his 30-year career, he has held a number of senior underwriting and broking roles within the casualty sphere including stints at Allied World, Swiss Re and Willis Re.

Robinson joins to increase Ascots presence in the professional lines segment of the FAC market. He joins from TransRe where he wrote a range of management and professional lines. Prior to this, he was at Chubb, writing public company management liability.

Both men will also assume responsibility for the casualty FAC solutions currently provided out of Dallas, Tex., by Scott Beall and Lex Smart, who are both retiring at the end of 2021.

The enhanced Casualty FAC team is led by Libby Ismail, senior vice president.

All will report in to Rory Cline, who in a new role, is promoted to president of Ascots U.S. reinsurance solutions, and in turn reports to Jonathan Zaffino, group president.

Topics Reinsurance
In the past few weeks, ransomware criminals claimed as trophies at least three North American insurance brokerages that offer policies to help others survive the very network-paralyzing, data-pilfering extortion attacks they themselves apparently suffered.

Cybercriminals who hack into corporate and government networks to steal sensitive data for extortion routinely try to learn how much cyber insurance coverage the victims have. Knowing what victims can afford to pay can give them an edge in ransom negotiations. The cyber insurance industry, too, is a prime target for crooks seeking its customers identities and scope of coverage.

Before ransomware evolved into a full-scale global epidemic plaguing businesses, hospitals, schools and local governments, cyber insurance was a profitable niche industry. It was accused of fueling the criminal feeding frenzy by routinely recommending that victims pay up, but kept many from going bankrupt.

Now, the sector isnt just in the criminals crosshairs. Its teetering on the edge of profitability, upended by a more than 400% rise last year in ransomware cases and skyrocketing extortion demands. As a percentage of premiums collected, cyber insurance payouts now top 70%, the break-even point. Insurers Own Infrastructure Could Be Next Targets of Cyber Criminals P/C Insurers Defend Ransomware Reimbursements in New Cyber Principles Leading by Example: How Insurers Can Manage Cyber Risk Within Their Own Operations

The ransomware groups got way too greedy too quickly. So the cost-benefit equation the insurers initially used to figure out whether or not they should pay a ransom  its just not there anymore, he said.

Its not clear how the single biggest ransomware attack on record, which began Friday, will impact insurers. But it cant be good.

Pressure is building on the industry to stop reimbursing for ransoms.

In May, the major cyber insurer AXA decided to do so with all new policies in France. But it is so far apparently alone in the industry, and governments are not moving to outlaw reimbursement.

AXA is among major insurers that have suffered ransomware attacks, with operations in Thailand hard-hit. Chicago-based CNA Financial Corp., the seventhranked U.S. cybersecurity underwriter last year, saw its network crippled in March. Less than a week earlier, the cybersecurity firm Recorded Future published an interview with a member of the Russian-speaking ransomware gang, REvil, that is skilled in pre-attack intelligence-gathering and happens to be behind the current attack. He suggested it actively targets insurers for data on their clients.

CNA would not confirm a Bloomberg report that it paid a $40 million ransom, which would be the highest reported ransom on record. Nor would it say what or how much data was stolen. It said only that systems where most policyholder data was stored were not impacted.

In a regulatory filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, CNA also said that its losses might not be fully covered by its insurance and future cybersecurity insurance coverage may be difficult to obtain or may only be available at significantly higher costs to us.

Another major insurance player hit by ransomware was broker Gallagher. Although it was hit in September, only this past week (June 30) did it disclose that the attackers may have stolen highly detailed data from an unspecified number of customers  from passwords and Social Security numbers to credit card data and medical diagnoses. Company spokeswoman Kelli Murray would not say if any cyber insurance policy contracts were on compromised servers. Nor would she say whether Gallagher paid a ransom. The criminals, from the RagnarLocker gang, apparently never posted information about the attack on their dark web leak site, suggesting that Gallagher paid.

Of the three insurance brokers that ransomware gangs claimed to have attacked in recent weeks, posting stolen data on their dark web sites as evidence, two, in Montreal and Detroit, did not respond to phone calls and emails. The third, in southern California, acknowledged being hobbled for a week.

By the time the Colonial Pipeline and major meat processor JBS were hit by ransomware in May, insurers were already passing higher coverage costs to customers.

Cyber premiums jumped by 29% in January in the U.S. and Canada from the previous month, said Gregory Eskins, an analyst at top commercial insurance broker Marsh McLennan. In February, the month-to-month jump was 32%, in March it was 39%.

In a bid to turn back ransomware-related losses  Eskins said they amounted to about 40% of cyber insurance claims in North America last year _ policy renewals are carrying new, stricter rules or lowered coverage limits.

The price has to match the risk, said Michael Phillips, chief claims officer at the San Francisco cyber insurance firm Resilience and a co-chair of the public-private Ransomware Task Force.

A policy might now specify that reimbursement for extortion payments cant exceed one-third of overall coverage, which typically also encompasses recovery and lost income and can include payments to PR firms to mitigate reputational damage. Or an insurer may cut coverage in half, or introduce a deductible, said Brent Reith of the broker Aon.

While some smaller carriers have dropped coverage altogether, the big players are instead retooling.

Then there are hybrid insurers like Resilience and Boston-based Corvus. They dont simply ask potential customers to fill out a questionnaire. They physically probe their cyber defenses and actively engage clients as cyber threats occur.

Were monitoring and making active recommendations not just once a year but throughout the year and dynamically, said Corvus CEO Phil Edmundson.

But is the overall industry nimble enough to absorb the growing onslaught?

The Government Accountability Office warned in a May report that the extent to which cyber insurance will continue to be generally available and affordable remains uncertain. And the New York State Department of Finance said in a February circular that massive industry losses were possible.

Both insured and insurers, stingy about sharing experiences and data, shoulder the blame for that, the U.K. Royal United Services Institute said in a new report. Most ransomware attacks go unreported, and no central clearinghouse on them exists, though governments are beginning to pressure for mandatory industry reporting. As a business sector, insurers are not especially transparent. In the U.S. they are regulated not by the federal government but by the states.

And for now, cyber insurers are mostly resisting calls to halt reimbursements for ransoms paid.

In a May earnings call, the CEO of U.K.-based Beazley, Adrian Cox, said generally speaking network security is not good enough at the moment. He said it is up to government to decide whether payments are bad public policy. CEO Evan Greenberg of the leading U.S. cyber insurer, Chubb Limited, agreed in the companys annual report in February that deciding on a ban is governments purview. But he did endorse outlawing payments.

Jan Lemnitzer, a Copenhagen Business School lecturer, thinks cyber insurance should be compulsory for businesses large and small, just as everyone who drives must have car insurance and seat belts. The Royal United Services Institute study recommends it for all government suppliers and vendors.

While he considers banning ransom payments problematic, Lemnitzer says it would be a no-brainer to compel insurers to stop reimbursing for them.

Some have suggested imposing fines on ransom payments as a disincentive. Or the government could retain a percentage of any cryptocurrency recovered from ransomware criminals, the proceeds going to a federal ransomware defense fund.

Such measures could bite into criminal revenues, said attorney Stewart Baker of Steptoe and Johnson, a former NSA general counsel.

In the long run, it probably means that resources that are currently going to Russia to pay for Ferraris in Moscow will instead go to improve cybersecurity in the United States.

Topics Cyber Fraud Market
President Joe Biden said on Tuesday the ransomware attack centered on the Florida information technology firm Kaseya seems to have inflicted only minimal damage on American businesses.

It appears to have caused minimal damage to U.S. businesses, but were still gathering information, Biden told reporters following a briefing from advisers.

I feel good about our ability to be able to respond.

Fridays ransomware attack scrambled the data of hundreds of small businesses worldwide, including many in the United States. REvil, a prolific, Russia-linked cybercrime syndicate, took credit for the breach.

The presidents comments follow a statement from Kaseya that the attack never posed a threat to critical U.S. infrastructure, which Biden declared off-limits during a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin last month.

But the attack was another illustration of how cybercriminals believed to be operating from Russia are running amok in the United States. Biden has sought to push Putin to bring Russian cybercriminals to heel, so far to little visible effect.

Attacks have escalated recently.

Last month REvil extorted an $11 million ransom out of meatpacker JBS after snarling its supply chain. In May an intrusion by another Russia-linked group at major U.S. fuel transporter Colonial Pipeline led to panic buying, price spikes, and gasoline shortages up and down the East Coast.

Republican Committee

The Republican National Committee said on Tuesday it learned over the weekend that third-party provider Synnex Corp. had been breached, but an investigation by Microsoft Corp. determined that no RNC data had been accessed.

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said earlier on Tuesday that senior U.S. officials would meet their Russian counterparts next week to discuss the ransomware menace.

If the Russian government cannot or will not take action against criminal actors residing in Russia, we will take action, or reserve the right to take action, on our own, she said.

The Russian Embassy in Washington and the U.S. National Security Council did not return messages seeking further details about the meeting.

On Wednesday, Biden will meet with officials from the Justice Department, State Department, the Department of Homeland Security and the intelligence community to discuss ransomware and U.S. efforts to counter it, Psaki said.

The hack that struck Kaseyas clients  many of whom are back office IT shops commonly referred to as managed service providers  did not have the same kind of impact in the United States as the ransoming of Colonial Pipeline.

Disruption elsewhere was more severe.

In Sweden, many of the 800 grocery stores run by the Coop chain are still in the process of recovering from the attack, which knocked out most of its supermarkets, though a spokesman told Reuters we have more open stores than closed ones now.

In New Zealand, 11 schools and several kindergartens were affected.

Germanys cybersecurity watchdog, BSI, said on Tuesday that it was aware of three IT service providers in Germany that were affected, with a spokesperson estimating that several hundred companies were touched overall.

In Germany there are no cases as prominent as the one in Sweden, the spokesperson added.

The hackers who claimed responsibility for the breach have demanded $70 million to restore all the affected businesses data, although they have indicated a willingness to temper their demands in private conversations with a cybersecurity expert and with Reuters.

Kaseyas CEO told Reuters he would not reveal whether his company planned to pay the ransom or not, or even whether it was negotiating with REvil.

Psaki said that while the administration discouraged such payments, questions about whether the data would be ransomed should be directed to Kaseya.

(Reporting by Raphael Satter and Andrea Shalal; Trevor Hunnicutt and Steve Holland in Washington, Douglas Busvine in Frankfurt and Johan Ahlander in Stockholm also contributed reporting. Editing by Kirsten Donovan, Alistair Bell and Sonya Hepinstall)

Topics USA Cyber
A federal judge said Google must face much of a lawsuit accusing the company of illegally recording and disseminating private conversations of people who accidentally trigger its voice-activated Voice Assistant on their smartphones.

In a Thursday night decision, U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman let plaintiffs in the proposed class action pursue claims that Google and its parent Alphabet Inc violated California privacy laws, some claims that they violated federal privacy laws, and some breach of contract claims.

The San Jose, California-based judge also dismissed the plaintiffs California consumer protection claims, but said they could be refiled.

Google Assistant is designed to react when mobile device owners use hot words such as Hey Google or Okay Google, similar to Apple Incs Siri.

But the plaintiffs said Google had no right to use their conversations for targeted advertising when Google Assistant misperceived what they said as hot words, known as false accepts.

In a 37-page decision, Freeman said the plaintiffs showed they used Google Assistant-enabled devices often enough to have had a reasonable expectation of privacy when speaking.

She added that while Google disclosed in its privacy policy how it collects information for targeted advertising, it does not sufficiently apprise users that it will use recordings made in the absence of manual activation or a hot word utterance.

In seeking a dismissal, Google said the plaintiffs failed to show they were harmed, or that it broke any contractual guarantees. Google never promises that the Assistant will activate only when plaintiffs intend it to, it said.

The proposed class seeking unspecified damages includes U.S. purchasers of Google Assistant-enabled devices since May 18, 2016.

Google and its lawyers did not immediately respond on Friday to requests for comment. The plaintiffs lawyers did not immediately respond to similar requests.

The case is In re Google Assistant Privacy Litigation, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, No. 19-04286.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel and Sara Merken in New York; Editing by Bill Berkrot)

Topics Lawsuits Legislation Privacy
A utility that provides power in rural southeastern Alabama said it was hit by a ransomware attack that means customers temporarily cant access their account information.

Wiregrass Electric Cooperative, which serves about 22,000 members, said no data was compromised in the attack. But member account information and payment systems were taken offline for maintenance and as a precaution, it said in a statement.

The utility said it wont disconnect service for customers with prepaid accounts during the interruption, the Dothan Eagle reported.

Ransomware attacks are launched by hackers who gain access to a computer system and then demand payments. While the cooperative didnt release any information about the source of the attack, thousands of organizations were infected in at least 17 countries in a widespread assault that began Friday, the same day the cooperative announced the attack.

The cooperative, which provides service in all or parts of five counties, announced on social media that it was u

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Cyber Alabama
Tennessee doctor used the wrong test to clear at least two patients of the coronavirus, according to discipline allegations before the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners.

Dr. Michael LaPaglia, 49, used rapid blood test kits that can detect antibodies from a previous infection but arent reliable in checking for a current infection, according to the allegations brought by the Department of Health and reported by The Tennessean from information obtained in a public records request.

Records say the improper testing occurred in November and December of 2020 while LaPaglia operated a concierge medical company called Elite HealthCare offering in-home coronavirus antibody testing. Both people requested testing and LaPaglia used a rapid antibody test and then cleared both of infection even though he knew or should have known the tests did not work that way, records state.

The allegations could result in LaPaglia losing his medical license, which is already on probation. He previously admitted to writing fraudulent opioid prescriptions and his license was suspended in 2018 but reinstated the following year.

LaPaglias attorney, Garrett Asher, declined to comment to the newspaper.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics COVID-19 Tennessee
By all accounts the California wildfire season continues to shape up to be a bad one, and another catastrophe modeling firm has reported sales of their products picking up due in part to carriers and reinsurers looking for more ways to reduce risks  one of which may be to non-renew homeowners in the highest risk areas.

The states wildfire season, which continues to start earlier each year  the states seasons have been averaging an extra 75 days, according to CalFire  may already be off to an ominous start. The ongoing Lava Fire in Northern California has burned more than 25,000 acres, while containment has grown to more than 71%. The Tennant Fire also in Northern California is 10,614 acres and is 57% contained.

The National Interagency Fire Centers latest wildfire fire potential outlook for July has much of the U.S. West, including California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, colored in red, indicating an Above Normal chance of wildfire. More than 25% of the region is under exceptional drought conditions, the most severe category used by the U.S. Drought Monitor.

CalFire has said fuel moisture levels in June were already at levels seen in late July.

Were trending about six weeks ahead of where we would be in a typical year, said CalFire Battalion Chief John Heggie.

All the dry fuel has led to the state being up so far this year in both acreage burned and the number of ignitions.

As of July 6 the number of fires in California have totaled 4,599, with 73,511 acres burned. Thats an increase of 752 fires and 42,400 acres from last year. The five-year average is 2,630 fires with 52,623 acres burned, according to CalFire.

The sounding alarms seems to have insurers actively looking for solutions.

Catastrophe modeler CoreLogic has seen a rise in sales of its sophisticated yet costly products to carriers who are examining their risks in the state. California regulators in early June approved a plan by Farmers Insurance to assess wildfire risk by using a tool that combines artificial intelligence with high-resolution aerial photography. The carrier said the Z-Fire risk scoring model developed by Zesty.ai is expected to make standard coverage available to an additional 30,000 homeowners.

Risk Management Solutions Inc., a well-known Newark, Calif.-based catastrophe modeler, has also seen a surge in interest in its products from insurers and reinsurers, who increasingly want to know How bad could the worst be?

Those are the words of Michael Young, vice president, model product management, with RMS.

Young believes the insurance community has become increasingly wary of what wildfires can do in places like Paradise, Calif., which was almost completely destroyed by the 2018 Camp Fire, and more recently the fire that destroyed nearly all the homes and structures in the small town of Lytton in British Colombia in late June during an unprecedented heat wave that scorched Western Canada.

Weve seen an uptick in inquiries about our modeling solutions and our scoring solutions, Young said.

Their models enable insurers to know more precisely where the higher risks are, allowing them to provide coverage without altogether avoiding wildfire-prone areas, but they can also be used by insurers to help identify and non-renew properties that are deemed too risky.

Thats the thing that the regulators most worry about, Young said.

Consumer complaints about non-renewals to the California Department of Insurance doubled statewide following 2018s massive wildfires, though complaints about non-renewals fell slightly last year, according to the CDI.

The number of California homeowner policies that insurers declined to renew rose 31% to 235,250 in 2019 from 179,458 in 2018, while the number of policies issued through the FAIR plan rose to 190,196 from 140,138, according to a report by the California Department of Insurance.

The recent dip in consumer complaints over non-renewals followed California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Laras orders of renewal protections for more than 1 million policyholders in 2019 and 2.4 million in 2020.

Residential non-renewal data from 2020 was due this spring. A CDI spokesperson said the department is in the process of reviewing insurance company data for last year, but wouldnt say when that data is expected to be released.

Non-renewals and rising rates mean some homeowners in high-risk areas are finding it difficult to obtain insurance. Some of these homeowners have been driven into the California FAIR Plan or the surplus lines market.

Representatives for the FAIR Plan would not provide the most recent data on the number of policies written by the FAIR Plan, but confirmed the FAIR Plan has seen an increase in the number and percentage of policies written for properties in high fire-risk parts of the state.

Both the residential and commercial surplus lines markets in California have hardened substantially and trendlines indicate continued hardening into 2022, a recent report from the Surplus Line Association of California shows. The average premium per commercial transaction for May, the latest data available, rose from $9,000 during the same period in 2018 to $27,000. The average premium per homeowners/residential transaction rose from $2,500 in 2018 to $7,500 in May.

What that hardening seems to point to is that even non-admitted insurers dont like the looks of things in California.

I think what it shows is theres even less of a risk appetite, especially given two years of drought, said Ben McKay, the SLA-Cals CEO executive director. I think insures are revaluating their risk appetite.

Those reevaluations also mean insurers are spending a little money to potentially save a lot on losses.

The cost of the annual subscription to the RMS probabilistic model is based on the size of company, with prices ranging from several thousand to several million dollars.

Theyre not cheap, Young said. These are investments that insurance companies have to make.

Immediately following the fire that destroyed Lytton, he said RMS fielded numerous calls from brokers, carriers and reinsurers in Canada asking for more information and quotes on its wildfire modeling products.

Insurers may also see better modeling as way of avoiding what occurred in the mid-90s in Florida, where winds and hurricanes drove insurer insolvencies.

More insures are now worried about massive losses posed by Californias increasingly large wildfires. Merced Property & Casualty Co. in 2018 was pushed to insolvency by the fire that nearly destroyed Paradise and surrounding towns. California regulators moved in December 2018 to take over the insurer when it became known it couldnt pay out all its claims following the fire that destroyed more than 13,000 homes.

Its that kind of devastation that is worrying a lot of insurance companies in the Western U.S. and Western Canada, Young said. They need some additional technology to hang loss estimates on that are reacting to the current environment and are not hampered by the past historical data.

Related:

Topics Catastrophe California Natural Disasters Wildfire Homeowners
Salt Lake City, June 29, 2021  XINSURANCE  a leading nationwide specialty lines liability insurance company  today offered to insure Jeff Bezos and his five Blue Origin passengers during the upcoming high-profile rocket flight in July.

Like Bezos, we are calculated risk takers, and XINSURANCE strives to find formulated solutions for the uninsurable, said J. Parker Lindsey, senior vice president of XINSURANCE. We are confident we can accurately evaluate this new risk of space flight and provide quotes to and insure not only Bezos, but all future passengers of space flights.

Bezos, the wealthiest person in the world, is the biggest name to take to space, and until now, could not find an insurance agency to cover the 11-minute trip for him and his space crew. While NASAs astronauts are effectively insured through U.S. taxpayers, Blue Origin is not legally required to offer insurance to its passengers. Until today, no firm was ready to offer liability coverage for space travelers.

In addition to offering to cover the space flight with Bezos, XINSURANCE will look to offer insurance for the budding space tourism industry in general. XINSURANCE specializes in helping individuals and businesses who live a lifestyle or participate in activities that make them difficult for traditional carriers to insure.

Its a risk category where theres a need, says Lindsey. And were the right company to fill it.

XINSURANCE is a specialty lines liability insurance company that provides insurance solutions for difficult risk individuals, homeowners and businesses when other insurance companies will not or cannot provide. The insurance company has more than 40 years of expertise in offering high-risk specialty insurance across the U.S. For more information about XINSURANCE, visit www.xinsurance.com.

###

About XINSURANCE

XINSURANCE is a dba of Evolution Insurance Brokers, LC, Salt Lake City, Utah. With more than 40 years of experience, XINSURANCE offers specialty lines, property and casualty, professional and personal liability Insurance coverage in all 50 states. By providing clients with access to customized liability insurance policies that cover gaps in their traditional insurance coverage, XINSURANCE helps minimize exposures and maximize peace of mind. For more information, visit XINSURANCE.com.
The Pentagon has said it is cancelling a cloud computing contract with Microsoft that could eventually have been worth 10 billion dollars and will instead pursue a deal with both Microsoft and Amazon.

With the shifting technology environment, it has become clear that the Jedi Cloud contract, which has long been delayed, no longer meets the requirements to fill capability gaps, the Pentagon said in a statement.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin has demanded a review of an incident in which a solicitor was told to remove her bra to gain entry to a prison for a meeting with a client.

Details of the incident, first reported by the Irish Examiner, have sparked further complaints from women who were subjected to similar experiences while visiting Irish prisons.

There are growing concerns the practice is widespread.

The Dail heard details of the solicitor being forced to remove her bra in order to attend an urgent meeting with her client in Cloverhill Prison.

Solicitor 'humiliated and traumatised'

The woman said she was humiliated and traumatised by the episode which took place in front of four male guards and a male senior counsel.

The Taoiseach described it as "quite shocking" and "unacceptable" and said he would be seeking answers to find out why it happened.

"It is unacceptable, and should not have happened," said Mr Martin.

I can understand fully why the woman in question would have felt that her dignity was taken from her, and felt undermined by the request. It's just not good enough.

The Irish Prison Service (IPS) said it is not policy to request the removal of undergarments in order to gain admittance to a prison.

"The Irish Prison Service does not condone behaviour contrary to our standards of courtesy which may put at risk the rights of people to be treated with dignity and respect," a statement said.

Listed search procedures include a walk-through metal detector, handheld metal detector, narcotic swabbing, x-ray of outer clothing and bags, and canine drug detection. Removal of bras because of metal wiring is not listed.

The Irish Examiner has found the practice is widespread and numerous partners and mothers of prisoners have detailed their experiences.

One woman said she keeps two sports bras to visit her son "to avoid the humiliation";

A number of women in the legal profession have said they had either been asked about their underwear by male guards or instructed to remove it;

A solicitor said a male guard pushed a metal detector wand beneath her bra strap and "snapped it" back, telling her the bra "was the problem".

Prison guard 'not surprised' by revelation

A female prison guard who has worked in a number of Irish prisons said she "wasn't surprised" by the revelations.

"I've seen it a million times," she said.

"There's a terrible undercurrent of sexism in the prison club. They're not all the same, but it is rife.

"I've seen mothers of prisoners come in and have to take their underwear off  people they think they can bully.

Older women have to walk with their arms over their chest and put their bras in the lockers. This isn't new but they only do it to certain people.

Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton, who has responsibility for prisons, has now sought a report, with detailed timelines, from the Director-General of the Irish Prison Service.

The Department of Justice said the Prison Service is currently reviewing all operating procedures and its security screening, which now includes a dignity at work element.

"Minister Naughton awaits the outcome of these reviews, which she has been told are being finalised, and completion of the report she has requested from the IPS on this matter," a spokesman said.

"When she receives these documents, Minister Naughton will assess what further action may be required."

The statement added that Ms Naughton will "of course" consider any request for a meeting with the woman involved.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said the incident warrants a wider review of prison culture and practices to ensure that this type of "degrading treatment of any woman never happens again."
She hobbled into a Los Angeles county welfare office in October 1970, a stooped, withered waif with a curious way of holding up her hands, like a rabbit. She looked about six or seven. Her mother, stricken with cataracts, was seeking an office with services for the blind and had entered the wrong room.

But the girl transfixed welfare officers.

At first they assumed autism. Then they discovered she could not talk. She was incontinent and salivated and spat. She had two nearly complete sets of teeth - extra teeth in such cases are known as supernumeraries, a rare dental condition. She could barely chew or swallow, and could not fully focus her eyes or extend her limbs. She weighed just 59lb (26kg). And she was, it turned out, 13 years old.

Her name  the name given to protect her identity  was Genie. Her deranged father had strapped her into a handmade straitjacket and tied her to a chair in a silent room of a suburban house since she was a toddler. He had forbidden her to cry, speak or make noise and had beaten and growled at her, like a dog.

It made news as one of the USs worst cases of child abuse. How, asked Walter Cronkite, could a quiet residential street, Golden West Avenue, in Temple City, a sleepy Californian town, produce a feral child  a child so bereft of human touch she evoked cases like the wolf child of Hesse in the 14th century, the bear child of Lithuania in 1661 and Victor of Aveyron, a boy reared in the forests of revolutionary France?

Over time, Genie slipped from headlines  Vietnam was burning, the Beatles were in the midst of breaking up  but she retained the attention of scientists, especially linguists. She was a prize specimen for having grown up without language or social training. Could she now learn language?

Jostling for access, they took brain scans and audio recordings, performed countless tests, compiled reams of data, published papers. And gradually they, too, with a few exceptions, also lost interest.

By the late 1970s, Genie had vanished back into obscurity. As she was a ward of California, authorities housed her in state-run institutions, her location secret. Four decades later, she apparently remains in state care.

A portrait of Genie Wiley. Picture: Bettmann/Bettmann Archive

Im pretty sure shes still alive because Ive asked each time I called and they told me shes well, said Susan Curtiss, a UCLA linguistics professor who studied and befriended Genie.

They never let me have any contact with her. Ive become powerless in my attempts to visit her or write to her. I think my last contact was in the early 1980s. Authorities rebuffed Guardian inquiries. If Genie is alive, information relating to her is confidential and it does not meet the criteria of information that is available through a PRA Request, said Kim Tsuchida, a public records act coordinator for Californias department of social services. We would suggest that you contact Los Angeles County with your request. LA County referred the query to mental health authorities, who did not respond to a written request.

With Genie approaching her 60th birthday, her fate remains an enigma. Has she learned to speak? To engage with the world? To be happy? Only a handful of people know.

But the story has an additional chapter: the fate of the other players. Almost all, it turns out, were scarred. Scarred psychologically and professionally in ways none anticipated, and which in some cases endure to this day.

There were the scientists and carers who studied and, in some cases, loved her. Their collaboration collapsed into feuds, vendettas and muck-raking.

There was the author who chronicled the saga and found it taking over his life. He moved to Paris to escape only for Genies story to follow him and manifest itself in other ways.

There was Genies older brother, who also suffered grievously under their father. He lived, in his own words, like a dead man and failed his own daughter  Genies niece  who in turn failed her daughters.

The story begins with Genies father, Clark Wiley. He grew up in foster homes in the Pacific north-west and worked as a machinist on aircraft assembly lines in LA during and after the second world war. He married Irene Oglesby, a dust bowl migrant 20 years his junior. A controlling man who hated noise, he did not want children. Yet children came.

The first, a baby girl, died after being left in a cold garage. A second died from birth complications. A third, a boy named John, survived, followed five years later by the girl who would become known as Genie.

When a drunk driver killed Wileys mother in 1958, he unravelled into anger and paranoia. He brutalised John and locked his 20-month-old daughter alone in a small bedroom, isolated and barely able to move. When not harnessed to a potty seat, she was constrained in a type of straitjacket and wire mesh-covered crib. Wiley imposed silence with his fists and a piece of wood. That is how Genie passed the 1960s.

Clark Wiley, 70, and his son John leave a police station after the father was booked for investigation of child abuse in 1970. Picture: AP

Irene, stricken by fear and poor eyesight, finally fled in 1970. Things happened swiftly after she blundered into the wrong welfare office. Wiley, charged with child abuse, shot himself. The world will never understand, said the note.

Genie, a ward of court, was moved to LAs childrens hospital. Pediatricians, psychologists, linguists and other experts from around the US petitioned to examine and treat her, for here was a unique opportunity to study brain and speech development  how language makes us human.

Genie could speak a few words, such as blue, orange, mother and go, but mostly remained silent and undemonstrative. She shuffled with a sort of bunny hop and urinated and defecated when stressed. Doctors called her the most profoundly damaged child they had ever seen.

Progress initially was promising. Genie learned to play, chew, dress herself and enjoy music. She expanded her vocabulary and sketched pictures to communicate what words could not. She performed well on intelligence tests.

Language and thought are distinct from each other. For many of us, our thoughts are verbally encoded. For Genie, her thoughts were virtually never verbally encoded, but there are many ways to think, said Curtiss, one of the few surviving members of the research team.

She was smart. She could hold a set of pictures so they told a story. She could create all sorts of complex structures from sticks. She had other signs of intelligence. The lights were on. Curtiss, who was starting out as an academic at that time, formed a tight bond with Genie during walks and shopping trips (mainly for plastic buckets, which Genie collected). Her curiosity and spirit also enchanted hospital cooks, orderlies and other staff members.

Genie showed that lexicon seemed to have no age limit. But grammar, forming words into sentences, proved beyond her, bolstering the view that beyond a certain age, it is simply too late. The window seems to close, said Curtiss, between five and 10.

Does language make us human? Thats a tough question, said the linguist. Its possible to know very little language and still be fully human, to love, form relationships and engage with the world. Genie definitely engaged with the world. She could draw in ways you would know exactly what she was communicating.

Yet there was to be no Helen Keller-style breakthrough. On the contrary, by 1972, feuding divided the carers and scientists. Jean Butler, a rehabilitation teacher, clashed with researchers and enlisted Irene, Genies mother, in a campaign for control. Each side accused the other of exploitation.

Research funding dried up and Genie was moved to an inadequate foster home. Irene briefly regained custody only to find herself overwhelmed  so Genie went to another foster home, then a series of state institutions under the supervision of social workers who barred access to Curtiss and others. Genies progress swiftly reversed, perhaps never to be recovered.

Genie Wiley with a doctor. Picture: Nova: Secret of the Wild Child

Russ Rymer, a journalist who detailed the case in the 1990s in two New Yorker articles and a book, Genie: a Scientific Tragedy, painted a bleak portrait of photographs from her 27th birthday party.

A large, bumbling woman with a facial expression of cowlike incomprehension  her eyes focus poorly on the cake. Her dark hair has been hacked off raggedly at the top of her forehead, giving her the aspect of an asylum inmate. Jay Shurley, a professor of psychiatry and behavioural science who was at that party, and her 29th, told Rymer she was miserable, stooped and seldom made eye contact. It was heartrending. A veil cloaks Genies life since then. But a melancholy thread connects those she left behind.

For the surviving scientists it is regret tinged with anguish. Shurleys verdict: She was this isolated person, incarcerated for all those years, and she emerged and lived in a more reasonable world for a while, and responded to this world, and then the door was shut and she withdrew again and her soul was sick.

Curtiss, who wrote a book about Genie, and is one of the few researchers to emerge creditably from the saga, feels grief-stricken to this day. Im not in touch with her, but not by my choice. They never let me have any contact with her. Ive become powerless in my attempts to visit her or write to her. I long to see her. There is a hole in my heart and soul from not being able to see her that doesnt go away.

In an interview, Rymer said Genies story affected all those involved, himself included. It made for a pretty intense and disturbing several years. This took over my life, my worldview.

A lot about this case left me shaken. Maybe this is cowardice  I was relieved to be able to turn away from the story. Because anytime I went into that room [where Genie grew up], it was unbearable.

But Rymer discovered he could not turn away, not fully. I generally go on to another story. But I had to confront how much I identified with Genie. Being shut up, unable to express herself, I think that speaks to everyone. I think the person I was writing about was to some extent myself.

Genie infiltrated his recent novel, Paris Twilight, set in France in 1990, said Rymer. The novel details, as the Genie tale does more literally, an attempted escape from a small dank room and a thwarted life, into a palatial future that doesnt in the end work out. Its about the connection between science and emotion. So right there Im still trying to resolve some of these issues. [In my experience] as a journalist, Genie, in ways I could never anticipate, brought up issues that will never release me.

The legacy of Clark Wileys abuse never released Genies brother, John. After the beatings, and witnessing his sisters suffering, he told ABC News in 2008: I feel at times God failed me. Maybe I failed him. He saw Genie for the last time in 1982 and lost touch with their mother, who died in 2003. I tried to put [Genie] out of my mind because of the shame. But Im glad she got some help.

After brushes with the law, John settled in Ohio and worked as a housepainter. He married and had a daughter, Pamela. But the marriage crumbled and his daughter  Genies niece  turned to drugs.

In 2010, police found Pamela intoxicated and charged her with endangering her two daughters, Genies grandnieces. There would be no miracle turnaround, no happy ending. John, who had diabetes, died in 2011. Pamela, who apparently never met her aunt Genie, died in 2012.

In Arab folklore, a genie is a spirit imprisoned in a bottle or oil lamp who, when freed, can grant wishes. The waif who shuffled into the world in 1970 enchanted many people in that brief, heady period after her liberation.

But granting wishes, like so much else, proved beyond her, perhaps because she never truly escaped.

Copyright  The Guardian
Three remarkable women. Ive known two of them for a couple of years, and one of them for a long time. They have a lot in common, in how they think and what they believe in. Each of them deserves a full biography.

Ive believed all my life that the single most important characteristic in a politician is that you should know at a glance whose side theyll be on in a battle. It can be the most challenging characteristic too  thats why an awful lot of politicians spend as much time as possible trying to be on everyones side. Politicians of obvious conviction and clearly expressed values can have a harder time of it. Theyre expected to trim and fudge if they want to get on.

A campaigner who stood up from the start

Ivana Bacik doesnt do that. I suspect she cant. For as long as Ive known her, she has been among the most forthright and honest politicians I know. She has been attacked and targeted precisely because of her honesty, and it may have prevented her election to the Dail on a couple of occasions.

Micheal Martin greeting Ann and Margaret Kennedy during his visit in April to the HSE Covid-19 vaccination centre in Citywest, Dublin. Picture: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

Now her time has come. Ireland, in a funny way, has come round to her way of thinking. Ivana was a leader  in thought and action  in virtually every campaign Ive been involved in over the years. On family planning issues, womens rights, divorce and the right to remarry, the equal rights of the LGBTQ community, the repeal of the Eighth Amendment, even the less controversial but difficult stuff like privacy rights  she never came to those issues late in the day.

She was there from the start  even when those issues inspired hate and loathing. She has stood up to abuse time and again in her life and career. She did it because she is passionate above all about getting rid of inequality. Again and again she has been proved right.

The issues of today are different, with the housing crisis at the top of a long list, but Ivanas creativity, activism, and expertise can and will make a huge difference.

When people go to the polls in the Dublin Bay South by-election on Thursday next, they will recognise someone who can  and I believe will  add significant lustre to the Dail for a long time to come.

Two remarkable sisters

Ann and Margaret Kennedy will never sit in the Dail  it would be a better place if they did. But what they share with Ivana is a deep commitment to social justice and a determination to be heard. Even to make a nuisance of themselves if necessary

Theyre twins, not quite but almost identical. They both suffer from a rare neuro-muscular degenerative disease, which has never been satisfactorily diagnosed but has nevertheless meant that they live with constant pain and are frequently in considerable distress. That has not prevented them from being among the feistiest and often funniest women I know.

Ann is a highly accomplished artist. In the past, she worked as a graphic artist on movies, including Watership Down, where she invented some of the leading rabbits. She paints constantly and drives a small van  on which she has painted the words: I love my bad attitude.

A creative and talented mind

In addition to the crippling symptoms she shares with Margaret, Ann copes with Aspergers syndrome, diagnosed late in her adulthood. It means that she frequently lives a life of very high stress and is denied the peace she craves. But if youd ever seen her artwork  when she doesnt have canvas to hand, she paints the furniture or branches of trees  youd know you were in the presence of a truly creative and talented mind.

Margaret is different, quieter, but every bit as determined. The reason I want to write about them this week is that the other day Margaret was presented with the Langton Award, a rare and highly prestigious award given by the Church of England to people who have rendered outstanding service.

The ceremony should have taken place in Lambeth Palace in London because this award is presented by the Archbishop of Canterbury to only a few special people. Margaret was chosen because of her work in the UK, although she is 100% Irish (you should hear the twins in front of the television when Ireland is playing rugby!).

An endless fight for justice

Because of Covid, the award was presented instead by the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin, Michael Jackson, in the beautiful Protestant church in Greystones, at a really moving ceremony.

What did this woman do  this sick, disabled, woman whose sight and hearing are failing (as are Anns)  to deserve such a distinguished award? Margaret may not be as well known at home, but among survivors of clerical abuse in the UK she is, as the citation said, almost legendary.

A founder who empowered survivors

She has founded two organisations, run by survivors of clerical abuse for other survivors (she and Ann both suffered sexual abuse themselves). She has enabled and empowered survivors. As one friend and survivor said in a letter she sent to the ceremony the other day, she has saved lives.

She has hunted down abusers and seen them brought to justice. She has contributed hugely to changes in safeguarding approaches in all the British churches and has written extensively about the need for reform. Her doctoral thesis is on the same subject and is unsparing about the tolerance of abuse. Like other Irish women and survivors, her influence on change has been immense.

Ann and Margaret Kennedy attending a conference on disability at Athlone IT in 2015. Picture: James Flynn/APX

But she is also a campaigner on disability rights, a life-long activist on every single aspect of social justice. She can no longer walk, her physical health is poor, and her pain levels high, but her spirit is undimmed. She is more determined than anyone I have ever met, despite the challenges she faces, to face the future as an independent woman.

Women like this  and it seems to be especially true of women  who have character and values, and who insist on speaking the truth as they see it, are often marginalised. Theyre sometimes described as serial complainers, often labelled as troublesome. Theyre never welcome in any bureaucratic setting.

But you know something? Reasonable people never changed anything. Reasonable people settle and compromise and the world remains essentially undisturbed.

Troublesome people demand change. They fight for change, sometimes for a lifetime. And sooner or later, as these three women have shown, they bring about lasting change.
Winner of both the Green Large Organisation and Sustainable Energy Achievement awards at the Green Awards 2020, Gas Networks Ireland was named as a finalist to defend both titles in 2021, as well as competing for two new accolades as the Green Energy Provider and the Green Public Sector Organisation of the Year.

Last year we sat down with Gas Networks Irelands newly appointed Sustainability Manager, Anne Moore, to learn more about the strategic and coordinated action the national gas network operator was taking on climate issues. One year on and many accolades later, we caught up with Anne to discuss the immediate action the semi-state utility is taking to remain a national leader in sustainability today, and the important role the gas network will continue to play in a cleaner energy future.

Gas Networks Irelands newly appointed Sustainability Manager, Anne Moore.

Welcome back Anne. Its been a big year for you and your new team. Sustainability clearly remains a priority for Gas Networks Ireland.

Absolutely, sustainability is a high strategic focus for Gas Networks Ireland and is driven by our role in delivering an affordable and clean energy future for the people of Ireland, through the decarbonisation of the gas network and the reduction of emissions across all sectors of the Irish economy. We are committed to running our business in a responsible and sustainable manner and have a dedicated Sustainability Team helping to embed this culture and way of thinking in every area of our business. We also are very focused on improving our sustainability reporting. Our 2020 Sustainability Report is aligned to the Global Reporting Initiative for Sustainability Reporting and will be published in the coming weeks.

In the last year, we have made great progress on our sustainability journey and achieved a best in class B- rating when we publicly disclosed our carbon footprint as part of the Carbon Disclosure Program (CDP). But sustainability is about more than just the environment, there are also social and economic pillars to our strategy, and the work we are doing there, particularly from a corporate social responsibility perspective, is also being recognised with awards like the CCA Global Award for Outstanding Community Support during the Covid-19 pandemic. Its a holistic approach we are taking to help build a more sustainable Ireland.

Natural gas is a fossil fuel, so how can the gas network help Ireland to reduce its emissions?

With 40% less carbon than coal and 22% less carbon than oil natural gas have been helping Ireland reduce its carbon footprint since it was discovered off the coast of Ireland in the 1970s. However, while natural gas is the cleanest conventional fuel, Ireland must transition to more sustainable alternatives, including renewable gases such as biomethane and ultimately hydrogen, to meet its climate action targets.

Today, over 706,000 Irish homes and businesses, depending on the gas network to provide affordable and reliable energy to meet their heating, cooking, transport, and power needs. What many people dont realise is that the whole country relies on the flexibility and responsiveness of the gas network to generate more than 50% of Irelands electricity demand on average and more than 85% at peak times. The gas network is vital to ensuring a secure energy supply for Ireland.

Gas Networks Irelands vision is to replace natural gas with renewable gases, such as biomethane and hydrogen, and in doing so substantially reduce Irelands carbon emissions without any significant cost to the taxpayer or disruption to energy supply. This is a cost-effective optimum use of an existing 2.7bn, 14,617km state-owned asset.

You mentioned that the gas network generates more electricity than all other sources combined.

Does this mean as Ireland moves to electrification, the reliance on the gas network will increase?

As well as providing 40% of our heating and 30% of primary energy demand, Irelands gas network is the backbone of our electricity system, meeting between 25% and 85% of our electricity demand.

Renewable electricity sources dropped as low as 1% at times, meaning essential services and health facilities relied on the security of gas-generated electricity.

The more Ireland electrifies, the more critical reliable gas-powered electricity becomes to Irelands energy security, given the intermittent, weather-dependent nature of renewable electricity sources such as wind and solar. When the wind doesnt blow and the sun doesnt shine, its gas that will continue to keep the lights on and our devices powered, making it the ideal partner for renewable electricity sources, particularly as the volume of renewable gases on the network increases.

The gas network will also be critical for reducing emissions in key areas of the economy that are traditionally difficult to decarbonise and for which electrification is not a viable option, including heavy commercial transport and high-heat industries, such as cement, pharmaceutical, and food manufacturing, for which gas is the optimal solution.

Can you tell me more about the renewable gases you mentioned?

Firstly, theres a carbon-neutral renewable gas, known as biomethane, which is made from farm and food waste through a process known as anaerobic digestion, which the EU Green Deal has identified as a vital tool in decarbonising European agriculture.

In 2019, Ireland began its journey to a net-zero carbon gas network, with the introduction of domestically produced renewable gas onto the national network in Cush, Co Kildare. Renewable gas is largely identical to natural gas, meaning that it can seamlessly replace gas on the network today and is fully compatible with existing appliances, technology, and vehicles.

Leading companies in Ireland are now pioneering projects to push forward with the development of sustainable circular economies by purchasing renewable gas made from their own waste to power their operations.

As well as helping ensure the security of supply, establishing a renewable gas industry in Ireland will deliver jobs and income in local communities. Gas Networks Ireland was granted planning permission for a second renewable gas injection point near Mitchelstown in Co. Cork. The new facility will receive renewable gas from local producers and has the potential to heat up to 64,000 homes, while also supporting the decarbonisation of local agriculture.

Secondly, theres hydrogen, which is a carbon-free renewable gas that can be produced from renewable electricity and stored indefinitely, making it an attractive option to decarbonise energy systems and a strong example of how greater cohesion between our gas and electricity systems can drive a cleaner energy future for Ireland.

Irelands gas network is one of the safest and most modern hydrogen-ready gas networks in Europe. Blends of up to 20% hydrogen could be transported on the existing gas network and used in existing appliances, technology, and vehicles, with minimal disruption and upfront cost to customers.

Pure 100% hydrogen can be transported with some modifications.

Our role is to ensure that the existing gas network is capable of safely transporting and storing hydrogen. In order to do this, we are currently constructing a Hydrogen Innovation Centre in West Dublin which will allow pipelines, meters and appliances to be tested for use with a variety of gases and hydrogen blends so the gas network can continue to play its role in helping Ireland meet its climate change targets.

Gas Networks Ireland is changing the country's energy future with natural and renewable gas.

Transport remains one of the most difficult areas to decarbonise in Ireland. What is Gas Networks Ireland doing in this sector?

The journey to cleaner heavy goods vehicles (HGV) and buses is challenging as the sector is responsible for a disproportionate amount of transport emissions, accounting for just 4% of vehicles on Irish roads but 30% of transport emissions.

Studies show that switching from diesel to compressed natural gas (CNG) in transport can reduce well-to-wheel carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions by up to 23% compared to diesel (CENEX, 2019) and nitrous oxide (NOx) by up to 50% (UK Department of Transport, 2018). It also emits virtually no particulate matter (PM) and low levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) which is important for air quality and can save fleet operators up to 35%.

A proven, affordable and reliable alternative to diesel, which is publicly available in Ireland and throughout the UK and EU, CNG vehicle numbers grew 50% in Ireland in 2020 as the number in Europe exceeded two million and the number worldwide passed 28 million. As the volume of renewable gas on the network gradually increases, those refueling from the network increasingly reduce their carbon footprint with changing a thing.

Gas Networks Ireland is developing a CNG refueling network in partnership with Irelands forecourt operators and hauliers and helping make the transition to gas-powered vehicles more affordable for fleet operators through our CNG Vehicle Grant Scheme, which provides grants of up to 5,000 per vehicle, to a maximum of 60,000 per business. With more stations opening later this year and an increased emphasis on businesses to decarbonise their supply chains, now is a great time for fleet operators to make the sustainable switch.

John Dunlea and David Crancher from Age Action Ireland with the van Gas Networks Ireland donated to help with their Care and Repair program in Cork, which is now being used as the dedicated transport for volunteers carrying out small repair jobs in the homes of older people.

Your sustainability strategy goes beyond the environment. Tell me a little more about this and the CCA award you won for your efforts during the pandemic.

At Gas Networks Ireland, we are committed to responsible and sustainable business practices. Our sustainability strategy has three key pillars  Environment, Social and Economic; and is aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

We were thrilled to have won the CCA award for our community support. Despite the global pandemic, we exceeded our social responsibility goals throughout 2020. It was great to be recognised for the passion our staff has displayed throughout these challenging times.

One in six of our employees volunteered last year, despite the challenges of social distancing, with many staff participating in an online tech-tutoring program for older people in partnership with Age Action, teaching simple technology skills such as making video calls to family members, a hugely important part of staying connected with one another throughout the pandemic.
Interview Tabayin Villagers Cannot Count Dead Amid Myanmar Junta Attacks

An artillery shell fired by junta forces in Tabayin. / CJ

At least 41 civilians, including several children, were killed by Myanmars junta during a raid on villages in Tabayin (also known as Depayin) Township, Sagaing Region, last week.

The shootouts broke out near Boke Ywar and Satpyarkyin villages when civilian resistance fighters used homemade firearms to repel hundreds of junta troops raiding villages. Junta troops used numerous artillery rounds against civilian targets and reportedly opened fire on fleeing villagers.

The Irrawaddy on July 5 interviewed a resident who is helping the displaced villagers.

How is the situation in Tabayin?

[Junta forces] are attacking and shooting fleeing people as if they were the enemy. On July 4, three groups of junta forces shot fleeing villagers as if they were enemy fighters. Older people and children are among the fleeing villagers and they are short of food. Attacks were still happening yesterday.

We have no established defense forces. Young people are defending us as they cant bear the violence committed against the people. They have not received military training and are just ordinary young people. They only have rudimentary hunting rifles and no explosives. We cant even call it a clash. It was one-sided, violent shooting.

We have collected shell casings. According to those who know about weapons, they used rocket-propelled grenades against poorly armed people.

Were residents killed along with resistance fighters?

Junta forces opened fire at anyone, including civilians.

How did the shootouts start?

They made aerial searches with drones on July 1 and raided Satpyarkyin, Boke and Ohn Bin villages on July 2. Residents fired to defend their villages and junta forces used around 30 artillery shells in a few days. The resistance only fired for around 20 minutes. They retreated as they were attacked with artillery and five resistance fighters were injured.

Fighters from other villages came to help them repel the attacks and the situation got worse. Eleven resistance fighters were injured that day and two died. Later it rained and resistance fighters could not carry six injured colleagues and left them behind. The next day they were found dead, shot in the head.

More resistance fighters [from Tabayin town] came to fight back and were attacked. Fighters from Satpyarkyin and Boke also returned. There were more casualties on July 3 but we cannot confirm the deaths as we have not retrieved the bodies. We have retrieved 31 bodies and have identified 20 of them so far. We continue to search for the bodies with two teams.

How are those in custody?

We dont know where they are being held. Many young people are missing. The two search teams sent photos of the dead bodies but they were hit by artillery and are unrecognizable. And a villager died after a snake bite yesterday.

Were there casualties on July 4?

We dont know. The teams looking for bodies had to retreat. Some bodies were found but we cant confirm if they died on July 4 or earlier.

Do you know why the regime is sending so many troops into Tabayin?

We guess they know the resistance is poorly armed and they think they can put other townships under control if they could suppress resistance in Tabayin. We have no large resistance forces. We think they used artillery because it appears they received information that young people were gathering in the area.

How many junta troops came to raid the villages?

Eleven military trucks already arrived on July 1 and three more trucks and two other vehicles, carrying people in civilian clothes, arrived from Monywa on July 2.

What else is happening in Tabayin?

A National League for Democracy supporter was assassinated in Nyaunggyigon village by a group believed to be the Pyu Saw Htee [pro-junta vigilantes] yesterday. The attackers threw a bomb into his house. The two vehicles that came on July 2 were carrying people in civilian clothes. We cant predict how many pro-junta personnel have been deployed in the area.



You may also like these stories:

Myanmar Junta Suspends Trials Inside Insein Prison Due to COVID-19

UN Vote Puts Spotlight on Myanmar-Belarus Connection

US Underrates Thailands Efforts in Human Trafficking Report
Burma Myanmar Junta Suspends Trials Inside Insein Prison Due to COVID-19

Families wait outside Insein Prison in Yangon on June 30 as people detained for anti-junta activities were released. / The Irrawaddy

The military regime has suspended trials inside Insein Prison in Yangon due to rising COVID-19 infections in the commercial capital, according to defense lawyers.

Since March, the junta has set up temporary courts inside prisons in Yangon and elsewhere in the country to hear the cases of political prisoners, most of whom are charged with incitement under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code.

The trials were suspended as of Tuesday. There are around 13,000 people being detained in Insein Prison. The regime said it is safe inside the prison, but they are concerned that people who come from outside will spread the virus, said legal advisor U Khin Maung Myint.

There are between 200 and 300 people who enter the prison daily. It is part of a temporary preventative measure as one infection can lead to an outbreak inside the prison, added U Khin Maung Myint.

It remains unclear how long the trials will be suspended for, he said.

There are 38 temporary courts inside Insein Prison each representing a township in Yangon, apart from Cocokyun Township and other townships where the junta has imposed martial law.

Judges have suggested to defense lawyers that the trials could continue without the presence of defendants charged under Section 505(a).

Judges have asked us if we want to continue the trials on behalf of the defendants. We cant. All the cases are political charges under Section 505(a). So it wont be fair unless those cases are heard in their presence. Only then will they be able to defend themselves. And we have to consult with the defendants when we need to challenge the prosecutors arguments, said U Khin Maung Myint.

Family members of the detainees and outsiders are not allowed to attend trials inside prison, with only judges, defense lawyers and prosecutors present.

There have been reports of COVID-19 outbreaks in Insein Prison, as well as in prisons in Taungoo and Magwe. The Irrawaddy was unable to verify those reports.

3,602 new coronavirus cases and 52 deaths were recorded on Tuesday, while 12,832 tests were carried out, according to the junta-controlled Ministry of Health and Sports.



You may also like these stories:

UN Vote Puts Spotlight on Myanmar-Belarus Connection

US Underrates Thailands Efforts in Human Trafficking Report

Myanmars Border Trade With China Hit by COVID-19 Outbreaks
Burma Over 40 Myanmar Junta Troops Reported Killed in Sagaing

Junta troops advance in Kawlin Township on July 7. / CJ

In the latest fighting in Sagaing Region, more than 40 junta troops were killed by civilian resistance fighters in Kawlin Township on Friday and Sunday, residents say.

Three Peoples Defense Forces (PDF) members were killed on Sunday, according to a source close to the Kawlin resistance.

Kawlin PDF killed four junta troops and injured 20 more during the clash on Friday at a hill near Thit Seint Gone village in the east of the township, according to a Kawlin resident. On Sunday, more than 40 troops were killed and three military trucks were destroyed near Nyaung Gone and Kokko Gone villages about 16km from the earlier fighting.

It was the first shooting reported in the township, where residents have held peaceful protests against military rule since the coup in February. Kale, Tamu, Yinmabin, Kani, Mingin and Katha township residents have also taken up arms against the junta since late March.

There are rumors that the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) helped the PDF in the fighting. KIA troops fought alongside the PDF in Katha in late May.

However, the KIAs spokesman Colonel Naw Bu denied involvement.

Col Naw Bu said: The KIA does not conduct joint military operations with the PDF. However, it is possible frontline KIA battalion commanders might have helped the resistance fighters.

Junta reinforcements arrived in Kawlin Township this week, following the shootouts.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said soldiers raided Nyaung Gone village on Tuesday night. Some 150 to 200 troops arrived in villages in Kawlin from Monywa. They also deployed at a school in Kawlin on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, they raided villages in the west of the township. Residents are living in fear, he said.

The resident added that the military has raided nearby villages since Monday. They shot randomly, prompting villagers to flee but some stayed in their homes. A woman in her 40s was shot dead in Nyaung Gone on the Shwebo-Myitkyina highway.

She was riding a motorbike with her child when soldiers in a military truck shot at them. The mother was killed, he said.

Junta reinforcements have been deployed at the townships hospital and general administrative office (GAD) in Kawlin since March and a mine in the east of the township. On Friday soldiers at the GAD office fired artillery, injuring two people.

Junta raids are being reported in villages across Sagaing Region. Kawlin resident said in early June that troops violently entered a village, detained villagers and used them as human shields.



You may also like these stories:

The Death of Myanmars Celebrities

Xi Says China Doesnt Bully Other Countries: Myanmars People Know Better

Tabayin Villagers Cannot Count Dead Amid Myanmar Junta Attacks
Analysis UN Vote Puts Spotlight on Myanmar-Belarus Connection

Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing (left) and Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko (right) in Belarus in November, 2014. / Press Service of the President of the Republic of Belarus

When the UN General Assembly voted on a resolution condemning the Myanmar coup, calling on the military to restore democracy, release political prisoners and end its violence, and urging UN members to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar, many pundits hailed it as a significant move.

All five countries bordering MyanmarChina, India, Laos, Thailand and Bangladeshabstained from the vote, as did Russia and 30 other nations. Among other ASEAN members, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei also abstained, while Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines voted in favor.

A single country voted against the resolution: Belarus, a landlocked European country bordering Russia.

Why? It is one of the countries that continue to sell arms and air defense capabilities to the Myanmar military.

Belarus arms exports to Myanmar were hardly under the radar. But Minsks conspicuous show of support at the UN has prompted activists and journalists to start digging and find out just how deep the relationship between the two militaries goes.

Sales of military hardware from Belarus to Myanmar did not end with the coup on Feb. 1. According to Myanmar activists, an IL-62 cargo plane belonging to Belarusian cargo carrier Rada Airlines was spotted at Yangon Airport on Feb. 10. Though no one really knows what was on the plane, many assumed it was being used to export weapons to Myanmar.

It was reported that Myanmar was the first country to buy Belarus Kvadrat-M surface-to-air missile system, a modernized upgrade of the Soviet-era 2K12 Kub.

In a recent report on Euroradio, military expert Yegor Lebedok said he believed Rada Airlines specialized in arms suppliesnot from Belarus, but from third countries. The report noted that the airline had permission to operate its transport business in Serbiaanother supplier of hardware to the Myanmar military.

Interestingly, a delegation composed of officers from the Myanmar Defense Ministry and some Myanmar businessmen recently traveled to Belgrade, where they are said to have looked into purchasing heavy machinery.

Warm welcome in Minsk

Over the past decade, the Myanmar military and its associated politicians have quietly built up a good relationship with the leadership in Minsk, including Belarus autocratic President Alexander Lukashenko. The closer ties are hardly surprising. As they have with senior Tatmadaw figures, the EU and other Western powers have imposed sanctions and travel bans on Lukashenko and his regime for violating the fundamental rights of citizens and the brutal repression of protesters.

In 2008 the countries militaries formed a joint commission on military technical cooperation, which has held annual meetings to discuss arms sales, manufacturing, technology transfer and training.

Belarusian Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich visited Myanmar in December 2011, as the country was beginning to open up under the quasi-civilian government of U Thein Sein, a former general. The countries agreed to step up trade and economic cooperation, including in the areas of vehicle manufacturing and technology transfer. The same month, Myanmar received a visit from then US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the highest-level visitor from Washington in many years.

In November 2014, Myanmar military commander-in-chief (and current junta leader) Senior General Min Aung Hlaing visited Belarus, where he held a meeting with Lukashenko.

I was informed about the results of the meetings, talks and visits to Belarusian companies. I like your approach. Our dialogue is meant for a long-term perspective and we should follow this path no matter what, the Belarusian president said as he welcomed the Myanmar delegation.

Judging from press reports in Minsk, Lukashenko sees value in cultivating a relationship with Myanmar given its strategic location.

This contributes to the countrys economic growth and can also be useful for Belarus, as our country runs joint projects with Myanmar. There are very promising and big markets nearby, the head of state was quoted as saying in an official press release.

We have no closed topics in our cooperation. We are ready to develop relations with Myanmar in all areas: from regular deliveries of goods to your country to buying products made in your country which are not produced in Belarus, the Belarusian leader said.

He added that Belarus was also ready to cooperate with Myanmar in the military-technical sphere, including the training of personnel. We do not hide this fact, and your visit is the evidence of this, Lukashenko said.

In 2015, U Khin Aung Myint, a former military officer who served as culture minister under the previous military regime, and as Upper House speaker during the U Thein Sein government, visited Belarus and also met with Lukashenko. U Khin Aung Myint reportedly told the Belarusian president, We need such reliable partners as Belarus. The Myanmar delegation visited the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant (MZKT), which produces military vehicles.

In late November 2017, the Joint Belarus-Myanmar Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation held its 10th anniversary meeting in Naypyitaw. The Belarusian delegation was led by Igor Demidenko, first deputy chairman of Belarus State Military Industrial Committee (Goscomvoyenprom). The Myanmar side was led by Deputy Defense Minister Rear Admiral Myint Nwe, according to an official Belarusian bulletin.

The official press release stated, Igor Demidenko stressed the readiness of the Belarusian side to cooperate in a wide range of areas, including repair and modernization of armaments and military equipment, deliveries, as well as production of advanced military products with the possibility of transferring relevant technologies.

In mid-February 2020, Lieutenant General Tin Maung Win, commander of Myanmars Air Defense Forces, visited Belarus. An official Belarusian press release stated, The guests visited a number of defense companies [and] got acquainted with their capabilities for the development, production, repair and modernization of air defense systems.

It is important to note that Myanmar is interested in Belarus air defense systems and has received assistance from Minsk on air defense projects, capabilities and development.

Moscow provides Belarus with an advanced air defense system in order to integrate the countrys systems into Russias own national air defense system, and this is an area Myanmars generals, who have forged close ties with Moscow in recent years, are interested in. It is no secret that Myanmars military leaders are wary of Western intervention, and in particular fear a seaborne invasion.

Even amid the Myanmar regimes increased killings of civilians and other atrocities, Belarus and the junta have agreed to expand ties. On June 25, a week after Belarus voted against the UN resolution calling for a Myanmar arms embargo, Belarusian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikolai Borisevich met in Minsk with Dr. Aung Moe Myint, Belarus honorary consul in Myanmar.

The parties had a substantive exchange of views on ways of expanding and intensifying bilateral cooperation in various areas, according to an official Belarus statement.



You may also like these stories:

US Underrates Thailands Efforts in Human Trafficking Report

Myanmars Border Trade With China Hit by COVID-19 Outbreaks

Myanmars Orwellian New Order
Guest Column US Underrates Thailands Efforts in Human Trafficking Report

Fishermen carry a bucket of their catch from a fishing boat in the southern Thai province of Narathiwat on Nov. 14, 2020. / Madaree TOHLALA / AFP

Thailand has been quick to respond to the US State Departments latest Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP), saying unequivocally that it is disappointed with the ranking. The report, which was released on July 1, downgraded Thailand to the Tier 2 Watch List from Tier 2 the previous year.

This years report found the Thai government did not demonstrate overall increasing efforts to address trafficking compared to the previous year, nor has it effectively addressed the forced labor of migrant workers. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement pointing out that that the TIP report was drawn up unilaterally from the US perspective, which by no means represents any international standard. It must be reiterated here that the US governments evaluation is unfair given the considerable progress made over the years. It was not 100 percent perfect to be sure but continued progress must be recognized, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since 2014, Thailand has worked hard to improve the situation regarding human trafficking. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha made combating human trafficking a national priority after taking over the countrys leadership. There have been criticisms of his focus on this issue, given the countrys many socioeconomic problems. The downgrade was a big letdown, coming as it did amid pressing socioeconomic issues, including the surge of infections and the vaccination crisis.

For the past seven years, Thailand has been making steady progress in reducing the number of humans trafficked and on improving regulations. The government has taken various measures to improve standards in protecting and preventing Thai citizens and other nationals, including migrant workers, from the scourge of human trafficking rings.

Tangible progress has been achieved in three areas as stated clearly by the Thai concerned authorities. First of all, the number of cases prosecuted has increased, as the time for the prosecution process has been considerably shortened. Most of the submitted cases are adjudicated by the court within one year. This is a far cry from past practices, when it would often take a few years to prosecute wrongdoers.

Secondly, in the area of protection, the government has continued to use the so-called victim-centered and trauma-informed care approaches, which have proved to be more effective. As such, representatives of civil society organizations have been able to participate by forming active partnerships with the government to provide assistance to victims in terms of shelter and services. Obviously, this area could be improved if more funding were made available.

Thirdly, the government has been able to give broad-based protection to migrant workers from neighboring countries including Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has adopted a series of lenient measures to enable these migrant workers to keep their jobs and stay in Thailand. In the case of Myanmars workers, which comprise the bulk of an estimated 6 million migrant workers in Thailand, nearly 250,000 of them have been registered and are now receiving protection and welfare benefits.

Regarding the fishing industry, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, new laws have been enacted to raise the standard of living and facilities on fishing boats as well as facilitate the Seabook registration process for migrant fishery workers. These measures have been recognized as tangible progress by the European Community.

In addition, capacity-building and training programs are held regularly through various channels to enhance the efficiency of law enforcement officers and promote awareness among vulnerable groups about the risks of human trafficking and possible exploitation in different forms.

The US downgrading of Thailands efforts is being negatively viewed by the Thai authorities, who believe it is politically motivated. Other countries that have ignored the US assessment and recommendations have not been reprimanded. In comparison with other Asian countries mentioned by the TIP report as having an adequate protection and prosecution regime, Thailand has done better.

In the coming days, Thailand must do more as there are still areas that concerned agencies need to improve. They must not lower their guard, for the good of all peoples living in this country.

Kavi Chongkittavorn is a veteran journalist on regional affairs.

This article first appeared in Thai PBS World.



You may also like these stories:

Myanmars Border Trade With China Hit by COVID-19 Outbreaks

Myanmars Orwellian New Order

Myanmar Civilian Death Toll Rises From Sagaing Fighting
Specials Xi Says China Doesnt Bully Other Countries: Myanmars People Know Better

Anti-coup protesters hold placards outside the Chinese Embassy in Yangon. / The Irrawaddy

We have never bullied, oppressed, or subjugated the people of any other country, and we never will.

So said Chinese President Xi Jinping in his address to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party on July 1 in Beijings Tiananmen Square.

Many Myanmar citizens were upset when the Chinese Embassy in Yangon posted the Burmese translation of Xis words on its Facebook page the following day.

Myanmar was completely under military rule from 1962 to 2010, and experienced another coup in February this year. But Beijing has never condemned the coups. Instead it has backed the repressive military regimes whenever they were threatened at the United Nations. Xi seems to ignore the fact that supporting repressive regimes in Myanmar amounts to indirectly bullying its people.

Beijing was only too willing to help the junta leaders out whenever Western countries imposed sanctions against the military regime led by dictator Than Shwe after 1988. China together with Russia spoke for Myanmar whenever other countries announced measures to punish the junta leaders. And the two have also lent Min Aung Hlaing a helping hand after he followed in the footsteps of his predecessors.

Under U Thein Seins quasi-civilian government in 2012, Presidents Office Minister U Aung Min admitted that we are afraid of China during a public meeting in Monywa, Sagaing Region with local people who were protesting the controversial Chinese-backed Letpadaung copper mining project.

Beijing, however, does not protect military regimes for free. It has had a lot of control over Myanmar under military rule, and it is Myanmars people who have suffered the consequences.

To name a few examples, Myanmar has come very close to losing Myitsone, the confluence of the Mali and Nmai rivers in Kachin State that forms the source of the Ayeyarwady River. In this location, China plans to build a mega hydropower project. The project was suspended in 2011 but has never been terminated. Mt. Letpadaung has gone. And forested areas in northern Myanmar have significantly shrunk thanks to China.

China has earned interest on its investment in supporting military regimes in Myanmar, but there have also been costs. Anti-Chinese sentiment is steadily increasing in its neighbor.

In the days following the militarys takeover in February, Myanmar people gathered daily outside the Chinese Embassy in Yangon, well aware that Chinas support for the regime would only perpetuate their suffering. Protesters called on China to condemn the coup and not to support the regime. But their calls fell on deaf ears. This explains the rising anti-Chinese sentiment in Myanmar.

This has led to campaigns calling for a boycott of Chinese products. Three policemen providing security for Sino-Myanmar gas pipelines in Mandalays Singaing were killed after the February coup. And Chinese-run factories in Yangons Hlaing Tharyar and Shwepyithar townships were set on fire in March when junta forces imposed brutal crackdowns on anti-regime protesters there. (It remains unclear which side was responsible for the arson attacks. Anti-regime protesters denied torching the factories.)

In the distant past, the first invasion from what is now China occurred when the Mongols invaded Myanmar in 1283, during the reign of King Narathihapate in the Bagan Dynasty. King Narathipate was forced to flee, causing him to go down in Myanmars history as Tayoke Pyay Min (the King who fled from the Chinese).

Chinese armies attempted to invade Myanmar four more times between 1765 and 1769, during the reign of King Sinbyushin in the Konbaung Dynasty.

In the 1950s, two years after Myanmar regained independence in 1948, forces of the Chinese Nationalist Party, or Kuomintang, invaded Myanmar, forcing the government to complain to the UN.

And Myanmars civil war has been stoked by interest-seeking Chinese governments playing Myanmar governments, the Communist Party of Burma and ethnic armed revolutionary groups off one another.

Today, Beijing is backing the military regime, which has killed nearly 900 civilians and detained thousands of pro-democracy activists. So, it is left to the reader to determine whether Xis statement is true.



You may also like these stories:

Tabayin Villagers Cannot Count Dead Amid Myanmar Junta Attacks

Myanmar Junta Suspends Trials Inside Insein Prison Due to COVID-19

UN Vote Puts Spotlight on Myanmar-Belarus Connection
NASA's experimental Mars Ingenuity helicopter propelled its way to space exploration history, reaching new heights in its expedition on the Red Planet.

NASA Mars Helicopter: Ingenuity's Most 'Nerve-Wracking' Flight

The US space agency announced on Monday that Ingenuity made its most difficult, "nerve-wracking" flight on Mars, its ninth. The helicopter remained on flight for 166.4 seconds, flying fast with a record-setting 11 miles per second.

#MarsHelicopter pushes its Red Planet limits. 

The rotorcraft completed its 9th and most challenging flight yet, flying for 166.4 seconds at a speed of 5 m/s. Take a look at this shot of Ingenuitys shadow captured with its navigation camera. https://t.co/TNCdXWcKWE pic.twitter.com/zUIbrr7Qw9  NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) July 5, 2021

The announcement underscored the resilience and toughness of the four-pound (1.8 kilograms) Mars helicopter, which had overcome several problems along the way-- including a software glitch and an in-flight anomaly in its sixth flight that made it tilt back and forth in an oscillating pattern while in-flight, Cnet noted.

NASA declared before the flight that the Ingenuity will try unprecedented feats in this trip, which is an audacious "high-speed flight across unfriendly terrain" to do scouting missions for its trusty mate, the Perseverance rover.

NASA Mars Helicopter Photos: Ingenuity Explores Sandy Seitah Region

Ingenuity explored the Martian Jezero Crater, which is named Seitah, on the rugged eastern edge of the Red Planet. The risk of a slowdown for the rover is quite high in the area due to the sandy dunes, NASA further said in a UPI report. The Ingenuity flight assisted the Perseverance rover science team with detailed, stunning images of the Seitah region.

You can see the images here.

The flight also challenged the Ingenuity's on-board navigation systems that utilizes the images of the terrain to verify its flight route. NASA clarified that the Ingenuity was not designed to "accommodate high slopes and undulations" on the Seitah terrain.

Read Also: NASA Mars Rover Takes Historic 62-Image Selfie With Ingenuity Helicopter! WATSON Camera Details, Computer Simulation and More

Once Ingenuity completes its exploration of the Seitah area, it will then move on to probe another location named Raised Ridges for potential scientific work, Mars mission deputy project scientist Ken Willford told UPI.

With its mission to find out if life did exist on Mars, Ingenuity is scouting on that end, Willford further said. Using the little spacecraft, researchers could get a better view of the Martian rocks and analyze them for scientific value before having the rover reach the area.

NASA Mars Helicopter: Ingenuity Mission Extended

The mission that included the Ingenuity helicopter tucked away in the Perseverance rover's belly was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida on July 30, 2020 and landed on Mars last February 18. Perseverance then deployed the helicopter last April 19 for its historic first-ever powered and controlled flight on another planet.

While it was originally planned as a five-month mission, the Ingenuity made extra flights, with NASA extending the expedition further as it helps the Perseverance rover in geology and astrobiology experiments, Space.com reported. Due to safety concerns on the rover's exploration options, the chopper will scale through those areas to assure a scientifically productive mission.

On the Seitah terrain, Ingenuity will take shortcut through a portion of the region and on a plain on the south. In its sortie, Ingenuity will capture aerial color images of the ripples and rocks it passes over, NASA further said.

Related Article: NASA Mars Rover Helicopter: Where to Track Ingenuity Location After Latest Flight on Red Planet
The next episode for "Star Wars: The Bad Batch" is set to air on July 9 on Disney+. The animated show is now halfway through the series, and a few exciting reveals are scheduled to happen in the upccoming episode.

After the big success of the "The Clone Wars" animated series, American director Dave Filoni took the challenge to create a spin-off sequel called "The Bad Batch." Fans are torn between reviews, with some saying it makes a great storyline fitting to the "Starwars" trilogy films, while others think it is a horrible spin-off that has no resemblance to the previous series.

While reviews are being made, "Star wars: The Bad Batch" continues airing new episodes weekly.

'Star Wars: The Bad Batch': Complete List of Available Episodes and Release Dates

Cnet reported the full episode list of "The Bad Batch." The report also includes links to individual reviews for each episode. There are 16 scheduled episodes for "The Bad Batch" first season. Episodes 1 to 10 have already been aired. The next few episodes would be released on the following dates:

Episode 11: Available Friday, July 9

Episode 12: Available Friday, July 16

Episode 13: Available Friday, July 23

Episode 14: Available Friday, July 30

Episode 15: Available Friday, Aug 6

Episode 16: Available Friday, Aug 13

All episodes stream on a specific time schedule, depending on your region: 12 AM PT or 3 AM ET or 8 AM GMT.

Read Also: 'Star Wars: Republic Commando' Gets Disappointing Reviews: New Switch, PS4 Game Not Enjoyable

Where to Watch 'Star Wars: The Bad Batch' Online

Episodes are only streamed through the Disney+ channel. You can subscribe to their service online or through a local TV network provider. You should also sign up and create your account on the Disney+ website. You can do so by following these steps:

Open your web browser and head to their official website

Click on "Sign Up Now"

Provide your email address

Generate your password

Choose your subscription plan

Provide you payment information

Complete the process by clicking on "Start Watching"

If you prefer watching through your mobile device, you can download Disney+ App on the Apple App Store or Google Play App store. Then follow these steps:

Open the Disney+ app

Click on "Sign Up Now"

Generate your password

Choose your subscription plan

Make an in-app purchase to complete the process.

Like any movie or shows streamed on Disney+, you can watch previously aired episodes by searching for them on the official website. This way, you won't miss an episode on "The Bad Batch" even if you failed to watch it on the airing time.

'Star Wars: The Bad Batch' Episode 11

A sneak peek for the mid-season highlights has been released. Star Wars posted a minute-long video featuring members of the "Bad Batch," the mercenary Crosshair chasing them, the new Empire, and the ever-mysterious Omega. You definitely don't want to miss one on the coming episodes with another fight scene about to break out in its full "Star Wars" glory.



Related Article: Marvel 'Loki' TV Series: Complete Episode 4 Recap, Spoilers, Post-Credits Explanation, Easter Eggs and More
Ithaca, NY (14850)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 87F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 68F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Advertising agencies are starting to realise pDOOHs potential, according to a study. Agencies say that flexible buying options, operational efficiency, and enhanced data targeting options piqued their interest in pDOOH, however, they still recognise that cross channel planning is still critical.

Australian advertising agencies have embraced programmatic DOOH (pDOOH) with almost one quarter (1/4) of agencies trading DOOH inventory programmatically for the first time in 2020 and 10% of agencies are increasing their programmatic investment in an otherwise depressed OOH market, according to a study by IAB Australia.

The study, Attitudes to Programmatic DOOH Report, surveyed 183 media buyers and advertisers in the Australian market conducted in May 2021.

The study reports that agencies cited flexible buying options, operational efficiency, and enhanced data targeting options as the key drivers for their interest in pDOOH, but also noted that self-reported cross channel planning potential as critical.

This study stresses that this bodes well for the OOH industry seeking to tap into revenue opportunities from cross digital campaigns.

This insight provides clear guidance from media buyers and advertisers on areas where they would like further education and support from the industry to help with their investment, measurement, and assessment of programmatic DOOH activity, explains IAB CEO Gai Le Roy.

Roy forecasts that the programmatic DOOH market will boom through 2021 and 2022, embracing the benefits of programmatic while also retaining the long-standing agency approach to developing fit for purpose OOH creative for different environments and placements.

There has been plenty of chatter regarding the willingness of brands and agencies to embrace the programmatic buying of DOOH and the findings of the report confirm this, says IAB DOOH Working Group chair and Broadsign sales director Ben Allman.

The report pinpoints exactly where industry effort is required to maximise investment in the space. Overwhelmingly, brands and agencies are telling us that there is still a lack of understanding when it comes to pDOOH. The Working Group is committed to improving education and we have a number of exciting resources and initiatives which will launch later this year, adds Allman.

The IAB Australia DOOH Working Group says they will shortly release a DOOH buyers guide to the market with an agency roadshow and training program to follow.

The Attitudes to Programmatic DOOH Report also found that while the key focus areas for OOH and DOOH industry development revolve around measurement and tracking, agencies and advertisers want to gain a better understanding of the pDOOH offering and mechanics.

The report also found the following:

The sector will see greater creative experimentation in FY22 and beyond as advertisers start to expand their creative suite beyond static executions with a range of agencies intending to use other formats for the first time (HTML 40%, video 37% and dynamic creative 36%).

Agencies are still identifying where pDOOH fits internally in their planning. 37% of the agencies are using the same team to place and buy OOH and pDOOH and almost half of pDOOH decision marketers plan and buy independently other media.

The Attitudes to Programmatic DOOH Report, IAB says, was launched to help the industry understand the current use of pDOOH, the needs of the market as well as opportunities and barriers for advertisers, agencies, media owners and technology companies. This report will be run annually and play a similar role to the IAB Australia Audio State of the Nation Report.
Australia's managers consistently overrate both their own  and their organisation's  efficacy at engaging and recognising the value of employees, according to a new study commissioned by Achievers, the progressive choice for employee voice and recognition solutions that accelerate a culture of performance.

The inaugural Engagement and Recognition @ Work study identified a sizeable disconnect between what managers think is occurring in their workplaces in terms of how engaged employees feel in all aspects of work and whether they feel suitably recognised and rewarded for their efforts, and how employees actually feel.

In short, managers think employees are more highly engaged and recognised than they actually are.

Only 14% of employees surveyed strongly agreed they feel engaged in their overall work experience, whereas managers think the proportion is 26%. Similarly, only 12% of employees feel strongly that they are appropriately recognised at work, where managers think 22% of employees identify as such.

More than twice as many Australian employees (25%) as management (12%) say they are dissatisfied with their workplace as a result. This highlights a significant challenge facing managers that fail to act to close the gap between their own versus their employees' perceptions and expectations.

"Managers are misreading engagement levels across organisations by some pretty significant multipliers," said Achievers managing director APAC Matt Seadon. "As a manager, you may think you're doing a good job, but our research is demonstrating that there's a disconnect between what you think and what your employees are feeling. The disconnect validates the need to better measure engagement, improve voice-of-employee and get real actionable insights about your team that you can recognise and appropriately reward."

When employees are disengaged, it saps their motivation, productivity and job satisfaction. They aren't as committed to the corporate culture and its goals. This is reflected in the quality of their work, and acts as a handbrake to business performance and growth.

Employees need a voice, and managers need to hear and act on it. Managers that lack the tools to do this lack appropriate insight and consequently over-estimate their grasp on the issues. Over time, that disconnect manifests in employee issues  absenteeism and turnover  and kills any prospect of creating environment where employees can do the best work of their lives.

The Engagement and Recognition @ Work study proves a focus on engagement and recognition in key interactions between managers and employees  at onboarding, during team meetings, and in regular check-in sessions  is effective at keeping the two sides in sync and focused on a common goal.

Engagement and recognition are closely tied to job satisfaction and business success. Engagement is crucial to higher productivity and sales, reduced turnover, improved quality of work and health, and lower absenteeism. Recognition is one of the easiest and most effective way to improve engagement company-wide.

Engaged and well-recognised employees tend to be more satisfied with their jobs, are motivated to give more effort, are more productive, and stay longer.

At onboarding

Managers rate their onboarding process for new employees considerably more favourably than the employees that undergo it.

Only 9% of employees surveyed feel strongly engaged during the onboarding process, far less than the 24% of employees that managers think emerge from the process thinking that. In addition, 11% of employees strongly agree they were suitably engaged in the onboarding process, compared to the 26% of employees that managers think would say that.

Management also overstates how well employees are recognised for their skills and value during the onboarding process. Only 10% of employees strongly agree their skills were recognised at onboarding, whereas managers think 23% of employees would say that.

During team meetings

Team meetings are an important collaborative process in the workplace, one where employees want to feel engaged and that their contributions are appropriately valued.

One quarter of Australian employees say they do not feel engaged in team meetings. Managers think only 9% of employees would identify as such. In addition, half as many employees as managers think employees emerge from team meetings believing they were suitably engaged.

The disconnect is even wider when it comes to recognising the skills and contributions of employees during team meetings. Only 9% of employees strongly agree they are recognised appropriately during meetings, compared to 25% of employees that managers think strongly agree on that front.

In regular check-ins

One-in-five (20%) of employees surveyed say they don't feel properly engaged during managerial check-ins, a figure managers believe is only 9%. Only 13% of employees leave a check-in meeting strongly satisfied; managers think twice as many employees do.

Only 14% of employees leave a check-in meeting strongly satisfied with the recognition they received; managers think 24% of employees leave check-ins in that state of mind.

The work-from-home disconnect

Working from home can potentially lead to disengagement from the workplace and a lack of recognition.

Management is more likely to rate working from home as a positive for engagement and recognition. Managers also felt more engaged with employees when at home. Employees (37%) were considerably more likely than managers (21%) to experience engagement issues whilst working from home.

Manufacturing

The managers of Australian manufacturers considerably overstate their ability to inspire new hires during the onboarding process  as much as seven times greater than what employees leave the process thinking.

Managers think 29% of employees leave the onboarding process feeling their value and skills were strongly recognised, whereas just 4% of employees actually do. Employee satisfaction at how engaging the onboarding process is also 3.9 times lower than managers think.

Team meetings are similarly ineffective forums, with employees feeling 2.5x less engaged and 2.2x less engaged than managers believe.

Information, media and telecommunications (IM&T)

Managers in the tech-dominant Australian IM&T sector grossly over-estimate their impact on employees and their ability to make employees feel valued. Across the board, managers believe their performance is between 2x and 5x higher than employees actually rate it.

Employees feel 3.7x less engaged and 2.7x under-recognised compared to managers' expectations.

Employee satisfaction with engagement levels during onboarding comes in 2.9x lower than managers think. Similarly, employees satisfaction is 2.5x lower in team meetings, and 2.3x lower during management check-ins.

Employees say the recognition they receive from managers is even worse, rating it 3.3x lower than expected overall, 3.4x lower during onboarding, 2.8x lower in team meetings, and 3.7x lower in check-in meetings.

Strangely, this huge disconnect in thinking doesn't negatively weigh on job satisfaction.

Professional, scientific and technical services

Managers in professional, scientific and technical services industries are considerably more humble and in-tune with employees than other sectors.

Employees report onboarding processes and team meetings as being more engaging experiences than managers think. On other indicators, such as overall work experience and in check-in meetings, employees and managers are aligned and in sync on appropriate levels of engagement.

However, managers could work on the recognition they give to employees, particularly during onboarding, where employees feel under-recognised by a factor of 2.7 to 3.2 compared to managers' expectations.

"The disconnect on employee recognition in professional, scientific and technical services industries is easily addressable. Given managers are generally in sync with employees' needs, we consider it likely they will find this oversight surprising and move to understand and address it quickly in their own organisations," said Matt Seadon, General Manager APAC at Achievers.

Government; Federal, State and Local including public administration and safety

Public sector managers and employees are generally in sync around employee engagement and recognition, with managers believing the situation is only marginally better than employees think.

Sector participants, however, are conservative markers, and are much less likely than their counterparts in other industries to express strong opinions on how they  and their departments or agencies  rate on employee issues.

Financial and insurance services

Managers in Australian finance and insurance organisations believe employees are more engaged in the workplace than they are.

Employees are 1.7x less likely to rate overall engagement as strong compared to managers. Employees also find onboarding 1.4x less engaging, team meetings 1.7x less engaging, and check-ins with managers 1.5x less engaging, than managers believe.

Managers in the finance sector could also provide employees with a greater level of recognition to raise job satisfaction. Finance sector employees are 1.7x less likely to strongly endorse their overall on-the-job recognition than managers think.

Retail trade

Australia's retail trade managers under-estimate how engaging their workplaces are but substantially over-estimate how well they recognise employees' skills and achievements.

With the exception of onboarding processes, employees are 2-3 times more satisfied with the level of engagement they see in the workplace, in team meetings and during manager check-ins.

Where the two differ is on recognition: employees are between 1.8 and 3.6 times less likely to think they receive appropriate levels of recognition in the workplace overall, as well as in specific processes like onboarding (3.6x lower), in team meetings (3.2x lower) and in check-ins with managers (8.6x lower).

"Retail trade was hit hard by the pandemic. Employees may have had to work longer hours in frontline roles that exposed them to COVID-19; others were stood down or faced reduced hours and pay due to lockdowns. With economic conditions improving, it's time to revisit some of the fundamentals of employee engagement and satisfaction that may have been put aside or forgotten during the crisis," said Seadon.

Construction

Employees in the Australian construction sector feel under-engaged and under-recognised by their managers and employers.

Employees say they feel 2.4x less engaged than managers expect and are 3.5x less satisfied with overall engagement in the workplace. It's a similar story when it comes to them being recognised for their skills and achievements; employees are 2.8x less satisfied with recognition compared to what their managers think.

The Engagement and Recognition @ Work study interviewed managers and employees from 755 Australian organisations of at least 50 people.

About Achievers

Achievers' employee voice and recognition solutions bring your organisation's values and strategy to life by activating employee participation and accelerating a culture of performance. Achievers leverages the science behind behaviour change, so your people and your organisation can experience sustainable, data-driven business results. Visit us at www.achievers.com.
Over a year has passed since the start of the pandemic. While some countries in Asia-Pacific grapple with extended lockdowns and movement controls, it is becoming increasingly clear that others, including Australia and New Zealand, have emerged as standouts in managing the crisis. But what separates these two groups?

As political scientist Francis Fukuyama puts it, it may depend on whether citizens trust their leaders, and whether those leaders preside over a competent and effective state. This is far easier said than done.

While general trust for governments in the region is high, the next months are critical in applying lessons learned from the pandemic in terms of communication, interaction between citizens and authorities, and moving industries and economies forward.

Public sector organisations have stepped up efforts and transformed government-citizen communications, improving everything from the safety and security of vulnerable groups to participation and engagement opportunities. Here are a few ways that technologies have improved citizen engagement, and how they may lead to benefits across all sectors further down the line.

Secure all personal data

An important way to build trust is to ensure the security of citizen data. This is especially pertinent today, considering the recent rise in cybersecurity threats in Australia. Globally, data breaches exposed about 36 billion records in the first half of 2020 alone. Government entities are vulnerable as well, with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner identifying the government as one of the top five sectors reporting breaches in the latter half of 2020.

Cyber security must therefore be a critical component of effective government-citizen communication. The public sector must embrace cybersecurity from the inside out, and the solutions selected must meet guidelines set by national security organisations like the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD). From setting up geo-fencing to revising cybersecurity policies, these will go a long way in protecting the personal data of citizens and building long-term trust.

Provide simple, straightforward online services

After prolonged movement restrictions, most of us have become used to performing our business, administrative requests, and duties online. However, many of these remote services are still too complex to use easily  a problem for Asia Pacific, where only 26 percent of governments are digitally ready, according to the United Nations.

One way to improve this is through online services powered by voice-assisted artificial intelligence. This would improve digital inclusion by allowing citizens to perform tasks such as obtaining official documents quickly and easily.

Australias online services have certainly evolved as well, with ServiceNSW and the QLD check-in apps making communication and tracing easier. Security is also built-in at the app level, ensuring that personal data is protected from potential breaches. However, they can still benefit from technologies such as voice-assisted transactions. These will lower digital barriers for users, which has benefits that transcend beyond the public sector. For example, they allow private businesses to easily obtain official documentation  streamlining the verification process for financial institutions, which is a key function for account opening and maintenance.

Maintain live voice assistance for low-tech citizens

Online services are a step in the right direction, but a digital divide still affects the Asia Pacific region, with 52 percent of the regions population lacking internet access. This means traditional methods such as phone calls, remain a mainstay to access various government services.

Australia and New Zealand are better-placed than most with the roll-out of the National Broadband Network across the region. However, geographic difficulties in both countries persist, and both remote and urban regions still suffer from mobile black spots and slow internet.

Even in such cases, it is still possible for technology to bring benefits. Interactive voice responses can pre-filter incoming calls and route them to the right service provider, improving the efficiency of addressing requests and feedback. Such features would also be critical for businesses such as banks and healthcare organisations that receive a high volume of queries.

Interactive voice responses would not only enhance efficiency but improve overall customer experience and satisfaction. With Millennials and Gen Z gravitating towards more personalised experiences with companies, frictionless interactions will be vital in delivering consistent, positive customer experiences to bolster brand loyalty.

Reduce the physical queue

Long queues and wait times are a major hindrance to efficient government-citizen interactions. Bureaucracy and red tape remain alive and well, and siloed services add friction to citizens getting the help they need.

This is where technology can ease such congestions. Indoor geolocation services can orient visitors to the right offices and offer information on wait times. Location services can also help manage crowd safety in high-density buildings  especially crucial for social distancing measures.

The business benefits of geolocation services also abound. Public transport companies and airports can use them to guide passengers and study crowd patterns. Instead of pamphlets and on-site staff, geolocation services can also be utilised at events to connect attendees to their destinations.

The above are just some examples of how technology can improve government-citizen communication, how countries have utilised various innovations, as well as the potential trickle-down opportunities for businesses. As we slowly recover from the economic impact of the pandemic, harnessing the power of technology will give countries and businesses the competitive edge they need to thrive in the recovery phase and beyond.
Samsung announced that the company will conduct what they claim to be Australias first 5G virtualised RAN (vRAN) trial on 26GHz.

In the trial Samsung will place its vRAN solution in TPG Telecoms innovation lab in Glebe, NSW.

Additionally, Samsungs latest 5G mmWave product Compact Macro will be deployed in the wider Glebe area.

The announcement follows the launch of Samsungs Networks Business in Australia in April 2021. The company says it has been exploring the delivery of Samsungs leading 5G mmWave technologies to the nation.

TPG Telecom operates the Vodafone brand in Australia. Recently, TPG Telecom invested AU$108 million to acquire spectrum in all available licence areas in the 26GHz band. Samsung comment that with abundant mmWave spectrum, TPG Telecom will be able to offer high speed data services and immersive use cases for its mobile and home users. TPG Telecoms extensive fibre assets combined with a network of small cells will enable the deployment of vRAN architecture.

For the trial, Samsung will provide its Compact Macro and vRAN solution. Samsungs latest 5G Compact Macro brings together a baseband, radio and antenna in a single form-factor. Samsung say the compact and lightweight solution can be easily installed on the sides of buildings, as well as on utility poles, for the swift build-out of 5G networks. Samsungs commercial vRAN solution is built on the companys independently developed stack, and runs on commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) servers.

Samsung says it has commercially deployed its vRAN solution in wide scale for global Tier 1 operators networks in markets outside of Australia, and recently expanded its capability to support 3.5GHz Massive MIMO radio.

Samsung say their 5G vRAN on mmWave is already commercially deployed in global markets, including Japan, Korea and the U.S. and has the capacity to support multi-gigabit speeds.

TPG Telecom CEO Inaki Berroeta said, We are very pleased to partner with Samsung as part of our new Innovation Lab to drive product and technology innovation by trialing virtualisation, said, CEO at.

Deploying mmWave spectrum on our 5G network together with vRAN architecture will allow us to develop exciting 5G use cases for industry verticals and enable the delivery of even faster speeds and greater capacity for our customers.

Samsung Electronics executive vice president head of global sales & marketing networks business Woojune Kim said Samsung is excited to begin this trial with TPG Telecom powered by our innovative 5G vRAN solution and latest integrated 26GHz mmWave product, which will be the first in Australia.

Through a combination of our powerful 5G solutions and ongoing efforts in 5G development, Samsung looks forward to helping TPG Telecom gain the full benefits of 5G to reshape the value of mobile experiences for users and enterprises.

It is good to see Samsung back in the mobile infrastructure business in Australia. The last success they had in this region was, I believe, the Hutchison CDMA Network launched under the Orange brand back in late 1999. Samsung will bring some much needed competition to the two dominant incumbents Nokia and Ericsson.
Support Local Journalism

Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by subscribing or making a contribution.

Subscribe or contribute
This Week in Review

A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more.
Sometimes the line between fantasy and reality gets blurred and people believe what they see on screen, or are so emotionally invested they cannot let a story go. Click for more.
Extend the moratorium past the current one, scheduled to end Oct. 2021.

Lower the student loan rates.

Cancel a portion of borrowers' student loan debt.

Cancel all borrowers' student loan debt.

Do nothing. Borrowers need to get back to paying their student loan debt.

I don't know.

I have another idea that's not listed here.

Vote

View Results




Donate Now As a public service during this pandemic, the Jewish News is providing free, unlimited access to all articles. Jewish News is a nonprofit publication that is owned by the community and relies on community support.
Hundreds gather on July 2, 2021, for a rally in Brighton, Mass., in support of Rabbi Shlomo Noginski, who was stabbed the day before in the same park across the street from his Jewish day school.
Contact Analeise S. Mayor at 732-7076 or amayor@jhnewsandguide.com. This story is supported by a grant through Wyoming EPSCoR and the National Science Foundation.
Tom Hallberg covers a little bit of everything, from skiing to long-form feature stories. A Teton Valley, Idaho, transplant by way of Portland and Bend, Oregon, he spends his time outside work writing fiction, splitboarding and climbing.
Mike has reported on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem's wildlife, wildlands and the agencies that manage them since 2012. A native Minnesotan, he arrived in the West to study environmental journalism at the University of Colorado.
Teton County Reporter

Previously the Scene editor, Billy Arnold made the switch to the county beat where he's interested in exploring Teton County as a model for the rest of the West. When he can, he still writes about art, music and whatever else suits his fancy.
Doreen Tome will not be attending or participating in any vaudeville shows anytime soon.
David Tolan (left) formed productive working relationships with labor leaders, including John Bowers (right), who led the ILA from 1987 to 2007. Photo credit: United Seamens Service. David Tolan, one of the pioneers of containerization as a longtime executive of Sea-Land Service Inc. who was especially influential in building positive longshore labor relations on the East and Gulf Coasts after decades of strife, died on Tuesday at age 88. His death was announced by his nephew, Patrick Burgoyne, chief operating officer at CMA CGM North America Inc.

The East Coast had seen a series of disruptive strikes from the 1950s through the late 1970s, but after the creation of the Carriers Cooperation Council (CCC) after a 1977 strike, with Tolan as its first and longtime chairman, longshore labor relations on the East and Gulf Coasts entered a prolonged peaceful period that continues today. That set the stage for significant growth of ports like Savannah, Houston, and New York-New Jersey as market share shifted from the chronically disruptive West Coast.

More than anyone else on the management side of the table, Tolan led that transformational change.

Through many a tough negotiation, Tolan earned the respect of the International Longshoremans Association (ILA). I was proud to call him my friend, ILA President Harold Daggett said in a statement Tuesday. In his lead management role negotiating landmark Master Contract Agreements with the ILA, Dave Tolan always demonstrated unparalleled intelligence, professionalism, character, and integrity.

His legacy and impact on our shipping industry  as the first leader of United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) and its predecessor management group, Carriers Container Council (CCC)  places Dave Tolan in the lofty ranks of Teddy Gleason, Malcolm McLean and Helen Bentley, Daggett added. Teddy Gleason was a legondary ILA president and Helen Bentley was a fierce defender of the maritime industry as a maritime journalist, member of Congress representing Baltimore, and an FMC chairwomen. The Port of Baltimore is named in her honor.

Tolan joined Sea-Land in 1961 in the heady early days of containerization after spending six years at sea as a deck officer with Alcoa Steamship Co. and after graduating in 1955 from the State University of New York Maritime College at Fort Schuyler. Born and raised in New York City, he spent the next 38 years at Sea-Land in increasingly senior roles, including group vice president in the American division and senior vice president for labor relations.

Tolan studied labor law at the University of Puerto Rico while working there over eight years for Sea-Land, studies he pursued because for a long period of time labor issues were highly contentious as containerization came into its own... the United Seamens Service (USS) wrote upon naming Tolan its Admiral of the Ocean Sea (Aotos) in 2000.

Sea-Lands management, recognizing the serious challenges facing the industry in the labor-management relations arena, encouraged and supported Tolans initiative to stabilize the environment and create forums whereby the ocean carriers objectives could receive a more positive reception by the traditional collective bargaining parties, according to a bio of Tolan.

Led bargaining transition

That led to creation by carriers in the 1970s of the CCC, which according to Tolans bio became a formal party representing carriers in contract negotiations with the ILA, with Tolan eventually becoming the chief negotiator for management in negotiations with the union. Later he became chairman of the USMX, comprised of carriers and terminal operators, which still leads the management side in negotiations with the ILA. In these roles, Tolan helped guide the transition from the chaotic port-by-port bargaining that prevailed when breakbulk dominated into the coastwide bargaining that exists today, said former JOC editor Joe Bonney, who extensively covered longshore labor relations.

The two parties were able to establish collective bargaining agreements which benefited both sides and laid the groundwork for continuity of operations, improved productivity, the implementation of technological change and enhanced wages, safety and benefits for the ILA represented workers, according to Tolans bio. He formed productive working relationships with labor leaders, including John Bowers, who led the ILA from 1987 to 2007. As Tolan wrote in his last chairman's letter for the CCC in 2002, he said, "CCC has lived up to its mission--the ILA has indeed become more competitive, the industry has enjoyed a coast-wide labor peace unbroken for 25 years, and labor and management have together created a collective bargaining process enhanced by mutual and growing trust, not undermined by strikes and slowdowns."

Dave was able to achieve incredible results through his creativity, energy and strong and compassionate understanding of the workplace and the special role laborers played in shipping worldwide, said Chuck Raymond, who worked under Tolan in Puerto Rico and considered him a mentor. Raymond was CEO of Horizon Lines, the domestic Jones Act carrier created in 2003 after the 1999 sale of the Sea-Land international business to Maersk.

Tolans labor focus at Sea-Land wasnt just limited to longshore labor. Sea-Land had contracts at one point with a total of 12 unions, including several sea-going unions representing officers, engineers, and unlicensed deck and engine room crew members. Tolan negotiated agreements that reduced the number of seafarers required to crew the vessel. He negotiated agreements that reduced the number of crew from 42 down to an average of 21 mariners.

Tolan "was instrumental in aligning the union activities to the new container movement, including not just the longshore labor unions, but the seagoing unions as well," said Anthony Scioscia, a longtime senior labor relations executive with Sea-Land and Maersk. "His efforts brought the labor movement and management into sync in terms of containerization and in doing so he was very effective. The unions, including the ILA and ILWU, might not have agreed with him, but they certainly respected him."

Joined Sea-Land in 1961

According to the USS, Tolan first came ashore after seeing the decline of the American-flag Alcoa fleet and realizing that his seagoing career opportunities were limited. He joined Sea-Land five years after the first voyage of the Ideal X in April 1956 launched the era of containerization. But even in 1961 containerization remained in its infancy, with the main east-west liner services still several years away from making the transition from breakbulk to containers. But the culture of innovation that would successfully achieve that historic transition was very much alive at Sea-Land.

We knew Malcom (McLean) was the visionary, there was no doubt about that, Tolan told USS. But I accepted the concept at a very early age, too, and was a strong proponent of these wonderful new ideas we were bouncing around at Sea-Land.

Tolans first role with Sea-Land was as a Marine Manager and Stevedoring Superintendent, where he saw the complex jurisdictional relationships between the ILA and Teamsters.

He further recalled, it was certainly a challenge to make the trucking community understand the limitations of ships to be sure, but we sailors had to gain a better grasp of the basics of trucking as well. Our approach always was to say this is what we want to do, so lets dispense with preconceived notions and parochial positions and figure out how we can get it done. It was a paradigm shift for the trucking guys and the maritime people, too.

In those days, Tolan said, we saw the advent of just-in-time delivery systems, a way to eliminate large inventories. It became apparent we couldnt just move cargo from Port A to Port B anymore. We had to develop seamless systems to allow shippers to move their products in a controlled, continuous steam. Containerization fit nicely into that approach.

As Tolan said upon his Aotos induction: Ive been involved with labor at every level for a long time and I have learned that the most important message we can give to the unions is that real job security could only come from their ability and willingness to adapt to change.
In this June 25, 2020, file photo, residents at the Southern Pines nursing home in Warner Robbins, Ga., are separated and wear face coverings during their daily bingo game.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear speaks to the media as the first delivery of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine arrives at University of Louisville Hospital in Louisville, Ky., Monday, Dec. 14, 2020.
Kingsport's Pratt's BBQ still going strong as it celebrates 50 years in business
Joplin, MO (64801)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 88F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Low around 70F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
Joplin, MO (64801)

Today

More clouds than sun. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 88F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Thunderstorms. Low 69F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
JUVENILE CAR THEFTS

QUESTION: Are the numbers rising and, if so, why?

SOLUTION: Lawmakers have mixed reactions, with some saying stricter laws and consequences are necessary and others saying additional study is needed to find the right approach.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Tuesday with Uyghurs who survived internment camps in Chinas Xinjiang region, in a bid to promote human rights and highlight Beijings genocide against the Muslim minority group.

Americas top diplomat met with seven survivors, advocates and relatives of people still detained in Xinjiang, State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a readout of the roundtable meeting.

The purpose was to help show US commitment to calling for an end to the Peoples Republic of Chinas ongoing crimes against humanity and genocide against Uyghurs and members of other ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang, Price said.

The United States will continue to place human rights at the forefront of our China policy and will always support the voices of activists, survivors, and family members of victims who courageously speak out against these atrocities.

Price did not name the meeting participants.

Rights groups believe at least one million Uyghurs and other mostly Muslim minorities have been incarcerated in camps in the northwestern region, where China is also accused of forcibly sterilizing women and imposing forced labor.

Beijing has strongly denied the allegations and says training programs, work schemes and better education have helped stamp out extremism in the region.
Myanmars military has carried out crimes against humanity since seizing power in February, a top UN rights expert said Wednesday, urging the international community to do more to halt the abuses.

Speaking before the UN Human Rights Council, special rapporteur on the rights situation in Myanmar, Thomas Andrews, decried the widespread, systematic attacks against the people since the coup five months ago.

Myanmar has experienced mass protests and a brutal military response since the February 1 coup which ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The juntas military forces have murdered approximately 900 people, forcibly displaced hundreds of thousands, tortured many, including torturing people in custody to death, disappeared untold numbers; and arbitrarily detained nearly 6,000.

Some of the acts, he said, amount to crimes against humanity, lamenting the fact that more had not been done to rein in the violations.

The international community is failing the people of Myanmar, he said.

Andrews said the military had cut off food, water and medicine to those displaced by its attacks on villages.

It had taken family members hostage when its forces are unable to find those with outstanding arrest warrants, recently arresting a four-year-old child, he added.

But the international community so far had failed to take the actions needed to bring the violations to a halt, he said.

The people of Myanmar, he warned, desperately need the support of the international community before it is too late.

 Cut off their income 

Some in Myanmar have lost hope that help from the international community will be forthcoming and have instead sought to defend themselves through the formation of defence forces and acts of sabotage, he added.

This trend could escalate quickly and the juntas pattern of the use of grossly disproportionate force in response will likely lead to an even greater loss of life.

Andrews repeated a call for the creation of an international Emergency Coalition for the People of Myanmar, which could impose sanctions and significantly reduce the revenue that the junta needs to continue its reign of terror.

Cut off their income, and you cut off their capacity to continue their relentless attack on the people of Myanmar, he said.

The international community should also ban arms sales to the Myanmar military, and launch investigations into the violations committed, he said.

And there needed to be a dramatic hike in humanitarian aid to the people through non-junta channels: countries should work together to deny any claims of legitimacy that the junta may try to assert, he added.

There is no guarantee that this approach will succeed, he acknowledged, but there is overwhelming evidence that the current path leads to even greater impunity, a humanitarian disaster, and a failed state.
Kosovo lawmakers backed a resolution on Wednesday condemning the 1995 Srebrenica genocide in Bosnia, a move expected to anger former foe Serbia.

Serb forces killed more than 8,000 Muslim men and boys after they captured the eastern town on July 11, 1995, in the final stages of Bosnias 1990s war.

It was the worst massacre on European soil since World War II and was deemed genocide by international judges.

But for most ethnic Serbs and their leaders in both Bosnia and Serbia, which has apologised over the crime, the word genocide remains unacceptable.

The parliament in the ethnic Albanian-majority Kosovo strongly condemns the Srebrenica genocide of Bosnian Muslims, said the resolution, marking 26 years since the atrocity.

It was backed by 89 deputies of those present in the 120-seat assembly.

But, in a sign of protest, 10 Serb MPs left the session when the debate started.

The document, proposed by Bosnian MPs, also strongly condemned any tendency to deliberately and publicly deny the Srebrenica genocide and called on the government to declare July 11 the Srebrenica memorial day.

Albanians in Kosovo also experienced barbaric crimes by the Serbian regime during the war, said MP Saranada Bogujevci, adding that they understood the suffering of Bosnian Muslims.

She survived a 1999 massacre by Serb forces in the northern town of Podujevo during Kosovos war with Serb forces that ended with NATO bombing Belgrade.

During the debate, Prime Minister Albin Kurti said his government had carefully started the preparations to file a genocide lawsuit against Serbia for crimes committed by Serb forces during the 1998-1999 war.

Kosovo is not a UN member so cannot bring cases to the UNs International Court of Justice.

Kurti did not elaborate on where the case would be brought.

The war between independence-seeking ethnic Albanian guerrillas and Serbian forces claimed 13,000 lives, mainly Kosovo Albanians.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but Belgrade still does not recognise the move.
The Peace Tribunal charged 10 Colombian soldiers with murdering at least 120 civilians and falsely claiming that they were fighters.

The Colombian court charged 10 soldiers and a civilian with forcibly missing 24 people, murdering at least 120 civilians, and falsely describing them as soldiers killed in battle.

This is the first time that the Bogotas Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) Tribunal has accused military members False positive scandal.

JEP is investigating crimes and atrocities committed during the half-century of armed conflict in the country, Reigned earlier this year The Colombian military carried out at least 6,400 extrajudicial executions between 2002 and 2008 and classified them as combat deaths.

The court said on Tuesday that the defendant played a decisive role in the murders described as fighting deaths in the Catatumbo district of Santander Norte Province, Colombia from January 2007 to August 2008.

Today comes from the situation in Bogota: The Colombian Peace Tribunal accused 10 soldiers of murdering 120 civilians in 2007 and 2008. This is the first time a court has charged a soldier. @ACOSTALUISJAIME https://t.co/SiQMyfxgY1 -Julia Symmes Cobb (@JSymmesCobb) July 6, 2021

The JEP identified as the person responsible for issuing orders. Without these orders, crimes would not happen systematically. The defendants included a general, six officers, three non-commissioned officers, and a civilian.

This is a macro crime model, that is, in the same area, the same group of people who are connected to a criminal organization and follow the same modus operandi have repeated at least 120 murders in two years, Magistrate Catalina Diaz said. Tuesday.

The court was established under the 2016 peace agreement to prosecute former members of the FARC rebel organization and Colombian military leaders for war crimes.

Dozens of military officers were detained and convicted by the Colombian regular court system for their involvement in the murder, and testified before JEP when seeking a more lenient sentence.

Eduardo Cifuentes, a magistrate and JEP chairman, said that if defendants do not accept charges within 30 days on Tuesday, they could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison in civil courts.

According to the New York Times, Human Rights Watchs Colombian researcher Juan Pappier called the courts statement a defense for the victims and human rights organizations who have been fighting for justice in this case for more than a decade.

For many years, human rights organizations have believed that the practice of soldiers killing civilians and mistakenly treating civilians as enemy combatants is more common than the Colombian government has recognized.

A 2018 report compiled from official sources and independent research estimated that more than 10,000 civilians were murdered during the reign of former President Alvaro Uribe.

Although the highest military command denies System policy As the so-called false positives exaggerated the number of left-wing rebels killed, soldiers and officials told the court that their superiors had pressured them to increase the surface of the success of government military operations during the civil war.
The Canadian who found the body at the scene of a collapsed apartment in southern Florida was identified as a 66-year-old woman who died with her husband.

On Monday, search and rescue personnel found Ingrid Ainsworth and her 68-year-old husband Tzvi in ??the ruins of the Champlain Tannan apartment complex in Surfside, Florida, directly A source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to CBC News.

On June 26, their niece Chana Harrel told the Associated Press that she and her husband lived in Australia for many years before moving to Florida to get closer to their children.

Harrell said that the Ainsworth family has seven children and has celebrated the arrival of a new grandson in recent days.

On Tuesday, the couple held a funeral in New York City.

The Canadian Department of Global Affairs confirmed on Tuesday that in the apartment collapse that occurred on June 24, one Canadian was among the 32 victims. The government agency stated that there were three other Canadians out of 113.

Grantley Franklin, spokesperson for the Canadian Department of Global Affairs, said: Canada expresses its deepest condolences to the families and friends who lost their loved ones in the collapse of the Surfside Building in Florida.

On Tuesday, rescuers worked in the ruins of the collapsed Champlain Tannan apartment complex in Surfside, Florida. (Lynne Sladky/Associated Press)

Franklin pointed out that the tragedy affected three different Canadian families. He said that Canadian consular officials in Miami are providing direct support to the families of the deceased and those who are still missing.

Franklin said: We will continue to keep in touch with local authorities in case they have any updates about these Canadians and the broader situation.

Ainsworth is described as inspiring

In a blog post on Mothers Day 2020, the couples daughter Chana Wasserman paid tribute to her mother (also known as Itty).

Everyone she met in her life became her friend. Everyone was treated equally, Wasserman wrote. The man in the laundry, the man in the fruit market

Despite living in chronic pain, her mother surpassed the common saying,seeing the world through rose-colored glasses, her post continued.

I know I will never be able to compare with my mothers sheer passion for life, but watching this movie is very inspiring.

On Tuesday, people replaced the withered flowers with fresh flowers at a temporary memorial held for the victims of the collapsed Champlain Tannan apartment complex in Surfside, Florida. (Karl Just/Miami Herald/Associated Press)

According to local media reports, Ainsworths husband Tzvi is a senior member of the Surfside Minyan Synagogue, not far from the site where the apartment collapsed.

Tzvi is a very easygoing person, very easy to talk. He has a great sense of humor and is very talkative, Rabbi Aryeh Citron Tell NBC 6 South Florida.

He has a lot to say about his life, the places he has been, the jobs he has done, and his children-just an all-around good person.

Ainsworths mother was a Holocaust survivor living in Miami Beach, who was battling cancer and did not know the tragedy.

They didnt tell her. She is not healthy, niece Harrell said on Saturday before the couples bodies were found. This is absolutely terrible.

The storm complicates rescue work

On Tuesday, as Tropical Storm Elsa began to hit Florida, rescue efforts for collapsed apartment buildings faced new threats.

Local officials said search personnel can work on rainy days, but unrelated thunderstorms and lightning sometimes force them to stop  including a two-hour shutdown on Tuesday morning.

Officials said that due to continuous rain, a garage area in the rubble was filled with water.

Watch | More bodies were found in the rubble of the collapsed apartment:

More bodies have been pulled from the ruins of a collapsed apartment in Surfside, Florida, and 28 people have been confirmed dead and 117 people are missing. As Tropical Storm Elsa approached and brought thunderstorms, search work was suspended from Monday night. 2:03

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava told reporters: There have been active search and rescue operations all night, and these teams continue to pass extremely unfavorable and challenging conditions. In the wind and rain, In the wind, they have been looking for it.

She said that although as many as 113 people remain unaccounted for, it was confirmed that only 70 of them were in the Champlain Towers South building in Surfside when it collapsed in the early hours of June 24.

No one has been rescued alive since the first hour after the collapse.

Fearing that the structure might collapse, the rest of the apartment building was demolished on Sunday.

Officials said that the demolition work allowed rescuers to access previously inaccessible places, including bedrooms believed to have been sleeping at the time of the collapse.

Although officials still refer to their efforts as search and rescue operations, Kava said the families of the still missing are preparing for news of tragic losses.
Mary Simon will go to Rideau Hall in difficult timeswhether for her upcoming position or for the country itself. There is a risk of too much burden on her shoulders.

The fact that she was appointed the first indigenous governor may not solve any problems. But she will have the opportunity to strengthen the position she holds and the country she serves in large and small ways.

In hindsight, Simon should be Justin Trudeaus 2017 candidate.

It is not difficult to see what Trudeau saw in Julie Payette. Anything involving astronauts is exciting. If she is ready or personally suitable for the job, this might be a good date.

But Trudeau and his advisers somehow didnt know what situation they put themselves and Rideau Hall into. This is not well reflected in the government. More importantly, the reputation of the governors office left by Payette was damaged-at this time, the future of the Canadian royal family was completely insecure.

The direct responsibility of the 30th Governor of Canada has always been to repair the Rideau Hall workplace and restore the public image of the institution. Payettes successor always has little room for error or dispute.

Simons background as a leader, manager, negotiator and ambassador shows that she is well suited to meet these challenges.

Office watershed

She does not speak fluent French-this can be traced back to her education in a federal day school. Maybe this is one of the reasons why she was not selected before. But her other skills and attributes  and the nature of this moment in the history of this country  may now be more important than her language skills.

At least this time the candidate review seems to be more thorough. Her appointment has far-reaching symbolic significanceas a sign of progress, it can be placed alongside the appointment of the first Canadian-born Governor, Vincent Massey, in 1952.

Mary Simon is a very talented, gifted, and knowledgeable indigenous leader with a wealth of experience. She is also an honorary witness to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and even has a deep understanding of the day school system in the north, said Ray Moran, Former director of the National Truth and Reconciliation Center, and currently a librarian at the University of Victoria Reconciliation University.

And I think that the events happening all over the country now pay more and more attention to the importance of reconciliation and the importance of telling the truth. I think Mary Simon is the real asset of this country and continues to remind us to shoulder our responsibilities together and continue Encourage all Canadians to listen to the call for reconciliation and help all Canadians continue to plan their way forward.

On Thursday, July 1, 2021, protesters marched to Parliament Hill in Ottawa to hold the Cancel Canada Day protest in response to the discovery of unmarked Aboriginal graves at the boarding school. (Patrick Doyle/Canada Press)

Representation is very important. The Governor is not just a representative of the Queen-the Governor represents the country. Whether the office must be apolitical or ceremonial, the governor has the right to talk about shared values. Although the role of the Governor is bound to be limited, there are still opportunities to contribute.

Simon said that her growth as the daughter of an Inuit mother and a white father made her a bridge between the different life realities that make up the Canadian tapestry. She talked about the importance of understanding, knowledge and respect.

Watch: Mary Simon discusses her childhood in the North

Trudeau appointed Mary Simon as the 30th Governor of Canada. She is the first Inyuk to represent Canada as the ambassador to Denmark. Simon is also the host of CBC North. 2:41

During my tenure as Governor, I will work every day to promote the recovery and health of the entire Canadian society, she said.

She extended this message beyond reconciliation projects and our collective past atrocities, applying it to protect the natural world and address the needs of young people.

She said: I firmly believe that if we embrace our common humanity and share responsibilities for each other, Canadas brightest day has not yet come.

The burden of history

The idea of ??aboriginal governor has been around for many years-Simon himself is Discussed as a candidate in 2010But this concept raises questions about the nature of the governors role itself.

The first aboriginal governor will always be expected to carry Heavy historical burdenSome people believe that the appointment of an aboriginal governor will force people to reconsider the Queens representative in Canada. Must remain silent on controversial or political issues. Some people suggested that such an appointment would be Empty symbol.

Simons appointment does not forgive or make up for any failure of the Trudeau government or Canada itself. The Prime Minister always bears the ultimate responsibility of the Canadian government for reconciliation actions. Simon may encounter tensions or expectations that her predecessor did not face.

Jane Kigutaq, a kindergarten teacher from Arctic Bay, who now lives in Ottawa, protested on Capitol Hill to cancel Canada Day in response to the discovery of unmarked indigenous graves at the boarding school on Thursday, July 1, 2021. (Patrick Doyle/Canada Press)

But even if Simon came to Rideau Hall not to change everything, it still meant something.

For the first time in history, a leader will be [Rideau Hall], In the peoples house, Moran said. We can think back to an era in this country. Not long ago, it was impossible. Those languages ??would be blocked and banned. Reallythat aborigines would be Closed at the door.

So although it is symbolic, it symbolizes some changes that are taking place. I think we can hope that this is just the beginning of a series of changes, and as we see more, these changes will continue to happen. More and more indigenous people, more and more people, are taking up senior leadership positions in this country.

If this appointment makes up for what happened in his first attempt, Trudeau should be very grateful.But if Simons time in Rideau Hall is sufficient to strengthen the institution and help the country move forward, it will be real victory.
After making landfall in Florida, the storm is expected to pass north through the southeastern United States.

Tropical Storm Elsa is strengthening and may become a hurricane before making landfall on the Gulf Coast of northern Florida, the United States based in Miami National Hurricane Center Warning on Tuesday.

In addition to destructive winds and heavy rain, Elsa can also bring life-threatening storm surges, floods and isolated tornadoes. Hurricane warnings have been issued for a long stretch of coastline.

The National Hurricane Center said in an advisory report: Although the environment is not conducive to a significant increase before landing, only a slight increase in intensity will cause Elsa to become a hurricane, Tuesday night or early Wednesday.

Experts say that the Tampa area is very vulnerable to storm surges because the offshore waters and Tampa Bay are very shallow.

In Seminole, Florida, USA, residents of Florida prepare sandbags to help prevent flooding in houses before tropical storm Elsa arrives. [Octavio Jones/Reuters]

Strong winds and heavy rain hit Key West on Tuesday morning and flooded the streets as the storm passed over the sea.

But in the Barrier Island beach town on the Gulf of Mexico, everything is basically business as usual, with almost no shutters or plywood. Free sandbags were distributed at several locations, and a limited number of storm shelters were opened in at least four counties around the Tampa Bay area on Tuesday morning, but no evacuation was ordered.

The storm has complicated the search for survivors Apartment collapsed in Miami area 12 days ago.

The rainband is expected to reach Surfside on the Atlantic coast of Florida, soaking in the rubble of southern Champlain that collapsed on June 24. Killed at least 32 peopleOfficials said that search and rescue personnel braved the rain to find more than 100 people listed as missing, but had to stop at the time of lightning threats and in a garage area in the pancake shards that had been filled with water on Monday.

Earlier Tuesday, Elsas maximum sustained wind speed was 112 km/h (70 mph). Expected to slowly strengthen by Tuesday night, Elsa may be in hurricane strength before making landfall in Florida. Its core is located approximately 152 kilometers (95 miles) northwest of Key West, Florida, and 290 kilometers (180 miles) south of Tampa. According to the National Hurricane Center, it continues to move north-northwest at a speed of 16 km/h (10 mph).

In Havana, Cuba, fishermen inspect their boats after being taken out of the bay to avoid damage from tropical storm Elsa [Ramon Espinosa/AP Photo]

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis extended the state of emergency to a dozen counties, and Elsa is expected to quickly pass through these counties on Wednesday.

Forecasters predict that Elsa will attack the coastal areas of Georgia and South Carolina after Florida. The coast of Georgia and most of the coast of South Carolina are under tropical storm surveillance. Forecasters say that as Elsa moves north, tornadoes may hit eastern Carolina and Virginia.

Forecasters say that if Elsa passes during high tide, the storm surge could reach 1.5 meters (5 feet) on the normally dry land in the Tampa Bay area.

Tampa International Airport is scheduled to close at 5 pm on Tuesday.

Cuban officials 180,000 evacuation On Sunday, a storm has swept through several islands in the Caribbean Sea, killing at least three people, and people are opposed to the severe flooding that the storm may cause.

The capital Havana woke up after a rainy night, the sky was gloomy, but there was no major flooding or damage on Tuesday. After the authorities lifted the tropical storm warning, Cubans returned to the streets, although heavy rains will continue in parts of the country.

According to government officials, preliminary estimates of the damage are over 12 million U.S. dollars in Saint Lucia and over 5.3 million U.S. dollars in Jamaica.

Brian McNaughty, a hurricane researcher at the University of Miami, said that Elsa was the first fifth storm on record.
The interim prime minister said that Moise was attacked by an unidentified gunman at his home, was assassinated, and his wife was wounded.

The Interim Prime Minister of Haiti announced that Haitian President Giovinel Mois was attacked at his home, was assassinated and his wife was injured.

Interim Governor Claude Joseph said a group of unidentified gunmen attacked Moises private residence on Wednesday night and shot him to death.

Joseph said that he is now in charge of this country and urges the public to remain calm while insisting that the police and military will ensure the safety of the people.

Haiti is the poorest country in the Americas. Before the assassination, it was already in an unstable political situation. Under the leadership of Moise, it became increasingly unstable and dissatisfied.

Moise, now 53, has been ruled by decree for more than two years after the country failed to hold elections and the opposition asked him to resign in recent months.

The assassination may further destabilize the Caribbean countries.

The following are the latest updates:

39 minutes ago (12:37 GMT)

Dominican Republic closes Haitian border after assassination

After Moise was assassinated, the government of the neighboring Dominican Republic ordered the immediate closure of its border with Haiti.

Senette Sanchez, the communications officer of the Ministry of Defense, told AFP that the border closure took effect immediately.

51 minutes ago (12:25 GMT)

Colombia urges OAS to send mission to Haiti

Colombian President Ivan Duque called on the Organization of American States to send an emergency mission to Haiti to protect the democratic order after President Jovenel Moise was assassinated overnight.

Duke wrote on Twitter: We reject the malicious assassination of Haitian President Giovinel Moys. This is a brutal and cowardly act against the entire Haitian people.

54 minutes ago (12:22 GMT)

The United States condemns horrible killings

The United States condemned the killing as terrible and expressed its readiness to assist in any investigation.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said: We will help the Haitian people and the Haitian government in any way, adding that President Joe Biden will be briefed on the incident soon.
Branson said his children were excited for him, and his wife told him, You can do it, but I wont go to your funeral.

On July 11, Virgin Galactic finalized the plan for founder Richard Branson to conduct a test flight on the edge of space with five others. The British billionaire said that his wife may be nervous about the launch, but he himself Not afraid.

I have been looking forward to it for 17 years, Branson said in an interview on Tuesday at the U.S. Spaceport near the truth or aftermath in a remote town in New Mexico.

He said that pre-flight preparations will only add to the excitement ahead of the planned launch on Sunday, which will take place a week before his 71st birthday.

Every bit about it is a moment that makes me nervous, he said.

The launch of Virgin Galactics VSS Unity rocket plane over the desert will mark the fourth manned test mission of the space travel company beyond the Earths atmosphere. But it will be the first to carry a complete space traveler, including Branson, two pilots and three mission experts.

The Unity will launch at an altitude of approximately 50,000 feet (15,240 meters) from the Virgin Galactic aircraft carrier, and then rely on its own rocket power to soar to the boundary of space, where the crew will experience weightlessness for about 4 minutes before starting to descend.

Inherent hazard

This trip was not without the inherent dangers of space flight. An early prototype rocket plane crashed during a test flight over the Mojave Desert in California in 2014. One pilot was killed and the other was seriously injured.

When asked how his family reacted to the news that he would join the Sunday crew last week, Branson said that his child-who likes to take risks as he is-was excited, but hinted that his wife, Joan, was supportive. , But more cautious.

My wife is the kind of person who gets scared on a Virgin Atlantic plane, he said. She is the last person who wants to do this kind of thing. But since I tried to fly over the Atlantic, Pacific or other parts of the world in a balloon, she has known me, and she still seems to love us.

He smiled and quoted what his wife said to him: If you are stupid enough to do these wonderful things, you can do it, but I wont go to your funeral.'

Ready to defeat Bezos

By joining the flight on July 11, Branson has positioned himself to defeat rival entrepreneur Jeff Bezos into space within 9 days.

Bezos, the founder of retail giant Amazon, will board the suborbital flight of his own private rocket company Blue Origins New Shepard spacecraft on July 20.

Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin and Elon Musks SpaceX are competing head-on in the emerging space tourism business.

However, Branson denied that he and Bezos are competing for who will take the stage first.

I just hope everything goes well for him and the people walking with him. I look forward to talking with him about his journey when he returns, Branson said of Bezos. I talked to him two or three weeks ago and we all blessed each other.

The success of the two companies is considered to be the key to nurturing a new industry that aims to eventually make space tourism mainstream, at least for high-paying customers.

Virgin Atlantic said it plans to conduct two additional test flights of its vehicles before the company starts commercial services in 2022, and Branson said he expects to provide paid flights regularly next year.

He also stated that he believes that there is enough room in the market for his company to compete with Bezoss company.

Branson said: None of us can build enough spacecraft to meet demand.
Saudi Arabia strongly supports Egypt and Sudan in a heated dispute with Ethiopia over the latters construction of a large hydroelectric dam on the Blue Nile, a major tributary of the Nile.

The Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is the source of the diplomatic deadlock between Ethiopia and the downstream countries Egypt and Sudan for nearly a decade. Ethiopia stated that the project is critical to its development, but the governments of Cairo and Khartoum are worried that it will restrict water supply to their citizens.

Tuesday, the day after Ethiopia Start filling In the reservoir of the dam, the Saudi Arabian National News Agency SPA stated that the country supports Egypt and Sudan to maintain their legal water rights and their efforts to contain this crisis and resolve the crisis in accordance with the rules of international law.

Saudi Arabia calls on the international community to step up efforts to find a clear mechanism to initiate negotiations between the three countries to get rid of this crisis, it said.

It is reported that Tunisia has submitted a draft resolution to the UN Security Council calling on Ethiopia to stop filling the GERD reservoir. The 15-member body may discuss the dispute on Thursday.

The draft resolution obtained by Agence France-Presse called on Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan to at the joint invitation of the Chairman of the African Union and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, within 6 months, a binding agreement on the filling and operation of GERD.

The resolution added that the agreement should ensure Ethiopias ability to produce hydropower from GERD while preventing significant damage to the water security of downstream countries.

It urged the three countries not to make any statements or any actions that might endanger the negotiation process, and urge Ethiopia not to continue to unilaterally fill the GERD reservoir.

The date for voting on the draft resolution has not yet been determined.

No unilateral action

For many years, these three countries have been engaged in fruitless negotiations around GERD, which broke ground in 2011.

The focus of the controversy is the water injection rate of the planned reservoir behind the dam, the annual water replenishment method, and how much water Ethiopia will release downstream if there are years of drought. Another difference is how these three countries will resolve any future disputes.

Egypt and Sudan hope to reach a legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam, while Ethiopia adheres to the guidelines.

Late on Monday, Egypt stated that it had received Ethiopian notification that the second phase of filling work had begun at GERD, adding that Egypt had rejected the measure, believing that it poses a threat to regional stability. Sudan said on Tuesday that it had received the same notice.

Ethiopia has previously announced that it will carry out the second phase of filling in July, regardless of whether an agreement is reached. It believes that adding water to the reservoir, especially during the heavy rains in July and August, is a natural part of the construction.

At the same time, the United Nations on Tuesday called on all parties concerned to recommit to talks, urging them to avoid any unilateral actions.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, told reporters in New York that he supports the role of the African Union as a mediator between the two countries.

It is also important that there is no unilateral action that will undermine any solution. Therefore, it is important that people recommit themselves to a genuine process of genuine participation, he said.

Dujarric said that solutions need to lead by example.

Solutions have been found for others who share waterways and rivers. This is based on the principle of fair and reasonable utilization and the obligation not to cause major damage.

The US State Department said on Tuesday that Ethiopias landfill of GERD could increase tensions because it also urged all parties not to take unilateral actions against the dam.

State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that the United States calls on all parties to negotiate a settlement that is acceptable to all parties.

Ethiopia stated that GERD is critical to its economic growth and believes that the vast majority of its population lacks electricity. The dam will generate more than 6,400 megawatts of electricity, greatly increasing the countrys current power generation capacity of 4,000 megawatts.

Egypt is the most populous country in the Arab world, with a population of more than 100 million. Almost all of its water needs depend on the Nile. It is worried that the rapid filling will greatly reduce the flow of the river, which may have a serious impact on its agriculture and other sectors.

Sudan hopes that Ethiopia will coordinate and share data on dam operations to avoid flooding and protect its power generation dam on the Blue Nile.

The Blue Nile River merges with the White Nile River in central Sudan. From there, the Nile winds northward through Egypt and into the Mediterranean.
NASAs next big eye in the sky, the Golden Mirror James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) passed a critical review this week, bringing it one step closer to launching in November and observing new parts of the universe for scientists on Earth.

This is good news for NASA, which has been trying to resolve the issue of the Hubble Space Telescope, its current window of the universe, in the past few weeks.

For more than thirty years, this legendary telescope that has completely changed our understanding of the universe is experiencing technical failure. According to NASA, the payload computer of the Hubble Space Telescope, which operates the spacecrafts scientific instruments, was suddenly shut down on June 13.

In the sky for more than 30 years, the Hubble Space Telescope has captured stunning images, such as one of the Messier 106 galaxies [File: STScI/AURA, R Gendler via AP]

Therefore, the equipment used to take photos and collect data on the ship is currently not working properly. The best and brightest people in the agency have been working hard to bring the aging telescope back online and conducted a series of tests, but still cant seem to figure out what went wrong.

Its just trying to fix the difficulty of something that orbits 400 miles [653 million kilometres] Paul Hertz, director of astrophysics at NASA, told Al Jazeera.

If this computer is in the laboratory, it will be diagnosed very quickly, he explained. All we can do is send commands, look at the data sent from the computer, and then send the data down and try to analyze it.

Hubbles legacy

When Hubble launched on April 24, 1990, scientists were excited to observe the vast space with a new set of eyes, but they didnt know that a telescope would change our understanding of the universe.

The telescope has looked into the distant space, and has seen the most Distant galaxies once observed  Formed only 400 million years after the Big Bang.

This image taken with the Hubble Space Telescope shows a hot, star-bursting galaxy farther than any previously detected galaxy, when the universe was only 400 million years old. [File: Space Telescope Science Institute via AP]

Hubble has also made stunning snapshots of the Milky Way, such as Hubble Ultra Deep Field.

Hundreds of thousands of ancient galaxies that formed long before the existence of the earth are captured in one photo-each galaxy is a huge and prosperous center of stars, where hundreds of billions of stars are born, live and die.

It takes billions of years for the light from these galaxies to reach Hubbles sensors, making it a sort of time machine-it can take us through time and space and see what they looked like billions of years ago.

Hubble also monitored our cosmic neighbors and discovered some moons around Pluto.

Its observations show that there is a supermassive black hole at the center of almost every galaxy. Hubble also helped scientists draw a huge three-dimensional map that contains elusive and invisible matter that makes up most of the universe. form.

This mysterious substance called dark matter is invisible. Scientists only know its existence by measuring its impact on ordinary substances.Thanks to Hubbles scientific instrument suite, scientists were able to create 3D map of dark matter.

What went wrong

For some time, scientists have been preparing for the inevitable demise of Hubble. In the past 31 years, the telescope has experienced considerable turbulence.

Soon after launch, NASA discovered something was wrong: Hubbles primary mirror was defective. This telescope is the only telescope in NASA history designed specifically for astronauts.

In December 1999, astronauts Steven L Smith and John M Grunsfeld provided services to the Hubble Space Telescope [File: NASA/JSC via AP]

Throughout its life cycle (and the process of the agencys space shuttle program), NASAs astronaut team has repaired and upgraded Hubble and its instruments five times.

When the space shuttle was retired in 2011, it meant that Hubble would exist independently. If there is a problem with the telescope, the ground controller needs to remotely troubleshoot the problem.

So far, this has proven to be effective. That is, until June 13th.

Just after 4 pm Eastern Time (20:00 GMT), the observatorys payload computer had a problem, putting the telescope and its scientific instruments in safe mode.

Hubble has two payload computers-the main computer and the redundant backup. These computers are called NASA Standard Spacecraft Computer-1 (or NSSC-1) and were installed during the telescope maintenance mission in 2009; however, they were built in the 1980s.

They are part of the scientific instrument command and data processing (SI C&DH) unit, which is a Module The Hubble Space Telescope communicates with the telescopes scientific instruments and formats the data for transmission to the ground. It also contains four memory modules (one main memory and three spare memory).

The current device is a replacement device installed by astronauts in the space shuttle mission STS-125 in May 2009 after the original device failed in 2008.

When the main computer failed in June, NASA tried to activate its backup, but both computers encountered the same failure, which indicated that the real problem was in another part of the telescope.

Currently, the team is studying various components of SI C&DH, including power regulators and data formatting units. If there is a problem with one of the parts, the engineer may have to execute a series of more complex commands to switch to the backup of these parts.

This image taken by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope shows M66, the largest of the Leo triple galaxies [File: NASA, ESA/Hubble Collaboration via AP]

NASA stated that it will take some time to resolve the problem and switch to a backup system if necessary. This is because opening these backups is more risky than anything the team has tried so far.

It takes several days for the operations team to check the performance of the backup computer before it can resume normal operations. The backup has not been used since it was installed in 2009, but according to NASA, it was thoroughly tested on the ground before being installed on the spacecraft.

Part of the problem with Hubble is that the observatory is designed for direct maintenance. Without the space shuttle, there is no way to do this.

The biggest difference between the problem in the past and this problem is that there is no way to replace parts now, former NASA astronaut John Glensfield told Al Jazeera.

However, he added: The team working on Hubble is a master of engineering. I believe they will succeed.

Look to the future

The James Webb Space Telescope is scheduled to launch in November and is expected to inherit Hubbles legacy. The huge telescope, essentially a huge piece of space origami, will unfold its shiny golden mirror to observe the universe more deeply than Hubble. Its infrared sensors will allow scientists to study the nurseries of stars, the hearts of galaxies and more.

Hubble showed us that almost all galaxies have supermassive black holes in their centers, the brightest of which we call quasars. These incredibly bright objects can tell us a lot about the evolution of galaxies, because the jets and winds produced by quasars help shape their host galaxies.

Previous observations have shown that there is a correlation between the mass of a supermassive black hole and the mass of its galaxy, which means that quasars can help regulate star formation in the host galaxy.

In August 2020, the Hubble Space Telescope took this photo of Jupiter and one of its moons Europa. On the left is the planet 653 million kilometers (406 million miles) from Earth. [File: NASA/ESA via AP]

Chris Willott of the Canadian Space Agency told Al Jazeera: We saw black holes when the universe was only 800 million years old. Their masses are almost as large as the largest we see today, so they have evolved. Its very early.

By studying their galaxies, we can see how this extreme black hole affects the early formation of stars in these galaxies.

Through Hubbles eyes, scientists cannot detect individual stars in a galaxy with these superbright quasars, but with Weber, scientists hope they can see not only individual stars, but also the gas that forms them.

This means that the Webb Telescope may truly revolutionize our understanding of the formation and evolution of galaxies, just as Hubble has done with our knowledge of the universe in the past three decades.
Aboriginal leaders from all over the country will hold a virtual meeting this week to elect the new president of the Aboriginal Congress.

The election is scheduled to take place on Wednesday during the 42nd AFN Annual General Meeting, and this year is actually hosted by the six nations of Grand River and Mississauga of Ontarios Credit First Nation.

As leaders, we have the responsibility to jointly open a path to a brighter future for our children and grandchildren, the outgoing AFN president Perry Bellegarde said in a speech to delegates on Tuesday. .

It is my greatest honor to be able to participate with everyone.

Bellegarde is a member of Saskatchewans Little Black Bear Native. He was elected to this position for the first time in 2014 and announced in December that he would not seek re-election.

AFN resident elder Mike Mitchell (Mike Mitchell) gave him an eagle feather. Mitchell praised Bellegardes advocacy of indigenous languages.

He is very dependent on his culture, rituals and his language, Mitchell said.

It allowed us to participate in a lot of meetings because it strengthened our spirit.

The outgoing AFN President Perry Bellegard (right) was presented with an eagle feather by Mike Mitchell, the permanent elder of the AFN. (AFN)

Seven people are vying for the position of AFNs national head: RoseAnne Archibald, former head of Ontario; Reginald Bellerose, Muskovic aboriginal chief, Saskatchewan; Jodi Calahoo-Stonehouse, Michelle Alberta Resident member; Lee Crowchild, former Xakiji (chief) of the Tsuutina native of Alberta; Alvin Fiddler, great chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Ontario; former Governor of Manitoba Kevin Hart (Kevin Hart) ) And Cathy Martin, Member of Parliament of Listuguj Migmag Nation, Quebec.

Only the chairman of the band council or his deputy is eligible to vote. To win, a candidate must get 60% of the vote.

Call for the postponement of the election

Most of the discussion on Tuesday was about a resolution aimed at postponing elections because chiefs and leaders expressed concerns about the fairness of online elections during the pandemic.

Khelsilem, an elected council member and spokesperson for S?wx?wu7mesh Uxwumixw in British Columbia, said: We are in an unprecedented period. This epidemic is something we have never seen before as aborigines.

We expect to hold federal elections soon, but we are here today, and only a small number of AFN representatives are here and possibly here.

AFN stated that it represents more than 900,000 people living in 634 aboriginal communities and towns across the country.

Approximately 164 chiefs and agents attended the virtual meeting on Tuesday. Khelsilem and other leaders mentioned concerns about Internet access, the wildfire crisis in British Columbia, and the ongoing trauma that many Aboriginals across the country are dealing with after unmarked remains at the site of a former boarding school.

Those attending the meeting voted 62% in favor of proceeding with the election as planned.

We have too many issues to deal with. We are in a crisis, said Leroy Denny, head of Eskasoni First Nation in Nova Scotia.

We need someone who can defend and speak for Parliament at the federal level and lobby for these issues. There are too many questions, and we need a leader.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined world leaders today in condemning the overnight assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise and expressing Canadas willingness to help.

Trudeau said in a tweet: I strongly condemn the shocking assassination of President Moise this morning. Canada stands ready to support the Haitian people and provide any help they need.

According to a statement from the countrys interim prime minister, Claude Joseph, Moise was shot and killed by an unidentified attacker in his private home early on Wednesday morning local time. Joseph said the 53-year-old wife of the president, Martina Moise, was also shot in the attack and is receiving medical treatment.

I strongly condemn the appalling assassination of President Moise this morning. Canada stands ready to support the people of Haiti and provide any help they need. @Justin Trudeau

It is not clear who is responsible for the attack-due to confusion over who will succeed Moise, it is now possible to plunge this poor Caribbean country into a political crisis. After months of unrest and gang violence in the capital, Port-au-Prince, armed groups compete with the police and each other for control of the streets.

After the countrys failure to hold legislative elections, Moyes ruled by decree for more than a year and is pushing for a controversial constitutional reform.

World leaders condemn the assassination

The assassination aroused shock and condemnation from leaders in Latin America, Europe and the United States, while calling on Haiti to remain calm and united.

US President Joe Biden told reporters before boarding the Marine Corps One helicopter that although more information is needed about what happened and the people behind the attack, the presidents murder was very worrying.

Colombian President Ivan Duque condemned what he called cowardice and expressed solidarity with Haiti. He called on the Organization of American States to carry out an urgent task of protecting democratic order.

The President of Haiti was shot to death in his home, and Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph called it a barbaric act. Laura McQuillan of CBC provided details. 2:45

Other initial reactions reflect concerns about Haitis security.

Josep Borrell, the head of EU foreign policy, tweeted that this crime brings the risk of instability and (a) escalation of violence.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Twitter that he was shocked and saddened by the death of President Moise.

Haiti faces difficult times: Ambassador

Weibert Alsace, Haitis ambassador to Canada, said that although the country is facing difficult times, he believes Haiti will survive.

There are reasons not to think that tomorrow will be better, Alsace said in an interview with Radio Canada. But we have gone through many difficult times in history, and we have the ability to survive these difficult times.

Haiti-the poorest country in the Americas with a population of 11 million-has long had close ties with Canada. Haiti is the largest recipient of Canadian development assistance in the region.
New York City-based Mott & Bow originated with its founder's simple goal of making premium-grade jeans at a reasonable price. Alejandro Chahin's expertise with denim (his family started a denim manufacturing facility in Honduras) led him to explore price inefficiency in New York City's denim marketplace. Having mastered at an early age every process in the art of jean making, Chahin endeavored to turn the price-to-quality paradigm upside down by delivering a quality product at a fair price. The result? Mott & Bow jeans and elevated basics for men and women.

Mott & Bow founder Alejandro Chahin. Photo courtesy of Mott & Bow

Using the finest denim fabrics from the best mills in the world and applying the manually intensive artistic processes in the laundry, Mott & Bow delves into its founder's 32-year denim heritage to create the highest quality jeans. Chahin's three decades of denim expertise are applied to every handcrafted pair. The brand's family-owned facility allows for total control over the entire manufacturing process, the steps of which include 1) resin application 2) over curation 3) scraping 4) pinning and tying, and 5) washing and drying. Mott & Bow's vertical integration leads to better quality, less waste, and ultimately better pricing.

Mom Ridge. Photo courtesy of Mott & Bow

The company's design philosophy is simplicity. Mott & Bow's quality basics are designed to fill your closet with items that you'll turn to again and again, such as classic jeans, cashmere sweaters, long and short sleeve tees, and oxford shirts. For summer, try the Mercer Twill - a perfect blend of comfort and style for the hottest months of the year. For tops, try the durable Driggs Tees, made from the finest and softest Peruvian cotton.

With Mott & Bow, wearing is believing.

Boxy semi-crop t. Photo courtesy of Mott & Bow

Light ribbed cotton cashmere v-neck Emma. Photo courtesy of Mott & Bow
Lake Charles, LA  Over 10 years ago, on June 5, 2011, Calcasieu Parish Sheriffs Office deputies were dispatched to a home on Rustic View Drive in Lake Charles in reference to the murder of Mary Jeannette Duhon, the estranged wife of Joe M. Constance, now 54 years of age.



During the investigation it was learned Constance forcefully entered Duhons residence, confronted other occupants of the residence, while demanding to know the location of Duhon. When Constance located her in another area of the residence, he shot and killed her, and fled the area. Deputies located Constances abandoned truck on Fred Vail Road approximately 30 minutes after the shooting.

CPSO deputies along with numerous local and state agencies continued extensive searches for Constance several days after the shooting, but were unable to locate him.



Constance is charged with first degree murder, 2 counts aggravated assault and aggravated burglary. A federal arrest warrant was issued by the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana in 2014, after Constance was charged federally with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.



In a press briefing held today Sheriff Tony Mancuso stated, CPSO along with the U.S. Marshals Task Force and the FBI have continued to look for Constance, following up on numerous leads and tips received. We want the victims family to know we have not given up, nor will we ever give up. We continue to work very hard and I have one person dedicated solely to finding Constance. District Attorney Stephen Dwight followed by saying, We want to bring justice to the family of this victim and we are willing to offer immunity to someone who may have assisted Constance if they come forward now and help us locate this fugitive.



CPSO is asking anyone with information on Constance to come forward by calling the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, or calling directly to the CPSO Detective at (337) 707-TIPS (8477).



Constance is 62, white male with brown/gray hair and brown eyes. He has a tattoo on his left arm, along with numerous tattoos on his back, he also has a mole on his neck. He has been known to use the following names: Joe Constance, Joe M. Constance, Joe Matthew Constance, and Joseph Constance, along with the following dates of birth: February 27, 1967 and July 27, 1967.

Note: Attached is the initial FBI wanted poster from 2015 along with two photographs from the LSU Faces Lab showing what Constance possibly looks like today.
John Kay, VP for Advocacy, Pelican Institute, joined News15 Today to speak out against Governor John Bel edwards veto of House Bill 38.

CEO of the Pelican Institute, Daniel Erspamer released the following statement after Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed Representative Rick Edmonds bill to make school district finances transparent:

We are disappointed that Governor Edwards would veto this good-government transparency legislation. Louisiana outspends most of our neighbors per student while achieving among the lowest educational outcomes in the nation. The first step to turning around outcomes is by showing how school districts are spending taxpayer dollars, especially as hundreds of millions of federal bailout dollars flood into school board coffers. Now, instead of including school districts in the Louisiana Checkbook, their finances will remain in the dark.

The legislature agreed that Louisianas kids deserve a system that doesnt hide its finances from taxpayers, but thanks to the veto pen of Governor Edwards, that information will stay in the shadows. Unfortunately, the Louisiana School Boards Association (LSBA) made their opposition clear; one wonders why they dont want Louisiana citizens knowing how they are spending their tax dollars. Districts are set to receive $3.9 billion in state MFP dollars this year along with hundreds of millions from the federal government, and its perplexing to imagine why common-sense transparency  the same standards that apply to state government  wouldnt be embraced by everyone, especially school board members."
Deputies were notified of a disturbance on Highway 102 in Welsh, Louisiana on July 6, 2021, around midnight.

Deputies received information the subject was driving a gray Chevrolet Impala. A second call received reported the vehicle and suspect in the parking lot at Petos truck stop. The complainant reported that an argument was involved and the suspect had been drinking.

While driving the suspect slapped a child in the vehicle for talking back to him about putting on his seatbelt. Deputies located a bloody shirt in the vehicle and the child stated that he had to change his shirt due to the bloody nose he received.

Clayton Kelvin Bennett, 63, of Welsh was booked into the parish jail for domestic abuse battery with child endangerment and possession of CDS II. During booking, deputies discovered a small baggy of suspected methamphetamine in Bennetts wallet.
A mother in England has been sentenced to life in prison for killing her husband with boiling water after hearing he sexually abused her two children.
SALEM, Ore.  With the entire state of Oregon currently in some degree of drought, Governor Kate Brown issued an executive order on Wednesday directing state agencies to conserve water wherever possible.

Of Oregon's 36 counties, 19 have declared a drought emergency. Every corner of the state is in moderate, severe, extreme, or exceptional drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor  with the worst conditions dominating central Oregon.

"Oregon has a strong history of managing and caring for water, but climate change and chronic drought require water conservation and a commitment to working together," said Governor Brown. "Many state agencies already have taken steps to improve the sustainability of their operations, including actions to reduce water usage. Through this Executive Order, state government can respond to this growing crisis, lead by example, and show Oregonians that drought is a serious issuebut one that can be managed if we all work together.

"At the same time, it is critically important that we keep in mind how curbing water in public places may affect vulnerable Oregonians who may turn to public sources of water for relief from hot weather, and adjust as appropriate."

Executive Order 21-20 directs state agencies that own or manage land and facilities to curtail or halt non-essential water use for landscaping and other exterior features, including lawn watering, fountains that don't re-circulate water, and window washing. It also begins a moratorium on new non-essential landscaping projects that require irrigation.

State agencies are also directed to place signs and other messaging encouraging state employees to reduce non-essential water use in their duties.

"Many local governments have also curtailed water use on city and county facilities," Brown continued. "I appreciate their leadership and encourage all local governments in drought-stricken counties to conserve water and begin implementing drought resiliency strategies as we face a worsening drought together.

"Oregonians can do their part, as well. I encourage everyone to be conscious of water usage and to take steps to reduce water use whenever possible."
SALEM, Ore.  Governor Kate Brown on Wednesday invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Bootleg Fire in Klamath County. The declaration allows the Office of the State Fire Marshal to bring in firefighting resources and crews from around the state.

As of Wednesday morning, the Bootleg Fire covered at least 3,000 acres with no containment. Evacuation warnings were in place for some inhabitated areas near the fire.

Today I invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act to make more state resources available to the fire crews on the front lines in Klamath County at the Bootleg Fire, which has grown rapidly since yesterday, Governor Brown said. "Southern Oregon is still recovering from last year's devastating wildfires, and I will do everything in my power to ensure resources are available to contain the Bootleg Fire, as well as others that are burning across the state. This is a reminder that Oregonians must continue to be firewise, fire safe, and to honor all burn bans."

Brown's office said that the OSFM Green incident Management Team will be creating a unified command with the Pacific Northwest Interagency Team on the fire, and would be briefed Wednesday night.

The Emergency Conflagration Act is part of Oregon law that can be brought into effect when the Governor determines that "a threat to life, safety, and property exist due to the fire, and the threat exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment."

The Jack Fire in Douglas County gained similar Conflagration status on Tuesday, and was preceded in June by fires in northeastern Oregon.

In responding to the Bootleg Fire, the OSFM team will bring with them three firefighter task forces, a communications unit, and a cache trailer with incident support supplies, including tools for building defensible space around structures and other supplies needed for a fire camp.
MEDFORD, Ore.  A death investigation is now underway following a deadly officer-involved shooting at a clinic in Medford during the early hours of Wednesday morning.

According to the Medford Police Department, officers were dispatched to a business alarm at the Allergy and Asthma Center along Crater Lake Ave. around 2:44 a.m.

When officers arrived on the scene shortly afterwards, they discovered evidence of forced entry. More officers arrived on scene and established a perimeter around the business.

At 3:05 a.m., officers reported shots fired. Police say the initial investigation indicates the officers confronted a male suspect who was armed with a knife.

The suspect was shot and didnt survive. No officers were injured.

Oregon State Police are leading the investigation. Theyre being assisted by the Major Assault and Death Investigation Unit (MADIU). The unit consists of investigators from Oregon State Police, Medford Police, Jackson County Sheriffs Office, Central Point Police, Ashland Police and the Jackson County District Attorneys Office.

This is a developing story and NewsWatch 12 will provide more details as they become available.
YREKA, Calif. --- Members of Siskiyou County's Hmong community rallied outside the Siskiyou County courthouse on Tuesday after a week that saw smoldering tensions between the Hmong and county authorities become animated by the Lava Fire.

The Mount Shasta Vista Subdvision, where many of the Hmong own property, was placed under an evacuation order on June 28 as the Lava Fire made a big push to the north. From the beginning, evacuation efforts in the subdivision went sour, as some of the residents  distrustful of the fire crews and Sheriff's Office deputies  insisted on staying behind to fight the fire.

During that time, a Hmong man was fatally shot by officers as they tried to keep him out of the Mount Shasta Vista evacuation zone. The Sheriff's Office said that the man pointed and perhaps fired a gun at the officers.

"When that fire came and when the emergency services watched us fight that fire, when we heard our people despair and fight  we despaired because we weren't there with them," said Zurg Xiong. "And that's why our brother died because he answered the call."

RELATED: Lava Fire evacuation order enflames tensions around Mount Shasta Vista Subdivision

Members in the Hmong community gathered outside of the Siskiyou County courthouse Tuesday to call for justice in the matter. They say the unfair treatment of their people is ongoing  that they are being unfairly targeted over water usage, as the County employs new ordinances to crack down on water shipments to the marijuana grows that dot Mount Shasta Vista.

Xiong, an activist and advocate in the Siskiyou County Hmong community, says he will go on a hunger strike outside of the courthouse until a change is seen.

I've seen love and I've seen power. My people have shown me that I can really love them because of what had they've been doing. That's why I'm here, Xiong said.

"They pegged me as a leader, and I'm gonna show them what a leader is. Thats why Im going on that hunger strike because Im a leader. I dont have any political power, I have no money . . .  Xiong continued. "They want to starve us out of our homes. If they want to starve us out of our homes and re-colonize our land, then I will starve in front of an American courthouse."

Siskiyou County Sheriff Jeremiah LaRue said that any time a life is lost it is tragic, and there is an ongoing investigation into the shooting last week. He also added that there have been attempts to improve relationships between law enforcement and the Hmong community in the past, but to no avail.
SALEM, Ore.  The job losses created by COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns did not have an equal impact on all Oregon workers, both in terms of job sector and by demographic. According to a new report from the Oregon Employment Department, women, young workers, and people of color disproportionately lost their jobs when lockdowns began last spring.

Prior to the pandemic, Oregon was riding an economic high, with job numbers at record highs and unemployment at a record low. But everything changed once COVID-19 reached the state and Governor Kate Brown began introducing measures intended to slow the spread  a phenomenon that unfolded with relative uniformity across the country, at least in those initial stages.

Between February and April of 2020, Oregon lost roughly 285,500 nonfarm payroll jobs, a decline of 14.5 percent. Unemployment skyrocketed to a record high of 13.2 percent by April.

Unsurprisingly, job losses prevailed in the leisure and hospitality sector, in addition to services like hair salons, repair shops, and private education.

The leisure and hospitality sector employed a higher proportion of women; more workers between the ages of 16 and 24; and more Black, Indigenous, and workers of color than represented in Oregon's overall economy  thus, they disproportionately lost jobs when the shutdowns produced mass lay-offs. Across all of Oregon's labor sectors, lower-wage earners tended to be the ones who lost their jobs.

OED noted that the share of regular unemployment claims rose among women and younger workers during the pandemic. Women and Black or African American workers also had a relatively higher share of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claims.

Despite the fact that Hispanic or Latino workers were over-represented in leisure and hospitality, OED found that their share of claims did not rise  in fact, they dropped slightly during the pandemic. The agency concluded that this could reflect barriers to accessing unemployment benefits for those communities, or perhaps they were less likely to be laid off.

"Some of the hardest-hit workers by the pandemic recession are among the same demographic groups  particularly Black, Native American, and younger workers  who took the longest to experience the labor market benefits of the last expansion," OED said. "Throughout recessions and economic recoveries, unemployment rates also remain consistently higher for workers with less educational attainment. The workers disparately impacted due to pandemic-related job losses may also be more likely to need assistance getting back on the job."
WOLF CREEK, Ore.  The Josephine County Sheriff's Office has launched an investigation after a man was shot southeast of Wolf Creek along Lower Grave Creek Road over the weekend.

Dispatch learned of a "shooting incident" in the 5000-block of Lower Grave Creek Road at 8:41 p.m. on Saturday evening. The report indicated that a man had suffered a gunshot wound and was driving himself to the hospital from the scene of the shooting.

Deputies met the victim at the Hugo I-5 interchange where they assessed the injury and worked with AMR to get an ambulance for transport. The victim was taken to Asante Three Rivers Hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

The Sheriff's Office said that this incident is still under investigation and no other details were immediately available.
BEAGLE, Ore.  The Jackson County Sheriff's Office is investigating a series of fires set along a rural road near the community of Beagle on Independence Day, according to the agency.

Deputies assisted firefighters that evening with five different fires spread along Meadows Road, which branches north from Sams Valley Highway between Table Rock Road and Antioch Road. JCSO said that at least two of the fires were caused by fireworks, likely thrown from a moving vehicle.

"Fortunately, all of the fires were extinguished quickly and caused no significant property damage," the agency said.

In the 16000-block of Meadows Road, deputies found a firework that had been lit, but did not entirely burn. JCSO said that the firework will be submitted for latent prints.

Jackson County Fire District 3 reported about the response to at least one of these fires on July 4, noting "quite a bit of smoke" visible from a fire in the 13000-block of Meadows Road. Firefighters and a helicopter crew from the Oregon Department of Forestry managed to knock down and line the fire with relative speed.

Anyone with information about the crime or suspicious activity along Meadows Road that evening should call the JCSO tip line at (541) 774-8333.
MEDFORD, Ore. -- One man is now in custody after a stand-off with police in Medford.

According to Medford Police, officers were called to a "physical disturbance" on Narregan St. on Tuesday afternoon.

The male suspect barricaded himself inside a home and refused to come out.

Police say it took a couple hours before the man surrendered and was taken into custody.

MPD said that no one was hurt. The incident remains under investigation.

This is a developing story and will be updated with more details as they emerge.
PORTLAND, Ore.  Transportation Security Administration agents have discovered six loaded firearms within the past ten days during routine X-ray screening at airport security checkpoints in Oregon, the agency said in a statement on Wednesday.

Five of the guns were found in carry-on luggage at Portland International Airport, with the sixth discovered at the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport.

TSA said that the most recent discovery happened in Portland on Wednesday morning, when a TSA officer saw the shape of a firearm on the X-ray screen and quickly halted all screening while notifying law enforcement. The Medford example occurred on June 30  once again, the gun was found in carry-on luggage.

"The discovery of six loaded firearms in 10 days in Oregon is an astounding number. Travelers take note: check the contents of your carry-on luggage prior to coming to the airport to ensure that you do not bring prohibited items like these to the security checkpoint, said Stephen Taber, TSA federal security director for Oregon.

Previous TSA statements indicate that guns showing up at security is not exactly unusual in Oregon. The federal agency recorded 76 incidents at Oregon airports in 2018, 87 in 2019, and a modest 49 in 2020  the last and lowest no doubt thanks to the pandemic's damper on traveling. But the average rate in previous years breaks down to six or seven guns per month, not within the space of ten days.

Guns can only be taken on a commercial aircraft if they are unloaded; packed in a locked, hard-sided case; declared to the airline; and placed in checked baggage. Ammunition, gun parts, and any type of replica firearm are prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be checked, TSA said.

Fortunately, TSA officers kept these potential security threats from making it onto an aircraft, ensuring that travelers were able to get to their destinations without incident," Taber continued. "The traveling public should be grateful for the attentive and watchful eye of TSA officers here and nationwide who are responsible for securing our transportation system.

Those who violate TSA regulations can face civil penalties, in addition to having Trusted Travel or TSA PreCheck status suspended.
Premier Iain Rankin, left, accompanied by Deep Saini, president of Dalhousie University, fields question after touring a lab at the school in Halifax on Monday, March 29, 2021.Rankin faced fresh questions today about what happened in the summer of 2005 when he was arrested for drunk driving.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan
He said a woman then attempted to grab the handle of the BMW, which dragged her before it eventually fled the scene.

I saw a big crowd of people and everyone was, like, yelling, and I see the BMW leave and then one of my buddies was chasing him, Patton said. I was trying to figure out why he was chasing him, and he said (the BMW) hit the GT-R.

Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

My friend was like jogging next to him, telling him to stop, but he took off.

Others who attended the event drove after the BMW, which headed south on Interstate 94 at a high rate of speed. They apparently lost track of the vehicle after it had exited at one of the off-ramps, according to Patton.

Aside from the service calls, Lt. Desiree Farchione said the event caused issues for police, as it required all available units to respond. Also responding were authorities from the Kenosha County Sheriffs Department and the Wisconsin State Patrol.

Farchione said that hosts of the meet-up did not appear prepared to handle the large number of vehicles.

There was several hundred cars, so it depleted all of our shift to go out there, she said. Its just a substantial amount of vehicles, and we had several calls on it.
SALEM, Ore. -- County commissioners in Oregon's 23rd House District selected Anna Scharf to replace former Representative Mike Nearman on Tuesday.

Commissioners in Polk, Marion, Yamhill and Benton county selected Scharf and rejected Nearman's attempt to be reappointed to the seat. According to her LinkedIn profile, Scharf was a policy analyst in the state Legislature. She is also a former aide to Nearman. The Oregon House Republican Caucus said she will be sworn in and take over Nearman's seat in the coming days. House Republican leader, Christine Drazan, released this statement:

"On behalf of the entire House Republican Caucus, we are delighted to welcome Anna Scharf to the Oregon House of Representatives. Anna has worked inside the Legislature for constituents of House District 23 and will bring a wealth of experience to serve the office and these communities effectively," Drazan said. I want to thank the many candidates who put their names forward in answering the call to serve.

At today's vote, Scharff described her experience after her boss was expelled from office.

"When the representative was expelled from the legislature, I stayed behind," Scharf said. "His chief of staff and I were there every single day and I felt that was really important and I felt honored to continue to do that. The emails, the phone calls, the desires, the wishes, the concerns didn't stop just because House District 23 lost their representative. They lost their vote, not their representation."

According to KGW, Scharf is from a farming family and supports Timber Unity.
EUGENE, Ore. -- Despite being in the middle of a court battle with some residents in North Eugene, WinCo is signaling they are starting construction on a new store off Coburg Road.

Fences were put up around the old Shopko building, dumpsters were moved in, and a mobile office was dropped off in the parking lot. KEZI reached out to WinCo's corporate offices about the activity at the site, but they did not get back to us. However, this is a sign the company is starting construction of their new store, approved by the Eugene City Council in 2020.

MORE: WINCO PROJECTS TAKE STEPS FORWARD IN EUGENE AND ROSEBURG

KEZI talked to Shari Brown, who works near the shopping center. She said having a grocery store in North Eugene is convenient for her.

"I like what they provide," Brown said. "I think it's great that it's a grocery store that's specific to Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Nevada and California. I've known people that worked there and they've been treated well."

Others who live in the area have been trying to get the project to stop. Some wrote in public testimony that a WinCo will create a traffic nightmare on Coburg Road and Chad Drive. Living Strong LLC, the owner of the McKenzie at Crescent Village, appealed a decision by the city to allow WinCo to build a reconstructed rear loading dock and a bottle redemption center at the site of the former Shopko.

The Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals sided with WinCo but lawyers for Living Strong LLC appealed it to the Oregon Court of Appeals. A decision by that court has not been made.
IDLEYLD, Ore. -- Gov. Kate Brown is invoking the Emergency Conflagration Act for a wildfire in Douglas County that has grown to 900 acres.

Brown said the Jack Fire broke out Monday evening near the community of Dry Creek. Highway 138 is temporarily closed.

Resources from around Oregon will be arriving soon to assist with firefighting efforts.

"It is evident that this fire season is rapidly under way, and we must all remain aware and cautious, especially with activities that could spark a fire. We all need to do our part to help the many firefighters battling multiple fires across Oregon, Brown said.

A Level 3 evacuation notice was ordered earlier on Tuesday for residents near the Eagle Rock Campground, meaning residents were asked to leave immediately. A Level 2 order, which means to be ready to leave at a moments notice, is in place for other residents.
By Benjamin Jumbe

The Director-General of the National Agriculture Research Organization (NARO) Dr Ambrose Agona has been directed to coordinate a team of experts and find possible ways of getting good quality seeds for grape farmers in the country.

The directive came from the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Frank Tumwebaze who said it should be done within two months and report back to him.

The minister was on a one-day field visit to grape farmers at Nyakayojo and Katojo Cells in Mbarara City South Division, acting on the directive of President Museveni.

Meanwhile, Dr Agona said NARO would use the committees that farmers have set up to gather the metrics and data concerning the land each farmer in this project has.

He also promised the minister that NARO would be doing more sensitization of farmers on more ways of handling wine grapes in a bid to produce quality outputs.
By Juliet Nalwooga

The National Planning Authority (NPA) has predicted a spike in the Covid-19 cases in the next 2 weeks.

Dr Joseph Muvawala, the NPA Executive Director, has told journalists that 19 days into the 42-day partial lockdown, the NPA model is projecting a total of 7,214 new cases for the two weeks from 27th June to 3rd July to 10th July.

He however quickly adds that using a Ugandan made model developed in March 2020 that projects the cases of Covid-19 in two weeks, they have established that the cases will slightly reduce, averaging at 1,037 new infections per day.

Muvawala has urged Ugandans to be patient throughout the remaining days of the lockdown to avoid a possible third wave of the pandemic.
By Abubaker Kirunda

Police are holding a 34-year old man on aggravated trafficking in persons charges after he allegedly sold off his 9-year old daughter to a traditional herbalist at Shs 9 million.

James Mubi, the Busoga East region police spokesperson says they swung into action upon receiving intelligence information about the incident.

With the help of some residents from Naluwerere trading center, Kapyanga sub-county, the officer were able to track down the suspect before handing over the child to her said buyer.

A police man who posed as the potential buyer arranged to meet the suspect at Bukonde swamp along Malaba  Tororo highway where he unsuspectingly showed up with his daughter to pick the money.

Mubi says the hunt is on for his other accomplices and the actual traditional herbalist who was planning to buy off the child.
By Damali Mukhaye

A total of 21,480 vulnerable people from cities and municipalities will tomorrow receive Shs100,000 each as the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development rolls out the Covid-19 cash relief.

The money will be sent via mobile phone.

Gender minister Betty Amongi told journalists in Kampala yesterday, that money will be sent to the vulnerable families after uploading data of at least half of the targeted beneficiaries (250,553).

The planned government cash release, however, covers only 4.2 per cent of the targeted beneficiaries. Data of 479,627 (95.8 per cent) beneficiaries is yet to be verified and uploaded on the system for payment.

We held a meeting with Kampala town clerks yesterday [Monday] and they informed us that they were processing their data, Ms Amongi said.

She added: The basis of payment is the availability of data supposed to be received from cities and municipalities. As of today (Tuesday) 2pm, 21,480 names had been uploaded on the system.

The Covid-19 cash release will come exactly 21 days after the President imposed a 42-day lockdown to curb the spread of a pandemic that has so far killed more than 1,000 people.

About three weeks ago, the government promised to send cash relief to a total of 501,107 vulnerable people from selected urban areas.

Read more: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/over-21-000-people-to-get-covid-19-cash-tomorrow-3464144
Weather Alert

...HOT AND DRY WIND THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOON FOR MUCH OF CENTRAL AND EASTERN WASHINGTON... ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM PDT THURSDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR WASHINGTON COLUMBIA BASIN...PALOUSE...AND SPOKANE AREA... * Affected Area: Fire Weather Zone 673 East Washington Northern Columbia Basin and Fire Weather Zone 674 East Washington Palouse and Spokane Area. * Winds: Southwest 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Localized gusts up to 30 mph on the Waterville Plateau. * Relative Humidities: 12 to 21 percent. * Impacts: Increased wind and low relative humidity will potentially increase fire spread of new or existing fires. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. &&
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading.

To subscribe, click here. Already a subscriber? Click here.
Kilkenny company Ballytobin Solar has been leading the way in ensuring that local communities benefit from renewable energy and that has been recognised by Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamonn Ryan, TD.

Minister Ryan has launched a range of new of measures to ensure communities nationwide will benefit from renewable energy, and Ballytobin Solar will play a role in the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS).

According to Minister Ryan, We have seen in other countries, like Germany, that direct citizen and community involvement in the green energy revolution both benefits communities and builds support for the radical transformation we need to make to reach our climate goals. Weve already seen seven community projects, (five solar and two wind projects) succeed in our first Renewable Energy Support Scheme auction. I want to build on this by providing communities with the expertise they need to develop more of these projects.

A new Community Enabling Framework will assist and support communities through the complex process of electricity generation. Developed by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), it will provide a range of technical and financial supports at the various stages in the life-cycle of a renewable project including trusted advisors who will work closely with communities. The framework will de-risk the project development process for communities and will drive delivery on our ambitious community energy targets.

A new 'Community Enabling Framework' will assist and support communities through the complex process of electricity generation.

Developed by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), it will provide a range of technical and financial supports at the various stages in the life-cycle of a renewable project including trusted advisors who will work closely with communities.

The framework will de-risk the project development process for communities and will drive delivery on our ambitious community energy targets.

Community projects are supported in a separate category within the RESS Scheme.

However, all projects, including the 61 commercial projects, are required to set up a Community Benefit Fund. The Fund ensures that, in all cases, some of the benefits of renewable energy generation are shared with those who live locally, usually in rural communities.

The first wave of projects in the scheme will see almost 4 million in Community Benefit Funds being spent in local communities each year.
After months of grappling with the university over her tenureship, Nikole Hannah-Jones announced Tuesday she would not stay on at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, choosing instead, along with writer Ta-Nehisi Coates, to join the faculty of Howard University, one of the most prestigious historically Black universities in the country.

It's a significant decision, as Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) don't always have the pull or the resources that predominantly White institutions have to bring in big-name faculty. But Hannah-Jones, who has spent the better part of a month watching her worth be debated by the UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Trustees, and Coates could be the ones to shift the tide.

"I have been very, very thoughtful about my decision to go to an historically Black college, and what I decided is since the second grade, when I started being bussed into White schools, I've spent my entire life proving that I belong in White spaces that were not built for Black people," Hannah-Jones said, in an appearance on "CBS This Morning" with Gayle King.

But after everything that happened with UNC-Chapel Hill, Hannah-Jones was done, she said.

"I decided I didn't want to do that anymore," she said. "That Black professionals should feel free and actually perhaps an obligation to go to our own institutions and bring our talents and resources to our own institutions and help to build them up as well."

Excitement builds among Howard alumni

Howard University is the most well-known and esteemed HBCU in the country, and this isn't the first time the school has attracted a top journalist as faculty. Samuel Yette, the first Black Washington correspondent for Newsweek Magazine, also taught at the school in the 1970s and 1980s. And since its founding in 1867, the Washington, D.C university has been a prominent institution of Black culture and Black life, with an alumni list boasting the likes of author Toni Morrison, actor Chadwick Boseman and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.

Alfred Mathewson, an emeritus professor of law and former co-dean of the University of New Mexico School of Law, also went to Howard, where he finished his undergraduate degree in business management in 1975. Before enrolling, he had to decide between attending UNC-Chapel Hill or Howard, akin to the choice Hannah-Jones faced.

In the end, Howard won out.

"It was almost unthinkable at the time," he told CNN. "Everyone who knew me tried to talk me out of it. It was a big thing at the time for a Black kid to be accepted into Carolina and into a White school."

The decision was the correct one for Mathewson, who praised his experience as a student there. Now, to see Hannah-Jones and Coates at the school is exhilarating, he said.

"I was excited. As soon as I saw the story, I tweeted it. And my friends from Howard, they were posting on Facebook," he said. "There was a great deal of excitement."

Ongisa Ichile-Mckenzie, the director of Southern Marylanders for Racial Equality, graduated from Howard in 2003 with a degree in legal communications. She echoed Mathewson's excitement, calling the hiring of Hannah-Jones and Coates "a win for the students."

"Most of us are very excited because many of us are familiar with their work. We've read their work, we've gone to school with Ta-Nehisi Coates or what have you ... So I feel like the buzz is positive," she said.

Jessica Jones, a 2004 graduate of Howard, echoed the sentiment, expressing explicit excitement for the new Center of Journalism and Democracy that Hannah-Jones is set to found.

"Nikole Hannah-Jones helps to increase Howard's prestige but also changes things a bit for the school," Jones, who studied journalism at Howard, said, suggesting it may influence other future faculty and increase student applicants.

Ichile-Mckenzie noted that the move by Coates and Hannah-Jones is in line with similar trends being seen in other areas, as some high-profile Black athletes, for example, forgo the Division I schools and instead choose the HBCU route. She credited the change to a larger culture shift taking place over the last few years.

"Black people are safeguarding our mental health, and we are understanding our value more so than ever," she said.

At predominately White institutions, Black and other faculty and students of color can't just be students or faculty members, both Ichile-Mckenzie and Mathewson said.

"(If there are) racial incidents on campus, and students have to face a choice: Do I deal with what just happened, do I let it go, or do I concentrate on exams?" Mathewson said. "As a faculty member, it's the same thing."

And with the battle that Hannah-Jones already faced in attempting to show she deserved tenure at UNC-Chapel Hill, Mathewson predicted that doing her work at the institution if she had stayed "was going to be an ongoing struggle."

Decision by Hannah-Jones is understandable, UNC alumna says

For Hanna Wondmagegn, a 2021 alumna of UNC-Chapel Hill's journalism school, the decision by Hannah-Jones was awe-inspiring. Wondmagegn said she could relate to much of what Hannah-Jones wrote in her statement.

"I was absolutely elated to see her go somewhere where she'd be appreciated," Wondmagegn said. "To see what she said (in her statement) about respecting yourself and sticking up for yourself, about no longer wanting to fight these battles, that just did so much for me as a Black woman journalist. That did everything and more."

Though she's sad that current students at UNC-Chapel Hill will not be able to benefit from Hannah-Jones' expertise and mere presence in the school, her decision, Wondmagegn said, is empowering.

She's not the only UNC-Chapel Hill person that feels that way. Following the announcement, the Carolina Black Caucus, a group of Black faculty and staff at UNC-Chapel Hill, released a statement fully supporting the decision by Hannah-Jones.

"While our community fought tirelessly to ensure that university leadership provide the tenure offer that she rightfully earned, we completely understand the choice not to come to work at an institution that willfully disrespects you at every turn," they wrote. "We honor her determination and will continue to celebrate her excellence."

Others may follow in her footsteps

In an initial statement released by Howard University, Hannah-Jones said she hopes the decision by her and Coates encourages others to make a similar choice in bringing their talents to an HBCU. In a separate follow-up statement from Hannah-Jones, she expanded on that, rebuking the ways that success is often defined by "gaining entry to and succeeding in historically white institutions."

"At some point when you have proven yourself and fought your way into institutions that were not built for you, when you've proven you can compete and excel at the highest level, you have to decide that you are done forcing yourself in," she said.

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
The coronavirus pandemic almost certainly originated from an animal, probably at a wildlife market in China, and not from a laboratory leak, a group of virus experts said Wednesday.

Theories about a lab leak are almost all based on coincidence, not hard evidence, the group of 20 top experts from the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere said.

They had been following discussions -- going all the way to the White House -- about the possibility of a laboratory origin of the virus, and worked together to analyze the evidence.

"I think you can make a pretty strong argument that it didn't leak from a lab," Robert Garry, professor of microbiology and immunology at Tulane Medical School and one of the scientists who signed the paper, told CNN.

The experts lay out the published evidence in a pre-print review posted online.

It is signed by some of the leading experts in coronaviruses and the genetics of viruses, including Kristian Andersen of The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California; evolutionary biologist Michael Worobey of the University of Arizona; Andrew Rambaut of the Institute of Evolutionary Biology at the University of Edinburgh; Stephen Goldstein of the Department of Human Genetics at the University of Utah; Angela Rasmussen of the University of Saskatchewan; Joel Wertheim of the University of California, San Diego; and Jeremy Farrar of Britain's Wellcome Trust.

Many have done their own investigations into the possible origin of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

"We contend that there is substantial body of scientific evidence supporting a zoonotic (animal) origin for SARS-CoV-2," they wrote.

"There is currently no evidence that SARS-CoV-2 has a laboratory origin. There is no evidence that any early cases had any connection to the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), in contrast to the clear epidemiological links to animal markets in Wuhan, nor evidence that the Wuhan Institute of Virology possessed or worked on a progenitor of SARS-CoV-2 prior to the pandemic," they added.

"The suspicion that SARS-CoV-2 might have a laboratory origin stems from the coincidence that it was first detected in a city that houses a major virological laboratory that studies coronaviruses."

But it's not a surprise that a new virus might emerge in Wuhan, they noted.

"Wuhan is the largest city in central China with multiple animal markets and is a major hub for travel and commerce, well connected to other areas both within China and internationally," they wrote.

"The link to Wuhan therefore more likely reflects the fact that pathogens often require heavily populated areas to become established."

Garry and colleagues also say it is "extremely unlikely" that the lab was working on a virus of natural origin that accidentally leaked out. "You have to have an unlikely set of circumstances in place for something like that to happen. If it was a person at the lab, then how did it get to all the animal markets?" Garry asked. "There are other, much more likely ways that this virus got into the human population. Just like SARS 1, it happened the same way with SARS 2."

What did get lost was some of the valuable evidence that disappeared when the animal markets in the area were cleared and sanitized, Garry said. "They shut down farms. They cleaned those animals out of that market," he said. Samples from the Huanan Seafood Market and others did turn up evidence of the virus, the experts said, but the animals that might have been infected and that could have provided the needed smoking gun were removed.

"We'd like to know more. We wish the Chinese government was a little bit more open about the wildlife trade," Garry said.

The World Health Organization has been leading efforts to find the origins of the coronavirus and issued a report in March saying it was most likely the virus originated in an animal and passed to people, as other coronaviruses have. Least likely, it said, is the possibility that a virus was engineered in a lab and leaked out.

Much of the investigation has focused on early cases at Wuhan's Huanan Seafood market.

But WHO has been criticized for accepting evidence from China, and the administration of President Joe Biden has been taking another look at the origins.

It's not the first joint letter from scientists fed up with speculation. On Monday, in another letter to the Lancet, a group of scientists called for reason and science in the investigation.

"Careful and transparent collection of scientific information is essential to understand how the virus has spread and to develop strategies to mitigate the ongoing impact of COVID-19, whether it occurred wholly within nature or might somehow have reached the community via an alternative route, and prevent future pandemics," they wrote.

"Allegations and conjecture are of no help, as they do not facilitate access to information and objective assessment of the pathway from a bat virus to a human pathogen that might help to prevent a future pandemic."

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
The assassination of Haiti's President Jovenel Moise has stunned the country and shocked regional leaders. The Caribbean nation of roughly 11 million people, many of them living amid poverty and rising violence, now faces an even more uncertain future.

Haiti's acting Prime Minister Claude Joseph has assumed leadership of the country in the immediate aftermath of the attack. He has declared a 'state of siege' in Haiti, saying he did not want the nation to 'plunge into chaos.'

What exactly happened to Moise?

According to Joseph, 'a group of unidentified individuals, some of whom were speaking in Spanish' attacked Moise's home at around 1 a.m. Wednesday and fatally wounded the head of state.

Haitian first lady Martine Moise was also shot in the attack and is receiving 'the necessary treatment' for her injuries, Joseph said in a statement.

Moise, who was 53 and a former banana exporter, had spent most of the past year waging a political war with the opposition over the terms of his presidency.

What's the broader situation in Haiti?

Moise's death comes against a backdrop of political instability, with many key roles in the country's government already empty and the parliament effectively defunct. Haiti's opposition movement has long called for Moise to resign.

Criminal violence has recently escalated in capital Port-au-Prince, including targeted attacks on police and arson of civilian homes. Infamous ex-police officer Jimmy Cherizier vowed in June before local media to carry out a 'revolution' in the city. That month, more than 13,000 people fled their homes in Port-au-Prince for temporary shelters, according to the United Nations. The insecurity follows a wave of kidnappings earlier this year.

Battles between rival groups and the police for control of the port city's streets have also worsened the country's humanitarian crisis, threatening bottlenecks on food and fuel supplies.

Meanwhile, Covid-19 is spiking in Haiti. Pan American Health Organization Director Dr. Carissa Etienne last month called on the international community to 'urgently' assist the country in combating the virus.

Why was Moise controversial?

Many in Haiti disputed Moise's right to continue serving in the presidency this year.

He said his five-year term should end in 2022 -- a stance backed by the United States, United Nations and Organization of American States.

But the opposition -- which accused Moise of allowing corruption and insecurity to flourish in the country -- argued that he should have stepped down on February 7 this year, citing a constitutional provision that starts the clock on the term once a president is elected, rather than when he takes office.

Throughout his term in office, the President repeatedly failed to hold elections at local and national levels, leaving much of the country's governing infrastructure empty.

Haiti is now heading toward elections and a referendum to overhaul the constitution this fall. The referendum had been championed by Moise as an opportunity to strengthen the Haitian presidency.

Who takes over from him?

It isn't immediately clear who will replace Moise in the coming months.

Judge Jean Wilner Morin, president of the National Association of Haitian Judges, told CNN that the line of presidential succession in the country was murky given its political instability.

Haiti's President of the Supreme Court would normally be next in line, but that position is currently empty since its holder, Rene Sylvestre, recently died of Covid-19. His funeral was due to take place Wednesday, Morin said.

For the acting Prime Minister Joseph to formally replace the President, he would have to be approved by Haiti's parliament, said Morin. But the parliament is currently partially empty and effectively defunct.

Muddying the waters further, Moise had on July 5 appointed another Prime Minister, Dr. Ariel Henry. 'So we are in a situation today where we have two Prime Ministers. One Prime Minister who is in office, and another one legally appointed by the President of the Republic. So which of these two Prime Ministers should take the reins of the country?' the judge said.

There is another possible succession scenario, too, said Morin. 'The precedent is that in 2015, it was the President of the National Assembly who replaced the President of the Republic. Today we don't have a President of the National Assembly, but there is still a third of the Senate in Parliament and the third of the Senate is presided over by a former senator, named Joseph Lambert.'

In a statement issued Wednesday, the acting Prime Minister Claude Joseph appealed for calm. 'The security situation in the country is under the control of the Haitian National Police and the Haitian Armed Forces,' he said.

He also called on the international community 'to launch an investigation into the assassination and for the United Nations to hold a Security Council meeting on Haiti as soon as possible.'

What's the humanitarian situation in Haiti?

Haiti was already facing a dire economic situation before the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Its economy shrank a further 3.8% in 2020, with about 60% of the population now living in poverty, according to the World Bank.

The recent spike in violence in the capital has only added to the troubles faced by many of its citizens, and complicated the work of aid groups such as Doctors without Borders and UNICEF, the UN children's agency, in reaching vulnerable people.

Bruno Maes, a UNICEF representative based in Port-au-Prince, told CNN last week that it is increasingly urgent that humanitarian workers be able to travel securely in the country as the peak of the Caribbean's hurricane season approaches.

UNICEF warned at the end of May that severe acute childhood malnutrition in Haiti was expected to more than double this year as it deals with rising violence, the coronavirus pandemic, and a lack of access to essential services, including clean water.

More than 86,000 Haitian children under five could be affected, compared with 41,000 last year, the agency said.

UNICEF also said acute malnutrition, which is somewhat less dangerous than severe acute malnutrition, had increased 61% over the last year.

How will the United States respond?

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki has called Moise's assassination a 'horrific crime' and pledged that Joe Biden's administration would stand with the people of Haiti.

'It's a horrific crime, and we're so sorry for the loss that they are all suffering and going through as many of them are waking up this morning and hearing this news. And we stand ready and stand by them to provide any assistance that's needed,' Psaki said on CNN's 'New Day.'

'We're still gathering details, we're still gathering specifics. And of course, our embassy and State Department will be in close touch,' she said.

In May, the Biden administration granted humanitarian protection for some Haitians in the United States, allowing an estimated 100,000 people to apply to remain lawfully in the country.

The growing instability in the country could complicate upcoming decisions on future deportations of Haitians from the US.

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
MASON CITY, Iowa  A man accused of stealing a propane truck is pleading not guilty.

Aaron Paul Ryerson, 50, is charged with first-degree theft. Authorities say he stole a Freightliner commercial propane truck valued at $200,000 on June 4.

Ryersons trial is scheduled to begin on August 24.
CRYSTAL LAKE, Iowa  Low oxygen levels are being blamed for a substantial fish kill in Crystal Lake.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says an algae bloom on the lake collapsed and the dying algae used up the oxygen in the water. The DNR says warm water also has less ability to hold oxygen than cold water, which also contributed to the problem.

The DNR says after a warm June, several light wind days were perfect ingredients for a heavy algae bloom, which often leads to an algae crash. The DNR says water clarity, a measure of how much algae is present, went from less than a foot at Crystal Lake on July 1 to nearly 2 and  feet by Tuesday.

A similar fish kill happened on Crystal Lake in 2015.
MASON CITY, Iowa  A man accused of smashing vehicles with a ball and chain is taking a plea deal.

Alejandro Ramirez, 33 of Clear Lake, was charged with second-degree criminal mischief, stalking, and tampering with a witness after the incident on January 31.

Law enforcement says Ramirez became upset with someone not answering their door in the 1900 block of 1st Avenue N. in Clear Lake and bashed two vehicles with a ball and chain, doing a total of $2,234.24 damage.

Ramirez has now pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal mischief and been sentenced to two years of probation.
ROCHESTER, Minn. - The Med City is making a play to better fund a planned playground expansion.

City staff will be applying for a $350,000 grant from the Greater Minnesota Regional

Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) to fund an expansion to the playground at Cascade Lake Park. If approved in full, the grant would double the project's current budget.

While plans for the expanded playground are still being developed, parks department staff say it will focus on accessibility. Staff will also be working with a group of community stakeholders, which will provide input and reaction to elements of the design for potential users.

Other improvements at Cascade Lake Park are also in the works, including the addition of an amphitheater and park pavilion.
PLYMOUTH, Minn. (AP)  Police are investigating a fatal highway shooting in Plymouth.

Authorities say a suspect in an SUV shot at another vehicle on Highway 169 Tuesday night.

The driver in the other vehicle was struck by gunfire. He was taken to North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale where he later died. Authorities say the shooter fled after shots were fired about 10 p.m. south of County Road 9 in Plymouth.

Police are seeking the publics help to locate a light-colored SUV, possibly a Chevy Tahoe, Suburban or similar vehicle. The suspect vehicle reportedly has damage to the drivers side rear bumper.
CHARLES CITY, Iowa Two people arrested after a winter drug investigation in Floyd County are pleading not guilty.

Valerie Rose Frascht, 38 of Charles City, is charged with possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and possession of marijuana. Blake Lee Steege, 26 of Fredricksburg, is accused of possession with intent to deliver meth.

Investigators say they searched a Charles City home on February 9 and seized what they believed were illegal narcotics. Court documents state both Frascht and Steege were at the home when it was searched.

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation lab confirmed in June the substances seized were 76.76 grams of meth and over 36 grams of marijuana.

Frascht and Steege are scheduled to stand trial on August 3.
MASON CITY, Iowa - The Mason City Police Department says the body of Zach Solum was found around 8 pm Wednesday.

Investigators say there is no evidence of foul play at this time and an autopsy is pending. Funeral arrangements are pending at Major Erickson Funeral Home in Mason City.

The Police Department says it conveys the appreciation of Zach's family and friends for the help and support offered by several community members over the last few days. Many searched in-person or forwarded the info via social media and media outlets.

Solum went missing on July 1.

Previous story below

MASON CITY, Iowa  Authorities are looking for a man who has been missing since July 1.

The Mason City Police Department says Zachary Solum, 29, disappeared after leaving a southwest Mason City location on foot after a family argument. Police say Solums friends and family have been unable to locate him and are concerned about his welfare.

Solum is described as 61 tall and 156 pounds. He was last seen wearing dark-colored shorts, shirt, and hat.

Anyone with information on Solums whereabouts is asked to contact their local law enforcement agency.
ONEIDA COUNTY, Wisconsin  Two vehicles connected to a Wisconsin murder suspect have been found in St. Paul.

The Oneida County Sheriffs Office says a woman was found shot to death June 30 on the side of the road. Preliminary investigation identified Christopher Terrell Anderson as a suspect and placed him driving a 2005 White Chrysler PT Cruiser with Minnesota license plate 187NXC. A warrant for first-degree intentional homicide has been issued for Anderson.

Investigators said it was possible Anderson was in Minnesota and the suspect PT cruiser and a Mitsubishi Outlander with Wisconsin license plate number ARJ9672 have now been located in St. Paul.

Authorities say Anderson is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call 911 or the Oneida County Dispatch Center at 715-361-5201.
ST. PAUL, Minn. - In the last year many of us may have fallen behind on our utility bills as a result of the pandemic.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce received 167 million dollars in federal funding to help people pay their energy bills.

The department is encouraging as many Minnesotans as possible to apply for the Energy Assistance Program.

Those eligible can receive up to $1,600 in grants and an additional $1,200 for past due balances or disconnects.

Program director Michael Schmitz says in a typical year the department helps over 117,000 households with this program. They can serve even more with the funds they have now.

We want to especially encourage those thousands of Minnesotans who have those past due energy bills to apply for the grant. We want to help keep people's power on, we want people to know that they have options to avoid disconnection, he emphasizes.

Households of up to four people, earning up to $65,000 can qualify for the energy assistance program.

Through this application, you can also apply for a weatherization assistance program that could help further reduce your electricity bill.

Schmitz explains, Its a very significant benefit that will permanently reduce your energy costs and make it so that you won't struggle with your energy bills in the same way that you do now because those costs will be lowered permanently.

Through the weatherization program, you will receive an energy audit with free home improvements to conserve energy and help save on your bill in the long run.

To request an application visit here, or call the energy info line at 800 657-3710.

For additional assistance, you can contact the public utility commission to request a repayment plan at 651 296-0406.
The Minnesota Legislature approved a measure that would make ignition interlock the new alternative to whiskey plates.

The popular public safety program would prevent those convicted of a DWI from operating a vehicle unless they are free of alcohol.

The previous method of using whiskey plates only identified those guilty of a DWI but never prevented drunk driving.

Jay Adkins is a DWI and Criminal Defense lawyer for Godwin Dold and says whiskey plates are a form of public shaming and do not address the issue, or prevent drunk driving.

"People who have whiskey plates can not be pulled over for that fact merely. They have to be treated the same as everyone else, so it has no value other than public shaming, which does not prohibit future conduct. Ignition interlock on the other hand would prohibit future conduct and physically prevents drunk driving from occurring," Adkins said.

Current and future whiskey plate holders can make the change over to the ignition interlock program but will have to pay 100 dollars for a new license plate.
ROCHESTER, Minn. - Olmsted Medical Center took action to protect itself from possible security risks after learning one of its vendors was the target of an international cyberattack.

Miami-based software firm Kaseya is facing a $70 million ransom after a well-known group of cybercriminals infiltrated its systems, impacting hundreds of the company's clients in at least 12 countries. The hack is being called the largest ransomware attack ever recorded, and has the attention of the White House and several world leaders.

OMC tells KIMT it was notified of the attack Friday, and responded by shutting down its communication systems "out of an abundance of caution." After ensuring they were unaffected, the systems were brought back online, though the healthcare provider is now blocking other vendors from accessing its network using Kaseya tools.

While representatives from OMC were unavailable for an interview Tuesday, President Biden provided an update on the attack from national security experts yesterday afternoon.

"[It] appears to have caused minimal damage to US businesses, but we're still gathering information to the full extent of the attack," Biden told reporters. "I'm gonna have more to say about this in the next several days, we're getting more detail, and information. That's what I can tell you now, and I feel good about our ability to be able to respond."

In a statement, OMC says in part, "preserving the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all OMC systems is of the utmost priority, and we continue to partner with our security operations center as well as others in the information cybersecurity community to monitor this threat."
OLMSTED COUNTY, Minn. - Heavy rain is being blamed for an injury crash late Tuesday afternoon in Olmsted County.

The Minnesota State Patrol said 64-year-old Alan Dungan, of Spring Valley, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

The vehicle he was driving was southbound on Highway 52 when it hydroplaned and crashed into the median wall.

Dungan was taken to St. Marys for his injuries.
MASON CITY, Iowa - It's not every day you see a museum on wheels.

Since 2003, the North Iowa-based TRACES Center for History and Culture's 'BUS-eum' has traveled to communities large and small across the Midwest, with featured exhibits featuring some connection between Germany and the Midwest. This season, the traveling museum is hosting 'Hidden or Forbidden: Prequels to the Greatest Generation', showcasing some lesser known parts of history between both World Wars, including anti-German hysteria during WWI, the flu pandemic of 1918-19, Prohibition-era bootlegging in Iowa (with a focus on Templeton rye), the 'Second Wave' of the Ku Klux Klan in the Midwest during the 1920s, and farmer rebellions during the Great Depression.

TRACES Executive Director Michael Luick-Thrams says their goal with the BUS-eum is to bring history featuring real artifacts directly to communities.

"We wanted to bring history to as many people as possible. A lot of people in rural Iowa or the Midwest aren't able to go to bigger cities all the time to go to museums. We've been to Nebraska cow towns, Minnesota logging camps, we've been all over with our bus."

With the issues our world is being faced with today, Luick-Thrams is hoping visitors can take away some lessons from the exhibit, and ensure history does not repeat itself.

"These are exactly the stories we have to talk about, even though we don't really want to. We have to ask ourselves, 'why are these things repeating, why do these dynamics not go away?' We hope to offer some ideas about the answers and what they could be."

The BUS-eum is heading to Decorah Wednesday from Noon-7 p.m. across from the Decorah Farmers Market, followed by stops in La Crosse and Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. For a complete list of locations the BUS-eum will be traveling to, click here.
DES MOINES, Iowa  Authorities are releasing the names of two people found dead in Pheasant Creek State Recreation Area.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety says the two deceased have been identified as 31-year-old Cody Michael Rhodes and 27-year-old Courtney Lynne Rhodes. Their bodies were found Friday night inside a vehicle parked in the recreation area north of Cedar Rapids.

Determination on the cause of death is still pending results of autopsies conducted over the Independence Day holiday weekend. An investigation is ongoing but authorities say the deaths were believed to be isolated incidents with no danger to the public.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. High 73F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

A few showers in the evening, then clouds lingering overnight. Low around 65F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.
Syringes with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine lay on a table at a pop up vaccine clinic at the Jewish Community Center on April 16 in the Staten Island borough of New York City.
The CDC's model of the coronavirus is shown. After months of progress in the fight against Covid-19, cases are rising again as the highly contagious Delta variant spreads across the US.
Two Easy Ways To Subscribe!

The Kodiak Daily Mirror offers full-service, five-day a week subscriptions with home delivery in addition to unlimited access to our online services (including our e-Edition). Online-access-only subscriptions include unlimited access to the Mirror's online services without delivery of the printed newspaper.

(Note: New users: You must register and login before purchasing a subscription.
Kokomo, IN (46901)

Today

Partly cloudy early. Scattered thunderstorms developing in the afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 84F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms. Low 68F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Kokomo, IN (46901)

Today

Mixed clouds and sun this morning. Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High near 85F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Low 67F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
The dead ranged in age from 40s to 90s. Officials say none of those who died were fully vaccinated.
Federal funds for childcare services are approved and plans for a new crosswalk were voted on by the Columbia city council. The city health director urged people to get vaccinated amongst the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19.
Haiti's President Jovenel Moise speaks during the 2018 Concordia Annual Summit in New York on September 25, 2018. Moise was killed during an attack on his private residence early on July 7, according to the country's acting Prime Minister Claude Joseph.
By Shim Jae-yun





Chinese President Xi Jinping said foreign forces would "be crushed to death before the Great Wall" should they attempt to bully or influence the country. Xi also clarified China would not tolerate "sanctimonious preaching," apparently targeting the United States, during a speech at Tiananmen Square on July 1, marking the centenary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).







Xi's remarks reminded me of the harsh war of words between the top foreign and security officials from the U.S. and China in Anchorage, Alaska, March 18. The extremely tense meeting highlighted the beginning of hegemonic warfare between the two superpowers, each touching upon the most vulnerable parts of the other including human rights abuses and territorial issues.







Under the former President Donald Trump administration, China enjoyed rising global influence taking advantage of his isolationist "America first" policy. For Xi, it was a fortunate period as an increasing number of countries around the globe were turning their backs on the "unilateral" U.S. on many fronts such as trade and security.







But the situation has changed with the advent of the Joe Biden administration. Since its onset in January, Biden has declared "America is back" rallying allies behind the U.S. to focus on countering China, among others. For starters, via his visits to Europe last month, Biden managed to strengthen the anti-China alliance comprising the member countries of the G7, NATO and the European Union.







The rivalry between the U.S. and China will likely escalate. "Of particular note, both Biden and Xi enjoy wide support from their people," Yang Moo-jin, a renowned security expert teaching at the University of North Korean Studies, told The Korea Times. He said while "Biden is trying to muster U.S. allies to strengthen the hegemonic state, Xi is seeking to expand China's presence by flexing his leadership."







Xi unveiled his ambitious plan for China's rejuvenation  completing the creation of a modern socialist state by 2049. As Xi put it in his speech, the CCP has led China to its current growth over the past 100 years, lifting the nation to become the second-largest economy behind the U.S. Its aggregate GDP reached $14.86 trillion in 2020, about 71 percent of the U.S.'s $20.80 trillion; while China has surpassed the U.S. in some state-of-the-art technology sectors including 5G.







Despite China's glittering growth and increasing influence, doubts are growing over whether Beijing will be able to achieve its long-term goals as envisaged. Globally, antipathy toward China has been growing as the country seemingly lacks the qualifications needed to be a global hegemon. Despite possessing military and economic prowess, China has yet to have soft power that appeals to other countries.







According to recent surveys in 14 advanced economies conducted by the Pew Research Center of the U.S., a majority in each had an unfavorable opinion of China. And the negative views have reached their highest points in countries such as the U.S., South Korea, the United Kingdom and Germany since the center began this poll a decade ago. The negative assessments increased the most in Australia where 81 percent of respondents said they view the country unfavorably, an increase of 21 percentage points since last year.







During a CCP meeting in late May, Xi cited the need for China to initiate an international agenda matching the country's power and prestige. Yet, skepticism is growing given China's oppression of press freedom in Hong Kong  even shutting down the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily  and human rights abuses of minorities in the Xinjiang region.







In external affairs, China has taken flak for having employed the aggressive "wolf warrior" tactics of bullying other countries, inviting severe repercussions from around the world. It has also been threatening to unify Taiwan by force. China should bear in mind that it cannot become a global power in the real sense through just physical force. What it needs urgently is generosity to embrace other nations.







Regrettably for Korea, China has also been attempting to expand its influence in totally inappropriate ways. For instance, it tried to promote Korea's traditional staple side dish kimchi as its own native food called "paocai." It also took retaliatory measures against world-famous K-pop band BTS after band members cited the need to cherish the Korea-U.S. alliance. These actions and others will only fan anti-China sentiment here.







Xi revised a party rule in a bid to extend his stay in power, a move which will heighten distrust of his country. Dictatorship and frenzied nationalism in China are totally undesirable for China itself as well as other nations. Xi needs to ponder who is bullying whom as it seeks to coerce others.









Shim Jae-yun (





jayshim@koreatimes.co.kr ) is an editorial writer of The Korea Times.
Albion, IN (46701)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms during the morning becoming more widespread this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High around 80F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms. Low 66F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms this morning, then mainly cloudy during the afternoon with thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High around 80F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Low 66F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Now that the economy has opened back up, what business or service would you like to see added to the Lakes Regions economy?
ROME, JUL 7 - The European Commission said in its summer economic forecasts on Wednesday that it expects Italy's GDP to rise 5% in 2021 and 4.2% in 2022. "The forecast for 2021 is significantly higher than in spring," the Commission said. "This is due to the sizeable upward revision to GDP in the first quarter and the stronger-than-expected response of economic activity to the easing of mobility and business restrictions". In the spring the EC had forecast growth of 4.2% this year and 4.4% in 2022. "Public and private investment, supported by firms' decreasing uncertainty about their demand outlook and the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan, is set to remain the leading growth driver," the EC added. "Private consumption is expected to rebound sizeably, helped by improving labour market prospects and the gradual unwinding of accumulated savings". (ANSA).
ROME, JUL 7 - The European Commission has presented a long-term strategy that aims to make the EU's rural areas "stronger, more connected, resilient and prosperous" by 2040. This vision features a platform for information exchange, incentives to create innovation systems in the countryside, sustainable mobility strategies and increased access to services and broadband. Tuscany Governor Eugenio Giani thinks that it is necessary for "rural communities to become active innovation agents," with the end of the "urban-rural dichotomy" and rural areas seen as "places of opportunities beyond only agriculture". In an article in TerritoriAll, a magazine produced by ESPON, the EU programme specialised in the analysis of regional policies, the Tuscan governor explained that "the EU offers several tools to foster innovation potential and for better connecting rural communities". He said these included the European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability. Giani added that these tools should be flanked by "a broader adoption of public-private partnerships to create new synergies among sectors and more investments in education, training, social services and security". In a statement presenting the new Rural Pact and a Rural Action Plan, the European Commission recommends combining interventions as much as possible with those of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the Cohesion Policy. It also calls for the adoption of the principle of "rural proofing" all decisions through a rural lens. European Commission Vice President for Democracy and Demography, Dubravka Suica, stressed that the integration of the recovery plans, the cohesion funds and the CAP funds into a single strategy to make rural areas more attractive "today is a necessity". Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski said that, at the moment, "there is too much CAP in rural areas and too much cohesion in urban areas. "It is time to change," Wojciechowski added. Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira commented: "all the funds have been reinforced with the EU Recovery Plan. "The critical element is using them not just with a sectorial outlook, but also with a territorial one, in order for the resources to have a multiplier effect," she added. According to the 'Escape' research project carried out as part of the ESPON programme, the EU policies adopted up to now to stop the abandonment of rural areas have not had tangible results. It said three rural regions out of five in Europe - 40% of the territory and 30% of the population - have been hit by demographic decline or will be in the coming decades. Specifically, it is forecast that the populations of these areas will have fallen to 157 million in 2033, a drop of 21 million with respect to 1993. Photo: Tuscany Governor Eugenio Giani. (ANSA).
(ANSAmed) - ROME, JUL 7 - Italy's Industry Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti on Wednesday signed a decree to activate legislation for a bonus to buy a new television set with a 20% discount on the original price for a maximum of 100 euros. The television set will need to be compatible with new broadcasting standards. "Contrary to the previous incentive, which remains nevertheless in place and is therefore cumulative for those who have all the requirements", Giorgetti said the new bonus "is for all citizens" because there are no limits connected to the ISEE income means test. (ANSAmed).
AOSTA, JUL 7 - A 57-year-old Val d'Aosta man was fined 5,000 euros Wednesday for installing a Nazi eagle and triangles worn by concentration camp inmates on two gates outside his house in Saint-Vincent. Fabrizio Fournier was also found guilty of posting Holocaust denial sttaments on social media including the comments "the gas chambers are fake news" and "people were put down as monsters who were not that, such as the great Adolf Hitler". Fournier, who called himself 'Nazi', also posted a Facebook photo of him giving the Nazi saluate and complained that he had been born on Holocaust Remembrance Day, January 27. He was found guilty of instigating hatred. He was also sentenced to pay compensation to three civil plaintiffs: 20,000 euros to Turin's Jewish community, 10,000 euros to the Val d'Aosta regional government, and 5,000 euros to Italian partisans association ANPI. (ANSA).
State Department of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan said the hope is to build more awareness of the program as the federal moratorium on rental evictions concludes at the end of July. Wisconsin received more than $322 million in the first round of federal Emergency Rental Assistance Funds, which are administered by the state Department of Administration.

We are determined to get assistance out to eligible households as quickly as possible through our network of partners across the state, Brennan said in a statement.

Evers announced in May plans to use $100 million in federal stimulus funds to provide broadband expansion grants in the state. While Evers requested spending another $200 million in state funds over the next two years in the 2021-23 budget, Republicans, who control the state budget committee, instead voted to borrow $125 million for broadband expansion.

Evers has until Friday to come to a decision on the budget.
Milledgeville, GA (31061)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 89F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Some clouds. Low 72F. Winds light and variable.
Background Text: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Devotional Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Everyone needs encouragement. Whether it is from friends or family or the word of God, encouragement helps us to feel better about ourselves and gives us trust that things will work out all right.

There are two points of encouragement that we will look at today. The first has to do with getting rid of thoughts in our minds that are harmful to us. These include destructive words and phrases that we heard from family or other people during our growing up years  words that served to tear us down, not to build us up.

I call these destructive tapes that run through our minds and show up whenever we feel we have failed or are depressed. These are words from our youth, during our formative years as children. These are words that, unless we get rid of them, tend to follow us throughout our lives.

In 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, we read Pauls letter to the believers in Corinth. These are the words of encouragement: Do not lose heart ... our inner self is being renewed day-by-day ... as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.

Furthermore, we read in Romans 15:13, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

These are just two examples of how we can switch the bad tapes in our minds to words of encouragement. Our goal is to stop the destructive words that echo in our minds, and replace them with the encouraging words of God. It is helpful to have a list of those Scriptures that show us Gods love and care for us.

Psychology tells us that in order to break a bad habit, we need to stop doing it for 30 days. After the 30-day mark, it becomes easier to turn away from the temptation.

The same is true for those thoughts in our minds. Stop them when they first surface. Pray to God for help in getting rid of them. Fill your mind with encouraging Scripture. All of these positive actions work together to replace negative words, with the fulfilling love of God.

Another part of turning from the negative has to do with forgiveness. As believers, we should remember that our sins, our past destructive behavior, has been forgiven through Jesus Christ.

As God has forgiven us, we need to also forgive. Forgiveness wipes away bitterness and allow us to live a life of joy and peace and freedom.

'Be Strong, and Let Your Heart Take Courage'

The second point concerning encouragement is not to forget to read your Bible, for in it we find many teachings about how to live in Gods mercy and grace.

In Ephesians 4:31-32, we read, Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

A popular saying is hurting people, hurt people. There is much truth in these words. It is true that hurtful words are as destructive as physical hurt, and often remain with a person much longer.

Going further back in Ephesians 4:29, the apostle Paul tells us, Let no corrupt talk come out of your mouth, but only such as is good for building up.

Thessalonians speaks to us in a similar way: Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

It is important to meet together with other believers. Just as the early church met together constantly and were a help to one another. Today, our weekly service should be the same kind of place where we praise God, hear the word of God, and care for one another.

The words of Hebrews 10:25 reiterate the importance of meeting together in fellowship: Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.

As believers, we can take heart in the words of Colossians 3:15: Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, since, as members of one body, you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Reading the Bible gives us the opportunity to grow in the knowledge and the teachings of God. We become less fearful, more trusting in God, and we find ourselves being used by God in helpful ways toward others.

Colossians 2:2 tells us that when we have faith in God, the hearts of believers are knit together in love. That is, Gods love.

Gods love inside us helps us to stand firm against temptation. It helps us to do what is right and to live in Gods joy and peace.

We are much more open to destructive temptation in both word and deed when we are not standing firm in trusting God. Those who have struggled with these problems know that they do not usually go away all at once. However, the word of God gives us the hope and courage to stand firm.

Psalm 31:24 says, Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all who wait for the Lord.

We also have the uplifting words found in Romans 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

The many Scriptures of encouragement can turn the tide when we are feeling low. They can replace destructive tapes from the past and remind us that God always loves us and wants the best for us. They can be our constant source of encouragement.

So, do not fear that you have failed in life. Do not think you are unloved or forgotten. As Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:7, For the Spirit of God has not given us fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.

Be an encourager, as God encourages you.
State officials are enlisting farmers help to combat a non-native insect thats threatening key sectors of New Yorks $5 billion agriculture industry.

Major infestations of gypsy moth caterpillars, which defoliate trees, have hit Livingston and Ontario counties in the Finger Lakes, Saratoga and Warren counties in the southern Adirondacks, and Clinton County in the northeast corner of the state.

The caterpillars have been feeding voraciously, stripping countless hardwoods and evergreens of their leaves and needles.

By now, most caterpillars are at least 2 inches long, making them invulnerable to pesticides. To be effective, sprays must be applied when the caterpillars emerge in April or early May.

But eggs are laid in masses during July and August

Whats really going to be important is getting the public to look out for these egg masses in a few months to see if theres really an increase in the gypsy moth population and if this is something were going to have to really start focusing on again. Farmers will also need to play a role in looking for them, said Renee St. Jacques, New York Farm Bureau representative to the New York Invasive Species Advisory Committee, which she chairs.

Gypsy moths have been in the U.S. for about 150 years, after being introduced from Europe for silk production. Like many non-native insects, they began spreading and now range from northern Minnesota to North Carolina.

Outbreaks typically occur every 10 to 15 years and last two or three years until one of two natural enemies, a virus or fungus, causes populations to crash.

Apple and Maple Farmers on Guard

In New York, the current outbreak began last year in the Finger Lakes and has spread to northern parts of the state this year.

Clinton County, on the west side of Lake Champlain, is prime apple country and has many large maple sugar makers.

State forester Robert Cole said apple trees are the caterpillars primary target, although there have been some reports of orchard damage. In addition, most apple growers spray their orchards in the spring, which may have kept gypsy moths in check.

Peter Hagar, manager of the Clinton County Soil & Water Conservation District, said localized infestations have appeared, and several area maple producers hired firms to conduct aerial spraying this spring.

These guys work in their sugar bushes like farmers work in their fields, he said. These folks know their woods. They know the pests that can affect them.

One defoliation wont kill a tree unless its already weak or diseased. For hardwoods, leaves typically start reappearing from mid-July to August after caterpillars stop feeding.

But there is a concern that this years defoliation could affect the sap sugar content and overall quality of next springs maple season.

Gypsy moths are just one more nuisance on a long list of invasive insects and plants that are giving farmers and rural landowners major headaches these days.

The emerald ash borer is threat to a many forest products, and the spotted lanternfly affects vineyards.

It seems like were adding new invasive species every year. Farmers really need tools to combat them, St. Jacques said.

In 2017, Dylan Parry, of the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, obtained National Science Foundation funding to study gypsy moths with partners from two universities in Virginia.

Their work focused on the gypsy moths tolerance for both cold and warm climate conditions along its 1,400-mile invasion front.

Teardrop-shaped egg masses are 1 to 2 inches long and are found on trees, houses, sheds, outdoor furniture and just about anything that sits outdoors for a long time. Eggs can be killed by scraping them off and putting them in hot, soapy water.

The number of egg masses found in the fall and winter gives landowners a sense for whether theyll need to conduct aerial spraying in the spring.

Predicting next years defoliation really needs to wait till late fall or winter, Cole said. At that point you can conduct egg mass surveys on your property and see how many there are per acre so you know what to expect. Then decide to spray or not.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation does not have a gypsy moth eradication program.

Landowners who want to get their land sprayed should contact a provider early, in January, to get on the list. That especially makes sense, Cole said, if several property owners in the area want the service.

State and local officials encourage large landowners and homeowners alike to report gypsy moth outbreaks, which helps them understand and respond to the problem.

Respondents are asked to provide the outbreaks location and type of tree the caterpillars have targeted by emailing foresthealth@dec.ny.gov
The Chinese smartphone brand OnePlus is all set to a new affordable smartphone under its Nord series. Likely to be called Nord 2 5G, the Chinese smartphone brand has started teasing the device on its official Nord Instagram handle. If the market reports are to be believed, the upcoming mid-range phone is likely to be launched towards the end of this month. OnePlus Nord 2 Debut Tipped for July 24, 2021; Check Features & Other Details Here.

According to tipster Mukul Sharma, the launch of the Nord 2 smartphone is slated during the last 10 days of July. However, the phone maker is yet to make an official announcement regarding the same.

It was last month when OnePlus introduced the Core Edition of the Nord device. Now, the company is all set to launch the successor of the original Nord device. Interestingly, the company recently deleted all the posts from Nord's official Instagram account. It appears that the company plans to start afresh for marketing campaigns for the upcoming device. So, it won't be wrong to assume that the arrival of the new Nord smartphone is imminent.

OnePlus Nord 2 (Photo Credits: 91 Mobiles)

The OnePlus Nord 2 is likely to be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1200 SoC, which could be paired with up to 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of onboard storage. The phone is tipped to get a 6.43-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate.

OnePlus Nord 2 (Photo Credits: 91 Mobiles)

If the market reports are to be believed, the phone will get a triple rear camera setup, comprising a 50MP Sony IMX766 sensor assisted by an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens and 2MP sensor. The company is likely to go with a 32MP shooter up front, which will be housed under a punch-hole notch, for selfies and video calling.

OnePlus Nord 2 (Photo Credits: 91 Mobiles)

It is expected to pack a 4,500mAh battery with 30W fast charging support. The phone will boot Oxygen OS 11 out of the box. The handset is likely to be priced in India below Rs 30,000. Expect more details surfacing on the internet as we move towards the rumoured launch date.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 07, 2021 06:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
The Chinese smartphone brand Xiaomi launched the Redmi Note 10 series in the Indian market earlier this year in March. The popular Redmi Note 10 series comprises four devices - vanilla Note 10, Redmi Note 10S, Redmi Note 10 Pro, and Redmi Note 10 Pro Max. The company now seems to add a new smartphone to the lineup, which could be called the Redmi Note 10T. Ahead of its launch, the device has been teased online via Amazon India. The handset will be sold as an Amazon exclusive as a dedicated microsite is now live on the e-commerce marketplace. Redmi Note 10 5G & Redmi Note 10 Pro 5G Smartphones Launched; Check Prices, Features & Specifications.

As a reminder, the Redmi Note 10T smartphone was recently launched in the Russian market. Additionally, a popular Xiaomi tipster - Kacper Skrzypek had previously confirmed the existence of the Redmi Note 10T 5G phone. He also mentioned that this device will launch in India.

Redmi Note 10T 5G (Photo Credits: Xiaomi)

Beyond the horizon, it blazes past! Traveling at a speed of 1035 km/sec. MEDRI & TONE are left euphoric by the Red Light! "BRACE YOURSELF!" exclaims MEDRI "They know we're here!" says TONE Tunnel closes. 20 9 19 3 15 13 9 14 7#FastAndFuturistichttps://t.co/MuUWmpawSb pic.twitter.com/JvDTjLsVEr  Redmi India - #RedmiNote10 Series (@RedmiIndia) July 6, 2021

It's worth noting that the Redmi Note 10T is essentially a rebadged model of Redmi Note 10 5G with the same set of specifications. It's also a rebranded version of the Poco M3 Pro, which is already the same in India.

The Russian-spec device comes in a sole configuration - 4GB + 128GB with a price tag of 19,990 Russian Ruble (around Rs 20,550). However, we expect the phone to be priced somewhere around Rs 15,000 similar to the Poco M3 Pro 5G. In terms of specifications, the upcoming Redmi Note 10T will sport a 6.5-inch FHD+ LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate. It also gets a punch-hole notch housing an 8MP selfie shooter. It will be powered by an octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor. It is likely to be backed by a 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging. For photography, there will be a triple rear camera module. It will comprise a 48MP primary sensor assisted by two 2MP depth and macro sensors with an LED flash.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 06, 2021 11:42 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
An ex-top police official of Mexico was arrested and is currently facing charges of torture from incidents that happened almost 10 years ago, the state announced on Monday.

The suspect, who was reported to be the former right-hand of ex-security secretary Genero Garcia Luna, was identified as former Federal Police commander Luis Cardenas Palomino.

It was reported by the attorney general of Mexico that Cardenas Palomino was apprehended on the outskirts of Mexico City. He was arrested with charges of torturing a suspect in kidnapping back in 2012.

According to The Associated Press, aside from charges of torture and abuse, U.S. prosecutors also alleged Cardenas Palomino of accepting bribes from the Sinaloa cartel. The cartel was previously run by notorious drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, who is currently imprisoned in the U.S.

Mexico's attorney general's office said Monday that Cardenas Palomino was arrested on the outskirts of Mexico City on allegations that he tortured a kidnapping suspect in 2012.

Moreover, Cardenas Palomino's former boss, Garcia Luna is also currently held in the U.S. with charges of drug trafficking.

'No More Corruption and Abuse in Mexico' - Lopez Obrador

In light of the former top police official's arrest, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador stated that it was a sign that the country is not anymore tolerating abuse and corruption. However, he stated that he is still unsure if Mexico would be extraditing Cardenas Palomino, Reuters reported.

In addition, Lopez Obrador stated that Cardenas Palomino was nabbed because impunity no longer exists in the country. It has been known that the president's administration has grappled in fighting the rampant drug trade.

A testament to Lopez Obrador's struggle in handling the drug cartels is his order to release one of El Chapo's sons to avoid further shed of blood.

ALSO READ: Fentanyl Producers Make Drugs Look Harmless; Texas Law Enforcement Alarmed About Drug Pressed into Pills

Cardenas Palomino and Garcia Luna's Partnership

In 2019, Garcia Luna was arrested in Texas. He was known to have served as the secretary of public security of Mexico from 2006 until 2012 until he decided to relocate to the U.S.

Garcia Luna is currently awaiting trial in the U.S. He is facing charges of taking millions of dollars in bribes from the notorious Sinaloa cartel, allegations which he denied.

Cardenas Palomino worked with Garcia Luna when he served as a top commander of Mexico's then-federal police during the same years.

The pair was famous for their alleged "staged raid" in 2005. The raid, which was said to be just for TV cameras, led to the arrest of two persons who were charged with kidnapping. The two supposed suspects were reportedly already have been held illegally hours before the raid.

In a statement, Jose Reveles, a known author stated that Cardenas Palomino would most likely be extradited because he would be a key witness to privileged information after working as one of Garcia Luna's main men for several years.

According to President Lopez Obrador, the widespread cases of corruption and abuse was the major factor in his decision to completely abolish the Mexican federal police in 2019.

RELATED ARTICLE: Gunfight Between Rival Jalisco Cartel and Sinaloa Cartel Leaves 18 Dead in Mexico

WATCH: Detencion de Luis Cardenas Palomino por el caso Cassez-Vallarta, segun el analisis de Jose Reveles - CNN en Espanol
U.S. President Joe Biden had mentioned the "door-to-door" approach as part of the COVID vaccination efforts to convince Americans to get vaccinated, which prompted criticisms from social media.

Biden said that they need to go to the community by community, neighborhood by neighborhood, and oftentimes door to door to help the remaining unvaccinated people protected from the virus, according to The Daily Wire report.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki had also mentioned the said approach during her press briefing.

Psaki said that the president will outline five areas his team is focused on to get more Americans vaccinated, citing the door-to-door outreach to get the remaining unvaccinated population inoculated.

READ MORE: Ohio Mom Details How Daughter Ended up in Wheelchair After Pfizer COVID Vaccine Trial

Door-to-Door Approach

Rep. Dan Crenshaw took on Twitter to voice out his sentiments, saying that not to knock on his door as they're not his parents. He added that "you're the government."

Crenshaw went on to say to make the vaccine available and let people be free to choose.

Country star John Rich had also commented on the said approach the Biden administration had announced.

He said that if anyone will be knocking on his door, he will invite them in and tell them about Jesus. Rich added that he will be making them listen to Ronald Reagan's speeches and have a full reading of the Constitution.

Actor James Woods also took on Twitter to ask the question if they will be wearing armbands.

The effort would involve the Department of Health and Human Services' existing COVID-19 Community Corps program, according to an Independent report.

One White House official said they used the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's data and targeted areas with low vaccination rates and knocked on every door there.

The official said that they saw movement in states where they imposed the said approach. These areas include Alabama, Florida, Texas, and Georgia.

Biden Administration: Vaccination Goal

The message of the new approach came after Biden fell short of his July 4 vaccination goal to reach 70 percent of the U.S. adults with at least one dose of their COVID vaccine. The current figure currently stands at over 67 percent, according to a U.S. News report.

Biden officials were earlier asked if they would meet their vaccination goal. White House COVID coordinator Jeff Zients did not directly answer during a press conference.

Zients instead said that they are going to achieve the 70 percent and will continue to push beyond the said threshold, according to another U.S. News report.

Biden urged more people to get the vaccine amid the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant, which makes up about 25 percent of new COVID cases in the U.S.

The Delta variant is also seen to become the dominant strain in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, warned that people should not misinterpret that a city or state opening up meaning they are done.

Fauci said that they are going to push the vaccination efforts beyond the Fourth of July to get as many people vaccinated as they possibly can.

READ NEXT: Moderna Scientists Warn Against New COVID Variants That Could Drive a New Wave of Transmission

This article is owned by Latin Post

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Biden Announces Door-to-Door Outreach to Boost Vaccinations - from Bloomberg Quicktake: Now






A court in Colombia has accused members of the military and a civilian of being involved in the forced disappearance of 24 people, murdering at least 120 civilians, and claiming they were fighters who had been killed in combat.

The Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) tribunal in Bogota accused 10 military members of being involved in the "false positive" scandal for the first time, Aljazeera reported.

The JEP is responsible for probing crimes and atrocities committed during half a century of armed conflict in Colombia.

Earlier this year, the JEP ruled that the military members in Colombia made at least 6,400 extrajudicial killings and presented them as combat deaths between 2002 and 2008. The accused included a general, six officers, three non-commissioned officers, and a civilian.

A 19-year-old victim was also counted among those killed. He was identified as Julian Oviedo Monroy. His mother said he disappeared one night in 2008 after telling her that he had been offered a job.

Later on, she learned that the recruiters had handed him over to the military, who killed him and identified him as one of the country's left-wing guerillas.

READ NEXT: Colombia President Ivan Duque's Helicopter Hit by Gunfire Near Venezuela Border

'False Positive' Scandal in Colombia

One of the known victims was Eduardo Garzon. In March 2008, he failed to show up for his job at a working-class restaurant that he co-managed in Bogota.

His whereabouts remained unknown for the next five months. His mother had discovered Garzon 300 kilometers away from their home.

Official reports had claimed that Garzon was a dangerous rebel with the Revolution Armed Forces of Colombia, another Aljazeera reported.

Ana Paez, Garzon's mother and vice president of the organization Mother of False Positive Victims in Soacha and Bogota, noted that they have always said there are more victims than they say they were.

Paez said no one listened to them. She added that they believe there are more than 6,400 victims.

Magistrate Catalina Diaz said it was a pattern of macro-criminality with the repetition of at least 120 murders during two years by the same group.

The indictment names Brig. Gen. Paulino Coronado Gamez. He was one of those responsible for the killings of the civilians, The New York Times reported.

Juan Pappier, a Colombia researcher at Human Rights Watch, said that Gamez is the highest-ranking official to be accused of the false positives case in any court.

Accused Military Members in Colombia

Dozens of army officers have been detained and convicted for their part in the murders. They have also testified before the JEP as they seek shorter sentences for their crime.

The NY Times reported that previous indictments in the regular court system targeted lower-ranking officers.

One other general named Henry Torres Escalante was also indicted earlier in the regular system. He was a colonel when the alleged killings happened.

Magistrate and JEP President Eduardo Cifuentes noted that if those accused could receive a sentence of up to 20 years in a civilian court if they do not face the charges in 30 days.

The new indictments charged 11 people. Officials said they are planning to charge more people soon.

It was estimated that more than 10,000 civilians were murdered during the administration of former President Alvaro Uribe, based on a 2018 report.

Diaz said the witnesses stated that officers were urged to bring in more combat casualties with promises of awards vacations, including special meals of hamburgers and fried chicken.

READ MORE: Amid Mass Protests, Colombia Braces for More COVID Infections

This article is owned by Latin Post

Written by Mary Webber

WATCH: Colombians Afraid of Past False Positive Scheme Repeating - From CGTN America






Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's former chief of staff has spoken about her experience working with the royal couple, describing it as an "incredible experience."

Catherine St-Laurent said the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have the potential to be very influential, People reported. St-Laurent had earlier worked for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation before working with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry for the Archewell Foundation in early 2020.

She said that the royal couple is incredibly talented and creative leaders, adding that she is grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of their journey.

After Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepped down from their senior royal roles, they announced in March 2020 that St-Laurent would serve as their chief of staff and executive director for their nonprofit organization.

Almost a year later, she transitioned her position as advisor for their Archewell Foundation. In April, St-Laurent launched Acora Partners, which is a philanthropic advising and social impact consulting firm.

She said that she looks forward to being part of the social impact that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will leave.

READ MORE: Prince Charles Won't Allow Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Kids to Receive Royal Titles When He Becomes King

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Staff Bullying Claims

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's former communications secretary, Jason Knauf, earlier complained to Prince William's private secretary.

Knauf claimed that the Duchess of Sussex drove two personal assistants to quit. Knauf noted that Markle had derailed the confidence of another staffer.

Reports claimed that employees were sometimes left in tears and shaking, U.S. Magazine reported. However, representatives of the royal couple refuted the claims, saying that it is a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation.

The representatives added that they are disappointed to see this defamatory portrayal of Markle. Buckingham Palace has said they started an investigation on the claims last March, but the results have not been released.

Royal expert Robert Lacey claimed that the bullying accusations drove Prince Harry and Prince William to the breaking point.

Prince Harry was reportedly furious that the accusations were being accepted as the truth. The two had a confrontation regarding the matter.

Harry earlier said that stuff happens, but they will always be brothers. He added that they are certainly on different paths at the moment, but he'll always be there for Prince William, and he knows his brother will always be there for him, according to an E Online report.

ITV Documentary

Meanwhile, Prince Harry became candid about his mother's death during a 2019 documentary, describing it as a "wound that festers."

Harry said that everything he does reminds him of her. However, the role, job, and pressure of being a royal make him reminded of the bad stuff.

Harry also said that the pressures of his life are a matter of constant management. The Duke had been known to be a longtime advocate for mental health awareness.

Prince Harry said that he would not be bullied into playing a game that killed his mother. On the other hand, Meghan Markle had also opened up about her struggles and life as a new mother under huge scrutiny by the British media.

READ MORE: Buckingham Palace Hit With New Racism Allegations, Involving Queen Elizabeth II's Top Courtiers

This article is owned by Latin Post

Written by Mary Webber

WATCH: Meghan Markle & Prince Harry's Former Chief of Staff Speaks Out About Working for Them - From PEOPLE
Matima Miller, a TikTok star known by his nickname Swavy and Babyface.s, has passed away at age 19 after he was shot dead on Monday, July 5.

In a statement, the Wilmington Police Department said the TikTok star died from a fatal shooting incident at his home in Wilmington, Delaware.

The Insider reported that police did not publicize Swavy's identity until Tuesday, July 6. Police stated that Swavy died after he was transferred to the hospital on Monday morning. However, police did not say where the TikTok star was shot in the shooting.

A public information officer for the police department said he could not give additional information due to an ongoing investigation.

Fellow TikTok star Kid Maury posted a video on his YouTube to talk about Swavy's death. Maury said that all Swavy did was make videos, and he kept everything real, Heavy reported.

Maury noted that to see the TikTok star get taken out, just like that, "makes no sense." Since Matima Miller is gone, Maury said that he's about to take over for him.

Kid Maury and Matima Miller have appeared in videos together. Kid Maury, whose real name is Damaury Mikula, was one of Swavy's close friends. Mikula's YouTube video now has around one million views, The Daily Beast reported.

READ NEXT: TikTok 'Blackout Challenge' Blamed for the Death of 12-Year-Old Colorado Boy

Swavy Death

Police had responded to the 700 block of Elbert Place. Mikula said that he just texted Matima Miller before it happened.

Heather Pepper, the medical examiner's spokeswoman, has yet to issue any information about the investigation.

One fan commented on Mikula's YouTube video, saying that Swavy was a really good person even though people only saw him through mobile phones. The fan added that the TikTok star brought good vibes and was always cheerful.

According to a Delaware Online report, Matima Miller's family had declined to comment on his death.

Matima Miller went by the handle @Babyface.s on TikTok. His TikTok page, which now has over 2.5 million followers and 98.4 million likes, featured many videos of him dancing and playing paintball.

The TikTok star's Instagram account has more than 370,000 followers. Fans mourned Swavy's death on social media, with one Twitter user saying that "it's always the good ones" who died early.

Another Twitter user also said that the TikTok star is gone but will never be forgotten while posting a montage of Babyface.s previous videos as a tribute.

Other TikTok Stars Who Also Died Young

Aside from Babyface.s, other vloggers and TikTok stars also died at such a young age, like Dazhariaa at age 18. Dazhariaa Quint Noyes allegedly died by suicide last February. Her father confirmed it on the popular video app.

Her father said that he just wanted to thank everyone for their love and support for his daughter, She The People reported. Her father did not state the TikTok star's cause of death, which led fans to speculate that she had taken her own life.

TikTok star Siya Kakkar was also reported dead at age 16 due to suicide in New Delhi last June. Kakkar's death was confirmed by her manager, saying that it must be due to something personal.

The manager said that in terms of work, the TikTok star was doing well. Kakkar had been popular for her dance videos.

READ MORE: Mexican Drug Cartels Use TikTok to Smuggle Migrants, Recruit Them for Crimes, Abbott Says

This article is owned by Latin Post

Written by Mary Webber

WATCH: Tiktok Swavy Died | Tiktok babyface.s Swavy Passed Away | Who was Swavy TikTok? | BabyFace Swavy - From Who and What You Need To Know






The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confiscated a fully constructed LEGO set model of the U.S. Capitol building from an alleged leader of the January 6 riot.

New York Post reported that the FBI investigators seized the said LEGO set from Robert Morss, 27, of Pennsylvania.

Although the FBI seized the fully constructed LEGO set of the U.S. Capitol building, Insider noted that it was still unclear how Morss utilized it as a teaching tool or to plan the riot.

READ NEXT: Alaska Woman Claims Feds Searched her Home for Nancy Pelosi's Laptop

Other Items Seized by FBI to the Alleged Capitol Riot Leader

Robert Morss was arrested on June 11 and was charged with four separate counts of breaking into the Capitol building, entering the building through a broken window, and organizing a shield wall of rioters against the law enforcement authorities on the day of the riot.

Apart from the LEGO set, authorities also acquired a notebook during his arrest that contained instructions on how to create a "hometown militia," which included preparations such as "ambush" and "battle drills." Firearms were also discovered by authorities, including a shotgun, handgun, and rifle.

The Insider cited a Department of Justice (DOJ) filing, which revealed that officers discovered items in his home that Morss took to the Capitol such as a neck gaiter, military clothing, tourniquet, and a "Don't tread on Me" flag.

When Morss was in the Capitol riot, he was reported wearing a "tactical gear" and a "MAGA" hat while leading the insurrectionists who tried to enter the Capitol's lower west terrace.

Prosecutors alleged in the court documents that at one point, Robert Morss ripped a shield from a law enforcement officer of the Metropolitan Police Department.

DOJ Says Over 500 Charged in Capitol Riot

On Tuesday, July 6, the DOJ, through the U.S. Attorney's Office in the District of Columbia, announced that at least 535 defendants were arrested in nearly all 50 states of the U.S. in connection to the Capitol riot.

The office noted that the number released included those charged in the District and the Superior Court. From those numbers, the DOJ underscored that at least 165 were charged with assaulting or impeding officers or employees, including 50 who utilized dangerous weapons against the officers.

The Hill reported that at least 235 were charged with obstructing, influencing, or impeding an official proceeding or attempting to do so.

Meanwhile, almost 495 defendants were charged with entering a restricted federal building. So far, about 10 people have pleaded guilty to a variety of federal charges.

"The FBI continues to request the public's assistance in identifying individuals sought in connection to the January 6th attack," said the Attorney's Office as they acknowledged the help of the public, who provided more than 200,000 digital media tips.

Apart from the arrest, the DOJ further noted that the January 6 insurgency caused about $1.5 million worth of damage to the Capitol building.

READ MORE: Two Charged on the Death of Capitol Officer Brian Sicknick

This article is owned by Latin Post

Written by Joshua Summers

WATCH: How The Jan. 6 Capitol Riots Changed Congress - From NBC News
After a year of adjustments in the educational system and methods, the state of Texas received more than 4 billion dollars intended for Texas schools to help students in bouncing back from the delays caused by the pandemic.

The Department of Education announced Wednesday it approved seven American Rescue Plans in different states. The cash came from the Biden administration's stimulus plan. Texas schools also received a large chunk of the relief plan in May. With promises of more to come, that's what the Lone Star State is seeing now.

According to NBC DFW, the state of Texas would get a $4.1 billion chunk of the approximately $6 billion dollars handed out to seven states. The Texas Education Agency proposed a plan to use the money in offering high dosage tutoring across the state. The state of Texas wanted to invest in more summer learning and after-school programs to tackle the learning losses of the Texan students.

ALSO READ: Texas Man Dies on Fatal Shot by San Antonio Police After Allegedly Firing at Family Members and TV News Crew

Replicating Texas' Method

The leaders from the White House and the United States Department of Education shared that several states who received the educational relief plan would be using the methods that the state of Texas would be executing.

The acting assistant secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education, Ian Rosenblum, stated that high dosage tutoring is a great example of an evidence-based intervention. Rosenblum added that they saw that the method was not only applicable in the state of Texas but also in a number of state plans.

In addition, Rosenblum mentioned that states would be focusing on figuring out how to accelerate the understanding of students about their handed educational and instructional materials.

The methods were only some of the programs Dallas and Fort Worth Independent School Districts already pledged to offer. The money from the federal agency would ensure that schools would be able to continue the tutoring program, and it would be available for all students who need them.

Furthermore, Mike Morath, the state of Texas Education Commissioner emphasized that school children across the Texas would have access to specialized tutoring. Specialized tutoring involves high-quality instructional materials and job-embedded professional learning to strategically address the academic impact and delays caused by the pandemic.

In the past, school leaders complained the last round of stimulus money intended to help the educational program of the state was hung up in Austin and took too long to get into their hands. This time, superintendents were hopeful that it won't be a problem.

American Rescue Plan for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief or the (ESSER) funds were approved in seven states across the U.S. Those states were Arkansas, South Dakota, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Utah, Washington D.C., and Texas.

On the other hand, the ARP Act of 2021 was signed by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, which allowed states to have access to two-thirds of their ARP ESSER allocation in April. The budget was a total of $81 billion; now, the remaining $41 billion would become available depending on the Department's approval for each state's plan.

RELATED ARTICLE: Texas Sheriffs Sue Pres. Joe Biden for Restricting ICE's Authority to Arrest, Deport Illegal Immigrants

This article is owned by Latin Post

Written by Jess Smith

WATCH: What the American Rescue Plan Means for Schools -Education Week
Need help logging in?

We have transitioned to a new user-friendly interactive website. You will need an account and a subscription to see the site in its entirety.

HOME DELIVERY subscribers get online access for free with their subscription. If you are a home delivery subscriber, create a new account and follow the directions to validate your home delivery subscription.

If you were a previous ONLINE ONLY subscriber, you should have received an email with directions on how to log in. If you are still experiencing issues contact us at bulletincirc@gmail.com.
A man who failed to pay over 136,000 in VAT owed to Revenue over a period of five years has been jailed for two years.

John Fitzsimons (58), of Whitethorn Park, Palmerstown, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for failing to remit VAT payments amounting to approximately 136,000 between May 2011 and May 2016, and failure to submit VAT and income tax return forms on various dates between 2001 and 2016.

Revenue Officer Emma Courtney told Grainne ONeill BL, prosecuting, that in January 2016, Bunzl Ireland Ltd., a packaging company, alerted Revenue to invoices issued to the company by J Fitz Haulage Ltd.

Enquiries carried out by Revenue found that J Fitz Haulage  which was registered to Fitzsimons home address  had to ceased to exist since 1999, and that the VAT number listed on invoices from the company was null and void.

The court heard that Fitzsimons had other dealings with the packaging firm under the guise of two other companies, CGC Associates and M and G Haulage.

Officer Courtney told the court that notice of a civil investigation into his tax affairs was issued to Fitzsimons on February 1, 2016. A letter from CGC Associates returned to Revenue, dated February 26, indicated a willingness to pay tax returns.

When no progress was made in Fitzsimons case, a district court warrant ordered the accused man to produce documents pertaining to his personal bank account. Revenue officers found that over 800,000 had been paid into the account by Bunzl.

Fitzsimons was subsequently invited to a cautioned interview at Revenues Ashtown Gate offices on December 12, 2018, where the defendant said he wouldnt know how to complete a tax return form, and said he was trying to keep his head over water when asked about his failure to pay VAT.

In letter submitted to the court by Fitzsimons, he expressed remorse for his actions, writing that he had fallen so far behind in his tax affairs, and felt he was trapped in a deep hole.

Fitzsimons has no previous convictions.

James Dwyer SC, defending, said that his client understands that the buck stops with him when it comes to his finances, and that he has taken steps to make restitutions.

Defence counsel asked Judge Martin Nolan to consider the accused mans ailing health, and his early plea before sentencing.

Judge Nolan, handing down sentencing, said that although Fitzsimons was hard-working and a very good community man, his actions had resulted in substantial losses to the Revenue.

Given that it was unlikely nothing close to whats owed would be returned to Revenue, Judge Nolan said that a custodial sentence was necessary.

Judge Nolan sentenced Fitzsimons to two years imprisonment. In my view, Im being extremely lenient, he said.
The Laois branch of a service which helps people with problems caused by homelessness, addiction or mental health is offering to help local people who are trying to overcome the obstacles these issues cause in their lives.

We Care Laois is a branch of the Waterford founded We Care Ireland. They say their service is delivered by trained volunteers with the help of a professional counsellor of social care practitioner.

The people behind We Care Laois envisione a service which will provide help and support for those experiencing the following issues in society.

Homelessness: whether it be those who are sleeping rough, who are in squat or who are living in emergency accommodation or hostels or couch surfing with family and friends.

Those who are affected by Mental health- be it families and friends, service users, or those experiencing mental health issues who may not have engaged with services yet but need help.

Those who are affected by Addiction issues be it individuals or their family and friends who are experiencing issues in terms of alcoholism or drugs/ gambling.

"We aim to provide both, support in terms of a confidential listening ear service and information on other services in Laois, government and voluntary for people experiencing these issues," says the board. MORE BELOW POST

The board of the service have the following message to all in the community:

"Are you homeless, do you have drug or alcohol issues, or do you have mental health issues? Are you affected by these issues in terms of supporting your family and friends? Would you like help with any of these issues? Would you like a service you can use any time day or night or during the weekend? Would you like to know what services you can avail of in your

area? Then we care is the answer to all of these wecarelaois@hotmail.com

You can also get in touch with them at:

Facebook @WeCareLaois

Web: www.wecareireland.ie

Tel: 087 900 7669 (Temp)
The death has occurred of Margaret (Peggy) Flanagan (nee Dunne)

Tallaght, Dublin / Ballymore Eustace, Kildare



Flanagan (nee Dunne) Margaret (Peggy) (Kiltipper Woods Care Centre and formerly of Ballymore Eustace) 27th June 2021 peacefully, in the tender care of the staff at Kiltipper Woods Care Centre. Beloved wife of the late Peter and loving Mum to Seamus and Oisin. Margaret will be sadly missed by her family, sisters Aileen and Monica, her grandchildren Ronga and Arwen, extended family and friends.

Rest in Peace

A private family funeral will take place, due to Government advice regarding public gatherings. In compliance with the current HSE guidelines, the funeral will be limited to 50 people. Those who would have liked to attend the funeral, but due to current restrictions cannot, please leave your personal message in the section below Condolences.

The Funeral Mass can be viewed on Friday (9th July) at 11am via the following link https://churchmedia.tv/camera/parish-of-ballymore-eustace

All enquiries to Fanagans Funeral Directors, Tallaght Village  01 451 6701.





The death has occurred of Larry FANNING

JKL Street, Edenderry, Offaly / Clane, Kildare



Formerly of Clane, Co. Kildare.

Larry passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.

May Larry Rest in Peace

Funeral Arrangements Later

The death has occurred of John Keena

Loughanure, Clane, Kildare



Keena, John, Loughanure, Clane, Co. Kildare, July 6th 2021, peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, in the tender care of the staff of Naas General Hospital, Sadly missed by his much loved wife Mary, son Niall, daughters Claire, Niamh and Sinead, daughter-in-law, sons-in-law, his 12 grandchildren, sisters Kathleen, Helen, Olive (Deceased), Carmel and Pauline, brother Paddy (Deceased), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Rest In Peace

Due to current government guidelines, a private family funeral will take place for John (limited to 50 persons). Those who would have liked to attend the funeral, but due to the current restrictions cannot, please leave a personal message for the family in the condolence's section below.

John's funeral can be viewed on Thursday morning at 10.30am by clicking on the following link : https://www.claneparish.com/webcam/

John's funeral cortege will be leaving his residence on Thursday morning at approx. 10am, travelling via his parents' residence to arrive at St. Patrick & St. Brigid's Church, Clane for 10.30am Funeral Mass, followed by burial in Mainham Cemetery. Those who would like to line the route, may do so in a safe and socially distanced manner.

Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to http://copd.ie/donate/.

For all enquiries, please contact Oliver Reilly Ltd. Funeral Directors on (045) 868230.

The death has occurred of Mary Bernadette (Rose) Kemmy (nee Droney)

., Kildare



Charlton, London, UK.

Peacefully at home in Charlton, London on the 23rd of June 2021, so gently cared for by the Palliative Care team. Beloved wife of the late Frank Kemmy. Much loved and missed by her brother, niece and nephews, friends and adopted nieces and nephews.

May She rest in Peace

Removal on Thursday morning to arrive at the Carmelites Church, Kildare Town for Requiem Mass at 11:30 am. Burial afterwards in St. Conleth's Cemetery, Kildare Town. The numbers at the mass are limited in line with current restrictions. Condolences can be left in the condolences section below.

Rose's Funeral Mass can be viewed at The Carmelite's Church, Kildare Town Facebook page or at the following link;

/https://churchcamlive.ie/carmelite-friary-church-kildare/

The death has occurred of Baby Jake Frances McManus

Leixlip, Kildare



Baby Jake Frances McManus. (Barnhall Meadows, Leixlip, Co. Kildare). Born sleeping on July 5th 2021 at The Coombe Hospital. Beloved baby son of Eoin and Jennifer. Sadly missed by his loving parents, grandparents Ann and Paddy Keegan and Adrian and Maura McManus, aunts, uncles, cousins, Godparents and relatives.

Due to Government advice and restrictions regarding public gatherings, a private family funeral will take place. Mass of the Angels for Baby Jake will be celebrated on Thursday afternoon in the Church of Our Ladys Nativity, Old Hill, Leixlip and may be viewed at 1.00pm by following the link below; https://churchmedia.tv/camera/our-ladys-nativity Burial immediately afterwards in Donaghcumper Cemetery, Celbridge. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to the charity Every Life Counts. Jennifer has set up the following Go Fund Me page for them: https://gofund.me/696581e0

Those who would have liked to attend the funeral; but due to current restrictions cannot, please leave your personal message by selecting Condolences below or alternatively leaving a message at www.cunninghamsfunerals.com.
A community group in Clane has welcomed a decision by the High Court to allow it challenge a planning approval for a development of 333 new homes in Clane.

Mr Justice Richard Humphreys granted leave on Monday to Clane Community Council for a judicial review aimed at overturning the Strategic Housing Development permission granted by An Bord Pleanala (ABP) in April.

The case is against ABP, Ireland and the Attorney General, with the developer, Westar Investments Ltd, a notice party.

Lawyers for the Community Council claims the development is in material contravention of the Clane Local Area Plan (LAP) and other issues.

The Community Council is currently raising 40,000 to pay for legal costs of the action.

A spokesperson for the Community Council said today: "The Sustainable Clane Judicial Review Team are very appreciative of the generous support for the fundraising campaign.

"While the High Court has granted leave to hear the cases, the preparation for hearings will take several months.

"Work will continue to complete the fundraising over the summer."

Westar Investments Ltd was contacted for this article but declined to comment.
ESB has today unveiled its first eight-bay, high power electric vehicle charging hub at Junction 14, Mayfield on the M7 near Monasterevin.

The high power charging hub is capable of providing 100km of charge in as little as six minutes. The bay will contain three high power chargers (350kW) and one fast charger (50kW) which can charge up to eight Electric Vehicles (EVs) at any one time.

Marguerite Sayers, Executive Director, Customer Solutions at ESB, Pat O'Doherty, Chief Executive of ESB, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications and Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD and Liam Fitzpatrick, Director of the Lidon Group

The launch of the high power EV charging hub is part of a 20m investment programme financed by the Governments Climate Action Fund and ESB, which will see the expansion and enhancement of the public EV charging network. ESB aims to deliver 50 hubs as it continues to invest in the upgrade of its charging infrastructure. Under the Climate Action Fund project, ESB has already installed six high power hubs allowing three EVs to charge at one time, has replaced over 590 charge points and upgraded 31 chargers to faster speeds.

Speaking at the launch of the high power hub, Marguerite Sayers, Executive Director, Customer Solutions at ESB, said: The electrification of transport is a key component of ESBs low carbon strategy for a brighter future. Todays announcement of the first eight vehicle high power EV charging hub is a significant milestone as we work to meet the growing number of EVs on Irelands roads. This new 350kW high power charging hub, as part of our overall upgrade works, will significantly reduce charging time for EV users. When you couple this with at-home charging, it really signifies a positive next step for current and future EV drivers in Ireland.

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications and Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD, said: The availability of high-power charging infrastructure on key national routes is critical for EV drivers who need to travel longer distances. Through our Climate Action Fund, we will continue to invest and maintain a world-class national charging network that supports the countrys transition to EVs. This new hub, launched by ESB today, and the others that will follow, will encourage more drivers to go electric, cut their fuel costs and reduce our carbon emissions.

Liam Fitzpatrick, Director of the Lidon Group who are responsible for managing Mayfield Services, said: We are delighted that Junction 14 Mayfield will be the first ESB service partner in Ireland to have an eight bay high power electric charging hub.

"Having opened this Motorway Services facility on the M7 10 years ago, we have seen the demand for EV chargers growing steadily throughout that time, and we are very conscious here of the need for more availability, innovation, and better charging speed.

"Today is a hugely significant day for Junction 14 Mayfield and ESB with such a strong commitment being made to carbon reduction and sustainable travel for the future through this joint venture.

When complete, the high power hub network across the country will cater for significantly large numbers of EVs. There are three tiers of high power charging hubs  tier one allows up to eight EVs to charge at any one time; tier two allows up to four EVs to charge at any one time; and tier three allows up to three EVs to charge at any one time. The high-power charging hubs are dramatically faster than current charging infrastructure and are capable of providing a 100km range to EV drivers in as little as six minutes.
IFA farm forestry chairperson, Vincent Nally said the requirement for farmers to get planning permission to replant diseased ash plantations with conifer species is the final nail in the coffin for the Reconstitution Underplanting Scheme (RUS).

Farmers have had enough. They have been abandoned by this Government and are being forced to deal with the financial fallout of ash dieback with a scheme that provides limited financial support, he said.

Minister Hackett must act on forest owners issues and review the scheme. Its not working and the operational costs to carry out the work are increasing. The obligation to maintain diseased forests to a required standard is placing farmers, who are desperately trying to deal with the consequence of the disease, in an untenable position, he said.

He urged farmers to exercise caution when applying for the scheme and make sure they were familiar with the terms and conditions and their obligations under the scheme.

The RUS scheme obliges forest owners to continue to manage and invest in a dying crop; to manage under a continuous forest system that may be contrary to the management objectives; and provides no compensation for the loss of earnings inflicted by the disease. That is if they even qualify for the scheme, he said.

Farmers have had enough and want to see a new scheme introduced that supports all forest owners with ash dieback to support them to remove the diseased crop, to replant and provide a payment in recognition of the loss of timber earnings, said Mr. Nally.

He said that the low planting rates are a direct reflection of farmers unwillingness to plant and commit their land in perpetuity when they see the treatment of farmers whose forests have been devastated by the disease.

This in combination with the excessive bureaucracy associated with planting and management of forests as witnessed with the forest licences crisis must be addressed if the Government is serious about increasing Irelands rate of planting.

He concluded that the RUS needs to be scrapped. Farmers have invested up to 20 years growing ash only for their crop to be devastated and any expected financial return nullified. They need a scheme that better reflects the losses they have incurred.
Brendan Kieran one of the protesters stated today "an agreeable solution" has been reached with Leitrim County Council over the pedestrianisation of Main Street, Carrick-on-Shannon.

Local businesses had threatened to protest the weekend trial scheme again this weekend - read about last week's stand off here.

Brendan Kieran said, "Following discussions with Leitrim County Council, an agreeable solution has been reached concerning the weekend pedestrianisation pilot of Main St. Carrick-on-Shannon. It has been agreed that the pedestrianisation will now come into effect from 1pm on Saturday afternoon and will continue through to 8am on Monday morning.

"This revised arrangement will take effect from 1pm on Saturday 10th July and will continue for a period of 4 weeks including the August Bank Holiday weekend (SATURDAY AND SUNDAY ONLY)

"A commitment has been given by the Council that the situation will be reviewed in August on completion of this pilot. We thank Leitrim County Council for listening to our views and we look forward to working with Leitrim County Council in creating a very vibrant Main Street in Carrick-on-Shannon over the next four weekends."

Leitrim County Council issued the following statement:

"On foot of a request received, Leitrim County Council has engaged in discussions with a number of local retailers regarding the pilot weekend pedestrianisation of Main St. Carrick-on-Shannon. Arising from these discussions, the pilot pedestrianisation will now come into effect from 1pm on Saturday afternoon and will continue through to 8am on Monday morning. This revised arrangement will take effect from 1 pm on Saturday 10th July and will continue for a period of 4 weeks including the August Bank Holiday weekend. The situation will be reviewed in August on completion of this pilot.

"On Saturday and Sunday afternoons during the pilot period Leitrim County Council will provide free public street entrainment on the section of pedestrianised Main St. with the intention of creating an inviting, friendly, family orientated atmosphere that will make the town centre a vibrant and attractive place for shoppers and visitors alike. We hope that this initiative brings vibrancy and increased footfall to the town centre which will be of benefit to all businesses operating in the town centre of our County town. Leitrim County Council would like to thank these retailers for their constructive engagement and input on reaching a solution to this matter.
LIMERICK City and County Council is to write to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly to urge him to bring in safe access zones around healthcare facilities.

At this months full meeting, Labour councillor Conor Sheehan saw his notice of motion passed.

It comes against the backdrop of ongoing protests taking place outside healthcare centres including Limerick Maternity Hospital at the Ennis Road.

These demonstrations have been highlighted by the Together for Safety group which is campaigning for safe access zone legislation in response to anti-abortion protesting continuously taking place outside the Limerick Maternity Hospital and Family Planning Clinic.

Cllr Sheehan said: The right to protest does not guarantee you a right to a captive audience. Safe Access Zones are in the provisions of the repeal legislation.

He pointed out in the referendum on this matter back in 2018, 66.8% of people voted to repeal the eighth amendment in the city, while 58.1% did the same in the county.

Speaking at the meeting, the northside councillor also shared some testimony from women who have been on the receiving end of these demonstrations.

Councillor Elena Secas seconded the motion, while there was also support for it from Cllrs Olivia OSullivan, Sarah Kiely  who described the actions of some protestors as despicable  and Sharon Benson.

Fine Gael councillor Stephen Keary admitted he voted against the constitutional change in 2015, but supported Conor Sheehans motion.

However, his party colleague Gerald Mitchell said: We have to ask are we going to have to have safe access zones for each demonstration?

Together for Safety co-convener, Karen Sugrue, who was present for the meeting in the public gallery said: It was wonderful to see almost unanimous support in Limerick council for Safe Access Zones with representatives from Labour, Sinn Fein, the Green Party, Fine Gael, and Fianna Fail all speaking passionately and giving full cross party support for measures to allow people to attend medical appointments in privacy and safety.
A LIMERICK TD has claimed it is not the advice of NPHET (National Public Health Emergency Team) to prohibit childrens sacraments.

Holy Communion and Confirmation ceremonies were due to take place across the county in the next couple of weeks, but now have had to be put on hold indefinitely, most likely until September at the earliest, said Deputy Richard O'Donoghue.

"It is clear that the decision to ban these planned religious sacraments, such as first Holy Communion and Confirmations for the foreseeable future, has been taken by the Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Green Government, and was not recommended by NPHET, insisted Deputy ODonoghue.

He said this decision was "political and taken, despite assurances from State officials that places of worship are safe".

"The callous decision was disgracefully taken without any consultation with religious authorities, teachers or parents. I feel sorry for the likes of Bishop Brendan Leahy who had to become the bearer of such unnecessary bad news over the last few days.

"This decision, taken without any public health request, speaks volumes of the Governments deeply rooted agenda against the Catholic Church, and other religions.

It is a real hammer blow to parents and children, who have been waiting, preparing and excited about the prospect of celebrating the various ceremonies," said Deputy O'Donoghue.

He said families have been waiting for over a year to celebrate these sacraments.

"Now, their plans have been shattered by a Government far removed from the realities being faced by ordinary people.

Parents are righty furious with this unnecessary call. I have heard from parents and Parish Priests across Limerick who feel utterly let down by the Government on this issue, as events had been planned in anticipation of previous commitments given," said Deputy O'Donoghue.

He warned that the "ongoing uncertainty, lack of clarity and spin is having a dangerous impact on youth mental health".

"Their continuous attack on religious freedoms is the most draconian in the Western World and is systematically appalling," he concluded.
WHEN people ask, "Why do we still need Pride?" this is why we still need pride, said Lisa Daly, chairperson of Limerick Pride.

Lisa was responding to the burning of a Pride flag in Merchant's Quay in the city on Monday afternoon. It was discovered by Sean McIlfatrick who made a complain to the guards. Gardai are treating it as an incident of criminal damage by fire.

Lisa said we will need Pride as long as "hatred of LGBTQAI people exists".

"Pride is not just a celebration but a human rights movement, as we were marching not just for people in Ireland, but for people all around the world who do not have the rights that we do in Ireland.

"Even though we have made great progress here in Ireland there is still so much more to do, this is just another example of that and as a proud Limerick person I am disappointed to see this happening in our beautiful city."

Limerick Pride wants to highlight human rights for all, in particular for the rights of LGBTQAI individuals who continue to be persecuted in some countries throughout the world for their beliefs and sexual orientation, said Lisa.

"This is about equal human rights for everybody as we are a global LGBTQAI family. So many believe Pride is not needed or that we have equality since the marriage referendum, this is incorrect, we as a community are not equal which is why this years Limerick pride hashtag is #stillnotequal to highlight this.

"This is not a piece of fabric, this is not 'just' a flag, this is much more significant."

The chairperson and director of the Limerick Pride festival said the pride flag is a symbol of hope; a symbol of resilience and a symbol of acceptance.

"That Pride flag flying at City Hall means that some struggling teenager might feel a slight bit accepted. That flag flying on the bridges may make someone who has been rejected for who they are feel safe and seen. That piece of fabric stands in the face of every box, kick, and punch any childhood-self took.

"The Pride flag is a symbol of love, acceptance, and hope. I believe education in schools and at home are particularly important in regarding what Pride is and what the pride flag represents. What people like this should realise by now is the LGBTQI+ community are very resilient and will continue regardless."

Lisa concluded the statement to the Limerick Leader by saying, "On behalf of the committee and I, we would like to wish everyone a happy Limerick Pride 2021 and to remember the fight for full acceptance and equality will continue regardless".
THERES been a surge in demand locally for the Covid-19 vaccine in the 18-34 age group, with one pharmacist revealing demand is outstripping supply by almost eight to one.

Chemists across the city and the county are scrambling to service a huge number of requests after Health Minister Stephen Donnelly announced people in the 18-34 age category can avail of a Johnson and Johnson (J&J) single shot jab at pharmacies.

Rory Keating, who runs three chemists  in Roxboro, Newcastle West and Shannon  said as of this Tuesday, he had registered 750 people in that age cohort  but only has 100 inoculations to offer.

Meanwhile, Public Health Mid-West has expressed concern at a rising incidence rate locally  warning Limerick remains one of the highest in the country. It comes after over 125 confirmed cases were reported locally since last Friday.

It also revealed the number of cases linked to the Indian Delta variant locally had risen slightly, with less than 20 confirmed cases in the Mid-West region.

One Limerick man who has contracted this variant revealed this week how he spent 22 days in intensive care, with seven days in an induced coma.

Paul Imbusch, a creative merchandising manager, who hails from Wolfe Tone Street in the city, but now lives in London, said he was the youngest in his ward, and following his treatment, he was needing to do hardcore physio and obeying doctors orders all the way.

Theres been a welcome for the reaction of people in the younger age bracket, with local TD Niall Collins saying: It is very encouraging to know that there is such a demand from people to get vaccinated through their pharmacies at the earliest possible opportunity

He said the lack of supply is governments top priority, and pointed to a shipment due in from Romania.

For now though, Mr Keating says he will be forced into offering the jab on a first-come, first-served basis.

Its putting undue pressure on the system. We are now trying to manage expectations. People had an expectation that from Monday, you could get your vaccination from your local pharmacy which was unrealistic, he said. We are keen to participate in the programme, but its just wed like communication in terms of the volume of supply, so we can communicate it to the public as well.

The businessman added: People are under the assumption if they contact their pharmacy, they will get an appointment. But the supply of the vaccine is a limiting factor.

Chemists across Limerick reported an avalanche of calls following Mr Donnellys announcement on Friday.

The phones were literally ringing off the hook. It was every two or three minutes someone was ringing trying to get through to book an appointment. I wouldnt have seen anything like it before, said Diarmuid Cahill of Cahills Pharmacy in Newcastle West.
GREEN Party councillor Sean Hartigan has called for the inclusion of bird-nesting boxes for Swifts to be a made a condition of planning on all suitable developments.

He made the call in a notice of motion which was referred for consideration at the Economic Development, Enterprise and Planning Strategic Policy Commttee.

It will be debated at the next meeting, which will take place in the autumn.

Earlier this year, a project that aims to entice Swifts to stay briefly and breed in purpose-build nest-boxes was launched at five locations in Limerick city.

In one of the first multi-stakeholder projects of its kind in Ireland, Limerick City and County Council is collaborating with several other organisations and groups to support the Awift population in Limerick as part of Limericks European Green Leaf City legacy projects.

The other organisation are: BirdWatch Irelands Urban Bird Conservation Officer, Limerick city parish (Church of Ireland), The Hunt Museum, Shannon Heritage, St Marys Parish Mens Shed, the Limerick Branch of BirdWatch Ireland and Limerick City Centre Tidy Towns.

The number of Swifts has declined by approximately 40% across Ireland in the last 10 years and the species has been moved onto the RED List in the recently released Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2020-2026.

The new nest boxes, which can accommodate up to 39 individual nests, have been installed at The Hunt Museum, St Marys Cathedral, City Hall at Merchants Quay, King Johns Castle Exhibition Centre and the Louvres of St Michaels Church on Barrington Street.
RESIDENTS and businesses in several towns and villages in West Limerick are being advised of water outages over coming days due to essential maintenance works.

Irish Water and Limerick City and County Council have confirmed they plan to carry out the works on the water network at Kilcolman Reservoir between Thursday and Saturday.

#IWLimerick: Reservoir upgrade works may affect supply to Knockaderry, Ballinarooga, Grange, Newcastlewest, Ardagh, Rathkeale and surrounds from 8am on 8 July until 8am on 9 July.  Irish Water Care (@IWCare) July 5, 2021

The works will result in supply disruption to Rathkeale Town, Knockaderry, Ballinarooga (Ballingarry), Grange (Newcastle West), Ardagh and the surrounding areas.

Irish Water says water tankers will be provided to support local customers in Rathkeale and Knockaderry. Mobile tankers will also be deployed to refill smaller local reservoirs to minimize disruption to customers with details of tanker locations to be found at water.ie.

Commenting ahead of the works, Oliver Harney of Irish Water said: This maintenance and upgrade work is essential in order to safeguard water supplies to the area now and into the future. We are mobilising a number of dedicated water services crews to carry out this work in order to complete it and restore water supplies for all customers as quickly and as efficiently as possible.

We understand the inconvenience water outages can have on customers, particularly at this time. We are working to minimise disruption and appreciate your patience and support as we carry out this critical work.

Anyone with queries, can contact 1800 278 278 or via Twitter.

The works are scheduled to take place between 8am on Thursday and 8am on Friday and again between 11pm on Friday and 7am on Saturday.
UNIVERSITY of Limerick Graduate Dr Anne Marie Henihan has been appointed as the new Centre Director of Dairy Processing Technology Centre (DPTC) at UL.

Supported by Enterprise Ireland, the DPTC is an industry-academic collaboration with a research agenda in dairy processing and innovation, driven by the long-term growth opportunities in the dairy sector.

Dr Henihan, a Limerick native, is a graduate of University of Limerick with a PhD in Waste Management and Renewable Energy.

She has more than 15 years experience working in research, development and innovation at the interface of industry and academia and she brings a wealth of experience in technological innovation and development to the role as well as a practical commitment to the sustainability and climate action agenda.

She has held strategic leadership positions within the DPTC since 2016, firstly as the Strategic Development Officer, and recently as Interim Centre Director. In that role she steered the Centre in securing funding for a second phase of DPTC research.

As the new Centre Director, Dr Henihans key priority will be to ensure that the Centre delivers innovative impact for one of Irelands most important indigenous industries.

The Centre will be the essential differentiator for Irish dairy processors, fuelling sustainable growth. Based at the University of Limerick, she will lead a high performance team responsible for business development, funding, marketing and programme coordination.

Commenting on her appointment Dr Henihan said: I am thrilled to be taking on this new opportunity. I am looking forward to working with our established research and industry community  as well as with new partners we hope to welcome - in this very exciting second phase of the Centre. Our future programme is defined by the ambition of our industry partners to be global leaders in sustainable processing, while at the same time leveraging off the efficiencies of advanced manufacturing. I am confident that as a Centre we have the innovative capability and the determination to ensure that this programme will be delivered successfully.

Dr Sean Brady, DPTC Chair, commented: We are delighted to welcome Anne Marie as our Centre Director and I look forward to working with her as we continue DPTCs important mission of supporting the development of the dairy processing sector in Ireland, and building Irelands reputation internationally as a producer of high quality, sustainable ingredients and products.

Professor Norelee Kennedy, Vice President Research at the University of Limerick has welcomed Dr Henihans appointment noting that the appointment comes at a pivotal time for the Centre.

"I am confident that the DPTC in collaboration with the industry partners and other research performing organisations will deliver on the ambitious strategy for the Centre. The DPTC is a valuable part of ULs research agenda and connects us to a very important industry in Ireland at a time of great opportunity. I wish Dr Henihan every success in this important role, she said.
ENGINE shorts, a short film development and production scheme for emerging film talent in Limerick, Tipperary and Clare has announced the six winning teams from the region.

A judging panel consisting of Academy Award nominee and Limericks own Ruth Negga, IFTA winning actor and writer Clare Dunne and Element Pictures producer Juliette Bonass selected the six winning projects following an online pitch event.

Each of the teams will now receive 12,500 in funding and further training and support to produce their project in the region.

Three Limerick-based projects were commissioned and filming will take place at locations in Southill and King's Island over the summer.

Simple Sheamy is a drama based on a true story about the power of friendship and an autistic boy's fight to save his pet rabbit, no matter the cost.

Directed by Rachel McGill and produced by Ronan Cassidy, the film is set on a local housing estate and will be filmed in the Kings Island area of the City.

Director Rachel McGill said: I am looking forward to being on set and collaborating with other creatives to create a great film. Its so important for me that we get to shoot this film in Limerick. It is my home and this story is such a Limerick story.

The second Limerick projects, Sour Milk, is directed by Mark Keane and produced by Miriam Garcia Mortell. It tells the story of a teenage boy who wants the boy he's in love with to stop treating him like a joke. A carton of sour milk presents him with an opportunity.

The short film is set in Southill where it will be filmed this summer.

Director Mark Keane said: It's really encouraging to be selected by ENGINE shorts. I'm really looking forward to casting the film and we're seeking out fresh local talent, so I'm excited to see who's out there. It's important that we see all parts of Ireland on our screens - particularly that it not be so Dublin-centric: that we reflect Irish society and culture fully. Ultimately, Limerick is my home and most of what I write is set here.

Meawnhile, director Derek Ugochukwu and producer Greg Burrows will film Your not Home - a drama about two African brothers seeking asylum who are faced with a dark entity lurking within their direct provision centre.

The ENGINE scheme provides a fantastic opportunity for filmmakers based in the MidWest. Not only do we get the funds to produce our film, we also get mentoring and training which will prove invaluable to the filmmaking process and our ongoing careers in the industry. It's a very exciting opportunity. I've always thought that Limerick is a very cinematic and visually engaging city. There is so much potential on our doorstep and it will be fantastic to be able to shoot a high concept, ambitious piece in my hometown," commented Mr Burrows.

Commenting on the pitch event, producer and panel member Juliette Bonass said: I was astounded at how confident, competent, intelligent and talented they all were. A massive difference from when I was growing up - that's for sure! A new fantastic and committed generation.

Paul C. Ryan from Film in Limerick said: We are delighted to announce the six funded ENGINE Shorts teams. From 131 applications sent in and 15 teams shortlisted - its been great to see the journey that the teams have taken over recent months in developing their projects. Everyone has worked so hard and the standard has been just phenomenal. We look forward to seeing the films playing on the big screen internationally and firmly putting MidWest film talent on the map.

Two Tipperary projects and one from County Clare were also commissioned under the scheme.

The Engine Shorts initiative is run by Innovate Limerick through Film in Limerick, and is a partnership between the Local Authorities in Limerick, Clare and Tipperary, and Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board.

The new scheme aims to inspire and support up-and-coming writers, directors and producers to create inspiring, engaging world-class short films that resonate with a wide international audience.
THE Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has rejected a complaint about an interview on national radio with the Bishop of Limerick, Brendan Leahy.

The complaint was received from a listener following the interview which was broadcast on RTE Radio One's This Week programme on Sunday, March 14.

According to the decision of the Executive Complaints Forum, which has been published this Wednesday, the complaint referred to comments made by the presenter about the upcoming Irish Synod.

"The complaint notes that early in the interview the presenter made a comment suggesting that the upcoming process would not change the churchs position on married priests and the universal church teaching will remain. The complainant contends that this is inaccurate because the Catholic Church already has married priests, for example, when married Anglican clergy become Catholic priests. The complainant states that the presenter is incorrect in saying that celibacy is a teaching, whereas it is a tradition," states the report.

"The complainant is of the view that it is not for the broadcaster to decide what the Synod will consider and what the outcomes will be. The complainant believes the presenter was confused or made a mistake or promoted her own belief in making this comment which was predicting the outcome of a process, which had not yet begun," it adds.

Summarising the RTE response to the complaint, the BAI states: "The broadcaster states that the interview included discussion on the best way the Catholic Church could reach todays world. During the interview, Bishop Leahy, explained the nature of a local Synod and the presenter made the point that a Synod of this kind would not be able to address issues such as women priests and married priests and asked what roles the Church might create for women. The broadcaster believes it was editorially appropriate to ask the question and the interviewees response indicated he understood the context."

The complaint was one of 19 which were considered and rejected by the Forum at meetings held in March, April and May 2021.
HDFC Ltd on Wednesday said that it has sold 2.46% stake in Hindustan Oil Exploration Company (HOECL)

In a regulatory filing, HDFC Ltd stated, "We wish to inform you that out of 1,48,26,303 equity shares of Rs. 10 each held by the Corporation in Hindustan Oil Exploration Company Limited (HOECL), the Corporation has sold 32,53,517 shares representing 2.46% of the paid-up share capital of HOECL."

The sale transactions were carried out through stock exchanges at the prevailing market price. The total consideration for the sale of 32,53,517 shares is Rs. 37.19 crore, HDFC stated.

For the financial year ended on March 31, 2021, the standalone total revenue of HOECL, aggregated Rs. 11 1.26 crore and the balance sheet size was Rs. 1,035.27 crore.

HOECL is engaged in the exploration, development and production of crude oil and natural gas in India, both onshore and off shore. The Company is a participant in various oil and gas blocks/fields which are in the nature of joint operation through Production Sharing Contracts (PSC) entered by the Company with Government of India along with other entities.

On Wednesday, HDFC Ltd shares closed 1.43% higher on BSE at 2,532.00 apiece.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) is looking to buy Norwegian solar module maker REC Group as part of the oil refiners 75,000 crore push into clean energy, said two people aware of the development.

Chairman and managing director Mukesh Ambani had announced plans to set up the Dhirubhai Ambani Green Energy Giga Complex on 5,000 acres in Jamnagar at the companys annual general meeting last month. The complex will have an integrated solar photovoltaic (PV) module giga factory.

Norways REC Group has an annual solar panel production capacity of 1.8 gigawatts (GW) and has installed around 10GW capacity globally. REC, founded in 1996, has regional hubs in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

In an emailed response, a spokesperson for RIL declined to comment on media speculation and rumours".

Our company evaluates various opportunities on an ongoing basis," the spokesperson said.

An REC Group spokesperson said the firm is in general not commenting about rumours in the marketplace."

Although India is planning to develop 175GW of renewable capacity, including 100GW of solar, by 2022, the solar equipment space is dominated by Chinese manufacturers such as Trina Solar Ltd, Jinko Solar, ET Solar, Chint Solar and GCL-Poly Energy Holdings Ltd. India has a manufacturing capacity of only 3GW for solar cells and 15GW for solar modules.

REC is considered to be a good quality supplier," said one of the two people cited above, requesting anonymity.

Chinese solar equipment suppliers have increased module prices to 25 cents per kWh. Starting in December, Chinese module manufacturers raised prices by more than a fifth and began reneging on their contracts to supply equipment, ignoring the risk of their bank guarantees getting encashed, Mint reported on 1 April.

We will start with raw silica and convert this to polysilicon, which we will then convert to ingot and wafers. These wafers would be used to make high-efficiency solar cells and finally assembled into solar modules of the highest quality and durability," Ambani said in his speech last month.

The companys plans come amid the 4,500 crore production linked incentive (PLI) scheme for manufacturing solar photovoltaic modules to help India ramp up its capacity. The scheme is expected to help add 10GW capacity and bring direct investments of around 17,200 crore. Along with leveraging its growing green energy market to boost manufacturing, India is also looking to play a larger role in global supply chains.

We will target to achieve costs that are the lowest in the world to ensure affordability of our solar modules," Ambani said in his speech. Reliance will establish and enable at least 100GW of solar energy by 2030. A significant part of this will come from rooftop solar and decentralized solar installations in villages."

India will impose 40% basic customs duty on solar modules and 25% on solar cells from 1 April 2022, a move that would make imports costlier and encourage local manufacturing. Also, the ministry of new and renewable energy has issued an order enforcing a list of approved solar PV models and module manufacturers for government-supported schemes, including projects from where distribution companies procure power.

India has set a target of 450GW renewable energy capacity by 2030. It currently has an installed renewable energy capacity of 89.63GW, with 49.59GW under execution.

RIL also plans to set up giga factories for electrolyzer, fuel cell and energy storage respectively at Jamnagar.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
Behind the standoff inside OPEC over whether to boost oil production is a key cartel member with a new strategy: sell as much crude as possible before demand dries up.

The United Arab Emiratess strategy, as described by officials familiar with the matter, represents one of the most significant shifts in oil policy by a major Mideast petrostate. For years, the regions oil-producing governments have said they arent worried about finding crude buyers far into the future. The U.A.E., which holds some of the worlds largest untapped crude reserves, is breaking from that orthodoxy, according to people familiar with the strategy.

This is the time to maximize the value of the countrys hydrocarbon resources, while they have value," said a person briefed on the U.A.E.s strategy. The aim of the investment is to generate revenue for the diversification of the economy, both for investment in new energy and, as importantly, in new revenue streams."

The country isnt worried about a sudden drop in demand, and expects to have buyers for its crude for decades. However, people familiar with the new tack say the country wants to pump and sell as much as it can now, when demand and prices are strong. Proceeds will help it wean its economy off oil.

Market share is a key factor here," said a senior U.A.E. oil executive. We want a bigger market share, to monetize as much as we can from our reserves, especially when we have spent billions developing them."

Spokespersons for the U.A.E.s energy ministry and the Abu Dhabi government didnt reply to requests for comment.

In recent days, the U.A.E. has been the lone holdout regarding a deal to boost crude output among members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and a group of Russia-led oil producers, together known as OPEC+. Last week, the rest of OPEC+ tentatively agreed on a deal to gradually unwind the deep cuts members enacted at the start of the pandemic. At the time, the group cut 9.7 million barrels a day of crude, amounting to about 10% of 2019 demand. The group has reinstated about 4 million barrels of that.

The U.A.E. has said it would agree to the plan to gradually release the rest only if it can boost its own output inside the groups complex quota system. Saudi Arabia, OPECs de facto leader, has so far refused that concession, triggering a rare, public feud between the two allies. Neither side appeared to budge Wednesday, obscuring the outlook for oil prices.

For bulls, a no-deal means that OPEC+ keeps current production ceilings intact, even as economies reopen and demand grows. OPEC members say they are doing just that. Oil bears are betting a no-deal could lead members to abandon the system altogether and pump whatever they want.

After the group failed to resolve the deadlock earlier this week, U.S. crude hit six-year highs before retreating. Midday Wednesday in London, West Texas Crude was up 1.8%, around $74.70. Brent crude, the international benchmark, was up 1.6%, at above $75.60.

The spat has drawn U.S. intervention, amid rising gasoline prices there. Over the weekend and into this week, high-level U.S. officials have had conversations with officials from Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E. and other relevant countries, said White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki.

Amid a recent geopolitical divergence, the U.A.E and Saudi Arabia are diverging over how to respond to what many analysts, officials and executives say is a global transition away from high carbon-emitting fossil fuels. The historic alliance is being tested," said Christyan Malek, who is in charge of global energy at JP Morgan & Chase. The rivalry is no longer just in the oil market, but for the post-oil economy."

In the short term, both countries have boosted oil production, promising to put the proceeds into investment that will help them diversify away from fossil fuels.

In 2020, Saudi Arabian Oil Co., known as Aramco, said it planned to increase its sustainable oil production capacity from 12 million to 13 million barrels a day. A few months later, the U.A.E.s Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. announced it would be spending $122 billion in part to boost its oil production capacity to 5 million barrels a day by the end of the decade, from about 4 million today.

The International Energy Agency, estimates that global oil demand will plateau in 2030, the year Abu Dhabi expects to hit its 5 million barrels a day goal.

The U.A.E.s proven reservesthe oil it still has under the groundis estimated at 98 billion barrels, according to the BP Statistical Review. At a 5-million-a-day rate, that would take more than 50 years to pump.

The U.A.E. is in the race for market share ahead of peak demand," said Robin Mills, chief executive of Dubai-based consulting firm Qamar Energy and a former manager in the Emirati oil industry. Unlike other OPEC members, Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E. have the opportunity to boost production capacity, he said.

Saudi Arabia has publicly said it isnt worried about demand drying up and stranding its reserves. In June, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, at an OPEC+ press conference, was asked about a report by the IEA recommending halting investment in hydrocarbons to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

I believe it is a sequel to the La La Land" movie," he said. Why should I take it seriously?"

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
Afghanistans professional class of men and women, part of a generation that came of age under the shield of the U.S. military, are weighing the danger of rapidly advancing Taliban forces. Many are packing their bags.

Hasiba Ebrahimi is already gone. The 24-year-old actress, who embodied modern Afghanistans optimistic youth, was raised, like many Afghans, as a refugee in Pakistan and then in Iran. She returned to Kabul in 2014 and has since become a star in the countrys new film industry.

In a video released in November, Ms. Ebrahimi urged young Afghan women not to lose hope: Everything is hard, but nothing is impossible." She traveled to Australia soon afterfor what she thought would be a short reunion with her New Zealand-based sister. She is still there.

My mom is telling me, I am begging you, I love you so much, but I cant let you come back, I cant let you put yourself in danger, " Ms. Ebrahimi said from Sydney. We have all had hope. We were thinking that we would do something out of that country, working harder and harder each day. Its really sad to think that you dont have any future in your own country."

Long before the U.S. withdrawal was announced by President Biden in April, hundreds of thousands of Afghans had fled to Europe, Australia and the U.S. Now, many of the well-educated people who prospered in the new Afghanistan and hadnt dreamed of leaving have also concluded that staying put is no longer an option.

Even though the U.S. has said for years it would withdraw its troops, Mr. Bidens announcement caught many Afghans by surprise. So did the meltdown of Afghanistans U.S.-equipped and trained security forces. Afghan soldiers surrendered en masse in recent weeks, handing over their weapons and Humvees to the Taliban, who have conquered about a third of the countrys districts since April and now surround several major cities.

A recent U.S. intelligence assessment concluded that Kabul could fall to the Taliban as soon as six months after the U.S. military pullout is completed this summer.

Hamid Haidari was seven years old when he woke to see Taliban fighters fan into his western Kabul neighborhood in September 1996. The Afghan capital had fallen overnight, and militants soon were banging on doors and pulling men aside for execution.

Mr. Haidari now heads the news operation for 1TV, a booming television network, one of the many new fields that have flourished in Afghanistan over the past two decades. With only a few hundred American troops remaining in the country, mostly to protect the U.S. Embassy, Mr. Haidairi said he hears the same questions from his staff: What shall we do if we wake up to see the Taliban occupy Kabul again? Shall we leave? If so, where and how?

Mr. Haidari went to India in January after warnings of an assassination attempt by insurgents. He returned three months later and intends to stay in Kabul for as long as he can.

Since meeting with Taliban representatives in Doha, Qatarpart of the stalled Afghan peace processMr. Haidari has concluded that a freewheeling TV network wouldnt survive under the Islamist movements rule. The network has already pulled several journalists from Taliban-besieged cities to Kabul.

No one knows what will happen," Mr. Haidari said. Its Afghanistan. In the future, there will be bloodshed, there will be killings and maybe civil war. But if there wont be any free media, if we shut down, no one will know what kinds of crimes will be happening in Afghanistan."

The TV companys owner, Fahim Hashimy, said he was looking at contingency plans, moving parts of the network to Turkey or Uzbekistan. I am joking to my people, we need to turn into a portable TV channel, a movable TV channel, a mobile TV channel so we can keep moving around the world and keep broadcasting," he said.

More affluent Afghans are paying thousands of dollars on the black market for visitor visas to Turkey, India, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Tajikistanthe few destinations that remain relatively accessible.

Even the friends who want to stay here are taking their families out because, when the war comes, children and women cannot fight and will be vulnerable," said Omar Sadr, a political scientist at the American University of Afghanistan. His backup plan is moving to India, where he was educated.

Shafi Karimi, 26, worked in Kabul for the Dari-language service of Radio Azadi, a U.S.-funded broadcaster. In December, he was warned by an intelligence contact that militants planned to lure him into a trap using a woman calling him for help.

Days later, he got a call from an unknown woman who asked to meet. Mr. Karimi and his wife, Sofia Sakhi, 23, fled to Turkey in late February. A month ago, they received asylum in France.

Ive tried to make my life in Afghanistan, but now I have lost all my achievements. There is no hope for the young generation," said Ms. Sakhi, who was a show host on Afghanistans Ariana TV. She had recently launched her own fashion line of colorful dresses and coats for young women who had abandoned the Taliban-mandated burqa.

Mr. Karimi said friends and acquaintances in the Afghan media and civil society, fearful of losing their freedom, are bombarding him for tips on how to get out, too. They all say we cant stay here anymore, he said.

They will not fear

Modern Kabul bears little resemblance to the city the Taliban ruled before the U.S. invasion 20 years ago. The capital city has expanded to a metropolis of nearly six million people. It is dotted by shopping malls, high-rise buildings, bowling alleys and espresso bars catering to a young Afghan generation that has grown up in a relatively liberal environment fostered by the U.S. presence.

This generation is fully independent," said Fazel Fazly, director-general of President Ashraf Ghanis administration. They will not listen, they will not fear. The Taliban cannot control them." Government forces would be able to push back against the Taliban and defend the capital, he said.

Just like young men and women elsewhere, many in Kabul follow the same Instagram stars and music icons as young people in India or Europe. Hundreds of thousands have graduated from the citys private and state universities. The Talibans austere view of Islam, while popular in many parts of the conservative countryside, threatens to wipe out their modern way of life.

The Taliban dont understand this, its not part of their calculation that things have changed, that millions of people have received education and have different aspirations and different views," said Abdullah Abdullah, the countrys chief negotiator with the Taliban. They are not counting this as a factor. They are only perhaps thinking of military strength."

The Taliban have engaged in peace negotiations with the Afghan government in Doha, Qatar, since September while simultaneously seizing vast tracts of the country.

Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said in an interview that young Kabulis who fear a Taliban takeover have been brainwashed by government propaganda. All their basic rights will be acknowledged, there will be no change. The television and the social media, we will continue. The internet will be there, the mobile will be there," he said. But of course the context will change, some of the programs will change. That will be based on our culture, on the demands and aspirations of our people."

The head of the Talibans political office, former Guantanamo Bay detainee Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, last month in a statement urged Afghanistans young generation to remain and serve the nation instead of heading for abroad, away from your families and children, in quest of a morsel of bread." The insurgents will be magnanimous in victory, he said, and the rights of minorities and women will be protected.

Such assurances arent convincing to many Afghans. The Taliban have not changed at all. The only change we see is that they now know how to deal with the international community," said Rahmatullah Nabil, the countrys former intelligence chief. But with the Afghans, they have become even more brutal."

The 20-year U.S. effort in Afghanistan had many failures. It generated corruption, creating a class of tycoons who grew wealthy from U.S. military contracts. The political system is dominated by the same ethnic warlords who confronted the Taliban in the 1990s.

Yet for many Afghans, particularly the youth, the international presence has yielded a profound economic and social transformation, connecting them to a broader world and creating unprecedented opportunities.

Equal opportunity

Five years after the 2001 U.S. invasion, Masouma Tajik was 7, and her family, refugees from Afghanistans civil war, mustered the confidence to return from Iran to their village near the western Afghan city of Herat. She learned English and math at a new school funded by the international community. Later, Ms. Tajik won a scholarship to the American University of Afghanistan, the countrys most elite college.

Established in 2006 and funded with U.S. government aid, the university had 50 male students and one female at the start. Women now make up 40% of its 250 graduates each year. The university, attacked by the Taliban in 2016, has operated online during the pandemic and because of security fears doesnt plan to reopen its campus in the fall. The school also is making contingency plans to relocate to a different country should Kabul fall to the Taliban.

There are certainly imaginable futures in which internationally benchmarked liberal education, practicing equal opportunity and freedom of expression and inquiry, would not be welcomed within Afghanistan," said Ian Bickford, the university president.

Ms. Tajik, a data analyst at a foreign-owned company in Kabul, makes enough money to support her parents and five siblings in their village. She said the Taliban wont allow a woman to work in her chosen field.

A lot of dreams, a lot of plans, and now theyre all jeopardized. The first thing that I think about now is survival. Its so different from just a month ago," Ms. Tajik said. Her years of study, she said, may come to nothing.

If the Taliban take over, Ms. Tajiks family will most likely flee to Iran. I dont want them to go there, because its not any better," she said. But at least they will stay alive."

Fazila Zamir, 26, also wants her parents to leave Afghanistan. Ms. Zamir, a professional musician and music teacher, was one of the first Afghan women to perform playing the rubab, the traditional string musical instrument. Together with other Afghan performers, she toured 10 foreign countries, including South Korea, Germany and China. Her friends were surprised that she always returned, she said.

There are no other female music teachers here, and, if I leave, nobody else will fill the gap," said Ms. Zamir, who teaches college-age women in Kabul. Music is my life." She said she rejected several marriage proposals from suitors who wanted her to stop performing in public.

My family says nobody will marry me if I dont leave music. And I say, that is not a problem, I will never leave music," she said and laughed.

Ms. Zamir, easily recognizable from her TV appearances, said she has received death threats. The Taliban consider all music instruments un-Islamic.

She wants to remain in Kabul as long as she can, but holds no illusions about life would be like under Taliban rule.

The classes will be closed," Ms. Zamir said. They will easily find me, and my life will be in danger."

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text









Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
Men and women living in West Central Africa 500 years ago dramatically changed their looks by removing their front teeth, ancient skulls reveal. Archaeologists found the centuries-old altered skulls deep underground in a cave that could be reached only by rope, through a hole in the cavern's roof.

The harrowing vertical drop of 82 feet (25 meters) led to thousands of bones from at least 24 adults (men and women age 15 or older) and four children that were deposited there on at least two occasions, researchers reported in a new study. Hundreds of metal artifacts  jewelry, weapons and hoes, made of local iron and imported copper  lay near the remains, hinting at the wealth and status of the people who were buried there.

Related: In photos: 'Alien' skulls reveal odd, ancient tradition

Richard Oslisly, an archaeologist with The French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) in Paris, discovered the Iroungou cave in Gabon's Ngounie province in 1992. Oslisly first investigated the cave in 2018, and accessing the subterranean space was so difficult that archaeologists have explored its depths on only four expeditions since then, according to the study.

"There are very few sites with archeological human remains for this region," lead study author and CNRS researcher Sebastien Villotte told Live Science in an email. "The fact that children, teenagers, adult males and females were buried here, with so many artifacts  more than 500!  was astonishing."

Scientists photographed and laser-scanned the cave interior and burial sites so that they could reconstruct the cave and its contents in 3D. They collected samples from leg bones for radiocarbon dating  determining an object's age by comparing ratios of radioactive carbon isotopes  but left all of the human remains where they were found.

The cave contained four levels, and all of them held bones dating to the 14th and 15th centuries. Though the bones were jumbled together, scientists noted that all of the skeletons were complete, "suggesting that cadavers, rather than dry bones, were either thrown from above or lowered into the cave," the study authors wrote.

Near the skeletons, there were also plenty of burial objects, such as bracelets and rings; axes and knives; more than 100 marine shells; and dozens of pierced carnivore teeth.

The Iroungou cave in Ngounie province, Gabon (a) and a 3D model (b) showing cave entrances, layouts and locations where archaeologists found the burials. (Image credit: C. Gerin and P. Mora /Antiquity Publications Ltd.)

Deliberate removal

Of the human remains, the skulls were of particular interest to the researchers, as all of the intact upper jaws were missing specific teeth: the central and lateral permanent incisors  four teeth in the very front of the mouth. All of the empty tooth sockets showed signs of healing after the extractions  known as alveolar resorption  indicating that the teeth were removed while their owners were still alive and the holes had enough time to heal before the people died.

In 2016, another team of archaeologists found similarly altered skulls, also missing their front teeth, in Brazil's Lapa do Santo cave. But in the case of the Brazilian remains, which date to about 9,000 years ago, the teeth were extracted after death in burial rituals, Live Science previously reported .

Dental modification is a custom that's well documented worldwide, "especially in Africa," Villotte said in the email. "Many various reasons are advocated for tooth removal by the people who practiced it," he added. Sometimes, those reasons include facial modification  extracting teeth in order to change the shape or appearance of the face. The Iroungou skulls clearly weren't modified as part of a burial rite, given that the gums had healed, Villotte said. Because the extractions in the Gabon cave were symmetrical and involved the same teeth in all of the skeletons' jaws, they were likely removed "in the context of some cultural practice" for this population, the scientists said in the study.

Some of the human remains and artifacts as they were found in the cave. (Image credit: P. Mora /Antiquity Publications Ltd.)

The extraction of so many front teeth would have affected pronunciation and changed the shape of the mouth and face in a way that was "highly visible," indicating that all such individuals belonged to a particular group, the researchers reported.

Tooth alterations such as extraction, chipping and filing into points have long been performed across Africa, though the removal of the top four incisors is unusual, according to the study. Most examples of this practice are in populations from West Central Africa, "suggesting a long history and possible continuity of body-modification customs in the area," the researchers wrote.

"As this site is exceptional, and as burial rites are virtually unknown for pre-colonial Gabon, one can consider this discovery as the first piece of the puzzle," Villotte said. "And it seems to be a very difficult one."

The findings were published July 8 in the journal Antiquity .

Originally published on Live Science.
A landscape view of qubba tombs around an area known as Jebel Maman. (Image credit: Stefano Costanzo, CC-BY 4.0

Thousands of medieval Islamic tombs in eastern Sudan were arranged in hard-to-detect patterns, with sacred "parent" tombs hosting subclusters of emanating burials, according to archaeologists who studied the funerary monuments with a method designed for cosmology .

The team used satellite imagery to identify the locations of more than 10,000 monuments in the Kassala region of eastern Sudan. The monuments include tumuli, which are made of stone and are "relatively simple raised structures, widespread throughout African prehistory and history," and "qubbas," which is a term that referred to Islamic tombs and shrines in the pan-Arab world, a team of researchers wrote in a paper published July 7 in the journal PLOS One .

Related: Photos: 3,400-year-old tomb along the Nile River

After the team mapped the funerary monuments, they had trouble interpreting the data, given that few of the monuments had been excavated.

"We faced the challenge of interpreting the creation of the funerary landscape with almost no traditional archaeological data, but [we had] a large enough data set to be able to hypothesize the presence of complex processes both at regional and local scale[s]," Stefano Costanzo, a doctoral student in archaeology at the University of Naples L'Orientale in Italy and lead author of the journal article, told Live Science.

"To the naked eye, it was clear that the clustered tombs were conditioned by the environment, but deeper meaning may have been implied in their spatial arrangement," Costanzo said. He and other members of the team searched for statistical modeling techniques that could help them detect patterns. Ultimately, they decided on a method called the Neyman-Scott cluster process, which was originally developed to study the spatial patterns of stars and galaxies. As far as the team knows, archaeologists have never used the technique.

Related: The 15 weirdest galaxies in our universe

"The biggest feature of this model lies in the fact that it can deal with archaeological data sets that [lack excavation data and historical records] but are composed of a very large number of elements, which is the basis to meaningful statistical analyses," Costanzo said.

The modeling technique revealed that the Islamic tombs "were hiding several subclusters revolving around unidentifiable 'parent' tombs that acted as centers of attraction for subsequent burials, seemingly driven by general sacredness of the location and social trajectories of still existing mobile groups," said Constanzo. The study also confirmed that areas where building material was readily available also tended to have more tombs and that environmental factors, such as the topography of the landscape, could also affect where tombs are located.

The Kassala region is inhabited by the Beja people, many of whom still live a seminomadic lifestyle, the team said in the journal article. "The local clusters are most probably tribal/family cemeteries of the Beja people," the team wrote in the article. More research is needed to determine the precise locations of the "parent" tombs. Further research could also reveal who was buried in these parent tombs and what made them so special.

Interesting archaeological method

Scholars not affiliated with the research said the team's methods and findings were interesting.

"The approach is well suited to the investigation of nomadic groups, which range over vast territories," said Derek Welsby, an assistant keeper (similar to a curator) at the British Museum who has done extensive archaeological research in Sudan. The research should make future excavations in the area easier said Welsby.

The cosmological technique the team used "looks like quite an interesting and potentially valuable addition to archaeology's already quite large arsenal of statistical methods for gaining insights into the development of landscapes like these," said David Wheatley, an archaeology professor at the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom.

It also provides information on the history of the people who live there. "It provides quantitative support for the deep history of the Beja people," said Giovanni Ruffini, a history professor at Fairfield University in Connecticut. "Modern scholars have relied on scattered references in literary texts to write Beja history, and the results just aren't satisfying," said Ruffini, who has conducted extensive research into medieval Sudan.

One scholar did suggest one limitation of the study, however. Philip Riris, a lecturer in archaeological and paleoenvironmental modeling at Bournemouth University in the United Kingdom, expressed concern that the team included tombs from vastly different time periods in the same model. This "is risky because different funerary traditions are all thrown together," Riris said.

Originally published on Live Science.
A German cave once famous for its " unicorn bones" during medieval times is home to a far-rarer non-mythical treasure: a piece of symbolic artwork created by Neanderthals , a new study finds.

The artwork, a chevron design, was carved into the toe bone of the now-extinct giant deer (Megaloceros giganteus), said the researchers. The team dated the bone to 51,000 years ago, a time when Homo sapiens hadn't yet ventured into the region, suggesting that the Neanderthals had carved the bone on their own, without influence or help from anatomically modern humans, the researchers wrote in the study, published online Monday (July 5) in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution .

The symbolic artwork suggests Neanderthals had a greater cognitive capacity than previously thought.

" Neanderthals were very smart ," study lead researcher Dirk Leder, an archaeologist at the State Service for Cultural Heritage Lower Saxony in Hanover, Germany, told Live Science. "They were able to communicate and express themselves by symbols. They were probably cognitively very similar to us as a human species."

Related: Photos: See the ancient faces of a man-bun wearing bloke and a Neanderthal woman

However, some archaeologists still have doubts that Neanderthals created symbolic art on their own. The recent discovery of an ancient Homo sapiens skull from Zlaty kun in the Czech Republic had long segments of Neanderthal DNA , indicative of an interbreeding event more than 50,000 years ago, Silvia Bello, a researcher at the Centre for Human Evolution Research at the Natural History Museum, London who was not involved in either study, wrote in a perspective piece published in the same issue of Nature Ecology and Evolution .

"Given this early exchange of genes , we cannot exclude a similarly early exchange of knowledge between modern human and Neanderthal populations, which may have influenced the production of the engraved artifact from Einhornhohle [cave in Germany]," Bello wrote in the piece. In other words, if Homo sapiens were in Central Europe earlier than thought, perhaps the Neanderthals learned about art-making from them, rather than coming up with it themselves.

A view of Einhornhohle, the "unicorn cave" in northern Germany. (Image credit: CC BY-SA 4.0

Unicorn cave

The cave, known as "Einhornhohle" (German for "unicorn cave"), has a storied history. Starting in medieval times, treasure hunters claimed to have found unicorn bones there, Leder said. "Of course, they were just cave bear bones, but they sold them as medicine or a remedy to pharmacies to turn a profit," he said.

In 1985, archaeologists found stone tools in the cave that were crafted by Neanderthals. To investigate more, Leder and his team returned in 2014. But it wasn't until 2019 that they discovered the carved toe bone, which lay buried near the cave's prehistoric but since-collapsed entrance. Initially, the scientists could see just one carved line on the bone, Leder said. It wasn't until excavators cleaned off the gritty silt, revealing the chevron design, that archaeologists knew they had something special.

Researchers inspect the former cave entrance at Einhornhohle, where they found the carved giant deer toe. The artifact was found about 3 feet (1 meter) behind the individual holding the staff. (Image credit: J. Lehmann,  NLD)

The bone easily fits in a person's palm, measuring 2.2 by 1.6 inches (5.6 by 4 centimeters) in area with a thickness of 1.2 inches (3.1 cm). The 1.3-ounce (36 grams) object has 10 carved lines: Six make up the triangular chevron pattern and four run perpendicular to the bottom.

The lines were deeply carved, suggesting they weren't haphazardly-made butchering marks, and they were fairly evenly spaced, indicating that the bones had been "intentionally carved," Leder said.

Why the Neanderthals carved it, however, remains a mystery. The team investigated the bone with microscopy and micro-CT scans to see whether it had wear marks, Leder said. Such marks would indicate whether it was worn as a piece of jewelry, for instance as a pendant; but they found none, he said. However, the toe bone can stand on its own without falling over, so perhaps the Neanderthals placed it on its base as a display object, Leder said.

The engraved bone has "no practical use," the researchers noted in the study. It's small, curved and though it can stand on its own, it's not very stable, meaning the bone likely wasn't a chopping board or a processing surface. Instead, its precise geometric pattern, added to the fact that the giant deer was "a very impressive herbivore" and rarely seen north of the Alps at that time, suggests that it had symbolic meaning, the researchers wrote in the study.

MicroCT scans revealed the carved lines in greater detail, including those forming the chevrons (red) and the sub-parallel lines (blue) at the bottom. (Image credit: NLD)

As an experiment, Leder's team carved bones with 0.07-inch-deep (2 millimeters) lines. They did so by boiling cow toe bones and cutting and scraping them with flint blades, techniques that matched the ancient bone, according to a microscopic analysis. Each line required two blades (which quickly became dull) and took about 10 minutes, meaning that the six lines forming the chevrons could have been made in about 90 minutes, the researchers found.

Related: Denisovan gallery: Tracing the genetics of human ancestors

Is it symbolic?

Ancient sites used by Homo sapiens in Africa and Eurasia are awash with symbolic art, but similar evidence for Neanderthals is sparse and hard to interpret. For instance, Neanderthals used ochre , a red pigment, to paint various objects  animals, linear patterns, geometric shapes, hand stencils and handprints  in different Spanish caves more than 64,000 years ago, before modern humans arrived on the Iberian Peninsula, according to a 2018 study in the journal Science . However, some scientists dispute the age of the art, and say that while Neanderthals may have made line and dot drawings, it's debatable whether they created more complex artwork, such as animal drawings, on their own, Live Science previously reported .

In this case, the researchers argue that Neanderthals at Einhornhohle carved this deer toe without input from Homo sapiens. Neanderthals lived in Europe between 430,000 and 40,000 years ago. The earliest evidence of Homo sapiens in Central Europe, in the upper Danube area, about 250 miles (400 kilometers) south, dates to 43,500 years ago, "several millennia after the engraved item from Einhornhohle was deposited," the researchers wrote in the study. Direct influence from Homo sapiens to Neanderthals at Einhornhohle is "improbable," they concluded, adding that "The cultural influence of H. sapiens as the single explanatory factor for abstract cultural expressions in Neanderthals can no longer be sustained."

Bello, in her accompanying perspective, writes that it's not such an open-and-shut case, given that genetic data suggests it's possible that Homo sapiens were in the area at that time. But even if the Neanderthals at Einhornhohle did learn from Homo sapiens, "the capacity to learn, integrate innovation into one's own culture and adapt to new technologies and abstract concepts should be recognized as an element of behavioral complexity," Bello wrote. "In this context, the engraved bone from Einhornhohle brings Neanderthal behavior even closer to the modern behavior of Homo sapiens."

Originally published on Live Science.
Click here to read the full article.

All products and services featured by Variety are independently selected by Variety editors. However, Variety may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Book lovers are in for a treat this year, with a jam-packed slate of upcoming movies based on best-selling books.

Whether youre most excited to see Timothee Chalamets portrayal of Paul Atreides in Denis Villeneuves adaptation of Frank Herberts iconic Dune, premiering on Oct. 1, or are eagerly waiting to see Lady Gaga and Adam Driver together as the infamous Gucci heirs in Scott Ridleys upcoming adaptation of Sara Gay Fordens House of Gucci, coming out Nov. 24, theres no lack of epic tales making their move to the silver screen in 2021 and 2022. Here are the best books to dig into this summer before they hit the theaters.

The Last Letter from Your Lover by Jojo Moyes

Jojo Moyess 2008 romance novel follows a driven journalist named Ellie on a quest to piece together the story of Jennifer Stirlings love story of an earlier generation when she finds a mysterious letter in her newspaper archives. Directed by Augustine Frizzell, the upcoming Netflix film is set to come out July 31 and stars Felicity Jones, Shailene Woodley, Callum Turner and Joe Alwyn.

The Reincarnationist Papers by D. Eric Maikranz

The Reincarnationist Papers refer to three sets of notebooks found in an antique store in Rome, offering eerie glimpses into a secret society of people who have total memory of their past lives. The story follows the protagonist Evan Michaels as he struggles with his confusing abilities until he meets Poppy who introduces him to the secretive world of Cognomina and is the first to tell him that hes also immortal. The Maikranz book is the basis of the upcoming film Infinite, which comes out Sept. 10 and stars Mark Wahlberg, Dylan O Brien and Sophie Cookson.

American Rust by Philipp Meyer

Meyer takes readers into the contemporary heartland of America, in an economically devastated Pennsylvania steel town, in his acclaimed first novel. The story follows the irritable chief of police Del Harris, played by Jeff Daniels, as hes forced into a sticky situation when his girlfriends son is accused of murder. The drama premieres Sept. 12 on Showtime and also stars Bill Camp, David Alvarez, Alex Neustaedter and Rob Yang.

Dune by Frank Herbert

Starring Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya, Denis Villeneuves upcoming adaptation of Frank Herberts iconic Dune series is one of the most anticipated films of 2021. The six-book series sees the protagonist Paul Atredies, played by Chalamet, lead nomadic tribes on a distant planet in the future as he takes over his familys business empire. Instead of cramming the epic into one movie, the story will span through two feature-length films and a companion series on HBO called Dune: The Sisterhood. The film is set to release on Oct. 1 and also stars Jason Momoa, Rebecca Ferguson, Dave Bautista, Stellan Skarsgard and Oscar Isaac.

The Last Duel: A True Story of Crime, Scandal, and Trial by Combat in Medieval France by Eric Jager

Set in medieval France, the Eric Jager novel tells the gripping true story of one of the most infamous duels to occur during The Hundred Years War, during which a resolute knight defends his wifes honor when she accuses a squire of committing a crime against her. The Scott Ridley adaptation is set to come out Oct. 15 and stars Jodie Comer, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and Adam Driver.

The House of Gucci by Sara Gay Forden

If Bradley Coopers Jackson Maine and Lady Gagas Ally of A Star is Born still takes up space in your head rent-free, then youll likely be a fan of Lady Gagas portrayal of Patrizia Reggiani Martinelli, the ex-wife of Gucci heir Maurizio Gucci, in Scott Ridleys upcoming adaptation. The film, based off the original book by Sara Forden, tells the true story of when Patrizia was tried and convicted for orchestrating the murder of her husband, played by Driver, in 1995. The film, also starring Jared Leto and Al Pacino, comes out Nov. 24.

Nightmare Alley by William Lindsay Gresham

The psychological thriller is set in the 1940s as a con-man finds his home on carnival stages, finding victims in the voyeuristic crowd. Guillermo del Toro is the perfect person to helm the upcoming adaptation, which stars Bradley Cooper as the cunning protagonist Stan Carlisle and Rooney Mara as the female psychiatrist that he teams up with to trick people out of their money. The film, which follows a haunting noir adaptation that came out in 1947, is set to release Dec. 3 and also stars Paul Anderson, Ron Perlman, Cate Blantchett and William Dafoe.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

The Nightingale is the second epic by Kristin Hannah to be adapted to the screen in 2021. The story follows two sisters, played by real-life sisters Elle and Dakota Fanning, during the German occupation of France in WWII. Directed by Melanie Laurent, its set to release Dec. 22, 2021.

Theres Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins

Stephanie Perkins 2017 novel is basically if Gossip Girl met slasher-horror. A mystery murderer is preying upon the graduating class of Nebraska High School, all while exposing their innermost secrets. Director Patrick Kack-Brice is at the helm of the upcoming slasher flick based on Perkins book, set to come out sometime in 2021.

Fear Street by R.L. Stine

Fans of the Goosebumps series will be happy to hear that Netflix is releasing an entire trilogy of movies based on R.L. Stines iconic series. The first movie in the horror series is set to come out at some point in the summer of 2021, and follows a group of teenagers in the 1990s as they work to uncover the riddled history of their Ohio hometown. Cast members include Gillian Jacobs, Sadie Sink, Kiana Madeira, Olivia Welch, Benjamin Flores Jr., Ashley Zukerman, Fred Hechinger, Julia Rehwald and Jeremy Ford.

Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan

Big Little Lies creator David E. Kelley and House of Cards showrunner Melissa James Gibson are the brains behind the Netflix anthology series based on Sarah Vaughans original novel. The best-seller spotlights Sophie Whitehouse, the housewife with the picture-perfect life whose world is turned upside down when her husband is accused of sexual assault. The upcoming series is set to come out in 2021, and stars Sienna Miller, Rupert Friend and Michelle Dockery.

The Power of the Dog by Thomas Savage

Set in 1920s Montana, Thomas Savages Western story tells the tale of a tenuous relationship between two brothers, whose bond becomes even more strained when one marries a young widow and the other hatches a plan to ruin his life. The upcoming Netflix adaptation stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Kristen Dunst and Jesse Plemons and is set to release on the streamer at some point in 2021.

Blonde by Joyce Carol Oates

Ana de Armas stars as Marilyn Monroe in this powerful tale that offers a tantalizing glimpse into the life of one of pop-cultures most renowned icons. Andrew Dominik is adapting Joyce Carol Oates fictionalized story to Netflix, slated for a 2021 release, with Adrien Brody, Bobby Cannavale and Julianne Nicholson also starring.

Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

Settle in for this captivating thriller by Big Little Lies author Liane Moriarty, in which nine strangers gather at a health and wellness resort whose existential questions are answered by the others they meet. The upcoming Hulu series (debuting Aug. 18) will star Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy and Luke Evans, among others.

Deep Water by Patricia Highsmith

This erotic thriller follows a couple, Melinda and Vic Van Allen, whose marriage is being held together by one precarious agreement: Melinda can take on as many lovers as she pleases as long as she agrees not to leave the family. The arrangement goes well until her lovers begin to mysteriously disappear, planting Vic as the prime suspects of their deaths. The silver screen adaptation, starring Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas, was originally slated for a 2020 release but is now set for a premiere in January 2022. The film also stars Jacob Elordi and Finn Witrock.

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Based on Delia Owens best-selling novel, Reese Witherspoons Hello Sunshine-produced adaptation is set for a June 24, 2022 release. The crime drama follows the wild and unkempt Kye, suspected of a mysterious murder in a quiet fishing village. Daisy Edgar-Jones stars as Kye, alongside Taylor John Smith and Harris Dickinson.

The Stars at Noon by Denis Johnson

Set in Nicaragua in 1984 during the revolution, Denis Johnsons The Stars at Noon entangles the reader in increasingly sinister plots as a woman travels through Central America on a mysterious mission. After she finds herself in a relationship with a quirky English businessman, she attempts to flee the country. The anticipated A24 thriller, the release date of which was postponed until 2022, boasts Robert Pattinson and Margaret Qualley as leads.

Nightbooks by J.A White

The upcoming horror fantasy film, based off J.A Whites 2019 novel of the same name, follows a young boy named Alex who is obsessed with scary stories, until he becomes trapped in the pages of one of the most terrifying tales hes read. The Netflix adaptation is set to come out in 2021, and stars Krysten Ritter and Lydia Jewett.

Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney

Hulus adaptation of Sally Rooneys best-selling novel Conversations with Friends follows the ultra-successful Hulu miniseries of Rooneys companion book Normal People. The story follows two university students in Dublin, best friends and former lovers, who perform poetry together. Their bond is strained when they form a relationship with an older married couple. Much of the team behind Normal People will return for Conversations, such as Oscar-nominated director Lenny Abrahamson, writer Alice Birch and Rooney herself. The 12-episode series, set to release sometime in 2022, stars newcomer Alison Oliver, Joe Alwyn, Sasha Lane and Jemima Kirke.

Daisy Jones & The Six

The New York Times bestseller offers irresistible authenticity to a fictional tale about the rise of an iconic 1970s rock band called the Six and a young girl named Daisy who finds herself at the center of their world. Reid chronicles the bands success as a riveting oral history, adapted into a 13-episode miniseries for Amazon Prime Video by Reese Witherspoons production company Hello Sunshine.

Wool by Hugh Howey

Wool, the first novel in Hugh Howeys acclaimed Silo series, is set in a toxic dystopia in the future where a community lives in a giant silo hundreds of stories underground. There, men and women are forced to follow strict regulations that theyre told are enforced to protect them. Following an unsuccessful adaptation first attempted by AMC in 2018, Graham Yost is now helming its adaptation for Apple Plus starring Rebecca Ferguson.

The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan

The beloved fantasy series transports readers to an unnamed world that simultaneously takes place both in the past and future. Drawing on elements from both European and Asian mythology, Jordan creates one a detailed imaginary world and well-developed magic system that spans across his 14-books. The TV version, adapted for Amazon and Sony by showrunner Rafe Judkins, is set to premiere at some point in 2021 and stars Rosamund Pike, Josha Stradowski, Marcus Rutherford and Zoe Robins.

The Vanishing Half

Brit Bennetts The Vanishing Half was one of the biggest books of 2020, and is now coming to the screen with Aziza Barnes and Jeremy O. Harris set to write and produce the HBO adaptation. It tells the story of two identical twin sisters growing up in the Jim Crow South before escaping at 16 and pursuing divergent life paths. There have been no casting announcements for the highly-anticipated series yet.

Dopesick by Beth Macy

The upcoming drama series adapted by Danny Young is slated to be released on Hulu in 2021. The dramatized tale is based off of Beth Macys acclaimed non-fiction book, in which she paints a comprehensive and captivating glimpse into the epicenter of Americas opioid crisis. The series stars Michael Keaton, Peter Sarsgaard, Kaitlyn Dever and Will Poulter.

Paper Girls by Brian K. Vaughan

Paper Girls centers around four young girls who, while out delivering papers on the morning after Halloween in 1988, become unwittingly caught in a conflict between warring factions of time-travelers, sending them on an adventure through time that will save the world. Toy Story 4 writer Stephany Folsom adapted the popular sci-fi comic book series as an Amazon original series and is expected to stream in 2021 or 2022.

Roar by Cecelia Ahern

The upcoming anthology series from Glow creators Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch is based on Aherns 2018 short story collection of the same name. Each of the eight episodes tell a darkly comical and feminist fable, following a diverse range of women with their own tribulations. Nicole Kidman executive produces and stars alongside Cynthia Erivo, Merritt Wever and Allison Brie.

BUY NOW: $15.99 Buy It

The Power by Naomi Alderman

Leslie Mann will star in the 10-episode series for Amazon. The adaptation, created by Alderman and directed by The Handmaids Tales Reed Moreno, imagines a world in which women are physically stronger than men, by way of a magical electric current that rises through their body.

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Taylor Jenkins Reids recently released novel is being developed as TV series for Hulu, helmed by Little Fires Everywhere creator, show runner and executive producer Liz Tigelaar. The best-selling novel, which follows Reids first successful book Daisy Jones & the Six, centers on the famous Rivas siblings whose lives take a dramatic turn after their annual end-of-summer blowout in 1983.

Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Click here to read the full article.

Academy Award winner Sebastian Lelio (A Fantastic Woman) has signed on to associate produce El Porvenir de la Mirada, a doc feature that captures the trauma of young protesters shot in the eyes by Chilean police during massive demonstrations erupting in Chile in October 2019.

Lelios boarding El Porvenir de la Mirada marks his return to his native Chile after movies with Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams (Disobedience) and Julianne Moore (Gloria Bell).

Produced by Gabriela Sandoval and Carlos Nunez at Storyboard Media (Santiago, Italia, Jailbreak Pact), Porvenir is directed by Chilean doc filmmaker Cristian Leighton (Kawase San, Nowheremen). Storyboard will unveil Porvenir at the Cannes Film Market, courting international co-producers, said Sandoval.

In huge civil protests mainly between October 2019 and March 2020  for example, on Oct. 25, 2019, over 1.2 million people marched in Santiago  460 protestors received eye injuries resulting from rubber bullets and pellets used against demonstrators by security forces. Most cases were treated by the Ocular Trauma Unit (UTO) of Hospital del Salvador in central Santiago. The victims are said to mark the biggest collective case of eye injuries in international medical history.

Leighton began shooting footage at the UTO in an observational style in October 2019, focusing on a clutch of often very young victims, some of whom will be blinded for life. He weaves an intimate portrait of their ocular trauma, post-trauma, treatment, the impact of injury on their lives and their hopes for Chiles future.

The films aim, its producers said, is to create a historical memory, a counter-history to official versions.

The protests forced Chiles government to move to change a constitution inherited from Augusto Pinochets dictatorship.

El Porvenir de la Mirada also tries to portray the experience lived by young people who decided to lead a citizens uprising which is unprecedented in the recent history of Chile, Leighton said.

Belonging to a generation which didnt agree with many aspects of the transition to democracy in the 90s, frontally rejecting the constitution inherited from Pinochet, he added, I think its necessary to listen, discuss and understand with sincerity why these young people had the strength to change an economico, social and cultural system which my generation finally accepted.

Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Click here to read the full article.

Prolific Italian director Francesca Comencini (Gomorrah, the series Django) is set to make a personal feature film that will pay homage to her father Luigi Comencini, the Italian master who made Oscar-nominated Cinema Italiano classic Bread, Love and Dreams, with Gina Lollobrigida and Vittorio De Sica.

Francescas film, with the working title First Life, Then Cinema, is being developed by Kavac Film, the Rome-based shingle of veteran Italian auteur Marco Bellocchio. Bellocchio is being honored in Cannes with a Lifetime Achievement honorary Palme dOr on July 17.

Bellocchios partner in Kavac, producer Simone Gattoni, will be shopping the Comencini project in Cannes.

Best-known for a slew of post-war Commedia allItaliana hit comedies  including 1972s Lo Scopone Scientifico in which Bette Davis plays an aging millionaire opposite Alberto Sordi  Luigi also ventured into neorealism with, among other titles, Misunderstood, which screened in the 1967 Cannes competition, one of the directors many films concerning the plight of children.

Francesca collaborated with her father as a writer A Boy From Calabria, about a 13-year-old boy from an impoverished family with aspirations to become an Olympic athlete, which went to the 1987 Venice Film Festival.

Francesca made her directorial debut in 1984 when she was 23 with the drama Pianoforte, which won a prize in Venice. She has since alternated between feature films and documentaries, often with a socio-political focus, and more recently TV series. She directed 15 episodes of the Gomorrah skein, which is Italys top TV export, and is currently shooting the Django series for Sky Studios and Canal Plus.

First Life, Then Cinema, will be her next project.

After so many years of doing the same job as my father and trying to be different from him, I wanted to recount how much I owe everything I am to him: I wanted to pay homage to my father, to his way of making cinema, Francesca said in a statement for Variety.

I want to pay homage to his way of being; to the importance that his work and his commitment have had for our cinema, she added. To the importance that his person has had for me. Maybe, I said to myself, maybe Im old enough now and Im capable of it. Maybe now Ill be up to telling this story.

Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Click here to read the full article.

The Mediapro Studio is teaming with The Department of Time and Isabel creator Javier Olivares to develop a new bio-series about former Spanish King Juan Carlos I in the style of Netflixs The Crown, according to a report by Spanish paper El Pais and confirmed to Variety by The Mediapro Studio. No channel or platform is attached at this time.

A local authority on adapting historical, or at least history-based, content for film and TV, Olivares has already plotted out a three-season arc for his latest project, El Rey, featuring parallel biographies of Juan Carlos I and of Spain as a whole during the time of the kings reign.

The idea behind El Rey has been on Olivares back burner for years, but the heat turned up with the publication of Catalan journalist Pilar Eyres novel Yo, el Rey, (I, the King) last year. Inspired by the book, Olivares and Javier Pons, The Mediapro Studio head of TV, took the decision to broaden the original bio-series idea and develop it as a three-act drama of 10-12 episodes per season, mirroring the Kings often-challenging ascension to acceptance, a period of immense popularity and the eventual sad decline into exile.

As is the case with its British Netflix predecessor, El Rey, or The King in English, is a story without a definite end as its main protagonist is still alive, although Juan Carlos is no longer the King of Spain, having abdicated the throne to his son in 2014.

For much of time as monarch, Juan Carlos was a popular figure in the country and remains much loved by many. His role in the changeover from Francos fascist dictatorship to a democratic system of governance was a welcome surprise, as many assumed he would take Francos place after the dictators death.

However, the later years of Juan Carlos reign were marred by scandal, and today the former Spanish monarch lives in self-exile, accused of shady business tactics in Saudi Arabia intended to grow his personal wealth.

According to Olivares, another departure from The Crown is the often-farcical nature of Juan Carlos the character. In fact, Olivares teased that the series will have realistic, political comedic elements like those in the works of legendary Spanish cineaste Luis Garcia Berlanga. One example, he suggested, is the fact that when Juan Carlos married Queen Sofia, he did so with a broken arm and clavicle because his future brother-in-law, a studied martial artist, had recently beaten him up.

When The Mediapro Studio was born three years ago, it did so with the intention of  in addition to developing proposals that come from the networks  finding its own projects, promoted and developed by ourselves from the beginning, Pons told El Pais.

Long one of Spains best-known TV creators and showrunners, Olivares inked a development deal with The Mediapro Studios main TV production company Globomedia in 2018. Before that, he was showrunner on RTVEs La 1 TV drama Isabel, one of the biggest Spanish fiction hits in recent times in terms of both local TV audiences and international sales. His biggest series, however, remains The Department of Time, co-created with his late brother Pablo. The cult sci-fi hit was also produced for RTVE and boarded by Netflix in its third season.

Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The U.S. Border Patrol announced that a pair of Mexican nationals with criminal records were arrested trying to cross the border on July 4.

In the first incident, USBP said that Freer agents apprehended 18 subjects on Independence Day.

According to the USBP, among the group was Jesus Igunaero-Lopez, a convicted sex offender/aggravated felon. Record checks revealed he was arrested in Richfield, Minnesota for first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a person under 13. He was sentenced to 10 years in 2007.

In a separate incident, Laredo agents arrested a man who was traveling within a group of eight migrants found walking through the brush near Rio Bravo.

The USBP stated that the Francisco Ortiz-Mederoz, a registered sex offender, was among them. Record checks revealed he had been arrested in Georgetown, Texas for aggravated asexual assault of a child and was sentenced to four years in prison in 2007.

While for some, 4th of July means celebrating our nations Independence Day with family, friends, a few hot dogs and a fireworks display, for others the distraction of the celebrations and gatherings generates the perfect opportunity to attempt to enter undetectably into the United States illegally, said the USBP in a statement.

These are some examples of the endless effort by the Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents to protect the American borders.

USBP reminds the public that If you see something, say something. You can contact Laredo Sector Border Patrol at 1-800-343-1994.
Lockport, NY (14094)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 86F. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 mph..

Tonight

Thunderstorms early, mainly cloudy overnight with a few showers. Low 66F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Longford GAA are searching for a new senior football manager after Padraic Davis made the dramatic decision to quit in the immediate aftermath of the horrific 4-22 to 0-12 defeat against Meath in the Leinster Championship quarter-final.

500 supporters watched the Royal County cruise to a landslide 22 points victory at Pairc Tailteann, Navan on Sunday last and it was all too much for a shattered Davis who announced his resignation from the job to the members of the media but not before breaking the news first to the players and his backroom staff.

Davis said: Obviously a heavy defeat like that doesnt help. Im not getting any younger. Ive a young family, a busy business and I look up at the scoreboard there. Do I have the energy to try and pick that up again, and go again? And if Im honest, I dont.

During his three years in charge, Davis achieved some good results with the OByrne Cup success in 2020 one of the highlights.

The Fr Manning Gaels clubman also deserves considerable credit for guiding the county to survival in Division 3 of the National League thanks to that great victory over the reigning Munster champions Tipperary in the relegation play-off a few weeks ago.

The following is a statement from Longford GAA that was posted on twitter on Sunday evening: Padraic Davis has announced that he is stepping down as manager. Longford GAA whilst disappointed, respect his decision and wish to thank him for all his efforts, not alone over the past 3 years as manager but previously as a selector and county player.

Longford v Westmeath in the Leinster U-20 Championship

There was some good news for Longford football during the past few days as the county U-20 team held out for a terrific one point win (4-11 to 3-13) away to Louth in the first round of the Leinster Championship on Thursday evening last.

The reward for Donal Ledwiths side is a home game in the quarter-final against neighbouring rivals Westmeath at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park this Thursday evening (throw-in 7.30pm) with the winners advancing to meet Offaly or Wexford in the last four a week later.
Mica campaigner Paddy Diver says he is going into the forthcoming meeting of the Defective Blocks Working Group (DBWG) to get fast-track answers for mica-affected homeowners.

Speaking to Donegal Live, Paddy said the [DBWG] introductions were over, as of last Wednesday, and today's meeting was time to deal with what he described as the stupid stuff.

He explained: The Government needs to get rid of the upfront 7,000 [engineers' fees] needed for people to enter the [Defective Concrete Blocks Grant] Scheme. It needs to get rid of the like-for-like planning permission for replacement houses. It needs to give people assurances they are going to have accommodation when they have to move out of their homes.

A liaison office also needs to be established, to enable people who are not familiar with computers to get onto the Defective Concrete Blocks Grants Scheme. Some people's mental health cannot handle forms and computers and PDFs and all that kind of stuff. I want these issues over the line today (July 7).

100% redress is still number one on the agenda and it is still going to happen but we need to get the other issues fast-tracked so people can get onto the [Defective Concrete Blocks Grant] Scheme.

The Government was told at last Wednesday's DBWG meeting the [Defective Concrete Blocks Grant] scheme was benefiting people and that only 20 people had been turned away from Scheme 2.

I asked how many people were on Scheme 2 and was told 40. I said the reason only 40 people are in Scheme 2 was that Donegal County Council was dragging its heels. Information being sent in by chartered engineers was being turned down.

Mr Diver said he brought up his own case. He has a block that is under two Newton and, as a result, he believes his house needs to be completely demolished.

However, the Council is requesting additional information, he said . It wants pictures. It wants me to take down my dry lining walls to send a picture. This is why people cannot get on the scheme, because of the Council's incompetence.

I got no answer. I was told, 'Today is the day for introductions, questions and answers will be later' but we never got round to questions and answers.

I am going to be raising the same questions this Wednesday and the Council will have to answer me.

Council negligence and incompetence has caused us to be where we are today, especially from 2013 forwards.

Up until 2013 it was the Government but when it was changed, the Council enforced nothing. There has been a lack of oversight of Cassidy's Quarry.

Second homes and holiday homes are still on the table. They have to be because people did not go get pensions, this is people's investment. There is no way on earth it can't be the case. We will know better today.

Mr Diver was confident in the community team from Donegal. He said they are well prepared.

If the Department and Council officials think for one second they are going to tie us up in knots, they are not. We are getting plenty of help and we are well fit for it.

We will turn this into a European thing if needs be. We are also well prepared to go down again to Dublin and make our voices heard.

We are not going to lie down to the Government. Government and Council is to blame not the homeowners.

They are on about taxpayers' money they are the ones that are blowing the taxpayers' money not us. I want to see is the Government there to help us or hinder us? We will know on Wednesday.

This Government has to be looking at this as a traffic light system, red, amber and green. There are people that cannot afford to get on the scheme. Their houses are ready to fall down. They now need to be evacuated that is critical.

The priority is to get the people out of the houses, get them re-housed before the next storm comes. The Government is in power. It needs to be doing these things.

I was lying in the house the other night and it was a stormy night and I could hear cracks. I can only imagine an older person or a young child not being able to sleep. Any houses that are critical, families need to be re-housed.
Community, Charity & Cause

By Chris Boyle Published: July 07 2021

Grocery stores across Long Island remained open to the public following the Center for Disease Controls COVID-19 guidance and recommendations.

Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker attended three local Stop & Shops Employee Appreciation Day celebrations located in her legislative district, to thank the employees and present them each with certificates of appreciation for being frontline workers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Grocery stores across Long Island remained open to the public following the Center for Disease Controls COVID-19 guidance and recommendations. In an effort to keep customers safe during the pandemic, Stop & Shop made alterations to their store locations such as requiring masks, creating one-way shopping lanes and adding additional self-checkout stations. Stop & Shop also established accommodations for customers at higher risk of infection, such as seniors, through daily early morning shopping hours and curb side pick-up.

Thank you to the 464 employees and managers of the Stop & Shops in Miller Place, Coram and Rocky Point for ensuring that your store was clean, safe and open for the community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, said Legislator Anker. We know it was a difficult job, but you continued to show dedication to our community and provide essential services that were so much needed during the pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented a host of challenges that Stop & Shop has never before faced, but the Coram, Rocky Point and Miller Place stores remained committed to serving their communities, said James McGinn, the District Director for Stop & Shop.  I am so proud of these stores and their teams - Coram, led by store manager Katherine Pastore; Rocky Point, led by store manager Bob Evans; and Miller Place, led by store manager Mike Donegan, and grateful for the recognition for all they have done throughout the pandemic.
Nature & Weather

By Chris Boyle Published: July 07 2021

The Nassau County Department of Public Works converted a stormwater basin into a living tribute of native plants and wildlife.

Recently, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran toured the newly completed Michael Sperling Memorial Bird Sanctuary in Massapequa. The Nassau County Department of Public Works (DPW) worked with the South Shore Audubon Society to convert what was a stormwater basin into a living tribute of native plants and wildlife to commemorate Michael Sperlings many years of commitment as an environmental leader.

Nassaus Adopt-a-Sump program allows us to work with wonderful organizations like the South Shore Audubon Society to transform land into sanctuaries for our wildlife that protect Nassaus natural habitat. Not only will this new preserve attract birds and other animals, it will serve as a fitting tribute to community leader Michael Sperling, said County Executive Laura Curran.

Native wildlife needs native plants to thrive and survive and this Sanctuary will provide new vital habitat for birds as other areas are destroyed by development and climate change. The native plantings at the Sanctuary provide habitat and food for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife and attract an array of fruit, nectar, seed, and insect eating birds throughout the year. The Sanctuary will also provide a critically needed refuge for songbirds that migrate annually along the Atlantic flyway. DPW also ensured that it will continue the function of reducing flooding in roadways and channeling precipitation into the groundwater aquifers.

The sanctuary is located adjacent from Plainedge High School in North Massapequa. This location was chosen for its native trees and flowers, and its manageable amount of invasive vegetation. The project sanctuary also acts to educate the public near our bird sanctuary about the purpose of storm drains with educational signage.

The Sanctuary was named in honor of the late Michael Sperling, champion of open space and advocate for the natural resources of Long Island. Michael Sperling was a member of the South Shore Audubon Society for over 30 years-- serving two terms as President, was editor for 28 years of the Society newsletter and was the de facto historian of South Shore Audubon. He also served on the Board of the New York State Audubon Council and as Vice President of the Friends of Massapequa Preserve.

With 1/3 of our birds lost since 1970, and 2/3 at risk of extinction from climate change and habitat destruction, every bit of habitat we can create will help sustain their populations. We hope our Sanctuary will serve as a model and educational resource for others to use Nassaus Adopt-a-Sump program or to plant native plants on their properties to create a healthy environment for birds and other pollinators. said President Brien Weiner.

"We are so pleased to be a part of the transition of sumps into Sanctuaries. It truly symbolizes thinking globally and acting locally. Thanks to County Executive Curran for having the vision to support this effort," said Frank Piccininni, Founder of Spadefoot Design and Construction.
Community, Charity & Cause

By Ls Cohen Published: July 07 2021

Memorial recreates iconic photo of Dwyer rescuing injured Iraqi boy during battle.

In the picture, a soldier, loaded down in full gear, is running across a field with a young child in his arms. The soldier looks determined but a little worried. The child is disheveled, half-clothed, and frightened. The soldier is PFC Joseph Dwyer, an Army Medic serving in Iraq. The boy was injured during a heavy battle between US troops and Iraqi forces.

The picture, taken in 2003, has become an iconic reminder of the tragedy of war and heroism of the American soldier. It was printed in newspapers around the world.

Years later, PFC Joseph Dwyer, who lived in North Carolina at the time but was from Mount Sinai, lost his long battle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). His story inspired a state program called the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project to help other soldiers suffering from PTSD on Long Island.

Recently, a statue was unveiled at Brookhaven Town's Veterans Memorial Square that recreates the photo snapped by Army Times photographer Warren Zinn.

In an interview with NPR, Zinn said that when he captured PFC Dwyer running with the 4-year-old boy named Ali Sattar he hoped he was able to get the shot right.

I knew this was just really a beautiful moment that people needed to see, and I wanted to make sure that I nailed it, he said.

A $65,000 grant that VFW Post 6249 in Rocky Point secured through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) from former NYS Senator Ken LaValle paid for the statue created by Alan E. Fricke Memorials.

During a ceremony, Rocky Point VFW Post 6249 Commander, Joe Cognitore said that the goal of his organization is to preserve and respect our history.

The statue of Joseph Dwyer depicts the values of our men and women in the military, Cognitore said. Joseph Dwyer is truly a local hero.

He then thanked former Senator LaValle and Brookhaven Town officials for getting the statue made and placed in the town park.

His statue and more importantly what he stood for will stand in Rocky Point for others to see and better understand his achievements for years to come, said Cognitore.
Ensure you get a print copy of the Loudoun Times-Mirror delivered weekly to your home or business!

Complete online access is included with all print subscriptions purchased online. Plus, up to four other members of your household can share online access through this subscription with their own, individual linked accounts at no additional charge.

(Are you a current advertiser? Ask your sales rep for our special advertiser rate code!)
(Alliance News) - FirstGroup PLC on Tuesday welcomed a GBP226.5 million UK government support package for regional bus providers in England as the industry gets ready for the latest easing of virus curbs.

The six-month funding package will support regional bus service providers in the transition away from the Covid-19 Bus Service Support Grant, a UK scheme designed to help the firms beleaguered by the pandemic. The new programme will run from September until April next year, the government said.

Janette Bell, managing director of FirstGroup's First Bus arm, said: "We welcome today's announcement by UK government of a bus recovery funding package for England which will ensure that an effective bus network can be provided for customers as the economy and the communities we serve emerge from the pandemic."

"We will continue to build on the successful partnerships we have created with local authorities to meet our customers' needs by developing joint plans for further improvements and innovation over the coming months. It is vital that government continues to work together with us to encourage more people onto buses in order to deliver economic revival, improve air quality and meet the UKas net zero ambitions."

The company noted First Bus has seen "encouraging" passenger volumes, as Covid-19 restrictions are loosened. On July 19, England will see another easing of curbs.

There will no longer be any limits on social contact, the legal requirement to wear face masks will be lifted and all remaining businesses which are closed under current riles, including nightclubs, will be allowed to reopen.

By Eric Cunha; ericcunha@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
(Alliance News) - Foxtons Group PLC Chair Ian Barlow will step down by the end of 2021, the company said Wednesday, after a major shareholder called for "radical" changes to the board following years of share price declines.

Barlow will step down a year before the usual nine-year term for company directors ends, having been a board member since the London estate agent's IPO in September 2013. He took the role of chair in March 2020. Foxtons said it will start the search for his successor.

Under the UK corporate governance code, a director is not considered to be independent if they serve for more than nine years.

Shares in Foxtons were down 1.7% to 58.00 pence in London.

Foxtons has faced investor dissatisfaction after years of share price declines since a peak of almost 400p in 2014. The Times reported in June that Hosking Partners called for "radical board-level changes" and wrote to Barlow. Hosking owns an 11% stake in Foxtons worth around GBP21.5 million based on the current share price.

In April, shareholders voted 40% against a pay plan for directors which included GBP958,000 in bonuses for Chief Executive Nic Budden.

Barlow said: "A series of challenges to the London property market since the Brexit referendum, compounded more recently by the pandemic, have impaired our recent trading performance.

"However, the business has huge potential and I am confident that the refreshed growth strategy, agreed by the board last year and set out in the capital markets day presentation in June, will result in a substantial rebound in performance.

"Our strategy will take time to deliver and with only one further year to serve under UK governance rules I consider this is the right time to hand over to a successor to oversee its execution."

Josh Ponniah, a partner at Catalist Partners which owns 2.3% of Foxtons, said: "We hope the company takes this opportunity to supplement the board with specific industry expertise and the entrepreneurialism required to ensure Foxtons is able to restore the market share lost since 2015, pursue growth in new areas, leverage its technological advantage and realise the untapped potential we see in the business."

By Ivan Edwards; ivanedwards@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
(Alliance News) - Great Portland Estates PLC on Thursday announced it has pre-let 15,200 square foot of retail space on Oxford Street to Boom Battle Bar, a franchise of bars which offers competitive games alongside food and drinks to its customers.

The London-focused property investor and developer said Boom Battle Bar has agreed a fifteen-year lease at an initial minimum annual rent of GBP625,000 plus a turnover top-up.

The site, which is at 70 Oxford Street in London, forms part of Great Portland's W1 redevelopment in central London.

"Retail is evolving to become more experiential and we're delighted that Boom Battle Bar has chosen to open their first central London venue in our best in class development," commented Leasing Director Marc Wilder.

"The quality and location of the building are clearly resonating with both retail and office occupiers alike and we have encouraging interest in the remainder of the space."

Shares in Great Portland were trading up 1.2% at 743.50 pence each in London on Wednesday morning.

By Will Paige; willpaige@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Jadestone Energy PLC - oil and gas producer in Asia-Pacific - Notes Indonesian minister of Mines & Energy issues ministerial decree allocating liquefied petroleum gas sales from the Akatara gas field in the Lemang PSC, onshore Indonesia, to a subsidiary of the national electricity utility, PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara.

"The ministerial decree facilitates the development and commercialisation of the Akatara gas field and also the associated production and sales of LPG to the local domestic market in Jambi, together with condensate sales to a local buyer," company explains.

Company signs heads of agreement for gas sales from its planned development, with PT Pelayanan Listrik Nasional Batam as buyer.

Chief Executive Paul Blakeley says: "I am delighted to have come to this critical milestone and to have obtained the support of both the Minister and SKK Migas in pursuing this important development. Gas from the Akatara field will ultimately be used for electricity generation by PLN, while LPG sales will provide much needed energy directly to the local market to meet domestic cooking requirements for the local population in the Jambi region.

"The ministerial decree facilitates the development of the Akatara gas field and allocates the Lemang gas to meet domestic electricity demand for industrial users in Batam."

The decree and heads of terms specify a gross sales volume of 20 British thermal units per day starting in the first quarter of 2024 and a plant gate sales price of USD5.60 per million British thermal unit.

Current stock price: 75.10 pence

Year-to-date change: up 22%

By Paul McGowan; paulmcgowan@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Ridgecrest PLC - cash shell - Enters into non-binding heads of agreement with Cristian Rada to buy Airline Invest SA and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Blue Air Aviation SA and Blue Air Technic SRL.

Cristian Rada and his brother are the sole shareholders of Airline Invest, company notes.

Blue Air is a Romanian low-cost airline headquartered in Bucharest, with its base at Henri Coanda International Airport, and with operations at Turin airport, Italy.

Notes shares suspended as deal is reverse takeover. Plans placing to complete the deal.

Company adds: "The consideration payable in respect of the proposed transaction is proposed to be satisfied entirely by the issue to Cristian Rada and his brother of 9.02 billion new shares in the company comprising, immediately thereafter, about 95% of the company's current issued share capital.

"It is also intended that the company will carry out an appropriate share consolidation or share subdivision simultaneously with completion of the proposed transaction. Upon completion, Ridgecrest's name would be changed to Blue Air Group PLC."

Current stock price: 1.10 pence

Year-to-date change: flat

By Paul McGowan; paulmcgowan@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
(Sharecast News) - London stocks managed a positive finish on Wednesday, helped along by a strong showing in the mining sector, as investors eyed the release of the minutes from the latest Federal Reserve meeting.

The FTSE 100 ended the session up 0.71% at 7,151.02, and the FTSE 250 was 0.33% firmer at 22,970.24.



Sterling was in a mixed state, last trading 0.04% weaker against the dollar at $1.3794, while gaining 0.12% on the euro to 1.1687.



"Investor enthusiasm for US stocks appears to be waning, now that we are less than a week away from the start of earnings season," said IG chief market analyst Chris Beauchamp.



"High-growth tech names have undergone a bit of a reversal today, and the Nasdaq in particular looks rather overextended in the short-term, after a straight-line rally since mid-May that has seen the index and the growth complex come back into fashion in spectacular form.



"It is a different story in Europe, where indices have generally been able to hold on to at least some of their gains, but with Wall Street struggling it will be tough for European markets to really establish the groundwork for a sustainable bounce."



Beauchamp said the Fed minutes later in the global day should keep sentiment in check.



"Investors will be keen to see if the record of the meeting sheds any further light on the hawkish shift seen in the dot plot, even if some of that shift in outlook was walked back in the weeks following the FOMC's latest decision."



On the economic front, a survey released earlier showed that house prices dipped for the first time this year in June as the stamp duty holiday started to wind down.



According to the latest Halifax house price index, the average house price eased 0.5% in June, the first monthly decline since January.



On an annual basis, house price inflation was ahead 8.8%, although that was down on May's 14-year high of 9.6%.



The average UK property price was now 260,358.



"With the stamp duty holiday now being phased out, it was predicted that the market might start to lose some steam entering the latter half of the year," said Russell Galley, managing director of Halifax.



"It's unlikely that those with mortgages approved in the early months of summer expected to benefit from the maximum tax break, given the time needed to complete transactions."



In equity markets, miners Anglo American, Antofagasta, Glencore, BHP, and Rio Tinto were all firmer, adding 3.12%, 2.53%, 2.63%, 3.19% and 2.6% respectively, as copper and iron ore prices rose.



PageGroup rallied 2.95% as the recruiter lifted its 2021 guidance, while Redrow gained 3.15% after the housebuilder said it expected 2022 revenues to exceed 2bn, driven by a strong order book and completion of a private rental sector project in London.



On the downside, 888 Holdings was 6.54% weaker even as it said it expects adjusted annual core profit to be slightly higher despite higher costs and regulatory changes.



Shell reversed earlier gains to close down 0.08%, even after the oil giant said it plans to boost shareholder returns following a strong second quarter.



Private hospital operator Spire Healthcare lost 4.83% as it delayed a vote on its takeover by Australia's Ramsay Health Care, after shareholders Fidelity International and Toscafund Asset Management reportedly rejected a final, improved offer.



Spire said it was adjourning the meetings after "a number of investors" requested "a short extension to the process to allow them to exercise voting rights".



Pub chain JD Wetherspoon fell 1.94% after saying it still expects to make a full-year loss as like-for-like sales have continued to fall despite easing Covid restrictions.



Market Movers



FTSE 100 (UKX) 7,151.02 0.71%

FTSE 250 (MCX) 22,970.24 0.33%

techMARK (TASX) 4,485.11 -0.01%



FTSE 100 - Risers



BHP Group (BHP) 2,201.50p 3.19%

Anglo American (AAL) 2,991.00p 3.12%

Glencore (GLEN) 318.15p 2.63%

Rio Tinto (RIO) 6,038.00p 2.60%

Antofagasta (ANTO) 1,440.00p 2.53%

Rentokil Initial (RTO) 518.40p 2.41%

Ashtead Group (AHT) 5,548.00p 2.36%

Experian (EXPN) 2,943.00p 2.33%

Evraz (EVR) 600.20p 2.32%

Berkeley Group Holdings (The) (BKG) 4,850.00p 2.06%



FTSE 100 - Fallers



Informa (INF) 512.40p -4.33%

Entain (ENT) 1,812.50p -3.32%

International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (CDI) (IAG) 181.28p -3.07%

Rolls-Royce Holdings (RR.) 100.94p -2.68%

Flutter Entertainment (CDI) (FLTR) 13,375.00p -1.87%

Compass Group (CPG) 1,550.50p -1.18%

BP (BP.) 307.70p -1.00%

Associated British Foods (ABF) 2,234.00p -0.93%

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) 4,874.00p -0.86%

BT Group (BT.A) 189.65p -0.78%



FTSE 250 - Risers



PZ Cussons (PZC) 269.00p 3.86%

Ferrexpo (FXPO) 432.20p 3.18%

Redrow (RDW) 649.20p 3.15%

Pagegroup (PAGE) 595.50p 2.95%

Pennon Group (PNN) 1,219.00p 2.63%

Telecom Plus (TEP) 1,180.00p 2.59%

Oxford Biomedica (OXB) 1,368.00p 2.54%

Capital & Counties Properties (CAPC) 170.70p 2.40%

Redde Northgate (REDD) 410.00p 2.24%

Morgan Sindall Group (MGNS) 2,255.00p 2.24%



FTSE 250 - Fallers



888 Holdings (888) 387.20p -6.54%

Tullow Oil (TLW) 54.54p -5.50%

Cineworld Group (CINE) 80.20p -5.00%

Spire Healthcare Group (SPI) 228.00p -4.83%

BBGI Global Infrastructure S.A. NPV (DI) (BBGI) 170.20p -4.70%

Carnival (CCL) 1,575.40p -4.68%

4Imprint Group (FOUR) 2,680.00p -4.11%

Mitchells & Butlers (MAB) 281.40p -4.09%

Rank Group (RNK) 179.00p -3.58%

SSP Group (SSPG) 280.10p -3.55%
(Alliance News) - Sweden's parliament on Wednesday voted to reinstate Social Democrat party leader Stefan Lofven as prime minister, only weeks after he was ousted in a historic vote of no confidence.A

Lofven's nomination was passed with a vote of 116 for, 173 against and 60 abstaining.

Under the Swedish system a prime minister can be confirmed as long as a majority does not vote against them.

"Since less than half of the members of parliament have voted no, the chamber has approved the motion to appoint Stefan Lofven as prime minister," Speaker Andreas Norlen told parliament.

Lofven later told a press conference he was "shouldering the task with determination and respect".A

"Parliament has given me the confidence to continue to lead Sweden," he said.A

To get the vote passed, Lofven's Social Democrats secured a deal with the centre-right Centre Party, which agreed to abstain from voting against him, clearing the way for his confirmation.

Still, the margin was razor thin and on Tuesday the Social Democrats even struck a separate deal to secure the support of individual independent member of parliament Amineh Kakabaveh, formerly of the Left Party, as a single vote could have tipped the balance.

An "unholy alliance" of parties, from the Left Party to the far-right Sweden Democrats, teamed up to oust Lofven's coalition government a made up of the Social Democrats and the Greens a on June 21.

Following the confidence vote, Lofven had the option to either call a snap election or resign, which he chose to do on June 28 a leaving it up to the speaker of parliament to start looking for a successor.

The confidence motion was filed by the Sweden Democrats after the Left Party, which had been unhappy with a plan to ease rent controls for newly built homes.

Lofven had agreed to the policy to secure the support of two other centre-left parties for his minority government, as part of a drawn-out struggle to find a workable coalition following inconclusive elections in 2018.

But the Left Party and other critics see any easing of the rent controls as fundamentally at odds with the Swedish social model, and a threat to tenants' rights.

Despite being crucial in the vote to topple Lofven's government, the Left Party supported his return, with party leader Nooshi Dadgostar noting that now the "issue of market rents is not on the table."

Even with his swift return, Lofven's might soon be facing his next political crisis as he now takes office without a deal to secure passing a budget this autumn.

"His method has been one step at a time, he has first acted to get re-elected, then he'll take on the budget," Ulf Bjereld, a professor of political science at the University of Gothenburg, told AFP.

In declaring their voting intentions, several opposition parties criticised Lofven's return, especially as his government now be on even shakier footing, and some even declared that a snap election would have been preferable a even if it would be one in addition to the scheduled general election in September 2022, which will go ahead regardless.

Christian Democrat leader Ebba Busch said the government would now be a "ticking bomb".

"Ready to blow up and throw us into another crisis already this autumn and then it would be better to let voters have their say."

After being appointed in Sweden, the prime minister should announce their cabinet "as soon as possible," and then the new government formally takes office during a ceremony with the head of state, currently King Carl XVI.

source: AFP

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
(Alliance News) - Siemens AG unit Siemens Mobility on Wednesday said it has been awarded a "historic" USD3.4 billion in contracts from Amtrak, the US national railroad operator.

The Munich, Germany-based technology company will design, manufacture and technically support 73 multi-powered trains for Amtrak.

There is also a possibility for up to 140 additional trains and further maintenance agreements, the company said.

The order is Amtrak's latest endeavour to acquire "the most sustainable and efficient trains on the market," which include dual powered and hybrid battery vehicles.

"These trains will offer Amtrak and its passengers the latest in sustainable and intelligent rail technology. We believe hybrid battery and dual powered trains will play an important role in reducing emissions and protecting the environment in the United States. In addition, through our digital services, Amtrak will receive real-time information about vehicle operations, allowing them to ensure that their passengers arrive safely and efficiently," stated Michael Peter, chief executive of Siemens Mobility.

Siemens Mobility is a separately managed company of Siemens which makes products for urban, interurban and freight transportation.

Siemens shares closed 1.2% higher at EUR133.98 in Frankfurt on Wednesday.

By Greg Roxburgh; gregroxburgh@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
(Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of updates by London-listed companies, issued on Wednesday and not separately reported by Alliance News:





-

PureTech Health PLC - Boston, Massachusetts-based biotherapeutics - Signs clinical trial and supply agreement with an affiliate of BeiGene Ltd to evaluate BeiGene's tislelizumab, an anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor, in combination with PureTech's LYT-200, an investigational monoclonal antibody targeting galectin-9, for the potential treatment of difficult-to-treat solid tumour indications that are associated with poor survival rates. "We believe LYT-200 has the potential to engage the immune system against what are currently intractable cancers, both as a single agent and in combination with checkpoint inhibitors. We look forward to evaluating whether LYT-200 in combination with BeiGene's tislelizumab can improve outcomes for patients with metastatic solid tumours," PureTech Head of Oncology Aleksandra Filipovic says.





-

Wincanton PLC - Wiltshire-based logistics firm - Confirms that strong revenue performance recorded in the second half of the prior year has continued into the first quarter of new financial year, with "sustained growth and an attractive pipeline of opportunities" in each of the company's four sectors. "Wincanton continues to make operational and strategic progress and it is trading in line with expectations. Profits are up significantly on the same period last year," company adds.





-

Seeing Machines Ltd - Canberra-based driver-monitoring technology company - Signs agreement with Airservices Australia to integrate company's technology into the air traffic control environment. The initial program of work is valued at around AUD250,000, about USD187,000. "The company work with Airservices to jointly pursue the development and integration of head, eye and face tracking and the related high-level signals including; workload, fatigue and attention to support and optimize safe and effective controller performance in an increasingly automated air traffic control environment," company says.





-

Somero Enterprises Inc - Fort Myers, Florida-based concrete levelling equipment company - Expects to beat previous 2021 guidance due to ending first half with stronger than anticipated trading in the US and momentum continuing into second half. Now expects 2021 revenue to be around USD110.0 million and adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation around USD35.0 million, previously seen at USD100.0 million and USD31.0 million respectively.





-

Cohort PLC - defence and security markets-focussed technology company - Wholly owned subsidiary Elac Sona GmbH wins EUR49 million order from Leonardo SpA, sonar systems for two new U212 Near Future Submarines being supplied by Fincantieri for the Italian Navy. The contract also includes delivery of special test and training tools and associated technical services. Work on the contract will commence immediately and will complete in 2030.





-

K3 Capital Group PLC - Bolton, England-based advisory services provider - To buy M&A advisory firm Knight Corp Finance Group Ltd and research and development tax advisory firm Knight R&D Ltd. Plans placing to raise GBP10.0 million to pay for two acquisitions. Will place 2.9 million shares at 340 pence each. "The acquisitions are in line with K3's strategy to acquire complementary and value accretive businesses to build out its existing SME focussed service lines. The proceeds of the placing will be used in part to fund the acquisitions and to satisfy an element of fees payable in relation to the placing and the acquisitions," company says.





-

7digital Group PLC - London-based music licensing provider - Signs 24-month contracts with two new clients: Barry's fitness brand, and Volava, a European interactive fitness platform. "The companies will use 7digital's music platform-as-a-service to power their services in the fitness industry, a strategic growth market for 7digital. Both contracts, signed with Barry's Bootcamp Holdings, LLC, and Volava SL, respectively, commence immediately and consist of an upfront set-up fee as well as recurring monthly revenues," company adds.





-

Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd - Bangladesh-based generic pharmaceutical products and active pharmaceutical ingredients maker - Notes Serum Institute of India unable to supply any further vaccine doses to Bangladesh beyond the seven million doses that had already supplied to Bangladesh during January and February 2021, due to Indian government's controls on vaccine exports. "Beximco Pharma's original agreement with SII and GOB remains valid until June 14, 2022 and all parties anticipate that SII will be able to re-commence exports to Bangladesh once the temporary export controls from India have been relaxed when, as previously announced, the company will collaborate with SII to provide a revised supply schedule for GOB," company adds.





-

Coro Energy PLC - South East Asian energy company - Notes 20%-owned subsidiary on Ventures Holdings Ltd signs new partnership with GLIL Infrastructure Fund LLP for ion Ventures' portfolio of grid scale energy storage projects in the UK. "Pursuant to the partnership, GLIL has committed up to GBP150 million of capital to a newly incorporated vehicle, Flexion Energy Holdings UK Ltd, with ion Ventures transferring its existing portfolio of UK grid scale energy storage projects into Flexion, as well as all of its future business associated with the development of UK grid scale energy storage assets," company explains.





-

Starcom PLC - remote tracking systems firm, headquartered in Jersey - Wins smart guard innovation challenge for its Lokies keyless padlock at recent DHL Logistics & Supply Chain Summit. "This has led to the initiation of a trial of Lokies by DHL in one of its main global hubs in Singapore to examine all aspects of the product, both technical and commercial, with a view to DHL potentially trialing the Lokies smart padlock with some of its customers," company explains. Adds: "At this stage there is no commitment from or contract with DHL, or significant revenue from the trial, and the duration of the trial is unknown."





-

Catenae Innovation PLC - London-based data management services provider - Subsidiary Hyperneph Software Ltd develops cloud-based platform and mobile app that is being used with a charity working in conjunction with public sector organisations. The agreement is for a period of up to 12 months and is currently on trial in a major UK city. "The mobile app enables Hyperneph's customer to introduce an individual to a service provider and subsequently tracks the progress of their initial engagement, whilst respecting the privacy and rights of the person under the UK's GDPR legislation," company explains. Initial contract value is GBP12,500. "If the project is successful it could be rolled out on a wider scale across the UK, with the potential to generate recurring income for the group," company adds. Hyperneph is 51%-owned by Catenae.





-

Tiger Royalties & Investments PLC - London-based royalties and proactive investments group - Says net asset value per share ends second quarter at 0.30 pence versus 0.23p at March 31.





-

By Paul McGowan; paulmcgowan@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
(Alliance News) - UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has again accused the EU of implementing the provisions on Northern Ireland in the Brexit divorce settlement in a "grossly disproportionate and unnecessary" fashion.

Giving evidence to the Commons Liaison Committee, the prime minister insisted the NI Protocol did not pose any threat to Northern Ireland's status within the UK.

But he said recent problems over to movement of chilled meats from the rest of the UK were still "far from fixed" following an agreement to delay the implementation of border checks.

He said there were now concerns among Northern Ireland's Jewish community that they would be unable to access kosher foods unless it was resolved.

"They are talking now about an exodus from Northern Ireland. We want to do everything that we can to avoid that," he said.

"I think what we all need to do is work rapidly on some solutions, fix this thing fast.

"I think it will take some effort but we really can't exclude any actions that the UK government my need to take to protect what it says in the Protocol."

At the same time, the prime minister sought to allay concerns among some unionist communities that Northern Ireland's place in the UK had been weakened as a result of the Protocol.

"There is absolutely no threat to Northern Ireland's place within the UK and there should not be from the Protocol," he said.

"It is clear that Northern Ireland is part of the sovereign territory of the UK. That is all clear from the Protocol."

Johnson however indicated that he regretted some parts of the agreement which he had signed to get the UK out of the EU.

He said he had agreed to checks on goods moving from Great Britain out of "neighbourliness" as part of the arrangements to ensure there was no return of a hard border with the Republic.

"We also agreed, unfortunately, that the EU could have a say in how this was done," he said.

By Gavin Cordon, PA Whitehall Editor

source: PA

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
7 July 2021

BEXIMCO PHARMACEUTICALS LTD.

Update on the supply of COVID-19 vaccine

Beximco Pharmaceuticals Limited ("Beximco Pharma" or "the Company"; AIM Symbol: BXP, LEI No.: 213800IMBBD6TIOQGB56), the fast-growing manufacturer of generic pharmaceutical products and active pharmaceutical ingredients, provides a further update on the supply of COVID-19 vaccine in Bangladesh.

As previously announced, Beximco Pharma has had an agreement with the Government of Bangladesh (GOB) and the Serum Institute of India Private Limited (SII) that required SII to deliver a total of 30 million doses to GOB. These deliveries were originally planned to be completed by 7 July 2021 (within six months of the vaccine's regulatory approval), with Beximco Pharma to receive a separate fee for its role in storage and nationwide distribution of the vaccine. Further to the Company's announcement on 28 April 2021, the Indian Government's controls on vaccine exports remain in place. SII has therefore been unable to supply any further vaccine doses to Bangladesh beyond the seven million doses that had already supplied to GOB during January and February 2021.

Beximco Pharma's original agreement with SII and GOB remains valid until 14 June 2022 and all parties anticipate that SII will be able to re-commence exports to Bangladesh once the temporary export controls from India have been relaxed when, as previously announced, the Company will collaborate with SII to provide a revised supply schedule for GOB.

Further announcements will be made as appropriate.

For further information please visit www.beximcopharma.com or enquire to:

Beximco Pharma Nazmul Hassan MP, Managing Director Tel: +880 2 58611001, ext.20080 S M Rabbur Reza, Chief Operating Officer Tel: +880 2 58611001, ext. 20111 Mohammad Ali Nawaz, Chief Financial Officer Tel: +880 2 58611001, ext.20030 SPARK Advisory Partners Limited (Nominated Adviser) Mark Brady / Andrew Emmott Tel: +44 (0)20 3368 3551 / 3555 SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP (Broker) Vadim Alexandre / Abigail Wayne Tel: +44 (0) 20 3470 0470 FTI Consulting Simon Conway / Victoria Foster Mitchell / Sam Purewal Tel: +44 (0)20 3727 1000

About Beximco Pharmaceuticals Limited

Beximco Pharma is a leading manufacturer and exporter of medicines based in Bangladesh. Since its inception in 1976, the Company remains committed to health and wellbeing of people across all the continents by providing access to contemporary medicines. Company's broad portfolio of generics encompasses diverse delivery systems such as tablets, capsules, liquids, semi-solids, intravenous fluids, metered dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, sterile ophthalmic drops, insulins, prefilled syringes, injectables, nebuliser solutions, oral soluble films etc. The Company also undertakes contract manufacturing for multinational and leading global generic pharmaceutical companies.

Beximco Pharmas state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities are certified by global regulatory authorities of USA, Europe, Australia, Canada, GCC and Latin America, among others and it has a geographic footprint in more than 50 countries. More than 5,500 employees are driving the company towards achieving its aspiration to be among the most admired companies in the world.
LIVONIA, MICH.  Madonna University has been awarded $100,000 grant from the highly competitive U.S. Department of Education Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) for FY 2021. Madonna University faculty, graduate students, and the project director will participate in a four-week, in-country program in the Philippines. The Fulbright-Hays GPA program provides opportunities to engage in research, language training, and curriculum development projects overseas in the fields of modern foreign languages and area studies.

This prestigious award will provide Madonna faculty and graduate students with the core competencies, information, and materials needed for curriculum development to incorporate knowledge of the Philippines into the broader curriculum, with a special emphasis on understanding the Filipino educational system. Connie Tingson Gatuz, Ph.D., vice president for student affairs and mission integration, and adjunct assistant professor in the higher education administration (HEA) program, will serve as the project director.

Building on six consecutive years of a Study Abroad and Service Learning Program in the Philippines, this intensive, four-week program will deepen the well-established connection between the two countries and cultures. This project will provide education faculty with the materials needed to expand existing courses and to develop new courses about the Philippines; recruit participation from faculty in other departments to add a focus on Filipino studies to existing courses; and develop a network of faculty, students, and community members with an interest in the Philippines to continue to build an understanding of Filipino culture into the campus community as well as the neighboring community.

This project will strengthen the relationship between Madonna and the partner institutions in the Philippines, including: University of San Agustin, Philippine Womens University, Carlos Hilado Memorial State College, and Silay City, Negros Occidental government officials.

The project will offer broader benefits to the community, including the large and growing Filipino population in Michigan. The activities and efforts of this project will herald expanding partnerships between Madonna and the Filipino American Community Council of Michigan (FILAMCCO), the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA-MI), and the Philippine American Community Center (PACCM) to offer regular educational events and activities that promote Filipino culture and educate the broader population.

###
Greg Sukiennik has worked at all three Vermont News & Media newspapers and was their managing editor from 2017-19. He previously worked for ESPN.com, for the AP in Boston, and at The Berkshire Eagle in Pittsfield, Mass.
On Monday, July 12th 2021 Susan (Hobson) Traxler, loving mother of three children, went home to be with the Lord at the age of 76. Funeral services will be held on Saturday July 17th, 2021. Viewing at 10am, funeral service at 11am, (luncheon to follow service) at New Creation World Outreach 
Marysville, KS (66508)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 76F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms in the evening. Partly cloudy skies overnight. Low around 65F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
McAlester, OK (74501)

Today

Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. High 91F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms developing late at night. Low around 75F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Submit A Press Release

$25.00 / for 2 days

Ensure your press release runs prominently on our website and in our E-mail Newsletter. Gauranteed placement on these platforms is $25.

Note: All submissions will go through our editorial approval process before being posted.
Atlanta, GA (30303)

Today

Scattered clouds with the possibility of an isolated thunderstorm developing this afternoon. High 88F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low 72F. Winds light and variable.
Celebrity fitness transformations are always a visual treat for fans. While actors in Bollywood are synonymous with being fit and changing their physiques according to the demand of a role, TV actors have a fan following of their own and even a slight change in their look for a character or otherwise seems to be personal for fans because they watch them on daily soaps. Hence, they become an inherent part of their routine.

The latest fitness transformation that has left TV viewers awestruck is that of actor Thakur Anoop Singh, who shot to fame as king Dhritarashtra in Mahabharata.

He shared his 6 months' fitness journey where he has managed to drop over 15 kilos and the results are absolutely amazing.

Same pose, Same trouser, same place but DIFFERENT ATTITUDE! The power of mind 

Took the left side pictures on purpose 6 months ago in my full glory of fatness with a motto ki il take the physique to the next level

Here I stand today with my little efforts! #MondayMotivation pic.twitter.com/VimIF0W24f  Thakur Anoop Singh (@theindianthakur) July 5, 2021

The actor is now proudly flaunting his 8 pack abs and in an interview with ET Times, he explained the process of how he managed to get here. Wake up early. Start your day early. An early morning empty stomach cardio not only helps in burning the fat but also boosts your mood through the day keeping you more active and productive. I have small portions of 5 meals a day and it helps in keeping the metabolism in check. Avoiding junk eating is necessary, he said.



This is not the first time he has transformed his body. One look at his Instagram, and you'll see he continuously works out, is a fitness enthusiast and was crowned Mr. Asia and Mr. World 2015 as well.



if you're being lazy to hit the gym or work out today, then here's your cue.
The Delhi High court said today that it was shocked at Juhi Chawla and other plaintiffs conduct after they filed a plea against the Rs 20 Lakh fine for a lawsuit over the introduction of 5G technology. This court took a lenient view when it did not issue contempt notice to Juhi Chawla. Otherwise, the case was made out. I am shocked with the conduct of the plaintiffs, said Justice J R Midha after hearing the plea.

 Instagram/Juhi Chawla

Justice Midha who is retiring today, said, "This is the most frivolous application I've seen in my life. He also said that the court had been inclined to issue a contempt notice today. Youre saying the court has no power to impose costs? he asked.



Juhi Chawlas counsel told the court that the plaintiffs would deposit the court fees within seven days or via other available remedies. The court then said that on one hand, the plaintiffs are withdrawing the applications but are not willing to gracefully deposit the court fees. I have never seen in my judicial career a plaintiff who doesnt want to pay the court fee, the bench added.

 iStock

Juhi Chawlas original plea claimed that 5G wireless technology can threaten to provoke serious, irreversible effects on humans and permanent damage to the Earth's ecosystems. The suit by Juhi Chawla, Veeresh Malik and Teena Vachani claimed that due to 5G technology "no person, animal, bird, insect and plant on Earth will be able to avoid exposure, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to levels of RF radiation that are 10x to 100x times greater than what exists today.



 Reuters

The court had dismissed the suit filed by Chawla against the testing and implementation of 5G networks in India and imposed a fine on her and two other plaintiffs. At the time, Justice Jag Jivan Ram Midha said that the suit was defective and dismissed it on technical grounds."



The plaintiffs have abused and misused the process of law which has resulted in waste of judicial time. The cost of Rs 20 lakh is imposed on the plaintiffs. The plaintiffs are directed to deposit the cost of Rs 20 lakh with Delhi State Legal Services Authority within one week, the court had said at the time. The court also called the filing of the suit only for media publicity and nothing more than that.
Funeral services for Margaret Warren Allen, 94, will be Friday at 11 a.m., at New Hope UMC in DeKalb, Miss. Visitation will be one hour prior to services. The online register is available at www.stephensfunerals.com.
Click here to log in and see all of our other subscription options for the Mesabi Tribune, including online only & auto-renewal subscriptions.
Ambassador of Belarus S.Chepurnoy meets the Secretary of the National Security Council of Mongolia

On July 6, 2021, on the occasion of the completion of the diplomatic mission, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to Mongolia Stanislav Chepurnoy met with Secretary of the National Security Council of Mongolia Jadamb Enkhbayar.

The sides discussed the current state and prospects for the development of Belarusian-Mongolian relations, including the implementation of specific projects in the framework of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, as well as the possibilities of building up the bilateral interaction in the field of ensuring food security.

print version
Xin Wang, assistant professor of microbiology, and his lab group. Left to right: Shrameeta Shinde, doctoral student; Danielle Wilcox, senior public health major and premedical studies co-major; Wang; Steve Yu, senior microbiology major; doctoral student Shaun Jiang; and master's student Malory Wolfe. Photo: All photos by Jeff Sabo

By Susan Meikle, university news and communications

Xin Wang

Xin Wang, assistant professor of microbiology, has been recognized as one of the top young faculty in his field by the National Science Foundation (NSF) with the award of a CAREER grant from the NSF Faculty Early Career Development Program.

The NSF CAREER awards support early-career faculty who exemplify the teacher-scholar role and advance the mission of their departments and organizations.

Wang was awarded more than $895,000 for five years for his research on photosynthesis improvement using a photosynthetic cyanobacterium (blue-green algae) as a model system.

Life on Earth depends on photosynthesis  the process that plants and other photosynthetic organisms use to turn sunlight, water and carbon dioxide into an energy source. Improving photosynthetic efficiency will be a key factor in improving food crop production for a sustainable food supply in the next few decades, Wang said. This is an increasingly important problem because, by 2050, the worlds population is projected to reach 10 billion people.

Different bottlenecks during the photosynthetic pathway have been identified by researchers and targeted for enhancing photosynthetic performance. Wangs project will investigate how photosynthesis is affected during the daily dark-to-light transition, a universal environmental stress.

Doctoral student Shrameeta Shinde tends cyanobacterium cultures.

Cyanobacteria drastically change their carbon metabolism under daily light-dark cycles. It is important for photosynthetic organisms to have a mechanism in place to cope with this stress and ensure healthy photosynthetic performance upon exposure to light. How photosynthetic organisms achieve this dark-to-light transitions remains unclear, Wang said.

His project applies cutting-edge biochemical and systems biology approaches to dissect the molecular mechanisms that allow this dark to light transition to occur in a model photosynthetic cyanobacterium (Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942).

His ultimate goal is to design synthetic pathways to stabilize photosynthesis. This photosynthesis redesign research will contribute to efforts scaled up for crop plants toward a sustainable food supply.

Wang has multiple research collaborations with colleagues in microbiology, and is principal investigator or co-principal investigator on several grants funded by the NSF and the Department of Energy.

Wang joined Miami University in fall 2017 after completing a post-doctoral fellowship at Texas A&M University. He received his doctorate from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2013.

Read more about his research in this earlier Miami News story Engineering Microbes.
Miami, FL (33127)

Today

Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. High 86F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening. Scattered thunderstorms developing after midnight. Low 79F. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Miami, FL (33127)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun with a slight chance of thunderstorms this afternoon. High 86F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy with a slight chance of thunderstorms overnight. Low 79F. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
AG Nessel Joins Coalition in Defending Constitutionality of New York's Anti-Discrimination Law

AG Nessel Joins Coalition in Defending Constitutionality of New York's Anti-Discrimination Law

Lynsey Mukomel 517-599-2746 Attorney General

July 6, 2021

LANSING - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in support of the constitutionality of New York's anti-discrimination law.

The brief was filed with the United States District Court for the Western District of New York in the case of Emilee Carpenter, LLC v. James. The case was brought by a photography business refusing to offer its services to same-sex couples. Specifically, the plaintiffs, Emilee Carpenter and her business Emilee Carpenter LLC, are seeking to post an online notice stating that their services are not for LGBTQ+ couples. Plaintiffs claim New York's anti-discrimination law violates their First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and exercise of religion. Today's brief supports New York's motion to dismiss the lawsuit and its opposition of the plaintiffs' request for a preliminary injunction.

In the brief, the attorneys general argue that states across the country have enacted laws to prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in places of public accommodations to prevent severe economic, personal, and social harm. Discrimination by places of public accommodation "denies equal access to important goods and services and, by segregating the market, has a well-established 'substantial and harmful effect' on the economy."

According to the brief, a majority of Americans - 189 million - now live in communities that expressly prohibit places of public accommodation from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation. The brief further argues that prejudice "on account of sexual orientation 'has severely limited or actually prevented access to employment, housing and other basic necessities of life, leading to deprivation and suffering' and fostered a general climate of hostility and distrust, leading in some instances to physical violence.'" The brief points out that the Supreme Court has long held that discrimination in public accommodations is a "unique evil."

The attorneys general argue that the First Amendment does not allow a business to exclude customers in violation of anti-discrimination laws. It also does not protect speech in advertisements giving notice that places of public accommodations intend to violate those laws by refusing service on the basis of a protected characteristic.

Finally, the attorneys general call on the Court to follow the Supreme Court's instruction to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals are not subjected to "indignities when they seek goods and services in an open market."

Joining Attorney General Nessel in filing the amicus are the attorneys general of California, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawai'i, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.
July 7, 2021

A 21-year-old man from Ghana, West Africa, and a 19-year-old Lansing woman expressed their gratitude to two Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers after being rescued Saturday from rough water in Lake Huron, offshore of the Les Cheneaux Islands in Mackinac County.

The two were staying at the Lansing woman's family cottage, located in Mackinac County, and decided to take a personal watercraft for a ride. The man was operating the PWC with the woman as a passenger when they were both ejected into the rough, 59-degree Fahrenheit water.

Prior to the incident, Conservation Officers Todd Sumbera and Cole VanOosten were conducting marine patrol and noticed the couple safely operating the PWC. About 20 minutes later, the two COs completed a routine check of another vessel when VanOosten noticed something floating in the water, about a half-mile from where they originally saw the PWC.

As the COs approached, they observed a woman flailing her arms, yelling, "Help him!" and pointing to a man about 30 yards from the drifting PWC. The man was wearing a life jacket that didn't fit properly and was struggling to keep his head above the water.

While taking on water over the bow of the patrol vessel, Sumbera and VanOosten navigated to the man and pulled him aboard.

"I thought I was going to die. How did you find us?" the man repeated.

Sumbera told the man it wasn't the officers who saved him - it was the life jacket. Despite the jacket not fitting well, it prevented the man from being completely submerged.

During this time, the woman was able to safely swim to the PWC but needed the required safety lanyard to start the machine; it was attached to the man's life jacket. The officers returned the key to the woman, who operated the PWC back to her family's dock, while the man, who had been in the water several minutes, was very cold and had inhaled a "decent" amount of water rode on the patrol boat with the officers.

Sumbera and VanOosten followed the woman back to the dock and made sure the man was okay before leaving. Both refused medical attention.

"I'm happy to hear that this young man and woman safely made it back to shore to continue their holiday weekend, in what could have been a tragic situation," said Chief Gary Hagler, DNR Law Enforcement Division. "Sumbera and VanOosten were patrolling the right place at the right time. Throughout the state, conservation officers will continue to conduct marine patrols during peak boating times to ensure the safety of all boaters. This is an important reminder to always wear a properly fitted personal flotation device and to ride with an experienced operator who has completed a verified boater safety education course."

This summer, the DNR has partnered on a life jacket campaign with McDonald's, to promote the increased use of youth wearing properly fitting life jackets while on active vessels. Youth who are observed wearing their life jackets by a conservation officer have the opportunity to receive a free McDonald's ice cream or apple slice coupon. Conservation officers will continue passing out the coupons until Sept. 6.

Michigan conservation officers are fully commissioned law enforcement officers who provide natural resources protection, ensure recreational safety and protect residents through general law enforcement and conducting lifesaving operations in the communities they serve. Learn more at Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficers.

Boat: Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Todd Sumbera talks to a 21-year-old man from Ghana, West Africa, after the man was ejected from the personal watercraft he was operating into Lake Huron, offshore of Mackinac County, on Saturday. The man spent several minutes struggling in the water, despite wearing a life jacket, and repeatedly thanked Sumbera and Conservation Officer Cole VanOosten for saving him.
Press@Michigan.gov (Governor's Office) or Holly Vaughn (DNR Wildlife), 248-881-9429 Natural Resources

July 7, 2021

It is hard to imagine a Michigan without white-tailed deer, elk, bald eagles or wild turkey. But if not for the efforts of conservationists, volunteers and partner agencies, these species might be absent from Michigan's beautiful landscape. In the spirit of these conservation successes, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed July as Wildlife Conservation Month to recognize the work Michiganders have done for conservation - and draw attention to the work that still needs to be done.

"In Michigan, we are proud of our wildlife, waterways, and public lands and want to ensure that they are protected for future generations to enjoy," said Whitmer. "This Wildlife Conservation Month, we celebrate our long legacy of conservation and recommit ourselves to bringing vital species back from the brink and protecting our state's natural diversity."

Abundant wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities would not be possible without the state's roughly 4.6 million acres of public lands. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources manages these lands to enhance habitat, monitor wildlife populations, prevent the spread of disease and ensure wildlife flourishes.

Sometimes the path to a flourishing species takes a while. Moose, a majestic animal central to Michigan's cultural identity, were nearly extirpated - or, locally extinct - in Michigan by the late 1800s. Due to conservation efforts from the 1980s-1990s, moose can now be found in two places in the Upper Peninsula. More recently, the Kirtland's warbler was removed from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's endangered species list in 2019 thanks to decades of conservation partnership.

Michigan's wildlife conservation community has a long history and has grown to address the state's evolving challenges. Hunting and fishing licenses provide tens of millions of dollars each year to support conservation of species like deer, bear, elk, turkey, duck and moose. Hunters and anglers contribute $11.2 billion each year to Michigan's economy and create 171,000 jobs, making this aspect of outdoor recreation among the state's top 10 job-creating industries; support from hunters and anglers has been vital to conservation work since the inception of the Department of Conservation, the precursor to the DNR.

More people are becoming aware of the importance of wildlife management and getting involved in new activities to support that goal. Whether you are one of Michigan's 3.2 million wildlife watchers enjoying feeding backyard birds, watching spring migration at your favorite birding spot, or heading out to hear elk bugling in the fall, you have experienced the results of these efforts.

"We take pride in being a part of the conservation community, but recognize there is still much more to do," said DNR Director Dan Eichinger. "We're working with partners to bring the Arctic grayling back to Michigan and making science-based management and conservation decisions to ensure Michigan's wildlife remains balanced and thriving for generations to come. Thanks to strong partnership between government and nongovernmental organizations, there is an abundance of wildlife to hunt in Michigan, from white-tailed deer to ruffed grouse to elk and bear."

See conservation efforts in action

Head north to Mio for a Kirtland's warbler tour to learn more about this unique songbird brought back from the brink of extinction; visit the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary near Battle Creek to see trumpeter swans at the facility that partnered with the DNR to bring the species back to Michigan; or take a day this fall to hunt at one of Michigan's Wetland Wonders, where world-class waterfowl hunting awaits.

Visit one of the 100-plus state wildlife and game areas in Michigan for a hike away from the hustle and bustle of the city or a day of hunting, or check out 100 ways to celebrate the DNR's 100-year anniversary and be part of Michigan's wildlife conservation story.

Enjoy this video with images of some of Michigan's threatened and endangered plant and animal species and visit Michigan.gov/Wildlife or Michigan.gov/Hunting to learn more and participate in wildlife conservation in Michigan.

Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.
Public meeting to discuss building a new on ramp at the I-96/M-21 interchange

John Richard, MDOT Office of Communications, 616-262-1565 Transportation

WHAT:

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is hosting a public meeting about next year's building of a new eastbound M-21 (Fulton Street) ramp to eastbound I-96 in Grand Rapids. MDOT officials will provide project details, scheduling and traffic information. The public is invited to stop by anytime during the meeting to learn more about the project and provide comments.

WHO:

MDOT staff

Grand Rapids Charter Township staff

Residents and interested stakeholders

WHEN:

Thursday, July 15, 2021

4 to 6 p.m.

WHERE:

Grand Rapids Charter Township

1836 East Beltline Ave. NE

Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Accommodations can be made for persons who require mobility, visual, hearing, written, or other assistance for participation. Large print materials, auxiliary aids or the services of interpreters, signers, or readers are available upon request. Please contact Orlando Curry at 517-335-4381 or complete Form 2658 for American Sign Language (ASL) located on the Title VI webpage: www.Michigan.gov/MDOT/0,4616,7-151-9621_31783---,00.html. Requests should be made at least five days prior to the meeting date. Reasonable efforts will be made to provide the requested accommodation or an effective alternative, but accommodations may not be guaranteed.

PROJECT:

In 2022, MDOT will build a new eastbound M-21 ramp to eastbound I-96.
BIG RAPIDS  One Big Rapids establishment faces potential liquor code violations as authorities continue their investigation into a recent fatal car crash.

One person died and another individual was seriously injured in a one-vehicle crash in the city of Big Rapids in late June.

Through tips and its investigation, the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety became aware of possible liquor code violations at Paz Pub & Grill stemming from the crash, Sgt. Ryan Myers told the Pioneer. Record of the violation was listed in the departments July 2 blotter entries.

Just after 4 a.m. June 26, Big Rapids police were dispatched to a fatal crash near Ives Avenue and South Street, where a lone vehicle struck a tree and caught fire.

Upon arrival, police learned of a deceased passenger  later identified as Austin T. Bennett, 19, of Morley  trapped inside the vehicle. Police later located the driver, identified as Riley D. Pritchard, 19, of Stanwood, walking around Ferris States campus with apparent injuries.

Big Rapids personnel submitted the liquor code violation notice to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, which will now begin its investigation.

The state lists 29 different types of liquor code violations. Some of the most common violations, according to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, include: allow person under 21 to consume or possess alcohol; sell or furnish alcohol to a minor or intoxicated person; selling alcohol without a license; and employ person under 18 years of age.

Myers did confirm, according to the violation report, that Bennett and Pritchard were at Paz Pub & Grill the day of the crash. However, it is unclear if the two minors were served, or consumed, alcohol while at the establishment. It is also unclear what type of violation, and/or how many, Big Rapids authorities sent the state in regards to Paz Pub & Grill.

As of Tuesday, the crash remains under investigation.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP)  Tropical Storm Elsa carved a destructive and soaking path up the East Coast after killing at least one person in Florida and spinning up a tornado at a Georgia Navy base that flipped recreational vehicles upside-down and blew one of them into a lake.

Elsa's winds weakened to 40 mph (65 kph), but it was dropping torrential rains over the Carolinas as it made its way through South Carolina early Thursday, the National Hurricane Center said in its latest update. Elsa was expected to move over North Carolina later in the day, pass near the eastern mid-Atlantic states by Thursday night and move near or over the northeastern United States on Friday.

Some re-strengthening was possible Thursday night and Friday while the system moves close to the northeastern United States.

A tropical storm warning was in effect north of Great Egg Inlet, New Jersey to Sandy Hook, New Jersey, and for the coast of Long Island from East Rockaway Inlet to the eastern tip along the south shore and from Port Jefferson Harbor eastward on the north shore. A warning was also in effect from New Haven, Connecticut to Merrimack River, Massachusetts including Cape Cod, Block Island, Marthas Vineyard, and Nantucket.

There was a chance Long Island in New York would see sustained tropical storm-force winds late Thursday night and into Friday morning, the National Weather Service in New York warned.

Elsa seemed to spare Florida from significant damage, though it still threatened flooding downpours and caused several tornado warnings. The coasts of Georgia and South Carolina were under a tropical storm warning. Forecasters predicted Elsa would remain a tropical storm into Friday, and issued a tropical storm watch from North Carolina to Massachusetts.

Authorities in Jacksonville, Florida, said one person was killed Wednesday when a tree fell and struck two cars. The National Weather Service reported 50 mph (80 kph) wind gusts in the city. The tree fell during heavy rains and no one else was injured, according to Capt. Eric Prosswimmer of the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department.

In nearby Camden County, Georgia, a possible tornado struck a park for recreational vehicles at Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base. About 10 people were injured and taken to hospitals by ambulance, said base spokesman Scott Bassett. The extent of their injuries was not immediately clear. He said some buildings on the base appeared to have been damaged as well.

An EF-2 tornado flipped over multiple RVs, blowing one of the overturned vehicles about 200 feet (61 meters) into a lake, the National Weather Service said in a preliminary report early Thursday after its employees surveyed the damage. Debris from the RVs was strewn throughout the park, the agency said.

Sergio Rodriguez, who lives near the RV park, said he raced to the scene fearing friends staying at the park might be hurt. The area was under a tornado warning Wednesday evening.

There were just RVs flipped over on their sides, pickup trucks flipped over, a couple of trailers had been shifted and a couple of trailers were in the water of a pond on the site, Rodriguez said in a phone interview.

Cellphone video he filmed at the scene showed trees bent low among scattered debris. He said ambulances arrived and began treating dazed people trying to understand what had happened.

A bunch of folks had lacerations and were just banged around, Rodriguez said. A majority of folks were in their trailers when it happened.

The hurricane center said there was a risk of flooding in South Carolina, which was predicted to get 3 to 5 inches (8 to 13 centimeters) of rainfall.

More than 7 inches (18 centimeters) of rain was recorded at a weather station near Gainesville, Florida, the weather service reported. More than 5 inches (13 centimeters) of rain had fallen by early Thursday at Sapelo Island off the Georgia coast; and at a weather station along the Savannah River in Jasper County, South Carolina.

Scattered power outages were being reported along Elsa's path Wednesday evening, with about 35,000 homes and businesses on either side of the Georgia-Florida state line without electricity, according to the website poweroutages.us.

The storm complicated the search for potential survivors and victims in the collapse of a Miami-area condominium on June 24. Regardless, crews continued the search in the rubble of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida, on the states southeast coast.

The storm also temporarily halted demolition Wednesday on the remainder of an overturned cargo ship off the coast of Georgia. The South Korean freighter Golden Ray capsized in September 2019 off St. Simons Island, about 70 miles (110 kilometers) south of Savannah. Crews have removed more than half the ship since November.

Most salvage workers were sheltering indoors Wednesday, said Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Himes, a spokesperson for the multiagency command overseeing the demolition.

Himes said crews would be watching to see if Elsas winds scatter any debris from the ship into the surrounding water. The vessels remains are open at both ends, like a giant tube on its side, and its cargo decks still contain hundreds of bashed and mangled cars.

In Edisto Beach, South Carolina, Wednesday started muggy and overcast.

The kind of day you can just feel the weather wanting to move in, Mayor Jane Darby said.

The forecast for the barrier island 30 miles (48 kilometers) down the coast from Charleston was similar to a heavy summer thunderstorm  an inch or two (2.5 to 5 centimeters) of rain, winds gusting up to about 40 mph (64 kph) and maybe a little beach erosion. Other South Carolina beaches expected similar conditions, coming mostly overnight to be less of a bother to visitors during an extremely busy summer.

Businesses are struggling with workers in short supply a lot more than they are going to be bothered by this storm," Darby said. "Thats where the stress is now.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Coast Guard said 13 people were rescued from a boat that had left Cuba with 22 people aboard late Monday. Nine people remained missing. Elsa was also blamed for three deaths in the Caribbean before it reached Florida.

Elsa is the earliest fifth-named storm on record, said Brian McNoldy, a hurricane researcher at the University of Miami.

___

Associated Press writers Jeff Martin in Marietta, Georgia; Jeffrey Collins in Columbia, South Carolina; Freida Frisaro in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Brendan Farrington in Tallahassee, Florida, contributed to this story. Anderson reported from St. Petersburg, Florida.
CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. (AP)  President Joe Biden pitched his proposed investments in families and education at an Illinois community college on Wednesday, telling residents of the swing district that what's good for families is also good for the economy.

The president set out for the Chicago suburbs to bolster support for both his bipartisan infrastructure deal and a broader package that he expects will be passed with only Democratic votes. His message is one designed to resonate with suburban parents, college graduates and the working poor  a coalition that was key to Biden's election win last year.

Theres a lot of work ahead of us to finish the job, but were going to get it done," Biden said in a 30-minute speech that he self-deprecatingly suggested was boring but important. Were going to reimagine what our economy and our future could be.

Before the speech, Biden toured a metals lab at the McHenry County College. His message was that any investments in manufacturing, roads and bridges should be paired with funding for child care, health care and education.

The president listed details of the bipartisan infrastructure deal, but the agreement constitutes only part of the $4 trillion in spending Biden has proposed in a broader plan to reinvigorate the economy and boost the middle class. Republicans have warned that the tax increases on corporations and the wealthy needed to fund Biden's ambitions will hurt the economy.

Among Biden's proposals are two years of free community college, universal prekindergarten and paid family and medical leave. He also seeks to extend the expansion in the child tax credit and the health care premium subsidies from the COVID-19 aid bill.

Democrats plan to include much of this in a bill they hope to pass through a legislative maneuver that would require just a simple majority vote, skirting the 60-vote hurdle in an evenly divided Senate. Biden has said he would prefer that the two bills move through Congress together, and Democrats are hoping to make progress this month on both.

The Biden administration promoted its agenda on multiple fronts Wednesday.

First lady Jill Biden visited an elementary school in Washington to discuss how the trillions of dollars the president wants Congress to spend on families would pay for more affordable child care, preschool for all 3- and 4-year-olds, larger salaries for teachers and modern school buildings with safe drinking water, along with more teachers of color and more nurses and counselors to help students with their emotional and other needs.

You and your students will continue to be one of our top priorities, not just in one legislative bill, but in everything we do, she said during a speech to a virtual meeting of the American Federation of Teachers union.

President Biden was greeted by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot when he landed in Illinois and was met at the community college by Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker; Illinois' two Democratic senators, Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth; and Democratic Rep. Lauren Underwood, who represents the district.

Biden won Illinois 14th Congressional District by about 2 percentage points in 2020, and Underwood won reelection by less than that. Hers is one of the top-targeted seats in the nation and is emblematic of the kind of district Democrats will need to hold onto in the 2022 midterms if they hope to maintain control of the House.

___

Associated Press writer Darlene Superville contributed to this report from Washington.
NIXA, Mo. (AP)  As the coronavirus surges in Missouri, a mayor who imposed a mask requirement and other public safety measures is facing a recall vote, even though the requirements have long since expired.

Nixa voters will have the option to recall Mayor Brian Steele at a special election set for Nov. 2, the Springfield News-Leader reports.

Steele, who was delegated emergency powers by the City Council to deal with the pandemic, enacted the mask ordinance in October. He ended the ordinance on April 30.

The petition said Steele should be recalled for individually and without regard to the citizens of Nixa, nor the vote of city council, enacting a mask mandate, and taking other actions detrimental to the city of Nixa, its economy and the health and welfare of the community in general.

Nixa, which has about 21,000 residents, is located about 10 miles (16.09 kilometers) south of Springfield, where hospitals are overflowing with COVID-19 patients.

Health officials are blaming low vaccination rates and the delta variant, first identified in India, for the surge. Just 44.8% of the state's residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, compared to 54.9% nationally.

And the rate is even lower in southwest Missouri. Christian County, where Nixa is located, has a vaccine rate of 35.2%. Some nearby counties have rates in the teens.

Christian County Clerk Kay Brown said that the recall petition submitted last week contained 73 valid signatures  six more than the required number. The bar for triggering a recall is 10% of the votes cast in the most recent mayoral election.

The recall election is expected to cost between $10,000 and $15,000, Brown said.

The mayor said hes had dozens of emails, calls and social media messages of support as the petition to recall him gained steam. He noted that his decision to set up a public masking measure was one made in coordination with the municipal government in the nearby town of Ozark, the Christian County Health Department and other regional health experts.

Recall backers want to make it seem like it was a single choice that I made by myself, somehow illegally or unethically, but thats definitely not the case, Steele argued.

Steele also pushed back on claims that pandemic safety measures would destroy Nixas economy. Steele said sales tax collections inside Nixa city limits were up 14 percent in 2020 over 2019, despite pandemic disruptions, and that so far this year, sales tax is up 10 percent.

We have new businesses coming in and opening up, people are still moving here, Steele said.

But the Committee to Recall the Mayor of Nixa, Missouri, described the mayors actions as illegitimate and possibly illegal in a written statement, saying it should have been enacted by the council.

After the mask mandate, citizens turned on one another, the statement said. Covid-19 cases skyrocketed and people became more divided.
NEW YORK (AP)  The triumph of a moderate Democrat in the mayoral primary in deep blue New York City appears to accelerate a recent trend of some of the partys most fervent voters breaking away from its most progressive candidates.

Eric Adams, a former New York Police Department captain, this week became his partys nominee to lead the nations largest city after making a centerpiece of his campaign his rejection of left-leaning activists' calls to defund the police.

His win comes on the heels of victories by self-styled pragmatic candidates in relatively low-turnout elections  which tend to draw the most loyal base voters  in races for a U.S. House seat in New Mexico, a congressional primary in Louisiana and a gubernatorial primary in Virginia.

And those successes come a year after President Joe Biden defeated more liberal opponents to capture his partys nomination on his way to winning the White House.

It all raises questions as to the best candidates and approaches for Democrats trying to hold on to slim majorities in Congress next year and make inroads in Republican-dominated state legislatures.

Because there was such an intensity of a reaction on the left to (former President Donald) Trump, many in the political ecosystem mistook that for ideological intensity on the left, said Jennifer Palmieri, who served as White House communications director for President Barack Obama. The same ideological shift on the right  Republicans moving with Trump  did not happen on the left and voters are instead being more pragmatic and less ideological.

The long-simmering family feud between the progressive and moderate wings of the Democratic Party exploded into full view in the 2016s presidential primaries when Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, a self-described democratic socialist, waged a surprisingly robust challenge against establishment favorite Hillary Clinton. Sanders movement drew bigger crowds and seemingly more energy, if not ultimately more votes, than Clinton and helped define an intraparty divide.

In its aftermath, liberals scored some big victories, none more seismic than Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezs 2018 primary defeat in New York of Rep. Joe Crowley, a member of the House leadership. But five months later, it was largely center-left Democrats whose wins helped flip the House of Representatives to their party in the general election.

The 2020 presidential primaries were largely perceived as a battle between liberals like Sanders and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and a group of moderates from which Biden emerged after early missteps. The battle lines drawn during that campaign continue to shadow the Democratic Party in 2021.

Trump tried vainly to paint Biden as a socialist and tie him to the effort to defund the police that took hold in some quarters of the left after a number of Black people, including George Floyd, were killed by white police officers, setting off protests that rocked some cities. Biden, long a friend of law enforcement, rejected the defund the police call even as he pushed for reforms, but the issue became something of a litmus test for Democratic candidates.

Biden and his staff have taken pride in ignoring a lot of the dialogue on Twitter, often fueled by the most inflexible partisans from both parties, a sentiment Adams echoed on Wednesday, the day after his victory was announced.

We have reached a point where were allowing the dialogue to get in the way of moving us in the right direction, Adams said on CNN, and Im hoping that what happened here in New York City, people are going to see a cross section of everyday, working class New Yorkers came together.

Typically, off-year special elections and primaries feature small turnouts and, often, that is advantageous for a candidate who fires up the most dedicated  and often extreme  wings of the party. But that has not been the case in 2021.

Terry McAuliffe, a moderate Democrat and Clinton ally, won the Virginia gubernatorial primary last month. More moderate Democrats  and even some Republicans in Louisianas open primary  backed centrist candidate Troy Carter as he defeated fellow State Sen. Karen Carter Peterson, a more liberal pick. And Democratic state Rep. Melanie Stansbury easily won a special House election in New Mexico for Interior Secretary Deb Haalands old seat.

But while moderate Democrats have racked up recent victories, some triumphant candidates are not so ideologically clear cut .

Adams win is the most high-profile notch on the pragmatists ledger. On a number of issues he positioned himself to the right of his rival Democrats, but while he offered a full-throated rejection of defunding the police, his own backstory is more nuanced.

When combined with New York City voters tendency to elect mayors with an emphasis on local issues and not ideological purity, it makes drawing national conclusions complicated.

Though known as one of the most liberal cities in the nation, New Yorkers voted for non-Democrats in five straight mayoral elections from 1993-2009, choosing Rudy Giuliani twice and Michael Bloomberg three times. They cast their ballots with eyes toward crime, education and efforts to rebuild after the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

A rise in shootings as the city emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic helped animate the stretch run of Adams campaign as he edged out fellow moderate Kathryn Garcia and liberal Maya Wiley. But his lifetime of speaking out against police misconduct and his blunt, working-class style make it difficult to pigeonhole him.

Adams, 60, made a strong connection with voters in the citys boroughs outside Manhattan, and he spoke frequently on the campaign trail of being beaten by police officers as a teenager and joining the force to reform it from within. He was a founder of a group called 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care that fought against racial profiling and advocated for the hiring of more officers of color.

When Adams spoke to his supporters on primary night, he said unequivocally Black lives matter, noted Christina Greer, a Fordham University political science professor.

So obviously thats going to touch a certain segment of the New York population. He then quickly pivots to, but it cant just be cops and Black people, we have to address Black on Black crime, Greer said. Well, thats a message that conservative whites, conservative Blacks, of which there are many, and other groups also agree with as well.

Some Democrats dismiss the notion that the primary results, particularly in New York, signal a move away from progressivism and toward the center in the partys politics. Wiley, a lawyer and activist, pointed to primary wins by progressives for such offices as city comptroller and Manhattan district attorney, and to a strong showing by women in City Council primaries.

Thats what is moving forward in this city, Wiley said, and anyone who claims otherwise is simply spinning a narrative, rather than focus on pulling us all together to say what solves our most pressing problems.

___

Additional reporting contributed by Associated Press writer Jennifer Peltz.
With Dow leaving behind its pension plans, the local steelworkers union is trying to get a better idea of what this means for its workers.

Dow announced on March 4 that it would no longer use defined pension plans, switching all employees to a contribution 401(k) savings plan. However, President of United Steelworkers Local 12075 Kent Holsing said the union still requires information to have a better understanding of what effects this change will have on employee benefits.

Dows plan is to switch to the 401(k) savings plans while allowing employees who currently have pension plans to keep their accumulated benefits, which will be available to them upon retirement.

The changes to pension affect just U.S. employees for now, but Dow's intention is to transition from the defined benefit plans to market competitive savings plans in countries where these plans exist.

Holsing said Dow will introduce 401(k) enhancements at the beginning of 2022, freeze pension plans on Dec. 31, 2023, and offer another 401(k) enhancement on Jan. 1, 2024.

The union requested information from Dow, including existing pension plan documents, proposed plan documents, and any pension changes. Once the union has this information, Holsing said it will be easier to negotiate with the company.

Dow has asked for a deadline extension twice for giving the union information regarding employee plans and finances, with the recent extension having expired on June 30, Holsing said. However, as of July 6, he said the union has yet to receive the information and he assumes the company will ask for another extension request.

He added that Dow requested a confidentiality agreement be signed in order for the union to receive confidential information. This and the delays are to be expected due to the content and amount of information being requested, according to Holsing.

Kyle Bandlow, corporate media relations director for Dow, said the company requested additional time to fully meet the requests of the union.

Bandlow also said the changes align with the market and are consistent with what most other companies have already implemented.

Dows goal is to offer a comprehensive package that enhances the total wellbeing of our employees and their families, Bandlow said in an email.

But Holsing does not expect many new benefits to employees due to a 401(k) being tied to the stock market, and he said the current pensions will be ending at a time when many long-time employees would have started to see an accelerated growth in their pensions.

We would be surprised if there is any net or positive financial impact to someone's retirement security as a result of these changes, regardless of what plan they are on, Holsing said. But again, until we get the information, we cannot see that with 100% certainty.
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP)  A group seeking Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy's ouster has yet to gather enough signatures to force a recall election, nearly two years after getting started and with just over a year before the 2022 primary.

Recall Dunleavy Chair Meda DeWitt said the organization was slowed by the pandemic last year and continues gathering signatures. She said its leaders are expected to meet soon, though she declined to say when, and would release an update.

People arent used to things moving at an organic pace, and that just goes to the fact that were people powered, she said. We dont have large coffers of money, as other people have suggested. We are volunteer powered.

It is unclear how much money either side has raised; little public reporting is required during the signature-gathering phase.

The last update on the recall group's website is dated April 26 and showed 57,897 signatures collected. DeWitt said the group is going through an auditing process to make sure we know what we have, very specifically."

A total of 71,252 signatures is needed to qualify for a recall election.

The recall group has said its effort is bipartisan.

Can I tell you that were going to submit all of our signatures to the Division of Elections on X-day? No, I cannot tell you that right now, DeWitt said, adding in part that there has to be a level of strategy moving forward."

The effort was ignited in 2019 by public outrage over cuts proposed by Dunleavy, a Republican, during his first year in office. Supporters of the recall quickly gathered signatures for an initial phase. But their application was rejected, spawning a legal fight, and then the pandemic hit.

The Alaska Supreme Court in May 2020 ruled the recall effort could proceed. It had earlier allowed the group to begin the last round of signature-gathering while it weighed the case.

Dunleavy has not yet said whether he will seek reelection next year. His office did not answer questions about the recall Wednesday and instead recommended contacting the recall opposition group.

Cynthia Henry, chair of the pro-Dunleavy group Keep Dunleavy, said if there is a recall election, we will be well positioned to run a campaign to keep the governor in his office.

A recent fundraising email from the Keep Dunleavy group characterized the recall effort as finally losing steam and the governor as gaining momentum.

Under state law, a recall petition must be filed at least 180 days before the end of a governors term, which in this case would make the deadline June 8, 2022, said Tiffany Montemayor, a spokesperson for the state Division of Elections.

The division has up to 30 days to review a petition. If it finds the paperwork meets requirements, it would notify the petitioners and Dunleavy, and an election would be held 60 to 90 days later, she wrote in an email.

The primary election is scheduled for Aug. 16, 2022. Under a voter initiative passed last year, it would be an open primary, with the top four vote getters advancing to the general election. A legal challenge to the system set up by the initiative is pending.

Lindsay Kavanaugh, executive director of the Alaska Democratic Party, noted the party has supported the recall effort.

This is something clearly a lot of Alaskans invested in from the get-go, she said, adding that she thinks to some degree Dunleavy is "scared of it.

Kavanaugh added that while there is value in continuing the effort, at some point recall leaders may need to ask whether it's drawing attention and resources from other candidates.

I think that that absolutely needs to be considered and would be of concern, she said. We're not there yet.
HARTFORD  A bipartisan group of lawmakers emerged from an afternoon meeting on juvenile crime at the state Capitol Wednesday with a conciliatory tone, and announced theres agreement on how to address repeat offenders who commit serious offenses, including providing judges with more information about prior arrests.

The closed-door meeting came about a week after the hit-and-run death of a 53-year-old man in New Britain by an alleged 17-year-old driver of a stolen car, who police said had been arrested 13 times in less than four years, including on charges of assault with a knife and robbery.

Both Democrats and Republicans at Wednesdays meeting characterized the discussion as a starting point for what they hope will be a collaborative solution to the issue.

This meeting was not intended to redraft all the criminal justice reforms that weve had over the years, House Speaker Matt Ritter, D-Hartford said after the closed-door meeting in his office.

One area of agreement is quickly giving judges more access to the criminal history of a juvenile offender.

Take the example of a juvenile arrested late one evening. Under current law, police can hold the juvenile for up to six hours and must request a detention order from a judge to hold that person longer.

If the arrest occurs late at night police call the judge on duty, who might not have full access to the juveniles criminal record from home.

If the ask is to eliminate the limit altogether and police can hold the juvenile for as long as they want, no, I dont think thats something our caucus would support, state Rep. Steve Stafstrom, D-Bridgeport, co-chairman of the legislative Judiciary Committee, said after Wednesdays meeting.

But giving more flexibility to a judge to allow a six-hour time period to be extended longer while an investigation is ongoing or while paperwork is being gathered or while the judge is engaged in looking up somebodys past criminal record, that might be an area of middle ground, Stafstrom said.

A law passed during the 2021 legislative session requires the Judicial Branch to track how often police request detention orders and whether they are being granted or denied  a proposal from Republicans that made its way into a court-operations bill.

My understanding is that some police officers believe that its a waste of time. I want to see the data. Can that be substantiated? said Rep. Craig Fishbein, R-Wallingford, the top Republican on the judiciary committee.

Earlier Wednesday, Republicans, joined by the police chiefs of New Britain and Wolcott, repeated their call for a special legislative session to address a spike in car thefts and other crimes by juveniles.

Hopefully well see some meaningful reforms that everyone will be better off with, Republican House Leader Vincent Candelora, of Branford, said after Wednesdays meeting.

Republicans want juvenile offenders to be detained longer, repeat serious offenders to face harsher punishments, and to change police department policies regarding pursuing stolen vehicles.

New Britain Police Chief Christopher Chute said a very small, narrow population of repeat offenders is generating the majority of these crimes.

Theyre so bold that theyre broadcasting on social media how theyre driving around in stolen cars, how theyre possessing illegal firearms. ... Theyre making no effort to hide their behavior. When we arrest them, they laugh at us because they know exactly whats going to happen  nothing, he said.

Connecticut, like many states across the country, has seen an increase in car thefts since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The National Insurance Crime Bureau says several factors could be behind the nationwide increase in 2020 such as the pandemic, economic downturn, loss of juvenile outreach programs, and public safety budgetary and resource limitations are likely contributing factors.

Vehicle thefts in Connecticut had been trending downward for decades. Between 2010 and 2019, the state saw a 21 percent decrease in the rate of motor vehicle thefts, according to a report from the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy at Central Connecticut State University.

In 2019, there was a 17 percent decline in the rate of car thefts, which the reports authors say is an outlier and requires further study to explain. The report also found that there was no evidence that laws passed in recent years to raise the age of a juvenile in Connecticut from 15 to 17 caused the increase in car thefts.

Asked at a news conference in Guilford earlier this week about the raise the age laws, which were enacted before he was in office, Gov. Ned Lamont said, Im not as worried about that. I am worried about kids under the age of 18 who are breaking the law, sometimes more than once, and finding the right response. Do I think its incarceration? No, for that young kid, but I think there ought to be consequences for your actions.

Lamont said his administration, including his general counsel, is working closely with legislative leadership and police chiefs to see what we can do to discourage this type of behavior.

Justice delayed is justice denied, the governor said. Weve got to be able to respond immediately and give people the right deterrence.

The two police chiefs at Wednesdays news conference said the repeat juvenile offenders arrested by their departments have shown they dont think theyll face any consequences for their actions. They dismissed the claim that the spike in car thefts is related to the pandemic.

Were not saying that every juvenile offender should be incarcerated. ... Many juveniles do things they regret, and with proper supervision and guidance, they dont commit any more crimes and become productive citizens, said Wolcott Police Chief Ed Stephens.

Were here to say that changes must be made to the way repeat juvenile offenders are held accountable for their actions, Stephens said. The system we now have doesnt work for all juvenile offenders.

julia.bergman@hearstmediact.com
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP)  A Pennsylvania man was arrested Wednesday on charges that he assaulted an Associated Press photographer and police officers during the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Alan William Byerly, 54, was armed with what appeared to be a stun gun when he charged at officers guarding the Capitol, an FBI agent wrote in an affidavit. After police apparently removed the device from his hand, Byerly continued to charge at the officers, punching or pushing at least three of them, and tried to grab an officer's baton, the agent wrote.

Officers managed to restrain Byerly, but a fellow rioter helped him escape, the FBI said. Police recovered the stun gun that he apparently wielded.

Body camera footage captured Byerly assaulting three Metropolitan Police Department officers, according to the affidavit.

Byerly also is accused of attacking an AP photographer who was wearing a helmet-style gas mask and a lanyard with Associated Press lettering.

A photo shows Byerly standing behind a group of people who pulled the photographer backward down a set of stairs leading up to the western front of the Capitol building, the affidavit says. At the bottom of the stairs, Byerly and three other people grabbed the photographer and pushed, shoved and dragged him toward the site of the original altercation, the agent wrote.

It is deeply troubling when journalists are targeted for simply doing their jobs," AP media relations manager Patrick Maks said in a statement Wednesday. "These charges are an encouraging sign that those who attacked journalists on Jan. 6 will be held accountable.

A federal magistrate in Allentown, Pennsylvania, ordered Byerly to be jailed pending a detention hearing on Monday. Court records don't list a defense attorney for him.

The charges against Byerly in a June 25 complaint include assaulting a federal officer, obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.

The AP reported last week that the fence erected around the Capitol after the insurrection is expected to be removed as early as Friday, weather permitting. The U.S. Capitol Police said the temporary fencing can be reinstalled quickly, if necessary. Building restrictions remain in effect.

Law enforcement officials have been particularly concerned about the potential for violence from right-wing extremist groups and those who believe in conspiracies and follow election-related information online. Officials have been tracking chatter online about groups of people potentially returning to Washington as part of an unfounded and baseless conspiracy theory that former President Donald Trump would be reinstated in August, two officials familiar with the matter told the AP.

Investigators have also been seeing an increased number of threats being made against lawmakers in Congress related to the Jan. 6 insurrection, the subsequent congressional investigations and the House committee to investigate the insurrection, the officials said. The officials could not discuss the ongoing investigations publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

More than 520 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the riots in the six months since the siege. More than 100 defendants have been charged with assaulting police officers. Others have been charged in the destruction of camera equipment belonging to journalists covering the riot, including an AP video crew.

An Illinois man arrested on June 24 was the first defendant charged with assaulting a member of the news media during the riot, according to the Justice Department. Shane Jason Woods, 43, is accused of tackling a cameraman, causing him to fall and drop his camera, according to an FBI agent's affidavit.

Footage of the riot showed Byerly wearing a gray Kutztown beanie, a neon yellow safety long-sleeve shirt under a black jacket, a striped face covering and a black backpack. Byerly lives in Fleetwood, Pennsylvania, which is roughly 5 miles (8 kilometers) from the city of Kutztown, the affidavit says,

A tipster who called the FBI in April identified Byerly as one of the suspects captured in riot photos. The caller said Byerly frequents a Fleetwood business where the caller works. Byerly told a friend that he was waiting to be arrested because he knew that his picture had been publicized, the caller said.

Cellphone records showed that Byerly's phone was in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, the FBI said.

___

Associated Press writers Lisa Mascaro and Michael Balsamo in Washington contributed to this report.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)  The Republican-controlled Minnesota Senate adjourned its special session Wednesday without taking planned votes on confirming two of Gov. Tim Walz's commissioners, after Democrats objected to how GOP lawmakers essentially forced out another Cabinet member a day earlier.

That was probably the strangest end I've ever been around, Republican Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, of East Gull Lake, told reporters after senators voted 46-18 to go home after a special session that began May 16 to finish a $52 billion state budget. The House adjourned July 1, but the Senate stuck around to consider a half-dozen confirmations.

Gazelka said GOP senators were ready to approve Sarah Strommen as commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources and Dean Compart as president of the Board of Animal Health on Wednesday. He also said they going to leave hanging the confirmation of Jennifer Ho as commissioner of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency instead of removing or confirming her.

But Democrats were still steaming Wednesday after Laura Bishop resigned under pressure Tuesday as Walz's commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. She quit when it became apparent that the GOP majority was prepared to remove her, although Gazelka continued to insist Wednesday that the outcome of the vote was not certain.

Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent, of Woodbury, and her fellow Democrats took the unusual step of moving to adjourn in protest, rather than allowing a vote on the sure-thing confirmations of two of their own governor's commissioners in Strommen and Compart. They made their displeasure clear during more than an hour of contentious debate.

It was a good conversation on the floor, and it was a conversation that needed to be had, Kent told reporters afterward.

Sen. John Marty, of Roseville, said during the debate that the Senates constitutional prerogative to advise and consent was not intended to be a sort of Sword of Damocles where the sword is hanging over them, and as soon as we dont like it we can cut off their heads."

Senate Republicans removed two of Walz's commissioners last summer amid disputes over their job performance and the administration's pandemic response. Only five of Walzs commissioner-level appointees have won Senate confirmation, including two noncontroversial nominees approved Tuesday. Republicans have left most of them hanging since Walz took office 2 1/2 years ago, without votes, as a way to exercise leverage over them and the governor.

Gazelka said the move against Bishop wasn't unusual but that he hopes it doesn't become commonplace. He said the Senate has removed around 15 commissioners since the 1930s, including one under independent Gov. Jesse Ventura, two under Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty, one under Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton and two under Walz.

The governor's office said it had no fresh comment after Walz denounced Senate Republicans on Tuesday for choosing to use taxpayer dollars to play partisan games and try to politicize an agency charged with protecting Minnesotans from pollution because they refuse to acknowledge the science of climate change.

Gazelka said Bishop's efforts to implement the administration's clean car plan, which aims to encourage a switch to electric vehicles, were just part of why Republicans were dissatisfied with her. Other major factors, he said, were her decision to join Michigan in a lawsuit to compel enforcement of federal mining pollution standards, as well as new state manure regulations.

Lawmakers are expected to reconvene for another special session in September to discuss a $250 billion bonus pay plan for pandemic frontline workers. Gazelka said he didn't know whether the Senate would also consider the fates of other commissioners when it returns, but that there are no plans for hearings on them at this time.
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP)  Marcela Garcia teaches science classes sitting on three cushions placed on a chair in her dining room in Chile's capital, while many of her students listen to her from their beds because both sides lack sufficient space for the remote teaching brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

Teachers and students alike had to start online classes without preparation and many without the necessary tools to give or receive remote education, which experts agree has negatively affected learning in Chile and other Latin American countries.

Marcela, a 46-year-old mother of two, teaches at San Jose de Puente Alto, a private school for vulnerable children run by a foundation in one of the largest and poorest neighborhoods in the Chilean capital. The neighborhood generally reports the highest number of coronavirus infections among the 52 districts in greater Santiago.

Her 405 students are divided into nine mid-high school courses. Almost all the students are poor and many of their parents do not use the internet or even computers, so the children must work without their help.

Most of them take the classes in their bedrooms, sitting on the bed," Garcia told The Associated Press. "Children here do not have space, sometimes they share a few square meters with their siblings, with their family, or they live in crowded conditions.

Garcia, their teacher, also lacks sufficient space to teach classes in the apartment she shares with her children and father in central Santiago. I sit on a chair in the dining room. Even with the three cushions I put on it, I still end up with a bruised back and swollen feet. Sometimes my hands swell too."

My son is currently five tests behind because I have not had time to sit with him to do his homework because I spend all day with my students," she said.

Her youngest son Eduardo, 7, shares an old computer with his 21-year-old sister, Sofia, who is in university. Eduardo takes his online class in the mornings, but when Sofia has a test or university work at the same time he misses his classes.

Garcia says one family with two children in her school has a single computer and no cellphone.

What do they do? One day one connects and the other day the other and so they take turns for days. They are not in all classes or all hours, she said. Offline students receive a written guide with subjects and questions and submit the filled out notebooks to the school once a month.

Garcia and several of her fellow teachers use computers loaned to them by the school because theirs were too slow to teach classes with. The school also loaned tablets to students, but there were not enough for everyone. Some take the classes with cellphones.

Most of her students don't activate their cameras during their online classes "not because they don't want to, but because they are often ashamed to show their homes, the places where they live, Garcia said.

International organizations agree that students are learning less with online classes, especially those who have connectivity problems.

An official study on what Chilean high school students learned in 2020 during online reading classes showed that none attained even 60% of the knowledge necessary to pass the subject and this number fell to 47% in mathematics.

We are facing an educational earthquake and the aftershocks will be felt for years," said Chilean Education Minister Raul Figueroa.

In the second semester of last year, the number of topics taught in Garcia's school was cut in half.

This means that, students are learning more, at least in my case because with less material to be covered it allows me to explain and expand more on the content, she said.

She said in the four weeks that her school held face-to-face classes - two in March of last year and two this year - we were filled to capacity with two or three rotating groups. She said the children want to be in school because they have connectivity problems or because they feel like they learn less at home.

Garcia said going online has also made communication with parents very difficult.

She said she has to call her students and their families by cellphone to find out how they are doing.

They "have my cellphone number and call me at any time, and they send me messages on Saturday and Sunday. It is a barrage of questions. They dont think that we (teachers) also have a families, that we want to rest, she said in a tired voice.
COLCHESTER  Several weeks after officials voted to suspend the Colchester Police Commission over accusations of a toxic work environment, First Selectwoman Mary Bylone said the town is no closer to coming up with a more permanent solution for oversight of its force.

Bylone, who also serves as chief of police by way of being the towns top administrator, said that possible options to resolve the issue at this point include bringing in a mediator to help settle internal conflicts on the commission or passing an ordinance to disband the group altogether.

However, she said, she hasnt had specific conversations about those options with other members of the Board of Selectmen, who are focused on fixing issues with the town budget following a failed referendum.

Were in a pause, Bylone said Tuesday.

The board voted 4-1 on June 17 to indefinitely suspend the entire commission, following several acrimonious meetings that led Bylone to declare commissioners are really unable to work together. By that point, the local police union had declared a lack of confidence in the panel, saying officers would no longer attend meetings or interact with individual commissioners unless ordered to by a supervisor.

Since that vote, Bylone said Resident State Trooper Sgt. Michael Rondinone has overseen day-to-day operations of the force, while she, Rondinone, and local police Sgt. Timothy Edwards are handling other duties typically performed by the commission, such as hiring new officers.

Colchester is one of two towns in the state with both a resident state trooper and police commission, Bylone said.

Rondinone declined Tuesday to weigh in the decision to suspend the commission or long-term solutions for police oversight. He said his relationship with members of the panel was excellent prior to their suspension.

With the police commission being suspended, it has had no adverse operational effects whatsoever, Rondinone said.

Taras Rudko, the only member of the Board of Selectmen to vote against suspending the commission, has not responded to requests for comment about the decision. During a public meeting last month, Rudko criticized the decision as a removal of public oversight.

Neither of the two commissioners at the center of the controversy  Chairman James Stavola and Vice Chairwoman Carol Vaillancourt  said they wanted to see the panel disbanded, though they do not appear to have settled their disagreements.

Stavola told Hearst Connecticut Media he would not serve on the commission in the future with Vaillancourt, whom he said violated the groups rules and repeatedly accused him of lying. Nobodys going to work on the commission with her, he said Tuesday.

Vaillancourt did not say whether she would be open to working with Stavola, who she had accused of bullying. She continued to oppose the boards decision to suspend the commission.

Its a foolish thing, Vaillancourt said. When you lose oversight of things like that, you can lose a whole lot.

The dispute between Stavola and Vaillancourt began earlier this year with a controversial effort by school officials to eliminate a school resource officer, potentially putting one of the towns 11 police officers in danger of losing a job. While both Stavola and Vaillancourt opposed that effort, Vaillancourt accused Stavola of engaging in backroom deals and not keeping other commissioners in the loop on the issue.

Later, in April, Vaillancourt became upset when an officer made reference to a running joke within the police force about the commissioners not having experience in police work during a public commission meeting. The officer, Bryan Kowalsky, made the comment after praising Stavola, a retired police officer.

Vaillancourt filed a formal complaint against Kowalsky, and then spoke publicly about the issue to the press in violation of commission rules, Stavola said.

Taken together, the series of incidents ended several months of cooperation on the commission, Bylone said Tuesday. That work included the creation of new corporal and sergeants positions, new community outreach programs, and regular meetings following a long period when the group met infrequently.

Bylone, who was elected in 2019, said that when she took office there were a number of vacancies on the commission that had to be filled by the Board of Selectmen. The group had been inactive for about a year, she said.

I worked hard to get the commission put back in place, Bylone said. Id love to see the police commission work.

Any effort to formally disband the commission would require approval from the Board of Selectmen and a public referendum, she said.

In the meantime, Bylone said that she, Edwards and Rondinone are preparing to begin the search for a new hire to replace an officer retiring at the end of this month. As part of the ongoing budget process, a request to fund two additional officers was reduced to one, Bylone said.

That amended budget could go for a second referendum as soon as this month, she said.
The FBI says a Virginia man charged with storming the U.S. Capitol told an undercover agent that he belonged to a militia-style group and coordinated surveillance efforts on the same building more than a month after the riot
The U.S. military's mission at the U.S.-Mexico border has been extended through 2022, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby told reporters Tuesday.

There are currently 3,600 National Guard troops assisting Customs and Border Protection. They are largely uninvolved with law enforcement and generally provide logistical support, including surveillance. However, Kirby said the troop presence will be reduced to about 3,000.

The slight drawdown will start in October to coincide with the new fiscal year for the Defense Department, according to a U.S. Northern Command spokesperson.

Thousands of U.S. troops have been deployed to the southern border since 2018, when then-President Donald Trump ratcheted up the military presence there.

Read Next: Rocket Barrage on Al Asad Air Base Injures Two

Since then, the Defense Department has obligated $841 million for the border mission, according to the Government Accountability Office. However, the real cost may be higher because the federal watchdog found that the Pentagon "has not internally tracked some costs associated with border support activities."

At the mission's peak during the Trump administration, there were roughly 5,800 troops stationed along the border.

In one of President Joe Biden's first acts in office, he rescinded the emergency declaration at the border, but the military's mission remains largely intact. At least 23 states have sent troops to the border in 2021, according to a spokesperson for Northern Command.

A string of new National Guard deployments to the border have recently been announced, including South Dakota's controversial mobilization of 50 troops funded by a $1 million contribution from a billionaire Republican donor. However, a specific unit hasn't been tagged for the mission yet, according to a South Dakota Guard spokesman.

Up to 125 North Dakota National Guard soldiers in the 957th Engineer Company are due to deploy on orders from the federal government to the southern border this fall. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced 185 troops in his state will deploy as well, but a spokeswoman for the Ohio Guard said a unit hasn't been tasked for the mission yet. Those troops will join 115 Ohio Guardsmen with the 1484th Transportation Company already on the mission.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with a response from U.S. Northern Command.

-- Steve Beynon can be reached at Steve.Beynon@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StevenBeynon.

Related: Pentagon, National Guard Silent on Whether Troops Are for Hire After GOP Billionaire Funds Border Mission
The South Dakota National Guard will send 125 troops to the border on federal orders in addition to the deployment of 50 soldiers funded by a Republican billionaire mega-donor on state orders.

Republican Gov. Kristi Noem approved the deployment Wednesday, according to a statement from the South Dakota Guard. The state will send 125 soldiers from the 1742nd Transportation Company to the southern border for nine to 12 months sometime this year.

"The guard members will provide non-law enforcement support to U.S. customs agents as part of the government's southwest border mission," according to a statement from the Guard.

Read Next: Military's Border Mission Will Continue for at Least Another Year

The announcement comes a week after a controversial announcement from Noem that she will be using state authority to deploy 50 troops to the border, with the $1 million tab being picked up by Willis and Reba Johnson's Foundation, helmed by billionaire Willis Johnson.

He is a wealthy donor who regularly makes large contributions to Republicans, including $200,000 to the Trump Victory political action committee.

The two deployments are unrelated, according to the Guard. The 125 troops on federal orders are in addition to the 50 funded by Johnson.

The donation was met with scorn and confusion from both Democrats and Republican legislators in South Dakota, who said the state has plenty of money to pay for the deployment and that a private citizen funding military operations raises serious ethical concerns.

Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., chair of the House Armed Services Committee, said on NBC's "Meet the Press" that the National Guard shouldn't be treated like a "private militia."

There are 3,600 troops on the border on federal orders, according to a spokesperson with U.S. Northern Command. It's unclear why Noem is choosing to deploy a small number of troops on state orders. A spokesman for her office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Biden administration recently extended the Guard's mission on the U.S.-Mexico border through at least 2022, adding to the accumulation of missions it juggles, such as those related to the pandemic, combating wildfires, hurricane relief, and operations abroad including war zones.

However, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said Tuesday that the overall number of troops will be reduced to 3,000. According to a Northern Command spokesperson, the slight drawdown will start in October to coincide with the new fiscal year for the Defense Department.

-- Steve Beynon can be reached at Steve.Beynon@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StevenBeynon.

Related: Pentagon, National Guard Silent on Whether Troops Are for Hire After GOP Billionaire Funds Border Mission
I stared through a sand-crusted windshield. It was more of a film, wiped clear along the path of the wiper blades. A dirty blonde desert haze, matching the Humvee's paint -- not that weird orange-tinged tone oddly clinging to some of our vehicles.

I can't think of the name, but every veteran knows the color.

That tan shade, more brown than orange.

Anyway...the color blended nearly perfectly with the windshield haze, partially obscuring concertina wire strapped to the hood.

There was no obscuring the commotion at the end of the street, though. Shouting escalated between soldiers in another Humvee and someone in a civilian SUV up at the next intersection. A crowd appeared to be coalescing -- until you noticed the absence of people elsewhere on the street. This clever-but-common illusion always felt like one of those desert mirages I never saw for real. But when people disappeared from the street, we knew something was up.

It was hard not to feel like a target in the soft-skinned Humvee. I could smell the dust, and the cooking radio, but I never felt secure. I had no time to put that razor wire in action, but I popped the door handle to see what I could do with my feet on the ground.

That pop had impeccable timing: It fit right in with the first gunshots.

It's not easy to find cover next to a four-door Humvee enclosed in canvas. Instead, I found quick concealment behind a plastic dumpster. A round must have found me, too. The thigh of my desert combat uniform turned that deep, dark purple. Soaking through the ripstop tricolor, a puddle of my own blood quickly formed around my boot. I didn't feel shot. I felt panic. I was bleeding out.

I started to lean back toward the nearby retaining wall to use it as a crutch. I braced for the impending collision: impenetrable body armor versus immovable concrete. My ceramic backplate crashed against dirty, dusty cement with a hollow thud, and, like a kid on a sleigh, I started to slide downward.

I caught a brief burst of chatter on the radio as I slid and sank until I rested on the dusty ground. From the ground, I heard voices again -- not on the radio this time. He's over here! was the last thing I heard. That could've been Sgt. Jackson. I'll never know. Heavy eyelids took over.

I bolted upright, sweating and panting. It was dark, but I wasn't in Iraq. I hadn't been shot, either.

I had a nightmare. Another nightmare. The panic felt so real, probably even to my ex-wife. Standing bedside, she quietly waited, wondering if it were worse to wake me from my night terror.

I brushed it off. When we got home from deployment to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, they told us this would happen. Nightmares were normal, and this was almost part of the routine by now. I'd been in that alley about a dozen times in the few months after I had redeployed. Every time, there was a commotion. Every time, I was shot. I always woke up sweaty and panting.

The author wears his lab coat for the first time after completing his engineering degree in September 2017. (Photo courtesy of Tom Smoot)

That never happened to me on a deployment. After the nightmares, I always argued to my ex-wife that I was okay -- that the nightmares were simply an outlet my pea brain used to harmlessly act out a scary what-if. The nightmare mirrored a story from a sister team, I told her. Back then, I felt more comfortable leading my ex-wife toward my peers' experiences, rather than revealing my own unresolved emotions. I built for her a house made of false logic.

Another sergeant from our battalion had been shot while we were deployed: grazed in an exchange, enough for a Purple Heart. My ex-wife heard all my reasons for my mix of emotions. It seemed to be a tug-of-war between gratitude, jealousy, and a host of strap-hanging thoughts.

No one had been killed, but the medals in the mix showed maybe someone should've been. It's a gross feeling, that kind of jealousy. But when I signed that contract, I joined a warrior culture. Until we earned those medals, we were trained to glorify them. After we earned them, we had to live with what we had been trained to do. As I pleaded my case, over and over, my ex-wife eventually heard that conflict.

So, yeah. I brushed it off. Those nights we went back to bed, but I didn't go back to sleep. Those were the nights I sleeplessly checked doors and windows. In the dark. After everything got quiet again. I felt guilty enough for waking everyone in the middle of the night; it was too much to ask for company.

Tom Smoot hugs his kids during a homecoming ceremony in February 2004 after serving in Iraq. (Photo courtesy of Tom Smoot)

That's when I constructed more logic walls, more excuses. I was defensive: There was still a job to do. Only two years after 9/11, it was a sure bet we'd deploy again. I needed to be protective about my ability as a defender; my place in our warrior culture demanded it. So, I used my reasoning to protect myself, while I illogically secured the perimeter for my family.

It would take another deployment before I finally admitted I struggled with anxiety. It had seemed so simple after that first deployment: I was right. They were right at Fort Bragg. The nightmares eventually went away -- they stopped about six months after I came home.

Right about the same time we heard reports from our follow-on forces.

They were ambushed with improvised explosive devices in heavy fighting during a transition of power. It was that alley. My alley. Their firefight was at the same intersection as my nightmare. We left knowing how dangerous that intersection was, and we left it behind. After we heard about the list of medals and heroism, I never dreamed that nightmare again. There were no dreams at all. And I didn't want to know if anyone had the misfortune of living out my dream.

Editors Note: This article first appeared on The War Horse, an award-winning nonprofit news organization educating the public on military service. Subscribe to their newsletter
KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany -- Hundreds of Air Force spouses overseas receiving Air Force Aid Society tuition assistance could soon be feeling the pinch of Air Force budget cuts.

The aid society is ending its Spouse Tuition Assistance Program on July 31 due to Air Force reductions in funding and staffing at base education centers, where the STAP scholarship program is administered, according to an aid society official.

When staffing for the Air Forces voluntary education program was reduced, that started the dominoes falling, said Linda Egentowich, Air Force Aid Society chief operating officer and a retired U.S. Air Force colonel. We realized we didnt have a person in the education office to administer the STAP program.

In 2011, the society -- a private, nonprofit organization serving as the Air Forces official charity -- awarded about $275,000 in STAP scholarships to 623 spouses in the Pacific and in Europe, according to Egentowich.

In an effort to maintain some support for spouses at overseas locations, Egentowich said the society is expanding eligibility requirements for its General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program, making it available for the first time to spouses at overseas bases.

Funding for the STAP scholarships will be moved to the more robust Arnold grant program, Egentowich said. In 2011, the society awarded 3,000 grants totaling about $6 million.

Applications for the Arnold grant are submitted online and administered by staff at aid society headquarters in the States, in cooperation with a private scholarship service.

Previously, only Air Force spouses at bases in the 48 contiguous states and dependent children of Air Force members at bases worldwide were eligible to apply for the Arnold grant; spouses overseas, including those in Alaska and Hawaii, had the STAP, Egentowich said.

The change will reduce the number of spouses supported, since only full-time undergraduates are eligible to apply for the Arnold grant and need for the grant must be demonstrated, according to Egentowich. Spouses under STAP could be full- or part-time, graduate or undergraduate students, and the scholarships were not based on financial need.

But for those who do qualify, the Arnold grant has some distinct advantages over STAP, Egentowich said. It has an annual limit of $2,000 versus $1,500 for STAP, and it can be used for enrollment in any accredited school approved by the U.S. Department of Education for participation in federal aid programs.

With STAP, spouses could use the scholarship money only toward courses offered by contracted institutions -- such as the University of Phoenix and the University of Maryland -- offering on-base programs.

Egentowich said the society has already contacted spouses currently in STAP to inform them of the change.

We realize this is causing turmoil and concerns, she said. But instead of taking it all away, were doing our best to offer something else.

Tatineesha Harris, an Air Force Aid Society officer at Ramstein Air Base, urges spouses not to be worried if theyre in need of tuition assistance.

This is a great, great program that the Air Force Aid Society has allowed our spouses to take advantage of, she said. They still have time to apply for it.

In 2011, Ramstein received nearly $30,000 in STAP funding, base officials said.

For spouses overseas, the society extended the Arnold grant application deadline for the upcoming academic year from March 9 to March 30. The online application is available at the societys website, www.afas.org; click on Education Programs.

Egentowich said the society is looking at ways to bring back STAP in the future. One possible solution is developing an automated software system that would allow the organization to manage the program from its headquarters, she said.
Since her husband of 24 years was killed in Afghanistan last spring, Linda Ambard has felt homeless.

I spent my whole adult life following that man around the world, she said. I dont have a home anymore, because home was where he was.

So shes made a haven of his military jacket, wrapping herself up in his memory. I come home from work, shower, put my pajamas on and put the coat on top of me, she said.

Air Force Maj. Phil Ambard was one of eight U.S. servicemembers killed on April 27, 2011, when an Afghan pilot opened fire at an airport in Kabul.

Phil immigrated from Venezuela at age 12, began his 25-year Air Force career as an enlisted man and became an officer in 2000. He taught Spanish and French at the Air Force Academy but, Linda said, he wanted to be able to tell the students he had done his part. He volunteered for his first deployment of the post-9/11 era.

Linda still talks about him in the present tense, like when she laughs telling the story about how they eloped after dating for four months even though we are both super responsible and super reliable people, and neither of us has ever been known to take a risk.

The Ambards raised five children. Three enrolled at the Air Force Academy and one at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. The fifth is studying at the University of Denver. Linda had Phils uniforms turned into quilts for each of her five kids. Her first grandchild was born on Thursday, named for the grandfather hell never know, Linda said.

Her youngest child is a junior at the Air Force Academy, but she couldnt bear staying in Colorado Springs after Phils death. Yet she felt like there wasn't any other place to return to, to call home.

Im from Boise, Idaho, she said, but I havent lived there since I graduated college and that was forever ago.

So she transferred to a Department of Defense Dependents Schools in Germany, where she teaches physical education and health to middle schoolers at Ansbach Middle High School.

She finds solace in the overseas military community, even though at 50 she says shes the oldest person on base. Still she started wearing Phils jacket when she arrived, because I felt so alone.

Shell leave Germany when shes ready to build a new home, but for now she has the jacket.

It reminds me that he loved me and that everything is going to be OK, because thats what he would tell me if he was here.
FORT MYER, Va. -- A lot of marriages have been tested in Iraq, said an Army chaplain who returned from a year-long deployment there in November.

Maj. Derrick Riggs, now a religious-support resource manager at Fort Myer, Va., served with the 82nd Airborne Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team in Iraq last year.

"Marriage will succeed or fail based on everything you do before a deployment," Riggs said. "If you have a strained marriage, the deployment will have a greater adverse impact. Absence will only make the heart grow fonder if you have a strong marriage to begin with."

"I don't think younger Soldiers have solid expectations of marriage, but, rather, are driven by emotion," added Maj. Chris Downey, operations officer for the 82nd Airborne Division's 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade. "They're seeking immediate companionship before and after deployment."

Downey and his wife, Trish, have been married for 15 of his 17 years in the Army - from the time he was an enlisted Soldier, through advanced military training, to his commissioning, and two recent combat tours to Afghanistan and Iraq.

"I'm worried about my family when I'm deployed, but when I'm deployed, the mission has to be my main focus," he said.

That's why Soldiers depend so much on the support available to them through family readiness groups and others. It's that support, and the support of other spouses that helps military families cope, Downey said.

Deployment, while not easy on a family that includes a son and daughter, ages 10 and 13, respectively, didn't cause any marital problems, Trish said. "I had no feelings of resentment when he deployed. I was proud of him. And our marriage was very strong when he left.

"What makes it strong is his commitment to his family," she said. "And I know his family comes first when it can come first."

Sgt. 1st Class Ernest Rabot of the Italy-based 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team has been married to Joy for 20 years. He echoes Downey's sentiments.

"When I'm deployed, I focus on the mission, but when there's time to relax a bit, I write my wife all about the things I've been doing or going through during the deployment.

Spc. Chase Windell, another member of the 173rd ABCT, deployed to Afghanistan soon after his wife, Samantha, joined him in Bamberg, Germany. The couple's son was 2 months old at the time.

"The first few months after my husband deployed were miserable," Samantha said. "I wanted to stay home the whole time."

Instead, she got involved, spending time with other women whose husbands had also deployed, participating in Yoga classes, shopping, supervising their respective children's playtime and taking trips together. Samantha also volunteers as her family readiness group's treasurer. Her advice to spouses of deployed Soldiers is: "Get out there and get involved."

"The most important thing you can do to keep a marriage healthy is to communicate," Downey said. "If you're going to deploy, talk about some of the stressors before, during and after deployment."

Soldiers who are deployed should try to call as much as possible, he added, even if the calls are short.

"Just knowing Chris was thinking of me meant a lot to me and the kids," Trish said.

"I think marriage in the military is a significant challenge for the Army," Downey added. "But officials are doing a very good job at understanding that the family is a combat multiplier - an important part of the puzzle - and are providing programs to support the family."

The current Reset pilot program, as an example, is one of the Army's newest attempts to ease a Soldier's transition back to his family and his community by minimizing or eliminating training requirements for 120 days after a Soldier returns from deployment, Downey said.

"Marriage isn't for kids, and being in the Army just makes it harder," added Chief Warrant Officer 3 Roy Melebeck, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 173rd ABCT Rear Detachment.

Besides communication, he suggests honesty, unselfishness and support, candlelight dinners and flowers - for no special occasion at all.
The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has passed an order on 30th June stating that it is empowered to refuse insolvency applications if there are signs of collusion and mala fide intent. The matter relates to an insolvency application which was filed by Hytone Merchants Pvt Ltd against Satabadi Investment Consultants Pvt Ltd.

Quoting Tina Abraham, partner at Trilegal, the report from BloombergQuint says,The judgement is a step in ensuring that the resolution process under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) is not abused by persons coming with unclean hands before the tribunal to avoid their obligations and enjoy the benefits of moratorium granted during the process.

Moneylife spoke to an insolvency professional, who on condition of anonymity says When we talk of insolvency resolution, we mean that over long term the corporate debtors assets are falling short of liabilities. A short-term cash flow mismatch doesn't indicate insolvency. In this case, the Rs3 lakh default was a joke looking at the size of the company.

He cited another example of a case of such 'gaming the system' where default of less than Rs40 lakh for a company with Rs45.30 crore paid-up equity, turnover of over Rs100 crore till recently and debt of Rs153 crore from banks allowed itself to be taken to corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP). Not just that, the company managed to get itself classified as medium-scale enterprise (MSME) and even got its own resolution plan cleared by committee of creditors (CoC)! It is now waiting for a nod from NCLT.

Hytone Merchants is an unsecured creditor and had given a Rs3 lakh loan (at 15% per annum interest for six months) in February 2019 on which Satabadi Investment Consultants defaulted.

The Kolkata bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) had rejected the application filed by Hytone under Section 7 of the IBC while pointing to Satabadi Investments Consultants net worth of more than Rs15 crore.

"on perusal of the master debt of the corporate debtor it is seen that the corporate debtor has given a corporate guarantee of Rs 482,42,00,000. On further enquiry and on perusal of the financial statements for the financial year 2018-19 of the corporate debtor, it has come to light that the net worth of the corporate debtor is Rs15,36,39,015. It is hard to convince oneself that the Company having a network of Rs15,36,39,015 is not able to make a payment of Rs 3 lakhs. It appears that the petition at hand has been filed in collusion with the corporate debtor." the NCLT noted.

This NCLT order from February 2021 was subsequently challenged before the NCLAT.

In its appeal to appellate tribunal, Hytone contended that the NCLT dismissed the application under Section 7 against Satabadi Investment Consultants (corporate debtor) despite holding that the application was complete in all respects as required by law, and the application clearly showed that the Satabadi Investment Consultants was in default of a debt due and payable. The default amount was more than the minimum threshold stipulated in Section 4 (1) of the code, it added.

Satabadi Investment Consultants submitted that it was unable to make payment to appellant or financial creditor due to 'economic recession and losses in its business' and due to corporate debtor 'being a victim of circumstances' and 'by reason of the duration of the business'.

Satabadi also submitted that its financial condition has starkly deteriorated after 31 March 2019. Because the major portion of its investment into companies, namely, Kohinoor Newsprint and Papers Pvt Ltd & Kohinoor Pulp and Paper Pvt Ltd, are sunk investments, where the corporate debtor has no chance of getting its money back, and the amounts are reflected in the accounts as per the accounting standard since the same cannot be immediately written off. The corporate debtor has disclosed that the said two companies are under CIRP and in liquidation, respectively, under the provisions of the Code, the appeal said.

The appeal also reiterated that the financial creditor (Hytone) and corporate debtor (Satabadi) have no relation or connection and said the conclusion drawn by the Adjudicating Authority of collusion existing between Financial Creditor and the Corporate Debtor is unwarranted, unfounded and bereft of any basis. The appeal also stressed on the statutory provisions by listing them point wise and arguing that the petition fulfils all said conditions.

Hytone also argued that NCLT does not have the powers to proceed with an unjustified and roving enquiry into mala fides on its own.

The NCLAT disagreed with this contention and held that the NCLT has to exercise careful discretion so as to prevent and protect the corporate debtor from being dragged into the insolvency resolution process with mala fides.

The NCLAT relied on Sections 7(5) of the insolvency law to arrive at this conclusion which says if there is an admitted debt and default, the tribunal may admit the application. The NCLAT relied on the word 'may' and held that the law itself gives it a discretion to admit or reject an application.

Since the master data of the Corporate Debtor reflects that the corporate debtor is also a corporate guarantor and has extended the corporate guarantee of a considerable amount worth Rs482,42,00,000 therefore, such plausible contention cannot be ruled out that the corporate debtor colluded with the financial creditor to escape its liability as a corporate guarantor, NCLAT said in its order while dismissing the appeal.

According to Section 65 of the IBC, if any person initiates the insolvency resolution process fraudulently or with malicious intent, a penalty may be imposed.

The NCLAT pointed out that before admitting the application, every precaution is necessary to be exercised so that the insolvency process is not misused for any other purposes other than the resolution of insolvency.

"...where it appears that application is filed collusively not with the purpose of insolvency resolution but otherwise, then despite fulfilling all the conditions of Section 7(5) of the code, the adjudicating authority can exercise its discretion in rejecting the application relying on Section 65 of the code," the order said.

While instances of mala fide have been pressed upon earlier by the parties to the insolvency proceedings, this is the first time, the tribunal as well as the appellate tribunal suo motu initiated an enquiry and found elements of mala fide and collusion, observed Ms Abraham.
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has sought an explanation from a member about trades in Nifty futures that were higher than the prevailing market prices on 5th July. The Exchange has issued a press release saying, "We have received some enquiries about certain Nifty futures trades that were higher than the prevailing prices on 5 July 2021. An explanation has been sought from the member as to why the order was placed at a price higher than the prevailing price in the market which could have misled the market."

"We would like to reiterate that the exchange systems functioned normally and all orders were executed as per the operating and trade execution ranges as prescribed," the Exchange added.

According to NSE, at the time of market opening, a trading member's dealer placed a buy order manually for Nifty near month futures at a price which was significantly higher than the prevailing price in the market. Since the order was within the operating range, it matched with the existing sell orders in the order book and the two trades got executed at a price within the trade execution range, it says.

"The dealer subsequently cancelled the remaining order. In the meanwhile, there were some orders that were received from the other members at prices like the above-mentioned order, and those orders which were within the trade execution range, were executed," NSE clarifies.

Interestingly, this incident happened on the very day that the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) came out with new rules to make stock exchanges pay for technical glitches.

Meanwhile, social media posts suggest that the incident in question may have been technical. One tweet says there was a 'micro stoppage of 27 seconds with huge unexplained price movements'. Yet, NSE, has ruled out any technical issues in its operations.

@SEBI_India Freak trade happened in nifty futures. High 16546.5. CMP 15830.

What is happening at NSE  Saillesh Vilas Rane (@RaneSaillesh) July 5, 2021

However, many brokers say the flash spike in Nifty futures created tremendous losses for all small algos. Quoting a regulatory official, a report from the Hindu BusinessLine says, "For nearly 27 seconds after the NSE commenced trading at 9.15am, there seemed to be some stoppage as many trade orders could not go through. After that, in a flash, Nifty futures touched a high of 16,546. This is what caught most brokers and their clients off-guard."

Its micro stoppages with huge unexplained price movements creating tremendous losses for all small algos.Instead of stopping market for 4 hours,now someone has found technology to stop markets for20 seconds and 800 point difference between cash futures in index.Another co lo scam  Fintechupdate (@Fintechupdate1) July 5, 2021 @NSEIndia It is like a smarter way to halt market for few seconds (20 seconds) instead of stoppage of market for couple of hours with huge price movement putting small algos with big losses.

Smarter and another way of colo scam  Saillesh Vilas Rane (@RaneSaillesh) July 5, 2021

Meanwhile, in a rare, tough measure aimed at reducing the instances of technical glitches occurring at market infrastructure institutions (MIIs) like stock exchanges, clearing corporations and depositories, SEBIs new rules say that it will make such institutions and their officials liable in the event of failure to provide services.

SEBI had issued a detailed framework for penalising MIIs which includes stock exchanges, clearing corporations and depositories for technical glitches. MIIs are systemically important institutions as they provide the infrastructure necessary for the smooth and uninterrupted functioning of the securities market, SEBI says.

Under the new framework, MIIs will have to pay Rs100,000 per day in case of delay in submission or incomplete submission of root cause analysis (RCA). The regulator has said a comprehensive RCA report needs to be submitted within 21 days of the incident. Failure to promptly address a technical glitch will attract a penalty of Rs2 lakh per day for the first 15 days, Rs3 lakh per day for subsequent 15 working days and additional penalty of Rs25 lakh beyond 30 working days.

Read: SEBI Brings In Rules To Make Stock Exchanges Pay For Technical Glitches ) Failure to declare a disaster within the stipulated timelines could attract financial disincentive of 10% of average of stand-alone net profit for the previous two financial years or Rs2 crore, whichever is higher on the MII. The managing director (MD) and chief technology officer (CTO) will have to part with 10% each of their respective annual salaries (both fixed and variable components) for the financial year when the disaster occurred, SEBI says. (

Read: Will SEBI Give Us the Real Story behind the NSE System Failure? ) Earlier, on 24 February 2021, trading on NSE was halted at 11.40am due to 'issues with the links with telecom service providers'. There was an issue with live ticks for NSE indices like Nifty 50, Nifty Bank, and others across brokers. (
Weather Alert

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 9 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR LOW HUMIDITY AND POTENTIAL DRY THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 117... The National Weather Service in Great Falls has issued a Red Flag Warning for increasing thunderstorm activity, which is in effect from 2 PM this afternoon to 9 PM MDT this evening. * AFFECTED AREA...Central and Eastern Lewis and Clark National Forest Areas. * WINDS...West 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 14 percent. * LIGHTNING...Some storms could produce frequent lightning strikes. * THUNDERSTORMS...Scattered wet and dry. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Thunderstorm outflow wind gusts of 30 to 50 mph are possible. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Please advise the appropriate officials or fire crews in these areas of this Red Flag Warning. &&
Rebecca A. Hobbs, Esquire is licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and is certified as an Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation as authorized by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. She is a principal of the law firm of ODonnell, Weiss & Mattei, P.C., 41 High Street, Pottstown, and 347 Bridge Street, Phoenixville,610-323-2800, www. owmlaw.com. You can reach Ms. Hobbs at rhobbs@owmlaw.com
OPINION: After American failure in Afghanistan, China is trying another approach
@MJ_JournalRick on Twitter

Richard Payerchin covers Lorain City Hall, business news and other interesting stories for The Morning Journal. Reach the author at rpayerchin@MorningJournal.com or follow Richard on Twitter: @MJ_JournalRick.
North Olmsted

Free lunches for children are offered at library
"The disappointment is obviously what we lost, an opportunity to provide a spectacular center for El Centro to be able to serve the community, to be able to not only provide services for seniors, for our youths, but also to continue their drive in terms of vaccination and health and wellness for our community."

Councilman Rey Carrion

Pull Quote
Moultrie, GA (31768)

Today

Scattered clouds with the possibility of an isolated thunderstorm developing this afternoon. High near 90F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 73F. Winds light and variable.
NKANDLA, South Africa (AP)  Former South African president Jacob Zuma turned himself over to police early Thursday to begin serving a 15-month prison term.

Just minutes before the midnight deadline for police to arrest him, Zuma left his Nkandla home in a convoy of vehicles. Zuma handed himself over to authorities to obey the country's highest court, the Constitutional Court, that he should serve a prison term for contempt.

President Zuma has decided to comply with the incarceration order. He is on his way to hand himself into a Correctional Services Facility in KZN (KwaZulu-Natal province)," said a tweet posted by the Zuma Foundation.

Soon after South Africa's police confirmed that Zuma was in their custody.

Zuma's imprisonment comes after a week of rising tensions over his sentence.

Zuma, 79, was ordered to prison for contempt because he defied a court order for him to testify before a judicial commission investigating widespread allegations of corruption during his time as the countrys president, from 2009 to 2018.

The Constitutional Court ordered that if Zuma did not voluntarily hand himself over to the police then the police should arrest the country's former president by the end of the day Wednesday.

In a last-minute plea to avoid going to prison, Zuma's lawyers had written to the acting chief justice requesting that his arrest be suspended until Friday, when a regional court is to rule on his application to postpone the arrest.

Zumas lawyers asked the acting chief justice to issue directives stopping the police from arresting him, claiming there would be a prejudice to his life.

Zuma had also launched two court proceedings to avoid arrest after his sentence last week.

He applied to the Constitutional Court to rescind his sentence and that application will be heard on July 12.

On Tuesday, his lawyers were in the Pietermaritzburg High Court seeking to stop the minister of police from arresting him until the Constitutional Court rules on his application. The regional court will rule on that application on Friday.

Political tensions have risen in KwaZulu-Natal province as a result of Zumas conviction, sentence and pending arrest. Hundreds of his supporters gathered at his home over the weekend and vowed to prevent his arrest, but they left on Sunday.

The judicial inquiry into corruption during his term as president has heard damning testimony from former Cabinet ministers and top executives of state-owned corporations that Zuma allowed his associates, members of the Gupta family, to influence his Cabinet appointments and lucrative contracts. Zuma refused to comply with a court order to appear before the commission, which brought the Constitutional Court to convict him of contempt and sentence him to prison.

In a separate matter, Zuma is standing trial on charges of corruption related to a 1999 arms deal, where he allegedly received bribes from French arms manufacturer Thales. His financial adviser has already been convicted and imprisoned in that case.

Zuma has had other legal woes. In 2005, he was charged with rape but was acquitted in 2006 after the court found the sexual intercourse was consensual.

Zuma bounced back from that to become president in 2009. But by 2018 mounting evidence of rampant corruption in his administration brought his party, the ruling African National Congress, to force him from office.

Although tarnished by scandal now, Zuma had built up a reputation as a staunch opponent of apartheid, South Africa's previous regime of harsh white minority rule. He was jailed for 10 years at the Robben Island prison where political prisoners including Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu were held.

When he was released in 1973, Zuma left the country to continue his work in the African National Congress, traveling through countries like Swaziland, Zambia and Mozambique.

By the time South Africa legalized the ANC in 1990, Zuma was a high-ranking official in the party and was part of negotiating the political settlement that led to the countrys first democratic elections in 1994.

Zuma's reputation in the new South Africa was further enhanced when he was deployed to his home province of KwaZulu-Natal where he helped to resolve political violence that was threatening to derail the countrys progress toward a democratic and non-racial society.

Zumas political reputation will be marred by the corruption scandals surrounding him, said Lesiba Teffo, lecturer in politics at the University of South Africa.

It is very disappointing to see a man who has done so much for the country, a liberation hero, now reduced to zero," said Teffo. This is a man who fought hard for the liberation of this country, but like many African leaders in our continent, he fell at the altar of money.
ANDREWS -- During a packed special meeting of the Andrews County Commissioners Court on Tuesday, residents spoke out against plans by the company Waste Control Specialists to store high-level nuclear waste.

Andrews County Judge Charlie Falcon said he called the meeting to discuss whether the court should pass a resolution stating their opposition to the storage of high-level waste in the county.

What this meeting was intended for is to get with the court and start asking them, who do you want me to bring, who can we contact to come talk to us so that way we can gain more information, he said, referring to representatives from WCS or the federal government who could answer questions from the court and the public.

Several residents said they were against bringing high-level waste to the community and asked the commissioners to pass a resolution opposing the project. Some also said they were angry at WCS, which currently operates a low-level waste site in Andrews, for promising that they would never store high-level waste then going back on that promise.

Julie Stevenson, who said she was a nurse and lifelong Andrews resident, spoke to the court about the medical side effects from exposure to radiation. She said low-level radiation poisoning is akin to receiving 100 to 150 X-rays, while mid-level exposure can cause your gastrointestinal tract to shut down.

High-level, you will die within three days, she said. I dont want to take that risk for my children. Im sure you have a lot of geologists speaking with you  but theyre looking at charts, graphs, theyre not looking at my 7-year-old son and my 87-year-old grandfather.

Were not scared of the safety measures that are here, that they have put in place, Stevenson said. Were scared of what they have not done. They have never transported high levels of waste into this area.

Nate Sing said he felt the Commissioners Court had not done enough to seek public input or get information and facts about the WCS proposal out to constituents.

I dont think everybody in the community knows about this or has the ability to say no, he said. From talking to my small neighborhood, theres a lot more nos than yeses.

However, two out of about 10 residents who spoke at the meeting said they had no issue with plans to store high-level waste. Bern Russell, who said he lives on West State Highway 176, where WCS is located, said he sees the casks carrying nuclear waste being transported to the facility and believes theyre safe.

I think if you took the biggest Caterpillar Tractor you could find and ran into it (a cask), you would make a dent about a half-inch, he said. From what Ive read, they are built like a tank. As far as radioactivity, I sat about this far from one for five minutes, and nothing.

Commissioners said they could not vote on passing any resolutions Tuesday because it was not on the special meeting agenda. Some commissioners said they wanted to vote on a resolution opposing the proposal at the next court meeting.
Tourists pose for photos outside the Johnny Cash Museum in Nashville, one of the four cities included in a state-funded program providing airline vouchers to visit them.
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Contact us
Discuss this article with your neighbors or join the community conversation.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Rochelle Eiselt | Journal-Courier

An investigation into the cause of a June 23 explosion that destroyed a Meredosia house is ongoing, according to Illinois Commerce Commission spokesperson Britney Bouie.

Both the state fire marshals office and the commission are involved in the investigation.
When hammer-thrower Gwen Berry turned her back on the American flag at the Olympic Trials, it made me think of Sgt. William Carney.

Berry probably doesnt know who Carney was.

Neither, I bet, do the activists who spent last summer blindly tearing down statues of historical figures to protest the racist origins of America and the systemic racism they say exists today.

Thanks to the lousy way history is taught in our schools, most Americans  of every color  have never heard of William Carney.

But who he was, what brave things he did on a Civil War battlefield, and what he thought about America and its flag should have become common knowledge many July Fourths ago.

Carney was born a slave in Virginia in 1840, but his father escaped to the north on the Underground Railroad and made enough money in Massachusetts to buy the freedom of the rest of his family.

In 1863 Carney, at age 23, joined a local militia and became part of the all-Black Company C of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment.

As shown in the Oscar-winning 1989 movie Glory, the historic 54th and 55th regiments were founded to prove that Black men could be good, brave soldiers  and they quickly proved it.

During the bloody battle of Fort Wagner in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1863 Carney saw that the soldier carrying the 54th regimental colors had been wounded. He left his position and ran into the thick of the fighting to save the American flag from being captured or hitting the ground  which was something they cared about deeply in those days.

Despite being hit four times by bullets, Carney was able to bring the U.S. flag safely to Union lines, where he collapsed.

It took 40 years for Carneys battlefield heroics to be rewarded, but in 1900 he was awarded the Medal of Honor. The first Black person to receive the award, he explained his heroics by simply saying, I only did my duty.

Can you imagine how Carney  a former slave  and the other patriotic Black men who enlisted in the 54th and 55th would react today to the protests of Gwen Berry or the constant complaints today?

Americas not perfect now, and it never was.

But those fixated on the past  on the shameful stuff that our white ancestors did to Blacks that we regret and are ashamed of but cant do anything about today.

That shameful stuff includes the horrors of slavery, 70 years of legalized racism in the Jim Crow South, the de facto discrimination and segregation in the north and white race riots like the Tulsa Massacre of 1921.

Activists need to acknowledge all the good that has been done to make America a better, fairer, freer country that lives up to its founding ideals.

Gwen Berry said last week that she doesnt hate America.

She said she turned her back to the flag because she doesnt like the third (and basically unknown) stanza of the National Anthem, which she says disrespects Blacks with its brief reference to slaves.

Berry says she knows her history, but she really doesnt. She and others take a knee to the National Anthem or turn their backs on the same flag that Sgt. Willian Carney, a former slave, loved and risked his life to keep from touching the ground.

What would Carney say today to those who disrespect the flag?

Hed probably want to turn his back to them. Download the movie Glory if you want to see why.

Michael Reagan, the son of President Ronald Reagan, is an author, speaker and president of the Reagan Legacy Foundation. He can be reached at reagan@caglecartoons.com.
Nothing is more annoying in public policy than people who complain, but dont offer solutions.

The U.S. Senate effectively has 50 Republicans and 50 Democrats. Vice President Kamala Harris can cast a tie-breaking vote giving the Democrats an ever so slight edge.

So, what complaint do we hear expressed continually on social media? That the Senate doesnt equally represent the American people.

Thats certainly true. But, then again, it never was supposed to.

Half of the nations people have 18 senators representing them. On the other hand, there are 52 senators from the 26 smallest states, where just 18% of Americans live.

The individuals who drafted the Constitution feared big states would dominate small states. So, they gave states equal representation in the Senate and based representation in the House on population.

They also added a provision to the Constitution, that says the clause giving each state two senators can never be amended. So, most constitutional scholars concede, its an arrangement we are stuck with.

Instead of griping about it, we need to ask: Why after 233 years is it an issue now?

The short answer is our political parties have failed us. Diversity of thought has evaporated from both the Republican and Democratic parties.

Ideological litmus tests have become more important than legislative effectiveness among party leaders.

Dont believe me? Look at how many times in recent weeks Sen. Joe Manchin, D-West Virginia, has been called a traitor to his party. Or, for that matter, how many times has Mitt Romney has been called a RINO  Republican in Name Only.

Once upon a time, the worlds greatest deliberative body was full of people like Romney and Manchin  individuals whose beliefs didnt always fit neatly into an ideological box.

There once were liberal Republican senators such as Charles Percy and conservative Democrats like Alan Dixon. Both men served the Land of Lincoln ably in Washington, D.C. And both would be oddities in todays upper chamber.

South Dakota, a so-called red state, for years elected a liberal Democrat, Sen. Tom Daschle. And New York, what most folks now call a blue state elected Al DAmato, a conservative Republican.

Voters were willing to look past party labels and even positions on issues to elect those they just considered quality people. Today, that happens less and less. Social media has not only made voters more partisan but the parties themselves less ideologically diverse. Both parties have far fewer moderates holding elected office.

As much as Democrats talk about the need for diversity, there is very little tolerance for ideological diversity in the party, said Robin Johnson, a political science instructor at Monmouth College and a consultant for Democratic campaigns.

If you think the Republicans are any better, look no further than what happened to U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming. She was booted from leadership when she dared to dissent from a spurious narrative about a rigged election.

Democrats complain that Republicans do better in rural states, which gives them an unfair advantage in the Senate. Nonsense. What they should be asking is why they arent doing better in those smaller states they once won.

Years ago, I remember how college students from elite universities on both coasts came to work on an Illinois congressional campaign. They went to a Democratic Party event at the Illinois State Fair, stood at the gate and ridiculed working-class Democrats walking by in overalls, trucker hats and work boots.

It is the sort of elitism that has driven rural working-class voters into the Republican column.

The same could be said for Republicans in urban areas. Time and time again, Ive seen wealthy men opine on what ails inner-city neighborhoods. They do plenty of talking but not much listening.

We have a deadlocked Senate because some leaders in both parties have stopped trying to serve significant portions of the American people.

The problem isnt how the Senate has been set up for the past 230 years: its political elites unwilling to listen to potential constituents whom they disagree with.

And until they start listening nothing is going to get better.

Scott Reeder is a veteran statehouse journalist. He can be reached at Scottreeder1965@gmail.com.
Watertown, SD (57201)

Today

Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. High 82F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear skies. Low 58F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.
Watertown, SD (57201)

Today

Mainly sunny to start, then a few afternoon clouds. High 82F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 58F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.
South Africas ex-leader turns himself in for prison term View Photo

NKANDLA, South Africa (AP)  Former South African president Jacob Zuma turned himself over to police early Thursday to begin serving a 15-month prison term.

Just minutes before the midnight deadline for police to arrest him, Zuma left his Nkandla home in a convoy of vehicles. Zuma handed himself over to authorities to obey the countrys highest court, the Constitutional Court, that he should serve a prison term for contempt.

President Zuma has decided to comply with the incarceration order. He is on his way to hand himself into a Correctional Services Facility in KZN (KwaZulu-Natal province), said a tweet posted by the Zuma Foundation.

Soon after South Africas police confirmed that Zuma was in their custody.

Zumas imprisonment comes after a week of rising tensions over his sentence.

Zuma, 79, was ordered to prison for contempt because he defied a court order for him to testify before a judicial commission investigating widespread allegations of corruption during his time as the countrys president, from 2009 to 2018.

The Constitutional Court ordered that if Zuma did not voluntarily hand himself over to the police then the police should arrest the countrys former president by the end of the day Wednesday.

In a last-minute plea to avoid going to prison, Zumas lawyers had written to the acting chief justice requesting that his arrest be suspended until Friday, when a regional court is to rule on his application to postpone the arrest.

Zumas lawyers asked the acting chief justice to issue directives stopping the police from arresting him, claiming there would be a prejudice to his life.

Zuma had also launched two court proceedings to avoid arrest after his sentence last week.

He applied to the Constitutional Court to rescind his sentence and that application will be heard on July 12.

On Tuesday, his lawyers were in the Pietermaritzburg High Court seeking to stop the minister of police from arresting him until the Constitutional Court rules on his application. The regional court will rule on that application on Friday.

Political tensions have risen in KwaZulu-Natal province as a result of Zumas conviction, sentence and pending arrest. Hundreds of his supporters gathered at his home over the weekend and vowed to prevent his arrest, but they left on Sunday.

The judicial inquiry into corruption during his term as president has heard damning testimony from former Cabinet ministers and top executives of state-owned corporations that Zuma allowed his associates, members of the Gupta family, to influence his Cabinet appointments and lucrative contracts. Zuma refused to comply with a court order to appear before the commission, which brought the Constitutional Court to convict him of contempt and sentence him to prison.

In a separate matter, Zuma is standing trial on charges of corruption related to a 1999 arms deal, where he allegedly received bribes from French arms manufacturer Thales. His financial adviser has already been convicted and imprisoned in that case.

Zuma has had other legal woes. In 2005, he was charged with rape but was acquitted in 2006 after the court found the sexual intercourse was consensual.

Zuma bounced back from that to become president in 2009. But by 2018 mounting evidence of rampant corruption in his administration brought his party, the ruling African National Congress, to force him from office.

Although tarnished by scandal now, Zuma had built up a reputation as a staunch opponent of apartheid, South Africas previous regime of harsh white minority rule. He was jailed for 10 years at the Robben Island prison where political prisoners including Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu were held.

When he was released in 1973, Zuma left the country to continue his work in the African National Congress, traveling through countries like Swaziland, Zambia and Mozambique.

By the time South Africa legalized the ANC in 1990, Zuma was a high-ranking official in the party and was part of negotiating the political settlement that led to the countrys first democratic elections in 1994.

Zumas reputation in the new South Africa was further enhanced when he was deployed to his home province of KwaZulu-Natal where he helped to resolve political violence that was threatening to derail the countrys progress toward a democratic and non-racial society.

Zumas political reputation will be marred by the corruption scandals surrounding him, said Lesiba Teffo, lecturer in politics at the University of South Africa.

It is very disappointing to see a man who has done so much for the country, a liberation hero, now reduced to zero, said Teffo. This is a man who fought hard for the liberation of this country, but like many African leaders in our continent, he fell at the altar of money.

By MOGOMOTSI MAGOME

Associated Press
US hosts high-level Saudi visit after Khashoggi killing View Photo

WASHINGTON (AP)  Top Biden administration officials on Tuesday hosted a brother to Saudi Arabias powerful crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, in the highest-level such visit known since the U.S. made public intelligence findings linking the crown prince to the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The Biden administration did not publicly disclose the visit by Prince Khalid bin Salman, Saudi Arabias deputy defense minister, in advance. President Joe Biden had pledged to make a pariah of the kingdoms crown prince during his presidential campaign over Khashoggis killing and other abuses, but his administration has instead emphasized U.S. strategic interests with Saudi Arabia.

The high-level sessions with Prince Khalid, a younger brother and confidant to Saudi Arabias powerful crown prince, revived complaints that the administration was giving the Saudis a pass in the Khashoggi killing, given that countrys strategic importance as a Middle East power and top oil producer.

US still has their back, no matter how awfully they terrorize their citizens, Sarah Leah Whitson, who leads the Arab rights group Democracy for the Arab World Now, tweeted Tuesday in a criticism of Biden administration policy.

Biden has pledged a foreign policy that follows human rights and American values. But after the February release of the U.S. findings on Mohammed bin Salmans role in Khashoggis death, Biden told ABC News there was no precedent for the U.S. punishing the acting head of a country with which it has a partnership.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told Prince Khalid in one of Tuesdays meetings about the need to improve human rights in the kingdom, according to a U.S. readout of their talk.

But the two also discussed strategic matters where Saudi Arabias cooperation is important for Biden administration aims, such as the global economic recovery, where the kingdom is leading a push to step up OPEC pumping and calm rising oil prices. The U.S. also is trying to reassure Saudi Arabia on security matters as the Biden administration seeks to reenter a nuclear deal with Iran, among other issues.

Khalid bin Salman met at the Pentagon with officials including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, one official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss a meeting that the Pentagon did not detail publicly. Prince Khalid will meet with State Department officials Wednesday.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki indicated in a briefing with press that officials might raise the killing of Khashoggi.

Khashoggi, a columnist for The Washington Post who had written critically of Mohammed bin Salman, was killed by Saudi officials in October 2018 at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Khashoggi, who was based in the Washington, D.C., area, had gone to the consulate to get documentation for his upcoming wedding.

The Biden administration in February released a declassified intelligence report concluding that Mohammed bin Salman, son of the aging King Salman, had authorized the team of Saudi security and intelligence officials that killed Khashoggi.

Prince Khalid was the kingdoms ambassador in Washington at the time of Khashoggis killing. He was recalled soon after amid bipartisan U.S. outrage over the death of the widely known journalist. When Khashoggi vanished after going to the Saudi consulate in Turkey, Khalid bin Salman insisted for days that accusations of official Saudi involvement in his disappearance were groundless.

The Washington Post reported that it was Prince Khalid who told Khashoggi to go to the consulate in Turkey to pick up his wedding papers and said it would be safe to do so.

The princes official travel to Washington comes as the kingdoms rulers still keep numerous members of the royal family and advocates for more rights in detention or under travel bans that sometimes apply to their relatives as well.

Prince KBS can travel although he is working for the Crown Prince, directly involved in the murder of Khashoggi, tweeted Lina al Hathloul on Tuesday. She is the sister of Loujain al Hathloul, whom Mohammed bin Salman imprisoned for more than two years following her high-profile campaign for the kingdom to allow women to drive.

The Saudi government had no immediate public comment on Tuesdays visit. State Department spokespeople did not respond to a question Tuesday about why they had not announced the Saudi officials visit in advance.

They also did not answer whether the Biden administration had concluded Khalid bin Salman played no role in the Saudi organization behind Khashoggis killing, or had decided that U.S. interests required Biden officials to meet with senior Saudi royals despite the administrations public condemnation of the killing.

A State Department spokesperson, speaking on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, said the administration has made clear that it found Khashoggis killing unacceptable.

___

AP reporters Aya Batrawy in Dubai and Zeke Miller in Washington contributed to this report. Knickmeyer reported from Oklahoma City.

By ELLEN KNICKMEYER, MATTHEW LEE and LOLITA C. BALDOR

Associated Press
Police: 3 undercover officers shot, wounded in Chicago View Photo

CHICAGO (AP)  Three undercover law enforcement officers were shot and wounded Wednesday morning while driving onto an expressway on Chicagos South Side, and detectives were questioning a person of interest about the shooting, police said.

The shooting occurred at 5:50 a.m. near the 22nd District police station in the citys Morgan Park neighborhood. The three were in an unmarked undercover vehicle on their way to an assignment when they were shot, Chicago police Superintendent David Brown told reporters.

Two of the officers are agents from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and one is a Chicago officer, Brown said. The officers were treated for their injuries at an area hospital and released later Wednesday. A department spokesman told the Associated Press that a person of interest was in custody and being questioned by detectives. He did not provide any other details.

The shooting came ahead of a scheduled visit to suburban Crystal Lake, Illinois, by President Joe Biden. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has said she plans to discuss gun control and the citys violence, which has included an increase in shootings this year, when she meets with the president.

A Justice Department spokesperson said Attorney General Merrick Garland was briefed on the shooting and aboard Air Force One on the presidents flight to Chicago, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the administration was also monitoring the situation in coordination with the Department of Justice and ATF.

When Air Force One landed, Biden spoke with Lightfoot, expressing his personal support for the officers who were shot. He reiterated his commitment to working with the mayor and leaders in Chicago in the fight against gun violence and conveyed that the Department of Justice would soon be in touch about the strike force announced just a few weeks ago that will be working with Chicago and other cities.

I will note, in terms of efforts the president has under way to address the rise in violence weve seen over the last 18 months, including in Chicago, there are a number of steps that impact Chicago directly, White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters before Air Force One landed.

At a morning press briefing, Brown declined to talk about what the officers were working on. He did not say whether the shooter or shooters knew that they were officers, and department spokesman Tom Ahern later said detectives had not yet interviewed the three officers to determine if they believe whoever shot them knew they were law enforcement officers.

The officers, Brown said, were driving on an onramp to Interstate 57 when they were fired upon from the street. One of the ATF agents was shot in the hand and the other was struck in the torso, Brown said from outside a hospital where the officers were taken. He said the Chicago officer was struck on the back of his head but that it appears to be a graze wound.

The shootings come a day after police reported that 100 people were shot in Chicago  including two police officers who were wounded while trying to break up a crowd  over the long Fourth of July weekend.

With Wednesdays shooting, 36 Chicago officers have been shot or shot at this year, Brown said.

This is a very challenging time to be in law enforcement but they are rising to the challenge of doing all they can. And the work they do is extremely dangerous, Brown said.

The holiday weekend shootings included 18 homicides. The bloodshed was comparable to the long Fourth of July weekend last year, when 17 people were fatally shot and 70 more were wounded.

___

Associated Press writers Corey Williams in West Bloomfield, Michigan, and Alexandra Jaffe, traveling with President Biden, contributed to this report.

By DON BABWIN

Associated Press
Swedish PM wins support in parliament to form new government View Photo

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP)  Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven narrowly won support from lawmakers Wednesday to form a new government after leading the country in a caretaking capacity since late last month.

Lofven received 116 votes in the 349-seat Riksdagen in favor of giving him the mandate, with 60 abstentions. In Sweden, prime ministers can govern as long as there is no parliamentary majority  a minimum 175 votes  against them. A total 173 votes were cast against Lofven Wednesday..

Lawmakers from the Center Party and the Left Party abstained from voting, paving the way for his victory, while Lofvens Social Democratic Party, the Greens and one independent lawmaker voted for him. All together, they accounted for 175 seats in parliament, the minimum number needed for a majority. The Social Democrats hold 100 seats. One opposition lawmaker from the center-right bloc abstained.

Because fewer than half of the assemblys members voted no, the assembly has approved the proposal to appoint Stefan Lofven as Prime Minister, said Parliament Speaker Andreas Norlen.

The Riksdag has given me the support needed to continue to lead Sweden, Lofven told a news conference and noted that it was an extremely narrow vote in parliament.

Lofven has said he will form a two-party Cabinet with the Greens and is expected to present it on Friday.

The 63-year-old Lofven lost a June 21 no-confidence vote called by the right-wing populist Sweden Democrats party. The move succeeded because the Left Party, a government ally, had withdrawn its support for Lofvens previous coalition government with the Greens over proposed legislation to tackle a housing shortage.

Instead of calling an early election, as the Swedish Constitution allowed him to, Lofven opted for the coalition-building process that is overseen by Norlen.

The first to be tasked by Norlen to try forming a new government was the head of Swedens center-right opposition Moderates party, Ulf Kristersson. However, he failed and said he was only able to get 174 lawmakers behind him.

After Wednesdays vote, Kristersson said Lofvens win was not unexpected and called it unfortunate.

Swedens next general election is scheduled for Sept. 11, 2022.

Lofven, who has served as Swedens head of government since 2014, will remain caretaker prime minister until a new government is established.

By JAN M. OLSEN

Associated Press
$1B in illegal pot seized in largest Los Angeles County bust View Photo

LOS ANGELES (AP)  The largest illegal marijuana bust in Los Angeles County history  which netted 373,000 plants that would ultimately have been worth $1 billion on the street  eradicated only a fraction of the illicit grows in the Southern California high desert, authorities said Wednesday.

The problem is wide-ranging in the Antelope Valley north of Los Angeles, officials said, and has grown tremendously during the coronavirus pandemic. Armed cartel members run massive illegal grows, some spanning dozens of greenhouses, that are detrimental to the states legal marijuana market.

Multiple law enforcement agencies carried out a 10-day operation in the Antelope Valley last month that resulted in 131 arrests and the seizure of more than 33,000 pounds (14,969 kilograms) of harvested marijuana plants.

Yet the undertaking only demolished 205 illegal grows out of the 500 seen by aerial surveillance in the area. Last year, Sheriff Alex Villanueva said only 150 illegal grows were identified in the Antelope Valley. Scores more exist in other nearby counties.

The cartel members threaten residents and steal millions of gallons of water amid a severe drought, Villanueva said. The growing operations have poisoned streams and groundwater with harmful pesticides and harmed wildlife and plants.

California broadly legalized recreational marijuana sales in January 2018. But the black market is thriving, in part because hefty legal marijuana taxes send consumers looking for better deals.

Officials sought to differentiate between the Antelope Valley operation and the legal market.

This is not a war on the legal cannabis business in California, said U.S. Rep. Mike Garcia, who represents the area.

By STEFANIE DAZIO

Associated Press
NEW DELHI (AP)  Bollywood icon Dilip Kumar, hailed as the Tragedy King and one of Hindi cinema's greatest actors, died Wednesday in a Mumbai hospital after a prolonged illness. He was 98.

The Tragedy King title came from Kumars numerous serious roles. In several, his character died as a frustrated lover and a drunkard. He also was known as Bollywoods only Method actor for his expressive performances identifying a characters emotions.

Kumar was hospitalized twice last month after he complained of breathlessness, and his family tweeted with a heavy heart and profound grief the announcement of his passing.

Dilip Kumar will be remembered as a cinematic legend. He was blessed with unparalleled brilliance, due to which audiences across generations were enthralled. His passing away is a loss to our cultural world," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a tweet.

An institution has gone," Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan tweeted. Whenever the history of Indian Cinema will be written, it shall always be before Dilip Kumar, and after Dilip Kumar ..

Kumar's body, draped in the Indian flag, was accorded a state funeral led by a police band. He was buried in a Muslim graveyard in Mumbai city.

Major Bollywood stars, including Shah Rukh Khan, visited Kumar's residence to pay their respects.

Its the end of an era, filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar said.

Kumar was born Muhammad Yusuf Khan, a Muslim, on Dec. 11, 1922. His Pathan family hailed from Peshawar, in what became Pakistan after the Partition, and he visited his ancestral home in the late 1980s.

Kumar was hugely popular among cinema lovers in Pakistan as well. In 1998, he was awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz," Pakistans highest civilian honor, becoming the only Indian citizen to receive it.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was saddened to learn of Kumars death. "For my generation, Dilip Kumar was the greatest and most versatile actor, he tweeted.

Khan also recalled Kumars generosity in helping to raise funds in Pakistan and London for a trust to set up cancer hospitals in his mothers memory.

He changed his name as he debuted in Bollywood, the Hindi-language film industry centered in Mumbai, with Jwar Bhata, or Sea Tides, in 1944.

Kumar's career spanned over six decades with over 60 films. His first major box-office hits were Jugnu, or Firefly, in 1947 in which he starred alongside Noor Jehan, and the 1948 film Shaheed, or Martyr."

He played a variety of characters  a romantic hero in Andaz, a swashbuckler in Aan, a dramatic drunkard in Devdas, a comic role in Azaad." But his portrayal of a Muslim prince in the historical epic Mughal-e-Azam cemented his popularity among the masses and catapulted Indian cinema to the world stage.

Mehboob Khans blockbuster Aan in 1952 was his first film in Technicolor and was among a string of light-hearted roles he took at the suggestion of his psychiatrist to shed his Tragedy King image.

He starred in many social drama films like Footpath, Naya Daur ("New Era"), Musafir ("Traveller") and Paigham ("Message") in 1950s.

His top female co-stars included Madhubala, Nargis, Nimmi, Meena Kumari, Kamini Kaushal and Vyjanthimala.

In 1966, Dilip Kumar married Saira Banu, who was 22 years younger than him, and the couple acted in Gopi," Sagina Mahato and Bairaag. They had no children.

In 1961, he produced and starred in Ganga Jamuna in which he and his brother Nasir Khan played the title roles. It was the only film he produced. Indian media reports say he declined the role of Sherif Ali in David Leans "Lawrence of Arabia" in 1962. The role went to Egyptian actor Omar Sharif.

He took a break in the late '70s but returned with a character role in the successful Kranti," or Revolution in 1981. He continued playing key roles in films such as Shakti, Karma and Saudagar. His last film was Qila ("Fort") in 1998.

In 1994, he was given the "Dadasaheb Phalke award, the highest honor for contributions to Indian cinema. He also served in the upper house of Indian Parliament after being nominated for a six-year term.

Kumar is survived by his wife, actor Saira Banu.
CANNES, France (AP)  I got one thing to say before I sit down, said Spike Lee during the Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony. "I wish I could speak French like Jodie Foster!

In the first two days of Cannes, one thing everyone can agree on is that Jodie Foster really speaks terrific French. On Tuesday, Foster was awarded an honorary Palme d'Or for lifetime achievement. The award was presented to her by Lee and South Korean director Bong Joon Ho.

Foster, who walked the red carpet with her wife, Alexandra Hedison, regaled the festival audience with her fluent French.

"During this year of transition, the cinema has been my lifeline, said Foster.

If Foster, 58, has seemed at home in Cannes, it could be because her experience at the festival spans 45 years. Foster first came to Cannes with Taxi Driver in 1976. She was just 13 at the time, a sunny, freckled face in the middle of a media storm over the violence in Martin Scorsese's film.

Taxi Driver still won the Palme d'Or, even though the then-jury president, playwright Tennessee Williams, condemned the film. Watching violence on the screen is a brutalizing experience for the spectator, said Williams. Films should not take a voluptuous pleasure in spilling blood and lingering on terrible cruelties as though one were at a Roman circus.

Black-and-white photos from the time capture Foster smiling next to Robert De Niro and Scorsese. Even then, Foster waved off translators and answered questions at the film's press conference in French. (Foster attended a French prep school in Los Angeles and her family lived for a time in France. She has made films in French and done some French dubs, herself.)

"Who would have thought that the little Iris from Taxi Driver would have become the woman you have become? said Pedro Almodovar during the ceremony.

On Wednesday, Foster participated in a staged conversation about her career, again in French. One question: Would she ever do a Marvel movie?

They are fabulous films, Foster replied. But there is enough space for everybody. We are all different.
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP)  Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven narrowly won support from lawmakers Wednesday to form a new government after leading the country in a caretaking capacity since late last month.

Lofven received 116 votes in the 349-seat Riksdagen in favor of giving him the mandate, with 60 abstentions. In Sweden, prime ministers can govern as long as there is no parliamentary majority  a minimum 175 votes  against them. A total 173 votes were cast against Lofven Wednesday..

Lawmakers from the Center Party and the Left Party abstained from voting, paving the way for his victory, while Lofvens Social Democratic Party, the Greens and one independent lawmaker voted for him. All together, they accounted for 175 seats in parliament, the minimum number needed for a majority. The Social Democrats hold 100 seats. One opposition lawmaker from the center-right bloc abstained.

Because fewer than half of the assembly's members voted no, the assembly has approved the proposal to appoint Stefan Lofven as Prime Minister, said Parliament Speaker Andreas Norlen.

The Riksdag has given me the support needed to continue to lead Sweden, Lofven told a news conference and noted that it was an extremely narrow" vote in parliament.

Lofven has said he will form a two-party Cabinet with the Greens and is expected to present it on Friday.

The 63-year-old Lofven lost a June 21 no-confidence vote called by the right-wing populist Sweden Democrats party. The move succeeded because the Left Party, a government ally, had withdrawn its support for Lofvens previous coalition government with the Greens over proposed legislation to tackle a housing shortage.

Instead of calling an early election, as the Swedish Constitution allowed him to, Lofven opted for the coalition-building process that is overseen by Norlen.

The first to be tasked by Norlen to try forming a new government was the head of Swedens center-right opposition Moderates party, Ulf Kristersson. However, he failed and said he was only able to get 174 lawmakers behind him.

After Wednesday's vote, Kristersson said Lofvens win was not unexpected and called it unfortunate.

Swedens next general election is scheduled for Sept. 11, 2022.

Lofven, who has served as Swedens head of government since 2014, will remain caretaker prime minister until a new government is established.
ACES Whitney Academy in Hamden hosted their first-ever Car Wash Fundraiser on June 5, to raise money for Special Olympics Connecticut. The two-hour event took place at the driveway of ACES Whitney Academy, where individuals were invited to get their vehicles washed for the price of $10 dollars. The fundraiser successfully raised over $1,000.00 for Special Olympics Connecticut. Additionally, an anonymous donor matched the raised dollar amount, increasing the total amount to $2,000.00 dollars.

The pandemic impacted a significant number of nonprofit organizations as fundraising events were disrupted or cancelled, leading to a decline in donations. ACES Whitney Academy teaching assistant, Genell Bellamy, heard on Good Morning America that a nonprofit organization with close connections to her school, Special Olympics, was extremely low on donations. ACES Whitney Academy is a special education school that serves a diverse student population between the ages of fourteen and twenty-one. Many of their students and staff actively participate with or have ties to the Special Olympics organization. Therefore, Bellamy knew that her school community would eagerly join together to support a cause close to their hearts.

With the support of Principal John Tarka and Special Education Teacher, Carolyn Nelson, Bellamys fundraising idea came to fruition. Staff members rallied behind the event, generating buzz and volunteering to make the car wash a huge success.

The fundraiser was a great step forward towards normalcy for ACES Whitney Academy. The school plans on hosting future events that will bring their students, staff, and community together.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP)  Haitian President Jovenel Moise, a former banana producer and political neophyte who ruled Haiti for more than four years as the country grew increasingly unstable under his watch, was killed on Wednesday. He was 53.

Moise was assassinated at his private home during a highly coordinated attack by a highly trained and heavily armed group, interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph said. His wife, Martine, was injured in the attack and remained hospitalized.

Haiti has lost a true statesman, Joseph said. We will ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are swiftly brought to justice.

A businessman from northern Haiti, Moise had no political experience before being hand-picked by former President Michel Martelly as the ruling Tet Kale party's candidate in 2015 elections.

The soft-spoken Moise seemed like an unlikely politician, especially when compared to the showy and bombastic Martelly, a musician and entertainer. While not poor, he was also far from elite. His father was a small-time farmer and businessman. His mother helped sell their crops and worked as a seamstress.

I come from the countryside; Im not from Port-au-Prince, he noted pointedly while on a visit to South Florida to meet the Haitian diaspora at the start of his presidential bid.

Campaigning under the nickname Neg Bannan Nan  Banana Man in Haitian Creole  he promoted achievements that included launching a banana-exporting joint venture with help from a $6 million loan approved by Martellys administration.

Moise won the 2015 presidential vote, but the results were thrown out following allegations of fraud, leading to a period of political limbo, including the appointment of an interim president. Moise later won the November 2016 elections, although voter turnout was only 21%.

He took office in February 2017, pledging to strengthen institutions, fight corruption and bring more investments and jobs to the Western hemispheres poorest nation.

Its really important to change the lifestyle of these people, he said of the many impoverished Haitians in rural areas.

He spoke often about wanting to improve the lot of Haitis many small and subsistence farmers by increasing their access to water for irrigation and other infrastructure.

We have a lot of empty land, rivers that go straight to the sea. We have sun, and the people, he said at one point. If you put these four items together  the land, the rivers, the people and the sun  you will have a rich country. This is why I am in politics.

But his administration was soon plagued by massive protests, and critics accused him of growing increasingly authoritarian.

At the time of his assassination, Moise had been ruling by decree for more than a year after Parliament was dissolved and lawmakers failed to organize legislative elections. He was widely criticized for approving decrees, including one that limited the powers of a court that audits government contracts and another that created an intelligence agency that answers only to the president.

Political and economic instability had deepened in recent months, with widespread protests paralyzing the country of more than 11 million people. Gangs in the capital of Port-au-Prince grew more powerful, with more than 14,700 people driven from their homes last month alone as gangs set fire to homes and ransacked them.

In addition, 15 people were killed during a June 29 shooting rampage in the capital, including a journalist and well-known political activist. Officials blamed a group of rogue police officers but have not provided any evidence.

Moise is survived by his wife and three children.

___

Coto reported from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Associated Press writers John Rice in Mexico City and Ben Fox in Washington contributed to this report.
The beautiful lantern parade along the River Walk is back.

Earlier this year, the San Antonio River Walk Association canceled its illuminating event due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Ford Parade of Lanterns typically takes place in February to kick off the Chinese New Year.

Maggie Thompson, the executive director for the association, tells MySA the group decided to host it this year on the last weekend of August (27 to 29) and again during Labor Day weekend, September 3 to 5. The event will run from 8 to 10 p.m., weather permitting.

READ ALSO: SAFD calls off search for third person in Olmos Basin rescue

For the past three years, the parade has lit up the River Walk with stunning 26-foot-long floats carrying large illuminated lanterns. The best part is that the pageantry is free for the public to enjoy.

In the past, the lanterns displayed a selection of shapes and images such as flowers, luminescent trees, and animals.

The starting point is at the International Center on 203 S St. Mary's Street, according to the association. Eight floats will make two laps throughout the downtown area and stay group together. For a map of the parade, visit thesanantonioriverwalk.com.
F.R.I.D.A. Fest, a celebration honoring the Mexican artist, will take place this weekend at Rolling Oaks Mall.

The event, hosted by Que Retro Arts, is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m., and is free and open to the public, according to online event details.

RELATED: Pearl's two upcoming restaurants will bring the Italian coast to San Antonio

F.R.I.D.A. Fest will have 70 vendors on hand, as well as art, live music and a Frida and Diego look-a-like contest. There will also be a community altar honoring Frida and those lost to COVID-19. Guests are invited to bring photos, flowers and candles to place at the altar.

READ MORE FROM MADALYN: Rosella Coffee extends hours to be San Antonio's 'new favorite wine bar'

"F.R.I.D.A. Fest seeks to empower our community to celebrate the art, and rich history, of women while celebrating the vibrance of Latinx community and the inspiring women that have contributed to our community. Such as Frida Kahlo, Selena Quintanilla, Gloria Anzaldua, Chavela Vargas, and countless others," online event details say. "We celebrate all the fabulous, independent, determined and self assured women of yesterday, today, and tomorrow."

The event was previously hosted at Wonderland of the Americas.

Rolling Oaks Mall is located at 6906 N Loop 1604. Parking is free.
Raphaela Bailey has become a successful San Antonio entrepreneur. But she didnt get there without making it through some hard times.

After moving to San Antonio from Ohio in 2006 with her husband and five children, Bailey eventually opened what is now Baileys Child Development Center in her home in 2013.

Early on, she had difficulty securing financing for her business, and she struggled at times. But her family pitched in, the business grew, and by 2017 she was able to move the center out of the house to the Northeast Side at 13777 Judson Road. By then, the center had grown from 12 children to more than 70, she said.

This time, Bailey faced new challenges attracting new clients and paying the bills. But she and her daughters, who work alongside her, have since grown the center; it now occupies four suites in the strip mall where its located. And diagonal from her child care center is Ellas Salon and Spa  Ella being short for Raphaela  another business Bailey started. She plans to rent space at the salon to local stylists.

Allowed to remain open during the pandemic, Baileys child care center was eligible for government funding directed toward businesses. She received grants and loans through government and local programs that allowed the business to grow.

Bailey became an entrepreneur after working for others most of her life. In the late 90s, She was the lone female mechanic at a Goodyear service center in Ohio. She also has worked to find jobs for men living in a community-based prison in Akron.

These days, she focuses on growing more than her businesses. After raising two sons and three daughters, Bailey and one of her daughters have custody of two toddlers who attended her center.

Billy Calzada /Staff Photographer

Now, as the pandemic wanes, Baileys Child Development Center is as strong as ever. She exudes confidence walking the halls, recounting the story of how a former tire mechanic started her own business.

Bailey sat down with the Express-News at her Northeast Side child care center to talk about starting her business and surviving the pandemic. The following has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Q: How did you come to start your child care center in San Antonio?

A: Were originally from Cleveland, Ohio, and we moved to Akron. I was in the service for a bit in college. I was in the Navy. My husband was in the Air Force. He liked it when he was stationed in Wichita Falls, and he had a friend who wanted help with a business in San Antonio, so we moved here.

He helped his friend get started with a business. And after, he was working with USAA and then went to Accenture. I applied and I was working at Accenture, too.

After we left Accenture, my husband went to do civil service work in Arizona. I was here with our five kids. I started working in civil service as well at Randolph (AFB) doing human resources, and I wanted to do more because all my work was through a computer and through a phone. And Im a face-to-face type of person. So I started working doing the AVID program at Judson High School, and then I applied and started being a substitute teacher. Ive always been around kids my whole life and my real passion is helping others, and I felt like Lets start with the younger ones. When I started substituting, they offered me a job right away. That wouldve been around 2011.

So in 2013, I said I want to do this. I got registered really quickly and by April I was able to start.

I was nervous, but I had the backing of my husband and the kids. He invested in it so he stood behind me to help get this going. Even my kids, because this is in our home. So thats a lot for them, and they cant have everything lying around.

You can be a licensed home, which can have up to 12 kids. So I got to 12, and people are still coming to me, so Im like, Weve got to start looking for a place. So I got with a real estate agent, and we didnt have any luck in 2014 and 2015.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonios haunted history keeps Sisters Grimm from going ghost

Q: How did you feel about making the leap from your home to your own location?

A: Business was doing well; we were constantly getting people. So I felt really good about it, but I didnt know what all would be involved. I tried to reach out to other child care centers to get information. What insurance do you need? How much do utilities usually cost? And it was hard because we kept getting turned down for buildings and for loans. I tried to go through the (Small Business Administration) and things. But you can only have 12 kids, so my income was capped and we were stuck. When youre renting a space, they want the first months rent and a security deposit, and you have to have insurance, a security system. You need to put down a deposit for utilities.

But through my family from Ohio, they all pulled together  my kids, my sisters, my husband pulled together to come up with my first months rent and our security deposit. We moved into our building, and thats when we could take on more families. Once we got here, we had to hire more people.

It was awesome. To just go into a classroom, and youre, like, This is my building, these are our kiddos. And to have a staff, it was amazing. It felt good. But things quickly changed.

We were having problems getting new kiddos or families. We were stagnant. Things were looking pretty bad for us. We still couldnt get a loan, get help or anything like that. I was really stressed. I thought I was going to have to close. This was in August 2017. It was like, Howre we going to do it? Howre we going to pay people? I wasnt paying my bills so I could pay my employees, and it was just horrible. And I just felt like if I wouldve lost this place, I would have had to go back to Ohio.

One day, this lady walked through the door and asked if we wanted to partner with the Head Start and Early Head Start program. It was amazing. They said, We love what you guys are trying to do and it matches what were doing. Well come in and give you all the furniture and the supplies you need if youll hold spots for 24 kiddos 3 years and younger. They would give me a stipend each month. And they help kiddos get on the child care subsidy, so those parents arent paying as much.

That changed everything. We were really excited. The stress was gone. That was late 2017, and things really turned around.

Q: How was your business doing in early 2020, before the pandemic hit?

A: Of course, you have your ups and downs. I didnt realize how important marketing is, and I didnt realize how important having an (accountant) and bookkeepers were. I just felt like we didnt have the money to invest in that, but we should have found ways to cut in money for that, because that was what we needed next. So things had slowed down, and the pandemic was actually our saving grace.

Q: Did you have to close at any point during the pandemic?

A: I never had my child care center shut down. We did not have an outbreak here. I wasnt scared because we have other things we have to worry about: hand, foot and mouth disease, pneumonia, which can be dangerous. We always have to be cautious and take that extra step in cleanliness and sanitation. We just had to step things up. We didnt allow parents in. I didnt even come here. I worked from home.

When the pandemic happened, it was a blessing for us. We were finally able to get funding. We were able to get the Paycheck Protection Program loans and (Economic Injury Disaster Loan). LiftFund gave me a ($75,000) grant, and the state gave us a $12,000 grant. We were working with limited staff, and we were able to redo rooms, buy extra stuff. We had so many organizations giving us PPE, equipment.

Parents were still keeping their kids in, but as they started working from home, they started to pull them out. We had a scare of a little one having COVID, so we all tested and closed for one week. Nobody had it, but I wanted to get the building sanitized.

We had 70-something kids, and we went down to between 20 and 30 the whole time, and now were back up to almost 70. I didnt have people getting unemployment or anything. Now Im up to 19 employees.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonios Doublewide Dudes re-imagine manufactured home sales for the virtual era

Q: What are your expectations for the near future?

A: Were finalizing a partnership with George Gervin Academy to offer pre-K3 for free. So that is going to do a major increase for us.

And Ellas Salon and Spa, its already furnished and everything. Were just waiting to pass one more inspection. I have people ready to go to work there; they want to rent space. It was an eye-opener when we were having so many problems, so I have to be thinking outside the box and see how else I can bring in money.

Q: How difficult or personal does it getting working with families and children over time?

A: Kids just slip through the cracks. It takes a village, I strongly believe that. Were here to be patient, not just with children but families, too. Youve got to be flexible and caring. These parents are going through stuff. We have (Child Protective Services) cases here. Me and my daughter have a conservatorship over two kids here, so we have custody over them. The mother signed them over to us. So we cant say its the parents responsibility, because we know parents arent able to, some of them.

You start off thinking, Im here for the kids, and then you learn, Im here for my employees, and Im here for the families.

diego.mendoza-moyers@express-news.net
National

Charge sheet filed in Bdesh woman gang rape case

Bengaluru, Jul 7 (IANS) | Publish Date: 7/7/2021 1:21:25 PM IST

The Bengaluru Police have submitted the charge sheet in connection with the sensational gang rape case of a woman from Bangladesh.

The Ramamurthy Nagar police have submitted as many as 1,019 pages of charge sheet in a short period of five weeks. Police Commissioner Kamal Panth appreciated the efficiency of the cops and announced Rs 1 lakh cash reward for the culprits on Wednesday.

We have submitted a charge sheet on Tuesday evening. It has been done in a short time. The investigating officers have filed the charge sheet satisfactorily. We will investigate the case thoroughly, Panth said.

The police are still investigating the human trafficking aspect as the victim revealed a well-planned racket operating to transport hundreds of woman from Bangladesh to India at the international border illegally.

The cops started investigating this case after registering a suo moto case when the video of the incident went viral in the country and abroad in April.

The police traced the victim in Kerala and brought her to the city on May 30. The police had arrested five accused persons including, a woman, seen in the video in June. Two of the accused were shot in the leg on June 2 when they tried to escape.

Special teams were formed to investigate various angles in the case. The victim had stated that she was an illegal migrant from Bangladesh who managed to sneak into India.

She had also revealed that the accused were business partners and she supplied girls for trafficking to them. There was a misunderstanding on financial matters and the accused gang raped and tortured her.

The police have taken 12 persons into custody.
By Lambert Strether of Corrente.

Patient readers, sorry to be a bit late; I got caught up in the Nikole Hannah-Jones saga. lambert UPDATE All done!

Bird Song of the Day

* * *

#COVID19

At reader request, Ive added this daily chart from 91-DIVOC. The data is the Johns Hopkins CSSE data. Here is the site.

I feel Im engaging in a macabre form of tape-watching. Ive been thinking of new charts to monitor to alert us to the next outbreak, assuming there is one, but for now, the data from the South means Ill stick to the status quo.

Vaccination by region:

White House keeps Covid messaging simple [Politico]. Biden: If youre vaccinated, youre protected. But if youre unvaccinated, youre not.  If only that were true!

Case count by United States regions:

We should know the impact of travel and all the family gatherings round the BBQ shortly.

Note that one of the narratives seems to be that there will only be pockets of cases in unvaccinated juridictions (i.e., blame the deplorables for a public health messaging, delivery, and performance debacle). Be that as it may, we can see the effects in this aggregate, in the aggregated data for Texas and Florida, and in the Top Ten states (all below). Nothing like the runaway train in the first days and weeks, but the train is rolling. It would certainly be nice if this trend isnt signaling the changeover from Alpha to Delta.

DC: I Dont Think D.C. Will Reach Herd Immunity in Time [Mike the Mad Biologist]. Over the last week, very disturbing news came out of Missouri, where hospitals in low vaccination coverage regions of the state had to move patients to other parts of the state because they couldnt handle the COVID-19 patient load. I expected this, but I really didnt think it would happen for a few weeks. Like it or not, these low prevalence areas do have consequences for D.C. What happens in Vegas Missouri doesnt stay in Missouri (though Nevada is having problems too). Eventually, more transmission events will happen in the D.C. area due to visitors from somewhere else (embers). My original time frame was things would blow up in low vaccination states starting in late July and expose D.C. around late August, early September as people return from vacations, start college, and so on, though recent outbreaks make me wonder if that timeline should be accelerated. Nonetheless, I think the drop dead date (pun intended) is August 15, plus or minus a few days. Thats when things are locked in as to vaccination (remember it takes two weeks after the first shot to have even partial protection against the various, erm, variants).. . Because elderly and middle aged people are getting vaccinated, we likely wont see too many deaths, but we will see a rise in hospitalizations and long COVID. And none of this would happen if people got vaccinatedor were strongly encouraged to get vaccinated. I hope Im wrong. I hope vaccination rates pick upand the FDA formally approving the vaccines would help.

Here are the case counts for the South (as defined by the US Census: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia):

Texas and Florida, capital of Latin America, neck and neck.

Covid cases top ten for the last four weeks (hat tip, alert reader Lou Anton):

On reflection, I dont see a reason to adjust for population, so I changed the chart, though I could be argued out of it. Florida shows up, but Arkansas is really punching above its weight (higher than California). Also, tourist states still stand out.

Test positivity:

South bounces back.

Hospitalization (CDC):

Continued good news.

Deaths (Our World in Data):

Continued good news.

Covid cases worldwide:

* * *

Politics

But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? James Madison, Federalist 51

They had one weapon left and both knew it: treachery. Frank Herbert, Dune

They had learned nothing, and forgotten nothing. Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord

Biden Administration

A Planned Biden Order Aims to Tilt the Job Market Toward Workers [New York Times]. According to an increasingly influential school of thought in left-of-center economic circles, corporate mergers and some other common business practices have made American workers worse off. The government, this theory holds, should address it. What an amazing lead. More: More broadly, the executive order encourages antitrust regulators to consider how mergers might contribute to so-called monopsony  conditions in which workers have few choices of where to work and therefore lack leverage to negotiate higher wages or better benefits. The order will depend on the ability of regulators to carry out the rules the White House seeks and to write them in ways that survive legal challenges. And many of the policies that labor economists see as problematic, including licensing requirements, are set at the state level, leaving a limited federal role. Still, the planned order is the most concerted effort in recent times to use the power of the federal government to tilt the playing field toward workers . It builds on years of research that has made its way from the intellectual fringes to the mainstream.  Intellectual fringes Of course, this is an executive order. Its not legislation.

Democrats en Deshabille

Democratic strategist Joe Trippi to join Lincoln Project [The Hill]. Veteran Democratic strategist Joe Trippi is joining the Lincoln Project as a senior adviser, the group announced Tuesday. Trippi is a longtime Democratic strategist and campaign hand who rose to prominence as the campaign manager for former Vermont Gov. Howard Deans 2004 presidential bid. He also worked as a consultant for former California Gov. Jerry Browns 2010 comeback gubernatorial campaign and was a senior adviser to former Sen. Doug Jones (D-Ala.) in his successful 2017 special election campaign. Hunter Biden wanted prostitutes to unionize because they need more protection and were business savvy like strippers [Daily Mail].  So Hunter is sound on policy, then?

Republican Funhouse

Yarn diagram: This is a full view of the board behind Michael Flynn and Mike Lindell. (2/2) pic.twitter.com/SYw5wqSE8e  PatriotTakes  (@patriottakes) July 6, 2021 This is an extremely simple yarn diagram. Theres just one node in the middle!

Our Famously Free Press

Nauseating self-regard: Wonder what would happen to them if they had to report from war zones or stand down authoritarian governments trying to imprison them? Also wonder if they ever take a few seconds to compare their "trauma" to Julian Assange's?  Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) July 6, 2021

Trump Legacy

Trump to sue Facebook, Twitter CEOs over being banned from their platforms [NBC]. Former President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he is filing a class-action lawsuit against tech giants Facebook and Twitter  along with their CEOs, Mark Zuckerberg and Jack Dorsey  because of bans imposed on him and others. Were demanding an end to the shadow banning, a stop to the silencing, a stop to the blacklisting, vanishing and canceling, Trump said at a news conference in Bedminster, New Jersey, adding that we are asking the court to impose punitive damages. He spoke from behind a lectern bedecked with an insignia designed to look like the presidential seal and in front of a backdrop reminiscent of a White House portico. Trump argued that the suspension of his social media accounts amounts to an infringement on the First Amendments guarantee that speech wont be curtailed by the government. Fundamental to that case is his relatively novel contention that the major tech firms function as arms of the federal government rather than as private companies .  Typical Trump crazy talk. Hes saying corporations have merged with the State!

Realignment and Legitimacy

Eric Adams wins Democratic primary in NYCs mayoral race [Associated Press]. Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams has won the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City after appealing to the political center and promising to strike the right balance between fighting crime and ending racial injustice in policing. A former police captain, Adams would be the citys second Black mayor if elected. He triumphed over a large Democratic field in New Yorks first major race to use ranked choice voting. Results from the latest tabulations released Tuesday showed him leading former city sanitation commissioner Kathryn Garcia by 8,426 votes, or a little more than 1 percentage point.

Stats Watch

Employment Situation: United States Job Openings [Trading Economics]. The number of job openings in the US rose to a new record high of 9.209 million in May 2021, from a revised 9.193 million in April and below market expectations of 9.388 million.

* * *

Retail: Stretched global supply chain means shortages on summer menus [Reuters]. At least nine fast-food chains and restaurant companies surveyed by Reuters said some of their locations have been grappling with changing lists of brief shortages of key ingredients and products, as supply bottlenecks plague eateries. The list of hard-to-find items has included summertime staples such as wieners and chicken wings, and non-food items like plastic packing material and paper bags.

Retail: Supermarkets are doing their own hoarding as they brace for price increases. Grocery chains are buying and storing everything from sugar to frozen meat as they look to keep their shelves full under a strategy that is also driving shortages of some staples [Wall Street Journal]. The move is a reversal from last year, when consumers hoarded goods and disrupted the grocery industry at the onset of the pandemic. Now, retailers are stockpiling to keep costs down and protect margins in a sign of how up]heaval over the past year has upended conventional supply-chain strategies. Associated Wholesale Grocers recently stocked up on 15% to 20% more inventory, mainly packaged foods with longer shelf life, and Ahold Delhaize USA is holding more safety stock.

Shipping: Container lines are poised to hit a $100 billion profit jackpot [American Shipper]. All the experts said spot ocean rates would pull back in the second half. The second half has now begun. Not only are spot rates not falling, theyre still rising. Much higher H2 spot rates than expected, combined with double-digit gains for contract rates, will equate to liner profits on an unprecedented scale. On Monday, U.K. consultancy Drewry predicted that container shipping lines will post aggregate earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of $80 billion this year, and if freight rates surpass expectations in the remainder of the year, we would not be surprised to see an annual profit line in the region of $100 billion. Thats the mirror opposite of the industrys prior long-term performance.

Shipper: How COVID variants could impact container and tanker shipping [American Shipper]. Multiple Asian countries that produce U.S. containerized imports are now seeing high infection rates. Malaysia, a significant player in the furniture sector, has been under a strict lockdown since early June. The lockdown has just been extended. A seven-day nationwide lockdown in Bangladesh begins Thursday. According to Panjiva, a division of S&P Global Market Intelligence, The renewed spread and resulting lockdown will have an impact on industrial supply chains as factories will likely have to close and may suffer reduced productivity. Levi Strauss and H&M are among the retailers whose shipments could be affected by the Bangladesh lockdown, said Panjiva. Cases caused by the spread of the Delta variant are also surging across Indonesia, another supplier of U.S. goods. The Red Cross said on Tuesday that Indonesia was on the edge of catastrophe. On Thursday, Indonesia announced a strict lockdown from July 3-20 covering the most populous islands of Java and Bali. The situation is also worsening in Thailand, where a record number of daily cases and deaths were reported on Wednesday. In China, restrictions at the Port of Yantian in the first three weeks of June will reverberate across U.S. import supply chains for at least another month. Amazon is particularly exposed to Yantian fallout, according to Panjiva.

Tech: The Kaseya Ransomware Attack Is a Really Big Deal [Lawfare]. Under normal circumstances, automatic software deployment, especially in the context of software updates, is a good thing. But here this feature was turned on its head. Russian-based criminal gang REvil hacked into Kaseyas management system and pushed REvil software to all of the systems under Kaseyas management. From there, the ransomware promptly disabled those computers and demanded a cryptocurrency payment of about $45,000 per system to set the machines free Supply chain attacks such as these are the proximate technical cause of many of cybersecuritys greatest hits, including NotPetya and SolarWinds. The NotPetya attack in June 2017 did about $10 billion or so of damage globally. If this is not yet enough to catch your attention, three further observations will. First, supply chain compromises, such as these, are very often indiscriminate; everyone who installs a malicious update gets the malware. The second, and perhaps scariest, observation is that the software vendors used in malicious update compromises thus far have, in the grand scheme of things, been relatively small. MEDoc, SolarWinds and Kaseya are, of course, important to their respective customers, but none was a household name before their respective incidents. Far bigger software vendors exist. Some are central to the basic functioning of modern computing The final observation is that defensive remediation of ransomware deployed through automatic updates is pathological to the cybersecurity industry itself in a way that is qualitatively different from other categories of cybersecurity incidents. In short, software supply chain security breaches dont look like other categories of breaches. A lot of this comes down to the central conundrum of system security: Its not possible to defend the edges of a system without centralization so that defensive resources can be pooled. But this same centralization concentrates offensive action against a few single points of failure that, if breached, cause all of the edges to fail at once.

Tech: A Deep Dive into Airbnbs Server-Driven UI System [Medium]. Airbnbs specific SDUI implementation enables our backend to control the data and how that data is displayed across all clients at the same time. Everything from the screens layout, how sections are arranged in that layout, the data displayed in each section, and even the actions taken when users interact with sections is controlled by a single backend response across our web, iOS, and Android apps.  Everything old is new again.

Supply Chain: The company that pioneered just-in-time manufacturing in the automotive sector is reaping gains from a just-in-case strategy. Toyota outsold perennial top dog General Motors by a thin margin in the U.S., a first for a Japanese car maker. [A] decision to stockpile semiconductors and maintain more production over the past year has given the company an edge as demand has rebounded [Wall Street Journal]. Building on its experience following Japans 2011 earthquake, Toyota eased away from a strict application of its lean just-in-time production system. While other car makers have shut down factories because of chip shortages, research firm LMC Automotive says Toyotas factories have run at over 90% capacity this year, compared with 50% to 60% for many rivals. Toyota dealers still face shortages of cars on their lots, but the shortfall is deeper for other car makers.

Legal: FCA fraudulent inducement claim requires but-for causation  appeals court [Reuters]. I dont know what but-for causation is, but this is interesting: Cimino filed his lawsuit in 2013 in Washington federal court under the False Claims Act, which allows whistleblowers to sue companies on the governments behalf to recover taxpayer money paid out based on fraudulent claims. He alleged that IBM falsified an audit to show that the Internal Revenue Service owed the company $91 million in penalties for overuse under the terms of the agencys existing software license in order to pressure the IRS to renew the license for $265 million.

* * *

Todays Fear & Greed Index: 39 Fear (previous close: 39 Fear) [CNN]. One week ago: 41 (Fear). (0 is Extreme Fear; 100 is Extreme Greed). Last updated Jul 7 at 2:00pm.

Health Care

Time to assume that health research is fraudulent until proven otherwise? [British Medical Journal]. Health research is based on trust. Health professionals and journal editors reading the results of a clinical trial assume that the trial happened and that the results were honestly reported. But about 20% of the time, said Ben Mol, professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at Monash Health, they would be wrong. Research fraud is often viewed as a problem of bad apples, but Barbara K Redman, who spoke at the webinar insists that it is not a problem of bad apples but bad barrels if not, she said, of rotten forests or orchards. In her book Research Misconduct Policy in Biomedicine: Beyond the Bad-Apple Approach she argues that research misconduct is a systems problemthe system provides incentives to publish fraudulent research and does not have adequate regulatory processes. Researchers progress by publishing research, and because the publication system is built on trust and peer review is not designed to detect fraud it is easy to publish fraudulent research. The business model of journals and publishers depends on publishing, preferably lots of studies as cheaply as possible. They have little incentive to check for fraud and a positive disincentive to experience reputational damageand possibly legal riskfrom retracting studies. Funders, universities, and other research institutions similarly have incentives to fund and publish studies and disincentives to make a fuss about fraudulent research they may have funded or had undertaken in their institutionperhaps by one of their star researchers. Regulators often lack the legal standing and the resources to respond to what is clearly extensive fraud, recognising that proving a study to be fraudulent (as opposed to suspecting it of being fraudulent) is a skilled, complex, and time consuming process. Another problem is that research is increasingly international with participants from many institutions in many countries: who then takes on the unenviable task of investigating fraud? Science really needs global governance. Everybody gains from the publication game, concluded Roberts, apart from the patients who suffer from being given treatments based on fraudulent data.  Yikes.

The delta variant is spiking in these four US states [The Hill]. According to data from Scripps Researchs Outbreak.info, the delta variant of the coronavirus is surging in Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and Connecticut , where it is responsible for a majority of new cases. Ninety-six percent of Missouris new COVID-19 cases have been traced to the delta variant  the highest percentage of new cases caused by this strain for any U.S. state According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average vaccination rate is 47.5 percent. Missouris vaccination rate is 36.8 percent, Arkansas is 32 percent, and Kansas is just below 40 percent, as reported by the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Tracker.

More than 125 Covid-19 cases tied to South Texas church camp, pastor says [CNN]. More than 125 campers and adults who attended a summer camp run by a South Texas church have tested positive for coronavirus, according to a statement from Clear Creek Community Church Lead Pastor Bruce Wesley. The outbreak stems from a late June Student Ministry Camp for sixth through 12th graders that was attended by more than 450 people, county health officials said. Unfortunately, upon return from camp, 125+ campers and adults reported to us that they tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, hundreds more were exposed to COVID-19 at camp, Wesley said. And hundreds of others were likely exposed when infected people returned home from camp. Clear Creek Community Church is an interdenominational church based in League City, with five campuses south of Houston. The Galveston County Health District said it was notified of the first positive case tied to the church camp  held at the Tejas Camp & Retreat in Giddings, outside the county  on June 27. At least three samples from the outbreak were confirmed to be the Delta coronavirus variant, which is more transmissible to others, according to the district. More samples are being tested.

Clinical and Virological Features of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern: A Retrospective Cohort Study Comparing B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.315 (Beta), and B.1.617.2 (Delta) [The Lancet]. The Interpretation: There was a signal toward increased severity associated with B.1.617.2. The association of B.1.617.2 with lower Ct value and longer viral shedding provides a potential mechanism for increased transmissibility. These findings provide a strong impetus for the rapid implementation of vaccination programmes.  Singapore, n = 838.

Your Guide to Masks [CDC]. Do not choose masks that Are prioritized for healthcare workers, including N95 respirators. Updated June 29, 2021.  A year in

The Biosphere

How freezing changed the green pea [BBC (Re Silc)]. A turning point in the frozen food industrys history came when Clarence Birdseye, a naturalist employed by the US government, moved to Labrador  which is today part of Canada  in 1912. There, he consumed animals from lynx to gulls with gusto, taking copious notes (whale meat was much like beef, he argued). The Inuit in the area habitually froze food during the winter months. Birdseye learned what everyone else there already knew, that the very coldest months produced the food that tasted best after being defrosted.  What an interesting true fact!

The Beasts That Keep the Beat [Quanta]. Musical rhythm, [Aniruddh Patel] argued, is a byproduct of vocal learning;  the ability to reproduce sounds one has never heard before. Humans, parrots and elephants are all vocal learners. Elephants have been documented imitating the sounds of trucks and other animals, and parrots are literally synonymous with mimicry. Monkeys, on the other hand, are stuck with an inborn set of hoots and screams. Patels notion was that the evolution of vocal learning in select species strengthened the links between brain regions in charge of hearing and movement, which made musical rhythm possible. In the years following its introduction, the vocal learning hypothesis seemed to fit all the relevant data. Iversen and Patels study of Snowball turned out to be just the prelude to a new concerto of research on musicality in the animal kingdom. In recent years, scientists have tested various species and found evidence that nonvocal learners such as sea lions and bonobos have rhythm too. In parallel, pioneering studies have begun to elucidate how the brain tracks a beat, work that may help corroborate that rhythm is not restricted to the planets most loquacious creatures. The new findings suggest that rhythm has a more ancient and universal evolutionary origin than was originally thought. I dont think the vocal learning hypothesis has much to teach us anymore, said Peter Cook, a comparative psychologist at Emory University. Beat keeping might be rooted in a really old, widely conserved mechanism, which is basically how brains communicate.'

Groves of Academe

Nikole Hannah-Jones will join Howard University instead of the University of North Carolina [New York Times]. The Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones said on Tuesday that she would join the faculty of Howard University, a surprise announcement less than a week after the University of North Carolinas board of trustees voted to grant her tenure, reversing its earlier decision.  My position on this is that poor scholarship should not be rewarded with tenue; see the WSWS site, they being the only publication with the stones to take this on, especially here and here, but the whole section, which includes posts from many historians. Oddly, the Times coverage is too genteel to mention the money, but the NGO Industrial complex really came through

Nikole Hannah-Jones rejects UNC tenure offer to take position at Howard University, backed by millions in foundation funding [WSWS]. Hannah-Jones will join writer Ta-Nehisi Coates (who wrote We Were Eight Years in Power about the Obama administration) in founding the Center for Journalism and Democracy at Howard. The center will be financed with $20 million from the Knight Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, the Ford Foundation and an anonymous donor. According to a university press release, the new center will focus on training and supporting aspiring journalists in acquiring the investigative skills and historical and analytical expertise needed to cover the crisis our democracy is facing. The 1619 Project was published by the New York Times in August 2019 and has been promoted with millions of dollars in funding and a school curriculum developed by the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. It falsely roots American history in an enduring racial conflict between blacks and whites. In its own way, it sums up a central purpose of the racialist narrative that the Times  1619 Project promotes, namely, to advance the aspirations of privileged sections of the upper middle-class for positions of power and wealth, which has absolutely nothing to do with the interests of workers of any race.  While Hannah-Jones is most definitely a voice, as Adolph Reed defines the term (here; here), I dont think this is correct; I think the agenda is to advance the cause of reparations (where Coates is a key figure). Hilariously, Howard has recently been in the news for closing its Classics, department, and for Dean Phylicia Rashads support of Bill Cosby, a Howard donor.

UPDATE The Struggle for Power at UNC [The Assembly]. Its not my job to heal the University of North Carolina, said Hannah-Jones. Thats the job of the people in power who created the situation in the first place.'  Speculating freely, Im a little dubious that Hannah-Jones ever intended to work at UNC; surely she could not have been ignorant of the $20 million in grant money that magically appeared at Howard immediately after her decision?

UPDATE Lessons from Nikole Hannah-Joness tenure battle [Columbia Journalism Review]. Joe Killian, the reporter at NC Policy Watch who broke the story about the boards tenure rejection and interviewed both Hannah-Jones and Hussman, wrote an extended Twitter thread on the power differentials rendered invisible in too much discussion about Hussman and Hannah-Jones. Hussman, who is white, inherited significant power in the journalism industry; Hannah-Jones earned it in the face of considerable obstacles, Killian wrote. Whatever you may think of her, its impossible to credibly argue Hannah-Jones hasnt put in the work, he concluded.  Her shoddy scholarship aside, its totally possible: She published a grand total of 23 articles for the New York Times. That wouldnt earn an adjunct tenure. What earned Hannah-Jones tenure was her enormous network of fellow media professionals. The class power of the PMC was the power imbalance here. And professionals arent her only powerful backers. Note the logo:

Guillotine Watch

Pigs in space:

For a half-dozen people to exist up on the ISS, it takes a ground team of thousands of people, constantly problem-solving how to keep them alive. Their quality of life is bouncing around in a narrow tube with the same 5 people who can't really bathe for months. /  Sim Kern (@sim_kern) July 3, 2021

Great thread. The same is true, on a lesser scale, for bunkers and compounds.

Class Warfare

Varieties of Black Political Philosophy [The Sooty Empiric].  I decided to categorise some of the tendencies of black political thought that I often encounter, and share that here. Each group is not much more than a loose affinity group, united by a theme. But I tend to think I can recognise instances of members of these groups when I see them  by what they stress, how they argue, what sort of things they think possible or impossible, or relevant or irrelevant. So I have tried to briefly summarise the thematic links I am picking up on, and then link some examples of each tendency to give the reader an idea of the sort of work or theorising I would expect from each group.  Afropessimism, Liberalism, Black feminism, Conservatism, Culturalism, and Socialism. More: These then are the strands I most often encounter. My sense is that black liberalism is very much dominant in the academy, but there are pockets where it would be highly unwelcome. The strand I have labelled conservative, on the other hand, is by and large unpopular in both the academy and broader black life  but it is an old and very well established vein of thought in black political thought, and the persistence of its base of support suggests it is not going anywhere. I would have thought the socialist tradition is moribund, but perhaps the Corbyn and Sanders campaigns will in the long run breathe more life into it. The culturalists will always have their place, given what I mentioned about black arts. But vim, such as it is, belongs to the black feminists and the Afropessimists. Thats where youth energy is found right now, and they are the ones shaking up the wider cultural dialogue.  This is a useful synthesis and well worth reading in full.

The Future Dystopic Hellscape Is Upon Us [The Intercept]. Sovereign Deed was to be a privatized state within the state for the rich, with a fleet of planes, boats, armored vehicles, and trained rescue personnel, all coordinating through a national network including satellite phones, land lines, cellular towers, fiber optic cable and radio frequency bands providing redundant systems for both verbal and textual communication. For the boardroom barons and law firm partners Sovereign Deed envisioned as its bread-and-butter clientele, the company would offer an array of tantalizing toys: While the rest of their employees withered under clouds of radiation, an executive customer would be armed with a Communications Pack (ComPak), a waist pack containing communications equipment, including a satellite telephone, GPS and other devices, to connect with and receive information from Sovereign Deed.  Lovely.

Workers Are Funding The War On Themselves [The Daily Poster]. [A] series of new reports remind us that there is another person behind the monocled, mustache-twirling oligarch running the Emerald Citys secret control panel  and that person isnt a billionaire. It is the faceless pension official in a state capital or city hall who is using workers retirement savings to finance the Wall Street takeover of Oz. In the process, teachers, firefighters, sanitation workers, and other government employees are being fleeced. Their retirement savings are being skimmed by finance industry executives, who are using the cash to lobby for self-enriching tax breaks while waging a class war on everyone else. All that money could end up bankrolling a new round of housing profiteering and infrastructure privatization, using workers money to wage a war on workers themselves.  Amazingly, CalPERS not mentioned!

News of the Wired

Danish children struggle to learn their vowel-filled language  and this changes how adult Danes interact [The Conversation]. Through our research, we have found that the uniquely peculiar way that Danes speak seems to make it difficult for Danish children to learn their native language  and this challenges some central tenets of the science of language.. There are three main reasons why Danish is so complicated. First, with about 40 different vowel sounds  compared to between 13 and 15 vowels in English depending on dialect  Danish has one of the largest vowel inventories in the world. On top of that, Danes often turn consonants into vowel-like sounds when they speak. And finally, Danes also like to swallow the ends of words and omit, on average, about a quarter of all syllables. They do this not only in casual speech but also when reading aloud from written text. [B]ecause Danish speech is so ambiguous, Danes rely much more on context  including what was said in the conversation before, what people know about each other and general background knowledge  to figure out what somebody is saying compared to adult Norwegians. Together, these results indicate that the way people interpret language is not static, but dynamically adapts to the challenges posed by the specific language or languages they speak.

Reading Like a Roman [Public Domain Review]. The material culture of Roman books. One fragment: The manuscript known as Vergilius Vaticanus is one of only three manuscripts from Graeco-Roman antiquity which preserve illustrations in more than a few scraps.  In the Vaticanus illustrations, the entire surface circumscribed by the red frame is filled in. The minimalistic backgrounds, which represent little more than the basic outlines of the landscape and the sky, are nevertheless carefully painted, soft pink shading into pastel blue. The heavy frames and coloured backgrounds could only be executed in the codex format. In a roll, such large surfaces of paint would lead to the pigments flaking off. If the Vaticanus is the first codex in the tradition of illustrations it belongs to, it is likely that the frames and the backgrounds were added by the Vaticanus painters, with only the figures inherited from earlier models. In these earlier rolls, small illustrations would be inserted at the appropriate point in the columns of text.

* * *

Readers, feel free to contact me at lambert [UNDERSCORE] strether [DOT] corrente [AT] yahoo [DOT] com, with (a) links, and even better (b) sources I should curate regularly, (c) how to send me a check if you are allergic to PayPal, and (d) to find out how to send me images of plants. Vegetables are fine! Fungi and coral are deemed to be honorary plants! If you want your handle to appear as a credit, please place it at the start of your mail in parentheses: (thus). Otherwise, I will anonymize by using your initials. See the previous Water Cooler (with plant) here. Todays plant (pq):

pq writes: Invasion of the Columbines! The large plant to the left is the mother, nearly lost last year to leafminers. This is a white variety that turns an exquisite pale pink as it ages. The stick coming out of the dark spot toward top right was my marker for a native red Columbine, which was infected even worse. Because I identified the pest too late to kill it, the only alternative was daily pulling off infected leaves, which, in the case of the wild Columbine, was the entire plant. Its hardy, so Im hopeful it will come up eventually. In the meantime, looks like Im going to have a delightfully unplanned Columbine border. I dont think theres any other kind of Columbine border!

* * *

Readers: Water Cooler is a standalone entity not covered by the recently concluded and  thank you!  successful annual NC fundraiser. So if you see a link you especially like, or an item you wouldnt see anywhere else, please do not hesitate to express your appreciation in tangible form. Remember, a tip jar is for tipping! Regular positive feedback both makes me feel good and lets me know Im on the right track with coverage. When I get no donations for five or ten days I get worried. More tangibly, a constant trickle of donations helps me with expenses, and I factor in that trickle when setting fundraising goals:









Here is the screen that will appear, which I have helpfully annotated.

If you hate PayPal, you can email me at lambert [UNDERSCORE] strether [DOT] corrente [AT] yahoo [DOT] com, and I will give you directions on how to send a check. Thank you!2:00PM Water Cooler 6/8/2021
Yves here. Were doing a bit of catchup by featuring some significant stories that were still crowded out a bit due to the competing news plus the Fourth of July tuneout. One is on the super dodgy approval of the big ticket, very dubious effectiveness Alzheimers drug Aducanumab. And big ticket is no understatement; the annual cost is anticipated to be $56,000. This post gives a fine, if disheartening, account of how this rancid regulatory sausage was cooked up. The central element is the successful suborning of the Alzheimers Association, which feasts on Big Pharma donations, to throw its weight in a major way behind this effectively unproven yet costly medication.

Readers of a certain age will recognize the parallel to the AARP, which once was feared and respected advocate of senior citizens interests. The AARP now regularly stands behind all sorts of grifting, as long as its been prettied up with sufficiently skilled PR.

By APeticola. Originally published at Health Care Renewal

of a huge campaign by a company (Biogen) that would not accept the failure of its drug and of pressure from patient organizations like the Alzheimers Association (which receives major money from pharma, including Biogen and its Japanese partner, Eisai).

The company campaign began in spring 2019, after its Phase 3 trials were stopped for futility after an interim review. A long, detailed, and excellent STATnews article published this week, drawing on insider sources, tells a fascinating but troubling story. The last-ditch effort to get approval was originally called Operation Phoenix, but was re-titled Operation Onyx. Biogen managed to get Billy Dunn, Director of the Office of Neuroscience at the FDA, on their side, to the point that he worked closely with them to provide a roadmap for approval, very inappropriately.

After the groundwork was laid for an approval of aducanumab despite the negative advisory committee recommendation, and prior to the announcing of a final decision, the patient organization campaign was carefully timed. In early May, the Alzheimers Association launched a big campaign seeking to build grassroots support for drug approval. The More TIme campaign worked to pull at heartstrings with celebrity endorsements and poignant personal stories. Full-page ads were taken out in the Wall Street Journal and USA Today, and focused on what more time would mean to Alzheimers patients and their families. There were google search ads, Facebook and Twitter and Instagram and LinkedIn posts. The campaign succeeded in getting over a million people to express support in petitions.

After the approval, the Alzheimers Association spoke of victory:

As the first FDA-approved drug that delays decline due to Alzheimers disease, the approval of aducanumab (Aduhelm) is a victory for people living with Alzheimers and their families.

Comments on articles including this one give the flavor of the passion with which some people want to try this unproven therapy.

Denying a medicine which might work is far more worse than approving one that might not work! Do you agree in the case of Alzheimers?

The negativity of these old fashion mentality is what has driven new discoveries to a halt. I dont suffer from Alzheimers nor know anyone close to have been dx w it but we need to start somewhere. Prescribing the pharma will only help w research. Get in line MD.

Alzheimers is a horrible disease. If the medicine has a chance of success then prescribe it.

And public officials seem to be buffaloed. A Politico article said that not only are public officials mute about the approval, they are hesitant even about making a fuss about the pricing (about which more in another post):

[Politicians are] worried theyll be seen as dashing desperate patients hope for an Alzheimers treatment  even one that may provide little or no benefit. The FDAs controversial approval of Biogens drug, known as aducanumab or Aduhelm, has caught both political parties flat-footed Everyone is a bit terrified by Alzheimers, so the average person hears about the FDA approval of a treatment, and they dont know about the controversy over whether it works or not, said Craig Garthwaite, a health economist at Northwestern Universitys Kellogg School of Management who lambasted FDAs Aduhelm approval. They hear theres a new treatment and, thats great, its a sign of hope. Do you want to be the politician who says, I want to take that away from you?

Evidently, the public opinion campaign with its drumming up of support for this bogus drug has had its desired effect, creating cowardice to speak about the realities. Subsequent to the publication of the Politico article, two senators did speak out about pricing, but were careful to praise the drug:

Even as they criticize the price, however, Cassidy and Warren still stopped short of directly criticizing Biogen. They offered praise for the drugs approval, too, calling it a historic, watershed moment in the history of the disease.

Public Citizen  who does not have to get elected  did not share this hesitancy. Their long public letter to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra  which I recommend reading in full  begins as follows:

Public Citizen is writing to express its outrage over the Food and Drug Administrations (FDAs) indefensible decision to approve Biogens aducanumab (Aduhelm) for treatment of Alzheimers disease despite the lack of evidence that the drug provides any meaningful clinical benefit plus the fact that the drug has a well-documented risk of potentially serious brain injury. The FDAs decision to approve aducanumab for anyone with Alzheimers disease, regardless of severity, showed a stunning disregard for science, eviscerated the agencys standards for approving new drugs, and ranks as one of the most irresponsible and egregious decisions in the history of the agency.

They go on to ask for resignation of key officials in approving aducanumab, including FDA acting head Janet Woodcock and Billy Dunn. They also ask that the Office of the Inspector General for HHS investigate the relationship and close collaboration between the FDA and Biogen prior to Aduhelm approval. In addition, they want rescission of the bogus approval:

You should direct the next Acting FDA Commissioner to consider whether the agencys approval of Biogens BLA for aducanumab should be withdrawn.

Those who pushed for approval seem eager to foreclose any discussions of rescission. In an interview, there was this question and answer with Acting FDA Head Janet Woodcock:

Question: Theres been some reaction that every time this criticism comes up, the FDA just dismisses it outright and doesnt really meaningfully engage on it doesnt do soul-searching.  Should the FDA do some soul searching? Should you and the FDA be trying to respond more directly to these critics? Woodcocks reply: I think we will have some more public soul-searching type of discussions on accelerated approval itself, but the soul-searching when a decision is made goes on before the decision, and once weve made the decision, weve made the decision.

Similarly, the head of the Alzheimers Association wants to enddiscussion of the approval:

Harry Johns is ready to stop talking about whether or not the Food and Drug Administration should have approved Aduhelm, the divisive new Alzheimers treatment that got the green light last week. Dwelling on the approval at this point is not productive for those who can benefit from the treatment, said Johns, the CEO of the Alzheimers Association. The negative voices focused on criticizing the decision, he said, are not pro-patient.

But, if the aducanamab approval is not rescinded, what will happen and what are the consequences? More on that in another post.
Yves here. It isnt a far reach to argue that the creation over the last 20 or so years of a stronger surveillance and control apparatus is part of a long-term plan, above all to protect the powerful and rich. Remember, for instance, that in the early 2000s, Pentagon strategists were warning of coming destabilizing mass migrations, triggered by climate change.

However, having lived in NYC during Hurricane Sandy, I need to correct part of his post. First, the dark zone in Manhattan was roughly 38th Street and further south. Able body people were hiking far enough above that to get provisions and charge their phones (the officialdom also had outposts in the dark zone where they were handing out water, and there were formal and informal efforts to get food to those who couldnt climb up and down stairs). Second, the now famous Nathan Tankus lived in what is called a limited equity residential complex in Chelsea (what amounts to affordable housing; these buildings have a ten year waiting list), which roughly extends from Eight to Ninth Avenue around 28th Street. They also had their own generator.

Admittedly, it is correct to say that Goldmans building was the only high rise in the lower Midtown/lower Manhattan to be lights on during Sandy, but the article gives the impression that the blackout was more extensive than it was.

By Thomas Neuburger. Originally published at Gods Spies

Goldman Sachs, the only living building in New York City during Hurricane Sandy, 2012.

On a Fourth of July when Americans still celebrate an expansive idea of freedom (i.e., that freedom is meant for everyone), I offer this, a glimpse of the world being built in front of our eyes, the view from a window on that coming day when the only freedom celebrated on Fourth of July will be the freedom of the super-rich from the suffering rest of us.

The quote below is from a good and much longer piece published in Australia titled How The Rich Plan to Rule a Burning Planet. Ill have more on this topic in future work.

For now, though, give this a read. Its from the middle of the essay.

In the years since the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks, Western governments have expanded and strengthened the states repressive apparatus. Today were seeing, as many predicted, how the crackdown on basic freedoms carried out in the name of the war on terror has created a new normal in which anyone opposing the governments agenda becomes a target. Environmental protesters, and anyone else standing up against the destructive neoliberal order, are now firmly in their sights. In the US, the battle to halt the construction of the Dakota Access oil pipeline provides the most extreme example to date. In November 2016, the Native American blockade at Standing Rock was broken up by a police operation so heavily militarised that it looked like something out of the invasion of Iraq. In sub-zero temperatures, blockaders were attacked with water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets and concussion grenades. Hundreds were injured and many hospitalised. Two women who were involved in the blockade and who later vandalised the pipeline are now facing charges under which they could be jailed for up to 110 years. In Australia, weve seen those protesting peacefully outside the International Resources and Mining Conference in Melbourne face an unusual level of police violence and mass arrests. In Queensland, the state Labor government has passed new laws targeting environmental activists. In early December, three members of Extinction Rebellion were jailed when a magistrate refused them bail  something without precedent for charges related to acts of non-violent civil disobedience. Perhaps nothing provides a better metaphor for the future our leaders are steering us toward than a picture, taken during Hurricane Sandy in 2012, of the New York city skyline shrouded in the darkness of a blackout  all except one building, which remained lit up like a Christmas tree. That building was the headquarters of global banking giant Goldman Sachs, where, protected by a mountain of sandbags and using a back-up generator, the company was able to keep the lights on and the profits flowing even while the city was inundated by a three-metre storm surge and hospitals, schools, the subway and most other services were forced to close. If you imagine this picture as the world, and the Goldman Sachs building as the gilded realm inhabited by the worlds super-rich and the political class that serve them, all youd need to add is some heavily armed guards around the building and youd get a pretty good sense of whats ahead. Our rulers apparent lack of concern about climate change is a ruse. They hope that, if they can just head off dissent for long enough, they will succeed in building this future, brick by brutal brick, and there will be nothing the rest of us can do about it.

As the so-far-inevitable climate future unfolds, imagine the image at the top of this piece as the world. If you do, the Goldman Sachs building, as the writer says, looks like a gilded realm inhabited by the worlds super-rich and the political class that serve them. All youd need to add is some heavily armed guards around the building and youd get a pretty good sense of whats ahead.

Whats ahead is, sadly, a world of abandonment  ours, by our rulers.

Weve seen this world already, the one with the guards, the banks and the abandonment, during the Occupy Wall Street intrusion on public order.
Microbes that feast on crushed rocks thrive in Antarcticas ice-covered lakes Live Science

Methamphetamine in waterways may be turning trout into addicts CNN

A Banking App Has Been Suddenly Closing Accounts, Sometimes Not Returning Customers Money Pro Publica

Who Killed the Recovery Trade? Take Your Pick John Authers, Bloomberg

Some locals say a bitcoin mining operation is ruining one of the Finger Lakes. Heres how. NBC

#COVID19

COVID-19 vaccines dampen genomic diversity of SARS-CoV-2: Unvaccinated patients exhibit more antigenic mutational variance (preprint)) medRxiv. From the Abstract: [W]e conducted longitudinal analysis over 1.8 million SARS-CoV-2 genomes from 183 countries or territories to capture vaccination-associated viral evolutionary patterns. To augment this macroscale analysis, we performed viral genome sequencing in 23 vaccine breakthrough COVID-19 patients and 30 unvaccinated COVID-19 patients for whom we also conducted machine-augmented curation of the electronic health records (EHRs). Strikingly, we find the diversity of the SARS-CoV-2 lineages is declining at the country-level with increased rate of mass vaccination.

SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies: Longevity, breadth, and evasion by emerging viral variants PLOS One

Ivermectin for the treatment of COVID-19 disease: Too good to pass up or too good to be true? Journal of Infectious Diseases

One Colorado scientists uphill fight to convince the world that coronavirus spreads through the air Colorado Sun

Violence, Drugs And Fast Food: How Americans Risky Behavior Surged While Under A Covid Lockdown Forbes (Re Silc).
(Natural News) New research published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) inadvertently revealed that as many as 82 percent of pregnant women who get vaccinated for the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) end up suffering a miscarriage.

Entitled, Preliminary Findings of mRNA Covid-19 Vaccine Safety in Pregnant Persons, the paper contends with its words that there are no obvious safety signals among pregnant [women] who received Covid-19 vaccines. However, a table published as part of the study shows that the vast majority of pregnant women who get injected never end up delivering a live baby.

The study specifically looked at the mRNA (messenger RNA) jabs from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, which are the two most widely administered Chinese Virus injections in the country.

Deceptively, the research makes a more prominent claim that only 13.9 percent of all completed pregnancies end in miscarriage, even though this data point includes women who were not vaccinated until they reached the second half of their pregnancies.

The way the paper is presented makes it seem like there are no problems with the injections. It takes a careful eye to look more closely at the data, which is what one British oncology researcher did to come to a much different conclusion.

The researchers inexplicably subsumed the first trimester spontaneous abortions  before, and including, 20 weeks  into the completed pregnancy / losses as a whole  104 [miscarriages] out of 827 pregnancies, she reportedly wrote to two prominent British doctors.

However, since the aim was to discover whether Covid vaccination had any adverse effects in the different trimesters, the NEJM papers authors should have deducted the 700 women who were not actually vaccinated until the third trimester from the total 827, leaving only those vaccinated in the first 20 weeks, i.e. 127 women to figure in that part of Table 4.

Medical establishment lying about miscarriages, spontaneous abortions caused by Chinese Virus injections

As such, the real rate of spontaneous miscarriages among women who were vaccinated within the first 20 weeks of their pregnancy is not 12.6 percent, but rather 82 percent because 104 out of 127 pregnancies were lost post-injection.

Though it was admitted in very fine print in the study, a total of 700 study participants, or 84.6 percent, received their first eligible dose of a Wuhan Flu shot during the third trimester. So, a total of 96 out of 104 spontaneous abortions, or 92.3 percent, occurred before 13 weeks of gestation.

So the evidence is actually there in the NEJM study, but completely misrepresented in the way the data was presented in general, the British oncologist warns.

Before Fauci Flu shots became a thing, the rate of first trimester miscarriages was between 10 and 26 percent. To have that rate jump to 82 percent post-injection for the Wuhan Flu represents a more than three-fold incidence of spontaneous abortions directly linked to the mRNA vaccines, the oncologist further wrote.

So, yes, there is a huge red flag [against] vaccinating pregnant women here.

Another person who contacted Life Site News confirmed this, indicating that her perception of the data contained in the study is that it does not match the associated claim that Wuhan Flu shots are safe and effective for pregnant women.

It is clearly a lie and obvious to almost anyone, this person reportedly wrote.

Assuming that the remaining 127 women were before 20 weeks pregnant, that leaves an 82 percent miscarriage rate (104 out of 127). It is like saying that there were 700 men and 127 women studied and only a small percentage got pregnant. Well, from the start 700 could not have gotten pregnant in the first place, she added.

More related news stories about the ongoing deception surrounding the safety and effectiveness of Chinese Virus injections (and lack thereof) can be found at ChemicalViolence.com.

Sources for this article include:

Archive.org

Archive.org

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) On June 15, President Joe Biden unveiled his battle plan for the war on domestic terrorism. His pitchfork is aimed specifically at the scarecrow of white supremacy. We cannot ignore this threat or wish it away, Biden wrote in the strategy document. Preventing domestic terrorism and reducing the factors that fuel it demand a multifaceted response across the federal government and beyond.

(Article by Pedro Gonzales republished from AmericanMind.org)

Summarized by the sympathetic New York Times, Bidens so-called National Strategy for Countering Domestic Terrorism calls for improving information sharing among law enforcement agencies, preventing recruitment by extremist groups, investigating such groups and confronting the longstanding drivers of domestic terrorism: racism and bigotry. It entails swelling the ranks of an already bloated bureaucracy with more prosecutors and intelligence analystsjobs that would naturally attract the pettiest of petty tyrants.

Moreover, only a very specific flavor of racism and bigotry is on the menu. The introductory paragraph of the document places all of our troubles on the shoulders of white Americans. And indeed, the definition of white supremacy preferred among our chattering classes is sufficiently elastic to make at least 26% of Americans into criminalsprobably more. Whatever they dont like, they can redefine as white supremacy and therefore terrorism. They have that power now.

In the background, as Biden declared war, those with ears to hear caught the sound of a shooting spree that stretched across Georgia and Alabama over the weekend.

On June 11, Justin Tyran Roberts, a black man, shot a white man as he exited his vehicle in Phenix City, Alabama. Roberts subsequently fled across the state line into Columbus, Georgia, and shot two more white males.

He selected his final victim on Saturday, June 12. Roberts shot several times at a white man as he entered his vehicle in a parking garage under the Oglethorpe Bridge at Fourth Street and Broadway. Recovered at the scene were six shell casings; one bullet found its mark in the mans back, the other four had torn into the vehicle. I had to have him, Roberts would tell the police.

Fortunately, all of Robertss victims survivedsome of them were even released from the hospital in time to hear Biden declare them public enemy number one. Prosecutor Nicholas Hud characterized the shootings as random in the aftermath. But Roberts told detectives he had carefully claimed his victims: he was gunning for white people. This was not an isolated incident: on Saturday, Othal Wallace was apprehended by the Daytona Beach Police Department on suspicion of shooting a cop in the name of black nationalism.

All groups are capable of interracial violence; in 21st-century America, some groups are perpetrating it more than others. The Roberts shootings came on the heels of other attacks on whites as well as rising interracial crime against Asians. As noted by the Manhattan Institutes Heather Mac Donald, the preponderance of the evidence shows that black assailants are predominantly fueling these increases in violence. But none of this fits the narrative of omnipresent white terrorism theorized in the apocalyptic lectures of academics, pandered to by corporations, popularized by the politico-media complex, and instrumentalized by the government. This socially constructed specter of a white supremacist threat justifies treating Americans as terrorists based on their political opinions.

Bidens plan also calls for considering a new domestic extremism lawi.e., a Patriot Act directed at white males instead of jihadists. However, no such law is necessary, and the absence of one makes these stirrings in the machinery of bureaucracy all the more nefarious.

The Enforcement Arm

Launching a total war on domestic terrorism without creating a new domestic terror law means that theres nothing to repeal; administrators will simply hardwire the strategy into the government. A new law would certainly spell trouble, but the absence of one means that this plan merely becomes a function of the bureaucracy. Moreover, the muscles of the anti-racist regime are already in place.

Bidens strategy means the marriage of the Civil Rights Act and the security state. The former gives the government the power to infringe on every freedom you have in the name of anti-racism; the latter brings to bear the surveillance and enforcement apparatuses on domestic affairs. This fusion was well underway before June 15, and we have already seen glimpses of what is to come.

In January, Yahoo News ran a story about bitcoin payments to right-wing activists made a month before the Capitol Building incident. The transactions came from an account created in 2013 and linked to a computer programmer based in France. An apparent suicide note indicated the programmer believed the recipients were worthy of his fortune; they included the VDARE website and commentator Nick Fuentes, neither of which pose material threats to anyoneas Yahoo admitted. While theres no evidence that Fuentes directly participated in the Capitol riot, something he has so far denied, wrote Jenna McLaughlin, the financial resources of prominent right-wing actors are of growing interest to law enforcement.

The point of this is to spook Americans into viewing decentralized currencies as existential threats to themselves when they are, instead, threats to the established order. In fact, the Pentagon conducted a war game in 2018 wherein masses of disenchanted Americans utilized sophisticated malware to siphon funds from corporations, financial institutions, and nonprofits that support the establishment,' The Intercept reported. In that scenario, the funds, deemed untraceable by law enforcement, were converted to Bitcoin and redistributed away from the wealthy to everyday people. Thus, things like Bitcoin undermine the security of the regime because they allow people to survive outside economic power structures that act as instruments of surveillance and coercion. Cryptocurrency is important because of the threat it reveals.

Bitcoin means banks cannot close your accounts, as they have done to Donald Trump, or show your personal information to the FBI, as Bank of America has done to Trump supporters. Its no surprise, then, that Bidens plan proposes to effectively criminalize opposition to the prevailing economic system and its institutions. Those opposing capitalism, corporate globalization, and governing institutions, which they perceive as harmful to society, are flagged in the strategy document as latent extremists or extremists in full. Republicans mumble outdated complaints about socialism, but the surveillance state we face exists to enforce existing power structures, including by criminalizing opposition to its system of economic transactions and controls. The real extremists are the ones running the show.

True Believers

On May 5, Revolver News published an expose of Bishop Garrison, the Pentagons hatchet man in charge of heading the militarys Countering Extremism task force. His official title is Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Defense for Diversity and Inclusionand he is a dyed-in-the-wool anti-white militant.

Garrison links the concept of white nationalist extremism, which he intends to install in the Pentagons operating system, to the New York Timess 1619 Project. The specter of white supremacy, he says, poses a clear and present nation-ending threat against which we must unleash the totality of the national security apparatus. The ideas underpinning Garrisons approach were cooked up by revolutionary African-American activists in the late 1960s and are now being drawn from the most radical corners of academia for integration with the national security apparatus. Today theyve most prominently manifested as critical race theory, and they place whiteness at the root of all evil.

A recent paper in the Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association characterized whiteness as a parasitic-like condition for which there is not yet a permanent cure, and whose deformed appetites particularly target nonwhite peoples. In April, psychiatrist Aruna Khilanani told students at the Yale School of Medicine she had fantasies of unloading a revolver into the head of any White person that got in my way, burying their body and wiping my bloody hands as I walked away relatively guiltless with a bounce in my step. This is the world from which Garrison has emerged a bloodthirsty ideologue, and his own musings are just as extreme. The racism that threatens lives and security will not magically vanish, he wrote to the national security community in Foreign Policy. It will not draw back or resolve itself. It must be cut out like the cancer it has been for so long.

Disagreement over anti-racism, diversity, immigration, and so on is no longer a matter of debate. As the federal government mainstreams these ideas into defense priorities, they become, Garrison says, the right thing to do morally but also a matter of national securityand this cuts only in one direction. As historian of ideas Pierre-Andre Taguieff explains, anti-racism is but a symbolic weapon that reduces racism to white racism that is supposed to be inherent in white society or white domination, which is the only form of domination recognized and denounced by neo-anti-racists. Therefore, anti-white racism cannot, by definition, exist in this scheme.

As the leader of the newly created Countering Extremism Working Group, Garrisons job will be to specifically define what constitutes extremist behavior. In other words, to police opinions and cultivate ideological hygiene within the military. Thats not hyperbole; a memo shows his task force will address gray areas, such as reading, following and liking extremist material and content in social media forums and platforms. Taking cues from libertarians, the Pentagon intends to bypass First Amendment protections on monitoring troops personal lives by outsourcing to a private surveillance firm.

But why stop with military personnel? Civilians are up for scrutiny too: Tucker Carlson has already claimed the NSA is spying on him which, if true, means they have no scruples about keeping tabs on people merely out of political animus. Both Attorney General Merrick Garland and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas have insisted that racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists of the white variety are the gravest domestic threats facing the country. To that end, a Homeland Security spokesperson told Politico the agency is increasingly focused on the nexus between violence and extremist ideologies, as well as hateful and false narratives. In the background of those comments are claims of election-rigging in 2020. DHS is enhancing its ability to prevent acts of violence inspired by disinformation, conspiracy theories, and extremist narratives spread through social media and other online platforms.

Views commonly held by conservatives are now extremist narratives as valid questions of election integrity morph into extremist questioning of election integrity. Even the Postal Service is getting involved in these ideological gatekeeping efforts. In a hitherto covert surveillance program known as iCop run by the law enforcement arm of the Post Office, analysts cast a digital dragnet over social media in search of inflammatory posts, sharing what they find across government agencies. Offending content is flagged as law enforcement sensitive and distributed through Homeland Securitys fusion centers. A government bulletin obtained by Yahoo News notes analysts have taken a particular interest in right-wing leaning Parler and Telegram accounts. You may have once worried about the mailman reading your mailnow, hes trawling your social media for red flags.

Power to the Powerful

This focus on the Right and on white supremacy, utilizing the Capitol Building incident as a pretense for this crackdown, is outrageous when framed against last years Black Lives Matter riots.

Property Claim Services, an internationally recognized authority on insured property losses, has estimated that arson, vandalism, and looting following George Floyds death cost $1 billion to $2 billion in paid insurance claims. That makes them the most destructive in recent historyto say nothing of the lives lost. And unlike the Trump supporters currently rotting in D.C. jails, being viciously and savagely beaten by guards, hundreds of looters have had charges against them dropped in places like New York by friendly prosecutors.

There is no legitimate basis for the claims and methods of the Biden administration, and that is by design. The entire superstructure of academia, NGOs, deracinated capital, and the federal leviathan draw their legitimacy, wealth, prestige, and purpose from the anti-racist ideology embraced by the established political order. Tearing out the heart of this would spring the entire system into the air. But if white supremacy provides the pretext, why the broader focus on the Right?

Simply put, the key positions of the Right todayanti-interventionism, anti-globalism, and immigration restrictionismare directly opposed to the United States regimes interests. Some of these right-wing positions used to be shared by the Left, but no longer. Now, MSNBC host Joy Reid, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley, Citigroup, and the Democratic Socialists of America have virtually identical policy preferences and, with one voice, denounce white rage. Indeed, Biden, who is regularly impugned as a socialist by conservatives, has made protecting the most powerful and corrupt financial institutions a national security priority. The Left has collapsed as a revolutionary movement; it is fundamentally an establishment faction and is striking back to consolidate its hegemony.

There is, however, good news. As the managerial regime presses the use of the systemic racism canard to conceal and justify its means and ends, new coalitions may become possible. Highlighting the regimes contradictions, showing that its anti-racism and egalitarianism merely mask its political-industrial-financial interests, will accelerate the decline of traditional divisions of Left and Right. The conflict thus becomes one between beneficiaries and overseers of the established political order and those who refuse to be hunted and exploited in their own country.

Read more at: AmericanMind.org and AntiWhite.news.
(Natural News) We were told that it was a debunked conspiracy theory. Theres no way an authoritarian regime with an appalling human rights record and a secret police apparatus would ever cover up a massive screwup, like a pathogen escaping from a lab and causing a global pandemic. That can never happen, right? We thought so.

(Article by Matt Vespa republished from TownHall.com)

The liberal media and the Big Tech establishment thought this was too crazy to even consider and smeared and censored those who lobbed such a claim. Both parties have Chinese interests, so I guess it makes sense. But also, Donald Trump and the GOP lobbed this allegation, so the media automatically thought it was false. They couldnt do their job to investigate this claim because theyre the enemies of the people, the opposition press, and thats why theyre eating it as the lab leak theory looks more like a fact every day.

Even comedians like Jon Stewart are buying into this narrative. We have reports that a top-level Chinese intelligence official defected, who not only has information about the origins of COVID but Chinas bioweapons program and spy network here. Another piece to the lab leak narrative is that China ordered the U.S. National Institutes of Health to delete gene data on COVID (via WSJ):

Chinese researchers directed the U.S. National Institutes of Health to delete gene sequences of early Covid-19 cases from a key scientific database, raising concerns that scientists studying the origin of the pandemic may lack access to key pieces of information. The NIH confirmed that it deleted the sequences after receiving a request from a Chinese researcher who had submitted them three months earlier. Submitting investigators hold the rights to their data and can request withdrawal of the data, the NIH said in a statement. The removal of the sequencing data is described in a new paper posted online Tuesday by Jesse Bloom, a virologist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. The paper, which hasnt been peer reviewed, says the missing data include sequences from virus samples collected in the Chinese city of Wuhan in January and February of 2020 from patients hospitalized with or suspected of having Covid-19. Some of the deleted information is still available in a paper that was published in a specialized journal, but scientists typically look for gene sequences in major databases like the one the NIH maintains, Dr. Bloom said. Dr. Bloom said he was able to find the deleted data after searching for it elsewhere online. The missing sequences are unlikely to change researchers current understanding of the early weeks of the Covid-19 pandemic in Wuhan. But Dr. Bloom said their removal sows doubts about Chinas transparency in the continuing investigation into the origin of the pandemic. Some other scientists agreed. It makes us wonder if there are other sequences like these that have been purged, said Vaughn S. Cooper, a University of Pittsburgh evolutionary biologist who wasnt involved in the new paper and said he hasnt studied the deleted sequences himself.

The purge request was submitted in June 2020. And, of course, Chinas National Health Commission refused to comment on this development reported in The Wall Street Journal. Theyre hiding something. Its sad that some folks in these massive media empires dont get that. This is the hallmark characteristic of any totalitarian government. Its not racism to point that out, which I think is part of the trepidation among these woke reporters now. China lied, and people died. The purge, them sitting on their hands for that critical week when the virus was spreading in Wuhan, the lab technicians mishandling bats and getting sick with COVID-like symptoms, the corroborating evidence brought by the Chinese defectorit all leads to China being responsible. And thats because they are.

Oh, and Trump was right.

Read more at: TownHall.com and Conspiracy.news.
(Natural News) A new report by the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) said artificial intelligence pilots have fared better than humans in the field. These AI systems, designed to sharpen the sword for PLA Air Force pilots, managed to shoot down their human counterparts in simulated dogfights. The Chinese militarys foray into AI technologies for its air force is the latest step in Chinas mission to create a modern flying force.

According to a June 14 report by the English-language Chinese paper Global Times, the AI pilots were deployed to help human pilots hone their decision-making and combat skills. It added that aside from just pilot training, AI will become an integral part of future Chinese aircraft and help pilots with combat decisions.

Furthermore, the AI pilots can also learn from each engagement  and have already performed better than human opponents. PLA Air Force flight brigade team leader and fighter ace Fang Guoyu found himself shot down by one of the AI pilots during one instance, according to the Chinese militarys official newspaper PLA Daily.

Fang showed off his flying skills and won one round of combat. But the AI managed to turn the tables during the next round by using the skilled fighter pilots same technique against him, emerging triumphant.

The ace pilot explained that while the AI-piloted aircraft was easy to defeat in the early stages of training, it eventually learned from its human opponent. The move with which you defeated it today will be in its hands tomorrow, he said. Fang compared the AI pilots to the extraordinary human pilots who win the Golden Helmet air combat contests in China. He said: Its like a digital Golden Helmet pilot that excels at learning, assimilating, reviewing and researching.

Meanwhile, brigade commander Du Jianfeng told the PLA Daily that AI systems are increasingly being integrated into training. He also praised the AIs ability to handle aircraft skillfully and make tactical decisions flawlessly. The AI has shown adept flight control skills and errorless tactical decisions, making it a valuable opponent to hone our capabilities, Du said.

The brigade commander added that the AI pilots serve to sharpen the sword of Chinese fighter pilots as it forces them to become more innovative with their technique. (Related: Elon Musk warns: 95 percent chance artificial intelligence exterminates humanity.)

The U.S. has also dabbled in the use of AI in warfare

Not to be outdone, the U.S. has also delved into the use of AI for military purposes. In January 2020, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) publicized footage of its experimental Offensive Swarm-Enabled Tactics (OFFSET) program. The OFFSET program utilized large swarms of drones to find targets and gather intelligence in urban raid missions.

The OFFSET test was conducted at DARPAS Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. It involved a coordinated group of 250 autonomous air and ground vehicles, tasked to find certain QR codes in the training facility  which was designed to approximate a city block. (Related: Next-gen warfare: DARPA tests drone swarms that will be operated by artificial intelligence, not human beings.)

The swarm of air and ground vehicles divided themselves into several different groups with different tactical assignment. Some entered buildings to find the QR codes, while others stationed themselves at strategic points to watch for any threats. Other autonomous vehicles patrolled the terrain to create a fully three-dimensional map of the environment.

While the drones operated autonomously, they fed live footage to human operators. In turn, the operators observed the drones via a laptop interface. The operators also managed to use an augmented reality headset to interact with a live digital map of the environment based on the drones created.

The January 2020 OFFSET test was the third of six planned tests to ensure the reliability of both the drones and tracking software. Defense contractors Northrop Grumman and Raytheon, alongside Case Western Reserve University and Northwestern University, developed the drones and operation systems used in the OFFSET program.

Visit MilitaryTech.news to read more about countries utilizing AI for military purposes.

Sources include:

The-Sun.com

GlobalTimes.cn

DailyMail.co.uk
(Natural News) An Internal Revenue Service (IRS) official denied tax-exempt status to a Texas religious group that encouraged church members to pray for state and national leaders, because it apparently benefited the private interests of the Republican Party.

In a May 18 letter to the group, Stephen A. Martin, director of the IRS Office of Exempt Organizations Rulings and Agreements, said that Christians Engaged, a Garland, Texas-based prayer group, did not qualify as a tax-exempt organization as described in IRS Section 501(c)(3). This was despite the group being recognized by Texas officials as being tax-exempt.

You are also not operated exclusively for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c)(3), because you operate for a substantial non-exempt private purpose and for the private interests of the D party, he wrote. The D party being a reference to the Republican party, according to a novel legend that Martin included with his letter to the Texas religious group.

The letter was made public on Wednesday, June 16, by the First Liberty Institute. The Plano, Texas-based public-interest law firm, which specializes in religious freedom litigation, is appealing Martins decision on behalf of Christians Engaged.

Following the Bible is supporting Republicans

In his letter, Martin stated that the groups activities are meant to teach members on national issues that are central to their belief in the Bible as the inerrant Word of God.

He specifically pointed out that the group educated Christians on what the Bible may say in regards to certain public policy issues. These include  sanctity of life, the definition of marriage, biblical justice, freedom of speech, defense, and borders and immigration, U.S. and Israel relations.

The Bible teachings are typically affiliated with the [Republican] party and candidates, Martin wrote. This disqualifies you from exemption under IRS Section 501(c)(3).

But Christians Engaged President Bunni Pounds, in a statement issued by the First Liberty Institute, disputed what Martin wrote in his letter.

The IRS states in an official letter that Biblical values are exclusively Republican, said First Liberty Institute counsel Lea Patterson in the statement. That might be news to President Joe Biden, who is often described as basing his political ideology on his religious beliefs.

Only a politicized IRS could see Americans who pray for their nation, vote in every election, and work to engage others in the political process as a threat, she added. The IRS violated its own regulations in denying tax-exempt status because Christians Engaged teaches biblical values.

In the appeal letter, First Liberty pointed out that Martin erred in three ways by finding that Christians Engaged did not meet the operational test.

First, it stated that Martin invented a nonexistent requirement that exempt organizations be neutral on public policy issues. Second, it stated that Martin incorrectly concluded that the group primarily served private, nonexempt purposes because he thought its beliefs overlap with Republican Party policy positions. Finally, it pointed out that Martin violated the First Amendments Free Speech, Free Exercise and Establishment clauses  by engaging in both viewpoint discrimination and religious discrimination. (Related: IRS also targeted Jewish groups)

IRS has singled out conservative and religious groups before

Martins letter mirrors moves made by the IRS during the administration of former President Barack Obama. Back then, the tax agency singled out hundreds of conservative, Tea Party and evangelical tax-exemption applicants for special treatment. This included long delays and multiple requests for detailed information about the activities and beliefs of officials associated with these groups.

During this time, multiple lawsuits were filed against the IRS by these groups. The Department of Justice (DOJ) eventually agreed in two separate settlements to compensate the groups for undisclosed amounts.

In addition, the DOJ has also acknowledged that the IRS targeted the groups for heightened scrutiny and inordinate delays on the basis of their religious and political beliefs and activities.

There is no excuse for this conduct, said then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions in a statement in 2017. Hundreds of organizations were affected by these actions, and they deserve an apology from the I.R.S. We hope that todays settlement makes clear that this abuse of power will not be tolerated.

With this in mind, Martins decision is sure to ignite protests from Republicans, conservative and religious freedom advocacy groups, and civil liberties defenders.

The act of praying for our country and our leaders is about the most nonpartisan and patriotic thing that Americans can do. Millions of citizens do it every day, Rep. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) said in an interview with The Epoch Times.

The IRS was wrong to deny tax-exempt status based on the false belief that the Bible somehow only belongs to one political party, he added. The IRS still has a long way to go to ensure religious liberty for all.

Follow FirstAmendment.news for more on how liberals in government are working to limit freedom of speech.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

FirstLiberty.org[PDF]

FirstLiberty.org

NYTimes.com
(Natural News) Dutch designer Ermi van Oers has created an off-grid lamp that uses a living plant to produce light. The device, dubbed Living Light, uses microorganisms of plant origin to convert the chemical energy that a plant naturally produces during photosynthesis into an electric current.

The lamp is fully self-sufficient, meaning it doesnt have to be plugged into an electrical socket to work.

Van Oers plans to scale up the technology to power entire cities. She has already begun to apply the technology to public spaces. She is currently collaborating with local officials in the municipality of Rotterdam in the Netherlands to light up one of its parks using the new technology.

The potential is huge, Van Oers told London-based architecture and design publication Dezeen. Street lights could be connected to trees. Forests could become power plants. Rice fields in Indonesia could produce food and electricity for the local population.

Van Oers first developed the technology with Dutch research group Plant-e in 2016.

Self-sufficient lamp uses plants to produce light

The Living Light encases a plant inside a glass tube. As that plant photosynthesizes, it releases many organic compounds into a soil chamber below. The compounds are broken down by bacteria fostered through a microbial fuel cell, a system thats designed to mimic the bacterial interactions found in nature.

Electrons are made when bacteria break down organic matter. Those electrons are then transported away from the soil, passed along a wire and fed into a ring fitted with light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs light up when a user touches the plants leaves.

According to Van Oers, future cities could be powered exclusively by plants by replacing the electric grid with a more sustainable microbial energy system. I hope we come to a point where every plant pot is provided with this technology, she told Dezeen. [We] dont know any better than that plants are part of our energy system.

Through inventions like Living Light, nature could get a higher economical value, added Van Oers. In addition, humans could start making more green places so that biodiversity can flourish. (Related: Higher plant biodiversity may help discourage the use of pesticides, reveals study.)

However, Van Oers acknowledged that the technology is still new. The device can only produce a small amount of energy in its current form because, although the plant constantly photosynthesizes, the lamp itself takes a day to produce enough energy for a half-hour charge. This can also vary depending on the plants health.

DNA from bioluminescent mushrooms allows plants to glow

The Living Light isnt scientists first attempt at producing light using only plants. A study published in Nature Biotechnology last April showed that deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from bioluminescent mushrooms can be extracted and inserted into other plant species to make them glow green light.

In the study, scientists extracted DNA from bioluminescent mushrooms and inserted them into tobacco plants. The modified tobacco plants continuously emitted green light from their roots, stems, flowers, and leaves, throughout all stages of their growth.

The mushrooms glow because of a molecule called caffeic acid, which can be found in lignin. Lignin helps form key structural materials in the support tissues of plants. It is especially important in the formation of cell walls, particularly in wood and bark.

However, even though plants contain caffeic acid, it is not enough to make them glow. In bioluminescent mushrooms, a pair of enzymes convert caffeic acid into a luminescent molecule called luciferin, which is oxidized by a third enzyme to produce a light particle.

Light Bio, a biotechnology company, has partnered with Russian company Planta to commercialize the technology. The two plan to offer a wide range of glowing houseplants eventually.

Go to FutureScienceNews.com for more articles about sustainable inventions.

Sources include:

IntelligentLiving.co 1

IntelligentLiving.co 2
(Natural News) Just under three years ago, Infowars anchor Alex Jones was tossed off Facebook, Apple, YouTube, and Spotify, marking the unofficial launch of the content moderation era. The censorship envelope has since widened dramatically via a series of high-profile incidents: Facebook and Twitter suppressing the Hunter Biden laptop story, Donald Trumps social media suspension, Apple and Amazons kneecapping of Parler, the removal of real raw footage from the January 6th riots, and others.

(Article by Matt Taibbi republished from Taibbi.Substack.com)

This weeks decision by YouTube to demonetize podcaster Bret Weinstein belongs on that list, and has a case to be put at or near the top, representing a different and perhaps more unnerving speech conundrum than those other episodes.

Profiled in this space two weeks ago, Weinstein and his wife Heather Heying  both biologists  host the podcast DarkHorse, which by any measure is among the more successful independent media operations in the country. They have two YouTube channels, a main channel featuring whole episodes and livestreams, and a clips channel featuring excerpts from those shows.

Between the two channels, theyve been flagged 11 times in the last month or so. Specifically, YouTube has honed in on two areas of discussion it believes promote medical misinformation. The first is the potential efficacy of the repurposed drug ivermectin as a Covid-19 treatment. The second is the third rail of third rails, i.e. the possible shortcomings of the mRNA vaccines produced by companies like Moderna and Pfizer.

Weinstein, who was also criticized for arguing the lab-leak theory before conventional wisdom shifted on that topic, says YouTubes decision will result in the loss of half of his and Heyings income. However, he says, YouTube told him he can reapply after a month.

YouTubes notice put it as follows: Edit your channel and reapply for monetization Make changes to your channel based on our feedback. Changes can include editing or deleting videos and updating video details.

They want me to self-censor, he says. Unless I stop broadcasting information that runs afoul of their CDC-approved talking points, Ill remain demonetized.

Weinsteins travails with YouTube sound like something out of a Star Trek episode, in which the Enterprise crew tries and fails to communicate with a malevolent AI attacking the ship. In the last two weeks, he emailed back and forth with the firm, at one point receiving an email from someone who identified himself only as Christopher, indicating a desire to set up a discussion between Weinstein and various parties at YouTube.

Over the course of these communications, Weinstein asked if he could nail down the name and contact number of the person with whom he was interacting. I said, Look, I need to know who you are first, whether youre real, what your real first and last names are, what your phone number is, and so on, Weinstein recounts. But on asking what Christophers real name and email was, they wouldnt even go that far. After this demand of his, instead of giving him an actual contact, YouTube sent him a pair of less personalized demonetization notices.

As has been noted in this space multiple times, this is a common theme in nearly all of these stories, but Weinsteins tale is at once weirder and more involved, as most people in these dilemmas never get past the form-letter response stage. YouTube has responded throughout to media queries about Weinsteins case, suggesting they take it seriously.

YouTubes decision with regard to Weinstein and Heying seems part of an overall butterfly effect, as numerous other figures either connected to the topic or to DarkHorse have been censured by various platforms. Weinstein guest Dr. Robert Malone, a former Salk Institute researcher often credited with helping develop mRNA vaccine technology, has been suspended from LinkedIn, and Weinstein guest Dr. Pierre Kory of the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance (FLCCC) has had his appearances removed by YouTube. Even Satoshi ?mura, who won the Nobel Prize in 2015 for his work on ivermectin, reportedly had a video removed by YouTube this week.

There are several factors that make the DarkHorse incident different from other major Silicon Valley moderation decisions, including the fact that the content in question doesnt involve electoral politics, foreign intervention, or incitement. The main issue is the possible blurring of lines between public and private censorship.

When I contacted YouTube about Weinstein two weeks ago, I was told, In general, we rely on guidance from local and global health authorities (FDA, CDC, WHO, NHS, etc) in developing our COVID-19 misinformation policies.

The question is, how active is that guidance? Is YouTube acting in consultation with those bodies in developing those moderation policies? As Weinstein notes, an answer in the affirmative would likely make theirs a true First Amendment problem, with an agency like the CDC not only setting public health policy but also effectively setting guidelines for private discussion about those policies. If it is in consultation with the government, he says, its an entirely different issue.

Asked specifically after Weinsteins demonetization if the guidance included consultation with authorities, YouTube essentially said yes, pointing to previous announcements that they consult other authorities, and adding, When we develop our policies we consult outside experts and YouTube creators. In the case of our COVID-19 misinformation policies, it would be guidance from local and global health authorities.

Weinstein and Heying might be the most prominent non-conservative media operation to fall this far afoul of a platform like YouTube. Unlike the case of, say, Alex Jones, the moves against the shows content have not been roundly cheered. In fact, theyve inspired blowback from across the media spectrum, with everyone from Bill Maher to Joe Rogan to Tucker Carlson taking notice.

They threw Bret Weinstein off YouTube, or almost, Maher said on Real Time last week. YouTube should not be telling me what I can see about ivermectin. Ivermectin isnt a registered Republican. Its a drug!

From YouTubes perspective, the argument for medical misinformation in the DarkHorse videos probably comes down to a few themes in Weinsteins shows. Take, for example, an exchange between Weinstein and Malone in a video about the mRNA vaccines produced by companies like Moderna and Pfizer:

Weinstein: The other problem is that what these vaccines do is they encode spike protein but the spike protein itself we now know is very dangerous, its cytotoxic, is that a fair description? Malone: More than fair, and I alerted the FDA about this risk months and months and months ago.

In another moment, entrepreneur and funder of fluvoxamine studies Steve Kirsch mentioned that his carpet cleaner had a heart attack minutes after taking the Pfizer vaccine, and cited Canadian viral immunologist Byram Bridle in saying that that the COVID-19 vaccine doesnt stay localized at point of injection, but goes throughout your entire body, it goes to your brain to your heart.

Politifact rated the claim that spike protein is cytotoxic false, citing the CDC to describe the spike protein as harmless. As to the idea that the protein does damage to other parts of the body, including the heart, they quoted an FDA spokesperson who said theres no evidence the spike protein lingers at any toxic level in the body.

Would many doctors argue that the 226 identified cases of myocarditis so far is tiny in the context of 130 million vaccine doses administered, and overall the danger of myocarditis associated with vaccine is far lower than the dangers of myocarditis in Covid-19 patients?

Absolutely. Its also true that the CDC itself had a meeting on June 18th to discuss cases of heart inflammation reported among people whod received the vaccine. The CDC, in other words, is simultaneously telling news outlets like Politifact that spike protein is harmless, and also having ad-hoc meetings to discuss the possibility, however remote from their point of view, that it is not harmless. Are only CDC officials allowed to discuss these matters?

The larger problem with YouTubes action is that it relies upon those government guidelines, which in turn are significantly dependent upon information provided to them by pharmaceutical companies, which have long track records of being less than forthright with the public.

In the last decade, for instance, the U.S. government spent over $1.5 billion to stockpile Tamiflu, a drug produced by the Swiss pharma firm Roche. It later came out  thanks to the efforts of a Japanese pediatrician who left a comment on an online forum  that Roche had withheld crucial testing information from British and American buyers, leading to a massive fraud suit. Similar controversies involving the arthritis drug Vioxx and the diabetes drug Avandia were prompted by investigations by independent doctors and academics.

As with financial services, military contracting, environmental protection, and other fields, the phenomenon of regulatory capture is demonstrably real in the pharmaceutical world. This makes basing any moderation policy on official guidelines problematic. If the proper vaccine policy is X, but the actual policy ends up being X plus unknown commercial consideration Y, a policy like YouTubes more or less automatically preempts discussion of Y.

Some of Weinsteins broadcasts involve exactly such questions about whether or not its necessary to give Covid-19 vaccines to children, to pregnant women, and to people whove already had Covid-19, and whether or not the official stance on those matters is colored by profit considerations. Other issues, like whether or not boosters are going to be necessary, need a hard look in light of the commercial incentives.

These are legitimate discussions, as the WHOs own behavior shows. On April 8th, the WHO website said flatly: Children should not be vaccinated for the moment. A month and a half later, the WHO issued a new guidance, saying the Pfizer vaccine was suitable for use by people aged 12 years and above.

The WHO was clear that its early recommendation was based on a lack of data, and on uncertainty about whether or not children with a low likelihood of infection should be a priority, and not on any definite conviction that the vaccine was unsafe. And, again, a Politifact check on the notion that the WHO reversed its stance on children rated the claim false, saying that the WHO merely updated its guidance on children. Still, the whole drama over the WHO recommendation suggested it should at least be an allowable topic of discussion.

Certainly there are critics of Weinsteins who blanch at the use of sci-fi terms like red pill (derived from worldview-altering truth pill in The Matrix), employing language like very dangerous to describe the mRNA vaccines, and descriptions of ivermectin as a drug that would almost certainly make you better.

Even to those critics, however, the larger issue Weinsteins case highlights should be clear. If platforms like YouTube are basing speech regulation policies on government guidelines, and government agencies demonstrably can be captured by industry, the potential exists for a new brand of capture  intellectual capture, where corporate money can theoretically buy not just regulatory relief but the broader preemption of public criticism. Its vaccines today, and that issue is important enough, but what if in the future the questions involve the performance of an expensive weapons program, or a finance company contracted to administer bailout funds, or health risks posed by a private polluter?

Weinstein believes capture plays a role in his case at some level. Its the only thing that makes sense, he says. He hopes the pressure from the public and from the media will push platforms like YouTube to reveal exactly how, and with whom, they settle upon their speech guidelines. Theres something industrial strength about the censorship, he says, adding. There needs to be a public campaign to reject it.

Read more at: Taibbi.Substack.com and Censorship.news.
(Natural News) A 43-year-old woman in the U.K. was left unable to speak after getting the second dose of the AstraZeneca Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. Artist Sofia Gomes believes that the vaccine caused her to suffer a severe allergic reaction after getting the vaccine on May 19. Prior to the second dose, she experienced leg pain and a high fever after her first AstraZeneca vaccine dose last March.

The artist residing in the town of Wisbech in Cambridgeshire wrote that she had no underlying health problem prior to her inoculation. Her partner Victor Plowman shared how the artist lost her speech. On the evening of May 19 after her vaccination, she started clutching at her tonsils and throat  and could only whisper to him. We thought she was having an allergic reaction, so I called an ambulance and she went up to hospital.

Gomes was then brought to Norfolks Queen Elizabeth Hospital Kings Lynn. But doctors who observed her  including several specialists  were left baffled and could not explain her condition. Even scans performed on her throat did not find anything wrong. Nevertheless, Gomes insisted that the vaccine may have caused her to lose the ability to speak.

She stayed at the hospital for a week and was told that her voice will return. As of writing, Gomes is waiting for speech therapy through the National Health Service.

Plowman said Gomes had been frustrated and left in tears because of the loss of her speech. Shes been writing stuff down on a piece of paper, and sometimes shell point or gesture at something to indicate what she wants. But its been really hard for her, as she cant properly communicate with the kids. Gomes is also a mother to six children aged between one and 19.

Gomes wrote: I find it really hard to express my feelings when all I can do is just write things down in a notepad. I am trying to stay positive for my family, but I am really worried and this has affected me [by] a huge amount.

She also expressed frustration about her inability to speak and its effect on her family. I feel bad that I cant help my baby develop her speech, and one of my sons is autistic so it has been difficult not being able to communicate with him properly, too. I miss reading stories to my children and singing to them at night, and I miss being able to speak to my family in Portugal over the phone, she wrote.

Gomess loss of speech following her vaccination was dismissed as a chance coincidence

According to professor Neil Mabbott of the University of Edinburgh, there were no credible reports of post-vaccination voice loss that he knew of. However, Mabbott noted that a bout of COVID-19 can cause laryngitis  which can cause temporary changes to ones voice. This laryngitis caused by COVID-19 can take several weeks to resolve.

It seems likely that the loss of voice in [Gomess] instance was chance coincidence, Mabbot said. The U.K.s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency echoed the professors remarks and said there was no evidence the vaccine was linked to Gomes losing her ability to speak. It nevertheless advised anyone having difficulty speaking after getting the AstraZeneca jab to seek medical attention.

Side effects from the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine include soreness at the injection site, headaches, muscle pain and fatigue. Serious reactions linked to the vaccine include a low blood platelet count and blood clots. The serious reactions have led a number of European countries to permanently exclude it from their COVID-19 mass vaccination programs. (Related: Queensland pulls AstraZeneca vaccine following more cases of blood clots.)

The vaccine has also caused the death of a number of Britons. Back in May 2021, 39-year-old Stephanie Dubois passed away more than two weeks after her first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. The Cyprus-based British model got inoculated on May 6 and posted the serious reactions she experienced on social media. She was then taken to Nicosia General Hospital for breathing problems on May 14, slipping into a coma five days later. Local Cypriot media later reported that Dubois suffered a brain hemorrhage and died on the afternoon of May 22.

In April 2021, the vaccine also caused the death of 27-year-old field service engineer Jack Last. The fit and healthy Suffolk resident started experiencing headaches on April 9, days after he received his first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine on March 30. He was rushed to Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge where the headaches turned out to be symptoms of a bleed on the brain. Last eventually died on April 20. His elder sister Jasmine Last said: We do believe that his death was linked to the vaccine. (Related: Young engineer dies 3 weeks after first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.)

Visit VaccineDamage.news to read more about the serious reactions caused by the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk 1

TheScottishSun.co.uk

DailyMail.co.uk 2
(Natural News) According to the results of a recent poll, the majority of Americans dont want government action on the Delta variant of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

The poll, conducted by the Trafalgar group in partnership with the Convention of States Action, was released on June 28. It involved a representative sample of 1,101 likely general election voters. Respondents were asked about what they think the response should be as the Delta variant continues to spread across the country.

Health officials say that the Delta variant is a highly infectious mutation that could soon become the dominant strain in America.

Poll results show America wants freedom from the governments medical tyranny

The majority of the polls respondents  63.0 percent  said that [g]overnment should take no action. With the vaccines and treatments available, respondents also said that people can make personal decisions on how to respond.

Meanwhile, only 17.7 of respondents said that the government should reinstate mandates for wearing face masks and social distancing. Only 7 percent wanted the government to reinstate lockdowns, along with mask-wearing and social distancing.

The remaining 12.3 percent of respondents werent sure how they wanted the government to respond.

Respondents who identified as Republicans had the greatest opposition to government action in response to the Delta variant, with 83.4 percent not wanting the government to take action.

On the other hand, Democrat respondents, who in previous polls often favored stronger government measures in response to the coronavirus, were also mostly opposed. At least 50.1 percent also said they didnt want government action.

Out of the Republican respondents, only 7.2 percent answered that they want mask and distancing mandates and only 2.4 percent said they also want lockdowns.

Meanwhile, 25.8 percent of Democrats said that they want the government to impose mask-wearing and social distancing restrictions to address the Delta variant threat and 11.3 percent said they also wanted to go back into lockdown. (Related: Delta variant of the coronavirus will be the new excuse for tyrannical health measures.)

Tracing the Delta virus mutation to India

The poll released at the same time that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that the Delta mutation, which was first identified in India, was a variant of concern.

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the head of the agency, explained that she expects the mutation to become the dominant strain in the country. That said, Walensky said in an interview that the more transmissible U.K. variant still made up almost 70 percent of the cases in the U.S.

Delta strain unlikely to prompt another lockdown in the United States, says Biden

In the spring of 2020, America entered near-nationwide lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Every state, along with the federal government, has eventually rolled back restrictions. However, some have kept rules in place despite a sharp improvement in coronavirus metrics like average daily cases and patients in hospitals.

Health officials claim that lockdowns have helped keep people safe, but there are experts who counter that the strategy had unintended consequences. These include an increase in unemployment rates, widespread business closures and a greater number of mental health issues.

When asked about the possibility of another lockdown, President Joe Biden said that the prevalence of the Delta strain will be unlikely to prompt another lockdown in the country, especially since most of the population has already been vaccinated.

He added that the Delta variant can cause more deaths in areas where people havent been vaccinated, suggesting that coronavirus vaccines are worth risking your health for even if many of them are linked to various negative side effects.

Go to Pandemic.news for more updates on the coronavirus and the Delta variant.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

TheTrafalgarGroup.org[PDF]
(Natural News) The Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) brainwashing psy-op was so effective in the United Kingdom over the past year that the vast majority of Britons still support mask mandates, despite the fact that the plandemic is finished.

A YouGov poll found that most Britons support mandatory masks while shopping and riding public transport, while 70 percent say they would not feel safe in a crowded or enclosed space unless everyone present was covering their faces.

Despite the fact that Prime Minister Boris Johnson is on the verge of lifting all Fauci Flu restrictions, joining most other countries that have already done the same, the average Briton wants to keep the fearmongering going into perpetuity.

A whopping 71 percent of those asked say they believe that face masks should continue to be mandatory on public transport for a further period of time, while only 21 percent disagree with this statement.

Two-thirds, or roughly 66 percent, say they believe that masks should be mandatory while indoors, at least for the foreseeable future, and a combined 70 percent say that unless a space is well-ventilated and uncrowded, they would not feel safe having faces exposed.

Based on political persuasion, the situation is much the same in the U.K. as it is here in the U.S., with most of those living in fear and supportive of mask mandates being on the left side of the spectrum.

Still, a majority on both sides in the U.K. say they would prefer that masks stay for now, with no set deadline as to when Brits can once again show their faces without a Fauci veil.

The breakdown was similar for support for wearing masks in shops  Labour: 74 per cent; Conservatives: 61 per cent; Liberal Democrats: 77 per cent  with majorities of Leavers (60 per cent) and Remainers (78 per cent) also backing the hypothetical question, reports Breitbart News.

Seventy-four per cent of Labour, 68 per cent of Conservative, and 83 per cent of Lib Dem voters said they would feel unsafe in enclosed spaces if others werent wearing masks, as did 81 per cent of Remainers (those who support the U.K. remaining in the European Union) and 65 per cent of Leavers (those who support Brexit).

Britons gave up their civil liberties without so much as a whimper

PM Johnson is set to announce a lifting of the U.K.s mask mandate on July 19, even as paranoid Brits and some in the medical industry insist that masks should remain part of the human face forever.

A powerful trade union known as Unite is calling for masks to remain mandatory on public transportation, and the cheap budget air carrier RyanAir has indicated that masks will remain mandatory on all flights.

Conservative MP Sir Desmond Swayne, meanwhile, is horrified at how easily Britons have agreed to give up their freedoms and liberties, all in the name of flattening the curve and staying safe against a virus.

The enthusiasm with which people have embraced the diminution of their civil liberties and their ordinary lives, Swayne lamented, is simply unnerving.

Conservative Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith last month stated that Britons were worried and frightened into accepting the government-imposed lockdowns due to incorrect information about the plandemic that was spread by corrupt scientists and politicians.

Smiths comments came after another poll found that 72 percent of Britons supported postponing the regaining of their freedoms in order to feel safer and more protected against the Chinese Virus.

This is the cultural shift the left has been working towards for decades, warned one commenter at Breitbart News about how this was all planned long ago.

The latest news about Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) insanity can be found at Pandemic.news.

Sources for this article include:

Breitbart.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Twenty years ago, if someone were to suggest that the Communist Chinese Party would wield outsized influence in America, most foreign policy and national security experts would have laughed you out of the room.

But at it turns out, whoever predicted back then that Beijing would rise to become a dominant player in U.S. domestic and foreign policy would have been correct; in 2021, China has more influence in our culture, our business world, and in our government than any other nation has ever had. And its all because China knows that our own leaders have turned our capitalist society into a crony capitalist society, where  for the right amount of money  they (and the institutions they control) can be bought.

In a stunning report, The National Pulse revealed in recent days that the president of the George H.W. Bush Foundation, which has received millions of dollars from a propaganda organization linked to the ChiComs, appeared on a Chinese state media broadcast to sing the praises of the regime and also compliment Beijing for its good governance.

The outlet adds:

The June 24th segment (full clip below) on the state-run broadcaster China Global Television Network (CGTN) followed an Axios report revealing that the George H.W. Bush Foundation for U.S.-China Relations agreed to accept $1 million per year from 2019 to 2023 from the China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF).

CUSEF functions as part of the Chinese Communist Partys United Front  a billion-dollar, military-linked effort that seeks to co-opt and neutralize sources of potential opposition to the policies and authority of the Chinese government.

The United Front strategy uses a range of methods to influence overseas Chinese communities, foreign governments, and other actors to take actions or adopt positions supportive of Beijings preferred policies, a U.S. government report noted in 2018.

The report goes on to say that Chinas government organizations literally spread pro-regime propaganda around the world and especially in the United States.

The CCPs United Front Work Department (UFWD)  the agency responsible for coordinating these kinds of influence operations  mostly focuses on the management of potential opposition groups inside China, but it also has an important foreign influence mission, it adds.

Moreover, these Chinese front groups seek to work specifically through American organizations like the Bush Foundation.

It is precisely the nature of United Front work to seek influence through connections that are difficult to publicly prove and to gain influence that is interwoven with sensitive issues such as ethnic, political, and national identity, making those who seek to identify the negative effects of such influence vulnerable to accusations of prejudice, the government report adds.

Enter David Firestein, the Bush China Foundations President and CEO; he is among the latest example of how China is buying access and influence in the U.S. by working with and through existing organizations.

His CGTN appearance followed an interview Firestein did with Chinas official propaganda organization, the Global Times, in which he attacked then-President Donald Trump, the one chief executive who has been the toughest on China.

The article was compiled by Global Times reporter Yu Jincui based on an interview with David Firestein, president and CEO of the George H. W. Bush Foundation for US-China Relations, say the credits at the end of the piece.

Demonizing China is kind of the new national pastime in the United States of America. Theres no question about it, Firestein began in the CGTN interview.

There is no question that there is a huge amount of negativity toward China. As Ive often said, if, to use a metaphor, if China were helping an elderly grandma across the street, to cross the street safely, many in America would find fault in that. No matter what China does, its wrong in the eyes of many, many Americans, he added.

In a different day and age, this guy would be charged with treason and sentenced to death.

Sources include:

TheNationalPulse.com

GlobalTimes.cn

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Californias manufactured drought is causing many farmers throughout the Golden State to have to creatively alter their crops in order to salvage some of them.

Almond farmers, for example, are shaking the almonds off their trees in an effort to save the trees themselves from dying due to lack of water. Because government officials are intentionally draining all the reservoirs to save delta smelt, farmers are not getting the water they need to continue producing food.

The result will surely be felt by the entire nation, and perhaps the world, once shelves start to go bare from the lack of yield. It could take a bit of time to manifest, but it is coming.

Even driving along the west side [of the Central Valley], youre starting to see things I never saw before, revealed Victor Hanson on his show, the Victor Davis Hanson Show.

There are orchards out there where theyve shaken the almonds off to keep the tree alive, but not to have enough water for the crop this year.

Other farmers are disposing of their almond trees entirely, which bodes ominous as California currently provides 80 percent of the worlds supply of almonds  the rest generally come from Spain.

Most of the Western United States is plagued with record-breaking drought conditions on top of horrible government policies that involve wasting precious freshwater by dumping it into the ocean for environmental purposes.

The situation is reshaping the states food sector, forcing farmers to reassess which crops they will have the water to produce, and where, reports indicate.

It is also challenging food-company executives tasked with keeping grocery store shelves filled when reservoirs or wells run dry.

Radical environmentalists are to blame for Californias drought

Jim Anderson, a farmer from Huron, Calif., told the media that his canals have completely run dry, prompting him to opt out of planting his 6,000 acres, which are usually brimming with foods like garlic and carrots.

Instead, Anderson has had to reroute groundwater from his wells to water his almond crops, which represent decades of investment. To lose his almond orchards would result in absolute devastation.

Were grinding up trees as we speak, Anderson indicated about how he is even having to trim his almond orchards just to survive. Beautiful orchards that couldve lasted another five or six years.

The Biden regime, meanwhile, is doing absolutely nothing to try to fix the problem. Nothing in China Joes infrastructure plan involves expanding water infrastructure with more reservoirs, desalinization plants, and other technologies.

The current water infrastructure in California has not been updated in nearly half a century, back when the state had about half of its current population. The end result, of course, will likely be mass starvation once farmers are no longer able to obtain the water needed to feed the country, as well as much of the world.

Leftists in government are of course blaming climate change for the total political failure on both sides of the aisle to address this growing problem. Somehow it is mother natures fault that politicians are refusing to get water to crops.

The drought-stricken almond farmers in California were denied access to a major water supply by a judge citing the Endangered Species Act to protect a type of smelt, wrote one commenter at Breitbart News about the true culprit behind this looming disaster.

Conservationists say the smelt are dying in the irrigation pumps, so a judge ruled they must be shut off for much of the growing season. Much of this is a man-made disaster, engineered by environmental activists who have very questionable priorities.

More related news about the impending collapse of the food chain can be found at Collapse.news.

Sources for this article include:

NaturalNews.com

Breitbart.com
(Natural News) The United States rapid mobilization to vaccinate all Americans against the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) has failed. Many mass vaccination sites all over the country are shutting down.

President Joe Bidens goal was to have 70 percent of the adult population receive at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine by July 4. But the U.S. did not meet this goal. Less than half of the country has received even just one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

White House COVID-19 Coordinator Jeffrey Zients said the 70 percent target set by Biden has been met among people aged 30 years and above. But it will take a lot more time to do the same for the rest of the eligible population.

The biggest challenge to early mass vaccination efforts was getting enough supply of vaccine doses. But most of the people that were willing to get vaccinated have now gotten their doses. Federal, state and local government efforts have shifted to a more targeted approach to reach people who remain hesitant or lack easy access to vaccines. (Related: Polls reveal Gen Z make up the bulk of people refusing coronavirus vaccines.)

Many officials in the U.S. are blaming the failure of the mass vaccination effort on the spread of so-called misinformation regarding vaccines. However, these officials are ignoring the historically rooted distrust that minority populations, such as the Black and Native Americans, have of the medical community that has illegally used them for medical experiments.

All covid vaccines in the United States are medical experiments. None are fully approved by the FDA as safe and effective.

In early June, the daily vaccination rate dropped to less than one million doses administered per day. As of press time, it is hovering at around 0.9 million doses administered per day. This is a more than 70 percent decline from the national peak of around 3.4 million doses administered per day.

Because of the number of vaccine doses still left unused, the Biden administration has pledged to export 80 million COVID-19 doses by the end of July to alleviate global vaccine shortages. These doses will be donated through Covax, the international vaccination effort, and directly with partners based on regional need.

Mass vaccination drive to be handled by states and corporations

There will be far fewer vaccination locations in the U.S. from now on as many of the sites run by the federal government are shutting down. Some of the largest sites that have already closed include the United Center in Chicago, the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston and a handful of large-scale vaccination clinics in New York City. The last of the 39 federally operated mass vaccination centers that administered millions of shots was in Newark, and that, too, closed on June 20.

Instead of government-run vaccination centers, the vaccination drive will transition to a more corporate-driven program. Companies like CVS Health and Walgreens Boots Alliance, which took big financial hits from the pandemic, have said they are excited about making money on COVID-19 vaccines and other coronavirus-related products and services, including tests.

Many CVS pharmacists and technicians who were either hired or repurposed for mass vaccination purposes are now being reallocated. The company is also adapting their model to better meet the demand in each location, said one spokesman. While CVS is now preparing to shut down vaccine clinics in locations with lower demand, it reassures people that they can still receive shots any time at all of its stores.

The U.S. will also be relying more on vaccination drives run by states and local governments.

It still remains a priority for us to vaccinate as many individuals as possible, said Donna Skoda, health commissioner of Summit County Public Health in Ohio, about the countrys decision to shut down a local mass vaccination clinic. We have to think of new and innovative ways to reach individuals who have not been vaccinated, so we are shifting some of our resources to more targeted initiatives.

Learn more about the the U.S. mass vaccination program and why vaccine demand is waning at Vaccines.news.

Sources include:

WSJ.com

TheHill.com

CIDRAP.UMN.edu

NYTimes.com
(Natural News) The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President Biden is being called out for describing supporters of President Trump as enemies of the state.

(Article by Bob Unruh republished from WNDNewsCenter.org)

The charges comes from John Lucas, a lawyer in Tennessee who several times has argued before the U.S. Supreme Court.

He writes at the Federalist that the wild claim from Gen. Mark Milley, who recently was called upon by President Trump to resign, came in his recent comments about the Jan. 6 events at the U.S. Capitol.

First, Lucas points out that the military takes an oath to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

Military officers take that oath very seriously. It is not something that Milley or any other officer parrots and then forgets, Lucas, an Army Ranger, said.

But Milley validated the use of military personnel and lethal military force against political opponents of the leftist administration now running the nation, Lucas said.

It was because Milley claimed thousands of people attacked the Capitol as insurrectionists who were trying to overturn the Constitution of the United States.

So, what is it that caused thousands of people to assault this building and try to overturn the Constitution of the United States of America? What caused that? Milley charged.

If they want to overturn the Constitution, they are the domestic enemies against whom Milley and the rest of the military are obligated by their oaths to defend, Lucas said.

But he pointed out, Milleys testimony alleging there were thousands of such people assaulting the capitol building can only be true if, in addition to the several hundred unarmed people who actually entered the capitol building, he counts the thousands of Donald Trump supporters and conservatives who attended the presidents rally and then marched to the vicinity of the capitol.

He warned, By giving his carefully planned testimony claiming these demonstrators were trying to overturn the Constitution, Milley was labeling them as domestic enemies against whom his oath of office justified the employment of military force.

Read more at: WNDNewsCenter.org and FalseFlag.news
(Natural News) The National Education Association (NEA), Americas largest teachers union, has decided that public school indoctrinators will, in fact, be teaching critical race theory (CRT) to students, even if the law prohibits it.

At its recent Annual Meeting and Representative Assembly, the NEA adopted Business Item 39, which states that the USAs economy / social order is built on interactions between different cultures / races. To deny opportunities to teach truth about Black, Brown, and other marginalized races minimalizes the necessity for students to build efficacy.

The plan is to introduce information into the stream of public consciousness that will explain what CRT is and what it is not. Staff will be brought in to brainwash union members who want to learn more and fight back against anti-CRT rhetoric.

Part of the program will involve pushing study that critiques empire, white supremacy, anti-Blackness, anti-Indigeneity, racism, patriarchy, cisheteropatriarchy, capitalism, ableism, anthropocentrism, and other forms of power and oppression at the intersections of our society, and that we oppose attempts to ban critical race theory and / or The 1619 Project.

The NEA is slated to promote anti-white CRT in all 50 states, even though some of them have banned it, as well as in all 14,000 public school districts. Eventually, all American children will be taught that having light skin is evil and that only brown and black skin is pure and good.

Its quickly becoming a crime to be white in America

The NEAs open embrace of CRT serves as proof that the anti-white agenda is hardly dead in the water for K-12 education as many have been claiming. It is more alive than ever before, in fact  and if it persists, it will soon be a crime to be white in America.

There is simply no more room for white people in the new American society, especially if you are a straight white person  and God forbid a straight white male.

America is rapidly becoming a dangerous war zone for white people who are being systematically discriminated against by racists, many of whom are brainwashed whites. White people are also being assaulted, and in some cases murdered, simply because of the color of their skin.

And we have organizations like the NEA and the public school system at large to blame, as they are teaching the next generation to become proud white-hating racists who brag about their racism as if it was a virtue.

According to the NEA, it is truthful and accurate to portray all white people as evil, blaming anyone with light skin for slavery and the oppression and discrimination of Indigenous, Black, Brown, and other peoples of color.

Altering public school curriculum to reflect this anti-white hatred and racism is the goal of the NEA. The union is a proud supporter of the racist terrorist organization BLM (Black Lives Matter), and has chosen to celebrate the life of that criminal on October 14, which has been designated as a national day of action to teach lessons about structural racism and oppression.

There will also be days designated for Breonna Taylor, Philando Castile, and other black lives that, because of their involvement in criminal activity, perished as police attempted to do their jobs in stopping crime.

The NEA has committed more than $50,000 of its budget to research the organizations attacking educators doing anti-racist work. The NEA is deeply concerned about these attacks on anti-racist teachers that it says are increasing as a result of well-funded organizations such as the Heritage Foundation.

More related news about the ongoing collapse of American society at the hands of anti-white Marxists can be found at Collapse.news.

Sources for this article include:

ThePostMillennial.com

NaturalNews.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) One of the problems with having Marxists in the White House is that they tend to choose left-wing extremists to serve the administration, and that is certainly the case when it comes to David Chipman, the man the Biden regime has nominated to serve as director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

For one, Chipman only seems concerned about the firearms part of his regulatory position.

In an obscure interview with the BBC in 2019, Chipman came out and said that anyone who posts hate speech online ought to be subjected to having their firearms confiscated by armed federal agents, because the First Amendment and Second Amendment to the Constitution, he suggests by default, are not inalienable rights but rather those that are only granted by government.

We really need to do more to monitor hate speech on the internet, Chipman argued, going on to suggest that then-President Donald Trumps speech was hateful as well and should also be regulated.

But we also have to do more to curb that same speech being presented by our president and other elected public officials, he went on.

Questions: Who are we and what more, exactly, should be done?

The FBI, other federal agencies, have a tough job responding to these threats when they dont currently (our emphasis) have the authority to remove weaponry just because people are saying hateful things, he added.

Of course, hateful things is very often in the eye of the beholder, and when that speech arbiter happens to be a well-armed federal agency, that gets really worrisome really quickly.

Its bad enough that a guy like Chipman has even been nominated to lead one of those armed federal agencies, but this guy literally would have jailed our founding fathers for their hate speech about liberty and freedom against the British Crowns tyranny while at the same time confiscating their firearms.

The framers literally wrote and states literally ratified the First and Second Amendments to be able to be a) critical of government; and b) armed while being critical of government. Chipman and those in government like him want to punish Americans in the same way King George did before the American Revolution.

The one good thing is that Chipman may actually lack the votes in the evenly divided Senate to win confirmation. Yes, the Senate is currently split 50-50, Republicans and Democrats with Kamala Harris providing the tie breaking vote, but he may not get all 50 Democrats.

Fox News reported late last month:

The Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday advanced President Bidens nominee to run the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) on a party-line vote, setting the table for an uncertain confirmation effort on the Senate floor.

Republicans, all of whom voted against David Chipman in the 10-10 Judiciary Committee vote, have raised alarms about Chipmans alleged hostility toward guns  citing his past comments and his previous work with gun control groups like Giffords and Everytown. Its likely all 50 Republicans will vote against the nominee on the Senate floor.

After meeting with Mr. Chipman, listening to Mainers, and reviewing his record, I have decided to vote against Mr. Chipmans nomination to serve as the ATF Director, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said in a statement ahead of the Judiciary Committee vote. In recent years, Mr. Chipman has been an outspoken critic of the firearms industry and has made statements that demean law-abiding gun owners.

Meanwhile, Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., a constitutional originalist, echoed most Republicans when he said of Chipman that hes leery of his agenda to take away Second Amendment rights from law-abiding citizens while violent criminals are loose on our streets.

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, blasted Chipman for saying in a Reddit post a few years back that anyone who fails a gun background check should be arrested.

We dont arrest people before they commit crimes. Thats the sort of thing thats reserved for bad post-apocalyptic dystopian novels and movies, Lee said.

Sources include:

FoxNews.com

Mom-At-Arms.com
(Natural News) Ohio state legislators approved a bill prohibiting public schools and universities from requiring Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations for students and staff members. House Bill 244, which the Ohio General Assembly approved on June 28, banned mandatory vaccination with COVID-19 vaccines that are not fully approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). All COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. have only been granted emergency use authorization as of writing.

The bill passed along party lines in both the upper and lower chambers of the Ohio legislature, with Republicans for and Democrats against the bill. Lawmakers in the state Senate voted 24-8 in favor of the bill, while those in the state House of Representatives voted 61-34.

Senate President Matt Huffman argued that young adults arent as severely affected by COVID-19 compared to other groups. The simple fact is that decision needs to be decided by their parents and their family, the GOP lawmaker said.

Another GOP legislator, State Sen. Andrew Brenner, argued that college students should be able to independently make the decision. This is about personal rights. But its also about making sure our students are protected, and that parents  and college students are making the decisions about their own personal rights, he said. Brenner continued that despite clinical trials saying the vaccines were effective, some parents are not comfortable with them.

Following its passing, only the signature of GOP Gov. Mike DeWine is needed for the bill to become a law. Local Ohio television station NBC4 reported that DeWine has declined to comment on whether he would veto or sign the bill. Local Ohio radio station WKSU 87.9 reported that the bill does not apply to private schools, private universities and public hospitals.

The two-dose Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna mRNA vaccines have been authorized under emergency use since December 2020. The single-dose adenoviral vector vaccine from Johnson & Johnson has also received emergency approval from the FDA since February 2021.

The new bill also bans discrimination against unvaccinated people

Aside from banning mandatory vaccinations, House Bill 244 also prohibited public educational institutions from discriminating against people whove opted not to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The bill outlined different forms of discrimination, including requiring unvaccinated individuals from participating in activities different from those required of vaccinated persons. (Related: Rutgers students protest mandatory vaccination rule.)

Vaccines should be a choice. Even in K-12 schools right now, every vaccine  not just COVID-19 vaccines  can be exempted from, GOP State Sen. Niraj Antani told WDTN 2. In order to work or to go to school, you should not be forced to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Many Republican states have gone against the grain in fighting mandatory COVID-19 vaccination and vaccine passports. Florida spearheaded these moves to defend health freedom, and other states have followed suit. Back in late March of this year, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis openly slammed the idea of vaccine passports as completely unacceptable.

DeSantis said during a March 29 press conference: Its completely unacceptable for either the government or the private sector to impose upon you the requirement that you show proof of [vaccination] to just simply be able to participate in normal society. (Related: Florida Gov. DeSantis ENDS all local coronavirus restrictions and mandates, bans vaccine passports.)

He added: Requiring so-called COVID-19 vaccine passports for taking part in everyday life  such as attending a sporting event, patronizing a restaurant or going to a movie theater  would create two classes of citizens based on vaccination. He later signed an executive order on April 2 banning state-run organizations and private businesses from making vaccine passports a requirement for working or obtaining services.

Later in April, the Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 2006 (SB 2006) on April 29  bolstering the earlier executive order by DeSantis. The bills text read: [Any] business operating in this state may not require patrons or customers to provide any documentation certifying COVID-19 vaccination or post-infection recovery to gain access to, entry upon or service from the business operations in this state. SB 2006 also mentioned that violators could face fines of up to $5,000 per infraction.

DeSantis signed SB 2006 into law on May 3. A statement from his office on the same day remarked that the signing codifies the prohibition of COVID-19 vaccine passports. The governor said: In Florida, your personal choice regarding vaccinations will be protected  and no business or government entity will be able to deny you services based on your decision.

MedicalTyranny.com has more stories about states such as Ohio and Florida fighting mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations and vaccine passports.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

WKSU.org

WDTN.com

NPR.org

DailyMail.co.uk

NationalFile.com

FLGov.com
(Natural News) Israeli authorities have confirmed that Pfizers claim about its Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine being 95 percent effective is a bald-faced lie.

The Israeli news outlet Ynet reported that the latest efficacy figure for Pfizers Chinese Virus injection has dropped to about 64 percent amid reports that vaccinated people everywhere are testing positive for the trendy new variants that are supposedly now in circulation.

Because the numbers continue to slide, suggesting that the Pfizer vaccine is a fraud, authorities are advising people to get tested  even if they have already been injected  to ensure that they are safe against Chinese Germs.

A Pfizer spokesperson reportedly refused to address the new numbers out of Israel, instead choosing to cite company data that claims the injections are still safe and effective, regardless of what the latest science shows.

This same corporate mouthpiece says the Pfizer jabs are effective against all known variants, though at a reduced strength (whatever that means ).

Some 9.3 million Israelis, or about 60 percent of the countrys population, has now received at least one dose of the Pfizer jab. Because of this, government authorities have begun to loosen some restrictions, including mask mandates and social distancing guidelines.

Despite high injection rates, positive cases of the Chinese Virus in Israel continue to rise. The number of daily cases reached 344 on July 4, while the number of seriously ill reached 35  up from 21 on June 19. This would suggest that the injections are causing more illness.

At least half of all Israelis who test positive for delta variant are already vaccinated

Back in June, an official leading an expert advisory panel for the Israeli government admitted that the jabs are not working as well as claimed. Among those who have tested positive for the so-called delta variant, at least half had already been injected for the Fauci Flu.

What this means, of course, is that the injections do not work as claimed, and are actually causing more disease. Public Health England found that injected people are at least eight times more likely to catch the delta variant than non-injected people.

Ron Balicer, an Israeli official, says that roughly 90 percent of all new Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) infections are linked to the delta variant, which was first identified in India late last year.

The mainstream media says the delta variant is highly contagious compared to earlier strains of the Chinese Virus, and that it is spreading rapidly. It is too early to say, however, whether or not it is more deadly than earlier iterations of the Fauci Flu.

There would seem to be no end to the trail of variants that the media is ready and willing to fearmonger about once publicly announced. There is already talk about a new lambda variant, which will probably be followed by an epsilon variant, a zeta variant and so on forever.

I trust the Israeli government even less than our own (which isnt very much), wrote one commenter at The Epoch Times. Of course the effectiveness of the vaccine will be reported as dropping so as to push getting a booster shot.

Others pointed out that if people still have to get tested in order to know whether or not they have some scary new variant, then said variant is probably not a risk, and may not even exist.

At this point, I believe less than zero of what health experts and governments are saying about this virus! another commenter wrote, summing up how most people probably feel at this point.

More related news about the dangers and ineffectiveness of Chinese Virus injections can be found at ChemicalViolence.com.

Sources for this article include:

TheEpochTimes.com

NaturalNews.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) The man behind mRNA (messenger RNA) vaccine technology is being scrubbed from the digital history books for daring to publicly speak out about its dangers.

Dr. Robert Malone appeared on a recent episode of the DarkHorse podcast to explain that experimental Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) gene therapy  this is what the jabs are, by the way  come with serious risks that are not being acknowledged, let alone taken seriously, by the government.

Instead of being transparent about the fact that Chinese Virus injections are neither safe nor effective, and are more of a security blanket for people who buy into all the mainstream media propaganda, government authorities are pretending as though Fauci Ouchi shots are a magical cure for the plandemic, which is leading many people astray.

Especially in children, the risks of Wuhan Flu shots far outweigh any purported benefits. Malone agrees, and since he is an actual authority on the matter, he is now being silenced by YouTube and other Big Tech platforms for telling too much truth.

As recently as June 14, 2021, Malones contributions to the development of mRNA were included in the historical section on the Wikipedia entry for RNA vaccines. As of June 16, however, Malones name has been removed, as have all his accomplishments as a researcher at the Salk Institute, the University of California, and the University of Wisconsin.

To censor a scientific discussion with the actual inventor of the technology used to manufacture these COVID-19 shots is beyond shocking, writes Dr. Joseph Mercola. But the censorship of Malone goes even further than that.

According to Wikipedia, Dr. Malone no longer even exists

One of Malones discoveries that Wikipedia would rather nobody know about took place in 1990. At that time, Malone demonstrated that in-vitro transcribed mRNA could deliver genetic information into the cell to produce proteins within living cell tissue.

But wait: The government has been saying for the past year that mRNA technology is completely safe and does not turn a persons cells into spike protein factories. It turns out that the government is lying, hence why Wikipedia is trying to erase Malone and his experiment from existence.

This memory-holing of truth runs deep throughout the gamut of Big Tech, with Wikipedia perhaps being the worst offender since many people look to it as an encyclopedia, of sorts. Little do they know that Wikipedia is an information gatekeeper that spreads propaganda as fact while actively censoring all truth.

In short, [Malones] scientific knowledge of mRNA vaccines is unquestionable, Mercola says.

Wikipedia and the mainstream media are now falsely claiming that a Hungarian biochemist by the name of Katalin Kariko is the inventor of mRNA vaccines. This is just too convenient, seeing as how Kariko is the current senior vice president at BioNTech, the German pharmaceutical company that created an mRNA vaccine for the Chinese Virus in collaboration with Pfizer.

As noted in the featured video, this goes beyond censoring, warns Mercola. Its revisionism  a 1984-style rewriting of history to fit the official narrative of the day. The danger of this trend is incalculable.

Malone recently appeared on Fox News, explaining to host Tucker Carlson that nobody should ever be forced to take an mRNA injection, not the least of which is because they are experimental.

I am of the opinion that people have the right to decide whether to accept vaccines or not, especially since these are experimental vaccines, Malone stated.

My concern is I know there are risks but we dont have access to the data  We dont really have the information we need to make a reasonable decision.

More related news about Big Techs relentless attempts at deleting from existence everyone who defies the plandemic narrative can be found at Censorship.news.

Sources for this article include:

Mercola.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) While the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic saw record levels of unemployment in the United States, several states are now seeing their job markets recover at a faster rate after ending unemployment benefits.

Twenty-six states have opted out of the expanded unemployment benefits program ahead of its Sept. 6 expiration, 25 of which have Republican governors.

Many economists have pondered whether the federal unemployment benefits have really discouraged workers from returning to the labor force. But they also acknowledged that a variety of factors contributed to the current labor shortage.

Goldman Sachs Chief Economist Jan Hatzius said the expiration of the unemployment benefits will likely provide a tailwind to hiring in the coming months. The economist wrote in a June 11 report: Our baseline assumption is that expiring [federal unemployment] benefits will boost job growth by over 150,000 in July and over 400,000 in September. However, Hatzius noted that these figures still have high uncertainty around them.

Meanwhile, U.S. employment marketplace ZipRecruiter noted a rapid rise in job applications in states that prematurely ended their enhanced benefits program. ZipRecruiter Labor Economist Julia Pollak told the Epoch Times: Job search sites have more frequent data on job search activity and are a valuable source of information on whats going on in real time.

Pollak said following the Memorial Day holiday week that ended June 5, job searches and applications in states that ended the enhanced benefits program saw an uptick. But it is too soon to tell for sure, she added.

The effect of states prematurely ending the extra $300 weekly pandemic unemployment benefits would not be fully visible until early August 2021  when the jobs report for July is published. But in those states that did so, reports noted that both continued and initial unemployment benefit claims saw a decline. (Related: As extra unemployment benefits run out, laid-off workers scramble to look for jobs amid coronavirus pandemic.)

Workers find it more lucrative to go on welfare than get a job

Despite employers having trouble filling job openings, millions of Americans still remain unemployed. In April of this year, employers posted a record 9.3 million job openings as the economy continued to bounce back amid the pandemic.

President Joe Biden put forward a simple solution to the glut of unemployed Americans  paying them a higher wage. During a June 24 White House press briefing, he told employers to pay their workers more to solve the issue of companies failing to find suitable employees for job openings. This is the employees bargaining chip now. [Employers] are going to have to compete and start paying hard-working people a decent wage, Biden said.

But employers have said they cannot compete with federal unemployment benefits that reward people for staying home instead of working. Thus, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (USCC) has called for all remaining states to end the $300 weekly unemployment benefit early to address the countrys ever-worsening workforce crisis.

USCC Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley said in a June 8 press release: Americas great economic resurgence is being held back by an unprecedented workforce shortage  and its getting worse.

Aside from calling for the premature end of the weekly unemployment supplement, the press release also called for governors to pour coronavirus relief money into programs for rapid job training programs.

Talking to the Epoch Times, New York-based HomeGrounds provided an online platform for coffee hobbyists. While it aimed to ride on a digital boom caused by the pandemic, the lack of staff members derailed its plans. (Related: Florida McDonalds forced to pay applicants $50 just to show up to interview because unemployment benefits are more lucrative.)

Weve tried any number of tactics  [but] we have found no magic bullet, said HomeGrounds CEO Alex Mastin. Youd think a digital business would be the easiest for finding workers during and after the pandemic. Its been such a trial.

Meanwhile, Pennsylvania-based market research firm Focus Insite provided recruitment services for focus groups, online studied and interviews. Its CEO and founder Jim Jacobs said: Since we have fully transitioned to a 100 percent remote company, we are specifically looking to recruit from only business-friendly states moving forward.

Jacobs also lamented the difficulty of looking for suitable employees in Pennsylvania, saying that the Keystone State has been brutal with the extension of [unemployment] benefits. He continued: We have hired 20 people this year, but it gets harder and harder. Why would people work when they can make $47,000 a year on unemployment [benefits]?

Visit Pandemic.news to read more articles about the federal governments pandemic unemployment benefits.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

BusinessInsider.com

USChamber.com
(Natural News) The World Health Organizations (WHO) updated guidance on Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) testing no longer recommends extensive testing for those not experiencing symptoms. it cited the strategys cost and ineffectiveness as the reason for the change.

Prioritize testing of suspected cases, says WHO

In the updated guidance, the organization said that it no longer recommended the widespread testing and self-testing of asymptomatic individuals due to the lack of evidence on impact and cost-effectiveness of these methods. The WHO also explained that continuous testing may divert resources from higher priority testing indications.

The organization added that countries with the resources and desire to expand testing to the general public (regardless of symptoms) must be able to confirm that they have the necessary public health infrastructure to promptly respond to positive results. It also advised that countries must ensure that resources arent being taken away from the testing of suspected cases, which should be the priority.

The WHO advised that testing should be directed to where they would have the biggest public health impact, meaning suspected cases with patients experiencing coronavirus symptoms should be prioritized for testing, regardless of vaccination status or disease history. (Related: World Health Organization rejects vaccine passports over jab effectivity concerns.)

Additionally, in areas with ongoing community transmission, people who have come in contact with a probable or confirmed case must go into quarantine for 14 days even if they are asymptomatic and havent been confirmed positive.

Unvaccinated, asymptomatic patients should be tested if they were in close contact with a positive individual, says CDC

Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) most updated guidance says that those who are asymptomatic and unvaccinated need to be quarantined and tested if they were in close contact with someone who tested positive for coronavirus. The agency recommends viral testing immediately after these individuals are identified.

If results are negative, they must be tested again within five to seven days after the last exposure or immediately if they experience symptoms during quarantine.

The CDC added that fully vaccinated individuals dont need to be quarantined, tested, or be restricted from work even after being in close contact with individuals with suspected or confirmed coronavirus if they dont experience coronavirus symptoms since their risk of infection is low. But the agency recommends those who have been fully vaccinated to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms at least 14 days after exposure.

The CDC also recommends testing fully vaccinated residents and employees of correctional and detention facilities and homeless shelters.

People are only considered fully vaccinated by the CDC two weeks after receiving their second dose of a messenger RNA vaccine or a single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The agency says that those whore fully vaccinated can do the following:

Resume activities without wearing facemasks or physically distancing, except if its required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules and regulations, along with including local business and workplace guidance.

Resume domestic travel and refrain from testing before or after travel or self-quarantine after travel.

Refrain from testing before leaving the country for international travel (unless required by the destination) and refrain from self-quarantine after arriving back in the U.S.

Antigen tests can be used to confirm coronavirus cases

Back in 2020, the standard for diagnosing a coronavirus infection was through a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test with cycle threshold values of 40 cycles or higher. Experts expressed concerns that there may be an overreliance on and a misuse of the test as a diagnostic tool because it cant differentiate between a live infectious virus and an inactivated virus fragment that isnt infectious.

Patients with a positive PCR test with or without symptoms of coronavirus were considered a case and added to the daily case count.

In response, the WHO updated its guidance on the use of PCR tests on Jan. 20 this year. The agency advised lab experts and in vitro diagnostic medical device users not to rely solely on the results of the PCR test to diagnose coronavirus.

For more accurate results, the PCR test should be analyzed along with a patients health history and epidemiological risk factors in diagnosis.

More recent cases can also now be verified with an antigen test instead of a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) like the more common PCR test.

The organization cited three scenarios where NAAT isnt required along with an antigen test result:

In symptomatic patients in high prevalence settings, NAAT isnt needed to confirm positive antigen test results. A negative antigen test result can be confirmed by NAAT at clinical discretion. In low prevalence settings, confirmation of negative antigen test results by NAAT isnt necessary. In the case of a positive antigen test result, it is up to the clinic to confirm it with NAAT. In asymptomatic patients who have come in contact with confirmed cases or are frequently exposed like health care and long-term care facility workers, an antigen test result isnt necessary to be confirmed by NAAT.

Antigen tests are immunoassays that can detect if you have an active coronavirus infection within 15 to 30 minutes. The tests are also less sensitive than a PCR test.

The WHO noted that antigen tests are sensitive only for detection of patients with a high viral load, like cycle threshold (Ct) values [of approximately] 25 to 30.

The WHOs current guidance on prioritizing tests for people with symptoms is in line with previous guidance pre-pandemic in treating and diagnosing respiratory viral outbreaks, like the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003 and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreak back in 2012. Earlier guidelines focused on symptomatic cases to stop the transmission of the disease.

Findings suggest that asymptomatic spread isnt as widespread as earlier studies claimed it to be and that the risk of transmission from asymptomatic individuals is low.

Visit Pandemic.news for more updates on the coronavirus pandemic and how ineffective testing actually is.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

CDC.gov
(Natural News) The 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster forced Japanese officials to seal off the area surrounding the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. The resultant lack of human activity allowed wild pig-boar hybrids managed to thrive in the quarantine zone. Now, researchers whove returned to the isolated zone a decade after the catastrophe found that cross-breeding, not radiation, had a bigger effect on animals genes.

According to scientists, Japanese wild boars (Sus scrofa leucomystax) in the area bred with domestic pigs (S. scrofa domesticus) that escaped from abandoned farms in the quarantine zone. They discovered after further analysis that the domestic pig genes had gradually been diluted over time.

Fukushima University researcher Donovan Anderson told the BBC: While the radiation [in Fukushima] hasnt caused a genetic effect, the invasive domestic pig species has. He pointed out that while domestic pics would be unlikely to survive in the wild, mating with the hardy wild boar could produce offspring able to do so. I think the pigs were not able to survive in the wild, but the boar thrived in the abandoned towns  because theyre so robust, Anderson said.

The 2011 Tohoku earthquake claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people and brought about massive economic damage. It also triggered a tsunami that flooded the reactors at the nuclear plant. This subsequently caused a meltdown in the plant, akin to the Chernobyl incident in 1986.

Japanese authorities evacuated entire populations in Fukushima towns that surrounded the eponymous power plant. They also established a permanent exclusion zone at the area surrounding the nuclear plant  allowing different flora and fauna to flourish.

Researchers have pointed out that since the original domesticated pigs have died out, the natural situation in Fukushimas quarantined area prior to human occupation is returning. Fukushima University professor Shingo Kaneko said: Those invasive genes are disappearing, and the natural situation is coming back. (Related: Fish off the coast of Fukushima show high concentrations of radioactive cesium.)

The return of humans threaten the pig-boar hybrids

Since 2018, people have started to move back into previously abandoned areas near the Fukushima plant. This has threatened the pig-boar hybrids as a consequence. Humans are really the only predators for these wild [boars.] So as people come back, itll be really interesting to see what [they] do, Anderson said.

But the pig-boar hybrids in some areas may be able to thrive further, given that many erstwhile Fukushima residents were still reluctant to return to their old homes. A March 2021 Bloomberg report said large portions of the prefecture remain abandoned a decade after the earthquake ten years earlier. While the Japanese government allocated billions of dollars to rebuild and decontaminate affected areas, it failed to convince old Fukushima residents to go back.

The report said Fukushima prefecture saw a 10 percent drop in its population in the past decade. This amounted to four times more than that of the neighboring Miyagi prefecture, which only saw a 2.5 percent drop during the same period.

A number of towns in Fukushima have acknowledged that things will not go back to the way they were before the earthquake and nuclear disaster even though they were rebuilt. One such town is Namie, located north of Okuma town where the nuclear disaster occurred.

Namies 21,000 residents were forced to evacuate after prevailing winds spread radiation from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. Part of the town was reopened in 2017 to allow former residents to return. However, only about 1,600 people  less than 10 percent of the towns original population  have moved back since then. Namie erected a stone monument listing 200 residents who died in the tsunami.

Fifty-three-year-old Hidehiro Asada returned to Namie to restart his familys lumber business. He has now employed 21 people, slightly lower than the 30 employees at the time of the disaster. He told Bloomberg that the lack of employment opportunities in Namie made recovery efforts difficult. (Related: Fukushima residents being forced to move back to radioactive wasteland.)

Even if they come back, there arent any jobs. Retired people will come back, but young people have found work and put down roots where they are. So they wont come back easily, Asada said.

Visit Fukushima.news to read more articles about life in the Fukushima prefecture years after the nuclear disaster.

Sources include:

Metro.co.uk

BBC.com

Bloomberg.com
Weather Alert

...VERY DRY AND BREEZY TO WINDY CONDITIONS IN THE COLUMBIA GORGE, COLUMBIA BASIN TODAY AND THURSDAY... .Increasing westerly winds coupled with low relative humidities today and Thursday will create critical fire weather conditions in the Columbia Basin, Columbia Gorge, and Central Oregon. The strongest winds are expected to develop mid to late afternoon and last through the early evening each day. While cooler temperatures Thursday will cause relative humidity values to increase some, increased winds will negate any potential relief that may cause, especially considering how dry the fuels are with the drought and recent intense heat. ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM PDT THURSDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES OR640, OR641, WA641, WA643, WA645, AND WA675... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 640 Central Mountains of Oregon, 641 Lower Columbia Basin of Oregon, 641 Lower Columbia Basin of Washington, 643 Blue Mountains of Washington, 645 Asotin County and 675 Eastern Washington Southern Columbia Basin. * WINDS...West 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 to 15 percent. * IMPACTS...The gusty winds combined with low relative humidities will lead to critical fire weather danger, allowing for rapid spread of existing fires and any new fires. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. &&
BRIDGEPORT  A city man previously convicted of multiple felonies in Connecticut and Pennsylvania pleaded guilty last week to a federal gun offense, prosecutors said.

Albert Lopez, 51, last living in Bridgeport, appeared before Judge Victor A. Bolden via video conference due to the ongoing pandemic and pleaded guilty July 1 to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

At sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled, Lopez faces a maximum term of 10 years in prison.

Lopez was arrested by members of the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force on state and federal arrest warrants on Oct. 12, 2017. The state warrant was in connection with a Sept. 9, 2017, shooting in Bridgeport. The federal warrant, prosecutors said, was related to his alleged violation of supervised release conditions.

When authorities searched Lopezs bedroom the day of his arrest, prosecutors said, a stolen .40-caliber pistol was seized.

Lopez has previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses in Connecticut and Pennsylvania state and federal courts, prosecutors said.

Among his prior convictions were offenses of assault with a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit, conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possession of contraband by an incarcerated person and possession of a firearm by a felon, authorities said.

In March of 2008, prosecutors said, Lopez was sentenced to 47 months in Connecticut federal prison for possession of a firearm by a felon. Then in January 2013, he was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison on offenses of possession of a firearm by a felon and for violating the conditions of his federal supervised release.

The state charges from the September 2017 shooting are still pending.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  The largest illegal marijuana bust in Los Angeles County history  which netted 373,000 plants that would ultimately have been worth $1 billion on the street  eradicated only a fraction of the illicit grows in the Southern California high desert, authorities said Wednesday.

The problem is wide-ranging in the Antelope Valley north of Los Angeles, officials said, and has grown tremendously during the coronavirus pandemic. Armed cartel members run massive illegal grows, some spanning dozens of greenhouses, that are detrimental to the state's legal marijuana market.
A truck driver who slammed into the rear of vehicle at the intersection of routes 422 and 388 on April 19, seriously injuring the Shenango Area School District superintendent and his son, has been charged by state police.

Alfred L. Ball, 63, of Aultman, Pennsylvania, faces one felony count of aggravated assault by vehicle, one misdemeanor count of recklessly endangering another person and summary charges of reckless driving, careless driving/serious bodily injury, driving at an (un)safe speed and following too close.

The charges were filed following the completion of a report by a state police accident reconstruction team.

Shenango Area School District superintendent Dr. Michael Schreck, 50, and his 13-year-old son, Aidan, were flown to separate hospitals following the accident that occurred at 10:04 a.m April 19.

Dr. Schreck was hospitalized for several weeks in the intensive care unit of UPMC Presbyterian, where he underwent surgery for a broken arm, a carotid artery bypass and other procedures. He was released in mid-May to a rehabilitation facility in Harmarville. Aidan Schreck has been recovering at home after initially being flown to UPMC Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh.

On the day of the crash, a Shenango Township police officer told The News that a few cars had been stopped in line at a traffic signal there facing east, and as the light changed to green, the vehicles in line started to slowly proceed eastward. A tractor-trailer driven by Ball was approaching the intersection from behind, heading east, police said, and crashed into Schreck's car, shoving it into a Nissan Versa hatchback SUV in front of his that was driven by Susan Mink, 69, of Pittsburgh.

Story continues below video

Mink was taken by ambulance to UPMC Jameson Hospital, where she was treated and released. Ball reportedly was uninjured.

Schreck released to rehab facility after crash Dr. Michael Schreck, Shenango Area School District superintendent, has been released from th

Shenango superintendent undergoes surgery Shenango Area School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Schreck underwent surgery on Saturd

District establishes Schreck donation trust fund The Shenango Area School District has established a charitable trust fund for donations for 
Phyllis Baird 92 of Bessemer, Pennsylvania, passed away at her home in Bessemer on July 10, 2021. Phyllis was born in Bessemer on June 4, 1929, daughter to the late Nels and Fannie Reine Anderson. A graduate of Bessemer High and of the Jameson School of Nursing, Phyllis went on to work as an


Norwich church science-faith outreach funding Norwich church science-faith outreach funding

St Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich has been awarded 20,000 to explore the relationship between science and faith through the church engagement programme Scientists in Congregations, which is run by Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science (ECLAS).

St Peter Mancroft Church is one of 22 churches and organisations in England and Wales to receive grants totalling 400,000, to be used over the next 18 months on a creative, public-facing project.



St Peter Mancroft, Norwich will be hosting a model of Planet Earth in October 2021. This model, an enormous globe 6 metres in diameter, will dominate the church interior and be clearly visible from the city centre. The intention is to focus attention on the global climate emergency.



Designed by Luke Jerram, Gaia allows us to see our planet, floating in three dimensions. We can share the experience of astronauts in a feeling of awe for our planet home. This viewpoint provides a new appreciation of the inter-dependence of all life, and a renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the natural environment.



The Gaia model has already been displayed in UK and around the world, including Liverpool Cathedral, Salisbury Cathedral, the Natural History Museum, Hong Kong and Taipei. In the lead-up to COP 26, the hosting of Gaia will enable the church and the city to explore the wide-ranging implications of the climate crisis.



Throughout the month of October, school visits will engage young people in a wide range of educational activities and competitions addressing the climate crisis and its impact on the environment. Evening lectures, artistic, musical and cultural events will explore the similar themes from a range of scientific and societal perspectives.



The wide-ranging programme will involve working in partnership with the Norwich Science Festival and with many other local organisations. It will provide opportunities for people of all faiths and none to learn about the science of climate change and to examine its implications within a theological and social framework.



The award of a grant from Scientists in Congregations will help people to reflect on the wonder and beauty of our planet home, and to emphasise the urgency with which we must address the serious consequences of climate change.



Speaking about the grant, Canon Edward Carter, the vicar at St Peter Mancroft, said: Im delighted that weve been given such generous support, to make Gaias visit in October possible. Itll mean hundreds of people are given a stronger awareness of the rich overlap between science and the Christian faith, and in particular the moral and practical importance of caring better for our planet.



As a follow-up to the Gaia Exhibition, St Peter Mancroft will develop a long-term programme on the theme of Eco Church. This will involve a three-stage process. The exhibition itself will represent the phase of Preparation by raising awareness for the church congregation and the wider community of Norwich. The second phase will be a local Declaration that the global climate emergency is the responsibility of everyone, worldwide. Finally, the Church will seek to make an Impact by partnering with the local community to improve our care for the environment and to address the challenge of climate change in many different ways.



The Gaia Exhibition Programme is led by Revd Dr Fiona Haworth, associate priest at St Peter Mancroft. Dr Nick Brewin, co-director, said, Fifty years ago, the Apollo Space Mission provided a distant view of our planet, and everything changed. We now see ourselves as just one small global village. The human race and all living organisms collectively form a self-regulating biosphere that sustains the conditions for life. The Gaia Exhibition will explore how the impact of humankind affects the stability of global temperatures, food security, biodiversity, and much more. Arguably, this is the most important challenge that the human race has ever faced, and we need to take it very seriously indeed.



Scientists in Congregations is a programme run by the research project Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science (ECLAS). The ECLAS project is led from St Johns College, Durham University in partnership with the University of York and the Church of England. Its directors include the Revd Prof David Wilkinson and physicist Prof Tom McLeish. ECLAS and the Scientists in Congregations grants are funded by the Templeton Religion Trust. ECLAS has distributed 665,000 to over 70 churches through its Scientists in Congregations programme since 2014.



The Revd Prof David Wilkinson, Project Director of ECLAS and Principal of St Johns College, said: We are delighted to be working with churches on such promising projects, and look forward to seeing how congregations and the communities they serve engage with science and faith in fresh and exciting ways. We are proud to offer additional funding for follow-on projects for the first time this year, which will help churches reach even more people with the message that science is a gift from God.





another church in Norfolk, Great Yarmouth Minster, has also been awarded a grant through this programme.





The picture illustrates a model of Gaia on display at the Natural History Museum.

Helen Baldry, 07/07/2021
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Luxembourg-based medical refrigeration devices firm B Medical Systems on Wednesday said it has signed a pact with online pharmacy 1mg to store and transport COVID-19 vaccines for the latter's immunisation drive across the country.

Under the agreement, B Medical Systems will support 1mg's COVID-19 vaccination campaign across metros and tier 1 cities. 1mg has secured several thousands of COVID-19 vaccine doses and has signed up with several corporates, residential societies, and local clinics for the nationwide vaccination campaigns, B Medical Systems said in a statement.

Under the collaboration, B Medical Systems is supplying ultra-low freezers and transport boxes to 1mg for the storage and transport of COVID-19 vaccines, it said.

"The cold chain infrastructure set up by 1mg is commendable and we are extremely proud to be supporting 1mg in their nationwide COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. Our products will ensure that none of the vials are exposed to temperature excursions and vaccines are administered in its fullest potency," B Medical Systems India Pvt Ltd CEO Jesal Doshi said.

The company's remote monitoring solutions ensure that there is an end-to-end traceability of the storage conditions, he added. "We are proud to partner with B Medical Systems to roll out COVID-19 vaccines across India. 1mg wants to be at the forefront of COVID-19 vaccination drive in the country by leveraging our strong network and partnerships," 1mg's Supply Chain VP Varun Mimani said.

B Medical Systems has more than 40 years of experience in the vaccine cold chain. It is a global manufacturer and distributor of vaccine cold chain and medical refrigeration solutions.
Sesa Sen By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Packaged food major ITC Ltd has launched Sunfeast All-Rounder  a chatpata masala flavored thin potato biscuits widely advertising it is as Indias own just weeks after Bangladesh-based Pran Foods Potata became an internet sensation.

However, questions have been raised on its identical product packaging, which comes in bright red colour with a stacking of potato wafers in the same quadrant on the wrapper, triggering concerns over violation of trade dress under the ambit of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).

It is a fairly common branding strategy to deliberately use some similar elements. But that said, ITC seems to have the upper hand here because of the distinct brand name. At this stage, Pran can make a trade dress claim. But, protection of trade dress is an evolving concept and doesnt have much of a legal recognition in India, said Nikhil Narendran, a Partner in Trilegal.

Trade dress is a form of intellectual property, which deals with the visual or sensual appearance of a packaged product, which can even include its packaging, shape, combination of colors which may be registered and protected from being used by competitors in relation to their business and services. In India, there is no specific definition of trade dress under Trademark Act 1999. But due to the development in intellectual property laws, a new amendment recognised trade dress protection through a new definition of a trademark under Section 2 of the Trademark Act.

The common law of passing off provides protection of trade dress. According to Ankur Raheja, an expert in IPR law, this case can amount to passing-off as to packaging. The packaging gets a cover under Copyright Act as to artistic work, and that need not be compulsorily registered in India. However, it may not be easy as the court may look into various other factors in addition to packaging such as for how long and how widely the product of the Bangladesh brand is available in India, and if the reputation of the other brand (Pran) is being impacted. Passing off is akin to trade mark infringement, but applies to protect unregistered rights associated with a particular business, its goods or services.

Law professionals agree that similarity exists in this case, but they say it is a theoretical argument as all copying is not actionable under law. Also, high-profile trademark disputes, such as the litigation between Britannia and ITC over the packaging of digestive biscuits or even the Emami-HUL tussle over rights of brand name, often pit big businesses against one another. But, when the defendant is a relatively smaller company it can be a life-or-death contest.

FMCG major ITC Ltd has a stronger distribution muscle and with the new launch the company is well placed to disrupt Indias Rs 6,000 crore cracker biscuits category. Pran is not as big as ITC Ltd, but it isnt a small company either. It has a factory in Agartala, Tripura and the brand Potata has a registered trademark in India. The company exports to over 140 countries and its export revenues alone are nearly Rs.100 crore.

Dev Robinson, partner and national practice head, IPR, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co pointed out that, only that which comes too close such that there is confusion in the minds of the consumers, or very close in terms of artwork etc., may be actionable. Even in saying so, two products of different sources and having similar overall visual get up may not be actionable, one against the other, if either one cannot demonstrate having acquired significant goodwill. This presupposes the fact that none of them have trade mark registrations, because if one does, a trade mark gives a prima facie actionable right in the favour of the registrant.

He further added that the court has to balance both the similarities and the dissimilarities in this case, to arrive at a position as to whether the dissimilarities are sufficient to enable a person of average intelligence to discern that the two products are indeed from different sources. In other words, such a person would not confuse one product as actually being the other.

Even given the similarities that both packages are predominantly red, have stacking of potato wafers, presence of natural potato, spices and herbs, the common elements have been differently used. Therefore, the similarities, though they exist, are not likely to be sufficient to be able to objectively conclude that there is an infringement either in copyright, trademark or the law of passing off and trade dress.

ITC Ltd has dodged the query and refused to comment. Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, chairman and CEO of the Pran-RFL Group, the parent company which owns the brand, said it doesnt have any copyright issues with ITC. Nonetheless, even if the company is dragged to the courts, ITC will be well prepared to defend such claims, as this is part of the business environment, noted Sandeep Pai, partner at Link Legal.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Almost 12,500 candidates from Tamil Nadu have applied for admission under the Right to Education (RTE) Act as of Tuesday evening, a day after the online application portal was opened. A senior official from the State School Education Department told Express, We have received around 12,400 applications so far and we expect over a lakh students to apply this academic year.

There are over 1.15 lakh seats in the 8,615 private matriculation schools in the State. Last year, a total of 86,362 candidates had applied while about 70,000 eligible students were allotted seats under the Act.

According to Tamil Nadu RTE rules, 25 per cent of the total seats in private schools are reserved for students belonging to economically weaker sections (families with an annual income of less than Rs 2 lakh) and disadvantaged groups (SC/ST/BC/MBC). The students will be admitted at entry-level grades, i.e. LKG or Class 1.

Karkala Usha, the Principal Secretary to the School Education Department, in a recent letter, directed all matriculation schools to display the number of RTE seats on the school notice board and official website by July 2, and call for admissions the following day.

Online applications will be open till August 8. The names of eligible applicants will be displayed at the school by August 9. If a candidate is rejected, the school should also display the reason for rejection against the names of applicants. If the number of eligible applicants is greater than the 25 per cent of the strength of the school, students will be picked randomly on August 10 with a waiting list of five candidates.
By Express News Service

The upcoming book published by Penguin Random House, titled Operation Khukri: The True Story Behind the Indian Armys Most Successful Mission as Part of the United Nations, narrates the first-hand account of the historical event which took place on July 13-16, 2000.

Maj. Gen. Rajpal Punia who led the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone, West Africa, from the front, cowrote it with his daughter Damini. Punia, Chief of Staff HQ Delhi, was then the CO of the 58th Gorkha Rifles, sent to Sierra Leone to help the local government disarm the notorious rebels who had captured 223 UN peacekeepers. The book brings to fore the historical rescue operation.

In 2002, he was awarded the prestigious Yudh Seva Medal by the President of India. For Gurveen Chadha, Senior Commissioning Editor, Penguin Random House, Operation Khukri is the true account of one of the most daring missions of the Indian Army on foreign soil, yet most people are unaware of it even though it transpired months after the Kargil War.

That is what attracted me to the story first and foremost. And as the man spearheading the operations, there could be no one better to put the story together than Maj. Gen. Punia. The courage and tenacity displayed by him and his soldiers is testimony to why the Indian Armed Forces are regarded as one of the best in the world. We hear more from the man himself:

Take us through your struggles encapsulated in the book during the rescue operation.

Operation Khukri was a headon battle between the Indian Peacekeepers in Kailahun and the Revolutionary United Front rebels. A battle where the Indian forces crushed the deadliest rebel force in the world. This book venerates the sacrifice of every Indian soldier who fought till his last breath for the honour of our country, as well as every innocent soul who died as a result of the war. Today, I live with the hope of visiting Kailahun to personally meet the children of the generation that died as a result of the war. I wish I was less of a soldier and more of a human!

Tell us about the impact of the mission in your life.

My boys, my soldiers were my family and I had to ensure that each one of them reached home to their loved ones. Operation Khukri made me believe in the power of destiny. Its a miracle how all 233 of us are still standing tall after living in the jaws of death for three months. It was destiny that guided us through the opaque wilderness of Africa. The virtuous deeds of the soldiers are the sole reason we could walk on the Indian soil yet again and I am glad that through this book the world would learn what the Indian soldiers are made of !

At one time when you were taken hostage during the mission, what were the challenges you had to endure?

I was taken hostage without offence which in itself was a lot to process. Moreover, as a Company Commander, the biggest challenge I faced was the separation from my soldiers. I was constantly worried about their safety as they were in the camp area while I was held up in the ruins outside the town with barely any knowledge of what they were going through in Kailahun. I felt helpless and every sunrise was a blessing as we were counting days being in the belly of the beast. Also, it was difficult to keep the spirit high, as the thoughts of my wife and children back home would make me heartsick.

Could you tell us how army personnel stay positive in the toughest of circumstances?

The Indian Army teaches us that when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. Once we don the uniform, we derive positivity from the camouflage fabric on our body and the tricolor, which is pinned on our shoulder being part of the United Nations. During the training, our body is toughened like steel and our mind like the rock! Tougher the circumstances, greater is our spirit. Lastly, it is the izzat of the Indian Army which flows like adrenaline in our nerves and irrespective of the situation around us, we give our all to uphold the dignity of our paltan and the honour of our country.
Dhinesh Kallungal By

Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The takeover of Trivandrum International Airport by Adani Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Limited, whollyowned subsidiary of Adani Enterprises, is likely to be delayed further as there is hardly 10 days left for the formal expiry of the concession agreement signed with the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The agreement was signed on January 19, 2021 for the operations, management and development of Thiruvananthapuram airport and as per its terms, the takeover has to be completed by July 18.

According to sources, the board meeting of AAI to be held on Wednesday is likely to take a call on the matter and may extend the deadline by three more months on the companys request. Once the airport is taken over by the new operator, the AAI staff will have to work under the new employer for three years to ensure the smooth transition of the control of the airport to the new company.

Thereafter, they can decide whether they want to continue work under the new employer or work in other airports controlled by AAI in the country. Meanwhile, over 200 employees under AAI in the Thiruvananthapuram airport will stage a dharna on the airport premises on Wednesday afternoon in protest against the government move to deduct their salaries.

S Ajith Kumar, branch secretary, Airports Authority Employees Union (AAEU), said, The AAI board meeting will also take a call on deducting the salaries of the employees. Further, the salaries of employees are still being paid by AAI in other airports taken over by the Adani Group, he said. It is expected that all these matters would be discussed in the AAI board meeting. The Union Cabinet approved the proposal to hand over six airports including Thiruvananthapuram airport in the country to private developers in August 2020.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The legendary Dilip Kumar, who passed away on Wednesday morning, was an astute method actor, and primarily labelled as the 'Tragedy King' courtesy his ill-fated characters in films.

But his over five-decade-long career of 65 films saw him evolve from a young, brooding man in love to playing the dual role of a simpleton and a sharp cookie in a light-hearted film to finally, character roles of authoritative figures.

ALSO READ | Dilip Kumar: Actor and star who grew with India as it evolved

Here are 10 of the films from the screen icon's filmography:

Mughal-E-Azam (1960) - Director K Asif's epic extravaganza, which turned 60 last year, revolves around the star-crossed lovers -- rebellious prince Salim (Kumar) and the headstrong dancer Anarkali (Madhubala) and their futile attempt to brave fate and his father, the Emperor of India -- Akbar, played by Prithviraj Kapoor.

Naya Daur (1957) - The film narrates the story of Shankar (Kumar) and Krishna (Ajit), two best friends who fall for the same woman, Rajni (Vyjayanthimala).

Directed by B R Chopra, the movie also explores the classic man versus machine theme.

Ram Aur Shyam (1967) - One of the first Hindi films to use the "twins-separated-at-birth" trope, "Ram Aur Shyam" saw Kumar taking up this light-hearted movie to play two contrasting roles in a comedy of errors.

ALSO READ | Pakistan PM Khan recalls Dilip Kumar's generosity; pays tribute to the legendary Indian actor

Madhumati (1958) - This Bimal Roy film was also one of a kind Hindi movie at the time of its release.

Employing elements of paranormal and reincarnation, the story follows Anand (Kumar), a modern man who falls in love with a tribal woman named Madhumati (Vyjayanthimala).

Devdas (1955) - Kumar played the doomed and alcoholic lover as the eponymous character in one of the interpretations of Sharat Chandra Chattopadhya's Bengali novel of the same name.

Another Roy directorial that is regarded as one of the best performances in the history of Indian cinema by the lead actor.

Kumar's dialogue 'Kaun K kambakht hai jo bardaasht karne ke liye peeta hai' is as evergreen today as it was at the time of the film's release.

Ganga Jamuna (1961) - A defining example of the dacoit genre, the Nitin Bose-directed film tells the story of two impoverished brothers, Ganga and Jamna (Kumar and Nasir Khan), and sibling rivalry on opposing sides of the law, one a dacoit criminal and the other a police officer.

Kumar also wrote and produced this film.

Andaz (1949) - With Kumar, Nargis and Raj Kapoor in the lead, the film was a love-triangle to remember, also as a story that does not get a happy ending for any of the three characters.

Directed by Mehboob Khan, "Andaz" was the only film to feature Kumar and Kapoor, friends and childhood neighbours, together onscreen.

Daag (1952) - Kumar played Shankar, a poor family's sole breadwinner who drowns his sorrows in alcohol.

After turning a new leaf, he gives up drinking and leaves for the city to earn money.

Just as he returns home to pay off his mortgage, he finds out that the love of his life Parvati (Nimmi) is engaged to be married.

Shakti (1982) - The one which saw Kumar become the father after playing the son.

This Ramesh Sippy film saw a clash of two generations and ideologies with Kumar, the police officer, and his hurt and now defiant son, played by Amitabh Bachchan.

"Shakti" was the only film to feature Kumar and Bachchan together.

Karma (1986) - Kumar essayed the role of a former police officer who offers a life of honour to three men of death row (Naseeruddin Shah, Jackie Shroff, and Anil Kapoor) in exchange of settling personal score with the head of a major terrorist organisation, played by Anupam Kher.
By ANI

NEW DELHI: Legendary actor Dilip Kumar walked down the memory and shared his iconic scene from the 1955 cult classic 'Devdas' on social media.

Taking to his official Twitter handle, the 98-year-old star shared a short clip of the iconic scene from his National Award-winning movie 'Devdas'.

The scene is shot between Kumar who played the titular role and Padma Shri recipient Vyjayanthimala who played the role of Chandramukhi in the movie. The clip of the scene shared by Kumar sees him daydreaming about Chandramukhi while drowning out his sorrows in alcohol.

In the caption, Kumar wrote, "No artist is bigger than the character he's playing."

No artist is bigger than the character hes playing. pic.twitter.com/FhEQi50VFZ  Dilip Kumar (@TheDilipKumar) June 21, 2021

The scene is still considered one of the best acts delivered by the cinematic legend in his career that spanned over five decades.

'Devdas' is a Hindi-language period film directed by Bimal Roy, based on the Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay novel 'Devdas'. The film starring Dilip Kumar in the lead role, and Vyjayanthimala in her first dramatic role, also had Suchitra Sen in her Bollywood debut as Parvati 'Paro'.

Motilal, Nazir Hussain, Murad, Pratima Devi, Iftekhar and Shivraj played other significant roles with Pran and Johnny Walker in extended cameo appearances.

A remake of the movie was made in 2002 by Sanjay Leela Bhansali that starred Shah Rukh Khan in the main role, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Parvati, and Madhuri Dixit as Chandramukhi.

The story of the movie revolves around Devdas and Parvati who had been inseparable as children. Love blossomed between them as they grew older. Devdas is sent away for studies by his parents, which separates both of them from each other. A chain of events lead to Parvati being married off to someone else and Devdas drowns his sorrows in alcohol. When Devdas is pronounced critical due to his drinking, he remembers the promise he had made to Parvati, of coming to see her before he dies.

On a related note, Kumar was rushed to a Mumbai hospital on June 6, after he complained of breathing issues. Post his check-up, he was diagnosed with bilateral pleural effusion.

The veteran actor was discharged from the hospital on June 11. The update was shared on his official Twitter handle, "With your love and affection, and your prayers, Dilip Saab is going home from the hospital. God's infinite mercy and kindness through Drs. Gokhale, Parkar, Dr Arun Shah and the entire team at Hinduja Khar.--Faisal Farooqui."

Dilip Kumar, who made his acting debut with 'Jwar Bhata' in 1944, has given several iconic films in his career spanning over five decades, including 'Mughal-e-Azam', 'Naya Daur' and 'Ram Aur Shyam'. He was last seen in the 1998 film 'Qila'.
By PTI

BHUBANESWAR: Bureaucrat-entrepreneur-turned-politician Ashwini Vaishnaw's entry in the Union cabinet comes two years after he surprised all in Odisha's political circles when he was elected to the Upper House of Parliament as a BJP candidate despite the saffron party lacking the required numbers to send a member to Rajya Sabha.

The 51-year-old BJP leader Vaishnaw, born in Rajasthan's Jodhpur, is a suave and former Odisha cadre IAS officer from the 1994 batch.

He managed to wrangle support from the ruling BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik despite being in the rival camp.

This happened in spite of criticism and objections by many within the ruling BJD.

Allegations were traded that the BJD supremo succumbed to Narendra Modi-Amit Shah's pressure in supporting Vaishnaw.

He was inducted into the saffron party barely six days ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections on June 28, 2019.

Just about two years later he has landed himself a job in the country's cabinet ahed of veteran saffron leaders from Odisha.

His batch-mate and Lok Sabha member from Bhubaneswar, Aparajita Sarangi, who won the 2019 elections after defeating the BJD candidate and former Mumbai police commissioner Arup Patnaik, was among the front runners in the race for a ministry.

During his stint as an IAS officer, Vaishnaw worked as the District Magistrate-cum Collector of Balasore and Cuttack districts.

His bureaucratic acumen, in fact, came to the fore when the super cyclone hit Odisha in 1999 killing at least 10,000 people.

As collector of the coastal Balasore district, Vaishnaw collected information on the cyclone from a US Navy website and sent reports to the chief secretary at regular intervals.

His information helped the state government to take advanced measures in order to save lives.

Vaishnaw worked in Odisha till 2003, before being appointed as deputy secretary in the office of former Prime Minister A B Vajpayee.

He was later appointed as Vajpayee's private secretary after the NDA lost the election in 2004.

A product of IIT, Vaishnaw, quit government service in 2008 and went to Wharton University in USA to pursue an MBA.

On his return, after working for top firms, he set up his own automotive components manufacturing units in Gujarat.

Interestingly, in April, Vaishnaw was nominated as a member of the Press Council of India, for three years.
By PTI

GUWAHATI: The Assam Cabinet on Wednesday took some major decisions in the interests of good governance and self-help groups, which include protocols on playing of state and national anthems, serving traditional foods at government programmes and the institution of best employee award, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

The Cabinet also decided that the guardian ministers and secretaries will visit the seven districts where total containment was imposed and stay there for three days to monitor the prevailing COVID-19 situation, minister and government spokesperson Pijush Hazarika said.

The state government has appointed several 'guardian ministers' and 'guardian secretaries' to look after various aspects of the districts.

Total containment has been imposed in Goalpara, Golaghat, Jorhat, Lakhimpur, Sonitpur, Bishwanath and Morigaon districts after they reported a high rate of positivity.

"We took some major decisions in #AssamCabinet in interest of SHGs, good governance, etc. Decisions include protocols on playing of State/National anthems & serving traditional food in Govt meetings, best employee awards, extending validity of TET certificates, etc," the chief minister tweeted.

The Cabinet decided that from now on, the state anthem "O Mur Apunar Dekh" (O my homeland) will be played at the beginning of all government programmes and meetings while the national anthem "Jana Gana Mana" will be played at the end, Hazarika told reporters after the meeting.

The meeting also decided that only hand-woven 'gamosas' (traditional towels) woven by the states weavers will be presented to guests and traditional food items will be served at government programmes to empower local self-help groups.

In traditional Assamese culture, respected guests are welcomed with the offering of 'gamosas'.

The Cabinet also decided that the death anniversary of Assam's first chief minister Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi on August 5 will be observed every year as 'Karmachari Divas', said Hazarika, the water resources minister.

On this day, five non-gazetted employees of the state government at the district level and 10 at the state level will be awarded, based on their performances and award-winning employees will get a one-year extension in service, he said.

The Cabinet also decided that the death anniversary of freedom fighter Deshbhakta Tarun Ram Phukan on July 28 will be observed every year as 'Desh Bhakti Divas'.

The Information and Public Relations Department will organise various activities across the state to mark the occasion.

The Cabinet also decided the validity of Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) certificates will be extended to lifetime and candidates will be allowed to better their scores through examinations, though the upper age limit will apply in recruitment, Hazarika added.
By PTI

KOLKATA: The growing discord in the BJP's Bengal unit came to the fore on Wednesday as Lok Sabha MP Saumitra Khan stepped down from the post of the party's state youth wing chief and took to Facebook to launch a blistering attack on Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, claiming that he tries to take credit for all saffron camp achievements.

Khan did not cite any reason but his announcement on Facebook coincided with the report that some BJP MPs from Bengal might be made union ministers of state.

The Bishnupur MP, however, asserted that he wouldn't quit the saffron party.

"From today, due to personal reasons, I am relieving myself of the responsibility of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) state unit. I was in BJP, I am in BJP, and will continue to be a part of it," Khan, who had crossed over to the saffron camp in 2018 from the TMC, said on Facebook.

Iterating that he has full faith in Narendra Modi and the central leadership, he, however, trained guns on Adhikari and said that "one particular leader was making frequent trips to Delhi and claiming credit for every success of the party".

"This leader of opposition in the state should look in the mirror. He is misleading the leaders of New Delhi. He considers himself the tallest leader of the party in Bengal," Khan said in a video that he posted on the networking site.

He claimed leaders of just one or two districts are running the entire organisation in the state.

In a dig at state BJP president Dilip Ghosh, the disgruntled leader further said, "He understands only half of what happens. He cannot comprehend all of it."

Sharing responsibility for the party's defeat in assembly polls, Khan said, "It is time for me to step down. I have never hankered for any post."

Alleging that "many politicians with dubious credentials had been inducted into the BJP before assembly polls", Khan said, "Some of them were nominated and they failed to win the elections."

He further said that "it appears only some people made sacrifices for the party and the rest had no contribution".

Adhikari, on his part, refused to respond to Khan's allegations.

"I will not comment. I will not take it seriously. He is my younger brother. I will go and have lunch at his residence in Delhi. I had campaigned for Saumitra Khan in Kotulpur in 2011. I wish him every success in his career," he maintained.

The leader of opposition also said that he doesn't attach much importance to Facebook videos.

Asked if any disciplinary action would be taken against Khan, he said, "I shouldn't talk on organisational matters. It will be decided by state president Dilip Ghosh."

Reacting to Khan's comments, TMC state general secretary Kunal Ghosh said the rivalry between the old and the new leaders of the saffron camp is now out in the open.

"Suvendu had enjoyed power in TMC before joining the BJP. Now he is cornering other leaders in the saffron party. Old and loyal members are bound to get upset," Ghosh said.

Khan's estranged wife and TMC leader Sujata Mondal said he had warned the MP against joining the BJP long ago.

"He should understand that a party like the BJP will back elements like Adhikari. I had realised this long back," she added.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The CBI has taken over investigation in the encounter of Kamlesh Prajapat, who was wanted by Rajasthan police in a number of cases, in Barmer, officials said Wednesday.

The state government had recommended the probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) following a demand by Prajapat's community members and leaders of the Congress and the BJP who had alleged that the encounter was "fake".

After registering the case, the CBI team has reached the encounter site in Barmer, they said.

Madan Prajapat, the Congress MLA from Pachpadra constituency in Barmer, had met Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot where he had raised the demand for a CBI probe into the killing, Known as a notorious smuggler, Barmer-resident Prajapat was wanted in a hit-and-run incident and several other criminal cases.

After the encounter on April 22, the Barmer police had claimed that Prajapat attempted to kill a policeman when a team had gone to nab him.

The police opened fire at him in self-defence, they said.

"It was alleged that police conducted a raid at the residence of Kamlesh Prajapat at Barmer in connection with a case of attempt to murder on SHO Pali (Rajasthan).

"It was also alleged that while the police team was waiting for Kamlesh Prajapat to come out of his residence, he allegedly tried to flee by breaking open his backside gate by his vehicle and is said to have tried to run over the police party," CBI Spokesperson RC Joshi said in a statement.

He said it was also alleged that during the incident, the police fired on Prajapat.

One constable was allegedly injured by the vehicle of Kamlesh Prajapat.

Both were taken to hospital by the police where Kamlesh Prajapat succumbed to bullet injuries, he said.
By PTI

MUMBAI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested NCP leader Eknath Khadse's son-in-law Girish Chaudhary in a money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in a 2016 purchase of a land plot in Pune, officials said on Wednesday.

They said Chaudhary was arrested on Tuesday night after he was questioned at length in the case at the office of the central investigative agency in south Mumbai.

The officials alleged that Chaudhary was not cooperative during the questioning.

He is expected to be produced before a special court that tries cases registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Reports: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested the NCP leader Eknath Khadses son-in-law Girish Chaudhary in connection with the Pune MIDC land deal case. Yesterday, Girish Chaudhari was questioned till late night by @dir_ed @NewIndianXpress@Sunday_Standard  Sudhir Suryawanshi (@ss_suryawanshi) July 7, 2021

Khadse, 68, had left the BJP to join the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) of former Maharashtra chief minister Sharad Pawar last year.

He was questioned in the case by the ED early this year.

Khadse, 68, had resigned from the then Devendra Fadnavis-led Maharashtra cabinet in 2016 after facing allegations regarding the same land deal.

It was alleged that he misused his official powers to facilitate the purchase of government land of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) by his family in the Bhosari area of Pune.

He denied any wrongdoing, saying that the Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau as well as the Income Tax department had given him a clean chit in the matter.
By PTI

BALLIA (UTTAR PRADESH): A former district panchayat member was on Wednesday shot dead by some unidentified people here, police said.

Balveer Singh alias Jaleshwar Singh (35) was in a car with Sabal Singh (40), who is the husband of another district panchayat member, when they were attacked by the bike-borne assailants, Superintendent of Police, Vipin Tada said.

The incident took place near Chiraiya turn in Bairiya area, police said. While Balveer Singh, who had several cases of murder and loot registered against him, died on the spot, Sabal Singh sustained injuries, police said.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The wife of the late Union minister P Rangarajan Kumaramangalam was smothered to death during an attempted robbery at her home in southwest Delhis Vasant Vihar, police said on Wednesday. Kitty Kumaramangalam, 67, stayed alone ever since the demise of her husband.

The police suspect a robbery bid to be the motive behind the killing and have arrested a 24-year-old washerman, identified as Raju, and his two associates. The accused entered the house without any resistance as Raju has been known to the family, the police said.

Raju hatched the conspiracy and roped in his two associates Rakesh and Suraj to execute the robbery, the police said. Preliminiary findings suggest the main accused had come to the house on Tuesday night, and when the house help opened the door, he overpowered her, dragged her to a room and restrained her. The two associates entered the house and smothered the widow with a pillow, the police said.

The house help, Mithila, later called her husband and brother-in-law. Her brother-in-law then made a PCR call, a senior police officer said. We received a PCR call at around 11 pm on Tuesday. The washerman was arrested from his residence. Based on his disclosure, one of his associates was arrested while our teams are working to nab the third accused in the case, DCP, Southwest, Ingit Pratap Singh said.
By Online Desk

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Wednesday resigned from the Union Cabinet ahead of the much-awaited cabinet reshuffle later in the evening. The Minister of state for health Ashwini Kumar Choubey also stepped down a little later.

The resignations come at a time when the central government is at the receiving end of criticism over its handling of the brutal Covid second wave that left lakhs dead and many more desperate for oxygen and hospital beds.

The new health minister will have several challenges ahead as the government battles to avoid a third Covid wave.

#CabinetReshuffle is taking place with a heavy dose of caste brainstorming, with micro-analysis going to the bottom, to get all equations right.@NewIndianXpress @TheMornStandard  Manish Anand (@AnandM25_TNIE) July 7, 2021

Among the pressing challenges is vaccinating all Indians above the age of 18 as soon as possible. This at a time when vaccine supply constraints are being highlighted by countless state governments.

At a bigger level is the need to ramp up the health infrastructure across the country even as health spend in the union budget still lags behind in comparison to the developed countries of the world.

Other top ministers to resign include labour minister Santosh Gangwar and Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank', the latter citing health reasons according to sources. The Minister of state for education, communications and electronics and information technology Sanjay Dhotre too has stepped down.

Double whammy for @DrRPNishank. HE didn't get #Uttarakhand despite so much efforts and now losing @EduMinOfIndia too!#CabinetReshuffle  Sumi Dutta (@SumiSukanya) July 7, 2021

Gangwar, who held the position of Minister of state (Independent Charge) for labour and employment, resigned from his post early Wednesday morning. When asked whether he has resigned from the post of Labour Minister, Gangwar answered in the affirmative. "Yes I have resigned," he said. He, however, said he is not aware of what his new role in the government will be.

Union Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister DV Sadananda Gowda also confirmed that he is quitting.

Minister of state for women and child development Ministry Debasree Chaudhuri and Minister of state for environment, forest and climate change Babul Supriyo, both from Bengal, have also resigned. Chaudhuri was elected to the Lok Sabha from West Bengal's Raiganj constituency in the 2019 general elections.

Meanwhile, ministerial probables including BJP's Narayan Rane, Sarbananda Sonowal, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ajay Bhatt, Bhupender Yadav, Shobha Karandlaje, Sunita Duggal, Meenakshi Lekhi, Bharati Pawar, Shantanu Thakur and Kapil Patil, JD(U)'s R C P Singh, LJP's Pashupati Paras and Apna Dal's Anupriya Patel met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence today morning.

Some ministers of state, including G Kishan Reddy, Parshottam Rupala and Anurag Thakur, were also there, and they may be elevated, sources said.

The first rejig in PM Modi's second term will see 43 taking the oath of office on Wednesday evening.

The full list of those taking the oath is below:

With agency inputs)
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: India is weighing options to bring its nationals and officials back from troubled Afghanistan amid the worsening security situation there. The Taliban has already overrun a vast swathe of territory in the north without firing a bullet as scared Afghan soldiers fled to neighbouring Tajikistan, forcing countries like Russia and Turkey to close their consulates in the region and call back their diplomats.

Other have reduced their services and are worriedly watching the situation that is bound to deteriorate further before the September 11 deadline for full withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan arrives. Plans have been discussed for bringing back our citizens and officials present in different parts of that country and multiple agencies are in discussion for this purpose, sources said. Since the proposal is in the planning stage, it is difficult to say right now if all nationals and officials would be brought back or if it would be partial evacuation.

India has its embassy in Kabul and consulates in Kandahar and Mazar where it has over 500 staff. It closed two consulates in Herat and Jalalabad earlier. For the record, the embassy said: Media reports on #India closing its Embassy & Consulates in Afghanistan are incorrect. @IndianEmbKabul, Consulates in Kandahar & Mazar are open, functioning. We DO HOWEVER continue to closely monitor the evolving security situation particularly around Kandahar & Mazar cities.

Matter to figure in talks with Russia

The Afghan issue will come up for discussion during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankars three-day visit to Russia beginning Wednesday.
Manish Anand By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Decks have been cleared for the expansion of the council of ministers led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the government on Tuesday unveiling a new Ministry of Cooperatives along with the appointment of Union minister Thawar Chand Gehlot as Karnataka Governor.

The Prime Ministers Office has been individually calling the selected candidates to join the council of ministers over phone, with some already reaching the national capital on Tuesday. Gehlot has been suitably accommodated as he was the Scheduled Caste face of the NDA. After a back and forth parleys, a grumbling JD (U) appears to have decided to join the government.

The JD (U) was earlier seeking parity with the BJPs Bihar representation in the Union ministry by insisting on two Cabinet and two MoS berths. The other Bihar element in the ministry is expected to be Pashupati Paras, who captured the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) from under the nose of Chirag Paswan.

ALSO READ | JD-U hopes to get two Cabinet berths in ministry rejig

Late Tuesday evening, the government informed that it has created the new ministry to strengthen the co-op movement. The government had earlier created the Ministry of Jal Shakti. This ministry will provide a separate administrative, legal and policy framework for strengthening the cooperative movement in the country, the government said.

The reshuffle is likely to involve a good number of ministers of state ranks besides filling a few Cabinet berths. Among those who would most probably make it are Jyotiraditya Scindia, Sarbananda Sonowal and Narayan Rane. Apart from allies like the JD (U) and the LJP, Anupriya Patel of Apna Dal is likely to get a berth. BJP MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal from Ladakh is also seen as a ministerial hopeful.

However, speculation on Shiv Sena returning to the NDA ended with party chief Uddhav Thackeray finally saying there cannot be any accord with the BJP. Caste arithmetic matters in the scheme of things, as the BJP pointed out that of the eight women Governors and Lt Governors it has appointed since 2014, five belong to the SC, ST, OBC and minority communities.

ALSO READ | BJP faces two vacancies with Thawarchand Gehlot exit

That math will be part of the larger strategy for Wednesdays ministerial expansion so to balance social equations and state representations with an eye on elections next year. With the prime minister having clearly shown his preference for professionals in his team like S Jaishankar and Hardeep Puri, a surprise entry from outside politics isnt ruled out. From the JD (U), Rajeev Ranjan Singh and R C P Singh are seen to be in the reckoning for the berths.

A few of the ministers are likely to be dropped following their performance appraisal, while key loyalists of Union home minister Amit Shah, including Anil Jain and Bhupender Yadav, are being seen as hopefuls to join the government. Portfolios like Commerce, Industry, Food and Consumer Affairs, Food processing, Social Justice, Civil Aviation, I&B are up for grabs, while changing ministries of a few ministers is also not ruled out.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Leaders of major Opposition parties on Tuesday wrote to President Ram Nath Kovind seeking his intervention in holding accountable those responsible for foisting false cases on tribal rights activist Father Stan Swamy, who passed away under custody the previous day leaving the nation horrified.

The letter was jointly signed by Sonia Gandhi (Cong), Sharad Pawar (NCP), Mamata Banerjee (Trinamool), Hemant Soren (JMM), H D Deve Gowda (JD-S), Farooq Abdullah (NC), Tejashwi Yadav (RJD), D Raja (CPI) and Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M).

We are urging your immediate intervention as the President of India to direct your government to act against those responsible for foisting false cases on him, his continued detention in jail and inhuman treatment. They must be held accountable. It is now incumbent that all those jailed in the Bhima Koregaon case and other detenues under politically motivated cases, misusing draconian laws like UAPA, sedition etc be released, the letter read.

Meanwhile, a US forensic agency said incriminating evidence was planted on Bima Koregaon case accused Surendra Gadlings computer. It had earlier claimed to have found evidence of activist Rona Wilsons computer being hacked to plant 30 documents to frame him in the case.

ALSO WATCH:
By PTI

KOLKATA: It was a family feud that brought Shantanu Thakur into politics and now he is one of the most influential leaders of the politically-crucial Matua community of West Bengal.

Thirty-eight-year-old Shantanu Thakur, Lok Sabha member from Bongoan parliamentary seat who was sworn in as a union minister this evening, is one of the heir apparents of the influential Thakurbari a socio-religious sect formed by his ancestors Harichand-Guruchand Thakur- for the uplift of the Matuas, the second-largest scheduled caste community of the state.

A graduate by education, Shantanu Thakur, the eldest son of former TMC minister Manjul Krishna Thakur, was more into the development of the Matuas through various social services run by the Thakurbari in Thakurnagar and was never into politics.

Matuas, with their sheer size of the population and tendency to vote en bloc, just like the minorities, make for an enviable vote bank that all the political parties had tried to secure since the nineties.

TMC chief Mamata Banerjee had first reached out to the Matuas around a decade ago.

She nominated Manjul Thakur as a candidate in 2011 and inducted him in her ministry as a minister of state.

In 2014, Manjul's elder brother Kapil Krishna Thakur was nominated as a TMC candidate from the Bongaon Lok Sabha seat, which he had won hands down.

But it was the sudden death of Kapil Krishna in October 2014 that kick-started the family feud between his widow Mamata Bala Thakur and his brother-in-law Manjul Krishna.

Manjul wanted his youngest son Subrata Thakur to be nominated by the party for the by-election from the Bongaon seat, but the party leadership instead decided to nominate Mamata Bala.

An infuriated Manjul Krishna quit the state cabinet to join the BJP and got Subrata, a party ticket to contest from the seat in February 2015, but he came third.

Although Manjul Krishna returned to the TMC after few months but was never inducted back into the ministry; the party affairs in the area were handed over to Mamata Bala, the newly elected TMC MP Bongoan.

But after his father was denied a ticket in the 2016 assembly polls and was cornered in the internal politics over the control of Thakurbari, Shantanu started hobnobbing with the saffron party.

It was in February 2019, following a socio-religious meeting of the Matua community, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed, that Sanatanu decided to join active politics, and within a month, he was given nomination from the Bongaon Lok Sabha seat.

Ridding on the promise of implementation of CAA and NRC, Shantanu won the seat by defeating his aunt and became one of the key leaders of the BJP in the state.

He had also accompanied Modi to Bangladesh during his last visit to Dhaka in the middle of the Bengal assembly polls, which also included a tour to Orakandi in Gopalgank district in Bangladesh where the founder of the Matua sect and social reformer Harichand Thakur was born.

Voting patterns in the recently-held assembly elections showed that the Matuas did not vote en-bloc for any one party and preferred to split their vote between the ruling TMC and the BJP.

His induction in the union ministry is seen as an attempt to woo back the community, which exhorts influence in at least five Lok Sabha seats in Nadia, North and South 24 Parganas districts, ahead of the 2024 general elections.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Labour minister Santosh Gangwar has resigned from the Union Cabinet ahead of the scheduled Cabinet reshuffle this evening along with Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank', the latter citing health reasons, according to sources.

Gangwar, who held the position of Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Labour and Employment resigned from his post early this morning along with MoS Education Sanjay Dhotre. Dhotre, who represents Akola constituency of Maharashtra also took charge as MoS for Education, Communications and Electronics and Information Technology, in May 2019.

When asked whether he has resigned from the post of Labour Minister, Gangwar answered in the affirmative. "Yes I have resigned," he said. He, however, said he is not aware of what his new role in the government will be.

Pokhriyal, who tested positive for COVID-19 on April 21, was admitted to AIIMS in June again following post Covid complications. The former Uttarakhand chief minister took charge as the HRD Minister in May 2019. His resignation comes ahead of the expansion of the Union Cabinet scheduled this evening.

Minister of State for Women and Child Development Ministry Debasree Chaudhuri also resigned from the Union Cabinet. Chaudhuri submitted her resignation this morning, one of her close aides said. Chaudhuri was elected to the Lok Sabha from West Bengal's Raiganj constituency in the 2019 general elections.

This will be the first reshuffle in the Council of Ministers by Prime Minister Narendra Modi since he assumed charge for a second term in May 2019.The Prime Minister is expected to bring in young faces and give representation to various social groups and regions in the reshuffle.
By ANI

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Centre and State governments to file the latest compliance report within a period of four weeks regarding the timely and transparent appointment of Information Commissioners in the Central Information Commission (CIC) under the Right to Information Act, 2005.

"The Union of India and all the other state governments are directed to file the latest compliance report within a period of four weeks from today. Petitioner is also permitted to file an additional affidavit," the Bench stated in its order while posting the matter for hearing after four weeks.

A bench headed by Justice Abdul Nazeer granted four weeks to the governments on a plea seeking directions to the government authorities for implementing the top court's directions in the 2019 judgment. The court in the order also directed the governments to file the updated report stating the present status of vacancies.

By its 2019 order, the apex court had passed a slew of directions to the Central and State governments to fill vacancies across Central and State Information Commissions in a transparent and timely manner. In its order, the court had given three months to the Centre to fill the vacancies that existed in the CIC.

The top court had also directed the authorities concerned to put on the website the names of members of the search committee, meant for selection and appointment of CIC's information commissioners (ICs), within two weeks.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan appearing for the petitioner activist Anjali Bhardwaj submitted that despite repeated directions from the court there are still three vacancies and the government ought to have put a present status on record. Their criteria of selection, etc, nothing has been placed on record, he added.

Bhushan contended that more than 300 people had applied for the vacancies and they shortlisted seven people but details of others weren't on record at all. Criteria for selecting people for the search committee should be made public but it was not given to the leader of opposition too, he argued.

Bhushan further told the Bench that posts are vacant and pendency is going.

Bhushan claimed, "RTI Act was brought in accordance with several judgements to effectuate Right to Information, but the whole RTI Act is being destroyed. Either the posts are vacant or they fill them up with party supporters who can shield their acts,"

Additional Solicitor General Madhavi Divan appearing for the Centre submitted that a compliance affidavit was filed in April 2020.

"Their grievance was that persons had not been appointed. That process was carried and appointments were made in March 2020," said Divan.

ASG Divan clarified that there are seven members in CIC now apart from the Chairperson.

Bhardwaj had filed the application in an already pending PIL on filling up of vacancies in CIC and the State Information Commissions (SICs), in view of the top court's December 16, 2019 order.
By PTI

PUNE: As a school student, Sharad Pawar once cycled to the temple town of Jejuri in Pune district to see Dilip Kumar shooting for "Naya Daur".

Many years later, the Bollywood legend visited Pawar's constituency to campaign for him.

Kumar, 98, died at a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday morning.

"I cherish a lot of memories of him. I still remember that when I was doing my secondary school education in the Pune district, we learnt that the shooting of Naya Daur was going on at Jejuri. We all went on bicycle to see the film shoot. This was the first time I saw Dilip Kumar," the NCP chief told reporters here.

With the demise of the veteran actor, he has lost a "fatherly figure", Pawar said.

"Years later, when I entered politics and started working in the public life, a different bond developed between me and Kumar. During my election campaigns, he used to come for one or two rallies," Pawar recalled.

The actor was active in public life in Mumbai and that was why he was appointed `Sheriff' of the state capital (an honorary position), Pawar said, adding that as Sheriff, Kumar took keen interest in the city's problems.

Besides India, Kumar had a big fan following abroad too, especially in West Asia, Pawar noted.

"When we went to Syria and Egypt together, the local people, especially the youth used to come in large numbers to see him," he reminisced.

During the India-China and India-Pakistan wars, Kumar worked to boost the morale of the soldiers and after the wars helped to keep the nation united, Pawar said.

"Lately, he was not in good health. I went to see him three weeks ago. His wife Saira-ji was hopeful that he would reach the age of 100 but the journey ended today at the age of 98. But we all should be grateful to him for his contribution and I pray to God that his soul be in peace," the former Maharashtra chief minister said.

Incidentally, in his book `On My Terms," Pawar has written about the "chill" in their relations after he turned down Kumar's request to be a bit lenient about actor Sanjay Dutt who was arrested in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case.

"He was saddened by the discomfiture of his close friend Sanjay Dutt and wanted me to be a bit lenient. Citing strong evidence against the young actor, I turned down his request. Though a certain chill crept into our ties after that, relations between Saira Banu and my family continue to be warm as ever," the NCP chief said.

In his condolence message on Twitter on Wednesday, Pawar said, "Saddened to hear about the demise of the veteran actor Dilip Kumar. We have lost a legend. Deep condolences to the grieving family and fans."
Mukesh Ranjan By

Express News Service

RANCHI: Stan Swamy was instrumental in filing a PIL on behalf of youths belonging to SC/ST communities and others languishing in Jharkhand jails following cases being registered against them under the stringent sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Criminal Law Amendment Act (CLA), 1908.

In his PIL, Stan raised the pathetic situation of the undertrials. Hearing Swamys PIL in 2018, the Jharkhand High Court called for detailed information on under-trials languishing in the prisons. According to Father PM Tony, who spent a few years in Swamy-run NGO Bagaicha, over 3,000 people, mostly tribals, are languishing in jails for many years due to the slow legal process.

ALSO READ | Punish those who framed Stan Swamy: Opposition writes to President Kovind

After coming across media reports, Stan was moved as he was deeply concerned about the Adivasis. He wanted to know how we could help and discussed the issue with his colleagues, said Father Tony. Finally, somebody suggested that a research study could be done on such prisoners and their situation in Jharkhand, he added. Since I had just completed my Ph.D. and returned from studies; Stan asked me if I was interested to take up the study. I agreed to it and a Bagaicha Research Team was formed. It did six months of rigorous fieldwork.

Before the studies, Father Tony said, they also tried to access Jharkhand jails and approached the IG Prisons who neither give any appointment nor did he respond. Then an RTI was filed, asking jail authorities to provide details of the undertrials who were booked under the CLA and similar sections dealing with state repression, but no proper reply was given.

Then they contacted Jeetan Marandi and Damodar Turi who were arrested on similar charges and released on bail, he added. Through these two people, the Bagaicha research team succeeded in tracing several other prisoners who were falsely implicated and arrested but were on bail. We succeeded in tracing some of them and interviewed 102 persons who were out on bail. Tony said that after proper research, a report was published in 2015 on the basis of which the PIL was filed.

ALSO WATCH:
Fayaz Wani By

Express News Service

SRINAGAR: A top Hizbul Mujahideen commander was killed in an encounter with the security forces in Handwara district of Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.

Identified as Mehraj-ud-Din Halwai alias Ubaid, he was one of the oldest militants and a contemporary of slain Hizb commander Burhan Wani. It may be recalled that Burhan was gunned down in an encounter on July 8, 2016.

The encounter started at Pazipora-Renan area of Kralgund, Handwara during the preceding night following a search and cordom operation launched by troops in the area after receiving inputs about the presence of militants there, a police official informed.

While Burhan was active in south Kashmir, Mehraj, who had joined militancy in 2011, was active in north Kashmir and was involved in a series of attacks on security forces and civilians, a police spokesman said.

A diploma holder in computer application, he had been responsible for misusing social media and new methods of communication for militancy.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Vijay Kumar termed the killing of Mehraj as a big success for security forces.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla on Wednesday reviewed the COVID-19 situation in the Northeastern states and all Union Territories (UTs) in the wake of spike in coronavirus cases there. The review came as 45 of the 73 districts that reported over 10 per cent COVID-19 positivity rate in the country over the last one week are from the Northeastern region.

"The union home secretary chaired a meeting here today to review the COVID-19 situation in all the Northeastern (NE) States and Union Territories (UTs)," a home ministry statement said. During the meeting, the current status and trends on the active cases, Case Fatality Rate (CFR), Case Positivity Rate (CPR) and vaccination status in respect of all the UTs and NE states were discussed, it said.

ALSO READ| COVID control measures to be strengthened in nine states reporting surge in cases: Govt

It was also noted that out of 73 districts in the country with CPR above 10 per cent, 45 are in the northeast, where strict containment measures need to be taken as per extant guidelines, the statement said.

The home secretary emphasised to follow five-fold strategy of Test-Track-Treat-Vaccinate and COVID appropriate behaviour, as has been laid out in the home ministry order dated June 29, 2021. The north-eastern states and UTs were advised to strictly monitor the situation at district and city level and take timely corrective measures, wherever any early sign of surge is noticed.

For those districts identified with high case positivity and higher bed occupancy, State and UTs may consider imposing restrictions in a calibrated manner. Strict enforcement of COVID-appropriate behaviour was reiterated and it was advised to involve political leaders and civil society organisations.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretaries, Director Generals of Police and Principal Secretaries (Health) of these States and UTs. Member (Health) NitiAayog, Director NCDC and senior officers of the MHA and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare were also present.

According to the Union Health Ministry, 73 districts in India reported a positivity rate of over 10 per cent for the June 29-July 5 week. Sixty-one per cent of these high-positivity districts are from the Northeastern states -- Arunachal (Pradesh (18), Manipur (9), Meghalaya (6), Tripura (4), Sikkim (4), Nagaland (3), and Mizoram (1).

In the region, Manipur (5,974) has the highest active cases followed by Meghalaya (4,354), Tripura (3,962), Mizoram (3,730), Sikkim (1,869) and Nagaland (1192).

The Central government had last week also dispatched multi-disciplinary teams to Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Tripura, besides three other states, to asses the public health situation there and advise remedial action to the state governments concerned.

The central government has been deputing teams from time to time to visit various states and UTs for interacting with the state and UT authorities and get a first-hand understanding of the challenges and issues being faced by them so as to strengthen their ongoing activities and remove bottlenecks, if any, officials said.

The central teams make assessment of the situation and suggest remedial actions on public health activities to the respective state governments.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Union Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister DV Sadananda Gowda on Wednesday resigned from the Union Council of Ministers. Gowda confirmed his decision to step down. Besides being the chemicals and fertilizers minister in the Narendra Modi government, Gowda has also held portfolios like Railways, Law, Statistics and Programme Implementation.

Union Minister of State for Environment Babul Supriyo also resigned from the Union Council of Ministers on Wednesday. Supriyo confirmed his resignation through a post on social media, "I have been asked to resign and I have."

"I thank Prime Minister for giving me the privilege to serve my country as a Member of his Council of Ministers," he posted on his Facebook account.

Besides Supriyo and Gowda, many other Union ministers, including Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal "Nishank" and Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar, resigned on Wednesday ahead of the reshuffle.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH: After a meeting with Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Monday amid bitter infighting in the state unit, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said he would accept whatever decision is taken by the Congress high command on changes in the party and the government. He refused to comment on Navjot Singh Sidhu.

Coming out after the meeting, which lasted for one-and-a-half hours, the Punjab CM said discussions took place on the partys internal matters as well as the states development. Whatever decision is taken by Sonia Gandhi will be acceptable to us and we will implement and follow her decision, he said, adding that Punjab is totally geared up for elections.

Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, who is heading the three-member party panel set up to resolve the infighting in Punjab Congress, were also reported to be present at the meeting. Sources said just before Amarinders meeting with Sonia, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had also met the Congress president.

During the meeting, Sonia was briefed about the progress on the 18-point agenda given to the CM by the Kharge-led panel to resolve the feud. I told the party president that whatever she wants on the development front was being implemented, the CM said. She told Amarinder that everyone should work together to serve the people and that infighting was denting the partys image.

When asked about role of his former cabinet minister and bitter critic Sidhu, Amarinder said, I do not know anything about Sidhu. Whatever discussions happened with the Congress president is confidential and we cant talk it in public.

The chief minister has made it clear that appointing Sidhu as deputy CM or Punjab Congress chief would not be acceptable to him. However, there is speculation that Sidhu may get a important role in the planned revamp.
Sumi Sukanya Dutta By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Clarifying on the major fall in daily Covid vaccination over the past week, the Centre on Wednesday urged the states to pronounce their specific needs to achieve a high vaccination rate.

The Centre also said that it will supply states with over 12 crore vaccine doses this month, nearly 2.2 crore of which have already reached states.

The daily Covid vaccination in the country has come down by 32% in the last week as compared to the week preceding it. On this, the Union Health Ministry said that it is informing states much in advance about the doses that will be available during the month including the supply to private hospitals.

The states have been advised to plan their Covid Vaccination sessions based on the availability of the Covid vaccines, said the ministry in a statement.

Based on the discussion with the manufacturers, the government had communicated to all states that they will receive more than 12 crore doses of the Covid vaccine in July and till Wednesday morning, over 2.19 crore doses have already been supplied from this months quota, it added.

The states are also being informed adequately in advance of the supply of Covid vaccines being sent to them, the ministry also said, adding that all states have also been requested to share likely indicative demand in case more doses of vaccine are required by them in view of the increased coverage.

The daily Covid vaccinations in India, so far, have remained rather erratic and the numbers, instead of showing upward trends, have been fluctuating.

For instance, on June 21, when the Centre took over the 25% quota from states and started supplying 75% of the total vaccines to government hospitals, the daily vaccination crossed the 85 lakh mark but has come down since then.

On Tuesday just about 42 lakh Covid19 vaccine doses were administered in the country while the experts have pointed out that the daily vaccinations should be 90 lakh if India has to vaccinate all its 94 crore adult population by the year-end.
By PTI

LUDHIANA: A statue of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi installed near the banks of Buddha Dariya here caught fire under mysterious circumstance, prompting police to launch investigation.

The incident took place in the Slem Tabri locality on Wednesday.

Police have started investigation into the matter and said if it is found that someone has committed mischief, he will not be spared.
By PTI

JAMMU: A Pakistani terrorist was gunned down as Army troops foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, a defence spokesman said.

Two soldiers were injured in the firefight with the terrorists who made an attempt to cross the LoC, official sources said.

"In the early hours today, a group of Pakistani terrorists made an attempt to infiltrate across the LoC in the Nowshera Sector of Rajouri," the spokesman said.

Alert Army troops thwarted the infiltration bid by suitably employing an integrated surveillance grid along with domination by fire, and engaging the terrorists in a fierce firefight in which one terrorist was neutralised, he said, adding that his body has been recovered.

An AK 47 rifle, four magazines of AK 47 with ammunition and two hand grenades have been recovered, he said.

This action displays resolve of the Indian Army to thwart any misadventure on the Line of Control, the spokesman said.

According to sources, two soldiers were injured in the gunfight and have been hospitalised.
A Surya Prakash By

While the Indian National Congress chose to largely ignore the birth centenary celebrations of former Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao, PM Narendra Modi, the Telangana government and several other individuals and institutions paid handsome tributes to the man who ensured a spectacular turnaround for Indias economy and adopted tough measures to safeguard the countrys unity and integrity.

Narasimha Rao became prime minister in June 1991, when the country was passing through several crises. His predecessor government had pledged gold to a foreign bank to raise $200 million to tide over a foreign exchange crisis and the economic outlook looked grim.

Rao realised that unless the socialist policies pursued by the Nehru-Gandhis for decades were discarded and the Indian market was opened up to foreign direct investment, there was little hope of economic recovery. He chose Dr Manmohan Singh, a political novice, as his finance minister and provided him the necessary cover to shield him from attacks from socialists, Marxists and Congressmen loyal to the family. Rao took all the flak and allowed Singh to do his job. Such was Raos resolve that when he died in 2004, the countrys forex reserves had crossed $140 billion.

Another monster at the door was the rise of secessionist forces in Punjab, leading to large-scale killings and terrorist activities in that state and in the nations capital. Just as he backed Singh in regard to economic reform, he backed the Punjab chief minister and the top cop K P S Gill to end militancy in that state, undeterred by the whiners in the party and outside. The militants were wiped out and the countrys unity and integrity remained intact.

These were two problems that Rao inherited, apart from several others, that seemed particularly insurmountable. The mood in the country was one of gloom and doom. Raos ascendancy to the office of prime minister had happened unexpectedly, following the tragic assassination of Rajiv Gandhi on 21 May 1991 in the midst of a Lok Sabha election after the premature end of the Chandra Shekhar government. The Congress party had not given him a ticket to contest that election and Rao was all set to pack his bags and return to Hyderabad. In the second week of May 1991 when this writer visited him, the packers were already at work. Asked what his plans were, he said he would get down to doing what had been on his to do list for a long time, including the writing of a political novel. He was however wondering as to how he would find the place to accommodate his books when he returned to his initial karmabhoomi.

But everything changed dramatically for Rao and the Congress on the night of May 21 when the news of the assassination trickled in. Party leaders beseeched him to stay back in his Motilal Nehru Marg residence and a majority of them decided to back him after Sonia Gandhi declined to accept the presidency of the party. Sharad Pawar was the other contender, but the leaders supported Rao. After the results came in and the Congress party ended up with 232 seats, falling short of 50 seats for a majority, Rao used all his diplomatic skills to get several other parties to pledge support and formed the government. He took oath as prime minister exactly a month after Rajivs assassination.

Rao, through his Chanakya Neeti, steered the country from this phase of hopelessness to hope. That is why this writer has, on an earlier occasion, described him as the Prophet

of Boom!

The unwillingness of the Nehru-Gandhis to accord Rao his rightful place among the countrys great prime ministers has made the Congress look like an ungrateful party. On the other hand, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, who grew up politically in a non-Congress environment, described Rao as an astute administrator, statesman, visionary and the undisputed torchbearer of economic reforms in India. Narendra Modi, who is the leader of the BJP, has shown much more grace by acknowledging Raos extensive contributions to national development. Similarly, the Telangana governments decision to launch a year-long centenary celebration last year that culminated in a grand event on 28 June 2021 is worthy of commendation.

By wholeheartedly acknowledging the contribution of Rao, the vice president, the prime minister and the chief minister of Telangana have fully exposed the small-mindedness of the Nehru-Gandhis. More importantly, they have shown that while that family is ungrateful, the nation is not.

P V Subhas, grandson of Rao, has demanded an apology from the Congress for not conducting the former PMs centenary at the national and international level and limiting it to Telangana. The Congress partys decision to confine the event to Telangana was to ensure continuing insult to one of Indias greatest prime ministers. It was in line with the manoeuvres pertaining to his last rites when he passed away in 2004. The family ensured that the gates of the party headquarters were locked when the cortege carrying Raos body came there. It also insisted that his cremation be held not in Delhi but in Hyderabad, in the hope that this would diminish his stature. But that ploy has clearly failed.

Those who wonder why the Congress party is slowly withering away and becoming a caricature of itself can find answers in the contempt that the Nehru-Gandhis, who virtually own and control the party, have shown towards stalwarts like Rao. Will this ever change? Unlikely, so long as the family runs it, the party will remain a mom and son show.

A Surya Prakash

Former Chairman, Prasar Bharati and Scholar, Democracy Studies

(suryamedia@gmail.com)
M C Chattopadhyaya By

The Indian renaissance, which began in the 19th century and was largely due to the efforts of Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1772-1833), saw the birth of several eminent personalities like Rabindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi in the decade 1860-1869. Upendra Kishore Roy Chowdhary, born in 1863, was one such versatile person. He had a press and processing studio, and was interested in good printing and reproduction of pictures. He also wrote stories for children and illustrated them. He published a coloured childrens magazine titled Sandesh in Bengali. His son Sukumar Ray was also a man of several virtues. He became famous for his humorous skits and nonsensical rhymes. He also illustrated his published work. After the death of Upendra Kishore in 1915, Sukumar used to edit Sandesh.

On 2 May 1921, Satyajit Ray was born in his ancestral house, 100 Garpar Road, Calcutta. Unfortunately, his father Sukumar died soon after, on 10 September 1923. Satyajits mother Suprabha Ray then shifted along with her son to the house of her younger brother Prashant Kumar Das at Bhawanipur. Satyajit, after schooling, graduated from the Presidency College, Calcutta, with honours in Economics.

Right from his younger days, Satyajit was fond of reading novels of popular writers and collected records of Western composers like Mozart, Bach and Beethoven. He was fond of English magazines and comics. His interest and understanding of Western classical music later on helped him in filmmaking. He studied art for a short time at Visva-Bharati, Shantiniketan. Under masters like Nandlal Bose and Binod Behari Mukherjee, he got lessons on various aspects of art.

Satyajit inherited his writing skills from his family. He wrote his first story titled Abstraction in Amrita Bazar Patrika (18 May 1941). Although many know Satyajit just through his films, he was talented in many other fields. He showed his writing skills in works of art and as a music composer and magazine editor. Most of his fiction works have originally appeared in periodicals before being collected and published as books. He also translated his fathers rhymes in English and edited several books.

After the liquidation of the family publishing house U. Ray and Sons, the publication of Sandesh came to a halt. However, Sukumars younger brother Subinoy managed to revive the publication of Sandesh for a brief period (1931-1933). Satyajit revived the magazine again in May 1961. He spent lots of time in editing, managing and illustrating for Sandesh. The magazine proved to be a source of creative inspiration for him.

In 1943, Satyajit joined the British advertising agency D.J. Keymer Ltd. as a commercial artist. His training at Visva-Bharati helped him in visualising the product to be advertised. He could observe life and nature from different perspectives. At Visva-Bharati Library, he had access to the works of Western painters. His approach in designing impressed the owner, who promoted him to art director in 1950 and subsequently sent him to the UK for further training. During his stay in London, he worked with Benson, an affiliate of D.J. Keymer. As a visualiser and later an art director for the firm, Satyajit designed newspaper and magazine campaigns for several products. He also got an opportunity in book designing. He designed the cover of several books, including an edition of Jawaharlal Nehrus The Discovery of India.

Sukumars cousin Nitin Bose was a well-known film director. So Satyajit got exposure to cinema produced in India at that time. He was not satisfied with the state of Indian cinema and wrote an article titled What is wrong with Indian films? published in The Statesman in 1948. He along with Chidananda Das Gupta founded the Calcutta Film Society in 1947. This culminated in the Federation of Film Societies of India in 1959. The result of this movement saw several outstanding filmmakers emerge in India. Satyajit remained President of Film Societies of India till his death. He also assisted famous French film director Jean Renoir when he came to shoot his film The River (1951). After the Calcutta Film Society was formed, Satyajit was able to watch the films of eminent directors like Eisenstein, Pudovkin, Robert Flaherty, Marcel Carne and others. Further, during his five-month stay in London, he was able to watch over 90 films.

On his return to India, Satyajit was asked to design the cover of Pather Panchali, a novel written by Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyaya. He went through the novel and thought of making a film based on it. Since Satyajit was working for D.J. Keymar, the shooting of this low-budget film was scheduled on weekends. He had a set of devoted technical personnel in his unit. To meet the modest budget, Satyajit pawned his insurance policy and his wifes ornaments. With all available resources he could complete only 40% of the film. Later on, the West Bengal government provided the funds for its completion and the film was released on 26 August 1955 for 19 days. The WB government made a net profit of `1,65,917. The film won the international award at Cannes Film Festival as Best Human Document. It was this film that put India on the map of world cinema. Noted filmmaker Akira Kurosawa observed, Pather Panchali, for me, marks the beginning of the true Indian cinema.

What followed were the two other films that completed the trilogy, Aparajito (1956) and Apur Sansar (1959). They formed the epic that moved from the village to the city, from the past, remembered, to the present, as experiencefrom the ordered structure of rural life to the anarchic experience of the metropolitan milieu, full of uncertainty and apprehension of the future. It was the universalisation of a local situation that evoked, from leading film directors and critics, surprisingly emotional responses. This trilogy remains an expression, an interpretation and record of humanitys longing to understand the grand design of life and living.

During the span of 36 years of filmmaking, Satyajit made 36 films. These include long and short feature films, television films and documentaries. Most of the feature films made by him are adaptations of established literary works. In 1962, he made his first colour film Kanchenjungha, which was based on his own idea. The duration of events shown coincides with the films running time. The films Sonar Kella (1974) and Joy Baba Felunath (1979) are based on his own novels.

In most of his early films, Satyajit engaged Subrata Mitra as cameraman but later on he switched over to Saumendu Ray. Saumendu used to arrange lights in sets and facilitated the shooting process but Satyajit used to handle the camera.

In his first six films, Satyajit engaged virtuosos like Pt. Ravishankar, Ustad Vilayat Khan and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan to score the background music. In 1961, he paid tribute to Tagore on his birth centenary year by making the film Teen Kanya based on the latters three short stories. He scored the music himself. He continued this practice till his last film. He also scored background music for other film directors. This is my tribute to the man, who was not just a legendary filmmaker but a multifaceted personality, on his birth centenary year.

M C Chattopadhyaya

Former Head, Department ofChemistry, University of Allahabad
Though elections to the Telangana Assembly are still two years away, a sense of deja vu is already prevailing. The leaders of both the BJP and Congress, the two principal opposition parties, are raring to undertake padayatras to capture power in Telangana, a la Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, N Chandrababu Naidu and Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy in 2003, 2012 and 2017 respectively. The padayatras took the three leaders to almost cult status and they came to power; hence, the law of the padayatra has come to stay.

Now, BJP state president Bandi Sanjay Kumar is getting ready for a 750 km, 55-day padayatra from the Bhagya Lakshmi temple in Hyderabad to Huzurabad in Karimnagar district where a by-election is due. Summoning the spirit of the Quit India movement, he has drawn up an elaborate map for his padayatra, which begins on August 9. The aim is to shore up, in the near term, the prospects of his party in the Huzurabad bypollwhere it is challenging the ruling party with Eatala Rajender who resigned as a TRS MLA and joined the saffron brigade recently. It is a no-brainer that the BJPs bigger game-plan is to defeat K Chandrashekar Rao in the 2023 Assembly elections.

A few days earlier, immediately after his appointment as PCC President, A Revanth Reddy announced that subject to the approval of the Congress high command, he wants to take out a padayatra from Alampur to Adilabad. It is obvious that a politician takes out a padayatra to impress upon the people that he is a force to reckon with. It also has a psychological impact that despite the physical pain a politician suffers, he is trying to reach out to the people. But if the people want to look beyond the TRS, would they choose the BJP or Congress? And there is also the possibility that voters may prove the padayatra law wrong by staying with KCR.
Chetana Belagere By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: Karnataka is amongst the eight states which contribute to 80 per cent of the fresh Covid-19 cases in the country. And, as per the statistics released by the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday, there are eight districts in the state which are still reporting new cases.

Speaking at a press conference, Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary in the Health Ministry, said that the infection is now spreading in a localised manner. Much of the country is seeing a reprieve from increasing daily case load, but there are patches where the infection is still spreading. This indicates that the infection is now spreading in a localised manner within a limited geographical area, he noted.

The statistics show that 80 per cent of the cases are being reported from 90 districts across the country. Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have 15 districts each where the infection is spreading, followed by Kerala with 14 districts, Odisha 11, Andhra Pradesh 10 and Karnataka with eight districts with high rate of new Covid-19 cases.

Calling for focused attention in these areas, the Union Health Ministry has written to the states saying that they should ensure more attention is given to the districts reporting more new cases and not only ramp up vaccination in these places, but also ensure Covid-appropriate behavior is followed. The ministry has informed the states that RT-PCR testing must be scaled up to maximum possible levels while using Rapid Antigen Tests in under-served and rural areas and places where RT-PCR testing is not feasible.

Violations of protocols can nullify the progress made so far. While the Delta-plus variant is known to be more transmissible, maintaining social distance, double masking andregular washing of hands still remain the key to defeat this virus, the head of the Indian Council for Medical Research, Dr Balram Bhargava, said.

Meanwhile, the test positivity rate in two districts of Karnataka  Kodagu and Hassan  still remains a matter of concern. As per the data from June 29 to July 5, the two districts have TPR of 6.76 per cent and 6.05 per cent respectively, which is higher than the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended 5 per cent. Anything above 5 per cent is a cause for concern.

According to Dr C N Manjunath, Director, Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, the state should also be monitoring the number of ICU admissions and death rates in these districts. There will be a lag between admissions and death. If these are on the rise, it should be indicators that we need to pay more attention in these districts, he pointed out.

As economic activities have restarted in Karnataka, experts warn that the second wave of Covid-19 is not

completely over and whatever has been achieved so far due to the lockdown may go waste and restrictions may be back in place to contain the Covid-19 spread.District-specific measures (regarding reopening) have to be guided by the positivity rate, said Dr Balram Bhargava, while stressing on the need to step up testing.
By PTI

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A court here on Wednesday adjourned till July 12 the hearing on the anticipatory bail plea of former Kerala DGP Siby Mathews in a case registered by CBI against him and 17 other police officers in connection with the ISRO espionage case.

They have been booked for offences including criminal conspiracy and kidnapping and fabrication of evidence, under the IPC, in connection with arrest and detention of former ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan in the 1994 espionage case.

Principal District and Sessions Judge P Krishnakumar posted the matter to next week after the District court was told that bail applications of two other accused in the case were pending before the Kerala High Court and that the matter was likely to be heard during the day. "If similar matters are pending before the High Court, let's see what happens there," the court said.

Besides Mathews' anticipatory bail plea, Narayanan's application to be impleaded in the matter was also listed before the district court. Right at the start of the hearing, Mathews' lawyer opposed the impleadment application of Narayanan. Narayanan, represented byadvocate C Unnikrishnan, has opposed grant of any relief to Mathews.

During the brief proceedings, the district court was also told that the two Maldives nationals -- Mariyam Rasheeda and Fousiya Hasan -- who were also arrested in the espionage case would be filing impleadment applications as well.

In his anticipatory bail plea, Mathews has claimed he and senior Kerala Police officers were pressurised by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to arrest Narayanan in the espionage case.

He had also claimed cases under the Foreigners Act and the Official Secrets Act were registered against Rasheeda based on the information received from the IB and the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) that she had "undesirable connections with some ISRO scientists and her activities were prejudicial to interest and security of India".

Rasheeda was, thereafter, arrested on the instructions of a then senior IB officer, Mathews, who had headed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the espionage case, has claimed.

The Supreme Court had on April 15 ordered that the report of a high-level committee on the role of erring police officials in the espionage case relating to Narayanan be given to the CBI and directed the agency to conduct further investigation on the issue.

The three-member committee, headed by former apex court judge Justice (retd) DK Jain, was appointed by the top court in 2018 after acquitting Narayanan in the case. The Supreme Court had also directed the Kerala government to pay Rs 50 lakh as compensation for compelling Narayanan to undergo "immense humiliation".

The espionage case, which had hit the headlines then, pertained to allegations of transfer of certain confidential documents on India's space programme to foreign countries by two scientists and four others, including two Maldivian women.

The CBI, in its probe back then, had held that the then top police officials in Kerala were responsible for Narayanan's Illegal arrest. The case also had a political fallout, with a section in Congress targeting the then Chief Minister late K Karunakaran over the issue, that eventually led to his resignation.
By Express News Service

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday directed the CBI to conduct a further investigation into the murder of Mohammed Fasal, an activist of the National Development Front (NDF), a Muslim outfit, in Thalassery in 2006 in view of the revelation by an RSS worker.

Kuppi Subeesh, who was arrested in connection with another political murder case registered in Koothuparamba police station, had revealed in 2016 that Fasal was murdered by RSS men including himself and three others -- Praneesh, Mahe, Prabeesh Kumar, Chembra, and Shinoj. There is undoubtedly a need for examination of the confession statement, the HC said.

Justice Ashok Menon issued the order on the petition filed by PK Abdul Sathar, elder brother of deceased Fasal, seeking a directive to conduct further investigation in the case. The petitioner submitted that Subeesh had allegedly admitted his involvement to his friend, over the phone, two years before his confession to the police. The recordings of that conversation were also produced by the police in a pen drive. Shinoj, a co-accused has also confessed about his involvement in the crime with Subeesh for murdering Fasal. The petitioner contended that the real culprits are not yet arraigned as accused.

Subeesh, who impleaded in the case opposing further investigation, submitted he was taken into illegal custody and forced to give a confession statement and made to admit about his involvement in Fasal's murder. He was subjected to brutal torture for two days at Azhikal Coast Guard Station, Kannur, by two Dy SPs. According to him, all this was done to weaken the case against the CPM leaders who are presently arraigned as accused, at the instance of the CPM-led LDF which is in power in the state.

The court observed that without an examination of those materials by the investigating agency, it was not proper to discard them altogether. "It may be true that the CBI may not be satisfied with the materials now collected by the local police during the investigation in some other case involving Subeesh. But there is no harm in examining those materials also, as a part of a further investigation under section 173(8) Cr. P.C," the court said.

The court directed CBI to constitute a special team to further investigate the case.

The CBI took over the investigation into the case on a directive of the High Court on a plea by the victim's widow Mariyu. According to CBI Fasal of Madapedika from Kodiyeri was murdered allegedly by a group of CPIM sympathisers after he defected from the CPM and joined the NDF on October 22, 2006. Eight persons including Karayi Rajan and Karayi Chandrashekharan, CPIM local leaders were arrested by the CBI.
Krishnachand K By

Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid the general economic downturn caused by the pandemic, the startup ecosystem in the state, comprising IT and biotechnology firms, seems to have bucked the trend. According to the data compiled by an IT expert, 18 startups in the state have raised $112.86 million (approximately Rs 853 crore) in six months  between January 1 and June 30  through 18 deals. This is the highest amount raised by startups in state in the past 10 years. In contrast, startups had raised only $53 million last year in 25 deals. The latest trend also gives inspiration to many to come up with new ideas, thereby setting up new startups, industry observers said.

The data is based on the performance of companies that have been in the business for less than 10 years. Currently, around 2,900 startups function in the state, according to the data available with the Kerala Startup Mission. A majority of these firms, which inked such successful deals this year, is SaaS (Software as a Service) based startups and received investments from angel investors and private equities.

Of the 18 that received funding, 15 are SaaS-based startups and sell their products globally, though they are based in Kerala. Of the 18 startups, 10 are in Kochi, while seven are headquartered in Thiruvananthapuram. As per the data, Thiruvananthapuram- based startups raised $90.5 million (approximately Rs 669 crore). Outside tier I cities, Thiruvananthapuram attracted the maximum funding in India, said Robin Alex Panicker, founder of Finotes, and Venture Partner at Unicorn India Ventures, who compiled the data.

Investment shows untapped potential of startup ecosystem

Kerala is a smaller startup ecosystem compared to the likes of Bengaluru. We need to understand these numbers based on this fact. So I consider this growth as pretty impressive. But this also conveys the huge untapped potential of the Kerala Startup ecosystem, especially SaaS space. We have to run faster, Robin said. I will also like to mention that this data is collected from my network in Kerala Startup ecosystem, and this should not be considered as official data of any kind.

There could be funding deals that I may have missed out, and the actual numbers could be even higher. Consider this to be more indicative in nature, he said. Recently, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan assured that major investment and more employment opportunities will be created in the next five years as Kerala is the most progressive state in the startup sector. Last year, Kerala was declared the top performer for startups in the country for the second year in a row.

The state shared the honours with Karnataka, while Gujarat was declared the best performer in the Centres States Startup Ranking 2019 released last year. Ashok Kurian Panjirkkaran, Business development and Incubation head, Kerala Startup Mission, said startups in the state have registered an impressive growth. He forecast AN upward trend in the coming years also.

Kerala has 51% of startups generating good revenue and this positive trend will definitely bring in more investments. investors also can get connected with more startups with a scalable solution. The pandemic did not affect the startups operations, he said.
By Express News Service

KOZHIKODE: The NIA Special Court in Ernakulam has dismissed the plea of Maoist Roopesh to allow him a minute to pay homage to deceased Jesuit priest Stan Swamy before starting the trial of a case on Tuesday. Roopesh, presently at Viyyur central jail, submitted the petition through the jail superintendent before the trial of a UAPA case came up through video conference.

In the petition, Roopesh said that Stan Swamy inspired him to inculcate commitment for the poor and downtrodden masses and Swamys demise had caused serious anxiety and concern to him.

Roopesh and others are undergoing trial in a case registered under Vellamunda police station in Wayanad wherein Maoists allegedly threatened a cop at gunpoint in April 2014.

Roopesh is the first accused in the case. Though there are reports that Roopesh and other Maoist prisoners at Viyyur jail are observing hunger strike protesting the institutional murder of Swamy, the jail authorities dismissed it. No hunger strike by prisoners happened in the jail, said Viyyur jail superintendent A G Suresh.
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: To curb the spread of Covid in the state, the health department has decided to strengthen contact tracing and quarantining in six districts with high test positivity rate (TPR). Health Minister Veena George convened a meeting on Tuesday with the district medical officers of Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod to discuss the measures to be taken to reduce the TPR. The meeting assumes significance after a central team dispatched by the Union health ministry, to monitor the Covid situation in the state, is presently visiting various districts.

The two-member central team also suggested measures to strengthen contact tracing and quarantining on the first day of their visit on Monday. The minister directed the officers to increase testing in locations with chances of high spread. These tests will be over and above the targets fixed for each district.

The government has decided to shift Covid positive persons without adequate facilities for home quarantine to domiciliary care centres. Those with comorbidities will be shifted to Covid hospitals.

The minister also directed officials to strengthen functioning of the Covid first-line treatment centres. Public health experts have warned against the low testing and poor contact tracing for high plateauing of TPR. Increasing the number of tests, contact tracing and isolation are the most important steps to control the pandemic. Contact tracing is almost nil. The high number of new positive cases and TPR is the result of compromising on these parameters. It is not the government alone that is responsible for the situation.

The lowering of guard by the public has also contributed to it, said Indian Medical Association state secretary Dr Gopikumar P. The high spread in northern districts is caused by small gatherings despite the lockdown. There is a need to enforce the Covid-appropriate behaviour strictly among the public, he said. The health experts such as Dr Padmanabha Shenoy and Dr Arun N M also highlighted the need for more testing and contact tracing to prevent further surge in cases. The state reported 14,373 new positive cases, the highest since June 10, on Tuesday. The TPR stood at 10.9%.
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The impleading of former ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan in the ISRO case objecting the anticipatory bail application of officials accused of falsely implicating him in the spy case has virtually opened the case diary once again. The documents submitted by Sibi Mathews, former Director General of Police and former probe officer of the ISRO spy case, in the local court while defending his bail application, shed light on the some of the old developments in the case.

The voluntary retirement service application filed by Nambi Narayanan, which was submitted in the local court as part of seeking anticipatory bail, reveals that he had plans to leave the organisation even before his arrest. The VRS application dated November 1, 1994 says Due to personal reasons I wish to seek voluntary retirement from ISRO. I shall be extremely grateful, if Chairman ISRO/ Secretary, DOS can condone and waive the retirement of three months notice and relieve me with effect from 11th November 1994.

In the letter addressed ISRO chairman/ Secretary, department of Space, he had also handwritten a small portion which reads Incidentally, you may kindly recall my discussion with you during August 94, my interest to seek voluntary retirement after the PSLV launch, and you had kindly agreed to my request to relieve me after the launch. The accused also submitted a page (No 276) from his auto biography in which Nambi reveals that he started working on exit strategy.

I had two immediate options. Go to the US where I was sure to get a job in rocketry; get into some business where my engineering expertise can be put to use. The accused submitted the documents as part of defending his bail application. Nambi was arrested on November 30, 1994, while his VRS application was moved on November 1 itself.
T Muruganandham By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Two months after the Assembly elections, the blame game between the AIADMK and BJP over their defeat has begun with former minister CVe Shanmugam triggering a wordy duel between the two parties by saying the alliance with the BJP has cost the AIADMK although people were in a mood to give a third consecutive mandate to the party.

Strongly hitting back at Shanmugam's remarks, BJPs second rung leaders demanded a clarification from AIADMK top leaders -- Edappadi K Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam. Panneerselvam was quick to say that the AIADMKs alliance with the BJP will continue and there is no second opinion on this. Panneerselvams unilateral statement on the continuation of the alliance with the BJP, even as Palaniswami is yet to react, has caused unrest within the AIADMK.

It all began when CVe Shanmugam, while addressing a meeting of party office-bearers at Vanur in Villupuram district on Tuesday, charged that the AIADMK lost power due to its alliance with the BJP.

The prime reason for AIADMKs defeat in this election is its alliance with the BJP. We have lost the votes of minority communities totally due to this alliance. The people of the minority communities did not have any grouse against the AIADMK government since it had earned their goodwill through its welfare measures. Indeed, people were ready to re-elect the AIADMK. But the alliance arithmetic failed us. For example, there are around 20,000 voters belonging to minority communities in Villupuram constituency and the DMK candidate won by 14,000 votes, Shanmugam said.

Condemning the remarks, BJP state general secretary KT Raghavan tweeted that the BJP too felt that its alliance with the AIADMK was the reason for their defeat in the elections.

ALSO READ: Former AIADMK Minister Rajenthra Balaji took away 1.50 tonne sweets home, alleges Tamil Nadu Dairy Minister SM Nasar

When contacted, Raghavan told The New Indian Express, I strongly condemn the remarks of CVe Shanmugam. Top leaders of the AIADMK should clarify this issue. When we reviewed the election results, BJP functionaries complained that the decisions taken by the AIADMK government during the past four years have led to the defeat of BJP candidates in many places. But keeping in mind the alliance dharma, we did not express such views in public.

Countering Shanmugams charge that the AIADMK had lost the votes of the Muslims just because it had an alliance with the BJP, Raghavan said, The BJP won the Lok Sabha elections by winning 303 seats. In Uttar Pradesh where Muslims got 18 percent vote bank, they voted for the BJP candidates in areas like Meerut. In northeastern states where minority communities have a strong presence, the BJP is ruling. Across the country, minority communities are voting in favour of the BJP. So, Shanmugams view are wrong.

Asked whether this would affect the alliance between the AIADMK and the BJP in the ensuing elections to local bodies, Raghavan said, Our party will take a decision on whether to have an alliance with the AIADMK for the local body elections only after the elections are notified.

BJP state treasurer SR Sekar too took exception to Shanmugams remarks. His remarks have deeply hurt the cadre and functionaries of the BJP in Tamil Nadu. Is this the view of Shanmugam or that of the AIADMK? He is a district secretary and former minister. AIADMK leaders Edappadi K Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam have to clarify whether the AIADMK agrees with this view or not. If not, both leaders should take disciplinary action against Shanmugam, he said.

If Shanmugam's reasoning is right, how come 66 AIADMK candidates won the elections despite having an alliance with the BJP? Also, in the western region where the BJP has a strong base, the DMK has been wiped out totally. In other words, just because AIADMK had an alliance with the BJP, it has swept the elections in the western region. There are two reasons for this sweep in the western region: firstly, the AIADMK's alliance with the BJP; secondly the individual AIADMK candidate's performance. Shanmugam has lost the elections due to his non-performance, Sekar added.

"Had Shanmugam felt that the AIADMK's alliance with the BJP was wrong, why did he contest the elections at all on the AIADMK ticket? Also, what does it mean by his statement that he was defeated because the minorities did not support him? Is it not an insult to the 87,000 voters who voted in favour of Shanmugam?" Sekar asked.

Unilateral statement by OPS

Within a couple of hours after Raghavan and Sekar sounded their views, Panneerselvam came out with a quick but categorical statement announcing that the AIADMKs alliance would continue with the BJP. However, Panneerselvam did not say anything about the remarks of Shanmugam.

Panneerselvam said, The AIADMK has full faith in BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Considering the interests of the nation and the welfare of Tamil Nadu, the AIADMK-BJP alliance will continue and there is no second opinion on this."

Usually, party statements are issued jointly by OPS and Edappadi K Palaniswami but this time, on a major issue, the former issued a statement on his own.

BJP leaders are hesitating to say whether the alliance with us will continue or not. Why should we volunteer to assert it at a time of confusion that too in a unilateral statement, a senior AIADMK leader told The New Indian Express. Till Wednesday night, Edappadi K Palaniswami had not said anything about the development.

AIADMK spokesperson D Jayakumar sought to downplay the remarks of Shanmugam by saying that Raghavan should not have reacted to remarks made in an indoor meeting of the party. This issue is expected to echo in the district secretaries' meeting scheduled for July 9, to be chaired by Palaniswami and Panneerselvam.
SV Krishna Chaitanya By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: With the permission to operate the oxygen plant in the beleaguered Sterlite Copper factory in Thoothukudi nearing its end, Vedanta Limited has filed an affidavit before the Supreme Court seeking a six-month extension citing an impending third wave of COVID-19. The Tamil Nadu government is currently weighing its options and seeking a response from the healthcare department before taking a final call.

In the affidavit, available with The New Indian Express, Vedanta claimed experts have recognised the need to augment oxygen supply by permitting private entities such as the petitioner (Sterlite) to continue oxygen production. Therefore, Vedanta sought apex court intervention to enable it to continue production of medical grade liquid oxygen for a further period of six months. Vedanta said it undertakes to comply with all the conditions imposed by the Supreme Court in its order dated April 27, 2021, for the supply of oxygen free of cost.

The apex court had allowed Sterlite to initiate oxygen production on a stand-alone basis until July 31, 2021, at which point, a decision will be taken based on the state of the pandemic at that time. The court also constituted a committee to oversee the proper functioning of the oxygen plant.

Vedanta said though the second wave of the pandemic is receding, medical experts have warned that a third wave of the pandemic is imminent. Further, as several parts of the country are opening up, there is an increased risk of the number of COVID-19 cases spiking again.

"It is evident that the COVID-19 scenario is dynamic and constantly changing with new information emerging on a daily basis. In light of this, it is vital that India is prepared to deal with any challenge posed by the imminent third wave in an adequate manner, for which the health infrastructure in the country must be strengthened and duly equipped. A vital part of the health infrastructure, while dealing with COVID-19, is the oxygen production and supply in the country. Thus, it is important that a sufficient supply of medical oxygen be maintained throughout the country in order to prevent any casualties on account of lack of oxygen supply," the affidavit said.

Sterlite supplied 1,393.76 MT of oxygen to TN

Vedanta said so far 1,393.76 metric tonnes of Liquid Medical Oxygen was supplied to 22 districts in Tamil Nadu through the Tamil Nadu Medical Service Corporation (TNMSC). This oxygen was supplied to 12 medical college hospitals, eight government hospitals and 12 oxygen bottling plants/agencies. In supplying the oxygen, Vedanta said it has incurred an expenditure of over Rs 30 crore.

Many states have developed comprehensive medical oxygen plans and strengthened the infrastructure for medical oxygen in the public and private sector. Ten states namely, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan have finalized such plans till now.

When contacted, a senior official in the Tamil Nadu government said a final decision on whether to give extension to Sterlite or not will be taken after getting inputs from the health department.
JAYAKUMAR MADALA By

Express News Service

TIRUCHY: A day after the death of Father Stan Swamy, his family members, friends and well-wishers conducted a special prayer at his native village of Virugallur on Tuesday. Stan Swamy, a prominent tribal activist, died at a private hospital in Mumbai, where he was treated after being arrested by National Investigation Agency under UAPA Act in October 2020. Several political leaders have been offering condolences.

At his native village, his family members put up a huge banner and allowed the public to pay their respects in front of Seven Dolours Church, where Stan Swamy last visited and conducted a prayer meeting in 2019. Three Jesuit fathers from St Josephs College, the alma mater of Stan Swamy, held a prayer meeting on Tuesday evening in the church, where public and family members participated. The college also posted a message in his memory on its website.

In the special prayers, a few family members, including Benitto (26), grand nephew of Stan Swamy, shared his memories. Although the family members had planned to conduct a silent procession on Tuesday, it was cancelled after police denied permission citing Covid.

S Martin, a social activist and admirer of Stan Swamy, said, It is a sad day for us. I met him for the first time in 1979, when Stan had come to St Joseph College to give a lecture. Since that day, I have been inspired by his dedication to tribals and how he fought for their cause. The crimes Stan committed were just that he fought against displacement of tribal people, demanded the implementation of land rights for people living in forest and dedicated his life for their welfare. He is my role model in life.

Incidentally, Martin also participated and led the protest in support of Stan Swamy, held in 2020. Similarly, a homage meeting was hosted by Tiruchy East MLA and founder of Christhuva Nallenna Iyakkam, Inigo Irudayaraj, at Nal Ayyan Nilayam at Melapudur on Tuesday. Christhuva Nallenna Iyakkam, a charitable association working for religious minorities, played a major role in organising the protest in support of Stan Swamy.
By PTI

TEHRAN: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday called on Iran's President-elect Ebrahim Raisi and handed over a personal message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a stopover in Tehran on his way to Russia.

Raisi, the former judiciary chief, won a landslide victory in Iran's presidential election in June.

He will take office in early August.

"Thank President-elect Ebrahim Raisi for his gracious welcome. Handed over a personal message from PM @narendramodi. Appreciate his warm sentiments for India. Deeply value his strong commitment to strengthen our bilateral ties and expand cooperation on regional and global issues," Jaishankar tweeted along with his pictures with Raisi.

Thank President-elect Ebrahim Raisi for his gracious welcome. Handed over a personal message from PM @narendramodi. Appreciate his warm sentiments for India. Deeply value his strong commitment to strengthen our bilateral ties and expand cooperation on regional and global issues. pic.twitter.com/Ef7iEutkZi  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 7, 2021

Prime Minister Modi last month congratulated President-elect Raisi and said he looked forward to working with him to further strengthen the warm ties between India and Iran.

"Congratulations to His Excellency Ebrahim Raisi on his election as President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I look forward to working with him to further strengthen the warm ties between India and Iran," Modi had tweeted.

Congratulations to His Excellency Ebrahim Raisi on his election as President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I look forward to working with him to further strengthen the warm ties between India and Iran.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 20, 2021

During his brief stay in Tehran, Jaishankar also held talks with his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif, covering various aspects of bilateral relations and regional developments.

"Always a warm welcome from FM @JZarif. Useful discussion on regional and global affairs," Jaishankar tweeted.

"Iranian Foreign Minister @JZarif met with Indian Foreign Minister @DrSJaishankar in Tehran and discussed the bilateral relations and regional developments," the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi said in a tweet, which was retweeted by the Indian Embassy in Tehran.

Interestingly, Jaishankar's visit to Tehran comes on a day when Iran is hosting a high-level intra-Afghan dialogue between Taliban and Afghan government representatives, in the midst of major developments in Afghanistan where the US military is getting ready to exit the war-torn nation before September 11.

The intra-Afghan dialogue is being attended by the Taliban political committee led by chief negotiator Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the Afghan government officials, including former Vice President Younus Qanooni, and others from the High Council for National Reconciliation.

India, a major stakeholder in the peace and stability of Afghanistan, has been supporting a national peace and reconciliation process which is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled.

On September 12, 2020, an Indian delegation attended the inaugural ceremony of the intra-Afghan negotiations in Qatar's capital Doha while Jaishankar joined it through a video conference.

Jaishankar last month met US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad in Doha and exchanged perspectives on the war-torn nation.

The US and the Taliban signed a landmark deal in Doha on February 29, 2020 after multiple rounds of negotiations to bring lasting peace in war-torn Afghanistan and allow US troops to return home from America's longest war.

India has been keenly following the evolving political situation after the US signed the peace deal with the Taliban.

The deal provided for the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, effectively drawing curtains on Washington's 18-year war with Taliban in the country.

In early March, Jaishankar and Khalilzad spoke over phone and discussed the developments pertaining to the Afghan peace talks.

In the same month, Jaishankar attended the 9th Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference in Tajikistan's capital, Dushanbe, where he voiced "grave concern" over violence and bloodshed in Afghanistan and said that there is need for a genuine -double peace' in and around the war-torn country.

India remains committed to steadfastly supporting Afghanistan during its transition.

Its development partnership of USD 3 billion, including more than 550 Community Development Projects covering all 34 provinces, is aimed at making Afghanistan a self-sustaining nation, he had said.

While in Moscow, Jaishankar is also expected to exchange views on the situation in Afghanistan with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.
By PTI

LONDON: Britain's High Court has granted the US government permission to appeal a decision that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange cannot be sent to the United States to face espionage charges.

The judicial office said Wednesday that the appeal had been granted and the case would be listed for a High Court hearing.

No date has been set.

In January, a lower court judge refused an American request to send Assange to the US to face spying charges over WikiLeaks' publication of secret military documents a decade ago.

District Judge Vanessa Baraitser denied extradition on health grounds, saying Assange was likely to kill himself if held under harsh US prison conditions.

The judge ordered that Assange must remain in prison during any potential US appeal, ruling that the Australian citizen "has an incentive to abscond" if he were freed.

Assange, 50, has been in London' high-security Belmarsh Prison since he was arrested in April 2019 for skipping bail seven years earlier during a separate legal battle.

Assange spent seven years holed up inside Ecuador's London embassy, where he fled in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden to face allegations of rape and sexual assault.

Sweden dropped the sex crimes investigations in November 2019 because so much time had elapsed.

US prosecutors have indicted Assange on 17 espionage charges and one charge of computer misuse over WikiLeaks' publication of thousands of leaked military and diplomatic documents.

The charges carry a maximum sentence of 175 years in prison.

Assange's fiancee, Stella Moris, urged U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday to drop the prosecution begun under his predecessor, Donald Trump.

"I am appealing directly to the Biden government to do the right thing, even at this late stage," said Moris, who has two young sons with Assange.

"This case should not be dragged out for a moment longer.

End this prosecution, protect free speech and let Julian come home to his family."
Help support your local hometown newspaper/website. Independent local news reporting matters. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription, for as little as $3, so we can continue to provide independent local reporting on our communities.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Secretary of State Antony Blinken met virtually on Tuesday with Uyghur Muslims who were detained at camps in Chinas northwest Xinjiang region to hear about their experiences and seek advice on how best to pressure China to halt repression there.

The State Department said Blinken wanted to hear directly from the seven former detainees, relatives of others and advocates about conditions that they and the Uyghur community more broadly face.

The secretary thought it important to meet with these individuals to hear firsthand their stories, to hear firsthand their impression of the ongoing atrocities in Xinjiang and the internment of a million Uyghurs," department spokesman Ned Price said. Also, its an opportunity for these participants to offer any recommendations they may have."

China has come under severe international criticism and sanctions for detaining more than 1 million Uyghurs and and other minorities for political re-education in Xinjiang.

Price said the meeting showed continuity in American policy on the matter between the widely divergent Biden and Trump administrations.

Both administrations have termed the campaign in Xinjiang a genocide and slapped sanctions on China for human rights abuses. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met several times with Uyghur ex-detainees during his tenure as America's top diplomat.

America has spoken out very clearly and consistently about the abuses, about the atrocities, about the ongoing genocide that is taking place in Xinjiang, Price said. "And, as we deem appropriate, I suspect well be employing additional tools going forward to hold to account those officials responsible for what has taken place there.

Since the Trump administration, the U.S. has steadily ramped up pressure on China on a number of fronts, notably over repression in Xinjiang and a clampdown on political dissent and human rights in Hong Kong. Those have included travel bans, financial sanctions and commercial restrictions on Chinese imports to the U.S.
RIDGEFIELD  The towns annual fireworks display went off with a bang this year as residents filed into Tiger Hollow Stadium to celebrate Independence Day.

The fireworks took place on Monday night. And while other town events have been canceled due to pandemic restrictions, First Selectman Rudy Marconi said he was excited to see the town tradition restored.

This is great news and a well-deserved reward for all the hard work our community has done in getting vaccinated and contributing to the lifting of COVID restrictions, he said in a release.

The town did not implement social distancing for the event but did ask anyone who had not been vaccinated or was concerned about other people being contagious to wear a mask.

There were lights both in the sky and on the ground as glow sticks were made available, and the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce organized food trucks and vendors at the schools entrance. Residents were charged $20 per car, which went towards funding the fireworks.

According to Marconi, the fireworks alone cost the town about $26,000. Tacking on police and fire overtime for the event boosted the cost to nearly $50,000. While the town is looking to raise most of the money through sponsors, Marconi hopes parking passes will make up the rest.

If the revenue from parking passes and donations from sponsors does not cover the cost, the town wont pick up the tab. Marconi has asked anyone who might have a few extra dollars to spare and wants to contribute to do so.

In addition to the July 5 fireworks display, Broadway star Debbie Gravitte put on a concert on July 4 with her band at Ballard Park.
WASHINGTON  Betsy ONeill said she considers all her students as her own kids. Thats part of why ONeill, who has been selected Teacher of the Year for Region 12 Schools for the 2021-22 school year, said she has always loved her job.

ONeill has worked as a special education teacher for Region 12  which includes the towns of Bridgewater, Washington and Roxbury  for 34 years. She graduated from Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, and previously worked at the primary and middle schools within Region 12. Currently, she is coordinator transition consultant at Shepaug Valley Partnership, a three-year-old program she helped create.

The program, which is based at Washington Town Hall, enables special education students who have met their requirements for academics to remain in the school system until age 22, and learn vocational and independent living skills, and work ethics.

Before the program was created, those students were sent out to life skills programs in other school districts.

We started our own program so that we can keep our kids in-house, said ONeill, 58, a mother of two from New Milford.

My first group of kids who pioneered the program will be leaving me in October and November, she said, adding they will then connect with adult services through the state of Connecticut, to go to an adult program.

As part of the program, ONeill takes students on trips around town, where they learn how to perform such skills as making withdrawals at the bank and purchasing items at the grocery store.

She also finds jobs for her students within the school, such as returning books to the library, cleaning the art room and washing and folding laundry. She taught interviewing and communications skills as well.

Additionally, she sets up work experiences and job shadows for students.

I would make contacts with various businesses, explain who I was and would they be interested in having a student come out and observe, she said. The students would go to these different places and be part of the work crew, and get paid a stipend. The kids would be hired a lot of the time.

During the pandemic, ONeill said she needed to get creative and switch up the curriculum. Instead of going out to the grocery store, she and other teachers came up with our own store, in-house, and taught students that way.

We brought in food and priced it, she said.

Bridgewater resident Cheri Crossley, who has three daughters enrolled in Region 12 schools, said, Betsy is one of those dynamic individuals who does a masterful job balancing content with fun and motivational activities.

ONeill has worked with Crossleys daughter, Alisha, for 10 years and her daughter, Taryn, for four years.

Crossley said ONeill does lots of creative projects with her students, such as teach them how to make mug cakes, which are single-serving meals made inside a mug.

She discovered the jackpot of mug cake recipes, Crossley said, adding students made such meals as macaroni and cheese and pizza mug cakes. It was such a creative, innovate product students can do independently at home with minimal supervision.

Regional School District 12 Superintendent Megan Bennett said shes very proud of ONeill as the choice for Teacher of the Year.

Her energy and love for students are evident to anyone who has ever been in her presence. Four years ago, Betsy was identified by the director of pupil personnel services to pioneer the Shepaug Valley Partnership because of her ability to always see what is possible, Bennett said. Betsys efforts have resulted in our students being prepared with the necessary skills as they transition out of high school.

ONeill said she views the title of Teacher of the Year as a way of giving back to the community.

Its an honor to be recognized by your peers as someone that truly loves working with children, she said.

She plans to stay at Shepaug Valley Partnership until shes ready to retire, and said she enjoys playing an important role at this time in her students lives.

You are taking a life and youre molding it, she said. Its so rewarding to watch them go from a kid thats so dependent to flying on their own, is amazing. I love this job.

sfox@milfordmirror.com
NORWALK  A Norwalk police officer who was struck by a vehicle while directing traffic two years ago is suing the driver allegedly responsible for the collision, according to a recently filed lawsuit.

The suit, filed in state Superior Court in Bridgeport in June, claims that officer Keith Torreso was injured when Linda Rodney crashed her car into the uniformed officer while he was directing traffic at the intersection of County Street and Strawberry Hill Avenue on June 4, 2019.

The lawsuit accuses Rodney of negligence and recklessness for failing to pay attention to the roadway and for speeding through the intersection, according to an amended complaint filed last week.

As a result of the negligence and carelessness of the defendant, Linda Rodney, and the resulting collision, the Plaintiff suffered personal injuries including injuries to his neck and back, some or all of which may be permanent in nature, Richard C. Buturla, an attorney for Torreso, wrote in the complaint.

J. Kevin Golger, an attorney for Rodney, did not return requests for comment on Tuesday. Rodney, a Norwalk resident, could not be reached for comment.

The lawsuit offers few details about the collision, but according to documents filed in the case, Rodney was traveling east on County Street when she struck Torreso with her vehicle.

The complaint, which described the accident as a violent collision, states Torreso was standing in the roadway directing traffic at the time of the crash. The four-way intersection is adjacent to Norwalk High School.

Sgt. Sofia Gulino, a spokesperson for the police department, said Torreso reported soreness after being spun around by the striking vehicle, but refused medical attention at the scene of the collision.

Gulino said Rodney was issued an infraction for striking an officer with a motor vehicle after emergency personnel responded to the crash. The citation carries a minimum fine of $150.

According to the complaint, Torreso incurred thousands of dollars in medical bills as a result of the crash. The expenses include medications, physical therapy and other treatment.

The lawsuit said Torreso is seeking monetary damages greater than $15,000 and further relief as at law and equity may pertain. Buturla, Torresos attorney, did not return requests for comment on Tuesday.

Torreso, a former member of the U.S. Marine Corps, joined the Norwalk Police Department in 2015. As of last year, he was still an active member of the force, according to the departments annual report.

Last month, Brian Candela, an attorney for the city of Norwalk, filed a motion to intervene in the case. Candela said on Tuesday that the motion is seeking to recover at least $27,860 the city has paid out as a part of a workers compensation claim filed after the crash.

richard.chumney@hearstmediact.com
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  The commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency resigned Tuesday after it became apparent that the Republican-controlled state Senate was prepared to oust her.

Democratic Gov. Tim Walz said Laura Bishop resigned in order to ensure a smooth and orderly transition at the agency she had led since 2019.

I am extremely disappointed in the Republicans in the Senate who are choosing to use taxpayer dollars to play partisan games and try to politicize an agency charged with protecting Minnesotans from pollution because they refuse to acknowledge the science of climate change," Walz said in a statement.

Senate Republican leaders extended the special session last week after they finished a $52 billion, two-year budget, a move that lets them wield their chambers authority to conform or reject the governors appointments after a contentious several months of budget and policy battles.

Republicans had been critical of the how the MPCA under Bishop bypassed the Legislature in rulemaking for the Walz administrations clean car plan, which aims to encourage drivers to switch to low- and no-emission electric vehicles, a proposal the states auto dealers consider burdensome and unnecessary. But they were unable to scrap the proposal during the budget negotiations. GOP leaders also complained about some agency stances on mining and manure regulation.

It has been an honor to serve Minnesotans in this role. However, I will not allow the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to be politicized. The work is too important, Bishop said in the governors statement. I look forward to continued work to protect our states waters, air, land, and climate for future generations of Minnesotans.

MPCA Deputy Commissioner Peter Tester was named temporary commissioner of the agency.

The governors office announced Bishops resignation as a hearing was underway on the confirmation of Jennifer Ho, commissioner of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. Ho faced some tough questions about the implementation of the RentHelpMN pandemic rental aid program, but none that indicated any senators were building a case for firing her. And at a separate hearing before an environment committee, Sarah Strommen, commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources, got a ringing endorsement from the Republican chairwoman. Sen. Carrie Ruud, of Breezy Point.

GOP Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka told reporters the special session would adjourn once and for all after the key votes Wednesday. He indicated it's possible that his members wont remove any other commissioners. But he wouldn't rule out another look in September, when lawmakers are expected to reconvene for another special session to approve plans for distributing a $250 million bonus package of federal aid for frontline workers who risked their lives in the pandemic.

It's not an enjoyable experience," Gazelka said. "It is, Are they doing their job or are they not doing their job? And so we dont take it lightly,

Democrats tried to force a final adjournment earlier Tuesday to block the confirmation votes and protect the appointees' jobs, but lost 31-35 after losing a similar move last Friday. Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent, of Woodbury, accused Republicans of an abuse of this process for keeping the special session going after finishing the budget instead of acting on the governor's appointments before the regular session ended in mid-May.

And Sen. Melisa Franzen, of Edina, accused Republicans of planning political theater to demonize some, to say that We didnt get what we wanted in the budget negotiations so now you're out of a job.'"

The Senate then confirmed two noncontroversial appointments on voice votes  Mark Phillips, commissioner of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board, and Aaron Vande Linde, director of the Office of School Trust Lands. Both men got friendly receptions at committee hearings earlier Tuesday. So did Dean Compart, president of the Board of Animal Health, though the full Senate didn't vote on his nomination Tuesday.

Bishop was not the first casualty of political tensions between the Walz administration and Senate Republicans.

The Senate removed two Walz commissioners during special sessions last summer  Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley and Labor and Industry Commissioner Peggy Leppink  in disputes, respectively, over Enbridge Energy's Line 3 oil pipeline and how the Walz administration was managing the state's pandemic response. Senate GOP leaders have chosen not to act on most of Walz's cabinet nominations in order to retain their leverage.
JONESBORO  The Arc of Clayton County is joining One Voice Georgia in observing the 31st anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act with a celebration set for July 26, 9 a.m., at the Clayton Center at 217 Stockbridge Road, Jonesboro.

Local and state government officials will be on hand to speak on the importance of the ADA and the future of the law that protects the rights of those with disabilities. Officials who have confirmed their attendance include state Rep. Kim Schofield and Clayton County Commissioner Felicia Franklin. Others who may be in attendance include Congressman David Scott and Congresswoman Nikema Williams.

In addition to government officials, providers and advocates of disability services will speak on current services and the direction they feel would be best for the future of the ADA.

Outgoing Arc State Director Stacey Ramirez will be recognized for her service, and incoming Arc State Director Shannon Mattox will be welcomed.

Onsite voter registration will be available, as well, provided by the Clayton County Voter Registration Office.

A virtual race will highlight the event, featuring clients who receive services, staff members and members of the public who will be photographed crossing the finish line. Their photos will be posted at #ONEVOICEGA.

Breakfast will be provided by Chick-fil-A.

For more information, call 404-281-7322.
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies during the morning hours followed by thunderstorms in the afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 84F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Low 69F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
Gov. Mike DeWine signs "Collin's Law" to increase penalties for hazing during a ceremony on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at the Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. Standing immediately behind him among other lawmakers and guests were Wade and Kathleen Wiant, left, whose late son is the law's namesake, and Shari and Cory Foltz, right, whose son Stone died in March after another alleged fraternity hazing.
Since the late 1890s and early 1900s, Squire's Castle has worn various hats, while continuing to draw people year after year.
COLUMBUS  Tougher criminal penalties for hazing will take effect in Ohio this fall, nearly 
featured

Lake County

Board vote in support of new jail unanimous

Lake County Corrections Board votes in support of new jail, public safety center
As used in this document, "Deloitte" means Deloitte LLP. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. (PRNewsFoto/Deloitte)
FILE - In this Sunday, July 4, 2021 file photo, Pope Francis waves to the crowd as he arrives to recite the Angelus noon prayer from the window of his studio overlooking St.Peter's Square, at the Vatican. In a brief announcement Sunday afternoon the Vatican said Pope Francis has gone to a Rome hospital for scheduled surgery for a stenosis, or restriction, of the large intestine.
Art

Intimate views

Cleveland Museum of Arts first post-pandemic exhibition is Private Lives: Home and Family in Art of Nabis, Paris, 1889-1900
A new national study published in Psychiatric Services finds that over a quarter of US adults with depression or anxiety symptoms reported needing mental health counseling but were not able to access it during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 70,000 adults surveyed in the US Census Household Pulse Survey in December 2020.

Social isolation, COVID-related anxiety, disruptions in normal routines, job loss, and food insecurity have led to a surge in mental illness during the pandemic." Jason Nagata, MD, lead author, assistant professor of pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco

Nearly 40% of adults in the study reported depression or anxiety symptoms during the pandemic. Overall, 12.8% of adults reported an unmet need for mental health counseling, including 25.2% of those who reported depression or anxiety symptoms. Women were nearly twice as likely to report an unmet need for mental health counseling than men. Young adults also were more likely to report an unmet need for mental health counseling than older adults.

"Women have disproportionately borne the burden of childcare and caregiving for older adults during the pandemic," said Nagata. "Young adults have felt socially isolated and experienced high rates of job loss."

"Medical professionals, social workers, and clinicians need to proactively take steps to screen for symptoms of anxiety and depression and help clients to access mental health care," said co-author, Kyle T. Ganson, PhD, assistant professor at the University of Toronto's Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. "Telepsychiatry and telemental health services can improve access for people with unmet mental health needs."

"Patients have experienced several month waitlists for counseling or therapy during the pandemic," said Nagata. "Policymakers should include more funding for mental health services as part of pandemic relief legislation and extend the use of telehealth to address the widespread unmet mental health needs of Americans."
The Princess Maxima Center for pediatric oncology is to embark on a close collaboration with German top centers in Heidelberg in the field of childhood cancer research. With this strategic collaboration, the Dutch Princess Maxima Center and the German Hopp-KiTZ childhood cancer center aim to accelerate developments toward even better treatment options for children with cancer.

With this 'Twinning Program', the Princess Maxima Center, the Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and the Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) are joining forces as centers of excellence in the field of pediatric cancer research.

The Princess Maxima Centre for pediatric oncology is a research hospital where all children with cancer in the Netherlands are treated. Healthcare professionals and scientists work closely together to provide the best care, improve treatments and develop new perspectives for the future. KiTZ has also been set up according to this 'Comprehensive Cancer Center' model.

Maxima and KiTZ

The Maxima and KiTZ require a joint research budget for the coming years. Experts from both centers estimate that more than 10 million investment and donations will be needed to address the most urgent research priorities. With the aim that young patients throughout Europe and worldwide can benefit from modern therapies and diagnostics. The collaboration includes clinical studies, the expansion of infrastructures and IT platforms. This will make it possible, among other things, to share anonymized patient data for clinical studies. Other points of focus for the collaboration are the development of the latest combinations in the field of immune and targeted therapies for children and the establishment of patient-specific laboratory models.

Pediatric oncology

Cancer in children is relatively rare, but still causes more than 6,000 deaths per year in Europe. By working together in Europe, even more patients can take part in precisely targeted clinical trials to increase the chances of a cure. Every year, 600 children in the Netherlands are diagnosed with cancer. Across Europe, the disease affects 35,000 children and teenagers each year. About a quarter of them cannot be cured with currently available standard therapies and more than 6,000 do not survive the disease. This makes cancer the most common cause of death in children and teenagers due to disease.

As the namesake of the Princess Maxima Center, Maxima, Queen of the Netherlands, attended the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the institutes. She was enthusiastic about the alliance of the research centers to work for children with cancer across Europe and expressed her confidence in the success of the collaboration. The signing ceremony took place at the Dutch Embassy in Berlin, as part of the royal couple's three-day state visit to Germany.

Alexander Eggermont, scientific director of the Princess Maxima Center, said:

'What we have in mind with this level of collaboration is truly unique. With the joint, complementary unique infrastructure, we aim to accelerate the development of tomorrow's medicine. A 'twinning program' is open, sharing and accelerating at every step from basic and clinical research through to implementation in daily care. This approach provides the impetus for completely new perspectives on childhood cancer. Currently, one in four children with cancer does not survive the disease. To develop tomorrow's treatments as quickly as possible, we need to join forces as European centers of excellence.'

Stefan Pfister, one of the directors of the Hopp-KiTZ in Heidelberg, Germany, said:

'If we really want to improve the treatment options of children with cancer compared to the past 30 years and accelerate their development, huge investments and efforts will be needed along the entire innovation chain. That means from the laboratory to the patient.'

Michael Baumann, CEO of the DKFZ, said:

'This 'Twinning Program' of the two centers is the crystallization of an integration level that is not reached overnight, but clearly the result of many years of successful collaboration between the Princess Maxima Center and the KiTZ, the DKFZ and the UKHD in the field of pediatric oncology research. With the Princess Maxima Center, we have the best possible partner for a European alliance to cure childhood cancer in the long term.'
In 1966, The Beatles cemented the plight of lonely older people in the popular imagination with the iconic 'Eleanor Rigby', a song that turned pop music on its head when it stayed at number one on the British charts for four weeks. Today, the impact of loneliness in old age on life and health expectancy has been categorically quantified for the first time in a study by scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School (Singapore), Nihon University (Tokyo, Japan) and their collaborators, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

"We found that lonely older adults can expect to live a shorter life than their peers who don't perceive themselves as lonely," summarised the study's lead author, Assistant Professor Rahul Malhotra, Head of Research at Duke-NUS' Centre for Ageing Research and Education (CARE). "Furthermore, they pay a penalty for their shorter life by forfeiting potential years of good health."

Associate Professor Angelique Chan, Executive Director of CARE and a senior author of the study, noted, "Besides being the year associated with the coronavirus disease, 2019 was also when the number of adults aged over 30 made up half the total global population for the first time in recorded history, marking the start of an increasingly ageing world. In consequence, loneliness among seniors has become an issue of social and public health concern."

Research Project Professor Yasuhiko Saito, from the College of Economics, Nihon University, a senior co-author of the study, added, "This study is timely because stay-at-home and physical distancing measures instituted since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic have only intensified concern for the mental and physical well-being of older persons."

Key findings: Loneliness has real, physical consequences

The study findings show that people aged 60, who perceive themselves to be sometimes lonely or mostly lonely, can expect to live three to five years less, on average, compared to peers who perceive themselves as never lonely. Similarly, at ages 70 and 80, lonely older persons can, on average, expect to live three to four and two to three years less, respectively, compared to non-lonely peers.

Using the same dataset, the researchers found that the perception of loneliness has a similar impact on two types of health expectancy--remaining years of life lived in a self-rated state of good health as well as remaining years of life lived without being limited when going about 'activities of daily living'. Such activities include routines like bathing and dressing, rising from or settling into a bed or chair, and preparing meals.

At age 60, sometimes lonely or mostly lonely seniors can expect to spend three to five fewer years of their remaining life, on average, without limitations in daily living activities, compared to never-lonely peers. At age 70, their active life expectancy goes down to two to four fewer years, on average. At age 80, it is at one to three fewer years, on average.

How common is loneliness among older adults in Singapore?

Singapore is a particularly relevant setting for studying how loneliness impacts older adults because the country has a rapidly ageing population, and a 'collectivistic' culture, in which relationships and the interconnectedness between people are central--in contrast to an 'individualistic' culture, where each individual's needs and desires are considered to be more important. Previous studies found levels of loneliness to be higher in collectivistic societies, suggesting loneliness may have a more detrimental impact in Singaporean society.

In 2016 and 2017, CARE researchers conducted a study--known as the Transitions in Health, Employment, Social Engagement, and Intergenerational Transfers in Singapore (THE SIGNS) study--to look into factors influencing health, well-being, and activity and productivity levels in older Singaporeans. Nationally representative data, collected from more than 2,000 older Singapore citizens and permanent residents, showed that a third (34 per cent) perceived themselves to be lonely. This proportion increased with age, from 32 per cent among those aged 60-69 years, to 40 per cent among those aged 80 and above.

More males (37 per cent) were lonely, relative to females (31 per cent). Across education levels, the proportion of lonely older Singaporeans was lowest (33 per cent) among those with no formal education, and highest (38 per cent) among those with higher-than-tertiary education. This proportion was nearly 10 per cent higher among seniors who lived alone (43 per cent) compared to those who did not live alone (33 per cent).

"Building on THE SIGNS study, our recent findings highlight the population health impact of loneliness, and the importance of identifying and managing it among older adults," said Asst Prof Malhotra. "This is part of a series of studies to assess the impact of important health and social constructs, like loneliness, sensory impairments, obesity, gender and education, on life and health expectancy among older adults."

"With older persons at potentially greater risk of loneliness as a result of pandemic control measures, there has been increasing policy interest in loneliness around the world," said Assoc Prof Chan. "In 2018, the UK launched a national strategy for tackling loneliness and, in 2021, Japan appointed a 'Minister of Loneliness'. We hope this study helps galvanise more policies to tackle loneliness among older persons."
The enhanced training modules will be demonstrated at the AOSSM-AANA 2021 Combined Annual Meeting.

Image Credit: VirtaMed

The Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) and VirtaMed, the world leader in medical simulation training, will announce updated and enhanced training modules for hip joint surgeries. The announcement is the latest result of a collaboration agreement between the two organizations to advance and improve arthroscopy surgery skill training and develop standards for proficiency-based training curricula.

Six new AANA-defined guided hip diagnostic exams have been developed to train surgeons on correct instrument usage, anatomy recognition and diagnostic procedures. This is in addition to a collection of existing diagnostic and therapeutic cases, including femoroplasty. Simulation cases now highlight potential patient safety issues, letting surgeons learn from mistakes in a risk-free environment before moving into clinical practice. Impartial feedback reports, an essential element of effective learning, have been integrated and are readily available for training debriefing.



VirtaMed collaborated with hip experts Dr. John Christoforetti, Dr. Mike Gerhardt, and Dr. Anil Ranawat from the AANA Hip Taskforce.

Joseph C. Tauro, M.D., AANA Board Member explains:

Realistic simulators are a critical part of training for Orthopaedic Surgeons. They allow for repetition, show critical steps and give feedback on performance. AANA is leading the way in surgical skills training."

Hip arthroscopy is comparatively new territory for arthroscopists and has become one of the fastest growing subspecialities in orthopaedic surgery. However, hip arthroscopy is a complex procedure due to the depth and tightness of the joint, as well as the presence of surrounding nerve and blood vessels. Adequate training is essential for both new surgeons as well as experienced surgeons looking to add hip preservation to their practice. Yet, there is a shortage of opportunities for training due to a lack of hip-specific fellowships and the lower number of procedures conducted.

Andre Niederberger, PhD, Senior Product Manager for Orthopedics at VirtaMed, noted that:

The collaboration between VirtaMed and AANAs working group has been mutually beneficial. We have been able to combine expertise in simulation with expert medical knowledge to improve medical education and protect patient safety.

Simulation training is a safe, risk-free and effective way to make up this experience shortfall. With this in mind, VirtaMed and AANA hip experts identified high-priority new cases and features with the most potential impact for training the next generation of surgeons. The VirtaMed ArthroS is unique in simulation training as trainees are able to palpate and distract a physical model, create their own portals using original instruments, and use radiation-free virtual fluoroscopy to assess instrument trajectory and joint decompression.

VirtaMed ArthroS Hip Play

The collaboration between the AANA and VirtaMed began in 2018, when the organizations signed a two-year collaboration agreement. The early success of the collaboration resulted in a three-year extension starting in 2020. To date, AANA experts have provided VirtaMed with input on cases and courses for training on the fundamentals of arthroscopy (FAST), and the knee and shoulder joints.

The new hip module will be unveiled at this years AOSSM-AANA Combined 2021 Annual Meeting held in Nashville, Tennessee, July 7 -11, 2021.

About AANA

The Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) is an international professional society of more than 6,500 Orthopaedic Surgeons and other medical professionals who are committed to advancing the art and science of arthroscopy and minimally invasive surgery through education, skills assessment and advocacy. Its vision is to be a global leader in arthroscopy and advancing minimally invasive surgical education, advocacy and skills assessment to improve patient care.



About VirtaMed

VirtaMed ArthroS is the most advanced mixed reality training simulator for diagnostic and therapeutic knee, shoulder, hip, and ankle arthroscopy. Together with AANA, AAOS, and ABOS, VirtaMed combined their virtual reality graphics with the Sawbones FAST module for Fundamentals of Arthroscopy Surgery Training. From ACL reconstruction to rotator cuff repair, VirtaMed ArthroS offers increasingly complex simulated patients and pathologies, incorporating advanced imaging techniques such as virtual fluoroscopy.
Adults with ADHD are at higher risk of a wide range of physical conditions, including nervous system, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and metabolic diseases, according to a large register-based study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden published in The Lancet Psychiatry.

Identifying co-occurring physical diseases may have important implications for treating adults with ADHD and for benefiting the long-term health and quality of life of patients." Ebba Du Rietz, Study Lead Author and Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institute

ADHD is a common neuropsychiatric disorder characterised by inattention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity, and commonly treated with stimulant therapy (methylphenidates or amphetamines).

Four million individuals studied

Previous studies suggest increased risk for a number of physical health conditions in adults with ADHD, but only a limited number of these associations have been thoroughly researched. Moreover, detailed treatment guidelines for adults with ADHD and co-occurring physical disease are largely lacking. Now, researchers at Karolinska Institutet have examined possible associations between ADHD and a wide range of physical diseases in adulthood, and whether genetic or environmental factors are involved.

Over four million individuals (full-sibling and maternal half-sibling pairs) born between 1932-1995 were identified through Swedish registers and followed between 1973-2013. Clinical diagnoses were obtained from the Swedish National Patient Register. The researchers examined the risk of 35 different physical conditions in individuals with ADHD compared to those without, and in siblings of individuals with ADHD compared to siblings of those without.

Associated with many conditions

Individuals with ADHD had a statistically significant increased risk of all studied physical conditions except arthritis. The strongest associations were found for nervous system, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and metabolic diseases. The diagnoses most strongly associated with ADHD were alcohol-related liver disease, sleep disorders, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), epilepsy, fatty liver disease and obesity. ADHD was also linked to a slightly increased risk of cardiovascular disease, Parkinson's disease and dementia.

"These results are important because stimulant therapy requires careful monitoring in ADHD patients with co-occurring cardiac disease, hypertension and liver failure." says senior author Henrik Larsson, professor at orebro University and affiliated researcher at Karolinska Institutet.

Underlying genetic factors

The increased risk was largely explained by underlying genetic factors that contributed both to ADHD and the physical disease, with the exception of nervous system disorders and age-related diseases. Full siblings of individuals with ADHD had significantly increased risk for most physical conditions.

The researchers now aim to study the underlying mechanisms and risk factors as well as the impact of ADHD on management and prognosis of physical diseases in adults.
A team led by Dr. Arturo Vargas Bustamante, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health professor of health policy and management and director of faculty research at the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Initiative (LPPI), has found the United States faces a potential crisis in terms of health care for documented and undocumented immigrants.

"If present trends continue, the health system will face an increasing population of aging immigrants, of whom many are ineligible for either Medicare or Medicaid," said Bustamante, an economist who focuses on health policy.

Even though emergency treatment is available to all immigrants-;regardless of their documentation status-;under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, this type of coverage discourages primary care in favor of emergency department care, which is more costly for users and taxpayers." Dr. Arturo Vargas Bustamante, Professor, Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health

The study - "Health Policy Challenges Posed by Shifting Demographics and Health Trends among Immigrants to the United States"  is being published in the July issue of the peer-reviewed journal Health Affairs. Bustamante's co-authors include researchers from the University of Maryland, Drexel University, and UCLA. In addition, Bustamante served as editorial advisor for the entire issue.

The U.S. health care system is largely unprepared to deal with aging immigrants, particularly those who are uninsured and live in states where they cannot receive Medicaid, as well as undocumented immigrants who are ineligible for Medicare, according to the research published in Health Affairs. This shifts the need to care for this population to state and local safety-net providers.

Because comprehensive immigration reform in Congress is unlikely, researchers argue for more incremental approaches that increase coverage to underserved aging immigrants. One option could expand health care to aging undocumented immigrants, similar to California's legislature considering expanding Medicaid coverage for low-income undocumented immigrants ages 65 and older. Another option is Illinois' coverage of end-stage kidney disease for undocumented immigrants.

The upcoming issue  to be published July 6 - focuses on borders, immigrants, and health. It was written and edited by an interdisciplinary team of physicians, researchers, and economists, and is designed to provide background for public policy makers in both the United States and Mexico.

"About one in seven residents of the U.S. is an immigrant, and about 15 million people live within 60 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border," said Alan R. Weil, editor-in-chief of Health Affairs. "Disparities in health status exist between people born in the U.S., and those who have immigrated, and current policies in the U.S. and Mexico have significant effects on the health and well-being of tens of millions of people."

In turn, how this population receives medical care has a significant impact on the economies and budgets of both nations, the researchers said. Overall, the analysis by Bustamante's team found the U.S. health care system is largely unprepared to deal with aging immigrants, particularly those who are uninsured and live in states where they cannot receive Medicaid, as well as undocumented immigrants who are ineligible for Medicare.

"Access to affordable health insurance would help protect immigrant household incomes and encourage optimal access to and use of health care," Bustamante said. "And, ultimately, this would provide far more cost-effective, and efficient, healthcare, and would use what funds are available in a far less costly way."

Other pieces in the edition focus on related issues, including:

Chilling Effects: US Immigration Enforcement and Health Care Seeking Among Hispanic Adults; Abigail S. Friedman of the Yale School of Public Health and Atheendar S. Venkataramani of the University of Pennsylvania.

Noncitizen Children Face Higher Health Harms Compared With Their Siblings Who Have US Citizen Status; Mariellen Jewers and Leighton Ku of George Washington University.

Health Insurance Coverage in Mexico among Return Migrants: Differences between Voluntary Return Migrants and Deportees; Arturo Vargas Bustamante and Rodrigo Dominguez Villegas of the University of California, Los Angeles.

Understanding The Health Landscapes Where Latinx Immigrants Establish Residence in the US; Elizabeth Ackert of University of California, Santa Barbara and coauthors.

Health Care Spending and Use Among Hispanic Adults With and Without Limited English Proficiency, 19992018; Jessica Himmelstein and coauthors of Cambridge Health Alliance.

In-Transit Migrants and Asylum Seekers: Inclusion Gaps in Mexico's COVID-19 Health Policy Response; Ietza Bojorquez-Chapela of El Colegio de la Frontera Norte in Tijuana, Mexico, and coauthors.

Health Insurance Access among US Citizen Children in Mexico: National and Transborder Policy Implications; Sharon Borja of the University of Houston, and coauthors.
UK HealthCare, UofL Health, the Kentucky Department for Public Health's Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program (KHDSP), and other state partners have been awarded the prestigious Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program Grant by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This $1.8 million grant aims to optimize both stroke prevention among those at high risk as well as improve the care and outcomes for stroke patients throughout Kentucky.

The grant will be spread out over three years and will allow the coordination and expansion of existing efforts to improve stroke-related health outcomes. Kentucky health care systems and community providers will work together to implement comprehensive stroke systems for those at high risk for stroke and those who have had a stroke.

This award could not come at a better time, because Kentucky has among the highest rates of stroke-related deaths in the country." Dr. Larry B. Goldstein, Chairman, Department of Neurology, University of Kentucky

Goldstein is also the co-director of the Kentucky Neuroscience Institute.

"Over 2,000 Kentuckians die from stroke or stroke-related complications each year. Health behaviors and conditions that contribute to stroke are present at high rates in Kentucky with contributions from smoking, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, excessive alcohol use, and physical inactivity. Although there are several existing stroke programs in Kentucky, we are excited that this project will coordinate and expand upon these efforts to improve stroke outcomes for Kentuckians."

Goldstein, who is also the principal investigator for the grant project, says the Coverdell award will also allow them to specifically target areas of the Commonwealth that are disproportionately affected by stroke, such as the Appalachian counties. The mortality rate due to stroke in that region is 14% higher than the national average and 8% higher than the rest of the state.

KHDSP and the Stroke Encounter Quality Improvement Project (SEQIP) have made significant strides over the last 10 years improving stroke systems of care in the Commonwealth and growing access to stroke care by increasing the number of certified stroke centers in the state, increasing delivery of acute stroke treatments that can reverse or minimize stroke deficits, and sharing best practices to help facilitate care delivery during hospitalization and after discharge.

In a similar fashion, the UK/Norton Healthcare Stroke Care Network (SCN) works with area hospitals to provide clinical guidance and oversight to providers with the goal of ensuring stroke patients receive the right treatment at the right time.

This grant will coordinate and expand these existing efforts in Kentucky to improve stroke-related health outcomes by working with Kentucky health care systems and community providers to implement comprehensive stroke systems for those at high risk for stroke and those who have had a stroke.

"This award validates the voluntary efforts of stroke center personnel, EMS representatives, community partners, KHDSP staff and colleagues in public health, as well as all other stakeholders who have worked tirelessly, across geopolitical boundaries, in a collaborative effort since SEQIP's inception in 2009 to advance stroke systems of care in our state," said Kari Moore, chair of SEQIP and project co-investigator. "We are excited to continue to build upon these efforts supported by the Coverdell award."

"The Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program will allow expansion of our statewide efforts to serve rural and underserved citizens of the Commonwealth, to reduce disparities, and monitor our progress," said Dr. Kerri S. Remmel, chair of the University of Louisville Department of Neurology and co-chair of the KHDSP Task Force.

"The program will facilitate continuous quality improvement in the full continuum of care from the moment a patient has a stroke through their emergency services, hospitalization, and rehabilitation to their outpatient preventive care. We are extremely enthusiastic about collaborating with our partners in the Coverdell Program to improve stroke systems of care in Kentucky."

As part of the Coverdell initiative, the Kentucky Stroke Improvement Cooperative (KSIC) will be created to provide leadership for improving the quality of stroke care in the Commonwealth. Building from the KHDSP Task Force and SEQIP, the UK and UofL Stroke Programs, and the SCN, this group will lead the collaborative effort to transform Kentucky's stroke care and outcomes by improving health approaches and practices.

This will be accomplished by utilizing collaborative workgroups to turn knowledge into behavior change and to increase the use of evidence-based guidelines for health systems change. KSIC will accomplish its purpose by:

Increasing public awareness of stroke and related issues in the community.

Identifying and eliminating disparities that affect the health outcomes of Kentuckians.

Providing education about stroke and its management.

Serving as a link between the community and stroke care and supportive resources.

Utilizing data to prioritize coalition goals and activities.

Increasing diversity of its members.

The KSIC will be a catalyst for enhancing activities of other organizations promoting the health and well-being of all Kentuckians at risk, having and living with the effects of stroke.

"There has been a lot of great work across the Commonwealth to improve the care of stroke patients," said Brent McKune, managing director of the UK HealthCare Kentucky Regional Extension Center and project co-investigator. "The Coverdell funding gives us the opportunity to provide a coordinated effort to provide support and improve processes to ensure a high quality of care."

Since its inception in 2005, the Coverdell Program has funded programs to ensure that all Americans receive the highest quality stroke care, a leading cause of death and long-term disability, by supporting coordinated stroke systems of care.

Joining nine other states currently funded by the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program, Kentucky's program will:

Increase access and participation in the statewide Kentucky Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Task Force from the current 38 hospitals to help close the gap in stroke care for high-burden populations. In addition to focusing on hospitals, the project will expand participation to encompass the community, primary care clinics, EMS, rehabilitation centers and long-term care facilities.

Expand coordination between existing programs including the Kentucky Stroke Encounter Quality Improvement Project, the statewide UK/Norton Healthcare Stroke Care Network, and the 36 certified Stroke Centers in Kentucky.

Increase access, understanding, utilization and compliance with evidence-based performance measures of the American Heart Association's Get With the Guidelines Stroke Program.

Expand existing systems of care to coordinate and extend access to rural and underserved populations.

Increase the dissemination of evidence-based guidelines for improvement of hypertension, obesity and diabetes control, which are the leading risk factors for stroke disproportionately affecting high-burden populations.

Reduce stroke disparities and deaths over the long term and improve outcomes throughout Kentucky with a focus on Appalachia and underserved communities at highest risk.

"We look forward to this exciting work and hope to lead the way in improving stroke-related care for the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky," Goldstein said.
A novel therapy recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for patients with Alzheimer's disease amid considerable controversy should not be prescribed by physicians off-label for cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), a similar cerebrovascular condition, according to Steven Greenberg, MD, PhD, director of the Hemorrhagic Stroke Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and president of the International Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy Association (ICAAA).

In a letter published in The Lancet Neurology, Greenberg and eight other officers of the association wrote that there is no clinical evidence that the monoclonal antibody aducanumab is beneficial to patients with CAA, a condition in which proteins known as amyloid corrode arterial walls in the brain and can lead to bleeding and stroke.

"We believe that there are substantial uncertainties and concerns about both the safety and efficacy of aducanumab in patients diagnosed with CAA [and] therefore believe [it] should not be used for the purpose of treating CAA outside the context of a research trial," the letter stated.

The FDA approved aducanumab on June 7 under the FDA's accelerated approval process for drugs that treat serious conditions and fill an unmet medical need. While the approval was specifically for Alzheimer's disease, it opens the door for physicians to legally prescribe aducanumab off-label for cerebral amyloid angiopathy.

Indeed, CAA is thought to be triggered, as in Alzheimer's, by a harmful accumulation of amyloid beta deposits in the brain. Unlike Alzheimer's, however, those deposits typically gather in the cerebral blood vessels, not the brain tissue itself.

In giving the green light to aducanumab, the FDA took a position contrary to its own independent advisory committee, as well as many scientists and physicians, who contend there is no convincing evidence to show the drug helps patients.

Leading authorities in the field of cerebral amyloid angiopathy have now taken their own stand, recommending that aducanumab not be prescribed off-label for treatment of CAA.

From an efficacy standpoint, the ICAAA officers noted that amyloid beta deposits in blood vessels of the brain appear to be more resistant to antibody-mediated treatment than plaque deposits in the brain tissue, and that insufficient evidence existed to suggest aducanumab was capable of clearing those blood vessels.

The physicians cited a previous clinical trial of another anti-amyloid antibody, ponezumab, which found that blood vessel function in patients with CAA trended toward worsening rather than improving following three monthly infusions of the agent.

In terms of safety, the letter from Greenberg and his colleagues cited the fact that amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIAs) had emerged as major adverse events in patients enrolled in trials of aducanumab and other anti-amyloid antibody drugs. ARIAs, which manifest as bleeding or swelling in the brain and are detectable through MRI imaging, are postulated to be triggered by CAA.

What the physicians found worrisome was that these abnormalities might occur even more frequently in patients being treated for CAA than the high rates observed in patients treated for Alzheimer's disease.

While discouraging off-label use of aducanumab, Greenberg drew a distinction between patients diagnosed with cerebral amyloid angiopathy and those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

We haven't taken a position on whether an Alzheimer's patient who also has markers of CAA should be prescribed aducanumab. What we are saying is that the drug shouldn't be prescribed for the purpose of treating CAA." Steven Greenberg, MD, PhD, Director, Hemorrhagic Stroke Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)

Greenberg is a professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School and an internationally recognized authority on the diagnosis, causes and treatment of cerebral amyloid angiopathy.
The ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spares neither man nor woman. Several researchers have reported that they have found evidence of vertical transmission (VT) in pregnancy. However, this has been contradicted by other researchers.

A new meta-analysis, released on the medRxiv* preprint server, suggests that, though possible, the virus is rarely transmitted to the newborn in real life. A scientific brief from the World Health Organization (WHO) in February 2021 describes three mechanisms by which the virus might be transmitted from the mother to the fetus or newborn.

Background

During fetal life, the virus might cross the placenta from maternal blood to fetal tissues. During childbirth, contamination of the child with maternal blood, feces or vaginal secretions may spread the virus. Post-partum transmission may also occur through breastmilk or by direct spread from an infected person or contaminated object.

In the current study, available as a preprint on the medRxiv server, the researchers found that vertical transmission has been variously defined from study to study, and therefore they adopted the following definition for their analysis: positive test for SARS-CoV-2 in a neonate up to 24 hours of life, including RT-PCR testing of respiratory tract swab samples, fecal samples, blood samples, placenta tissue, amniotic fluid samples, where the mother had a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 or a recorded diagnosis of COVID-19.

What were the study findings?

The current review included 66 studies, comprising 32 case studies. These were assessed as having a high risk of bias, while the remaining 34 had low to moderate risk. Almost all the studies dealt with women in hospital, implying a possible bias both in being able to get a SARS-CoV-2 test rapidly when required and in understanding VT in non-hospitalized women.

Forty of the studies were reviews, but most of the review authors evaluated the quality of the included studies as very poor. In about half the reviews, the authors concluded a 1% to 5% risk of VT, but 15 said there was no evidence. Most of them were from the earlier part of the pandemic.

Of the 32 case reports, 28 reported single cases. In 16 of them, VT was reported to be present, with positive tests for viral ribonucleic acid (by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, RT PCR), in samples from the babies in the mother-baby dyad. Of the rest, 13 reported negative tests, but three tested amniotic fluid samples from cases of fetal death following maternal COVID-19. Another three cases were based on both amniotic fluid and placental cell supernatant.

Primary studies reported almost 2,400 newborns, with 65 testing positive for the virus within 24 hours of birth, for a positivity rate of 2.7%. No association was found between symptoms of COVID-19 and the likelihood of VT, nor was the latter linked to the mode of delivery.

The higher rates of Cesarean section in this population could be possibly attributed to an excess of caution in treating these patients at a stage where not much was known about the risks posed by the virus to the fetus during childbirth, leaving practitioners to their own judgment of what would be most beneficial to their patients.

With one and a half years of experience to inform clinical practice at present, it does not seem that Cesarean section is required as a matter of routine in these patients, unless for obstetric indications.

No relationship with timing of infection

Babies who tested positive were then classified according to the time of the mothers positive test. Of 75 studies, including over 1,500 neonates, 144 were positive within 24 hours of birth. When the mother had a positive test within the period dating from 5 days before to 8 days after delivery, about a tenth of neonates tested positive.

However, if the women with a positive test were symptomatic during the same period, 13/32 neonates tested positive. And finally, among those born to mothers who tested negative during this period, four of five neonates tested positive.

Placental samples positive

The reviewers also found that placental samples were reported to be positive for the virus by immunological staining studies or by RT PCR. One study carried out whole genome sequencing of viral samples and found that both mother and placenta showed evidence of the same strain, while the neonate had both this strain and another viral population with just one different nucleotide, suggesting both VT and a small genetic drift within this newborn.

The researchers comment that not a single study reported the use of viral culture as a tool for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, but all used RT PCR, either alone or with other tests. Only 14 gave any details of the methods used, and nine described the cycle thresholds.

What are the implications for SARS-CoV-2 vertical transmission?

Overall, VT may be possible but is certainly not common. The risk factors for VT are not clear at present. The 2.7% positivity may not represent pregnant women and their babies at large, though it does compare well to other reviews used in the current study.

In comparison, HIV VT occurs in about 11%, while chikungunya VT occurs in half the cases. Similarly, infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV), rubella or Toxoplasma gondii is linked to VT ranging from approximately 8% to 17%.

The lack of specific criteria to define VT in most of the studies raises doubt as to whether all the cases so described were truly representative of this phenomenon. Secondly, there is no way to tell if the VT, if it occurred at all, happened ante-, intra- or post-partum.

Not only is it possible for the virus to be transmitted from the mother to the fetus through placental circulation, but other routes that are less obvious may be involved, such as the skin, breast milk or fomites. Viral populations in the newborn have been shown to be distinct from the mothers, in the gut, unlike bacterial populations, which are very similar to the maternal gut microbiome.

The presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in placental tissue should not be taken as synonymous with placental infection or transmission or even the possibility for such transmission. These studies have shown, in many cases, that a positive placental sample is not correlated with a positive neonatal RT PCR.

The virus does appear to invade the placenta, however, in some cases at least, with immunostaining and the recovery of cultivable virus both indicating this occurrence.

More high quality information is needed for a clearer understanding of placental infection, the possibility of the virus being transmitted via the placental barrier, and the risk of transmission at the different stages of pregnancy.

Especially, the detection of cultivable virus along with genomic sequencing confirming the same strain in mother and neonate would confirm true VT to a large extent. Prospective studies will also be needed to standardize research in this area and collect definitive evidence for or against VT.

*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.
Several vaccines have been rolled out to bring the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic under control. However, the emergence of new variants of concern (VOCs) of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may pose a threat to the goal of containing the global outbreak.

The question is addressed in a recent paper, available as a preprint on the medRxiv* server. The researchers examined cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in fully and partially vaccinated healthcare workers, finding that vaccination provided strong immunity to the virus even though VOCs are on the rise in the non-vaccinated community at large.

Background

Some of the well-known VOCs include the B.1.1.7 (or Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), and P.1 (Gamma) lineages, all of which have several important mutations in the viral spike protein, which mediates viral attachment to the host cell receptor, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), at the receptor-binding domain (RBD), and viral entry into the host cell following virus-cell membrane fusion.

Many different strains show the same mutations that confer immune evasion capabilities, allowing the virus to escape neutralization by monoclonal antibodies as well as neutralizing antibodies from convalescent plasma (CP). One important escape mutation is E484K, found in many variant clones in different locations.

Over December 2020 to April 2021, almost 24,000 health care workers were vaccinated with one dose of an mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) vaccine that encodes the viral spike protein. The current study focused on analyzing breakthrough infections in this population, comparing it with the community at large.

What were the findings?

There were 0.58% (138) infections among the vaccinated group, with three times as many among the partly vaccinated compared to those who had received both doses.

Among these 138 individuals, most developed infection at a median of 10 days from the first dose (range: 1-113), with a quarter being infected at a median of 22 days from the second dose (4-104).

VOC-associated mutations

Using a screening assay to detect polymorphisms in the RBD region, specifically N501Y/T and E484K/Q, among the 138 infections, they obtained only 83 swabs. Among these, there were 3 and 6 occurrences of these polymorphisms, respectively. If only the fully vaccinated were considered, only 1 and 6 samples had these mutations.

Compared to a random sampling of SARS-CoV-2 positive swabs among the non-vaccinated population over the January to April 2021 period, they found approximately 37% of samples to contain the N501Y/T, and a fifth the E484K/Q mutations, respectively. This corresponds to the rising general prevalence of these polymorphisms.

Comparable VOC frequency among vaccinated/non-vaccinated population

In testing whether infections among vaccine recipients were caused by these or other specific variants or were associated with specific mutations, the scientists examined 68 whole genome sequences (WGS) from 83 symptomatic COVID-19 cases. Surprisingly, 15 of them had a very low viral load as indicated by the high cycle threshold values.

Genome-wise, the B.1.2 lineage was the most frequent among 21 different lineages. There were mutations at 20 sites in the N-terminal domain (NTD) or RBD of the spike, some of which were escape mutations. These latter (L452R, T478K, E484K and S494P) occurred in three or fewer genomes each, and not a single genome was found which had more than two of these together.

Similarly, no genome contained both E484K and N501Y. This was comparable to the frequency of RBD and NTD mutations in the general population, indicating that vaccination was not associated with a higher prevalence of such mutations.

What are the implications?

The current study was focused on self-reported SARS-CoV-2 infections among the vaccinated healthcare workers or those who had been exposed to a known case, and does not reflect the true prevalence of infection. However, the findings are highly comparable to those of other post-vaccination infection studies, showing over 85% vaccine efficacies.

A point of importance is that most of the cases came from partly vaccinated individuals, showing how important it is to continue personal protective measures until the second dose has been taken as well.

Again, vaccine breakthrough infections are more often due to VOCs that bear escape mutation, like B.1.351, B.1.427, B.1.429, and P1, than the dominant B.1.1.7 lineages. The E484K mutation is also associated with immune evasion.

Though reduced vaccine efficacy has been reported against the B.1.351 VOC for up to seven days after the second mRNA vaccine dose, the VOC prevalence among vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals appears to be comparable at similar time points, indicating that vaccines do not select for mutational escape variants. Rather, the rise in VOC prevalence is linked to the overall increase in these strains.

Interestingly, the study showed that most N501Y mutations were found among B1.1.7 variants and the E484K mutations among the B.1.526 variants. Both these lineages are prominent in the North-east USA where this study was carried out. Of the N501Y polymorphism, all were found among fully vaccinated individuals, with half of them returning such high cycle threshold values as to make it impossible to sequence the isolates.

Our study findings are preliminary yet highlights the importance of full vaccination against circulating variants, including VOCs, and the need to continue SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance as vaccination coverage expands, pathogen evolves and immunity wanes.

*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.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants that are more transmissible, can cause more severe disease, and decrease vaccine effectiveness are classified as variants of concern (VOC).

Studies have previously reported the effectiveness of currently available COVID-19 vaccines against infection or severe disease outcomes caused by VOCs. All four VOCs - Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1), and Delta (B.1.617.2) - have been circulating at different times in Canada, where vaccine supply constraints forced a delayed second-dose strategy.

Evaluating the effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and AstraZeneca vaccines against symptomatic infection caused by the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants

Toronto-based researchers recently conducted a study to determine the effectiveness of BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech), mRNA-1273 (Moderna), and ChAdOx1 (AstraZeneca) vaccines against symptomatic COVID-19 infection caused by the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants between December 2020 to May 2021. They also assessed severe clinical outcomes, including hospitalization or death caused by the 4 VOCs. They conducted a test-negative design study with the help of linked population-wide vaccination, lab testing, and health administrative databases available in Ontario, Canada. This study is available on the medRxiv* preprint server.

Results show lower effectiveness for first dose BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 against the Delta variant compared to the Alpha variant

The results showed that vaccine effectiveness with partial vaccination or 14 days after dose 1 was higher for mRNA-1273 compared to BNT162b2 and ChAdOx1 against symptomatic infection caused by the Alpha variant.

Full vaccination 7 days after dose two increased the effectiveness of vaccines for BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 against the Alpha variant. Protection against symptomatic infection by Beta or Gamma variants was lower with partial vaccination for ChAdOx1 compared to mRNA-1273.

Against the Delta variant, vaccine effectiveness after partial vaccination was lower than that against the Alpha variant for BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 but was similar to the Alpha variant for ChAdOx1.

Full vaccination with BNT162b2 increased protection against the Delta variant to levels comparable to the Alpha and Beta/Gamma variants. Vaccine effectiveness against hospitalization/death caused by all four VOCs was higher than that for symptomatic infection after partial vaccination with all three vaccines.

Findings offer real-world evidence for good to excellent vaccine effectiveness after partial vaccination with all 3 vaccines against all 4 VOCs

Overall, the study estimated that partial vaccination with BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 vaccines were >55% and >70% effective, respectively, against symptomatic infection by VOCs currently circulating in Canada.

Full vaccination with mRNA vaccines significantly improves vaccine effectiveness against all variants. Partial vaccination substantially increases effectiveness against hospitalization or death than symptomatic infection caused by all VOCs. Full vaccination further increased effectiveness against severe clinical outcomes.

After full vaccination, our estimates against both outcomes for all VOCs were comparable with the effectiveness reported in previous studies.

Vaccine effectiveness estimates agree with that from some studies and differ from others

The vaccine effectiveness estimates from this study against symptomatic infection with Alpha and Beta/Gamma variants after partial vaccination with mRNA or ChAdOx1 vaccines agree with that in British Columbia. Still, they are higher than the estimates reported recently from Qatar, Scotland, and England. The estimates after partial vaccination are also higher than that for severe, critical, or fatal disease in Qatar but are comparable with the estimates for hospitalization caused by the Alpha variant in England.

According to the authors, the findings show that even partial vaccination by all three vaccines provides good to excellent protection against symptomatic infection and severe disease caused by all four currently circulating VOCs, and that full vaccination or two doses of all three vaccines are likely to offer even higher protection against all VOCs.

Our real-world vaccine effectiveness estimates suggest that even a single dose of these three vaccine products provide good to excellent protection against symptomatic infection and severe outcomes caused by the 4 currently circulating VOCs and that two doses are likely to provide even higher protection.

*Important Notice

medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information.
A recent study by scientists from Japanese universities has shown that the shape of cell-derived nanoparticles, known as "extracellular vesicles" (EVs), in body fluids could be a biomarker for identifying types of cancer.

In the study, the scientists successfully measured the shape distributions of EVs derived from liver, breast, and colorectal cancer cells, showing that the shape distributions differ from one another. The findings were recently published in the journal Analytical Chemistry.

Early detection of cancerous tumors in the body is essential for effective treatments. However, it is difficult to detect all types of tumors at an early stage, because detection methods differ among types of cancer, and some of the methods require painful medical procedures. It is thus vital to find methods that are painless and can detect multiple types of cancer.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are biological particles with a diameter of about 100 nanometers (nm) that are secreted from various cells and exist in body fluids like blood and urine. Notably, EVs contain biological molecules that carry information about the cells of the secretion sources. In addition, genetic materials contained in EVs are involved in communications among cells. This suggests that analyzing biological molecules in EVs present in body fluids could help to detect and identify some kinds of cancerous tumors in the body.

Previous studies had observed images of various shapes of EVs with electron microscopes. However, no technology existed to investigate the shapes of EVs distributed in body fluids, mainly because of difficulties in measuring the shape of nanomaterials in solution.

In this context, a team of researchers from Kyushu University, Nagoya University, Osaka University, and Tokyo Medical University tried to investigate the shape of individual EVs in a fluid using a device that they had developed, which can analyze the shape of single particles in solution by measuring the change of ionic current flowing through pores of 200 nm in diameter when particles pass through there.

Using the device, the team successfully measured the shape of EVs derived from cultured liver, breast, and colon cancer cells, as well as from cultured normal breast cells, and found that their shape distributions differ from each other. For example, EVs derived from liver cancer cells include a mix of spherical particles and oval (like rugby balls) particles, whereas EVs from breast cancer cells consist solely of spherical particles.

The team then compared shape distributions of EVs in blood samples from breast cancer patients and non-cancerous individuals. The results showed that the shape distributions of EVs from the two groups differ from each other, indicating that measuring shape distributions of EVs in blood could distinguish patients with breast cancer from non-cancerous individuals.

In this study, we found that measuring shape distributions of EVs in body fluids could identify the type of cancer." Takao Yasui, Study Author and Associate Professorar, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University
A recent study by researchers from the United Kingdom (UK) revealed that antibody levels associated with protection against reinfection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are likely to last from 1.5 to 2 years on average and that the protection from severe infection may be present for several years. The paper is currently available on the medRxiv* preprint server while it undergoes peer review.

Since the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the duration of post-infection immunity was one of the most important discussion points, as this has direct implications on the vaccination policy and the future course of this global disease.

The disease severity correlates with subsequent development of protective immunity; however, among those who do seroconvert, there is a substantial variation in the duration and trajectory of antibody responses to different SARS-CoV-2 antigens. This partly reflects assay-dependent differences, but also variability in the populations and disease groups investigated.

Current estimates for the half-life of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against the spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 (which are associated with potent neutralizing activity) vary from 36 to 244 days. This is directly comparable to anti-nucleocapsid IgG half-lives that have been estimated between 35 and 85 days.

In this new study, a research group led by Dr. David Eyre from the University of Oxford decided to utilize a much bigger dataset from a representative national UK survey in order to determine predictors of seroconversion and to investigate the duration of antibody responses.

Seroconversion predictors and the duration of protection

For the purposes of this study, the researchers have used the Office for National Statistics (ONS) COVID-19 Infection Survey (CIS), which is an extensive community-based survey that is highly representative of the UKs general population. There were 7,256 survey participants in total with positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test between 26th of April, 2020 and 14th of June, 2021.

Alongside appraising the predictors of seroconversion after SARS-CoV-2 infection, the researchers aimed to pinpoint specific anti-spike IgG antibody trajectories and investigate the peak and duration of IgG antibody responses. Antibody levels were appraised with the use of ELISA detecting anti-trimeric spike IgG assay developed by the University of Oxford.

Moreover, they were particularly interested in the impact of demographic factors, self-reported symptoms on post-infection antibody responses, as well as cycle threshold (Ct) values in the PCR test that are inversely related to viral load. Special Bayesian linear mixed models were used for data analysis.

Predicted anti-spike IgG trajectories in participants with natural SARS-CoV-2 infection from latent class mixed models in 7,256 participants (with standard error of the prediction). Black dashed line indicates the assay threshold for IgG positivity (42 ng/ml) and the dotted line at 28 ng/ml (indicates level associated with 50% protection against reinfection). The 95% confidence interval are calculated by a Monte Carlo approximation of the posterior distribution of the predicted values. Restricted natural cubic splines (internal knots at -10,30,60 days, and boundary knots at -60 and 140 days) were used to model time (see methods)

A sustained antibody response

In short, the researchers have found that 24% of study subjects did not seroconvert after having a positive PCR test  including 34% of participants that had robust evidence for a true positive result (Ct less than 32, with more than two genes detected). Hence, non-responders are likely a combination of both genuine non-responders and false-positive test results.

We found no evidence of an independent effect of long-term health conditions on non-response, possibly reflecting the heterogeneity of this group including those with a range of cardiovascular and metabolic conditions not typically associated with impaired humoral immunity, as well as conditions more directly impacting antibody production (e.g., hypogammaglobulinemia), explain study authors.

Estimated mean trajectory of anti-spike IgG antibody levels and individual trajectories in 3,271 participants in Class 1. The timing of the peak level 56 days after the first positive swab is determined from the latent class mixed model. The posterior mean and 95% credibility interval are shown with the black line and red shaded area. Black dashed line indicates the assay threshold for IgG positivity (42 ng/ml) and the dotted line at 28 ng/ml indicates level associated with 50% protection against reinfection

In any case, an estimated half-life of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 glycoprotein was estimated to be 184 days, which indicates a sustained antibody response against that infection. This period was longer in women, as well as in individuals of white ethnicity.

Furthermore, among study participants who seroconverted, IgG antibodies against spike glycoprotein remained above the positivity threshold much longer in older age groups (e.g., between 347 and 502 days for 20-year-olds, but from 400 to 571 days for 80-year-olds). However, akin to previous studies of humoral immunity, older age was linked to lower seroconversion rates.

Informing future vaccination strategies

In conclusion, this representative study of infected individuals from the general population in the UK demonstrates that approximately 1 in 4 people did not develop IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein after positive-PCR test results in regular screening.

Important findings from our study are the predictions about the duration of antibody responses associated with protection from infection, albeit that these related to thresholds previously associated with protection from reinfection or protection from severe infection in vaccine trials, say study authors in this medRxiv preprint paper.

Naturally, this study has certain limitations, such as the use of a single assay to measure anti-spike IgG antibodies. Similarly, the researchers were not able to model antibody trajectories from each participants maximum levels since antibody data has been collected on a monthly basis.

Nonetheless, provided estimates on the durability of natural immunity may aid significantly in future planning of vaccination strategies. There are still open questions that have to be addressed by further research, such as the extent to which waning antibody levels influence immunity and protection, as well as the risk of infection in seronegative non-responders.

*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.
The University of Liverpool has signed a two year option agreement with the Australian diagnostics company, BARD1 Life Sciences Ltd, for a type 3c diabetes (T3cDM) blood test. The test uses patented technology developed by researchers in the University of Liverpool's Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology.

There are around 22.9 million new cases of new-onset diabetes diagnosed around the globe. T3cDM diabetes occurs in around 10 per cent of all new-onset diabetes cases. Currently, no test exists to identify T3cDM and it is most often misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and/or inappropriately managed. Approximately 10 in 100 people with T3cDM have underlying pancreatic cancer, with diabetes acting as an early warning sign for the presence of cancer.

Research by the University has reported that the combination of adiponectin and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) showed a high diagnostic potential for distinction of T3cDM from T2DM (AUC = 0.90), with optimal sensitivity and specificity of 83.7% and 90.0% respectively.

Under the agreement, the University and BARD1 will evaluate two novel protein biomarkers that, in preliminary testing, have shown to accurately distinguish T3cDM from T2DM in individuals who are newly diagnosed with diabetes.

The agreement provides BARD1 with the option to licence the intellectual property for the development and commercialisation of a type 3c test on commercial terms. BARD1 will pay a non-material upfront option fee and support patent costs incurred by the University of Liverpool.

Professor of Molecular Oncology, Eithne Costello, heads up the project at the University. She is lead researcher on the UK-Early Detection Initiative (UK-EDI) which is collecting relevant samples which will allow validation of the T3cDM markers in larger sample sizes.

In the field of pancreatic cancer, there is currently widespread interest in finding ways to detect pancreatic cancer in individuals over 50 years who are newly diagnosed with diabetes. The UK-EDI study will collect pre-diagnostic samples and data from individuals who will subsequently receive a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. This represents a significant step forward for the field of early pancreatic cancer detection and diagnosis." Eithne Costello, Professor, Molecular Oncology, The University of Liverpool

These findings have key implications for future pancreatic cancer screening because certain individuals with T3cDM are at increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Known risk factors for pancreatic cancer include smoking, obesity, diabetes and chronic pancreatitis (the predominate cause of T3cDM).

An accurate and reliable T3cDM test could be used to identify an at-risk population for a routine screening program for pancreatic cancer. Notably, there are no current screening tests available for pancreatic cancer and BARD1 is investigating two novel approaches for screening pancreatic cancer using its SubB2M and EXO-NET technologies, with the aim of introducing a world-first screening test for this killer disease resolving an important unmet need.

BARD1's Chief Scientific Officer Dr Peter French said: "In and of itself, a test for T3cDM could be a potential blockbuster diagnostic assay, as there would be a strong clinical case for using it to screen all individuals diagnosed with new-onset diabetes.

Those individuals that test positive for type 3c diabetes could then be placed in an enhanced surveillance program and screened annually for pancreatic cancer using the Company's specific pancreatic cancer tests currently in development. Clearly this approach could provide a significant improvement in outcomes for patients with both diseases."

Researchers developing this technology have been supported by grants from Pancreatic Cancer Action (PCA), Pancreatic Cancer UK (PCUK) and North West Cancer Research (NWCR). Further validation work is being supported by Cancer Research UK (CRUK).
Linda D. Shaver, 72, passed away at Jewish hospital in Louisville, KY. She was born January 1, 1949 in Frankfort, KY the daughter of Stewart and Shirley Linney Shouse. She had worked as an assembler for Cissell in Louisville and also at Whitesell Precision Components, ATM in Clarksville, IN.
Goldsboro, NC (27530)

Today

Mainly sunny to start, then a few afternoon clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 91F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds. Low 74F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
(Newser)  A grizzly bear attacked and killed a bicyclist who was camping in a small western Montana town early Tuesday, triggering an intensive search for the bruin by wildlife officials and law enforcement officers who planned to kill the animal, authorities say. The pre-dawn attack happened in Ovando, a town of fewer than 100 people about 60 miles northwest of Helena, said Greg Lemon, a spokesperson with Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks. "There was an earlier contact with the bear prior to the event," Sheriff Gavin Roselles said, per the AP. "The bear basically came back into the campsite. It wandered into a campsite a couple different times." A team of law enforcement and wildlife specialists was brought in to track down and kill the bear, officials said. Lemon said his understanding is that the victim was part of a group on a bike trip.

story continues below

A crew aboard a helicopter was assisting as searchers looked for a "daybed" where the animal might be sleeping to get out of the heat, Lemon said, adding that the bear was believed to have left Ovando after the mauling. Ovando saloon owner Tiffanie Zavarelli said it was the first fatal bear mauling that she knew of in the community, located along the Blackfoot River beneath a mountain range that rises into the remote Bob Marshall Wilderness, a 1,500-square mile expanse of public forests. "Everybody's pretty shaken up right now. The population here is 75everybody knows everybody," Zavarelli said. "The people from Montana, we know how to be bear aware.' But anything can happen."

(Read more bear attack stories.)
(Newser)  New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has declared a first-in-the-nation disaster emergency over gun violence. The Democratic governor made the declaration in an executive order Tuesday, NBC New York reports. He outlined a seven-point plan for dealing with a surge in gun violence, including targeting hotspots and treating gun violence like a public health emergency. The governor said the plan will also include spending $138 million on intervention and prevention programs. Cuomo said the state had seen at least 51 shootings over the long weekend, including 26 in New York City, reports the BBC.

story continues below

The declaration allows the state to quickly send money and other resources to gun violence hotspots. It comes less than two weeks after the state's coronavirus emergency declaration expired, and Cuomo said gun violence was just as severe a public health crisis, the New York Daily News reports. "If you can beat COVID, you can beat gun violence," the governor said. "We're in a new epidemic, and its gun violence, and its a matter of life and death also." ( Across the US, there were almost 200 fatal shootings during the holiday weekend.)
(Newser)  Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams has won the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City after appealing to the political center and promising to strike the right balance between fighting crime and ending racial injustice in policing. A former police captain, Adams would be the citys second Black mayor if elected, the AP reports. He triumphed over a large Democratic field in New Yorks first major race to use ranked choice voting. Results from the latest tabulations released Tuesday showed him leading former city sanitation commissioner Kathryn Garcia by 8,426 votes, or a little more than 1 percentage point. While there are still some very small amounts of votes to be counted, the results are clear: an historic, diverse, five-borough coalition led by working-class New Yorkers has led us to victory in the Democratic primary for mayor of New York, Adams said in a statement.

story continues below

Adams will be the prohibitive favorite in the general election against Curtis Sliwa, the Republican founder of the Guardian Angels. Democrats outnumber Republicans 7-to-1 in New York City. Adams closest vanquished Democratic rivals included Garcia, who campaigned as a technocrat and proven problem-solver, and former City Hall legal adviser Maya Wiley, who had progressive support including an endorsement from US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Andrew Yang, the 2020 presidential candidate known for his proposed universal basic income, was an early favorite but faded in the race. Voting in the primary ended June 22. Early returns showed Adams in the lead, but New Yorkers had to wait for tens of thousands of absentee ballots to be counted and for rounds of tabulations done under the new ranked choice system. (More on Adams here, including controversies he's courted; or see the AP's explanation of why Adams' lead in the primary was too big to overcome here.)
(Newser)  First a co-conservator asked to exit, then her longtime manager stepped down, and now Britney Spears' court-appointed lawyer wants out. Samuel Ingham III filed paperwork in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday requesting the court appoint the pop star a new lawyer and announcing he would resign from the case as soon as that happens, the AP reports. NPR notes that when Spears addressed the court in a bombshell hearing on June 23, she said Ingham discouraged her from speaking out, and that while they had developed a relationship over the years, she hadn't "really had the opportunity by my own self to actually handpick my own lawyer by myself. And I would like to be able to do that." Spears also said she never knew she could request to end the conservatorship, and sources tell TMZ that Ingham is upset about that and claims he'd informed her of that option.

story continues below

The New Yorker recently cited sources who claimed Ingham is more loyal to Spears' father, and the conservatorship itself than he is to his client. But the AP notes that he became more of a "vocal advocate" for Spears starting last year, when he told the court she was afraid of her father and would not start working again as long as Jamie Spears was in charge of her affairs. A petition to terminate the conservatorship still has not been filed, however, and sources tell Page Six that Spears herself isn't sure why Ingham has not done so. They say she has reiterated to him since her court appearance that she wants him to file the paperwork. Meanwhile, the judge in the case on Friday granted Bessemer Trust's request to step down as co-conservator, effective immediately, People reports. Sources tell TMZ more resignations are expected. (Read more Britney Spears stories.)
(Newser)  It's not clear how much of the $550 million Egypt demanded it actually got, but it was enough to spring a container ship. The Ever Given has begun its departure from the Suez Canal, where just a few months ago it created an international headache when it got stuck in the waterway, blocking it for nearly a week. The BBC reports that the owners and insurers of the shipwhich has been anchored at the canal's halfway point, Great Bitter Lake, for the past three monthsfinalized a deal on Wednesday with the Suez Canal Authority that compensates the SCA for the ordeal and finally sets the ship free.

story continues below

The Ever Given was stuck in the canal for six days in March, blocking hundreds of other ships and wreaking havoc on global trade. SCA had originally demanded nearly $920 million from Shoei Kisen, the Japanese company that owns the Ever Given, for the costs of the rescue and to pay for damage to the canal, but after the ship's insurer balked at that "largely unsupported" figure, the price was eventually lowered to $550 million. The terms of the deal haven't yet been revealed. Per Reuters, the ship, still loaded with more than 18,000 containers, started heading north in the canal Wednesday, with reports noting it was escorted by two tugboats and in the hands of "two experienced pilots." Sources tell the Wall Street Journal its next port of call will be Rotterdam in the Netherlands, followed by the UK's Felixstowe, where the ship will offload its containers. (Read more Suez canal stories.)
(Newser)  Haitian President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in an attack on his private residence, the countrys interim prime minister said in a statement Wednesday, calling it a hateful, inhumane, and barbaric act." First Lady Martine Moise was hospitalized following the overnight attack, interim Premier Claude Joseph said. The nation of more than 11 million people had grown increasingly unstable and disgruntled under Moise, the AP reports. "The countrys security situation is under the control of the National Police of Haiti and the Armed Forces of Haiti," Joseph said in a statement from his office. "Democracy and the republic will win." Joseph said police have been deployed to the National Palace and the upscale community of Petionville and will be sent to other areas. He said some of the attackers spoke in Spanish but offered no further explanation.

story continues below

Moise, who was 53, had been ruling by decree for more than two years after the country failed to hold elections, which led to Parliament being dissolved. Opposition leaders have accused him of seeking to increase his power, including approving a decree that limited the powers of a court that audits government contracts and another that created an intelligence agency that answers only to the president. In recent months, opposition leaders demanded the he step down, arguing that his term legally ended in February 2021. Moise and supporters maintained that his term began when he took office in early 2017, following a chaotic election that forced the appointment of a provisional president to serve during a year-long gap. Haiti was scheduled to hold general elections later this year. (Read more Haiti stories.)
(Newser)  "If I have to live like this, pull the plug please. Seriously." That's what the family of Max Lewis says the 20-year-old spelled out by blinking over the weekend. The family removed the University of Chicago student from life support on Sunday, just three days after he was struck by a stray bullet while on the way home from his internship at an investment firm in the Loop. WGN reports he was riding the L's Green Line and was shot in the neck by a bullet that pierced the train car's window at the 51st Street station. The bullet reportedly paralyzed Lewis from the neck down, and doctors expected he would never walk or be able to eat and would require a ventilator for the remainder of his life.

story continues below

His mom, Dr. Rebecca Rivkin, tells WGN he was alert and able to communicate by blinking, and had asked his family what had happened and conveyed his wishes. The university released a statement, calling Lewis, a double major in economics and computer science, "a talented student and beloved individual who will be greatly missed." A GoFundMe campaign in his name has raised more than $73,000 and will be spent in part on funding the travel of "all people who love him" to his funeral in his native Denver. It hails his "kindness, goofiness, grit, impeccable work ethic, and most importantly, his unfailingly genuine soul." The Chicago Sun-Times reports Lewis had the option of completing the internship from home, but as a friend put it, he decided against that because he "loved getting to know as many people as he could." Police say Lewis was not the intended victim; there are no suspects. (Read more accidental death stories.)
Ammunition casings lay on the ground near the entrance to the house of late Haitian President Jovenel Moise in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Wednesday, July 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Joseph Odelyn)

Ammunition casings lay on the ground near the entrance to the house of late Haitian President Jovenel Moise in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Wednesday, July 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Joseph Odelyn)
(Newser)  Poland is reviving plans to reconstruct a historic Warsaw palace where the German Enigma machine codes were first cracked in 1932 and that Nazi German occupying forces blew up in 1944. In a ceremony Wednesday at the site where the Saski Palace stood, President Andrzej Duda handed a law drafted by his office for the reconstruction of the massive 17th-century building to the speaker of Parliament for processing. Duda said that although costly (he gave no estimate), the project will symbolically close the process of rebuilding the historic center of Poland's capital from World War II damage. Due to be completed in 2028, the palace would house culture and history projects. But the lower house of Parliament and the Senate need to approve the plans first, reports the AP.

story continues below

The palace was repeatedly redesigned and served various purposes. From 1930 to 1937 it housed the Polish Armed Forces' Cipher Office, where in 1932 three mathematicians, Marian Rejewski, Jerzy Rozycki, and Henryk Zygalski, cracked the Enigma encoding machine (this great in-depth read explains how). This laid the foundations for the wartime breaking of its codes in Britain, which greatly assisted the Allies' war effort by allowing them to read top-secret German communications. During the war, the German Wehrmacht had its headquarters at the palace. Nazi troops blew it up in December 1944 while destroying Warsaw after a dramatic, failed uprising by the Polish resistance movement. Today, only the central colonnade that contains the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier remains.

(Read more Poland stories.)
(Newser)  In 2012, a court-martial found then-Airman Devin Kelley guilty of assaulting his wife and toddler stepson; he was sentenced to year in a military prison. But the Air Force failed to enter his criminal history into a federal database used for background checks for gun buyersand five years later, he carried out the worst mass shooting in Texas history. A federal judge ruled Wednesday that the failure made the Air Force 60% responsible for the Sutherland Springs church shooting, which killed 26 people, including young children, the Wall Street Journal reports. If Kelley's name had been in the database, he would have been unable to buy the rifle used on Nov. 5, 2017, though the Air Force argued that he would have found another way to obtain firearms even if he had been in the database.

story continues below

Kelley, 26, escaped from a psychiatric hospital while awaiting court-martial in 2012. He received a bad conduct discharge in 2014. He took his own life after the mass shooting, which also injured 20 people. Wednesday's ruling followed a civil lawsuit from survivors and victims' families. "The trial conclusively established that no other individualnot even Kelleys own parents or partnersknew as much as the United States about the violence that Devin Kelley had threatened to commit and was capable of committing," said US District Judge Xavier Rodriguez. The judge called for another trial to assess monetary damages owed to the families, the AP reports. Last month, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that the families couldn't sue the store that sold Kelley the rifle, reports the Texas Tribune. (Read more mass shootings stories.)
(Newser)  Robert Downey Jr. is mourning the man who brought him into the worldand into the acting business. The Iron Man star said Wednesday that director, producer, and actor Robert Downey Sr., had died Tuesday, two weeks after his 85th birthday, People reports. "Last night, dad passed peacefully in his sleep after years of enduring the ravages of Parkinsons," Downey Jr. said in an Instagram post. "He was a true maverick filmmaker, and remained remarkably optimistic throughout." He joked: "According to my stepmoms calculations, they were happily married for just over 2000 years."

story continues below

Downey Sr., born in Manhattan in 1936, was a renowned maker of independent counterculture films in the '50s '60s, and '70s and was best known for 1969's Putney Swope, a satire of the advertising industry, and 1972 "acid western" Greaser's Palace, the BBC reports. In 1970's Pound, he gave the 5-year-old Downey Jr. his first acting role. Downey Jr. also appeared in his father's 1990 comedy Too Much Sun, reports CNN. In 2001, Downey Sr. spoke to the New York Post about his son's struggles with cocaine, a drug he had quit 20 years earlier. "Life is too easy when you're a movie star. People will do anything you want and get you anything you want," he said. "Hollywood is a horrible place." (Read more Robert Downey Jr. stories.)
(Newser)  Both teens who pleaded guilty in connection with a March 23 carjacking that ended in the death of an Uber Eats driver will be placed in juvenile detention until they turn 21the maximum sentence allowed, reports NBC News. Prosecutors said the Maryland girls, then ages 13 and 15, asked 66-year-old Mohammad Anwar for a ride near the Navy Yard-Ballpark Metro station, only to pull a stun gun on him a few blocks later, near Nationals Park, and try to take control of his Honda Accord. The car ultimately slammed into other vehicles and a tree and flipped. Anwar died at a nearby hospital.

story continues below

The 15-year-old pleaded guilty to felony murder in May and was sentenced in June, the same month in which the younger teen pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. The Washington Post reports lawyers for the girl, now 14, had asked that she just be placed with DC's Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services until she turned 18, but DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz on Tuesday said the teen required "very intensive services." During her sentencing Leibovitz called the incident "terrible and devastating" and one that Anwar's family would never get over, reports NBC Washington. The girl reportedly sobbed while in court, telling Leibovitz, "I never meant to do it. ... I will change." (Read more Uber Eats stories.)
(Newser)  As tension with neighboring Belarus escalates, Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte announced Wednesday that a "physical barrier" will be constructed along their 421-mile border to stop illegal migration. Army troops also will be deployed to guard the border, the BBC reports. The actions should be taken as "a certain sign and a certain deterrent to organizers of the illegal migration flows," Simonyte said. The prime minister called such efforts at the border "a waste of time" before the current increase, per Deutsche Welle; Lithuania reports more than 1,300 illegal crossings took place in the first half of this year, after 81 were documented in all of 2020. Lithuania and the European Union, which has sent help to the border, say Belarus is trying to punish Europe for sanctions imposed over human rights cases and the rigging of elections.

story continues below

President Alexander Lukashenko, who stayed in office after last year's disputed vote, denies any election fraud. Simonyte said Belarus is flying in illegal immigrants from other countries who are then crossing into Lithuania. The prime minister called Belarus' activity "hybrid aggression, which is directed not against Lithuania but against the entire European Union. The basis was the principled position of the whole EU, as well as Lithuania, on the falsified election results, repression of civil society and human rights defenders." Most of the immigrants illegally entering Lithuania are coming from Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Lukashenko sarcastically threatened Tuesday to allow people from war-torn countries to freely enter EU nations. "We won't hold anyone, they are coming not to us but to the enlightened, warm and cozy Europe," he said. (Read more Lithuania stories.)
(Newser)  A massive blast on a container ship in Dubai Wednesday night was felt across the city and sent a huge fireball into the sky. CNN personnel in the emirate say the explosion was felt more than 10 miles from the Jebel Ali Port , which is the biggest in the region and an important port of call for US warships. There were no immediate reports of casualties and the extent of damage to the port is unclear, the AP reports. The Dubai government's media office says the explosion was caused by a fire on the ship. The office says firefighters have brought the blaze under control and port officials say they are "taking all necessary measures to ensure that the normal movement of vessels continues without any disruption." (Read more Dubai stories.)
The mariners are part of a group of nine who arrived in Auckland on Monday before being transferred onto a deep-sea fishing vessel in New Plymouth. All nine returned a negative COVID-19 pre-departure test before travelling to New Zealand.

The mariners arrived on a red flight so all other passengers are in MIQ, and the other seven mariners on the vessel have all tested negative, Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield said on Wednesday.

The vessel is headed back to the Port of Taranaki and all crew - the two mariners and 13 other crew - will be placed in MIQ facilities while whole genome sequencing is carried out to determine what variant the two mariners are carrying.

"The Ministry of Health and the Ministry for Primary Industries are working closely with the shipping company to ensure the ongoing health of those aboard," a statement reads.

"Health officials continue to regard this situation as low risk to public health due to the infection prevention control process in place. There remains no associated locations of interest."

All three close contacts of the two infected mariners - a bus driver, a port pilot and a customs officer - are fully vaccinated and were wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during their interactions.

The bus driver was wearing an N95 mask for the duration of the trip from Auckland to New Plymouth and is in a MIQ facility in Auckland. The other two workers are self-isolating and are awaiting testing.

Dr Bloomfield says there was one scheduled toilet stop at a dedicated facility in Hamilton during the trip - but says the facility is only used by those transitting to ports or MIQ facilities in Rotorua. He adds members of the public can't use it and it's deep-cleaned regularly.

The other three COVID-19 cases caught at the border are all at Auckland quarantine facility the Jet Park Hotel.

One arrived from the United Kingdom via the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on June 23, another from Malaysia via Singapore on June 26, and the third direct from the UAE on July 2.

The number of active cases in New Zealand is 40, with the total number of cases detected here since the beginning of the pandemic now standing at 2407.

On Tuesday, another 7254 tests were processed across the country. The total number of COVID-19 tests processed by laboratories to date is 2,329,483.
So far in New Zealand's vaccine rollout there have been 4521 reports of side effects - slightly more common than in the flu vaccine, but still very rare, according to one of the country's top experts.

Medsafe each week publishes data on the vaccine rollout, tracking side effects and deaths linked to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, also known as Comirnaty. The latest report notes out of the 744,883 doses given up to June 5, there had been 4341 "non-serious" side effects recorded, and 180 serious.

"Many people are aware from having other vaccines you commonly get sore arms, you get aches and pains, you can get headaches, some people get fevers, some people can feel really tired and some need to take a day off work... this is normal, standard stuff," Nikki Turner, director of the Immunisation Advisory Centre, told The AM Show on Wednesday.

"It is more common with the second dose, and people recover. But there are very rare side effects, and I think the one people are aware of in particular is severe allergic reaction straight after the vaccine, which is why people are asked to wait for 20 to 30 minutes."
OPINION: The last remaining American and British troops have more or less pulled out of Afghanistan, bolting in the middle of the night.

They're leaving the country to the Taliban to take over and it's expected within six months they'll be back running the show - a brutal, murderous, militant group of thugs.

It's been a trillion dollar war. The aim was to destroy terrorist group Al Qaeda, and leader Osama Bin Laden in the wake of the 9/11 Twin Towers attack.

Bin Laden was running terrorist training camps in Afghanistan with the approval of the Taliban so the US-led forces dealt to Al Qaeda, killed Bin Laden and pushed the Taliban back.

Our SAS were front and centre and Willie Apiata was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery.

So have we won the war? No. We won the fight.
Dr Bloomfield says the illness, which is "very debilitating" for young babies, can make children quite sick.

"[I'm] certainly concerned about the sharp surge in RSV cases. This is a nasty illness.

"Babies and children suffer from a whole range of illnesses and often there's no discussion about a particular virus, but certainly RSV is one that's common. It's more common that Maori and Pasifika children get sick with RSV during the winter."

RSV is a virus that surges in winter, similarly to the flu, Dr Bloomfield says. There was little RSV around last year since closed borders and lockdowns helped stop it from spreading, meaning more children could be getting infected since their immune systems aren't used to it.

"There's been some speculation that there may be a bigger pool of susceptible children because last year, the group of children generally under three years of age who get sick with RSV... that group was spared it because of the lockdowns," Dr Bloomfield says.

"This year we have got that winter peak and there is some speculation that because there's a bigger pool of children that there might be higher rates of it this year, but the size of the surge and peak in our hospitals is about what we see each year."
Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) medical director Dr Bryan Betty told The AM Show symptoms are particularly bad for children under the age of two.

"The symptoms are for most children, most adults, it's very mild, just like a cold - a sniffly nose, a bit of a cough, slight temperature - that's what happens. Under the age of two and under the age of one, it can become more serious and what we start to see is a very high temperature, maybe some difficulty with breathing and going off your food, bottle or breast.

"Those three things should be a warning sign that there's a problem and you need to go and see your GP or an after hours [clinic]. For a very small number of children, it can become very serious, ending up with pneumonia or lung infection and ending up in hospital and occasionally in ICU and that's incredibly distressing for parents."

The outbreak is overwhelming hospitals including Starship in Auckland which is currently postponing surgeries to make room for the influx of infants suffering from RSV. Middlemore Hospital is also struggling with a surge in admissions, while Waitakere Hospital has reported queues snaking out its doors.

Dr Betty told The AM Show RSV comes in from overseas every year, but it didn't in 2020.

"Last year it was really interesting - we had none of these illnesses because the borders were closed so they weren't brought in by aeroplanes, they weren't brought in from overseas. We have opened the border with Australia and RSV has come back in."

But he said not having it for a year is causing many of the issues in New Zealand.

"Now the problem is, because we didn't have it last year, a lot of our very young children have had no exposure to it and it's like a double whammy. They are getting hit very, very hard this year and that's what we are seeing."

He said once you get it, you build up immunity which is why older children and adults don't get as severe symptoms as young children.

Dr Betty is urging parents with sick children to keep them home from ECE centres and schools to stop the spread of any illnesses.

"You tend to catch these viruses in close contact so we tend to see them go around childcare centres, around houses and families. It's very contagious," he said.

"What's really, really important, is if your child is unwell with a sniffle or a cough, maybe the symptoms of a cold or flu, keep them at home. That way it doesn't spread around the centre. That's probably the best piece of advice I can get with that."

The Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield has also expressed concern about the rapid rise in cases.

"[I'm] certainly concerned about the sharp surge in RSV cases. This is a nasty illness," he said on Wednesday.

"Babies and children suffer from a whole range of illnesses and often there's no discussion about a particular virus, but certainly RSV is one that's common. It's more common that Maori and Pasifika children get sick with RSV during the winter."
Life's not been easy for Izaeah Twose. For 21 years his lungs have been destroyed by cystic fibrosis.

Twose is considered one of this country's most critical cases.

"People tell me I shouldn't be alive, people tell me I've been sick my whole life and I should have died several times already," he says.

For the past few months he's been taking Trikafta - a life-saving drug, that isn't yet funded in New Zealand.

It costs hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, money he doesn't have. He's been relying on the generosity of strangers to keep him alive.

But then came, the ultimate 21st present - a consistent supply of the drug for free.

"Just the biggest smile on my face and it was right before my 21st birthday so it was a really lovely birthday present to get. It was amazing," Twose says.

The drugmaker Vertex has announced a compassionate access scheme for the most critically ill Kiwis living with cystic fibrosis and Izaeah is expecting to be accepted.

"It's a lifesaver, it's a great opportunity," Cystic Fibrosis New Zealand CEO Jane Bollard says.

The programme is designed to bridge the gap while applications for the drug's use and funding are considered.

"These people don't have the luxury of time, so they can't wait while the application is considered by Medsafe and Pharmac," Bollard adds.

It's changed Twose's whole perspective on life. Now he and his girlfriend Brooke have the confidence to plan a future, one they hope will include a child.

"Having Trikafta, and having that extra strength and having that extra energy. I'm a lot more confident that I'd be able to raise my kid for a long time," he says.

But Twose says this is bigger than him.

"It's not over until the government funds it for the people who can benefit from it. The fight goes on."

Newshub understands the drugmaker is weeks away from applying to have the drug funded.

So that healthy or sick, all Kiwis living with cystic fibrosis, can breathe easier like Twose.
By Robert McLachlan for The Conversation



New Zealand's Climate Change Commission is facing its first legal hurdle, as a group of 300 climate-concerned lawyers seek a judicial review of the processes it used to calculate carbon budgets in its recently released advice to the Government.

Carbon budgets are a cornerstone of NZ's climate change response under the Zero Carbon Act and lie at the heart of the commission's advice package. They specify the allowed emissions over successive five-year periods, initially up to 2035.

Advice calls for net emissions of all greenhouse gases to fall 27 percent between 2019 and 2030.

The Lawyers 4 Climate Action group claims the commission has misinterpreted pathways in Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports in its calculations, making its advice inconsistent with the act, especially regarding the goal to limit global temperature rise to 1.5C.

Pending the outcome of the legal challenge, the Government is likely to adopt the recommended budgets, which would then flow into the settings of the Emissions Trading Scheme and all other aspects of climate policy.

The commission has engaged extensively with the more than 15,000 submissions it received on its draft advice. So it was surprising that in its final advice, the budgets were increased, allowing higher emissions. The commission's immediate reason for the increase was the significant blow-out of emissions in 2019, up by three million tonnes of CO-equivalent emissions.

It judged this was not a one-off and has allowed another two million tonnes in each year to 2030.

The commission also had to balance a long list of requirements, including that the budgets be ambitious, achievable and fair to both present and future generations while supporting the global effort to limit warming to 1.5C. The commissioners write:

"A transition that is fair, inclusive and equitable for people is crucial so that it is acceptable to New Zealanders. Putting the values of manaakitanga, tikanga, whanaungatanga and kotahitanga at the forefront mean having a deep ethic of care for people and the land.

"Having support and buy-in from New Zealanders is vital for meeting and sustaining emissions reduction targets."

But consider Ireland. Like New Zealand, Ireland has high agricultural emissions and a poor climate track record to date.

Yet Ireland recently adopted a new climate law that requires net-zero emissions of all greenhouse gases by 2050 and cuts of at least 51 percent between 2018 and 2030. This is unquestionably much stronger than New Zealand's act.
Imports of some Australian goods were recently banned by China and hefty tariffs on others were introduced after the countries butted heads.

Reducing New Zealand's trade reliance on China would now be difficult, Dr Steff said.

"You're talking about private organisations and businesses that have decided to increase the trade and exports to China."

The Government seemed uninterested in doing so anyway and in fact, seemed to be encouraging increasing trade by upgrading the 2008 NZ-China trade agreement this year, Dr Steff said.

"It's going to deepen our economic dependence on China, rather than encourage diversification."

New Zealand could eventually consider becoming more independent from its traditional allies, which would result in downgrading intelligence, military and diplomatic relations, Dr Steff said.

He said right now, New Zealand wanted to be everyone's friend.

"It seems like the optimal strategy is the strategy we're on right now, which is continually trying to appease our close Western partners and allies but also to ensure China understands that we do not always walk in complete lockstep with our friends and allies."

But it was a "guessing game" as to how long it could keep that up, Dr Steff said.

Australian and UK politicians have criticised New Zealand for being soft on China's human rights issues, with British MP Bob Seely accusing Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of "sucking up to China".

Commentators have warned a Cold War is brewing between the US and China and New Zealand will be stuck in the middle.

"The world may not let us be friends with everyone. I feel like this, to some degree, was fairly foreseeable and inevitable, yet here we are," Dr Steff said.

New Zealand China Council executive director Rachel Maidment agreed New Zealand's exposure to China was "relatively high", but said that wasn't unusual.

Australia, Chile, Peru and Korea all had higher exposure, according to 2018 figures. About a quarter of New Zealand's goods are exported to China.

For Australia it was 34.7 percent, Chile it was 33.5 percent, Peru 27.6 percent and Korea 26.8 percent.

"Concentration, it certainly carries risks. But what we just need to be cognisant of is that businesses and individuals do trade with each other.

"They are aware of the risk - and increasingly so. They do factor that into the decision-making," Maidment said.

Economist Shamubeel Eaquab pointed out our exposure to China is lower than what our exposure was to the UK between the 1870s and 1940s when 70 percent to 90 percent of our goods were exported there.

Without China's demand for products, our primary sector would not have grown as much as it has and our economy would be smaller, he said.

"Because they wanted our stuff, we grew the stuff and processed the stuff and sent it."

He said no other country would consume the same amount of those New Zealand products and that presented a quandary.

"Those risks are absolutely there, but at the same time, you need to understand that the reason why New Zealand exports so much is that we're so good at it. Our cost of production is low, the quality of production is very high, not kind of diminishing the issues with things like environmental costs, but we are actually very, very good at producing food.

"And that gives us a competitive edge."

A Westpac economic bulletin ranked the industries most exposed to China as tourism, export education and seafood, with meat, wood and fruit considered medium risk. The lowest risk market is thought to be wine, as China isn't a big customer, and one which may come as a surprise to many, given its value; dairy.

New Zealand's $5.4 billion of dairy exports accounts for almost half of China's dairy imports and the report says China's domestic supply is small, plus there are "very few other options" globally available to replace this amount from other countries.

On the other hand, seafood from New Zealand accounts for only 3.1 percent of China's imports but represents 30 percent of our export earnings.

China was New Zealand's top purchaser of over 300 different food and non-food-related exports in 2020. Around 50 of these goods were worth over $1 million in earnings in 2020 and China's percentage of New Zealand's overall export earnings was greater than 50 percent.

Live rock lobsters were close to the top of the list of items where China is our biggest customer, but it has other bigger suppliers.

Sanders Unsworth consultancy founder Charles Finney was New Zealand's lead negotiator of the China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement in 2008. He said as a whole, he did not lose sleep over New Zealand's exposure to China but thought some companies were heavily exposed.

The rock lobster trade was a prime example of what could happen to a heavily exposed market. In 2019, China took 96 percent of New Zealand's exports.

When the COVID-19 pandemic grounded flights, the rock lobster trade screeched to a halt and China cancelled orders. New Zealand was left holding between 150 and 180 tonnes of live rock lobsters.

Many were returned to the sea but the industry took a $38m hit in just eight weeks.

New Zealand should be wary of China's habit of using trade as a political lever, Finny said.

As well as Australia, South Korea, Taiwan and Norway have all borne the brunt of a China scolding via trade.

"There are increasing differences in the political arena over such things as the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong," Finny said. "It is possible one day that New Zealand criticisms would cause China to say, 'Hey, you've gone too far and back down, or else,' and if we don't back down, then there might be some retaliation."

These political differences are important to the New Zealand public, according to a recent survey from the Pew Research Centre which shows Kiwis think strengthening trade with China is less important than promoting human rights.

If New Zealand wanted to reduce its exposure by diversifying export markets for agricultural products there were some markets worth considering, and some we have little hope of breaking into, Finny said.

India had a similar population to China, but Finny said they were the world's biggest dairy producer and with farmers being poor, there was resistance to opening up their market.

Instead, he saw "huge potential" in the Middle East, as well as Turkey, Ukraine, Nigeria and Angola.

Russia could also present an opportunity, although at present he said the Government was discouraging companies from profiting off trade sanctions other countries have put in place against Russia.

What would Russia buy from New Zealand?

"Pretty much everything we produce," Finny said.

RNZ
Judith Collins thinks Kiwis will be on board with raising the age of eligibility for superannuation because they love working.

The age is currently 65, but a new report from Treasury has cast serious doubt on whether that's sustainable. Kiwis are living longer, spending more of their lives eligible for the no-strings-attached payment, and an increasing number of us are over 65.

On current trends, Treasury estimates the cost of universal super will increase by more than 50 percent over the next 40 years, contributing to a Budget blowout and sending debt into the stratosphere. It recommended either upping the age to 67 or taxing recipients more on their other incomes to help pay for it.

"We think that without growing the economy in a very spectacular way in the next 20 years, we do need to start moving from 65 to 67, so that gives people plenty of time to prepare," Collins told The AM Show on Wednesday.
Air New Zealand is dipping its toe back into the pond of international travel, announcing its return to destinations not serviced since Aotearoa's borders were closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The airline's updated schedule begins on October 31 and sees the return of services to Tokyo and Taipei, along with 12 per week to North America.



Interestingly, Air NZ has also announced a service between Christchurch and Singapore operating five times a week from November 30, which may be an indication of where the airline believes future travel bubbles may open. However, the airline is playing down any speculation of a return to relative normality.



"As much as we wish the addition of the long haul flights to our schedule meant the reopening of the borders, unfortunately, it does not," said Air NZ's general manager networks Scott Carr.

Air New Zealand international schedule:

Auckland to:

Los Angeles - 3 return flights per week

San Francisco - 3 return flights per week

Vancouver - 3 return flights per week

Honolulu - 3 return flights per week

Hong Kong - 1 return flight per week

Narita - 1 return flight per week

Shanghai - 7 return flights per week

Taipei - 1 return flight per week

Seoul - 1 return flight per week

Singapore - 7 return flights per week

Christchurch to:

Singapore - 5 return services per week from November 30

"The schedule reflects the flying that we will undertake should the Maintaining International Air Connectivity scheme be extended. It also provides Kiwis that are wanting to return home after October 31 some certainty around when we intend to operate in order for them to secure their MIQ spaces."



The Maintaining International Air Connectivity (MIAC) scheme provides financial support to the airline so long as it operates services to key ports, allowing for freight and repatriation.



Since May 2020, the Government has supported more than 7000 flights carrying over 136,000 tonnes of airfreight worth around $10 billion.



The current arrangement, which provides $170 million in support to airlines, is due to finish at the end of October, but it's likely that timeframe will be extended.



"We will consider extending support beyond October to a final date of March 2022 if necessary," transport minister Michael Wood said.



The Government currently has MIAC agreements with Air Tahiti Nui, Korean Air and China Airlines.
'Return green flights' will commence on Friday at 11:59pm from Queensland and NSW. Travel on these flights will be limited to New Zealand citizens, Australian citizens who normally reside in New Zealand, people with humanitarian exemptions, and critical workers who are stranded in Queensland or NSW.

Anyone on these flights will need to return a negative COVID-19 pre-departure test within 72 hours of leaving Australia. Travellers also must declare they haven't been in a location of interest in the past 14 days, aren't symptomatic, aren't a close contact, and aren't awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test.

After returning to New Zealand, travellers are asked to keep an eye out for any COVID-19 symptoms and to diligently use the NZ COVID Tracer app or another form of diary.

Anyone who does have COVID-19 symptoms is asked to stay at home, get tested, and remain isolated until they get a negative result.

"The increasing number of cases we are seeing in many parts of the world - including by our Australian neighbours - is a stark reminder that the COVID-19 pandemic is continuing," the Ministry of Health says.

"It reinforces we are taking the right approach with our precautionary actions to protect the public health of New Zealanders."
World Health Organization emergencies head Michael Ryan urged countries on Wednesday to use extreme caution when lifting COVID-19 restrictions so as "not to lose the gains you've made".

"The idea that everyone is protected, and it's 'Kumbaya' and everything goes back to normal, I think right now is a very dangerous assumption anywhere in the world, and it's still a dangerous assumption in the European environment," he told reporters during a meeting from Geneva. "We would ask governments at this moment not to lose the gains you've made."

Here's the latest on the pandemic from around the world.

Europe

UK

Britain on Wednesday reported 32,548 cases of COVID-19, the first time the figure has surpassed 30,000 since January as the government looks set to ease almost all coronavirus measures later this month.

An additional 33 deaths within 28 days of a positive test were also registered, according to official data.

British teenagers have figured out how to use soft drinks to fake a positive COVID-19 test, and the authors of a new study warn schools and other groups to be aware.
The Australian state of New South Wales has extended its COVID-19 lockdown for a further week, until midnight Friday, July 16.

NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian said the decision was made because the Delta strain is a "game-changer" and has been highly contagious in the state.

"The reason why the New South Wales government has taken this position is because we dont want to be in a situation where we are constantly having to move between lockdown, no lockdown, lockdown, no lockdown," she said.

"What we want to do is give us our best chance of making sure this is the only lockdown we have until the vast majority of our citizens are vaccinated."

This comes as NSW Health reported 27 new local cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday.


Local

top story

Leschinskie jailed briefly after judge increases his bail

SUNBURY  A candidate for Shamokin City Council, who was ordered May 27 by a senior judge not to come within 100 feet of Shamokin Councilwoman Jennifer Seidel and her husband, Erik Seidel, was incarcerated Tuesday after his bail was increased to $5,000 cash at the conclusion of a hearing involving terroristic threat charges filed against him.

Joseph J. Leschinskie Jr., 37, of 518 E. Pine St., was remanded to Northumberland County Jail by Senior Judge Harold F. Woelfel Jr., of Snyder County, whom the defendant attempted to have disqualified from hearing his case based on a complaint he filed with the Judicial Conduct Board against the judge.

Early in the 10:15 a.m. hearing, Woelfel denied a motion by Leschinskies attorney, William Cannon, who is a special conflicts counsel with the county, to disqualify himself. Woelfel said case law clearly states that such a motion must be filed at the earliest possible moment after filing a complaint with the Judicial Conduct Board, which he said wasnt the case with Leschinskie.

According to court records, Leschinskie filed his complaint against Woelfel on Nov. 5, 2020, while his motion to have the judge disqualify himself wasnt filed until June 10.

During the hourlong hearing, Woelfel chastised Leschinskie multiple times for not listening to him while he was addressing the court. He also scolded the defendant for attempting to instruct his wife, Tonya Leschinskie, while she was testifying.

Magisterial District Judge Michael Toomey, of Sunbury, initially set Leschinskies bail at $5,000 cash at his Sept. 24 arraignment on the terroristic threat charges. It was reduced to $5,000 unsecured bail by Northumberland County Judge Hugh Jones at an April 5 pre-trial conference, which was the same day Jones recused himself from hearing the case. The court then assigned Woelfel to preside over the case.

Woelfel ruled that Leschinskie violated his bail conditions and granted Northumberland County Assistant District Attorney Robyn Zenzingers request to increase his bail from $5,000 unsecured to $5,000 cash.

The judge based his ruling on testimony from the Seidels and William Allen, of Shamokin.

Jennifer Seidel testified that Leschinskie delivered hand-written subpoenas to her and her husband on May 10 while they were outside following a city council meeting. He said Leschinskie didnt touch either her or her husband, but stuck the subpoenas in their chests.

The subpoenas ordered the Seidels to appear for a May 27 hearing that included testimony before being continued by Woelfel when Leschinskie became unruly. That legal proceeding was culminated Tuesday.

Woelfel told the court he found the thrusting of the subpoenas by Leschinskie to the Seidels a flagrant violation of his bail conditions.

The judge also ordered Leschinskie to undergo a mental health evaluation and provide a copy of it to the commonwealth within 30 days.

Leschinskie, who was ordered by Toomey at his arraignment to get a mental health evaluation, told the judge he has tried to make arrangements to undergo an evaluation, but hasnt been able to find place that will do one.

At one point when Leschinskie turned to talk with his attorney, Woelfel emphatically told the defendant, Sit there and listen.

When Leschinskie realized he had to come up with $5,000 cash, he became agitated before directing his wife to leave the courtroom to make arrangements for bail.

Upon being escorted by deputy sheriffs to a holding cell next to the sheriffs office, Leschinskie could be heard screaming about the outcome of Tuesdays hearing and being sent to prison.

He was released from the county jail late Tuesday afternoon after posting bail.

Erik Seidel testified about an encounter he had with Leschinskie on May 14 in the vestibule at Brewsers SportsGrille in Coal Township after he went inside to get his wife an adult slushie.

Seidel claimed Leschinskie, who was in the restaurant with his wife and daughter, came within 10 feet of him as he was leaving the establishment. Seidel said Leschinskie cut in front of him and blocked his exit from the restaurant while threatening to beat him up outside.

Seidel said he told Leschinskie twice to keep on walking.

Seidel said his wife was waiting in their car for him to return with the drink and that he feared for her safety and life when he encountered Leschinskie.

Seidel said he gave Coal Township police and the county district attorneys office a written statement about the incident.

Allen, a friend of the Seidels, said he spotted Leschinskie approaching Erik Seidel from behind during the Shamokin Warm My Heart festival in the downtown district on March 27. Allen said he was expecting an altercation to occur when he saw Leschinskie walking toward Seidel, so he warned Seidel. Although Allen said Leschinskie came within 10 feet of Seidel, he said no physical altercation or verbal exchange ensued as Leschinskie walked away. Allen said Jennifer Seidel was not with her husband at the time.

Geno Welsh, co-owner of Brewsers SportsGrille, was called by the defense as a witness to talk about surveillance video he obtained from his business depicting people in his restaurant on May 14, including Erik Seidel and the Leschinskie family.

But after answering a couple preliminary questions posed by Cannon, Zenzinger objected to any further testimony by Welsh because he wasnt at the restaurant on May 14 and didnt record the video. The judge agreed with Zenzinger and excused Welsh as a witness.

Tonya Leschinskie presented a different account of the incident at Brewsers.

The defense witness said she exited the restaurant before her husband. She was later told by her husband to start recording as Erik Seidel was coming out of the business, according to her testimony.

Tonya Leschinskie claimed Erik Seidel sweared while making verbal threats toward her husband. She also claimed that Jennifer Seidel exited her car at one point, started swearing and said Leschinskies husband was going to jail and that he would look good in orange and shackles.

She said Coal Township police were called to the scene.

After the hearing, Cannon declined comment about the judges ruling and his client going to jail.

Zenzinger, who requested the bail modification hearing based on allegations that Leschinskie harassed and stalked the Seidels multiple times between February and the end of March, said, I respect the decision of the court.

The assistant district attorney said jury selection for Leschinskies trial is scheduled for Sept. 13.

Leschinskie is charged by Northumberland County Detective Degg Stark with two misdemeanor counts of terroristic threats, three misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct and three summaries of disorderly conduct for allegedly threatening to kill the Seidels following a Sept. 14 council meeting.

In addition to being ordered by Woelfel not to come within 100 feet of the Seidels, their residence or places of employment, Leschinskie is prohibited from going to city council meetings and attending the Knights of Columbus in Shamokin from 4 p.m. to midnight on Thursdays, which is the day of the week the Seidels often attend Wing Night together.

All other bail conditions remain in effect.
Fairbanks, AK (99707)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 77F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy in the evening with more clouds for later at night. Low 53F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
Let us know what you're seeing and hearing around the community.

Submit here
A firefighter holds the line just off of the Bennet Highway (aka 14 Mile Trail). A firing operation was utilized to keep the Shovel Creek Fire from moving to the south and east. Photo taken from akfireinfo.com on Saturday, June 29, 2019. As of Sunday, July 7, 2019, the Shovel Creek Fire has reached 15% containment.
The Daily News-Miner encourages residents to make themselves heard through the Opinion pages. Readers' letters and columns also appear online at newsminer.com. Contact the editor with questions at letters@newsminer.com or call 459-7574.

Community Perspective

Send Community Perspective submissions by mail (P.O. Box 70710, Fairbanks AK 99707) or via email (letters@newsminer.com). Submissions must be 500 to 750 words. Columns are welcome on a wide range of issues and should be well-written and well-researched with attribution of sources. Include a full name, email address, daytime telephone number and headshot photograph suitable for publication (email jpg or tiff files at 150 dpi.) You may also schedule a photo to be taken at the News-Miner office. The News-Miner reserves the right to edit submissions or to reject those of poor quality or taste without consulting the writer.

Letters to the editor

Send letters to the editor by mail (P.O. Box 70710, Fairbanks AK 99707), by fax (907-452-7917) or via email (letters@newsminer.com). Writers are limited to one letter every two weeks (14 days.) All letters must contain no more than 350 words and include a full name (no abbreviation), daytime and evening phone numbers and physical address. (If no phone, then provide a mailing address or email address.) The Daily News-Miner reserves the right to edit or reject letters without consulting the writer.
TDT | London

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain Embassy in the United Kingdom started vaccinating Bahraini citizens yesterday. The move is in implementation of the royal directive issued by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to start vaccinating Bahrainis residing abroad against the coronavirus (COVID-19) who were unable to get vaccinated.

It is aimed at preserving the health and safety of citizens and supporting national efforts led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in combating COVID-19. The Embassy noted that this royal directive comes within the framework of His Majestys keen interest in ensuring that the people of Bahrain receive the best care and services at home and abroad.

The Ministries of Health and Foreign Affairs acted to implement HM the Kings directives and conducted intensive coordination with the staff of the Embassy of Bahrain in the UK, where a large number of Bahraini citizens are stationed to obtain the necessary approvals according to the UK regulations and work on logistical preparations and an online registration portal for citizens.

The vaccination rollout commenced after all registered citizens have been determined and the necessary approvals have been obtained from the UK authorities.

Bahrains Ambassador to the UK Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa praised the royal directive and its positive impact on the citizens present in the United Kingdom. He stressed the high feedback and coordination between the organising team from various government ministries and the embassy to ensure the success and smooth execution of the vaccination rollout abroad. The first vaccination period for citizens of Bahrain in the UK will continue until July 9.

The Embassy has called on all those wishing to receive the vaccination to register via the online portal available on the social media accounts of the Embassy of Bahrain in the UK.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Small and Medium-sized enterprises in Bahrain has now their presence in more than 55 markets worldwide, thanks to Export Bahrain, which reached a new US$100 million export value milestone, despite the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, in just over two years of operation.

The latest report says that Export Bahrain, until June 2021 since its inception in November 2018, had helped SMEs export more than 51 products and services across ten sectors. This milestone is just the beginning for Export Bahrain and businesses based in the Kingdom as we aim to achieve even higher feats and milestones in the foreseeable future, said Export Bahrain Acting Chief Executive Officer, Safa Abdulkhaliq. The fact that Export Bahrain has achieved this figure in just over two years of operations shows that products and services made in Bahrain can successfully compete in the international market, which is a great source of national pride, Abdulkhaliq added.

She pointed out that the SMEs in the Kingdom are no longer limited to the domestic market with modern infrastructure, connectivity and the latest exporting deals, local manufacturers. Export Bahrain is pleased to facilitate their entry into global markets via our suite of tailored solutions and services, said Safa Abdulkhaliq.

The Acting Chief Executive Officer said that Export Bahrain is constantly working to build new partnerships and expand our offerings to make it easier for SMEs to take advantage of business opportunities beyond our borders.

Total Q1 export beats FY 2021

Increased awareness and a positive shift in the mindset of local businesses, Export Bahrain said, caused the total export value in the first half of 2021 to surpass that of 2020. There has been a 15% rise in the number of new exporters in the market, leading to a 34% increase in new markets tapped into globally through Export Bahrain.

Export Bahrain, the official export platform of the Kingdom, attributes the success to the strategic location and connectivity of Bahrain, which has historically been an important trading hub. The authority encourages businesses to diversify their product range to compete and succeed in the extremely demanding markets by utilizing the unique and tailor-fitted solutions available through Export Bahrain.

Export Bahrain has proven to be critical to our efforts in stimulating economic growth and development over the past two years - achieving over USD 100 million in export value through the Kingdoms small and medium-sized enterprises represent a key milestone for Bahrains internationalization efforts, said Zayed R. Alzayani, the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and Chairman of the SME Development Board. This exemplifies the significant value exporters bring to the national economy and building on their growth potential to reach customers around the world and advance opportunities to promote for products and services made in Bahrain within the global market, he added.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

The Bahrain Association of Banks (BAB) signed with Iraq Private Banks League (IPBL) a memorandum of understanding aimed at achieving cooperation in the field of exchanging experiences and knowledge and promoting banking cooperation in all fields.

The MOU was signed by the Chairman of the Bahrain Association of Banks, Mr Adnan Ahmed Yousif, and Mr Wadih Nouri Al-Handal, Chairman of Iraq Private Banks League (IPBL), during a remote meeting.

This MOU stems from the keenness of the Bahrain Association of Banks and Iraq Private Banks League, to defend the interests of banks and financial institutions and highlighting their role in sustainable development programs through close cooperation with regulatory authorities and all partners and stakeholders.

The two parties agreed to form a joint committee to consult and agree on implementing and following-up joint plans and programs.

On this occasion, Mr Adnan Ahmed Yousef, Chairman of the Bahrain Association of Banks, said: " Bahrain has had a rich and diversified banking experience over the past five decades, which has greatly been enhanced by its response to the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We are working in the Association to employ this rich experience in supporting and strengthening cooperation with Arab banks, at the forefront of which is the Iraq Private Banks League (IPBL), and Iraqi banks, with which we have strong brotherly relations.

We aim to boost such relations and cooperation during the next stage.

On the other hand, Mr Wadih Nouri Al-Handal, Chairman of Iraq Private Banks League (IPBL), said: " Iraq Private Banks League (IPBL) has a long history in developing the banking sector, at various technical, administrative, advisory, human resources and other levels.

This MOU will contribute to opening new horizons with the Bahraini banking sector, and boost joint work between Iraqi and Bahraini banks, transfer experiences, in addition to holding training courses at a high level " The two parties will work through this MOU to exchange experiences, studies, and relevant research, depending on the resources available to them, and will also cooperate in providing consultations, conducting joint research and studies, and organizing and implementing conferences, workshops, seminars, and events in various common fields.
From concerts to parades, festivals and more, News-Press NOW is the place to find out about events in the community.

Subscribe for only 25/ week.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  Republican Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday began a hurried second attempt to toughen election laws in Texas, weeks after Democrats' dramatic walkout from the state Capitol thwarted one of America's most restrictive voting measures.

He demanded no specific voting changes to reach his desk this summer, but Republicans who fumbled their first try at passing a sweeping overhaul of Texas elections at the last minute in May are already promising to work fast, saying hearings will start this weekend.

The haste reflects the usual time crunch of a normal special legislative session in Texas  which last just 30 days  but also the GOP's eagerness to put behind them a rare and highly public defeat in America's biggest red state over what has been a priority for the party since the November elections. Abbott, who is up for reelection in 2022, has already shifted his focus toward picking up Donald Trump's mantle on immigration since the May walkout.

Republicans are also backing away from the two most contentious issues that fueled Democrats dramatic quorum break just before a midnight deadline over the Memorial Day weekend. Still, Republicans are expecting many of the sunken bill's provisions to return once the special session begins Thursday.

The Senate and the House are both eager to work on this issue and get it done, said Republican state Rep. Jacey Jetton, who helped negotiate the final version of the sweeping elections bill that Democrats blocked.

That previous bill, known as Senate Bill 7, included bans on drive-thru voting, 24-hour polling places and empowered partisan poll watchers. Jetton said he was hopeful that other items related to mail ballot harvesting  a term sometimes used negatively to describe the collection of completed ballots that are delivered on behalf of voters to polling places  and voter roll maintenance are also included.

Democrats who walked out have said they plan to show up at the state Capitol for work Thursday.

In addition to new election laws, Abbott is also ordering lawmakers to heighten security measures along the Texas-Mexico border and nearly a dozen other lightning rod issues for the GOP.

These are items that primarily are designed for him to play to an extreme far-right as he gears up for a competitive primaries season, Democratic state Rep. John Bucy said.

The GOPs overwhelming majority in the Texas Capitol means an elections bill will probably pass, although Democrats have vowed to continue fighting and have not ruled out breaking quorum again. After the walkout, Abbott vetoed future paychecks for nearly 2,000 Capitol employees, but he made restoring that funding one of the items for lawmakers to address.

Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said hearings on a new elections bill in the state Senate will begin Saturday.

Jetton said he wasn't sure how the new voting legislation would look but expected many elements of Senate Bill 7 to return in some form or fashion. He said he hoped members of both parties could examine the new legislation without partisanship to find some common ground.

Meanwhile, Bucy said the Texas House Democrats have already seen their May walkout pay dividends, citing Patrick's intentions to leave out provisions limiting Sunday voting hours and lowering the threshold to overturn election results.

___

Acacia Coronado 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.
Ahead of the upcoming state elections next year and Monsoon session of the parliament, many fresh faces will be inducted into PMs cabinet. NewsX has prepared a solution-based list on what should be the focus of the new cabinet.

Prime Minister Modi will announce his cabinet expansion today at 6 p.m. Ahead of the upcoming state elections next year and Monsoon session of the parliament, many fresh faces will be inducted into PMs cabinet. NewsX has prepared a solution-based list on what should be the focus of the new cabinet.

PRIORITY 1: 10 MN VACCINES A DAY

The new cabinet must focus on increasing Indias capacity of producing vaccines. Instead of waiting for foreign shots, India should get 5 new Covaxin plants online and take Bharat Biotech to 700 MN/year capacity

PRIORITY 2: $100 BN FDI IN 365 DAYS

A 5,000 crores centre sponsored PLI should be given as an award to states doing best plug&play roll out. The new union cabinet should also list 5,000 foreign firms manufacturing and sourcing from China and offer them plug&play & PLI in Indian states. Additionally, the idle central and state land banks along rail lines and semi urban areas should be devoted as plug&play zones.

PRIORITY 3: SILICON CHIP MANUFACTURING

The demand of silicon chips has been going up with increasing rapidity. India should invite Taiwanese Chip giants to set silicon chip factories and r&d centres in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu & Uttar Pradesh. Also, India should create first ever PPP investment fund to raise investment from both public and private parties to invest in silicon mega-centres in India and follow Jamshedpur like model for silicon chipsets.

PRIORITY 4: COMPLETE JAL JEEVAN MISSION

The new cabinet should work on completing this mission within one year and ensure working drinking water taps in every home by end of next 365 days.

PRIORITY 5: COMPLETE PM AWAS YOJNA

Pakka ghar for all Indians by end of next 365 days.

PRIORITY 6: OIL FREEDOM PLAN

 Take on 2025 20% ethanol target on mission footing.

 Announce 5 lakh charge points for electric vehicles  HPCL, BPCL can do half, private sector can do half.

 This will automatically drive electric vehicle investment.

 Plan to end all diesel trains.

PRIORITY 7: THE TERAWATT PLAN

 Begin Indias first Lithium mine in Karnataka.

 Explore Sodium-Sulphur batteries for power plant scale use.

 Clear mission plan to produce 1 terawatt-hours of battery capacity in India by 2024.

PRIORITY 8: SPACE ECONOMY

 Launch Indias first private rocket

 Finalize draft national space policy

 Setup 2nd space launch site in Tamil Nadu

 Set-up PPP space research centres

 Target ISRO to earn $2 BN in next 365 days from launch sales

PRIORITY 9: DATA 10X

 Make India Asias data server and storage hub

 Increase Indian data centre capacity by 10x

 Mission plan to get this done

PRIORITY 10: DEFENCE EXPORTS

 Sign Indias first multi-million dollar defence export deals

 Target $5 BN a year in forex revenue from defence sales in next 365 days

PRIORITY 11: REFORM STIMULUS 2.0

 Dont wait for UP polls to end to take on land reform again

 Showcase the data from agricultural reform to prove efficacy

PRIORITY 12: FILL JUDICIAL POSTS

 Take recommendations for all current vacant & about-to-fall vacant posts

 Fill posts under current system before working with judicial committees on reforms

PRIORITY 13: DEFENCE REFORM

 Prioritize creation of integrated theater commands

PRIORITY 14: TOTAL WAR DEFENCE COMMITTEE

 Recognize cyber, economic and industrial sabotage threats from abroad

 Create Indias sovereign firewall

 Advise core priority sectors on industrial sabotage precautions

PRIORITY 15: NAMBI NARAYANAN ACT

 Identify Indias top scientific and research talent

 Create the Nambi Narayanan Act to safeguard scientists from blackmail, assassination, threats

PRIORITY 16: JK REINTEGRATION PLAN

 Ensure representation for PoK refugees and Pandits in new J&K Assembly

 Appoint district magistrates and administration in absentia for mirpur, muzaffarabad and gilgit

 allow PoK residents to appeal to Srinagar HC and Indian SC

PRIORITY 17: THE INDO-PACIFIC CHARTER

 Replace Atlantic Charter with Indo-Pacific charter recognizing changed global order priorities

PRIORITY 18: QUAD SECRETARIAT

 Set-up a quad HQ in a South Indian City like the UN HQ in New York

PRIORITY 19: INDIGENOUS 5G & 6G PLAN

 Create a fund from 5G spectrum sales for a PLI scheme for firms producing 5G equipment and handsets 100% Indian made

 Ask Indian tech universities to begin research on 6G funded in PPP model

PRIORITY 20: 1ST TOTAL SOLAR STATE

Make plan for a North-East India state to go 100% solar.
LONDON (AP)  Britains High Court has granted the U.S. government permission to appeal a decision that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange cannot be sent to the United States to face espionage charges.

The judicial office said Wednesday that the appeal had been granted and the case would be listed for a High Court hearing. No date has been set.

In January, a lower court judge refused an American request to send Assange to the U.S. to face spying charges over WikiLeaks publication of secret military documents a decade ago. District Judge Vanessa Baraitser denied extradition on health grounds, saying Assange was likely to kill himself if held under harsh U.S. prison conditions.

The judge ordered that Assange must remain in prison during any potential U.S. appeal, ruling that the Australian citizen has an incentive to abscond if he were freed.

Assange, 50, has been in London high-security Belmarsh Prison since he was arrested in April 2019 for skipping bail seven years earlier during a separate legal battle.

Assange spent seven years holed up inside Ecuadors London embassy, where he fled in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden to face allegations of rape and sexual assault. Sweden dropped the sex crimes investigations in November 2019 because so much time had elapsed.

U.S. prosecutors have indicted Assange on 17 espionage charges and one charge of computer misuse over WikiLeaks publication of thousands of leaked military and diplomatic documents. The charges carry a maximum sentence of 175 years in prison.

The prosecutors say Assange unlawfully helped U.S. Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning steal classified diplomatic cables and military files that WikiLeaks later published. Lawyers for Assange argue that he was acting as a journalist and is entitled to First Amendment freedom of speech protections for publishing documents that exposed U.S. military wrongdoing in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Assanges fiancee, Stella Moris, urged U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday to drop the prosecution launched under his predecessor, Donald Trump.

Moris, who has two young sons with Assange, said outside the High Court that the WikiLeaks founder was very unwell in prison.

He won his case in January. Why is he even in prison?" she said.

Im appealing to the Biden administration to do the right thing. This appeal was taken two days before the Trump administration left office, and if the Biden administration is serious about respecting the rule of law, the First Amendment and defending global press freedom, the only thing it can do is drop this case.
A couple of big blues acts are hitting the stage this week to keep you cool in hot July. Down in Old Lyme on Sunday, Jim Carty brings in soul blues Legend Johnny Rawls in an outdoor concert and Thursday, CHIRP has Christine Ohlman.

Sundays special house concert with co-headliners Johnny Rawls and Gospel Blues Voice of Social Justice, Lady D, aka Doris Fields has plenty of room to social distance with shade trees all around the property. A private beach a 5-minute walk, if you want to come early for a swim.

This historic music performance starts at 1 p.m.; arrive as early as noon. Any proceeds will be donated to the Lyme Youth Service Bureau; learn more at https://lysb.org

In Cartys 30 years around roots music, he has not seen Lady D tour the Northeast. This is a must attend event. Lady D, a woman who delivers a message of social justice each time she graces a stage. In fact, she has performed for the Kennedy Center and PBS, two meaningful stages in our country.

Those who attended last summer were treated to Rawls backed by Ryan Hartt and the Bluehearts, who again will open and back the headliners this year. Special guest is Bruce Mattson, former piano player for the Gregg Allman Band.

Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez continue their hip-shakin Summer of 2021 tour Thursday at The CHIRP Concert Series (rain or shine, concert moves to the Ridgefield Playhouse in the event of bad weather). Join them as they headline this free summer concert series in in Ridgefields gorgeous Ballard Park, right in the heart town.

Ohlman, aka The Beehive Queen for her mile-high hairdo, is a longtime vocalist with NBCs Saturday Night Live Band. Shell be joined onstage by the members of Rebel Montez, Cliff Goodwin (guitar), Lorne Entress (drums) and Michael Colbath (bass). Plan on rockin way down in the Beehive.

In 2017 she was inducted into the National Blues Hall of Fame of American Heritage, International and landed the Top Female Americana Vocalist honors on The Alternate Roots International Readers Poll. Mixing a fiery brand of rootsy Americana with an old-school soul music flavor, she serves up a style thats been dubbed by SIRIUS/XMs Dave Marsh Contemporary Rock R&B.

On Saturday Wood Acres Farm Fest in Terryville hosts A Benefit For Brian's Angels Shelter. This outdoor concert offers music, food, horse drawn carriage rides, and more. The event starts at 4 pm and features three bands. Contact them for tickets.

The bands include The Remnants, which has been called a mix of blues, jam, and modern rock & roll. However, many believe that the band is in the process of creating an entirely new sound, and an entirely new and creative twist on music.

LB4, looks to the future to create a broader musical experience. Each musician brings a wealth of talent and experience and play shows with their unique blend of funk, rock, blues reggae and soul.

Jeff Summa And The Roasters are an original psychedelic rock band based out of Litchfield. Playing songs that is a fusion of psychedelic rock, jazz and blues. Live shows, sharing their musical creations and performing colorful music for people to dance to is what its all about for the Roasters. Also Cheryl Tracy is playing an acoustic set.

This is a benefit fundraiser for Brian's Angels Outreach Shelter Of Bristol, a homeless outreach organization in Bristol try to fill a hole for items that are not provided by area agencies, or for items outside their budgets.

Come out and enjoy a wonderful day and night of music and sit under the stars or go for a horse drawn carriage ride provided by Wood Acres Farm. Lawn chairs and blankets are OK. Coolers are not allowed, but refreshments and food will be available for purchase.

Infinity Hall is back with a growing schedule of shows. Friday, TUSK, The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute is there.

Also Friday at Church Lane for an outdoor concert is The B Side, and Maria V's has Tony Ferrigno Trio. D. Smith Blues Band is at The Brass Horse and Theodore's Blues & BBQ has Carl Ricci & 706 Union Ave.

Saturday, at 4 p.m. Jr Krauss and the Shakes play FireFly Hollow Brewery on the outdoor deck. Then Thursday, the Shakes are joined by Brandt Taylor are on the Winsted Green, 7-9 p.m..

Also on Saturday, the Doug Wahlberg Band performs outside at Levitt Pavilion. At Bar 80 Branford, its the New Rising Sun on the patio.

Sunday, at 12:30 p.m., the Orb Mellon Trio plays at Sunday Music In The Park at the Lee Town Hall. Bring your own picnic or buy from The Starving Artists delicious brunch menu. Dan Stevens acoustic blues tour continues Sunday at Fort Hill Brewery.

Wednesday at 6 p.m., the Rich Badowski Band is at Whalley Park. Thursday, Rich Badowski & Tony Rarus Duo go to La Figata Restaurant. The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY, has George Porter Jr & Runnin' Pardners, Wednesday and Thursday.

Thursday, Cassandra (of Cassandra And The Knighthawks) does a solo show at Station House Wine Bar & Grill. Many of the Wood-n-Tap restaurants have a Live Music Series on Thursday and Sunday.

This Sunday at 4 p.m. Adelaide Punkin is in Vernon.

The Connecticut Blues Societys 2021 Band Challenge is on. Please sign up at the Website at https://www.ctblues.org/challenge-registration. It will be held on Sundays in October at Black-Eyed Sally's Southern Kitchen & Bar and the final dates will be determined by the number of entries. Each Sunday the judges will score the contestants and one band from each round will continue to the finals. The winner of the finals will compete in the 37th International Blues Challenge in Memphis Tennessee on January 18 - 22, 2022. Any questions can be addressed to Scott Sebastian.

See the Connecticut Blues Society for more gig listings: https://www.ctblues.org/weekly-calendar

Any questions or comments should be sent to Domenic Forcella at TWBlus@aol.com.
MEDFORD, Mass. (AP)  Two more people charged in connection with an armed standoff along a Massachusetts highway last weekend were arraigned on Wednesday under heavy security.

The defendants, 10 men and a 17-year-old juvenile, say they are members of a group called Rise of the Moors, and are not subject to federal or state laws.

Not guilty pleas to firearms and other charges were entered on behalf of Conrad Pierre, and another man who has so far refused to identify himself to authorities and is referred to in court documents as John Doe 2.

Pierre, 29, of Baldwin, New York, was held without bail pending a hearing Friday to determine whether he is a danger to society after claiming he does not fall under the court's jurisdiction.

Several members of the group during sometimes contentious arraignments Tuesday that were often interrupted by their supporters have similar hearings scheduled for Friday.

Pierre's court-appointed attorney questioned whether probable cause exists to charge him with the gun offenses. Many members of the group refused the help of public defenders when offered on Tuesday.

The judge delayed the completion of John Doe 2s arraignment until Friday, at which time hell be required to provide identifying information to the court.

The standoff started just after 1 a.m. Saturday on Interstate 95 in Wakefield when a State Police trooper stopped to offer assistance to two vehicles parked on the side of the highway to refuel.

The men, who were dressed in military-style clothing and body armor and were armed with long guns and pistols, did not have licenses to carry firearms in Massachusetts, police said.

The self-described leader of the group said they were a militia traveling from Rhode Island to Maine for training" on private land, although the exact nature of the training remains unclear, according to the police report.

Several members of the group ran into woods, starting an hourslong standoff and forcing the shutdown of a major Boston-area highway during the busy holiday weekend. The standoff ended peacefully without gunfire when members of the group surrendered after negotiations.

State police say they recovered three AR-15 rifles, two pistols, a bolt-action rifle, a shotgun and a short-barrel rifle and ammunition on Saturday.

A court-authorized search of the vehicles turned up at least eight more guns, including handguns, rifles and a shotgun, many of them loaded, as well as hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and other equipment.

Rise of the Moors, based in Rhode Island, contend they are foreign nationals" and outside the authority of the U.S. government.

Even though the Southern Poverty Law Center says the group is part of a Moorish sovereign citizen movement, the group says on its website that they are not sovereign citizens, but the original sovereigns of the U.S. based on a 1789 letter from George Washington to the sultan of Morocco.
WEST HAVEN  Some teachers told Taylor Frissoras parents that she would never go to college because she wasnt smart enough, but this year the now-23-year-old graduated with honors from Southern Connecticut State University with a bachelors degree.

Soon shell start on a masters degree in teaching.

Walking across that stage was monumental because I wasnt supposed to, said Frissora, who was on the deans list. Im just really thankful that my parents didnt listen.

She hopes to be the kind of teacher who encourages every student to go for their dreams.

Parents Kevin and Alisa Frissora not only didnt listen to those teachers, they went into overdrive to make sure their oldest daughter, who had a learning disability, would meet success.

When someone tells you that about your daughter its almost like a blow to your heart, Alisa Frissora said. As parents you have to advocate. Im very proud of what she accomplished and shell be a good teacher.

Contributed photo

At the same school that had naysayers, there also was a teacher who saved the day by connecting the Frissoras with a life-altering reading program at SCSU for reading comprehension when Taylor Frissora was about 8. She attended two nights per week.

She had been diagnosed with a language and reading comprehension disability and had a 504 Plan, which ensures that a child who has a disability identified under the law receives the right accommodations to support academic success.

They really helped me with my disability, Taylor Frissora said of the reading center. They gave me the resources I needed.

The recent college graduate said the grim predictions fueled her drive to excel in school  despite her ongoing disability  and by the time she graduated from West Haven High School in 2016 she was an honor roll student in the top half of her graduating class.

All while she was in two sports, choir, marching band and theater.

I pushed myself, Taylor Frissora said, noting she took some AP courses and often stayed after school to get the extra help she needed.

Accommodations for her learning disability, such as more time for test taking, remained in place throughout high school and college, but she said she rarely tried to use them.

Taylor Frissora said she strove to keep up with her peers.

Kevin Frissora said some educators also told them their daughter wouldnt be able to handle the work or pass the curriculum in middle and high school.

But she proved them all wrong and I couldnt be prouder, he said.

Her parents told the teachers early on, she said, We know our daughter. She is smart. Everyone learns at a different pace.

Taylor Frissora earned a bachelors degree in recreation therapy this year and said she will likely choose SCSU for her masters in education.

Her goal is to be the kind of elementary school teacher who encourages all students to soar.

Contributed photo

I just want to be a teacher whose always encouraging them that they can do anything and achieve anything they want to, Taylor Frissora said. Its kind of frustrating that teachers who are here to shape our future dont believe their students can do anything.

The message boiled down, Dont judge a book by its cover, she said.

Superintendent of Schools Neil Cavallaro saud he couldnt speak to Taylor Frissoras case specifically but that he agrees with her on setting high expectations for students.

While I understand that teachers can become frustrated with individuals at times and come up with reasons why a particular child is not progressing, its important for educators to believe that all students can be successful in school and beyond, the citys top educator said. Easier said than done. Teaching is a difficult and stressful profession, but most truly want what is best for their students and will do whatever it takes.

Taylor Frissora said that, as a college student, SCSU gave her the resources she needed through the campus Disability Resource Center to succeed.

While she worked to complete most assignments and tests under the same conditions as peers, she said she sometimes used her extra time allowed for finals.

Taylor Frissora said shes grateful for the unwavering support of her parents, sister Sirena, 21, who also graduated from SCSU this year, and her current boyfriend.

Being told that you cant do something has definitely been one of my drive points, she said.

For that reason, Kevin Frissora said of any naysayer, They did her a favor.
BEIJING (AP)  Chinese authorities locked down a city bordering Myanmar on Wednesday, shutting most businesses and requiring residents to stay at home as a fresh outbreak of COVID-19 expanded.

Two more cases were confirmed by the end of Wednesday, bringing the total to 23 in Ruili city over the past four days, health authorities in southwestern Yunnan province said.

The lockdown shut down all businesses and public institutions except hospitals, pharmacies and essential shops such as grocery stores, according to a notice posted online. It affects the urban part of Ruili, which like most Chinese cities includes surrounding rural areas in its jurisdiction.

Myanmar is battling a large outbreak with limited resources to contain it. The Southeast Asian nation reported 3,602 new cases in the last 24 hours, state media said Wednesday, its highest daily total since the pandemic began.

Ruili lies across a river from the city of Muse in Myanmar's Shan state. Chinese anti-virus measures have dealt a blow to the active cross-border trade between the two countries, Chinas state-owned Global Times newspaper reported earlier this week.

Authorities had already banned unnecessary travel in and out of Ruili on Monday, after the first cases were reported.

All the cases have been reported in a Ruili community on the border called Jiegao, which has been designated a high-risk area. They include both Chinese and Myanmar nationals. The latest cases were discovered during mass testing, and authorities said they would step up border controls.

Elsewhere in China, 52 people who had arrived on a flight from Afghanistan five days ago tested positive for the virus, the Hubei provincial health commission said. Thirty have been classified as confirmed cases, while the other 22 did not show any COVID-19 symptoms. China does not include asymptomatic cases in its official tally.

China has regularly imported cases from travelers, but usually in smaller numbers. The July 2 Xiamen Air flight flew from Kabul to Wuhan, the city hit hard by the virus after it was first detected there in late 2019. Virtually all people arriving in China must quarantine for two weeks in a designated hotel.

Ruili launched a campaign to vaccinate the entire city in April following an outbreak in March.

China has relied on a tough lockdown strategy and mass testing to tamp down outbreaks, even as it has stepped up the pace of vaccinations. Central health officials have said they want to vaccinate 80% of the population.
Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media

SHELTON  The Derby-Shelton fireworks, which had already been postponed to Thursday, have been put on hold again.

In a joint decision by both cities, the fireworks were again postponed because of weather concerns on both Thursday and Friday, which was the rain date.
BANGOR, Maine (AP)  Enrollment in Maine public schools dropped by 4.4%, nearly 8,000 students, between the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years, according to state Department of Education data.

Most of those students transitioned to homeschooling, which saw an increase of 5,000 students, according to department data.
NEW HAVEN  Police allegedly found cocaine, heroin and marijuana at the Dayton Street home where a 2-year-old child reportedly pointed a semiautomatic handgun at detectives, according to documents filed in court.

Authorities used a battering ram to gain access to the Dayton Street home at about 5:30 a.m. June 25, as a man believed to be living there was suspected of using a handgun during a separate recent alleged threatening incident, police said in documents filed in Superior Court in New Haven.

After officers breached the buildings locked door with the battering ram, Officer Bleck Joseph wrote in the documents, and announced police with a warrant were present, they used the ram to go through the second-floor door as well.

Officers assigned to the departments shooting task force, criminal investigation unit and federal task forces had obtained the search warrant for the Dayton Street residence as Joshua Talton, the suspect in the threatening incident, was believed to be there, Joseph wrote.

But while authorities were in the home, Talton was seen running from the building and resident Wanesha Dawson, 34, went into a bedroom to get dressed, where Detective Elizabeth White observed a red light pointing from the direction of where an individual was sitting. The individuals name is redacted in the police report; Acting Chief Renee Dominguez said previously it was the couples 2-year-old child who pointed a semiautomatic handgun at the detective.

New Haven Police Department

Detectives were able to secure the handgun safely without incident, police said. The gun allegedly had six live rounds in the the magazine and one live round in the chamber, the police reports say.

Dawson later told police that Talton had jumped out of the bedroom window when police arrived. She said she had not known that he allegedly placed the firearm underneath a pillow where the child was lying, according to Josephs report.

In searching the home, police allegedly found a 3.5-ounce bag of a green substance that tested positive for marijuana; four bags each weighing 0.88 gram of a white substance that tested positive for cocaine; and five bags, each weighing 1.18 grams, of a tan substance that tested positive for heroin, according to the report.

The marijuana and cocaine seized on scene were packaged in a manner indicative of street level distribution and not indicative of personal use, Joseph wrote in the report.

New Haven Police Department /

Talton was found on Fountain Street and taken into custody, police said. Dawson and Talton are charged with criminal possession of a firearm, risk of injury to a minor, negligent storage of a firearm, interfering with a search warrant, first-degree reckless endangerment, three counts of possession of a controlled substance and possession of both controlled and narcotic substances with intent to sell, police said.

The firearm removed from the room matched the description of the one used in the separate alleged threatening incident, according to Joseph.

Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media

After the state Department of Children and Families was called to the scene, the child was placed in the care of another woman, according to police.

Gary Kleeblatt, a spokesman for DCF, said the department is not able under state law to disclose case-specific information.

What we can share is that the Department of Children and Families, along with the New Haven Police Department, worked collaboratively to ensure this childs safety and well-being, Kleeblatt said. Due to the pending criminal matter, we are unable to comment further at this time.

Mayor Justin Elicker said the incident demonstrated that officers put themselves under risk and pressure, but are often able to reach a safe outcome.

I think theres so much pressure on the police officers to do the right thing, to keep members of the community safe, said Elicker. This is an example of officers under intense pressure making sure they not only keep themselves safe, but more importantly, protect the life of a child.

Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media file

Elicker said that the city was exploring ways to encourage safe gun storage in the city, noting that the city had engaged in gun buy-backs to let people dispose of unwanted firearms.

Talton also is charged with alleged violation of a protective order and interfering with police; his case file was not immediately available. He was being held in lieu of $500,000 bail Wednesday, state online records show. Police said in the court documents that Talton is a convicted felon and therefore is not legally able to possess or purchase firearms.

Dawson was released on a promise to appear, according to judicial records. The case was continued until July 28.

william.lambert@hearstmediact.com
GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP)  Executives with an information technology firm say they plan to expand operations to the Upstate region of South Carolina.

Epsilon Inc. plans to invest $2.6 million to open a new base of operations in Greenville, The Greenville News reported. That will create 145 new jobs, company officials said.
LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP)  The U.S. government has agreed to pay nearly $7 million to settle claims from eight veterans that they were sexually abused by a former physician assistant at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Kansas.

The veterans, who served in Iraq or Afghanistan, alleged they were subjected to unnecessary genital exams and other procedures by Mark Wisner while he was a physician assistant at the Dwight Eisenhower VA Medical Center in Leavenworth between 2008 and 2014.

About 100 veterans have sued Wisner. More than 80 veterans settled their lawsuits against the government over Wisner's abuse for $6.7 million in 2019, KCUR reported.

Wisner was convicted of aggravated sexual battery and related charges in 2017 and sentenced to nearly 16 years in prison. He surrendered his license to the Kansas Board of Healing Arts in February 2015.

The Department of Justice fought these cases tooth and nail for years. They treated these veterans like dirt," said attorney Danny Thomas, who represented the veterans in the latest cases. "They accused them of lying, they attacked their character in court and in pleadings. And we just werent going to stand for it.

The eight veterans will receive amounts ranging from $706,250 to $1.4 million, Thomas said.

The latest settlements came after three of the veterans took their cases to trial. As part of the settlement, the government agreed to drop its appeals in those cases, Thomas said.

In those cases, U.S. District Judge Daniel Crabtree awarded one veteran $538,000, another veteran $1.5 million and the third veteran more than $1 million.

The government didn't dispute that Wisner sexually molested the veterans, but it argued it was not liable because his conduct occurred outside the scope of his employment.

Thomas, who has represented veterans in the cases for more than four years, criticized U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, a Republican from Kansas, accusing him of not lifting a finger for the veterans.

He said Moran, the ranking member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, never sought an investigation of what happened at the Leavenworth VA or inquired about the veterans well-being.

Moran's office responded that the senator had raised concerns about the allegations against Wisner with then-VA Secretary Robert McDonald in 2016 and later publicly questioned him about them.

He also introduced the Accountability to Safeguard Veterans from Violent Crimes Act of 2016 to reduce pensions earned by certain VA hospital employees convicted of violent crimes, his office said.
WEST HAVEN  Connecticut has legalized marijuana use by adults, so where in West Haven can you smoke it?

For now, city officials say marijuana will not be regulated differently from tobacco, but that could change.

Marijuana use is legal in the state of Connecticut for people over 21 as of July 1. Municipalities with a population over 50,000, which includes West Haven, are required by state law to designate a location where public consumption is allowed  if they choose to regulate it at all. West Haven has an estimated population of 54,620 as of 2019 according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What were waiting to see is feedback from the public to see how it goes, said West Haven Corporation Counsel Lee Tiernan. I think we need to get a sense to how this is going to be. Are you going to be sitting on a park bench and someone is going to blow marijuana smoke in your face? Will you ban THC gummy bears? How will we police that?

Ron Quagliani, chairman of the City Council and a former city police chief, said the issue will be included on the agenda of the next council meeting. The agenda for the next council meeting, which will be the final Monday of the month, has not been made public yet.

Currently smoking (which includes marijuana) is prohibited at city parks, fields, beaches, boardwalk and buildings, Quagliani said. I hope to have some initial data from the Police Department if there are other areas of concern we should consider.

Mayor Nancy Rossi said she believes city officials should ensure they are making the right considerations before putting any rules on the books.

This doesnt have to be done tomorrow. Weve got time, she said. I want it done correctly, not just jamming it through because we need to right this second.

Rossi said that as an asthmatic she understands the need to regulate the issue, but there is some time left.

I dont want to wait until the last minute, either, she said.

A spokesman for the West Haven Police Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment about enforcement.

Kathy Hendricks, chairwoman of the citys Planning And Zoning Commission, said if the issue were to be regulated it most likely would be by ordinance and not through the zoning commission.

We dont tell you where you can and cannot smoke in the city, she said.

Tiernan said the city has not yet held a public forum to seek public input on the issue, but nobody needs a forum to complain about high traffic or people speeding down a street. Youll hear the public say this is a problem.

You could do a study, but are you going to throw money at a study? he said. I think were going to wait and see what kind of reaction we get ... anecdotal or otherwise.

Under the newly enacted state law, possession and use of up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis is fully legal for adults 21 and older, the state reports on its cannabis website. Residents may also store up to five ounces in a locked container at home or transport it in a locked glovebox or trunk.

brian.zahn@hearstmediact.com
Niagara Falls, NY (14301)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 86F. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 mph..

Tonight

Thunderstorms early, mainly cloudy overnight with a few showers. Low around 65F. Winds WSW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
An Abuja-based activist, Deji Adeyanju, has disclosed why Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State is not qualified to become Nigerias next pr...

An Abuja-based activist, Deji Adeyanju, has disclosed why Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State is not qualified to become Nigerias next president.

Adeyanju explained that Bello is the worst governor in Nigeria, hence is not qualified to become the countrys next president.

In a tweet, the convener of Concerned Nigerian, also accused Bello of being an enemy of Nigerias democracy.

The activist maintained that the governor has severely violated citizens human rights in Kogi State.

He further described the governor as a believer of violence.





According to Adeyanju: Yahaya bello, not qualified to contest for President of Nigeria because he is the worst governor in Nigeria and an enemy of democracy.

He has continuously violated citizens rights in Kogi by arresting and jailing critics. an advocate of ta ta ta which is why hes on US visa ban.

Bello is widely believed to be nursing a presidential ambition ahead of the 2023 general election.

The governors campaign posters have been sighted in some states of the country.

Reacting to the insinuations, Bello had said at that right time he would make his intentions known to Nigerians.
The bandits who abducted the students of Bethel Baptist High School, Kaduna, on Monday, July 5, 2021, have called to inform the school man...

The bandits who abducted the students of Bethel Baptist High School, Kaduna, on Monday, July 5, 2021, have called to inform the school management that the students are all doing well and fine.

The President, Kaduna Baptist Conference and proprietor of Bethel Baptist High school, Kaduna, Rev. Yahaya Adamu Jangado, in a statement said, Today, by the grace of God, we had a call from the bandits and they assured us that our children are well and doing okay. In fact, we had the privilege of speaking with a few of them.

He added, They (students) counted themselves in the jungle and they gave us information that they are 121 and when we put the number together with what we have recovered, we discovered that the number is exactly the same with the number of students we have in the hostel.

Rev. Yahaya Jangado explained that the total number of students we recovered in the school on Monday is 28 students that were not abducted.

He commended the security officials for acting promptly to the school after receiving a distress call that bandits invaded the school but regretted that in the exchange of fire between the soldiers and the bandits, in the process they lost two of the men.

He thanked the parents for their patience, understanding and calmness and solicited their support in this trying moment, assuring them that the management will do anything possible to bring back their children.

According to him, l want to thank God because the parents are understanding. We are working together to see what we can do. For now, we do not know what the bandits will say. They may call for ransom and we may have to negotiate and we have also agreed with the parents to work together in prayers and look up to God in this matter.
UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has condemned the abduction of some students from Bethel Baptist High School, Damishi, Chikun Local ...





UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has condemned the abduction of some students from Bethel Baptist High School, Damishi, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Guterress spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, disclosed this while briefing correspondents on Tuesday at the UN headquarters in New York.

Recall that gunmen abducted no fewer than 140 students on Monday from the boarding school.

The UN correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted Dujarric as saying that Guterres condemned the kidnapping of the students.

Dujarric said, I can tell you that the Secretary-General strongly condemns the abduction of students from the Bethel Baptist School as well as hospital employees in two separate incidents in Kaduna State on July 5.

The Secretary-General is disturbed by the frequency of kidnapping for ransom of predominantly children from schools by extremist groups and criminal networks.

According to Dujarric, Guterres underscores the need to bring perpetrators of the grave human rights violations to account and also enhance the safety and security of schools and educational facilities.

Meanwhile, Malam Nasir El-Rufai has condoled the families of two Nigerian Army and Navy personnel who paid the supreme price on Monday while defending students of Bethel Baptist High School, Kaduna.
President Muhammadu Buhari has promoted Faruk Yahaya, chief of army staff, to the rank of lieutenant-general. Yahaya was a major-gener...

President Muhammadu Buhari has promoted Faruk Yahaya, chief of army staff, to the rank of lieutenant-general.





Yahaya was a major-general.

The decoration of the army chief took place in a short ceremony before the commencement of the federal executive council (FEC) meeting at the presidential villa in Abuja on Tuesday.

Buhari was assisted in decorating Yahaya by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and Salamatu Yahaya, the wife of the army chief.

Officials present at the ceremony were Ibrahim Gambari, chief of staff to the president; Babagana Monguno, national security adviser (NSA); Salihi Magashi, minister of defence; Ali Ndume, chairman of the senate committee on defence.

Also present were Lucky Irabor, chief of defence staff; Isiaka Amao, chief of the air staff; Sunday Adebayo, chief of defence intelligence (CDI); Yusuf Bichi, director general of Department of State Services (DSS), and Usman Baba, inspector-general of police (IGP).

Yahaya was appointed as army chief following the death of Ibrahim Attahiru, who died in a military plane crash on May 21.

Before his appointment, Yahaya was the theatre commander of Operation Hadin Kai, a counter-insurgency operation in the north-east.
Donald Trump, former US president, says he will take legal action against Facebook, Twitter and Google, months after the tech giants flagg...

Donald Trump, former US president, says he will take legal action against Facebook, Twitter and Google, months after the tech giants flagged his posts and sanctioned him.

The former president is claiming that the companies wrongfully censored him.

The 75-year-old politician will serve as the lead plaintiff in the class action lawsuit which also involves other individuals who have been banned by the social media platforms.

From the very beginning of our nation, freedom of speech has always been understood as a bedrock of our liberty and our strength, Trump said at a press briefing on Wednesday.





No one should have the power to take that right away.

In January, Facebook and Twitter had banned Trump indefinitely, with other social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram taking similar actions against him.

Facebook had reviewed its decision in June and suspended the former presidents account for two years.

The social media sanctions had come after Trump used his platforms to mobilise his supporters to invade the US Capitol building, and disrupt the January 6 joint session of congress to certify Joe Bidens victory in the November 3 election.

At least four people were killed during a face-off between protesters and security operatives during the invasion.

Trump had earlier hailed Nigerias decision to suspend Twitter and urged other countries to follow suit.

Congratulations to the country of Nigeria, who just banned Twitter because they banned their President. More COUNTRIES should ban Twitter and Facebook for not allowing free and open speechall voices should be heard, he had said.
The youth wing of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has urged the Federal Government not to celebrate the arrest of...





The youth wing of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has urged the Federal Government not to celebrate the arrest of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

Ohanaeze Youth Council, OYC, spoke on Wednesday, in a statement signed by its President-General, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike and the Secretary-General, Comrade Obinna Achuonye.

The group said Kanus arrest would not bring to an end the various agitations in the zone, and that as such, the government should not jubilate over it.

OYC said it took time to react to Kanus arrest because it needed to gauge the pulse of the people, advising that the government should use this opportunity to address the various issues fueling the agitations.

It said in the statement that, It is no longer news that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has been taken into custody by the Nigerian government, after he was arrested in Kenya.

We have also seen how the government is gloating over his arrest, as though it is a millennial achievement. In any case, if the government will care to listen, we advise once more that it should leverage on Kanus arrest to dialogue with the IPOB and other agitating groups.

The Federal Government should look at what brought about the agitation in the first place; if you end up treating just symptoms of a sickness, the ailment will still be there. Ndigbo have never suffered this level of marginalization in Nigeria- total exclusion, total abandonment.

So, the FG should douse the current tension and agitations in the South-East by giving the region a sense of belonging, what is due for them, including Igbo presidency in 2023. The crackdown on Kanu will end up producing hundreds of other Kanu.

May we also tell the government to utilize the same energy in arresting bandits terrorizing the North and the rampaging herdsmen ravaging Southern Nigeria. As we speak, all schools in Kaduna State have been shut down, with hundreds of school children under the captivity of the bandits, but the government is busy looking for Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho.

The government must try to be civilized in its approach, not the kind of gestapo system used in invading Sunday Igbohos house, we are not in a banana republic.

Nnamdi Kanu should also be granted access to his family, medical doctor, lawyer and associates. He is still presumed innocent until proven guilty and for that he should be given a fair trial.

While thanking Igbo and Yoruba youths for remaining calm, the OYC pleaded with Igbo leaders not to abandon Nnamdi Kanu.

The IPOB leader should not be abandoned to his fate; we know that he abused so many Igbo leaders in his utterances, but you dont throw away the baby with the bathwater, he added.
Ibrahim Magu, former acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), allegedly suppressed corruption cases of a cur...

Ibrahim Magu, former acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), allegedly suppressed corruption cases of a current and three former governors, according to TheCable

The Justice Ayo Salami investigative panel said while overseeing the EFCC, Magu directed designated operatives not to investigate the allegations of corruption against the four individuals.

The former governors in question were identified as Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano), Donald Duke (Cross River) and Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), who is a current senator.

Ahmadu Fintiri, Adamawa governor, who had led the state for some months in 2014, was also mentioned among the prominent politically exposed persons whom Magu suppressed their cases.

Abubakar Malami, the attorney-general of the federation (AGF), who had first recommended Magus removal to President Muhammadu Buhari, was asked to direct the investigation and facilitate possible prosecution of the former EFCC boss over the alleged sharp practices found by the panel.

Following Malamis petition to Buhari, Magu was investigated by the panel and eventually replaced as EFCC chairman after being indicted for abuse of office.

The former EFCC boss denied any wrongdoing when he appeared before the investigative panel.

In the report submitted in November 2020, the EFCC, under the former acting chairmans watch, was accused of causing the disappearance of evidence, stoppage and suppression of cases under investigation and prosecution, and omitting to arrest suspects.

The report said the cases involved prominent politicians such as Ike Ekweremadu, former deputy senate president; Haruna Momoh, former managing director of the Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC); Stella Oduah, senator from Anambra state, among others, and including all US Dollar-related cases reported by ONSA [office of the national security adviser].

ON ARMS PROCUREMENTS CONTRACT FRAUD

The panel recommended the investigation of Magus conduct in relation to the probe of the arms procurements contract fraud in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The committee also directed the EFCC to immediately resuscitate and conclude investigations into all the abandoned procurement fraud cases in the NSA office.

Further investigations were also directed to be carried out on Magu and other staff of the EFCC over their conduct in an alleged bribery case involving Donald Wokoma, a businessman.

COMPROMISE, MISCONDUCT, MISUSE OF PUBLIC FUNDS

The Salami panel also asked the AGF to direct relevant agencies to investigate Magu for compromising the investigation of the case against Hima Aboubakar for possible prosecution.

The EFCC had in 2020 declared Aboubakar wanted over an alleged case of criminal conspiracy, contract scam, misappropriation of public funds, money laundering and fraud to the tune of $394 million, 9.9 million and N369 million.

As the chief executive officer of Societe D`Equipment Internationaux (SEI), he was said to have received the funds for the purchase of equipment for the Nigerian military but investigations have revealed discrepancies in the supply of the equipment, according to the commission.

The panel also said Magu should be subjected to investigation and possible prosecution for failing to account for security/information funds amounting to N431 million.

The funds were said to have been released to his office between November 2015 and May 2020.

It has been about eight months since the panel submitted its report, but most of its recommendations are yet to be implemented.

Wahab Shittu, Magus lawyer, declined comments on the panels report when contacted on Wednesday.

We have chosen for now to maintain a dignified silence until theres an official pronouncement on all of these issues and then we react to it, he said, adding that, our client has answers to all these but for now, he wants to maintain a dignified silence as a person who respects due process, rule of law and constituted authorities.

Thre were reports that the former EFCC boss is being considered for promotion to the rank of assistant inspector-general (AIG) by the Police Service Commission (PSC) despite the indictment.
The Bayelsa State government-owned Niger Delta University (NDU), has been shut down following protests by students over hike in school fees,...





The Bayelsa State government-owned Niger Delta University (NDU), has been shut down following protests by students over hike in school fees, early closure of school fee portal and recent order by management for students to wear uniforms to avoid indecent dressing in school premises.

It was gathered that the school was shut on Wednesday after an announcement made by the registrar, Mr. Benjamin Joffa.

The letter read Following the ongoing unrest in the university, I am directed to inform the general public and the university community that academics activities have been suspended indefinitely with immediate effect

Consequently, all students are directed to vacate the university campuses and its facilities before 3pm.

The recent development which threw the student community into protests has also been greeted by condemnation and call for the sack of the school leadership.

The V.C Professor Edoumiekumo had on Monday, ordered the closure of the school payment portal, adding that any student yet to pay for his/her clearance will have their admission withdrawn and sent home.

Edoumiekumo also said wearing uniforms by students of the institution will be made compulsory and that the said uniforms will only be made available for sales through the school management.

However, a former Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Egbemo Clan Central Zone, Comrade Daniel Sapele, called for the sack of the Vice-Chancellor, describing his actions as not only unlawful, inhuman but also wicked and barbaric.

Sapele said The declaration by the Vice-Chancellor that all engineering students henceforth must be on school uniform and that the uniform must be the one the school authority will provide at a cost of thirty thousand naira (#30,000) for Marine Engineering students, while students from other engineering departments must have their uniforms at the rate of twenty thousand naira (#20,000), shows he is not a good father

He said Many homes are finding it very hard to feed due to the effects of the global pandemic and Nigerias current economic maladies and not to talk of paying such huge needless amount of money as learning fees

Education is the birth-right of all Bayelsans and the government at all levels are under obligation to provide not just quality but education thats accessible and affordable and not the way and manner the VC. is running the institution like his private farm.

The VC runs the school like his private estate without recourse to public sympathy and human feelings which is the bedrock upon which all government institutions are founded, and if he isnt sacked and replaced with someone with human feelings and conscience all efforts and legacies previous administrations have contributed to the advancement of one of the most revered tertiary institutions in heart of the Niger Delta will go down the drain.

The Director-General Centre for Women and Youth Development, Bayelsa State Constituency 1 Hon. Timi Tubonimi, pleaded with the university management to consider students and reopen the school fees portal, to enable students who have not paid school fees for the past session pay.

In her statement through a media Aide, she urged the management to reopen the portal for one month bcos about 80% of students are currently affected.

Meanwhile, the state government through the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Emelah Gentle has called for calm, noting that the government has met with the management of the institution and all issues would be resolved accordingly.

The Commissioner made this known after meeting with the Pro-Chancellor of Niger Delta University, Mathew Seiyefa, Msi., the Vice-Chancellor Niger Delta University, Prof. Samuel Gowon Edoumiekumo, in his office at the Education House, Ovom, Yenagoa.

It was also gathered that the government received the communique issued by students of NDU to the Bayelsa State Student Management Committee-SMC, that earlier visited the institution to interface directly with the protesting students.

The Commissioner also disclosed that all pressing issues raised were discussed extensively with the leadership of the University.

He added that Government has taken a stand and has communicated the same to the management of the University to work with.

As at the time of filing this report, the management of the school is locked in a crucial meeting with members of the State House of Assembly at the Assembly complex in Yenagoa.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami has lambasted Kelechi Madu for his comments after the arre...

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami has lambasted Kelechi Madu for his comments after the arrest of Nnamdi Kanu.

Madu, the Minister of Justice and Solicitor-General of the Government of Alberta, Canada, attacked Malami over the repatration of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader.

He called Malami a disgrace to the rule of law, and not worthy to be an officer of the court.

He has shown himself to be a bigot who does not understand what it means to live in a pluralistic society governed by the dictates of the rule of law, Madus statement read.

In a rejoinder on Wednesday, Malami called the Candaian state official ignoramus and eccentric, adding that his views are weird to the legal profession.

The AGF said it is unfortunate that Madu faulted the internationally recognized manner through which Nnamdi Kanu who jumped bail was re-arrested and brought back to face trial.

It was abundantly clear that bench warrant was lawfully and judiciously procured through judicial process by a competent court of law, whose bail condition Nnamdi Kanu breached with impunity.

There was no illegality in the entire process and the question of illegality does not even arise. It is a common principle of the law that he who comes to equity must come with clean hands.

Malami said Kanu has enjoyed representation by counsel of his choice and was never denied a right of choice of counsel or recourse to one, even when he symbolizes a proscribed association (IPOB).

Where was the so-called Madu when Nnamdi Kanu was inciting violence against the country? Why, as a lawyer, would Madu support a fugitive who jumped bail and accused of terrorism and treasonable felony? What stopped Madu from voicing out dissent on the atrocities of Kanu and their group?

It is important to educate the likes of Keleche Madu that both Nigeria (his country of birth) and Canada (where he claims to be practicing law) are signatories to the Multinational Treaty Agreement where, among others, fugitive fleeing justice in nations with similar agreement could be brought back to face justice.

It is a pity that as a Solicitor General of a province, Madu failed to keep himself acquainted with the provisions of general laws of the country where he stays as well as international laws.

We wish to draw the attention of Madu to the provisions of Consolidated Act Criminal Code under the Canadian Law R.S., C 1985, c. C-46:1-2 on Treason and other Offences vis:

46(1) Every one commits high treason who, in Canada: (a) Kills or attempts to kill Her Majesty or does her any bodily harm tending to death or destruction, maims or wounds her, or imprisons or restrains her,

(b) Levels war against Canada or does any act thereto; or

(C) Assist an enemy at war with Canada or any armed forces against whom Canadian Forces are engaged in hostilities, whether or not a state of war exists between Canada and the country whose forces they are.

46(2) Every one commits treason who, in Canada (a) Use force or violence for the purpose of overthrowing the government of Canada or a province;

(b) Without lawful authority, communicates or makes available to an agent of a state other than Canada, military or scientific information or any sketch, plan, model, article, note or document of a military or scientific character that he knows or ought to know may be used by that state for a purpose prejudicial to the safety of defence of Canada;

(c) Conspires with any person to commit high treason or do anything mentioned in paragraph;

(d ) Forms an intention to do anything that is high treason or that is mentioned in paragraph;

(e) Conspires with any person to do anything mentioned in paragraph (b) or forms an intention to do anything mentioned in paragraph (b) and manifests intention by and overt act.

Malami further derided Madu, saying empty vessel makes loudest noise.

We advise the so-called learned man to shelve his arrogance and learn to study the law books before opening his mouth to disgrace himself before the right thinking members of the society thereby attracting to himself criticism that may propel doubt about his suitability for the job he claims to be doing now, after moving out of his country of origin in which he fails to excel, the reply concluded.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has revealed that there is an increasing rate of prostitution in the states Internally Displaced Pe...

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has revealed that there is an increasing rate of prostitution in the states Internally Displaced Persons IDPs camps.

The governor who stated this on Wednesday when he appeared on Channels Televisions morning show, Sunrise Daily, said drug abuse is also on the rise amongst youths in the camps.

Governor Zulum who lamented the trend said the best alternative was for the government to endeavour to resettle the displaced persons back to their communities.

He said, There is that increasing prostitution in the IDP camps, there is an increase in drug abuse, there is increased procreation in the IDP camps and so we decided that the government should create an enabling environment that will ensure reconstruction and resettlement of IDPs back to their communities in a dignified manner. That is something very important.

Recall that terror attacks and the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast have led to the sack of whole villages and displacement of indigenes from their ancestral homes.

Many residents who were forcefully displaced and without families have found their way to IDP camps in hope of rebuilding their lives.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, says the prohibition of herders from grazing openly in some states in the country wont work until t...

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, says the prohibition of herders from grazing openly in some states in the country wont work until the insecurity situation as well as the socio-political and economic dimensions of the crisis is addressed.

He spoke on Wednesday morning during Sunrise Daily breakfast show on Channels Television.

Many states in Nigeria including the 17 Southern states had banned open grazing in their region, to curb cases of rape, killing and kidnapping traced to some unscrupulous and furtive elements who masquerade as herdsmen. Despite stiff opposition and criticisms by many northern bigwigs, Southern governors met on Monday and set September 1, 2021 for the promulgation of the anti-open grazing law in their states.

But speaking on the television programme, the Borno State Governor said the socio-political and economic dimensions of the insecurity in the country as well as the insurgency war in the North-East which he said is fast spreading to other parts of the country must first be addressed.

The governor said, We have to address the socio-political and economic dimensions of this crisis which is very important because there is increasing poverty in the sub-region; that is something that will trigger insurgency.

There is increasing food insecurity in the sub-region because food insecurity is the worst form of insecurity and that is why the Borno State Government has been advocating for farming in the last two years. Farmers should be allowed to go to their farm lands.

The Nigerian military should create the enabling environment for farmers to go to their farmlands so that they can cultivate their lands. It is no longer sustainable for our internally displaced persons living in IDP camps and host communities to receive food and non-food items from donor partners. People must earn their livelihood if we want this insurgency to come to an end.

The issue of the socio-political and economic dimensions of this crisis is very important; addressing farmers-herders is also very important, to ensure that the enabling environment has been created to the herders is very important. This issue of stopping open grazing and others will not work unless we sit down and address all these issues squarely, he added.

Zulum, who said peace is gradually returning to the North-East after over 11 years of Boko Haram war, lamented that the Nigerian Army does not have the lethal weapons, fighter helicopter and numerical strength to fight the aggressors.

He said, The Nigerian Army of last 30 years, of last 40 years is better than the Nigerian Army of now a days. It is sad, it is very sad. We supposed to have gone far in terms of development but if you look at it, the equipment we have in the last 40 years are still in existence.

Yes, Mr President has procured some equipment, the equipment are coming but when will they arrive. That is a serious thing that they should look into because we need to address this issue immediately otherwise the issue will consume the greater part of the nation.

According to him, The Nigerian Army should not relax by our statement that there is peace in Borno State, that there is gradual return of peace in the North-East. Yes, what we are saying is true but that does not mean the problem is over; they have to work hard to ensure that the remnants of the insurgents are cleared in the Lake Chad, are cleared in the Sambisa Game Reserve.

Zulum also stressed the need for the Nigerian Army to engage mercenaries and leverage on external collaboration with neighboruing countries like Niger Republic, Chad, Cameroon, amongst others, to win the insurgency war which has claimed thousands of lives in the last 11 years.
Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Mostly sunny. High 87F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Thunderstorms this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Low 66F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Yes, I know someone who died from COVID

Yes, I know (or am) someone who was hospitalized due to COVID

Yes, I know (or am) someone who was ill but not hospitalized

No, I know (or am) someone who has had COVID, but not with serious symptoms

No, I don't know anyone who has gotten COVID

Vote

View Results
Shes dead if this goes wrong, whispered lordly judge Simon Cowell, during Tuesdays Americas Got Talent television show, as New Orleans sideshow performer Gigi Deluxe Arroyo drew back her bow to shoot an arrow at the balloon that her daughter Devon held in her teeth. The William Tell-style stunt caused judge Howie Mandel to cringe and clasp his gleaming forehead in horror. I cant look, he said.

Devon, who declines to share her last name, said that she wasnt aware of the tension at the judges table. She was concentrating on gripping the golden toy balloon with her incisors, as her mother aimed. I took one peek over at Simon, she said. He had a sour face.

It had been a long day. It was 9 p.m. and Gigi and Devon had been at the Los Angeles TV set since early in the morning. It was late March 2021, and coronavirus protocols were still in place, so the mother-daughter team had been tested for the virus and had been in quarantine for a couple of days. Everyone was nice, but Arroyo said she wasnt at her best.

Shed had some dental work recently and her face was still a little puffy, but she was beyond certain that she could skewer the balloon that quivered just inches from her daughters face, from 15 feet away. After all, shed done it hundreds of times before. Though this was national television, by far the biggest audience shed ever performed before.

Arroyo said she was born in Puerto Rico, grew up in Chicago and, five years ago, moved to New Orleans. By age 14 she was a runaway, she said, dressing up to be part of the scene in dance clubs in Chicago and New York. I was raised by drag queens, she said.

Arroyo eventually established herself as a tattoo artist, circus sideshow sword swallower, and, above all, expert archer. Arroyo said that somewhere along the line shed begun having issues with drugs and alcohol. One of the things that helped her get sober, she said, was taking up the bow. She practiced, practiced, practiced, until she was positive she could incorporate potentially lethal flying arrows into an act.

Arroyo found trusting friends to be her human targets, but in time she discovered she needed someone more dependable. Enter teenage daughter Devon, who agreed to risk it all to assist mom. That was eight years ago. Yeah, its pretty scary to get arrows shot at you, Devon said, with supreme nonchalance, but I dont think shes going to hit me.

Arroyo said theres nothing to worry about. She knew how diligent I was, she said. If I dont feel right, if its not 100%, we dont do it.

During Tuesdays broadcast, Arroyo joked about what many onlookers might consider an odd parent-offspring bonding practice. It builds character, she said.

These days, Arroyo has laid down her tattoo needle and become a full-time performer, appearing with her bow and sword at conventions, tattoo trade shows, parties and even weddings. Somehow, the venerable variety show "Americas Got Talent" got wind of her act and invited her to compete.

Daredevil Devon, 21, is still part of the family act, but she doesnt see it as her future career. Instead, shes studying engineering at college.

As ironic as it may seem, Devons father is an emergency room physician and often called upon to care for accident victims. He and Arroyo are divorced. In the buildup to Gigi and Devons "Americas Got Talent" performance, they informed the judges that Devons dad doesnt approve of the adrenaline-invoking mother-daughter activity. At first, Arroyo said, they didnt tell him what they were up to. Eventually, he attempted to attend a performance but ended up retreating to his car in the parking lot during the show, ready to race to the hospital if the worst happened.

Before the first arrow zipped across the stage, judge Mandel threatened to flee to the parking lot himself. Arroyo and Devon kind of wish he had, because, in the end, Mandel was the only one of the four judges that voted against the death-defying team advancing in the competition.

Arroyo said Mandels only complaint was that hed seen similar sideshow acts in the past. But Arroyo disagrees. She points out that her performance improves on all others, because she doesnt merely shish kabob one balloon, she shish kabobs three balloons nestled inside one another. She has to pop the first balloon without piercing the second, and she has to pop the second without nicking the third. Theres edginess within edginess, within edginess.

Plus, Arroyo said, she practices old-school, Robin Hood archery. Theres no crossbow or telescopic sight or laser pointer involved, just muscle, eyesight and guts.

This is real, y'all, this is real, cried grimacing "Americas Got Talent" host Terry Crews, as Arroyo let her arrows fly. As the last balloon exploded into shreds of rubber, the judges and audience gasped in relief. But it wasnt over. Fearless Devon then stepped to the center of the backstop and let mom barely miss her upper torso with a few more steel-tipped, carbon shafted arrows.

The two womens glittery, form-fitting, midnight-black bodysuits  which Arroyo had handmade  shone in the spotlights, as applauds avalanched around them.

Afterward, Gigi and Devon didnt dwell on the potential of hideous death, but they were concerned about their appearance on television. They worried about how the show would be edited and how their off-the-cuff comments would come across. Their apprehension was such that on Tuesday night theyd decided not to watch the show at all. Gigi and Devon planned to go out for tiramisu while they pretended their March adventure wasnt being broadcast around the globe. Then later, mom would dye her daughters hair in the kitchen.

But they couldnt resist. In the end, they tuned in.

It was better than I thought, Devon said.

It was a lot of fun, Arroyo added. It was an experience.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.  Around the globe, the rare and tragic collapse of a 40-year-old condo tower in Surfside has motivated residents to scrutinize their buildings with fresh eyes. Were checking out every crack, chip and rust stain and asking whether they might portend a catastrophe.

Its a challenging task. Unless you have an engineering degree, real-world experience and sophisticated testing equipment, its difficult to discern the difference between cracks caused by normal settling and others warning of shifts in the earth below that could result in serious damage if left unrepaired.

But the increase in attention  around the world  might be the only good thing to come out of such a grim event, according to construction restoration engineers.

The tragedy was a wakeup call for building owners, residents and government officials everywhere, said Syed Mehdi Ashraf, a South Florida engineering consultant and author who has taught courses in structural steel and prestressed concrete at Florida International Universitys Department of Civil Engineering. Construction engineers overseas are fascinated that such a failure  whatever ends up being the cause  happened in the United States, which develops building codes other countries follow, he said.

Its on the front pages of newspapers in India and Great Britain, he said. I got a call from India, his native country, from a former classmate who said the government is rapidly trying to audit the buildings in the state. He asked me if I wanted to help and I said, Yes.

Calls from commercial high-rise owners to Foundation Professionals of Florida, a geotechnical engineering consulting firm with offices in Hollywood and throughout the state, have increased 25% to 30% since the collapse, said company vice president David Brown.

Callers are seeking the companys help interpreting warning signs and whether they warrant further testing or repair, Brown said.

What are the signs?

The signs include:

Cracked or crumbling concrete

Decades ago, builders often mixed concrete at project sites, Ashraf said. As hard as it might be to imagine today, some builders used beach sand to mix concrete used for beachfront structures. The salt in the beach sand worked with the salt blowing off the ocean to speed up deterioration of the concrete and corrosion of the steel reinforcing bars that hold the concrete in place, he said. Even for beachfront buildings not composed of concrete made with beach sand, salt air is brutal, he said.

It starts with hairline cracks in the concrete. They kind of widen. Then you start seeing bulging, and it becomes soft on the surface. The bulges get larger until the concrete begins falling in chunks, a process called spalling. Dark brown stains are signs that the steel reinforcement bars are corroding.

'Hope dims' for husband of Kenner native missing after Miami-area condo collapse The husband of the Kenner native who has been missing for a week in a collapsed Miami-area condominium tower said hope dims with each excruci

Spalling can occur in several places along slabs or columns. As the concrete is eaten away, it becomes more porous, allowing more water to reach the steel, which then shrinks in diameter. Ultimately, the steel and concrete become so weak they can no longer support as much force as when the building was new, he said.

Today, concrete is mixed off site and is much more resistant to spalling, Ashraf said. A building constructed in 2021 should not generate as much concern in 2061 as we have today about a building built in 1981, he said.

Interior cracks

Cracks in walls, window frames or floors can be signs of trouble, Foundation Professionals spokeswoman Nicole Gunter wrote in a blog entry posted on her companys website.

Even a slight movement of the foundation can cause difficulty opening or closing windows or doors, she said. Straight-line cracks in floor tiles that run from wall to wall can be a sign of foundation damage. Chances are good that under the tile, the concrete foundation has developed cracks as well.

Uneven or bowing walls or floors

Sometimes areas of the floor will be sunken, heaved or sloped. Look for bowing floors or areas where floors are separating from walls.

Diagonal cracks at the corners of windows and doors

Cracks that start at the top corners of doors or windows and extend toward the ceiling can be a sign of a shifting foundation. Hairline cracks might not be anything to worry about. It happens when new homes settle a bit or if a house is left vacant without climate control for a period of time, Gunter said. But if the cracks are large, that means a shift in the foundation, she said.

Wall rotation

When water saturates the soil under a building, it can cause the weight of the building to push one side of the foundation deeper into the soil. Meanwhile, the dry inside edge of the foundation pulls up. Wall rotation is a serious problem, Gunter said.

Other warning signs

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

 Stairstep cracks on the exterior or interior.

 Gaps between walls and the ceiling, between the ceiling and floor, or both.

 Popping sounds from roof trusses.

 Porches or chimneys that have separated from the house.

 Cracked or out-of-place moulding.

 Cabinets or doors that swing open.

 Water intrusion in the basement.

Shifts in foundations can be caused by a number of issues. A builder might not have compacted the fill dirt brought to the project site to the density needed to minimize settlement.

If a builder is in a hurry, sometimes theyll leave tree stumps in the ground and fill in the dirt around them, she said. As the tree stumps and their root systems decompose, cavities are created and the fill dirt moves into them.

Jim Olsen, director of geology and geophysics for Geohazards Engineering and Geology, which frequently works with Foundation Professionals on restoration projects, says his company is also fielding more requests for testing services since the Surfside collapse.

Its better to err on the side of caution, he said. You should be aware of the conditions you are living in. Is there distress to the structure? Has it been kept up well?

Close call in Sarasota a decade ago

A decade ago in Sarasota, residents of the Dolphin Tower high-rise condominiums averted a Surfside-level catastrophe after the buildings property manager recognized signs of rapid deterioration and quickly summoned engineers to determine what was happening.

Entering their unit one day in 2010, the managers found the front door was stuck to its frame and difficult to open. Cupboards were prying loose from bowing drywall. Beneath their feet, tile was cracked and chipped in several places.

Engineers installed thousands of shoring posts to prevent the 37-year-old buildings upper 12 stories from collapsing above its three-story parking garage. Residents of the buildings 117 units were evacuated for what turned out to be $9 million of restoration work lasting five years.

A 24-inch elevated transfer slab separating the parking garage from the residential stories above it turned out to be the culprit, said Hythm Bakr, owner of The Bakr Group LLC, a Sarasota-based consulting firm that worked on the restoration project. Unequal forces to the underside of the slab led to cracks that would have eventually collapsed the slab in a phenomenon called punching shear.

Thats not likely what led to the collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Bakr said. However, warning signs that something very dangerous was taking place near the base of the building were similar to those that should alarm residents of any building to look further, he said.

People just need to be vigilant, he said. Watch and keep an eye out for signs.

Get a professional opinion

Owners who suspect threats to the structural integrity of their buildings should seek a professional opinion, Brown said. His company will come out at no charge and perform a visual inspection. Well let them know if we feel it needs nothing, he said.

And it may well need nothing. Some cracks result from normal settling while other seemingly serious issues, such as a balcony separating from its exterior fastening, might not signify larger structural problems, Gunter said. Balconies can collapse on their own, and not always part of the main structure or the main structural integrity, she said. Sometimes the structure fails and with it goes the balcony.

Gunter recommended having a separating balcony inspected by a geotechnical consultant.

To be sure, costs can mount if further testing and repairs are required for any structural damage, Brown said. Homeowners insurance will cover many issues, but not others, Olsen said, adding that sometimes consumers have to put up a fight to get their insurer to fund repairs.

Consumers should be wary of companies that feed off fear and are eager to begin work before conducting a thorough analysis, Olsen said.

Call three companies and ask a lot of questions, Brown advises. Ask the companies to show examples of previous work and what companies theyve worked for, he said. Find out how long theyve been in business. And, he warns, beware of startups heading to South Florida to exploit the newfound concerns.

2021 South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The developers of the ill-fated Hard Rock Hotel have sued the city over a new measure that would restrict the height of future construction at the site of the building collapse, alleging that its a politically motivated ploy from City Council member Kristin Gisleson Palmer.

The developers say that lowering the maximum building height allowed at the site from 190 feet to 70 feet constitutes an illegal taking of their property, and theyre asking an Orleans Parish Civil District Court judge to declare a motion sponsored by Palmer null and void.

The development group, led by downtown real estate mogul Mohan Kailas, has yet to unveil detailed plans for what it intends to build next at the site, which has finally been cleared of debris after a glacial demolition process. But the group claims to have Hard Rock International, the Florida-based hotel and casino firm that licensed its name to the original project, back on board for another venture.

This time around, the project will feature new contractors and world-renowned engineers, the developers say.

The lawsuit filed Friday lists as defendants all seven council members along with the city. But it trains its fiercest rhetoric on Palmer, who is running for an at-large seat on the council.

The City Council voted unanimously June 3 to ask city officials to draft an ordinance rescinding the conditional use permit that allowed the Hard Rock to rise to 18 stories. The council must approve that ordinance before it goes into effect. A vote has not yet been scheduled.

For Palmer, the building collapse was the result of untrammeled greed, and she unveiled her motion limiting the height of future development with a broadside against the Kailas group.

She said the developers bore much of the blame for the disastrous October 2019 pancake-style collapse of the building's top floors, which led to the death of three construction workers, and even called for criminal charges.

+2 Firing of investigator slows criminal probe into Hard Rock Hotel collapse, worker deaths As the last rubble is cleared and the streets finally reopen where the partially built Hard Rock Hotel collapsed in October 2019, local offici

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

According to Palmer, the development teams "workplace safety measures were so grossly inadequate that people died. Allowing these developers whose negligence killed and injured our community members to just start all over again is not an option."

Yet the developers say they are only the most recent victim of a politician who has chosen to target them for her own gain.

The exact cause of the collapse has yet to be determined, but the developers note that an interim report from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited the projects lead engineer, James Heaslip, for dire safety lapses.

Its the engineer, project contractors and the slipshod city Department of Public Safety and Permits that should bear the blame, the developers say.

+5 Hard Rock Hotel re-do? Developer of collapsed building says he wants to try again Almost 20 months after the Hard Rock Hotel disaster, its lead developer on Thursday urged the City Council not to "kill a project" by placing 

They also claim that Palmer blasted them as part of a defamatory campaign to politically capitalize on the collapse of the building in service of her electioneering towards the open at-large council seat.

In a statement, Palmer said the lawsuit showed the developers have "no shame."

She continued, "This is a frivolous lawsuit from a corporation that refuses to take accountability for its actions. Unfortunately for these men, the planning commission ruled that multiple zoning law provisions were violated. That means they dont just get to start over and build whatever they want. They must go through the city process again. I dont feel sorry for them one bit."

The developers preemptive lawsuit says that the process leading up to the June 3 vote was fatally flawed and that a judge should order it reversed. The lawsuit claims that an April report from the City Planning Commission cited only vague generalities about economic damage instead of specific violations of the city's comprehensive zoning ordinance.

The lawsuit has been assigned to Judge Jennifer Medley. The city declined to comment.
The FBI is taking the unusual step of ordering a new look at the autopsy of Black motorist Ronald Greene to consider evidence not provided after his 2019 death, including graphic body camera video of Louisiana state troopers stunning, punching and dragging him after a high-speed chase.

The re-examined autopsy is part of a federal civil rights investigation that has taken on new urgency in the nearly two months since The Associated Press obtained and published the video of Greenes arrest. Federal prosecutors also met with his family last month, and made clear they plan to present the case to a grand jury by the summers end.

They wanted to emphasize to the family that theyre serious this time, the familys attorney Lee Merritt said. Their new enthusiasm is based on the public pressure thats come from the release of the videos.

The autopsy could be crucial in determining if anyone is charged in the case. The initial examination of Greenes body two years ago failed to determine whether his most severe injuries were caused by the troopers violent use of force or a minor crash that followed the police chase.

Black lawmakers back 'top-to-bottom' federal probe into abuse and coverup at Louisiana State Police Black state lawmakers on Tuesday said they were calling on the U.S. Department of Justice to conduct a full investigation into systemic viola

Several people familiar with the case told the AP that the FBI recently asked Dr. Frank J. Peretti, who conducted the initial autopsy, to take another look that takes into account a raft of evidence the Louisiana State Police refused to provide the first time, including the troopers body camera footage and even the most basic police reports. His review in the coming days, which will focus on the supporting evidence and not require another exam of Greenes long-buried body, could result in a revised autopsy report.

No cause of death is carved in stone, Peretti told the AP. Sometimes additional investigative materials become available years later that you didnt have. The correct thing to do is to review it.

The materials that werent shared for the initial autopsy are just part of the secrecy that has shrouded Greenes May 2019 death, which state police initially blamed on a crash following a high-speed chase outside Monroe. The ranking officer at the scene of Greenes arrest denied the existence of his own body camera footage for two years, and state police did not open an administrative investigation into the troopers use of force until 474 days after Greenes death.

The autopsy, conducted at the Arkansas State Crime Lab, listed Greenes cause of death as cocaine induced agitated delirium complicated by motor vehicle collision, physical struggle, inflicted head injury and restraint. But it notably left unanswered whether the crash or excessive police force caused his most severe injuries, including a fractured breastbone and lacerated aorta.

+3 'Awful but lawful': In Ronald Greene case, State Police leaders rejected early arrest of trooper Months after Ronald Greene died following a violent struggle with Louisiana state troopers who brutally beat and repeatedly tased the unarmed 

There were lacerations of the head inconsistent with motor vehicle collision injury, the 10-page autopsy report says. These injuries are most consistent with multiple impact sites from a blunt object.

The report noted that State Police failed to turn over several records to the coroner, including an incident report, a crash report and emergency medical reports on Greene's injuries.

Unusually, the report made no mention of the manner of death  an unusual omission. Pathologists typically classify deaths in one of five categories: natural, accident, suicide, homicide or undetermined.

An independent autopsy commissioned by Greenes family days after his death found it was not possible to determine the cause, citing a significant lack of information regarding the circumstances.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

State Police did not respond to a request for comment.

The FBI declined to comment. The Justice Department said in a statement: If the investigation reveals prosecutable violations of any federal criminal statutes, the Department will take appropriate action.

The new activity follows mounting criticism that the federal investigation into Greenes death has moved far too slowly.

John Belton, the Union Parish district attorney, referred the case to federal authorities in September 2019, telling colleagues he was aghast at the body camera footage. But more than five months passed before the FBIs satellite office in Monroe even collected the case file, according to law enforcement officials familiar with the matter.

We do appreciate that the case is moving forward, but the pace is still a problem for the family, Merritt said. Theyre just not acting swiftly enough.

In June 2020, federal authorities subpoenaed an array of training materials from state police ranging from use of force to the provision of medical care to arrested persons, according to documents obtained by AP.

The federal subpoena also requested training records for Chris Hollingsworth and Dakota DeMoss, the two troopers who first encountered Greene and rushed his SUV following the high-speed chase. Hollingsworth, who later admitted striking Greene in the head with a flashlight, died last year in a single-vehicle crash hours after he learned he would be fired for his role in the Greene case.

Louisiana State Police clung to crash theory to explain Ronald Greene's death MONROE  More than a year and a half after Louisiana state troopers were captured on body camera video brutalizing Black motorist Ronald Green

The FBI in recent weeks has focused on the question of whether troopers willfully mistreated Greene, seeking to determine, among other things, whether he was pepper-sprayed after being handcuffed. A use-of-force report authored by Hollingsworth includes a reference to the pepper-spray, but its unclear from the body camera video exactly when the chemical was deployed.

State and federal authorities also are examining whether troopers can be charged for showing deliberate indifference to Greenes medical needs or for failing to intervene in his violent arrest  such as when Master Trooper Kory York dragged the man on his stomach by his ankle shackles.

Troopers also have been criticized for ordering the heavyset, 49-year-old Greene to remain facedown on the ground with his hands and feet restrained for more than nine minutes  a tactic use-of-force experts described as dangerous and likely to have restricted his breathing. Greene can be seen in the body cam video struggling to prop himself up on his side.

Dont you turn over! Lay on your belly! Lay on your belly! York yells before briefly dragging Greene by the chain that connected his ankles.
A 13-year-old girl was brought to the New Orleans area, kept at a Terrytown motel and forced to have sex on more than 10 prostitution dates that had allegedly been arranged via the internet by a Texas man, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office said.

The girl was rescued June 24 by Sheriff's Office Vice detectives who arrested a man they say was her pimp, Randi Lewis, 33, of Missouri, Texas, and Chelsea Gee, an 18-year-old from Houston who is also accused of exploiting the young victim.

Lewis and Gee were booked with trafficking a child for sexual purposes, said Capt. Jason Rivarde, a Sheriff's Office spokesperson.

Detectives discovered the 13-year-old girl at the La Quinta Inn on Terry Parkway while investigating a report of a possible kidnapping, according to authorities. It's not clear whether the initial information was about the girl.

But while at the motel, detectives noticed the smell of marijuana wafting from an open door. Inside they found the girl and detained Lewis and Gee, authorities said.

Armed woman hijacks Jefferson Transit bus with passengers on board in Gretna, police say A New Orleans woman is accused of climbing into the driver's seat of a Jefferson Transit bus in Gretna Tuesday night and trying to steal the v

The girl told detectives that Gee recruited her in Houston to perform prostitution dates and introduced her to Lewis. The Sheriff's Office did not say if the girl was a Houston resident.

On June 21, Lewis bought bus tickets to New Orleans for himself, the girl and Gee. One of the adults then rented a room, according to authorities.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Lewis then had Gee and the 13-year-old take photographs of themselves, images that he posted on a website known to be used for prostitution, the Sheriff's Office said.

The girl was coerced into performing between 10 and 20 prostitution dates while Lewis and Gee stood outside the motel room, authorities said. Lewis then allegedly took any money given to the girl.

Marksville man identified as victim killed in Harvey double shooting Saturday The Jefferson Parish Coroner's Office has identified the man killed in a double shooting at a Harvey apartment complex early Saturday morning.

Lewis did not allow Gee and the 13-year-old to leave the room without him, and he always kept the room keys, according to the Sheriff's Office. The girl told investigators she was afraid of retaliation if she did not follow Lewis' orders.

Lewis is also accused of giving the girl marijuana. When detectives searched the motel room, they found 9.5 grams of marijuana, 18 pills that tested positive for ecstasy and several cell phones, authorities said.

In addition to the sex trafficking charge, Lewis was booked with distribution of drugs to a person under the age of 18, drug possession with the intent to distribute and possession of marijuana.

Lewis and Gee were being held Wednesday at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna. Lewis' bond was set at $165,500. Gee's bond was set at $100,000.

The 13-year-old girl has since been reunited with her family, Rivarde said.
A New Orleans woman is accused of climbing into the driver's seat of a Jefferson Transit bus in Gretna Tuesday night and trying to steal the vehicle before pointing a handgun at the driver and ordering him to take off when she couldn't get the bus into gear, Gretna police said.

But a passenger getting off the vehicle noticed the commotion caused by armed woman and alerted authorities who pulled the bus over about a mile down the road, where the woman, identified as Meagan Miller, 32, was apprehended, police said.

There were six passengers and the bus's driver aboard during the bus-jacking. No one was injured, Gretna Police Chief Arthur Lawson said.

+2 13-year-old sex trafficking victim rescued at Terrytown motel; 2 arrested: JPSO A 13-year-old girl was brought to the New Orleans area, kept at a Terrytown motel and forced to have sex on more than 10 prostitution dates th

The bus was traveling from the east bank of New Orleans, westbound on the lower West Bank Expressway, when the driver made a stop near Van Trump Street (map) just after 7:30 p.m.

"It's a normal stop. The driver gets out and waits on passengers to get on," Lawson said.

Miller had boarded the bus at some point in New Orleans, authorities said. While the driver was still standing outside during the Gretna stop, Miller allegedly climbed behind the steering wheel.

Authorities suspect she was trying to drive away but couldn't get the vehicle in gear, Lawson said. The driver stepped back onto the bus and ordered Miller out of his seat.

"She reached into her purse and pulled out a weapon," Lawson said. "She began waving the pistol around and started screaming at him."

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

After ambulance stolen from ER at University Medical Center, thief leads Gretna police on chase A New Orleans man is accused of stealing an ambulance from University Medical Center before leading authorities on a brief chase Sunday mornin

Miller allegedly ordered the bus driver to take off. He complied, afraid that he would be shot.

The passenger getting off the bus called 911 as the hijacked vehicle pulled away, according to Lawson.

"Fortunately, the person who got off the bus was very observant. She gave us the bus number," Lawson said.

Authorities aren't sure of Miller's ultimate destination. They believe she was headed to Marrero, Lawson said.

The bus driver traveled for about a mile at gunpoint on the lower West Bank Expressway before Gretna police pulled over the vehicle near the intersection of Dolhonde Street (map) As officers boarded the bus, Miller put the gun back into her purse, Lawson said.

The driver identified Miller as the hijacker, and she was taken into custody. Police recovered the weapon, which turned out to be a BB gun.

Miller was booked with carjacking and seven counts of second-degree kidnapping. She was being held without bond Wednesday at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna.
A Jefferson Parish grand jury has handed up an indictment charging Jalen Harvey with first-degree murder in the death of Joseph Vindel, a New Orleans man authorities say Harvey fatally shot while posing as a prospective buyer for a dirt bike that had been advertised online.

Harvey, 21, was also charged with obstruction of justice and monetary instrument abuse, according to Jefferson Parish court records. The indictment was handed up Thursday.

Vindel, 29, was selling a red Honda dirt bike and advertised the vehicle on several online marketplace apps, according to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. Harvey contacted Vindel through the app OfferUp, and expressed interest in buying it for $2,800, authorities said.

The two made arrangements to meet on the morning of March 7. Vindel left his Uptown home around 10 a.m. with the dirt bike on a trailer towed behind his sport utility vehicle.

Vindel's girlfriend and relatives called New Orleans police to report him missing later that evening after he never returned home.

+3 Joseph Vindel murder suspect claims self-defense during dirt bike sale killing Jalen Harvey, the man accused of killing New Orleans Realtor Joseph Vindel after the pair met up to complete the sale of a dirt bike that had 

Authorities tracked the phone number used to communicate with Vindel to Harvey's West Bank residence, The St. Germaine Apartments in the 2100 block of Manhattan Boulevard in Harvey, the Sheriff's Office said. Investigators spotted Vindel's dirt bike on Harvey's back patio, authorities said.

Harvey admitted shooting Vindel, but told detectives he acted in self-defense after Vindel pointed a gun at him during the transaction, according to the Sheriff's Office.

But investigators said the evidence does not support Harvey's claim. In a court hearing, a detective noted that Vindel suffered injuries to his hand that would have made it impossible for him to have been holding a weapon at the time he was shot.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

+3 'Safe zones' coming to New Orleans police stations, NOPD chief says after shooting death of Joseph Vindel The New Orleans Police Department will create safe exchange zones for internet purchases after a New Orleans man was killed last month as he

Harvey was charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly trying to hide the evidence of the killing. Detectives say he drove Vindel's SUV, with Vindel's body still inside, to New Orleans where he abandoned the vehicle in the 2300 block of Coliseum Street, the Sheriff's Office said.

Harvey allegedly then took Vindel's bike and drove it back to his apartment.

Harvey was also charged with monetary instrument abuse because investigators suspect he tried to pay Vindel for the bike using fake, movie prop money.

The Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office has not yet revealed whether prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty under a first-degree murder conviction.

Harvey's defense attorneys have asked the court for a sanity hearing to determine whether their client is mentally competent enough to stand trial, according to court records. The motion did not detail any specific reason for the request.

The sanity hearing and Harvey's arraignment are scheduled for July 21.

Harvey was being held without bond Tuesday at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna on the first-degree murder charge. Bond on the other two charges was set at $150,000.
A man was killed and another injured in a shooting Tuesday night outside an apartment complex in the Read Boulevard East neighborhood, New Orleans police said.

Their names and ages have not been released.

The double shooting was reported to police around 9:15 p.m. in the 12100 block of North I-10 Service Road (map) near Bullard Avenue, authorities said.

One man was taken via EMS to a hospital, where police say he later died. The other man was taken in a private vehicle, and his vital signs were stable as of 11:45 p.m., an NOPD spokesperson said.

No other details were immediately available, including a possible motive or a description of a suspect.
Seven months before Steven Corbett got a job overseeing Audubon Charter Schools, the former high school principal at Lusher Charter School penned a detailed letter to Lusher's board of directors asking for an investigation into allegedly discriminatory and retaliatory behavior on the part of longtime CEO Kathy Riedlinger.

The grievance letter was obtained by The Times-Picayune | New Orleans Advocate just days before 175 parents sent a petition to the school, decrying "racism within our school community in matters symbolic, structural and every day," asking for a name change, recruitment of more faculty of color and for transparency, saying Lusher "silences voices of dissent."

Both documents suggest that racial tensions have long been bubbling at Lusher Charter School, one of the city's few A-rated public schools. Students and staff have said they began to surface last summer amid protests students alleged racial bias, discriminatory practices and bemoaned the fact that the school still honored Robert Mills Lusher, a former state education superintendent who said he believed in the "supremacy of the Caucasian race."

"I feel compelled to bring to the Boards attention these matters as I believe that they are having a detrimental impact on our students, our faculty, and  most importantly  the learning and work environment at Lusher," Corbett wrote in the grievance letter, accusing Riedlinger of "improper conduct and interactions" with staff as external complaints mounted.

Since the 12-page letter was written in early December, Lusher declined to renew Corbett's contract, according to sources with knowledge of the situation. Seven other teachers left the well-regarded Uptown school on their own accord this past school year, according to educators, including some who still work at the school and didn't want to be named for fear of retaliation. Some school leaders and parents who penned the petition cited a hostile culture for African-American staff and students and Black Lives Matter advocates.

Corbett declined to comment on the internal letter.

In an email Tuesday to the newspaper, a lawyer for Advocates for Arts-Based Education, the nonprofit that runs Lusher, said that the letter should not be in the newspapers possession, and asked that the newspaper not publish its contents. The email said the school might take legal action.

Riedlinger was not able to be reached directly for comment.

Cheron Brylski, a spokesperson for Lusher, issued a prepared statement brushing off the claims in Corbett's letter.

"An independent firm fully investigated Dr. Corbetts concerns and concluded that they did not merit any action by the school," it said. "Lushers CEO and the school continue to wish Dr. Corbett the best in his new role as the CEO of Audubon Charter Schools.

More broadly, Brylski said that Lusher is still re-examining the name of the school, a process officials said they started last year, after the Orleans Parish School Board voted last month to rename the buildings for the schools 1,930 students.

"Lusher Charter School is proud of the inclusive and thoughtful process we have implemented in our school in regard to these issues," Brylski said.

She also noted that Lusher, one of the most in-demand schools in New Orleans with 1,500 current applications, has among the highest staff retention rates in the city at 91%.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

The school is also hiring more people of color, Brylski said, adding that Lushers strategic plan includes a "Diversity Pathway," with anti-bias training; expansion of K-12 Anti-Defamation League work; a second chance lottery pilot for economically disadvantaged students, and more. Louisiana Department of Education shows that the student body is about 59% White and 22% Black.

But the complaint against Riedlinger and the parent petition tells a different side of Lushers story.

In his letter to the board, Corbett said Lusher started getting complaints about racial equity last June but Riedlinger prevented him and other administrators from taking meaningful action.

Corbett said Riedlinger undermined a diversity team of teachers following the death of George Floyd by advising that administrators should only listen and "not engage in any dialogue" with the school community.

He also said Riedlinger instructed administrators to stop speaking with the Anti-Defamation League when tensions mounted and that she threatened Corbett, saying "she better not find out" he was behind a July 4, 2020, protest about the school name and culture. She asked Corbett to cancel a staff book club when she found out members were reading "White Fragility," about systemic racism, he said.

Corbett also accused Riedlinger of lying. He said she told him a board member had an issue with one of his tweets -- about removing Confederate symbols -- and later admitted no board member had complained. And he said she asked another leader to write an untrue statement contradicting Corbett after a student was disciplined for improperly sending an email.

After the board said they would not be disciplining Riedlinger, Corbett sent a follow-up letter.

In that letter, Corbett said Riedlinger complained about Black students possibly using "block voting" to get certain students nominated to the homecoming court, raised concerns about the formation of a Black Student Union, and questioned "why White cheerleaders on the team were not placed in the front or middle of formations" of the team, which was about 90% Black.

He accused her of interfering in the investigation process by intimidating other staff via text message and by making "untrue statements" to the board.

"Unfortunately, I have lost all faith in Ms. Riedlingers ability to be truthful or conduct herself in an ethical manner," Corbett wrote. "The fact that the board has taken no action against Ms. Riedlinger will only serve to embolden her."

When Riedlinger failed to meet some student demands, and didn't commit to changing the name, Corbett said some students refused to share college scholarship amounts to help with the promotion of the school. Others asked that their images no longer be used on school websites and brochures, and some declined "Lusher Scholar" academic awards because they bore the school name, he said.

Christa Talbott, a Black social studies teacher with 20 years of experience who left Lusher at the end of the school year to write social studies curriculum as an academic designer, corroborated some of the complaints Corbett outlined in his letter.

She said shed also been walking on eggshells all year because she had raised equity concerns and because her daughter had helped organize a protest at Lusher last summer with the Black Student Union. She said the family constantly worried about her being fired or her daughters honors being taken away.

"Its really sad that thats the thought process we had," Talbott said. "We had to think about worst-case scenarios for voicing what we believed could make our school better."
Elsa became a hurricane once again as it neared Florida's coast on Tuesday evening, according to National Hurricane Center forecasters.

Update: Tropical Storm Elsa nearing landfall on Florida's Gulf coast

The National Hurricane Center has also issued a hurricane warning and watches for parts of the Florida Gulf Coast ahead of Elsa moving over land this week. The storm, if it continues on the forecasted track, is not expected to be a threat to Louisiana.

Here's what we know from the National Hurricane Center about the tropics, according to the 10 p.m. Tuesday advisory.

Hurricane status once again

Forecasters said Tuesday evening that Elsa was moving north at 14 mph with winds of 75 mph, making it a Category 1 hurricane. The system had both strengthened and picked up speed in just a handful of hours on Tuesday.

It was about 65 miles south southwest of Tampa, Florida. Some slight strengthening will continue into the night as Elsa brushes over the west coast of Florida through Tuesday. Its direction will shift north northeast the same day it makes landfall at Florida's northern Gulf Coast late Wednesday morning.

Philip Klotzbach, a meteorologist with Colorado State University, said on Twitter if Elsa makes landfall Wednesday as forecast, it would be the earliest hurricane to hit Florida in a calendar year since Agnes in 1972.

#Elsa has reintensified to a #hurricane and is forecast to make landfall along the northern part of the Florida Gulf Coast tomorrow. If it makes landfall in Florida as a #hurricane tomorrow, it would be earliest calendar year Florida hurricane landfall since Agnes (1972). pic.twitter.com/V3UwqyioV4  Philip Klotzbach (@philklotzbach) July 6, 2021

Elsa last week also became the first hurricane of the 2021 Atlantic season, but it was downgraded to a tropical storm Saturday.

Forecasters said Elsa should weaken after it moves over land and will cross the southeastern U.S. through Thursday.

Watches and warnings

Heavy rains, storm surge, strong winds and tornadoes are in the forecast for Florida and other southeastern states as Elsa moves northeast.

The following watches and warnings have also been issued.

A storm surge warning is in effect for:

West coast of Florida from Bonita Beach to the Aucilla River, including Tampa Bay

A tropical storm warning is in effect for:

West coast of Florida from Chokoloskee to south of Egmont Key

West coast of Florida north of Steinhatchee River to Ochlockonee River

Mouth of St. Marys River, Georgia to Little River Inlet, South Carolina

Get hurricane updates in your inbox Sign up for updates on storm forecasts, tracks and more. e-mail address * Sign Up

A hurricane warning is in effect for:

Egmont Key to the Steinhatchee River, Florida

A storm surge watch is in effect for:

West of the Aucilla River to the Ochlockonee River, Florida

A tropical storm watch is in effect for:

North of Little River Inlet, South Carolina to Duck, North Carolina

Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds

Forecasters said storm surge along Florida's Gulf coast could reach up to 5 feet and between 1 to 6 inches of rainfall across the southeast, with isolated amounts up to 9 inches.

Tornadoes are also possible in the region through Thursday.

More on the tropics

Elsa is the only system being monitored by NHC as of Tuesday evening.

After Elsa, the next names available are Fred and Grace for future storms. Tropical storms Ana, Bill, Claudette and Danny formed earlier this season, with the third of the four bringing heavy rains and flash flooding to the New Orleans region.

The shaded area on the graphic is where a storm could develop and is not a track. The National Hurricane Center releases a track when a tropical depression forms or is about to form.

The categories, in order of increasing strength, are tropical depression, tropical storm and hurricane (categories 1 through 5). Systems are named when they develop into a tropical storm.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.

See the full forecast here.

Don't miss a storm update this hurricane season. Sign up for breaking newsletters. Follow our Hurricane Center Facebook page.
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.
Steve Byas is a history professor at Randall University in Moore, and has been published in The Chronicles of Oklahoma, the Tennessee Historical Quarterly and The New American magazine. He was the editor of "The Oklahomans, Volume I" by John Dwyer.
EDITORS NOTE: For the past six months, On the PULSE has been exploring the World of Reentry in Lycoming County and across the country. Through this series we will explore the criminal justice system through the eyes of participants who have spent years trying to get out of it. Some succeed, while others meet roadblocks along the way. Lycoming County is not alone in this struggle. This series is funded in part through donations from our readers.

On any given day in the 1990s, a young Chad Ling could be found riding his bike and doing tricks with the older kids in his Clearfield County neighborhood.

There was little to do in the one traffic light town of Allport, and Ling was the youngest of a motley crew of 20 neighborhood kids who palled around together. He was a passionate and driven child, always eager to push the limits and impress the older kids.

Ling began smoking marijuana at age 12. He soon escalated to harder drugs including prescription pills, bath salts and, eventually, heroin.

I would get locked up, I would get out and I would just go back to the same thing over and over again, Ling said.

The pathway to crime often begins in youth, perpetuated by easy access to criminal activity, a lack of accountability or years of trauma.

Nationally, over 2 million juveniles are arrested each year.

Born in the 1970s, Intistar Martin was raised by her father, a successful drug dealer in Philadelphia. When Martin was three, her mother died.

When her father was arrested, Martin went to live with her aunt. Aggression at school, petty theft and even car theft were common occurrences among her and her cousins as she grew. Around this time, Martin also began to be sexually assaulted on a regular basis by a member of her family.

The first time Martin was arrested was at age 12, when she used a shrimp roll as a pretend gun to rob the person in line in front of her at a convenience store.

They were serious charges, she said. A lot of my attitude and my aggression and my behaviors was because I was being raped every day and couldnt tell nobody. And the fact that there was criminal activity inside my house and outside my house and I was praised for it.

Faulty support systems are often the cause of increased crime among youth, according to Cleveland Way, director of the mens shelter at the American Rescue Workers. Way has worked with youth in Williamsport for over 14 years.

I think most of that was ingrained, said Way. They had to live that way because of their environment or because of trauma and they didnt have a father figure or parents to get them in the right direction. But nevertheless they made those choices because of the people they were hanging with.

In Lycoming County, Deputy Chief John Stahl has worked in the probation system for over 15 years. He said its common to see the same individuals rotate in and out of his office, either on new offenses or for probation violations that keep them in the system.

But now, Stahl added, he sees the second and third generations of offenders who he first met years prior.

According to a recent Lycoming County prison recidivism study, two-thirds of the inmates who leave the prison are...

Read the whole story on On the PULSE




Trout Run, Pa. - The First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania (FCFP) will host a Star Party at Rider Park on Friday, July 16. NASA engineer Glenn Bock and local geologist Edie Gair Shull will be the night's guides to the wonders of space viewable from the park.

Learn how to identify galaxies and constellations, and maybe even catch a shooting star! Rider Park's meadow and dark skies provide amazing opportunities to explore details of our expansive universe.

Pre-registered guests are invited to one of the best viewing areas in Lycoming County. Families are encouraged to attend this free event together.

Guests should arrive between 8:30  9:15 p.m. Bring jackets, telescopes, binoculars, lawn chairs, blankets, and flashlights. The park will remain open until 11:30 p.m. to view the night sky at your leisure.

On the night of the party the moon will be near its first quarter, allowing guests to view some of its unique geological features.

To learn more visit Mr. Bocks Blogspot.

Due to limited parking at Rider Park, participants are asked to pre-register for this event by calling the Community Foundation at (570) 321-1500 or emailing FCFP@fcfpartnership.org. Directions to the park can be downloaded at www.RiderPark.org.
Mount Carmel Township, Pa.  A woman was charged with homicide and arraigned Monday after her husband was found dead at their home in the village of Dooleyville in Mount Carmel Township, Northumberland County.

Lisa Karlaza, 53, now faces criminal homicide charges, felony aggravated assault, misdemeanors of false reports, and possessing an instrument of crime. She was arraigned Monday by on-call District Judge Michael Diehl, who denied bail.

Police were called to the home of Richard and Lisa Karlaza Sunday evening at 21 Back Street for a report of a home invasion. When police arrived, Lisa yelled out that she could not open the front door because her husband's foot was against the door, according to the arrest affidavit.

Once police got inside, they found Richard's body lying on the floor with a large amount of blood pooling from around the mouth and head, according to the affidavit written by Mount Carmel Township Police. Richard had puncture wounds on his chest and neck.

There were no signs of forced entry into the home, police wrote in the affidavit.

Lisa was detained by police while they did a brief sweep of the home and found blood splatter and hand prints in the living room, tv stand and kitchen wall.

Upon applying for and being granted a search warrant for the home, police also found a a black 8 1/2-inch kitchen knife in the dishwasher with suspected blood on the blade, according to the affidavit.

Police interviewed a neighbor, who told them he overheard the Karlazas arguing on Sunday night. Richard allegedly told Lisa to "shut up" and then the neighbor hard a loud crash by the front door 5 to 10 minutes later, according to the affidavit. When the neighbor went onto his back porch, he heard Lisa crying and she reportedly told him she needed help.

A preliminary hearing date has not yet been set for Lisa Karlaza.

Docket Sheet
Tillamook, OR (97141)

Today

Cloudy early, becoming mostly sunny in the afternoon. High near 65F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. Low near 55F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph, becoming S and decreasing to less than 5 mph.
Support Local Journalism

Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by subscribing.
Rome, GA (30161)

Today

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 92F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Some passing clouds. Low around 70F. Winds light and variable.
Napoleon, OH (43545)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this morning. Thunderstorms likely during the afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 86F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Low 68F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Andy Schmookler is a prize-winning author. Many of his works can be found at www.ABetterHumanStory.org.
LOWELL  A garage blaze was among the several calls Lowell firefighters responded to on the Fourth of July.

The Lowell Volunteer Fire Department said its crews responded to nine calls on the Sunday holiday, including a garage fire and structure fire that were reported at the same time.

Around 11 p.m. Lowell firefighters were called to a fire in an attached garage of a single-story house, which was near the intersection of Meadow Lane and Robin Lane. The homeowner told firefighters he saw a bright flash coming out of the back door, which alerted him of the fire.

Firefighters found heavy flames in the garage and worked to swiftly extinguish the blaze, containing it from spreading to the rest of the residence. There were no injuries reported.

The cause of the fire has not been disclosed.

The Lowell Volunteer Fire Department thanked Tri-Creek Ambulance Service, Lake Dalecarlia Fire Department, Cedar Lake Fire Department Firefighters Association, Crown Point Fire Rescue and Hebron Volunteer Fire Department for their assistance.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0

Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Elizabeth Greenwoods new book, Love Lockdown, investigates dating and marriage in Americas prison system, and the author knows youll come to it with preconceived notions. She did herself.

Most of us have heard about this phenomenon: people (usually women) pursuing criminals (usually men, always famous) whom theyve learned about on the nightly news, Greenwood writes. The higher the profile of the criminal, the more Heloises to the Abelard. But in researching Love Lockdown, Greenwood met people and learned about relationships that were less salacious and more representative of the lives of the incarcerated. Below, she describes how she came to the project through a source from a previous book, the solidarity of prisoners wives and a filmmaker whose multitude of tones inspires her.

When did you first get the idea to write this book?

It grew out of reporting I did for my first book, Playing Dead, which is about people who faked their own deaths or disappeared. One of the people I wrote about in that book is a man named Sam Israel III, a hedge fund manager who famously faked his own suicide by plunging off the Bear Mountain Bridge in New York in 2008.

Sam is now serving a sentence in federal prison, and most of our interviews took place through CorrLinks  which is a communications tool prisons use, sort of an email system thats not connected to the internet  or over the phone. Through this series of interviews, and long after the book came out, Sam and I kept in touch and developed this almost daily correspondence, checking in and asking questions. We really developed a kind of friendship. Sam mentioned to me that sometimes his story is still featured on cable news shows, and every time it is, he gets letters from people, usually women, who are intrigued and want to meet him and get to know all about him. Of course, Id heard about this phenomenon in passing  you read the National Enquirer stories about the women who wrote to Scott Peterson, or the serial killers who have groupies. That was my familiarity, and I think its a lot of peoples. So I thought, I want to talk to some of these people, I want to know about this. That was in 2016.
DEAR MISS METROPOLITAN

By Carolyn Ferrell







Drawn from Ariel Castros horrific kidnappings of three women in Cleveland, Dear Miss Metropolitan, Carolyn Ferrells stunning and innovative debut novel, tells a story so grim, its best to summarize plainly. Three teenage girls are abducted, then held captive for 10 years in Queens. Locked in the basement of an unassuming house, Gwin, Fern and Jesenia are subjected to repeated rape and torture at the hands of their captor, referred to only as Boss Man. Fern and Gwin eventually escape, as does the infant child of Boss Man and Jesenia. The fate of the infants mother remains a mystery, an open wound.

This is a heavy story, difficult to encapsulate without misrepresenting its content and aim. The ripped-from-the-headlines premise might seem sensational, but Dear Miss Metropolitan is not horror or thriller, but a literary novel, experimental in style, that asks readers to immerse themselves in the psyches of the deeply traumatized. This is an artful text: an intricate mosaic of shifting viewpoints, black-and-white photographs and fragmented, unreliable narration. The novel is not easy, but how could it be?

Humming with specificity, Dear Miss Metropolitan rejects easy caricatures of suffering. From the girls perspectives, Boss Mans house is murky and fantastical. The mice talk, brown water leaking from the pipes is really coffee, lasagna can be made from raisins and Steak-umms. The girls feast on paper food, pages torn from a cookbook.

Ferrell resists cliches, allowing the girls inner lives to diverge as Fern and Gwin despise Boss Man but Jesenia responds to his sadism with desperate denial. Hes not such a bad guy if you get to know him, she says. Know him like I do. To treat these girls experiences as interchangeable would be a betrayal. Fern pleads with the reader to take her seriously. Im unique, she insists. Im special. Always have been.
The spread of the Delta variant in relatively unvaccinated parts of the U.S. is getting worse.

Nationwide, the number of new Covid-19 cases is holding steady. But that steadiness hides two dueling realities, in two different Americas.

In many urban and suburban communities, Covid continues to plummet. The rate of new daily cases has fallen below three per 100,000 residents in large cities like Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington. As a point of comparison, the national rate of new daily cases peaked last winter above 75 per 100,000 people.

But in less populated areas  which tend to be more politically conservative and skeptical of vaccines  the virus is now surging, largely from the contagious Delta variant. The states with the worst outbreaks are Arkansas and Missouri (each with more than 16 new daily cases per 100,000 people) followed by Florida (10), Nevada (10), Wyoming (nine) and Utah (eight).

If these outbreaks were concentrated among younger people, it would be less worrisome, because Covid, including the Delta variant, is overwhelmingly mild for children and young adults. Yet even many middle-aged and older adults are not vaccinated in parts of the U.S. They are catching the virus as a result, and some are dying.
To better understand whats behind this synchronicity, scientists set up cameras in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to capture the fireflies flashes in three dimensions. Researchers discovered that male fireflies did not flash instantaneously, but rather in a cascading wave  if a synchronizing firefly saw its neighbor flash, it might flash, too. The findings also suggested that there was no clear firefly leader or single locus of activity.

Have a glittery night.

Lance Booth compiled photos for this briefing.

Your Evening Briefing is posted at 6 p.m. Eastern.

Want to catch up on past briefings? You can browse them here.

What did you like? What do you want to see here? Let us know at briefing@nytimes.com.

Here is todays Mini Crossword and Spelling Bee. If youre in the mood to play more, find all our games here.
Glossier raises cash to rebuild its retail footprint

If any beauty company was positioned for pandemic lockdowns, it might be Glossier, the digitally native purveyor of skin care and makeup for the internet set. The nearly seven-year-old company plans to announce today that it has raised $80 million in new capital (at what we hear was a $1.8 billion valuation). Its founder, Emily Weiss, told DealBook that the new capital would help finance a renewed push into physical retail stores.

Glossier is still all about e-commerce. Last March, the pandemic forced the company to shut its popular retail stores to refocus on its core online business. Sales grew double-digits overall, and all product categories saw gains. Candidly, our customer is used to meeting us online, she said. Roughly 80 percent of the companys sales are currently from e-commerce.

But Glossier sees value in physical stores. Weiss announced last month that the company planned to reopen brick-and-mortar stores, starting in Seattle and Los Angeles, as well as in London  its first permanent international location.

The stores will have human resources professionals and a revamped training curriculum that will have some focus on diversity and inclusion, part of a continuing response to former employees accusing the company of racism and mistreatment.

New funding will help that re-expansion. Leading the round is Lone Pine Capital, along with existing investors like Forerunner Ventures, Index Ventures and Thrive Capital, as well as a financing line from JPMorgan Chase.

Weiss says bigger financial maneuvers, like going public, may come down the line as investors seek popular direct-to-consumer brands. An I.P.O. is a likely path at some point, she said, quickly adding, but we do not have immediate plans.

Aon-Willis Towers Watson versus the world

Regulators around the world are winding up reviews of the proposed $30 billion merger of Aon and Willis Towers Watson, with one major exception. The U.S. Justice Departments lawsuit to block the insurers combination, filed last month, is heading to court. Yesterday, after the parties fought in filings over timing, the judge set a trial date for November and warned that a case backlog may delay it further.

The court split the difference between dueling dates. Aon and Willis were eager to start the trial this summer, saying that a long delay would jeopardize the deal, which was first announced in March 2020. But the government was in no hurry, proposing that the trial start late next winter. It said that the companies slowed the process by asking to review divestments that ultimately didnt satisfy antitrust concerns. In a rare show of bipartisan consistency, a merger initially held up by the Trump administration is now a vehicle for President Biden to demonstrate his trustbusting bona fides.

The U.S. is out of step with the rest of the world, Aons lawyers have implied, noting that the companies expect to have the necessary clearances to close the transaction with every relevant antitrust authority by late August. Taiwan approved the deal in May without any divestments. South Africa just recommended conditional approval after the companies divested parts of their reinsurance business. And the E.U. set an August deadline on whether to approve the deal, after the companies sold more than $3 billion in assets. An Aon spokesman said that the company expected the E.U. to approve the deal.

The U.S. case may complicate reviews in other countries, tempting regulators to wait and see what happens in Washington. Authorities around the world have shared information about the merger, according to the Justice Department, and they pay attention to one anothers moves.

Image

THE SPEED READ

Deals

Emergent, the biotech company behind millions of botched coronavirus vaccines, faces shareholder lawsuits accusing it of securities fraud. (NYT)

Reese Witherspoons media company is reportedly exploring a sale that could value it at $1 billion. (WSJ)

The British fintech app Wise has gone public via a direct listing in London, a rarity on that exchange. (Bloomberg)

Politics and policy

Inside the rush to spend $350 billion in federal pandemic relief funds. (NYT)

Biden called on employers to set up clinics at work and offer paid time off to help more Americans get vaccinated. (NYT)

Tech

Meet the start-ups trying to cash in on the remote-working boom. (NYT)

Best of the rest

Icelands experiment with a shorter workweek (at the same pay) was deemed an overwhelming success. (CNBC)

Ursula Burns, the former Xerox C.E.O., was named chairwoman of the embattled P.R. firm Teneo. (WSJ)

The first teaser for the next season of Succession is out: That sounds kind of, like, dramatic, Tom. (HBO)

Image

Wed like your feedback! Please email thoughts and suggestions to dealbook@nytimes.com.
Summer camp is an idyll for millions of children each year. But climate change, which affects so many aspects of our lives, is upending the camp experience, as well. I interviewed directors of camps across the United States to ask how the warming planet is altering their little patches of paradise. These folks tend to be keen observers of the natural world (why else would you put up with camp food and mosquitoes?) and they had plenty to say.

Many places are getting hotter, of course, and some camps in the Pacific Northwest altered their schedules to avoid subjecting their kids to the worst of the recent heat dome. But they have observed other phenomena that climate scientists say are consistent with climate change, as well. The director of a Michigan camp cited more frequent violent rainstorms, harmful algal blooms and  ugh  an explosion of ticks. Were now doing tick checks, she said. They are also teaching their campers about the changing climate as part of their own mission of connecting with the natural world.

I visited Camp Longhorn, in the Texas Hill Country, where I was a camper in the 1960s. It is a glorious place, now in its 82nd summer. The landscape around the camp is dotted with cedar and live oak, yucca and prickly pear; the rocks and boulders are coated with colorful lichen. It was also beastly hot, heading toward the 90s at 10 a.m. when I arrived, though being right on Inks Lake helps moderate the temperature.

Its not hot  its summertime! said Bill Robertson, who runs the camp and is son of the founder, Tex Robertson.
The solution has clear precedent in American history: break up the largest states, ideally into components with populations as close to the state median as possible. Kentucky was created out of territory that originally belonged to Virginia, as was Tennessee from North Carolina territory and Maine from the territory of Massachusetts. No constitutional amendment would be required; per the terms of Article IV, creating states from a state that already exists would merely require the state legislature to vote to split up and for Congress to assent. And unlike consolidating smaller states, which would reduce their citizens representation, splitting up the large states would increase it, giving their voters a reason to be supportive.

Congress could help structure the process by setting a minimum size for new states (say, one-half the population of the median state, about 2.25 million) and requiring them to have territorial integrity and avoid partisan gerrymandering, all of which would help assure that the break up improved national governance. But carving the four megastates into three or more states each might have a host of benefits for their internal governance as well.

For example, New York City currently lacks many powers that are crucial to management, like full control of its transportation system. If, as part of a larger national reorganization, New York City were to become a city-state  as Berlin, Hamburg and Bremen are in Germany  it could assume most of those powers, while its senators in Washington could focus on a national agenda relevant to urban America. Inasmuch as New York City needs partners to coordinate with, the most important ones are in New Jersey and Connecticut, not in Buffalo and Rochester  so splitting up New York State could give new momentum to proposals for regional governance across state lines. Meanwhile, upstate New York would have a better chance at pursuing its own development in ways that suit its commonality with other Rust Belt regions without being captive to the needs and preferences of a city with which it has had little in common economically since the near obsolescence of the Erie Canal.

Similarly, splitting California into at least three states  as has been proposed before, most recently in a failed ballot initiative  would allow its very different regions to pursue policies appropriate to their character and interests. California could even plausibly be broken into as many as five states, if the Bay Area and Los Angeles were hived off to become city-states, which they are certainly populous enough to be.

Splitting up the largest states would not necessarily favor Democrats or Republicans  which is another reason it might be a good idea and why Congress might want to condition approval of one state breakup on others, much as Maine and Missouri were admitted in 1820 and 1821 to preserve the national balance between free and slave states. New York City would undoubtedly be a safe Democratic state  but upstate New York might well be as competitive between the parties as Pennsylvania is today. A state carved out of northern Florida would likely be reliably Republican, but the central region would probably be purple, while southern Florida would have a Democratic lean. Carving up Texas, meanwhile, would open up opportunities for Democrats but could also lower the temperature on the possibility of the states flipping blue by giving residents of Lubbock and Midland an escape route to a safely red republic.

There will be sentimental objections to these suggestions as well as practical ones  how could we even consider breaking up the Empire State? But sentiment about the past should not obscure the possibilities of creation. How often does a political community get a chance to choose a new name for itself, a new flag to fly? We shouldnt pass up the opportunity to refound political communities on a new and more inclusive basis.

The states that exist today, even when they were given names with Indigenous sources, were founded and organized overwhelmingly by white settlers. So it could be powerfully symbolic if, for example, members of the Seneca, Oneida, Mohawk and other nations of the old Iroquois Confederacy played a central public role in defining a state covering their old territory.
This article is part of the On Tech newsletter. You can sign up here to receive it weekdays.

Lets talk about the exciting topic of government procurement! Woo hoo?!

Seriously, the way that government agencies buy technology is helpful context to understand the Pentagons abrupt cancellation on Tuesday of a technology project that was billed as essential to modernize the U.S. military. When government tech goes wrong, one culprit is often a budgetary bureaucracy that is at odds with the pace of technological progress.

The Defense Department project, the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure, known by the acronym JEDI like from Star Wars, was intended to buy commercially available cloud-computing software to put the U.S. military on techs new(-ish) wave. Microsoft was awarded the $10 billion contract in 2019, but it had been held up since then by accusations by Amazon that former President Donald J. Trump improperly interfered in the contract process.

Years of mudslinging by tech companies that felt they were unfairly passed over probably spelled doom for JEDI. This contract fight was unusually messy, but it also highlighted a deeper problem that has rendered a lot of government technology creaky and crummy: By the time a government agency buys something, the technology might be past its prime or not fit its needs anymore.
For tech reviewers, critiquing a new operating system is something of an absurd ritual.

Its like being a professional house inspector who delivers a report that always goes like this: Heres what you need to know about the home you are about to move into. Some parts are great, but there are major problems. Youre moving in anyway, though, so youre going to have to learn to live with it.

Thats because operating systems are essentially where your digital life takes place. If you own a personal computer made to run Windows, youre probably going to keep using the next version of Windows no matter how good or bad it is.

Thats how I felt as I tried out Windows 11, Microsofts first big operating system update in six years. The company has marketed it as a new start to Windows with a modern, people-centric design. (Not new is how tech companies constantly remind us that their products were designed for users, as opposed to being for my Labrador retriever.) The software will be a free update for many Windows personal computers this holiday season.

New to Windows are tools for productivity, like the ability to instantly shrink and reorganize windows, and support for mobile Android apps. Yet Windows 11 is ultimately an evolution. While there are improvements, parts of it feel frustratingly familiar.
A listing for a newly-renovated micro studio in Vancouver that turned out to be a tiny bathroom with a bed crammed in it was recently slammed online.

Described as ideal for a single person looking to live in downtown Vancouver at an affordable rate, and who does not need much space, the 160-square-foot (15 sq. meters) suite was actually a bathroom in which the bed was literally just a couple of steps from the toilet bowl. That sort of makes its advertised features, like the brand-new porcelain flooring, granite finishing, and a large window seem somewhat unimpressive. Not to mention that the rent of this unusual living space was set at a whopping C$680 ($550).

Vancouver has been one of the most unaffordable cities in the world for a while now, as well as the seventh most expensive housing market in the world, according to one recent survey, but renting out tiny bathrooms for hundreds of dollars a month still seems surreal.

The listing suggested that the renter would be on a three-month lease, with the option to extend, and clarified that there was no kitchen available, and pets were not allowed.

The bizarre listing appeared on Craigslist earlier this month, and was deleted after a couple of days, but not before being picked up by online blog Vancouver Is Awesome and attracting some negative feedback. The city of Vancouver makes it very clear that a space requires at least 250 square feet (23 sq. meters) in size to be deemed a micro-dwelling, and that bathrooms be physically separated from the remainder of the unit by partitions and a door to ensure privacy and to isolate noise and odors.

The since-deleted listing was considered funny by many on social media, but it is also a reflection of the real estate situation in one of the worlds most expensive cities.
Giving impeccable service from every angle. Jaipur, Rajasthan  Nehamta, a well-known Indian ethnic brand is offering its customers a mind-blowing offer at the festival of the Raksha Bandhan. A festival of Raksha Bandhan shows the bond between a brother and sister. Gift your sister a stunning collection of designer kurtis from Nehamta as a Rakhi gift. Customers can avail this offer by using code EOSS21 and you get a flat 
Ottumwa, IA (52501)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. Rainfall will be locally heavy at times. High 74F. WSW winds shifting to NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected..

Tonight

Showers and thundershowers early, then overcast overnight with occasional rain. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.
Do you appreciate the work we do as the only independent media outlet dedicated to serving OU students, faculty, staff and alumni on campus and around the world for more than 100 years?

Then consider helping fund our endeavors. Around the world, communities are grappling with what journalism is worth and how to fund the civic good that robust news organizations can generate. We believe The OU Daily and Crimson Quarterly magazine provide real value to this community both now by covering OU, and tomorrow by helping launch the careers of media professionals.

If youre able, please SUPPORT US TODAY FOR AS LITTLE AS $1. You can make a one-time donation or a recurring pledge.
When Walter Rupprecht was a boy, he received a toy fire engine as a gift. Later, in 1953, he was in the Army and spent 15 months in Germany.

Walter recalls, Joanne and I were in a large department store (in Germany) called KaDeWe and I saw a two-inch toy fire engine. It was sort of neat. I remembered that I still had some toy fire engines I had had as a boy. I still have one that I had when I was 10 or 12 years old. It was a wind-up toy and is still in running condition.

Of course, he bought that fire engine at KaDeWe, and today one whole room in the Rupprecht home is devoted to 4,000 toy fire engines.

Walter said, Joanne has tolerated my purchasing and has always been supportive. I have a very loving wife.

That love has spanned 70 years and this is the story of the two people who made it happen: Joanne MacLeod and Walter Rupprecht.

Joanne MacLeods story begins with her paternal great-grandparents emigrating to Canada during the Highland Clearances and from there to Michigan. Much has been written about the potato famine of Ireland, when one million Irish died of starvation and four and a half million peasants managed to emigrate to America. But little has been written concerning the Highland Clearances being responsible for thousands of Scots emigrating to the New World.

Both the Great Hunger in Ireland and the Highland Clearances in Scotland were brought about through English landlords. The Great Hunger was caused by the failure of the potato crop four years in a row, and the Highland Clearances came about when landlords discovered that raising sheep was more profitable than trying to farm on the rocky soil of the Highlands in Scotland.

Joannes maternal ancestors came to the 13 colonies from Germany in the early 1700s and some fought in the Revolutionary War from 1775 to 1783. Joanne is a member of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution.)

Joanne is a native Midlander, the daughter of Albert and Iva (Feldhoff) MacLeod. She is the oldest of four children. Vivian was born two years after Joanne. Another three years passed before a third baby, Kendall, was added, and when Joanne was 10 years old, a brother, Vernon, completed the MacLeod family.

The Albert and Iva MacLeod family lived on Union Street and Joanne and her three siblings attended Carpenter Street School. Joanne started taking band when she was in the fourth grade and she was a member of the Girl Scouts.

Joanne spent a lot of time in Chicago with an aunt and uncle. Walt said, When another baby was expected, Joanne was shipped off to Chicago.

She attended junior high in the building that faced Grove Street (it was later torn down), and then attended Midland Senior High School on Rodd Street. She said, Mr. Tweedy in high school was very influential in what I chose to study in college. She attended the University of Rochester, graduating with a BS in Chemistry.

Joanne was a Bausch and Lomb scholar, which meant that she was honored with a Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award as an outstanding high school student. Winners of that award were considered automatically for the Bausch and Lomb Science Scholarship at the University of Rochester. Competition for this covetous award was fierce and based on the overall strength of the students application for admission.

(In an old copy of the Vic Tribune, the high school newspaper at the time, both Joanne MacLeod and Walt Rupprecht had a headline on the front page saying they had achieved a perfect marking period, earning an "A" in each subject. I gave the copy to them.)

After graduating from high school in 1947, Joanne got a job at Scott Foresman in Chicago for the summer, and in September of 1947 she entered the University of Rochester. Joanne said, I was hired as a file clerk at Scott Foresman, but on the first day I was there, they needed help in balancing some figures. I never worked a day as a file clerk.

Scott Foresman published the Dick and Jane readers, and for 40 years, five-year-olds learned all about Dick, Jane, and Spot.

In the summers of 1948, 1949 and 1950, Joanne worked at The Dow Chemical Co.

The Rupprechts came from Germany to Frankenmuth, Michigan, in 1852. Both sets of grandparents on Walts side are German. Walts mom, Lois Kundinger, was born in the small town of Sebewaing, Michigan. Walts dad, also named Walter Rupprecht, was born in Frankenmuth.

Walts dad graduated from the University of Detroit with an engineering degree and had a job working at the Packard Motor Car Company in Detroit. Someone told him that Packard was not going to be in business long and that a chemical company in the small town of Midland, Michigan might be a good place to look for a permanent job. The director of the five-year co-op program at Packard thought that Walter had the makings of a promising career. In 1925, he came to Midland.

The year 1925 was a red-letter year for the young Walter Rupprecht. He had a job at The Dow Chemical Co. and he married the young woman he was in love with, Lois Kundinger, on June 14, 1925. The young couple was feted with two celebrations, one in Saginaw and one in Sebewaing.

In 1929, Lois gave birth to their only child, who was named Walter, after his father. Dr. Wilbur Towsley officiated at the birth in the Rupprecht apartment on Townsend Street in Midland.

After moving from the apartment on Townsend, the Rupprecht family lived in a small garage house at 2020 Ashman Street, and later a brick home was built there. Walt said, I lived there my whole life until I married Joanne on June 16, 1951.

Walt attended elementary school at Second Ward, then junior high on Grove Street, and graduated from Midland Senior High in 1947. It was in senior high that he began dating Joanne MacLeod in the 10th grade.

Part II of the Walter and Joanne (MacLeod) Rupprecht Story will appear on July 21.
The Michigan Pheasant Hunting Initiative (MPHI) is a grassroots effort created by devoted small-game hunter Ken Dalton, of Lapeer, who has been dismayed by the steadily dropping numbers of small game hunters in Michigan and decided to do something about it.

According to Dalton, something had to be created to instill in more people the true joy of small-game hunting, and he readily remembers when small-game hunters way outnumbered deer hunters. This was due in large part to the ring-neck pheasant, which would have scores of hunters and bird-dogs out in the fields seeking out this very unique (and quite delicious) gamebird. During Michigans pheasant hunting heyday, the multitudes of visiting hunters were truly a great boon to local economies.

Although the ring-neck pheasant is a non-native bird species, it certainly has become naturalized in this country and in 1943 even became the state bird of South Dakota, where pheasants were first released in 1898.

The first major pheasant releases in Michigan occurred in 1917, with the first pheasant season opening on Oct. 15, 1925 in southern Michigan. (In 1952, the opening date was changed to Oct. 20, which it has remained ever since.)

Pheasant hunting quickly became a major outdoor pastime for hunters in the state for the next 40 years (with schools even being closed on the opening day). It was during the mid-1960s when the wild pheasant numbers began to plummet, primarily due to the steady changing of required habitat caused by new farming techniques (which included newly developed herbicides and insecticides), combined with a series of severe winter conditions.

Almost overnight, it seemed, the wild ring-neck pheasant all but disappeared. It did, however, manage to survive wherever the habitat allowed, albeit in small pockets of cover. The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) that started in the 1980s which placed farmlands into grasslands, was, and still is, a great asset for wild pheasants.

About the same time as CRP began, Pheasants Forever (PF) came into effect to greatly assist matters nationwide with a main focus on proper habitat, and certainly does a great and dedicated job.

To also assist the pheasant, the Michigan Pheasant Restoration Initiative (MPRI) was created by the Michigan DNR in 2011 to have private landowners form cooperatives to create large blocks of cover, and this remains an ongoing and positive effort.

Although Michigans wild pheasant has been able to hang on wherever proper habitat allows it to survive and propagate, it is primarily a private farmland game bird species. And gaining permission to hunt on private property, especially for large groups of hunters, is not as easy as it once was.

For this reason, Ken Dalton created the Michigan Pheasant Hunting Initiative (MPHI), which provides pheasant hunting opportunities on public land for all hunters, to once again instill the love of small-game hunting and to recruit and retain new hunters.

This effort is not to be confused with Michigans Put and Take pheasant program of the 1970s, when hunters were often waiting for the truck to arrive and release pen-reared pheasants. Dalton has arranged with the Michigan Gamebird Breeders Association to provide quality (roosters only) pheasants and to secretly release them after hours in set locations during an ongoing pheasant season.

Thanks to funding provided by state lawmakers, Daltons dedicated efforts came to fruition during the 2019 pheasant seasons, with roosters being released in 11 State Game Areas in southern Michigan.

All that was required for someone to participate was a free pheasant stamp, and by all accounts, it was a great success entailing a lot of folks enjoying the hunt, many of whom had never hunted pheasants before. However, the pandemic put a halt to matters in 2020, and no birds were released during that hunting season.

When the 2021 Michigan hunting licenses became available this past spring, there was a bit of confusion, not only with purchasers, but also by those doing the license selling, about a new $25 Pheasant License.

It is clear that the word hadnt gotten out about all that is entailed in the new license. To begin, the pheasant license is NOT required in order to hunt pheasants on private land or on hunting preserves, but it is required to hunt pheasants on any state-owned property and Hunter Access Program (HAP) grounds in the Lower Peninsula (it is not required in the Upper Peninsula).

Also, youth hunters under the age of 18 are not required to purchase a pheasant license.

The $25 license is necessary to pay for the birds being released in the hopes that the MPHI program will become self-supporting.

As Dalton points out, 21 states (including South Dakota) release pheasants each fall for hunters, and most require participating hunters to purchase an earmarked pheasant license (or stamp) to assist in paying for the program. It is also Daltons hope to even attract out-of-state pheasant hunters to Michigan, with an overall goal of having pheasant hunting once again rejuvenate local economies.

A prime example is South Dakota, which places a priority on pheasant hunting as economically important and attracts a lot of pheasant hunters from all over the country, including Michigan, to have a very unique outdoor experience.

There is nothing quite like the sight of a raucous and gaudy rooster pheasant suddenly flushing up into an autumn sky, as well as sharing the warm camaraderie of fellow hunters and their bird dogs. It is definitely a world unto itself (having been a farm kid in the Thumb, it is the world I grew up in, and I cherished every moment).

At present, not as many State Game Areas (SGA) will be involved in the MPHI program as were available in 2019, and thus far, none are in the Thumb. The MDNR Wildlife Division is reviewing matters, including pheasant license sales, and only time will tell if or when more public ground will become available.

According to Dalton, HAP acres on private farmland are also being considered, which I believe is a fantastic option. He is hoping more public land becomes involved in the MPHI program to allow easier access for a lot of pheasant hunters.

Dalton also hopes to bring back a rooster-tail contest, which was once quite a very popular commodity during a pheasant season. This often came down to the total number of black bars in the longest tail feather. For a fact, I know when there are 30 or more bars, you have quite a long tail feather from a dandy rooster!

In regards to the wild pheasants in the Thumb (which was Michigans pheasant hunting hotspot during the heyday), birds have been experiencing ideal weather conditions this year wherever the habitat allows. There was a good carryover of birds during the winter, with plenty of rooster-crowing in May during the typical pheasant breeding period.

The ongoing drought, while rough on farmers, offered fantastic conditions for nesting and chick-rearing hens. Ive recently seen s number of successful broods, with the chicks being able to already fly. Typically, about 90% of the wild roosters harvested during a given pheasant season (and only roosters can be legally harvested) were hatched during the summer.

The average life expectancy of a wild pheasant is one year, and harvesting surplus roosters actually has no impact on the overall bird population from one year to the next. An important key is to have a good winter carryover of hens in proper habitat and to have great nesting/hatching weather with a high chick survivability. There are always enough roosters around to take care of matters during the breeding season.

Needless to say, folks, I have already purchased a Michigan Pheasant License. Although I have access to private land pheasant hunting opportunities, I also frequently hunt public land, and thanks to preseason scouting, I do have some favorite spots. I also fully support the MPHI program and wish to do my part to allow others to enjoy the wonderful outdoor pastime of pheasant hunting in Michigan.

Ken Dalton goes by Mr. Pheasident of MPHI. For more information, call him at 810-358-9372 or go to www.mphi.info.

Email Tom Lounsbury at tlounsburyoutdoors@gmail.com
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - A Libyan coast guard patrol boat on Tuesday rescued 16 illegal migrants of various nationalities who were heading towards the European coast on a rubber dinghy, the Libyan naval headquarters said
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Two bodies were exhumed on Wednesday from a mass grave located in the "Agricultural Project" area, in Tarhouna town, 5km south of Tripoli, after continuous search by teams of the Libyan General Authority for the Search and Identification of Missing Persons
NORMAL  College communities could see a boost in population numbers this fall  and that's being closely watched in Normal.

Challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic led to the U.S. Census Bureau changing and updating some policies in how colleges report student populations.

"It ended up being a really good thing," said Alyssa Cooper, community planner for the McLean County Regional Planning Commission who led the county's Complete Count Committee. "I think all college towns will really appreciate this because everyone will be counted, and that means more accurate population numbers, more accurate funding for programs and things like that."

Census counts conducted every 10 years determine how much federal funding is directed to a community, but the pandemic caused extensive delays.

As cases of COVID-19 rapidly spread across the country, the U.S. Census Bureau in March 2020 first allowed universities to partake in its Group Quarters Operation, which allowed all students living in university-owned housing to be automatically counted.

With classes switching to online and students returning to live with their parents, the bureau in June 2020 asked all colleges and universities to provide a full roster of students living off-campus. The move allowed the Census Bureau to count students where they would have lived on April 1, 2020.

Students living off-campus are typically meant to self-report as any other resident would since they live in their college or university town the majority of the year, Cooper said. But, some may incorrectly report their residency out of confusion if they temporarily return to their hometowns.

Despite the changes in the reporting system, not every Illinois State University student may have been counted due to student privacy laws, said Hariette Steinbach, assistant director in the Center for Civic Engagement. But Steinbach, who led ISU's census campaign, said the university does expect a larger population reported than previous years due to the reporting changes.

"I do believe that an additional few thousand students were able to be reported to the Census Bureau," said Steinbach. "Even though we know we were not able to fully report the approximately 20,000 students (enrolled), we still feel really good about what we were able to report and believe that it was significantly higher than it was 10 years ago."

Watch now: Biden delivers speech from Crystal Lake, Illinois President Joe Biden is delivering a speech at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake.

Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

Illinois Wesleyan University has a student population of 1,636, with 18% coming from out of state.

In April the U.S. Census Bureau announced the resident population of the United States on April 1, 2021 was 331,449,281, a 7.4% increase from the 2010 Census.

Illinois was named one of three states to lose population in the last decade, and is one of seven to lose a seat on the U.S. House of Representatives.

But redistricting data, which includes local area population counts that states use for redrawing legislative lines, was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Census Bureau anticipates releasing the full redistricting data by Sept. 30.

For McLean County, the self-response rate in 2020 was 72.9% compared to the 72.6% rate in 2010, Cooper said in a previous interview with The Pantagraph.

We know there will be a boost, but we dont know how much of a boost there will be," said Normal Mayor Chris Koos. "The county, the city of Bloomington, worked in tandem with some other agencies to make sure we could get it as good of count as we could get. Everyone who worked on that seemed pretty happy that we got an accurate count.

He added, "I think we're going to see continued growth."

Without the official data it is impossible to determine how changing college and university reporting for students will affect overall population, said Eric Hanson, Normal assistant city manager who represented the town on the county's census committee.

Overall, I think despite the fact that we did a census in the pandemic, we had a great team, we had a great partnership with a number of groups," said Hanson. "We do think we got a good count (from the university), but we also think we got a good community count from the process despite some of the challenges from the pandemic.

Contact Sierra Henry at 309-820-3234. Follow her on Twitter: @pg_sierrahenry.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
BRACEVILLE  Authorities on Wednesday released details about a fatal three-vehicle crash on Interstate 55 in Grundy County that injured a Pontiac man.

The crash near milepost 229.5 was at about 4:52 p.m. Friday, according to Illinois State Police. James D. Warner, 49, of St. Louis, was pronounced dead at the scene,

The Pontiac resident, 49, was one of three people transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

Police said Warner, driving a Chevrolet Impala, drifted out of the lane for an unknown reason, through the center median and into oncoming traffic in the southbound lane.

The crash caused all I-55 southbound and northbound lanes to be closed for about an hour and a half before one northbound lane was opened. All lanes were opened about eight hours after the crash.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Chicagoans celebrating their first relatively normal Fourth of July in two years were met with the usual markers of a long holiday weekend in the summer: scorching heat, fireworks, crowds of people downtown and along the lakefront, and bouts of mayhem, including at least 108 people shot.

Among those shot over the long weekend were two police officers, a 6-year-old girl and her mother, and a group of six people. First responders in the city and suburbs were busy with fires and injuries resulting from illegal fireworks, as well as water rescues and boating crashes as sun-seekers flocked to Lake Michigan, where $30 flat-rate parking angered some. And hundreds of young people and Chicago police officers flooded the Loop Sunday, sometimes clashing while fireworks exploded and dumpster contents went up in flames.

President Joe Biden previously set Independence Day as a key turning point in the countrys vaccination campaign, with the goal of giving at least one shot to 70% of Americans. Nationwide, the country has fallen short, but Illinois has largely reached the goal, which paved the way for a local holiday celebration without the social distancing guidelines that have diminished holidays in the past year.

Still, alarming gun violence levels in Chicago marred the otherwise triumphal return to normal, with at least 17 people killed in shootings between late Friday afternoon and early Tuesday, along with two people who were fatally stabbed.

A mass shooting in the Washington Park neighborhood left two men dead. A 67-year-old man was killed when he was stabbed Friday afternoon on a CTA bus. Among those killed was a 45-year-old woman whose alleged killer was immediately shot by a man with a concealed handgun and a 19-year-old National Guard member.

Chrys Carvajal, of Portage Park, was identified by his family as the Guardsman who was shot in the back and abdomen around 1:30 a.m. Saturday in the Belmont Cragin community.

At a news conference Sunday, Carvajals sister Jennifer Ramirez said he was home on leave from basic training for less than a month before he was killed leaving a house party.

He was fighting for our country, Ramirez said at the news conference. He comes to Chicago, and he gets killed in the streets.

Among those injured in shootings were at least four children younger than 14, including the 6-year-old girl who was wounded along with her mother in a drive-by shooting in West Pullman early Monday. That happened hours after a 5-year-old girl was wounded in the same neighborhood Sunday afternoon. A fifth child, an 11-year-old, suffered a critical injury to the chest while at the scene of a shooting Sunday evening on the South Side, but it was not clear whether that was due to a gunshot wound or some other injury.

As weve seen too many times, tragically, someone else is being targeted and the unintended target, an innocent child, is struck, Chicago police Superintendent David Brown told reporters Monday.

Six teenagers were shot in the span of about 8 hours Monday afternoon into Tuesday.

Two police officers were shot and wounded early Monday while dispersing a crowd in the South Austin neighborhood. Both are expected to recover, police said.

Fireworks contributed to the weekend mayhem, as the Chicago Fire Department reported responding to at least 30 building fires, 27 garage fires and 293 rubbish fires Sunday night through Monday morning.

Many of these responses can reasonably be considered to be the result of fireworks activity, fire officials said on social media.

In south suburban Frankfort, residents of at least two homes were displaced after a blaze erupted Sunday morning due to improperly discarded fireworks, officials there said. The fireworks were thrown out in a garbage can, which caught fire and spread to two houses.

In Waukegan, a man in his 20s was seriously injured in a fireworks explosion Saturday night. He suffered facial injuries after a firework was discharged from a makeshift or prepackaged tube, Waukegan authorities said.

On the water, 11 people were rescued from a sinking boat near the 5900 block of South Lake Shore Drive on Saturday morning, police said. Authorities were also investigating after a man was killed on Sunday in a Jet Ski collision near 31st Street Harbor.

Chicago police also arrested 57 people in connection with skirmishes in and around the Loop Sunday night, 50 of whom were juveniles. Crowds of mostly young people reveled downtown. Police at one point tried to move the crowds west, away from Millennium Park. Some people danced, stood on police cars and set off fireworks as Chicago firefighters rushed around, putting out at least two dumpster fires.

For about a decade, Chicago police have periodically dealt with large crowds of teens who gather in the downtown area to spend time along the lakefront or in spots such as Water Tower Place or Millennium Park when the weather starts to warm up.

Police officials implemented strategies under previous department administrations to address the incidents, which often are coordinated via text messages or social networking websites, in downtown and nearby neighborhoods. Police said the youths in many cases come downtown from the South and West sides using mass transit.

But some of the police tactics, which have involved shuttling teens onto trains leaving downtown, have raised red flags for advocates and police watchdogs because the strategies appear to target Black teenagers.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
President Joe Biden will make his first trip to the Chicago area as president Wednesday with a visit to northwest suburban Crystal Lake, where he will push a portion of his domestic agenda aimed at easing the financial burden on working- and middle-class families.

Biden is scheduled to stop at McHenry County College to make the case for creating free community college, extending the child tax credit and achieving universal pre-K education, all facets of his American Families Plan that so far has garnered little support from Republicans.

While Biden carried Crystal Lake in the 2020 election, then-President Donald Trump won McHenry County as a whole, with 50% of the votes to Bidens 47%.

The stop is the latest by Biden to swing regions of the country to highlight his efforts to drive a strong recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, which he has dubbed his Build Back Better agenda.

While Illinois is solidly Democratic, McHenry County is represented by a pair of Democrats in Congress who won seats in historically GOP-leaning areas  U.S. Reps. Lauren Underwood of Naperville and Sean Casten of Downers Grove.

Asked during a briefing Tuesday why the northwest suburbs were chosen for the presidents visit, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden has emphasized he was elected to represent not just Democrats, but also independents and Republicans.

I would see this as less of a political trip and more as an opportunity to speak to all Americans about why his Build Back Better agenda ... is something people of all political stripes should be able to support, Psaki said.

Before arriving in Crystal Lake, Biden is expected to be greeted at OHare International Airport by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. The White House did not release details on how long the president and mayor were scheduled to meet, but Bidens visit comes after Chicago endured one of its most violent weekends of the year  with at least 108 people shot, 17 fatally.

Asked about Chicago violence, Psaki noted that violent crime rates have increased across the country in recent months, noting that summertime often brings the worst spikes.

She said Biden would continue to push in his budget proposal for an additional $300 million for the Department of Justices COPS Hiring Program and $70 million more for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to assist efforts to crack down on illegal gun purchases.

Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

Im sure hell be happy to discuss components of his budget. She may have different things on her agenda, Psaki said of Lightfoot.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Tuesday he would attend Bidens event in Crystal Lake along with a host of other elected Democrats. He called the presidents American Families Plan very important for the people of Illinois.

So many aspects of that plan are about lifting up middle-class families, working-class families who really need help, Pritzker said during an unrelated news conference Tuesday. Im an advocate for it, and I look forward to talking to him about that.

Pritzker also expressed excitement over discussing Bidens bipartisan efforts to pass an infrastructure package that has had Illinois transportation officials dusting off their transit and highway wish lists.

The governor made note of the state infrastructure plan he passed two years ago, funded in part by an increase in the state gas tax. Pritzker said having projects in the pipeline as part of that six-year, $45 billion Rebuild Illinois program means that we will be shovel-ready with our matching funds in order to take advantage of the federal dollars that will come from a federal infrastructure bill.

Watch now: Dental care. Marriage therapy. Smoking cessation. What's included in expanded Medicaid plan Pritzker just signed Illinois residents who have health coverage through Medicaid now have access to more services including mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, smoking cessation and dental services.

Bidens trip to Crystal Lake follows two other stops in politically purple areas in the Midwest that are home to key congressional districts or swing presidential regions.

Biden made a trip to LaCrosse, Wisconsin, last week to promote a bipartisan deal on infrastructure. Western Wisconsin is a key swing area in the key swing state of Wisconsin. Democrat U.S. Rep. Ron Kind narrowly held onto his seat representing the western Wisconsin district, which Biden lost to Trump. The president, however, kept the margins close enough there to defeat Trump in a state the former president won in 2016.

Biden followed that with a July 4 holiday weekend trip to Traverse City, Michigan, to highlight a return to pre-pandemic life in another key area of a swing state. Trump lost Michigan in 2020 after winning the state four years earlier, but won Grand Traverse County with 50.6% of the vote to 47.6% for Biden.

Crystal Lake is in Underwoods district, which was among the closest races in the nation last year. Underwood hung on to defeat former state Sen. Jim Oberweis, winning 50.6% of the vote to 49.3% for Oberweis.

Democrats hold a slim nine-seat margin in the U.S. House, and midterm elections historically have served as difficult political terrain for the party of the sitting president. While Illinois Democrats will look to shore up Underwoods district as part of a new congressional map drawn this year, her seat is still likely to be among the top targeted nationally by Republicans.

Psaki said Tuesday that Biden was eager to see Congresswoman Underwood given shes been such an advocate for the expansion of health care, making it more affordable and accessible and thats something he will continue to advocate for.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
CHICAGO  Air Force One touched down at OHare International Airport shortly before noon Wednesday and President Joe Biden was greeted by Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle on the tarmac before embarking on a brief trip to northwest suburban McHenry County.

Biden and Lightfoot shook hands and spoke briefly before he turned to Preckwinkle. He spoke with both women for a few minutes before boarding a helicopter.

It makes no sense that we have a no-fly list of people who are too dangerous to get on a plane, but yet they can purchase firearms, she said.

White House officials told reporters during the flight to Chicago that Biden had been in touch with Lightfoot about the shootings and offered condolences to the families of the victims.

Lightfoot said she planned to encourage Biden to take steps to hold gun traffickers accountable, including straw purchasers who buy weapons for people who otherwise wouldnt have access to guns.

Biden recently announced a task force based in Chicago and she wants those resources today, and said she wants the Department of Justice to move as fast as possible.

Biden departed the airport and headed toward Crystal Lake, where at McHenry Community College he was expected to push a portion of his domestic agenda aimed at easing the financial burden on working- and middle-class families.

His American Families Plan, which so far has garnered little support from Republicans, would create free community college, extend the child tax credit and push for universal pre-K education.

The stop is the latest by Biden to swing regions of the country to highlight his efforts to drive a strong recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, which he has dubbed his Build Back Better agenda.

Biden carried Crystal Lake in the 2020 election, then-President Donald Trump won McHenry County as a whole, with 50% of the votes to Bidens 47%

While Illinois is solidly Democratic, McHenry County is represented by a pair of Democrats in Congress who won seats in historically GOP-leaning areas  U.S. Reps. Lauren Underwood of Naperville and Sean Casten of Downers Grove.

Asked during a briefing Tuesday why the northwest suburbs were chosen for the presidents visit, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden has emphasized he was elected to represent not just Democrats, but also independents and Republicans.

I would see this as less of a political trip and more as an opportunity to speak to all Americans about why his Build Back Better agenda ... is something people of all political stripes should be able to support, Psaki said.

Bidens visit comes after Chicago endured one of its most violent weekends of the year  with at least 108 people shot, and 17 fatally.

Asked about Chicago violence, Psaki noted that violent crime rates have increased across the country in recent months, noting that summertime often brings the worst spikes.

She said Biden would continue to push in his budget proposal for an additional $300 million for the Department of Justices COPS Hiring Program and $70 million more for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to assist efforts to crack down on illegal gun purchases.

Im sure hell be happy to discuss components of his budget. She may have different things on her agenda, Psaki said of Lightfoot.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker was scheduled to attend Bidens event in Crystal Lake along with a host of other elected Democrats. He called the presidents American Families Plan very important for the people of Illinois.

So many aspects of that plan are about lifting up middle-class families, working-class families who really need help, Pritzker said during an unrelated news conference Tuesday. Im an advocate for it, and I look forward to talking to him about that.

Pritzker also expressed excitement over discussing Bidens bipartisan efforts to pass an infrastructure package that has had Illinois transportation officials dusting off their transit and highway wish lists.

The governor made note of the state infrastructure plan he passed two years ago, funded in part by an increase in the state gas tax. Pritzker said having projects in the pipeline as part of that six-year, $45 billion Rebuild Illinois program means that we will be shovel-ready with our matching funds in order to take advantage of the federal dollars that will come from a federal infrastructure bill.

Republicans, meanwhile, dubbed Bidens trip the more government, more spending tour.

No punch slogan can overshadow the disaster that is the Biden-Harris Administrations plan for America, said Priscilla Ivasco, a spokeswoman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Democrats want more government control no matter how much they have to spend to get there, and their economic policies are leaving American taxpayers with a burdensome tab to pay.

Bidens trip to Crystal Lake follows two other stops in politically purple areas in the Midwest that are home to key congressional districts or swing presidential regions.

Watch now: New Illinois law aims to improve Medicaid, slash costs for some families Illinois residents on Medicaid will have access to more services and some families with children in a state health insurance program may no longer have to pay premiums, thanks to new legislation.

Biden made a trip to LaCrosse, Wisconsin, last week to promote a bipartisan deal on infrastructure. Western Wisconsin is a key swing area in the key swing state of Wisconsin. Democrat U.S. Rep. Ron Kind narrowly held onto his seat representing the western Wisconsin district, which Biden lost to Trump. The president, however, kept the margins close enough there to defeat Trump in a state the former president won in 2016

Biden followed that with a July 4 holiday weekend trip to Traverse City, Michigan, to highlight a return to pre-pandemic life in another key area of a swing state. Trump lost Michigan in 2020 after winning the state four years earlier, but won Grand Traverse County with 50.6% of the vote to 47.6% for Biden.

Crystal Lake is in Underwoods district, which was among the closest races in the nation last year. Underwood hung on to defeat former state Sen. Jim Oberweis, winning 50.6% of the vote to 49.3% for Oberweis.

Democrats currently hold a slim nine-seat margin in the U.S. House, and midterm elections historically have served as difficult political terrain for the party of the sitting president. While Illinois Democrats will look to shore up Underwoods district as part of a new congressional map drawn this year, her seat is still likely to be among the top targeted nationally by Republicans.

Psaki said Tuesday that Biden was eager to see Congresswoman Underwood, given shes been such an advocate for the expansion of health care, making it more affordable and accessible and thats something he will continue to advocate for.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
SPRINGFIELD  On Tuesday, the country marked six months since a violent mob of former President Donald Trump's most extreme supporters breached and ransacked the U.S. Capitol in hopes of halting the certification of President Joe Biden's Electoral College victory.

The events of that day did not stop more than 100 Congressional Republicans from voting to object to the results in Arizona and Pennsylvania.

Among them were Illinois Rep. Mary Miller, R-Oakland, and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia.

Just a few weeks ago, the pair were also among 21 Republicans who voted against awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the officers who defended the Capitol against the rioters.

On Thursday, Greene will headline a fundraiser for Miller in Effingham.

The pair will appear together for "an evening with MTG" at the Thelma Keller Convention Center starting at 7 p.m.

Tickets start at $10 for those 21 and under and $25 for adults. Those who purchase a sponsorship (prices ranging between $500 and $5,800) are entitled to a picture with the two firebrand congresswomen.

"Mary, I cannot wait to come to your district...," Greene says in a video with Miller promoting the event. "...and we are looking forward to seeing all of you there to tell you about our fight against the radical Democrats in Congress who are trying to do everything they can to shred our Constitution and tear our country apart."

The event comes as Miller gears up for a likely reelection campaign in 2022. She was first elected last November, replacing longtime Rep. John Shimkus, who retired.

What her district will look like is still a mystery as state legislative Democrats wait for U.S. Census data before doing the one-a-decade remap.

Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

Greene, also a freshman, has quickly become a national lightening rod. She's a fervent supporter of the former president and has in the past expressed support for QAnon, a far-right conspiracy theory.

Earlier this year, she compared COVID-19 mask mandates in the Capitol to the Holocaust. And just this week, Greene compared Biden vaccination policy to Nazi-era "brown shirts."

Miller, of course, has also gotten in trouble for past comments invoking Adolf Hitler at a pro-Trump rally outside the Capitol in January.

"Hitler was right on one thing," Miller said. "He said, Whoever has the youth has the future."

This drew widespread condemnation, some calls for her to resign and  eventually  an apology.

In this context, the pair have much in common. Though Greene, who has been stripped of her committee assignments by the majority Democrats, is clearly the more national figure of the two.

Having her in the district, which stretches from the Wabash Valley in southeastern Illinois with tentacles into the Metro East, is probably a net positive for Miller as she seeks to shore up her conservative base ahead of a potential primary election next year.

She currently represents what is easily the most conservative district in the state of Illinois, with Trump carrying it in 2020 by a whooping 46-point margin over Biden. And according to the Cook Partisan Voting Index, there are only about two dozen more conservative House districts in the country.

And with the state losing a seat in the upcoming reapportionment, the district is likely to get even bigger and perhaps take in even more downstate, conservative areas.

In a district like that, someone like Greene is a top draw perhaps because of her fervent support of Trump and willingness to attack Democrats, regardless of the facts.

Miller knows her base. She's made that abundantly clear with her voting record in Congress and in her statements. Greene's visit is simply an extension of this.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
A 73-year-old Granite City woman died after a vehicle smashed into a home on Monday and one person has been arrested, the Granite City Police Department said Tuesday.

Virginia Ann Ohren of the 1900 block of Joy Avenue "appeared to have died from injuries sustained during the crash," according to a news release from Major Nick Novacich, the assistant police chief.

The driver of the vehicle was arrested and is awaiting charges to be filed by the Madison County State's Attorney's Office. The driver's name was not released.

Granite City firefighters found Ohren inside the home.

Other details about the crash were not released by police and the investigation is ongoing.

Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 2 Angry 2
BLOOMINGTON  A former Lexington resident who founded a Haitian charity said Wednesday the assassination of the countrys president is another stunning upheaval for the poverty-stricken nation. The death has touched off chaos and an emerging constitutional crisis.

Just how much can the people of Haiti endure? said Shelley McCall Hari, who moved to the Caribbean country in 2017, after founding the group Welcome Home Haiti.

The embattled president, Jovenel Moise, 53, was killed by a squad of gunman in an overnight raid that also injured his wife, who was taken to Miami.

Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph, who confirmed the assassination, told the Associated Press the police and military were in control of security in Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas where a history of dictatorship and political upheaval have long stymied the consolidation of democratic rule.

President Joe Biden before leaving for a speech in northern Illinois on Wednesday called the killing heinous.

We need a lot more information, Biden said in Washington. Its very worrisome about the state of Haiti.

Hari, who is in Central Illinois for two weeks to meet with the Welcome Home Haiti board of directors, said the residents shes talked to are asking how can this happen to a head of state in his own home?

Haiti suffers from much corruption in the government, Hari said. And there are several very wealthy people there who are in opposition to the government and may be motivated to make change.

Hari and her husband Steve founded the organization following a devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010. Nearly 300,000 homes and businesses were destroyed. The group has since helped Haitian employees build 130 homes as well as several schools, clinics and other public buildings.

Hari said violence has been steadily increasing.

Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

The United Nations Peacekeepers were doing a good job controlling violence in Haiti until they left in 2017, she said.

There were soldiers and tanks everywhere and it was peaceful but when they left, conditions deteriorated.

Bocchit Edmond, the Haitian ambassador to the United States, said the attack on Moise was carried out by well-trained professional commandos and foreign mercenaries who were masquerading as agents of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Opposition leaders accused Moise of seeking to increase his power, including by approving a decree that limited the powers of a court that audits government contracts and another that created an intelligence agency that answers only to the president.

He had faced large protests in recent months that turned violent as opposition leaders and their supporters rejected his plans to hold a constitutional referendum with proposals that would strengthen the presidency.

In May, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced an 18-month extension of temporary legal status for Haitians living in the U.S., citing serious security concerns (in Haiti), social unrest, an increase in human rights abuses, crippling poverty, and lack of basic resources, which are exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hari said the country is locked down, with airports and ports closed, although its unlikely to last long because Haiti gets almost of all of its food from imports.

Were supposed to return on July 21, but well see what happens, she said.

For her mission, there is concern lumber prices will increase during the closures. Hari said the pandemic virtually closed their mission during the quarantine but construction crews are back at work and are aiming to triple new homes being built. The charity normally builds one house a month but construction crews are currently building three to four houses a month since returning to work.

Hari said Haitis direction into the future ultimately has to be determined by the people of Haiti.

You cant send in well-meaning people to make a difference, she said. You have to support the people on the ground who are doing the work.

The Associated Press and Chicago Tribune contributed to this report.

Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Did I hear the president of the United States say Americans need to get F-15s and nukes if we really want to keep the government in line?

I did hear it.

Biden apparently was trying to make fun of us gun nuts who say Americans need the protections of the Second Amendment to own firearms in case we have to prevent the government from taking away our liberties.

It was garbled and choppy, because Biden went off the Teleprompter, but he said:

Those who say the blood of patriots, you know, and all the stuff about how were gonna have to move against the government  if you think you need to have weapons to take on the government, you need F-15s and maybe some nuclear weapons.

Today Im not sure if I should buy an F-15 or a bomb shelter  or both.

Bidens address on how his administration intends to combat rising gun violence and soaring crime rates in our biggest cities was another big liberal gift to the gun industry.

It was filled with the usual stupid arguments and unchecked facts from the gun-control crowd.

Biden talked about responsible hunters knowing you dont need to outfit your deer rifle with 100-round clips  clips that dont exist on this planet.

He talked about how we need to ban AR-15 assault rifles (again) to reduce gun violence, even though more Americans are stabbed to death each year than are killed by rifles.

The vast majority of gun homicides  20,000 last year, the highest in 20 years  are committed in cities with handguns  often stolen ones.

Few of those handguns were sold to the shooters by the rogue dealers whom Biden called merchants of death who are breaking the law for profit.

The idea that an up-and-coming gangbanger in the Latin Kings of Chicago stops by the corner gun store to pick up a new Glock on his way to kill a rival is a liberal myth that will not die.

Gun-control nuts, Biden and the liberal media still think buying a gun over the counter is as easy as buying a six-pack, but thats only because theyve never had to buy one.

Here in California, where I live, buying any kind of gun  and ammo  involves a lot of paperwork and a three-day wait for the ATF to do its background check.

My son Cameron and I buy what we need to hunt with all the time at the same gun store.

The owners know exactly who we are, but they arent the ones who do the background check each time we buy a box of shotgun shells  its the government.

The gun store sends the information in and when were approved we go and pick up the shotgun shells. Thats how it works in the real world.

Its pretty clear that people like Biden who are making these decisions have never hunted and never actually had to go out and buy a pistol for protection.

They dont have to buy a gun because the people around them  their bodyguards and private security  do it.

At the end of his address Biden said something about giving high school kids a job instead of a gun when they graduate.

That was a great soundbite, I guess, if you think guns are the main cause of crime.

But what Biden should be calling for is for kids in our cities to be given a proper public education instead of the horrible one theyve been getting for half a century.

About 75 percent of black and brown kids in grammar school are reported to be unable to read or do math at their grade level, yet now theyre being taught critical race theory and that the country was founded on racism.

Oops, sorry. Ive got to stop. The contractor is here to see if I can fix up my garage to fit an F-15.

Michael Reagan is a columnist for by Cagle Cartoons newspaper syndicate.

Love 15 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Photo: (Photo : Martha Barreno/VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

It has been a busy few weeks at a maternity ward in Fort Worth, Texas. The medical staff delivered 107 babies within four days, affirming what the experts said about a baby boom in the middle of a pandemic.

From June 24 and 25, the labor and delivery staff workers at the Andrews Women's Hospital at Baylor Scott and White All Saints Medical Center welcomed 52 births, followed by 55 births on June 28.

The popular Texas hospital is used to high volumes of baby deliveries, but the administrators said in an official statement that the recent births have been "rare and exceptional." The hospital even beat its previous record of 48 baby deliveries in 41 hours in 2018.

Read Also: Parents Demand Amazon To Change Alexa's Name To Stop Bullying

Reports cited that many of the babies were named Atlas, Daniel, or Isaiah for the boys, while around six baby girls born from these groups were named Gianna. Reign was also a favorite name for the girls.

A Dedicated Women's Hospital

Commonly called Baylor Scott and White, the Fort Worth hospital is the only dedicated women's hospital in town and averagely sees 6,000 deliveries every year. The hospital is a premier 63-bed facility for providing neonatal intensive care for the tiniest newborns dealing with medical issues.

The NICU team at Baylor Scott and White are highly skilled and trained, from the doctors and nurses down to the social workers, as they work together with various families. The hospital is also recognized as a Level IV maternal care center by the Department of State Health Services, which provides comprehensive, high-quality medical care for pregnant mothers and their babies.

Expecting the Uptick in Deliveries

Michelle Stenley, the hospitals' nursing director, said via Kera News that they were expecting the baby boom some nine months after the first stay-at-home orders, but that didn't happen by December 2020 or January 2021. The births started peaking this early June, with Stenley saying that the parents might have taken a few more months after the quarantine to get comfortable and planned making babies.

The nursing director said that Baylor Scott and White is currently overwhelmed with pregnant moms that they need to get creative and sustain their efficient system to accommodate all of the maternity patients.

Turnover at the labor and delivery department has been quicker and, when possible, the new moms are immediately brought to the postpartum floor. One mom confirmed that she spent just 39 minutes from the hospital driveway to delivering her third child in the prep room as the labor and delivery sections were full. The nurses were also taking extra shifts because more help was needed.

It comes as a study from the experts at the University of Michigan revealed that the COVID-19 lockdowns had reversed the downward trend of pregnancy and births in recent years. Dr. Molly Stout said there had been a "dramatic rebound" and signs of a summertime baby boom.

The experts noted that a baby boom also occurred during the influenza pandemic in 1918, the Great Depression in 1929, and the recession in America in 2008.

Related Article: Child Care Assistance Programs Dramatically Expand In 4 States
Photo: (Photo : INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)

Parents at the Clarke County School District (CCSD) in Georgia are asking the local government to impose a face mask mandate after learning kids going on summer school will no longer have to wear the protective gear.

In a petition on Change.Org, more than a hundred parents supported the call to let the children continue to wear a face mask at the summer enrichment programs. The mothers and fathers also said that the face mask mandate must be carried over during the 2021-2022 school year.

The parents also pointed out that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not changed its stand on wearing a face mask for children under 12 years old since they have yet to be vaccinated from the coronavirus. They also urged the school district to do more for the children eligible for vaccine shots since the vaccine rate for kids above 12 years to 18 years old in their community is at 37.1 percent as of June 2021.

In-Person Classes to Start in August

Clarke County School District will return to in-person classes in the first week of August, and virtual classrooms will no longer apply for elementary and middle school students. After-school activities will also resume despite the low vaccination rates in the county.

Read Also: Pfizer Kids Vaccine Against COVID-19 for Below 12 Could be Ready for Approval by Fall

One mother shared her worries about the emergence of the more dominant Delta variant in the U.S., emphasizing how "urgent and necessary" it is for unvaccinated kids to wear a face mask.

The mother also said that the school district has not yet clearly stated nor communicated its plans for the upcoming school season about the COVID-19 safety protocols in schools.

However, in a statement, CCSD said that they are still waiting for the updated guidelines from the CDC before releasing specific face mask guidelines.

"We will announce a decision regarding mask requirements as soon as possible," the CCSD stated. "Social distancing, hand washing, and other recommended mitigation measures will continue to be in place during the school day."

The school is also asking parents and guardians not to let their children come to school if they are sick or if someone in their household has had a COVID-19 positive result.

Face Mask Shouldn't Be Forced

However, a study published in the journal JAMA Network does not recommend a face mask mandate for children between the ages of 6 to 17 years old. The experts from Poland, Germany, and Austria saw evidence of concerning carbon dioxide levels in the masks of the children who participated in the study. The traces of carbon dioxide appeared within three minutes of wearing the mask.

The experts said that the younger children presented the highest values of carbon dioxide levels. On average, children wear face masks for 4.5 hours a day if they are in school.

In a larger study involving 25,000 children in Germany, the parents said that their kids complained of headaches, irritability, and difficulty concentrating with a face mask on. The experts said that most of these complaints are "consequences of elevated carbon dioxide levels."

Related Article: The Delta Variant of COVID-19: What Parents Should Do To Protect Their Kids
This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact the Parsons Sun office at (620) 421-2000 if you have any questions
SITA says it has implemented its new-generation of passenger processing infrastructure at Vaclav Havel Airport in Prague, Czech Republic, paving the way to a completely touchless, mobile passenger journey at the airport.

Its new TS6 Kiosks work together with the next-generation SITA Flex platform, offering what the company says is a fluid and intuitive experience for passengers and increased agility for the airport.

') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write(' ') } // --> ') } else if (width >= 425) { console.log ('largescreen'); document.write('') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write('') } // -->

Beyond optimizing the current experience for passengers, the new platform empowers Prague Airport to move from the traditional passenger journey to a more efficient and seamless digital passenger journey using mobile, self-service and automated solutions on-site and off-site, SITA says. This means in the future passengers will be able to complete various steps in the journey such as check-in and bag drop from their cell phone or using their biometric identity, improving passenger satisfaction and streamlining the flow of passengers through the airport.

Part of this solution is the deployment of 35 TS6 check-in kiosks that allow passengers to check in with ease and, with the support of SITA Flex, enjoy a unified experience no matter which airline they are flying. The kiosks are complemented by overhead displays and integrate with SITA Flex, which is designed to be cloud-based and can be switched on the moment an airline develops a cloud-based app. As a result, airlines can transform their passengers journeys, building on or tailoring existing passenger processing infrastructure and software.

Martin Kucera, director of Prague Airport Operations, said, This investment in our terminal infrastructure is as much about todays requirements as it is about preparing us for a new automated and more digitalized passenger journey in the future. Based on the open tender, SITA has offered us a long-term solution that allows us to bring even better customer experience to our passengers while using the maximum functionality of the technology implemented at Prague Airport, the gateway to the Czech Republic.

Sergio Colella, SITA president for Europe, added, The pressure the pandemic poses on the industry is severe and the challenges to face are complex. Airports must manage the current financial strain from low flight volumes while also readying themselves for future sustainable growth. With this deployment of SITA Flex and TS6 Kiosks, were proud to support Prague Airport in addressing both challenges, and were excited to see passengers return to safer, smarter and more seamless air travel.
Pauls Valley, OK (73075)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. High 91F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies this evening followed by thunderstorms late. Low 73F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
The Accra High Court has varied the bail conditions for one of the 10 persons accused of plotting to overthrow the government and destabilise the country.



Johannes Zikpi, a civilian employee of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), who was previously on bail in the sum of GH2 million with two sureties, both to be justified, will now be on bail in the sum of GH1million, with two sureties, both to be justified.



The three-member panel of the court, presided over by Justice Afia Serwaah AsareBotwe, varied the bail conditions for Zikpi following an application by his lawyers.



Application



Counsel for the Zipki, Mr Anthony Lartey, said his client had been unable to meet the conditions since he was granted bail more than five months ago, and, therefore, prayed the court to vary the conditions.





Our humble prayer is that the bail conditions be reduced from GH2 million with two sureties, all to be justified to, GH1 million with two sureties, one to be justified, he said.



The Attorney General (A-G), Mr Godfred Yeboah Dame, opposed the application and argued the initial bail was commensurate with the offence of treason.



Mr Dame prayed the court that in the event it decided to vary the bail conditions, the court could reduce the bail sum, but maintain the number of sureties to be justified.



The court agreed with the A-G and accordingly varied the bail sum, maintaining the sureties to be justified.





Not guilty



The 10 accused persons are alleged to be part of Take Action Ghana (TAG), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), which the prosecution argues had been planning to destabilise the country and take over the reins of government.



They are Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Dr Benjamin Agordzo, Colonel Samuel Kodzo Gameli and Dr Frederick Mac-Palm, the Director of the Citadel Hospital in Accra.



The others are Donya Kafui, a blacksmith; Bright Alan Debrah Ofosu, a fleet manager.



The rest  Corporal Seidu Abubakar, Lance Corporal Ali Solomon, Corporal Sylvester Akanpewon and Warrant Officer II Esther Saan Dekuwine  are all soldiers.



ACP Dr Agordzo and Col. Gameli have pleaded not guilty to abetment of high treason, while the rest have pleaded not guilty to high treason and conspiracy to commit high treason.



Prosecutions facts



It is the case of the prosecution that the accused persons used TAG as a platform to mobilise in order to destabilise the country and overthrow the government.



It said as part of the plot, Dr Mac-Palm, who is accused of being the mastermind, along with Kafui and Debrah, had planned kidnapping the President, the Vice-President, the Speaker of Parliament and the Chief of the Defence Staff and force the President to announce his overthrow.



Again, there were discussions on whether or not to kill the President in the process of overthrowing the government, the prosecution said.



With regard to ACP Agordzo, the prosecution said he joined a WhatsApp platform of TAG created by Dr Mac-Palm, where the group discussed a planned demonstration which was likened to the Arab Spring.



The prosecution said ACP Agordzo donated GH2,000 to TAG to aid its cause and also drafted a speech for Dr Mac-Palm to be read at the planned demonstration by TAG.



Request refused



In a related development, the court has refused a request by a lawyer to adjourn the trial for two weeks.



Mr Victor Kojoga Adawudu, who is lawyer for four of the 10 accused persons, sent a letter to the court pleading for the trial to be adjourned for two weeks to enable him attend to a medical checkup.



The court, however, rejected counsels request, describing it as unreasonable.

Source: graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, has urged the Presbyterian Church of Ghana to be bold and privatise its schools if it really wants to instill the values of the church in its students.



In the view of Prof. Owusu, who is a member of the Church, the core values upon which all of its schools were founded was gradually fading away, and warned that the principles of the church might not be upheld in future.



Speaking at the third Education Consultation for heads of Presbyterian Education Institutions at Abokobi near Madina last Tuesday, he indicated that so long as the church relied on the government for running of its schools, enforcement of its religious values would be problematic.



The forum assembled all heads of the various Presbyterian educational institutions to render an account on their activities in the year under review and brainstorm ways to enhance quality education in the schools.



Be bold



"The church should be bold enough to make an indication that they want to run their schools purely on business so in that case, they are going to ask government to stay out of it. So the governments contribution will be no more. The school will take care of everything and then they can institute their values.



"Otherwise, if they sit and allow government to be paying remunerations, then of course there is no way they can take over and the rules of Ghana Education Service will forever prevail over the churchs," he said.



Concerns



Prof. Owusu's remarks come on the back of widespread concerns among faith-based schools about their inability to fully enforce the adoption of its religious and moral tenets in the schools.



These concerns were amplified when an Accra High Court, recently, ruled in favour of two Rastafarian students who had earlier been denied admission into the Achimota Senior High School on grounds that they refused to shave their dreadlocks.



Whereas some human and child rights activists hailed the ruling, a substantial block of public opinion opposed the ruling, fearing that "it would open the floodgates for indiscipline in the schools."



Privatisation



Prof. Owusu further indicated that although it may be challenging for the church to fully manage its schools at the initial stages, it would be successful if "they think through with time."



The church can float shares and allow people to buy shares to run the schools. They may also look elsewhere for an amount of money but the schools will be purely run on business and through that it would be able to generate enough money to pay back" he proposed.



Moderator



Later in an interview, the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, Rt Rev. Prof. Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante welcomed Prof. Owusu's proposal, saying the church was very much concerned about the moral development of children in its schools.



He, however, indicated that the issue of ensuring morale value could not be done alone by the Presbyterian Church, but would require society at large to agree on building an environment that would encourage the acceptance of essential moral and social values.



"We are not happy about how individuals these days are interpreting personal and human freedoms. The very important discipline that every nation needs is moral education and that's why we think that good education should be done in an environment of serious moral values," he said.



For his part, a deputy Minister of Education, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour said the Ministry Education had thoroughly engaged all faith-based organisations for the development of universal guidelines to regulate the activities of faith-based schools in the country.









Source: graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The Minister of Agriculture, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, has begun a six-day tour of five (5) regions across the country.



The tour forms part of the government's plans to increase production in six tree crops--cashew, coffee, rubber, shea butter, coconut and palm oil.



It was also to afford the minister the chance to see progress or otherwise of government's flagship programmePlanting for Food and Jobs. The four regions are Ahafo, Bono, Bono East, Ashanti and Eastern Regions.



Addressing journalists in Ahafo regional capital of Goaso which was his first port of call last Monday, Dr Afriyie Akoto said the government has resolved to turn its attention to the cultivation of more tree crops to ensure that the country rakes in the full benefit.

.

He said the government was determined to place much premium on six more tree crops production.



Addressing journalists, the minister charged the District Director in charge of Asunafo South, Kofi Senti, to, as a matter of urgency, ensure that irrigation facilities in the region were maintained to support this initiative by the government.



And though cashew production was making some progress in the region, he was disappointed at the breakdown of its processing plant at Mim. He, therefore, assured that his ministry would ensure that the plant works again.



Presenting the overall performance of both crops and animal production in the region, the Regional Director of Agriculture, Mr Kingsford Nyame, observed that despite some progress made, both crops and animal products were faced with some challenges.



These challenges, he said, included the delay in the release of Modernising Agriculture (MAG) funds to District Agriculture Development Units (DADUs) and fertilisers to district assemblies.



He said the above factors impacted the overall performance of crops and animal production in the region.



Inadequate veterinary staff members also contributed to the low output in the production of animals, he added.



The presentation, however, was without the first quarter of 2021 crop yield. This did not sit well with the minister who was obviously not happy.



According to Mr Nyame, there was a marginal increase in yields of crops like maize, cassava, rice, cocoyam, yam and plantain in 2020.



For instance, he disclosed that in 2020, rice production recorded 22,028 as compared to 10,494 in 2019.



Furthermore, the Ahafo regional director of agriculture said animal production in 2020 also saw some increment.



Poultry production, for example, he revealed, recorded a 37.7% increment which is 631,592 in 2020 compared to 393,772 in 2019.



Sheep production recorded a 24% change with 47,202 in 2020 as compared to 35,756 in 2019, he disclosed.



Dr Afriyie Akoto seized the chance to urge the regional agriculture directors to work with a sense of urgency to ensure that the investment made in both crops and animal production were realised.



He also tasked them to encourage more women in agriculture activities.



However, Inputs Dealers Association expressed worry about the rather slow supply of inputs.



Later, the minister and his entourage visited the Kenyasi Prison Farm of about 200 acres of land out of a total of 600 acres and assured that his outfit would provide the needed machinery to uproot tree stumps to enable the expansion of the farm.



"We paid a courtesy call on the chief of Kenyasi who also complained about the road network", he added.



Finally, the minister and his team interacted with some women who were into rice production, and promised to support them with machinery to enable them venture into large scale production.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
A communal clash between some Zongo youth and the youth at Ntonso in the Kwabre East District in the Ashanti Region has left items destroyed.



It also left the windscreens of some vehicles smashed, shops vandalised, traders wares destroyed and rickshaws set ablaze.



The clash is said to have been sparked by some youth from the Ahwiaa Zongo, a suburb of Kwabre, who destroyed items belonging to residents of Ntonso after a night out at Ntonso.



So far, one person has been arrested, with the names of other people suspected to have been involved in the attack coming up.



It is unclear what really sparked the clash between the two groups, but information picked up by the Daily Graphic indicated that some Zongo youth from Ahwiaa and Aboaso were at Ntonso last Sunday evening to have fun at a popular bar there.



While returning to Ahwiaa, and without any provocation, the Zongo youth went on rampage and destroyed shops and even entered houses to destroy items.



That information was corroborated by the Kwabre East District Chief Executive, Nana Osei Assibey Bonsu, who said early in the morning, when the youth of Ntonso saw the damage caused the previous day, they assumed that it was done by the Zongo youth from Ahwiaa and went on a reprisal attack there.



He said the police had to call for support from Ntonso, which in turn called for reinforcement from the Mamponteng Police District and the Tafo Divisional offices to bring the situation under control.



Measures



He said the District Security Council had held an emergency meeting with all the stakeholders and asked that all economic activities cease by 8 p.m. yesterday.



Nana Bonsu said this is just a precautionary measure to ensure that nobody takes advantage of the dark to do anything.



According to him, for now there is relative calm. The police will be patrolling the town and anyone found after 8 p.m. holding any harmful weapon will be arrested.



He said drinking bars had also been asked to close down until further notice.



He said per the rules of the assembly, the bar in question should have closed at 10 p.m. but it operated till 2 a.m. when the first incident was said to have taken place.



Rival clashes



In 2018, there was a similar clash between Akan and Zongo youth at Ahwiaa, leading to the death of one person.



In the said clash, properties worth thousands of Ghana cedis were also destroyed.





Source: graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has revealed that fire hydrants within the Central Business District (CBD) of Accra have been sealed since 1992.



The situation, according to the service, had made fire-fighting and rescue mission very difficult for the service.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra Tuesday [July 6, 2021], the Chief Fire Officer (CFO), Mr Edwin Ekow Blankson, said efforts by the GNFS to have the hydrants reopened by the Ghana Water Company Limited had proved futile.



He explained that the hydrants were under the management of the GWCL, and for as long as he could remember, the GNFS had been engaging the GWCL to rectify the challenge, but nothing seemed to come from it.



"There is very little we can do about the hydrants because they are managed by the GWCL," the CFO intimated.



He, therefore, appealed to the GWCL to, as a matter of urgency, restore the sealed hydrants to make the work of the GNFS easier.



Hydrants are devices for extracting water from pipelines and water distribution systems.



They are connection points into which firefighters can tap for water supply faster in the event of a fire.



Hydrants are a critical piece of any emergency response system used to preserve lives and properties in case of fire outbreaks.



There are two types of fire hydrants - underground and above-ground pillar-type hydrants.



Essential to fire fighting



Mr Blankson explained that the sealed hydrants, which are placed at strategic locations within the CBD, were to aid the GNFS in its fire-fighting and rescue missions.



"They serve as an essential part of the fire-fighting process, as they allow us access to a steady flow of water during operations," he said.



Backlash



Reacting to public outcry and backlash over the supposed inability of the GNFS to deal with the Makola fire which resulted in extensive damage, CFO Blankson said his men and women should rather be commended for containing the fire.



He explained that the fire tenders which went to the scene arrived with water, and the service called for more water which never arrived.



He revealed that the GNFS had a collaboration with a private provider to provide the service with back-up water in times of crisis; however, the private provider failed to show up after several calls were made to it.



CFO Blankson further indicated that the men on the ground later got to understand that the private provider had failed to show up because the last time it rendered service to the GNFS, it was given coupons, instead of cash, hence its failure to show up.



He, however, added that the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Prisons Service were at the scene to assist firemen on the ground and expressed appreciation to them.



Challenges



Mr Blankson explained that the combustible nature of items in the building escalated the fire, while some challenges encountered during the operation did not make the task any easier.



Touching on challenges faced by the team dispatched to the scene, the CFO said firemen had to go to the Kwame Nkrumah Circle and surrounding communities for water due to the unavailability of water in the CBD.



That, coupled with road traffic difficulties and the uncooperative attitude of the public, added to the unfortunate situation.



Additionally, he said, the GNFS had to wait for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to cut off power to the building and the area as a whole before proceeding to put out the fire.



He gave an assurance of the GNFS's commitment to fight fire and safeguard properties.



Procurement



The CFO said the government was in the process of acquiring new equipment worth $61 million for the service.



He explained that the public procurement authority had approved proposals for the purchase of the equipment, and that the service was awaiting parliamentary approval for the budget to secure the equipment.



GWCL



When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Water Company Limited, Mr Stanley Martey, declined comment on the sealed hydrants.



He explained that the GWCL was not privy to the content of the press conference organised by the GNFS and would not be in a position to respond to it.



Mr Martey gave an assurance to respond to the issues raised by the GNFS in due course.









Source: graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The Director-General of State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng, has urged constituents of the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Constituency to rally behind their Member of Parliament (MP), Mr George Mireku Duker, as the government works to improve the lives of Ghanaians.



He said it was important that the constituents remembered how far God had brought them and the need to be steadfast in their endeavours.



Thanksgiving



Mr Asamoah Boateng, popularly known as Asabee made the call when he joined Mr Duker, who is also the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, at an Interdenominational Thanksgiving and Gospel Show in the constituency in appreciation of God's guidance towards him and the entire government over the years on Sunday, July 4, 2021.



The spirit-filled ceremony had top artistes such as Diana Hamilton, Omane Acheampong, Chief Supt. Kofi Sarpong and Great Ampong in attendance.



Also present were the Western Regional Minister, Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah; the Chief Director of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Prof. Patrick Agbesinyale, and traditional leaders.



Free speech



Mr Asamoah Boateng noted that the NPP government promoted freedom of speech and the protection of individual liberties.



He said the government appreciated constructive comments and criticisms.





For his part, Mr Duker thanked Mr Asamoah Boateng for mentoring him when he was a young man.



He recounted his youthful years as the Assistant Secretary of the Mfantseman West Constituency when Mr Asamoah Boateng was the MP.



He said when Mr Asamoah Boateng was appointed as the Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Environment during President J. A. Kufuor's government, he (Asabee) also appointed him as his Special Assistant.



Mr Duker acknowledged Mr Asamoah Boatengs humility, can-do spirit and forthright approach in dealing with difficult issues.







Source: graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has opened the 2nd edition of the International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (IMDEC 21) with a call on countries bordering the Gulf of Guinea and stakeholders in the international maritime industry to collaborate and develop a regional and international framework to address the rising scourge of piracy along the coast.



IMDEC 21, co-hosted by the Ghana Navy and the Ghana Air Force, is bringing together participants from over 70 countries including Ghanas Minister for Defence, Hon Dominic Nitiwul, about 15 Chiefs of Navies and Air Forces, over 30 speakers and exhibitors in a concerted effort to brainstorm and come up with long term solutions to address the surge in attacks by Pirate Action Groups (PAGs) and increasing incidences of Kidnapping For Ransom.



Speaking at the opening ceremony on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 Vice President Bawumia noted that the perpetrators of criminal activities at sea have not been deterred by the paralyzing effects of COVID-19, indeed, have rather stepped up their attacks, hence the need for all to act expeditiously to safeguard our maritime domain.



As nations seek to readjust and realign themselves in respect of trade, development and economic growth post COVID-19, coastal states and even land-locked countries have a huge stake in dealing with matters governing maritime security. For one simple reason: whatever measures and strategies put in place to revive economies would largely depend on trade.



It is a fact that more than 90 percent of international merchandise is moved by sea. Therefore, international trade cannot be revived without a secure maritime domain, he pointed out.



Reports indicate that a total of 79 actual and attempted attacks were carried out in 2020 in the Gulf of Guinea, representing a 34% increase as compared to 59 attacks recorded in 2019.



Similarly, there was a rise in the number of cases of Kidnapping for Ransom (KFR) and hostage-taking. In 22 separate attacks recorded in 2020, 130 out of 135 persons kidnapped globally were reportedly abducted in the Gulf of Guinea alone. This represents 95% percent of all kidnapping cases with Nigeria recording 62, Benin 29 and Ghana 6.



The situation has become even more precarious considering that over the past two months, about 10 crew members of two Ghanaian-flagged fishing vessels have been abducted in separate incidents along the Gulf of Guinea.



The first half of the year (2021) has witnessed greater piracy threat and activities with over 30 recorded incidents. These incidents led to some renowned maritime security institutions issuing warning notice to all vessels plying the Gulf of Guinea. This is detrimental to the security and economic interest of the region, he warned.



Protecting Ghanas coast



Outlining a number of measures being undertaken by the Government of Ghana, including acquisition of Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), Fast Patrol Boats and Crafts, and the construction of Forward Operating Bases on the coastal frontiers, Vice President Bawumia said government will also see to training and welfare of the Naval Personnel to put in their best and to remain professional in the discharge of their duties.



Other stakeholders are not being left out of the task as the Ghana Maritime Authority, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, the Fisheries Sector, the various institutions in the oil and gas sector and the entire maritime industry, are being supported and encouraged for their own transformation.



That is not all, government is set to endorse a comprehensive National Integrated Maritime Strategy that will enhance interagency cooperation and thereby boost the collaboration among Land, Sea and Air Forces and key stakeholders in the country. This is required because securing the maritime domain for a developed blue economy entails coordinated actions among all key stakeholders in the country.



Emphasizing the importance of collaborative action, Dr. Bawumia stated:



It is also important to remind ourselves that the threats to maritime security and safety transcend borders. They affect international trade. A threat to one coastal nation is a threat to others. The sea is the super highway for global trade and Africas quest for a Continental Free Trade Area cannot be successful without a secured maritime domain.



The Ghana government therefore deems it important to ensure effective cooperation and positive collaboration among Regional Navies through coordinated maritime law enforcement activities especially the integration of the Naval and Air Forces efforts in suppressing insecurities in the maritime sector, building trust among partners through information-sharing and application of best management practices.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The main suspect in the murder of a 33-year-old Headteacher of Atonsu-based Rogel Montesorri Basic School has confessed that he was motivated by the quest to get rich.



30-year-old Rashid Ibrahim was arrested on Sunday after the decapitated body of the late Israel Agyei Manu was discovered at Feyiase New site.



He confessed to police investigators that he acted on assurances of some people he consulted to bring a human head for money ritual.



The Public Relations Officer of Ashanti Regional Police Command, ASP Godwin Ahianyo speaking to the media said, Yesterday after the incident, we had a tip-off that he was the one behind the killing of the gentleman so we quickly apprehended him. Initially, he denied the incident; he denied it that he was the one behind it and pleaded alibi.



ASP Godwin Ahianyo continued that, 'During further interviews and questioning, he broke down and actually confessed, adding that he perpetrated the crime alone.



Rashid had earlier denied his involvement in the crime but later led the police to retrieve the machete he used to butcher the driver whose services he sought as a driver with a ride-hailing application, Bolt.



Background



A white Toyota Vitz vehicle with registration GE 3170 21 was seen parked at the scene where the lifeless body of the deceased, Israel Agyei Manu was found in the Bosomtwe District.



The late Manu works part-time as a cabbie driver( online hailing cabbie) besides his teaching profession. According to ASP Ahianyo, the suspect hired the services of the deceased to cart some speakers in the vicinity into his Bolt car.



Unknown to the deceased, Rashid pulled a machete he had concealed on the way and started attacking from behind. He hired the services of the driver and told him to lead him to a place where he could go and get his speakers. So when they got to the scene, he asked him to park the vehicle and walk with him so that he could go and get the speakers.



Meanwhile, Rashid is in police custody and being prepared for court.

Source: atinkaonline.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 Eastern Regional Coordinator of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service, Superintendent Florence Anaman, has advised victims of domestic violence, especially students in the basic and senior high schools, to report all forms of abuse to her outfit for redress.

She said most often, victims failed to report such issues due to societal norms and threats.



Superintendent Anaman gave the advice when she addressed students of various basic and senior high schools on mentorship at Oyoko Methodist Senior High School (OMESS) near Koforidua in the New Juaben North Municipality of the Eastern Region last Friday.



The programme, a mentorship and girls empowerment summit, was organised by the Eastern Regional Secretariat of the Department of Gender, Children and Social Protection.



It was aimed at sensitising girls between the ages of 12 and 18 to gender-based violence, child marriage and teenage pregnancy, children rights and safety and making career choices, among others.



Reporting abuse



Superintendent Anaman indicated that most often victims of domestic violence or all forms of abuse were not reported to DOVVSU for fear that the perpetrators, particularly men, would be prosecuted or jailed.



She explained that it was not so because prosecuting or jailing the wrongdoers who were members of the family would aggravate the matter.



The DOVVSU Regional Coordinator said the unit rather invited the perpetrators to solve the issues through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to bring peace and harmony in the affected family.



Don't be afraid



"We do not put fear in the wrongdoers and that is why we do not even wear police uniforms when discharging our duties because we want them to feel at home and tell us all their problems.



"When you come to us tell us what exactly you want us to do for you, because we are always there for you, do not be afraid", she stated.



On teenage pregnancy, Superintendent Anaman urged the students not to be involved in sexual activities because they were not matured but rather be serious with their studies to climb the academic ladder and be responsible adults before engaging in sex.



The acting Eastern Regional Director of the Department of Gender, Mrs Juliana Abbeyquaye, for her part, expressed regret that most often teenage girls, who were impregnated, were forced to stay with the men who impregnated them resulting in marriage which had adverse effects on the girls.



Plans for action



The Principal Investigator of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Mr Shadarack Majisi, took the students through six steps of prevention of violence against school girls.



These, he said, were making schools safe for girls through national plans of action to address school-related violence against girls, responding to incidence of violence against girls through confidential and independent reporting mechanisms, providing support for girls who had suffered violence including counselling, medical treatment and HIV/AIDS information.



The rest are corporal punishment, verbal abuse and enforcing appropriate laws.







Source: graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has reiterated its appeal to Ghanaians to strictly adhere to the laid-down public health safety protocol on COVID-19.

It said in spite of the stringent measures outlined by the government to manage the spread of the virus, including the mandatory wearing of face masks, social distancing protocol at public events, the rigorous public education and the maximum number of 100 people at gatherings, it appeared citizens had reverted to the lifestyle prior to the global pandemic.



The disregard that has characterised the general behaviour of the citizenry in relation to COVID-19 protocol is a potential recipe for tragic proportions comparable to other countries ravaged by the Delta variant of the coronavirus, it said.



Delta variant



A statement signed by the Chairperson of the NCCE, Ms Josephine Nkrumah, noted that the confirmation of the new variant of COVID-19 (Delta variant) in Ghana had raised heightened concern for the commission.



It said the Delta variant of the COVID-19 (#SARSCoV2) originally detected on two international air passengers in the country had been identified by the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) as the variant that was currently ravaging India.



It said the Ghana Health Service had confirmed the community spread of the Delta variant of the COVID-19 in the country.



Scientists say the new variant makes patients sicker, with 43  90 per cent more transmissibility than the previous COVID-19 variants, it said.



Concerns



The statement said the NCCE was disturbed about the general disinterest and disregard for the COVID-19 safety protocols among the Ghanaian public in various places and spaces.



It reminded the citizenry of the necessity to observe appropriate physical distancing at all gatherings.



It reiterated the need to ensure the strict observance of the safety protocol at workplaces, shops, educational institutions, supermarkets, clinics, churches and mosques by the wearing of face masks, regular hand washing with soap under running water and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers because it is the mandatory legal requirement of every citizen.



The statement noted that having seen how rapidly COVID-19 could overwhelm health systems, it was obvious the citizenry could not lose their guard.



We must intensify our collective fight against the disease. Our observance of the protocol will determine whether or not we win this potential third deadly wave, it stated.



Education



The statement reminded the general public to avoid close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections and to continue practising cough etiquettes among other laid-down measures.



It urged all stakeholders, including the media, religious bodies, vocational and professional bodies, private and public institutions and the public not to relent in encouraging everyone to be cautious and vigilant and to take urgent action in curbing the potential spread of the third wave of COVID-19 in Ghana.



Complacency and carelessness cannot be countenanced by anyone. It is in our greatest interest to prevent the spread by acting responsibly, it said.







Source: graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Members of the opposition National Democratic Congress have slammed President Akufo-Addo describing him as a dictator as they hit the streets of Accra to protest.



Supporters of the NDC are also decrying what they say is the growing injustice in the country under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo.



The party said the march will also signal the beginning of public sensitization activities to compel the government to rid the security agencies of NPP hoodlums and misfits who have been recruited and are being used to terrorize innocent and peace-loving Ghanaians. The march will also be in solidarity with the silent majority of security personnel who are concerned about the undue politicization of recruitment and appointments to the detriment of professionalism and discipline.



Meanwhile, the partys General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketia has called on participants to observe the COVID-19 protocols as they press home their demands.



As we march for justice tomorrow, in protest against the growing levels of insecurity, lawlessness and impunity under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government, it is important that we endeavour to observe all the necessary COVID-19 safety protocols in the interest of the health of protestors and the nation at large.



This has become even more imperative, given the emergence of the deadly Delta Variant of the novel coronavirus in the country.



therefore wish to urge the Organizers of tomorrows demonstration to ensure strict adherence by all protestors to the following precautionary guidelines:



All protestors should endeavour to wear face masks throughout the march. That is, from the converging point to the end-point, he said in a statement on Monday. It added: Social distancing at arms length between rows of protesters should be maintained at all times throughout the march and physical contact avoided as much as possible.



Protestors should endeavour to use hand sanitisers periodically in the course of the march Protestors should wash their hands at the end-point of March before dispersing.

Source: starrfm.com.gh









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
National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for Ningo Prampram constituency, Sam Nartey George, has given a strong warning to the military over the latter's planned involvement in the partys ongoing demonstration dubbed March For Justice.



The outspoken lawmaker, whiles addressing the crowd before the start of the demonstration, said the military is not invited for any form of protection  since they are only dealing with the police service.



He warned that any person spotted in a military uniform during the walk would be treated as a criminal and handed over to the police.



The NDCs March For Justice, according to the organizers, is to register its protest at the unbridled hardship in the country and the wanton disregard of the rights of Ghanaians that has resulted in the brutalization of some citizens by various security agencies in the country.



Before the march, the police declined a request to protect them but later agreed after a series of meetings.





Watch Sam Georges threat . . .





Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Thousands of members and sympathizers of the largest opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), have hit the streets of Accra to protest over the killing and brutalization of some citizens by various security agencies in the country.



Some placards seen include; 'Akufo-Addo is using our money to bath in the sky', 'Abdul Nasir Deserved to Live', Akufo-Addo, you are a dictator', 'Ahmed Suale deserved to live', 'No justice for the dead, no peace', '#WeAreAllKaaka!', 'We feel your silence Akufo-Addo and Bawumia, Ghanaian lives matter' among others.



Some notable persons sighted during the demonstration included; former MP for Ketu South, Fifi Kwettey; Member of Parliament for Buem, Kofi Adams; Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam George; National Women Organizer of the party, Dr. Louisa Hanna Bissiw; National Chairman of the party, Mr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo and General Secretary of the party, Mr. Johson Asiedu Nketia among others.



Meanwhile, there is a heavy security presence to ensure law and order and the observation of COVID-19 protocols during the march.

Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected]









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
There was stampede at the entrance to the Parliament as protesters of the March for Justice demonstration by the NDC clashed with security officers.



There was a clear disregard for the social distance protocol on Covid-19 as the organisers made their way to the legislative assembly to present a petition to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.



The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has presented its petition to the Presidency as scores of supporters marching in Tuesdays protest head to Parliament House.



Dubbed March for Justice, the protest is demanding justice for families who have lost relatives as a result of state-sponsored thuggery  as the NDC puts it  in the hands of the police and military under the current administration.



It is under the auspices of the Youth Wing of the party.



The first of two petitions was presented by NDCs General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketia and Womens Organiser Hannah Bissiw.



It was received at the Jubilee House by a Deputy Chief of Staff, Emmanuel Adumua-Bossman.







Source: 3news.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The Three Member Ministerial Committee chaired by the Appeals Court Judge, His Lordship Justice George Kingsley Koomson tasked to investigate the Ejura killing incidents and provide recommendations is requesting the Ashanti Regional Minister to provide the source of a circulating video he presented to the committee.



The committee began their inquiries today at the Prempeh Assembly Hall in Kumasi of which the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah was the first witness to appear before the committee.



In his presentations, Simon Osei Mensah admitted ordering the Commanding Officer for the 4th Battalion, Lt Col Kwasi Peprah to deploy members of Operation Calm Life to the riot scene for reinforcement.



He backed his decision with Security and Intelligence Agencys Act ( Act 1030) section 5 that establishes Regional Security Council.



In the course of the accounts given, the Regional Minister provided a video that saw some of the agitated protestors chasing a police water cannon car to buttress his accounts.



This video was marked as Exhibit A by the committee and requested to the Regional Minister to provide his source for further questions by the committee, but the Regional Minister declined which according to him is not safe for the life of his source.



His Lordship with all due respect I cannot endanger the life of my source, if I do that I might not receive any intelligence again and this will not help with my fight against insecurity in the region, he said.



His lordship Justice George Kingsley Koomson continuously persuaded the first Witness to provide his sources to the video since the source might have more information on the grounds.



When asked about the reason behind the military deployment but not police, he said for some years now as the Ashanti Regional Minister, he has been using both the military and the police as and when it is necessary to deal with some insecurities, and according to him this strategy has been yielding good results, however, only the Ejura incident recorded injuries and deaths.



As to why he didnt hold a meeting before the deployment, Simon Osei Mensah said he was in Accra for Regional Ministers Conference and he couldnt have waited to have a meeting be it physical or virtual due to the critical situation at hand.



After the interrogation of Simon Osei-Mensah, the committee went on recess and returned with an eyewitness account by a multimedia Journalist, Erastus Asare Donkor who had gone to Ejura for reportage with his team.



Another eyewitness who has been invited by the committee is the multimedia reporter, Erastus Asare Donkor, who was at the scene during the incident.







Source: Prince Kwadwo Boadu/Hello FM









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
"Why should some people be allowed to demonstrate and others not allowed?", seasoned Journalist, Kwesi Pratt Jnr. has hit hard at the Ghana Police Service for allowing thousands of members and supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to hold their "March for Justice" protest today.



NDC members and supporters hit the streets of Accra to demonstrate against the killing and brutalization of some citizens by security agencies in the country.



The protesters brandished placards with inscriptions like; ''Akufo-Addo is using our money to bath in the sky'', ''Akufo-Addo, you are a dictator'', ''Ahmed Suale deserved to live'', ''No justice for the dead, no peace'' among others.



Some notable persons sighted during the demonstration included the General Secretary of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, former Member of Parliament (MP) for Ketu South, Fifi Kwettey; Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam George; Member of Parliament for Buem, Kofi Adams; National Women Organizer of the party, Dr. Louisa Hanna Bissiw; National Chairman of the party, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo and a host of other NDC leading members.



During the demonstration, Sam George sent a strong warning to the Military as he indicated that their intelligence showed the Military were being deployed to disrupt their protest.



According to him, they would treat any Military officer they find on their way as a ''criminal''.



Also, joining the protest, Dr. Hanna Bissiw warned; "If you slap me, I will slap you back. If you stab me, I will stab you back. We should stop this hypocritical attitude of because they are beating us and we are not beating back; it's fake peace'.



Addressing the issue on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo', Kwesi Pratt wondered why the NDC had been allowed to protest when the ''Fix the Country'' campaigners had planned their protest a long time before the NDC demonstration but were restrained by the Police under the orders of the court.



To Mr. Pratt, the Fix the Country campaigners have been unfairly treated by the Police and the Judiciary.



''Why should some people be allowed to demonstrate and others not allowed? . . . The ''Fix the Country'' campaigners have been long wanting to embark on a protest. Even today as we talk, they are in court but other people have been given the opportunity. Is the COVID afraid of the NDC and not the Fix the Country campaigners or what?," he questioned.



"The inconsistencies are becoming too much," he exclaimed and advised that "citizens should have the right to demonstrate and so on. It's an expression of people's anxiety, people's discomfort and so on. It must take place''.



Mr. Pratt expressed his disappointments saying, "I can't really say I'm happy that the NDC have been given the opportunity to demonstrate because the Fix the Country campaigners have not been allowed up till now".



Watch video below





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
General Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Sam Pyne says the opposition National Democratic Congress' ''March for Justice'' protest yesterday was fruitless.



Hundreds of members and sympathizers of the NDC thronged the streets of Accra to register their displeasure with the unfair treatment and killing of some citizens by security services in the country.



Their protest majorly concerned the recent happenings at Ejura in the Ashanti Region where three persons were killed and other residents sustaining gunshot injuries.



The protesters brandished placards with inscriptions like; ''Akufo-Addo is using our money to bath in the sky'', ''Akufo-Addo, you are a dictator'', ''Ahmed Suale deserved to live'', ''No justice for the dead, no peace'' among others.



Some notable persons sighted during the demonstration included the General Secretary of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam George; National Women Organizer of the party, Dr. Louisa Hanna Bissiw; National Chairman of the party, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo and a host of other NDC leading members.



Reacting to the NDC protest, Sam Pyne noted that the concerns raised by the protesters are already being resolved by the Akufo-Addo government and that there's nothing new they said which hasn't been said.



He cited their complaints about insecurity in Ghana, which to him, doesn't hold because the government has well-equipped the Police with resources to maintain law and order.



He added that many of the things the NDC demands from the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, are also a rehash of their campaign message prior to 2020 general elections.



"All the things that formed the basis for their demonstration are rehashed. They used those things to campaign and we had elections on them on 7th December, 2020. So, people were asking what changed? They talked about Ejura for instance but the government has made a move to set up a Committee with Justice George Kingsley Koomson and others on the Committee. So, if you tell people that you're taking onto the streets because of these things, they wouldn't come," he said on Peace FM's ''Kokrokoo''.







Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Controversial Ghanaian comedian and event host, Derick Kobina Boney has reacted to the March For Justice demonstration members and supporters of the National Democratic Congress, (NDC) held today on the streets of Accra.



There have been growing concerns about the use of the military for civil events that ordinarily should be handled by the police and on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, to demand justice for all persons killed or brutalized by various security agencies in the country.



The incidents that have angered many include the killing of some Ghanaians during the 2020 election, the invasion of Parliament by soldiers, the latest killing of two persons, and the injuring of four others who were protesting at Ejura in the Ashanti Region.



The NDCs National Youth Organiser, George Opare Addo, stated that the march is also to call on the government to fix several issues arising in the country.



We intend to demonstrate and tell this government about our misgivings about happenings in this country. It is going to be a very peaceful march. We are marching for justice for our fallen brothers and sisters, to tell this government to fix the country, and create enough jobs for young people. We want the culture of silence to be broken and insecurity within the country tackled.



Sharing his thoughts on the demonstration, DKB said the police and the Akufo Addo led government should have allowed the demonstration to have happened long time ago when some citizens including the NDC youth wing wanted to embark on the demonstration because the demonstration had no impact on the country.



According to him, as far as the attitude of people and the state of governance and economy is concerned, nothing has changed even after the demonstration and it will remain like this.







Source: Eugene Osafo-Nkansah/Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Here are some major announcements from Twitter, the tech giant you might have missed last month. June was a busy month, and a recap of the news and updates on Twitter below:



Product news



June 3: Introducing Twitter Blue  Twitters first-ever subscription offering



Twitter Blue launched on Twitter for iOS in Canada and Australia, but additional regions and feature updates are coming later this year. Subscriptions are priced regionally and paid on a monthly basis.





As a Twitter Blue subscriber, you will get these features and perks for the monthly price of $3.49 CAD or $4.49 AUD. We will be listening to feedback and building out even more features and perks for our subscribers over time. As always, well be keeping you updated as we progress right here, so be sure to check back in.





You can find the Tweet thread https://twitter.com/TwitterBlue/status/1400452689633284101 and blog https://blog.twitter.com/en_us/topics/company/2021/introducing-twitter-blue.





June 3: We are testing a new way to find Space by adding a tab.



Starting on June 3, Twitter started testing a new way to find spaces-were adding a tab! You can find the Tweet thread https://twitter.com/TwitterSpaces/status/1400531105485312008.



This will make it as simple as possible to join the best, most relevant audio conversations every time you open Twitter.





June 22: Skip the screenshots  sharing Tweets to Instagram Stories right from the share menu is now rolling out to everyone on iOS!



Skip the screenshots  sharing Tweets to Instagram Stories right from the share menu rolled out to everyone on iOS! Tap the share icon on a Tweet and select Instagram Stories. Once your Instagram app opens, you can resize/reposition the Tweet sticker before posting. You can find the Tweet https://twitter.com/TwitterSupport/status/1407422212873859075





June 22: Ticketed Spaces Application



Big news. Starting June 22, you can apply to be one of the first to try Ticketed Spaces and Super Follows with your audience. You can find the Tweet thread https://twitter.com/TwitterMedia/status/1407398409581993985.



June 25: Twitter Spaces-Speakers



When adding speakers to Spaces, hosts can now see how many speakers invite slots are left. You can find the Tweet https://twitter.com/TwitterSpaces/status/1408503200605421572.



Health news



June 23: Digital Services Act: Defending the Open Internet



Twitter shared a joint letter in response to the #DigitalServicesAct to call on the EU Commission to protect the Digital Single Market, fair competition and the Open Internet.



Twitter is committed to increased transparency on policy enforcement, offering access to data to empower research & tackling coordinated manipulation.



You can find the Twitter thread https://twitter.com/Policy/status/1407580441767518218 and blog https://blog.twitter.com/en_us/topics/company/2021/the-digital-services-act--defending-the-digital-single-market.





Product Revenue News



June 24: 15s view: A new way to buy premium video views on Twitter



To better meet the needs of advertisers who rely heavily on quality video views and video completion rates, Twitter rolled out a 15-second (15s) view buying model that prioritizes for engaged, long-form views on their content.



This new bid unit is built to optimize for delivering 15-second or completed views, whichever comes first, and early testing has shown that it drives Twitters highest video completion rates yet.





You can find the Tweet https://twitter.com/TwitterBusiness/status/1408093511346360326 and blog https://business.twitter.com/en/blog/new-way-to-buy-premium-video-views.html?utm_medium=organic&utm_source=twitter.



Twitter remains your official source for whats happening!

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Former President of MUSIGA, Alhaji Sidiku Buari, has shared that the greatest gift a parent can provide for his children is quality education.



He posits that this treasure surpasses a huge sum of properties passed on to children.



Relating his own experience, he told Rev. Erskine on the Y Leaderboard Series: I am so happy that most of my children are successful. They listen to me and take my advice. The most important thing is to give them a good education. If you give them that, you have given them everything. I will advise parents to give their children good education.



The veteran musician also shared that his parents gifted him with good education even though they had not experienced what they gave him. My mum was not educated my dad was partially educated but they made sure I went to school pursing even a higher form of education, he added.



The children of Alhaji Sidiku Buari are celebrated personalities in Ghana. Some of his well-known children include Shaida Buari, who won Miss Ghana in 2002, UK-based businessman, Malik Buari, Ashraff Buari, a medical student in the USA, Sidiku Buari Jnr, an automotive consultant based in Ghana, and Ghanaian actress Nadia Buari, among others.



Alhaji Sidiku Buari is a former president of the Musician Union Association of Ghana (MUSIGA) where he served for eight (8) years before handing over the position to Bice Osei Kuffor popularly known as Obour. Due to his contribution towards the development of music in Africa and Ghana he was voted the former Vice President of the International Federation of Musicians (FIM).

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Haiti's President Jovenel Moise speaks during an interview at his home in Petion-Ville, a suburb of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Friday, Feb. 7, 2020. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he strongly condemns the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise at his home earlier this morning. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Dieu Nalio Chery
Social Democrat Leader Stefan Lofven after being voted Prime Minister in the Swedish Parliament in Stockholm, Wednesday, July 7, 2021. Lofven has won support from lawmakers to form new government after leading the country in a caretaking capacity since late last month. Lofven received 117 votes in the 349-seat Riksdagen on Wednesday in favor of giving him the mandate, with 58 abstentions. (Christine Olsson/TT News Agency via AP)
Tom Glessner, chief commercial officer for Orlando, Fla.-based MyFamily USA, the U.S. distributor of MyFamily products, explains why the pet identification and accessories brand is known for both quality and style.
Logansport, IN (46947)

Today

Partly cloudy early. Thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 83F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Low 66F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Thank you for reading the Philadelphia Tribune.

You have exhausted your free article views for this month. Please press the "subscribe" button below and see our introductory price of $0.25 per week for 13 weeks. Otherwise, we look forward to seeing you next month.
Attorney: Public has no right to know who is paying for Arizona election audit
FiestaPagana Dominates and Wins Super MILLION$ for $302K

July 07, 2021 Matthew Pitt

"FiestaPagana" went into the final table of the latest GGPoker Super MILLION$ event as the chip leader and went on to secure every chip in play after staying in from throughout proceedings. Being the last player standing in the $10,000 buy-in tournament meant a cool $302,053 made its way to FiestaPagana's account.

Super MILLION$ Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize 1 FiestaPagana Norway $302,053 2 Benjamin Rolle Austria $235,891 3 Isaac Haxton Canada $184,221 4 Wiktor Malinowski Macau $143,869 5 Adrian Mateos Mexico $112,355 6 llyybbww China $87,745 7 Marius Gierse Austria $68,525 8 houzhumi888 Canada $53,515 9 Daniel Dvoress Canada $41,793

The final table lost its first player during the 20,000/40,000/5,000a level. Daniel Dvoress, who sat down sixth in chips, min-raised to 80,000 with pocket tens from early position. The action folded to Isaac Haxton in the cutoff, who three-bet his pocket kings to 192,000. Dvoress responded with a four-bet all-in for 871,631 in total, and Haxton tossed in the calling chips. Haxton's hand held, and Dvoress busted.

Dvoress' seat had not gone cold when "houzhumi888" joined him on the rail. houzhumi888 open-shoved from early position for a meager 6.5 big blinds with what turned out to be king-jack of clubs. FiestaPagana called with ace-five of hearts from the small blind, and the five community cards ran ace-high to reduce the player count by one.

How to Join our FREE Club PokerNews at ClubGG

Seventh-place was decided a few hands after houzhumi888 busted. Marius Gierse pushed all-in from the small blind with king-ten for 347,336. Wiktor Malinowski called with jack-ten suited from the big blind, and the Macau-based cash game specialist spiked a jack on the flop to end Gierse's night prematurely.

China's "llyybbww" was the next to fall. Their sixth-place finish yielded an $87,745 score, the last five-figure prize of the evening. llyybbww crashed out during the 30,000/60,000/7,500a level when they moved all-in from the small blind for 230,045 chips with eight-six; Benjamin Rolle snap-called with ace-seven. Rolle improved to an unnecessary pair of sevens on the river to leave only five players in the competition.

Those five became four with the untimely demise of former Super MILLION$ champion Adrian Mateos. Rolle min-raised to 140,000 from under the gun with ace-jack before calling Mateos' 694,090 shove, which he made with ace-ten. Rolle flopped two pair, which held to send the dangerous Mateos to the showers.

Malinowski was the shortest stack going into four-handed play, something he tried and failed to rectify. Malinowski came unstuck during the 35,000/70,000/8,500a level. He open-shoved when first to act in the small blind, doing so with ace-jack. Unfortunately for Malinowski, Rolle woke up in the big blind with pocket kings, and he called the 1,125,651 jam. The five community cards provided little in the way of drama, and Malinowski had to make do with a fourth-place finish.

Find Out How YOU Could Win More With GGPoker's Flip & Go Renewal

Heads-up was set when Haxton bowed out in third place. Haxton lost all but a small blind and an ante when he made a play with nine-five after FiestaPagana had flopped a full house with his jack-eight. Haxton managed to double twice, but his third shove saw him bust. FiestaPagana set Haxton all-in for his last 2.5 big blinds, doing so with pocket kings. Haxton called with jack-ten and was drawing dead by the turn.

Sick Bluff All But Gifts FiestaPagana the Title

FiestaPagana held the chip lead over Rolle but could not quite shake him off. A massive hand handed FiestaPagana a considerable advantage, a hand that shocked the GGPoker commentary team.

Rolle called in the small blind with pocket aces, and FiestaPagana checked his blind with the lowly eight-five offsuit. The flop fell three-queen-five with two hearts, and FiestaPagana check-called a 140,000 bet from Rolle. FiestaPagana checked the jack of diamonds on the turn, opening the door for Rolle to fire a bet worth 645,750 into the 595,000 pot. FiestaPagana called.

The ten of clubs completed the board, and FiestaPagana greeted it with another check. Rolle bet 983,955, and FiestaPagana check-raised all-in. Rolle tanked for more than a minute before releasing the best hand!

That hand left Rolle with just 11.5 big blinds, and FiestaPagana secured the title a few hands later. Rolle crashed out in second place for $235,891, leaving FiestaPagana to scoop the $302,053 top prize and the title of champion.
Would you like to receive breaking news notifications from The Post and Courier?

Sign up to receive news and updates from this site directly to your desktop.

Breaking News Columbia Breaking News Greenville Breaking News Myrtle Beach Breaking News Aiken Breaking News

Click on the bell icon to manage your notifications at any time.

Success! Please click the 'Allow' button in the 'Show Notifcations' alert in your browser if one is available. Thank you for signing up!

Please enable notifications in your browser and reload the page.
Southeast department store operator Belk Inc. has elevated its president and head of online sales to CEO, months after the chain emerged from a brief stay in bankruptcy.

Nir Patel succeeded Lisa Harper effective July 6. It was among several executive-level reshufflings that the Charlotte-based retailer announced this week.

Harper, who landed her first job with the company at age 16 in her hometown of Durham, N.C., was named CEO in July 2016, seven months after the Belk family sold the business to a private equity firm. She is now executive chair of the board of directors.

The company did not state a reason for the management change.

"I look forward to watching how Belk will continue to transform the shopping experience for years to come," Harper said in a prepared statement.

Patel also joined the company in 2016, after stints at Kohl's, Land's End, Abercrombie & Fitch, Target and Gap Inc. He promoted to chief merchandising officer in 2018 and to president last year. In his most recent role, the Alabama native also oversaw marketing and online sales.

Sign up for our business newsletter. Our twice-weekly newsletter features all the business stories shaping Charleston and South Carolina. Get ahead with us - it's free. Email

Sign Up!

"I'm honored to continue the great legacy of Belk," Patel said in written statement. "We quickly adapted to the challenges the pandemic threw at us this past year."

The COVID-19 crisis, coupled with a crippling debt load, helped push the longtime department store chain into bankruptcy protection last February.

Many traditional brick-and-mortar retailers and shopping centers in the U.S. were forced to shut their doors in March 2020 as the virus began to spread. Belk suffered what it called "drastic declines in sales" over the next nine months.

The company's remarkably rapid restructuring took less than a day because the terms had been worked out in advance with all major creditors. Belk emerged from the process with $450 million less debt on its books  and without shutting any of its nearly 300 stores across 16 states, including 35 in South Carolina.

The reorganization also provided the chain with $225 million in fresh capital, lowered its debt to about $1.46 billion and extended loan repayment deadlines to mid-2025.

New York-based Sycamore Partners, which acquired Belk for $3 billion, remains in control of the privately held business, But it was forced to turn over a large stake to the lenders led by the private equity firms KKR and Blackstone that forgave debt as part of the bankruptcy reorganization.

Belk was founded in 1888 and has been catering to South Carolina shoppers since 1893, when it opened a store in Chester. The company expanded to downtown Charleston in 1926 with a location at 232 King St.
The owners of a Charleston pizzeria business plan to add more venues in the region.

Adam Carb, co-owner of Steel City Pizza, said the company hopes to expand by opening three more restaurants, with the first announcement by early next year.

Carb and Gavin McCulley co-own Steel City Pizza as well as the recently closed Community Pizza House near Tanger Outlets in North Charleston.

Carb said the former Community Pizza House, which the owners said they closed in early June because of a staffing shortage, held its own but might perform better as another type of restaurant since Mellow Mushroom pizzeria is just down the street.

"It's tough to have two major pizzerias in a non-residential market," he said.

It's a bit early to announce any intended locations for Steel City Pizza, Carb said, but one could be on the way by the spring of 2022.

Carb and McCulley have been trying to sell the building that houses Community Pizza House since late 2019.

Steel City Pizza currently has three locations in Mount Pleasant, North Charleston and Carnes Crossroads in Goose Creek.

Now serving

A new dining spot is now open across from Marion Square in downtown Charleston.

Hero Doughnuts & Buns can be found at 145 Calhoun St., where Panera Bread was once located.

The menu includes items beyond breakfast and doughnuts, according to Gerry Schauer with the commercial real estate firm Avison Young, who represented the tenant.

The Alabama-based business offers burgers, sandwiches and salads as well. It also applied for an alcohol license earlier this year, so look for mimosas, bloody marys and beer, too.

The Charleston location is founder Will Drake's fourth. Two others are in the home base of Birmingham while another shop is in Atlanta. Others are in the works, according to the restaurant's website.

Rebranding

A Charleston restaurant is shutting down for part of July to update its interior and rebrand itself.

The Park Cafe at 730 Rutledge Ave. will close July 12-24 and reopen July 27 as Park & Grove.

It will still be open for lunch and brunch, but will now put a primary focus on dinner, serving seasonal dishes.

Sign up for our business newsletter. Our twice-weekly newsletter features all the business stories shaping Charleston and South Carolina. Get ahead with us - it's free. Email

Sign Up!

Leading the culinary team is chef Ramon Taimanglo, former executive chef at Peninsula Grill. Food-and-beverage-industry veteran Samson Kohanski will be general manager.

"Restaurants are living, breathing entities that need to grow and the pandemic helped shed light on our teams hopes and aspirations for future evolution," said Park & Grove owner Karalee Nielsen Fallert.

Park & Grove will be open July 27-Aug. 3 for dinner-only service (5-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, and 5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday). Beginning Aug. 4, it will be open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sunday.

Going dark

A downtown Charleston art shop is shutting down later this month after an eight-year run.

Art Mecca will close July 20 at 427 King St., with artworks up to 50 percent off. Normal business hours of 10 a.m.-5 p.m. will remain until the final day.

No Target date

A few readers have asked when the new Target store in downtown Charleston is going to open.

An opening date has not been set for the planned small-format shop at 211 King St., spokeswoman Jill Lewis said.

"Well announce that as we get closer to the opening," she said.

In March, the Minneapolis-based retailer announced it will occupy 30,000 square feet in the Majestic Square ground-floor corner space at King and Market streets that recently housed teen clothier Forever 21 and previously Saks Fifth Avenue.

Target inked an initial 10-year lease with six five-year extension options, according to a memorandum filed with the Charleston County Register of Deeds.

Book it

The summer book sale to support Charleston County Public Library system is set for July 9-11 at the main branch at 68 Calhoun St. in downtown Charleston.

The sale runs 9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 9-10, and 2-4 p.m. July 11. A members-only event is set for the evening of July 8.

Prices start at $1 for pocket paperbacks and $4 for hardback books. Mask-wearing is encouraged at the sale sponsored by Friends of the Library.
COLUMBIA  Prestage Foods, a North Carolina-based meat processor, is expected to expand to Camden, investing $150 million and bringing 292 new jobs to the small town 30 miles northeast of Columbia, according to documents presented to elected officials.

The turkey and pork producer entered a purchase agreement with Kershaw County for nearly 87 acres in the Governor's Hill Industrial Park, near Interstate 20 and the South Carolina Equine Park. The company also has right of first refusal to purchase another 128 acres from the county, according to the agreement.

Kershaw County Council gave the purchase final approval on June 22. Prestage Foods agreed to pay $1.3 million for the 87 acres.

A company spokeswoman said she was not immediately able to comment and it is unclear what the facility will produce.

The official announcement of the project is scheduled for July 8, with Gov. Henry McMaster expected to attend.

Council chair Julian Burns said July 7 that he was unable to comment on the announcement but remarked that economic development deals landed by Kershaw are a sign that the county's investments in its four industrial parks are paying off.

In addition to the land sale, county council also is expected to hold a final vote July 13 on a tax incentives package.

Sign up for our Columbia business and real estate newsletter. Get all the latest industry happenings from the Midlands, plus exclusive development news and more in your inbox each week. Email

Sign Up!

In exchange for its investment, Prestage Foods is on track to receive a reduced property tax rate of 4 percent, rather than the typical 10 percent corporate rate charged to South Carolina manufacturers, for 40 years.

The plant will also receive credits on its investment to further buy down its tax bill  a 65 percent tax reduction for the first 10 years, a 60 percent reduction for the second decade and a 45 percent reduction for the remaining two decades.

Prestage Foods affiliate Prestage Farms already raises turkeys in South Carolina. The companies also have turkey and pork farms and processing plants in North Carolina, Oklahoma, Iowa and Mississippi.

Prestage Farms employs more than 1,800 workers and contracts with more than 400 farms to produce 425 million pounds of turkey annually, according to its website.

Its North Carolina turkey hatchery is one of the world's largest single-stage facilities, with 650,000 eggs per week.

The South Carolina division is led by Ron Prestage, son of company founder Bill Prestage.
COLUMBIA  The S.C. Supreme Court disbarred former 5th Circuit Solicitor Dan Johnson on July 7, the latest punishment for the Columbia-area prosecutor who spent a year in federal prison after he was convicted of fraud.

Johnson pleaded guilty in 2019 to a charge that he skimmed from government accounts to finance a personal trip on a Panamanian airline and private stays at hotel rooms in Las Vegas, Chicago and Columbia. A federal judge sentenced him to a year in prison.

Released in May 2020, Johnson had been fighting to secure lucrative retirement payouts through a taxpayer-funded pension for the state's solicitors.

But the head of the S.C. Commission on Prosecution, Lisa Catalanotto, brought finality to that issue on July 7, too: She told The Post and Courier that Johnson will not receive his pension.

Johnson didn't respond to an email seeking comment.

The expenses stemming from his fraud conviction were just a portion of more than $44,000 in Johnson's spending that federal prosecutors alleged was fraudulent. The charges followed reporting in The Post and Courier in 2018 that laid out Johnson's pattern of questionable spending over a period of several years.

The newspaper relied on spending records from Johnson's office gathered by Public Access to Public Records, a watchdog group.

Ultimately, Johnson, along with a former top aide, Nicole Holland, were hit with a stack of indictments alleging the pair spent tens of thousands in taxpayer money on vacations, romantic liaisons and medical bills, among other personal expenses. The pair raided Johnsons drug-seizure accounts to cover thousands in expenses, the indictments stated.

Johnson was also indicted by a state grand jury on three counts of misconduct in office and embezzlement. Those charges are still pending.

Johnson served time in a federal prison in North Carolina outside of Raleigh, and kept a blog while incarcerated.

Following the indictments, Gov. Henry McMaster suspended Johnson from office and the state Supreme Court suspended Johnson's law license, pending his criminal charges. Johnson lost a primary election in 2018 to Byron Gipson, the 5th Circuit's current solicitor.

Meantime, Johnson was fighting to collect his pension. First elected in 2011, Johnson's suspension in 2018 left him just a few months short of the eight years of service he needed to qualify for his pension.

That would have entitled him to at least $100,000 in retirement, paid out monthly. Johnson and his lawyers argued that he had earned his pension because the public elected him to two four-year terms.

But the state prosecution agency, which oversees the state's 16 solicitors, rejected Johnson's request.

Catalanotto told The Post and Courier at the time that Johnson could not earn credit for his time because the governor had appointed an interim solicitor to replace him.

He also was prohibited from acting as solicitor without a law license.
COLUMBIA  When capital region schools reopen next month, the familiar sights of recess, cafeteria lunches and crowded hallways will also return as districts shake off the disruption of a pandemic.

But return plans being made public reveal that some health protocols installed to curb the spread of COVID-19 arent going anywhere.

Heres a look at what Midlands-area districts have planned for the 2021-22 year as they get ready for face-to-face instruction five days a week.

Richland One

The 24,000-student district is implementing a mask policy thats bit stricter than some of its peers.

All pupils must wear face coverings on school property unless they have a signed state opt-out waiver.

Richland One is keeping its pre-kindergarten through fifth grade students in small groups known as cohorts to minimize contact. Students in grades six through eight, who traditionally have moved from one classroom to another at the end of a period, are staying put. Teachers are rotating instead.

Meanwhile, high school classrooms are set to move into larger spaces if the number of students exceeds capacity to allow for social distancing.

Last year, the district inked a partnership with Prisma Health to provide rapid COVID-19 testing for students and staff. Officials plan to continue that in 2021-22 while adding routine screenings if a person appears to have symptoms. A recent survey found 70 percent of staff members in the district wanted to be vaccinated, and a pair of summer clinics have been set up to accommodate those yet to have been inoculated.

A yearlong virtual learning platform remains in place, and students enrolled in it will be eligible for meal services.

Richland Two

District officials are slated to review their plan later this month pending new federal health guidelines, but provided The Post and Courier with a draft version.

Masks will be optional except on school buses  including for athletes at practices. Fiberglass partitions are expected to remain in place where social distancing inside classrooms is difficult to achieve.

Every classroom across the 40 school, 27,000-student district will have hand sanitizer stations, while additional cleaning supplies have been purchased for each building.

Also, watch for a continuation of iTutor, an online digital learning institute that offered 6,000 hours worth of sessions last year focused on math, English language/arts and writing support. The program will continue into 2021-22, along with a one-year extension of its virtual programming for elementary school students.

District leaders said more than 1,600 employees were vaccinated through its clinics, and a drive-through testing site for employees is set to stay open through September.

Lexington-Richland 5

This 17,500-student district that includes the towns of Chapin and Irmo is strongly encouraging face coverings be worn by all staff and students, but has lifted a requirement to do so. Contact tracing will continue, along with information campaigns notifying people of testing and vaccination sites.

Improving ventilation systems remains a priority in 2021-22, and facilities will be optimized to promote social distancing during the day.

Lexington One

South Carolinas sixth largest school system, with more than 27,000 students, is also relaxing its student masking policies, requiring them only on buses and inside health rooms. The district is also hiring additional nurses who can be deployed to any school and adding more nursing assistants.

Superintendent Greg Little said educators want to avoid large scale shifts in instructional models, and will only do so based on disease spread as monitored over a three-week period.

As long as rates stay low, schools will resemble pre-pandemic days with lunches served in cafeterias, regular recess schedules and normal times for dismissal.

Continued investments are planned for hotspots and other technological devices for students that will remain virtual. And like other districts, Lexington One is looking to upgrade its ventilation and air circulation systems.

Lexington Two

Misting machines, videoconferencing, virtual events and new signage promoting social distancing will all be part of the landscape in this 8,500-student district.

Face coverings are optional but recommended, and each school will have a supply for faculty, students and visitors.

To promote respiratory etiquette, aggressive cleaning of high-touch areas such as doorknobs, playground equipment, sink handles and cafeteria tables will occur daily.

Officials are continuing its partnership with Lexington Medical Center to provide vaccinations and will roll out sites to accommodate students between the ages of six months and 11 years old once federal guidelines are established.

There are some new additions here as well that administrators believe will help in developing social and emotional health in students. More social workers have been hired, and Lexington Two has teamed up with the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning to develop support programs.
On May 6, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster announced he would terminate the states participation in any pandemic-related federal unemployment benefit programs.

The reasoning cited for the move zeroed in on what has become a frequent explanation from the 25 other states that made similar moves: People need to get back to work, and the benefits were a deterrent. In a press release announcing the move, which went into effect on June 30, McMaster was quoted saying as much.

South Carolinas businesses have borne the brunt of the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those that have survived  now face an unprecedented labor shortage.

The move has been met backlash for perhaps missing the point.

Many industries have faced, and continue to face, steep labor shortages. Among the worst and most widely visible is the shortage in the restaurant industry. In Columbia, some restaurants have nixed service on certain days or closed altogether.

But some have argued the industrys poor working conditions with low pay and benefits are a larger cause than COVID-19 unemployment measures.

The problem is far from local. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics detailed that in May employment is down about 12 percent from pre-pandemic numbers. That comes out to the tune of roughly 1.5 million jobs.

Industry magazine QSR details that the least impacted businesses in the industry are spots like coffee shops and limited-service restaurants. On the other hand, only one in 10 full-service operators felt they were at or above normal staffing levels.

Its inarguable that the industry needs help, but will incentivizing workers by stripping benefits be the answer? Per Free Times' conversation with players in the industry, optimism is low.

I think its sort of common sense that it hurts the overall economy and then obviously the micro economies like the restaurant business in Columbia, said Steve Cook, owner of Saludas and president of the Five Points Association. But I got to be honest with you, I never really put too much stock into the unemployment benefits sucking people out of employment, especially in the restaurant industry.

Cook detailed that it comes at a contrasting time for the industry as spots like his are seeing high activity.

Even his upscale restaurant is beginning to be stressed with employment, he shared. Saludas staff was mostly preserved through the pandemic, yet through natural attrition hes shedding workers and finding few people in the pipeline.

That issue is permeating in other spaces, like the restaurant-adjacent distribution industry. Cook said his orders are delayed compared to typical times, due to labor shortages in food distribution.

At the Columbia-area chain Lizards Thicket, the restaurants are down about 100 employees from their typical 700, owner Bobby Williams reported. Its resulted in a loss of quality in service and subsequent complaints from customers.

And recently, at their weekly training classes for new hires, they had no one attend.

Williams, also the chairman of the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association, held a high profile role in the reopening of the state's hospitality industry as a member of the governors advisory board. But he too was lukewarm on the idea that the labor shortage would be solved quickly.

Everybody is hoping and a lot of politicians have hung their hat on 'This is the reason were in the way we are, he said. But I just think a lot of employees left the restaurant industry for other industries.

Despite Williams' and Cooks reservations, the University of South Carolinas Joey Von Nessen had more optimism. The economist at the college's Darla Moore School of Business said that its important to take note of the total effective wage of unemployment benefits  what they equal in hourly pay.

That was roughly $16 an hour, which he noted is a similar, or sometimes higher higher, amount than what many make in the food and beverage industry. Typically, the equivalent unemployment wage is low enough that it wouldnt have a major effect on potential job seekers desires to search or not.

He expected that in the next 30 to 60 days wed begin to see potential labor changes, in part because of the governors move.

He also cited other factors that play into unemployment decisions, giving health reasons and parenting needs as examples. The economist cautioned it may be too early to disentangle these factors to find a sole answer for the labor shortages.

Additionally, he noted that the struggles in the state were an ongoing problem exacerbated by the pandemic. Now that industries are reopening en masse  what he described as economic whiplash  it has created a worker-favored market, meaning they have higher negotiating power.

That provides some credence to the idea that workers could have left the industry to find jobs with higher wages, flexibility and benefits, a dynamic that occurs typically in a booming economy, he said.

The recession weve seen over the last year is unique, weve never seen it before, Von Nessen said. This is the first time weve seen that $16 an hour level for unemployment assistance.
Georgetown, SC (29440)

Today

Mostly sunny early then increasing clouds with some scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. High 87F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 72F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
SIMPSONVILLE  Every seat in Simpsonville City Council chambers was filled Tuesday night as the city's planning commission considered rezoning a property just north of downtown where a developer plans to build 48 townhomes and retail space.

Some of those in attendance carried signs protesting the proposed development and many spoke out against it, and specifically the residential aspect, during the public comments section.

When it came time to vote, the commission recommended the rezoning in a 3-2 vote, passing it on to City Council for a final vote. If it passes the full council, the property's zoning would change from from residential, office or institutional to innovative development.

Ahead of the vote, Commissioner Allen Gillespie, who voted in favor of the rezoning, noted that the current zoning of the property along NE Main Street and north of Perry Avenue already allows for the construction of 40 townhomes, and said that its eventual development is a foregone conclusion.

"The biggest factor for me is the current zoning, what is allowed without rezoning," he said. "Unfortunately things aren't always easy to come to a resolution, but I think this is a good plan."

Residents who live near the site of the proposed development voiced concerns in the weeks before the meeting that it would increase traffic, worsen water runoff in the area and negatively impact local wildlife. An online petition against the development created by Bill and Kim Johnston, who live on Perry Avenue near the NE Main property, had more than 860 signatures as of Tuesday night.

Kim Johnston said during the meeting she believes the addition of the townhomes would not fit with the surrounding community.

Sign up for our Greenville development newsletter. Get all the latest updates on the Upstate real estate market, more openings and closings, exclusive development news and more in your inbox each week. Email

Sign Up!

Others who spoke said they were concerned the development would increase traffic accidents on and around NE Main Street, exacerbate flooding issues and cause other safety issues. Several indicated that they would prefer a different project to go on the roughly 8-acre tract.

"We would have the Simpsonville Museum," said resident Tammy Dantin. "Then we would have trails and there's land past the trees that's flat, that could be y'all's parking."

Commissioner Rachel Glanton, who was one of two to vote against the rezoning, said she would also like to see something else go on the property.

Bluewater Civil Design engineer Christina Drake, whose company is attached to the project, said that while most of the concern stemmed from the new townhomes, studies show the residences would draw significantly less traffic than the proposed retail space that would go between the subdivision and NE Main. She also said that the developer was subject to strict storm water regulations and would ensure the project did not exacerbate flooding issues.

Randall Bentley, who spoke on behalf of the property owner, said after the meeting that he understands why people are concerned but that growth is ultimately a positive for the area.

"The things that these people enjoy and that they want wouldn't be here without things like this," he said. "It takes people to have CVSs, to have a brewery, to have banks. So I understand where these folks are coming from, but in the days that their homes were built, people felt just like them."

The commission's decision drew groans of disapproval from the crowd Tuesday nigh, but many said as they left City Hall that they planned to attend the City Council meeting when the rezoning is discussed.
Elsa blossomed into a weak hurricane as it neared the west Florida coast, where it was expected to make landfall and rapidly weaken to a tropical storm on July 6 before crossing into Georgia and then passing over the South Carolina Lowcountry.

Forecasters said by the time the storm's eye reaches the Lowcountry early July 8, it could devolve further to a tropical depression, but most likely would still have tropical storm-force winds at times. A tropical storm watch was in place south of the South Santee River and into Georgia.

The National Weather Service's Charleston Office said outer bands from Elsa could reach the Lowcountry late July 7 and move across the area through the morning of July 8. The storm is forecast to bring rains, heavy at times, to the region.

During that time, there is a threat of flash flooding. Rainfall totals could range from 2 inches to 4 inches, with localized amounts in over 8 inches. "Isolated tornadoes and waterspouts are possible," the Weather Service said.

As of 8 p.m. July 6, the National Hurricane Center said Elsa was off the coast of southwest Florida and moving north at 14 mph with maximum winds of 75 mph, making it a minimal hurricane. The storm was forecast cross into Georgia and then South Carolina.

Tropical storm conditions are possible along the South Carolina coast, according to the Hurricane Center.

Heavy rainfall during the storm could lead to potential flooding in the Charleston area, according to the weather service. The risk of flooding could increase if the storm hits Charleston area at high tide the evening of July 7 and morning of July 8.

Depending on when the storm hits the Lowcountry, driving conditions could become dangerous. People should prepare for potential road and bridge closures. Potential flooding could also impact low-lying areas with poor drainage.

"The storm is forecast to transition to a tropical depression sometime Wednesday night or Thursday when it roughly reaches our area," said Peter Mohlin, a weather service meteorologist. "The center of the storm is forecast to be inland of the Charleston area."

Sign up for our free Hurricane Wire newsletter Hurricane Wire is a pop-up newsletter during hurricane season that delivers anyone who lives on the East Coast all the information they need to know as storms brew in the Atlantic and beyond. Email

SUBSCRIBE

There is a 10 percent to 30 percent chance of tropical storm-force winds in South Carolina, according to the Weather Service. The coastal areas will receive some of the strongest winds, which could potentially be 40 mph or greater.

People should prepare for some downed tree limbs and potential power outages, Mohlin said.

"At its strongest, this is a minimal tropical storm," Mohlin said. "People need to be prepared for heavy rain and winds. At this time, this is not a situation that people would need to prepare for a hurricane."

A tropical storm watch is in place for all coastal counties in the Lowcountry area and Berkeley County.

"Residents who live in mobile homes or in low-lying areas prone to flooding may need to consider staying elsewhere during the storm," it said. "Stay with friends and family as a first option. Go to a motel or hotel, if possible." Emergency shelters will open if necessary.

The S.C. Emergency Management Division recommends bringing in lawn furniture and other loose objects, such as garbage cans before the storm, a spokesman for Gov. Henry McMaster wrote in a July 6 news release.

Charleston County Emergency Management officials said they are monitoring the storm and have launched an information line for residents to call for updates on July 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  843-746-3900.

Dorchester County officials said they were monitoring the tropical system and preparing for a response once the storm passes.

Once it reaches the open Atlantic, the storm is further expected to speed up and move to the northeast off the mid-Atlantic and New England coasts, the Hurricane Center said.

Earlier, the storm crossed rural western Cuba and other Caribbean islands, causing flooding and some mudslides.
Summerville, SC (29483)

Today

Mostly sunny early then increasing clouds with some scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. High 88F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low 72F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Charleston Animal Society staff members spent more than 12 hours making a quick run to Florida and back to help evacuate 10 dogs in the storm zone.

With Tropical Storm Elsa making its way through the Southeast, a Suwannee, Fla., shelter sent out an SOS for help in getting its animals to safety. The shelter has outdoor kennels and is prone to flooding.

For the Charleston Animal Society, it's a typical favor exchange that organizers have come to expect during hurricane season and emergencies in general. In years prior, other shelters have done the same for them.

It really is a network," Joe Elmore, president and CEO of the Charleston Animal Society, said.

The organization is one of the leading disaster responders in the Southeast, Elmore said. He compares the relationship with other shelters to what's seen with electric companies during disaster situations.

Some companies send workers out of the state to help with disaster recovery through mutual-aid agreements. Elmore said with animal shelters, it's basically the same.

In the past, national organizations have reached out to groups to help after severe weather disasters. Ahead of Elsa making landfall, the staff picked up 10 dogs, which will be able to be adopted from the Charleston shelter.

Bryant Taylor, Charleston Animal Society's emergency response and preparedness manager, was one of the staff members who made the trip to Suwannee, on the state's upper west coast. The trip was his second drive to Florida since he joined the organization in April; previously, he traveled to Miami to pick up animals there.

Taylor said the locals wanted to help other shelters doing the same work. Since storms and severe weather are unpredictable, it's also likely the Charleston Animal Society will be in similar situation of needing help, he said.

We definitely want to be team players in the animal welfare world," he said.

After returning from the drive to Suwannee about 3 a.m. July 7, Taylor spent little time resting because he said he wanted to make sure the 10 dogs are adjusted.

Once settled in at the Charleston shelter, he said the dogs seemed relaxed and happy.

"That's always the best part of the job," he said.

The most effective thing pet owners can do in times of severe weather is to be organized, Taylor said. That means stocking up on food and water.

It also means taking pets into consideration when coming up with evacuation plans.

"We want all our pet owners to be prepared," Taylor said.
A private home at 88 Smith St., located on the site of two old Black burial grounds, is the focus of renewed city scrutiny after a stop-work order was issued July 6.

The order was quickly issued after city officials determined that the owner had failed to secure permits for remodeling work.

Steve Tsafos purchased the property for $600,000 on behalf of his daughter Alyssa Tsafos in March, records show. Since then, he has been making improvements.

The area, just south of Calhoun Street, is the site of two African American cemeteries: Ephrath and Trinity. The former, which contains the remains of nearly 2,000 people, extends from Calhoun Street through what is now the backyard of 88 Smith St.

Trinity is the resting place of around 1,600 people, beneath the home at 88 Smith St., which was built in 1935, and its immediate perimeter.

Together, these two Black cemeteries contain the remains of more than 3,600 people  more than half of which likely are buried on the 88 Smith St. property, according to research conducted by Grant Mishoe of The Gullah Society.

The evidence is abundant. The backyard of the home contains dozens of visible gravestones, some of which have been removed for safekeeping in recent weeks by Mishoe, with help from Grant Gilmore of the College of Charleston.

On April 16, Ram Jack Foundation Repair applied for a permit from the city of Charleston to install 16 helical piles for foundation repair, according to the citys building inspections division. The permit was issued on April 22.

The work required driving piles into the ground, and this could have disturbed existing graves nearby, Mishoe said.

Field Inspections Supervisor Gary Pope met with Tsafos on the site and walked through the property, according to the city's building inspections division. The home was in the midst of extensive renovations that included complete rewiring, installation of a new HVAC system, plumbing repairs, roof repairs, brickwork, window replacement and refinishing. Interior walls in the basement had been demolished.

Pope advised the owner that permits need to be acquired along with approvals from BAR/Zoning before work could resume.

According to South Carolina law, its a felony to knowingly destroy, damage, vandalize, desecrate or remove human remains without legal authority. Punishment consists of a fine up to $5,000, imprisonment up to 10 years or both. Its also a felony to steal from a known burial ground, which can result in a fine up to $5,000, not more than five years in jail and up to 500 hours of community service.

Mishoe said The Gullah Society had been interested in purchasing 88 Smith St. both to preserve the graveyards and to use the building as the organizations administrative headquarters. It was in the process of raising money, finding guarantors and preparing an offer of $635,000 when the group received word in March that the property had been sold to Tsafos.

About three weeks later, Mishoe visited Tsafos at the property and shared all the information he had concerning the burial grounds. Mishoe also arranged to remove some of the stones at that time, he said.

A voice message left for Tsafos on July 6 went unanswered.

Tsafos told a Post and Courier photographer at the scene that his intentions were good  he only wanted to improve the condition of the property  and that media coverage was making it harder for him to enjoy his new home.

It is uncertain whether the property broker, Beach Residential, fully disclosed the status of 88 Smith St. to its buyer. Messages left on July 6 for the real estate agent involved in past transactions involving the property went unanswered.

City and county officials can regulate how renovations and repairs are conducted, and how new construction projects are permitted. They also can intervene to protect and preserve historic burial grounds or regulate grave removals. The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control has jurisdiction when a cemetery is located on public property or when DHEC permitting is required.

But it is not always clear when DHEC can, or should, intervene. It did so in early May when Christopher Stout, manager of DHECs Coastal Zone Consistency Section, ordered Crescent Homes Land Development Director Robert Pickard to stop work on privately owned land in Cainhoys Oak Bluff subdivision, citing concerns about potential additional graves not being accounted for.

In that case, a Black burial ground nestled in the trees on a bluff was threatened by imminent construction. DHEC required the developer to arrange for a new archaeological survey.

Whether DHEC can mediate a resolution at 88 Smith St. remains to be seen. An agency spokeswoman said DHEC does not always have jurisdiction over abandoned gravesites or cemeteries on private property. The S.C. Code of Laws states that counties and municipalities can decide whether to remove graves. The city has not contemplated removing the graves at 88 Smith St., nor has it received any request to do so.
An online archive is helping South Carolinians uncover little-known and forgotten corners of the Palmetto State.

The South Carolina Picture Project is a web repository of state landmarks. The project, spearheaded by Robin Welch of Charleston, crowdsources photographs of the sites to preserve history online.

It began in 2007 as part of SCIWAY, the web-based South Carolina information directory. At the time, Welch worked as editor of SCIWAY with her father, who founded the company in the late 1990s. But the picture project never made any money, Welch said. By 2017, it was in danger of being shut down.

"I was really devastated by that because I loved the picture project," she said. "I believed in it."

Determined to keep it alive, Welch turned the project into a nonprofit.

Today, its website features entries on over 2,000 landmarks. Most are still standing, but the project also catalogues locations that have fallen to ruin or disappeared.

In addition to photographs, entries include write-ups adding historical context to the sites, along with addresses, links to similar landmarks and information about any other notable places nearby.

One of Welch's favorite landmarks documented by the project is the Faith Cabin Library in Seneca. The Faith Cabin Libraries were a network of libraries built for Black communities in the 1930s and 1940s. The Seneca location is one of just two of the libraries still standing.

The project has attracted a dedicated online following, Welch said. Its Facebook group has nearly 67,000 members  a mix of photographers, history buffs and nostalgic South Carolinians, among others.

Aiken resident Steve Rich has been contributing photos for over a decade. At first, Rich said, photography was just a hobby of his. Then Welch reached out to him about the picture project.

I never dreamed anyone would want to use the pictures, he said.

Rich said he's enjoyed watching the organization bring people together. He stays active in the Facebook group, posting two or three times a month.

It gives us information that is just priceless, he said.

Originally, the South Carolina Picture Project was funded by private donations and sponsorship from Hotel Guides, another company owned by Welchs father. But those funds have dried up and the project has been in a holding pattern ever since, Welch said.

Welch can no longer actively update the website, but still has her hands full moderating the Facebook group. She said she's waiting on more donations and volunteers to keep the project going.

The Facebook group remains a lively place, however. Some posts get over 100 comments.

Moderating the group can be demanding  discussions about South Carolina's history tend to draw contentious commenters out of the woodwork, she said.

But Welch finds the work overwhelmingly meaningful. She especially values that the project gives a platform to people whose experiences are often overlooked, especially Black South Carolinians, she said.

"It provides African Americans an opportunity to write their own history," she said.

She said people are always commenting on the website, posting in the Facebook group or reaching out to her personally to reminisce and share cherished memories the project has brought back to them.

"Without the picture project, those stories would be lost to time," Welch said.
Editorials represent the institutional view of the newspaper. They are written and edited by the editorial staff, which operates separately from the news department. Editorial writers are not involved in newsroom operations.
Global greenhouse gas emissions have increased relentlessly since the 2015 Paris Climate Conference when 197 countries committed to reduce emissions. Pledges are meaningless without concrete action. A range of measures are being explored to slow global warming.

Some countries have seen modest reductions in emissions with carbon taxes. If the tax is returned to consumers as a rebate, as some in the U.S. propose, many people would probably use that free money to simply buy more emissions-generating products. The marketplace alone cannot solve the problem.

Carbon offsets basically amount to someone buying the right to continue to pollute. For example, a company might pay a farmer to capture methane from manure, or pay someone to plant trees to capture carbon, so the company can then emit an equivalent amount of carbon. Theres no reduction in emissions.

Many countries are trying to achieve net-zero emissions, which means removing from the atmosphere the same amount of greenhouse gases as is emitted. But that would not reduce the excess carbon that humans have already added to the atmosphere. So global warming would continue.

These measures mostly just kick the can down the road. Politicians promises of painless solutions are a delusion. The goal must be to achieve near absolute zero human-caused emissions. New technologies to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and oceans are essential, but they cannot be an excuse to continue to emit greenhouse gases. To win the war on climate change, the world must quickly and drastically cut emissions. That will be difficult and life-changing.

RICHARD WILDERMANN

Privateer Creek Road

Seabrook Island

Food trucks blamed

The new restrictions for food trucks downtown are making villains out of the wrong people.

A story in the June 30 Post and Courier said, Officials say the ordinance is necessary to manage crowds after 1 a.m. on King Street, where authorities and business owners have worried about the environment following a violent brawl ... .

This basically implied that because food trucks are open, it is causing violence downtown.

Am I the only one who thinks food trucks are getting blamed for something that is not even remotely their fault?

If shootings and stabbings are the issue, why dont the police just enforce the laws that we already have in place against assault with deadly weapons?

The people who peacefully congregate downtown and purchase food from these trucks after restaurants and bars close likely outnumber the people who create disturbances.

Why penalize people for something they didnt do?

Why restrict peoples ability to live their lives and make a living how they see fit, just because someone else broke the law?

I stand in solidarity with the food truck operators and owners and hope for a day when a 1:31 a.m. gyro wont be illegal.

PAUL RUNKO

Coastal Grass Way

Charleston

WestEdge impact

Sign up for our opinion newsletter Get a weekly recap of South Carolina opinion and analysis from The Post and Courier in your inbox on Monday evenings. Email

Sign Up!

In regard to the WestEdge project, Im concerned about the Gadsden Green community and how it will be impacted by the proposed development of 31.57 acres.

Here are a few suggestions, as recommended by the Coastal Conservation League:

1. The city should seek broad input on how to remedy decades of under-investment.

2. Action should be taken in Congress to strengthen environmental justice protection to address effected communities.

3. DHEC needs funding to fulfill its mission of protecting the health of the public and the environment.

We need to ensure the people living in the area impacted by the development are considered and consulted before any more development occurs.

This is home to hundreds of people who will be greatly affected.

CAROL DOTTERER

Robert E. Lee Boulevard

Charleston

Flag belongs to all

Since some politicians and extremists have made a point of surrounding themselves with our star-spangled banner while professing their deep sense of patriotism, I have been hesitant to display my flag because I might be seen as agreeing with their ideas.

I have always thought of myself as very patriotic but have been at a loss on how to demonstrate it.

I remember how all of us displayed our flags after 9/11.

Everyone rallied against a common enemy.

Now our rallies seem to divide us.

I wish I had the answers to our differences.

Maybe if we all were just a bit more tolerant, we could begin a discussion toward unification.

In the meantime, my flag will be flying every day. It is my flag too.

JANIS JOHNSTON

Daniel Legare Place

Mount Pleasant
Gov. Henry McMaster and other state officials have filed their appeal of a federal judges ruling that blocked South Carolinas strict abortion ban from taking effect.

In an announcement July 7, McMaster made note that Mississippi's abortion law is already in the pipeline to the Supreme Court and that the Palmetto State's recently passed legislation needs to be defended, as well.

While the U.S. Supreme Courts decision to hear the case related to Mississippis law offers great hope and promise for protecting the lives of the unborn, we must defend South Carolinas Fetal Heartbeat Act against every challenge at every level, the Republican governor said.

U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis granted a preliminary injunction March 19 in ruling the restrictive bill passed by legislators during the session banning most abortions after around six weeks of pregnancy is likely to be found unconstitutional.

Lawyers representing McMaster, S.C. House Speaker Jay Lucas, state Attorney General Alan Wilson and Upstate solicitor Walt Wilkins went on to notify the court they would appeal Lewis ruling to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which has jurisdiction over several East Coast states.

In their July 7 announcement, state officials said two key elements are part of their appeal. First, the plaintiffs in the case, "which consist of abortionists and abortion centers operating in South Carolina," lack third-party constitutional standing and statutory standing necessary to bring their suit against the law.

Also, they said Lewis "erred in enjoining the entirety of the Fetal Heartbeat Bill by disregarding the acts severability clause and erroneously imposing its own views of the Acts purposes."

South Carolina's law prohibits abortions after a fetal or embryonic heartbeat is detected, which typically occurs around six to eight weeks in most pregnancies. The only exceptions would be in cases of rape or incest, or if the life of the mother or child would be in danger without an abortion.

Sign up for updates! Get the latest political news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email

Sign Up!

The only three womens health care clinics in South Carolina that perform abortions  the Greenville Womens Clinic and and two Planned Parenthood clinics, in Columbia and Charleston  sued the state over the bill.

Lewis earlier this spring extended her temporary block on the law taking effect by saying the legislation had little chance of withstanding a constitutional challenge.

It is nothing short of baffling when defendants here make the fanciful, misbegotten, and misguided argument that the act is constitutional, although surely, all the while knowing full well that it is not," she wrote.

This case does not present a close call, Lewis wrote at the time. In fact, based on the law, the court is unable to fathom how another court could decide this issue differently than how this court has decided it.

Doctors who violate the law would be guilty of a felony, subject to a $10,000 fine and a maximum prison sentence of two years.

The House gave final approval to the bill on Feb. 18 by a vote of 74-39, almost entirely along party lines.

The governor's signing ceremony in the lobby of the Statehouse came just minutes after the bill was ratified by the Senate and House. It represented the culmination of a swift adoption process that took just over a month from the bill's first hearing this session.

In a broader sense, it capped a years-long effort by Republican lawmakers who had repeatedly been stymied by the Democratic minority in previous attempts to pass similar legislation. Republicans were able to move the bill through this year after expanding their Senate majority in the 2020 elections.
OVERSIGHT HEARING: Rep. Tina Sablan, right, shows Financial Services Director Bernadita Palacios documents as Palacios' legal counsel, former Attorney General Matt Gregory, left, and legislative assistant Cameron Nicholas look on during the continuation of the House Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Operation's oversight hearing on the governor's public expenditures. Emmanuel T. Erediano/For The Guam Daily Post
Welcome to our new website. We have a new login system for you to access the full newspaper online. Please click here to learn how to activate your new account. Bear with us as we move into this new site and bring over all our old articles and photos.
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@postregister.com for help creating one.
Federal authorities say the man in this photo from the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol is Alan Byerly, a Berks County resident.
Star Tribune reporter Liz Navratil provides a detailed account of the June 27 interaction between Minneapolis City Council member Andrea Jenkins and protesters who held her captive until she signed off on demands they presented to her.

Navratil identifies activist D.J. Hooker (Donald J. Hooker, Jr.) as the leader of the gang. She linked to the 23-minute video that Hooker posted here on Facebook. The videos below get to the heart of the interaction.

Here's the signing of the statementpic.twitter.com/s71dSc70mU  AntifaWatch (@AntifaWatch2) June 29, 2021

Navratil takes pains to provide a straightforward account, as though she she seeks to memorialize a significant historical event, if not a substantial wrong:

Activist D.J. Hooker, who posted the video to social media, said in an interview that the encounter lasted approximately two hours. He said he approached Jenkins after a Taking Back Pride event decrying police brutality. The event, according to a posting on social media, sought to prioritize the voices of people who are Black, transgender or queer. Jenkins was the first transgender woman of color elected to public office in a major U.S. city. Hooker said he approached Jenkins to raise concerns about community groups contracted with the city to de-escalate tensions. Hooker said he grew frustrated when Jenkins told him she didnt have control over them and she wouldnt commit to leaving George Floyd Square alone, so he said they would hold a peaceful protest outside her house. Hooker said he and Jenkins argued and someone jumped between them. Hooker said Jenkins began walking away and he yelled, Oh, youre gonna call the cops on me knowing  what the cops have done to George Floyd, what the cops have done to Dolal Idd and Winston Smith and Daunte Wright. The video posted to social media begins with Hooker narrating and shows Jenkins sitting in the passenger seat of a white car, as people stand on three sides of it. A white post is behind the car. Jenkins, who is on the phone, tells someone it might be three days before I get out of here. Jenkins then sits quietly, her hands pressed together as Hooker expresses frustration that city officials havent done more to reduce police brutality. Hooker begins reading off the list of demands, one by one. He asks if she will pledge her support for the creation of an elected, civilian commission to oversee police, for reopening cases in police killings, for dropping charges against protesters and releasing information about Smiths death. Each time, Jenkins says yes. Hooker then asks her to pledge her support for Jacob Freys immediate resignation. Jenkins laughs, shakes her head side to side and, after additional prompting from protesters, eventually says, Jacob Frey resign. Hooker then asks her to leave George Floyd Square alone. Period. Jenkins responds: Dont do my job, is that what youre asking me to do? The two begin talking over each other, and Jenkins adds: I was elected to represent that neighborhood, so what youre asking me to do is to not do my job. Several people in the crowd begin shouting. Jenkins rolls up her window, saying she wont sign anything, and people in the crowd continue to shout over each other. A couple minutes later, Jenkins rolls down her window, and Hooker repeats the demand to leave the square alone. Fine, Ill leave George Floyd Square alone, Jenkins said. I will not do my job. Eventually the person in the drivers seat says this isnt a negotiation. Someone in the crowd says theyre not asking, were demanding, and tells the person to do your job and drive. The driver raises their middle finger. Jenkins pushes the drivers arm down, grabs the piece of paper with the demands and signs it. Protesters then ask her to print her name and date it. Jenkins said she didnt run to deal with situations like that. I ran to represent people. Thats what I did, Jenkins says to the crowd. You stand up and do that one day. A short bit later, people moved out of the way, and the car drove away.

Navratil also links to and quotes from Jenkinss pained statement posted here on Facebook. This is the statement in its entirety:

Black pain, Black trauma, Black anger is real and justified. What is not justified is the inhumane treatment of other humans because they hold elective office. On Sunday afternoon, while attending a Pride event in Loring Park, something Ive done on the last weekend in June for the past 20 plus years, I was verbally attacked, berated and held hostage against my will by a large group of angry protesters. I ran for office on a platform of Leadership. Access. Equity. I ascended, thanks to the confidence of my colleagues to the Vice President of the Council, I led the efforts that have resulted in the first ever Strategic Racial Equity Action Plan, declaring racism a public health crisis and spearheaded the formation of a Truth and Reconciliation workgroup that will be presenting their recommendations for a full on TRC to the City Council this week. Additionally, I have consistently met with all groups/individuals to discuss what ever ideas, topics or proposals they had in mind. I am a public servant, I represent 31,000 people that live in Ward 8, in South Minneapolis. A beautiful community that was forever changed by the inhumane murder of George Floyd at the intersection of 38th and Chicago. The perpetrator has now been sentenced to 22.5 years in penitentiary. Thank goodness the Floyd Family can begin their process of healing. There have (been) many other high profile police killings in our community since then, and we need answers related to the deaths of Dolal Idd, (Daunte Wright), and Winston Smith. I cant tell people how to express their anger, their fears or their pain, but I do know that when your pain impacts others then that becomes problematic. I have always believed in open dialogue where people can talk and be respectful of their differences. I continue to be willing to sit down with activists, advocates and protesters to understand their policy change demands and recommendations. I refused however to be bullied and held hostage to somehow accomplish that. Every citizen of this City has a right to bring forward their concerns, but no citizen has the right to detain and coerce anyone to do anything, that includes elected officials. As for mayor (Jacob) Frey, the residents of this City will determine in November who will lead this City, not me or any other councilmember. Additionally, I believe that what has become known as George Floyd Square already is and will continue to be a sacred space and I intend to do all in (my) power to create the type of social justice memorial that reflects that struggle. However, it is time to stop holding of the Black owned businesses, the neighbors and residents of that area hostage. Thanks to the 100s of people that have reached out to me to offer support. Please know that I intend to continue to serve the residents of my district and this city to the best of my abilities.

Chapter 609 of the Minnesota statutes sets forth the states criminal code. Hooker and his colleagues seen on video committed numerous crimes. Indeed, the identification of possible crimes would make a good exam question for students studying criminal law. They might even be asked to evaluate the evidence set forth above regarding each crime so identified.

Speaking in their collective institutional voice, the editors of the Star Tribune took the occasion to offer Hooker their advice on how to win friends and influence people. Published on July 1, the editorial reads like an effort at parody:

When a hostile group detains an elected official in a vehicle and verbally abuses her, its unlikely youve created an ally or furthered your cause. And that slip of paper Jenkins signed? Only a fool would think that signing something under that duress is a contractual obligation. Far from advancing their noble goal of police accountability, Hooker and those with him undermined it. In detaining Jenkins and her cars driver, they crossed a critical line from activist to angry mob, potentially alienating others who might join them in pushing for needed reforms. The group also senselessly antagonized a sympathetic elected official and placed unrealistic demands on her. Their verbal and written ultimatums, which included leaving George Floyd Square alone, seemed to suggest that Jenkins could decree police reform and other policies on her own. Thats not how representative government works.

The Star Tribune sits as arbiter elegantiae passing judgment on its fascist friends: What occurred in the confrontation caught on video was not respectful dialogue nor a peaceful protest. It was a tantrum, one that reflects poorly on the judgment of all who blocked Jenkins.

The Star Tribune needs repeated doses of richly deserved ridicule aimed its way by decent people of all stripes. It is a joke. Moreover, the city is in dire straits and it is dragging the state down with it. It presents in its own way as an extreme case of the ills to which urban Democratic strongholds are prey. That activist D.J. Hooker remains at large is mind-boggling.
It took two weeks, but we finally have a winner in the New York Citys Democratic mayoral primary. Hes Eric Adams, the pro-cop candidate.

Adams held a substantial lead in the actual voting. He was hands-down the candidate a plurality of voters said should be the Democrats nominee.

However, the convoluted ranked-choice voting methodology caused his lead to shrink and almost disappear. As things stand now, he leads the second-place candidate (who finished third in the raw voting) by only 8,000  about one percentage point. Before the ranked-choice method kicked in, he led that candidate by about 13 points.

Reportedly, there arent enough uncounted votes remaining to overcome the current margin, slim though it is. Thus, Adams is now the projected winner of the race. He is virtually certain to defeat his Republican opponent in November.

Adams victory is a win for policing. He rejected calls to defund the police and, in fact, advocated more police funding and more actual policing.

Whether this translates into anything like a return to the proactive and highly effective policing of the Giuliani era remains to be seen. My guess is that it wont. But at least policing in the city is unlikely to get worse, as it would have if a different candidate, especially the one backed by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, had prevailed. (That candidate finished second in the raw voting and third in the final count.)

No discussion of a big city Dem primary would be complete without a note on identity politics. Adams is Black. The eventual runner-up is Latina. Andrew Yang, an Asian-American, finished fourth.

Yang encouraged his supporters to make the Latina their second choice in the ranking of candidates. Many did so. Thats a major reason why she closed the gap so substantially after the ranked-choice system kicked in.

Adams accused the Asian and the Latina of ganging up on him. He called it a cynical attempt to disenfranchise Black voters.

Nonsense. The Latina candidates views are more in line with Yangs than Adams are. And Blacks were not disenfranchised. They were free to favor Black candidates in the rankings, if they were racist enough to so desire.

Im glad Adams won, but you wont be hearing three cheers from me. Two at the most.
No thanks Go to hell.

Nikole Hannah-Jones, author of the New York Times discredited 1619 Project, has turned down the University of North Carolinas controversial offer of tenure. She will take her talents BS to Howard University.

Hannah-Jones comes out the winner if one assumes, as I do, that she doesnt mind teaching (or whatever she will do) at a fourth rate institution. She won the tenure battle and then told the university what it could do with its offer.

UNC, the university not its students, is the clear loser. It has been humiliated, having gone through a wrenching, divisive battle only to be snubbed in the end by Hannah-Jones.

The leftist faculty will blame UNCs initial balking at a tenure grant for the loss of one of its heroes. Many alums will remain outraged by the fact that the university ended up offering tenure to a leftist hack.

For Walter Hussman Jr., the major donor after whom UNCs journalism school is named, I suppose this outcome generates mixed feelings. The university he loves has taken a blow. Hes been vilified and the vilification is far from over. And the university went against his wishes.

On the other hand, it was his opposition to granting Hannah-Jones tenure that caused her not to become a faculty member. In explaining her decision, she said I cannot imagine working at and advancing a school named for a man who lobbied against me. . . .

Now, Mr. Hussman wont have to imagine the journalism school he funds providing a platform and its prestige to a race-mongering charlatan. Surely, theres some solace in that.
People are fleeing California in general, and San Francisco in particular, in droves. As to San Francisco, the fundamental problem is lawlessness. Which means not just violent crime, which the city has in abundance, but a breakdown in the fundamental norms of civilization that make urban living possible.

The main problem is that San Franciscos far-left city administration has decided not to prosecute theft. The result, naturally, is an epidemic of theft. Thus Target, for example, is now closing its San Francisco stores at 6 p.m.

Target told KPIX5 the decision to adjust its store hours in San Francisco was related to theft with a spokesperson confirming: For more than a month, weve been experiencing a significant and alarming rise in theft and security incidents at our San Francisco stores, similar to reports from other retailers in the area.

How low has San Francisco sunk? Check out this video of thieves openly stealing handbags and similar products from a Neiman Marcus store:

Video recorded in San Francisco shows a group of thieves running out of a @neimanmarcus store in the middle of the day with luxury handbags & other stolen goods. pic.twitter.com/0avRATJCju  Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) July 6, 2021



This was the aftermath inside the store:

Exclusive video of the aftermath from the Neiman Marcus robbery! Handbags all gone!!! pic.twitter.com/dYMkTlIsfg  Asian Crime Report (@activeasian) July 6, 2021



Who would want to live in a place like this? No one, obviously. When civilization starts to collapse, it can go fast. This is what we are seeing in a number of places around the country that are ruled by progressives.
Yes, no matter what

Yes, but it depends on variety

No, for medical reasons, uncertainty

No, principle

Vote

View Results
ADVERTISEMENT

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) on Wednesday announced that it has approved $170.9 million (N70.69 billion) in co-financing for the African Development Banks Leveraging Energy Access Finance Framework (LEAF) programme in Africa.

A statement by Olufemi Terry of the AfDBs Communication and External Relations Department, said LEAF aims to unlock commercial and local-currency financing for decentralised renewable energy projects in six programme countries. This includes Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tunisia.

It said the Green Climate Funds financing is part of an overall $900 million budget whose objective is to scale up the roll-out of mini-grids, solar home systems, and commercial and industrial solar solutions in the programme countries.

Tony Clamp, acting director of GCFs Private Sector Facility, said; GCF is delighted to partner with the African Development Bank to support this timely and critical programme for decentralised renewable energy across these six African countries.

Mr Clamp stated that the Green Climate Funds commitment will help unlock much-needed commercial capital and local currency financing to help overcome financing barriers exacerbated by Covid-19.

According to the statement, under the LEAF initiative, Africas abundant solar resources will be harnessed to provide renewable energy to 6 million people and businesses, and will also prevent 28.8 million tonnes in CO2 emissions over the lifetime of the systems.

It noted that by deploying credit enhancement instruments and technical assistance, LEAF will strengthen capital markets and crowd-in private sector investors, including local financial institutions, thereby enhancing their financial and technical capacity to finance businesses in the fast growing DRE market segment comprising of solar home systems, green mini-grids, and solar solutions for commercial and industrial sectors.

ALSO READ: Tech company rolls out N3bn green bond for renewable energy project in Africa

The program will also provide requisite support to strengthen the enabling environment and increase private sector investment in this market segment, the statement partly reads.

Kevin Kariuki, AfDBs Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth, said; GCFs approval of LEAF is a significant boost for the African Development Banks twin ambitions of accelerating electricity access and supporting the transition to clean energy on the continent using decentralized renewable energy solutions, and moreover facilitated through local financing.
A controversial Yoruba filmmaker cum actor, Yomi Fabiyi, risks a two-year jail term for producing the controversial movie, Oko Iyabo a lawyer has said.

Mani Enajeroh, a Nigerian corporate and commercial lawyer, listed some offences he said the actor is liable for.

Mr Fabiyi made good his promise to release a movie based on the rape allegation levelled against his embattled colleague and close friend, Omiyinka Olanrewaju (Baba Ijesha).

Oko Iyabo, which is loosely based on Baba Ijeshas alleged rape saga, his social media trial and all the parties involved, debuted on Sunday.

The movie has since been set to private mode on YouTube because of the outcry that trailed its release.

Offences committed  Lawyer

In an email correspondence with PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday, Mr Enajeroh, who is also the legal counsel to music artistes, Blackface Naija and Cynthia Morgan (Madrina), said Mr Fabiyi has contravened at least two criminal laws with the production of Oko Iyabo.

Mr Enajeroh said he believed the movie, directed by Dele Matti, has criminal implications.

He also said producing a case before the court is contempt of court, and a two-year jail term offense.

He said, Criminal cases start once a person is arrested and charged, and remain active until conviction.

He (Fabiyi) has his right to free speech and expression, but the publication of a movie depicting your own account of a matter which is sub judice (that is currently before the Court) is in my own opinion a contempt of court, it is punishable with up to two years.

Argument

He also condemned Mr Fabiyis decision to produce such a film considering the sensitive nature of the case and the parties involved.

He said: you make a film to cause prejudice in a case that is pending, for your own financial gain. Especially such a sensitive case, it makes me wonder what kind of society we live in. Apart from that, there are laws against criminal defamation, he said.

Mr Enajeroh also said Section 373 of the criminal code which defines criminal defamation as a matter likely to injure the reputation of any person by exposing them to hatred, contempt or ridicule.

The law clearly says it can also be through insinuation. So, he cannot claim that the movie has no relation to the ongoing case.

To be honest, I have not watched the movie fully and I dont intend to, but in the scene I saw the girl saying she wants to be a prostitute when she grows up.

To insinuate immoral conduct by a minor who is the victim in a pending case is clearly criminal defamation.

PREMIUM TIMES reached out to other lawyers to get their views on the matter but no response came in as of the time of filing report.

Digging in

But defending his decision to produce and release the movie, Mr Fabiyi said he has the right to write his own story with real names and it is allowed in movie making.

ADVERTISEMENT

His critics had accused him of flipping the script and subbing Iyabo Ojo in the movie.

Mr Fabiyi in turn said, Ms Ojo has produced so many videos mentioning my full names and the videos were published on YouTube, IGTV etc, simply because I stand for human rights, so also Princess mentioned my real names.

They called me a paedophile and rape apologist for standing by what is right. No sentiment on use of real names. It is allowed in movie making, he added.

Speaking further, Mr Fabiyi said the movie never undermined the victim or any girl child, someone twisted that so they can make you react.

The actor said most viewers saw some scenes in the movie and didnt bother to see the full movie.

He urged his critics to endeavour to see the full film and not base their judgment on an isolated scene that is in circulation.

Plot

When PREMIUM TIMES watched the movie on Monday evening, it was observed that one of the scenes was an exact reenactment of the viral CCTV video footage which implicated Baba Ijesha.

Recall that the commedianne, Princess, who accused Baba Ijesha of raping her 14-year-old foster daughter, released a CCTV footage showing the moment Baba Ijesha was allegedly caught sexually harassing the teenager and also confessing to the crime.

This was in April.

In Mr Fabiyis movie, a teen actress could be seen making the first move on the actor.

Many say it also portrayed Baba Ijesha as a victim of a carefully orchestrated ploy by his close friend.
ADVERTISEMENT

Olanrewaju Omiyinkas (Baba Ijesha) legal representatives, Kayode Olabiran and Oluwaseyi Ogunbiyi, have refused to comment on a recent GoFundMe account opened by his friends to cover his legal expenses.

The GoFundMe is titled Help Olanrewaju Omiyinka with Legal Costs while the fundraiser is Oladele Matti, an Ireland-based Yoruba filmmaker.

Mr Matti said the GoFundMe page was meant to help raise 50,000 (N24m) to cover the legal costs of a complicated and lengthy process that will likely offer the best chance of successfully obtaining fairness and justice.

His explanation read: Olanrewaju Omiyinka, aka Baba Ijesha, is a popular actor/comedian. He was charged to court on June 25, 2021 after spending over two months in police custody without bail.

An act, which breached his fundamental human rights. In view of the above, Olarenwaju Omiyinka aka Baba Ijeshas friends, fans, and supporters have started this GoFundMe campaign to give a helping hand to raise funds to pay for his legal expenses. Thank you for your love and support!

As of the last check on Wednesday evening, the sum of 29 (N14,000) has been donated since the account was opened 24 hours ago.

Mums the word

When PREMIUM TIMES contacted Baba Ijeshas lawyers on Wednesday evening, they both said they were not aware of the GoFundMe account and declined to comment on the matter.

While Mr Olabiran said he was not in the know, Mrs Ogunbiyi said she was aware and then said, At the moment, I cannot say I want to associate or dissociate myself from the GoFundMe.

However, she said she does not have any access to the fundraiser, Mr Matti.

When asked if she was aware of the reason the fundraiser was set up, Mrs Ogunbiyi said, My client is not very buoyant. He has been detained for too long and has not made money.

She also mentioned that she and the other lawyer are not likely to withdraw their services should their client be unable to pay their legal fees.

Bail fulfilled

In June, Baba Ijesha was arraigned before the Special Offences Court in Lagos on charges of sexual assault, indecent treatment of a child, and sexual assault by penetration.

Oluwatoyin Taiwo, the judge, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N2m.

She said granting him bail is to release him from the custody of the law and entrust him to appear for trial when required to.

Mr Olabiran also told this newspaper that Baba Ijesha perfected his bail conditions since last week Tuesday (June 29).

Baba Ijesha was apprehended by the Lagos police in April for allegedly raping a minor.
When Governor Mohammad Badaru flagged off the project for the construction of the 250-bed Hadejia Specialist Hospital at an elaborate ceremony on December 27, 2017, he gleefully announced that it would be completed in 18 months.

This hospital will be built in 18 months and will be commissioned in 2019, the governor said at the ceremony. But it is over four years since and the specialist hospital remains under construction.

The project was initially awarded to Philko Construction Company at N1.5 billion but the cost was later reviewed to N1.8 billion, according to the Director General of the states Due Process and Project Monitoring Bureau, Ado Husseini.

Background

The hospital was designed to replace the decrepit Hadejia hospital, built in 1962 by the administration of the late Premier of the defunct Northern Region, Ahmadu Bello, as the major health service centre in the emirate.

Hadejia Emirate in the North East Senatorial District of Jigawa consists of eight local government areas. These are Hadejia, Mallammadori, Kaugama, Auyo, Kafin-Hausa, Kirikassamma, Birnawa and Guri.

At the 2017 flag off ceremony, Mr Badaru said: The project is the first of its kind in the state. People from the neighbouring states of Yobe and Bauchi, and Niger Republic will benefit from the hospital when completed due to its proximity.

An elated Emir of Hadejia, Abubakar Maje-Haruna, was profuse in thanking the governor for the project.

A project of this kind has been agitated for for more than three decades, the emir said as he thanked the governor for helping the residents of the emirate realise their dream of access to quality health care services.

Hospital project abandoned

PREMIUM TIMES recently inspected the hospital project and found that it is still dragging despite the governors pledge to commission it in 2019.

A review of the states budget showed that the government had awarded contracts not just for the construction of the Hadejia Special Hospital but also for two other hospitals in Birnin Kudu and Kazaure local government areas.

In the 2017 budget, it approved N1.2 billion for the three hospital projects but the actual funds released stood at N377 million. The amount was for the completion of General Hospital, Birnin Kudu, continuation of the Hadejia Specialist Hospital and commencement of Kazaure Specialist Hospital.

In the 2018 budget, the government approved N600 million for the hospital projects but ended up releasing N 746 million . This means the government spent N146 million above the budget estimate. It is not clear whether the governor obtained approval from the APC-controlled state House of Assembly for the extra expenditure.

In the 2019 budget, the government earmarked over N1.5 billion for the three hospital projects but N1.4 billion was released.

In the 2020 budget, over N1.6 billion was earmarked for the three hospital projects but only N795 million was released.

Of the amount released in 2020, N574 million was expended on the Hadejia Specialist Hospital, according to the budget document.

In the 2021 budget, over N3.3 billion was approved for the three hospital projects. The amount covers work on the second phases of the health facilities.

It is difficult to access budget breakdown in Jigawa State to enable citizens track a project in their localities and hold the government accountable, Ahmad Rufai, a journalist, lamented.

Even during the military era, the commissioner of finance normally organised an interactive session with reporters to give a breakdown of the budget. However, for over six years now, the practice has been halted and obviously this is promoting the culture of corruption, the Jigawa-based veteran journalist said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Government expenditure should be open to all citizens. By doing so you are building trust in the minds of the governed that their resources are being judiciously used, he added.

Residents groan

The chairperson of the Hadejia Emirate Development Association (HEDA), Abdullahi Kafinta, said the association had written many petitions to Governor Badaru and other stakeholders on the contractors alleged nonchalant attitude to its work on the hospital project, but to no avail.

The completion of the project is long overdue. We hold government responsible for the delay because the time frame has elapsed but the governor has not responded to our petitions asking why the project has been abandoned.

The project has been abandoned and we are more disturbed that the governors second term in office is winding up. This is our major concern  that he can leave without completing the hospital, Mr Kafinta told PREMIUM TIMES.

We have written three different petitions to the state government to ask why the project has been abandoned, yet there was no response from the government. This made many to lose hope on the project.

With no good hospital in Hadejia, residents of the emirate travel to neighbouring states of Kano and Yobe for health care services, the community leader said.

The only health facility in Hadejia was built in 1962 by the former premier of Northern Region, Ahmadu Bello, and that no longer meets the needs of the increasing population, he added

The specialist hospital is critical to the residents but we are not impressed with the progress of work on the project. We monitored similar projects in the state that they have started using. Why is our own different? Mr Kafinta, queried.

In the 2015 and 2019 elections, Hadejia Emirate gave the governor more votes than any other emirate. We supported him but the gesture is not reciprocated, we do not receive adequate attention from the government we made, Mr Kafinta said.

Contractors responsible for delay  Due Process

The Director-General of the states Due Process and Project Monitoring Bureau, Mr Husseini, dismissed speculations that the project was awarded to an unqualified firm.

Mr Husseini said the state government approves contracts based on what is in the budget and that due process is always followed, including on the Hadejia Specialist Hospital project.

However, Mr Husseini acknowledged that the projected date for the commissioning of the Hadejia Specialist Hospital is past but said the due process office is holding the contractor responsible for the delay.

It is our wish that this project was long commissioned. However, things kept coming up along the way. Initially, there was a revision of the drawing and contract sums. Also, a variation on the side of the soil because of the clay nature of the soil in Hadejia.

After the initial N1.5 billion total approved sum, there was a variation and the contract was revised and increased to N1.8 billion for the completion of phase one but we believe that the project ought to have been completed by now.

Mr Husseini said the supervising ministry of health wrote to the contractor, expressing worry over the delay. He (the contractor) replied, requesting additional five months. However, he failed to summit a work plan for the additional time as requested by the ministry.

As I speak with you today, (Thursday May 27), the due process office is officially writing to the contractor to register our dismay and call the contractor to order and to return to site, Mr Husseini said.

Why we cant revoke contract

Mr Husseini ruled out revoking the contract because it will further delay it and will be of no benefit to the two parties involved in the contract.

Revoking a contract takes years before you resolve it and it delays project commissioning on the side of the government while on the contractors side, their image is at stake. That is why contracting parties need to exercise restraint and do the needful, Mr Husseini said.

Government not owing contractor

The official said the government was not owing the contractor.

The government is not owing any contractor. No payment is delayed for one month in Jigawa. This contractor has no outstanding payment left on that Hadejia Hospital project, Mr Husseini said indicating that the contractor had been fully paid for the uncompleted project.

Government is committed to the project  Spokesperson

The state Commissioner for Information, Bala Ibrahim, told PREMIUM TIMES that the government is committed to the completion of the Hadejia Specialist Hospital and urged residents of the emirate to be patient.

Mr Ibrahim said the hospital is one of the tertiary health Institutions on which the governor is laying emphasis.

The spokesperson said the hospitals in Hadejia and Kazaure were meant to compliment the services of the federal government specialist hospital in Dutse, the state capital, when completed.

We are assuring the residents of Hadejia emirate to exercise patience. The government is committed to ensuring the completion of the hospital project, Mr Ibrahim said.

Contractor reacts

The site engineer of the hospital project, Habibu Aliyu, who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES on behalf of the company, said the delay in completing the project was due to contract variation, delay in payment and the coronavirus pandemic.

After the company requested the review of the project due to the clay nature of the soil which demand more works, it took the government eight months to respond to our request, which further delayed the project, Mr Aliyu said.

The supervising states Ministry of Health is not feeding the governor with accurate information with regards to the variation in the contract project and payment request takes three to four months delay.

The company is determined to complete the project, depending on availability of resources, Mr Aliyu said.
Nigerias former finance minister Kemi Adeosun, who was caught in a certificate forgery scandal, got what appears to be a reprieve from a court on Wednesday.

The Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that Mrs Adeosun did not breach any law by being appointed to the ministerial position in 2015 without participating in the NYSC scheme.

Although Mrs Adesosun forged her NYSC certificate to be appointed minister, the issue of forgery was not brought before the court as the federal government has refused to prosecute her for that.

Taiwo Taiwo, the judge, held that Mrs Adeosun, as of the time she graduated from a United Kingdom university at 22 in 1989, was a British citizen who was not qualified to participate in the scheme.

The judge added that when she returned to Nigeria and became a Nigerian citizen at over 30 years old, she was no longer eligible to participate in the NYSC scheme.

Mr Taiwo ruled that NYSC certificate was not a requirement for Mrs Adeosun to be appointed as a Nigerian minister or contest state or national assembly elections.

The judge did not review the forgery of an NYSC exemption certificate which Mrs Adeosun procured for her screening ahead of her ministerial appointment in 2015.

It is my finding, which was not challenged (by the Attorney General of the Federation) that by the time she (Adeosun) moved back to Nigeria in 2003, she was not eligible under the NYSC Act to serve in the National Youth Service Corps scheme.

In fact, it would have been a criminal offence if she had participated in the NYSC under any guise.

She had also been self-employed and was not in the employment of any agency or government, and therefore, she did not have to present a certificate of discharge as a prerequisite for employment.

In any case, I have already determined from the facts before me that she was over the age limit for participation in the National Youth Service Corps at the time she moved to Nigeria.

The plaintiff is a citizen of Nigeria by virtue of Section 25 (1) (C) of the 1999 Constitution. From my reading of this section of the Constitution, it is my finding that the plaintiff not being a Nigerian citizen in 1989 when she graduated from the University of East London, the United Kingdom, she was not eligible to participate in the National Youth Service Corps scheme, the judge said.

On whether or not NYSC is required for ministerial appointment or legislative election, the judge said, For the avoidance of doubt, participation in the NYSC scheme is not a yardstick to be elected into any of the legislative houses be it in the states or at the National Assembly, ditto (likewise) for ministerial appointment, despite the National Youth Service Corps Act being an integral part of the constitution by virtue of section 315 (5) of the Constitution.

I have looked at the evidence before the court. I therefore grant all the reliefs in favour of the plaintiff. This is the judgement of the court.

Suit

Mrs Adeosun had filed the suit marked, FHC/ABJ/CS/303/2021, with the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) as the sole defendant.

She argued through her lawyer, Wole Olanipekun, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the former finance minister, argued that she was not a Nigerian citizen at the time of her graduation from the university.

Among her four prayers in the suit is a declaration that the plaintiff, being a United Kingdom citizen as at 1989 when she graduated from the University of East London, London, United Kingdom at the age of 22 years, was ineligible to participate in the National Youth Service Corpse scheme, established by the National Youth Service Corps Act, CAP N8, LFN, 2004.

The judge in granting the four prayers on Wednesday, noted that the AGF who is the sole defendant, conceded to the suit.

ADVERTISEMENT

Background

Mrs Adeosun graduated from the Polytechnic of East London in 1989, at the age of 22. According to her curriculum vitae, she was born in March 1967.

The institution changed its name to the University of East London in 1992. Mrs Adeosun has her certificate issued in the new name.

PREMIUM TIMES had in an exclusive report exposed Mrs Adeosuns failure to participate in what is generally accepted as the mandatory one-year national youth service scheme.

The report revealed how Mrs Adeosun forged an exemption certificate many years after graduation which she presented as a substitute for a passing-out certificate.

Her official credentials obtained by PREMIUM TIMES had shown that the minister paraded a purported NYSC exemption certificate, which she said was issued in September 2009, granting her exemption from the mandatory service on account of age.

Mrs Adeosun, who had earlier served as the Commissioner for Finance in her home Ogun State, was appointed as the Minister of Finance based on the fraudulent NYSC exemption certificate in November 2015.

She was however forced to resign by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration in September 2019 based on PREMIUM TIMES report exposing her non-participation in the national youth scheme and her forgery of an exemption certificate.

The year-long service, organised by the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), is compulsory for all Nigerians who graduate from universities or equivalent institutions at less than 30 years of age.

In addition to being a requirement for government and private sector jobs in Nigeria, the enabling law prescribes punishment for anyone who absconds from the scheme or forges its certificates.

Eligible Nigerians who skipped the service are liable to be sentenced to 12 months imprisonment and/or N2,000 fine, according to Section 13 of the NYSC law.

Section 13 (3) of the law also prescribes three-year jail term or option of N5,000 fine for anyone who contravenes provision of the law as Mrs Adeosun has done.

Subsection 4 of the same section also criminalises giving false information or illegally obtaining the agencys certificate. It provides for up to three-year jail term for such offenders.

The attorney-general, who was the defendant in Mrs Adeosuns civil suit, and has the legal powers to prosecute her for forgery, has refused to do so.

In the build-up to the 2019 general elections, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) disqualified the Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, from participating in the Oyo State governorship primary, following an exclusive PREMIUM TIMES report that showed that he skipped the NYSC.

A suit he subsequently filed to challenge his disqualification was struck out by the Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, on technical grounds in April 2019.

Mr Shittu skipped the NYSC but unlike Mrs Adeosun did not forge a certificate to get his ministerial appointment.
The Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi, has warned that those picking up illegal arms against state actors would be punished.

Mr Magashi stated this on Wednesday at the State House shortly after the decoration of the Chief of Army staff, Faruk Yahaya, as a lieutenant general.

He said the Nigerian Army has been given the mandate to go after those in possession of arms.

The ministers warning comes in the midst of heightened insecurity in the country majorly attributed to the proliferation of light arms and small weapons.

This trend has led to various forms of insecurity resulting in the death and kidnap of thousands of Nigerians.

Disgruntled politicians have often been accused of being behind the proliferation of illegal firearms around the nation.

A former Head of State, Abdusalami Abubakar, said recently that there are over six million weapons in circulation around the country.

End insecurity

Briefing journalists after the event, Mr Magashi said Mr Yahaya has been given the marching order to put an end to insecurity.

He said the new army chief had since started his job very well.

Well, I think like every other chief, his mandate is to bring to an end to banditry, kidnapping and the Boko Haram issue and right from his assumption to date, there is a lot of improvement in the way we have been fighting this war.

The planning is thorough and the activities are going according to operational plans and I am sure with that kind of arrangement, we will get out of the insurgency problem, the minister said.

Mr Magashi said those perpetrating insecurity in parts of the country would be brought to book as the law would take its course against them, adding that those picking arms against security personnel would also be punished.

He said, If you commit an offence, you will be arrested, tried and if you are guilty you will be punished. But for anybody picking arms against a soldier, you know what that means and we will also treat him according to the law.

Giving more explanation on the presidents comment that criminals would be treated in the language they understand, the defence minister said whoever carrying a weapon would be gotten rid of.

I dont think there is anything wrong to get rid of an enemy if he also wants to get rid of you and that is what the president is saying; you cannot own a weapon illegally and be allowed to stay alive because that weapon can be used against you.

We will take on anybody who is carrying arms. Nigeria will not allow that to continue to happen. That is our message, the minister warned.

Also speaking, Mr Yahaya said the army under his leadership would give its best to ensure that current security challenges in some parts of the country are fully addressed.

He also pledged his unalloyed loyalty to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces as well as the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

ADVERTISEMENT

I want to most sincerely appreciate the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces for the confidence reposed in me and now being decorated Lieutenant General and Chief of Army Staff.

I want to pledge my unalloyed loyalty on behalf of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army. We would also continue to do our very best to arrest the current insecurity, which includes insurgency and other violent crimes.

We are already getting successes and we will leverage on that including our experience in this job and by the grace of God we will get there, Mr Yahaya said.
ADVERTISEMENT

The Director General, Scientific Equipment Development Institute (SEDI), Enugu, Samuel Ndubuisi, was on Wednesday shot dead in Enugu State, Nigerias South-east, by unknown gunmen.

Mr Ndubuisi, a professor of Physiology and Biotechnology, was killed along with a police officer attached to him at the Centenary City Junction axis of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The driver of the vehicle was said to have sustained injuries and had been taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention.

NAN reported that the incident is coming barely 48 hours after the Chief Executive Officer, AutoEase, a vehicle body repair firm, Ifeanyi Okeke, was killed about two kilometers from the point of the latest incident.

The police spokesperson in Enugu State, Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed the incident.

Mr Ndukwe, an assistant superintendent of police, however, said the information on the killing was still sketchy as of the time of filing this report.

The incident occurred at about 4 p.m., the police spokesperson said.

Information surrounding a shooting incident today, 07/07/2021 at about 1600hrs, along Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, said to have led to the death of a man and his police orderly is still sketchy.

Meanwhile, a preliminary investigation has commenced. Further development will be duly communicated, please, Mr Ndukwe said.

(NAN)
Former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, on Wednesday, celebrated a court judgment which trivialised her failure to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme prior her appointment in 2015.

In a statement, the former minister described the judgment as vindicating her after a very traumatic spell, although she was silent on the forgery of the NYSC exemption certificate she was caught to have committed to be appointed minister in 2015.

The judgement, too, was silent on the forgery scandal. This is because the minister who instituted the suit apparently to obtain a judicial clearance did not present it before the judge for a review.

But despite the judgement leaving the forgery allegation hanging around her neck, Mrs Adeosun issued a subtle threat to institute a legal action, perhaps against PREMIUM TIMES, whose report exposed the forgery scandal in 2018.

I wish to add in light of the courts ruling, I will at the appropriate time and without hesitation, take all further steps necessary within the law to protect my reputation, her statement read in part.

Taiwo Taiwo, the judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, said in his judgement, that the former minister did not need an NYSC certificate to be appointed a minister or elected into a legislative house at either the federal or state level.

But the verdict left the more serious allegation that she forged a certificate of the NYSC purporting to have exempted her from the scheme unaddressed.

Revelations

A PREMIUM TIMES investigative report had exposed how she skipped the scheme and went on to forge a certificate purporting that she was granted an exemption by the NYSC.

She was forced to resign following PREMIUM TIMES revelation in 2018.

She admitted in her resignation letter to the President that she realised that the NYSC certificate she presented was not genuine after the PREMIUM TIMES report.

She also admitted presenting the same certificate to be appointed the Commissioner for Finance in home Ogun State in 2011.

The judgement given in her favour on Wednesday appears to be at variance with the NYSC law, which stipulates that the one year-long service is compulsory for all Nigerians who graduate from universities or equivalent institutions at less than 30 years of age.

Eligible Nigerians who skipped the service are liable to be sentenced to 12 months imprisonment and/or N2,000 fine, according to Section 13 of the NYSC law.

Read her full statement:

My lawyers have informed me of the judgment by the Federal High Court, Abuja, in the case of Folakemi Adeosun v The Attorney General of the Federation (FHC/ABJ/CS/303/2021) in which the court, presided over by Honourable Justice Taiwo Taiwo, ruled that the constitution does not require me to present my first-degree certificate or any other certificate, including the NYSC certificate, to be appointed a Minister. More importantly, he also ruled that I was not eligible to perform NYSC by virtue of the constitution. This is the position I have always maintained and am happy for this official clarification.

The ruling vindicates me after a very traumatic spell. It is, however, not only a personal victory; its also a victory for many Nigerians in the Diaspora under similar conditions who are desirous to serve their country.

I wish to thank God, my family, friends, my counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and numerous well-wishers for their love, care and concern throughout this difficult period, which has lasted 3 whole years.

I wish to add in light of the courts ruling, I will at the appropriate time and without hesitation, take all further steps necessary within the law to protect my reputation.

I thank you all.

ADVERTISEMENT

Kemi Adeosun
ADVERTISEMENT

The number of people infected with the coronavirus infection in Nigeria has reached 168,000 following the confirmation of 91 new cases on Tuesday, health authorities have said.

The daily infections rose from 50 on Monday to 91 in the last 24-hour cycle to reach the current figure.

In an update on its Facebook page Tuesday night, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), disclosed that the 91 new cases were recorded from seven states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Lagos, again, topped the chart with 66 new cases out of 91.

While the FCT reported a single case, both Kaduna and Oyo States recorded three cases each with Kwara reporting 12 and Rivers, four. The duo of Ekiti and Plateau States reported one case each.

Meanwhile, nobody died of the disease on Tuesday as the countrys latest fatality was recorded on Monday with total fatality still standing at 2,122.

Five patients were reported to have recovered after treatment on Tuesday, even as the NCDC said a total of 164,405 recoveries have been made while about 1,300 are still active in Nigeria.

The country has tested more than 2.3 million samples from its roughly 200 million population.

Similarly, more than 3.2 million persons have received their first doses of COVID-19 vaccines across the country.
ADVERTISEMENT

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday decorated the Chief of Army Staff, Faruk Yahaya, with the rank of lieutenant general.

The brief occasion, which was held in the State House shortly before the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting was attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, Lucky Irabor, and the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali, amongst others.

The new rank, which is mostly preserved for whoever assumes the office of the chief of army staff, is the next after the rank of a major general.

Mr Yahaya was appointed as the new army chief on May 27 after the death of Ibrahim Attahiru, who died in a plane crash on May 21.

Until his appointment, the army chief was the theatre commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), in the North-east region of the country.
ADVERTISEMENT

A 23-year-old woman, Abibat Kehinde, who was abandoned at Epe General Hospital, Lagos State, three months after giving birth to twins, has been discharged after kind Nigerians paid her N131,000 bill.

Mrs Kehinde told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday that some NGOs and other philanthropists from Epe paid off the bill which facilitated her discharge from the hospital.

Mrs Kehindes husband, who is a commercial motorcyclist, absconded after delivery on March 21, without paying the bills to facilitate her discharge from the hospital.

She acknowledged and thanked all the donors for the gesture.

I thank all the donors most sincerely for their support and kind gesture, I really do appreciate it.

My appreciation also goes to Concerned Nation Builders Initiative (CNI), an NGO, which supported me financially.

If not for them I will still be stranded in the hospital till now.

I was admitted into the hospital around March and I was discharged three months after in June 2021.

I stayed that long in the hospital because I am financially incapacitated, she said.

Appeal

The mother of three, however, solicited further support from kindhearted Nigerians to enable her to cater for the children.

I am jobless and I do not have husband to support me. My parents have done their best, but cant continue again, as they are both completely impoverished, she said.

She appealed to the government, individuals, and philanthropists to come to her aid for the sake of the newborn babies
Due to what they described as unmet needs of contraceptives in Nigeria, health experts have said Nigeria annually records about 2.5 million cases of unintended pregnancy.

The duo of Christopher Aimakhu, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, Oyo State, and Abubakar Panti, a professor in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, gave some startling statistics about family planning in Nigeria on Wednesday.

They spoke during a two-day virtual media training on family planning. The event was organised by the Rotary Action Group for Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health Nigeria (RMCH) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, and the German Ministry of Economic Co-operation and Development.

Frightening statistics

Mr Aimakhu said Nigeria takes a large share of about 190 million women around the world, who are not using contraceptives despite the desire to space the number of births.

He said this is due to the low availability of contraceptives, especially in developing countries like Nigeria.

Government and donor agencies must carry out urgent interventions to increase contraceptives uptake in the country, he said.

He explained that if all unmet needs in Nigeria are satisfied, unintended pregnancies will drop by 77 per cent, from 2.5 million to 555,000 per year.

As a result, the annual number of unplanned births would be decreased from 885,000 to 200,000 and the number of abortions would drop from 1.3 million to 287,000, he said.

On his part, Mr Panti said unmet contraceptives need is a contributory factor to high maternal deaths in the country.

He said nearly 50 per cent of unmarried women in Nigeria do not have access to modern contraceptives, adding that the situation puts women in conditions of pregnancies not planned for, thereby increasing the countrys population and their chances of dying from unsafe abortion.

In underdeveloped countries, women continue to die because they lack access to contraception. In Nigeria, from the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018, the unmet need for contraception among married women is about 19 per cent, and the unmet needs among unmarried women are as high as 48 per cent, he said.

He explained that each pregnancy multiplies a womans chances of dying from complications of childbirth.

Maternal mortality rates are particularly high for young and poor women because they lack access to contraceptive services.

It is estimated that one in three deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth can be avoided if women have access to contraceptive services, he said.

Advocacy for more contraceptives

Meanwhile, other relevant experts have joined the duo to advocate concerted efforts and increased investment in family planning programmes towards achieving Nigerias Modern Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (MCPR) of 27 per cent by 2024.

The country had failed to meet a global pledge it made along other countries in 2012 to achieve a MCPR of 27 per cent among all women by 2020.

At the dawn of the deadline, FP2020 target indicators show that the country has only 13.9 per cent MCPR for all women.

Poor funding

Mr Aimakhu said there has been a continued under-funding of family planning (FP) and consistent delay in release of allocated funds.

ADVERTISEMENT

He explained that the national family planning budget decreased from 1.4 billion in 2019 to 1.06 billion in 2021.

In these past years, there have been decreased allocations and releases to FP, continued under-funding of FP and consistent delay in release of FP funds, he said.

More investment

Mr Panti calls for increased investment in the procurement of contraceptives, especially at the state level.

Currently, there is a pressing need to limit family size, at the personal and national level. The need for birth control at a personal level is paramount now because there is an increased cost of living, scarcity of accommodation, a desire for better education of children, among others.

At the national level, there is rapid population growth, and this is a critical issue in most developing countries because social amenities are overstretched, he said.

Increased population

In his remarks, the national coordinator of RMCH, Emmanuel Lufadeju, said restrictive access to contraceptives and modern family planning methods had contributed to the high population in the country.

He said; Family planning must be prioritised because the country is at the risk of a population explosion which will have an adverse effect on our socio-economic development.

It will also overstretch our already inadequate social amenities.

He said the country must begin to emphasise responsible parenting to be able to escape the calamity of an unplanned population explosion.

Speaking at the training, Kayode Afolabi, director, reproductive health, Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) said the federal government is committed to embarking on deliberate efforts to ensure sustainable financing for the national family planning programme.

He said the country has made very bold efforts to achieve rapid economic development in the past four decades.

He, however, said rapid population growth has affected the quality of life and made the achievement of socio-economic development goals difficult.
ADVERTISEMENT

The Senate on a Wednesday at plenary, passed a bill to upgrade the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom State, to University for Maritime Studies.

Also passed was a bill to establish the Institute of Information and Communication Technology, Ogoja, Cross River State.

Both bills were passed after the presentation and consideration of two separate reports by the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND.

Sandy Onuh (PDP- Cross River), in a presentation on behalf of the committee chairman, Ahmad Babba Kaita (APC-Katsina), said upgrading the academy into a university would help Nigeria in achieving the prerequisites of the International Maritime Organisation Convention on standard of training, certification and watch-keeping for seafarers.

According to him, the university will give students the opportunity to specialise in international shipping and waterways transportation, port operations, management as well as exploitation and exploration of oil and gas as a boost for Nigerias economy.

The senator said Nigeria has recorded losses in the maritime sector, a development which he added was largely due to deficits in manpower and seafarers.

Nigeria, he said, has committed resources in search of university degrees, postgraduate degrees and professionals from the maritime industry outside Nigeria.

The maritime environment requires highly trained personnel to manage the countrys enormous natural endowment and resources on our offshore, international shipping, oil and gas and expansion of coastline with waterways for a viable coastal and inland water transport industry, he said.

He said the upgrade of the academy into a university would benefit host communities in the South-south geopolitical zone and the country as a whole.

The Senate also received the report of the Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary) on oversight visits to Ministry, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

The report was laid during plenary by Akon Eyakenyi (PDP- Akwa-Ibom) on behalf of the Chairman of the Committee, Ibrahim Gaidam (APC-Yobe).

(NAN)
ADVERTISEMENT

Nigeria and Ghana are to work together to resolve the trade impasse between the two countries, the Speaker of Ghana Parliament, Alban Bagbin, said Wednesday in an address to the House of Representatives.

The Ghanaian lawmaker was admitted to the House to address the members as part of Speaker Femi Gbajabiamilas Parliamentary diplomacy.

Mr Bagbin spoke on the trade impasse and also made commitments to resolve the lingering crisis.

It would be recalled that Mr Gbajabiamila and the former speaker of the Ghana Parliament, Mike Oquaye, met back in September 2020 following the blowback over the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act.

In his address, Mr Bagbin said Ghana-Nigeria Friendship Act will be set up and it will set up the proposed Ghana-Nigeria Business Council.

Mr Bagbin said the government of Ghana had resolved to review the capital requirement for trading enterprises under the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act, 2013(Act 865).

Background

The Nigerian government had shut down its borders in 2019, citing security and economic issues across the country.

Nigerias Seme Krake Border was closed in August 2019. Following that action, the Ghanaian authority started the enforcement of the $1 million requirements for trading enterprises for non-Ghanaians. The policy reportedly led to the closure of about 300 shops belonging to Nigerians.

Also, the Nigerian Missions property located at No. 19/21 Julius Nyerere Street was also demolished.

Mr Gbajabiamila had promised that he would use parliamentary diplomacy to resolve the impasse between the countries.

House committee on Ghana-Nigeria relation

In his speech, Mr Bagbin said he had set up a seven-member committee on the Ghana-Nigeria relationship.

The Ghana-Nigeria Friendship Act

In furtherance of that, under my leadership, the Parliament of Ghana has appointed a seven-member committee as Ghanas delegation to the Joint Committee of Eminent Persons of our Legislatures. They will interact with their Nigerian counterparts towards passing the Ghana-Nigeria Friendship Act, he said

The Act will set up the proposed Ghana-Nigeria Business Council, which is intended to provide the legal and institutional framework to sustain the continued friendship and business interests of our people. I am particularly glad to indicate that they are with me on this trip and are ready to engage with their counterparts towards realizing the intentions expressed in the Act.

Mr Gbajabimila also announced the composition of a committee to interface with their Ghanaian counterparts.

The duo also briefed journalists after a closed-door meeting.

At the briefing, Mr Gbajabiamila said the Ghanaian government would take care of the demolished Mission building.
ADVERTISEMENT

Nigerian stocks crossed N20 trillion on Tuesday as the benchmark index scaled up by 0.52 per cent, touching a level last seen on June 21 with a jumble of heavyweight bank and oil & gas equities leading the charge.

Traders blossoming confidence in Seplat, Total, Access and Zenith particularly strengthened gains as the market sustained a bull run that is now in its fifth day.

Earnings release for the second quarter and the half year will start trickling in the weeks ahead and hopes are high for improved results across sectors as Africas largest economy rebalances from a recession that capped the coronavirus outbreak last year.

We expect the market to sustain its positive performance as investors position ahead of the H1:2021 earnings result, said broker Afrinvest.

Market breadth closed on an upbeat note with 28 gainers emerging against 10 advancers. The all-share expanded 198.03 points to 38,418.04 just as market capitalisation jumped to N20.027 trillion.

The index has been down by 4.6 per cent.

TOP FIVE GAINERS

May & Baker led gainers, appreciating 9.65 per cent to close at N4.43. UACN Property went up 9.57 per cent to N1.03. Total rose to N158.40, notching up 9.24 per cent in the process. Consolidated Hallmark added 9.23 per cent to end trade at N0.71. UPL completed the top 5, climbing by 9.21 per cent to N1.66.

TOP FIVE LOSERS

Eterna was the worst performing stock, declining by 9.73 per cent to close at N6.77. Linkage Assurance shed 9.41 per cent to close at N0.77. Unity Bank fell to N0.57, losing 8.06 per cent. Wapic slid to N0.56, recording 5.08 per cent depreciation. Jaiz Bank closed at N0.57, going down by 1.72 per cent.

ALSO READ: Nigerian stocks gain little despite promising company reports

TOP FIVE TRADES

Altogether, 426.270 million shares estimated at N4.750 billion were traded in 4,972 deals.

Fidelity was the most active equity with 42.068 million units of its shares, worth N96.625 million transacted in 185 deals. FBN Holdings traded 32.405 million shares priced at N242.558 million in 219 transactions. UBA had 22.742 million shares valued at N174.871 million traded in 347 deals. Access traded 13.757 million shares estimated at N124.703 million in 301 transactions. Wema traded 11.670 million shares valued at N8.520 million in 95 deals.
ADVERTISEMENT

The Katsina state House of Assembly has begun the process of converting all Television viewing centres across the states 34 Local Government Areas into state Islamic Schools.

The assembly commenced the process on Tuesday following a joint motion presented by a member representing Jibia constituency, Mustapha Yusuf-Jibia.

At the plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Tasiu Maigari, the lawmaker said that the call became necessary because the schools were more important than the viewing centres.

He explained that Islamic education had suffered many setbacks in most of the areas, especially the rural areas, hence the need for prompt action to address the setbacks.

Mr Yusuf-Jibia added that if his prayer succeeded, the conversion would also assist in reducing the spate of insecurity in the state.

He cited an instance, during a dialogue with some bandits where they complained of lack of schools for their children, saying that the conversion would give them the opportunity to enroll them.

If my prayer scales through, it will also help in reducing the number of Almajiri children roaming the streets in the name of begging.

Some of these viewing centres were abandoned and had become refuse dumps, criminal hideouts and a place where redundant youths hang around, Mr Yusuf-Jibia said.

According to him, if the centres were converted, the government will recruit teachers to teach in the schools, hence providing employment for the people.

Not only the government, but also the wealthy individuals and philanthropists in the areas can employ them, he said.

He added that the centres were established across the state primarily with the aim of enlightening the public on activities of the state government.

Resolutions

After deliberations by the lawmakers, the house ordered its joint committees on religious affairs and that of social development, to study the appropriateness of the conversion.

The house also ordered the committees to assess the number of those centres and also the non-functional Islamic across the state and report back within three months. (NAN)
ADVERTISEMENT

Governors of the six North-east states in Nigeria have appealed to the international community, development partners and donor agencies to help provide solutions to the armed conflict and its consequences in the region.

The governors made the appeal after a meeting of their forum at the Taraba State Government House in Jalingo.

The meeting, which was the fifth in the series, was convened to review the security situation in the region.

It also considered strategies for fighting poverty for sustainable development as peace slowly returns to the region.

Apart from the Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni, who was represented by his deputy, Idi Barde Gubana, all the governors from the zone attended the meeting.

The chairman of the forum, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, reading the communique issued at the end of the meeting, said the governors discussed how to take advantage of improved security situation in the region towards fighting poverty and vices.

The Forum calls on the diplomatic community, partners and donor agencies supporting the region to activate the process of transiting from humanitarian to stabilisation and durable solution within the region.

This will ensure sustainability and give people the opportunity to help themselves out of poverty. This will address socio-economic dimension of insecurity in the region, he said.

The Forum also notes the negative impact of drug and narcotic substances in the region and the extent to which it fuels the insurgency and other forms of criminality in the region. It therefore calls for support in the area of stopping drug trafficking and enforcing narcotic control within the region and across the borders.

The Forum notes the technical support on potentials for growth and development of the region especially the Agribusiness Programme using innovative financing model of the Adamawa State Government by the Arewa Research and Development Project (ARDP), and agreed that the research be extended to all the states of the region.

In pursuance of this, the forum directed the management of ARDP to immediately prepare and submit the project proposal to the forums secretariat for onward transmission to the various sates for implementation.

The Forum deliberated extensively on the presentation on the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project and noted with dismay, that the project as important as it is, to Nigeria and the North-East sub-region, is surrounded by a lot of contractual encumbrances which have stalled its take-off and realisation.

The Forum, therefore, calls on the President to accord the project the desired seriousness by establishing a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to address the encumbrances and bring the project to reality.

Also in its bid to reposition Education in the sub-region, the Forum has received report from the North East Council on Education. It has taken the Councils advisory on the improvement of quality and performance of students and teachers screening and training in the region.

The next meeting of the Forum is to be held in Damaturu, Yobe State, on Saturday October 9, 2021.
ADVERTISEMENT

The National Assembly Caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has aligned itself with the resolutions of the southern governors.

Members of the caucus, among other things, rejected an alleged plan to manipulate and alter the Electoral Act to remove the electronic transmission results from the law.

They made known their stand during a press conference at the National Assembly on Wednesday.

Their position comes two days after 17 Southern governors met in Lagos and opposed some of the items contained in the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) passed by the National Assembly last Thursday.

While they said the presidency should be zoned to Southern Nigeria in 2023 when President Muhammadu Buhari completes his second term in office, the governors opposed moves to remove electronic transmission from the proposed amendment to the Electoral bill.

Addressing journalists, leader of the caucus, Enyinnaya Abaribe, said the lawmakers decision was taken after due consideration and extensive deliberations on the political and security situation in the country.

On the Electoral Act, he said the furtive venture to tamper with a critical component of transparency and credibility of the electoral process is an unpatriotic and mischievous attempt to subvert our democratic process, institutionalize rigging, bastardise and frustrate genuine efforts towards credible elections in Nigeria.

Electronic transmission of results is the only way to eliminate malpractice and manipulations associated with manual collation of results, including alteration, switching and disappearance of election materials while on transit to various collation centres.

The Joint PDP caucus is already taking very strong and uncompromising steps to ensure that the provision guaranteeing the electronic transmission of result is not tampered with in any form whatsoever, Mr Abaribe said.

The PDP caucus reaffirmed support for the establishment of state police as well as other measures adopted by the governors to ensure the security of lives and property in the respective states.

They also supported the governors demand that deductions from the Federation Account for the Nigeria Police Security Trust Fund should be distributed among the states and federal government to combat security challenges.

The caucus, he said, agrees with the position of the governors in rejecting the three per cent share of the oil revenue to the host community as passed by the Senate and supporting the five per cent as passed by the House of Representatives.

We have set up very strong machinery to ensure that, in the interest of justice and fairness, the percentage of share of the oil revenue to the host community does not fall below expectation, he said.

The lawmakers also commended the Southern Governors Forum for the continued patriotic stand in always proffering solutions on critical issues bordering on the security, stability, as well as economic and political well-being of the nation.
ADVERTISEMENT

The ECOWAS Court of Justice has fixed Friday, July 9, for the hearing of Nigerian governments application for the consolidation of the four suits relating to the ban on Twitter in the country.

Nigerian governments lawyer, Abdullahi Abubakar, had filed the application on July 5, a statement by the courts press unit said on Wednesday.

The statement said the court had to adjourn the hearing of the application because two out of the four parties suing the federal government over the Twitter ban were not represented in court at Wednesdays proceedings.

Only the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), on one hand, and Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and eight others, on the other hand, were represented by their lawyers.

The lawyers did not object to the respondents request for consolidation of the four pending suits.

However the court observed that only two of the parties were represented in court and adjourned the matter to July 9, 2021, for all parties including the representatives of the parties absent at the proceeding to make their submissions on the application for consolidation, the statement added.

Background

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the court on June 22, 2021, issued an interim order directing the Nigerian government and its agents to refrain from imposing sanction on any media house or harassing, intimidating, arresting, and prosecuting the Applicants, concerned Nigerians for the use of Twitter and other social media platforms, pending the determination of the substantive suit challenging the ban.

The ruling was delivered on the application filed by SERAP.

SERAP and its co-plaintiffs are challenging the governments decision to suspend access to Twitter in Nigeria on the ground that it violated their rights to freedom of expression and press freedom among others.

They urged the court to declare the suspension a continuous violation of their rights.

The suit is being heard by a three-member panel of Justices Gberi-Be Ouattara, Keikura Bangura and Januaria Costa.

The President Muhammadu Buhari administration had on June 4 banned Twitter in Nigeria two days after the microblogging site deleted a controversial tweet by him.
Nigerias former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, admitted using a forged exemption certificate of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which she presented for her appointment in 2015.

Mrs Adeosun had resigned her position in the wake of PREMIUM TIMES report exposing the scandal in September 2018.

The report revealed how Mrs Adeosun skipped the mandatory national youth service scheme and procured a forged certificate purporting to have exempted her from the one-year mandatory exercise.

Following PREMIUM TIMES revelation, Mrs Adeosun tendered her resignation letter to President Muhammadu Buhari on September 14, 2018, admitting that she realised that the NYSC certificate she had presented to be appointed as minister was not genuine after the PREMIUM TIMES report.

She admitted presenting the same fraudulent certificate for her earlier appointment as Commissioner for Finance of Ogun State in 2011.

Read in full Mrs Adeosuns letter of resignation reproduced in the presidency statement announcing her resignation on September 14, 2018:

STATE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT

PRESIDENT BUHARI ACCEPTS RESIGNATION OF FINANCE MINISTER, KEMI ADEOSUN

President Muhammadu Buhari Friday accepted the resignation of the Hon. Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun. The President thanked the Minister for her services to the nation and wished her well in her future pursuits.

The President also approved that the Minister of State Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, should oversee the Ministry of Finance with effect from today.

Below is the full text of Mrs Adeosuns resignation letter.

FEMI ADESINA

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 14, 2018.

*

14th September, 2018

His Excellency

ADVERTISEMENT

Muhammadu Buhari

President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

State House

Aso Villa

Abuja

Dear Excellency,

Let me commence by thanking you profusely for the honour and privilege of serving under your inspirational leadership. It has been a truly rewarding experience to learn from you and to observe at close quarters your integrity and sense of duty.

I have, today, become privy to the findings of the investigation into the allegation made in an online medium that the Certificate of Exemption from National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) that I had presented was not genuine. This has come as a shock to me and I believe that in line with this administrations focus on integrity, I must do the honourable thing and resign.

Your Excellency, kindly permit me to outline some of the background to this matter. I was born and raised in the United Kingdom, indeed my parental family home remains in London. My visits to Nigeria up until the age of thirty-four (34) were holidays, with visas obtained in my UK passport. I obtained my first Nigerian passport at the age of thirty-four (34) and when I relocated there was debate as to whether NYSC Law applied to me. Upon enquiry as to my status relating to NYSC, I was informed that due to my residency history and having exceeded the age of thirty (30), I was exempted from the requirement to serve. Until recent events, that remained my understanding.

On the basis of that advice and with the guidance and assistance of those, I thought were trusted associates, NYSC were approached for documentary proof of status. I then received the certificate in question. Having never worked in NYSC, visited the premises, been privy to nor familiar with their operations, I had no reason to suspect that the certificate was anything but genuine. Indeed, I presented that certificate at the 2011 Ogun State House of Assembly and in 2015 for Directorate of State Services (DSS) Clearance as well as to the National Assembly for screening. Be that as it may, as someone totally committed to a culture of probity and accountability I have decided to resign with effect from Friday, 14th September, 2018.

Your Excellency, It has been an exceptional privilege to have served our nation under your leadership and to have played a role in steering our economy at a very challenging time. I am proud that Nigeria has brought discipline into its finances, has identified and is pursuing a path to long term sustainable growth that will unlock the potential in this great economy. Under your leadership, Nigeria was able to exit recession and has now started to lay the foundations for lasting growth and wealth creation. Repositioning this huge economy is not a short term task and there are no short cuts, indeed there are tough decisions still to be made but I have no doubt that your focus on infrastructural investment, revenue mobilisation and value for money in public expenditure will deliver growth, wealth and opportunity for all Nigerians.

I thank His Excellency, the Vice President and my colleagues in the Federal Executive Council for the huge pleasure and honour of working with them. I also thank most specially, the team in the Finance Family of advisers and heads of agencies under the Ministry of Finance. Your Excellency, this group of committed Nigerians represent a range of backgrounds, ethnicities and ages. They have worked well above and beyond the call of duty to support me in the tasks assigned. The diversity in my team and their ability to work cohesively to deliver reforms, convinces me that Nigeria has the human capital required to succeed.

Your Excellency, let me conclude by commending your patience and support, during the long search for the truth in this matter. I thank you again for giving me the honour of serving under your leadership, it is a rare privilege, which I do not take for granted. As a Nigerian and committed progressive, I appreciate you for your dogged commitment to improving this nation.

Please be assured, as always, of my highest regards and best wishes

Kemi Adeosun (Mrs)
ADVERTISEMENT

Rimamnde Kwewum (PDP, Taraba), a member of the House of Representatives, has urged the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, to resign in the face of mass defections hitting the party.

Mr Kwewum, who represents Donga/Takum/Wusa federal constituency of Taraba State, cited increasing weakness, incoherence and daily loss of members to the ruling party as the reason for the call.

The call for the resignation was contained in a letter Mr Kwewum wrote to the PDP Chairman and a copy was obtained by PREMIUM TIMES.

The letter was dated July 6 and addressed to Mr Secondus.

Mr Kwewum said the leaders of the opposition in the House are tired of protesting daily defection as he made reference to the recent defection of four lawmakers from Zamfara State.

Today (Tuesday), not unexpectedly, four members of the House of Representatives from Zamfara State denounced the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and defected to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC). Unlike other times, when leaders of the party in the House (both the Minority Caucus Leadership and the House PDP Caucus Leadership), put up some form of protest, not a whisper was heard or a hand raised in protest against the decamping!

He said that while Governor Nyesom Wike was selling the candidacy of Mr Secondus, it was on ability to deliver, adding that the party does not have what it takes to take back the centre.

When the Governor of Rivers State HE Nyesome Wike sought the support of members of the House of Representatives for your candidacy of the National Chairmanship of the Party, he extolled your virtues of tenacity and commitment to the party and our hope, then, to win the 2019 elections. He said you were the most experienced and loyal person who would commit everything to the success of the party. Indeed, and according to him, the relentless pursuit of success would be the guide of your actions.

The PDP, as you very well know, ought to represent the hope of Nigerians for a new future and to, at the very least, provide some formidable resistance and pull from the brink that the APC government has tragically brought Nigeria to. Unfortunately, the increasing weakness, incoherence, and daily loss of membership of our party to the ruling party have contributed to the general feeling of hopelessness in the country.

Mr Kwewum said the Secondus-led National Working Committee cannot lead the reconciliation effort because they are enmeshed in controversies.

You and the current national working committee members will be unable to lead the reconciliation process because you are unfortunately enmeshed in several current controversies, the lawmaker said.

Gale of defections

On Wednesday, a member of the House, Jonathan Gaza, also resigned from the PDP and moved to the APC.

Defection is almost a weekly activity in the House. There have been eight defections in the last five legislative days.

In addition, three governors in the opposition party have moved to the APC. They are Dave Umahi of Ebonyi, Ben Ayade of Cross River and Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State.
Unarguably, Nigerias tourism industry has the capability to generate sustainable revenues that will rival current earnings from crude oil. But there is a wide gap between tech-driven and globally connected tourism businesses and the traditional ones that are yet to adapt to digitalised business practices.

Digital technology is changing the way people live, do business and travel. Transformative digital technologies and innovation have opened up new opportunities for tourism businesses to compete in global markets.

With this development, we now have the term digital tourism, which refers to how we use digital tools to organise, manage and even enjoy the travel experience. In this regard, digital tourism deploys tools of digital transformation to change how we travel and how the sector itself operates.

Digital technologies are helping the tourism/travel industry to improve day-to-day operations, modify business models, while also improving the customer experience.

Increasingly, operators in the tourism/travel sector are embracing digital technology as a crucial part of the business. It is important for hotels, airlines, restaurants, and other allied companies to keep up with technological innovation within the travel industry.

While the sector was one of those that took a direct hit from the effect of the COVID-19 Crisis, operators are turning to technology for restoration of the abundant colour and verve in the tourism, travels, and hospitality industry.

With customer expectations shifting remarkably as a result of the health crisis, tourism businesses are adopting technology to deliver high-value services. And these digital technologies are transforming and reshaping the global tourism ecosystem.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the industry accounted for 334 million jobs, and about $9.2 trillion of the worlds gross domestic product (GDP) before the pandemic.

However, latest reports show that the global tourism and travel sector dropped to $4.7 trillion after suffering a loss of almost $4.5 trillion in 2020, with a significant drop in GDP by a staggering 49.1 per cent, compared to 2019.

In 2020, 62 million jobs were lost across the sector globally. And until the sector experiences a full recovery, the likelihood of more job losses may still be looming.

But in all of these, global tourism and travels enterprises are leveraging the power of technology to improve customer relations and drive sales. They are using innovative technologies to customise and deliver high-value new visitor products, services, and experiences.

Nigerias tourism and travel industry contributed 4.4 per cent of the total GDP, amounting to about N7 billion and it created 3,333 jobs in 2019. But in 2020 the figure dropped to N4.2 billion (2.8 per cent of the total GDP), with numerous job losses.

Unarguably, Nigerias tourism industry has the capability to generate sustainable revenues that will rival current earnings from crude oil. But there is a wide gap between tech-driven and globally connected tourism businesses and the traditional ones that are yet to adapt to digitalised business practices.

The countrys tourism sector is still coming to grips with the adoption of productivity-enhancing technologies such as cloud computing, data analytics, and revenue management software.

But in all of these, global tourism and travels enterprises are leveraging the power of technology to improve customer relations and drive sales. They are using innovative technologies to customise and deliver high-value new visitor products, services, and experiences.

Technology is changing the way operators target travelers, and in the process, disrupting existing service offerings and forcing a re-imagining of the visitor experience and the end-to-end visitor journey.

The Internet of Things (IoT), drones, and various applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI), such as computer vision, voice recognition, predictive analytics and other automation possibilities have reduced humans from many routine operations in the tourism industry.

New technologies help to reduce human errors and accidents and thereby enhance the safety and security of tourists. Japan and South Korea are already integrating robotics in the tourism and hospitality business.

As in many other industries, IoT and big data technologies are the leading sources of innovations in tourism and travel. Smart things and spaces (cars, suitcases, buildings and more), real-time data analytics (tracking and predicting people), and automation of security checks makes traveling more efficient and secure.

ADVERTISEMENT

The smartphone has become the most versatile digital technology, as tourists use it at every stage of their vacations. It serves as a tour guide, travel agency, best restaurant locator, map, and more.

Certainly, there is the need for synergy between the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), as well as policymakers to help tourism businesses engage with the digital revolution, and flourish in response to these disruptive technologies.

Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR) have brought fresh possibilities into the tourism and travels industry by allowing users to enjoy the sights and sounds of distant landmark tourist attractions.

More companies use AR/VR to show users a cabin on a cruise ship or transport them, for a brief moment to far-flung scenic locations on the globe. This means it is now possible to teleport you to the roaring oceans, the highest peaks, and experience the most remote corners of the globe from the comfort of your home.

With digital technology, millions of tourists find it easier to make pre-travel bookings/arrangements and also to navigate their way around Nigeria and other African countries. It is bad business for a company when tourists face difficulty in either booking a place or finding their way around the country of destination.

A few technology-driven tourism startups in Nigeria are, however, charting a new course by deploying technology to offer tourists/travelers a great customer satisfaction, while also helping to reduce cost and enhance operational efficiency.

Afritrip, Wakanow, Travelbeta, Jumia travel, Travelstart, Ajala.ng, and Hotels.ng make up the leading tourism/travel technology companies in Nigeria that offer online marketplaces for touring activity on the African continent.

By adopting digital transformation and investing in digitalisation, these companies are developing in-depth experience and transparency in business practices, which are vital for them to survive in the COVID-19 era.

As such, it is important for the tourism/travel/hospitality sector to fully embrace new technologies to remain competitive, and to take advantage of the innovation, productivity, and value creation potential.

Certainly, there is the need for synergy between the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), as well as policymakers to help tourism businesses engage with the digital revolution, and flourish in response to these disruptive technologies.

Inyene Ibanga writes from Wuye District, Abuja.
five prominent activists have been selected for an in-depth discussion on womens social and political positions and power in contemporary Nigeria. Chiedo Nwankwor, Ayisha Osori, Ireti Bakare-Yusuf, Nseabasi Ufot, and Ibijoke Faborode will be the guests at the Toyin Falola Interviews slated to hold on the 11th of this month.

Since the formation and evolution of humans into a sedentary lifestyle organised into clusters of families, lineages, compounds, and later, nations and nationalities, culture and religion have played integral features as the custodians of human civilisations. This is not to imply that the so-called early humans of the hunter-gatherer stage of human evolution lacked culture or were oblivious of some cosmological and metaphysical thought systems that governed their daily life experiences, encounters, and relationships. Instead, it speaks to humans inability to institutionalise or weaponise these structures to distribute roles and social stratification at this stage. In simple terms, culture and religion became institutions, instruments, and agencies of creating and justifying Otherness as human society evolved into state formation in the face of increasing population that was incommensurate with (material) resources on a spiral decline.

Fast forward to the nineteenth century when gender discourse began to take center stage, especially in the United States and Europe. These history and herstory put gender roles at the table of culture, religion, and political economy. Of course, as all-encompassing bodies that define the functionality and roles of other superstructures of the state, including those on the economic scene, the political-economic factor cannot be divorced from the influence of religion and culture. Since the time of the likes of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, a leading figure in the campaign against gender structure in America in the nineteenth century, to the Beijing Conference of 1995, and others at various levels and dynamics, feminists and gender rights campaigners could be seen striving to disabuse the extant organising philosophy and principle of the human society. Again, culture and religion act as the artists of these ideas.

In a way, this tells of the differences and nuances with which womens and gender issues have been discussed, treated, and understood by scholars, gender advocates, and the general public in time and space. Put this discussion in another paradigm, this time in the area of human psychology, a crystal ball could be seen mirroring the inherent nature and propensity of humans to find a weakness in the Other to justify the domination of this entity. Otherness in this regard could refer to sex, colour, height, culture, state, religion, and many more human compositions that differ from the experience of the person making the classification. Otherness, therefore, comes in the standard form of, at least as it is known in the Western universal epistemology, race, ethnicity, religion, age, class, dis/ability and gender.



Social class differences further compound this situation that perpetually comes with some set of prejudice. For instance, there is a biblically derived description of women as the weaker vessel in this same context. The problem with such conceptualisation of the womans body and being is that it fundamentally leaves no room for the known complexity of homo sapiens. Interestingly, women tend to maintain some sort of ambivalent relations with this type of conceptual frame of their person. For example, the idea that women should be prioritised when it comes to resource distribution or interest contestation, regardless of the circumstance, is ostensibly due to their fragile natures, which should be appealed to. In most cases, a gentleman is expected to open the door for his woman-counterpart, carry her bag and make other concessions based on the construction of the fragility factor. While all of these are constructed as noble acts, patronising in some ways, they are premised on the frail nature of women, rather than on mutual compassion and empathy.

And on an instructive note, the dynamics of gender relations between the two sexes can be seen playing out in either scenario. In the days we live in where, among other things, the socioeconomic climate of the modern state leaks faster and more precariously than the ozone layer, it is not uncommon for traditional gender roles to be reversed, to find men in the conventional conceptual frame of women, and vice versa. This is understandable to the extent to which the society has changed, been organised and the magnitude of cases of violence against women and the girl-child. But then, owing to the trajectory of the gender debate, gender discourse has been dominated by feminism and feminist notions. Talking about societal morphology and the nuances of gender discourse, it goes without saying here that given the ontology of African peoples and cultures, the epistemic interpretation of women and the concomitant structural space they occupy in these civilisations exhibit some sense of decorum and order sometimes absent in Western civilisations. Without the intention of arousing the intellectual anger of Africanist scholars, one should quickly add that this dichotomy is never permanent with either of these races but a function of their histories/herstories and trajectories to the nation-state. Again, coming to play in this respect is religion, culture, and the political economy that they jointly produced.

In the traditional African setting, as in other parts of the world before the dominance of Judeo-Christian and Islamic rites, women played integral and leading roles in the society. The contrary could not have been the case since the cosmologies of these cultures accommodated female gods, female priests, and in some cases, female rulers. The relevance of women had nothing to do with their ability to wear crowns but in controlling the crown. They were respected to the tune in which they constituted the pillar of the state, community, and family. As queens, priestesses, regents, warriors, mothers or wives, no strong man could wave aside their inputs in governance and administration without eating his breakfast at night for it when trouble came knocking. In most cases, the stake was so high that they served as the support and the final voice the strong man needed to hear to make a strenuous decision.

Though still a muscled space heavily barricaded by state power, the Nigerian civic space has witnessed a robust engagement in recent times. And in addressing the existential threat to women, it is only plausible that these voices are heard. Structurally, these voices have been featured on radio and TV programmes, social media and conferences, workshops and seminars, book publications and journals, as well as in tracts and pamphlets.

Consequently, when gender discourse became a paradigm for contesting a system shift in Europe and America, African women were with their husbands farming, trading, and fortifying the home. Although their public roles were sometimes indirect, they had almost unrestricted access to the socio-economic fronts. Considering the cultural factor in gender designation and the measure of the biodiversity of the African population, gender practices and roles are percolated with many contours within and across these differing cultures. To this extent, a generic pronouncement needs to be taken with caution.

Nevertheless, no intellectual police would apprehend one for adducing the changing dynamics of gender relations in Africa to the colonial impact. Added to the influencing factors mentioned above, upsetting conversation on womens biological makeup came further to the fore of the gender structure in the emerging states in Africa. Traditionally, this has been in consideration in gender roles. However, the political-economy and social milieu of the colonial state exacerbated this as the economics of opportunity cost was enthroned. The self-sufficiency of the pre-colonial days was on a gradual decline, the population was on the rise, and new opportunities were in the offing, all recalibrating the societal morphology and landscape. Disparities emerged in the privileges, opportunities, and earning power of both men and women.

Bringing with them their cultural traits considered universal, agents of colonial domination prioritised men in their negotiations and power distribution. Whereas Islam had already made a clear-cut role for both men and women in many of these polities, with the effect of reducing women to a sort of museum not accessible to the general public but with filial currency, the baptism of the society in Judeo-Christian traditions brought other nuances to this emerging trend. Part of the earliest success of the decolonisation process in Africa thus was the remembering (apologies to Wa Thiongo) of African women in leadership roles in African churches. With the colonial economy and enthronement of Western education, which is tightly linked to the former, parents had to choose which child to send to school and the extent of investment on each child. Already, the economy had ensured that the family size was cut to a moderate size of an average of a husband and a wife with four children; additional ration had to be taken for all to survive.

Herein lies the dilemma of the girl-child in obtaining the only tool with which she could navigate the developing society. Since the beginning of time, social mobility has been predicated on relevant knowledge and applying this in different situations and circumstances. The changing structure and system of acquiring this knowledge have put many girl-child at a disadvantage of moving up the social ladder. The male counterparts fare better because when priority is to be taken, it often goes to them. Among other factors noted above, this is primarily adduced to the fact that the girl-child would grow to marry and take up the identity of her husband, with limited gains for the family; whereas, the male child would continue with the traditions, multiplying their investments.

Patriarchy has been deadly. Women are meant to be passive, and all they could achieve is thought to be in the kitchen and labour room. Hence, the clamour against Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C), illiteracy, limited avenues for social mobility, sexual harassment, rape, independence, domestic violence, political marginalisation, and other aspects in which they have been marginalised. More than half a century since Nigeria became a sovereign nation-state, several treaties and agreements have been signed and ratified with the view otof curbing this situation that has become a menace. But as with other issues, the problem is not so much the absence of a framework and principles to follow as it is the lack of the political will for implementation. This, in itself, is culturally laden. Hence, the protection of the childs rights, as espoused in the United Nations Charter and recently reinforced by the African Union and other regional and international conventions, is delayed. In Northern Nigeria, where Sharia is practiced, the situation is far worse, both legally and practically.

However, postcolonial Nigeria has seen the rise of rights advocates on virtually every aspect of life as it affects the population. Thanks to the dark days under military rule, the civil society organisations in Nigeria have been fortified and their relevance reinforced with global network building and structures. Though still a muscled space heavily barricaded by state power, the Nigerian civic space has witnessed a robust engagement in recent times. And in addressing the existential threat to women, it is only plausible that these voices are heard. Structurally, these voices have been featured on radio and TV programmes, social media and conferences, workshops and seminars, book publications and journals, as well as in tracts and pamphlets. In the Toyin Falola Interviews, these voices are made louder since the only way to reorder and enhance the current positions of women, as in other vulnerable and marginalised members of the society, remains in relentless public advocacy and orientation.

In all its ramifications, these great women exhibit a stellar constellation of voices representing the voiceless and those living at the margins of society. Owing to their modus operandi, it would amount to an innocuous distortion to address them merely as gender advocates or feminists. This limited description might blur their roles in other aspects of the civil space still relevant to gender discourse.

In this view, five prominent activists have been selected for an in-depth discussion on womens social and political positions and power in contemporary Nigeria. Chiedo Nwankwor, Ayisha Osori, Ireti Bakare-Yusuf, Nseabasi Ufot, and Ibijoke Faborode will be the guests at the Toyin Falola Interviews slated to hold on the 11th of this month. Not many will argue that the ultimate citadel of learning resides in our infinite social space. True, knowledge resides in books, but it does not take its home only within the four walls of any citadel of learning as we know it today. Experience, as witnessed personally and deduced from others during life, when merged with the wisdom of the past and the knowledge of the four walls of the tertiary institution, is as admirable as it is insurmountable.

In all its ramifications, these great women exhibit a stellar constellation of voices representing the voiceless and those living at the margins of society. Owing to their modus operandi, it would amount to an innocuous distortion to address them merely as gender advocates or feminists. This limited description might blur their roles in other aspects of the civil space still relevant to gender discourse. Besides this point is their realisation of the promotion of gender balance through equity discourse. At various times, in multiple fora, and through their platforms, they have engaged with democracy, development, and health issues. In most cases, within these frameworks, they have been the vuvuzela of both accomplished and marginalised women in Nigeria and other parts of the world, reaching the Atlantic capitals and cities. That they are the epitome of power and hope for the current generation of female leaders in the society is stating the obvious.

Chiedo Nwankwor holds a Ph.D. in Political Science and International Relations, teaches in the African Studies Program at John Hopkins Universitys School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), and is a Fellow of its Foreign Policy Institute, while infusing immense knowledge in the areas of Gender Justice and Development, Identities and Politics, Women Participation and Leadership, and Legislature into public advocacy for the emancipation of women and development of Africa.

Ireti Bakare-Yusuf comes as a media person par excellence. Her radio and TV programmes are blockbusters on the airwaves as they attract hundreds of thousands of audiences. As the Principal Partner of Nottinghill Management and Media and the founder of NoMore234ng, Ireti spends her days in Marketing Media and Project Management and promoting advocacy movements against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and women empowerment in Nigeria. This multi-disciplined professional has held senior executive leadership roles and led transformation projects for blue-chip organisations across the globe. As a result of her impressive CV, she was headhunted from the UK by Celtel Nigeria to head the companys project management team in 2008. In addition, Ireti Bakare-Yusuf coordinates almost a dozen TV and Radio programmes, with documentaries that have been nominated for prestigious awards such as the African International Film Festival (AFRIFF). She is pretty active on social media. Her #NoMore app was awarded second place in the West African regional finals of the Innovating Justice competition organised by The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law, which had over 400 applicants.

On their part, Nseabasi Ufot and Ibijoke Faborode are fully involved in activism through their established platforms like the New Georgia Project and ElectHER, respectively. Both of these women are preoccupied with the challenge of drawing public awareness to democratic practices through voters education. Nseabasi was named one of 2021 Times 100 Next, acknowledging her activism, including the registration of about 7,000 Georgians to vote in the 2020 United States Presidential election and the 2021 run-off election through her New Georgia Project. In her effort, she is recognised as a leadership council member of the Democracy and Culture Foundation, a 2019 One Young World Dutch MFA scholar, and a 2019 Public Service Nominee for The Future Awards Africa. In the same vein, Ibijokes ElectHER supports and encourages women to contest for elective public offices through several means, including the provision of funds for which her organisation recently launched a $10 million fund to empower 1000 women and directly fund 35 women in the 2023 elections.

The profiles of these great women attest to what is to be expected during the Toyin Falola Interviews. Undoubtedly, they will bring diverse experiences as scholars, entrepreneurs, media experts, and public advocates.

ADVERTISEMENT

Join us on Sunday, July 11, 2021, at 5 PM Nigerian time, to be part of an exciting and illuminating conversation.

Register and Watch here.

Join via Zoom

Watch on Facebook.

Watch on YouTube.

Toyin Falola, a professor of History and University Distinguished Teaching Professor, is Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities at The University of Texas at Austin.
ADVERTISEMENT

An Assistant Superintendent of Police, Oghobe Efe, on Wednesday told an FCT High Court in Kubwa that a 32- year-old spare part dealer, Kenneth Ojobo, confessed to beating up his 23- year- old girlfriend, Ifunanya Linus, to death.

Being led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Umoh Inah, the witness said he was an investigator with the FCT Police homicide section.

Mr Efe said that the Medical Director of Khalifa hospital, Apo, Abuja reported at Apo Divisional Headquarters that the defendant took his girlfriend to their facility for treatment on September 17, 2019.

She later died and the case was transferred from the Apo Divisional Headquarters to my department at the FCT Command, Garki for further investigation.

I interviewed the defendant and he wrote his statement, where he admitted to beating the deceased with a plywood.

Investigations revealed that the deceased and the defendant were in a relationship and living together. He hit the victim with a plywood during an altercation, Mr Efe said.

He added that the crime scene was visited by the police and exhibits recovered.

Mr Efe also informed the court that the corpse was deposited at the Asokoro District hospital morgue.

The prosecution counsel tendered the defendants statement as an exhibit which was admitted.

Justice Kezziah Ogbonnaya adjourned the matter until July 13 and July 15 for cross-examination.

(NAN)
Lagos State Governor with 2019/2020 outstanding officers (Junior & Senior Categories) in the Public service at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, on Tuesday, July 6, 2021.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Tuesday presented 10 cars to public servants who have distinguished themselves in the State Civil Service.

Mr Sanwo-Olu presented the cars at the Luncheon with the Year 2019/2020 Outstanding Officers (Junior and Senior categories) in Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas held in Ikeja.

He also announced a N5 million cash gift for a Level 16 officer in Lagos State Civil Service for winning an impromptu quiz competition personally coordinated by the governor.

Mr Sanwo-Olu urged officers in the state civil service to continue to be change agents and outstanding public servants.

He encouraged civil servants to continue striving for excellence and live as examples in whatever they do.

The governor also urged them not to give up in being the best to justify the confidence reposed in them, as well as letting people have something good and original to say about them.

Mr Sanwo-Olu commended the Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, for his efforts.

He said the state government was committed to the welfare and service it promised to deliver to the state.

The recipients of the cars who emerged through a raffle draw at the grand finale of activities lined up to commemorate the Year 2021 Public Service Day, comprised four junior and six senior officers.

Recipients in the junior category were Basirat Shogbola, Olalere Alaka, Kikelomo Ogunbiaro and Olufunmilayo Alase.

Those in the senior category were Olanrewaju Jaji, Olayiwola Odukoya, Adekunle Ipaye, Waheed Alaba, Victoria Adegbite and Olanrewaju Disu.

A Level 16 officer in Public Service Staff Development Centre, Taofeek Ajetunmobi, won a N5 million gift from the governor.

Speaking earlier, the Head of Service, Mr Muri-Okunola, urged the awardees not to rest on their oars.

According to him, the objective of the best officer awards was a bid to recognise and reward excellence.

He urged them to continue to exhibit the high sense of responsibility, diligence, commitment to duty and unalloyed loyalty which were the qualities and values for which they had been recognised.

The HOS said that 166 out of 180 nominees were recommended for the Outstanding Officers Award, and the awardees comprised 101 officers in the senior category and 65 officers in the junior category.

Mr Muri-Okunola said this years Public Service Week featured various activities, which included mass walk for fitness, variety show, among others.

ADVERTISEMENT

(NAN)
ADVERTISEMENT

The six Southwest governors in the country on Tuesday met with Senators and House of Representatives members from the zone in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the meeting was conveyed to discuss issues of national interest, particularly the positions of the governors on the ongoing constitutional review.

The meeting was attended by all the six governors in the zone and all the National Assembly members from the zone.

The Chairman of the Southwest Governors Forum, and Ondo Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, in a statement, said they discussed so many areas of interest, particularly, constitutional amendments.

The meeting, which had Governors, distinguished Senators and members of the House of Representatives, discussed so many areas of interest.

But most importantly, the meeting today (Tuesday) deliberated on constitutional amendments. And we have resolved that we would present a common position as regards amendments to the constitution, he said in a statement seen by PREMIUM TIMES.

In order to achieve this, this meeting has set up a committee. The committee is made up of distinguished Senators led by the caucus chairman, House of Representatives members led by the Caucus chairman, and Attorneys of the Southwest states.

The Committee is to harmonize our positions so that we can present it as and when necessary before the two houses and, at the end of the day, have the Constitutional amendment that has our serious input.

This newspaper earlier reported that 17 southern governors met on Monday and agreed that power should shift to the Southern part of the country in 2023.
ADVERTISEMENT

Fire has gutted some shops at the popular Ladipo market in Oshodi, Lagos, on Wednesday.

The Acting Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ibrahim Farinloye, said the fire started in the early hours of Wednesday at No 137, Ladipo Market, Matori.

The official said the affected building housed seven shops, four apartments, and five households.

The fire was said to have occurred from goods such as engine oil and gas stored in the affected shops.

It was ascertained that gas for vehicle AC, engine oil, paint, car stereo systems, car accessories are being sold in the gutted shops.

So far, no information on anyone trapped, no civilian has been injured except one responder who was injured by shrapnel of the explosion. Police EOD, Federal State and LRU Fire Services are responding, Mr Farinloye said.

He added that emergency operation is still ongoing with about nine fire-fighters at the scene.

PREMIUM TIMES reported a similar fire at Cairo market, a popular textile market at the Oshodi in May.
With gas prices likely soaring for the holiday weekend, are you planning to travel or stay close to home?

You voted:
JOE LOTEMPLIO/STAFF PHOTO Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) speaks at an event regarding the reopening of the U.S.-Canada border at the Plattsburgh Boat Basin Marina, Tuesday. Schumer joined the chorus of officials calling for unilateral action at the U.S.-Canada border if a binational agreement to reopen the shared boundary is not reached soon.
,of Mooers Forks, passed June 13,2021 at the UVM-CVPH. He was born in Plattsburgh. There will be no public calling hours or services. Arrangements entrusted to the Brown Funeral Home, Altona,NY. Online condolences may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.
Southbury, CT (06488)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 87F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 71F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
JERUSALEM, July 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Alpha Tau Medical, the developer of the pioneering alpha-radiation cancer therapy Alpha DaRT, announced today that the first participant in its US pilot trial for skin cancer has been treated with Alpha DaRT, at University Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. The Houston site, led by radiation oncologist Dr. Mark A. D'Andrea, is part of an expanded multicenter study that originated as a single-center trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) in New York City. This first patient marks another significant milestone for Alpha Tau, following its "Breakthrough Device Designation" received from the FDA last month, allowing for an accelerated regulatory pathway in the United States.

Alpha Tau CEO Uzi Sofer remarked, "We are so excited to have treated our first patient in the critical US market, after expanding our MSK trial to new sites including University Cancer Center in Houston. As we had hoped, following the Breakthrough Device Designation, our clinical studies are starting to progress rapidly, and we anticipate treating patients at additional US sites in the near future, which we believe will confirm the promising results we have observed so far in our other trials around the world."

"With our international clinical study program already progressing in Israel, Japan, Italy and Russia, we look ahead to producing results in our US multicenter trial, including the site led by Dr. D'Andrea and his experienced staff," said Alpha Tau CMO, Dr. Robert Den. "We hope to complete our pilot safety and feasibility trial for Alpha DaRT in skin cancer patients in the near future, and then move on to a larger, pivotal study to receive approval for Alpha DaRT in the US market."

Mark D'Andrea, MD is the oncologist leading the introduction of the cutting-edge Alpha DaRT technology at the University Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. He commented, "It is exciting and inspiring to be involved in this study, which utilizes potent alpha radiation to treat patients who have new cancers, those who have failed previous treatment, or cannot be treated by conventional therapies. Unlike surgery or long courses of radiation, with Alpha DaRT the patient receives treatment and returns home the same day. Alpha DaRT can also potentially avoid extensive surgical wounds or be used to treat cancers close to critical organs, for which traditional radiation therapy might be too risky. Alpha Tau's outstanding team provided a smooth onboarding process and made this revolutionary new type of cancer therapy easy to use. Several patients have been recruited at our site, and having treated our first patient today with skin cancer of the head & neck, we are looking forward to helping other patients soon using the Alpha DaRT."

About Alpha Tau Medical, Ltd.

Founded in 2016, Alpha Tau Medical Ltd, is an Israeli oncology therapeutics company that focuses on research, development, and commercialization of the Alpha DaRT technology for the treatment of solid tumors.

Alpha DaRT(Diffusing Alpha-emitters Radiation Therapy) is an innovative technology that enables the highly potent and uniquely conformal alpha-irradiation of solid tumors. The treatment is delivered by intratumoral insertion of radionuclide Radium-224, which leads to the release and diffusion of daughter radioisotopes that emit alpha particles. These alpha particles have the capacity to destroy solid tumors. Since the alpha-emitting atoms diffuse only a short distance in tissue, Alpha DaRT mainly damages the tumor, while sparing the healthy tissue around it.

Contact:

Amnon Gat

Tel: +1 833-455-3278

[email protected]

Media Package: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4wtkdggbyatxyly/AACobJHTz_OD2dNE3Z0cYKc1a?dl=0

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/733268/Alpha_Tau_Medical_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Alpha Tau Medical
NEW YORK, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- American Jewish Committee (AJC) does not normally take positions on nominees requiring Senate confirmation. However, accusations around Dilawar Syed's nomination based on his national origin or involvement in a Muslim advocacy organization are so base and unamerican that AJC is compelled to speak out.

Syed has been an active partner of the San Francisco Jewish community, including taking part in a program for the national Muslim-Jewish Advisory Council, co-convened by AJC. He traveled to Israel with the Jewish Community Relations Council of San Francisco and has been involved in other Muslim-Jewish dialogue efforts.

The unsupported accusation that somehow Jewish businesses or those with ties to Israel may not fare as well under Syed's leadership in the Small Business Administration (SBA) has no factual grounding. Indeed, he has specifically disavowed support for the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement, which seeks the dissolution of Israel. In a question for the committee record, Syed stated, "Let me unequivocally state that I do not support BDS. Throughout my career, I have supported engagement with Israeli business. I have personally conducted business with Israeli companies and have mentored entrepreneurs based in Israel."

Syed is also being attacked for his involvement with Emgage, an organization with which AJC has made common cause on a number of shared policy issues. While AJC often disagrees with Emgage on matters related to Israel, its advocacy is done in the great American tradition of respectful public debate. AJC rejects the charge that simply an affiliation with Emgage would reflect negatively on an individual, organization, or agency.

Marc Stern, AJC Chief Legal Officer, said, "As an organization which focuses on combating antisemitism and all forms of hate, and cultivating allies for the State of Israel, AJC is not in a position to comment on Syed's qualifications to be the Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA). However, his national origin or his involvement in a Muslim American advocacy organization are not and should not be disqualifying factors."

SOURCE American Jewish Committee

Related Links

http://www.ajc.org


Results that Speak for Themselves Even before the show kicked off, success was assured. Within the first week of registration, more than 900 French and international trade professionals (importers, retailers, restaurateurs, sommeliers, distributors, etc.) had signed up. Excitement continued to build with the announcement of participating Alsace producers: more than 2,000 virtual meetings were scheduled. Thirty percent of registrants were French, and international response truly showed the excitement surrounding the event with 2,700 international attendees from 55 countries. Participants from the top five export marketsUS, UK, Italy, Canada and Taiwanwere joined by visitors from emerging markets such as Peru, India, Nepal and Paraguay.

Global Impact for a Local Project

Supported by the entire Alsace wine industry and led by the CIVA, the Millesimes Alsace Digitasting was a collective initiative. A major innovation for the wine industry, the event was produced entirely in Alsace in collaboration with partners from within a 46-mile radius around event headquarters. Logistics and transport, digital design, sample box production and bottling, photo and video production were all carried out locally. Conference panelists included Alsace residents and industry experts from all over the world, from California to Canada to Switzerland.

CIVA President Didier Pettermann expressed pride in the achievement. "For several years now, Alsace has been reinventing itself, and this successful initiative was one more way of showing the world that Alsace is now more than ever a leading player in the international wine scene."

Philippe Bouvet, CIVA Marketing Director, concurred. "We had great ambition for this event and the results exceeded our expectations. We conceived the Digitasting as more than a trade fair; we wanted to remind the industry why Alsace is a world-class wine region. And we succeededour international visitors were impressed by the overall event quality, the wine sample kits, the online platform, and especially the know-how of our Alsace producers."

Exhibitors were as enthusiastic as the visitors with the results. Wine producers made contacts that would not have been possible without this show. In the opinion of many professionals, this event marked a milestone, and they are looking forward to a second edition.

Same Time Next Year?

The CIVA is considering the possibilities of another Digitasting according to CIVA Director Gilles Neusch, however, the need for in-person contact remains strong. He shared, "We had planned to reinvent ourselves before opting for this virtual event and we are still evaluating the results. Many relationships initiated through the fair will continue to develop. Given the scale of this endeavor, we will first evaluate our key learnings for the future." Stay tuned!

PRESS CONTACTS:

USA

Teuwen Communications

Stephanie Teuwen | [email protected]

Beth Cotenoff | [email protected]

Kristen Grealy | [email protected]

212.244.0622

ALSACE

CIVA - Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins d'Alsace

Foulques Aulagnon

[email protected] 011.333.89.20.16.20

#MillesimesAlsace #Digitasting #DrinkAlsace #VinsAlsace

@DrinkAlsace

SOURCE Wines of Alsace
CHANDLER, Ariz., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Primavera Online School, a public charter school that educates more than 22,000 students in Arizona each year, will be hosting its commencement ceremony for the Class of 2021 on Thursday, July 8. The commencement, which is for seniors and juniors who have met state requirements to graduate from high school, will take place in three separate ceremonies. The first ceremony will start at 9 a.m., with the second and third ceremonies following at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. respectively. Each ceremony will last two hours and will be held at Arizona Federal Theatre, located at 400 West Washington Street in Phoenix, Arizona. The Class of 2021 is Primavera's largest graduating class yet, with about 1340 graduatesthe largest high school graduation class this year and arguably the largest in AZ history.

Primavera's graduates, along with their friends and family, will attend the in-person graduation ceremonies to celebrate earning an accredited diploma that is recognized by universities, colleges, and employers nationwide. Due to mitigation strategies, each graduate will be allowed up to four guests.

The graduates of the Class of 2021 are graduating during a milestone year for Primavera, as the 2020/21 school year marked the school's 20th anniversary. Founded in 2001, Primavera provides a tuition-free, accredited online education for students throughout Arizona and prepares them to be college and career ready. For more information about Primavera Online School, visit ChoosePrimavera.com.

For more information, contact:

Cody Bendix

(480) 490-8414

[email protected]

ABOUT PRIMAVERA ONLINE

Primavera Online School is a tuition-free, public charter school providing Arizona students in grades K-12 with a rigorous, award-winning curriculum, a flexible schedule and personalized attention from highly qualified instructors. Primavera is Cognia accredited and NCAA-approved. Visit www.chooseprimavera.com for more.

SOURCE Primavera Online School

Related Links

http://ChoosePrimavera.com


BOSTON and TEL AVIV, Israel, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Assured Allies , the leading company in evidence-based successful aging innovation, today announced the close of its $18.3M Series A fundraise. New investors Core Innovation Capital and New Era Capital Partners co-led the round, with participation from Wilton Re , a leading provider of in force and reinsurance solutions. Existing investors LionBird Ventures and Harel Insurance also participated. Assured Allies is an insurtech company with a platform of technology and services that can predict and shift the aging trajectory, reduce the risk of age-related decline and help people get the most out of life.

As the global population ages, people are heading into their later years with higher expectations for quality of life, but without a plan to maintain their wellness. Medical research shows that there are powerful and effective ways to maintain wellness and avoid the rapid decline commonly associated with aging. By applying population health management techniques and predictive analytics, it's now possible to pinpoint what's needed to increase a person's odds of successful aging at any given time.

"We learned from direct experience caring for our loved ones that the aging process can introduce a host of worries - from physical health to financial security and emotional wellbeing," said co-founder and CEO Roee Nahir. "We created Assured Allies to address those worries proactively, before they became a problem. In the last three years we have made big strides toward a future in which people are empowered to age on their own terms. And the best is yet to come."

The Series A funding will allow Assured Allies to accelerate delivery of its Age Assured program and continue to develop new successful aging innovations , based on the company's patent-pending technology for predicting the aging trajectory and its proprietary aging score. Specifically, the company will be introducing an entirely new category of offerings for successful aging that combine wellness with financial products. The breakthrough solutions will help people get the most out of their retirement and be game-changing for the insurance industry.

"We know so much about how to prevent age-related decline and how to dramatically increase the chances of a longer healthspan - so that we can enjoy a high quality of life into old age," said Assured Allies co-founder and Chief Product Officer Afik Gal, MD . "We now also have the technological capacity to apply that knowledge in a way that not only benefits individuals, but that is good for business as well."

"Addressing successful aging is more than a business imperative. It's a commitment to creating a better society," said Kat Utecht, Managing Partner, at Core Innovation Capital . "Assured Allies is uniquely positioned to bring innovative, tech-driven approaches to market, with the perspective to design solutions that provide value to both consumers and financial partners focused on the retirement years."

"We believe there will be an economic return as well as a social return on investing in a future in which people can age successfully. Moreover, we were compelled by the progress Assured Allies has made developing an algorithmic approach to predicting the course of aging," said Ran Simha, Managing Partner of New Era Capital , the Tel Aviv and Boston-based VC firm. "We founded our firm based on the belief that technology has the power to create a better future. Assured Allies will be instrumental in bringing that vision to reality."

Assured Allies is hiring from its dual headquarters outside of Boston and Tel Aviv , with roles across marketing, user experience, data science, product and engineering in addition to other roles. The company is part of the thriving Boston "Longevity Hub" and is contributing to the latest developments in predictive analytics, machine learning and AI in both Boston and Tel Aviv.

Age Assured Program

In 2020, Assured Allies introduced the Age Assured program in partnership with long-term care insurance (LTCI) carriers. Provided as a no-cost benefit, the membership program offers personalized support for policyholders seeking to live independently as long as possible. Assured Allies recently announced a partnership with LTCG to scale up delivery of the end to end program, which offers existing policyholders with a collection of services, including case management, fall prevention support, and caregiver training. The Age Assured program not only improves quality of life in the short term, it can reduce the risk of rapid decline and the costs associated with aging - a win for both individuals and insurance carriers. By the end of this year, Assured Allies expects to have more than 20,000 lives under management in the Age Assured program.

About Assured Allies

Founded in 2018, Assured Allies is on a mission to help people get the most out of life while also making longevity financially sustainable. Assured Allies is the leading provider of evidence-based successful aging innovation with deep expertise in data science, medical insights on aging and program management.

Co-founders Roee Nahir and Afik Gal, a medical doctor, were inspired to create Assured Allies based on their own experiences as caregivers to aging family members. They gathered a diverse team of physicians and data scientists, social workers and experts on aging, united by their mission to help people age successfully, on their own terms. Assured Allies has an extensive network of industry partners in long-term care, insurance and a range of service providers. Assured Allies is headquartered in Boston and has an office in Tel Aviv.

For more information about the company, visit www.AssuredAllies.com

For more information about the Age Assured program, visit www.Assured.care

Media Contact

Monica Miller

415-968-9690

[email protected]

SOURCE Assured Allies

Related Links

http://www.AssuredAllies.com


NEW YORK, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Behrman Capital ("Behrman"), a private equity investment firm based in New York, today announced that it has acquired Shur-Co, LLC ("Shur-Co" or the "Company"), a leading manufacturer of innovative cargo covering and cargo control systems and related accessories for the transportation industry. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Yankton, South Dakota, Shur-Co has proudly served its customers for more than 60 years. The Company operates four manufacturing facilities and six service centers across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., which provide proximity to key customers, channels, and markets. This footprint is complemented by an expansive dealer and sales rep network.

The Company represents a portfolio of market-leading brands (including Shur-Co and Donovan), which serve the agriculture, construction, waste, flatbed, and rail industries. Shur-Co's commitment to its longstanding customer base is enhanced by its leading engineering and research teams.

Grant G. Behrman, Managing Partner of Behrman Capital, said, "Shur-Co is an industry leader supported by its deep relationships with dealers, end users, and OEMs, as well as its high-quality aftermarket and new application parts. We are delighted to partner with the Shur-Co management team and look forward to accelerating the Company's growth strategy."

Shur-Co's management team, headed by President and Chief Executive Officer Terry Tennant, will continue to lead the Company under Behrman's ownership.

Mr. Tennant added: "We are thrilled to embark on an exciting new chapter for Shur-Co. Today, we offer the industry's most comprehensive lineup of covering systems, renowned for their quality and durability, and backed by leading innovation and research. Joining forces with the Behrman team will accelerate our momentum, while providing us with the benefit of their deep expertise in specialty manufacturing. I especially want to thank our employees, whose dedication to delivering the highest levels of product quality and customer service have and will continue to drive our success."

About Behrman Capital

Based in New York City, Behrman Capital was founded in 1991 by Grant G. and Darryl G. Behrman. The firm invests in management buyouts, leveraged buildups and recapitalizations of established growth businesses. The company's investments are focused in three industries: defense and aerospace, healthcare services, and specialty manufacturing and distribution. The firm has raised $3.5 billion since inception and is currently investing out of its sixth fund. For more information, please visit www.behrmancap.com.

About Shur-Co

Shur-Co is a leading manufacturer of innovative cargo covering and cargo control systems and related accessories for the transportation industry. Customers trust the Company's family of premium brands to protect and secure valuable cargo, comply with regulations, and minimize risks to drivers and roadways. Shur-Co's quality product offering serves applications tied to the agriculture, construction, waste, flatbed, and rail industries. Shur-Co has proudly served its customers for more than 60 years.

Contact

Ross Lovern / Daniel Hoadley

Kekst CNC

[email protected] / [email protected]

SOURCE Behrman Capital
"Many travelers are trying to make up for lost time by packing as much as they can into their summer getaways, and Myrtle Beach offers no shortage of options for off-the-beach experiences," said Karen Riordan, president and CEO of Visit Myrtle Beach. "Whether they want to step back in time and explore the Gullah Geechee culture or get up close and personal with sea life, visitors can find it all at The Beach."

Some ideas for interactive experiences and tours in the Myrtle Beach area include:

HISTORY ENTHUSIASTS

Built prior to the Revolutionary War, Hopsewee Plantation in Georgetown is a fascinating spot to visit, but its unique tours highlighting the Gullah Geechee culture of West African slaves are even more memorable. Don't miss the half-hour Gullah Tour on select weekdays, led by a local Gullah Geechee descendant and storyteller, or the Sweet Grass Basketweaving Workshops (3 hours/advanced reservations required) led by another Gullah descendant and eighth-generation weaver.

Meant to replicate rural life in the area during the first half of the 20th century, L.W. Paul Living History Farm offers guided tours every Saturday morning showcasing everything from grits making to tobacco farming. Visitors can explore the property on self-guided tours other days. The site and tours are always FREE.

POP CULTURE FANS

At a time when Instagram-worthy photos are top of mind, Hollywood Wax Museum provides the perfect backdrop to rub elbows with celebrities and take your own photos. From Clint Eastwood to The Rock, you're sure to find a star to swoon over.

Head to Broadway at the Beach to visit the fully themed Aztec Theater at Simpsons in 4D, packed with character experiences and a chance to explore iconic spots from the popular cartoon (including Kwik-E-Mart!).

WILDLIFE WATCHERS

Blue Wave Adventures offers a Dolphin Watch Cruise that promises up close and personal views of these majestic creatures. Starting in Murrells Inlet, the 1.5-hour tour takes guests a mile out into the Atlantic Ocean for optimal viewing.

Alligator Adventure in North Myrtle Beach is one of the largest reptile facilities in the world, offering unprecedented views of these fierce and stunning animals. The attraction boasts live alligator feedings, snake handling, and even non-reptile animal exhibits like mountain lions, ostriches and more.

Visit Myrtle Beach continues to ask visitors to pack patience and visit the destination responsibly. The latest updates on COVID-19 can be found at the Healthy Travel section on the VisitMyrtleBeach.com website.

About Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Myrtle Beach isn't just a beach. It's The Beach. Popularly known as the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is one destination made up of 14 unique communities that stretch 60 miles along the northeast coast of South Carolina. Families, couples and those in search of a warm welcome will find more than just a day at The Beach when they come together to connect and enjoy vibrant entertainment and family attractions, including world-class golf, shopping and fresh coastal Carolina cuisine. From the moment you arrive, you'll find you belong at The Beach  Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. For additional information on tourism offerings in the Myrtle Beach area, visit www.visitmyrtlebeach.com or call (888) Myrtle-1.

SOURCE Visit Myrtle Beach
The global report  Building the Caregiving Workforce Our Aging World Needs  explores the essential truths that must shape the actions of policymakers, healthcare organizations and professionals, NGOs and other public and private stakeholders when they consider the future of the caregiving workforce, and our ability to more effectively serve older adults around the world.

"This report is intended as a wake-up call for the urgent actions that must be taken to address the global crisis of care, which is already gripping nations around the world," stressed Jeff Huber, Home Instead CEO. "The pandemic has highlighted the need for us to reimagine traditional methods of care, beginning with elevating the caregiving profession. We are at a critical junction of care for our aging populations, and it's vital that we all work together to mitigate the global care crisis."

The recommended actions, presented in the study as part of a crucial road map to build a professional global caregiving workforce, include:

Change the perception of the caregiving profession  champion campaigns that transform mindsets about caregiving, from a low-skilled job of last resort to a valued, professional career of the future. Bolster training and education standards  if governments and society acknowledge the value of the care workforce, care providers and governments alike will work to establish quality standards. Support and reward professional caregivers commensurate with the demands of the job and the value they provide  employers across public, private and nonprofit sectors must pay more attention to the emotional and financial needs of professional caregivers  especially if they are to attract young, purpose-driven talent. Fully integrate the home care workforce into the health and social-care ecosystem  the professional status of home care workers must keep pace with the demand for and value of this type of care.

Melissa Gong Mitchell, Executive Director of GCOA, explains, "These recommendations are designed to act as a catalyst for action and collaboration from a multisector, multidisciplinary group of stakeholders. As aging affects each and every one of us  our parents and grandparents today and ourselves and our children in the future  innovation and action must start now if we are to build a robust, thriving workforce of professional caregivers. Each recommendation in our report builds on the others, and no single area can be ignored if we truly want to address this care crisis."

The authors of the report highlight serious consequences of these recommendations being ignored. This includes declining options for care as the number of older adults requiring support exponentially increases in coming years, leading to worsening health outcomes, higher costs and undesirable living conditions as affordable, quality care becomes more difficult to access.

"By ensuring our caregiving workforce around the world is recognized and appropriately rewarded for the value they provide to our aging society, we can also ensure that quality care can be achievable for all," said Francesca Colombo, Head of the Health Division at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). "Further, as we make the caregiving profession more attractive, we will subsequently uplift families, health systems and economies by alleviating family caregiving burden, mitigating healthcare costs and fueling a job creation engine. In their new report, the Global Coalition on Aging and Home Instead have called out the conversation we need to be having about the future of care and the future of work, and we at the OECD look forward to working toward solutions, together."

Achieving these solutions requires care providers across sectors to recognize this pivotal moment and act on report recommendations.

"At Home Instead, we are using the findings of this report to examine our own organization and increase our commitment to elevating the global caregiving workforce of the future," said Huber. "We are putting our stake in the ground, and we encourage other leaders and stakeholders to collaborate with us and build up the caregiving profession, so it is recognized for the value it provides society. It will take all of us."

In that spirit of collaboration, GCOA is committed to leading conversations with a diverse group of global stakeholders to address each of the recommended actions outlined in the report, facilitating an ongoing dialogue that can lead to meaningful action for change.

For a full copy of Building the Caregiving Workforce Our Aging World Needs, visit GlobalCoalitionOnAging.com.

ABOUT HOME INSTEAD

Founded in 1994 in Omaha, Nebraska, the Home Instead franchise network provides personalized care, support and education to enhance the lives of aging adults and their families. Today, the network is the world's leading provider of in-home care services for older adults, with more than 1,200 independently owned and operated franchises that provide more than 90 million hours of care annually throughout the United States and 14 other countries. Local Home Instead offices employ approximately 90,000 CAREGiversSM worldwide who provide basic support services that enable older adults to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. Home Instead franchise owners partner with clients and their family members to help meet varied individual needs. Services span the care continuum  from providing personal care to specialized Alzheimer's care and hospice support. Also available are family caregiver education and support resources. Visit HomeInstead.com . Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter .

ABOUT GLOBAL COALITION ON AGING

The Global Coalition on Aging aims to reshape how global leaders approach and prepare for the 21st century's profound shift in population aging. GCOA uniquely brings together global corporations across industry sectors with common strategic interests in aging populations, a comprehensive and systemic understanding of aging and an optimistic view of its impact. Through research, public policy analysis, advocacy and strategic communications, GCOA is advancing innovative solutions and working to ensure global aging is a path to health, productivity and economic growth.

Learn more about GCOA at www.globalcoalitiononaging.com.

SOURCE Home Instead

Related Links

http://HomeInstead.com


With more than 3,500 years of recorded history, springs are big part of Jinan's urban make-up today. It is freely available and seems almost limitless. But in actual fact, spring water has tended to dry up from time to time since the 1970s. And as recently as 2000, it dried up for 926 consecutive days. However, urban development and population growth resulted in more demand for water. People were using 800,000 cubic meters of water per day at most.

In response to this, protection measures were brought in by the government. These included closing off more than 400 private wells, whilst increasing artificial precipitation and creating more water sources for the springs from the Yangtze River, the Yellow River and many others. Since 2003, Jinan's springs have not experienced any drought.

In this video, British host Josh goes to taste the spring water to find out what makes it special. But he also talks with a spring protection expert on the source of the spring water and the measures taken to protect the springs. The video was filmed and produced by China Matters.

Contact: Li Siwei

Tel00-8610-6899-6566

E-mail[email protected]

YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/KViUHpWstd8

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1515102/China_Matters_Logo.jpg

SOURCE China Matters
OKLAHOMA CITY, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Continental Resources, Inc. (NYSE: CLR) (the "Company") plans to announce second quarter 2021 results on Monday, August 2, 2021 after the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The Company plans to host a conference call to discuss second quarter 2021 results on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. CT). Those wishing to listen to the conference call may do so via the Company's website at www.CLR.com or by phone:

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/95419/continental_resources_logo.jpg

Time and date:|12:00 p.m. ET, Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Dial-in: 1-888-317-6003 Intl. dial-in: 1-412-317-6061 Conference ID: 7212336

A replay of the call will be available for 14 days on the Company's website or by dialing:

Replay number: 1-877-344-7529 Intl. replay: 1-412-317-0088 Conference ID: 10157457

The Company plans to publish a second quarter 2021 summary presentation to its website at www.CLR.com prior to the start of its conference call on Tuesday, August 3, 2021.

About Continental Resources

Continental Resources (NYSE: CLR) is a top 10 independent oil producer in the U.S. and a leader in America's energy renaissance. Based in Oklahoma City, Continental is the largest leaseholder and the largest producer in the nation's premier oil field, the Bakken play of North Dakota and Montana. The Company has significant positions in Oklahoma, including its SCOOP Woodford and SCOOP Springer discoveries and the STACK play. The Company also has a newly acquired position in the Powder River Basin play of Wyoming. With a focus on the exploration and production of oil, Continental has unlocked the technology and resources vital to American energy independence and our nation's leadership in the new world oil market. In 2021, the Company will celebrate 54 years of operations. For more information, please visit www.CLR.com.

Investor Contacts: Media Contact: Rory Sabino Kristin Thomas Vice President, Investor Relations Senior Vice President, Public Relations 405-234-9620 405-234-9480 [email protected] [email protected]



Lucy Spaay

Investor Relations Analyst

405-774-5878

[email protected]



SOURCE Continental Resources

Related Links

http://www.clr.com


Towards a greener and more sustainable world, DC superconducting power transmission is expected to play a significant role in power grids, smart cities and green ports and all power-hungry areas and activities positively affected by an electrification, particularly when renewable energies will represent the vast majority of the power production.

The energy transmission over long distances generally encounters environmental problems, both due to the large footprint of the lines, and to the heating of the soil due to energy dissipations. The superconducting technology allows to contain environmental impact (-10X material quantity and footprint) and presents no losses and reduces significantly the installation and operating costs.

Chubu University, supported by Japanese government and industries, has promoted development of superconducting DC transmission technologies for more than 15 years for implementation into society, included the construction and operation of the world's longest class 1,000-m DC transmission line and 500-m line that demonstrate power transmission from a solar power plant to an internet data centre.

ASG, with 60 years of experience in the development of superconducting magnets and systems and devices for High Energy Physics, fusion energy and medical applications - MRI, is actively pursuing new applications of superconductivity with High Temperature Superconducting materials and MgB2 to achieve cost effective solution for industrial and power quality systems.

Chubu University's Prof Motojima declares: "I strongly believe that by combining experiences, knowledge and on-going efforts at Chubu University with those at ASG, we can create, within a few years' time, an innovation in a power grid system for a low carbon emission society. I expect that this collaboration of expertise and resources will produce a synergy that will result in the speedy and efficient development in achieving our goals that will benefit society on a global basis."

"This agreement is another important step to improve our positioning in developing innovative superconducting cable technology," said Sergio Frattini, ASG Superconductors CEO. "The fruitful collaboration with a prestigious and expert partner like Chubu University will put ASG in the best condition in order to explore and develop high temperature superconducting materials, wires and systems for green energy storage, transport and high energy consumption industrial processes."

Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1558969/ASG_and_Chubu_video.mp4

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1558956/ASG_Superconductor_Cable_Technology.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1558955/ASG_Logo.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1558954/Chubu_University_Logo.jpg

SOURCE ASG Superconductors S.p.A
Furthermore, the 20 th edition of 'Dubai Derma' is held physically in Dubai, with the participation of more than 350 exhibiting companies representing more than 500 international brands, over 180 world-renowned speakers who are participating in more than 200 scientific lectures and workshops. The convening of 'Dubai Derma' physically and in-person is a testament of Dubai's pioneering position as one of the most ideal cities in the world for hosting conferences, exhibitions and world class events, while ensuring the safety and protection of visitors and participants alike. Moreover, participants expressed their gratitude for the precautionary measures provided by the Emirate of Dubai and implemented by the Dubai World Trade Center, which ensures their safety, and their application of the highest international standards to guarantee the safety of participants, visitors and organizers alike.

The second day of 'Dubai Derma' conference highlighted some key topics such as: Nail Disease, Chronic Hand Eczema, treatment of scars, Management of Melasma, Resistant Acne, Androgenic Alopecia, and many others.

One of the lectures that received a great response from attendees was a lecture presented by Dr. Ashraf Reda, Consultant Dermatologist in Welcare Hospital, Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology, Mohamed Bin Rashed University, College of Medicine, Dubai, where he spoke about Urticaria and conditions related to it.

In addition, Dr. Reda confirmed that Dubai Derma is an exceptional platform that provides the latest scientific information and innovations in the field of dermatology, medications, skincare and lasers. He commented saying: "The goal of the conference is enabling dermatologists in the UAE and the world to offer the best possible care to their patients. In order to achieve this goal, dermatologists need to keep themselves abreast with the most up to date information and continuous sophisticated education. Currently, the field of dermatology is in the midst of great transformation and the most remarkable advances in the past few years have occurred in the field of biologics and other new medications which treat many chronic and difficult diseases such as 'psoriasis' and 'atopic dermatitis' to name a few."

From his side, Dr. Samir Hantirah, Consultant Dermatologist, American Hospital-Dubai, Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), Fellow of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology & Aesthetic Surgery also mentioned that according to the World Health Organization 'WHO', the reported prevalence of Psoriasis in countries ranges between 0.09% and 11.43%, making Psoriasis a serious global problem with at least 100 million individuals affected worldwide.

He added: "Plaque Psoriasis is one of the most common forms which causes dry, raised, red skin patches (lesions) covered with silvery scales. Despite being a chronic disease with no cure, due to development and new updates in treatment, there is now a new medicine available called "IL-23 inhibitor" for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy."

Whereas Mohammad Aboubakr, AbbVie Gulf General Manager, expressed his pride participating in such a great conference which emerged as the largest scientific skincare gathering of consultants and specialist dermatologists in the Middle East, North Africa & the Indian Subcontinent region. Over the years, Dubai Derma was constantly held under the theme "Skin Health is our Concern" bringing together skincare specialists, industry leaders, and key decision-makers from the region and across the world.

He added: "The scientific program of Dubai Derma was well constructed with great lectures on the most trending topics in skin health like New Diagnostic Tools and Treatment Modalities, Management of Psoriasis in adults, Fillers and Rheology, Chronic Hand Eczema with the aim of exploring new advances in treatments for various skin disorders.

He concluded: "we at AbbVie believe in the great responsibility towards increasing patients' awareness towards dealing with various skin diseases, in our constant research and development efforts and work for the best treatments that contribute to alleviating the suffering of patients."

Furthermore, the dynamic 'Dubai Derma' exhibition featured the latest technologies, products, and machines, and facilitated countless collaboration and networking opportunities for exhibitors and visitors alike. The exhibition area attracted a large number of attendees who were able to experience the products showcased first-hand, and were introduced to the latest innovations by international companies and brands.

Moreover, the second day of 'Dubai Derma' featured various digital poster presentations, where researchers were given the chance to present their research and engage in conversations regarding the topics of their presentations with the scientific committee of the event.

Dubai Derma is supported by the Pan Arab League of Dermatology, Arab Academy of Dermatology & Aesthetics (AADA), and GCC League of Dermatologists and with the support of the Government of Dubai and Dubai Health Authority (DHA), and Dubai Business Events, Dubai Derma's destination partner. Furthermore, the event is also supported by the American Academy of Dermatology, Cosmetic Dermatology Society of India, the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, Egyptian Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ESPRS), Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL), Pakistan Association of Dermatologists, and Sri Lanka College of Dermatologists.

Dubai Derma is annually organized by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions, a member of INDEX Holding, in cooperation with the Arab Academy of Dermatology and Aesthetics (AADA).

Contact:

Public: Nada Saaydeh

[email protected]

+971 50 155 6519

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1559314/Dubai_Derma.jpg

SOURCE Dubai Derma
LEHI, Utah, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Entrata, the multifamily industry's most comprehensive technology platform, today announced the company has raised $507 million, led by Silver Lake, Qualtrics Founder Ryan Smith and Vivint Smart Home Founder Todd Pedersen, with participation from Dragoneer, Domo Founder and CEO Josh James, and other strategic investors. In addition, Pedersen and Silver Lake Managing Director Kyle Paster will join the company's board of directors.

Chase Harrington, Adam Edmunds, Dave Bateman

Over the course of the last two decades, Entrata has become a category leader and the only comprehensive property management software provider with a single-login, open-access platform. Currently processing more than $20 billion in rent payments annually through its platform, Entrata serves more than 20,000 apartment communities across the United States. Additionally, it is the fastest-growing software company in real estate with over $200 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 2,100 employees with plans to add hundreds more in 2021 alone.

"It's incredibly rare to see a business or its leadership have the foresight to create a company that can grow so rapidly at scale across an entire industry. Entrata's platform directly meets the needs of property managers because of its flexibility and intuitive nature," said Silver Lake Co-CEO Egon Durban and Managing Director Kyle Paster. "This company is perfectly positioned to continue scaling quickly, and the potential within the industry is massive. We'll see them become a true household name in the tech industry quickly as they continue to take share as a cloud market leader."

Representing the largest private investment round in Utah history, the infusion of new capital will allow Entrata to more than double its research and development spend in the Entrata platform in the coming years and to adopt an aggressive go-to-market strategy including international expansion planned in the near future. With plans to heavily invest in personnel and improve efficiencies in the client experience, the new funding will fuel the company's next stage of innovation.

"It's rare to find a company of this size and scale that has not taken institutional funding. Bootstrapping forces a company to build with the long-term view in mind which leads to better experiences for customers and employees," said Smith. "I've always believed in the 'nail it, then scale it' model and this new capital will help Entrata accelerate and scale in a way that positions them to become the unquestioned leader in global property management throughout the world."

As the first institutional round of capital raised by Entrata since its founding in 2003, the investment will represent a minority ownership in the company, with founder and chairman Dave Bateman retaining majority ownership. Adam Edmunds has also joined Entrata as CEO to provide the vision and drive through the company's next phase of growth. Edmunds has founded, grown and exited several SaaS companies, including Allegiance, which sold to MaritzCX in 2014. He was most recently president of the communications and payments platform Podium. Industry veteran Chase Harrington, president and COO of Entrata, will partner closely with Edmunds to set company strategy, establish product roadmap, and promote industry best practices.

"We've spent nearly two decades profitably bootstrapping Entrata into the clear technology, innovation and client service leader it is today, with a product that all of our competitors are chasing," said Bateman. "With this strategic funding and Adam leading the team and company into its next phase, we are well positioned to aggressively expand our market share and continue to deliver the unrivaled experience our clients and their residents have come to expect from Entrata."

"We couldn't be more excited to partner with world class investors Silver Lake and Dragoneer, who bring unmatched expertise as we enter this new phase in Entrata's journey. Additionally, partnering with trailblazing local leaders like Ryan Smith, Todd Pedersen and Josh James will give the executive team experienced allies with skills specific to our location," said Edmunds. "I've never seen a market opportunity and competitive landscape quite like this. We have the strongest product in the industry, the best team, and now capital to execute at an even faster pace than before. Entrata will continue to lead through its innovation and unmatched client experience."

For more information about Entrata and its technology, please visit www.entrata.com .

ABOUT ENTRATA

Founded in 2003, Entrata is the only comprehensive property management software provider with a single-login, open-access platform. Offering a wide variety of online tools including websites, mobile apps, payments, lease signing, accounting, and resident management, the Entrata platform currently serves more than 20,000 apartment communities nationwide. Entrata's open API and superior selection of third-party integrations offer management companies the freedom to choose the technology and software that best fit their needs. For more information, go to www.entrata.com .

SOURCE Entrata

Related Links

http://www.entrata.com


FORT WORTH, Texas, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- FDS Amplicare, Inc., a leading pharmacy software company, today announced it is awarding a $25,000 grant to Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Network (CPESN) Minnesota to help independent pharmacies prepare for opportunities to expand their provider offerings for Medicaid patients.

The two-year program funded by the grant will help up to 50 community pharmacies receive implementation and training support to enable them to provide care under Medicaid CPT codes for Medication Therapy Management (MTM).

Minnesota is taking steps to ensure care for vulnerable populations, especially women and children, by offering expanded services in community pharmacies. The MTM program is focused on management of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. If patients with chronic conditions can maintain their medication programs, unexpected hospital admissions and other unplanned health episodes can be reduced.

According to the CDC, 6 out of every 10 adults have a chronic disease, and 4 in 10 have two or more. Medication therapy management  a service consisting of one-on-one medication reviews, action plans, and regular follow-up  has been proven to improve outcomes for patients with chronic health conditions. It is especially effective for patients with multiple chronic conditions, complex medication therapies, high prescription costs, and multiple prescribers.

"The pandemic made clear that community pharmacies are an integral part of our nation's healthcare ecosystem," said Adam McMullin, chief executive officer of FDS Amplicare. "This program will create opportunities for independent pharmacies in Minnesota to expand their healthcare services for residents of their communities. We are proud to be part of this effort, and we would like to see similar initiatives in other states."

Community pharmacies, many of which are located in rural and underserved areas where healthcare services may be difficult to access, have struggled in recent years to remain financially viable. The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) estimates that 77% of community pharmacies serve population areas of 50,000 or fewer.

"It is vital that community pharmacies in rural, medically underserved areas expand the care services they offer," said Jason Ausili, chief clinical officer of FDA Amplicare. "The CPESN program enables pharmacists to be reimbursed for the expertise and care they are providing."

CPESN Minnesota is part of CPESN USA, a clinically integrated network of community pharmacies that coordinates patient care with broader care teams to provide medication optimization activities and enhanced services for high-risk patients.

"The MTM Service program highlights the strength of our Network and the value our members bring to their communities," said Lindsay Christensen, CPESN MN Network Facilitator. "Being located across the state of Minnesota, our Network members are uniquely positioned to help their patients navigate their medications and health care needs. We are excited to expand access to high-quality pharmacist care through this program."

To learn more about CPESN visit www.cpesn.com. To earn more about FDS Amplicare, visit www.fdsrx.com or www.amplicare.com.

About FDS Amplicare

FDS Amplicare strengthens the health of pharmacies and their patients. Through the delivery of innovative software products and services, we enable the evolution of the clinically focused New Era Pharmacy, empowering our clients to provide comprehensive pharmacy and clinical care services for their communities. Learn more at https://www.fdsrx.com.

About CPESN USA

CPESN USA a clinically integrated, nationwide organization of local networks whose participating pharmacies are accountable for the care they provide to patients. Being part of CPESN networks empowers community-based pharmacy practice by recognizing the value of enhanced services and encouraging other care providers to include community-based pharmacies in the patient care team. CPESN pharmacy provider networks are now in 45 states across America. Learn more at https://www.cpesn.com.

Media Contact:

Kim Warth, Amendola Communications, [email protected]

SOURCE FDS Amplicare
BOGOTA, Colombia, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL;NYSE: EC) informs that, in line with the downgrade of the rating of the Republic of Colombia, Fitch Ratings has downgraded the company's foreign currency and local currency Issuer Default Ratings to BB+ from BBB- with a Stable Outlook. The company's stand-alone rating (without incorporating government support) is maintained at bbb.

Ecopetrol is the largest company in Colombia and one of the main integrated oil and gas conglomerates in Latin America, with more than 13,000 employees. It accounts for more than 60% of the hydrocarbon production in Colombia, and it owns the largest refineries and most of the country's oil-pipelines and multi-purpose pipelines network. It also participates in the commercialization of energy and in the distribution of gas. At the international level, Ecopetrol focuses on strategic basins on the American continent, with E&P operations in the United States (the Permian basin and the Gulf of Mexico), Brazil and Mexico. This press release contains statements relating to business prospects, estimates of operating and financial results, and Ecopetrol's growth prospects. All are projections, and therefore are based solely on management's expectations of the company's future and its continuous access to capital to finance its sales plan. Achieving these estimates in the future depends on its performance under given market conditions, regulations, competition, the performance of the Colombian economy and industry, and other factors; therefore, they are subject to change without prior notice.

For further details, please contact:

Head of Capital Markets

Tatiana Uribe Benninghoff

Phone: +571-234-5190

Email: [email protected]

Media Engagement (Colombia)

Jorge Mauricio Tellez

Phone: + 571-234-4329

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Ecopetrol S.A.

Related Links

http://www.ecopetrol.com.co


MIAMI, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Benigna Parfums (https://www.benignaparfums.com/) announced a grand promotional offer involving exclusive guided helicopter tour through the skies over Miami. The company already offers airlifts delivery of its signature perfumes to customers who choose this service. Benigna Parfums is a prestigious perfumery that creates gender-neutral fragrances, while displaying a commitment to sustainability with its reusable but gorgeously constructed, artisan specially engineered cut-crystal bottles. Benigna fragrances and samples are available for purchase directly from the company's website, with more details on the Miami flights available online.

The world renowned perfumer who creates the Benigna Parfums' signature perfumes (PRNewsfoto/Benigna Parfums) Benigna Parfums Collection Set, gender-neutral exquisite Perfumes (PRNewsfoto/Benigna Parfums)

"Benigna Parfums takes customers on a journey through time and memory, using the magic of olfactory sense," said Benigna Ajuogu, the creative director of the brand. "But now, we're going to take some of our customers on a very real, physical journal. Imagine fresh, floral scents driven by creativity and resourcefulness cloaking you in a delicate blanket of scent. Nestled safely inside a helicopter, you sail through the air while the zesty hint of bergamot and lemon gently takes the edge off your nerves. Your anticipation grows, as you sail through the skies, experiencing all that Miami has to offer. Flying past the world-famous South Beach before a delicate hint of vanilla and sandalwood enhances your senses, as the helicopter reaches the tranquility of Virginia Key and Key Biscayne. And there, at the southernmost tip, Cape Florida State Park is nestled like a precious gem. The Magic City opens up like a fresh, enchanting flower with Downtown Miami's skyline on one side and South Beach on the other  enticing you with secrets untold. There is no better way to see and experience the Gold Coast."

The Benigna Parfums's perfumer, a world renowned perfumer, Cecile Zarokian, who creates mostly fine fragrances said "This signature scents provide an understated elegance." Benigna Parfums carefully ages and blends the purest ingredients  like ambergris, musk, oud, orris, and rare flowers  to create fragrances that are painstakingly exquisitely.

For the latest promotions and updates, or to learn more about Benigna Parfums, follow them on social media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube.

The three transformative fragrances are:

Absolute Celebration: A bright, fruity floral filled with positive energy that celebrates the supreme victory of achievement.

A bright, fruity floral filled with positive energy that celebrates the supreme victory of achievement. Premier Amour: A fragrance for cherishing special moments, featuring lush white tuberose and heliotrope, melding with the citrusy tang of bergamot, tonka bean, clove, and rare woods.

A fragrance for cherishing special moments, featuring lush white tuberose and heliotrope, melding with the citrusy tang of bergamot, tonka bean, clove, and rare woods. Escape Velocity: Boosting confidence with the heady, fresh floral dramatic notes of white rose, bergamot, heliotrope, and resinous woods.

Benigna Parfums: exquisite Luxury Nestled in a Glint of refillable and sustainable packaging

"True sustainability is important to us and we stand by that commitment," said Benigna Ajuogu. The innovative and eco-conscious approach of the brand dictated that the timeless bottles should be refillable, thereby allowing customers to make these stunning creations a personal keepsake to be enjoyed for a lifetime and passed on. The cardboard and wooden boxes used by the brand come from trees that are fully certified by the World Land Trust and the FSC.

About Benigna Parfums

Based in Miami and in Paris, Benigna Parfums is a transformative and gender-neutral perfume brand, a fusion of artistry and storytelling. Benigna Parfums strives to give customers unique, quality, luxury perfumes with unparalleled customer experience.

"For our storytelling, we are currently working on our first Hollywood feature movie, which commences filming this Summer! A true story of love and passion meets obstacles," says Benigna Ajuogu. As part of its overarching storytelling theme, the brand is also developing a Hollywood movie with an inspiring feature film called Impossibility Nonexistent.

Learn more about the story of Benigna perfumes at: www.BenignaParfums.com & @Benignaparfums

Media Contact:

Beatrice Claire

[email protected]

305 777 2200

SOURCE Benigna Parfums
ORANGE COUNTY, Calif., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Fortis Fire & Safety ("Fortis"), the nation's newest fire protection service company, has acquired VFS Fire & Security Services ("VFS") headquartered in Orange County, California. VFS is one of the pre-eminent fire protection service companies on the West Coast. The acquisition marks the inaugural acquisition for Fortis, which was founded earlier this year.

"Fortis is excited to welcome the VFS team into the Fortis family as its first acquisition," said Tom Vining, Executive Chairman of Fortis. "Randy Nelson, VFS's owner, has been a pioneer in building a first-class fire protection service company, and Fortis will build on that strength."

"We intend to invest heavily in California and Texas, where VFS currently operates, as we build a multi-regional fire protection service company," said Vining. "The VFS team is exceptional, with their best in class focus on customer service and employee development."

Randy Nelson will remain the President of VFS and a shareholder of Fortis. "We have had many successful years servicing our family of customers," said Nelson. "Partnering with Fortis will provide VFS with the expertise and capital required to accelerate our growth."

"This is just the beginning," said Josh Kochen, Vice President of Imperial Capital, Fortis' capital partner. "We are extremely pleased with the early momentum at Fortis and will continue to expand the company through acquisitions and partnerships while maintaining a focus on operational excellence. Fortis provides the investment and resources to continue the legacy owners such as Randy have worked so hard to build."

About Fortis Fire & Safety

Fortis Fire & Safety is the nation's newest fire protection service company built on the philosophy of People First, Quality Service and Building Lifetime Clients. Fortis will position itself as the Next Generation of Fire Protection by building an industry leading company through close partnerships with regional operators and investing heavily in technology.

For further information on Fortis Fire & Safety, visit www.fortisfire.com.

Contact Information

Name: Tom Vining, Executive Chairman

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-833-3-FORTIS

SOURCE Fortis Fire & Safety

Related Links

Www.fortisfire.com


DUBLIN, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Healthcare Information Technology 2021-2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global healthcare information technology (IT) market is estimated to grow from $94.5 billion in 2021 to reach $172.3 billion by 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.8% during the forecast period of 2021-2026.

Health information technology (health IT) refers to the computer systems that healthcare professionals - and, increasingly, individuals - use to store, share and analyze health data.

Some U.S. hospitals that use electronic health records (EHRs) exclusively report relatively high levels of patient satisfaction with their overall treatment. EHRs can support some of the pharmaceutical industry's data needs, including improved drug safety surveillance, clinical trial recruitment and support of applications for regulatory approval of new drugs.

This report focuses on types of healthcare information technology such as electronic health records, provider order entry systems, electronic prescribing systems, picture archiving and communication systems, laboratory information systems, clinical decision systems, and telemedicine.

The report covers the market environment for healthcare information technology and related regulations or legislation in specific countries. The report also portrays the trends and dynamics affecting the market.

Report Includes

Analyses of the global market trends, with data from 2019 and 2020, estimates for 2021, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2026

Discussion of market opportunities and industry structure, applications and business considerations of healthcare IT systems, along with ongoing dramatic changes in the structure of the healthcare sector

Estimation of current market size and revenue forecast for healthcare IT market, and corresponding market share analysis by type of technology/system and geography

Highlights of key market dynamics (DROs) for clinical healthcare IT technologies, as well as market analysis and forecasting for key health IT systems - EHRs, provider order entry systems, electronic prescribing system, laboratory information system, PACs, telemedicine and other clinical decision support technologies

Emphasis on the selected clinical IT systems/software applications that facilitate or provide input into the healthcare process, as well as dedicated hardware and online services used to run them

Impact analysis of COVID-19 pandemic on the growth of this market

Insight into the supplier landscape and company share analysis of major players operating within the global healthcare IT market, and their market development strategies

Descriptive company profiles of the major market participants, including Optum (UnitedHealth Group), Cerner Corp., Cognizant, Philips, IBM, Epic Systems, Allscripts, Athenahealth, and GE Healthcare

Key Topics Covered:

Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 Summary and Highlights

Chapter 3 Healthcare IT Overview

Clinical Software

Hardware Dedicated to Clinical IT Applications

History

Types of Clinical IT Technologies

Electronic Health Records

Provider Order Entry Systems for Drugs, Lab Tests and Procedures

Electronic Prescribing System

Picture Archiving and Communication Systems for Filmless Imaging

Laboratory Information Systems

Clinical Decision Support Systems

Telemedicine

Other Related and Supporting Technologies

Market Environment and Regulations

Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare Information Technology Market

Chapter 4 Global Healthcare IT Market

Global Healthcare IT Market

Global Healthcare IT Market by Type

Electronic Health Records

Telemedicine

Picture Archiving and Communications

Provider Order Entry

Laboratory Information Systems

Prescription Drug Fulfillment

Clinical Decision Support Systems

Other Related and Supporting Technologies

Global Healthcare IT Market by Region

Chapter 5 Drivers and Challenges

Market Drivers

Increasing Interest in Improving the Quality of Care

Rising Healthcare Costs

Cognitive Computing

Consumer Expectations

Market Challenges

Price

Lack of Standards

Compatibility

Chapter 6 Regulatory Environment

Legislation in North America

Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology

Federal Legislation

Better Healthcare Through Information Technology Act of 2005

Medicare Value Purchasing Act

Health Information Technology Promotion Act

Wired for Healthcare Quality Act

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010

Continuing Extension Act of 2010

Electronic Health Records Improvement Act of 2012

Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act

Healthcare IT Regulatory Schemes in China

Regulatory Scenario of Healthcare IT in Singapore

EU Approach to Regulation

European Legal Instruments Related to E-Health

Regulatory Framework for Telemedicine

Chapter 7 Supplier Landscape, Company Share Analysis and Company Profiles

Mergers and Acquisitions

Key Developments

Company Share Analysis

Company Profiles

Major Companies

Smaller Companies

Companies Mentioned

AGFA Healthcare

Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc.

Cerner Corp.

Cybernet Systems Corp.

Drfirst

Epic Systems Corp.

General Electric

Highfleet Inc.

Infor Inc.

International Business Machines Corp. (IBM)

Isabel Healthcare Inc.

Koninklijke Philips N.V.

Logical Images Inc.

M*Modal

Massachusetts General Hospital

Mckesson Corp.

Medrx

Merge Healthcare Inc.

Ncd Medical Corp.

Nuance Communications Inc.

OBS Medical Ltd.

Polycom Inc.

Positiveid Corp.

Scottcare Corp.

Surescripts Llc

Televital

Theradoc Inc.

United Therapeutics Corp.

Unitedhealth Group

Zynx Health Inc.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/q5gk1

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com


WASHINGTON, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Smallholder coffee and cocoa farmers and their cooperatives in Honduras are harnessing the power of technology to access new markets and make better business decisions through IBM Food Trust and IBM Watson Decision Platform for Agriculture, working with Heifer International and IBM (NYSE: IBM).

Small-scale coffee farmers operate at an average of 4659% loss, with farmers earning less than 1% of the sale of a cup of coffee at a coffee shop. Providing transparency along the supply chain through Food Trust, built on IBM Blockchain technology, will help give coffee buyers who purchase from the COPRANIL cooperative in Honduras and Chocolate Halba, which buys cocoa from farmers in Heifer Honduras' Chocolate4All project, a better understanding of their product supply chains, and enable farmers to secure higher prices.

Food Trust helps enable farmers and buyers trace coffee and cocoa beans from the farm to the point of sale, improving transparency along the supply chain and increasing market access. It is currently being used by coffee farmers in the COPRANIL cooperative and cocoa farmers that are part of Chocolate4All. The blockchain technology also provides a record of provenance for smallholder farms, providing farmers with a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Heifer International and IBM, together with CATIE, an international organization focused on sustainable and inclusive human well-being in Latin America, are also working with farmers to deploy the Watson Decision Platform for Agriculture. The system combines predictive AI technology with geospatial, weather, environmental and IoT field data in a comprehensive dashboard tailored to a farmer's land. It delivers weather alerts and other information, such as optimal planting patterns and expected yields linked to market pricing. These insights can help farmers and agribusinesses make more informed decisions for improving crop yield and value, as well as food safety and sustainability. The technology is expected to play an important role in increasing the incomes of coffee and cocoa farmers.

"For 18 months, we've worked alongside farmers to identify the best ways to improve production processes, digitize the value chain, and ultimately open market access to smallholder farmers so they can secure premium prices," said Jesus Pizarro, Vice President of Financial Innovation at Heifer International. "As one of the first cooperatives in the world to deploy the system, COPRANIL is leading the way, equipping its farmers with the tools and technology they need to build and sustain profitable farm businesses."

Last year, the COPRANIL cooperative produced approximately 1.6 million pounds of coffee beans. Improving quality and traceability can help farmers receive a fair price for their high-quality beans and improve the economic sustainability of coffee farming communities.

"When the people drinking our coffee know where it comes from, the farmers in our cooperative benefit," said Jorge Lopez, Vice President of coffee-producers cooperative COPRANIL. "Food Trust can help our network of farmers command a better premium for their beans, and potentially improve their livelihoods."

Food Trust will also help coffee and cocoa farmers and processors verify certifications, improve treatment processes, and assist producers with growing high-quality beans.

"Our work with Heifer International and COPRANIL is an important test of how AI and blockchain technology can advance social good and support sustainability by helping even small-scale producers," said Kareem Yusuf, Ph.D., IBM General Manager AI Applications and Blockchain. "With predictive AI working to help increase crop yield, and blockchain establishing a record of provenance and proof of quality, these farmers are empowered with new data and insights so they can command more at market."

To trace the beans, users along the supply chain are given permissioned access to upload data onto the Food Trust platform and use it to access documentation, helping ensure an ethical and more equitable supply chain. The process begins with Heifer International uploading information about nurse plants shipped to farmers. After harvest, farmers then tag and ship their beans to the COPRANIL processers. At COPRANIL, additional data is uploaded to the blockchain about the beans, including whether and how the beans are cleaned, dried, and roasted, and if they meet thresholds for Fair Trade, organic, or other designations. All this information is then shared with corporate buyers, who can also access data about the beans to understand their price.

The cooperative and its stakeholders plan to extend their activities and eventually use Food Trust to track commercial documents used by traders and exporters, including bills of lading, invoices, purchase orders, sale orders and certifications, which can improve farm productivity by reducing paperwork and speeding up transactions.

Food Trust will also trace cocoa beans in pulp, prior to fermentation, through to the sale of the dried beans in large volumes to Chocolate Halba. Food Trust will replace the traceability files that currently have to be kept in Excel spreadsheets  a requirement from the company when purchasing 'A' quality cocoa. With the use of Food Trust, farmers will be able to register the traceability of all cocoa, ensuring that all producers are integrated into the market, increasing their visibility to large buyers of cocoa worldwide.

"Both Food Trust and Watson Decision for Agriculture technologies are helping our field teams better advise farmers on which cocoa tree varieties are ideal for their soil quality and on the benefits of fermenting and drying beans instead of selling them in pulp form or washed, which is how cocoa beans are traditionally sold," said Pizarro. "With access to this information, farmers are able to make more informed business decisions."

Heifer International and CATIE recently hosted a workshop with experts from IBM and the cocoa industry to explore combining macro-climate data and knowledge on cocoa physiology to develop predictive models. The experts aim to use Watson's artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities to provide smallholder cocoa farmers with access to data that will help predict cocoa yield and growth.

As part of a long history of harnessing technology to advance rural development, Heifer International is also participating in the 2021 Call for Code Global Challenge to tackle climate change.

About Heifer International

For 76 years, Heifer International has worked with more than 36 million people around the world to end hunger and poverty in a sustainable way. Working with rural communities in 21 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, including the United States, Heifer International supports farmers and local food producers to strengthen local economies and build secure livelihoods that provide a living income. For information, visit https://www.heifer.org.

About IBM

For more information, please visit IBM.com/food.

SOURCE Heifer International

Related Links

https://www.heifer.org


PAPILLION, Neb., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hello Garage, an emerging home service franchise that specializes in garage renovation, reports strong performance and growth throughout the first half of 2021 with 10 new openings and nine franchise agreement signings to date. Having opened in the middle of a global pandemic, this month signifies the company's one-year anniversary. Hello Garage had a successful first year with a 286% increase in sales compared to their first six months across 59 territory units throughout the U.S.

This recent growth stems from expansion into five new states: Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho and Missouri. Locations in Fairfield, CT, Boise, ID, Phoenix, AZ and West St. Louis, MO are currently open and operating, and the Atlanta, GA location will be opened in Q3. The state of Texas has seen the most significant growth and now accounts for four total franchise locations in its major cities  Houston, Dallas and Austin  representing 23 territory units.

Hello Garage is seeking franchise partners to join in their growth and expansion as the brand breaks into new markets including Oklahoma City, OK and Nashville, TN.

In addition to growing numbers, Hello Garage is projected to launch two new supplemental products by the end of Q3: floating shelves and overhead storage that will expand their current verticals. The floating shelf will ideally serve for homes with smaller garages that don't have as much storage space. Overhead storage will serve as a key alternative to self-storage units, being used as an everyday solution or otherwise, in putting items up and away. The recent pandemic attributed to an increased demand for self-storage units in 2020 which resulted in a slight rise in prices when instead the answer, for a number of people, could have been to better utilize the space they currently have.

"As a brand, we are all about redefining the industry and continuously look for ways to evolve and be more innovative in doing so," said Dave Thrasher, president and co-founder of parent company Supportworks. "Having decades of experience in the home service industry, our team has kept that proven model in mind which has led to the great success we've had in our first year, and to date in 2021. As we grow in current and new markets, we welcome new franchise partners to join in this mission."

Hello Garage is backed by 45 years' experience of raising home contractor standards. In 1975, Greg Thrasher founded Thrasher Systems which would eventually help thousands of people with a customer-first approach to business. Thrasher Systems would go on to become the launching pad for Supportworks, which was born in 2008 to challenge the status quo. Supportworks designs and manufactures the highest quality foundation and concrete repair products in the industry, available exclusively to their dealer network in North America. Supportworks has achieved Certified Evergreen status from the Tugboat Institute, which involves a rigorous assessment and is awarded to only the most dedicated and purpose-driven companies who aim to continually improve and redefine success.

Hello Garage franchisees do not have to have home service or construction experience. An average cost of opening a Hello Garage franchise ranges from $114,000-$138,000. Franchisee sales are supported with help from the Supportworks National Appointment Center, which boasts a track record of converting 65% of leads to sales appointments.

About Hello Garage

Backed by more than 45 years' experience through its parent company Supportworks, Hello Garage is on a mission to elevate the garage from cluttered junk drawer to America's true front door. More than that, Hello Garage franchisees aim to make the entire Hello Garage experience so remarkable, every homeowner will want tell their friends about it. Hello Garage helps homeowners organize and personalize their entire space with high-end polyaspartic floor coating proven to outlast epoxy, an exclusively-offered, and totally customizable storage system, and other garage accessories. Beyond proving industry-leading products, the creators of Hello Garage wanted homeowners to experience working with a trusted contractor. The core of the company is centered around providing a redefining experience for the customer  and has led to a successful business model with franchise locations across the country. If you're interested in owning your own Hello Garage franchise, please visit our website.

SOURCE Hello Garage

Related Links

https://www.hellogarage.com


ST. LOUIS, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- HITS, a recognized leader in information technology services, will soon begin construction on the first commercially-owned NARA-compliant record storage facility in the St. Louis metropolitan area. The new project plans to break ground in August and will be constructed into two phases, with a projected cost of $10 million. Once completed, the building will total 80,000 square feet and meet or exceed the strict guidelines required by the National Archives & Records Administration (NARA).

HITS is a leading IT company that is an NARA-compliant storage facility that offers services throughout the U.S. HITS is bringing its new facility to St. Louis. The company specializes in data management, document security, and record storage.

The new headquarters will solidify HITS' place as one of America's top data management firms. Already known for their document scanning, secure destruction, and paperless record storage solutions, this new facility will enable HITS to scale and process more than 400 million images per year. Its heightened security will also enable HITS to bid for and secure federal contracts to manage and process records for the US Department of Defense and Civilian agencies.

In addition to increased office and warehouse capabilities, the facility can also accommodate the growth of HITS' innovative data management technology offerings, including DocuMiner, STR8VIEW and STR8VIEW Capture.

"With all the recent activity surrounding the new NGA West headquarters here in St. Louis and our strong presence in healthcare, HITS is very excited for the next chapter in our continued growth. This state-of-the-art facility allows us to not only expand our current operations, but also offer our proven solutions to new markets," said CEO Michael Steinmann.

Midwest Regional Bank is financing the new project with JSO Architects and Knoebel Construction steering the design and construction. Opening of the facility is projected for May 2022. The new address is: 4872 Park 370 Blvd. Hazelwood, MO 63042.

About HITS

With 27 years of experience and over two billion documents processed, HITS has become a leader in information technology services. HITS provides solutions for healthcare providers, corporations, and government agencies. By utilizing innovative technology, HITS creates optimized information that enhances the customer's working environment. HITS specializes in document and data management, paper storage removal, remote document capture, document scanning and conversion, and data migration. Through HITS' paperless efforts, the company has helped save over 20,000 trees. Most recently, HITS was recognized as the 2020 Technology Business of the Year by the Eastern Missouri office of the Small Business Administration. For more information, please visit hitscorp.com .

Media contact:

Brennan Girdler

[email protected]

314-499-8253

SOURCE HITS
TUCSON, Ariz., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Until now, the COVID inoculation has been voluntary for military personnel, and one-third to one-half have been refusing it.

By federal law, products available only under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) cannot be mandated. But according to a leaked document, HQDA EXORD 225-21, COVID-19 Steady State, reportedly obtained by the Army Times, all members will be required to take the shots, starting as early as Sept 1. Presumably, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will grant approval soon, even though studies are not scheduled to be complete until the end of 2022.

According to Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), military members have told him they will "quit" rather than take the jab, although it isn't clear how the service members could quit or how many would try to do so.

Aside from morale problems, and potential recruitment difficulties, there are direct effects of the vaccination, notes Physicians for Civil Defense. Adverse effects, especially with the second shot, occur in 70 percent of recipients. These are often disabling enough to prevent work, at least for several days. "We have never seen this before with a vaccine," stated Professor Didier Raoult.

Post-injection inflammation of the heart muscle has been described in 23 service members. In a study of myocarditis after smallpox vaccination, it was found that 60 percent of affected patients would not have sought medical care for symptoms outside of the study protocol. Recognition is clinically important since diagnosis impacts treatment, recommendations for exercise, and monitoring for later heart failure.

Groups in the UK and France have declared that the COVID jabs should be stopped because of unprecedented levels of harm. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to state that benefits outweigh the risks.

"How many pilots can we afford to lose because of heart damage?" asks Physicians for Civil Defense president Jane Orient, M.D. "And if a significant part of a unit is disabled, even temporarily, is this not an invitation to attack?"

"The military needs to look at options for prophylactic and early treatment instead of mandating unsafe or inadequately tested vaccines," she concludes.

Physicians for Civil Defense provides information to help save lives in the event of natural or man-made disasters.

Contact: Jane M. Orient, M.D., (520) 323-3110, [email protected]

SOURCE Physicians for Civil Defense

Related Links

http://www.physiciansforcivildefense.org


NEW YORK, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- InsurTech NY, the largest InsurTech community in North America, announced today that it will be accepting applications for its growth-stage InsurTech accelerator.

The application window will be open from July 7 to August 2 and applications will be accepted through the InsurTech NY website . The program is designed for growth-stage companies, with an existing customer base, in funding stages between Seed and Series B. Last year, applications were accepted from over 20 countries.

InsurTech NY 2021 Applications Open

"The InsurTech NY program is built for the moment in time when startups are transitioning from surviving mode to thriving mode," said David Gritz, InsurTech NY Managing Director. "InsurTechs from our past cohort have gone on to raise over $100 million in follow-on funding and find fruitful partnerships with our carrier and broker partners. This cohort will have the same opportunity."

The accelerator will follow a "no-fluff" model providing InsurTechs support in the areas they need to scale - market traction, recruiting talent, and raising funds. The program will provide startups with access to insurance carriers and brokers eager to work with startups. The participating corporations will be looking to collaborate with startups on insurance capacity, reinsurance treaties, and software pilots. Cohort members will have the opportunity to meet rockstar InsurTech founders who have taken their companies public or sold their companies.

"The InsurTech NY accelerator provides a unique formula for matchmaking that supports carrier core initiatives and removes the bloat of typical time-consuming accelerator programs," said Steve Bernardez, Partner at Avanta Ventures, the venture capital arm of CSAA Insurance Group. "We look forward to the opportunity to work with InsurTech NY to spot our next unicorn investments and partnership opportunities for CSAA Insurance Group."

The program will feature more than 20 carriers, brokers, and their affiliated venture arms including Avanta Ventures, CNO Financial, Gallagher, Greenlight Re, Lockton, Nationwide, and Transverse. The 2021 cohort will run as a hybrid model, partially virtual and partially in-person over a six-week period. The program will close with a demo day to more than 30 dedicated InsurTech investors. InsurTechs can apply at insurtechny.com/accelerator .

About InsurTech NY

InsurTech NY is an international gateway bridging the insurance innovation community. It brings together carriers, brokers, investors, and InsurTech startups via educational and networking events, competition, and accelerator. InsurTech NY's mission is to accelerate corporate innovation, drive talent to insurance, make regulation innovation-friendly, and improve access to investment. See more at www.insurtechny.com or follow us on LinkedIn ( linkedin.com/company/insurtechny ).

Contact:

David Gritz

[email protected]

212-634-9516

SOURCE InsurTech NY

Related Links

http://www.insurtechny.com


PHOENIX, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Item 9 Labs Corp. (OTCQX: INLB) ("Item 9 Labs" or the "Company")a vertically integrated cannabis dispensary franchisor and operator that produces premium, award-winning productsannounced today the opening of its first cannabis franchise shop under the Unity Rd. Brand, located in Boulder, Colorado. In addition, the Company has launched a corporate acquisition expansion plan to ease market entrance for new and existing franchise partners.

Father-Son Team Open First Unity Rd. Shop in Boulder, Colorado

The Boulder franchised cannabis shop is locally owned and operated by father-son team Bruce and Nate Wetzel.

"This launch has been years in the making," said Unity Rd.'s Chief Franchise Officer, Mike Weinberger. "We founded Unity Rd. with the mission of keeping dispensary ownership, and the wealth that comes along with it local. We want to educate and empower owners, while also pumping revenue right back into their communities, but Rome wasn't built in a day. It's no secret that opening a dispensary is a lengthy process, and that's exactly why this opening means so much to our teamit's a reflection of a lot of hard work, creativity and dedication. Here's to the first of many."

Unity Rd. offers the safest route for cannabis entrepreneurs interested in staking their claim in an industry that's bursting with potential. The dispensary franchisor's time-tested Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and veteran team, with a combined 120+ years of cannabis experience, guide franchise partners through every operational function of the business, whether it's securing a license or assisting with cash flow, product selection or changing regulations.

Unity Rd. National Expansion Plans & Launch of Corporate Acquisition Strategy

The cannabis dispensary franchise is actively seeking qualified franchise partners interested in developing the brand in states where cannabis is legal for adult-use or medicinal consumption. Currently, Unity Rd. has multiple agreements signed with more than 15 entrepreneurial groups that are in various stages of development nationwide.

In addition to supporting franchise partners in securing dispensary licenses, either through acquisitions or the application process, the Company is seeking corporate acquisitions of existing dispensaries throughout Colorado, primarily in Denver in addition to Front Range and compelling mountain towns, as well as Michigan, Ohio and Oklahoma. The franchisor plans to convert the stores into Unity Rd. shops, operate them internally and sell them to an existing or future Unity Rd. franchise partner. This offers a turnkey solution for entrepreneurs seeking immediate entry into cannabis.

"Our corporate acquisition strategy eases hurdles for newcomers looking to acquire an existing dispensary and keeps ownership in the hands of local owners," Weinberger said. "We'll get the stores fully converted into a Unity Rd. shop, train the team and oversee operations so franchise partners have a seamless transition to ownership."

Already, Unity Rd.'s Director of Franchise Operations, Jennifer Zarezadeh, has relocated to Denver to support the Wetzels and oversee future Unity Rd. operations.

Through the franchise model, the Company creates a capital-efficient method for retail and product expansion, focus and clustering of operations, which results in a network effect to launch the Unity Rd. and Item 9 Labs brands into new markets. As the Unity Rd. dispensary footprint continues to expand nationally, the Company plans to develop or partner with cultivation facilities in states where retail shops open to bring Item 9 Labs products to the market. This gives Unity Rd. franchise partners first access to a consistent, premium product supply chain.

"Bringing Item 9 Labs to our retail markets gives Unity Rd. the national product consistency that consumers have come to expect from franchise brands," said the Company's CEO Andrew Bowden. "It also eases new market product entry with a built-in distribution platform that will bring Item 9 Labs across the US."

About Item 9 Labs Corp.

Item 9 Labs Corp. (OTCQX: INLB) is a vertically integrated cannabis operator and dispensary franchisor delivering premium products from its large-scale cultivation and production facilities in the United States. The award-winning Item 9 Labs brand specializes in best-in-class products and user experience across several cannabis categories. The company also offers a unique dispensary franchise model through the national Unity Rd. retail brand. Easing barriers to entry, the franchise provides an opportunity for both new and existing dispensary owners to leverage the knowledge, resources, and ongoing support needed to thrive in their state compliantly and successfully. Item 9 Labs brings the best industry practices to markets nationwide through distinctive retail experience, cultivation capabilities, and product innovation. The veteran management team combines a diverse skill set with deep experience in the cannabis sector, franchising, and the capital markets to lead a new generation of public cannabis companies that provide transparency, consistency, and well-being. Headquartered in Arizona, the company is currently expanding its operations space by 650,000+ square feet on its 50-acre site, one of the largest properties in Arizona zoned to grow and cultivate flower. For additional information, visit item9labscorp.com.

Media Contact:

Item 9 Labs

Jayne Levy, Director of Communications

Phone: 480-542-9421

Email: [email protected]

Investor Contact:

Item 9 Labs

Phone: 800-403-1140

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Item 9 Labs Corp.
"The need for making net zero leadership easier to achieve is immediate and greater than ever. Buildings represent about 40% of global emissions and Johnson Controls is uniquely positioned to help customers around the world pursue their net zero carbon goals," said George Oliver, chairman and CEO of Johnson Controls. "Our proprietary research echoes the demand, prioritization and urgency for support that businesses, governments and global leaders are calling for. Our As a Service model looks to provide our customers with guaranteed outcomes and risk management models to achieve emission reduction commitments that ultimately lead to healthier buildings, people, places and the planet."

To ensure alignment with the needs of customers and prospects, in May 2021, Johnson Controls commissioned a survey of 1,046 North American professionals responsible for building operations, facilities management and energy & sustainability management across various industry verticals and building types. Over 90% of respondents have significant goals to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption by 2030+ with over 60% of respondents targeting a 50% or greater reduction. Goals include increasing building performance and value, positively impacting the surrounding community and talent attraction and retention.

The OpenBlue Net Zero Buildings as a Service portfolio includes a full spectrum of sustainability offerings tailored to schools, campuses, data centers, healthcare facilities as well as commercial and industry players. Understanding the market trends, unique industry requirements and investment pitfalls is an important element in making large sustainability decisions. Johnson Controls helps customers stay abreast of important trends and technology innovations that feed into a customized roadmap highlighting opportunities and managing risks and uncertainties against a rapidly changing regulatory environment.

Additional results from the Johnson Controls survey revealed that respondents' top five solution pathways and also their drivers for sustainability and net zero lean into As-a-Service capabilities, including improving energy efficiency, integrating onsite renewables, electrifying buildings, incorporating offsite renewables and adding grid interactive capabilities. However, almost all respondents are facing challenges across these solution pathways while also feeling pressure to move quickly. Over 90% of respondents plan to pursue a LEED certification and yet run into challenges with measuring emissions, the largest being how to aggregate data from multiple sources. Digital solutions are needed to solve this and other measurement challenges.

Supporting this need, Johnson Controls has created a game-changing new offering called OpenBlue Net Zero Advisor. It will deliver real-time, AI-driven tracking and reporting of sustainability metrics, helping facilities managers ensure and prove the net zero carbon reduction and renewable energy impact of their buildings. Based on criteria such as LEED certification, the new technology automatically gathers and analyzes data about energy, water, materials and greenhouse gas emissions involved in every phase of a building`s lifecycle and proves CO2 reductions, renewable energy and efficiency gains. This will generate energy and environmental outcomes from improving building operations.

Johnson Controls suite of connected sustainability solutions and services is offered through flexible risk sharing models that enable tailored deal structures where end users pay for expected outcomes rather than assets. Through options for simple, fixed-fee models, Johnson Controls takes on the responsibility for upfront capital decisions, design and construction, and decarbonization goal achievement and reporting.

"The need and demand for a 360-degree net zero carbon solution is clear. Businesses, governments and global coalitions have all set ambitious sustainably goals over the next two decades, with many aspiring for decarbonization by 2030," said Katie McGinty, vice president & chief sustainability, government and regulatory affairs officer at Johnson Controls. "We offer a unique service and partnership model that allows customers to focus on their industry core competencies and revenue-generating activities while we drive customized steps for planning, execution and reporting that flex to the specific needs of each sustainability journey."

Joining hands with like-minded thought leaders in sustainability is showing strong impact already as Johnson Controls partners with customers, leading technology companies, research institutions and government entities to build innovative solutions in pursuit of net zero carbon.

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) headquarters becomes the tallest, largest, and smartest net zero energy government building in the world

DEWA has partnered with Johnson Controls and Microsoft to implement the latest digital twin technologies, the Internet of Things, cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and smart building management solutions in DEWA's new headquarters, called Al Shera 'a (Arabic for sail). Once complete, the partnership enhances the tallest, largest and smartest net zero-energy government building with net zero carbon emissions in the world. The total energy used in the building during a year will be equal to or less than the energy produced on-site. Through innovative technologies, Al-Shera'a is expected to utilize up to 50% less water than comparable buildings. This undertaking is the latest development in Johnson Controls' ongoing commitment to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places, and the planet.





'a (Arabic for sail). Once complete, the partnership enhances the tallest, largest and smartest net zero-energy government building with net zero carbon emissions in the world. The total energy used in the building during a year will be equal to or less than the energy produced on-site. Through innovative technologies, Al-Shera'a is expected to utilize up to 50% less water than comparable buildings. This undertaking is the latest development in Johnson Controls' ongoing commitment to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places, and the planet. The Powerhouse Alliance builds the world's northernmost energy-positive building

The Powerhouse Alliance, a 10 year old Norwegian collaboration for innovation in energy, wanted to build a net zero energy smart building that would serve as a leading example for the northern hemisphere. Johnson Controls helped design a complete energy system that harvests twice the energy of the building's annual consumption and draws heating and cooling energy from the ocean while sharing it with the building and other surrounding structures. Further, low energy building devices, such as LED lighting and VAV HVAC systems were installed. All systems are tracked on a digital dashboard that details occupancy, comfort and sustainability KPIs in given building zones. Today, the Powerhouse Brattrkaia building in Trondheim produces more electricity than it consumes daily and supplies renewable energy to itself, its neighboring buildings, electric buses, cars and boats through a local microgrid.





systems were installed. All systems are tracked on a digital dashboard that details occupancy, comfort and sustainability KPIs in given building zones. Today, the Powerhouse Brattrkaia building in Trondheim produces more electricity than it consumes daily and supplies renewable energy to itself, its neighboring buildings, electric buses, cars and boats through a local microgrid. Colorado State University ( CSU )  Pueblo becomes first 100% solar-powered battery storage university in Colorado

CSU-Pueblo is the first university in its state to reach "net zero electric" efficiency, which means the solar panels will provide 100% net solar production for academic buildings on the campus. Johnson Controls installed a 23-acre solar farm with battery storage that supplies 12M kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity. Electricity rates change often making it challenging for organizations to budget their energy spend. With this microgrid solution, CSU-Pueblo has locked in its electricity costs for the next 25 years.





kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity. Electricity rates change often making it challenging for organizations to budget their energy spend. With this microgrid solution, CSU-Pueblo has locked in its electricity costs for the next 25 years. The National University Singapore contributes actively to standardized model for data labels in buildings

The National University of Singapore (NUS) and Johnson Controls formed a joint collaboration on smart buildings research. Researchers at the NUS School of Design and Environment leveraged the Johnson Controls OpenBlue Innovation Center housed on the campus to drive machine learning research to accelerate the conversion of Internet of Things data into the BRICK Schema, a standardized model for data labels in buildings. This open-source schema describes smart buildings and their subsystems in a format that enables software to more easily and quickly connect into a larger number of buildings. As a result, a consistent schema across buildings supports better understanding of metadata usage across all building types, improving overall sustainability and operational efficiency. This paves the way for greater use of AI in building management and autonomous buildings.

To learn more about OpenBlue Net Zero Buildings as a Service, visit: https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/openblue/net-zero-buildings

To download the survey results as well as the methodology, visit: https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/insights/2021/thought-leadership/open-blue-net-zero-buildings-pulse-survey

To read more about Johnson Controls POV on why companies benefit from a single strategy for sustainability and digitalization, visit: https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/insights/2021/white-paper/the-case-for-unifying-sustainability-and-digitalization-strategies

About Johnson Controls:

At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet.

With a history of more than 135 years of innovation, Johnson Controls delivers the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through its comprehensive digital offering, OpenBlue. With a global team of 100,000 experts in more than 150 countries, Johnson Controls offers the world's largest portfolio of building technology, software as well as service solutions with some of the most trusted names in the industry. For more information, visit www.johnsoncontrols.com or follow us @johnsoncontrols on Twitter.

SOURCE Johnson Controls International plc

Related Links

http://www.johnsoncontrols.com


MELBOURNE, Fla., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Kona Gold Beverage, Inc. (OTCQB: KGKG), a holding company focused on product development in the better-for-you and hemp and CBD functional beverage sector, is pleased to announce net revenues for Q2 were the biggest in the Company's history for a single quarter in almost 6 years of its existence. 2021 Q2 revenues were approximately $830,000, with an additional $45,000 of open sales orders not yet invoiced. Gross profit for the second quarter revenues were approximately $167,000; and net revenues were split across the Company's subsidiaries: Kona Gold LLC, with approximately $496,000 in revenue, and Gold Leaf Distribution, with approximately $334,000 in revenue.

Kona Gold Beverage has announced it anticipates third quarter revenues to be approximately $1,000,000, building upon its second quarter growth. This would make Q3 the Company's first quarter with revenues over $1,000,000. The Company anticipates approximately $600,000 in revenue to come from its Kona Gold subsidiary, and $400,000 to come from its Gold Leaf Distribution subsidiary in Q3.

"I am excited to share with our stockholders the record setting quarter the Company had in Q2, as we continue to see phenomenal growth across our subsidiaries," stated Robert Clark, CEO of Kona Gold Beverage, Inc. "With such great growth happening within the Company, we have recently hired three additional full-time employees in the past three weeks: two Salesmen for our Gold Leaf Distribution subsidiary, and one Territory Sales Representative for our Kona Gold subsidiary. Our team has set a goal to have the Company's first million-dollar quarter in Q3, and I am confident we will accomplish that."

Kona Gold Beverage recently completed another production run of its rapidly growing Ooh La Lemin brand, as they keep up with high demand from new distributors and retailers, along with fulfilling reorders. The Company will be announcing a new distributor that was recently signed in the coming days for its Kona Gold Hemp Energy Drinks.

For more information regarding Kona Gold Beverage, please visit: https://konagoldbeverage.com/

About Kona Gold Beverage, Inc.

Kona Gold Beverage, Inc., a Delaware corporation, has created wholly-owned subsidiaries, Kona Gold LLC, HighDrate, LLC, and Gold Leaf Distribution, LLC. Kona Gold, LLC has developed a premium Hemp-Infused Energy Drink line; please visit its website at www.konagoldhemp.com. HighDrate, LLC has developed the beverage industry's first CBD-Infused Energy Water, available in 6 delicious flavors; please visit its website at www.highdrateme.com. Gold Leaf Distribution, LLC was created to fill the Company's distribution needs in markets that it wants to enter quickly; please visit its website at www.goldleafdist.com. Kona Gold Beverage, Inc. recently acquired S&S Beverage, Inc., which manufactures and distributes LEMIN Superior Lemonade line; please visit its website at www.drinklemin.com. Kona Gold and its family of companies are located on the east coast of Florida in Melbourne and in Greer, South Carolina.

Safe Harbor Statement:

The information posted in this release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by use of the words "may," "will," "should," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "project," "intend," and similar expressions. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in press releases and other written materials, and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. The Company cautions that these forward-looking statements are further qualified by other factors including, but not limited to, those set forth in the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing various engineering and manufacturing programs, changes in customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technological advances and delivering technological innovations, shortages in components, production delays due to performance quality issues with outsourced components, and various other factors beyond the Company's control. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Investor Relations Contact:

Robert Clark

844-714-2224

[email protected]

SOURCE Kona Gold Beverage, Inc.
Mr. Purohit has extensive experience as a financial investor and both in private practice and as an in-house counsel, and is well known in each context for executing sophisticated and complex transactions. His practice will focus on advising public and private companies, institutional investors, financial sponsors and private capital across all energy and infrastructure sectors including midstream energy, renewables and utilities as well as transportation, telecommunications, water, waste and public private partnerships.

"Ravi's diverse experience and talents make him a fantastic addition to our ever-growing M&A and Private Equity Practices," said Charles Ruck, Global Chair of Latham's Corporate Department. "We look forward to advancing the growth of our M&A practice with Ravi's talent, creativity and commercial mindedness."

Most recently, Mr. Purohit served as General Counsel at Blackstone Infrastructure Partners, a US$15 billion open-ended global infrastructure fund, through a secondment from the partnership at his prior firm, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP. Prior to re-joining private practice, he served as a Managing Director at Blackstone Infrastructure Partners where he was a founding member of the investment team responsible for sourcing and executing infrastructure transactions. He also previously served as a Managing Director at Alinda Capital Partners, an infrastructure investment firm.

Justin Stolte, Global Chair of the firm's Energy & Infrastructure Industry Group, added: "With experience working both in-house and in private practice, Ravi provides a unique perspective on market trends and the changing needs of our clients. In addition, his deep experience in energy and infrastructure will serve as a valuable asset to our clients, and further strengthen our position as a market leader in those areas."

"We are excited to welcome Ravi to the firm," said Tim Fenn, Office Managing Partner in Houston. "He is a talented and savvy business-focused advisor known for building strong relationships with clients and colleagues. His unique insights, skills, and experience will complement our practice and strengthen our capabilities."

"Ravi is recognized as a leading M&A and private equity practitioner," said Marc Jaffe, Office Managing Partner in New York. "His arrival adds to the depth of our growing talent and reinforces our commitment to providing our clients with the highest caliber of service. We are thrilled to have him on board."

"I am delighted to join Latham's premier M&A and Private Equity Practices," said Mr. Purohit. "Latham's robust global platform is a tremendous asset to clients and with strengths across an array of practice areas, the firm is truly a one-stop shop for clients seeking effective and cohesive representation. I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues in New York, Houston, and around the world to advise our clients on their critical legal matters."

Mr. Purohit received his JD from Columbia Law School, where he was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar, and his BA from Emory University, with honors, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.

About Latham & Watkins (lw.com)

Latham & Watkins delivers innovative solutions to complex legal and business challenges around the world. From a global platform, our lawyers advise clients on market-shaping transactions, high-stakes litigation and trials, and sophisticated regulatory matters. Latham is one of the world's largest providers of pro bono services, steadfastly supports initiatives designed to advance diversity within the firm and the legal profession, and is committed to exploring and promoting environmental sustainability.

Notes to Editors

1 Latham & Watkins operates worldwide as a limited liability partnership organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (USA) with affiliated limited liability partnerships conducting the practice in France, Hong Kong, Italy, Singapore, and the United Kingdom and as an affiliated partnership conducting the practice in Japan. Latham & Watkins operates in South Korea as a Foreign Legal Consultant Office. Latham & Watkins works in cooperation with the Law Office of Salman M. Al-Sudairi in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Contacts

Charles Ruck, Global Chair, Corporate Department, +1.212.418.7625

Justin Stolte, Global Chair, Energy & Infrastructure Industry Group, +1.713.546.7966

Tim Fenn, Houston Office Managing Partner, +1.713.546.7432

Marc Jaffe, New York Office Managing Partner, +1.212.906.1281

SOURCE Latham & Watkins

Related Links

www.lw.com


"As a mother who experienced having a baby who spent many months in the NICU, the March of Dimes mission means so much to my family and I," said Sharon Mills Higgins, a marketing professional who was elected March of Dimes National Board of Trustees Chair and has volunteered for March of Dimes for more than 15 years. "To do our best work on behalf of moms and babies during this pandemic and beyond, we need the talent, skills and expertise of our incoming trustees, staff and entire leadership team to get us there."

Stacey D. Stewart, March of Dimes president and CEO, said the new trustees will also help foster the organization's continued growth by deepening relationships with donors, volunteers, advocates and partners. Specifically, greater emphasis will be put on expanding the organization's donor base and implementing new strategies to foster more long-term, highly engaged relationships.

"During the pandemic we really focused in on what it takes to be an effective health advocacy organization that is fighting on behalf of moms and babies," Stewart explained. "We made key improvements to our organizational structure last year and are working to better leverage technology and data to cultivate our supporters and drive positive outcomes for families across our country."

The eight trustees serving three-year terms are:

Amy Casseri, JD, is the Senior Vice President of Physician & Provider Relations, Women's and Children's Services and Imaging Services for HCA Healthcare. She leads the charge by collaborating with teams across HCA Healthcare to enhance quality and grow services. Casseri is active in the Nashville community and serves on various nonprofit boards including American Hospital Association Maternal Child Board and the Shalom Foundation. She serves on various nonprofit and for profit boards.

Phyllis A. Dennery, MD is a Neonatologist and the Chair of Pediatrics at Brown University/Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence, RI. She is an active member of many professional and scientific societies, having served as President of the Society for Pediatric Research and as President of the International Pediatric Research Foundation. She is a member of the National Academy of Medicine. Dr. Dennery was appointed to the Secretary of Health and Human Services Advisory Committee from 2010  2014 and served on the Community Action Team of the Medical Examiner's Office in Philadelphia, both focused on infant mortality. She co-leads a pediatric clinical trials network funded by the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Dennery's laboratory-based research focuses on chronic lung disease of prematurity.

Jay Greenspan, MD is a Neonatologist who is focused on improving health outcomes, especially for babies born preterm. He has worked with March of Dimes for more than 25 years to help close the health equity gap for moms and babies. Dr. Greenspan has been extensively published in peer-reviewed literature, has contributed to textbooks on neonatology and lectures widely on issues related to the infant health. He recently published his first novel, along with two other authors, entitled Breathing Liquid: Trials of Leadership.

Judette Louis, MD is Chair of the Department of OB/GYN at University of South Florida (USF). She is a specialist in maternal fetal medicine and serves as the Immediate past president for the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine. Dr. Louis has a joint faculty appointments in the College of Public Health and the College of Medicine at USF. She has conducted research on obstructive sleep apnea in pregnant women, maternal morbidity and mortality, and cardiometabolic consequences of sleep disorders.

Matan Parnes is a former Senior Vice President at PayPal, leading its Global Data Science organization. In his role, Parnes is responsible in driving usage and increase impact of advanced data-science (Machine-learning and Artificial intelligence) across multiple domains. Prior to this role, he served as the General-Manager for PayPal Israel. Earlier he worked at McKinsey & Company Tel Aviv's office, focusing on the telecom, banking, retail and consumer-goods industries.

Ellen (Ellie) Stang, MD is a board-certified pediatrician, and the founder, board member, and CEO of ProgenyHealth, which addresses the need for improved care management and health outcomes for preterm and medically complex newborns. ProgenyHealth works with thousands of NICUs across the country to provide evidence-based neonatal care management services. Her career has spanned working in private practice where she was co-director of the newborn nursery, to working as a regional pediatric medical director for a managed Medicaid health plan.

Brian Thompson, MD is an obstetrician-gynecologist who is an Assistant Professor and Ambassador for Indigenous Affairs at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York. Dr. Thompson is a member of the New York State Maternal Mortality Review Board, multiple quality review committees and the Association of American Indian Physicians. Dr. Thompson is an advocate nationally for Native American healthcare and healthcare of the underserved. His clinical interests include the development and implementation of patient safety and quality measures, reduction in maternal mortality and health disparities as well as culturally relevant, culturally sensitive best practice models.

Everett Ward, Ph.D is a transformational leader with more than 30 years of national and statewide leadership experience. Dr. Ward served as the 35th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and was the eleventh president of Saint Augustine's University, the third alumnus to hold the post in the school's 148-year history. Transparency, shared governance and collaboration were the cornerstones of his administration.

March of Dimes announces Sharon Mills Higgins as National Board of Trustees Chair and welcomes eight new members to its Board of Trustees.

ABOUT MARCH OF DIMES

March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every mom and baby can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 80-year legacy of impact and innovation, we're there for every familythose who had first-hand hardships, those celebrating their health and those just trying to start their families. For more information go to marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org, and visit shareyourstory.org for comfort and support. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

SOURCE March of Dimes Inc.

Related Links

http://www.marchofdimes.org


MIAMI, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Miami International University of Art and Design (MIU) will host its annual SWIM SHOW on Thursday, July 8th at PARAISO Miami Beach. This year, more than 20 Associate and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design students will present their latest collections for the highly anticipated, in-person, Miami Swim Week 2021.

MIU Fashion Design students return to kick off Swim Week at the PARAISO Tent with the first runway show on the schedule. After a year of virtual events and pandemic lockdown, students representing 10 countries make their fashion comeback at this year's show as they present over 30 garments swimwear designs that project the upcoming year's swimwear trends. After the runway show, student winners will be announced on stage for category awards such as Editorial, Avant-Garde, Menswear, and Overall Design.

"This year's Swim Week is extra special for our students, who are delighted to reemerge after the pandemic and proudly present the collections they've been so passionately working on," says Oscar Lopez, M.A., Lead Faculty of the Fashion Department at Miami International University of Art & Design.

Miami International University of Art & Design's SWIM SHOW

Thursday, July 8th at 2PM

PARAISO Tent

2100 Collins Ave

Miami Beach, FL 33139

Instagram: @miamiintluniversity

"PARAISO Miami Beach has been an incredible partner of MIU," added Lopez. "They provide a highly visible and truly unique platform for our design students during one of the most significant events in Miami that brings together designers, buyers, and press from all over the world."

Find the full PARAISO Miami Beach schedule here , and for more information on Miami International University of Art & Design and its program offerings in Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising please visit: https://www.artinstitutes.edu/miami

About Miami International University of Art & Design

Founded in 1965, Miami International University of Art & Design is located near the heart of the arts district offering degree programs in the areas of Fashion, Media Arts and Design. The campus has more than 100,000 square feet of classroom, computer lab, library, and office space. Miami International University of Art & Design and its branch campuses, The Art Institute of Tampa and The Art Institute of Dallas, are accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award diplomas, associates, baccalaureate, and masters degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404.679.4500 for questions about the accreditation of Miami International University of Art & Design. For more information on Miami International University of Art & Design, visit us at www.mymiu.edu.

Miami International University of Art & Design is one of The Art Institutes, a system of private, non-profit schools throughout the United States. Programs, credential levels, technology, and scheduling options vary by school and are subject to change. 1501 Biscayne Blvd., Ste. 100, Miami, FL 33132.  2019. The Arts Institutes International LLC. All rights reserved.

SOURCE Miami International University of Art & Design
DALLAS, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Michael K. Hurst, name partner at the highly respected Dallas trial boutique Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegmann, has earned the 2021 "Lead by Example Award" from the National Association of Women Lawyers.

The annual award recognizes a leading male attorney who supports the advancement of women within his organization and the legal profession. Mr. Hurst will be presented the award virtually during NAWL's annual meeting on July 21.

"As I began my career more than 30 years ago, I became keenly aware of the distinct challenges faced by women attorneys and the tremendous benefits they provide for law firms and their clients," said Mr. Hurst. "I'm gratified that firms and organizations are making changes in their culture and programs to recognize the value of mentoring and supporting women. I hope I've played some part in those efforts."

Consistently recognized as one of the top trial lawyers in the nation, Mr. Hurst has served as president of the Dallas Bar Association and Dallas Association of Young Lawyers. Currently, he is a director of the State Bar of Texas. He has served in leadership roles for numerous causes that support women in both the law and the greater Dallas community. In 2015, he was recognized for his contributions to the advancement of women attorneys, becoming first male recipient of the Louise B. Raggio Award from the Dallas Women Lawyers Association.

Mr. Hurst is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and was named 2021 Lawyer of the Year in Commercial Litigation in North Texas by Best Lawyers in America.

He earned his law degree from the South Texas College of Law in Houston in 1990, and his undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at Austin in 1987.

Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegmann is a nationally recognized commercial litigation firm and has been ranked among the top five commercial litigation firms in Texas by the highly respected Chambers USA Guide to the Legal Profession for the past three years. The firm has also received numerous accolades by The Best Lawyers in America, Texas Super Lawyers, D Magazine, and Texas Lawyer, and was twice awarded "Defense Win of the Year" in the U.S. by the National Law Journal, the only firm to receive that recognition twice.

Media Contact:

Barry Pound

800-559-4534

[email protected]

SOURCE Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegmann LLP

Related Links

https://www.lynnllp.com


"It's important that we continue to invest in our brand to remain relevant and increase guest accessibility. Our refreshed look and feel in Atlanta will provide our loyal fans the opportunity to experience a modern Moe's that still offers the familiar menu items they crave," said Alex Williams, Chief Brand Officer for Moe's Southwest Grill. "The Moe's brand has been beloved for more than 20 years and we're excited to present a design that matches the 'Welcome to Moe's!' energy and enthusiasm we've conveyed for two decades."

In addition to an improved aesthetic, Moe's evolved design is yielding good results for franchisees. Locations in Nashville and Rochester are showing positive sales growth and traffic. A new service training program, aptly called W2M (Welcome to Moe's!), will also help franchise owners maintain a welcoming environment for guests and team members. Additionally, Moe's launched Kids Eat Free nationally in April to drive family dining on Sundays. As a result, the innovative fast casual leader is seeing significant comp sales growth and larger check sizes.

"I've spent everyday for the last 12 years inside a Moe's restaurant hearing our crews proudly shout 'Welcome to Moe's!' to each and every guest," said Mark Monroe, a Moe's Franchisee. "That famous greeting has stood for the promise that everyone is welcome at Moe's. This modernization effort is imperative to making sure that we provide our loyal guests with a more seamless online ordering experience, updated interiors with engaging in-store graphics showing our bold personality and a new logo - all while serving the same delicious food they crave and greeting them with the familiar 'Welcome to Moe's!' that started it all."

Moe's Southwest Grill is also investing in consumer-focused innovation to remain competitive in the growing fast casual space. The brand recently updated its app to focus on the digital ordering experience and features a compelling loyalty program with offers tailored for its guests. Moe's is also piloting a new beverage offering and has plans to roll out exciting LTO menu items throughout the remainder of the year, the most recent LTO being the Buffalo Queso Taco.

Moe's Southwest Grill currently has more than 700 restaurants in 40 states and is part of the Focus Brands family of brands, which includes Auntie Anne's, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, McAlister's Deli and Schlotzsky's.

Moe's is continuing with its aggressive expansion and is focusing on adding drive-thru locations in key states like Florida and Ohio, as well as cities such as Indianapolis, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. The brand is looking to open more than 20 locations in 2021 across the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. For more information about franchise opportunities, call 800-227-8353 or email [email protected].

About Moe's Southwest GrillWelcome to Moe's! Founded in 2000 and based in Atlanta, GA, Moe's Southwest Grill is a fast-casual restaurant franchise that serves high quality and fresh southwestern food. Moe's has an extensive variety of menu items to please the entire family  from burritos to specialty items like quesadillas, nachos and stacks. Whether you visit one of our more than 700 franchised locations or have us cater your next event, free chips and salsa come with every order and each restaurant has a salsa bar and serves our famous queso. Check us out online at www.moes.com to find a store near you, and then connect with us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

About Focus Brands

Atlanta-based Focus Brands is a leading developer of global multi-channel foodservice brands. Focus Brands, through its affiliate brands, is the franchisor and operator of more than 6,000 restaurants, cafes, ice cream shoppes, and bakeries in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and over 50 foreign countries under the brand names Auntie Anne's, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, Moe's Southwest Grill, McAlister's Deli and Schlotzsky's, as well as Seattle's Best Coffee on certain military bases and in certain international markets. Please visit www.focusbrands.com to learn more.

Media Contacts:

Abby Leary

[email protected]

Nadia Caron

[email protected]

954-893-9150

SOURCE Moe's Southwest Grill
FORT WORTH, Texas, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- HBCUs are hot. America's Historically Black Colleges & Universities are attracting more students and generating more press attentionand deservedly so.

Historically Black Colleges & Universities are increasingly the preferred choice of students today. AcademicInfluence.com ranks the 30 most influential HBCUs for you to consider

Historically Black Colleges & Universities are schools of higher learning largely established between the end of slavery in 1865 and the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act in order to create opportunities in higher education for Black students. At a time when southern colleges refused their admission and quotas at northern colleges dictated the number of Black students admitted, HBCUs emerged to advance educational, professional, and economic interests for Black Americans.

For 2021, AcademicInfluence.com announces the 30 elite HBCUs that have proven most influential over the past two decades:

Most Influential HBCUs 20002020

What are the top 30 Historically Black Colleges & Universities overall?

Alabama State University ( Montgomery, Alabama )

( ) Alcorn State University ( Alcorn State , Mississippi )

( , ) Bethune-Cookman University ( Daytona Beach, Florida )

) Clark Atlanta University ( Atlanta, Georgia )

( ) Dillard University ( New Orleans, Louisiana )

( ) Elizabeth City State University ( Elizabeth City, North Carolina )

( ) Fisk University ( Nashville, Tennessee )

( ) Florida A&M University ( Tallahassee, Florida )

( ) Hampton University ( Hampton, Virginia )

( ) Howard University ( Washington , District of Columbia )

( , ) Jackson State University ( Jackson, Mississippi )

( ) Lincoln University ( Lincoln University, Pennsylvania )

( ) Morehouse College ( Atlanta, Georgia )

( ) Morgan State University ( Baltimore, Maryland )

( ) Norfolk State University ( Norfolk, Virginia )

( ) North Carolina Central University ( Durham, North Carolina )

( ) Savannah State University ( Savannah, Georgia )

( ) South Carolina State University ( Orangeburg, South Carolina )

( ) Spelman College ( Atlanta, Georgia )

( ) Tennessee State University ( Nashville, Tennessee )

( ) Texas Southern University ( Houston, Texas )

( ) Tougaloo College ( Tougaloo, Mississippi )

( ) Tuskegee University ( Tuskegee, Alabama )

( ) University of the District of Columbia ( Washington , District of Columbia )

( , ) University of the Virgin Islands (Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands )

(Charlotte Amalie, ) Virginia State University ( Petersburg, Virginia )

( ) Virginia Union University ( Richmond, Virginia )

( ) West Virginia State University ( Institute, West Virginia )

( ) Wilberforce University ( Wilberforce, Ohio )

( ) Xavier University of Louisiana ( New Orleans, Louisiana )

Baseline criteria for this ranking include four-year undergraduate degree offerings and full accreditation. Visit the link above for the final ranking order, details about each school, and lists of alumni from each school who influence our world today.

"For many students, HBCUs have established themselves as their preferred educational destination. Students today want more than a degreethey want a college experience that meets their personal needs. And more are finding what they want in an HBCU," says Dr. Jed Macosko, academic director of AcademicInfluence.com and professor of physics at Wake Forest University.

HBCUs remain a critical source of education, community, and opportunity for Black students as well as a diverse cross-section of Latino, Asian, and white students. According to the latest data from the National Center for Education Statistics, 51 public HBCUs and 50 private, nonprofit HBCUs provide degrees at every level of higher education. At the time of writing, 38 HBCUs offered associate degree programs, 83 offered bachelor's degrees, 52 conferred master's degrees, and 27 granted doctoral degrees.

Why do AcademicInfluence.com rankings stand out from all other ranking sites? The answer is found in the proprietary InfluenceRanking Engineinnovative machine-learning technology that scours the web's leading data repositories to map and objectively measure the influence of a school's thought leadership through its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Finally, students can access a superior, trustworthy ranking resource that generates unbiased rankings that resist manipulation. See the AcademicInfluence.com About page for further details on the unique capabilities and advantages of this ranking technology.

"Students concerned about bias and gamesmanship in college rankings can find a more accurate assessment of scholarly impact with AcademicInfluence.com. Our rankings are based primarily on objective influence data rather than on some unknown person's subjective feelings about a college or university or on self-reported info that can be skewed or obsolete," says Macosko. "It's why we believe students can trust AcademicInfluence.com over the alternatives."

AcademicInfluence.com is the preeminent technology-driven rankings site dedicated to students, researchers, and inquirers from high school through college and beyond, offering resources that connect learners to leaders. AcademicInfluence.com is a part of the EducationAccess group, a family of sites dedicated to lifelong learning and personal growth.

Contact:



Jed Macosko, Ph.D.

Academic Director

AcademicInfluence.com

[email protected]

(682) 302-4945

SOURCE AcademicInfluence.com
WASHINGTON, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Media accreditation is open for the launch from Virginia of Northrop Grumman's 16th commercial resupply services mission to deliver NASA science investigations, supplies, and equipment to the International Space Station aboard its Cygnus spacecraft.

Northrop Grumman is targeting liftoff of its Antares rocket for no earlier than 5:55 p.m. EDT Tuesday, Aug. 10, from Pad-0A of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island.

Both U.S. and international media, as described in NASA's newly released agencywide media accreditation policy, must apply by 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 27. All accreditation requests must be sent to Keith Koehler at: [email protected]. Due to ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, registration for international media for this launch will be limited to international media already based in the United States.

Each resupply mission to the station delivers scientific investigations in the areas of biology and biotechnology, Earth and space science, physical sciences, and technology development and demonstrations.

Highlights of space station research facilitated by this mission are:

The Redwire Regolith Print study, which demonstrates 3D printing in space using a material simulating rock and soil found on the surfaces of planetary bodies, such as the Moon.

Blob, an ESA (European Space Agency) investigation, which will allow students to see how slime molds' behavior is affected by microgravity.

Capsules, which will deploy when Cygnus re-enters the atmosphere and transmit data to test an affordable thermal protection system, also known as a heat shield.

A new spacecraft carbon dioxide removal technology that could help future explorers on the Moon and Mars breathe more easily.

Cargo resupply from U.S. companies ensures a national capability to deliver critical science research to the space station, significantly increasing NASA's ability to conduct new investigations at this laboratory in space. Cygnus also will carry a new modification kit, or mounting bracket, that astronauts will attach to the left (port) side of the station's backbone truss in a location designated P4 during a spacewalk planned for late August. The mounting bracket will enable the installation of one of the next pair of new solar array to be at a later date.

Get more information about Northrop Grumman's commercial resupply missions at:

https://www.nasa.gov/northropgrumman

SOURCE NASA

Related Links

http://www.nasa.gov


The two firms were honored by PRSA for their 2020 campaign entitled "Displaying Leadership in Consumer Packaged Goods Industry by Leveraging Nation's Toilet Paper Crisis," with a Silver Anvil (the organization's highest national recognition) and the Audience Choice Award, both in the Integrated Communications, Business-to-Business category.

Since 1944, the Silver Anvil Awards have recognized outstanding public relations programs that successfully address challenging issues with exemplary professional skill, creativity and resourcefulness. Entries are accepted in 19 categories as well as a number of subcategories. Judges evaluate strategic programs based on sound insights and analysis, planning, execution and evaluation. Audience Choice Awards are voted on by a wide field of PR practitioners and marketers.

The NCSolutions and Feintuch Communications campaign leveraged NCS's comprehensive consumer purchase datapreviously untapped as a marketing/PR assetto help marketers make sense of the volatile and unpredictable COVID-19 marketplace. The team employed a variety of tactics to help inform the consumer packaged goods industry about buying surges, stockouts and other changes in consumer shopping behavior largely induced by the pandemic. These included data-centric press releases (and the creation of The National Toilet Paper Index); engaging and "sticky" infographics; an NCS COVID response website to host COVID-19 CPG content; an @Home with NCS video series featuring company executives sharing their expertise in their own words from their home offices; and broad consumer surveys revealing their reaction to the pandemic and the impact on their previously normal shopping habits.

"While the uncertainty was real and the marketplace was in flux, NCS responded as we know best, by using our comprehensive compilation of shopping and purchasing insights to make sense of pandemic consumer behavior. We set out to address one of the most pressing questions on CPG brands' minds: Should our brand(s) advertise in this volatile and unpredictable market?" said Deirdre McFarland, senior vice president, Marketing, NCSolutions. "With insights at the core, we pivoted our marketing strategies to support the industry. This pivot kicked off a year-long series of integrated marketing and public relations activities that comprised our COVID-19 response marketing campaign that was honored by the PRSA."

"NCS decided to share insights gleaned from its comprehensive shopper data that was previously untapped for marketing purposes, and only used to fuel NCS products and services. This decision to educate and help marketers plan their next steps was bold and helped to further position the company as a thought leader during an extremely unsettling period in the CPG industry and the world at large," said Henry Feintuch, president, Feintuch Communications. "The campaign not only burnished NCSolutions' credentials but helped drive an increase in overall revenue during a time when the advertising industry showed an overall decline. A complete list of this year's PRSA Silver Anvil Awards winners is available online and all Audience Choice winners can be found here . All of the campaigns and program elements were judged by a panel of industry judges comprised of experienced, senior level public relations practitioners, representing a broad range of disciplines.

About NCSolutions

NCSolutions (NCS) makes advertising work better. Our unrivaled data resources powered by leading providers combine with scientific rigor and leading-edge technology to empower the CPG ecosystem to create and deliver more effective advertising. With NCS's proven approach, brands are achieving continuous optimization everywhere ads appear, through purchase-based audience targeting and sales measurement solutions that have impacted over $25 billion in media spend for our customers. NCS has offices in NYC, Chicago, Tampa, and Cincinnati. Visit us at ncsolutions.com to learn more.

About Feintuch Communications

Feintuch Communications ( www.feintuchcommunications.com ), based in New York City, is an award-winning strategic relations firm offering clients an integrated blend of public relations, analyst relations, advertising/marketing, financial and investor relations and other services to meet their business objectives. A founding partner of PR World Alliance ( www.PRWorldAlliance.com ), the firm specializes in B-to-B and B-to-C programs with a focus in technology, financial services, advertising and media and energy/clean tech. Feintuch Communications prides itself on its strong service ethic, senior counsel and hands-on support.

SOURCE Feintuch Communications

Related Links

https://www.feintuchcommunications.com


DANVILLE, Pa., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- High speed broadband for residential and business has arrived for many Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union County users, thanks to new service from ConxxNE and SkyPacket Networks. SkyPacket is a multi-state fixed wireless access (FWA) provider that has expanded its service territory in Central PA after two years of operation in the Danville PA area.

"This will not completely eliminate service gaps, but this new service delivers a significant increase in broadband availability for residents and businesses," said SkyPacket's Danny Risse. "And the technology we deployed is carrier-grade fixed wireless access using 4G LTE, expandable and upgradable to 5G as the marketplace demands. We now have this carrier-grade service up and running to enable local residents, institutions and businesses to be more efficient and more competitive."

An additional feature of the SkyPacket service is the ability for users to qualify for the income-based federal Emergency Broadband Benefit Program - which will pay $50/month toward service costs. Consumers can visit www.skypacket.net to learn more and link to the federal program. "There are some easy tests to qualify including the residence of a student that participates in the school based free lunch program," explained Risse. "The SkyPacket team can help users register for the benefit."

ConxxNE deployed the newest microwave and 'last mile' technology from Swedish telecommunications firm Ericsson. Their carrier-grade gear is deployed globally by the major cell phone and communications companies. "We are using the new CBRS platform recently authorized by the FCC," added Risse. "This gives us access to spectrum that we will protect via SkyPacket's FCC licenses and we can operate using greater power than available using older WiFi technologies.

CBRS is short for Citizens Broadband Radio System which operated in better spectrum and at higher broadcast power than older wireless systems.

SkyPacket Networks is a multi-state fixed wireless internet service provider and has been enrolling provisional customers during final testing and fine tuning. Interested parties can inquire about internet service at www.skypacket.net or call 1-800-214-9060 or email: [email protected].

CONXXNE INC is a PA based firm that designs, builds and maintains county-sized wireless networks that serve public safety and government operations requirements while also bringing broadband to the underserved sections of a community. Firm details are at www.conxxne.com.

Contact: Daniel J. Risse

[email protected]

570-878-2348

SOURCE ConxxNE
VIENNA, Va., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- With President Biden urging the nation to increase COVID-19 vaccinations, Allergy & Asthma Network, a national nonprofit patient education and advocacy organization, is releasing an innovative tool that will ease vaccine decision-making, especially for people of color and their doctors.

Allergy & Asthma Network partnered with SDMCentral, a LatinX-founded technology company in Madison, Wisconsin, to develop a Shared Decision Making tool that is conveniently designed for a desktop computer, tablet or mobile phone. It can be used in a clinic, home or other gathering place.

The Shared Decision Making took can be accessed here: https://allergyasthmanetwork.sdm.health/

"We know that most people want to make a decision about health care treatment as a partner with their doctors," says Sally Schoessler, Allergy & Asthma Network's Director of Education. "With COVID-19, owning the decision to get the vaccine is paramount."

African Americans, Latinos and Native Americans have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. These groups are experiencing higher rates of cases, hospitalizations and deaths.

Shared Decision Making encourages people to take a more central and active role in their health by working with their doctors to participate in the choices involving treatments. Shared Decision Making is evidence-based and balances risks with results. Research shows that it gives patients more certainty and less anxiety about treatments, increases adherence and improves health outcomes.

The Shared Decision Making tool also helps clinicians better understand patient preferences and cultural values. People of color may want to know if the vaccine is safe and effective, get accurate information about side effects and find out if it is convenient to get the shot.

"Our goal is to use technology and smart content to reach out to patients, especially those of color, with this COVID-19 tool," SDMCentral CEO Daniel Guerra, Jr. says.

About Allergy & Asthma Network

Allergy & Asthma Network is the leading nonprofit patient outreach, education, advocacy and research organization for people with asthma, allergies and related conditions. Our patient-centered network unites individuals, families, healthcare professionals, industry and government decision makers to improve health and quality of life for Americans with asthma and allergies. We specialize in making accurate medical information understandable to all while promoting evidence-based standards of care. Learn more at AllergyAsthmaNetwork.org.

About SDMCentral

SDMCentral, founded by a Madison, Wisconsin LatinX entrepreneur, creates Shared-Decision Making Aids for health care professionals and patients who want to be better partners in decisions about treatment plans for chronic disease.

Contact:

Gary Fitzgerald

Allergy & Asthma Network

[email protected]

703-641-9595

Daniel Guerra, Jr., CEO

SDM Analytics

[email protected]

608-212-2391

SOURCE Allergy & Asthma Network

Related Links

http://www.aanma.org


COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- New Western , a national real estate investment company that provides solutions for both homeowners and real estate investors through its exclusive marketplace of off-market properties, announced today the opening of its first office in Columbus, Ohio, located at 4449 Easton Way.

"The reason we selected Columbus is because of the vast opportunity in the real estate market. In fact, the city is ranked the sixth hottest market in the U.S.," said Kurt Carlton, co-founder and president of New Western. "With the population continuing to increase rapidly, there are simply not enough homes available, which makes the number of aging homes within the Columbus market an exceptional opportunity for investors to revitalize."

Currently, there are more than 481,000 aged properties in the Columbus area that could be ideal to renovate; 31,000 of which are located in desirable opportunity zones .

The company's portfolio includes New Western, HomeGo and Sherman Bridge Lending. Together, the family of brands helps homeowners move on from difficult properties while providing opportunities for local real estate investors to invest in their communities.

Sherman Bridge Lending , which provides fast, reliable capital, has been serving the Ohio market since 2019. In addition to leveraging Sherman Bridge Lending's financing resources, real estate investors can now tap into New Western's exclusive inventory of available properties that are ideal to either fix and flip or fix and lease.

"I am very excited to introduce New Western to this market and bring our years of experience as licensed agents and brokers to the local real estate investment community," said Myrna Gourgy, general manager of the Columbus market. "New Western is arriving at a critical time as the need for our marketplace and a sophisticated, one-stop-shop is paramount."

Gourgy has been with New Western since 2018, serving as part of the management team in the Nashville, Tennessee market, where the company facilitated the revitalization of more than $300 million in properties in the past four years. She recently earned a promotion to head the new Columbus office. Under her leadership, the company's Columbus goal is to facilitate the revitalization of more than $448 million in properties in the next five years.

New Western brings market insight, an exclusive platform, and extensive distressed investment property inventory to help real estate investors acquire fixer-upper properties. New Western delivers a property to a real estate investor every 20 minutes and has worked with more than 75,000 investors to date.

The office is located at 4449 Easton Way, 2nd Floor, Columbus, OH 43219. For more information, you can call the Columbus office at (614) 819-3107.

About New Western

New Western is a national real estate investment company that provides solutions for both homeowners and real estate investors through our exclusive marketplace. Our portfolio of companies helps homeowners move on from difficult properties while providing opportunities for local real estate investors to invest in their communities. New Western operates in most major metropolitan areas across the nation. Our brands include New Western , HomeGo and Sherman Bridge Lending . Each of these divisions focuses on helping to solve a specific need. For more information, visit www.newwestern.com .

SOURCE New Western

Related Links

http://www.newwestern.com


MONTCLAIR, N.J., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Sostento, a nonprofit organization supporting frontline health workers in underserved communities across the United States, announced this week the creation of a new initiative called Project Finish Line. The goal of the Project is to vaccinate one million individuals whose access to traditional health care is limited by cultural, linguistic, social, and economic factors.

"For many of us, it may feel like we are beginning to return to pre-pandemic life, but that is not the case for so many individuals in this country," says Joe Agoada, founder and CEO of Sostento. "For reasons that are rooted in the social determinants of health and systemic health care barriers, folks such as the unhoused, uninsured, and undocumented have not received vaccines, not because they won't but because they can't."

Traditional safety net providers such as Federally Qualified Health Centers cannot support the needs of every individual who wants or needs a vaccine. Critically, those individuals are caught by another safety net provider known as Free and Charitable Clinics. But these clinics, which rely on donations and volunteers, suffer from underfunding and a decrease in volunteer support since the beginning of the pandemic.

To ensure their needs are met, Sostento has brought together 100 of these Free and Charitable Clinics located in low-vaccination rate areas across 15 different states into a network initiative called Project Finish Line that will mobilize resources and share best practices among the group.

"Project Finish Line has been an important element of our clinic, Health Connections, Inc.'s, strategy. They have assisted us with a COVID-19 Toolkit, technology assistance, connections to other local COVID-19 clinics, transportation solutions, and information sharing amongst other clinics around the country," said Ericka Sinclair MS, MPH, Founder and CEO of Health Connections, Inc. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. "Thanks to our partnership with Project Finish Line, we can continue to positively impact the Greater Milwaukee Community with COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, and traveling door-to-door to provide home and community-based healthcare services."

Additionally, Sostento has pledged to raise $10,000 per clinic to help fund crucial and lifesaving interventions to help end the pandemic.

"With just $10,000, a clinic could buy needed equipment to transport their vaccines to run a pop clinic or buy the refrigeration equipment needed to administer vaccines on site," says Agoada.

To date, Sostento has raised over $300,000 in support of their Free and Charitable Clinics in the Project Finish Line network and has yet to raise $700,000 to reach their final goal.

"Everyone wants to see the pandemic over, but until we invest in reaching these groups that need special attention to achieve vaccination, we risk a prolonged situation," says Agoada.

To learn more about Sostento, Project Finish Line, or how to become a corporate partner, visit www.sostento.org and covidfinishline.com.

About Sostento:

Sostento is a nonprofit consulting firm founded in 2019 to address some of the most pressing community health care crises in the country, including the opioid epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic. Sostento connects frontline health care providers to the resources needed to respond to the health care needs of the communities they serve.

About Project Finish Line:

Project Finish Line is a network of free and charitable clinics and community organizations working to vaccinate a million hesitant and hard-to-reach individuals. Their clinics are in the 15 states with the lowest vaccination rates. The goal is to foster connections, share resources and ideas, and problem-solve to help end the COVID-19 pandemic.

SOURCE Sostento
VANCOUVER, BC, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Orea Mining Corp. ("Orea") (TSX: OREA) (OTCQX: OREAF) (FRA: 3CG) on February 11, 2021, Orea reported that the French Government filed an appeal with the Administrative Court of Appeal of Bordeaux, to set aside the French Court of Cayenne rulings of December 24, 2020, which ordered the renewal, within six months, of the Montagne d'Or mining concessions (owned 44.99% by Orea and 55.01% by Nord Gold SE [the "JV"]). In addition, the French government also filed a request for a stay of execution to temporarily suspend the execution of the French Court rulings of December 24, 2020.

The parties presented their pleadings before the Administrative Court of Appeal in Bordeaux, France yesterday July 6, 2021. Rulings by the Administrative Court of Appeal of Bordeaux are expected on or about July 16, 2021.

Orea remains of the opinion that the JV is entitled to the renewal of the Montagne d'Or concessions.

About Orea Mining

Orea Mining is a leading gold exploration and development company operating in a prospective and underexplored segment of the Guiana Shield, South America. Its mission is to develop gold deposits with a reduced environmental footprint using innovative technologies, and upholding the highest international standards for responsible mining. In French Guiana, Orea holds a major interest in the world-class Montagne d'Or mine development project, and is also advancing the Maripa gold exploration project.

For more about Orea Mining visit the company's website at www.oreamining.com

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD:

Rock Lefrancois

President & CEO

Forward-looking statements

Certain statements made herein, including statements relating to matters that are not historical facts and statements of the Company's beliefs, intentions and expectations about developments, results and events which will or may occur in the future, constitute "forward looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation ("forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance, reflect current expectations or beliefs regarding future events and are typically identified by words such as "anticipate", "could", "should", "expect", "seek", "may", "intend", "likely", "budget", "plan", "estimate", continue", "forecast", "believe", "predict", "potential", "target", "would", "might", "will", and similar words, expressions or phrases (including negative variations) suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. These include, but are not limited to, statements and information regarding: the Company's plans to construct and develop the Montagne d'Or project, including anticipated timing thereof; the satisfaction of regulatory requirements in respect of the permitting and construction of the Montagne d'Or project, including but not limited to, the submission and processing of mine permit applications, the timing thereof and the timing of completion of environmental and engineering studies; the Company's ability to renew the concessions for the Montagne d'Or project and to comply with the conditions thereof; the outcome of the appeal process from the French court decision ordering the renewal of the Montagne d'Or concessions and Orea's and the Montagne d'Or joint venture's intentions regarding the defense thereof, economic analysis for the Montagne d'Or project and related exploration objectives and plans; the conversion of mineral resources into mineral reserves and the conversion of inferred mineral resources into higher resource classification categories; the Company's objective of become an emerging gold producer; the acquisition of exploration projects including terms of acquisition, exploration or development plans, intentions to acquire additional exploration or development interests and the implications thereof; future exploration and mine plans, objectives and expectations and corporate planning of the Company, future studies and environmental impact statements and the timetable for completion and content thereof and statements as to management's expectations with respect to, among other things, the matters and activities contemplated in this news release.

Forward-looking statements are made based upon certain assumptions and other important factors that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such assumptions and analyses are made by the Company's management in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believes are reasonable and appropriate in the circumstances. All assumptions and analyses are those of the Company's. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies, local and global economic conditions, and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including compliance by the Company with regulatory and permitting requirements applicable in French Guiana, the legal status of the Montagne d'Or concessions, the sufficiency of Company's working capital; the Company's ability to secure additional funding for the continued exploration and development of its properties; the price of gold and other metals; and the Company's ability to retain key personnel. You are hence cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among others, political and economic risks in France, political and economic risks in French Guiana, risks related to the renewal applications for the Concessions and the possible outcomes thereof; possible negative outcomes of any appeals from the decision of the Administrative Court of Cayenne in French Guiana; regulatory risk including but not limited to unforeseen changes in regulatory requirements, the Company's ability to enforce its contractual and other legal rights to explore and exploit its properties, risks related to exploration and development, permitting and licensing risk, the estimation of mineral resources and mineral reserves and related interpretations and assumptions, future profitability of the Company, the ability to obtain additional financing on a timely basis, the price of gold and marketability thereof, government regulations including with respect to taxes, royalties, land tenure and land use, title to the Company's properties, currency exchange rates and fluctuations, environmental risks, dilution resulting from the issuance of additional securities of the Company, joint venture risks, reliance on Nord Gold SE as operator of the Montagne d'Or project, the availability of equipment, conflicts of interest, competition in the mining industry, uninsured risks, market fluctuations, global financial conditions, credit risk and risks arising from pandemics and epidemics such as the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. These statements, however, 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.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, which contribute to the possibility that the predicted outcomes will not occur. Events or circumstances could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those estimated or projected and expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements are included in the "Risk Factors" section in Company's annual information form dated December 11, 2020 for the year ended September 30, 2020 ("AIF").

Readers are further cautioned that the list of factors enumerated in the "Risk Factors" section of the AIF that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on the Company's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions with respect to the Company, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Furthermore, the forward-looking statements and information contained herein are made as of the date of this document and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. The forward-looking statements and information contained herein are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

SOURCE Orea Mining Corp.

Related Links

https://oreamining.com/


SUMMIT, N.J., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- PhageNova Bio, Inc. ("PhageNova") is pleased to announce that data related to its proprietary vaccine development program have been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The research, conducted through a Collaboration Agreement with Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, describes a new system for safe and effective vaccination and pulmonary delivery of therapeutics, including an aerosol inhalation strategy originally being developed to address the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

The research team, led by Renata Pasqualini, PhD, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of PhageNova, and Chief of the Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School; and Wadih Arap MD, PhD, Founder of PhageNova, Director of the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey Newark and Chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, worked in conjunction with a broader team including those from Rice University in Houston, Texas. The authors' findings support a new viable vaccination strategy that is straightforward to genetically engineer or modify, amenable to large-scale manufacturing, stable under harsh environmental conditions with respect to temperature, making it logistically simple to quickly and efficiently deliver globally.

The authors showcase two independent phage display-based vaccination approaches against SARS-CoV-2. The first approach utilizes a peptide-directed phage particle formulated as an aerosol to be administered by inhalation. The construct is engineered with an epitope from the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein and a ligand peptide to facilitate crossing from the lungs to systemic circulation. The second approach utilizes systemically administered engineered phage particles to deliver the gene encoding for the entire S protein. Both systems have been shown to produce strong systemic and specific antibody response in mice.

Dr. Pasqualini commented, "new vaccination strategies may positively impact the management of COVID-19 at a global level. Our goal continues to be to demonstrate the favorable biological attributes of phage as a potentially practical and affordable vaccination method." Offering further comment, Dr. Arap confirmed, "use of bacteriophage as a vaccination strategy makes sense, as phage particles are not infectious to human cells, and we can modify them to target a variety of surface receptors, now enabling ligand-directed pulmonary vaccination."

This PNAS publication and prior recently peer-reviewed publication in Med entitled Targeted Phage Display-Based Pulmonary Vaccination in Mice and Non-human Primates, confirm that phage display-based vaccine approaches are promising, robust, and versatile platforms. In 2020, PhageNova entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Rutgers for these constructs, and through its Collaboration Agreement, it looks forward to developing these new methods for safe and effective delivery of vaccines and therapeutics. "PhageNova has always been at the forefront of targeted phage-based therapies," commented Jason Rifkin, JD, MB, President and CEO of PhageNova. "Applying our proprietary technology to a vaccination approach was a natural next step to have a positive impact on global health, and also highlight the versatility of our platform. We look forward to continuing our program working with Drs. Pasqualini and Arap, the Rutgers Cancer Institute, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, and future collaboration with the Rice University team."

About PhageNova Bio, Inc.

PhageNova Bio is a developmental stage biotechnology company pursuing a unique approach to systemically administered targeted gene expression for cancer, vaccination, and molecular imaging. The company's lead construct is a modular, bacteriophage-based platform conceived by combining the targeting capability of phage with sustained gene expression provided by adeno-associated virus genetic elements. The company's lead cancer construct is designed to selectively target tumor associated blood vessels and tumor cells, resulting in the expression of TNF-, a well-known anti-tumor agent, specifically and exclusively in tumors. The company has extensively validated tumor targeting and selective gene expression capabilities, and therapeutic efficacy was observed in the absence of dose-limiting toxicity in multiple species and several tumor models.

More information can be found at www.phagenovabio.com

Company contact: [email protected]

SOURCE PhageNova Bio, Inc.

Related Links

https://www.phagenovabio.com


More than 1,500 people from 49 countries participated in the largest virtual gathering of PI patients in the world. Tweet this

A dynamic slate of presentations and panel discussions were offered on a wide range of PI-related topics. Some of the most well attended sessions included:

COVID -19: "Immunity Within Reach " - updates and insights with Dr. Kathleen Sullivan

" - updates and insights with Dr. Understanding Gene Therapy with Dr. Manish Butte

with Dr. Plasma Ethics Panel Discussion featuring thought leaders from all corners of the plasma ecosystem

featuring thought leaders from all corners of the plasma ecosystem Health Equity Panel Discussion examining ways to raise awareness of PI and optimize testing and treatment of PI for underserved populations

examining ways to raise awareness of PI and optimize testing and treatment of PI for underserved populations The Public Face of PI Panel Discussion including insights from PI patients and parents from all walks of life, including Carol Ann Demaret

The conference featured more than 20 exhibitors who discussed lifestyle management, recent scientific research, and treatment options for primary immunodeficiency. There was no charge to attend the event and many of the sessions and programs were offered in Spanish-language format as a part of IDF's ongoing and increasing commitment to expanding the PI community.

At each conference, IDF makes it a high priority to recognize those who foster advancements in the treatment of PI or advocate for or otherwise improve the lives of people with PI. Award winners recognized at this year's event, included:

Community Hero  Dr. Kathleen Sullivan from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was honored for her outstanding and tireless work to assist the PI community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Plasma Hero  Sonya Williams, Senior Manager, Marketing and Community Relations for CSL Plasma, was honored for her nearly three decades of work to increase awareness of the importance of plasma donation.

IDF Scientific Achievement Award  Dr. Louise Markert from Duke University School of Medicine was honored for her contributions toward improving diagnosis and treatment of congenital athymia and for her tireless work on behalf of patients.

A key focus of the conference is providing opportunities for personal connection and a sense of community for people with PI and their families. More than 25 peer connection groups were held throughout the weekend and many fun and engaging activities were offered virtually during the event, including an escape room, a performance by a magician and mind reader, and other small group discussions.

Conference sponsors included CSL Behring, Grifols, Takeda, Horizon, ADMA Biologics, Chiesi and Octapharma.

About IDF

Founded in 1980, the Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF) improves the diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life of people affected by primary immunodeficiency through fostering a community empowered by advocacy, education, and research. There are approximately 250,000 people who are diagnosed with a primary immunodeficiency (PI) in the U.S. These individuals often find it difficult to receive specialized healthcare, proper diagnosis, and treatment. Individuals affected by PI also experience difficulties financing their healthcare, finding educational materials, and locating others with whom to share their experiences. IDF helps individuals overcome these difficulties so they can live healthy and productive lives. In addition, the constant presence of IDF assures patients, their families, and their medical caretakers that there is a place to turn for help.

SOURCE Immune Deficiency Foundation

Related Links

http://www.primaryimmune.org


CAMBRIDGE, Mass., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ApartmentAdvisor (www.ApartmentAdvisor.com), an apartment rental search platform, today released a report showing the metro areas where dog-owners are most and least likely to find a rental that will accommodate their pooch.

The company studied the availability of pet-friendly rentals in the top fifty most populated metro areas of the United States, analyzing tens of thousands of apartment rental listings. Overall, just under half (49%) of the total units were advertised as "dog-friendly" and only 30% were advertised as "large-dog-friendly." However, some metro areas had a much higher proportion of availability than others. The Austin, TX area topped the list, with 83% of all available rentals listed as dog-friendly. Other Texas metro areas including San Antonio, Houston and Dallas also showed high availability of dog-friendly listings. Among the large metro areas with the lowest proportions of dog-friendly inventory were Washington, D.C., Providence, RI, San Jose, CA and Boston, MA metro areas.

A surge in dog ownership was a silver lining of the COVID-19 pandemic, with increased dog adoption rates at animal shelters, and many people enjoying the companionship of their new canines while staying socially distant from other humans. But for new dog-owners, finding an apartment that is dog-friendly can be extra challenging since not all property managers welcome pets. A recent survey conducted by ApartmentAdvisor of urban renters* showed that the majority (58%) of dog-owning city dwellers described the process of finding a pet-friendly rental as somewhat or extremely difficult.

"Since dog policies can vary greatly among property owners, it's always been a bit more challenging for dog owners to find the right apartment rental," said Tom Gilmore, CEO of ApartmentAdvisor. "However, it's clear from our data that dog owners in some areas are facing better odds than others of finding a place that will welcome their pooch. Still, even for dog owners that are apartment hunting in the most dog-friendly rental cities, we recommend building in a lot of extra time for your search, using the right online search tools and budgeting for additional pet fees and pet rent."

ApartmentAdvisor analysts say that while every apartment community has their own specific pet policies, generally smaller properties and individual owners tend to have more restrictive pet rules. Larger and newer apartment communities tend to be more pet-friendly, as property managers seek to attract a larger pool of prospective residents and increase revenue through pet fees and pet rent. Some newer buildings even offer specific pet amenities including on-site dog parks and community dog wash stations.

U.S. Metro Areas with Highest Dog-Friendly Apartment Availability





RANK



METRO AREA (CBSA)



%

DOG-

FRIENDLY 1 Austin, TX



83% 2 San Antonio, TX



70% 3 Memphis, TN



67% 4 Houston, TX



63% 5 New York, NY



62% 6 Oklahoma City, OK



61% 6 Chicago, IL



61% 7 Dallas, TX



60% 8 Columbus, OH



54% 9 Portland, OR



53% 10 Philadelphia, PA



50% 10 Louisville, KY



50%

US Metro Areas with the Lowest Dog-Friendly Apartment Availability





RANK



METRO AREA (CBSA)



%

DOG-

FRIENDLY 1 Providence, RI



15% 1 Washington, DC



15% 2 San Jose, CA



16% 3 Boston, MA



19% 4 San Francisco, CA



23% 5 Hartford, CT



24% 6 Milwaukee, WI



25% 7 Charlotte, NC



26% 8 Cleveland, OH



28% 9 Kansas City, MO



33% 10 Sacramento, CA



34% 10 Virginia Beach, VA



34%

Tips for Renting with a Pet

Once dog-owners find their perfect pet-friendly place, ApartmentAdvisor recommends taking the following important steps when signing their lease:

Get your pet agreement in writing: Be sure to review the lease carefully to be sure any "no pet" clause is removed. Ask the owner for a pet addendum that includes all pet fees and pet rent details, and any pet-specific policies that you have discussed. Putting everything in writing will protect you and the property owner from any misunderstandings in the future.

Clarify the pet policies: Ask the property owner to outline specific pet guidelines for the building in writing. Are there public areas of the building that pets are prohibited (such as elevators or patios)? What is the policy on cleaning up after your dog when using outdoor space at your building? Having clear written guidelines on pet policies will not only help you but can also be useful when navigating any issues or concerns that arise with neighbors in the future.

Get renter's insurance: Whether or not you have a pet, renter's insurance is a good idea. If you have a pet, having an insurance policy with liability coverage becomes even more important. Your landlord might even require it if you have a pet. Contact your insurance company to learn more about your liability coverage, and whether it covers you for damages caused by your pet. In some cases, you may want to consider additional pet liability insurance.

Renters looking for pet-friendly apartments can use the pet-friendly rentals filter at ApartmentAdvisor, and they can also find additional tips for finding a pet-friendly rental here. For the full ranked list of all metros, contact [email protected].

Methodology

ApartmentAdvisor reviewed thousands of apartment rental listings at the end of June in the top 50 most populated greater metro areas across the United States (per Census Bureau Statistical Area) to find the proportion of apartments advertised as "pet-friendly," including which were "dog friendly" and "large dog friendly." The metro areas were ranked according to the proportion of "dog-friendly" rentals compared to all rentals advertised in that area.

About ApartmentAdvisor

ApartmentAdvisor (www.apartmentadvisor.com) helps renters easily find the right apartment. The company is building a rental search platform that combines rigorous rent price analytics with neighborhood insights from local residents, empowering renters with a more transparent way to compare prices, features and locations of available apartments.

ApartmentAdvisor was founded in 2020 by a team of founders and engineers from TripAdvisor and CarGurus, including Langley Steinert (co-founder of TripAdvisor and founder and executive chairman at CarGurus); Tom Gilmore (founder and CEO of VacationHomeRentals, sold to TripAdvisor); Josh Arnold (engineering at TripAdvisor and director of data science for MineralTree); and Oliver Chrzan (former chief technology officer at CarGurus). The company is based in Cambridge, MA.

*ApartmentAdvisor surveyed 1,000 urban renters in June 2021 via a Momentive (formerly SurveyMonkey) audience panel.

Contact:

Amy Mueller

[email protected]

SOURCE ApartmentAdvisor

Related Links

https://www.apartmentadvisor.com/


Due to Tango's simple monetization system, artists can earn for themselves. Anytime, anywhere, and without the need for a middleman or a huge following. As a result, artists from all over the world call Tango home.

One of those artists is Malisa J, a well-known star from Malaysia who, like many musicians, sadly lost her income once she was forced to stop performing.

"I lost my job during this pandemic, I couldn't perform on stage anymore, so I went to my app store and found Tango! I think Tango is the best place for performers. I pay my bills from what I earn in the app!" says Malisa.

Recently, Malisa has become a Tango cheerleader, publishing her livestreams and inviting her friends to join her in the fun. Once Malaysia entered its 4th round of quarantine Malisa reached out to her band and convinced them to livestream with her. It was a huge success! The band has since gotten new exposure and a whole new revenue stream.

"My friend is paying his bills and helping his family with the money he makes from Tango. It's simply a blessing for us!"

In the digital world we knew up until today monetization was only possible after getting enough followers, likes, or supporters. Essentially, everything but the quality of your content was measured when it came to evaluating your worth.

Curious about this amazing platform? Simply download the Tango App from Google Play Store or Apple App Store. For more updates, follow Tango on Facebook and Instagram.

About Tango Me

Tango is a leading global live streaming platform that empowers content creation, social connections, and fan monetization in real-time. Our vision is to bring a new creator economy to life, one that enables anyone to engage with their supporters live and earn money through micro-transactions. Launched in 2009 as the world's first video messenger app, and developing breakthrough video technologies ever since, Tango has garnered over 450 million downloads by users in over 190 countries. Tango is privately owned and is based in San Francisco.

Company Contact:

Tal Zilberman

VP Marketing

[email protected]

Tango Me

SOURCE Tango

Related Links

http://www.tango.me


BEIJING, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- RYB Education, Inc. ("RYB" or the "Company") (NYSE: RYB), a leading early childhood education service provider in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter of 2021.

First Quarter 2021 Operational and Financial Summary

Number of students enrolled at directly operated facilities was 36,890 as of March 31, 2021 , compared with 31,251 [1] as of March 31, 2020 .

, compared with 31,251 as of . Net revenues increased by 111.8% to $36.7 million , compared with $17.3 million for the first quarter of 2020.

, compared with for the first quarter of 2020. Gross profit was $3.4 million , versus gross loss of $11.6 million for the first quarter of 2020.

, versus gross loss of for the first quarter of 2020. Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of RYB for the first quarter of 2021 was $1.8 million , compared with $26.6 million for the first quarter of 2020. Adjusted net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders [2] of RYB for the first quarter of 2021 was $1.2 million , compared with $25.8 million for the first quarter of 2020.

, compared with for the first quarter of 2020. Adjusted net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of RYB for the first quarter of 2021 was , compared with for the first quarter of 2020. Cash generated from operating activities was $22.8 million in the first quarter of 2021, versus $14.0 million cash used in operating activities for the first quarter of 2020.

First quarter 2021 Financial Results

Net Revenues

Net revenues for the first quarter of 2021 increased by 111.8% to $36.7 million, from $17.3 million for the same quarter of 2020.

Service revenues for the first quarter of 2021 increased by 108.7% to $35.1 million, from $16.8 million for the same quarter of 2020. The increase was mainly due to a significant increase in tuition fees revenue, as all of the Company's directly operated facilities in China were in normal operation in the first quarter of 2021 whereas those facilities were temporarily closed for most time of the same quarter of 2020 as a result of COVID-19 outbreak. The increase in the number of students enrolled at facilities in both China and Singapore also contributed to a higher tuition fees revenue.

Product revenues for the first quarter of 2021 increased by 208.9% to $1.6 million, from $0.5 million for the same quarter of 2020. The increase was due to a significant increase in the amount of merchandise sold through the Company's franchise network, as the franchisees' facilities have resumed operation.

Cost of Revenues

Cost of revenues for the first quarter of 2021 was $33.3 million, a 15.1% increase from $28.9 million for the same quarter of 2020. Cost of revenues for services for the first quarter of 2021 was $32.6 million, compared with $28.7 million for the same quarter of 2020. The increase was mainly driven by an increase in the direct cost of directly operated facilities after normal operations resumed from previous temporary suspensions due to Covid-19. Cost of products revenues for the first quarter of 2021 was $0.7 million, compared with $0.3 million for the same quarter of 2020. The increase was generally in line with the increase in products revenues.

Gross Profit/Loss

As a result of the foregoing, gross profit for the first quarter of 2021 was $3.4 million, versus gross loss of $11.6 million for the same quarter of 2020.

Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses for the first quarter of 2021 were $5.7 million, compared with $14.5 million for the first quarter of 2020. Excluding share-based compensation expenses, operating expenses were $5.0 million, a decrease of 63.4% from $13.7 million for the first quarter of 2020.

Selling expenses for the first quarter of 2021 were $0.4 million, compared with $0.2 million for the same quarter of 2020.

General and administrative ("G&A") expenses for the first quarter of 2021 were $5.3 million, a 9.2% decrease from $5.8 million for the same quarter of 2020. Excluding share-based compensation expenses, G&A expenses were $4.6 million, compared with $5.0 million for the same quarter of 2020. The share-based compensation expenses included in G&A expenses were $0.6 million for the first quarter of 2021.

The decrease in G&A expenses excluding share-based compensation expenses was primarily due to the decrease in staff cost and operational expenses as a result of stringent cost control measures taken in response to COVID-19 outbreak.

Impairment loss on goodwill was nil for the first quarter of 2021, compared to $8.5 million for the same quarter of 2020.

Operating Loss

Operating loss for the first quarter of 2021 was $2.3 million, compared with $26.1 million for the same quarter last year. Adjusted operating loss[3] was $1.6 million for the first quarter of 2021, compared with $25.3 million for the same quarter of 2020.

Net Loss

Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of RYB for the first quarter of 2021 was $1.8 million, compared with $26.6 million for the same quarter of 2020. Adjusted net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of RYB, which excludes the impact of $0.7 million of share-based compensation expense for the first quarter of 2021, was $1.2 million, compared with $25.8 million for the same quarter of 2020.

Basic and diluted net loss per American depositary share ("ADS") attributable to ordinary shareholders of RYB for the first quarter of 2021 were both $0.06, compared with basic and diluted net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders of RYB of both $0.96, for the same quarter of 2020. Each ADS represents one Class A ordinary share.

Adjusted basic and diluted net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders[4] of RYB for the first quarter of 2021 were both $0.04, compared with basic and diluted net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders of RYB of both $0.93, for the same quarter of 2020.

EBITDA[5] for the first quarter of 2021 was $3.1 million, versus a loss of $24.8 million for the same quarter of 2020. Adjusted EBITDA[6] for the first quarter of 2021 was $3.8 million, versus a loss of $24.0 million for the same quarter of 2020.

Operating Cash Flow

Cash generated from operating activities was $22.8 million during the first quarter of 2021, versus $14.0 million used in operating activities during the first quarter of 2020. Thanks to the effective control of the Covid-19 pandemic in China, all of the Company's directly operated facilities resumed operation since September 2020. This has significantly contributed to the operating cash flow for the first quarter of 2021 since the majority of cash inflow is derived from collection of tuition fees. Moreover, the Company has reduced cash outflow by carrying out stringent cost control measures on discretionary expenditures.

Balance Sheet

As of March 31, 2021, the Company had total cash and cash equivalents of $74.2 million, an increase from $53.5 million as of December 31, 2020. The increase in cash balance was mainly due to the operating cash inflow of $22.8 million in this quarter as the Company's operations recovered from Covid-19 pandemic.

Outlook

For the second quarter of 2021, the Company's management currently expects net revenues to be between $51.0 million and $52.0 million, representing a year-over-year increase of approximately 299% to 307%. The above outlook is based on the current market conditions and reflects the Company management's current and preliminary estimates of market and operating conditions, customer demand and foreign exchange environment, which are all subject to change.

About RYB Education, Inc.

Founded on the core values of "Care" and "Responsibility," "Inspire" and "Innovate," RYB Education, Inc. is a leading early childhood education service provider in China. Since opening its first play-and-learn center in 1998, the Company has grown and flourished with the mission to provide high-quality, individualized and age-appropriate care and education to nurture and inspire each child for his or her betterment in life. During its over two decades operating history, the Company has built "RYB" into a well-recognized education brand and helped bring about many new educational practices in China's early childhood education industry. RYB's comprehensive early childhood education solutions meet the needs of children from infancy to 6 years old through structured courses at kindergartens and play-and-learn centers, as well as at-home educational products and services.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We use EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted operating income, adjusted net income, and adjusted basic and diluted net income per ADS, each a non-GAAP financial measure, in evaluating our operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes.

EBITDA is defined as net income excluding depreciation, amortization and income tax expenses; adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income excluding depreciation, amortization, income tax expenses, and share-based compensation expenses; adjusted operating income is defined as operating income excluding share-based compensation expenses; adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders is defined as net income attributable to ordinary shareholders excluding share-based compensation expenses and changes in redeemable non-controlling interest; and adjusted basic and diluted net income per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders are defined as basic and diluted net income per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders excluding share-based compensation expenses and changes in redeemable non-controlling interest.

We believe that EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted operating income, adjusted net income, and adjusted basic and diluted net income per ADS, help identify underlying trends in our business that could otherwise be distorted by the effect of certain expenses that we include in income from operations and net income. We believe that EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted operating income, adjusted net income, and adjusted basic and diluted net income per ADS, provide useful information about our operating results, enhance the overall understanding of our past performance and future prospects and allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by our management in its financial and operational decision-making.

EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted operating income, adjusted net income, and adjusted basic and diluted net income per ADS, should not be considered in isolation or construed as an alternative to net income or any other measure of performance or as an indicator of our operating performance. Investors are encouraged to review the historical adjusted financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures. EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted operating income, adjusted net income, and adjusted basic and diluted net income per ADS, presented here may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Other companies may calculate similarly titled measures differently, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures to our data. We encourage investors and others to review our financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

Safe Harbor Statement

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," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident" and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company's brand recognition and market reputation; student enrollment in the Company's teaching facilities; the Company's growth strategies; its future business development, results of operations and financial condition; trends and competition in China's early childhood education market; changes in its revenues and certain cost or expense items; the expected growth of the Chinese early childhood education market; Chinese governmental policies relating to the Company's industry and general economic conditions in China. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company'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 the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

RYB Education, Inc.

Investor Relations

E-mail: [email protected]

The Piacente Group, Inc.

Yang Song

Tel: +86 (10) 6508-0677

E-mail: [email protected]

In the United States:

The Piacente Group, Inc.

Brandi Piacente

Tel: +1-212-481-2050

E-mail: [email protected]

[1] The number of students enrolled as of March 31, 2020 refers to the number of students enrolled before the temporary closure of the Company's facilities in China due to COVID-19 and the number of students enrolled in our facilities in Singapore as at March 31, 2020. Our facilities in Singapore remained open as at March 31, 2020.

[2] Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders excluding share-based compensation expenses and changes in redeemable non-controlling interests. See "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Reconciliations of GAAP and non-GAAP results" elsewhere in this earnings release.

[3] Adjusted operating income (loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as operating income (loss) excluding share-based compensation expenses. See "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Reconciliations of GAAP and non-GAAP results" elsewhere in this earnings release.

[4] Adjusted basic and diluted net income (loss) per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders is a non- GAAP financial measure, which is defined as basic and diluted net income (loss) per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders excluding share-based compensation expenses and changes in redeemable non-controlling interest. See "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Reconciliations of GAAP and non-GAAP results" elsewhere in this earnings release.

[5] EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) excluding depreciation, amortization and income tax expenses. See "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Reconciliations of GAAP and non- GAAP results" elsewhere in this earnings release.

[6] Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as net income (loss) excluding depreciation, amortization, interest expenses, income tax expenses, and share-based compensation expenses. See "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Reconciliations of GAAP and non- GAAP results" elsewhere in this earnings release.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands of U.S. dollars)



As of

March 31, 2021 December 31,

2020 Current assets:



Cash and cash equivalents 74,167 53,454 Accounts receivable, net 2,080 1,844 Inventories 6,120 5,773 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 8,400 8,927 Loan receivables 229 107 Total current assets 90,996 70,105





Non-current assets:



Restricted cash 943 1,127 Property, plant and equipment, net 46,376 47,638 Goodwill 46,018 46,147 Intangible assets, net 13,550 14,179 Long-term investment 215 217 Deferred tax assets 21,545 21,168 Other non-current assets 12,808 14,438 Operating lease right-of-use assets 80,253 87,472 Total assets 312,704 302,491





Liabilities



Current liabilities:



Prepayments from customers, current portion 4,171 4,145 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 56,684 54,406 Income tax payable 18,939 18,592 Operating lease liabilities, current portion 15,495 16,856 Deferred revenue, current portion 52,000 34,351 Long-term debt, current portion - 7 Total current liabilities 147,289 128,357





Non-current liabilities:



Prepayments from customers, non-current portion 3,455 4,024 Deferred revenue, non-current portion 1,118 1,726 Other non-current liabilities 12,116 12,519 Deferred income tax liabilities 2,239 1,890 Operating lease liabilities, non-current portion 70,029 76,308 Total liabilities 236,246 224,824





Mezzanine equity



Redeemable non-controlling interests 10,237 9,988





Equity



Ordinary shares 29 29 Treasury stock (10,101) (10,321) Additional paid-in capital 141,528 141,094 Statutory reserve 4,652 4,652 Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/ income (1,474) (1,468) Accumulated deficit (73,677) (71,837) Total RYB Education, Inc. shareholders' equity 60,957 62,149 Non-controlling interest 5,264 5,530 Total equity 66,221 67,679 Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and total equity 312,704 302,491



UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, ADS, per share and per ADS data)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2020 Net revenues:



Services 35,051 16,792 Products 1,628 527 Total net revenues 36,679 17,319 Cost of revenues:



Services 32,574 28,655 Products 692 256 Total cost of revenues 33,266 28,911 Gross profit (loss) 3,413 (11,592)





Operating expenses



Selling expenses 392 232 General and administrative expenses 5,278 5,811 Impairment loss on goodwill - 8,454 Total operating expenses 5,670 14,497





Operating loss (2,257) (26,089) Interest income 66 49 Government subsidy income 1,059 145 Loss before income taxes (1,132) (25,895) Less: Income tax expense 581 4,222





Loss before loss in equity method investments (1,713) (30,117) Loss from equity method investments (1) (1,893)





Net loss (1,714) (32,010) Less: Net income(loss) attributable to non -controlling interest 126 (5,393) Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of RYB (1,840) (26,617)





Net loss per share attributable to ordinary

shareholders of RYB Education, Inc.



Basic (0.06) (0.96) Diluted (0.06) (0.96) Net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary

shareholders of RYB Education, Inc. (Note 1)



Basic (0.06) (0.96) Diluted (0.06) (0.96) Weighted average shares used in calculating net loss

per ordinary share



Basic 28,376,967 27,681,509 Diluted 28,376,967 27,681,509

Note 1Each ADS represents one Class A ordinary share.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE

INCOME (in thousands of U.S. dollars)





Three Months Ended March 31,

2021 2020 Net loss (1,714) (32,010) Other comprehensive loss, net of tax of nil:



Change in cumulative foreign currency translation

adjustments (224) (1,509) Total comprehensive loss (1,938) (33,519) Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to non-

controlling interest (94) (5,884) Comprehensive loss attributable to RYB

Education, Inc. (1,844) (27,635)

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP and non-GAAP results (in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share, ADS, per share and per ADS data)

Three Months Ended March 31,

2021 2020





Operating loss (2,257) (26,089) Share-based compensation expenses 655 800 Adjusted operating loss (1,602) (25,289)





Net loss attributable to RYB (1,840) (26,617) Share-based compensation expenses 655 800 Adjusted net loss attributable to RYB (1,185) (25,817)





Net loss (1,714) (32,010) Add: Income tax expense 581 4,222 Depreciation and amortization 4,264 3,036 EBITDA 3,131 (24,752) Share-based compensation expenses 655 800 Adjusted EBITDA 3,786 (23,952)





Net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary

shareholders of RYB Education, Inc. - Basic (Note1) (0.06) (0.96) Net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary

shareholders of RYB Education, Inc. - Diluted (Note1) (0.06) (0.96)





Adjusted net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary

shareholders of RYB Education, Inc. - Basic (Note1) (0.04) (0.93) Adjusted net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary

shareholders of RYB Education, Inc. - Diluted (Note1) (0.04) (0.93)





Weighted average shares used in calculating

basic net loss/adjusted net loss per ADS(Note1) 28,376,967 27,681,509 Weighted average shares used in calculating

diluted net loss/adjusted net loss per ADS(Note1) 28,376,967 27,681,509 Adjusted net loss per share attributable to ordinary

shareholders of RYB Education, Inc.- Basic (0.04) (0.93) Adjusted net loss per share attributable to ordinary

shareholders of RYB Education, Inc.- Diluted (0.04) (0.93)







Note 1Each ADS represents one Class A ordinary share.

SOURCE RYB Education, Inc.

Related Links

www.rybbaby.com


"Our aggressive five-year growth goals require that we find top talent like John to lead us in the regions that they know and love," commented Damian McKinney, Global CEO of Stoli Group. "John is an exceptional strategist and marketer who brings to Stoli deep regional and domain expertise. He has worked across Africa, the U.S. and the U.K., at beverage and electronic companies, and cross functionally. We are thrilled to have attracted such an outstanding manager to spearhead Stoli efforts to drive growth in this critical market. "

With more than 16 years of experience working for Fortune 500 companies, K'Otieno has a proven track record of delivering results to global blue-chip companies including The Coca-Cola Company, General Electric, Diageo, and GP Strategies. Most recently, he served as Director of Business Planning, Performance and Insights at South & East Africa Business Unit, for The Coca-Cola Company where he led a competitive intelligence project which delivered actionable insights on key competitors in South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia and Zambia. While at The Coca-Cola Company, he served in a broad array of positions including Performance Director and Executive Assistant to the President of the Central, East & West Africa Business Unit, and Strategy and Business Pipeline Manager.

Previously, K'Otieno was Strategy & Growth Director for GE Power in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) based in Kenya where he led collaboration efforts with Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP) that saw GE develop a pipeline of over US$1Bn. He was also responsible for the GE Renewable market sizing initiative for SSA, which led to a strong pipeline of 20 projects (3.2 GW) across wind and solar power. Prior to that, K'Otieno was Senior Category Development Manager for Diageo Plc Kenya.

"Working with Damian and the A-Team he has assembled, is a once in a career opportunity," commented John K'Otieno, Managing Director, Stoli SSA. "I am looking ahead to expanding markets, assisting in sustainability projects, and delivering value for employees, consumers and communities in the Sub-Saharan region."

About Stoli  Group

Stoli Group was established in 2013 and is responsible for the production, management, and distribution of SPI's global spirits portfolio. Mainly known for the Stolichnaya Vodka brand, Stoli Group has expanded its portfolio in recent years to appeal to premium on-premise and more sophisticated global consumers. Signature brands are: Stoli Vodka, Elit Vodka, Bayou Rum, Kentucky Owl, Villa One, Gator Bite Rum Liquers, Cenote Tequila, Kah Tequila and Se Busca Mezcal. With a presence across a network of more than 176 markets, Stoli Group works with a passionate team of 200 distributors around the world. Headquartered in Luxembourg, Stoli has production facilities in Russia, Latvia, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Argentina, and the United States some of which are steeped in history as early as the 1900s. For more information, visit stoli-group.com .

SOURCE Stoli Group
CLEVELAND, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Sweeping Corporation of America ("SCA"), the largest power sweeping company in the United States, acquired B&D Enterprises ("B&D" or the "Company") in Orlando, Florida. B&D provides catch basin and pipe cleaning, inspections and repairs to municipalities and private contractors. The Company's core service offerings complement SCA's existing JetVac and street sweeping operations in the region and adds over 30 talented employees. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

B&D provides cleaning, inspection, and repair service of underground stormwater systems across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The Company is favorably positioned due to their market position, longstanding customer contracts and reputation for superior customer service. B&D Founder Don Hess will join SCA's team and provide support to grow the JetVac business segment.

"SCA is excited about our opportunity to grow our JetVac service offerings with the acquisition of B&D Enterprises," said Christopher Valerian, President & CEO, SCA. "Through this acquisition, we will be able to continue our commitment to provide street sweeping and JetVac services as stormwater maintenance and compliance solutions to our customers. I welcome Don and his team to SCA, and we look forward to continuing B&D's tradition of providing excellent service with their highly talented staff."

This marks SCA's ninth transaction in 2021 and 27th acquisition overall. With these transactions, SCA has grown its team to over 1,500 employees in its over 45 locations.

ABOUT SCA

Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, SCA is the largest power sweeping services company in the United States. SCA self-performs power sweeping for highways, streets, industrial and commercial applications for both private and government entities. For more information on SCA, please visit www.sweepingcorp.com.

ABOUT B&D Enterprises

Founded in 2001 by Don and Brenda Hess, B&D provides JetVac, pipe inspection, pipe repair and camera services to government agencies and road construction projects in the southeast. B&D's mission is to provide the best services available for its customers based on high quality service, accurate results, and quick response times.

CONTACT:

Sweeping Corp of America:

Michael Latanza, Executive Vice President

[email protected]

407-509-4521

SOURCE Sweeping Corp of America
Tajin aims to make these two sauces as equally popular as its Tajin Clasico seasoning with its chili-lime flavor, while competing in the hot sauce category with a mild heat level.

"Not all people have a palate for very spicy hot sauces. In fact, a substantial number of category users actually prefer a mild-to-medium heat level. These Tajin flavors range from fruity and tangy to mildly spicy, always with the distinctive touch of lime that differentiates the Tajin brand. As a result, consumers will be drawn to these high quality, innovative product options to dip, top, mix and enjoy the snacks they love," said Javier Leyva, Tajin International Corp Director for the U.S.

Just like its parent brand Tajin Clasico Seasoning, Tajin Mild Hot Sauce is made with a blend of 100% natural chilies, lime juice and sea salt, but presented in a sauce product format and larger size of 15.8 ounces. Tajin Fruity Chamoy Hot Sauce is made with the same natural ingredients but offers a unique fruity and tangy flavor that comes from apricots. Unlike other sauces in the market, Tajin brand sauces have no added sugar or coloring which make them perfect for the entire family.

Tajin will accompany the launch with a marketing campaign that demonstrates the different ways consumers can use the sauces to enjoy their favorite snacks  the saucy way to TajinIT! For example, the Mild Hot Sauce with its red cap is great in companion with savory snacks like tortilla chips, chicken wings, pizza and even micheladas, while Tajin Fruity Chamoy, with its yellow cap, is meant to be paired with sweet snacks like fruits, smoothies, mangonadas and ice pops. Additionally, both sauces mix well with Tajin Clasico in delicious dishes like botanas (snacks) or to rim a glass for a drink.

Tajin Mild Hot Sauce and Tajin Fruity Chamoy Mild Hot Sauce are available now at select grocery stores and on Amazon.

About Tajin

Tajin is a privately held company established in Mexico since 1985. Its subsidiary office, Tajin International was incorporated in the United States in 1993. The leading fruit seasoning in Mexico and in the U.S., Tajin is a well-balanced blend of mild chili peppers, sea salt and dehydrated lime. More recently, the brand expanded into the hot sauce category with two sauces, Tajin Mild Hot Sauce and Tajin Fruity Chamoy Hot Sauce. Tajin is produced in Zapopan, Mexico from world class chiles bought from farmers in the region and then exported to the U.S. as a packaged and branded product, approved by the FDA, to be sold at wholesale and retail. Tajin is sold in more than 24,000 points of sale in the U.S. www.tajin.com.

SOURCE Tajin International Corporation

Related Links

https://www.tajin.com/us/


Trulieve is the first medical cannabis operator to start planting in the state

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) ("Trulieve" or "the Company"), a leading and top-performing cannabis company based in the United States, announced today that it commenced operations in West Virginia. The Company has begun cultivation at their 100,000 square foot size facility in Huntington, West Virginia.

"West Virginia patients have been waiting on medical cannabis for some time, and we are happy to announce we have planted our first crop," said Trulieve Chief Executive Officer Kim Rivers. "As we have demonstrated in our home state of Florida, Trulieve is dedicated to providing meaningful access to patients. We look forward to introducing the Trulieve brand in the state, providing patients with the highest quality products to meet their medical needs."

As of June 30, 2021, the state of West Virginia has 2,305 patients enrolled in their medical cannabis program, meeting the deadline for three-year registration. Those who register by September 30th will be eligible for two years, and after October 1st will be eligible for a one-year card. For more information visit http://www.medcanwv.org.

Trulieve is committed to investing in the communities it operates in and is approaching West Virginia with the same high level of integrity, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and dedication to a variety of quality products. Trulieve is currently hiring for numerous roles in West Virginia. Please visit https://www.trulieve.com/community-outreach/careers to learn more.

About Trulieve

Trulieve is primarily a vertically integrated "seed-to-sale" company in the U.S. and is the first and largest fully licensed medical cannabis company in the State of Florida. Trulieve cultivates and produces all of its products in-house and distributes those products to Trulieve-branded stores (dispensaries) throughout the State of Florida, as well as directly to patients via home delivery. Trulieve also holds licenses to operate in California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and West Virginia. Trulieve is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol TRUL and trades on the OTCQX market under the symbol TCNNF.

To learn more about Trulieve, visit www.Trulieve.com.

SOURCE Trulieve Cannabis Corp.

Related Links

https://www.trulieve.com/


Located on the eastern side of the Danube River, minutes from the iconic Szechenyi Chain Bridge and within walking distance of many iconic attractions, the 157-room H2 Hotel Budapest is the ideal gateway for travelers looking to explore the rich history and culture of Hungary's capital city.

The new hotel builds on the Company's longstanding relationship with H-Hotels.com, a leading hotel operator headquartered in Germany that manages 50 Trademark Collection hotels across key European destinations. H2 Hotel Budapest, Trademark Collection by Wyndham marks the hospitality group's first hotel outside of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Launched in 2017, Trademark Collection by Wyndham is a fast-growing brand, designed and perfectly suited for hoteliers who seek independence on their terms and take pride in their unique spirit, while leveraging the competitive advantages that come with the scale of a global partner such as Wyndham. The H2 Hotel Budapest adds to Trademark Collection's international growth trajectory over the past four years, bringing its footprint to 115 hotels in countries such as Australia, Austria, Canada, Curacao, Germany, Mexico, Sint Maarten, Switzerland, and the United States. Earlier this year, the brand also launched a first-in-market property in Belgium and a new private island beach resort in Belize. It is set to continue its global growth with additional openings in Germany and Belize.

Christian Michel, Vice President for Development in Europe, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts said: "The Trademark Collection by Wyndham brand has been instrumental in our overall growth strategy in Europe and around the world. We are thrilled to be expanding the brand into such an exciting destination like Hungary while simultaneously supporting our overall conversion strategy. Our relationship with H-Hotels.com has been key in the development of our Trademark by Wyndham Collection across Europe and we look forward to continuing our fruitful collaboration to bring the brand to even more travelers."

Alexander Fitz, CEO, H-Hotels.com added: "Budapest is a world-renowned European city with beautiful architecture and historical sites, and we are thrilled to have our first H-Hotel outside of Germany, Austria and Switzerland in this metropolitan capital. The new opening marks an exciting step for H-Hotels.com in partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts as we continue to expand our offerings across Europe under the Trademark Collection by Wyndham brand. We look forward to continuing this momentum with two Trademark Collection by Wyndham openings in Dusseldorf slated to open in the second half of this year."

H2 Hotel Budapest, Trademark Collection by Wyndham is situated in Pest, one of the city's best areas to take in its rich history, with many iconic attractions nearby such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes Castle Hill and Buda Castle. The city is also home to the Budapest History Museum, Hungarian National Gallery, and the Fisherman's Bastion monument with its stunning panoramic views. The property is situated close to the funicular railway, connecting guests to many other popular attractions in the city.

After a busy day exploring the city, guests can enjoy the hotel's high-quality amenities, including the modern on-site restaurant, H2 Hub, and spacious guest rooms featuring modern design and heated floors. With a dedicated business centre and free high-speed WiFi, the hotel offers a comfortable stay for leisure and business travel. The property has easy access to Budapest International Airport and offers convenient on-site parking.

The H2 Hotel Budapest, Trademark Collection by Wyndham complements the Ramada by Wyndham Budapest City Centre, which opened last year, bringing even more accommodation options to Hungary's capital city for every type of traveller.

Wyndham hotels in Hungary and around the world participate in Wyndham Rewards, the world's most generous rewards programme with thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals worldwide. Designed for the everyday traveler, members earn a guaranteed 1,000 points with every qualified stay and may redeem points for a wide range of rewards, including free nights, gift cards, merchandise and more.

About Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Each of Trademark Collection by Wyndham's upper-midscale-and-above hotels around the world - from landmark hotels in Germany and Switzerland to its flagship hotel, The Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Ky. - boast three common attributes: character, charm, and individuality. Launched in 2017, Trademark Collection is the first soft-brand geared to three- and four-star hotel owners passionate about upholding their hotels' independent spirit and designed for everyday travellers seeking distinctive, attainable accommodations in sought-after destinations. For more information, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com/trademark.

About Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) is the world's largest hotel franchising company by the number of properties, with over 8,900 hotels across nearly 95 countries on six continents. Through its network of approximately 797,000 rooms appealing to the everyday traveller, Wyndham commands a leading presence in the economy and midscale segments of the lodging industry. The Company operates a portfolio of 21 hotel brands, including Super 8, Days Inn, Ramada, Microtel, La Quinta, Baymont, Wingate, AmericInn, Hawthorn Suites, Trademark Collection, Wyndham and Registry Collection HotelsSM. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is also a leading provider of hotel management services. The Company's award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program offers 87 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally. For more information, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com.



About H-Hotels.com

The leading hotel operator is based in Bad Arolsen in Hesse and has around 3,000 employees, employed under the brands Hyperion, H4 Hotels, H+ Hotels, H2 Hotels. H.omes and H.ostels, which are sold under the umbrella brand H-Hotels.com. According to a nationwide customer survey carried out by ServiceValue, H-Hotels.com was awarded the "highest customer loyalty" rating in February 2021 and the Seal of quality "Prize Winner - Sustainable Commitment" with the "Predicate Test Winner" excellent. The constantly growing hotel group is currently in a total of 50 different locations across Germany, Austria and Switzerland and are represented by about 60 hotels. For more information visit www.h-hotels.com/en.

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws, including the expected addition of hotels and similar statements concerning possible future results or performance. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are not guarantees of future results or performance, speak only as of the date of this press release and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including the risks described in Wyndham Hotels' most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, any of which could cause actual results or performance to be materially different from the future results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, Wyndham Hotels undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or otherwise.

Contact:

Silvia de Candia

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts EMEA

[email protected]

Scott Carman

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

+1 (973) 753-6590

[email protected]

SOURCE Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Related Links

http://www.wyndhamhotels.com


SAN JOSE, Calif., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Summer is always one of the most expensive times to travel. But 2021 has the potential to be even more busy (and costly) than usual due to pent-up demand caused by the extended COVID-19 lockdowns.

As many individuals and families are looking to make up for lost time this summer, "revenge travel" is already causing prices to spike . As of writing, prices on many hotels and flights are still below pre-pandemic levels. But that's not the case for every destination and costs are likely to continue to rise as we move further into summer.

What all this means is that it's not going to be as easy to take a cheap trip this summer as it may have been in the winter or spring. That's the bad news. But the good news is that there are still many ways to save on summer travel. So if you're looking to plan a "fun in the sun" vacation on a budget , here are 11 of our favorite tips.

For more loan and credit education, visit myFICO's blog at https://www.myfico.com/credit-education/blog

1. Compare Rates on Third-Party Travel Sites

Travel websites are marketplaces that can compare rates from hundreds of airlines, hotels, or car rental agencies at once. Using these sites can save you a lot of time and money when compared to visiting each company's website separately. Some popular travel sites include:

Kayak

Expedia

TripAdvisor

Google Flights

Orbitz

Booking.com

Priceline

Hotwire

Hotels.com

While these sites can be a great place to start rate-shopping, note that not every travel brand allows third parties to show their prices. Southwest Airlines, for example, has been a long-standing holdout. So after visiting third-party aggregators, you may still want to check out a few individual sites to ensure that you don't miss any hot deals.

2. Set Price Alerts Using Flexible Dates

Nearly all of the sites above also make it easy to set travel alerts. These are convenient because they allow you to sit back, relax and wait to be notified when the price for your trip drops rather than having to manually check rates each day.

You can set alerts for specific dates if you'd like. But know that if you're able to be flexible with your plans, you'll have a better chance of scoring a big discount.

If you work a job that allows you to plan a last-minute trip, saying that you're available "anytime" or for any "upcoming weekends" could be best. Or, for a little more predictability, you could customize your alert to only notify you about price-drops for dates that fall within a specific month.

3. Redeem Credit Card Rewards Towards Travel

This tip has long been one of my family's favorite travel hacks. If you've been racking up credit card rewards points with your daily-use card, you may be able to redeem those points for free nights and/or flights.

Some credit card issuers allow points to be transferred to a variety of travel partners. Others have their own travel portal where cardholders can book trips with points. And some cards offer both! Check to see what redemption options your card offers.

If you're looking to take a late summer (or early fall) vacation, you may still have time to apply for a rewards credit card and earn a hefty sign-up bonus before you book your trip. Keep in mind, though, that the most generous cards do usually require excellent credit. You can check your FICO Scores and reports at myFICO .

4. Split a Home Rental With Family or Friends

While renting an entire home using an app like Airbnb or HomeAway can be convenient, it's unlikely to be the most affordable choice for a single family. But if you're planning a group vacation, it certainly could be!

For example, let's say that you're visiting a city where hotels cost around $100 per night and a 3-bedroom home rental averages $210 per night. If you're able to split the home with two other families, your per-family cost drops to just $70.

So you'd save $30 per night by choosing the home rental. You could save even more by choosing a house that has a fully-stocked kitchen since you'd have the option to cook a few meals. Plus, a home rental may offer other intangible benefits like a living room where everyone can enjoy movie nights and a backyard for the kiddos to run around.

5. Book Middle-of-The-Week Flights

Often, travelers plan their trips around taking off a traditional Monday-Friday work week. For this reason, weekend flights tend to be most popular. But simple supply and demand dynamics means that those flights are also likely to be more expensive.

Could you start your trip in the middle of the week instead? If so, you're more likely to find the lowest fares. Historically, Tuesdays and Wednesdays have proven to be the cheapest days to fly.

If you do have to out fly on weekends, try to opt for Saturday rather than Friday evening or Sunday. Flying back on Sunday does give you an extra day to maximize your trip. But this advantage also tends to inflate Sunday fare prices.

6. Fill Your Itinerary With Free Sights and Activities

As a Florida native, I know first-hand how fun theme park vacations can be. But it's also harder to plan a budget-conscious trip when you're visiting an amusement park or other ticketed venue each day.

But there are plenty of fun things that you can do for free during your summer getaway. In our family's case, we enjoy hiking so we love to visit destinations that have plenty of nearby state or national parks.

Also, keep in mind that many national monuments and museums don't charge for admission. That makes it easier to keep costs low when visiting cities that are packed with historical landmarks like Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York, or Boston.

7. Take a Road Trip

You may not need to book a flight to visit somewhere new and exciting. There may be plenty of places within driving distance of your home that have a lot to offer.

You'll not only avoid flight costs by road-tripping, but you also won't have to worry about booking a rental car or paying for daily rideshares once you reach your destination.

You will have to pay for gas during your trip. But after accounting for fuel costs, you may still be able to save hundreds of dollars by driving yourself to your summer vacation spot. And the larger your family, the higher your potential savings.

8. Visit Cities That Offer Sightseeing Bundles

There are currently 13 cities in the United States along with Toronto, Canada that offer CityPASS tickets . These passes bundle together several of the city's most popular sights at a reduced overall price.

You may be able to save upwards of 50% by purchasing a CityPASS vs. buying tickets to each individual attraction separately. Our family has bought a CityPASS in three different cities so far and we've yet to be disappointed!

9. Look For Kids Stay (or Fly) Free Options

If you'll be traveling with children this summer, know that certain travel brands offer special freebies that can save parents money. At Holiday Inn, for example, up to two children can be added to their parents' room at no extra charge. And up to four children per family can eat free at hotel dine-in restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

With Frontier Airlines, one child under 15 can fly free per parent if at least one of the adults is a Discount Den travel club member. For a family of four, this could cut their flight cost in half. However, two blackout dates do apply for the remainder of summer 2021: June 26-July 13th and September 2nd-6th.

10. Stay Away From Major Holidays

All travel-related prices tend to soar on big holidays . So simply steering clear of these dates (and the weekends before and after) could be one of the easiest ways to save on summer travel.

Since Memorial Day has already passed, there are really only two federal holidays left this summer to avoid: Independence Day and Labor Day.

11. Investigate Your In-City Transportation Options

If you'll be visiting a large metro area on your trip, parking and transportation can be a lot trickier, so you'll want to think through your strategy. In some cities, leaving your vehicle in a low-cost parking garage and using public transportation could save you time (and hassle) vs. driving everywhere and paying for parking at each stop.

If you'll be staying in one area for at least 7 days, you may also want to see if the city offers discounts on week-long passes for public parking or transportation. Lastly, if you'll be flying to your destination, you'll want to think about whether renting a car or using rideshares and taxis during your stay would be most affordable.

If you're just planning to hit the beach each day during your summer getaway, booking a rental car may not be worth the money. But if you'll be doing a lot of driving to spread apart sights, renting a car might actually be far less expensive.

The Bottom Line

This list of 11 ways to save on summer travel is far from exhaustive. If you're actively looking, you're likely to find dozens of more ways to cut costs.

So be intentional and plan well. Because the only thing better than a relaxing summer getaway is a relaxing summer getaway that doesn't break the bank!

About myFICO

myFICO makes it easy to understand your credit with FICO Scores, credit reports and alerts from all 3 bureaus. myFICO is the consumer division of FICO get your FICO Scores from the people that make the FICO Scores. For more information, visit https://www.myfico.com.

SOURCE myFICO

Related Links

https://www.myfico.com


SAN FRANCISCO, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Qualified , the conversational sales and marketing platform for revenue teams that use Salesforce, today announced it has hired seasoned Salesforce executive Robert Zimmermann as Chief Revenue Officer to lead and scale the company's global sales organization. Zimmermann spent 18 years leading sales teams at Salesforce as it grew from a pre-revenue company with 60 employees to a $13B global company with more than 60,000 employees. Most recently, Zimmermann served as the North American head of mid-market sales at Twilio.

Zimmermann joins Qualified at a key moment of growth. In May, Qualified announced a $51M Series B funding round led by Salesforce Ventures, on the heels of a record-breaking fiscal year that saw 800% revenue growth. The company is on track to double its headcount this year. Zimmermann succeeds Qualified's current CRO Eric Sikola, who has been promoted to President and COO. The two will partner to help the company meet the growing demand for its conversational sales and marketing platform.

Zimmermann is the third Salesforce executive to join Qualified in the past six months, following Salesforce SVP Dan Darcy joining as Chief Customer Officer and Salesforce CMO Sarah Franklin joining as a board of directors observer. Zimmermann's experience leading sales organizations at Salesforce will further turbocharge Qualified's expansion into the Salesforce ecosystem around the world.

"Robert was a key driver of Salesforce's business momentum, and he will propel Qualified into our next phase of growth," said Kraig Swensrud, co-founder and CEO of Qualified. "He will be instrumental as we scale our sales organization by bringing the value of Qualified to Salesforce customers and the entire Salesforce Ohana."

In the past year and a half, B2B sales went virtual, and by 2025, Gartner expects 80% of B2B sales interactions to occur on digital channels. Companies are increasingly realizing that the biggest digital channel -- the corporate website -- is underperforming. Qualified alerts sales teams at the magic moment a target buyer arrives on the website, creating an opportunity to meet with them instantly via live chat, chatbots, voice calls and screen sharing.

"For companies using Salesforce, Qualified is a must," said Robert Zimmermann, CRO at Qualified. "The world has gone digital, and there is no better place to meet your buyers than on your corporate website. What the Qualified team is building takes me back to my early days at Salesforce with an energy, ambition, and hustle to grow this team into a best-in-class selling organization. I'm thrilled to be joining, and innovating in the space I know and love."

To learn more about Qualified's conversational sales and marketing solutions, visit qualified.com.

About Qualified.com

Qualified is the conversational sales and marketing platform for revenue teams that use Salesforce. Leading B2B brands such as Adobe, Bitly, SurveyMonkey, ThoughtSpot and VMware trust Qualified to grow their pipeline by tapping into their greatest sales & marketing asset  their corporate website  to identify their most valuable buyers, understand their intent and instantly start a sales conversation. Customers that use Qualified report a 10X increase in sales meetings, a 4X increase in lead conversion, and a 6X increase in pipeline. Qualified runs natively on Salesforce to give companies a 360-degree view of their website visitors, and is ranked #1 in its category on the Salesforce AppExchange. Headquartered in San Francisco, Qualified is led by former Salesforce CMO Kraig Swensrud and former Salesforce product SVP Sean Whiteley, and funded by Norwest Venture Partners, Redpoint Ventures and Salesforce Ventures. To learn more, visit qualified.com.

CONTACT:

Mission North for Qualified

[email protected]



Related Links

http://www.qualified.com

SOURCE Qualified.com
TRENTON, N.J., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey has partnered with Famulus Health to provide chamber members with a customized prescription drugs savings solution  including cash price card, digital app and drug search website. The AACCNJ-branded solution ensures low prices on medications at any pharmacy, regardless of insurance coverage.

AACCNJ Launches Prescription Savings Solution to Provide Members with Better Pricing and Access to Medications

For many drugs, cash pricing networks unlock prices far below insurance plans. Famulus specifically tailored AACCNJ's cash price network for the best possible pricing on medications for health conditions that disproportionately affect African American people, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

AACCNJ is offering a prescription savings solution to its members and their employees as a perk of belonging to the chamber and a service to the community. One in three Americans, and almost half of African Americans over 50, say they have not filled prescriptions they needed because of cost.

"Promoting preventive care is a critical initiative of our chamber," says John E. Harmon Sr., IOM, founder, president and CEO of AACCNJ. "By ensuring constituents and community members can affordably access medications that are central to maintaining their health, we are upholding our commitment to making life better for our members and the community as a whole."

"Prices at the pharmacy are rising every single day  it's relentless," says Mike Szwajkos, Founder and CEO of Famulus Health, which helps organizations leverage cash pricing and pharmacy benefit data to lower healthcare costs. "We've engineered this comprehensive savings solution to dramatically lower the price of medications for the communities the chamber serves  saving thousands of dollars a year for some prescriptions."

The AACCNJ cash price card can be used at any pharmacy, including those that are out of network for a member's health plan. "Trenton and Newark thrive off public transportation," says Harmon. "This cash price solution gives both money and time back to our members by enabling them to use the most convenient pharmacy without having to worry about it being in network."

There are large universities and churches that are members of the AACCNJ which can provide the cash card at no cost to their students and congregations. Self-insured businesses that are part of the chamber will also lower their healthcare costs by reducing the number of claims.

Famulus will also provide the AACCNJ with anonymized data about the use of the card to help the chamber better understand and measure the healthcare needs of its constituents.

About The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey

The AACCNJ is dedicated to economically empowering and sustaining African American communities and businesses through entrepreneurship and capitalistic initiatives throughout the state of New Jersey. The AACCNJ is a partner of the National Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (NBCC) and serves as a mechanism for communication, program creation, and strategic implementation of initiatives and resolutions that help build New Jersey's economic landscape, for the 1.2 million Blacks in New Jersey and over 80,000 Black Owned Businesses. aaccnj.com

About Famulus Health

Famulus is dedicated to freeing organizations and their employees from rising drug costs through customized prescription cash price networks. Through its proprietary technology and expertise, Famulus provides greater access and affordability of medications as well as robust data to empower leaders to make informed healthcare decisions. Famulus is based in Bluffton, SC, and part of Goodroot, a community of companies reinventing healthcare one system at a time. famulushealth.com

Media Contact:

Jason Simms

860-526-1555

[email protected]

SOURCE Famulus Health

Related Links

http://famulushealth.com


ATLANTA, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Aaron's Company, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), a leading, technology-enabled, omnichannel provider of lease-to-own and purchase solutions, will host a conference call and webcast on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss its second quarter 2021 financial results scheduled for release before the market opens on that day. Chief Executive Officer, Douglas A. Lindsay, and Chief Financial Officer, C. Kelly Wall, will host the call.

The public is invited to listen to the call by dialing 1-833-979-2858 a few minutes before the scheduled start time and requesting to join the Aaron's call. For international participants the number is 1-236-714-2899. The call will also be accessible by visiting the company's investor relations website at investor.aarons.com. The webcast will be archived for playback at that same site.

About The Aaron's Company, Inc.

Headquartered in Atlanta, The Aaron's Company, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), is a leading, technology-enabled, omnichannel provider of lease-to-own and purchase solutions. Aaron's engages in direct-to-consumer sales and lease ownership of furniture, appliances, consumer electronics and accessories through its approximately 1,300 Company-operated and franchised stores in 47 states and Canada, as well as its e-commerce platform, Aarons.com. For more information, visit Aarons.com or investor.aarons.com.

SOURCE The Aaron's Company, Inc.
MADRID, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Acon Southern Europe Management LLC through its affiliates ("ACON") have completed the acquisition of a controlling equity interest in Formacion Alcala S.L. ("Formacion Alcala" or the "Company"), an e-learning platform focused on education and training for healthcare professionals in Spain and Latin America.

Formacion Alcala provides over 1,400 courses to over 30,000 healthcare professionals each year, who are seeking to upgrade skills, build credentials and/or apply for public employment in the healthcare system. The Company's courses and content are accredited by top-tier Spanish universities and/or the Spanish Ministry of Health, which oversee quality, issue the diplomas and audit alumni performance.

Founded in 2000 in Spain by Rafael Ceballos, the Company has developed strong content capabilities across a broad range of healthcare practices and specialities. The courses include digital material, audio visual sessions, mock exams and tutor monitoring throughout the duration of the courses.

ACON will support the Company in the continued growth of its senior management team, the enhancement of digital marketing capabilities, rapid expansion in selected Latin American markets, where the Company is already present, and the development of complementary services, such as tests for post-graduate medical students/ young doctors preparing for medical exams in Spain. Mr. Ceballos will retain a significant stake in the Company.

The Company's overall growth strategy will be led by Mr. Ceballos, as Executive Chairman, together with Rafael Martinez-Avial, the new CEO retained by ACON to drive this new chapter in the Company's development. Prior to joining Formacion Alcala, Mr. Martinez-Avial gained extensive experience throughout the digital and omnichannel segments of Tiendanimal, a leading pet shop chain in Spain and Portugal, both domestically and internationally, including brand development, strategic marketing and senior-level management.

As part of its investment in the Company, ACON has partnered with SALT Venture Partners, headed up by Pete Pizarro, the former CEO of Ilumno Education, who brings a wealth of Ed-tech experience to the project. As a Board member and advisor to the Company, Mr. Pizarro will oversee the implementation of the Companys business plan in the Americas.

Mr. Ceballos commented, "We were looking for a strong and knowledgeable partner to help us enhance the team's capabilities to support accelerated growth and to reap all the upside potential the Company has in Spain and Latin America. Our aim is to offer top/premium quality content through a scalable technology platform, which results in an enhanced end-user experience to the healthcare professional community."

"The adoption of online education & training is skyrocketing in Latin America. We have also observed a latent scarcity of qualified healthcare professionals in the industry, and that these professionals increasingly demand online training to upgrade their areas of expertise in order to advance professionally and provide improved healthcare services" said Mr. Pizarro.

Marcos Llado, Managing Partner of ACON Southern Europe, added, "we are delighted to partner with Rafael Ceballos, the entrepreneur behind this unique platform in order to build a best-in-class management team led by Rafael Martinez-Avial. Future growth will be both organic and through follow-on acquisitions; at the same time fostering a brand equity that positions Formacion Alcala as the leader in on-line training for the healthcare sector, both in Spain and Latin America, where ACON already has an extensive presence."

Consistent with ACON's strategy of investing in medium-sized businesses in Europe, the United States and Latin America, this will be the fifth investment from its European-based affiliate in Madrid. Other ACON affiliated portfolio companies in Spain include Alsur, a producer, processor and distributor of premium preserved and canned vegetables; Contenur, a manufacturer of large format containers for the waste management industry, and Germaine de Capuccini, a leading professional cosmetics brand that exports to more than 80 countries.

Hogan Lovells and KPMG advised ACON, together with Cairneagle, a consulting firm specialized in the Education & Training, Media and Technology sectors.

Formacion Alcala was exclusively advised by DC Advisory as M&A advisor, PwC and Garrigues, as legal counsel.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About the Equity Sponsor

ACON Investments, L.L.C. is a Washington, DC-based international private equity investment firm that manages private equity funds and special purpose partnerships that make investments in the United States, Latin America and Europe. Founded in 1996, ACON has responsibility for managing approximately $6.0 billion of capital. ACON has professionals in Washington DC, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, Bogota and Madrid. For more information, visit www.aconinvestments.com.

Contacts

Marcos Llado ACON Southern Europe Advisory, S.L. +34 616 415 599 Jose Miguel Knoell ACON Latam Management, LLC +1 (202) 454 1113

SOURCE ACON Investments, L.L.C.

Related Links

http://www.aconinvestments.com


MILWAUKEE, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ademi LLP is investigating possible securities fraud claims against DiDi (NYSE: DIDI). The investigation results from inaccurate statements DiDi may have made regarding its business operations and prospects.

Click here to learn more about the investigation: https://www.ademilaw.com/case/didi-global-inc or call Guri Ademi toll-free at 866-264-3995. There is no cost or obligation to you.

The investigation focuses on whether DiDi properly disclosed ongoing investigations by the Cyberspace Administration of China.

If you wish to obtain additional information or have information about this investigation, please contact Guri Ademi either at [email protected] or toll-free: 866-264-3995, https://www.ademilaw.com/case/didi-global-inc.

We specialize in securities fraud and shareholder litigation. For more information, please feel free to call us. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Contact:

Ademi LLP

Guri Ademi

3620 East Layton Ave.

Cudahy, WI 53110

Toll Free: (866) 264-3995

Fax: (414) 482-8001

www.ademilaw.com

SOURCE Ademi LLP

Related Links

http://www.ademilaw.com


PHOENIX, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Advisor Group, the nation's largest network of independent wealth management firms, today announced the significant advancement of its growth strategy with the appointment of Kristen Kimmell as the company's new Executive Vice President, Business Development. In this role, Ms. Kimmell will integrate and lead recruiting, transitions and onboarding for Advisor Group's network of firms, encompassing FSC Securities, Royal Alliance Associates, SagePoint Financial, Securities America, Triad Advisors and Woodbury Financial Services.

Ms. Kimmell will report directly to Greg Cornick, President, Advice & Wealth Management, and partner closely with Erinn Ford, Executive Vice President, Advisor Engagement; Susan Theder, Chief Marketing Officer; as well as the presidents of the firms that make up the Advisor Group network.

Mr. Cornick said, "We are thrilled to welcome a senior industry leader of Kristen's caliber to Advisor Group. Kristen's expertise and passion for a digitally enabled approach to organic growth will enable Advisor Group to deliver the best possible transition experience to financial advisors, clients and their teams, while significantly reducing the time spent on the process. She is driven by a sincere desire to help financial advisors achieve their maximum potential and brings empathy and a personalized level of attention to every stage of the recruiting lifecycle."

"The wealth management industry is continually changing and growing, with business models evolving and creating opportunities for firms to adapt and broaden the segments they serve," continued Mr. Cornick. "As we move forward as an enterprise, Kristen's experience working with financial advisors across the affiliation spectrum will accelerate the expansion of our traditional business development approaches to attract and serve financial advisors coming from both within and outside of the independent channel."

A seasoned executive with more than 25 years of experience, Ms. Kimmell comes to Advisor Group from RBC Wealth Management, where she served in multiple senior leadership roles, most recently as Head of Advisor Recruiting and Field Marketing for the company's U.S. operations. Additionally, under her leadership as the co-executive sponsor of RBC Wealth Management's Women's Association of Financial Advisors, the organization doubled the number of women in field leadership roles.

Expansion and Transformation of Recruiting

Ms. Kimmell's appointment is part of Advisor Group's broader strategy for expanding its reach to attract a wider cross-section of the financial advisor community, including sophisticated ensemble and enterprise firms, bank advisors, wirehouse breakaways and hybrid professionals.

In addition to overseeing Advisor Group's business development, transitions and onboarding functions, Ms. Kimmell will also manage the company's third-party recruiters, with the goal of deepening engagement with existing recruiters and forming new relationships.

Ms. Kimmell said, "I'm excited to join Advisor Group, one of the largest, fastest-growing independent wealth management firms in the industry. From the outset of my discussions, I was impressed with the leadership team and their focus on putting the voice of the client first and ensuring the needs of financial advisors drive the investments and areas of focus for the company."

"When you couple Advisor Group's commitment to delivering an exceptional advisor experience with its extensive investments in technology, talent and advisor growth resources, it's clear that the company has an incredibly powerful platform, and I'm excited to tell that story more broadly to the financial advisor community."

An End-to-End Exceptional Experience

Central to Ms. Kimmell's efforts will be the creation of an end-to-end service experience that is designed to deliver on the following:

Closely aligning the recruiting, transitions and onboarding process for financial advisors, their staff and their clients to deliver an enhanced, frictionless experience

Digitizing the recruiting process by integrating the company's eQuipt digital account opening and client management platform with a newly launched technology initiative that will significantly streamline and shorten the end-to-end experience, starting from a recruit's first introduction and continuing through their ongoing operations on the platform

Developing a highly repeatable, consistent approach to business development efforts across the Advisor Group network, while infusing a high degree of emotional intelligence and the need for personalization and customization

Mr. Cornick concluded, "The decision to move to a new firm typically evokes feelings of uncertainty and stress for most financial advisors. With the addition of Kristen to our leadership team, we have an opportunity to change the paradigm and make transitioning to Advisor Group part of a positive and efficient experience that is the starting point of a personally and professionally fulfilling journey."

About Advisor Group

Advisor Group, Inc. is the nation's largest network of independent wealth management firms, serving approximately 10,100 financial professionals and overseeing over $475 billion in client assets. The firm is mission-driven to support the strategic role that advisors can play in the lives of their clients. Cultivating a spirit of entrepreneurship and independence, Advisor Group champions the enduring value of financial professionals and is committed to being in their corner every step of the way. For more information visit https://www.advisorgroup.com.

Securities and investment advisory services are offered through the firms: FSC Securities Corporation, Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., SagePoint Financial, Inc., Triad Advisors, LLC, and Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, and members of FINRA and SIPC. Securities are offered through Securities America, Inc., a broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Arbor Point Advisors, LLC, Ladenburg Thalmann Asset Management, Inc., Securities America Advisors, Inc., and Triad Hybrid Solutions, LLC, registered investment advisers. Advisory programs offered by FSC Securities Corporation, Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., SagePoint Financial, Inc., and Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., are sponsored by VISION2020 Wealth Management Corp., an affiliated registered investment adviser. Advisor Group, Inc. is an affiliate of these firms. 20 E. Thomas Rd., Ste. 2000, Phoenix, AZ, 85012. 866.481.0379.

Media Inquiries

Joseph Kuo / Andrew Wang

Haven Tower Group

424 317 4851 or 424 317 4859

[email protected] or [email protected]

SOURCE Advisor Group
MEXICO CITY, July 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Aerodrome Infrastructure S.a r.l. ("Aerodrome"), along with its affiliates Servicios de Tecnologia Aeroportuaria, S.A. de C.V. ("SETA"), Bagual S.a r.l. ("Bagual"), Grenadier S.a r.l. ("Grenadier"), Pequod S.a r.l. ("Pequod"), Harpoon S.a r.l. ("Harpoon"), Expanse S.a r.l. ("Expanse"), Fintech Holdings Inc. ("FH"), and David Martinez ("Mr. Martinez" and, together with Aerodrome, SETA, Bagual, Grenadier, Pequod, Harpoon, Expanse and FH, the "Offerors"), announced today the final results of their previously announced cash tender offer in the U.S. (the "U.S. Offer") for up to 60,155,201 (1) outstanding Series B ordinary shares, without par value (the "Series B Shares") of Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte, S.A.B. de C.V. ("OMA"), a publicly traded corporation organized under the laws of Mexico, held by U.S. persons, and (2) Series B Shares represented by outstanding American depositary shares (whether held or not by U.S. persons) (each representing eight Series B Shares) (the "ADSs" and, together with the Series B Shares, the "Securities"). The U.S. Offer was made in conjunction with an offer by Aerodrome in Mexico directed to holders of Series B Shares, but not holders of ADSs (the "Mexican Offer," and together with the U.S. Offer, the "Offers").

The Offers expired at 8:00 a.m., New York City time, on June 30, 2021 (the "Expiration Date").

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, the ADS receiving agent for the U.S. Offer, and J.P. Morgan Casa de Bolsa, S.A. de C.V., J.P. Morgan Grupo Financiero, the Series B Shares receiving agent for the Offers, have advised the Offerors that as of 8:00 a.m., New York City time on the Expiration Date, a total of 1,579,317 ADSs, representing 12,634,536 Series B Shares, and 90,217,248 Series B Shares, were validly tendered and not withdrawn.

Because the purchase of all Securities tendered in the Offers would cause the Offerors to purchase an aggregate amount of Series B Shares, including Series B Shares represented by ADSs, that would exceed the total number of Series B Shares, including Series B Shares represented by ADSs, that the Offerors have offered to purchase pursuant to the Offers, the Offerors have accepted and will purchase 923,703 ADSs, representing 7,389,624 Series B Shares, and 52,765,577 Series B Shares, based on a proration factor of approximately 58.49%. Any tendered Securities that have not been accepted for purchase will be returned or credited without expense to the holder's account.

The offer prices payable by Aerodrome will be Ps.137 per Series B Share and Ps.1,096 per ADS, for a total of approximately Ps.8,241 million. The offer price for Series B Shares accepted in the Offers will be settled in Mexican pesos and will be paid through S.D. Indeval Institucion para el Deposito de Valores, S.A. de C.V. ("Indeval"), the Mexican securities clearing system, and participants in Indeval. The offer price for ADSs accepted in the U.S. Offer will be paid in U.S. dollars and will be paid to American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as ADS receiving agent, in U.S. dollars, based on the U.S. dollar / Mexican peso spot market rate available to the ADS receiving agent on the Payment Date.

In accordance with the terms of the Offers, payment for Securities validly tendered and accepted for purchase in the Offers is expected to occur on July 9, 2021 (the "Payment Date"). Upon the settlement of the Offers, taking into account the Series B Shares currently owned by SETA, the Offerors will own, directly or indirectly, 30.1% of OMA's outstanding capital stock.

All conditions described in the U.S. Offer to Purchase that were to be satisfied or waived on or prior to the Expiration Date, were satisfied or waived on or prior to the Expiration Date.

The U.S. Offer was made upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the U.S. offer to purchase, dated May 24, 2021 (as amended and restated, the "U.S. Offer to Purchase"), and the related ADS letter of transmittal, the Series B acceptance letter and related documents filed by the Offerors with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "U.S. Tender Offer Materials").

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to buy or a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities of OMA. Complete terms and conditions of the U.S. Offer are set forth in the U.S. Offer to Purchase and the other U.S. Tender Offer Materials. This announcement is not for publication, release or distribution in or into or from any jurisdiction where it would otherwise be prohibited.

D.F. King & Co., Inc. acted as the U.S. information agent for the U.S. Offer. The U.S. information agent may be contacted at, for bankers and brokers call collect: (212) 269 5550, all others call toll free: (800) 488-8035, email: [email protected].

The ADS receiving agent for the U.S. Offer was American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC. The ADS receiving agent may be contacted at: (877) 248-6417 or (718) 921-8317, fax (718) 234-5001. The Series B receiving agent for the U.S. Offer was J.P. Morgan Casa de Bolsa, S.A. de C.V., J.P. Morgan Grupo Financiero. The Series B receiving agent may be contacted at: +(52 55) 5540-9317.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are information of a non-historical nature or which relate to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties. No assurance can be given that the transactions described herein will be consummated or as to the ultimate terms of any such transactions. The Offerors undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or future events or for any other reason.

Media Contact:



D.F. King & Co., Inc. 48 Wall Street, 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10005 Attention: Geoffrey Weinberg (917) 473-2984 Bankers and Brokers Call Collect: (212) 2695550 All Others Call TollFree: (800) 488-8035 Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Aerodrome Infrastructure S.a r.l
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- AiM Medical Robotics, a leading developer of MRI-safe intraoperative robotics for neurosurgery, today announced that they will be presenting and exhibiting at the prestigious 18th Annual World Congress of Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics (SBMT), which will be held in Los Angeles on July 8th - 11th. The program will be featuring state-of-the-art science and technology in the field of neuroscience and neurosurgery, and it will have close to 900 presenters and 10 keynotes.

The co-founders and inventors of AiM Medical Robotics, Dr. Greg Fischer of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Dr. Julie Pilitsis of the Albany Medical Center, will be presenting the latest updates on their NIH-funded research for brain tumor ablation during the SBMT scientific sessions. Additionally, Bob Cathcart, President & CEO of AiM Medical Robotics, and Dr. Jonathan Sackier, Director, will be meeting with clinicians and industry leaders during the Company's exhibition at the Congress.

"SBMT brings pioneers of neurosurgery and trailblazing companies together with game changing policy makers in order to rapidly fast track diagnostics, devices and therapeutics for patients with neurological, spine and neuro-psychiatric disorders; AiM Medical Robotics is one of the leaders in the emerging field of artificial intelligence-guided therapy" said, Dr. Babak Kateb, founding chairman of the board of directors & CEO of SBMT, President and Scientific Director of the Brain Mapping Foundation, Director of National Center for Nano-Bio-Electronics, and Director of Brain Technology and Innovation Park.

Bob Cathcart commented, "We are extremely excited to have been asked to participate in this outstanding gathering of world leaders in Neurology. SBMT is at the forefront of discovery for the diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders. We are honored to have Dr. Fischer and Dr. Pilitsis participate in the scientific sessions to share their enthusiasm and the accomplishments that we have seen with our paradigm-shifting technology. Our MRI-compatible robotic system will give surgeons the ability to utilize MRI guidance for complex neurosurgical procedures. By combining the Real Time feedback of the MRI and the precision and accuracy of the robot, surgeons can confidently reach targets deep in the brain the first time every time."

About AiM Medical Robotics

AiM Medical Robotics is a privately held biotechnology company currently focused on the development of MRI-compatible advanced robotics that are precision-focused and portable. You can follow AiM at www.aimmedrobotics.com and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/aim-medical-robotics.

Forward Looking Statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements may include but are not necessarily limited to statements that relate to the advancement and development of the company's robot or technologies, when used herein, words such as "anticipate", "being", "will", "plan", "may", "continue", and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements or information that refer to expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, performance or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking. All forward-looking statements are based upon AiM Medical Robotics' current expectations and various assumptions. AiM Medical Robotics believes there is a reasonable basis for its expectations and beliefs, but they are inherently uncertain. AiM Medical Robotics may not realize its expectations, and its beliefs may not prove correct. Actual results could differ materially from those described or implied by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which reflect management's view only as of the date hereof. AiM Medical Robotics undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Contacts:

Bob Cathcart

Chief Executive Officer

AiM Medical Robotics, Inc.

(862) 703-0253

[email protected]

Investors:

Doug Nissinoff

Corporate Communications

AiM Medical Robotics, Inc.

(954) 204-6745

[email protected]

[www.aimmedicalrobotics.com]

SOURCE AiM Medical Robotics

Related Links

https://www.aimmedicalrobotics.com


DENVER, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Andina Gold Corp. (the "Company") today announced the completion of a non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") of units ("Units") to accredited investors at a price of $1,000 per Unit. Each Unit consists of (i) a $1,000 principal amount term note providing for an optional conversion into shares of Company common stock at a price of $0.20 per share and (ii) a common share warrant for the purchase of 5,000 shares of Company common stock at an exercise price of $0.40 per share. The Private Placement was accomplished in two tranches, an initial tranche of 3,000 Units and a second tranche (added in response to strong investor interest) of 1,900 Units. The aggregate gross proceeds to the company were $4.9 million.

The offer and sale of Units in the Private Placement were made in the United States solely to accredited investors pursuant to the exemption from registration in Rule 506(c) of Regulation D promulgated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and in Canada pursuant to and in compliance with exemptions from the prospectus requirements of applicable Canadian securities laws.

Company Chief Executive Officer Christian Noel noted, "The Company has applied the proceeds of the Private Placement to pay for and close its acquisition of the assets of CryoCann USA Corp and to increase the Company's working capital. We take the success of the Private Placement as an indication of investor enthusiasm for CryoCann technologies and their promise for efficiently collecting and conserving pure, high-value plant materials."

"In light of the commercial potential presented by the CryoCann technologies, the Company will be evaluating adjustments to its branding and development strategies. We expect to provide specifics in the coming weeks."

The Company's common stock trades on the OTCQB Venture Market with the ticker symbol AGOL.

For additional information, please contact the Company by email at [email protected] or by telephone at +1 303 222 8092.

This press release is not an offer of securities, or a solicitation for purchase, subscription, or sale of securities in the United States of America or in any other jurisdiction in which it would be unlawful to do so.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including risk factors identified in the Company's SEC filings, and 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 the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, changes in the regulatory environment affecting the sale and use of cannabis or hemp products and of other, potential lines of businesses that the Company will consider entering at a given time, demand for the Company's products, internal funding and the financial condition of the Company, product roll-out, competition, our dependence upon our commercial partners, variations in the global commodities markets and other commercial matters involving the Company, its products and the markets in which the Company operates or seeks to enter, as well as general economic conditions. The forward-looking statements in this press release are made only as of the date hereof, and unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, 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.

Caution Regarding Cannabis Operations in the United States

Investors should note that there are significant legal restrictions and regulations that govern the cannabis industry in the United States. Marijuana, as defined in the U.S. Controlled Substances Act, remains a Schedule I drug under the respective act, making it illegal under federal law in the U.S. to, among other things, cultivate, distribute or possess cannabis. Financial transactions involving proceeds generated by, or intended to promote, cannabis-related business activities in the U.S. may form the basis for prosecution under applicable U.S. federal money laundering legislation. Please carefully review the Company's SEC filings with respect to related risk factors.

SOURCE Andina Gold Corp.

Related Links

redwoodgreencorp.com


SANTA MONICA, Calif., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- APARAVI Software Corporation, the trusted disruptor in unstructured data management, today announced the company's launch of its European subsidiary in Munich, Germany, and the appointment of Gregor Bieler, former General Manager and member of the Executive Board of Microsoft Germany, as CEO EMEA.

Aparavi's mission is to put companies of all sizes in control of their data and sustainably increase their business success. The Aparavi Platform is the core of the solution, which is based on intelligent machine learning. Thanks to the intuitive UI, companies can easily discover, classify, optimize, and exploit their data without needing in-depth IT knowledge.

"I am proud to join Aparavi, which has proven itself as an essential Platform in data intelligence in the U.S. and Europe," says Gregor Bieler, adding, "Every company should have greater insight of their data and know with certainty how to use it profitably for itself to secure competitive advantages. I am very much looking forward to supporting Aparavi."

Before Aparavi, Bieler was General Manager at Microsoft. He was responsible for expanding the partner business, which accounts for more than 90 percent of sales. Prior to that, he held management positions at PayPal and Logitech Europe and was CEO of the mobile payment provider Unwire. Bieler is part of several international advisory boards, including IT services provider Dustin in Stockholm, workforce IT provider ATOSS in Munich and GlobalLogic, a product development expert in Silicon Valley.

Know and exploit your digital assets

Data is the new currency  it exists in large quantities in every company and can provide valuable insights into optimized processes, improving the customer experience or unlocking new business opportunities. However, studies have shown that 80 percent of corporate data lies dormant and unstructured on servers. As a result, companies have no control over this alleged capital and cannot use it in a way that generates profit. Yet, this data is often the key to success in securing sustainable competitive advantages.

"Companies need control over their data to leverage hidden potential. Aparavi gives them this control  that's our mission," said Adrian Knapp, founder of Aparavi. "We are very pleased to have Gregor Bieler as CEO EMEA. His global market expertise, experience with partners, the channel, and enterprises  from mid-sized companies to DAX corporations  is the ideal mix to help us with our mission. I am excited to have Gregor tackle this task with Aparavi."

Using Machine Learning to Achieve Success: Finding, Classifying, Optimizing and Using Data

Aparavi shows how easy and cost-effective it can be to control your own company data:

Increase business potential : The Aparavi Platform is the core of the cloud-based solution. It includes the intuitive UI  even inexperienced employees can easily and cost-effectively discover, classify, optimize, and use unstructured data in any IT environment  whether on premise, in the cloud, or hybrid  to leverage business potential.

: The Aparavi Platform is the core of the cloud-based solution. It includes the intuitive UI  even inexperienced employees can easily and cost-effectively discover, classify, optimize, and use unstructured data in any IT environment  whether on premise, in the cloud, or hybrid  to leverage business potential. Increase performance : Aparavi helps consolidate or dispose of data quickly and easily to reduce the load on systems and improve IT performance.

: Aparavi helps consolidate or dispose of data quickly and easily to reduce the load on systems and improve IT performance. Secure Compliance Management : Thanks to hundreds of predefined industry-specific policies and global patterns, Aparavi enables organizations to implement and comply with policies, guidelines and regulations such as the EU's General Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR") and the California Privacy Rights Act ("CPRA").

: Thanks to hundreds of predefined industry-specific policies and global patterns, Aparavi enables organizations to implement and comply with policies, guidelines and regulations such as the EU's General Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR") and the California Privacy Rights Act ("CPRA"). Rapid deployment: The solution can be implemented in any organization within 30 minutes.

About Aparavi Software Corporation

Aparavi is the data intelligence and automation platform helping organizations find and unlock the value of data, no matter where it lives. Aparavi cloud-based platform with deep intelligence finds, automates, governs, and consolidates distributed data easily. We ensure secure access for modern data demands of analytics, machine learning, and collaboration connecting business and IT to transform data into a competitive asset. Aparavi is a privately funded company headquartered in Santa Monica, Calif. For more information, visit aparavi.com, and stay informed by following Aparavi on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Media Contact:

Tyler Bryant

[email protected]

(813)951-4169

SOURCE Aparavi

Related Links

https://aparavi.com/


FAIRFAX, Va., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ARRAY today announced a partnership with Connected Logistics, Leidos, Inc. and Onyx Government Services on a task order award under the $12.1 billion ceiling Information Technology Enterprise Solutions  3 Services contract vehicle. RF-ITV is a 5.5-year task order under which ARRAY will help operate, maintain and provide support operations for the worldwide RF-ITV system and infrastructure.

As part of RF-ITV, prime contractor Connected Logistics and team will support the U.S. Army Program Executive Office Enterprise Information Systems (PEO EIS) Automated Movement and Identification Solutions (AMIS) program office by maintaining, surveying, installing and de-installing RF-ITV network components worldwide. Connected Logistics and team will also support training and special projects.

ARRAY brings significant defense logistics experience to the RF-ITV team. The ARRAY portfolio represents an extensive collection of Army and Air Force functional and technical programs. Technically, it covers everything from main frame, COBOL- based systems, to web services, to increasingly cloud hosted applications leveraging cloud-native services. Functionally, it sustains heavy transactional workflows and massive databases for hundreds of thousands of mission users in both unclassified and classified environments, 24 hours a day, worldwide.

"We're excited for the opportunity to further extend ARRAY capabilities into the U.S. Army PEO-EIS community," said David Joslin, Chief Growth Officer of ARRAY. "This win deepens our commitment to the PEO-EIS Team and the AMIS Program Office."

The RF-ITV IV task order includes provisioning the Defense Department (DoD), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and coalition partners with logistics visibility services worldwide. It will support DoD activities including Product Lead (PL) AMIS, U.S. Army Central (ARCENT), U.S. Air Force Central (AFCENT), the U.S. Air Force (USAF), U.S. Navy (USN), U.S. Marine Corps (USMC), Missile Defense Agency (MDA), Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC), the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and others.

About ARRAY

At ARRAY, mission needs drive everything. Our mission-obsessed culture, technical expertise and deep client intimacy allow us to achieve long-term success in the defense and public sector community. With expertise in the full spectrum of application solutions to include DevSecOps, Waterfall to Agile and full application modernization, ARRAY creates solutions that optimize performance. ARRAY is made up of a strong team of talented individuals and has been recognized for its employee-centric culture, being named a Washington Post 2020 and 2021 Top Workplace. For more information, visit www.arrayinfotech.com.

Media Contact

Danielle Scotto

Lumina Communications for ARRAY

[email protected]

646-775-6303

SOURCE ARRAY Information Technology
AMSTERDAM and HUNT VALLEY, Md., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Differences in how governments have managed the pandemic may be behind contrasting results in this year's Payment Practices Barometer survey. 81% of businesses in Mexico anticipate growth over the coming year. In Canada, however, this percentage plummets to just 36%. Businesses in the U.S. reported a sentiment that falls about halfway between these two extremes.

Gordon Cessford, Regional Director for North America, said: "There will be a wealth of reasons behind this dichotomy. While the cohort of interviewees may well play a part, it is likely that businesses in each country worked through differing pandemic experiences. In Mexico, a light touch governmental approach to lockdowns meant that many businesses continued to trade without interruption. In Canada, the reverse is true."

What's more, Canada's central government implemented a raft of support measures for businesses. In Mexico, most business support was driven by local projects and implementation was patchy across different regions.

Andreas Tesch, Chief Market Officer for Atradius noted the impact that differing government fiscal policies may have played. He said, "Businesses in Canada and the U.S. may be bracing themselves for the withdrawal of government support packages during the second half of this year. Most financial observers predict an uptick in business insolvencies at this point. The pessimism expressed by businesses in Canada is likely to reflect their anticipation of a heightened risk environment."

This survey was conducted in Q2 2021, a full year after the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a global pandemic. In addition to capturing views reflecting business confidence, the survey took the pulse of business health through the key performance indicators of trade credit preferences, payment terms, DSO and credit management.

In the USMCA region, the survey revealed that more than half of all B2B sales were transacted on credit and 44% of businesses actually increased their use of credit following the outbreak of the pandemic. In terms of the three countries comprising the USMCA region, the U.S. reported the highest percentage of late payments and write-offs. Despite the optimism expressed by businesses in Mexico, the pandemic tops the list of business concerns across the region. In particular, businesses cited the unpredictability of the pandemic alongside safeguarding liquidity levels as their top two concerns.

The USMCA 2021 Atradius Payment Practices Barometer was conducted in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. The reports can be downloaded from the Atradius website at https://group.atradius.com (Publications section).

About Atradius

Atradius is a global provider of credit insurance, surety and collection services, with a strategic presence in over 50 countries. The credit insurance, bond and collection products offered by Atradius protect companies around the world against the default risks associated with selling goods and services on credit. Atradius is a member of Grupo Catalana Occidente (GCO.MC), one of the largest insurers in Spain and one of the largest credit insurers in the world. You can find more information online at https://group.atradius.com

For further information:

Head Office

Christine Gerryn

Director of Group Communication & Commercial Development

Phone.: +31-20-553-2047

E-mail: [email protected]

https://group.atradius.com

Connect with Atradius on Social Media

Twitter

LinkedIn

YouTube

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/712156/Atradius_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Atradius N.V.

Related Links

https://group.atradius.com


The event - which was spurred by Attorney Dan Newlin to do something amazing to thank our healthcare workers - took traction with an overwhelming response. Shaggy commented on the Wendy Williams show recently that over 30,000 healthcare workers from Florida registered for a chance to attend the free concert. However, Orlando Hardrock Live has a maximum capacity of 3,000 attendees. Shaggy hinted while on the Wendy Williams show that a second free concert might be announced soon for the entire Florida public. That news that came today, when Newlin announced that a second free concert starring Shaggy, Flo Rida and one other unnamed international superstar will take the stage on Saturday, September 18, 2021. All those that could not attend the Hard Rock Live Free Concert will be given VIP tickets to attend a second free concert which will be held at the Central Florida Fairgrounds Amphitheater. The last community concert Newlin threw prior to the pandemic, starring Pitbull and Nacho brought in over 50,000 attendees. Newlin predicts this concert will be bigger and better. "People want to get out and breathe, our outdoor concerts are amazing for families to come and enjoy, and it's all free," Newlin said. The second free concert, Saturday, September 18, 2021 will be open to the entire public. Newlin said, "our law firm has been voted #1 again and again, and yes, no doubt we have a great and amazing legal team, we are blessed, but that is why it is so important to give back in doing great things for our community!"
SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Partner of Del Rio & Caraway, P.C. Daniel Del Rio has been acclaimed with selection to the 2021 Northern California Super Lawyers list for his outstanding work in Sacramento, California in the following areas of legal practice:

Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff

Personal Injury - Products: Plaintiff

The 2021 edition marks an 11th consecutive year of recognition from Thomson Reuters subsidiary Super Lawyers for Attorney Del Rio. He was previously chosen for inclusion in the 2020 edition of Northern California Super Lawyers, as well as earned Rising Stars recognition from 2011 to 2019.

Every year, Super Lawyers curates its annual Super Lawyers lists to showcase premier mid- to late-career attorneys from more than 70 areas of legal practice. It also develops Rising Stars each year to recognize early career attorneysthose in the first 10 years of practice or no older than age 40who meet the legal ranking organization's high standards. No more than 5% and 2.5% of all practicing legal professionals in the U.S. are recognized in Super Lawyers and Rising Stars, respectively.

The primary aim of Super Lawyers and Rising Stars is to act as a vetted directory for those seeking legal help. Thus, the selection process is meticulous, involving third-party nomination for consideration and two separate reviews.

The Super Lawyers research team conducts the first review, delving into 12 facets of each candidate's career: settlements and verdicts, bar activity, community work, scholarly contributions, and more. Next comes the Blue Ribbon Review in which accomplished attorneys reevaluate candidates within their areas of practice to determine whether they make the cut.

With such a rigorous selection process and such little space on the Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists, it is a great accomplishment to be chosen for inclusion in either of these publications. The fact that Attorney Del Rio has made the cut for 11 consecutive years is notable and worthy of celebration.

Attorney Del Rio has also been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Sacramento Magazine, the American Society of Legal Advocates, and more. Further, he is highly regarded by his peers and clients for his continued dedication to providing attentive, effective legal representation to injured individuals throughout Sacramento.

Del Rio & Caraway, P.C. is a personal injury firm serving victims of negligence in Sacramento. To date, the firm has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for clients in cases involving motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, and catastrophic and fatal injury, among others. If you are seeking award-winning legal counsel, visit Del Rio & Caraway, P.C. at delriolawoffice.com. To learn more about Super Lawyers, kindly go to superlawyers.com.

SOURCE Del Rio & Caraway, P.C.

Related Links

https://www.delriolawoffice.com


"We listened to our customers, both researchers and clinical lab managers, to understand and address the barriers they face to buying," said Puneet Sarin, worldwide president of BD Biosciences. "Our goal is to empower them with tools and relevant scientific content to make the process of online product search and purchase faster, easier and more convenient across the complete flow cytometry continuum."

The completely overhauled online purchasing experience offers intuitive navigation, a fully integrated shopping experience, and a look and feel that addresses flow cytometry users' buying needs. Based on research conducted among end users to assess their needs and interests, BD Biosciences has improved the ability of users to find products and information so they can quickly find the right solutions needed to conduct their work more efficiently.

The new website provides updated search capabilities, robust content with more than 170 pages of new information, application data and product selection tools. Customized dashboards and quick checkout with minimal clicks, all with 24/7 order tracking and support tools are available for reagent purchases. The eCommerce capability also provides seamless integration with procurement buying systems, which allows you to see institutional pricing and get internal approvals before orders are placed.

The newly launched website is available for users in United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, with additional countries launching later this summer. For access to the new BD Biosciences website and purchasing resources visit www.bdbiosciences.com.

About BD

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. The company supports the heroes on the frontlines of health care by developing innovative technology, services and solutions that help advance both clinical therapy for patients and clinical process for health care providers. BD and its 70,000 employees have a passion and commitment to help enhance the safety and efficiency of clinicians' care delivery process, enable laboratory scientists to accurately detect disease and advance researchers' capabilities to develop the next generation of diagnostics and therapeutics. BD has a presence in virtually every country and partners with organizations around the world to address some of the most challenging global health issues. By working in close collaboration with customers, BD can help enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety and expand access to health care. For more information on BD, please visit bd.com or connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/bd1/ and Twitter @BDandCo.

The products described in this announcement are for research use only and not for diagnostic or therapeutic use.

Contacts:





Media : Investors : Brooke Houston Kristen M. Stewart, CFA Director, Public Relations SVP, Strategy & Investor Relations 908.500.0555 201.847.5378 [email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company)

Related Links

www.bd.com


LE MARS, Iowa, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Summer wouldn't be the same without ice cream parlors. This is exactly why Blue Bunny is helping parlors  the heart of fun in many communities  get back on their feet after a tough year. Starting today through Monday, July 12, ice cream parlors can head over to BlueBunny.com/HeartofFun to apply for "The Heart of Fun" grants and prizes to keep serving their local communities for years to come.*

Blue Bunny Teams up with Nate Berkus to Revive Parlors and Sponsor Free Ice Cream for the Week Following National Ice Cream Day Blue Bunny Teams up with Nate Berkus to Launch The Heart of Fun to Support Ice Cream Parlors Nationwide

Blue Bunny is teaming with celebrity designer and ice cream fanatic, Nate Berkus, to launch the search to find deserving parlors. One parlor that is committed to bringing the fun and making a positive impact in their community will receive a grand prize worth up to $55,000 that includes a grant, Blue Bunny product, a refresh of their space and a celebration in their hometown to reveal their new look later this summer. Three parlors will also each receive a prize worth $5,000 including a grant and Blue Bunny product.

"Every summer, my family's favorite thing to do is visit our local ice cream parlor. It's about more than ice cream  it's about having a place to spend quality time together and make memories," said Berkus. "I am thrilled to team up with Blue Bunny to help local communities keep their favorite parlor around for many summers to come."

In an effort to continue to boost parlor businesses this summer, Blue Bunny will also be covering the tab for people's ice cream in honor of National Ice Cream Day. The twist? Blue Bunny is celebrating the holiday for the whole week! The brand will open $1,000 tabs from July 18-25 at 25 of the parlors that enter for "The Heart of Fun." The selected parlors and schedule will be announced on BlueBunny.com on National Ice Cream Day - Sunday, July 18.

"As a family-owned company that has been bringing the fun and flavor for more than 80 years, we know ice cream parlors are such a special part of their communities," said Jamee Pearlstein, director of brand marketing for Blue Bunny. "Ice cream parlors are a part of Blue Bunny's heritage, and knowing that many have been struggling after an unprecedented year, we want to help them to continue to do what they do best  be the anchor of fun in their communities."

Visit BlueBunny.com for more information and be sure to follow along on Blue Bunny's Instagram, Facebook and Twitter with #TheHeartofFun.

*No purchase necessary. Not open to general public. Must own ice cream parlor, be 18 years or older (19 years or older in Alabama and Nebraska) and a legal resident of 48 contiguous US/DC. Ends 7/12/21. Visit bluebunny.com/heartoffun for full details and official rules.

About Blue Bunny

For more than 80 years, Blue Bunny has been bringing delicious dairy desserts made with fun, fresh ingredients to help you Find Funlightenment any place, any time. Blue Bunny offers over 75 flavors of ice cream and frozen novelty products with its Load'd lineup. Blue Bunny recently debuted Load'd Bars, a brand new, one-of-a-kind bar with two-times the mix-ins* and loaded with ooey-gooey swirls and pieces in every bite. Plus, everyone's favorite Load'd Cones are now packed with even more mix-ins than ever before and the award-winning Load'd Sundaes now come in 16 delicious flavors. For more information, visit BlueBunny.com.

*Two times the mix-ins as compared to Blue Bunny Turtle Bar.

About Wells Enterprises

Wells Enterprises, Inc. is the largest privately held, family-owned ice cream manufacturer in the United States. Founded in 1913 by Fred H. Wells, the company is still proudly owned by the Wells family today.

Wells produces more than 200 million gallons of ice cream per year and distributes products in all 50 states. Wells manufactures its signature brand Blue Bunny, lower-calorie Halo Top, the iconic Bomb Pop, and Blue Ribbon Classics.

Wells employs more than 4,000 ice cream aficionados across the country. The company is headquartered in Iowa and operates two manufacturing plants in Le Mars, Iowa, a manufacturing plant in Dunkirk, New York, a manufacturing plant in Lakewood, New Jersey, and a manufacturing facility in Henderson, Nevada. As the world's largest manufacturer of ice cream in one location, Wells has made Le Mars the "Ice Cream Capital of the World."

CONTACT: Genna S., Current Global for Blue Bunny, [email protected]

SOURCE Blue Bunny
OSLO, Norway, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Borr Drilling Limited (the "Company") (NYSE: BORR) and (OSE: BORR) has today released an investor presentation enclosed to this release and on the Company's website www.borrdrilling.com

The management of the Company will host a conference call and webcast in connection with the release of the presentation at 15:00 CET (9:00 AM New York Time) on Wednesday 7 July 2021.

In order to listen to the presentation, you may do one of the following:

a. Webcast

Please use the following link: www.incommuk.com/customers/online with access code: 678553

b. Conference Call

Dial in details, Participants:

Conference ID: 678553

Norway: 81 503 308

United Kingdom: 020 3936 2999

United States: 1 646 664 1960

All other locations: +44 20 3936 2999

Participants will be asked for their full name & Conference ID.

There will be a Q&A session after the presentation. Information on how to ask questions will be given at the beginning of the Q&A session.

Replay details:

Replay Access Number: 577398

A recording will be available until August 4, 2021 on the company's website at the "Webcast" link, or by using the following link: https://www.incommglobalevents.com/replay/6428/borr-drilling-limited-investor-presentation/

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/borr-drilling-limited/r/borr-drilling-limited---investor-presentation-and-webcast-conference-call,c3381162

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Public/16983/3381162/83a264bec5ad3e07.pdf Investor presentation July 2021

SOURCE Borr Drilling Limited
DENVER, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Bow River Capital ("Bow River") announced today that its telecommunications services platform, NextEdge, has completed the acquisitions of Atlanta-based SBS Services Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries, a portfolio company of MSouth Equity Partners, ("Tachyon") and Las Vegas-based Spectrum Services, LLC ("Spectrum").

The transactions have created a premier turnkey wireless and wireline telecommunications service provider with a coast-to-coast presence that will continue to play an important role in the nation's 5G and internet fiber buildouts. These buildouts will be a key enabler of transformational changes across industries and radically improve how people and devices connect. The deployment of the next generation of wireless and wireline technologies has the potential to create upwards of one hundred thousand skilled jobs for Americans. Across the United States, NextEdge's combined offerings provide comprehensive telecommunications infrastructure services, which address everything from site acquisition, installation, modification, and maintenance of small cell and macro sites, as well as fiber construction. The collective enterprise is uniquely positioned to continue to serve the needs of its customers and communities as it supports the deployment of the next generation of network technologies.

"Today is an exciting and transformational day for our companies, one that values the historic success of our collective operations and brings with it tremendous opportunity for our future accomplishments. Our combined companies will continue a legacy of customer centric innovation and service through an expanded platform of solutions supported by our highly experienced and dedicated workforce," said Chris Maguire, CEO of NextEdge.

"The three businesses importantly share common founding principles, core values and cultures, providing a strong foundation for the combination," said Chris Wener, CEO of Spectrum. "The complimentary nature of these businesses creates a company with a coast-to-coast footprint, including market presence in the largest wireless markets in the U.S. It also boasts full turnkey end-to-end wireless telecom services, including small cell and macro capabilities as well as wireline construction. All of these services will be performed by a combined team of 500+ who are the absolute best this industry has to offer," added Chris Amato, CEO of Tachyon.

Bow River Capital seeks to invest in leading middle market companies that advance the country's infrastructure by improving built environments and our network infrastructure. "The unification of these three businesses will strengthen our value-based customer approach by addressing complex network deployment challenges while simplifying the process for new and existing customers", commented Greg Hiatrides, Managing Director at Bow River Capital. Robert Fortier, Vice President at Bow River Capital, commented, "the evolution of connectivity and communication all depend upon a densified next generation wireless network, and we are proud to partner with the companies that are helping make this a reality. On behalf of its customers and their communities, NextEdge solves the challenges of network deployment and densification. We look forward to continuing our journey with the NextEdge team."

Harris Williams served as financial advisor to Tachyon.

KeyBank Capital Markets served as lead left arranger and administrative agent and Citizens served as lead right arranger on the credit facility for the transactions.

Greenberg Traurig served as legal counsel for Bow River.

About NextEdge: NextEdge is a leading 5G infrastructure services company that focuses on identifying, designing, engineering, constructing, installing, and maintaining 5G small cell networks. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary Modus, the Company has deployed thousands of wireless telecommunications facilities in the most challenging municipalities in the Western United States and has emerged as an industry leader in designing, building, retrofitting, and modifying these networks not only to the satisfaction of its customers but also the communities in which it works.

About Tachyon: Tachyon is based in Roswell, Georgia and provides design, construction, optimization and maintenance services for owners and operators of fiber and wireless network infrastructure. The company's principal market includes the Southeastern United States, with targeted customer programs in surrounding regions. Tachyon serves as a prime contractor to several blue-chip customers and is well-positioned to address the increased need for communications infrastructure, driven by rapidly expanding wired and mobile broadband data consumption. The combination of both businesses creates a coast-to-coast turnkey telecommunications service provider of unique scale and capability.

About Spectrum: Spectrum is based in Las Vegas, Nevada and is a leading provider of wireless infrastructure services across the telecommunications field services industry. Spectrum primarily operates in the Southwestern U.S. The company was founded in Nevada in 1994 and has 5 regional offices with approximately 70+ employees.

About MSouth: MSouth is a private equity investment firm that provides equity capital and expertise to support management teams in acquisitions and recapitalizations of lower-middle market companies typically valued between $25 million and $200 million. Based in Atlanta, with an office in Nashville, Tennessee, MSouth invests primarily in the South with a consistent focus on management buyouts of business services, specialty distribution, niche manufacturing, healthcare services and telecommunications/media companies. With over $2.2 billion under management across four funds, MSouth is a successor to Cravey, Green & Wahlen, Inc., which was founded in 1984.

About Bow River Capital: Bow River Capital is a private alternative asset management company based in Denver, Colorado focused on investing in the lower middle market in three asset classes, including private equity, real estate and software growth equity.

SOURCE Bow River Capital
"Integrating and distributing TIFIN products on the Broadridge Wealth Platform will enable advisors to deepen client relationships via personalization of service and to improve financial outcomes," said Mike Alexander, President of Wealth Management at Broadridge. "TIFIN products have repeatedly demonstrated the ability to bring unique and innovative solutions to market rapidly, and we are excited to offer our clients the opportunity to leverage these solutions both as part of our core wealth offerings and best-in-class fintech solutions."

Broadridge will integrate with and provide distribution for TIFIN solutions including Positivly , Magnifi , Louise , and Totum , each of which addresses friction in the wealth tech industry. The first product to be distributed through Broadridge is Positivly, an advice personalization platform that enables advisors to tailor proposals and portfolios to each client's unique and holistic financial personality. Advisors will benefit from accelerated practice growth, as they attract and retain more investors who value personalization, instead of one-size-fits-all portfolios. Positivly will be available alongside Broadridge's premium digital marketing offering including websites and personalized digital content.

"We are excited for this strategic partnership with Broadridge and its next-generation front-to-back industry wealth platform as it helps wealth managers grow their businesses through personalization," said Dr. Vinay Nair , Founder, Chairman and CEO of TIFIN "Broadridge has the scale of distribution and complementary wealth offerings to further our core mission at TIFIN -- make investing a more meaningful and relevant component of millions of individuals' financial well-being."

TIFIN's twelve fintech operating companies are all inspired to deliver better portfolio outcomes through a more personalized experience for investors, while accelerating organic growth for advisors and asset managers. TIFIN's innovation capabilities are centered around proven science, investment management, software, and algo technology. This combination of "fin" and "tech" is used to seamlessly allow greater asset flow for asset managers and higher organic growth for financial advisors.

Additional integrated offerings are planned with products that leverage Broadridge's proprietary technologies in artificial intelligence, marketing content and holistic client centric data aggregation.

About TIFIN

TIFIN, also known as THE TIFIN GROUP, is shaping the future of investor experience with a platform of intelligent products that recognize the uniqueness of each investor. Powered by an ecosystem of leaders in finance and technology, TIFIN builds next-gen products by combining investment intelligence, data science, and technology to make investing a more powerful driver of financial wellbeing.

About Broadridge

Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE: BR), a global Fintech leader with over $4.5 billion in revenues, provides the critical infrastructure that powers investing, corporate governance, and communications to enable better financial lives. We deliver technology-driven solutions to banks, broker-dealers, asset and wealth managers and public companies. Broadridge's infrastructure serves as a global communications hub enabling corporate governance by linking thousands of public companies and mutual funds to tens of millions of individual and institutional investors around the world. In addition, Broadridge's technology and operations platforms underpin the daily trading of on average more than U.S. $10 trillion of equities, fixed income and other securities globally. A certified Great Place to Work, Broadridge is a part of the S&P 500 Index, employing over 12,000 associates in 21 countries.

For more information about us and what we can do for you, please visit www.broadridge.com.

Investors:

W. Edings Thibault

Head of Investor Relations, Broadridge

+1 516-472-5129

[email protected]

Media Contacts:

TIFIN:

Deborah Kostroun

[email protected]

201.403.8185

Broadridge:

Tina Wadhwa

Corporate Communications, Broadridge

+1 212-973-6164

[email protected]

SOURCE TIFIN

Related Links

https://tifin.com/


CAE drove a pipeline of solutions and humanitarian actions to fight COVID-19 across FY21

CAE became the first carbon neutral Canadian aerospace company

CAE expands its ESG disclosure by introducing a new section aligned to the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB)

MONTREAL, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - CAE issued its FY21 Annual Activity and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report, a single source of information in key areas demonstrating how our solutions and activities generate benefits across the three central dimensions of sustainability: economic, environmental and social.

During fiscal 2021, CAE furthered its social impact and took leadership in the fight against COVID-19, namely by designing and delivering the life-saving CAE Air1 ventilator and by introducing the CAE Injection mobile app. CAE also played an instrumental role by spearheading the Industry for Vaccination coalition to gather support from companies across Canada to accelerate mass vaccination through the private sector, in turn, restarting the economy as soon as possible. As a trailblazer, CAE opened the first workplace vaccination centre in Quebec at CAE headquarters on April 26 and has administered more than 20,000 doses of vaccines since then and expects to double this number.

In addition to its Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and TCFD reporting, as of FY21, CAE reports on two industrial categories identified by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB).

The report also includes information on CAE's journey to become carbon neutral in September 2020, the evolution of CAE's sourcing practices to ensure responsible procurement by integrating labour, environment and anti-corruption considerations as well as Diversity & Inclusion initiatives into its global strategic sourcing tools and processes. The report can be downloaded at https://www.cae.com/social-responsibility/

"I am proud of the many contributions CAE makes to the communities in which we operate. Our 10,000-plus employees worldwide rallied to achieve incredible results through their ingenuity, resiliency, unfaltering customer support and humanitarian efforts,'' said Marc Parent, CAE's President and Chief Executive Officer. ''While seizing on the challenges of COVID-19, we identified opportunities to apply our innovative skills and agility. We lent a strong hand to our customers around the world, offering critical support in this shared crisis of humanity.''

This year's report has been enhanced to achieve further transparency in CAE's disclosure:

As of FY21, CAE reports on two industrial categories identified by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB): Aerospace & Defence, as well as Professional & Commercial Services.

CAE met its FY21 phase one commitment of its five selected United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) by articulating the relations of the five selected SDGs to CAE's value chain, by relating these five goals to CAE's mission, vision and ESG priorities and by showing the correspondence between material topics and these SDGs.

CAE has reported progress on its Global Strategic Sourcing (GSS) CSR roadmap 2020-2023 and built the foundation for GSS' transformation by implementing three key pillars: Digitalization (process), Commercial Management Group (risk) and Supply Chain Operation Excellence (growth).

As a leading high-technology solutions provider, and a partner in academic and industry initiatives, CAE continues to advance on fully integrating sustainability practices in connection with business activities, build on our diversity and inclusion culture and continue to promote a high-level of transparency, public engagement and accountability.

View a short video overview of the report here: https://bit.ly/3jQVVP5

The full report can be downloaded at www.cae.com/investors/financial-reports.

Contacts

GENERAL MEDIA

Helene V. Gagnon

Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, Global Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility

+1 514-340-5536

Send an email

INVESTOR RELATIONS

Andrew Arnovitz

Senior Vice President, Strategy and Investor Relations

+1-514-734-5760

Send an email

SOURCE CAE INC.

Related Links

http://www.cae.com/


TEL AVIV, Israel and BETHESDA, Md., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cannabics Pharmaceuticals Inc. (OTCQB: CNBX), a global leader in the development of cancer related cannabinoid-based medicine, announced today that it has appointed Dr. Inbar Maymon-Pomeranchik to its Board of Directors as an Independent Director. Dr. Maymon-Pomeranchik, 43, is trained as a molecular and genetic researcher holding a PhD from the Hebrew University, and brings nearly 20 years of executive level experience in biotech sciences, with particular expertise in the global medical cannabis industry. Dr. Maymon-Pomeranchik also serves on the boards of several public companies.

Dr. Inbar Maymon-Pomeranchik, Board Member, Cannabics Pharmaceuticals

Co-founder and CEO Eyal Barad commented "As a new Independent Director, Inbar undoubtedly brings significant added value to our company, given her extensive global executive experience in our industry, in leadership positions, as well as her deep scientific knowledge in technical analysis of new and innovative technologies. We look forward to working with Inbar towards expanding our technological capabilities laterally into new and emerging market opportunities."

Dr. Inbar Maymon-Pomeranchik noted "It is a great honor to join the Board of Directors of Cannabics Pharmaceuticals. Cannabics is a known leader in the development of anti-cancer medicines based on cannabinoid molecules, and I am excited to become part of the company's plan to enter FDA approval tracks for its growing pipeline of potential drug candidates. I look forward to working with the company Board to create value for our shareholders."

About Dr. Inbar Maymon Pomeranchik:

Dr. Maymon-Pomeranchik is the founder & CEO of AgChimedes Group Ltd., a company focused on the convergence of science, innovation and investment in the field of food security; she also founded BioDiligence, a biotech investment consultancy; Executive Director of Ananda Developments Pls (UK), an investment and operational firm that targets medicinal cannabis derivatives for research and development; a Director of NRGene (Israel), a company that develops and commercializes cutting-edge AI based genomic tools, and an Advisory Board member of Avida Global Ltd. (UK/Columbia), Avida is a leading licensed producer of pharmaceutical grade cannabis extract for scientific and medical use. Dr. Maymon-Pomeranchik holds a PhD in plants science and molecular biology from the Hebrew University (2008) and a Post Doctorate from the Weizmann Institute (2010).

About Cannabics Pharmaceuticals:

Cannabics Pharmaceuticals Inc. (OTCQB: CNBX) is a U.S. public company and a global leader in the development of cancer related cannabinoid-based medicine. The Company's R&D is based in Israel, where it is licensed by the Ministry of Health to conduct scientific and clinical research on cannabinoid formulations and cancer. For more information, please visit www.cannabics.com. For the latest updates on Cannabics Pharmaceuticals follow the Company on Twitter @Cannabics, Facebook @CannabicsPharmaceuticals, LinkedIn, and on Instagram @Cannabics_Pharmaceuticals.

Disclaimer:

Certain statements contained in this release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other U.S. Federal securities laws. Such statements include but are not limited to statements identified by words such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "intends," "plans," "targets," "projects" and similar expressions. The statements in this release are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our Company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those outlined in the forward-looking statements. Numerous factors could cause or contribute to such differences, including, but not limited to, results of clinical trials and other studies, the challenges inherent in new product development initiatives, the effect of any competitive products, our ability to license and protect our intellectual property, our ability to raise additional capital in the future that is necessary to maintain our business, changes in government policy and regulation, potential litigation by or against us, any governmental review of our products or practices, as well as other risks discussed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including, without limitation, our latest 10-Q Report filed April 14th, 2021. We undertake no duty to update any forward-looking statement or any information contained in this press release or other public disclosures at any time. Finally, the investing public is reminded that the only announcements or information about Cannabics Pharmaceuticals Inc., which are condoned by the Company, must emanate from the Company itself and bear our name as its source.

For more information about Cannabics:

Cannabics Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Phone: +1-(877)-424-2429

[email protected]

http://www.Cannabics.com

Related Links

https://www.cannabics.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1559010/Dr_Inbar_Maymon_Pomeranchik.jpg

SOURCE Cannabics Pharmaceuticals Inc.
SAN DIEGO, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Drew Louis, CEO of Del Toro Loan Servicing, Inc., a San Diego based provider of services for the Private Lending industry, has acquired Evergreen Escrow, Inc.

Evergreen, with offices in Washington, Arizona, and Nevada, has been one of the industry's largest and most trusted service providers for 40 years. It is estimated that together, they will oversee a portfolio of $3.5B for 30,000 customers in 14 states.

While the move to acquire Evergreen officially started in late 2020, Louis says that the seed was planted 15 years ago: "This is more than a great business arrangement; it is personal as well. You see, I "borrowed" a lot from Evergreen when my wife (Liz) and I started Del Toro in June 2006; things have come full circle. Phil (Dryden) and his wife Aimee built something very impressive, and I am humbled to be a part of such a great brand. Despite Evergreen's large size, it has all the qualities of a family business, much like the culture we have at Del Toro."

Del Toro CFO, Enrique Flores commented, "The companies compliment each other perfectly. The acquisition of Evergreen fits well into Del Toro's strategy to increase its footprint in the Western States and to standardize the services, and the level of service, available to the Private Lending community."

Private Money Lending is when an individual or small business loans another investor or company their own personal funds to use for investment purposes. Most rehab / fix and flip loans are funded through Private Lenders because they can close quicker, and with fewer hoops to jump through, than conventional banks. Del Toro assists these lenders by preparing the loan paperwork and coordinating with the borrower, escrow, and title companies to close the transaction. After closing, they collect payments, disburse construction holdbacks, and provide general customer service to the parties.

Visit Del Toro at: www.DelToroLoanServicing.com

SOURCE Del Toro Loan Servicing

Related Links

www.deltoroloanservicing.com


DENVER, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cimarex Energy Co. (NYSE: XEC) will hold its quarterly earnings conference call on Thursday, August 5, 2021 at 11:00 AM ET (9:00 AM MT). The Company plans to announce second-quarter 2021 results before the market opens on August 5.

Conference Call Information

Date: Thursday, August 5, 2021

Time: 11:00 AM ET / 9:00 AM MT

Dial-in (for callers in the U.S.): (866) 367-3053

Dial-in (for callers in Canada): (855) 669-9657

Intl. dial-in: (412) 902-4216

To access the live webcast, visit the "Events & Presentations" page under the "Investor Relations" section of the Company's website at www.cimarex.com. The replay will be archived and available at the same location after the conclusion of the live event.

Cimarex Energy

Denver-based Cimarex Energy Co. is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company with principal operations in the Permian Basin and Mid-Continent areas of the U.S. For more information about Cimarex, visit www.cimarex.com.

SOURCE Cimarex Energy Co.

Related Links

www.cimarex.com


VANCOUVER, July 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- City Office REIT, Inc. (NYSE: CIO) ("City Office" or the "Company") announced today it will release its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, before the market opens on Thursday, August 5, 2021.

City Office's management will hold a conference call at 11:00 am Eastern Time on August 5, 2021 to discuss the Company's financial results. Additionally, a supplemental financial package to accompany the discussion of the results will be posted on www.cioreit.com.

Webcast

Click on the webcast link under the "Investor Relations" section of the Company's website at www.cioreit.com.

Telephone Conference Call

Domestic: 1-866-262-0919

International: 1-412-902-4106

To listen to the call, participants can reference the City Office REIT Second Quarter 2021 Earnings Call. Please dial in at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.

Conference Call Replay

Domestic: 1-877-344-7529

International: 1-412-317-0088

Passcode: 10157564

A replay of the call will be available later in the day on August 5, 2021, continuing through 11:59 pm Eastern Time on November 5, 2021. A replay will also be available at "Webcasts & Events" in the "Investor Relations" section of the Company's website.

About City Office REIT, Inc.

City Office REIT is an internally-managed real estate company focused on acquiring, owning and operating high-quality office properties located in leading 18-hour cities in the Southern and Western United States. City Office currently owns or has a controlling interest in 5.5 million square feet of office properties. The Company has elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Contact

City Office REIT, Inc.

Anthony Maretic, CFO

+1-604-806-3366

[email protected]

SOURCE City Office REIT, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.cityofficereit.com


LONDON, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarivate Plc (NYSE: CLVT), a global leader in providing trusted information and insights to accelerate the pace of innovation, today unveiled significant enhancements to the Web of Science offering researchers a highly dynamic, personal and indispensable research assistant through a host of new features and a redesigned user interface.

The Web of Science is the world's most trusted publisher-independent global citation database, home to an unrivalled breadth of world-class research literature linked to a rigorously selected core of journals. It enables the global research community to track ideas across disciplines and time from almost 1.9 billion cited references from over 171 million records.

The new Web of Science simplifies how the index's world-class data and analytics are presented, accessed and used, allowing for a smooth and intuitive user experience. The new features include:

The Web of Science Author Impact Beamplots  A new visualization tool that showcases the range of a researcher's publication and citation impact in a single data exhibit. Any researcher with publications in the Web of Science Core Collection can examine their own beamplot, providing contextual insights around their personal research performance to better support responsible research evaluation.

 A new visualization tool that showcases the range of a researcher's publication and citation impact in a single data exhibit. Any researcher with publications in the Web of Science Core Collection can examine their own beamplot, providing contextual insights around their personal research performance to better support responsible research evaluation. Enriched Cited References (Beta)  Selected journals now feature a new visualization tool which helps researchers navigate cited references by time, proximity, location and number of citations. This additional context around citation showcases the author's intent and helps to gauge overall impact.

 Selected journals now feature a new visualization tool which helps researchers navigate cited references by time, proximity, location and number of citations. This additional context around citation showcases the author's intent and helps to gauge overall impact. Funding data  Every publication linked to a funded project now features additional information such as Award Date, Total Award Amount, Primary Investigator and more. The funding details are captured directly from online grant repositories hosted by funding agencies from a wide range of funding bodies and support more comprehensive research assessment.

 Every publication linked to a funded project now features additional information such as Award Date, Total Award Amount, Primary Investigator and more. The funding details are captured directly from online grant repositories hosted by funding agencies from a wide range of funding bodies and support more comprehensive research assessment. Patent to article citations  Researchers now have a simplified view of patent families in a single table and 50% more patent-to-article citation links when querying the Derwent Innovations Index from the Web of Science. Clearly displaying the links between research and patents helps researchers demonstrate impact and aids discovery of specific research linking to patents.

 Researchers now have a simplified view of patent families in a single table and 50% more patent-to-article citation links when querying the Derwent Innovations Index from the Web of Science. Clearly displaying the links between research and patents helps researchers demonstrate impact and aids discovery of specific research linking to patents. Share a search query  It is now possible to copy a search query in the Web of Science, making it easier to share searches directly with other researchers and supporting collaboration.

 It is now possible to copy a search query in the Web of Science, making it easier to share searches directly with other researchers and supporting collaboration. Advanced search workflow  Now includes a query builder that re-uses the search history to make precision searching easier and faster for all users.

 Now includes a query builder that re-uses the search history to make precision searching easier and faster for all users. Export Citation Report  Streamlined data export workflow so users may export up to 1,000 records at one time, saving them time and simplifying complex data pulling.

 Streamlined data export workflow so users may export up to 1,000 records at one time, saving them time and simplifying complex data pulling. Export into RIS reference format  Users can now export into the RIS reference format from the Web of Science Core Collection, into EndNote and many other bibliographic management tools, providing more choice for researchers.

 Users can now export into the RIS reference format from the Web of Science Core Collection, into EndNote and many other bibliographic management tools, providing more choice for researchers. Article recommendations  A new feature to encourage serendipitous discovery, helping researchers uncover papers that they might not have found with their search strategy.

The new Web of Science is also designed to support a range of future developments, including personalized home pages, author alerts and article-level metrics. It works in tandem with My Research Assistant, the mobile application that enables scientific researchers to easily search, save and share Web of Science publication records using their mobile devices. The app ensures researchers can stay informed of the latest research developments within their personal and professional fields of interest, with the ability to search and save research publication records, create reading lists and curate a personalized feed that reflects their chosen topics of interest  wherever they might be.

Keith Collier, Senior Vice President of Product, Science at Clarivate said: "The new Web of Science enables the research community to turn great ideas into real world outcomes. We have invested in advanced resources and tools designed to accelerate the pace of discovery and improve the researcher experience to create the most powerful Web of Science yet  intuitively delivering what researchers need, when they need it, wherever they are."

Clarivate has sought extensive feedback from customers in building the new Web of Science, which has been available for preview since November 2020. The application now offers researchers a more responsive and personalized user experience through improved search capabilities, faster page loads, greater accessibility for the visually or physically impaired, and more responsive design for mobile viewing.

Read more about the transformation of the new Web of Science into a dynamic and highly personal research intelligence solution on our blog.

Clarivate is a global leader in providing solutions to accelerate the lifecycle of innovation. Our bold mission is to help customers solve some of the world's most complex problems by providing actionable information and insights that reduce the time from new ideas to life-changing inventions in the areas of science and intellectual property. We help customers discover, protect and commercialize their inventions using our trusted subscription and technology-based solutions coupled with deep domain expertise. For more information, please visit clarivate.com.

Media Contact

Rebecca Krahenbuhl

External Communications Manager, Science

[email protected]

SOURCE Clarivate Plc
PHILADELPHIA, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Daddy University was founded in 2004 by Joel Austin and Edward McGee. The company recently celebrated its 17th anniversary. Daddy University knows how important fathers are to their children's developmental needs. Therefore, Daddy University offers a wide variety of programs to support fathers.

Through programs such as the Parent Academy, Father's Club, and Doulas 4 Dads, Daddy University is supporting fathers through all stages of their children's lives. Daddy University has made a commitment to the future of fatherhood. As Daddy University continues to grow and develop programs to help fathers, they recently launched their Doulas 4 Dads program.

Doulas 4 Dads is the first all-male doula program in the country. Daddy University's postpartum doula program helps to educate fathers on caring for their newborn(s), development, health, and more.

"Daddy University continues to support fathers with much needed programming. With the right support, our clients can better support their children's needs and those of the mother as well".

- Joel B. Austin, President & CEO, Daddy University Inc.

In the fall of 2021, Daddy University is also launching Delta Alpha Delta, their fatherhood fraternity which will allow fathers to connect with one another, become advocates for father involvement and allow them to get more involved with their communities through community engagement.

Along with their programs, Daddy University keeps fathers in mind when it comes to advocacy. They provide fathers with educational tools, groups for fathers to join where they can share information and their experiences, quality time suggestions, help with legal issues, and so much more.

Daddy University is an inclusive foundation for fatherhood. They provide fathers with administrative and academic workshops and are clear on their mission to educate fathers about the importance of their role and the responsibility they have.

About Daddy University Inc.

Daddy University Inc., the longest-running male parenting company in the United States, is providing fathers with the education, support, and resources necessary so they can better serve their children's needs. Visit Daddy University Inc. online at www.daddyuniv.com

Media Contact

Teresa M. Lundy

TML Communications

E: [email protected]

O: 215-500-8749

SOURCE Daddy University Inc.

Related Links

https://daddyuniv.com/17yearanniversary/


NEW YORK, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Fact.MR's latest study on ductile iron pipes demand outlook projects robust growth between 2021 and 2031. As per the report, the market is expected to register growth at 6% CAGR. The demand for ductile pipes will surge in response to the adoption of water supply policies.

700 to 1,000 diameter ductile iron pipes will witness extensive demand and account for  market share due to their longer lifespan and reliability.

Ductile iron pipes find application in public infrastructure for potable water distribution, irrigation, mining, sewage, and waste water transportation. It is estimated that ductile iron pipes sales will rise in response to increasing government spending on water infrastructure across globe.

Ductile iron pipe sales trend in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman are expected to remain positive. As per Fact MR, ductile iron pipes sales accounted for US$ 425 Mn in GCC countries in 2020. Government investment towards water desalination and transportation projects will continue creating opportunities for growth.

For instance, in 2020, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) started a multi-million-dollar government funded project focusing on water desalination and transportation of desalinated water for public welfare. This project has created opportunities for prominent DIP manufacturers such as Saint Gobain, Jindal SAW, and Kubota to increase market revenues.

In 2020, ACCIONA planned to construct a fifth desalination plant valued at US$ 384 Mn in Saudi Arabia to improve water supply in Southwest Saud Arabia.

"Key players are focusing on capacity expansion to cater to the increasing demand for earthquake resistance ductile iron pipe (ERDIP) pipes. Besides this, there is increasing emphasis on increasing production capacity to gain competitive edge," said a Fact MR analyst.

Request a report sample to gain comprehensive insights at

https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=4182

Key Takeaways from Ductile Iron Pipes Market Research Report:

China is anticipated to exhibit high ductile iron pipes sales owing to rising population and increasing number of water treatment plants to cater to the rising water needs.

is anticipated to exhibit high ductile iron pipes sales owing to rising population and increasing number of water treatment plants to cater to the rising water needs. India will continue accounting for high sales in South Asia backed by presence of some of the leading companies such as Jai Balaji , Jindal SAW, and Electro steel that strengthen the market.

will continue accounting for high sales in backed by presence of some of the leading companies such as , Jindal SAW, and Electro steel that strengthen the market. The Middle East and Africa will remain highly lucrative for ductile iron pipe sales, owing to extensive focus on ensuring clean water supply to citizens in the region

and will remain highly lucrative for ductile iron pipe sales, owing to extensive focus on ensuring clean water supply to citizens in the region By segment, DN 700 - DN 1,000 segment will continue to dominate demand for ductile iron pipes due to its high reliability.

Growth drivers:

Rising number of smart city and infrastructure development projects are driving ductile iron pipe sales.

Increasing advancements for sanitation in urban areas are encouraging governments to start water and waste water management projects. Thus, it is creating opportunities for in the ductile iron pipes market.

Rising awareness regarding clean and safe drinking water will offer significant growth opportunities.

Stringent regulations implemented to ensure wastewater management and agricultural irrigation are bolstering prospects for ductile cast iron pipes sales.

Key restraints:

Stringent government regulations and implementation of tariffs on the imports from foreign players are impeding market growth in some countries.

Request Customization of Ductile Iron Pipes Market at:

https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=RC&rep_id=4182

Competitive Landscape

Key companies are focusing on product launches and import strategies to increase market revenue. Strategies adopted by them also include innovation, collaborations with key players, partnerships, strategic alliances, and strengthening of regional and global distribution networks. For instance,

In 2021, Jindal SAW Ltd initiated to supply ductile iron pipes for 3 projects of Etihad Water and Electricity in Northern Emirates, divided into 43.5 km, 17.7 km and 42 Km. Supply of Dip has begun in April 2021 . Along with the existing project, company also agreed to support all upcoming U.A.E. projects as well.

and Electricity in Northern Emirates, divided into 43.5 km, 17.7 km and 42 Km. Supply of Dip has begun in . Along with the existing project, company also agreed to support all upcoming U.A.E. projects as well. In August 2019 , Tata Metaliks has announced a project to double its production capacity of ductile iron pipes by the end of 2021.Company is focusing on to increase percentage contribution of ductile iron pipes segment from 55% to 70% with this strategic move.

Key players operating in the global ductile iron pipes market include

Saint Gobain PAM

Jindal SAW Ltd.

Kubota Corporation

Tata Metaliks

Saudi Arabian AMINTIT

U.S. Pipe

McWane Inc.

Construtec Ductile

American Cast Iron Pipe Company

Duktus (Wetzlar) GmbH & Co. KG

Electrosteel Steels Ltd.

Svobodny Sokol Poland

CNBM International Corporation

Electrotherm

Kurimoto, Ltd. and many others

More Insights on the Ductile Iron Pipes Sales Outlook:

Fact MR provides an unbiased analysis of the ductile iron pipes market, presenting historical demand data (2016-2020) and forecast statistics for the period from 2021-2031. The study divulges compelling insights on the global ductile iron pipes market with a detailed segmentation on the basis of:

Diameter

DN 80 - DN 300 Ductile Iron Pipes

DN 350 - DN 600 Ductile Iron Pipes

DN 700 - DN 1000 Ductile Iron Pipes

DN 1200 - DN 2000 Ductile Iron Pipes

DN 2000 & Above Ductile Iron Pipes

Application

Ductile Iron Pipes for Potable Water Distribution

Ductile Iron Pipes for Sewage & Wastewater

Ductile Iron Pipes for Irrigation

Ductile Iron Pipes for Mining

Centrifugal DI Pipes

Others

By External Protection

Zn/Zn-Al + Bitumen/Epoxy Ductile Iron Pipes

PE Ductile Iron Pipes

PU Ductile Iron Pipes

Ceramic Epoxy Ductile Iron Pipes

Electrosteel DI Pipes

By Sales Channel

Direct Sales of Ductile Iron Pipes

Indirect Sales of Ductile Iron Pipes

Key Questions Covered in the Ductile Iron Pipes Market Report

The report offers detailed insights into ductile iron pipes demand outlook for 2021-2031

The market study also highlights projected sales growth of ductile iron pipes between 2021 and 2031

Ductile iron pipes sales outlook survey identifies key growth drivers, restraints, and other forces impacting prevailing trends and evaluation of current market size and forecast and technological advancements within the industry

Ductile iron pipes market share analysis of the key companies within the industry and coverage of strategies such as mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, collaborations or partnerships, and others

Explore Fact.MR's Coverage on the Chemical & Materials Domain -

Amorphous Iron (Fe Amorphous) Market- Amorphous iron is likely to find multiple applications as a conducting, magnetic material in a wide range of end-use applications as energy costs rise and awareness of energy conservation through the use of various electrical appliances grows. The popularity of amorphous iron as a magnetic material to improve the operational efficiency of diverse equipment is increasing as awareness of the environmental implications of equipment with low energy efficiency grows.

Seamless Steel Pipes Market- Due to their numerous advantages over older piping methods, such as ERW (electric resistance welding) pipes, demand for seamless steel pipes has gradually increased over the last half-decade. In addition, rising demand for oil and gas, chemicals, and associated products is fueling overall market expansion. North America, notably the United States, has the biggest demand for seamless steel pipes due to the vast number of oil refineries, nuclear power facilities, and automobile industries.

HDPE Pipes Market- Drinking water is delivered by HDPE pipes. Water shortages are affecting local businesses and community living conditions in a number of places throughout the world. The respective governments are undertaking programs to upgrade their `water infrastructure and drinking water systems, which will inevitably boost HDPE pipe growth in the next years. The market for HDPE pipes is expected to rise due to the constant demand for water infrastructure in all emerging regions.

About Fact.MR

Market research and consulting agency with a difference! That's why 80% of Fortune 1,000 companies trust us for making their most critical decisions. We have offices in US and Dublin, whereas our global headquarter is in Dubai. While our experienced consultants employ the latest technologies to extract hard-to-find insights, we believe our USP is the trust clients have on our expertise. Spanning a wide range  from automotive & chemicals and materials to healthcare & retail, our coverage is expansive, but we ensure even the most niche categories are analyzed. Reach out to us with your goals, and we'll be an able research partner.

Contact:

Mahendra Singh

US Sales Office

11140 Rockville Pike

Suite 400

Rockville, MD 20852

United States

Tel: +1 (628) 251-1583

E: [email protected]

SOURCE Fact.MR
OSLO, Norway and CHICAGO, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- DigiPlex, a leading Nordic developer and operator of scalable, secure and sustainable data centers, has agreed to be acquired by affiliates of IPI Partners, LLC, a global investment platform focused exclusively on data centers and other technology and connectivity-related real assets ("IPI"). Through the transaction, which is expected to close in Q3 2021, IPI will acquire 100% ownership of all DigiPlex Group companies. It is expected that on or around closing of the transaction, a call notice will be served on holders of bonds issued by Norwegian DigiPlex entities as issuers listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange for their early redemption in accordance with their terms.

DigiPlex operates eight data centers across campuses in the key Nordic markets of Oslo, Norway; Stockholm, Sweden; and Copenhagen, Denmark with a combined footprint of 21,000m built whitespace plus over 400,000m of land currently available for customer expansion. The company has long been committed to the premise that digital transformation and sustainability should advance hand in hand and has won several awards for its energy efficient innovations and sustainability initiatives. DigiPlex's technologically advanced facilities are powered by 100% sustainable sources.

Through the acquisition of DigiPlex, IPI will gain a significant leadership position in Northern Europe. The transaction brings IPI an immediate strong presence in the region as well as capacity for expansion to accommodate the requirements of hyperscalers and major colocation tenants. DigiPlex's long and successful history of developing campuses for customers will be leveraged to rapidly expand into complementary markets in Europe. For DigiPlex, the transaction provides capital, expertise and relationships to amplify its next stage of growth within the Nordics and beyond. DigiPlex is IPI's second acquisition in Europe, following the purchase of Milan-based SUPERNAP Italia in February 2021.

IPI specializes in acquiring, developing, leasing, and operating critical digital infrastructure assets to serve the needs of large, high quality technology companies globally. Co-sponsored by ICONIQ Capital, LLC and an affiliate of Iron Point Partners, LLC, IPI leverages the combined leadership, strategic experience and global network of its sponsoring firms. Over the past five years, IPI has built one of the world's largest privately held data center portfolios focused on the hyperscale and enterprise markets and raised more than $5.25 billion in total equity capital commitments.

"DigiPlex is a market leader in the high-growth Nordic data center sector and we have long admired the quality of its management, employees and business strategy. With DigiPlex's existing scaled presence and deep development expertise, we will significantly expand our hyperscale-focused data center portfolio in Europe, a key region of focus for IPI," commented Matt A'Hearn, Partner at IPI. "We are excited to partner with the DigiPlex team to further realize on the company's tremendous growth potential. Utilizing our network and existing businesses, we believe we can together build a platform that meets the rapidly evolving needs of the digital economy in the Nordics and beyond."

J. Byrne Murphy, founder and Chairman of DigiPlex for the last 20 years, added, "What DigiPlex has achieved over the past 20 years is an amazing accomplishment and a testament to the incredible people who work there. It is the right time to give DigiPlex extended firepower to capitalize on its advantages and benefit from the next wave of growth in the industry. It is also crucial to me and to my partner, Bill Conway, to hand DigiPlex off to new owners who recognize and support its people, culture, experience, and customers, as well as the communities in which it operates."

Wiljar Nesse, CEO of DigiPlex, added, "At a time of rapid growth for the industry, IPI provides near-term scalability to DigiPlex. New capital, as well as a global footprint and access to global supply chains, relationships and customers, are expected to supercharge our growth, enabling us to continue meeting the hyperscale demand that we are experiencing. We believe this acquisition is an acknowledgement of our strong customer relationships and proven business model, and that employees and customers alike will benefit as we accelerate our plans and expand our vision in partnership with IPI."

RBC Capital Markets served as the exclusive financial advisor while Latham & Watkins and Wikborg Rein served as legal advisors to DigiPlex in connection with this transaction. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, Schjodt, and Lundgrens served as legal advisors to IPI. Deutsche Bank Credit Solutions and Direct Lending acted as Mandated Lead Arranger.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Connect with DigiPlex

For more information please contact:

DigiPlex

Elisabeth Lennhede, Head of Communications, DigiPlex

[email protected]

+46 70 33 22 705

IPI

Alyssa Lorenzo/Tim Amoui/Michelle van Wyk

Sard Verbinnen & Co.

+1 310.201.2040

[email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/digiplex/r/digiplex-to-be-acquired-by-ipi-partners,c3375759

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/7526/3375759/1442010.pdf 210707_DigiPlex to be Acquired by IPI Partners FINAL https://news.cision.com/digiplex/i/byrne-murphy-chairman-digiplex,c2933589 Byrne Murphy Chairman DigiPlex https://news.cision.com/digiplex/i/matt-a-hearn-ipi-partners,c2933587 Matt A'Hearn IPI Partners https://news.cision.com/digiplex/i/wiljar-nesse--ceo--digiplex,c2933588 Wiljar Nesse, CEO, DigiPlex https://news.cision.com/digiplex/i/ipi-logo,c2934055 IPI Logo

SOURCE DigiPlex
MIAMI, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- EcoSystems, a leader in water and energy conservation for the real estate industry, today announces the firm has reached a significant milestone in environmental impact4 billion gallons of water saved. By focusing on the root causes of the 1 trillion gallons of water US homes waste each year, EcoSystems is saving our most valuable resource, while turning an ROI for property owners. Replacing leaky toilets, which can waste more than 6,000 gallons a month per toilet, as well as upgrading bathroom and kitchen sink fixtures to the latest water conservation technology, continue to produce great results for the environment when implemented at scale. In tandem, EcoSystems' energy efficiency efforts have prevented over 100,000 tons of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere.

EcoSystems

EcoSystems' Co-CEOs and Co-Founders, Richard and Lawrence Lamondin shared, "We could not have reached these ambitious goals without the hard work of our in-house teams, and the commitment of our amazing partners. For the last nine years, we have worked tirelessly to perfect our model and grow our impact. What began as an untapped solution for real estate properties to save on their water and energy bills has turned into a conservation company with national impact. At a time when policymakers are failing to address issues surrounding our environment, the climate emergency, sea-level rise, and housing affordability, we are excited to continue to address these challenges."

Top Conservation Projects By State

EcoSystems partners with leading real estate investment and property management groups across the U.S. to bring conservation to the forefrontimpacting their bottom line and the environment by reducing their water usage. Some of the firm's most memorable and impactful projects are reflected in the chart.

Memorable Conservation Projects

EcoSystems has upgraded 82 properties in Florida, with one of the most impactful being Heron Lake, a 264-unit community in Kissimmee jointly owned by Carroll and PGIM Real Estate. Prior to water efficiency upgrades, Heron Lake was spending more than $240,000 per year on water utilities. After upgrading water fixtures in 416 bathrooms, the property saw a savings of 37%, with their bills reducing to just over $147,000 annually.

In Lubbock, Texas, in partnership with Monarch Investments & Management Group, EcoSystems upgraded 553 bathrooms at Ashton Pointe, a 366-unit complex. The efforts cut the property's utility bills by 35% and resulted in a seven-month ROI. To date, Ashton Pointe's efficiency upgrades have saved more than 11,712,000 gallons of water and prevented more than 500 tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.

In 2019, EcoSystems achieved a record-setting rebate for Edgewater at Sandy Springs in Atlanta, Georgia. Together with NXRT and BH Management, the property's water and energy conservation efforts--which included 1,171 bathroom retrofits completed in 46 days--secured a rebate from the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management for $117,000, the largest in the City's history of refunds at the time.

"We appreciate all who have joined us in making an impact and we hope to continue to partner as we strive towards 10 billion gallons saved. We also invite our communities to stand with us as we educate entities, governments, businesses, and people that we must change how we build and interact with water altogether," added Richard Lamondin.

For information on water and energy efficiency upgrades and to learn more about how conservation is good for business, visit www.ecosystems.com.

About EcoSystems

EcoSystems is a water and energy conservation company whose mission is to address the challenges of water security, housing affordability, climate change, and sea-level riseall while proving that conservation is good for business. The firm, founded by brothers Richard and Lawrence Lamondin, earned the rank of 48 on the 2020 Inc. 5000. Their programs have made a significant impact on more than 215,000 people across 28 states, saving more than 4 billion gallons of freshwater, more than 100,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide and more than 125 million kilowatt-hours in energy savings.

Media Contact:

Caitlin Wolf

[email protected]

Related Images

ecosystems-top-conservation.jpeg

EcoSystems' top conservation projects by state.

SOURCE EcoSystems
ST. LOUIS, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- For the 12th time, financial services firm Edward Jones ranks "Highest in Employee Advisor Satisfaction Among Financial Investment Firms" by J.D. Power.

Based on responses from Edward Jones financial advisors, the firm earned an overall score of 890 points out of 1,000. This compared to the average score of 743 among the eight employee-channel firms measured by the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Financial Advisor Satisfaction Study.

"This is a tremendous honor because it embodies our purpose of partnering to make a positive impact in the lives of our clients and colleagues, and together, benefit our communities and society," says Kristin Johnson, Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Transformation Officer for Edward Jones. "It's been a challenging year for many investors, and our financial advisors, branch office administrators and home office associates have really come together as one Edward Jones team to serve our clients' needs in a comprehensive way. This has included going beyond finances to focus on the well-being of our clients and their families, their health and yes, connecting with their purpose."

Between January and April 2021, financial advisors were asked to rate their firms in terms of leadership and culture, products and marketing, professional development, operational support, technology, and compensation. Edward Jones ranked No. 1 in products and marketing, compensation and professional development.

"We are a place of belonging at Edward Jones  a welcoming and productive environment where people feel comfortable to bring their full selves to work and all can achieve their full potential  inclusive of their different backgrounds and experiences," Johnson added. "That feeling of belonging translates into supportive behaviors such as willingness to recommend. It also is what enables our firm to grow its impact and add value to our clients, colleagues and communities."

Edward Jones has been the top performer among employee channel firms in 11 J.D. Power advisor satisfaction studies, which were completed in 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012-2015, 2017-2021.

"The consistent success of Edward Jones in this study since it was first launched back in 2007 is a great testament to their organization's commitment to delivering a superior experience to the advisor," said Michael Foy, Senior Director and Head of Wealth Intelligence at J.D. Power.

About Edward Jones

Edward Jones, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in St. Louis, provides financial services in the U.S. and, through its affiliate, in Canada. Every aspect of the firm's business, from the investments offered to the location of branch offices, caters to individual investors. The firm's nearly 19,000 financial advisors serve more than 7 million clients with a total of $1.6 trillion in client assets under care. Visit edwardjones.com or the recruiting website at careers.edwardjones.com. Member SIPC.

SOURCE Edward Jones

Related Links

www.edwardjones.com


Physical shipment of commercial quantities of rare earths from Energy Fuels' White Mesa Mill in Utah to Neo Performance Materials' plant in Estonia represents an important milestone in creation of new rare earth supply chain

TORONTO, ON and LAKEWOOD, Colo., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE American: UUUU) (TSX: EFR) ("Energy Fuels") and Neo Performance Materials Inc. (TSX: NEO) ("Neo") are pleased to announce that the first container (approximately 20 tonnes of product) of an expected 15 containers of mixed rare earth carbonate ("RE Carbonate") has been successfully produced by Energy Fuels at its White Mesa Mill in Utah (the "Mill") and is en route to Neo's rare earth separations facility in Estonia, creating a new United States-to-Europe rare earth supply chain. Additional shipments of RE Carbonate are expected as Energy Fuels continues to process natural monazite sand ore ("Monazite") mined in Georgia (U.S.) by Chemours (NYSE: CC) for both the rare earth elements and naturally occurring uranium that it contains.

This new supply chain will initially produce rare earth products from monazite that is processed into RE Carbonate at Energy Fuels' Mill in Utah. The RE Carbonate is then processed by Neo at its Silmet rare earth processing facility in Sillamae, Estonia ("Silmet") into separated rare earth oxides and other value-added rare earth compounds. Neo is the only commercial producer of separated rare earth oxides in Europe.

Monazite, which is produced as a byproduct of existing heavy mineral sands mining, also contains naturally occurring uranium that Energy Fuels recovers for use in the generation of carbon-free nuclear energy.

This commercial-scale production of RE Carbonate by Energy Fuels from a U.S. mined rare earth resource positions Energy Fuels as the only company in North America that currently produces a Monazite-derived, enhanced rare earth material. The physical delivery of this product also represents the launch of a new, environmentally responsible rare earth supply chain that allows for source validation and tracking from mining through to final end-use applications for manufacturers in North America, Europe, Japan, and other nations.

Energy Fuels and Neo are further pleased to announce the signing of a definitive supply agreement (the "Agreement") by the companies' respective affiliates. Under the Agreement, Colorado-based Energy Fuels will ship all or a portion of its RE Carbonate to Neo's Silmet rare earth separations facility. Neo will then process Energy Fuels' RE Carbonate into separated rare earth materials for use in rare earth permanent magnets and other rare earth-based advanced materials. Because of increasing demand for value-added rare earth materials in European manufacturing, Toronto-based Neo seeks to expand and diversify its current supplies of rare earth feedstock at Silmet, which is the only operational rare earth separations facility in Europe. Silmet has been separating rare earths into commercial value-added products for more than 50 years.

Representatives from both Energy Fuels and Neo were on hand at the White Mesa Mill to celebrate the launch of this new critical supply chain.

In addition to supplying RE Carbonate to Neo, Energy Fuels is also evaluating the potential to develop its own separation capabilities at its White Mesa Mill in Utah (U.S.), or nearby, and possibly adding metals, alloys, and rare earth permanent magnets manufacturing capabilities. As a first step, the Company has hired the French firm, Carester SAS, a leading global expert in rare earth separation and supply chains, to produce a scoping study including capital and operating costs for a full rare earth separations capability at the White Mesa Mill, which would be the next important step towards fully integrating a U.S. rare earth supply chain in the coming years, in addition to continuing to supply RE Carbonate to European markets over the long-term.

"The launch of this new supply chain is a real gamechanger for Neo and our growing customer base in Europe," said Constantine Karayannopoulos, Neo's Chief Executive Officer. "This innovative U.S.-to-Europe supply chain will supplement Neo's existing rare earth supply from our long-time Russian supplier. It will enable Neo to expand value-added rare earth production in Estonia to meet growing demand in Europe for these materials. It begins to unlock the extraordinary economic and environmental potential presented by utilizing low-cost rare earth feedstock from monazite ore that is a byproduct of existing mining. And, it helps Neo ramp up rare earth production in Estonia just as Europe accelerates vehicle electrification and other initiatives aimed at mitigating climate impacts."

"Today, Energy Fuels and Neo took significant steps toward restoring critical U.S. and European rare earth supply chains," stated Mark S. Chalmers, President and CEO of Energy Fuels. "Energy Fuels has methodically ramped up our mixed rare earth carbonate production since we first started feeding Georgia monazite ore into our Utah mill in March. Successfully producing this rare earth product, and physically delivering the first containers of Rare Earth Carbonate to Neo, is an important achievement, not only for Energy Fuels and Neo, but also for U.S. government efforts to restore critical rare earth supply chains. This is also very good news for end-users of rare earth products in the U.S., Europe, Japan and elsewhere who seek alternative sources of rare earths produced in the U.S. and Europe to the highest global standards of environmental protection and sustainability."

Significant quantities of Monazite are produced around the world as a byproduct of zircon and titanium production from heavy mineral sand operations, including large resources in the U.S., Australia, Brazil, South Africa, and other nations. Energy Fuels is in discussions with several parties to secure additional quantities of Monazite that it can use to expand this quickly emerging rare earth initiative. Energy Fuels has a goal of processing 15,000 tons of Monazite or more per year in the future. For perspective, 15,000 tons of Monazite per annum would contain rare earths equal to roughly 50% of total current U.S. demand, while only utilizing approximately 2% of the White Mesa Mill's existing throughput capacity and less than 1% of its existing tailings capacity.

Monazite from the southeast U.S. typically contains roughly 55% total rare earth oxides ("TREO") of which the magnetic elements neodymium and praseodymium ("NdPr") comprise approximately 22% of the TREO. NdPr are among the most valuable of the rare earth elements, as they are the key ingredient in the manufacture of high-strength permanent magnets that are essential to the lightweight and powerful motors required in electric vehicles, permanent magnet wind turbines used for renewable energy generation, and a variety of other modern technologies, including, mobile devices and defense applications. U.S. Monazite also contains approximately 14.4% "heavy" rare earths on a TREO basis, including roughly 1.5% dysprosium and terbium which have additional important magnet and national defense applications.

ABOUT NEO PERFORMANCE MATERIALS

Neo manufactures the building blocks of many modern technologies that enhance efficiency and sustainability. Neo's advanced industrial materials -- magnetic powders and magnets, specialty chemicals, metals, and alloys -- are critical to the performance of many everyday products and emerging technologies. Neo's products help to deliver the technologies of tomorrow to consumers today. The business of Neo is organized along three segments: Magnequench, Chemicals & Oxides and Rare Metals. Neo is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada; with corporate offices in Greenwood Village, Colorado, US; Singapore; and Beijing, China. Neo operates globally with sales and production across 10 countries, being Japan, China, Thailand, Estonia, Singapore, Germany, United Kingdom, Canada, United States, and South Korea. For more information, please visit www.neomaterials.com.



ABOUT ENERGY FUELS

Energy Fuels is a leading U.S.-based uranium mining company, supplying U 3 O 8 to major nuclear utilities. Energy Fuels also produces vanadium from certain of its projects, as market conditions warrant, and is ramping up to commercial production of REE carbonate in 2021. Its corporate offices are in Lakewood, Colorado, near Denver, and all of its assets and employees are in the United States. Energy Fuels holds three of America's key uranium production centers: the White Mesa Mill in Utah, the Nichols Ranch in-situ recovery ("ISR") Project in Wyoming, and the Alta Mesa ISR Project in Texas. The White Mesa Mill is the only conventional uranium mill operating in the U.S. today, has a licensed capacity of over 8 million pounds of U 3 O 8 per year, has the ability to produce vanadium when market conditions warrant, as well as REE carbonate from various uranium-bearing ores. The Nichols Ranch ISR Project is on standby and has a licensed capacity of 2 million pounds of U 3 O 8 per year. The Alta Mesa ISR Project is also on standby and has a licensed capacity of 1.5 million pounds of U 3 O 8 per year. In addition to the above production facilities, Energy Fuels also has one of the largest NI 43-101 compliant uranium resource portfolios in the U.S. and several uranium and uranium/vanadium mining projects on standby and in various stages of permitting and development. The primary trading market for Energy Fuels' common shares is the NYSE American under the trading symbol "UUUU," and the Company's common shares are also listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "EFR." Energy Fuels' website is www.energyfuels.com.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws in Canada and the United States. Forward-looking information may relate to future events or future performance of Neo or Energy Fuels. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, with respect to Neo's or Energy Fuels' objectives and goals, as well as statements with respect to their beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates, and intentions, are forward-looking information. Specific forward-looking statements in this discussion include, but are not limited to, the following: any expectation that the White Mesa Mill will continue to be successful in producing RE Carbonate on a commercial basis; any expectation that Silmet will be successful in separating the White Mesa Mill's RE Carbonate on a commercial basis; any expectations with regard to the cost of producing and separating RE Carbonate; any expectation that Energy Fuels will be successful in increasing its supplies of monazite sand ore supplies, developing U.S. separation, metals or metal/alloy capabilities at the White Mesa Mill or nearby, or otherwise fully integrating the U.S RE supply chain in the future; any expectation with regard to the future demand for rare earth materials, including any expectation that Europe will continue to accelerate vehicle electrification and other initiatives aimed at mitigating climate impacts; any expectation with regard to the economic and environmental potential presented by utilizing rare earth feedstock from monazite ore; any expectation with respect to the quantities of monazite ore to be acquired by Energy Fuels, the quantities of RE Carbonate to be produced by the White Mesa Mill or the quantities of contained TREO to be acquired by Silmet for separation; and any expectation that the rare earths produced by Energy Fuels and Neo will continue to be produced to the highest global standards of environmental protection and sustainability. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "continues", "forecasts", "projects", "predicts", "intends", "anticipates" or "believes", or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. This information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include risks associated with: processing difficulties and upsets; available supplies of monazite sands; the ability of the White Mesa Mill to produce RE Carbonate to meet commercial specifications on a commercial scale at acceptable costs; the ability of Silmet to separate the RE Carbonate to meet commercial specifications on a commercial scale at acceptable costs; the capital and operating costs associated with separation, metal, alloy and/or magnet production facilities; permitting and regulatory delays; litigation risks; competition from others; market factors, including future demand for and prices realized from the sale of rare earth elements; and the policies and actions of foreign governments, which could impact the competitive supply of and global markets for rare earth elements. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release, and Neo and Energy Fuels disclaim, other than as required by law, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, results, future events, circumstances, or if management's estimates or opinions should change, or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Neo and Energy Fuels assume no obligation to update the information in this communication, except as otherwise required by law.

SOURCE Energy Fuels Inc.

Related Links

http://www.energyfuels.com


LOS ALAMITOS, Calif., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Addressing the need for solutions that consistently deliver both image quality and durability, Epson today announced it is expanding its media offering to include labels for its popular ColorWorks on-demand color label printers  the ColorWorks C6000 and C7500-Series. Epson's three media offerings  ColorWorks Durable Matte Synthetic Label, ColorWorks High Gloss Label and ColorWorks Premium Matte Label  will give ColorWorks customers access to a complete Epson solution.

"Sourcing and testing label media can take a lot of time and effort, so we wanted to help our customers save time and hassle by offering a known media that works," said Bonny Rindahl, product manager, Commercial Labels, Epson America, Inc. "Thoroughly tested for reliability and longevity with the C6000 and C7500 printers, the ColorWorks media offers photo-quality printing with clear and scannable barcodes, QR codes and more in each print."

Epson media for the ColorWorks C3500, CW-C6000A, CW-C6000P, C7500, and C7500G are available in standard sizes and come in three types:

Durable Matte Synthetic Label  Delivers photo-quality color labels on a smooth, white surface that can handle extreme conditions. The permanent acrylic adhesive works on a variety of surfaces, including drums and plastic containers. BS-5609 certified, the labels are resistant to many chemicals and are ideal for GHS chemical labels, pharmaceutical labels, medical device labels, laboratory labels, product labels requiring water or chemical resistance and more.

Delivers photo-quality color labels on a smooth, white surface that can handle extreme conditions. The permanent acrylic adhesive works on a variety of surfaces, including drums and plastic containers. BS-5609 certified, the labels are resistant to many chemicals and are ideal for GHS chemical labels, pharmaceutical labels, medical device labels, laboratory labels, product labels requiring water or chemical resistance and more. High Gloss Label  Delivers photo-quality, premium color labels on a bright white glossy surface. Ideal for high-quality product labels, box labels for consumer products, and more.

Delivers photo-quality, premium color labels on a bright white glossy surface. Ideal for high-quality product labels, box labels for consumer products, and more. Premium Matte Label  Delivers photo-quality, premium color labels on a smooth, matte white surface. Labels are fast-drying and images are resistant to smearing, fading, water and scratches. Ideal for barcode labels, pharmaceutical labels, shipping labels, and more.

Availability

Epson ColorWorks labels are available through Epson's vast network of authorized partners. For additional information, visit www.epson.com/colorworks.

About Epson

Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to co-creating sustainability and enriching communities by leveraging its efficient, compact, and precision technologies and digital technologies to connect people, things, and information. The company is focused on solving societal issues through innovations in home and office printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual and lifestyle. Epson's goal is to become carbon negative and eliminate use of exhaustible underground resources such as oil and metal by 2050.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of around JPY 1 trillion. global.epson.com/

Epson America, Inc., based in Los Alamitos, Calif., is Epson's regional headquarters for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. To learn more about Epson, please visit: epson.com . You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook ( facebook.com/Epson ), Twitter ( twitter.com/EpsonAmerica ), YouTube (youtube.com/epsonamerica), and Instagram ( instagram.com/EpsonAmerica ).

EPSON and ColorWorks are registered trademarks and EPSON Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark of Seiko Epson Corporation. All other product and brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks. Copyright 2021 Epson America, Inc.

SOURCE Epson America, Inc.

Related Links

www.epson.com


FAR HILLS, N.J. , July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Far Hills Race Meeting, New Jersey's premier steeplechase event, is celebrating its 100th running on Saturday, October 16, 2021. The event, which garners thousands of attendees each year to watch thrilling steeplechase races, was postponed during 2020 due to the pandemic. In honor of the centennial year and the race's return to the community, the Far Hills Race Meeting Association (FHRMA) is renewing its commitment to local charities.

Over the past 100 years, the Far Hills Race Meeting has generated more than $18 million for local healthcare organizations. This year's steeplechase event will raise funds for an expansive network of local, healthcare-oriented charities including:

"Cancelling last year's event was a huge blow  for the spectators who have made Far Hills Race Meeting a family tradition, and for the charities that rely on the race to meet their fundraising goal and help more community members," said Guy Torsilieri, chairman of the Far Hills Race Meeting. "But after 100 years of world-class racing and memory making, we know that the spirit of this event and this community will be just as fervent this October."

Ron Kennedy, chairman of the Far Hills Race Meeting, adds "FHRMA has collaborated with the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset over the years to ensure our charitable efforts are improving community health and outcomes in the region. This partnership is of the utmost importance after the year we've had, and we're elated to welcome our Far Hills family back to the property."

Guests can now purchase General admission tickets and other upgraded, VIP experiences, including a new offering, the Centennial Tent, through the farhillsrace.org website. Those racegoers seeking to renew their reserved tailgate spaces have until August 1, 2021 to renew before the spaces open up to the waitlist.

For additional information on the 2021 Far Hills Race Meeting, please call 908-234-9115 or visit farhillsrace.org.

About Far Hills Race Meeting

Far Hills Race Meeting is New Jersey's premier social and sporting event. For a century, the annual gathering has attracted a large fan base with audiences locally, nationally and globally who return, year after year, to watch the world's finest steeplechases, reconnect with family and friends, network, support worthy causes and make memories to last a lifetime. Over the years, Far Hills Race Meeting has given more than $18 million to support local health-care organizations. For more information, visit www.farhillsrace.org.

Contact:

Erin Mandzik

JConnelly

862-246-9911

[email protected]

SOURCE Far Hills Race Meeting
LONDON, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Fisher Investments UK, a subsidiary of Fisher Investments, was recognized on the 2021 Best Workplaces for Women list by Great Place to Work UK. Fisher Investments UK ranked 36th in the Large Companies category and was recognized alongside companies such as Salesforce, Hilton, Accenture, SC Johnson and Stryker in the overall list. Fisher Investments UK was also named to the overall 2021 UK Best Workplaces list.

Fisher Investments' CEO Damian Ornani said, "It's an honor to be named to the UK 2021 Best Workplaces for Women list. This recognition is a testament to the tremendous effort we put into building lifelong careersrecruiting, retaining and developing employees from all backgrounds. We believe these efforts enable us to provide better client experiences and further our mission to help more clients achieve their investment goals."

Great Place to Work, the global authority on workplace culture, anonymously surveys organizations' employees to identify how their employers foster a positive work environment for employees. Based on those survey results, Fisher Investments UK ranked amongst the UK's Best Workplaces for Women in 2021.

Carrianne Coffey, Senior Executive Vice President of Fisher Investments' Private Client Group International, said, "We're thrilled our employees shared that they feel valued and supported. This kind of recognition is extremely important to me as a woman and the leader of our international private client organization. I hope it inspires more women to consider careers in the asset management industry." She continued, "Our firm will always be committed to providing all employees the opportunity to thrive and build rewarding, lifelong careers. These positive employee experiences are ultimately what enable us to deliver world-class service to our clients around the world."

About Fisher Investments

Fisher Investments is an independent, fee-only investment adviser. As of 6/30/2021, Fisher Investments and its subsidiaries manage over $188 billion in assets globallyover $144 billion for private investors, $41 billion for institutional investors and $1 billion for US small to mid-sized business retirement plans. Fisher Investments maintains four principal business groups: US Private Client, Institutional, Private Client International and 401(k) Solutions, which serve a global client base of diverse investors. Not all strategies are offered/sold in all jurisdictions. Founder and Executive Chairman Ken Fisher wrote the Forbes "Portfolio Strategy" column from 1984 through 2016, making him the longest continuously running columnist in the magazine's history. In recent years, Ken's columns have run consistently in major media outlets across almost every Western European country as well as material Asian countries, spanning more countries and more volume than any other columnist of any type in history. Ken has also authored 11 books, including four New York Times bestsellers on finance and investing. For more information on Fisher Investments, please visit www.fisherinvestments.com.

About Fisher Investments UK and Fisher Investments Europe Limited:

Fisher Investments UK is the trading name of Fisher Investments Europe Limited and is part of the global group of Fisher companies. Fisher Investments UK is authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA Number 191609) and is registered in England (Company Number 3850593). Fisher Investments Europe UK's registered office is located at Level 18, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AX. For more information on Fisher Investments Europe UK, please visit https://www.fisherinvestments.com/en-gb.

About Great Place to Work Awards

Fisher Investments and its affiliates pay a participation fee to, which covers the cost of administering the survey to employees and the analysis and delivery of survey results. To learn more about the Great Places to Work  UK, follow this link: http://www.greatplacetowork.co.uk/.

SOURCE Fisher Investments

Related Links

https://www.fisherinvestments.com/en-us


Richard E. Lang and Jane Lang Davis built their collection during the 1970s and early 1980s, filling their home with singular works of art. In little more than a decade, they assembled one of the most significant private collections of Abstract Expressionist paintings and sculptures on the West Coast, augmented by two towering European artists of the same period. They were also devoted philanthropists in a burgeoning Seattle cultural scene. This exhibition celebrates their legacy of generosity and passion for art, particularly the "frisson" of excitement that arises from engaging deeply with art.

Rarely seen in public in the last 40 years, the works in Frisson will be presented in dynamic juxtapositions with each other that capture the spirit of the Langs' shared endeavor. Conducting careful research, they chose leading examples from an artist's career or works that marked important turning points.

"This is a special moment for SAM and for Seattle," says Amada Cruz, Illsley Ball Nordstrom Director and CEO. "Dick and Jane believed in the transformational power of art in a community, and they have transformed our collection with these extraordinary gifts that people for generations to come can now sit with and enjoy. It's something we all need right nowto connect again in our beautiful downtown galleries with inspiring art."

Many of the works donated represent a first for SAM's collection, including the first paintings by Francis Bacon (Portrait of Man with Glasses I, 1963 and Study for a Portrait, 1967), Lee Krasner (Night Watch, 1960), and Clyfford Still (PH-338 (1949-No. 2), 1949); it also marks the first artwork by Alberto Giacometti, the sculpture Femme de Venise II (1956). As a group, all of the works transform SAM's collection of post-war art and present new possibilities for its artistic program. The exhibition is accompanied by a major publication with scholarly texts dedicated to each work by leading experts in the field.

"It's thrilling to share with the public these formidable examples of Abstract Expressionism and post-war European art," says Catharina Manchanda, Jon & Mary Shirley Curator of Contemporary Art. "The emotional current of these works, reflective of their specific time and context, runs from exuberant to contemplative, fierce to soaring. They are an invitation to engage."

Frisson features 21 works of art18 paintings, two sculptures, and one drawingby 17 influential American and two European artists of the post-war period, spanning the years between 1945 and 1978. The works will be on view in the museum's modern and contemporary galleries.

In addition to the 19 new works in the museum's collection, Frisson features two paintings previously gifted to the museum: the portrait Richard Lang (1978) by Alice Neel, and Andy Warhol's double portrait of Jane Lang (1976). Alice Neel, the subject of a major retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2021, was in her late seventies when she painted the portrait of Richard Lang. The portrait of Jane Lang was commissioned as a surprise gift on the occasion of the exhibition Andy Warhol: Portraits at SAM in 1976. The Langs donated one of the panels to the museum following the exhibition; the second panel, which stayed in their home, was gifted to SAM in 2020 by the family.

TICKETING

Museum Hours

Closed Monday & Tuesday

WednesdaySunday 10 am5 pm

Holiday hours on the website

General Admission

$19.99 Adult

Adult $17.99 Senior (65+), Military (with ID)

Senior (65+), Military (with ID) $12.99 Student (with ID), Teen (1518)

Student (with ID), Teen (1518) FREE for children (14 and under)

FREE for SAM Members

Special Prices

First Thursdays: Free to all

First Fridays: Free general admission for seniors (65+)

Details are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information on planning a visit, go to seattleartmuseum.org .

EXHIBITION CATALOGUE

A 204-page catalogue with 120 color illustrations published by Seattle Art Museum and distributed by University of Washington Press will be available for purchase on site and online at SAM Shop ($45). Also titled Frisson: The Richard E. Lang and Jane Lang Davis Collection, (ISBN: 978-0-932216-79-3), the catalogue is edited by Catharina Manchanda and features newly commissioned scholarly essays by leading experts in their fields, including Bruce Guenther, David Anfam, Michael Brenson, John Elderfield, Jack Flam, Carter Foster, Catherine Grenier, Martin Lewis Harrison, Sanford Hirsch, Norman Kleeblatt, Eleanor Nairne, Amy Rahn, Elizabeth Smith, Robert Storr, and Jeffrey Weiss.

Image captions: Study for a Portrait, 1967, Francis Bacon, British (born in Ireland), 19091992, oil on canvas, 61 x 55 in. Seattle Art Museum, Gift of the Friday Foundation in honor of Richard E. Lang and Jane Lang Davis, 2020.14.7  The Estate of Francis Bacon. Photo: Spike Mafford / Zocalo Studios. Courtesy of the Friday Foundation. PH-338 (1949-No. 2), 1949, Clyfford Still, American, 19041980, oil on canvas, 91 3/4 x 68 7/8 in. Seattle Art Museum, Gift of the Friday Foundation in honor of Richard E. Lang and Jane Lang Davis, 2020.14.17  City & County of Denver, Courtesy Clyfford Still Museum. Photo: Spike Mafford / Zocalo Studios. Courtesy of the Friday Foundation. Night Watch, 1960, Lee Krasner, American, 19081984, oil on canvas, 70 x 99 in. Seattle Art Museum, Gift of the Friday Foundation in honor of Richard E. Lang and Jane Lang Davis, 2020.14.4  The Pollock-Krasner Foundation. Photo: Spike Mafford / Zocalo Studios. Courtesy of the Friday Foundation.

ABOUT SEATTLE ART MUSEUM

As the leading visual art institution in the Pacific Northwest, SAM draws on its global collections, powerful exhibitions, and dynamic programs to provide unique educational resources benefiting the Seattle region, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. SAM was founded in 1933 with a focus on Asian art. By the late 1980s the museum had outgrown its original home, and in 1991 a new 155,000-square-foot downtown building, designed by Venturi, Scott Brown & Associates, opened to the public. The 1933 building was renovated and rededicated as the Asian Art Museum in 1994, and it reopened on February 8, 2020, following an extensive renovation and expansion. SAM's desire to further serve its community was realized in 2007 with the opening of two stunning new facilities: the nine-acre Olympic Sculpture Park (designed by Weiss/Manfredi Architects)a "museum without walls," free and open to alland the Allied Works Architecture designed 118,000-square-foot expansion of its main, downtown location, including 232,000 square feet of additional space built for future expansion. The Olympic Sculpture Park and SAM's downtown expansion celebrated their tenth anniversary in 2017.

From a strong foundation of Asian art to noteworthy collections of African and Oceanic art, Northwest Coast Native American art, European and American art, and modern and contemporary art, the strength of SAM's collection of approximately 25,000 objects lies in its diversity of media, cultures, and time periods.

SOURCE Seattle Art Museum
Once a narrowly construed doctrine, the willful blindness doctrine was established primarily by United States v. Jewell (1976), a case tried in front of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. In Jewell, the Court of Appeals determined that the trial court was correct to instruct the jurors that they could find the defendant guilty of possession when he voluntarily drove a car filled with marijuana across the U.S. border, despite there being no evidence of the defendant having any actual knowledge of the cargo he was transporting.

The application of the loosely defined doctrine proliferated rapidly into other areas of the law as a favorite tool of prosecutors to secure convictions in cases where proof of actual knowledge was difficult to obtain. This is certainly the case in white-collar and tax cases, where the type of knowledge that the prosecution must prove is often complex. The doctrine was more eloquently defined at the Supreme Court level in the 1991 case Cheek v. United States, where "willfully" was defined as a "specific intent to violate a known legal duty." Cheek also provides the primary defense against a violation of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), which you can read more about below. For questions about the willful blindness doctrine and how it may apply to you, please reach out to one of our dually licensed Tax Attorneys and CPAs today.

Examples of Willful Blindness in the Context of Tax Crimes

While negligent, reckless, or inadvertent actions do not amount to a criminal tax charge, there are several examples of instances where a prosecuting attorney may attempt to employ willful blindness in order to secure a conviction. These examples include when a defendant fails to:

Inspect and report the entirety of profits from offshore entities

Inquire about potentially fraudulent filings for fear of confirmation

Refrains from examining a tax return despite suspicion of falsely inflated losses

If you believe that one of the above examples may apply to you, please contact a competent criminal tax defense attorney.

Willful Blindness Jury Instruction in a Tax Crime Case

For the jury to consider willful blindness as a means for imputing knowledge to a defendant, the court will have to issue an instruction to the jury. The content of the instruction is predetermined by the conscious avoidance doctrine of the Second Circuit. To find that the defendant was willfully blind, the jury will have to determine beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant's actions were deliberate to avoid specific knowledge, either of the law or of their own financials. The jury must consider two factors:

Whether the defendant suspected that there was information relevant to their tax liability that they had not discovered Whether the defendant acted purposefully to avoid discovering said information

Courts vary on which guidance they abide by on proper application of willful blindness jury instruction. Some allow the government to use the willful blindness instruction to establish willfulness. Others only allow the willful blindness instruction where the evidence could establish the defendant's actual knowledge definitively. For more information on whether your case is being heard appropriately, reach out to one of our dually licensed Tax Attorneys and CPAs for a complete, diligent assessment.

Where the willful blindness jury instruction is given and a jury finds the defendant guilty, the process of appealing this verdict can be very difficult. Therefore, it is critical to enlist the help of a competent, experienced California Tax Law Attorney and CPA early on to make sure you are properly represented at every stage of your case.

Defenses to Willful Blindness in Tax Crimes

When faced with criminal charges under the Internal Revenue Code, a defendant may choose to employ a Cheek defense, created by the aforementioned case in front of the Supreme Court. In Cheek, the Supreme Court determined that a defendant could combat a criminal tax charge with evidence of their own lack of willfulness. Generally, a defendant using the Cheek defense must demonstrate their own good-faith belief that they were acting in accordance with the IRC. The availability of the Cheek defense depends on the circumstances by which a willful blindness jury instruction is offered or not.

Willful Blindness and Collective Knowledge

The willful blindness doctrine may also be utilized to implicate a corporation generally, based on the collective knowledge of multiple agents of the corporation. The corporation could be criminally liable if the organizational structure of the corporation is found to have been deliberately contrived to obfuscate information about tax liability.

Accused of Willful Blindness? Call Our Tax Attorneys/CPAs Today

If you are facing criminal tax charges from the IRS, or if you are concerned about a potential case against you, it is important that you contact the dually licensed Tax Attorneys and CPAs at The Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing. We have decades of experience dealing with the IRS on behalf of individuals and corporations, and we will work tirelessly on your behalf. Call our offices today at (800) 681-1295 or schedule a reduced rate consultation online here

See the full version of this article here:

Public Contact: Dave Klasing Esq. M.S.-Tax CPA, [email protected]

SOURCE Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing, PC

Related Links

klasing-associates.com


BUDAPEST, Hungary, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- At the 15th World Congress of Biological Psychiatry, which was held virtually between the 28-30th June 2021, Gedeon Richter Plc presented new analyses of cariprazine studies in form of two scientific posters and a free communication presentation. Gedeon Richter organised and sponsored a satellite symposium where knowledgeable psychiatrists discussed the unmet medical needs and cariprazine's efficacy in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Furthermore, Gedeon Richter collaborated with Recordati on the organisation of another satellite symposium that focused on the broad-spectrum treatment of schizophrenia and cariprazine's potential in fulfilling the wide-ranging needs of patients. This was the first time that the Hungarian company attended the event.

Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder that is comprised of positive, negative, and affective symptoms, as well as cognitive impairment. The illness affects about 1% of the population globally; and an estimated 5 million people struggle with this disorder in the EU.

On the first day of the virtual conference, within the framework of a satellite symposium titled "Cariprazine as a broad-spectrum treatment", three well-known European psychiatrists  Christoph U. Correll from Germany, Koen Demyttenaere from Belgium and Johan Sahlsten Scholin from Sweden  discussed the concept of broad-spectrum treatment and the potential advantages of cariprazine in different clinical scenarios and symptoms domains. The first lecture set the stage and explained the broad-spectrum concept of schizophrenia and what the different symptom domains that are need to be targeted to improve outcomes. The second lecture explored cariprazine's role in addressing broad-spectrum needs, while the third and final lecture presented case reports to translate the theory and clinical trials data into real-life settings.

On the second day of the congress, the second satellite symposium with the title "Unmet medical needs in bipolar disorder" was held. Eduard Vieta from Spain, Roger S. McIntyre and Lakshmi N. Yatham, each from Canada, discussed the unmet clinical needs in bipolar disorder and how cariprazine can help address these medical challenges. The first lecture gave an overview of the current treatment strategies and unmet medical needs in bipolar disorder. The second lecture mainly focused on the accurate and timely diagnosis of bipolar depression, while the final lecture presented cariprazine's role in the treatment of bipolar disorder mania and bipolar depression.

During the three-day long congress, two scientific posters and a free communication presentation from Gedeon Richter were also available with the following contents:

Efficacy of Cariprazine on Cognitive Symptom Domains in Patients with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Depression

Broad Spectrum Clinical Efficacy of Cariprazine in Schizophrenia

A Post Hoc Analysis of the Safety Profile of Cariprazine and Potential Relevance for Patient Adherence in Schizophrenia

It is important to note, that cariprazine is approved solely for the treatment of schizophrenia in the EU, while in the USA, besides that indication, it is further approved for manic, mixed, or depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. On the 1st of July the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation has expanded the list of indications for the medicine: the updated list includes such states in adult bipolar disorder as manic or mixed episodes, as well as bipolar depression. Until now, the medication has only been used in Russia for the treatment of schizophrenia, in addition this is the first country besides the USA, where the medicine has the approval now for the indications above.

About Cariprazine

Cariprazine, a potent dopamine D3/D2 receptor partial agonist with preferential binding to D3 receptors, is approved in the EU for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults under the brand name Reagila and in the US for the treatment of schizophrenia and manic, mixed or depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder under the Brand Name Vraylar. In addition, cariprazine is being investigated as an adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder in adults. Cariprazine is protected by a composition-of-matter patent that expires in 2029. Cariprazine was discovered by Gedeon Richter Plc. and is licensed to Allergan (AbbVie) in America and to Recordati SpA in Western European Countries.

About Richter

Gedeon Richter Plc. (www.gedeonrichter.com), headquartered in Budapest/Hungary, is a major pharmaceutical company in Central Eastern Europe, with an expanding direct presence in Western Europe, in China and in Latin America. Having reached a market capitalization of EUR 3.8 billion (USD 4.5 billion) by the end of 2020, Richter's consolidated sales were approximately EUR 1.6 billion (USD 1.8 billion) during the same year. The product portfolio of Richter covers many important therapeutic areas, including Women's Healthcare, Central Nervous System and Cardiovascular areas. Having the largest R&D unit in Central Eastern Europe, Gedeon Richter's original research activity focuses on CNS disorders. With its widely acknowledged steroid chemistry expertise, Gedeon Richter is a significant player in the Women's Healthcare field worldwide. Gedeon Richter is also active in biosimilar product development.

About Recordati

Recordati, established in 1926, is an international pharmaceutical group, listed on the Italian Stock Exchange (Reuters RECI.MI, Bloomberg REC IM, ISIN IT 0003828271), with a total staff of more than 4,300 people, dedicated to the research, development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceuticals. Headquartered in Milan, Italy, Recordati has operations in Europe, Russia and the other C.I.S. countries, Ukraine, Turkey, North Africa, the United States of America, Canada, Mexico, some South American countries, Japan and Australia. An efficient field force of medical representatives promotes a wide range of innovative pharmaceuticals, both proprietary and licensed, in several therapeutic areas including a specialized business dedicated to treatments for rare diseases. Recordati is a partner of choice for new product licenses for its territories. Recordati is committed to the research and development of new specialties with a focus on treatments for rare diseases. Consolidated revenue for 2020 was  1,448.9 million.

SOURCE Gedeon Richter Plc.
ATLANTA, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As Tropical Storm Elsa begins to move into Georgia on Wednesday, it will bring with it the potential for heavy rains, gusty winds and isolated tornadoes across the southern and coastal parts of the state. Georgia Power has mobilized crews from other parts of the state to assist in restoration efforts in areas expected to be impacted by the storm. Georgia Power encourages customers to monitor local weather conditions and keep safety first as severe weather moves in.

Customers are encouraged to prepare, stay weather aware and keep safety in mind as dangerous conditions can exist following storms. The company has developed a series of storm videos addressing customers' frequently asked questions about storm response and restoration that can be found here. Customers should follow @GeorgiaPower on Twitter and at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm for storm tips, information about restoration efforts, customer service and more.

Severe weather can happen anytime across Georgia:

Before a Storm: Know your risks of flooding and tropical storm or hurricane strength winds. Check your emergency kit, unplug major appliances and charge cell phones in case you lose power.

Know your risks of flooding and tropical storm or hurricane strength winds. Check your emergency kit, unplug major appliances and charge cell phones in case you lose power. During a Storm: Have several ways to receive emergency notifications and weather updates. Take safe shelter inside a sturdy building away from windows and doors. Avoid contact with conductors of electricity - appliances, metal objects and water.

Have several ways to receive emergency notifications and weather updates. Take safe shelter inside a sturdy building away from windows and doors. Avoid contact with conductors of electricity - appliances, metal objects and water. After a Storm: Never touch any downed or low-hanging wire, including telephone or TV wires that touch a power line. Never pull tree limbs off power lines or enter areas with debris or downed trees as downed power lines may be buried in wreckage. Additionally, do not walk or drive through standing water or step onto saturated ground where downed lines may be present.

After the Storm Safety Tips:

Watch for downed wires. Downed power lines may be hidden by debris or fallen trees.

Downed power lines may be hidden by debris or fallen trees. Never touch any downed wire or attempt to remove tree branches from power lines  it can kill.

Don't step in standing water or saturated ground where downed lines may be present. They could be electrified.

They could be electrified. Avoid chain link fences. They may be electrified by a downed line out of sight and conduct electricity over great distances.

They may be electrified by a downed line out of sight and conduct electricity over great distances. Watch for Georgia Power crews working across the state. If driving, move over one lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road  it's the law in Georgia .

If driving, move over one lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road  it's the law in . Protect electronics and appliances. Disconnect or turn off any appliances that will start automatically when power returns to avoid overloading circuits when power is restored.

Additional Tools You Can Use:

Outage & Storm Center  Available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to sign up for Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.

Available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to sign up for Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938. Outage Map  Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power's interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times.

Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power's interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times. Georgia Power Mobile App  Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.

Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go. Outage Alerts  Subscribe to the free Georgia Power Outage Alert service to receive personalized notifications and updates via text message.

Infrastructure Investment  Reliability and Resiliency

The company continually invests in infrastructure to increase the day-to-day reliability of its systems and shorten outage and repair time. The company's use of Smart Grid technology and increased automation in recent years mean an increased ability to more quickly isolate outages that do occur to smaller numbers of customers and reroute power remotely for improved reliability.

In addition, Georgia Power's operational plans, systems, infrastructure and generating plants are all designed to enhance the resiliency of the network to best withstand major occurrences, such as severe weather events, including tornadoes, hurricanes and extreme heat or cold. Resiliency investments include upgrading transmission and distribution infrastructure across the power grid, including making power lines more durable.

About Georgia Power

Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.6 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

SOURCE Georgia Power

Related Links

http://www.georgiapower.com


Final development of the new model has started, further tapping into the innovative power of Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) technology  widely considered by scientists to be the most cost-efficient electrolysis technology . The AEM Multicore leverages AEM's cost advantage, pairing it with a strategically new approach: Instead of tailor-making electrolysers, Enapter will fit 440 mass-produced core modules into a complete system that produces ~450 kg of hydrogen per day.

"AEM electrolysis technology shows huge promise for enabling low-cost green hydrogen production. As Germany is the home of the AEM technology leader, we are pleased to help drive the launch of this innovation."  German Federal Research Minister Anja Karliczek.

Enapter is developing the AEM Multicore, while the FH Munster will support by testing the machines in its specially-developed "Application Lab". The Multicore's modular approach reduces development time and allows Enapter to offer systems for green hydrogen needs at any scale. Orders are now open for the system, which will be a lower-cost alternative to traditional MW-class electrolysers.

"Making a megawatt electrolyser modular also means it is enormously flexible. This makes it ideal for using intermittent renewable energy," explains Dr. Elmar Brugging, leader of the joint research project for the FH Munster. "Its multi-core approach also makes it extremely robust."

The development is ramping up at the same time as Enapter prepares for the autumn construction start of its "Enapter Campus" mass-production and R&D site in Saerbeck, Germany.

"This support from the federal government will drive the development of our megawatt-scale green hydrogen solution forward immensely," says Sebastian-Justus Schmidt, Chairman of Enapter AG. "We are thankful for the recognition of the role AEM Electrolysers can play in cutting green hydrogen costs and scaling up production  it's an urgent task to tackle."

Download the Enapter press kit here

About Enapter

Enapter is an award-winning energy technology company producing highly-efficient hydrogen generators to replace fossil fuels. Its patented and proven Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) technology allows for the mass production of low-cost, plug-&-play electrolysers for green hydrogen at any scale. The modular systems are used in 36 countries, in sectors like energy, mobility, industry, heating and telecommunications. Enapter has offices in Italy, Germany, Thailand and Russia. Learn more at https://www.enapter.com/.

Contact

Andrea Spiegl: [email protected] (+49 30 92 100 81 35)

SOURCE Enapter GmbH
WASHINGTON, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Give an Hour Board of Directors has appointed Dr. Trina Clayeux as Give an Hour's new Chief Executive Officer, replacing Dr. Randy Phelps on his retirement.

Dr. Clayeux earned her Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University and has served as chief operations officer for the Durham Children's Initiative and CASA, a nonprofit specializing in safe and affordable housing in the Raleigh, North Carolina, area.

Dr. Trina Clayeux

"The Board thanks Dr. Phelps for his service, including successfully leading Give an Hour through the pandemic, and we welcome Dr. Clayeux as our new Chief Executive Officer," said Fred Knowles, Chairman of the Give an Hour Board of Directors. "The Board is looking forward to partnering with Trina as she and the staff work to build on Give an Hour's national record of providing mental health services and education to groups such as veterans, service members, and victims of natural and manmade disasters."

Dr. Clayeux completed her dissertation research on the Command Military Spouse. This expertise and first-hand experience as a military spouse earns Trina a special role as CEO of Give an Hour. Among other populations, Give an Hour has served the military community for 16 years by providing free and confidential mental health services to veterans, service members, and their loved ones.

"I am honored to join the Give an Hour team and to build on the legacy of mental health service to our military/veteran community," said Dr. Clayeux. "Give an Hour will continue our commitment to improving mental health and emotional well-being for all people through barrier-free access to licensed therapists, preventative education and training, and the normalizing of mental health care."

About Give an Hour:

Founded in 2005, Give an Hour's mission is to develop networks of skill-based volunteer professionals capable of responding to both acute and chronic conditions prevalent within society. Since 2005, the nonprofit organization has provided free mental health services to U.S. service members, veterans, and their families. In 2015, Give an Hour expanded efforts to address the mental health needs of other populations including at-risk teens, survivors of gun violence, and those affected by natural and man-made disasters. Thus far, the U.S. network of 4,500 licensed mental health professionals has provided more than 340,000 hours of treatment and support to those in need.

Contact Give an Hour:

Sally Charney

Director of Marketing and Special Partnerships

[email protected]

Related Images

dr-trina-clayeux.jpg

Dr. Trina Clayeux

New CEO of Give an Hour

SOURCE Give an Hour
DUBLIN, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Transparent Caching Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2021-2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global transparent caching market is expected to exhibit strong growth during 2021-2026. Transparent caching refers to the process of storing data close to the subscriber so that future requests for the same can be served quickly. Although caching was the sole domain of website hosting and serving, it has now moved to mainstream computing and is even integrated into new operating systems. In the world of transparent caching, content is not pre-provisioned; however, the system has to identify which is the most popular content across various sources and then store it for local delivery. The caching and distribution can be done on a statistical basis by detecting the most requested content, or in accordance with business rules wherein an operator would propagate to the local delivery layer via open application program interfaces (APIs).



Transparent caching offers numerous advantages, such as improving the performance and Quality of Experience (QoE) for the end users and reducing network bandwidth consumption. It also helps in lowering capital expense (CAPEX) and operating expense (OPEX) by enabling the existing network routers, switches and internet links to handle more traffic. Moreover, the growing video content represents another major factor driving the market growth, as it is the largest and fastest growing type of network traffic load, especially over mobile devices.

Moreover, many leading IT firms are advancing caching technology as a fully managed service to speed deployment and streamline ongoing operations. For instance, Qwilt, an Edge Cloud application developer, has introduced "Qwilt Live Stream Cache," a caching solution for optimizing both the live and on-demand streaming video by caching content at the network edge, close to consumers. Looking forward, the publisher expects the global transparent caching market to grow at a CAGR of around 28% during the forecast period (2021-2026).

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined with some of the key players being Akamai Technologies Inc., ARA Networks, Brocade Communications Systems, Cisco Systems Inc., Citrix Systems Inc., Ericsson, Fortinet Inc., Google Inc., Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Kollective Technology Inc., Level 3 Communications LLC, Nokia Corporation, Qwilt, Superlumin, Symantec Corporation Ltd., etc.



Key Questions Answered in This Report:

How has the global transparent caching market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?

What are the key regional markets?

What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global transparent caching market?

What is the breakup of the market based on the content type?

What is the breakup of the market based on the component type?

What is the breakup of the market based on the software?

What is the breakup of the market based on the hardware?

What is the breakup of the market based on the services?

What is the breakup of the market based on the end-user?

What are the various stages in the value chain of the industry?

What are the key driving factors and challenges in the market?

What is the structure of the global transparent caching market and who are the key players?

What is the degree of competition in the market?

Key Topics Covered:



1 Preface



2 Scope and Methodology

3 Executive Summary



4 Introduction

4.1 Overview

4.2 Key Industry Trends



5 Global Transparent Caching Market

5.1 Market Overview

5.2 Market Performance

5.3 Impact of COVID-19

5.4 Market Forecast



6 Market Breakup by Content Type

6.1 Live Streaming Videos

6.1.1 Market Trends

6.1.2 Market Forecast

6.2 Static Videos

6.2.1 Market Trends

6.2.2 Market Forecast

6.3 Others

6.3.1 Market Trends

6.3.2 Market Forecast



7 Market Breakup by Component Type

7.1 Software

7.1.1 Market Trends

7.1.2 Market Breakup by Software Type

7.1.2.1 Policy Management

7.1.2.1.1 Market Trends

7.1.2.1.2 Market Forecast

7.1.2.2 Security

7.1.2.2.1 Market Trends

7.1.2.2.2 Market Forecast

7.1.2.3 Analytics

7.1.2.3.1 Market Trends

7.1.2.3.2 Market Forecast

7.1.3 Market Forecast

7.2 Hardware

7.2.1 Market Trends

7.2.2 Market Breakup by Hardware Type

7.2.2.1 Converged Servers

7.2.2.1.1 Market Trends

7.2.2.1.2 Market Forecast

7.2.2.2 Switches

7.2.2.2.1 Market Trends

7.2.2.2.2 Market Forecast

7.2.3 Market Forecast

7.3 Services

7.3.1 Market Trends

7.3.2 Market Breakup by Service Type

7.3.2.1 Professional Services

7.3.2.1.1 Market Trends

7.3.2.1.2 Market Forecast

7.3.2.2 Managed Services

7.3.2.2.1 Market Trends

7.3.2.2.2 Market Forecast

7.3.3 Market Forecast



8 Market Breakup by End-User

8.1 ISPs

8.1.1 Market Trends

8.1.2 Market Forecast

8.2 Telecom Operators

8.2.1 Market Trends

8.2.2 Market Forecast

8.3 Direct-to-Home (DTH) Cable Service Providers

8.3.1 Market Trends

8.3.2 Market Forecast

8.4 Enterprises

8.4.1 Market Trends

8.4.2 Market Forecast

8.5 Governments

8.5.1 Market Trends

8.5.2 Market Forecast

8.6 Others

8.6.1 Market Trends

8.6.2 Market Forecast



9 Market Breakup by Region

9.1 Europe

9.1.1 Germany

9.1.1.1 Market Trends

9.1.1.2 Market Forecast

9.1.2 France

9.1.2.1 Market Trends

9.1.2.2 Market Forecast

9.1.3 United Kingdom

9.1.3.1 Market Trends

9.1.3.2 Market Forecast

9.1.4 Italy

9.1.4.1 Market Trends

9.1.4.2 Market Forecast

9.1.5 Spain

9.1.5.1 Market Trends

9.1.5.2 Market Forecast

9.1.6 Russia

9.1.6.1 Market Trends

9.1.6.2 Market Forecast

9.1.7 Others

9.1.7.1 Market Trends

9.1.7.2 Market Forecast

9.2 Asia Pacific

9.2.1 China

9.2.1.1 Market Trends

9.2.1.2 Market Forecast

9.2.2 Japan

9.2.2.1 Market Trends

9.2.2.2 Market Forecast

9.2.3 India

9.2.3.1 Market Trends

9.2.3.2 Market Forecast

9.2.4 South Korea

9.2.4.1 Market Trends

9.2.4.2 Market Forecast

9.2.5 Australia

9.2.5.1 Market Trends

9.2.5.2 Market Forecast

9.2.6 Indonesia

9.2.6.1 Market Trends

9.2.6.2 Market Forecast

9.2.7 Others

9.2.7.1 Market Trends

9.2.7.2 Market Forecast

9.3 North America

9.3.1 United States

9.3.1.1 Market Trends

9.3.1.2 Market Forecast

9.3.2 Canada

9.3.2.1 Market Trends

9.3.2.2 Market Forecast

9.4 Latin America

9.4.1 Brazil

9.4.1.1 Market Trends

9.4.1.2 Market Forecast

9.4.2 Mexico

9.4.2.1 Market Trends

9.4.2.2 Market Forecast

9.4.3 Others

9.4.3.1 Market Trends

9.4.3.2 Market Forecast

9.5 Middle East and Africa



10 SWOT Analysis



11 Value Chain Analysis



12 Porters Five Forces Analysis



13 Competitive Landscape

13.1 Market Structure

13.2 Key Players

13.3 Profiles of Key Players

13.3.1 Akamai Technologies Inc.

13.3.1.1 Company Overview

13.3.1.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.1.3 SWOT Analysis

13.3.1.4 Financials

13.3.2 ARA Networks

13.3.2.1 Company Overview

13.3.2.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.3 Brocade Communications Systems Inc.

13.3.3.1 Company Overview

13.3.3.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.4 Cisco Systems Inc.

13.3.4.1 Company Overview

13.3.4.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.4.3 Financials

13.3.4.4 SWOT Analysis

13.3.5 Citrix Systems Inc.

13.3.5.1 Company Overview

13.3.5.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.5.3 Financials

13.3.5.4 SWOT Analysis

13.3.6 Ericsson

13.3.6.1 Company Overview

13.3.6.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.6.3 Financials

13.3.7 Fortinet Inc.

13.3.7.1 Company Overview

13.3.7.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.7.3 Financials

13.3.7.4 SWOT Analysis

13.3.8 Google Inc.

13.3.8.1 Company Overview

13.3.8.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.8.3 SWOT Analysis

13.3.9 Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.

13.3.9.1 Company Overview

13.3.9.1 Product Portfolio

13.3.10 Kollective Technology Inc.

13.3.10.1 Company Overview

13.3.10.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.11 Level 3 Communications LLC

13.3.11.1 Company Overview

13.3.11.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.11.3 Financials

13.3.11.4 SWOT Analysis

13.3.12 Nokia Corporation

13.3.12.1 Company Overview

13.3.12.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.12.3 Financials

13.3.12.4 SWOT Analysis

13.3.13 Qwilt

13.3.13.1 Company Overview

13.3.13.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.14 Superlumin

13.3.14.1 Company Overview

13.3.14.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.15 Symantec Corporation Ltd.

13.3.15.1 Company Overview

13.3.15.2 Product Portfolio

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/lcfl7c

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com


LANSING, Mich., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As travel begins to "takeoff" again around the U.S., Grab My Bag has begun its mission to revolutionize the baggage claim process for travelers. They offer a luggage delivery service from the airport baggage claim to the traveler's requested location.

Grab My Bag: Now you can avoid crowded baggage claim areas and stressful waits. Book a flight. Book a "GRAB." After booking a flight with the airline of your choosing, go to www.GrabMyBag.com and book a "GRAB" by entering your flight information and where you'd like your checked luggage delivered to when you land. Land and go; we'll deliver your bags to you. With Grab My Bag's airport luggage delivery service, seniors and persons with disabilities travel more and stress less, because they do not have to wait at the airport baggage claim for their luggage. They land and go, Grab My Bag takes care of the rest!

Realizing that the "last mile" of the travel process -- retrieving your baggage from the airport baggage claim carousel -- is more often than not, challenging and time consuming for individuals that do not face mobility challenges, Grab My Bag knew it was especially challenging for seniors and persons with disabilities.

Emory Reignz, CEO/Founder of Grab My Bag said, "For many years, I worked with the Tuskegee Airmen, the first black military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps. They were Heroes, but they were seniors and persons with disabilities. We traveled a lot, and retrieving their baggage from crowded baggage claim carousels after flights, was the most taxing part of the process for them. It often meant that they were wheeled to a random section and made to wait while an eager helper tirelessly tried to locate their bags. They were tired and just wanted to go home after their flight now people like them can."

Grab My Bag is now working with various organizations to do their part in improving the travel process for seniors, persons with disabilities, and their families. Their service is simple and affordable, with the delivery of two bags or less starting at only $35.

To use Grab My Bag, travelers first book a flight with the airline of their choosing, then "Book-a-GRAB," using Grab My Bag's website, or by calling 1 (833) 244-9994. They are not affiliated with the airports or airlines and work on behalf of the traveler to lighten their load, ease minds, and offer convenience, during the baggage claim process.

Reignz said, "Our service is a hassle-free alternative to waiting at airport baggage claim. It encourages seniors, persons with disabilities, and their families to travel more and stress less. Their community is at higher risk for contracting COVID-19 and we care. We want them to be safe and live their lives. Land and go; we'll take care of the rest."

Grab My Bag is hiring "GRAB-bers" to deliver throughout Michigan, Great Lakes, and the surrounding areas. To apply visit https://www.grabmybag/be-a-driver.

About Grab My Bag, Inc.

Website: https://www.grabmybag.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrabMyBagInc

Instagram: https://instagram.com/GrabMyBagInc

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/GrabMyBagInc

Media Contact

Company Name: Grab My Bag, Inc.

Phone: 833-244-9994

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Grab My Bag, Inc.

Related Links

https://www.grabmybag.com


PHILADELPHIA, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Los Angeles based GreenLake Asset Management LLC ("GreenLake") announces it has closed a $14,275,000 loan on eight gas stations located in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. GreenLake's funding allows the borrower to re-acquire a key location lost to foreclosure and will facilitate a major re-brand and significant upgrades.

An experienced real estate investor approached GreenLake to refinance a portfolio of distressed gas stations due to an absentee tenant and complicated title issues. The borrower was in default with their existing lender and the bank had already foreclosed on one location. GreenLake provided funds enabling the borrower to re-acquire that key location, as well as to refinance and move away from a challenging lender relationship. Additionally, the funds will allow the borrower to re-brand with a major international brand, and rehabilitate and upgrade the properties.

Peter Chang, Managing Principal at GreenLake stated, "While distressed properties pose complex challenges that lenders often shy away from, special situations are what GreenLake excels at. Our underwriting hinges on the underlying real estate asset and the sponsor's ability to execute. Our view across multiple sectors gives us the insight, experience and resources necessary to navigate and execute on these types of loans."

Founded in 2008, GreenLake Asset Management LLC and its affiliates ("GreenLake") provide short-term commercial bridge loans nationwide. GreenLake offers creative, flexible and time-sensitive capital solutions for a broad spectrum of real estate special situations. GreenLake lends across a range of asset classes including hospitality, industrial, multi-family, self storage and retail.

Contact:

Kamau Coleman

Director, Originations

626.529.1084

[email protected]

www.greenlakefund.com

SOURCE GreenLake Asset Management LLC
SAN FRANCISCO, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hagens Berman urges DiDi Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIDI) investors with significant losses to submit your losses now. Securities class action lawsuits have been filed that relate to DiDi's IPO issuance of 316 million American Depositary Shares at $14/ADS. Certain investors may have valuable claims.

Class Period: June 27, 2021  July 6, 2021

Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Sept. 7, 2021

Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/DIDI

Contact An Attorney Now: [email protected]

844-916-0895

DiDi Global, Inc. (DIDI) Securities Class Actions:

According to the lawsuits the IPO materials contained misleading statements about (1) DiDi's problem of collecting personal information in violation of Chinese laws and regulations, (2) the likelihood that DiDi's app, DiDi Chuxing (Travel), would face imminent cybersecurity review by the Cyberspace Administration of China ("CAC"), and as a result (3) the CAC would require all Chinese app stores to remove DiDi Chuxing.

Within days of closing the IPO, investors began to learn the truth through a series of announcements.

On July 2, 2021, DiDi disclosed the CAC launched an investigation into the company to protect national security and the public interest and required it to suspend new user registrations in China.

On July 4, 2021, the company announced the CAC determined the company's DiDi Chuxing app has the problem of collecting personal information in violation of Chinese laws and regulations and ordered app stores to take down the app in China.

On July 5, 2021, The Wall Street Journal reported that, three months before the IPO, the CAC asked DiDi to postpone the offering because of national security concerns and to conduct a thorough self-examination of its network security.

These events sent the price of DiDi ADSs crashing lower.

"We're focused on investors' losses and proving DiDi and senior management knew of the Chinese regulators' demands but nonetheless rushed to market without first satisfying those demands," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.

If you are a DiDi investor and have significant losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, click here to discuss your legal rights with Hagens Berman.

Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding DiDi should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email [email protected].

About Hagens Berman

Hagens Berman is a national law firm with eight offices in eight cities around the country and over eighty attorneys. The firm represents investors, whistleblowers, workers and consumers in complex litigation. More about the firm and its successes is located at hbsslaw.com. For the latest news visit our newsroom or follow us on Twitter at @classactionlaw .

Contact:

Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895

SOURCE Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP

Related Links

https://www.hbsslaw.com


Health Management Associates acquires The Moran Company, a Washington, D.C.-based healthcare research, consulting firm. Tweet this

"The Moran Company's expert guidance is rooted in immense health policy acumen and is supported by robust analytic capabilities," Rosen said. "Their unique capabilities further enhance the breadth and depth of services we provide to clients as we help them navigate the complex and ever-changing healthcare landscape."

TMC consultants have vast experience in the areas of healthcare reform, Medicare payment systems, Medicaid, and prescription drug and biotechnology pricing and reimbursement policy issues. Founded in 1998, independent research and analysis remain at the core of TMC's client services, including budget scoring and database construction and management.

"My colleagues and I are excited to join HMA's team of health policy experts. HMA's long history serving state health and human services agencies and its growing Medicare team make it an excellent platform to expand our client offerings at the boundary between the public and private sectors of healthcare," said Kevin M. Kirby, TMC managing partner. "We look forward to continuing to provide the high-level research and consulting services that have been the foundation of our company since Don Moran founded it in 1998."

Founded in 1985, HMA is an independent, national research and consulting firm specializing in publicly funded healthcare and human services policy, programs, financing, and evaluation. Clients include government, public and private providers, health systems, health plans, community-based organizations, institutional investors, foundations, and associations. With more than 20 offices and over 300 multidisciplinary consultants coast to coast, HMA's expertise, services, and team are always within client reach.

For more information about HMA, visit https://www.healthmanagement.com/.

SOURCE Health Management Associates

Related Links

http://www.healthmanagement.com


NOIDA, India, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A comprehensive overview of the Heart Pump Devices Market is recently added by UnivDatos Market Insights to its humongous database. The Heart Pump Devices Market report has been aggregated by collecting informative data of various dynamics such as market drivers, restraints, and opportunities. This innovative report makes use of several analyses to get a closer outlook on the Heart Pump Devices market. The Heart Pump Devices Market report offers a detailed analysis of the latest industry developments and trending factors in the market that are influencing the market growth. Furthermore, this statistical market research repository examines and estimates the Heart Pump Devices market at the global and regional levels. Heart Pump Devices market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18.9% from 2021-2027 to exceed US$ 6 billion by 2027.

Market Overview

The key reason for the heart pump devices market growth is the growing technological advancements, accompanied by the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and heart failure. Additionally, the waiting time for heart transplants. For example, in 2020, in Australia, around 1,650 individuals were on the waiting list for a heart transplant and only 463 donors were available, thus heart pump devices could help in the meantime. According to the report by the transplant Activity (2018/19), the number of heart patients has increased 134% since 2010. Furthermore, reimbursements for heart pump devices are increasing. One reason for the increasing heart failure is the increasing obesity in the population. The major drawback of the market is the LVAD related complication or surgical complications that can occur while implanting the heart pump device. LVAD-related complications in 60% of the patients, occur 6 months post-implantation. Unplanned readmission after LVAD-implants is common.

Request Sample Copy of this Report @ https://bit.ly/3AAOu4x

COVID-19 Impact

The pandemic brought the world to a standstill. All industries have suffered some form of loss due to the pandemic. In addition to this, the pandemic has also cost many lives. A few studies have also reported other hidden symptoms of Covid-19 that can affect a few individuals. The Coronavirus can cause cardiovascular conditions in individuals which can lead to the weakening of the biventricular function and that leads to a higher mortality rate. In 4-50% of the cases, right ventricular failure can be a consequence of LAVD implantation. In a study from China, the mortality rate of LVAD patients was given 21.4%, on the other hand, the general mortality rate if 2.3%. This huge variation in people with LVAD implants is a huge concern during covid-19. With a little relief of Covid-19, operational procedures are re-opening and people needing heart pumps or other implants can get them now. With the business going back to normal in more and more countries around the world, the heart pump market is expected to gain back its momentum in the market very fast.

Ask for Price & Discounts @ https://bit.ly/3AAOu4x

Heart Pump Devices Market report is studied thoroughly with several aspects that would help stakeholders in making their decisions more curated.

By Product, the market is primarily segmented into

Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs)

Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs)



Right Ventricular Assist Devices (RVADs)



Bi-ventricular Assist Devices (BiVADs)



Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices (pVADs)

Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps (IABPs)

Total Artificial Heart (TAH)

The ventricular assist devices segment generated revenue of US$ XX billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of XX% during the forecast period to reach a market valuation of US$ XX billion by 2027F.

By Type, the market is primarily segmented into

Implantable Heart Pump Devices

Extracorporeal Heart Pump Devices

Amongst types, the implantable heart pump devices segment of the Heart Pump Devices market was valued at US$ XX billion in 2020 and is likely to reach US$ XX billion by 2027 growing at a CAGR of XX% from 2021-2027.

By Therapy, the market is primarily segmented into

Bridge-To-Transplant (BTT)

Bridge-To-Candidancy (BTC)

Destination Therapy (DT)

Other Therapies

Amongst therapy, the bridge-to-transplant segment of the Heart Pump Devices market was valued at US$ XX billion in 2020 and is likely to reach US$ XX billion by 2027 growing at a CAGR of XX% from 2021-2027.

Heart Pump Devices Market Geographical Segmentation Includes:

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

Rest of the World

Based on the estimation, the North America region dominated the Heart Pump Devices Market with almost XX% revenue share in 2020. North America also saw the highest CAGR of XX% in the forecast period due to the increasing acceptance among people.

Ask for Report Customization @ https://bit.ly/3AAOu4x

The major players targeting the market includes

Abbott Laboratories

Abiomed

Medtronic

Teleflex Incorporated

SynCardia Systems

Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA

Getinge

CardiacAssist, Inc.

Berlin Heart

Jarvik Heart, Inc.

Competitive Landscape

The degree of competition among prominent global companies has been elaborated by analyzing several leading key players operating worldwide. The specialist team of research analysts sheds light on various traits such as global market competition, market share, most recent industry advancements, innovative product launches, partnerships, mergers, or acquisitions by leading companies in the Heart Pump Devices Market. The leading players have been analyzed by using research methodologies for getting insight views on global competition.

Key questions resolved through this analytical market research report include:

What are the latest trends, new patterns, and technological advancements in the Heart Pump Devices Market?

Which factors are influencing the Heart Pump Devices Market over the forecast period?

What are the global challenges, threats, and risks in the Heart Pump Devices Market?

Which factors are propelling and restraining the Heart Pump Devices Market?

What are the demanding global regions of the Heart Pump DevicesMarket?

What will be the global market size in the upcoming years?

What are the crucial market acquisition strategies and policies applied by global companies?

We understand the requirement of different businesses, regions, and countries, we offer customized reports as per your requirements of business nature and geography. Please let us know If you have any custom needs.

Request for full report- https://bit.ly/3AAOu4x

About UnivDatos Market Insights

UnivDatos Market Insights (UMI) is a passionate market research firm and a subsidiary of Universal Data Solutions. We believe in delivering insights through Market Intelligence Reports, Customized Business Research, and Primary Research. Our research studies are spread across topics across the world, we cover markets in over 100 countries using smart research techniques and agile methodologies. We offer in-depth studies, detailed analysis, and customized reports that help shape winning business strategies for our clients.

Contact

UnivDatos Market Insights

Pawnendra Pawan

Client Development Lead

Ph: +91-7838604911

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://univdatos.com/

SOURCE UnivDatos Market Insights
SINGAPORE, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the world's first membership-powered financial service for crypto and fiat - hi - announces a strategic investment partnership with South Korean blockchain fund, Hashed. The investment will be used to accelerate hi's impressive early membership growth.

hi's pilot service is a cross-ecosystem financial services platform through the world's most popular social media messengers, such as WhatsApp and Telegram. In less than two months of private-beta, hi has already amassed 300,000+ members from over 130 countries. Building a global and engaged membership base, hi seeks to build the world's first membership economy grounded in transparency and community - not profits.

Founded by former CEO of Bitcoin.com Stefan Rust, and former CMO of Crypto.com Sean Rach, the hi team is composed of leading figures from some of the world's most pioneering tech and finance companies, including Tencent, Alibaba, JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley.

Founded in 2017, and with a footprint that spans Seoul and Silicon Valley, Hashed's global portfolio includes investments in EOS, Ethereum and Terra.

Hashed CEO & Managing Partner, Simon Kim said: "The vision for hi epitomises our belief that technology should be used to empower better futures for individuals. Our values are completely aligned - both parties view this as a consequential moment in human history where the global financial system needs reinventing. We intend to contribute resources, infrastructure and network to be a driving force in rapidly unlocking hi's full potential. "

"We could not be more excited and humbled by this support," added hi Co-founder, Sean Rach. "South Korea has a rich history of adopting new technologies first. With the experience and exceptional track record Hashed brings, as well as the multiplier effect of their international network, we will drive mass adoption for hi."

This news follows the recent announcement that hi has also added backing from Longling Investment Group, led by China's preeminent angel investor Mike Cai.

About Hashed

Founded by a team of serial entrepreneurs and engineers in 2017, Hashed is the preeminent blockchain firm in Asia with a portfolio that spans the globe. The Hashed mission is to accelerate the mass adoption of blockchain by investing their own resources and empowering a new wave of entrepreneurs and innovators who are creating this future. For more information, visit hashed.com .

About hi

hi is leveraging blockchain technology to build services that are community powered. Members of hi are the key stakeholders of this ecosystem and the business is committed to maximize membership value - not profits. Our first product is a digital wallet that provides members with the most seamless payment experience via social messengers (initially Telegram and WhatsApp, next LINE, Facebook Messenger, Viber and others). For more information, visit hi.com .

For more information, please contact: Sam Christian, email: [email protected]

Related Images

image1.png

SOURCE hi
WAUKEE, Iowa, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 1, Holmes Murphy marked an enterprise movement in propelling three female leaders into new and advanced positions within the firm. Ellen Willadsen will become Holmes Murphy's first Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) after being the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the past 10 years. Lindsay Chase will assume the role of CFO for Holmes Murphy, and Susan Hatten will assume the role of Holmes Murphy's Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).

Willadsen joined Holmes Murphy in 1995, playing a key role in the organization's growth, increasing the organization's profitability, and providing invaluable counsel on major financial decisions. She was also instrumental in the startup of the Women Optimizing Women (WOW) initiative, which cares for the unique potential of women at Holmes Murphy and within the insurance industry.

"Ellen consistently exceeds expectations, tackles tasks with dedication and determination, and is an excellent thought leader," said Dan Keough, Holmes Murphy Chairman and CEO. "Perhaps even more notable, she's an advocate for females in our industry  and in business in general  and is a trusted mentor by many."

Chase joined Innovative Captive Strategies (ICS), a subsidiary of Holmes Murphy in 2006 and, as a member of their Executive team, has been instrumental to their success. In 2020, Chase was promoted to Senior Vice President, Finance with Holmes Murphy and will now assume the role of CFO.

"Lindsay is truly an expert in her field and has a clear grasp on the financial vision and direction of Holmes Murphy," said Keough. "She's not only a focused young professional, but she's also a team player and a leader with unlimited potential. I look forward to her wisdom and expertise as our CFO."

Hatten joined Holmes Murphy in 2014 after leading business development for a marketing and advertising firm. She has been involved with Holmes Murphy sales, clients, marketing, and community culture, which is instrumental as she leads the Marketing efforts of Holmes Murphy.

"Given Susan's breadth of expertise and knowledge at Holmes Murphy, within BrokerTech Ventures (BTV), and in the community, she is well positioned to take us to the next level with sales, brand, and communication experiences," said Keough. "Her growth in the company has been tremendous, and I'm eager to see the impact she can make in her new role."

In addition, Willadsen and Hatten have been an integral part in building BTV  the industry's first broker-led group and accelerator program co-founded by Holmes Murphy. As the Executive Sponsor and Chief Operations Officer of BTV, Willadsen and Hatten, respectively, have worked closely with Keough and M3 Insurance (a co-founding member of BTV) to propel the company forward. Through these expanded roles, Willadsen and Hatten are blazing the trail for all women to think differently about innovation, insurtech, technology, and fintech.

Holmes Murphy has been deliberate in its encouragement, engagement, and development of next generation leaders. These intentional leadership appointments allow Holmes Murphy to continue to perpetuate its privately held status and dedication to non-nepotism, which have both been paramount to the company since its inception in 1932.

"We look forward to seeing Ellen, Lindsay, and Susan in their new roles as they look to innovate the industry and serve our number one priority  our clients," said Keough.

About Holmes Murphy

At Holmes Murphy, we pride ourselves on selling "thinking," not insurance. In a nutshell, we sell the cumulative knowledge and experience that make insurance and businesses work better. It's a philosophy that's worked for us since our inception in 1932. As an independent brokerage, we serve business and industry leaders across the nation in the areas of property casualty insurance, employee benefits, captive insurance, risk management and loss control. For more information on Holmes Murphy, to include specialties, locations and what makes us tick, visit www.holmesmurphy.com. You can also follow us on Twitter.com (@holmesmurphyins) or visit us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram.

Contact:

Jena Brown

(515) 223.7096

[email protected]

SOURCE Holmes Murphy
ATLANTA, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Hue Society announced its annual Wine & Culture Fest, happening in-person to celebrate historically excluded brands, winemakers, and wine industry professionals from August 27  29, 2021. Typically taking place in New Orleans during Essence Fest, this year's ultimate wine experience is coming to Atlanta's Kimpton Overland Hotel and City Winery.

From awards and exclusive tasting and connections, Hue Society's Wine & Culture Fest will provide culturally educational and developmental opportunities for attendees while honoring industry legends like Dorothy J. Gaiter, Iris Rideau, Brown Estate, and more.

"Our Wine & Culture Fest is about strengthening communities and expanding access for brands and wine lovers alike," said Tahiirah Habibi, Founder and CEO, Hue Society. "We are so excited to bring our community together in Atlanta with our annual traditions plus a few brand new events."

Hue Society's Wine & Culture Fest will feature four main events over the three-day weekend:

Roses & Rose Awards Brunch is the only award experience that centers and celebrates the incredible accomplishments of Black and Brown wine industry professionals. Attendees of the third annual awards brunch will experience a curated menu paired with wines inspired by culinary delicacies from well-known vintners and chefs. This event will feature celebrity presenters and entertainers along with legendary and emerging wines;

R.I.C.E "Rising In Community Everyday" wine-pairing event is the newest event of the festival and will bring the wine industry and enthusiasts together for an upbeat cultural experience with flavor-packed food, music, and the Black wine experience. The event will showcase attendees' commonalities through food and rice dishes from diverse backgrounds. Renowned culinary chefs, Deborah VanTrece and Todd Richards, will be panelists for the R.I.C.E experience in partnership with City Winery;

The Cookout: Black Wine Experience is a late-night Black wine experience that will feature a cigar and wine pairing, tastings exclusive to Black brands, and roundtable conversations focused on how to improve the issues that Black wine professionals across the industry face. At the Cookout, brands will also have the opportunity to enter their wines in Hue Society's first ever Society Medals wine competition;

The Rose Lounge is a vibrant day party presented by Michael Lavelle Wines starring rose from around the world, a live DJ and light bites.

Tickets are currently on sale ranging from $50-$250 at www.wineandculturefest.com.

For partnership and press opportunities, please contact [email protected]. Follow the Wine & Culture Fest on Instagram for more event updates.

ABOUT HUE SOCIETY: Founded by Tahiirah Habibi, a recognized and celebrated sommelier, the Hue Society is committed to changing the narrative of Black and Brown wine consumers and brands. The organization is focused on advancing commerce, building community, and curating wine-relevant experiences that honor and celebrate African American heritage and history and bridge the intersection of wine and culture. Through its Wine & Culture Fest, Hue Society celebrates multicultural brands, winemakers, and wine industry professionals. The events will take place August 27  29, 2021 and feature awards, exclusive tastings, and special events.

Contact:

Aniysa Bruner

773-517-7098

[email protected]

SOURCE Hue Society

Related Links

https://thehuesociety.com/


NEW YORK, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In April 2021, telehealth utilization fell nationally for the third straight month, according to FAIR Health's Monthly Telehealth Regional Tracker. Telehealth claim lines1 declined 12.5 percent nationally as a percentage of medical claim lines, decreasing from 5.6 percent of claim lines in March 2021 to 4.9 percent in April. This was a greater decrease than the drop of 5.1 percent in March but not as great as the decrease of 15.7 percent in February. Telehealth usage also declined in April in all four US census regions, with the greatest decline in the South, where the decrease was 12.2 percent. The data represent the privately insured population, excluding Medicare and Medicaid.

The decline in telehealth utilization appears largely to be driven by the return of non-mental-health services from telehealthwhere they had shifted during the COVID-19 pandemicto in-person settings. The percentage of telehealth claim lines associated with mental health conditions, the number one telehealth diagnosis, continued to rise nationally and in every region. Nationally, for example, mental health conditions increased from 57 percent of telehealth claim lines in March 2021 to 58.6 percent in April. Likewise in April, psychotherapeutic/psychiatric codes increased nationally as a percentage of telehealth procedure codes, whereas evaluation and management (E&M) codes decreased.2 Within the category of mental health conditions, there were no changes in the rankings of top mental health diagnoses nationally or regionally.

In April, acute respiratory diseases and infections increased as a percentage of telehealth claim lines nationally and in the Midwest and South. As the COVID-19 pandemic wanes, this suggests a return to non-COVID respiratory conditions, such as colds and bronchitis. Also in April, general signs and symptoms joined the top five telehealth diagnoses in the West, again suggesting a return to more "ordinary," non-COVID conditions such as colds and stomach viruses.

About the Monthly Telehealth Regional Tracker

Launched in May 2020 as a free service, the Monthly Telehealth Regional Tracker uses FAIR Health data to track how telehealth is evolving from month to month. An interactive map of the four US census regions allows the user to view an infographic on telehealth in a specific month in the nation as a whole or in individual regions. Each infographic shows month-to-month changes in volume of telehealth claim lines, top five telehealth procedure codes, top five telehealth diagnoses (or diagnostic categories) and top five granular diagnoses within the most common diagnostic category.

FAIR Health President Robin Gelburd stated: "FAIR Health's Monthly Telehealth Regional Tracker continues to reveal changes in the evolution of telehealth as the COVID-19 pandemic recedes. This is one of many ways we pursue our healthcare transparency mission."

For the Monthly Telehealth Regional Tracker, click here.

Follow us on Twitter @FAIRHealth

About FAIR Health

FAIR Health is a national, independent nonprofit organization that qualifies as a public charity under section 501(c)(3) of the federal tax code. It is dedicated to bringing transparency to healthcare costs and health insurance information through data products, consumer resources and health systems research support. FAIR Health possesses the nation's largest collection of private healthcare claims data, which includes over 34 billion claim records and is growing at a rate of over 2 billion claim records a year. FAIR Health licenses its privately billed data and data productsincluding benchmark modules, data visualizations, custom analytics and market indicesto commercial insurers and self-insurers, employers, providers, hospitals and healthcare systems, government agencies, researchers and others. Certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as a national Qualified Entity, FAIR Health also receives data representing the experience of all individuals enrolled in traditional Medicare Parts A, B and D; FAIR Health includes among the private claims data in its database, data on Medicare Advantage enrollees. FAIR Health can produce insightful analytic reports and data products based on combined Medicare and commercial claims data for government, providers, payors and other authorized users. FAIR Health's systems for processing and storing protected health information have earned HITRUST CSF certification and achieved AICPA SOC 2 compliance by meeting the rigorous data security requirements of these standards. As a testament to the reliability and objectivity of FAIR Health data, the data have been incorporated in statutes and regulations around the country and designated as the official, neutral data source for a variety of state health programs, including workers' compensation and personal injury protection (PIP) programs. FAIR Health data serve as an official reference point in support of certain state balance billing laws that protect consumers against bills for surprise out-of-network and emergency services. FAIR Health also uses its database to power a free consumer website available in English and Spanish, which enables consumers to estimate and plan for their healthcare expenditures and offers a rich educational platform on health insurance. An English/Spanish mobile app offers the same educational platform in a concise format and links to the cost estimation tools. The website has been honored by the White House Summit on Smart Disclosure, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), URAC, the eHealthcare Leadership Awards, appPicker, Employee Benefit News and Kiplinger's Personal Finance. FAIR Health also is named a top resource for patients in Dr. Marty Makary's book The Price We Pay: What Broke American Health Careand How to Fix It and Elisabeth Rosenthal's book An American Sickness: How Healthcare Became Big Business and How You Can Take It Back. For more information on FAIR Health, visit fairhealth.org.

Contact:

Rachel Kent

Senior Director of Marketing, Outreach and Communications

FAIR Health

646-396-0795

[email protected]



1A claim line is an individual service or procedure listed on an insurance claim.

2An E&M is a patient-provider visit, such as for an examination, to diagnose illness or to determine or manage treatment.

SOURCE FAIR Health

Related Links

www.fairhealth.org


FastBack Bio's core technology is the M-STIM platform, from which multiple co-stimulatory domains may be derived. M-STIM co-stimulatory domains are powerful modulators of T cell responses and endow CAR-T cells with a number of beneficial characteristics. In vitro data show that the first M-STIM co-stimulatory domain, M83, provides CAR-T cells with differentiated expansion kinetics and a balanced mix of effector memory and central memory phenotypes compared to CAR-T cells made with commonly used co-stimulatory domains including CD28 and 4-1BB. Additionally, M83-based CAR-T cells are resistant to exhaustion in vitro and exhibit an enhanced metabolism that may be beneficial in the tumor microenvironment (TME).

Dr. Mike Nicholson, Chief Science Officer at Inceptor Bio, said, "CAR-T therapy has demonstrated impressive results fighting liquid tumors, but the field hasn't been as successful treating solid tumors. In murine models of renal cell carcinoma, M83-based CAR-T cells are far superior to CD28 or 4-1BB-based CAR-T cells. Those data, coupled with in vitro characterization, lead us to believe that M83-based CAR-T cells will be more efficacious against solid tumors."

FastBack Bio launches with technology licensed from Dr. Lishan Su's laboratory at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Su earned his Ph.D. in virology from Harvard and held a post-doctoral position in immunology and stem cell biology at Stanford. Dr. Su spent 24 years at UNC Chapel Hill, with appointments in the UNC Lineberger Cancer Center and the Department of Microbiology & Immunology. In October 2020, he was appointed Head of the Maryland Institute of Human Virology.

Dr. Su, who will continue to support development of the M83 platform through sponsored research and as an advisor to FastBack Bio, said, "I am excited to support FastBack Bio as an Inceptor Bio portfolio company. FastBack Bio will have access to world-class facilities and a team with an exceptional track record that will allow us to accelerate the development of T cell-based therapeutics with our novel co-stimulatory domain."

Abe Maingi, Co-Founder, Board Member, and VP of Business Operations at Inceptor Bio, noted, "At Inceptor Bio, we are committed to building therapeutic companies with the leading innovators in cell and gene therapy to progress treatments that have potential to cure difficult-to-treat cancers. We are thrilled to announce that the University of North Carolina and Dr. Su are the first partners in our mission to advance cell and gene therapies to cure cancer."

Inceptor Bio was established to pursue a diversified portfolio of cell therapy platforms across multiple cell types, including CAR-T, CAR-M, and NK/NKT, with novel mechanisms that enhance immune cell performance within the tumor microenvironment. Inceptor Bio has a new website at www.inceptor.bio to provide information on the company's vision and activities.

About Inceptor Bio

Founded in 2020, Inceptor Bio is biotechnology company developing multiple next generation cell and gene therapy platforms to deliver cures for underserved and difficult-to-treat cancers. By partnering with universities, medical centers, and industry leaders, Inceptor Bio advances cell and gene therapy programs from discovery-phase technologies into Phase I and II clinical assets. An experienced management team, Scientific Advisory Board, and other Directors and strategic advisors offer industry-leading expertise to partnerships. Inceptor Bio is investing in an Advanced Manufacturing Platform (AMP+) to provide fit-for-purpose, capital efficient, scalable shared infrastructure to support advancement of a diversified portfolio of cell therapy platforms across multiple cell types, including CAR-T, CAR-M, and NK / NKT. Additional information about Inceptor Bio is available at www.inceptor.bio.

SOURCE Inceptor Bio

Related Links

http://www.inceptor.bio


BENGALURU, India, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: 500209) (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, will announce results for the first quarter ended June 30, 2021 on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 around 3:45 p.m. Indian Standard Time (IST) (6:15 a.m. US ET; 3:15 a.m. PST; 11:15 a.m. London time; 6:15 p.m. Singapore/Hong Kong time). The results will also be available on www.infosys.com.

Common press conference (Hosted virtually)

(4:30 p.m. IST; 7:00 a.m. ET)

Following the release, the leadership team will be part of a common press conference at 4:30 p.m. IST. The participating executives will address questions from the media during this interaction, which will be streamed live on the Investor Relations section of Infosys website, following which it will be archived at www.infosys.com. The archive will be available after 7:00 p.m. IST on July 14, 2021 (after 9:30 a.m. US ET on July 14, 2021). In addition, a transcript of the conference will be available at www.infosys.com.

Earnings call

(6:00 p.m. IST; 8:30 a.m. ET)

The company will conduct a single 60-minute conference call at 6:00 p.m. IST (8:30 a.m. US ET; 5:30 a.m. PST; 1:30 p.m. London time; 8:30 p.m. Singapore/Hong Kong time) on July 14, 2021 (open to investors/analysts in all regions), where the senior management will discuss company's performance and answer questions from participants. To participate in the conference call, please dial the numbers provided below 10  15 minutes before the scheduled start time of the call. During this time, the operator will provide instructions on how to ask questions. Alternatively, you can also pre-register yourself using the DiamondPass link provided below which will enable you to connect to the conference call without having to wait for an operator. As participation in the call is limited, early registration is encouraged.

This event will be webcast live on the Investor Relations section of Infosys website, following which it will be archived at www.infosys.com. The archive will be available after 8:30 p.m. IST on July 14, 2021 (after 11:00 a.m. US ET on July 14, 2021). In addition, a transcript of the conference call will be available at www.infosys.com.

Summary of events

Event Date and Time Website/ Region Telephone No. Earnings release over the wire services 3:45 p.m. IST 6:15 a.m. ET July 14, 2021 www.infosys.com

Common press conference (Hosted virtually) 4:30 p.m. IST 7:00 a.m. ET July 14, 2021 www.infosys.com Dial-in details to be shared with participants Event Date and Time Web-site/ Region Telephone No. Earnings conference call (open for questions from investors / analysts in all regions) 6:00 p.m. IST 8:30 a.m. ET July 14, 2021 Questions during the call can be addressed to [email protected] DiamondPass registration link https://services.choruscall.in/DiamondPassRegistration/register?confirmationNumber=8622855&linkSecurityString=1ea07e5621 India Toll, Mumbai: +91 22 6280 1168 +91 22 7115 8069 US Toll-free: 1 866 746 2133 Toll Number: +1 323 386 8721 Singapore Toll-free:

800 101 2045 Toll-number:

+65 3157 5746 Hong Kong Toll-free:

800 964 448 Toll Number: +852 3018 6877 Japan Toll Free: 0053 116 1110 Toll Number: +81 3 4589 9421 UK Toll Free: 0 808 101 1573 Toll Number: +44 203 478 5524 Germany Toll-free:

00 8001 424 3444 Canada Toll- free: 011 8001 424 3444 France Toll-free:

0 800 914 745 Replay of conference call Till July 21, 2021 www.infosys.com Toll-free, USA: 1 833 289 8317 International toll: + 1 347 974 7488 Toll, Mumbai/India: +91 22 7194 5757 +91 22 6663 5757 Playback code: 4637#

About Infosys Ltd.

Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. We enable clients in more than 50 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 www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NSE, BSE,NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next.

SOURCE Infosys
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Javara, a leading Integrated Research Organization (IRO) focused on improving clinical trial access and outcomes, announced today that it has appointed Sharmila Bristol as its Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

Sharmila Bristol Headshot

Ms. Bristol, a senior technology executive with over 20 years of experience leading organizations through digital transformation, joins Javara with the goal of building a technology platform to streamline study startup and execution and drive growth across the biopharma and healthcare industries. As the CTO, Sharmila will be responsible for implementing strategy and leading innovation to drive feasibility and recruitment that fosters inclusive and equitable clinical trials. Her team will work to bolster Javara's technology platform and create value through operational efficiencies, generating meaningful insights to all stakeholders to effectively integrate clinical research into clinical care.

"We're thrilled to welcome Sharmila to the Javara family. She was undoubtedly the perfect choice for the role, as she brings top-notch expertise in leading teams, driving innovation and has an outstanding track record of developing technology strategies to enable deep collaboration and trusted partnerships," said Jennifer J. Byrne, CEO of Javara. "Sharmila's keen abilities in developing transformation roadmaps with strict governance will lead us to delivering clinical research as a care option to millions of patients together with our healthcare partners nationwide."

Prior to joining Javara, Ms. Bristol served as a National Customer Success Director for Modern Workplace and Security at Microsoft in North Carolina, an organization she joined in 2017. From 2010 to 2017, she worked for IQVIA, leading teams to deliver technology for global delivery networks for clinical trials and drive efficiencies for clinical research staff. Prior to that she worked at Nortel Networks and McKesson where she held various leadership positions in Business Operations and Continuity Planning, and Software Technology Solutions. She is also a proud board member for the Triangle Chapter of Girls on the Run, an organization committed to strengthening a sense of confidence in young girls while fostering care and compassion for self and others.

"I'm delighted to join the dedicated team at Javara and contribute to the mission of expanding access to the right trials for both patients and practitioners," Ms. Bristol said. "The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for a patient-centric digital strategy for faster recruitment and better retention in trials. The industry is primed to capitalize on technology advancement to address the administrative challenges associated with the complexities of clinical trial conduct, including current virtual practices. Javara will revolutionize the patient experience by enabling patients to retain crucial connections with their caregivers when they enroll in a study and achieve the best outcomes."

About Javara

Javara is the leading Integrated Research Organization (IRO) partnering with large healthcare organizations in local communities across the US to integrate clinical research into clinical care. Our access to broad diverse patient populations through their trusted physicians ensures clinical trials are completed with high enrollment and retention for quality data delivery. Javara's centralized resources and standardized operations provide efficiencies for accelerated study start-up and quality outcomes, so fewer obstacles stand in the way of the product approval process. Our team includes experienced clinical research leaders who have collectively led 10,000+ trials and engaged 200,000+ patients in clinical trials. As pioneers of Clinical Research as a Care Option (CRAACO), Javara is transforming healthcare and changing lives by connecting the right patients to the right trials at the right time. For more information, please visit Javararesearch.com.

Javara Media Contact:

Shannon Severino

[email protected]

412-608-2393

SOURCE Javara, Inc.

Related Links

http://Javararesearch.com


MORRISTOWN, N.J., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Electric service has been restored to more than 111,000 Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) customers who lost power last evening following damaging thunderstorms that swept through the northern and central parts of the state. Crews are working around the clock to assess damage and restore service to approximately 21,000 customers who remain without power as of 12:30 p.m. today, mostly in the hardest-hit areas of Sussex, Morris, Monmouth, Ocean, Hunterdon and Warren counties.

JCP&L crews are addressing more than 460 safety hazards and 105 road closures while evaluating damage and isolating equipment to enable repairs. Nearly 200 additional workers from JCP&L's sister utilities will be arriving today to assist the more than 270 JCP&L employees and contractors restoring power after the storm.

"Powerful winds reaching speeds of more than 65 mph, along with lightning and more than 3 inches of rain in some places, brought down trees and debris that damaged JCP&L's utility poles and equipment and caused numerous power outages. We will work around the clock and deploy additional resources as necessary until all customers have had service restored," said Jim Fakult, president of JCP&L. "At the same time, we have our eye on Tropical Storm Elsa and are preparing for any potential impacts later in the week. In particular, we're taking proactive steps to install barriers and other preventive equipment at substations susceptible to flooding."

Due to the extent of damage from yesterday's storm, restoration activities are expected continue through the week. The following estimated restoration times have been established for JCP&L customers that were affected by these storms:

Central New Jersey :

: Monmouth County : 99.3% of customers restored by 11:30 p.m. today, with the remaining by 11:30 p.m. tomorrow ( Thursday, July 8 )

99.3% of customers restored by today, with the remaining by ( )

Ocean County : 98.7% of customers restored by 11:30 p.m. today, with the remaining by 11:30 p.m. tomorrow

98.7% of customers restored by today, with the remaining by

Burlington County : 99.8% of customers restored by 11:30 p.m. today, with the remaining by 11:30 p.m. tomorrow

99.8% of customers restored by today, with the remaining by

Middlesex County : 99.8% of customers restored by 11:30 p.m. today, with the remaining by 11:30 p.m. tomorrow

99.8% of customers restored by today, with the remaining by Northern New Jersey :

: Hunterdon County : 79.9% of customers restored by 11:30 p.m. today; 99.2% by 11:30 p.m. tomorrow

79.9% of customers restored by today; 99.2% by

Morris County : 97.7% of customers restored by 11:30 p.m. today; 99.7% by 11:30 p.m. tomorrow

97.7% of customers restored by today; 99.7% by

Passaic County : 93.7% of customers restored by 11:30 p.m. today; 99.5% by 11:30 p.m. tomorrow

93.7% of customers restored by today; 99.5% by

Somerset County : 90.5% of customers restored by 11:30 p.m. today, with the remaining by 11:30 p.m. tomorrow

90.5% of customers restored by today, with the remaining by

Sussex County : 93.8% of customers restored by 11:30 p.m. today; 99.3% by 11:30 p.m. tomorrow

93.8% of customers restored by today; 99.3% by

Union County : 90.7% of customers restored by 11:30 p.m. today, with the remaining by 11:30 p.m. tomorrow

: 90.7% of customers restored by today, with the remaining by

Warren County : 97.1% of customers restored by 11:30 p.m. today; 99.4% by 11:30 p.m. tomorrow

The remaining less than one percent of customers will have service restored by 11:30 p.m. Friday, July 9.

Customer-specific restoration estimates will be set as damage is assessed and repair schedules established. For updates, please login to your utility account, call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) or visit www.firstenergycorp.com/outages.

After local power lines are repaired and put back in service, damage to individual customer service wires may become apparent. Customers are reminded that if their neighbor's power is on and theirs is not, the problem may be isolated to their individual service, and service to the neighbor could be fed from a different circuit. Customers are encouraged to report such problems at any time during the restoration process.

During severe weather, customers who are without power are encouraged to call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) to report their outage or click the "Report Outage" link on www.firstenergycorp.com. Customers should immediately report downed wires by calling 9-1-1. Customers should never go near a downed wire even if they think it is no longer carrying electricity. Extra caution should be used in areas where downed lines are tangled in trees or other debris.

Customers are reminded to never use a portable generator inside the house or a closed garage in the event of a power outage. Proper generators should be selected and installed by a qualified electrician. When operating a generator, the power coming into the home should always be disconnected. Otherwise, power from the generator could be sent back onto the utility lines, creating a hazardous situation for utility workers.

For updated information on the company's current outages, JCP&L's storm restoration process and tips for staying safe, visit the 24/7 Power Center at www.firstenergycorp.com/outages.

JCP&L customers also can subscribe to email and text message alert notifications to receive weather alerts in advance of major storms, and updates on scheduled or extended power outages. More information about these communications tools is available online at www.firstenergycorp.com/connect.

JCP&L is a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE). JCP&L serves 1.1 million New Jersey customers in the counties of Burlington, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren. Follow JCP&L on Twitter @JCP_L, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JCPandL or online at www.jcp-l.com.

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 more than 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


CLEARWATER, Fla., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced Medical Integration (AMI) is presenting "Live! Discovery Experience," a hands-on workshop for chiropractic practice owners that will demonstrate how they can grow their business, on Saturday, July 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at AMI's offices, 601 Cleveland Street, Suite 600 in Clearwater.

CREATE YOUR PRACTICE GROWTH PLAN

Featuring keynote speakers Dr. Mike Carberry and Sam Frentzas, the "Live! Discovery Experience" will explain AMI's model for creating a practice growth plan. The program will also offer participants an opportunity to learn about the AMI model, present new opportunities and responsibilities, and answer questions about how to practice the AMI model in a compliant, ethical and transparent way.

The principals behind AMI are Carberry and his wife, Coleen Carberry, a physical therapist.

"AMI is here to teach chiropractors, MDs and other licensed providers how to not only survive, but to thrive in practice throughout the next decade by actually aligning the services of your clinic with those that are most beneficial for the patient, philosophically sound, sought after by the public, and comfortably reimbursed by insurers or as cash services," Dr. Carberry explained.

"AMI is a company that challenges the status quo of healthcare. We believe the power of healing lies within the individual," he added.

Dr. Carberry said the AMI model is adaptable to any chiropractic practice.

Frentzas is the head of the Driving Force Company and co-author of "Salesfuze: How to confidently generate a steadily increasing flow of patient appointments to create a successful thriving practice" and "The Driving Force: Massive Business Growth Formula."

"Medical practices do not need to struggle to fill their appointments with highly qualified patients who need and can afford to pay for their services. They don't need to continue to burden their staff with marketing and appointment setting any longer," Frentzas said. "We believe that medical practices can thrive by reactivating their existing patient database, gain new patients through proven advertising and create real-world wealth for the doctor-owner with exciting empire building strategies."

To register for the "Live! Discovery Experience," visit www.eventbrite.com/e/amis-exclusive-discovery-experience-tickets-161161164381. The program is free.

For more information about Advanced Medical Integration, visit amidoctors.com.

For more information about the Driving Force Company, visit drivingforcecompany.com.

Media Contact Information:

Walter Bergeron

Ph: 877-881-2099

SOURCE Driving Force Company LLC
PHILADELPHIA, July 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading crane-collapse trial attorney David L. Kwass, a leading national authority on fatal, catastrophic construction-crane incidents such as tonight's in University City, is available to discuss the tragic development. Mr. Kwass, a partner in the law firm of Saltz, Mongeluzzi & Bendesky, P.C (SMB), has extensive experience litigating to verdict crane-failure cases as well as writing and lecturing on the broad spectrum of crane-safety procedures, including best practices in all phases of worksite operation and post-incident investigations. Mr. Kwass also chairs a national lawyer's group focused on litigating crane accidents. For more information, visit www.smbb.com.

Contacts:

David Kwass / 215.518.0467 / [email protected]

Steph Rosenfeld / 215.5144101 / [email protected]

SOURCE Saltz, Mongeluzzi & Bendesky, P.C.

Related Links

http://www.smbb.com


HEFEI, China, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 22, 2021, iFLYTEK celebrated its 22nd birthday and commemorated the occasion by extending its gratitude to the community.

This pandemic highlighted the positive benefits of adopting Artificial Intelligence technology and serves as proof of its practicality. Just days before China's annual college entrance examination, the Guangdong Province experienced a resurgence of COVID-19. iFLYTEK, in partnership with others, ensured that no student missed this life-changing test. iFLYTEK's Testing Service Center in Guangzhou served more than 50 million students.

This year, iFLYTEK set a goal to reach "One billion users, a hundred billion in revenue, and an ecosystem valued at one trillion." To achieve this, iFLYTEK launched the Systematic Innovation and Strategic Center as part of our path to achieve high speed growth. Some highlights of iFLYTEK's growth in 2021 include:

Programs launched in Zhengzhou City and Wuhan City with 70% business growth

City and City with 70% business growth The i-Study learning tablet experienced 200% growth

The to-C hardware successfully showed at the June 18 th Online Shopping Festival with a year over year increase of 108%

Online Shopping Festival with a year over year increase of 108% The Smart Assistant Program launched in Anhui Province and rolled out across China , providing medical services and assistance to over 100 million citizens and more than 380,000 basic-unit doctors

and rolled out across , providing medical services and assistance to over 100 million citizens and more than 380,000 basic-unit doctors Digital Jianghua is poised to lead in the creation of a smart provincial city center development model

The Turing Platform has become a leader in serving small and medium enterprises in digitizing efforts

In this rapidly changing era, iFLYTEK is continuing to pursue strategic goals. Specifically, iFLYTEK will:

Stay true to value creation with scientific spirit

See things in a dialectical and scientific way in order to avoid short-term anxiety

Leave our comfort zone and embrace a larger stage with scientific spirit

Stay true to value creation with scientific spirit

Since its founding, iFLYTEK's core value has been to "Realize dreams of employees, create value for society." This value refers to a positive approach to innovation that seeks to add to society across a number of sectors, particularly education and health care.

iFLYTEK's AI platforms create value by easing the burden on teachers and students in schools through teaching students according to their aptitudes. iFLYTEK enjoys a record of success because this focus on aptitude, which is consistent with the idea of remaking schools as a students' main place of study, reduces the burden placed on students. By replacing old methods with individualized learning, alongside the support of smart learning machines, we encourage efficiency and provide children more time for creative thinking. Students' grades have improved while shortening study periods: for example, a student can save 48% more time and practice on 32% fewer exercises to master a subject. With iFLYTEK's study aid, students now have more time to play, explore, and satisfy their curiosity.

iFLYTEK also creates value in healthcare by providing better, faster responses to medical emergencies. The pandemic control and prevention system was crucial in controlling a resurgence of COVID-19 in Heifei City, and in Guangzhou, iFLYTEK's Pandemic Smart Prevention and control system enabled a rapid pandemic response. After the Nansha district of Guangzhou announced that they would reinforce efforts in pandemic control, the smart telephone chat robot in our system immediately made phone calls to 5,464 high-risk citizens to check their health conditions and provide contact-tracing services. Within an hour, the system identified 853 people who had travelled to middle and high-risk regions, and 110 people who had not conducted nucleic acid testing.

See things in a dialectical and scientific way to avoid short-term anxiety .

iFLYTEK has continued to pioneer new paths in transformative technologies throughout its history. However, the company's approach is scientific and relies on persistent in-depth research toward a particular solution to ensure that iFLYTEK has the best knowledge of that topic. For example, the company's speech technology research led from speech synthesis to speech recognition, and from machine learning to natural language understanding. This scientific approach enables iFLYTEK to be an innovator and a leader for the long term.

Many parents worry about their children's grades early in their academic schooling, but they forget that education is also important in cultivating children's curiosity. iFLYTEK can help in this area. Through the "Teaching according to students' aptitudes" program, students obtain a better command of knowledge and have time saved for more innovative activities. Parents who participate have a better understanding on which subjects best suit their children, and by empowering students to pursue their areas of strength, society will be better equipped. These are some of iFLYTEK's key contributions towards a more diverse talent selection and measurement system. As we continue to work to ease the burden of students and parents through scientific spirit and methods, we will stay true to creating values in an era where many people are anxious about what is to come.

Leave our comfort zone and embrace a larger stage with scientific spirit

Throughout iFLYTEK's history, the company has constantly chosen to leave its comfort zone in order to push the boundaries of technology and innovation.

Our technology has progressed from speech synthesis to speech recognition, and then advanced to semantic understanding; the applicable languages began with Chinese, then English, which later allowed for multiple languages; innovations in speech technology continued towards advances in imagery; from perception to cognition; from making machines capable of listening and speaking, to machines that can understand and think. It is through these consecutive breakthroughs that we grew stronger, and it is because of our forward-moving mentality that we became a pioneer in A.I. and are building the only State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Intelligence and one of the first four Open A.I. Platforms.

iFLYTEK was not complacent about language learning and smart test assessment, as we continued to develop the Teaching According to Aptitudes Program to provide students with a high-quality and balanced education. iFLYTEK did not stop at e-medical records or at a smart medical assistant, but also developed the Smart Pandemic Prevention and Control System which significantly contributed to the battle against COVID-19.

If we want to enter a larger stage, we must do things that continue to increase our capabilities and push ourselves to innovate further. Leaving our comfort zone is our method of risk prevention, and it is what we must do to achieve our dream of creating a better world through A.I.

SOURCE iFLYTEK
NEW YORK, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Lincoln Property Company (LPC), one of the largest full-service real estate firms in the United States -- owning and managing over 400 million square feet of office space -- has made a strategic investment in global workplace experience technology leader, Equiem.

Post Covid, providing comprehensive digital experiences to occupiers in Class-A commercial buildings has become essential, with greater focus from landlords on tenant relationships, experience, communications and data.

Eric Roseman, Vice President, Innovation & Technology Ventures with LPC says "we see tenant engagement and in-building technology experience critical to the future of office.

We have worked with many of the tenant engagement providers in the space and were most impressed and delighted with the Equiem experience. We're excited to continue to expand our adoption of their platform.

Equiem proved to us their ability to integrate all facets of the building experience into a digital platform, activate communities, and generate meaningful data and insights for our leasing and on-site teams.

Their 10+ years of experience in this space is now proving itself to be a clear competitive advantage, and their service and support is unparalleled, making this commitment from LPC an easy decision."

Gabrielle McMillan, CEO and Co-Founder of Equiem said "We're delighted that a group with the scale and operating expertise of Lincoln Property Company is now an investor in, and strategic partner of Equiem. We're incredibly proud of the work we have done over the last 10 years to pioneer a shift in the way landlords and operators interact with and service their customers. It's a complex mix to get it right, and as we transition into becoming a full-service workplace experience provider, having a strategic partner like LPC  who sees the value we can bring to their teams, tenants and partners  creates an exciting win-win."

The LPC partnership comes off the back of strong growth for Equiem's US business which reported 70% growth in contracted revenues last quarter. McMillan, who is based in New York said: "North America is a critical market for Equiem and I'm really pleased with the strong team we've built here and the track record for execution we've developed. There is a lot of noise surrounding 'real estate tech' or 'proptech', but as landlords are making decisions about the right technology platforms and partners, they are looking to Equiem based on our deep understanding of real estate, global scale and the maturity and depth of our team and platform. When landlords pilot several options, like LPC, that's where Equiem really stands out. We have a decade of experience that allows us to make this very easy for our clients."

Equiem is the largest global workplace experience platform company and in the USA the firm's growing customer list includes Hines, Unico, Nuveen, Lionstone, Spear Street Capital, Ivanhoe Cambridge, Pembroke, Rising Realty with the platform live in office towers in 15 cities and 12 states.

About Equiem

Equiem is the global leader in workplace experience technology. Equiem helps landlords and property managers strengthen customer satisfaction and loyalty by delivering exceptional experiences and life-improving technologies. Equiem's market-leading platform is live in more than 500 buildings worldwide, across over 100 million square feet of real estate. With a tenant experience platform, e-commerce platform, flexible space booking platform, and a comprehensive arsenal of property management software solutions, landlords can use Equiem to attract and retain occupiers, streamline operations, deliver targeted communications, supercharge onsite retail and services, and unlock additional asset value across their portfolios.

The Equiem suite also includes the most advanced tenant analytics in the market, providing clients with rich, actionable intelligence that drives smarter, more effective tenant engagement.

Founded in 2011, Equiem operates in Australia, the USA, the UK, Ireland and Canada. The announcement comes off the back of Equiem's recently announced acquisition of Vicinitee that paved the way for the industry's first workplace experience platform, encompassing solutions for managing tenant relationships, flex space and property operations in one system.

SOURCE Equiem

Related Links

https://www.getequiem.com


DUBLIN, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Mallinckrodt plc (OTCMKTS: MNKKQ), a global biopharmaceutical company, today announced publication of results from the pivotal Phase 3 STRATA2016 clinical trial of StrataGraft (allogeneic cultured keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts in murine collagen  dsat), which is approved for the treatment of adults with thermal burns containing intact dermal elements for which surgical intervention is clinically indicated (deep partial-thickness burns). The data were published in Burns, a peer-reviewed journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries. The trial, which evaluated the efficacy and safety of a single application of StrataGraft in adult patients with deep partial-thickness thermal burns, achieved both co-primary efficacy endpoints. Please see Important Safety Information for StrataGraft below.

The Phase 3 clinical trial was supported by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). BARDA is providing funding and technical support for the continued development of StrataGraft under Project BioShield Contract No. HHSO100201500027C.

The published data showed that 96% of the burn sites treated with StrataGraft did not require autografting, and 83.1% of patients achieved durable wound closure of the StrataGraft treatment site without autografting by three months. As a reference, 86% of patients achieved durable wound closure of the autograft control sites. The significant reduction in use of autograft in patients treated with StrataGraft resulted in favorable outcomes in the secondary efficacy endpoints of donor site pain and donor site cosmesis (preservation or restoration of physical appearance). Additionally, cosmesis at the StrataGraft and autograft treatment sites was clinically similar at 12 months.

Safety results showed the most common treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) was pruritus (itching) at the treatment site, which occurred in 36.6% (26 of 71) of patients and was causally related to StrataGraft treatment in 11 patients. All TEAEs related to StrataGraft treatment were mild to moderate in severity. Hypertrophic scarring (HTS) occurred at the StrataGraft treatment site in 12.7% (9 of 71) of patients, and 4.2% (3 of 71) of patients had HTS determined by the investigator to be causally related to StrataGraft treatment.

"Surgical advances have improved survival rates in patients with severe burns. However, new treatments are needed that can help reduce or eliminate autografting, as the need to harvest healthy skin tissue can lead to pain, itching, scarring and impaired function at the donor site," said James H. Holmes, IV, M.D., Co-Lead Investigator of STRATA2016 and Professor, Trauma Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine. "We were encouraged to see in the Phase 3 trial that treatment with StrataGraft eliminated donor tissue harvest in all but three of the 71 study participants. Now that StrataGraft is approved, burn surgeons have an alternative biologic treatment option for patients with deep partial-thickness burns."

Each year, approximately 40,000 patients in the United States require hospitalization for the treatment of severe burns.1 Autograft is the current standard of care for deep partial-thickness burns  complex skin injuries in which the damage extends through the entire epidermis (outermost layer of skin) and into the lower part of the dermis (innermost layer of skin). Autograft involves the surgical harvesting of healthy skin from an uninjured site on the patient and transplanting the skin graft to the injury, creating a donor site wound and leaving the patient with more wounded areas requiring care.

"This marks the first publication of the full data set from the pivotal Phase 3 StrataGraft clinical trial, and we are pleased to be able to share these important clinical findings with the burn care community," said Steven Romano, M.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer at Mallinckrodt. "With StrataGraft having received regulatory approval in the U.S. for the treatment of deep partial-thickness burns, we look forward to bringing it to healthcare providers and patients who could benefit."

Data from the Phase 3 trial supported the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of StrataGraft on June 15, 2021.

Design of STRATA2016

The open-label, controlled, randomized, multicenter Phase 3 clinical trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of a single application of StrataGraft in the treatment of deep partial-thickness thermal burns. The trial enrolled 71 patients (55 males and 16 females; 78% white and 20% African American) at 12 burn centers across the United States. Eligible patients were age 18 years and older and had thermal burns comprising 3% to 49% total body surface area involving the torso or upper or lower extremities for which surgical excision and autografting were clinically indicated. The study design used an intra-patient comparator, in which two similar areas of burn injury on the same patient were randomly assigned to either StrataGraft treatment or autograft.

The co-primary endpoints were the difference in the percent area of the StrataGraft treatment site and the control autograft treatment site that was autografted by three months and the proportion of patients achieving durable wound closure of the StrataGraft treatment site without autograft placement at three months. Secondary endpoints assessed donor site pain, donor site cosmesis and treatment site cosmesis.

Full Results of STRATA2016

Results published in Burns showed the study met its co-primary efficacy endpoints of autograft sparing and durable wound closure by three months. A significantly smaller area of burn wounds treated with StrataGraft required autografting by three months compared to the area of burn wounds treated exclusively with autograft (p<0.0001). Additionally, 96% (68 of 71) of the burn sites treated with StrataGraft did not require autografting. By three months, 83.1% of patients achieved durable wound closure of the StrataGraft treatment site without autografting (95% CI: 74.4, 91.8), which was clinically similar to that of the autograft control site (86% [95% CI: 77.8, 94.0%]).

Secondary efficacy endpoint data also showed favorable outcomes with StrataGraft. In all but three patients, the StrataGraft treatment site did not need to be autografted, and the donor sites were therefore not harvested. As a result, significantly lower mean donor site pain intensity was observed through Day 14 at StrataGraft donor sites compared with autograft donor sites, as measured by the Wong-Baker FACES pain rating scale (p<0.0001). At three months, cosmesis data showed the mean donor site Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) observer total score was significantly lower (more like normal skin) for StrataGraft donor sites compared with autograft donor sites (p<0.0001). At 12 months, cosmesis at the StrataGraft and autograft treatment sites was clinically similar, as measured by POSAS total scores by observer.

A molecular analysis of patient biopsies at the StrataGraft treatment site at three months demonstrated that DNA from cells of StrataGraft was not detectable in any patients evaluated, which is consistent with wound healing by the patients' own cells.

Safety results showed the most common TEAE was pruritus (itching) at the treatment site, which occurred in 36.6% (26 of 71) of patients and was causally related to StrataGraft treatment in 11 patients. All TEAEs related to StrataGraft treatment were mild to moderate in severity. HTS occurred at the StrataGraft treatment site in 12.7% (9 of 71) of patients, and 4.2% (3 of 71) of patients had HTS determined by the investigator to be causally related to StrataGraft treatment.

About StrataGraft

StrataGraft is a viable, bioengineered, allogeneic, cellularized scaffold product derived from keratinocytes grown on gelled collagen containing dermal fibroblasts. StrataGraft is designed to deliver viable cells to support the body's own ability to heal. StrataGraft contains metabolically active cells that produce and secrete a variety of growth factors and cytokines. Growth factors and cytokines are known to be involved in wound repair and regeneration. The product is designed with both dermal and epidermal layers composed of well-characterized human cells. StrataGraft is intended to be applied in appropriate aseptic conditions, such as the operating room, and can be sutured, stapled or secured with a tissue adhesive.

The FDA granted StrataGraft orphan drug designation, and it was among the first products designated by the Agency as a Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) under the provisions of the 21st Century Cures Act. At the time of approval, the FDA awarded Stratatech Corporation, a Mallinckrodt company, a Priority Review Voucher (PRV).

Mallinckrodt is currently conducting a StrataGraft continued access clinical trial (StrataCAT, NCT04123548) under an Expanded Access Program (EAP). The trial sites involved in the pivotal Phase 3 trial (STRATA2016, NCT03005106) have the opportunity to participate in this multicenter, open-label study. The company is planning to evaluate StrataGraft for the treatment of adults with full-thickness burns (also referred to as third-degree burns). Additionally, Mallinckrodt plans to conduct a study evaluating StrataGraft in the treatment of pediatric populations.

BARDA expressed interest in StrataGraft as a medical countermeasure in response to large-scale burn incidents, and provided funding and technical support for the continued development of StrataGraft. These efforts are part of BARDA's strategy to build emergency preparedness in response to mass casualty events involving trauma and thermal burns by developing novel medical countermeasures for adult and at-risk populations. In the case of a mass casualty thermal burn event, the Government Accountability Office estimates that more than 10,000 patients might require thermal burn care.2 The limited number of specialized burn centers and related medical infrastructure in the United States creates a public health need for therapies that could be deployed quickly for use in these and other care sites.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

INDICATION

StrataGraft is an allogeneic cellularized scaffold product indicated for the treatment of adults with thermal burns containing intact dermal elements for which surgical intervention is clinically indicated (deep partial-thickness burns).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Contraindications

Do not use in patients with known allergies to murine collagen or products containing ingredients of bovine or porcine origin.

Warnings and Precautions

StrataGraft contains glycerin. Avoid glycerin in patients with known sensitivity (irritant reaction) to glycerin.



Severe hypersensitivity reactions may occur. Monitor for both early and late symptoms and signs of hypersensitivity reaction following StrataGraft application, and treat according to standard medical practice.



StrataGraft contains cells from human donors and may transmit infectious diseases or infectious agents, eg, viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens, including the agent that causes transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE, also known as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease [CJD or variant CJD]).



StrataGraft is a xenotransplantation product because of an historic exposure of the keratinocyte cells to well-characterized murine cells. The cell banks have been tested and found to be free of detectable adventitious agents, and mouse cells are not used in the manufacture of StrataGraft; however, these measures do not entirely eliminate the risk of transmitting infectious diseases and disease agents.



Transmission of infectious diseases or agents by StrataGraft has not been reported.



StrataGraft is a xenotransplantation product because of an historic exposure of the keratinocyte cells to well-characterized murine cells. The cell banks have been tested and found to be free of detectable adventitious agents, and mouse cells are not used in the manufacture of StrataGraft; however, these measures do not entirely eliminate the risk of transmitting infectious diseases and disease agents. Transmission of infectious diseases or agents by StrataGraft has not been reported. Because StrataGraft is a xenotransplantation product, StrataGraft recipients should not donate whole blood, blood components, plasma, leukocytes, tissues, breast milk, ova, sperm, or other body parts for use in humans.

Adverse Reactions

The most common adverse reactions (incidence 2%) were itching (pruritus), blisters, hypertrophic scar, and impaired healing. Other adverse events reported are included in the full Prescribing Information.

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of StrataGraft in pediatric patients (<18 years) have not been established.

Please see full Prescribing Information.

About Mallinckrodt

Mallinckrodt is a global business consisting of multiple wholly owned subsidiaries that develop, manufacture, market and distribute specialty pharmaceutical products and therapies. The company's Specialty Brands reportable segment's areas of focus include autoimmune and rare diseases in specialty areas like neurology, rheumatology, nephrology, pulmonology and ophthalmology; immunotherapy and neonatal respiratory critical care therapies; analgesics and gastrointestinal products. Its Specialty Generics reportable segment includes specialty generic drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients. To learn more about Mallinckrodt, visit www.mallinckrodt.com.

Mallinckrodt uses its website as a channel of distribution of important company information, such as press releases, investor presentations and other financial information. It also uses its website to expedite public access to time-critical information regarding the company in advance of or in lieu of distributing a press release or a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) disclosing the same information. Therefore, investors should look to the Investor Relations page of the website for important and time-critical information. Visitors to the website can also register to receive automatic e-mail and other notifications alerting them when new information is made available on the Investor Relations page of the website.

Cautionary Statements Related to Forward-Looking Statements

This release includes forward-looking statements concerning StrataGraft, including future plans for its launch, its potential impact on patients and anticipated benefits associated with its use, and future clinical trial plans. The statements are based on assumptions about many important factors, including the following, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements: satisfaction of regulatory and other requirements; actions of regulatory bodies and other governmental authorities; changes in laws and regulations; issues with product quality, manufacturing or supply, or patient safety issues; and other risks identified and described in more detail in the "Risk Factors" section of Mallinckrodt's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC, all of which are available on its website. The forward-looking statements made herein speak only as of the date hereof and Mallinckrodt does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events and developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

CONTACTS

Media Inquiries

Ben Rickles

Real Chemistry

404-502-6766

[email protected]

Investor Relations

Daniel J. Speciale

VP, Restructuring and Investor Relations

[email protected]

Mallinckrodt, the "M" brand mark and the Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals logo are trademarks of a Mallinckrodt company. Other brands are trademarks of a Mallinckrodt company or their respective owners.

2021 Mallinckrodt. US-2100347 06/21

1 American Burn Association. Burn Incidence Fact Sheet. http://ameriburn.org/who-we-are/media/burn-incidence-fact-sheet/. Accessed March 22, 2021.

2 United States Government Accountability Office. National Preparedness: Countermeasures for Thermal Burns. https://www.gao.gov/assets/590/588738.pdf. Accessed March 22, 2021.

SOURCE Mallinckrodt plc

Related Links

http://www.mallinckrodt.com


Scientists with Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI) worked with partners from FUNDEMAR (Dominican Foundation for Marine Studies), The Ministry of Environment of the Dominican Republic, the National Aquarium of the Dominican Republic, and the German Embassy in the Dominican Republic, to tag the manatees and teach the local groups how to operate the tracking equipment.

Being able to track the manatees movements will help scientists gain a deeper understanding of how manatees use their habitat and to ensure Juanita, Pepe and Lupita are able to properly adapt to life in the wild.

Under instruction from the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources, a "soft release" in Bayahibe was planned where all three manatees were kept in a natural pen for an adaption period of six months prior to their release. The pen site was selected by the team of the Ministry of Environment, FUNDEMAR, and the National Aquarium based on existing protocols and similar experiences in Puerto Rico.

Dr. James "Buddy" Powell from CMARI joined the teams at FUNDEMAR, the National Aquarium, Ministry of Environment and German Embassy to prepare Juanita, Pepe, and Lupita for release by outfitting them with their tracking devices. Dr. Powell also trained the Dominican scientists on how to place the devices on the manatees and use the tracking software.

Scientists with CMARI will continue to serve in a consultant role, helping FUNDEMAR decipher when unusual movements aren't of concern, or when an intervention is necessary for the manatees' well-being.

Follow where Juanits, Pepe and Lupita go with map tracking updates at cmaquarium.org. Help fund manatee conservation in the Dominican Republic with a donation today.

Media Contact: Kelsy Long, [email protected]

SOURCE Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Related Links

http://www.seewinter.com


VANCOUVER, BC, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Ritchie Bros. (NYSE: RBA) (TSX: RBA) the world's largest industrial auctioneer and a leading equipment distributor, invites interested parties to participate in its Second quarter 2021 earnings conference call, occurring on Friday, August 6, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern time / 8:00 a.m. Pacific time / 4:00 p.m. BST. During the call, company executives will discuss Ritchie Bros.' earning results and answer questions from analysts and institutional investors. The Company's Second quarter 2021 earnings results will be released after NYSE and TSX markets close the day prior, on August 5, 2021.

Analysts and institutional investors may participate via conference call, using the following dial-in information:

1-888-231-8191 (toll-free North America)

2039662922 (toll-free UK)

1-647-427-7450 (Toronto & overseas long-distance)

Please ask to participate in Ritchie Bros.' Second quarter 2021 earnings call, and quote conference ID 8372616 if prompted.

Media and other interested parties may listen to the conference call via webcast, by selecting the Second quarter 2021 earnings call webcast link at https://investor.ritchiebros.com.

Please note that there will be presentation slides accompanying the earnings call. The slides will be displayed live on the webcast, and will be available to download via the webcast player or at https://investor.ritchiebros.com/events-and-presentations the morning of the call.

A replay of the conference call can be accessed after 2:00 pm Eastern time / 11:00 am Pacific time / 7:00 pm BST until September 6, 2021 at 416-849-0833 or 1-855-859-2056 (using passcode 8372616).

About Ritchie Bros.:

Established in 1958, Ritchie Bros. (NYSE and TSX: RBA) is a global asset management and disposition company, offering customers end-to-end solutions for buying and selling used heavy equipment, trucks and other assets. Operating in a number of sectors, including construction, transportation, agriculture, energy, oil and gas, mining, and forestry, the company's selling channels include: Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, the world's largest industrial auctioneer offers live auction events with online bidding; IronPlanet, an online marketplace with featured weekly auctions and providing the exclusive IronClad Assurance equipment condition certification; Marketplace-E , a controlled marketplace offering multiple price and timing options; Mascus, a leading European online equipment listing service; and Ritchie Bros. Private Treaty, offering privately negotiated sales. The Company's suite of solutions also include Ritchie Bros. Asset Solutions and Rouse Services LLC, which together provide a complete end-to-end asset management, data-driven intelligence and performance benchmarking system. Ritchie Bros. also offers sector-specific solutions including GovPlanet, TruckPlanet, and Kruse Energy , plus equipment financing and leasing through Ritchie Bros. Financial Services. For more information about Ritchie Bros., visit RitchieBros.com.

SOURCE Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers

Related Links

http://www.rbauction.com


MIU Fashion Design students return to kick off Swim Week at the PARAISO Tent with the first runway show on the schedule. After a year of virtual events and pandemic lockdown, students representing 10 countries make their fashion comeback at this year's show as they present over 30 garments swimwear designs that project the upcoming year's swimwear trends. After the runway show, student winners will be announced on stage for category awards such as Editorial, Avant-Garde, Menswear, and Overall Design.

"This year's Swim Week is extra special for our students, who are delighted to reemerge after the pandemic and proudly present the collections they've been so passionately working on," says Oscar Lopez, M.A., Lead Faculty of the Fashion Department at Miami International University of Art & Design.

Miami International University of Art & Design's SWIM SHOW

Thursday, July 8th at 2PM

PARAISO Tent

2100 Collins Ave

Miami Beach, FL 33139

Instagram: @miamiintluniversity

"PARAISO Miami Beach has been an incredible partner of MIU," added Lopez. "They provide a highly visible and truly unique platform for our design students during one of the most significant events in Miami that brings together designers, buyers, and press from all over the world."

Find the full PARAISO Miami Beach schedule here , and for more information on Miami International University of Art & Design and its program offerings in Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising please visit: https://www.artinstitutes.edu/miami

About Miami International University of Art & Design

Founded in 1965, Miami International University of Art & Design is located near the heart of the arts district offering degree programs in the areas of Fashion, Media Arts and Design. The campus has more than 100,000 square feet of classroom, computer lab, library, and office space. Miami International University of Art & Design and its branch campuses, The Art Institute of Tampa and The Art Institute of Dallas, are accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award diplomas, associates, baccalaureate, and masters degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404.679.4500 for questions about the accreditation of Miami International University of Art & Design. For more information on Miami International University of Art & Design, visit us at www.mymiu.edu.

Miami International University of Art & Design is one of The Art Institutes, a system of private, non-profit schools throughout the United States. Programs, credential levels, technology, and scheduling options vary by school and are subject to change. 1501 Biscayne Blvd., Ste. 100, Miami, FL 33132.  2019. The Arts Institutes International LLC. All rights reserved.

SOURCE Miami International University of Art & Design
PALO ALTO, Calif., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- New Charter Technologies, a portfolio company of Palo Alto-based private equity firm Oval Partners, announced the partnership of I.T. Responsive. Located in Santa Ana, California, I.T. Responsive leads the market as a Microsoft Gold Partner, providing best-in-class solutions and project services to clients. With over 20 years of experience, the team is focused on helping small and mid-sized businesses get a quantifiable return on their technology investments.

New Charter Technologies CEO, Mitch Morgan is excited to have the company join the growing roster of North American MSPs. "We are so excited to welcome Chance Weaver and the team at I.T. Responsive. Chance brings vision, passion, and expertise to our Microsoft Practice, as we drive Digital Transformation for our clients," Mitch explained.

Chance Weaver, the CEO of I.T. Responsive, was intrigued by the New Charter partnership opportunity because it offered the company the ability to maintain their brand and operations model while also leveraging a peer network for resource sharing and collaboration. "The ability to work inside of a larger organization increases our growth and efficiency. There's an incredible opportunity for shared services and best practices that we can do much better collectively than we could do alone." In particular, I.T. Responsive is a Gold Managed Microsoft Partner and brings extensive experience, certifications, and specialization to the entire New Charter platform. As a result, companies can now offer clients a broader array of services and expertise across various industries.

The Oval Partners and New Charter Technologies business model is focused on building a caliber of business that the IT industry hasn't yet seen. The strategy is revolutionary and changing the standard in which the industry operates.

Here are the five pillars that make up the foundation of New Charter:

The platform partners with business owners who are not sellers but rather looking for an opportunity to continue what they're doing and having a financial partner for further investment.

A team of business owners to partner with for the sharing of new ideas and industry best practices to accelerate their business forward.

The foundation of the model is centered around the idea that the Managed IT industry is a "people-business" requiring a local touch and should not be consolidated in order to build upon success and reach new growth and service delivery levels.

The partners who make up the New Charter banner are high growth and high margin businesses who share a common set of cultural and business objectives.

The owners are the Leadership team and are collaborating and strategizing in a way that has never been seen in the industry.

According to John Knoll, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Oval, "I.T. Responsive brings a new, complementary geography to our platform and as a Gold Managed Microsoft Partner, an ability for New Charter to drive further innovation for our customers."

READ FULL RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT

Dan Escovitz

Oval Partners

[email protected]

312.375.0050

SOURCE New Charter Technologies
Fam Organics produces full spectrum hemp-based CBD oils and topicals. Elevated by the quality and governance, Marissa partnered with a farm in Colorado to ensure that products are single-sourced. Marissa uses her insights gained from years of investigative research in the hemp industry to monitor the production process, including third-party lab testing.

As a protective mom, daughter, sister and best friend, her favorite part about her entrepreneurial journey is demystifying common myths about CBD use and educating her customers on the benefits and applications for children and adults. "I won't create anything that I wouldn't give to my kids," she shares. Marissa has gone above and beyond to ensure that fellow mothers can give their best to their families with minimal anxiety, pain, & stress; many have affirmed their joy in using Fam Organics CBD as a safe product for their loved ones.

Press Contact:

Marissa Davis, Founder

646.960.1921

[email protected]

SOURCE Fam Organics

Related Links

https://famorganics.com/


BRANFORD, Conn., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Nationwide Security Corporation announced a multi-site contract covering 14 sites throughout the U.S., Australia, France, Germany, Poland, UK, India and Japan. The contract award leans on Nationwide Security's strength of single source security management, ensuring consistency in design, products, and pricing. Nationwide Security already has vast experience with providing its services countrywide and is excited to add international locations to its service area.

"We are extremely excited to begin work on this new project," says Brian Gouin, Senior National Account Specialist at Nationwide Security Corporation. "Managing national, and now international, multi-site locations is a big part of who we are and why companies enjoy working with our team. Customers with multiple sites in multiple states or countries tell us they prefer to deal with one security vendor for all their needs. We are looking forward to delivering on the promise of high-quality, consistent delivery of services from a single source."

The project consists of integrating access control, intrusion detection and video management systems with centralized client control and NSC service using leading technology products. There will be 14 sites in 2021 with multiple sites added in 2022. The company's certified and highly qualified network of subcontractors allows consistency of product, installation quality and service. This installation network with centralized management allows for a better overall client experience than dealing with large national security integrators.

About Nationwide Security Corporation: Nationwide Security Corporation delivers innovative and client-specific security solutions that combine state-of-the-art technology with 24/7 monitoring and client support. We began providing integrated security systems in 1983 as a family-owned business. Today, we are one of the most respected independently owned and operated security solution providers in the nation. We are committed to bringing a personal approach to the security system industry and are driven by knowing your safety and security are in our hands.

Contact:

Brian Gouin

Nationwide Security Corporation

203-800-1154

[email protected]

SOURCE Nationwide Security Corporation
MIAMI, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- netTALK Maritime announces its partnership with Inmarsat, the world leader in global, mobile satellite communications, to provide a communication system for Canadian Coast Guard lighthouses. Inmarsat's Global Xpress (GX) solution provides lighthouse keepers with reliable, high throughput data communications that drive job efficiency and greatly improve morale and welfare.

netTALK Maritime is a full-service communications provider for maritime deployments on cruise lines, serving over one million end users worldwide. Their streamlined maritime system is currently deployed on mass-market cruise lines around the world. It enables passengers to communicate directly with one another and cruise ship staff to send alerts and can be seamlessly adopted for other use cases as deployed with the Canadian Coast Guard lighthouses.

Inmarsat regularly works with customers representing governments, but this will be netTALK Maritime's first contract in this area. The partnership will combine netTALK Maritime's communication system with Inmarsat's satellite expertise, delivering remote communications and connectivity to government operators. Inmarsat has tested netTALK's communication system since March 2020 to deliver global safety communications in the most challenging locations.

Inmarsat's GX service provides a high bandwidth satellite data solution that allows lighthouse keepers to access their Cisco AnyConnect VPN connection to the Canadian Coast Guard network. Partner agencies can use GX to upload webcam images, weather data, etc. as well as VoIP that allows lighthouse keepers to make phone calls.

"Delivering a unique solution for Inmarsat to effectively service and satisfy their customer's needs has been a great experience for our team," said Anastasios "Takis" Kyriakides, CEO at netTALK Maritime. "This deployment proves how well our system can adapt to different environments, and we very much appreciate Inmarsat's support."

"Inmarsat is proud to support our customers in Canada and our partnership with netTALK Maritime, helping connect the Canadian Coast Guard with remote lighthouses, is a further demonstration of this commitment," said Justin Hobbs, Vice President, Sales, Inmarsat Global Government. "This arrangement will help the Canadian Coast Guard achieve reliable, secure, high-speed connectivity, supporting the safety of mariners in Canadian waters and protecting Canada's marine environment. Following the recent opening of Inmarsat's state-of-the-art facility in Ottawa, this project further demonstrates the close and developing partnership for Inmarsat across the Canadian Government."

About netTALK Maritime

A VoIP communications expert,netTALK Maritime provides cruise lines with solutions for passenger & crew communication. They develop and operate mission-critical communications networks, location services (including contact tracing and access controls), and telehealth technologies for the maritime industry worldwide. Follow us on LinkedIn.

About Inmarsat

Inmarsat is the world leader in global, mobile satellite communications. It owns and operates the world's most diverse global portfolio of mobile telecommunications satellite networks with a multi-layered, global spectrum portfolio, covering L-band, Ka-band and S-band, enabling end-to-end customer service assurance.

CONTACT

Kristen Weymouth

[email protected]

Related Images

nettalk-maritime-logo.png

NETTALK MARITIME Logo

NETTALK MARITIME LOGO

SOURCE netTALK Maritime
Colorado series printers are designed for optimal productivity with minimal operator intervention and manual maintenance. The ProCare service program reflects this philosophy, giving customers the added confidence they need to always deliver. Due to its diverse user-friendly service features, this program allows print service providers to focus on what matters mostexceeding client expectations on quality, delivering within tight turnaround times, growing their business, and increasing profits.

"Since launching the Colorado series in 2017, the technology has truly disrupted the market and, with over 2,000 installations worldwide printing more than 270 million square feet to date, feedback has been extremely positive," said Peter P. Kowalczuk, president, Canon Solutions America, Inc. "It's great to see so many customers realizing the benefits of UVgel technology, which we created to give the best balance of productivity, uptime and quality, while also helping to reduce total cost of ownership."

Kowalczuk continues, "We know from our customers that the Colorado is much more than a production device for them. It's a solution for bringing artwork to life, meeting tight deadlines, and fulfilling critical application requirements. Print service providers can rely on the Colorado for daily use and can trust its performance to enhance their business's messaging. We take great pride in knowing our customers have a technology they can rely on and a solutions partner who is ready to help them deliver."

Availability:

ProCare contracts are available for three, four, or five years, with the option to extend support after the initial contract has ended. Additional support options include premium print head replacement/maintenance.

For more information, please visit csa.canon.com.

About Canon Solutions America, Inc.

Canon Solutions America, Inc. provides industry leading enterprise, production, and large format printing solutions, supported by exceptional professional service offerings. Canon Solutions America, Inc. helps companies of all sizes discover ways to improve sustainability, increase efficiency, and control costs in conjunction with high volume, continuous feed, digital and traditional printing, and document management solutions. A wholly owned subsidiary of Canon U.S.A., Inc., Canon Solutions America, Inc. is headquartered in Melville, NY and has sales and service locations across the U.S. For more information on Canon Solutions America, please visit csa.canon.com.

Editorial Contact: Canon Solutions America, Inc. Website: Nicole Esan csa.canon.com 631-330-2139 For sales info/customer support: [email protected] 1-844-443-INFO (4636)

Canon is a registered trademark of Canon Inc. in the United States and elsewhere. Colorado and UVgel are registered trademarks or trademarks of Canon Production Printing Netherlands B.V. in the United States and elsewhere. All other referenced product names and marks are trademarks of their respective owners and are hereby acknowledged. Images are simulated.

 2021 Canon Solutions America, Inc. All rights reserved.

SOURCE Canon Solutions America, Inc.

Related Links

https://csa.canon.com


LONDON, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Nord Anglia Education, the world's leading premium international schools organisation, today celebrated its students achieving outstanding results in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme for the 2020/21 academic year. This year was the strongest set of IB results in Nord Anglia's history for both the overall IB average score and pass rate.

IB examination scores climbed in every school in the Nord Anglia family with a 36.2 global point average. Results were higher than this year's global average of 33.02, outperforming other IB schools around the world. This marks the eighth consecutive year that Nord Anglia schools have surpassed global average scores.

This year's record results will see Nord Anglia's students attend their first-choice universities, including Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, MIT, and Stanford.

Students across Nord Anglia's global family of schools also achieved an exceptional 98% pass rate, higher than last year's 96.9 % and once again exceeding the global average pass rate, which was 88.96%.

Record performances

Students' outstanding performances (40  45 points) doubled to 29% compared to the previous year, with over twenty Nord Anglia students receiving a perfect score of 45.

One example of a high performing school is the British International School Ho Chi Minh City, where students achieved over 40 points on average, with four students achieving a perfect score of 45 and seventeen students achieving a near perfect score of 44.

Nord Anglia is the world's largest provider of the IB Diploma Programme of any schools group, with over 1300 students sitting the IB Diploma this year. Recognised in more than 100 countries worldwide, the IB programme is one of the most highly-regarded international curricula, well known for its breadth and academic rigour, which nurtures a global outlook and prepares students for success at university and in their working lives.

Andrew Fitzmaurice, Chief Executive Officer, Nord Anglia Education, said: "We are immensely proud of our IB students' outstanding achievements, particularly in a year where the pandemic created significant challenges. Their impressive results are of great credit to their resilience and hard work and pave the way for them to attend the world's top universities. This year's results are also testament to the dedication, creativity and inspiration of our talented teachers who have ensured our students excel in their learning."

About Nord Anglia Education

Nord Anglia Education (NAE) is the world's leading premium schools organisation, with 73 schools across 30 countries. Our schools go beyond traditional learning to deliver a high quality, transformational education to 67,000 students from kindergarten through to the end of secondary school. We offer multiple internationally recognised curriculums, including the English Curriculum, the International Baccalaureate, the Swiss Maturite and the US Curriculum, amongst others.

Our global scale enables us to recruit and retain world-leading teachers and to offer our students unforgettable experiences through our partnerships with world-renowned institutions The Juilliard School, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and UNICEF. As part of the NAE family, every student can connect and collaborate on our bespoke Global Campus platform to bring their learning to life beyond the classroom.

Founded in 1972 in the United Kingdom, initially offering learning services such as English-as-a-foreign-language classes, NAE opened its first international school in 1992: the British School Warsaw. In the 2000s, NAE began a strategic focus on premium international schools, with rapid growth in Asia, the Americas, China and across Europe and the Middle East. In July 2019, the company relocated its headquarters from Hong Kong to London.

For more information, please visit www.nordangliaeducation.com

SOURCE Nord Anglia Education

Related Links

www.nordangliaeducation.com


NEW YORK, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of financial markets for 11,000 U.S. and global securities, today announced Pampa Metals Corporation (CSE: PM;OTCQX: PMMCF), a Canadian mining company, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX Best Market. Pampa Metals Corporation upgraded to OTCQX from the OTCQB Venture Market.

Pampa Metals Corporation begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol "PMMCF." U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

The OTCQX Market is designed for established, investor-focused U.S. and international companies. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance, and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws. Graduating to the OTCQX Market marks an important milestone for companies, enabling them to demonstrate their qualifications and build visibility among U.S. investors.

About Pampa Metals Corporation

Pampa Metals is a Canadian company listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange. Pampa Metals has interests in an outstanding 59,000-hectare portfolio of projects prospective for copper and gold located along proven mineral belts in Chile, one of the world's top mining jurisdictions. The Company has a vision to create value for shareholders and all other stakeholders by making a major copper discovery along the prime mineral belts of Chile, using the best geological and technological methods. For more information, please visit Pampa Metals' website here www.pampametals.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]

SOURCE OTC Markets Group Inc.

Related Links

http://www.otcmarkets.com


NEW YORK, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Owl Rock Capital Corporation (NYSE: ORCC) ("ORCC") today announced it will release its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021 on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 after market close. ORCC invites all interested persons to its webcast / conference call on Thursday, August 5, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss its second quarter ended June 30, 2021 financial results.

Conference Call Information:

The conference call will be broadcast live at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the Investor Resources section of ORCC's website at www.owlrockcapitalcorporation.com. Please visit the website to test your connection before the webcast.

Participants are also invited to access the conference call by dialing one of the following numbers:

Domestic: (866) 211-4123

International: (647) 689-6612

Conference ID: 5397663

All callers will need to enter the Conference ID followed by the # sign and reference "Owl Rock Capital Corporation" once connected with the operator. All callers are asked to dial in 10-15 minutes prior to the call so that name and company information can be collected.

Replay Information:

An archived replay will be available for 14 days via a webcast link located on the Investor Resources section of ORCC's website, and via the dial-in numbers listed below:

Domestic: (800) 585-8367

International: (416) 621-4642

Conference ID: 5397663

About Owl Rock Capital Corporation



Owl Rock Capital Corporation (ORCC) is a specialty finance company focused on lending to U.S. middle-market companies. As of March 31, 2021, ORCC had investments in 120 portfolio companies with an aggregate fair value of $11.2 billion. ORCC has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. ORCC is externally managed by Owl Rock Capital Advisors LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser that is an indirect subsidiary of Blue Owl Capital Inc. ("Blue Owl") (NYSE: OWL) and part of Owl Rock, a division of Blue Owl. Owl Rock, together with its subsidiaries, is a New York based direct lending platform with approximately $27.8 billion of assets under management as of March 31, 2021.

Certain information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking statements" that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors and undue reliance should not be placed thereon. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about ORCC, its current and prospective portfolio investments, its industry, its beliefs and opinions, and its assumptions. Words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "will," "may," "continue," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "would," "could," "should," "targets," "projects," "outlook," "potential," "predicts" and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond ORCC's control and difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements including, without limitation, the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in ORCC's filings with the SEC. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date on which ORCC makes them. ORCC does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or any other information contained herein, except as required by applicable law.

Investor Contact:

Dana Sclafani

212-651-4705

[email protected]

Media Contact:

Prosek Partners

David Wells / Josh Clarkson

[email protected]

SOURCE Owl Rock Capital Corporation
ENSCHEDE, Netherlands & FAIRFIELD, N.J., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Solstice Pharmaceuticals has successfully completed its latest round of funding to further the clinical development of its innovative ultrasound contrast agent (UCA). The first-of-its-kind contrast agent uses unique microbubble technology that dramatically enhances image contrast, improves diagnostic accuracy and makes ultrasound more widely applicable for a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

The investment comes from a consortium of experienced entrepreneurs and strategic industry partners, led by U.S.-based Parker Laboratories, a worldwide leader in ultrasound products for more than 60 years. The funding marks an important strategic step for Solstice that will enable the company to accelerate clinical translation of the proprietary UCA by demonstrating both patient safety and product versatility.

"This is a unique opportunity for Solstice both in terms of international growth and transitioning to the clinical market," said managing director Wim van Hoeve. "We look forward to working with an experienced and diverse group of shareholders to accelerate our innovation and boost our international collaborations to establish new and exciting therapeutic and diagnostic applications."

Unique Microbubble Technology

A key pillar of Solstice's innovation is its lab-on-a-chip production technology, which enables the contrast agent to be precisely engineered and optimized with tailor-made monodisperse microbubbles for a broad range of specific applications. The novel microfluidic technology provides up to 20 times greater image contrast compared to existing UCAs. This improves the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound, making it a fast, cost-effective and patient-friendly imaging technique to visualize the structures and details of a patient's organs.

"We regard the ultrasound imaging market as a primary business segment and an important global growth area," said Neal Buchalter, president of Parker Laboratories. "The unique technology platform of Solstice can play a pivotal role in increasing the versatility and applicability of ultrasound even further, which was a key factor for our investment in this promising start-up."

Solstice plans to pursue the diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) as the first clinical indication. RCC is the most common type of kidney tumor diagnosed in adults, but one-third of patients are diagnosed too late, after the cancer has already spread to other areas of the body. CT and MRI contrast agents are damaging to the kidneys and therefore contraindicated for diagnosing renal cancers. By improving the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound imaging, use of Solstice's unique microbubble contrast agent may enable earlier, more accurate diagnoses of RCC.

Significant Patient Benefits

The technology also promises to have wide applicability in the clinical setting beyond diagnostic imaging, including monitoring blood flows and pressures and localized drug delivery. Many investors were attracted to the diverse range of potential clinical indications for the unique microbubble technology, from patient-friendly diagnostics for young children at the bedside to revolutionary drug delivery systems for neurological diseases.

"There are many important clinical applications for which the contrast agent of Solstice has a unique added value," said Jan Sigger, a serial-entrepreneur in the medical technology field and Founder of Quirem Medical. "I am confident that, together with the rest of the shareholders, we will realize significant patient benefits by utilizing the full potential of the Solstice microbubble technology."

About Solstice Pharmaceuticals

Solstice Pharmaceuticals is a Dutch company dedicated to creating the next generation of diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound products. They develop, manufacture and commercialize ultrasound contrast agents to support healthcare professionals in effectively and accurately diagnosing their patients. For more information, visit solsticepharma.com .

About Parker Laboratories

Parker Laboratories is a leading global medical products company that develops, manufactures and sells ultrasound and electromedical contact media and accessories, as well as leading lines of instrument cleaners and disinfectants. A worldwide leader in ultrasound medical products for over 60 years, Parker Laboratories has been consistently at the forefront of technological advances in the industry. Its flagship product, Aquasonic100 Ultrasound Transmission Gel, is the world standard for medical ultrasound. For more information, visit parkerlabs.com .

Contact: Liz Dowling

Dowling & Dennis PR

415-388-2794

[email protected]

SOURCE Parker Laboratories
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Parker Sanpei , a forward-looking boutique PR and marketing consultancy, has released a comprehensive study entitled "The Future of Travel & Hospitality: Post-Pandemic and Beyond." The study, available as a free download on the Parker Sanpei website, was created from unbiased data generated from experienced travelers using a "Swarm Intelligence" platform. The study is composed of twenty-four predictions about travel timing, distance, accommodations features that will attract travelers, and the kinds of branding, marketing and messaging that will most resonate with them. It is presented in a visual format with summaries of what professionals should do with the information.

"Our research began with an Advanced Strategy session with industry professionals to learn what they needed to know about how the pandemic may have changed their future operations. We then led travelers through a one-hour swarm session that resulted in quite a few surprises. They were far more optimistic and specific about their wants and needs than our experts expected," said Parker Sanpei President and CEO, Linda Sanpei.

Marketing and operations executives who have the foresight to get ahead of the changing trends found in the study are using this information now to prepare their strategies and budgets for the next few years:

92% of the swarm agreed in less than 8 seconds that travelers will head to international sites once the world is safe. This is a warning for domestic destinations only looking at good sales in the immediate future.

Throughout the study the swarm consistently placed enhanced safety and cleanliness protocols toward the bottom of their criteria. This was good news to our experts who were trying to find new budgets.

There is no preference between vacation rentals and hotels/resorts, so accommodations need to dig into how travelers will make their selection (detailed in the study).

By the end of a 14-second deliberation that started with "packages and promotions" being most important to return travelers, the swarm overwhelmingly agreed that "upgrades on check-in" were better for increasing loyalty.

Marketing and advertising that will work with travelers presented the most unexpected predictions and are steering our experts away from wasting money while focusing on things like brand building, packages and imagery over traditional tactics like print ads (with a 92% negative rating) and travel planning sites (with a 60% negative rating).

"We saw examples throughout our study of how traditional surveys would have been inconclusive or entirely wrong," said Parker Sanpei Chief Marketing Officer, Doug Klein. "The problem with the data many professionals get," he continued," is that it is not gathered in an unbiased group setting where we can track how people influence and are influenced by others. Answers we've always accepted as obvious from published surveys just don't hold up when these influences are brought into the process. It's this new dimension of collective intelligence we used in this study that has predicted election outcomes, sporting events scores, the Oscars, and even the stock market. It's super exciting to be able to offer this to our clients."

Parker Sanpei's Swarm Intelligence platform provides deeper insights from new dimensions like "support density," "faction support over time," "time to decision," "choice switch frequency" and even individual recordings of every question and answer period. Every participant's decision process can even be analyzed individually or as part of a segment of participants. And even though swarms can be twice as accurate as traditional surveys or focus groups, running a swarm session is far simpler and more affordable with clients able to remain mostly hands-off.

Swarm intelligence sessions are conducted with a web-based platform similar to an online game, moderated by artificial intelligence. As participants work together through groupthink to deliberate over the best answers to strategic questions, measurements are captured four times a second that provide a wealth of knowledge into their decision-making process. Questions are carefully constructed to get the swarm to think about people like them. In combination with the unique jury-like process and artificial intelligence helping the group collaborate on a single "best" answer, it only takes only 25 to 50 people to represent the decision-making of thousands.

"Our hope is that this research and new, more accurate way of getting into the minds of consumers, will help guide an industry that touches so many lives into full recovery," concluded Sanpei.

For more information on Swarm Intelligence research, visit parkersanpei.com .

About Parker Sanpei

Parker Sanpei is an award-winning public relations and marketing consultancy that has been providing strategy and agency services for travel and tourism, hospitality, food and beverage (especially wine and spirits), and trendsetting lifestyle brands since 2007. Specialty services include creative brand development, influential media and public relations, and marketing optimization designed to improve results while lowering costs. The team takes great pride in maintaining long-term relationships with clients and media based on always outperforming goals and expectations.

SOURCE Parker Sanpei

Related Links

www.parkersanpei.com


RAIPUR, India, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Stratview Research announces the launch of a new research report on Polymer Processing Aid Market by Polymer Type (Polyethylene {HDPE, LLDPE, LDPE, and Others}, Polypropylene, and Others), by Application Type (Blown Film & Cast Film, Extrusion & Molding, Pipes & Tubes, Fibers & Raffia, Wires & Cables, and Others), and by Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World), Forecast, Competitive Analysis, and Growth Opportunity: 2021-2026.

This report, from Stratview Research, studies the polymer processing aid market over the trend period of 2015 to 2020 and the forecast period of 2021 to 2026. The report segments and analyzes the market in the most detailed manner to provide a panoramic view of the market. The vital data/information provided in the report can play a crucial role for the market participants as well as investors in the identification of the low-hanging fruits available in the market as well as formulate growth strategies.

Polymer Processing Aid (PPA) Market: Highlights

Plastic additives, such as plasticizers, flame retardants, impact modifiers, processing aids, stabilizers, antioxidants, and antimicrobials, have been used for decades to enhance the properties of plastics and plastic products. Plastic additives' demand usually moves parallelly with the plastics' demand, the latter is dependent on the growth trajectory of major end-use industries.

Polymer Processing Aid (PPA) is mainly used in improving melt processability or improving the handling of polymers with high-molecular weight. They are used in the production and processing of different polymers. PPA can be beneficial in several ways such as reducing die build-up, offering thermal stability, lowering melt viscosity, reducing gel formation, reducing interfacial instability, and usage in high viscosity.

The demand for plastics has incessantly been increasing for a wide range of applications by replacing metals in some cases. In industries, such as automotive, the ever growing need to attain fuel efficiency drives the usage of lightweight materials such as composites and plastics. In the consumer goods and packaging industries, polymers remain the materials of choice.

Steady demand from the relatively unstirred packaging and consumer goods industries proved to be the boat that sailed PPA demand through the pandemic's waves. A sudden spike in demand for PP and PE masks, medical gowns, and other medical supplies proved to be another factor adding momentum to the market in 2020. The long-term outlook for the PPA market seems positive with favorable demand from across industries, pushing the demand to an estimated value of US$ 2.3 billion by 2026.

Click Here for Running Through the Table of Contents: https://www.stratviewresearch.com/toc/572/polymer-processing-aid-market.html

Based on the polymer type, polyethylene is expected to dominate the market in the coming five years, in terms of both value and volume. The growth is attributed to the rising employment of HDPE, LLDPE, and LDPE in the consumer goods, building & construction, and automotive industries. The polypropylene segment is projected to depict the highest growth during the forecast period, on account of the escalating demand from the packaging and healthcare industries.

Based on the application type, the blown film & cast film segment is likely to continue holding the throne during the forecast period. The growth is triggered by the rising use of polymer processing aid for manufacturing blown films & cast films to substantiate the mounting demand for quality films especially in China, Japan, India, and South Korea.

In terms of regions, Asia-Pacific is expected to be the largest market for polymer processing aid in the coming five years, driven by the escalating per capita use of plastics. China and India are likely to remain the thrust-bearers of the region. China has been quite resilient in exerting efforts to acquire PP self-sufficiency and to reduce dependency on PE imports, to establish and integrate indigenous polymer production value chain. North America and Europe are also expected to offer sizeable growth opportunities during the forecast period.

Register Here for a Free Sample of the Report: https://www.stratviewresearch.com/Request-Sample/572/polymer-processing-aid-market.html#form

The supply chain of this market comprises raw material manufacturers, PPA manufacturers, masterbatch makers, compounders, component manufacturers, and OEMs. Key players in the PPA market include Arkema S.A., Avient Corporation, Daikin Industries, Ltd., Fine Organic Industries Ltd., LyondellBasell Industries N.V., Solvay S.A., The Chemours Company, The 3M Company, Tosaf Group, and Wells Plastics Ltd. Mergers & acquisitions, application development, and development of innovative products are some of the key strategies adopted by the major players in oton a competitive edge in the market.

Report Features

This report provides market intelligence in the most comprehensive way. The report structure has been kept such that it offers maximum business value. It provides critical insights on the market dynamics and will enable strategic decision making for the existing market players as well as those willing to enter the market. The following are the key features of the report:

Market structure: Overview, industry life cycle analysis, supply chain analysis.

Market environment analysis: Growth drivers and constraints, Porter's five forces analysis, SWOT analysis.

Market trend and forecast analysis.

Market segment trend and forecast.

Competitive landscape and dynamics: Market share, product portfolio, product launches, etc.

Attractive market segments and associated growth opportunities.

Emerging trends.

Strategic growth opportunities for the existing and new players.

Key success factors.

This report studies the global polymer processing aid market and has segmented the market in three ways, keeping in mind the interest of all the stakeholders across the value chain. Following are the three ways in which the market is segmented:

Polymer Processing Aid Market, by Polymer Type

Polyethylene ( Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) Sub-Type Analysis: HDPE, LLDPE, LDPE, and Others

Polypropylene (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Others (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Polymer Processing Aid Market, by Application Type

Blown Film & Cast Film (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Extrusion & Molding (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Pipes & Tubes (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Fibers & Raffia (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Wires & Cables (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Others (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW)

Polymer Processing Aid Market, by Region

North America (Country Analysis: The USA , Canada , and Mexico )

Europe (Country Analysis: Germany , France , the UK, Italy , and Rest of Europe )

Asia-Pacific (Country Analysis: China , India , South Korea , and Rest of Asia-Pacific )

Rest of the World (Sub-Region Analysis: Latin America , the Middle East , and Others)

Stratview Research has several high value market reports in the advanced materials industry. Please refer to the following link to browse through our reports:

https://www.stratviewresearch.com/market-reports/Advanced-Materials.html

About Stratview Research

Stratview Research is a global market intelligence firm providing wide range of services including syndicated market reports, custom research and sourcing intelligence across industries, such as Advanced Materials, Aerospace & Defense, Automotive & Mass Transportation, Consumer Goods, Construction & Equipment, Electronics and Semiconductors, Energy & Utility, Healthcare & Life Sciences, and Oil & Gas.

We have a strong team of industry veterans and analysts with an extensive experience in executing custom research projects for mid-sized to Fortune 500 companies, in the areas of Market Assessment, Opportunity Screening, Competitive Intelligence, Due Diligence, Target Screening, Market Entry Strategy, Go to Market Strategy, and Voice of Customer studies.

Stratview Research is a trusted brand globally, providing high quality research and strategic insights that help companies worldwide in effective decision making.

Stratview Research has launched 'Composights', an online portal which offers free thought leadership reports, whitepapers, market report synopsis and much more for Composites and allied industries, worth US$ 20,000 every year.

Click here to sign up (No costs involved): https://www.stratviewresearch.com/composights/sign-in

For enquiries, please contact:

Stratview Research

E-mail: [email protected]

Direct: +1-313-307-4176

SOURCE Stratview Research
EXTON, Pa., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ricoh USA, Inc. today announced that it has joined AMERICA IS ALL IN, the most expansive coalition of leaders in the U.S. supporting climate action. AMERICA IS ALL IN aims to reach at least 50% U.S. greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2030 compared to 2005 levels and to reach net zero emissions by 2050, while curtailing climate disruption. Ricoh's pledge builds upon its long-standing commitment to combat climate change and to help create a more environmentally sustainable society.

"Ricoh promotes sustainability in all of our business practices and focuses on reducing our environmental footprint through four fundamental environmental pillars: energy conservation, resource conservation, pollution prevention and biodiversity conservation," said Donna Venable, Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Deputy General Manager, Shared Services, Ricoh North America. "Protecting and championing our natural resources lies at the heart of everything we do, and we expect nothing less from our partners, customers and suppliers. We are proud to advocate for a prosperous, equitable and sustainable future that fosters environmental health."

Ricoh's pledge to AMERICA IS ALL IN aligns with its three founding principles  "The Spirit of Three Loves," consisting of "love your neighbor," "love your country" and "love your work." The dedication to these principles has produced efforts, initiatives and recognitions that demonstrate actionable and measurable progress. Recent examples include:

Other recent Ricoh accolades include:

For more information on Ricoh's commitment to environmental sustainability, click here, or follow along on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

| About Ricoh |

Ricoh is empowering digital workplaces using innovative technologies and services that enable individuals to work smarter from anywhere.

With cultivated knowledge and organizational capabilities nurtured over its 85-years history, Ricoh is a leading provider of digital services and information management, and print and imaging solutions designed to support digital transformation and optimize business performance.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Group has major operations throughout the world and its products and services now reach customers in approximately 200 countries and regions. In the financial year ended March 2021, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 1,682 billion yen (approx. 15.1 billion USD).

For further information, please visit www.ricoh.com

 2021 Ricoh USA, Inc. All rights reserved. All referenced product names are the trademarks of their respective companies.

SOURCE Ricoh USA, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.ricoh-usa.com


Tinuiti's Proprietary Ad Tech to Drive Traction for Rritual Products Through an

Integrated eCommerce Brand Building Program

VANCOUVER, BC, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Rritual Superfoods Inc. ("Rritual" or the "Company") (CSE: RSF) (FSE: 0RW) (OTCQB: RRSFF) is pleased to announce that the Company has appointed Tinuiti as its Digital Advertising Agency.

The prioritization of e-commerce is central to Rritual's growth strategy. Tinuiti provides expertise with their proprietary technology, resulting in a trail blazing and highly responsive approach to building the Rritual brand and making the most efficient use of resources directed at sales results.

Tinuiti will be responsible for coordinating search engine marketing, managing purchase of AdWords, remarketing, conversion rate optimization, paid social media, and media advertising. Tinuiti will be instrumental in lowering Rritual's acquisition cost per customer and will also strategically work to grow the Company's subscriber base thereby increasing recurring revenues.

"Rritual is excited to be working with Tinuiti, the largest independent performance marketing firm across Amazon, Google and Facebook," said Rritual CEO and Director, Mr. David Kerbel. "We anticipate substantial growth with our omni-channel e-Commerce strategy, and know that Rritual will benefit greatly from Tinuiti's proprietary technology and experience, allowing us to expand our reach rapidly and most importantly grow Rritual's revenue."

The strategies being deployed are designed to accelerate growth for Rritual products on all eCommerce platforms including the Company's own direct to consumer shop, Amazon.com, Riteaid.com, Kroger owned Vitacost.com,TheGoodTrends.com, and will give a lift to new listings that Rritual obtains going forward on major health and wellness platforms.

Rritual product offerings are all USDA-certified organic and are a caffeine-free option that can be mixed with other beverages or enjoyed by itself. Rritual's proprietary Immune-Synergy Six Mushroom Blend is the only functional health product on the market that contains a daily prebiotic blend which nourishes a healthy gut microbiome and facilitates balanced digestive function.

About Tinuiti

Tinuiti is the largest independent performance marketing firm across Google, Facebook and Amazon, with over $2 billion in digital media under management and 700 employees. With expert knowledge in search, social, Amazon & marketplaces, mobile apps, CRM & email marketing and more, Tinuiti understands success requires both strategy and channel specialization. Each solution is delivered leveraging Tinuiti's performance planning framework, GAMMA, and enabled by a proprietary suite of marketing intelligence and media activation technology  Mobius. For more information visit http://www.tinuiti.com.

About Rritual

Rritual is a fast-growing functional superfood company that creates natural wellness products which support a holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle. The company is poised to dominate a segment where demand and sales are growing exponentially. Under the executive leadership with over 100 years of CPG pedigree, Rritual has launched distribution to major retailers and is positioning itself as a leader in the functional health and wellness industry as a superfood platform. Rritual markets organic wellness products in the United States through initial retail rollout which includes over 10,000 points of sale and through www.rritual.com.

Follow Rritual on Twitter , LinkedIn , Facebook , and Instagram .

Functional Foods Market

According to Grandview Research*, it is estimated that the global functional food market is projected to reach $275 billion by 2025, growing at 7.9% each year with consumers putting more emphasis on health and wellness.



*https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-functional-foods-market



Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements") that relate to Rritual's current expectations and views of future events. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as "will likely result", "are expected to", "expects", "will continue", "is anticipated", "anticipates", "believes", "estimated", "intends", "plans", "forecast", "projection", "strategy", "objective" and "outlook") are not historical facts and may be forward-looking statements and may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. In particular and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the Company's plans to leverage third party manufacturing and logistics, the Company's broader retail distribution plans and the Company's other plans, focus and objectives.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Rritual's control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the impact and progression of the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors set forth under "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the final long form prospectus of the Company dated February 26, 2021 and available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Rritual undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Rritual to predict all of them or assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

SOURCE Rritual Superfoods Inc.
BOSTON, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Sappi Limited, a leading global producer of dissolving pulp, specialties and packaging papers, graphic papers and biomaterials, announced today that Group CIO Marjorie Boles has received a Global ORBIE as one of BostonCIO's 2021 CIOs of the Year.

The ORBIE Award recognizes CIOs who have demonstrated excellence in technology leadership and are judged by an independent peer review process on the following criteria:

Leadership and management effectiveness

Business value created by technology innovation

Engagement in industry and community endeavors

Boles has been with Sappi since 1999 in various leadership positions. In 2012 she assumed global responsibility for Sappi's customer-facing digital solutions before being appointed CIO of Sappi North America and named a member of the global IT Leadership Council in 2016. She has been CIO of Sappi Limited since 2018. Prior to joining Sappi, Marjorie worked with Anderson Consulting as a process optimization consultant, and drove technology improvements for equity and control operations at Fidelity.

"We are incredibly proud of Marjorie and this recognition is well deserved," said Steve Binnie, CEO of Sappi Limited. "Over two decades, we've seen the remarkable impact Marjorie has made on our organization, particularly in her role as global CIO. She continues to drive value and implement innovative processes across the business, which is core to Sappi's identity."

Created in 1998 by the InspireCIO Network, the CIO of the Year ORBIE Awards is the premier technology executive recognition program in the United States honoring CIOs across public and private business, government, education, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations. To date, over 1,500 CIOs have been finalists and 350 CIOs have received this award.

To see a full list of winners, please click here.

About Sappi

Sappi is a leading global provider of powerful everyday materials made from woodfibre-based renewable resources. Together with our partners, we are quickly moving toward a more circular economy. As a diversified, innovative and trusted leader focused on sustainable processes and solutions, Sappi is powered by the expertise of more than 12,000 people worldwide; with headquarters in four key regions: South Africa, Europe, North America and Asia. Our raw material offerings (such as dissolving pulp, wood pulp and biomaterials) and end-use products (packaging and specialities papers, graphic papers, casting and release papers and forestry products) are manufactured from woodfibre sourced from sustainably managed plantations, in production facilities powered with bio-energy from steam and existing waste streams. Many of our operations are energy self-sufficient. Sappi will continue to build a thriving world by acting boldly to support the planet, people and prosperity. www.sappi.com

SOURCE Sappi North America, Inc.
INDIANAPOLIS, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Actress and advocate Selma Blair (Legally Blonde, Mom and Dad, Cruel Intentions) will be headlining the second International Virtual Summit hosted by Health Advocacy Summit (HAS) for young adults with chronic and rare conditions.

Upcoming, Blair will be seen as the subject of the documentary, Introducing, Selma Blair, which premiered at the 2021 SXSW Festival, where the feature won the Special Jury Recognition for Exceptional Intimacy in Storytelling. The documentary, which reveals Blair's intimate and raw journey with Multiple Sclerosis, was acquired by Discovery+ and is slated for release in Fall 2021.

Throughout her diverse career, Selma Blair has been one of the most versatile and exciting actresses on screen. Blair's longstanding career began with her comedic roles in pop culture classics in the early 2000s. Blair has worked with an array of acclaimed directors including Guillermo del Toro and Todd Solodnz, to name a few. Additionally, Blair was named one of Time Magazine's Person of The Year in 2017 as one of their Silence Breakers.

Blair was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018 and has publicly spoken about embracing her diagnosis and building a positive connection with her body. She captivated worldwide attention when she embraced using a cane while walking the red carpet at an Oscars party.

"Selma's presence at our second International Virtual Summit means so much to our community because many of us have felt invisible for so long," says Sneha Dave, executive director of the Health Advocacy Summit, who has been chronically ill since childhood. "The way Selma has described her diagnosis journey is so empowering for young adults who are growing up with these lifelong conditions."

Roughly 20% of young adults in the U.S. live with a chronic medical disability. The HAS recognizes the lack of support and resources and is dedicated to uplifting adolescents and young adults with chronic and rare conditions around the world. The HAS is facilitating their International Virtual Summit, a two-day event focused on empowerment, resources and connection.

The event will include other notable speakers and sessions focusing on global health policy, media representation of chronic illness, navigating the education system and more. It will take place on August 7-8, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

Registration is no-cost for young adults with chronic and rare conditions.

To register visit: www.healthadvocacysummit-virtual.org

About the Health Advocacy Summit

The Health Advocacy Summit (HAS) connects and empowers young adults with chronic and rare conditions through meetings, events, and programs. As an ongoing commitment to provide continuous support, the HAS facilitates six virtual meetings per month in addition to advocacy campaigns in higher education and more. For more information, visit www.healthadvocacysummit.org . The Crohn's and Colitis Young Adults Network is a program through the HAS dedicated to empowering and connecting young adults with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. For more information, visit www.ccyanetwork.org . The HAS and its programs are led entirely by young adults with chronic and rare conditions.

SOURCE Health Advocacy Summit

Related Links

healthadvocacysummit.org


COPENHAGEN, Denmark, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Siteimprove, a global SaaS leader in marketing optimization, announced today that Shane Paladin has been appointed as CEO. Paladin joins Siteimprove from SAP  a leading global software company - where he was responsible for the 19,000 employee and $4B revenue strong Services division. Shane Paladin succeeds founder Morten Ebbesen, who will be joining Siteimprove's board of directors.

"It has been a great honor and privilege to lead Siteimprove for the last 18 years and I look forward to supporting the company in my new role," said founder Morten Ebbesen. He continued, "With Nordic Capital now on board as a partner and majority owner, I have decided to hand over the reins to Shane, who is the perfect fit for the next phase of growth for Siteimprove. Shane has the strategic and operational experience to take Siteimprove to new heights."

"Morten is a true entrepreneur and innovator and leaves behind an impressive legacy at Siteimprove. I personally want to thank Morten for his incredible contribution and am glad to see him continue shaping Siteimprove's future as a member of the board," said Morten Hubbe, Chairman of the Board.

"We are both delighted that we have been able to attract Shane, who comes to Siteimprove with a wealth of experience and a strong proven track record. The company is very well positioned to continue prospering under Shane's leadership," said Morten Hubbe.

Following many years of double-digit growth for Siteimprove, Shane Paladin's focus will be on scaling Siteimprove's global operations even further. Paladin's career has spanned all facets of enterprise softwarefrom product development to leading commercial operations.

"Siteimprove is unique in its ability to constantly deliver in the moments that matter. Now we need to build even more value for our customers, our partners, and further the awareness of Siteimprove in the market. Siteimprove has a tremendous opportunity to accelerate digital marketing success, and I am excited and honored to be joining the company for this next phase of its journey," said Shane Paladin, CEO of Siteimprove.



"Ensuring customers secure maximum value from their technology investments is key to scaling businesses. Siteimprove has a global state of the art offering, and the company could not be in a stronger or better position to grow further in support of its customers. I personally look forward to working closely with all employees to realize the future global growth potential for this great Danish company," said Shane Paladin.

With Siteimprove, digital marketers have access to unique data and contextualized guidance to underpin their optimization efforts across SEO, PPC, accessibility, and more  a task that would otherwise be complex, time-intensive, and require multiple siloed solutions. As Paladin explains, "Siteimprove prides itself in not only democratizing access to the web, but also providing necessary insights for driving growth and providing a truly exceptional web experience."

Under Paladin's leadership, Siteimprove will remain ambitious and expects to double its revenue, invest heavily in R&D and Customer Success, and launch complementary Services to help clients scale their digital marketing efforts utilizing expert guidance.

About Siteimprove

Siteimprove is a global provider of digital marketing optimization technology, amplifying the digital marketing efforts of leading brands. The Siteimprove Digital Marketing Cloud democratizes access to the web and empowers digital marketers with insights to increase marketing reach, supercharge performance, and deliver maximum ROIacross digital channels. Siteimprove has an annual recurring revenue of over $100M USD, with plans to expand further. Learn more at Siteimprove.com.

Media Contact:

Jesper Termansen

CMO

[email protected]

+ 45 33 36 93 50

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/siteimprove/r/shane-paladin-joins-siteimprove-as-new-ceo-from-a-global-position-with-sap,c3381307

The following files are available for download:

SOURCE Siteimprove
NEW YORK, July 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Juan Monteverde, founder and managing partner at Monteverde & Associates PC, a national securities firm rated Top 50 in the 2018-2020 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report and headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City, is investigating BancorpSouth Bank ("BXS" or the "Company") (BXS) relating to its proposed merger with Cadence Bancorp. Under the terms of the agreement, Cadence shareholders will receive 0.70 shares of BXS per share they own.

The investigation focuses on whether BancorpSouth Bank and its Board of Directors violated securities laws and/or breached their fiduciary duties to the Company by 1) failing to conduct a fair process, and 2) whether the transaction is properly valued.

Click here for more information: http://monteverdelaw.com/case/bancorpsouth-bank. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

About Monteverde & Associates PC

We are a national class action securities litigation law firm that has recovered millions of dollars and is committed to protecting shareholders from corporate wrongdoing. We were listed in the Top 50 in the 2018-2020 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. Our lawyers have significant experience litigating Mergers & Acquisitions and Securities Class Actions. Mr. Monteverde is recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in Securities Litigation in 2013, 2017-2019, an award given to less than 2.5% of attorneys in a particular field. He has also been selected by Martindale-Hubbell as a 2017-2020 Top Rated Lawyer. Our firm's recent successes include changing the law in a significant victory that lowered the standard of liability under Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act in the Ninth Circuit. Thereafter, our firm successfully preserved this victory by obtaining dismissal of a writ of certiorari as improvidently granted at the United States Supreme Court. Emulex Corp. v. Varjabedian, 139 S. Ct. 1407 (2019). Also, over the years the firm has recovered or secured over a dozen cash common funds for shareholders in mergers & acquisitions class action cases.

If you owned common stock in the Company and wish to obtain additional information and protect your investments free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan E. Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

Contact:

Juan E. Monteverde, Esq.

MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC

The Empire State Building

350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4405

New York, NY 10118

United States of America

[email protected]

Tel: (212) 971-1341

Attorney Advertising. (C) 2021 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

SOURCE Monteverde & Associates PC

Related Links

http://www.monteverdelaw.com


NEW YORK, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of. DiDi Global Inc. f/k/a Xiaoju Kuaizhi Inc. ("DiDi" or the "Company") (NYSE: DIDI). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.

The investigation concerns whether DiDi and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On or around June 30, 2021, Didi conducted its initial public offering ("IPO"), selling approximately 316.8 million American Depositary Shares ("ADSs"), priced at $14.00 per ADS. Then, on July 2, 2021, the Cyberspace Administration of China ("CAC") stated that it had launched an investigation into DiDi to protect national security and the public interest. The CAC also reported that it had asked DiDi to stop new user registrations during the course of the investigation.

On this news, DiDi's ADS price fell $0.87 per ADS, or approximately 5.3%, to close at $15.33 per ADS on July 2, 2021.

Then, on July 4, 2021, DiDi reported that the CAC ordered smartphone app stores to stop offering the "DiDi Chuxing" app because it "collect[ed] personal information in violation of relevant PRC laws and regulations." Though users who previously downloaded the app could continue to use it, DiDi stated that "the app takedown may have an adverse impact on its revenue in China." Then, on July 5, 2021, The Wall Street Journal reported that the CAC had asked the Company as early as three months prior to the IPO to postpone the offering because of national security concerns and to "conduct a thorough self-examination of its network security."

On this news, DiDi's ADS price fell another $3.04 per share, or 19.6%, to close at $12.49 per share on July 6, 2021.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com.

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

[email protected]

888-476-6529 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP

Related Links

www.pomerantzlaw.com


OSTERSUND, Sweden, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Skanska has signed a contract to make improvements to an existing corporate campus in Long Island, New York, USA, worth USD 248M, about SEK 2.1 billion, which will be included in the US order bookings for the second quarter 2021.

Work began in June 2021 and is slated for completion in February 2026.

Skanska is one of the leading construction and project development companies in U.S., specialized in building construction, civil infrastructure and developing commercial properties in select U.S. markets. Skanska USA had sales of SEK 66 billion in 2020 and had about 7,600 employees in its operations.

CONTACT:

For further information please contact:

Brittany Felteau, Communications Director, Skanska USA, tel +1 857 350 0278

Andreas Joons, Press Officer, Skanska AB, tel +46 (0)10 449 04 94

Direct line for media, tel +46 (0)10 448 88 99

This and previous releases can also be found at www.skanska.com.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/skanska/r/skanska-improves-corporate-campus-in-new-york--usa--for-usd-248m--about-sek-2-1-billion,c3381020

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/95/3381020/1441843.pdf 20210707 US corporate campus

SOURCE Skanska
LEXINGTON, Ky., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Sky Systemz makes doing business EZ for local merchants. With the addition of Cloud Servicez to Sky's product offerings, sustainable eCommerce is now in reach for small and medium sized businesses that want to create, or improve, their online presence.

Sky Systemz Launches Cloud Servicez

Sky Systems is not just a website building or hosting company; Sky is a software company providing completely customizable and personalized business services designed specifically for the shape of your business. Providing end-to-end professional services for brick-and-mortar businesses ranging from; physical and cloud Point of Sales systems, eCommerce solutions for your website and online store and a team of professional staff available to provide support 24/7.

Cloud Servicez from Sky is a premium service that allows a business to host their website, or build a new website, and create an online store. Sky Cloud Servicez provides custom build solutions. See our demo websites and online stores below to see the value Sky Cloud Servicez can bring to your business.

Local Hen Demo Restaurant - ( click here )

All Dogs Grooming Demo - ( click here )

Brianz HVAC - ( click here )

"We encounter so many business owners that are running their store operations on Square; using Wix.com for their website; and many others use Shopify for an online store or GoDaddy to host their site. Instead of businesses using multiple services, Sky can do it all with a team that is available to help you get started," according to CEO Brian Nichols

All Sky merchants get a free online store, but it contains SkySystemz in the URL. For some businesses, the basic free services may be enough. However, businesses who want customization, we offer four premium options.

The Sky Pro option provides ground up website creation with a simple content management system for the merchant to manage (or Sky can perform monthly maintenance).

Sky Pro+ allows the merchant to add optional services such as Sky Bookingz (a true booking service that can be utilized by hotels, hair salons, etc) Sky Subscriptionz (which allows the merchant to set up recurring subscriptions fees weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc), Blog page and SEO & Marketing Features. All premium services also include Sky's award winning 24/7 Live Support.

"Sky is a one stop shop for all of your business needs. Whether that means a physical POS, getting your business on the cloud or creating a website with a fully functional webstore that works in tandem with your brick-and-mortar location, Sky has you covered," explains Sky Systemz CEO Brian Nichols.

Learn more about Cloud Servicez at skysystemz.com/cloud-servicez.

Sky Systemz is a cloud-based payment processing system and business management software. With no contracts and no monthly fees, Sky services businesses nationwide who want to grow their business while keeping more of their profits.

Contact:

Sky Systemz

Dr. Michael Carr

859-630-5558

[email protected]

Skysystemz.com

SOURCE Sky Systemz

Related Links

https://skysystemz.com/


LONDON, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading international money transfer provider Small World Financial Services ("Small World") has announced that customers in Nigeria can now receive money in minutes across an even larger bank network than before, with more than 2800 pay out locations, as to well as to their bank account.

This initiative follows the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directive issued last December 2020 to enable global money transfers to be paid in US dollars in an effort to streamline and increase the flow of formal diaspora remittances into Nigeria.

Stanley Wachs, Managing Director, Northern Europe & Africa at Small World, said: "Since CBN's announcement around the new directive for global money remittances, we have been working tirelessly to offer our clients the best possible service in an easy, fast and secure way."

"We are delighted to announce that we are partnered with leading banks in Nigeria including Access Bank, EcoBank, First Bank, United Bank for Africa, GT Bank, Fidelity Bank, Polaris Bank, Union Bank of Nigeria, Zenith Bank and others soon to come offering our clients nearly 3000 locations for money collection across Nigeria."

"At the heart of our mission is the drive to provide customers with the means to send money to friends, family and loved ones in the fastest and most cost-effective way. I am really excited about this greatly expanded network of partners as it provides more convenience and options for our customers in Nigeria."

Small World customers can send money in minutes to Nigeria for cash pick-up and bank deposit in US Dollars from a Small World branch, agent, over the phone or digitally via the Small World website or app.

About Small World Financial Services

Small World Financial Services is a provider of payment services with a vision of becoming our customer's favourite choice for their global payment needs. We are focused on making a big world small. Put simply, the more people we can help reach family, friends and businesses overseas with money, the smaller the world will become. We put our customers at the heart of everything we do, reflecting their diversity in our teams, and empower our teams to deliver the best value and service through our branded global network and digital solutions. Our network of over 300,000 pick-up locations, and our global team of 1,000 people are collectively on a journey to make a big world small for the millions of customers that we serve each year. For further information please visit www.smallworldfs.com/en .

Media Contact

Small World Financial Services is a global money transfer provider. If you would like more information about Small World, please email Andy Maher at [email protected]

SOURCE Small World Financial Services
SOUTH BEND, Ind., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- South Bend Orthopaedics (SBO), a nationally recognized orthopedic practice, has partnered with Orthos Inc. to implement first-of-its-kind technology where patients and providers say their experience with healthcare is most painful: slow authorizations, insurance errors, and high out of pocket costs.

The partnership brings together a leading orthopedic practice with technology purpose-built to detect and eliminate problems in orthopedic and anesthesia billing. Undetected, these issues can frustrate healthcare providers, drive out of pocket costs including surprise balance billing, and risk a poor patient experience.

Orthos helps prevent these issues by detecting anomalies within clinical and administrative data sets and alerting practices in time to fix it.

SBO and Orthos plan to incorporate monitoring and analytics from end-to-end including:

Preventing surprise billing by detecting common denial patterns related to coverage and authorizations

Providing all patients with accurate estimates of the likely cost of their care in fulfillment of Indiana's Good Faith Estimate law

Good Faith Estimate law Keeping up with constantly changing insurance requirements by detecting changes in billing outcomes so patients are cared for in the right setting at the right time

Enabling SBO to bring new cutting-edge imaging technology to the market with a seamless billing experience for patients and the practice

Eliminating cancellations and interruptions to clinical care by investing extra attention to the procedures at higher risk of insurance-related delays

Introducing Orthos to ambulatory surgery centers and physician owned hospitals

"This partnership is a win for our community and SBO's place in it," said Dr. AJ Mencias, President of South Bend Orthopaedics. "Before Orthos, we were fighting an uphill battle that was taxing those we set out to serve when we got into medicine, our patients. We're committed to reversing that trend and believe Orthos is the partner to make that happen."

"Our partnership and progress with SBO helps validate our core belief that technology and data can be used in new ways to improve patients' care and experience," said Ryan Callahan, President of Orthos. "The commitment from SBO gives us the opportunity to expand our product offerings and impact communities across the country."

For more information on the partnership, click here to see the full story.

Orthos is a leading business intelligence platform designed to make orthopedic and anesthesia practices more efficient.

South Bend Orthopaedics is a nationally recognized orthopedic practice located in South Bend, Indiana.

SOURCE Orthos Inc

Related Links

http://www.orthosinc.com


Splitit is bringing its installment payments to in-store retail locations worldwide. Tweet this

The added flexibility to pay over time helps alleviate the perceived risk of large expenditures and helps consumers afford the products they want. Splitit InStore also extends to phone orders providing additional capabilities for merchants.

The company also announced several new leading brands have signed on to use Splitit InStore. These brands include La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries, Gem Shopping Network, PROCAM, Faberge, KEF and Aftershock PC Australia. Merchants interested in adding Splitit InStore to their retail locations can get on the waiting list at www.SplitIt.com/InStore .

"Online shopping has transformed the way we shop for furniture. But consumers still want to see, feel and experience our furniture firsthand," said David Hilst, owner of five La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries stores in Illinois and Indiana. "Splitit delivers a seamless in-store experience. We can meet the shopper in the store and offer an installment option instantly  it's the best online experience in an offline environment. You don't get this with other financing options."

The service is accessible on any connected device. It can be offered right at the moment of purchase with no application or sign-up required by the shopper. And because Splitit uses the consumer's available credit on a credit card, approval rates are in line with credit card industry averages of 85% or better.1 No red tape and low rejection rates mean more closed sales and less time checking out. Installment plans can last between six to 24 months, and Splitit never charges the consumer fees or interest. It's a win for merchants, sales associates and customers.

"Retailers are starting to see a consistent increase of in-store traffic as we slowly recover from the pandemic. As a result, providing an in-store solution was the number one request from Splitit's customers," notes Splitit CEO Brad Paterson. "Splitit InStore answers this call and is just one way we continue to innovate to match this permanent change in shopper habits and preferences. Besides broadening our addressable market by accessing retailers with a brick-and-mortar store presence, this also opens Splitit to exciting new categories."

Splitit InStore benefits other industries, including automotive repair, healthcare, home repair and improvement, and others without a flexible system to offer customers installment payments.

New merchants using Splitit Instore include:

La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries: Showcasing the world's leading residential furniture producers with furniture for every room of the home. Hilst Enterprises operates five La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries stores in Illinois and Indiana and uses Splitit InStore to deliver a seamless shopping experience.

Showcasing the world's leading residential furniture producers with furniture for every room of the home. Hilst Enterprises operates five La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries stores in and and uses Splitit InStore to deliver a seamless shopping experience. Gem Shopping Network: Gem Shopping Network, the preeminent omnichannel platform for selling fine jewelry in the United States , reaches over 60 million pay-TV households and millions more across OTT, streaming and social platforms. Gem Shopping Network will partner with Splitit to pilot the program for their customers, giving them the flexibility to pay over time.

Gem Shopping Network, the preeminent omnichannel platform for selling fine jewelry in , reaches over 60 million pay-TV households and millions more across OTT, streaming and social platforms. Gem Shopping Network will partner with Splitit to pilot the program for their customers, giving them the flexibility to pay over time. PROCAM: A family-owned and operated business serving professional photography and video production. PROCAM will integrate Splitit into its ecommerce website and offer Splitit InStore at its brick-and-mortar locations in Chicago , Detroit and Cincinnati .

A family-owned and operated business serving professional photography and video production. PROCAM will integrate Splitit into its ecommerce website and offer Splitit InStore at its brick-and-mortar locations in , and . Faberge: Faberge, the world's most iconic artist jeweler, creates extraordinary jewelry, watches and objets d'art, as well as bespoke commissions for a discerning international clientele. Faberge is currently using Splitit in its online boutique, Faberge.com, and will be implementing Splitit InStore for selected boutiques in Europe .

Faberge, the world's most iconic artist jeweler, creates extraordinary jewelry, watches and objets d'art, as well as bespoke commissions for a discerning international clientele. Faberge is currently using Splitit in its online boutique, Faberge.com, and will be implementing Splitit InStore for selected boutiques in . KEF: After more than half a century at the cutting edge of audio, the company remains committed to excellence in sound. KEF's reputation for quality is founded on a refusal to compromise on aural authenticity or experience. KEF is offering Splitit online and using Splitit InStore at the KEF Music Gallery in Hong Kong to enhance the customer experience.

After more than half a century at the cutting edge of audio, the company remains committed to excellence in sound. KEF's reputation for quality is founded on a refusal to compromise on aural authenticity or experience. KEF is offering Splitit online and using at the KEF Music Gallery in to enhance the customer experience. Aftershock PC Australia: Founded in 2012 by a team of hardware enthusiasts, competitive gamers and IT professionals, Aftershock PC delivers the ultimate boutique PC experience through a combination of craftsmanship, no-compromise service and value. The company offers Splitit InStore in its new showroom in Melbourne for both its Aftershock and OmniDesk brands.

The launch of Splitit InStore continues the company's recent innovation and growth. Recent milestones include the debut of Splitit Plus in April, a payment gateway built exclusively for installment payments and several key partnerships, most notably the recent partnership with tabby, the largest BNPL provider in the Middle East. tabby will integrate a white-label version of Splitit into its platform, allowing tabby's merchants to offer installments on credit cards.

To learn more about how Splitit InStore can instantly add installments to your retail stores, visit: www.SplitIt.com/InStore .

About Splitit

Splitit is a global payment solution provider that enables shoppers to use the credit they've earned by breaking up purchases into monthly interest-free installments using their existing credit card. Splitit enables merchants to improve conversion rates and increase average order value by giving customers an easy and fast way to pay for purchases over time without requiring additional approvals. Splitit serves many of Internet Retailer's top 500 merchants and is accepted by more than 2,000 e-commerce merchants in over 30 countries and shoppers in over 100 countries. Headquartered in New York, Splitit has an R&D center in Israel and offices in London and Australia. The company is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) under ticker code SPT.

1 Worldpay, The Challenges of Online Payments

Contact:

Brian Blank

[email protected]

SOURCE Splitit USA, Inc.

Related Links

www.splitit.com


Today, public registration opens for this year's MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge. The annual event is back for 2021 and gearing up to be better than ever with a TV-versus-online build-and-race challenge, known as the Hellcat Grudge Race.

Eric Malone, star of MotorTrend's series "Fastest Cars in the Dirty South," and four of the most prominent stars in the automotive online space will go head-to-head on Woodward Ave. The all-star lineup includes Alex Taylor, Tavarish, Westen Champlin and Throtl. Malone and each of the online builders will receive a Challenger or Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye and $10,000 in cash for car modifications. The goal: build a drag-racing machine capable of besting Malone on Woodward.

Alex Taylor is a drag racer, mechanic and automotive content creator who grew up in the shop with her dad and competed in the 2013 HOT ROD Drag Week at age 16 as the youngest participant ever. Alex will be upgrading her NHRA Competition license, as she and her dad look to take their current build project in the 6-second, 200-mph range on the 1/4-mile drag strip

is a drag racer, mechanic and automotive content creator who grew up in the shop with her dad and competed in the 2013 HOT ROD Drag Week at age 16 as the youngest participant ever. Alex will be upgrading her NHRA Competition license, as she and her dad look to take their current build project in the 6-second, 200-mph range on the 1/4-mile drag strip Tavarish makes videos about fun, quirky and sometimes ruinously expensive project cars. He's known primarily for his rebuilding videos, buying broken or salvaged vehicles and bringing them to working condition. He has lots of opinions, most of which are wrong. His words, not ours

makes videos about fun, quirky and sometimes ruinously expensive project cars. He's known primarily for his rebuilding videos, buying broken or salvaged vehicles and bringing them to working condition. He has lots of opinions, most of which are wrong. His words, not ours Westen Champlin is a self-described "redneck scientist," auto guru from Kansas . His popular YouTube channel focuses on rebuilding and fixing pick-up trucks and other vehicles, earning a reputation of building some of the most ridiculous cars on the internet

is a self-described "redneck scientist," auto guru from . His popular YouTube channel focuses on rebuilding and fixing pick-up trucks and other vehicles, earning a reputation of building some of the most ridiculous cars on the internet Throtl is a small group of like-minded gearheads who enjoy giving cars a new lease on life. Focusing on building project cars from the ground up, they actually give one away to fans/supporters every 90 days. Combined, the team has owned more than 200 cars and might be seen in a neighborhood near you soon in their Throtl ice cream truck

"Roadkill Nights has grown tremendously over the past few years, but for 2021 we're bringing back the grassroots feel, the drama and the fun with the Hellcat Grudge Match to see who can build the craziest and fastest car," said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge Brand Chief Executive Officer  Stellantis. "This is street racing on Woodward  the build rules are loose for a purpose so we can see these builders really push the envelope with their vehicles."

Enthusiasts will be able to follow the progress of the Hellcat Grudge Race builds by viewing videos and pictures from Malone and the online automotive builders throughout their process, including behind-the-scenes content and commentary, at dodgegarage.com/roadkill-nights.

MotorTrend will capture it all this year with two half-hour Roadkill episodes to air on MotorTrend's streaming service and on MotorTrend TV.

"I'm looking forward to matching my car modification and racing abilities against Alex, Tavarish, Westen and Throtl," said Malone. "I have some big plans for my SRT Hellcat Redeye that include coming to Pontiac with more than 1,000 horsepower under the hood. All of the Hellcat Grudge Race challengers better bring something really special to keep up."

Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge returns for the sixth year as the traditional kick off to the Motor City's weeklong celebration of classic cars and car culture with legal street drag racing, classic and modern muscle car show, exhilarating interactive experiences and immersive, fun-filled activities at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan. Unlike any other event in the world, drivers of the fastest street-legal drag cars in America have the opportunity to drag race in front of spectators on historic Woodward Avenue as it is transformed from a street into a sanctioned, 1/8-mile drag strip.

Also returning for 2021 are Dodge thrill and drift rides in Challenger and Charger SRT Hellcats, where participants can go for the rides of their lives as the supercharged HEMI cuts the tires loose on the M1 Concourse skidpad and north loop portion of the track. Other returning fan favorites include the high-octane virtual head-to-head racing in Dodge Challenger SRT Demon simulators; classic and modern muscle car show; dyno testing; "Roadkill" stunts; flamethrower, wheelstander and pro-mod exhibitions; family-friendly activities; and an eclectic array of food truck offerings (subject to change).

Gates will be open for MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge on Saturday, August 14 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Drag racing starts at 11 a.m. Eastern. Fans can experience the excitement of Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge via livestream feed across a variety of channels, including:

Registration Information

Automotive super fans will be able to attend and take part in this year's ultimate car festival. Final capacity limits, rules and regulations will be in accordance with state and local health department guidelines.

Full details for spectator tickets, discounted Pontiac resident tickets, car show registration, participant application for drag racing and an extensive range of packages can be found now at https://www.motortrend.com/events/roadkill-nights/.

Roadkill Nights is an event produced by ROADKILL, a brand of MotorTrend Group, with a hit show that delivers a one-of-a-kind taste of "Automotive Chaos Theory" on the MotorTrend App and MotorTrend TV.

For more information on Roadkill and Roadkill Nights, follow @roadkillshow on Facebook and Twitter. Fans can follow the action for Roadkill Nights with hashtags #RoadkillNights and #PoweredByDodge.

Street racing can have serious legal and safety risks. Both ROADKILL and Dodge want enthusiasts to enjoy performance driving in a safe, controlled environment, run by professionals with vehicle safety inspections, driver evaluations and track safety.

ROADKILL

The ROADKILL brand delivers a one-of-a-kind taste of "Automotive Chaos Theory" and features authentic gearheads David Freiburger and Mike Finnegan in a variety of mediums, including Roadkill Nights branded events and Roadkill, Roadkill Extra, Roadkill Garage and Roadkill's Junkyard Gold shows available on the MotorTrend App.

MotorTrend Group

MotorTrend Group is the largest automotive media company in the world, bringing together Discovery's MotorTrend TV and a vast automotive digital, direct-to-consumer, social, and live event portfolio, including MOTORTREND, HOT ROD, ROADKILL, AUTOMOBILE, and more than 20 other industry-leading brands. With a monthly audience of 26 million across web, TV, and print, and 110 million social followers, culminating in 1.3 billion monthly impressions across all platforms, the company encompasses television's #1 network for automotive superfans, a leading automotive YouTube Channel, and the MotorTrend App, the only auto-dedicated subscription video-on-demand service. MotorTrend serves to embrace, entertain, and empower the motoring world.

Dodge//SRT

For more than 100 years, the Dodge brand has carried on the spirit of brothers John and Horace Dodge. Their influence continues today as Dodge shifts into high gear with muscle cars and SUVs that deliver unrivaled performance in each of the segments where they compete.

2021 marks the year that Dodge is distilled into a pure performance brand, offering Hellcat-powered, 700-plus-horsepower SRT versions of every model across the lineup. For the 2021 model year, Dodge delivers the drag-strip dominating 807-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock, the new 797-horsepower Dodge Charger SRT Redeye, the most powerful and fastest mass-produced sedan in the world, and the new 710-horsepower Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, the most powerful SUV ever. Combined, these three muscle cars make Dodge the industry's most powerful brand, offering more horsepower than any other American brand across its entire lineup.

In 2020, Dodge was named the "#1 Brand in Initial Quality," making it the first domestic brand ever to rank No. 1 in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Dodge brand also ranked No. 1 in the J.D. Power APEAL Study (mass market). These results are historic because it marks the first time a domestic brand has earned top spots in both J.D. Power studies in the same year.

Dodge is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.

Follow Dodge and company news and video on:

Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Dodge brand: www.dodge.com

DodgeGarage: www.dodgegarage.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dodge

Instagram: www.instagram.com/dodgeofficial

Twitter: www.twitter.com/dodge and @StellantisNA

YouTube: www.youtube.com/dodge, https://www.youtube.com/StellantisNA

SOURCE Stellantis
NEW YORK, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- KPMG Law and LexisNexis Legal & Professional announce the release of a report discussing the everyday challenges and best practices of IP departments around the world. KPMG Law conducted this study with a broad sample of corporate IP departments across industries worldwide. In its past editions, this report only included statistics about the operational aspects of these companies, but in this 2020/21 report, using the award-winning patent analytics tool LexisNexis PatentSight, researchers at KPMG Law compared these operational performance aspects and the respective company's patent portfolio, based on proprietary PatentSight patent quality metrics.

The report's findings are granular operational information about the operations of global IP departments such as the number of full-time employees, the amount and type of work that gets outsourced to agencies, the costs of IP work and much more.

Here are a few of these insights.

Handling cost and budget restrictions and improving cooperation with internal clients are the top priorities for IP departments around the world.

38% of respondents expect a 0  10% decrease in their budgets in 2020/21.

34% of all participants evaluate and document the service quality of all law firms they cooperate with for future engagements, while 29% do so from time to time.

In its fifth year, this report by KPMG Law titled "Protecting Value: The 5th Intellectual Property Report 2020/21," studied leading innovators from across industries. In order to guarantee the relevance and accuracy of the report, the underlying survey has been developed in cooperation with an advisory board of IP-experts from well-known international companies, such as Daimler, BASF, Thyssenkrupp, Infineon, Continental, Safran Group, Syngenta, and others.

Insights from this report can help IP department heads and managers anticipate future challenges and adopt best-in-class measures taken by successful companies to overcome these challenges. Among other things, managers can use this report to:

Update their existing benchmarks and ensure realistic goals are being set

Create a road map for their teams to achieve these goals

Reinforce corporate strategies and stay resilient to new challenges

"As the database is able to distinguish between internal and external operations, it offers a broad set of adapted quantitative and qualitative key performance indicators to adequately compare your department's performance," said Andreas Bong, Head of Legal Operations, KPMG Law.

"Being a partner of innovation leaders around the world, we are proud to see our esteemed clients taking part in such a thought leadership study. We would also like to thank KPMG Law for choosing us to collaborate on this insightful project. I look forward to seeing this partnership grow stronger and produce more such insightful studies in the years to come," said Marco Richter, Global Head of Product at LexisNexis Intellectual Property Solutions.

The full report is available for download here: https://www.patentsight.com/kpmg-law-global-intellectual-property-report

About KPMG Law

KPMG Law is a law practice defined by dynamic growth, international orientation and multidisciplinary scope. Established in 2007, our network of more than 350 lawyers provides you with individual and demand-driven legal consulting services at 16 locations throughout Germany. We pay special attention to issues relating to Legal Tech. In this area we are able to use synergies in research and development arising from our cooperation with other KPMG member companies in Germany and worldwide for your benefit. Technology and the law are becoming increasingly intertwinedand we have been part of this process from its inception. KPMG Law sees itself as a modern law firm for the 21st century. Our goal is to support you in understanding complex interrelationships and in reaching appropriate, legally informed decisions on business and technology issues.

About LexisNexis Legal & Professional

LexisNexis Legal & Professional is a leading global provider of legal, regulatory and business information and analytics that helps customers increase productivity, improve decision-making and outcomes, and advance the rule of law around the world. As a digital pioneer, the company was the first to bring legal and business information online with its Lexis and Nexis services. LexisNexis Legal & Professional, which serves customers in more than 160 countries with 10,400 employees worldwide, is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers.

About LexisNexis Intellectual Property Solutions

LexisNexis Intellectual Property Solutions brings clarity to innovation for businesses worldwide. We enable innovators to accomplish more by helping them make informed decisions, be more productive, comply with regulations and ultimately achieve a competitive advantage for their business. Our suite of workflow and analytics solutions (LexisNexis IP DataDirect, LexisNexis PatentAdvisor, LexisNexis PatentOptimizer, LexisNexis PatentSight and LexisNexis TotalPatent One) enables companies to be more efficient and effective at bringing meaningful innovations to our world. We are proud to directly support and serve these innovators in their endeavors to better humankind.

Press contact:

Jessica Morel

CMO, LexisNexis Intellectual Property Solutions

[email protected]

SOURCE LexisNexis
ARLINGTON, Va., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Summit Ridge Energy (SRE), the nation's leading owner-operator of community solar systems, announced today the acquisition of three solar projects in Maine from Cianbro. Two of the projects are currently under construction by Cianbro and are expected to be energized by the end of 2021. The third project will also be constructed by Cianbro and be energized by the end of 2022. In aggregate, the projects total 19.5MW.

Under Maine's Net Energy Bill, customers can reduce their monthly electricity expenditure by purchasing bill credits generated by community solar farms enabling households, businesses and municipalities to share in the savings generated from a single solar farm without incurring the cost of physically installing panels on their own premises.

"We're looking forward to energizing the portfolio later this year and are excited to be partnering with Maine's largest general contractor, Cianbro. The partnership will strengthen SRE's on-the-ground presence and expand our footprint of community solar assets across the state," said SRE Principal Jarryd Commerford. "2021 is expected to be a tremendous year for community solar deployment and our team is proud to be providing clean energy and utility savings for local Mainers."

"Since emerging as a viable option for customers, solar power has truly changed the energy market for both consumers and providers," said Andi Vigue, President and CEO of Cianbro. "Not only will this acquisition offer the people of central Maine a chance to lower electric costs, but it will also help leverage clean energy. We're excited to be partnering with SRE to offer customers this simple way to support green energy."

Once operational, the portfolio will generate clean power for approximately 3,500 Maine residents across CMP service territories. Aggregate savings on an annual basis for subscribed customers will total roughly $400,000.

About Summit Ridge Energy

Summit Ridge Energy is the country's leading owner-operator of community solar assets. Through dedicated funding platforms, the team acquires pre-operational projects within the rapidly growing solar energy and battery storage sectors. Follow Summit Ridge Energy on LinkedIn and Twitter for updates, or learn more at srenergy.com .

About Cianbro

With more than 70 years of experience, Cianbro is one of the largest, open shop, 100 percent employee-owned construction and construction services companies in the United States. They operate in diverse markets in over 40 states and employ over 4,000 multi-skilled team members. For more, visit Cianbro.com, or find them on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

SOURCE Summit Ridge Energy

Related Links

srenergy.com


To address this disparity, Montefiore Health System and Albert Einstein College of Medicine have been awarded a three-year, $975,000 grant to explore a secure text and video messaging platform meant to improve care and outcomes by keeping patients and providers closely connected. The pair can safely discuss important care details from medication adherence, to challenges that prevent patients from following care recommendations. The Building Equity: Intervening Together for Health (BE InTo Health) grant was awarded by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYCDOHMH).

As part of the BE InTo Health grant, providers at The Oval Center at Montefiore will adapt a proven intervention known as E-VOLUTION, first developed with federal funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. E-VOLUTION has two main components: automated two-way text messaging interventions, such as reminders to take medications and attend appointments, educational health materials and health assessments; and live text and video messaging between providers and their patients. The automated two-way text messaging allows providers to recognize potential concerns and reach out to their patients in real-time to help resolve any issues.

The Oval Center currently serves adolescent and adult patients, and offers screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, HIV pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis programs (PReP/PEP), LGBTQ+ care, HIV care, mental health, and many other sexual health services.

"Young people living with HIV, especially those who are LGBTQ+ and Black or Hispanic, have more challenges getting into care, staying in care and consistently taking treatment," said Dr. Barry S. Zingman, the principal investigator of the grant who also serves as medical director, AIDS Center, and clinical director, Infectious Diseases (Moses Campus), Montefiore; and professor of medicine at Einstein. "This same population may be a significant driver of the continued spread of HIV. Our goal is to leverage technology to help improve access to care among newly and recently diagnosed youth as well as people whose HIV is not well controlled and, in doing so, bring their HIV consistently to undetectable viral levels. By achieving this goal, we can help people live longer, healthier lives while also controlling the spread of the virus."

DEPLOYING TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE CARE

E-VOLUTION works by safely sharing real-time protected health information with the care team, enabling providers to gain a better understanding of patients' physical and mental wellbeing and needs. The platform also provides educational modules to help young patients better understand their diagnosis and prompt them to take their medications. Enabling open lines of communication strengthens the feeling of human connection and support between the care team and patients.

"Learning you've just been diagnosed with HIV is life-altering, especially for LGBTQ+ youth," said Justin Toro, practice manager, The Oval Center at Montefiore, and a project manager on the grant. "By using a text and video messaging platform, we're meeting our patients on their preferred form of communication. We hope this program will break down barriers to care and ensure our patients, a traditionally hard-to-reach and underserved group, feel supported and empowered to manage their HIV successfully."

The Oval Center is adding new positions, including: two patient navigators to respond to texts from patients; a social worker to assist with challenges patients may experience in their personal lives (both in individual sessions and group sessions); and an LBGTQ+ peer to support these young patients.

The BE InTo Health grant begins August 1, 2021 and concludes on July 31, 2024.

About Montefiore Health System

Montefiore Health System is one of New York's premier academic health systems and is a recognized leader in providing exceptional quality and personalized, accountable care to approximately three million people in communities across the Bronx, Westchester and the Hudson Valley. It is comprised of 10 hospitals, including the Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital and more than 200 outpatient ambulatory care sites. The advanced clinical and translational research at its medical school, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, directly informs patient care and improves outcomes. From the Montefiore-Einstein Centers of Excellence in cancer, cardiology and vascular care, pediatrics, and transplantation, to its preeminent school-based health program, Montefiore is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system providing coordinated, comprehensive care to patients and their families. For more information please visit www.montefiore.org . Follow us on Twitter and view us on Facebook and YouTube .

About Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Albert Einstein College of Medicine is one of the nation's premier centers for research, medical education and clinical investigation. During the 2020-21 academic year, Einstein is home to 721 M.D. students, 178 Ph.D . students, 109 students in the combined M.D./Ph.D. program , and 265 postdoctoral research fellows . The College of Medicine has more than 1,900 full-time faculty members located on the main campus and at its clinical affiliates . In 2020, Einstein received more than $197 million in awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This includes the funding of major research centers at Einstein in aging, intellectual development disorders, diabetes, cancer, clinical and translational research, liver disease, and AIDS. Other areas where the College of Medicine is concentrating its efforts include developmental brain research, neuroscience, cardiac disease, and initiatives to reduce and eliminate ethnic and racial health disparities. Its partnership with Montefiore , the University Hospital and academic medical center for Einstein, advances clinical and translational research to accelerate the pace at which new discoveries become the treatments and therapies that benefit patients. Einstein runs one of the largest residency and fellowship training programs in the medical and dental professions in the United States through Montefiore and an affiliation network involving hospitals and medical centers in the Bronx, Brooklyn and on Long Island. For more information, please visit www.einstein.yu.edu , read our blog , follow us on Twitter , like us on Facebook , and view us on YouTube .

SOURCE Montefiore Health System; Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Related Links

www.montefiore.org


TAMPA, Fla., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- TampaBay.Ventures has led an investment into St. Petersburg, Florida-based Procoto, a procurement and spend analysis platform for businesses. Procoto is a graduate of the famed Y Combinator startup accelerator program and the first Y Combinator graduate located in the Tampa Bay area. The investment represents the first investment from TampaBay.Ventures, a new venture capital firm dedicated to backing Tampa Bay's most promising startups.

Procoto was founded by childhood friends Michael Otis and Ryan Muckel to address challenges within procurement management. With a stated mission to make modern sourcing management accessible to smaller companies at a fraction of the cost of today's enterprise solutions, Procoto seeks to become an essential tool to the 28.8 million small and medium-sized businesses in the United States.

"The founding team behind Procoto characterizes all of the traits TampaBay.Ventures values in a founding team: varied experience solving complex problems, complementary backgrounds, a clear product vision and a deep understanding for their end-user," said TampaBay.Ventures General Partner Andreas Calabrese. "The genesis of the concept for the company came from seeing the lack of support from enterprise procurement software as potential customers. We find these types of problem-solution product developments incredibly compelling as a firm."

"We are pleased to make our first investment into Procoto. As one of only four Y Combinator graduates located in Florida, and the first in Tampa Bay, Procoto exemplifies the increasing startup activities happening in the state," added TampaBay.Ventures General Partner Marcus Adolfsson

Michael Otis, Cofounder and CEO of Procoto stated, "We're thrilled to partner with Tampa Bay Ventures in our seed round. Coming out of Y Combinator this spring, we were very fortunate to garner interest from funds out West. But when we relocated to the area, it was important to us that we become a true Tampa company, not just one that happens to be based in Tampa.

"From our very first conversations with Andreas and Marcus, we knew TampaBay.Ventures was the right fund to get us there. With the individual successes of the fund partners and their existing presence in the Tampa tech community, there's no one with whom we'd rather partner. We're excited to tackle the road ahead together and to contribute to the area's budding tech scene for years to come."

TampaBay.Ventures was founded in 2021 with an initial $20 Million seed fund committed to investing in Tampa Bay-based technology companies. The firm intends to lead investments into between 15 and 20 companies over the course of the next five years. Accredited investors interested in participating in the fund can learn more about the fund thesis at https://tampabay.ventures

Press Contact: [email protected], (727) 238-5265

Related Images

tampabay-ventures.jpg

TampaBay.Ventures

TampaBay.Ventures Logo

SOURCE TampaBay.Ventures
Construction on the 18-bed hospital is moving forward with the help of a $35 million loan from the USDA which was championed by Senator Schumer during the COVID-19 pandemic. "In the midst of the pandemic when people with disabilities were faced with disproportionate impact, we saw a light of hope spring up when the USDA approved this historic $35 million federal investment in this hospital," said Senator Schumer, "These kids will get the care they need early, and it will be better care, and at the end of the day  cost less. What could be better than that?"

we saw a light of hope spring up when the USDA approved this historic $35 million federal investment in this hospital

The CEO of The Center for Discovery, Patrick H. Dollard, thanked Senator Schumer for his steadfast support of not only The Center, but of all people with disabilities. "We wouldn't be here without the great support of Senator Schumer," he said, "He's been with us for 30 years when we were an agency with 18 staff and he's always treated us the same way."

More than 60 people gathered under a tent at the future Children's Specialty Hospital site to witness history. The sun broke through the clouds just as TCFD President, Dr. Hamlin, began describing the hospital's mission. "Our goal for the hospital is to not only treat these children but to support their families and their school districts  to avoid often unnecessary life-long, high-cost residential placements that can sometimes permanently separate the children from their families and their communities," she said.

More than a decade in the making, the Children's Specialty Hospital and its multi-disciplinary, whole-person approach to health and education will revolutionize care for those with complex conditions like autism. "Because The Center for Discovery is a Center for Excellence in New York State and a leader in the field of disability, there are many watching and hoping to replicate what we do here. The need is so great The world needs The Center for Discovery now more than ever," said Dr. Hamlin.

The hospital will bring 400 new healthcare jobs and 150 construction jobs to rural Sullivan County at a time when the area is experiencing a high unemployment rate. The Center currently has 1700 employees ranging from special educators to physicians, nurses, clinicians, nutritionists, farmers, chefs, art and music therapists, and other support personnel.

"Most important is what this facility will mean for the children and families who walk through its doors. It's a place of hope, healthcare, of learning  but most of all a place where every child can meet their full potential," said Acting NY USDA Director Brian Murray. "That's why we are all here  for those children and those families."

Also in attendance at the groundbreaking were: NY State Senator Mike Martucci (R-NY); NY Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther (D-NY); Brian Murray, USDA Acting NYS Director; Josephine Finn, Vice Chancellor NYS Board of Regents; Jeffrey Kraut, Executive VP for Strategy and Analytics at Northwell Health; Ed Sweeney, TCFD Board Chairman; Bill Rieber, Town of Thompson Supervisor; Jay Quaintance, President of SUNY Sullivan; and Rich Mayfield, former USDA NY Director.

About The Center for Discovery:

The Center for Discovery (TCFD) is a leading provider of healthcare and education services for more than 1,200 children and adults with complex conditions, medical frailties and Autism Spectrum Disorders, located 90 miles northwest of New York City. Named a Center of Excellence in 2016, TCFD has long been a leader in developing new models of care for individuals with complex conditions. Located on 1,500 acres of land in Sullivan County, TCFD houses school campuses, residences, medical and research facilities, organic and biodynamic farmland, and leased private businesses offering meaningful employment opportunities. Deeply focused on an individual's personal potential and possibilities, rather than a disability, TCFD strives to create better care and unique and challenging opportunities for the most vulnerable populations. For more information about TCFD, please visit www.tcfd.org.

The Center for Discovery

Michael Rosen

Executive VP of Marketing and Strategic Communications

(917) 232-5556

[email protected]

SOURCE The Center for Discovery

Related Links

https://thecenterfordiscovery.org/


SEATTLE, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Merchant Risk Council (MRC) is expanding its RAPID Edu offerings by allowing members to develop educational courses on a variety of payments and fraud prevention topics as part of RAPID Edu Marketplace.

RAPID Edu is the MRC's educational platform that teaches new industry professionals about all things eCommerce payments and fraud. The MRC designed the on-demand educational program to serve as an introduction to the core of the industry for those who are just entering the field.

The MRC RAPID Edu Marketplace is an educational program allowing thought leaders to develop new courses for hosting on the MRC RAPID Edu platform. Subject matter experts create the courses, and the MRC hosts, manages the accreditation process, and markets the courses.

RAPID Edu Marketplace is an extension of the platform that allows industry thought leaders and subject matter experts to develop new courses on a variety of topics in their area of expertise, for RAPID Edu. These courses will enrich the current educational offering, which consists of NASBA accredited curriculums on the fundamentals of payments, fraud, and chargebacks.

In turn, the MRC hosts, manages the accreditation process, and promotes the courses, which serve as another informative resource for the organization and enables members (merchants, organizations that offer fraud prevention tools, payment optimization solutions, payment gateways, card issuers, etc.) to reach and educate a large, global market.

"Education is at the core of everything we do," said Julie Fergerson, CEO of the Merchant Risk Council. "We've always prioritized educating the community on topics related to payments and fraud prevention, so RAPID Edu is a vital element in achieving our mission. By creating the RAPID Edu Marketplace, we're not only enhancing our offering through collaboration with our members, but we're also enabling industry leaders to showcase their expertise and educate the industry on specialized areas of payments optimization and fraud."

Determined to "build better commerce," the MRC is excited and proud to nurture knowledge, growth, and education in the industry and is looking forward to the release of new courses.

About the MRC:

The MRC is an unbiased global community providing a platform for eCommerce fraud and payments professionals to come together and share information. As a non-profit 501(c)6 organization, the MRC's vision is to make commerce safe and profitable everywhere by offering proprietary education, training, and networking opportunities, as well as a welcoming forum for timely and relevant discussions. The MRC was launched in 2000, at the start of the eCommerce boom, by a small group of industry professionals from leading consumer brands, united by the goal of fighting against online fraud. Since its inception, the MRC has also added online payments to its portfolio, expanding its presence further into eCommerce, and continues to be at the forefront of industry evolution and the continued fight against fraud. The MRC is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, but embraces membership from across the globe.

Media Contact: Lea Prosenica

Telephone: +1 678-593-0391

Email: [email protected]

MRC Logo Link: download image

RAPID Edu Marketplace Logo Link: download image

SOURCE Merchant Risk Council
ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Salvation Army is prepared to help survivors and first responders in vulnerable areas of the United States as the 2021 hurricane season becomes increasingly active. At this moment in Florida and other states along the East Coast, Tropical Storm Elsa threatens to bring localized flooding, high winds, and storm surge.

"After a devastating hurricane season in 2020, we are readying our personnel and resources for another," said Jeff Jellets, Emergency Disaster Services director for The Salvation Army's Southern Territory. "In many cases, The Salvation Army is still on the ground serving people affected by past storms, and we will continue to lend a hand for however long our services are needed after Elsa makes landfall."

Disaster Preparedness Overview ( July 7 )  10 a.m. EDT

The Salvation Army's Southern Territory is prepared for the most extreme effects of Tropical Storm Elsa:

The Salvation Army disaster personnel are collaborating with federal, state, and local emergency management agencies and partners to monitor the system and prepare for service delivery after landfall.

The Salvation Army has more than 300 disaster services vehicles strategically positioned across the United States , including mobile kitchens, rapid response food delivery vehicles, shower trailers, laundry trailers, Polaris all-terrain UTVs, and mobile command posts.

, including mobile kitchens, rapid response food delivery vehicles, shower trailers, laundry trailers, Polaris all-terrain UTVs, and mobile command posts. The Salvation Army has pre-positioned critical relief supplies such as water, shelf-stable meals, MREs, cleanup kits, and others at disaster relief warehouses in Florida , Georgia , Mississippi , and Texas .

With more than 7,600 centers of operation and a presence in nearly every ZIP code, The Salvation Army is uniquely positioned to support survivors of widescale disasters. Tropical Storm Elsa comes in the midst of a deadly heatwave and widespread wildfires in the western United States. To help individuals and families who are vulnerable to the heatwave, The Salvation Army has opened cooling centers offering water, air conditioning, and shade. They are also conducting welfare checks on elderly and other vulnerable individuals.

For more information on The Salvation Army's response to these disaster events, visit salvationarmyusa.org or disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.

A digital media kit with B-roll, photography and other visual assets can be found here.

To make a financial gift to support ongoing disaster relief efforts:

Donate online: helpsalvationarmy.org

Donate by phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army annually helps 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. During times of disaster, 100 percent of designated donations to The Salvation Army are used for immediate response and long-term efforts. In the first-ever listing of "America's Favorite Charities" by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country's largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.

SOURCE The Salvation Army

Related Links

http://www.salvationarmyusa.org


ThermoLift's groundbreaking Thermal Compression Climate Control (TC3) unit, a single appliance for space and water heating for residential and commercial settings, will be tested in a cross-section of different residential properties to evaluate its operational efficiency in British Columbia's diverse weather conditions. The sites were selected following a months-long screening process with FortisBC's Conservation and Energy Management Team and ThermoLift.

"These are the very best proving grounds we could have asked for, where the most fuel is consumed during the winter months. As energy transitions, the TC3 will help meet future zero emission heat and hot water goals," said Paul Schwartz, co-founder and director, ThermoLift.

Based on the Hofbauer Cycle and powered by hydrogen, biofuels or natural gas, this toxin-free refrigerant system functions as a boiler or furnace, water heater and air conditioner. If the TC3 performs as well in field trials as it did in Thermolift's lab settings, the TC3 will reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and associated energy costs by as much as half, and be pivotal in meeting more stringent federal and local GHG reduction targets and pending energy efficiency legislation. For example, it has the potential to meet the aspirational goals of the Pan Canadian Framework, a Canadian government plan requiring that all new space and water heating systems in residential properties operate with efficiencies of 100 percent or greater by 2035.

"That's a tall order," said Jim Kobialko, program manager of innovative technologies & projects, FortisBC. "But after seeing how these performed in lab settings, we're optimistic that these new natural gas heat pump technologies are going to be key to reaching efficiencies greater than 100 percent and fill a much-needed gap in the marketplace."

Kobialko leads the team at FortisBC that partners with innovative industry leaders and manufacturers to identify and test technologies that show promise in moving the needle in energy efficiency in different sectors.

"We're really excited to observe how the TC3 performs in British Columbia's diverse weather conditions and are expecting to receive the final evaluation reports in the fall of 2022," said Kobialko.

The ThermoLift TC3 residential heat pump pilot is the latest in a series of technologies FortisBC has tested in real world applications prior to marketing through its energy efficiency programs. Since 2009, FortisBC has evaluated more than 220 products, and 19 of these became pilot programs. All piloted technologies transitioned to full-scale conservation programs that provide incentives for customers to upgrade to more energy efficient equipment and appliances. As part of its 30BY30 goal of reducing of GHG emissions from its customers by 30 per cent by 2030, FortisBC plans to invest an additional $10 million (CAD) in pilots like this over the next five years. To learn more, visit fortisbc.com.

ThermoLift, Inc. is headquartered at the Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center (AERTC) in Stony Brook, New York, and an affiliate of Stony Brook University's Clean Energy Business Incubator Program (CEBIP). ThermoLift's engineering, development, and testing center is located at Livonia, Michigan. ThermoLift's TC3 has been ranked # 1 in the DOE report "Energy Savings Potential and RD&D Opportunities for Commercial Building HVAC Systems." The DOE provided funding, and performance testing was conducted by Oak Ridge National Labs. The TC3 has received an agency field label approval for installation in buildings. This agency certification provides for installation across North America.

To learn more, please visit: ThermoLiftEnergy.com

FortisBC Energy Inc. is a regulated utility focused on providing safe and reliable energy, including natural gas, renewable gas, propane and thermal energy solutions. FortisBC Energy Inc. employs more than 1,900 British Columbians and serves approximately 1,054,097 customers across British Columbia. FortisBC Energy Inc. owns and operates 50,182 kilometres of natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines. FortisBC Energy Inc. is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry. FortisBC Energy Inc. uses the FortisBC name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. For further information on FortisBC, visit fortisbc.com. For further information on Fortis Inc., visit fortisinc.com.

SOURCE ThermoLift, Inc.

Related Links

http://thermoliftenergy.com


NEW YORK and LONDON, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- TransPerfect Legal Solutions (TLS), a global provider of e-discovery and litigation support solutions for law firms and corporate legal departments, today announced that it has been recognized with awards from the UK Chapter of the Association of Certified E-Discovery Specialists (ACEDS) in two areas: training and e-discovery team performance.

ACEDS is a professional association for individuals and organizations involved in e-discovery and information governance. The group is focused on training and professional development in these fields as well as areas of the broader legal community. The 2020 E-Discovery Awards recognize and celebrate teams and individuals who have shown excellence in serving the UK legal industry.

In the training category, TLS's Rajuan Pasha was honored as the winner of the Training Hero Award. Pasha is a Director in the company's e-discovery group, and his effectiveness in delivering training both internally and for clients led to him being named as the recipient of this honor.

The TLS team as a whole was recognized with the Teamwork Award, which ACEDS gives in acknowledgement of the best overall team performance in 2020. Judging criteria focused on innovation, technology, project management, and expertise on issues that include defensibility, data privacy, and the new disclosure regime.

In addition to TLS, the group of four finalist nominees for this award included three leading UK law firms, making TLS the only support provider to earn a spot in the final round of evaluation.

TransPerfect President and CEO Phil Shawe stated, "We are honored to receive these awards from ACEDS for excellence in our e-discovery and other legal technology services. TransPerfect prides itself on working tirelessly to execute client projects today, but more importantly on investing in technology, innovation, and expertise to service our clients' requirements of tomorrow. We greatly and sincerely appreciate ACEDS's recognition for the team's work."

About TransPerfect Legal Solutions

TransPerfect Legal Solutions (TLS) empowers legal professionals to leverage AI, analytics, and multi-language technology across e-discovery, forensic consulting, due diligence, privacy, managed review, and staffing projects. TLS delivers software and service solutions to every Am Law 200 and Global 100 firm, and the majority of Fortune 500 corporate legal departments. Founded in 1992, TLS has a worldwide presence with over 100 offices and a global team of legal experts. TLS's quality-focused, consultative approach is supported by a vast network of resources with proven success in solutions engineering, problem solving, and delivering a complete partnership that clients can trust.

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


VANCOUVER, BC, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Trilogy Metals Inc. (TSX: TMQ) (NYSE American: TMQ) ("Trilogy", "Trilogy Metals" or "the Company") announces its financial results for the second quarter ended May 31, 2021. Details of the Company's financial results are contained in the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis which will be available on the Company's website at www.trilogymetals.com, on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. All amounts are in United States dollars unless otherwise stated.

Highlights

Strong working capital position of $8.1 million and cash on hand of $8.4 million .

and cash on hand of . Ambler Access Project budget for 2021 field season totalling $13 million approved by AIDEA and Ambler Metals LLC.

approved by AIDEA and Ambler Metals LLC. Summer exploration program at the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects has commenced.

Ambler Access Project  2021 Budget Approved

In a press release dated April 19, 2021, the Company announced that the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority ("AIDEA") had formally approved the proposed plan and budget for the 2021 summer field season activities, detailed engineering and environmental and field work of up to $13 million for the Ambler Access Project ("AAP"). The cost will be shared 50/50 by AIDEA and the Company's 50% owned joint venture, Ambler Metals LLC ("Ambler Metals"). The Board of AIDEA has authorized up to $6.5 million for field season activities. These funds will be matched by up to another $6.5 million from Ambler Metals under the terms of the Ambler Access Development Agreement that was approved by the AIDEA Board on February 10, 2021 and subsequently executed by both parties, resulting in a total budget for 2021 of up to $13 million. The AAP is a proposed 211-mile, east-west running controlled industrial access road that would provide industrial access to the Ambler Mining District in northwestern Alaska.

2021 Exploration Season for the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects

In a press release dated May 17, 2021, the Company announced that Ambler Metals had finalized the details of the 2021 exploration field program at the UKMP for the previously approved $27 million exploration budget. The exploration program is aligned with a strategy developed by the Company and our joint venture partner, South32 Limited ("South32") which prioritizes the exploration budget within the UKMP. The strategy defines a program that advances the highest priority projects and exploration targets, both volcanogenic Massive Sulphide ("VMS") and Carbonate-Hosted Copper ("CHC"), ranging from early-stage geophysical anomalies that were identified during the 2019 airborne Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic ("VTEM") survey to advanced VMS and CHC prospects with historical resources.

The UKMP project camp opened on June 1, 2021 following stringent COVID-19 safety protocols. Mandatory COVID-19 testing is conducted with negative tests required both prior to traveling to the site and prior to departure from the site. Upon arrival all personnel must follow safety protocols, including additional protocols implemented in response to the pandemic. Drilling has commenced with three drill rigs deployed.

Annual General Meeting of Shareholders

The Annual General Meeting of shareholders was held on May 19, 2021. At the Annual General Meeting, all directors nominated by the Company and standing for election were elected by shareholders of the Company, with each director receiving no less than 99.77% of the votes cast.

Selected Results

The following selected financial information is prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

in thousands of dollars,

except for per share amounts



Three months ended Six months ended Selected expenses May 31,

2021 $ May 31,

2020 $ May 31,

2021 $ May 31,

2020 $ General and administrative 306 407 669 998 Mineral properties and feasibility study expenses - - - 1,545 Professional fees 275 198 504 866 Salaries 407 226 845 450 Salaries  stock-based compensation 524 770 2,672 1,966 Investor relations 116 101 270 227 Gain on derecognition of assets contributed to joint venture - - - (175,770) Share of loss on equity investment 1,700 561 2,820 739 Comprehensive (loss) earnings for the period (3,413) (3,002) (7,929) 168,177 Basic (loss) earnings per common share (0.02) (0.02) (0.05) 1.20 Diluted (loss) earnings per common share (0.02) (0.02) (0.05) 1.13

For the three-month period ended May 31, 2021, Trilogy reported a net loss of $3.4 million (or $0.02 basic and diluted loss per common share). For the comparable period in 2020, we reported a net loss of $3.0 million (or $0.02 basic and diluted loss per common share). This second quarter difference is primarily due to a $1.1 million increase in our 50% pro rata share of Ambler Metals' comprehensive loss. This was offset by a one-time amount of $0.7 million in feasibility study costs incurred during the second quarter of 2020. The share of loss in equity investment is higher versus the comparative period as the current quarter includes costs incurred to ready the camp for the 2021 field season. These set up costs were not incurred in the comparative period as the 2020 field season had been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other variances noted for the comparable period were: i) a decrease in general and administrative expenses of $0.10 million primarily due to recruiting fees incurred in the comparative period for which there are no current period costs as well as the elimination of travel costs due to COVID-19 travel restrictions; ii) an increase of $0.07 million in professional fees primarily driven by an increase of $0.12 million for geological consulting, offset by $0.04 million in savings for auditing and legal services as the comparative period included charges for new accounting standard implementation and joint venture set up; iii) an increase of $0.18 million in salaries as the current period cost reflects additions to the executive team during the third quarter of 2020 for which there are no prior year second quarter comparatives; and iv) a decrease of $0.30 million in stock-based compensation driven primarily by RSUs that vested during the second quarter of 2020, for which there are no current quarter comparatives.

For the six-month period ended May 31, 2021, Trilogy reported a net a loss of $7.9 million (or $0.05 basic and diluted loss per common share). For the comparable period in 2020, we reported net earnings of $168 million (or $1.20 basic and $1.13 diluted earnings per common share). The difference for the six-month period ended May 31, 2021, when compared to the same period in 2020, is primarily due to the $176 million gain on derecognition of mineral property assets contributed to Ambler Metals upon formation of the joint venture on February 11, 2020. This variance is offset by $1.5 million of mineral property expenses and $0.7 million of feasibility study cost incurred during the comparable prior period for which there are no current period comparatives. Furthermore, our share of loss on equity investment was $2 million higher for the six-month period ended May 31, 2021, and reflects costs incurred by Ambler Metals to ready the project site for the 2021 field season. These set up costs were not incurred by Ambler Metals in 2020 as the field season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of May 31, 2021, we had $8.4 million in cash and working capital of $8.1 million, which is sufficient to fund our ongoing operations for at least the next 12 months. The projects are fully funded by Ambler Metals and we do not anticipate needing to fund our 50% share of future expenditures to advance the projects until the subscription price paid by South32 into Ambler Metals of $145 million is spent.

Qualified Persons

Richard Gosse, P.Geo., Vice President Exploration for Trilogy Metals Inc., is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Gosse has reviewed the technical information in this news release and approves the disclosure contained herein.

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 UKMP in northwestern Alaska. 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.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including, without limitation, statements relating to the planned expenditures and the anticipated drilling, the Company's ability to fund its operations, the requirement for additional funding at Ambler Metals and the perceived merit of the Company's properties are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include the uncertainties involving success of exploration activities, permitting timelines, requirements for additional capital, risks pertaining to the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19), government regulation of mining operations, environmental risks, prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services, uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drilling results and geological tests, unexpected cost increases and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2020 filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and in other Company reports and documents filed with applicable securities regulatory authorities from time to time. The Company's forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

SOURCE Trilogy Metals Inc.

Related Links

www.trilogymetals.com


ORLANDO, Fla., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tupperware Brands Corporation (NYSE: TUP) will release its second quarter 2021 results on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, prior to the opening of the market, followed by a conference call at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (7:30 a.m. Central Time).

This call will be webcast by Intrado Digital Media and can be accessed at www.tupperwarebrands.com.

About Tupperware Brands Corporation

Tupperware Brands Corporation (NYSE: TUP) is a leading global consumer products company that designs innovative, functional and environmentally responsible products that people love and trust. Founded in 1946, Tupperware's signature container created the modern food storage category that revolutionized the way the world stores, serves and prepares food. Today, this iconic brand has more than 8,500 functional design and utility patents for solution-oriented kitchen and home products. With a purpose to nurture a better future, Tupperware products are an alternative to single-use items. The company distributes its products into nearly 70 countries primarily through independent representatives around the world. For more information, visit Tupperwarebrands.com or follow Tupperware on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

SOURCE Tupperware Brands Corporation

Related Links

http://www.tupperwarebrands.com


CHICAGO, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a research report "VCSEL Market with COVID-19 Impact Analysis by Type, Material (GaAs, InP), Wavelength, Application (Sensing, Data Communication, Industrial Heating & Printing, Emerging), Data Rate, Industry, and Region - Global Forecast to 2026", published by MarketsandMarkets, the VCSEL market is projected to grow from USD 1.4 billion in 2021 to USD 3.3 billion by 2026; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18.8% during the forecast period. Owing to COVID-19, the VCSEL market faced slight headwinds for 20202021. VCSELs play an important role in 3D sensing applications in smartphones. Cameras that scan and render objects in 3D have now become a standard feature in high-end smartphones resulting in an increase in the adoption of VCSELs in 3D sensing applications in the market. The increased adoption is creating growth opportunities for manufacturers of wafers, equipment providers, metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) system providers, and foundries, testing & inspection companies; among others. With the entire VCSEL ecosystem is gaining market traction, it is expected to offer growth opportunities during the forecast period.

Ask for PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=206588268

Multimode VCSELs to account for a larger share of the VCSEL market in 2021

The multimode VCSEL segment is expected to hold a larger share of the market in 2021. The high market share of this segment was initially due to its increasing use in optical transceivers for high data rate transmission in data centers. As multimode VCSELs offered better modulation over single-mode VCSELs, they witnessed high adoption in data centers. With numerous companies, such as Apple (US), Google (US), and Microsoft (US), investing significantly in the expansion of their data centers globally, multimode VCSELs are projected to hold the largest share during the forecast period.

GaAs based VCSEL segment to dominate the VCSEL market during the forecast period

The GaAs segment is projected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period. Most of the VCSELs used in different applications are manufactured using GaAs material. VCSELs based on GaAs materials are mainly of 850nm wavelength. Datacenter and consumer electronics industry are the two major application areas of GaAs-based VCSELs. GaAs-based VCSELs offer better optical competency than other semiconductor materials and are affordable and available in small footprints. Hence, GaAs-based VCSELs have been successfully mass-produced in significant volumes leading to their large market share as compared to other materials. GaAs-based VCSELs for optical transceivers for data transmission initially paved the way for initial adoption.

Consumer Electronics industry to register the highest share for VCSEL market in 2021

The consumer electronics segment is projected to hold the largest market share throughout the forecast period. The period from 2017 to 2018 witnessed a spike in the market growth with the launch of the Apple iPhone X in November 2017 with the VCSEL module for 3D sensing. Since then, all subsequent releases of iPhone features VCSELs. Recently, other smartphone manufacturers, such as Samsung (South Korea) and Xiaomi (China), have featured VCSELs in their smartphones. Many smartphone companies have already implemented 3D sensing technology in their smartphones, and other companies are projected to follow this trend in the coming years. VCSELs are the most important components for the facial and gesture recognition technologies in smartphones. In addition, VCSELs are used in ToF rear cameras in smartphones, which provides improved image quality. VCSELs in AR/VR devices are also projected to contribute to segment growth in the future as these devices become more mainstream over time.

COVID-19 has led to low demand from end users for consumer electronics, such as smartphones and tablets. However, the impact is not projected to be as severe in other industries. The market for the healthcare and data center segment is projected to be the least impacted. The emergence of COVID-19 has led to an increase in demand for medical equipment, which, in turn, has led to an increase in demand for components, such as VCSELs. The data center is another segment that has been less impacted by COVID-19. Data communication companies have been expanding their data centers throughout 2020, which has led to an increase in demand for VCSEL-based optical transceivers.

Browse in-depth TOC on "VCSEL Market"

153  Tables

58  Figures

233  Pages

Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=206588268

Market in North America estimated to have the largest share during the forecast period

The VCSEL market in North America is expected to hold the largest market share in 2021. Major VCSEL players, such as Lumentum (US), II-VI Incorporated (US), and Broadcom (US), are based in North America. Lumentum accounts for a market share of ~50% in the VCSEL market. In North America, the high demand for VCSELs is generated due to its adoption of VCSELs in smartphones. Companies such as Google (US) and Microsoft (US) are expanding their data centers, leading to high demand for VCSELs in data communication applications. The Apple iPhone X encouraged the mass adoption of VCSEL in smartphones for 3D sensing applications in 2017. The region includes the US, which spends a lot on military equipment. These factors have contributed to a large market share for VCSELs in North America.

Major vendors in the VCSEL market include Lumentum (US), II-VI Incorporated (US), ams (Austria), TRUMPF (Germany), Broadcom (US), Vertilite (China), Coherent (US), Alight Technologies (Denmark), Connector Optics (Russia), VERTILAS (Germany), WIN Semiconductors (Taiwan), IQE (UK), Ricoh (Japan), Fuji Xerox (Japan), MKS Instruments (US), FLIR (US), Santec (Japan), Leonardo Electronics (US), TT Electronics (UK), Ushio America (US), Thorlabs (US), Bandwidth 10 (US), RaySea Technology (China), Inneos (US), Frankfurt Laser Company (Germany), OCTLIGHT (Denmark), Ouster (US), Sanan Integrated Circuit (China), NeoPhotonics (US), Lytek Corporation (US), and OptiGOT (Sweden).

Related Reports:

Time-of-Flight (ToF) Sensor Market by Resolution (QQVGA, HQVGA, QVGA, & VGA), Application (Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality, LIDAR, Machine Vision, 3D Imaging & Scanning, and Robotics & Drone), Product Type, Vertical and Geography - Global Forecast to 2025

Facial Recognition Market by Component (Software Tools (3D Facial Recognition) and Services), Application (Law Enforcement, Access Control, Emotion Recognition), Vertical (BFSI, Government and Defense, Automotive), and Region - Global Forecast to 2025

About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions.

Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model  GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve.

MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets.

Contact:

Mr. Aashish Mehra

MarketsandMarkets INC.

630 Dundee Road

Suite 430

Northbrook, IL 60062

USA: +1-888-600-6441

Email: [email protected]

Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/vcsel-market.asp

Visit Our Web Site: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com

Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/vcsel.asp

SOURCE MarketsandMarkets
MOSS LANDING, Calif., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Verdagy has secured financing and named Marty Neese as CEO. Verdagy, founded by Dr. Ryan Gilliam, is a Khosla Ventures backed technology spin-out of Chemetry. Dr. Gilliam said: "The Verdagy technology provides the needed breakthrough in capital cost and operating cost reductions to make green hydrogen a reality. I am excited to welcome Marty as CEO. His decades of scale-up experience at Ballard, SunPower and Flex will insure Verdagy is successful at rapidly commercializing the technology." Dr. Gilliam will now serve as Chairman of the Technical Advisory Board of Verdagy.

Prominent investor and Silicon Valley pioneer Vinod Khosla said: "We have reviewed many green hydrogen production technologies. Verdagy's cells include a very large active area with the capability to run at high current densities and a wide dynamic operating range. This winning combination means each cell produces more hydrogen at lower cost than any competing technology in the market. The innovative design enables adoption and scale-up of green hydrogen production and the transition needed to decarbonize vast sectors of the industrial landscape." Khosla Ventures is the lead investor and backer of Verdagy.

Furthering the scale-up efforts, Verdagy and Permascand are pleased to announce they have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for the development of a novel electrochemical cell to produce green hydrogen. The Verdagy and Permascand partnership will build on the relationship and development activities for the commercialization of electrochemical cells for Chemetry's eShuttle EDC process.

Marty Neese, Verdagy's CEO, said: "I have been deeply involved in the hydrogen economy for the past six years as a Board Member of a leading PEM fuel cell company. Verdagy has the most exciting game-changing electrolyzer technology I have seen. Being able to go-to-market with the lowest capex and lowest opex solution simultaneously is an incredible once-in-a-career opportunity. The outstanding team of researchers, electrochemists, and pilot plant process engineers have worked tirelessly to get to this point and it is great to see it paying off. Collaborating with Permascand on the manufacturing scale-up of our hydrogen electrochemical cell is a key step towards demonstrating Verdagy's hydrogen production technology at multi-MW scale. We are very excited to have Permascand as a partner on our path to high-volume commercialization."

Peter Lundstrom, CEO at Permascand commented: "We are happy to be part of this collaboration with Verdagy, offering our expertise for Verdagy's hydrogen process commercialization, supplying the electrochemical market with high-end technology solutions that contributes to accelerating the global green transition."

Permascand has nearly 50 years of experience in fabricating electrochemical cells and the associated coatings and equipment that complement Verdagy's technology. Permascand's expertise ranges from prototype development through to full-scale high-reliability, high-repeatability manufacturing of electrochemical cells supporting the global water treatment, electrification and renewables, chlorate and chlor-alkali markets.

Verdagy is operating a pilot plant for a novel process to produce green hydrogen at its site in Moss Landing, California. Permascand is a global leader in electrochemistry, cell design and manufacturing and will use their expertise to ensure full reliability and a competitive cost base for the commercial electrolyzer that is a key part of Verdagy's process. Together, Verdagy's cell design and Permascand's highly automated manufacturing and coating expertise will enable the rapid scale-up and commercialization of Verdagy's green hydrogen electrolyzer.

Verdagy is actively seeking strategic partners for the first commercial deployment of the technology.

About Verdagy

Verdagy is innovating water electrolysis technology for the large-scale production of green hydrogen. Verdagy's industry leading solution achieves both the lowest upfront capital costs and the lowest unit economics for production. Verdagy operates laboratory and pilot plant facilities in Moss Landing, California, to further develop and rapidly scale the technology platform. For more information, visit: www.verdagy.com

About Permascand

Permascand is an independent technology-driven manufacturer of electrochemical solutions based on proprietary catalytic coatings for clean tech applications. With a customer-centric focus, the company has supplied electrodes, electrochemical cells and aftermarket services to a variety of sectors for the past 50 years. Permascand is headquartered in Ljungaverk, Sweden, with operations including R&D, Technology Development and Production, with offices in Gothenburg, Sweden and Vancouver, Canada. For more information visit: www.permascand.com

SOURCE Verdagy Inc.

Related Links

https://www.verdagy.com


NEW YORK, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Vestar Capital Partners ("Vestar"), a leading middle-market private equity firm, announced today that it has acquired Stratus (or "the Company"), a market-leading asset-light facilities services provider, from Arcapita Group Holdings ("Arcapita"), a global alternative investments firm. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

CEO and founder Tim Eippert and the Company's senior leadership team will continue to lead Stratus and will reinvest in the transaction alongside Vestar. Arcapita will also retain a minority stake in the Company.

Founded in 1953 and based in Mentor, OH, Stratus serves a highly diversified base of blue-chip customers including some of the leading Fortune 100 brands in 50 states and 24 countries across a broad range of end markets, including healthcare, financial services, QSR, convenience stores, and telecom. The Company offers best-in-class customer service and integrated solutions, enabled by a differentiated technology suite and unmatched expertise and scale. Under Arcapita's ownership, Stratus more than tripled its revenue to over $300 million, while completing multiple add-on acquisitions to expand the Company's customer base and product offerings.

"Stratus is fortunate to have found a true partner in Vestar, which shares our customer-centric philosophy and vision for growth, and has a deep understanding of our industry," said Mr. Eippert. "We look forward to leveraging Vestar's strategic relationships, capital, and operational expertise alongside our ongoing partnership with Arcapita, working together to continue building our capabilities for the benefit of our valued customers."

"Stratus' significant investments in systems and operational infrastructure, deep understanding of its customers' needs, and relentless focus on service excellence have enabled its growth into a scaled nationwide platform," said Nikhil Bhat, Vestar Managing Director and Co-Head of Business & Technology Services. "The Company has an attractive opportunity to expand into complementary service lines and reinforce its current offerings through acquisition and continued investment in the platform. We are excited to partner with Tim and his exceptional management team to help accelerate the next stage of Stratus' growth."

Martin Tan, Arcapita's Chief Investment Officer, commented, "Arcapita is extremely proud of Stratus' transformation into the leading national brand implementation company that it is today. With Arcapita's support, Stratus has been able to expand its services and product offerings, as well as expand its footprint across the US. Stratus' success is a testament to Arcapita's dedicated approach of investing in good companies and providing them with the resources to realize their ambitions. We are confident that with the current strength of the Stratus bench and Vestar's added support, the Company will continue to enjoy the rapid growth we have achieved, in the coming years."

William Blair and Citizens M&A Advisory acted as financial advisors and King & Spalding served as legal counsel to Stratus. Robert W. Baird & Co. acted as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel to Vestar.

About Stratus

Stratus is a leading brand implementation and facilities services company offering signage solutions, energy services, repair and maintenance programs, and refresh and remodel capabilities across 50 states and 24 countries. With more than 50,000 projects completed annually, the Company provides versatile solutions for some of the world's largest and most recognized brands. For more information, please visit www.stratusunlimited.com.

About Vestar Capital Partners

Vestar Capital Partners is a leading U.S. middle-market private equity firm specializing in management buyouts and growth capital investments. Vestar invests and collaborates with incumbent management teams and private owners to build long-term enterprise value, with a focus on Consumer, Business & Technology Services and Healthcare. Since its founding in 1988, Vestar funds have invested $8 billion in 85 companies  as well as more than 200 add-on acquisitions  with a total value of approximately $50 billion. For more information on Vestar, please visit www.vestarcapital.com.

About Arcapita

Arcapita is a global alternative investment manager, with offices in Atlanta, London and Singapore and an affiliated office in Bahrain. Arcapita's principal lines of business are private equity and real estate, and its management has a 24-year track record of over 90 investments with total transaction value in excess of $30 billion. Further details on Arcapita can be found at www.arcapita.com

Media Contacts

For Vestar:

Lambert & Co.

Jennifer Hurson

845-507-0571

[email protected]

or

Caroline Luz

203-656-2829

[email protected]

For Arcapita

Tariq Hayat

+973 17 218 858

Mobile +973 39 461103

[email protected]

or

Brunswick

Ailsa Martin

+971 4 560 5900

[email protected]

SOURCE Vestar Capital Partners

Related Links

http://www.vestarcapital.com


VANCOUVER, BC, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. ("West Fraser" or the "Company") (TSX andNYSE: WFG) announced today that its board of directors (the "Board") has approved the commencement of a substantial issuer bid (the "Offer") pursuant to which the Company will offer to purchase from shareholders for cancellation up to C$1.0 billion of its outstanding Common shares (the "Shares"). The Offer will proceed by way of a "modified Dutch auction" procedure with a tender price range from C$85.00 to C$98.00 per Share, representing a 3% discount to a 12% premium over the Company's volume-weighted average price on the Toronto Stock Exchange over the last 10 trading days.

Term of the Offer

The Board has authorized the Offer, which will commence on July 12, 2021 and expire on August 17, 2021, unless extended or withdrawn. The Company plans to fund repurchases of Shares through available cash on hand. The Offer is denominated in Canadian dollars, and Shareholders will have the option to elect to receive payment in either Canadian or United States dollars.

Tender Offer Alternatives

The Offer will be conducted through a "modified Dutch auction" procedure. Shareholders who wish to participate in the Offer will be able to do so through: (i) auction tenders in which they will specify the number of Shares being tendered at a price of not less than C$85.00 and not more than C$98.00 per Share in increments of C$0.25 per Share, or (ii) purchase price tenders in which they will not specify a price per Share, but rather will agree to have a specified number of Shares purchased at the purchase price to be determined by auction tenders. Shareholders who validly deposit Shares without specifying the method in which they are tendering their Shares will be deemed to have made a purchase price tender. West Fraser directors and officers do not have a present intention to tender any Shares pursuant to the Offer.

Purchase Price

Upon expiry of the Offer, the Company will determine the lowest purchase price (which will be not less than C$85.00 per Share and not more than C$98.00 per Share) that will allow it to purchase the maximum number of Shares properly tendered to the Offer, and not properly withdrawn, having an aggregate purchase price not exceeding C$1.0 billion.

If Shares with an aggregate purchase price of more than C$1.0 billion are properly tendered and not properly withdrawn, the Company will purchase the Shares on a pro rata basis after giving effect to "odd lot" tenders (of holders beneficially owning fewer than 100 Shares), which will not be subject to pro-ration. In that case, all Shares tendered at or below the finally determined purchase price will be purchased, subject to pro-ration, at the same purchase price determined pursuant to the terms of the Offer. Shares that are tendered but not purchased, including Shares tendered pursuant to auction tenders at prices above the purchase price, will be returned to shareholders.

Additional Information

The Offer will be for up to approximately 10% of the total number of issued and outstanding Shares on a non-diluted basis (based on a purchase price equal to the minimum purchase price per Share and 116,444,176 Shares issued and outstanding as of July 6, 2021).

The Offer is optional for all shareholders, who are free to choose whether to participate, how many Shares to tender and, in the case of auction tenders, at what price to tender within the specified range. Any shareholders who do not deposit their Shares (or whose Shares are not repurchased under the Offer) will realize a proportionate increase in their equity interest in the Company, to the extent that Shares are purchased under the Offer.

West Fraser has suspended share repurchases under its normal course issuer bid ("NCIB"), and no NCIB purchases will be made until after the expiration of the Offer, if and when West Fraser determines to recommence repurchases under the NCIB.

The Offer is not conditional upon any minimum number of Shares being tendered but is subject to various conditions that are typical for a transaction of this type. West Fraser reserves the right, subject to applicable laws, to withdraw, extend or amend the Offer, if certain events occur at any time prior to the payment for tendered Shares. The Offer is expected to remain open for acceptance until 5:00 p.m. (Vancouver time) on August 17, 2021, unless extended or withdrawn.

Details of the Offer, including instructions for tendering Shares, will be included in the formal offer to purchase and issuer bid circular, letter of transmittal, notice of guaranteed delivery and other related documents (the "Offer Documents"). The Offer Documents will be mailed to shareholders, filed with applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities and made available without charge on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, filed on a Schedule 13E-4F with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and made available without charge on EDGAR at www.sec.gov, and posted on the Company's website at www.westfraser.com.

Computershare Investor Services Inc. has been engaged by West Fraser to act as depository for the Offer. Shareholders who have questions regarding the Offer or require any assistance tendering Shares may contact Computershare Investor Services by telephone at 1-800-564-6253 (North America) or 514-982-7555 (International), or by e-mail at [email protected] .

West Fraser has not engaged a dealer manager for the Offer in Canada or for the United States but reserves the right to do so before the Offer expires.

The Offer referred to in this news release has not yet commenced. This news release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell shares. The solicitation and the offer to buy shares will only be made pursuant to the Offer Documents that are filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The offer will not be made to, nor will tenders be accepted from or on behalf of, holders of Shares in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance of offers to sell Shares would not be in compliance with the laws of that jurisdiction. None of West Fraser, its Board of Directors or the depositary makes any recommendation to shareholders as to whether to tender or refrain from tendering any or all of their Shares pursuant to the Offer or the purchase price or prices at which shareholders may choose to tender Shares. Shareholders are strongly urged to read the Offer Documents carefully and to consult with their financial, tax and legal advisors prior to making any decision with respect to the Offer.

The Company

West Fraser is a diversified wood products company with more than 60 facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. From responsibly sourced and sustainably managed forest resources, the Company produces lumber, engineered wood products (OSB, LVL, MDF, plywood, and particleboard), pulp, newsprint, wood chips, other residuals and renewable energy. West Fraser's products are used in home construction, repair and remodeling, industrial applications, papers, tissue, and box materials.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements as to the Company's current intentions regarding commencement of the Offer, the timing, terms and conditions of the Offer, and the ultimate purchase price, the number of Shares purchased and the amount of capital returned to shareholders under the Offer. Any such forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to us and are based on assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and our perception of historical trends and current conditions. Readers should also refer to the risk factors set forth in the Company's annual information form and management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2020, each dated February 11, 2021, available at SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and EDGAR (www.sec.gov). There can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which forward-looking statements are based will be realized. Actual results may differ, and the difference may be material and adverse to the Company and its shareholders.

SOURCE West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd.

Related Links

www.westfraser.com


LONDON, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Windward, the Predictive Intelligence company applying AI to transform global maritime trade, announced today the launch of Company Risk Insights. The capability rounds out Windward's holistic risk management solution to go beyond traditional maritime data, providing risk insights into every company in the maritime domain. The capability utilizes a new ownership data repository, risk indicators, data sets, and behavioral models to provide Windward users with a complete risk assessment of all maritime related entities including a beneficiary list up to and including the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO). Company Risk Insights enhances the efficiency of any counterparty due diligence process and mitigates risk across industries.

Maritime ownership structures are inherently complex and tend to be exploited by bad actors seeking to perpetrate financial crimes such as fraud and money laundering. In addition to regulations implemented in 2020 by financial crime enforcement organizations to reduce these crimes, regulations are expanding even further. In April 2021, FinCEN gave advance notice of the launch of regulatory processes for beneficial ownership reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act, signaling an effort on behalf of governments to crack down on financial crime. To meet the demands of today's complex business and compliance challenges, companies must adopt more efficient and thorough methods of vetting business partners.

Windward's Company Risk Insights provides a transparent risk assessment based on numerous risk indicators. In partnership with Dun & Bradstreet, the company is providing a full beneficiary list including all beneficial parties, individuals, or corporate entities up to and including the UBO to support the risk assessment of non-maritime entities. Windward's new partnership with LexisNexis allows for automatic screening of all vessels and companies against 130 local and international blacklists, including major sanctions lists. Windward provides a unique risk rating for each maritime company and explanatory information regarding the relevant risk. This risk is customizable, dependent on the customer's risk appetite and predefined sanctions regimes they follow.

The new Company Risk Insights capability enables financial institutions, insurers, shipping companies, and oil companies alike to gain a comprehensive view of any company's risk as part of their counterparty due diligence and empowers them to make better, data-driven business decisions. Windward's clients in the governmental sector benefit from the ability to identify the manager, owner, or UBO behind any vessel, transaction, or fleet as part of their networking analysis.

"At Windward we pride ourselves on providing our customers with insights that go beyond the data and we empower them to make business savvy decisions with confidence that follow all the latest regulations," said Ami Daniel, CEO and Co-Founder of Windward. "With Company Risk Insights, we are using more data, machine learning algorithms, and behavioral models to bring even more value to our partners and further establish Windward as the gold standard in maritime risk management."

About Windward

Windward is the leading Predictive Intelligence company fusing AI and big data to digitalize the global maritime industry, enabling organizations to achieve business and operational readiness. Windward's AI-powered solution allows stakeholders including banks, commodity traders, insurers, and major energy and shipping companies to make real time, predictive intelligence-driven decisions, providing a 360 view of the maritime ecosystem and its broader impact on safety, security, finance, and business. For more information visit: https://wnwd.com.

Media Contact

Sarah Schloss

Headline Media

[email protected]

+1-914-506-5105

SOURCE Windward

Related Links

https://www.wnwd.com


DUBLIN, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Automotive Smart Tire Market - A Global Market and Regional Analysis: Focus on Smart Tire Product, Application, Supply Chain, Sensor Type, Regional and Country - Analysis and Forecast, 2020-2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global automotive smart tire market is expected to reach $110.39 billion by 2026, with a CAGR of 6.20% from 2021 to 2026. The rapid advancements in the development and commercialization of connected and autonomous vehicles have led to the evolution of technology to develop several automotive components. As the trend to develop these next-generation vehicles is being realized in the industry, the reliance on traditional tires is expected to be replaced by the adoption of smart sensor-enabled tires.

Smart tires are enabling commercial vehicle manufacturers to manage and monitor their fleets through digital monitoring solutions. The increasing volume of commercial vehicles with time has allowed fleet operators to monitor several parameters such as fuel consumption and carbon emissions, leading to an increased demand for advanced tires that provide real-time monitoring of tire conditions.

Market Segmentation

Applications: commercial and passenger vehicle

Product: tires (connected tires and intelligent tires) and sensors (TPMS, RFID, strain gauge, accelerometer, and others)

Region: North America , South America , Europe , China , U.K., Middle East and Africa , and Asia-Pacific and Japan

Regional Segmentation

North America : U.S., Canada , and Mexico

: U.S., , and South America

Europe : France , Germany , Spain , and Rest-of- Europe

: , , , and Rest-of- Asia-Pacific and Japan (APJ) - Japan , India , South Korea , and Rest-of- Asia-Pacific and Japan

and (APJ) - , , , and Rest-of- and China

U.K.

Middle East and Africa

Market Growth Drivers

Increasing Concerns Regarding Environment and Vehicle Safety

Rising Adoption of 5G Technology in Smart Tires

Advancements in Fleet Management Solutions Through Smart Tires

Usage of Smart Tires in Platooning Systems

Market Challenges

Lack of Standardization and Commercialization of Smart Tires

Reliability Issues Faced by Smart Tire Sensors

Lower Adoption Rate of Automotive Smart Tires in Passenger Vehicles

Market Opportunities

Surging Demand for Autonomous Vehicles and Highly Automated Driving

Use of Intelligent Tires in Platooning Systems

Implementation of 3D Printing Techniques for Automotive Smart Tires

Key Companies Profiled

Continental AG, Bridgestone Corporation, Michelin, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Pirelli & C. S.p.A, The Yokohama Rubber Company, Limited, Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd., Nokian Tyres Plc., Toyo Tire Corporation, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd., JK Tyres & Industries Ltd., Revvo Technologies, Inc., NXP Semiconductors, Schrader TPMS Solutions, Infineon Technologies AG

How This Report Can Add Value

Business and Corporate Strategies: The automotive smart tire market is poised to grow over time, compelling companies to come up with collaborative strategies in order to sustain themselves in the intensely competitive market. Companies with identical product portfolios, with a need for additional resources, often partner and come together for joint venture programs, which helps them gain access to one another's resources and facilitates them to achieve their objectives faster. Furthermore, such ventures result in companies making use of each other's expertise. Additionally, tire manufacturers have turned toward collaborating with Internet of Things (IoT) service providers for the rapid development of their automotive smart tires. For instance, in March 2018, Continental and Vodafone partnered to deploy commercial fleets with Conti Connect systems.

Key questions answered in the Report

Why should existing tire and sensor manufacturers consider venturing into the next-generation smart tire market, and what are the future growth opportunities?

What are the key trends, market drivers, and opportunities in the market pertaining to automotive smart tires?

What are the major restraints inhibiting the growth of the global automotive smart tire market?

What kinds of new strategies are being adopted by the existing market players to expand their market position in demand generating developing and developed countries?

Which are the promising companies that have obtained financial support to develop their products and markets?

Which are the key companies in the market to source sensors for integrating them into smart tire products?

How much revenue each of the segments is expected to record during the forecast period along with the growth percentage? Following are the segments:

Product offerings, including (smart tires and sensors)



Application, including passenger and commercial vehicles



Region, including North America , South America , the U.K., Europe , Asia-Pacific and Japan , China , and the Middle East and Africa

, , the U.K., , and , , and the and Which type of players and stakeholders are operating in the market ecosystem of the automotive smart tire, and what is their significance in the global market?

Key Topics Covered:

1 Markets

1.1 Industry Outlook

1.2 Business Dynamics

2 Application

2.1 Application and Specification

2.1.1 Passenger Vehicle

2.1.2 Commercial Vehicle

2.2 Demand Analysis of Automotive Smart Tire (by Application)

2.2.1 Passenger Vehicle

2.2.1.1 Demand Analysis of Passenger Vehicle Smart Tire Market (by Region)

2.2.2 Commercial Vehicle

2.2.2.1 Demand Analysis of Commercial Vehicle Smart Tire Market (by Region)

3 Products

3.1 Global Automotive Smart Tire Market (by Product)

3.1.1 Connected Tire

3.1.2 Intelligent Tire (TPMS)

3.2 Demand Analysis of Automotive Smart Tire (by Product)

3.2.1 Connected Tire

3.2.2 Intelligent Tire (TPMS)

3.2.3 Demand Analysis of Automotive Smart Tire Market (by Product)

3.3 Global Automotive Smart Tire Market (by Sensor Type)

3.3.1 TPMS

3.3.2 RFID Chip

3.3.3 Accelerometer Sensor

3.3.4 Strain Gauge Sensor

3.3.5 Others

3.4 Demand Analysis of Automotive Smart Tire Market (by Sensors)

3.5 Demand Analysis of Global Automotive Smart Tire Market (by Mode of Sales)

3.5.1 Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)

3.5.2 Aftermarket

3.6 Qualitative Analysis of Automotive Smart Tire Market (by Engineering)

3.6.1 Pneumatic Tire

3.6.2 Run-Flat Tire

3.6.3 Non-Pneumatic Tire

4 Regions

5 Markets - Competitive Benchmarking & Company Profiles

5.1 Competitive Benchmarking

5.2 Continental AG

5.2.1 Company Overview

5.2.1.1 Role of Continental AG in Global Automotive Smart Tire Market

5.2.1.2 Product Portfolio

5.2.1.3 Production Sites

5.2.2 Business Strategies

5.2.2.1 Product Developments

5.2.2.2 Market Developments

5.2.3 Corporate Strategies

5.2.3.1 Partnership and Collaboration

5.2.4 Strength and Weakness of Continental AG

5.2.5 R&D Analysis

5.3 Bridgestone Corporation

5.3.1 Company Overview

5.3.1.1 Role of Bridgestone Corporation in Global Automotive Smart Tire Market

5.3.1.2 Product Portfolio

5.3.1.3 Production Sites

5.3.2 Business Strategies

5.3.2.1 Product Developments

5.3.3 Corporate Strategies

5.3.3.1 Merger and Acquisition

5.3.4 Strength and Weakness of Bridgestone Corporation

5.3.5 R&D Analysis

5.4 Michelin

5.4.1 Company Overview

5.4.1.1 Role of Michelin Corporation in Global Automotive Smart Tire Market

5.4.1.2 Product Portfolio

5.4.1.3 Production Sites

5.4.2 Business Strategies

5.4.2.1 Product Developments

5.4.3 Corporate Strategies

5.4.3.1 Partnership and Collaboration

5.4.4 Strength and Weakness of Michelin

5.4.5 R&D Analysis

5.5 The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

5.5.1 Company Overview

5.5.1.1 Role of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in Global Automotive Smart Tire Market

5.5.1.2 Product Portfolio

5.5.1.3 Production Sites

5.5.2 Business Strategies

5.5.2.1 Product Developments

5.5.2.2 Market Developments

5.5.3 Corporate Strategies

5.5.3.1 Partnership and Collaboration

5.5.4 Strength and Weakness of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

5.5.5 R&D Analysis

5.6 Pirelli & C. S.p.A

5.6.1 Company Overview

5.6.1.1 Role of Pirelli & C. S.p.A in Global Automotive Smart Tire Market

5.6.1.2 Product Portfolio

5.6.1.3 Production Sites

5.6.2 Business Strategies

5.6.2.1 Product Developments

5.6.3 Corporate Strategies

5.6.3.1 Partnership and Collaboration

5.6.4 Strength and Weakness of Pirelli & C. S.p.A

5.6.5 R&D Analysis

5.7 The Yokohama Rubber Company, Limited

5.7.1 Company Overview

5.7.1.1 Role of The Yokohoma Rubber Company, Limited in Global Automotive Smart Tire Market

5.7.1.2 Product Portfolio

5.7.1.3 Production Sites

5.7.2 Corporate Strategies

5.7.2.1 Partnership and Collaboration

5.7.3 Strength and Weakness of The Yokohoma Rubber Company, Limited

5.7.4 R&D Analysis

5.8 Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd.

5.8.1 Company Overview

5.8.1.1 Role of Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd. in Global Automotive Smart Tire Market

5.8.1.2 Product Portfolio

5.8.1.3 Production Sites

5.8.2 Business Strategies

5.8.2.1 Product Developments

5.8.3 Corporate Strategies

5.8.3.1 Partnerships and Collaborations

5.8.4 Strength and Weakness of Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd.

5.8.5 R&D Analysis

5.9 Nokian Tyres Plc.

5.9.1 Company Overview

5.9.1.1 Role of Nokian Tyres Plc. in Global Automotive Smart Tire Market

5.9.1.2 Product Portfolio

5.9.1.3 Production Sites

5.9.2 Business Strategies

5.9.2.1 Product Developments

5.9.2.2 Market Developments

5.9.3 Strength and Weakness of Nokian Tyres Plc

5.9.4 R&D Analysis

5.1 Toyo Tire Corporation

5.10.1 Company Overview

5.10.1.1 Role of Toyo Tire Corporation in Global Automotive Smart Tire Market

5.10.1.2 Product Portfolio

5.10.1.3 Production Sites

5.10.2 Business Strategies

5.10.2.1 Product Developments

5.10.2.2 Market Developments

5.10.3 Strength and Weakness of Toyo Tire Corporation

5.10.4 R&D Analysis

5.11 Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.

5.11.1 Company Overview

5.11.1.1 Role of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. In Global Automotive Smart Tire Market

5.11.1.2 Product Portfolio

5.11.1.3 Production Sites

5.11.2 Business Strategies

5.11.2.1 Product Developments

5.11.3 Corporate Strategies

5.11.3.1 Partnerships and Collaborations

5.11.4 Strength and Weakness of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.

5.11.5 R&D Analysis

5.12 JK Tyres & Industries Ltd.

5.12.1 Company Overview

5.12.1.1 Role of JK Tyres & Industries Ltd. in Global Automotive Smart Tire Market

5.12.1.2 Product Portfolio

5.12.1.3 Production Sites

5.12.2 Business Strategies

5.12.2.1 Product Developments

5.12.3 Strength and Weakness of JK Tyres & Industries Ltd

5.12.4 R&D Analysis

5.13 Revvo Technologies, Inc.

5.13.1 Company Overview

5.13.1.1 Role of Revvo Technologies, Inc. in Global Automotive Smart Tire Market

5.13.1.2 Product Portfolio

5.13.2 Business Strategies

5.13.2.1 Market Developments

5.13.3 Strength and Weakness of Revvo Technologies, Inc.

5.14 NXP Semiconductors

5.14.1 Company Overview

5.14.2 Role of NXP Semiconductors in Global Automotive Smart Tire Market

5.14.3 Product Portfolio

5.14.4 Strength and Weakness of NXP Semiconductors.

5.14.5 R&D Analysis

5.15 Schrader TPMS Solutions

5.15.1 Company Overview

5.15.2 Role of Schrader TPMS Solutions in Global Automotive Smart Tire Market

5.15.3 Product Portfolio

5.15.4 Business Strategies

5.15.4.1 Business Developments

5.15.5 Strength and Weakness of Schrader TPMS Solutions

5.16 Infineon Technologies AG

5.16.1 Company Overview

5.16.2 Role of Infineon Technologies AG in Global Automotive Smart Tire Market

5.16.3 Product Portfolio

5.16.4 Strength and Weakness of Schrader TPMS Solutions

5.16.5 R&D Analysis

5.17 List of Other Key Players

6 Research Methodology

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/jyi2oq

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]

For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com


As its robots can take on farming tasks with precision, XAG is hoping to help farmers grow more with fewer chemical used and less manpower, while contributing to UK's net zero farming goal by 2040. With many uses around the farmlands, these lightweight, electric-powered machines aim for a fundamental change of making the transition into low-carbon agriculture.

Ground-air solution to resolve labour shortage

Crowds flooded to the Cereals Drone Zone, where XAG's ground-air farming solutions were demonstrated and attracted a lot of attention from local farmers and agronomists. XAG P Series agricultural drone, fitted with the JetSeed spreading system, was able to spread seeds and fertilisers via a stable jet of air. As an electric four-wheel-drive system, the R150 Unmanned Ground Vehicle was spraying the plants on targeted plots with less wear on the soil.

The demonstration was led by Harper Adams University mechanical researcher Jonathon Gill, who has been working with XAG to promote the use of drones in the UK. After pre-programming parameters on the agri-app, his team deployed the drones and robots with a few simple clicks to conduct autonomous operations.

"Everybody can use a smartphone app to give a path plan and locate a particular task zone for your drones. That means the vehicle will stick to the exact path to centimetre accuracy following RTK positioning system, which allows us to do farm work very efficiently without physically getting our feet into the fields," he said.

High tech solutions are also welcomed by the British government to rejuvenate many less developed rural communities. The UK agriculture sector is currently facing a labour shortage because of fewer EU workers coming due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the end of EU free movement.

Justin Gong, Co-founder of XAG, explained in an interview with CGTN Europe that "drones and robots are not really taking the job of people who work in the rural area, but to complete those left-over jobs." This technology can fix the growing gap between labour shortage and food demand, as well as attracting young people back to the countryside as tech-savvy professional farmers.

"XAG's drone series can not only spray pesticides, but also come with other various functions such as seeding, fertilising, and remote sensing that finds out what is happening in the field for farmers to predict diseases, herbs, and fungus," said Justin Gong.

Towards net-zero farming emissions

Since 2018, XAG has been collaborating with Harper Adams University as strategic partners to introduce precision agriculture technologies to the UK market. Since XAG's drones and robots are all powered by smart batteries and use fewer chemicals, they can help take the pressure off the environment to reduce carbon and cut down pesticide usage. According to Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), agriculture accounts for 10% of the UK's total greenhouse gas emissions.

As the UK pushes its ambitious net-zero emission action plan in agriculture, drones and ground robots are gradually seen for their potential to boost productivity and reduce carbon footprints. During his speech at the Cereals event, Environment Secretary George Eustice published updates on the Sustainable Farming Incentive, which is planned to be rolled out from spring 2022.

"Farmers will be able to earn up to 70 per hectare for actions to improve the health of their soil. Well-managed soil can lead to increased biodiversity, improve water quality and reduce carbon emissions." This encourages UK farmers to adopt green agricultural practices and precision tools.

Since this March, the XAG R150 farm robots have been introduced into the UK and have been tested in a variety of orchards, ranging from apple trees, strawberries, to gooseberries and blackcurrant bushes. The UK has become the first European country to embrace autonomous robots for crop spraying. The Dearnsdale Fruit Farm and Grove Estate Vineyard in Stafford got their first anti-fungal sprays of the year by the R150. It is anticipated that high-quality fruit crops can be farmed without causing pollution of soil and water.

Autonomous drones and robots will be game changers in the future. They will play a key role in tackling climate change and bring a new step of change to farmers' lives.

Read more: https://www.xa.com/en/news/official/xag/114

SOURCE XAG
The group is eyeing a step-change in the pace of revenue growth and further margin improvement once the freight industry normalises

( ) said it is on track to become cash flow positive and profitable this year.

The forestry, timber trading, reforestation and voluntary carbon credit company said it expects a step-change in the pace of revenue growth as well as further margin improvement once the freight industry normalises, which experts have forecast for later this year or early 2022.

The groups top line in the first half of the year was hit by constraints in the freight shipping industry, including equipment shortages, a drop off in port productivity and a reduction in carrier capacity, that created a temporary knock-on effect on booked revenue.

However, gross profit margins advanced to 20% from 8% in the full-year 2020, due to the quality of product delivered by the firms upgraded manufacturing facilities, strong global demand for sawn timber and corresponding increase in prices, and the application of proprietary trading tools and technology.

The Africa-focused company is undertaking final due diligence to complete the acquisition of a further 56,000 hectares of forest concessions in Gabon.

Its concessions in Mozambique will continue to be operated by third party operator Future Earth for the remainder of 2021 and were not impacted by the recent unrest seen in the north of the country.

The second quarter was a pivotal period for the business as we witnessed a hard-earned positive rebase of operating margins and executed on the next stage of our expansion plans through the acquisition of two additional veneer lines in Gabon as well as successfully completing an upsized fundraising, said executive chair and chief executive Paul Dolan in a release.

As the global economy transitions to net zero, the emergence of carbon as a major new asset class was the catalyst for us launching our carbon sequestration and trading division. Carbon prices have increased more than 60% in 2021, ahead of expected EU reforms designed to accelerate emission reductions, and we expect both companies and assets to become increasingly viewed through the lens of climate transition.

Revenues in the six months to 30 June came in at US$8.2mln, compared to US$6.7mln in the same period in 2020. As of 6 July, the cash balance was US$6.3mln with bank loans of US$9.5mln.

Shares rose 2% to 4.68p on Wednesday morning.
This is the last major permitting milestone required for full-scale construction of the $364 million project.

( ) (OTCMKTS:SFRRF) has secured a Mining Licence for its Motheo Copper Mine in Botswana.

The licence is the last major permitting milestone is required for full-scale construction of the A$364 million project.

Preliminary site works at Motheo started earlier this year, with sterilisation drilling, a 15-kilometre access road and construction of a 200-person camp already well underway.

Sandfire will now mobilise additional personnel to the site to commence construction of the process plant and other infrastructure, while orders have already been placed for all key process equipment and long-lead items.

A major milestone

Sandfire managing director and CEO Karl Simich said: The award of the Mining Licence represented a major milestone that would see a significant increase in construction and development activities on site.

We are absolutely delighted to now be in a position to move to full-scale construction at Motheo, with our construction crews expected to mobilise to site over the next few days.

I would like to thank the Government of Botswana for their support throughout the approvals process, which will see Motheo come on-stream in 2023 as one of very few new copper mines commencing production globally.

Strong economic and technical outcomes

Sandfire awarded the mining contract for the T3 pit to African Mining Services (AMS), the surface mining subsidiary of diversified global mining services group Perenti Global Ltd (ASX:PRN).

A definitive feasibility study (DFS) for T3-Motheo was completed in December 2020, confirming strong economic and technical outcomes from an initial base case of 3.2 million tonnes per annum processing capacity and open pit development of the T3 Deposit.

The DFS outlined a robust initial 12.5-year operation, producing on average 30,000 tonnes of contained copper and 1.2 million ounces of contained silver per annum over the first 10 years of operations, with relatively low capital intensity and robust operating margins.

The study was based on a forecast copper price of US$3.16 per pound reflecting long-term consensus pricing at the time the feasibility study was completed.

However, since the completion of the study, the average long-term broker price forecast for copper has increased to US$3.43 per pound and the current spot price for copper is around US$4.30 per pound.

Strategy to rapidly expand production

Sandfire aims to begin mining in early 2022 with plant commissioning and ramp-up scheduled for early 2023.

The company is also working towards the completion of an updated mineral resource for the A4 deposit, which is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

This will underpin a feasibility study on the development of this satellite deposit, which forms a key part of the companys strategy to rapidly expand production at the Motheo Production Hub from the annual base case of 3.2 million to 5.2 million tonnes.

As part of the Mining Licence approval process, the Government of Botswana has a right to acquire up to a 15% fully contributing interest in the T3-Motheo Project. The Government has not yet notified Sandfire of its intention regarding the acquisition of an ownership stake.

Sandfires long-term growth plans

Simich adds: Motheo is expected to generate approximately 1,000 jobs during construction and 600 full-time jobs during operations and represents the foundation for Sandfires long-term growth plans in Botswana.

Our vision is that Motheo will form the centre of a new, long-life copper production hub in the central portion of the world-class Kalahari Copper Belt, where we hold an extensive ground-holding spanning Botswana and Namibia.

Sandfire is looking forward to becoming a major long-term player in the Kalahari Copper Belt, which represents one of the last under-explored large-scale copper provinces anywhere in the world.

- Ephrems Joseph
London, July 7 : Britain will overhaul its asylum system to make it a criminal offence to knowingly arrive in the country without permission, the British government announced on Tuesday.

The Nationality and Borders Bill, entering Parliament on Tuesday, tackles the challenge of illegal immigration to make it harder to stay for those who enter Britain illegally, the Xinhua news agency reported.

The post-Brexit move came after the government had already ended freedom of movement of the European Union (EU) citizens after Brexit and introduced a points-based immigration system to welcome talents from around the world.

"For too long, our broken asylum system has lined the pockets of the vile criminal gangs who cheat the system. This isn't fair to the vulnerable people who need protection or the British public who pay for it. It's time to act," Home Secretary Priti Patel said in a statement.

Patel said that this legislation delivered British people's hope to take full control of its borders and paved the way for a fair but firm system that will break the business model of the gangs that facilitate dangerous and illegal journeys to Britain while speeding up the removal of those with no right to be there.

Other measures include making every effort to remove those who enter the country illegally having travelled through a safe country in which they could and should have claimed asylum, and making it easier to remove someone from Britain to a safe country while their asylum claim is processed.

Britain planned to increase the punishment for people smugglers who facilitate illegal entry to Britain, who will face up to life imprisonment. The bill also aims to give the home secretary power to control visa availability for countries refusing to take back their own citizens.

Age assessment will also be changed to protect children from being wrongly moved into the adult asylum system and stop illegal entrants falsely claiming to be children.

More than 36,000 people, including dependants, applied for asylum in Britain in 2020. About 10,000 people were offered protection in Britain in the form of refugee status or other protections, according to media reports.
Bangkok, July 7 : Two explosions rocked a cosmetic and medical equipment factory in Thailand's capital Bangkok on Tuesday, with one firefighter being injured, local police said.

Some huge tanks containing oil and thinner exploded with blaze erupted at about 6:10 p.m. local time at Floral Manufacturing Group factory in the Lat Krabang industrial estate, the police said.

Firefighters have brought the fire under control, and investigation into the cause of the accident is underway, Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang said, ruling out the possibility of any subsequent accidents from chemical leak.

This was the second major industrial accident within two days, the Xinhua news agency reported.

On Monday, an explosion and ensuing fire swallowed a chemical plant on the outskirts of Bangkok, killing one firefighter, injuring dozens of others and forcing the evacuation of over 1,000 local residents. New fire erupted on the site of the burned chemical factory on Tuesday afternoon but was brought under control again.
Berlin, July 7 : German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on Tuesday said that he supported the lifting of all Covid-19 restrictions once a vaccine has been offered to everyone in the country.

When this is achieved, there is "no longer a legal or political justification for any kind of restriction," Maas told the German Press Agency on Tuesday, adding that he expected this to happen during August.

A narrow majority of Germans are in favour of lifting all Covid-19 measures for fully vaccinated people by September, according to a YouGov survey published on Tuesday.

Shortly after the start of Germany's vaccination campaign in January, Maas already called for lifting the restrictions on vaccinated people, who "should be allowed to exercise their basic rights again." He was criticised at the time because it was not yet clear whether vaccinated people could spread the virus, the Xinhua news agency reported.

Almost 32.4 million people in Germany had already been fully vaccinated by last Sunday, bringing the country's vaccination rate to 38.9 per cent, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the federal agency and research institute responsible for disease control and prevention.
New Delhi, July 7 : Capital-based Vadehra Art Gallery will host a group exhibition titled Call me by your name, featuring major artists including Anju Dodiya, Atul Dodiya, Arpita Singh, Shilpa Gupta, Sunil Gupta, Gieve Patel, N.S. Harsha and Sudhir Patwardhan. It has been curated by Udit Bhambri.

Considering the fact that the 'puzzle' of love involves two components -- the self and the other, Bhambri says that it is in our nature to acknowledge ourselves in or with some kind of other-hood, so much so that companionship, even when experienced alone, becomes a kind of love. "The truth of our times is that any collective identity of 'we' is laden with individualities, and so in contemporary relationships, we often find that we are living both selfishly and selflessly, acting resilient through constant compromise while balancing self-indulgence with self-sacrifice." 'Call me by your name' asks the question - who completes us? While some shout out togetherness more demonstratively, others whisper in hushed tones - but what of this shared need to title it, engrave it, qualify it? In spite of individual transiency and love's transfigurations, coupled with a kindred hope to celebrate its imperishability, why do some relationships struggle more with naming and why are so many kinds of relationships still unnamed?

Bhambri has conceptualised it an ode to the complex make-up of contemporary relationships while exploring the linguistics, imagery and signification of love through expanded notions of coupledom. He says, "We live in unprecedented times - where social distancing is often more comforting than a hug. Relationships have been redefined by the pandemic, and today more than ever, we witness the true power of self-love, the genuine comfort of companionship, the thrill of reconnecting with an ex-lover and the satisfaction of reigniting our own latent passion. This exhibition is an exploration of love in its many forms. It questions the status quo, and it attempts to erase labels. It accepts love in its multiple facets and in doing so attempts to infuse positivity in a time when a relationship of one kind or another, is our only panacea." While the show is on view at the gallery, with prescribed social distancing and other measures, the gallery has also embraced a new immersive 3D digital technology experience via Matterport on their website, which offers a multi-dimensional mapping of the show.
Mumbai, July 7 : The horror film "The Vigil" is slated to release on OTT in India on July 9. The film stars Dave Davis, Menashe Lustig and Malky Goldman, and is written and directed by Keith Thomas.

"The Vigil" is about a man named Yakov who is hired by his old Rabbi to watch over the body of a recently deceased community member and has to survive a night tormented by a demon.

The horror film comes from Blumhouse Productions, makers of films such as the "Paranormal Activity" franchise, "The Invisible Man", the "Insidious" franchise, "The Purge" franchise, the "Halloween" franchise, the "Happy Death Day" franchise, "Split", "Glass" and the "Ouija" franchise among others.

PictureWorks has acquired the rights to the film, which will be released on Amazon Prime Video.

"From start to end, 'The Vigil' gives its viewers a fresh and an interesting perspective," claimed a spokesperson at PictureWorks.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, July 7 : Few actors in Bollywood have had as many clones as Dilip Kumar. The assertion would seem like the greatest note of flattery in a film industry that survives and thrives on being 'inspired', more than superlatives such as star, superstar, megastar, thespian -- even legend, for the word is often loosely used in Bollywood.

Dilip Kumar, who passed away on Wednesday in Mumbai at the age of 98, was always the benchmark. He had a direct impact on many actors who worked in his time, from the forties to the nineties. He continues to indirectly impact actors post nineties too, for those who fashioned their acting after him continue to influence many rank newcomers of today.

Perhaps that is the mark of a legend -- when the trademark style of your art continues to outlive you, and find new ways to reinvent itself through budding talents who started out long after you quit.

For the record, Dilip Kumar quit acting in 1998. That was the year Yusuf saab -- as he was widely known to friends and fans alike -- last faced the camera for Umesh Mehra's "Qila". If the actor was never seen on screen over the past two decades since its release, the rest of the film's primary cast including Rekha, Mukul Dev and Mamta Kulkarni have also all but vanished, and director Mehra stopped making films nearly two decades ago. "Qila", an otherwise forgotten attempt, will continue to garner recall value because it was the last film of one of Bollywood's greatest.

Flawed and over the top as the film was, "Qila" gave Dilip Kumar a dual role as protagonist and antagonist (or 'hero' and 'villain' as masala filmdom loves classifying). Somewhere in those portrayals lay the key to why he was hailed as the phenomenon back in the day, when they showered him with epithets as Tragedy King, and the Great Method Actor of Bollywood.

There are tales about Dilip Kumar's method acting. The most widely-known pertains to the self-produced "Gunga-Jumna", the Nitin Bose directorial of 1961 that, many whisper, was ghost-directed by the actor himself. Coming immediately after his 1961 superhit "Mughal-e-Azam", Dilip Kumar is said to have run all around the studio premise, to the point of collapsing, in order to get the right look and feel for his death scene in the film. The performance is counted among one of the finest by any male actor in mainstream Bollywood, and plot of the film would find resonance in many subsequent Hindi hits, notably "Deewar".

If the subject of method acting largely defines Dilip Kumar's oeuvre, the actor himself tried to deconstruct it in his autobiography "Dilip Kumar: The Substance And The Shadow", released in 2015.

"I am an actor who evolved a method, which stood me in good stead," he says.

That alone explains the consummate acting we saw in all his films, right from his debut effort "Jwar Bhata" (1944), as well as other notable early roles in "Milan " (1946) and "Jugnu" (1947).

By 1948, only four years into the industry, Dilip Kumar was a busy star. He had as many as five releases that year -- "Ghar Ki Izzat", "Shaheed", "Mela", "Anokha Pyar" and "Nadiya Ke Paar". By the time the last film of the year released and went on to become the biggest hit of 1948, Dilip Kumar was one of Bollywood's exciting new sensations along with two others -- Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand.

The trio would go on to define Hindi cinema in the next decade, and be called Bollywood's Triumvirate. Together, they continue to shine the brightest at the mention of the Golden Fifties of Hindi cinema. While each of them carved a niche to ensure greatness, somewhere their individual images as stars summed up the essence of an era that continues to be regarded as the classiest that Hindi cinema has seen.

Dilip Kumar would collaborate with Raj Kapoor, incidentally said to be his childhood friend from Peshawar, on Mehboob Khan's 1949 love triangle "Andaz" that co-starred the inimitable Nargis. The film was a superhit upon release and, for the second consecutive year, Dilip Kumar would be part of the year' highest-grossing film with "Andaz".

That was just the start of a dream run. The fifties saw him deliver innumerable superhits including "Jogan" and Babul (1950), "Tarana" and "Deedar" (1951), "Aan" (1952), "Footpath" (1953), "Amar" and "Daag" (1954). "Devdas", "Azaad" and Uran Khatola" followed in 1955, "Musafir" and "Naya Daur" released in 1957. The spate of memorable roles continued with "Yahudi" and "Madhumati" in 1958, and Dilip Kumar ended the decade with "Paigham" in 1959.

If the decade that ended established the method about Dilip Kumar's stardom in its versatility, it also prepared fans for the one role that continues to draw automatic recall when you think Dilip Kumar. The decade started with K. Asif' s epic "Mughal-e-Azam" for Dilip Kumar, after the successful "Kohinoor" the same year. The film became the highest grossing Hindi film of all time upon release After the success of "Gunga Jumna" in 1961, Dilip Kumar would again essay a dual role of a very different mood in "Ram Aur Shyam" (1967). His other memorable roles in the decade were "Aadmi" and "Sunghursh" (1968).

He started out in the seventies with "Gopi" (1970). The sixties and the seventies, however, saw the actor slow down in terms of solo releases. The advent of Rajesh Khanna' brand of romance in the late sixties, and Amitabh Bachchan' Angry Young Man in the mid-seventies, changed Bollywood trends. The great socials of the fifties and the sixties seemed to be on the wane. Dilip Kumar decided to take a break in 1976, after "Bairag".

He would come back, of course, in Manoj Kumar's 1981 release "Kranti". The film was a multistarrer, Bollywood' chosen genre of the eighties, and Dilip Kumar found ready takers in such lavishly-mounted productions that needed multiple heroes across age groups. He was notably seen in the Subhash Ghai multistarrers "Vidhaata" (1982) and "Karma" (1986) as well as "Saudagar" in 1991. Two-hero or multi-hero projects as "Shakti" (1982), "Mazdoor" (1983), "Mashaal" (1984) and "Duniya" (1984) mark his last phase as an actor, one that culminated with "Qila" in 1998.

The five decades of acting is balanced by the irony that Dilip Kumar never released a film as director. In his lifetime, he is said to have been involved with direction twice. He is said to have directed the 1966 drama "Dil Diya Dard Liya" along with the officially-mentioned helmer, Abdul Rashid Kardar, though he isn't credited as a director for the project. Decades later, he would launch the self-starring "Kalinga", with Jackie Shroff, Meenakshi Sheshadri and Amitoj Mann. Some say the film was shot, though it never saw light of day.

For a man known to take an active interest in all departments of some of the biggest projects of his heydays, it remains a mystery why Dilip Kumar lost interest in releasing "Kalinga". Perhaps the phenomenon, one of 12 children born to a Peshawari fruit merchant, knew when to go cold on a bad business prospect.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Melbourne, July 7 : Filmmaker Onir has been elected as the jury of the short film competition at Indian Film Festival Of Melbourne (IFFM) 2021.

The 12th edition of the Indian Film Festival Of Melbourne will be held from August 12 to 25. The online streaming of certain ceremonies will take place from August 15 to 31.

"It's an absolute honour to be judging the IFFM Short Film Competition this year. The talent of filmmakers across the world is in abundance and IFFM is a great platform to showcase it on a global level. The theme for this year's short film competition is Modern Slavery and Equality," Onir said.

"I think it is not only relevant but extremely important for filmmakers to explore these areas of storytelling and I'm very excited to see the entries that we receive this year," he added.

The short film entries are to be submitted through FilmFreeway. The last date of submission is July 20 and the official website of the IFFM provides further details, terms and conditions for the submission.

"We are more than thrilled to have Onir to be the jury for this year's Short Film Competition at the IFFM. He is the kind of judge who not only inspires others but has a huge body of supreme work to represent his expertise and flair in his respective field. We are honoured to have him as our esteemed judge at the 2021 festival," Mitu Bhowmik Lange, IFFM Festival Director, said.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, July 7 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday offered his condolences over the demise of veteran actor Dilip Kumar.

Modi said Dilip Kumar will be remembered as a "cinematic legend" and his death is a loss to the cultural world.

"Dilip Kumar Ji will be remembered as a cinematic legend. He was blessed with unparalleled brilliance, due to which audiences across generations were enthralled. His passing away is a loss to our cultural world. Condolences to his family, friends and innumerable admirers. RIP," the Prime Minister said in a tweet.

Dilip Kumar breathed his last on Wednesday morning due to age-related illness.

He was 98. He died at the private Hinduja Hospital where he had been admitted for certain breathing issues.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New York, July 7 : The US regularly took up with the Indian government the detention of Stan Swamy, who worked to "make the world a more just place", according to a State Department spokesperson.

"The US regularly raised Swamy's case with the Indian government as a part of our regular consultations on human rights and other bilateral issues," the spokesperson said on Tuesday.

Swamy, an 84-year-old Catholic Jesuit priest who had campaigned for Adivasi's rights, died on Monday while his bail application was pending with the Bombay High Court. He was detained by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) while probing allegations that he was linked to Maoists.

"We are saddened to learn of the death of Father Stan Swamy, a tireless advocate for the human rights of disadvantaged communities," the spokesperson said.

"Our condolences go out to Father Swamy's family and all those with whom he worked and mentored to make the world a more just place for us all." The spokesperson did give details of when and at what levels the US had discussed Swamy's detention.

Swamy's detention by the NIA was mentioned in the State Department's 2020 International Freedom Report released in May.

It recalled that he was arrested "on sedition charges in connection with a violent demonstration that resulted in several deaths" and "his communication with others during detention was strictly regulated".

The Indian government has defended its treatment of Swamy and dismissed international criticism.

Earlier reacting to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michele Bachelet's statement that she was "deeply saddened and disturbed" by his death, Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said he was held under "due process of law" and added: "Authorities in India act against violations of law and not against legitimate exercise of rights. All such actions are strictly in accordance with the law." Indian Overseas Congress-US has said that Sway's death was a "sad day for democracy".

The organisation's Vice President Geroge Abraham also called for the release of activist Sudha Bharadwaj and others on bail while awaiting charges.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Lucknow, July 7 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has given the nod for the 'Kanwar yatra' that begins on July 25.

The Chief Minister has asked officials to issue necessary guidelines regarding it as devotees also travel to neighbouring states of Uttarakhand and Bihar during the yatra.

"In view of coronavirus, necessary guidelines should be issued regarding travel after communicating with the state governments concerned," he said.

Last year, the Uttar Pradesh government had suspended the Kanwar yatra in view of the pandemic.

The Uttarakhand government has already cancelled the Kanwar yatra and imposed Section 144 on the borders of Haridwar.

"The yatra is scheduled to begin from July 25. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has said that state officials should speak to their counterparts in Bihar, as there is a significant movement of devotees between our two states, and ensure that there are no violations of Covid protocols. The home department has been asked to formulate a detailed guideline for regulating the yatra this year," said a government spokesperson.

He said that even as Uttarakhand was closed for Kanwar yatra, Shiva devotees in Uttar Pradesh had several holy sites they could visit to bring back Ganga Jal.

Taking cue from the previous year, the government is likely to put in restrictions on the number of devotees allowed in temples at the same time.

An official said that it is likely that not more than five persons will be allowed inside temples at a time. Social distancing and wearing of masks will also be compulsory.

The Kanwar yatra takes place during the Hindu month of Shrawan spread over July and August. Lakhs of Shiva devotees travel to places like Haridwar, Gaumukh and Garhmukhteshwar to take a dip in the river Ganga and fill pots with Ganga Jal which is then carried back to their homes or revered temples and poured on the Shivling.
Dharamsala, July 7 : The US on Wednesday reaffirmed support to the cause of Tibet by saying its people can practice their religion, speak their language and celebrate their culture freely without interference or intimidation from China.

Extending greetings to Tibet's exiled Dalai Lama on his 86th birthday, whom Beijing regards as a dangerous "splittist", or separatist, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said calling the exiled spiritual leader's birthday an opportunity to celebrate "the message of hope and spiritual guidance that he has shared with the world".

"And it is an opportunity for all people to recommit to ensuring the Tibetan people can practice their religion, speak their language and celebrate their culture freely without interference or intimidation from Beijing." Writing on Twitter, Pelosi said: "May his birthday bring happiness, health and security to all." The Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet in March 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, believes in 'middle-way' approach, meaning greater autonomy for Tibet rather than outright independence.

Joining the birthday celebrations from Washington on Tuesday, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said: "Today, we wish a happy birthday to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, whose grace and compassion have served as an inspiration to all of us.

"We commend his dedication to the global Tibetan community and to all those around the world who share in his important message of peace and kindness and his commitment to equality, and importantly to human dignity.

"We join all of those in wishing His Holiness many more years to come." Pelosi's decades old unwavering support to the cause of the Tibetan people and now her warm greetings reaffirming the US government's support for Tibet.

This has elated the Tibetan officials of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) based in this northern hill town of Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh.

They told IANS her continuing role help encouraging the Chinese authorities to re-evaluate its policies toward Tibet.

"The Tibet Policy and Support Act is now a US law that highlights the importance of religious freedom for the reincarnation process and also respect the aspirations of the people of Tibet who deserve a future that sees their rights respected," a CTA's senior functionary told IANS on Wednesday.

Pelosi, in a video message, said: "The US Congress, on a bipartisan and bicameral basis, House and Senate, has fought to hold China accountable and to support the Tibetan people, including with the Tibetan Police and Support Act, which is now law." "And we will continue to take further strong action to support Tibet.

"On this special day, I recall, as I often do, the bipartisan Congressional delegations that I have been honoured to lead to Dharamsala. There we were blessed to be received by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and we had the opportunity to see the aspirations of the Tibetan people firsthand, especially in the eyes of the Tibetan children we met.

"And I also recall, with great joy, His Holiness receiving the Congressional Gold Medal presented by President George W. Bush. To support those aspirations of the Tibetan people, may our people and leaders continue to work together to advance the noble cause of peace." "And may His Holiness birthday bring happiness, health and security to all Tibetans and the world." Interestingly, the Dalai Lama himself shares a special bond with Pelosi for whom he often says 'personal friendship' for her 'loyal and unwavering support' in the past decades to the just cause of the Tibetan people.

Pelosi visited his residence with a bipartisan US Congressional delegation in Dharamsala on May 9, 2017.

"As always, I would like to express my deep respect and gratitude to you for your firm and ongoing support for the Tibetan people, as well as the personal friendship you have shown me," the Dalai Lama wrote to Pelosi to offer his hearty congratulations on securing a fourth term as Speaker of the US House of Representatives on January 4.

A US-Dalai Lama relationship began with a gold watch.

"As a boy, the Dalai Lama enjoyed science and mechanics. Knowing this, President Franklin Roosevelt gave the very young Dalai Lama a watch showing the phases of the moon and the days of the week," the Dalai Lama frequently tells the story of the watch, describing the gold watch as magnificent and even took it with him when he fled Tibet in 1959.

A representative from the spiritual leader told IANS that since George H.W. Bush (1991), the Dalai Lama has met all the US Presidents, including Barack Obama on four occasions: February 18, 2010, July 16, 2011, February 21, 2014, and June 15, 2016.

Likewise, he met Bill Clinton and George W. Bush several times.

Every time the meetings prompted sharp reaction from the Chinese government.

The 14th Dalai Lama was born on July 6, 1935, in a small village in the remote Amdo region of Tibet.

(Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Mumbai, July 7 : The Indian film fraternity members such as Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn and Jr NTR among many other mourned the death of veteran Bollywood actor Mohammed Yusuf Khan, known to movie lovers across the world as Dilip Kumar, who passed away in the early hours of Wednesday.

Dilip Kumar had been admitted to the PD Hinduja Hospital on June 30 for a variety of age-related health issues. His wife Saira Banu Khan had earlier tweeted about his improving medical condition. But that was a shortlived glimmer of hope.

Actor Akshay Kumar tweeted on Monday morning calling Dilip Kumar "The Hero".

"To the world many others may be heroes. To us actors, he was The Hero. #DilipKumar Sir has taken an entire era of Indian cinema away with him.My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Om Shanti," Akshay wrote.

Actor Ajay Devgn went down memory lane and recalled "many moments" shared with the late legend.

"Shared many moments with the legend...some very personal, some on stage. Yet, nothing really prepared me for his passing away. An institution, a timeless actor. Heartbroken. Deepest condolences to Sairaji #DilipKumar," Devgn said.

Telugu star Jr NTR paid a tribute and said that the veteran thespian will be missed.

"Dilip Kumar Saab's contribution to the growth of Indian cinema is priceless. Rest in Peace sir. You will be missed," he wrote.

Actress Huma Qureshi says she is grateful to witness the late thespians work.

"How to mourn you @TheDilipKumar Saab ... The Greatest ... Ever ... Grateful to have witnessed on-screen and be spellbound by your genius," she tweeted.

Actor Riteish Deshmukh shared a picture with Dilip Kumar and his actress wife Saira Bano. He wrote a long note on Twitter thanking the late star for being his teacher.

Riteish wrote: "Every actor that faces the camera today will thank Dilip Sahab for the being their teacher. Truly an institution. Am completely heartbroken today, will miss his pat on my back, his smile with a twinkle in the eye and fond kisses on my forehead. @TheDilipKumar" He added: "Dilip Sahab- you will always be the king amongst kings. Greatest of all times. You were a hero to every generation. Rest in glory Sir. My deepest condolences to Saira ji, the entire family, loved ones and millions of fans across the globe." Actor Manoj Joshi wrote: "Saddened by the demise of #DilipKumar sahab, one of the greatest actor and doyen of Indian Cinema. My thoughts and prayers are with his family." Actor Jaavd Jaaferi called Dilip Kumar an inspiration. "From God we have come and to Him is our return.The greatest indian actor(in most opinions), legend, and #OG passes on. An inspiration and reference for most actors after him. Thankfully he will be alive in the wonderful world of cinema. Thank you and RIP #DilipSaab #DilipKumar," he wrote.

Actor Tusshar Kapoor shared a poster of the film "Saudagar", featuring Dilip Kumar, and said: "Words cannot do justice to describe your life in the movie business and your body of work, that very few can boast of! From Mughal-e-Azam to Saudagar, even my generation was spellbound by your magic on screen and over the audiences! RIP Dilip Saab! I'd rather not say more, for any homage to your life or career would be inadequate!" Filmmaker Hansal Mehta called the late icon "the greatest mainstream actor India ever had or will ever have. There will never be another Dilip Kumar." Actor and comedian Rajpal Yadav shared a picture of Dilip Kumar on Instagram and shared that he will always remain an inspiration to all. "Dilip Sahab, you were and will remain an inspiration not only to artists, but to everyone. Very hard to accept that you are no longer among us Dilip Kumar sahab, but your memories will stay with us forever. My deepest condolences to Saira Banu ji and your whole family."

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Mumbai, July 7 : Whenever Dilip Kumar arrived on the sets, the atmosphere on it would change at once. Such was his personality.

Once, he reached on a grim note to shoot a tragedy narrative, and everybody present on the sets also became serious. It was like attending a funeral.

Just then, someone cracked a joke and a few others laughed, and Dilip Kumar saw it. That was it. The actor declared he couldn't do justice to the tragic scene in such a jovial environment, cancelled the shoot, and returned home.

This is an incident recorded in veteran Bollywood mediaperson Jivraj Burman's private notes. Here are some more gleanings from the journalist's diary: 1. Once, during a single shot of hurling a glass of liquor in anger, Dilip Kumar insisted on 27 retakes before he was satisfied that it was 'perfect'.

2. A very social person, Dilip Kumar always attended weddings or auspicious events of film industry workers, or their relatives, if invited, apart from taking an active interest in addressing industry issues.

3. One of his biggest admirers was Dadamuni, Ashok Kumar. Notorious for playing practical jokes, Ashok Kumar said to Dilip Kumar on the sets of 'Duniya': "Yusuf, not in the mood to act? Let us bunk the shoot today!" The mischievous Khan agreed. They called the costume in-charge and asked him to hide their outfits assigned for the shoot. When the shoot started and it was found that their costumes were missing, the two actors 'lost their cool' and coolly walked off the sets for the rest of the day! 4. If Dilip Kumar did not like someone, he could treat him to such a cold stare that the other person would get the message and keep keep away from him. Getting his displeasure across without words was a skill he had mastered.

5. His audiences would just love it when he made his public speeches, speaking in his impeccable Urdu, and getting repeated applause.

6. A gourmet, Dilip Saab loved good food. Mutton Biryani was among his top favourites.

7. He owned a large tract of prime land at Deolali (Nashik), but it was taken over by the Indian Army and he fought a long legal case over it.

8. Forever ready to welcome new talent into the industry, Dilip Saab paved the way for the entry of a number of newcomers, including Johny Walker, Aruna Irani, Kader Khan and the diminutive Muhammad Umar 'Mukri', the comedian with whom he shared his birth year (1922) and enjoyed a long-running personal friendship till his death in 2000.

9. In the sunset years of his life, Saira Bano used to take him out for an evening drive in Bandra, but he would remember nothing.

qn/srb
Mumbai, July 7 : Amitabh Bachchan has mourned the death of Dilip Kumar, who passed away aged 98 on Wednesday early morning in a hospital here.

Bachchan paid his tribute to the "institution" on Twitter.

He wrote: "An institution has gone.. whenever the history of Indian Cinema will be written, it shall always be 'before Dilip Kumar, and after Dilip Kumar'.. My duas for peace of his soul and the strength to the family to bear this loss.. Deeply saddened.." "An epic era has drawn curtains... Never to happen again," he added.

Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan co-starred in the 1982 film "Shakti".

Dilip Kumar breathed his last on Wednesday morning due to age-related illness. He was 98, and he died at Hinduja Hospital where he had been admitted for breathing issues.

The thespian's close aide and family friend told IANS: "He passed away peacefully this morning in the presence of Saira Ji and other family members and doctors."

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Tehran, July 7 : Iran's position on the country's 2015 nuclear deal and the removal of sanctions will not change even after the new government under President-elect Ebrahim Raisi takes over next month, a government official said.

"The government of Raisi will also be committed to it (potential agreement) because adherence to the commitments and promises is always a principle for the Islamic republic," Xinhua news agency quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh as saying to reporters on Tuesday.

Progress has been made in the nuclear talks in the Austrian capital of Vienna and it is acknowledged by all parties to the negotiation, Khatibzadeh added.

However, there are still important issues that largely need to be decided by other parties, especially the US, as the finalization of the agreement on the revival of the landmark nuclear deal, officially referred to as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), "depends on the political will and tough decisions of other parties involved", he noted.

Meanwhile, "we do not set any deadline for reaching an agreement which could guarantee the interests of the Iranian people... We are not in a hurry to reach an agreement, but we will not allow the negotiations to erode", Khatibzadeh warned.

Under the deal reached in 2015, Tehran agreed to roll back parts of its nuclear program in exchange for decreased economic sanctions.

However, Iran gradually stopped implementing parts of its commitments in May 2019, a year after the administration of former US President Donald Trump unilaterally abandoned the agreement and re-imposed sanctions on Tehran.

The JCPOA Joint Commission, attended by the US delegation indirectly, began in person meetings on April 6 in Vienna to continue previous discussions over a possible return of Washington to the deal and how to ensure its full and effective implementation.

After six rounds of talks, the parties recently said serious differences remain between Iran and the US for restoration of the deal.
London, July 7 : World No. 18, Hubert Hurkacz of Poland, completed a comeback in a rain-interrupted clash against Russia's world No. 2 Daniil Medvedev to secure a Wimbledon quarterfinals spot with a 2-6, 7-6(2), 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory here.

Resuming at 4-3 in the fourth set on Tuesday, after rain stopped play on Monday evening, the Polish 14th seed continued attacking the net and finally defeated Medvedev in three hours and two minutes.

Hurkacz will take on childhood idol, Swiss ace Roger Federer Federer, for a place in the semifinal.

"Playing on this unbelievable court, probably the best in the world, with an amazing crowd is really special," said Hurkacz, in an on-court interview on Tuesday evening.

"Daniil is an unbelievable player. We battled so hard. So to win is incredible... I knew I needed to get off to a strong start today and I think I did a pretty good job." Hurkacz is the fifth Polish man to reach the Wimbledon quarterfinals and will now aim to emulate Jerzy Janowicz, who advanced to the last four in 2013.

The sixth-seeded Federer had beaten the 24-year-old Hurkacz 6-4, 6-4 in their only previous meeting at the 2019 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells."Roger, what he does, the titles he has won, is a real inspiration," said Hurkacz. "I will be hoping to get a little bit of support tomorrow." "(I) played really bad," said Medvedev. "He definitely played really well. I played probably (my) worst two sets since Rome. I will just continue working... Today my best was really low, but I did my best," added Medvedev.
Beirut, July 7 : Caretaker Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab has appealed to the international community for quick aid in an effort to help his country avert an imminent disaster, warning that Beirut's collapse would affect the stability of the whole region.

"The picture has become clear: Lebanon and the Lebanese are standing on the brink of disaster," Diab said at a meeting with heads of diplomatic missions here on Tuesday.

"I call on the world to save Lebanon, and I appeal to brothers and friends to stand by the Lebanese people," he added.

Lebanon's stability is necessary for the stability of the whole region as the country hosts around 1.5 million Syrian refugees and thousands of Palestinian refugees, the Prime Minister noted.

Diab urged the international community to help Lebanon even before the implementation of any reform measures as leaders are still struggling to form a government and the country cannot bear further delays.

The 2020 Port of Beirut blasts and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic have exacerbated the country's already existing economic situation, driving thousands of companies out of business while leaving thousands of people unemployed.

Figures released by the World Bank showed that over 50 per cent of the Lebanese people have become "poor".

In a new report released on June 1, the World Bank said that Lebanon's prolonged severe economic depression may place it among the 10 most severe crises globally since the mid-19th century.
New Delhi, July 7 : Writing a book on the exodus of the Kashmiri Pandits was "very emotional" because of the "ghastly details" that came to the fore and 16-year-old Anushka Dhar feels "humbled" to have shed light on the tribulations of a community forced to leave their homeland three decades ago. An eternal optimist, she also hopes to settle down in Kashmir someday, describing this as a "a full-circle moment" if and when it happens.

"The research process was exciting. However, in all honesty, it was also very emotional, because a lot of ghastly details were brought to my attention. It was difficult to process some of the disturbing information knowing that my family had been through that -- I was in a state of shock," Dhar told IANS in an interview of "NH44: Take Me Home" (Vitasta) -- the route the migrants took while leaving the Kashmir Valley and along which she hopes someday to return.

"Writing is something that has always attracted me; I don't think there is a particular incident or moment that pinpoints my transition into being a writer, but rather many things in my life guiding me down the literary path. Studying the IB curriculum -- which is very demanding in terms of writing -- influenced me, as I was exposed to rigorous writing in various forms at a young age," all of which stood her in good stead in penning the book, the Mumbai-based Dhar explained.

"Also, I thoroughly enjoy reading and, over time, began writing as a hobby -- stories, poems, comics, letters, etc. So, with time and experience, I was drawn closer to writing" and over a two-year period, used a myriad of sources which included primary sources like interviews with survivors of the exodus and secondary sources like articles, documentaries, informational videos to put together the book.

She was also mentored by a prominent Kashmiri political figure, Ashoke Pandit, "who was able to give me a holistic idea of the Kashmiri Pandit exodus and resettlement. He was incredibly helpful in the research phase of the book, as he shared a lot of informative sources with me," Dhar elaborated.

Placing that traumatic experience in context, she offers a panoramic view of the history of the region, emphasising the injustice that continues to haunt the psyche of those who went into exile. Having left all worldly possessions behind, they struggled for years to find their feet and later spread all over the world to build new lives for themselves. 'NH44: Take Me Home' expresses the yearning and sentiment they all feel for their lost, but not forgotten, home.

"The title is representative of the yearning of the Kashmiri Pandit community to return home after three decades in exile," Dhar said.

NH44, beginning in the state capital, Srinagar, connects Kashmir to other Indian states like Punjab, Delhi, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and many more. It was used by Kashmiri Pandits to flee Kashmir during the exodus; it was the route that led them out of Kashmir to the lives they live today. 'NH44: Take Me Home' expresses the shared sentiment of returning home to the Valley, using the same route/national highway that led many of them out of the Valley during the exodus.

"I feel accomplished and proud, but most of all I am humbled to have the opportunity to shed light on the Kashmiri Pandit narrative. Additionally, I am excited for people, especially the younger generations, to learn about the Kashmiri Pandit story; I am hopeful that they will take forward the dialogue initiated by the older generations," Dhar said.

Does she see herself returning to and settling down in Kashmir someday? "That's the hope! While I plan on focusing on my career in the foreseeable future, I would like to settle down in Kashmir someday -- that would honestly be perfect. It would be a full-circle moment if I started an apple orchard with my family in Srinagar, as my father and his family owned various apple orchards prior to the exodus," Dhar said.

For the moment, however, she intends to make a career in the film industry following in the footsteps of her father, Deepak Dhar, the co-founder and CEO of the Banijay Group, whose bouquet of TV and OTT content includes "ARRived", "Roar of The Lion", "The Kapil Sharma Show", "Masters of Taste with Gary Mehigan", "Hostages", "Myntra Fashion Superstar", "Into The Wild With Bear Grylls", and "The Voice India". Would this include both documentaries and feature films? "I have always been keen on joining the film and television industry to share meaningful stories such as that of the Kashmiri Pandit community and spark progressive conversations. While I am drawn to feature films more than documentaries, I would like to imagine that I would work on both at some point in my life," Dhar maintained.

How does she see the future for Kashmiri Pandits in the 'new normal' of a post-pandemic world? "Considering Kashmiri Pandits are living and thriving across the world today, it's difficult to envision the 'new normal' as the same for all of us. However, I do feel that the Kashmiri Pandit community as a whole will continue to be hopeful of returning to their homeland when given the opportunity.

"The Kashmiri Pandit community has overcome the toughest of challenges to emerge victoriously. And while the pandemic is an unprecedented challenge, I am sure that the undying Kashmiri Pandit resilience will get the community through the pandemic too," Dhar asserted.

(Vishnu Makhijani can be reached at vishnu.makhijani@ians.in)
Moscow, July 7 : Pharma major Morepen Laboratories has started the production of the test batch of the Russian Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine in Himachal Pradesh, the company has said.

The first batch of the vaccine will be shipped to Russia's Gamaleya Center for quality control. Sputnik V, which was granted emergency use authorisation in India in April, was the third to be launched in the country for its nationwide Covid-19 vaccination programme, after the Covaxin and Covishield.

Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and Morepen had signed a cooperation agreement in June 2021 for transferring the technology. RDIF had also reached agreements earlier with other pharmaceutical companies in India -- Gland Pharma, Hetero Biopharma, Panacea Biotec, Stelis Biopharma and Virchow Biotech.

"As the pandemic is yet far from over and new, more dangerous variants of coronavirus are being detected in various regions of the world, RDIF is increasing capacities for production of Sputnik V in India, one of the key hubs.

"Agreement with Morepen Laboratories provides for a larger amount of Sputnik V to be available both for India and our partners globally to speed up the vaccination with one of the best vaccines in the world," said Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the RDIF, in a statement on Tuesday.

The Sputnik V vaccine is based on a proven and well-studied platform of human adenoviral vectors, which cause the common cold and have been around for thousands of years. The vaccine is two-shot and studies have shown it to be 97.6 per cent effective against Covid-19. It is priced less than $10 per shot, making it affordable around the world.

RDIF has agreed with partners in India to provide for production of more than 850 million doses of Sputnik V per year. So far, Sputnik V has been registered in 67 countries globally with a total population of over 3.5 billion people.

"We are delighted to partner with RDIF for the prestigious project of Sputnik V production in India. This would be our privilege to work jointly on expanding the production base in India," added Sushil Suri, Chairman and Managing Director of Morepen Laboratories.

Suri said the company looks for a "long term relationship with RDIF".

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
July 07 : With the news of the legendary Dilip Kumars death this morning, the country has gone into mourning. From the Prime Minister of the country to politicians, sportspersons to Bollywood and the South cinema industry, all paid tributes to the superstar. Dilip Kumar breathed his last this morning at the hospital.

The 98 year old actor was admitted to Hinduja Hospital on June 30. Today, his wife Saira Banu took home his mortal remains in Mumbai. The police force created a human chain for the ambulance to pass safely to his Bandra residence. Thousands of his fans thronged outside the hospital as well as his home in Mumbai, just to get a glance of the legendary actor.

Dilip Kumar will be laid to rest at 5pm today at the Juhu Qabrastan in Santacruz, Mumbai. Social media has been flooded with heartbroken tributes for the legendary actor. Expressing grief, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mourned the loss of legendary actor Dilip Kumar and shared on Twitter, Dilip Kumar Ji will be remembered as a cinematic legend. He was blessed with unparalleled brilliance, due to which audiences across generations were enthralled. His passing away is a loss to our cultural world. Condolences to his family, friends and innumerable admirers. RIP.

Burial today at 5:00 PM. Juhu Qabrastan at Santacruz Mumbai.  Dilip Kumar (@TheDilipKumar) July 7, 2021

Shabana Azmi was spotted visiting Dilip Kumar's home to pay her last respects to the late actor. She was seen arriving in her car immediately after Saira Banu reached her home with Dilip Kumar's mortal remains.

Shahid Kapoor took to social media to mourn his death. We are all nothing but versions of you Dilip Saab. Every actor has studied you in awe. Wondering how you did it all. You were as close to PERFECT as it can get. As you return to your spiritual home. The prayers of millions are with you, he tweeted.

We are all nothing but versions of you Dilip Saab. Every actor has studied you in awe. Wondering how you did it all. You were as close to PERFECT as it can get. As you return to your spiritual home. The prayers of millions are with you. pic.twitter.com/nMY6TAgv9N  Shahid Kapoor (@shahidkapoor) July 7, 2021

Vicky Kaushal shared a picture of the Tragedy King of Hindi Cinema on his Instagram handle, and wrote, Every head must bow, every tongue must confess that hes the greatest of all time. Rest in Peace. #DilipKumarSaab.
Tehran, July 7 : Progress has been made in the recent talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia, the spokesman for the Tehran government Ali Rabiee said.

Issues have been discussed from a friendly and good-intention position in the recent talks between the two countries, and some progress has been made so far, Rabiee said on Tuesday during his weekly press conference.

"We understand that disputes may have complexities in some areas which require time to resolve. We will continue these talks to minimise differences," Xinhua news agency quoted the spokesman as further saying.

Meanwhile, Saeed Khatibzadeh, spokesman for Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Iran has always welcomed dialogue to achieve results.

"Our view as per the negotiations with Saudi Arabia is positive," Khatibzadeh said during his weekly press conference.

Iran has always wanted the countries of the region to maintain peace and security in the Gulf region, he noted.

Iran has confirmed that it has started talks with Saudi Arabia in Iraq to defuse tensions between the two countries.
Bengaluru, July 7 : The Cubbon Park police of Bengaluru, looking into Rs 712 crore fraud allegations against Nitesh group of companies, one of the top real estate group in Karnataka, have secured crucial documents in connection with 'project diversion', 'refinancing' and 'not showing timely progress of projects' after securing the loans from Yes Bank.

DCP Central, Anucheth, explained that, "we had received a complaint on three counts by the Yes Bank against three entities of Nitesh Group of companies for using loans to different purposes violating the loan agreements. Firstly, it is diversion of funds to other projects, secondly, refinancing of loans to pay up different loans and thirdly, showing no timeline progress of the projects." "Notices have been issued to the accused persons and documents have been obtained. We are conducting a forensic audit in this connection and awaiting the report," he explained.

A complaint was registered in Bengaluru in connection with Rs 712 crore frauds at Cubbon Park police station against Nitesh group of companies by Yes bank manager Ashish Vinod on June 16.

In his complaint, Vinod alleged that the Nitesh Estates Ltd, Nitesh Housing Development Pvt Ltd and Nitesh Urban Development Pvt Ltd committed fraud. The FIR included promoter, Nitesh Shetty, and names of 7 others. It also mentioned charges against key promoters and directors.

The accused persons, whose office is located on M G Road, have been carrying out financial transactions with Mumbai and Bengaluru units of Yes Bank Ltd since 2016. They have secured loans amounting to Rs 712 crore for various real estate projects over a period of time and failed to pay back, said Ashish Vinod Joshi, Yes Bank manager in his complaint.

The loans were secured between February 1, 2016 and June 19, 2021 for more than 10 prestigious projects. The police have registered a case under IPC sections 34 (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention), 406, 409 (Criminal breach of trust) and 420 (Cheating).
Chennai, July 7 : YouTuber Madhan Manickam better known as 'PUBG' Madhan, who is a remand prisoner in the Puzhal central jail here after being arrested by the Cyber wing of the Chennai police, was booked under the Goondas Act.

The police served the order in the prison on Tuesday.

The Goondas Act will enable the authorities to keep Madhan in prison for one year. He can file an appeal in the court against this within three months of receiving the notice.

Madhan, who is Civil engineering dropout, had launched YouTube channels, 'Toxic Madan 18+', 'Madan', 'Richie Gaming', 'Madhan' and 'PUBG Madan girl fan' and was uploading abusive content thus gaining huge popularity and thereby earning good money. After receiving several complaints, the police arrested Madan from the residence of his relative at Dharmapuri, Salem on June 18.

His wife Kruthika, who was also arrested on June 16 from Salem, for providing the voice-over in the YouTube channels, has been released on bail. She has filed a complaint with the Greater Chennai City police against the people who are spreading malicious information against her and Madhan.

In the complaint, she said that four complaints were lodged against her husband but the media was portraying that there were more than 200 complaints against him. She also said that they were not having luxury cars as alleged but only an Audi 6 car.

Police had on June 16 registered a case against Madhan and Kruthika following a complaint from a Virduhanagar resident. They were charged under IPC Sections and under Information Technology Act as also under the Indecent Representation of Women Act.

A senior police officer, who is investigating the case, told IANS, "The content of most of his YouTube channels was beyond the level of morality and abusive which would definitely disturb the mental peace of children. He will have to respond in a court of law to the charges foisted against him, including the Goondas Act."
Canberra, July 7 : Australians under the age of 40 could become eligible for the Pfizer or Moderna coronavirus vaccines around September or October, a top official announced here.

Following a meeting with authorities on Tuesday Lt. Gen. John Frewen, who heads the federal government's Covid-19 vaccination task force, revealed that the country expects to have enough doses of the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines to make them available to people under the age of 40 from September to October, reports Xinhua news agency.

"On the current supply forecasts that we have, I think that's when we are getting closer to having greater choice," Frewen told reporters.

"But I won't tie myself to specific dates at this stage." Frewen said that younger Australians could be given a choice about which mRNA vaccine they receive when there is enough supply available.

"When we have adequate supplies I think that's a logical step, but for now we have to prioritise because the supplies of one of the vaccines is limited," he said.

Till date, about 8.4 million Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered in Australia, including approximately 8,000 younger Australians who have received the AstraZeneca jab.

"AstraZeneca is open to under 40s with informed consent with their GPs," Frewen said.

"We're seeing demand right now in that group of people to take AstraZeneca now rather than wait for an alternate later in the year." Since the onset of the pandemic, there has been 30,832 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Australia, with 910 deaths.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Amaravati, July 7 : Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan and Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday expressed sorrow over the passing away of legendary Bollywood actor Dilip Kumar.

"I am deeply saddened by the death of legendary film star Padma Vibhushan Dilip Kumar," said Harichandan.

The Governor said Kumar captivated the hearts of Indians with his impeccable acting career which lasted several decades.

"He will always be remembered by Indians for his great contribution to the cultural world of the country. He has won many prestigious awards for his outstanding performances," he said.

Harichandan prayed to Lord Jagannath for the wellbeing of Kumar's immortal soul and extended his condolences to the bereaved family members.

Conveying his sorrow over the actor's demise, Reddy said Kumar was an actor par excellence who ruled the silver screen for decades.

"An actor par excellence who ruled the silver screen for decades, inspiring generations of actors with his life and work. May his soul rest in peace," the Chief Minister added.

Former CM and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supremo Nara Chandrababu Naidu called Kumar as one of the greatest actors to have graced the Indian cinema.

"The legend has left an indelible mark on several generations of cinema lovers. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans," said Naidu.
Banda : , July 7 (IANS) A woman and her daughter allegedly hacked their neighbour's five-year-old daughter to death, as part of an occult ritual sacrifice in Banda district of Uttar Pradesh.

The two women undertook this ghastly practice to discover buried treasure.

The incident came to light on Tuesday in Chamraudi village under Kotwali police station when the police was informed of the missing girl and they questioned the minor son of the accused who lives in the victim's neighbourhood.

The boy told the investigators that his mother and sister had hacked the girl and later threw her body in a nearby nullah.

Kotwali inspector Bhaskar Mishra said that the body was retrieved and sent for the post-mortem examination. Serious injury marks were found on the victim's neck.

The accused women told the police that they had killed her neighbour's child as "part of a ritual sacrifice" to discover buried treasure on the advice of an occultist.

"We have detained the accused woman, her daughter and husband for questioning. We are investigating the incident from other angles too," the inspector added.

A search is on for the occultist, the police said.
Srinagar, July 7 : A top commander of proscribed terrorist outfit Hizbul Mujahideen was killed during an encounter between the terrorists and security forces in North Kashmir's Handwara on Wednesday.

Mehraj-ud-din Halwai alias Ubiad was active in North Kashmir for several years and was involved in many acts of terror.

The police in a statement said, "On Tuesday, the police along with SSB during a routine 'Naka' (checkpoint) checking regarding the enforcement of Covid appropriate behaviour at Watyen Handwara, had stopped a number of vehicles. During checking, one pedestrian was behaving in a very suspicious manner, who was tactfully apprehended by the joint Naka party." "During his personal search one grenade was recovered from his possession. Accordingly, he was immediately shifted to the nearest police post for questioning. During questioning, he identified himself as Mehraj-ud-din Halwai alias Ubaid Son of Abdul Khaliq, a resident of Khushal Mattoo Sopore, an active terrorist commander of proscribed terror outfit HM," police said.

Police also said that on his disclosure, multiple Cordon And Search Operations (CASOs) were launched by the Handwara Police, Army, CRPF and SSB. When CASO was started, the said terrorist tried to pinpoint the location where he had kept his arms and ammunition hidden.

"Upon reaching the disclosed hideout location, the said terrorist picked up his hidden AK-47 rifle and started firing indiscriminately upon the joint search party which led to an encounter. In the ensuing firefight the said terrorist got killed," police said.

Police said incriminating material, arms and ammunition, including one Ak-47, four magazines, power bank, blanket, medicines, etc., were recovered from the said hideout (encounter site).

Police said as per its records, the said terrorist was a categorized A++ terrorist and was a group commander of the proscribed terror outfit HM. He was active since 2012 and was involved in several killings in North Kashmir.

"He had a long terror crime history, including attacks on police/security Forces and civilian atrocities. He was part of the group involved in various terror crimes and several cases were registered against him.

"He was involved in killing of SPO Mudasir Ahmad Dar of Untoo Hamam Sopore on 28-07-2013, attack on Sarpanch Khazir Mohd Parray of Krankshivan on 26-07-2013, killing of Sarpanch Habib Ullah Mir of Goripora Bomai, attack on Panch Mst Zoona Begum of Hardshiva Sopore, attack on police party at Hygam Sopore along with his associates on 26-04-2013, in which 4 policemen got killed and decamped with three weapons of the killed policemen, killing of Hurriyat activists Sheikh Altaf-ur-Rehman of Iqbal Nagar Sopore and Khursheed Ahamd Bhat of Bomai Sopore.

"He was also involved in the killing of former terrorists Mehraj-ud-Din Dar of Badambagh Sopore and Aijaz Ahmad Reshi of Mundji Sopore. Besides, he was involved in attacks on various establishments, including on Hotel Heemal Srinagar," the police said.

According to the police, he was well acquainted with modern means of communication by which he would communicate with other terrorists and plan and execute different terror activities on ground.

"He was instrumental in motivating and recruitment of youth into terrorist ranks and was raising funds for the promotion of terrorist activities," police said.

Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the law and investigation has been initiated.
Lucknow, July 7 : The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has decided to extend the 'Varasat' scheme, which resolves pending property ownership issues in rural UP, to benefit families who lost members to Covid.

A 13-day special campaign has been launched to help legal heirs of those who died of Covid, get property rights.

"The current phase of the scheme will provide 'khatauni' or record of rights to legal heirs or widows of land owners. The drive will continue till July 18 and special camps will be set up to dispose of cases. Resolving this at the earliest will ensure widows without livelihood to seamlessly get land and property rights," said a government spokesperson.

The slogan, 'Sabke Saath, Khadi Hai Sarkar', will mark this campaign.

Over the next two weeks, revenue officials including lekhpals and kanungos will visit 1,08,992 revenue villages and collate details on undisputed inheritance of villagers, who lost family members to Covid.

The widows will not need to submit any application for this. The revenue officials have been directed to collect all information on their own and take necessary action.

'Pattas' of agricultural and residential land will be allotted to widows as per eligibility. If they are eligible to housing facilities, construction of houses will be done with the help of rural development department.

The government had deputed around 22,000 lekhpals and nearly 2,500 kanungos for this campaign.

The entire process will be monitored by divisional commissioners and each district has to submit an action taken report by July 20.

The 'Varasat' campaign was initially launched by the Yogi Adityanath government in December 2020, and concluded in March this year.

It was launched to resolve long-standing property disputes in favour of legal heir and inheritors. Cases concerning more than 9,02,576 people were resolved during the first phase of the campaign.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Chennai, July 7 : No more running away from vaccines, villagers in Tamil Nadu have realised this. Past their initial hesitation, when they fought not to get themselves vaccinated, the situation is now a complete volte-face.

Over the past few weeks most villagers have been hurrying to get the first dose with Nilgiris becoming the first district in the state to inoculate all eligibles.

Some villages have also shown gestures like providing gifts to the health workers who reach their hamlets to vaccinate the populace.

Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian told IANS: "Things have come a full circle, from an apprehensive population who were running away from the health workers by climbing trees and diving into rivers, the villagers have come to terms with the vaccination and the necessity of getting themselves inoculated.

"Now they are inviting health workers in traditional Tamil ways and are also providing small gifts like sweets and fruits to the health workers. This is indeed a welcome sign." K. Kathiravan of the Killiyur Primary Health centre told IANS: " here were reluctance on the part of the villagers when we organized a vaccination camp for the first time. They feared they would get killed after the jabs but we educated them through local social workers and our health workers.

"Convincing was not easy but when fifteen people tested Covid 19 positive and two people died they panicked.

"We told them that vaccination is important and then they listened to us. Now every one in the village has vaccinated and have also showered us with their love and even small gifts like homemade sweets were given to health and revenue workers." The health minister said it was the tireless effort of the state health department, revenue department and government officials with the support of volunteers and NGO's under the guidance of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin who have made this possible.

Stalin had presented a certificate of merit to Nilgiris district collector Innocent Divya on Doctors' Day at the secretariat on the district's achievement of vaccinating all the tribal population as well as tea workers and other marginalized people thus becoming the first district in the state to have conducted hundred percent vaccination (First dose of vaccine).

The health Minister has already gone on record saying that the state has the infrastructure to vaccinate 6 lakh people per day and that only shortage of vaccines were pulling them back.
New Delhi, July 7 : The shareholders of Reliance Infrastructure Limited (Reliance Infra), through postal ballot, have approved with overwhelming majority, the raising of funds upto Rs 550.56 crore by preferential allotment of upto 8.88 crore equity shares and/or warrants convertible into equivalent number of equity shares of the Company to promoters and VFSI Holdings Pte. Limited, an affiliate of Varde Investment Partners, LP.

The shareholders of Reliance Infra have also approved with overwhelming majority, the raising of funds by issue of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCB) up to 24 per cent of the than fully diluted equity share capital of the Company.

The funds raised would be utilised for long term resources, for general corporate purposes and to fund future growth.

Reliance Infrastructure Limited (RInfra) is one of the largest infrastructure companies, developing projects through various Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) in several high growth sectors such as Power, Roads and Metro Rail in the Infrastructure space and the Defence sector.

RInfra is a major player in providing Engineering and Construction (E&C) services for developing power, infrastructure, metro and road projects. RInfra through its SPVs has executed a portfolio of infrastructure projects such as a metro rail project in Mumbai on build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) basis; nine road projects on build, operate and transfer (BOT) basis. RInfra is also a leading utility company having presence in Power Distribution Business in Delhi.
Cairo, July 7 : Egyptian Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Mohamed Abdel-Ati has accused Ethiopia of shirking its obligations towards the Nile dam issue.

"Ethiopia has no political will to reach any deal about the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD)," Abdel-Ati said in an online meeting on Tuesday with Inger Andersen, executive manager of the UN Environment Program (UNEP).

They discussed the limited water resources available to Egypt, the negative climate change impacts, and the unilateral measures of filling and operating the GERD.

"As the most The most populous Arab country, Egypt suffers a shortage of water resources while Ethiopia enjoys enormous rainfalls, renewable groundwater in addition to the Nile River, and the huge amount of stored water behind the dams and in the natural lakes," said Abdel-Ati.

Egypt is still below the UN threshold of water poverty.

The water shortage in Egypt is 13.5 billion cubic metres per year.

Egypt isn't against the development of Ethiopia and the Nile Basin countries, but development should abide by international laws and respect the concerns of the downstream countries, the minister noted.

On Monday, Egypt received an official letter from Ethiopia about starting the second filling of the GERD reservoir.

Egypt and Sudan have referred the GERD issue to the UN Security Council, which is set to convene a discussion on Thursday.

Ethiopia, an upstream Nile basin country, started building the GERD in 2011 and carried out the first phase of filling the dam in July 2020 despite the concerns of the downstream countries Egypt and Sudan, which have repeatedly called for a tripartite binding agreement on the rules of filling and operating the dam.

Over the past few years, tripartite talks on the rules of filling and operating the hydropower dam with a total capacity of 74 billion cubic meters have been fruitless, including those hosted by the US and the recent ones by the African Union.
New Delhi, July 7 : Before the much-awaited cabinet expansion of the Modi government, the first in the second term, the residence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg is abuzz with activities. An important meeting is going on at PM's residence for which BJP National President J.P. Nadda has arrived.

Rajya Sabha MP from Madhya Pradesh, Jyotiraditya Scindia, former Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Narayan Rane, Uttar Pradesh's Apna Dal Apna Dal chief Anupriya Patel have arrived at the Prime Minister's residence.

BJP sources say that before the cabinet expansion to be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan at 6 p.m., Prime Minister Narendra Modi would like to meet with the new ministers at his residence and apprise them of his expectations.

Portfolio distribution is also likely to be discussed in the meeting.

This time, the number of women ministers in the Modi government is likely to increase. Apart from Anupriya Patel, Delhi MP Meenakshi Lekhi, Haryana MP Sunita Duggal, and Karnataka MP Shobha Karandlaje are likely to be inducted in the cabinet.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, July 7 : Kitty Kumaramangalam, 68, wife of former Union minister P.R. Kumaramangalam, was found murdered inside her house in south Delhi's Vasant Vihar on Tuesday night, Delhi Police said on Wednesday.

According to the Delhi Police officials, they were informed about the incident by her domestic help, who said that Raju Lakhan, the washerman had come to the house around 8.30 p.m. to 9 p.m. with two associates.

The police said that they have arrested Lakhan on Wednesday morning.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (South West Delhi) Ingit Pratap Singh said that first Lakhan entered the house and then his two associates entered and overpowered Kitty Kumaramangalam and smothered her with a pillow. After murdering her, the three left the house, he said.

"After getting the version of maid, we formed teams and arrested Lakhan. He lives in the nearby Bhanwar Singh camp," the DCP said, adding that Lakhan has disclosed the name of the other two.

Kitty Kumaramangalam lived alone on the second floor.

Her husband P.R. Kumaramangalam was a minister in the National Democratic Alliance government between 1998 and 2001. He was also a Minister of State in the P.V. Narsimha Rao government between 1991 to 1993. He passed away in 2000.
Brussels, July 7 : The short-term priority for Slovenia's rotating presidency of the Council of Europe is to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic and focus on a green and digital recovery for the European Union's (EU) economy, said Prime Minister Janez Jansa.

When presenting Slovenia's policy priorities holding EU presidency, Jansa on Tuesday warned that despite a Europe-wide vaccination campaign rolling out well, the EU is now facing vaccine hesitancy, adding that this could jeopardize the bloc's economy, as a fourth wave is looming with the arrival of the Delta variant in Europe, reports Xinhua news agency.

"Every individual has to do his or her task. We have vaccines, so dear Europeans, it's up to us to use the vaccines and put an end to the pandemic," he told European lawmakers.

It is a routine that head of the government of the EU rotating president state introduces its policies priorities at European Parliament at the beginning of July.

"You have the Delta variant raging through Europe and too many doses of vaccination remain unused in refrigerators. So we need to increase our efforts to convince people to get the jab. Vaccination means protections and it also means freedom," reiterated Ursula Von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, as she addressed the European Parliament after Jansa.

The economic recovery of the EU from the pandemic is also in the spotlight for the Slovenian presidency, with a focus on the green and digital transition.

The work has been laid out by the previous German and Portuguese rotating presidencies, with 35 billion euros ($41 billion) raised on capital markets to finance the prefinancing of the national resilience and recovery plans, according to von der Leyen.

Jansa said that the EU has to make sure that in the next six months, life slowly returns to normalcy to the times before the outbreak of the pandemic, even though some measures will have to remain in place for a little more time.

Fourteen plans have already been granted approval by the European Commission.

These national plans lay out a series of reforms and investments that focus on a green and digital transition.

Other areas of focus include strategic autonomy, carbon neutrality, the rule of law, security within and outside of the EU, enlargement, migration, Schengen enlargement, the Conference on the Future of Europe, as well as foreign policy.
Tel Aviv, July 7 : Foreign tourist arrivals in Israel rose by 19.2 per cent in the first half of 2021 compared to the second half of 2020, according to data released by the country's Central Bureau of Statistics.

The number of tourists who visited Israel in January-June reached 107,000, compared to 89,800 in July-December last year, reports Xinhua news agency citing the Bureau as saying on Tuesday.

However, compared to the first half of 2020 when 741,600 tourists arrived in Israel, the new figure reflects a drop of 85.6 per cent.

Foreign tourist arrivals in Israel in June were 6.6 times higher than the same period of last year, from 5,800 to 38,500.

In mid-March, Israel reopened its skies following a decision to remove some restrictions on incoming and outgoing flights.

On May 23, Israel began allowing the entry of vaccinated tourist groups, as part of the measures to further ease Covid-19 restrictions.

The number of Israelis who travelled abroad in the first half increased by 64.3 per cent to 691,300, compared to 420,700 in the second half of last year.

The number of Israelis who went abroad in June reached almost 300,000, compared to only 16,100 in June 2020.
Bengaluru, July 7 : Karnataka's proposed Rs 185 crore project to build a five-star hotel, a viewing deck, amphitheatre, boating and other facilities for tourists at the Jog Falls, has drawn sharp criticism from prominent writers and environment activists.

During his visit to Shivamogga district on June 25, Karnataka tourism minister, C.P. Yogeshwara had said that tenders for creating modern tourism facilities at a cost of Rs 185 crore had been finalised and the work will be done by the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited.

Shivamogga-based eminent Kannada writer Dr Na D'Souza, artist H.G. Aruna, power analyst Shankar Sharma besides noted environment activists Akilesh Chipli, Ajay Sharma and host of other noted dignitaries have opposed what they say is the 'ecologically - destructive Jog Falls development project'.

"It is a disaster in the making as construction activity could trigger landslides. Slope stability is a major concern in this eco-sensitive region and this project could also alter the ecosystem," eminent Kannada writer Dr Na D'Souza said in his video message.

He added that Jog attracts people for its natural beauty and it should remain that way, the government's proposed plan is ill-thought-out.

Energy expert Shankar Sharma observed that the grandiose plan of releasing 200 cusecs of water to the Jog Falls from the Linganamakki hydro reservoir to ensure that the splendour of the Jog Falls was available all through the 365 days in a year is itself a flawed idea.

"In the first phase, 200 cusecs of water will be released from the Linganamakki hydro reservoir on government holidays and the quantity of water released will be increased to 300 cusecs daily. How can it be done without causing destruction to the large-scale environment?", he questioned and added that this region is part one of the eight most ecological sensitive regions in the country.

Noted artist, H.G. Aruna stated that none across the world may have come with such an ill-thought-out plan. "Jog falls just do not belong to the people of Karnataka but they belong to the whole world. We should not spoil the natural beauty associated with it," he said.

Environment activist Akilesh Chipli said that it is a disaster in the making as construction activity could trigger landslides and slope stability is a major concern.

"Both KPCL and the Jog Management Authority will be doing grave injustice to the people of the region by dancing to the tunes of their political masters. It would be even more a disaster if the Karnataka Forest Department concedes to the demand of Shivamogga MP, B.Y. Raghvendra's demands," he said.

A statement released by the United Conservation Movement said that both tourism minister Yogeshwar and Shivamogga MP, Raghvendra must understand that the ecosystems which they are talking about (Niagara falls and Jog Falls) belong to entirely different ecological regions.

Jog Falls is a natural diamond by itself, magnifying its splendour during the south-west monsoon, the statement added.

"Jog Falls is part of India's merely 21.67 per cent (7,12,249 sq km) of its landscape under forests. The United States of America which has 36.21 (33,13,622 sq km) while Canada where Niagara falls is situated has 38 per cent (3.47 million sq km) of the land mass under forests. Therefore, disturbing existing ecology for the sake of attracting more tourists, only amounts to gross injustice to ecologically sensitive regions like Western Ghat," the statement explained.

On June 25, Yogeshwar had contended that two hotels to accommodate 1,000 tourists would be established and Jog Falls will be part of Karnataka's ambitious Heli-Tourism Circuit in order to enable tourists from India and abroad to enjoy the beauty and glory of Jog Falls round the year.

Besides this, another attraction was also proposed to operate speed boats to tourists from Kerala and Goa, he said.

Justifying this project, Yogeshwar had said the Tourism and Hospitality were contributing 14.85 per cent of revenue to the state's GDP with direct and indirect job creation of 50 lakh.
London, July 7 : School Covid restrictions in the UK known as the "bubble" system, which have sent hundreds of thousands of students home to isolate, are set to be lifted from July 19, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said.

It will bring an end to "bubbles", referring to the groups in which young students have their lessons together, and an end to rules which saw entire groups of children sent home to isolate if one of their bubble classmates tested positive for the virus, he told lawmakers in the House of Commons on Tuesday.

With the bubble system scrapped, if students are contacted by Britain's test and trace system as having been near to someone with Covid-19, they will no longer have to isolate and instead they will be asked to take a test.

The move came as recent official figures showed that more than 640,000 children in England were absent from school last week due to coronavirus.

"Children are better off in classrooms with their friends and teachers. This is hugely valuable for their wellbeing as well as their education," Williamson said.

Williamson said the move did not mean the end of the pandemic, but a new phase of managing Covid-19.

He also said the British government supported universities in terms of international students, and in getting back to face-to-face teaching, which young people have missed.

"The vaccine program is ensuring we can take these important steps back to normality and both adults and most importantly children can get back on with their lives," he said.

In a statement after Williamson's announcement, the National Education Union (NEU) accused the UK government of pursuing a herd immunity policy on children in particular.

Kevin Courtney, NEU joint general secretary, said: "It seems clear that the government policies are based on a new form of herd immunity strategy. They are hoping that the increase in vaccination rates and the increase in infection rates across the summer will eventually get cases to fall simply because there is no one left to infect." The latest development came one day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that most coronavirus restrictions are set to end on July 19 as part of the final step of England's roadmap out of the lockdown.

Scientists have argued that lifting all restrictions at this stage will increase likelihood of dangerous variants.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Chennai, July 7 : AIADMK leader and former minister, M. Manikandan was granted conditional bail by the Madras High Court in the case related to the alleged rape of a Malaysian citizen on the promise of marriage. Manikandan was lodged in Puzhal central jail after he was arrested on June 20.

Justice Nirmal Kumar of the Madras High Court granted conditional bail on Wednesday to the former minister who is also a medical doctor and directed him to surrender his passport before the investigating officer and to appear before the officer in person every two weeks.

In his petition Manikandan said that the Malaysian actor was well aware that he was a married man and that he cannot marry her when she was alive and obtaining divorce was not entirely in his hands. The former minister said that even if the allegation leveled against him was taken at face value, it would not attract offense under Section 375 (rape) of the IPC.

The former minister in his bail plea had said that the relationship with the Malaysian actor was one between two consenting adults. Manikandan in his plea said, "This is not a case where the so-called victim is a teenaged girl or an illiterate or rustic woman, instead she is well educated and employed in a good position."
Tehran, July 7 : The Iranian government has blamed Israel for a recent sabotage act against a nuclear facility near Karaj city.

"We have confirmed the sabotage, and we confirm it again. Of course, this action did not lead to human loss, and the damage on the equipment was insignificant," government spokesman Ali Rabiee said during a press conference here on Tuesday.

"The roof of one of the sheds was punctured... This sabotage did not lead to damage to essential equipment," Xinhua news agency quoted the spokesman as saying.

He said Israel "did this seeking to derail the nuclear talks and to send a signal that the world does not need to talk with Iran" over the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal.

On June 23, Iranian media reported a sabotage attempt on the nuclear facility near Karaj with no reference to the damage.
London, July 7 : Two teenagers were stabbed to death in London within a span of just six hours as the UK capital's horrific wave of such killings continue unabated, local media reported.

The first victim, a 15-year-old was stabbed by at least five youths near a busy bus stop in Woolwich, southeast London at about 5.20 p.m. on Monday, Xinhua news agency quoted the Evening Standard newspaper as saying on Tuesday.

He was reported by one witness to have tried to use an umbrella to fight off his attackers but died at the scene despite efforts by members of the public and ambulance staff to save him, said the newspaper.

At least two knives and what appeared to be the umbrella could be seen lying in the street after police sealed off the crime scene.

The second killing happened just before midnight in Oval Place, Lambeth, in south London.

Police were called to reports of a stabbing of a 16-year-old boy.

Neighbours told the newspaper how two off-duty nurses battled in vain to save him after he was found slumped at the top of stairs in a block of flats.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan responded on Tuesday by saying he was "heartbroken and appalled" by the latest killings and was "determined to do everything in my power to put an end to these horrendous crimes".

The killings, which follow the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Camron Smith on his doorstep in Croydon on July 1, take the number of teenage homicides so far this year to 21, 19 of whom were stabbed.

The total is already well beyond the 15 teenage killings last year and puts the capital on course to possibly record its worst ever total for a calendar year.

The current peak of 29 teen homicides was recorded in 2008.
Mumbai, July 7 : Even though cinema is considered to be one of most effective ways to celebrate the cultures of different communities, nationalities and diversities, actors from the Northeastern remain underrepresented. Actress Lin Laishram says unless scriptwriters pen substantial parts for actors from the region, instead of mere tokenism, nothing will change.

"Becoming an actor is always a challenge when you are not from a film background, but when it comes to youngsters from the Northeast it is a different ball game altogether. For other professionals, they know that with constant hard work, they can find their way to success, but when it comes to actors from Northeast, because of our Asian features, we are not even considered for major roles, it is just tokenism," Lin told IANS.

"The rest of my colleagues are talking about meatier roles in films and the strong representation of women in cinema, but our struggle is still finding a representation in our Indian cinema. Being an Indian, in our Indian films, we are playing Indonesians, waitresses, Koreans and other characters -- but not an Indian. We are Indians, right? I am a Manipuri, our state is a part of India. What kind of nationalism do we talk about?" she added.

The actress has appeared in films like "Mary Kom", "Umrika" and "Rangoon" among others.

While it is interesting to notice that actors from Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Punjabi film industries find space and respectful representation in Bollywood films, Lin said cultural ignorance, casual racism and an unwanted exotism are few things, that are constantly making the path harder for actors from Northeast states.

"The most disappointing comments come from the most educated 'global citizens' in the business of cinema. Casting directors and filmmakers are playing important roles in representing characters of every community through cinema. If we are very casually called 'momos', 'chinki', Nepali or 'chinki featured actors', then that comes from the most educated, well-travelled people, in a way casual racism gets official approval. People find it cool to be racist. No, it is not cool. Yes, we are the minority and we have Asian features but we are part of India," Lin said.

While the film "Axone", which recently completed one year also addressed the same topic, and Lin played a pivotal role in the film, she emphasised on the importance of continuing the conversation with more representation in Bollywood films.

"Is it tough to treat us as equal, and not as someone is doing some 'meherbaani'? Many times people would say, 'you are from the Northeast, your eyes are small, skin and hair are so good, that is so cute!' No, we do not want that pity party! We do not want to be exotic either. When films are shot in the Northeast, even though some of the beautiful virgin locations are explored, why is it difficult to include Northeast actors? It is my request to all scriptwriters and filmmakers to write more characters from the Northeast and include us in the regular stories of Hindi films," Lin signed off.

Currently, the actress is working on two projects but both of them are under wrap and will soon be announced.

(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
London, July 7 : The UK's Health Secretary Sajid Javid said that people who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 will not have to self-isolate if they are in close contact with an infected person starting from August 16 onwards.

Javid told lawmakers in Parliament on Tuesday that the same policy would also apply to anyone under the age of 18 from that date, reports Xinhua news agency.

The government would give more details later this week on self-isolation rules for international travellers, he added.

"We will have a more proportionate system of test, trace and isolate, and it is absolutely right that those that have been double jabbed, we can take a different approach than the one we take today," he told the BBC.

More than 45.4 million people in Britain have received the first jab of COVID-19 vaccine and over 33.8 million people have received two doses, the latest official figures showed.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Rome, July 7 : Italian airport workers staged a protest, with trade unions against the lack of job security amid the uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Workers from four different unions representing airport workers emailed a statement to reporters Tuesday, saying that the 24-hour agitation was "in defence" of workers for all airlines operating in Italy, reports Xinhua news agency.

The unions argued that the aviation sector is among those "most impacted by the pandemic", but one not protected by guarantees which protect workers from being fired for motives unrelated to their performance.

"For months we have been asking for a permanent inter-ministerial forum and the establishment of a control room to ensure social stability," the statement said, adding that further strikes could be called if there is no progress in negotiations.

The strike is the second in less than a month for workers in the aviation sector, following a four-hour work stoppage on June 18.

Not all flights from Rome's Fiumicino Airport, Milan's Linate Airport, and other major Italian airports were impacted since some airlines operate with their own staff not associated with the Italian trade unions.

But the protest was still a major blow to the country's aviation sector as it is working to recover from months of lockdowns and travel restrictions due to the pandemic.

According to media reports, the airline suffering the most from the strike is Italian flagship carrier Alitalia, which is restructuring under government aid.

Alitalia had to cancel 143 flights because of the protest.
Belagaavi : , July 7 (IANS) In a rarest of rare event, a farmer had to lodge a complaint to various authorities, including the police, to search out a sanctioned well in his agricultural land, which apparently "very much exists" on paper but is no where to be seen.

Mallappa Ramappa Kalagude, a resident of Maavinahonda village in Rayabagh taluq of north Karnataka has alleged in his complaint lodged on July 3, that officers have even sanctioned a bill amount of Rs 77,000 for the construction of the well under the NAREGA scheme in his farmland.

After collecting details and fake bills on the construction of the well, Mallappa has complained about it to Raibagh police, ZP CEO, Taluq Panchayath CEO and Ombudsmen officer. In his complaint, he has urged them to find out the well constructed by the government.

Mallappa explained that the bill was raised in his name to construct the well and the money was taken between April 0, 2020, and May 13, 2021.

"There is only one well which exists for 40 years in my land. The officers have to find out the well which they constructed now," he adds.

When contacted PDO Sadashiva said that he assumed charge only a week back and this incident was not in his knowledge.
Ramallah, July 7 : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed hope that peace will be achieved soon between Israel and Palestine, during a phone call with his outgoing Israeli counterpart Reuven Rivlin.

Rivlin thanked Abbas for making the phone call on Tuesday, which is a rare occurrence between the two Presidents, reports Xinhua news agency.

Official media did not provide details of the conversation.

The phone call was coordinated by Ghassan Alian, the Israeli government coordinator in the Palestinian territories, reported the Israel Radio.

The Israeli-Palestinian peace process has been stalled since April 2014 after the US sponsored the peace negotiations for nine months without making any tangible progress.

Rivlin is due to leave office this week at the end of his seven-year term.

In June, Israel's parliament, or Knesset, chose Isaac Herzog as the new President, who will be sworn in at an official ceremony on July 9.
Lucknow, July 7 : In a heart-warming gesture, the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has sanctioned a sum of Rs 1.5 crore for the lung transplant of a resident doctor at the Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS).

Sharda Suman, 31, a resident doctor at the RMLIMS is battling for life for the past two months after Covid caused irreparable damage to both her lungs.

Suman, pursuing PG in gynaecology from the Institute, was eight-months pregnant when she had to be put on a ventilator after contracting a severe infection on April 14.

A C-section was done while she was on the vent support to save the baby. She gave birth to a baby girl who is said to be fine.

Chief Minister Adityanath, on Tuesday, declared that the government would take care of all her medical expenses.

It was four days ago that Suman's husband, Ajay Kumar, also a doctor who works in Bihar, met the chief minister and told him that the family was not in a position to bear the expense of lung transplant.

Kumar was accompanied by RMLIMS director Soniya Nityanand, chief medical superintendent Rajan Bhatnagar and medical superintendent Vikram Singh.

The chief minister immediately directed his medical officer on special duty to assess the situation and submit a report. After OSD visited the hospital and informed the chief minister about the situation, the amount of Rs 1.5 crore was sanctioned.

According to an RMLIMS officer, after getting infected in the line of duty, Suman remained in home isolation for five days.

After her condition aggravated, she was admitted to the Covid ward of the institute. However, her condition continued to deteriorate and her lungs stopped responding on May 1.

She was then put on ventilator support and an emergency C-section surgery was performed to save her baby's life. However, as the condition of the resident doctor did not improve, she was put on ECMO support. Her husband was informed that a lung transplant is the only hope now.

RMLIMS spokesperson Srikesh Singh said: "We are in constant touch with hospitals in Chennai and Bangalore where procedures would be performed. They will send a team to airlift her once a cadaveric donation is finalised. A green corridor would also be created from the hospital to the airport. Institute might also send a team to assist doctors of the transplant team."
New York, July 7 : The UN headquarters in New York is ready to reopen, a spokesman confirmed here.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on July 2 issued new guidance related to the next phase of returning to work at the headquarters, which has been closely guided by the authorities in New York State, Stephane Dujarric, the UN chief's spokesman, said on Tuesday.

"We received new guidelines that, as of today, UN headquarters in New York has met the requirements to re-open fully for in-person business," he told a regular press briefing.

Daily occupancy limits have now been lifted and all personnel who have been working remotely are expected to return to the workplace, regardless of their vaccination status, Xinhua news agency reported citing Dujarric as saying.

"As we have said many times, the safety and health of UN personnel and delegates are our number one priority and journalists, of course. We will follow, but not lead, the loosening of restrictions by New York City and (New York) State," he said.

By swiping UN passes, staff and others are confirming that they have not tested positive for Covid-19 in the last 10 days and have not had symptoms consistent with the disease in the last 10 days.

For unvaccinated people, swiping their badges means that they have not had close contact with a person with Covid-19 in the last 10 days, said the spokesman.

Out of an abundance of caution, however, all people will be required to wear masks indoors in common areas on UN premises, he said.

In March 2020, Guterres had ordered all staffers at the UN headquarters in New York, unless their physical presence is indispensable for essential services, to work from home to mitigate the spread of Covid.

The initial daily occupancy limit was between 200 and 300, compared with some 11,000 people who would normally enter the UN premises per day before the pandemic.

The UN headquarters in New York was shut down to the general public and guided tours were suspended in mid-March.

The premises will remain closed to visitors, at least until October 1, said Dujarric.
New Delhi, July 7: The Sikh community in Singapore is all praise for the local government after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong attended the inauguration ceremony of the newly renovated Gurdwara Sahib Silat Road, one of the most popular gurdwaras in the country.

"Delighted to attend the inauguration of Silat Road Sikh Temple today after a prolonged renovation during the pandemic. Congratulations to the Sikh community on this momentous occasion!" tweeted Lee.

As the video of Singaporean PM wearing a white turban and addressing the Sangat (assembly) later went viral on social media, Baljit Singh, President of the Central Sikh Gurdwara Board (CSGB), which oversees the running of two gurdwaras in Singapore - Gurdwara Sahib Silat Road and Central Sikh Temple - besides a Sikh Centre, told IndiaNarrative.com that it was a proud and emotional moment for many, including the current PM.

His father, Lee Kuan Yew, the former PM of the country who is widely regarded as the 'father of modern Singapore', had inaugurated a different section of the same gurdwara, exactly 11 years ago.

"The former PM opening the memorial gurudwara 11 years ago was a pure coincidence. However, this time around, the honourable PM definitely wanted to be here with us on the occasion last week. He felt that the inauguration was a very important event as Singapore supports all religions. Very nobly, he agreed to put a turban, appreciating its importance to Sikh identity. He also paid homage to the Guru Granth Sahib and we offered him a Siropa and also gifted a Kirpan," Singh told IndiaNarrative.com over phone from Singapore today.

The CSGB President said that the one thing which had always amazed the Singapore PM is how meticulously thousands of langars are served in the gurdwara every day.

"Even during this Covid period, we are distributing about 1000-1500 packets during the langar on the weekdays and around 2000-2500 on the weekend. It goes to anywhere around 5000 during Gurpurab. This temple, so rich in history, has never failed to serve meals. The PM is always struck by the fact and also to find that all this work is done voluntarily by the Sangat members, Sikhs as well as non-Sikhs who have also funded the renovation work," says Singh.

Built in 1924 and declared as a historic site by Singapore's National Heritage Board (NHB) in 1999, Gurdwara Sahib Silat Road was the first gurdwara in Singapore to be built in traditional Sikh style architecture with domes and arches in accordance with the gurdwaras found in Punjab.

According to the Singh, initially it used to handle the needs of the Sikh Police community and also house the new Sikh arrivals in transit to other parts of Asia. The old timers recall that the gurdwara provided accommodation and looked after the welfare of widows and children of many Sikh soldiers who died fighting for British military and police forces while defending Singapore during the Japanese Occupation (1942-45).

On 12 October 1966, the memorial for Bhai Maharaj Singh, the first Sikh identified to arrive in Singapore, was relocated from the Singapore General Hospital compound to the front of Gurdwara Sahib Silat Road. It resulted in a massive increase in the congregation as people believed that an Akhand Path service performed at this gurdwara, next to the Bhai Maharaj Singh shrine, will earn the devotees great merit.

Extensive renovation to the gurdwara was completed in October 1995 and the memorial too was expanded and officially opened by former PM Lee Kuan Yew in July 2010.

It was also the first gurdwara in Singapore to have regular Akhand Paths and langar on all days of the week. The marble Prakash Palki in the Darbar Hall is also said to be the largest of its kind in the world.

During his visit to the gurdwara last week, Singapore PM Hsien Loong appreciated the introduction of live-streaming services during the Covid-19 pandemic so that devotees can attend the congregation virtually, especially during when all places of worship in the country had to close.

"I have been even more encouraged to see the gurdwaras rally the Sikh community to pitch in and help out during this difficult period. They organised charity drives, provided rations and lent a helping hand through various assistance programmes like offering langars to anyone in need," he said adding that it reflects the Sikh tradition of Chardi Kala, the ability to maintain a positive state of mind in the face of adversity.

It was also the first gurdwara in Singapore to have regular Akhand Paths and langar on all days of the week. The marble Prakash Palki in the Darbar Hall is also said to be the largest of its kind in the world.

During his visit to the gurdwara last week, Singapore PM Hsien Loong appreciated the introduction of live-streaming services during the Covid-19 pandemic so that devotees can attend the congregation virtually, especially during when all places of worship in the country had to close.

"I have been even more encouraged to see the gurdwaras rally the Sikh community to pitch in and help out during this difficult period. They organised charity drives, provided rations and lent a helping hand through various assistance programmes like offering langars to anyone in need," he said adding that it reflects the Sikh tradition of Chardi Kala, the ability to maintain a positive state of mind in the face of adversity.

(This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative
Thiruvananthapuram, July 7 : If former Kerala top cop Siby Mathews believed that life after retirement would be peaceful, he was in for a shock on Wednesday.

After the apex court decided to ask for a fresh CBI probe into the infamous ISRO spy case, 18 officials who were then serving in the Kerala Police and the Intelligence Bureau started moving local courts for anticipatory bail.

On Wednesday, Mathews' bail plea hit a road bump when two Maldivian women, who were also accused in the case, filed an impleading petition seeking to be heard. The local court considering the bail plea posted the hearing for Monday.

The ISRO spy case surfaced in 1994 when S. Nambi Narayanan, who was then a top ISRO scientist, was arrested on the charge of espionage along with another senior ISRO official, the two Maldivian women and a businessman.

In his bail application, Mathews said there was a spy network in the state capital, as was evident from the statements given by the Maldivian women, Mariam Rasheeda and Fouzia Hassan.

Mathews also blamed the then IB official R.B. Sreekumar for pressuring him to arrest Narayanan and the two women.

The former Kerala top cop took voluntary retirement from the post of DGP a decade ago and then served a five-year term as Chief Information Commissioner before retiring and settling down in Thiruvananthapuram.

Last week, the CBI registered an FIR with the Thiruvananthapuram Chief Judicial Magistrate's court against 18 people, including top former Kerala police and IB officials, who have been charged with conspiracy and fabrication of documents.

Life changed for Nambi Narayanan after the Supreme Court last year appointed a three-member committee headed by a retired judge, Justice D.K. Jain, to probe if there was a conspiracy hatched by the officials probing the case to falsely implicate the scientist.

On the directions of the apex court, the CBI team arrived last week to investigate the conspiracy angle.

The CBI had freed Narayanan in 1995 and since then he has been fighting a legal battle against Mathews and other officials who had probed the case and falsely implicated him.

Narayanan has received a compensation of Rs 1.9 crore from various agencies, including the Kerala government, which paid him Rs 1.3 crore in 2020 and later awarded him Rs 50 lakh as directed by the Supreme Court in 2018 and another Rs 10 lakh ordered by the National Human Rights Commission.

The compensation was paid because the former ISRO scientist had suffered wrongful imprisonment, malicious prosecution and humiliation.

sg/skp/srb
Kolkata, July 7 : Though Calcutta High Court Justice Kausik Chanda recused himself from hearing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's plea challenging the Assembly election verdict in Nandigram, the court fined her Rs 5 lakh for the way in which she sought the judge's recusal.

Justice Chanda said that the settled practice was to approach the concerned judge with an application seeking recusal. However, Mamata Banerjee approached the Acting Chief Justice on the administrative side. When the case was first put up before the bench on June 18, no request for recusal was made, Justice Chanda noted.

"I am unable to convince myself that there is a conflict of interest," Chanda said on Wednesday. "The applicant has taken too sombre a view of (the) integrity of a judge. I have no personal inclination to hear out the petitioner's case. I have no hesitation in taking up this case either. It is my constitutional duty to hear out a case assigned to me by the chief justice," he added.

"I continuously asked (Mr.) Singhvi regarding suppression of such information. He replied that it wouldn't have looked nice to allege apprehension of bias in absence of a formal application. This apparently attractive submission of Mr. Singhvi doesn't gel with the series of incidents that followed immediately after Court proceedings were completed," Justice Chanda observed.

"If a person appears for a political party, it is uncommon but he lays aside his bias while hearing a case. In this case, pecuniary interest does not arise," said Chanda.

"Dramatists were ready to launch a well-rehearsed drama outside the Court. Chief National Spokesperson and leader of Petitioner's party were ready with two photos of mine, attending a programme of BJP legal cell in 2016," he further said.

"It is preposterous to suggest that a judge who has an association with a political party for a case. A judge cannot be seen to be biased because of the litigant's view," the judge said.

"A judge also has voting rights and political leanings like any other citizen. However, previous associations of a judge could not be considered as apprehension of bias as it would lead to "bench hunting", he added.

"The aforesaid chronology of events that took place on June 18 clearly suggest that a deliberate and conscious attempt was made to influence my decision, before the recusal application was placed before me. Such calculative, psychological and offensive attempts to seek recusal need to be firmly repulsed and a cost of Rs 5 lakh is imposed upon Petitioner," Justice Chanda said in the order.

The West Bengal Chief Minister had lost the Nandigram Assembly seat to Bharatiya Janata Party leader Suvendu Adhikari, her former close aide, who had joined the saffron party before the elections.

On June 17, Banerjee had moved the Calcutta High Court, challenging the Nandigram election result.

After Chanda was rostered to hear the petition, Banerjee wrote to Calcutta High Court Acting Chief Justice Rajesh Bindal requesting him to reassign the petition. The letter stated that Justice Chanda was an active member of the BJP before he became a judge, and this could lead to bias.

There was confusion surrounding the results of the seat on the day of the counting on May 2. Initially around 4.30 p.m. it was reported that Banerjee had won the seat by a margin of 1,200 votes though the counting of votes was under progress. Later, the Election Commission declared that Adhikari had defeated Banerjee by a margin of 1,956 votes.

Banerjee had then alleged "looting and cheating" in the counting process. The Trinamool Congress had sought a recount of votes -- a request the Election Commission denied. Banerjee had said that she will move the court against the result.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, July 7 : In fresh trouble for the State Bank of India (SBI), hackers of Chinese origin are targeting bank users with phishing scams, asking them to update their KYC using a particular website link and offering free gifts worth Rs 50 lakh from the bank via a WhatsApp message, cybersecurity researchers warned on Wednesday.

The research wing of New Delhi-based think tank CyberPeace Foundation, along with Autobot Infosec Pvt Ltd, studied two such incidents on the name of SBI that were faced by some smartphone users.

"All the domain names associated with the campaign have the registrant country as China," the research team said.

In the first case of the text message requesting KYC verification, the landing page that appears resemble with the official SBI online page.

On clicking the "Continue to Login" button, it redirects the user to full-kyc.php page, asking confidential information like username, Password and a captcha in order to login to the online banking.

"Following this, it asks for an OTP sent to the user's mobile number. As soon as the OTP is entered, it redirects the user to another page that asks the users to enter some confidential information again like account holder name, mobile number, date of birth. After entering the data, it redirects the user to an OTP page," the researchers informed.

The research team came to a conclusion that the campaign is pretended to be launched from State Bank of India but hosted on the third-party domain instead of the official website www.onlinesbi.com, which makes it more suspicious.

The overall layout of the web page used in the campaign is kept similar to the official SBI netbanking site to lure the users.

The SBI was yet to react to the report.

In the second case of luring users to win attractive free gifts, the team found that the WhatsApp message also redirects the user to a link.

"On the landing page, a congratulations message appears with an attractive photo of State Bank of India and asks users to participate in a quick survey to get a free gift of Rs 50 lakh from the State bank of India," the researchers informed.

At the bottom of the page, a section appears which seems to be a Facebook comment section where many users have commented about how the offer is beneficial.

The Research teams investigated the URLs in a secured sandbox environment where WhatsApp application was not installed.

The researchers recommend that people should avoid opening such messages sent via social platforms.

"The URL manipulation showed that the web server has directory listing enabled and found other links visible which proves that not only the SBI users, IDFC, PNB, IndusInd and Kotak bank users are also targeted by the same type of phishing scam," the team noted.

In March this year, the same research team had pointed out that several users of the SBI were targeted in a phishing scam where hackers flooded them with suspicious text messages, requesting them to redeem their SBI credit points worth Rs 9,870.
Lucknow, July 7 : A Muslim woman has lodged an FIR against her husband, accusing him of running a 'love jihad' campaign, trading in illegal weapons, harbouring foreign nationals and torturing her for dowry.

The complaint was lodged at Indira Nagar police station here on Tuesday and the woman has named her mother-in-law as a co-accused.

According to the complainant, the woman said that her husband, Ashraf, heads Khanqah-e-Ashrafia Hussainia Qutbe, a dargah (shrine) in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP), North, Prachi Singh said an FIR under the Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Ordinance, 2020, and on charges of extortion and dowry harassment has been lodged in this connection.

In the FIR, the woman claimed that she got married to Ashraf in 2019 and went with him to Bengaluru.

Soon after marriage, he started pressuring her to befriend non-Muslim women and bring them home. The woman said she initially followed her husband's diktats as she was afraid of losing him.

"Later, when I got pregnant, Ashraf forced me to undergo sex determination test. When Ashraf and her mother got to know that the unborn baby was a girl, they thrashed me. They called my brother and demanded Rs 25 lakh for sparing my life. My brother paid Rs 7.5 lakh to them," she alleged.

She claimed that Ashraf and his mother were running a 'love jihad' campaign and added that at Ashraf's behest, some hardliners of foreign origin tortured her.

She also accused them of bringing visitors to the shrine to carry out their 'love jihad' campaign.

"Ashraf married a Hindu girl in due course of time and renamed her Madiha. She was later shifted to the shrine where she was given training in weaponry," she said.

The complainant claimed that Ashraf and his mother turned her out of their house saying they would allow her to return only if she paid Rs 17.5 lakh to them and brought four non-Muslim girls for religion conversion.

"I came back to Lucknow and gave birth to my daughter," she said.
Baghdad, July 7 : An explosives-laden drone hit the Erbil airport, which houses a US-led coalition military base, in the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan in northern Iraq.

The attack took place at 11.30 p.m. on Tuesday night without causing casualties, except for a fire on the site, the regional Kurdistan Counter-Terrorism (CT) said in a statement on its official Facebook page.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack on the relatively peaceful Kurdistan region, reports Xinhua news agency.

On June 26, Erbil was hit by four drones without causing casualties, according to a CT statement.

The Kurdish region in northern Iraq has been relatively peaceful, but such attacks have frequently targeted the Baghdad airport and Iraqi military bases housing US troops, as well as the American embassy in the Green Zone.
New Delhi, July 7: For New Delhi, the importance of Assam has increased as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his team press the pedal on the Act East policy amid an aggressive China. The state, under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, will play a crucial role in carrying out the tenets of the Act East policy, sources told India Narrative. That apart, economic revival and connectivity among South Asian nations will be critical in the coming months as the region prepares for a post Covid world.

The northeastern region, nestled between countries like Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar besides China is of strategic importance as it is connected with the rest of India primarily through a narrow stretch - the Chicken's Neck in Siliguri. Assam, sharing its borders with Bangladesh and Bhutan, forms the gateway to this region. The chief minister will also play a larger role in the overall development among the Seven Sisters while maintaining political stability in that region.

"Sarma's role will be crucial as he will act as the point person for northeast strategies-not just domestic but also international," Bipul Chatterjee, executive director, CUTS International told India Narrative.

In fact, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reached out to the young chief minister after he took charge of the state recently and asked him to join Dhaka in reaping the benefits of the development and growth in the South Asian nation.

Sarma, too, in a tweet, said that Assam is committed to pursuing Modi's vision of better integration and collaboration with Bangladesh. "We shall continue to gain mutually," Sarma, a former Congressman, tweeted in response to Hasina.

The Centre is pushing for greater connectivity in the region with Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal as the geopolitical contours in that region have changed in the last one year. "It is not only of extreme importance for India from a security point of view but also from the economic point of view," an analyst said.

The analyst also said that Modi's dependence on Sarma will only increase as co-operation from West Bengal may be patchy under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

India and Bangladesh share a 4,096-kilometre-long border-the fifth longest in the world. Not just that, the two countries also share 54 transboundary rivers, including the Ganges and Brahmaputra.

A study by East West Center said that the Bay of Bengal countries could evolve toward comprising a Bay of Bengal Community, replicating the erstwhile European Economic Community (EEC), which now is part of the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), possibilities for common prosperity "would be almost limitless, while hitherto so-called land-locked entities" including northeast Indian states, Bhutan, and Nepal would get a much-needed outlet to the seas.

(This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
San Francisco, July 7 : The Salt Fire, a major blaze in Northern California, has continued to rage and has so far scorched 12,430 acres of land with only 20 per cent containment after a week of its eruption, Inciweb, an interstate incident information system reported.

The latest report showed that firefighters are battling the blaze in mountainous areas and providing structure defence in communities nearby, where 41 buildings, including 27 homes, had been damaged as of Tuesday, reports Xinhua news agency.

"Evacuation orders and warnings remain in place for communities near the fire. The fire is very visible from Interstate 5 and firefighters ask the public to be extra cautious when driving in the area," the Inciweb report said.

A community meeting was told Monday that investigators determined the fire was ignited by unspecified hot materials that separated from a northbound vehicle on Interstate 5 and landed in very dry vegetation.

The vehicle remained unidentified.

Residents were also told that the firefighting force was bolstered by resources released from the two other big fires to the north.

Meanwhile, Lava Fire, north of the city of Weed, was 72 per cent contained after burning 25,001 acres, and the Tennant Fire growing slightly to 10,614 acres was 57 per cent contained on Tuesday.
New Delhi, July 7 : The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has allowed withdrawal of insolvency proceedings by SoftBank-backed hospitality major against its subsidiary OYO Hotels and Homes Private Limited (OHHPL).

The order effectively concludes the insolvency proceedings against the company.

The tribunal's order disallowed the intervention of external parties, including FHRAI.

In a statement, OYO said that it will continue to work closely with its hotel partners for the closure of any pending claims.

Rohit Kapoor, CEO for OYO's India & Southeast Asia operations, said, "We welcome the decision of NCLAT and that the matter has finally been laid to rest. We had already settled with the original claimant but subsequent interveners with vested interests who were not a party to the case had delayed its closure." He further said that the company remains committed to building the "most trusted brand" for its partners and resolving all issues.

"Covid-19 has impacted the travel industry significantly and we believe the efforts of industry organizations should be to help resurrect the industry during this grim time. Despite today's judgment, we welcome collaborative conversations with them and all other associations to work towards the resurgence of travel in India," Kapoor said.

Counsels of OYO, Khaitan & Co said: "It was a straightforward case where the two parties involved had settled the matter and there was no room for any interventions which has now been upheld by the tribunal also." OYO had already made a settlement worth Rs 16 lakh with Rakesh Yadav, a Gurugram-based hotelier who had moved NCLT Ahmedabad against the company.
Tokyo, July 7 : The Japanese government will launch a databank of infectious diseases later this month to help fight Covid-19, starting with a plan to collect statistics on 10,000 infected patients by March 2022, local media reported on Wednesday.

To help curb the pandemic, the government will first collect blood and saliva samples along with the treatment records of infected patients, and provide firms and universities access to these records in assistance to their researches on respiratory disease possibly from this autumn, according to project managers.

Universities and medical institutions in Japan have been managing data on infectious diseases separately, reports Xinhua news agency.

However, problems such as a lack of staff for data analysis and inability to keep samples due to budget crunch remained unresolved.

"It is very important for the state to take the lead in continuously operating the databank from the standpoint of national security," Wataru Sugiura, who heads the Center for Clinical Sciences, told local media.

"It is also necessary to nurture people who can conduct research using the collected data," he added.

Accordingly, around 50 medical institutions are expected to join the project, and the databank will be operated by organisations including the National Center for Global Health and Medicine, the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, and the University of Tokyo.

The databank will first accumulate samples and treatment data of Covid patients already stored at each institution and start asking permissions from new patients for their samples and data on treatment, severity, vaccination records and genome analyses.

Such samples and data are expected to show what type of people tend to develop severe Covid-19 symptoms.
New Delhi, July 7 : The Congress has called the cabinet reshuffle meaningless as it alleged that the BJP has failed to govern the country properly and it requires vision reshuffle.

In a statement, Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill said, "Cabinet Reshuffle is meaningless because BJP Govt is completely 'Asafal', when it comes to economy, employment, health infra, national security. BJP Govt requires reset of vision, governance rather than reshuffle of portfolios!!." The first big reshuffle of Modi 2.0 is in the evening on Wednesday, ahead of 2022 elections in five states, including Uttar Pradesh.

The reshuffle is likely to be dominated by Bihar with Janata Dal United making a comeback followed by BJP nominations from Bengal.

The prominent names include Jyotiraditya Scindia, Sarbananda Sonowal, Narayan Rane, who may be part of the massive reshuffle of the Union Cabinet.
Amaravati, July 7 : The Andhra Pradesh wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has organised a meeting on Friday to deliberate on the water disputes between the two Telugu states.

BJP state general secretary S. Vishnu Vardhan Reddy on Wednesday said the meeting scheduled in Kurnool will dwell upon 'illegal' water projects on the Krishna river which are an injustice to Rayalaseema.

He said the rescheduled meeting will also discuss other water projects which are controversial.

Earlier, party state president Somu Veerraju held a meeting with the party cadres in Visakhapatnam in the presence of senior BJP leader Arun Singh.

Veerraju said the BJP is the political party with the highest number of representatives from the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

According to the BJP leader, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, every family now has a Jan Dhan account and Aayushman Bharat cover for poor families.

Drawing a comparison between the erstwhile Congress government, he said Rs 35,000 crore was the health budget under Manmohan Singh while it is Rs 2.4 lakh crore under Modi.

Veerraju encouraged BJP cadres to publicise the achievements of the Modi government such as Ram Temple in Ayodhya, free ration till Diwali, tribal varsity for Vizianagaram district, medical college in Paderu and others.

"Take these to the people. Every country is welcoming Modi with a red carpet," he added.
Tokyo, July 7 : Heavy rains were forecasted to lash the Sea of Japan coast on Wednesday and Thursday, prompting authorities to issue a warning for flood and landslide.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) also issued storm warnings for parts of Shimane and Tottori prefectures, reports Xinhua news agency.

The Lu River in Matsue city, the prefectural capital of Shimane, reached the flood risk level.

The two prefectures ordered evacuation for around 310,000 and 19,000 residents, respectively.

The municipal governments have received reports of damage due to landslide and flooding at multiple locations in Matsue and Izumo, both in Shimane.

The national weather agency said 75 mm of rainfall were logged in one hour in Izumo on Wednesday.

The city government of Matsue postponed Covid-19 vaccinations for about 200 elderly people originally planned for the day due to the heavy rain.

In Shizuoka prefecture, it has been observed that rains have loosened the surface ground in some places on the Pacific coast, and increased the risk of disasters similar to a large mudslide that took place there last week.

The death toll from the mudslide in Atami city in Shizuoka increased to seven, while 27 remain missing.
New Delhi, July 7 : The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has allowed withdrawal of insolvency against OYO Hotels and Homes Private Limited (OHHPL), which is a subsidiary of OYO.

The order effectively concludes the insolvency proceedings against the company.

The tribunal's order disallowed the intervention of external parties, including FHRAI.

In a statement, OYO said that it will continue to work closely with its hotel partners for the closure of any pending claims.

Rohit Kapoor, CEO for OYO's India & Southeast Asia operations, said, "We welcome the decision of NCLAT and that the matter has finally been laid to rest. We had already settled with the original claimant but subsequent interveners with vested interests who were not a party to the case had delayed its closure." He further said that the company remains committed to building the "most trusted brand" for its partners and resolving all issues.

"Covid-19 has impacted the travel industry significantly and we believe the efforts of industry organizations should be to help resurrect the industry during this grim time. Despite today's judgment, we welcome collaborative conversations with them and all other associations to work towards the resurgence of travel in India," Kapoor said.

Counsels of OYO, Khaitan & Co said: "It was a straightforward case where the two parties involved had settled the matter and there was no room for any interventions which has now been upheld by the tribunal also." OYO had already made a settlement worth Rs 16 lakh with Rakesh Yadav, a Gurugram-based hotelier who had moved NCLT Ahmedabad against the company.
Bangkok, July 7 : Thailand's Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa was put under quarantine after he shared a flight with a Covid-19 infected passenger, a senior government official said on Wednesday.

Chatuphorn Burutphat, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, confirmed Varawut and himself travelled on June 25 to Phuket on the same flight with the infected passenger, reports Xinhua news agency.

They were among senior government officials attending the launch of the Phuket reopening campaign.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was also sent to quarantine on Monday after coming in contact with a businessperson at the same campaign who later tested positive for Covid-19 .

Meanwhile, a tourist from the United Arab Emirates who arrived Phuket on Tuesday was tested positive for coronavirus, forcing 13 to 14 close contacts to undergo the quarantine process, said provincial public health official Kusak Kukiatkul on Wednesday.

The Phuket Sandbox reopening campaign provides for fully-vaccinated, negative-testing foreigners to visit the island without quarantine and to leave for other destinations in Thailand after spending 14 days.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Kuala Lumpur, July 7 : Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has appointed Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob as the Deputy Prime Minister, the government said on Wednesday.

The appointment is to help Muhyiddin manage the administration of the country and deal with the current health and economic crisis due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.

Additionally, Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein has been appointed as a senior minister and will take over the management of the country's security issue from Sabri, Xinhua news agency reported citing the statement as saying.

Both appointments have been presented to King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and are effective immediately, it added.

Muhyiddin assumed office in March last year following the abrupt resignation of former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who had been in office since the general elections in 2018.

Muhyiddin had not appointed any deputy at that time, instead of having picked four ministers, including Sabri, as senior ministers to help him manage the country.
New Delhi, July 7 : Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has tendered his resigned from the union cabinet, just ahead of the reshuffle, sources in the bJP have said.

Besides, Ministers Santosh Gangwar, Thaawarchand Gehlot, Debasree Chaudhuri have also resigned from the Union cabinet.

Sources said, Sadanand Gowda, Raosaheb Danve, Sanjay Dhotre have also resigned.

A new look Modi government will be unveiled on Wednesday evening as 21 new faces will find their way into the Council of Ministers.

This will be the first big reshuffle of Modi 2.0 and the names have been arrived at after much distillation and confabulations, looking at 2022 election scenario with five states, including Uttar Pradesh.

The reshuffle is likely to be dominated by Bihar with Janata Dal United making a comeback followed by BJP nominations from Bengal.

The reshuffle is being necessitated by some vacancies caused due to deaths like Ram Vilas Paswan and exits of Akali Dal and Shiv Sena. Upcoming elections in UP is a factor in the reshuffle and also the need to add some heft to government with the entry of Bhupender Yadav, a strong organisational face.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, July 7 : Fighting tooth and nail for all creditors of DHFL, 63 moons technologies has objected to the Piramal Group at the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) for ascribing Re 1 only to Rs 45,000 crore recoverable assets from the Dewan Housing Finance Ltd (DHFL) and its promoters.

Notably, Piramal Capital and Housing Finance Ltd has ascribed only a sum of Re 1 to Rs 45,000 crore worth of potential recoveries from DHFL promoters.

In its petition, the Mumbai-based fintech company has urged the NCLAT to ensure that the proposed recovery of Rs 45,000 crore from Wadhawans and their associates and companies must benefit only creditors and not unjustly enrich a resolution applicant like Piramal Group.

63 moons prayed to the NCLAT, saying: "Piramal Group does not get to pocket the potential Rs. 45,000 crore that Piramal Capital and Housing Finance Ltd may recover from the Wadhawans." It noted that the Rs 45,000 crore is from fraudulent transactions undertaken by DHFL and Wadhawans that are to be recovered from them and their associates and companies.

"The creditors are taking a minimum haircut of 65 per cent in the Piramal Resolution Plan, but to have recoveries of their own money which was fraudulently taken away from them for a paltry sum of Re 1 is just rubbing salt on the wound," said 63 moons.

Last month, the Mumbai bench of NCLT approved the Piramal Group's resolution plan for DHFL.

According to the Piramal Resolution Plan, the creditors who have been defrauded gain nothing from any such recoveries and all the benefit would go to Piramal. "A further egg in face for the creditors is Piramal ascribing only a value of Re 1 to these recoveries which might be upwards of Rs 45,000 crore," it added.

63 moons technologies, which holds over Rs 200 crore of non-convertible debentures (NCDs) of DHFL, has described the current resolution plan as disappointing for NCD holders.

The company has approached the NCLAT to challenge the NCLT's nod for Piramal's resolution plan.

The NCLAT has already issued notices to the committee of creditors (CoC), the administrator of DHFL and Piramal Capital and Housing Finance Ltd on a plea by 63 moons against the DHFL resolution plan approved by NCLT.

The administrator of DHFL has filed applications for recovery of almost Rs 45,000 crore under Section 66 of the IBC against DHFL's promoters and other persons on account of their fraud against the creditors.

63 moons contended that Rs 45,000 crore must come to the defrauded parties, which are the creditors. However, the Resolution Plan was drafted in such a way that it favoured the resolution applicant (buyer) -- the Piramal Group, allowing it to reap the benefits of recoveries from the promoters.

"Ascribing a value of Re 1 to the recoveries of fraud where claims are in excess of Rs 45,000 crore creates unjust enrichment of the buyer (Piramal) at the cost of creditors," it said, adding that Piramal has bid only for the current value of DHFL which does not include these amounts that were taken away fraudulently. Hence, all the more reason, the recoveries must come to the creditors only.

At the NCLAT, 63 moons sought that the fraudulent transaction recovery benefit of approximately Rs 45,000 crore filed by the DHFL administrator under section 66 of IBC should come to creditors, including NCD holders who are the actual sufferers of the default, and not to the buyer of the company.

Interestingly, the current DHFL resolution plan allows the Piramal Group to buy the company by paying mere Rs 37,500 crore as against the outstanding debt of Rs 85,000 crore. In addition to this, the benefits of claims of over Rs 45,000 crore are to be appropriated by Piramal fully by ascribing the entire recoverable amount a value of Re 1.

63 moons pointed out that the current resolution plan is disappointing for NCD holders in as much as they stand to bear the greatest loss as opposed to any other party involved. Other members of the Committee of Creditors, comprising mainly banks, have recourse to personal guarantees of promoters whereas NCD holders do not have any such contractual recourse.

"NCD holders will be left high and dry with a massive 65 per cent to 75 per cent haircut, if in future such recoveries from fraudulent transactions are allowed to pass through to the resolution applicants, instead of the creditors," it noted.

63 moons technologies will now argue the matter before the NCLAT on July 19.
Patna, July 7 : A man was gunned down in Bihar's Nalanda district on Wednesday after he objected to his cousin misbehaving with and molesting his wife.

The deceased was identified as Anuj Yadav alias Kailu. As per the statement of the victim's wife, the cousin brother of Anuj named Pramod Yadav molested her in the former's absence from their house.

"The accused entered my house and molested me. When I objected to the act, Pramod threatened me with dire consequences. When my husband Anuj came home, I narrated the entire incident to him. My husband went to Pramod's house to complain to his parents, but the accused manhandled him. After a heated exchange of words, my husband returned home," the victim said in her statement to the police.

"After some time, Pramod and his accomplices came on a motorbike and called my husband out of the house. When he opened the door of the house, the accused opened fire at him indiscriminately. My husband sustained gunshot injuries on his chest and died on the spot," his wife said.

Mustaq Mohamad, SHO of Deep Nagar police station, said: "The accused misbehaved with the deceased's wife. The accused opened fire at him, killing him on the spot. We have sent the body for postmortem. A hunt is on to nab the accused."
Panaji, July 7 : Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday paid tribute to Indian film icon late Dilip Kumar, who died following prolonged illness earlier on Wednesday.

"Late superhero Dilip Kumar died today. On behalf of the people of Goa and the Goa government I offer my condolences. He was a superhero. He acted in so many films," Sawant said.

The 98-year-old actor passed away at a Mumbai hospital.
Mumbai, July 7 : Veteran actor Dharmendra took to social media on Wednesday to mourn the demise of Bollywood legend Dilip Kumar, who passed away early in the day at the age of 98.

Dharmendra wrote in an Instagram post: "Extremely sad to lose my most affectionate brother in the industry. Jannat naseeb ho, Hamare Dalip Sahab ko (May he rest in heaven)." Earlier in the day, the 85-year-old actor visited Dilip Kumar's residence to pay his last respect to the deceased and offer condolences to his family.

Dharmendra was seen folding his hands in a namaste to the paparazzi clicking his pictures as he left.

Dharmendra has shared the screen with Dilip Kumar in the Bengali film "Paari" and its Hindi remake "Anokha Milan".

Earlier in the day, Dharmendra's wife, veteran actress Hema Malini took to social media to remember Dilip Kumar.

"Veteran actor, exemplary role model for all heroes,my respected co star in Kranti, Dilip Kumar ji, is no more. I recall a couple of visits to his house & the pleasant meetings I had with him & Saira ji. My heart goes out to Saira ji, his life partner of many years, for this loss," Hema Malini had tweeted.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, July 7 : Smartphone brand realme announced on Wednesday that it aims to bring 5G smartphones in the the sub-Rs 10,000 segment to the Indian users next year, with the support of the chipset manufacturers and other industry partners.

Madhav Sheth, Vice President, realme and CEO, realme India and Europe said that the Indian market will see the launch of the realme GT 5G series this quarter with multiple GT 5G products.

"realme aims to be the 5G leader and believes that every Indian deserves a 5G phone from 2021 onwards. We are spearheading 5G's democratisation in India and globally, and through our 5G smartphones we will constantly bring more leap-forward surprises and the best in market experience to more Indian consumers," Sheth said during a webinar on 5G held in partnership with Counterpoint Research.

The new models in realme GT 5G series will be launched in Q3, among several other corporate initiatives to promote 5G adoption in the country.

In 2021, realme has already launched six 5G devices in Indian market and in the second half of 2021, all realme products above Rs 15,000 will be 5G.

"India is all set to witness the next wave of digital revolution around 5G. As a leading global chipset supplier powering nearly two billion devices a year, MediaTek is committed to delivering the best user experience around 5G," said Kuldeep Malik, Director Corporate Sales, MediaTek India.

"We have released a diverse 5G chipsets portfolio, not just for smartphones but also for smart devices including PCs, smart TVs, AIoT devices, connectivity/networking devices, and more," he informed during the event.

Telecom industry body COAI said that there are already five million 5G smartphones in India.

Counterpoint Research revealed that almost 14 per cent of the smartphones sold in May in India were 5G devices.

"There are a number of market and technology factors which will make the transition from 4G to 5G the fastest among all generations. There is the anticipation of massive performance boosts in download speeds and step-change feature set improvements across imaging, processors and battery life," said Tarun Pathak, Research Director, Counterpoint Research.

To support the global adoption of 5G products, realme said it would establish seven R&D centres in 2021.
Mumbai, July 7 : Filmmaker Ken Ghosh, who has directed the new web film "State Of Siege: Temple Attack", says he always wanted to do something around the armed forces.

"State Of Siege: Temple Attack" depicts how, on September 24, 2002, a terrorist attack at Akshardham temple claimed over 30 lives and left 80 injured. The National Security Guard (NSG) arrived at the spot, killed the terrorists, and ended the siege.

Ghosh said: "I always wanted to do something around our armed forces. I myself am a student of World War II, I have studied the events around WWII, and was war is my favourite genre. So, for me any chance to shoot action and with an armed forces storyline, I would jump at it. Being the son of a Naval officer, you can say that in a way it is a dream come true for me." The film marks the digital debut of Bollywood actor Akshaye Khanna. "State Of Siege: Temple Attack" is slated to release on Zee5 on July 9.
New Delhi, July 7 : The Delta variant of Covid-19 can possibly shatter the vaccine cover, as SARS CoV-2 -- the virus which causes the disease -- has the potential to acquire deadly mutations, health experts said on Wednesday.

As new variants are formed, it causes change to the spike protein and the structure undergoes a complete change -- a reason why it can render the current vaccines, originally designed to target the protein, ineffective.

Spike proteins, on the surface of SARS CoV-2, are what enable the virus to attach to and enter our cells, and all current vaccines are directed against them. Changes on the spike protein can determine how far and quickly the virus can spread.

"There is an alteration in the structure of the virus proteins due to mutations, which can bypass the targets of some vaccines. This means there is a possibility that the virus may elude the vaccine coverage," Dr Praveen Gupta, Director Neurology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, told IANS.

When mutation changes, it can possibly breach vaccine protection.

"There's no doubt about it. We hope the vaccine will work. But with mutation, the virus changes its structure to become a new virus, while the vaccine remains the same. As bacteria develops resistance, so can the virus change mutation," emphasised Dr S.P. Byotra, Chairman of Department of Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH), New Delhi.

A recent study by the SGRH revealed that the Delta variant of Covid-19 virus shows eight-fold approximately reduced sensitivity to vaccine elicited antibodies compared to the Wuhan strain.

The study, available online as a non-peer reviewed preprint version in Research Square, noted that the Delta variant (B16172), first identified from India, not only dominates vaccine-breakthrough infections with higher respiratory viral loads compared to non-Delta infections, but also generates greater transmission between fully vaccinated people as compared to the other variants -- Alpha (B117), or Kappa (B16171).

The findings can be explained by the fact that despite high vaccination rates, Israel -- 60.6 per cent have received the first dose of the vaccine, while 5.18 million have received the second dose -- is seeing an outbreak of Covid-19 due to the Delta variant. Similar is the case with the UK (48.7 per cent) and the US (47.1 per cent) and other countries with reasonably high inoculation rates.

A recent study by Israeli researchers has also shown that Pfizer vaccine efficacy against Covid-19 has dropped to 64 per cent. However, this does not mean that we should not be vaccinated. All the current vaccines have shown to be effective against severe outcomes from Covid.

The experts stressed that vaccinations undeniably play a great role in curbing the spread of Covid-19.

"Vaccines offer protection. It could be lowered against new variants like Delta plus but still will confer protection. We shouldn't create unnecessary panic but there should not be complacency either," Dr H.K. Mahajan, Anaesthesiologist, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, Vasant Kunj, told IANS.

Does this open the case for booster shots? "Yes, booster shots will be helpful. If a person has taken two regular doses of Covishield or Covaxin, then a third dose of Sputnik V in the form of a booster will be good and helpful. It will prevent new variants or mutations. Therefore, it may be a matter of time when people will use a booster dose with a new medicine to enjoy long term protection against Delta and Delta plus," Mahajan said.

However, experts also noted that it is important to evaluate the need for boosters with time.

"We need to first understand how the mutant virus interacts with the vaccine induced immunity then only we can decide whether a booster will be sufficient or a new vaccine is needed," Gupta added.

(Rachel V. Thomas can be contacted at rachel.t@ians.in)

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, July 7 : As the government plans to go in full throttle on disinvesting several public sector assets and enterprises in non-core sectors along with strengthening PSUs in the strategic sectors, it has decided to bring the Department of Public Enterprises under the Finance Ministry.

So far, the department was under the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises.

The department would look into the residual work relating to erstwhile Bureau of Public Enterprises including Industrial Management Pool.

It would also look into coordination of matters of general policy affecting all Public Sector Enterprises, evaluation and monitoring the performance of Public Sector Enterprises, including the Memorandum of Understanding mechanism.

Matters relating to permanent machinery of arbitration for the public sector enterprises, counselling, training and rehabilitation of employees in Central Public Sector Undertakings under Voluntary Retirement Scheme, would also be looked into by the department.

Review of capital projects and expenditure in central public sector enterprises also would be taken care of by the department said a gazette notification.

It also deals in measures aimed at improving performance of Central Public Sector Enterprises and other capacity building initiatives of Public Sector Enterprises.

It will also render advice relating to revival, restructuring or closure of Public Sector Enterprises including the mechanisms required, among other responsibilities.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, July 7 : Full-service carrier Vistara on Wednesday inaugurated its non-stop flights between Delhi and Tokyo Haneda.

Accordingly, the inaugural flight was operated under the air bubble agreement between India and Japan.

The airline will fly once a week between the two cities using its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

"We look forward to further strengthening our presence on this new route in the coming months," Vistara's Chief Executive Officer Leslie Thng.

Besides, the airline said it accepts all eligible customers meeting visa or entry requirements in both the countries, as specified by the respective government bodies.

The Tata SIA Airlines known by the brand name Vistara, is a 51:49 joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines.
Shimla, July 7 : A day after the central government expressed concern over tourist overcrowding at hill stations, the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet on Wednesday issued directions to local authorities to ensure Covid-appropriate behaviour to contain the spread of the virus.

At a meeting presided over by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur here, the Cabinet relaxed the limit on gatherings, allowing a maximum of 200 persons in closed spaces. In open spaces, gatherings are allowed with 50 per cent capacity of the area.

It also decided to recommend to the Governor to convene the monsoon session of the Vidhan Sabha from August 2 to August 13.

It gave its consent to bring children who lost both parents in the pandemic, under the ambit of Mukhya Mantri Bal Uddhar Yojna, enabling them to provide additional monthly assistance of Rs 1,500.

The Cabinet gave consent to increase the additional honorarium of the Accredited Social Health Activist (Asha) workers from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,750 per month. This would benefit 7,964 workers.

Also the Cabinet decided that in order to implement the new education policy, question papers for Class III, V and VIII will be set by the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education and the marking and results would be declared at cluster, block and district level, respectively.

It granted six weeks' exemption in school internship in respect of diploma in elementary education for 2018-2020 batch.

It was decided the schools would remain closed for students till further orders and online study would continue as usual.

A decision was taken to promote first-year and second-year students of graduation to next class. The new and renewal of admissions would start in the colleges in the last week of July and the academic year would commence from August 16.
New Delhi: Delhi district authorities organised the special screening of Taapsee Pannu starrer "Thappad" for Corona warriors including doctors, Civil defence and other officers as cinema halls reopened from today as part of Unlock 5.0 with precaution Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi: Delhi district authorities organised the special screening of Taapsee Pannu starrer "Thappad" for Corona warriors including doctors, Civil defence and other officers as cinema halls reopened from today as part of Unlock 5.0 with precaution Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, July 7 : Increasing global trend of entry restrictions for non-vaccinated persons in malls, cinema halls, and even barber shops, by private sector or government-backed norms, if implemented in India, might hamper economic growth.

In theory, the likely move might help in mitigating a third wave, but will also deny services to non-vaccinated populations and can lead to litigations.

Some countries have banned entry of non-vaccinated persons in malls and other places.

In parallel, discussions between tourism dependent countries and the industry are in advance stages to decide whether to allow quarantine-free entry to only vaccinated passengers.

At present, contact intensive services like retail, tourism and aviation are the worst impacted, and implementing these norms might hurt them further.

Nonetheless, industry insiders maintain that such likely moves, even in the short run to prevent another wave, will disrupt recovery momentum.

Besides, several companies have worked over time in ensuring employees get vaccinated and created operational bio-safe zones for their customers.

Furthermore, they point out that vaccine shortages would be a matter of concern for such a likely plan to work.

"Stepping up vaccination drive remains the most viable and cheapest policy path to economic normalisation. However vaccine hesitancy, especially in semi urban and rural sector, could become a hurdle in smooth execution of the vaccination drive, even when supply concerns fade," Emkay Global's Lead Economist Madhavi Arora said.

"But these restrictions are unlikely to be triggered immediately, not unless we reach a decent 70 per cent plus vaccination levels. Besides, stringency of the same would determine the efficacy and behavioural impact." According to ICRA's Chief Economist Aditi Nayar, these norms might not be required if the vaccination process is further accelerated.

"If the pace of vaccination is maintained at 6 million per day in Q2 FY2021 and subsequently increased to 8 million from Q3 FY2022 onwards, all adults are likely to receive both doses of the vaccine by early February 2022." "This will cover over two-thirds of the entire Indian population." On the other hand, Acuite Ratings & Research Chief Analytical Officer Suman Chowdhury said selective access to contact intensive services based on vaccination would be a prudent measure.

"This will not only mitigate the risks of an additional wave of the pandemic but also address the issue of vaccine hesitancy." "While adequate availability of vaccines is indeed a challenge, the Government has taken certain steps... therefore, one can expect the issue of vaccine availability to get resolved over the next 2 quarters." "In the meantime, an access policy based on at least one dose of vaccination is advisable even though it may mean some further hit to the economy in the near term." (Rohit Vaid can be contacted at rohit.v@ians.in)
New Delhi, July 7 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday inaugurated the SARS-CoV-2 Genome Sequencing facility at Delhi's Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) hospital, which will help in identifying and analysing all the subsequent variants of Covid-19.

This facility (genetic analyzer machine), which will be helpful mainly for surveillance and public health purposes as identification of Covid-19, would be able to sequence 5 to 7 samples in a day with a turnaround time of about 4 to 5 days, Kejriwal said.

"The facility is being set up to aid and address the larger public interest considering the case fatality and re-emergence of Covid-19 outbreaks due to different SARS-CoV-2 strains," he added.

Until now, Delhi had to depend on the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for verification of a new Covid variant noticed in the city's hospitals.

"Now, our doctors will be able to analyse all the variants of Covid-19 and understand them for any of the future waves or spreads in Delhi, if at all they are witnessed. If we get to know the variant on time, we will be able to strategise our preparations well and it will be helpful in taking the right actions," Kejriwal said.

The chief minister also appealed to the people of Delhi to follow Covid protection guidelines, asserting that the Covid-19 pandemic is still ongoing, and new viral variants are rapidly emerging leading to recurrent outbreaks.

SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing facilities are being set up at the genetic laboratory, LNJP Hospital and Institute of Liver and Biliary Services (ILBS) as a part of the Delhi government's preparations to tackle a possible third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
New Delhi, July 7: As political uncertainties grip Afghanistan with the withdrawal of US troops, what will be the future of the proposed Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline? Energy experts told India Narrative that India will have to carefully adopt a wait and watch policy as Taliban has already started making rapid inroads in Afghanistan.

The ambitious 1,814 km trans-country natural gas pipeline project is important not only for India but also for Turkmenistan, as this gives a new export market to Ashgabat.

In fact, in February, Turkmenistan invited a Taliban delegation to discuss the future of this pipeline. Though the delegation led by Mullah Abdul Gani Baradar expressed full support and promised to protect the project, worries are rising for India.

"The global energy landscape is changing faster than ever before, with new emerging geopolitical equations in Central Asia and in the Middle East in particular. The growing - and even muscular in some places - influence of China is omnipresent, resulting in a big recast in the energy chessboard all across from the north of Kazakhstan to Saudi Arabia and beyond," India's leading energy expert Narendra Taneja said.

Taneja however said that India, over the last few years, has diversified its sources of oil and natural gas.

"India does not need to worry much in terms of oil and gas supply from the two regions as it (the supply) already stands quite diversified, but what should worry us is threat to the size of our presence in the energy chessboard, in the great energy game. The silence everywhere on TAPI is a classic example," Taneja said.

"China hates TAPI," he noted.

Though speculations are rife on whether the project will get a quiet burial, Subhomoy Bhattacharjee, Senior Adjunct Fellow at RIS (Research and Information System for Developing Countries) told India Narrative that it is too early to write it off.

"It is true that the situation is tricky and we will have to wait to understand the dynamics in Afghanistan," he said.

"Often totalitarian governments depend on natural resources and oil and gas will be an important one. So, it is possible that Taliban, if it comes to power, protects or provides support to the project there could be other international repercussions. India will have to weigh those implications," Bhattacharjee said.

Even if the TAPI project gets wings, will India be ready to pay royalty to the Taliban government if the situation arises? Earlier an Observer Research Foundation report said that in light of these developments in Afghanistan's politics, it would be interesting to see what position India adopts vis-A -vis TAPI gas pipeline and whether New Delhi would be ready to continue its participation in the project.

"The US withdrawal from Afghanistan and its weakened appetite for a big foot in Central Asia are disrupting developments and can prove to be unfortunate for energy deficit giants like India," Taneja added.

According to Upstream Online, an oil and gas weekly, Turkmenistan currently delivers the bulk of its gas production to China via a three-line gas export pipeline across Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, with some volumes going to Russian gas monopoly Gazprom via an old route across Kazakhstan.

"The route to China is understood to be running at almost maximum capacity, preventing Turkmenistan from increasing gas production at its highly prolific Galkynysh group of fields, while Gazprom prohibits Turkmenistan from transiting its gas to Europe," it said.

For Ashgabat, the TAPI project gives a lease of fresh life.

(This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative
New Delhi, July 7 : Did you know that your favourite chocolate brands like Nestle, Lindt, Toblerone are all Swiss? Chocolates from this beautifully diverse country are famous across the world for a few reasons. Here they are: Sweet History

The nation has a long history of excellence in chocolate making that goes back 200 years when FranAois-Louis Cailler opened the first mechanized chocolate factory in Vevey in 1819. He put into practice all the tricks he'd learnt as a trainee in Ticino with Italian chocolatiers. That was the start of Switzerland's love affair with chocolate that continues even today with local chocolatiers still using traditional recipes handed down from generations. Though the Swiss chocolate industry is founded on tradition, it is always looking to break new ground which is one of the secrets of its success. In 1887, after many attempts, the Swiss chocolatier Daniel Peter, created the original formula for what was to become the first successful milk chocolate in the entire world. Peter called his product, "Gala" from the Greek, which means, "from the milk". Before this, Chocolate was not considered a delicacy. It was more of a nourishing and medicinal food because of its bitter taste. Apart from this, the Swiss have taught confectioners several new and important techniques like tempering of chocolate and conching to texture and flavour the chocolate that creates a melt-in-the-mouth experience.

Passionate Chocolatiers Last year, one of the oldest Swiss chocolatiers in the world -- Lindt, launched the 'Home of Chocolate' in Zurich. This 65,000 sq. ft., three-floor, multi-functional museum space dedicated only to chocolate, is devoted to the history and production of one of Switzerland's most delectable exports. The space also houses the world's largest 'Chocolate Fountain' which stands tall at 9m at the entrance of the building, as well as the world's largest Lindt chocolate shop, a Lindt cafe, and a Lindt Chocolateria for people who like to make their own chocolate creations. An ode to chocoholic's world over, this chocolate haven is yet another reason why we all need to add Switzerland to our travel bucket lists! Chocolate Tours

Across Switzerland, travellers can experience different chocolate tasting tours in Zurich, Bern and Basel. One of the more unique and fun chocolate tours takes guests through Lavaux. On this route, travellers can go on a hike to learn more about the history of this sweet temptation while also savouring the delights of Grand Cru pralines en-route! One can also head to the Funky Chocolate Club in Interlaken to discover the art of chocolate making. The Club provides visitors with aprons, a chef's hat and all the ingredients needed to step into the shoes of a real chocolatier and create a personalized Choco masterpiece! In addition to the tours, the Montreux-Berner Oberland railway has dedicated a whole train to the world's most irresistible temptation. The Chocolate train runs between Montreux and the Cailler-Nestle chocolate factory at Broc and is a 'must-do' for those who want to satiate the 'sweet tooth' as well as for the railway and travel enthusiasts. With such an abundance of chocolate available across the country, it is not difficult to imagine that the Swiss are the biggest consumers of chocolate than any other nation in the world. They eat a record 11kgs of chocolate a year! No wonder then that they are a happy lot. Chocolate is known to have extremely soothing properties and is a known brain stimulator. So, the best thing to take your mind off morbid news and thoughts these days would be to grab a bar of Swiss chocolate, uplift your spirit and relax! In the meanwhile, until you plan your next holiday to Switzerland, you can tease your taste buds and take a virtual tour of the Lindt museum here:

https://youtu.be/e2fOpOsAAdo (Puja Gupta can be contacted at puja.g@ians.in)
Mumbai, July 7 : Actor Gautam Rode will play an NSG commando in soon-to-release OTT film, "State Of Siege: Temple Attack".

Recalling how he became part of the project, he says: "I got a call from the producer Abhimanyu Singh, who told me about the script and then the creative team briefed me properly. To be honest I really like the storyline." The film directed by Ken Ghosh is based on the Akshardham temple attack of September 24, 2002, when a terrorist attack at the temple claimed over 30 lives and left 80 injured. The National Security Guard (NSG) arrived at the spot, killed the terrorists, and ended the siege.

"I just loved the script. And, of course, as I always wanted to play a uniformed officer, this role seems to me perfect," says Gautam.

He goes on to reveal the reason. "I do not have anyone in the family from army background but because I have studied in Army Public School, a lot of my friends and batchmates are uniformed officers. Most of them have become lieutenants now. I have the highest regards for the armed officers and their families. I know the discipline required and all this helped me to play the character," he says.

"I would have loved to get into the shoes of a uniformed officer as I decided in my school but life took another turn and now that I got an opportunity in this film, I am really very happy and satisfied," he signs off.
New Delhi, July 7 : We've all heard the term "Superfood", but do you know that some superfoods can help improve the quality of your skin. Since they are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients, they have the power to refresh, hydrate, and nourish the skin.

In today's world, it is common knowledge that we are what we eat, so if you want 'food for your skin', superfoods are it. Loaded with compounds such as fibre, good fatty acids, and antioxidants, these are vital to replenish and strengthen your skin from within.

Dolly Kumar, Cosmetic Engineer and Founder & Director at Cosmic Nutracos Solutions Pvt. Ltd., the parent company to skin care brand Skinella, suggests some superfoods to be included as part of your skincare routine and how to use them: Goji Berries

These lovely little berries pack a big punch. They contain more beta carotene than carrots and more Vitamin C than any other fruit. It also contains a host of vitamins and amino acids that could give you youthful, elastic skin. Here's how you get the best out of it:

DIY Mask: Place 3 Goji Berries in a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of water and let it soak for around 15 minutes. Mash it and then add A teaspoon of raw honey. Apply it on your face and rinse off after 15 minutes.

Face wash: Free radicals can wreak havoc on your skin. Thus it's important to wash your face with a gentle face wash that contains natural Goji berry and Vitamin C. However, make sure you dab on a toner to close the open pores.

Camu Camu When you think of skin brightening, think Camu Camu. It contains more Vitamin C than oranges. This combined with B3 Vitamins fights pigmentation, fades skin discoloration, and reduces spots by clearing dead cells. This makes it a great ingredient in sunscreen. So, don't forget to use a Camu Camu sunscreen to protect yourself from UV rays. However, make sure it's nothing less than SPF 40.

Green Papaya Apart from having carotenoids that fight free radical damage, green papaya also prevents collagen and elastin from breaking down. Meaning, it helps to fade wrinkles. Plus, green Papaya contains lycopene that makes your skin look radiant and smooth.

Also, a green papaya peel-off mask could be great at tan removal, getting rid of stubborn dirt, blackheads, whiteheads, and excess oil that are difficult to remove.

All in all, superfoods are a natural source of hydration for the skin, and every superfood is rich in vitamins and minerals that help rejuvenate the skin texture. Hence, it's vital to look for products that contain superfoods in order to give your skin the nutrition it needs. As for younger skin, harsh chemicals in most skin products can have a long-lasting effect. Thus, superfoods are the way to go.

(Puja Gupta can be contacted at puja.g@ians.in)
Mumbai, July 7 : On the occasion of Global Forgiveness Day on Wednesday, several artistes of the Indian television fraternity shared their perspective about the value of forgiveness and how important it is to not only forgive others but ourselves, too.

For Gracy Singh, who is seen in "Santoshi Maa Sunaye Vrat Kathayen", forgiveness is important because unsolved anger affects mental wellness.

"Forgiveness is an important virtue that helps us in all walks of life. Being angry at someone affects us more than it does the other person. Unsolved anger affects mental wellness as it often leads to unmanaged stress and other serious health issues. On this day, take a long breath and exhale all the negativity while stepping towards the joy of forgiving," said Gracy.

Actor Samir Soni said: "I believe in 'forgive and forget'. The more you hold grudges, the more you harm yourself and not the person who might have wronged you. It reminds me of famous American Novelist Anne Lamott, who once said, 'Not forgiving is like drinking rat poison and then waiting for the rat to die'." For Nikhil Bhambri, forgiveness is necessary to maintain one's sanctity of mind.

"I believe forgiveness is important to maintain the sanctity of mind as well as peace of mind. I would like to share a memory from my childhood. Once my best friend in school did something that upset me but it was only recently that I realised that my resentment was futile. It was last year when we bonded again. Today we are there for each other through thick and thin. I only wish I had forgiven him sooner. So, if there is someone you can forgive, do it today," the actor said.

Actor Rohitashv Gour of "Bhabi ji Ghar Par Hai!" said: "During these unprecedented times, the only way where one can find peace is by living in the moment and liberating ourselves from anger and practising forgiveness as a way of life. Forgiveness works like magic. The person who receives it feels a burden has been lifted and the person who forgives finds peace." "Another important aspect is learning to forgive yourself, as it is an important step towards self-love. We must accept that nobody is perfect and mistakes can only make you better. Make compassion a part of your life and see your life take a positive route," Gaur added.
Chennai, July 7 : BJP leaders in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday hit out against alliance partner AIADMK leader C.Ve. Shanmughan, who had, at party programme on Tuesday night, said that his party had lost the 2021 Assembly elections due to its tie-up with the BJP as there was a major shift of the minority votes.

BJP state General Secretary Karu Nagarajan, in a statement, said: "It's a known fact that the DMK would garner the minority votes in large numbers. Winning and losing elections is common in politics and a senior and seasoned politician like C.Ve. Shanmugham should look into the factors that led to the defeat of the alliance." The BJP leader, lashing out against the former state minister, said: "Being a minister, he lost his constituency. However, Shanmugham was known for controversial statements and deviated from his party's stand on several occasions. We look at this as an individual's statement rather than the stand of the leadership of the alliance party." BJP General Secretary K.T. Raghavan said that the BJP has, in its internal review meetings, found that certain decisions taken by the AIADMK government had led to the electoral losses.

BJP leader and movie star Khushbu Sundar, in a tweet, sought to refute Shanmugan's speech, saying: "It is actually the other way round".

BJP spokesperson, Narayanan Thirupathy downplayed the former minister's statement and said that the BJP does not take it seriously. Talking to IANS, he said: "It is an individual's statement and unless AIADMK Coordinator O. Panneerselvam or former Chief Minister and Joint Coordinator, K. Palaniswami issues a statement, there is no need for the BJP to comment."
Bengaluru, July 7 : The Bengaluru Police have submitted the charge sheet in connection with the sensational gang rape case of a woman from Bangladesh.

The Ramamurthy Nagar police have submitted as many as 1,019 pages of charge sheet in a short period of five weeks. Police Commissioner Kamal Panth appreciated the efficiency of the cops and announced Rs 1 lakh cash reward for the culprits on Wednesday.

"We have submitted a charge sheet on Tuesday evening. It has been done in a short time. The investigating officers have filed the charge sheet satisfactorily. We will investigate the case thoroughly," Panth said.

The police are still investigating the human trafficking aspect as the victim revealed a well-planned racket operating to transport hundreds of woman from Bangladesh to India at the international border illegally.

The cops started investigating this case after registering a suo moto case when the video of the incident went viral in the country and abroad in April. The police traced the victim in Kerala and brought her to the city on May 30. The police had arrested five accused persons including, a woman, seen in the video in June. Two of the accused were shot in the leg on June 2 when they tried to escape.

Special teams were formed to investigate various angles in the case. The victim had stated that she was an illegal migrant from Bangladesh who managed to sneak into India.

She had also revealed that the accused were business partners and she supplied girls for trafficking to them. There was a misunderstanding on financial matters and the accused gang raped and tortured her.

The police have taken 12 persons into custody.
Lucknow, July 7 : The cabinet expansion of the Narendra Modi government on Wednesday has set the roadmap for the Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh next year.

The selection of names inducted in the Union Cabinet from Uttar Pradesh, clearly indicates the priorities of the BJP for the UP elections.

Of the seven ministers from the state inducted into the cabinet on Wednesday, six are non-upper castes.

Four of the newly-inducted ministers belong to various OBC caste groups.

Anupriya Patel and Pankaj Chaudhary are from the Kurmi caste, while B.L. Varma is from the Lodh community and S.P. Singh Baghel is an OBC (Gadaria) but claims to be a scheduled caste. His case on this issue is sub judice.

Bhanu Pratap Verma is a Dalit and Kaushal Kishore is also a Dalit (Pasi community).

The lone upper caste is Ajay Mishra, a Brahmin.

Interestingly, the BJP has carefully chosen to opt for only non-Yadav OBCs which means that the ruling party is intentionally trying to break the OBC unity and damage the Samajwadi Party.

The cabinet expansion also makes it abundantly clear that the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, will now focus on OBCs and Dalits who from the largest chunk of voters.

"There was no need to focus on upper castes since we have a Chief Minister who belongs to the Thakur community and a Deputy Chief Minister who is from the Brahmin community. The party wants to send a clear message that it seeks participation in power of sections of society that have not got their due," said a party functionary.
New Delhi, July 7 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday registered a case on the request of the Rajasthan government in the Kamlesh Prajapat encounter case.

A CBI official said that the agency registered a case on the request of the Rajasthan government and further notification from central government for transfer of investigation in the case registered on April 23 this year at Sadar police station in Rajasthan's Barmer.

The official said that it was alleged that police conducted a raid at the residence of Prajapat at Barmer in connection with a case of attempt to murder on SHO Pali in Barmer.

Prajapat, a notorious smuggler and wanted in a hit-and-run case was killed on April 22.

Police claimed they had gone to nab him following a tip-off but he tried to escape while trying to kill a police personnel. In self defence, they were forced to fire back, which killed Prajapat.

It was further alleged that the police conducted search at Prajapat's house and recovered narcotic drugs, arms and ammunitions, and cash of Rs 56.69 lakh.

Accordingly, the police registered the FIR regarding the incident and also recovery of said items.

The Rajasthan government recommended a CBI investigation in the said FIR and the central government issued a notification for investigation relating to the FIR pertaining to death of Prajapat.

The official said that the agency's team has reached the location and taken up the probe.

Prajapat, a resident of Barmer, was killed in a gunfight with the police on April 22 this year.

After Prajapat's death, two videos related to his death, went viral on social media, leading people to question the police version of what led to the smuggler's death.

In the videos, Prajapat did not fire at the police, even though the latter did.

The videos led to a political furore in Rajasthan with leaders from both Congress and the demanding a CBI probe.
Mumbai, July 7 : The Cine And TV Artistes' Association (CINTAA) and the Cine Artist Welfare Trust (CAWT) issued a condolence message on Wednesday expressing grief at the demise of legendary Bollywood actor Dilip Kumar. The 98-year-old actor died at a Mumbai hospital in the early hours of the day.

Titled "Homage to Dilip Kumar Saab", the message read: "We have woken this morning to the most grief-stricken news that our beloved Dilip Saab is no more. Wish he was alive for few more years to achieve the much-deserved centenary mark, but God's will was otherwise. His body may have left us but his body of work will remain immortal.

"An institution by himself, he enthralled the audience world over through many generations.

"Though he was symbolised as a Tragedy King in reel life, in reality he was an epitome of humanity who only wished happiness to everyone. Vacuum created now is hard to be refilled.

"A legendary actor par excellence, his professional and personal philanthropic contributions to the fraternity is beyond any quantum of measurements.

"Recipient of many awards including the first Filmfare and the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, we are sure his cherished award would have been the immense love and affection he received from millions. A well-crafted journey spanning many decades, he truly loved his craft of being an ACTOR FIRST.

"For us at CINTAA and CAWT, the sadness is indomitable even to express through our words. His contribution to our association and Trust was extremely noteworthy and his voice, wisdom and opinions truly mattered to us. His unparalleled virtue was that he always embraced the spirit of brotherhood. A teacher and a true master.

"As we now pray for his soul to rest in eternal peace, we express our heartfelt condolences to his family and Saira ji in particular.

"We aren't saying adieu because Dilip Saab will stay in our hearts forever. Thanks and regards," the message ended, signed by Vikram Gokhle, Honorary President, CINTAA, and Pankaj Dheer, Honorary Chairman, CAWT.
New Delhi, July 7 : Captain Vikram Batra's heroics during the Kargil conflict is part of military folklore and on his death anniversary, it was his then Commanding Officer, now the Northern Army Commander, who paid the ultimate tribute to the braveheart.

Lt Gen Y.K. Joshi flew in a Sukhoi fighter jet over the same mountain top that saw the valour of Batra and his troops in fighting the Pakistani forces during the Kargil conflict.

On July 7, 1999, Captain Batra, a young and brave officer who had caught the fancy of the nation and become the icon of Indian Army's spirit for his success signal -- "Dil Maange More" -- during the capture of Pt 5140, made the supreme sacrifice, but not before capturing the Pt 4875, now christened as Batra Top.

To commemorate his 'Balidan Diwas', his then Commanding Officer and now GOC-in-C, Northern Command, flew over the Batra Top on Wednesday in a Sukhoi-30 MKI.

The gesture epitomises the enduring relation between a Commanding Officer and his officer.

Joshi paid homage to his fallen comrade from the sky, an apt recognition of IAF's contribution to the ground operations during Operation Vijay.

Capt Batra continues to motivate the present generation of officers and would do so in perpetuity.

It is most befitting that his gallant action is being commemorated by his then Commanding Officer of 13 JAK RIF, whose contribution to the war efforts was recognised by the Vir Chakra for exceptional leadership in face of the adversary.

Batra was awarded with the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest and most prestigious award for valour, for his actions.

In 2019, Joshi along with Batra's brother Vishal and others who fought along with Batra had climbed the Batra Top to commemorate his supreme sacrifice.
New Delhi, July 7 : The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the CBI to investigate the release of land in Haryana's Rohtak to a real estate developer under the then Congress government of Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda.

In 2002, about 850 acres was proposed for acquisition for residential and commercial sectors in Rohtak by the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA). However, in April 2005, the award was passed for 422 acres. In March 2005, realtor Uddar Gagan Properties Ltd entered into collaboration agreements with some farmers, whose land was supposed to be acquired for development of a colony.

The realtor had applied for a licence to develop a colony on 280 acres. In June 2006, the licences were granted by the town and country planning director. Following the grant of licences, the corresponding land was released from acquisition. The licences were remitted to the builder, which led to execution of sale deeds in favour of the builder through power-of-attorney holder of the landowners.

On Wednesday, a bench of Justices U.U. Lalit, Ajay Rastogi and Aniruddha Bose passed the order for a CBI probe into matter, in a trouble for former Haryana CM Hooda.

In 2016, the top court had already quashed the decision to drop the acquisition of land and directed transferring the licence in favour of HUDA, which was supposed to carry out development of residential and commercial sectors in Rohtak. The top court had then asked the state government to investigate into the legality of the action against those who illegally entertained the applications of the builder and released the land to it.

In March 2018, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had called for a CBI probe in the matter, but later he backed down, and the government ordered an inquiry by a retired judge. In 2017, a probe was conducted by a retired IAS officer Rajan Gupta, which did not fix anybody responsibility in the matter, and rather termed it a systematic failure.
New Delhi, July 7 : Two former Congress leaders -- ex-Maharashtra Chief Minister Narayan Rane and former minister in the UPA government Jyotiraditya Scindia -- were inducted into Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new-look Cabinet on Wednesday.

Rane had rebelled against the Congress for not being appointed the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, while Scindia had quit after being upset with the treatement meted out to him by the party in Madhya Pradesh, subsequently leading to the toppling of the state government.

Rane had also been in the Shiv Sena, but left to join the Congress before jumping ship to the BJP.

The official list released by the President's House said that 15 ministers took oath as Cabinet ministers on Wednesday, along with 28 others following a major rejig in the Union Cabinet.

Rane and Scindia are the only two former Congress faces who have been included in the new-look Union Cabinet.

Accordingly, Kiren Rijuju, Anurag Thakur, R.K. Singh, Hardeep Puri, Purshottam Rupala and Mansukh Mandavya have been promoted as Cabinet ministers from their present ranks.

Businessmen Rajeev Chandrashekar, Anupriya Singh Patel and Meenakshi lekhi were sworn-in as Ministers of State.
New Delhi, July 7 : The CBI on Wednesday said that it has filed a charge sheet against Dr Sunita Gupta, the then Senior DMO, Northern Railway, Divisional Hospital, Charbagh, Lucknow and her husband Dr Rajeev Gupta, a Professor at King George Medical College, in connection with disproportionate assets case.

A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) official said that the agency has filed the charge sheet against the two in the CBI court in Lucknow.

The official said that the probe revealed that Dr Sunita Gupta was allegedly found to be in possession of disproportionate assets to the tune of Rs 1.59 crore and her husband was found to have abetted the alleged offence.

The CBI registered a case on May 23, 2019, against both of them on the allegations of possessing disproportionate assets to their known sources of income.

The searches conducted earlier at the premises of Dr Sunita Gupta had led to recovery of documents pertaining to properties of an amount of Rs 1.59 crore and also cash of Rs 9.43 lakh from her bank locker.
New Delhi, July 7 : Six-time Lok Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh, Pankaj Chaudhary, was on Wednesday inducted into Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new-look Cabinet following a major reshuffle that saw as many as 43 leaders taking oath as ministers.

The senior BJP leader has been the member of the 10th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 16th and 17th Lok Sabha from Maharajganj in Uttar Pradesh.

Chaudhary began his political career as a member of the municipal corporation in Gorakhpur in 1989-91. He was the Deputy Mayor of the municipal corporation in 1990-91.

The leader had entered the BJP as a working committee member in 1991 and was elected to the 10th Lok Sabha the same year. He had been the member of the Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment and Forests between 1991 and 1996.

From September 2019 onwards, Chaudhary has been a member of the Standing Committee on Railways, besides being a member of the Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj.

Chaudhary is a mass leader whose popularity stems from his electoral success over the years. His induction into the Union Cabinet assumes significance with Uttar Pradesh scheduled to go to the polls next year.
New Delhi, July 7 : Actor Aamir Khan tweeted a short note on Wednesday evening, mourning the death of Bollywood legend Dilip Kumar.

Dilip Kumar, 98, passed away in a Mumbai hospital early morning the same day.

"Thank you Yusuf Sahab for the invaluable, priceless and unique gift you have given all of us through your work. For me you have always been and always will be the greatest ever. Salaam. Love. Aamir," the actor posted on the official Instagram handle of his banner, Aamir Khan Productions.

The actor's post was accompanied by a folded hand emoji.

Confirming Dilip Kumar's death on Wednesday morning, family friend Faisal Farooqui had tweeted from the veteran actor's official handle: "With a heavy heart and profound grief, I announce the passing away of our beloved Dilip Saab, few minutes ago. We are from God and to Him we return. Faisal Farooqui."
New Delhi, July 7 : The massive Union Cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday bears the techno-managerial imprint of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In his first term, Modi persisted with around 58 ministers in the Council of Ministers when the slogan was "Minimum Government, Maximum Governance".

More or less, this number has persevered although now with 43 new members, the Council of Ministers now stands at 77, the highest in this government's tenure.

It also marks the realisation that multiple portfolios with one minister may not be a very efficient ploy and representation needs to be given to different regions and for administrative efficiency, adequate numbers are required.

In addition, this reshuffle also bears the imprint of techno-managerial heft to boost administration. As the Modi government gets a makeover, the new Council of Ministers is being shaped in terms of experience and qualifications.

Modi had during interactions sought transformative ideas from the bureaucracy but since not much was achieved from that avenue, there seems to be an initiative to incubate ideas through technocracy.

In the new Council of Ministers, there are four former Chief Ministers in the Cabinet, 18 former state ministers, 39 former MLAs and 23 MPs who have been elected for three or more terms.

This demonstrates the wealth of experience in the new Cabinet as the government has been criticised for lack of bench strength and not enough heft in administrative experience.

The new ministers will also be an eclectic mix of distinguished qualifications including 13 lawyers, 6 doctors, 5 engineers, 7 former civil servants, 46 ministers with experience in central government.

This is also a young looking Cabinet with average age of the Cabinet at 58 and 14 ministers will now be below 50.

Apart from being a five-term MP, new Cabinet face Jyotiraditya Scindia has been a Cabinet minister in earlier Congress governments. He has an MBA from Stanford University and BA from Harvard University.

Another Cabinet minister, Ramchandra Prasad Singh is a Rajya Sabha MP from Bihar serving his second term as MP. He is a retired IAS officer of the 1984 batch, having served over 25 years across various capacities and domains.

Another new Cabinet minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw is a Rajya Sabha MP from Odisha. The 50-year-old is a former IAS Officer of the 1994 batch and was particularly known for his contribution to the PPP framework in Infrastructure. Post that, he has held leadership roles across major global companies such as General Electric and Siemens. He has an MBA from Wharton School, Pennysylvania University and MTech from IIT Kanpur.

Modi had inducted technocrats like Hardeep Puri, R.K. Singh and K.J. Alphons in the government. Puri and Singh have been promoted as Cabinet ministers and techno-managerial expertise is a quality being preferred among the new Cabinet faces.

Among the newly-appointed Ministers of State, Rajeev Chandrasekhar is a Rajya Sabha MP from Karnataka, serving his third term as MP.

He has enjoyed a long career as a successful entrepreneur across multiple industries. He has an MTech in Computer Science from Illinois Institute of Technology, along with Advanced Management Program from Harvard University.

Similarly, another new minister Meenakshi Lekhi is a Supreme Court lawyer and social worker. Subhas Sarkar is a Lok Sabha MP from Bankura in West Bengal, serving his first term as MP. He is a gynaecologist and board member of AIIMS Kalyani.

He holds an MBBS degree from Calcutta University and Certificate in Ultra Sonography, Infertlity and Laparoscopy.

Munjapara Mahendrabhai is a Lok Sabha MP from Surendranagar in Gujarat. Prior to his political career, he had a three-decade-long distinguished career as a cardiologist and Professor of Medicine in Gujarat. A social worker at heart, he offered medicines at Rs 2 and served as many as 8 lakh patients through various medical camps. He holds an MD in General Medicine and Therapeutics from Gujarat University.

Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad is a Rajya Sabha MP from Maharashtra, serving his first term as MP. A doctor by profession, he runs Dr Karad Multi Specialty Hospital & Research Centre in Aurangabad. He holds an MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Pediatric Surgery), and FCPS (General Surgery) degrees from Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University and Mumbai University.

Rajkumar Ranjan Singh is a Lok Sabha MP from Manipur, serving his first term as MP. Prior to his political career, he had a four-decade-long career as an Geography Professor, ending as Director of College Development Council in Manipur University.

Bharati Pravin Pawar is a Lok Sabha MP from Dindori in Maharashtra, serving her first term as MP. Before joining public life, she was a Medical Practitioner. She holds an MBBS degree in surgery from NDMVPS Medical College, Nashik.

Chauhan Devusinh is a Lok Sabha MP from Kheda in Gujarat, serving his second term as MP. He has been a two-time MLA in Gujarat Assembly. Prior to his full-time political career, he has served as an engineer in All India Radio.

Bhagwanth Khuba is a Lok Sabha MP from Bidar in Karnataka, serving his second term as MP. He hold a BTech degree in Mechanical Engineering from Sree Siddaganga Institute of Technology, Tumkur.

Bishweswar Tudu is a Lok Sabha MP from Mayurbhanj in Odisha, serving his first term as MP. Prior to his political career, he worked as a Senior Engineer in Water Resources Department in Odisha. He holds a Diploma in Electrical Engineering from Utkalmani Gopabandhu Institute of Engineering, Rourkela.

L. Murugan has practiced as a lawyer in the Madras High Court for 15 years before joining full-time public life.
Pune, July 7 : Cognizant on Wednesday announced plans to donate tablets and laptops worth Rs 6.7 crore to students and teachers of government schools across six states in the country, as part of the companys employee-led volunteering programme.

The Cognizant Outreach's "Digital Schools" project will be implemented by Nirmaan Organization in four phases and will help over 3,700 students and over 180 teachers of government schools across six states in India.

The company donated 865 tablets and 40 internet-enabled laptops worth Rs 1.53 crore to government schools in Mumbai and Pune. The initiative will benefit over 860 students of classes 9 and 10 and over 40 teachers of government schools in the region.

Cognizant Outreach and Nirmaan volunteers will conduct programmes to train the students on using the equipment effectively and will also monitor usage to ensure positive educational outcomes. Volunteers will also conduct training sessions for faculty members to empower them with digital skills and techniques to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.

The devices were presented to the schools at a function held at New English School in Pune.

"The 'Digital Schools' initiative is our effort to ensure that rural schools that serve underprivileged communities overcome the extraordinary disruptions and digital inequalities brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic and continue imparting education," said Sandeep Rane of Cognizant at the event.

"We have been working to ensure that children's education does not stop during the pandemic. We developed the 'Digital Schools Programme' to strengthen digital infrastructure in rural schools and create teacher training programmes to equip faculty members with the knowledge to harness digital technologies," said Mayur Patnala, CEO, Nirmaan Organization.
Guwahati/Agartala, July 7 : Chief Ministers of several northeastern states on Wednesday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inclusion of three more ministers from the region.

With the induction of Sarbananda Sonowal (Assam), Rajkumar Ranjan Singh (Manipur) and Pratima Bhoumik (Tripura) into the Union Council of Ministers on Wednesday, the number of Central ministers from the northeastern states has risen to five.

Kiren Rijiju (Arunachal Pradesh), who was elevated to Cabinet rank, and Rameswar Teli (Assam), are the incumbent ministers from the region in the Modi ministry.

Congratulating the three new Union Ministers, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in a series of tweets, said : "My sincere gratitude to you Aadarniya PM Sri Narendra Modi for giving Assam the great honor by inducting Sri Sarbananda Sonowal as a Cabinet Minister in Union Cabinet.Assam is elated today. We're proud & grateful to you." Congratulating Sonowal - his predecessor, the Chief Minister, in another tweet, said: "We're grateful to you for steering Assam so successfully for five years. Your enormous administrative experience and acumen shall immensely benefit the Government. My best wishes." Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, in his tweet, said: "A moment of immense pride for Tripura that Pratima Bhoumik ji, a foremost representative of Nari Shakti of the state, has joined PM Shri Narendra Modi led Union Council of Ministers.

"I extend my heartiest wishes and pray to Ma Tripursundari for her success as a Union Minister." Manipur Chief Minister N.Biren Singh tweeted: "My humble gratitude to Hon'ble PM Sri Narendra Modi ji for giving honour to a small state, Manipur, by giving responsibility of a Council of Minister to Shri Ranjan Rajkumar ji under your dynamic leadership. Manipur is rejoicing today & will always remain grateful to you." Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu thanked the Prime Minister as he congratulated Rijiju on his elevation.

"Your elevation to the post of a Union Cabinet Minister brings great joy and pride. My best wishes and hearty congratulations to Shri Kiren Rijiju Ji on being sworn in today. We eagerly look forward to your tremendous zeal, passion and energy in bringing change." Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, whose National People's Party (NPP) is an ally of the NDA, tweeted: "Meghalaya and the whole of North East is elated with the induction of Sh. Kiren Rijiju Ji and Sh. Sarbananda Sonowal into the Union Cabinet today.

"The cabinet reshuffle proves inclusivity and diversity which is the essence of a New India. Congratulations brothers!"
Aligarh, July 7 : The Aligarh Muslim University fraternity mourned the demise of legendary Bollywood actor Yusuf Khan, better known as Dilip Kumar.

Dilip Kumar was also an ex-Court Member of the university. AMU had also conferred him with an Honorary Doctorate degree.

Extending his condolences on behalf of the AMU fraternity, Vice-Chancellor Prof Tariq Mansoor said, "I am saddened to learn of the passing of Dilip Kumar who was an institution and he left a huge body of work behind for filmmakers and actors to learn from. The legendary actor received Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the country's highest award in the art form". He was also awarded Padma Vibhushan for his services.

"The AMU elected him as Court Member in 1982 and conferred upon him the honourary Doctorate in 2002, recognising his exemplary services to art and cinema in a career spanning more than five decades," added the Vice-Chancellor.

Prof Mansoor further said, the thespian will always be remembered for shaping Indian cinema and setting a template of acting for generations to come.

Noted economist Meghnad Desai drew parallels between his films and newly-independent India's tryst with the mixed economy system in his book "Nehru's Hero Dilip Kumar, in the Life of India".

"Dilip sahib was a humanist and philanthropist with a personality that lived far beyond his screen appearances," said Prof Mansoor.

Dilip Kumar's acting style remained relevant for several decades and he was honoured with Filmfare Awards eight times. His intense performances also earned him the title of 'Tragedy King'.
Bengaluru, July 7 : Elated over the highest representation in the Union Cabinet over the last one decade, Karnataka BJP leaders, including Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, on Wednesday launched a Twitter campaign '#Govt4Growth', while congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prime Minister Modi dropped a Union minister from Karnataka but inducted four new faces from the state in his Cabinet.

Taking to Twitter, Yediyurappa congratulated to all the new ministers inducted into the Union Council of Ministers. "The new team will further strengthen Prime Minister Narendra Modi government's endeavour to transform India and fulfil the aspirations of a billion Indians," he added.

National BJP co-ordination general secretary B.L. Santhosh tweeted about true empowerment of women at the highest level under the Prime Minister.

"43 ministers who were sworn in today (on Wednesday)... together now PM Narendra Modi government has 78 ministers including the PM. It has representation from 25 states. Most inclusive Cabinet ever . #CabinetReshuffle2021," he added.

Karnataka BJP in-charge Arun Singh on Twitter said "Amplifying the essence of inclusiveness, good governance, 'Nari Shakti' (Women Power) and leadership to 'Yuva Shakti' (Youth Power) at the highest pedestal, PM Modi has inducted 43 new ministers into his Cabinet. Congratulations to all! #Govt4Growth." Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahalad Joshi tweeted "Congratulations to all the newly inducted ministers. Let us all work together under Prime Minister Narendra Modiji, with determination and a shared vision to realise the aspirations of the people of India. Best wishes to everyone. #Govt4Growth." BJP National general secretary C.T. Ravi tweeted that with the induction of 43 ministers, Prime Minister Modi's Cabinet represents the most inclusive, youngest and diverse one in independent India.

"PM Modiji's cabinet expansion is a tribute to the Nari Shakti (Women Power) and Yuva Shakti (Youth Power)of India, #Govt4Growth," he added.

Along with these leaders, BJP state unit president Nalin Kumar Kateel, Karnataka deputy chief ministers C.N. Ashwath Narayna, Govind Karjole and Lakshman Savadi and ministers Jagadish Shettar, Murugesh R. Nirani, Basavaraj Bommai, Byrathy Basavaraj, S.T. Somashekhar and several others too tweeted in Kannada congratulating the new ministers as well as Modi for giving large representation to Karnataka in his Cabinet.
Bhubaneswar, July 7 : Two new faces from Odisha - Rajya Sabha member Ashwini Vaishnaw and Mayurbhanj MP Bisweswar Tudu - got berths in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's expanded and reshuffled Council of Ministers.

Both are first-time MPs.

While Vaishnaw took the oath as a Cabinet Minister and has been give the key portfolios of Railways, Communications, and Electronics and Information Technology, Tudu was inducted as a Minister of State, and given Tribal Affairs and Jal Shakti.

The Modi government has always given importance to Odisha, which has seen its representation increase to three. Apart from the two new ministers, there is Dharmendra Pradhan, who is a Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh. Pradhan, who held charge of Petroleum Minister in the two terms of Modi government so far, is now the new Education Minister. He continues to hold the charge of Skill Development.

On the other hand, Balasore MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi, who was a Minister of State, resigned a few hours ahead of the Cabinet expansion.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Pradhan and many other leaders congratulated the two new ministers from Odisha.

"Congratulate Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw ji on being sworn in as Union Cabinet Minister. Your vast experience in administration, industry and shining academic credentials will help you serve the people in the best possible way. Wishing you all the very best," Patnaik tweeted. Congratulating Tudu, Patnaik said: "Your experience in public life will help you serve the nation." Pradhan said it is a matter of great pride for Odisha and its people. "Gratitude to PM Shri @narendramodi for keeping with his govt's trend of a stronger representation from Odisha in the Union council of ministers as well as in key govt portfolios. Their appointment will further strengthen Odisha's share of voice on the national platform," he said in a tweet. BJP Spokesperson Sambit Patra too wished them.

Ashwini Vaishnaw, born in Jodhpur in 1970, is former Odisha cadre IAS Officer of the 1994 batch. He joined the BJP in 2019 after being named as the party's nominee for Rajya Sabha. He was elected unopposed to the upper house with the support of ruling BJD.

He also worked in the PMO as the Deputy Secretary during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government. He was also the personal secretary to Vajpayee. Later, he left for the US to pursue an MBA.

He graduated from Jai Narayan Vyas University, Rajasthan in 1992 with a gold medal in Electronic and Communications engineering course and then completed his M Tech from IIT Kanpur, before cracking IAS.

Before joining politics, Tudu has been working as an engineer in the Water Resources Department in Odisha. He has been associated with the VHP and working for the welfare of the tribals for many years.
New Delhi, July 7 : A largely new team of ministers will take charge of bringing the Covid-ravaged economy back on path of revival with the Modi government on Wednesday effecting major changes in the portfolio of ministers of prime economic ministries.

While Piyush Goyal has now been given additional charge of Textiles along with his Commerce and Industry and Consumer Affairs, and Food and Civil Supplies portfolios, Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Puri will now also take charge of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry.

In the reshuffle, both ministers have also lost out on one of their earlier portfolios with Goyal losing Railways that will handled by Ashwini Vaishnaw, who will also hold additional charge as Minister of Communication and Information Technology.

Puri has also lost out on additional charge of Civil Aviation Ministry that now goes to Jyotiraditya Scindia who joins the government after moving to the BJP from Congress in March last year.

The cabinet reshuffle has also taken the load off from Roads and MSME Minister Nitin Gadkari as the all important Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Ministry has gone to former Maharashtra Chief Minister Narayan Tatu Rane while Port, Shipping and Waterways Ministry will now be looked by another former Chief Minster Sarbananda Sonowal, of Assam.

Dharmendra Pradhan, who held the charge as Petroleum Minister in the two terms of Modi government so far, is now the new Education Minister. He continues to hold the charge of the Skill Development Ministry.

The rejig comes at a time when India's growth has been heavily dented by the second wave of Covid. At present, major multilateral organisations have cut India's growth rate for FY22.

The performance of key economic ministries are expected to hold the key to bring back Indian economy on the growth path.

While changes have been made in several key ministries, Nirmala Sitharaman continues to hold all important charge of the Finance Ministry along with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. It is expected that new ministers would hold several round of talks with her in coming days to give inputs on next phase of economic stimulus that would be required in coming days.
New Delhi, July 7 : Following a major reshuffle in the Union Cabinet on Wednesday, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Rajya Sabha member from Odisha, has been appointed as India's next Electronics and IT Minister, besides helming the affairs in the Ministry of Communications.

Vaishnaw succeeded Ravi Shankar Prasad in both the ministries. Prasad was handling the IT Ministry since the Narendra Modi-led NDA government came to power in 2014, besides holding the Communications portfolio since 2019.

A former IAS Officer of 1994 batch, Vaishnaw handled important responsibilities over the last 15 years and was particularly known for his contribution to the PPP framework in infrastructure.

He has an MBA degree from Wharton School, Pennysylvania University, and an MTech degree from IIT Kanpur.

Vaishnaw has held leadership roles across major global companies such as General Electric and Siemens.

He takes charge of both the ministries at a crucial time.

The IT Ministry has been at loggerheads with Twitter over the new IT guidelines, while on the communications front, India awaits the rollout of 5G which is already running behind time.

Further, the financial stress in the telecom sector and the AGR dues would be the other major issues facing the new minister.

Although the other major social media companies have complied with the new IT Rules, sustained and strict implementation of these guidelines will remain a key task for Vaishnaw.

The industry has also expressed high hopes from the 50-year-old incoming minister.

Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman, ICEA: "We aspire that the new incumbent consolidates the gains made so far - particularly in mobile phone manufacturing." "Electronics is the second largest traded commodity in the world at $2 trillion. It permeates every vertical in our and the global economy. The new leadership can propel India into a leading economy on the back of manufacturing in general, and electronics manufacturing, in particular," Mohindroo said.
Mumbai, July 7 : Despite weak global cues, India's benchmark equity indices settled at their record closing highs largely led by stock specific action on Wednesday.

Accordingly, both the key indices opened in the negative and gradually inched up through the day to end almost at an intra-day high.

The Asian share markets stumbled on Wednesday as the investors braced for the minutes from the Federal Reserve's meeting which could confirm a hawkish turn in US monetary policy.

On the other hand, European stocks edged higher on Wednesday, shaking off losses on Wall Street triggered in part by softer-than-expected economic data.

In the domestic market, among sectors, realty and metals gained the most while oil and gas, consumer durables and energy fell the most.

The BSE midcap and smallcap indices ended marginally in the green.

Consequently, the BSE Sensex closed at 53,054.76, higher by 193.58 points or 0.37 per cent from its previous close of 52,861.18.

It had opened at 52,919.71 and touched an intra-day high of 53,105.41 points and a low of 52,751.76 points.

The Nifty50 on the National Stock Exchange also settled at a record closing high of 15,879.65, higher by 61.40 points or 0.39 per cent from its previous close.

The top gainers on the Sensex were Tata Steel, Bajaj Finance and IndusInd Bank, while the major losers were Titan Company, Maruti Suzuki and Reliance Industries.

"The current momentum can take the Nifty past the previous high," said Deepak Jasani, Head of Retail Research at HDFC Securities.

"Sectoral rotation continues while volumes remain subdued. On falls, Nifty could take support at 15,818, while on rises, once the previous high of 15,915 is sustainably breached, it could rise towards 15,970," Jasani According to Siddhartha Khemka, Head of Retail Research, Motilal Oswal Financial Services: "Sentiments were positive on account of receding pandemic cases, vaccination progress, strong May core sector data, improved traction in overall economic momentum in June indicating healthy corporate earnings for Q1.

"Robust pre-quarterly updates from Sobha, Titan, RBL Bank, Equitas among others also cheered the market. Fresh buying was seen in metals after Tata Steel reiterated its focus on capacity expansion in India. Realty stocks too surged led by signs of recovery for demand in residential real estate as unsold inventory declined further in Q2CY21." S. Ranganathan, Head of Research at LKP Securities: "Markets bounced back into the green in afternoon trade led by metal stocks.

"Cabinet reshuffle today created interest amongst market participants as we saw some hectic activity in 'Smaller Private Sector Banks'. Paper stocks too displayed strength in the broader markets."
New Delhi, July 7 : Piyush Goyal, who has been among the few ministers in Narendra Modi government holding charge of more than two ministries, has again been reloaded with an additional responsibility in Wednesday's Cabinet reshuffle.

The Commerce and Industry, and Food, Consumers Affairs and Civil Supplies Minister has now been entrusted with charge of the Textile ministry.

While he has lost out on the all important charge of the Railways Ministry, the Textile portfolio is expected to complement his existing functions in the Commerce Ministry where the prime aim is to push the country's exports and build trade relations with countries across the globe.

The handling of the Textiles portfolio by Goyal gains significance as along with the Commerce Ministry, this combination may support boosting India's textile exports at a time when the government envisions to make India self-sufficient and a global manufacturing hub.

The textile industry, which has largely witnessed declining in export orders for conventional products, has seen a silver lining in the past one year as it has forayed in manufacturing and export of PPE kits.

A boost to then textile sector through measures that support the industry gain competitiveness in the global markets would also hold the key to increase the country's overall exports.

India has recorded highest ever ever merchandise exports of $95 billion in April-June quarter of current fiscal year (FY22).

This is 85 per cent higher than exports of Q1 of 2020-21 and 18 per cent higher than the exports of Q1 of 2019-20. It is also 16 per cent more than the previous highest Q1 exports of 2018-19 ($ 82 billion) and is higher than the earlier peak of exports in Q4 of 2020-21 ($90 billion).

Based on improved performance, the government has now set exports target of $400 billion for FY22. To achieve this, Goyal would have see that sectoral momentum is maintained.
New Delhi, July 7 : Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Narayan Rane has been appointed as the new Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Rane, 69, was the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for a short stint in 1999 in the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance government.

He had been a six-time MLA and one-time MLC in Maharashtra and had served as cabinet minister handling important portfolios such as industries, revenue, ports and animal husbandry.

He takes charge of the MSME Ministry at a crucial time as the sector has been among the most affected business segments amid the Covid pandemic. The sector has been among the core focus of the government in its financial support announcements made in the past one year, including a separate resolution framework for MSMEs.

The government came with the much-talked about loan guarantee scheme for MSMEs and other eligible borrowers to cushion the impact of the pandemic.

Rane has been serving the public in elected offices across different capacities for over 35 years now. Before that, he had served in the Income Tax Department from 1971 to 1984.

Rane succeeds Nitin Gadkari, another senior BJP leader from Maharashtra.
New Delhi, July 8 : The Ministry of AYUSH has rejected a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology, a peer reviewed journal of the Indian National Association for the Study of the Liver.

This study mentions that use of the herb Tinospora Cordifolia (TC), commonly known as 'Giloy' or 'Guduchi', resulted in liver failure in six patients in Mumbai.

The ministry said "the authors of the study failed in placing all needful details of the cases in a systematic format. Apart from this, relating Giloy or TC to liver damage would be misleading and disastrous to the traditional medicine system of India as Guduchi or Giloy has been used in Ayurveda since long. The efficacy of TC in managing various disorders is well established." "It becomes the responsibility of the authors to ascertain that the herb consumed by the patients is TC and not any other herb. To build upon the soundness, the authors would have taken the opinion of a botanist or would have consulted an Ayurveda expert.

"In fact, there are many studies that point out that not identifying the herb correctly could lead to wrong results. A similar looking herb TinosporoCrispa might have a negative effect on the liver. So, before labelling a herb such as Giloy with such toxic nature, the authors should have tried to correctly identify the plants following the standard guidelines, which they did not," the ministry said.

Publications based on "incomplete information" will open the door for misinformation and defame the age-old practices of Ayurveda, the ministry said.

"It would not be out of context to state here that scientific evidence on medical applications of TC or Giloy as protective to liver, nerves etc. is available," it said.

"There are other hundreds of studies on Giloy and its safe use. Giloy is one of the most commonly prescribed medicines in Ayurveda. It has proper pharmacopoeia standards in place for established safety of hepatoprotective properties. No adverse event is noted in any clinical practice by pharmacovigilance or in any clinical study," it said.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Chennai, July 8 : The Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday informed the Madras High Court that the three suggestions of the Central government on temporary arrangements for admission to the 150 MBBS seats at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Madurai, be considered by the institute's governing body.

The governing body of the institute is meeting on July 16.

The Union Health and Family Welfare Secretary, in the counter-affidavit filed during the previous hearing, had stated that the ministry was willing to commence the services of AIIMS, Madurai, subject to availability of alternate space for starting the MBBS course as well as the Out Patient Department (OPD).

The court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by K. Pushpavanam, a law student in Madurai, seeking a temporary campus for AIIMS, Madurai to provide OPD services and to start MBBS courses like other AIIMS.

The division bench of Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice S. Ananthi, after hearing the contention of the Tamil Nadu government, said that the court was deferring hearing in the case till July 26.

The Centre had, in a letter on June 4, given three options -- either to send the students to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, or allow students to study at a government medical/arts college, or to permit admissions in any self-financing medical colleges at Madurai.

Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian had, on July 1, told media persons that the state government was not comfortable with any of the three suggestions given by the Union government for including the first batch of MBBS students in Madurai AIIMS till it gets its own building.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Bengaluru, July 8 : Karnataka on Wednesday ordered a complete waiver of property tax on single-screen theatres for the 2021-22 financial year.

After the Karnataka State Film Exhibitors Association (KSFEA) submitted a detailed memorandum to Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa here, the latter directed the officials to issue an order waiving property tax with immediate effect.

According to the order, the property tax waiver for single screen theatres will cost the state exchequer Rs 9 crore.

The KSFEA in its memorandum stated that with theatres remaining shut for almost 14 months due to the Covid-19 pandemic since March last year, barring a short window between February and April this year, the theatre owners have suffered huge losses.

The association said that no audience is likely to visit the theatres during this time, and many theatres are on the verge of even shutting down.

There are 630 single-screen theatres in the state. Over the past year, the theatres hardly opened for a month or two, following an unlock after the first wave of the pandemic.

Even though they were open, the theatres could operate only at 50 per cent capacity. Hence, the theatres could barely make up for the losses they incurred, according to the association.

The government order also stated that theatres may be allowed to operate for a month or two, and that too at 50 per cent capacity.
Mexico City, July 8 : Haiti's President Jovenel Moise has been killed and his wife injured in an attack on their home in the nation's capital, Port-au-Prince.

Unidentified gunmen stormed the property at 01:00 local time (05:00 GMT), interim PM Claude Joseph said.

He has called for calm and declared a state of emergency nationwide, the BBC reported.

Moise had led Haiti, one of the poorest nations in the world, since 2017 but had faced widespread protests demanding his resignation.

The nation's recent history has been plagued by coups, political instability and widespread gang violence.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted that he was "saddened at the death of Mr Moise", calling it "an abhorrent act" and appealing for calm. US President Joe Biden offered condolences to the people of Haiti for the "horrific assassination".

Joseph called the shooting of the President a "heinous, inhuman and barbaric act", saying the attackers were "foreigners who spoke English and Spanish". Haiti's official languages are Creole and French.

Some reports spoke of men dressed in black carrying high-powered weapons who may have pretended to be part of a US drug enforcement operation, although no official details have been given.

Haiti's ambassador to the US, Bocchit Edmond, said there was "no way" US drugs agents carried out the attack. He believed it was the work of "professional mercenaries".

Addressing the nation, Joseph vowed the killers would be brought to justice and said the security situation was "under control".

The state of emergency, or "state of siege", allows for the banning of gatherings and use of the military for police roles, along with other extensions of executive powers.

Joseph said that "all measures have been taken to ensure continuity" and that "democracy and the republic will win".

But questions remain about how much control Joseph can assert.

Haiti's constitution says ministers, under the leadership of the prime minister, take control in the event of presidential vacancy, until elections can be called.

But that also remains unclear, as a new prime minister, Ariel Henry, had been named by Moise just this week but has yet to be sworn in.

The US later said it believed elections should go ahead this year, to bring about a peaceful transfer of power.

The streets of the capital appeared to be mostly calm on Wednesday.

One Port-au-Prince resident, Pascale Solages, told the BBC: "We are on our cell phones, our radio, our television, waiting for what happens next...everyone is scared." The neighbouring Dominican Republic ordered the "immediate closure" of its border with Haiti.

First Lady Martine Moise is being treated in hospital.

Ambassador Edmond said that she was in a critical condition and attempts were being made to transfer her to Miami.
Washington, July 8 : US President Joe Biden on Wednesday condemned the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, calling it a "heinous act." "We are shocked and saddened to hear of the horrific assassination of President Jovenel Moise and the attack on First Lady Martine Moise of Haiti," Biden said in a statement.

"We condemn this heinous act, and I am sending my sincere wishes for First Lady Moise's recovery," he added. "The United States offers condolences to the people of Haiti, and we stand ready to assist as we continue to work for a safe and secure Haiti." "It's very worrisome about the state of Haiti," Biden told reporters at the White House before leaving for a trip to Illinois.

Haitian Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph said early on Wednesday that Moise was shot dead at his home, the Xinhua news agency reported.

Moise has been ruling Haiti by decree after legislative elections due in 2018 were delayed. Disputes have been around on when his term ends.

Haiti's constitutional referendum, which should have taken place in April but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, will be held on September 26, the national electoral commission announced on June 28.
Zoom DataParser captures users Zoom Chat, Zoom Meeting and Webinar chats.

17a-4, LLC has released Zoom DataParser in Beta for client testing and feedback. DataParser is the leading independent compliance solution to bring third-party data into any archive. Zoom is simplified video conferencing and messaging across any device. Zoom's secure, reliable video platform powers all of your communication needs, including meetings, chat, phone, webinars, and online events. DataParser brings your Zoom chats and meeting info into your archive for your supervision and eDiscovery needs.

The Beta version of Zoom DataParser is available now for testing and feedback. The final GA release date for Zoom DataParser will be announced soon. Zoom DataParser captures users Zoom Chat, Zoom Meeting and Webinar chats. Supported features include collection of meeting and participant data, message edits and deletes and video and audio recording files.

The new Zoom module of DataParser will be added to the already robust supported interface list joining Microsoft Teams, Slack, Webex Teams, Fuze, Yammer, Bloomberg and many others. As with all DataParser interfaces, Zoom chats are threaded into conversations and formatted into EMLs so they are easily ingested into an archive.

Weve designed DataParser to ensure full chain-of-custody. One of the largest money management firms was able to prove the integrity of their archived messages by using 17a-4's chain-of-custody methodology when challenged in court. said Charles Weeden, Managing Partner of 17a-4.

DataParser has no impact on the collected data source networks or destination archives. Users chat and collaboration activities are not disrupted by the DataParsers processes and Compliance officers do not have to make changes to eDiscovery procedures. All ingested data sources are fully indexed and searchable via typical eDiscovery queries. All major archiving technologies are supported by DataParser allowing clients to leverage in house resources and keep compliance costs to a minimum.

DataParser offers on-premise and cloud plans. For more information about the upcoming DataParser releases visit 17a-4.com.

About 17a-4 LLC:

17a-4 is a compliance services and software company with a focus on solutions to meet regulatory and e-discovery needs of institutional clients. Clients leverage 17a-4s expertise to ensure information infrastructures comply with SEC (Rule 17a-4), FINRA and CFTC (Rule 1.31) regulations. 17a-4 services include Designated Third Party, Books & Records audits, Archive Reviews and assessments of compliant architectures.

17a-4s DataParser is the leading independent middleware solution for messaging compliance. DataParser offers on-premise and hosted plans and is deployed globally managing enterprise communication systems to archive millions of chats daily. 17a-4s eDisclaimer is a hyperlinked messaging disclaimer service for compliance with regulatory requirements and legal protection for corporate messaging. PostLog is 17a-4s service to capture Twitter and YouTube activities. 17a-4s architecture provides for a single-point in which all e-messaging content may be managed for retention, legal and regulatory holds and e-discovery productions.

17a-4 is based in New York.

All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.
This combination was natural due to similarities in culture, clients and operating style.

Aduro Advisors (Aduro) announces continued growth with key acquisition and increased headcount. Aduro acquired Riedmiller and Associates (R&A), a boutique Venture Capital Fund Administrator known industry-wide for their high quality of service and team. The acquisition was effective January 15, 2021 and was part of a strategic initiative to increase Aduros portfolio and expand the Companys presence within the Venture Capital community, as well as regionally in Southern California.

This combination was natural due to similarities in culture, clients and operating style. The alignment shared by the organizations, coupled with the value add of Aduros FundPanel.io platform, enabled a smooth transition, while providing added benefit to R&A clients and team, says CEO Braughm Ricke. R&A built a well-respected practice, and we are proud to have their team members and clients on board.

Additionally, Aduro has grown headcount by 24% since the beginning of the year. The increase is reflective of the business growth and Aduros reputation in the market. New hires have cited Aduros culture and career growth opportunities as the reason for joining the team. Aduro has also added key members to the organizations senior operational team to support the continued growth. Aduro currently has 12 positions open.

Aduro Advisors is the premier fund administrator, preferred by Fund Managers for its purpose-built software platform, FundPanel.io, and highly trained service team led by industry veterans. Founded in 2012, Aduro has built a reputation as a trusted partner that delivers a custom-tailored, high-tech, high-touch experience to its clients. From emerging managers to established firms, Aduro believes every client deserves the same level of sophisticated and thoughtful service to help navigate an ever-changing investment environment. To learn more visit http://www.aduroadvisors.com
Dr. Cybele Fishman I truly love being a Dermatologist, and trying to help people feel good about their skin whether through helping with medical issues or performing cosmetic procedures.

Advanced Dermatology, PC (ADPC), a leading dermatology center with over 50 locations across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut, today announced that it has entered a new partnership with Dr. Cybele Fishman of Integrative Dermatology, located within the New York City Financial/Tribeca area.

Dr. Cybele Fishman of Integrative Dermatology has a long history of providing superior dermatological services to their patients in New York City, and we are thrilled to welcome her to our practice," said Dr. Joshua Fox, Founder and Medical Director of Advanced Dermatology, PC.

Integrative Dermatology was founded in 2011 by Cybele Fishman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center. In addition, she completed advanced fellowship training in Melanoma and Pigmented Lesions at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

I truly love being a Dermatologist, and trying to help people feel good about their skin whether through helping with medical issues or performing cosmetic procedures, said Dr. Fishman. Dr. Fox shares my commitment to excellent patient care, and empowers his physicians to keep providing that high level of care under Advanced Dermatology, PC. As a part of Advanced Dermatology, we will have access to many more lasers than before, and I will be able to offer more types of specialized treatments for my patients. We look forward to working together to continue elevating the standard of patient care.

Advanced Dermatology, PC continues to seek partnerships with dermatologists in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. ADPCs infrastructure and robust platform provides the tools and support that allow dermatology practices to provide state-of-the-art services and superior patient care.

About Advanced Dermatology PC

Since 1986, Advanced Dermatology, PC, and the Center for Laser & Cosmetic Surgery have offered a wide array of medical, cosmetic, laser, and plastic surgery services. In addition to specializing in all areas of adult and pediatric dermatology, many of the Companys dermatologists have subspecialty training. In 2021, nine of our doctors were awarded the esteemed Castle-Connolly Top Doctors Award by their colleagues. With over 50 offices in NY, NJ, PA, and CT, Advanced Dermatology offers personalized, cost-effective, conservative, effective, and less painful treatments for a wide variety of skin conditions. http://www.advanceddermatologypc.com
Dr. Gail Whitman Dr. Gail B. Whitman has a long history of providing superior dermatological services to their patients in Connecticut.

Advanced Dermatology, PC (ADPC), a leading dermatology center with over 50 locations across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut, today announced that it has entered a new partnership with Dr. Gail Whitman of SkinCare Physicians of Fairfield County, with offices in Stratford and Norwalk, Connecticut.

Dr. Gail B. Whitman has a long history of providing superior dermatological services to their patients in Connecticut, and we are thrilled to welcome them and their talented associates to our practice," said Dr. Joshua Fox, Founder and Medical Director of Advanced Dermatology, PC.

Founded in 1998 by Dr. Gail Whitman, SkinCare Physicians of Fairfield County provides quality medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatology services to patients in Stratford and Norwalk, Connecticut. Dr. Whitman completed her dermatology residency at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City. She also does volunteer work for Camp Discovery, a program for kids with debilitating skin conditions ranging from eczema and psoriasis, to vitiligo and alopecia, to epidermolysis bullosa and ichthyosis. Her well trained providers have built a strong reputation for providing superior cosmetic and dermatological care.

We are thrilled to be part of such a prolific and state-of-the-art practice," said Dr. Gail Whitman. "This new partnership will enable the SkinCare Physicians of Fairfield County to be integrated into Advanced Dermatology and my patients will benefit from the additional services and lasers that we can provide.

Advanced Dermatology, PC continues to seek partnerships with dermatologists in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. ADPCs infrastructure and robust platform provides the tools and support that allow dermatology practices to provide state-of-the-art services and superior patient care.

About Advanced Dermatology PC

Since 1986, Advanced Dermatology, PC, and the Center for Laser & Cosmetic Surgery have offered a wide array of medical, cosmetic, laser, and plastic surgery services. In addition to specializing in all areas of adult and pediatric dermatology, many of the Companys dermatologists have subspecialty training. In 2021, nine of our doctors were awarded the esteemed Castle-Connolly Top Doctors Award by their colleagues. With over 50 offices in NY, NJ, PA, and CT, Advanced Dermatology offers personalized, cost-effective, conservative, effective, and less painful treatments for a wide variety of skin conditions. http://www.advanceddermatologypc.com


AML RightSource Acquires Blue Umbrella With our collective capabilities and footprint, we are now able to address and support a broader range of our clients governance, risk and compliance needs around the globe. - Frank Ewing, CEO, AML RightSource

AML RightSource (AMLRS), the leading firm focused on fighting financial crime for our clients and the world, is pleased to announce that it has acquired Blue Umbrella Limited (Blue Umbrella), increasing the breadth of compliance services and technology solutions available to corporates and financial institutions.

Founded in 2009, Blue Umbrella offers third-party compliance technology and due diligence services using custom automated workflows to corporate clients across a range of industries, including technology, food and agriculture, life sciences, and financial services. Blue Umbrellas differentiated technology platform and 200 team members support clients across Asia, Latin America, Europe, and North America.

Allan Matheson, CEO of Blue Umbrella, stated, Were delighted to be joining forces with AML RightSource to integrate our technology offerings and custom due diligence processes into their suite of client-centered compliance solutions. Together, we can provide end-to-end solutions to corporate and financial service clients around the world, better supporting their compliance activities and efforts to reinforce ethical corporate and individual behavior.

Allan will continue to lead strategy for Blue Umbrella as Vice Chairman and contribute to strategic initiatives across the AML RightSource group.

We are very excited to bring Allan and the Blue Umbrella team onboard. Their sophistication, innovation, and commitment to high-quality service sets them apart in the compliance technology industry, stated Frank Ewing, Chief Executive Officer at AMLRS, With our collective capabilities and footprint, we are now able to address and support a broader range of our clients governance, risk and compliance needs around the globe.

AML RightSource is backed by Gridiron Capital, LLC (Gridiron Capital), a leading investment firm focused on partnering with founders, entrepreneurs, and management teams.

About Blue Umbrella Limited

Blue Umbrella provides due diligence research and innovative third-party compliance technologies. Combining global research excellence with disruptive RegTech SaaS solutions, Blue Umbrella serves multinational corporations and mid-size companies working in technology, manufacturing, life sciences, defense/aerospace, agriculture, energy, finance, and consumer goods, as well as top-tier investment banks. With a global presence and local focus, Blue Umbrella helps compliance teams increase automation and efficiency, reduce costs, and gain critical understanding of their partners, vendors, and agents. Learn more at blueumbrella.com.

About AML RightSource, LLC

AML RightSource is the leading firm focused on fighting financial crime for our clients and the world. AMLRS provides custom solutions to financial institutions, FinTechs, money service businesses, and corporations. Using a blend of highly-trained anti-financial crime professionals, cutting edge technology tools, and industry leading consultants, AML RightSource assists clients with their Anti-Money Laundering (AML)/Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), transaction monitoring, client onboarding (KYC), enhanced due diligence (EDD), and risk management needs. We support clients in meeting day-to-day compliance tasks, urgent projects, and strategic changes. Our global staff of more than 2,000 highly trained analysts and subject matter experts is the industry's largest team of full-time compliance professionals. AML RightSource is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. For more information, visit: http://www.amlrightsource.com.

About Gridiron Capital

Gridiron Capital is an investment firm focused on partnering with founders, entrepreneurs, and management teams, and creating value by building middle-market companies into industry-leaders in branded consumer, B2B and B2C services, and niche industrial segments in the United States and Canada. We help transform growing companies by winning together through hard work, partnerships grounded in shared values and a unique culture that comes from hands-on experience building and running businesses. As a team led by former operators and entrepreneurs, we know what it takes to run successful businesses on a day-to-day basis. Additional information is available on the firms website: gridironcapital.com.
Appalachia Technologies, a Managed IT and Cybersecurity Provider, is pleased to announce that the Company now has three (3) Approved Registered Practitioners (RPs) on staff: Jason McNew, Senior Engineer, Cybersecurity Risk & Compliance, Andy Warren, Senior Security Engineer, and Mike Romano, Principal Partner.

Warren has background in the private sector while McNew and Romano both have extensive prior experience with the Department of Defense, including military service in the United States Air Force and Navy, respectively.

The approval comes on the heels of Appalachias recent announcement of their approval as a Registered Provider Organization (RPO) by the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Accreditation Body (CMMC-AB). The company plans to continue investing in the training and certification of their staff as part of their growing CMMC consulting practice.

To become an RP, applicants must complete extensive training and testing, as well as pass critical background checks to further protect the integrity of the CMMC process. RPs act as consultants to organizations as they prepared for CMMC, and their accreditation by the CMMC-AB itself provides organizations confirmation that they are being prepared in line with the audit standards and requirements.

As an RPO in the CMMC ecosystem, Appalachia is authorized to provide consulting services to defense contractors and employs trained staff in the CMMC methodology. RPO status is achieved once an organization meets specific criteria, including Registered Provider (RP) training completion by a staff member and a background check of the organization and associated RPs.

Leading Appalachias CMMC practice, Jason McNew founded Stronghold Cyber Security (SCS); a company specializing in NIST, CMMC, and DFARS compliance consulting services to defense contractors, which was acquired by Appalachia in 2020. The acquisition has strengthened Appalachias position in the marketplace as a leading cybersecurity firm. With the combined expertise, Appalachia provides the most comprehensive, end-to-end security compliance offering; starting with a readiness assessment, then moving on to assist with remediation and ongoing IT management and security monitoring (SIEM).

I started NIST 800-171 consulting with defense contractors nearly 4 years ago now, just as the DoD first started mandating compliance with that framework, says Jason McNew. The CMMC was envisioned firstly as an enforcement mechanism, and secondly to address the one size fits all shortcomings of 800-171. Its has been very interesting and exciting to watch the evolution of the CMMC, and in particular to see how the market responds with clever solutions. The DoD is trying to get a major national security threat and serious financial problem under control, and there is just no way to accomplish that overnight. This is a massive undertaking, and it will take until 2025 to get all 300,000 contractors certified. The contractors who personally worry me the most, are the very small and especially the Mom and Pop type businesses  cybersecurity is usually just not a language they speak at all, and its also expensive. These companies run a real risk of going out of business if they dont follow the path to CMMC certification.

Principal Partner, Mike Romano, added, With 30 years of DoD affiliation, I've seen the evolution and early adoption of tech across the armed forces. It only makes sense that the DOD is taking a leading position in the fight to thwart our Cyber adversaries by creating a robust, yet secure supply chain system in support of the defense industrial base. Holding the cogs in the wheel to an operating standard around secure tech, is the most meaningful gesture that we can embrace in support of national security and CMMC is the answer we've been looking for.

Andy Warren, Senior Security Engineer is pleased with the designation because it helps us give the best possible advice to our clients. CMMC is a heavy lift and anything we can do to make that easier is worth the effort.

To Learn more about CMMC and how Appalachia can help your organization achieve compliance, visit: https://appalachiatech.com/cmmc/cmmc-readiness-services

To schedule a meeting with one of Appalachias CMMC Subject Matter Experts, contact us at or call 888-277-8320.

About Appalachia Technologies, LLC:

Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Appalachia was founded in 2004 and is a Best Places to Work in PA for 4 years in a row. Appalachia has been a Top 50 Fastest Growing Company in PA and has been named on the MSSP Alert Top 250 MSSPs, CRN MSP 500, and Channel Futures MSP 501 Lists. Appalachia is a SOC 2, Type II Audited company.

At Appalachia Technologies, we help businesses in our community stay ahead of the latest cybersecurity threats through a combination of technology, service, and education. We begin with a security risk assessment of the environment and then we build a cyber security roadmap to identify and prioritize improvements to your overall security posture. Our managed security services allow you to focus on your business goals and objectives, while our SOC (Security Operations Center) proactively monitors, manages and responds to security events in your environment.

For more information, visit: https://appalachiatech.com/
In the research project FLAIROP, the robots are trained with different articles in separate locations. The weights from all stations are collected and optimized using various criteria.

Production, warehouse, shipping - where goods are produced, stored, sorted or packed, picking also takes place. This means that several individual goods are removed from storage units such as boxes or cartons and reassembled. With the FLAIROP (Federated Learning for Robot Picking) project Festo and researchers from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), together with partners from Canada, want to make picking robots smarter using distributed AI methods. To do this, they are investigating how to use training data from multiple stations, from multiple plants, or even companies without requiring participants to hand over sensitive company data.

We are investigating how the most versatile training data possible from multiple locations can be used to develop more robust and efficient solutions using artificial intelligence algorithms than with data from just one robot," says Jonathan Auberle from the Institute of Material Handling and Logistics (IFL) at KIT. In the process, items are further processed by autonomous robots at several picking stations by means of gripping and transferring. At the various stations, the robots are trained with very different articles. At the end, they should be able to grasp articles from other stations that they have not yet learned about. "Through the approach of federated learning, we balance data diversity and data security in an industrial environment," says the expert.

Powerful algorithms for industry and logistics 4.0

Until now, federated learning has been used predominantly in the medical sector for image analysis, where the protection of patient data is a particularly high priority. Consequently, there is no exchange of training data such as images or grasp points for training the artificial neural network. Only pieces of stored knowledge - the local weights of the neural network that tell how strongly one neuron is connected to another - are transferred to a central server. There, the weights from all stations are collected and optimized using various criteria. Then the improved version is played back to the local stations and the process repeats. The goal is to develop new, more powerful algorithms for the robust use of artificial intelligence for industry and Logistics 4.0 while complying with data protection guidelines.

In the FLAIROP research project, we are developing new ways for robots to learn from each other without sharing sensitive data and company secrets. This brings two major benefits: we protect our customers' data, and we gain speed because the robots can take over many tasks more quickly. In this way, the collaborative robots can, for example, support production workers with repetitive, heavy, and tiring tasks, explains Jan Seyler, Head of Advanced Develop. Analytics and Control at Festo SE & Co. KG During the project, a total of four autonomous picking stations will be set up for training the robots: Two at the KIT Institute for Material Handling and Logistics (IFL) and two at the Festo SE company based in Esslingen am Neckar.

Start-up DarwinAI and University of Waterloo from Canada are further partners

DarwinAI is thrilled to provide our Explainable (XAI) platform to the FLAIROP project and pleased to work with such esteemed Canadian and German academic organizations and our industry partner, Festo. We hope that our XAI technology will enable high-value human-in-the-loop processes for this exciting project, which represents an important facet of our offering alongside our novel approach to Federated Learning. Having our roots in academic research, we are enthusiastic about this collaboration and the industrial benefits of our new approach for a range of manufacturing customers, says Sheldon Fernandez, CEO, DarwinAI.

The University of Waterloo is ecstatic to be working with Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and a global industrial automation leader like Festo to bring the next generation of trustworthy artificial intelligence to manufacturing. By harnessing DarwinAIs Explainable AI (XAI) and Federated Learning, we can enable AI solutions to help support factory workers in their daily production tasks to maximize efficiency, productivity, and safety, says Dr. Alexander Wong, Co-director of the Vision and Image Processing Research Group, University of Waterloo, and Chief Scientist at DarwinAI.

About FLAIROP

The FLAIROP (Federated Learning for Robot Picking) project is a partnership between Canadian and German organizations. The Canadian project partners focus on object recognition through Deep Learning, Explainable AI, and optimization, while the German partners contribute their expertise in robotics, autonomous grasping through Deep Learning, and data security.



KIT-IFL: consortium leadership, development grasp determination, development automatic learning data generation.

KIT-AIFB: Development of Federated Learning Framework

Festo SE & Co. KG: development of picking stations, piloting in real warehouse logistics

University of Waterloo (Canada): Development object recognition

Darwin AI (Canada): Local and Global Network Optimization, Automated Generation of Network Structures

For more information contact natasha.gosine@festo.com. And visit http://www.festo.com/us for more information on Festo products and services.

###

About Festo

Festo is a leading manufacturer of pneumatic and electromechanical systems, components, and controls for process and industrial automation. For more than 40 years, Festo Corporation has continuously elevated the state of manufacturing with innovations and optimized motion control solutions that deliver higher performing, more profitable automated manufacturing and processing equipment.

Connect with Festo: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube
Our event is about raising awareness for breast cancer and helping this amazing organization by bringing people together in a healthy, fun and positive setting, says Dr. Christine Blaine

Blaine Plastic Surgery is holding its first breast cancer fundraising event in honor of Dr. Blaine's late mother, Maryanne Blaine. Fitness experts, F45 Training, will be hosting the Blaine Plastic Surgery sponsored fundraiser on Saturday, July 10th at 3027 Jericho Tpke, East Northport, NY, from 1:00-1:45 pm. All fitness levels are welcome to attend, and participants just need to bring water and a towel. A $25.00 minimum donation is recommended with 100% of all proceeds being donated to PinkAid https://pinkaid.org/pa/. PinkAids mission is to assist underserved local women to survive breast cancer treatment with support and dignity, provide screening and financial assistance to those in need and empower breast cancer survivors to heal by inspiring others.

Our event is about raising awareness for breast cancer and helping this amazing organization by bringing people together in a healthy, fun and positive setting, says Dr. Christine Blaine

For event information please visit:

https://blaineplasticsurgery.com/specials-events-staging/

Participants can reserve their spot and donate through Venmo @f45-dixhills, referencing "PinkAid" in the memo.

More about Blaine Plastic Surgery:

Christine Blaine, M.D., FACS is a board-certified plastic surgeon with three New York offices in Huntington, Staten Island and the newly opened location at The Parlor NYC. Dr. Christine Blaine has earned a stellar reputation as one of the best New York plastic and cosmetic surgeons. Dr. Christine Blaine and her all-female staff welcome the opportunity to assist patients in achieving their cosmetic goals. Blaine Plastic Surgery oers a wide menu of services, including surgical, non-surgical facial rejuvenation, breast and body surgery along with intimate plastic surgery to highlight a few. Dr. Blaine provides a compassionate approach, using the latest advanced technology to create natural and lasting results for her patients. For more information, please visit blaineplasticsurgery.com or call (631) 470-2000.
One of my objectives in business ownership was to do something meaningful in the community. I also wanted to find a fit with a brand that I could grow with, Andy Woods, British Swim School franchise owner said.

British Swim School, the nations leading learn to swim franchise, plans to add several new locations in the Jacksonville, Florida market this summer. These locations are part of a recent multi-unit deal with new franchise owner Andy Woods, a local resident who is ready to offer British Swim School as a valuable resource to families in the region.

This is a market with tremendous opportunity for growth, and one where British Swim School can provide real value over current options, Woods said. Theres great potential to reach groups and areas within the city that dont necessarily have a lot of access to swim instruction. The ability to bring this to more places in town will be a huge benefit. There are a lot of different methods for training kids how to swim, but I think our fun and gentle approach will resonate with First Coast families.

British Swim School focuses on teaching survival skills and stroke development to students of all ages. Lessons can begin with children as young as 3 months old.

Woods, who will oversee the area that includes all of Jacksonville and down through St. Augustine, has a background in operations and supply chain management. He says the business model and support British Swim School offers was a major factor in his confidence in the brand.

One of my objectives in business ownership was to do something meaningful in the community. I also wanted to find a fit with a brand that I could grow with, Woods said.

British Swim School, an elite swim school franchise model, was launched in England in 1981. It was then brought to the United States and Canada, and eventually rolled out to more than 200 locations across North America - Jacksonville is the most recent addition to the system.

We are thrilled to bring British Swim School to Jacksonville and extend our footprint in Florida, said Brian Garrison, British Swim School president. Our team has been so impressed with Andys passion and excitement for what our brand can bring to his community. Were fully confident in his ability to achieve our mission of helping families ensure their children can become safe and happy swimmers.

Research shows that participation in formal swim programs, such as those offered by British Swim School, can reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent among children who are most at risk for accidental death by drowning. British Swim School will teach water safety and survival first and swim stroke development second. Students are placed in classes based on skill level.

For more information, visit http://www.britishswimschool.com.

Devastating News on Drownings:



Drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States among children aged 14 or younger. (CDC)

Seventy-seven percent of drowning deaths involve children under age 5. (American Academy of Pediatrics)

African American children between ages 519 are 5.5 times more likely to drown in a pool than white children of the same age. (USA Swimming Foundation)

About British Swim School

British Swim Schools mission is to teach water safety and survival skills to children as young as 3 months old. British Swim School was founded in 1981 using the unique and highly effective teaching methods that are a recognized trademark of the brand today. Acquired by Buzz Franchise Brands in early 2019, British Swim School is part of the Buzz Franchise Brands family, which includes Pool Scouts, a pool cleaning and maintenance company, and Home Clean Heroes, a residential cleaning company. British Swim School currently operates over 200 schools across the United States and Canada and will celebrate its 40th anniversary later this summer. For more information about British Swim School, visit https://britishswimschool.com/ . To learn more about the benefits of British Swim Schools franchising opportunities, visit https://britishswimschoolfranchise.com/. For more information about Buzz Franchise Brands, visit https://www.buzzfranchisebrands.com/
When West Town Bank Executive Vice President and COO Melissa Marsal was researching ways to be able to bank more hemp and CBD businesses, it was a chance meeting with Justin Fischer, founder of RiskScout, that led to her finding the perfect solution to her needs.

For nearly one hundred years, West Town Bank has served as an Illinois state-chartered financial institution with a national presence.

As the hemp and CBD space continues to grow, the need for reliable banking partners has entered the spotlight but due to the sheer amount of compliance necessary for banks and credit unions to onboard and maintain these accounts, many will often turn these businesses away. This hesitation has resulted in a multi-billion industry operating largely on a cash only basis, which not only impedes the industrys growth but also poses a heightened threat for criminal activity and prevents the proper tracking of billions in finances across the nation.

With this understanding, Marsal sought out ways to be able to offer banking services to many more of these types of higher-risk, underbanked and underserved industries, and she knew a streamlined approach around compliance was going to be the key to success.

After meeting Fischer at a Pittsburgh-area conference in 2019, the two struck up an impactful conversation, which led to a fast and strong partnership between the two companies.

Only four months later, West Town Bank was fully geared up to scale its hemp and CBD banking initiative nationwide.

RiskScout has allowed us to scale our program on a broader stage than we would have ever been able to do without needing to add additional staff, exclaims Marsal.

Right now, depending on each clients needs, West Town Bank can offer its full suite of Treasury Management Services, as well as Merchant Processing Services.

RiskScout helps us navigate the onboarding compliance aspects much faster, which are far different than any other typical business client we work with because theyre not going to have to be held to the same standards. The prospect comes to us, we get the information we need, and we get it expedited to ensure a seamless onboarding experience.

As Marsal explains, up until she found RiskScout, there werent really any good programs on the market that helped with providing enhanced due diligence and ongoing monitoring.

She continues, RiskScout gives us one place to house this information, with reminders and everybody having access to it, including our regulators and our auditors. Their platform is first-in-class when it comes to user experience, and I dont know of another system that is doing it as well or even similar to RiskScout. It has significantly made our compliance department more efficient.

Prior to RiskScout, our teams worked in Excel spreadsheets and Word documents, and it was a lot of manual work to track and manage. We now have it all condensed within RiskScout, which is a lifesaver for the ongoing management of high-risk customers. If youre a financial institution that offers more than one product or service to the hemp and CBD industry, RiskScout alleviates the pressure of the customer entering the data multiple times or having multiple relationships with different areas of the bank. It pulls it all together.

Basically, it allows us to say, If youre a hemp or CBD customer, weve already vetted you through our compliance program utilizing RiskScout. Now you pick and choose your products or services. This is all we needed to make sure we can bank you and now well place you with whatever resource, service or solution you need and you dont have to give us that information again.

West Town Bank has now been using RiskScout for over a year and has been able to quickly scale up its banking of hemp and CBD customers. And now Marsal has her sights set on new endeavors as well.

Because of RiskScout and the efficiencies weve garnered from it, it has allowed us to expand our purview to look at other higher-risk industries as well [such as money services businesses, Private ATMs, cryptocurrency, and more], which RiskScout can also help bank. Had we not utilized RiskScout, we probably would not be entertaining these ideas. RiskScout allows for this and will be a part of our growth into other sectors. They are a true long-term partner of the bank.

For more information on RiskScout, visit http://www.riskscout.com. For more information on West Town Bank & Trust, visit http://www.westtownbank.com.
CheckAlt, the premier provider of loan payment and item processing solutions for credit unions and banks in the U.S., has partnered with LEVERAGE Payment Solutions to address historical challenges in supporting indirect loans while creating operational efficiencies and improving the credit union borrower experience.

We are excited to be able to help empower LEVERAGE Payment Solutions to better serve credit union membership to solve a historical pain point in the loan repayment space, said Allison Murray, Chief Growth Officer for CheckAlt. Managing both direct and indirect loans is a longstanding pain point for credit unions that requires significant manual effort to ensure payments on loans from outside accounts are properly received. CheckAlts LoanPay solves that problem, provides a better member experience while also supporting credit union collections departments.

LoanPay enables loan payments anytime, anywhereonline, SMS text, in-person, by a call center representative, or by phone via interactive voice response. Designed with credit unions in mind, LoanPay is the premier loan payment processing platform to support indirect and direct borrowers, including the ability to accept loan payments from any outside account.

The LoanPay platform addresses common challenges credit unions experience while supporting direct and indirect loans while also accepting loan payments regardless of locationa key factor in member retention, said Lindsey Cole, Chief Operating Officer for LEVERAGE. The LEVERAGE team works hard while vetting new partners. We purposefully select the top brands with solid reputations. Thats why weve partnered with CheckAlt to provide LoanPay to credit union members and improving the loan repayment experience for credit unions and borrowers.

To learn more about CheckAlt's LoanPay, please visit https://www.checkalt.com/products/loan-payment-processing

###

About CheckAlt

In the past 10 years, CheckAlt has become the leading provider of check payment processing solutions for hundreds of financial institutions across the country. As both channel agnostic and industry agnostic, CheckAlt is uniquely positioned to meet evolving payment processing needs. It has been our focus to process check payments while also eliminating paper from the system with robust electronic payment APIs. CheckAlts solutions include lockbox processing across a nationwide hub-and-spoke network of processing sites, consolidated item processing, integrated treasury solutions, and mobile capture services. CheckAlt is headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif.

About LEVERAGE

LEVERAGE, the Service Corporation for the League of Southeastern Credit Unions, is the business services provider that leverages credit union system resources, relationships, and industry knowledge for optimal performance and sustained growth of its clients and business partners. We work to offer credit unions best-in-class products and services that result in reducing costs, maximizing results, and making the most difference. For more information, visit myleverage.com or follow LEVERAGE on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Christians Be Warned!: The Enemy Is Amoung Us By William Nieves There are many things the Bible tells us between good versus evil which relates to todays politics in America. My book is a wake-up call to Christians to share with them the strategies God wants society to follow to remain a superpower.

Over the past few years, there have been many changes in the United States political system. In William Nieves debut book, Christians Be Warned!: The Enemy Is Amoung Us, he outlines his concerns regarding the nations future. Nieves discusses how the past few years panned out under Donald Trumps term as the President of the United States and explains how the enemy is among society.

Throughout the book, Nieves provides feedback on how Christians can come together to help the United States get back on what he believes is the right path. Christians Be Warned! dives into the differences among the two political parties while focusing on the good and evil that have recently been seen throughout todays politics.

After much prayer, God bestowed on me to write my new book, Christians Be Warned!, said Nieves. There are many things the Bible tells us between good versus evil which relates to todays politics in America. My book is a wake-up call to Christians to share with them the strategies God wants society to follow to remain a superpower.

Ultimately, Christians Be Warned shines a light on the enemy that is among the United States and how the author advises the best way to move forward. Nieves stresses how to overcome this evil throughout the book, hoping to open the eyes of many.

Christians Be Warned!: The Enemy Is Amoung Us

By William Nieves

ISBN: 978-1-4808-9745-8 (softcover); 978-1-4808-9746-5 (electronic)

Available at Archway Publishing, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the author

William Nieves is a Christian author who published his debut book, Christians Be Warned! He currently resides in Magnolia, Texas.

General Inquiries:

LAVIDGE  Phoenix

480-998-2600

gconnor@lavidge.com


CIENCE Names Tim Savage SVP of Sales Development Operations Under Tims leadership, I have no doubt that our portfolio of clients will continue to grow, all while helping our current clients create more revenue, said Eric Quanstrom, CMO at CIENCE.

Tim joined CIENCE in April after serving more than 22 years in sales and business development roles at RangeForce and various other companies, where he was accountable for driving business growth across a multitude of different business lines.

Under Tims leadership, I have no doubt that our portfolio of clients will continue to grow, all while helping our current clients create more revenue, said Eric Quanstrom, CMO at CIENCE. Im confident that his knowledge, energy and creativity will serve the company and all our customers very well.

Tim moves into a newly created role as CIENCE is experiencing unprecedented growth, with over 1,500 clients in 195 industries and over 1,000 employees across the globe. CIENCE has been recognized among the fastest-growing privately-held companies in America by the Financial Times (FT Fastest), Inc. magazine (Inc 5000), Adweek, Clutch (Top 100), and the San Diego Business Journal.

I couldnt be more thrilled that Tim is our new SVP, Michael Maynes, CRO at CIENCE said. Hes an amazing sales operations talent and all-around great human. He has deep sales development, P&L, and even marketing experience, and is a highly respected leader for the team. Im excited to be working with him to help take CIENCE to the next level.

Per this appointment, Tim will implement innovative strategies for CIENCE clients, while at the same time designing training programs for internal development of staff.

About CIENCE

CIENCE is a People-as-a-Service company, offering a unique blend of managed services and software to scale fast-growth sales organizations. Through highly targeted bespoke sales research and multi-channel orchestrated outbound campaigns, CIENCE delivers scalable results for over 1,500 companies across more than 195 B2B industries.

CIENCE is a global organization, with headquarters in San Diego, CA (USA) and offices in Denver, CO (USA), San Francisco, CA (USA), Lexington, KY (USA), Kyiv, Ukraine (Europe), Manila, Philippines (Asia), and Guadalajara, Mexico (Americas). Connect with us online at cience.com or on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.
Cognito EMEA has hired a wave of talent to support its growth in 2021. Angelina Haynes joins the London team as an Associate Director to bolster the professional services and legal service offering in EMEA. Cognito has in the last month also made four further hires and brought in two graduates for the PR & Marketing teams.

Angelina was previously a Senior PR Manager at global law firm Eversheds Sutherland where she led multiple PR and communications programs for key practice groups. She brings a wealth of agency experience managing big brands across financial services, fintech and B2B sectors working at Eulogy, Grayling and Kelso Consulting.

Most recently, Angelina led a series of integrated campaigns for international organisations to elevate their purpose, sustainability and ESG strategies. She will be responsible for overseeing and developing these areas for a variety of Cognitos high-profile clients, in addition to supporting ambitious growth plans.

Sebastian Mathews, EMEA MD for Cognito, commented: Angelina brings energy, enthusiasm and experience, which will add significant value to our clients and the team. She has an impressive record of delivering quality and meaningful results, along with an excellent knowledge of the media and digital landscape.

Cognito has made four further hires in the last month including two account executives, a digital producer and a developer. It has also just brought in two graduates for the summer as part of its Graduate Programme. Having continued to grow in 2021, the new team members will help support Cognitos roster of clients and support the growth and development of the wider office.

Covid-19 has created a lot of uncertainty and were pleased that weve managed to grow as a business over the last 18 months and be in a position to bring in new talent. Young talent has had it particularly tough due to Covid, so were really pleased to have found some great people keen to build their careers in integrated comms, PR and marketing. given a chance in. I look forward to helping shape the beginnings of their careers. continued Sebastian Mathews.

****

About Cognito

Cognito is an integrated financial communications consulting firm for the finance, technology and professional services sectors. With offices in New York, London, San Diego, Singapore, Hong Kong and Amsterdam, we help firms improve their performance, meet business objectives and manage their reputation. We combine strategy and planning, marketing, design, PR and social expertise, together with proprietary software that delivers measurability and intelligence. Read more at cognitomedia.com and follow us on Twitter at @CognitoPR
Customers can choose from an array of colorful, sport-specific templates, with creative backgrounds and unique shapes and graphics.

Colorado Time Systems (CTS), a PlayCore company, is pleased to release its Template Studio Services for DisplayLink+ (DL+) software. DL+ is a dynamic software interface program designed for CTS LED video displays and provides robust integration of scoring, timing, graphics, and animation to the display during sporting events.

The Template Studio Services will allow customers to purchase premade Designer Templates to show the timing, scoring, and meet management information on their LED Video Displays. Customers can choose from an array of colorful, sport-specific templates, with creative backgrounds and unique shapes and graphics.

We are thrilled to now offer Template Studio Services to our DisplayLink+ users, said Rick Connell, CTS Vice President, and General Manager. Our designers have created a library of unique template options that are guaranteed to save our customers time.

While being quite the time-saver for DL+ users, the Designer Templates also create an appealing visual aspect that boosts the experience for spectators and athletes alike. All templates are scaled by pixel-for-pixel size to ensure the highest quality look. The Designer Templates now listed on Colorado Time Systems' online store are available in three display sizes with plans to expand this offering in the coming months. All PMS colors used for each Designer Template are listed to ensure facility color matching. Colorado Time Systems also has staff available to verify facility board sizes to guarantee compatibility.

About Colorado Time Systems (CTS):

Colorado Time Systems, a PlayCore company, has established a reputation for precision and innovation in swim timing equipment. Since 1972, premier aquatic facilities have chosen Colorado Time Systems for platinum quality timing, scoring and, display systems. Learn more at http://www.coloradotime.com.

About PlayCore: PlayCore is a purpose-driven company committed to building stronger communities around the world by advancing play and recreation. The company infuses scholarly learning, through its Center for Outreach, Research, and Education, into its comprehensive family of brands. PlayCore combines best-in-class educational programming with the most comprehensive portfolio of commercial play and recreation products and services to create tailored solutions that match the unique needs of each community served. Learn more at http://www.playcore.com
Comedian, best-selling author Jeff Foxworthy

Comedian and best-selling author Jeff Foxworthy will speak at the 57th Annual Freed-Hardeman University Benefit Dinner Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, according to FHU President David R. Shannon. The annual dinner raises funds for scholarships at the university.

Foxworthy is the best-selling comedy-recording artist in history. A multiple Grammy Award nominee, he is also a best-selling author whose books have sold more than a million copies.

A self-proclaimed college dropout, Foxworthy had intended to follow in his dads footsteps and pursue a career at IBM. However, following encouragement and a dare by friends, he tried his hand at an Atlanta comedy club. He soon quit his day job and began a career in stand-up comedy.

Foxworthy found his comedic voice in Detroit, when he noticed a bowling alley offering valet parking. Struck by the irony, he compiled a list of characteristics that might make one a redneck, a term he defines as having a glorious lack of sophistication. His list includes such gems as You might be a redneck, if youve ever mowed your lawn and found a car, or if you stare at a can of orange juice because it says concentrate.

Although Wikipedia defines redneck as a derogatory slang term to refer to poor white Southern farmers, Foxworthy almost has made it a badge of honor. Rednecks dont want to be anybody else, he said, which is a lot cooler than people pretending to be something they are not.

In 1995, he starred on a sitcom, The Jeff Foxworthy Show. He then hosted television shows including Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?, The American Baking Competition and The American Bible Challenge.

Foxworthy is devoted to his family, which includes his wife, Pamela Gregg, who attended his very first performance as a stand-up comedian; daughters, Jordan and Julianne, and most recently, a grandson born this year. Being a father, Foxworthy told Atlanta Parent, is the most important job you have in life. One hundred years from now, nobody will care what kind of job you had, what awards youve won  none of that matters  but they will care about what kind of kids you left behind.

The comedian recounts reading to the girls at night and driving them to school each day. When they were school age, I would lease a plane and fly home after a club date so I could be there the next morning  it gave me 100 days more a year with my kids. The other job I had was I wanted to show them in the way I treated their Mom how they should expect to be treated by a guy," Foxworthy said.

The FHU Annual Benefit Dinner is typically the states largest single-night fundraiser. For the past 21 years, it has generated more than $1 million annually to help students attend FHU. Forever Communications is the premier media sponsor for the event.

Tickets and sponsorships are available now. General admission tickets, which include dinner and Foxworthys appearance, are $150. Sponsorships begin at $600. Tickets may be purchased at fhu.edu/Foxworthy.

The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson, Memphis and Dickson, FHU offers bachelors, masters, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at http://www.fhu.edu.
Left to right: Emmet Scott, Dr. Roshan Parikh, Dr. Ellen Polsky By putting non-clinical dental operations on auto-pilot, we are empowering dentists to effortlessly scale their practice and boost revenues without compromising the quality of clinical care and patient engagement.

tab32, the dental industry's #1 cloud-based, full-service technology platform, today announced the appointment of three top industry experts to its advisory board. Building on tab32s extraordinary track record of 100% year-on-year growth for five consecutive years, these advisors will provide strategic support to accelerate tab32s continuing mission to drive digital transformation in dental practices.

With an all-in-one cloud platform delivering end-to-end support and engaging patient experiences through the entire dental care continuum, including powerful Dental Electronic Health Record (Dental EHR), Dental Practice Management System (Dental PMS), and advanced data warehousing services, tab32 empowers dental practices to accelerate growth and drive long-term profitability. The new advisory board members are:

Emmet Scott, President of the Association of Dental Support Organizations (ADSO). An accomplished industry leader, Scott works on behalf of ADSOs 40+ member companies and 100+ industry partners to deliver optimal non-clinical support to more than 13,000 dental practices in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Scott is also CEO and Co-Founder of Community Dental Partners with close to 100+ practices, an innovative service that partners with dentists to help them scale their businesses and better-serve their patients.

Dr. Roshan Parikh, Former Head of Dentistry, Walmart U.S. A dental visionary, Dr. Parikh championed the growth of Walmarts start-up dental services division, which now manages 1000s of patient visits in 13+ locations across 3 states, driving a majority of Walmart Health's topline revenue. Dr. Parikh previously founded Great Lakes Dental Partners, a network of Chicagoland dental practices encompassing 155 clinicians and 25+ multi-specialty groups serving 150K+ patients. He also serves as chief strategy officer of DSO Strategy, a consulting firm that helps entrepreneurial dentists develop sustainable growth plans and attract institutional capital.

Dr. Ellen Polsky, co-founder and partner at Visio. Dr. Polsky launched Visio in 2009 to manage multiple pediatric oral surgery and orthodontic facilities in the Greater Seattle Area. She also founded and served as the CEO of VP Surgery Center, a medical surgical facility that achieved a successful exit to a MultiCare Health System. One of Dental Group Practice magazines Women Leaders in Dentistry, Dr. Polsky also co-founded GPUnity, an innovative startup in the fintech and blockchain space. Her current focus is on building a data lake in order to gain insights into improving better clinical and business decision-making in multi-practice organizations. She is also developing an electronic platform to facilitate doctors case sharing and interactions.

Im extremely excited to welcome Dr. Polsky, Dr. Parikh, and Emmet Scott to our advisory board, said Kiltesh Patel, CEO of tab32. These industry leaders identify with and appreciate our mission to disrupt the dental care model by bringing all the services that practices need under a single unified cloud platform. By putting non-clinical dental operations on auto-pilot, we are empowering dentists to effortlessly scale their practice and boost revenues without compromising the quality of clinical care and patient engagement.

About tab32

Headquartered in Sacramento, California, tab32 is the industry's #1 technology platform for patient-first cloud dental electronic health record software (Dental EHR), Dental Practice Management System (Dental PMS), and Open Data Warehousing. Providers use tab32 to track 9.3 million appointments, 7.3 million patients, and 100+ million radiology xrays, with 1+ million monthly patient engagements and $375 million of annual revenues flowing through the platform. The all-in-one cloud platform delivers comprehensive and engaging patient experiences through the entire value-chain of care, allowing dental practices to achieve long-term sustainable growth and profitability. With a leadership team of former researchers, data scientists, and engineers from University of California, tab32 has pioneered many first-to-market innovations such as integrated texting, VoIP, e-forms, mobile payments, cloud imaging, and a Standard Model for open data sharing in dental.
WesternU College of Pharmacy Dean Sunil Prabhu, BPharm, PhD, FAACP My vision for the College can be summarized in three words: Stability, Visibility and Innovation. I will work hard to keep our education and research endeavors safe and true to this vision, said WesternU College of Pharmacy Dean Sunil Prabhu, BPharm, PhD, FAACP.

Western University of Health Sciences has named Sunil Prabhu, BPharm, PhD, FAACP, as the new dean of the College of Pharmacy, effective July 1, 2021.

He replaces Daniel C. Robinson, PharmD, FASHP, who stepped down as dean on June 30 after leading the College for 15 years. He will continue to serve the College of Pharmacy as a professor.

Upon the recommendation of Dean Robinson, senior College leadership, and College faculty, we are pleased to announce Dr. Sunil Prabhu as the next dean of the College of Pharmacy, said WesternU Senior Vice President and Provost David Baron, DO, MSEd. Dr. Prabhus appointment allows the College of Pharmacy to continue the great work that has been accomplished by the current leadership team and his seamless transition into the role of dean comes with the overwhelming support of the faculty and staff within the College of Pharmacy.

Robinson requested an administrative reassignment from January through March 2021 to work on statewide initiatives to create a regulatory environment that maximizes the ability of pharmacists to serve Californians as health care providers. The result of this work is a draft Pharmacy Modernization Act.

During my three-month reassignment, the obvious person to assume the acting deans position was Dr. Prabhu, who has served as the number two administrator for the past 10 years, Dr. Robinson said. Because Dr. Prabhu was being heavily recruited for dean positions nationally, and because of his demonstrated leadership and deep understanding of research initiatives as an NIH investigator, his excellent knowledge of the models of pharmacy practice, national and international relations, recruitment and admissions programs, academic affairs and student success initiatives, and College operations, I knew that he would be the perfect person to assume the deans position as of July 1, 2021. Moreover, it would have been a devastating loss to the College if we were to lose him to another program. During challenging times, stable and visionary leadership are the keys to success.

Dr. Prabhu becomes the fourth dean of the College of Pharmacy, following Dean Robinson, Dean Emeritus Max D. Ray, MS, PharmD, and Founding Dean Harry Rosenberg, PharmD, PhD. Dr. Prabhu joined WesternU in 1996 as an assistant professor and a founding faculty member during the College of Pharmacys inaugural year. In 2021, Dr. Prabhu celebrated his 25th anniversary at WesternU. He earned his Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from the Birla Institute of Technology, India and his PhD in Pharmaceutics from West Virginia University.

Dr. Prabhu has held several leadership positions within the College through the years, most recently serving as Executive Associate Dean. In 2007, Dr. Prabhu supported the diversity initiatives at the College, helping to draft the first written document on enhancement of diversity. As Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management, he assisted in developing holistic admissions processes to attract, enroll and retain underrepresented minority (URM) students.

His teaching responsibilities have been mainly with the pharmaceutics curriculum, where he has also established a non-sterile compounding laboratory experience for student pharmacists for many years. His research interests, supported by NIH funding, have been in the area of development of novel drug delivery systems, application of nanotechnology for controlled release system design, cancer chemoprevention, and targeted therapy.

When asked to comment about Dean Robinsons contributions to the College, Dr. Prabhu said his contributions have been immense, including: establishing the first diversity initiative to attract underrepresented students, spearheading an award-winning College publication, envisioning and building the state-of-the-art classrooms and breakout rooms, lending a strong voice in the university community on behalf of the College and creating a cohesive, team-oriented faculty who care about student success, and his valuable efforts in drafting the language to get pharmacists recognized as providers in California via SB 493.

However, in my personal opinion, the biggest contribution he has made is in the area of mentorship. Many of us within the College have directly benefited from his commitment to this aspect, Dr. Prabhu said. By giving me an opportunity early to grow as an administrator, and believing in my abilities to accomplish complex tasks, Dean Robinson has guided me to where I am today. While I realize that I have big shoes to fill, I fully intend to continue his legacy of cultivating the next generation of leaders for the College and beyond.

I feel proud and fortunate to be able to lead this College that I love and would not mind finishing my career at an institution that has given me so much in return for my efforts, Dr. Prabhu added. As its dean, I will strive to further strengthen the strong foundation we have built in this College together with the support of all the stakeholders. My vision for the College can be summarized in three words: Stability, Visibility and Innovation. I will work hard to keep our education and research endeavors safe and true to this vision.


Leadership Practices: A Global and Biblical Perspective: a compelling guide to successful leadership through following the footsteps of God himself. Leadership Practices is the creation of published authors Dr. Widza Bryant and Dr. Cedric Bryant, founders of both a center for democratizing leadership development and a Foundation that provides safe housing, rehabilitation, and schooling for children with special needs in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Dr. Richard of Regent University describes the guide as follows: In the Leadership Practices: A Global and Biblical Perspective, Drs. Cedric and Widza Bryant underscore Gods directives, His original intent of authentic biblical leadership designed to reach all people throughout the worldall of which are encapsulated in Genesis 1:26 to Adam and Eve, to Noah in Genesis 9:1, and in Mathew 28:1920, Jesuss mandates to the twelve disciples: Go and make disciples of all nations. Leadership Practices: A Global and Biblical Perspective illuminates our understanding of the biblical inerrancy of leadership by probing on scholars relentless pursuit to further their knowledge of leadership definition and to expose different interpretations that provide a clear picture of what leadership is and how to apply it to reach excellence.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Dr. Widza Bryant and Dr. Cedric Bryants new book provides scriptural case studies to further illustrate their points.

Bryant and Bryant begin by defining Leadership as the ability to bring people together to accomplish shared goals. Explaining how God told his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, a first example of leadership in the bible is revealed. To understand leadership is to know the differences between what it means to operate as a leader of this world and what it means to be a Christian leader in this world. With extensive research blending scholarly works with scriptural illustrations, this manuscript is sure to prove that leadership begins and is sustained through the church.

View a synopsis of Leadership Practices: A Global and Biblical Perspective on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase Leadership Practices: A Global and Biblical Perspective at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about Leadership Practices, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
Environmental Law Institute (ELI) has a new partnership with The YGS Group to streamline the processing of reuse requests for ELI's publications via https://elipermissions.com. We look forward to leveraging YGS content sales expertise to expand the reach of ELIs influential research and reporting. Rachel Jean-Baptiste, ELIs Associate Vice President for Communications and Publications

Today The Environmental Law Institute (ELI), a one-of-a kind environmental law think-and-do tank committed to knowledge transfer through a non-partisan, objective platform, has announced it is working with reprints and permissions specialist The YGS Group (YGS) to streamline reuse requests for its content. The deal was facilitated by content licensing specialist MEI Global, LLC (MEIG), a leader in helping publishers monetize their digital assets by negotiating and growing third party licensing partnerships.

YGS remit includes handling permissions and reuse requests for ELIs journals, like Environmental Law Reporter and the Environmental Forum, as well as ELIs books, environmental research reports, podcasts, blogs, and videos. Rachel Jean-Baptiste, ELIs Associate Vice President for Communications and Publications, says We look forward to leveraging YGS content sales expertise to expand the reach of ELIs influential research and reporting. She adds, MEIGs deep understanding of the market for reprints and permissions helped us to select the right partner quickly and efficiently, and were pleased theyll remain a hands-on partner in ensuring the deals long-term success.

ELIs highly respected publications help shape the fields of environmental law, policy, and management, both in the US and internationally, says Charles Calta, YGS Vice President of Sales. We are delighted for the opportunity to streamline requests for licensing of ELI content, as well as to seek new usages and licensors who would benefit from increased access, via https://elipermissions.com

MEIG was founded by Randall Marcinko to assist publishers in finding and developing new licensing opportunities, which can be a challenge due to the rapid evolution of licensing models and publisher resource shortages that may prevent a focus on third party distribution opportunities. Were pleased to bring ELI and YGS together for a partnership whose beneficiaries include those seeking an efficient way to license environmental content for reuse, whether in a textbook, newsletter, or website, says Chris Broekhoff, MEIGs President. He says, We look forward to proactively supporting the success of this relationship.

About Environmental Law Institute: The Environmental Law Institute makes law work for people, places, and the planet. With its non-partisan, independent approach, ELI promotes solutions to tough environmental problems. The Institutes unparalleled research and highly respected publications inform the public debate and build the institutions needed to advance sustainable development. For more information, visit https://www.eli.org and https://www.elr.info; email us at orders@eli.org; or call (800) 433-5120.

About The YGS Group: Providing end-to-end strategic marketing and communication solutions, The YGS Group delivers time efficiencies and return on investment by offering key services needed by associations, corporations, and publishersfrom compelling design, content, and marketing strategies to innovative printing, digital solutions, media sales, and content sales and licensingall under one roof. For additional information, please contact Mike Shober, Content Sales & Licensing, at mike.shober@theygsgroup.com or call (717) 430-2229.

About MEI Global, LLC: MEIG provides a suite of services to help publishers monetize their digital assets. MEIGs expertise includes prospecting, negotiating, relationship management, and extensive knowledge of vendors and their needs, thanks to decades of industry experience within MEIGs dealmaker team. The company assists publishers with strategic decision making through a lens of revenue growth, brand extension and intellectual property protection. For additional information, please contact Vice President of Business Development Nancy Davis Kho at ndkho@marcinko.com or call (510) 336-1119.
This Summit has long been seen as an indispensable industry event for women in private equity and venture capital, and with an updated agenda specifically focused on the most pressing issues within private capital asset classes, the 2021 event will be better than ever.

Falk Marques Group recently announced that it is relaunching its Womens Alternative Investment Summit as the Womens Private Capital Summit starting with the 13th annual event taking place this November 18-19, 2021 at Convene in New York City.

The Summit will once again feature high-level, informed, and interactive content backed by essential networking. With a new structure in 2021 that places a greater emphasis on interactive breakout sessions covering topics related to the core asset classes within private capital  private equity, venture capital, private credit, real estate, and infrastructure  the Summit offers numerous opportunities to network with peers, partners, and competitors while keeping up with fundraising, investment, deal flow, and exit trends.

We are thrilled to welcome back our amazing community of women to our annual in-person gathering in New York City, commented Beth Falk, Summit founder and director of Falk Marques Group. This Summit has long been seen as an indispensable industry event, and with an updated agenda specifically focused on the most pressing issues within private capital asset classes, the 2021 event will be better than ever.

The Summit will take place at Convene at 225 Liberty Street, centrally located in Manhattans Financial District. Conference producer Falk Marques Group expects to attract more than 500 senior-level women from the worlds leading institutional investors, private equity and venture capital firms, and other private capital sectors such as real estate, credit, hedge funds, and infrastructure.

The 13th annual Summit is supported by: Platinum Sponsors, Kirkland & Ellis and KPMG; Gold Sponsors, Coller Capital and KKR; and Silver Sponsor, EQT. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Carolyn ODonnell at Carolyn.Odonnell@falkmarquesgroup.com.

For more information about the conference, visit the conference website, and to express interest in attending, please complete our Find Out More form at https://www.womensprivatecapitalsummit.com.

About Falk Marques Group

Falk Marques Group LLC develops and produces professional conferences, insightful industry news and event content, and unmatched networking opportunities for an international audience of senior-level decision makers in private equity, venture capital, and alternative investments.

The highly acclaimed Women's Private Equity Summit and Women's Private Capital Summit (previously called the Womens Alternative Investment Summit) are the cornerstones of the companys success. These annual industry events attract more than 850 and 450 attendees, respectively, bringing together institutional investors, fund managers, and advisors to the industry for an honest exchange of business ideas and information, invaluable networking, and unrivaled dealmaking. In 2019, we launched a new conference, Womens Leadership Unbound Summit, which provides women leaders with an actionable roadmap to enhance their value to their firms and advance to the next level of power.

Falk Marques Group recently launched PEAK, a new, private membership community with the mission of helping the advancement of women working in private equity, venture capital and alternatives. Falk Marques Group also produces Perspectives, premier webinars and virtual networking events connecting women in private equity and venture capital, and Womens PE Briefs, a weekly e-newsletter that showcases the achievements of women in the industry.

In November 2020, Falk Marques Group was acquired by Pageant Media, the global business information and events provider, which includes the Pension Bridge portfolio of must-attend educational and networking events for institutional investors and asset managers in North America, Europe, and AsiaPac.

Note to media: The Womens Private Capital Summit is closed to the press. We would be pleased to facilitate interviews with Summit speakers or organizers before or after the conference. Contact Stephanie Schwartz at Stephanie.Schwartz@FalkMarquesGroup.com or +1.781.652.0900 to make arrangements or with questions regarding the Summit.

# # #
Don O'Day, FNBT EVP & Chief Operating Officer Don's leadership and focus on doing the right thing for customers during the pandemic and the banks core system upgrade in 2020 makes Don a driving force within our FNBT family.

David McCoy, President and Chief Executive Officer of First National Bank and Trust Company (FNBT), is pleased to announce that Don ODay has been promoted to Executive Vice President Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this position, he will play a key role in the execution of the banks strategy as he oversees the day-to-day administrative and operations functions of the bank. He will continue to lead the commercial and consumer banking sales teams in serving our community families with Sound Advice, excellent customer service, and innovative financial solutions to fit the individual needs of consumers, families and businesses throughout the banks footprint.

Dons expertise with customer experience and creating a collaborative work environment combined with his remarkable career in executive leadership well positions First National Bank and Trust for future growth and profitability, said McCoy. His leadership and focus on 'doing the right thing' for customers during the pandemic and the banks core system upgrade in 2020 makes Don a driving force within our FNBT family.

ODay earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from the University of Illinois - Champaign-Urbana, and has had an impressive career in banking including retail sales, customer service, commercial and consumer lending, treasury management, credit administration, as well as executive leadership. He began his career as a Vice President and Branch Manager with Oak Brook Bank before moving to Cole Taylor Bank in Rosemont, Illinois where he served various roles of increased responsibility. He was serving as Senior Vice President (SVP), Director of Community Banking when he left Cole Taylor Bank to become SVP, Regional Retail Manager at Banco Popular North America, also in Rosemont. Within a year, Don was promoted to the position of SVP, Illinois Business Banking Director. He was later recruited by Suburban Bank and Trust in Elmhurst, Illinois where he served as Executive Vice President, Chief Credit Officer before being named President at the same company. Before joining the FNBT family in 2017 as EVP, Chief Lending and Retail Officer, ODay served as Executive Vice President of Inland Bank in Oak Brook, Illinois.

As part of the banks executive management team, ODay participates in the overall management of the bank. He is a member of the board of directors of the bank and its holding company, Centre 1 Bancorp, Inc. where he also holds the title of Chief Operating Officer. ODay is based at the banks Beloit-Grand Ave office located at 345 E Grand Ave in Beloit, Wisconsin, and resides in Roscoe, Illinois with his wife, Gayle.

About First National Bank and Trust:

First National Bank and Trust Company is a family-focused, community bank headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin. Chartered in 1882, First National Bank and Trust has grown to be a leading financial services institution offering products and services for consumers and businesses, as well as trust, retirement services, investment management, brokerage and insurance. We now serve nearly 30,000 households in 13 communities and 16 locations in Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois with assets of approximately $1.4 billion. We treat our customers, employees, shareholders and communities like family, with a goal of helping all our families succeed. Providing Sound Advice and delivering an exceptional experience has positioned First National Bank and Trust as a Stateline leader in the industry. For additional information, visit http://www.bankatfirstnational.com.

First National Bank and Trust: Give us a try. Well treat you like family.
Court Filings Show Novation Enterprises CEO and Co-founder of Warriors 4 Wireless Kelley Dunne facing legal action from his partner.

P. Kelley Dunne, the CEO of Novation Enterprises and Co-founder of Warriors 4 Wireless, is the subject of legal actions being pursued by his partner, Frederick Nemecek.

A Civil case has been filed against Mr. Dunne, in the superior court of New Jersey Law Division  Civil Part Essex County case no. ESX-L-004103-21 and can be viewed by typing in a search engine:

Essex County New Jersey Civil Docket

Click the eCourt civil cases jacket  New Jersey Superior Court. At the search for case dropdown:

Choose civil part

Case County  Essex

Docket Type  Civil Part

Docket Number 004103

Docket Year 21

Allegations of the lawsuit include deception, fraud, false pretense, false promise, and misrepresentation.

Court documents allege Fred Nemecek agreed to fund Novation Networks Northeast LLC with personal funds, and Mr Dunne was to be in charge of business development for the company.

Court documents allege that the funds from Mr Nemecek were at all times to be used toward expenses relating to Novation Networks Northeast. Mr Dunne had the authority to control these funds, and had a fiduciary duty to properly account for these funds, and disperse them for legitimate corporate purposes.

Instead, Mr Dunne is alleged to have diverted these funds for expenses related to other accounts and businesses that he himself owned.
I thought it was a terrific opportunity to say thank you to people that served our nation and needed a bit of help to get a start on the pathway to the American middle class and homeownership.

Freedom Financial Funds, LLC is showing its support for veterans by joining Homes 4 Families next fundraising adventure, Over the Edge for Veterans, on October 30, 2021. Costumes are encouraged for this Halloween-themed event to take place at Hilton Universal City, where participants will rappel down the Hilton tower and GoPro cameras will capture every moment of the action.

Sponsorship opportunities begin at $2,500 and participant opportunities begin at $1,500. Donors can feel great about their contributions, knowing that Homes 4 Families is audited by a third party, and only 2 to 4% of its annual funding goes to administration and fundraising.

Homes 4 Families is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to meet the significant need for affordable housing and no-cost services that equip veteran families to thrive in civilian life. Since the organization was founded in 2008, it has helped more than 386 low-income families achieve the American Dream of home ownership. Homes 4 Families works closely with the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), corporate sponsors and individual donors to make these dreams a reality.

Michael Klein, CEO of Freedom Financial Funds, LLC serves on the Homes 4 Families board. After being introduced to Homes 4 Families CEO Donna Deutchman, Klein said he found her passion for helping veterans own homes contagious. Klein has long been a supporter of community-building initiatives with the City of Los Angeles, and he responded to the Homes 4 Families call to action with his own enthusiasm. I thought it was a terrific opportunity to say thank you to people that served our nation and needed a bit of help to get a start on the pathway to the American middle class and homeownership.

Freedom Financial Funds is proud to contribute to the social and economic wellbeing of the communities it serves by supporting worthy organizations like Homes 4 Families. My partners and I are extremely grateful for the opportunities that we have had, Klein said. The four of us come from very different backgrounds, but at the end of the day, we have each had a break that gave us a chance to succeed. I think Homes 4 Families gives our veterans that break by helping a low-income veteran earn their way into an owned home. Homes 4 Families makes the veteran put in 500 hours of service toward the sweat equity in the house. Like the partners at Freedom, the vets have to work hard to achieve their dreams. We like that, but we also love the idea that we can help them get that break everyone needs. It is quite rewarding to see the results.

About Homes 4 Families

Homes 4 Families is committed to building resiliency, economic growth, neighborhoods and homes for veteran families. The Homes 4 Families Enriched Neighborhood model creates financial sustainability and upward mobility for veteran families by combining permanent housing with wraparound services in a supportive neighborhood. These holistic services include financial literacy, health and wellness and vet-to-vet support, and help to ensure that veterans become and remain successful homeowners. All services are well-researched and tested, and they are unique enough to be registered/copyrighted.

In 2018, the program delivered 1,000 hours of financial education, 300 hours of Certified Emergency Response Team training and 2,900 hours of trauma-informed care, while giving 325 veteran family members a place to call home.

Homes 4 Families must raise approximately $80,000 for every home it delivers to a veteran. The organization is able to achieve its mission through grants from large companies and foundations, gifts from individuals and proceeds from two big fundraisers it hosts each year. Klein commented, Over the Edge is one of those fundraisers, and by giving, a person will help us raise money to complete more houses. But the event is also an adrenaline rush. Imagine rappelling down the face of a 25-story tower! Its a fun event, and the proceeds go to a great cause  helping the veterans that served our nation get the chance to own a home of their own. Its quite rewarding.

Veterans deserve to have a share of the American Dream they helped to preserve! Sign up for the event, become a volunteer or donate today at: https://www.homes4families.org.

About Freedom Financial Funds, LLC

Freedom Financial Funds manages a private REIT and separate accounts through which it responds to the financing needs of real estate professionals seeking capital for construction, rehabilitation, repositioning, conversion or additions to commercial and residential properties in the Western United States. Freedom also offers build-to-suit financing nationally. In only five years, Freedom has executed over $500M in transactions and has remained steadfast throughout the CV-19 crisis. Freedom serves markets throughout the Western U.S. from its locations in California, Arizona and Oregon.

Discover more at: https://www.freedomfinancialfunds.com.
Ignatica Logo "The ITVF is an ideal investor as we continue to scale our business globally," said Manuel San Miguel, Ignatica's CEO and Co-Founder. "It's an honor to be chosen by the city's own, premiere investment fund."

Ignatica, the insurance policy administration platform that offers digital self-service and intelligent automation solutions for insurers, is excited to announce that the Innovation and Technology Venture Fund (ITVF) has become its strategic investor.

The ITVF is a HK$2 billion fund established in 2017 by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government to co-invest with selected venture capital funds in local innovation and technology (I&T) start-ups.

Becoming a portfolio company of the ITVF is core to Ignaticas love and commitment to Hong Kong and its burgeoning start-up and technology sector, said Ignatica President and Co-Founder, Travis Callahan.

As the first insurtech investment made by the ITVF, Ignaticas platform lets insurers quickly and efficiently build and launch new products at low cost, while drastically reducing administration costs and transforming the servicing experience for consumers.

The investment aligns with the ITVFs primary objective to support the development of I&T start-ups in Hong Kong. We look forward to supporting Ignaticas innovative work that creates new markets and value for the insurance industry, said an ITVF spokesperson.

As of July 7, 2021, the ITVF has invested US$1.75 million in Ignatica.

As a lifelong Hong Konger, it means a great deal to me to enter into this partnership with the city, said Ignatica CTO and Co-Founder Adhish Pendharkar. Ignatica is a reflection of the diversity, innovation and sense of community of Hong Kong.

Ignaticas suite of SaaS offerings allows insurance product managers to create and edit coverages and plans, dynamically adjust pricing, and change product configurations in seconds. They also enable servicing and back-office operations to be automated and pushed to the front edge for digital self-service for even the most complex insurance products.

"The ITVF is an ideal investor as we continue to scale our business globally," said Manuel San Miguel, Ignatica's CEO and Co-Founder. "It's an honor to be chosen by the city's own, premiere investment fund."

We welcome the Innovation and Technology Venture Fund to join as a co-investor of Ignatica. We believe Ignatica will be better positioned growing in the Hong Kong market, and in turn contributing to Hong Kongs fintech industry," said Ming Shu, Partner of Lingfeng Capital. "As the lead investor of the company's Pre-A round of financing, we are very pleased to introduce Ignatica to the ITVF. Moving forward, we aspire to continue our post-investment value-add to our portfolio companies and together building the future of insurance technology in the Greater China region and beyond."

ABOUT IGNATICA

Ignatica was founded in 2018 by Manuel San Miguel, former Manulife CTO for APAC, fellow technology and insurance industry veteran, Adhish Pendharkar, and longtime C-suite executive and entrepreneur Travis Callahan. Its core platform technology enables insurers to profitably provide every person on the planet the type of insurance they need, at the price they can afford, with the service and speed that todays customers expect.

ABOUT INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY VENTURE FUND

The ITVF is a HK$2 billion fund established by the HKSAR Government in 2017 with a view to attracting more private capital to invest in local I&T start-ups, thereby creating a more vibrant I&T ecosystem in Hong Kong. The ITVF will co-invest with selected co-investment partners at a matching investment ratio of approximately 1 to 2.

ABOUT LINGFENG CAPITAL

Lingfeng Capital is a growth capital private equity fund for the fintech sector in Asia Pacific, particularly in the Greater China region. Its focus is on real applications and underlying tech for the finance industry. Its vision is to become the leading innovative tech fund management company, and to facilitate growth and success for the next generation of entrepreneur-driven fintech companies.
RUM Co. of Fiji Core Range These awards support our passion and vision to make Fiji known as the new home of rum

Internationally award-winning RUM Co. of Fiji, the only rum distillery in the Fiji Islands, is proud to announce that it has been recognized at the 2021 SIP Awards and Bartender Spirits Awards with its premium rum ranges, Bati and Ratu. Across the acclaimed competitionsjudged by consumers and the tradeRUM Co. of Fiji won an Innovation Award, four Platinum Awards, four Gold Medals and three Silver Medals.

Made from the molasses from hand-cut Fijian sugar cane grown in rich volcanic soil, RUM Co. of Fijis rums express the islands unique position as Paradise on Earth. The sugar cane in Fiji has been grown and harvested since 1863 by generations of independent farmers, and the distillery uses only the purest local water to produce its exquisite rums, filtering them through coconut-shell carbon for a softer, rounded mouthfeel. Maturation accelerates in Fijis Southern Hemisphere climate, so that RUM Co. of Fiji can achieve complex flavor profiles at younger ages. Master Distiller & Blender Liam Costello works with both pot and column stills, blending different distillates to create the two ranges: premium 2-year-old Bati and super-premium Ratu, aged 5 to 8 years.

Heath Baker, Head of International Sales  RUM Co. of Fiji, noted that the accolades by trade and consumers are a turning point in the USA for the brand. These awards support our passion and vision to make Fiji known as the new home of rum, he said. We have built an excellent base in our home markets of Australia and the Pacific, and we see North America as our greatest long-term opportunity to embed this vision.

The SIP Awards are the only internationally recognized spirits competition that sees consumers become the judges, while the Bartender Spirits Awards are judged by globally respected bartenders, bar managers and on-premise buyers for the on-premise industry.

In the SIP Awards:



Ratu 8-Year Signature Rum Liqueur won an Innovation and Platinum Best of Class Award

Bati 2-Year Spiced Rum also won an exclusive Platinum Best of Class Award, while - - Ratu 5-Year Dark Rum and Bati 2-Year White Rum both won Platinum Awards; and

Ratu 5-Year Spiced Rum and Bati 2-Year Dark Rum both took home Gold Medals.

In the Bartender Spirits Awards:



Ratu Signature Rum Liqueur, Ratu Spiced Rum and Bati White Rum each received a - - Gold Medal, scoring highly across all aspects of judging: mixability, balance and versatility, taste, mouthfeel and finish, package, and price; and

Ratu Dark Rum, Bati Spiced Rum and Bati Dark Rum all won Silver Medals

Lucy Dodgson, Brand Manager  RUM Co. of Fiji, said, RUM Co. of Fiji prides itself on having a versatile portfolio with broad trade and consumer appeal. We put a lot of emphasis on building bartender and consumer brand advocacy, so these awards are the ultimate seal of approval, and are further testament to Fiji being an exceptional and credible rum-producing nation.

Mike Spencer, General Manager, Paradise Beverages, echoed the pride in receiving these awards as a fantastic acknowledgement of the hard work and passion from the team in Fiji. This is again wonderful recognition for all our people involved in the making of these exceptional rums. These wins serve to amplify Paradise Beverages vision of proudly sharing and exporting local Fijian beverages to the world, he said.

RUM Co. of Fiji is proudly distributed in California by Republic National Distributing Company, in partnership with Broken Shed Vodka. The suggested prices for each spirit are as follows: Ratu Signature: $38.99, Ratu Dark and Spiced: $34.99 and Bati (all expressions): $18.99.

About RUM Co. of Fiji

RUM Co. of Fiji is built on an ethos of authenticity, craftsmanship and passion and draws its inspiration  and its identity  from Fijian heritage and culture. The rums are a story of balance and harmony, a coming together of the lands unique elements and the hands that work with them, crafted in Lautoka, Fiji, by award-winning Master Distiller & Blender Liam F. Costello, together with RUM Co. of Fijis passionate and dedicated distillery team. Since launching in 1980, RUM Co. of Fiji has won more than 130 international awards across several prestigious competitions, including the 2020 New York International Spirits Competition, 2020 Melbourne International Spirits Competition and 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. RUM Co. of Fiji is owned by Fijis leading beverages manufacturer, Paradise Beverages (Fiji) Limited, which is part of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.

RUM Co. of Fiji is proudly distributed in California by Republic National Distributing Company, in partnership with Broken Shed Vodka. For more information on RUM Co. of Fiji, visit http://www.rumcooffiji.com or follow @rumcooffiji on Facebook or Instagram.

About Broken Shed Vodka

Broken Shed Vodka is based in Wanaka, New Zealand. Distilled, crafted and bottled in New Zealand ever since its inception in 2009, its vodka draws upon the countrys natural aquifer and spring waters, without any hint of gluten, additives, sugars or GMOs. Since entering the U.S. market in June 2012, Broken Shed Vodka has won a legion of loyal fans, and an impressive collection of awards. Broken Shed Vodka started in a 'broken' down old shed on Lake Wanaka where the formula was originally crafted and produced. Broken Shed Vodka is proud of the strong and experienced sales team they have built. The brand approaches the market with innovative strategies and well-defined focus in all of their markets. Due to this, Broken Shed is able to offer newly-launched spirits brands strong partnership and collaborations, which expand distribution, increase offerings to trade and provide customers access to world-class premium spirits. Learn more about Broken Shed Vodka at http://www.brokenshed.com.

Broken Shed Vodka, 40% ABV, Distilled from Whey. Imported to the USA by Broken Shed Imports, Manhasset, NY. Broken Shed Vodka is produced by Broken Shed Limited, Wanaka, New Zealand. Drink Responsibly.  2021


Italian Wine Podcast Episode Snapshots of this Week The Italian Wine Podcast channel has achieved a total of 1,098,721 streams from SoundCloud, Ximalaya and Spotify. The high-quality content speaks for itself, so happy birthday to us!

First airing in March 2017, the Italian Wine Podcast (IWP) has entered its fourth year of broadcasting and will publish its 605th episode on July 7th, 2021. Originally conceived as a series of interviews with Italian wine producers at the OperaWine and Vinitaly events in Verona, Italy, the program has since expanded to include key players in the wine industry from around the world. In 2021 Italian Wine Podcast began publishing five episodes a week allowing it to showcase more content and reach a wider audience.

Italian Wine Podcast Episode Snapshots of this Week

The Italian Wine Podcast channel has achieved 1,049,791 streams on SoundCloud, 23,700 on Ximalaya and 25,230 on Spotify. The high-quality content speaks for itself, so happy birthday to us!

MONDAY: How to Get US Market Ready with Italian Wine People.

Hosted by Steve Raye, author, President and CEO of Bevology Inc. and longstanding host of IWPs season 3 show, Lets Get US Market Ready, this show is a natural continuation of his previous series. This time Raye moves from narrations of his book into interviews with wine industry professionals who convey their own experiences, having navigated through the world of business and the Italian wine industry in the US.

TUESDAY: Biodynamic and Organic with Monty Waldin

Wine writer Monty Waldin interviews Italian Winemakers and Viticulturists practicing biodynamic and organic viticulture. Waldin is the longstanding host of Italian Wine Podcast and initially got interested in environmentally conscious wines as he and his family used to grow their own organic vegetables. He became the first writer to specialize in organic and biodynamic wines and has since published multiple books on the subject. According to Monty Waldin, podcasting [is] the ideal medium for the wine industry which often seems so distant and perplexing but which really yearns to be understood, by laying bare its secrets and intricacies.

WEDNESDAY: Voices by Rebecca Lawrence

Dr. Rebecca Lawrence has worked as a wine educator and communicator for more than a decade. Lawrence is a passionate advocator for change within the industry. When asked about these interviews Lawrence said, we want the series to focus on not only what has happened in the industry, but what is happening, to give a platform to the many voices that make up our community. The aim of the series is not simply to focus on the many issues under the umbrella of diversity and inclusion.

THURSDAY: Special Episodes

Stevie Kim, Managing Director of Vinitaly International, travels to Italian wine regions visiting and interviewing wineries. Each visit is split into 3 to 5 episodes allowing the listeners to look forward to something more. Her recent visits include Pio Cesare in Piemonte.

Marc Millon, food, wine and travel writer, also guested in the Thursday slots following the Giro dItalia. In the episodes he narrates the 21 stages covering every city and region that the Giro passes through with colourful connections to the historical food & wine culture.

FRIDAY: #everybodyneedsabitofscienza

While Professor Scienza is an expert in his field and well known throughout Italy, his knowledge and insight are not necessarily readily accessible to the rest of the Italian-wine-loving world. Hence this Friday segment, designed to provide the Professors unique take on vines and wine. VIA community members submit their questions to the show, and the Professor answers. Stevie Kim joins the Professor in the podcast booth, to try keep answers lighthearted and succinct (a lost cause!).

SATURDAY: Saturday Clubhouse Specials

Italian Wine Club and Wine Business are Clubhouse rooms created and moderated by Stevie Kim. Respectively, Wine Business has 1,300 followers, and Italian Wine Club 1,900 followers. These sessions are recorded and uploaded to Italian Wine Podcast to reach more listeners. The topics vary from wine markets, grape varieties, wine styles, and trends discussed by recognised Italian wine personalities including Gabriele Gorelli MW, Pietro Russo, Andrea Lonardi and more.

Another summer special will be aired this week called, Ambassadors Corner. Italian Wine Ambassadors and Wine Lovers get a chance to interview their favorite producers. This 30-minute episode gives a free hand for the VIA interviewee to ask any questions to the producer and is left open ended for listeners participate.

DONATE NOW

IWP ensures high quality free content for each episode. The channel is open to donations to help offset its operation costs as it aims to consistently provide content, stories and information to the Italian Wine Community around the world. The channel has recently been sponsored by Ferrowine, Italys largest wine shop since 1920. Ferrowine has generously provided the Italian Wine Podcast with t-shirts and supporters can donate 50 euros to get the new shirt designs and also a copy of our newest book Jumbo Shrimp Guide to International Grape Varieties in Italy, plus some fun merchandises, Contributors can find more info by visiting at Italian Wine Podcast.com and clicking on the donate page (https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ )
KALW@25thStreet will also serve as a broadcast facility, an East Bay home, and a venue to feature artists and creatives in live performance and intimate interviews. Photo credit: Kirby Stenger KALW celebrates its 80th anniversary this year with several exciting new initiatives, including a new broadcast studio in Oakland and a new visual identity.

KALW, the first FM station west of the Mississippi River, celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, and with that milestone launches several exciting new initiatives. These include new music programming, a new broadcast studio at 25th Street Recording in Oakland, a new visual identity, a new non-profit status, as well as the development of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Impact Tracker.

KALW has long been a home for music discovery in the Bay Area with its long-running programs such as Tangents, Africa Mix, Music From Other Minds, Folk Music and Beyond, and Revolutions Per Minute. On July 19th, KALW will expand its music programming with the introduction of a new weeknight block of eclectic music from 8pm to midnight, featuring six new music programmers broadcasting from 25th Street Recording in Oakland.

In a new collaborative partnership with 25th Street Recording, KALW@25thStreet will introduce a team of new music programmers to reflect and serve additional and diverse listeners. The station seeks to deepen its commitment as an essential destination for music discovery and to serve Bay Area music lovers. KALW@25thStreet will also serve as a broadcast facility, an East Bay home, and a venue to feature artists and creatives in live performance and intimate interviews.

KALWs new DJ lineup will spin an eclectic mix of Bay Area-focused music at KALW@25thStreet, anchored by Wonway Posibul, from 8pm to 10pm, Monday through Friday. The 10 pm to midnight slot on weeknights will feature a rotating roster of exciting Bay Area DJs: DJ Umami, King Most, LadyRyan, J Boogie, and Margarita Azucar.

Weve been breaking new ground for decades, from our music programming to our news reporting to our training programs. After 80 years in service to this community, KALW is focused on creating the next generation of public media, bringing new voices to the air and reaching out in a dedicated way to the diverse communities of the Bay Area, explains KALW General Manager Tina Pamintuan. As we look ahead, I believe KALW can bring in a public media listening audience that is truly reflective of the Bay Area and our increasingly diverse country, cultivating audiences and generations that public media hasnt reached.

Part of KALWs commitment to a more inclusive and equitable public media includes the development of an Impact Tracker tool for its newsroom, which will track in real time the stations performance and impact on DEI issues. The Impact Tracker will document whose voices KALW brings to the air  who is reporting, editing and featured in its stories  and how the communities the station serves are engaging with this reporting.

Beginning July 8th, as a kickoff of its 80th Anniversary, KALW Public Media will debut a new brand identity. The look and feel has been developed  pro bono  by the renowned design agency COLLINS. To honor the stations history of innovation, the new identity is at once bold and complex. It is the latest local branding project undertaken by COLLINS, which also developed the new identities for SF Symphony and the East Cut neighborhorhood, as well as Match.com, Mailchimp and other Bay Area icons. As part of the rebranding effort, KALW will also partner with Bay Shooters for a photo contest that celebrates the spirit of the Bay Area. The work of five local photographers will be selected and featured in the stations 80th Anniversary marketing campaign.

To prepare for the next 80 years, KALW formed a new nonprofit entity (KALW Public Media) in 2019 and entered into a Public Service Operating Agreement with the San Francisco Unified School District, to allow the station more operational discretion and fundraising control. This Agreement was entered into on December 8th, 2020, is valid for eight years, and renewable for an additional term with both parties consent. KALW Public Media received its tax-exempt IRS designation in June 2020. Although day to day operatIons will be handled by the new nonprofit, SFUSD will still hold the original non-commercial broadcast license.

To learn more about KALW and to keep up with the latest news, visit the website at KALW.org and follow KALW on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/KALWPublicRadio, Twitter (@kalw) or on Instagram at @kalwradio.

ABOUT KALW:

KALW 91.7 FM is a pioneering educational and community broadcast service licensed to the San Francisco Unified School District. On-air since September 1st, 1941, it is the first FM station west of the Mississippi. A full thirty years older than NPR, KALW created the first FM broadcast training program in the country and it trained women in radio broadcasting during World War II. KALW continues this tradition with the Audio Academy, a 10-month, tuition-free journalism training program, as well as its summer podcast academy for teens and its Uncuffed radio training program inside San Quentin and Solano State Prisons.

KALW has a track record of programming innovation: it was the first station in the Bay Area to air Fresh Air, This American Life, Snap Judgement and The Daily. It was amongst the first stations to air the BBC in the Bay Area, and was for decades the BBCs station of record in San Francisco. KALW is also the birthplace of 99 Percent Invisible and Radio Ambulante, and Snap Judgements Glynn Washington recorded his shows demos at KALWs studios. The origins of Ear Hustle can also be traced to KALWs volunteer program at San Quentin State Prison. The station has been at the forefront of high-quality, socially minded radio from its inception. It remains deeply rooted in the Bay Area and its culture. The expansion into KALW@25thStreet in Oakland for the new DJ lineup is a testament to its dedication to all nine Bay Area counties where it broadcasts. KALW believes in creating and broadcasting stories that are social-justice minded and solutions-oriented.

With its diverse leadership and staff, and the voices centered in the stations on-air reporting, KALW is on a mission to inspire audiences and tell the human story in all its breadth and richness. Justice, equity, and community creation are at the heart of everything KALW does. The station is shaping public medias future by building upon its legacy for innovation and whats next, as well as by training, nurturing and amplifying local voices and makers. The station will continue to seek out and showcase the best from around the globe, and serve as an essential and trusted source for news, music, culture, podcasting and digital media.

ABOUT 25TH STREET RECORDING:

25th Street Recording is a world-class music recording and multimedia facility located in the heart of the vibrant East Bay arts and culture scene. 25th Street has become a cornerstone for the Bay Area music community supporting one of the most diverse cross sections of talent and musical styles anywhere in the world. The studios ongoing mission is to provide first rate studio access to all regardless of genre or ability, and to continue the rich musical and arts history of the greater Bay Area.

ABOUT COLLINS:

COLLINS is an independent strategy, design and communications company with offices in Brooklyn and San Francisco. They combine creativity, craft and technology into ideas and experiences that improve peoples lives. Insight and imagination is at the center of everything they do. To make brands that cant be ignored. To accelerate growth. To build better futures at scale. COLLINS has been named Design Agency of the Year by Ad Age three years running.

CONTACT:

Elka Karl hello@elkakarl.com/510-508-7328

David Boyer dboyer@kalw.org / 917.553.6288
"It was important to open a dialogue with people in the industry whose voices typically are not heard."

LaunchBio, a nonprofit organization with a mission to build an ecosystem of innovation for the benefit of human health and well-being, has received a grant of $20,000 from the pH Foundation to develop programs addressing inclusion in the life sciences industry. The foundation cited LaunchBios Lets Talk About webinar series as an example of exceptional original content highlighting the experiences of people of color working in pharma, research and development, academia and related fields.

I envisioned Lets Talk About as a way to explore the issues of race and equity in the life sciences, especially in the context of the national conversation on race following the murder of George Floyd, said Natasha Eldridge, LaunchBios program director and creator of the webinar series. It was important to open a dialogue with people in the industry whose voices typically are not heard, letting them tell their stories and share thought-provoking points of view, she said.

Lets Talk About webinars have covered ways to increase diversity in clinical trials; discussed how early-stage and startup companies can incorporate effective diversity, equity and inclusion principles into their workplace culture; and tackled how to have authentic discussions about race and workplace inequities that may have been heightened by remote working conditions during the Covid-19 pandemic. The programs, which are archived at https://www.launchbio.org/webinars, are offered every other month and are free of charge.

Ms. Eldridge said that Lets Talk About programs also showcase successful Black Indigenous People of Color (BiPOC) biotech and medtech entrepreneurs, investors and executives because, If you cant see it, you cant be it. Each of these trail blazers had to work hard, find mentors and prove their value in a highly competitive industry. Its inspiring to hear their career stories and best advice for aspiring life sciences professionals, as well as a reminder to keep listening and learning, she said.

Michael Hostetler, co-Founder, pH Foundation, said he is impressed by LaunchBios ongoing commitment to promote inclusion in the life sciences. This is a difficult subject for our industry to address, but the numbers speak for themselves. While about a third of the biotech workforce is made up of people of color, fewer than 15 percent of executives and board members come from this group. The lack of diversity is even more pronounced among venture capital partners, who decide which startups get financial backing. This is unsustainable for an industry that depends on innovation and a diverse, global perspective to succeed, he said.

Erica Pascal, also co-Founder, pH Foundation said that she hopes the foundations grant will motivate others in the life sciences industry to support and expand LaunchBios work on inclusion. Change starts with education, and thats why the pHFoundation is pleased to support LaunchBios efforts to bring forth new voices and solutions. We encourage partners in pharma, academic research, and philanthropy to join us in this work, she said.

Becky Beattie, LaunchBios CEO, said that the response to the Lets Talk About webinar series has been overwhelmingly positive. Each webinar has attracted hundreds of viewers from the nation's leading life science hubs including San Diego, Cambridge, San Francisco, and Research Triangle Park. I receive comments from audience members after every program, asking how they can become involved. These are important indicators that the programs are paving the way for meaningful change in our industry, and we welcome the pHFoundation as a partner in these efforts, she said.

Mrs. Beattie said that LaunchBio intends to expand its inclusion initiative, with a particular focus on educational programs and resources to support startup companies with diverse founding teams. Further details will be announced in early 2022.

###

About LaunchBio: LaunchBio is a nonprofit organization that identifies, counsels, and supports high-growth, high-impact life science and biotechnology companies. Its mission is to build an ecosystem of innovation for the benefit of human health and well-being. LaunchBios impact is measured by its success in connecting entrepreneurs with knowledge, capital and talent  including each other  not only within geographic regions, but across the nations leading life science hubs. Read more at http://www.launchbio.org.

About pH Foundation: The pH Foundation supports initiatives that promote (a) diversity, equity and inclusion in the life sciences industry, or (b) the accessibility of chamber music and opera in the US.
With Gods Help Anything Is Possible: a potent tale of faith. With Gods Help Anything Is Possible is the creation of published author, Marion "Butch" Segars, a loving family man and native of Arkansas who hopes to inspire others to find God.

Segars shares, This is a book about a hard working lady that believes in God and family. When she tries to help one of her students, her world gets turned upside down. She was told that she had spoken Gods name in class and because it was against school rules she would be sent home. When a local news station gets involved, things get very interesting. She has a very understanding family and support group. She knows that with Gods help everything will turn out for the best. So keep this in mind while you read about the struggles that she has to go through because she loves God and doesnt care who knows or who might be offended. Lets bring God and prayer back to our schools.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Marion "Butch" Segars new book is an engaging story of one womans faith against all odds.

Segars writes in argument for religion to be permitted within schools again. With a compelling narrative and vibrant imagery, this tale is certain to prove thought-provoking to those who experience it.

View a synopsis of With Gods Help Anything Is Possible on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase With Gods Help Anything Is Possible at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about With Gods Help Anything Is Possible, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
MOBB United Marks Five Years On The Frontlines In The Fight For Social Justice and Policing Reform It's a critical moment for the organization as we complete our fifth year and continue the fight of our lives, emphasized McGruder. We wont stop until society sees our Black boys and men through the lens of humanity and with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Five years ago, on July 7, 2016, a concerned mother of two Black sons gave birth to twin organizations: Moms of Black Boys United, Inc. (M.O.B.B. United) and M.O.B.B United for Social Change, Inc. Depelsha Thomas McGruder founded these nonprofits in the wake of the brutal police killings of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, and many others who came before them. Fed up, frustrated and filled with despair, she took to her computer to do something about it. A heartfelt social media post began a journey for McGruder and a dedicated cohort of moms that led to the formation of M.O.B.B. United; two organizations dedicated to influencing policies and perceptions that impact how Black boys and men are viewed and treated by law enforcement and other authority figures.

This year, moms of Black sons around the world exhaled at the same time as Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill sentenced former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin to 22.5 years in prison for the murder of son, brother, father, and friend, George Floyd.

We shared a collective sigh of relief when we finally saw some semblance of justice and accountability, said McGruder, a former TV executive who started M.O.B.B. United as a Facebook support group. But it would be naive and foolish for us to assume that accountability in one case will lead to a permanent shift. Our work is far from done.

In a show of force, M.O.B.B. United members are advocating for the passage of policies and legislation that will increase accountability for law enforcement, including the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act (H.R. 1280). Honoring his life and all of the lives murdered by the hands of those meant to protect and serve requires vigilance.

M.O.B.B. United is encouraging community members to contact their U.S. Senators and demand passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, stressed McGruder, noting the National Academy of Sciences data point that Black men are 2.5 times more likely to be killed by police. Future generations are counting on us."

M.O.B.B. Uniteds key initiatives are designed to support moms working to change perceptions of Black boys and men, and bring an end to racial profiling and discrimination. Training and empowering moms to become effective advocates while raising their voices collectively nationwide is another principal area of focus.

There is strength in numbers. Thats why this vocal online community of more than 170,000 is rallying moms and allies across the nation to join in the organizations daily work toward equity and justice for Black boys and men. In recognition of its fifth anniversary milestone, M.O.B.B. United is launching its "Invite 5 Moms" campaign to encourage members and others to help increase frontline support, and expand the organization's impact.

It's a critical moment for the organization as we complete our fifth year and continue the fight of our lives, emphasized McGruder. We wont stop until society sees our Black boys and men through the lens of humanity and with the dignity and respect they deserve.

To learn more about M.O.B.B. Uniteds 5th MOBBiversary activities, key priorities, ongoing initiatives and support its critical work, visit mobbunited.org.

# # #

---------

Who we are: Moms Of Black Boys United, Inc. and M.O.B.B. United for Social Change, Inc. mobbunited.org

What we do: Serve as a resource and a voice for moms of Black boys and men working to bring an end to racial profiling and discrimination.

Why it matters: Some stark realities facing our communities:

Black men are 2.5 times more likely to be killed by police (Risk of being killed by police use of force in the United States by age, race-ethnicity, and sex by Frank Edwards, Hedwig Lee, et.al, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America).

Black Americans are three times more likely than Whites to be killed during a police encounter (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study, June 2020).

One in three Black men can expect to go to prison in their lifetime, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics.

Black and Hispanic students represent more than 70 percent of those involved in school-related arrests or referrals, according to the Department of Education.

Black boys as young as 10-years-old are significantly less likely to be viewed as children than their white peers (Journal of Personality and Social Psychology study, 2014).

Black students are more likely to be suspended from school than White students (Dept. of Education, 2015-16 school year).

Black children are 18 times more likely to be tried as adults than White children in the criminal justice system.
Telehealth is expected to more than double in size over the next few years to at least $43 billion

Dramatic telehealth growth is transforming the healthcare industry, bringing with it major changes for patients, families, physicians and medical professionals in every sector.

At the beginning of the 2020 pandemic, many clinics and hospitals were conducting a handful of telehealth visits a day between patients and medical professionals. By mid-April of 2020, daily non-urgent telehealth visits had grown a staggering 4,000 percent, according to the Journal of American Informatics Association.

During the pandemic year, telehealth services went from an emerging alternative to a dominant solution for the delivery of certain types of healthcare, including urgent situations, said [Becky Sanders, Program Director for the Upper Midwest Telehealth Resource Center (UMTRC). Telehealth as a market went from a few million dollars annually a decade ago to an astonishing $10 billion in 2020 and is expected to more than double in size over the next few years to at least $43 billion.

Supported in part by federal regulatory changes that allowed integration of and compensation for healthcare services delivered online, telehealth grew dramatically during the lockdown period of the pandemic, allowing physicians and medical professionals to securely conduct patient visits.

In-home and remote telehealth visits have now become a preferred means of healthcare delivery for many patients, particularly in rural areas, and numerous experts expect a continued tsunami of telehealth growth, noted Sanders. All indicators are that the present rate of rapid growth and popularity of telehealth among patients and providers will only continue.

To help medical professionals, institutions, government and regulatory leaders better understand and grasp profound changes in the telehealth marketplace, UMTRC organized its annual conference here to focus on The New Normal in telehealth delivery.

A full lineup of telehealth experts from all over the Midwest will gather in South Bend July 20 and 21 to review, discuss and plan for major continued changes in telehealth, both from professional practice and consumer perspectives. The South Bend location serves as a central point for people traveling from Illinois, Michigan and Ohio to attend.

For those engaged in patient engagement and healthcare service delivery, this is a cant miss conference, said [ Cara Veale, CEO of the Indiana Rural Health Association (IRHA). This industry is changing day-by-day, and the conference presenters are industry experts who will provide a critical strategic view.

Rural telehealth expansion holds its own set of challenges and benefits, which will be a special focus of the conference.

A much-anticipated keynote on the history and future of telemedicine and telehealth will be presented July 20 by Charles R. Doarn, a research professor and expert from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Doarns deep experience reflects his recognized expertise on strategic telehealth applications, ranging from addressing dynamic changes in healthcare delivery to disaster management to telemedicine needs on the International Space Station.

Titled The Ever-Expanding Telehealth Universe, a second major keynote address will be delivered on Wednesday morning by attorney Katea Ravega, a partner and healthcare lawyer with the law firm Quarles & Brady, LLP in Indianapolis. Ravega will bring her seasoned perspective on telemedicine regulations, compliance issues and transactions for hospitals, clinics, practices and companies contemplating telehealth market expansion.

Several other experts, medical professionals, hospital administrators and university professors will present during the conference. Topics includes How to Prepare Patients for the Telehealth Experience, Provider Burnout and the Electronic Health Record, Virtual Engagement during a Public Health Emergency, Overcome Barriers and Accelerate Organizational Telehealth Success, Comprehensive Device-Enabled Exams, Broadband and Community Health Needs Assessments, and more.

The conference is designed to be of interest to a wide range of professionals engaged in rural telehealth including community leaders, clinicians, administrators, board members, public health officials, rural health clinics, federally qualified health centers, local health departments and others interested in the development of Telehealth care in their community, noted Sanders. The events are created for anyone with an interest in rural health care, including rural health practitioners, hospital administrators, clinic directors and lay health workers, social workers, state and federal health employees, academics, community members and more.

The two-day event will take place at the Gillespie Conference and Special Event Center in South Bend, Indiana. Registration for the conference ends on Friday, July 9. For more information, please visit https://www.umtrc.org/annual-conference/2021/umtrc-annual-conference/

# # #

ABOUT UMTRC - A National Rural Health Association (NRHA) Fellow, Becky Sanders serves as program director for the Upper Midwest Telehealth Resource Center, which helps advance telehealth operations in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio. UMTRC is a federally funded program of the Indiana Rural Health Association (IRHA) that provides a comprehensive set of telehealth clinical and technical assistance services leveraged into products of lasting value to rural providers. For more information, please visit https://www.umtrc.org/

About the Indiana Rural Health Association - The Indiana Rural Health Association was organized in 1997 and is a nonprofit organization working to enhance the health and well-being of rural populations in Indiana through leadership, education, advocacy, collaboration, and resource development. The strength of the organization is through the present diverse membership and the founding organizers who are committed to impacting the health of citizens through the identification of rural health issues and through advocacy roles in both the public and private sectors. IRHA membership is made up of 3,300 diverse individuals and organizations, making it the largest state rural health association in the nation, and a nationally recognized leader in rural health care. For more information, visit http://www.indianaruralhealth.org
Getting a second opinion on important decisions is the American way and our 'second check' system provides an opportunity for that second opinion, said Kevin Mahoney, an attorney at the NC Eminent Domain Law Firm and a former special deputy who represented the NCDOT.

A massive widening of NC 211 will soon lead hundreds of home and property owners in Hoke and Moore counties to the bargaining table with the NCDOT.

A free virtual seminar on July 13, 7-9 pm (more here) is designed to help prepare property owners, and the attorneys who will lead the seminar are available to speak in advance with reporters.

The NC 211 construction project between Mockingbird Hill Road (SR 1311) in Raeford and West Palmer Street (SR 1244) in Aberdeen will turn the road into a four-lane divided highway. More than 400 properties along the approximately 15.4 miles of the increasingly busy artery will be affected, with more than 70 owners - of homes, businesses, and churches - being forced to relocate.

The NCDOT has set aside $54+ million to compensate owners affected by the project.

The offers some property owners receive from state officials may amount to far less than what their property is worth. Nor would these offers make up entirely for the potential danger they may face from the increase in traffic or the frustration when faced with trying to sell their property with a greatly diminished market value, according to former NCDOT attorneys at the NC Eminent Domain Law Firm.

Home and property owners affected by this project are invited to attend a seminar at no obligation whatsoever to learn more about their rights.



Seminar Details:

July 13, 2021  7-9 PM

Sign up for virtual seminar here: https://www.nc-eminent-domain.com/nc-211-widening-project-seminar/

Second Check

By North Carolina law, property owners whose land or businesses are targeted for acquisition ultimately receive an offer from the state. If the owner chooses not to accept the offer and takes no further steps, the state will still acquire the land and deposit the amount of the original offer with the County Clerk for the owner.

In most cases, the property owner is then free to pursue a potentially better, fairer arrangement  without losing the first offer. This is where the NC Eminent Domain Law Firms "second check" approach comes in.

If continued negotiations do not change the offer, the owner still has the first offer. But if continued negotiations are successful, the property owner will receive a "second check in addition to the first offer.

Knowing what is legally compensable, and having read hundreds of appraisals, there are certain things that quickly jump off the page to an experienced reader, Kevin Mahoney, an attorney at NC Eminent Domain Law Firm and a former Special Deputy Attorney General who represented the NCDOT, said. Getting a second opinion on important decisions is the American way and our 'second check' system provides an opportunity for that second opinion.

The NC Eminent Domain Law Firm is available to talk with property and business owners, and to try to answer questions about the unique circumstances regarding their individual properties. Those questions typically include:

Property owners who have questions about this project and how it will affect them are encouraged to:

Call the NC Eminent Domain Law Firm at 1-877-393-4990.

Attend the free, no obligation seminar.

About the NC Eminent Domain Law Firm

The NC Eminent Domain Law Firm is dedicated solely to representing property owners impacted by eminent domain law. It is led by three former Attorneys General who worked for the NC Department of Transportation handling some of their largest and most important cases. The firms attorneys have over 70 years of combined experience working exclusively in land condemnation. The NC Eminent Domain Law Firm is a division of the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, which has more than 50 attorneys, based in Durham, North Carolina, with 15 additional offices statewide: Asheville, Charlotte, Fayetteville, Greensboro, Greenville, Goldsboro, Henderson, Morganton, New Bern, Raleigh, Roanoke Rapids, Rocky Mount, Sanford, Wilson, and Winton-Salem.

Contact Information:

Stan Abrams

1-877-393-4990

NC Eminent Domain Law Firm

2915 Raeford Road

Suite 204

Fayetteville, NC 28303
Rising author Ethan Walker marks his first publishing venture with the release of Wear Pink, Love Yourself (published by AuthorHouse UK). This book takes readers to the adventure of a young man and his long journey of self-discovery through Western Europe.

Desperate to leave his native country, Martin starts traveling through and discovering the Schengen area of Western Europe. His long and complex journey takes him to different locations including France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherland, Germany, Denmark and Norway. As he exchanges work for food and shelter, Martin gets to meet people of different culture and habits. Each person he encounters plays an interesting role in the story by exposing their need to cooperate with travelers and treat them as member of their family.

We already know that a big majority of todays society prefer traveling than staying just in one place, the author shares. We are always in search of something unheard, something that we hear and we want to try ourselves.

Wear Pink, Love Yourself provides a good example to those who want to travel in a cheaper way  that is through work exchange. The story highlights how this can be a good opportunity for people to expand their life experiences, discover the world and get to know the real spirit of a county they choose to stay.

Visit https://www.authorhouse.com/en-gb/bookstore/bookdetails/794896-wear-pink-love-yourself to purchase a copy and know more about the book.

Wear Pink, Love Yourself

By Ethan Walker

Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 132 pages | ISBN 9781728395081

Softcover | 6 x 9in | 132 pages | ISBN 9781728395098

E-Book | 132 pages | ISBN 9781728395074

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Ethan Walker was born in Albania. He has a degree in French and is certified as a French teacher. He has also worked as editor of online news articles.

AuthorHouse, an Author Solutions, Inc. self-publishing imprint, is a leading provider of book publishing, marketing, and bookselling services for authors around the globe and offers the industrys only suite of Hollywood book-to-film services. Committed to providing the highest level of customer service, AuthorHouse assigns each author personal publishing and marketing consultants who provide guidance throughout the process. Headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, AuthorHouse celebrates over 23 years of service to authors. For more information or to publish a book visit authorhouse.co.uk or call 0-800-014-8641.
Mark D. Kemple and Timothy Long, Shareholders with Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Mark D. Kemple and Timothy Long of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP have been named Top Labor & Employment Lawyers in California by the Daily Journal. This is the fourth consecutive and sixth year overall on the list for Kemple. Long has appeared four times overall, this being the second consecutive year. The publications annual list recognizes leading California attorneys who have made significant contributions in labor and employment law.

Kemple, a shareholder in the law firms Los Angeles office, is Co-Chair of the firms Labor & Employment Wage & Hour Class and Collective Action Litigation practice and leads the Southern California Labor & Employment Practice. Kemple has broad trial experience in many areas of the law, including employment class and individual litigation, consumer class litigation, false advertising, and unfair competition, where he focuses on the defense of wage/hour class actions and individual employment claims. Kemple has managed disputes for companies of all sizes and has tried numerous lawsuits and arbitrations throughout the United States. He has argued appeals in three federal circuits and several state courts of appeal, including in the California Supreme Court. He has been recognized as a Daily Journal Top Labor & Employment Lawyer in California in 2012, 2014, and 2018 through 2021.

Long, a shareholder in Greenberg Traurigs Sacramento and Los Angeles offices, is Practice Group Leader of the Sacramento offices Labor & Employment Practice. He has served as lead counsel in multiple class, collective, and representative actions and advising on dozens more; has litigated most if not all wage-and-hour issues employers face, as well as a wide variety of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims. Long has argued before several California Courts of Appeal, the California Supreme Court, the Washington State Supreme Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal, and has taken a case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. For the last 20 years, Long has edited and contributed to PLIs Employment Law Yearbook. Long has been recognized as a Daily Journal Leading Labor & Employment Lawyer in 2013 and 2014 and in 2020 and 2021.

About Greenberg Traurigs Labor & Employment Practice: Greenberg Traurigs Global Labor & Employment Practice serves clients from offices throughout the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Members of the practice have had numerous trial wins and are frequently called upon to oversee complex, bet-the-company, and large high-stake cases, including nationwide class and collective actions. On the labor side, a leading group of lawyers regularly represents management with labor-relations matters. Labor & Employment team members assist clients with complex employment issues, and design practical, initiative-taking strategies that can be readily implemented by todays human resources professionals. In addition, the practice is recognized by Chambers & Partners USA for Labor & Employment, Nationwide and The Legal 500 United States in the areas of Labor and Employment Litigation, Labor-Management Relations, ERISA Litigation, Workplace & Employment Counseling, and Trade Secrets Litigation.

Our Labor & Employment Blog and Podcasts

For insights and analysis of the latest labor and employment developments, including legislation, regulations, cases, policies and trends, visit Greenberg Traurig's Labor & Employment blog and podcasts, The Performance Review: California Labor & Employment Podcast; The Workplace Safety Review Podcast (OSHA); and the Trade Secret Law Evolution Podcast on Spotify. These are also available on Apple Podcasts and Stitcher. Click here to access all the firms podcasts.

About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT) has approximately 2200 attorneys in 40 locations in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The firm has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, diversity, and innovation, and is consistently among the largest firms in the U.S. on the Law360 400 and among the Top 20 on the Am Law Global 100. The firm is net carbon neutral with respect to its office energy usage and Mansfield Rule 3.0 Certified. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com
The Leopold Conservation Award winner will be announced at the Maryland Farm Bureaus Annual Convention and Meeting of Delegates. Maryland farmers have long been national leaders in science-based environmental conservation. Farm Bureau and our partners want to recognize the work that our farming community has done and will continue to do to ensure the protection of our natural resources through this award.

A prestigious award program celebrating voluntary conservation by farmers and forestland owners is coming to Maryland.

The Leopold Conservation Award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their voluntary dedication to ethical land, water and wildlife habitat management on working land. The award is in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to farmers, ranchers and forestland owners in 23 states. In Maryland, the award is presented with state partners Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment, Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts (MASCD), and Maryland Farm Bureau.

Owners of farm and forestland in Maryland may apply for the award themselves or be nominated by another party. The Maryland application can be found online.

The recipient receives a $10,000 award and appearance in a feature video on the conservation success found on their farm or forest. The recipient will be announced at the Maryland Farm Bureaus Annual Convention and Meeting of Delegates on December 6. The application deadline is August 31, 2021. Applications will be reviewed by an independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders.

Maryland farmers have long been national leaders in science-based environmental conservation, said John Torres, Maryland Farm Bureau executive director. Farm Bureau and our partners want to recognize the work that our farming community has done and will continue to do to ensure the protection of our natural resources through this award. Our members are committed to growing and raising food in a sustainable and responsible way that allows for the continuation of the farming tradition here in The Old Line State, he said.

Bruce Yerkes, MASCD president, said, Recognizing exceptional farm stewardship is so important in our region, where the agricultural community carries so much of the responsibility for meeting water quality goals. The Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts is excited to work with the Maryland Farm Bureau and Sand County Foundation to bring the Leopold Conservation Award to our state."

Recipients of this award are real-life examples of conservation-minded agriculture, said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation president and chief executive officer. These hard-working families are essential to our environment, food system and rural economy.

As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundations Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of farmers, ranchers and forestland owners, said John Piotti, AFT president and CEO. At AFT we believe that conservation in agriculture requires a focus on the land, the practices and the people and this award recognizes the integral role of all three.

The Maryland Leopold Conservation Award is also made possible through the generous support of Maryland Department of Agriculture, MidAtlantic Farm Credit, Delmarva Chicken Association, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Chesapeake Conservancy, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, ShoreRivers, and The Nature Conservancy.

KEITH CAMPBELL FOUNDATION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT: The Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment was established in 1998 to improve the conditions of the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays. In 2003, the geographic focus of The Campbell Foundation expanded to include California and the San Francisco Bay watershed. The mission in the Chesapeake Bay Region is to improve water quality and ecological balance in the Bay and its rivers, as a healthy bay fosters a vibrant regional economy and provides exceptional recreational opportunities. The Campbell Foundations Pacific Initiative strives to identify opportunities in the field that a) are gaining political momentum, b) present a great opportunity to leverage resources of all kinds, and c) are innovative from a business and social perspective.

MARYLAND ASSOCIATION OF SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICTS serves as the voice of Marylands 24 soil and water conservation districts on state legislative issues. It also provides a forum for training, policy-making and the exchange of information at their annual and quarterly gatherings. Its mission is to promote practical and effective soil, water, and related natural resources programs to all citizens through individual conservation districts on a voluntary bases through leadership, education, cooperation and local direction.

MARYLAND FARM BUREAU, INC. is a 501(c)(5) federation that serves as the united voice of Maryland farm families. Our organizational strength comes from the active participation of over 12,000 individual and family members who belong to the states 23 local county Farm Bureau organizations. Since 1915, Maryland Farm Bureau has been committed to protecting and growing agriculture and preserving rural life. Maryland Farm Bureau is a proud member of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

SAND COUNTY FOUNDATION inspires and empowers a growing number of private landowners to ethically manage natural resources in their care, so future generations have clean and abundant water, healthy soil to support agriculture and forestry, plentiful habitat for wildlife and opportunities for outdoor recreation. http://www.sandcountyfoundation.org

AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through its No Farms, No Food message. Since its founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 6.5 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally sound farming practices on millions of additional acres, and supported thousands of farm families. http://www.farmland.org

LEOPOLD CONSERVATION AWARD PROGRAM is a competitive award that recognizes landowner achievement in voluntary conservation. Sand County Foundation presents the award in California, Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and in New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont). http://www.leopoldconservationaward.org
Seed Group, a company of the Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, has announced a strategic partnership with New Jersey-headquartered Servion Global Solutions, a leading contact centre and customer experience (CX) solutions provider.

This agreement aims to facilitate the digital transformation of companies in the Middle East and further strengthen the UAEs position among the top digital economies in the world.

Under the partnership, the Seed Group will help Servion connect with the top decision-makers in government as well as private sectors in the Emirates and the wider Middle East and North Africa region. It will facilitate Servion to help enterprises design, build, run and optimize their contact centres and focus on unlocking the benefits of new technologies such as cloud and AI to enable self-service and accelerate innovation in the region.

Hisham Al Gurg, CEO of the Seed Group and the Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, said, The UAEs digital economy is witnessing phenomenal growth as enterprises are constantly looking for newer technologies to generate greater business and revenue sources. Our strategic partnership with Servion Global Solutions will open up new avenues for the businesses in the Middle East to develop the right customer management strategies with latest digital offerings that will give them the much-needed competitive advantage.

Seed Groups extensive knowledge and expertise of the MENA business landscape and its commitment to advancing the interests of its partners will definitely help Servion flourish in the region.

For more than 25 years, Servion Global Solutions has been trusted by customer-centric brands for architecting, implementing, and managing contact centres and customer experience solutions. Thus far, it has helped more than 600 enterprises across the globe deliver great experiences by empowering them with insights across the entire user journey and channels, leveraging predictive analytics to make informed decisions, and improving customer experience.

Laurent Philonenko, CEO, Servion Global Solutions, said, We are pleased to enter into a strategic partnership with the Seed Group, whose guidance will play a pivotal role in our success in the Middle East. We are committed to delivering complete solutions for businesses to innovate in providing digital experiences using the best available technologies while maximising their existing investments.

The Seed Group has become a notable diversified company operating in technology, healthcare, tourism and hospitality, and real estate sectors in the Gulf region. Over the past 16 years, it has formed strategic alliances with leading global companies representing diverse regions to accelerate their sustainable market entry and presence within the MENA region. Servions partnership with the Seed Group will give it access to one of the fastest-growing economies and further opportunities with prospective clients based out of the MENA region.

About Seed Group

Over the past 16 years, Seed Group has formed strategic alliances with leading global companies representing diverse regions and industries. These companies have propelled their business interests and goals in the Middle East and North Africa region through the support and strong base of regional connections of the Seed Group. The Groups goal is to create mutually beneficial partnerships with multinational organisations and to accelerate their sustainable market entry and presence within the MENA region. Seed Group has been a key point in the success of all its partners in the region, helping them reach their target customers and accelerate their businesses. The Private Office was established by Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum to directly invest in or assist potential business opportunities in the region, which meet The Private Offices criteria. For more information, visit http://www.seedgroup.com.

About Servion

For more than 25 years, Servion has been trusted by customer-centric brands for designing, building, running and optimizing Contact Centres and Customer Experience (CX) solutions. Servion delivers complete solutions for businesses to innovate in providing digital experiences using the best available technologies while maximizing their existing investments. Our 800 CX professionals apply their passion and deep domain expertise to the entire design-build-run-optimize solution lifecycle. Servion has helped 600 enterprises across the globe deliver great experiences to their customers, partners, and employees. For more information, visit https://servion.com.
The dealership will donate $10 to the Alberta Cancer Foundation for every test drive taken this month

Sherwood Ford, an Edmonton area dealership located in Sherwood Park, is partnering with Chase the Cure YEG this month to help raise money for cancer research and prevention. The money raised during the month of July 2021 will go to the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

Sherwood Ford will be raising money by donating $10 for every test drive taken at their facilities this month. Every driver who would like to support the Alberta Cancer Foundation is encouraged to visit Sherwood Ford when they have spare time this month.

Chase the Cure YEG, a local charity organization, is organizing its 4th annual event for the end of the month. On July 30th and 31st, they will host the event at the Edmonton International Raceway in Wetaskiwin from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. This event features two days of oval track car racing. The goal is to raise awareness for cancer research and prevention at the event. They are also taking donations, hosting a silent auction, holding an outdoor concert and more. Individuals are welcome to donate to the event whether or not they participate.

To support the event, Sherwood Ford has offered its OilersNation #NATIONTRUCK as the racing pace car for the event. On both days of the event, spectators will be able to see this truck in action. All proceeds and donations to No One Fights Alone, the name of the race taking place at the event, will also be used to benefit the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

Individuals in the area who are looking for ways to help are encouraged to visit p2p.onecause.com/chasethecureyeg to make a donation or to visit Sherwood Ford for a test drive. Test drives do not cost any money and the dealership will be donating $10 to the foundation for every ride, regardless of the make, model or model year of the vehicle with a goal of raising over $3000.
This year proved the significant need for deskless scheduling and productivity technology worldwide, and we will leverage the latest funding to continue to push the limits of innovation.

Skedulo, the leader in deskless productivity software, today announced the company raised $75M in its series C, led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2*, and celebrated the booking of 35M appointments through its platform.

Skedulo serves deskless workers who are not in a traditional office setting, representing 80% of the workforce and 2.7B people worldwide. With less than 5% of software investments focused on this segment, the market is largely underserved despite 76% of companies expecting a double-digit increase in deskless workers in the next year. Skedulos deskless productivity cloud allows companies to manage, engage and analyze deskless workers across a wide variety of industries, including healthcare, utilities, solar, non-profits, public sector, construction and more.

Over the last three years, Skedulo has seen their annual recurring revenue increase 400%, and has expanded its global reach with partnerships all over the world. With the most recent investment, Skedulo will continue to develop and scale its platform, expand internationally and champion deskless workers across key industries.

Throughout 2020, Skedulo helped frontline and deskless workers do their jobs more efficiently and effectively so they could focus on their roles - from mobile phlebotomists and vaccine administrators to solar technicians and commercial cleaning professionals, said Skedulo CEO Matt Fairhurst. This year proved the significant need for deskless scheduling and productivity technology worldwide, and we will leverage the latest funding to continue to push the limits of innovation.

Skedulo played a critical role in the fight against COVID-19, first assisting frontline workers with COVID-19 testing, having been selected by BioReference Laboratories, an OPKO Health company, to co-create a high capacity scheduling solution, and then with the vaccination rollout, partnering with governments globally like the country of New Zealand, the province of Ontario, and several U.S. states - including California, Maine, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio and more.

We needed an efficient, agile and frictionless platform to optimize our patient-centric experience, said Vinny Pacione, Vice President, Consumer Technology and Digital Solutions at BioReference Laboratories. Leveraging Skedulos technology helped us provide COVID-19 testing for millions of patients across the country and significantly reduced patient wait-time. By co-creating a solution with Skedulo, we were able to scale our operations to meet the growing patient demand.

Working in partnership with Accenture and Salesforce, Skedulo supported its home state in the fight against COVID, through both volunteer management and scheduling vaccination appointments for the states My Turn program. Today, California has among the lowest transmission rates in the U.S., and more than 70% of adult citizens have at least received the first dose of the vaccine.

The pandemic dramatically accelerated the adoption of digital services for workers across many industries, including those who dont work in a traditional office setting. Powered by AI and machine learning, Skedulos cloud-based software helps enterprises increase productivity by enabling them to intelligently manage and support deskless workforces, said Priya Saiprasad, Partner at SoftBank Investment Advisers. We are pleased to partner with Matt and the Skedulo team to support their ambition of becoming the new standard for deskless workforce productivity.

For more information about Skedulo, please visit http://skedulo.com/.

###

About Skedulo

Founded in 2013, Skedulo is headquartered in San Francisco with offices in Australia, Vietnam, and the United Kingdom. Skedulos leading Deskless Productivity Cloud solution powered by AI and machine learning empowers organizations to manage, engage and analyze their deskless workforce, supporting the 80% of global workers who dont work in a traditional office setting. Skedulos platform helps enterprises intelligently manage, schedule, dispatch, and support deskless workers on the go, whether they are in fixed location facilities or mobile field workers on the frontline. Skedulo has enabled hundreds of organizations, including The American Red Cross, DHL, and Sunrun, to seamlessly schedule and service over 35 million appointments worldwide. The company has secured over $115 million in funding to date, led by Softbank, Microsoft's venture firm M12, Costanoa Ventures, and Blackbird. For more information, please visit http://www.skedulo.com, or our blog, @Skedulo, Facebook and LinkedIn pages.
Sonder Libations Company, a newly formed spirits portfolio, founded to manufacture and distribute the most unique collection of bespoke spirits in North America, is pleased to announce operations are underway.

In its first definitive agreement, Sonder Libations Company has acquired Lee Spirits Company(details undisclosed). Lee Spirits Company is a nationally award-winning and noted spirit(s) manufacturer who specializes in ready to drink (RTD) canned cocktails and flavored gins. Along with purchasing Lee Spirits Companys extensive product portfolio, Sonder Libations Company will now control and operate Lee Spirits Companys assets including its manufacturing facility in Monument, Colorado along with the brands tasting rooms in Colorado Springs and Monument.

Kevin Selvy, founder of Crazy Mountain Brewery, has been named CEO of Sonder Libations Company. Selvy brings a wealth of expertise to his role, having served in a number of senior leadership and consulting positions over the past 15 years including with Crazy Mountain Brewery and Anchor Steam Brewing. His capabilities include extensive beverage and alcohol industry experience, strong financial orientation, and proven know-how operating large scale manufacturing endeavors in highly regulated markets across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Asia, and Europe. Kevin is an experienced strategist with a deep understanding of how to build beloved consumer brands while leveraging operational scale across a vast sales, distribution, production, and manufacturing footprint.

Kevin Selvy and the Sonder Libations Company team are industry veterans with a proven track record of developing high performing alcohol brands that have grown into sales, distribution and manufacturing giants across the United States and internationally, said Ian and Nick Lee, co-founders of Lee Spirits Company and now Sonder Libations Company Board Members. Lee Spirits has spent eight years building an elite product portfolio that is trend-setting and never trend-chasing, and we are confident that with Kevins keen understanding of the marketplace, distributors and consumers across the United States and the globe will soon enjoy our meticulously formulated spirits.

Sonder Libations Company will immediately begin distributing Lee Spirits portfolio in several new marketplaces including the Midwest and Southwestern United States with plans to introduce the brands lineup of spirits to all 50 states and the global market by the end of 2023.

We are thrilled to welcome Lee Spirits Company as the first member of our portfolio of offerings under Sonder Libations company brand. said Kevin Selvy, CEO. The popularity of Lee Spirits clearly means its one-of-a-kind products are ready for increased distribution across the entire United States. Our sales and manufacturing infrastructure are primed to make Lee Spirits RTD cocktails and flavored gins into category captains with an unprecedented number of new distributors, consumers, liquor stores, bars and restaurants very rapidly.

This fall, Sonder Libations Company will announce the acquisition of additional spirit brands.

Our team is in final negotiations to acquire two more spirit brands. Much like Lee Spirits Company, these next acquisitions offer first-to-market spirit formulations and will be immediately distributed nationally and internationally. As we take possession of these two companies, distributors, spirits-business operators, and the consumer will absolutely adore these new properties which offer original spirit recipes and exceptional price points, added Selvy. We look forward to sharing Sonder Libations Companys expeditious growth and successes regularly.

Sonder Libations Company is a spirit portfolio, founded to manufacture and distribute the most unique collection of bespoke spirits in North America designed to immediately increase distributors' catalogs of new offerings. For more information, please visit https://sonderlibations.com/.

Lee Spirits Company, a leading distiller of ready-to-drink (RTD) canned cocktails and flavored gins is a nationally award-winning Colorado-based distillery whose mission is to create the finest products to empower spirit lovers to enjoy authentic cocktails. To connect with Lee Spirits, visit their website or social media page.
As tax administrations from Portugal to Poland, Romania to Angola accelerate e-audit efforts, Sovos is uniquely positioned to deliver comprehensive and intelligent compliance for SAF-T and other e-accounting requirements.

Global tax software provider Sovos today announced it has acquired Portugal-based companies PetaPilot, which delivers e-accounting solutions to tax authorities and businesses, and Saphety, which provides compliant e-invoicing services to governments and companies. Together with existing Sovos capabilities, the acquisitions create a complete VAT, SAF-T and business-to-government (B2G) compliance solution for customers operating in Portugal, while adding compliant e-invoicing connectivity and extended digital accounting capabilities to meet current and upcoming mandates around the world. Both pioneers in their markets, PetaPilot and Saphety bring to Sovos technology and talent that will help customers meet the demands of the digital transformation of tax and public procurement, all with a single provider.

A SAF-T Solution for Accelerating Adoption of e-Audits

The acquisition of PetaPilot enables Sovos to significantly extend the capabilities of its new Advanced Periodic Reporting cloud platform, enhancing support for global Standard Audit File for Tax (SAF-T) requirements, which the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) designed to give tax administrations frequent, digital visibility into business accounting systems. However, no two countries have adopted the exact OECD SAF-T specification, which means e-accounting requirements vary substantially across borders. Adding to the challenge, IT and tax teams must aggregate this data - invoice records, inventory movements, human resources, fixed assets and more - from disparate systems and be ready at any time to deliver complete, consistent, structured data files to governments.

There is renewed interest in the SAF-T standard globally as a companion to continuous transaction controls (CTCs), said Steve Sprague, general manager, global value-added tax, Sovos. As tax administrations from Portugal to Poland, Romania to Angola accelerate e-audit efforts, Sovos is uniquely positioned to deliver comprehensive and intelligent compliance for SAF-T and other e-accounting requirements.

Valter Pinho, Sovos general manager, SAF-T and former PetaPilot CEO, said, PetaPilot has built deep expertise in SAF-T compliance since 2008, when we developed technology for the tax authority in Portugal, the first country to adopt and use the SAF-T standard. As we integrate PetaPilot products into Sovos Advanced Periodic Reporting, Sovos will add value via tax and data intelligence that mimics government controls. Its a powerful combination that will help thousands of companies analyze and fulfill their obligations.

A Single Connection for Compliant Invoicing

CTC mandates are expected to go into effect in France, Poland and Hungary in 2023, and governments around the world increasingly leverage facilitating frameworks like Pan-European Procurement Online (PEPPOL) as the backbone for CTC implementation. Compliance often requires sending invoices using these B2G concepts and infrastructures, which for multinational companies adds to the challenges of varying and fast-moving VAT and e-accounting requirements.

Using PEPPOL and other global interoperability standards, Sovos will leverage Saphety technology to enhance its e-invoicing compliance solutions with seamless, compliant e-invoice delivery capabilities. When combined with Sovos solutions for e-signatures, e-archiving, clearance, VAT reporting and more, the acquired capabilities offer customers and partners a single solution for all their compliance needs.

Sovos already has a sizable customer base for VAT and insurance premium tax (IPT) in Spain and Portugal, and understands the needs of local businesses and multinational companies operating in the region, said Rui Fontoura, Sovos vice president and former Saphety CEO. As Saphety joins Sovos, we will offer customers and partners an extended compliance function for sending electronic invoices to procurement platforms without having to monitor or adjust to varying local regulations and standards frameworks.

Local Operations & a Complete Offering for Portugals SAF-T & e-Invoicing Mandates

John Gledhill, vice president of corporate development for Sovos, said, With the PetaPilot and Saphety acquisitions, Sovos strengthens its offerings in the growing market for SAF-T compliance, enhances its ability to address converging B2B and B2G e-invoicing regulations and establishes operations in Portugal. With expert teams now in more than 13 countries, Sovos is building a global presence that prioritizes the local and regional compliance needs of our customers.

The terms of the deals were not disclosed. Sovos is owned by Hg, the London-based specialist private equity investor focused on software and service businesses, and TA Associates. EY served as financial advisor to Sovos, and Burness Paull LLP and Gomez-Acebo & Pombo provided legal counsel. ECIJA provided legal counsel to PetaPilot. PLMJ provided legal counsel to Saphety, which was previously invested in by Oxy Capital.

###

About Sovos

Sovos was built to solve the complexities of the digital transformation of tax, with complete, connected offerings for tax determination, continuous transaction control compliance, tax reporting and more. The company supports more than 20,000 customers, including half of the Fortune 500, operating in over 70 countries. Its SaaS products and proprietary Sovos S1 Platform integrate with a wide variety of business applications and government compliance processes. Sovos has employees throughout the Americas and Europe, and is owned by Hg and TA Associates. For more information visit http://www.sovos.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About PetaPilot

Petapilots core product, col.bi SAF-T, provides customers a scalable integrated data analytics tool for digital audit and tax compliance in a cloud or on-premise offering. The solution analyzes all of a companys transactions contained in SAF-T files prior to the submission to the tax authority. The product is sold to both tax authorities and corporate customers. Petapilots solutions are helping the tax authorities of Portugal, Hungary, Lithuania, Ukraine, Equatorial Guinea and Cape Verde. Petapilots founding team have been working closely with the Portuguese Tax Authority to support the introduction of its SAF-T mandate in 2008, and PetaPilots col.bi solution has underpinned the Portuguese Tax Authoritys SAF-T data processing and analysis since 2014.

About Saphety

Saphety was founded in 2000 and is a multinational company of Portuguese origin and a leader in solutions for the electronic exchange of documents, electronic invoicing, financing of electronic invoices, presentation of electronic invoices and data synchronization between companies. Present in Portugal, Brazil and Colombia, its solutions currently reach 52 countries, and its customer portfolio has more than 10,000 companies, including, among others, some of the largest telecommunications operators, retail, transportation, logistics, energy, banking, health services and public sector. More information at corporate.saphety.com.
This could turn into a defining moment for us, should this effort materialize into a full-fledged operation. However, we are keen on taking cautious steps honoring compliances and obligations.

Stock Tokens are digital tokens of stocks that are traded on traditional exchanges. The Stock Token value is pegged to the worth of the relevant underlying share. the value of the underlying share determines the value of the Stock Token. Stock Tokens are non-fungible over-the-counter derivatives but are not the actual shares themselves.

Digital asset exchange, PayBito, is finally ready to host Stock Tokens of reputed enterprises on their platform. PayBito announces this long-awaited and much-speculated event after lengthy research and meticulous scrutiny of legal and technical aspects. Even so, PayBito management is particular about treading in cautious steps towards actual operations in this segment.

This could turn into a defining moment for us, should this effort materialize into a full-fledged operation. However, we are keen on taking cautious steps honoring compliances and obligations, says PayBito Chief, Raj Chowdhury.

The digital asset exchange is thriving with a healthy number of traders and enlisted coins. The technical team has recently upgraded the security machinery to support the rising number of traders.

However, this comes amid a crypto-crackdown in China, UK, and Japan. Trading in Stock Token is jurisdiction-dependent. Hence the availability is restricted to countries not regulating their trade.

The derivative part of trading falls within the scope of regulations. Regulatory bodies tend to suppress their trade. Therefore were making calculated moves complying with the jurisdiction, added Chowdhury.

PayBito has always advocated innovation on cryptocurrency. It hosts several utility coins on its platform. Stock Tokens should attract more investors trading in a familiar setup.

About PayBito:

PayBito is a leading cryptocurrency asset trading platform operating globally. The platform is designed and managed by a team with rich experience in Banking security systems, Cryptocurrency trading, and Blockchain technology. It is available in the web version as well as in iOS and Android stores. PayBito services include white label cryptocurrency exchange, white-label payment gateway, exchange affiliate, and coin listing. PayBito offers some of the best rates and top-notch security in the crypto world.
Our team constantly strives to achieve our vision of being the technology partner everyone wants to work with, and our consistent placement on the MSP 501 list shows that were succeeding in our efforts to deliver exceptional service.

Stratosphere Networks has been named as one of the worlds premier managed service providers in the prestigious 2021 Channel Futures MSP 501 rankings.

Stratosphere has been selected as one of the technology industrys top-performing providers of managed services by the editors of Channel Futures. For the past 15 years, MSPs from around the globe have submitted applications to be included on this prestigious and definitive listing. The Channel Futures MSP 501 survey examines organizational performance based on annual sales, recurring revenue, profit margins, revenue mix, growth opportunities, innovation, technology solutions supported, and company and customer demographics.

Managed services providers that qualify for the list must pass a rigorous review conducted by the research team and editors of Channel Futures that rank applicants using a unique methodology that weighs financial performance according to long-term health and viability, commitment to recurring revenue and operational efficiency.

Channel Futures is pleased to name Stratosphere Networks to the 2021 MSP 501.

Were thrilled to earn recognition from Channel Futures as one of the worlds top managed service providers for the 10th year in a row, said Steve Melchiorre, CEO of Stratosphere Networks. Our team constantly strives to achieve our vision of being the technology partner everyone wants to work with, and our consistent placement on the MSP 501 list shows that were succeeding in our efforts to deliver exceptional service.

This years list attracted a record number of applicants and was one of the most competitive in the surveys history. Winners are being recognized on the Channel Futures website and will be honored at a special ceremony at the MSP Summit held Nov. 1-2 in Las Vegas as part of the Channel Partners Conf. & Expo.

Since its inception, the MSP 501 has evolved from a competitive ranking into a vibrant group of innovators focused on high levels of customer satisfaction at small, medium, and large organizations in public and private sectors. Today, many of their services and technology offerings focus on growing customer needs in the areas of cloud, security, collaboration, and support of hybrid work forces.

The 2021 Channel Futures MSP 501 winners are the highest-performing and most innovative IT providers in the industry today. They stand head and shoulders above the competition, said Robert DeMarzo, vice president of content for the Channel Futures and Channel Partners Conference & Expo division of Informa Tech Channels. Coordinated by Channel Futures MSP 501 editor Allison Francis, this years list was clearly one of the best ever on record.

Vendors that are aligned with the Channel Futures MSP 501 are driving a new wave of innovation in the industry. Through their partnerships they are demonstrating a commitment to moving the MSP and entire channel forward, said Kelly Danziger, general manager of Informa Tech Channels. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 2021 winners and gratitude to the thousands of MSPs that have contributed to the continuing growth and success of the managed services sector.

The MSP 501 winners will be recognized at the MSP 501 Awards Gala at the Channel Partners Conference & Expo / MSP Summit, Nov. 1-4, in Las Vegas.

The complete 2021 MSP 501 list is available on Channel Futures website.

Background

The 2021 MSP 501 list is based on confidential data collected and analyzed by the Channel Futures editorial and research teams. Data was collected online from March 1-May 24, 2021. The MSP 501 list recognizes top managed service providers based on metrics including recurring revenue, profit margin and other factors.

About Stratosphere Networks

Stratosphere Networks provides comprehensive managed services  including managed cybersecurity, managed IT, co-managed IT, and co-managed cybersecurity services  as well as trusted advisor services to businesses across all industries. Our team of IT experts strives to empower clients with exceptional service from our state-of-the-art Network Operations Center and Security Operations Center. The company has earned recognition as a leader in the realm of IT managed services, receiving accolades such as the Channel Partners 360 Business Value award, the MSPmentor 501, Crain's Best Places to Work in Chicago and more. Visit http://www.stratospherenetworks.com for more information.

For more information contact:

Lori Leonardo

847-440-8608

LoriL@stratospherenetworks.com

About Channel Futures

Channel Futures is a media and events platform serving companies in the IT channel industry with insights, industry analysis, peer engagement, business information and in-person events. Our properties include Channel Futures MSP 501, recognizing the most influential and fastest-growing providers of managed services in the technology industry, Channel Futures DEI 101, honoring and celebrating those who have often been under-represented in tech channels; Channel Partners Events, delivering unparalleled in-person events, including Channel Partners Conference & Expo, The MSP Summit, and Channel Evolution Europe; and DEI Community Group, our initiatives to educate, support, promote, and sustain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the IT channel industry. Channel Futures is part of Informa Tech, a market-leading B2B information provider with depth and specialization in the Information and Communications (ICT) Technology sector. Every year, we welcome 7,400+ subscribers to our research, more than 3.8 million unique visitors a month to our digital communities, 18,200+ students to our training programs and 225,000 delegates to our events. Channel Futures is where the world meets the channel; We are leading Channel Partners forward. More information is available at channelfutures.com.

Media Contact

Ginette Andre

Associate Marketer, VIP Relations

ginette.andre@informa.com

Allison Francis

Editor, Channel Futures and MSP 501

allison.francis@informa.com
Super Doctor Rising Stars 2021 We are proud to have so many of our physicians honored by their peers for their professional excellence and achievements via the Rising Star Award, with six of the recognized physicians being first-time recipients," said CEO Paul Singh

Nine U.S. Dermatology Partners doctors are being recognized by their peers as Super Doctors Rising Stars in the July 2021 issue of Texas Monthly.

The selection process for Super Doctors is a rigorous process designed to identify physicians who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Each year, Super Doctors asks doctors across the state to nominate colleagues (excluding themselves) who they would trust for their own medical care. The Super Doctors research team then investigates independently. Candidates are evaluated based on peer recognition, professional achievement, and disciplinary history. The highest-ranking nominated physicians are asked to serve on a selection panel, which helps to determine the final list of Super Doctors. The final list represents 5% of Texas physicians.

Doctors recognized as Rising Stars meet the same criteria as Super Doctors and have been actively practicing for 10 years or less. Only 2.5% of all active physicians are selected to the Rising Star list. The physicians being honored represent cities throughout the state of Texas.

We are proud to have so many of our physicians honored by their peers for their professional excellence and achievements via the Rising Star Award, with six of the recognized physicians being first-time recipients. Their inclusion in this prestigious list is a tribute to their clinical expertise, their dedication to providing exceptional care, and their collaboration with peers for the mutual benefit of their patients.

Awards that utilize a rigorous selection process can be a valuable tool for patients who are evaluating their healthcare options. We are pleased to have our physicians included in such an important resource, said CEO Paul Singh.

The complete list is published in the July 2021 issue of Texas Monthly.

U.S. Dermatology Partners Rising Stars 2021

Recognized for Dermatology

Matthew Hoffmann, M.D., Longview

Lindsey Hunter-Ellul, M.D., Tyler

Michaela Overturf, M.D., Nacogdoches

Lauren Snitzer, M.D., Sugar Land

Titilola Sode, M.D., Dallas

Valerie Truong, M.D., Dallas, Plano

Greg Walker, M.D, Waco

Dustin Wilkes, D.O., Weatherford

John Jay Wofford, MD, Dallas, Plano

About U.S. Dermatology Partners

As one of the largest physician-owned dermatology practices in the country, U.S. Dermatology Partners patients not only have access to general medical, surgical, and cosmetic skin treatments through its coordinated care network, but also benefit from the practices strong dermatology subspecialty thought leaders and medical advisory board. To be the best partners to its patients, U.S. Dermatology Partners is fervently focused on providing the highest level of patient-first care, and its team, therefore, includes recognized national leaders in areas such as clinical research, psoriasis, and Mohs Surgery. To learn more, visit usdermatologypartners.com.
Missouris General Assembly and governor showed tremendous courage and respect for the Missouri Constitution by not providing funding for this deceptive ballot initiative, said Chase Martin, FGA Legal Affairs Director.

Today, the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) filed an amicus curiae brief with the Supreme Court of Missouri to support the lower courts decision that the Medicaid Expansion Amendment violates Missouris Constitution.

In the brief, FGA explains that the ballot initiative that narrowly passed last fall violates Article III Section 51 of the Missouri Constitution as it failed to provide a source of funding to pay for its massive cost. FGA also argues that the large, unanticipated costs associated with Medicaid expansion demand a valid source of funding upfront to avoid decimating the State's budget.

FGA warns the Court that allowing this unconstitutional amendment to survive would transform Missouris initiative process into a mechanism for well-funded special interest groups to use to avoid the legislative process crippling the States budget while undermining the separation of powers enshrined in the Missouri Constitution.

Missouris General Assembly and governor showed tremendous courage and respect for the Missouri Constitution by not providing funding for this deceptive ballot initiative. The unconstitutional ballot initiative failed to address the cost and funding source for expanding Medicaid, which is why the lower court judge struck down the amendment, said Chase Martin, FGA Legal Affairs Director. FGA supports the lower courts decision as Medicaid expansion would decimate the states budget and harm the truly needy Missourians that Medicaid was designed to help.

The Missouri Constitution clearly states that money may not be withdrawn from the state treasury for any purpose other than that specified in an appropriation made by the Missouri General Assembly. FGA urges the Supreme Court of Missouri to affirm the lower courts ruling in Case #99185 that the Medicaid Expansion Amendment is unconstitutional.

The Foundation for Government Accountability is a non-profit, multi-state think tank that specializes in health care, welfare, work, and election reform. To learn more, visit https://TheFGA.org
IBBA 2020 Chairman's Circle Award given to Jeff MacAdam of The Bridlebrook Group Business Brokers support the health of small businesses and communities worldwide, and these award recipients are among our industrys best, stated IBBA Executive Director, Kylene Golubski.

The International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) has recognized Philadelphia area Business Broker, Jeff MacAdam, with the Chairmans Circle Award for outstanding performance in 2020 as part of its Member Excellence Awards Program.

Business Brokers support the health of small businesses and communities worldwide, and these award recipients are among our industrys best, stated IBBA Executive Director, Kylene Golubski. 2020 presented many unique challenges, yet these individuals rose to the occasion and delivered impressive results.

Working hard to help my clients through some uncharted waters was extremely gratifying, said MacAdam of The Bridlebrook Group.

About The Bridlebrook Group

Since 2003, The Bridlebrook Group has been at the forefront of the market for confidential business sales and mergers & acquisitions for profitable companies. As the Philadelphia areas leading business intermediary, they selectively represent well-run companies and their owners who expect the highest degree of professional representation. Their broad base of knowledge and experience enables them to provide their clients a competitive edge when it comes to confidentially marketing and selling their businesses for maximum value.

More information about Jeff MacAdam and The Bridlebrook Group can be found at http://www.bridlebrookgroup.com, or by contacting him at jeff@bridlebrookgroup.com or (610) 325-7066.

About the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA)

Formed in 1984 and with nearly 1,600 members, the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) is the largest international not for profit association for Business Brokers. The association provides Business Brokers with education, free benefits, conferences, professional designations, support programs and networking opportunities, and award the Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) designation to qualifying Business Brokers. To learn more visit http://www.ibba.org.


Early on in our acquisition efforts, we noticed and admired the honest and professional business practices of Simple Home Comfort, LLC.

Tucker Hill Air, Plumbing & Electric, a commercial and residential plumbing and HVAC service provider, recently bought Phoenix-based Simple Home Comfort, LLC.

Tyler Stettler founded Simple Home Comfort, LLC in 2015 to offer heating and cooling services to residents of Phoenix, AZ and surrounding areas.

Speaking about the acquisition, Tucker Hill CEO Jeremy Prevost said, Early on in our acquisition efforts, we noticed and admired the honest and professional business practices of Simple Home Comfort, LLC. And so we decided to start a conversation with Tyler Stettler about a potential acquisition. Prevost continues, In talks with Tyler, we saw how transparent they were as a business and how committed they were to serving the local Phoenix area. Weve both come to realize that this acquisition is the right next step for both businesses and we plan to continue faithfully serving all of our customers.

Tucker Hill Air Plumbing, & Electric has successfully acquired numerous local home service businesses, such as Air McConnell, LLC and Minuteman Home Services, and is actively working towards its expansion goals.

Explaining why he decided to sell Simple Home Comfort, LLC to Tucker Hill Air, Plumbing & Electric, Stettler said, I chose Tucker Hill because I know they will take care of my clients and friends with the same honesty and commitment that has made Simple Home Comfort, LLC what it is today. We agree on the need to have an honest business philosophy and I truly believe theyre a great group who can handle any cooling or heating issue.

To celebrate the acquisition and rewards its customers, Simple Home Comfort, LLC has prepaid a year of Tucker Hill Club Preventative Maintenance services, which include one pre-season A/C tune-up and inspection, one heating tune-up and inspection, one annual water heater sediment flush and safety check, and one annual electrical system and main panel review. The total value of this offer is $476.

To learn more about Simple Home Comfort, LLC, visit https://simplehomecomfortaz.com/.

To learn more about Tucker Hill Air, Plumbing & Electric, visit https://tuckerhillaz.com/.

About Tucker Hill Air, Plumbing & Electric: Tucker Hill Air, Plumbing & Electric is the industry leader in the Phoenix market for light commercial and residential HVAC, plumbing and electrical services. The companys licensed, bonded and insured technicians are available 24/7 and are highly trained, experienced and have passed a background check. Tucker Hill Air, Plumbing & Electric specializes in residential and commercial maintenance, repairs and installation of all air conditioning, heating, plumbing and electrical systems. The company is committed to industry leading customer service and provides daily training for both technicians and office staff. Tucker Hill Air, Plumbing & Electric is dedicated to serving seniors with honesty and professionalism.
The American Cheese Society gives an essential voice to the concerns of our industry and provides solutions for challenges through education.

Attendees at the 38th Annual American Cheese Society (ACS) Conference will have unprecedented access to educational programming and expertise for three months after the July 28-30, 2021, virtual event, organizers announced today. The conference, which gathers artisan cheesemakers, industry professionals, purchasers, and influencers from the United States, Canada, and Europe each year, will broaden its access, scope, and value thanks to a virtual platform. Unlimited by physical exhibition space or geographic location, the 2021 conference offers a global audience of cheese professionals a unique opportunity to attend the full offering of seminars and workshops. Registration is open at https://www.cheesesociety.org/2021-conference/. 2021 attendees will be recognized for their support at the 39th ACS Annual Conference, to be held in Portland from July 20-23, 2022.

"As with all our ACS annual conferences, this year attendees will be able to experience a wide range of educational programming and networking opportunities," said Jeremy Stephenson, board president of ACS. An added benefit of this year's online conference is that rather than having to choose one session from a concurrent session group, conference-goers will be able to view all the sessions later, at a time and place that best suits them!" he noted.

Pivoting to a virtual event due to COVID-19, the Conferences theme, Moving Forward Together with Purpose, is designed to help ACS members navigate change successfully as they grow their businesses. Shaped in part by feedback from a May 2020 ACS survey of 980 artisan cheese community members, over 30 seminars and workshops will hone in on timely market challenges, financial management, climate change and sustainability, and the evolution of the industry. The schedule of events and extensive roster of speakers offer attendees unparalleled educational and competitive advantages that they can return to without restriction until the end of October, 2021.

Highlights include:



The Homogenization of the Dairy Industry: Highlighting Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC Folx) in Cheese, Agriculture, and Specialty Foods.

Let's Get Serious About Sustainable Dairy  From Farm to Cheese  Gather insights and methods used by farmers and producers of award-winning dairy products to protect the environment.

Crisis Marketing: Dispatches from the Pandemic Era  Learn how to build an effective crisis marketing strategy.

Practical Tools and Solutions for Developing and Implementing Your Food Safety Plan.

Meet the Cheesemaker Virtually! Cheesemakers meet attendees, who receive a randomized sample box to enjoy as they learn about select cheeses.

Sponsors supporting the conference and helping to celebrate accomplishments in artisan cheesemaking include Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, DPI Specialty Foods, Gourmet Foods International, Murrays/Kroger, and Whole Foods. Attendees can meet sponsors and exhibitors in a variety of virtual settings, from booths and networking sessions to video chats. Aptly named "Its a Gouda time to Network, multiple breakout sessions encourage active engagement.

We are so thankful to our sponsors, and of course our dedicated members, for their unwavering support during this challenging time, said Lynn Giacomini Stray, board vice president of ACS. The American Cheese Society gives an essential voice to the concerns of our industry and provides solutions for challenges through education that simply couldnt exist without supporters like these, she noted.

Details will be released in due course concerning the Certified Cheese Professional Exam (ACS CCPTM) which will be held virtually on Aug. 4, 2021, and the Annual Judging & Competition that will take place in Minneapolis, Minn. in May 2022, both of which have historically been major components of the Annual Conference. Registration for the 2022 ACS CCPTM exam will open in Feb. 2022.

To register for the conference and review the multiple educational opportunities, visit https://www.cheesesociety.org/2021-conference/

About American Cheese Society

ACS is the leading organization supporting the understanding, appreciation, and promotion of artisan, farmstead, and specialty cheeses produced in the Americas. At 2,300 members strong, ACS provides advocacy, education, business development, and networking opportunities for cheesemakers, retailers, enthusiasts, and extended industry. ACS strives to continually raise the quality and availability of cheese in the Americas. Since its founding in 1983, ACS proudly hosts the foremost annual educational conference and world-renowned cheese judging and competition in North America. ACS is a 501(c)6 nonprofit association headquartered in Denver, Colo. To learn more about ACS, please visit http://www.cheesesociety.org or contact 720-328-2788.

###
Brian Jensen, Marketing & Brand Director Wisdom Natural Brands With a clever package design we focused on making it informative, simple and fun. We are finding SweetLeaf Organic Monk Fruit casts a wide appeal to Millennials, Gen X and Z, and Boomers who are interested in better for you options with zero sugars, zero calories/carbs.

A man on a mission, a mission of Monk Fruit. Brian Jensen, Marketing & Brand Director for Wisdom Natural Brands has been awarded the Most Innovative Idea and Product Award for the entire SweetLeaf Organic Monk Fruit line of products. The product formulation, delicious, award-winning taste, amazing solution for consumers and incredible packaging awarded Jensen this high honor.

Jensen developed, directed, and led the team to introduce an all-new family of SweetLeaf Organic Monk Fruit sweeteners, with monk fruit as a delicious key ingredient.

Jensen says, It was an honor to lead our team to create a delicious product with exciting packaging as an incredible solution for people of all ages. You really can have something that tastes good and helps you cut down on sugar. This line plays a role in weight loss and weight management, helps people with diabetes with blood sugar control, and cardiovascular risk as well. And all 18 products in powders and liquids in the Organic Monk Fruit line taste great and are simple to incorporate into your daily lifestyle. Jensen adds, SweetLeaf Organic Monk Fruit is truly the perfect sugar alternative.

The liquids, when added to coffee, tea, smoothies, and water with rich flavors, such as Caramel Macchiato or Almond Amaretto to Chocolate Peanut Butter or Creme Brulee, and playful flavors, like Orange Passionfruit, Strawberry Guava, and Old-Fashioned Lemonade. From powder to drops, clear to flavors, the family of SweetLeaf Organic Monk Fruit is something SweetLeaf is proud to now offer our consumers.

Jensen received the prestigious award during the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Awards ceremony. One of my greatest takeaways from the past year is this: resiliency is not defined as returning to what we once were; resiliency is about walking through hardship and coming out stronger and more focused than ever before, said Sarah Watts, President/CEO of the Gilbert Chamber about this years winners. All finalists were nominated by the local business community. Award recipients were determined by a committee of peer Chamber members and the Board of Directors.

SweetLeaf Monk Fruit stands out for several reasons. It tastes great, its USDA Organic status and NON-GMO Project verification, its value priced, and offers unique flavors, says Brian Jensen. With a clever package design we focused on making it informative, simple and fun. We are finding SweetLeaf Organic Monk Fruit casts a wide appeal to Millennials, Gen X and Z, and Boomers who are interested in better for you options with zero sugars, zero calories/carbs.

Wisdom Natural Brands does business in more than 30 countries and throughout the United States. SweetLeaf is a leading sugar alternative in natural, health food, and mainstream grocery stores.

Purchasing SweetLeaf Sweetener and SweetLeaf Organic Monk Fruit Sweetener products couldnt be easier. SweetLeafs website has a handy store finder, which lists retailers selling SweetLeaf. Additionally, SweetLeaf makes it easy to shop online from the companys website, SweetLeaf.com. SweetLeaf is also available in many health food stores, natural grocery, supermarkets, and various online retailers. Shop.SweetLeaf.com

For more information about SweetLeaf, visit SweetLeaf.com. For interviews with company leadership, please contact the name listed at the bottom of the release.

###

About WISDOM NATURAL BRANDS, maker of SweetLeaf Sweetener and

SweetLeaf Organic Monk Fruit Sweeteners

Wisdom Natural Brands, based in Gilbert, Ariz., has been the leading stevia expert and industry pioneer with its plant based SweetLeaf Sweetener brand for 38 years. SweetLeaf is the only stevia brand winning 37 awards for taste and innovation. SweetLeaf Organic Monk Fruit is available in granular, packets, squeezable, and liquid drops, totaling 18 products. SweetLeaf Sweeteners have zero calories, zero sugars, a non-glycemic response, and no artificial ingredients. SweetLeaf Stevia is sold in boxes containing 35 or 70 packets and shaker jars (organic or natural) for easy home use. SweetLeaf Liquid Stevia Sweet Drops add flavor without calories, zero sugars, or artificial sweeteners to foods, beverages, and recipes. Organic Sweet Drops are available in three popular flavors: English Toffee, Vanilla Creme, and SteviaClear. SweetLeaf Stevia Water Drops add delicious flavor to still or sparkling water. New Better than Sugar! powdered and granular, natural, and organic, is a sugar replacement measuring 1:1 like sugarwith zero calories, carbs and zero sugars. SweetLeaf Zero-Sugar Stevia Syrup, in three popular flavors, brings the incredible sweetness of stevia and monk fruit, with only 70 calories per serving. Wisdom introduced herbal blends made from Yerba Mate through its Wisdom of the Ancients brand, one of the most respected herbal lines in the natural industry. Wisdom of the Ancients herbal blends are available in bags and loose leaves and come in a variety of beneficial flavors. And new zero-sugar, zero-calorie Yerba Mate Energy Shots, available in regular and orange flavors, provide energy with 200 nutrients and 100% naturally occurring caffeine. SweetLeaf Sweeteners and Wisdom of the Ancients products are available at: Shop.SweetLeaf.com, health food stores, natural groceries, supermarkets, and online retailers.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Barbara McFadden

McFadden/Gavender

O: (520) 882-6262

M: (520) 990-6040

barbara@mcfaddengavender.com

Website:

SweetLeaf.com

WisdomNaturalBrands.com
Rob Aaldijk, Product Manager, Xillio With the arrival of Compliance Center and a full range of products targeting information compliance, full adoption of Microsoft 365 is no longer a hurdle from an enterprise perspective.

Xillio, the global content migration solutions provider that enables organizations to modernize information landscapes, is proud to announce its membership in the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA), a global ecosystem of independent software vendors and managed security services providers that have integrated their security products and services with Microsofts to better defend against a world of increasing threats. By joining MISA, Xillio aims to accelerate the global reach and delivery of Xillios robust portfolio of migration and compliance solutions, while working in collaboration with Microsoft and its partners on the further improvement of compliant information management for enterprise, government, and other public sector customers.

With 17+ years of experience in delivering content migration software and services, customers will benefit from Xillios Microsoft solutions for Information Governance and Records Management, which combine fully compliant legacy content migrations with records management strategy and configuration. Xillio Compliance products that are MISA approved include an integration with Microsoft Information Governance.

Our customers are increasingly focusing on applying compliance standards to the information and processes they manage through Microsoft 365 says Sjoerd Alkema, Director of Content Services at Xillio. By joining MISA, we further strengthen our already elaborate relationship with Microsoft in the field of content services.

With the arrival of Compliance Center and a full range of products targeting information compliance, full adoption of Microsoft 365 is no longer a hurdle from an enterprise perspective, explains Rob Aaldijk, Product Manager at Xillio. Whether it be migrating your sensitive or otherwise protected content to Microsoft 365 in a compliant manner, or configuring Microsoft 365 to your local compliance needs, Xillio is a trusted MISA member delivering solutions from deep expertise and years of experience.

"Visibility into the volume and location of sensitive data is critical, especially for remote workforces, explains Alym Rayani, General Manager, Product Marketing, Microsoft Compliance. "Xillios MISA integration helps customers enable information governance and records management solutions. This gives our shared customers access to the data they need to manage compliance and risk management in Microsoft 365."

For more information about Xillios compliant migration solutions and Microsoft Compliance product offerings, please visit the Azure Marketplace Listing or contact us at sales@xillio.com.

About Xillio

At Xillio, our mission is enabling organizations to create a future-proof content migration strategy that aligns core information management principles - security, search-and findability, governance, compliance  with user-centricity, adaptability, and business value. With an experienced team of consultants and project managers across EMEA and North America, Xillio is at the forefront in helping organizations plan and execute a cloud-centric Microsoft 365 content strategy. With 17+ years of experience in planning and managing migrations for enterprise and public sector clients around the globe, Xillio has experience with virtually every legacy ECM system  including bespoke platforms, customizations and exceptions, and industry use cases  from IBM FileNet, OpenText Livelink, OpenText Content Server, Documentum, HP Trim, Alfresco and SharePoint On-Prem. Xillio is a Microsoft Intelligent Security Association Member, a Microsoft Charter Member for Content Services, and an Associate Partner on Project Cortex.
Officials at Simon & Schuster this week applauded the Supreme Courts decision not to take up a case that sought to challenge a key protection for authors and journalists. But in separate dissents, Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch lashed out at the current media landscape and suggested the legal standard at issue in the case, which was established in the landmark civil rights era case New York Times v. Sullivan, should be revisited.

The case in question involves Guy Lawsons 2015 book Arms and the Dudes: How Three Stoners from Miami Beach Became the Most Unlikely Gunrunners in History, the basis for the movie War Dogs.

In 2017, Shkelzen Berisha, the son of the former Prime Minister of Albania, sued Lawson and S&S arguing that the books portrayal of his involvement in corrupt arms deals was defamatory. In December, 2018, a district court judge dismissed the lawsuit, holding that Berisha, as a limited public figure, failed to show actual malice. In other words, by the standard set in the Supreme Courts unanimous 1964 decision in New York Times v. Sullivan, Berisha failed to show that Lawson and S&S had published statements they knew to be false, or with reckless disregard as to whether or not they were false.

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously affirmed the decision in September, 2020. And with the Supreme Courts denial of Certiorari last week the case is now over.

In a brief statement, S&S officials said they were gratified by the Supreme Courts 7-2 ruling. [The decision] affirms long held rights and protections for authors and journalists under the First Amendment and puts an end to a lawsuit that should never have been brought in the first place, the statement reads.

 [The decision] affirms long held rights and protections for authors and journalists under the First Amendment and puts an end to a lawsuit that should never have been brought in the first place. 

But the biggest takeaway from the case may be that two of the courts conservative justices apparently believe there should be more cases like Berishas.

In dissents that take aim more at todays fractured media landscape than the merits of the case, Thomas and Gorsuch question how well the standard articulated by the court in 1964 in Sullivan holds up today.

What started in 1964 with a decision to tolerate the occasional falsehood to ensure robust reporting by a comparative handful of print and broadcast outlets has evolved into an ironclad subsidy for the publication of falsehoods by means and on a scale previously unimaginable, Gorsuch writes. If ensuring an informed democratic debate is the goal, how well do we serve that interest with rules that no longer merely tolerate but encourage falsehoods in quantities no one could have envisioned almost 60 years ago?

While today's media landscape is obviously different and challenging, the standard articulated in the New York Times v. Sullivan is widely regarded as a pillar of the American free press. Before the decision, handed down in March, 1964, public officials in southern states had effectively used the threat of libel and defamation actions against news organizations to suppress coverage of the civil rights movement. But the actual malice standard adopted by the court effectively mitigated the risk from costly defamation claims.

Gorsuch and Thomas are far from the only federal judges to urge a re-thinking of the Sullivan standard in recent yearsthough it is unclear from both dissents how the court's interventionas opposed to Congress'swould alleviate the problems that have emerged in todays mediaa point Gorsuch acknowledged.

I do not profess any sure answers. I am not even certain of all the questions we should be asking, Gorsuch conceded in his dissent. But given the momentous changes in the Nations media landscape since 1964, I cannot help but think the Court would profit from returning its attention, whether in this case or another, to a field so vital to the safe deposit of our liberties.
Truck driver shortages, widespread port congestion, and skyrocketing container costs are among the biggest challenges facing the book industry supply chain for the rest of the year and into 2022, panelists on a July 6 BISG webinar looking at freight and shipping issues agreed.

Book Internationals v-p of global business development David Hetherington said that, in all his time in the book business, he has never seen such pressure building in the supply chain as is happening now. He predicted that things could get worse as more buying shifts online and more packages need to go directly to consumers homes.

Hetherington, along with Ryan Forbes of Readerlink and Susie Scally of the international logistics firm Meadows Wye, also agreed that now is not the time for publishers to negotiate with trucking companies or the major delivery services. The lack of freight capacity is a real issue, Forbes said, and companies dont need to yield on price. It is estimated, for example, that there is now a truck driver shortage totaling to 60,000. Trucking firms are also having difficulty sourcing large trailers to move books, Forbes explained.

Scally focused her remarks on the international markets, noting that while it is difficult getting timely shipments out of China, congested ports are everywhere. Complicating delivery times, Scally added, is that even when goods reach a U.S. port, the infrastructure isnt in place to speed shipments to domestic locations. Observing that shipping companies have managed to jack up the price of containers, Scally said that publishers need to deal with the reality that the cost of transporting books is extremely high and that they need to be ready to pay the bill and not bicker over price. Scally added that she doesnt see the costs of containers ever going down to pre-pandemic levels.

All three speakers also said that it is important for publishers to see what is happening in the publishing supply chain in the context of the entire American economy. The U.S., Forbes noted, is working through a years worth of pent-up demand that is intensifying competition for shipping and freight services among all sectors, Forbes said.

The three speakers also agreed that publishers need to make adjustments to their supply chains. While challenges are significant, many are surmountablebut changes to the supply chain are mandatory, Hetherington said.

Making some suggestions on how the business should adjust, Hetherington said publishers need to look more closely at the benefits of domestic digital printing, emphasizing that publishersgiven the escalating costs of shipping and freightshould pay more attention to lowering the total cost of ownership rather than unit costs. He also urged publishers to shorten their supply chains as much as possible, and suggested that publishers ship to customers directly from their manufacturer whenever possible.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  Patricia Dunn, who has served in the Office of the Indiana State Chemist for almost 15 years, has been appointed feed administrator for the state. Among her responsibilities in this position, Dunn oversees the state licensing of commercial animal feed, medicated feed and pet food products, and determines the need to take regulatory action against violators of the laws and regulations.

Trishs extensive experience in office will serve her well as feed administrator. I look forward to working together to strengthen the offices feed regulatory program, said Mark LeBlanc, director of the state chemist office.

Dunn, who earned her bachelors degree in animal science from Purdue Universitys College of Agriculture as well as an associate degree in chemistry, began her career with the state chemist office as an analytical chemist. She later moved into the position of inspector and, for the past six years, worked as the fertilizer control specialist.

I am excited to continue to expand my passion for the two- and four-footed by ensuring the highest standards of feed products are maintained, Dunn said. I plan to preserve our established relationships as well as cultivate new relationships within the regulatory and industry communities.

Writer: Maureen Manier, 317-366-5550, mmanier@purdue.edu

Source: Patricia Dunn, pwaller@purdue.edu

Agricultural Communications: 765-494-8415;

Maureen Manier, Department Head, mmanier@purdue.edu

Agriculture News Page
If you're interested in submitting a Letter to the Editor, click here.

Submit
It is with deep sadness that Rapid TV News is reporting the death of Michael Usifo Ataga, chief executive of officer of Super TV owner Super Network Limited.





Ataga is reported to have been the victim of a fatal stabbing in Lagos on 15 June 2021. His body was discovered in a short service apartment in the city. A 21-year old student of the University of Lagos has been arrested as the main suspect in the case.Commenting on the tragedy, a spokesman for broadcast services and television management EuroTV Guild said that Ataga has been at the forefront of modernising not only his company but Nigerian TV as a whole. The company wished to express its condolences to Atagas family and friends at what it said was a deeply sad time.
Live and interactive nature and wildlife channel WildEarth has launched in Brazil via Samsung TV Plus, Samsungs free ad-supported streaming service.

The channel, which last month launched on Huawei Video worldwide, will be available across all 2017 to 2021 Samsung Smart TVs in Brazil.

WildEarth CEO Graham Wallington commented: Being in nature, even virtually, is scientifically proven to reduce stress and anxiety levels. These daily live broadcasts from wilderness areas on Samsung Plus may be some people's only true connection with nature and in turn help them through difficult times in their lives.

Currently WildEarth operates as both a pay-TV channel throughout Africa on DSTV as well as a FAST channel on connected devices and operators.

It creates immersive live POV experiences from dozens of game reserves and parks with the possibility for viewers to interact and ask questions with naturalists in real time.
People set off consumer aerial fireworks in Reading to celebrate the Fourth of July.
Lt. Gov. John Fetterman's family dog during a press conference June 14 calling for Pennsylvanians to support Senate Bill 232 and House Bill 526, measures that would increase licensing fees to help better fund the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement.
Imagine you are one of the 8 million Americans who qualify for SSI benefits  supplemental security income that provides relief to those with limited resources, income, or a disability. Youve worked hard your entire life, and now, through no fault of your own, you cannot meet even your basic needs to stay afloat. For millions of Americans, thats their everyday reality. Programs like SSI provide a modest cash boost to the nations most vulnerable families: those caring for the almost 1.2 million children with disabilities, and the elderly. If ever a population defined the need for a social safety net, it would be SSI recipients. Thankfully, the program exists and, however modest, the monthly support makes a difference.

Unless you live in Puerto Rico. Because of the islands current territory status, Congress can and does discriminate against these fellow U.S. citizens in multiple ways, like excluding them from SSI benefits. The impact of territorial inequality has been immensely challenging for Puerto Rico in recent years, particularly when faced with multiple natural disasters including the devastation of Hurricane Maria, the 2020 earthquakes, and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yet, the frustration many Puerto Ricans feel toward the federal government goes beyond immediate responses to natural disasters. The long-term lack of equality under federal laws and programs, including SSI benefits, represents the abject failure of the federal government to listen to and respect the will of the majority of voters in Puerto Rico. In 2012, 2017, and again in 2020, voters on the island rejected territorial inequality, favoring statehood above all the other non-territory options at the polls.

Statehood for Puerto Rico would provide 3.2 million U.S. citizens equal treatment under federal laws and programs, which would not just help with immediate disaster recovery but with long-term social needs like those supported by SSI benefits. Statehood would empower Puerto Rico to make significant economic progress by eliminating the uncertainty of the undefined and undemocratic territory status, which would attract investment. It would also provide equal voting rights and representation in the U.S. Congress, which makes the federal laws Puerto Ricans live under, as well as a vote for president, which they are currently denied. As full partners, Puerto Ricans would also share responsibility for the Unions obligations by paying federal income tax, the only tax not fully applicable to local residents.

Thankfully, there is reason to hope that the century-long nightmare of Puerto Rico territorial inequality is finally coming to an end. During last years campaign, then-candidate Joe Biden made it clear that he personally supports statehood for Puerto Rico , and that the federal government should respect the will of local voters. Then, on the same day as the 2020 general election, a clear majority of voters in Puerto Rico said YES to statehood and the citizen equality that comes with it. And recently, Florida Sens. Rick Scott, who is chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and Marco Rubio reasserted their support for statehood, showing that this issue has bipartisan support.

While Congress continues to debate proposed legislation to permanently end Puerto Ricos territorial inequality and establish a path to statehood, the Biden administration was recently given an opportunity to make immediate progress toward equality for Puerto Rico in the U.S. Supreme Court case of United States v. Vaello-Madero . The case addresses whether a provision in the Social Security Act that declines to provide Puerto Rico residents with SSI violates the Constitutions equal protection clause.

Yet, in a baffling move, President Biden failed to show with actions what he promised with his words and allowed the Department of Justice to defend the right of the federal government to continue discriminating against the U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico. Bidens statement that such discrimination is inconsistent with my administrations policies and values, and that there can be no second-class citizens in the United States of America, while simultaneously failing to direct the DOJ to act on his supposed values and policies shows that either he failed to exercise true leadership within his own administration on this issue, or his values and policies are meaningless for the U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico.

It remains to be seen what the Supreme Court will decide in this SSI case, and whether Congress addresses this specific aspect of territorial inequality. But, if President Biden still wants to show that he is a man of his word, then he must take action by supporting legislation to permanently end territorial discrimination and second-class citizenship for the people of Puerto Rico through statehood. Its time for all American citizens to get the help they deserve and it is time for the Biden administration to uphold its promises to the people of Puerto Rico.
Good morning, its Wednesday, July 7, 2021. Today is the 40th anniversary of Ronald Reagans nomination of the first female justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Its a story Ive told before, so I wont repeat myself. Also on this date (in 1958), a bill designating Alaska as the 49th state in the Union was signed into law. Hawaii would follow the next summer -- Dwight Eisenhower was adamant that this happen before he left office -- and weve had no new states since.

Im not old enough to remember those events, but as a boy it seemed to me that America had finally added all the states it could. This was a failure of imagination. Puerto Rico is a logical addition to the United States, although feelings on that question are mixed on the island itself. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party is pushing for the District of Columbia to be admitted as the 51st state. There are strong arguments pro and con. Republicans suspect purely partisan motives, which is understandable. On the other hand, No taxation without representation! is a clarion call with a proud American provenance.

On that note, Id point you to our front page, which aggregates, as it does each day, columns and stories spanning the political spectrum. Todays lineup includes Tammy Bruce on the epidemic of gang-style violence in Chicago (Washington Times); David Freedlanders look at the how the NYC mayors race was won (New York magazine); Lili Loofbourows critique of Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema (Slate); and Peter Nicholas on Mitch McConnells next moves (The Atlantic). We also offer a complement of original material from RCP reporters and contributors, including the following:

* * *

Bidens Stance in PR Legal Case Heightens Statehood Issue. Puerto Rico advocate Jose Fuentes complains that the presidents supportive campaign comments are at odds with steps taken by his Justice Department.

Biden Inc.: Hunter, Joe, and the Mexican Oligarchs. Charles Lipson comments on the latest revelations about possible influence peddling by the presidents son and the scant attention being paid to it by most news outlets.

This Brand of Cyber Scam Is Primed for You. Ransomware attacks on major enterprises get the publicity, but individual consumers may be more vulnerable to low-rent scams that gain trust by hijacking well-known brands, John F. Wasik reports for RealClearInvestigations.

A Warning About Ambitious Carbon-Reduction Plans. At RealClearEnergy, Larry Behrens compares the policies and recent past experiences of California and Arizona.

Biden Should Respect Vaccine Makers Rights. At RealClearPolicy, Charles Sauer argues that the presidents support for waiving intellectual property protections will diminish future incentives for groundbreaking medical research, as well as research in other industries.

China Celebrates a Century of Murder. At RealClearHistory, Francis Sempa puts the Chinese Communist Partys centennial in grim perspective.

* * *

Carl M. Cannon

Washington Bureau chief, RealClearPolitics

@CarlCannon (Twitter)

ccannon@realclearpolitics.com
The indictment of the Trump Organizations chief financial officer has received a lot of press, and properly so. But while the media has been focused on the former president, they have ignored another corruption story involving the sitting president and his family. Like so much news that has been buried, the latest comes from Hunter Bidens infamous laptop. You know, the one the Bidens and their allies in Congress and the media suggested was a Russian plant and disinformation campaign, before that cynical claim was demolished by the director of national intelligence.

The latest buried story involves some photographs, taken in Joe Bidens office in 2014. They include the then-vice president, his son Hunter, and Carlos Slim, the richest man in Mexico (and once the richest in the world), plus some of Slims associates.

Why are the pictures newsworthy? Not because some U.S. officials met with some rich foreign businessmen. That happens all the time. Their real significance is that the vice president met with these guys and included his son at the same time Hunter was working on lucrative business deals with the same people. That looks like self-dealing by the Biden family, despite Joes repeated insistence that he knew nothing about his sons business.

Hunter had other meetings with Carlos Slim and associates in Mexico. Those came after he flew there with his father on Air Force Two, just as he had flown to similar business meetings in China. When you arrive on Air Force Two, when your father is the second-highest official in the U.S. government, and when you bring your business associates to meet him, you are sending a clear signal to potential partners around the world: Im incredibly well connected and, if you do business with me, I can open the biggest and best doors in the U.S. government for you.

Since Hunter has no other marketable skills, opening those doors is the only thing you are paying him for. In country after country, the oligarchs Hunter was wooing had the good fortune to meet with the vice president, meetings that Hunter apparently arranged. Some were held in the host countries, some on the White House grounds.

When you have connections like this in Chicago, you whisper, I know a guy. Hunter virtually shouts it. He knows a guy: the Big Guy, as one of his secret notes describes his father. That note laid out how the lucre from another deal would be divided, with the Big Guy as a silent partner. A partner in that deal, Tony Bobulinski, has publicly stated that all the partners knew the Big Guy (or BG) was Joe Biden.

It seems that Joe Biden was the key to all Hunters business deals.

Whats wrong with the picture? Aside from the unseemly grifting and the dubious denials from the White House that Joe Biden had even the slightest inkling about these deals, there are two things:

The first problem, which should be obvious by now, is that the Biden family has gotten rich from plying all these political connections. Actually, they have only one connection: Joe Biden. His prodigal son has no appreciable skills and raises more red flags than a Beijing parade. His one job is monetizing his fathers power and influence.

Hunter is not alone. Joes two brothers, Jim and Frank, have been credibly accused of doing the same thing. Politico termed it Biden Inc. and laid out the seamy connections in an extensive 2019 investigation. Over his decades in office, Politico reported, Middle-Class Joes family fortunes have closely tracked his political career.

Not that the most influential newspapers in the country will tell their readers anything about this. Carlos Slim is the largest investor in the New York Times, so maybe its editors have a vested interest in ignoring the stench. Whats the Washington Posts excuse? The story about Hunters deals in Mexico, like the previous ones about Biden family corruption, is missing from its news pages. To paraphrase their self-serving mottos: The story dies in darkness, unfit to print. To read it, youll need to check out the New York Post and Britains Daily Mail. This suppression of legitimate news is a scandal in its own right.

Monetizing political connections is standard practice in Washington, where politicians and senior bureaucrats move seamlessly from their government positions to K Street lobbying. Gone are the days when retired members of Congress or presidential aides returned home after stints in government. Too much money is floating around the Swamp for the taking. Both parties have their insider wings of lobbyists, lawyers, and think tanks, much to the disgust of populists, left and right. In that sense, the Bidens influence peddling is just standard practice, conducted on a far smaller scale than the Clintons industrial-strength operation.

But thats not the only problem raised by Joe and Hunters photos with Carlos Slim. The photos deal yet another body blow to President Bidens customary tale that he knows absolutely nothing, zero, zip, nada about his sons business dealings. The more often Joe is seen meeting with Hunters business contacts, the less plausible the presidents I know nothing story sounds. As the Daily Mail put it in its headline:

EXCLUSIVE: Joe Biden entertained Hunter's Mexican billionaire business associates in the vice president's office in 2014 and even flew with his son to Mexico City on Air Force 2 so Hunter could attend meetings over a 'flippin gigantic' deal

The Mail reached the obvious conclusion: The revelations, laid bare in photos and emails on Hunter's abandoned laptop, suggest Joe's claim that he never spoke about business with Hunter was false.

Biden White House aides have yet to explain these photos and emails. Why should they bother when journalists are not pushing for answers? The apathetic press is behaving just like it did during the 2020 campaign, when it rarely questioned Biden about his familys deals in Ukraine and China. When the New York Post did report on them, the social media giants blocked the story. Too toxic for their users to see before the election. Its almost like they had a favorite candidate and controlled the information flow as an in-kind contribution.

Despite Joes see no evil, hear no evil denials, he took Hunter with him on multiple official trips and kept meeting his sons business associates at his request. Not once or twice, but repeatedly. These business meetings yielded big payoffs for Hunter, including a huge investment from a Chinese state bank that Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan couldnt snag. Yet Hunter Biden reeled it in, despite having no investment experience.

To believe Joes denials, we have to believe Hunter never even mentioned his enormous success in China on a 20-plus-hour return flight with his Dad. Ask yourself this: If your child just landed a multimillion-dollar profit on one of your business trips, and if you spent the next day flying home with him, do you think he would never mention it?

Although President Biden seldom speaks to the press unscripted, when a pointed question does crop up (a rarity), he spews anger at the questioner, says how proud he is of Hunter, and orders an ice cream cone. The reporters dutifully ask, What flavor?

Hunters private correspondence tells a story far different from the White House version. Those emails describe his familys crucial importance for his influence peddling. As Yahoo News Mairead McArdle reported:

In leaked emails from 2014, [Hunter] Biden appears to try to leverage his influence with his father, then-vice president Joe Biden, who was heavily involved in U.S. policy on Ukraine, referring to the elder Biden as my guy.

He also attracted criticism for entering into a consulting contract with Chinas largest private energy company that initially earned Hunter Biden $10 million a year for introductions alone, according to leaked emails.

The White House press team dismisses all this evidence and depicts Joe Biden as if he were Sgt. Schultz, the clueless comedy foil on the old TV sitcom Hogans Heroes. Schultz was responsible for guarding some prisoners but never seemed to know they were constantly plotting escapes and other mischief. When Schultzs boss asked about it, the good Sergeant always insisted, I see nothing! I hear nothing! I know nothing!

Heres a free tip for the president and his press office: Sgt. Schultzs defense is not a good motto for you. You cant be clueless and competent at the same time. Its not a good look for the White House press corps, either, even though it is a sadly accurate one when their favorite party is in power.
AMC has announced a lineup of star-studded panels for The Walking Dead, Doctor Who and more that will air during the virtual Comic-Con@Home event and AMC+.

ADVERTISEMENT

Comic-Con@Home runs from July 23-25 and is happening in place of a traditional Comic-Con event in San Diego due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The panels will be available to view on AMC+ the day after they debut during Comic-Con@Home.

The Walking Dead panel takes place on July 24 at 6 p.m. EDT. It will feature a new trailer for the show's upcoming 11th and final season, which arrives on Aug. 22.

Stars Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Lauren Cohan, Khary Payton, Christian Serratos, Josh McDermitt, Eleanor Matsuura and Michael James Shaw will answer fan questions and share behind-the-scenes stories.

A Fear the Walking Dead panel at 4 p.m. EDT and a panel for The Walking Dead: World Beyond at 5 p.m. EDT are also taking place on July 24.

BBC and BBC America are presenting the Doctor Who panel on July 25 at 1 p.m. EDT.

Jodie Whittaker, Mandip Gill, a new cast member, John Bishop and a surprise guest will present exclusive content from the series.

FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS!

Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source!

The lineup also includes panels for V/H/S/94 at 4 p.m. EDT and Slasher: Flesh & Blood at 9 p.m. EDT on July 23 and panels for Ultra City Smiths at 2 p.m. EDT, Horror Noire at 7 p.m. EDT, Creepshow at 9 p.m. EDT on July 24.
Black Widow star David Harbour says he's "really proud" of the new movie.

ADVERTISEMENT

The 46-year-old actor discussed the Marvel film during Wednesday's episode of Good Morning America.

Harbour plays Alexei Shostakov, aka Red Guardian, in Black Widow, which co-stars Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, and Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova. The film opens in theaters Friday and will also be available through Disney+ with Premier Access.

"I'm very tired of keeping secrets, I'm very tired of talking but not talking about it. I'm really excited for people to see the movie!" Harbour said.

"I'm really proud of this movie," he added. "I think it's beautiful, I think it's incredible, and I can't wait for people to see it."

Harbour said he didn't have to get into "superhero shape" to play the Red Guardian, who he described as "about 280 pounds, sitting on the couch and eating plenty of donuts." He said filming stunts was his "least favorite" part of the movie.

"I have no machismo about it. I really like when they tell me that I can sit down in my chair and they can put the stunt guy in," Harbour said. "But I did have to do a lot of stuff -- they wanted him really big for this movie, so I was really big and my knees were shot and I just got beat up constantly. It was definitely the most difficult part of the job."

Black Widow takes place after Captain America: Civil War and follows Natasha (Johansson) as she goes on the run and confronts her past. The film is directed by Cate Shortland and co-stars O-T Fagbenle, William Hurt, Ray Winstone and Rachel Weisz.

FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS!

Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source!

Johansson first appeared as Black Widow in Iron Man 2 (2010) and has since portrayed the character in several films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Black Widow is rumored to be her final outing as Black Widow.

Johansson said in an interview on GMA in June that it's "bittersweet" to say goodbye to the character.

"I've had an incredible decade working with my Marvel family. I'm going to miss not seeing them every 18 months or two years like those kind of milestones I always really look forward to," she said. "I feel really proud of this film and I think it's great to go out on a high note."

Harbour also plays Jim Hopper on the Netflix series Stranger Things.
We are gathering to celebrate the life of Kathryn "Kasey" Ann Kilpatrick. We will be congregating in the community center at Kings Court, 2899 LaFrainer Road on Aug. 14, 2021 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Please join us to share your stories and memories of this terrific woman.
In a Special Called Session Tuesday evening, the Athens-Clarke County Mayor & Commission debated proposed changes to the budget for the fiscal year 2022, including increasing the minimum wage for ACC employees to $15 an hour and a resolution to address homelessness.
In celebration of Pride Month and the sixth anniversary of the nationwide legalization of same-sex marriage, a micro-wedding event will be held at the Wall & Broad event venue on June 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
As Athens restaurants, bars and eateries adjust to changing policies and conditions during the coronavirus pandemic, their operations change frequently. Heres this weeks roundup of restaurant news. Dont forget to stay up to date on hours of operations, service options and contact information with our comprehensive restaurant guide.
This is the longest war Americas ever seen, so when President Joe Biden says well be out of Afghanistan by September 2021, dont blame me for not believing him.
I was working at my desk the other day when I turned to look at my girlfriend Caitlin. Sitting across our 430-square-foot apartment, she was visibly and audibly frustrated and muttered, "Shit."

She just started an online course required for graduation at the University of Georgia. I asked her whats wrong.

She told me she needed to put on pants before taking a practice test.

Her course, like many required courses for students, uses Respondus LockDown Browser, one of many course monitoring and test proctoring software that have become all too familiar through the COVID-19 pandemic.

It just asked her to pivot her webcam to show her immediate surroundings, so as to limit her ability to cheat. In addition to preventing her from opening extraneous tabs on her internet browser, LockDown Browser keeps her webcam on when she is accessing course materials.

Online classes predate the coronavirus by decades, yet I never saw or heard of these kinds of programs until the past 18 months. They were not necessary before the pandemic, they are not now, and they should be banned from use.

Caitlin is going to graduate in a year's time, but because of the rapid normalization of programs no better than school-sanctioned spyware, she will only get her degree after being coerced to sacrifice her privacy.

She is far from the first to experience the fury of dealing with a proctoring program torn right from Orwell. Hundreds of thousands of students have been subject to this nonsense just since 2020, and theres no guarantee well be rid of them after the pandemic chaos winds down.

Theres nothing these programs even do to genuinely prevent all cheating, or even a sizable chunk of it. From putting notes on the laptop keyboard to cross-room screen mirroring, the state-of-the-art tech is less of an impenetrable wall and more like a revolving door if you think about how to cheat for longer than 5 minutes.

All of this is not to mention the added toll on students financially and mentally. LockDown Browser is free, but other programs like Proctorio arent, and other ancillary websites that professors seem to require more and more post-pandemic. WebAssign, StatCrunch and other third-party sites, each with fees and subscriptions, add cost to students unannounced until after they enroll in a course.

They rarely provide services that eLC, the official UGA online learning management system included in student fees, cannot. Weve allowed these private companies to insert themselves as middlemen leeching money from students already sinking their present and future finances into school.

For many students with mental health concerns or disabilities, the pandemic promised potential to make school more accessible and less stressful. Then the test monitoring started.

Margaret Lonsway, a second year environmental health science major and student on the autism spectrum, had to pay for ProctorU for her precalculus class.

I didnt like the idea of having someone being able to control my screen, even if it wasnt for that long, Lonsway said.

These programs are doubly unfair to neurodivergent students, as Miami University students point out in their petition to ban the school's use of Proctorio, calling it ableist by design. Any suspicious looks or glances can be flagged as potential cheating. Nevermind that most people would struggle to be self-aware of their eye movement, this is completely discriminatory against students with ADHD, autism and other disabilities.

College, among other things, serves to prepare students for corporate America. Unfortunately, UGA using what you could call proctorware is doing exactly that if trends hold. Companies and corporations have implemented always-on microphone and webcam policies for remote work, capitalizing on our new circumstances to build an omnipresent workplace culture thats indistinguishable from their personal life or free time.

The threat of this software being somehow compromised or abused, and subsequent identity theft or leaking of private information, is a far greater threat than students cheating on tests. Cybersecurity threats are going to grow exponentially as industries and finance become more digitized. If oil pipelines and banks can be hacked, so can Proctorio.

Schools and employers having the expectation of insight to your personal life is not an expectation that we can sustain. My professors have all OK'd open-note tests because they recognize that when students do all their work at home, they cant reasonably prevent it without crossing a line. Students should be able to do schoolwork at home pantsless if they choose, something I cannot believe needs to be argued.

The honor system is not without its flaws, but weve gone all of academic history with it save the past year and a half. We shouldnt stop now. Hopefully, a future is near where COVID-19 is completely behind us. Lets leave proctorware in the past, too.
Greenville, NC (27833)

Today

Mainly sunny to start, then a few afternoon clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 92F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds. Low 74F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
Nina Nabizadeh, of Brattleboro, Vt., works on a mural at the High Grove Parking Lot on Wednesday, July 14, 2021. Nabizadeh is hoping to have the mural done in a couple of weeks and is looking for community members to help with it.
Taylor Wellington, a registered nurse with Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, gives the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to Ron Brandt, of Brattleboro, during a vaccination clinic at the Brattleboro Fire Departments Central Station on May 13.
Vermont author to speak on release of new novel
Dorothy Craig Adelman of Beckley, WV passed peacefully away, Monday evening, July 12, 2021. Dorothy was born August 25, 1929, during the very early days of the Great Depression to Loyd Mark and Ada James Craig. She was raised in MacArthur, WV and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 
NEW MILFORD  As other area COVID-19 clinics and mass vaccination sites start to close, New Milfords clinic at the John C. Pettibone Community Center is picking up the slack.

The side effect of there being fewer sites means we have increased foot traffic, Health Director Lisa Morrissey said Tuesday.

Morrissey said its once-a-week clinics have seen an average of 90 to 150 people during the 90-minute time period, and one clinic even hit between 225 to 240 patients. She estimated that at least half, if not slightly more, of the people attending the clinics have been from places other than New Milford.

I think weve got really good vaccine coverage in New Milford, Morrissey said.

At the end of May, the clinic, a regional vaccination hub, decided to reduce its offerings for the summer months, altering its three-days-a-week schedule to better meet decreasing demand and give volunteers a much-needed rest.

At its peak, the clinic was administering roughly 1,200 shots on a single Saturday.

Danbury closed its mass vaccination site at the Danbury Fair mall last week, and the local health department shut down its clinic in early June.

Other mass vaccination sites in Middletown and Stamford have closed, as well.

Even without its mass vaccination site, however, Danbury has smaller sites that regularly administer vaccinations, Monday through Saturday, and have been offering pop-ups on various dates at churches, parks and special events. The Community Health Center, which ran the mall site, is offering vaccines at pop-up sites and at its other clinics.

New Milfords local clinic operates on a regular schedule, offering 90-minute clinics with Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Walk-ins are welcome.

While the towns website has clinic dates posted only through mid-July, Morrissey said she does not plan to discontinue clinics anytime soon, especially heading into another school year and with possible vaccination approval for kids aged 2 to 11 around the corner.

Local health officials continue to strongly encourage vaccinations as the highly transmissible delta variant spreads in Connecticut and the country. As of Friday, July 2, Danbury reported no cases of the new variant, according to Kara Prunty, acting health director. But area doctors and health care workers emphasized the need to continue vaccinations to prevent its spread and protect Connecticut residents from the virus and its effects.

New Milford had reached 66.4 percent of residents who have had at least one shot of the vaccine, according to the latest state data from June 30. This is slightly higher than Danburys 60.64 percent and the states 63.4 percent of residents who have had at least one shot of the vaccine.

Its something that were paying attention to, Morrissey said. We dont want to scare people but were still saying to remain vigilant.

The town has partnered with several private and public schools and universities to help vaccinate their student populations ahead of the new school year, she said. With an impending announcement, she said shes not at liberty to discuss which schools the department will partner with yet.

However, Morrissey said it was safe to say approval for vaccines for 2-to-11-year-olds is on the horizon.

If the department faces a heavier load in the fall due to these partnerships and a child vaccine approval, the town may revert back to multi-day clinics each week.

Morrissey said an increasing number of pediatric medical practices in the area have been trying to get vaccination capability. This could relieve some of the pressure on the local health department should younger children get approved.

Im anticipating that well be doing this for a while, Morrissey said of their vaccination clinics.
NEW YORK (AP)  For Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, the inspirations for art and philanthropy are inextricably linked.

On Wednesday, Miranda is announcing a series of donations to organizations that serve immigrants, whose experiences are central to the new film version of his hit Broadway musical In the Heights.

For me," Miranda told The Associated Press, "philanthropy and artistic inspiration kind of come from the same place."

He is forever drawn to what he calls the things that dont leave you alone. Immigration, he said, is both a passion and a foundational element of his work.

In the Heights," he noted, centers on immigrants from the Caribbean and Latin America living in New York City. And Hamilton, he said, is sort of the proto-immigrant story.

I think I am in awe of people who can make an impossible leap to leave everything they know behind and start a new life here, he said. "And I think its one of the great things about our country.

In honor of the Fourth of July, the Miranda Family Fund awarded a total of $225,000 in grants to immigrant rights groups and policy reform advocates throughout the country. The recipients are Arizonas Pima County Justice for All, Californias Coalition for Human Rights Los Angeles, Colorado Immigration Rights Coalition, Michigans Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services, Texas Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, Utah Refugee Connection, Asian Americans Advancing Justice in Washington, and both Alianza for Progress and Orlando Center for Justice in Florida.

Luis Miranda Jr., Lin-Manuels father and co-founder of the MirRam Group, a political consulting firm that has worked on campaigns for Democratic Sens. Hillary Clinton, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, said all the recipients were recommended by friends of the family in the field of immigration.

It was important to the Mirandas to make the grants unrestricted, so the money would go to whatever the organization believes is important, Luis said. Its going to make a difference.

They know what they need, Lin-Manuel added.

Though the Miranda Family Fund has been active for years in donations to the arts community, especially arts education, the donations announced Wednesday mark an expansion in its giving for immigration, which previously included working with the Hispanic Federation to establish the Immigrants: We Get the Job Done Coalition.

The fight for immigrants' rights became a much larger part of the film version of In the Heights than it was in the musical that opened on Broadway in 2008. Lin-Manuel said the idea to make the character of Sonny a DREAMer, an undocumented immigrant who has Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, came from Quiara Alegria Hudes, who wrote the screenplay.

Immigration was on the front page in a totally different way in the past few years, Lin-Manuel said. So in updating it, it sort of only made sense to make that a part of the conversation because that is part of the conversation here uptown in our communities. And so whats so brilliant about Quiaras choice to make Sonny struggle with his undocumented status is that hes the most New Yorkian character. Hes the one who said, If I had $96,000, I would fix my neighborhood. 

Luis added that they had that character in mind in choosing the organizations to help.

Its to make sure that we continue to help those organizations that are helping people like Sonny  refugees, immigrants, people who are coming and are trying to figure out how to make it here, he said.

Lin-Manuel said that highlighting the story of an undocumented immigrant was important to him.

I think thats one of the things art can do that headlines cant always do, he said. Now, you feel like, you know someone whos going through this. You know Sonny, and it just it goes into your bloodstream in a different way.

He said the donations are another way of demonstrating support.

Were at our best when were celebrating our promise, Lin-Manuel said. So many people come here from all over the world because of this promise that we export  and that we so often fall short of. If you work hard, there is a possibility of a better life. We want to help the organizations that help to make that possible for folks who make that journey.

Lin-Manuel said it's vital to showcase both the successes and the struggles of being an immigrant.

The trick is not to look at it through rose-colored glasses, but through really clear eyeglasses, he said. Its always something that we can be working on, always something we can do better.

He holds his own work to that idea as well. The release of the movie version of In the Heights created controversy because there were no dark-skinned, Afro-Latino characters in the film's lead roles. Lin-Manuel issued an apology and promised "to do better in my future projects."

Every time you make a frame, you hear from the folks who say, Hey, Im not in the frame, he said. I take that learning with me to the next project. But I also know, because I live here, how proud this neighborhood is of this movie. Afro-Latinos and Latinos of every shade and how seen they feel and I can understand what I can do better next time. Im holding space for all of it. I think thats the only way to grow as an artist. Hamilton got criticism. Everything I do gets criticism. And I can take it and I can grow from it.

You have to understand I started writing In the Heights because I didnt feel seen, he continued. So I am also hoping that someone is going to see In the Heights and say, That wasnt my story and write their own. I would be thrilled by that.

One thing that is not on Lin-Manuel's mind, though, is returning to Hamilton, which is set to reopen on Broadway on Sept. 14. Theorists were noticing Lin-Manuel's longish hair recently and wondered whether he was planning a return to the Tony award-winning smash.

He's not. And he cut off his hair to prove it, which Luis happily tweeted out.

I have three more movies coming out this year, right? said Lin-Manuel, referring to the animated Vivo out this summer, Disneys Encanto this fall and his directorial debut Tick, Tick... Boom. I dont have the bandwidth to jump back in the show.

___

The Associated Press receives support from the Lilly Endowment for coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP)  Rep. Keith Kempenich was among the thousands of North Dakotans who never took the coronavirus seriously, skipping face coverings and blowing off the vaccine as an unnecessary hassle.

But the longtime Republican lawmaker and rancher from the states highly conservative southwest corner is now a believer after being infected with the virus, which he said nearly killed him in the waning days of the legislative session this spring.

Ive changed my tune, he said. Youre not going to beat this on your own.

The North Dakota Health Department is looking for testimonials from former virus skeptics like Kempenich as part of a planned public education campaign to boost the states dismal vaccination rate. Kempenich, who could barely breathe while being emergency airlifted from his home in Bowman to a Bismarck hospital, says hes willing to share his story.

Ive never been so sick, so weak or wore out, the 61-year-old Bowman rancher said. I basically lost three weeks of my life.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says only 55.4% of North Dakotans 18 and older have been vaccinated, ranking North Dakota 34th among states.

State Immunization Director Molly Howell said only one of North Dakotas 53 counties  Dickey  has reached the immediate goal of a 70% vaccination rate. Nelson County is second at about 65%.

The pace of the states vaccination drive has slowed to about a 1% increase or less weekly, which Howell called concerning.

There are many reasons some North Dakotans are choosing not to get the shot, but access to vaccination sites and vaccine supply arent among them, as the state has more doses than people willing to get them.

Pushing holdouts into getting their shots is difficult due to vaccine hesitancy and a lack of trust in government, Howell said.

While some states have offered cash incentives or vaccine lotteries to get people to roll up their sleeves, North Dakotas Constitution does not allow such giveaways. Instead, the state has relied on a campaign to dispel a wide variety of misinformation about vaccines, such as one claim that it can lead to infertility.

The new campaign, which will be launched in a few weeks, will focus largely on vaccine skeptics-turned-disciples to try to reach resistant residents, Howell said.

Anti-maskers and people who have recovered from the coronavirus are among the most difficult to persuade. Thats where people like Kempenich come in.

The lawmaker, who wears cowboy boots with a mandatory suit and tie during the session, has been a member of the House since 1993 and represents the states largest legislative district by area, stretching from near Williston in northwestern North Dakota to the South Dakota border. Its also among North Dakotas most conservative areas; vaccination rates largely fall well below the state average.

Kempenich said several of his GOP colleagues who sat by him in the House chambers tested positive for the virus during the session. Despite that, Kempenich never got tested or wore a mask around them.

He said he believed he may have had the virus earlier and felt he was probably safe from getting it again.

I think I had it and recovered from it, he said.

GOP Rep. Mike Brandenburg, Kempenichs friend and nearby seatmate in the chamber, got the vaccination when they were offered at the Capitol during the session. He encouraged Kempenich to do the same.

I tried to get him to get a shot but he blew it off and said, Nah, you go ahead," said Brandenburg, a farmer from Edgeley. Then he got really sick. Hes a prime example of why you want to get a shot.

Kempenich missed the last three days of the session in late April because he was being treated at a Bismarck hospital.

Im kicking myself, he said of not getting vaccinated. Truthfully, once you go through this, its not something you want to repeat. There is a remedy and its better than going through it.

___

This story has been corrected to show Dickey County is the only county to surpass the 70% vaccination rate, not Nelson County.
ROME (AP)  Pope Francis recovery from intestinal surgery continues to be regular and satisfactory, the Vatican said Wednesday, as it revealed that final examinations showed he had suffered a severe narrowing of his colon.

The Vatican's daily update indicated there was no evidence of cancer detected during an examination of the tissue removed Sunday from Francis' colon. Doctors said that was a good sign and evidence that the suspected condition of a narrowing of the colon due to inflammation and scarring had been confirmed.

The Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni, said the 84-year-old pope was continuing to eat regularly following Sunday's surgery to remove half his colon, and that intravenous therapy had been suspended.

The fact that he is eating means his intestinal tract is working as it should," said Dr. Walter E. Longo, professor of surgery and colon and rectal surgery at the Yale University School of Medicine and Yale-New Haven Health, who was not involved in Francis' care. The fact that infusion therapy has been discontinued means the amount of fluid he needs for sustaining his everyday functions is now being met by his oral intake."

Bruni said final examination of the affected tissue confirmed a severe diverticular stenosis with signs of sclerosing diverticulitis, or a hardening of the sacs that can sometimes form in the lining of the intestine.

Dr. Manish Chand, an associate professor of surgery at University College London who specializes in colorectal surgery, said the hardening of the tissue would have occurred as a result of repeat inflammation and infection, resulting in scarring that makes the colon less elastic.

He said there was always a concern in such cases that there may be a small cancer that hadn't been seen in previous imaging. In such cases, pathologists would put a specimen of the removed tissue under a microscope to see if there were any cancer cells.

It is reassuring to hear that there is no underlying tumor and that the diagnosis of diverticular disease is confirmed," said Chand, who also was not involved in Francis' care.

Francis underwent three hours of planned surgery Sunday. He is expected to stay in Romes Gemelli Polyclinic, which has a special suite reserved for popes, through the week, assuming there are no complications, the Vatican has said.

Among those offering get-well wishes was U.S. President Joe Biden, a Roman Catholic who has cited Francis in the past. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said during a daily briefing Tuesday that the president wishes him well and a speedy recovery.

Pope Francis is touched by the many messages and the affection received in these days, and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer," Bruni's statement said.

Francis has enjoyed relatively robust health, though he lost the upper part of one lung in his youth because of an infection. He also suffers from sciatica, or nerve pain, that makes him walk with a pronounced limp.

The Vatican has continued normal operations in his absence, though July is traditionally a month when the pope cancels public and private audiences. There was no weekly general audience on Wednesday, for example, but the monthlong suspension of the pope's weekly catechism lessons had been previously announced.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP)  A Pennsylvania state lawmaker and ardent supporter of former President Donald Trump is launching a forensic investigation of the states 2020 presidential election, demanding cooperation from counties and mimicking a widely criticized partisan effort in Arizona.

Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Franklin, issued letters to three counties Wednesday, giving officials there a sweeping information request, with the threat of subpoenas for holdouts who do not respond affirmatively by July's end.

The effort is facing strident opposition from Democrats, and any Senate-issued subpoenas for a partisan Arizona-style election audit  will almost certainly be challenged in Pennsylvanias courts. Arizona's audit was widely criticized by both election experts and some Republicans.

The massive undertaking could cost millions of dollars and faces questions, such as who will do the work, how will it be funded and where such a vast amount of documents and equipment would be stored. The state's attorney general, Democrat Josh Shapiro, called it a "partisan fishing expedition."

Trump has persistently claimed the 2020 election was rigged against him, and pressured Republican lawmakers in Pennsylvania and other states he lost narrowly to conduct an audit, as is happening in Arizona.

In an interview streamed online by former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, Mastriano suggested the undertaking will be similar to that in Arizona, where Republicans are searching for evidence of fraud in what critics say is an attempt to discredit President Joe Biden's victory in the state.

As we go through the ballots, my desire is to recount them, but also forensically analyze with photographic material whether the ballots were copied or filled in by a human, Mastriano told Bannon, saying he planned to study what type of paper was used, look for what he called software shenanigans and review the chain of custody for the ballots.

Mastriano is also asking for information from May's primary election.

He has not returned messages, and questions about funding and logistics remain unanswered.

The Associated Press reported Friday that Mastriano has solicited legal advice from a Philadelphia-based law firm about the Senate Republican caucus using private money to finance consultants and lawyers on the undertaking.

Two Republican-controlled counties  Tioga and York counties  confirmed receiving letters Wednesday, as did the Democratic bastion of Philadelphia, the states largest city.

Top Senate Democrats quickly objected, saying they have grave concerns about the authority and legality of such an audit, and in a letter asked the Senates Republican majority leaders to end this misguided and political farce immediately.

Senate Republican majority leaders have been silent about it.

No county election board, prosecutor or state official has raised a concern over any sort of widespread election fraud in Novembers election in Pennsylvania. Critics say an election audit is duplicative, given the legal requirements for each county and the state to review election results for accuracy and investigate any discrepancies.

Democrats, meanwhile, blame Trump and Republicans for spreading lies about the election that have sown distrust among voters.

Shapiro and the administration of Gov. Tom Wolf, a Democrat, both discouraged counties from cooperating, saying they risk decertifying their voting machines and costing taxpayers millions of dollars. Both also suggested they would fight subpoenas in court.

Mastriano, who has spoken of his desire to bring an Arizona-style audit to Pennsylvania, said he may make demands of more counties in the future.

In his letter Wednesday, Mastriano asks counties to respond by July 31 with a plan to comply and to propose a timeline regarding inspection, testing or sampling of items.

The sweeping, five-page information request lists 45 categories, with some similarities to the subpoena issued to Maricopa County in January by Arizona's Senate Republicans.

It includes all ballots attempted to have been cast in the November election, logs from all computers and servers used to run the election, timelines of who accessed election equipment and a complete end-to-end election setup for use in a laboratory.

Mastriano also warned that the committee he chairs, the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee, could vote to issue a subpoena if a county does not adhere to his request.

Anticipating pushback from Philadelphia, Mastriano told Bannon, The only reason why anyone should be opposed to this is they have something to hide.

Edward Perez, global director of technology development at the California-based OSET Institute, which is devoted to research on election infrastructure and administration, said the election administration community has accepted ways of doing post-election audits, but Mastriano's is not one of those.

Mastriano's letter, Perez said, shows a lack of experienced professionalism" in post-election audits and doesn't answer crucial questions about who would have custody of such sensitive equipment and information, where it would be stored and how it would be kept secure.

York County Board of Commissioners declined comment about Mastrianos request. Philadelphia election officials had no immediate response to Mastriano, although a spokesperson said Mastrianos letter reiterates claims about the November 2020 election that have been resoundingly rejected by courts.

Tioga County Commissioner Roger C. Bunn, a Republican, said he planned to talk to the boards lawyer and the elections director before he and the other two commissioners respond.

I certainly want our elections to be fair and honest, Bunn said. So well see what theyre requesting and what we can do.

Mastriano does not suggest in the letter that his aim is to overturn Biden's victory, but rather to restore trust in elections and adequately consider future legislation on election law.

Still, Mastriano  who has said he is considering running for governor and has claimed that Trump asked me to run  does not back off suggestions that fraud occurred, and he repeatedly distorts the actions of state judges and election officials in the run-up to the election.

Mastriano, an enthusiastic Trump backer during last years election, has on several occasions leveraged his elected position in the cause of Trumps efforts to reverse his re-election loss.

Mastriano led a Senate Republican Policy Committee hearing in Gettysburg in November to which Trump called in, and Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani was the featured speaker. There, they aired baseless conspiracy theories about election fraud.

In December, he signed a statement with 63 other Republican state lawmakers urging members of Congress to block Pennsylvanias electoral votes from being cast for Biden.

___

Follow Marc Levy on Twitter at www.twitter.com/timelywriter and Mark Scolforo at www.twitter.com/houseofbuddy
STAMFORD  A third suspect in the fatal shooting of a 32-year-old Stamford man in May was captured in Massachusetts this weekend and arrested as a fugitive of justice, according to police.

Deandre Parsons, 23, of Stamford, was arrested just outside of Boston over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, according to Capt. Richard Conklin.

Parsons faces charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder and first-degree violation of probation.

The charges stem from the May 18 fatal shooting of 32-year-old Lwidji Brun at his home on Ursula Place.

It was a really good job by Stamford investigators for putting together a case and tracking him to Massachusetts where they learned he might be staying with an associate, Conklin said Tuesday.

Conklin added that the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force played a pivotal role in capturing Parsons.

Parsons has a criminal record dating back to 2015, according to the state judicial website. He was convicted on multiple counts of second-degree burglary in 2016 and one count of second-degree robbery in 2018.

Parsons joins two teens, aged 14 and 16, as a codefendant in the murder case. The two teens were arrested and charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder in June.

One of the teens, 16-year-old Rudi Reyna-Morales, had his case transferred out of the Juvenile Justice System to the Part A docket in Stamford Superior Court on Tuesday, where he will be tried as an adult.

The 14-year-olds case, however, cannot be transferred to adult court, by state law, Assistant States Attorney Daniel Cummings said.

At the time of their arrests, Lt. Tom Scanlon said investigators would not be releasing any more information about the case at that time.

Conklin said at the time that Brun was shot inside an Ursula Place apartment building where he lived with his girlfriend and her daughter.

The first officers on scene found Brun, who had been shot multiple times in the torso, police said. Police started CPR until paramedics arrived and rushed Brun to Stamford Hospital. He later died from his injuries, police said.

Conklin said the homicide investigation remains ongoing.
Lebanon, IN (46052)

Today

Partly cloudy early followed by scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High near 85F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Low 68F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
From concerts to parades, festivals and more, the Miami County Republic is the place to find out about events in the community.

Get the eEdition for only 25 per week
HARRISBURG  The Pennsylvania Department of Health is working to hire a new company under an even pricier contract to take over its contact tracing program after it fired the previous company in May for a huge data breach that was still unsecured in June and led to a federal lawsuit.

On June 23, the states Department of General Services approved the Health Departments request for a yearlong $34 million contract with Boston-based Public Consulting Group LLC through an emergency procurement, a system that allows state agencies to sidestep typical bidding practices to obtain supplies or services quickly in an emergency.

During the pandemic, the Health Department used the process to purchase everything from flu vaccines to supplies like pipette tips to conduct COVID-19 lab tests, as well as to enter into consulting contracts to advise on the coronavirus vaccine rollout.

It was also used last July to hire Insight Global, the Atlanta-based company fired by the Health Department for failing to secure personal information collected as staff contacted people potentially exposed to the virus.

That contract was initially estimated to cost $25 million.

The contract with Public Consulting Group LLC had not been finalized as of Thursday.

Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, R-York, criticized the departments lack of transparency while pursuing the new hire and questioned why the department hadnt first answered questions about the Insight Global breach.

I firmly believe that rather than repeating the mistakes of the past  that being entering into an emergency contract with an out-of-state vendor  it would be prudent to pump the brakes, and I think the Department of Health needs to come clean with the people of Pennsylvania, said Phillips-Hill, who is chair of the Senate Communications and Technology Committee.

The department selected Public Consulting Group, the emergency procurement request says, because of the companys track record with contact tracing in neighboring states and because it is already registered in state procurement programs that speed up hiring.

In a statement, a Health Department spokesperson laid out the same argument used in the departments emergency procurement request.

To avoid a lapse in this critical public health service, it is imperative to bring on a new vendor immediately, the spokesperson said. The work performed under this contract will directly impact the case counts of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania.

Asked whether using the standard contracting process could have helped prevent the problems the department had with Insight Global, a spokesperson said all Health Department contracts, regardless of procurement process, contain strict information security and confidentiality provisions.

The department continues to work with any current and future vendors to ensure that all confidentiality and security protocols are strictly adhered to, the statement said.

Public Consulting Group did not respond to a request for comment.

Security problems

Pennsylvania, like many other states, had to scale up contact tracing quickly at the start of the pandemic. In June 2020, public health experts estimated the state needed between 2,000 and 4,000 contact tracers.

Although state and local health departments had some staff available to do that type of work  agencies nationwide routinely use contact tracing to contain small, localized outbreaks of diseases like Ebola, HIV or mumps and measles  they didnt have the resources to deal with COVID-19, which spread quickly and easily, said Chrysan Cronin, director and professor of public health at Muhlenberg College in Allentown.

Last year, as the state was still reeling from the first four months of the pandemic and was bracing for an anticipated fall surge in cases, it made sense to contract the work out, Cronin said.

As Spotlight PA reported last spring, Pennsylvania had over several decades slashed the number of public health nurses it employed to conduct contact tracing until only a skeleton workforce was left. The state Health Department employed just 131 people in the role as of April 2020, down from 177 nurses in 2012.

The department hired Insight Global in July to recruit and train 1,000 contact tracing staff.

This project will bolster and diversify our public health workforce all while coordinating and mobilizing efforts in order to conquer any potential surge in COVID-19 cases, former Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said in a statement at the time.

But in late April of this year, the Health Department and Insight Global acknowledged that the names, birth dates, counties of residence and personal health details of as many as 72,000 people questioned during the contact tracing process had been exposed online. The information was stored in Google Drive documents used by Insight Global employees but visible to anyone with a link.

Phillips-Hills committee held a hearing May 11 to investigate the breach. Department officials were scheduled to attend, but canceled after an Allegheny County woman affected by the breach filed a federal lawsuit. The suit alleges that both the Health Department and Insight Global knew about the security lapse for months but did nothing to stop it.

Then in June, despite promises that all the data had been secured, Spotlight PA reported that a Google document identifying 66 people  many of them minors  was still online. Two days later, a lawyer for Insight Global called on current and former employees to help the firm locate and secure documents.

Phillips-Hill recently questioned how Public Consulting Group would collect and secure data. She also wanted to know how the Health Department justified a yearlong contract as COVID-19 cases continue to dwindle.

Asked in June what the department is learning about the spread of COVID-19 from contact tracing, officials said the program is less about gathering data than it is about slowing the spread of a virus by asking residents who have been exposed to isolate or quarantine themselves from others based on their level of exposure.

They estimated that for each person contacted, two to 10 additional cases are prevented, but didnt provide data to back that up.

According to the Contact Tracing Workforce Estimator built by the George Washington Institute for Health Workforce Equity  which considers factors like 14-day case counts  Pennsylvania still needs 1,954 contact tracers.

About 1,200 contact tracers, some employed by Insight Global, were working statewide through mid-June, a state Health Department report issued June 16 said.

The contract with Insight Global ended June 18. Health Department officials said that case investigations would be handled by 140 community health nurses and 50 National Guard members through mid-July as the state transitions to a new contact tracing program.

Future of program

Health Department officials declined to answer Spotlight PAs questions about how many people will be hired under the new contact tracing vendor, and what factors related to the future of the pandemic were considered when the department made the emergency procurement request.

Even as the state relaxes mitigation protocols like masking requirements  which were lifted statewide June 28  there are no plans to sunset the contact tracing program as long as COVID-19 cases are reported in Pennsylvania, health officials told Spotlight PA in June.

There have been a total of 1.2 million COVID-19 cases in the state since March 2020.

Cronin, the Muhlenberg College public health professor, questioned whether Pennsylvania had enough data to determine if the contact tracing program in its current form is still necessary.

Thats a lot of money when youre not sure youve made a difference, Cronin said of the cost estimate for the new contract.

Keeping a contact tracing program in place could help manage spikes in COVID-19 cases as mitigation measures lift, said Catherine Haggerty, an epidemiologist at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health.

It could also help to monitor outbreaks in vulnerable groups and those who are not eligible to be vaccinated, like children under 12.

Vaccination rates, although theyre on the rise and things are looking encouraging, theyre certainly not 100%, Haggerty said. Containment efforts that include quarantine of close contacts, isolation of cases continue to be critically important. This isnt the time to let down our guard.

Pennsylvania isnt the only state that will continue contact tracing, even as cases decline and vaccination rates rise, according to a nationwide survey of state health departments conducted by Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security and NPR in May.

Of the 36 states that responded, 29 reported that contact tracing would continue at existing levels and receive similar resources, survey results showed, while only four states  Arizona, California, Maine and Oregon  reported that they planned to hire more contact tracers.

Six others reported that contact tracing would continue, but will be deprioritized.
PINE GROVE  A new park to welcome people to Pine Grove is on its way through the efforts of Operation Hugs and Kisses, a local community service organization.

The park, which will sit at the corner of East Pottsville and Laurel streets, will include a gazebo, walkways, landscaping and flag poles. A sign at the corner will greet visitors and residents on their way in and out of town.

Missy Witherow, president of Hugs and Kisses, said the members of Hugs and Kisses want to give back to their community and beautify the town, especially after fires and flooding have caused damage over the years.

I grew up in Pine Grove, and I actually grew up on this street, Witherow said. In Hugs and Kisses, all of us grew up in this town, and we remember what it used to look like.

The empty lot where the park will be constructed used to hold a double home, which was taken down after flooding.

Witherow said she hopes putting a park in the space will provide a resource to residents and visitors, as well as benefit local businesses and raise property values.

We want to make it a nice focal point as you enter and leave town, Witherow said. It will also be for the community to enjoy. We have a lot of people in the neighborhood who like to take walks, so they can stop here to sit and take a break.

The park will have open access for people to use for birthday parties, photoshoots or other activities once it is completed, Witherow said.

Robin Werner, Hugs and Kisses director and chairperson for the park project, said planning has been in progress for at least five years.

Werner said the plans needed approval from the Pennsylvania and Federal Emergency Management Agencies, as the site is a flood zone. She said the first two phases of the project have been approved by FEMA and PEMA, and the final step will be approval of material for the walkways.

Witherow said the organization has had strong support from businesses and individuals in the community, but they have had fewer members to work with during the pandemic.

We work really hard and put many long hours in, Witherow said. We only had a handful of people to put a big project together.

Hugs and Kisses held its annual benefit auction on June 26 to raise money both for the park project and for local fire departments. While last years auction was canceled due to the pandemic, Witherow said this years auction was their most successful auction to date.

When we announced at the auction that we finally got approval for the park, we had an overwhelming cheering crowd, Witherow said. People have been waiting for it.

The organization also donates to local nonprofits, offers scholarships to high school students and works with other organizations, like the Schuylkill County Fair Association and Dustins Adventureland.

Witherow said Hugs and Kisses works to serve others in the community, especially after receiving help during difficult times.

After fires and flooding, with all the people helping Pine Grove, we wanted to help out in any way we could, Witherow said.

To complete the park project, Hugs and Kisses hopes to find partners to volunteer and make contributions such as grant writing, equipment and landscaping.

It will depend on the people and partnerships we can make, Werner said, adding that receiving grants would help move the project along quicker.

Anyone interested in contributing can contact Werner at 570-760-2676, or at Werner Lumber at 570-345-2561. Witherow said the organization is open to new members, as well.

Were always looking for new members, because they bring new ideas, Witherow said.

While the park might take a couple years to complete, Witherow said the organization is looking forward to getting started.

This is not for a profit, but something for the community, Witherow said. We are just proud of our hometown.
100 years ago  1921

The REPUBLICAN will print the first of a series of articles from material secured by one of its staff from prominent Schuylkill Countians. He emphasizes the generosity of the people of the section; he shows that the territory is not unduly out of work.

75 years ago  1946Schuylkill Voiture 695 of the 40 and 8 will dedicate its new chateau in the Panther Creek Valley on Sunday, July 14. Exercises are planned both morning and evening.

50 years ago  1971Attorney William D. Balitas, public defender of Schuylkill County, was elected to the board of directors of the newly formed Public Defenders Association of Pennsylvania at a conference in Lancaster.

25 years ago  1996Adeline Hopko remembers when they came to Schuylkill County. They were hot pink, they were selling like hotcakes, and the bikinis filled the water at the Minersville Pool and Pottsvilles East Side Pool, she said. Lots of people wore em. Everywhere you went they had em on, said Hopko, 70, of Pottsville. People went for them, especially the young girls. There were a lot of guys in the pool when they had that! That would have been sometime after July 5, 1946, when its inventor, Frenchman Louis Reard, an engineer, unveiled the two-piece in Paris. Fifty years later, the bikini is celebrating its golden anniversary. Styles havent changed much: What can you do with a simple, two-piece bathing suit? But the fashion is still all the rage at local pools, beaches and swimming holes. Named for the South Pacific atoll where the United States tested the atomic bomb in 1946  to suggest the explosive effect on the viewer, Websters Dictionary tells us  the bikini captured the jubilant mood of post-World War II America. It was considered very risque  according to one report, the Vatican declared, The bikini negates moral sense, and the Russians denounced it as another example of decadent capitalism.
Hey, Friedensburg, Putin wasnt at all happy on the plane back to Russia. The dictators propaganda didnt work in 2020. If you love dictators more than our allies, maybe you should move to Russia.

Pottsville



I travel West End Avenue every day and I have problem at 18th Street and West End Avenue, trying to turn right. You can not absolutely can not see oncoming traffic. There is always someone parked on the very corner that, at one time, used to be painted yellow. Proceeding further down West End Avenue, at 16th Street, all of a sudden theres a whole bunch of cars parked there right at a yellow line. Why isnt someone ticketing these cars?

Pottsville



Wash her mouth out with soap.

Schuylkill Haven



To Magnani, people have to go to work, come home, have dinner, shop, play with their children. We dont have time to sit around like you retired people and investigate for weeks on what to write next. If you write an opinion and cannot take the criticism, stop crying and stop writing.

Orwigsburg



This is to the Pottsville Housing Authority about the high-rise on Laurel Boulevard. There are many senior citizens living in the high-rise. The big problem is maintaining the apartments or the lack of, waiting months to get work done or simply not at all.

Pottsville



Thank you, Nancy Muller, for the excellent letter you wrote to the editor.

Pottsville



Shortage of workers? This is how you fix that. Take away their free phones. Take away all their extra money. Make them go to work. As long as were paying for all their stuff, medical and all this other stuff that they are getting, extra unemployment money, theyre never going to come back. Take it all away. Make them go to work. Make them be a good American.

Ashland



Just wondering, who gets the proceeds from the filthy T-shirt that they are selling from the girl from Mahanoy City about freedom of speech.

Minersville



I think it is disgraceful that the ACLU is selling T-shirts to glorify this mouthy girl and not only would I have thrown her off the cheerleading team, I would have thrown her out of school. Amen.

Pottsville



Why is crime on the upsurge in cities across the United States? Could it be that the police do not feel supported and that they are being defunded? Its time that we refund the police.

Pottsville
On March 4, 1994, God sent Albert and Annetta Yackenchick the first joy of their married life, Albert Joseph Yackenchick Jr. For the next 27 years, he was a blessing to his family, his friends and many others who briefly knew him.

Albie graduated Blue Mountain High School in 2013, and was loved by his teachers and all of his classmates. He was president of the History Honor Society, and he was also a member of the English, Foreign Language and National honor societies. Albie graduated with high honors in the top of his class. Later, he would earn his bachelors degree in behavioral science at Alvernia University, graduating summa cum laude.

As a young child, Albie was greatly influenced by a priest who he had great respect and admiration for, Father Edward B. Connolly. Throughout his entire life, they continued a beautiful friendship. Albie was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and the former St. Joseph Catholic Church, both in Pottsville. Albie was kind, forgiving, merciful, humble, patient and generous. He worked in social services and loved serving the underserved. He admired the strength of the people he served, and he found his jobs very rewarding. Albie had a love for learning, truth, beauty and God. He had a passion for sharing these with others. From an early age, he would draw holy images and play music for his family. As Albie grew, his talents matured. He will always be our favorite artist, musician, poet, writer and philosopher. He used these gifts to show his love for many, and especially his nine siblings: Michael, Nicholas, Marissa, Mallory, Anthony, Nathan, Madalyn, Ryan and Noah.

Although Albie struggled greatly with depression, he never let it conquer his beautiful Soul. In spite of his suffering, he never stopped loving his family, his friends, his foes, nor did he lose hope in his God. Although he struggled to love himself, he epitomized love for your neighbor. This courage that Albie showed facing depression will be a hope for all of us as we carry on waiting to see him again. The joy in his life came from spending time with family near and far, but most especially it was with spending time with his Nonna and Papa, John and Maria Mercuri. He enjoyed Sunday breakfast with his Uncle Donny, Uncle Johnny and Uncle Ronny, and his loving aunts. He was especially fond of his partner in crime, his cousin, Rachel Mercuri. He also leaves behind his Nanny and Pop Pop Kelley, and his Papa on the farm who never failed to make Albie laugh. He enjoyed his walks and talks with his Aunt Sharron Yackenchick, and loved being his Aunt Staceys little buddy. He had a great respect for his Uncle Chuck, his Uncle Brian and Uncle Bobby, and a sincere love for his Aunt Johanna. His greatest love and happiness came from spending time with his 21 cousins. He has an abundance of love from great-aunts and -uncles from across the globe whose lives he has touched deeply. We will never forget the love he had for the homeland of his heart, Italy.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Joe and Helen Carr, Elizabeth and Albert Yackenchick, Domenico and Antonia Nanna Mercuri, and Vincenzo and Rosaria Nonna Rosa Mercuri. He will be forever keeping his eye on his beloved godchildren, Mathew Mercuri and Emma Kanfer. And lastly, he loved his four-legged brother, Westy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 10, at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville, with the Rev. Edward Connolly officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Interment will be held in St. Joseph Cemetery, Pottsville.
A woman has rendered the internet speechless with her discourse on the origin of some of the overseas countries, linking it to ancient mythology, as well as religion. In a footage circulating on social media, the saree-clad woman, unidentified by the name, can be seen delivering a speech into the mic to presumably a crowd explaining the meaning of some of the names of the foreign countries such as Australia, Mauritius, and Africa.

She says that the actual names of these nations used to be Astralay, Maricha, and Khushi Nagar as mentioned in the book Mahabharata in Hinduism. These, she said, were the names of the countries several thousand years ago.

It is now we call Australia. Do you know what the place Australia is? Australia means Astralay, she tells the crowd. Furthermore, the woman confidently continues that this was where the Pandavas from Mahabharata stockpiled their weapons. She goes on to add, that Mauritius is the country where Maricha, or the Mareecha [an antagonist in Hindu religion in Ramayana], had lived. She says that Mareecha's palace was situated in the island country.

So much Gyan 

How Y'all doing ! pic.twitter.com/YYGwpYVc57  Mahua/  (@mahuadey20) July 5, 2021

Woman calls Nazi party's 'Hakenkreuz' as 'Swastika'

Further in the video, the woman continues, Lord Ramas two sons Lav and Khush resided in South Africa formerly dubbed as Khushi Nagar and calls the Hitlers Nazi Partys symbol Hakenkreuz widely linked with Holocaust as 'Swastika'. The spiritual and religious symbol Swastika is associated with prosperity and good luck in Asia in both Hinduism and Buddhism. The equilateral cross, a Sanskrit icon, is often confused with the Hakenkreuz logo of Hitlers nazi party adopted during WWII.

Hakenkreuz is a representation of anti-Semitism and signifies trauma for many of the holocaust survivors. The woman stated that the Swastika icon was Hitlers Army symbol in Germany. the symbol is banned in many countries in the West and is linked with violence, until recently the rise of the alt-right and white supremacy groups, particularly in the United States.

Towards the end of the footage, the woman explains that Swastika originated from the Vedas and was accepted by Hitler because the Vedas "was followed by everyone in the world. Internet was left flabbergasted at the womans claims, as one joked, She forgot the Vatican which was once Vatika. Many others were shocked.

By that logic India was a part of Middle East, you are muslim by heritage then?  Save Veg Biryani Movement (@DailyPassenger_) July 5, 2021

Did I just see this?  Natasha (She/ her)    (@nuts2406) July 5, 2021

* Russia was the place where all rishis used to live

* Japan was the place where they kings used to have jalpan

* Korea was the place where Kauravas use to keep weapons  Boss Baby (@bossbaby4u) July 5, 2021

The name Australia (pronounced /streli/ in Australian English) is derived from the Latin australis, meaning "southern", and specifically from the hypothetical Terra Australis postulated in pre-modern geography.  Rajj Corona Tsingtao San Miguel (@AskRajjj) July 6, 2021

New zealand was earlier called oldzealand. Zealand was a monk. Daru was discovered by him. Later they named it old monk.. which she drank before blabbering all this nonsense.  Talespin (@Talespi50292609) July 5, 2021

She is Inspired by Praful bhai from Khichdi pic.twitter.com/2QGS7dqIZR  ShatruFun Sinha  (@Funsinha) July 5, 2021

Namasthe guruji...that is so creative :)  SAMEERind (@Sameerreddyin) July 5, 2021

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.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan has written to Kerala Chief Secretary Dr. V P Joy, suggesting measures to control the spread of COVID-19 in the state. Rajesh Bhushan has shared his concern towards Kerala's positivity rate which is still 10.3% in few districts and more than 10% in seven districts. These seven districts include Kannuar, Kasaragod, Kollam, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, and Thrissur. Apart from an overall decline in cases in Kerala, he told that two districts are again recording an increase in COVID-19 cases for the past four weeks in the state.

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan has written to Kerala Chief Secretary suggesting measures to control the spread of COVID19 pic.twitter.com/60N334nfH4  ANI (@ANI) July 7, 2021

The Union Health Secretary has also put his focus on the number of deaths and testing in Kerala. Kollam and Wayanad have shown an increase in the number of deaths due to COVID-19 for the past four weeks. Thrissur and Malappuram have reported more than 70 deaths in one week. However, Thiruvantharpuram has reported a slight decline in the number of deaths .

Suggestions by Rajesh Bhushan to control COVID-19 in Kerala

After giving the proper analysis of the COVID-19 situation of Kerala, Rajesh Bhushan has suggested some ways to control the spread of COVID-19 in Kerala. He urged the Kerala chief secretary to take the following measures at the earliest,

Strict Containment Measures to be taken

As per MoHFW guidelines, it is important for the Kerala government to plan containment measures and implement them strictly so that the situation comes under control. Further, he says that action should be taken to trace the close contact of positive cases and to immediately isolate or quarantine them.

Increase in RT-PCR Testing and Vaccination

For early identification, the state should boost its COVID-19 testing in the districts with more than 10% cases. Preferably, he focused on the RT-PCR test and told the state to maintain the positivity rate below 5% in all the districts. Vaccination should ramp up on a priority basis for all the citizens above the age group of 18+ and the strategies should be made for effective utilization of vaccines.

Proper Healthcare Infrastructure Planning

The state should plan for the augmentation of healthcare infrastructure if the bed occupancy is more than 40%. The logistics of healthcare facilities should be planned according to the geographical spread of the pandemic. The state should also mention the timely disclosure of all infrastructure availability on public portals or social media in order to avoid misinformation.

Appropriate Health Management

Proper clinical management should be done in order to identify the weak spot in the COVID-19 management, so that adequate action can be taken at the right time.

Following COVID-19 Protocols

Heavy fines should be charged to people who violate the COVID-19 protocols like social distancing and wearing masks in public places.

The union health secretary also requested the state to share actions taken so far in order to stop the spread of the virus as per the directions under the Disaster Management Act by MHA.

(PTI/@ANI-TWITTER)
On July 7, 1999, Indian Army Captain Vikram Batra was martyred while fighting against the Pakistani forces in the Kargil war. He was posthumously awarded Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military decoration. To commemorate the 'Balidan Divas', his then Commanding Officer and now Northern Command chief Lt Gen YK Joshi overflew Batra Top (Point 4875) in Sukhoi-30 MKI and paid tributes to Kargil War hero.

#WATCH | To commemorate the 'Balidan Divas' of Param Vir Chakra awardee late Captain Vikram Batra, his then Commanding Officer and now Northern Command chief Lt Gen YK Joshi overflew Batra Top in a Sukhoi-30 MKI and paid tributes to his Kargil War comrade. pic.twitter.com/SWyHnzYbx7  ANI (@ANI) July 7, 2021

'Balidan Divas'

On Captain Vikram Batra's death anniversary, several politicians, including Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Goa CM Pramod Sawant, paid tributes. "Remembering the valiant hero, "Sher Shah of Kargil", Param Vir Chakra Captain Vikram Batra on his martyrdom day. He led one of the toughest operations in mountain warfare. His courage and sacrifice will always find an exalted place in the military annals of India," Pradhan tweeted.

Captain Batra led one of the toughest operations in the Kargil War. He was often referred to as Sher Shah in the intercepted messages of Pakistan Army. "I salute his bravery & supreme sacrifice", said Punjab CM while remembering Captain Batra. Indian Army also paid tribute to the brave heart. "I'll either come back after raising the Indian flag in victory or return wrapped in it, but I will come for sure. These were the words of Captain Vikram Batra which the country still remembers", the Indian Army tweeted.

'Yeh Dil Maange More', Captain Batra's words

The 1999 Kargil War took place between India and Pakistan. Also referred as Operation Vijay, the conflict saw India's victory. On July 26, 1999, the Indian Army recaptured all Indian posts in Kargil that were occupied by Pakistan's army. The conflict began with the infiltration of Pakistani forces and terrorists into the Indian territory. Based on information from the villagers, the Indian troops were able to determine the points of incursions and launch Operation Vijay.

In the Kargil war, Batra and his team captured Peak Point 4875 (now known as Batra Top). He killed five Pakistani soldiers in a dangerous close-range battle. Batra was martyred at the age of 24. His famous words, "Yeh Dil Maange More", reverberate even today. It was 22 years ago, the Indian braveheart lost his life, but such heroes never die. His sacrifice, his bravery will forever live in our hearts.
The External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar on Wednesday, July 7, met his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif in Tehran to discuss the bilateral relations and regional developments, Iran's Embassy in the national capital informed. Meanwhile, EAM Jaishankar said that the rendezvous held a "useful discussion on regional and global affairs". EAM's stopover in Tehran was coupled with his conclave with the newly-elected President Iran.

On Twitter, EAM Jaishankar said, "Always a warm welcome from FM Javad Zarif. Useful discussion on regional and global affairs."

Always a warm welcome from FM @JZarif. Useful discussion on regional and global affairs. pic.twitter.com/LsRgh9fdNX  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 7, 2021

During his visit, EAM Jaishankar called on the former Chief Justice and now the President of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, and handed over a "personal message" from Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a stop-over in Tehran while on his way to Russia. He forwarded PM Modi's congratulatory letter while discussing bilateral ties including Chabahar and Afghanistan, the sources reported.

Taking to Twitter, EAM Jaishankar said, "Thank President-elect Ebrahim Raisi for his gracious welcome. Handed over a personal message from PM. Appreciate his warm sentiments for India. Deeply value his strong commitment to strengthen our bilateral ties and expand cooperation on regional and global issues."

Thank President-elect Ebrahim Raisi for his gracious welcome. Handed over a personal message from PM @narendramodi. Appreciate his warm sentiments for India. Deeply value his strong commitment to strengthen our bilateral ties and expand cooperation on regional and global issues. pic.twitter.com/Ef7iEutkZi  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 7, 2021

EAM Jaishankar's Visit

Notably, EAM Jaishankar's visit to Tehran comes on a day when Iran is hosting a high-level intra-Afghan dialogue between Taliban and Afghan government delegates amid historic developments as US and NATO troops withdraw from war-torn Afghanistan. Their deadline to exit the nation is September 11. The intra-Afghan dialogue is being attended by the Taliban political committee led by Chief negotiator Sher Mohammed Abbas Stanikzai, the Afghan government officials, including former Vice President Younus Qanooni, and others from the High Council for National Reconciliation.

India, a major stakeholder

Interestingly, India is a major stakeholder in the peace and stability of Afghanistan, has been supporting an Afghan-led, owned, and controlled national peace and reconciliation process. In 2020, Indian delegates also attended the inaugural ceremony of the intra-Afghan negotiations in Qatar's capital Doha while EAM Jaishankar virtually addressed the conclave. In June, 2021, EAM Jaishankar even met US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad in Doha and exchanged dialogues over the war-torn State.

India has been closely following the evolving political shift of reigns after the US signed the peace deal with the Taliban and pledged to pull out US and NATO troops ending Washington's 18-year long war with Taliban after the 9/11 attacks. India has been supporting Afghanistan during this transition period by enabling the State to be able to self-sustain.India has recently built Chabahar port in Iran to gain access to Afghanistan by road, bypassing Pakistan and this was a topic of discussion between EAM Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart.
Under the Modi government's initiative to celebrate the 75 years of Independence, the Embassy of India, Antananarivo (Madagascar) organised an online seminar on Ancient Murals of India on Wednesday, July 7. The seminar was conducted by renowned filmmaker and art historian Benoy K Behl. He is also known for his extraordinary photography skills. The seminar engaged the participants with Behl in an illustrative talk on the subject.



Several localities from Madagascar and Comoros attended the seminar, the event was broadcasted live on the Facebook page of the Indian Embassy in Antananarivo, after the details of the event were released by the embassy in a press release.

Embassy of India Antananarivo organized an online illustrative talk on Ancient Murals of India today by renowned film-maker, art-historian and photographer Benoy K Behl as a part of the celebrations of the 75 years of Independence of India.#AzadiKaAmritMahotsav#IndiaAt75 pic.twitter.com/Oge7aPWqhm  India in Madagascar & Comoros (@IndembTana) July 7, 2021



Ancient Indian Murals

During the session, Behl showcased different types of ancient Indian mural paintings photographed by himself and he also shared the pictures of the Ajanta paintings from the Indian state of Maharashtra. "Ajanta paintings are the finest art of human kind," said Behl.



Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra are well known for their historic wall paintings and Murals. Not just with domestic examples, Behl also explained the nuances of different paintings from Rajasthan, Kashmir, Tamil Nadu to countries like Sri Lanka, China, Myanmar etc.

The session entailed the finesse of the art forms, in the session he also illustrated how 'numerous emotions' are embedded in the paintings, be it humility or caring for others or the importance of little things in life to feelings of animals, he explained it all. As the session reached its end, Behl also responded to some of the questions from the participants and interacted with them.

Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 12 launched 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav', the government's initiative to mark 75 years of India's Independence. PM Modi said the 75th-anniversary celebrations will continue till August 15, 2023.

Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is a tribute by the government to Indian freedom fighters and the freedom movement. During the celebrations, the country will not only remember all the important milestones, important times during the freedom movement but also gain new energy for the development of our future, PM Modi wrote.

(With ANI Inputs)
PM Modi Cabinet Reshuffle LIVE Updates: Swearing-in Ceremony To Begin Shortly

The Union Cabinet expansion, which is set to take place on July 7 as per sources, will be the first cabinet reshuffle after the Narendra Modi government returned to power for the second time in 2019. The President of India, as advised by the Prime Minister, has accepted the resignation of the following members of the Council of Ministers.

Read full story here

RS Prasad, Prakash Javadekar & 10 Others Resign From Cabinet Ahead Of Oath-taking Ceremony

In a breaking development minutes before the scheduled oath-taking ceremony of the new Cabinet Ministers at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President of India has accepted the resignation of 12 sitting Union ministers. Amongst the 12 names, Union Law & IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Prakash Javadekar, who heads the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting are the two big names to exit PM Modi's new Cabinet.

Read full story here

An Institution Himself': President Kovind And VP Naidu Condole Actor Dilip Kumar's Demise

Condoling the demise of veteran Bollywood icon Dilip Kumar, President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday took to his official Twitter handle and said that the 98-year-old actor summarised in himself a history of emerging India. Ram Nath Kovind said that the thespian's charm transcended all boundaries and Dilip Kumar was loved across the subcontinent. Stating that the veteran actor will live forever in the heart of India, the President said, "With his demise, an era ends."

Read full story here

As COVID Positivity Rate Remains High In Kerala, Union Health Secretary Suggests Measures

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan has written to Kerala Chief Secretary Dr. V P Joy, suggesting measures to control the spread of COVID-19 in the state. Rajesh Bhushan has shared his concern towards Kerala's positivity rate which is still 10.3% in few districts and more than 10% in seven districts.

Read full story here

J&K IGP Vijay Kumar Terms The Encounter Of Mehrazuddin Halwai 'a Big Success'

In a big victory, Indian forces have eliminated a top Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) commander, Mehrazuddin Halwai in an encounter. According to multiple reports, the encounter took place in the Jammu and Kashmir's Pazipora-Renan area of Kralgund Handwara which led forces to eliminate the oldest and top commander of the terrorist group.

Read full story here

President Kovind Accepts Credentials By Envoys Of Thailand, Romania, Kazakhstan, Turkey

President Ram Nath Kovind was presented with credentials from Ambassadors of Thailand, Romania, Kazakhstan and Turkey in a virtual ceremony on Wednesday. The envoys, namely - Pattarat Hongtong, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand; Romania Ambassador Daniela Mariana Sezonov Tane; Kazakhstan ambassador Nurlan Zhalgasbayev and Turkey ambassador Firat Sunel - presented the credentials to President Kovind.

Read full story here

Odisha Sets Up 10000 Rain Water Harvesting Structures In 75 Days, Earns Union Min's Praise

Odisha has achieved a mega milestone ahead of the onset of the southwest monsoon under 'Catch the Rain' campaign as the state's Housing and Urban Development Department set up more than 10,000 rain water harvesting structures (RWHS) to aid water conservation and groundwater recharge.

Read full story here

From Harsh Vardhan To Pokhriyal, Check Out Major Resignations Ahead Of Cabinet Reshuffle

In a massive development ahead of the Union Cabinet reshuffle, several major resignations were witnessed on Wednesday afternoon with as many as 9 sitting Ministers dropping out of the Modi Cabinet. Dr. Harsh Vardhan, who helmed the nation's Health Ministry during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has resigned from the Modi cabinet in what has turned out to be the biggest shocker.

Read full story here

CM Mamata Banerjee Claims PM Modi-led Centre Deprived West Bengal Of Rs 60,000 Crores

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday targeted the Centre after tabling a Rs 3.08-lakh-crore budget in the state Assembly accusing the Union government of depiving the state of Rs 60,000 cr. She further claimed that the state did not receive a devolution amount of Rs 11,000 crore from the PM Modi-led Union government in 2019-20.

Read full story here

Ahead Of Polls, Seven Ministers From Uttar Pradesh To Be Inducted In PM Modi's Cabinet

In yet another development concerning the most talked-about Union Cabinet reshuffle, Republic Media Network has learned that seven MPs from Uttar Pradesh are said to be a part of the revamped cabinet led by PM Narendra Modi. It is being seen as a step taken keeping the upcoming Uttar Pradesh elections in mind. Some of them will be in the Union cabinet while some will be in the council of ministers.

Read full story here
The Singapore Contractors Association, along with the Association of Singapore Marine Industries and Process Industry, had offered to bring in migrant workers from India, to work in the construction, marine and process (CPM) sectors. The said organizations issued a press statement, in which they emphasised that the industries are looking forward to transporting migrant workers from India soon, in a small and calibrated manner.

On Wednesday, The Strait Times reported that migrant workers from India will be brought into Singapore on a "small scale" and in a "calibrated manner" this month through a pilot programme led by the construction, marine and process (CMP) sectors.

The industries in Singapore are testing this method to maintain a steady inflow of workers for these growing industries. If successful, this method will be used to facilitate a steady inflow of migrant workers safely and securely, The Straits Times reported, quoting a joint statement released by the (CMP) industries. "We will continue to carry this (the pilot) out on a small scale and in a calibrated manner to better manage the risks involved and validate the robustness of the tightened end-to-end process," the trade bodies added.

Singapores CMP Industries suffer due to the unavailability of Migrant Workers

The country has halted the migration of immigrant workers from other nations, in the purview of growing COVID-19 cases across the globe. Due to this, the CPM industries have been suffering a lot for the past one and a half years. The work at several sectors in CPM industries had to be halted, because of a shortage of workers.

However, in a fresh move, Singapore authorities have decided to ease the restrictions on the inflow of migrants from across the border. With the first few batches of workers from Malaysia entering the country, zero cases of COVID-19 have been recorded. Thus, after this, the top officials have decided to ease the restrictions, allowing the inflow of Indian workers as well.

As of now, the country has kept its doors shut for people with recent travel history to Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India, due to prevailing COVID-19 restrictions. However, last month, Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong said more migrant workers and foreign domestic helpers will soon be allowed to enter Singapore to work, to ease the "immense pressures" faced by companies since the start of the pandemic.

The CMP sectors in the country play a major role in its growth and development. These industries also contribute significantly to the countrys GDP. "Companies in the CMP sectors contribute to the development of public infrastructure and private properties, construction and maintenance of vessels and offshore energy infrastructures," trade bodies said on Wednesday.

(Image: Unsplash)
New Delhi, Jul 7 (PTI) India is yet to receive coronavirus vaccines from the US under its global donation programme as certain regulatory issues are holding up the supplies, people familiar with the development said on Wednesday.

Last month, the US pledged to ship 80 million doses of American made COVID-19 vaccines to countries around the world to help them fight the pandemic. A large number of countries, including in India's neighbourhood, have already received the vaccines from the US.

It was estimated then that India could get one to two million doses of the vaccines.

The people cited above said the issue of indemnity is linked to the supply of US vaccines to India and a reason for the delay. Grant of indemnity would provide vaccine suppliers protection from legal liability in the event of adverse reaction among the vaccine recipients.

When asked what was holding back the supplies of the vaccines to India, a US embassy spokesperson said the delay is not from the US side.

"As President Joe Biden announced earlier this year, the United States will share 80 million doses from our own vaccine supply with countries around the world," the spokesperson said.

"As part of that, before we can ship doses, each country must complete its own domestic set of operational, regulatory, and legal processes that are specific to each country," the spokesperson added.

Several countries in the region have already received the vaccine doses from the US as part of the donation.

"In the case of India: the delay is not from the US side. India has determined that it needs further time to review legal provisions related to accepting vaccine donations. Once India works through its legal process, our donation of vaccines to India will proceed expeditiously," the spokesperson said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited the US in May during which he had met senior executives of the leading US pharma companies. The supply of raw material by the US to India to boost its domestic production was a major focus of Jaishankar's five-day visit to the US.

In early June, the US announced allocating the first 25 million coronavirus vaccines to various countries.

It said at least 75 per cent of the total doses or nearly 19 million would be shared through COVAX, including approximately six million doses for Latin America and the Caribbean, and approximately seven million for South and Southeast Asia.

It said approximately five million would be sent to Africa and the remaining six million would be shared directly with countries experiencing surges and other partners and neighbours, including Canada, Mexico, India, and the Republic of Korea.

On June 23, the US came out with the allocation plan of 55 million doses.

It announced that approximately 41 million would be shared through COVAX.

Out of 41 million doses, the US said around 14 million would be for Latin America and the Caribbean countries while approximately 16 million doses would go to India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Maldives, Bhutan, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Papua New Guinea, Taiwan, Cambodia, and the Pacific Islands.

It said approximately 10 million doses would be shared with Africa.

The remaining 14 million - or 25 per cent of the 55 million vaccines was to be shared under regional priorities and other recipients such as Colombia, Argentina, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Panama, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Cabo Verde and Egypt, among others. PTI MPB KJ KJ

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
As PM Modi wished the Dalai Lama on his birthday, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Tuesday, mused that it would have sent a stronger message to China had the PM visited the 84-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader. The Prime Minister had spoken to the Dalai Lama on the phone to convey his greetings on his birthday. Besides PM Modi, other political leaders including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Anurag Thakur too wished the Tibetan guru.

Owaisi opines on 'China angle' in PM's wishes to Dalai Lama

Very good, sir! But it would have sent a strong message to China had you met HH Dalai Lama in person https://t.co/gtjOwW58GB  Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) July 6, 2021

Owaisi's nudge to China comes amid strained ties between the two neighbouring countries after the faceoff at Galwan Valley along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in June 2020. 20 Indian Army soldiers including India's colonel Santosh Babu and two jawans were attacked by Chinese Army personnel with iron rods while removing a tent put up by China at patrol point 14, leading to hand-to-hand combat. While three soldiers were killed in action, 17 others succumbed to their injuries and hypothermia. After 9 rounds of India-China talks, disengagement by India and the Chinese army at South Pangong Tso area began in February.

Dalai Lama's address

The Tibetan spiritual leader who has been residing in Dharamsala since his expulsion from China in 1959, addressed his followers virtually on Tuesday. Since I became a refugee and settled in India, I have taken full advantage of India's freedom and religious harmony. I want to assure you that for the rest of my life I am committed to reviving ancient Indian knowledge. I really appreciate the Indian concept of secular values, not dependent on religion, such as honesty, karuna (compassion) and ahimsa (non-violence), said the Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama went on to express gratitude to the people for all the greetings. He further added, Now that it is my birthday, I want to express my deep appreciation to all my friends who have really shown love, respect and trust I can assure you that I am committed to serving humanity and working to protect the climate.

The Dalai Lama - originally known as Tensin Gyatso - gained fame as a political and spiritual leader in 1950 when Tibet increasingly came under Chinese control. When China invaded Tibet in 1951, a Tibetan-Chinese agreement was signed in which the nation became a national autonomous region of China, under the traditional rule of the Dalai Lama. In reality, the Chinese Army controlled it. After years of protests, a full-scale revolt broke out in March 1959, and the Dalai Lama was forced to flee to Dharamsala where he set up a shadow Tibetan government.


After creating the successful COVID-19 vaccine against the deadly coronavirus, the University of Oxford on Tuesday, July 6, started the Phase I clinical trial for its newly created human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine candidate HIVconsvX. Scientists designed the new jab against the variety of HIV-1 variants that attack the bodys immune system, specifically the white blood cells called CD4 cells weakening the patients immunity to fight tuberculosis and some cancers. It causes chronic, potentially life-threatening conditions AIDS or the Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The patient in his/her final stages damages the immune system of the body entirely, although not everyone with HIV develops AIDS.

Currently, people diagnosed with HIV positive are administered with antiretroviral treatment and biomedical treatments. But in a breakthrough, scientists at Oxford have now been able to manufacture a vaccine which they are ready to test on 13 healthy volunteers, all HIV-negative individuals aged between 18 to 65 years.

| @UniofOxford begins HIV vaccine trial



A Phase I trial began today to evaluate the safety, tolerability, & immunogenicity of the HIVconsvX vaccine.



It targets a broad range of HIV-1 variants - so it could have an effect on HIV strains in any geographical region.



More info  University of Oxford (@UniofOxford) July 5, 2021

HIV spreads by contact with certain bodily fluids of a person with HIV, and it is most commonly transmitted during unprotected sex (sex without a condom or HIV medicine to prevent or treat HIV). People who have sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are at increased risk of getting or spreading HIV. The disease also spreads by injecting drugs with shared needles. There is no cure for HIV infection, except for the medicines and antiretroviral therapy (ART) which makes the HIVs symptoms manageable.

While most HIV vaccine candidates work by inducing antibodies generated by B-cells, HIVconsvX induces the immune systems potent, pathogen obliterating T cells, targeting them to highly conserved and therefore vulnerable regions of HIV  an Achilles heel common to most HIV variants, University of Oxford said in a release. Dr. Paola Cicconi, Senior Clinical Research Fellow at the Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, and the trial Chief Investigator, said: Achieving protection against HIV is extremely challenging and it is important that we harness the protective potential of both the antibody and T cell arms of the immune system.

In the phase I trial, scientists will administer one HIVconsvX dose on the participants and then a booster dose separately for at least four weeks and study the results of the mosaic vaccine that may be helpful for HIV patients in all geographical locations. Called the HIV-CORE 0052, these trials will determine the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of the HIV vaccine under the European Aids Vaccine Initiative funded by the European Commission.

Results expected in April 2022

The vaccine will stimulate B cells to produce antibodies and activate the T cell arms of the immune system against the virus. The results from the Phase I HIV-CORE 0052 trial are expected to be available in April 2022. Researchers meanwhile will also test the efficacy of the jab in Europe, Africa, and the US.

University of Oxford Jenner Institute vaccine immunology professor and trial lead researcher Tomas Hanke said: An effective HIV vaccine has been elusive for 40 years. This trial is the first in a series of evaluations of this novel vaccine strategy in both HIV-negative individuals for prevention and in people living with HIV for a cure.
Terming a statement of a top Japanese minister as dangerous, China on Tuesday reiterated that it wont allow any country to interfere in the affairs of Taiwan. Addressing a news conference in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said that nobody should underestimate Chinese peoples firm determination to protect their national sovereignty. He also asserted that Aso's remarks "harmed the political foundation of China-Japan relations", and China "resolutely opposed" them.

What did the Japanese minister say?

Japans Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Taro Aso, on Tuesday, said that if a major accident happens in Taiwan, Tokyo would interpret it as a situation threatening to Japans survival, he was quoted as saying by Nikkei Asia. Calling for stronger actions, he said that in that case, Japan and the United States must defend Taiwan together. A survival-threatening situation refers to a situation where an armed attack against a foreign country that is in a close relationship with Japan occurs, which in turn poses a clear risk of threatening Japan's survival.

Aso further said that such a condition would call for Japans right to exercise self-defence or coming to the aid of an ally under attack. "We need to think hard that Okinawa could be the next," Aso said at a fundraising event, as reported by Kyodo news. Asked about Japan's stance on the cross-strait issue at a news conference, the Japanese minister said that any contingency over Taiwan should be resolved through dialogue. "We are closely monitoring the situation," Aso told reporters.

Beijing claims sovereign rights over the pacific island located roughly 100 miles from its coast but Taipei has repeatedly claimed that it was an independent entity. Speaking at the celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on July 1, President Xi Jinping vowed for complete reunification of the motherland, fuelling fears of a possible annexation of the pacific island by Beijing. In addendum, Jinping also vowed to "smash" any attempts at formal independence for Taiwan.

President Xi said: "All sons and daughters of China, including compatriots on both sides of the strait, must work together and move forward in solidarity, and resolutely crush any 'Taiwan independence' plots."

Image: AP
Saudi Arabias deputy defense minister, on Tuesday, became the highest-ranking Saudi envoy to visit Washington since Joe Biden assumed presidential office in January this year. During his visit to the US capital, Prince Khalid bin Salman discussed a wide range of issues with senior officials including the Yemen war and threats from Iran.

Later, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki reckoned about the possibility of slain journalist Jamal Khashoggis death being brought to the discussion table. But a White House statement on the minister's meeting with national security adviser Jake Sullivan did not mention Khashoggi's murder, although it said Sullivan "emphasized the importance of progress in advancing human rights in the Kingdom."

Khashoggi, a columnist for Washington Post, disappeared while visiting Saudi Consulate on his trip to Istanbul in 2018. Later, Saudi officials admitted that Khashoggi was mistakenly killed during an extradition operation. However, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman continues to deny any knowledge of the same.

'Yemen war and Iran'

In addendum to his meet with Sullivan, Prince also met with Colin Kahl, US Undersecretary for policy and two discussed efforts to end the war in Yemen and shared US-Saudi commitment to counter Irans destabilizing activities and other issues. According to the White House, the two statesmen are also scheduled to cover Saudi defense needs and regional issues of the middle east. They'll discuss the longstanding partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia, regional security, and the U.S. commitment to help Saudi Arabia defend its territory as it faces attacks from Iranian-aligned groups," Psaki told reporters.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met today in Washington with Saudi Vice Minister of Defense Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and discussed the importance of coordinating efforts to ensure a strong global economic recovery, to advance the climate agenda, and to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East. Mr. Sullivan emphasized the importance of progress in advancing human rights in the Kingdom. They agreed to stay in touch regularly over the coming months on these and other issues, White House readout added.

The Saudi Envoy also visited the Pentagon where he met officials including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, one official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss a meeting that the Pentagon did not detail publicly. Prince Khalid will meet with State Department officials Wednesday, Associated Press reported.

Image: AP








Authorities at a British military base on Cyprus have doubled the number of customs officers and procured thermal imaging cameras as part of stepped up efforts to thwart people trafficking from the breakaway north of the ethnically split island nation. Bases Customs and Immigration Chief Adam Chatfield told the Associated Press on Tuesday that the addition of 24 new officers and four SUVs - two of which carry state-of-the-art thermal cameras - enable Base authorities to carry out round-the-clock patrols along a 45 kilometer (28 mile) boundary with the north.

Bases figures show a rising trend in migrant arrivals over the last three years. In 2018, Bases authorities located 17 migrants trying to cross in six instances. That jumped to 33 migrants in 16 crossing attempts a year later while last year, 67 migrants were intercepted in nine attempted crossings.

Cyprus was cleaved along ethnic lines in 1974 when Turkey invaded following a coup aimed at union with Greece. Turkish Cypriots in the northern part declared independence nearly a decade later, but only Turkey recognizes it and maintains more than 35,000 troops there.

A buffer zone controlled by a United Nations peacekeeping force separates the north from the Greek Cypriot south where the island's internationally recognized government is seated. Although Cyprus is a European Union member, only the southern part enjoys full benefits. Dhekelia Garrison, one of two military bases that the U.K. retained after Cyprus gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960, directly abuts the north along a corridor of farmland.

Abandoned homes and empty fields offer many secluded routes for smugglers to bring their goods or for migrants to cross. Chatfield said migrants are usually intercepted crossing in groups of about 10 to 20 at an average rate of once a month. The overwhelming majority now crossing are Syrian males seeking asylum in the south. Stopping these traffickers is "a key priority," he added. "People are paying a lot of money to be trafficked into Cyprus and there's a complete disregard to their safety." According to the Cypriot government, 3,896 Syrians have reached Cyprus from Turkey in the last two years, usually flying into the north before crossing southward.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
The number of COVID-19 positive patients in the capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka recorded a huge spike from 3% to 28% since June, 2021. In the present scenario, the city hospitals may run out of beds if the rate of COVID-19 positive patients does not come down. As per Dhaka Tribune data, ANI reported that Bangladesh's capital city has recorded a total of 5,500 deaths so far, taking the overall death rate of Bangladesh to 36.32%. Bangladesh has also extended its ongoing "strict" nationwide lockdown till July 14 at midnight in order to control the spread of COVID-19.

ANI reported the statement of Prof MD Morshed, pro vice-chancellor of Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College from DT, "It was crucial to stop hospitals from becoming overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients." He added, "As of(Tuesday), We had 60% of the COVID-19 unit beds vacant. It might sound like a lot, but I am pretty sure we will run out of beds soon if the infection rate keeps going up at this rate."

Bangladesh COVID-19 tally

On Wednesday,July 7, Bangladesh again reported 11,162 positive cases in the past 24 hours with a positivity rate of 31.32%. The death toll also jumped high and broke the previous record of 164 deaths in a single day. Now the total number of deaths in the state is 201. According to health officials, the pandemic has killed 15,593 people in the country so far. After analyzing the critical situation of coronavirus disease, the DGHS spokesman Nazmul Islam said, that they need to turn existing health facilities and infrastructure into COVID-19 centers.

Islam told PTI, "The fatality and infection rates are on the rise...the situation is alarming as we are yet to see the peak of the pandemic." He further added, "People must stay indoors as much as possible as we are running out of our resources to face the crisis."

As per DGHS data, southwestern Khulna remained a coronavirus containment zone in terms of deaths and cases, among the other 64 districts. Out of total positive cases, the doctors said that 80% of people are infected with the Delta variant.

(IMAGE: PIXABAY/AP)
Belgiums government on Tuesday announced that its Africa Museum will begin the multi-year process of returning stolen art to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Speaking to the reporters at a press conference earlier on July 6, Secretary of State for Recovery Programmes, Thomas Dermine said, What was acquired illegitimately does not belong to us. It must be returned, as he backed the approach restitution of cultural artefacts looted from the Congo during the colonial period.

The museum has been conducting provenance research into the timeline and the circumstances in which most of the museums unique collection was acquired. It was found that most of the artefact was looted and therefore, the federal government now aimed to return the art that was plundered while Congo was a Belgian colony for almost 80 years. The first of its kind plan was presented by Dermine at the Africa Museum in Tervuren.

The time has come to return the objects that were unlawfully removed from Congo because they belong to the Congolese people, Belgiums Secretary of State Thomas Dermine stated in a press release. He continued, Cultural heritage is one of the riches exploited by the colonial powers, and taking thousands of objects from colonies deprives the citizens of the former colony of access to their own history, culture, creativity and spirituality of their ancestors.

According to the scientists studying the provenance of the artefacts at the African Museum, as many as 130,000 objects of the total collection has been acquired illegally. The junior minister Dermine emphasised at a state presser, "It simply doesn't belong to us. Belgiums museum spent approximately 66-million-euro ($78 million) on the critical study and decided to hand over the objects to the DRC which it described was gained either through theft, violence or through pillaging.

As millions of Congolese laid their lives from the late 19th century during Belgiums colonisation, in a move to honour them, Belgium stated that it will transfer legal ownership of the art from the museum in Tervuren located outside Brussels, although not immediately but as per the requests made by the Republic of Congo. It also proposed a separate option to pay a loan fee to DRC.

Congo, one of the world's poorest countries, might attract tourism

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the economies worldwide battered reeling under the disastrous impact of the disruption of trade and commerce. Congo, which is among the world's poorest countries, according to the UN, may be able to attract tourism into the museum via these cultural artefacts and figurines, the Belgium government said. Some of the studies in the context of the acquisition of the museum objects and related documents were obtained by the militarys Lieutenant Emile Storms. It was found that the museum also houses nearly 340 ethnographic objects related to wars and the families of the armed forces.

(With Agency Inputs)
In a historic development, a group of divers in the polluted lagoon of Aitolika in Western Greece reported a rare sighting of hundreds of endangered seahorses. Divers also warned they could be lost if the area is not cleaned up. The lagoon in the northern Patras Gulf contained thousands of seahorses but their number plummeted in recent years therefore the divers were surprised.

"It was the first time I had spotted seahorses and they were in a place I least expected," said a local diver Labros Charelos giving hope of more emergence of the species. Another local fisherman recalled that number of seahorse in the lagoon was much higher, earlier.

Owing to excessive pollution in the Aitoliko lagoon waters coupled with overfishing declined the amount of an already endangered species of seahorses. Already, the experts had warned that the species is threatened to becoming extinct. An endangered species is threatened by external factors and pollutants which counter their respite to an environment comprising of organisms to feed on, sea plants' life to hide and sea weed to feed on.

Why is lagoon of Aitolika in Western Greece polluted?

Aitoliko reached a depth of up to 30 metres and is linked by narrow waterways to a shallow lagoon that opens to the Aegean Sea. Over recent years leaks from damaged mechanics owing to irrigation purposes in the canal which according to reports stink of "rotten egg" smell from hydrogen sulphide produced in deoxygenated waters.

A local fisherman told media persons that the area has been polluted to an extent where he hardly catches any aquatic beings.

Previous rare sightings of seahorses species

A long-snouted a.k.a spiny seahorse was photographed off the coast of Plymouth in the South West of the United Kingdom. It is amongst the protected marine animals that are found in shallow waters of seagrass meadows. A license is required to look for them in the deep waters.
Bethel Baptist High School in Kaduna, Nigeria raided by armed men at night. Twenty-eight children have been restored with their families but, almost, 125 kids are still missing. After this act, Reverend Ishaya Jangado, the leader of the Kaduna Baptist Conference, which runs the institution, provided an update on the situation. On Tuesday, July 6, he said, the kidnappers made contact with him, and he was able to speak with some of the kids, who confirmed that they were unharmed. Rev Jangado further added that search and rescue activities are still underway and he is confident that the students will be reunited with their parents soon. Hundreds of thousands of Nigerian children's education is being disrupted, according to humanitarian organisations.

One escaped the abduction

However, John Hayab's son who is the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria also attends the school and narrowly escaped the abduction. We cannot give the exact figure of those abducted for now, until those who ran into hiding for safety are back and a census of the students is taken, but we know they took a lot of students. I am just speechless, I dont know what to say. My son was among the students who narrowly escaped", John said. He added, I am part of this unfortunate incident because it is my church, this is a very, very sad situation for us.

Fourth 'mass kidnapping' in Nigeria

This is Kaduna's fourth mass kidnapping in the last six months. So far this year, there have been seven major kidnappings of students in Nigeria. Since 2014, when members of the Islamic rebel group Boko Haram abducted 276 female students from a government school in Chibok, northern Borno State, the number of mass abductions from schools in Nigeria has increased substantially.

Schools in Nigeria are closed

UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, reports that over 1,120 schools in northeastern Nigeria have been closed. Some parents are afraid to send their children to school even while it is open. According to UNICEF, between 300,000 and 400,000 pupils in the region are out of school due to insecurity. Armed groups abducting people for ransom are responsible for the kidnappings. Because authorities are unable to adequately secure them, several schools have been forced to close.
The Philippines will be sending black boxes of the Lockheed C-130 aircraft that crashed earlier this week to the US in order to seek expert assistance in opening and analysing them, the countrys military chief said on July 7. This came after the United States pledged to help extract information from the flight data and cockpit voice recorders that could help authorities understand more about the tragedy that led to the death of 53 people in the southern province of Jolo, Cirilito Sobejana said in a local television interview.

Noting that the Philippines has no such capability, Sobejana did not even give the timetable for when the United States experts could complete the extraction of the data from the black boxes. The aircraft was carrying troops bound for counter-insurgency operations when it crashed with at least 96 on board. However, in the countrys worst military air crash in nearly 30 years, 53 people died including three civilians.

At least 49 other soldiers were rescued with wounds and survived the fiery noontime crash into a coconut grove outside the airport in Sulu province including some who jumped out of the aircraft before it exploded and engulfed in fire. During the interview, when Sobejana was asked if bad weather or human error could be the reason for the accident, he replied that the authorities are awaiting an official report from the investigators.

"I told them to do it as fast as we can, but this should be deliberate," he said. "We wanted to get the accurate information or the facts."

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules was one of the two ex-US AirForce aircraft handed over to the Philippines as part of military assistance this year. Initially, the aircraft took off from Manila with only a few passengers including a two-star army general, Romeo Brawner Jr, who disembarked with his wife and three children in Cagayan de Oro City. The army troops then boarded the C-130 in Cagayan de Oro to reach Sulu.

Were very thankful that we were spared but extremely sad that so many lost their lives, Brawner told The Associated Press.

Pentagon chief speaks with Philippines Secretary of National Defense

On July 6, US Department of Defence Lloyd J Austin spoke with Philippines Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana on the phone regarding the July 4 plane crash. According to a readout of the call provided by Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby, Secretary Austin offered his deepest condolences to the people of the Philippines and the families of those lost in this tragedy. Secretary Lorenzana provided an update on the response to the incident and the Secretaries discussed critical medical evacuation support provided by U.S. personnel for the crash victims.

Secretary Austin offered to provide any additional assistance that is possible, including for the crash response and potential identification of victims. The two leaders closed the call by reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening the U.S.-Philippines alliance, noting that they hope to meet in the coming months, he added.

IMAGE: AP
In a joint patrol, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and district police arrested a narcotics smuggler from the Indo-Nepal border's Rupaidiha area with 107 grams smack worth over Rs 1 crore in the international market.

A police team and the SSB searched a local, Nafees, at Malgodam road of Rupaidiha town on Monday night on the basis of suspicion and recovered 107 grams of smack from his possession, Superintendent of Police Sujata Singh said on Tuesday.

The SP said the estimated value of the recovered smack in the international market is around Rs 1.07 crore. A case has been lodged under the NDPS Act against the accused.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
In a massive step to protect women, Spains cabinet on July 6, approved a draft bill that requires consent for sex acts. Named Only yes is yes', the bill was proposed following an incident where an 18-year-old woman was raped but in the absence of violence, the act was labelled only as sexual abuse and not  sexual assault. Additionally, the victim's inability to resist was also termed as a form of consent by the country's ambiguous criminal law.

What is the bill about?

The proposed law "makes clear that silence or passivity do not mean consent, or that not showing opposition can not be an excuse to act against the will of the other person," government spokeswoman Maria Jesus Montero told a news conference after the Cabinet meeting. If the bill gets passed by the countrys 616 member parliament, it would alter the definition of rape to be forced sex without consent', increasing the strictness of the countrys laws against rape and sexual assault. It would also bring in violence and intimidation during the sexual assault.

Additionally, it would also bring tighter laws and prison sentences for work-related sexual offences. Additionally, catcalling will be labelled as a criminal offence. A vote by the bicameral Cortes Generales is expected later in September. At present, scores of European countries including Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, the UK, Iceland, Sweden and Malta already define rape as conduction of sexual intercourse without consent with consent not being inability or unwillingness to show opposition.

Previously in April, France passed legislation to define sexual relations with minors under the age of 15 as rape. The decision stated that under the law, the punishment could lead up to imprisonment of up to 20 years unless the gap between the two is small. The legislation was passed unanimously. The bill originated in France which means both the house agreed upon it. Officials in France are calling it "historic law". The bill has also added sexual relations between an adult and under 18 relative as illegal.

Image: AP
The United Nations Human Rights Commissioner Michelle Bachelet raised concerns over restrictions of civic spaces in Venezuela. On Monday, Bachelet said that from June 2020 to May 2021 her office registered around 97 incidents of stigmatization, criminalization and threats against dissident voices, especially towards civil society, media, and the members of the opposition.

While presenting a report on the human rights situation in Venezuela, Bachelet mentioned that a considerable majority of the documented cases have incidents that involve individuals booked for legitimate forms of civic engagement. Also, the arrest of human rights activists and members of NGO FundaRedes remained a worrying example of this kind of criminalization, she added. Among the arrested was the director of FundaRedes, Javier Tarazona, and several other important activists from the NGO. Bachelet also expressed concerns about atrocious conditions in detention centers. She demanded an adequate supply of basic services like food, water supply, and health care. Moreover, she also called for thorough maintenance of COVID-19 protocols.

'Handful of alleged complaints;: Venezuela Foreign MinistER

The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry released a statement on Twitter in response to the UN Human Rights Chiefs statements and demands. The Ministry refuted Blanchetes claims as a handful of alleged complaints of human rights violations which were presented as unverified accusations.

They labelled the reports to be a lie constructed to artificially feed a case before the International Criminal Court, with the political objective of destabilizing the countrys democratic institutions. It also reiterated its willingness to continue cooperating with this Council, its mechanisms and the Office of the High Commissioner based on genuine dialogue and cooperation following the principle of respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of States, the Ministry shared on its official Twitter handle.

In some positive events at the meet, the high commissioner welcomed some progressive actions that included police and justice reforms, a descending graph in alleged deaths during protests and security operations, and minor improvements in impunity. She noted that Venezuelas top prosecutor had agreed to give her office access to case files of human rights violations.

(Input: Reuters)
Taliban, which is seeking to re-establish Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan, on Wednesday launched its first major attack on the provincial capital of Qala-i-Naw. With foreign troops nearly out of the country, the ever emboldened insurgents seized police headquarters and offices of the National Directorate of Security. Responding to the same, the countrys Defence Minister Bismillah Mohammadi asserted that the war is raging with the Taliban and that Afghanistans defence forces will pull all the stops to defend the homeland.

"We recognize that the war is raging and we are in a very sensitive military situation," Mohammadi said, hours after the Taliban launched their assault on the city of Qala-i-Naw, the capital of Badghis province. "I want to reassure all of you that our national forces, with the support of local resistance forces, will use all their power and resources to defend our homeland and our people," he said in a statement released to reporters.

Meanwhile, Pentagon's Central Command on Tuesday announced that the United States has withdrawn almost 90 per cent of its troops from Afghanistan. President Joe Biden had instructed the Pentagon to complete the military withdrawal by Sept. 11, the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States, where he had said its time to end Americas longest war that killed 2,200 U.S. troops and 38,000 Afghan civilians, with a cost as much as $1 trillion.

US military has vacated its biggest airfield in Afghanistan

According to CentCom (United States Central Command), it had handed over seven former US bases to Afghanistan. Also, it had evacuated nearly 1,000 C-17 air freighter loads of equipment from the country. Earlier on July 2, it had handed over the sprawling Bagram airbase-- which is considered as the main centre of US military operations in Afghanistan-- for the past two decades of conflict.

Subsequently, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said, "We expect it to be handover the complete role of the US troops to the Afghanistan security forces by August." However, it is considered the withdrawal comes with many uncertainties as a resurgent Taliban captures ground and fears mount that the country could soon fall into civil war. The U.S. is still working on agreements to base counterterrorism forces in the region and evacuate thousands of interpreters and other Afghans who helped the American war effort.

Image: AP


The Pentagon's Central Command on Tuesday has announced that the United States has withdrawn almost 90 percent of its troops from Afghanistan. President Joe Biden had instructed the Pentagon to complete the military withdrawal by Sept. 11, the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States, where he had said its time to end Americas longest war that killed 2,200 U.S. troops and 38,000 Afghan civilians, with a cost as much as $1 trillion.

U.S. military has vacated its biggest airfield in Afghanistan

According to CentCom (United States Central Command), it had handed over seven former US bases to Afghanistan. Also, it had evacuated nearly 1,000 C-17 air freighter loads of equipment from the country. Earlier on July 2, it had handed over the sprawling Bagram airbase-- which is considered as the main centre of US military operations in Afghanistan-- for the past two decades of conflict.

U.S. is still working on agreements to base counterterrorism forces

Subsequently, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said, "We expect it to be handover the complete role of the US troops to the Afghanistan security forces by August." However, it is considered the withdrawal comes with many uncertainties as a resurgent Taliban captures ground and fears mount that the country could soon fall into civil war. The U.S. is still working on agreements to base counterterrorism forces in the region and evacuate thousands of interpreters and other Afghans who helped the American war effort.

CIA and other U.S. agencies "retain a suite of capabilities" to monitor and stop threats

US CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) Director William Burns testified in April that fighters from al-Qaida and the Islamic State group are still operating in Afghanistan and 'remain intent on recovering the ability to attack U.S. targets.' "When the time comes for the U.S. military to withdraw, the U.S. governments ability to collect and act on threats will diminish. Thats simply a fact," added Burns. He maintained that the CIA and other U.S. agencies "retain a suite of capabilities" to monitor and stop threats.

What's next?

Miller, who already is the longest-serving commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan in the 20 years of warfare, will remain in command for a couple of weeks' longer but was not more specific. On July 2, Miller met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on and the duo discussed continued U.S. assistance and cooperation with Afghanistan. It is also expected to keep at least 650 US military personnel in Afghanistan in order to protect the US embassy and diplomats.

(With inputs from AP)
An American Airlines flight from Charlotte, North Carolina to Nassau, Bahamas was delayed by a day after few passengers refused to wear a face mask. The flight was scheduled to leave Charlotte on July 5, but it was delayed until July 6 morning. The passengers who refused to wear masks were reportedly a group of around 30 high school students.

Flight delayed as passengers refuse to wear masks

The American Airlines flight 893 to Nassau was originally scheduled to leave Charlotte at around 9:30 am in morning, reported WSOC TV. It was initially delayed due to a technical glitch and the passengers were switched to another plane. Then after a few passengers refused to follow mask guidelines, they were asked to leave the aircraft, reported Boston.com citing American airline spokesperson. Ultimately, the flight departed from Charlotte on Tuesday at 9 am.

A passenger Malik Banks who was seated next to the group of students told WSOC TV that the students were yelling and cursing. He added that all the students were not shouting, but 75 to 80 per cent of them were "terrible". Another passenger Christina Randolph who had planned to go on vacation told WSOC TV that the passengers had to just wear the mask, but they refused to wear it. Randolph added that due to the flight delay, she got one less day of vacation. The passengers who were stranded were given a hotel voucher to stay for the night.

Last month, a Delta Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Atlanta was diverted for an emergency landing after one of the passengers on board threatened to take down the plane, authorities later said. The incident took place on June 11 when one of the passengers, reported being in his late 20s, attacked two attendants and continuously chanted that he was going to take the plane down". His unruly behaviour triggered panic and prompted the flight 1730 pilot to immediately call all able-bodied men to assist.

IMAGE: AP
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on July 6. He stressed the need for all parties to ensure an immediate and indefinite ceasefire. Blinken also condemned the destruction of bridges into Tigray.

Blinken calls Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed

Blinken pressed for the complete withdrawal of Eritrean troops and Amhara from the Tigray region. He called for "full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access to populations in need", the State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a readout of the phone conversation between Blinken and Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed. Ned Price in the readout of the phone conversation said that "the secretary stressed the need for all parties to the conflict to commit to an immediate, indefinite, negotiated ceasefire".

"The secretary emphasized the urgency of holding an inclusive political dialogue to begin the difficult work of forging a lasting resolution to the countrys ethnic and political divisions," according to Ned Price. Blinken also called on the Ethiopian Prime Minister to establish a process to hold those responsible for human rights abuses and atrocities accountable.

I spoke with Prime Minister @AbiyAhmedAli today. Eritrean forces need to withdraw fully from the country, and we must ensure full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access to all populations in need.  Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) July 6, 2021

Last month, the Government of Ethiopia announced a unilateral ceasefire in the Tigray region. US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price had described the announcement of the Ethiopian government as a "positive step" if it leads to changes on the ground. In his statement, he had added that they are closely monitoring developments. Price said that they call on all parties to commit to an immediate, indefinite, negotiated ceasefire to end the violence and restore stability in Tigray. The United States had also urged Ethiopian authorities to immediately restore telecommunication services in Tigray and permit unhindered freedom of movement, Price added in his statement.

IMAGE: AP
The United States Secretary of States Anthony Blinken on Tuesday, July 6, called Dalai Lama "an inspiration for many around the world" adding that people worldwide are drawn to his messages of compassion, equality, and inclusivity." Blinken issued a statement extending warm wishes to Dalai Lama on the occasion of his 86th birthday on July 6. US Dept of State Secretary said that he has deep respect and appreciation for His Holiness grace, wisdom, and humility, as well as his dedication to greater global equality and the equal rights of all people, including his fellow Tibetans.

We join Tibetans everywhere in wishing His Holiness the @DalaiLama a happy 86th birthday. His messages of peace, equality, and compassion serve as an inspiration to us all. https://t.co/hJ4o1Oj7ku  Ned Price (@StateDeptSpox) July 7, 2021

The Tibetan spiritual leader and the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, on July 6 turned 86 and the world leaders, politicians, including Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings and well wishes. In a tweet, the Indian Prime Minister said, Spoke on phone to His Holiness the @DalaiLama to convey greetings on his 86th birthday. Although due to COVID-19, the birthday celebrations for the spiritual leader were cancelled this year at the Tsuglagkhang or the Dalai Lama Monastery in McLeodganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. The Tibetan leader has his headquarters in the hill station city.

Meanwhile, Namgyal Monastery in Ithaca, New York announced their plans to establish a library in his honour on occasion of his birthday. "Today we wish a happy birthday to his holiness the Dalai Lama, whose grace and compassion have served as an inspiration to all of us, spokesperson Ned Price said at a presser. "We commend his dedication to the global Tibetan community and to all those around the world who share in his important message of peace and kindness and his commitment to equality and, importantly, to human dignity. We join all of those in wishing His Holiness many more years to come, he added.

Dalai Lama appreciates India

In the 4 minute footage released by his private office, Dalai Lama said, that he had taken full advantage of Indias freedom and religious harmony. Appreciating India for providing asylum, the spiritual leader said, I want to assure you that for the rest of my life I am committed to reviving ancient Indian knowledge. Furthermore, he added, I really appreciate the Indian concept of secular values  not dependent on religion  such as honesty, karuna (compassion), and ahimsa (non-violence). He propagated teachings of compassion and non-violence, saying, This is my offering to my friends. All my brothers and sisters should keep these two things in mindnon-violence and compassion. On my birthday, this is my gift."
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 please call (208) 542-6777 for help.



We get it. You don't want to see the ads.

We'd just ask you to understand that those ads help us pay the bills  and our reporters. Please, consider white-listing the Standard Journal in your ad-blocker or, even better, purchase a subscription so that you can help support quality local journalism.
The move by censors comes after the demise of Shanghai Pride last year, and amid a changing political climate for comrade culture.

The Chinese social media platform WeChat has deleted dozens of accounts belonging to LGBTQ+ groups at universities in recent days, social media posts have revealed.

Screenshots of notices sent to the holders of the deleted accounts said they had broken laws and regulations governing online content, amid concerns that the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is now targeting gay content and activism.

Many of the accounts were deleted at around the same time on Tuesday evening, Reuters quoted one of the account-holders as saying.

Some of the accounts had disappeared by Wednesday, while others carried notices that they had been suspended due to regulatory violations.

Others were renamed "Unnamed Official Account."

An online post titled "Tonight, we are all unnamed official accounts" listed some of the affected groups, which included ColorsWorld at Peking University, Purple at Tsinghua University and RUC Sex and Gender Research Group at Renmin University.

Similar groups at Shanghai's Fudan University, Wuhan University, and Nanjing University also had their accounts shut down.

The move by censors comes after the cancelation of Shanghai's decade-old Pride event in 2020. The organizers, ShanghaiPRIDE, gave no reason for the decision, but local activists said the group had likely come under political pressure from the authorities.

The organization had previously been legally permitted to run the event by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

But ShanghaiPRIDE had also been involved in ongoing civil society activities in support of the LGBTQ community in China, including running seminars for the parents of LGBTQ people.

Activists said at the time that the cancellation of Shanghai Pride likely meant all LGBTQ+ groups would be affected.

The organizers of a planned LGBTQ+ conference in the northern city of Xian were forced to cancel in 2017 after official pressure.

Crackdowns by government censors

Government censors have since carried out a number of crackdowns on LGBTQ representation on social media, in books, comics, TV, and film.

In 2020, education authorities in Jinan, provincial capital of Shandong province, called for the "strengthening of political and ideological education" for students of foreign-invested schools, at both primary and secondary level.

The guidance was to include the view of homosexuality as "corrupt behavior imported from the West [that is] inconsistent with core socialist values."

Activists said the crackdown stemmed in part from a conservative attitude to sexuality under the indefinite rule of CCP general secretary Xi Jinping, and partly from a fear that civil organizations are a threat to party rule.

Homosexuality was decriminalized in China in 1997, and removed from official psychiatric diagnostic manuals in 2001.

More and more highly educated urban Chinese have begun coming out in recent years, and while some find acceptance among their peers, social attitudes still strongly favor heterosexual marriage and children.

How many Chinese identify as LGBTQ+ is unknown. The countrys health and family planning ministry has estimated that there are between five and 10 million gay men in China, but activists say the actual number is far higher.

LGBTQ activists say there have been a growing number of anti-discrimination lawsuits filed by the community in China since around 2010, as well as some rare though unsuccessful bids to register same-sex marriages.



Reported by Cheng Yut Yiu for RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Proposed amendments to Hong Kong's privacy laws banning "doxxing" are unnecessary and will likely add to the cost of doing business in the city, industry analysts told RFA.



The city government is tabling amendments to its Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance that would criminalize the sharing of other people's personal data online.



But an industry group that includes Twitter, Facebook and Google recently wrote to the Hong Kong government with concerns over the use of the vaguely defined term "doxxing" in the planned amendments.



"Given that at present there is no universally accepted or acknowledged definition for 'doxxing', this gives rise to legitimate concerns that 'doxxing; in the proposed amendments could have an overly broad interpretation such that even innocent acts of sharing of information online could be deemed unlawful," the Asian Internet Coalition (AIC) said in a letter to Hong Kong's government.



The lack of a clear definition for "doxxing," which the letter said was described in the amendment as "acts that intrude into personal data privacy," the government would hold huge discretionary power to restrict online content, the AIC warned.



"The scope of any restrictions on content and free expression should be clearly defined so that both intermediaries and users can better understand the aim, impact, and application of these regulations," it said.



"By keeping the scope of the restrictions vague, significant discretionary authority lies with regulators to restrict content," the AIC -- whose members also include Airbnb, Amazon, Apple, Expedia, LinkedIn, LINE, Twitter, and Booking.com -- warned.



"Introducing these amendments would effectively empower an independent statutory authority to a level akin to the Hong Kong Police Force itself, and in a manner that is highly unusual and out of step with international privacy developments," it said.



Superfluous powers

Francis Fong of the Hong Kong Information Technology Federation, said amendments to the privacy law appeared unnecessary, given that the government already holds powers to order the removal of online content under existing legislation.



"Government agencies can already request that social media platforms remove content under obscenity laws, the Copyright Ordinance and libel laws," Fong told RFA.



"Google and Facebook transparency reports also show that these companies have already been cooperating with the government to some extent."



Simon Lee of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) business school said the move will likely have an impact on Hong Kong's perceived status as an international financial center.



"We had the [now-shelved] amendments to extradition laws in 2019, changes to company registration and to the Companies Ordinance," Lee said.



"It seems there's a convergence of not-so-positive developments happening in Hong Kong right now," Lee told RFA. "These will all have a considerable impact over the medium-to-long term."



He added: "While everyone understands the need for security, there is also the need to balance security with the freedom to do business in an international city, and an international financial hub."



Lee said the recent forced closure of the pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper under a draconian national security law imposed by China from , 2020 had also given the international community plenty of cause for concern.



"The possibility of having one's home searched at any point is always there, because it's very hard to gauge the level of risk," he said.



Hong Kong's constitutional and mainland affairs bureau dismissed an earlier report in the Wall Street Journal as "misleading," saying the proposed amendments would likely be submitted to the Legislative Council, which is now devoid of any opposition members, by the end of the legislative year.



Reported by Gigi Lee and Cheng Yut Yiu for RFA's Mandarin and Cantonese Services. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
People say government is passing on its responsibilities to them.

Women work at Jangchon Vegetable Co-op farm during a government organised visit for reporters just outside Pyongyang, North Korea in a file photo.

North Korea is ordering citizens to start producing their own food to prepare for a long-term food shortage that could last for three years, but ordinary people say that the government is shirking its responsibility, sources in the country told RFA.

The UNs Food and Agriculture Organization estimated in a recent report that North Korea would be short about 860,000 tons of food this year, about two months of normal demand.

RFA reported in April that authorities were warning residents to prepare for economic difficulties as bad as the 1994-1998 famine which killed millions by some estimates, but experts said that the situation was dire, but nothing like the 1990s.

But now sources say the ruling Korean Workers Party is telling the people that they are on their own to find food.

The Central Committee outlined the policy to prepare for a long-term food shortage at the beginning of this month, a resident of the northwestern province of North Pyongan told RFA July 2.

They sent a directive to organizations at all levels, businesses and units in the province to solve the food shortage problem on their own, said the source, who requested anonymity for security reasons.

The order went from the Central Party to the Provincial Party Committee, according to the source. It emphasizes the seriousness of the food shortage under the prolonged coronavirus emergency.

The major cause of the food crisis is the coronavirus pandemic, which made North Korea and China to close their border and suspend all trade in January 2020, cutting off food imports that could help cover the deficit and making it hard for North Korean farmers to get fertilizer.

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.

According to the new self-sufficiency directives, factories and businesses are supposed to divert workers to farming.

They are to work on allotted cooperative farms to overcome the food shortages, said the source.

It is worrisome that the party predicts that the coronavirus crisis will last for more than three years and is already talking about a long-term war on the food problem, the source said.

North Koreas government commonly uses militaristic phrasing to describe government or public efforts to solve problems. A long-term war could indicate that authorities believe the problem will be worse than normal.

Even if the people should do their part to overcome food shortages in the long-term, it is still too harsh to demand that they should secure their own food when they are already struggling to get food every day, said the source.

The authorities initially allocated fields to factories and businesses so they could do some extra work to cultivate vegetables like Asian cabbage and Asian radish for use in side dishes, but this year the authorities have given them additional fields and told them to resolve their food issues themselves, the source said.

Residents have been complaining about the measure, saying the government is passing the buck onto them, according to the source.

People are interpreting the states orders as the central government saying it will not provide for the people anymore. They are in despair, saying there is no hope that the food problem can be solved if they are being pushed into food production, said the source.

Even if an extra field is added to an organizations farming territory, it would be difficult to produce even 30 percent of the food needed, the source said.

Another source, a resident of the northeastern province of North Hamgyong, confirmed that the orders arrived in the provinces capital city Chongjin for people to secure their own food for the next three years.

Factory workers have to go to the fields and work with hoes in their hands now, said the second source, who requested anonymity to speak freely.

These days all the factory workers in Chongjin are concentrating on farm work as they have been mobilized for their factory fields. They are busy right now removing weeds from the fields from the early morning to the late afternoon, the second source told RFA.

The residents in Chongjin are also complaining, according to the second source, saying that the food shortage there is so bad that they can hardly solve their food issues for the next three days, and being told to survive three years is like a death sentence.

The Highest Dignity stressed that rice is a vital element that maintains the existence and self-reliance of our country, the second source said, using an honorific term to refer to the countrys leader Kim Jong Un.

But how can an affluent leader and other high-ranking officials understand the reality of the hungry people? said the second source.

The second source said the longer the border with China remains closed, the closer to rock bottom the people fall.

The people wonder how many of them should starve to death before the authorities come to their senses.

The current food crisis in North Korea is shaping up to be the worst humanitarian crisis in Asia, according to Jiro Ishimaru, the founder and chief editor of the Osaka-based Asia Press news outlet that specializes in North Korea.

Ishimaru published a column this week that compared the food crisis to a dam burst, saying that he found it frustrating that the reality of the situation has not been conveyed to the world.

"When people run out of cash, they borrow money, rice, or corn from their neighbors or acquaintances. When that becomes difficult, they pawn or sell their household goods," Ishimaru cited a North Korean source as saying.

In the neighborhoods, we often see debt collectors barging in and taking away everything, even pot kettles. The only recourse left is to turn to crime or, in the case of women, prostitution. In the end, they sell their houses.

The column described an increase in kotjebi, or homeless street beggars, many of whom are either abandoned children or the elderly, and said there will be many more to come because North Korea is in the part of the year where food reserves are running out before the fall harvest.

One source told the outlet that it was common to see people collapsed from malnutrition in the streets.

The 1990's famine was the result of economic mismanagement and the sudden collapse of North Korea's patron, the Soviet Union. As much as 10 percent of the North Korean population of 23 million at the time lost their lives, according to some estimates, while hundreds of thousands of people fled to China.

Reported by Jieun Kim for RFAs Korean Service. Translated by Jinha Shin. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
Flooded farms, land grabs, and production costs are driving Lao villagers from their land to seek work in the cities.

A section of the Lao-China high-speed railway crosses rice fields in a suburb of the Lao capital Vientiane in a photo taken in 2021.

Lao villagers have given up farm work in growing numbers in recent years due to rising costs and the loss of land to large development projects, with many now moving to the cities to find work instead as laborers, Lao sources say.

Hardest hit has been the cultivation of rice, an important staple food in the landlocked Southeast Asian country, the sources said.

Many farmers in our province dont want to do farm work anymore, a farmer in Vientiane province told RFA in a recent interview. And more specifically, they dont want to grow rice. Most of our young people are now going to the capital Vientiane to work as laborers, he said.

The residents of my village have all scattered during the last ten years, said one former rice farmer in southern Laos Savannakhet province, now working in Thailand. Most of the young men have gone to work in Thailand, with some also going to cities like Vientiane.

Only a small number of the older folks have stayed in the village to grow rice, he added.

The number of Lao villagers currently working farms in the country has sharply declined in the last ten years, according to a survey released on June 30, 2021 by the Lao National Statistics Bureau of the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

The percentage dropped from 77 percent of the total population [of 7 million] in 2010 down to 69 percent in 2020 because many Laotians gave up farming and then left their farms to be laborers in the cities, according to the bureaus report.

Much of the land no longer farmed was lost to China-backed railway, dam, and other infrastructure projects, sources in the country said.

Before, I grew rice for a living, a villager in the town of Xay, capital of Oudomxay province in northern Laos, told RFA. But I lost 1.5 hectares of rice field to the Laos-China high-speed railway project.

I received $96,000 compensation for my land, but with that money I couldnt buy another lot of land of the same size to farm. So I set up a small shop in the village, he said.

Another farmer said he had lost a large rice field in a suburb of the capital Vientiane to a large Chinese-invested development project called the That Luang Marsh Special Economic Zone project. So now I dont farm at all. I became a day laborer, and my wife runs a small shop, he said.

Flooded farmland

China-backed dam projects have also impacted Lao farming, leaving large areas of farmland flooded and displacing thousands of Lao villagers who have been moved to resettlement towns where they find it hard to make a living.

We lost all our farmland to the Nam Theun 1 Dam project and moved to a resettlement village, a resident of Houay Hoi Village in Borikhamxay provinces Viengthong district told RFA. Now we have no land left to farm, he said.

The agriculture ministry told us that the new land that will be allocated later is good only for raising poultry and livestock, and not for growing rice and other crops, he said.

Before, we were all farmers, but now many of us have left to go to the cities to work. Some have become the owners of small shops, but many do nothing now but live on the allowance provided to us by the dam project.

My rice field is permanently flooded by a hydropower project, said a farmer in Xieng Khouang province, and I cant grow rice now either in the rainy season or the dry season, because my field is located upstream from the dam.

Up to 10,000 villagers were displaced by the Nam Tha 1 Dam in Luang Namtha provinces Na Lae district, a district villager said, adding, So far around 400 of them have left the resettlement village and now work for Chinese tea and watermelon plantations near [the provinces capital].

The rest are waiting for the government to clear and allocate some land for them," he said.

Rising costs, climate change

Rising costs have also driven Lao farmers from their land to look for other kinds of work, sources said.

Before, I grew two crops of rice each year for many years, but now its not worth growing rice anymore, a farmer in Attapeu province in southern Laos said. Im thinking about quitting farming because the costs are getting higher and Im producing less.

Labor and fertilizers are both getting more expensive. I wish that I could do something else, he said.

Its too expensive to grow rice nowadays. Its just not worth it, agreed a rice farmer in the Songkhone district of Savannaket province in southern Laos, citing both rising costs and the damages caused by climate change.

During the last two years, floods destroyed our rice production to around half of what we produced five years ago. And two years before that, the same thing happened due to drought, he said. Thats why so many people have stopped farming, and more specifically why theyve stopped farming rice.

Also speaking to RFA, Pornpana Koaycharoen from the NGO Land Watch Thailand said that Laos, like other Southeast Asian countries, is steadily losing its agricultural workforce. But Lao farmers in the countryside are very poor, vulnerable, and unable to adjust to the situation, she said.

They have lost a lot of land to large investment projects and land concessions. Theyve relied on farming and on their natural environment, and now theyve been seriously affected.

Land concessions and investment projects have undermined the livelihoods, food sources, and income of local people, agreed a member of the Bangkok-based NGO Global South. In Laos over the last ten years, farmers have lost thousands of hectares of their farmland to these concessions and development projects.

Other workers needed

Speaking to RFA, an official of the Lao Planning and Investment Ministry agreed that Laos now has fewer farmers.

But Laos still has almost one million hectares of rice field under cultivation, and can not only produce enough rice for its own population but also sell a part of it to its neighboring countries, the ministry official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Not everyone has to be a farmer, he said. Other sectors also need labor. Our service sector is expanding and our manufacturing industry is also growing. The more our economy grows, the fewer farmers well have.

Much of Laoss recent economic growth has been generated through land concessions to China, Thailand, and Vietnam to exploit natural resources including timber, agricultural products, minerals, and energy.

But the projects have sparked friction over cases of environmental pollution and land taken without proper compensation, and Lao villagers affected by land grabs often fear to speak out publicly over their concerns because they fear official retaliation.

Reported by RFAs Lao Service. Translated by Max Avary. Written in English by Richard Finney.
The blocs collective inaction on Myanmar has put ASEANs legitimacy at stake, some critics say.

The U.N. human rights chief pressed ASEAN on Wednesday to urgently appoint an envoy to Myanmar, with the regional bloc having not yet named a special emissary more than two months after Southeast Asian leaders agreed to do so.

Separately, Singapore said it was working with other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to hasten the admittedly slow implementation of a five-point consensus on post-coup Myanmar that ASEAN leaders had reached during a special summit on that troubled country in late April.

ASEAN should start a dialogue with both the military, which toppled an elected government in February, and that countrys shadow civilian government, said Michelle Bachelet, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

It is urgent for ASEAN to appoint a special envoy or team to get some kind of political dialogue underway, Bachelet said in videotaped comments during a meeting at the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva.

I encourage ASEAN to engage with the democratic leadership and civil society, not just the military front.

It was the second time in a month that Bachelet had urged the Southeast Asian bloc to move more quickly in helping resolve a post-coup crisis in Myanmar.

On Wednesday, Bachelet said she had been engaging closely with most ASEAN states, and while she was encouraged by the five-point consensus, the Myanmar leadership had unfortunately  shown little sign of abiding by it.

Still, it was very important to back ASEAN with a united front, she said.

Myanmar is a member of the 10-nation bloc.

Tom Andrews, the U.N.s special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, told the meeting that his door was open for the regional bloc and he was eager to work with a special ASEAN envoy.

However, the international community as a whole had failed the people of Myanmar with its inability to stop the juntas reign of terror, he said.

Andrews called for the creation of an Emergency Coalition for the People of Myanmar, which would include nations willing to stand with the people of Myanmar through coordinated action.

It could reduce the juntas ability to attack its citizens, save the lives of those in acute crisis, and gain political leverage so that the crisis in Myanmar might come to a just and permanent conclusion, Andrews said.

But time is short and the stakes could not be higher.

Divided bloc

ASEAN is divided, though, as was clear during a U.N. General Assembly vote last month on the adoption of a resolution on Myanmar. It called on the Burmese military to restore democratic rule, and urged U.N. members to prevent the flow of arms to the country, where security forces have killed close to 900 people  mostly protesters  since the Feb. 1 coup.

Four of 10 ASEAN member-states abstained from voting on the resolution. They included Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and this years ASEAN chair Brunei.

Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore had earlier expressed their frustration at the delay in the blocs naming of an envoy, amid reports of differences between member states on the issue and even on how to deal with Myanmar.

Japans Kyodo News reported on Tuesday, without naming sources, that Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia wanted their own nominees to be named envoy.

In written responses to parliamentary questions, Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan acknowledged on Tuesday that ASEANs delay in implementing the consensus has been slow and a little disappointing.

Still, he told parliament, [w]e are working within ASEAN to expedite this process to set Myanmar back on the path of normalcy through negotiations with all stakeholders.

This will not be an easy or quick process, and its success ultimately lies in the hands of the Myanmar people. Nonetheless, ASEAN will not waver in its commitment to facilitate and support this process in line with the five-point consensus, Balakrishnan said.

Critics, though, see ASEAN as having lost any momentum it generated at the April 24 summit in Jakarta. The blocs collective inaction on Myanmar, in their view, has put ASEANs legitimacy at stake, even while the bloc insisted on playing a lead role in a solution there.

Among the critics, Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch, questioned this notion of ASEANs so-called centrality in resolving the Myanmar crisis.

Why would anyone wait for ASEAN to take the lead in reversing the Myanmar coup when, five months later, ASEAN, hopelessly divided, cannot even agree on a special envoy, Roth said via Twitter.

Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.
Captain Surgeon Min Maung Maung was an army surgeon in the No. 14 Military Medical Unit before he joined the anti-junta Civil Disobedience Movement in support of the Spring Revolution, which what opponents of the military junta that seized power on Feb. 1 call their protest campaign. Khin Maung Soe of RFAs Myanmar Service spoke to the doctor by telephone about what he said were massive cover-ups in medical examinations of detainees who died during military interrogation.

RFA: Why did you decide to join the Civil Disobedience Movement?

Min Maung Maung: After finishing high school, I attended the Military Medical Institute, the 6th Class, and I had all along strictly followed the rules and regulations. I had a great interest in libraries and worked for the library of the institute and I learned a lot about historical facts of the country. In 2010, when a quasi-civilian government came into power I had a lot of expectations, hoping for changes in the military but those changes never came. And I noticed that in some cases the military was not even acting in the interests of the people and so I officially asked for permission to leave my post but my request was not accepted as I was a specialist in my profession. And then after the Feb. 1 coup, I was very upset by the militarys use of lethal force against the people. And then three things happened that broke my heart. The first thing was the case of a mentally handicapped man who came out at the front of a group of young Gen Z protesters and confronted the armed soldiers. The young protesters were yelling out Dont shoot, please dont shoot at him. It broke my heart. The second event was when soldiers were firing rubber bullets and live rounds at the young protesters and the latter responded back with slingshots. A young man was heard shouting to his friends Dont respond. Dont do that, you might hit other peoples cars. That was a very civilized thought, not wanting to get other peoples property damaged. And then, there was the case of young men in Kayah state courageously defending themselves day after day with old-fashioned traditional hunting rifles. All these events strengthened my decision to quit the military.

RFA: What do you think about the cooperation between the ethnic armed organizations and the young Gen Z members of the Spring Revolution?

Min Maung Maung: In the past, we had a lot of misunderstandings about the ethnic armed groups because of the various kinds of government propaganda. Ethnic minority people in rural and border areas have suffered so much in the past. Now we see the brutal acts of the military against the people in urban areas and airstrikes on villages and people driven out into the mountains to become internally displaced persons and people now have more and more compassion for their ethnic minority brethren. Now both sides have more understanding of each other and are becoming more united.

RFA: When you carried out surgical operations on wounded soldiers from the frontline, did you feel that these men were sacrificing themselves for the country?

Min Maung Maung: I think their sacrifices are all for nothing. Its true that the Tatmadaw (Myanmars military) is defending the country but they are defending in a wrong way.

RFA: During this Spring Revolution we have heard reports about some internal organs of some of those who died at interrogation centers were missing and there was speculation that these organs were sold abroad for cash. What do you know about this?

Min Maung Maung: Some people got killed during the protests. In the case of Kyal Sin (a 19-year-old ethnic Chinese woman who was shot dead in March) in Mandalay, her body was exhumed and the army forensic doctor who was asked to perform the autopsy ran away. I dont know where he fled. Many doctors refused to do such autopsies and so warrant officers were assigned to do the autopsies. When the forensic doctors refused to sign the death certificates, they produced fake seals and fake signatures. When an autopsy is carried out you have to take out some of the organs and these warrant officers did it in a very crude way. Some of them put back the organs properly and some didnt care about putting back all before stitching it up. It isnt true that they sold off the organs abroad for cash.

RFA: Zaw Myat Lin, a National League for Democracy official in the Yangon Region, died in custody on March 9, a day after his arrest. Witnesses who examined his body speculated that a strong kind of acid must have been poured into his mouth because of the injuries on his mouth and the melted tongue. What do you think of that?

Min Maung Maung: I saw the reports in the news and what I saw in the pictures seems to me that boiling hot water was poured onto his face. The corroded lips and the swollen mouth looks like some kind of acid-like liquid had been poured into his mouth. It was an extremely inhuman act of torture. He must have suffered a living hell.

RFA: Do you have anything to say to your fellow officers in the military?

Min Maung Maung: There are many in the military who supported the coup d'etat and there are many who wanted to stand against evil. And there are also many who are sitting on the fence watching the unfolding events. In my opinion, about 70 percent of the educated professionals like those in the medical and engineering fields are not supporting the coup. Many of these people are holding onto their jobs in fear or for the sake of their families. At present it is so obvious that the whole population is rejecting the military dictatorship and Peoples Defense Forces are being formed in many townships, some in collusion with Ethnic Armed Organizations. I would like to tell fellow officers like doctors and nurses to have some professional pride and stand by the people instead of believing the military propaganda that is spread among them. The country is now at a very important intersection and I would like to ask them to join hands with the people.

Translated by Khin Maung Nyane.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has videoconference with Uyghurs previously detained in internment camps.

Leaders of Uyghur organizations, members of the Uyghur diaspora, and their Turkish supporters hold a protest marking a violent crackdown on Uyghurs by Chinese authorities 12 years ago, in front of Chinese Consulate in Istanbul, July 5, 2021.

UPDATED at 4:25 P.M. ET on 2021-07-07

Uyghur groups around the world have held demonstrations commemorating a violent crackdown on Uyghurs by Chinese authorities 12 years ago in the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), while the top U.S. diplomat has discussed the deepening repression of the largely Muslim ethnic minority group in northwestern China.

More than 200 Uyghurs, including many young people who came to the U.S as children, held an anti-China protest in Washington, D.C., marking the anniversary of the violent unrest in Urumqi (in Chinese, Wulumuqi). Demonstrators in the U.S. capital held both American flags and the light blue flags of East Turkestan, the Uyghur name for China's Xinjiang region.

Some 200 people died and 1,700 were injured in the three-day rampage of violence that began on July 5, 2009, between ethnic minority Uyghurs and Han Chinese in Urumqi, according to Chinas official figures, although Uyghur rights groups say the numbers are much higher.

The Uyghur Japanese Association held a protest in Shinjuku, a central ward in Tokyo, with the participation of not only Uyghurs living in Japan, but also Japanese citizens, Mongolians, and Hong Kongers.

The Germany-based World Uyghur Congress held a protest on July 5 in London, where Uyghur community members, Tibetans, and representatives from Hong Kong also participated in the event.

The Uyghur community in Switzerland held a protest in Bern, while Uyghurs based in Turkey commemorated the 2009 incident by holding 10 events in Istanbul, Ankara, Konya, and other cities.

Leaders of Uyghur organizations, members of the Uyghur diaspora, and Turkish supporters held a protest and press conference in front of Chinese Consulate in Istanbul on July 5, attended by thousands of people.

Uyghurs in Munich and Amsterdam also organized demonstrations in front of the Chinese embassies in these cities.

Uyghurs in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan gathered in mosques, halls, and cafes because they were not allowed to demonstrate, while diaspora members in Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan, held a meeting to commemorate the 12-year anniversary of July 5 unrest.

Only about 50 Uyghurs were allowed to attend the meeting organized by the Uyghur Association Ittipaq of Kyrgyzstan because of COVID-19 safety protocols limiting the number of people who can gather in public.

Leaders of Uyghur organizations, members of the Uyghur diaspora, and their Turkish supporters hold a protest marking a violent crackdown on Uyghurs by Chinese authorities 12 years ago, in front of Chinese Consulate in Istanbul, July 5, 2021. Credit: RFA





Blinken holds roundtable

On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met via videoconference with seven Uyghur internment camp survivors, advocates, and relatives of people detained in the XUAR to hear directly from them about abuses against the minority group.

The camps are believed by experts to have handled as many as 1.8 million people  roughly one-sixth of the XUARs 12 million Uyghurs  since 2017.

China says the camps are vocational training facilities set up to combat religious extremism and terrorism. But many teachers, intellectuals and prominent businessmen have been incarcerated in the system.

Blinken told the Uyghurs that that U.S. was committed to working with allies and partners in calling for an end to Chinas ongoing crimes against humanity and genocide, according to a statement issued by State Department spokesman Ned Price.

The United States will continue to place human rights at the forefront of our China policy and will always support the voices of activists, survivors, and family members of victims who courageously speak out against these atrocities, the statement said.

Anders Corr, publisher of the Journal of Political Risk and principal at the political risk mitigation firm Corr Analytics Inc., said that Blinken's meeting with former internment camp detainees was an encouraging sign.

It means that he is taking the genocide increasingly seriously," he said. Let's hope he next brings these meetings and the suffering of the Uyghurs into the public to demonstrate yet greater American commitment to their liberation.

Sophie Richardson, China director of Human Rights Watch, said Blinken's decision to meet with the group of Uyghurs was an incredibly important thing to do.

Hearing their stories and soliciting their idea were not just an important gesture of support for those individuals and their community, but also a very powerful way of putting China on notice that the U.S. government has no intention of dialing back its concerns about this issue, she said.

Richardson also stressed the importance of putting in place mechanisms for investigations and accountability for Chinese government officials responsible for crimes against humanity to deter China from similar action in the future.

The U.S. State Department determined in January that the Chinese government is perpetrating genocide against Uyghurs in the XUAR, citing internment camps that have held some 1.8 million people, some of whom have been tortured or subjected to other abuse.

The U.S. and several other countries have imposed sanctions on Chinese officials responsible for abuses against Uyghurs, as well as on Chinese government agencies and companies suspected of using Uyghur forced labor to make products such as cotton, wigs, tomatoes, and polysilicon for solar panels.

In Beijing on Wednesday, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said the chief issue in the XUAR is combating terrorism, when asked about Blinken's meeting with Uyghurs previously detained in the camps.

As weve stressed time and again, issues relating to Xinjiang are not about ethnicity, religion or human rights, but about fighting violent terrorism, extremism and separatism, he told a news conference. The crimes of abuse, atrocity, or genocide can never be attributed to China.

U.S. lies and rumors have been exposed by the fact and truth that Xinjiang enjoys stability and prosperity and residents there are leading happy and fulfilling lives, Weng said, repeating Beijings stock response since the well-documented internment camp system came to light in 2017.

The U.S. attempt to use human rights as a cover to mess up Xinjiang and contain Chinas development will never succeed.

Reported and translated by RFAs Uygur Service. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
Detained Belarusian opposition blogger Raman Pratasevich has appeared in a new video on Twitter, raising questions over who controls the account where the video was placed and whether he appears under his own volition.

Pratasevich, a critic of strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka and his crackdown on the opposition, was arrested along with his girlfriend, Sofia Sapega, in Minsk on May 23 after Belarusian authorities forced their Ryanair flight to land in the Belarusian capital, prompting international outrage.

In one of the first posts, the Twitter account under Pratasevich's name said on July 7 that he was "returning to life on the Internet" and promised to respond to messages, saying he was answering followers' messages himself and without supervision.

The posts, however, were met with suspicion as Belarusian legislation bans persons under house arrest from using the telephone or the Internet or going outside.

Belarusian authorities already have been accused of using Pratasevich as a prop.

On June 25, news broke that had been moved from prison to house arrest after having made several appearances on Belarusian state television that prompted the opposition and Western officials to accuse Lukashenka's regime of extracting video confessions under torture and call for his and his girlfriend's immediate release.

On June 14, Pratasevich was brought to a meeting with journalists at the Belarusian Foreign Ministry. He was placed on a stage with four officials, two of whom were in uniform. Several diplomats and reporters left the event in protest.

Pratasevich faces charges of being behind civil disturbances that followed a disputed presidential election in August 2020, an offense punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

He was a key administrator of the Telegram channel, Nexta-Live, which has been covering mass protests denouncing the official results of the election, which handed Lukashenka a sixth presidential term.

With reporting by Reuters
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met virtually on July 6 with seven Uyghur Muslims, including some who had been detained at reeducation camps in China, to hear about their experiences and seek advice on how to pressure China to end the repression.

The State Department said Blinken wanted to hear directly from the former detainees, relatives of detainees, and advocates for the Uyghurs.

Locked Up In China: The Plight Of Xinjiang's Muslims Radio Free Radio/Radio Liberty is partnering with its sister organization, Radio Free Asia, to highlight the plight of Muslims living in China's western province of Xinjiang.

China has been under international criticism and hit with sanctions for detaining more than 1 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities for political reeducation in the northwestern region of Xinjiang.

China insists the camps are "vocational education centers" aimed at helping people steer clear of terrorism.

The secretary thought it important to meet with these individuals to hear firsthand their stories, to hear firsthand their impression of the ongoing atrocities in Xinjiang and the internment of a million Uyghurs," State Department spokesman Ned Price said.

Price noted that both the Biden and Trump administrations have termed the campaign in Xinjiang as "genocide" and slapped sanctions on China for human rights abuses.

America has spoken out very clearly and consistently about the abuses, about the atrocities, about the ongoing genocide that is taking place in Xinjiang, Price said. "And, as we deem appropriate, I suspect well be employing additional tools going forward to hold to account those officials responsible for what has taken place there.

The United States has steadily ramped up pressure on China over several issues in addition to the repression in Xinjiang. It has also strongly objected to the treatment of pro-democracy advocates in Hong Kong and demanded that China allow the World Health Organization to fully investigate the origins of the coronavirus.

Based on reporting by AP
TBILISI -- Thousands have rallied in the Georgian capital to denounce violence against the LGBTQ community that shocked the nation and drew condemnation from Western embassies in the Caucasus nation.

LGBTQ activists were forced to call off a pride march on July 5 in Tbilisi after opponents attacked activists and journalists and after the Georgian government and the Georgian Orthodox Church spoke out against the event.

At least 50 journalists were attacked by mobs at different locations, including two RFE/RL reporters.

On July 6, thousands held a silent gathering in front of parliament to denounce the violence and show support for the injured journalists.

Many at the rally waved EU and rainbow flags, while the police put up a cordon to protect them.

LGBT opponents attempted to disrupt the rally but were held off by the police, local media reported.

After the silent demonstration concluded, the opponents were allowed into the area. They tore down and burned an EU flag that was hanging in front of parliament.

Georgia is not an EU member state but aspires to join the bloc.

The U.S. and EU diplomatic missions in Georgia, as well as the embassies of 16 other countries, issued a joint statement on July 5 calling on the Georgian government to protect people's constitutional right to gather peacefully.

"We condemn todays violent attacks on the civic activists, community members and journalists, as well as the failure of the government leaders and religious officials to condemn this violence. Participation in peaceful gatherings is a human right guaranteed by Georgias constitution," the statement said. "Violence is simply unacceptable and cannot be excused."

Rights groups also condemned the violence and accused the government of supporting hate groups.

"Violent far-right crowds supported by Church & emboldened by incredibly irresponsible statement of PM @GharibashviliGe gathered in Tbilisi center to prevent Pride March, attacking journalists & breaking into Pride office," wrote Giorgi Gogia, the associate director for Europe and Central Asia at Human Rights Watch.

NATO also condemned the violence, which it said ran counter to the alliance's "norms and values."

"I strongly condemn the violence which took place this week, which was directly contradictory to NATO norms and values, including the right to assembly, the rights of minorities, and respect for the media," NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Security Policy James Appathurai said.

"I have worked for many years to support Georgia's reforms and its progress towards Euro-Atlantic integration. I found these events deeply disappointing and a setback for Georgia," said Appathurai, who is also NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg's special representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia.

With reporting by AFP and AP
The European Union has issued a stark warning to Hungary that it must repeal a controversial law banning materials that could be seen as promoting homosexuality or gender change to minors or face the full wrath of the bloc's law.

Speaking to EU lawmakers at a parliamentary session in Strasbourg on July 7, the day the law took effect, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said no issue was "as important as the one that impinges on our values and our identity" and that the law goes against the protection of minorities and respect for human rights.

Hungary's parliament last month passed the legislation, which prohibits the display or promotion" of homosexuality or gender reassignment in television shows, films, and sexual education programs to kids in schools.

The law sparked immediate condemnation, with critics slamming the law as an attack on the rights of LGBT people, saying it stigmatizes sexual minorities and seeks to stifle discourse on sexual orientation.

Protests against the law took place last month in Budapest, and some EU leaders blasted Prime Minister Viktor Orban during a summit last week.

"Homosexuality is equated with pornography. This legislation uses the protection of children...to discriminate against people because of their sexual orientation," von der Leyen told the European Parliament.

Von der Leyen said Hungary would face the full force of EU law if it did not back down, although she did not give details. Such steps could mean a ruling by the European Court of Justice and the freezing of EU funds for Budapest, EU lawmakers say.

"It is a disgrace," she added.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte suggested that Orban should either uphold EU values or pull Hungary out of the 27-member bloc.



Ahead of the summit, leaders from 17 EU members signed a letter deploring any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation, saying that respect and tolerance are at the core of the European project. While the letter didnt explicitly mention Hungary, its target was thinly veiled.

A group of 13 EU countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Ireland, went even further, condemning Hungary for the legal changes.

Only Poland and Slovenia are said to have supported Orban over the law.

Orban has argued that the law isn't against homosexuality, and his right-wing government, which faces elections next year, insists the law is necessary to ensure that the sexual education of children under 18 is the sole domain of parents.

Orban accused European leaders of acting like colonialists" in their criticism of the law.

They want to dictate what laws should take effect in another country. They want to tell us how to live our lives and how to behave, he said, adding that the criticism was a result of bad reflexes caused by their European colonialist past.
Iran says it is hosting talks between an Afghan delegation and senior Taliban representatives.

The talks on July 7 come as the militant group continues to push through northern areas of the war-torn country amid the withdrawal of U.S. troops.

Opening the talks in Tehran, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif welcomed the departure of U.S. troops from its eastern neighbor but warned: "Today, the people and political leaders of Afghanistan must make difficult decisions for the future of their country."

He also said that negotiations and a commitment to a political solution are the best choices for Afghan leaders and politicians, adding that Tehran is ready to assist.

The Taliban delegation is led by Sher Mohammad Abbass Stanekzai, a member of its Doha political office, and is visiting Tehran at the formal invitation of Iran to discuss bilateral issues, Taliban spokesman Mohammad Naeem Wardak told the Afghan Islamic Press (AIP).

The Taliban delegation will also meet some Afghan personalities in Iran and exchange views on the current situation and resolving problems through negotiations, AIP reported.

The Taliban advances have created concern in Afghanistans neighboring countries, including Iran, which hosts 3 million Afghan refugees.

Earlier this year, Zarif warned against a political vacuum in Afghanistan that the Taliban could try to fill.

Based on reporting by IRNA and AFP
The United States and European powers have warned Iran that its latest uranium enrichment efforts could imperil talks taking place in Vienna on reviving the Iran nuclear deal.

The warnings came hours after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that Iran intended to enrich uranium to 20 percent -- a move that takes it a step closer to developing materials that could be used to make a nuclear weapon.

Washington called on Tehran to halt its "brinksmanship" and return to Vienna prepared for real talks in a position to be prepared to finish the work, State Department spokesman Ned Price said.

"It is worrying that Iran is choosing to continue to escalate its nonperformance of its JCPOA commitments, especially with experiments that have value for nuclear weapons research," Price said, referring to the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. "It's another unfortunate step backwards for Iran."

The foreign ministers of Britain, France, and Germany also spoke out, expressing "grave concern" and warning that Iran's move endangers the discussions.

"With its latest steps, Iran is threatening a successful outcome to the Vienna talks despite the progress achieved in six rounds of negotiations to date," the ministers said in a statement.

Iran should return to the negotiations "without delay" and aim to bring them to a swift conclusion, they warned. "We have repeatedly stressed that time is on no one's side."

The EU ministers said Irans move is all the more concerning at a time when no date has been set for the continuation of the negotiations in Vienna on a return to the JCPOA."

Britain, France, Germany and the United States are among the global powers, along with China and Russia, that negotiated the deal with Iran aimed at restricting its nuclear program.

An IAEA statement on July 6 said Tehran had told the agency that it would be sending the enriched uranium to its research and development laboratory at the fuel production plant in Isfahan.

The aim would be to make fuel for a research reactor, the agency added.

The three European ministers called it a "serious violation" of Iran's commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal.

"Iran has no credible civilian need for uranium metal R&D and production, which are a key step in the development of a nuclear weapon," they added.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the deal in 2018. President Joe Biden has expressed readiness to rejoin the deal if conditions are met by Iran.

With reporting by Reuters, AFP, and AP
Kosovo's parliament has adopted a resolution condemning the 1995 massacre of thousands of Bosnian Muslim men and boys in Srebrenica by Bosnian Serb forces, which has been declared a genocide by a UN war crimes court.

The resolution, initiated by the Vakat coalition of parties representing the Bosnian minority in Kosovo, was approved by 89 lawmakers in the 120-seat parliament. None voted against.

The Srpska Lista party of Kosovo's ethnic Serbian minority boycotted the debate on the resolution and did not take part in the vote.

On July 11, 1995, more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were rounded up and killed by Bosnian Serb forces near the eastern town of Srebrenica -- the worst mass killing in Europe since World War II.

The episode came toward the end of the 1992-95 Bosnian War pitting Bosnian Serbs against Bosnian Muslims and Bosnian Croats that claimed some 100,000 lives.

Both the wartime Bosnian Serb army commander, Ratko Mladic, and former political leader Radovan Karadzic were subsequently sentenced to life in prison by the UN war crimes court in the Netherlands for genocide in Srebrenica.

Kosovo itself was the scene of a bloody conflict in the 1990s, when Serbia was forced to cede control over its province after a U.S.-led NATO campaign ended Belgrade's crackdown against Kosovo's ethnic Albanian separatists. More than 10,000 people died in the 1998-99 Kosovo conflict.

Kosovo declared independence in 2008, which Belgrade does not recognize.

Bahri Shabani of the Vakat coalition said the resolution would help the victims of the massacre obtain justice.

"That would help not only the victims in Bosnia-Herzegovina but also the victims in Kosovo not to be forgotten," he said.

"Such a resolution and the memorial day of the genocide in Srebrenica are a lesson for future generations and a reconciliation effort for nations," he added.

Kosovar Prime Minister Abin Kurti said parliament's official condemnation of the genocide "needs to be indisputable so that it won't happen again."

Srpska Lista said in a statement to the media that its lawmakers, by "demonstratively leaving the assembly session refused to give legitimacy to the intention of the Kosovo institutions to label the Serbian people genocidal."

"The resolution unilaterally, without any basis, attacks the Serbian people, the Serbian state, and threatens interethnic relations, and does not say a single word about the criminal suffering of Serbs, whether in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, or Kosovo," Srpska Lista said.

With reporting by AP
Lithuania says neighboring Belarus is flying in migrants from abroad to send across the border into the EU country and warns that it will build a barrier on the border and deploy the military to prevent the move.

Belarusian strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka said on May 26 that his country would no longer prevent migrants from crossing its western border into the European Union.

Lukashenka has allegedly allowed migrants to cross into Lithuania in response to sanctions imposed by the bloc after Minsk forced a Ryanair flight to land on its soil and arrested opposition blogger Raman Pratasevich and Sofia Sapega, his Russian girlfriend.

Lithuania has been one of the staunchest critics of Lukashenka, calling for a robust EU response against his regime. On July 5, Lithuania granted the Belarusian democratic opposition led by Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya official status in the EU country.

Hundreds of people, mostly Iraqis, have been crossing in recent days, Lithuania says. The Foreign Ministry summoned the head of the Belarusian Embassy on July 7 to demand that Minsk end the flow of illegal migrants.

Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte said Belarus had been offering migrants flights to Minsk, citing documents found on at least one migrant who had reached Lithuania.

"There are travel agencies, direct flights that connect Minsk with Baghdad for example, and there are agencies both in Belarus and other countries that operate and attract 'tourists' to Minsk," Simonyte told Reuters in Vilnius on July 7.

Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said late on July 2 that the government had declared a state of emergency, and he accused Lukashenka of seeking "to weaponize migration to weaken our resolve for sanctions."

Simonyte said Lithuania would increase patrols and build a barrier.

"We will begin building an additional physical barrier, which divides Lithuania and Belarus, which would be a certain sign and a certain deterrent to organizers of the illegal migration flows," she told a news conference on July 7.

She also said the country, a Schengen free-travel area member, was considering imposing border controls with neighboring EU countries to stop migrants traveling to Western countries in the bloc.

A total of 779 illegal migrants crossed the Belarusian-Lithuanian border in the first seven days of July, compared with 636 during the first six months of the year, according to the border guard office. Lithuania received no more than 104 migrants annually from 2018 to 2020.

With reporting by Reuters
An Estonian-based website about the Mari and Finno-Ugric peoples says it has been blocked by Russia's telecommunications watchdog for its content on a scholar who lit himself on fire to protest a government move to cancel mandatory Udmurt language classes.

MariUver said on its Facebook page on July 7 that Roskomnadzor had blocked its website because Mari activists "honored" Albert Razin, saying postings contained information about how to commit suicide.

"Why doesn't Roskomnadzor block others as well?" the website asked, noting that reports on some media websites publish information on people who have self-immolated.

The website Idel Realities (Idel.Realii), a regional news outlet of RFE/RL's Tatar-Bashkir Service, has also been blocked at times because of stories on Razin, MariUver said.

In September 2019, Razin, a 79-year-old scholar and activist who was a longtime vocal advocate for his native Udmurt language, staged a protest on the main square outside the regional legislature in Izhevsk. He held two placards reading: "If my language dies tomorrow, then I'm ready to die today," and, "Do I have a fatherland?"

After standing there for hours, he doused himself with a flammable liquid and lit himself on fire. He died shortly after.

Last month, the Russian parliaments lower chamber, the State Duma, approved the final reading of controversial legislation allowing the government to regulate the basic pillars of minority languages in the country, including indigenous ethnic groups from Siberia and the Far East.

Lawmakers say the bill, approved on June 1, will help save some languages from extinction by speeding up the process for approving orthography norms. But many groups promoting indigenous languages, culture, and history in the Russian Federation see it as part of move to increase control over the teaching of such subjects in Russia's many ethnic republics and regions.

The new bill must still be approved by parliament's upper chamber, the Federation Council, and endorsed into law by Putin.
Coronavirus deaths in Russia have hit another daily record as many countries are reporting surges in infections caused by the delta variant, prompting additional restrictions or longer lockdowns.

Authorities in Moscow said on July 6 that there were 737 more daily fatalities amid a rapid rise in infections. Russias coronavirus task force also reported 23,378 new coronavirus cases.

The daily tally of confirmed infections has more than doubled in the past month, soaring from around 9,000 in early June to more than 23,000 this week. Despite the surge, there are no plans to impose another lockdown.

Russias public health agency also announced amended rules for travelers. From July 7, people who are not vaccinated and havent had the coronavirus recently will be required to take a test within three days of arrival and self-isolate until receiving the results.

Romania

In Romania, demand is declining for coronavirus vaccinations, prompting authorities to close 117 vaccination centers and to reduce hours of operation at 371 others, health officials said on July 6.

The number of daily vaccinations in Romania has consistently dropped from a mid-May peak of around 120,000 a day to less than 20,000 a day over the last week.

The number of daily coronavirus infections in recent weeks has dropped to record lows, but national vaccination committee chief Valeriu Gheorghita warned of a possible resurgence due to the delta strain.

Just 24 percent of the more than 19 million people in Romania have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

If a resurgence increased demand for vaccines, Gheorghita said, the closed vaccine centers could quickly reopen.

With reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters
Russia says it has given an Estonian diplomat 48 hours to leave after briefly detaining him for allegedly receiving classified documents in what the Baltic state called a "setup."

The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on July 7 that Consul Mart Latte had been declared "persona non grata" for "intelligence-gathering activities incompatible with diplomatic status.

The Federal Security Service (FSB) detained Latte, the consul in St. Petersburg, on July 6 but did not say what he supposedly received or from whom.

Estonia's Foreign Ministry called the detention another example of Russia choosing confrontation with the European Union, characterizing it as "unlawful and provocative."

Russia's relations with the West, including the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, have been tense in recent years over a host of actions by Moscow, including aggression against its neighbors, allegations of election interference and state-sponsored hacking, and human rights abuses at home.

The Kremlin has already expelled Estonian diplomats twice this year, both in retaliation for Estonia's expulsion of Russian diplomats.
Local media say former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan's legal team will request his transfer from a Russian prison to the U.S. to serve out the remainder of his sentence.

Whelan, 50, was arrested in Moscow in December 2018 on espionage charges and sentenced to 16 years in prison in May 2020 following a trial that was condemned by the United States as a "mockery of justice.

Russian news outlets RIA Novosti and TASS reported on July 7 that Whelan had asked about the possibility during a visit with him at his penal colony.

"We are preparing a petition to the Moscow City Court about transferring Whelan to serve his sentence in the United States," RIA Novosti cited Olga Karlova, one of his lawyers, as saying.

The 50-year-old Whelan is serving his sentence at Correctional Colony No. 17 in the region of Mordovia -- an area about 350 kilometers east of Moscow historically known as the location of Russia's toughest prisons, including Soviet-era labor camps for political prisoners.

He has rejected the espionage charges and accused his prison guards of mistreatment.

The United States has criticized Russian authorities for their "shameful treatment" of Whelan.

Whelan holds U.S., Canadian, British, and Irish passports. He was head of global security at a U.S. auto-parts supplier when he was arrested. He and his relatives insist he visited Russia to attend a wedding.

Reports have surfaced several times of a possible swap involving Whelan and two Russians -- arms dealer Viktor Bout and drug smuggler Konstantin Yaroshenko -- who are serving lengthy sentences in U.S. prisons.

Another former U.S. Marine, Trevor Reed, has also been mentioned as a possible prisoner in Russia who could be part of a swap. Reed was sentenced to nine years in prison in Russia in July 2020 for assaulting police, a charge he has rejected.
Tajikistan has appealed to members of a Russian-led military alliance of ex-Soviet states for help in dealing with security challenges emerging from neighboring Afghanistan, according to media reports.

Dushanbe's call came hours after Moscow vowed to defend its Central Asian allies threatened by the intensifying violence in Afghanistan.

The Taliban has captured large swaths of territory in northern Afghanistan as foreign troops exit the country, with over 1,000 Afghan civilians and servicemen fleeing to neighboring Tajikistan in recent days.

Tajik authorities say that two-thirds of the 1,357-kilometer border with Afghanistan is under Taliban control and they are preparing for an influx of refugees to enter the country. They say they are already providing Afghan refugees with food and shelter.

In an appeal on July 7 to the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a Russian-led military alliance that besides Tajikistan also includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, Dushanbe said it could not manage the instability at its border without external assistance.

"Given the current situation in the region, as well as the remoteness and mountainous terrain of some parts of the border with Afghanistan, dealing with this challenge on our own seems difficult," Russia's RIA Novosti news agency quoted Hasan Sultonov, the Tajik representative at the CSTO, as saying.

"Therefore, we would like to call on the member states of the organization to contribute to the full implementation" of a 2013 resolution to provide assistance to Tajikistan in strengthening the Tajik-Afghan border, Sultonov said, according to Armenia's Armen Press.

His comments came after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow was ready to use its military base in Tajikistan, one of its largest abroad, to ensure the security of its allies in the region.

"We will do everything we can, including using the capabilities of the Russian military base on Tajikistan's border with Afghanistan, to prevent any aggressive impulses toward our allies," Lavrov said on July 7.

Following a top security meeting on July 5, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon ordered 20,000 reserve officers to the Afghan border.

He also spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his counterparts from fellow Central Asian states Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan about the situation in Afghanistan.

On July 4, Rahmon spoke with his Afghan counterpart, Ashraf Ghani, about the "alarming" situation along the border, according to Tajik state media.

According to a Kremlin statement, Putin said that Moscow was ready to "provide Tajikistan with the necessary support," both on a bilateral basis and through the CSTO.

With reporting by RIA Novosti, Armen Press, and Reuters
Some maternity wards in Turkmenistan secretly offer abandoned babies for illegal adoption to prospective parents willing to pay a bribe to skip the normal bureaucracy and long wait that goes with the process, several sources tell RFE/RL.

The illegal deal often involves employees from registry offices who provide the new parents with false birth certificates that show them as the biological parents, the sources claim.

People with knowledge of the deals blame rampant corruption in the agencies involved in the legal adoption process for pushing some parents to a "cheaper and faster" option.

RFE/RL spoke to a married couple who admitted illegally adopting a baby in 2020 after paying about $4,300 in bribes. The couple, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they initially tried for three years to adopt a child legally, but without success.

Like many other countries, Turkmenistan requires prospective parents to provide documents from various agencies to ensure their suitability to adopt a child. The couple said they diligently assembled the necessary documents and submitted them, but each official involved in the process demanded bribes and deliberately delayed the process, the husband said.

Then, in the autumn of 2020, a Registry Office worker suggested another option: to adopt a newborn from a maternity ward and "experience all the joys of raising a child from the very beginning."

"She gave me the name of a doctor at the maternity hospital who would help me to get a baby and said it wouldn't cost a lot," the man said. "I knew that such a practice existed, but I didn't know anyone who could help me."

The couple decided to approach the maternity hospital doctor, who found them an infant allegedly abandoned by his mother. Soon thereafter they became parents to a newborn baby boy through an illegal adoption.

The employee at the Registry Office helped them obtain a birth certificate. In all of the documents the couple are registered as the biological parents of the child.

The process cost the family about 15,000 manats or nearly $4,300 at the official exchange rate. It's a significant amount of money in the country, but the couple say they were happy to pay.

The new parents say they don't see "anything wrong" in the way they got their son, who "is being raised in a loving family."

"After all, the child was abandoned -- he could have ended up in an orphanage," the wife said. "The day we brought him home was the happiest day of our lives. Of course, we'd prefer everything was done legally."

The couple blame corrupt officials for leaving them "with no other choice" in the matter.

'Illegal Trafficking'

RFE/RL has asked Turkmen government officials for comment several times since interviewing the couple in June. There has thus far been no response.

Officials in the secretive, authoritarian Central Asian country usually refuse to speak to the independent media. But speaking on condition of anonymity, an official at a regional health department confirmed to RFE/RL that illegal adoptions at maternity wards do indeed take place. The official condemned the practice as "child trafficking."

"It's illegal trafficking in babies, no more and no less," the official said. "The price of the child in this unlawful trade can rise to several thousand manats."

Like the adoptive parents, the official said the "very complex adoption process and rampant bribery in the system" were the main reason some "desperate prospective parents" chose the illegal option.

"In the legal process, they have to go through dozens of government agencies and pay bribes to each of them. They usually wait for years before the documents are approved," the official said. "Also, orphanages in Turkmenistan usually offer older children for adoption, while many parents [prefer] infants."

One married couple in the eastern Farap district told RFE/RL that they had to provide documents and letters from 40 different agencies to support their adoption application. Yet three years later there was still no decision on their bid.

Meanwhile, wealthier applicants in Farap received a child for legal adoption within four months after applying because they paid up to 50,000 manats (about $14,300) in bribes, they said.

"We don't have such money to pay," the couple lamented.

Written by Farangis Najibullah based on reporting by RFE/RL's Turkmen Service
MANSFIELD -- Auditions for the MY Theatre production of Disneys The Little Mermaid will be Sunday, for kids 18 and under, July 11 from 3 to 6 p.m., and on Monday, July 12, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Renaissances Theatre 166 location.

Appointments are not required for auditions, and it is not necessary to attend both days of auditions. Those auditioning must be 18 years of age or younger (unless still attending high school) during the 2021-22 school year and should be no younger than 7 years of age.

Those auditioning should be prepared to sing a 16-32 measure excerpt from a song of their choice and bring sheet music in the proper key. An accompanist will be provided. Actors may also be asked to read a short scene from the script. Those auditioning should bring a list of schedule conflicts between the dates of auditions and the performances of The Little Mermaid.

Performance dates are Sept. 10-12, 2021. All performances will be on stage at the Renaissance. The Little Mermaid will be directed by Dauphne Maloney, with musical direction by Brian K. Nabors.

Disneys The Little Mermaid tells the story of a young mermaid who dreams of the world above the sea. Ariel, King Triton's youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs.

But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her underwater friends, Flounder, Scuttle, and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea.

Disney's The Little Mermaid is based upon one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories and the classic animated film. A hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages, the musical features such irresistible songs as "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl" and "Part of Your World."

For additional information regarding auditions for the MY Theatre production of Disneys The Little Mermaid, visit https://bit.ly/LittleMermaidMT or contact Dauphne Maloney at dauphne@mansfieldtickets.com, or by calling 419-522-2726, ext. 212.

Disneys The Little Mermaid Auditions are possible thanks to the Rens Education Series Presenter, Mechanics Bank.

About The Ren

The Renaissance Theatre is a performing arts theater located at 138 Park Ave. West in Mansfield. Looking for Things to Do in Mansfield? Visit Renaissance Theatres website at rentickets.org to check out their other great events or contact renaissance@mansfieldtickets.com for events, tours, arts, culture and more. For behind-the-scenes videos and more visit the Renaissance Theatres YouTube Channel.
MANSFIELD  The Mansfield Art Center is inviting community residents to the Grand Opening of its new event pavilion and ceramics and glass studio completed in the fall of 2020.

The Grand Opening, free and open to all, will be Saturday, July 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Coinciding with the Grand Opening, the art center will commemorate the 50th anniversary of its original, nationally-recognized building that was completed in 1971.

In 1969, Clara Louise Black, the daughter-in-law of Mansfield industrialist and Ohio Brass founder Frank Black, donated eight acres of land for the art center building used today at the corner of Marion Avenue and Millsboro Road, Mansfield.

The 50-year-old original building was started in 1970 and completed in 1971; it will be a cause for the celebration July 10, said George Whitten, executive director.

Renowned Cleveland architect Don Hisaka designed the original art center building. The contemporary building design was nationally recognized during both the design stage and after it was built. It is considered among the best-designed buildings in Ohio.

Featured activities during the Grand Opening will include tours of the new studio spaces and event pavilion, plus drawings for gift certificates and gift items and glass-blowing and wheel-throwing demonstrations. The Princesses of the Royal Princess Party will visit from 10 a.m. until noon for photos with children.

The art centers new Digital Resource Lab with 3-D printers will be exhibited, and guests will be invited to see students working in the art centers new stained glass studio. There will be food trucks from Deja Food and the Fry Guys with food and soft drinks available for sale.

The official name of the new ceramics and glass studio is the Fran and Warren Rupp Glass and Ceramics Studio in honor of a significant donation from the Richland County Foundations Rupp Fund to the art centers Art Rising Campaign of 2018-2019. The campaign raised $3.1 million for the art centers major expansion, now concluded.

Throughout the years, the art centers emphasis on member programming has changed from being a member-centric organization to one that encourages non-members to embrace art, too, through art center classes and free exhibitions, recognizing its changing role and impact on our areas youth and economic development, according to Whitten.

This new inclusive emphasis has encouraged thousands to create, visit, and become influenced today by our communitys art center, Whitten said.

In response to this growing interest in the arts, the art center conducted its successful Art Rising fundraising campaign to build the new education wing with the arts studio and a pavilion for events and rentals, and renovations to the original building.

Donors and show sponsors have been very pleased with our expansion and renovation, Whitten said, adding that Grand Opening sponsors are J&B Acoustical, Carter Electric, DRM, and Shakley Mechanical.

The new event pavilion is now a special venue for business meetings, art center shows and events, and event rentals such as for weddings, receptions, and parties. A beautifully-designed courtyard and walkway connects the art center to the pavilion.

As a vital and conclusive part of our strategic plan, which triggered planning for expansion four years ago, we are initiating a new campaign to raise $2 million for long-term investment that will provide annual income for future growth, Whitten said.

The new campaign, underway and called Golden Legacy in honor of the 50 th anniversary of the MACs original building, has raised nearly $500,000 so far.

Current exhibitions at the art center, 700 Marion Avenue, are Authentic Surfaces, Shush by Kimberly Chapman, and Unmasked by E.D. Jasbeck.

Hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed on Monday. Website is mansfieldartcenter.org.

ABOUT THE MANSFIELD ART CENTER

The mission of the Mansfield Art Center (MAC) is to make visual art relevant to the lives of all in north central Ohio. To accomplish this, The MAC brings visual art to all of us through exhibitions, programming, classes, workshops, and creative experiences; provides educational outreach through programs, lectures, tours, and school services, and provides support and services to artists.

The Mansfield Fine Arts Guild, doing business as the Mansfield Art Center, was founded as a non-profit organization in 1945. The first exhibition was held in 1946 at the Mansfield Public Library.

In its early years, the Guild presented exhibitions and conducted classes in the private studios of member artists. In 1968, the Guild hired its first full-time director, H. Daniel Butts, and began planning for a permanent home. Exhibition and studio space was used for a year at 40 S. Park St., downtown Mansfield.

In 1969, Clara Louise Black, the daughter-in-law of Mansfield industrialist and Ohio Brass founder Frank Black, donated eight acres of land to the Guild for the art center building used today at the corner of Marion Avenue and Millsboro Road, Mansfield.

The MAC is a routine culture stop by corporations and other businesses that are working to show off the Mansfield area market and recruit medical professionals, executives, and others to locate in the area.

The role of the MAC in the Mansfield area community has expanded, as the MAC has become more accessible to the communitys diverse population. During the 2020-2021 school year, Tyger STEAM was introduced to advance the creativity of art among Mansfield City School students.

The new after-school art program incorporates science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) into the teaching of ceramics and art glass. Thousands of show goers, workshop participants, and students taking classes visit the MAC every year. About 25 percent of those who take classes at the art enter live outside of Richland County.
COLUMBUS  The state's wildlife leaders have issued guidelines to residents to help stop the spread of a mysterious disease afflicting songbirds.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife has advised people to take down and clean bird feeders and bird baths with a 10% bleach solution, especially if they are seeing dead or sick birds in the area.

Here are guidelines from the ODNR to help stop the spread of the bird disease in the state:

 Cease feeding birds until this wildlife mortality event has concluded.

 Clean feeders and birdbaths with a 10% bleach solution.

 Avoid handling birds, but wear disposable gloves if handling is necessary.

 Keep pets away from sick or dead birds.

Most of the state's bird deaths have been reported in southern and central Ohio; however, some reports have been made in Northeast Ohio.

ODNR officials said the primary species affected by the disease, which reportedly causes crusty eyes, blindness, neurological distress and sometimes death, are blue jays, common grackles, European starlings, American robins and house sparrows.

The mysterious illness was first reported in Washington, D.C. in late May. It has now been reported in Ohio and neighboring states, including Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.

Mansfield's Ohio Bird Sanctuary, earlier in June, issued a warning to area residents who are transporting birds to the facility for treatment. The facility said to call ahead for special instructions to prevent spread of the disease.

ODNR is urging residents to contact the nearest licensed wildlife rehabilitator if there are sickened or dead birds in the area.

The OBS is a state-permitted wildlife rehabilitator for migratory birds and state and federally endangered avian species. Gail Laux, the facility's executive director, said it is the closest such facility that treats songbirds for residents in Knox, Ashland and Richland counties.

OBS' number is 419-884-4295. Residents can also call 1-800-WILDLIFE to report the sick or dying birds.

Residents can also submit a report online using ODNR's Wildlife Species Sighting reporting system. When reporting, select "Bird -- Diseased or Dead."

Laux said OBS has recently fielded a call from a resident reporting dead grackles in their backyard.

"But it hasn't escalated in our area as we feared," she said, adding the facility has implemented biosecurity measures to make sure the disease does not spread in the facility.

She said experts are still unsure of how the disease spreads, but that ornithologists have ruled out a theory that pesticides used on cicadas is involved.

"It has nothing to do with cicadas," Laux said. "We know it's an infectious disease, we just haven't been able to narrow it down."

She said ODNR's guidelines make sense.

"In the wild, birds forage -- there's not a whole lot of interaction during feeding ... so if you're drawing birds in to a close proximity with a feeder, it's more likely for diseases to spread. So it's a good idea to not fill feeders for a while," she said, adding birds have plenty of food sources during the summer and they don't need as many calories in warmer weather.

"I know, it sounds a lot like social distancing with COVID, now we're implementing those rules on our little birds," she said.
Weather Alert

The National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan has extended the * Flood Advisory for... Northeastern Fond du Lac County in east central Wisconsin... Northwestern Sheboygan County in east central Wisconsin... * Until 415 AM CDT. * At 300 AM CDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the advisory area. Between 3 and 3.5 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1 inch are expected over the area. This additional rain will result in minor flooding. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding. Please report observed flooding to local emergency services or law enforcement and request they pass this information to the National Weather Service when you can do so safely. &&
News

featured popular urgent

Residents pack Covington town hall to hear, ask questions about two mixed-use developments

Special Photo The Neely Farms master plan shows the entrance off the Covington Bypass Road at the top, single-family residential developments to the left and bottom, townhomes in the center, estate homes and shopping areas around the quarry pond just above the townhomes, and amphitheater and event center to the right that would be in the center of a set of condominiums.

COVINGTON  The impact on traffic was the main concern of residents who packed into the Covington City Council chambers on June 30 to hear about the Neely Farms and Martins Crossings mixed-use (residential and commercial) projects being developed.

Covington Mayor Steve Horton advised residents at the start of the meeting that the City Council has not voted on the projects, so they are still potential only. However, in the case of Neely Farms, which will involve single-family, multi-family, and commercial development, the areas of the majority of the single-family developments are already zoned for residential, so those areas will not need to come before the council for rezoning or special use permit votes. Horton promised the city will keep residents informed and updated on hearings.

The meeting was divided into presentations by representatives of the two developments, then council members and residents were allowed to ask questions.

Neely Farms

Local attorney Phil Johnson represented Neely Farms Family Limited Partnership at the meeting. Neely Farms is located at 9135 Martin Luther King Ave. (Covington Bypass). Ted Neely bought 216 acres in 1981, including an 11-acre quarry pond used during the 1950s to supply gravel for the construction of I-20.

Johnson noted that originally only a portion of the property was located inside city limits, but that they had the entire parcel annexed into Covington because they felt it would be easier dealing with just one government entity versus two.

A portion of the property on the west side of the bypass road was sold in 2002 and now contains a bank, two restaurants, a dental office, and the Covington Social Security Office.

That left just under 200 acres on the east side, and Johnson said they had always thought about it being a mixed-use development and sought rezoning that would fit that plan.

Over the years, weve rezoned it, Johnson said. We rezoned a portion of it for commercial along the bypass road itself, and a portion for residential to the east of the Covington Ford dealership.

The development plans consist of 1,162 residential units, including 330 houses located within two single-family neighborhoods to the east and south sides of the property, 227 townhomes, and a variety of retail stores and restaurants.

Johnson said the quarry will be a focal point of the development and that they plan to surround the quarry with 39 up-scale estate lots, two six-story condominiums, a brewery, dog park, boutique hotel (less than 100 rooms, more personal service for guests), a wedding venue, and three restaurants. They also hope to construct an amphitheater on the east side of the property, and have recreational areas throughout.

Johnson said the price point for the single-family homes would be around $300,000, and the condominiums would probably start at $350,000.

In response to residents concerns about traffic congestion on the two-lane bypass road, which is part of Ga. Highway 36 and controlled by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), Johnson said it is extremely rare for GDOT to expand a roadway before there is development.

Growth drives infrastructure, Johnson said.

Later in the meeting, Tres Thomas, the planning and zoning director for Covington, noted that GDOT had planned to expand the bypass road to four lanes by 2025, but that the development of Neely Farms and other projects in the area could speed up that process.

Martins Crossing

Sam Hay III, a Newton County resident whose family owns the 40-acre tract just off U.S. Highway 278 east of Martin Luther King Ave., presented plans for a mixed-use development that would include a 315-unit apartment complex and rejuvenated shopping at The Shoppes of Martins Crossing. The apartment complex would be on the site formerly occupied by the old Walmart adjacent to Ingles.

Hay said his family decided last year to get assistance in deciding how best to develop the property and worked with Haddow & Company, an Atlanta real estate consulting firm. Haddow did a study and recommended that the family partner with a high-quality multi-family developer, and then redevelop the shopping center.

Were thrilled to tell you that several events have come together recently that we believe will allow us to transform that entire 40-acre tract into a destination for our community, a trailhead for the Eastside trail, and, really, an eastern entrance and gateway to the community that we can all be proud of and all will enjoy, Hay said.

We feel that this is a great opportunity for this property and really for the community, too, Hay continued. We all know that our employment growth and our industrial growth have exceeded our housing growth, really, for a good many years now. And there are a good many folks who work in our community who really havent been able to find suitable housing.

The Hays chose Crescent Communities, a national multi-family development company, to develop the apartments.

Kyle Brock, managing director of Crescent Communities, said there would be approximately 315 apartments, and the complex would consist of multiple three-story buildings on 19 acres of the property.

There would be options for one-bedroom rentals starting at $1,200 per month, two-bedroom rentals starting between $1,800-$1,900 per month, and a limited offering of three-bedroom rentals starting at more than $2,000 per month.

Based on their other apartment properties around the nation, Brock said they estimated there would be an average of 20-25 children in the complex, which would not place a burden on the school system. He added that since the entrance and exit is onto Highway 278, traffic should not be a problem since the highway is already multi-laned.

The fact that this was previously a Walmart, it will be less traffic than that, he said. So the infrastructure is already here to accommodate much more traffic than is there today.

The citys Eastside Trail goes through the property, and Hay said they plan to establish a trailhead on the site, with a connector trail through the property. Trails and other outdoor amenities are a big attraction for developers, and they hope to use that to attract quality tenants for the shopping center.

Hay said his family plans on re-investing the money they made from selling the land to Crescent Communities into the redevelopment of the shopping center.

We have had a significant amount of interest in the shopping center just in the last year or so, Hay said. We have several plans for the center, but unfortunately we cant disclose any of those specifics tonight. But suffice it to say, the combination of first-class market rent apartments, a trailhead and mixed-use activity, we think are going to combine along with a revitalized shopping center to create a really nice gateway and destination for our community.

Developers plans and application for a special use permit will go before the citys Planning Commission in August, according to Planning and Zoning Manager Marc Beechuk. The special use permit is due to the project being multi-family over 5 acres, Beechuk said.
Rocky Mount, NC (27804)

Today

Sunshine and a few afternoon clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 91F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds. Low 74F. Winds light and variable.
Roanoke Rapids, NC (27870)

Today

Mainly sunny to start, then a few afternoon clouds. High 89F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Low 71F. Winds light and variable.
The Center for Energy Education will offer another year of summer programs for students in Halifax County from a $7,500 grant from Dominion Energy.

With this grant C4EE will be able to host free virtual summer camps for surrounding middle schools students.

They will attend and participate in daily hands-on activities about renewable energy and STEM careers.

Our partnership with Dominion Energy is important, and we appreciate the funding offered to enhance learning opportunities for local students, said Mozine Lowe, the centers executive director. We are especially pleased that hosting camps virtually presented an opportunity to incorporate new technologies into the STEM-based curriculum for students.

Dominion External Affairs Manager Winnie Wiseman said, As a company, we are committed to investing in and improving our communities, and we see tremendous value in getting young people excited about science, math and engineering.

The check was presented by Wiseman to Lowe and James Pierce, the centers vice chairman. The Center for Energy Education is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and a center for renewable energy research, education, and workforce development for the eastern United States.

The C4EE provides a place to raise awareness of renewable energy and its importance locally, regionally, and globally.

Since 2018, the center has offered summer camps to 762 elementary, middle, and high school students in five states and solar education workshops for 200 school teachers.

Dominion Energy has supported the program for two consecutive years.

Campers will learn about renewable energy, its relationship to the environment, and how energy is generated.

In addition, there will be daily hands-on activities enhancing critical thinking and creative thinking skills as well as exposing students to STEM concepts and new technology.

Projects will be created individually and in teams, learning team-building and collaborative skills using STEM technologies.

This camp experience will provide campers a science and STEM experience and educate them about solar and renewable energy  giving them a perspective about these technologies in their communities.

This summer, middle school students will construct mini solar cars, become urban planners, create a blueprint for their own renewable energy city, and use motors to power windmills. Middle school students also enjoyed smores cooked in solar ovens they made from pizza boxes.

For more information about C4EE and its summer programs visit https://center4ee.org or call 252-541-3004.
46 Years of San Diego Pride: How the City's Most Popular Event Came to Be
The Nikigator Returns to the Mingei International Museum

Read the story behind one of San Diego's most photographed animals
A single-story, 17,475-square-foot Hindu temple will be built just south of State Route 78 near the western entrance of the San Pasqual Vallley.

The temple will sit on land just east of the Escondido city boundaries and west of the City of San Diegos San Pasqual Agriculture Preserve on unincorporated property. There are a number of residential homes nearby and a sand mining operation to the north.

The project was unanimously approved in February by the countys Planning Commission but the issuance of a major land use permit was appealed by neighbors to the Board of Supervisors who unanimously denied the challenge last week.

The temple, built on 10 acres of a vacant 19-acre plot north of and adjacent to Old San Pasqual Road, will become the third in the United States serving the Sringeri Vidya Bharati Foundation, which also operates similar temples in Detroit and Houston, as well as Toronto.

Advertisement

Neighbors who opposed the project told the board it doesnt fit with the rural, agricultural-themed character of the surrounding area and they worried about the traffic the temple would generate.

It is a violation of all the regulations we sought to protect the valley, said Susan Schneider. It will stick you in the eye every time you enter the valley. What a nightmare. Generations will wonder, why is that there? Why is it here? It doesnt fit in.

Added neighbor Hiram Andrade: This is an issue of non-compatibility in this semi-rural agricultural area.

But representatives of the foundation and members of the countys planning staff said the temple, plus a 7,764-square-foot building to house five priests, a small barn and 116 parking spaces, will be situated 10 feet to 20 feet below the highway and other roads and that landscaping plans call for adequate sight buffering.

The temple will be only 20 feet tall, planners said, though a few steeples will rise as high as 42 feet.

A traffic study showed that because worshipers will usually be meeting in small groups at off-peak times, there will be no significant traffic impacts. Even during special events, a maximum of 400 people will be allowed on the temple grounds at one time, according to the permit.

Although some expressed concern about wells on the land and the impact the temple might have on groundwater supplies, planners said the project will use only municipal water.

Advertisement

While zoned primarily for rural residential or agricultural uses, a church is allowed in the area with the issuance of a major use permit. Supervisor Dianne Jacob pointed out that two large churches in Escondido, which are much closer to neighboring homes, exist a couple miles away.

Supervisor Ron Roberts said all the requirements for a permit had been met. He said some of the opposition comments were a bit disturbing.

I dont think that because we have trouble pronouncing peoples names thats a reason to turn down a project, Roberts said. And, unfortunately, given the tenor of some of the comments, such as this is going to be a stick in the eye and things like that, I feel that (approval of the project) is the right thing to do here.

Advertisement

jharry.jones@sduniontribune.com; 760/529-4931; Twitter: @jharryjones
Angela Rella, a Saratoga Springs lawyer, announced that she will appear on the ballot for Commissioner of Accounts.
As leisure travel continues to increase this summer, it may seem like vacation costs are skyrocketing. That may be the case for rental cars, but thankfully there are plenty of airline fare sales for popular vacation destinations.

This weeks airline news includes a flash sale with Frontier Airlines, fare sales throughout summer and into fall with Alaska and Southwest and a sweet deal on flights and hotels from Hawaiian Airlines.

Keep reading to discover the latest airline news for the Pacific Northwest and beyond:

AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Alaska fare sale continues

Now through July 26, Alaska Airlines is offering a fare sale in time for summer getaways. One-way deals from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) include Anchorage (ANC) from $100, Burbank (BUR) from $79, Fairbanks (FAI) from $99 and Sacramento (SMF) from $69.

In addition, Alaska Airlines has a sale dedicated to last-minute flights. Fares and destinations evolve according to availability, though some discounted flights may be booked well into August and September.

FG/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Frontier flash sale with $27 fares

In celebration of their 27th anniversary, Frontier Airlines is offering 1 million seats for as low as $27 for tickets purchased by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 7, 2021. Travel is valid Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from August 17 through November 10, 2021. Roundtrip travel is not required.

Sample one-way fares from Seattle (SEA) include Denver (DEN) for $59 and Grand Junction, Colorado (GJT) for $94.

MediaNews Group/Long Beach Press/MediaNews Group via Getty Images

Hawaiian Airlines flash sale on flight and hotel packages

Hawaiian Airlines is offering $100 savings on vacation packages booked by the end of July 8, 2021, for travel dates now through December 31, 2021. In addition to the instant savings, the guest who books will earn 5,000 bonus HawaiianMiles.

This limited-time offer applies when bundling flight and hotel together with a 4-night minimum stay. Guests must use promo code MSD7FH for the packaged savings.

Beginning July 8, fully vaccinated US travelers with a CDC-issued vaccination record card will be able to bypass pre-travel testing or quarantine when visiting Hawaii.

Scott Olson/Getty Images

Southwest end of summer fare sale

Southwest has a fare sale for bookings made by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on July 8, 2021. Select sale dates are valid between August 9 through December 16, with continental US and Hawaii options.

Sample fares for passengers departing from Seattle include one-way travel to Boise (BOI) starting at $76, Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) starting at $103 and Phoenix (PHX) starting at $127.

The lowest fares are valid only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
PASO ROBLES, Calif. (AP)  A man who fired at officers after barricading himself in a Paso Robles apartment was shot and killed by a SWAT team early Tuesday, police said.

A Paso Robles Police Department statement said the man was Steven Adam Calderon, 32, of Los Angeles.

Police were called to an apartment complex around 4 p.m. Monday when the man discharged a firearm from a balcony.

The man also pointed the gun at his girlfriend and threatened to shoot her and fired several shots at officers who were attempting to negotiate with him, police said.

Paso Robles Police Chief Ty Lewis said in the statement that he requested the assistance of the San Luis Obispo Regional SWAT team because the situation posed extreme risk to the community and officers.

Unfortunately, this event ended tragically when the suspect ignored officer commands and reached for his gun, Lewis said. The officers were left with no choice but to defend themselves.

Medics treated the suspect but he died around 1:15 a.m.

Paso Robles is a city of 30,000 in the central coast wine region midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
PARIS (AP)  A French court on Wednesday convicted 11 of 13 people charged with harassing and threatening a teenager who harshly criticized Islam in online posts and ended up changing schools and receiving police protection to preserve her safety.

The verdict was the first of its kind since France created a new Paris court in January to prosecute online crimes, including harassment and discrimination.

The court sentenced the defendants to suspended prison terms of four to six months and fined them about $1,770 each.

The teen at the center of the landmark cyberbullying case, who has been identified publicly only by her first name, Mila, testified last month that she felt as if she had been condemned to death.

Speaking after the verdict, she said all victims should join the fight against online abuse and that harassers should be denied access to social media networks.

I was expecting worse and, honestly, we won and will win again because what I want is that, united, we will never give up. We will continue to fight, Mila said.

Mila, who describes herself as atheist, was 16 when she started posting videos on Instagram and later TikTok harshly criticizing Islam and the Quran. Now 18, she testified that I dont like any religion, not just Islam.

What I want is that those (who harass) be considered a plague and ought to be forbidden access to social networks(,)...those who cyberbully, who threaten with death, who deprive one of their freedom and who incite one to suicide, she said. "And I never want the victims to be blamed again.

Her lawyer, Richard Malka, said Mila has received some 100,000 threatening messages, including death threats, rape threats, misogynist messages and hateful messages about her sexual orientation.

Mila left one high school, then another. She is now monitored daily by the police for her safety.

Social networks are the street. When you pass someone in the street, you dont insult them, threaten them, make fun of them, the presiding judge, Michel Humbert, said. What you dont do in the street, dont do on social media.

The trial raised uncomfortable questions about freedom of expression, freedom to criticize a religion and respect for Frances millions of Muslims. But the court case was focused on cyberbullying.

The 13 defendants from around France came from various backgrounds and religions and were but a handful of all the people who went after Mila with online comments. The others could not be tracked down.

Juan Branco, the lawyer for one of the defendants, denounced the premise of the trial.

Symbolic trials in which one tries to use one person to send a message to the rest of society are very dangerous," Branco said. He said his client, identified only as Jordan L., is not a fanatic, is someone who respects beliefs, (but) who doesnt like this climate where one part of the French population is systemically under attack.

He said his client was "revolting against that without participating in anything bigger and without even sending a direct message to Mila in particular.

Online harassment, threats and hate speech have been on the increase since the creation in 2018 of a law criminalizing such acts. Police counted 2,128 such offenses in 2019 and 2,848 last year, according to French Citizenship Minister Marlene Schiappa.

The entire country must condemn the aggressors and cease to blame the victims, Schiappa said in a statement after Wednesday's verdict.

One of the 13 on trial was acquitted because his post - Blow it up - was directed at Milas Twitter account, not at the young woman. The court dropped the case against another defendant for faulty procedures.

Amid growing French efforts to prosecute and prevent online abuse, another French court ordered Twitter on Tuesday to share details within two months about its procedures to stop users from inciting violence or racial hatred or committing other offenses.

The ruling arose from a civil lawsuit brought by groups that fight racism and anti-LGBT discrimination. The groups argued that Twitter was not doing enough to moderate and remove content that violates French hate speech or other laws. The social network's lawyer in the case, Karim Beylouni, said Wednesday that the company is deciding whether to appeal.

Meanwhile, Paris prosecutors are investigating racist posts targeting soccer player Kylian Mbappe after a failed kick eliminated France, which won the World Cup in 2018, from the European soccer championship last week.

___

Vaux-Montagny reported from Lyon. Jeffrey Schaeffer in Paris contributed.
Craig Mitchelldyer/AP

SALEM, Ore. (AP)  Oregon Gov. Kate Brown issued an executive order Wednesday directing state agencies to stop watering the lawns and washing the windows at their offices and facilities amid an ongoing drought emergency.

The order, issued Wednesday also orders state agencies to stop running fountains that dont recirculate water, bans the planting of new landscaping that requires irrigation and urged state employees to conserve water while on the job.
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP)  Hungarian authorities have fined the distributor of a children's book that features families headed by same-sex parents, relying on a law prohibiting unfair commercial practices and fueling a debate over recent government steps seen as limiting the rights of LGBT people.

The fine comes as Hungary's government is already under widespread scrutiny over legislation it passed last month that prohibits the depiction of homosexuality or gender reassignment to minors. The law, which is set to take effect on Thursday, was described by rights groups as an attack on the LGBT community, and rebuked by high-ranking European officials as a violation of the European Union's values.

Speaking to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the law a disgrace and warned Hungary that the EUs executive arm would use all its powers to uphold European law.

It was amid this escalation over Hungary's policies that a local government fined the distributor of What a Family - a combined Hungarian translation of American author Lawrence Schimel's books Early One Morning and Bedtime, Not Playtime! $830. Each of Schimel's books depicts the daily routines of a child, one with two mothers and one with two fathers.

The fine was imposed by the Pest County Government Office  the local authority responsible for the county surrounding Hungary's capital, Budapest.

A Pest County official told commercial television station HirTV Tuesday that the book's Hungarian distributor, the Foundation for Rainbow Families, had violated rules on unfair commercial practices by failing to clearly indicate that What a Family! contained content which deviates from the norm.

The book was there among other fairytale books and thus committed a violation, Pest County Commissioner Richard Tarnai said. There is no way of knowing that this book is about a family that is different than a normal family.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the Foundation for Rainbow Families wrote that rainbow families are perfectly normal, ordinary families," a reference to families with LGBT parents.

The storybook is about simple, everyday events, and the sexuality of the parents is not even a theme, the foundation said.

Schimel, the author of the books that were translated into Hungarian, told The Associated Press in an email that requiring the labeling of books with content that deviates from the norm is a pernicious concept, often used as a weapon to try to cultivate or justify prejudice and intolerance.

It is important for all kids, not just ones in same-sex families, to see these families reflected in books  just as they exist in the world, Schimel wrote.

Hungary's government argues that the law passed in June, which prohibits displaying to minors content in media or school education programs that depicts or promotes homosexuality, is necessary to protect children and to allow parents sole control over their sexual education.

But many of Hungary's partners in the 27-member EU have blasted the law as discriminatory against LGBT people and demanded its repeal.

During a Wednesday debate in the European Parliament, the five largest groups in the EU legislature voiced support for a joint resolution condemning the law and urged the EU's executive arm to take action against the Hungarian government  including withholding billions in COVID-19 economic recovery funds earmarked for Hungary.

A vote on the resolution, and a protest in Budapest against the law, are scheduled for Thursday.

Speaking to the European Parliament, von der Leyen said the law equates homosexuality and gender reassignment with pornography, and "uses the protection of children...as an excuse to severely discriminate against people because of their sexual orientation.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Transportation Department issued a final order Tuesday that blocks most travel between the United States and Belarus, underscoring Washington's concern about the recent forced landing of a passenger jet to arrest a dissident Belarussian journalist.

The order, which was requested by the State Department, bars airlines from selling tickets for travel between the two countries, with exceptions only for humanitarian or national-security reasons.
Keene, NH (03431)

Today

Cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. High 86F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few passing clouds, otherwise generally clear. Low 66F. Winds light and variable.
Thank you for reading!

You have reached your 30-day limit of free access to SentinelSource.com, The Keene Sentinels website. If you would like to read two more articles for free at this time, please register for an account by clicking the sign up button below.

We hope you find The Sentinels coverage of the Monadnock Region valuable. We rely on our subscribers to bring you strong local journalism and hope you will consider supporting our work by taking advantage of this special subscription offer here.
Keene, NH (03431)

Today

Cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. High 86F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mainly clear. Low 67F. Winds light and variable.
Attorney General Rob Bonta on Wednesday outlined the role his office will play in investigating deadly police shootings in California, part of a historic shift intended to help mend trust between communities and law enforcement agencies sworn to protect them.

Assembly Bill 1506, which Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law last year, enlists the California Attorney Generals Office to investigate all incidents of fatal police shootings involving an unarmed civilian.

Bonta laid out how his office plans to enforce this legislation, which will apply to an estimated 40 to 50 cases a year. Strategies for doing so include stationing investigative teams across California, establishing outreach services for affected families, and enacting department policies requiring that both the DOJ and public be immediately notified of such shootings.

These critical incidents are never going to be easy, Bonta said. But the new tools and procedures we are announcing today are a chance to insert more transparency and more accountability into these investigations.

Bonta said his office is formally launching two investigative teams based in Southern and Northern California, with 27 agents placed throughout the state. The teams will work with crime analysts, forensic experts and local law enforcement and be deployed immediately to the scene following a fatal police shooting.

After their investigation is complete, the teams will turn over their findings to a special prosecutions section within the criminal law division, Bonta said. The section will then either file charges or issue a written report on why charges arent appropriate.

The final charging decisions will be up to this office, and nobody else, Bonta said.

Local law enforcement agencies will still be responsible for administrative investigations, including those involving internal disciplinary actions.

The law, which took effect amid a national reckoning on police brutality against people of color, was rooted in the notion that police shouldnt be entrusted to properly investigate their own ranks in cases of such public importance. And while criminal charging decisions are handled by local district attorneys, critics say the often cozy relationships police have with prosecutors warrants outside investigations to ensure impartiality.

Unlike county prosecutors, officials at the Attorney Generals Office dont regularly work hand-in-hand with local police. Supporters of the law say its an important distinction that should help reassure the public that such cases will be handled without bias.

Bonta, who co-authored AB 1506 as a member of the Assembly, said the effort was personal to him.

I heard firsthand the hurt and the pain that so many families and communities feel in the moments after these incidents, and Ive witnessed the lack of trust that these investigations will be treated fairly by our criminal justice system, he said.

The measure, authored by Assemblyman Kevin McCarty, was the Sacramento Democrats third attempt in five years to move investigations of police shootings out of the hands of local prosecutors. His earlier efforts sputtered under previous attorneys general, who were reluctant to intervene in investigations they believed should be handled locally.

Statewide law enforcement groups also opposed the measure.

But the bill gained fresh traction this year amid nationwide protests over police brutality and racial injustice. Supporters held up last Junes fatal Vallejo police shooting of Sean Monterrosa as a testament to its necessity.

An officer responding to a call of a looting said he mistook a hammer in Monterrosas sweatshirt pocket for a handgun, prompting him to open fire through the patrol cars windshield. The Solano County district attorney tried to hand off the investigation to former Attorney General Xavier Becerra, but Becerra rejected the request, stating there was no conflict of interest with the local authorities.

Now, final charging decisions in fatal police shootings will be left to the Attorney Generals Office. Other incidents, such as non-fatal shootings or police encounters that leave a civilian dead without the use of a firearm, will still be handled by local authorities.

Tony Montoya, president of the San Francisco Police Officers Association, said police shootings in San Francisco already undergo a transparent and exhaustive investigative process, including civilian review.

It is absolutely critical that this new process be grounded in evidence, based on the law, and not swayed by political pressure to ensure a fair process for everyone, he said.

San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin said he supports the new measure, and commended Bonta for his commitment to investigating and prosecuting officers when necessary. Boudin added that his office will still, however, investigate officers for use of excessive force.

For that reason, our offices Independent Investigation Bureau investigates and reviews for prosecution every single incident of an officer-involved shooting, he said.

Megan Cassidy is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: megan.cassidy@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @meganrcassidy
The Alumnae Association of Mills College has sued the school in an effort to halt its pending shutdown or merger, the group said Tuesday.

Graduates of the private womens college in Oakland are asking an Alameda County Superior Court judge to issue a restraining order against Mills President Elizabeth Hillman and the colleges Board of Trustees that would stop them from advancing plans for Mills until at least 60 days after they have opened their financial books to the alumnae.

The alumnae association, whose president is one of Mills 23 trustees and is among the plaintiffs, says it has a right to inspect the books under governing agreements between the association and the college.

Hillman announced in March that the financially troubled college would admit its last class this fall and stop granting degrees in spring 2023. Students and alumnae reacted with outrage, saying the 169-year-old college was a vital resource in womens education and was a welcoming place for women of color and the LGBTQ community.

On June 17, college leaders announced that Mills was in talks to affiliate with Northeastern University, a private research university in Boston, which would open the campus to male undergraduates. Mills has admitted male graduate students for years.

The alumnae association argues in its lawsuit that critical documents are being withheld even from the college trustees, and that without them, neither the trustees nor alumnae leaders can fulfill their fiduciary duties to Mills.

Mills as an institution is being harmed in that its governing body (at a minimum, the trustee Plaintiffs here) is, simply put, not being allowed to properly do its job, the group said in its lawsuit, filed June 7. This action comes at a pivotal time  indeed, the pivotal time  for the future of Mills and its very existence.

Hillman issued a statement Tuesday defending Mills efforts to affiliate with Northeastern and calling the lawsuit a factually incorrect and legally mistaken effort to undermine confidence in the leadership of the college.

Hours before the alumnae association went public with its lawsuit, Hillman issued a news release announcing raises for faculty and announcing that up to 300 Northeastern students, including men, will study on the Mills campus this fall in place of a previously announced program that would have brought UC Berkeley students to the campus.

We view the Mills-Northeastern alliance as a new model for the future of higher education, Hillman said in her statement, and urged the alumnae association to rededicate its resources to supporting students and Mills College rather than funding a costly and legal fight.

Cherlene Wright, who graduated from Mills in 1992 and serves on the alumnae associations board of governors, said Mills leaders have blocked former students from having a meaningful say in the colleges future.

Since the complaint was filed, the college has taken the unprecedented step of both cutting off access to our alumnae database and taking down the page providing information for our 25,000-plus alums, Wright told The Chronicle. This level of censorship cannot and should not be tolerated.

Nanette Asimov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: nasimov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @NanetteAsimov
In the midst of a deadly overdose crisis, California lawmakers said they will wait until next year to consider a bill that would allow people to use drugs in a supervised setting  a delay that advocates and local leaders criticized as both dangerous and unnecessary.

That bill, sponsored by Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, would allow San Francisco, Oakland and Los Angeles to open safe consumption sites under a pilot program. But Assembly Member Jim Wood, chair of the Health Committee, said Tuesday that he paused action on the bill until January so the U.S. attorney general has more time to assess whether the sites violate federal law.

Allowing time for that response is the prudent thing to do, Wood, D-Santa Rosa, said in a statement.

The delay comes as the entire country experiences a deadly rise in overdose deaths. Nearly two people a day died of an overdose in San Francisco last year, and 2021 is expected to be just as deadly, if not more so.

It also comes as Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee made history Wednesday by approving a pilot program for the countrys first safe consumption sites.

Public health experts widely agree that safe consumption sites, where people can use drugs around medical professionals and also access treatment services, are critical to helping reverse the trend. About 100 such sites exist around the world, including in Canada, Australia, Switzerland and France.

They are currently illegal in California. Efforts to change the law have hit hurdle after hurdle over the past few years  including a veto by former Gov. Jerry Brown. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who faces a recall election Sept. 14, has previously said that he is very, very open to a pilot program.

But on the federal level, its unclear where the Biden administration stands on the sites. Bidens team is expected to be much more amenable to the idea than Donald Trumps administration, which threatened 20 years in prison, hefty fines and forfeiture of the property used in the criminal activity in any city that opened an injection site.

Mayor London Breed and several other mayors, including Oaklands Libby Schaaf, sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland in April seeking clarity on his position. They have yet to receive a response.

Wood  who has approved previous versions of the safe consumption bill  said he wants to wait until Breed gets clarity from Washington before taking action on the bill, SB57. He said clarity is critical.

While such delays are not uncommon in the Legislature, Wiener said he is extremely disappointed that the committee postponed the hearing on the bill until next year. He maintained optimism that it will pass and be signed into law.

SB57 is very much alive, albeit delayed, Wiener said. Im committed to this fight for our communitys future. We will get it done.

If the federal government does not respond by January, the committee will still move forward on the bill, a spokeswoman for Wood said.

Breeds office clarified Tuesday that we dont need to wait for a response from the federal government before passing SB57.

The letter relates to federal law and SB57 relates to Californias state law, said Andy Lynch, a spokesman for Breed. Were simply trying to make sure that all of our legal bases are covered when we open one of these sites, and were hopeful that well be able to do that as soon as possible.

Supervisor Matt Haney, who represents the Tenderloin and SoMa neighborhoods  where the majority of San Franciscos overdoses occur  said he appreciates the concerns about the federal government, but the delays are deadly.

Our main concern over the past few years was the Trump administration, he said. Now that they are out of the way, it is incredibly disappointing that the state is now our obstacle.

Laura Thomas, director of harm reduction policy at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, said the delays will cost lives.

Overdose is a public health emergency and must be addressed as one, she said in a statement. We urge legislators to prioritize new solutions that will help us turn the tide on overdose. We cant afford to leave any options on the table now.

Trisha Thadani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tthadani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TrishaThadani
Multiple people allegedly stole merchandise from a San Francisco department store and fled in different vehicles Monday night, according to police.

San Francisco police responded to a burglary at about 5:49 p.m. Monday on the 100 block of Stockton Street in Union Square. A group of people had allegedly entered the department store and ran off with merchandise in multiple cars, police said.

No arrests were made as of Tuesday morning. Additional details about the burglary were unknown as the investigation was still ongoing.

There were no reports of injuries, but police said the store was damaged during the incident.

A video posted on Twitter by KTVU shows about nine people running out of a Neiman Marcus store with handbags.

High-end handbags have been popular targets for thieves in the Bay Area. Nearly a dozen burglars stole more than $100,000 worth of Louis Vuitton handbags in Palo Alto in June, police said. Last year, a group of thieves stole 20 purses worth $54,000 at Yves Saint Laurent in San Franciscos Union Square.

San Francisco police are asking anyone with information to contact the San Francisco Police Department at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411.

A spokesperson for the Neiman Marcus Group said theyre working with SFPD on the investigation.

The safety and welfare of our associates and customers is our top priority, and were relieved to report that no one was harmed in the incident, the statement said.

Jessica Flores is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jessica.flores@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @jesssmflores
Cassandra Quinto-Collins arranged the items carefully: Rosary beads. A large set of headphones. And in the center, the blue cloisonne urn with her sons ashes.

I think its good, she said to Deacon Gustavo Escruceria and Marvin Engelhard, the family service adviser at Holy Cross Cemetery in Antioch.

Then Quinto-Collins sobbed, shoulders heaving as the room fell silent.

Seven months had passed since 30-year-old Angelo Quinto died on Dec. 26, following a mental health break that led police to restrain him on the floor of his mothers bedroom. Quinto-Collins said her son pleaded for his life while officers pinned him down for five minutes, with one holding his legs and another placing a knee on his neck.

His case prompted national outrage and accelerated police reforms in Antioch, including the adoption of dashboard and body-worn cameras, along with plans for an independent police commission. Yet it took a long time  and a high-profile death that police did not acknowledge for weeks  to set these modest policies in motion.

Historically, the political and social response to police violence has been muted in Bay Area suburbs, where use-of-force is subject to less oversight than in cities. The reasons are complicated, but the reality is unsettling: more deaths in areas with fewer mechanisms to bring justice to families, transparency to the public or robust investigations of the officers involved.

Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

Data compiled from local law enforcement agencies, the Fatal Encounters tracking project and Washington Posts database of fatal police shootings provides a geographical snapshot of law enforcement violence in the Bay Area this year. It showed 10 fatal shootings and two other deadly encounters. Of those, two occurred in San Jose, a major metropolitan city. The rest took place in the suburbs.

Fremont and San Jose topped the list, each with two lethal incidents, followed by Antioch, Alameda, Hayward, Daly City, Pittsburg, Danville and Vacaville.

While most Bay Area residents live in suburbs, police in urban centers deal with more people on a day-to-day basis. But big departments generally have the tools  and the will  to intercede when a confrontation goes awry, said Professor Jack Glaser of UC Berkeleys Goldman School of Public Policy. He noted that larger, metropolitan agencies may face protests and political fallout if an incident ends in death.

Theyre probably going to have more investment in the kind of training and policies that they need to prevent these things from happening, Glaser said.

Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

Civil rights attorney John Burris said hes noticed that police in cities like San Francisco and Oakland try to refrain from using excessive force  a byproduct of police commissions, civilian review boards and, in Oakland, 18 years of federal court oversight.

Burris represents the families of many people who die in police custody, including Quinto; Walnut Creek resident Miles Hall; Laudemer Arboleda and Tyrell Wilson, who were shot by the same officer in Danville; and Roger Allen, who was shot and killed by Daly City police in April.

When protests over police brutality swept the country last year, Bay Area suburbs had to confront their own troubled histories and political institutions.

Some had failed to apply basic tools such as body-worn cameras, even as their populations grew and public attitudes changed.

In certain ways, the State House in Sacramento has reacted more quickly to suburban police deaths than the individual cities. For example, state Assembly Member Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, a Democrat representing the Tri-Valley, is sponsoring a bill to start a statewide hotline and dispatch system for civilian mental health teams, funded by a phone utility fee. The inspiration: the 2019 police shooting of Hall in Walnut Creek, which generated controversy, though Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton ultimately decided the officers actions were justified.

Michael Short/Special to The Chronicle 2019

Walnut Creek Mayor Kevin Wilk cited several measures the city took after the shooting of Hall, a 23-year-old Black man, including anti-bias training, non-lethal restraint devices for the police and the formation of a community advisory board for the police chief, which lacks the independent oversight powers of a police commission. The Police Department has used body-worn cameras since 2017.

Halls mother, Taun Hall, viewed these steps as incremental, partly intended to mollify her family and their supporters, she said.

We were going to city councils every first and third Tuesday, she said. We were showing up in droves. It felt like they didnt really acknowledge what happened. ... When I met with Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, I felt like she heard me.

In Antioch, police accountability became a raw topic last year and intensified when Quintos death came to light in January. At that time, the city was a decade behind some of its neighbors. It had no independent police commission  all complaints went through the departments internal affairs  and officers were not required to wear body cameras. As a result, the only visual record of the incident is a wobbly cell phone video taken by Quinto-Collins, which shows officers rolling her handcuffed son onto his back, with blood covering his mouth.

Quintos stepfather, Robert Collins, was visibly frustrated as he stood outside Holy Cross Cemetery on June 23, after the inurnment.

Theres the loss of a son, and then you get no closure, because they have no answers, he said.

Constanza Hevia H./Special to The Chronicle

Antioch is not the only Bay Area city that seemed out of sync with an era of racial reckonings and heightened scrutiny over law enforcement. When Mario Gonzalez died after Alameda police held him down in April, authorities issued press releases that characterized the situation as a medical emergency.

In Danville, an affluent San Ramon Valley town that contracts with the Contra Costa Sheriffs Office to provide police services, an officer was charged with two felonies in April for an on-duty killing  but he remains employed by the department. A month before Becton announced the felony charges, the officer, Andrew Hall, shot and killed someone else.

And in Daly City, on the Peninsula, the fatal shooting of Allen on April 7 brought new urgency for body-worn cameras, which had been under discussion since 2017, according to Mayor Juslyn C. Manalo. After a four-year delay, the City Council approved a $1.35 million contract for 100 body-worn cameras and 32 patrol car cameras in May, drawing funds from a revenue measure that voters passed in November.

San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe  whose office released the first detailed account of the Allen shooting rather than the Police Department and is reviewing the incident  said he expects to reach a charging decision in August. State Attorney General Rob Bonta declined the City Councils request to pursue a parallel investigation. Burris said he is waiting to see Wagstaffes report before he decides whether to file a civil lawsuit.

Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe is hopeful, saying the citys new string of police reforms coincide with a seismic political and cultural shift. He ran for office last year on a platform that emphasized law enforcement accountability, besting an incumbent who was backed by the police union. With his victory, and that of Council Members Monica Wilson and Tamisha Torres-Walker, the Antioch City Council is majority Black.

It absolutely matters, Thorpe said in an interview, contrasting Antiochs current leadership to the majority white council that voted down his proposal for a police reform committee after the death of George Floyd.

The November election gave Thorpe the votes he needed to pass new policies for the Police Department. Nonetheless, Antioch police have been slow to share details about the death of Angelo Quinto. They waited a month to publicly disclose the incident, and the Contra Costa County coroner has not released autopsy results. A spokesperson for the Sheriffs Office said the incident is still under doctors review. A separate investigation by the district attorney has no end date, as Bectons office chips through a backlog of police shootings and other in-custody deaths.

At Holy Cross Cemetery, Quinto-Collins finished placing her sons urn in its glass case, alongside photographs and mementos. She watched as a man in coveralls emerged with a screwdriver, to seal the case shut.

Minutes later, her daughter, Bella Collins, stood outside and described a recurring dream: Her brothers body is rotting. He realizes something is wrong, and he keeps asking the family for answers. But no one can explain.

Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com; Twitter: @rachelswan
Richmond officials will soon consider a plan that could allow undocumented residents to vote in local elections, citing their lack of a public voice despite the significant contributions they make to the community and its economy.

The City Council is expected to vote this month on a first step: directing the city attorney to conduct a sweeping review of the citys charter along with legal research to determine whether it can allow noncitizens to participate in local elections, such as school board contests.

Councilmembers Claudia Jimenez and Eduardo Martinez and Vice Mayor Demnlus Johnson III introduced the proposal, which was scheduled for consideration at the councils regular meeting Tuesday but postponed due to time constraints.

Undocumented immigrants are an integral part of Richmond, participating in neighborhood and community life and contributing to our service system, economy and tax base, the trio wrote in a report to Richmond Mayor Tom Butt and other councilmembers.

The report said immigrants account for about 25% of Contra Costa Countys population and one-third of the countys labor force. Of that group, the report said, about 19% are undocumented  and despite their contributions to neighborhood life and the communitys services and tax base, they are are vulnerable to discrimination and inequity.

Richmond has an opportunity to extend voting rights to this important stakeholder group, the report said, provided there is no local legislation that prohibits non-citizen voting in municipal elections.

Bay Area experts said it is likely that Richmond could enact such a law.

In 2016, San Francisco voters approved a similar measure allowing noncitizen parents or guardians, including undocumented immigrants, to vote in school board elections. The move was a first for a California city.

However, months before the 2018 election, city officials raised concerns about voters information being public to federal immigration officials during then-President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown. For that reason, the Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance that would notify voters that their information could be available to U.S. immigration officials. About 50 noncitizens voted that year.

In 2019, the Los Angeles Unified School District voted to explore a potential future ballot measure extending voting rights to noncitizen parents, grandparents, legal guardians or caregivers who live within the districts boundaries, reported LAist.

There is no governing state law in California that prohibits non-citizens voting in local elections, UC Berkeley researchers wrote in a report included in the Richmond proposal.

In fact, the California Constitutions home rule law gives local jurisdictions the power to regulate city elections, the report said.

Local municipalities can set their own voter qualifications for local elections, according to the report, though voters must be citizens to be eligible to vote in state elections.

To date, 12 cities outside of California have allowed noncitizen residents, regardless of citizenship or immigration status, to vote in local elections, according to Ron Hayduk, professor of political science at San Francisco State University and author of Democracy for All: Restoring Immigrant Voting in the U.S.

Chicago has allowed it in school council elections since 1989, 11 towns in Maryland have allowed it in local elections since the 1990s, and New York City allowed noncitizen immigrants to vote in 32 community school board elections from 1969 to 2002, according to Hayduk.

If voters and legislators in Richmond are similar to those in S.F., NYC, and several towns in Vermont, Maryland and Massachusetts, then Richmond may well follow suit in affirming and including the voices of all its residents, Hayduk said in an email.

David A. Carrillo, executive director of Berkeley Laws California Constitution Center, in an email said such measure would not violate the California Constitution unless it attempts to allow noncitizens to vote in statewide elections.

Councilmember Jimenez said the proposal was created to engage undocumented immigrant communities who contribute to the city of Richmond by paying state and local taxes.

The intent of this is to make sure we open the doors for those who are living here, have been supporting our community, working in our community to feel that they belong, said Jimenez.

Edith Pastrano of Richmond is a community organizer with ACCE Institute, which advocates for communities of color, low-income and working families and undocumented individuals.

She said she often works with undocumented people who do not have a complete say in what happens at the city level.

Such a measure would let those community members be part of the decision-making process, she said.

This is a big opportunity, she said of the proposal. Our representatives on the council are supposed to represent everyone in the community that they serve.

If the plan is approved, city staff will conduct a review and present its findings at a later meeting.

If its determined the city has the authority, Jimenez said city staff would place an item on the agenda for the City Council to consider expanding voting rights to undocumented residents.

Jessica Flores is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jessica.flores@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @jesssmflores
As part of our ongoing reporting on the closures of local restaurants, here is a running list of Bay Area restaurants that have permanently closed as of July 13. The Chronicle will update this list weekly.

July 13

Hip coffee destination Saint Frank has closed its SoMa outpost at 1081 Mission St., the shop announced on its Instagram account. The coffee shop is gearing up to open its headquarters in Potrero Hill later this summer. Owner Kevin Bohlin didnt immediately respond to a request for more details from The Chronicle. Saint Frank also has outposts in the Russian Hill neighborhood of San Francisco and Menlo Park.

Marin County ice cream darling Posie closed after a five-year run earlier this month. Chef and owner Kyle Caporicci said his Larkspur lease had come to an end and he decided against renewing it. Instead hes focused on building a new business called Ghost Dog Creamery with the goal to be available in grocery stores and at pop-ups.

Brunch spot Brezo, located in Point Richmond, has closed, according to an announcement on the restaurants website. Eater SF first reported on the closure. The restaurant is planning to reopen in a new location nearby, according to its website.

July 7

Longtime Alameda Chinese restaurant China House closed at the end of May after more than 50 years in business. Owner Stan Yee told The Chronicle that his restaurant was labor intensive and they struggled to find enough staff to keep the business going. Yees cocktail bar, Town Tavern, located just below China House, on Park Street, is staying open. Berkeleyside first reported on the closure.

Outer Sunset cafe Boavida has closed on Taraval Street. The owners decided to part ways earlier this year, according to co-owner Andrea de Francisco, which ultimately led to the June 28 closure of the shop. The shop had been open for about 1 years. The Portuguese food- and drinks-inspired cafe opened in October 2019 and quickly became a neighborhood favorite for breakfast fare, fresh pastries, coffee and, later, natural wine in the bottle shop that the owners opened next door during the pandemic. De Franciscos business partner, David Quinby, who also owns nearby bar the Riptide and Amados in the Mission, said he has no plans at this time to open another cafe in the Taraval Street space.

Berkeley vegan Italian restaurant the Kings Feet has permanently closed, according to Berkeleyside. Started by the same team behind the Butchers Son, the restaurant opened shortly after the start of the pandemic and served its last meal at the end of June.

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

After just one year in business, Castro hot dog spot the Golden Grill has closed. Hoodline first reported on the closure. The restaurant opened in April 2020, just a few weeks after the pandemic-related stay-at-home orders went into place. The establishment reportedly closed quietly at the end of May.

Piedmont Avenue Thai destination Orchids Thai has permanently closed, Berkeleyside reports. The restaurant will be replaced by another Thai spot, Plaedek, which will focus on Isan cuisine and comes from the chef behind Wawa Thai, Wawa Maneewan.

Less than three years after it opened, Berkeley Mexican restaurant Enedina Taqueria has closed, according to Berkeleyside.

Tanay Warerkar is the San Francisco Chronicles assistant food and wine editor. Elena Kadvany is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tanay.warerkar@sfchronicle.com, elena.kadvany@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @tanaywarerkar, @ekadvany
I recently went camping in two spectacularly beautiful places in Wyoming: Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. As I prepared for the trip  purchasing bear spray, making sure our propane canisters were full, downloading many hours worth of audio books  I was having trouble figuring out one crucial question. What to drink?

Since we were driving to Wyoming, any bottles of wine I brought would inevitably be subjected to excessive heat while stowed in the car, potentially ruining their contents. I wasnt counting on having access to a good wine shop in the parks. I do love drinking beer after a big day of hiking, and sure enough, we bought some great local beers in Wyoming (we really liked the Jenny Lake Lager from Snake River Brewing), but I know myself well enough to know that at a certain point in the evening, once the temperatures are dropping and Im huddling around the fire, I will really just want a glass of wine.

As it turns out, a new line of wines from Sonoma County was designed for precisely such an occasion. The brand, Revelshine, is the brainchild of Jake Bilbro, who owns Limerick Lane Cellars in Healdsburg. The key to Revelshines outdoorsy appeal: aluminum bottles.

An avid outdoorsman, Bilbro wanted to create wines that could fit into scenarios where people typically reach for a can of beer  on a camping trip, at the beach, after a big ski run. Glass bottles have a hard time blending into these sorts of surroundings, whether because glass is outright prohibited (as is the case at Ocean Beach in San Francisco), or its cumbersome to carry, or it would require bringing along a corkscrew. The fact that aluminum is one of the most recyclable materials available, and weighs much less than glass, makes it appealing from a sustainability standpoint, too.

Many other wine-industry players have gone after the beach-and-park audience in recent years by putting their wines in cans. Bilbro was adamantly opposed to that. Canned wine has gotten this reputation of being cheap, and thats not what were doing, he says.

Each 500ml Revelshine bottle costs $15  so if it were adjusted to the size of a regular bottle, youd be looking at a $22.50 wine. The vessels are double-lined aluminum, intended to be sturdy enough to withstand any drops or impacts you might subject them to while snowboarding or rock climbing. For me, on my camping trip, the aluminum vessels greatest advantage was that they stayed colder for much longer than a glass bottle would. I also appreciated the fact that their screw caps were easily resealable, making them easy to transport if I didnt finish the bottle in one sitting. (Once emptied, they can also serve as makeshift water bottles.)

Ramin Rahimian/Special to The Chronicle 2016

Revelshine produces three wines: white, rose and red. Each is a blend of many different grape varieties; youre not meant to get hung up on the particulars here. Jake Bilbros brother Sam Bilbro, owner of Healdsburgs Idlewild Wines, is in charge of the winemaking. For now, the wines all carry a catchall California appellation, meaning theyre sourced from vineyards throughout the state.

All three of the wines are well made  dry, balanced, fresh  and light enough to serve as a thirst quencher, even the red (which does well with a chill). I found myself reaching again and again for the Revelshine white wine, however. Its two main components, Sauvignon Blanc and French Colombard, provide a zippy, high-acid baseline, with smaller portions of Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc and Arneis (a white grape from Piedmont, Italy) adding subtle creaminess. When I pour it into my stemless plastic wine glass, I smell white flowers and orange peel, and I taste a racy, citrusy energy.

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

After wed left Wyoming, we spent a few nights in Oregon, where we kayaked along the Deschutes River. We were catching the beginning of the big heatwave up there. It would have been the perfect occasion for Revelshine  I could have stowed one in the back of my kayak. Unfortunately, by then, wed drunk our entire supply.

The wine is available from the Revelshine website.

Revelshine White California 2020 ($15/500ml, 12.5%)

Esther Mobley is The San Francisco Chronicles wine critic. Email: emobley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Esther_mobley
California has reinstated a mask mandate for all lawmakers and employees at the state Capitol, regardless of vaccination status, following an outbreak of nine coronavirus cases there.

All nine people who contracted the coronavirus are legislative staffers, four of whom were fully vaccinated.

Effective immediately, people are required to wear a mask at all times while in the Capitol, Legislative Office Building and district offices, Secretary of the Senate Erika Contreras and Assembly Chief Administrative Officer Debra Gravert wrote in memos Tuesday.

Unvaccinated legislators and employees are also required to be tested for the coronavirus twice a week, beginning Thursday. Contreras urged vaccinated lawmakers and employees to be tested voluntarily.

Rare breakthrough infections can occur in fully vaccinated people, but public health experts believe they are less likely to lead to more serious COVID-19 outcomes, including hospitalization and death. California has confirmed just 8,699 coronavirus infections among the more than 20 million people vaccinated in the state.

The outbreak at the Capitol comes less than a month after the state dropped most pandemic restrictions on June 15 and the building fully reopened its doors to the public.

While masks have been required in public spaces inside the Capitol throughout the pandemic, fully vaccinated lawmakers and staff had been allowed to remove their masks in their offices.

The revised rule for masking was recommended by the California Department of Public Health after the new infections were reported last week. At least seven of the nine people infected at the Capitol work in the same office, Gravert said.

The employees are following quarantine recommendations, according to state officials, who did not disclose the conditions of those who were infected.

Californias overall test positivity rate is on the rise, with the seven-day average moving up to 1.9% on Wednesday from 0.6% just a week ago. About 51% of the states population is fully vaccinated.

Last week, Democratic state Sen. Scott Wiener of San Francisco called for mandatory vaccinations for state lawmakers.

All public employees  including all employees of the Legislature  should be mandated to get a COVID vaccine, absent a medical reason, he tweeted. Public employees not getting vaccinated puts others at risk & undermines governments ability to serve the public. Its not acceptable.

Aidin Vaziri is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: avaziri@sfchronicle.com
HONOLULU (AP)  Hawaii lawmakers Tuesday overrode Gov. David Ige's veto of a bill that overhauls how the state funds the Hawaii Tourism Authority and allocates tourism tax revenue to the counties.

The bill would stop funding the tourism agency with money raised by the transient accommodations tax on hotel stays and other short-term rentals. Instead, lawmakers intend to pay for the agency with money from the general fund, though for the current fiscal year they appropriated federal coronavirus relief funds.

Further, instead of providing the state's four major counties with a share of transient accommodations tax revenue, the legislation gives the counties the authority to levy their own surcharge to the tax. Currently, the state charges one uniform hotel tax rate across the islands.

The House voted 38 in favor of overriding, with eight against and four members excused. The Senate voted 17 in favor of overriding and eight against.

Sen. Bennette Misalucha, vice chair of the Senate's Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism Committee, said special funds shouldn't be protected for the benefit of one industry. She said the Legislature brought special funds like hotel tax revenue into the general fund to stop this practice.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority will now be required to get support from lawmakers for its budget just like other state agencies, she said. This will require the agency to be more forthcoming with its strategic plans and force more communication between the agency and lawmakers, she said.

It is part of the checks and balances in state government, said Misalucha, a Democrat, before senators cast their votes.

Ige, also a Democrat, said he was concerned that the measure would damage the agencys ability to shift beyond marketing Hawaii to travelers to instead better manage tourists who come to the islands.

There really is no other state agency that is positioned to be able to identify the hotspots in every community, work with county and state, as well as private sector individuals, to really identify solutions and hopefully be able to fund them  at least on a pilot basis  so we can determine and mitigate the impact of the visitors coming here, Ige said.

He said funding the tourism authority with federal coronavirus relief funds would hinder the agency because such money comes with extensive reporting requirements and mandates to adhere to strict procurement procedures. The governor said this would interfere with the agency's advertising and its programs to fund the Merrie Monarch hula festival and other events.

Still, Ige also told reporters before lawmakers voted that he was prepared to execute what the Legislature adopted.

Rep. Sylvia Luke, the chair of the House Finance Committee, said the bill was a vehicle for the state to start managing tourism better. She said the measure did so in part by authorizing the Department of Land and Natural Resources to charge tourists fees to access popular parks.

The Democrat said lawmakers couldn't just rely on the Hawaii Tourism Authority to manage tourism at some point in the future, but needed to step in and get involved themselves.

This is a bill to do so now, she said during debate on the House floor.

_____

This story has been corrected to show that the Hawaii Tourism Authority will be funded with federal coronavirus relief funds during the current fiscal year, instead of money from the state's general fund.
Brittany Hosea-Small/Special to The Chronicle

Regarding A vaccine quandary after my husbands stroke (July 6): I would challenge the Stanford University experts on their conclusions related to conversations. The ongoing and real problem is the lack of fully funded and accessible public health, mental health and addiction clinics in underserved urban and rural areas in America. The broken public health system in our country is crippling our ability to reach the very populations that suffer the most in health emergency situations.

Local, neighborhood-based health clinics not only build bonds of trust with the people they serve, they can also reach a wider audience in those same communities via business contacts at local markets, barber and beauty shops; places people frequent and have relationships with that can lay the foundation for any type of public health response that may be needed on a grassroots level. Neighborhood public health centers also provide real-time data and information on health changes that are taking place, so responses can be faster and effective. Fully funded neighborhood-based clinics also provide the full range of family services needed including vaccines that are critical in pandemic and non pandemic times. If Stanford University and other notable universities are serious, they should invest in neighborhood public clinics.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

With Californians removing their masks and returning to stores, restaurants and offices, the pandemic is receding. And with 850,000 jobs gained across the country last month, the most since last summer, the economy is recovering. The states struggle to competently help the unemployed, however, doesnt seem to be going anywhere.

In the latest measure of the depth of dysfunction at Californias Employment Development Department, state Assembly members could hire up to two temporary employees each just to field complaints about the agency and help constituents navigate its often impregnable bureaucracy, the Sacramento Bee reported.
When the pandemic hit and San Francisco schools closed, the chaos was overwhelming, with families and staff floundering to figure out technology, schedules, food distribution, and support for disabled or depressed students.

District officials decided to do what is a no-brainer for companies and corporations: They set up a customer service help line.

In just over a year, staff manning the phone lines and emails have fielded 54,000 requests for help, with about a third resolved within five hours.

As schools start moving back to normal, officials said the help line, or the Student and Family Resource Link, will be a lasting legacy from the pandemic and a permanent fixture in the district.

The decision  based in part on an open-ended donation of the help line system from San Francisco-based technology company ZenDesk  comes as the district grapples with a flight of families from city schools, with many leaving in frustration over reopening delays last year and ongoing school board controversies.

It has become an invaluable service, said Superintendent Vince Matthews.

Having a single point of contact that is accessible to families with questions and concerns is something weve wanted to make happen for years, but didnt have the resources, he said. The pandemic was a catalyst for us to make this a priority as families could not easily reach anyone at a school building.

The service is similar to the citys 311 system, which provides one-stop shopping for a wide range of community issues.

BrontA Wittpenn/The Chronicle

The goal of the help line is to provide families from all language and socioeconomic backgrounds with timely if not immediate support, officials said.

The whole intention was to pick up the phone and say, Hi, how can I help? said Raquel Wells, co-manager of the districts Family Partnership team. We never go past a week to solve it.

The district trained 90 staff members in customer service, including how to be empathetic to ensure families feel they were being heard and like somebody was trying to support them, said Kashina Turner Pierce, Wells co-manager.

About 20 to 30 district workers handle calls or other inquiries each day, sifting through emails, online request forms and answering the phones.

Noelia Oropeza, who works in Student Nutrition Services, was on the team fielding calls and emails, often sending messages to help line staff in other departments to answer questions about issues unrelated to student meals.

That way, the callers didnt have to get transferred around the district.

It was really great to see how everybody pulled together to provide our parents with really great customer service, she said. If we didnt know the answer, we would find it.

Wells said the types of requests varied widely, although most were about enrollment issues or technology concerns. Some came from outside the city about the school boards decision  and then reversal  to rename 40 school sites.

There were also questions about coronavirus testing or health protocols and a bunch of calls related to a false rumor that the district was giving out money.

More Information Families can access the Student and Family Resource Link in three ways Go to familylink.sfusd.edu to complete an online request form Email request at familylink@sfusd.edu Call 415-340-1716 - Hours of operation Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Callers can leave a voicemail 24/7. https://www.sfusd.edu/services/family-supports-services/family-resource-link See More Collapse

A lot of it was sitting with families and folks trying to help them with whatever their situations were, Wells said. It gave a lot of access to our Spanish-speaking families or non-native English speaking families.

On some days, the district received 1,000 calls and emails through the help lines.

Its been very effective, said Kate Moore, assistant director for operations at Parents for Public Schools San Francisco, adding she has seen a gargantuan effort in keeping families informed through the pandemic, which has not gone unnoticed amid the confusion and chaos.

Its really, really helpful to have somebody pick up the phone and speak to another human being, said Moore, who has two children in the district. The huge effort put into this is really telling.

Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jilltucker

Families can access the Student and Family Resource Link in three ways

Go to familylink.sfusd.edu to complete an online request form

Email request at familylink@sfusd.edu

Call 415-340-1716  Hours of operation Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Callers can leave a voicemail 24/7.

https://www.sfusd.edu/services/family-supports-services/family-resource-link
Siva Raj often receives gifts of thanks when hes at farmers markets collecting signatures to qualify a recall effort of three San Francisco school board members for the ballot. Coffee, doughnuts, cookies, strawberries. Everything! he said with a laugh.

But a new memo from a top Bay Area pollster outlining very grim unfavorable numbers for the three board members and strong support for recalling them, particularly among parents of kids in the citys public schools, proved especially validating.

It doesnt surprise us, Raj said. On the streets thats exactly what were seeing. Pretty much anyone who is remotely aware of the situation is eager to sign.

Raj and Autumn Looijen, his partner, launched the recall effort of Commissioners Alison Collins, Gabriela Lopez and Faauuga Moliga last spring after a dire year of distance learning and a number of sideshows at the board, including renaming 44 schools that werent open, and changing the way students are admitted to Lowell High which, like all public middle and high schools in the city, has remained shuttered to the vast majority of kids since March 2020.

The recall campaign has until Sept. 7 to turn over 51,325 valid signatures of San Francisco registered voters to the Department of Elections. So far, theyve collected about 26,000 through weekend volunteers and are now fundraising to hire professional signature gatherers.

Collecting signatures is certainly the hard part. Polling seems to back the couples belief that getting voter approval at the ballot box will be easier  if they can get there.

Ruth Bernstein, CEO of EMC Research, outlined in a June 25 memo to interested parties some very worrisome numbers for the school board and the San Francisco Unified School District itself.

Her numbers were gleaned from three separate polls of registered San Francisco voters, one conducted in February and two in May. They each surveyed 500 to 640 voters. The school questions were just part of polls about a range of city issues and were commissioned by private business leaders whom Bernstein wouldnt name.

The February poll found 60% support for recalling the school board members  with support for the recall among parents of kids in San Franciscos public schools jumping to 69%. By comparison, a recent Berkeley IGS poll showed just 36% of respondents support recalling Gov. Gavin Newsom, whose own recall election has been set for Sept. 14.

The May polls showed a cumulative 71% negative rating of the school board and just a 10% positive rating. The news wasnt good for the San Francisco Unified School District as a whole either. The May polls showed a 57% unfavorable rating for the citys public school district and a 21% favorable rating.

EMC Research has tracked the favorable ratings of the citys public schools for at least 10 years, and the new numbers are far worse than in previous surveys. Just five years ago, for example, only 17% of respondents had an unfavorable view of the school district, and 60% had a favorable view.

Bernstein said shed hesitate to predict the outcome of a school board recall vote, since any possible election would be months off and the citys political landscape can shift quickly.

If students return to school like normal or close to it on Aug. 16, the anger may ease. But dropping enrollment numbers and a looming budget crisis for the school district could make the picture even worse.

It doesnt mean, oh yeah, its going to pass very easily, but it is very high, Bernstein said of support for the recall. We have a lot of San Franciscans who are quite ready to recall the school board.

Asked to respond to the poll numbers, school district spokesperson Laura Dudnick wrote in an email: The challenges and complexities of reopening our public schools during the pandemic cannot be overstated and were not unique to SFUSD. All of the work to reopen school buildings last year was done as guidance and circumstances surrounding the pandemic continued to shift, and while the district continued to deliver distance learning to over 50,000 students.

She added that thousands of students are participating in summer programs and that the district is committed to a full, five-day return to in-person learning for fall.

Moliga texted: Were all aware of how difficult the last school year was for everyone. I am working hard with my colleagues, the district, teachers, principals, parents and community stakeholders to ensure we all have a better experience this upcoming year.

Lopez and Collins did not return requests for comment. The other four commissioners were elected too recently to be recalled.

Two other recall efforts are winding their way through the process in San Francisco  both involving District Attorney Chesa Boudin. Richie Greenberg, a former Republican candidate for mayor, said his effort has gathered about 42,000 signatures, though he said quite a lot appear to be invalid. He has until Aug. 11 to turn in 51,325 valid signatures.

Mary Jung, executive director of the San Francisco Association of Realtors, and political consultant Andrea Shorter are waging a separate recall campaign against Boudin. Theyve collected 25,000 signatures, and their deadline is Oct. 25. Shorter said they launched their own effort because they believe Boudin and his supporters can easily dismiss Greenbergs attempt as Republican-led in this strongly Democratic city, while both Jung and Shorter are longtime Democrats.

Bernstein declined to say whether her polls have included questions about Boudin.

Its unclear when any of these recall elections might take place. The next regularly scheduled election in San Francisco is the June 7, 2022, state primary, but the recalls would likely be held in late fall or winter if they qualify. Theyre all uphill climbs; the last San Francisco elected official to face a recall election was then-Mayor Dianne Feinstein in 1983, and she easily beat it back with 82% of voters opposed.

Raj and Looijen, though, think theyll have a different outcome. They live with Rajs sons, an incoming fourth-grader at Grattan Elementary and an incoming sophomore at Wallenberg High, in a rented apartment above Memphis Minnies barbecue joint in the Lower Haight. Raj and Looijen met last year and moved from Pleasanton and Los Altos respectively to the city in December after rents dropped.

They both work in tech, but are devoting themselves full time to the recall after seeing Looijens three kids happily return to in-person public school in Los Altos last fall and Rajs kids suffer greatly on Zoom from home in San Francisco. Raj said his older son grew depressed during distance learning, sleeping through some classes, barely getting out of bed and not eating enough.

He refused to go to therapy, and he grew really angry and upset, Raj said. Its great to have some commitment of getting back to five school days in the fall, but theres still a lot of concern and uncertainty.

Their next move? Renting a school bus this summer and driving it around San Francisco to spread the word about the recall and gather more signatures. Just 25,000 to go.

San Francisco Chronicle columnist Heather Knight appears Sundays and Wednesdays. Email: hknight@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @hknightsf
Three bodies were found along the San Mateo County coast across three consecutive days spanning July 2 to 4, the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office said.

The incidents aren't connected and there were no signs of foul play, said Lt. Eamonn Allen with the sheriff's office.

It's possible all three incidents were drownings, Allen noted.

The first body was found July 2 at San Gregorio State Beach by a State Parks employee and was identified by the coroner's office as 36-year-old Stockton man Florentino Pasco. Eight days prior on June 24, the sheriff's office received a report of a distressed man in the water at Tunitas Creek Beach, the sheriff's office said. When officers arrived, they spoke with Pasco's friends, who said Pasco wandered off and went into the water. A rescue effort at the time was unable to locate him.

Another body was observed by passersby floating in the water July 3 near Wienke Way and Julian Avenue in Moss Beach, Allen said. The adult male was recovered by the harbor master and identified by the coroner's office as 59-year-old Frank Gee, residence unknown.

A third body washed up on Pescadero State Beach on July 4, the sheriff's office said. A beachgoer spotted the body at approximately 12:55 p.m. and notified authorities.

San Mateo County Sheriffs Office deputies, California State Park rangers and Cal Fire firefighters responded and found a clothed person who was "obviously deceased" and "appeared to have been in the water for some time."

Anyone who has information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the San Mateo County Sheriffs Office anonymous tip line at (800) 547-2700.
New fear-based headlines are popping up every day about the SARS-COV-2 delta variant, now the dominant strain in the U.S., with the focus on evidence of its increased transmissibility, questions about its particular ability to break through vaccine protection and the impact that the variant may have on a return to school.

The recent divergence of the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance around mask-wearing has contributed to confusion, as have recent recommendations by Los Angeles County for fully vaccinated individuals to mask indoors. Although it might feel like weve been here before with other variants, the situation in the context of high vaccination rates is totally different.

In the Bay Area, nearly 80% of the population over 18 has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and more than 60% are fully vaccinated. There are similar seroprevalence numbers statewide in California, especially when we consider the significant pool of natural immunity in areas that were tragically hit hard by the virus this past winter. COVID-19-related hospitalizations  the original catalyst for the public health emergency in the United States  are increasingly being decoupled from case rates.

The significance of this decoupling cannot be overstated. There are about 300 patients requiring ICU-level care for COVID-19 in the entire state  tragically among the unvaccinated  and hospitalizations are far below any level seen since the start of the pandemic. Therefore, the public health emergency of the pandemic as we knew it in California has entered a new stage.

We are now in a control phase in our state. Vaccines provide a force field of immunity in our communities that leave mainly unvaccinated, high-risk individuals (and those without prior COVID-19 infection) vulnerable to serious disease. That number is getting smaller every day (despite some hand-wringing over the pace of vaccinations), and the epidemiology is clear that children are not at high-risk for severe disease. There is no evidence that children have served as vectors for transmission of the virus, have worse long-term outcomes or that the delta variant has led to higher rates of hospitalization in children. In fact, we are seeing exactly what we would expect to see with a successful vaccination campaign: As more adults gain immunity, children are protected, too.

This is particularly important as plans for school reopening in the fall reach high gear. The negative health and educational impacts of school closures on children are now abundantly clear. The WHO Europes guidance should be taken to heart by state and local officials here in California: In-person restrictions and school-closure should be a measure of last resort only when there is sustained, high rates of community transmission. In most California counties, we can now follow clear metric-based guidelines to encourage school reopening and attendance.

Messaging heightened anxiety and new masking guidelines around the delta variant also sends a confusing message about vaccines and their effectiveness. One reason the vaccines are modern miracles of science is that they teach our immune system to create lasting protection against variants by harnessing the power of our B cells and T cells.

If you are vaccinated with one of the three vaccines approved in the U.S., your memory B cells can adapt and produce antibodies for whatever variant it sees, while your T cells prevent severe disease, even when your immune system has not seen the delta variant before. If the virus manages to make it past these barriers and you develop symptomatic COVID-19, it is likely to be a mild case. In fact, current data from the ground in Israel reports that the country is not seeing more severe breakthrough infections with delta.

This remarkable ability of the vaccines in preventing hospitalizations (as we have seen in the U.K., Canada and Israel) should drive messaging on school openings, masking, gathering and re-engaging in normal life in communities with high rates of immunity.

On the other hand, implementing public health guidelines that rely heavily on rates of positive PCR tests (that dont incorporate cycle threshold values) in communities with widespread immunity decreases confidence in the vaccines by making them appear less effective than they are. This could slow uptake among the skeptical and does not communicate the idea that asymptomatic, positive PCR tests with high cycle thresholds are not cases."

One of the ironies of a successful vaccination campaign is that the more people who are vaccinated, the more cases there will be among that same population. In a perfectly vaccinated world, 100% of cases would be among vaccinated individuals until the virus no longer has a pool of hosts in which to survive. This is expected and should not be considered evidence of failure or cause for fear about new variants being detected among breakthrough cases.

It follows that we must gauge variants not by their dominance but rather by whether they have the ability to overwhelm local health systems. Californias health system is not at risk of being overwhelmed by the delta variant. Instead, pockets of nonimmune individuals are at risk, and we must focus on targeted, local vaccination campaigns for vulnerable communities and those with questions about vaccine safety and efficacy.

Finally, given the astonishing inequity of the worldwide vaccination campaign, we should expect new variants to emerge as long as there is a lack of collective action to address the vast majority of the worlds population who remain at risk. We know that bringing vaccines directly to people works and we know that Californias vast resources can be put towards assisting the global fight against COVID-19 in places where there is little, if any, immunity. Advancing global vaccine equity  at this stage of the pandemic  as the U.N. secretary general said in February is the biggest moral test before us at this time.

Given that California ranks 50th out of 50 states in resumption of in-person learning during the pandemic, we believe that California should message confidence in the vaccines to persuade remaining holdouts and focus on the public health impact of school closures at this time, even in light of the delta variant.

Interested in submitting an op-ed to SFGATE? Click here.
H.E.R. doesnt want her music to be boxed in.

When I was creating it, I wasnt really aiming for anything, the singer-songwriter-instrumentalist said of Back of My Mind, her new 21-track album. But when I started sequencing it and putting it together, I realized that a lot of the songs that I created were different moods of R&B.

The album was her playground, with references to early projects as well as those she hadnt yet put out; featured vocals by Ty Dolla Sign, Cordae, Lil Baby and Chris Brown; reverb-y Dave Grohl-esque drums and trap beats; and a bunch of really dope women working with me behind the scenes, she said. And all of those sounds turned into a celebration of all the things that R&B could be.

It has been a heady few months, even for H.E.R. (Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson), who as a child prodigy practiced acceptance speeches. In February, she performed America the Beautiful at the Super Bowl kickoff show before winning, in March, a song of the year Grammy for I Cant Breathe and, in April, a best original song Oscar for Fight for You. She was only 23.

Now comes the three-part Prime Day Show on Amazon, set in a re-imagined Dunbar Hotel in Los Angeles, which was a hub of Black culture in the 1930s and 40s. And in August, shell take the stage at the Hollywood Bowl, while squeezing in work on a reggae EP that she hopes to release later this year.

As H.E.R.s star rises, so has her awareness as a role model.

Now I have this thing that I have to take care of and cherish, this ability to inspire and encourage women who are trying to figure out who they want to become, or who dont want to fit into social norms, she said.

I think anybody should want to think outside the box and be who they are, truly, she added. Thats what my album is about. And thats the message that I carry with me in everything that I do.

In a call from Brooklyn, where she was rehearsing before heading to Los Angeles (I live everywhere, she said), H.E.R. spoke about a few of her own inspirations. These are edited excerpts from the conversation.

1. Fender Stratocaster Black and White Guitar

The first guitar my dad bought me was like a mini one for kids, and I learned to play the blues pentatonic scale. I want to say I was 7 years old. Ive been a Fender fan since then, and we had been having conversations about making my own guitar ever since I performed at the 2019 Grammys, and they created an acrylic Strat for me that was clear. I decided to make it chrome, and it also matches the holographic chrome design that I like to put on my nails sometimes. I designed it and picked all the effects and noiseless pickups. And I became the first Black woman to do a collaboration with Fender.

2. Her Signature Eyeglasses

Most of the time people dont recognize me [without my glasses on]. Im like the female reverse Clark Kent. My favorite pair are these black frames that I actually designed in collaboration with DIFF eyewear, and theyre clear, and theyre blue-light glasses so they protect from you looking at screens.

Ive always loved glasses, but I started to be more intentional about wearing them when I started doing shows in 2017 after I dropped my first project, Volume 1. And I thought, lets obscure the lights and Ill wear glasses  because my music is the window to my soul, and not my eyes.

3. Rave Un2 the Year 2000

Thats a Prince concert DVD that I watched growing up. It was on every single weekend in my house, and it inspired me a lot. The moment with him and Lenny Kravitz performing  they did American Woman and Fly Away together  I was just so, like, Man, I want to be a rock star.

Chris Pizzello/Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

4. Her Moms Filipino Dishes

Lumpia is like a roll. Theres meat and vegetables in it, and its very delicious. Its a long process to make but its what I grew up eating in my Filipino household. Halo-halo means mix-mix in Tagalog. I grew up eating it every day after school. Theres jellies and shaved ice and evaporated milk and ice cream and jackfruit and sweet beans and all kinds of stuff. My mom made it, and she taught me how to make it.

5. And Her Dads Fried Chicken

I dont eat other peoples fried chicken. He grew up in Arkansas, and he brought Southern cooking into our house in the Bay Area in California.

6. Princes Purple Rain

I got to watch the movie when I was a kid, and my dad kind of skipped over the bad parts. Its iconic  Prince absolutely killed that whole movie. Ive played a lot of songs, but Purple Rain is one of those songs I definitely studied and covered. I wish, I wish [I would have met Prince]. I did get to see him live, though.

7. Apollo Theater

I performed at the Apollo when I was 9 years old. I performed Freeway of Love by Aretha Franklin, and it was my first time in New York City, and my family came. They actually threw a little concert in our hometown so that we could afford to stay in New York for days. And then fast forward to early this year. I had the opportunity to go to DAngelos Verzuz that he did on Instagram Live, and he sang Best Part with me.

Its just such a legendary place. Freshly coming from California, for me it just seemed like a world away. And so to be able to go there and perform  and then perform again with one of my favorite artists and a legend, DAngelo  it just made the place even more special.

8. Golden State Warriors

I used to love going to Warriors games when I was a kid. When I was 10 or 11, I sang the national anthem at a Warriors and Lakers game. And I got to see Baron Davis and Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes. They were all on the Warriors at that time of the We Believe era. I havent been to a Warriors game in a really long time. But I was at a Nets game the other day, and it was fun. Go-go Nets.

9. Martin, starring Martin Lawrence

Its one of those late-night shows for when you cant sleep. If Im having a bad day and that comes on, like that, I forget. [Martin plays a DJ and talk-show host], and its about his relationship with his girlfriends best friend. And he also plays the Sheneneh character and then he plays a pimp, and its hilarious. I still watch it. Its timeless.

10. Lights On Festival

Its something that I started in 2019, and obviously I couldnt do in 2020, but it was a huge success and I didnt expect it  14,000 people at the Concord Pavilion [in Concord, California], and the whole lineup was R&B artists.

That proved to me that R&B is still alive, and that people love it and they need it. So Im bringing my festival back in September. Were going to keep the music going.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
NEW DELHI (AP)  In a massive Cabinet revamp, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi dropped 12 senior Cabinet ministers on Wednesday and inducted a younger team aimed at refurbishing his governments image after widespread criticism of its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan, whose response to the epidemic came under close examination, Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Law and Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar were among those who resigned hours ahead of the reshuffle.

Prasad was involved in a bitter row with Twitter over Indias new internet regulations, which digital activists say could curtail online speech and privacy. He has been replaced by Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Mansukh Mandaviya replaces Dr. Vardhan as the new Health Minister, says a statement by the president's office. He is from Modis home state of Gujarat

Fifteen Cabinet ministers and 28 junior ministers were sworn in by President Kovind at a ceremony in the presidential palace on Wednesday. Eight junior ministers were elevated to Cabinet rank.

Modi retained Home Minister Amit Shah, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

Other key portfolios were given to Jyotiraditya Scindia (Civil Aviation), Kiren Rijiju (Law and Justice), Hardeep Singh Puri (Petroleum and Natural Gas), Bhupender Yadav (Environment), Anurag Singh Thakur (Information and Broadcasting) and Dharmendra Pradhan (Education).

It is the first Cabinet reshuffle since Modi was returned to power for a second term in 2019.

The government is facing increasing criticism for its handling of the pandemic.

Vardhan, who was in charge of the Health Ministry as well as the Science and Technology Ministry, led the response to the pandemic.

"In one clean sweep, you have senior ministers being removed. The government has admitted by these changes that it has failed miserably in handling the pandemic as it should have, said Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay, a well-known journalist and political analyst.

More than half of Indias reported 400,000 coronavirus deaths  the third most of any country  have occurred over the past two months as the delta variant of the virus tore through the nation and overwhelmed its already strained health system.

New cases are on the decline after exceeding 400,000 a day in May, but authorities are preparing for another possible wave and are trying to ramp up vaccinations.

The reshuffle also came after the defeat of Modis Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party in April elections in key West Bengal state, a test of its handling of the pandemic.

Modi will face another major test of his popularity in legislative elections in Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Manipur, Punjab and Uttarakhand states in February and March next year, which may prove to be a bellwether for his partys fate in 2024 national elections.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP)  Three West Virginia community behavioral health clinics will receive $8 million from the federal government for expansion initiatives.

Sen. Joe Manchin announced Tuesday that the funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services includes $4 million for the Princeton-based Southern Highlands Community Mental Health Center, and $2 million each for Seneca Health Services in Summersville and the Williamson Health and Wellness Center.
DALLAS (AP)  One month after declaring Texas' electric power grid fixed, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott demanded aggressive action from state utility regulators Tuesday to shore up that grid.

In a letter to the Public Utility Commission, Abbott directed the commission to have the Electric Reliability Council of Texas incentivize the development and maintenance of additional natural gas-, coal- and nuclear-powered generating capacity. ERCOT manages the electric power grid for most of the state and is overseen by the PUC.

Abbott also directed the PUC to require solar- and wind-powered generators to compensate customers for the cost of their unavailability; instruct ERCOT to establish a maintenance schedule for gas, coal and nuclear electric generating plants; and order ERCOT to accelerate the development of transmission projects to improve connectivity between existing and new power plants and areas needing power.

The objective of these directives is to ensure that all Texans have access to reliable, safe, and affordable power, and that this task is achieved in the quickest possible way, Abbott said in the letter. Through clear communication, transparency, and implementation of these critical changes, the PUC and ERCOT can regain the publics trust, restore ERCOTs status as a leader in innovation and reliability, and ensure Texans have the reliable electric power they expect and deserve.

That contrasts with his June 8 declaration that the Republican-controlled Legislatures reforms fix all of the flaws leading to a deadly February blackout. More than 4 million people lost power when temperatures plunged into single digits over Valentines Days weekend, icing power generators and buckling the states electric grid. State officials say they have confirmed at least 151 deaths blamed on the freeze and resulting outages, but the real toll is believed to be higher.

At the time of Abbott's declaration, energy experts thought the Legislature's reforms were inadequate.

In his Tuesday letter, Abbott said that while the Legislature had overhauled the ERCOT board of directors, strengthened power plant weatherization requirements and improved communications, more was needed.

While these laws significantly reform Texas' energy and electric power market, more can be done to increase power generation capacity and to ensure the reliability of the Texas power grid, Abbott's Tuesday letter stated.

The letter presumes that the non-renewable power sources of gas, coal and nuclear provide reliable power. However, less than a week after the declaration, ERCOT issued its second conservation alert in as many months, appealing to power consumers to raise thermostats to 78 degrees and limit the use of electric appliances. ERCOT blamed generating capacity reduced by unscheduled maintenance by those same non-renewable sources.
AMERICUS, Kan. (AP)  A civil rights group is threatening to sue a Kansas school district if it doesn't train employees about LGBTQ rights in response to an eighth-grade student being suspended from riding a school bus after saying, I'm a lesbian.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas sent a letter Tuesday to the North Lyon County school district, calling on it to protect LGBTQ and gender-nonconforming students from discrimination. The district has about 350 students and is about 60 miles (97 kilometers) southwest of Topeka.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP)  A two-year investigation into two drug rings that distributed cocaine around central New York led to charges Wednesday against 78 people, according to state Attorney General Letitia James.

Defendants face charges that include operating as a major trafficker and criminal sale and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Authorities also seized 32 kilograms of cocaine, 117 grams of heroin mixed with fentanyl, more than $490,000 and 15 firearms, according to indictments unsealed in Onondaga County Court in Syracuse.
SALEM, Ore. (AP)  Commissioners from four Oregon counties have appointed an aide to former state Rep. Mike Nearman to fill the seat left open after the GOP lawmaker was expelled from the Legislature for letting protesters into the closed state Capitol last year.

Republican Anna Scharf will serve House District 23 for the remainder of Nearman's term, which lasts until January 2023. Scharf, a farmer and former lobbyist, worked as a legislative policy analyst for Nearman the past two sessions.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reported that nine of the 11 commissioners from Polk, Marion, Yamhill and Benton counties, in the district south of Portland, voted for her.

Nearman himself was among the five candidates who were nominated by local Republican Party officials.

If you want someone to go to Salem and bring home the bacon for House District 23 and be in the speakers office wheeling and dealing, Im maybe not your guy. I dont have a good track record in doing that, Nearman said during his brief opening remarks Tuesday. But if you want someone who is willing to stand up to powerful people there, I am willing to do that for you.

Yamhill County Commissioner Mary Starrett cast the sole vote for Nearman, saying shed made up her mind to vote for whomever local Republicans had offered as their first choice. Voting for anyone else would be taking the voice away from the people, she said.

Polk Commissioner Mike Ainsworth said that when local Republican Party officials selected Nearman as one of the nominees to fill the vacancy, it was "a slap in the face to the Legislature.

Any one of the other four (candidates) would do a wonderful job, said Ainsworth, who voted for Scharf.

Scharf, of Amity, offered no words of support for her former boss, but instead spoke about her relationships with other lawmakers and her continuous work at the Capitol.

When (Nearman) was expelled from the Legislature, I stayed behind, she said. His chief of staff and I were still there every single day. I felt that that was really important.

The Statesman Journal reported that in the hours leading up to Nearman's expulsion, Scharf asked the lawmaker to resign out of concern about what the vote might do to party unity. He declined to do so.

During a special legislative session in December, a group of people  some toting guns  gathered outside Oregon's Capitol to protest the building's closure to the public and other ongoing statewide coronavirus restrictions.

At one point, Nearman left the Capitol, letting in protesters who had planned to occupy the Statehouse.

In June, the Oregon House voted 59-1 to remove Nearman, marking the first time a member has been expelled by the chamber in its 160-year history. The only vote against the expulsion resolution was Nearmans own.

Nearman still faces two misdemeanor charges in the Statehouse breach. He has not yet entered a plea.
Currently Reading

Alert: Authorities say western Indiana police office shot and killed in line of duty outside federal office building
Currently Reading

Alert: Federal judge faults US Air Force over gunman's history for Texas church attack that killed more than two dozen people
DETROIT (AP)  Amtrak plans to spend $7.3 billion to replace 83 passenger trains, some nearly a half-century old, though much of the funding must still be approved by Congress.

Amtrak said Wednesday that under the contract with German manufacturer Siemens AG, some of the trains will be hybrids, able to operate on diesel fuel and electricity where wires are available. The new trains will replace Amfleet, Metroliner and state-owned equipment starting in 2024.

The new engines and passenger cars will be built at a U.S. factory in Sacramento, California.

The new trains will have more comfortable seating, better ventilation systems, individual power outlets and USB ports, onboard WiFi, and panoramic windows. Amtrak CEO William Flynn says they'll pollute far less than the older trains when operating in diesel mode.

The trains will go to lines in New York, New England, California, the Northwest, Virginia and elsewhere. The railroad has an option to buy 130 additional trains from Siemens.

Siemens says the first delivery will be in 2024 to the Cascades line in the northwest, with the rest continuing through 2030. Manufacturing will start in 2023. The trains will have an engine and roughly six to eight cars.

The contract will include equipment and a long-term parts supply and service agreement, the statement says.

In an interview, Flynn said the trains will be capable of traveling up to 125 mph (201 kilometers per hour), and they will be able to shift from electric mode to diesel without current delays due to switching engines. Trains often are limited to 90 mph (145 kilometers per hour) by track conditions, he said.

Amtrak says money will come from about $200 million already approved by Congress, as well as future funding that has to be approved. We expect that we will have annual funding for our portion of the train sets," he said. "If there should be a moment in time when that money isnt specifically available, we have the ability to finance the units as well, Flynn said. That money would be repaid by states with trains, and passenger fares, he said.

Amtrak's board has approved up to $4.9 billion for equipment, parts and service and $2 billion to modify its facilities. Initially Amtrak will buy 73 trains and a 20-year parts and service agreement for about $3.4 billion.

Amtrak ridership hit a record 32.4 million passengers in 2019 before the coronavirus pandemic hit, Flynn said. Passenger volume is about 62% of what it was before the pandemic, he said.

Prior to the pandemic Amtrak operated around 310 trains per day, but now it's about 201. Flynn expects the schedule to be fully restored by September or October.

In 2016, Amtrak contracted with French train maker Alstom to build 28 high-speed trains for the Acela Express service in the Northeast Corridor.

The infrastructure bill proposed by the administration of President Joe Biden has $66 billion for freight and passenger rail. Biden regularly rode Amtrak between Washington and his home in Wilmington, Delaware, during his 36 years as a senator and has proposed a big increase in federal money for the rail service.

Supporters say that increased use of public transit and rail would reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The FBI is taking the unusual step of ordering a new look at the autopsy of Black motorist Ronald Greene to consider evidence not provided after his 2019 death, including graphic body camera video of Louisiana state troopers stunning, punching and dragging him after a high-speed chase.

The re-examined autopsy is part of a federal civil rights investigation that has taken on new urgency in the nearly two months since The Associated Press obtained and published the video of Greenes arrest. Federal prosecutors also met with his family last month and made clear they plan to present the case to a grand jury by the summers end.

They wanted to emphasize to the family that theyre serious this time, said the familys attorney, Lee Merritt. Their new enthusiasm is based on the public pressure thats come from the release of the videos."

The autopsy could be crucial in determining if anyone is charged in the case. The initial examination of Greenes body two years ago failed to determine whether his most severe injuries were caused by the troopers' violent use of force or a minor crash that followed the police chase.

Several people familiar with the case told the AP that the FBI recently asked Dr. Frank J. Peretti, who conducted the initial autopsy, to take another look that takes into account a raft of evidence the Louisiana State Police refused to provide the first time, including the troopers body camera footage and even the most basic police reports. His review in the coming days, which will focus on the supporting evidence and not require another exam of Greenes long-buried body, could result in a revised autopsy report.

No cause of death is carved in stone, Peretti told the AP. Sometimes additional investigative materials become available years later that you didnt have. The correct thing to do is to review it.

The materials that weren't shared for the initial autopsy are just part of the secrecy that has shrouded Greenes May 2019 death, which state police initially blamed on a crash following a high-speed chase outside Monroe. The ranking officer at the scene of Greenes arrest denied the existence of his own body camera footage for two years, and state police did not open an administrative investigation into the troopers use of force until 474 days after Greenes death.

The autopsy, conducted at the Arkansas State Crime Lab, listed Greenes cause of death as cocaine induced agitated delirium complicated by motor vehicle collision, physical struggle, inflicted head injury and restraint. But it notably left unanswered whether the crash or excessive police force caused his most severe injuries, including a fractured breastbone and lacerated aorta.

There were lacerations of the head inconsistent with motor vehicle collision injury, the 10-page autopsy report says. These injuries are most consistent with multiple impact sites from a blunt object.

An independent autopsy commissioned by Greene's family days after his death found it was not possible to determine the cause," citing a significant lack of information regarding the circumstances.

Capt. Nick Manale, a state police spokesman, said in a statement that the agency has offered "full cooperation" to the federal investigation and "provided all necessary documents. He did not answer a question about why some materials were withheld from the initial autopsy.

The FBI declined to comment. The Justice Department said in a statement: If the investigation reveals prosecutable violations of any federal criminal statutes, the Department will take appropriate action.

The new activity follows mounting criticism that the federal investigation into Greenes death has moved far too slowly.

John Belton, the Union Parish district attorney, referred the case to federal authorities in September 2019, telling colleagues he was aghast at the body camera footage. But more than five months passed before the FBIs satellite office in Monroe even collected the case file, according to law enforcement officials familiar with the matter.

We do appreciate that the case is moving forward, but the pace is still a problem for the family, Merritt said. Theyre just not acting swiftly enough.

In June 2020, federal authorities subpoenaed an array of training materials from state police ranging from use of force to the provision of medical care to arrested persons, according to documents obtained by AP.

The federal subpoena also requested training records for Chris Hollingsworth and Dakota DeMoss, the two troopers who first encountered Greene and rushed his SUV following the high-speed chase. Hollingsworth, who later admitted striking Greene in the head with a flashlight, died last year in a single-vehicle crash hours after he learned he would be fired for his role in the Greene case.

The FBI in recent weeks has focused on the question of whether troopers willfully mistreated Greene, seeking to determine, among other things, whether he was pepper-sprayed after being handcuffed. A use-of-force report authored by Hollingsworth includes a reference to the pepper-spray, but its unclear from the body camera video exactly when the chemical was deployed.

State and federal authorities also are examining whether troopers can be charged for showing deliberate indifference to Greenes medical needs or for failing to intervene in his violent arrest  such as when Master Trooper Kory York dragged the man on his stomach by his ankle shackles.

Troopers also have been criticized for ordering the heavyset, 49-year-old Greene to remain facedown on the ground with his hands and feet restrained for more than nine minutes  a tactic use-of-force experts described as dangerous and likely to have restricted his breathing.

Dont you turn over! Lay on your belly! Lay on your belly! York yells before briefly dragging Greene by the chain connecting his ankles.
Sunday, July 11

On this date in 1835, Capt. James H. Tevis, early Arizona pioneer and founder of Tevistown, now known as Bowie, was born.

On this date in 1850, Louis J.F. Yeager arrived with 11 other men to establish a ferry at Yuma Crossing. They began by building a stockade on the California side of the river.

On this date in 1854, William Fourr, pioneer Arizona miner and rancher, was born.

On this date in 1923, the Arizona Cattle Growers Association met at Flagstaff and voted to incorporate.

On this date in 1958, the 30,000-acre Monument Valley Tribal Park, the first park established on the Navajo reservation, was established by a resolution of the Navajo Advisory Committee of the Navajo Tribal Council.

Monday, July 12

On this date in 1832, William Kirkland, who is said to have been the man who raised the first American flag in Tucson in 1855, was born.

On this date in 1917, it was reported that a burro slaughter house had been set up at the Arivaca Land and Cattle Co. ranch. Burro meat and hides were reportedly being dried and shipped east.

On this date in 1917, nearly 1,200 IWW strikers were deported from Bisbee by county officials and citizens posses. Strikers were held at the ballpark until a special 24-car train arrived from Douglas to pick them up.

Tuesday, July 13

On this date in 1890, John Charles Fremont, Army officer, explorer, presidential nominee and the fifth Territorial Governor of Arizona, died.

On this date in 1903, at the town of Bonita, some three miles from Fort Grant, men from Troops I and M of the 14th Cavalry became involved in a spectacular fight with men from Troop E of the same regiment. Revolvers, carbines, knives and sling shots were used. One hundred shots were fired, a house was wrecked and one man died.

Wednesday, July 14

On this date in 1882, Johnny Ringo was found shot to death in Turkey Creek Canyon in the Chiricahua Mountains.

On this date in 1890, a fire, originating on Whiskey Row in a miners shack, almost destroyed Prescott. Banks, hotels, stores, the newspaper plant and scores of dwellings were burned.

On this date in 1908, Bisbee High School Alumni launched the first scholarship assistance movement in Arizona.

On this date in 1917, the Livestock Sanitary Board reported it had 18,500 cattle brands on file at the State Capitol.

On this date in 1922, Santa Cruz County sheriff George White was killed and his deputy L.A. Smith was seriously injured in a car crash on the Tucson-Nogales highway. The men were transporting the convicted murderers of the Ruby postmaster to the state prison in Florence. The prisoners escaped, setting off one of the largest manhunts in southern Arizona history.

Thursday, July 15

On this date in 1859, Alexander John Chandler, first veterinary surgeon in Arizona, the introducer of long staple cotton, builder of the Consolidated Canal and San Marcos Resort Hotel and founder of Chandler, was born.

On this date in 1862, advance troops of the California Column were ambushed in Apache Pass by Indians led by Cochise and Mangus Coloradas. The Apaches were finally driven off, but they surrounded the spring in the pass, keeping the troops from the water. The Apaches were finally dislodged from the rocks around the spring with the use of howitzers which the Indians had never seen before.

On this date in 1865, three Hualapai chiefs granted right of way for the Mojave-Prescott toll road to William H. Hardy in exchange for $150 in merchandise.

On this date in 1883, the city of Mesa was incorporated.

On this date in 1898, Jean Baptiste Salpointe, the first Roman Catholic Bishop of Arizona, died.

On this date in 1948, a state Supreme Court decision leads to American Indians gaining the right to vote in Arizona.

On this date in 1960, a Navajo forked pole hogan was tree ring dated to 1387, the earliest date on record.

Friday, July 16

On this date in 1847, the Mormon Battalion was mustered out after blazing the first wagon road through Arizona.

On this date in 1903, heavy rains hit the town of Ashfork and the sidewalks floated down the street in 2 feet (0.6 meters) of water.

Saturday, July 17

On this date in 1781, Father Francisco Garces was killed by Indians at his mission near Yuma.

On this date in 1882, the four-hour long Battle of Big Dry Wash was fought between the Apache Indians and U.S. Cavalry troops on Chevelons Fort.

On this date in 1935, the city of Phoenix purchased Sky Harbor Airport.
SEEKONK, Mass. (AP)  A 66-year-old man has been found shot to death inside a Seekonk home, authorities said.

Police, responding to 911 calls about possible gunfire inside an apartment, went to the scene just before 10 p.m. Tuesday, according to a statement from the office of Bristol District Attorney Thomas Quinn III and Seekonk police.

When first responders arrived, they located the victim in the apartment, according to authorities.

The victim, identified as Joseph Housley, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The investigation is ongoing. No additional information was made public and no arrests have been announced.
BAGHDAD (AP)  U.S.-backed Syrian fighters and American troops foiled an attack with drones Wednesday on a base housing members of the U.S.-led coalition in eastern Syria, the Syrian Democratic Forces said. In neighboring Iraq, rockets hit a base housing U.S. troops, inflicting two minor injuries.

The attacks come as tension has been on the rise between U.S. troops and Iran-backed fighters after American airstrikes in eastern Syria killed four Iraqi fighters late last month in areas along the Syria-Iraq border. The Pentagon said targets attacked on June 27, were facilities used by Iran-backed militia groups to support drone strikes inside Iraq.

The spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition Col. Wayne Marotto said that Al-Assad Air Base in western Iraq was attacked early in the afternoon by 14 rockets that landed on the base and its perimeter, prompting the activation of defensive measures. Marotto later tweeted: 100 % accountability at Ain Al-Assad Air Base after rocket attack. Two personnel sustained minor injuries." The damage was still to be assessed, he added without elaborating.

A statement from the Security Media Cell, affiliated with Iraq's security forces, said a mobile rocket launcher hidden in a truck loaded with bags of flour and parked in the nearby village of Baghdadi was used in the attack. It added that 14 rockets were fired toward the base while the rest exploded on the truck, damaging some village homes and a mosque.

Iraqs government called it a terrorist attack and a flagrant violation of Iraqi laws.

A previously unknown group calling itself The brigades to avenge al-Muhandis," said its members fired 30 rockets toward the base run by American occupiers. It added a message to U.S. troops: We will force you to leave our lands defeated.

The group is named after Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis who was killed last year in a U.S. drone attack in Baghdad along with Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.

In Syria, the U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led forces said in a statement they foiled an attack that was using drones on Wednesday morning on the al-Omar oil field in the eastern province of Deir el-Zour. There were no damages, the statement said.

The same al-Omar base was attacked with two rockets over the weekend, according to the Syrian Kurdish-led forces and a Syrian opposition activist. There were no casualties in that attack. The U.S. military denied there were any attacks on Sunday.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said the drones took off from areas controlled by Iran-backed fighters in the eastern Syrian town of Mayadeen.

Drone attacks against the U.S.-led coalition in Syria are not common. Hundreds of U.S. troops are stationed in northeastern Syria, working with the Kurdish-led fighters in battling the Islamic State group.

Thousands of Iran-backed militiamen from around the Middle East are deployed in different parts of Syria, many of them in areas along the border with Iraq.

The leader of an Iran-backed Iraqi militia vowed on Monday to retaliate against America for the deaths of four of his men in a U.S. airstrike along the Iraq-Syria border last month. Abu Alaa al-Walae, commander of the Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada group, said the revenge attack will be a military operation everyone will talk about.

The U.S. has blamed Iran-backed militias for attacks  most of them rocket strikes  that have targeted the American presence in Baghdad and at military bases across Iraq. The attacks have recently become more sophisticated, with militants using drones.

Late Tuesday, the counter-terrorism unit in Iraqs northern Kurdish-run region reported a drone attack on Irbil airport, near where U.S. forces are based. The statement by the counter-terrorism unit said the attack caused no damage, though the missiles fell in open fields and set fires.

___

Associated Press writer Bassem Mroue in Beirut contributed to this report.
President Joe Biden plans to sign an executive order that will reduce the ability of employers to prevent workers from going to rival firms and remove some of the state occupational licensing requirements that make it harder to land a job.

The order is designed to improve workers' opportunities in the economy, increase their chances of employment and generate more competition among U.S. employers, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Wednesday.

This affects construction workers, hotel workers, many blue collar jobs, not just high level executives, Psaki told reporters aboard Air Force One, adding that Biden believes that if someone offers you a better job, you should be able to take it.

The order would be a key test as to whether empowering workers will lead to pay hikes and smooth the way for them to move to parts of the country where their skills are most in demand. It also enables Biden to show in the 2022 congressional elections how Democratic policies are focused on workers, a key argument as Republicans have increasingly tried to frame their party as backing the working class.

The forthcoming order will direct the Federal Trade Commission to restrict and potentially bar so-called noncompete agreements, which have stopped workers in industries including fast food and Big Tech from going to other employers for higher pay. A 2019 analysis by the liberal Economic Policy Institute estimated that 36 million to 60 million workers could be subject to noncompete agreements.

The order also seeks to ban unnecessary" occupational licensing that can hurt the earning power of military spouses, skilled immigrants and former prisoners. The requirements can limit the ability of teachers or hair stylists to move across state lines, while also making some spend money at for-profit schools to affirm skills they already have. Roughly 30% of U.S. jobs require a license, according to a 2018 FTC report.

This effort builds on work begun in 2015 by the Obama administration to get states to reduce the burdens from their licensing requirements.

The order will also toughen guidance to the FTC and the Justice Department to prevent employers from sharing wage and benefits data with each other so they can suppress worker incomes. The New York Times first reported Wednesday all the worker-focused elements of the order.

It was unclear when the order would be signed.
Alex Brandon/AP

WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden will host Jordan's King Abdullah II at the White House on July 19, just months after the detention of his half-brother amid a rare moment of palace intrigue for the close American ally.

The White House says Abdullah, Queen Rania and Crown Prince Hussein will visit with the Bidens to highlight the enduring and strategic partnership between the United States and Jordan.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  A new pack of gray wolves has been identified in Northern California, becoming the third pack to establish itself in the state in the last century, state wildlife officials and conservationists said.

Three wolves in the Beckworth pack were first spotted in May on a trail camera in Plumas County near the California-Nevada state line, after the tracks of two wolves were detected earlier this year in the same area, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said.

For conservationists, the discovery marks a milestone in the states efforts to revive its population of wild wolves, SFGate reported. Gray wolves are native to California, but disappeared in the 1920s. Most were likely killed through hunting or to control predation on other animals.

This is such wonderful news, said Amaroq Weiss, senior West Coast wolf advocate with the Center for Biological Diversity.

The species is protected under the California Endangered Species Act. Killing a wolf is a potential crime subject to serious penalties, including prison time.

Ranchers in the area are less enthusiastic about the growing wolf population.

Its one of our worst nightmares, Rick Roberti of Roberti Ranch in southeast Plumas County told SFGate.

Roberti, who is president of the Plumas-Sierra Cattlemens Association, said ranchers report wolf attacks on their cattle and feel there is nothing they can do to stop it.

In January, the Trump administration removed endangered species protections from gray wolves, ending longstanding federal safeguards and putting states and tribes in charge of overseeing the predators.

Environmental and animal-rights groups say the move was premature because wolves havent returned to most of their historical range. They are pushing the Biden administration to reverse it.

Wisconsin was the first state to resume hunting of wolves. A study released this week by University of Wisconsin scientists says that as many as one-third of Wisconsins gray wolves likely died at the hands of humans in the months after the federal government announced it was ending legal protections.

The study estimates that poaching and hunting have reduced the statewide wolf total to between 695 and 751, down from at least 1,034 in spring 2020, though some other scientists say more direct evidence is needed for some of the calculations.

Scientists involved in the study said the findings should serve notice to wildlife managers in other states with wolves.
BELEN, N.M. (AP)  The central New Mexico city of Belen was mopping up after a storm dropped heavy rain, causing a canal to breach and resulting in street flooding that stranded motorists.

The breach was secured by Wednesday morning but standing water remained in some areas after the Tuesday night storm, local news outlets reported.
ST. LOUIS (AP)  An early-morning series of crashes on an interstate near St. Louis has left three people dead, the Missouri State Highway Patrol said.

The chain-reaction began around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday on southbound lanes of Interstate 270 at Kirkwood, the patrol said. The first crash involved a semitrailer and a car that left two people inside the passenger car dead, according to investigators.
PHOENIX (AP)  Lawyers arguing over whether Arizona voters who didnt sign their early ballots should get up to five days after the election to fix the problem were peppered with questions by an appeals court about the other types of situations in which the state lets people correct ballot flaws.

One judge also questioned whether those who turn in ballots without signatures might just have to live with those mistakes.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco heard arguments Wednesday in an appeal of a ruling in September that concluded Arizonas election-day deadline for curing missing signatures unjustifiably burdened the right to vote. Even with the ruling, there were no cure periods for missing signatures after Election Day during the 2020 primary and general elections.

The Democratic groups that filed the lawsuit pointed out that state election rules allow county recorders five days after the election for voters whose signatures dont match those on file to come to the office and show they actually signed the ballot. The same goes for people who arrive at the polls to vote in-person but lack required identification.

Republican Attorney General Mark Brnovichs office appealed the ruling, arguing a state law requires absentee ballots to be returned with a signature by close of polls on Election Day. State and national Republican groups joined in arguing against giving extra time to fix unsigned ballots.

Democratic Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, Arizonas chief election officer, wanted the extra five days included in the states latest election procedures manual, but Brnovich refused to sign off on the provision, so Hobbs removed it.

Judge Atsushi Wallace Tashima asked Drew Ensign, an attorney with Brnovichs office, whether it was reasonable, when confronting the issue of unsigned ballots, to consider how Arizona deals with other balloting flaws.

Ensign said its reasonable to treat voters whose signatures dont match those on file differently than those who simply didnt sign their ballots. Mismatched signatures are typically not the voters fault, whereas those who dont sign their ballots are to blame, Ensign said.

The state is spending resources to prevent peoples voters from being disqualified through no fault of their own is an entirely reasonable thing to do, Ensign said.

Daniel Shapiro, an attorney representing the GOP groups, said unsigned ballots carry a high risk of fraud and pose additional administrative burdens on voting officials as they face deadlines for completing vote counting.

Signing an unsigned ballot after election day is in effect voting after election day  and there is no right to do that. And preventing that does not impose any burden on the plaintiffs, Shapiro told the appeals court.

Under questioning by Judge Susan Graber, Elisabeth Frost, an attorney representing the Democratic groups that filed the lawsuit, acknowledged the groups arent claiming that the deadline imposes a disadvantage on a protected class of people.

Graber pointed out the problems being examined in the lawsuit were because of mistakes made by voters who didnt sign their ballot envelopes and noted that theres no way for voters who regret their selection in a given political race to undo their vote a week after the election.

How does that factor play into the reasonableness of saying, If its your mistake, at some point you have to live with it  and that point may be the end of the voting period? Graber asked.

Frost drew parallels between voters who didnt sign ballots and those who showed up at the polls without IDs. Those who forgot their IDs are given five days to fix their problems, Frost said.

Arizona has never explained why it justifies treating this group of voters  who to the extent they made a mistaken, arguably made the same mistake that the voter ID voters made  from curing their ballot, Frost said.
BILOXI, Miss. (AP)  The reward for information leading to the arrests of suspects involved in arsons at multiple Walmart stores in Mississippi and Alabama has gone up.

Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers is offering $10,000 for the arrests of the arsonists who set the fires in Walmart stores in Gulfport and Biloxi and Mobile, Alabama. This is in addition to the $2,500 reward offered by the FBI, WLOX-TV reported.
LEAGUE CITY, Texas (AP)  Dozens of children and adults have tested positive for COVID-19 after attending a Texas church camp. Three tested positive for the highly contagious delta variant.

Fifty-seven adults and youths from Galveston County tested positive, including six patients who were fully vaccinated against COVID-19, said Dr. Philip Keiser, the countys local health authority. More than 90 others, including some from outside the county, have reported positive test results to Galveston County health officials, he said.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP)  Alabamas low vaccination rate makes the state vulnerable to an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths, an infectious disease expert warned Wednesday.

Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, director of the University of Alabama at Birminghams Division of Infectious Diseases, said hospitalization rates are increasing exactly as we saw before in regions of the country with low vaccination rates.

We are starting to see that trend and are very, very concerned, Marrazzo said of Alabama.

Alabama has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country with about one-third of people fully vaccinated.

Marrazzo warned that unvaccinated people can be a factory for virus variants because it increases the opportunity for the virus to mutate into new forms that allow it to do all those things that we are scared of.

The virus loves unvaccinated people. Why? Because its a complete party. They get in there. They can multiply.

Alabama has seen a slight uptick in COVID-19 hospitalizations and the percent of tests coming back positive, state numbers show. There were 256 people in state hospitals with COVID-19 on Wednesday, although that is a fraction of the 3,000 that were hospitalized at the peak of the pandemic.

Dr. Don Williamson, the former state health officer who now heads the Alabama Hospital Association, said he thinks the increase is tied to low vaccination rate plus the spread of the highly contagious delta variant.

However, he said he is hopeful it wont return to where it was in January because of the high vaccination rate among elderly people, who are most at risk for complications.

The percentage of tests returning positive for COVID-19 has increased to 4.8%, the highest point since mid-May, the Alabama Department of Public Health said in a news release.

Young people and others who are taking a wait-and-see stance on vaccination should be aware that they need to protect themselves, their families, friends, and communities by getting vaccinated as soon as they can, the department said.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP)  The man who killed five people at a Maryland newspaper suffers from autism, obsessive compulsive disorder and delusional disorder, a mental health expert retained by his attorneys testified Tuesday during a trial to determine whether he is criminally responsible due to insanity.

Dr. Catherine Yeager was the second mental health expert to testify about disorders that attorneys say afflict Jarrod Ramos in a case that will largely be a battle between mental health experts.

She testified that she supported a previous doctor's diagnosis revealed in court last week that Ramos suffers from autism spectrum disorder." Dr. Thomas Hyde, a neurologist and neuroscientist also retained by defense attorneys, said Ramos "falls in the milder to moderate spectrum of these problems. Prosecutors questioned his report's validity last week, noting an error and alleging the findings relied too much on Ramos' account.

Defense attorneys, who have the burden of proof and are presenting their case first, have another mental health expert set to testify as soon as Wednesday who contends Ramos is not criminally responsible due to mental illness.

Ramos already has pleaded guilty to 23 counts in the killings of Wendi Winters, John McNamara, Gerald Fischman, Rob Hiaasen and Rebecca Smith at the Capital Gazette newspaper on June 28, 2018. If he were found not criminally responsible, he would be committed to a maximum-security psychiatric hospital instead of prison.

Prosecutors, who are seeking life without possibility of parole, also have experts they plan to call who believe Ramos is criminally responsible.

Yeager, a clinical psychologist, gave examples in court of how the disorders have shown themselves in Ramos over the years, based on screenings and evaluations during 15 hours of interviews over three days with him, a phone conversation with a former friend and Ramos' sister.

Some of the examples Yeager cited came from the 41-year-old's years in elementary school, when a friend described him as a rigid thinker who tended to dress the same way every day and lined up action figures meticulously.

The friend also knew Ramos when he returned for high school after a period of living in England with his family, Yeager said. The friend described Ramos as a changed person who would go on ranting about different things.

She also testified of about 20 rituals or obsessive thoughts that Ramos described to her. Yeager said Ramos told her that in high school he felt painfully aware of his presence around other people  and felt he was somehow infringing on other people in face-to-face encounters. As a result, he avoided being around people.

What he said to me was, in high school when he was out of a persons presence, he felt relief, Yeager said.

In what she described as one of the more bizarre examples, Yeager said he told her during an interview with her and colleague, Dr. Dorothy Lewis, that he has an automatic thought process of symmetry, so when he speaks to people their noses have to line up as an equilateral triangle.

So that gives you an example of a very irrational obsession," Yeager said.

Ramos also told Yeager he has a fear of filth and germs that he believes started when he was a young adult, and he spoke of a ritual he goes through when he showers.

He has a procedure for every part of his body, Yeager, whose testimony is scheduled to continue Wednesday, said.

Ramos had a well-documented history of harassing the Capital Gazette's journalists. He filed a lawsuit against the paper in 2012, alleging he was defamed in an article about his guilty plea in a criminal harassment case in 2011. The defamation suit was dismissed as groundless.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP)  The assassination of President Jovenel Moise seemed to have thrown an already turbulent nation into chaos on Wednesday, with a muddled line of succession. Here is a look at the situation:

WHO WAS THE ASSASSINATED PRESIDENT?

Jovenel Moise was a 48-year-old businessman and political neophyte when he was sworn in as president of Haiti on Feb. 7, 2017. The former banana producer inherited a nation in turmoil  one that had gone a year without an elected leader in place. He leaves it in chaos as well.

Taking office, he pledged to strengthen institutions, fight corruption and bring more investment and jobs to the hemisphere's poorest nation. We can change Haiti if we work together, Moise said on the grounds of what used to be the national palace  one of many buildings obliterated by a January 2010 earthquake that killed thousands of Haitians.

But togetherness never arrived, and his administration was plagued by massive protests from the start. Even his initial election in 2015 was annulled, forcing a re-do that he also won. Critics accused him of growing increasingly authoritarian. He had been ruling by decree for more than a year after dissolving a majority of Parliament in January 2020 amid a delay in legislative elections.

In February, Moise told the U.N. Security Council that powerful oligarchs had made seven attempts to overthrow him. He also announced that month that about 20 people had been arrested in an assassination plot. But an appeals court later rejected the claim and released the accused plotters, who included a judge and a police inspector general.

___

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE ASSASSINATION?

Details so far are slim. Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph said highly trained gunmen, some speaking Spanish or English, killed the president at his home. The first lady also was shot and wounded. He said police and the armed forces were controlling security. A resident who lives near the presidents home compared the sound of the shooting to an earthquake.

Bocchit Edmond, the Haitian ambassador to the U.S., described the attackers as well trained professional commandos and foreign mercenaries who were masquerading as U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents. He did not comment on possible suspects or motives and said Haiti has asked the U.S. government for assistance in the investigation.

Hours after the killing, authorities announced that police had killed four suspects and arrested two others. Officials, however, gave no details on their identities or possible motive.

___

WHAT IS THE SITUATION IN HAITI?

The country has struggled with political instability  along with dire poverty and crime  since the end of the brutal dictatorships of Francois and Jean-Claude Duvalier from 1957 to 1986.

Criminal gangs this year have driven thousands of people from their homes, protesters demanding Moise's ouster in 2019 shut down much of the economy and the country has yet to begin vaccinating its 11 million people against the new coronavirus, which is surging.

Bruno Maes, Haitis representative for the U.N.s children agency, last month compared the gang situation to guerrilla warfare, with thousands of children and women caught in the crossfire. Pierre Esperance, executive director of the Haitian National Human Rights Defense Network, said gangs control about 60% of the countrys territory.

Police and the military, too, have been troubled, often targeted by gangs. Masked officers who said they belonged to a disgruntled faction stormed several police stations in March to free comrades who'd been accused of participating in a coup attempt. The army was re-inaugurated only in 2017. It had been disbanded in 1995 after the fall of a dictatorship.

Political strife has deepened since Feb. 7, when opposition leaders claim Moises legal term had expired  five years after he would have taken office if the initial vote had been allowed. Moise argued it ends in February 2022 since he wasnt sworn in until 2017.

The government has been without a formal prime minister since April, when Joseph Jouthe resigned amid a spike in killings and kidnappings. His replacement has not yet been approved by the parliament.

With Moise ruling by decree, the government has scheduled new elections for September and a possible runoff in November. The government also has pushed a referendum on a new constitution that critics allege might allow the president to extend his power. But that vote has also been delayed.

___

WHATS NEXT?

Authorities have closed the international airport and declared a state of siege.

Under the Haitian Constitution, the president of the Supreme Court would temporarily take over. But he recently died of COVID-19. The National Assembly would then select a new leader. But that's not possible because there's effectively no current legislature: The terms of the lower house members have all expired as well as two-thirds of those in the Senate.

That leaves the acting prime minister, Joseph, in charge along with his fellow government ministers, according to Haitian attorney Salim Succar, once chief of staff to former Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe.

But Joseph had only an interim role. Moise was killed a day after he nominated Ariel Henry, a neurosurgeon, as Haitis new prime minister. He had not been confirmed, however. The uncertainty could create more volatility ahead of general elections later this year.

___

Associated Press writer Ben Fox in Washington contributed to this report.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  A Tennessee health lab owner has been charged with orchestrating a fake Medicare billing scheme, a federal prosecutor announced.

Fadel Alshalabi, 53, of Waxhaw, North Carolina, was charged in a criminal complaint with aiding and abetting and violating an anti-kickback statute, acting U.S. Attorney Mary Jane Stewart said in a news release Tuesday.

The statement said Alshalabi is the owner and CEO of Spring Hill-based Crestar Labs, which billed Medicare about $86 million for genetic testing from 2017 to 2021 and was paid nearly $14 million for those claims.

According to the complaint, Alshalabi engaged in a scheme to pay kickbacks in exchange for the solicitation of genetic tests from Medicare beneficiaries through mouth swabs. Telemedicine doctors who did not treat the patients approved the tests.

It wasn't known whether Alshalabi has an attorney who could comment on the charges, which carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison upon conviction.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP)  A Florida couple is suing a Catholic school and demanding the return of a large donation, saying it isn't adhering to Catholic values because of the way it's handling issues like race and accepting the LGBTQ community.

Anthony and Barbara Scarpo filed their lawsuit against the Academy of the Holy Names last month after one of their daughter graduated and a second transferred to another school, the Tampa Bay Times reported.
BERLIN (AP)  German investigators on Wednesday raided the homes of two acquaintances of an Islamic State group sympathizer who carried out a deadly shooting in Vienna in November, prosecutors said.

The two men may have known about gunman Kujtim Fejzulai's plans for the attack and failed to inform authorities, instead erasing material on their cellphones and social media platforms to cover up their connections to Fejzulai, federal prosecutors said in a statement.
WASHINGTON (RNS)  As the U.S. House of Representatives began calling the roll last month to vote on a repeal of the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force, staffers at the Friends Committee on National Legislation couldnt stop messaging each other.

According to Shoshana Abrams, a manager of advocacy teams at the FCNL, her colleagues began frantically chatting over Zoom as the votes trickled in. Meanwhile, members of FCNLs volunteer network exchanged exuberant emails, their excitement peaking as they watched numbers tick up among a difficult-to-persuade demographic: Republicans.

It was like: 20 Republicans! 47 Republicans! Abrams said in an interview. It was our team really seeing that their work was paying off.

As with most legislative victories, many organizations played a role in the 268-161 House vote to repeal the 2002 AUMF, which originally authorized then-President George W. Bushs invasion of Iraq. But few focused on the issue longer or more doggedly than the FCNL, which has toiled for years to stop what it describes as the endless wars launched by the United States. As the AUMF repeal effort moves to the Senate, activists are celebrating the culmination of decades of quiet  but persistent  faith-rooted advocacy.

Peace is possible! tweeted FCNL General Secretary Diane Randall after the vote.

___

This content is written and produced by Religion News Service and distributed by The Associated Press. RNS and AP partner on some religion news content. RNS is solely responsible for this story.

___

Founded in 1943, the Quaker group  whose tradition often refers to members as friends  has long taken an anti-war posture. It lobbied against conscription during World War II and launched a successful, decade-long campaign to defeat legislation in the 1950s that would have required military training for young men.

The group hasnt let up since. Its headquarters still sits just across the street from Senate offices on Capitol Hill, often adorned with distinctive blue-and-white signs decrying war.

The anti-war theology of the Quakers, though, traces its roots back much further  to a 17th century letter sent by Quakers to King Charles II of England, according to Alicia McBride, FCNLs director of Quaker leadership. The letter, now known as the Peace Testimony, condemned all outward wars and strife and fightings with outward weapons, for any end, or under any pretense whatsoever.

According to historians, Quaker communities largely maintained those beliefs when they arrived in what would become the United States. Adherents generally declined to participate in the American Revolution: Some of their governing bodies declared neutrality in the conflict, and the small number of Quakers who aided the fighting were often exiled from the community for violating the Peace Testimony.

McBride said the original Peace Testimony likely had a lot to do with the politics of the era  namely, assuring a worried king Quakers wouldnt rise up against him. But it nonetheless outlined a theology that has guided many Quakers ever since.

(Its) this idea that there is that of God in each person, and each person has access to the divine, McBride said. So to kill someone is to deny that of God in them.

FCNL brings similar religious zeal for the dignity of life to a variety of issues, such as nuclear disarmament, ending gun violence, opposing the death penalty, acting to prevent climate change and working to convince the U.S. government to put peacebuilding and violence prevention  not the military at the center of its foreign policy.

McBride was quick to note Quakerism expresses a range of beliefs; many eschew traditional ordained leadership, for instance, whereas some allow for clergy. The denomination can be traced back to George Fox, a 17th century Englishman who founded the tradition after growing frustrated with the Church of England and other religious voices of his day. In addition to insisting direct encounters with God can occur without assistance from clergy, he and others in his community developed atypical worship practices that reflect their interpretation of early Christianity.

Its an old tradition, but not an especially sizable one. The Friends World Committee for Consultation estimated less than 400,000 members worldwide in 2017, and FCNL leaders said they dont know of any Quakers currently serving in Congress. FCNL staffers told Religion News Service they are largely funded by individual donors, both Quakers and non-Quakers.

But what they lack in numbers they make up for in fervor. McBride described many of FCNLs religious supporters as unprogrammed Quakers who engage in largely silent worship services  sometimes bringing that Quakerism to lawmakers.

We have some teams that insist every lobby visit start with Quaker silence, Abrams said. You better believe that no one on Capitol Hill starts a meeting with four or five minutes of silence.

The Quaker embrace of silence is often attributed to Psalm 46:10 from the Bible: Be still and know that I am God.

Religious opposition to war is hardly a Quaker invention. Its one of three peace churches that champion forms of pacifism and anti-war sentiment, the other two being Mennonites and the Church of the Brethren. Similar beliefs can be found across a broad spectrum of faith traditions (Abrams noted she isnt even Quaker herself), and FCNLs work often involves building like-minded coalitions that span religious and political divides.

You dont have to be a Quaker to think its a bad idea to be in these wars, McBride said.

Organizers for FCNL say theirs is a form of long-game advocacy that can garner results in the right moment, such as the recent AUMF repeal vote. When Rep. Barbara Lee, a California Democrat who sponsored the bill, took a moment on the House floor earlier last month to thank groups that helped the cause, the first organization she named was FCNL. Lee, who also voted against war power resolutions in both 2001 and 2002, mentioned FCNL again a few days later during an appearance on MSNBC.

FCNL is one of the most well-organized and strategic advocacy teams in Washington, Lee told RNS. Their advocates always speak with detailed knowledge and moral clarity. I have found them to be an invaluable ally in our shared efforts to end war and advance human rights and needs.

Bipartisan support will be key as the effort reaches a divided Senate, Abrams said. In addition to President Joe Biden backing the idea of narrowing existing AUMFs in general, support for repealing the 2002 AUMF runs the ideological gamut, with advocates ranging from the American Civil Liberties Union to the Heritage Foundation. Both Abrams and McBride also noted that FCNLs long-standing efforts now coincide with waning support for military intervention abroad  not to mention Bidens withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.

I think the moment is finally right, Abrams said. Though it isnt the first time the House has voted to repeal the 2002 AUMF, she noted that when it did so in 2020, it was with far less bipartisan support.

Abrams argued that FCNL benefits from relationships it has built with members of both parties, often by relying on a personalized form of advocacy. She recalled a recent meeting with a Republican lawmakers staff: When an activist for FCNL discussed the damage post-traumatic stress disorder can do to military families, a GOP aide perked up.

Immediately the staffer in that meeting was able to connect with us and said, You know, we experienced the same thing in my family, Abrams said.

The power of those relationships will soon be tested further. The 2002 AUMF is only one of several AUMFs, and Abrams said it isnt currently being used for any ongoing military actions. However, a separate debate is already brewing around a 2001 AUMF authorizing war against the perpetrators of the September 11, 2001, attacks. Various presidents expanded its interpretation over the years  such as invoking it to justify aggression against the Islamic State group  and it is being used to defend ongoing military action.

We spend a lot of time as the (FCNL) advocacy teams network educating members of Congress on what the difference was between the 2001 and 2002 AUMF, she said. Its been a huge effort to separate those pieces of legislation in their view, and to really consider one and then move on to the other.

Come what may, McBride said FCNL will continue advocating for the same religious ideal it has championed since 1943: protecting the divine in everyone.

We have been so consistent in trying to carry out policies that are true to this belief for the entire length of our history, she said. Even if people dont come to the position were asking them to for the same reason that we do  as Friends, theres a respect for that consistency, that trying to bring something better into being.
KAMPALA, Uganda (AP)  Holding out for nearly $9,000 in unpaid medical bills, one hospital in Uganda allegedly refused to hand over the dead body of a patient who had received oxygen therapy for several days.

Tofa Tamale said he tried to reason with hospital managers, hoping for an arrangement that would preserve his mother's dignity. After a lawsuit was threatened, the body was released to the family but with no post-mortem report.

The hospital didn't give us a single piece of documentation," said Tamale, who believes his mother had COVID-19 before she suffered a stroke.

The case, one of two publicly known as this East African country sees a surge in COVID-19 infections, has shocked many in a socially conservative society where bereavement customs are strictly observed.

You cant say youre holding onto a dead body in order for you to get your fee. Thats repugnant, said Joseph Luzige, an attorney who represented Tamale.

The case also highlights the sense of chaos in COVID-19 care as Ugandans grapple with the high cost of treatment. Some hospitals are accused of demanding cash deposits upfront before admission. Others are said to demand security items such as title deeds in lieu of cash, drawing the attention of an anti-corruption investigator who says her office has received over 200 complaints.

Uganda has confirmed a total of 84,554 COVID-19 cases, including 1,995 deaths as of Wednesday. Authorities are reporting dozens of deaths a day.

As in many other African countries, the actual number of infections and deaths are believed to be much higher because testing is not widely available. And now the speed and scale of Africas third wave is like nothing weve seen before," the World Health Organizations Africa director, Matshidiso Moeti, said last week.

The highly infectious delta variant is fueling Africa's new surge in cases, a worrying situation on a continent where just over 1% of the continent's 1.3 billion people are fully vaccinated.

In Uganda, where less than 1% of the country's 44 million people have received even one shot of the AstraZeneca vaccine, hundreds of new cases daily are overwhelming public health centers and creating more business for private facilities, which traditionally accept cash.

Some hospitals with COVID-19 wards have charged nearly $1,500 in daily treatment fees, a prohibitive sum for most Ugandans. Many are now self-medicating within their homes, experimenting with everything from traditional medicine to new herbal remedies.

There are many Ugandans who are dying in their homes simply because they fear to face high-deposit hospital fees, Col. Edith Nakalema, leader of an anti-corruption unit under the presidency, said in a series of Twitter posts. If you have not yet suffered this personally remember that you might suffer it soon.

Grace Kiwanuka, executive director of an association of private health groups, said hospitals are caught between a rock and a hard place as they balance their obligations to patients and business concerns in an unprecedented pandemic. The market is dictating certain prices we have to pay, she said, citing complicated COVID-19 cases of patients with kidney failure who stay in intensive care units for several days.

Some die, leaving hefty bills that hospital directors have to account for, she said: I feel for these people. I really do. But the fact is, this is medicine.

The fear of detaining patients  dead or alive  over medical bills is a source of frustration, said Sarah Mirembe, who recently accused a hospital director of not honoring his word to waive certain fees.

Although her grandmother recovered from COVID-19, Mirembe said, the experience left her upset after the family had to sanitize the filthy room she was given. After threatening to take her grandmother elsewhere, she was able to negotiate the daily rate down to $170 from $714.

The total bill was $4,000, she said.

What if I didn't have this money?" she asked.
JERUSALEM (AP)  Isaac Herzog pledged to heal deep divisions in Israeli society Wednesday as he took the oath of office to become Israel's 11th president.

With one hand on a Bible before the Knesset  Israel's parliament  Herzog, 60, assumed the largely ceremonial position that is designed to serve as the country's moral compass.

Herzog promised to be the president of everyone, adding that the central expectation of all Israelis from me, from all of us, is to lower the tone, to lower the flames, to calm things down.

My mission, the mission of my term, is to do everything in order to rebuild hope, he said in his inauguration speech.

Herzog takes office after a tumultuous period in which Israel went through four deadlocked elections in just two years.

The political turmoil, along with the coronavirus crisis, has deepened tensions between Israel's religious, nationalist right wing and its more secular and dovish left wing, between the Jewish majority and the Arab minority and between secular and ultra-Orthodox Jews. The polarizing rule of former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption charges and often tried to pit segments of the population against one another, added to the fraught environment.

Netanyahu's 12-year rule ended last month after a diverse patchwork of parties spanning Israel's political and ethnic divide formed a new coalition government.

Healing and unity were the main themes of Wednesday's swearing-in ceremony. Military rabbis blew rams' horns, followed by a performance by a children's choir. Those assembled sang Israel's national anthem. Amid applause, Herzog and outgoing president Reuven Rivlin stepped away from the dais together.

The truth is that I am a little envious of you, Rivlin said in a letter to Herzog published earlier on Twitter. He called it a "great and wonderful privilege to be president of all of Israels communities  Jews and Arabs, religious and secular, young and old.

Herzog, whose father, Chaim, served as Israel's president in the 1980s, is to hold office for a single seven-year term. Chaim Herzog also served as Israel's ambassador to the United Nations.

The new president's pedigree includes his grandfather, Yitzhak HaLevi Herzog, who was the country's first chief rabbi. His uncle, Abba Eban, served as foreign minister and ambassador to the U.N. and United States.

Herzog was elected to the presidency by the Knesset last month. He had previously served as head of the Labor Party and head of the opposition in parliament. After leaving politics in 2018, he served as head of the Jewish Agency, a nonprofit organization that works closely with the Israeli government to promote Jewish immigration to Israel and to serve Jewish communities overseas.

Taking office at a time of deep divisions in Israeli society, Herzog said upon his election that he intends to be "the president of everyone and work to preserve Israel's democracy.

While most of the office's function is to receive foreign dignitaries and other ceremonial roles, the president has the power to grant pardons. That could become part of the national agenda if Netanyahu is ultimately convicted.

The president is also responsible for selecting a political party leader to form a governing coalition and serve as prime minister after parliamentary elections  a task Rivlin has done five times while in office, most recently after the March 23 parliamentary election.

Herzog's inauguration comes less than a month after Israel swore in a new government under Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who struck a coalition agreement with Foreign Minister Yair Lapid. Netanyahu now serves as opposition leader.
ROME (AP)  Italian lawmakers on Wednesday formally called on the government to grant citizenship to an Egyptian student and human rights activist enrolled at an Italian university, who has been jailed in Cairo for nearly 1  years.

Egyptian courts have repeatedly extended the detention in jail of Patrick Zaki since he was jailed in February 2020 after arriving in his homeland to visit family. Zaki is enrolled at the University of Bologna and had worked as a gender rights researcher at the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights.

He was jailed pending investigation into accusations of spreading fake news and calling for unauthorized protests. Zaki and his lawyer have insisted there are no grounds to detain him.

In Rome, the Chamber of Deputies, Parliaments lower house, overwhelmingly voted to call on Premier Mario Draghis government to grant Zaki citizenship. The Senate approved the same motion in April.

The motion also presses the government to use its relations with the Egyptian government as well as various international forums to insist that Egyptian authorities respect the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful protest, as well as end the impunity for the grave violations of human rights" in Egypt.

It was unclear whether or when Draghis government would respond to Parliaments appeal. Making Zaki an Italian citizen could put some pressure on Cairo to release him from detention, as well as highlight strong attention to his plight in Italy, where he hopes to return.

Italy has for years pressed Egypt to identify and prosecute those responsible for the death of a 28-year-old Italian doctoral student, Giulio Regeni, who was kidnapped in Cairo, tortured and killed in 2016.

In May, a Rome judge ordered four high-ranking members of Egypts security forces to stand trial in the Regeni case. They are expected to be tried in absentia.

While successive Italian governments have vowed to bring justice in Regeni's case, Cairo is an important ally for Italy in the Mediterranean, including in international anti-terrorism efforts.

Some 270,000 signatures were gathered in Italy on an online petition for Italian citizenship for Zaki, Italian media reported this week.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP)  Kansas lawmakers plan to hold 14 town hall meetings across the state to gather opinions later this summer and fall on how the Legislature should redraw political boundaries next year.

Six legislative leaders agreed Wednesday to have the same number of town hall meetings that lawmakers held ahead of the last redistricting in 2012.
FRANKFORT, Ky (AP)  State Rep. Attica Scott, one of two Black women in Kentucky's legislature, announced Wednesday that she'll try to unseat longtime Democratic Congressman John Yarmuth in the states only congressional district controlled by Democrats.

Yarmuth is currently in his eighth term, and occupies an influential post as chairman of the House Budget Committee. He was a sponsor of the American Rescue Plan Act, which brought millions in federal coronavirus relief to the state.

Scott, a community organizer and former Louisville city councilwoman, handily defeated a more conservative Democratic incumbent in 2017. She has more in common with Yarmuth, who was first elected in 2007 and is an outspoken progressive. Both have expressed support for a Medicare for All system, raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour and decriminalizing marijuana.

In a campaign video released Wednesday morning, Scott referenced her background as a community organizer and activist, declaring that Kentucky's largest city needs a leader who sees this glaring inequality, has the empathy to understand it and the resolve to address it.

In the General Assembly's 2021 session, Scott authored a bill she called Breonnas Law," which sought to ban no-knock search warrants in Kentucky and impose new requirements on police practices.

The effort honored Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency medical worker and Louisville native who was fatally during a botched raid on her home by Louisville police officers in March 2020. While the measure eventually signed into law was not the total ban Scott had sought, it included elements inspired by her legislation.

Scott has introduced other measures that would remove the remove the tax on certain baby products, and protect people who wear certain hairstyles from discrimination by employers or schools.

Scott and her daughter were arrested on felony riot charges during last summers racial injustice protests. Charges were later dropped, and Scott sued the Louisville Metropolitan Police Department, alleging that officers violated her constitutional rights.

___

Hudspeth Blackburn 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.
BATH,Maine (AP)  U.S. Sen. Angus King said Wednesday that a destroyer that was cut from the budget by the Biden administration will be restored by Congress.

The president proposes, but Congress disposes, so well have the final word on this budget, said King, who called the destroyer's attempted removal a strategic and financial mistake.
SEATTLE (AP)  A federal jury has ordered King County to pay about $900,000 to a Black senior Metro transit worker who said he was retaliated against after alleging racial discrimination.

The verdict by a jury in U.S. District Court in Seattle in June came after a seven-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Thomas Zilly, The Seattle Times reported.

The panel rejected Claude Browns allegations of discrimination, but concluded his bosses retaliated against him after he went to the King County Office of Civil Rights alleging he was passed up for promotion and removed from a training position because he is Black.

Brown, 71 and still working as a transit operator, was hired by King County Department of Transportation in 1997, became a transit operator in 2000 and transferred to light rail as an operator in 2009, according to his lawsuit filed in 2016.

He alleged he was passed over for promotion and removed from a technical training position  which was given to a younger white man  just eight days after the job had been assigned to him.

Brown also claimed his Metro supervisors repeatedly rejected his application to be a Rail Supervisor in Training, despite high test scores.

Jeff Switzer, public information officer for King County Metro, said the agency is committed to equity and offers strong protections against discrimination and retaliation. He said Metro is reviewing the case and considering whether to appeal.
PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP)  Kosovos parliament on Wednesday adopted a resolution condemning the 1995 massacre of thousands of Bosnian men and boys in Srebrenica by Bosnian Serb troops, which was branded as genocide by a U.N. war crimes court.

The resolution, initiated by the Vakat coalition of parties representing the Bosnian minority in Kosovo, was approved by 89 lawmakers in the 120-seat parliament. None voted against.

The Srpska Lista party of Kosovo's ethnic Serb minority boycotted the debate on the resolution and did not take part in the vote. They declined to talk to reporters when leaving parliament.

On July 11, 1995, the U.N.-designated safe haven of Srebrenica in Bosnia-Herzegovina fell to Bosnian Serb forces, who then killed more than 8,000 Muslim men and boys.

Both the wartime Bosnian Serb army commander, Ratko Mladic, and former political leader Radovan Karadzic were subsequently sentenced to life in prison by the U.N. war crimes court in the Netherlands for genocide in Srebrenica.

Bahri Shabani of the Vakat coalition said the resolution would help the victims of the massacre get justice.

That would help not only the victims in Bosnia-Herzegovina but also the victims in Kosovo not to be forgotten, he said. Such a resolution and the memorial day of the genocide in Srebrenica are a lesson for future generations and a reconciliation effort for nations.

Kosovos Prime Minister Abin Kurti said parliament's official condemnation of the genocide "needs to be undisputable so that it wont happen again.

Kosovos 1998-1999 war followed Bosnia's in the violent break-up of the former Yugoslavia, and left more than 10,000 mainly ethnic Albanians killed. More than 1,600 are still missing.

Kosovo was then a Serbian province. The fighting ended after a NATO military intervention forced Serbia to withdraw its forces. The United Nations ran the territory for nine years before Kosovo in 2008 declared independence, a move that Serbia doesnt recognize.

Bosnia-Herzegovina has not recognized Kosovo either.

The resolution could further complicate testy relations between Kosovo and Serbia. Since 2011, Belgrade and Pristina have been intermittently engaged in European Union-brokered negotiations to settle their dispute, which remains a source of tension in the volatile Balkans.

-

Semini reported from Tirana, Albania.

___

Follow Llazar Semini at https://twitter.com/lsemini
LAS VEGAS (AP)  An inmate at the county jail has died after apparently falling ill and complaining of muscle pain, Las Vegas police said Wednesday.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said the inmate was being moved to be transported when he complained he did not feel well and had muscle pain. Officers brought the man back to his cell, the department said, and a few minutes later other inmates notified police that the man was not breathing.
More than 30,000 collisions between vehicles and wayward wildlife have occurred on California highways since 2015, threatening species already considered to be at risk and causing more than $1 billion in damage, according to 2018 data collected by CalMatters and the Road Ecology Center at the University of California, Davis.

But a new budget approved by state lawmakers last week aims to support the construction of the Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing, a tunnel stretching above Highway 101 in Agoura Hills that would provide animals such as mountain lions, coyotes, deer and elk with a safe way to travel across the freeways cutting through their natural habitats. Costing $7 million, with another $54.5 million allotted for even more animal-friendly overpasses and underpasses across the state, the corridor would also help bolster populations of at-risk species by helping them to find mates, CalMatters reported Tuesday.

What they need is genetic connectivity, and so Liberty Canyon will provide more opportunities for outside mountain lions to come in and really give that gene pool a boost and diversity, Tiffany Yap, senior scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity in San Francisco, told CalMatters. Not only is that crossing really key for mountain lions, but it would help an incredible amount of biodiversity in the area.

An estimated 190 mountain lions have been fatally hit by cars on California highways since 2015, according to data from CalMatters and UC Davis. In the Bay Area, one died in 2019 as a result of a vehicle collision on Interstate 280 in San Mateo County, and last year, another seen roaming around San Francisco was later discovered dead after it was struck by a vehicle on Highway 1 in Pacifica.

Mountain lions tend to be solitary animals that avoid people by nature, but over the years, sightings have become more frequent as the human population expands into their native territories, according to the California Department of Fish & Wildlife.

"Ultimately, it comes down to habitat loss and fragmentation, which is unfortunate," Zara McDonald, head of the Bay Area Puma Project, told SFGATE last year. "It's a really tough situation for these animals."

The Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing would be the first of its kind in the state of California, and the largest wildlife passage in the world, according to CalMatters. Though its still years away from its estimated 2025 completion, similar projects in states such as Utah and Colorado have seen 98.5% and 89% reductions in collisions on freeways obstructing migratory routes, respectively. Three other underpasses near Lake Tahoe have also safely aided mule deer wandering beneath Highway 395.

The funding also includes $2 million to help species make their way beneath Highway 17 in the Santa Cruz Mountains  like the coyote and badger duo in the clip below, who are actually proven hunting buddies.

Read the full report from CalMatters here.
POMONA, Calif. (AP)  A Southern California man who shot and killed two former Target co-workers, including one who received the promotion he wanted, was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison without possibility of parole.

Sergio Dujuan Nelson, 46, also received a consecutive sentence of 35 years to life for the 1993 attack on the employees as they sat in a car in the parking lot of a Target store in the Los Angeles suburb of La Verne, the San Bernardino Sun reported.

Nelson killed Robin Shirley, who got the promotion, and Lee Thompson, who had defended Shirley when Nelson harassed her over it, according to court documents cited by the paper.

Nelson had quit in September 1993 after failing to win the promotion. But about three weeks, he later he rode his bicycle to the store, shot through an open rear window, started to walk away, then came back to fire more shots before fleeing, according to the court documents.

The defense argued Nelson snapped and acted impulsively because of his failure to be promoted, his severe depression, sex and relationship issues and family dysfunction, the documents stated.

Nelson was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death in 1995. But the California Supreme Court overturned his death sentence in 2016, finding the judge had interfered with the jury's penalty-phase deliberations.

The case was sent back to the judge for resentencing after the Los Angeles County district attorneys office said it wouldnt seek the death penalty again. District Attorney George Gascon opposes the death sentence.

During the sentencing in Pomona Superior Court, Shirley's husband, Robert, said Nelson robbed his children of their mother, the Sun reported. They were 6 and 10 years old when she died.

He said Nelson had walked away but heard Robin Shirley "gurgling and gasping" and returned to shoot her in the forehead.

For your cowardly actions you deserve to die, Robert Shirley said.

Thompson's brother, Ty Thompson, wrote in a victim impact statement that the family strongly believes Nelson should have been sentenced to death.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP)  Police in Medford shot and killed a man Wednesday while responding to an alarm at a local business.

The man was shot just after 3 a.m., police said in a statement. Officers dispatched to the alarm call found evidence of a forced entry at the business and confronted a man armed with a knife, police said.
LANSING, Mich. (AP)  Michigan will extend the hours of operation for drivers' licenses and vehicle registrations in an effort to shorten lines at branch offices, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said Wednesday.

From July 19 through Sept. 30, weekday service will be extended by an hour. On Mondays and Thursdays branch offices will open at 9 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays offices will open at 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. Benson said the changes will provide 120,000 additional Michigan residents in-person services.

Benson said the department is hiring about 80 people, but those hires only recover those who left during the pandemic. She has requested additional funding to hire more staff in the past, but the Legislature hasnt taken action on those requests.

I cant emphasize enough that our ability to do this is coming from the folks on the front lines in our branch offices who know this works and see it every day, and want to keep it going and are willing to do what it takes, whatever it takes to keep it going, she said.

In April, Benson did away with the ability for residents to walk in to branch offices for services, calling the system inefficient and antiquated." That system didn't guarantee that a person who waits would be seen the same day they visited.

Republican lawmakers have been pushing for the return of the walk-in system amid a backlog of people seeking services. The Legislature set the deadlines for extensions on driver's licenses and license plate renewals during the COVID-19 pandemic to the same day in March instead of rolling deadlines, causing a bottleneck in residents seeking services.

That system has been replaced with online appointments and now a walk-up option where a person can go in-person to a branch office and ask if there's currently an appointment available or when the next available appointment is.

Benson said most residents as of July 1 are now required to renew their state IDs or driver's licenses every 12 years instead of eight years and can do so online, by mail or at self-service station, as well as in-person.

She said she next wants to work to create mobile offices to ensure residents have access to branch office services, especially if they do not have access to the necessary technology to complete services online. The service would be aimed at large gatherings of residents, including those at senior centers.

___

Anna Liz Nichols 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.
BANGKOK (AP)  Pro-democracy demonstrators took to the streets Wednesday in cities and towns around Myanmar to commemorate students who lost their lives in 1962 when a military dictator violently suppressed protests against harsh university discipline implemented under his regime.

The 1962 protests at Rangoon University, named after the city now called Yangon, implicitly criticized the March 2, 1962, coup in which Gen. Ne Win ended parliamentary democracy and instituted military rule that would last five decades.

The events still resonate today in Myanmar, especially after the armys Feb. 1 takeover that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Young people have played a leading role in resisting this year's seizure of power and hundreds have been killed by security forces.

Wednesday's protests were small and brief but enthusiastic, using the flash mob style that nonviolent demonstrators have adopted since government troops began using lethal force to suppress them. Other militants have taken up violence against the government.

In Yangon, the countrys biggest city, protesters flashed three-finger resistance salutes as they chanted declarations of unity and denunciations of the military. Several set off smoke bombs in colorful hues, lending a festive touch to the activity, conducted at a trot to avoid the authorities.

More than a dozen university student unions called on young people to protest military dictatorship as their forebears did in 1962, the online Mizzima news site reported.

Similar protests were held in Mandalay, the countrys second biggest city, and elsewhere, according to Myanmar media.

Students have historically been the vanguard in political change in Myanmar, starting when it was a British colony called Burma. But Ne Win's iron-fisted use of troops to crush the student protests in 1962 effectively halted serious political opposition for a generation until a major but unsuccessful 1988 democracy uprising.

One hundred or more students are believed to have been killed on July 7, 1962, and thousands were arrested. To symbolically crush the movement, Ne Wins regime blew up the Rangoon University Students Union building, a historic center of resistance, the following day.

The National Unity Government, an opposition force formed this year by ousted lawmakers that calls itself the countrys legitimate ruling body, issued a statement Wednesday paying tribute to all the comrades of the Student Youth Revolution who have sacrificed their lives ... for the sake of truth and justice."

It likened the country's current situation to the military repression of the past.

Despite three generations of oppression at gunpoint and the destruction of life and property, the past youths spirit of love for the truth, the courage to stand up against injustice still lives on today, it said.
DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP)  Amazon plans to build a 640,000-square-foot distribution center in Davenport, creating more than 1,000 permanent jobs, city and local chamber of commerce officials announced Wednesday.

Plans call for building the center north of Interstate 80 and west of the Davenport Municipal Airport, the Quad-City Times reports. It would be Amazons second center in Iowa and its largest in the state after the company opened a 640,000-square-foot center in December outside Des Moines. Amazon also signed a lease in March to move into a warehouse north of Des Moines, according Polk County property records.
Bill Cosby is, in a word, exuberant. And he wants to get back to performing  and more.

In his physical appearance, hes exuberant. In his mental state, hes exuberant. In his feelings and humor, hes exuberant, publicist Andrew Wyatt told the Los Angeles Times on Wednesday. The comedian is colorful and powerful  more powerful than weve ever seen.

Cosby, 83, is with his family at the moment, Wyatt said, a week after his conviction on three counts of aggravated indecent assault against Andrea Constand was overturned. But plans are in the works to get The Cosby Show star back onstage in the U.S., Canada and London, Wyatt said.

Wyatt said Cosbys next act will weave the disgraced comics vintage storytelling in with observations from his life today and will be inclusive of human rights and civil rights as Cosby works for criminal justice reform and prison reform based on his own experiences.

Cosby gives you a formula without the preservatives, his rep said.

The performer was convicted in April 2018 of drugging and sexually assaulting Constand. He was sentenced to three to 10 years in prison, a term he was serving at a maximum security state facility in Pennsylvania. They were the only criminal charges brought against Cosby, who has been accused of sexual misconduct by dozens of women.

Cosbys team  including the legal staff  still has to work out the details about how audiences, promoters and media insurrectionists ... who fuel the hate will be screened, Wyatt said, but hes not very concerned about hecklers and the like. Plus, he said, Its not happening tomorrow. They have time.

Also in the works, according to Wyatt: A book, written by Frederick Williams, will feature Cosby and Wyatt talking about the performers experiences through both of his trials (the civil and the criminal) and while he was in prison. They also will discuss the strategies Cosby and his team used to get him through it all.

Additionally, production is almost done on a five-part docuseries about the nine-time Grammy winner, from Venus and Serena director Michelle Major, which will include the comics recent experiences in the legal system. Cosby still has to sit for his interview.

In the meantime, his release from prison sent shock waves across social media last week and landed Phylicia Rashad, his longtime friend and former Cosby Show co-star, in hot water after she tweeted her support. (She later apologized.)

As for Cosbys conviction being overturned on a technicality by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, which found that his right to due process had been violated, Wyatt said that the U.S. Constitution "[wasnt] given to us as a suggestion. It was a mandate.

Cosby was not found innocent by the states high court. Rather, it found that he had a 2005 agreement with a prior prosecutor that shielded him from criminal prosecution in exchange for giving a deposition in Constands civil trial. Cosby settled with the former Temple University employee for $3.4 million in that civil complaint.

The attorney who prosecuted Cosby criminally did so despite that agreement  which was never put into writing  violating Cosbys Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.

When a prosecutor makes an unconditional promise of non-prosecution, and when the defendant relies upon that guarantee to the detriment of his constitutional right not to testify, the principle of fundamental fairness that undergirds due process of law in our criminal justice system demands that the promise be enforced, Justice David N. Wecht wrote in the courts majority opinion.

Sixty women have accused Cosby of sexual misconduct dating as far back as the early 1970s, when he was in his 30s.

I have never changed my stance nor my story. I have always maintained my innocence, Cosby said in a statement tweeted June 30, the day of his release. Thank you to all my fans, supporters and friends who stood by me through this ordeal. Special thanks to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for upholding the rule of law.

In a statement last week, Montgomery County (Pennsylvania) District Attorney Kevin Steele said Cosby went free on a procedural issue that is irrelevant to the facts of the crime.

My hope is that this decision will not dampen the reporting of sexual assaults by victims. We still believe that no one is above the law  including those who are rich, famous and powerful, he said.


PHOENIX (AP)  A dog owner has been arrested after his four Staffordshire Terrier mix dogs fatally attacked a 77-year-old woman, Phoenix police said.

Maria Ruiz suffered multiple critical injuries in the attack Tuesday morning and was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead, according to police.
WARSAW, Poland (AP)  Poland is reviving plans to reconstruct a historic Warsaw palace where the German Enigma machine codes were first cracked in 1932 and which Nazi German occupying forces blew up in 1944.

In a ceremony Wednesday at the empty site where the Saski Palace stood, President Andrzej Duda handed a law drafted by his office for the reconstruction of the huge 17th century building to the speaker of parliament, Elzbieta Witek, for processing.

Duda said that although costly, the project will symbolically close the decades-long process of rebuilding the historic center of Polands capital from World War II damage. He didn't provide a cost estimate.

"Warsaw was being rebuilt for many, many years after the war, in times of poverty, of very modest living conditions, at the cost hard toil, and sweat and blood of the workers, the capital city was being raised from ruins,' Duda said.

That was also the story of the Royal Castle, which today is a beautiful symbol of Warsaw, Duda said, adding that he is sure today's Poland can afford to rebuild the Saski Palace.

When completed in 2028, the palace would house culture and history projects, under the plan. But first, the lower house of parliament and the Senate need to approve the project.

Built in 1661, the palace was repeatedly redesigned and served various purposes. In 1930-37 it housed the Polish Armed Forces' Cipher Office where in 1932 three mathematicians, Marian Rejewski, Jerzy Rozycki and Henryk Zygalski, cracked the Enigma encoding machine. This laid the foundations for the wartime breaking of its codes in Britain, which greatly assisted the Allies' war effort by allowing them to read top-secret German communications.

During the war, the German Wehrmacht had its headquarters at the Saski, or Saxon, Palace. Nazi troops blew it up in December 1944, while destroying Warsaw after a dramatic, failed uprising by the Polish resistance movement in which some 200,000 residents and fighters were killed.

Today, only the central colonnade remains that contains the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where visiting foreign leaders lay wreaths.

The laborious rebuilding of Warsaw from ruins, street by street, started right after the war, under the imposed communist government, with the focus on housing, but also of some landmarks. In 1984, the 14th century Royal Castle, reconstructed thanks to funds from a nationwide collection, was opened to visitors.

Plans to have the Saski Palace rebuilt have been made ever since the wars end and most recently in the early 2000s, when its foundations and some other elements were uncovered. The plan was scrapped among expected high costs, and also because experts said the old foundations were too weak to be built on.
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (AP)  Authorities on Tuesday recovered the body of a 6-year-old boy believed to have drowned during a family vacation in Florida, police said.

The body of Enrique Cortez-Dubon was found Tuesday afternoon in the sand, the Panama City Beach Police Department said in a statement. The 6-year-old appears to have drowned, police said.

This was nobodys fault. This was a tragic accident, Chief J.R. Talamantez told reporters Tuesday evening.

Cortez-Dubon had been last seen late Monday morning in knee-deep water near the Shores of Panama Resort, where his family was staying for a beach vacation. The family is from Atlanta.

Talamantez urged parents to talk to their children about water safety.

Enrique was a small child. There were hundreds of people around him, and it can happen that quickly," he said.

Police searched for the child for two days, using helicopters and drones to search the island and sending divers into the water. Talamantez said the body was found after someone reported seeing a body in the water.

Before the boy was found, police said they were investigating the possibilities that the child may have drowned or that he was abducted, although the evidence leads us to believe he went missing in the water.

Christina Majors of Tennessee told the Panama City News Herald that she saw Enrique playing in the sand with his family Monday morning behind a restaurant.

When we saw his picture, we knew exactly who it was, she said. I know we personally dont know them, but it just breaks my heart. Thats every parents worst fear. I couldnt imagine having to live that through.
DANVILLE, Ky. (AP)  An officer fatally shot a man who was holding his mother at knifepoint in a motel room in central Kentucky, police said.

The shooting happened Tuesday morning at the Super 8 in Danville when officers responded to a domestic disturbance, authorities said.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP)  A Georgia city official has been indicted for destroying records in a federal investigation and lying to investigators, a federal prosecutor announced Wednesday.

Sammie Lee Sias, 66, of Hephzibah, who serves as District 4 commissioner on the Augusta Commission faces charges of destruction, alteration or falsification of records in a federal investigation and false statements or representations made to a department or agency of the United States, Acting U.S. Attorney David H. Estes said in a news release.

The indictment was handed down nearly two years after FBI agents raided Sias' home. That search came days after commissioners voted to ask the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to probe allegations of misconduct that had been levied against Sias by a former employee that he had had a 20-year-long affair with. The ex-employee accused Sias of misspending public money, child abuse and using alcohol and porn at Jamestown Community Center  allegations that he denied in 2019, according to the Augusta Chronicle.

The charges carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, along with substantial fines and up to five years of supervised release, Estes' office said.

An arraignment date on the charges has not yet been scheduled.

The indictment alleges that in 2019 Sias knowingly altered or destroyed records belonging to Sandridge Community Association and other documentation of Jamestown Community Center, Jamestown Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, SCA Board of Directors and SCA Summer Camp to block a federal criminal investigation.

The second charge alleges Sias lied when he told an FBI agent that he had provided all electronic and paper files in his possession related to the investigation.

The alleged cover up was not only a violation of the oath taken by this elected official, but a theft of the publics trust, said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. Public corruption is one of the FBIs top priorities and we will do everything in our power to pursue officials who abuse their positions.

Sias declined comment, according to WJBF-TV. A telephone call by The Associated Press was not immediately returned.

Sias' term on the commission runs through 2022.
SALEM, Ore. (AP)  A push by gun rights supporters to recall one of Oregons top Republicans has come up short.

Oregon Public Broadcasting reports as of the 5 p.m. deadline Tuesday, a campaign to recall Senate Republican Leader Fred Girod had not turned in any signatures, according to the Secretary of States Office.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand  Fijis medical system is showing signs of strain as a coronavirus outbreak grows. The Pacific island nation reported a record 791 new daily cases and three deaths.

The Ministry of Health says that due to the increase in cases, it will no longer test people for the virus in their homes in and around the capital. The ministry has also suspended all pregnancy services in and around Suva until July 26, saying people experiencing pregnancy emergencies or labor should go directly to Colonial War Memorial Hospital.

Fiji has reported 59 deaths from COVID-19 since the outbreak of the delta variant began in April. Home to 940,000 people, Fiji had reported just two COVID-19 deaths before that.

__

MORE ON THE PANDEMIC:

 Britain hits 30,000 daily virus cases, 1st time since January

 Indonesia faces virus surge, shortages of oxygen

 WHO warns Coronavirus rising in eastern Mediterranean region

 New York City honors essential workers at parade up Canyon of Heroes

 Follow more of APs pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine

___

HERES WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING:

SEOUL, South Korea  South Korea has reported its biggest daily jump in coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic as long lines snake around testing stations in the capital, where the virus has accelerated following months of complacency.

The 1,275 new cases announced Thursday marked the second straight day above 1,200 and exceeded the previous one-day record of 1,240 set Christmas Day.

More than 1,000 of the infections were in the greater Seoul area, which is home to half the countrys 51 million people.

The viral surge is a worrisome development in a country where 70% of the people are still waiting for their first vaccine shot.

The country has struggled to maintain public vigilance with warmer temperatures and months of fatigue luring larger crowds to restaurants, bars and parks.

___

PORTLAND, Maine  Health officials in Maine say more than half the eligible population is now fully vaccinated against the coronavirus in every county in the state.

Maine has one of the highest vaccination rates in the U.S. More than two-thirds of people age 12 and older are fully vaccinated.

Data from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services show that the states highest vaccination rate is in Cumberland County, which is the states most populated as home to Portland. The rate there is about 80%.

The county with the lowest rate of eligible people fully vaccinated is Somerset, a mostly rural area where the rate is about 53%. Thats still a higher number than many states.

___

SACRAMENTO, Calif.  At least nine people who work at the California state Capitol have contracted the coronavirus, triggering a return of the mask mandate for lawmakers and staff.

Masks have been required in public spaces inside the Capitol throughout the pandemic. But fully vaccinated lawmakers and staff had been allowed to remove their masks in their offices.

Four of the new cases at the Capitol are people who were fully vaccinated.

State data shows such cases are rare. The state has confirmed just 8,699 coronavirus infections among the more than 20 million people vaccinated in the state.

___

SALT LAKE CITY -- Hospital leaders in Utah are renewing their pleas for people to get vaccinated as the state experiences another surge in COVID-19 cases from the faster-spreading delta variant.

State health officials told reporters Wednesday that the delta variant  first identified in India  has begun to surge in Utah over the past month and now represents about 80% of cases in the state.

The surge is largely occurring in unvaccinated people who are being infected and hospitalized at six times the rate of vaccinated people.

According to data from Johns Hopkins University, Utah now ranks fourth in the nation for new cases per capita.

Utah has averaged about 386 confirmed cases per day over the last week, nearly double the case rate the state was experiencing at its lowest point in early June.

___

RENO, Nev.  The COVID-19 positivity rate in Nevada has more than doubled over the last month to 7.9%, and health officials say the average number of new daily cases statewide has climbed to its highest level since February.

Meanwhile, Nevada reported its second death from the delta variant, a man in his 50s in Washoe County with an underlying health condition who had not been vaccinated. The delta variant was first identified in India.

Nevadas 14-day rolling average for new cases had dropped to 132 the first week of June, with the positivity rate bottoming out at 3.3% on June 9.

But the 377 new cases on average reported July 4 was the highest since 375 in February. Thats also the last time the states positivity rate was this high, reaching 8.3% on Feb. 23.

Nevadas positivity rate peaked at 21.2% on Jan. 12, a month after the average number of new cases reached a record-high of 2,740 on Dec. 12, 2020.

___

BERLIN  Germanys disease control center says the delta variant of the coronavirus has become dominant in the country and continues to quickly spread.

The Robert Koch Institute says according to their latest analysis, 59% of new infections were caused by delta by the end of last month. The center says in its weekly report Wednesday, the Delta variant had nearly doubled within one week.

Some 33.2 million people, or 39.9%, are fully vaccinated in Germany. More than 47.5 million people, or 57.1%, have received their first shot.

___

LONDON  The U.K. has recorded more than 30,000 daily coronavirus infections for the first time since January, just as the British government prepares to lift all remaining lockdown restrictions in England.

Government figures showed another 32,548 confirmed cases on Wednesday, the highest level since Jan. 23.

For much of the spring, infections were below the 5,000 mark. But the arrival of the more contagious delta variant, first identified in India, has likely caused cases to spike.

Despite the increase, the British government says it is still aiming to lift all remaining lockdown restrictions in England on July 19, a move that many scientists say is dangerous.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid says cases could hit a daily high of 100,000 this summer, a level of infection not reached during previous waves of the virus.

Prime Minister Boris Johnsons government is hoping the rapid rollout of vaccines has created a wall of immunity. That, it says, will limit the number of hospitalizations and deaths.

___

MADRID  A surge in coronavirus infections among the young has pushed Spain into the high-risk zone of more than 250 accumulated cases per 100,000 inhabitants over 14 days.

Spains health ministry says the 252 cases on Wednesday is up from the 106 cases last week. The age group 20-29 is registering more than 800 cases per 100,000 people over 14 days.

Several regional health authorities are responding by re-instating restrictions, especially on night life.

Health Minister Carolina Darias says the swift turn in cases has yet to produce a significant increase of pressure on hospitals since most of the young are asymptomatic.

But she says central authorities have put a national stockpile of tests and army contact tracers at the disposal of the regions to supplement their efforts to find asymptomatic cases.

___

GENEVA  The emergencies chief for the World Health Organization is calling on governments to exercise extreme caution in fully lifting restrictions aimed to curtail the spread of COVID-19, warning that transmission will increase as countries open up.

Dr. Michael Ryan, asked during a WHO news conference to respond to Britains decision this week to ease restrictions despite rising case counts, says every country right now is lifting restrictions in one way or the other in hopes of striking a balance between a return toward normality and the need to control the virus as vaccinations increase.

Transmission will increase when you open up, says Ryan, because not everyone is vaccinated and uncertainty remains about how much vaccination curbs transmission.

Maria Van Kerkhove, WHOs technical lead on COVID-19, says several factors were driving transmission of COVID-19: The behavior of the coronavirus and its variants; social mixing; reduced social measures; and unequal and uneven distribution of coronavirus vaccines.

The virus is showing us right now that its thriving, she says. This is not theoretical.

Globally, theres been nearly 4 million confirmed deaths from the coronavirus.

___

ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan  The authorities in Turkmenistan, a secretive Central Asian nation that hasnt officially reported any coronavirus infections, have made COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for all adults.

Turkmenistans Health Ministry announced Wednesday that everyone older than 18, with some exceptions, must be vaccinated against the virus.

Turkmenistan has approved several coronavirus vaccines, including the Russian-made Sputnik V shot and CoronaVac from China. The immunization campaign in the ex-Soviet nation of 5.9 million kicked off in March, with elderly people from high risk groups being the first in line to get the shots in state clinics.

Turkmenistans authoritarian president, who claims that his country has been free of coronavirus, last month called for heightened measures against the virus. President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov ordered Turkmens returning to the country undergo a 21-day quarantine and strengthened controls at borders. The country also has a mask mandate in place.

A World Health Organization delegation visited Turkmenistan last year and recommended the country take stronger actions but didnt directly comment on the credibility of the absence of reported cases.

___

CHICAGO  Chicago school officials are offering student COVID-19 vaccinations with school-based sites and events.

The nations third-largest school district plans to offer five days a week of in-person instruction in the fall and says the goal is to vaccinate as many students as possible. But the shots arent required.

Starting next week, the district will offer vaccines at three school sites for students and their families. The district is also working with hospitals for vaccination events in areas with low vaccination rates and offering shots at back-to-school events.

Public health officials say more than 50,000 children under 18 have already been vaccinated in Chicago.

___

JAKARTA, Indonesia  Indonesia is facing a coronavirus surge as hospitals grapple with soaring cases amid widespread shortages of oxygen.

The country registered 1,040 confirmed deaths on Wednesday, the deadliest day since the start of the pandemic.

Hospitals are already beyond capacity and oxygen supplies are running out, leaving individuals to cope with caring for sick friends and relatives at home.

This is our critical period during the next two weeks, says Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, the government minister in charge of Indonesias pandemic response.

In the capital, daily burials have increased 10-fold since May, said Ngabila Salama, head of surveillance and immunization at the Jakarta Health Office. Of the 369 COVID-19 deaths in Jakarta reported Saturday, 45 people died at home, she said.

Overall, Indonesia, the worlds fourth-most populous country, has reported nearly 2.4 million infections and almost 63,000 confirmed deaths. Both numbers are considered undercounts because of low testing and tracing measures.

___

NEW YORK  The people who helped get New York City through the coronavirus pandemic will be honored with a parade up the Canyon of Heroes.

City officials say the event Wednesday will honor a range of people, including workers in health care, transportation, education and infrastructure. The parade is kicking off at Battery Park and traveling up Broadway in lower Manhattan, the iconic stretch known as the Canyon of Heroes.

Here are some of the folks who made history in New York Citys toughest hour, Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

Previous parades have honored world leaders, celebrities and winning sports teams. The last parade before the pandemic honored the U.S. womens soccer team after their 2019 World Cup win.

City officials say the parades grand marshal will be Sandra Lindsay, a health care worker who was the first person in the country to get a COVID vaccine shot.

___

PARIS -- French government spokesperson Gabriel Attal says the coronavirus is gaining ground again in France because of the delta variant.

He says cases increased by 20% from last week and warned against the risk of a rapid new peak in infections.

The upward trend is especially strong amid people between ages 20 to 29, and in the Paris region, southeastern France and Brittany.

The more infectious delta variant is estimated to represent more than 40% of new infections, twice last weeks proportion, Attal says. Confirmed infections remain relatively low nationwide, at about 2,300 per day, compared to more than 35,000 during the March-April peak.

Attal strongly encouraged the French to get vaccinated. More than 34 million people, or 51% of the population, have received at least one shot of vaccine.
VERSAILLES, Ky. (AP)  Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Kentucky is donating vehicles to the Kentucky Community and Technical College System for its automotive technology programs, officials said.

The company is giving 32 cars to 11 schools across the state, news outlets reported, citing a joint statement from Toyota and the school system. The cars are 2018-2021 models of the Camry, Avalon and Lexus, including several hybrid models. They will be used to teach students about changing vehicle technology and to help prepare them for entry-level jobs.
PERGAMOS, Cyprus (AP)  Authorities at a British military base on Cyprus have hired 50% more customs officers and procured detection equipment to better thwart illegal immigration from the breakaway north of the ethnically split island.

The addition of 24 new officers and four SUVs  two with thermal imaging cameras  allows authorities to patrol around-the-clock along a 45-kilometer (28-mile) boundary, Customs and Immigration Chief Adam Chatfield said.

More migrants have arrived on Cyprus without authorization in recent years. In 2018, authorities located 17 people trying to cross in six instances. That jumped to 33 people in 16 crossing attempts a year later, while 67 people were intercepted in nine attempted crossings last year.

Cyprus was cleft along ethnic lines in 1974 when Turkey invaded following a coup aimed at union with Greece. The breakaway Turkish Cypriot north declared independence nearly a decade later, but only Turkey recognizes it. Turkey also maintains more than 35,000 troops in northern Cyprus.

A buffer zone controlled by U.N. peacekeepers separates the north from the Greek Cypriot south where the islands internationally recognized government is seated. Although Cyprus is a European Union member, only the southern part enjoys the bloc's full benefits.

The EU is boosting the role of its border guard and ramping up security and surveillance along its eastern borders, including nearby Greece where authorities have extended a border wall facing Turkey and set up high-tech observation towers.

Dhekelia Garrison, one of two military bases that the U.K. retained after Cyprus gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960, directly abuts the north along a corridor of farmland, abandoned homes and fields that offers secluded routes for smugglers, or for migrants to cross.

There's not even a fence to separate the base from the north.

Chatfield told The Associated Press that migrants are intercepted in groups of 10 to 20 at an average rate of once a month. The overwhelming majority now are Syrian men seeking asylum in the south.

About 5 million Syrians have fled their country during a 10-year conflict that has killed about half a million people. Many more have been displaced inside Syria.

Authorities on the base in Cyprus have an agreement with the government to transfer asylum-seekers to the south where their claims are processed. Chatfield said arrangements are made to return those who dont apply for asylum to the north.

Chatfield said an international network of smugglers charges $5,000 per person to slip migrants through into the south.

Some come soaking wet straight from the boat with nothing but the clothes on their back," he said. Detecting traffickers is a key priority for us and well continue to do so.

Cyprus has accused Turkey of deliberately channeling migrants in from the north, and has asked the EUs border agency Frontex to step in and help.

The government says its ability to host more migrants has been stretched beyond its limits, and also wants the EU to manage the arrival of Syrians  either directly from Syria or from Lebanon or Turkey, including relocating them to other EU states.

Officials say 3,896 Syrians have reached Cyprus from Turkey in the last two years, usually flying into the north before crossing southward.

___

Follow APs global migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration
SEATTLE (AP)  A federal judge has upheld renter protections passed by the Seattle City Council in 2017, finding that they are a reasonable approach for reducing housing discrimination.

The protections, enshrined in the Fair Chance Housing Ordinance, prohibit most landlords from inquiring about the criminal history of renters or prospective renters, and from evicting renters or denying housing to renters based on criminal history.

The city said it was trying to reduce barriers to housing for people with criminal records and to reduce discrimination in housing, because people of color are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system.

A group of landlords sued in 2018, claiming violations of their free-speech rights  because the law prohibited them from asking about criminal history  as well as property rights.

U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour ruled in favor of the city on Tuesday.

The Ordinance is a reasonable means of achieving the Citys objectives and does not burden substantially more speech than is necessary to achieve them, he wrote.

City officials celebrated the ruling. Councilmember Lisa Herbold, a sponsor of the legislation, said blocking people who have fulfilled their sentence from housing was a recipe for recidivism.

A criminal conviction should not be a lifelong sentence to living on the streets," City Attorney Pete Holmes said in a news release. Housing access is core to stabilizing a persons life, so Im thankful to the judge for making the sound legal decision today.

Ethan Blevins, an attorney with the Pacific Legal Foundation, which represented the landlords, said he expected an appeal. It was unfair for the city to ban private property owners from checking criminal history of rental applicants when the city itself checks criminal history in some contexts, such as in licensing taxi drivers.

Were confident thats going to be an argument that prevails on appeal, Blevins said.
CLEVELAND (AP)  Three Ohio electric companies owned by Akron-based FirstEnergy Corp. will refund money collected from a guaranteed revenue provision included in a tainted energy bill, according to an order issued on Wednesday by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.

Ohio Edison, Toledo Edison and Cleveland Electric Illuminating companies will begin crediting customers a total of $27.5 million. Amounts will vary based on customers' electric use this August.

Residential customers who use 1,000 kilowatts of electricity next month will get a refund of $8.95 from Ohio Edison, $13.19 from Toledo Edison and $16.18 from Cleveland Electric Illuminating. Commercial and industrial customers of the three companies also will receive refunds of varying amounts.

The decoupling charges collected from January 2020 through February of this year were meant to guarantee the companies annual revenue based on amounts they received in 2018, a year of weather extremes and high electric use.

FirstEnergy agreed to stop collecting the charge in February to settle a lawsuit filed by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. The Ohio Legislature passed a bill in March requiring refunds for the rate guarantee charges.

That bill also rescinded the energy bill's main provision, a $1 billion bailout for two nuclear plants operated by a wholly-owned FirstEnergy subsidiary when the legislation passed in July 2019. A year later, federal authorities alleged FirstEnergy secretly funded a $60 million bribery scheme to get the bill approved and to prevent a statewide referendum on repealing the law.

Ohio Consumers Counsel Bruce Weston said on Wednesday, Its good to see consumers getting some justice regarding the House Bill 6 scandal.

FirstEnergy officials have said they are cooperating with investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Officials also have said it has been engaged in discussions with federal prosecutors on a deferred prosecution agreement.

Former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones told investors after the energy bill passed that the rate guarantee made a portion of the company recession-proof. Jones is among top executives who were fired after last July's arrest of then-Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and four of his associates.

Householder and the other men were subsequently indicted on federal racketeering charges for their roles in the alleged bribery scheme. Householder has pleaded not guilty. He was removed as speaker soon after his arrest and was expelled from the House last month.
LANSING, Mich. (AP)  Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday signed a supplemental spending bill that releases an unprecedented $4.4 billion in federal coronavirus rescue funding designated for Michigan's K-12 schools.

It is a significant influx of aid, particularly to traditional districts and charter schools with high numbers or percentages of children from low-income families. Detroit, for instance, is getting $1 billion  more than its entire general fund budget as originally adopted last fiscal year.

Legislation the Democratic governor is expected to sign next week would allot an additional $363 million in U.S. COVID-19 funds to ensure districts with more higher-income kids receive at least $1,093 more per student regardless of a federal formula  the equivalent of 13% of the state's minimum base amount this fiscal year.

We are getting more money to districts that serve students with the highest need. But all districts are going to be getting a lot of help through this bill, Whitmer said during a signing event at Ojibwa Elementary School in Macomb Township north of Detroit.

The state law allocates $3.4 billion from a rescue bill signed by President Joe Biden and more than $900 million remaining from an aid bill signed by former President Donald Trump. About $180 million goes to private schools. Public schools must use at least 20% of their funding from the most recent federal package to address pandemic-related learning loss with interventions such as summer learning and afterschool programs.

Since the pandemic began, Congress has injected an unprecedented $6 billion into Michigan schools, according to the nonpartisan Citizens Research Council. That is quadruple the federal recovery funds they got during the Great Recession.

Rep. Joe Tate of Detroit, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, said the new funding will help close the learning gap and let educators and administrators prepare for fully in-person instruction in the fall. In May, 93% of districts planned to offer some amount of face-to-face teaching, according to Michigan State University's Education Policy Innovation Collaborative.

___

Follow David Eggert at https://twitter.com/DavidEggert00
SURFSIDE, Fla. - The massive search effort ending its second week here is shifting from rescue to recovery as an official said no additional victims of the condo tower collapse are thought to be alive.

Crews that once hoped to rescue survivors from pockets in the ruins of Champlain Towers South have discovered only bodies in the aftermath of a catastrophe that officials are still trying to explain. With 86 people still unaccounted for, authorities said they found 18 additional victims, the highest number recorded in a day. That pushed the known death toll to 54 as a prosecutor enlisted a grand jury to examine the disaster and, in court, a judge began to tackle the impossible task of compensating people for their losses.

The recovery of victims has quickened since the weekend demolition of a still-standing part of the condo building that gave crews access to new areas of a sprawling rubble pile. But the tone at a Wednesday news conference was decisively grim: "Today after all the facts and all the factors, we've decided based on everything that's been given to us, that there are no live victims," Miami-Dade Assistant Fire Chief Raide Jadallah said.

Workers in helmets and masks continued to comb through the wreckage using shovels, drills, backhoes and other heavy equipment, while engineers probed the structural integrity of what is left with ground-penetrating radar. Crews have moved more than 7 million pounds of concrete since the early morning collapse on June 24, and officials emphasized that their operation - which could last weeks longer - will remain intensive. As Tropical Storm Elsa swiped Florida, search teams have been up against rain, wind and time in a precarious effort halted at points by harsh conditions and fears that more of the tower could fall.

Jadallah said the "pancake" nature of the collapse left low chances of finding "void" spaces hiding survivors. In one part of the wreckage, four floors of the building had only three feet of separation between them, he said. Workers kept scouring for pockets to the end, he said but "it was unprecedented in regards to the lack of voids for survivability."

After announcing the switch to recovery, officials joined hundreds of rescuers by the collapse site in a moment of silence marking the transition from rescue to recovery - a shift that would become official at midnight, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, a Democrat, said.

Work ceased. Rescuers removed their helmets. "We're standing at a holy site," said Miami-Dade Police chaplain Rabbi Yossi Harlig.

After a lengthy pause, the group split: About half returned to the rubble and the others walked to a makeshift memorial erected a block away, joining family members and others who gathered, hugging and shaking hands. As darkness fell, Catholic nuns sang over the sounds of machinery that had resumed, passing out rosaries and clasping glowing white candles.

Families learned of the shift to recovery earlier in the day, officials said. Jadallah said there was grief but little surprise.

Pablo Rodriguez, whose mother and grandmother lived in Unit 1211, said he was not jarred by the news, though he knew it would be a blow to other families. As he saw video of the collapse, he said, he knew his loved ones were dead. "To be honest, it's been a search and recovery from day one," he said.

But with the cause of the building's sudden failure still unclear and many people yet to be accounted for, families are still seeking closure. Authorities said 33 victims have been identified.

Miami-Dade police publicly identified four additional victims on Wednesday: Graciela Cattarossi, 86; Gino Cattarossi, 89; Simon Segal, 80; and Elaine Lia Sabino, 71.

"We can't even properly begin the grieving process, because we're still waiting," Rodriguez said. "They still haven't found them. They're still listed as missing. . . . We don't how long it's going to take. We're just kind of stuck in limbo."

Jadallah said he reassured families that while the mission has changed, workers' commitment has not lessened. Crews at first fearful of harming a survivor in the wreckage are now treading carefully to avoid damaging bodies. "The only thing that changes is just the term," Jadallah said. "Men and women are still there. The support is still there."

And some leaders were not willing Wednesday evening to abandon all hope of saving additional lives. "A miracle is still possible," Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett said.

Inquiries into what went wrong in Surfside are still in the early stages. Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said Wednesday that, at her request, a county grand jury had voted to conduct an investigation into "how we can prevent such a disaster from occurring again, not just in Surfside, and not just in condominiums, but in all buildings and structures in the coastal, intercoastal and surrounding areas of our county, state and nation."

Grand juries in Florida are able to look at both possible criminal matters as well as broader issues of public policy, and they can issue reports that are aimed at recommending changes to policymakers.

Rundle's office declined to offer a timetable for the grand jury's work. In her statement, Rundle said grand juries' reports there "have historically led the way to numerous reforms and improvements in Miami-Dade County and beyond," pointing to building code improvements made after one such group's investigation into Hurricane Andrew's impact.

Building inspectors also continued to check the safety of other residential towers in the area. Levine Cava said officials had examined 40 buildings and found structural issues in one. A three-story, 24-unit building in Miami Beach was evacuated Saturday night after an inspector discovered a flooring system failure in a vacant unit, and residents were rushed last week from 10-story condo in North Miami Beach after officials deemed it "structurally and electrically unsafe."

Speaking in Tallahassee, Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, wouldn't commit to increasing state oversight of Florida's aging high-rise buildings, suggesting that Champlain Towers South may have been an isolated incident. "I think this building had problems from the start, let's just put it that way," he said.

With a flurry of lawsuits seeking compensation over the collapse, a circuit judge in downtown Miami, Michael Hanzman, has agreed to hear all the cases in his courtroom to streamline the process. Dozens of attorneys lined up in Hanzman's courtroom on Wednesday, volunteering to represent victims and their families free of charge.

Jorge Silva, one of the lawyers who volunteered, said the next steps are to identify contractors and other potential third parties that may share responsibility for the disaster. The building's insurance policy won't be large enough to cover the anticipated damages, Silva said, so Hanzman called on the lawyers to find additional ways to help make victims whole.

"Although this building collapse is a large catastrophe, there are a lot of similarities in all these cases," Silva told The Washington Post. "We're trying to marshal as many funds as possible from the building insurance, as well as private homeowners insurance and others who have responsibility in this collapse."

Silva said the claims are expected to fall into three main categories: wrongful death, personal injury and property damage cases. Property damage claims - all but certain to be the largest category - could include damages not just for the destruction of the condo units but for heirlooms, artwork and other personal items lost in the collapse. Owners and guests whose vehicles were destroyed will also be able to seek compensation.

Getting a full picture of the damages could take weeks, Silva said: "This case is still in diapers."

A support fund set up for the families and victims of the collapse has raised more than $1.7 million and an additional $1.3 million in promised funds, officials said. Survivors were given information on what to expect and how to receive the funds, and authorities were still working Wednesday to find some of them housing.

Hanzman acknowledged that the tragedy in Surfside is incalculable.

"There's not a sufficient amount of money in the world that can compensate for this," the judge said.

- - -

Knowles reported from San Jose. Hauptman and Hawkins reported from Washington. The Washington Post's Mark Berman in Washington contributed to this report.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP)  A former West Virginia delegate who became the youngest person elected to the Legislature in state history at age 18 is back in government.

State Treasurer Riley Moore announced Tuesday the appointment of Saira Blair as deputy treasurer for the office's local government division. Moore and Blair served in the House of Delegates together.
Back in 2019, Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time ... In Hollywood" drew criticism over the film's depiction of martial arts legend and San Francisco native Bruce Lee.

The controversy stems from a scene in which an actor playing Lee brags about his fighting prowess, claiming he could easily defeat Muhammad Ali. Brad Pitt, playing Hollywood stuntman Cliff Booth, challenges Lee to a brawl. The fight is broken up and ends in a draw, but Lee ends up looking like an arrogant and entitled star.

Shannon Lee, Bruce's daughter, took issue with the way her father was portrayed at the time, noting how difficult it was for him to carve out a place as a pioneering Asian American actor. Since then, Lee has gone on to bring one of her father's long-lost projects to life in the critically acclaimed martial arts show "Warrior."

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

The controversy was reignited last week when Tarantino made an appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast to promote the new expanded novelization of "Once Upon a Time ..."

Rogan asked about the Lee scene, and while Tarantino said he understood how Shannon Lee would be upset, he wouldn't apologize for the depiction of her father. He cited a biography of Lee that stated the actor didn't have respect for American stunt men and would often "tag" them, meaning to hit the stunt men with real punches and kicks. Tarantino said that the behavior was so well-known in the industry that many stunt men refused to work with Lee.

Shannon Lee responded with a scathing op-ed in The Hollywood Reporter. She began by questioning why Tarantino seems to hate Bruce Lee despite never meeting him personally, then railed against Hollywood in general for criticizing her father's character and career. She closes the op-ed asking Tarantino to refrain from commenting any more about her father.

Listen to the Tarantino interview on Spotify (the "Once Upon a Time ..." conversation begins at 104:00) and read Lee's full response here.
Coastal areas around the San Francisco Bay Area should be spared in the next heat wave, forecast to bake the U.S. West Coast and Southwest from Thursday through Monday, but temperatures in inland valleys are still expected to soar into the mid-90s to low 100s.

Mother Nature's air conditioner  an ocean breeze and marine layer  will keep coastal areas cool and San Francisco may not get any warmer than 70 degrees through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Seasonable weather conditions should prevail Wednesday with low clouds along the coast. Coastal areas are forecast to stay in the low to mid-60s while inland areas will be in the low 80s to low 90s, the weather service said in its forecast.

The warm-up is forecast to begin Thursday as high pressure over the Four Corners region in the Southwest builds and pushes north and west into California. Bay Area residences can expect afternoon high temperatures to increase at least 5 degrees from Wednesday to Thursday as coastal spots push into the high 60s, and inland valleys see more widespread 90s.

The mercury will continue to rise Friday, and Saturday and Sunday will likely be the hottest days of the heat event with some of the region's warmest locations (think Cloverdale in the North Bay and Antioch in the East Bay) forecast to reach between 102 to 110 by Saturday and/or Sunday, according to the weather service forecast.

Coastal locations in the central Bay Area such as Half Moon Bay should continue to struggle to break 70 degrees through the weekend. To the south, Santa Cruz will likely hit the low 80s.

The National Weather Service shared maps showing the temperature forecast for Wednesday through Sunday for several Bay Area cities around the Bay Area on Twitter.

Inland from the Bay Area, the Central Valley is set to cook amid the sweltering conditions, and highs in locations such as Fresno, Sacramento and Redding could exceed 110 degrees over the weekend. An excessive heat watch is in effect from 11 a.m. July 9 to 9 p.m. July 12 for the Central Valley, according to the weather service.
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.
Who owns the former Lowes building? The answer I received from asking the township was Shippensburg L LLC. Who is Shippensburg L LLC? Upon fu
Ludington, MI (49431)

Today

Rain showers this morning with overcast skies during the afternoon hours. High 72F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 56F. Winds light and variable.
 Unlimited website access 24/7

 Unlimited e-Edition access 24/7

 The best local, regional and national news in sports, politics, business and more!



With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime.
Hopes that independence from Sudan would bring a new dawn for the country's children have faded, with bouts of violence and conflict, recurring floods, droughts and other extreme weather events fuelled by climate change, and a deepening economic crisisleadindo extremely high food insecurity, and one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, the UN agency said in a statement on Tuesday.

United Nations, July 7 (IANS) A record 4.5 million children, or two out of three, in South Sudan are in desperate need of humanitarian support, said the Unicef.

It added that the recent peace agreement, which has only partially been implemented, has so far failed to bring about any remedy to the challenges facing the country's children and young people, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The hope and optimism that children and families in South Sudan felt at the birth of their country in 2011 have slowly turned to desperation and hopelessness," said Unicef Executive Director Henrietta Fore.

"The childhood of many 10-year-old children in South Sudan today has been beset by violence, crises and rights abuses."

Overall, 8.3 million people in South Sudan need humanitarian support, a much higher number than the levels seen during the 2013-2018 civil war, which ranged from 6.1 million to 7.5 million people, according to the Unicef.

South Sudan's child mortality rate is among the highest in the world, with 1 in 10 children not expected to reach their fifth birthday.

Some 1.4 million children are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition this year, the highest figure since 2013.

More than 300,000 children, the highest number ever in the country, are expected to suffer from the worst form of malnutrition and are at risk of dying if treatment is not provided, it warned.

Meanwhile, Unicef's appeal for $180 million to assist the most vulnerable children this year is only one-third funded.

The wider humanitarian response plan for South Sudan remains similarly underfunded.

The crisis will worsen with the approach of the lean season. Lives will be lost without urgent action, warned the fund.

--IANS

ksk/
Bollywood icon Dilip Kumar, addressed as the "Tragedy King" and one of Hindi cinema's greatest actors, has passed away at the age of 98 in Mumbai's Hinduja Hospital. He was taken to hospital on June 30 after complaining of breathlessness  it was the second time he had been admitted in the same month.

"He passed away due to prolonged illness at 7.30 am," confirmed Dr. Jalil Parkar, the pulmonologist who had been treating Dilip Kumar. His funeral would take place later in the day, at the Juhu Qabrastan.

The veteran actor leaves behind a legacy of films that spanned six decades, with over 65 films in Bollywood. He was born Mohammed Yusuf Khan on Dec. 11, 1922, in Peshawar, now in Pakistan, and famous by the screen name of Dilip Kumar once he debuted in Bollywood with "Jwar Bhata" in 1944.

The Nation Mourns the Passing of an Institution

Amitabh Bachchan has grieved the death of Dilip Kumar via a post on his Twitter page. "An institution has gone.. whenever the history of Indian Cinema will be written, it shall always be 'before Dilip Kumar, and after Dilip Kumar'.. My duas for peace of his soul and the strength to the family to bear this loss.. Deeply saddened.." he wrote.

"With a heavy heart and profound grief, I announce the passing away of our beloved Dilip Saab, few minutes ago. We are from God and to Him we return. - Faisal Farooqui," a tweet posted on the official Twitter handle of Dilip Kumar.

Tributes to the late legend flooded social media; President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted: "Dilip Kumar summarised in himself a history of emerging India. The thespian's charm transcended all boundaries, and he was loved across the subcontinent. With his demise, an era ends. Dilip Saab will live forever in the heart of India. Condolences to family and countless fans."

"Dilip Kumar ji will be remembered as a cinematic legend. He was blessed with unparalleled brilliance, due to which audiences across generations were enthralled. His passing away is a loss to our cultural world. Condolences to his family, friends and innumerable admirers. RIP," tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Dilip Kumar is survived by his wife, Saira Banu, an admired leading lady in Bollywood in the 1960s and 1970s. Two days before, Saira Banu shared a message on Dilip Kumar's Twitter, "We are grateful for God's infinite mercy on Dilip Saab that his health is improving. We are still in hospital and request your prayers and duas so that Insh'Allah he is healthy and discharged soon."

Journey of the First Khan of Indian Cinema

Dilip Kumar embraces the record for winning the maximum number of Filmfare awards. He was the first recipient of the award and won the best actor Filmfare Award eight times. In his legendary film career, he contributed to Hindi cinema in numerous ways, including introducing the method acting technique.

He had played a diversity of characters in his career and highly admired for his iconic roles in movies like 'Devdas '(1955), 'Naya Daur' (1957), 'Mughal-e-Azam' (1960), 'Ganga Jamuna' (1961), 'Kranti' (1981), and 'Karma' (1986).

The first significant box-office hits of him were "Jugnu," in 1947, in which he featured alongside Noor Jehan, and the 1948 film "Shaheed." He was enacted as a romantic hero in "Andaz," a swashbuckler in "Aan," a dramatic drunkard in "Devdas," a comic role in "Azaad," a Muslim prince in the historical epic "Mughal-e-Azam" and a robber in the social movie "Ganga Jamuna."

Mehboob Khan's blockbuster "Aan" in 1952 was the first film in Technicolor and was among a series of light-hearted roles he took at the suggestion of his psychiatrist to shed his "Tragedy King" image.

His leading female co-stars included Madhubala, Nargis, Nimmi, Meena Kumari, Kamini Kaushal, and Vyjanthimala.

Dilip Kumar married Saira Banu in 1966, who was 22 years younger than him, and the couple acted in "Gopi," "Sagina Mahato," and "Bairaag."

In 1961, he produced and cast in "Ganga Jamuna," in which he and his brother Nasir Khan played the title roles. It was the only film he produced. As per a report, he had refused the role of Sherif Ali in David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia" in 1962. The part went to Egyptian actor Omar Sharif.

In the late '70s, he had a break and returned with a character role in the successful "Kranti," in 1981. He persisted in playing key roles in films such as "Shakti," "Karma" and "Saudagar." And his last film was "Qila" in 1998.

In 1994, he was honored by the "Dadasaheb Phalke" award, the highest honor for contributions to Indian cinema. He also assisted in the upper house of the Indian Parliament after being nominated for a six-year term.
As we all know, Co-Win is a web portal for COVID-19 vaccination registration, owned and operated by India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The application was introduced in January 2021 when India began one of the most extensive vaccination drives globally. The application has often been acknowledged as the backbone technology of the vaccination drive in the country. While several have also scrutinized the massive dependency of the digital platform, it has facilitated the digitally literate people of the country to obtain the government's services.

Co-Win started offering COVID-19 vaccination On 16 January 2021 for Frontline Workers in the country. On 1 March 2021, the platform to provide vaccination to all above the age of 60, citizens between the ages of 45 and 60 with one or more qualifying comorbidities, and any health care or frontline worker who did not receive a dose during the first phase. From 1 April 2021, eligibility was extended to all residents over the age of 45. Registration for the next phase began on 28 April 2021 for 1 May 2021, extending eligibility to all residents over the age of 18.

PM Modi sermonizes the Co-win Global Conclave via video conference

Vaccination is the best hope for humanity to emerge from the pandemic successfully, and it noted that India decided to adopt a completely digital approach for the exercise. Trustworthy proof helps people to establish their vaccination. it allows people to prove that they have been vaccinated, expediting the normalcy in the post-pandemic globalized world as they will not have to carry fragile pieces of paper.

Modi said experience shows that no nation can solve a challenge like this pandemic in isolation, no matter how powerful and prosperous. "Right from the beginning of the pandemic, India has been committed to bestowing all our experiences, expertise and resources with the global community in this battle,." "Despite all our constraints, we have tried to share as much as possible with the world," he said, adding that the biggest lesson from the pandemic is that for humanity and the human cause, all nations have to work together and move ahead together.

Noting that technology is integral to India's fight against COVID-19, Modi said luckily, and the software is one area in which there are no resource constraints. "That's why we made our COVID tracing and tracking App open source as soon as it was technically feasible."

Indian civilization considers the whole world as one family. This pandemic has made many people realize the fundamental truth of this philosophy, "That's why, our technology platform for COVID vaccination - the platform we call Co-Win - is being prepared to be made open source so (that) it will be available in any and all countries,."

Approximately 50 nations are demanded to seek information about the platform. The nations with a registered interest in the forum include Canada, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Nigeria, Uganda, Vietnam, Iraq, Dominican Republic, the UAE, and others.

In his address, Modi noted that India had administered 350 million COVID-19 vaccines, including nine million people vaccinated in one day. The digital approach also supports tracking the usage of vaccination and minimizes wastage. With nearly 200 million users, the "Aarogya Setu" app is a readily available package for developers.

Experience the advanced Co-Win App

The government has determined to grant the open-source platform to other countries to help them prepare their vaccination drive or incorporate some of the features with their existing infrastructure. Dr. R S Sharma, the National Health Authority (NHA) CEO, said, The prime minister has instructed officials to create an open-source version of the forum and give it to any nation that wants it for free.

Co-win, India's technological platform, is initiating its COVID-19 vaccination drive as a "digital public good" to the world, asserting that it has been committed to bestowing its expertise and resources with the global community in combating the pandemic.

The modified version of the government's Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network, built to be a cloud-based IT solution for preparation, coordinating the giant vaccination process, and retrieve the real-time data on it.

For booking a vaccination slot, residents can download the Co-Win app and register themselves on the portal. After an individual gets vaccinated, a certificate assuring that they have been successfully vaccinated is also issued on the app.

Registration and booking Slot for Vaccines

There is a mobile application and a website for receivers and officials involved in the vaccination process for Co-Win. On Co-Win, one can reserve a vaccination slot by registering with their mobile number. Earlier registration on Cowin.gov.in is no longer required. However, registration on this site is required to keep track of all vaccinations.

Paytm introduced vaccination slots for its users

The vaccination slot booking feature on Paytm adds to the app's vaccine finder service that helps users find slots for getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Paytm users can search, discover, and book their vaccination slots for Covaxin and Covishield at the nearest center through the Paytm app.

Download a certificate

One can download the vaccination certificate following immunization from one's Co-Win account, which will become a crucial travel document in the coming days. The Ministry of External Affairs expects other countries to recognize the Co-Win certificate as genuine proof of immunization.

Certificate editing

Any mistake in the vaccine certificate can now be edited using the platform.

Passport details linking

This portal lets users link their passport to their Covid-19 immunization certificate for residents who need to travel overseas.

Certificate merging

Recipients who received two doses enrolling from two different phone lines and two different certificates can now merge the two certificates.
By Brian McFeeters



I am proud to share that the United States of America delivered a donation of one million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to Malaysia on July 5th as part of our global effort to end the COVID-19 pandemic. Our number one priority is to save lives, and we hope that this contribution will support the Malaysian government's National Immunization Program and help the Malaysian people achieve recovery as quickly as possible.

COVID-19 may have radically changed our lives, but it has also proven the power of solidarity and collective action in defeating the pandemic. As cases continue to surge in different regions and new variants emerge, the United States recognizes that ending the pandemic means ending it everywhere.

The United States is working with partners globally to help countries obtain more equitable access to vaccines, accelerate vaccinations worldwide, and achieve global herd immunity. We are harnessing the power of our democracy, the ingenuity of our American scientists, and the strength of our manufacturing to beat the pandemic globally. As President Biden said, "America will be the arsenal of vaccines in our fight against COVID-19, just as America was the arsenal of democracy during World War II."

We have made a landmark pledge to provide 500 million additional Pfizer vaccine doses to the world's lowest-income nations via COVAX. The United States is the top financial donor to COVAX with a USD $4 billion pledge to be fulfilled over the next two years. Through platforms like COVAX and the G7, we hope to inspire other countries to make similar pledges; we will continue coordinating efforts by the world's democracies to speed up vaccine production and availability globally, including through the Quad initiative.

As the global vaccination drive forges ahead, we remain committed to working with partners in Malaysia to provide immediate COVID relief beyond vaccines. To date, the United States government has donated over USD $2 million to boost Malaysia's capacity in responding to the pandemic. Funds have been channelled to purchase COVID-19 testing supplies and protective gear for frontline workers, and to assist refugee communities in Malaysia.





The United States government is not alone in partnering with Malaysia to defeat the pandemic. The American business community's strong network with, and support for, local communities has amplified the reach and impact of its COVID-19 relief contributions. Under the MyAmCham Cares program, the American-Malaysian Chamber of Commerce is coordinating the ongoing efforts of nearly 50 U.S. companies and has raised over RM7 million and a host of in-kind donations since early last year.





Beyond immediate COVID-19 vaccination and relief efforts, we must continue our long-term partnership and look toward the future. As Secretary Blinken has said, "Our challenges now are two: first, to shorten the lifespan of a borderless pandemic that is destroying lives and livelihoods all over the world, and the second is to ensure that we can prevent, detect, and respond to those future global health threats we know are coming." To accomplish this, research, knowledge-sharing, and education are key.

The United States has been advancing global health security strategically for more than a decade under the Emerging Pandemic Threat (EPT) program. Through EPT, we have funded research to better detect, understand, and predict disease emergence from wildlife in East Malaysia. This effort identified 76 novel viruses, subsequently providing the Malaysian government with actionable data to mitigate the risks from zoonotic diseases.

Looking ahead, the Biden administration is working hard to ensure global preparedness for future pandemics and disease outbreaks by proposing the establishment of a National Center for Epidemic Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics. The Center will modernize early warning systems and give the global community more time to respond to public health threats. As United States Ambassador to Malaysia, I am committed to expanding bilateral research and institutional cooperation that will enhance readiness for future outbreaks.

Even further ahead, it is essential that we continue to equip young people with knowledge, skills, and interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Today's youth will be tomorrow's researchers, achieving scientific breakthroughs that will help counter future pandemics. The U.S. Embassy's "Virus Hunter" campaign features an interactive website (www.virushunterexhibit.com) and virtual workshops designed to increase young people's awareness about combating infectious diseases, expose students to STEM career pathways, and enhance their ability to identify pandemic misinformation. We want all our children to have the best opportunities in the future. Equipping them with the tools for the next generation's fight against pandemics is a step in the right direction.

Health is a human right and a shared responsibility. As part of our overall close relationship, we will continue working with Malaysia as a trusted partner to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, and the United States will work globally to prevent future pandemics.

(Brian McFeeters is the United States Ambassador to Malaysia.)
By Mariam Mokhtar

Why should Malaysians judiciously stick to the rules and do their bit for the nation to prevent the spread of coronavirus, when hypocritical ministers openly flout social distancing guidelines?



Are Malaysians such a docile and lackadaisical lot, that they do not care when another minister breaks the law? The latest minister to breach the rules is the Economics Minister, Mustapa Mohamad.

Where is the rakyat's anger? Why have we failed to make ministers accountable for their actions? Our failure to strongly condemn this government (and previous ones) is one of the reasons, our ministers continue to flout the laws. Politicians are emboldened to repeat their wrongdoings, and it is our fault that this nation is now in a mess.

More importantly, where is the voice of the Opposition in condemning Mustapa? The Opposition should not let the matter rest, until Mustapa resigns or is sacked by the Prime minister.

It is all the more pertinent, because Mustapa is the latest in a long line of MPs, ministers and senior politicians who have openly flouted the law. Our Opposition is so weak, that even if they had expressed condemnation, they would have failed to make an impact.

The rakyat is sick and tired of sticking to all the rules whilst ministers openly show their hypocrisy by flouting the rules.

We are strict with family members, and force our children to obey the rules because we want the nation to come out of lockdown faster. We want to return to our jobs, help businesses to function and get the economy going. We want children to return to full time education and prepare for their futures. We want society to resume to as near to normal as is possible. We want the old, the disabled, the marginalized and the downtrodden to be properly cared for.

We all do our bit for Malaysia, but do these ministers care? No! They have no desire to obey the rules which they have themselves set for us.

The next time another lockdown or condition is enforced, ministers should not be surprised if Malaysians openly break the law. Why should we care about observing social distancing? We will visit friends, have a party or travel out of state. If politicians can do it, why can't we?

When ministers breach the coronavirus social distancing rules, they think that an apology will suffice to placate an angry public. They are wrong.

Last Saturday, Mustapa, who is the MP for Jeli. visited Alfath Cafe in Kampung Kulai, and was photographed dining with other people. When the photos went viral and caused a public outrage, Mustapa claimed that he visited the cafe to "observe how the young restaurateur managed to sustain his business despite the lockdown"

He said, "The young fellow, who is 26-years-old, used social media to market his menu based on Western cuisine." Does Mustapa think we are so stupid that we will fall for his equally idiotic excuse?

Flouting the rules is a very serious matter. Ordinary Malaysians have made great sacrifices during the lockdown. People have lost their homes, their cars, jobs, relationship, savings and some have lost their lives.

Malaysians were unable to attend the funerals of close family members, or comfort their sick and dying relatives.

Some couples were forced to live apart for months. Parents who work away from home, could not meet their children.

People who live alone suffered mental health issues because of the forced isolation.

Weddings, or other special celebrations have had to be postponed or scaled down. Some fathers could not be present at the birth of their first child.

Ministers who apologize only after a public backlash, show their insincerity. Would they have apologized if they had not been caught with their pants around their ankles?

In yet another breach of social distancing, at least two politicians, the MP for Batu Pahat, Mohd Rashid Hasnon, and the Minister for Housing and Local Government, Zuraida Kamaruddin, were photographed taking part in an alleged durian feast on 27 June, but Mohd Rashid, denied that this durian event took place this year.

The rakyat must look at the bigger picture. Flouting the rules, is a serious breach of trust. It is also about broken dignity and a lack of confidence in our MPs.

Ordinary Malaysians who breached social distancing rules have been swiftly dragged to court to face punishment, fined, jailed and humiliated in the press. The same speedy response when ministers breach the rules is not given. Perhaps, members of the rakyat who were punished, should have their fines reimbursed.

Ministers' wages and perks are paid by the taxpayer and that means we have every right to scrutinize their behavior. If they break the laws, their punishments should be more severe than those set for the ordinary public.

We fail to make ministers accountable for their actions. Is it our subservience, or our apathy? Is it our lackadaisical attitude? Are we too tolerant, too accepting and too docile to condemn the transgressions of our ministers?

The behavior of our ministers should be exemplary. If they break the laws, they should resign. If they refuse to go, they should be sacked.

Around the world, politicians who breach social distancing rules have been forced to resign or be sacked. Their citizens decide who stays in power, but in Malaysia, hypocrisy takes precedence.

Mustapa, who is the MP for Jeli, is the latest in a long line of MPs and politicians, who have robbed the Malays of their dignity (jatuh maruah).

Source:

1. Free Malaysia Today: Tok Pa apologizes for eating at a cafe in Kelantan

2. Malay Mail: Tok Pa apologizes for flouting no-dine rule at cafe in Kelantan after photos emerge online

3. Malay Mail: Police in Kota Baru record cafe owner's statement in probe into Mustapa's SOP violation



4. Malaysiakini: Questions remain after Batu Pahat MP says durian feast was 'before MCO'



5. Harian Metro: Benar sektor kredit komuniti beroperasi, elak pinjam along



6. Twitter: Haziq Escobar

(Mariam Mokhtar is a Freelance Writer.)
Let me get this out of the way first: fullsuits are faster than longjohns. These are, by the way, my terms. You may use different terms. This is what we called full-sleeve versus sleeveless wetsuits starting back in 1987, and I have continued the use of these descriptors. (This is the second installment in a series we'll write on wetsuits during spring of 2021, the first is here.)



I dead promise you if you look to the bottom of this article (after it's had a chance to breathe) or if you go on a thread on our Reader Forum youll find folks who insist that, no, fullsuits are not faster, at least not for them. Somebody may pipe in with data, as in, a swim-down in a pool of a fullsuit versus a longjohn, showing the longjohn is faster. To this I say, no. What this proves is that the particular longjohn owned by the tester was good, and the fullsuit not good.

And thats pretty easy to do, because its easier to swim in any longjohn than in an ill-fitting fullsuit, just like the fit of a t-shirt is less precise than the fit of a tuxedo.



As to my contention that fullsuits are faster, I might stand down in this assertion if you can find me one man or woman in the ITUs top-50 who swim a wetsuit-legal swim in a longjohn. And bear in mind that an ITU swimmer is the most likely candidate for a longjohn because, remember, those with pure swim backgrounds really have an ambivalence toward wetsuits. Back in the late 80s the really great swimmers refused to wear fullsuits, because  as we discussed previously  this compromised their feel for the water. But all you have to do is test the wetsuits, in a flume, in a field trial in open water, or in the pool. This is why every top athlete swims in a fullsuit.



Why is it faster? Hydrodynamics, for one, but mostly buoyancy. The more rubber on you the higher you ride in the water, and your leading edge is your arm, after the catch. There is also a greater surface area to your arm with a sleeve around it, and if the catch panel works you have that as well.

But, like an ill-fitting tuxedo, an ill-fitting fullsuit is unoptomized. There are more variables to the fit. You dont have to worry about the arm length in a longjohn; nor shoulder mobility; nor do you have to know how to put on a fullsuit fully. (There is an art to putting on a wetsuit for a high-performance result, and that will be explained in detail in the next installment.)





Overheating

Overheating is definitely a thing in a wetsuit, especially in a fullsuit, and I fully understand why someone would prefer a longjohn in warmer air temperatures. I guess I give short shrift to the argument that longjohns are better in warm water, because the water is not usually warm enough to cause you to overheat as long as youre swimming in wetsuit-legal water. What does matter more, I think, is the air temp, and specifically the air temp when combined with a long wait out of the water (with your wetsuit on) before the gun goes off. You arent likely to overheat while swimming, but you can overheat in a hurry standing in a fullsuit in 80F air for 20 or 30 minutes.Accordingly, there are some rules by which I abide, which are, first, to do a warmup in the water. I always warm up in the water before a race. This is a point about which Im militant. I believe it is nigh unto malpractice for an RD not to allow an in-water warmup if such a thing can be done. (If it cant, because of, say, a swim in a river with a current, then a well-publicized opportunity for a workaround should be offered.) Anyway, look, a warmup is not only better for your health; and your safety; and your comfort; and your race performance; it is also a way to keep from overheating in your fullsuit.

Second, I just dont stand around in a zipped-up fullsuit in hot air temp conditions. I take the wetsuit down to the waist, and pull the wetsuit back up only when Im within 5 or 7 minutes of the gun going off. If youre afraid you cant get the top on quickly enough, at a minimum unzip the wetsuit and take it down off your shoulders, with your arms still inside the wetsuits arms. Pull it back on and zip up a couple of minutes before the start of your swim.



But, back to the warm-up, if there are 10 minutes to go until your swim start, if theres any way to get back into the water, if just to paddle around, until 5 minutes to go, do that, in order to cool off. Again, this assumes a hot air temp day.





Technique

It used to be that wed swim with a kind of fullsuit-specific technique, which is really just a classic long distance freestyle technique used by a really good world class freestyler. This is characterized by a long extend (glide) phase after the catch, with the hand and forearm right near the surface of the water until the pull commences. The fullsuit guided you toward this kind of stroke, which is I guess another reason fulls are faster than johns: fulls prompt you toward a better technique.

But then, as the 1990s progressed, we built our wetsuits with 3mm rubber in the arms; then we moved to 2mm rubber, and finally ended with 1.5mm rubber, because we taught ourselves to glue & blindstitch rubber that thin. This made the rubber of the fullsuit really flexible. We formed our patterns so that thin, flexible rubber extended over the shoulder area as well, and you could pretty well swim using whatever technique you wanted. In recent years Ive wondered whether we did ourselves a disservice by making fullsuits so flexible in the arms and shoulders. Maybe more rubber is better, because of flotation and surface area. De Sotos T1 wetsuits feature a pullover (the top piece) with arms made of 5mm rubber (the Concept 5) to exploit this very thing.



Truly, I dont find any of todays good fullsuits hard to swim in, as long as they fit me well. The patterns and materials have been worked and reworked for a quarter-century or more, and any company thats been around a long time making wetsuits, tweaking their patterns  Orca, De Soto, blueseventy, ROKA, Zone3, 2XU, Zoot, Aquaman and the others  make fullsuits that are easy to swim in. Two companies  ROKA and De Soto  make their patterns so that neutral in a fullsuit is arms-up, Superman style, so that the pattern returns to form during freestyle recovery.





Fit

For all my fullsuit praise, fullsuits may fit well or badly, and there are perhaps 4 or 5 variables that determine this.Wetsuits fit in ways not unlike the way road bikes fit nowadays. As you may know if you read what I write about road bike fit, there is a quite unhelpful narrative around road geometries, which is the decision to segment geometries based on use case rather than morphology. A race geometry has a longer reach and a lower stack. An endurance geometry has a higher stack and a shorter reach. But my gravel and road bikes are each fit to me almost identically, even though the use case of these bikes is not close to the same. The length and height of my road or gravel frame is determined by my morphology: the length of my torso relative to my legs. Endurance geometries arent indicated for people who ride endurance, rather for people with longer legs and shorter torsos. Pardon the segue, but its like that nowadays in wetsuits.

We began to look at it like this at QR in the early 90s, when fireplug-shaped guys would waltz in for a wetsuit and their circumferences (chest, thighs, arms) demanded (say) a size M, but the arms and legs of an M were too long (we built an M for men 62 or thereabouts, not some who was 57). So, we built a size called a Medium Short, and this plugged a hole in our size chart. Then we made a Large Short, and a Medium Small Short, and a Small Short. Nowadays you still see this, but companies kind of do it opposite. If its a size S, or M, or L, its sort of already a short because what youll often see on a size chart is, say, an MT, which is a Medium Tall.



Anything out of Yamamoto rubber #39 or higher (numerically) is going to be stretchier, which means its going to be more forgiving for those of us with, er, unoptimized physiques. So, Yamamoto #39 or #40 will stretch like a Gumby, and if you think you need a forgiving suit, avoid Yamamoto #38 or Sheico or any other rubber that is less stretchy. If your physique is pretty typical, and you can fit without requiring the rubber to really stretch, save yourself some money and go for the rubber thats not quite as stretchy. That rubber will be fine, it will be cheaper, the suit will be just as fast for you.



The biggest fit problem in most wetsuits is the torso. If the torso is too long youll have rolls of rubber in your tummy area. If the torso of the wetsuit is too short it will pull down on your shoulders, and perhaps pull on your neck, and this is the sort of suit where, yes, you might just be better off in a longjohn. In my next article Im going to tell you how to put this wetsuit on right, and you may think youre doing that but you may well not be, and if thats the case the suit will swim like its too short in the torso (even if its not). Just, if it is too short, you cant live with that, so make sure your reseller offers a return policy.

If you just cant get that torso length right, then consider a 2-piece wetsuit, like De Sotos T1. The point of the design of that wetsuit is that it neutralizes this as an issue. There is no part of this wetsuit where the crotch and the shoulders fight against each other. However, this has led to the impression that this is just the wetsuit for those who cant fit in regular wetsuits. Not so. This is a great, top-line wetsuit, period. This has been my favorite wetsuit to just swim in. However, the utility of this suit is not as urgently needed as it once was. In 2005, there were just too many ill-fitting wetsuits, and I would only swim in a De Soto T1. Nowadays there are a lot of good wetsuits, so the need for this brand isnt as critically urgent as it was. I will say, though, that a lot of people suffered in wetsuit misery 10 or 20 years ago because they just couldnt wrap their brains around a 2-piece wetsuit. Their loss.



Finally, age has proven to make a big difference in how I get my wetsuits. Lets say Im 62 and 170lb. Which I sometimes am. I would, in my 30s, buy a wetsuit that fit someone (based on the suits size chart) between 158lb and 170lb. Today, 30 years later, nope, Im looking for a suit that fits somebody 170lb to 185lb. My weight may not have changed much, but how that weight is carried has changed. Also, my diaphragm is not as strong, and I find it hard to intake air than I did when I was younger. I just cant fight a tight wetsuit anymore.



Thats it for today! Next up, its how to put a fullsuit on. I know you think you know how to do this, and maybe you do. But I see a lot of wetsuits in the wild that are worn badly, causing their users a lot of strangulation and arm fatigue. Hence my segment upcoming.
To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account.

We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription.

A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much!
One of the worlds most exclusive clubs just got a new member, with a second aspirant knocking on the door.

Steve Ballmer, the former chief executive officer of Microsoft, has a net worth of more than $US100 billion ($134 billion), making him the ninth person in the world to reach that lofty plateau. Oracle founder Larry Ellison fell just short of making it an even 10, ending Wednesday with a fortune of $US98.6 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Steve Ballmer has made more than $US20 billion this year as Microsoft shares gained. Credit:AFP

Ballmer, 65, who stepped down as Microsofts CEO in 2014 and now owns the NBAs Los Angeles Clippers basketball team, has seen his wealth grow by $US20.1 billion this year, while Ellison has added $US18.9 billion.

A rally in tech shares has fuelled the latest surge in wealth, with seven of those above the $US100 billion mark deriving their fortunes from technology companies. Amazons Jeff Bezos, the worlds richest person, has been among the biggest recipients of that rally and now has a record net worth of $US212.1 billion.
Animal Farm, Watership Down and Charlottes Web all use animals to illustrate something of how humans operate in the world. Fable, an exhibition in Melbournes north-east, sees two local artists embrace the theme with charming results.

Mirror Mirror, by Melanie Faith Dove Credit:Courtesy of the artist

Works by Jessica Page and Melanie Faith Dove feature all manner of creatures and otherworldly characters. Both artists take distinctly different approaches.

Photographer Melanie Faith Dove enlists her pet white duck as her muse. She says the duck, named Butter, symbolises humanitys fragile relationship with the Earth.

After 21 years as a documentary photographer, Faith Dove recently returned to her original passion, creative photography; she majored in Fine Art at university more than 20 years ago. The artistic itch has never shut-down and part of me felt curious to venture back into that field and dabble in it again, she says.
BLACK WIDOW 

134 minutes, rated M, in cinemas and Disney+

Like the planet, Hollywood is a long way from returning to normal, whatever normal is imagined to mean. But heres one sign that things may have turned a corner: at long last, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is back.

Scarlett Johansson in Black Widow. Credit:Marvel Studios

That is, back on the big screen: theres been enough streaming content in the meantime, including WandaVision and Loki, to ensure that fans stay hooked. But Black Widow, directed by Australias Cate Shortland (Somersault), is the first full-fledged Marvel blockbuster in two years  and only the second ever, following Captain Marvel in 2019, to centre on a solo female lead.

These facts aside, the film isnt likely to go down in Marvel history as much more than a footnote, nor does it tell us much about the studios envisaged next phase. At this point, its hardly a spoiler to say that the Black Widow, otherwise known as leather enthusiast and former Russian super-spy Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson), sacrificed herself nobly in the grand climax of Avengers: Endgame.
At 19, Josh sustained serious injuries following a fall from the roof while cleaning gutters at his parents home. Against the odds, he made an incredible recovery from physical injury.

However, his acquired brain injury was permanent, and he will need ongoing going support with memory tasks, daily routine, impulse control and decision-making. With tailored National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) support, he has potential to one day live independently with support, and to find a job suited to his abilities.

Tailored NDIS packages can help people with physical and mental disabilities to live independently. Credit: Supplied

We are all one car crash, one fall, one serious sporting accident, away from needing the NDIS, Australias disability safety net, which currently supports more than 450,000 people. Disability does not discriminate between age, gender, lifestyle, or political preference.

Later this week, Minister for the NDIS Linda Reynolds, will meet state and territory disability ministers to garner support for abill to amend the NDIS Act 2013.
In the 24 hours to 8pm on Tuesday, 45,000 tests were recorded statewide. It comes as NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard warned suppression of the virus might be impossible, while the Premier assured Sydney it was absolutely the governments intention for the lockdown to lift on July 16. When asked if the highly infectious Delta strain of the virus had escaped control, Mr Hazzard said, If individuals that we need dont hear [public health messages] and dont respond, then at some point were going to move to a stage where were going to have to accept that the virus has a life which will continue in the community. It is critical ... for the community in south-west Sydney to understand that your individual actions may well determine the future of this virus in our community.

There were 27 new coronavirus cases reported on Wednesday, nine of which had no known link to other cases or clusters. Only 13 of the new cases were in isolation for their entire infectious period. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the next nine or 10 days will determine how we live until the end of the year, stressing she wanted this to be the last lockdown in Sydney before the majority of the citys population was vaccinated. She warned case numbers to be announced on Thursday were likely to be higher, with concerning statistics on what is happening in the three LGAs of concern as transmission occurred among families and households in Sydneys south-west. The NSW government doesnt want to go to the next stage but we are considering if there are any further actions we need to take in those three local government areas, she said.

Loading Can I say to the communities in those areas, many have a similar background to me, please dont mingle with family, she said, adding that, while people might think they are doing the right thing by babysitting family members or visiting loved ones, the key message is, Do not leave the house. Dr Chant called for increased testing in the citys south-west and for people living in the area to consider shopping for groceries online and limiting their movements, noting cases had already infected their household contacts who had been in the community when they tested positive. But Dr Chant doubted an earlier lockdown for Greater Sydney would have resulted in a substantial difference in the number of cases the city is dealing with today. My honest impression is probably not, she said.

Loading University of Sydney epidemiologist Dr Fiona Stanaway said it was a bad sign that the virus had moved across the city, noting Sydneysiders would become fatigued the longer restrictions continued. Rather than the outbreak tapering off, it has continued and spread to new suburbs, she said. There has likely been contact among households, people are a bit tired and wanting to catch up with others, and different households congregating. There are 37 COVID-19 patients in Sydneys hospitals, including seven in ICU and two ventilated. Fourteen of the people in hospital are under 55 and eight are under 35. One of the ICU patients is in their 30s.

Loading COVID, including the Delta strain, is not a mild disease, Dr Chant said, adding she hoped the statistics regarding hospitalisation in the young would be a wake-up call. ANU infectious diseases physician Associate Professor Sanjaya Senanayake said vaccination had certainly had an impact on concentrating the spread of COVID-19 in Sydney in people aged under 40, noting that, although now four staff at north-west Sydneys SummitCare Baulkham Hills home had tested positive to COVID-19, the illness reported in vaccinated residents had been mild and their hospitalisation precautionary. But the reality is even young people can still get very sick from the acute illness, and then there is long COVID to contend with. On Wednesday afternoon, NSW Health confirmed additional virus transmission had been uncovered from June 25 and 26 at Bossley Parks Marconi Club. On Tuesday night, the ministry confirmed transmission had also occurred at a Commonwealth Bank branch at Roselands on June 28, 29 and 30.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has confirmed restrictions designed to curtail movement across the state, including the Greater Sydney lockdown, will remain in place for another week.

It comes as the recent COVID-19 outbreak around Bondi Junction continues to grow to other areas in Sydney, with a concerning number of people in the community while infectious.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejilian has emphasised the need for residents of Greater Sydney to minimise their movements for at least another week. Credit:James Brickwood

The lockdown of Greater Sydney, which includes the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour, will continue until 11.59pm on Friday, July 16  as will the existing restrictions for regional NSW.

Ms Berejiklian on Wednesday said the centre of the outbreak, originally concentrated on Sydneys eastern suburbs, has now shifted to Sydneys west and south-west, with particular concerns about the local government areas of Fairfield, Canterbury-Bankstown and Liverpool. The Premier indicated that if necessary the government will consider tightening restrictions in those areas.
Loading He added that investigators were reviewing all aspects of the case, including allegations of corruption or malpractice. Strike Force Sedgeman detectives will also consider any new and compelling evidence, which will allow them to progress inquiries with the State Coroner and Law Enforcement Conduct Commission, Commissioner Fuller said. Homicide Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, said the families of those who had died were informed of the reward on Tuesday evening. Theyre going through the ups and downs  this is probably mixed emotions for them, they [had] 40-odd years without answers ... its pretty hard for them, he said.

Loading Its not always about the money, which is a large and significant amount; its about doing the right thing for the families so they can have some answers, he said of the reward. A formal request was submitted to the NSW Police Force State Crime Command by the State Coroner in April this year to conduct a review into all evidence concerning the cause, the origin of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the seven deaths. The Sydney Morning Heralds investigative reporter Kate McClymont in 2007 revealed claims that notorious Australian crime figure Abe Saffron was behind the blaze. During her investigation, she spoke exclusively to Saffrons niece as well as families of the victims for their reaction to the claims that it was deliberately lit.

Loading Saffron, who was linked to seven other blazes, was the subject of a later National Crime Authority investigation into the fires. The authority was scathing about the original police investigation. The final NCA report said that Saffron had coveted Luna Park for more than 20 years and the Ghost Train fire was lit as a trigger to evict the incumbent tenants and gain control of the lease himself. Saffron died in 2006. Exposed, an investigative documentary series broadcast by the ABC this year, unearthed further witness accounts of the fire and claims that corrupt police officers covered for Saffron. Some witnesses said they were intimidated by NSW Police to change their original statements about what they had seen. Commissioner Fuller said on Wednesday investigators were waiting for additional information from the ABC that could speed up this investigation significantly.

Loading Superintendent Doherty added that, while the ABC had provided some redacted information, police were waiting for the broadcaster to provide further information, including unedited footage. Were negotiating with the legal team at the ABC. Theyre co-operating fully and theyve got an extension for the coronial order which was granted until the 20th of July and were working through them through this so its just a matter of being patient, he said. An ABC spokesperson said on Wednesday the broadcaster wanted to ensure that justice was served for those who died and their families and welcomed the $1 million reward. The ABC continues to co-operate fully with the NSW Coroner and NSW Polices review regarding the fire, the spokesperson said.
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard says the state should move on from revelations more than 150 Sydney private schoolboys were vaccinated by his ministry, while refusing to explain how the situation came about or why no-one revealed the error until it was reported in the media.

Mr Hazzard downplayed the Sydney Local Health Districts decision to administer 163 Pfizer vaccines to year 12 students from St Josephs College in Hunters Hill during a press conference on Wednesday, saying: There was a mistake and so what?

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said it was embarrassing to question whether a decision to vaccinate 163 schoolboys had undermined public confidence in the vaccine rollout. Credit:James Brickwood

His office did not respond to questions about why St Josephs - which, in Hunters Hill, falls into the geographical zone of the Northern Sydney Local Health District - received assistance from a different local health district. Nor did it give any detail about when or why the error was made, by whom, and if the mistake was picked up by health authorities before the Heralds report on Tuesday.

Mr Hazzard also declined to answer why NSW Health had discussed vaccinations with other private boarding schools, including The Kings School at Parramatta and St Ignatius College, Riverview, if the St Josephs arrangement was a mistake.
Four Afghan civilians holed up in a Kabul safe house while waiting to give evidence in former soldier Ben Roberts-Smiths defamation lawsuit are in mounting danger from Taliban forces, who have seized nearly a third of the country and are reportedly in striking distance of the capital.

Mr Roberts-Smiths action against The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Canberra Times and three journalists was adjourned for at least three weeks on June 29 when COVID-19 border restrictions meant interstate witnesses would be locked out of their home states or forced to quarantine for two weeks on their return.

The Talibans resurgence in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of US forces poses a danger to civilians. Credit:Kate Geraghty

But as the proceedings wait for the threat of coronavirus to recede in Australia, the danger is advancing for three men and one woman on the other side of the world who claim to have witnessed alleged war crimes at the centre of the case. They are set to give evidence via video link from the offices of a law firm in Kabul.

The Taliban has been gaining ground in the north following the withdrawal of American and allied forces from Afghanistan, with 10 districts in Badakhshan province to the militant group in the past two days, according to Afghan officials, eight of them without a fight.
The chief of the Australian Grand Prix has warned the state government a day after it cancelled the 2021 race that it should not take for granted its contract to host the event, which he believed could have been run safely in November.

Australian Grand Prix Corporation chief executive Andrew Westacott said organisers of both the Albert Park grand prix and the Phillip Island motorcycle MotoGP were disappointed at the decision to cancel but understood the local health considerations.

Crowds in Spielberg, Austria, at the recent Austrian Grand Prix. Credit:Getty Images

However, he said Australia would be taking a risk if it cancelled the event a third time next year.

You wouldnt want a strike three, Mr Westacott said in an extended interview with The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald.
A Perth man who murdered his wife, hid her death from her family and tried to flee the state has been jailed for a minimum of 21 years.

Harold Carter, 51, fatally stabbed his partner of 12 years, Jessica Bairnsfather-Scott, 32, on September 13, 2019 at their Nollamara home after she threatened to leave him due to his weird behaviour.

Harold Carter has been jailed for life over the murder of his wife, Jessica Bairnsfather-Scott.

The following day he crashed his car into a tree about 1pm. He then logged onto his wifes Facebook account and sent messages to her family about the crash before lying to Ms Bairnsfather-Scotts father on the phone, telling him he had dropped his wife at a comedy show in the city.

WA Police arrested Carter at Perth Airport the next morning in possession of two passports and a plane ticket shortly after Ms Bairnsfather-Scotts brother-in-law  concerned for her safety after neighbours told him they had heard a woman screaming  broke into her home through the roof and discovered her body.
Businesses could send in their own medical teams to help vaccinate the public in states and territories with worker shortages, and airports, clubs and industrial parks could be turned into pop-up clinics as the vaccine rollout ramps up in the final three months of the year.

The private sector will also help educate Australians about vaccines, after agreeing on Wednesday to write to all employees and in some cases their customers to encourage people to get vaccinated.

That decision was made in a meeting on Wednesday, hosted by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and head of the COVID-19 taskforce Lieutenant-General John Frewen with more than 30 chief executives of the countrys largest companies and heads of the main peak bodies to discuss how business could help with the rollout.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and COVID-19 Taskforce Commander, Lieutenant General John Frewen met with businesses on Wednesday morning. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

General Frewen is forming a plan, after reviewing the program to date and speaking to state and territory leaders on Tuesday, on how to get the rollout up to speed as the bulk of vaccine doses start to arrive from October.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg is rejecting Chinese investment deals he would have approved in previous years because Australia is dealing with a different China under President Xi Jinping.

Mr Frydenberg said his approach to foreign investment had changed to reflect the federal governments stronger stand on the national interest, in the wake of Chinas more assertive position on foreign policy.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

He made the comments after a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman warned of damage to Australia because it was a cats paw for another country, making it clear restrictions on trade were linked to Chinese foreign policy objectives.

Mr Frydenberg emphasised the shift in policy in Beijing in response to a warning from United States President Joe Bidens top adviser on Asia, Kurt Campbell, about a harshness from China toward Australia that will last for years.
The NSW government will spend $1.4 billion trying to save small businesses hit by the extended COVID-19 lockdown, but hospitality venues warn they will struggle to stay afloat without a more immediate injection of cash.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Wednesday announced a week-long extension to the Greater Sydney lockdown, with businesses left reeling that the impact would leave them struggling to pay rent.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Wednesday said she didnt want to lift lockdown too early only to see the city jump between restrictions and no restrictions. Credit:Getty

NSW Treasury estimates the three-week shutdown will cost the NSW economy $2.5 billion, but Ms Berejiklian maintained it was the states best chance of avoiding another lockdown.

We know what businesses need is certainty and what they dont want is a prospect or a future where we are constantly moving in and out of lockdown.
Gladys Berejiklian described herself as courageous this week for going out on a limb and putting a number on when life in NSW could return to some sort of normality. That magic number, according to the Premier, is 80.

Berejiklian says 80 per cent of the adult population needs to be fully vaccinated before Fortress Australia can be reopened and life can resemble pre-COVID times.

As Sydney faces a third week of a lockdown that Berejiklian insisted would never happen again, her magic number is causing significant angst within her own government. Ministers say 80 per cent is not government policy and out of reach (although Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant has also publicly referred to this number).

One minister puts it bluntly: We will never get there. We should be aiming for the majority of adults. So 50 per cent, nothing higher. Another says 80 per cent has never been presented to cabinet.
Salvation Army leader Brendan Nottle has urged Melbourne to embrace a safe-injecting room on Flinders Street as part of the CBDs post-COVID-19 recovery, saying drug use had been rife in that part of the city for two decades and was getting worse.

Major Nottle said hundreds of rough sleepers, many of whom have drug issues were back on the streets after the end of the governments program to house them in motels during the worst of the pandemic. In fact, its the worst Ive ever seen it, he said.

The Salvation Armys Major Brendan Nottle backs a safe-injecting room on Flinders Street. Credit:Justin McManus

The Victorian government is expected to confirm within weeks that the former Yooralla building at 244-248 Flinders Street  which it bought for about $40 million in May  will be the site of a trial of the states second injecting room as part of a community health and wellbeing hub.

The prominent location  between Elizabeth and Swanston streets and near the Degraves Street tourist strip  is opposed by the Police Association, the Small Business Australia lobby group and traders and residents who say it will discourage visitors to the already struggling CBD.
The Flinders Pier is a melting pot of culture, and the great thing about piers in general is it doesnt matter where youre from or who you are, piers are a great equaliser and they are enjoyed equally regardless of who you are, where you are from, and its a genuine asset thats owned and enjoyed by the people of Victoria. More than 15,000 people have signed an online petition urging the Victorian government to save the historic pier and repair its damaged piles, while Sir David vowed to draw attention to its plight. In a handwritten letter to Mr Reis, Sir David, who sent a BBC crew to Flinders a few years ago to film the weedy sea dragon, wrote: I am so sorry to hear of the threat to the habitat of the weedy sea dragon on the Mornington Peninsula. I do indeed think that it is a most wonderful creature and if I find an opportunity to draw attention publicly to the changes that now threaten its survival, I will take them. The weedy sea dragon feeds off micro-organisms that inhabit coral attached to the piers piles.

Mornington Peninsula locals only became aware of Parks Victorias plan to demolish the pier in May this year, when the agency contacted Mornington Peninsula Shire to inform it. The announcement had been buried in a press release on July 21 last year, when Victoria was battling the second wave of coronavirus cases. The state recorded 374 new cases and three deaths on that day. Ms Horne said removing the section of the pier that had deteriorated would not affect access to the concrete pier, adjoining the timber structure, which was built several years ago. More than half of the 250-metre timber pier will be demolished because Parks Victoria did not undertake repairs when it was warned five years ago. Credit:Jason South We know Flinders Jetty is a much-loved community asset and we are working towards creating a safer and more sustainable facility that can be enjoyed by everyone for many years to come, she said.

The Flinders Community Association will independently assess the piles to determine whether the pier can be saved from demolition and has urged Parks Victoria to re-examine the condition of the pier, as well as the cost of repairing it. The locals want Parks Victoria to begin maintenance works, replace the piles and sections of the timber decking that have been left to deteriorate because the agency failed to heed the recommendations of the 2016 report, and restore the pier to good condition. All we want is a meeting with the minister and Parks Victoria, but we have been unsuccessful, Mr Reis said. Sir David Attenborough sent a BBC crew to Flinders a few years ago to film the weedy sea dragon. Credit:Atlantic Productions Were still keen to meet with them, and all we want the minister to do is ask Parks Victoria, what will it take to save and restore Flinders Pier? If Parks Victoria says its going to cost this many millions of dollars, the Mornington Peninsula community will rise up to the occasion and do whatever it needs to do to save the pier.

Pulling down a pier doesnt fit with Parks Victorias values or guiding principles of providing and maintaining quality infrastructure to support visitation. They talk about healthy ecosystems, but theyre going to cause irreparable damage to the weedy sea dragon. Parks Victoria marine and maritime regional director Jo Richards said the planned demolition was about public safety. It will allow us to focus on the continual improvement of the section of jetty currently servicing the community rather than maintaining an unsafe section that has reached the end of its life, she said. We are undertaking a detailed process to inform the proposed removal. This involves engineering assessments, independent investigation of the heritage and marine impacts and risk mitigation strategies, community engagement and statutory approvals. Local Labor MP Chris Brayne was contacted for comment.
Since late 2020, China has exported hundreds of millions of doses of its Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines to at least 70 countries and is relying on the shots for the mammoth task of vaccinating its own 1.4 billion people. China is now the worlds biggest exporter of COVID vaccines, says epidemiologist Michael Toole, who has been reviewing the rollout for the Burnet Institute. Vaccines work by training your body to mount an immune defence against the virus without you ever having to catch it. Chinas vaccines use inactivated (dead) coronavirus to pull off the trick, Toole explains, as do our existing flu and polio vaccines. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines developed in the West with new mRNA technology instead use a segment of the viruss genetic code, while the AstraZeneca, Sputnik V and Johnson & Johnson shots use another harmless kind of virus to deliver the piece of COVID-19 needed to build immunity.

As Russia did for its Sputnik vaccine, China skipped the final stage of clinical trials undergone by Western vaccines in order to roll out Sinovac and Sinopharm faster. But unlike with Russias shot, Chinas data has been less robust since, limited by smaller sample sizes. Where Sinovac was rolled out in Brazil, it only halved the chance of developing symptoms of COVID (even a Chinese official commented off-hand thats not high). But protection went up to 67 per cent in Chile and 85 per cent in Turkey. Id say theyre about on par with AstraZeneca, says Toole. Sinopharm seems better than Sinovac, it stops about 78 per cent of symptomatic cases, but it did its trials earlier, before certain variants were circulating. Virologist Gary Grohmann, who consults for the WHO, says the data deficit for the Chinese vaccines (as well as both the misinformation and propaganda swirling around them) make their performance hard to assess, but he expects they will prove about 50 per cent effective. As with other vaccines such as AstraZeneca and Pfizer, however, both Sinovac and Sinopharm still have a very high chance of stopping you from dying of COVID, the key measure of any vaccines success. (And, while monitoring for side-effects after vaccination is considered less thorough in both China and Russia, Toole says no safety concerns have been flagged.) The World Health Organisation has approved both of Chinas vaccines for emergency use, as it has Moderna, Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson. Grohmann says they will be now an important addition to the WHOs COVAX scheme for delivering doses to developing nations, which has struggled to attract enough supply.

So why the concern?

No vaccine is guaranteed to stop the virus spreading (Pfizer and AstraZeneca are both thought to reduce the spread of COVID by up to half, for example) and so outbreaks have dogged even the worlds fastest vaccination campaigns. The UK has fully vaccinated more than half its population, mostly with AstraZeneca and then Pfizer, but is clocking up tens of thousands of cases a day again. Even Israel, where more than 60 per cent are vaccinated, has seen spikes, most recently driven by unvaccinated children. But in both countries, hospitalisation rates (and deaths) have stayed low, notes Deakin University chair of epidemiology Catherine Bennett, which is a sign the vaccines are working.

While there will likely be breakthrough cases for every vaccine (a small number of fully vaccinated people in the UK have recently died from the more contagious Delta variant, for example), in Mongolia both deaths and caseloads have significantly spiked again. Its mostly using Sinopharm. Chile is largely relying on Sinovac, and its own recent surge in cases has overwhelmed hospitals, and sent the country back into lockdown. A study there found the chance of ICU admission still fell by 89 per cent among those fully immunised, but protection was much lower for those who had only had one dose. In Indonesia, where Sinovac is also leading the countrys immunisation rollout, at least 10 of the 26 doctors who died in June of COVID were fully vaccinated. The death rates there are going up very quickly, Toole says. People who have had two doses have also died in the Seychelles recent outbreak, though its government says most critical cases were not fully immunised. Singapore, which allows Sinovac to be delivered in private clinics, has removed the vaccine from its official vaccination statistics, citing a lack of data about its effectiveness.
London: A stoush over Chinese ownership of a British semiconductor manufacturer could kick off another Huawei-level dispute over Beijings investments.

Foreshadowing the new dispute, Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered a review of the takeover 24 hours after his government said it would not intervene.

British PM Boris Johnson in the House of Commons during Question Time on July 7. Credit:AP

On Monday Chinese-owned firm Nexperia said it had acquired Welsh-based Newport Wafer Fab, which is Britains largest producer of silicon chips. The deal was rumoured to be worth as much as 63 ($116) million but this has not been confirmed and Newport Wafer Fab did not respond to requests for comments.

The takeover was not reviewed under Britains new national security legislation, which is meant to stop high-risk foreign takeovers of critical infrastructure firms.
The gunmen spoke English and Spanish, said interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph, who assumed the leadership of the country, where the majority speak French or Haitian Creole. I am calling for calm. Everything is under control, Joseph said on television alongside Police General Director Charles. This barbaric act will not remain unpunished. The first lady had been airlifted to Florida for treatment where she was in a stable condition, Joseph said. The killing is sure to bring more chaos to the unstable Caribbean country already beset by gang violence, soaring inflation and protests by opposition supporters who accused Moise of increasing authoritarianism. Haiti is the poorest country in the Americas, and a history of dictatorship and political upheaval have long stymied the consolidation of democratic rule. Despite Josephs assurances that order would prevail, there was confusion about who should take control and widespread anxiety among Haitians. The normally bustling streets of the capital, Port-au-Prince, were empty and quiet on Wednesday. Sporadic gunshots were heard in the distance, public transportation was scarce, and some people searched for businesses that were open for food and water. Businesses had been ransacked in one area earlier.

Guards patrol the entrance to the residence of Haitis President hours after his fatal shooting. Credit:AP Haiti appeared to be heading for fresh volatility ahead of planned general elections later this year. Moise had been ruling by decree for more than a year after the country failed to hold elections and the opposition demanded he step down in recent months, saying he was leading Haiti toward yet another grim period of authoritarianism. It was a testament to Haitis fragile political situation that Joseph, who was only supposed to be prime minister temporarily, finds himself in charge. Joseph was considered a protege of Moise, and it was not clear how the opposition would react to his taking power. Andre Michel, one of Haitis top opposition leaders, did not return messages requesting comment. But Haiti appears to have few other options available. The Supreme Courts chief justice, who might be expected to help provide stability in a crisis, died recently of COVID-19. Joseph is likely to lead Haiti for now, although that could change in a nation where constitutional provisions have been erratically observed, said Alex Dupuy, a Haiti-born sociologist who teaches at Wesleyan University in the United States.

The best scenario would be for the acting Prime Minister and opposition parties to come together and hold elections, Dupuy said. Loading But, in Haiti, nothing can be taken for granted. It depends how the current balance of forces in Haiti plays out, said the academic, who described the situation as dangerous and volatile. Haitis police force is already grappling with a recent spike in violence in Port-au-Prince that has displaced more than 14,700 people, he said. Former president Michel Martelly, whom Moise succeeded, said he was praying for first lady Martine Moise, calling the assassination a hard blow for our country and for Haitian democracy, which is struggling to find its way. Joseph condemned the Presidents killing as a hateful, inhumane and barbaric act.

The countrys security situation is under the control of the National Police of Haiti and the Armed Forces of Haiti, Joseph said in a statement from his office. Democracy and the republic will win. The White House described the attack as horrific and tragic and said it was still gathering information to brief President Joe Biden, spokesperson Jen Psaki said on MSNBC. The message to the people of Haiti is this is a ... tragedy, she said during a previously scheduled interview on CNN. And we stand ready and stand by them to provide any assistance thats needed. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the assassination in the strongest terms and stressed that the perpetrators of this crime must be brought to justice, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. A resident who lives near the Presidents home said she heard the attack.

I thought there was an earthquake, there was so much shooting, said the woman who spoke on condition of anonymity because she feared for her life. The President had problems with many people, but this is not how we expected him to die. This is something I wouldnt wish on any Haitian. The US embassy in Haiti said it was restricting US staff to its compounds and that the embassy would be closed on Wednesday because of an ongoing security situation. Ammunition casings lay on the ground near the entrance to the Presidents residence. Credit:AP President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic met his top military and police commanders to discuss plans to reinforce security along the border with Haiti following the assassination. Its too early to know exactly what will happen next, said Jonathan Katz, who previously reported on Haiti for the Associated Press and wrote a book about the countrys devastating earthquake.

At this hour, we dont know who did this, what their end game is, what else they have planned, he said, noting that Moise had a long list of enemies. There were a lot of people who wanted him gone. And there were a lot of people whom he wanted gone. Katz noted that a majority of Haitian presidents have been forced out of office, although its been more than a century since a sitting one was killed. Loading It seems to be a pretty well-financed operation, he said, adding that authorities could spend days trying to piece together what happened. Thats the question: Whos behind it and what do they want? Moise was killed a day after he nominated Ariel Henry, a neurosurgeon, as Haitis new prime minister. Joseph took over the job of interim prime minister in April following the resignation of the previous PM, Joseph Jouthe  the latest in a revolving door of prime ministers.

Haitis economic, political and social woes have deepened recently, with gang violence spiking heavily in Port-au-Prince, inflation spiralling and food and fuel becoming scarcer at times in a country where 60 per cent of the population makes less than $US2 a day. These troubles come as Haiti still tries to recover from the devastating 2010 earthquake and Hurricane Matthew that struck in 2016. Opposition leaders accused Moise of seeking to increase his power, including by approving a decree that limited the powers of a court that audits government contracts and another that created an intelligence agency that answers only to the President. The President faced large protests in recent months that turned violent as opposition leaders and their supporters rejected his plans to hold a constitutional referendum with proposals that would strengthen the presidency. In recent months, opposition leaders demanded that he step down, arguing that his term legally ended in February 2021. Moise and supporters maintained that his term began when he took office in early 2017, following a chaotic election that forced the appointment of a provisional president to serve during a year-long gap. Reuters, AP
PHILIPSBURG:--- On Sunday, June 4th, 2021, the Honorable Minister of Justice, Ms. Anna E. Richardson traveled to Curacao to meet with various justice officials, agencies, and institutions to discuss development opportunities between the two countries as it relates to law enforcement services. Upon arrival, Minister Richardson received a warm welcome from the Honorable Prime Minister, Mr. Gilmar Pisas, at the Hato International Airport.

Today, Monday, July 5th, 2021, Minister Richardson commenced the week with a visit to the education institution for law enforcement; Opleidingsinstituut Rechtshandhaving (ORV). She received an honorable welcome and was shown a presentation that gave a full overview of the various levels of accredited courses. Officers within the various agencies such as Prison, Immigration, Police, Customs, and Coast Guard undergo these courses to ensure they are certified to carry out their duties as prescribed by law. Minister Richardson engaged in high-level discussions with the Director of the education institution, Ms. Alpha Falbru with the aim that Sint Maarten officers may once again join the Curacao based institution to be officially taught and certified to execute their protective service to Sint Maarten.

Prior to 10-10-10, all officers of Sint Maarten, Saba, Statia, and Bonaire were required to travel to Curacao to undergo these courses. With separate status, Sint Maarten opted to establish its own institution known as the Justice Academy. The institution experienced its challenges including being questioned about its accreditation. Ultimately, the present-day status of education and proper certified training for justice workers remains scattered. Minister Richardson is a strong proponent for education and is in pursuit to re-establish a standardized and recognized education program for front-line workers including prison guards within the justice chain.

Minister Richardson stated, During the day, I had fruitful meetings with Honorable Prime Minister and acting Minister of Justice, Mr. Pisas, and the Minister of Finance Kennet Gijsbertha. Strengthening relations with our sister country will open the door for supporting each other, particularly in the areas where Curacao has facilities and services that Sint Maarten currently does not or is in the process of establishing.

Minister Richardsons schedule includes a visit to the school of Corrections, the Prison, and the office of the Victim Support Services. During her visit, Minister Richardson will also host the JVO conference on July 7th. The JVO is a conference that is held twice a year between the four Ministers of Justice within the Kingdom. The conference allows for the Ministers to discuss matters regarding their respective ministries and how it relates to their country, also allowing an opportunity for the press to ask questions to any of the four ministers.

I am eager to learn more about Curacaos law enforcement structure and the policies used to govern the Ministry and its department agencies with emphasis on resource management, personnel management, policies, procedures, and protocols. Therein, my objective is to maximize on all opportunities while serving as the Minister of Justice. This work visit gives both Curacao and Sint Maarten an opportunity to have an open dialogue about our vision regarding various justice-related matters and joint approaches that can be taken moving forward, stated Minister Richardson.
Johannesburg:--- Dutch Caribbean Conservationist Tadzio Bervoets recently participated in a rhinoceros conservation project in the Waterberg region of South Africa. Bervoets, invited as a part of an exchange program for conservation practitioners that are involved with the protection of highly endangered species, participated in a ten-day conservation and anti-poaching program with the Dabchick Conservancy in the Limpopo district.



Due to my work with endangered species in the Caribbean, specifically with Sharks and Sea Turtles, I have had the opportunity to spend time on the frontline of species conservation globally. The pressures experienced by sharks and rhinos are similar; the sale of rhino horn and shark fin to the Asian market is both driven by greed and has elements of the criminal underworld involved. It was interesting to see how local communities and international organizations come together to protect the last existing members of the species on the planet while in South Africa. And how a concerted effort across all stakeholders can bring a critically endangered species back from the brink of extinction, mentioned Bervoets.



It was a challenging trip, especially considering the ongoing Covid19 pandemic and the various testing and quarantine requirements, but I am grateful for the opportunity to get hands-on experience on one of the most significant threats to any species on the planet, concluded Bervoets.



Tadzio started his career in coral reef and marine conservation projects in Bermuda, Tanzania, and as the marine park manager in St. Eustatius. He was the Director of the St Maarten Nature Foundation from 2010 to 2019 where he was instrumental in establishing the Man of War Shoal Marine Protected Area, St. Maartens first National Park. He was also on the Executive Committee of the National Development Plan responsible for Environment, on the St. Maarten Millennium Development Goal Action Group, and former Acting Chair of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance. He was previously focal point for Sint Maarten for the CITES treaty, SPAW protocols of the Cartagena Convention, and the Inter-American Sea Turtle Convention.

He is the current director of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance and the 2016 recipient of the Euan P. McFarlane Award for Conservation Leadership in the Insular Caribbean.
RAMBAUD, St. Martin:---Spoken word artist Raymond Helligar passed away in hospital in Guadeloupe on June 21, 2021. He was 73.

He leaves his beloved wife Joyce Helligar and a host of family members. He also leaves several friends, colleagues, and admirers throughout the island of St. Martin and in Guadeloupe.

Raymond Helligar, popularly known as Big Ray, hailed from Colombier, one of the islands traditional villages, well known for its fertile valley land, guavaberry harvests, and arrowroot work songs.

Following his CEG (1963) schooling in Marigot, Helligar attended the Lycee General et Technologique de Baimbridge in Guadeloupe, where he graduated in 1966.

According to Friendly Anger, the labor history book by Joseph H. Lake, Jr., in 1978, Helligar led the Mullet Bay Employees Association in the first successful strike against the large and powerful resort in defense of an unjustly fired worker.

Helligar later became the owner of an environmental services business. This did not keep him from regularly participating in the cultural manifestations of his village.

In fact, between 2010 and 2013, he could be found participating prominently in cultural activities such as the Arrowroot Jollification and as the MC for the I Love My Ram animal husbandry fair.

Helligar, the former chairman of the Chamber of Commerce (Marigot) delegation to Guadeloupe, had also served as a vice president of the Chamber of Commerce (Guadeloupe).

He had brief stints of association with political parties or candidates during election time in the North and South of St. Martin. But none rose to the visibility that Helligar commanded championing what a 2016 Daily Herald article called, the ongoing negotiations to obtain pensions for seniors who worked on the Dutch side in the 1970s.

In 2014, Helligar had already approached the social security agency in the South, SZV, seeking clarity on the matter for the affected older heads who, like Helligar, were registered in the North of the island, a French territory.

Along the way Helligar picked up allies, such as labor leader Claire Elshot-Aventurin, who called the situation a discrimination on the AOV, the St. Maarten Seniors and Pensioners Association (SMSPA), and the Caisse de Retraite in Guadeloupe.

Helligar held his workers rights resolve to the end: French St. Martin could not be considered as a foreign territory where residency is concerned.

To Raymond Jessurun of the SMSPA, there is no doubt that the pension issue between both territories affecting the pensioners in question is part of a big picture framework of legal, constitutional, and ultimate political authority, one that has long been affecting the island divided by the Netherlands and France, while historical, familial and cultural bonds, links and association remain stubbornly borderless.

Workers in Soualiga are not being treated equally and from a human rights perspective, we are in this trouble together. Authorities in the Netherlands and France are keeping us divided and unequal, said Jessurun in the 2016 article. (Soualiga is a reputed pre-Columbian name for St. Martin.)

Big Rays cultural concerns didnt have any doubt either about his Marigot town and Great Bay town (Or did he mean tongue?)  belonging to the one St. Martin of his We Mother Tongue poem. In fact, Helligars wider popularity as a public personality had much, if not more, to do with his involvement in the nations cultural life.

In the anthology Where I See The SunContemporary Poetry in St. Martin (HNP, 2013), we read that, Helligars spoken word pieces began to appear in earnest in late 2012. They grew out of nearly three years of Facebook comments and observations about traditional life and the need to preserve and record the islands heritage sites.

At one cultural program, as Helligar held up Where I See The Sun and was about to recite his signature poem, Sin Martin is Wez Own, he said that the books version was his edited version. He proceeded to read the poem in his nation tongue to the delight of the audience.

Helligars published work to date is the two poems in the book of 24 writers, which include leading poets Drisana Deborah Jack, Changa Hickinson, writers Roland Richardson and Jay Haviser, and fast-rising poets Tamara Groeneveldt and Faizah Tabasamu.

Between 2013 and 2017, Helligars defiant double entendre poem We Cock and his sermon-like We Mother Tongue were written and regularly recited.

Helligar performed these and other spoken word pieces at the Coffee & Soda Biscuits recitals organized by Sabrina Charville in Sandy Ground; and at The Poets Lounge, where Esdra Richardson held court in Simpson Bay.

He also read at St. Martin Book Fair Open Mic, coordinated by Groeneveldt at the University of St. Martin; and at the International Day of Poetry, hosted by Philipsburg Jubilee Library. The occasional poem by Raymond Helligar appeared in The Daily Herald and a sample of his spoken word videos are on Facebook and YouTube.

Over the last five years Big Rays classroom visits and radio and TV interviews afforded the cultural worker prime opportunities to read and talk about his poetry. A few people might have heard him talk about his dream to have a book of his poems published.

Awards and honors received by Raymond Helligar include Frances Knight of the National Order of Merit and a gold Palm Award for Volunteer Service (Fondation du Benevolat, France).

The funeral service for Raymond Helligar was held at the Church of Sandy-Ground on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, starting at 1:30 PM. Interment followed at the Marigot cemetery.

Farewell, Mr. Big Ray Helligar.
This last year has provided a number of challenges for the Protected Area Management Organizations of the Dutch Caribbean. These parks have not only had to withstand increased pressures of climate change and deteriorating environmental conditions but also the economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The severely underfunded parks almost did not survive the COVID crisis. The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) is looking to hire a staff member, generously funded by BirdLife Netherlands, to focus on increasing fundraising capacity for Dutch Caribbean biodiversity conservation. The protection of natural areas is crucial for the sustainable economic development of the islands to recover from the pandemic and to withstand the impacts of climate change.

The Protected Area Management Organizations of the Dutch Caribbean play a vital role in designing, implementing, and managing nature conservation efforts. Due to COVID-19, all Protected Area Management Organizations in the Dutch Caribbean have seen both a significant drop in income due to the disappearance of user fees, but also due to the non-consideration by local, national, and kingdom governments on structural funding for the execution of their critical conservation work. This has resulted in the real possibility of Protected Area Management Organizations having to scale back or cease operations.

The protection of natural areas and the associated critical ecosystems and habitats are crucial for the sustainable economic development of the islands, especially considering the severe economic impact the pandemic has had on communities at the highest risk of climate change impacts within the Dutch Kingdom.

The DCNA conservation network provides support to the Protected Area Management Organizations on all six islands of the Dutch Caribbean: Aruba National Parks Foundation, STINAPA Bonaire, CARMABI Curacao, STENAPA St. Eustatius, the Saba Conservation Foundation, and the Sint Maarten Nature Foundation. Organizations, including DCNA, have been able to provide emergency funding through DCNAs Conservation Trust Fund to the parks to survive the COVID-19 pandemic. But this is only enough to provide operational support in the short term. DCNA also created a Fundraising Committee to help bridge financial gaps. However, there is a need for a dedicated staff member to execute and coordinate fundraising activities as outlined by the Fundraising Committee. The parks require long-term, consistent funding to ensure they are able to plan for and enact critical conservation strategies for years to come.

Fortunately, BirdLife Netherlands has generously agreed to fund a position at the DCNA Secretariat to focus on building funding capacity for biodiversity conservation within the Dutch Caribbean. This individual will work within the DCNA Secretariat as the Senior Fundraising Officer and will be responsible for developing sustainable funding solutions for these parks. The new staff member individual will have the unique opportunity of designing and implementing a network of support, integrating stakeholders, donors, and policymakers together.

The vacancy announcement is expected to be published soon. All interested applicants should follow along on DCNAs social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram) and website (https://dcnanature.org/news/) for updates on the position as they are made available.
PHILIPSBURG:--- On Monday, July 5th, a Ministerial Consultation was held with all four Prime Ministers of the Dutch Kingdom for the first time in the past years. The high-level meetings came about on the request of St. Maarten as a result of the meetings recently held in The Hague. The intention is to foster positive relations within the kingdom based on the understanding of each partners unique circumstances. Each Prime Minister gave updates concerning economic, political, financial, and health developments within their respective countries and agreed to continue to meet on a quarterly basis.

Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs stated, Though Prime Minister Rutte made it clear that the Ministerial Consultations held between the Caribbean countries with the State Secretary of Interior and Kingdom Relations will continue, this dialogue offers the opportunity for direct contact with colleague Prime Ministers in the Netherlands should the need arise for further escalation. St. Maarten will continue to do everything necessary to build stronger connections with all our Kingdom partners.

The Prime Ministers will take turns hosting the quarterly consultations, with Aruba, Honorable Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes scheduled to host the second Ministerial Consultation on October 4th, 2021. The subsequent consultations will be hosted by Prime Minister of St. Maarten, and Prime Minister of Curacao, Honorable Gilmar Pisas subsequently. All look forward to continued open communication and cooperation moving forward.
Skeena Intersects 110.22 g/t Au over 4.41 metres at Snip Gold Project

Posted by Publisher Internet

Skeena Resources Limited (TSX: SKE, OTCQX: SKREF) (?Skeena? or the ?Company?  https://www.commodity-tv.com/play/skeena-resources-virtual-roadshow-investor-presentation-with-qa-q3-2021/ ) 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:

72 g/t Au over 3.82 m (S21-099)

44 g/t Au over 4.50 m (UG21-126)

63 g/t Au over 4.00 m (UG21-169)

64 g/t Au over 4.00 m (UG21-172)

47 g/t Au over 3.81 m (UG21-175)

94 g/t Au over 4.75 m (UG21-176)

22 g/t Au over 4.41 m (UG21-177)

True widths range from 60-100% 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 in Footwall Corridor

Situated on the 412 level of the Snip underground workings, a new cluster of previously unidentified, high-grade intersections have been intercepted during the Company?s Phase 3 infill program. A total of 21 fanned underground drill holes were collared from this single drill station to recategorize Inferred resources in the deeper footwall rocks. New high-grade veining intersections were discovered by all holes only metres into the underground rock face, all of which possess above average grades and widths as highlighted by intersection 110.22 g/t Au over 4.41 m which included 730.00 g/t Au over 0.58 m (UG21-177). Other examples include 46.94 g/t Au over 4.75 m including 320.00 g/t Au over 0.50 m (UG21-176) and 58.47 g/t Au over 3.81 m including 313.00 g/t Au over 0.60 m (UG21-175). This newly drilled mineralization is open for expansion up-dip 25 m and greater than 100 m down-dip due to a lack of drill hole sampling by previous operators. The westward strike extension is open for 40 m.

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.

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

In Europe:

Swiss Resource Capital AG

Jochen Staiger

info@resource-capital.ch

www.resource-capital.ch

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.
Next wave of SoCs will turbocharge camera capabilities at the edge

A new generation of video cameras is poised to boost capabilities dramatically at the edge of the IP network, including more powerful artificial intelligence (AI) and higher resolutions, and paving the way for new applications that would have previously been too expensive or complex. Technologies at the heart of the coming new generation of video cameras are Ambarellas newest systems on chips (SoCs). Ambarellas CV5S and CV52S product families are bringing a new level of on-camera AI performance and integration to multi-imager and single-imager IP cameras. Both of these SoCs are manufactured in the 5 nm manufacturing process, bringing performance improvements and power savings, compared to the previous generation of SoCs manufactured at 10nm. CV5S and CV52S AI-powered SoCs The CV5S, designed for multi-imager cameras, is able to process, encode and perform advanced AI on up to four imagers at 4Kp30 resolution, simultaneously and at less than 5 watts. This enables multi-headed camera designs with up to four 4K imagers looking at different portions of a scene, as well as very high-resolution, single-imager cameras of up to 32 MP resolution and beyond. The CV52S, designed for single-imager cameras with very powerful onboard AI, is the next-generation of the companys successful CV22S mainstream 4K camera AI chip. This new SoC family quadruples the AI processing performance, while keeping the same low power consumption of less than 3 watts for 4Kp60 encoding with advanced AI processing. Faster and ubiquitous AI capabilities Ambarellas newest AI vision SoCs for security, the CV5S and CV52S, are competitive solutions" Security system designers desire higher resolutions, increasing channel counts, and ever faster and more ubiquitous AI capabilities, explains John Lorenz, Senior Technology and Market Analyst, Computing, at Yole Developpement (Yole), a French market research firm. John Lorenz adds, Ambarellas newest AI vision SoCs for security, the CV5S and CV52S, are competitive solutions for meeting the growing demands of the security IC (integrated circuit) sector, which our latest report forecasts to exceed US$ 4 billion by 2025, with two-thirds of that being chips with AI capabilities. Edge AI vision processors Ambarellas new CV5S and CV52S edge AI vision processors enable new classes of cameras that would not have been possible in the past, with a single SoC architecture. For example, implementing a 4x 4K multi-imager with AI would have traditionally required at least two SoCs (at least one for encoding and one for AI), and the overall power consumption would have made those designs bulky and prohibitively expensive. By reducing the number of required SoCs, the CV5S enables advanced camera designs such as AI-enabled 4x 4K imagers at price points much lower than would have previously been possible. What we are usually trying to do with our SoCs is to keep the price points similar to the previous generations, given that camera retail prices tend to be fairly fixed, said Jerome Gigot, Ambarella's Senior Director of Marketing. 4K multi-imager cameras However, higher-end 4K multi-imager cameras tend to retail for thousands of dollars, and so even though there will be a small premium on the SoC for the 2X improvement in performance, this will not make a significant impact to the final MSRP of the camera, adds Jerome Gigot. In addition, the overall system cost might go down, Gigot notes, compared to what could be built today because there is no longer a need for external chips to perform AI, or extra components for power dissipation. The new chips will be available in the second half of 2021, and it typically takes about 12 to 18 months for Ambarellas customers (camera manufacturers) to produce final cameras. Therefore, the first cameras, based on these new SoCs, should hit the market sometime in the second half of 2022. Reference boards for camera manufacturers The software on these new SoCs is an evolution of our unified Linux SDK" As with Ambarellas previous generations of edge AI vision SoCs for security, the company will make available reference boards to camera manufacturers soon, allowing them to develop their cameras based on the new CV5S and CV52S SoC families. The software on these new SoCs is an evolution of our unified Linux SDK that is already available on our previous generations SoCs, which makes the transition easy for our customers, said Jerome Gigot. Better crime detection Detecting criminals in a crowd, using face recognition and/or licence plate recognition, has been a daunting challenge for security, and one the new chips will help to address. Actually, these applications are one of the main reasons why Ambarella is introducing these two new SoC families, said Jerome Gigot. Typically, resolutions of 4K and higher have been a smaller portion of the security market, given that they came at a premium price tag for the high-end optics, image sensor and SoC. Also, the cost and extra bandwidth of storing and streaming 4K video were not always worth it for the benefit of just viewing video at higher resolution. 4K AI processing on-camera The advent of on-camera AI at 4K changes the paradigm. By enabling 4K AI processing on-camera, smaller objects at longer distances can now be detected and analysed without having to go to a server, and with much higher detail and accuracy compared to what can be done on a 2 MP or 5 MP cameras. This means that fewer false alarms will be generated, and each camera will now be able to cover a longer distance and wider area, offering more meaningful insights without necessarily having to stream and store that 4K video to a back-end server. This is valuable, for example, for traffic cameras mounted on top of high poles, which need to be able to see very far out and identify cars and licence plates that are hundreds of meters away, said Jerome Gigot. The advent of on-camera AI at 4K changes the paradigm Enhanced video analytics and wider coverage Ambarellas new CV5S and CV52S SoCs truly allow the industry to take advantage of higher resolution on-camera for better analytics and wider coverage, but without all the costs typically incurred by having to stream high-quality 4K video out 24/7 to a remote server for offline analytics, said Jerome Gigot. He adds, So, next-generation cameras will now be able to identify more criminals, faces and licence plates, at longer distances, for an overall lower cost and with faster response times by doing it all locally on-camera. Deployment in retail applications Retail environments can be some of the toughest, as the cameras may be looking at hundreds of people at once Retail applications are another big selling point. Retail environments can be some of the toughest, as the cameras may be looking at hundreds of people at once (e.g., in a mall), to provide not only security features, but also other business analytics, such as foot traffic and occupancy maps that can be used later to improve product placement. The higher resolution and higher AI performance, enabled by the new Ambarella SoCs, provide a leap forward in addressing those scenarios. In a store setup, a ceiling-mounted camera with four 4K imagers can simultaneously look at the cashier line on one side of the store, sending alerts when a line is getting too long and a new cashier needs to be deployed, while at the same time looking at the entrance on the other side of the store, to count the people coming in and out. This leaves two additional 4K imagers for monitoring specific product aisles and generating real-time business analytics. Use in cashier-less stores Another retail application is a cashier-less store. Here, a CV5S or CV52S-based camera mounted on the ceiling will have enough resolution and AI performance to track goods, while the customer grabs them and puts them in their cart, as well as to automatically track which customer is purchasing which item. In a warehouse scenario, items and boxes moving across the floor could also be followed locally, on a single ceiling-mounted camera that covers a wide area of the warehouse. Additionally, these items and boxes could be tracked across the different imagers in a multi-headed camera setup, without the video having to be sent to a server to perform the tracking. Updating on-camera AI networks Another feature of Ambarellas SoCs is that their on-camera AI networks can be updated on-the-fly, without having to stop the video recording and without losing any video frames. So, for example in the case of a search for a missing vehicle, the characteristics of that missing vehicle (make, model, colour, licence plate) can be sent to a cluster of cameras in the general area, where the vehicle is thought to be missing, and all those cameras can be automatically updated to run a live search on that specific vehicle. If any of the cameras gets a match, a remote operator can be notified and receive a picture, or even a live video feed of the scene. Efficient traffic management With the CV52S edge AI vision SoC, those decisions can be made locally at each intersection by the camera itself Relating to traffic congestion, most big cities have thousands of intersections that they need to monitor and manage. Trying to do this from one central location is costly and difficult, as there is so much video data to process and analyse, in order to make those traffic decisions (to control the traffic lights, reverse lanes, etc.). With the CV52S edge AI vision SoC, those decisions can be made locally at each intersection by the camera itself. The camera would then take actions autonomously (for example, adjust traffic-light timing) and only report a status update to the main traffic control centre. So now, instead of having one central location trying to manage 1,000 intersections, a city can have 1,000 smart AI cameras, each managing its own location and providing updates and metadata to a central server. Superior privacy Privacy is always a concern with video. In this case, doing AI on-camera is inherently more private than streaming the video to a server for analysis. Less data transmission means fewer points of entry for a hacker trying to access the video. On Ambarellas CV5S and CV52S SoCs, the video can be analysed locally and then discarded, with just a signature or metadata of the face being used to find a match. No actual video needs to be stored or transmitted, which ensures total privacy. In addition, the chips contain a very secure hardware cyber security block, including OTP memory, Arm TrustZones, DRAM scrambling and I/O virtualisation. This makes it very difficult for a hacker to replace the firmware on the camera, providing another level of security and privacy at the system level. Privacy Masking Another privacy feature is the concept of privacy masking. This feature enables portions of the video (say a door or a window) to be blocked out, before being encoded in the video stream. The blocked portions of the scene are not present in the recorded video, thus providing a privacy option for cameras that are facing private areas. With on-camera AI, each device becomes its own smart endpoint, and can be reconfigured at will to serve the specific physical security needs of its installation, said Jerome Gigot, adding The possibilities are endless, and our mission as an SoC maker is really to provide a powerful and easy-to-use platform, complete with computer-vision tools, that enable our customers and their partners to easily deploy their own AI software on-camera. Physical security in parking lots With a CV5S or CV52S AI-enabled camera, the camera will be able to cover a much wider portion of the parking lot One example is physical security in a parking lot. A camera today might be used to just record part of the parking lot, so that an operator can go back and look at the video if a car were broken into or some other incident occurred. With a CV5S or CV52S AI-enabled camera, first of all, the camera will be able to cover a much wider portion of the parking lot. Additionally, it will be able to detect the licence plates of all the cars going in and out, to automatically bill the owners. If there is a special event, the camera can be reprogrammed to identify VIP vehicles and automatically redirect them to the VIP portion of the lot, while reporting to the entrance station or sign how many parking spots are available. It can even tell the cars approaching the lot where to go. Advantages of using edge AI vision SoCs Jerome Gigot said, The possibilities are endless and they span across many verticals. The market is primed to embrace these new capabilities. Recent advances in edge AI vision SoCs have brought about a period of change in the physical security space. Companies that would have, historically, only provided security cameras, are now getting into adjacent verticals such as smart retail, smart cities and smart buildings. He adds, These changes are providing a great opportunity for all the camera makers and software providers to really differentiate themselves by providing full systems that offer a new level of insights and efficiencies to, not only the physical security manager, but now also the store owner and the building manager. He adds, All of these new applications are extremely healthy for the industry, as they are growing the available market for cameras, while also increasing their value and the economies of scale they can provide. Ambarella is looking forward to seeing all the innovative products that our customers will build with this new generation of SoCs.
Enterprise, AL (36331)

Today

Partly cloudy early followed by scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. High 89F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 71F. Winds light and variable.
Enterprise, AL (36331)

Today

Mixed clouds and sun this morning. Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 89F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Considerable clouds this evening. Some decrease in clouds late. Low 71F. Winds light and variable.
Support local journalism

Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by making a contribution.

Contribute
News

spotlight

Local lawmakers: Legislative session productive but imperfect

Draheim Lippert

Local legislators are expressing mixed feelings over the final results of the 2021 Minnesota legislative session.

The divided Legislature passed the last bits of a $52 billion, two-year budget bill early Thursday, averting a partial state government shutdown. Gov. Tim Walz personally delivered the last piece of legislation, the K-12 education funding bill, to Secretary of State Steve Simon Wednesday evening to make its enactment official, and signed three other budget bills. The tax bill didnt need to pass before the old budget ran out late Wednesday, which gave lawmakers time to extend the debate into the early hours Thursday.

The Democratic-controlled House passed the tax bill 69-55 after a long, partisan fight over the details of unwinding the governors emergency powers. The Republican-led Senate approved the bill 54-11 a few hours later and sent it to Walz for his signature, completing the work of a special session that became necessary after lawmakers failed to finish the job before time ran out on their regular session in May.

About 80% of the tax bill is COVID-19 relief, said Rep. Paul Marquart, D- Dilworth. Businesses that received forgiveness on Paycheck Protection Program loans will be allowed to fully deduct the amount on their state income taxes, while workers who collect unemployment insurance payments will be able to deduct them up to $10,200. Marquart said that will benefit about 500,000 people who lost their jobs with an average $500 tax cut.

District 20B Rep. Todd Lippert, DFL-Northfield, said a top House DFL priority this session was helping Minnesotans rebuild from the pandemic, noting related work constituted 80% of the tax bill. A $250 million special fund was created for essential workers who worked during the pandemic, and an additional $70 million granted for small business relief. Also, another $70 million was allocated for broadband dollars, funding that will enter the broadband state grant program for areas with low connectivity rates. Lippert said he was glad to sponsor legislation that provided $250 million to increase wages for personal care assistants. As a part of that package, a new rate reform framework was developed, a step Lippert said places PCAs on the path to living wages. Other legislation Lippert had a hand in included allocating $18 million for street repair work in cities under 5,000 people. locally, Lonsdale is set to receive approximately $70,000, Montgomery around $50,000, and about $30,000 for Dundas. Also, $5.4 million was secured for soil health grants for farmers, and $6 million for accelerated tree planting and addressing emerald ash borer.

Sen. John Jasinski, R-Faribault, said the Legislature did pretty well for being divided between the DFL and Republicans, citing the passage of nearly $1 billion in tax cuts to unemployed workers and businesses. He added he was also pleased to help secure $500,000 for a study that could help deliver the proposed Interstate 35/County Road 9 interchange north of Faribault, and along with Rep. John Petersburg, R-Waseca, in the House, led the way for the Matson Strong bill.

Named for Arik Matson, the Waseca police officer seriously injured in January 2020 after being shot in the line of duty, the legislation strengthens penalties for assaulting police officers and judicial officials with a dangerous weapon.

Also, he helped secure funding for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, the continuation of an air grants initiative for greater Minnesota airports, and the authorization of self-service kiosks to be used for motor vehicle registration renewals.

Though he expressed support for the passage of the tax bill, District 20s Sen. Rich Draheim, R-Madison Lake, said he believed the state picked winners and losers throughout the session and the number of pork-barrel politics used.

It was a long, drug-out process, he said.

Rep. Petersburg noted the House bill included $275,000 for Owatonnas Workforce Development Center. That funding is for 2022-23 for workforce development in Owatonna/Steele County through the reopening of the center, which will provide career education, wraparound support services and job skills training in high-demand manufacturing fields.

Following the passage of four omnibus budget bills and a bonding technical bill into law, Gov. Tim Walz said the legislation would help Minnesotans statewide.

Tonight, I am proud to sign legislation that invests in our students, bolsters public safety, and builds a stronger economy, Walz said. This legislation will help small businesses create jobs, allow our students to catch up on learning, and make our communities safer for every Minnesotan.

Police reform, emergency powers

The Legislatures move to end the peacetime state of emergency that Walz declared at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 15 months ago, came shortly after the Democratic governor said he was doing so himself. Walz had used emergency powers with multiple extensions of that declaration to manage the states response, a long-running sore point for Republicans who complained he had shut the Legislature out of important spending and policy decisions.

Walz said it became possible to end the peacetime emergency earlier than the Aug. 1 date he had set last week after reaching a deal with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to protect emergency food aid payments to needy Minnesotans under the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program.

Lippert said he is glad that the housing moratorium is being gradually phased out to prevent an eviction crisis. To him, without the moratorium, people would have lost their housing and be driven into shelters during the pandemic, causing more rapid transmission of COVID-19. He noted landlords have still been able to evict tenants if they constituted a danger to others, adding landlords can also receive federal rental assistance dollars.

Area GOP lawmakers unanimously supported ending Walzs emergency powers, but also were concerned that the eviction moratorium, which was brought on by the pandemic, was not immediately ended. Instead, its gradually phased out in the coming months.

Petersburg said the statewide ban was an improper infringement of state authority on the rights of private businesses. During that time, he said renters can file for federal help but landlords cannot.

That seems a little bit discouraging, Petersburg added. He noted some landlords have said they have not been paid rent for more than 12 months and believes that federal benefits, unemployment dollars and other financial support were also available for renters and made statewide help not as necessary.

Early this week, Walz announced statewide changes to policing he said would increase transparency and accountability, ahead of an expected vote by lawmakers to approve a bipartisan public safety budget bill. Walzs executive action includes $15 million for violence prevention programs and changes to the states policy on viewing of body camera footage. The move came days after former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22 years in prison for the death of George Floyd. Walz also directed state law enforcement agencies, including the Minnesota State Patrol and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, to develop a policy that would allow families of victims killed by officers in those agencies to view the body camera footage within five days of the fatal encounter.

Lippert voted for the Legislatures public safety bill, a measure that included restrictions on no-knock warrants in response to high-profile police-related deaths of Black Americans, including Breonna Taylor, Daunte Wright, George Floyd and others. However, he said he was hoping for more police accountability measures, like eliminating traffic stops for offenses deemed as low-level (traffic offenses like a broken taillight, expired tabs, and other violations), and granting municipalities the option of creating community oversight committees to give communities more say in policing. Also, he noted his support for a provision, not included, that would prevent law enforcement officers from affiliating with white supremacist groups, adding the measure would be considered a blanket prohibition, and is needed following the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.

Lippert noted his interest in seeing how rural municipalities can make use of the Legislatures requirement that 911 operators refer calls to mental health crisis teams in certain situations, following law enforcement concerns over the number of mental health crisis calls they have recently responded to. Currently, Dakota County has a mental health response team, and another similar unit is in Mankato. To Lippert, that system needs to be built out more.

Draheim said he liked that legislation passed this session prevents people from publishing the addresses of law enforcement officers, after he said there were serious incidents of law enforcement being harassed and threatened.

Election reform

Republican support for voter ID and a provisional ballot system failed during the session, along with DFL hopes to expand voter access and felon voting rights. A draft of the agreement negotiators struck on the state government bill, however, does include other new items, including a security requirement for absentee ballot drop boxes and a veterans court program to direct vets struggling with post-traumatic stress or addiction to treatment rather than prison.

Jasinski said Minnesota should adopt a provisional ballot system and support voter ID, including making one free for those who are interested. He questions whether some of the election procedures undertaken last year during the pandemic may leave room for fraud, including Secretary of State Steve Simons action to allow voters to submit their mail-in or absentee ballots in last Novembers general election without a witness signatures.

Jasinski said that process should have included the Legislature, adding he was not sure whether the national election that saw Democrat Joe Biden defeat the incumbent, Donald Trump, was impacted by alleged voter fraud. Simon has said statewide elections were safe and secure, and disputed any accusations of widespread fraud.

We owe it to the people to have secure elections, Jasinski said.
News

spotlight

Area libraries encourage people to check out state parks

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and local libraries have teamed up to offer free seven-day state park passes aimed to provide low-income households the opportunity to explore public lands. (Photo courtesy of MN DNR) Arielle Courtney, the partnership development Consultant in the DNRs Parks and Trails Division, said folks should check on their libraries website or by calling the library to make sure there are passes available. The picture is from Nerstrand Big Woods State Park in Nerstrand. (Photo courtesy of DNR) Unlike a normal library book where patrons have to return the item after a set period of time, the state park passes offered through the Minnesota State Parks Library Program automatically expire after seven days. Pass holders do not need to return the pass to the library, but are instead asked to recycle the pass. This picture was taken from Nerstrand Big Woods State Park in Nerstrand. (Photo courtesy of DNR) The falls at Minneopa State Park (Photo courtesy of DNR)

Libraries house a wealth of information and resources, from books and career training to databases and DVDs. More recently, some Minnesota libraries are offering patrons access to the great outdoors.

Area libraries have teamed up with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to participate in the Minnesota State Parks Library Program, a program which aims to reach new park users and expand access to Minnesotas 75 state parks and recreation areas.

State park passes are available to library patrons for a seven-day period, allowing households where park entrance fees are a barrier a chance to experience the natural resources of the state. With a library card, families can check out the seven-day pass and visit any state park within the state. Families can choose to plan a multiple state park road trip or decide to check out their local state park each day for a week.

The DNR originally piloted the program in 2017 and 2018, working with the St. Peter Library and the White Bear Lake Ramsey County Library. The pilot allowed the department to work out some of the programs operational pieces, according to Arielle Courtney, partnership development consultant in the DNRs Parks and Trails Division.

This time were doing it statewide, and were really focusing on communities where theres a financial need for providing free park passes, Courtney said. Where people might be more likely to live where they wouldnt be able to afford an entrance fee.

Courtney explains that the program is basically a grant program with an application process, which was launched in February of this year. Nearly 150 libraries applied to participate.

In order to be eligible, DNR staff viewed county census data, requiring libraries to be located in a county where the median household income was $58,000 or less or where 40% of the county residents are eligible for free or reduced lunch.

Due to our own DNR budget we couldnt grant passes to every library that applied, but we were able to give out to about half the libraries, Courtney said.

The program started on June 1 and will run through June 30, 2022. Depending on feedback and demand, the program may continue and expand to other libraries in the following years.

The Waseca, Owatonna and Blooming Prairie Public libraries are among those currently participating.

Expansion to other area libraries in the future is an exciting possibility, Courtney notes. Financial long-term planning would be necessary to expand and the focus would remain on providing the passes to areas with lower income communities.

I think theres definitely more need than we were able to provide this year and I think wed love to expand it if we can figure out a way to do it, Courtney said.

There are numerous benefits of spending time outside and in nature. Based on research and anecdotal evidence, Courtney explained that park entrance fees can be a financial barrier for some people. This program is an initiative to make public land more accessible to everyone, rather than just the people that can afford it.

The DNR is also trying to reach new park visitors and communities. Through park visitor surveys the department has noticed a lack of racial and ethnic diversity when it comes to people visiting state parks. Libraries are a way to reach new people and families which the DNR might not have reached otherwise, she noted.

Its a great partnership for us in order to spread our outreach opportunities to people who might not know about us, even if theyre not using the passes or if they dont have a financial need to use the pass. Its another opportunity for us to spread the word about state parks, Courtney said.

After a really difficult year with COVID-19, an increasing number of people are learning how important it is to get outside in nature for their mental and physical health, she said. Courtney and her team at the DNR wanted to provide another way for people to experience those nature-related benefits.

Folks who have checked out the passes can help further develop the program by completing a brief survey at http://mndnr.gov/LibraryPass. The DNR will be collecting feedback on where people went, what they liked about it and ways to improve their experience. Additionally, the department will complete monthly reports on how often the libraries are checking out the passes and analyzing the demand for the passes in order to plan for the future.

We anticipate that it will be a longer term program, we just have to kind of do some of this evaluation to make plans for how to maintain and monitor, she said.

Waseca-Le Sueur Library's state park passes Residents who want to reserve a Minnesota state park pass from the Waseca-Le Sueur Public Library can either call the library or stop in to reserve it in person. Residents need to have a library card to reserve the park pass. The Waseca-Le Sueur library system has two state park passes available for patrons at any its nine libraries. Residents can reserve one park pass at a time and pick it up five days before the reservation begins. Once a resident has checked out the park pass, they can make a reservation for another park pass.
Tom VanHeuvelen is an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Minnesota and David Brady is a rofessor in the school of public policy at University of California, Riverside.
A Burlington County Health Department nurse administers COVID-19 vaccine during a vaccine clinic earlier this year at the Emergency Services Training Center in Westampton.
WATERBURY  In honor of the 20th anniversary of 9/11 the Mattatuck Museum presents In the Wake of 9/11: Robert Carleys American Journey on view from July 8-Sept. 12.

The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001 triggered a tremendous outpouring of patriotic symbolism across America. Many people filled their yards with flags, while others painted the exterior of their homes as flags. Inspired by the human stories of how this tragedy touched the lives of so many, artist Robert Carley set off across the country to capture the American spirit by photographing the American flag in as many forms as possible. Twenty years later, he continues to travel, photographing houses, trucks, and even hot air balloons, all adorned with the Stars and Stripes.

The Museum invites the public to preview In the Wake of 9/11 during a special evening event on Thursday, July 8th from 5-7 p.m. Admission to the preview is $5 for adults, ,useum members and children 16 and under are free.

Robert Carley is a multifaceted artist that creates caricatures, abstract drawings, and found object constructions, but here he proves himself to be a dedicated and prolific photographer, said curator Chelsea Garth. The photographs presented in this exhibition are just a selection of the numerous images Carley has taken since the terrorist attacks of 2001. They feature varied expressions of patriotic feeling, from painted barns and flag-adorned homes to Carleys own constructions of flags comprised of anything from paperclips to milk cartons. His photographic journey allows us as viewers to consider, on the 20th anniversary of 9/11, where we have been and where we are now following such a traumatic event in American history.

Also on view this summer is A Face Like Mine, an exhibition organized in collaboration with the Museum of Fine Arts that presents a century of Black figurative art in the United States, from 1921 to 2021, a time of radical change for Black people in America.

By featuring portraits of Black people by Black artists, this exhibition celebrates Black identity and cultural heritage and argues for the inclusion of these works in the global art historical canon. The fifty artists of A Face Like Mine have represented themselves and their community through various mediaincluding sculpture, photography, painting, works on paper, and assemblage. Artists included are Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, Kerry James Marshall, Lorna Simpson, James VanDer Zee, and Kehinde Wiley among many others They have depicted their reality through their gaze, investing themes of Black identity, place, family, and performance as cornerstones of American portraiture.

A Face Like Mine, also on view through Sep. 12, is the second in a three-part exhibition series developed in collaboration with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. The MFA Boston is the lead museum from Northeast cohort of the Art Bridges + Terra Foundation initiative. The initiative, wholly funded by Art Bridges, supports multi-year exhibition partnerships with the mission of expanding access to American art across the US. Additional financial support was provided by Art Bridges; Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP; Eversource Energy; Morgan Stanley, John T. Daddona, Vice President, Financial Advisor; Post University; TD Bank Charitable Foundation; and Torrco.

The Mattatuck Museum will be offering free admission to Waterbury residents on special Wednesdays throughout the summer. Waterbury Wednesdays will feature free admission for the whole family and includes access to the Museums galleries and special exhibitions including, In the Wake of 9/11 and A Face Like Mine. Enjoy drop-in craft activities in the Museums new Studio that will focus on history and art themes included in special exhibitions as well as objects and stories found in the Museums newly reinterpreted History Exhibit. These activities are meant for adults, kids, and families alike and help serve as a way to introduce families visiting the Museum for first time to the exhibitions and collection.

Free admission will be offered to Waterbury residents July 14 and 28, and Aug. 11 and 25. In addition to Waterbury Wednesdays, all Waterbury Public School students are free everyday through December 31, 2021, thanks to the generosity of Hubbard-Hall and the Kellogg Family.

For information go to mattmuseum.org.
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  A North Carolina Superior Court judge put a small-town newspaper editor behind bars last month after one of his reporters used an audio recorder for note-taking purposes at a murder trial  a punishment the paper and media rights groups consider excessive.

Judge Stephan Futrell sentenced Gavin Stone, the news editor of the Richmond County Daily Journal, to five days in jail before having the editor hauled off to jail. Stone was released the next day but still faces the possibility of more time in lockup.

Brian Bloom, the paper's publisher, acknowledged that his reporter shouldnt have had the recorder in court because it was not allowed but criticized the judges move to imprison an editor for a minor infraction committed by a colleague.

The penalty does not fit the crime, he said. Lets put this in perspective: You stop a murder trial not once, but twice, because a guy had a tape recorder sitting next to him on a bench at a courtroom. Lets put our priorities in place here.

Futrell did not respond to a request for comment.

Superior Court rules allow electronic media and still photography coverage of public judicial proceedings, but grant judges the authority to prohibit the technology.

Staff writer Matthew Sasser, who has worked at the paper only since January, brought the recorder into the courtroom on June 21 and 22 after being screened through courthouse security, Bloom said.

Stone, who in January 2020 received a letter from a different judge reprimanding him for taking a photo inside a courtroom, was aware cellphones were prohibited and had been notified at the time that he wasn't allowed to bring a cellphone, camera or any other recording device into the courthouse unless he had a judge's permission.

Having remembered only the prohibition on cellphones, Stone told Sasser that an audio recorder was fine. Sasser used the device during a recess to interview a source in the courtroom. When Futrell learned Sasser had the recorder, he directed the reporter to remove it from his courtroom.

Sasser went back to the newsroom. A bailiff called him to return to court to speak with the judge and Stone accompanied him back.

The two expected the judge to speak with them behind closed doors but were surprised when a bailiff directed them inside the courtroom, where Futrell stopped the trial and found the editor and reporter in criminal contempt of court. The judge sentenced Stone to five days in jail and fined Sasser $500.

I was blown away that the decision was made that fast," Stone said. It happened so fast. There was no real way to process it in the moment and recognize what I was even involved in. All of a sudden, I'm in orange."

Bloom hastily found an attorney who filed an appeal and got Stone out of jail the next day.

It's a little disturbing when a judge starts contempt proceedings over the use of an unobtrusive, quiet, pocket-sized device that a reporter uses to do their job in a courtroom, said Brooks Fuller, director of the North Carolina Open Government Coalition and an assistant professor of journalism at Elon University.

Jonathan Jones, a private attorney in Durham who handles free speech cases, called the judge's decision extremely unusual. Jones said an appeals court should find that Stone was wrongfully held in direct criminal contempt since he wasn't the one disrupting court proceedings. He said that Stone was entitled to a lawyer before Futrell sentenced him and it's open for debate whether Sasser deserved to be held in contempt.

The newspaper's appeal is scheduled to be heard July 16. Futrell has removed the original penalties on Stone and Sasser and is allowing an appeals court to decide whether to make the editor and reporter pay as much as $500 each and serve up to 30 days in jail.

Under North Carolina law, courts can punish someone for criminal contempt if the act was preceded by a clear warning from the court that the conduct was improper. A person held in criminal contempt can be punished through a formal reprimand, imprisonment of up to 30 days, a fine up to $500 or any combination of the three.

The newspaper stopped covering the murder trial once Stone was taken into custody, partially out of fear the judge would retaliate. It has not reported on Stone's arrest or Sasser's fine.

___

Follow Anderson on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BryanRAnderson.

___

Anderson 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.
Darlene Borre had run out of options to get her 20-year-old autistic son Ben a COVID-19 vaccine before his beloved two-week summer camp that catered to all of his special needs.

There were two unsuccessful attempts at the Connecticut Childrens Medical Center, when Ben became distressed and agitated at the first touch of the needle , and then a failed effort to get someone from the states homebound program to come to their West Hartford home and vaccinate him in his sleep in the middle of the night, but officials refused to accommodate that request.

Then she heard about clinics the Town of Vernon was going to be offering for developmentally disabled people like Ben, who is severely autistic and intellectually disabled, meaning he cannot talk, read, spell or say his name, and communicates mostly through his trusted iPad. Ben, like a lot of people, is also afraid of needles.

Last week, after two hours of preparing a back room at the Vernon Senior Center by doing everything from removing lights to having medical staff not wear their medical garb to appear less frightening, Ben finally got his Johnson & Johnson vaccine - in the back of their car.

Despite the staffs best efforts to make the experience less frightening for him, Ben  who is 61 and 260 pounds  couldnt stay still when they tried to give him the shot. So the team improvised and moved the whole endeavor to the car, where Ben was more comfortable.

People do not understand how difficult it is to give a shot to someone like Ben, Borre said. You know you hear people say it was so hard to get vaccinated and they say my son was so scared but yet they walked into CVS and a few minutes later walked out with a band aid on their arm. That was never happening here.

The clinic where Ben was vaccinated was funded by a $40,000 federal grant to the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities. The council is one of 13 agencies in the state that received money through the grant to vaccinate developmentally disabled people who live independently or with their families. (More information for people in need of this special service is available here.)

Advocates say this group  of which Ben is a part  got pushed to the back of the line when the state changed to an age-based vaccine rollout in January. Under CDC guidelines, people with disabilities like Bens would have been in one of the first groups eligible for the vaccine after the initial wave of health care workers, nursing home residents and first responders.

The states approach has done very well overall and if you look at the total numbers the strategy has worked, but when they announced that they werent going to follow the CDC guidelines I was naturally disappointed, said Walter Glomb, executive director of the Council. Connecticut is in a great place except for these groups.

Not walking into Walgreens

When the state changed to an age-based vaccine schedule they also unveiled a plan to vaccinate everyone in congregate settings, such as Southbury Training School and group homes operated or licensed by the state Department of Developmental Services.

But several advocates said that plan missed a significant portion of disabled people who either live independently or with family.

While no one could say exactly how large that population is in Connecticut, advocates said its likely thousands of people with anxiety disorders, severe autism, and other disabilities such deafness or blindness.

We knew the vaccines were coming in December and we had some discussions with state officials but nobody wanted to do anything, said Brynn Hickey, program director at the Disabilities Network of Eastern Connecticut.

Hickey said special clinics for the deaf were eventually scheduled as advocates partnered with both Hartford HealthCare and Griffin Hospital, mostly in the New Haven and Naugatuck Valley areas, after federal funding from the Department of Health and Human Services came through in March.

Several counselors adept at sign language attended those special clinics to assist deaf people through the process.

By the time the funding came through I think the majority of our people had already just gone on their own and tried to figure it out, Hickey said.

Vernon officials held a second clinic for developmentally disabled residents last Thursday. They set aside five hours and planned five vaccinations, although only two spots were filled. Officials are trying to get the word out to families with developmentally disabled family members that vaccines are available and they will work with them.

In the amount of time that it takes to prepare our clinic to make it sensory appropriate and safe and effective we would normally vaccinate at least 100 people, said Vernon Town Administrator Micheal Purcaro said.

Purcaro said a lot of precautions need to be taken. There needs to be limited sound, very few items on tables or in the room at all, the staff, including medical personnel, must dress informally, and there must be a separate handicapped entrance.

The amount of time, effort and care that goes into giving one vaccination is likely the reason why not a lot of other organizations are offering this service, Purcaro said.

Glomb said he has sent a letter to every health director in the state informing them about the special clinics, encouraging them to refer anyone who has inquired to either his office or Purcaro.

They are doing five shots in five hours. Theres just not any other clinics like that, Glomb said. But this is not a group of people that can walk into a Walgreens and just get a shot or go to Rentschler Field and sit in their car and wait in line.

State Department of Developmental Services spokesman Kevin Bronson said Tuesday there are approximately 17,000 individuals with developmental disabilities in CT that receive services through DDS. Bronson said there are likely more individuals with developmental disabilities that have ever received state services.

For the DDS specific population- In addition to the earlier efforts to vaccinate those at higher risk in congregate residential settings, DDS and DPH partnered with vaccine providers to offer a series of clinics for all DDS-eligible individuals in all types of residential settings. Including those that are at home with their families, Bronson said.

Aging and Disability Services (ADS) and the Department of Public Health (DPH) partnered with vaccine providers to offer a series of clinics for the deaf and hard of hearing. To comply with various federal and state laws, all providers must offer accommodations including things like translators, he said.

Its just a tiny pinch

Borre heard about the Vernon clinics through Glomb and immediately reached out to Vernon officials. By then the family had spent months trying to get Ben get vaccinated.

So at the very beginning when the lines were long, there was less of an opportunity for people to kind of work with us, Borre said. We were going into the childrens hospital at the beginning to get some dental work done so he was going to be under  but they didnt want to do that.

Connecticut Childrens Medical Center scheduled an appointment for Ben to get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, but the appointment was postponed after the federal government paused the use of the J&J vaccine after some patients developed blood clots.

While waiting for a new appointment the family shared social stories with Ben about the vaccine as a way of reassuring him.

You just have to sit still and then they come in and they count 3,2,1 and its over. Its just a tiny pinch, Borre said.

But when the second appointment date arrived, Ben was nervous.

They had a separate room for us and they have squishy things there for him to hold and they tried and tried to vaccinate him but he was so revved up because its a hospital and his anxiety was so out there that there was no working through it, Borre said.

Borre then heard about the states homebound vaccination program and reached out to officials about possibly coming to their home late at night when Ben was asleep and quickly giving him the shot. But she said local officials didnt want to commit to that schedule.

Sneak attack

Purcaro said his staff met with Borre and other family members for several hours trying to establish protocols for the vaccine and came up with two plans.

Plan A was to try and distract Ben while the doctor waited behind a curtain and would then come out and give him the shot. Plan B was to bring in some professionals to restrain Ben while the doctor gave him the shot. Borre said it wasnt something she really wanted to do.

When the needle hit his arm he just jumped up, So there was no way you could do a sneak attack with him, she said, adding that Plan B also made her nervous. I was really scared because I thought of One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest and how its just going to be these big guys who will just come in and be very intrusive and not caring.

But she said she met with the two men who would be doing the restraints and even had them practice on her mother to prove it wouldnt hurt Ben. They decided to move the vaccine to the car because he mentioned the car several times on his iPad while they were at the senior center.

So that was the next step. They went into the car and they held his arms and it worked like a charm, Borre said. After he got it the guys let him go immediately. They were like good job Ben and they high-fived him and he was smiling. He was so proud.

Glomb hopes that word will spread about the clinics so more people will take advantage of them.

This is a community that is chronically underserved, Glomb said. But also, in this case, a group that has been severely impacted by the virus because many developmentally disabled people have other comorbidities that make them vulnerable to this virus.

Borre believes there are a lot of people like her son. She said statistics show that about one-third of people with autism are non-verbal with intellectual disabilities. Many of them also have comorbidities and, with the new Delta variant starting to spread, the threat of the virus still looms large for this group.

As for Ben, hes getting ready to attend the summer camp he missed last year because of COVID. Borre said hell be able to swim, use the special obstacle course and enjoy being away from home.

Our goal was not only to make sure he didnt get sick, but also that he doesnt get other people sick, Borre said. To me the important thing is they were willing to work with us and our family in a really humane way. We needed an hour, they gave us an hour. Where else can you get that, right?
GREENWICH  Democrats in the 36th Senate District officially placed their faith in first-time candidate Alexis Gevanter as the party seeks to hold onto the seat in next months hotly contested special election.

I will spend every day between now and the election working to win this seat because we must continue to focus on prosperity and progress, Gevanter said Tuesday night at the partys virtual nominating convention. This approach is what will allow our state to recover from the pandemic even stronger than before.

If elected, she pledged to lower taxes and champion our businesses, families and schools.

I will fight to protect our essential rights with respect to voting, equality, the environment and keeping our children safe, Gevanter said. I will do this by listening, finding common ground and building coalitions to produce results.

Alex Kasser, a Democrat, unexpectedly resigned from the seat last month, just six month into her second term. Democrats quickly began to coalesce support around Gevanter, an attorney and the former leader of the Connecticut chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, after she gained Kassers endorsement.

Gevanter was approved by acclimation at the convention, with all 48 delegates voting in her favor, to become the official candidate. No other candidates were considered, and Gevanter accepted the nomination with great respect, sincerity and enthusiasm.

The 36th District covers all of Greenwich as well as portions of Stamford and New Canaan. Republicans had held the seat for decades until Kasser, in her first competitive political race, won in 2018 and was reelected in 2020.

In the Aug. 17 special election, Democrats will seek to hold onto the seat while Republicans will look to flip it back into their control and narrow the Democratic majority in Hartford by one.

Republicans want this seat back and they believe theyre entitled to it, state Rep. Stephen Meskers, D-150, said at the convention. The race is about continuing the tremendous progress on the way that has Connecticut emerging from the pandemic stronger.

Meskers said he met Gevanter when she volunteered for his campaign and said they have worked together to pass common sense gun safety laws that keep our community safer. He said he had seen her in action in Hartford and called her a force to be reckoned with.

Alexis is driven to transform policy and institutions by working within organizations to bring about change, Meskers said. She has proven herself as a leader who delivers results by bringing people together.

John Blankley was not mentioned at the convention. He had initially sought the Democratic nomination but withdrew over the weekend and said he will collect signatures to run an independent campaign, making it a three-way race.

According to the Connecticut Secretary of the States Office, Blankley must gather 568 signatures on his petition by 4 p.m. July 12. That number represents 1 percent of the total votes cast in the 2020 election and can be from any registered voter in the district.

Blankley could siphon votes away from Gevanter, improving the Republican chances in the special election, according to Greenwich Democratic Town Committee Chair Joe Angland.

In an email sent to members after the convention, Angland said, While John is a friend to many of us and has received our support in several prior campaigns, at this point he would be running against the Democratic Party candidate, and he urged Democrats to focus their efforts on electing Gevanter.

Any effort to assist John  e.g., helping him obtain petition signatures to get on the ballot  is likely to siphon some votes from Alexis, Anglands email said. Given how tight the race for this seat has been the last few years, even shifting 1 or 2 percent of the vote away from Alexis could put a Republican in office. We cannot afford that.

Blankley dismissed the idea that his candidacy could push the seat to the Republicans and said, I am going to win this election.

I have my own team of people who will do phone banking and do mailing, Blankley said. This is a mailing campaign. This is not a door-to-door campaign. I will get the votes I get because I have name recognition. I will take votes from Democrats. I will take votes from Republicans. And I will get votes in the middle.  I am the one candidate with real business and government experience who can make a difference for the district and the state.

In a joint statement, Angland, Stamford Democratic City Committee Josh Fedeli and Lisa Hannich, chair of the New Canaan DTC, praised Gevanter and said they were thrilled to have a candidate of Alexis caliber running to fill this critical seat.

She has already demonstrated a steely determination to win and the willingness to put in the hard work needed to make it happen, the statement said.

The Republicans are expected to hold their nominating convention on Saturday, but did not announce a time and location. Three Greenwich Republicans are seeking party endorsement to run for the seat: State Rep. Harry Arora, R-151, Representative Town Meeting member Ryan Fazio and Leora Levy, a high-ranking official in the Republican National Committee.

kborsuk@greenwichtime.com
Ogden jazz icon Joe McQueen may be gone, but his memory and legacy live on. One physical reminder of his life, McQueen's lifelong home at 3158 Grant Ave., has now become available for sale. The house received extensive remodeling, but as investor Richard Casperson has said, "Joe's energy is 
Early last month, I got my third COVID vaccine shot. I now realize this was overkill, and Im fairly embarrassed about it, but at the time I felt like I was operating in an information vacuum.

Let me explain.

As Ive written before, I participated in the Johnson & Johnson vaccine trial. Even though I initially got the placebo, the study offered me the opportunity to get the real thing weeks before Id have otherwise been eligible, and I gratefully accepted. At the time, public health authorities were telling everyone to take the first shot you could get. Im still glad I followed this advice; after gutting out the worst year of my life, I was terrified of getting COVID right on the brink of vaccine salvation.

But then things started to go wrong for J&J. At the end of March, news broke of problems at the Baltimore plant manufacturing the vaccine, and up to 15 million contaminated doses had to be scrapped. (Eventually around 60 million doses were thrown away.) In mid-April federal authorities called for a pause on the use of J&J shots because, in very rare cases, they were linked to a blood-clotting disorder.

By then, Id had my vaccine for a month. But I was anxious about what the problems with J&J meant for boosters. When I got my inoculation, I knew the company was testing a two-dose regimen, and I thought it was likely that Id end up getting a second Johnson & Johnson shot. Suddenly that seemed unclear.

In the following weeks, my uncertainty only grew. Because J&J has made up only a small fraction of vaccinations, theres been a paucity of information about how its performed in the real world. In May, for example, when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that vaccinated people dont have to wear masks indoors, it was primarily based on findings that the mRNA vaccines  those manufactured by Pfizer and Moderna  inhibit transmission. I had no intention of living my life more cautiously than people whod got the mRNA shots, but I hated feeling like I was more vulnerable than them.

So in May, with vaccines plentiful where I live, I went to a nearby clinic and got a Pfizer shot. At that point, I reasoned, European countries were already combining the AstraZeneca vaccine, which uses roughly the same mechanism as J&J, with mRNA shots. A British study found no danger from mixing doses aside from increased side effects. And a Spanish study showed that when the AstraZeneca shot was followed by Pfizer, it seemed to trigger a more potent immune response than two doses of AstraZeneca did.

No one at the clinic asked if Id already been vaccinated. Still, I felt that I was doing something sneaky and disreputable, and not just because its unfair that Americans have such a glut of doses. In general, I dont think people like me, with no medical expertise whatsoever, should ignore expert guidance on vaccines because Ive done my own research on the internet.

But the experts werent telling people whod gotten J&J much of anything. I reached out to a couple of high-profile physicians and scientists, but they didnt answer me, perhaps out of reluctance to provide untested medical advice.

Some other people were quietly doing the same thing I had. Right after getting the Pfizer shot, I called the J&J trial to confess, in case the people running it needed me to drop out. The person I spoke to said that while it wasnt ideal, I should keep participating and that I wasnt the only volunteer whod gone out and gotten a second vaccine.

The evidentiary void around J&J seemed to grow more frightening with the spread of the delta variant. Previously, data from Britain had shown that a single dose of either Pfizer or AstraZeneca provided pretty good protection against COVID infection. With delta, single-dose protection went way down, to around 35%.

For weeks, no one knew what that meant for the J&J vaccine. Angela Rasmussen, a virus expert at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization at the University of Saskatchewan, had the Johnson & Johnson shot and has been hearing from people whod also gotten it and were scared.

I really dont blame people; they keep hearing all this stuff about two shots, two shots, delta, you need to be fully vaccinated, she told me earlier this week. And nobodys really saying anything about Johnson & Johnson. Many people, she said, feel that theyve been left behind because there really isnt any new information coming out about it.

On June 21, Rasmussen decided to get a Pfizer booster. At around the same time, Michael Z. Lin, a neurobiologist and bioengineer at Stanford, wrote a Twitter thread arguing that the CDC should issue guidance on mRNA boosters for people whod received J&J. A couple of days later, Andy Slavitt, until recently a senior adviser to President Joe Bidens pandemic response team, put out an episode of his podcast titled, The Delta Variant Question No One Will Answer, addressing those whod received Johnson & Johnson and were wondering about getting another shot. He was equivocal: Either wait for the data or go ahead and take a Pfizer or Moderna shot.

I wish Id heard these voices earlier, because by then Id already gotten two Pfizer shots. When the clinic scheduled my second appointment, I wasnt sure whether to return for it. Im still not sure why I did. Mostly, at a time when no one was talking about J&J boosters, I didnt want to be an anomaly. I wanted the full Pfizer course because I didnt want to worry about whether new findings about mRNA effectiveness against the variants applied to me.

Nothing bad happened, but the experts I spoke to said that the third shot was unnecessary and that theres a point after which too much immune stimulation can be harmful. Theres no pressing reason to go beyond a single RNA booster, Lin told me.

Indeed, there may be no reason to get a booster at all. On Thursday evening, with discussion of boosting J&J all over the media, Johnson & Johnson released data showing that its vaccine retains most of its effectiveness against the delta variant. Booster shots seem unnecessary, at least for now, The New York Times reported.

The news from Johnson & Johnson didnt change Lins thinking. As he sees it, even before the delta variant, J&J wasnt as effective as the mRNA vaccines, which makes him apprehensive about breakthrough infections. And because delta is more transmissible than previous variants, those who do have breakthrough infections could be more likely to infect others.

No one I spoke to had any second thoughts about the message, during the early part of the vaccine rollout, to take the first shot you can get. When vaccines were in short supply and the virus was surging, it made sense. But now that mRNA vaccines are abundant in this country, the situation has changed.

It would be nice to have guidance on this from the CDC, but we shouldnt expect it anytime soon. In the absence of data, Slavitt said, it would be irresponsible for the CDC to make a recommendation. People want the science to tell us exactly what to do, Slavitt said. When we say, Follow the science, the reality is, the science doesnt always know.

So, as with many other aspects of this pandemic, people have to figure things out for themselves. Slavitt said one of his sons was vaccinated with Johnson & Johnson and is planning to get an mRNA booster. But, he adds, people who do the same should know theyre doing it at their own risk.

The need to make decisions with imperfect information isnt uncommon, particularly in a situation where youve got a novel virus, Slavitt said. Eventually, that answer will be known. Of course, people dont like to be in the uncomfortable zone before we know the answer.

Im glad that people with expertise are finally weighing in. I just wish this conversation had gone public a few weeks sooner.

MICHELLE GOLDBERG is a columnist for The New York Times.
Published: 7 July 2021

Sea transport decreased in May

The goods volume of foreign sea transport was in total 7.2 million tonnes in May 2021. Sea transport decreased by 15 per cent from last year's May. Exports decreased by three per cent and were 4.2 million tonnes. Import volume decreased by 28 per cent and amounted to 3.0 million tonnes.

Foreign sea Transport by month (tonnes) in 2019 to 2021

General cargo was transported most, in total 1.5 million tonnes, which was 21 per cent of all transport. The second most transported were ores and concentrates, 1.0 million tonnes, and paper, 0.7 million tonnes.

Container transport

A total of 1.0 million tonnes of containers were transported through Finnish ports i May 2021, which was 3 per cent less than in May 2020. The number of containers transported was 68,725 (122,701 TEU containers) 1) . Exports of containers went down by 4 per cent measured in tonnes and imports went down by 2 per cent compared to May 2020.

Vehicle transport

A total of 185,328 transport equipment were transported in foreign sea traffic in May 2021. Most transports of transport equipment were cars belonging to passengers. In May, 79,550 cars belonging to passengers were transported. The second most transported were trucks, 61,564 and truck trailers, 40,803.

Passenger traffic

A total of 238,888 persons were transported in passenger traffic in May 2021. In all, 172,675 passengers travelled between Finland and Estonia, 105,226 passengers between Finland and Sweden and 5,987 passengers between Finland and Germany. Compared with the rock bottom in passenger traffic caused by the pandemic, the number of passengers doubled in May. Compared with May 2019, the number of passengers was, however, just 17 per cent. In May 2021, no passengers of foreign cruise ships arrived in Finland.

Vessel traffic and goods volume in the Saimaa Canal

A total of 154,052 tons of transport were registered through the canal in foreign traffic. Timber was transported most in vessels in foreign traffic, in total 85,814 tonnes. The second most transported were crude minerals and cement.

1) TEU, the basic measurement unit of container traffic, refers to one container that is twenty feet long, eight feet wide and 8.5 feet high.

Source: Transport and tourism, Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Olli Kajava 029 551 3531, Matti Kokkonen 029 551 3770, olli.kajava@stat.fi

Head of Department in charge: Hannele Orjala

Publication in pdf-format (166.6 kB)

Updated 07.07.2021

Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Foreign Shipping Traffic [e-publication].

ISSN=2670-2002. May 2021. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 15.7.2021].

Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/uvliik/2021/05/uvliik_2021_05_2021-07-07_tie_001_en.html
Wednesday, 07 July 2021 16:02:22 (GMT+3) | Istanbul

Italian merchant bar producer AFV Beltrame Group plans to build a rebar and wire rod plant in Romania with an investment of 300 million, according to media reports.

The new plant will include a greenfield steel and rolling mill and will have an annual production capacity of approximately 600,000 mt of rebar and wire rod.

The company expects this investment to create approximately 250 new direct jobs locally and at least 800 jobs in the construction phase and about 150 in the production phase.

The project will mark an unprecedented progress in the steel industry due to its design and innovative technologies, which will enable us to minimize pollutant emissions generated in the production activity. Through this investment, the group shows its commitment to achieving environmental goals and harnessing local resources, Carlo Beltrame, AFV Beltrame country manager for France and Romania, said.
Wednesday, 07 July 2021 16:53:13 (GMT+3) | Istanbul

Omans Supreme Committee has recently issued a notification imposing a total ban on all commercial activities and the movement of individuals and vehicles within the Feast of Sacrifice holiday later this month. In addition, the Committee has extended its coronavirus lockdown by three hours each evening from 5 pm until 4 am, starting from July 16 until July 31.

The precautions taken may exert pressure on the countrys steel market participants, whose positions are already unfavourable. Omans steel market is heading towards a disaster, an official at a Omani rebar mill commented with regard to the above developments.
A number of 64,800 doses of Janssen vaccines will arrive on Thursday at the Cantacuzino National Institute for Medical-Military Research and Development in Bucharest, Romania's National COVID-19 Vaccination Coordination Committee (CNCAV) informs, Agerpres informs.

According to the quoted source, transport is ensured by the manufacturing company, and the vaccine doses will arrive in Bucharest overland.

"The doses will be stored at the National Storage Center, and in the following period they will be distributed to the existing regional centers nationwide. The National Storing Center for vaccines against COVID-19 within the Cantacuzino Institute is completely authorized by the National Agency for Medicine and Medical Devices of Romania (ANMDMR), the national authority which has competence in the field of medicine for human use", CNCAV says.

Until now, Romania has received 922,900 vaccine doses produced by the Johnson&Johnson company, and 329,357 were already used for immunizing the population.
The Senate will support and contribute to the achievement and completion of the "Educated Romania" project (especially since the Senate is a decision-making chamber), the Chamber President Anca Dragu assured the Head of State on Tuesday during their meeting held at the Cotroceni Palace.

The speakers of the two Chambers of Parliament, Anca Dragu and Ludovic Orban, as well as the leaders of the Parliamentary Education Committees had a meeting on Tuesday with President Klaus Iohannis on the topic of the "Educated Romania" project.

"Education is once again a country project for Romania! We will create working groups, which will include members from each party, to draft bills for Education. I assured President Iohannis that the Senate will support and contribute to the achievement and completion of the 'Educated Romania' project (especially since the Senate is a decision-making chamber). I insisted on two extremely important topics for me and for USR PLUS: increasing the financing of Education, expanding the "hot meal" pilot-program (which we initiated it in 2016) in all schools in Romania. This program has contributed to reducing school dropouts and, in the pandemic, it has proved essential for children from vulnerable families," Anca Dragu wrote on her Facebook page.
Deputy Prime Minister Dan Barna said on Wednesday that Save Romania Union - Unity, Freedom and Solidarity (USR PLUS) rejects any initiative, from whatever direction it may come, to withdraw the file on Rosia Montana from UNESCO, Agerpres informs.

"There is a discussion of Rosia Montana. A memorandum was presented to the Government from the Ministry of Finance. Rosia Montana's listing at UNESCO in no way blocks the Romanian state for possible future projects when the technology improves or should one become functional for the environment. Therefore, the listing at UNESCO does not prevent us as a Romanian state from still having control over that area's legislation, because UNESCO does not block anything, UNESCO only provides protection and prestige to a unique area in the world," Barna said at the Parliament Palace after the governing coalition meeting.
President Klaus Iohannis announced on Wednesday that the Government will take responsibility, next week, through a memorandum, for the targets and objectives of the "Educated Romania" project, Agerpres informs. Agerpres.

"Following discussions these days, a series of important matters have surfaced. Firstly, the governing coalition expressed its support for the project and the Government will even take responsibility, next week, through a memorandum, for the targets and objectives of "Educated Romania", where it will establish a clear plan of action, with responsible people and terms for implementing", the head of state said, at Cotroceni Palace.
Deputy Prime Minister Kelemen Hunor, the chair of the Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania (UDMR) stated on Wednesday that there is no blockage within the governing coalition on the topic of the dismantlement of the Section for the Investigation of Judicial Crimes (SIIJ) and added that he expects the Senate to be convoked in extraordinary session on the topic, the law being already on the agenda.

"I don't see any blockage. (...) We have a single vote and I am speaking about an amendment that says that magistrates will be investigated by an existing section, nothing is abolished, nothing is established, it's an existing department of the General Prosecutor's Office - the criminal investigation and criminology department, our proposal is not to repeat the mistakes of the past, not to make another mistake, another department, the magistrates to be investigated by that department. (...) Surely, in the Judiciary Committee this amendment may pass or not. In case it does pass the Judiciary Committee, it goes to the Senate's vote. If it fails, we will support the option of the Government. If it passes, then certainly another procedure will follow, as we are speaking of a bicameralism issue (...) Otherwise, there is no blockage, we are for abolishing the SIIJ and I asked the Senate be convoked as quickly as possible. (...) I have no disputes, neither with the Justice Minister, nor anyone else, I would like to abolish the department next week," Kelemen Hunor mentioned, after participating in the a meeting of the governing coalition, Agerpres informs.

The UDMR leader recalled that he supports the amendment submitted by the Parliamentary group of the Union.

"Whoever wants, votes, whoever wants, does not vote. There is no rift in the coalition, we agree with the abolishing of the SIIJ. This amendment was not subjected to a vote. (...) We collaborate well with the Justice Minister, I understand his position, he isn't alone in the coalition and doesn't have the possibility to decide on important matters," Kelemen Hunor added.

Justice Minister Stelian Ion stated, after participating in the governing coalition sitting, that the coalition is running extraordinarily well, except in the Justice chapter, and that the UDMR is not respecting the governing programme.

"The coalition is working extraordinarily well, less on the judiciary. The National Liberal Party and USR PLUS share the same opinion on this chapter, as we plan to call an extraordinary session next week to dissolve the Section for the Investigation of Judicial Crimes (SIIJ) and restore powers, as per the Venice Commission's recommendation and the government's bill. Yet the UDMR has a different opinion. I find it totally unacceptable that UDMR does not respect the governing program, as it attempts to somehow deceive the electorate by pretending to dismantle the SIIJ but restoring it as a section of the General Prosecutor's Office. We cannot just pretend to respect the governing program," said Stelian Ion.
A living statue dressed in golden clothes and depicting Prime Minister Florin Citu was unveiled in Bucharest on Wednesday in Victoriei Square as part of a protest action staged by Greenpeace Romania amidst Romania's governmental coalition discussing how to manage placing the Rosia Montana site on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

After the unveiling of the statue, the public was urged to stick notes to it related to Rosia Montana. Also, the protesters were urged to give the statue chocolate coins, as the statue would react if it received enough gold coins.

"This is the first time a statue has been unveiled in Victoriei Square since 1948. Here, under our feet, was the statue of King Ferdinand surrounded by four victories. Unfortunately, we at Greenpeace, we did not have money for five statues, so we only have one. It just so happens that today the ruling coalition is discussing the Rosia Montana UNESCO file. (...) As we know that politicians like tributes very much, we have come to bring our offerings to this government and, who knows, to influence at least to a small extent the way in which discussions are taking place at this super important moment for the battle that has taken place for some time so that the site of Rosia Montana, of universal value, may be recognised as world heritage," said Greenpeace Romania activist Cristian Neagoe.He underlined the historical value of Rosia Montana, pointing out that it is the oldest recorded settlement in Romania, a place where Roman wax tablets have also been discovered."For over 20 years, the community of Rosia Montana has been captive to quarrying that does not start. It is an exploitation that would involve the erasure of the Apuseni Mountains, the erasure of a historical site of universal value and its replacement with a cyanide lake. Rosia Montana is the place where people traditionally mined gold for three millennia, from the Bronze Age to the 2000s, where we have seven kilometers of perfectly preserved Roman galleries, the best preserved Roman galleries in the world; and to the extent that Western civilisation means anything to society, then Rosia Montana is the place where the Roman way of mining gold is best preserved," he added.According to the Greenpeace Romania representative, the hesitations of the Citu government "who is now wavering whether or not to drop the Rosia Montana file" only "fuel" the court case that Gabriel Resources filed against Romania in Washington."We are talking about 4.4 billion euros that could be lost under the same pretext that the Dancila government used in 2018 for the suspension of the same UNESCO file, namely that getting Rosia Montana on the world heritage list could mean Romania losing the trial. That is a false argument, (...) even a lie, because Rosia Montana is a historical site, protected by Romanian law since 1992, and UNESCO comes with extra legal protection, money for restoration, placing Rosia Montana on all the tourist maps of the world, which could mean the development of this settlement which, for 20 years, has had a general urban plan that does not even allow the opening of a guesthouse. It is a mono-industrial area that is preserved as thus, although 30 governments have so far tried to offer this private company a special law to start mining gold at Rosie Montana and to destroy (...) the history, culture, community and the environment at Rosia Montana," he said.Prime Minister Florin Citu said on Monday that solutions are being sought in the governing coalition in the Rosia Montana case, namely for the site to be included in the UNESCO world heritage list and for the answer to the question of whether or not mining can take place there."These are exactly the discussions in the coalition; let's see what the solution is to move forward. To keep the UNESCO site and, if possible, exploit it as well. We are looking for a solution. That's why we have called in the specialists. People come to the coalition who tell us what solutions there are. On the one hand, we have the opinion from the law firm, on the other hand, we have the Ministry of Culture," said Citu.
The chairman of the National Liberal Party (PNL), Ludovic Orban, said on Wednesday that the PNL supports the draft regarding the abolition of the Section for the Investigation of Judicial Crimes (SIIJ) in the form adopted by the Government, Agerpres informs.

"My point of view regarding the SIIJ is very clear. PNL still supports the abolition of the special department after the position expressed by the Venice Commission in the form adopted in Government," said Orban, in Parliament.

The PNL chair made the statements after the coalition meeting in which Prime Minister Florin Citu did not participate.
This content was produced by Brand Ave. Studios. The news and editorial departments of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch had no role in its creation or display. Brand Ave. Studios connects advertisers with a targeted audience through compelling content programs, from concept to production and distribution. For more information contact sales@brandavestudios.com
WASHINGTON  A coalition of 24 industry organizations on Wednesday urged the White House to lift restrictions that bar much of the world from traveling to the United States, but the Biden administration showed no signs of taking immediate action.

The groups led by the U.S. Travel Association and representing airlines, casinos, hotels, airports, airplane manufacturers and others, urged the administration to ease entry restrictions by July 15 that were imposed last year during the pandemic and to quickly lift entry restrictions on U.K. travelers.

We have the knowledge and the tools we need to restart international travel safely, and it is past time that we use them, U.S. Travel Chief Executive Roger Dow said.

Separately, 75 members of the U.S. House of Representatives called on Biden to reopen the U.S. border with Canada to nonessential travelers.

The lawmakers in a letter cited projections that if the restrictions are not lifted, the U.S. could lose 1.1 million jobs and an additional $175 billion by the end of this year. The White House did not immediately comment.
A Pest county official told commercial television station HirTV Tuesday that the book's Hungarian distributor had failed to clearly indicate that it contained content which deviates from the norm, and had thus violated rules on unfair commercial practices.

The book was there among other fairytale books and thus committed a violation, Pest county commissioner Richard Tarnai said. There is no way of knowing that this book is about a family that is different than a normal family.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the book's distributor, Foundation for Rainbow Families, wrote that rainbow families are perfectly normal, ordinary families," a reference to families with LGBT parents.

The storybook is about simple, everyday events, and the sexuality of the parents is not even a theme, wrote the foundation, which must pay a fine of $830 for the violation.

Lawrence Schimel, the book's author, told the Associated Press in an email that requiring the labelling of books with content that deviates from the norm is a pernicious concept, often used as a weapon to try to cultivate or justify prejudice and intolerance.
Kimbering-Casad said caring for COVID-19 patients is more difficult now than during the peak in the winter months, when vaccines were not widely available.

We had hope that vaccination rates would be higher and that we would never see a big spike in hospitalizations again. It is challenging knowing that there is an answer out there with the vaccine. Its hard on morale. Its hard on staff when we are asking them to work extra, she said.

Data compiled by Scripps Research and shared on Outbreak.info using federal genome sequencing data shows that nearly all new cases being sequenced in Missouri are now the delta variant, the highest percentage of any state, though comparing states is difficult because how many cases are sequenced varies in each state.

Unusual cases are often chosen for sequencing in Missouri, and some are randomly selected. In all, Scripps has sequencing information on 3,828 cases in Missouri through June 23. The percentage coming back as delta increased sharply as did the number of cases.

The highest number of new cases per capita is being seen among counties across a large swatch of southwest Missouri. While the St. Louis area is not seeing increases at that level, it is seeing upticks.
Dr. William Sistrunk, Mercy infectious disease specialist, said the vaccine requirement is essential in protecting the health of employees and patients.

As health care leaders in our communities, it is important we set the standard to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Sistrunk said. Our goal is to ensure the safest possible work environment for our co-workers and patients while also being a part of the effort to stop the spread of the virus in the communities we serve.

Officials with the Chesterfield-based health care system say they are joining more than 20 other hospital chains across the U.S. that have made the vaccine mandatory.

Both Pfizer and Moderna have applied to the Food and Drug Administration for full approval of their COVID-19 vaccines, which is expected soon, hospital officials said. COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective with more than 171 million Americans already vaccinated under emergency use authorization.
StandingCloud enjoys being social and was often found at powwows or events in the Twin Cities area before the pandemic. Her first emcee opportunity wasnt planned. She was assisting an emcee a few years back at an area school powwow until it made more sense for her to be on the microphone. The following year, she was invited back to be the lead emcee.

Then came her big break. In mid-2019, organizers for Leech Lake Labor Day Powwow asked StandingCloud to co-emcee the celebration. StandingCloud said she was initially anxious about the invite. She was familiar with the powwow and knew it was one of the larger powwows in northern Minnesota.

Inside, I was like, OK, I have to do this because, first of all, nobody ever gets asked this, StandingCloud recalled. I didnt want to because I was nervous and I didn't think I was really good enough, but whatever. I said yes.

A few months after, she had another emcee gig at a Fond du Lac Band powwow near Lake Superior. Emceeing was getting easier, and StandingCloud was getting comfortable. Then the pandemic hit.

More recently, StandingCloud was the virtual emcee for the MN Connect Powwow and an in-person emcee at the Red Lake Nation College graduation and mini powwow.
KIRKWOOD  A trucker involved in a double-fatal wreck in Kirkwood early Wednesday got out of his truck to check on other motorists and he, too, was killed, by a passing car.

Three people in all were killed about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday on southbound Interstate 270, south of Big Bend Road.

The victims were identified as the trucker, Spencer A. Perry, 66, of Gore, Oklahoma; and two women in a car struck by Perry's truck, Nancy L. Hodge, 31, of Black Jack, and Jessica F. Kaplan, 33, of St. Louis.

Missouri Highway Patrol Cpl. Juston Wheetley said Kaplan's car was heading south on Interstate 270 when it ran off the highway to the left. Her car hit a concrete median wall then veered back onto the interstate where it was hit by Perry's southbound truck.

Wheetley said Perry left his truck to check on the women. That's when he, as a pedestrian, was fatally struck by an SUV driven by a 17-year-old girl.

The trucker "got out to try to render aid, and that could be considered heroic at times, but it is extremely dangerous, especially if a crash happens on the interstate," Wheetley said. "Getting out puts your life in your own hands."
JEFFERSON CITY  Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday decried the Missouri Labor Departments decision to offer clemency for some federal unemployment overpayments as too little too late.

Rep. LaKeySha Bosley, D-St. Louis, said the state should have acted months ago to forgive the federal chunk of the unemployment overpayments. The agencys action on Tuesday still leaves thousands of workers on the hook for the state portion of those overpayments.

These are working families, Bosley told reporters Wednesday. These are people who did nothing wrong.

The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations on Tuesday said workers will be notified this month if they qualify to apply for a waiver of whatever they owe in federal unemployment overpayments that they were given during the pandemic.

The labor agency last year doled out $146 million in unemployment aid to 46,000 Missourians who didnt qualify amid a crush of unemployment claims. After a review, the agency discovered the mistake and has been trying to take that money back.

The problem is that many of the low-income workers who received the money already spent it on rent and food, lawmakers have said.
While Reeds bill includes $2 million Jones requested for intentional encampments for homeless people, it bars them from being located in 10 of the citys 28 wards as requested by their individual aldermen.

The off-limits wards are 2, 3, 4, 5, 14, 16, 19, 21, 22 and 27.

The outdoor camps would be for people who wont go to traditional shelters.

Reeds bill also adds a conflict of interest provision that would prohibit any money from going to organizations with employees or board members on Jones stimulus advisory panel.

The city is set to get $517 million in federal money over two years under a plan passed by Congress earlier this year at Bidens request, with about $249 million already received.

Jones wants to allocate $81.4 million of the $249 million for immediate direct relief for people and businesses hurt by the pandemic and take longer to review how to allocate the rest.

Mayoral aides, for example, have said an advisory committee with aldermanic input could be set up to review capital improvements that might get future funding.

Reed wants to allocate much more of the $249 million by July 16, when aldermen begin a two-month summer recess.
ST. LOUIS  As hundreds of additional workers prepare to move to Squares new offices in one of the most significant corporate additions downtown St. Louis has seen in years, City Hall is dealing with another influx of people next door to the companys building on Tucker Boulevard.

A homeless encampment, complete with about 20 tents, has popped up on Interco Plaza, between Squares building and the St. Patrick Center.

On Tuesday, a spokesman for Mayor Tishaura O. Jones said City Hall will work to remove the encampment within 60 days. Meanwhile, workers on Tuesday began installing a canvas-covered fence along Tucker to screen off the view of the encampment, where dozens of people mingled amid tents and piles of personal possessions.

This is not by any means permanent, Nick Dunne, a spokesman for the mayor, said of the encampment in an interview outside St. Patrick Center. This is a temporary placeholder effort to get services for our unhoused.

The city plans to finish fencing in the plaza that sits just north of St. Patrick Center, which provides a range of services for the unhoused. Many unhoused people make their way to the center for afternoon meals and spend time on the plaza during the day, but the number of tents and size of the group that has gathered there in recent weeks is unusual.

Square to move, expand St. Louis office downtown San Francisco payment company will lease former Post-Dispatch building, giving it room to grow St. Louis office to 1,400 people.
Bosley said workers who mistakenly received the overpayments because of a Labor Department error should not be penalized for the governments mess up.

The Department of Labors Tuesday announcement for leniency on the federal portion came shortly after House Democrats called a news conference for Wednesday to complain about Republican Gov. Mike Parsons handling of the issue.

Parson told reporters in his Capitol office that he is fine with waiving the federal portion, but were still going to work on the state portion of that.

If it was a legitimate mistake, were fine with that," Parson said. "But if theres anything beside that, youre not going to get a blanket waiver."

The Labor Department on Tuesday said it will start collecting on the state unemployment overpayments in August.

A Republican-sponsored bill to exempt workers from having to pay back the state portion of unemployment overpayments passed the GOP-led state House 157-3 in March. But the measure didn't pass the Senate by the end of the legislative session in May and died.

Without that legislation, spokeswoman Maura Browning said in an email that the Labor Department is prohibited from waiving the state overpayments.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
I became a registered nurse because I wanted to help people. My desire to help does not stop at the bedside. I care about my fellow Missourians. Right now, the state of Missouri is in a crisis (again). Nearly every death due from the coronavirus is preventable. I am joining the chorus of those encouraging vaccinations because, professionally and personally, I care.

Missouri is being ravaged by the coronavirus delta variant. As the delta variant accelerates in Missouri, we can expect the number of coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and even deaths to continue to rise. The situation is exacerbated by Missouris low vaccination rates. Residents in more than 60 Missouri counties, accounting for less than 30% of the population, have received their first vaccine dose. Deaths from the coronavirus now occur almost exclusively among those unvaccinated.

There are two groups reading these words: Those who have been vaccinated and those who have not. Those who have not been vaccinated should know that there are lots of individuals out there, like me, who care about what happens to them. Media outlets, social media trolls, community members and political leaders who know better and who discourage vaccination or spread disinformation about vaccines do not, in fact, care about what happens to the unvaccinated.
If you are the type of person who likes to plan things far in advance, then 2020 probably felt like one disaster after another. We can certainly relate; the past year has been full to the brim with canceled trips and conferences, rushing to cross borders as soon as possible, re-routed and canceled flights, dealing with quarantine, reimagining the home office, rules changing every couple of weeks and constant health monitoring.

Everybody has lost something over the past several months. The spectrum of somethings starts with the minor inconveniences that accompany a global health crisis and ends with lost graduations, lost weddings, lost jobs, lost health and lost lives. Wherever my experiences fall on that scale, I have found it unproductive to compare my place on the spectrum to the experiences relatively less or more traumatic. While counting my blessings can be a decent grounding exercise, it wont change or fix what Ive lost. Similarly, pining for an alternate reality is unhelpful in the reality in which Im living. The point is, a loss is a loss.

If you have lost the wedding that you thought youd have, it may have felt like a sudden, stressful loss of what would have been. On top of that, youve probably faced the hassle of canceling your much-anticipated honeymoon and not knowing how, when or whether to rebook.
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.
In mid-2021 the new U.S. Navy MQ-25A carrier-based UAV carried out its first aerial refueling mission, successfully transferring fuel to an F-18E carrier-based fighter. Development of the MQ-25A has been swift. In 2018 the U.S. Navy selected a conventional UAV design, similar to the Reaper or larger Global Hawk, proposed by Boeing to be the MQ-25A. The Boeing design is 16 meters (51 feet) long with a 23-meter (75 feet) wingspan. The wing can be folded to be only 9.5 meters wide, for more efficient storage on the carrier. Powerplant is one jet engine, and weight not disclosed but apparently similar to that the of the earlier 20-ton X-47B carrier UAV. Boeing received a contract to build the first four MQ-25As for about $201 million each. Prototypes are basically hand-built aircraft, and more expensive than mass-production aircraft. In 2020 Boeing received an order for three more, at a cost of about $29 million each. The navy claimed that development cost for the MQ-25A would be about $5 billion and no one believed that was going to be the final development cost.

In 2019 the Boeing MQ-25A flew for the first time. The first MQ-25A is expected to enter service by 2025. Since the Boeing design has only been flying for two years, it surprises many that it should be ready for service so quickly. The reason for that is that the navy had a lot of carrier UAV software already developed and tested using the X-47B carrier capable UAV that was able to operate from carriers like manned aircraft. In 2017 that UAV software was upgraded so that it could be communicated with using the same software used for manned carrier aircraft. Called UMCS (Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System) this uses existing software modified to communicate with UAVs on the carrier deck as well as the air. The navy has already tested the X-47Bs equipped with software for landing and taking off from a carrier as well as refueling other naval aircraft in flight. There is a growing library of combat tested UAV software for just about every aspect of aircraft operation. But operating from a carrier has always been the most difficult environment to work in.

In mid-2016 the navy came up with the official designation of its new carrier-based UAV; MQ-25A Stingray. This new UCAS (unmanned combat air system) comes after a decade of design, development and test flights. The navy expects to spend $15 billion on developing and building 72 MQ-25As. That comes out to $208 million per UCAS. That seems a bit high, nearly three times what a F-18F costs. Details of the cost escalation are murky, which is not unusual. The first armed UAV, the Predator, was initially described as an inexpensive attack and surveillance aircraft and the cost of the UAV alone was. But as upgrades and new equipment was added the Predator was soon costing ten times as much. At least it remained cheaper to operate than manned jets.

The UAV that made the MQ-25A possible rolled out as the X-47B in 2008. This was the first carrier-based combat UAV, with a wingspan of 20 meters (62 feet, and the outer 25 percent folds up to save space on the carrier) and could stay in the air for up to twelve hours. The 20-ton X-47B weighed significantly less than the 30-ton F-18E and has two internal bays holding two tons of smart bombs and missiles. It is a stealthy aircraft. As built the X-47B could be used for a lot of bombing missions, sort of a super-Reaper. The navy had been impressed with the U.S. Air Force success with the Predator and Reaper. But the propeller driven Reaper weighs only 4.7 tons. The much larger X-47B uses a F100-PW-220 engine, which is currently used in the F-16 and F-15 and is built to operate more like a manned jet warplane.

Development moved ahead pretty quickly with the X-47B, which made its first catapult launch from an aircraft carrier in May 2013, and landed at a shore-based facility. That was followed by several touch and go landings on a carrier. The first carrier landing, as expected, followed soon after. This was not a surprise because in 2011 the navy successfully tested its UCAV landing software using a manned F-18 that landed on a carrier completely under software control. This version of the software has been further expanded into a system that makes it a lot easier (and safer) for manned aircraft to land on carriers.

By the end of 2013 more flight tests further stressed the capabilities of the X-47B automatic landing system, especially in high speed and complex (different directions) winds. The autolanding software passed all these tests. The X-47B was also the first UAV to land and be off the carrier deck in less than 90 seconds, just like manned aircraft. There were a lot of other tests to see how effectively and reliably the X-47B could operate on the carrier and hanger deck and do it alongside manned aircraft. An X-47B carried out the first fully autonomous aerial refueling, with a manned with a KC-707 tanker, in April 2015. All this was part of a long-term navy plan to introduce an UCAS replacement for manned fighters by the 2030s.

While software-controlled landing systems have been around for decades, landing on a moving air field (an aircraft carrier) is considerably more complex than landing on a stationary airfield. Dealing with carrier landings required more powerful hardware and software aboard the aircraft. The navy expected some glitches and bugs but managed to rapidly match the reliability of commercial landing software within months rather than decades. The U.S. Army pioneered the use of automated landing (and take off) software for its larger UAVs and eventually the air force adopted that approach as well, which has been used very successfully on UAVs.

Rather than begin development on the slightly larger X-47C, which was originally supposed to be the first naval UCAV to enter service, the navy decided to conduct a competition to find the most effective design for the MQ-25A UCLASS (unmanned carrier-launched airborne surveillance and strike) aircraft. As expected, the X-47B was successful enough to be the one of the competing prototypes for the MQ-25A. It was always believed that the X-47C would be closer to 30 tons and have a payload of over four tons. The X-47B was never meant to be the definitive carrier UCAV, but the navy hoped it would be good enough to show that unmanned aircraft could do the job. Normally, "X" class aircraft are just used as technology demonstrators. As successful as it was, in February 2015 the navy stated that the X-47B was too costly and insufficiently stealthy to become its carrier UCAV, and the two X-47Bs were turned into museum exhibits upon completion of all flight testing in late 2015. Meanwhile three firms (Boeing, X-47B builder Northrop Grumman, and General Atomics) submitted MQ-25A design proposals and the Boeing design won.

The navy leadership is still divided on how fast to proceed with carrier UAVs, as can be seen as several changes already made to the MQ-25A design requirements. That could slow things down but the fear that China will get a carrier UAV into service first has proved to be a powerful motivator. Although the existing X-47B and Avenger designs could carry and launch smart bombs and missiles, the navy needed an efficient aerial refueling aircraft to extend the range and endurance of existing F-18F and F-35 carrier aircraft. Additional missions will be added to the MQ-25A once it demonstrates its ability to effectively perform the aerial refueling role. Currently the only carrier-based aerial refueling capability comes from using one F-18F to refuel another. The MQ-25A is much more efficient at aerial refueling, able to carry 6.8 tons for refueling and refuel several manned aircraft per mission and extend the effective range of the F-18E or F-35 by more than fifty percent.
So far this year civilian deaths are up 40 percent compared to 2020. Most of the increase comes from the Taliban policy of killing non-Pushtun civilians while offering Pushtun civilians the option of surrendering without violence. This is the custom in Afghanistan and characterized the unfinished civil war that ended in 2001 when the Americans intervened on the side of the largely non-Pushtun Northern Alliance. The Taliban are confident it will be different this time, because they have more drug money and access to Pakistan for illegal import items and access to the outside world.

Most Pakistani voters would prefer to shut down the Taliban and drug gang paymasters. At the moment Pakistani voters are not in charge as the Pakistani military has achieved control of the elected government without using a military coup. About half the time since Pakistan was created in 1947, a military government was in charge. Over the years there was more and more popular opposition to that and this required a new approach, which the army has carried out over the last few years. This phantom coup is losing its immunity from foreign scrutiny and sanctions. That is not surprising because the military has always been seen as the source of Islamic terrorist support in Pakistan as well as corruption and terrorizing its own government. The army has cultivated relationships with China and Russia, mainly by importing most of their weapons from those two countries. China and Russian usually look after their larger military export customers and the Pakistani military works that angle for all they can.

On the negative side, the Pakistani military is hated and loathed by most Pakistanis as well as neighboring countries like Iran, Afghanistan and India. For a long time, the UN tolerated the militarys misbehavior in Pakistan, but no longer. Another problem for the military is that decades of manipulating Pushtun tribes on both sides of the border to do their dirty work has caused Pushtuns on both sides of the border to unite in opposition to the Pakistani military.

In 2014 this led to the founding of the PTM (Pashtun Tahafuz Movement or Pashtun Protection Movement). By 2018 the military declared the peaceful PTM a threat and used increasingly violent methods to make PTM disappear. What the military fears is that the PTM is more than just a Pushtun nationalist movement in Pakistan and is an increasingly popular idea in Afghanistan as well. Most Pushtuns live in southern Afghanistan and northwest Pakistan. Pushtuns are a small minority in Pakistan while in Afghanistan half as many Pushtuns are the largest minority in the country and a force to be reckoned with. Pusthtuns in Pakistan have long been a despised and mistreated minority. The PTM is mostly about addressing the persecution and discrimination Pushtuns face in Pakistan. To the Pakistani military that is a form of treason, at least when it comes from Pushtuns. One reason for that is most Afghan Pushtun agree that Pakistan is no friend of Pushtun on either side of the border and is the main reason why the heroin business operates in Pushun Helmand (southern Afghanistan) province rather than across the border in Pakistani Baluchistan, where the heroin production used to be. The Baluchis are the second largest tribal minority in Pakistan and long violently opposed to bad behavior by the Pakistani military. The Baluchi and Pushtuns usually leave each other alone and agree that the non-tribal Pakistanis are a major threat.

Pushtuns on both sides of the border also agree that India is more of a friend than the Moslem majority of Pakistan who like to treat India as an enemy. Indians always insisted they are not an enemy. There is a history of that in non-Moslem India where there were two historical heroes; the 20th century Mohandas Gandhi and ancient Hindu emperor Ashoka. Gandhi was a Hindu pacifist who led the peaceful effort to eliminate British colonial rule while Ashoka was a Hindu emperor who, 2,400 years ago, ruled as much of south Asia as the British. Ashoka, at the peak of his power, renounced violence and supported the spread of Buddhism throughout Asia. Since then, South Asia has become one of the most peaceful regions of Eurasia. In contrast South Asian Moslems tend to see foreign Moslem invaders as heroes. These invaders were able to conquer most of India but failed to convince or coerce most Hindus and Buddhists to convert. That led to lasting Moslem animosity for Hindus. Afghans, especially Pushtuns, participated in many of those invasions and were always impressed at the Hindu loyalty to the teachings of Ashoka, whose empire included parts of eastern Afghanistan. These things matter because they explain the violent animosity the Pakistani military has towards India and the Afghan willingness to see India as a more reliable ally against Pakistan than anyone else.

India has been a big help in breaking the monopoly Pakistan long exercised over Afghan foreign trade. India can now trade freely with Afghanistan via a new sea/rail link in Iran and most Afghans prefer this to dependency on Pakistan for access to the rest of the world. Attitudes and alliances are changing and Pakistan and the Taliban they created are the big losers.

Taliban Tactics

Currently most of the Taliban violence is in 13 of the 34 Afghan provinces. The 34 provinces contain a total of 407 districts and most of these are rural and thinly populated. These are the districts you hear about the Taliban capturing (and the government forces taking back). The Taliban are mainly interested in expanding control over routes essential for the production and export of heroin, which generates the cash that pays for all this mayhem.

Since the February 2020 ceasefire deal between the Taliban and the United States, the Taliban sought to reduce casualties among the remaining foreign troops, while increasing their attacks on civilians and Afghan security forces. Some Taliban seemed surprised that civilians quickly organized armed defense militias. That sort of resistance is nothing new and has become more common over the years. The official Taliban line is that people are now more willing to submit.

Another reason to resist Taliban domination and increased violence is that the post-2001 Afghan economy continues to grow. While GDP declined five percent in 2020, that was due to the worldwide covid19 recession. That has abated and economic activity is growing worldwide. Afghanistan is on its way to three percent GDP growth in 2021 and four percent in 2022. The main threat to this continuing economic growth is another civil war against the Taliban. Afghans who need a reminder need only note that when the takes control of some remote part of the country, it promptly order the men to grow beards and forbids women from leaving home without an adult male escort. The Taliban continue to attack schools that teach secular subjects and Mosques where the imams preach against Taliban tactics.

Another rarely publicized reality is that the current "Taliban" are not an Afghan organization, but a Pushtun movement that is active on both sides of the border and supported by less than ten percent of the 40 million Pushtun in the region. The Afghan Taliban are seen as part of the drug gangs that have brought the curse of drug addiction to over ten million Afghan, Pakistani and Iranian families. By 2007 this led to the creation of the Pakistani Taliban that was opposed to the drug trade and the Pakistani military efforts to control Afghanistan via links to the Afghan drug gangs and the Afghan Taliban. These attitudes spread to Afghan Taliban factions who, in the last few years, have remained Taliban but also openly opposed to Pakistani control or interference in Afghanistan.

There are fewer safe havens for the Taliban. The foreign nations fighting their war on terror in Afghanistan have finally realized that there has never been an Afghan national government that was not corrupt and changing that is going to be more difficult than fighting the Taliban. NATO is now fully aware of the trans-national nature of the Pushtun tribes and the Taliban movement. The "war in Afghanistan" is more of a "Pushtun Tribal Rebellion," and is being handled as such. Most NATO nations with troops in Afghanistan are willing to just walk away and deal with the fallout later. Afghanistan has become politically unpopular and the easiest way out (for Western politicians) is to get out and let their successors deal with the aftermath. Afghanistan has become another "can" foreign leaders are kicking down the road.

July 3, 2021: The last U.S. forces departed Bagram Airbase after midnight rather than remain for the announced official handover ceremony on the 4th. The Afghan military arrived two hours later, after hundreds of looters entered and systematically looted the many buildings on the premises. The commander of the Afghan force that was to take control of Bagram says he was not informed of the stealthy departure, which is not unusual in Afghanistan where such information is considered valuable and subject to sale by corrupt officials who gain access to it. It is unclear if anyone in the Afghan government was told of the true departure time and date. This information is usually kept secret (from any Afghans) by the Americans to prevent it from being sold to the Taliban or some other Islamic terror group. The Bagram airbase complex , fifty kilometers north of Kabul is a huge (5,000 acres, 2,000 hectares) facility and has been the largest American base in Afghanistan for two decades . In addition to the airbase, Bagram contains a prison with a capacity of 5,000 prisoners as well as a separate compound for a joint special operations headquarters. The U.S. has spent over $300 million since 2002 to expand and upgrade facilities there. Over the last year all the usual American military operations were shut down and aircraft, equipment and personnel flown or trucked out. American troops maintained security of the base until the end, but after midnight turned off the remaining lights and quietly left.

June 26, 2021: The U.S. revealed its reorganization of how military and financial support for Afghanistan will continue after most American and NATO troops are gone. Command of any counter-terror operations in Afghanistan will now be handled by Central Command headquarters, which is in Tampa Florida with satellite headquarters throughout the Middle East. One of those satellite headquarters will be in the Persian Gulf Qatar American base. From there the continuing financial, equipment, training and support aid for the Afghan security forces will be administered. There will be an expanded military liaison section in the American embassy in Kabul which will also look after to American aid and military assistance programs in Afghanistan. The U.S. military will still have 650 troops guarding the U.S. embassy with the authority to call in up to 300 more if needed on short notice.

The United States will continue to support the majority of the money that pays for the 300,000 personnel in the Afghan security forces. While many soldiers and police are deserting to join local militias that will fight the looming civil war, the majority are sticking with the national forces because the Americans will still monitor the aid and monitor its use. Corruption has long been a problem in the security forces (and inside the Taliban as well) and the Americans are admired for their efforts, often successful, to curb the corruption. For many Afghans, corruption involving foreign aid is something of a national sport. The American auditors and regulations have proved remarkably, by Afghan standards, effective. From the outside a lot of the military aid disappears.

June 25, 2021: In the north (Baghlan and Kunduz provinces) American airstrikes hit Taliban targets. The airstrikes were apparently carried out by armed UAVs.

June 20, 2021: Pakistan prime Minister Imran Khan appeared on an American TV news show and confirmed that Pakistan would not allow an American military base in Pakistan once all U.S. forces are gone from Afghanistan this year. Kahn said he feared retaliatory attacks if he did so. Pakistan has been suffering those retaliatory attacks for over a decade, mainly from Pakistani Islamic terrorists inspired by the Taliban, al Qaeda and ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant).

Kahn spoke of civil war in Afghanistan if the Taliban attempted to take power and blamed that on the Americans. Kahn ignores the role of the Pakistani military who created the Taliban in 1995 as a means to halt the civil war in Afghanistan. That failed and the Americans intervened shortly after September 11, 2001 with a few hundred CIA field operatives and U.S. Army Special Forces troops, a few million dollars in cash plus American bombers overhead dropping smart bombs. The Americans were providing support for the Afghans still fighting the Taliban. Thats all it took to reduce Taliban control from 80 percent of Afghanistan in October to zero by the end of the year. There were prisoners and lots of documents captured that detailed Pakistani involvement with the Taliban and Pakistani efforts to control events in Afghanistan.

The Americans were mainly interested in preventing Afghanistan from once more becoming a sanctuary for Islamic terrorists seeking to carry out attacks in the West. The September 11, 2001 attacks were planned and organized in Afghanistan and the evidence left behind by the fleeing Taliban made Pakistani involvement in sustaining the Taliban clear. That involvement continued because the fleeing Taliban found sanctuary in Pakistan. Despite persistent Pakistani denials, Pakistan also provided sanctuary for the September 11, 2001 attack planner, al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. The Americans eventually found bin Ladens hideout and it was, as suspected, in Pakistan. In fact, it was in a military town containing several major military schools and headquarters. Without telling Pakistan the U.S. carried out a 2011 raid that killed bin Laden, who refused to be taken alive, and left with his body and a trove of al Qaeda documents. DNA tests proved the corpse was bin Laden, as did all the documents found in his compound. The Pakistani military denied knowing bin Laden was there but most Pakistanis suddenly had a much less favorable attitude towards their military. For a decade elected officials have attempted to regain control over the increasingly unpopular military and failed. The military is now controlling an elected government and had laws passed making public criticism of the military a crime. If the courts wont prosecute and convict, the military can arrange for the accused to disappear. Many Pakistanis still have a favorable attitude towards Islamic terrorism, especially it is carried out elsewhere. For example, prime minister Kahn has openly referred to Osama bin Laden as a martyr, an attitude shared by many Pakistanis, if only to avoid assassination by angry local Islamic conservatives. This is largely self-inflicted, because Pakistan did not have major problems with Islamic terrorists until one of the military governments, in the late 1970s, decided to use Islamic terrorism to attack India and control Afghanistan. That backfired, especially in Afghanistan.

While Pakistan wont allow the United States to establish a military base in Pakistan, Pakistan will allow American military aircraft (combat and transports) to continue passing through Pakistani air space to and from landlocked Afghanistan. This was not unexpected because the Pakistani military has come to regard their creation (the Taliban) as more of a problem than a useful asset.

June 19, 2021: In northwest Pakistan (North Waziristan) an army patrol encountered a group of Pakistan Taliban, apparently coming from bases in Afghanistan, and a firefight and night time pursuit ensued. Two Taliban were killed along with one soldier. These were also wounded on both sides. Encounters like this have been common since the 2014 Pakistani army offensive on Pakistani base areas in North Waziristan. This led to a major (nearly 80 percent) decline in Pakistani Taliban membership. The Pakistani Taliban moved across the border to Afghanistan where they had Pushtun tribal allies who helped them settle in. Still recruiting from Pakistani Pushtuns, as do the Afghan Taliban) the Pakistani rebuilt its numbers and relationships between factions. The Pakistani Taliban are still at war with the Pakistani military, which they see as an enemy of Pushtuns in general and misrule in Pakistan.

June 17, 2021: Turkey confirmed that it is willing to provide peacekeepers to guard Afghanistans capital, Kabul. The Turkish contingent will provide security for the Afghan government and the main International Airport outside the capital. The U.S. intends to fully withdraw its forces by September 11, 2021. Turkey, and especially president Erdogan, wants something in return for maintaining a powerful stay-behind security force and keeping the airport open. The U.S. has offered to keep its current air defense systems at the airport if the Turks take over airport security.

The airport is a key hub for supplying Afghan government forces as well as the main escape route for foreigners, especially diplomats and aid workers. The Turks are more acceptable as a rearguard because their troops are Moslem and have a reputation of being tough and reliable. Nevertheless, the current peace agreement with the Taliban calls for all foreign troops to leave Afghanistan but only the Americans have set a date. So far most of the 7,000 non-American NATO troops have left along with most of the 3,500 American troops.

June 16, 2021: In the east (Nangarhar Province) five members of a polio vaccination team were killed by unidentified gunmen. This comes after the vaccination campaign recently resumed after being halted because of a March attack that killed three vaccination team members. Despite strenuous efforts, Afghanistan (and Pakistan) have been unable to eliminate polio via vaccinations. For a long time, the main opposition were Islamic conservative clerics who called the vaccinations an attempt by Western nations to poison Moslem children. While few of those clerics remain, there are now more Afghans and Pakistanis agreeing with Western anti-vaccination groups and insisting there are harmful side effects. Numerous controlled studies have not demonstrated any evidence of this but it has become a popular cause. There are other problems unique to Pakistan and Afghanistan. For example, polio is making a comeback among refugees on both sides of the Afghan-Pakistan border. This came after another major effort in 2017 to vaccinate vulnerable Afghan and Pakistani children against polio. In 2016 there were 20 cases of polio in Pakistan and 13 in Afghanistan. There were four in Nigeria, a country declared free of polio in 2020. In Pakistan and Afghanistan there are still religious problems with vaccination. The Afghan Taliban have openly supported the vaccination program but there are still some rural areas where local Moslem clerics or teachers still denounce the vaccinations. There is a similar situation in Pakistan, where some fringe Islamic groups will still try and kill members of the vaccination teams. Since 2008 over a hundred vaccinators and police escorts have been killed. This year there are a quarter million vaccinators and nearly as many security personnel seeking to vaccinate 40 million young (under five) children.

June 8, 2021: In the north (Baghlan province) someone shelled a compound housing Afghan demining teams, killing ten Afghan mine clearing personnel. The Taliban denied responsibility, which they always do because the mine clearing effort is popular with most Afghans.

June 5, 2021: In western Afghanistan several Taliban factions are supported by Iran and also trying to take control of territory. Iran wants to maintain control of Sunni (Taliban) and Shia (the Afghan minority) proxies in Afghanistan, just in case. Many Afghan refugees see the economic situation in Afghanistan as superior to what is available in Iran. That is why about 1.4 million Afghan refugees have left Iran for Afghanistan since 2020.
A month ago France announced it was reducing its troop strength in Mali and adjacent countries. Since 2014 France has had about 5,000 of their own special operation troops, plus a few hundred from other NATO nations, operating in Mali seeking to reduce or eliminate Islamic terrorist activity. Called Operation Barkhane, it is being replaced by the smaller Operation Takuba, where no more than 500 French troops would be involved and matched by at least three times as many troops from other European nations. So far only about a third of needed non-French troops have been pledged. France will withdraw its current counterterror troops gradually, with about half gone by 2023.

While France had some logistical and intelligence collection assistance from the United States, Barkhane was mainly a French operation and was successful in reducing Islamic terror activity. This was costly for the French taxpayer and seemingly endless. Barkhane did inflict major damage on Islamic terrorists in the area, killing about one percent of them a year and inflicting major damage on their organization, including the loss of leaders, weapons and supplies. There were about as many Islamic terrorists in the area as French troops and the Islamic terrorists spent most of their time avoiding the French and keeping their drug and people smuggling operation, from central Africa to the Mediterranean Coast, going. There were terror attacks, but not a lot when you consider how many Islamic terrorists there were in the area. The French concentrated on those Islamic terrorists who still had time for killing and terrorizing civilians and peacekeepers. Despite the heavy losses the Islamic terrorists are still there because the widespread government corruption and tribal/ethnic fighter continues. In Moslem majority nations popular resistance to bad government tends to be taken over by religious zealots who justify all manner of violence because they are defending Islam from corrupt local rulers and non-Moslems or Moslems who openly criticize the Islamic terrorist motives and tactics.

Corruption has long been a major problem in Mali and Africa. Mali is one of the worst offenders. Corruption leads to misuse of foreign aid and in Mali the problems are made worse by tribal and ethnic feuds. Worldwide surveys of corruption have consistently put Mali among the 30 most corrupt nations, out of about 180 surveyed each year. In the last few years more Malians turned against the French efforts because Islamic terrorism was not an immediate threat to most citizens while the continued corruption and bad government were. For most Malians Islamic terrorism and ethnic disputes with the Arabs and Tuareg tribes of the north were less of a threat than the daily misbehavior and mismanagement of their elected officials.

The French were not the only foreign troops in Mali. Since 2013 13,000 African peacekeepers have policed the north, where most of the Islamic terrorist and ethnic conflict has always been found. In this environment peacekeeping was more dangerous. As a result, the peacekeepers suffered about 200 deaths per 100,000 troops per year (a standard measure of such things). This is largely because most of the peacekeepers are stationed in northern Mali, where most of these deaths occur. There was lots of violence up there since (and before) the peacekeepers arrived in early 2013. The peacekeepers are mainly African and the death rate has fluctuated from year to year, going as low as 130 per 100,000 per year. Since 2018 a lot of the violence has moved south to central Mali and the three-border area where the Mali army and tribal militias take most of the casualties.

While being a peacekeeper remains a dangerous job, its still less dangerous than places like Afghanistan, where in 2013 the rate was 200 per 100,000 for all foreign troops there. That was down from the peak 587 per 100,000 in 2010, which was about what it was during the peak years in Iraq (2004-7). The action in Mali is less intense than in pre-2014 Afghanistan or pre-2011 Iraq but is more than double the rate for peacekeepers worldwide. Total Mali peacekeeper casualties since mid-2013 are about 500 dead and wounded and losses but were much heavier among the Islamic terrorists. Because of the French counterterrorism operation the losses for the Islamic terrorists have been about 1,000 per 100,000.

The 5,100 French counterterrorism troops are separate from the Mali peacekeepers because the French force deals with Islamic terrorism throughout the region and has a license to kill. Over the last few years popular support for Barkhane in France declined and that led to efforts to get other nations to replace the French force completely or partially. Because of all this, the official end of Barkhane is not surprising. It was not a matter of if, but when.

France will continue to support local counterterrorism efforts, including one France played a key role in creating. This is the 5,000 strong G5 force, which was seen as a local complement to the French Sahel counterterrorism force. G5 troops are supplied by Mali and four neighboring countries while the EU (European Union) supplies millions of dollars a year to provide the G5 troops with additional equipment, weapons, training and supplements to their pay. This enables the French force to operate wherever it detects the presence of Islamic terrorists and needs cooperation from local counterterrorism forces they can depend on. Mali is the least dependable G5 country, which explains why Islamic terror groups selected Mali as the best candidate for an African sanctuary.

The Incorrigibles

In Mali the corruption problem extends to those who claim they are fighting corruption. Mali is currently a very vivid example of this. Mali has suffered three military coups (government takeovers) since 2012. None of these takeovers were about corruption, but rather anger at the corrupt politicians stealing money meant to finance operations against Islamic terrorist and separatist minorities in the north. That crisis was not unexpected but the intensity of the violence in the north was, by 2011, more than the army was prepared for. Mali never needed much of a military and that was reflected in how decades of corrupt rulers treated it; as another source of jobs for supporters. Many of the officers thought otherwise and argued for more realistic treatment of the military and the threats it was facing up north.

Foreign aid donors agreed with the minority of Mali officers who called for more professionalism. The most popular, in the army, officers were both professional and corrupt and thats how we got a military government that staged a coup against itself (the 2020 coup) this past May 24th.

The May 24 coup was not well received by foreign aid donors. This includes France, which pays for its 5,100 counterterrorism troops who operate throughout the region. The military was not happy with foreign donor demands that they cooperate with political factions that made possible the 2020 coup. These groups and the coup leaders formed the interim (and foreign donor approved) CNT (National Transitional Council) government. The foreign donors insisted that a civilian lead the CNT with one of the military coup leaders as his deputy. The army and civilian members of the CNT did not get along. The main disagreement that triggered the May coup was about efforts to negotiate with Islamic terror groups and ineffective measures to prosecute corrupt politicians.

Mays coup was led by the army colonel who was appointed deputy head of the CNT, and he replaced the civilian who originally held that job. The May coup promptly replaced many CNT officials with army officers or civilians known to be pro-military. When foreign donors, including France, criticized this, the army threatened to call on Russia to replace the Western foreign aid donors and troops in Mali. While this threat made for great headlines it ignored the reality of how Russia and China operate in Africa, where these two nations are often the cause of corruption and never the cure. Russia is too broke to provide foreign aid and if you want Russian troops or military contractors you have to pay for them, preferably in advance. China is even more mercenary, demanding payment in natural resources or other assets. China is a buyer, not a peacekeeper or charity. The Mali officers threats said a lot about their motives, which was mainly about maintaining their power and helping themselves to a portion of foreign aid.

The civilian reformers, who used to dominate the CNT, were not surprised at the treachery of the army officers, but were dismayed by the incorrigible attitudes of these officers. Most Mali voters reacted the same way. The new military-dominated CNT pledges to organize elections on time (early 2022) is seen as another scam. There are growing doubts among foreign aid donors and even many locals that the latest coup will solve any problems, and more likely create new ones.

July 2, 2021: France has lifted its June 3rd ban on cooperation with the Mali military because of the May coup. France took an active role in assisting its former (until the 1960s) colonies and were admired for that attitude because it has done better than doing nothing. France continues to offer university educations for promising students from the francophone (French speaking) students. This has created a large number of African politicians, business owners and military officers that French diplomats, reporters or tourists can talk to. Francophone Africans know the history and continuing tradition of corruption in France, but also realize the situation is worse in Africa and that is connected to less economic success in Africa. There are no easy solutions but at least the French have maintained discussions about it, often by French and African graduates of the same universities.

June 29, 2021: The UN has lifted its suspension on economic aid for Mali. The suspension was imposed after the May 24 coup. ECOWAS (Economic Community of 15 West African States) also suspended cooperation with Mali and has not lifted it yet.

June 25, 2021: In the north (outside Gao) ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) forces carried out a car bomb attack on a temporary peacekeeper base. Thirteen European peacekeepers were wounded. This took place near the tri-border area where the borders of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso meet. Most Islamic terrorist violence has been in the tri-border area. The Mali portion of the tri-border area was the original hot spot for Islamic terrorism in central Africa, predating the rapid growth, and decline of Boko Haram violence in northeast Nigeria between 2013 and 2016. Many Islamic terror groups prefer the tri-border area because they can escape a major counterterror operation in one country by just crossing the border. Since 2018 there have been two ISIL provinces in central Africa. The smaller one was ISGS (Islamic State in Greater Sahara), which showed up in 2018. ISGS is currently active in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. The other, slightly older and larger, ISIL province was ISWAP, which is actually a faction of the Nigerian Boko Haram Islamic terrorists who had been around since 2004. ISWAP personnel are mostly in northeastern Nigeria as well as smaller numbers in Chad, Niger and northern Cameroon.

In central Mali, local Islamic terrorists affiliated with al Qaeda used a roadside bomb to kill six Mali soldiers.

June 21, 2021: In central Mali armed men kidnapped five Catholics, including a clergyman, who were driving to a funeral. The five were released two days later, apparently because the kidnappers only wanted the car, and did not want to get involved with kidnapping or murder. Only about four percent of the population is Roman Catholic and they tend to live in Catholic neighborhoods in cities and largely Catholic villages in rural areas. Killing or kidnapping local Catholics is usually carried out by ISIL members, but in central Mali al Qaeda affiliated Islamic terrorists are usually the culprit. Catholics generally fetch larger ransoms than local Moslems.

Elsewhere in Central Mali a suicide car bomber attacked a French recon patrol, wounding six soldiers and four civilians.

June 10, 2021: France announced that it was ending its large-scale Operation Barkhane counterterrorism effort.
NeRRe Therapeutics raises 20 million in a Series B2 financing round

New funds to evaluate orvepitant as a treat ment for the disabling chronic cough associated with i diopathic p ulmonary f ibrosis (IPF).

New investor Columbus Venture Partners joins existing investors Advent Life Sciences, Fountain Healthcare Partners, Forbion Capital Partners, OrbiMed, and the UK Governments Future Fund.

Stevenage, UK, 7 July 2021  NeRRe Therapeutics, a clinical-stage company developing orvepitant, its wholly-owned neurokinin-1 (NK-1) antagonist, as a first in class treatment for disabling chronic cough caused by reflex hypersensitivity disorders, today announces it has raised an additional 20 million in a Series B2 financing round.

Having demonstrated proof of efficacy in patients with refractory or unexplained chronic coughi, NeRRe will now continue the clinical development of orvepitant in chronic cough caused by IPF, a rare type of interstitial lung diseaseii. A dominant symptom of this severe progressive fibrotic pulmonary disease, in a high proportion of these terminally ill patients, is an uncontrolled, persistent, and disabling cough.

The chronic cough can markedly reduce quality of life, is often refractory to medical therapy and there are no approved treatments for itiii. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is recognised as an orphan disease in both Europe and the US.The financing round involved a syndicate of leading transatlantic life sciences investors led by new investor Columbus Venture Partners and existing investors Advent Life Sciences, Fountain Healthcare Partners, Forbion Capital Partners, OrbiMed and the UK Governments Future Fund. The proceeds from the financing round will primarily be used to fund the Phase 2 clinical development of orvepitant as a treatment for chronic cough associated with IPF. Preparation for the start of the Phase 2 trial is underway.

Dr. Mary Kerr, CEO of NeRRe Therapeutics, said: After demonstrating that orvepitant reduces the burden of chronic cough in one population, we are delighted to have received the financial support to further advance this promising asset for patients suffering from chronic cough associated with IPF. I am also pleased to welcome Columbus Venture Partners to the syndicate and would like to thank our existing investors for their continued support of the NeRRe team, and this exciting first in class asset.

Toby Maher Professor of Medicine and Director of Interstitial Lung Disease at Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles said: IPF is a rare, progressive, and fatal form of interstitial lung disease in which cough can be a dominant and distressing feature. A treatment that improves this chronic cough would substantially improve the quality of life of many IPF patients.Javier Garcia, General Partner and Founder of Columbus Venture Partners, said: We have been impressed by NeRRe's clear strategy and focus on chronic cough associated with IPF, a condition of high unmet medical need and we look forward to supporting the company as it fully uncovers the multiple benefits that orvepitant can provide to these patients.Notes to EditorsAbout NeRRe Therapeutics (www.nerretherapeutics.com)NeRRe Therapeutics is a clinical-stage company developing orvepitant, a neurokinin(NK)-1 receptor antagonist, as a first in class, once daily breakthrough treatment for cough hypersensitivity disorders. Having demonstrated proof of efficacy in patients with refractory or unexplained cough, NeRRe will now continue development in chronic cough caused by the rare and terminal lung disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). A dominant feature of this severe progressive respiratory disease in a high proportion of patients is an uncontrolled and persistent cough which is disabling for these terminally ill patients. The cough is often refractory to medical therapy and there are no approved treatments for it. IPF has been designated an orphan disease in both Europe and the USA. Preparations for the start of the Phase 2 trial to evaluate orvepitant as a treatment for disabling chronic cough associated with IPF are currently underway.About ColumbusColumbus Venture Partners is a Spanish independent venture capital that brings a unique approach for investing in outstanding early-stage and high growth opportunities in the life science industry of Spain. Columbus has $275M under management through three funds. Our team includes solid and internationally experienced investment professionals with a deep scientific, medical and business development background combined with a proven experience in building and investing in companies to accelerate their commercialization. The combination of industry possibilities and investment experience will provide Limited Partner investors in the Fund a level of professionality and deep expertise that is essential for success in this field.

For more information, refer to www.columbusvp.com

About Advent Life Sciences

Advent Life Sciences founds and invests in early- and mid-stage life sciences companies that have a first- or best-in-class approach to unmet medical needs. The investing team consists of experienced professionals, each with extensive scientific, medical and operational experience, a long-standing record of entrepreneurial and investment success in the UK, the US and Europe and is particularly focused on supporting entrepreneurs and founders to take innovative new medical entities from concept to approval. The firm invests in a range of sectors within life sciences, principally drug discovery, enabling technologies and med tech, always with an emphasis on innovative, paradigm-changing approaches. Advent Life Sciences has a presence in the UK, US and France.

For more information, refer to: www.adventls.com

About Fountain Healthcare Partners

Fountain Healthcare Partners is a life science focused venture capital fund with EUR 300 million (USD 354 million) under management. Within the life science sector, specific areas of interest to Fountain include specialty pharma, medical devices, biotechnology and diagnostics. The firm deploys the majority of its capital in Europe, with the balance in the United States. Fountain's main office is in Dublin, Ireland, with a second office in New York. fh-partners.comAbout Forbion Forbion is a dedicated life sciences venture capital firm with offices in The Netherlands, Germany and Singapore. Forbion invests in life sciences companies that are active in the (bio-) pharmaceutical space. Forbion manages well over EUR 1.7 billion across multiple fund strategies that cover all stages of (bio)pharmaceutical drug development. Forbions current team consists of 20 life sciences investment professionals that have built an impressive performance track record since the late nineties with successful investments in over 69 companies. The firm is a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment. Besides financial objectives, Forbion selects investments that will positively affect the health and well-being of patients. Its investors include the EIF, through its European Recovery Programme (ERP), LfA, Dutch Venture Initiative (DVI), AMUF and EFSI facilities and KfW Capital through the Programme, ERP  Venture Capital Fonds investments. Forbion operates a joint venture with BGV, the manager of seed and early-stage funds, especially focused on Benelux and Germany.

For more information, please visit: www.forbion.comAbout OrbiMed

OrbiMed is a leading healthcare investment firm, with approximately $19 billion in assets under management. OrbiMed invests globally across the healthcare industry through a range of private equity funds, public equity funds, and royalty/credit funds. OrbiMeds team of over 100 professionals is based in New York City, San Francisco, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Herzliya and other key global markets.

For more information, please visit: www.OrbiMed.comAbout the Future Fund

The Future Fund was established to support the UKs innovative businesses currently affected by Covid-19. These businesses have been unable to access other government business support programmes, such as CBILS, because they are either pre-revenue or pre-profit and typically rely on equity investment. The Future Fund provided eligible companies with convertible loans, on the condition that private investors at least match the governments commitment. The convertible loans are designed to convert into equity at the next qualifying funding round. The Future Fund is developed by the government and delivered by the British Business Bank.

For more information, please contact:Mary Kerr, CEO of NeRRe TherapeuticsTel: +44 1438 906960Email: info@nerretherapeutics.com Consilium Strategic Communications Mary-Jane Elliott/ Lindsey Neville/ Carina JursTel: +44 (0) 20 3709 5700Nerretherapeutics@conslium-comms.com

i Smith J, Ballantyne E, Kerr M, Mcgarvey L, Morice A, Sher M, Trower M & Pawsey S. The neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist orvepitant improves chronic cough symptoms: results from a Phase 2b trial European Respiratory Journal 2019 54: PA600; DOI: 10.1183/13993003. 0ii Orphanet  portal for rare diseases and orphan drugs. IPF entry: ORPHA:2032iii Van Manen MJ, Birring SS, Vancheri C, Cottin V, Renzoni EA, Russell AM & Wijsenbeek MS. Cough in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Eur Respir Rev 2016; 25: 278-286.Vigeland CL, Hughes AH & Horton MR. Etiology and treatment of cough in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Respiratory Medicine 2017; 123: 98-104

Source: NeRRe Therapeutics
NEW YORK, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NCSolutions (www.ncsolutions.com), the leading company for improving advertising effectiveness for the consumer packaged goods (CPG) ecosystem, and Feintuch Communications (www.feintuchcommunications.com), a technology-focused public relations firm, won two national recognitions from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) at the recent 2021 Silver Anvil Awards ceremony.

The two firms were honored by PRSA for their 2020 campaign entitled "Displaying Leadership in Consumer Packaged Goods Industry by Leveraging Nation's Toilet Paper Crisis," with a Silver Anvil (the organization's highest national recognition) and the Audience Choice Award, both in the Integrated Communications, Business-to-Business category.

Since 1944, the Silver Anvil Awards have recognized outstanding public relations programs that successfully address challenging issues with exemplary professional skill, creativity and resourcefulness. Entries are accepted in 19 categories as well as a number of subcategories. Judges evaluate strategic programs based on sound insights and analysis, planning, execution and evaluation. Audience Choice Awards are voted on by a wide field of PR practitioners and marketers.

The NCSolutions and Feintuch Communications campaign leveraged NCS's comprehensive consumer purchase datapreviously untapped as a marketing/PR assetto help marketers make sense of the volatile and unpredictable COVID-19 marketplace. The team employed a variety of tactics to help inform the consumer packaged goods industry about buying surges, stockouts and other changes in consumer shopping behavior largely induced by the pandemic. These included data-centric press releases (and the creation of The National Toilet Paper Index); engaging and "sticky" infographics; an NCS COVID response website to host COVID-19 CPG content; an @Home with NCS video series featuring company executives sharing their expertise in their own words from their home offices; and broad consumer surveys revealing their reaction to the pandemic and the impact on their previously normal shopping habits.

"While the uncertainty was real and the marketplace was in flux, NCS responded as we know best, by using our comprehensive compilation of shopping and purchasing insights to make sense of pandemic consumer behavior. We set out to address one of the most pressing questions on CPG brands' minds: Should our brand(s) advertise in this volatile and unpredictable market?" said Deirdre McFarland, senior vice president, Marketing, NCSolutions. "With insights at the core, we pivoted our marketing strategies to support the industry. This pivot kicked off a year-long series of integrated marketing and public relations activities that comprised our COVID-19 response marketing campaign that was honored by the PRSA."

"NCS decided to share insights gleaned from its comprehensive shopper data that was previously untapped for marketing purposes, and only used to fuel NCS products and services. This decision to educate and help marketers plan their next steps was bold and helped to further position the company as a thought leader during an extremely unsettling period in the CPG industry and the world at large," said Henry Feintuch, president, Feintuch Communications. "The campaign not only burnished NCSolutions' credentials but helped drive an increase in overall revenue during a time when the advertising industry showed an overall decline. A complete list of this year's PRSA Silver Anvil Awards winners is available online and all Audience Choice winners can be found here. All of the campaigns and program elements were judged by a panel of industry judges comprised of experienced, senior level public relations practitioners, representing a broad range of disciplines.

About NCSolutions

NCSolutions (NCS) makes advertising work better. Our unrivaled data resources powered by leading providers combine with scientific rigor and leading-edge technology to empower the CPG ecosystem to create and deliver more effective advertising. With NCS's proven approach, brands are achieving continuous optimization everywhere ads appear, through purchase-based audience targeting and sales measurement solutions that have impacted over $25 billion in media spend for our customers. NCS has offices in NYC, Chicago, Tampa, and Cincinnati. Visit us at ncsolutions.com to learn more.

About Feintuch Communications

Feintuch Communications (www.feintuchcommunications.com), based in New York City, is an award-winning strategic relations firm offering clients an integrated blend of public relations, analyst relations, advertising/marketing, financial and investor relations and other services to meet their business objectives. A founding partner of PR World Alliance (www.PRWorldAlliance.com), the firm specializes in B-to-B and B-to-C programs with a focus in technology, financial services, advertising and media and energy/clean tech. Feintuch Communications prides itself on its strong service ethic, senior counsel and hands-on support.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ncsolutions-and-feintuch-communications-win-silver-anvil-award-from-public-relations-society-of-america-for-best-integrated-marketingb-to-b-campaign-301327175.html

SOURCE Feintuch Communications
A montage showing Kieran Moise's hair through the years. (Kelly Moise)

Ever since Kieran Moise was a child, he stood out for his hair - a stunning Afro that stood high and wide above his head. For the past six years, Kieran opted to not cut or trim his impressive curls.

But when it was time to cut his hair because he was joining the United States Air Force Academy, Kieran, 17, figured that if his hair could no longer be big, at least the event could be: He invited the community in Huntsville, Ala., to watch him get his 19-inch curls shorn off in a charity drive to benefit kids with cancer. Hundreds participated, and his haircut raised $38,000.

"My son has always had a huge heart," said Kelly Moise, 49. "He was determined that if he was going to have to get a haircut anyway, then he should pay it forward in a way that would help as many people as possible."

Kieran lost a close friend to cancer when he was in eighth grade, she said, so he decided his fundraiser would benefit two causes:

He set a goal to raise $1,000 per inch for his Afro and give the proceeds to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, she said. Then he planned to donate his curls to Children With Hair Loss, a Michigan nonprofit that provides free human hair wigs to children and young adults with medically related hair loss.

Kieran is now at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and, by military policy, is not allowed to communicate with the outside world for another month or so, his mom said. But she said he hopes his story will inspire others to do what he did after getting his first haircut in about six years.

"He wants people to know that if he can donate his hair, then anyone can," said Kelly Moise. "He's hoping that everyone will be encouraged to go out there and commit their own small act of kindness."

When Kieran was born on July 9, 2003, something was immediately obvious to Moise and her husband, Patrick Moise.

"He was born with a beautiful headful of hair, and for his entire life, that's the first thing everyone noticed about him," said Kelly Moise, who works as a financial adviser. "Everywhere he went, he was the guy with the big hair. There was no way not to notice it."

Over the years, she and her husband, a technical director for Lockheed Martin in Huntsville, snapped numerous photos chronicling the growth of their son's Afro as he combed it to new heights.

Kelly Moise, who also has a grown daughter from a previous marriage, got in some extra hair styling practice as Kieran entered his teen years, she said.

"Every Sunday night, I'd help him condition it one section at a time while he sat through two movies," she recalled. "That hair was a huge part of his personality."

Family photos show Kieran being cheeky with his hair: hiking in the woods with a giant leaf on his head, and for Christmas one year, he even strung his hair with a crown of blinking lights.

"We call it the 'evolution of the curls,'" she said. "The main reason he initially grew it out was because he really hated haircuts."

Even though he knew he would ultimately have to shave his head if he attended the Air Force Academy, Kieran said it was worth it, according to his parents.

"He knew from a very young age that he wanted to be an engineer and an astronaut," said Patrick Moise, 56. "Being accepted at the Academy was a dream come true, but also part of his path to doing great things."

Although Patrick Moise said he often chided his son to get a haircut, he was supportive when Kieran told him that he was thinking of donating his curls someday to help children who had lost their hair to cancer treatments.

"He has a heart filled with compassion and a desire to give back," he said.

Kelly Moise said they were elated when Kieran was accepted into the Air Force Academy in the spring.

They were extra delighted, she said, when he announced that he was going to print up some fliers and hold a Kieran's Curls for Cancer fundraiser, inviting everyone to watch him have his Afro shorn off at a local brewery that donated the space.

People started donating to the fundraising site he set up, and on May 29, a few days after his graduation from New Century Technology High School about 100 people showed up at Straight to Ale to watch him get the job done.

"My hair was always the thing people noticed me for," Kieran told local television reporters right before his mom, friends and a few favorite teachers sectioned his hair and took turns cutting it off.

"I'll lose part of my personality, but I'll also gain something," he said.

Kieran's hair was braided and cut, then Jeff Johnson, the family barber Kieran had avoided for years, enthusiastically agreed to sharpen his clippers and do the final honors at the fundraiser, which ultimately brought in more than $38,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

"I've been trying to get my hands on this kid's hair for years!" Kelly Moise recalled Johnson saying as he went to work.

"I was pretty emotional when he shaved Kieran's head, but I was also feeling really proud," she said.

Everyone laughed and applauded at the end when her freshly shorn son announced his head was cold, she said.

After Kieran's curls were carefully wrapped up and mailed to the children's hair charity in Michigan, the Moises drove their son to Colorado Springs and watched in tears as he walked up the front steps of the Academy.

"He's going to do great things," Kelly Moise said. "I have no doubt."
Buildings rise in a new office complex just outside the main gate of Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala. The complex is called Redstone Gateway and it features office buildings, lab and research space, stores, restaurants and hotels. (Lee Roop, al.com/TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  Two retired generals, including one with Alabama ties, have spoken out against the Air Force plan to make Redstone Arsenal the permanent home of the U.S. Space Command by arguing that it would cost billions and take years of risk to make the move to Huntsville.

The generals assessment apparently favors Colorado in that states ongoing attempt to overturn an Air Force site selection process that found Alabama the best place to locate the headquarters permanently. That comparison evaluated Colorado, Alabama and other finalist states Florida, Texas, New Mexico and Nebraska.

Retired Air Force Gen. Ed Eberhart and retired Army Lt. Gen. Ed Anderson authored a paper aimed at their Pentagon brethren that makes the case that its far cheaper and much safer to keep the command headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo., according to a July 4 report in the Colorado Springs Gazette.

Anderson is a former deputy commander the U.S. Space Command in its earlier incarnation. Eberharts career includes a stint as commanding officer of the Army Space and Missile Defense Command in Huntsville. The generals paper was not immediately available for review, and Eberhart and Anderson were not available for comment.

The newspaper reported both men saying it would cost more than $1.2 billion to move the headquarters from its location in Colorado Springs. It would also be safer to keep the headquarters close to the bulk of the troops who serve in the new Space Force under its command.

Space Command, which is different from the Space Force, was first created in 1985 to lead any fight against Americas enemies in space. The command was dissolved in 2002 and its missions meshed with another command. It was re-established in 2019 by former President Donald Trump, and that new lease on life triggered a headquarters competition based on rankings designed to take politics out of base selections.

Alabama came out ranked in the top third in the final competition in the categories of available and qualified workforce, nearness to mutually supporting space organizations, room for the 464,000 square-foot headquarters and 402,000 square-foot parking lot, security, available childcare, ability to absorb headquarters workers and their families in the local transportation system, one-time infrastructure costs, overall construction costs, and cost of quarters for 600 military personnel traveling with the command. The base covers more than 38,000 acres and was established during World War II to produce munitions including chemical agents for use against Germany.

Colorado has fought that decision since it was announced in January. State representatives claim that Trump ordered the command moved to Alabama for political reasons shortly after losing his bid for re-election. Alabama supported Trump for another term; Colorado did not.

The Air Force has maintained politics were not an issue and said the comparison ranking process was followed as required. The acting secretary of the Air Force in the Biden administration, John Roth, told a congressional committee in June, I have personally no evidence that the decision was politically motivated.

2021 Advance Local Media LLC.

Visit al.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
RALEIGH, N.C. (Tribune News Service)  A former Army sergeant at Fort Bragg was convicted last week in a marriage fraud ring, a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina said Tuesday.

Samuel Manu Agyapong, 34, was found guilty Friday on charges of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, aid and abet naturalization fraud, harboring an alien, visa fraud, theft of government property and trying to obstruct the testimony of a witness in an official proceeding, the release said.

Agyapong faces up to 25 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and supervised release following imprisonment when sentenced in October, the release said.

In February 2019 the Fort Bragg Criminal Investigation Division was alerted that Agyapong was engaged in a sham marriage with Barbara Oppong, a citizen of Ghana who was illegally living in the United States, the release said.

According to the release, Agyapong agreed to the sham marriage in exchange payments from the military for food and housing and permanent residence status for Oppong.

According to the release, Agyapong purchased a home in Fayetteville while Oppong lived in New York and they rarely, if ever, travelled to see one another and never engaged in a legitimate marriage.

"U.S. Soldiers who continue to engage in marriages to foreign nationals in order to reside off base, obtain (housing payments), and allow the alien access to military bases and military and immigration benefits jeopardize and erode the critical infrastructure of Government installations, and our national security," Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, G. Norman Acker, III, said in the release.

Agyapong's conviction comes about a month after another Fort Bragg soldier, Ebenezer "Ben" Yeboah Asane, 37, pleaded guilty in federal court to marriage fraud and conspiracy to commit marriage fraud.

Asane planned and organized sham marriages of several foreign nationals from Ghana to U.S. Army soldiers based at Fort Bragg, a previous release said. Asane was sentenced to three years, eight months in prison followed by three years probation.

At least nine others have been charged in the scheme.

(c)2021 The Fayetteville Observer (Fayetteville, N.C.)

Visit The Fayetteville Observer (Fayetteville, N.C.) at www.fayobserver.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(Wikicommons)

Justice
Maj. William J. Doyle receiving the Lt. Col. Ronald C. Ward Distinguished Special Operations Forces Student Award for the Command and General Staff Officer Course class of 2018 in a ceremony at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. As a captain, Doyle was instrumental in a brutal fight to retake an al-Shabab stronghold in Somalia in 2015, for which he was awarded the Silver Star. (Dan Neal/U.S. Army)

An Army Green Beret was instrumental in retaking a key al-Shabab stronghold during a brutal firefight six years ago, newly released records of his Silver Star award reveal.

When Somali soldiers, backed by Kenyan forces, retook the town of Baardheere west of Mogadishu in July 2015, they said they met no resistance. But U.S. Army records detail a harrowing battle against a prepared, determined and numerically superior enemy and provide a rare glimpse into combat involving U.S. ground troops in Somalia.

Under significant enemy fire, Capt. William Doyle of the Colorado-based 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) demonstrated courage and leadership that undoubtedly saved the lives of eight [U.S. special operations troops] and resulted in the liberation of Baardheere, said a narrative accompanying the Silver Star awarded in 2018.

Doyles name was redacted from the narrative, released under the Freedom of Information Act and provided to Stars and Stripes this week. His name appears on a related award certificate and a public list of Army Silver Star recipients since 9/11, but details of where and how he earned the medal do not appear to have been previously disclosed.

U.S. forces have been assisting Somali troops in their battle against al-Shabab militants aligned with al-Qaida since at least 2013. Earlier this year, the Pentagon pulled hundreds of troops from the country, but U.S. Africa Command still conducts training on a rotational basis.

In 2015, Doyle was serving with an unidentified Operational Detachment-Alpha, or A-Team, advising Kenya Defense Forces tasked with retaking Baardheere, which militants had held since 2009, the award records show.

They were to advance through the Jungal Valley, a bushy, uninhabited lowland in the southern state of Jubaland. The surrounding hills make for good observation points and firing positions, Kenyas The Star newspaper reported in 2020, citing a Kenyan army officer's description of the mission, codenamed Operation Piga Jangili.

The valley offers natural blocking positions and has been used in past battles to thwart movement to and from [Baardheere], Col. Seif Rashid, who served in the African Unions forces in Somalia, said in the book The Soldiers Legacy. Chokepoints along the winding route were ideal for ambushes.

Under repeated assaults on July 21, 2015, the advancing forces fought a ferocious six-hour firefight against an estimated 175 to 200 well-armed fighters, the U.S. Army narrative states.

Upon entering the kill zones, the enemy engaged the convoy with several [roadside bomb] initiated ambushes that triggered delays in convoy movement and killed and wounded multiple KDF soldiers, it says.

After the initial contact, Doyle and his teams medical sergeant sprinted over 50 yards to the Kenyan commanders position while taking enemy fire from within about 80 feet, it says. Doyle coordinated a medical evacuation and aid for the wounded, then worked out a maneuver plan to ensure they didnt lose the initiative.

When the KDF Commander proved unwilling to direct his forces, [Doyle] ran forward into heavy machine gun and RPG fire, moving between KDF rifle platoons directing their fires and movement, destroying an estimated 12 enemy fighters, the narrative says.

Under heavy fire, Doyle called in mortar and artillery fire to enable counterattacks, destroying two enemy technical vehicles.

He repeatedly displayed tremendous gallantry in action by exposing himself to effective fire so he could ... keep the KDF convoy moving through the valley, the narrative states. The award paperwork credits his actions with contributing to 173 enemy killed and 60 more wounded, while saving countless partner forces.

Baardheere fell the following day. Al-Shabab militants fled the city for tactical reasons, a spokesman for the group told Voice of America at the time. The group has been battling Somalias government for over a decade.

Doyle is a 2007 graduate of the Virginia Military Institute. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 before joining the Special Forces and receiving orders to 10th Group in 2013, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College Foundation said in an announcement. It named him a distinguished student at the colleges officer course just weeks after he received the Silver Star.
U.S. soldiers sprint off a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force helicopter during air-assault training at Aibano Training Area, Japan, during Orient Shield drills, July 1, 2021. (Anthony Ford/U.S. Army)

TOKYO  American soldiers fired a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System on the Japanese island of Hokkaido during a large-scale exercise that concluded Wednesday, according to a U.S. Army Japan spokesman.

The live fire, conducted June 28-30, was the first time the Army had operated the weapon known as HIMARS in Japan, Maj. Elias Chelala said in a telephone interview Wednesday.

It was part of Orient Shield, an annual bilateral drill that began June 24 and involved 3,000 U.S. and Japanese troops, Elias said at the end of the exercise.

Orient Shield marked a return to large-scale field training for U.S. Army Japan, which ran a scaled-down version of the drill last year in association with Keen Sword, an exercise that brought together the Japan Self-Defense Forces and U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps.

The U.S. and Japan have been strengthening their alliance as China continues to expand its military with the stated goal of occupying Taiwan, a U.S.-armed democracy the communists regard as a rebellious province.

Japan and the U.S. would have to defend Taiwan in the event of a major problem, Japans deputy prime minister, Taro Aso, said during a political fundraising event Monday, according to Kyodo News.

An invasion of the island by China could be seen as an existential threat, allowing Japan to exercise the right to collective self-defense, he said, according to the report.

Asked about the comments at a press conference Tuesday, Pentagon press secretary John Kirby told reporters U.S. policy on Taiwan remains unchanged.

We continue to observe the One-China Policy, he said, referring to one acknowledging that Beijing believes it has sovereignty over Taiwan. The sides split during a civil war in 1949. China considers the island a breakaway province that should be brought under its control by force if necessary.

U.S. troops arriving for Orient Shield in Japan, where coronavirus cases are increasing ahead of the Olympic Games in Tokyo, quarantined for two weeks at Sagami General Depot in Kanagawa prefecture and Camp Fuji in Yamanashi prefecture, Chelala said.

The HIMARS, along with four AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, arrived at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, on the logistics ship USNS Fisher, he said.

Troops from the 17th Field Artillery Brigade out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., conducted the HIMARS training at Hokkaidos Yausubetsu Training Area alongside members of Japans 4th Field Artillery Group, which fired multiple launch rocket systems.

It was the first time the U.S. Army has fired its HIMARS in Japan, Chelala said.

The Marine Corps fired a HIMARS in early 2020 during Northern Viper, a bilateral exercise with Japanese troops on Hokkaido.

In summer 2019, the Okinawa-based 12th Marine Regiment fired rockets from three HIMARS launchers in Australia during the biennial Talisman Sabre drills involving 34,000 U.S. and Australian troops.

The Orient Shield training included cyber and space capabilities but for the most part it was about long-range fires, aviation, ground operations and movement of equipment by sea, Chelala said.

American soldiers fire a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System on the Japanese island of Hokkaido during a large-scale exercise that concluded Wednesday, July 7, 2021. (Elias Chelala/U.S. Army)

Meanwhile, the 1st Air Defense Artillery Battalion out of Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, sent an Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) ground-based missile defense system to Amami Island, south of Kyushu, he said.

On Amami, the U.S. troops worked alongside their Japanese counterparts operating a Chu-SAM surface-to-air missile system, Chelala said.

At Aibano Training Area, north of Kyoto, members of 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment Black Lions, 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Benning, Ga., maneuvered, trained on mortars and practiced evacuating casualties alongside the 14th Brigade of Japans Middle Army, he said.

The ground troops were supported by the Apaches, flown by the Hawaii-based 2nd Battalion, 6th Cavalry Regiment, Chelala said.

Command and control of the exercise was handled by the California-based 40th Infantry Division, which established a bilateral headquarters with the Middle Army at Camp Itami near Osaka in Hyogo prefecture, he said.

The divisions operations officer, Lt. Col. Matt Jonkey, 47, of Reno, Nev., said he was impressed to see the allies working toward a common goal.

In an actual situation where Japan needed assistance from the U.S. it might involve 40th ID, he said in a phone interview from Camp Itami on Wednesday. [Orient Shield] is a phenomenal operation for both U.S. forces and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force to increase regional security throughout the Indo-Pacific.
Top: Crewmembers of the The Coast Guard Cutter Thetis deploy the cutters small boat to rescue people in the water approximately 32 miles southeast of Key West, Fla., on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. Bottom left: A man treads water while awaiting rescue crews. Bottom right: Crew members aboard the Thetis provide medical attention to people rescued from the water. (U.S. Coast Guard)

KEY WEST, Fla.  The U.S. Coast Guard and a good Samaritan rescued 13 people after their boat capsized off of Key West as Tropical Storm Elsa approached, the agency said.

The nine men and four women were taken aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Thetis on Tuesday afternoon, some 26 miles southeast of Key West, the agency said in a news release.

Crew members interviewed the survivors, who said they had left Cuba with 22 people aboard the boat around 8 p.m. Monday. They told the Coast Guard that seven men and two women were missing in the water.

The crew from the Western Carmen contacted watch standers at the Coast Guard's Sector Key West around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday to report they had found four people in the water.

Tropical Storm Elsa crossed Cuba before entering the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday morning, and battered the region with wind and rain.

Crews from the Coast Guard cutters Thetis and William Trump remained in the area to search for the missing people, the agency said.

No additional details were immediately available.
A lance corporal assigned to 3rd Marine Logistics Group on Okinawa died in an off-duty accident on June 29, 2021. (U.S. Marine Corps)

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa  An Okinawa-based Marine assigned to Camp Hansen died on June 29 in what the Marine Corps said was an off-duty accident.

Lance Cpl. Armando Hernandez, 20, an electro-optical ordnance repair technician with Ordnance Maintenance Company, 3rd Maintenance Battalion, was pronounced dead at 8 a.m. by medical staff at U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa on Camp Foster, according to a 3rd Marine Logistics Group statement Wednesday.

No other information on the incident was available, group spokesman 1st Lt. Jonathan Coronel told Stars and Stripes in an email Wednesday. The incident is under investigation, he said.

A spokesman for Okinawa prefectural police said they were unaware of any incidents involving the Marine.

On behalf of all of us at 3rd Maintenance Battalion, I would like to extend our deepest heartfelt condolences to all the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Armando Hernandez, 3rd Maintenance Battalion commander Lt. Col. Brogan Issitt said in the statement. His motivation and loyalty earned him the respect of his peers and superiors alike, and his presence will be sorely missed by all.

Hernandez enlisted in the Marines out of Houston, Texas, the statement said. He was promoted to lance corporal on Oct. 1 and had been awarded the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Stars and Stripes reporter Hana Kusumoto contributed to this report.
Seaman Denisse Estrada-Suarez administers the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to a Marine at Camp Lejeune, N.C., in June. (U.S. Navy)

The fight against the pandemic in some wealthier nations has now turned into a race between the highly contagious delta variant first identified in India and the rollout of vaccines most scientists say still provide strong protection against infection.

Some studies, however, hint at the nightmare scenario that the seemingly miraculous shots developed last year may not be quite as effective as they were against the original virus strain.

Israel's Health Ministry this week announced that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine  one of the world's most effective shots  was offering only 64% protection against infection and symptomatic illness caused by the delta variant.

The vaccine was still highly effective at preventing severe illness and death, the ministry said.

Israel has fully inoculated about 60% of its population, the vast majority of whom received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Some health experts criticized the Israeli study, however, and said that a number of factors  from testing to an individual's risk profile  could have contributed to the result.

But if true, such a substantial drop in the vaccine's protection level could have serious implications for countries betting almost entirely on mass immunization campaigns  as well as poorer nations that have barely started their own vaccine drives.

In Britain, where the variant now accounts for at least 95% of new infections, government officials have admitted that cases will soar after COVID-related restrictions are lifted, despite the fact that more than 50% of the population has been fully vaccinated.

Officials maintain that high vaccination rates will keep hospitalizations and deaths low. In May, researchers affiliated with Public Health England found that two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine were 88% effective against symptomatic illness caused by the delta variant.

"We will soon be able to take a risk-based approach that recognizes the huge benefits that the vaccines provide both to people who get the jab and their loved ones too," British Health Secretary Sajid Javid said Tuesday.

His opposition counterpart, Jonathan Ashworth, however, expressed fear that the vaccine wall the government was relying on to protect the country was "only half built."

Elsewhere:

- Sydney's lockdown has been extended by a week to July 16, New South Wales state officials confirmed. Australia's largest city is struggling to stamp out a small outbreak of the delta variant, but only about 8 percent of the country has been fully inoculated.

- Singapore will not include people inoculated with the Sinovac shot in its national vaccine count. The city-state has not approved the Chinese-developed shot for its vaccination program, though some private clinics are allowed to administer Sinovac doses.

- The United States is dispatching 2 million Moderna vaccine doses to Vietnam, the White House said. The Southeast Asian country had been a coronavirus containment success but its vaccination rollout has been slow, and a wave of infections starting in May has not receded.

- Turkmenistan is making coronavirus vaccination mandatory for all adults, Reuters reported Wednesday, citing the Central Asian nation's Health Ministry. The authoritarian government has reported no coronavirus cases since the pandemic began, but this year registered Russian- and Chinese-made vaccines for use inside the country.

- England's chief medical officer warned of an increase in "long COVID," in which symptoms persist for months, among young people. While Britain's vaccination rollout is among the world's fastest, the youth inoculation rate is still relatively low; the country is jettisoning almost all distancing curbs later this month.

The Washington Post's Katerina Ang in Singapore contributed to this report.
Buy Photo (Bob Crockett/Stars and Stripes)

Fulda, West Germany, April, 1981: 78-year-old Sen. Strom Thurmond, R-S.C., second from left, leads soldiers of Company D, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment on a one-mile run. Thurmond, a Senate Armed Services Committee member who was touring bases in Europe, reportedly exercised every morning for 30 minutes, followed by a run of two to four miles.
Construction workers replace the shingles on roofs at Tierra Vista Communities at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., July 8, 2019. (Jonathan Whitely/U.S. Air Force)

One of the major companies participating in the Defense Departments beleaguered privatized military housing program announced Tuesday that it will spend $72 million over five years for improvements at five Air Force installations.

Work should begin this year at properties overseen by Lendlease in Hawaii, California, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico.

The planned improvements at each installation are designed with residents in mind, to not only enhance the look and feel of the communities, but also ensure that housing is supporting todays service members and their families, as well as future generations of military families, Jerry Schmitz, senior vice president for Lendlease Communities, who oversees the Air Force properties, said in a news release.

The bases receiving the upgrades are Hickam Communities at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii; Tierra Vista Communities at Los Angeles Air Force Base, San Pedro, Calif.; Tierra Vista at Peterson-Schriever Air Force Base, Colo.; Soaring Heights Community at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.; and Soaring Heights at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.

Private companies involved in the housing program have been under fire by service members and Congress since a 2018 Reuters investigation found widespread and systemic deficiencies by those firms, including falsified maintenance reports, mold, pest infestation, poor infrastructure and retaliation against those who complained.

Congress passed the Military Housing Privatization Initiative in 1996, legislation that was itself driven by problems with maintenance and capitalization of Defense Department housing.

During a March hearing of the House Subcommittees on Readiness and Military Personnel Joint Hearing, Chairman John Garamendi said that lawmakers would continue to demand more out of the private firms operating the housing.

Military families deserve quality housing, and they deserve responsive property management, and this committee will continue use all of the tools at our disposal to make sure that those families get both quality housing and responsive answers to whatever concerns they may have, he said.

The Australia-based Lendlease maintains its U.S. military housing business from headquarters in Nashville. It oversees more than 40,000 single-family rental homes at 28 installations in 12 states, according to written testimony submitted by the company to the House subcommittee.

The companys announcement on Tuesday made no mention of the Reuters report or congressional scrutiny.

Los Angeles Air Force Base will see improvements of $19.2 million for electrical infrastructure upgrades, exterior repainting and wood repairs at more than 500 homes, the news release said. There will also be improvements to playgrounds, irrigation and perimeter fencing.

An investment of $16.8 million at Peterson-Schriever Air Force Base will be used for new privacy fences at more than 800 homes, 90 new heating/air conditioning systems, exterior painting and repairs for more than 90 homes.

Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is slated for $11.7 million for replacement of flooring, countertops, appliances and lighting in more than 300 homes, among other improvements, the news release said.

Holloman Air Force Base will get 135 interior home renovations, exterior painting of more than 400 homes, replacement of more than 940 vinyl fences, more than 325 new heating/air conditioning systems, street repairs and other improvements at a cost of $13.6 million, the news release said.

Roughly $10.9 million will go to Hickam Communities in Hawaii for repainting historic homes, tree removal, sidewalk repair, and replacement of windows and air conditioning systems, the news release said.
Less than 1% of U.S. Forces Korea's active-duty force has tested positive for COVID-19 and more than 80% of its personnel is vaccinated, according to the command. (Erin Conway/U.S. Army)

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  South Korea recorded 1,212 COVID-19 infections Wednesday, its highest one-day number of patients this year and the second highest of the pandemic.

U.S. Forces Korea, meanwhile, announced that 19 people had tested positive for the coronavirus respiratory disease between June 29 and July 2.

The surge in cases, which forced Seoul to suspend plans to ease pandemic restrictions related to masks and social distancing, came the same day that public tours were temporarily halted to the Joint Security Area at the border between the two Koreas.

United Nations Command announced the suspension after two of its members came in contact with an infected South Korean citizen. It said tours will resume once we are certain that there is no additional risk to our force or the South Korean population.

Tours of the JSA at the Demilitarized Zone had resumed in April after a four-month pause due to coronavirus concerns. U.N. Command halved the number of people per tour to 20 and required visitors to observe social distancing.

Visitor attractions include the building where the armistice agreement pausing the Korean War was signed, as well as the Freedom House where President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held an impromptu meeting in 2019.

South Koreas previous one-day coronavirus record was 1,240 new cases on Dec. 25. Wednesdays count follows a solid week of the South reporting more than 700 new cases each day, most of them in Seoul.

It has recorded 162,753 infections during the pandemic.

South Korean health officials have stepped up efforts to mitigate the coronavirus spread, including inspecting businesses that were considered a high-risk for transmissibility. Seoul government officials also announced Wednesday that the capital city would limit the subway schedules in the evenings by 20%.

As of Monday, over 10% of South Koreans were fully inoculated and 30% of the population had received a first dose of a vaccine.

Of the 19 new cases reported by USFK, 17 are on active duty and two are family members. All were quarantined at Camp Humphreys or Osan Air Base.

USFK is actively conducting contact tracing to determine whether anyone else may have been exposed to these individuals and to identify and ensure all known on-post and off-post facilities visited by the individuals are thoroughly cleaned, the command said in a statement Wednesday.

Less than 1% of USFKs active-duty force tested positive for COVID-19 and over 80% of its personnel is vaccinated, according to the command.

Cases also spike in Tokyo

Japan's capital city announced 920 new coronavirus patients on Wednesday, 327 more than it reported the previous day, according to the Japan Times and public broadcaster NHK.

The number of new cases in Tokyo spiked June 30 to 714, the highest daily count in five weeks, and peaked again at 716 on Saturday, according to Tokyo Metropolitan Government data.

Although it has accelerated its vaccination program, Japan, with 13.8% of its population fully vaccinated, still lags other developed nations like the United States at 47.4% and the United Kingdom at 49.5%, according to The Associated Press.

U.S. military bases in Japan had reported three COVID-19 infections as of 6 p.m. Wednesday, all assigned to the Army. The individuals tested positive sometime between June 30 and Wednesday after suffering mild symptoms.

choi.david@stripes.com

Twitter: @choibboy
British police officers control a drone with cameras within the British military base, between Greek Cypriot, south, and Turkish Cypriots, north, near Dhekelia military base, Cyprus, Tuesday, July 6, 2021. (Petros Karadjias/AP)

PERGAMOS, Cyprus  Authorities at a British military base on Cyprus have hired 50% more customs officers and procured detection equipment to better thwart illegal immigration from the breakaway north of the ethnically split island.

The addition of 24 new officers and four SUVs  two with thermal imaging cameras  allows authorities to patrol around-the-clock along a 28-mile boundary, Customs and Immigration Chief Adam Chatfield said.

More migrants have arrived on Cyprus without authorization in recent years. In 2018, authorities located 17 people trying to cross in six instances. That jumped to 33 people in 16 crossing attempts a year later, while 67 people were intercepted in nine attempted crossings last year.

Cyprus was cleft along ethnic lines in 1974 when Turkey invaded following a coup aimed at union with Greece. The breakaway Turkish Cypriot north declared independence nearly a decade later, but only Turkey recognizes it. Turkey also maintains more than 35,000 troops in northern Cyprus.

A buffer zone controlled by U.N. peacekeepers separates the north from the Greek Cypriot south where the island's internationally recognized government is seated. Although Cyprus is a European Union member, only the southern part enjoys the bloc's full benefits.

The EU is boosting the role of its border guard and ramping up security and surveillance along its eastern borders, including nearby Greece where authorities have extended a border wall facing Turkey and set up high-tech observation towers.

Dhekelia Garrison, one of two military bases that the U.K. retained after Cyprus gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960, directly abuts the north along a corridor of farmland, abandoned homes and fields that offers secluded routes for smugglers, or for migrants to cross.

There's not even a fence to separate the base from the north.

Chatfield told The Associated Press that migrants are intercepted in groups of 10 to 20 at an average rate of once a month. The overwhelming majority now are Syrian men seeking asylum in the south.

About 5 million Syrians have fled their country during a 10-year conflict that has killed about half a million people. Many more have been displaced inside Syria.

Authorities on the base in Cyprus have an agreement with the government to transfer asylum-seekers to the south where their claims are processed. Chatfield said arrangements are made to return those who don't apply for asylum to the north.

Chatfield said an international network of smugglers charges $5,000 per person to slip migrants through into the south.

"Some come soaking wet straight from the boat with nothing but the clothes on their back," he said. "Detecting traffickers is a key priority for us and we'll continue to do so."

Cyprus has accused Turkey of deliberately channeling migrants in from the north, and has asked the EU's border agency Frontex to step in and help.

The government says its ability to host more migrants has been stretched beyond its limits, and also wants the EU to manage the arrival of Syrians  either directly from Syria or from Lebanon or Turkey, including relocating them to other EU states.

Officials say 3,896 Syrians have reached Cyprus from Turkey in the last two years, usually flying into the north before crossing southward.
Julian Assange (David G Silvers/Wikimedia Commons)

LONDON  The British High Court has agreed to hear an appeal by the U.S. government seeking the extradition of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to stand trial in federal court in Virginia for espionage.

Assange's extradition from Britain to the United States was blocked in January by a lower court judge who ruled that Assange was at extreme risk of suicide and might not be protected from harming himself in a federal prison.

WikiLeaks on Wednesday revealed the High Court's decision to allow another round. No date has been set for the hearing.

The 50-year-old Australian publisher and hacktivist remains in London's Belmarsh prison, where he has been imprisoned since the Ecuadoran Embassy in London revoked his political asylum two years ago. He spent almost seven years in a few cramped rooms at the embassy before he was arrested by British police for jumping bail.

In the United States, Assange is charged with 18 federal crimes, including conspiring to obtain and disclose classified diplomatic cables and sensitive military reports from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

His lawyers and supporters say he is a journalist who did nothing more than publish leaked information that embarrassed the U.S. government.

His former lawyer and fiancee, Stella Moris, said she had spoken with Assange on Wednesday about the ruling that the U.S. appeal can go forward.

Moris, who has two young children with Assange, called the case "an endless purgatory."

"We don't how long this will go for and how long he will be imprisoned for in that terrible place," she told SBS News in Australia.

Moris has pleaded, first to President Donald Trump and now President Joe Biden, to drop the case.

Under Biden, the Justice Department has pledged to stop seizing journalists' communications in leak investigations and to hold accountable Capitol rioters who attacked members of the media.

But the administration has continued the case against Assange, who prosecutors argue crossed the line from publisher to conspirator.

Former WikiLeaks associate Sigurdur Thordarson gave an interview last month saying he lied to U.S. investigators when claiming to have stolen information from Icelandic politicians, police and a bank.

WikiLeaks supporters, including Edward Snowden, have argued that the interview undermines the criminal case against Assange. But the Icelandic article, which contains no direct quotes from Thordarson, does not touch on the core allegations against Assange.

In the indictment, Thordarson's claims are used not as the basis for charges but as background for what Assange told Army private Chelsea Manning, who exposed classified information through WikiLeaks in 2010.

Thordarson also does not deny in the article involvement in hacking of U.S. targets, and tells the publication his activities were "something Assange was aware of or that he had interpreted it so that this was expected of him."

In blocking his extradition in January, British District Court Judge Vanessa Baraitser said she had no doubt Assange could get a fair trial with an impartial jury in the United States.

Instead, she focused on evidence presented by Assange's legal team that their client suffered from severe depression, had written a will, sought absolution from a priest, and that a razor blade was found hidden in his cell at Belmarsh.

She said that if Assange were convicted of espionage, he could be sent to the federal supermax prison, the Administrative Maximum Facility or AMX, in Florence, Colo., a facility where some inmates are kept in lockdown 23 hours a day with almost no human contact.

Baraitser said from the bench, "I am satisfied the procedures described by the U.S. will not prevent Mr. Assange from finding a way to commit suicide."

In a subsequent hearing, Baraitser refused to grant Assange bail and release him from British prison, noting the appeal process was not over and Assange "still has an incentive to abscond."

Nick Vamos, a former head of extraditions for Crown Prosecution Service, now a partner at the law firm Peters & Peters in London, said, "I don't know why this appeal is taking so long."

He said it was possible that behind the scenes lawyers for Assange, the Crown Prosecution Service and the U.S. government might have been negotiating charges or conditions of his confinement.

When the High Court does hear the U.S. appeal, the session could be take a day or two. Even then it may not be over. The losing side could make a further appeal to Britain's version of the Supreme Court.
Blast wallls and a few buildings can be seen at the Bagram air base after the American military left the base, in Parwan province north of Kabul, Afghanistan, Monday, July 5, 2021. The U.S. left Afghanistan's Bagram Airfield after nearly 20 years, winding up its "forever war," in the night, without notifying the new Afghan commander until more than two hours after they slipped away. (Rahmat Gul/AP)

WASHINGTON  Senior Afghan officials were told U.S. forces were leaving Bagram Airfield about 48 hours ahead of their departure but the precise hour was left secret for security reasons, the Pentagons chief spokesman said Tuesday.

U.S. officials announced Friday that they had completely left Bagram, its biggest airfield in the country and a focal point for military operations in Afghanistan for nearly two decades. Since that time, the Defense Department has faced criticism over reports the Afghanistan base was vacated at night without notice.

Its not a statement about whether we trust or dont trust our Afghan partners. Its a statement of the fact that we have to consider that this drawdown could be contested by the Taliban, and we have to take that in consideration. It would have been irresponsible [to give the exact time], Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby told reporters at the Pentagon.

Bagrams new Afghan commander, Gen. Mir Asadullah Kohistani, told reporters Monday that he found out nearly two hours after the departure that U.S. troops had left the base. Bagram is the seventh and final base to be turned over to the Afghan National Security and Defense Force.

Kirby said top Afghan military and civilian government leadership were notified about the turnover, in the same way that other bases were left to Afghan control as the U.S. withdrawal from the country nears completion. Kirby could not say Tuesday whether Kohistani was notified.

This wasnt done in a vacuum. I cant speak for the level of information that went down the Afghan chain of command, but I can tell you that Afghan leaders, civilian and military, were appropriately coordinated with and briefed about the turnover of Bagram, he said.

The final discussions occurred about 48 hours prior to the departure and the briefings included a walkthrough of facilities on the base with senior Afghan officials, Kirby said.

Some news reports said the U.S. shut off electricity at Bagram, which allowed looters to enter the base. Some Afghan soldiers have also offered scathing reviews of how the U.S. left the base.

Kirby said he could not provide details on whether electricity was cut off at the base.

Concerns over how Bagram was turned over come as dozens of districts, including a key district in Afghanistans northern Kunduz province, have fallen to the Taliban since May 1, when U.S. and NATO troops officially began to leave the country.

U.S. Central Command said Tuesday that more than 90% of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan is complete.

Well be done by the end of August, but I think it should be logical that as you get smaller, you want to marshal those resources much more carefully as you press forward, he said.
Iraqis inspect the damage after al Asad Air Base was hit in a rocket attack, July 7, 2021. It was the second rocket attack targeting the base this week and follows two attempted drone attacks on U.S compounds elsewhere in Iraq. (Twitter/Security Media Cell)

Two members of the anti-Islamic State coalition suffered minor injuries following a rocket attack on a base housing U.S. troops in western Iraq, while allied troops thwarted a drone attack on a coalition outpost in Syria on Wednesday, military officials said.

About 14 rockets fell on al Asad Air Base at about 12:30 p.m., said U.S. Army Col. Wayne Marotto, a coalition spokesman, who confirmed the injuries and that all personnel had been accounted for. Military officials did not say whether the injured were U.S. service members.

The projectiles landed on the base and its perimeter, and damage was being assessed, Marotto said in a Twitter post.

.@SecMedCell confirms that OMG rocket launcher at AAAB caused damages to local homes and a Mosque. https://t.co/VdqYqhAxyq  OIR Spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto (@OIRSpox) July 7, 2021

In Syria, drones were used to attack the al-Omar oil field in Syrias eastern province of Deir el-Zour on Wednesday morning, the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces said in a statement. The attack was foiled and caused no damage, The Associated Press reported. Several hundred U.S. troops are stationed in northeastern Syria to help fight ISIS.

U.S. military officials in Iraq said they had no further information on the SDF statement Wednesday.

The rocket attack targeting al Asad was the fourth on a U.S. compound in Iraq this week.

Late Tuesday, a drone impacted near Irbil International Airport, outside the capital of Iraqs northern Kurdish region. U.S. troops are housed at a facility on the airport grounds.

Just after midnight on Tuesday, a counter-rocket system at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad shot down an armed drone over the diplomatic compound, U.S. officials said. Three rockets also struck al Asad on Monday. None of the attacks prior to Wednesday caused injuries, Marotto said.

The U.S. has blamed the repeated rocket attacks over the past several years on Iran-backed militias seeking to oust American forces from the country, where some 2,500 remain deployed to assist the government in battling the Islamic State group.

The militia groups began using drones earlier this year with an April attack on the Irbil airport and have conducted at least six so far, with several other attempts thwarted.

Coalition forces are co-located with our (Iraqi Security Forces) and (Kurdish) Peshmerga partners on ISF bases, Marotto said. Each attack against the Coalition endangers the lives of ISF and Peshmerga forces.
Yemeni fighter Hassan Saleh, left, identifies a target for a fighter during clashes with Houthi rebels on the Kassara front line near Marib, Yemen, on June 20, 2021. (Nariman El-Mofty/AP)

MARIB CITY, Yemen  The two fighters stand shoulder-to-shoulder on a mountain overlook, with a clear view below of the enemy's position. They are part of the last lines of defense between the government's last stronghold in Yemen's north, and the Houthi rebels trying to take it.

Hassan Saleh and his younger brother Saeed, both in their early 20s, have been fighting alongside other government fighters and tribesman outside the oil-rich city of Marib, against the months-long offensive by the Iranian-backed rebels. They say they need more weapons to push the attackers back.

"We need sniper rifles," said Hassan, who was taking a position in a sandbagged trench in the mountainous Kassara region. All that most battalions have are old Kalashnikovs and machine guns mounted on the rear of pickup trucks.

Yemeni fighter Hassan Saleh, backed by the Saudi-led coalition, stands on the Kassara front line near Marib, Yemen, on June 20, 2021, after clashes with Houthi rebels. (Nariman El-Mofty/AP)

This is the most active frontline in Yemen's nearly 7-year-old civil war, where a steady stream of fighters on both sides are killed or wounded every day, even as international pressure to end the war intensifies. Amid another round of peace talks, this time led by Oman, the desert city of Marib remains the crucible of one of the world's most bogged-down conflicts.

The Houthis have for years attempted to take Marib to complete their control over the northern half of Yemen. But since February, they have waged an intensified offensive from multiple fronts, while hitting the residential city center with missiles and explosive-laden drones, killing and wounding dozens of civilians.

So far, the rebels have made only incremental progress, inching slowly across the desert plain, because of Saudi airstrikes that wreak heavy casualties in their ranks. Government and medical officials in Marib estimate that thousands of fighters have been killed or wounded, mostly rebels, since February. In the Houthi-held capital, Sanaa, mass funerals and death announcements of soldiers, some of them children, indicate how costly the battle has been, though Houthis do not release official death tolls.

The grueling battle over the remote city seems intertwined with the sluggish efforts for peace. The Houthis appear to hope capturing Marib will give them the upper hand in talks. Meanwhile government officials complain that American and international wariness at fueling the interminable war prevents them from getting weapons they need to win in Marib.

The U.S. is pressuring the Saudi-led coalition that backs the government not to provide more weapons for fear they could fall into militants' hands amid worries over government "graft and incompetence," a Yemeni official told the Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief reporters.

"We are at a crossroads," said Marib's provincial governor Sheikh Sultan al-Aradah, arguing the weapons are needed to tip the scales at Marib. "The world has some reservations about arming Yemen in the current time."

An AP crew travelled in recent weeks to the city through Saudi Arabia on a government-organized trip.

Marib, some 70 miles east of Sanaa on the edge of Yemen's large deserts, is a strategic gateway from the central highlands to southern and eastern provinces. It's also home to oil and gas fields where international firms including Exxon Mobil Corp. and Total SA have interests. Its natural gas bottling plant produces cooking gas for the nation of 29 million people. Its power plant once provided 40% of Yemen's electricity.

Its relative stability in past years made it a haven for those fleeing the war's other fronts. The area, which had a pre-war population of 400,000, now also hosts some 2.2 million displaced people, many of them crowded into camps, according to official statistics.

The city's streets are bustling during the day with taxis and 4x4 vehicles belonging to security forces. At night, men frequent restaurants and cafes or gather in homes, chewing leaves of qat for a stimulant effect. There's little heed paid to the fighting just outside their city.

But the posters of fallen commanders and troops lining the roadways serve as a reminder. The city's cemetery has been expanded to absorb the surge in fatalities.

"We bury between 10 to 15 people every day, mostly martyrs in the war," said Mohammed Saeed Nasser, a guard at the cemetery.

The main hospital in Marib has been overwhelmed by dozens of wounded fighters a day for months, said its director, Dr. Mohamed Abdo al-Qubati. At an intensive care unit, there were 10 patients, all but one injured fighters.

Yemeni fighter Sam Saleh Abdullah, 42, sits in a wheelchair at the Marib Hospital in Yemen, on June 21, 2021, after he was severely injured during clashes with Houthi rebels and had his right leg amputated. (Nariman El-Mofty)

In one of the beds, Ali Saad, 22, lay partially paralyzed. He was shot by a Houthi sniper on the frontline on June 18.

Saad has been fighting in government forces since 2017. During that time, he and his family fled their home in southwestern Dhamar province as the war escalated. Later, he was captured and held for a year in a Houthi prison until he was released in an October prisoner exchange.

"I suffered a lot in captivity, I was tortured physically and mentally," he said. "This gave us a glimpse into what Houthis were really like. We came out with a stronger and indescribable will to fight them." His father and one of his three brothers were also wounded on the Marib front earlier this year.

Yemen's civil war began in 2014 when the Houthis seized Sanaa and much of the north, forcing the government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi to flee.

The Saudi-led coalition, backed at the time by the U.S., entered the war to try restoring Hadi to power. Amid the relentless air campaign and ground fighting, the war has killed more than 130,000 people and spawned the world's worst humanitarian crisis. It has also created smaller, parallel conflicts, between militants and different factions inside the country.

After years of criticism over civilian casualties from airstrikes, U.S. President Joe Biden's administration in February withdrew its backing for the coalition's campaign in Yemen.

Yemeni government and military officials say that decision, along with Biden's removal of the Houthis from a U.S. terrorism list, emboldened the rebels in Marib.

"The Houthis appear to calculate that if they win in Marib, they will have won the war for the north of Yemen while humiliating the internationally recognized president," said Peter Salisbury, Yemen expert at the International Crisis Group. "That is a considerable prize for their side, as it would also allow them to dictate terms for an end to the war."

U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said Thursday that the administration was "beyond fed up" with the Houthis and "horrified by the repeated attacks on Marib." He denounced the rebels for continuing the offensive despite a "serious (peace) proposal before them."

An Omani delegation held talks in Sanaa with Houthi leaders including the group's religious and military leader, Abdel-Malek al-Houthi. A Saudi diplomat, meanwhile, said there have been ongoing efforts, including direct Saudi-Houthi talks since 2019, to find a common ground. He spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

A spokesman for the Houthis did not respond to calls and messages seeking comment.

The rebels want the reopening of Sanaa International Airport, a vital link for Yemen to the outside world that hasn't seen regular commercial flights since 2015, and the lifting of restrictions on the vital Houthi-held Red Sea port of Hodeida.

Salisbury said negotiations have been stuck on what comes first. The Houthis, he said, want a stand-alone deal on the airport and Hodeida before negotiating a cease-fire. Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government want a package deal on all those issues.

"Until the gap can be bridged, I would expect the Marib offensive to continue," he said..

___

AP Photographer Nariman el-Mofty contributed this report.
Israeli forces demolish tents and other structures belong to Bedouins at the Khirbet Humsu hamlet in Jordan Valley in the West Bank, Wednesday, July 7, 2021. (Majdi Mohammed/AP)

JERUSALEM  Israel on Wednesday demolished the Bedouin herding community of Khirbet Humsu in the occupied West Bank, the latest chapter in the military's attempts to uproot the Palestinian village of makeshift homes.

At least 65 people, including 35 children, were displaced, said Christopher Holt of the West Bank Protection Consortium, a group of international aid agencies supported by the European Union that is assisting the residents.

The demolitions left the villagers, who earn their livelihood primarily by herding some 4,000 sheep, homeless for at least the fifth time in the past year. The EU in the past has helped residents rebuild after previous demolitions.

Holt, who was in the area, said the army arrived without warning at 9 a.m., asked the residents to move, and when they refused, began flattening the makeshift homes. "It's a very serious escalation," he said.

The Israeli government, now run by a coalition headed by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, says the village was built illegally in the middle of a military firing range.

But Palestinians say it is nearly impossible to receive building permits in Israeli-controlled territory, and human rights groups accuse Israel of stifling Palestinian development to make way for Israeli needs. Just a few kilometers (miles) away on either side are two large Jewish farming settlements, with greenhouses, animal enclosures and irrigated fields.

An Israeli security official said the government has carried out months of discussions with residents and offered an alternative site nearby. The official, who was not authorized to speak publicly, said the offer for the new location stands.

Holt said the residents had no warning and say they have nowhere else to go in the sweltering heat. Minutes after the last demolition in February, residents got to work repairing their fences in hopes of gathering their sheep before dark.

Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Mideast war, and the Palestinians want it to form the main part of their future state.

Perched on the rolling highlands above the Jordan Valley, Khirbet Humsu is part of the 60% of the West Bank known as Area C, which is under full Israeli control as part of interim peace agreements from the 1990s.
KABUL, Afghanistan  Taliban fighters pushed into a key city in northern Afghanistan on Wednesday morning, the latest advance in a string of attacks that have wrested dozens of districts from government control since foreign forces began to withdraw in May.

Videos circulated by Taliban spokesmen showed cheering civilians on the outskirts of Qala-e Nau, the capital of Badghis province, as dozens of militants sped by on motorcycles. In a separate video released by the Afghan government, the province's governor  holding a rifle and wearing an ammunition vest  pledged to defend the city.

"The Taliban suffered casualties and were defeated," Hasamuddin Shams, the provincial governor, said in the video as explosions rumbled in the background. Clashes reached the city center Wednesday, but Afghan government officials said the city remains in government control.

"The situation in Badghis is not a concern. The city perimeter is completely defended," Ajmal Omar Shinwari, spokesman for Afghanistan's security forces, said at a news conference hours after the assault began.

The siege on Badghis comes as the Taliban has made rapid gains across Afghanistan, many in the face of little to no resistance, in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal. Without close U.S. support, specifically airstrikes, Afghan forces have been unable to hold territory even in parts of the country far from the Taliban's traditional heartland in the south.

"It was exactly like a dam breaking down," said Abdul Aziz Beg, a member of the Badghis provincial council who was in the city when the assault began.

Beg said the breach was triggered by the deputy police chief deserting his post. After he fled, the Afghan police staffing key checkpoints protecting Qala-e Nau abandoned their positions, he said, allowing Taliban fighters to easily enter the capital.

Shinwari, the security forces spokesman, said the commander's departure was planned, describing it as a "tactical retreat."

Like many of the other provinces where Taliban fighters have rolled back government troops, parts of Badghis have long been under militant control, with front lines remaining static for years. But after U.S. and NATO forces began the last phase of their withdrawal from Afghanistan in May, the Taliban has steadily expanded its reach.

The militants attacked several provinces south of Kabul where they had long held considerable influence. After consolidating gains there, the group's focus shifted to the north in recent weeks, where its influence is more recent.

Taliban fighters now control large portions of territory along Afghanistan's northern border with China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. On Monday, more than 1,000 Afghan soldiers fled into neighboring Tajikistan ahead of a Taliban advance in Badakhshan province.

Shinwari, the spokesman, acknowledged the severity of the country's situation, but said that Afghan security forces remain capable of retaking territory. He said government troops have retaken 14 districts in recent days, but did not specify which ones.

"We are in a very difficult moment, but we assure you that the security forces are ready to fight," he said.

The Washington Post's Aziz Tassal and Ezzatullah Mehrdad in Kabul contributed to this report.
Jamhal Tavon Sanders Latimer, also known as Jamhal Talib Abdullah Bey, one of 11 people charged in connection with an armed standoff along a Massachusetts highway last weekend, appears during his arraignment at Malden District Court, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Medford, Mass. (Suzanne Kreiter/The Boston Globe, Pool via AP)

MEDFORD, Mass.  Some of the 11 people charged in connection with an armed standoff along a Massachusetts highway last weekend, including the purported leader of the group, refused to cooperate with court authorities during their arraignments Tuesday.

Jamhal Tavon Sanders Latimer, 29, also known as Jamhal Talib Abdullah Bey, told the judge "I don't understand how these charges can be brought against me."

Latimer, a former U.S. Marine from Providence, Rhode Island, waived his right to an attorney, but the judge said she would have a lawyer speak to him about this rights before the next hearing in the case.

Not guilty pleas were entered on behalf of all the defendants, who were held without bail pending a hearing Friday to determine whether they are dangerous.

The first to appear, Quinn Cumberlander, 40, of Pawtucket, told the judge in a courtroom with a heavy security presence he was a "foreign national" who cannot face criminal charges, and said he did not want a defense attorney.

Cumberlander invoked his Second Amendment right to bear arms, said the case should be heard in federal court, and said he meant no harm.

"We didn't want to cause fear. I object to being held without bail. I am not a threat to society or anybody," he said in court.

Another defendant, Robert Rodriguez, 21, of the Bronx, New York, asked that a fellow defendant serve as his attorney but the judge noted the man is not a licensed lawyer.

He also refused to be interviewed by Probation.

"I was seen by a probation officer," Rodriguez said. "But I did not commit a crime."

A third defendant, who has refused to identify himself to authorities, told the judge he was a "free Moor."

The judge ruled he had waived right to counsel, then ordered him out of the courtroom to watch proceedings on Zoom because he kept interrupting her.

The defendants, 10 men and a 17-year-old juvenile, say they are members of a group called Rise of the Moors. Several of their supporters were also in court, while others watched remotely, sometimes interrupting.

They face several charges including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition and the use of body armor in commission of a crime, in connection with the standoff that started early Saturday morning on Interstate 95 in Wakefield.

State police say they recovered three AR-15 rifles, two pistols, a bolt-action rifle, a shotgun and a short-barrel rifle.

The standoff began when a State Police trooper stopped to offer assistance to the vehicles he found on the side of the highway that were refueling.

The men, who were dressed in military fatigues and body armor and were armed with long guns and pistols, did not have licenses to carry firearms in Massachusetts, police said.

They told police they were traveling from Rhode Island to Maine to conduct what they called "training."

Some of the defendants ran into the woods along the highway, leading to a standoff that lasted several hours and prompted the closure of the busy highway on a holiday weekend.

The Southern Poverty Law Center says the Moorish sovereign citizen movement is a collection of independent organizations and individuals that emerged in the 1990s as an offshoot of the antigovernment sovereign citizens' movement. People in the movement believe individual citizens hold sovereignty over, and are independent of, the authority of federal and state governments.

The vast majority of Moorish sovereign citizens are African American, according to the SPLC.

On the Rise of the Moors website, however, they say they are not sovereign citizens, but the original sovereigns of the U.S. based on a 1789 letter from George Washington to the sultan of Morocco.

Those arrested Saturday were identified as Latimer; Cumberlander; Rodriguez; Wilfredo Hernandez, also known as Will Musa; Alban El Curraugh; Aaron Lamont Johnson, also known as Tarrif Sharif Bey; Lamar Dow; Conrad Pierre; a 17-year-old juvenile; and two who have refused to identify themselves, state police said.

They are from Rhode Island, New York and Michigan.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attends an event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Feb. 20, 2021. Prince Khalid bin Salman, Saudi Arabias deputy defense minister and brother to the crown prince, met with U.S. officials for talks in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, July 6. (Amr Nabil/AP)

WASHINGTON  Top Biden administration officials on Tuesday hosted a brother to Saudi Arabia's powerful crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, in the highest-level such visit known since the U.S. made public intelligence findings linking the crown prince to the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The Biden administration did not publicly disclose the visit by Prince Khalid bin Salman, Saudi Arabia's deputy defense minister, in advance. President Joe Biden had pledged to make a "pariah" of the kingdom's crown prince during his presidential campaign over Khashoggi's killing and other abuses, but his administration has instead emphasized U.S. strategic interests with Saudi Arabia.

At a briefing with reporters Tuesday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki confirmed the meetings were underway and indicated that officials may raise the killing.

Khalid bin Salman met briefly at the Pentagon with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, one official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss a meeting that was not yet made public. The Saudi prince had longer talks at the Pentagon with Colin Kahl, undersecretary of defense for policy, the official said.

Khalid bin Salman also was due to talk with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and, at the State Department, Undersecretary Victoria Nuland and counselor Derek Chollet, two other U.S. officials said, also speaking on condition of anonymity. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the visit.

Americans and the prince were expected to discuss matters including the war in Yemen, military contracts and Saudi concerns over U.S. efforts to return to a nuclear agreement with Iran, Saudi Arabia's rival.

A State Department spokesperson, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, said the administration has made clear that it found Khashoggi's killing unacceptable. The spokesperson said the U.S. would continue raising human rights concerns at the highest level.

The Saudi government had no immediate public comment on the visit.

Khashoggi, a columnist for the Washington Post who had written critically of Mohammed bin Salman, was killed by Saudi officials in October 2018 at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Khashoggi, who was based in the Washington, D.C. area, had gone to the consulate to get documentation for his upcoming wedding.

The Biden administration in February released a declassified intelligence report concluding that Mohammed bin Salman, powerful son of the aging King Salman, had authorized the team of Saudi security and intelligence officials that killed Khashoggi.

State Department spokespeople did not respond to a question Tuesday about why they had not announced the Saudi official's visit in advance.

They also did not answer whether the Biden administration had concluded Khalid bin Salman played no role in the Saudi organization behind Khashoggi's killing, or had decided instead that U.S. interests required Biden officials to meet with senior Saudi royals despite the administration's public condemnation of the killing.

As the crown prince's younger brother, Prince Khalid was the kingdom's ambassador in Washington at the time, but he was recalled soon after Khashoggi's killing amid bipartisan U.S. outrage. When Khashoggi vanished after going to the Saudi consulate in Turkey, Khalid bin Salman insisted for days that accusations of official Saudi involvement in his disappearance were groundless.

The Washington Post reported that Khalid bin Salman had told Khashoggi to go to the consulate in Turkey to pick up the needed wedding papers, and told him it would be safe to do so.

___

AP reporters Aya Batrawy in Dubai and Zeke Miller in Washington contributed to this report.
A soldier from the 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas, conducts observations along the international border near Nogales, Ariz., Feb. 27, 2019. (Keith Anderson/U.S. Army)

As many as 3,000 troops will be deployed along the U.S. border with Mexico until Sept. 30, 2022, stretching the militarys mission there into a fourth year, the chief Pentagon spokesman said Tuesday.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin approved a request to extend the mission that supports the Department of Homeland Security along the southwest border, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby told reporters. Austin signed the request June 23, according to a defense official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Austin authorized up to 3,000 troops to serve on the mission, which is down from the 4,000 approved to serve at the southwest border for fiscal 2021, Kirby said. Deployments will continue to be staffed primarily by National Guard troops working in a federal status under the command and control of U.S. Northern Command, the defense official said.

About 3,800 troops are deployed now to the southwest border in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents. The troops are a mix of active-duty service members and National Guard troops from nearly two dozen states. Their work includes helping to identify, monitor and analyze patterns of unauthorized entry and alert Border Patrol agents.

The Defense Department has spent more than $840 million on the mission so far, according to a February report from the Government Accountability Office.

Former President Donald Trump first ordered National Guard troops to the southern border in April 2018 and added active-duty personnel to the mission about six months later.

When President Joe Biden took office in January, he ended construction of a physical border wall initiated by Trump but he has kept the troops in place.

Following the extension of the mission, governors in Ohio and North Dakota announced approval to send Guard troops on the federal deployment.

These federal missions are separate from state-level missions ongoing in Arizona and Texas, where Republican governors disagree with the way that the Biden administration is handling border security.

Both states have activated hundreds of Guard members to serve at the border in support of state law enforcement. South Dakota and Arkansas announced last month plans to deploy Guard troops to support Texas state-led mission.
President Joe Biden speaks during an event in the South Court Auditorium on the White House campus, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Washington. (Evan Vucci/AP)

President Joe Biden plans to sign an executive order that will reduce the ability of employers to prevent workers from going to rival firms and remove some of the state occupational licensing requirements that make it harder to land a job.

The order is designed to improve workers' leverage in the economy, increase their chances of employment and generate more competition among U.S. employers, a person familiar with the order said Wednesday, insisting on anonymity ahead of its release. It would be a key test as to whether empowering workers will lead to pay hikes and smooth the way for them to move to parts of the country where their skills are most in demand. It also enables Biden to show in the 2022 congressional elections how Democratic policies are focused on workers, a key argument as Republicans have increasingly tried to frame their party as backing the working class.

The forthcoming order will direct the Federal Trade Commission to restrict and potentially bar so-called noncompete agreements, which have stopped workers in industries including fast food and Big Tech from going to other employers for higher pay. A 2019 analysis by the liberal Economic Policy Institute estimated that 36 million to 60 million workers could be subject to noncompete agreements.

The order also seeks to ban "unnecessary" occupational licensing that can hurt the earning power of military spouses, skilled immigrants and former prisoners. The requirements can limit the ability of teachers or hair stylists to move across state lines, while also making some spend money at for-profit schools to affirm skills they already have. Roughly 30% of U.S. jobs require a license, according to a 2018 FTC report.

This effort builds on work begun in 2015 by the Obama administration to get states to reduce the burdens from their licensing requirements.

The order will also toughen guidance to the FTC and the Justice Department to prevent employers from sharing wage and benefits data with each other so they can suppress worker incomes. The New York Times first reported Wednesday all the worker-focused elements of the order.

It was unclear when the order would be signed.
ATASCADERO, Calif. (Tribune News Service)  A parachutist crashed through the roof of an Atascadero home Tuesday evening after their chute failed to fully deploy during a training exercise, according to the Atascadero Police Department.

Emergency dispatchers received multiple reports around 4:55 p.m. Tuesday about a falling male parachutist in the 9500 block of Via Ciello, according to a city news release sent Wednesday morning.

"Atascadero Fire and Police responded to the area and located the parachutist who had fallen through the exterior and interior roof of a residence," the release said.

"The parachutist was conscious but stunned with complaints of pain but no visible serious injuries," police said.

Medics treated the man and transported him to the hospital, Atascadero city spokeswoman Terrie Banish said.

According to police, the residence's occupants were not home at the time of the incident and were uninjured.

Camp Roberts spokesman Jonathan Shiroma said the injured parachutist belongs to a British military unit conducting maneuvers as part of group training in the "general (San Luis Obispo County) area on private property."

Shiroma referred questions about where exactly the parachutist was intending to land to the British Defense Ministry.

"All others participating in the jump landed safely at the designated landing field," police said in the release. "We are grateful that the parachutist received only moderate injuries and that no other persons suffered injury."

(c)2021 The Tribune (San Luis Obispo, Calif.)

Visit The Tribune (San Luis Obispo, Calif.) at www.sanluisobispo.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Fi Duong, who prosecutors say this shown in this still image from surveillance video in a white mask and dark shirt, is accused of storming the Capitol on Jan. 6. (U.S. Department of Justice)

After storming the Capitol on Jan. 6, a Northern Virginia man began forming his own militia-like group in the D.C. suburbs and building up a supply of explosives under the guise of a Bible study group, according to federal prosecutors.

Fi Duong, 27, appeared in court Friday and was released to home confinement pending trial, over the objections of prosecutors who sought stricter terms. According to the court record, at the time of his arrest he had several guns, including an AK-47, and the material to make 50 molotov cocktails. Details of the case were made public Tuesday.

An attorney for Duong declined to comment.

Duong entered the Capitol on Jan. 6, according to prosecutors, telling an undercover federal agent that he climbed the building wall, delivered a letter to lawmakers and filmed others opening a door to the building with a crowbar.

An undercover officer with the D.C. police first encountered Duong at the Capitol on Jan. 6, according to the government. Duong described himself as an operator and later explained that he wore all black to look like an anti-fascist activist, the government alleged in court documents.

In video later seen by investigators, Duong is identified in court documents as shouting Were coming for you Nancy and pushing a fellow protester toward the doors on the Senate side of the building.

They stayed in touch, and a week later Duong allegedly told the undercover officer he was part of a cloak and dagger group that will build resistances . . . for what will inevitably come. In March, he told associates, Keep your guns and be ready to use them.

He and others held Bible study where they discussed firearms and other training, according to court documents; Duong also brought someone he described as a three percenter to one meeting. The right-wing Three Percenters movement, formed in 2008, is named after the false claim that only 3% of colonists fought in the American Revolution. Several adherents have been charged with conspiring to storm the Capitol. Duong said he had attended some rallies with the group but preferred to stay independent.

Explaining that two generations of his family had fled communist regimes in China and Vietnam before immigrating to the United States, according to court documents, Duong is quoted saying, Now were here. And at a certain point, you just gotta make a stand.

He talked about surveilling the Capitol building, and in February an associate took some footage of it, according to prosecutors. He also talked about freeing alleged rioters who were behind bars, saying, according to the government, I see that as an opportunity. With every great revolution, you go to the prisons and you break them out.

According to the court documents, he and the undercover agent toured the jail in Lorton, Va., where he talked about testing out explosives.

He told the agent, the government alleged, that he was working on a manifesto, saying, If I get into a gun fight with the feds and I dont make it, I want to be able to transfer as much wisdom to my son as possible. Prosecutors say he also discussed how far he could shoot on his familys property in the event of a raid and said it could be the site of a second Waco - a reference to the deadly 1993 confrontation with federal agents in Texas.

He said at a meeting in June that he had collected Styrofoam and more than 50 wine bottles to make molotov cocktails but had held off on buying fuel to avoid . . . being hit with a conspiracy charge, according to the complaint filed against him. He told the undercover agent he had been saving motor oil from his car for that purpose.

But he also said he would prefer a peaceful secession of Appalachia to a violent conflict, according to the record, and that all his preparations were for defense. The molotov cocktails, he told the agent, were for disabling armored vehicles. He repeatedly put off plans to actually test the explosives.

U.S. Magistrate Judge G. Michael Harvey declined to impose tougher restrictions on Duongs release, noting that the government did not seek to jail Duong as a flight risk or threat to the community. He is charged with illegally entering the Capitol, obstructing the vote count and disorderly conduct  but not with planning or committing violence.

Harvey said Duong had no criminal record and had demonstrated ties to the community; he is employed and lives with his parents and child in Alexandria.

The undercover agent gave him every opportunity to step over the line, and at every point he chose not to, Harvey said. Someone who showed so much concern for what the legal lines are should be given the opportunity  to show he can continue to stay within the lines.
Former U.S. Marine Trevor Reed, charged with attacking police, adjusts his face mask while standing inside a defendants cage during his verdict hearing at Moscows Golovinsky district court on July 30, 2020. (Dimitar Dilkoff/AFP)

WASHINGTON (Tribune News Service)  Joey Reed has spent the past two years tirelessly attempting to get his son, former U.S. Marine Trevor Reed, out of a Russian prison.

A Texan by birth, he rented an apartment in Moscow and lived in it for 14 months while monitoring Trevors convoluted legal case in Russia.

On Tuesday, he brought that fight to the White House as he stood in sweltering heat for nearly three hours with a sign emblazoned with Free Trevor Reed in hopes of grabbing the attention of President Joe Biden  and the public.

Trevor Reed, a Fort Worth native who was arrested in Moscow in August 2019 after a drunken altercation at a party, is serving a nine-year prison term in Russia on assault charges that John Sullivan, the U.S. ambassador to Russia, has lambasted as absurd. He is accused of grabbing a police officers arm on the way to the station, causing the officer to swerve and endangering the officers life. The Reeds deny all charges.

Trevors case received increased attention after Biden mentioned him and another imprisoned former Marine, Paul Whelan, during Bidens first face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in June. Several legislators have also thrown their support behind the Reed family, filing a resolution in the U.S. House last week calling for Trevors release.

On Tuesday, Joey said he spoke to around 25 curious bystanders outside the White House, including the parents of a Navy SEAL who sympathized with the Reeds plight.

Im just focused on the business of getting him home and keeping him in the news, Joey said.

A former Marine and retired fire department chief, Joey is a staunch supporter of law and order. But he is skeptical about his sons charge of assault against an officer, which he says is clearly concocted. There was no video evidence of the crime, even though Russian police cars typically have multiple cameras.

Joey also said that the last person to be charged with a similar crime was punished with a nominal fine. The Reeds and several U.S. lawmakers have said they believe that Trevor is being used as a bargaining chip in a potential prisoner swap. Two Russian prisoners in America  convicted on smuggling charges  have been floated as possible exchanges.

A White House spokesman said Biden was very clear about the need to resolve Trevors case, among others, during his talk with Putin in Geneva.

The welfare and safety of U.S. citizens abroad is one of the highest priorities of the U.S government. We will continue to speak on his behalf until Russia does the right thing and returns him to his family in the United States, the spokesman said. Trevor has been deprived of his freedom for far too long.

Meanwhile, the wait has been tough for the Reed family. Joeys wife, Paula, has good days and bad days, though some days are worse than others, he said.

Joey said they constantly worry about Trevors treatment. Trevor has told them about getting delayed medical care and less leniency than other prisoners, even though the crimes he has been accused of are trivial compared to those of some of his cellmates. After he was diagnosed with COVID-19 in May, his parents and the U.S. embassy in Moscow lost contact with him for three weeks despite repeated requests to Russian authorities for updates.

Trevor has now missed celebrating two years worth of milestones with his family. His 30th birthday was yesterday, July 5; his parents bought him a Russian chocolate cake but couldnt be with him.

This weekend, as Joey watched the July Fourth fireworks extravaganza from a fitting location  the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia  he had one thought.

I wish my son had been there with me, Joey said.

_____

2021 The Dallas Morning News.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Justice
ALBANY, Ga. (Tribune News Service)  Of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II, about 300,000 remain with us, and their numbers are dwindling by about 300 each day.

Millions more have served in the U.S. military since that time, and when one of them dies in southwest Georgia  whether a combat veteran who served overseas from Korea to Afghanistan, or a service member whose time was spent stateside  the Tri County Memorial Team is available to provide final military honors.

"We do it to honor our brothers," Ronald Langston, a Vietnam combat veteran who is among the 30 or so who serve on the team, said.

The team consists of members of American Legion Posts 30 in Albany, 182 in Leesburg and 335 in Sylvester. Faced with the same dwindling of their ranks as veterans inevitably die, the three posts combined forces to provide sufficient members to provide services at funerals.

While the U.S. military services in the past did a good job of staffing funerals with personnel to fold flags, provide a gun salute and play Taps, that is not always the case these days, especially for the average veteran, team members said.

They recounted one funeral in Bainbridge for a member of a special forces unit attended by five high-ranking generals and a number of other generals and colonels.

"The special ops folks, they do the whole deal for their folks," said Denzil Harrell, commander of Post 182. "We try to do the same thing for these old farts around here."

"We feel if it's a private or a four-star general, (who served) one year or 40 years, they deserve full military honors," said team member Nick Nicholson.

In one memorable instance, the team provided honors for a sailor who died in 1921 and had been listed as missing in action. After the remains of the USS Conestoga were discovered in 2009 during a hydrographic study near San Francisco and identified a few years later, the sailor's death was confirmed.

The team does not charge for its services but does accept donations. The effort was started in the 1980s, and after a period of going somewhat inactive, has been revived in recent years.

"We will go anywhere within a hundred-mile radius or one and a half hours' (drive)," Harrell said. "We (the Legion posts) combined this. That way, most times we have enough. The most funerals we ever had in one day was four. We have been known to do two funerals at the same time."

When fully staffed, a funeral detail will include at least 10, with two on flag-folding duty, a bugler and seven with rifles to fire a 21-gun salute.

Working on a July 1 to June 31 calendar, the Tri County Memorial Team served at 65 funerals from July 1, 2019, to about the end of February 2020.

After the pandemic hit and the number of attendees at funerals was restricted, the local veterans did what they could for families by arriving before graveside services to place flags at the site and then removing them afterward. Normal operations resumed around July 2021.

Veterans' family members can make a request to the funeral home for military honors at the service, Nicholson said, and the U.S. Department of Defense will send a flag through the mail. In some instances, the military will send personnel for the funeral, but it could be a full complement or only two for the flag-folding ceremony.

The local veterans can provide a bugler and riflemen to compliment the official contingent or perform all of the elements of full honors.

While there is no monetary compensation for the team members, who often spend their own money to gas up the van and for meals eaten during lengthy trips, they are rewarded by the impact they have on the family members of deceased veterans.

Ray Humphrey, commander of Post 335, had such a moment when he was approached by a woman he did not recognize.

"I was walking through Wal-Mart in Tifton. She put her hand on me and said, 'I remember you,'" Humphrey who said he thought she must have been mistaken, said. "'You're the man who was at my daddy's funeral, and I'll always remember you.'

Harrell remembered a little girl who hugged his legs in a store after recognizing him from her grandfather's funeral.

"You'd think after doing a thousand of them it'd get boring, but it's not," Nicholson said. "They're all different."

(c)2021 The Albany Herald, Ga.

Visit The Albany Herald, Ga. at www.albanyherald.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Windsor resident Sonia Turner displays a photograph of her father, Eddie Lee Walker, a Vietnam War veteran. Turner said grass was covering her father's headstone but was cleared when she complained to Hartford officials about the neglect of her father's gravesite. But while the stone of her father, a Vietnam veteran, had been raised and the grass cut away, other stones over other veterans' graves remain neglected. Turner says she won't stop pressing the issue until all the grave sites at the Hartford-maintained cemetery are treated with the dignity they deserve. (Mark Mirko, Hartford Courant/TNS)

WINDSOR, Conn. (Tribune News Service)  Like many grave markers at Northwood Cemeterys Soldiers Field in Windsor, the stone for Vietnam War veteran Eddie Lee Walker lies flat on the ground.

Unlike similar stones at the Hartford-owned graveyard, however, Walkers is no longer sunken and choked by encroaching grass and dirt.

The U.S. Army veterans marker was raised recently after his daughter, Sonia Turner of Windsor, complained to city officials, including Mayor Luke Bronin, that she could not find the grave.

Is this how we treat the deceased and veterans? Turner wrote in an email to Bronin on June 26. I want my fathers grave found.

Bronin replied, Im terribly sorry for this and for your family, adding that he was CCing public works department leaders.

Turner, 47, said shes happy that her fathers marker was raised, but she will not stop pressing city officials until all the stones get the attention that veterans and their families deserve.

They thought I would shut up and go away, but my thing is  what about all the other headstones? the Hartford native and one of Walkers four daughters said.

This is not the first time people have complained about maintenance of the cemetery, which holds the remains of more than 5,000 Hartford-area veterans with service records dating to the Spanish American War.

Over the years, veterans relatives have cited unmown grass, grimy headstones and poor drainage, among other issues. Family members visiting graves said they would routinely find marble markers submerged in water, lying on the ground or hidden by weeds.

Grass surrounds one of many veterans' headstones in similar conditions in Northwood Cemetery/Soldiers Field in Windsor. (Mark Mirko, Hartford Courant/TNS) Headstones are surrounded by uncut grass at Northwood Cemetery/Soldiers Field in Windsor. (Mark Mirko, Hartford Courant/TNS)

A concerted effort by volunteers and staff, starting in 2013, had the graveyard in much improved shape by late 2015, according to an article in The Courant. About 175 volunteers, including some minimum security prison inmates, had worked with the citys cemetery crew to clean and right the stones.

City Public Works Director Michael Looney said Tuesday that partially sunken grave markers are a problem in any cemetery. Hartfords cemetery crews spend a tremendous amount of time just keeping up with the grass, Looney said, and usually do not have the time to raise sunken stones, a job that can take up to two hours.

Typically, Looney said, cemetery officials refer relatives who complain about sunken stones to monument companies that can reset a marker for $100-$150. A cemetery worker raised Walkers stone after hearing how upset Turner was about it  because hes a good guy, Looney said.

That man and other workers who maintain the citys four cemeteries are proud of the work theyre doing, he said.

Theyre a very dedicated group because theyre all cognizant of how graves should look for relatives and families, he said.

If a flat marker sinks far enough, to the point where it is completely obscured or becomes a tripping hazard, the city will reset it, Looney said.

At the time of the 2015 cleanup at Soldiers Field, outgoing Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra said the cemetery looks better now than it has in years.

This is exactly what our veterans, who sacrificed so much for our country, and their families deserve, Segarra said.

Compared to how the citys cemeteries looked before that turning point, Looney said, they are in much better shape.

Turner, however, whose father died in 1995, pointed to a banner on the cemetery fence that says, Hartford Cherishes Its Veterans. Sunken markers that are hard or impossible to find do not fulfill that promise, she said.

2021 Hartford Courant.

Visit courant.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Stillwater, OK (74074)

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 SSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Variably cloudy with scattered thunderstorms. Low 74F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Huntington County man dies after fireworks incident

HUNTINGTON COUNTY  A 41-year-old man died early Sunday after being injured by fireworks in Huntington County, officials said.

Emergency personnel responded on Sunday to reports that someone had been struck near the abdomen by a firework, The Journal Gazette reported.

Steven E Sims was pronounced dead at the scene after he was struck by a mortar shell that had exploded inside the fireworks tubing, an initial investigation found.

The official cause of death will be determined during an autopsy and toxicology results are pending as the county coroners office and sheriffs office are investigating the incident.

Fireworks-related death and injuries are on a rise, according to a report released in June by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). According to the CPSC, 15,600 people were treated in hospital emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries in 2020 compared to about 10,000 in 2019.

Fort Wayne sewage tunnel project completes latest phase

FORT WAYNE  The largest construction project in Fort Waynes history recently struck a new milestone with the conclusion of boring for a new sewer tunnel.

City officials and residents on Wednesday celebrated the work of MamaJo  a tunnel-boring machine deriving its name from three Fort Wayne rivers  that dug through roughly 5 miles of bedrock since February 2019, The Journal Gazette reported. The community event featured T-shirts and rocks that MamaJo had bored through.

The tunnel connects with 14 neighborhoods, storing and transporting sewage during heavy rain and reducing overflows into local rivers.

MamaJos tunnel has been the largest part of the projects scope, Deputy Director of City Utilities Matthew Wirtz said. The 14-year construction endeavor has been decades in the making. The tunnel is slated to be fully operational by the end of 2023.

Once completed, the Deep Rock Tunnel will be able to handle 850 million gallons of combined sewage traveling through it each day, city officials said.

The increased sewer capacity is expected to result in cleaner rivers and protect about 45,000 residents and 15,000 properties from basement backups and street flooding. The $188 million investment is expected to serve the city for more than 100 years.

Nonprofit: Number of drownings in Great Lakes jumps in 2021

HOMEWOOD, Ill.  More drownings have been reported in the Great Lakes so far in 2021 than by this time last year, prompting officials to urge swimmers to practice water safety measures.

As of July 2, there were 32 drownings in the Great Lakes, compared to 25 as of July 4, 2020, according to data collected by the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project. The nonprofit annually tracks drownings in the Great Lakes and recently issued a warning about a summer spike in deaths.

Of the 2021 drownings, 15 occurred in Lake Michigan, compared to 12 a year ago. Five drownings were reported in Lake Huron this season, in addition to six in Lake Erie and six in Lake Ontario.

There were 108 drownings on the Great Lakes in 2020, up from the 97 recorded in 2019. There have been a total of 978 Great Lakes drownings since 2010.

Last year, 53 people drowned in Lake Michigan, setting a record for yearly drowning deaths.

More drownings are recorded in Lake Michigan than any of the Great Lakes, accounting for almost half of those reported.
A battle to bring a lifesaving helicopter service back from the dead is heading to the Beehive.

For more than a decade, a Whitianga-based chopper service was on the spot to fly people out of potentially deadly situations until the Ministry of Health axed the service in 2019.

Residents have been rallying to return the service ever since and Coromandel MP Scott Simpson is backing them.

The ministry has made a deliberate decision to prioritise Auckland and Northland ahead of people in Coromandel and I dont think that's good enough.

But the ministry stands by its decision, saying Whitianga is not an ideal location from a national perspective and flying from Auckland to Coromandel only adds an extra 18 minutes to rescue times.

Health Minister Andrew Little agrees saying the modernisation programme came out of a fairly disjointed air ambulance service and as a result the new service helps sick and injured people faster.

Prior to 2019, the Coromandel Rescue Helicopter Trust had been based in Whitianga for more than 12 years to assist the legions of holiday goers who flock to the district during the festive season.

But over the last few years helicopters have been taken out of smaller areas and based in centres with bigger populations such as Hamilton, Tauranga and Auckland.

Locals fund raised more than $1 million to update the Coromandel base with new hangars and accommodation for pilots and paramedics, but that base now sits empty.

Two local residents have presented two petitions to a parliamentary select committee calling on the Government to reinstate the rescue helicopter.

With nearly 50,000 signatures supporting the petitions the committee has since released a report late June, which will be handed over to the House for consideration in the coming months.

Local MP Scott Simpson also agrees, slamming the Ministry of Health for its lack of sympathy and willingness to work with the community to find a potential solution.

I think the Health Committee understands the issue and the complexity of delivering services to the Coromandel, but whats sad is that the Ministry of Health clearly doesnt understand that complexity.

The summer just gone there was a rescue helicopter stationed in Coromandel over a four-week period, but Simpson argues thats not enough.

Over the summer Coromandel is essentially Aucklands holiday playground, and we have huge numbers of Aucklanders arriving on the peninsula.

He is also terribly disappointed to see the ministrys response that an addition 18 minutes of flight time from Tauranga, Hamilton or Auckland to the nearest hospital is acceptable.

The Ministry and Health Minister Andrew Little, however, stand by the removal of the chopper.

Little says they started the modernisation programme due to a fairly disjointed air ambulance service and as a result are getting help to sick and injured people faster.

The programme includes bigger and better helicopters, better clinical crewing and co-ordination under a National Air Desk. We have professionalised the service nationwide, Little says.

Whitianga and the wider Coromandel Peninsula are serviced by two air ambulance providers  Northern Rescue Helicopter Limited and Central Air Ambulance Rescue Limited. Between these there are eight helicopters that can provide emergency services to the Coromandel Peninsula.

The three bases Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga  are the closest to the Coromandel Peninsula. The other bases at Whangarei and Taupo can also service that region but are a little further away.

When Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust has available helicopter and crew capacity in addition to the contracted capacity it provides, he said it can choose to base this at Whitianga, and it has done this in recent summers.

-Stuff/Sharnae Hope.
Imagine changing careers and deciding to be a musician at 39 years old in New Zealands lockdown.

Then dropping your very first single and getting an email from Jurassic Park star, actor Sam Neill, saying Love it!

Thats what happened to Mount Maunganui man Mitch Horton, who turned the turmoil of 2020 into the catalyst for him to create indie-pop music under the name Bluey Green.

He did not have much budget to make a video for his first single 'Morning Sunshine' but had a concept about pairing the song with vintage New Zealand footage that fitted the vibe of the song.

He stumbled upon retro skiing footage from a ski movie 'FLARE, which was owned by New Zealand Tourism.

He sought permission from the New Zealand Archives to use part of it in his music video.

Bluey Green didnt realise that the footage was actually directed by Sam Neill, made back when Sam was in film school.

I actually didn't know Sam had directed the footage until after I had gotten permission to use it, I saw his name in the credits. I am a huge fan so that was a really rad little bonus.

He sent Sam the video. Sam not only replied saying he loved it but also shared it on his Instagram and Twitter.

Watch the video HERE

It had about 60k plays in one day, which for a new artist is insane, says Bluey-Green.

On July 9, he is releasing his debut EP, Bluey Green, which includes his current single Colours, as well as Morning Sunshine, and plenty of new tracks.

Although he started his music career later in life, he has always loved music. He spent his 20s and 30s chasing waves and exploring the world and spent three years as a travelling keyboardist in a rock/metal show that toured Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

For the last seven years he has been based in Mount Maunganui with wife Erin and their three children Halle, 6, who attends Arataki Primary, and Marnie, 4, and Archie, 2 who both go to the local Montessori Kindy.

Bluey Green says having kids inspired him to write songs.

A big fan of producer MERK (Mark Perkins), he approached him to record them.

I thought it was a long shot but I really wanted to work with him to produce and record the songs. Luckily he got the vibe and we managed to make a cool little EP.

I have always loved records that keep you guessing, so you never quite know where they are going to go between songs. MERK's records always do that really well. Records that have a mixture of themes, energy levels and emotions are the most captivating to me.

He is not completely giving up the day job and has just launched a new small business consultancy Fast Tracked.

As much as I love working on music at the moment, I need to figure out how I can keep making it while paying the bills. I have three kids. Between them, making music and starting businesses, life's pretty busy at the moment but it's fun!

After releasing his EP this week, his next step is to take it on the road.

He has put together a five piece band and is organising some live shows.

Watch this space.
Bay of Plenty

If you love working out doors and in a small team then we have the role for you. We are needing someone who has either maintenance...



View or Apply on GoodWork.co.nz
Do you already have a paid subscription to any of the SWNewsMedia newspapers? If so, you can Activate your Premium online account by clicking here. Activation will allow you to view unlimited online articles each month. To activate your Premium online account, the email address and phone number provided with your paid newspaper subscription needs to match the information you use in setting up your online user account. If you are having trouble or want to confirm what email address and phone number is listed on your subscription account, please call 952-345-6682 or email circulation@swpub.com and we'll be happy to assist.
Lawton, OK (73501)

Today

Clouds and some sun this morning with more clouds for this afternoon. High 93F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 74F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.
Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription.

Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service.
Tahlequah, OK (74464)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. High near 90F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy this evening with thunderstorms developing after midnight. Low 71F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%.
The positivity rate for new cases of COVID-19 in Florida continues to climb. The state Department of Health reported a new case positivity rate statewide for COVID-19 of 7.8% for the week of July 2-8 compared to 5.2% for the week of June 25-July 1.
Thank you for Reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a

new account and

Purchase a Subscription

to continue reading.


B2B Lead Generation Service

Reach key decision makers with sales-ready leads that shorten your sales process. Move the needle by delivering funnel qualified leads to your sales team. Learn more.

Thousands of hacker attacks were launched on a network of smart home devices designed by researchers to assess the risk the gadgets pose to consumers.

During the initial week the "honeypot" network was online, 1,017 unique scans or hacking attempts were directed at the devices on the net, which included smart TVs, printers, wireless security cameras and Wi-Fi kettles, according to researchers at the NCC Group, Which? and the Global Cyber Alliance.

The attacks continued to grow, reaching 12,807 during a subsequent week, with 2,435 of those attempts to log into a device with a weak default username and password.

Most of the devices in the "hackable home" environment were able to prevent attacks through basic security protections, although this doesn't mean they'll never be at risk, the researchers explained in a statement.

The most concerning issue we found, though, they continued, was a connected camera which had a weak default password, which allowed a suspected hacker to gain access to the camera stream. However, the camera lens was taped over.

"Most of these attacks are automated," observed Matt Lewis, an analyst with the NCC Group, a cybersecurity company in the UK.

"They don't know what they're targeting," he told TechNewsWorld. "They just know how to access a service and try some common weak user name and password pairings."

"The one that stood out to us was user name admin and password admin, which is a common configuration for a lot of devices," he added.

Malicious Mixed Bag

Lewis noted that much of the activity spotted by the researchers was probably harmless. "It was from large internet companies scanning the internet to see what was out there," he said. "There were also hackers looking for vulnerability IP addresses because they're more curious than nefarious."

However, he added, "We did see some CCTV camera activity that could be traced to a known threat actor in Russia."

Brad Russell, a vice president at Interpret, a global advisory company, explained that device data in the smart home space is a lot different than personal identifying information.

"It's a lot harder for people to worry about a piece of data from their thermostat, water sensor or garage door opener," he told TechNewsWorld.

"And there hasn't been a lot incentive for hackers to access smart home data," he added. "Their energies are better spent installing ransomware and stealing really valuable data like credit card numbers and socials."

Nevertheless, that doesn't mean smart home devices can't be leveraged to do harm to their owners.

"A smart thermostat that's hacked might provide a gateway to the home network and then access to personal computers and digital files," explained Adam Wright, a senior research analyst for the smart home at IDC.

"A smart camera or baby monitor that is hacked can facilitate the same malicious activity as the thermostat," he continued, "but, in addition, the camera itself can be used to spy on people or the camera can be used to communicate or harass people in the home."

"Any device that is connected to the internet that is compromised can be used as a jump point to other devices," added Tom Brennan, chairman of Crest USA, a global not-for-profit cybersecurity accreditation and certification body .

"It can also be used as an exfiltration point to get out sound, video and data out of a home," he told TechNewsWorld.

Hacker Magnets

Ilia Sotnikov, a security strategist and vice president of user experience at Netwrix, a visibility and governance platform maker in Irvine, Calif. noted that several types of hackers are attracted to smart home devices.

"The most benign attackers are geeky kids learning technology by breaking it," he told TechNewsWorld. "They would not look for financial gain. They are pranksters that enjoy waking someone by turning on their smart light bulbs in the middle of the night."

"They are not completely harmless though and can cause damage or money loss, if they decide to play with devices connected to your digital marketplace accounts," he said.

"Another type of attacker can be compared to a prowler, checking on unlocked doors in a neighborhood," he continued. "In a 'drive-by compromise' they are looking for financial gains and will exploit what they can."

"Probably the most abominable attackers are child abusers and pedophiles, hijacking cameras and internet-connected toys," he maintained.

"Finally," he added, "for a very few high-profile targets, smart devices can be just one of the attack vectors that allow adversaries to collect intelligence and break into their lives."

Smart home devices are attacked by hackers in many cases because the attacks are easy to do, noted Wright.

"Many devices are still being shipped from the factory with inadequate security protections in place, such as security codes to access the device being 1234 or 0000," he said.

Consumer Protect Thyself

Wright added that security is important to smart home device buyers. He cited a 2020 IDC survey that found 71.4 percent of smart home users were at least somewhat concerned about device and data security.

He noted that leading security concerns of the survey's respondents focused on unauthorized control of devices, identity theft and conversations being recorded. Fewer consumers were concerned about purchase habits being discovered.

For consumers who want to protect their smart home devices from hackers, Sotnikov offers these tips:

When you get a new device, always change the default password or set the password, if it's not protected, out of the box.

Check other security settings and consider hardening them. These will depend on the type of device. They include options such as turn off the mic on a voice assistant when you don't use it, disable access to your address lists, set additional protection for online purchases and turn on additional confirmation or notifications.

Make sure to enable the setting to download and install security patches, if the device manufacturer provides them. Unpatched vulnerabilities can provide hackers the quickest way to get into your system.

Consider segmenting your home network so that someone hacking the smart fridge and lightbulbs cannot jump over to your PC and gain access to your personal or work IT systems.

John P. Mello Jr. has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2003. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, IT issues, privacy, e-commerce, social media, artificial intelligence, big data and consumer electronics. He has written and edited for numerous publications, including the Boston Business Journal, the Boston Phoenix, Megapixel.Net and Government Security News. Email John.


A hot potato: Nintendo finally unveiled the long-rumored next version of the Nintendo Switch on Monday, and quite a few fans were disappointed. While it does use OLED technology and comes with more storage, the expected 4K support and inclusion of DLSS is missingeven a Nintendo marketer thinks people shouldnt upgrade if they dont care about the new display.

The new hybrid device, imaginatively named the Nintendo Switch OLED model, does offer a few upgrades over the current version: the 6.2-inch LCD is now a 7-inch OLED; the 32GB of storage has increased to 64GB; theres an adjustable stand; improved audio; and a new dock with a wired Ethernet jack.

Where the latest Switch doesnt differ from its predecessor is the internals. Wed seen reports of support for 4K resolutions, the addition of Nvidias DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), a new custom-designed SoC with improved CPU, and more RAM, but all are missing from the Switch OLED model.

Nope. Not whats for. Stick with the current one if youre not digging the screen.  JC Rodrigo (@JCRodrigo_) July 6, 2021

Replying to a tweet asking if the new Switch offers improved performance, Nintendo of America Manager of product marketing JC Rodrigo wrote: Nope. Not whats for. Stick with the current one if youre not digging the screen.

the so-called switch pro is, at best, more of a switch young professional looking to gain experience in a crowded field despite its lack of marketable skills https://t.co/LjK0Esmv9G  Nathan Grayson (@Vahn16) July 6, 2021

Given the number of reports of an upgraded 4K Switch Pro, theres always the chance Nintendo could release the more powerful model next year when the global chip shortage has alleviated, though such a move would doubtlessly anger those who buy a Switch OLED model when it releases on October 8 for $349.99.

I still have only ever personally heard 2022 for a Switch Pro. And if that still happens, I'll continue to speculate that will have 4K output with a significantly more efficient chip with DLSS.



Anyone think this is the last Switch from the company that released 6 3DS models? https://t.co/TuJJGucDdc  Jeff Grubb (@JeffGrubb) July 6, 2021

h/t: VGC
What just happened? President Joe Biden says damage suffered by US businesses in the Kaseya ransomware attack appears minimal, though agencies are still gathering information on the incident carried out by the Russia-based REvil group last week.

A ransomware attack took place last Friday targeting Kaseya's VSA cloud-based system management platform, which is used for remote monitoring and IT management. The Miami-based company said fewer than 1,500 businesses worldwide appeared to have been impacted. It is expected to release a patch today.

Kaseya said that the attack never posed a threat to critical US infrastructure. It comes three weeks after Biden warned President Vladimir Putin that Russia needs to do more when it comes to stopping hackers within the country attacking the US.

Also read: The Evolution of Ransomware: How Did We Get Here?

On Saturday, Biden said, "The initial thinking was it was not the Russian government but we're not sure yet." If that proves to be the case, "I told Putin we would respond."

At the same time that the ransomware attack took place over the weekend, a Republican National Committee third-party provider, Synnex Corp, was breached, but an investigation by Microsoft determined that no RNC data had been accessed. Bloomberg writes that the notorious Cozy Bear group linked with the Russian government was behind the incident.

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki on Tuesday said, "If the Russian government cannot or will not take action against criminal actors residing in Russia, we will take action, or reserve the right to take action, on our own."

Psaki added (via Reuters) that Biden would meet with officials from the Justice Department, State Department, the Department of Homeland Security, and the intelligence community today to discuss ransomware and US efforts to counter it.

REvil earlier this week said it is willing to negotiate for a universal decryption key that will unlock all the encrypted files, with the starting price set at $70 million in BTC. It had previously asked for $5 million from MSPs (managed service providers) for the tool and a $44,999 ransom from their customers.

The attack affected business in at least 17 countries. The majority of the 800 Coop supermarkets in Sweden had to shut due to their cash registers not working, and it knocked more than 100 New Zealand kindergartens offline.
In brief: When it was announced earlier this month that Bill and Melinda French Gates were seeking a divorce after 27 years of marriage, some wondered what would become of the foundation the two had formed in 2000. Now, weve got some answers.

If you recall, when the divorce announcement was made in May, both parties said they would continue to work together at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. In a statement issued earlier today, CEO Mark Suzman said they have agreed to an additional step: if after two years, either party decides they cannot continue to work together as co-chairs, French Gates will resign as co-chair and trustee.

It is unclear how or why the parties involved decided on a two-year window.

The two co-chairs also announced that they have committed an additional $15 billion in resources to the foundation in order to continue its global fight against poverty, inequality and disease, and will expand the number of trustees overseeing the foundations decision-making. Since its inception, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has contributed more than $55 billion to its cause.

Our vision for the foundation has grown over time, but it has always been focused on addressing inequity and expanding opportunity for the worlds poorest people, said Bill Gates. These new resources and the evolution of the foundations governance will sustain this ambitious mission and vital work for years to come.

The Gates aren't the only high-profile tech couple to split in recent memory. Back in 2019, Jeff and MacKenzie Scott announced they would split after 25 years of marriage. Scott walked away with roughly a quarter of their joint Amazon stock and has been giving it away ever since.

Image credit Marc Smith, Flickr
(Photo : Pixabay/12019) Pentagon JEDI contract

The Pentagon has reportedly canceled the JEDI cloud contract. The $10 billion cloud deal was the subject of a legal battle between Microsoft and Amazon.

The Department of Defense announced the decision on July 6, but it added that a new contract is underway.

The Department of Defense added it is now soliciting proposals from Amazon and Microsoft, and both will likely be rewarded.

Pentagon Cancels JEDI Cloud Contract

The Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure or JEDI deal was one of the most controversial contracts for the Department of Defense, especially after Microsoft and Amazon fought for the position to get it.

The Pentagon said in a press release that due to the evolving requirements, the increased cloud conversancy, and numerous industry advances, the contract can no longer meet its IT needs.

After the announcement of the cancellation of the contract, Microsoft's shares were down 0.4%, and Amazon's shares were up 3.5%, according to NBC News.

Also Read: Amazon, Microsoft Developing Killer AI That Puts The World At Risk, Says Study

However, the fight over a cloud computing project is not over yet. The Pentagon stated that it still needs enterprise-scale cloud capability and announced a new multi-vendor contract called Joint Warfighter Cloud Capability.

The Pentagon said that it plans to solicit proposals from Amazon and Microsoft for the contract, adding that they are the only cloud service providers to meet its need.

But the Pentagon will continue to do market research to see if other companies could meet its specifications.

Amazon vs. Microsoft

The JEDI contract was intended to modernize Pentagon's IT operations. Microsoft was eventually awarded the contract in 2019, defeating Amazon Web Services.

A month after Microsoft got the contract, Amazon filed a lawsuit in the U.S Court of Federal Claims regarding the decision.

The company said that President Donald Trump's bias against Amazon influenced the Pentagon's decision to give the JEDI contract to Microsoft.

In 2020, the Pentagon's inspector general released a report stating that the White House did not influence the award.

However, he noted in a report that it had limited cooperation from White House officials throughout its review. As a result, it could not complete its assessment of allegations of misconduct.

On July 6, Microsoft said in a blog post that it understands the cancellation of the Pentagon's JEDI contract but said that the legal fight over it proves that reform is needed.

The Department of Defense said that its cloud vendor for the new contract would need to meet several criteria, like working on three classification levels: unclassified, secret, and top secret. The vendor should also be available around the world and have impressive cybersecurity controls.

The Department of Defense added that the new contract value is expected to be in multi-billions, though it is still finalizing the maximum value. It expects the contract to last up to five years, according to CNBC.

The Pentagon expects the contract to be announced around April 2022, complete with new requirements, new instructions, and new contract value.

In the meantime, the contract will be offered to Amazon and Microsoft, but around 2025, the Pentagon will broaden the competition to give other vendors a chance to win the contract.

Related Article: Microsoft Beats Amazon in $10-Billion Contract

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Sophie Webster

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : GettlyImages/ TENGKU BAHAR ) Apple emoji

Apple is in hot water due to its offensive emoji that shows up when you type the word "stammering." A charity in the United Kingdom was the first to call out Apple to use a woozy face to describe people who have a speech impediment.

Apple's Offensive Emoji

The apps and the keyboard on the iPhone are prone to suggesting emoji alongside the words you type in. On July 6, a charity publicly complained about one suggestion, which shows a "woozy face" emoji when users type the word "stammering."

The British Stammering Association called STAMMA claims that hundreds of its members have contacted it after they saw the offensive emoji on their iPads and iPhones when typing the word, according to Apple Insider.

STAMMA CEO Jane Powell said that the "woozy face" emoji is damaging and demeaning. Powell pointed out that stammering is how some people talk, and treating it as a joke is stigmatizing.

Also Read: Apple's New Diverse Emoji Are Here And This Is What They Look Like

The Apple emoji for "stammering" can leave people feeling conscious and embarrassed about how they sound, and it could increase their chances of getting bullied, which could eventually affect their mental health, confidence, relationships, and careers.

The members of STAMMA added that the emoji appears in various apps, including WhatsApp, Facebook, and iMessage, with it surfacing when the keyboard is in use.

The emoji in question is known on Emojipedia as "woozy face," and it takes the form of a face with one eye half open and an uneven, awkward smile, according to 9to5 Mac.

In WhatsApp, the emoji shows a face with a sticking-out tongue, while its official Unicode 11 name is "Face with Uneven Eyes and Wavy Mouth."

Apple has not responded to the issue, and it is not known why the emoji appears on the iOS keyboard. However, it is possible that machine learning may be behind it.

Apple, and other tech companies, add machine learning into their products, which can be used to determine things like emoji usage or common word for specific terms, which could be why the "woozy face" pops up.

AppleInsider did a little experiment to see if machine learning is behind the emoji. The publication noted that the "woozy face" began appearing in Emoji search for the term "Stam" before becoming the only available emoji at "Stamm."

Meanwhile, typing in "Stut" brings up an emoji with closed eyes and angry expressions, which is also known as "Confounded Face" and "Persevering Face."

STAMMA said that it has reached out to Apple about the controversial emoji and requested it to be changed.

The charity group also requested its members and supporters to report the issue directly to Apple and label the report as "Inappropriate Emoji," under complaint case number 101412774805.

Controversial Emojis

This is not the first time that Apple's emojis were criticized. In 2015, Apple released a set of human emojis, with a couple of them having yellow skin tones.

Many people pointed out that the yellow-faced emojis represented Asians and called out the tech company for racism.

According to Business Insider, the yellow-faced emojis are a product of the natural default of the iOS, and it does not represent the Asian skin tone.

Related Article: Why are Some Emojis Not Showing Up? Here's How to Fix Those Appearing in Boxes

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Sophie Webster

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Ingenuity helicopter keeps on setting records on Mars, and it's barely spent half a year over there.

The little chopper just completed its ninth and latest flight on the Red Planet recently, and it tested out a few new tricks while doing it, reports Space.com. It stayed airborne for almost three minutes and was flying as fast as 16 feet per second, according to this tweet by the NASA JPL Twitter account:

#MarsHelicopter pushes its Red Planet limits. 

The rotorcraft completed its 9th and most challenging flight yet, flying for 166.4 seconds at a speed of 5 m/s. Take a look at this shot of Ingenuitys shadow captured with its navigation camera. https://t.co/TNCdXWcKWE pic.twitter.com/zUIbrr7Qw9  NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) July 5, 2021

Among the other tricks that Ingenuity also tried is taking a very dangerous shortcut over rocky terrain, which is considered too perilous for its sister machine, the Perseverance rover. According to chief pilot Havard Grip and chief engineer Bob Balaram, Ingenuity was instructed to fly over dunes as high as 2,050 feet, writes Gizmodo.

NASA considers this flight the most dangerous one since the first, because Ingenuity had to use its on-board navigation system to deal with the uneven terrain, which is actually developed to deal with flatter ground, according to a report by CNET. The flying team remarked that the little Mars copter had to maneuver over high slopes, which made them concerned that it might land in a very dangerous area.

Eventually, the aircraft managed to set new record highs in airspeed, altitude, and flight time after completing its ninth flight.

Read also: NASA Mars Ingenuity: Scientific Exploration Coming Soon, Would Not be 'Abandoned' After Surviving Tests

Ingenuity: The Little Mars Chopper That Could

For the uninitiated, flying over the surface of Mars doesn't seem complicated, right? All Ingenuity needs to do is power up its rotors and perform its mission. However, it's a lot trickier than that. With that, its first few flights have been wracked by so much uncertainty and technical issues that almost took the aircraft out of commission.

Along with Perseverance, Ingenuity's mission on Mars is to look for possible traces of ancient life. But to do that, the helicopter must take into the Martian atmosphere, which is a lot thinner than Earth's. Compared to our planet has, the atmosphere on Mars is equivalent to less than 1 percent on Earth's. A helicopter's rotors would need to spin much faster on the Red Planet than it would here, which requires a lot of power. This is what makes Ingenuity's jaunt over 2,000-foot high dunes without crashing all the more impressive.

What's Next for Ingenuity?

After this ninth flight, NASA will be evaluating the aircraft's performance and use the data to develop further improved flight tech capable of flying in the Martian atmosphere. That's one of the foremost purposes of the Mars helicopter in the first place.

Should further flight tests prove to be successful enough (like its glitch-free seventh mission), Ingenuity will pave the way for NASA to explore the further reaches of the Red Planet in incredible detail. For now, however, their plans for the foreseeable future include taking a shortcut through a "scientifically interesting" region called Seitah, which is challenging terrain for a wheeled vehicle like Perseverance. The small helicopter will take photos of the surface below as it flies to plain south of Seitah.

Related: NASA Releases First Color Photo of Mars Taken by Ingenuity, Shows Red Colors of the Planet

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by RJ Pierce

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The "right to repair" rules will soon be a draft that would be done under President Joe Biden's order to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), aiming to support local businesses and farmers.

What this would do is oppose the Big Tech companies which do not allow people to do self-repairs on several devices, and want it to be brought to the service center.

There have been a lot of movement to support this advocacy, and in 2016, a movement called "The Repair Association," took on the DMCA to go against this, but has not fully succeeded in the venture.

'Right to Repair' Rules by Biden to the FTC

Everyone can repair different devices like smartwatches, smartphones, consoles, and even mechanical equipment like tractors and cars, as long as they deem it to be.

However, the legal right to repair these are not yet existent. Manufacturers do not want to share several resources like parts, methods, and the like to the public to tweak it on their own.

This is what President Biden and his administration want to change, and has now ordered the FTC to focus on drafting several rules and regulations for Big Tech companies to observe this. In a White House briefing earlier today, it was revealed that the government is working on it, and it would give people the right to repair it "how they like."

The main proponents of the "right to repair" rules would be farmers, especially when focusing on farming equipment like tractors, water pumps, and the like. This would go against Big Tech giants that are known for opposing this movement with Apple in the lead, accompanied by known labor equipment manufacturers Caterpillar and John Deere.

Read Also: Fauci Asks Vaccinated People to 'Wear a Mask' in Low Vaccination Rate Areas, 99% of COVID Deaths Come from Unvaccinated

What is the Right to Repair?

According to Engadget, the "Right to Repair" law would help local businesses and individuals flourish on their own, without the need to bring it to repair or warranty centers.

Additionally, local repair shops would also benefit from this, especially as they would be able to purchase parts and equipment needed for the repair, without the need for its manufacturer's help.

This regulation is not yet existing because Big Tech companies have fought against it, with the concept that people might do more harm than good when repairing the device themselves.

How will Big Tech be Affected?

President Biden has been hands-on in different laws that would benefit the country and its residents, including the vaccination effort that he initially intended to be at 70 percent last July 4. Health views aside, Biden has focused on local businesses and individuals now, and this would empower or give them rights to tweak the products themselves.

One of the significant effects it would have on Big Tech is to allow users to repair products on their own, and sell special parts or divulge ways on how to repair them at home.

Related Article: Biden: Federal Probe Against 'REvil' Ransomware Attack with More Than 1,000 Victims, Linked to Russians

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Isaiah Richard

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
President Joe Biden has a plan to improve US Vaccination efforts, and it is in the traditional way to go "knock on doors" and show up on the spot to ask for their immunization record and invite them for a shot. The administration's plans show how they want to speed up the immunization campaign in the country, and have people protected against the virus.

The alarming case of the Delta variant has been prevalent recently, and the only way to fight against it is through vaccination, with full doses not enough against it.

Biden's Plan: Knock on Doors to Distribute Vaccine

The White House's recent press briefing, headed by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, has revealed that the national government has five key plans to distribute vaccines to every citizen of the country. One of which is to "knock on doors" and the administration is serious about it, especially as they intend to end the pandemic quickly.

Calling out to the public and appealing to their emotions have not been enough, and it was apparent for the past events as people have still avoided vaccination.

And while no guarantee going door-to-door would work and have people proceed to vaccination centers, it would still be a massive effort to fast track knowledge and information dissemination.

Read Also: Lamda Strain COVID-19 Update, Experts Have Mixed Opinions About Delta vs. Lambda Being Worse

Vaccination is Key to Achieve Herd Immunity

Vaccines are regarded by experts to be highly protective against the disease, and if enough people would have it, the country would achieve what is known to be "herd immunity." This type of immunity would successfully protect people against the virus, having more people to be immune against it, rather than susceptible to infections.

However, for this to be achieved, the US population needs to have the majority of its residents be vaccinated, if not all. Of course, the most ideal immunization campaign is still a 100 percent distribution of the vaccine, but that cannot be achieved for now because of anti-vaxers and those below the 12-year-old eligibility age.

The Goal is Still to Vaccinate All of America

Delta variant is only one of the numerous mutations of COVID-19 that has inflicted fear and illness to the public, also being 20 percent of the current death toll of the US, and counting. The goal of the administration is to still vaccinate all of America, if possible, especially as they aim to eradicate COVID on the face of the Earth.

The effort of knocking on doors would help people to understand vaccines and their benefits for everyone that would receive them, as well as how it fights against COVID. The call to action and effort of the government aims to move people in the path to vaccination, instead of calling upon them on virtual or digital platforms.

Related Article: Do COVID Vaccines Have an Effect on Breastfeeding? A New Study Weighs In

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Isaiah Richard

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Russian hackers part of a group known as Cozy Bear or APT 29 have been accused of breaching the Republican National Committee's computer systems last week, according to reports.

Cozy Bear is said to be linked to Russia's foreign intelligence service, according to a report by Bloomberg. The group has also been previously accused as the perpetrators behind the SolarWinds cyberattack last year as well as an attack on the Democratic National Committee in 2016.

Russian Hacker Group Attacks GOP: What Happened

The Russian hacker group attack allegedly carried out by Cozy Bear on the GOP was repeatedly denied by the Republican National Committee (RNC), according to Bloomberg. Spokesman Mike Reed said that "there is no indication the RNC was hacked or any RNC information was stolen."

Chief of Staff Richard Walters eventually released a statement which said that the RNC has learned of an attack on their third-party provider, Synnex Corporation.

"We immediately blocked all access from Synnex accounts to our cloud environment," according to Walters.

In a press release posted on the official company website, Synnex has confirmed that the company "is aware of a few instances where outside actors have attempted to gain access, through SYNNEX, to customer applications within the Microsoft cloud environment."

Synnex also said that the attack on their system might be connected to the recent cyberattacks on Managed Service Providers (MSPs). The company has confirmed that it is conducting a review of the attack and that it is focusing on making sure that their operations remain secure for their clients.

Recent Ransomware Attacks on the U.S.

The cyberattack on the GOP allegedly conducted by Russian hacker group Cozy Bear joins a growing list of cyberattacks being committed against the United States in recent weeks.

IT firm Kaseya has been a recent victim of a ransomware attack allegedly by Russian hacker group REvil. The attack has affected at least 1,000 companies housed in at least 17 countries. The Russian hacker group has since demanded $70 million as ransom for the data they have stolen. Around 200 businesses in the U.S. have been affected by the ransomware attack on Kaseya.

Another cyberattack took place last month and targeted members of the United States Congress. The attack on iConstituent affected 60 members of the Congress.

Related Article: REvil Ransomware Believed to be Responsible For Kaseya Cyberattack Involving At Least 200 Companies

Biden Warns Putin, Orders Probe on Ransomware Attacks

According to Bloomberg, U.S. President Joe Biden has given a warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin at a June 16 summit in connection to the cyberattacks that have been carried out by Russian hacker groups like REvil.

The president has also said that his government is planning a federal probe on the cyberattacks on Kaseya. The probe seeks to see the extent and the damage of the ransomware attack on Kaseya and other victims.

Also Read: Biden: Federal Probe Against 'REvil' Ransomware Attack with More Than 1,000 Victims, Linked to Russians

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Isabella James

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Robot Cockroaches are here, and they resemble the original insect's only in that it cannot be crushed even when stepping on it, with the device moving as fast as its real-life counterpart. Engineering has copied a lot from real-life marvels, and innovations have focused a lot on creating something unique, but at the same time, awe-inspiring.

The idea of a robot cockroach is something that is not pleasant for people, especially as the insect is viewed as an annoying pest. However, some engineers marvel at the capabilities of a cockroach, which pushed them to make these creatures into robots with numerous capabilities.

Robot Cockroach

A research published in Science Robotics has scientists and engineers have successfully made a copy of the insect using modern materials. This means that these engineers have created a close-to-life "Robot Cockroach" which does not get crushed or mangled when stepping on it, despite being human-made.

The research entitled "Insect-scale fast-moving and ultrarobust soft robot" has already made a prototype and was subject to different tests that confirm its durability and wear-resistant body.

It is dubbed by its engineers as a "soft robot" because it does not use the traditional metals for its body, rather a "curved unimorph piezoelectric structure"

What it also achieved is almost the same speed that a cockroach travels, which is faster compared to the average speeds of human walks, but less of a moving car. An American cockroach can move at 3.4 miles per hour (5.5km/h), which is compensated by their fast-moving legs to produce more speed.

Read Also: Microphone-fitted cyborg cockroaches may help emergency personnel find and rescue disaster survivors

Uncrushable, Unbreakable Robots

The engineers from the University of California-Berkeley have captured the speed of the insect and have added the piezoelectric structure, making the robot an almost replica of its insect counterpart. Why is that? It is because the body is also almost uncrushable and unbreakable, which would only continue to move after stepping on it.

They say that cockroaches are one of the only few creatures on Earth which would survive any apocalypse, including that of nuclear bombings and the like.

Maybe this venture could soon join the Perseverance rover on its mission in Mars to withstand the harsh environment that the planet has, and contribute to the advancement and information gathered by scientists.

What is the Purpose for Making Robot Cockroaches?

The study is to learn more about insects and to apply nature's best and odd characteristics to that of modern technology.

Furthermore, the researchers and engineers have regarded that this project is to help robotics in general, helping them in ways of creating a practical application of their creation to larger tech. This would potentially help in different ventures, and it may be for small components inside cars, machinery, and other massive objects to have fewer maintenance parts that break off internally.

Related Article: NASA Hubble Space Telescope on Safe Mode Shows New Supernova



This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Isaiah Richard

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Kaseya ransomware attack was only the beginning, as experts now believe and fear that a cybercrime spree would ensure in the country, bringing a lot of attacks on different entities. The REvil ransomware gang has made their stand firm, showing their notorious skills and sophistication in infecting users to steal their sensitive information and hold it captive.

It was recently dubbed that ransomware and malware attacks would be the "next pandemic" of the digital world, and it does not shy away from the current one that the world is facing. Now, people might be worried about the COVID-19 infecting them, but soon, large-scale attacks of computer viruses and hackers will be the ones to look out for.

Kaseya Ransomware Attack is Only the Beginning

Kaseya's ransomware attack has been a massive downer for the recently concluded 245th Independence Day of the country, especially as it has infected as many as 200 companies worldwide. However, its main target was Kaseya, an up-and-coming IT management firm that has infected the companies that also relied on its services.

According to CNN, as many as 1,500 businesses have been experiencing the effects of Kaseya's recent hack, particularly as the IT company is crippled in providing service and bringing its supposed features.

Moreover, this is only viewed as the "beginning," as a wave of criminal offenses and cyberattacks would soon befall anyone or any company to which the hackers will see access to.

Read Also: Russian Hacker Group Cozy Bear Behind GOP Cyberattack: Reports

Experts Fear About Future Cyberattacks

Concerning this, NBC News has reported that experts are now being wary of future cyberattacks taking place, following REvil and Kaseya's recent incidents. This is because REvil has rising notoriety that has led experts to believe that this is not yet the end to their criminal operations, especially in extorting money from its victims.

As REvil grows more powerful, so does the risk of most companies against it, especially as it proved that it could look for a lot of holes to penetrate, to infect the systems of these companies. And, REvil does not choose whether it be small or large-scale businesses, and it does not focus only on the tech industry, as seen with JBS's previous attack.

Can it Be Prevented?

In terms of safety and prevention, there are a lot of ways to protect one's business or individual presence on the internet, and it is through investing in security measures.

Also, it is important to have one's systems be checked frequently, to avoid having any points of access for these hackers to insert their viruses.

Proper internet safety like the Media and Information Literacy plays a massive role here, especially in staying informed or updated about the best course of action in the current state of cybercrime. Investing in the proper security may be expensive, but avoiding being hacked is better than recovering from it.

Related Article: Biden: Federal Probe Against 'REvil' Ransomware Attack with More Than 1,000 Victims, Linked to Russians

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Isaiah Richard

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Screenshot From Commons.Wikipedia.org) SpaceX Dragon Cargo Spacecraft Departure Delayed | Here's the New Launch Date

The SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft departure has been officially delayed due to extreme weather forecasts. The spacecraft's departure from the Space Station has been delayed and a new schedule has been set.

NASA SpaceX Dragon CRS-22

NASA shared on Twitter announcing the SpaceX Dragon's delayed departure. Due to the forecast of extreme weather to happen off the Florida coast, the SpaceX CRS-22 undocking is now no longer planned for Wednesday, July 7, 2021.

According to NASA, both NASA and SpaceX flight control teams will continue to monitor the weather as well as splashdown locations and are also prepared to support the undocking of the official Dragon cargo spacecraft once the conditions are finally safe to do so. There are also parameters like wave heights and wind speed that must be within limits in order to properly ensure the safety of the recovery teams, spacecraft, and science.

SpaceX Dragon New Launch Schedule

The next opportunity for the SpaceX undocking is July 8, 2021 at 10:35 AM EDT and is expected to come with NASA TV coverage which is scheduled to start at 10AM. Some additional options are available on July 9 as well as July 10, 2021. NASA is expected to provide a clearer update

NASA Flight Engineers Shane Kimbrough and Mark Vande Hei have both worked on cargo transfers inside the famed SpaceX Dragon. Kimbrough then teamed up with Flight Engineers Thomas Pesquet and Megan McArthur as well as Commander Akihiko Hoshide when the day ended and reviewed the cargo craft emergency departure procedures.

ISS Researches

Pesquet set up a pair of different computers inside the whole cupola in support of the SpaceX's Dragon's undocking and monitoring.Both Kimbrough and Hoshide swapped roles as the Crew Medical Officer today responsible for taking charge of vein scans using the Ultrasound-2 device.

Pesquet also had some time on being able to wear the specialized Sidekick headset in order to examine the Tranquility module's usual treadmill through the use of augmented reality. The particular two-time station resident decided to move on to inspecting and photographing the hatch seals on the reported Kibo laboratory module as well.

Read Also: Ingenuity Helicopter Completes 9th Flight on Mars

New SpaceX Dragon Flight Schedule

Roscosmos Flight Engineers Pyotr Dubrov and Oleg Novitskiy both stayed focused on the Russian cargo and station life support activities. It was reported that Novitskiy updated the computer data files that were associated with the recent docking of the highlighted ISS Progress 78 resupply ship. Dubrov worked on thermal systems hardware and orbital plumbing.

NASA usually shares their progress with the world so for those that want to watch the official SpaceX Dragon launch, make sure to either follow NASA's website or at least their Twitter account. As of the moment, the delayed launch has been scheduled to July 8, 2021 at 10:35 AM EDT.

Related Article: Elon Musk SpaceX Starship Could Clean Space Junk Going to Mars, Why Should We Care About Space Junk And How Does He Plan To Do It?

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Urian B.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The International Space Station (ISS) is set to get a two-handed robotic arm from Europe.

The robotic arm, which is otherwise known as the European Robotic Arm (ERA), was built by aerospace company Airbus, will be launched on July 15, and will be used to service the Russian segment of the ISS.

Airbus made the robotic arm for the European Space Agency (ESA). The trip to the ISS is expected to take one week, according to a press release posted on the Airbus website.

The two-handed robotic arm will be joined by a new Russian Multipurpose Laboratory Module in its journey to outer space. The module is named Nauka, which is also the Russian word for science.

Related Article: Russia Soyuz Rocket Sends Progress MS-17 To ISS-Marking 2nd Cargo Ship of the Country

International Space Station's New Robotic Arm: Launch Details and Robotic Arm Specs

The International Space Station's new two-handed robotic arm has already been installed to the Nauka by the Airbus engineers, according to the press release of the company.

The robotic arm and the module will be launched on a Proton rocket Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

According to Space, the robotic arm "resembles a pair of compasses with two symmetrical arms, each a little over 16 feet (5 meters) long." A dexterous hand can be found at the end of each arm.

The robotic arm weighs 1,390 lbs (630 kilograms) and is made up of lightweight aluminum and carbon-fiber.

How the Robotic Arm Can be Used in the International Space Station

Per the press release of Airbus, the robotic arm can be controlled in real-time from inside or outside the ISS. It can also be pre-programmed to perform specific tasks.

The arm will be able to "move and install components up to 17,600 lbs. (8,000 kg) in weight while being able to reach targets with 5 millimeter precision," according to Space.

The robotic arm can also be used to inspect the space station using the infrared camera included in the arm. It can likewise be used to transport astronauts and cosmonauts during spacewalks.

Other Robotic Arms in Outer Space

The International Space Station has been able to function efficiently and safely with the help of the robotic arms that are used for varied functions. The same could be said for other space stations and missions conducted in outer space.

Last month, China announced that it was going to test its own robotic arm. The robotic arm was built to help build the country's space station.

In 2015, the Curiosity Rover was able to use its healed robotic arm to deliver a powder rock sample. Prior to it, the rover short circuited due to a drill on its robotic arm. The short circuit caused a temporary halt in the rover's work on Mars.

Also Read: SpaceX to Send First Ethereum Node to ISS: Here's How Elon Musk's Space Agency and SpaceChain Will Keep ETH Safe

The article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Isabella James

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Getty Image)

Microsoft emergency patch update successfully launched as a remedy to the ongoing exploitation of PrintNightmare Zero-Day Vulnerability found within the Windows Print Spooler service.

The tech giant recently released its emergency security update with the label KB5004945. Its primary function is to combat the actively exploited PrintNightmare Zero-Day Vulnerability or CVE-2021-34527.

Discovering the PrintNightmare Zero-Day Vulnerability

According to Security Affairs, the said vulnerability is found in the Windows Print Spooler service, affecting all available versions of Windows.

A proof-of-concept exploit code recently came to light, and it has been confirmed that it was for the CVE-2021-1675 vulnerability. It has already been published online, and any knowledgeable hacker could exploit it to compromise any specific Windows system.

Microsoft Emergency Patch Update to Stop PrintNightmare Zero-Day Vulnerability

Security Affairs reported that Microsoft has finally addressed the issue by releasing the latest security updates. The flaw found within Print Spooler, also seen as spoolsv.exe service, impacted all Windows OS versions.

The Microsoft emergency patch update launched together, and the company confirmed that a remote code vulnerability was discovered when the Windows Print Spooler service malfunctioned during performing file operations.

The company claimed that an attacker successfully exploited the flaw and has the capacity to run arbitrary code using SYSTEM privileges.

As the attacker successfully exploits it, he may already proceed with installing various programs that could change, view, and delete data. He can also create brand new accounts that have user privileges.

Read Also: Microsoft to Launch 2022 Exclusives on Xbox One Using Cloud Streaming; Redfall, Starfield, and More!

What is the PrintNightmare Zero-Day Vulnerability?

According to Security Affairs, the CVE-2021-1675 vulnerability was primarily a low-importance elevation-of-privilege type of flaw. Still, it leveled up like Microsoft, an IT giant, confirmed that it is a remote code execution flaw.

Researches from QiAnXin, a Chinese security company, published a report on a working exploit by the PrintNightmare Zero-Day vulnerability. However, the firm did not disclose any technical details regarding the said attack.

Nevertheless, Security Affairs reported that the availability of a working PoC exploits at GitHub on June 7 Wednesday. The code must have been accidentally published, and that GitHub repo was shut down and taken offline after some time.

How Hackers Exploited the Flaw

The Record also reported that the write-up has vital details on how the trio was able to discover the bug within Microsoft's database. They independently figured it out from teams that reported the flaw to Microsoft.

It seems like the hacking group finally published the PoC as soon as QuAnXin researchers posted a video on the exploitation of the said flaw. As a remedy, experts removed the PoC after several hours because they will still present it during the Black Hat USA 2021 event.

However, it was a little too late because some users already had access to the flaw before being deleted online.

CISA even intervened and issued a security warning for admins, saying that they have to disable their Windows Print Spooler services due to the PrintNightmare Zero-Day Vulnerability.

Related Article: Microsoft Publicly Confirms Signing a Malicious Malware Drive Called 'Netfilter'

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Fran Sanders

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Getty Images)

There is a possibility of the new Super GPUs that Nvidia is currently developing for next year's line-up, if you believe the rumors currently roaming around.

Laptops Get it First

VideoCardz was first to report about a leaker @greymon55 on Twitter. However, they might not be as credible as you might think since the user is relatively new to social media and has only a few followers compared to more famous leakers.

However, some rumors also solidify his claim regarding the Super GPUs.

The website has also said that this aligns with another supposed leak in the presented roadmap from Lenovo that was published previously. The roadmap, if it is true, showed the RTX 3080 Super and RTX 3070 Super mobile graphics cards released for Lenovo laptops.

The laptop that would come with the Super GPU line-up is said to be the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme G4. In theory, it will be able to support either the RTX 3070 Super with 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM, or the RTX 3080 Super with 16GB of GDDR6.

Read More: NVIDIA RTX 3060: Internet Cafes to First Receive Supplies As Chip Industry Recovers

Nvidia's GPU Still Unknown

There have been corroborated rumors about the 3080 Super mobile variant saying that Nvidia might get an upgrade on its processor.

The GA104 GPU is currently being used in the standard RTX 3080 notebook and that an upgrade should be needed.

The upgrade is because the GA104 is already being pushed to its limits by the RTX 3080 mobile, and to have a Super variant involved would bottleneck the GPU and not showcase its true potential. Others are still skeptical about the project, however.

Another hardware leaker kopite7kimi says that the GA103 GPU is now most likely canceled.

Regardless of which rumor is to be believed, given the current condition of component shortages, delays are definitely going to be a possible hindrance for future components for RTX Super laptop graphic cards and the like.

Nvidia RTX 3080 variants

Recent news is comparing the differences between the Nvidia RTX 3080 Ti against the vanilla Nvidia RTX 3080 variant. When the Super variant comes out, it will most likely have the same performance as the two given that it's intended for laptops instead of PCs.

Tests show that the RTX 3080 Ti is in the lead when it comes to extensive games but also uses a higher power consumption, which you'd need a better PSU to handle. Both the 3080 and 3080 Ti can handle native 4k games with high frame rates if the DLSS is deactivated

You'd only want to get a 3080 Ti if you have the budget and care about getting the best GPU in the market right now.

The vanilla 3080 still is a powerful GPU and offers better value compared to its Ti variant. As for the 3080 Super and 3070 Super, we will just need to wait and see if it could be on par with even the vanilla version of the 3080 and 3070.

Read More: NVIDIA RTX 30-Series GPU Restock Highlights Amazon, Newegg, and Walmart

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Alec G.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
These Google Play Store apps are scamming cryptocurrency investors, making them believe that they could mine the digital money on their smartphones.

Tons of fake crypto mining applications are now infiltrating the official application marketplace of Google.

The steep rise of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and its similar counterparts have also birthed scams fooling wannabe investors.

Elsewhere, Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, even sued YouTube after scammers used his photo in a Bitcoin giveaway. However, he lost his case later on. The court said that tech companies are freed from being sued for the content that was uploaded on their platform.

Notably, usual crypto schemes involve malware or hacking digital wallets.

However, the latest scam that was brought to light by the security researchers of Lookout sits unnoticed on the Google Play Store.

Crypto Scam

Lookout examined a total of 170 apps, which mines cryptocurrency on the cloud in exchange for some money, as per CyberScoop.

According to the researchers, some crypto mining apps even asked for the fee through Bitcoin and Ethereum. Lookout noted that it is against the terms and conditions that the Google Play Store implements.

In estimate, the criminal minds have numerous victims, accounting for more than 93,000 users. The profits that the fraud apps have also pocketed have reached a whopping $350,000.

Crypto Scam: 25 Google Play Store Apps

Lookout identified two Android app code families, which the security firm called BitScam and CloudScam.

Out of the 170 apps that were involved in the fraudulent activity, about 25 of them were found from the Google Play Store. The rest are sideloaded to the Android devices from sketchy third-party sources.

After Lookout flagged the said apps on the Google marketplace, the tech giant has removed them to protect other Android users.

Read Also: Cryptocurrency 'Scheme' Revealed | Are All Cryptocurrencies Legit?

Crypto Scam Apps: How Do They Work?

According to Lookout's blog post, the apps that they examined never really mined any crypto. The users of the service had a hard time noticing the scheme as the mining process is supposedly happening via the cloud.

Lookout further said that these types of schemes are hardly noticed as the apps are technically not doing anything malicious that could kick them out from the Google Play Store.

In fact, the said apps only do one thing: to accept payments from their users, nothing else beyond that.

The Director of Security Intelligence Research of Lookout, Christoph Hebeisen said that "the apps themselves are really essentially empty shells with what look like purchasing functionalities."

Previously, tons of applications on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store have also taken advantage of rookie investors of cryptocurrencies. However, the past scheme involves wiping out the wallets of the users.

This time around, though, there is nothing to steal as the promised mining activity is a complete illusion.

Related Article: Crypto Miners to Pay Higher Rates for Electricity in Kazakhstan | 'Negative Impact on Investment Attractiveness'

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Teejay Boris

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Screenshot From Pexels Official Website) Department of Health Probe by UK Information Commissioner Launched Due to Private Emails Used for Alleged Official Business

The Department of Health is now under a probe by the UK Information Commissioner's Office or ICO due to the improper use of private emails and other communication channels by government officials.

The investigation follows Matt Hancock's sudden departure after being caught breaking social distancing guidelines.

UK Information Commissioner Probe Into Department of Health

According to the story by ZDNet, there were concerns raised by the former health secretary and even Lord Bethel about improper channels used to conduct government business. This included the use of private email accounts.

An investigation could also include some other online forms of communication, like the use of WhatsApp.

As per the ICO, on July 6, the UK's Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham stated that the data protection watchdog is currently investigating both the Social Care and Department of Health.

Denham on 'Freedom of Information' Laws and Data Protection

This entertained suggestions that the officials are actually using accounts for them to be able to conduct sensitive information, including official business and deeming it "concerning."

Denham noted that it concerns the public to feel that there could be a loss of transparency when it came to decisions affecting them as well as their loved ones.

The commissioner also noted that as the regulator of freedom of information laws and data protection, it concerned her as well. The Information Commissioner has already served official notices on the department as well as others who could be connected directly to the inquiry and requesting information and the whole preservation of evidence.

ICO Says Transparency is Critical

ICO's official probe will attempt to establish whether or not the government officials have actually used private correspondence channels in ways that have made a clear breach on freedom of information regulations, or even data protection laws.

ICO noted that transparency is very critical to democratic principles.

It was also said that when a government has actually been making decisions over the course of 18 months that have deeply impacted individuals lives, there is a need to maintain security standards and this cannot be overlooked.

Denham further stated that it is through transparenc,y as well as explaining the decisions that people will be able to understand and also trust them.

Read Also: Biden: US Vaccination to Go 'Knock on Doors,' Get More Americans to Receive the COVID-19 Shots

Denham on Private Correspondence

Denham also noted that the use of private correspondence, in itself, does not directly break freedom of information or even data protection rules. However, the commissioner worries that information in those private email accounts or other messaging services would be overlooked, forgotten, auto deleted, or even not available when a request for freedom of information is made later on.

This would, according to Denham, frustrate the freedom of information process. Denham also noted that this would put a risk to the preservation of official records of decision making. At the end of the statement, Denham concluded that there will be no further comment until the conclusion of their investigative work.

Related Article: COVID-19 Mask Brand With Hole Selling in the Philippines Not Effective, Department of Health Says

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Urian B.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Bob Ritz is president and chief executive officer of MercyOne, a connected system of health care facilities and services dedicated to helping people and communities live their best life. The systems clinics, medical centers, hospitals and affiliates are located throughout the state of Iowa and beyond.

Dr. Hijinio Carreon is the systemwide chief medical executive of MercyOne. Dr. Carreon has been a part of the organization for more than 13 years, beginning as an emergency medicine physician. In addition to his roles at MercyOne, Dr. Carreon serves as co-medical director of EMS for the Mercy College of Health Sciences, emergency physician trauma surveyor for the Iowa Department of Public Health and is director at large for the Iowa American College of Emergency Physicians.
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 please call (208) 542-6777 for help.
Ada, OK (74820)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. High around 90F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms developing overnight. Low 73F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
After two weekends of test runs, Burger Tyme will officially open Thursday in the former Wendy's location at 3300 Johnston St.

The news of Burger Tyme's return sent a wave of nostalgia across Cajun Country last month. The iconic south Louisiana fast-food chain of the 1990s is best known for the Cajun Blaze burger and Bon Temps Poulet chicken sandwich.

"This has been amazing, an affirmation really, to hear the excitement on social media," said owner Braxton Moody V in a recent phone interview. "People are excited about it, and that's why we're doing it."

Burger Tyme will initially be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The restaurant will be closed on Sundays.

For now, the restaurant will offer drive-thru and curbside service with a limited menu.

Moody and his general manager, Shawn Touchet, plan to expand the hours and days of operation in the coming weeks as they hire more employees. They also plan to open the lobby for dine-in service and expand the menu to include fan favorites at that time.

Here's a look at Burger Tyme's current menu.

Cajun Blaze: a spicy 6-ounce beef patty, fully dressed with lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mayo, mustard and caramelized onions for $8.24

a spicy 6-ounce beef patty, fully dressed with lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mayo, mustard and caramelized onions for $8.24 Baby Blaze: a spicy 4-ounce beef patty, fully dressed for $5.99

a spicy 4-ounce beef patty, fully dressed for $5.99 Big Tyme Burger: a 6-ounce beef patty, fully dressed for $7.29

a 6-ounce beef patty, fully dressed for $7.29 Small Tyme Burger: a 4-ounce beef patty, fully dressed for $5.3

a 4-ounce beef patty, fully dressed for $5.3 Fries: medium for $2.34 or large for $3.24

medium for $2.34 or large for $3.24 Spicy Fries: medium for $2.59 or large for $3.49

Old favorites such as the cinnamon rolls and bon temps poulet sandwich will be added in the coming weeks as Moody and Touchet increase staffing and hours. They also plan to add the bon temps poulet salad, Cajun blaze salad, dat Cajun dog, loaded fries, cheeseburger fries and bread pudding to the menu, along with a few keto-friendly and gluten-free options.

Inside info on doing business in Acadiana We'll keep you posted on the Acadiana economy. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Moody acquired the restaurant rights from his father 15 years ago and rebooted the south Louisiana brand in 2019. He's been gauging community interest for over a year through selling Cajun Blaze seasoning and hosting pop-up burger events.

He announced the return of the restaurant in a June 7 newsletter to fans of the brand.

The restaurant's return isn't just significant for fans of the Cajun Blaze burger and Bon Temps Poulet sandwich. It's also significant for Touchet, who worked at four of the eight Burger Tyme locations from 1994 until 2000.

"I'm excited to have it back as part of my life. It's been part of my life for so long," Touchet said during a recent interview. "I love the food. I love the product. I love what we do."

Burger Tyme once had eight locations in south Louisiana  four in Lafayette, two in Baton Rouge and one each in New Iberia and Breaux Bridge.

The original location opened in the late 1980s on Johnston Street near Ambassador Caffery Parkway. It was the final location to close in 2000 when Moody's dad retired.

The Johnston Street location will likely be the first of a few restaurants if all goes well, although Moody and Touchet haven't been terribly forthcoming about their plans. Touchet said they're eyeing properties in the Youngsville and Carencro areas and could open a second Burger Tyme within a year.

For now, however, the focus is on getting the first restaurant up and running.

"The response has been fantastic," Touchet said. "They want to know why we didn't come back sooner. They're welcoming us back with open arms. We're extremely excited."
Officials this week warned residents to be wary of scam calls from people claiming to assist residents in Louisianan's "Shot at a Million" vaccine lottery.

The St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office said they've received several complaints about suspicious callers who say they'll help people sign up for the lottery.

The only way to sign up for the lottery is through the state's website or the lottery's toll-free number: 877-356-1511.

Often scammers appear to call from a local number through a practice known as "spoofing" and can make calls from anywhere in the world. Authorities said that was likely the case in St. Charles Parish.

Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

The Better Business Bureau said Wednesday that people should never give out financial information or their vaccine card because hackers can use it to access personal accounts.

"If it sounds too good to be true, it generally is," the BBB said.

Winners for Louisiana's vaccine lottery will be announced every Friday between July 16 and Aug. 13 on the Shot at a Million website.
The week after Gov. John Bel Edwards announced a vaccine lottery with 14 prizes up ranging from $100,000 to $1 million, Louisiana saw a 14% increase in initial vaccination rates.

With only one week left to enter the drawing for the first week's lottery prizes, residents continue to take advantage of the opportunity.

The most recent data shows that 1,794,779 vaccine series have been initiated and 1,645,608 have been completed so far in Louisiana. This means that 38.6% of the population has initiated a vaccine series and 35.4% have completed the vaccine process. Compared to one month ago on June 6, those numbers are up 2.9% and 3.6%.

+2 After $2.3M vaccine lottery kick-off, new COVID-19 vaccinations rise by 14% in Louisiana The number of people in Louisiana who received their initial COVID-19 vaccine increased by 14% in the week after the state opened registration

The deadlines for the drawings are as follows:

Enter by July 9, 2021 by 11:59 p.m. CDT for the July 14 drawing

Enter by July 16, 2021 by 11:59 p.m. CDT for the July 21 drawing

Enter by July 23, 2021 by 11:59 p.m. CDT for the July 28 drawing

Enter by July 30, 2021 by 11:59 p.m. CDT for the August 4 drawing

Enter by July 31, 2021 by 11:59 p.m. CDT for the August 4 Grand Prize Drawing

Residents who have received a vaccine can enter the lottery by visiting the shotatamillion.com website or by calling 1-877-356-1511.

Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

The fourteen prizes amounting to $2.3 million are divided as follows:

Ages 12-17:

Nine $100,000 scholarships

Ages 18+:

Four $100,000 cash prizes

One $1 million cash prize

Those interested in getting vaccinated and registering in the lottery can click here to schedule an appointment. There are 1,467 providers spread throughout all 64 Louisiana parishes, according to LDH.
Cara, a Burmese Python, who is at Baton Rouge location of Blue Zoo Aquarium escaped from its enclosure. The St. George Fire Department about 10:20 a.m. received an urgent request for help finding the reptile and the store has been closed all day.
The Blue Zoo Aquarium inside the Mall of Louisiana has ramped up the search for Cara, the missing python, as they approach nighttime.

UPDATE Missing snake found safe in Mall of Louisiana; see video of Cara the python's rescue

As a nocturnal animal, Cara is most active at night, so staff hope it will be easier to find her. They plan to work throughout the night with the local snake experts in shifts so they can bring the snake to her enclosure safe and sound.

"This is like if we lost our child," said Ronda Swanson, Blue Zoo's chief marketing officer.

Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

A 12-foot python is missing at the Mall of Louisiana. Here's what the internet thinks about that If hearing the news of a snake slithering around Louisiana's largest mall conjured up scenes of Samuel L. Jackson vulgarly shouting about the 

The snake escaped her enclosure Monday evening, Swanson said. After they were unable to find her Monday night, the aquarium closed for the day Tuesday.

The St. George Fire Department about 10:20 a.m. received an urgent request for help finding the reptile, spokesman Eldon Ledoux said. Initially, the department said the entire mall was closed, but access was only restricted near the aquarium.

Cara is a non-venomous albino Burmese python that Swanson described as a "very sweet snake."

A Blue Zoo spokesperson said the Baton Rouge Zoo had also partnered with them in finding the snake, but a Baton Rouge Zoo spokesperson said she was not aware of any cooperation in the incident.

The Blue Zoo Aquarium of Baton Rouge opened this year in the mall, which is located off Interstate 10 near its intersection with Bluebonnet Boulevard. While they awaited updates, mall officials held reporters inside a toddler play area near the aquarium.
An appeals court has refused to reverse a Denham Springs man's second-degree murder conviction and life sentence and won't grant him a new trial in the 2013 heroin overdose of his girlfriend in Baton Rouge.

The state 1st Circuit Court of Appeal also refused Jarret McCasland's alternative request for a hearing on his claim that Flavia "Cathy" Cardenas, 19, wasn't murdered but died from a "tragic but unintentional drug overdose."

McCasland, 32, was the first person found guilty of second-degree murder in East Baton Rouge Parish under a seldom-used provision in the law that allows police to arrest someone on the charge if distributing or dispensing an illegal drug is the direct cause of the death.

Denham Springs man gets life sentence in 2013 overdose death of girlfriend, tells judge he is innocent A 27-year-old Denham Springs man was sentenced to life in prison Friday for his role in the drug overdose death of his girlfriend after a judg

The provision doesn't require prosecutors to show a defendant specifically intended to kill.

McCasland's post-conviction relief attorneys, Carol Kolinchak and Jim Boren, argued in an April appeal to the 1st Circuit that Louisiana's drug-induced homicide provision is unconstitutionally vague and "dispenses with the bedrock principle of criminal law that criminal liability is supposed to mirror the level of culpability that one actually has in the chain of events that occurred."

"Here, where the decedent died after she herself willingly bought drugs, on her own from a third-party, and willingly and knowingly ingested those drugs, also at times on her own and other times with Mr. McCasland, and later died as a result, it is a violation of the fundamental principle of criminal culpability to make Mr. McCasland responsible as her murderer," they wrote.

A three-judge 1st Circuit panel on Tuesday denied their appeal without issuing written reasons.

Boren said Wednesday that the next step is the Louisiana Supreme Court, and if necessary the federal courts "where the constitution has priority over popular opinion and the next election cycle."

Boren said he and Kolinchak are "very disappointed in the 1st Circuit decision, denying to really even look closely at the very unfair and unjust conviction of Mr. McCasland."

"All too often Louisiana courts refuse to clean up their own mess, like this, and make innocent people like Jarret sit in jail for years until a federal court actually looks at the unfairness and provides justice," he said.

East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore III, whose office prosecuted McCasland, said the 1st Circuit's denial of McCasland's latest appeal was "completely appropriate based on the law, facts and evidence gathered during this investigation and presented at trial."

Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

"His requests have been heard by other courts, all of which have denied relief," he added.

In 2017, the 1st Circuit affirmed McCasland's unanimous 2015 second-degree murder conviction and sentence on direct appeal. The court said McCasland, "along with his actions, is the type of offender the statute meant to address."

The state Supreme Court refused in 2018 and again in 2019 to review the case because his appellate lawyers filed his appeal too late.

In unique murder case, Louisiana court won't hear Denham Springs man's untimely appeal The state Supreme Court refused Monday to reconsider a Denham Springs man's untimely appeal of his murder conviction and life prison term in t

McCasland's trial attorney, Rodney Messina, argued to the jury that Cardenas purchased the heroin and injected herself with a fatal dose at her mother's house on July 26, 2013.

But a friend of Cardenas testified she saw McCasland inject Cardenas with heroin and cocaine earlier that evening at the friend's house.

McCasland, who did not testify in his own defense, told sheriff's detectives he injected Cardenas with cocaine the evening before she died but not heroin.

Cardenas died with numerous drugs in her system, including cocaine.

About a year before her death, Cardenas was taken to the hospital for a drug overdose, her mother testified. Cardenas was 17 at the time and didn't know McCasland.

Judge refuses to alter life sentence for Denham Springs man in girlfriends alleged heroin death Despite saying the mandatory sentence he imposed bothers me tremendously, a Baton Rouge state judge refused Monday to reduce a Denham Spring

Three months before she died, Cardenas and McCasland were arrested together on drug charges.
After surveillance video from Elayn Hunt Correctional Center showed an inmate dragging a female guard into a bathroom at knifepoint last summer, the woman sued the Louisiana Department of Corrections this week alleging a dangerous work environment  including chronic staffing shortages and broken cell doors  left her vulnerable to attack.

Deshunta Miller, 22, immediately reported the attack and told St. Gabriel police she was raped inside the bathroom. The inmate, Erick Dehart, was booked on a rape charge after investigators reviewed the footage and found a homemade knife in his cell.

But the case took a turn when detectives later accused Miller of having consensual sex with another inmate. About a month after the alleged rape, she was also booked on malfeasance in office and fired from her job.

Then, a grand jury indicted Miller and declined to bring charges against Dehart. Her attorney claims those decisions came amid an attempted coverup at the corrections department, where agency leaders sought to challenge her credibility and shield themselves from blame, efforts that could have influenced the grand jury proceedings.

In Elayn Hunt rape investigation, St. Gabriel police mystified after charges dropped against inmate After a female prison guard at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in St. Gabriel accused an inmate of raping her at knifepoint last summer, detect

In a lawsuit filed Tuesday in Baton Rouge federal court, Miller said the attack resulted from a "breakdown in security" and accused high-ranking corrections officials of showing deliberate indifference to the safety of their subordinates.

"Inmates were given free access to employees such as Deshunta Miller, through malfunctioning cell locks and inoperable personal safety alarms, even after the institution was warned of and was actually aware of their danger to female employees," the complaint reads.

A DOC spokesman declined to comment Wednesday, citing pending litigation.

Miller said her supervisors were well aware of longstanding security risks at Hunt, especially the wing she was assigned to monitor. She said Beaver 2 Unit 3 contains rows of maximum security cells, many with broken doors that leave them permanently unlocked. That allowed Dehart to exit his cell and attack Miller not long after her shift started on July 17, 2020, according to the complaint.

That morning, Miller was the only officer stationed in the cell block, which typically houses 64 male inmates. This was the first time she worked alone in that area: Usually at least one other guard would be stationed alongside her, she said in an interview last year.

Her beeper would work only when used outside the building  another problem supervisors knew about, she said in the complaint.

After the incident, DOC officials made several changes at Hunt, including boosting staffing levels, repairing cell doors and instituting new training procedures, according to the complaint. The department also had an outside team investigate safety protocols at the prison, the complaint said.

Miller argued those changes should have occurred long before the attack. "The failure to do so represents deliberate indifference which shocks the conscience," the complaint says.

Corrections officials have declined to release records that would shed light on some of the security concerns and resulting actions from department leadership. In response to public records requests, officials cite ongoing investigations that prevent them from releasing reports about broken cell doors, inmate discipline and internal investigations.

Among the defendants named in the lawsuit are former Hunt warden Tim Hooper, who was overseeing the prison when the attack occurred, and current warden Kirt Guerin, who was in charge of security at Beaver 2 Unit 3 at the time, according to the complaint.

Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Hooper was recently appointed warden of the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, and Guerin was chosen to replace him overseeing Hunt.

Their respective promotions suggest a serious lack of accountability, said Travis Turner, the attorney representing Miller.

+2 Broken cell doors, understaffing at Louisiana prison led to alleged rape by inmate, guard says A combination of broken cell doors and chronic understaffing created the circumstances under which a Louisiana prison inmate raped a female co

While her lawsuit proceeds in federal civil court, the criminal case against Miller also remains active in Iberville Parish district court.

She was indicted last fall on one count of malfeasance in office after Iberville Parish deputies cited evidence she was having consensual sex with another inmate, and a grand jury agreed.

Dehart, 30, avoided the rape charge  which could have kept him imprisoned for life  after also appearing before the grand jury. He remains incarcerated, serving 30 years for armed robbery out of Terrebonne Parish and five years for simple burglary out of Lafourche Parish.

Grand jury deliberations are secret and law enforcement officials offered little explanation of the decisions. District Attorney Tony Clayton said only that the case against Dehart was weakened when Miller declined to testify because "the first element of rape is lack of consent" and you often need testimony from the victim to establish that.

"Believe you me, if the evidence were there, our office would prosecute this case in a heartbeat.  But the grand jury knows best," Clayton told The Advocate last year.

Miller declined to testify partly to avoid the potential for self-incriminating statements before she had been indicted, according to her attorney. But that changed once her indictment was handed down.

Turner said he stated during a court appearance several months ago that Miller would now be willing to testify before a grand jury, but prosecutors haven't indicated whether they plan to make that happen.

When reached by phone Wednesday, Clayton declined to comment.

Turner questioned whether prosecutors are dragging their feet on the potential grand jury testimony while pursuing the charges against Miller.

"A mere observer will look at the subsequent charges brought against Ms. Miller as a retaliation to besmirch her reputation to prevent or weaken any civil case Ms. Miller would bring against the Louisiana Department of Corrections or any other entity who may have some culpability," he wrote in a recent motion requesting that Clayton recuse himself.

That motion was later denied; the case is ongoing.
A former board member of the defunct Laurel Oaks Charter School in Baton Rouge has been ordered to pay a total of $16,000 for making a $15,000 loan to the school in fall 2018 and then pocketing $4,000 in interest.

Joseph Wicker, however, said he was just trying to help the struggling school make payroll and retain staff.

Youre trying to do the right thing and after that you get penalized for doing the right thing, Wicker said Wednesday in a phone interview. Theyre trying to make it like it was some kind of devious bad thing going on and under the table and it wasnt.

The penalty was handed down last week by the Division of Administrative Law, based on a case brought by the Louisiana Board of Ethics. Wicker has until the end of July to appeal the decision to the states First Circuit Court of Appeal.

The state Board of Ethics on June 4 resolved a separate ethics case springing from the same school, which state officials closed in June 2019 after just three years in operation over concerns about the safety of students and questionable financial practices.

BESE votes to close Laurel Oaks Charter School in Baton Rouge, Smothers Academy in Jefferson Parish Less than four years after authorizing the school, the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted Thursday to close Laurel Oaks C

The other case involves the schools former chief executive officer, Stefanie Ashford. Ashford agreed to pay $2,500 to settle the matter. Ashford moved directly from being a member of the Laurel Oaks board to running the school. That, Ashford admitted, violated a provision in Louisianas ethics code that bars former members of state boards and commissions from being employed in any capacity by that same board for two years after their departure.

In Wickers case, a trio of administrative law judges decided that hed violated another provision of the ethics code barring appointed board members like Wicker from being part of a financial transaction in which the board member has a substantial economic interest.

According to the ruling, Wicker failed to respond to the charges brought by the Board of Ethics nor has he participated in any aspect of these proceedings and has not reimbursed the board for the financial windfall he derived from the loan agreement. Consequently, the judges levied the maximum allowed penalty of $10,000, plus another $6,000 that covers the $4,000 in interest that Wicker received as well as a $2,000 penalty equating to half of Wickers financial gain.

Wicker, who has not retained an attorney to represent him in the case thus far, said he has spoken more than once to Board of Ethics staff to give his side of the story and thought early on they had cleared him. He said due to his job as a trucker he was not able to be there in person and requested in vain that the hearing for the case be held over the phone.

Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Kathleen Allen, an attorney with the Board of Ethics, said her office doesn't recall him asking that the hearing be conducted via phone.

"Mr. Wicker did tell the attorney for the Board of Ethics that he was not going to participate, and he did not respond to discovery sent to him," she said.

Prior to the loan, Wicker said he had no involvement with the school. He said he made the loan because hes close to Shera Nixon, who was a board member of the school. He described her as an occasional business partner.

Wicker also claims he was not a member of the board when he loaned the money, but he joined it later because the board was short a member. He said he quit after only a short stint because hed suffered bad burns to his leg in an accident.

That account mirrors a previous timeline provided by state Department of Education in which Wicker loaned the school $15,000 to Laurel Oaks on Sept. 14, 2018 and was named a board member six days later.

In their ruling, the administrative judges, however, say that Wicker joined the board the same day he made the loan: Sept. 14, 2018. Wicker argues that thats a mistake arising from a transcription error that he wrongly thought had already been corrected.

Allen, however, pointed to the minutes of a Nov. 26, 2018, meeting where the board voted to backdate Wicker's appointment date to Sept. 14 so it coincided with the departure of the previous board member. Allen also argued that the date the loan was made is "irrelevant" because during his time serving on the board he was party to an ongoing financial transaction with the school.

Indeed, two of the three loan repayments along with interest occurred while he served on the board.

By earning interest, Wicker said he was doing what anyone else would do.

Nobodys going to give that kind of lump sum of money and not make some money on it, he said.
Crime scene tape is all that is remains in the intersection of Iberville and Bourbon streets, looking toward the 100 block of Bourbon, where at least five people were shot around 2 a.m. April 24, 2021.
Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission
This year the Australian government undertook a co-design process for an Indigenous Voice, and the public responded during consultations for that process with a clear message. Australians from all walks of life want a constitutionally enshrined First Nations Voice to the Federal Parliament to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a say in laws and policies that affect them.

But on Monday, in NAIDOC week, the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt, told the ABC that he plans to act on the work of the governments co-design process and legislate an Indigenous Voice before the next election. He claims there is not yet enough public support to move towards constitutional recognition and that further work needs to be done on the potential wording of such a provision to establish the Voice before a decision can be made on whether a referendum should be held.

School children with the Uluru Statement.

The ministers plan ignores the views of the public, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who have engaged in good faith with the governments own processes.

The Uluru Statement from the Heart was a watershed moment in this debate. It was the culmination of a series of regional dialogues and a national First Nations constitutional convention which gave us, for the first time, an authoritative statement of the views of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on the question of constitutional recognition. It is conclusive that the only option for constitutional recognition that has their clear and widespread support is a constitutionally enshrined First Nations Voice.
A Sydney man has been charged after allegedly trying to enter Parliament House without a mask and arriving in the ACT without gaining an exemption.

ACT police officers went to Parliament House about 12.40pm on Wednesday in response to reports of a man not complying with health directions.

A Sydney man will face a Canberra court on Thursday after allegedly refusing to wear a face mask and entering the ACT without a permit. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Police said the 43-year-old from Sydney was spoken to at length by officers and he was encouraged to put on a mask and apply for an exemption to be in the ACT, but he refused.

He was subsequently arrested and transported to the ACT Watch House, police said in a statement.
At the Salvos we see the human impact of lockdowns first-hand.

This week, we have been delivering food parcels to hundreds of casual workers across the city who literally have nothing to eat because they have no work.

COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on not just casual workers, but people from all walks of life. Credit:Getty Images

COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on not just casual workers, but people from all walks of life. City businesses I walk past every day have also been hit particularly hard by this fortnights event, just as they were getting back on their feet.

So, as we come out of yet another debilitating lockdown, I can understand people in the city saying it is not the right time to establish a new injecting service in the CBD, that city traders and residents have been through so much and perhaps this could wait a couple of years.
Like most Victorians, I have enormous sympathy for Stuart Schulze, the husband of Lynette Taylor, one of the four police officers killed in the Eastern Freeway tragedy. I understand his belief that the three-month sentence handed down to Richard Pusey seems an inadequate punishment for his conduct in filming and mocking the dying officers.

Mr Schulze has called for a new offence of outraging public decency to honour his late wife, and reflect the heinousness of the conduct. The offence would be a new statutory version of the old common law offence, with a punishment of up to 10 years jail.

Stuart Schulze, husband of Lynette Taylor, one of the four police officers killed in the Eastern Freeway tragedy. Credit:Darrian Traynor

However, I am concerned that a new, ramped-up version of outraging public decency is not the solution. Such an offence may create new problems down the track. It is vague, archaic and uncertain. It leaves a very wide discretion to police, and may criminalise conduct in a way that infringes civil liberties and human rights.

Outraging public decency is essentially an aggravated form of offensive behaviour. It punishes acts of a lewd, obscene or disgusting character, when done in a public place. The acts must outrage minimum standards of public decency.
A man has been charged with the murder of his mother in Melbournes east.

Allan Miller, 49, was the subject of a filing hearing at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon after he was charged over the death of 77-year-old Maureen Miller.

Police at the Whitehorse Road home on Monday night. Credit:Nine News

Police were called to their home on Whitehorse Road, Blackburn, on Monday night to check on Ms Millers welfare.

Her body was found inside the house.
The Victorian government on Wednesday announced a further easing of coronavirus restrictions to apply from 11.59pm on Thursday July 8. In this article you will find a run through of the new rules for the state. It will be updated as new information becomes available so please check back for the latest information.

Health Minister Martin Foley said the changes would bring metropolitan Melbourne into line with the rules applying to regional Victoria.

Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley has announced an easing of restrictions. Credit:Justin McManus

Masks

Masks will still be required in indoor, public-facing settings and must be carried at all times. But face coverings will no longer be mandatory in schools for students and staff or at workplaces where there is no public interaction such as offices and factories. Workplaces will also be subject to a density limit of one person per two square metres.
At least 100 Afghans who say they helped Australian troops and diplomats during the countrys long war are waiting for their visa applications to be processed while the Taliban sweeps across the country.

The United States has withdrawn 90 per cent of its forces and the Afghan government has proved incapable of halting the advance of the Taliban, which is now estimated to control about half the country and has a record of torturing and executing people who have collaborated with the US Coalition.

The United States has already left behind crucial military sites, such as the Bagram airbase, leaving the Taliban in control of much of the country. Credit:AP

More than 1480 Afghans who aided Australians and their families have been given special visas to come to Australia since 2013, according to Home Affairs figures, with 230 handed the travel documents since April, when Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the withdrawal of Australian troops.

Abdul Ghafar Stanikzai, a former human rights official in the Afghan province of Uruzgan, where Australian troops were stationed, said he had been in touch with an interpreter who had waited two years before being given a visa and was still waiting for a flight.
Cleaners and security guards have been at the front line of the COVID pandemic, relied on by governments to keep the coronavirus at bay.

But groundbreaking research by the OECD has found if you happen to work either of these jobs then one of the worst things you can hear is that your role is being outsourced. It is a near-guarantee youll get a pay cut.

Cleaners have been on the frontline against COVID-19. Credit:KIRSTEN BURGHARD

The research, which examined trends in outsourcing in Australia, the United States and Europe, found not only were cleaners and guards guaranteed to be paid less when their jobs are farmed out but they were also less likely to receive training and often found themselves getting fewer hours than they wanted.

Cleaners and guards are already among the lowest-paid workers in Australia. Their median earnings are in the bottom 20 per cent of all income earners. Guards are a little better sitting in the middle of all income earners.
Brussels: An 11-year-old boy nicknamed Little Einstein has become the youngest graduate in quantum physics.

Laurent Simons, who is half-Belgian and half-Dutch, obtained a bachelors degree with distinction from the University of Antwerp in just 18 months.

Laurent Simons, 11, is being called Little Einstein. But he prefers just Laurent. Credit:Instagram/Laurent Simons

Laurents parents are now planning his doctorate, for which he is expected to spend time in several countries, including Britain.

As well as his home country, Belgium, he will be studying in the US, Israel and the UK, too, Alexander Simons, his father, said.
Vienna: Iran has begun the process of producing enriched uranium metal, the UN atomic watchdog said, a move that could help it develop a nuclear weapon.

European powers said the decision, taken less than a month after President Ebrahim Raisi was elected, threatened to torpedo talks to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

The move was revealed by the International Atomic Energy Agency on Wednesday AEST. It also drew criticism from the United States, which called it an unfortunate step backwards.

An image from video released by Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting shows centrifuge machines at the Natanz nuclear site. Credit:IRIB/AP

Tehran said it aimed at developing fuel for a research reactor. It has already produced a small amount of uranium metal this year that was not enriched. That is a breach of the deal, which bans all work on uranium metal since it can be used to make the core of a nuclear bomb.
Surfside: Emergency workers who have spent 14 days pulling apart the rubble of a collapsed apartment tower near Miami said they were switching from rescue to recovery mode, signalling the effort to find survivors was over.

The news followed increasingly sombre reports from emergency officials, who indicated they had been preparing families for the worst outcome.

Local resident Alison Kairuz pins her hand-made sign to the fence in support of families and friends who lost love ones at a memorial site for victims. Credit:Miami Herald

Miami-Dade Assistant Fire Chief Raide Jadallah told families at a private briefing on Wednesday afternoon (Thursday AEST) that the emergency crews would remove the rescue dogs and sound devices, but otherwise would continue to search through the rubble for the bodies of their relatives.

Our sole responsibility at this point is to bring closure, he said, as relatives sobbed.
Is This All There Is? Retired And "Just Keeping Busy"? Revive Your Talents Join The Auto Channel Team







In Your First Career You've Worked Your Ass Off, In Your Second Have Fun As A Car Guy With The Auto Channel

No matter what your net worth If you have reached a mopey and disheartening point in your life where you are so bored that you are half seriously considering a just to keep busy new career as a Walmart Greeter or Amazon Prime delivery person...STOP!

To mitigate your boredom and our financial need we will exchange your talents time and money for an exciting stimulating and never boring car guy life.

The Auto Channel is offering you an opportunity to enhance the rest of your life by supercharging your automotive predilection through a collaboration and participation with an award winning automotive publication, where you can contribute your enthusiasm, smarts, talents, and energy.

An Auto Channel partnership will recharge your batteries and put some zoom zoom back in your tank by training you to become an integral part of our editorial and management team.

Don't slip quietly into the night. Have Fun! You Can't Take It With You! But You Can Acquire Accredited Car Guy Status From A Partnership Investment Made In The Auto Channel Team

For more than 25 years The Auto Channel, the Internet's original interactive editorial automotive web site has published what many consider the web's best independent editorial automotive information, shopper research and entertaining auto content, with the opportunity for much more.

The Auto Channel was created, designed, maintained, managed and produced by tribal elders, its contributors are by far the web's most experienced team of writers, producers, engineers, video producers, artists and conceptualizers of any commercial web site in the world.

To a person our team members love what The Auto Channel allows them to do and loves what it does for them. We'll bet you don't feel the same way about your retired life. What a shame...

But The Auto Channel can change that. We have reached the point of needing a Buyer or better an active investor partner to join us in the fun of creating and producing more of our wonderful automotive content...content that we plan to monetize by licensing it to thousands of Digital Shift local auto dealers, thereby replacing our historic advertising revenue that a Covid 19 "new normal" can generate in our near term traditional digital publishing future.

And If you need a traditional ROI rationale for investing in The Auto Channel, an ROI of more than just energizing your life, while having fun now while you are able to...here it is.

CarMax, America's number one used car dealer recently purchased Edmunds for 450 Million bucks to guarantee them an ongoing source of proprietary editorial content and shopper research tools to compete more aggressively for site viewers with local car dealers. They know that in the future the buying and selling of vehicles and automotive services digitally will need to competitively match consumer's web site expectations. Shoppers and researchers will respond positively to full service sticky automotive web sites that deliver deep, relevant and helpful information to enhance their user experience. A total end-to-end on-line encounter that meets expectations of both desirable transactional and relevant original (expensive to produce) editorial.

According to Bill Nash, CarMax president and CEO: "Edmunds proprietary content, comprehensive automotive market insights and streamlined user experience across the car buying and selling journey will allow us to deepen our engagement with customers shopping online."

But unlike the Edmunds content which will be used to directly compete with local dealers, The Auto Channel envisions its 26 years of content becoming a competitive element in thousands of local individual dealership web sites, just one dealer per brand per market at a low monthly subscription fee.

The Edmunds deal has set the bar for the valuation of similar automotive content and research sites. After 26 years of self-funding we understand that in order to fund new initiatives and maintain The Auto Channel we must adjust our financial thinking and recognize that unlike in the past we can't generate sufficient capital from our ad driven business model.

The Auto Channel is offering you an opportunity to enhance the rest of your life by supercharging your automotive predilection through a collaboration and participation with an award winning automotive publication, where you can contribute your enthusiasm, smarts, talents, and energy. An Auto Channel partnership will recharge your batteries and put some zoom zoom back in your tank by training you to become an integral part of our editorial and management team. The Auto Channel Partnership Deal Partnership Benefits For Capital Investment*

Car Guy Or Gal In Training

No regular hours

Work from a home, from an office (your man cave), a yacht, a plane or from anywhere in the world.

You will be trained to qualify as a new car reviewer.

You will be trained as an HTML editor so you can matter-of-factly publish content to The Auto Channel from the beach on Bali.

You will be trained as an auto journalist and after training you can qualify as a credentialed auto journalist (and live forever through your published writing)

After you qualify as an auto journalist you will be offered the opportunity to report on the world's most important automotive events as working press for The Auto Channel

After you qualify as an auto journalist you will be offered the opportunity to interview auto industry executives and motor sport personalities for publication on The Auto Channel

After you qualify as an auto journalist, you will be offered the opportunity to attend automotive-relevant trade shows and association meetings as working press for The Auto Channel

After you qualify as a published auto journalist you will be offered the opportunity to join your team members as credentialed members of professional automotive journalist associations

After training you will contribute to daily content conceptualizing and brainstorming With your investment* together we can begin to earn revenue from the storehouse of 26 years of automotive content publishing. Most importantly you will become a welcome part of our team of professional, experienced, smart, enthusiastic, excited, talented, involved and still vital and contributing far-seeing men and women. The Auto Channel can be the start of your "Second Act"

Be A Contender, Take Your Shot.

Don't slip quietly into the night.

Have Fun! You Can't Take It With You! The Auto Channel Team Andrew Frankl - A 26 Year Tenured Auto Channel Journalist

Bruce Hidaka-Gordon - A Co-founder and 27 Year Tenured Technologist and Journalist

Larry Nutson - An 18 Year Tenured Auto Channel Journalist

Henny Hemmes - A 20 Year Tenured Auto Channel Journalist (Deceased, But Living Forever Through Her Writing)

Thom Cannell - A 20 Year Tenured Auto Channel Journalist

Steve Purdy - A 20 Year Tenured Auto Channel Journalist

Marty Bernstein - A 20 Year Tenured Auto Channel Journalist

Steve Ford "The Car Guy"- A 25 Year Tenured Technologist and Journalist

Martha Hindes - A 18 Year Tenured Auto Channel Journalist

Mark Fulmer - A 27 Year Auto Journalist

John Heilig - A 25 Year Tenured Auto Channel Journalist (Really Retired)

Maureen McDonald - A 15 Year Tenured Auto Channel Journalist

Dan Poler - A 12 Year Tenured Auto Channel Journalist

Carey Russ - A 26 Year Tenured Auto Channel Journalist (Retired)

Bill Maloney - A 26 Year Tenured Auto Channel Journalist

David Colman - A 6 Year Tenured Auto Channel Journalist

Rob Eckhaus - A 6 Year Tenured Auto Channel Journalist

Steve Arnold - A 27 Year Technologist and Data Guru

Darren Embry - A 27 Year Technologist, Co-Inventor Of Our Platform and Tools

Toni Steinhauer - A 27 Year Technologist, Co-Inventor Of Our Platform and Tools

FOR SALE BY OWNERS

The Auto Channel https://www.theautochannel.com

Popular Website Available For Turnkey Sale By Owners.

Online Since 1996

LLC Registered in Kentucky

The Auto Channel, U.S. Trademark Registration No. 3301940

The Auto Channel URL and Complimentary URLs Registered

A 900,000 Page Parsed Automotive Content Library (Text, Video, Audio, Images)

Presently 500,000 Visitors Monthly (Past: as many as 6 -7 million visitors per month

The Auto Channel Annotations, Google Impression Count 6 Million per Month

The Auto Channel Site Ranked In Top 100,000 Worldwide (Alexa)

The Auto Channel Site Ranked In Top 25,000 in U.S.(alexa)

Domain Rating 70

Organic Referring Domains 20,000

Organic Back-Links 867,000

Priced for quick sale;

$2.8 - $3.2 Million.

Robert Jay Gordon, President

bgordon@theautochannel.com

Marc J. Rauch, Executive VP

mjrauch@theautochannel.com

The Auto Channel

332 West Broadway

Louisville, KY 40202
Up for debate:

Live legislation tracker

Check out the latest developments on bills pending before state lawmakers in four key topics.
Regional Editor

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.
In this Monday, Feb. 6, 2006, file photo, Kentucky state Sen. Tom Buford, R-Nicholasville, announces Senate Bill 93 which suppresses protesters at military funerals, in the Senate chamber in Frankfort, Ky. Kentucky Senate President Pro Tempore David Givens announced Tuesday, July 6, 2021, that Buford had died. He was 72.
An American flag and a State of Nevada flag wave with Red Rocks in the background.
Staff Reporter

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.
A mostly cool April, wrapping up with a little heat wave, reminds us that summer awaits on the other end of May. While I have not forgotten that summers heat and humidity is barreling towards us, I do seem to have forgotten just how brilliant the dogwood blossoms are every year. Were they this pretty last year? I think they were, but photos and memories just cant replace the real thing. Get out for a walk and enjoy them while they last. Read more
Visit Cheyenne unveiled a master plan which set the course for future investment in Laramie Countys tourism assets today. The plan centered on five distinct, broad opportunities including enhancing the visitor experience, downtown experiences and development, outdoor recreation, community branding and strengthening the travel industry framework.

The plan was developed by Visit Cheyenne in cooperation with Rudloff Solutions, students from the University of Wyomings Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Management Program and 21 stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds and businesses in Laramie County.

As part of the process, 36 previous community and economic development plans were analyzed and vetted. Interviews with community stakeholders were conducted and surveys were completed by both residents and past visitors to Cheyenne. Out of that research, the students honed in on the five major themes driving the visitor economy in Laramie County now and into the future. Under each of those themes are actionable items assigned to entities in the community for more work, with deadlines for hopeful completion.

The tourism economy is on average a $360 million industry in Laramie County, said Visit Cheyennes VP and director of marketing Jim Walter. This plan gives those of us on the front lines of tourism development the tools and the map to grow that even larger. We often times think we know where we need to be headed; the research and input behind this survey gives us clarity of purpose and facts to help move the process along.

One area that rang loudest in the research and had led to immediate action is the importance of downtown to not only visitors, but also to residents. The findings in the master plan led to Visit Cheyenne being open to the recently implemented memorandum of understanding to manage the Downtown Development Authority.

Domenic Bravo, Visit Cheyennes CEO explains, Visitors rate our downtown a 4 on a scale of 5, while residents rate it only a 3. Building a successful downtown that attracts visitors and locals and creates a vibrant community is very important to the future of the hospitality industry in Cheyenne. When we started looking at the studies and this master plan, it led to the realization that Visit Cheyenne should be playing a major role in helping downtown succeed, which then led to the current opportunity we have to lead that effort. When you create an exciting downtown environment, the people who live here, work here and visit here all benefit.

The master plan is designed as a living document and will be reviewed and updated annually. Each year the steering committee will assess the progress of the plan and may add or subtract from it as necessary. Less developed strategies will become more developed and some may be removed due to feasibility.

This document really gives Visit Cheyenne and our partner economic development agencies actionable things to work on, said Bravo. We are excited to continue moving the process forward and to make Cheyennes visitor economy stronger, more energetic and an effective source of revenue for the city, county and state.

The full Visit Cheyenne Master Plan can be downloaded at https://www.cheyenne.org/info/about-cheyenne/tourism-masterplan/.

Visit Cheyenne is the official destination marketing organization for Cheyenne and Laramie County Wyoming and is the leader in developing, promoting, and protecting the Cheyenne area tourism industry.
Instant unlimited access to all of our E-Editions and content on thechronicleonline.com.

The Chronicle E-Edition Newsletter emailed to you each week, the night before the paper hits the street!

This subscription is for NEW or RENEWING online subscribers.

(The charge will appear as "Country Media Inc." on your credit card statement)
Batavia, NY (14020)

Today

Partly cloudy. High 86F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Variable clouds with showers and scattered thunderstorms. Storms more numerous this evening. Low near 65F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
This is the temporary subscription pass for users returning from the Vision Data subscription process. Your subscription will be updated within 24 hours, after your information is verified. Please click the button below to get your pass.
DELHI - A remembrance gathering for Liz Telian, who passed away June 19, 2021, will be held for family and friends at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 17, at West Delhi Church, 45 Sutherland Road 1, Delhi, with Pastor Connie Stone. Friends may speak of their relationships with Liz. Music will be provid
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.

Follow Melanie Tucker 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
Click the image to the left and log in to get your exclusive reader perks.
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.
14-Year-Old Girl Sentenced in Death of DC Uber Eats Driver

A 14-year-old girl has been sentenced to juvenile detention over the fatal carjacking of a Uber Eats driver in Washington D.C.

The girl, who was 13 at the time of the incident on March 23, is one of two teenagers charged in connection to the death of 66-year-old Mohammad Anwar, a grandfather and immigrant from Pakistan. The identities of the two girls have not been disclosed by officials.

She will remain in juvenile detention until she is 21. According to NBC Washington, the sentence was the maximum sentence requested by prosecutors.

Alongside a 15-year-old, she used a taser on Anwar during a carjacking attempt near Nationals Park, police said.

A police homicide detective, Chad Leo, testified in court late March that witnesses told him the teen girls and the driver were arguing loudly. The witnesses said the driver complained the girls were attempting to steal his car.

Leo said one witness shot a video showing one girl behind the cars steering wheel with a Taser as the other girl partially wedged between the open drivers door sitting on top of the other girl, according to Fox Baltimore. Social media footage reviewed by The Epoch Times showed one girl starting the car as the other girl was behind the wheel as Anwar was hanging on.

The Uber Eats app on a smartphone on Aug. 18, 2020. (Ben Stansall/AFP via Getty Images)

Leo cited footage showing the car speeding down Van Street before hitting a tree box. The car then took a right turn on N Street before it hit other cars and flipped on its side, throwing Anwar from the vehicle. According to the Fox affiliate, he suffered broken ribs, a broken pelvis, and other significant injuries before he was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead.

When Mr. Anwar called out for help and bystanders came, she chose to lie about whose car it was, a prosecutor said Tuesday, reported WUSA9. [She] chose to grab the steering wheel, chose to put the car in gear, chose to repeatedly tell [the other girl] to go.

A GoFundMe for Anwars family raised $1 million.

Anwar was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend who always provided a smile when you needed one. He leaves behind a family, near and far, who cherish, love, and miss him dearly, his family wrote on the GoFundMe page.

Last month, the 14-year-old girl pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. The second teenager received the same sentence in June. Other charges against the teenagers were dropped as part of their plea deals with prosecutors.

Jack Phillips contributed to this report.
Laurie Wickens, president of the Shag Harbour Incident Society, in Shag Harbour, N.S., on Sept. 16, 2017. (The Canadian Press/Andrew Vaughan)

1967 Shag Harbour UFO Incident Still Draws Interest

The fishing community of Shag Harbour has a unique attraction for tourists passing through southwest Nova Scotia: an interpretive centre commemorating one of Canadas most famous UFO incidents.

Retired fisherman Laurie Wickens is president of the Shag Harbour UFO Incident Society that operates the centre. On the unforgettable night of Oct. 4, 1967, he was driving his 56 Pontiac accompanied by four friends when some unusual lights appeared in the sky.

There were four of them. One would go on in every part and all be on for a second, then all go off, and then theyd start over in that sequence, Wickens, who was 17 at the time, recalled in an interview.

We were just thinking it was a plane. We saw it for three or four minutes. It went from flying level to a 45-degree angle [downward] and we lost sight of it.  We went to the top of the hill. [From there] we saw the lights go in the water.

Wickens found a payphone. We called the RCMP and reported a plane crash. He didnt believe me at first, he said of the officer who took his call.

The Coast Guard boat went out, the fishing boats went out. Nothing was found.

As Wickens, RCMP officers, and other local residents watched from the shoreline, they saw a large orange light moving slowly across the water for about half an hour before it disappeared.

Two days later, Royal Canadian Navy divers with the Fleet Diving Unit Atlantic combed the seafloor of the Gulf of Maine off Shag Harbour looking for the object, which had been seen by scores of people including airline pilots and fishermen, but found nothing.

In recent times, UFO events are sometimes called unidentified aerial phenomenon (UAP). On June 25, the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence released a preliminary report concerning over acknowledged UAPs between 2004 and 2021.

The report examined 144 sightings of unidentified aerial phenomenon by Navy pilots and others. Pilots reported near-misses with UAPs 11 times, while unusual patterns or flight characteristics were noted in 18 incidents.

Canada has also has its share of claimed sightings, with hundreds reported every year.

The Shelburne Connection

On the same night that Wickens and his friends saw the strange lights over Shag Harbour, 12-year-old Chris Styles saw a similar-looking UFO from his bedroom window that looked out over the waterfront 250 kilometres away in Dartmouth, N.S.

Since the early 1990s, Styles has researched the Shag Harbour incident extensively and written two books on the subject.

You had about 70 witnesses, including three RCMP officers who were on duty. They saw it in the air and on the water, Styles said in an interview.

He located a telex from Canadian Maritime Command to the Navy diving unit.

At the top, they write UFO in big letters and underline it three times and put exclamation marks behind it, he said. A memo by Colonel W. W. Turner reported, The Rescue Coordination Centre conducted preliminary investigation and discounted the possibilities that the sighting was produced by an aircraft, flares, floats, or any other known objects.

Officially, at least, the object was not found, something Styles said seems curious.

You have to wonder about something that everybody agrees, even by the smallest estimate, was 60 feet across and circular and entered the water there. And the sound is pretty shallow, [yet] nobody found anything.

When the RCMP went out in fishing boats to investigate, they saw something else that was curious aside from the orange light that had been seen for 30 minutes: a swathe of yellowish foam sitting on the water.

There was a large streak of foam that was about 80 feet wide, half a mile long, where [the UFO] had gone along the surface of the water after it hit the surface, Styles said.

Seven divers were sent down, and those are the guys I found [to interview]. It was very easy for me because my best friend in high school, his dad trained all the divers and was running the unit at the time.

Remarkably, the Navy divers and other military sources told Styles something they never told the public: The UFO later travelled to nearby Shelburne, nearly 50 kilometres northwest.

The thing was moving under the water. [The Navy] had the Argus and S-2s dropping sonar buoys and were tracking it, he explained. Supposedly it came to rest on the seabed halfway between Government Point and the lighthouse on McNutts Island.  There were two [UFOs] sitting on the bottom there and one was giving some kind of assistance to the other.

Styless sources told him that the UFOs stayed in the waters off Shelburne for a week until a Russian submarine entered the area, which was challenged by U.S. and Canadian ships that were on the scene.

[The UFOs] start moving under the water back towards the Gulf of Maine. Once they get there just beyond Bon Portage Island, but still in the outer part of Shag Harbour, they surface and fly away.

Unlike the copious paper trail of the Shag Harbour sighting, there is no hard evidence to back claims of the existence of UFOs at Shelburne.

Although the Shag Harbour UFO event happened over 50 years ago, its lore remains. In 2019, the Royal Canadian Mint made a $20 silver coin that depicts a disc with four lights that glow in the dark. Wickens bought 200 of them for the Shag Harbour UFO Incident Society.
A woman reads near the fountain at Washington Square Park in New York on June 18 2021. (Kena Betancur/AFP via Getty Images)

A Tale of Two Cities

Commentary

We hear much about individual rights these days, but very little about personal responsibilities. Thats untenable. Our freedom to exercise the former cannot long exist without accepting our duty to fulfill the latter.

Yes, failing to enforce rights leads to despotism. But the opposite can be almost as bad. Allowing people to openly shirk their moral obligations generates moral dissipation, cultural decadence, and precipitous social decline.

In our time, the rights/responsibilities paradigm has become seriously unbalanced. A pronounced sense of rights entitlement has eclipsed the responsibilities side of the ledger, leading to serious consequences. For example, once thriving politically progressive municipalitiessuch as Minneapolis, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Portlandare buckling under serious crime waves and lifestyle degradation.

It doesnt have to be that way. There is a ready curativeif municipal leaders would only find the courage apply the lesson. Lets call it a tale of two cities that contrasts the experience of New York with that of San Francisco.

I am old enough to remember when NYC was a frightening place. One memory stands out vividly. Circa 1978, I made my first visit to Gotham. I was excited, but wary. New Yorks reputation was of a very dangerous place.

On the first day, I visited the library on 5th Avenue. Afterwards, I walked through Bryant Park behind the famous edifice. I suddenly felt like prey! Rough looking young men were engaged in what appeared to be drug deals. As I walked through the park, a few seemed to be following me with more than mischief on their minds. I immediately flagged a cab and made my escape.

Some two decades later, I traveled to New York on a book tour. I had some free time and happily took full advantage. The city was now widely viewed as safe. I walked around Midtown and decided to check out Bryant Park. Instead of thugs and drug dealers, women lay on blankets sunning themselves and giggling children played tag. I marveled at the change.

What happened? Its simple, really. Starting in the early 90s, Mayor Rudy Giuliani and other civic leaders demanded legal accountability for even minor infractions such as graffiti tagging, public urination, and subway turnstile jumping.

Their innovative policy implemented what is known as broken windows theory, a controversial academic hypothesis that social disorder causes productive citizens to withdraw, leading to increased cultural dysfunction, which results in more crime, which produces a greater sense social disorder, and even more pronounced withdrawal. Down and down a citys life goes in a continuing spiral of social decline.

Giulianis moral accountability campaign focused not only increased law enforcement for petty crimes, but also lured residents back into the streets by cleaning the city and beautifying and policing open spaces.

New York soon enjoyed a renaissance. Tourists arrived in droves. Parks that had been surrendered to criminals became oases for families. Serious crime dropped to levels considered impossible only a few years before.

For example, in 1990, there were a whopping 2,605 murders and 112,380 robberies in the city. In 2001, Giulianis last year in office, the number was down to 960 and 36,555 respectively. In 2017, there were only 550 murders in New York and robberies declined in 2019 to only 18,068. Any way you look at it, thats an incredible achievement!

As if participating in a scientific experiment, San Franciscos leaders took the exact opposite approach, and experienced a predictably reverse outcome. San Francisco was once world class. But in recent years, it has literally gone in the toilet as a consequence of idiotic policy decisions steeped in progressive ideology.

I witnessed the disaster first-hand having lived in or near the City by the Bay from 1992 until early 2017. For example, during the height of the AIDS crisis, needle exchange was instituted that permitted drug addicts to trade used hypodermics for new onesthe idea being to inhibit the spread of HIV by eradicating needle sharing.

By 2015, San Franciscos hypodermic policy slouched into needle giveaway, no exchange required. The outcome? Needlesperhaps infected with HIV or hepatitis virusesnow litter the citys streets and parks.

Ditto human feces that now befouls San Franciscos sidewalks. It started when cops stopped enforcing laws against public urination. I remember vividly the stench of urine in BART subway stations and on Market Street, the citys main downtown thoroughfare.

Once they were allowed to piss in the streets, it didnt take long before the citys ubiquitous homeless population also began defecating on sidewalks and in gutters between parked cars. It got so bad that a poop map was conjured warning people where human feces had been found.

How much of an open sewer had the city become? In 2018, there were 28,000 poop sightings. When I visited Cairo in 2019, I noticed with dismay that the Third World city was cleaner than San Francisco. What a scandal!

And let us not forget the citys shop lifting epidemic that has destroyed the once thriving retail environment. After the voters of California passed a state-wide initiative making theft of less than $950 a misdemeanor, the SF district attorney stopped prosecuting most property crimes.

Predators got the message, and it was soon open season on retailers. Videos went viral of thieves filling sacks with goods and simply walking out of stores. The shop lifting epidemic became so egregious that Walgreens closed 17 of its San Francisco stores because theft losses destroyed their profitability.

On the positive side, violent crime has not shown a similar spike. But if broken windows theory is even partially valid, it might just be a matter of time. Regardless, the quality of life in the San Francisco has gotten so poor that 40 percent of residents in a recent poll indicated they are planning on leaving the city.

Meanwhile, New York has abandoned Giuliani law enforcement policiesand is reaping predictably pre-Giuliani outcomes: There has been a recent 68 percent spike in gun violence; Beautiful Washington Square Park is overrun by drug dealers; and, as in the bad old days, residents are feeling unsafe on the streets.

Charles Dickens great Tale of Two Cities begins with these immortal lines, It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness  it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.

The same can be said of our contemporary tale of two cities. New Yorkalthough in danger of backslidingproved that enforcing personal responsibility elevates life for everyone. San Francisco demonstrates that enabled dissipation leads to societal implosion.

So, in which direction, America? The best of times or the worst? Rights with responsibilities or embraced decline. In a free society, that choice is up to us.

Wesley J. Smith is chairman of the Discovery Institutes Center on Human Exceptionalism.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Arizona Lawmakers at Odds Over Critical Race Theory Ban

Arizona legislators shared opposing views on July 5 regarding legislation in the newly signed state budget that prohibits the teaching of critical race theory (CRT) in public schools and workplaces.

Some see the measure as a positive step, while others see it as a setback.

I think it is really unfortunate. It really is a false narrative that they are pushing with this demonization of critical race theory, state Sen. Martin Quezada said.

The prohibition on teaching CRT in Arizonas public schools is included in the Republican governors spending plan, which earmarks $6.2 billion for K12 education.

The ban, which carries potential fines and the possible loss of teaching licenses, targets instruction that inherently discriminates against one particular race over past historical injustices.

Quezada, a Democrat, said that none of this is currently being taught in Arizona public schools.

Theyre confusing a lot of other issues with CRT, such as equity and justice. It does our kids a real disservice to try and ban that type of discussion in our schools, he said. Its definitely a national trend, and its being pushed by a radical wing of the conservative party.

In recent months, Arizona Republicans have joined a growing national conservative backlash against CRT. Critics of the doctrine argue that it infers that one race is inherently racist and should be discriminated against or feel guilty because of their race.

In a May 10 joint letter to the Biden Administration, Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich signed on with attorneys general from 19 other states to express deep concerns about proposed priorities issued by the U.S. 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 stated.

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, in an undated photo provided on June 10, 2021. (Mark Brnovich)

The letter defined CRT as an ideological construct that analyzes and interprets American history and government primarily through the narrow prism of race [and class conflict]. Similarly, the 1619 Project seeks to reframe the countrys history.

Though the Department does not overtly refer to CRT in its priorities, it is prioritizing teaching this highly controversial ideology through the vehicle of [a] grant program, the letter reads. Its theories posit that our nations values, ideals, foundations, and institutionsthe things Congress intended to promoteinstead produce inequity demanding actions to modify this result.

The National Education Associationthe largest teachers union in the countrysaid it will resist those opposed to teaching CRT in schools and doubled down on its support for the 1619 Project.

At its recent annual meeting, the NEA adopted New Business Item 39, which defends the teaching of CRT in schools as reasonable and appropriate.

It is reasonable and appropriate for the curriculum to be informed by academic frameworks for understanding and interpreting the impact of the past on current society, including critical race theory, the item stated.

Two Arizona Senate billsone of which was vetoed by the governor, the other of which failed in the Senatesought to address CRT teachings in the workplace and in schools as being incompatible with American ideals and values.

State Rep. Judy Burges, a Republican, said a bill she supported included her amendment, which would have required in civics lessons a comparative discussion of political ideologies, such as communism and totalitarianism, that conflict with the principles of freedom and democracy essential to the founding principles of the United States.

Burges said the Senate version of the measure died on the floor during the last legislative session prior to the governor signing the budget.

We need to elect a Superintendent of Public Instruction that will implement the requirements as outlined under statute. The requirement to teach the dangers of communism is [in the law] already, Burgess said.

If they continue to ignore the law, [theres] the possibility of legislative hearings, Attorney General involvement, or last-resort withholding revenues until [theres] compliance. Maybe we need a full investigation of how CRT and social justice already found their way into the classroom.

Arizona Sen. Kelly Townsend, a Republican, told The Epoch Times that its important to teach children about race using a wide-angle lens and not minimizing the unsavory parts of our past.

However, included in critical race theory are the concepts that by the very nature of having white skin a person is inherently racist, either consciously or unconsciously. It further teaches that current individuals are responsible for the actions of generations long since passed, and therefore ought to bear the consequence of their ancestors transgressions. These concepts are racist at their very core and only perpetuate the racial divide that has crept into our society, Townsend said.

Our cultures will not heal by using this attempt to pay back the white man of today for the transgressions of yesterday. I am glad Arizona has taken a strong stand against this racism in our schools. It has no place in our state.

Kathy Hoffman, the Arizona superintendent of public instruction, didnt respond to a request for comment by press time.

Scot Mussi, president of the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, a nonprofit economic and political watchdog group, said the state budget legislation banning CRT in schools is a first step to start rooting that out in the classroom.

We do think that further measures will be needed as this issue continues to play out in our schools. Its an issue were going to watch very closely. It is being taught [in schools]. Often they try to disguise it with what is being taught, Mussi said.
Sydneysiders queue outside a vaccination centre for their dose of vaccine in Sydney, Australia on June 24, 2021. (Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images)

Aussies Could Soon Get Vaccinated at Local Woolies, Bunnings, or Officeworks

Australian businesses are putting up their hands to provide public vaccinations sites to their local communities as the rollout is expected to ramp up in September.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Lieutenant-General John Frewen met with business leaders to discuss how industries could get involved in the national vaccine rollout effort.

Commonwealth GPs and hubs, and state and territory clinics will remain the backbone of the plan, Frewen told reporters today. But I think  it will be really important for people to have a more diverse range of ways to access the vaccine.

Tens of millions of Pfizer and yet-to-be approved Moderna vaccines are scheduled to arrive in September. But there are concerns about the lack of vaccine workers required for an accelerated rollout.

Prior to todays meeting, Woolworths had already offered to set up public vaccine pop-up hubs for the government.

As Australias largest private employer, weve rolled out flu vaccinations to our workforce over many years with specialist health providers, Woolworths Group head of COVID response Ross Spencer said in a statement.

Wed welcome the opportunity to do the same with the COVID vaccine, particularly for our frontline teams providing an essential service to Australian communities.

Frydenberg said Wesfarmers had also brought up the opportunity to set up vaccination grounds in Bunnings and Officeworks.

It was agreed by all members present that businesses will write to all their workers about the importance of being vaccinated, Frydenberg said, adding that some also agreed to reach out to their customer base.

However, Australian Industry Group CEO Innes Willox said the government would need to provide these companies with the same indemnity protections that those in the medical industry currently have.

Workers compensation does not provide appropriate or affordable protections for businesses against adverse vaccine reactions, Willox said. Businesses need the same indemnities that the Government gives to itself, doctors, and pharmaceutical companies.

The Treasurer also revealed there were extensive discussions on businesses to give incentives to customers who get the jab, such as airlines providing free frequent flyer points and other benefits.

A number of businesses raised very interesting and exciting ideas about how they can put their resources to work, Frydenberg said.

Business leaders who attended the meeting include the heads of the big four banks, supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths, airlines Qantas and Virgin, and telco giants Telstra and Optus.
Beijing Admits Trade War with Australia Is Politically Motivated

Beijing has officially admitted it is running a trade war against Australia to punish the nation for not siding with the communist regime on political and ideological grounds.

Beijing has previously stated its trade sanctions and bans on multiple Australian goods like beef, wine, barley, timber, and coal, were due to poor quality control and pests, or other non-political reasons.

However, the spokesperson for the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zhao Lijian, told reporters point-blank on July 6 that Australia would not be able to freely trade and profit from China while it stood against it on international affairs.

We will not allow any country to reap benefits from doing business with China while groundlessly accusing and smearing China and undermining Chinas core interests based on ideology, Zhao said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian speaks at the daily media briefing in Beijing, China on Apr. 8, 2020. (Greg Baker/ AFP)

Zhao also blamed the Australian government for its industries losing business, saying that the trade sanctions were justified as Australia had stood against China and supported other countries and that as a result, its people would pay for misguided government policies.

The CCPs spokespersons comments come amid worsening tensions between Australia and China after the Australian governments call for an inquiry into the origins of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) virus in April of 2020 angered the CCP who accused Australia of pandering to Washington.

It also escalated the CCPs pre-existing frictions over the Morrison government banning of Huawei from Australias 5G network following concerns regarding its potential for espionage, and Australias strong stance on Chinas behaviour in the South China Sea.

Australia had previously declared that Chinas claims in the South China Sea had no legal basis and were invalid.

The rift has also been widened by Canberras announcement it would be tearing up the Belt and Road Initiative deal between Beijing and Victoria as it was inconsistent with Australias foreign policy.

CCPs Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin responded to the announcement by telling Australia that it needed to redress its mistakes and change course.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg defended Australias actions, saying that Australia would not give way to Beijings economic coercion nor prioritise the financial benefits of maintaining a positive trade relationship with the communist regime.

We will not put economic interests first, we will put the broader national interest first, Frydenberg told reporters.

That means standing with a very clear and consistent sense of where our national interest is and that is what we have done under Prime Minister Morrison.

AAP contributed to this report.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken listens during a press conference at the Fiera di Roma in Rome on June 28, 2021. (Andres Solaro/AFP via Getty Images)

Blinken Holds Meeting With Uyghur Survivors of Chinas Internment Camps

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a virtual meeting on July 6 with a group of Uyghurs, including internment camp survivors, and affirmed the United States commitment to ending Beijings ongoing crimes against humanity and genocide in Chinas far-western Xinjiang region.

The United States will continue to place human rights at the forefront of our China policy and will always support the voices of activists, survivors, and family members of victims who courageously speak out against these atrocities, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement following the meeting.

Price warned that the United States could place additional U.S. sanctions on Chinese officials responsible for crimes against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities.

As we deem appropriate, I suspect well be employing additional tools going forward to hold to account those officials responsible for what has taken place there, Price said during a daily briefing on July 6.

In Chinas Xinjiang Province, more than 1 million Uyghurs and other majority-Muslim minorities are currently being held in Chinese internment camps, where they face forced labor, torture, sexual abuse, political indoctrination, forced abortion, and forced sterilization. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has claimed that those camps are vocational training centers for curbing extremism.

The United States designated the suppression campaign in Xinjiang as a form of genocide in January. Since then, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and the UK have followed suit.

According to Price, Blinken wanted to hold the meeting so that he could hear firsthand their stories, [and] to hear firsthand their impression of the ongoing atrocities in Xinjiang, as well as hear any recommendations they might have.

The State Department didnt release the names of the seven Uyghur attendees at the meeting, only saying that they were former detainees, advocates, and relatives of individuals detained in Xinjiang.

Rayhan Asat, an international human rights lawyer and a nonresident senior fellow at the Washington-based think tank Atlantic Council, was one of the seven participants, according to her Twitter account.

I discussed my brother Ekpars illegal imprisonments, solitary confinement, and my goal at the @AtlanticCouncil to redress and bring an end to the mass atrocities in Xinjiang, Asat wrote, recounting her talks with Blinken in a series of Twitter posts.

Her brother Ekpar, a businessman, was disappeared in April 2016 and was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2020 after being convicted on charges of inciting ethnic hatred and ethnic discrimination in a secret trial. In January, he communicated with his family for the first time since his disappearance via a video call but looked pale and looked as though he had lost significant weight.

Asat also recounted telling Blinken how the secretary of state had said earlier this year that the United States needed to engage China from a position of strength.

She recalled telling Blinken: This cannot be through mere factional opposition. Americas strength must come from seriously opposing genocide.

And so, Secretary Blinken, I ask you the question which is echoing right now between the narrow walls of my innocent brothers prison cell: America, America are you still there? she said.

Omer Kanat, executive director of Washington-based nonprofit Uyghur Human Rights Project, also took to Twitter to recount his meeting with Blinken.

Huge thanks to [Blinken] for a very constructive roundtable today. We appreciate his leadership on action to end the Uyghur genocide, especially coordinated sanctions and the G-7 commitment on Uyghur forced labor in global supply chains, Kanat wrote.

In March, the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Canada announced coordinated sanctions against Chinese officials responsible for human rights abuses against Uyghurs. Last year, several Chinese officials and entities were slapped with U.S. sanctions for the same reasons, including Chen Quanguo, a member of the CCPs powerful Politburo.

The whereabouts of another missing Uyghur was also recently revealed. On July 2, the Washington-based nonprofit Campaign for Uyghurs (CFU) issued a statement saying that the Chinese regime had confirmed the imprisonment of Dr. Rahile Dawut, who went missing in December 2017. Dawut was a professor at Chinas Xinjiang University.

I feel infuriated to hear that my mother is in prison, while the Chinese authorities kept silent on this matter for more than three years, Akida Pulat, Dawuts daughter and CFUs director of outreach, said in a statement.

This sad news only strengthens my determination to speak up on the atrocities committed by the Chinese regime. I am sincerely asking for help from human rights organizations.
People look out from a balcony onto the collapsed and subsequently demolished Champlain Towers South condominium building in Surfside, Fla., on July 6, 2021. (Lynne Sladky/AP Photo)

Building Collapse Lawsuits Seek to Get Answers, Assign Blame

The quest to learn why a Florida condo building collapsed has already moved to the legal system, even before rescuers finish searching for victims and possible survivors.

Authorities have opened criminal and civil investigations into the collapse of the oceanfront Champlain Towers South, which killed at least 36 people and left more than 100 missing. At least six lawsuits have been filed by Champlain Towers families.

The whole world wants to know what happened here, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava told a news conference Tuesday. Everyone, she said, wants to know what could have been prevented and how we make sure it never happens again.

Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle has pledged to bring the matter to a grand jury, which will gather evidence and hear testimony, and could recommend criminal charges or needed reforms.

One lawyer involved in the litigation said the collapse raises widespread concerns about infrastructure issues and the trust put in those responsible for them.

We deserve to be able to walk into buildings without worrying that theyre going to come crumbling around us and to know that our loved ones can go to bed at night without worrying that theyre going to plummet 12 stories to the ground below in their sleep, said Jeffrey Goodman, whose Philadelphia-based firm filed suit on behalf of the children of missing resident Harold Rosenberg.

Workers walk past the collapsed and subsequently demolished Champlain Towers South condominium building in Surfside, Fla., on July 6, 2021. (Lynne Sladky/AP Photo)

The lawsuits filed to date accuse the Champlain Towers South Condominium Association, and in some cases a local architect and engineer, of negligence for failing to address serious structural problems noted as far back as 2018. A Surfside town building inspector had also been part of the discussions, and Goodmans firm has given notice of plans to add the town as a defendant.

The role of building owners and architects and engineers and inspectors and safety professionals is to make sure that buildings are safe for their occupants to be in, Goodman said.

At a hearing Friday, a judge appointed a receiver to represent the condominium associations interests given the trauma experienced by board members, one of whom remains missing. The board has about $48 million in insurance coverage, while the oceanfront land is valued at $30 million to $50 million, the judge was told.

The judge said he hoped the litigation could be resolved quickly, perhaps within a year. Until then, he authorized the receiver, attorney Michael Goldberg, to provide $10,000 each to residents for temporary housing and $2,000 to cover funeral expenses.

Attorney Robert Mongeluzzi, who also represents the Rosenberg family and is seeking access to the site, said cases such as these are not just about the money.

They want to make this a quest to find out what happened, Mongeluzzi said. We believe that evidence is still there.

Neither condominium association board members nor their attorneys responded to emails seeking comment.

Rescue crews work in the rubble of the collapsed Champlain Towers South condominium building in Surfside, Fla., on July 6, 2021. (Lynne Sladky/AP Photo)

One prior case with possible legal parallels involves the 2013 collapse in Philadelphia of an unbraced brick wall of a building that was being demolished. It toppled onto an adjacent Salvation Army store, killing six people and injuring 13. One woman was found alive 13 hours later, but lost both legs and endured more than 30 surgeries before her death this year.

In the trials that followed, jurors reviewed emails that detailed a preexisting dispute over the demolition, and found the Salvation Army, the buildings owner and his architect largely responsible. The parties then agreed to pay $227 million in damages.

On the criminal side, the architect received immunity in exchange for cooperating with prosecutors, and the wealthy building owner was never charged. However, a food cart operator-turned-contractor was sentenced to 15 to 30 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter, though he was acquitted of third-degree murder. A forklift driver who was taking prescription drugs for an injury also went to prison after taking a plea deal.

It was a tragedy, no question about it. It could have been avoided, lawyer William Hobson, who represents imprisoned contractor Griffin Campbell, said Tuesday.

Still, he believes the people most culpable walked free while the two guys at the bottom of the food chain were prosecuted based on race (and) social inequality. Campbell continues to appeal the conviction, with support from some victims families.

The deaths prompted officials in Philadelphia to inspect demolition sites across the city and increase their oversight, which was widely perceived as lax.

In Florida, a grand jury is still reviewing the 2018 collapse of a pedestrian bridge at Florida International University that killed six people. And both manslaughter and third-degree felony murder charges were filed following the 1996 accidental crash of ValuJet 592 in the Everglades that killed 110 people.

Denis Bender, a tort law professor at Chapman University in Orange County, California, who studies widescale disasters, sees a growing tendency in such cases not just to seek damages but to pursue criminal charges, often for negligence. He said that could be because the public now sees them unfold in real time, as happened with the harrowing images beamed from Surfside around the world in the last week.

I think its increasing because of the media and social medianot necessarily because theres a drumbeat out there, but everybodys horrified by what they can see. And theres this cry for justice, Binder said.

On something spectacular like this, in todays world, theres great pressure to find fault, he said. And theres enough evidence already (in Surfside) that people have made bad decisions.

The remaining structure of the Champlain Towers South condo building is demolished more than a week after it partially collapsed, in Surfside, Fla. on July 4, 2021. (Lynne Sladky/AP Photo)

By Mary Claire Dale and Curt Anderson
Kali Fontanilla, a former teacher at Rancho San Juan High School in Salinas, Calif., who moved to Florida after speaking out against critical race theory and Black Lives Matter. (Courtesy Kali Fontanilla)

California Teacher Moves to Florida After Exposing Critical Race Theory in Ethnic Studies

A high school teacher in Salinas Valley has quit her job and moved out of state over what she called leftist indoctrination of students in California classrooms through ethnic studies programs.

Kali Fontanilla, 39, told The Epoch Times that she taught in the state for about 15 years, but left her teaching position at Rancho San Juan High School in Salinas, California, and moved to Florida this year after being threatened and bullied on social media for opposing critical race theory (CRT) components in the ethnic studies program and denouncing the group Black Lives Matter (BLM).

When all the BLM riots started happening, I started very publicly speaking against the organization, basically saying theyre calling to abolish the police and defund the police, Fontanilla said. I got called a rightwing piece of [expletive] and all kinds of stuff.

Officials at the Salinas Union High School District (SUHSD) have repeatedly denied that its ethnic studies curriculum is based on CRT. However, some parents, grandparents, and concerned citizens joined Fontanilla in speaking out and showed up at a recent board meeting to oppose the curriculum.

Fontanilla wrote a letter to SUHSD that was read aloud in public comments at the school board meeting on June 22.

Im a minority voice, not because Im a black teacher, but because I believe that allowing all of this CRT and BLM indoctrination in the classroom is unbalanced, too political, and will only do more harm in race relations and alienating our students that may not agree with these movements, she wrote. Im a minority because I cannot speak out against this without fear of consequence.

I have seen lessons given to our students that glorify the founder of BLMs Patrisse Cullors even though shes an admitted trained Marxist, practices hate speech against all police officers, and is the founder of a far-left organization.

Patrisse Cullors, a co-founder of Black Lives Matter, speaks in Los Angeles, Calif., in a file photograph. (Rich Fury/Getty Images for Teen Vogue)

Marxist Connection

According to the Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute, CRT originally developed from critical legal studies, which formed in the 1970s. As described in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, critical theories are largely rooted in ideas inspired by Marxism, with stated objectives such as explain[ing] what is wrong with current social reality and providing achievable practical goals for social transformation.

While Marx focused on class struggles between the bourgeois and the proletariat, CRT focuses on the struggle between white oppressors and oppressed other races.

In recent years, CRT has gained support among left-wing activist groups, academia, and some government representatives. But many other activists, intellectuals, and parents of school children are increasingly speaking out against CRT. Several states have banned CRT in public schools and other government institutions.

Cullors created the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter and co-founded BLM with Alicia Garza and Opal Tometi in 2013. In a 2018 interview with Democracy Now, she said her mentor is Eric Mann, a member of the radical-left militant groups Students for a Democratic Society and the Weather Underground, which bombed government buildings and police stations in the 1960s and 1970s.

In a 2015 interview with Jared Ball of The Real News, Cullors said: We actually do have an ideological frame. Myself and Alicia, in particular, are trained organizers. We are trained Marxists. We are super-versed on, sort of, ideological theories, and I think that what we really tried to do is build a movement that could be utilized by many, many black folk.

Cullors abruptly resigned from the BLM Global Network Foundation in May in the wake of allegations that BLM has funneled money to an art business managed by the father of her child, and that Cullors had spent $3.2 million to purchase four homes across the country since 2016.

For more than a year, Fontanilla said she noticed California schools completely embraced BLM without questioning it.

Parents need to know whats happening in our schools. Its being snuck into their homeroom and also under the guise of ethnic studies, she said.

Fontanilla said that one of the ethnic studies lessons from SUHSD asks students to rank their privilege and divide themselves into groups of oppressors and oppressed. Students are also asked the loaded question of what they will do to support BLM.

Fontanilla said the students are held hostage because they cant opt-out of the classes.

A piece of proposed legislation, Assembly Bill 101 (AB 101), would make ethnic studies a high school graduation requirement in California. The state Assembly voted 589 in favor of the bill in May, moving it forward in the legislative process.

Voices of Monterey Bay

Fontanilla also criticized the Voices of Monterey Bay, which bills itself as a not-for-profit bilingual news organization serving Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. But some opponents have called it a leftist activist group that has entered into an agreement with SUHSD to work with students.

I have researched the organization that you want to pay to teach our students, Voices of Monterey, that dox police officers before they even get a chance for a fair trial. They have called to defund police and have sponsored a replacement organization for the police, Fontanilla wrote in her letter.

SUHSD Superintendent Dan Burns said in a statement emailed to The Epoch Times that Voices of Monterey Bay is a local online news service thats renting a classroom on one of the campuses to provide their annual journalism boot camp for students who sign up.

Burns said that attendees at the meeting misrepresented the agreement with Voices of Monterey Bay.

Their false accusation was that they would use the space to teach CRT, he said.

A Memorandum of Understanding states that the district will provide two classrooms free of charge and that Voices of Monterey Bay will provide the journalism curriculum.

Parent and CRT opponent Kelly Schenkoske told The Epoch Times that Voices of Monterey Bay isnt teaching fair and balanced news reporting, but promoting political activism masquerading as journalism.

This district doesnt want the truth to get out, she said.

Kali Fontanilla, a former teacher at Rancho San Juan High School in Salinas, Calif., was given a gift from the school district, which included a Black Educators Matter mask. (Courtesy Kali Fontanilla)

Black Educators Matter

Fontanilla advised the board to reconsider its support of the divisive teachings of the ethnic studies program.

I have decided to resign from the district which is the only reason I feel brave enough to speak up without fear of repercussions, she said. I believe the district should refocus on making sure our kids are reading at grade level rather than the leftist indoctrination.

To illustrate how counterproductive this has become, I received a gift from the district just for being a black teacher that was the most insulting gift I ever received.

The gifts consisted of expired Avon products and a mask that said Black Educators Matter, she said in the letter.

What if a white teacher had a mask that stated, White Teachers Matter? she asked.

It had a letter that had pagan religious reading about how Im a god, some dollar store hand sanitizer, and an I Love Being Black sticker with the BLM fist, she said.

Fontanilla later told The Epoch Times that it was a really weird gift because she was considered a black teacher at the school.

Im Jamaican and white, she said.

Fontanilla also noted that she was troubled by the differential treatment she received from the district.

I do not appreciate constantly being pandered to and treated differently because of the color of my skin especially since I did not have the freedom to not go along with it. So please keep the CRT BLM Voices of Monterey far-left indoctrination out of our schools, she wrote in her letter to the board.

Several people in the crowd cheered after the letter was read. One person shouted, Bring her back!

CRT Does Not Have a Single Definition

Burns denied that the ethnic studies curriculum is based on CRT in a statement emailed to The Epoch Times.

The course was not developed based on Critical Race Theory, he said.

CRT does not have a single definition, and what is lost in ideological interpretation is why schools are offering this course.

That comment leaves open the possibility of significant overlap between the curriculum and ideas often associated with CRT.

Burns said that the district approved ethnic studies as an elective course three years ago, after five years of research and development.

Subsequently, after additional research, stakeholder feedback, and alignment with the California Ethnic Studies Model curriculum, the Board of Trustees approved a one-semester Ethnic Studies course as a graduation requirement beginning with the class of 2024, he said.

Burns said that the ethnic studies course wasnt designed and approved based on CRT.

But as aligned with the State Framework, CRT is addressed in our course as one of the frameworks within the K-12 Ethnic Studies Outcomes list, he said.

That framework includes:

1. Pursuit of justice and equity;

2. Working toward greater inclusivity;

3. Furthering self-understanding;

4. Developing a better understanding of others;

5. Recognizing intersectionality;

6. Promoting self-empowerment for civic engagement;

7. Supporting a community focus; and

8. Developing interpersonal communication

Burns added that 9th-grade students within the district completed the required ethnic studies course this year without issue or controversy.

Hiding in Plain Sight

BLEXIT California state director Barbara George said that CRT is clearly part of the ethnic studies program, whether school administrators choose to admit it or not.

Theyre hiding it in plain sight, she told The Epoch Times. Its like watching a court case in which there is clear video evidence of a defendant committing a crime, and they tell the judge, It wasnt me.

Theyre saying its not in there, and you look at the document. Youre like Well, no. Its right here in the very document they sent you, George said.

Fontanilla said the content in the curriculum speaks for itself. For example, the lessons on privilege are evidence that CRT is pervasive throughout the ethnic studies curriculum, she said.

On day five of the lesson plans, students are asked to participate in a privilege challenge, in which theyre asked questions such as whether they are an English learner or if theyve come from a family where someone has graduated from college, to rank who is privileged and who is not.

And the kids are supposed to reflect about that, Fontanilla said.

And in that same lesson, they have a picture of two white girls who have graduated college. The caption for the picture reads: PRIVILEGE. Its amazing how many people in this world are born at third base and think theyve hit a triple.

Images and documents obtained by The Epoch Times indicate the two white girls are former Republican President George W. Bushs daughters speaking at Pennsylvania State University. The lesson highlights privilege as a vocabulary word defined as a benefit some get and others dont.

Reinforcing these kinds of racial stereotypes is dangerous, insulting, and psychologically abusive, especially for white students who grew poor with weak family support structures, she said.

The pressure to embrace CRT is coming from activists, the media, political leaders, labor unions, and teachers themselves, she said.

Its coming from the teachers. Its not coming from the parents, Fontanilla said. No parent is demanding CRT in the schools, at least from what I see.

Its naive to think ethnic studies is simply learning about all the different cultures in the United States and the world, she suggested.

If the school is requiring ethnic studies to graduate, then they dont have a choice. Parents should have a choice, and they should be able to opt-out and not have their students take this class.

Accusations of Racism

A photo of Salinas Union High School District board president Phillip Tabera in Salinas, Calif., on June 22, 2021. (Courtesy Christine McCuistion)

Phillip Tabera, SUHSD president and professor of ethnic studies who recently retired from San Jose State University, criticized CRT opponents at the recent board meeting.

I was just given emeritus status as a professor of Chicano history and ethnic studies, he said. Ive only had one person run against me, and Ive been on the board for over 20 years.

When I hear some of the things I heard tonight  Im very worried because some people in this room dont know what theyre talking about. They havent done the research.

Some CRT opponents attending the meeting laughed at Taberas statement.

You can laugh. You can say whatever you want. I dont really care. Im not here to respond to you, he said.

And its scary. The last time I heard this kind of a response was when I was a kid  standing over there in front of the county jail when they locked up Cesar Chavez. None of you were out there. Nobody in this room was there that night. But I was there as a 17-year old kid from Alisal High School.

You are the racist, One CRT opponent shouted at Tabera.

You are, Tabera responded.

The next day, Tabera posted on Facebook, The anti people of color came out last night along with a link to a video of the meeting.

Fontanilla and other CRT opponents told The Epoch Times Taberas response was inappropriate and inflammatory.

What really, really made me angry afterwards was that the board president said, the anti-people of color came out last night and there was a black man [Gabriel Williams] there speaking against CRT, Fontanilla said. I was speaking against it and its so insulting and demeaning to say that we are anti-people of color. We are people of color.

Youth pastor Gabriel Williams (L) speaks at a school board meeting while parent Kelly Schenkoske listens, in Salinas, Calif., on June 22, 2021. (Courtesy Christine McCuistion)

Williams is a youth pastor who has counseled students through his ministry. He told The Epoch Times on June 28, that racial tension between white and Hispanic people in Salinas Valley has escalated.

You can feel it, he said.

Some of that tension is reflected on the school board, he said.

Youve got these board members who have agendas and are really playing the race game to further their agenda. And, at the end of the day, it all goes back to Marxism in my opinion. Youve got people who want to reshape this country, Williams said.

Minds are powerful. You can shape a generation if you get control of their minds and start programming people, and thats what I feel theyre trying to do. Where is it written that the United States of America is supposed to last forever? You have to fight for these freedoms and these values that we have. They have to be passed on.

Though Tabera suggested that opponents who spoke up against the ethnic studies program are against people of color, there were no racist people there in that crowd, Williams said.

They were just concerned parents and citizens of Monterey County.

Williams said its not the students who are creating the racial tension in the community; its the adults.

The cool thing about kids and teenagers is they dont see race, man, he said. Its the last thing on their minds. They want to be a part of a community; they want to be a part of people where they are loved and accepted. Its the adults that are making a big deal out of race, race, race, race, race.

Williams said that the country has become so divided over issues about race that civil discourse has become a lost art. He has difficulty talking to many friends and family members.

Dont get me started on Black Lives Matter. The people at the top of that movement are racist themselves, he said.

A Political Agenda?

At the June 22 meeting, Schenkoske said that the ethnic studies program promotes a BLM unity chant.

Parent Michael Lipe accused the school board and administration of becoming an activist group facilitating a political agenda.

The boards political agenda is so clearly rooted in racism, that theres no other options for you other than to step down, Lipe shouted at board members.

How racist can this administration and board be to promote the idea that because you are white, you are more capable of achievement than people of color? he asked.

Another CRT opponent, Donna Hollenstain, 79, whose family has lived in the region for a century, told The Epoch Times that shes witnessed the leftist indoctrination of her children and grandchildren since the late 1960s and early 70s.

Its far worse now, she said.

At the meeting, she scolded board members, accusing them of destroying bonds of love and trust between children.

I am appalled to think that you are entertaining the idea of putting this kind of garbage into our childrens minds. Our children grow up together and have friendships, people that they love and trust who are of different nationalities, she said.

And then, theyre being told through these new CRT requirements that theyre the oppressor and the other one is the victim. What on Earth are you people thinking? Are you trying to destroy the innocence of our children?

She urged the board to withdraw its support for the ethnic studies curriculum.

Williams said hes just amazed that many people have failed to research CRT and the ethnic studies program.

A telling moment was when one opponent asked the board how many of them had read the ethnic studies curriculum and only three raised their hands, Williams said.

However, like other CRT opponents, he said school officials are really good at hiding the full curriculum from parents.

If you go and ask for a particular curriculum, if you dont ask for the supplementals, youre not going to get the whole thing, Williams said. Youve got to start peeling back the onion and start seeing all these different layers. Its pretty unbelievable.

At the June 22 meeting, Williams urged the school board to research and dig deeper into the underpinnings of CRT.

Look into its roots, where it comes from, whats at its core, and its not good stuff, he told the board.

Theres a lot of emotion in this room right now. There has been a lot of emotion in our country. These past several years. All of it has centered around race. Weve seen riots, weve seen protests. Weve seen organizations, Black Lives Matter, rise and come to power and become a very powerful voice, in our society.

The heartbreaking thing for me as a black man, as an African American who loves his country [is] I was raised by my parents not to see race.

At the end of the day, a house divided cannot stand. Whether youre black, white, Republican, Democrat, were all Americans, and we should want to be doing the best that we can to inspire the next generation to continue to love this country and love each other, not hate each other.

Fontanilla shared similar sentiments.

Most people on the left dont have bad intentions. I truly believe that they think theyre doing something good. But the proof is in the pudding. Its causing more division, Fontanilla said.

Ive never seen America so divided in my lifetime. Ive never had so much hate speech for just simply speaking against something in my life either. Its really damaging  and I think we need to just take a step back and stop.
People watch the Long March 8 rocket, the latest in China's Long March launch vehicle fleet, as it lifts off from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in southern China's Hainan Province on Dec. 22, 2020. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

China Legislates to Transform a Province Into Free Trade Hub, Wants to Protect Military Bases: Economist

The CCP (Chinese Communist Party) passed a law to change its far southern province, Hainan, into a gigantic free trade port (FTP). But an economist pointed out that the actual intent behind creating the FTP (areas with little to no tax to encourage economic activity) may be to protect military bases.

The intention should include protecting its military bases. There is a naval base that harbored nuclear submarines in Sanya [in southern Hainan], Henry Wu Chia-lung, macroeconomist and Taiwan AIA Capital lead economics researcher, told The Epoch Times on June 28. Once Hainan becomes an FTP, other countries will be reluctant to launch missiles to target the bases on the island.

He also said, If [the Chinese regime] really wants to build a pure FTP, it should further develop the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), which is easy and simple.

Military Purpose

Hainan Island is important to the Chinese military, especially for two strategic navy bases: One for aircraft carriers and another for nuclear submarines.

The submarine base, located very close to the South China Sea, is the largest in Asia and is the home port of Chinas Jin-class Type 094 strategic nuclear submarines. Type 094s carry JL-2 intercontinental-range submarine-launched ballistic missiles with a maximum range of 7,456 miles. Chinese media reported that the Type 094 could attack the entire United States.

The base, named Yalongwan Base, has four 751-foot-long piers and can dock a total of 16 submarines. Chinese media reported that since the South China Sea is a busy commercial gateway, submarines can quietly operate underwater without being detected by the United States and Japan.

Chinas manned submersible Shenhai Yongshi (or Deepsea Warrior), on board the exploration ship Tansuo-1, returns to port after completing deepsea testing in Sanya, a city on Southeast Chinas Hainan Island, on Oct. 3, 2017. (Sun Qing/Getty Images)

Sanyas aircraft carrier base is the home port of Shandong, Chinas first domestically built aircraft carrier and the smaller type-075 landing helicopter dock ship.

This base is critical to the Chinese regimes push into disputed areas in the South China Sea, where another half dozen countries also claim rights, including: Brunei, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Chinas first domestically manufactured aircraft carrier, known as Type 001A or Shandong, returns to port in Dalian in Chinas northeastern Liaoning Province after its first sea trial on May 18, 2018. (-/AFP via Getty Images)

Largest FTP

After the CCP transforms the island into a free trade zone, other countries like the United States will not be able to easily attack the island if there are conflicts, Wu said.

The Chinese rubber-stamp legislature passed the Hainan Free Trade Port Law on June 10, making Hainan Island the largest FTP in the world.

The island is 12,822 square miles, which is similar in size to the state of Maryland or to the island of Taiwan. The province governs the island and about three hundred small islands in the South China Sea.

The law restates the regimes plan to set up a free trade system on the island by 2025, build the island into the countrys economic leader by 2035, and transform the island into an internationally influential free-trade port by 2050.

However, the Chinese regime already started to develop the Greater Bay Area in 2015, which covers nine cities in Chinas prosperous Guangdong Province, Hong Kong, and Macao.

By contrast, Hainan Island, an agriculture-based tropical resort island, is ranked near the bottom of Chinas economy.

A cargo ship loaded with containers is leaving a port in Haikou in Chinas southern Hainan Province on May 17, 2021. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

The new law stipulates several distinct economic benefits to consumers and foreign investors. Specifically, it provides for: a zero tariff to all materials that are imported to the FTP, an easy process for service operation permission in the FTP, a relatively transparent investment environment, a flexible cross-border capital flow, a relatively loose control on peoples movement, which includes releasing work visas to businessmen and no visa requirement for tourists who stay on the island for less than 15 days; and convenient transportation, which includes building more airports and roads.

Luo Ya contributed to this report.
500+ Chinese Students Denied US Visa

More bad news for Chinas version of Uber. Ride-share service DiDis stock shares plunged over 20 percent after a crackdown from Chinese authorities. Its fall from stardom comes after a breakout listing in the U.S. stock market.

An American city councilman has been removed from his post, all because he vocally blames Beijing for the pandemic and opposed a sister city agreement with China.

Over 500 Chinese students have their U.S. visas denied. Theyre hoping to study science and engineering abroad. An executive order by the Trump administration is in play.

Did Chinese authorities know about the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus as early as fall of 2019? Months before Chinas alleged patient zero appeared, Wuhan held an emergency response drill in case a new coronavirus strain were to appear in Wuhan.

Japan may join the United States in defending Taiwan if Beijing invades the island. Japans deputy prime minister says his country could interpret a Chinese invasion as a threat to Japans survival.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more first-hand news from China.

For more news and videos, please visit our website and Twitter.
A health worker administers the CoronaVac vaccine, developed by China's Sinovac firm, to a woman from an at-risk group at Saeng Thip sports ground in Bangkok, Thailand, on April 7, 2021. (Mladen Antonov/AFP via Getty Images)

Chinese-Made COVID-19 Vaccine Recipients Wont Count as Vaccinated: Singapore

Singapores health agency said that individuals who have received the Chinese-made COVID-19 vaccine wont count as being vaccinated.

The national vaccination numbers reflect only those vaccinated under the national vaccination program, the countrys Ministry of Health said on Tuesday. Currently, this only includes those vaccinated with the Moderna COVID-19 and Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty vaccines.

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, otherwise known as the coronavirus.

The city-states health officials said there is inadequate efficacy data for the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine, namely against the Delta strain. The variant has become the most prevalent COVID-19 strain in the country.

We dont really have a medical or scientific basis or have the data now to establish how effective Sinovac is in terms of infection and severe illnesses on Delta, health minister Ong Ye Kung told reporters on Wednesday.

Singapore started allowing private health clinics to administer Sinovacs CoronaVac starting from mid-June after the World Health Organization (WHO) gave emergency approval for usage starting on July 1. As of July 3, about 17,000 people had received one dose.

Kenneth Mak, Singapores director of medical services, said evidence from other countries showed people who had taken CoronaVac were still getting infected, posing a significant risk.

And Singapore has said that people vaccinated with CoronaVac would still need to be tested for COVID-19 before attending certain events or entering some venues, unlike people vaccinated under the national program.

Authorities said that people who received Sinovacs shot abroad would be eligible for full inoculations with the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines in Singapore. Mak told reporters Wednesday that the government cannot guarantee the safety of mixing vaccines.

We have not stopped them although data is still lacking considering what the effectiveness is of this strategy using two different vaccineswe call this a heterologous vaccination strategy, Mak said. If there are those who are eligible to receive the vaccination from the national vaccination programme, we will allow them to register but we will advise them about the fact that evidence is not available concerning how well the response (is) if they had received other vaccines before.

In April, the head of the Chinese Center for Disease Control (CDC), Gao Fu, admitted that some Chinese vaccine products dont have very high protection rates but later said his comment was a misunderstanding. Gao said he was making the comment in the context that Chinese firms should pursue mRNA technology. It came amid reports that CoronaVac only had a 50.38-percent efficacy rate in preventing the CCP virus.

The Epoch Times has contacted the Ministry of Health for additional comment.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Members of the public receive a dose of a COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine inside a temporary vaccination center set up at the Emirates Stadium, home to the Arsenal football club, in north London on June 25, 2021. (Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP via Getty Images)

Concerned for Children, UK Doctor Warns of Vaccine Risks, Is Suspended

Commentary

Sam White qualified as a doctor in 2004 and quickly rose to become a partner in a rural medical practice in Hampshire, England, but after he questioned the response of the National Health Service (NHS) to the pandemic his career with the agency was effectively over.

To begin with he had tried to raise his concerns with his colleagues, but he told me in a wide-ranging interview, I felt absolute frustration at not being listened to, and I wondered where we as a nation were going with this.

His doubts led him to resign as a partner in February 2020, but he continued working as a substitute doctor and last month decided to air his grievances on video. To his surprise it attracted over a million views before being taken down by Instagram after just three days, but also led to a letter from the NHS informing him that he was being suspended.

In an article for Conservative Woman Dr. White explains: Its hard to go against the grain like this, but when I found out they were going to start testing the vaccine on children, I couldnt sleep . The risks from the vaccine are completely unknown because its barely been tested, but reactions are beginning to come to light. Adolescent boys seem to be developing myocarditisheart inflammationwhich can permanently damage the heart.

White believes the vaccine program is in breach of the legal requirements for clinicians to obtain the free and informed consent of those being vaccinated, and that the requirement to wear face coverings in an NHS setting is in breach of its common law obligations.

Lawyers representing him have recently sent an explosive open letter to the CEO of NHS England, Sir Simon Stevens. This is the first step in a campaign to get White reinstated, to inform the public of the issues and also to press legal charges.

An area of major concern to White is that the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) failed to consider safe and effective medicines available as an alternative to vaccination, such as Ivermectin, HCQ, zinc, and Budesonide. In not doing so he feels the UK government and its scientific advisory body, SAGE, have failed to act in the publics best interests.

According to White, The spike protein is the toxin. Interestingly, Ivermectin is so effective because it prevents binding of the spike protein to the ACE2 receptors on cells and also exerts an anti-coagulant effect so theres no need to worry about endless variants. This is more treatable than influenza.

He also worries that vaccine passports will turn people who rely on their own immune system into second-class citizens. In his open letter, White cites Article 6 of the UNESCO Declaration of Bio-Ethics and Human Rights, which states the public has the right to decline any medical treatment without being penalized through such sanctions.

Failure to Inform Adequately

White feels a major failure of the NHS has been to inform the public of the material risks of taking the vaccine, and that they should also have been informed that none of the vaccines provide full immunity or stop transmission.

Furthermore, before taking the vaccine, the British public was not made fully aware of what the chances were of dying from the coronavirus infection or recovering from it.

Critically, he feels people are not being told that the vaccines are still in clinical trial and that there is no data on medium-term to long-term safety and there is no evidence available to show the safety and efficacy of the vaccine for pregnant women, the elderly or on those previously infected with COVID, as the trials that were carried out were done using healthy people.

Advertising the Vaccine

The Human Medicines Regulations Act of 2012 makes it a criminal offence for licensed medicines to be advertised by celebrities and any advert should notify the viewer what the active ingredient is in the vaccine. Yet White claims the NHS allowed its logo to be used on a series of adverts using celebrities to promote vaccination.

He also feels its campaign places unfair pressure on people to have a vaccination by suggesting that it protects other members of their family including the elderly. He also feels the adverts give the impression that the vaccines have been licensed rather than the true position, which is that they have only been granted emergency use authorization.

He says: They make no reference to the risk, however small, of serious adverse events and there has been very little information to the public on the efficacy of the immune system to fight off any COVID infection.

To date over 1,300 deaths have been reported in the UK. Other known side effects include Bells Palsy, thrombo-embolic events with low platelets, Capillary Leak Syndrome (CLS), menstrual disorder with extreme bleeding, myocarditis, and pericarditis.

Another area of concern for White is that The Salk Institute has discovered the spike protein, a constituent component in the vaccine, is a toxin, and the Japanese medicine regulator has found that those who have been vaccinated have a concentration of spike proteins in every organ of their body, in particular the ovaries.

Because of the lack of information being made available about the risks involved, White feels the public is not able to give informed consent to vaccinations for themselves or for their children.

Wearing Masks in an NHS Setting

UK regulations require all masks to be category three to counter the risks posed by biological agents, yet the masks provided to NHS clinicians, he claims, are not category three and neither are those worn by the public, so they do not provide any meaningful benefit, Wearing a non-category three mask in an NHS facility poses a material risk of bacterial infection and even hypoxia for prolonged use.

White claims that six times the safe level of CO 2 has been recorded in children wearing masks and some of the masks manufactured in China contain toxins.

As for White, his own future remains uncertain. He told me, Yes, it would be nice to see my suspension lifted, but I dont have much confidence that it will be. It is not right that someone can do that to you simply for pointing out the overwhelming amount of evidence that existsthe Hippocratic oath should still mean something.

Andrew Davies is a UK-based video producer and writer. His award-winning video on underage sex abuse helped Barnardos childrens charity change UK law, while his documentary Batons, Bows and Bruises: A History of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, ran for six years on the Sky Arts Channel.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Convicted Murderer Wins Election to Office in DC From Behind Bars

A still-incarcerated convicted murderer made history in the nations capital when voters recently elected him to one of the District of Columbias Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, which advise the local government on neighborhood issues such as police protection, parking, zoning, liquor licenses, and trash collection.

Joel Caston, 44, has been imprisoned for 26 years after a jury convicted him of first-degree murder in the Aug. 14, 1994, ambush slaying of Rafiq Washington, 18. He is expected to be released from the D.C. Central Detention Facility either this or next year.

Getting elected while behind bars is difficult, but not impossible.

For example, Joseph D. Morrissey, originally a Democrat, was reelected as an independent candidate to the Virginia House of Delegates in January 2015 the month after he was sentenced to six months in jail on a misdemeanor charge for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Morrissey is now a member of the Virginia Senate and is once again a Democrat.

In a campaign video, Caston said:

My platform will be used to restore the dignity of incarcerated people, that we will no longer be judged by our worst mistake and to establish equality for both the male and the female populations. I will be your biggest advocate to make sure your voice and your concerns are heard.

In a candidate questionnaire he completed, Caston wrote, I have a proven track record of rehabilitation and striving for excellence which serves as an indication of the passion I will bring to my tenure as the ANC Commissioner.

A writer, Caston has taken for-credit courses through Georgetown Universitys Prison Scholars Program, mentored young men in jail, practiced yoga, and edited a prisoner newspaper.

He was elected June 15 to the Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) for Ward 7, becoming the first incarcerated person to be elected to public office in the District of Columbia.

Each ward is divided into zones, and in Ward 7, each zone is identified with a letter from B through F. The 7F Commission is further divided into seven single-member districts, and Caston represents 7F07, which consists of the jail, the Harriet Tubman Womens Shelter, and Park Kennedy, an apartment complex across the street from the jail in Southeast Washington. The position is unpaid. The term of office is two years.

Caston bested four other candidates, all of whom reside in the jail with him, the community newspaper The Washington Informer reported.

After Caston was elected, Tyrell M. Holcomb, the chairman of the 7F Commission, said, Representation is an important part of equity and inclusion. I could not be more excited of a new colleague (a resident of the DC Jail) joining the 7F commission.

Ward 7 resident John Koufos, national director of reentry initiatives at Right on Crime, a project of the Austin-based Texas Public Policy Foundation, told The Epoch Times that Caston will bring important perspectives to local government. Right on Crime promoted the First Step Act, a criminal justice reform measure that then-President Donald Trump signed into law.

Koufos, who was previously profiled by The Epoch Times, is a convicted drunk driver who spent time in prison and lost his license to practice law but who is now dedicating his life to helping to reform the complex system that ex-cons face when reentering society.

As a D.C. resident raising a family in Ward 7, I think Joels unique experiences provide him with an unmatched insight into some of the reentry issues D.C. needs to grapple with. His election has nothing to do with the First Step Act, but people with criminal records have started to hold elected office (like Tarra Simmons, in the Washington state Senate), Koufos said.

Simmons, a Democrat previously jailed for theft and drug offenses, was elected to the Washington House of Representatives last year, becoming the first felon to be elected as a state lawmaker in the Evergreen State. She graduated from law school in 2017 but couldnt sit for the state bar exam because Washington did not allow felons to take it. She challenged the rule in court and won. Simmons was sworn in as an attorney the next year.

Whenever people with criminal records can break barriers in a way that does not run counter to public safety principles, it is a good thing, Koufos said.

Mr. Castons election will help show employers that people with criminal records can be valuable in leadership roles.

I do think that there are certain offices, especially in the states, where a person in prison would have difficulty executing the duties of the office. However, ANC is not one of those types of offices, and Mr. Castons election is a reflection of his desire to better himself and his community.

Caston couldnt be reached for comment.
A search and rescue team members climb the rubble of the Champlain Towers South condo in Surfside, Fla., on July 7, 2021. (Al Diaz/Miami Herald via AP)

With Profound Sadness, Crews Shift From Rescue to Recovery at Surfside Collapse Site

Emergency workers engaged in the search and rescue operation at the collapsed condo in Surfside, Florida, have shifted their efforts to recovering the remains of victims on Wednesday as hope faded at the two week mark of finding any further survivors.

The Champlain Towers South, a residential oceanfront apartment building, collapsed at about 1:30 a.m. on June 24.

Rescue crews have been carrying out round-the-clock searches over the past 14 days. The formal transition from rescue to recovery was set to take place at midnight, with a moment of silence scheduled for shortly after 7 p.m.

A member of the Israeli search and rescue team (L) salutes in front of the rubble that once was Champlain Towers South during a moment of prayer and silence in Surfside, Fla., on July 7, 2021. (JOSE A. IGLESIAS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Its with profound sadness that tonight we transition our operation from search and rescue to search and recovery, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said in a statement late Wednesday. May God bring peace to all whose hearts have been broken, and may He watch over our community in the hard days ahead.

Its with profound sadness that tonight we transition our operation from search and rescue to search and recovery. May God bring peace to all whose hearts have been broken, and may He watch over our community in the hard days ahead. pic.twitter.com/EZgyaj78P1  Daniella Levine Cava (@MayorDaniella) July 8, 2021

The mayor tried to hold back tears at a news conference on Wednesday. At this point, we have truly exhausted every option available to us in the search-and-rescue mission. Nothing we can do can bring back those who are lost, she told reporters.

The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said late Wednesday in a statement, In tribute to lives lost, our rescue teams held a moment of silence & prayer near the Surfside building collapse, With heavy hearts, we begin search & recovery efforts, and will continue to give our all as our commitment still remains to reunite families with their loved ones.

Over 200 first responders from across the country had as of Tuesday been working on the collapse site, digging and removing debris, the department said.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis previously said the rescue effort was the largest deployment in a non-hurricane-related response in the history of the state.

Eight more bodies were recovered on Wednesday and 10 bodies had been recovered overnight, bringing the death toll to 54. Of the recovered bodies, thirty-three have been identified. Meanwhile, 86 people remain unaccounted for.

Momentos, personal items and flowers are seen displayed at the Surfside Wall of Hope & Memorial in Surfside, Fla. on July 7, 2021. (Al Diaz/Miami Herald via AP)

At a separate private briefing, Miami-Dade Assistant Fire Chief Raide Jadallah told families that emergency workers efforts would cease using rescue dogs and listening devices. Our sole responsibility at this point is to bring closure, he said Wednesday.

He added that the likelihood of finding people still alive is now close to zero, despite efforts by rescue workers who have been looking for spaces between the mostly concrete and steel rubble potentially large enough to hold survivors.

Pointing to the way the 12-story building fell straight down where people are trapped and crushed between the floors, Jadallah said Wednesday, We noticed the stress, the force of the pressure of the walls and the floors just pretty much again sustained no chance of life.

He described the recoveries as human remains, suggesting that few intact bodies have been found.

The 12-story tower was built in 1981 and was in the process of being recertified as part of Floridas 40-Year Recertification Program. Prior to the collapse, it was undergoing roof construction and other repairs.

Investigators have not established what caused the sudden collapse.

A 2018 engineering report had warned of structural deficiencies.

At least six lawsuits have been filed by family members of the residents of the tower since the collapse.

Separately, residents of a North Miami Beach condominium, Crestview Towers, were told to leave immediately last week after engineers found serious concrete and electrical problems. They have not been allowed to return as city officials try to determine if the building can be stabilized.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Ibram X. Kendi is seen in a New York City studio on March 10, 2020. (Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Critical Race Theorist Ibram Kendi To Speak at Major Teachers Union Conference

A critical race theorist whose ostensibly anti-racist ideas have been accused of perpetuating racism against whites will speak at a major teachers union conference on July 7.

Ibram Kendi, a professor of humanities at Boston University, is scheduled to address the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Together Educating Americas Children conference.

Kendi will engage in a free-ranging discussion with student activists and AFT members on his scholarship and on developing anti-racist mindsets and actions inside and outside classrooms, according to the conferences website.

The session will last 90 minutes starting at 6 p.m.

Kendi, the author of How to Be an Antiracist and Antiracist Baby, is a critical race scholar whose ideas have attracted strong support and strong criticism. He has claimed that people who are not actively working to combat racism are racist and that young children should discuss the concept of anti-racism. He has also pushed for the creation of a Department of Anti-Racism that would punish public officials who promote ideas deemed racist.

Critical race theory (CRT) is a quasi-Marxist academic theory that focuses on race and alleged racism. While proponents describe the theory as exploring uncomfortable truths about America and its people, opponents say the theory is itself racist and injects an anti-American worldview into institutions and Americans. Some states have banned critical race theory from being taught in schools, including Florida and Tennessee.

The American Federation of Teachers is the second-largest teachers union in the United States. It previously announced a campaign to promote one of Kendis books by distributing copies to classrooms.

Randi Weingarten, the AFTs president, told members in a speech on Tuesday that conservatives are fighting a culture campaign against CRT and alleged the theory is not being taught in primary schools.

But culture warriors are labeling any discussion of race, racism, or discrimination as CRT to try to make it toxic. They are bullying teachers and trying to stop us from teaching students accurate history, Weingarten said during the virtual conference.

This harms students. These culture warriors want to deprive students of a robust understanding of our common history. This will put students at a disadvantage in life by knocking a big hole in their understanding of our country and the world.

The largest U.S. teachers union, the National Education Association (NEA), adopted a resolution recently that says it will publicize and share information on critical race theory, what it is and what it is not; have a team of staffers for members who want to learn more and fight back against anti-CRT rhetoric; and share information with other NEA members as well as their community members.

The AFT, meanwhile, will also hold other sessions addressing so-called anti-racist ideas.

One will tackle how to use picture books to promote anti-racist teaching methods. Another will give educators insight on where to find resources to teach such ideas. The goal of this session is to increase your capacity to understand the issue, engage in anti-racist and anti-oppression practice, undertake continuous learning, and become ambassadors for anti-racism, the conferences website states.

First Lady Jill Biden is also slated to speak to AFT members.
Two women walk past a painting of the beginning of the U.S. Constitution during a preview of the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Penn., on July 1, 2003. (William Thomas Cain/Getty Images)

Defending the Constitution: Secrets Behind Those Obscure Provisions

Commentary

In previous essays in the Defending the Constitution series, Ive responded to progressive attacks on prominent terms in the document: equal representation in the Senate, denying D.C. statehood, and the Second Amendment, among others.

But progressives also assail less prominent parts of the Constitution. For example, one liberal law professor reacted to the Origination Clauserequiring tax measures to be introduced first in the House rather than the Senatewith the question, Why should anyone care?

Below are questions and answers addressing five of the Constitutions less famous provisionsincluding the Origination Clause.

Question: Why did the Constitution require approval of conventions in nine states to ratify the document? (Article VII). Why not all 13, as required by the Articles of Confederation? Or why not a mere majority of seven?

Answer: As I explained in an earlier essay, the Articles of Confederation did not create a real government. It was a treaty organization akin to the NATO compact. Under international law the signatories (the states) were free to make any new arrangements they thought best.

The Confederations rule that amendments be approved unanimously had proved unworkable. However, the nine-state rule employed by the Confederation for other purposes was more acceptable.

Moreover, ratification by popularly elected conventions in any nine stateseven the nine least populatedwould ensure that the document was approved by a majority of the electorate. (Compare the congressional allocation in Article I, Section 2, Clause 3.) So upon ratification by nine states, the Constitution would have been endorsed by both (1) two-thirds of the states and (2) a majority of We the People.

Each state had the option of refusing to ratify and staying out of the Union. No state took that option.

Question: Why does the Constitution require the president to be a natural born citizen? (Article II, Section 1, Clause 5). Why not a naturalized citizen?

Answer: The framers understood that for republican government to work, there had to be a close identity of interest, knowledge, and feeling between the governors and the governed. We might call this empathy, but the founding-era term was sympathy (pdf).

Persons born and raised in foreign countries lack many of the formulative experiences most Americans share. Even the most patriotic naturalized citizens may have unconscious foreign loyalties or contacts. Or they may be subject to pressure imposed on family members in their place of birth. All these factors potentially create conflicts of interest.

Indeed, the Constitutions framers knew from English history of officials born or raised outside the country who betrayed their trust to foreign powers. In Britain, therefore, even members of Parliament had to be natural born.

Yet the framers recognized that America was a nation of immigrants and needed the skills of naturalized citizens. In addition, the framers wished to avoid any appearance of creating a caste system. So because the president has principal responsibility for foreign affairs, they limited the natural born requirement to the president and to the vice president who might succeed him.

In recent years, both Barack Obama and Kamala Harris have come under fire for allegedly failing to qualify as natural born citizens. Under the rules in effect when the Constitution was adopted, both do qualify as natural born. But I sometimes wonder how their views might differ if they had not spent so much of their childhood outside America.

Question: The Privileges and Immunities Clause of Article IV provides, The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States. What does that mean?

Answer: The Privileges and Immunities Clause has been widely misunderstood, even among legal scholars. However, in 2009 I published an exhaustive research article (pdf) that I think pretty well establishes its meaning.

Privileges and immunities was a common expression in 18th century legal documents, with a distinct legal meaning. A privilege was a benefit or advantage government bestowed on one or more people. (The modern word is entitlement.) An immunity was the flip side of a privilege. Thus, the privilege of a tax exemption was an immunity from taxation. Neither term included natural rights, such as freedom of religion or self-defense.

The Privileges and Immunities Clause provides that if a state gives all its citizens a particular privilege, then the state must give the same privilege to visiting out-of-staters. Thus, if a state affords trial by jury to all adult citizens, then the state must offer trial by jury to visitors as well. Similarly, if a state prescribes procedures by which adult citizens may transfer land, then it must allow visitors access to those same procedures. But no state grants all adult citizens the privilege of voting, so no state need grant visitors the privilege of voting.

Article IV contains several provisions designed to tie the states more closely to one another. The Privileges and Immunities Clause is one of these: It protects interstate travelers from certain kinds of discrimination.

Question: Article IV also has a provision that reads, The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government. Why is this clause in the Constitution? What is the Republican Form?

Answer: This is called the Guarantee Clause. In the founding era, a republic was a sovereign political unit that (1) had no monarch, (2) followed the rule of law, and (3) rested directly or indirectly on the majority of citizens (pdf). The framers inserted the Guarantee Clause primarily to prevent any state from being a monarchy. They knew from history that when a monarchy was part of a federation, the monarch often tried to undermine other states in the federation.

The Guarantee Clause imposes an obligation directly on the U.S. government and implicitly grants the government the power to carry it out.

One last point on the Guarantee Clause: You may have heard that We have a republic, not a democracy. That expression is incorrect. American government is both a republic and a constitutional democracy.

No 18th century sources distinguished sharply between republics and democracies. On the contrary, in most contexts the terms were interchangeable. For example, delegates to the Virginia convention that ratified the Constitution repeatedly referred to American governments as both democracies and republics. In the language of the time, the only democracies that were not republics were pure democraciescomplete mob rule without either magistrates or the rule of law.

The alleged distinction between republics and democracies arose from a distortion of James Madisons Federalist No. 10 by partisans during a political dispute in the 1840s. They overlooked Federalist No. 63, where Madison treats the two terms as interchangeable.

Question: Why does the Constitution state that All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills (Article I, Section 7, Clause 1)?

Answer: This is the Origination Clause. In the British system, the leading protection for popular government was that all tax and spending bills had to be introduced in the House of Commons. The House of Lords could not even amend them; the Lords were limited to yes or no.

The U.S. Senate is more representative of the people than the House of Lords, but less representative than the U.S. House of Representatives. The Origination Clause therefore is a compromise with British practice: (1) It applies only to tax bills and not to spending bills, and (2) the Senate, unlike the Lords, may propose amendments.

The compromise was brokered at the Constitutional Convention by Delawares John Dickinson and Virginias Edmund Randolphtwo essential Founders whose contributions are under-appreciated today. Dickinson and Randolph accurately judged that without the Origination Clause the people might reject the Constitution as too aristocratic.

Incidentally, one of the reasons the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) is unconstitutional is that part of it was enacted in violation of the Origination Clause (pdf). The Supreme Court has never examined this issue.

Robert G. Natelson, a retired constitutional law professor, is senior fellow in constitutional jurisprudence at the Independence Institute in Denver and the author of The Original Constitution: What It Actually Said and Meant (3rd ed., 2014).

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
This undated electron microscope image made available by the U.S. National Institutes of Health in February 2020 shows the virus that causes COVID-19. The sample was isolated from a patient in the U.S. (NIAID-RML via AP)

Delta Variant Comprises More Than Half of COVID-19 Cases in US, CDC Says

The Delta variant of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus now makes up more than half of all COVID-19 cases in the United States, according to a spokesperson with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Delta variants prevalence in the United States has grown from 30.4 percent of all cases for the period ending on June 19 to 51.7 percent during the period from June 20 to July 3, a CDC spokesperson said.

Variant proportions are dynamic and difficult to predict due to reporting delays, the presence of multiple variants, and changing incidence. CDC continues to evaluate approaches that can reliably predict these dynamics while making improvements to genomic surveillance to increase the number, representativeness, and timeliness of specimens, Jade Fulce, a public affairs specialist with the CDC, told The Epoch Times in an email.

The Delta variant, which is believed to be more transmissible than other strains of the virus, accounted for more than 80 percent of CCP virus cases in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, the CDC spokesperson told Politico in a separate statement. COVID-19 is the disease caused by the CCP virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus.

Researchers have said its too early to say whether the Delta variant is more or less deadly than other variants of the CCP virus.

The 14-day moving average number of daily new infections in the United States on July 3 reached the lowest level since March 27, 2020. The two-week average of deaths has likewise dropped to levels unseen since the earliest days of the pandemic.

Nearly 48 percent of the total U.S. population has been vaccinated against the virus as of July 6, according to the CDC.

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky predicted on July 1 that the Delta variant would soon surpass the Alpha variant to become the most prevalent strain of the virus.

There are communities that are vulnerable and where we are now seeing surges in cases, and indeed also hospitalizations, due to what could be the spread of the Delta variant and low vaccination rates in these communities, Walensky told reporters.

Currently, approximately 1,000 counties in the United States have vaccination coverage of less than 30 percent. These communities, primarily in the Southeast and Midwest, are our most vulnerable. In some of these areas, we are already seeing increasing rates of disease.

Studies suggest that the Pfizer-BioNTech and Astra Zeneca vaccines are effective against the Delta variant. Circumstantial evidence suggests that the Johnson and Johnson vaccine is effective as well, according to White House COVID-19 adviser Anthony Fauci.

Bottom line and finally, the good news we have is that we have a solution. The science is clear. The best way to protect yourself against the virus and its variants is to be fully vaccinated. It works. Its free. Its safe. Its easy, Fauci told reporters last week.

The effectiveness of vaccines has dropped from 94.5 to 64 percent since June 6, the Israeli government announced. The reduction in efficacy coincided with the spread of the Delta variant.
Protesters walk around in the Rotunda after breaching the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

Department of Justice Treats Jan. 6 Detainees With Double Standard: Conservative Legal Activists

Two high-profile conservative legal activists claim the Department of Justice (DOJ) is using a double standard in its treatment of those detained regarding the Jan. 6 breach of the Capitol, compared to those who were arrested during the rioting following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in 2020.

More than 500 individuals have been arrested by federal authorities and charged with multiple serious offenses in connection with the events of Jan. 6, dozens of whom remain in jail awaiting trial.

Nearly the same number of people were arrested during the June 2020 protests of the Floyd death around the White House and nearby areas of downtown Washington, according to The Associated Press.

Those disturbances were among the dozens that affected major U.S. cities, with many of the arrests being for minor offenses such as curfew violations and failure to disperse, and hundreds being for looting and burglary, according to the AP. Few of them were jailed following their arrests.

But attorneys for a dozen Jan. 6 detainees claim their clients are being subjected to unconstitutional civil liberties violations, including unjustified solitary confinement, being deprived of private conversations with their attorneys, lack of needed medical care, and terrible sanitary conditions. The detainees are being held in facilities of the District of Columbia Department of Corrections.

The DOJ has repeatedly declined The Epoch Times requests for comment on the conditions being experienced by the Jan. 6 detainees.

Regardless of any particular detainees guilt or innocence, all of them have the same constitutionally guaranteed civil rights as every other American citizen, American Constitutional Rights Union (ACRU) President Lori Roman told The Epoch Times on July 6.

It is common knowledge that Washington, D.C., has one of the most lenient arrest and release systems in the country. We saw this clearly during the destructive 2020 riots when almost all felony charges were dropped and those arrested were released without bail.

When compared to the treatment of those arrested on Jan. 6, it appears there is a two-tiered justice system that offers up different penalties based on the viewpoints of the accused. And that is unacceptable in America, Roman said.

Romanss ACRU monitors and counters threats to constitutional rights and promotes government transparency and constitutional government.

Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton agreed that the DOJ is applying a double standard compared to the treatment of rioters associated with left-wing groups such as Antifa last summer and those protesting Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaughs nomination in 2018.

Generally speaking, it looks like the targets of the Justice Department investigation on Jan. 6 are being treated differently from others who committed similar acts, Fitton told The Epoch Times on July 6.

Fitton attributed the double standard in treatment to what he described as the Justice Department seeking to intimidate.

The individual defendants are a tool, the targeting of these defendants, whether they are guilty or innocent is another issue, but thats not the issue for the Justice Department, Fitton said.

The Justice Department uses these prosecutions to intimidate and coerce the political opposition to the Biden administration and the lefts narratives, so that doesnt go to the innocence or guilt of any individuals or their treatment.

But when you treat this whole process as a vehicle for political retribution, obviously, you have situations where individuals are victimized, defendants who would have otherwise been treated fairly.

Fitton said he doesnt know the facts about each individual detainees situation, but he is not aware of any allegations if made in other circumstances that would have been met by deafening silence by the chattering classes and the allegedly watchdog media.

Fittons Judicial Watch focuses on Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) litigation to investigate and uncover misconduct by government officials and litigation to hold to account politicians and public officials who engage in corrupt activities.

Attorney Andrew Fleischman agreed that the allegations about the Jan. 6 detainees, if true, are very serious. People have a right to access to counsel, and if the jail is denying them the right to speak privately with their attorneys, thats a major concern.

Fleischman pointed out that even at Gitmo, it became a major concern when it came out that some of those conversations were being recorded. So even when we deal with the most serious cases in the most constitutionally questionable circumstances, people need their rights to confide in their lawyers.

He was referring to the U.S. military base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where captured terrorists were held following the 9/11 attacks in New York City, Washington, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

I dont know if these claims are true, but they should be taken seriously and examined, he said.

Fleischman, an appellate expert with the Atlanta firm Ross & Pines, specializes in seemingly hopeless cases.

Fleischman and other criminal defense attorneys interviewed by The Epoch Times said conditions in jails across the country often fail to meet the standard established by the Eighth Amendments guarantee against cruel and unusual punishment.

Gregg Doucette, a Raleigh, North Carolina-based criminal defense attorney, told The Epoch Times that the conditions the Jan. 6 arrestees describe are typical for jails and prisons both, in both the federal and state/county/municipal systems.

He attributed the problem to the fact that generations of politicians from both parties have led us here, to the point where courts have even on occasion held that detention conditions violate the Eighth Amendments prohibition of cruel and unusual punishments.

Joseph McBride, attorney for Richard Barnett, the Jan. 6 protestor seen in news photos with one foot on Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosis desk, noted, however, that his client is a pre-trial detainee, not a convicted criminal.

That difference is crucial, McBride said, because federal bail laws and case precedents mandate that liberty prior to a trial is the standard, while detention before trial is an exception, and that no punishment is constitutional prior to conviction.

Contact congressional correspondent Mark Tapscott at Mark.Tapscott@epochtimes.nyc.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping (L) inspects the guard of honour on Horse Guards Parade in central London on Oct. 20, 2015 during the ceremonial welcome for Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan on the first official day of a state visit. (Alastair Grant/AFP via Getty Images)

Does China Control the UK?

When focusing on fighting the growing dominance of China, the US would do better than to place too much trust in Great Britain for support

Commentary

On May 22, history was made, when the UK Carrier Strike Group embarked on its first-ever mission. With nine ships, 32 aircraft, and 3,700 personnel, as Seapower magazine reported, this was the largest concentration of maritime and air power to leave the U.K. in a generation. In an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal, James Marson and Max Colchester discussed the significance of the operation, and the ways in which the British military muscle would help the United States counter Chinese influence.

The move, the authors argued, sought to cement Britains special relationship with the U.S.

However, theres just one problem, and its a pretty significant one. The United Kingdom also has a special relationship with another country, and that country happens to be China.

According to The Henry Jackson Society, a foreign policy and national security think tank, Britain is now strategically dependent on China for 229 categories of goods. 57 of these have applications in critical national infrastructure. In other words, when it comes to securing materials upon which British lives depend, China holds all the cards.

The Carrier Strike Groups mission is, of course, worthy of our attention. But, one wonders, is the show of military strength more symbolic than a thing of actual substance? After all, following the trauma of Brexit, restoring pride in the nation is a top priority of Prime Minister Boris Johnson. But pride is no match for genuine power, and by handing over control of critical infrastructure projects to the Chinese, British officials have placed the livelihoods of millions of its people in the hands of arguably the most dangerous country in the world.

If controlling a countrys infrastructure is essentially the same as controlling a country, which it appears to be, Beijing appears to control Britain. This might seem like an odd statement to makebut why? Remember, this is how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) operates. Through its Belt and Road Initiative, the CCP solidifies its influence by controlling the infrastructural makeup of multiple nations around the world.

Control of infrastructure is just one string in the CCPs bow, however. Another method employed by Xi Jinping and his colleagues involves the control of educational institutions. In Britain, Chinas control of universities is clear for all to see.

In a recent op-ed for the Financial Times, Tom Tugenhadt discussed British universities growing reliance on funding from China. According to the author, the U.K. has overtaken the U.S. as the most desirable destination for Chinese students. Now, before I am accused of racism, this is not to imply that foreign students pose a risk to the UK. No, as Tugenhadt argues, an overreliance on China as a source of students is the problem. His concerns are warranted. Britain is home to some 480,000 foreign students; 142,000 of these, according to Tugenhadt, are Chinese. In other words, 30 percent of Britains foreign students are coming from China.

This is highly problematic. If the number of Chinese students willing to study in the U.K. was to substantially decrease, writes Tugenhadt, as the result of geopolitical tensions, for instance, some of our universities could be left in dire straits.

In February of this year, in a well-written piece for Unherd, titled How China bought British universities, Mark Edmonds argued that Britains university sector simply could not do without Beijings moneybags.

This is a cold, hard fact. Nine of the most prestigious universities in the UK rely on Chinese students for more than 20 percent of their overall revenue. Of all its assets, Britains education sector is arguably its most lucrative.

In the Unherd article, Nick Hillman of the Higher Education Policy Institute declares that the British universities appear to have been putting too many eggs in the Chinese basket. This is a member of the higher education industry publicly declaring his concerns, albeit in an alarmingly understated, quintessentially British manner.

A few weeks after the Unherd piece, the UKs former universities minister, Jo Johnson, spoke about a dangerous precedent being set; British universities, he warned, were (and still are) being swayed significantly by Beijings interests. Over the past two decades, scientists in the UK have been working closely with Chinese researchers on sensitive topics like national security and automation. In February, the Times reported that almost 200 British academics at more than a dozen universities across the UK were being investigated on suspicion of assisting the Chinese regime to build weapons of mass destruction.

A recent study, which the aforementioned Johnson spearheaded, identified a significant increase in research funding from China.

If China stops investing in the British education system, the chance of economic failure increases dramatically. If the nations education sector fails, economic failure is not improbable.

The author Bell Hooks describes dependency as the breeding ground for abuses of power. Britain is clearly dependent on investment from China, now more than ever before.

Which brings us back to that powerful fleet being assembled; how powerful is Britain, really?

Considering it just experienced its worst economic performance for more than 300 years, and the downward spiral is expected to continue, the answer appears to be not very.

Britains infrastructure and universities are essentially controlled by China.

When it comes to looking to Boris Johnson and his colleagues for genuine support, the United States would do well to remember that empty vessels make the most noise. That fleet that set sail, I argue, was more symbolic than significant. A great power would never hand over the keys of the house to China.

John Mac Ghlionn is a researcher and essayist. His work has been published by the likes of the New York Post, Sydney Morning Herald, The American Conservative, National Review, The Public Discourse, and other respectable outlets. He is also a columnist at Cointelegraph.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
A man holds his bicycle at Bay Vista Park, as Elsa strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane hours before an expected landfall on Florida's northern Gulf Coast, in St. Petersburg, Florida, on July 6, 2021. (Octavio Jones/Reuters)

Elsa Weakens to a Tropical Storm: National Hurricane Center

Elsa weakened to a tropical storm as of early Wednesday and is projected to hit Floridas northern Gulf Coast later in the morning, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

The weather service said in its 2 a.m. EDT advisory that heavy rains and gusty winds continue to spread inland across southwest and west-central Florida.

As of the time of the advisory, tropical storm Elsa was 60 miles (95 kilometers) west of Tampa, with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (115 km/h), and was moving north at 14 mph (22 km/h), according to the NHC.

Elsa is forecast to make landfall along the north Florida Gulf coast by late Wednesday morning and then move across the southeastern United States through Thursday, the NHC said.

Pedestrians dash across the intersection of Greene and Duval streets as heavy winds and rain associated with tropical storm Elsa passes Key West, Fla., on July 6, 2021. (Rob ONeal/The Key West Citizen via AP)

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis previously said that forecasts called for Elsa to come ashore sometime between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m.

A hurricane warning is in effect for a long stretch of coastline, from Egmont Key at the mouth of Tampa Bay to the Steinhatchee River.

A storm surge warning is in effect for the west coast of Florida from Bonita Beach to the Aucilla River, including Tampa Bay. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries in the Tampa Bay area.

The NHC said that a few tornadoes were possible overnight across the western and central Florida Peninsula, and that a tornado threat continues across north Florida, southeast Georgia, and eastern South Carolina. The threat is expected to shift to the eastern Carolinas and far southeast Virginia on Thursday.

Elsa had previously strengthened to a Category 1 hurricane late on Tuesday. It had also on July 2 briefly strengthened to a Category 1 hurricane before weakening back to a tropical storm on July 3, when it battered several Caribbean island nations east of Cuba, killing at least three peopletwo in the Dominican Republic and one in St. Lucia.
Voters go to the polls at Sara Smith Elementary polling station, in the Buckhead district, in Atlanta during the Georgia Senate runoff elections, on Jan. 5, 2021. (Virginie Kippelen/AFP via Getty Images)

Federal Judge Rejects Challenge to Georgia Voting Law

A federal judge in Georgia declined to block portions of the recently passed Georgia election law after an organization filed a legal challenge that sought to invalidate parts of the mandate.

The Coalition for Good Governance, a left-leaning group that describes itself as an election security group, opposed the Election Integrity Act of 2021s provision that voters request absentee ballots at least 11 days ahead of Election Day. The suit also asked the court to intervene to rescind restrictions on election observers.

But U.S. District Judge J.P. Boulee, in ruling against the petition, said he wouldnt change the law in the ninth inning in reference to ongoing runoff elections for seats in the Georgia state House.

Election administrators have prepared to implement the challenged rules, have implemented them at least to some extent and now would have to grapple with a different set of rules in the middle of the election, Boulee wrote in an 11-page order. The risk of disrupting the administration of an ongoing election  outweigh the alleged harm to plaintiffs at this time.

This case is separate from litigation filed last month by the Department of Justice (DOJ) that opposes key provisions of the law, including voter identification requirements, drop-box limits, provisional ballot rejections, and others. The DOJ, along with top state and federal Democrats, have argued the law is an effort to suppress voter turnout rates among minority groups, while Republicans have said it would safeguard future elections in the Peach State.

Marilyn Marks, executive director of the Coalition for Good Governance, said her group will file more legal challenges to block enforcement of the laws provisions before special and municipal elections in Georgia this fall.

Were concerned about the voter confusion that will no doubt occur with these little-known rapid changes to the rules, including the required information on ballot applications and the short deadline for applications to be received in this last week before the election, Marks said in a statement, reported the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

In response to the judges decision on Wednesday, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who has vowed to fight any lawsuits against the law, stated the Coalition for Good Governances case was just another in the line of frivolous lawsuits against Georgias election law based on misinformation and lies.

We will continue to meet them and beat them in court, he said.

Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, has frequently defended law after he signed it in March. The governor has described criticism against the law as unfounded and said Democrats have mischaracterized certain provisions.
A pedestrian walks past gas station fuel prices above $5 and $6 per gallon at Death Valley National Park in Furnace Creek, Calif., on June 17, 2021. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)

Gas Prices Rose 40 Percent This Year, More Increases Expected Throughout Summer

Gas prices have increased 40 percent since the start of this year, and drivers are expected to feel more frustration through August, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).

The national gas price average has increased from $2.25 on Jan. 1 to $3.13 on Tuesday. Another 1020 cents rise is expected through the end of August, which will bring the national average over $3.25.

Last week, gas prices already hit a seven-year high at $3.09 before the Independence Day weekend.

Robust gasoline demand and more expensive crude oil prices are pushing gas prices higher, Jeanette McGee, a AAA spokesperson, said in a statement.

We had hoped that global crude production increases would bring some relief at the pump this month, but weekend OPEC negotiations fell through with no agreement reached. As a result, crude prices are set to surge to a seven-year high, McGee added.

Talks among members of OPEC and other oil-producing countries, known as OPEC Plus, reached an impasse on Monday over production level disputes. The United Arab Emirates wants a higher baseline production level of its own.

The date of the next meeting will be decided in due course, and we will inform you accordingly, OPEC Secretary-General Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo said in a letter to delegations of the meeting.

The infighting between leading OPEC member Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over production levels could push gas prices to $3.50 or $4 a gallon, PRICE Futures Group senior analyst Phil Flynn told FOX Business.

Flynn also pointed out that the prices might go the other way if the OPEC Plus cartel breaks apart and pursues a price war, bringing prices back down.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said on Tuesday that our team is constantly monitoring gas prices and directly communicating with OPEC parties to get to a deal and allow proposed production increases to move forward.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki holds the daily press briefing in the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., July 6, 2021. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

However, while encouraging OPEC countries to increase production to bring the gas prices down, the Biden administration has taken measures to limit oil production domestically.

President Joe Biden signed an executive order on his first day in office to suspend new oil and gas leases on federal land and water, saying the federal government must advance environmental justice and, among other efforts, bolster resilience to the impacts of climate change.

In June, a federal judge in Louisiana blocked Bidens suspension of new oil and gas leases on federal land and water.

On June 1, the administration suspended oil and gas drilling leases in Alaskas Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Republicans have criticized the administrations policies, saying the suspension of the Keystone XL Pipeline and other measures will contribute to future fuel shortages and spiking gas prices.

I think there sometimes is a misunderstanding of what causes gas prices to increase, and so to convey to the American people that were working on it and certainly the supply availability of oil has a huge impact, Psaki said, defending the administrations position in Tuesdays briefing.

Tom Ozimek and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
A woman lights up a candle to commemorate the victims of a terrorist attack, in Vienna, Austria, on Nov. 4, 2020. (Joe Klamar/AFP via Getty Images)

Germany Raids Homes of 2 Acquaintances of Vienna Attacker

BERLINGerman investigators on Wednesday raided the homes of two acquaintances of an ISIS terrorist group sympathizer who carried out a deadly shooting in Vienna in November, prosecutors said.

The two men may have known about gunman Kujtim Fejzulais plans for the attack and failed to inform authorities, instead erasing material on their cellphones and social media platforms to cover up their connections to Fejzulai, federal prosecutors said in a statement.

Four people were killed in the attack on Nov. 2 and the gunman also died. Twenty others, including a police officer, were wounded. Fejzulai, a dual national of Austria and North Macedonia, had a previous conviction for trying to join ISIS in Syria.

Prosecutors identified the men whose homes were searched Wednesday in Osnabrueck and Kassel only as Kosovo citizen Blinor S. and German citizen Drilon G., in keeping with German privacy rules. Prosecutors didnt say whether the pair had been arrested.

They said that the two are Islamic radicals and had been in close contact with Fejzulai via social media. They visited him in Vienna for several days in July 2020, shortly after he had acquired the weapon he used in the attack, and met with other radicals from Austria and Switzerland, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors alleged that, given their close personal relationship with Fejzulai and their own radical views, both men knew by the time the visit was over that it was possible he would act on his intentions to carry out an attack. They said that the pair started erasing material linking them to the assailant on the evening of Nov. 2, before the attack began.
The logo of Greensill Bank is pictured in downtown Bremen, Germany, on July 3, 2019. (Fabian Bimmer/Reuters)

Greensill Gave 6 Government-Backed Loans to Sanjeev Guptas GFG on Same Day

Six of the seven loans that Greensill Capital gave to Sanjeev Guptas business empire were provided on the same day, new documents show.The six loans could cost the taxpayer up to 240 million and were so concerning to officials that they paused all government-backed lending by Greensill just days later.

During the COVID-19 pandemic the government said it would back loans to large companies under the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS).

Accredited lenders, among them Greensill, were allowed to provide loans of up to 50 million ($69 million) to companies.

But without special permission they were banned from giving more than 50 million to a group of businesses by lending to different subsidiaries.

This was made clear to Greensill in May when the British Business Bank explainedusing a different steel company as an examplethat, British Steel would be one group with a 50 million limit, and it is not a 50 million facility limit per subsidiary.

Greensill even applied to lift this limit, but was turned down.

Yet all but one of the companies Greensill lent to were part of the GFG Alliance, which includes Liberty Steel.

GFG is an unusual collection in that the firms are linked through their ownership by Gupta and his family, but they are not formally part of a group.

In total, GFGs companies were paid 350 million ($482 million) across seven CLBILS loans from Greensill.

It represents all but one of the CLBILS loans that Greensill paid out.

The final Greensill loan was given to a firm whose director used to work at GFG companies.

Now a report from the National Audit Office (NAO) shows that all but one of these seven loans to GFG were granted on Sept. 30.

Just two days later this raised flags at the British Business Bank, which oversaw the scheme.

By Oct. 13 the officials had slashed the amount that Greensill could lend under the scheme to zero.

The officials worried that by giving several loans to companies in the GFG Alliance, Greensill may have potentially broken the rules of the loan scheme.

Greensill denied wrongdoing.

But at a meeting with bank officials on Oct. 13, Greensill said that it had received political steers that its support for the steel industry was welcome, the NAO report reads.

The British Business Bank acknowledges, as the report does, that in the case of Greensill, applying a less streamlined process might have led the bank to further question Greensills application.

The bank told the NAO that the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy had shown an unusual level of interest in Greensills accreditation.

In an email dated June 9, 2020, one BEIS official said that unfortunately, Spads are pushing back and want information about when Greensill will be accredited to offer loans of up to 200 million.

Spads are special advisers appointed by ministers whose role is political.

Unusually, all of Greensills CLBILS loans were for the maximum allowed under the scheme.

Although banks could provide loans of up to 50 million that would be backed by the government, most did not.

In fact only 17 of 698 CLBILS loans were for the maximum amounteight of these were from Greensill.

The remaining nine loans that hit the maximum were issued by five different lenders. The average loan size was for CLBILS was 3 million ($4.1 million).

The report also revealed that Greensill had sought a 500 million ($690 million) loan from government body UK Export Finance.

UKEF turned down the application, concerned about press reports surrounding Greensill and whether the proposal aligned with its goals.

In recent months it has been disclosed that David Cameron, who worked for Greensill, sent dozens of texts to ministers and civil servants during the early days of the pandemic.

He was lobbying for Greensill to be given access to a separate Bank of England-backed loan scheme.

The audit office said that if the British Business Bank had not been in such a hurry to get money through the door during the pandemic, it might have taken the time to question Greensills claims before accrediting the lender.

These claims include those on loan default rates; exposure to specific borrowers and product types; and its business model and ethical standards. Each were the subject of press reports prior to accreditation, the NAO said.

It gave the bank credit for picking up the potential breaches quickly after the loans were made.

British Business Bank CEO Catherine Lewis La Torre said: The British Business Bank acknowledges, as the report does, that in the case of Greensill, applying a less streamlined process might have led the bank to further question Greensills application.

A less streamlined accreditation process would, however, have been lengthier, meaning that fewer lenders may have been accredited, and fewer businesses would have received the critical finance they needed.

By August Graham
Haitian President Moise Jovenel speaks during a press conference at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, on Dec. 11, 2017. (Ludovic Marin/Pool/Reuters)

Haitian Ambassador: Attack Was by Professionals, Killers, Commandos

A squad of gunmen assassinated Haitian President Jovenel Moise and wounded his wife in an overnight raid on their home Wednesday.

Bocchit Edmond, the Haitian ambassador to the United States, said the attack on the 53-year-old Moise was carried out by foreign mercenaries and professional killerswell-orchestrated, and that they were masquerading as agents of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The DEA has an office in the Haitian capital to assist the government in counternarcotics programs, according to the U.S. Embassy.

Moises wife, Martine, was in stable but critical condition and efforts were under way to move her to Miami for treatment, Edmond said in Washington.

He declined to comment on possible suspects or a possible motive.

Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph, who confirmed the killing, said the police and military were in control of security in Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas where a history of dictatorship and political upheaval have long stymied the consolidation of democratic rule.

Despite Josephs assurances that order would prevail, there was confusion about who should take control and widespread anxiety among Haitians. Authorities declared a state of siege in the country and closed the international airport.

Haiti has asked the U.S. government for assistance with the investigation of the assassination, which is being led by the Haitian national police, the ambassador said. The White House has not confirmed exactly what it will provide but the ambassador has spoken to them and believes assistance will be forthcoming.

Edmond told The Associated Press that Haiti has also repeated a request made months earlier for additional security assistance.
Jovenel Moise addresses the media next to his wife Martine after winning the 2016 presidential election, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Nov. 28, 2016. (Jeanty Junior Augustin/Reuters)

Haitian President Assassinated by Gunmen at Home, State of Emergency Declared

PORT-AU-PRINCEHaitian President Jovenel Moise was shot dead by unidentified attackers in his private residence overnight in what the government called a barbaric act on July 7, stirring fears of escalating turmoil in the impoverished Caribbean nation.

Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph said in televised remarks after chairing a cabinet meeting that the government had declared a state of emergency amid confusion over who would take over the reins of the country. My compatriots, remain calm because the situation is under control, he said.

The 53-year-old presidents wife, Martine Moise, was also shot in the attack at around 1 a.m. local time at the couples home in the hills above Port-au-Prince, Joseph said in a statement. She was receiving medical treatment.

A group of unidentified individuals, some of them speaking Spanish, attacked the private residence of the president of the republic and thus fatally wounded the head of state, he said.

Joseph said the police and army had the security situation under control. The streets of the usually bustling capital of 1 million people were quiet and empty on July 7 after the attack and intermittent gunfire overnight.

All measures are being taken to guarantee the continuity of the state and to protect the nation, Joseph said.

Members of the Haitian police and forensics look for evidence outside of the presidential residence in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on July 7, 2021. (Valerie Baeriswyl/AFP via Getty Images)

But with Haiti politically polarized and facing growing hunger, fears of a breakdown in order are spreading. The Dominican Republic said it was closing the border it shares with Haiti on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola.

This crime is an attack against the democratic order of Haiti and the region, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader said.

Leaders worldwide condemned the attack and appealed for calm. The United States described it as a horrific crime, while Colombian President Ivan Duque called upon the Organization of American States to dispatch a mission to Haiti to guarantee democratic order.

It was unclear who would succeed Moise as president. He had appointed a new prime minister this week who has yet to be sworn in. The head of the Supreme Court of Justiceanother contender for the job, according to the constitutiondied last month of COVID-19 and has yet to be replaced.

Turbulent History

Haiti, a country of about 11 million people and the poorest in the Western Hemisphere, has struggled to achieve stability since the fall of the Duvalier dictatorship in 1986, grappling with a series of coups and foreign interventions.

A U.N. peacekeeping missionmeant to restore order after a rebellion toppled then-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in 2004ended in 2019 with the country still in disarray. In recent years, Haiti has been buffeted by a series of natural disasters and still bears the scars of a major earthquake in 2010.

Moise, a successful banana exporter-turned-politician, faced fierce protests after taking office as president in 2017. This year, opposition leaders accused him of seeking to install a dictatorship by overstaying his mandate and becoming more authoritarian. He denied those accusations.

Moise had ruled by decree for more than a year after the country failed to hold legislative elections, and he sought to push through a controversial constitutional reform.

The U.S. Embassy said in a statement it would be closed on July 7 due to the ongoing security situation.

The United States is assessing the tragic attack and President Joe Biden was to be briefed on the assassination, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in Washington.

We stand ready and stand by them to provide any assistance thats needed, she said. Of course, our embassy and State Department will be in close touch, but its a tragedy. We stand with them, and its important that people of Haiti know that.

The United States, Haitis top aid donor, had on June 30 condemned what it described as a systematic violation of human rights, fundamental freedoms, and attacks on the press in Haiti. The Biden administration urged the Haitian government to counter a proliferation of gangs and violence.

By Andre Paultre
Houses selling at a new property development in the oil sands-rich boomtown of Fort McMurray in Alberta on Oct. 24, 2009. (Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images)

Homeowners in Missouri are Selling Fast, Reflecting US Market Trends

The housing market is seeing a rise in sales. National new home construction in May was up 34.9 percent from May of 2020, and existing home sales are continuing to rise (pdf).

One couple in St. Peters, Missouri, opened up about their personal experience putting their house on the market and just how quickly properties are being sold. The Handleys have lived in their house for ten years and have two young daughters, a 5-year-old and a 3-month-old infant. When asked why they decided to sell, Mr. Handley told The Epoch Times: Because we have plans to move out in the countryside, regardless, and the market is hot.

Mrs. Handley noted, Having the market the way that it is, we couldnt NOT do it right now.

When asked if the pandemic had anything to do with the final decision, Mrs. Handley nodded. It is for me. I dont want my daughter wearing masks anymore and I want to put her in a community where thats not a requirement.

Mr. Handley elaborated, I would say that concerns about us having to restrict our lives because of that is a problem.

Missouri never had a mask mandate, but many businesses and schools implemented their own safety practices based on national trends. But this wasnt the only factor in the Handleys decision. We had food and supply line disruptions as part of COVID, said Mr. Handley.

The couple has plans to move out to Bourbon, Missouri, as soon as their current home is sold.

Mrs. Handley then noted, The end goal is some sort of a homestead. Not just a rural house, but a homestead where we grow food and (raise) meat, agriculture.

They both expressed a desire to own a greenhouse and keep bees. Then they went on to describe their belief that self-sufficiency is better achieved in small communities with schools they can trust. Being in St. Peters, we had her [thier eldest daughter] in a private school because we were concerned about what was being taught in the public schools.

She then added, But in Bourbon, she will go to a public school. Because Ive already called them and talked to the administration about various issues that concern me, and I am satisfied with their answers.

Their diligence over the health and well-being of their children has been a major reason for this move, but the Handleys also expressed how hard it is to leave after living there for a decade. This is the only home that my eldest has ever known.

Mr. Handley chuckled, The littler one probably isnt going to remember anything about it.

But Mrs. Hanldey continued, Leaving behind her [the eldest] school  and her friends  Shes excited. I dont think she understands what it means to move that far away.

The Market Is Hot!

The Handleys realtor told them the market is hot! and that she gets about thirty viewings a day. Many houses get sold within four days of being put up for sale. But the Handleys house is in the upper income level, and so they only experienced one viewing a day. They currently have a pending offer, and Mrs. Handley spoke about the stress that led up to it.

It was day five that we got the offer. And on day four, on day four we were stressing out that we would never sell the house.

Realtor.com reported that the average home currently spends about 37 days on the market in the United States. But with the June housing rise, those numbers may soon need to be adjusted.

June is a big month for home sales. Mrs. Handley said this was an important reason for going on the market when they did. People want to be settled into their homes and know what school their kids are going into to register them, just like we want to. So, it was important for us to have it on the market before June was over.

Because buyers are afraid of getting into bidding wars, and houses are going so fast, many people are offering above asking price. Mr. Handley confirmed that they were offered above asking price, and that the people who sent them the offer also waived the appraisal. Theyre not going to use the appraisals value  basically if the appraisal comes below the asking price, theyll just pay the difference and accept that on the mortgage.

Because things are moving ahead with their pending offer, we asked if theyre packing yet. Mr. Handler sighed. Barely.

Mrs. Handley said, We packed to stage the house. We havent packed much since then.

She then noted the anticipation to close. If this one falls through, we have to re-stage everything, have people coming through again.

When offering advice for first-time home-sellers, Mr. Handley said, sell now.

Mrs. Handley added, Do it fast! We had spoken with a couple that moved into the neighborhood last year, and they said that even last year, before all the talk about this market, they were being outbid on every house, that the only way they got theirs was finding  they found a listing that was coming soon, hadnt gone on the market yet. They offered, to those people, well take the house off your hands. You dont have to show your house, no people coming through, no viewings. And thats how they got the house that they did.

Mr. Handley nodded, attempts before that, they were getting into bidding wars and being outbid.

So this market started last year, Mrs. Handley concluded.

The Handleys are expected to close at the end of the month, along with countless sellers across the nation. They are just one of many families entering the market.
Colin, 10, whose school was closed following the CCP virus outbreak, does school exercises at home in Washington on March 20, 2020. (Eric Baradat/AFP via Getty Images)

Homeschool Applications Double in California

The number of home school applications submitted to the California Department of Education (DOE) soared during the 20202021 school year, state data indicates.

There were 34,715 private school affidavits (PSAs) for five children or less submitted during the most recent curricular year. In California, homeschools are recognized as private schools, and homeschooling families are required to submit an affidavit to the DOE annually.

The most recent homeschool figures are more than twice as high as they were during the 20182019 school year, when 14,548 PSAs were filed. There were 22,433 PSAs filed during the 20192020 school year.

People are just really dissatisfied with the performance of the regular public schools during the COVID crisis, Lance Izumi, a senior director of the Center for Education at the Pacific Research Institute and author of the upcoming book on homeschooling, Voices from Home, told The Epoch Times.

Izumi said Californias increase in homeschooling is part of a nationwide trend.

Between spring and fall of 2020, the percentage of homeschoolers nationwide more than doubled, jumping from 5.4 percent to 11.1 percent in less than four months.

The numbers refer to true homeschooling and dont include distance learning at a public or private school.

The largest increase in homeschoolers was especially notable among minority groups, including black and Hispanic learners.

In African American households, the proportion of homeschooling quintupled from 3.3 percent in spring 2020, to 16.1 percent in fall 2020.

In Hispanic households, the number of homeschooling households doubled in the same time, from 6.2 percent to 12.1 percent.

Izumi said many black and Hispanic kids were reportedly performing the poorest academically prior to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) virus pandemic.

Once the CCP virus pandemic occurred, those students fell behind even further, Izumi said.

A lot of minority parentsAfrican American, Hispanic parentswho werent very satisfied with the public schools before COVID, are now especially dissatisfied with the public schools because their kids are just not doing well in this distance learning situation that the regular public schools have tried to force on everybody, he said.

Many parents are unhappy with the quality of the distance learning their children received during the past years school closures, Izumi said.

Remote learning has not worked for a lot of parents, Izumi said. I think that they feel that their kids are not getting the type of education and learning that they should be getting, and a lot of their kids are really suffering because of huge learning losses.

Izumi said another reason parents are opting to home school is that they worry about indoctrination in the classroom.

Due to distance learning, many parents had the chance to look over the shoulder of their children and have been alarmed to find out they were learning critical race theory, a Marxist-based ideology that divides society into oppressors and the oppressed based on characteristics such as race, sex, class, or sexual proclivities.

Parents see that as causing division  that is causing social and emotional harm to those kids, Izumi said. One way that parents can control what their children are learning is to homeschool.

Izumi said parents choose homeschooling over private schools because its cheaper; and homeschooling over charters due to convenience, as charters only make up about one in 10 public schools in the state.

If you dont have the money for private school, and there isnt a charter school nearby that may provide a better alternative for your child, then really the only thing left for you is homeschooling, he said.

Izumi wanted to assure parents that homeschooling is more feasible than people think, since there are many different types of homeschooling that can accommodate different families.

Despite the states emergency restrictions easing and schools announcing a return to in-person learning in the fall, Izumi said this may be the beginning of a new era for homeschooling.

My prediction is that this increase is something that youre going to see continue in the future.  When parents find out that actually, they can do it, and that they do have greater control [over their childrens education], other parents are going to see that, and youre going to have a snowball effect.
New homes built in a housing development in Ottawa on July 14, 2020. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick)

Housing Policy Mismanaged at All Government Levels, Critics Say

Soaring house prices have made buying a home difficult for Canadians, a situation experts attribute to various factors including policies at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels.

Carleton University business professor Ian Lee is a former Bank of Montreal mortgage manager and pays close attention to housing markets and policy.

The housing crisis is not artificial, its very real. And theres a fundamental mismatch between supply and demandthere are far fewer houses being built than there is demand for houses, and this has been documented report after report, Lee said in an interview.

A Scotiabank report shows that Canada currently has the lowest number of housing units per 1,000 residents of any G7 country, at 424 homes. It would need 1.8 million more homes for Canada to reach the G7 average of 471 homes per 1,000 residents.

From 2000 to 2020, Canadian house prices rose 168.4 percent, by far the highest among the G7 countries and more than triple the U.S. increase of 54.9 percent.

The problem has been exacerbated by really, really cheap money, but thats not the number one driver, Lee said.

Provincial governments have exacerbated it by putting rent controls on, or threatening to, which drives people, investors, out of the rental market. That in turn creates shortages. And so people say, Gee whiz, the rents have gone through the roof. Why dont I just go and buy property?

Municipal regulations have also made things worse, he adds.

Ive actually talked to planners and Ive talked to environmentalists. They said, Well, look, were going to stop urban sprawl. Urban sprawl is code talk to say that they dont want young people and immigrants to go up to the edges to buy affordable housing, Lee explains.

You dont [stop it]. All you do is cause people to jump over the boundary and go to  bedroom communities.

In Vancouver, real estate broker David Hutchinson is trying to sell an old home that would normally be ideal to replace with duplexes, each with a lock-off rental suite.

Should be a no-brainer. But its just all the red tape and costs, Hutchinson said in an interview.

God forbid you make some money, which isnt going to happen, just with the cost of lumber and materials and everything right now. Makes it very difficult. With all the city red tape, theyre saying you need special insulated walls and triple-paned windows and all these other things.

Stress Test, Mortgage Insurance Rule Changes

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) recently made it easier for borrowers to get federal mortgage insurance, reversing the stricter rules it imposed a year ago. However, the national housing authority explained that this is mainly to correct the mistake it made that resulted in loss of mortgage insurance market share to private-sector insurers.

We are taking this action because our July 2020 underwriting changes were not as effective as we had anticipated and we incurred the cost of a decline in our market share, CMHC said in a July 5 news release.

Effective July 5, the minimum credit score a borrower needs to qualify for the CMHCs mortgage insurance dropped from 680 to 600. In addition, the CMHC will allow a borrowers gross debt-service (GDS) ratio to be as high as 39 percent, instead of 35 percent, and total debt-service (TDS) ratio to be as high as 44 percent, instead of 42 percent.

The GDS ratio refers to the proportion of a households gross income being used to pay mortgage and other housing-related debt. The TDS ratio is the proportion being used to cover housing costs as well as other debt payments.

The federal governments mortgage stress test was also changed recently, but its to raise the bar for qualifying for a mortgage. Whereas the minimum qualifying rate for a mortgage was previously 4.79 percent, on June 1, it rose to 5.25 percent or the borrowers mortgage contract rate plus 2 percent, whichever is higher.

Lee said the stress test was implemented for cosmetic purposes, for political purposes, to show that were taking care of the problem even though it was never acute.

Weve always had an extraordinarily low mortgage delinquency in Canada, going all the way back to the 60s and 50s. We never had a mortgage meltdown like the States.

Not a Great Market for Canadian Homebuyers

One change Hutchinson would welcome is a federal foreign homebuyers tax. During a B.C. campaign stop in 2019, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised to tax non-resident, non-Canadian buyers 1 percent on property purchases. That year NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh called for a 15 percent tax on foreign ownership.

The federal government at some point has to stop dragging its feet and emulate the B.C. government and impose a sound, enforceable foreign buyer tax, Hutchinson said.

In 2016, British Columbia slapped an extra 15 percent property transfer tax on non-Canadian and non-permanent resident homebuyers in Metro Vancouver, and in 2018 increased it to 20 percent and expanded it to other parts of B.C. In 2017, Ontario similarly imposed a 15 percent tax on non-resident real estate purchases in the Greater Golden Horseshoe area, which includes the Greater Toronto Area.

The tax seemed to have a marked effect. Juwai.com, a real estate portal that connects interested buyers in China with international listings, found that in 2018, Chinese buyers interest in Canadian properties dropped in Vancouver and Toronto yet grew by nearly 400 percent in Halifax, over 230 percent in Calgary, and around 36 percent in Montreal.

Meanwhile, federal momentum for a foreign owner tax has given way to a preference for foreign investment. Adam Vaughan, the parliamentary secretary for housing, recently told TV Ontario host Steve Paikin, We have a very good system of foreign investment creating a lot of new housing in Canada as we add immigrants and grow the population.

The MP for Spadina-Fort York and former Toronto city councillor said Canada has become a very safe market for foreign investment but not a great market for Canadians looking for choices around housing.
Incredible Dashcam Footage Shows Police Finding Missing Boy in Pond, Leaping In, Saving His Life

Three police officers from Painesville, Ohio, were recently hailed by their department for their heroic action in saving a 4-year-old boy from drowning in a pond.

The entire rescue was captured on one of the officers dashcams and was later posted on the departments Facebook page.

Officers Daniel Thompson, Matthew Tycast, and Chad Balausky were on duty on Saturday, June 12, when a child was reported missing from a home on Erie Street, where hed been staying at a relatives house.

After receiving the call, the officers arrived and began a search for the boy, Paolo Moctezuma.

A few minutes after 8 a.m., the officers were informed of a possible sighting of a body floating in a pond in a park nearby.

(Courtesy of City of Painesville Police Department)

The men swiftly drove to the scene. Upon arriving, there was no body visible at firstbut then Officers Tycast and Thompson noticed air bubbles arising from the pond.

They spotted the outline of a small person about 20 feet from the bank and were quite sure it was Paolo.

Meanwhile, one of the police cruisers dashcams showed the whole scene unfold. Officers Tycast and Thompson removed their gun belts and entered the pond in a bid to save the child, while Balausky ran to retrieve a rope to assist them.

There was debris in the childs mouth and Officer Thompson began chest compressions, Police Chief Dan Waterman later stated, Breitbart reported.

Footage from a police dashcam shows the officers rushing into the pond to save the boy, Paolo Moctezuma. (Courtesy of City of Painesville Police Department)

Painesville City Fire Department arrive to administer further treatment. (Courtesy of City of Painesville Police Department)

After a number of chest compressions, they had a cough and things started to expel, water started to expel out of the childs mouth.

The officers stayed with the boy beside the pond, monitoring his condition, until the Painesville City Fire Department arrived to administer further treatment.

Later, the Painesville Police Department took to social media to announce that the boy had fully recovered and to thank the officers for their heroic deed that saved his life.

The child, Paolo Moctezuma, has made a full recovery from the near drowning and was released from Clevelands MetroHealth Medical Center on Tuesday, June 15, the post stated.

(LR) Paolo, his father Jose, and Officers Tycast and Thompson. (Courtesy of City of Painesville Police Department)

Both Officers Thompson and Tycast visited Paolo at his home afterward and brought him a basket full of toys and police memorabilia as a welcome home present.

The Painesville Police Department would like to thank all those involved and to remind everyone on the importance of speaking with your children about water safety at a young age, the post added.

Chief Waterman stated, They responded quickly, they worked excellently, made excellent decisions under pressure and they didnt hesitate for a moment to risk their own lives to save that child.

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
Inmate Steals, Wrecks Fire Engine in Daring Escape Attempt

An inmate firefighter took the meaning of Independence Day to a new level when he stole a fire engine on July 4 in an apparent escape attempt, authorities say.

The 31-year-old Orange County, California, man was fighting a vegetation fire in Shingle Springs, east of Sacramento, when he apparently dropped his hose for a shot at freedom.

He stole a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection fire engine and drove it through a fence onto a nearby Rack-It Truck Racks business, before crashing into one of the parked vehicles on the lot, authorities said. He also hit a tree and another fence before becoming stuck in a ditch, surveillance video footage showed.

The inmate had been working with the CAL Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit to extinguish a blaze started by fireworks, CAL Fire spokesperson Alisha Herring told The Epoch Times. The incarcerated firefighter had been assigned to Growlersburg Camp, which deploys incarcerated firefighter hand crews to emergencies such as floods, earthquakes, and search-and-rescue operations.

After the engine was stuck in the ditch, the inmate approached a nearby business and attempted to steal an employees vehicle while he was leaving, authorities said. The employee returned to the business and the inmate was unable to start the vehicle.

Thats when he was captured by correctional officers and El Dorado County Sheriffs Office deputies.

CAL Fire is investigating the incident with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and local law enforcement. The inmates name is being withheld due to the ongoing investigation, and its unknown what hes in prison for. He was transferred from Orange County in 2015.

The man was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. He had been assigned to the Conservation Camps Program on March 1.

Officials didnt say how he was able to get control of the engine or if the keys had been left in the truck.
The Antonov An-26 with the same board number #RA-26085 as the missed plane is parked between two other Antonov An-26 planes at Airport Elizovo outside Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, on Nov. 17, 2020. (AP Photo/Marina Lystseva)

Investigators Consider Pilot Error, Weather for Crash

A plane carrying 28 people crashed on Tuesday, apparently as it came in for a landing in bad weather in Russias Far East, and everyone aboard was feared dead.

Wreckage from the An-26 was found on a coastal cliffside and in the sea near the airport in the town of Palana, according to officials.

The plane was on approach for a landing in fog and clouds when it missed a scheduled communication and disappeared from radar, officials from the Kamchatka region said.

Wreckage of a missing Antonov An-26 missing plane found near its destination airport outside the town of Palana, in Russias Far East, in a photo released on July 7, 2021. (Russia Emergency Situations Ministry press service via AP)

Daria Nemtsova, Senior Assistant to Head of Transport Investigative Committee in Far Eastern region, said investigators were considering piloting error, unfavourable weather conditions or a technical failure of the plane as possible causes of the incident.

The plane crashed into a cliff which wasnt supposed to be in its landing trajectory, according to Sergei Gorb, deputy director of the company that owns the aircraft, Kamchatka Aviation Enterprise.

The plane was in operation since 1982, Russian state news agency Tass reported.

According to Russian media reports, none of the six crew members or 22 passengers on board survived.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) building is seen in Washington on Feb. 19, 2014. (Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images)

IRS Reverses Course, Grants Tax-Exemption to Texas Religious Group

A senior IRS executive who had previously denied tax-exemption to Christians Engaged has reversed his decision, awarding the favorable designation to the Texas prayer group.

Stephen K. Martin, director of exempt organization rulings and agreements, had initially cited a claim that prayer and Bible study favor Republicans as the reason for Christians Engageds denial of tax-exempt status. However, in a letter received by the Christian organization on July 7, Martin announced a reversal regarding that decision.

Were pleased to tell you we determined youre exempt from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code 501(C)(3). Donors can deduct contributions they make to you under IRC Section 170, the letter reads.

Martin didnt say in the letter why he reversed his previous position, which was first reported by The Epoch Times and which prompted a national backlash.

Martin had said in a May 18 letter to the group, which was recognized as exempt from state taxes in 2019, that it wasnt eligible for federal exemption because it [engages] in prohibited political campaign intervention and [operates] for a substantial non-exempt private purpose and for the private interests of the [Republican] party.

Christians Engaged encourages its followers to pray on a nonpartisan basis for government leaders at all levels, and to be active in civic affairs by voting and by applying biblical values to public affairs issues.

The group was represented in an appeal of Martins initial decision by First Liberty Institute, a Plano, Texas-based public interest law firm that specializes in religious freedom litigation.

This is truly great news for our client, as well as religious organizations and churches across America, Lea Patterson, counsel for First Liberty Institute, said in a statement. We are grateful the IRS changed course to bring its decision into line with the Constitution and its own regulations.

In the appeal of Martins May decision, Patterson argued three points against the initial finding by the IRS executive.

By finding that Christians Engaged does not meet the operational test, Director Martin errs in three ways 1) he invents a nonexistent requirement that exempt organizations be neutral on public policy issues; 2) he incorrectly concludes that Christians Engaged primarily serves private, nonexempt purposes rather than public, exempt purposes because he thinks its beliefs overlap with the Republican Partys policy positions; and 3) he violates the First Amendments Free Speech, and Free Exercise, and Establishment clauses by engaging in both viewpoint discrimination and religious discrimination, Patterson wrote.

Christians Engaged President Bunni Pounds said in the same statement: I am incredibly thankful to the IRS for doing the right thing, and we look forward to continuing our mission of educating more followers of Jesus to pray for our nation and to be civically engaged. When we stand up, our republic works for all Americans.

The IRS media relations office didnt respond to a request for comment on Martins reversal by press time.

Martins denial in May and The Epoch Times reporting of it prompted a flurry of negative media coverage for the federal tax agency. Multiple members of Congress, who saw a repeat of the targeting scandal in 2013 under Martins predecessor, Lois Lerner, also spoke out against the initial decision.

The IRS under the Biden-Harris administration is up to no good and appears to be abusing its vast powers for political gain, Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), the top GOP member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, told The Epoch Times.

This attack on religious liberty must be stopped and investigated. No federal bureaucrat should be able to wield such massive power and ignore government regulations to target an organization based on their religious beliefs.

Leading House Democrats declined to respond to The Epoch Times request for comment, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland, Oversight Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney of New York, and Judicial Chairman Jerrod Nadler, also of New York.

Contact congressional correspondent Mark Tapscott at Mark.Tapscott@epochtimes.nyc
Japans Aso Rightly Supports Defense of Taiwan Against China Invasion

Commentary

On July 5, Japans Deputy Prime Minister was reported as saying that If a major incident happened [involving Taiwan], it would not be strange at all if it touches on a situation that threatens [Japans] survival. Kyodo news agency reports him as saying, If that is the case, then Japan and the US must defend Taiwan together. He said, We need to think hard that Okinawa could be the next. Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture of Japan, and hosts U.S. military bases.

Taro Aso said that the situation surrounding the self-governed island was becoming extremely intense, according to the South China Morning Post, which was quick to discredit his views by claiming that he backtracked on them, without providing a supporting quote. SCMP also called Mr. Aso gaffe-prone. The SCMPs negative reporting against Aso might be explained by its ownership by Alibaba Group, a China-based e-commerce giant.

The SCMP reported that Beijing issued a stern rebuke, saying Japans obsession with Taiwan showed it had not learned the lessons of history. Chinas foreign ministry spokesman, the truth-challenged Zhao Lijian, told reporters that statements such as Asos were wrong and dangerous.

Mr. Zhao hypocritically trotted out World War II, yet again, to oppose Asos stand against territorial aggression. The foreign ministry spokesman said, Japan has committed crimes during World War II, yet it is still obsessed with Taiwan and has not learnt the lessons of history. Todays China is no longer the China of the past and will not allow any other country to intervene in its internal affairs. No one should underestimate Chinas firm determination and powerful ability in safeguarding its sovereignty.

Unfortunately, several Japanese officials distanced themselves from Asos comments. Senior members of the Japanese government were quick to qualify Asos comments, with Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato saying they were the ministers personal opinion and Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi adding that there had been no change in Tokyos support for the one-China policy, under which Taiwan is not regarded as a country, according to Julian Ryall in the SCMP.

However, Aso is right to up the ante over Taiwan. And, his views are shared by many in the government. Leading politicians are not usually able to say this sort of thing directly, so it is a surprise that he has stated what I believe many people in the government are thinking, said a Tokyo professor of international relations, according to the SCMP.

As should be illustrated by the above, Japan, the United States, and our allies have not gone far enough to demonstrate a commitment to democratic Taiwans defense, preferring instead a so-far failed policy of strategic ambiguity.

Such ambiguity only invites precipitate military action by China against Taiwan in order to preempt a solid U.S.-Japan commitment to defend the island democracy. If China attacks Taiwan before the United States and allies make such a commitment, it might get away with the invasion and suffer no direct military retaliation. Russia achieved this with Crimea and Eastern Ukraine, despite a 1994 U.S. and UK treaty commitment to assure Ukraines territorial integrity when the country gave up its nuclear weapons.

As the only Chinese democracy in the world, Taiwan is critical as an exemplar for mainland China and Singapore, both of which have Chinese-majority populations, and both of which suffer under authoritarian forms of government. Democratization of China is important for long-term peace and security internationally, as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) appears to be doubling down on its authoritarian model, which it apparently believes is more efficient than democracy. The CCP is also pushing the country to militarize and threaten war against not only Taiwan, but the Philippines and the United States as well. Chinas military is taking over territory inside the borders of India and Bhutan, as well as grabbing maritime territory from the South China Sea five: the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. The China threat is real.

Asos statement, and 2015 legislation that facilitates Japans defense of allies even if Japan is not directly attacked, are incremental forms of progress.

But, a true commitment to Taiwans defense would include not only a clear verbal commitment, as Aso is moving towards, but a multilateral defense treaty similar to that of NATO, along with international troop emplacements on the island, and encouragement of Taiwan to obtain its own nuclear deterrent. The failure of the international community of democracies to fully support their fellow democracy in these ways is what leads Xi Jinping to think he can get away with an invasion of Taiwan without serious military repercussions. If he follows through with his plan, we have only ourselves to blame, and the blood will be on all of our hands.

Anders Corr has a bachelors/masters in political science from Yale University (2001) and a doctorate in government from Harvard University (2008). Hes a principal at Corr Analytics Inc., publisher of the Journal of Political Risk, and has conducted extensive research in North America, Europe, and Asia. He authored The Concentration of Power (forthcoming in 2021) and No Trespassing, and edited Great Powers, Grand Strategies.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Lankford Calls GOP Chairmans Support of Primary Opponent Highly Unusual

Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) said the Oklahoma Republican Party chairs support of his primary opponent is atypical and that most state party leaders remain neutral in regards to primary races.

Its more unheard of than it is rare. Id say its highly unusual for a state party chair in any state in America to come out and say, Im not going to at least be neutral,' Lankford told the Tulsa World this week.

Obviously the state party makes their own decisions on what they want to be able to do. But every state party chairman Ive ever talked to has  at a minimumits always just remain neutral, he added. Thats the nature of every leader of every party, by the way, Republican or Democrat.

Oklahoma GOP Chairman John Bennett last month said he was backing Jackson Lahmeyer, a pastor who has described Lankford as a RINO, or Republican in name only.

The good ol boy politics days are over, Bennett told The Oklahoman. Im here for one reason, one reason only and that is to do the job that the people elected me to doand that is to stand and fight for our constitutional republic and to get rid of those that refuse to do it.

Bennett and his representatives have said that his support for Lahmeyer is in a personal capacity, not in his role as the state party head.

Lahmeyer on Facebook on Tuesday expressed appreciation for Bennetts endorsement.

If John Bennett would have put aside his courage & integrity and decided to endorse James Lankford then none of the establishment swamp creatures throughout OK would have said a negative thing. Thankfully John Bennett is a man of great character! he wrote.

Former state Sen. Ron Sharp told the Tulsa World that Bennetts backing of Lahmeyer could swing some votes.

You cant say youre not supporting him as party chairman, because you are the party chairman, Sharp said.

Both Bennett and Lahmeyer, 29, took issue with how Lankford, 53, in his first term, said he planned to object to Arizonas electoral votes on Jan. 6 but ultimately did not.

Lankford originally said on the Senate floor that there were thousands of pages of evidence, suggesting problems with the vote count, and asked for the process to be paused as a commission worked to get more facts about what happened.

But after crowds stormed the U.S. Capitol, interrupting the joint session of Congress on Jan. 6 for hours and, in some cases, sparking violent clashes between rioters and law enforcement, Lankford denounced those who breached the building and did not register an objection. Obviously, the commission that we have asked for is not going to happen at this point, he added.

Lankford later apologized to black Tulsa residents for his intention to object.

Also this week, the Logan County Republican Party endorsed Lahmeyer over Lankford.

Whoever wins the primary will likely go on to win the general election. Political handicapping websites rate the race as solid Republican. Lankford won a special election in 2014 with nearly 68 percent of the vote. Two years later, he drew about the same percentage in a regular election.
Students file into their classroom at a middle school in New York City, N.Y., on Feb. 25, 2021. (Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Largest Teachers Union Quietly Removes Pro-CRT Agenda Items From Website

The nations largest teachers union has quietly taken down a series of adopted and proposed resolutions from its website, including one that calls for the organization to defend the teaching of Marxism-rooted critical race theory (CRT) in public schools.

The National Education Association (NEA), which represents more than 3 million employees in public education, previously showed on its website resolutions proposed during its 100th Representative Assembly. As of the morning of July 6, three days after the online convention concluded, visitors could use the website to track the status of those proposals, including whether they were approved, denied, or referred to a committee.

On Tuesday afternoon, however, a number of those agenda items disappeared from the NEAs website. Their pages now redirect visitors to the 2021 assembly home page instead.

Among the now-hidden approved resolutions was Business Item 39, which would cost the union at least $127,600 to advance a pro-CRT agenda. According to the plan, the NEA would share and publicize information about what CRT is and what it is not, dedicate a team of staffers to assist union members who want to learn more and fight back against anti-CRT rhetoric, and provide a study that critiques power and oppression in American society, including white supremacy, cisheteropatriarchy, and capitalism.

The measure would also affirm the NEAs opposition to attempts to ban CRT or the New York Times highly controversial 1619 Project, which recasts American history on the claim that the United States was founded, and remains today, a racist nation.

In addition, the measure called for an accurate and honest teaching of unpleasant aspects of American history, and described CRT as an appropriate framework for educators to address those topics.

The Association will further convey that in teaching these topics, it is reasonable and appropriate for curriculum to be informed by academic frameworks for understanding and interpreting the impact of the past on current society, including critical race theory, it said.

Another erased resolution, classified as New Business Item 2, essentially called for NEA to research into organizations that are pushing back against efforts to indoctrinate American children with CRT, such as The Heritage Foundation, a Washington-based conservative think tank that has been hosting vocal CRT opponents. It was passed with an initial annual budget of $56,500.

Also removed was New Business Item 33, which was not approved. Proposed by a representative from Oakland, California, it called for mandatory safe and effective COVID-19 vaccinations and testing for all students and staff before returning to face-to-face instruction in the fall.

The disappearance of NEA resolutions was first revealed and posted to social media by Jessica Anderson, the executive director of Heritage Action, the lobbying arm of The Heritage Foundation.

3 days after their annual meeting concludes, [National Education Association], the nations largest teachers union, scrubs the agenda items announcing their nationwide campaign to push CRT from their website, Anderson wrote on Twitter. Why are they covering up their support for CRT?

The NEA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on why the resolution pages were removed from its website or whether they will be made public again in the future.
Live Q&A: Revisionist History Being Used to Divide America; New Evidence On Lab Leak Cover-Up

The history of America is being rewritten with false information, half-truths, and strong bias. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently described the movement behind this as being part of an attempt to divide America. And in other news, as the push continues to investigate the origin of the COVID-19 virus, attention is now shifting to efforts made to prevent the investigations from looking at a possible lab leak. New information shows that a main player in the cover-up has a long history of close ties to China.

In this live Q&A with Crossroads host Joshua Philipp, well discuss these stories and others, and answer questions from the audience.

Were being heavily censored by Big Tech. Our solution? Create our own independent platform free of censorship.

Join us today on EpochTV. Weve got a country to save: http://epochtv.com/Crossroads

Follow EpochTV on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpochTVus

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EpochTVus
A gate is seen at the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan on June 25, 2021. (Rahmat Gul/AP Photo)

Looters Ransack Afghanistans Bagram Air Base After US Troops Leave

Dozens of looters ransacked the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan early on Friday in the hours between when U.S. troops left the premises covertly under cover of night and Afghan forces took control.

Afghanistans district administrator for Bagram, Darwaish Raufi, told The Associated Press that the American departure was conducted overnight without specific coordination with local officials and, as a result, dozens of local looters managed to storm through the unprotected gates of the base before Afghan forces moved in.

They were stopped and some have been arrested and the rest have been cleared from the base, Raufi said, adding that the looters ransacked several buildings before being taken into custody.

The Pentagon announced Friday it had completely vacated the Bagram facility, its biggest airfield in the country, located about an hours drive from the Afghan capital Kabul.

Bagrams new Afghan commander, Gen. Mir Asadullah Kohistani, said that, we [heard] some rumor that the Americans had left Bagram  and finally by seven oclock in the morning, we understood that it was confirmed that they had already left.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Tuesday that the turnover of the Bagram base had been the subject of extensive coordination with Afghan leaders in government and the Afghan security forces, but for security reasons, the details of the pullout were not divulged.

The final conversations occurred about 48 hours prior, Kirdy told reporters in Washington. Obviously for operational security reasons, we didnt go into the exact hour at which all U.S. forces would would leave Bagram. Again, as I said from the outset, we have had to operate under the assumption that this drawdown could be contested at any time.

Addressing the issue of lack of notification of Bagrams new commander about the specifics of the exfiltration, Kirby said, I cant speak for the level of information that went down the Afghan chain of command, while adding that it would have been irresponsible to give the exact hour U.S. troops were departing.

The Pentagon said it expects the final withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan will be completed by the end of August, ahead of the Sept. 11 deadline called for by President Joe Biden.

The deputy spokesman for Afghanistans defense ministry, Fawad Aman, was cited by Newsweek as saying that Afghan National Security and Defense Forces were now in full control of Bagram, adding that they will protect the base and use it to combat terrorism.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Philanthropist and co-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates (R) and his wife Melinda listen to the speech by French President Francois Hollande, prior to being awarded Commanders of the Legion of Honor at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France on April 21, 2017. (Kamil Zihnioglu/Reuters)

Melinda Gates Will Resign If She and Bill Gates Cant Work Together: Foundation

Melinda Gates, the wife of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, will resign from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundations leadership after two years if she or Bill Gates cant work together, the foundation said Wednesday.

The announcement comes two months after the couple simultaneously announced they would be getting a divorce after 27 years of marriage. And the statement from the Gates Foundation, one of the largest in the world, is the first time it touched on how it would operate following the high-profile couples eventual split.

As noted in their divorce announcement in May and demonstrated in their public and private engagements since then, the foundation said, Gates and [Melinda] French Gates are fully committed to continuing to work constructively together at the foundation to advance its program and policy objectives.

But the statement noted that the two also agreed to an additional step to ensure the continuity of the foundations work: if after two years either decides they cannot continue to work together as co-chairs, French Gates will resign her position as co-chair and trustee. The Gates Foundation didnt say whether a similar rule would apply to Bill Gates, a multi-billionaire who is one of the wealthiest people in the world.

The Gates Foundation also included a statement from Melinda Gates, who said shes proud of the work theyve done over the past two decades. Since it was launched in 2000, the organization has spent money on healthcare, education, and vaccinesand namely, COVID-19 vaccine development in recent months.

These governance changes bring more diverse perspectives and experience to the foundations leadership, she added. I believe deeply in the foundations mission and remain fully committed as co-chair to its work.

Mark Suzman, the foundations chief executive, told the Financial Times that the two wanted to be transparent about issues regarding their divorce.

That is something that, certainly from my perspective, I do not expect to happen, and am not planning for, he said. Bill and Melinda, both individually and together, assured me of their firm intent to keep working together as co-chairs for the long term, and that is what we are planning around.

Currently, Bill and Melinda Gates are the only two trustees on the board, coming after billionaire Warren Buffett resigned from his role in June. Suzman told other media outlets that he expects new trustees to be announced next year, although its not clear how many will be added.

In the same statement, the two also announced an additional $15 billion to the foundations endowment.
Chinese citizens wait to submit their visa applications at the US Embassy in Beijing on May 2, 2012. (Mark Ralston/AFP/GettyImages)

More Than 500 Chinese STEM Students Denied Visa to the US

More than 500 Chinese STEM students visa applications to study at major American universities were recently rejected by the U.S. government over security concerns, Chinese media reported. The news sparked debate on Chinese social media and netizens claim that most of the student visa applicants are from Chinese universities that have ties to the Chinese military.

On July 7, Chinese state-run newspaper China Daily reported that at least 500 Chinese students who are majored in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) were denied visas by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates on the grounds of violating Section 212(f) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act and Presidential Proclamation 10043.

Section 212(f) gives the U.S. president the power to deny entry of aliens or non-U.S. nationals who are deemed detrimental to the interests of the United States. Based on that statute, former President Donald Trump issued Proclamation 10043 on May 29, 2020, titled Suspension of Entry as Nonimmigrants of Certain Students and Researchers From the Peoples Republic of China, in response to Chinas technological theft through its researchers and students studying at American universities and research institutes.

According to China Daily, the visa applicants are all graduate students who have been accepted by American universitiesincluding Harvard University, Yale University, University of California at Berkeley, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Johns Hopkins Universityto study for a doctoral or masters degree in the United States. Most of them are studying engineering, computer science, machinery, chemistry, materials science, biomedicine, and other science programs.

After their visa applications were rejected, more than 500 Chinese STEM students co-signed a letter that circulated on Chinese social media, asking the U.S. government to resolve the so-called discrimination and suppression of Chinese students.

Chinas Foreign Ministry responded to the students visa issue, expressing serious concern and has made serious protests to the U.S. government, spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a press briefing on July 6.

The news triggered heated discussion on Chinese social media. Some netizens noted that these students all graduated from the seven major Chinese universities affiliated with the Chinese military, known as the National Defense 7, and said that they are all going to return to China after they study in the United States. By contrast, many graduates from prominent non-military affiliated universities such as Tsinghua University and Peking University had no issues with obtaining visas to study in the United States.

Some netizens said, The real number of such Chinese STEM students should be several times of that. The 500 are just the number made known. There must be thousands of such students who got re-assigned or didnt co-sign the letter.

Chinese students wait outside the U.S. Embassy for their visa application interviews in Beijing, in this undated photo. (Alexander F. Yuan/AP Photo)

Security Concerns

The U.S. government is concerned that some Chinese nationals pose as students to gain entry into the country in order to carry out espionage and intellectual property theft. It can be difficult to distinguish Chinese operatives from the real Chinese students studying abroad.

Director of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation Christopher Wray warned in a Senate hearing that the Chinese academic spies are infiltrating all parts of the United States to steal science and technology and pose a threat to American society.

Joe Augustyn, a former CIA official, also stated that the Chinese Communist Partys (CCPs) intelligence agencies use some members of the Chinese student population to infiltrate American universities and companies to engage in economic espionage. Augustyn said that the Chinese regime recruits Chinese students to act as access agents or covert influencers on U.S. school campuses. Once the operations are exposed, the regime could separate itself (the CCPs intelligence agency) from the students and deny its involvement.

The Biden administration stated on April 27 that it would relax visa restrictions set by the Trump administration on Chinese and other countries students studying in the United States this fall.

However, since the announcement, some Chinese students and scholars were denied visas to the United States. In May, a Chinese students visa application was rejected by the U.S. Embassy because her father works as a security personnel in China. Soon after, the U.S. Embassy issued a decision letter confirming the U.S. Secretary of States instructions to stop issuing visas to the spouses and children of active duty personnel from Chinas Immigration Administration, the Ministry of State Security, and the Ministry of Public Security, due to the regimes human rights abuses and infiltration to other countries.

In June, an independent study surveyed 310 Chinese students who were denied visas to the United States. The report found that most of the students studied at Chinese schools that are linked to the Chinese military and participated in national defense projects, including Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin Engineering University, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, and Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner speaks to a reporter at the election party of public defender Tiffany Caban moments before she claimed victory the Queens District Attorney Democratic Primary election, in the Queens borough of New York City, on June 25, 2019. (Scott Heins/Getty Images)

Movement to Recall Philadelphia DA Faces Hurdles as City Crime Rises

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, a former civil rights attorney aiming to change the criminal justice system, is the target of a movement to allow limited recall elections in Pennsylvania.

Anything we can do to get rid of Larry Krasner, the FOP is in favor of it. Clearly his policies have been a danger to Philadelphia, Mike Neilon, spokesman for the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), told The Epoch Times. This talk of a recallfrom the FOP perspective, anybody but Larry would be better.

Under current law, Pennsylvania has no recall provisions for any elected position.

The state Constitution must be changed before citizens could pursue a recall election.

An amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution was first introduced in 2020 by Republican state Rep. Martina White, to allow for the recall of elected officials who oversee local or state executive branches, agencies, or departments. The original bill would have given voters the right to recall Pennsylvanias governor and other high ranking state officials, but the language was amended last month while in committee and it now proposes allowing recall elections for an elected officer in a city or county of the first class, and that leaves only Philadelphia.

White singled out Krasner in a 2020 press release announcing the measure, which is moving slowly through House committees.

Krasner has exhibited very questionable behavior, from hiring an employee he owed money to at a salary of $160,000, to severely lowering the quality of life in neighborhoods by what equates to the decriminalizing of prostitution, certain drug possessions, and his support for illegal heroin injection sites.

Krasner took office in 2018, with support from progressive voters and $1.7 million in campaign donations from New York billionaire George Soros.

Since then, the Philadelphia crime rate has soared. In 2016, the city saw 277 murders. By 2020, Philadelphias murder count was 499. As of July 6, the city has had 286 murders, a 34 percent increase over last years high.

Philadelphia Police Capt. Matthew Gillespie wrote on Twitter this week that out of 303 total illegal firearm arrests through the Violation of Uniform Firearms Act in 2019 and 2020, just two have received state prison sentences.

In the first week of July, Philadelphia had 63 shootings, for a total of 1,125 shooting victims this year. That is up 28 percent from last year according to the mayors office.

The crime numbers alone are staggering, Neilon said. We dont hear any plans from the DAs office about what are they doing for solutions.

Krasners first term is up in 2021, but he is running for reelection and was well supported in the May primary election. Now he faces Republican Chuck Peruto in November.

I dont believe the majority of Philadelphias voters expected Krasner to radicalize the office in the way that he has under the guise of reform, White said. It now seems he would like to normalize criminal behavior, release criminals back onto the street and encourage criminals through shorter sentencing. All of this will only serve to further hurt victims and embolden criminals. Since his swearing-in, Philadelphia has been on a path to self-destruction.

Krasners office did not respond to requests for comment for this story.

To become part of the state Constitution, Whites amendment must pass both the state House and Senate in two consecutive terms, then be passed by a majority of voters in a statewide referendum.

The Pennsylvania American Civil Liberties Union opposes the amendment, saying voters statewide dont all have a stake in a Philadelphia matter, and by only addressing Philadelphia, the measure doesnt solve the issue of voters having no way to recall elected officials in the rest of Pennsylvania.
Chinese paramilitary police prepare to march on Tiananmen Square in Beijing on March 4, 2010. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)

Nebraska Gov. Ricketts Declares July Victims of Communism Remembrance Month

Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts has designated July as the Victims of Communism month, highlighting the estimated 100 million people who died during religious or political purges, manmade famines, and crimes against humanity.

Ricketts, in a press release and on Twitter, singled out the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which recently marked its 100th anniversary, and the Soviet Union.

An estimated 100 million people have died from political purges, religious persecutions, mass starvations, and other crimes against humanity carried out by communist regimes such as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and the Peoples Republic of China, the Republican governor wrote.

In a proclamation (pdf), the governor noted that former CCP dictator Mao Zedongs Great Leap Forwarda calamitous top-down effort that diverted Chinese farm workers into mass collectiveskilled some 45 million people. That figure was revealed years ago by historian Frank Dikotter, who has systematically chronicled the CCPs mass purges, failed policies like the Great Leap Forward, and the equally disastrous Cultural Revolution.

Dikotter, writing several years ago, provided brutal examples of how the CCP would enforce its collectivization policies. At one point during the famine, a man named Wang Ziyou was accused by the regime of digging up a potato, so CCP authorities cut off one of his ears, and his legs were tied with iron wire, a ten kilogram stone was dropped on his back and then he was branded with a sizzling tool, Dikotter noted.

Today, millions suffer political and religious persecution under the CCP, the governors July proclamation noted, citing the regimes treatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang, house Christians, and other groups. Hundreds of millions of people continue to live under communist and socialist regimes that curtail freedoms and lack respect for human rights, the proclamation added.

Recent reports have also said the CCP continues to persecute Falun Gong, a spiritual practice that includes meditative exercises and moral teachings centered around the values of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. Nearly 700 Falun Gong practitioners, including an 88-year-old victim, have been sentenced by the regime after being charged with spurious counts including sabotaging the enforcement of law. Since 1999, millions of practitioners have been jailed, tortured, killed, or fired from their jobs.

The governors office also cited former Soviet dictator Joseph Stalins collectivization program that killed between 6 and 10 million people during his regime.

In July, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed three bills mandating that students learn about the evils of communism.

The law will add a requirement for the high school government class that students receive instruction on the evils of communism and totalitarian etiologies, DeSantis said. We have a number of people in Florida, particularly southern Florida, whove escaped totalitarian regimes, whove escaped communist dictatorships to be able to come to America.
A woman carries wares recovered from burned shops as she walks past a three-story building burned during deadly clashes with the northern Fulani at Shasha Market in Ibadan, southwest Nigeria, on Feb. 15, 2021. (Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP via Getty Images)

Nigerian Politician Says West Turns Blind Eye to Fulani Terrorists

Former Nigerian minister charges that Fulani have killed 500,000 Nigerians in past 5 years

An accord signed last month by G-20 foreign ministers to stamp out the remnants of the ISIS terrorist group and to halt the expanding terror of ISIS-related groups in the Sahel of Africa has been greeted with dismay by prominent Nigerians.

The Western powers missed an opportunity to identify one of the worlds deadliest terror groupsFulani militiasthe Hon. Femi Fani-Kayode told The Epoch Times. Fani-Kayode is the former Nigerian minister of aviation and a leader of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.

The Fulani terrorists, who are described as the worlds fourth most deadly terrorist group by the International Terror Index, are spread all over the country, are encamped in the forests of the Southwest, encamped in the forests of the Southeast, and killing members of the local population encamped in every state of the Middle Belt and encamped in every state of the Northeast, Fani-Kayode said.

They are by far the most dangerous, the most potent, and the most organized group, and probably the best-funded.

Femi Fani-Kayode, former Nigerian minister of aviation and a leader of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party. (Courtesy of Femi Fani-Kayode)

In Nigeria, Africas largest state, bandit gangs often transition to terrorist agents, according to former U.S. envoy to the Sahel, J. Peter Pham.

A gang kidnapped 121 high school students in Kaduna State early on the morning of July 5. According to my count, that would make about 1,000 kids kidnapped for ransom this year, Pham told The Epoch Times.

The focus of the G-20 foreign ministers gathered in Rome on June 28 was squarely on the ISIS militias.

The Coalition is committed to working with affected countries to address the threats posed by Daesh/ISIS in Africa to ensure the enduring global defeat of the organization, the joint communique read. The Ministers discussed that reinforcing civilian state institutions and consolidating the rule of law, including law enforcement capacity, will be an essential component of combatting Daesh/ISIS, and that the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS will seek to have effective engagement on the African continent.

Pham said that the G-20 group didnt mention the Fulani terrorists in deference to the allied government of Nigeria.

Nigeria would never agree to [calling the Fulani militants terrorists], Pham said, and South Africa, the African representative in the G-20, would ensure that any reference the Nigerians found objectionable would be excluded.

Fani-Kayode said: Regarding the international community, it has turned a blind eye to [Fulani killing squads], knowing full well that eventually there will be a civil war in Nigeria, and perhaps thats precisely what they want.

They make a lot of the fact that they are fighting Boko Haram, which they really havent done and they never did. They say they are going to fight ISWAP [Islamic State West African Province, the rival of Boko Haram], which they may well do, but thats neither here nor there because ISWAP is not as challenging a presence as the Fulani herdsmen, who, he added, have infiltrated every part of the country.

Fani-Kayode said the Nigerian government has failed to stop the Fulani terrorists because the leadership of the country leans toward the Fulanis and against everybody else. The Fulani are a majority-Muslim ethnic group with at least 35 million members spanning 10 countries, from West to East Africa.

The president himself is a Fulani, and the army is controlled by Northern Muslims. Every single security agency, apart from one, is in the hands of Northern Muslims. They control all of the 17 security agencies, he said.

J. Peter Pham, former U.S. envoy to the Sahel. (U.S. State Department)

The former minister charged the federal government of Nigeria with complicity in the massacres by allowing the authorities to stand down after massacres in the nations Middle Belt.

By his estimates, Fulani militants have killed up to 500,000 Nigerians in the past five years alone. By comparison, since 2010, Boko Haram has killed up to 1 million, while in the past few years, ISWAP has killed up to 100,000. Certainly, the Fulani bandits have killed more than any other [group], he said.

They have also killed thousands in the core north itself, that is, the members of the Hausa indigenous population and even Fulanis who do not agree with them, because [the Fulani terrorists] are mainly foreignersthey are from places like Mali, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Chad, Niger Republic, and all the neighboring countries. They just come here and kill and destroy, and that is their agenda.

Other criticism of the foreign minister communique in Rome came from a 2019 presidential candidate, Obadiah Mailafia. The Western ministers cant ignore the Fulani terrorists, who are more genocidal than ISWAP, the outspoken Mailafia told The Epoch Times from an undisclosed location in Nigeria. Since security agents interrogated Mailafia last September, he has been in hiding for fear of incarceration without bail.

The foreign ministers should aim their searchlights on Fulani terrorists as well as ISWAP, he said.

Benue State Gov. Samuel Ortom said at a press conference on June 30: If the federal government has demonstrated the will to arrest Nnamdi Kanu [the leader of the Biafra separatist movement], they should have the will to arrest the Fulani herdsmen who are terrorizing our state and our country.

Especially arrest the Miyetti Allah, who have owned up to the killings in Benue State and have continued to terrorize our land. The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association is the leadership cadre for the Fulani terrorists.

Rev. Godwin Ukuani, a protestant pastor in Hyattsville, Maryland, told The Epoch Times in a text message, Benue State Governor Ortom is speaking out basically mocking the [Nigerian President] Buhari government on arresting a leader agitating for his people to be free, while terrorist Miyetti Allah roams the land killing Nigerians, unmolested.

Ukuani was a child in Biafra during the civil war that took the lives of more than 5 million Igbo tribesmen between 1967 and 1970.
A woman walks past the elephant logo of the Republican Party on the first day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 18, 2016. (Dominick Reuter/AFP via Getty Images)

Not True: RNC Denies Report Saying Russian Hackers Breached GOP With Ransomware Attack

The Republican National Committee (RNC) confirmed on July 6 that none of its data was accessed in the hacking of a third-party provider, a spokesperson said.

Danielle Alvarez, the RNCs communications director, released a statement saying that the organization was informed by Microsoft that its systems might have been breached, but that no RNC data was accessed. The RNC will continue to work with Microsoft, as well as federal law enforcement officials on this matter, according to the statement.

Several news outlets, including Bloomberg News, reported that the RNCs computer systems were hacked by Russian state hackers. Bloomberg, in a story published on July 6, cited two people familiar with the matter and provided no other details about the sources in its claim that Russian group Cozy Bear carried out a ransomware attack against the Republican party.

In a series of Twitter posts pushing back against Bloomberg reporter William Turtons claim on July 6, Alvarez said the assertion that Russian-linked hackers breached their systems is not true.

Later, Turton wrote on Twitter that the RNC continues to deny the story and updated the article with a statement from the RNC. However, Alvarez said that he didnt attempt to contact them for comment when the report was first published.

Would be nice if you reached out for comment for this story in the first place or returned our calls since the story published, she said.

Following the publication of the Bloomberg article, RNC Chief of Staff Richard Walters said the organization had learned that a third-party provider, Synnex Corp., was affected.

Over the weekend, we were informed that Synnex, a third-party provider, had been breached. We immediately blocked all access from Synnex accounts to our cloud environment. Our team worked with Microsoft to conduct a review of our systems and after a thorough investigation, no RNC data was accessed. We will continue to work with Microsoft, as well as federal law enforcement officials on this matter, Walters said in a statement, according to an RNC spokesperson in an email to The Epoch Times.

Microsoft also issued a response to the alleged breach but declined to elaborate on any details or whether it even happened.

In a statement, Microsoft declined to provide additional details.

We cant talk about the specifics of any particular case without customer permission, a company spokesperson told Bloomberg. We continue to track malicious activity from nation-state threat actorsas we do routinelyand notify impacted customers.

The flurry of statements came after U.S. and UK intelligence agencies said in a report published (pdf) last week that Russian military hackers have attempted to breach or access computer networks belonging to hundreds of government and private sector targets worldwide over the past three years.

These efforts are almost certainly still ongoing, the report stated.

The actors have used identified account credentials in conjunction with exploiting publicly known vulnerabilities, such as exploiting Microsoft Exchange servers through several means and then carry out remote code execution and further access to target networks. After gaining remote access, many well-known tactics, techniques, and procedures.

Representatives from Microsoft didnt respond to a request for comment by press time.
[July 07, 2021] Ascenium Tops $25 Million in Funding for Next Stage Development

Ascenium, Inc. (www.ascenium.com), the creator of a new class of general-purpose processor to deliver superior computing performance with lower power consumption into data centers, has secured a new Series A investment of $16 million from Ascenium Holding AS, a private investment holding company based in Stavanger, Norway. This cash infusion brings the total investment in the semiconductor innovator to $25 million. The company aims to substantially grow the team size to support its ongoing development efforts. Ascenium's Aptos, first in a new class of Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) free general-purpose processors, will disrupt data center computing while addressing energy efficiency requirements in today's data centers. For the first time in more than 50 years, Ascenium will radically redefine the interface between the compiler and the hardware in general-purpose processors. Its industry-challenging Aptos offers a superior approach to general-purpose processor architecture that eliminates the performance bottlenecks and high-power consumption resulting from the overly complex hardware implementation of current CPUs. Ascenium holds nine granted patents and has filed six provisional patents covering all aspects of the Aptos hardware and software. "We're grateful that our technical innovation and progress in meeting our business milestones have excited and emboldened our investors," said Pete Foley (News - Alert) , CEO of Ascenium. "This capital infusion enables us to expand our team and accelerate our next stage of development - bringing our industry-changing low-power, high-performance Aptos processor to the market." This new investment will fund go-to-market plans as well as accelerate Ascenium's world-class team staffing effort in Silicon Valley and in both Stavanger and Oslo, Norway. Interested candidates with experience in high-performance processor design, simulation, and implementation, in addition to firmware and compiler engineering, should contact careers@ascenium.com. "We believe that Aptos technology with its radical new approach represents a quantum leap for general-purpose computing, both for general performance but in particular the aount of compute work done per unit of energy," said Espen Fjogstad, CEO of Ascenium Holding AS and chairman of Stavanger Venture AS.



Antiquated processor architecture compounds inefficient power consumption Accelerated (News - Alert) by Deep Learning and 5G wireless technology, the explosive growth of video, audio, and sensor data pouring into data centers is driving significant demand for more servers, which in turn drives data center energy consumption and places significant pressure on available compute resources.

Antiquated processor architecture is a key cause of excessive processor power use. With processors consuming approximately 60% of power in hyperscale data centers, energy costs have become the dominant operating expenditure for large scale data centers. As a result, efficient utilization of compute resources, which drive overall utilization efficiency, is a top priority for the data center industry. Performance should not be sacrificed to power efficiency, and Ascenium's Aptos processor also aims to deliver best-in-class single threaded, single-core performance for demanding data center control-plane software needs. Current general-purpose processors are built from a 50-year-old design approach based on the serial instruction stream. This approach has simply run out of gas despite ever-more exotic, transistor-intensive and power-hungry optimization investments. The Ascenium approach to solving data center compute challenges Ascenium is redefining how data center processing is done by creating a new disruptive class of processor that eliminates both the ISA and the deep pipeline implementation common to existing processors (see video). Ascenium's innovative approach leverages modern compiler advancements to directly control a simple array of compute elements to provide tremendous flexibility and high performance at low power. Leveraging the industry-standard LLVM compiler infrastructure, Ascenium's compiler better exploits the parallelism available in standard high level programming languages. The Aptos microarchitecture continuously physically evolves in space and time under direct compiler control to optimally implement the functional intent of the user's program. Ascenium will use the new Series A capital to accelerate improvements in its compiler, which can currently compile large benchmark programs to execute on its FPGA testbed (see video). About Ascenium Founded in June 2019 after more than a decade of basic research, Ascenium Inc. will disrupt data center computing by providing best-in-class performance while addressing the energy efficiency demands of today's data centers. Its industry-challenging Aptos processor offers a superior approach to general-purpose processor architecture. The multiple patent-pending Aptos architecture eliminates the performance bottlenecks and high-power consumption resulting from the complex Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)-based hardware implementation of current CPUs. Ascenium Inc. is headquartered in Silicon Valley. For more information, please visit www.ascenium.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005219/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] Atradius: Poll reveals stark USMCA north-south divide

Businesses in Mexico express business optimism; in Canada, only a minority anticipate growth AMSTERDAM and HUNT VALLEY, Md., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Differences in how governments have managed the pandemic may be behind contrasting results in this year's Payment Practices Barometer survey. 81% of businesses in Mexico anticipate growth over the coming year. In Canada, however, this percentage plummets to just 36%. Businesses in the U.S. reported a sentiment that falls about halfway between these two extremes. Gordon Cessford, Regional Director for North America, said: "There will be a wealth of reasons behind this dichotomy. While the cohort of interviewees may well play a part, it is likely that businesses in each country worked through differing pandemic experiences. In Mexico, a light touch governmental approach to lockdowns meant that many businesses continued to trade without interruption. In Canada, the reverse is true." What's more, Canada's central government implemented a raft of support measures for businesses. In Mexico, most business support was driven by local projects and implementation was patchy across different regions. Andreas Tesch, Chief Market Officer for Atradius noted the impact that differing government fiscal policies may have played. He said, "Businesses in Canada and the U.S may be bracing themselves for the withdrawal of government support packages during the second half of this year. Most financial observers predict an uptick in business insolvencies at this point. The pessimism expressed by businesses in Canada is likely to reflect their anticipation of a heightened risk environment."



This survey was conducted in Q2 2021, a full year after the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a global pandemic. In addition to capturing views reflecting business confidence, the survey took the pulse of business health through the key performance indicators of trade credit preferences, payment terms, DSO and credit management. In the USMCA region, the survey revealed that more than half of all B2B sales were transacted on credit and 44% of businesses actually increased their use of credit following the outbreak of the pandemic. In terms of the three countries comprising the USMCA region, the U.S. reported the highest percentage of late payments and write-offs. Despite the optimism expressed by businesses in Mexico, the pandemic tops the list of business concerns across the region. In particular, businesses cited the unpredictability of the pandemic alongside safeguarding liquidity levels as their top two concerns.

The USMCA 2021 Atradius Payment Practices Barometer was conducted in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. The reports can be downloaded from the Atradius website at https://group.atradius.com (Publications section). About Atradius Atradius is a global provider of credit insurance, surety and collection services, with a strategic presence in over 50 countries. The credit insurance, bond and collection products offered by Atradius protect companies around the world against the default risks associated with selling goods and services on credit. Atradius is a member of Grupo Catalana Occidente (GCO.MC), one of the largest insurers in Spain and one of the largest credit insurers in the world. You can find more information online at https://group.atradius.com For further information:

Head Office

Christine Gerryn

Director of Group Communication & Commercial Development

Phone.: +31-20-553-2047

E-mail: christine.gerryn@atradius.com

https://group.atradius.com Connect with Atradius on Social Media Twitter

LinkedIn

YouTube Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/712156/Atradius_Logo.jpg

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] Austria Cards and Payments Market Report 2021-2024 - ResearchAndMarkets.com

The "Austria Cards and Payments - Opportunities and Risks to 2024" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Austria Cards and Payments - Opportunities and Risks to 2024' report provides detailed analysis of market trends in the Austrian cards and payments industry. It provides values and volumes for a number of key performance indicators in the industry, including cash, cards, credit transfers, direct debits, and cheques during the review-period (2016-20e). The report also analyzes various payment card markets operating in the industry and provides detailed information on the number of cards in circulation, transaction values and volumes during the review-period and over the forecast-period (2020e-24f). It also offers information on the country's competitive landscape, including market shares of issuers and schemes. The report brings together the publisher's research, modeling, and analysis expertise to allow banks and card issuers to identify segment dynamics and competitive advantages. The report also covers detailed regulatory policies and recent changes in regulatory structure. This report provides top-level market analysis, information and insights into the Austrian cards and payments industry, including Current and forecast values for each market in the Austrian cards and payments industry, including debit and credit cards.

Detailed insights into payment instruments including cash, cards, credit transfers, direct debits, and cheques. It also, includes an overview of te country's key alternative payment instruments.

Ecommerce market analysis.

Analysis of various market drivers and regulations governing the Austrian cards and payments industry.

Detailed analysis of strategies adopted by banks and other institutions to market debit and credit cards.



Scope Contactless payments are gaining popularity in Austria and are mainly used for low-value retail purchases. In 2020, the number of payment cards that supported contactless was estimated at 13.7 million - up significantly from 10.0 million in 2016, at a strong review-period CAGR of 8.2%. To capitalize on the growing use of contactless in Austria, in October 2018, JCB International partnered with the Austrian credit card issuer card complete Service Bank to offer JCB contactless cards that can be used at more than 10,000 merchants. Meanwhile, Mastercard collaborated with Erste Bank to launch a new Mastercard contactless debit card in April 2019. Meanwhile, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the contactless payment limit has temporarily been increased from 25 ($30.57) to 50 ($61.14), effective from April 2, 2020; this is to drive cashless and contact-free in-store purchases to avoid potential disease vectors.

Competition in the Austrian banking and debit card issuance is likely to intensify, with Austria Post now venturing into the space. In April 2020, Bank99 - a joint venture between Austrian Post and the GRAWE Banking Group - was launched. The bank offers range of banks accounts such as account99 simple, account99 practical, account99 carefree, education account99, and youth account99, among others. The bank offers a range of financial services online and at over 1,800 service points, including Austria Post's network and postal partners.

Banks in Austria are launching secure and convenient banking solutions to their customers. In February 2020, Bank Austria announced the integration of the social banking solution of Israeli fintech, PayKey, on its platform. The PayKey banking keyboard provides the bank's customers with instant access to financial services. This includes person-to-person (P2P) payments and balance checks from within any mobile app, including all social and messaging apps. PayKey's patented Social Payments Solution is based on a state-of-the-art smartphone keyboard. This includes a branded payment button opening a menu of payment services. Key Topics Covered:

Payment Instruments

Card-based Payments

Ecommerce Payments

Alternative Payments

Job Analysis

Payment Innovations

Payment Infrastructure and Regulation

Appendix Companies Mentioned Raiffeisen Bank

Erste Bank

BAWAG PSK

UniCredit Bank

Volksbank

Visa

Mastercard

Diners Club

American Express

Apple Pay

Klarna

Google (News - Alert) Pay

paysafecard

Blue Code

PayPal

Masterpass

EPS

Skrill For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/39gx2q View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005527/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] Bay Alarm, Celebrating Its 75th Anniversary, Urges Businesses & Homeowners to Protect Themselves in Wake of Soaring Burglaries

Even though the CDC has eased its pandemic guidance, many businesses haven't fully reopened. Break-ins at businesses across the California, Arizona, and Washington continue to climb. The good news: Bay Alarm, the largest independently owned and operated security company in the U.S., which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, has a couple of tips to help prevent businesses from becoming victims of commercial crime. "First, have a comprehensive security review of your property by a security professional. Identifying vulnerabilities is the first step in creating a comprehensive security plan," says Tim Westphal, COO of Bay Alarm. Next, because they are unable to respond to every alarm, law enforcement in many communities either prioritizes or even requires verification of a crime in progress before dispatching police to the scene. "That's why protecting your business with live remote video monitoring (LRVM) has become more important than ever. Not only are we able to verify an intruder and expedite a response, but verification also virtually eliminates false alarms," says Westphal. Bay Alarm is a family-run business now in its third generation. Founded in their Oakland home in 1946 by Marj and Everett Westphal, Bay Alarm employs 1,100 staff and protects more than 150,000 homes and businesses in California, Arizona, and Washington.



"It's been amazing to be part of the technology innovations over the years. We've gone from alarm codes printed on ticker tape in my grandfather Everett's days to my dad Roger and uncle Bruce pioneering the development of a fully digital operation, to where we're at today. We have cameras with onboard artificial intelligence that can accurately identify an intruder, send live video to a monitoring agent, where we can alert authorities and verbally engage the intruder, stopping crime before it starts." But it's not all about technology. "One of the main reasons we've been able to be successful is our family values and our commitment to training and customer service," says Westphal. Do your best every time and treat people the way you want to be treated is still the family mantra.

"Who knows, in the future, maybe not too far off, we may be able to have one of our monitoring agents dispatch a drone to provide visibility into areas not covered by fixed cameras." About Bay Alarm Founded in 1946 in Oakland, California, Bay Alarm is now in its third generation of family leadership. The company has grown to be the largest independently owned and operated alarm company in the United States with 17 branch locations, protecting over 150,000 residential and commercial customers. Learn more about Bay Alarm at www.bayalarm.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005271/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] Emera's Sustainability Report Highlights Leadership Role in Energy Transition and Climate Commitment

Emera Inc.'s (TSX: EMA (News - Alert) ) latest sustainability report, now available on the company's website, highlights its 2020 progress toward achieving its Climate Commitment - a set of future-focused carbon reductions goals and a vision to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Decarbonization has been central to Emera's strategy for more than 15 years and the 2020 Emera Sustainability Report highlights our ongoing investment in cleaner, more reliable energy as we work toward our vision to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. It also outlines our continued support for our communities with $16 million contributed in 2020, with $6 million directed toward COVID-19 relief efforts. We're also focused on supporting diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels of our business and in our communities. "ESG is core to strategy, culture and day to day operations at Emera," Scott Balfour, President and CEO, Emera Inc. "And in many ways, our response to the pandemic has reinforced th strength and resiliency of our business, our strategy and our team."



This year's sustainability report highlights Emera's continued commitment to delivering cleaner and renewable energy, while remaining focused on customer affordability and reliability. It also includes updates on other critical areas of the business including safety and Emera's ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Emera is also making progress on its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy, strengthening its commitment to strong, diverse and inclusive workplaces and communities. The Company has focused on education, recruitment and data collection to drive its approach. In 2020, Emera also established a $5 million fund to support community initiatives to advance inclusion and diversity.

In addition to the oversight provided by Emera's Board of Directors, in 2020 the Company also established a Sustainability Management Committee, chaired by the CEO and comprised of senior leaders from across the business. The committee oversees ESG initiatives, risks and opportunities across the company. As with previous reports, no hard copies of the report will be printed in an effort to reduce waste. You can view, download or print the report here. About Emera Emera Inc. is a geographically diverse energy and services company headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with approximately $31 billion in assets and 2020 revenues of more than $5.5 billion. The company primarily invests in regulated electricity generation and electricity and gas transmission and distribution with a strategic focus on transformation from high carbon to low carbon energy sources. Emera has investments in Canada, the United States and in four Caribbean countries. Emera's common and preferred shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade respectively under the symbol EMA, EMA.PR.A, EMA.PR.B, EMA.PR.C, EMA.PR.E, EMA.PR.F, EMA.PR.H and EMA.PR.J. Depositary receipts representing common shares of Emera are listed on the Barbados Stock Exchange under the symbol EMABDR and on The Bahamas International Securities Exchange under the symbol EMAB. Additional information can be accessed at www.emera.com or at www.sedar.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005799/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] flyExclusive Doubles Down on Innovation and Expands Leadership Team

flyExclusive, a leading provider of premium private jet charter experiences, today announced the expansion of its leadership team along with new strategic investments that will accelerate the company's growth and deliver on its promise of innovation in private jet travel. The company named Tommy Sowers as President of its private charter operation, while David Ivy joins the team as Vice President of Engineering. Sowers will oversee charter operations in Kinston and Ivy will operate out of flyExclusive's new technology hub in Durham, North Carolina, where the company will develop innovative applications to enhance operations and continuously improve its world-class private jet experiences for clients and partners. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005631/en/ Tommy Sowers joins flyExclusive as President of its private charter operation. (Photo: Business Wire) Tommy Sowers joins flyExclusive following a successful career in entrepreneurship, academia, the military and public service. Sowers most recently servd as the Southeast region lead for innovation for the U.S. Department of Defense and taught innovation and entrepreneurship at Duke University. Prior to this, he co-founded and was Chief Executive Officer of Durham- and San Francisco-based GoldenKey and was a management consultant at McKinsey & Company (News - Alert) . A U.S. Army Green Beret combat veteran, Sowers previously served as an Assistant Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. At flyExclusive, he will work with the leadership team to develop and execute the company's strategic growth plan, which includes recently passing 500 employees and close to $250 million in annual recurring revenue.



"flyExclusive has become one of the fastest-growing companies in North Carolina, with an incredible team of industry veterans using their combined expertise to build an elite brand in private jet travel," said Sowers. "With the creation of our new technology hub, we are doubling down on our strategic investment in North Carolina and creating advancements that will power innovative private jet travel offerings as we look toward the next phase of our explosive growth." David Ivy joins flyExclusive with a proven record of success leading technology teams and developing consumer and enterprise software applications across a variety of industries, including healthcare and data science. In his new role, Ivy will build an in-house engineering team focused on creating and improving applications to increase the efficiency and usage of flyExclusive's floating fleet of more than 70 light-to-heavy jets.

"flyExclusive's close proximity to North Carolina's Research Triangle provides access to some of the best and most creative engineering talent in the nation," said Ivy. "We will draw on the region's top software development professionals and data engineers to create technologies that will use artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics to optimize the private jet travel experience for our customers." flyExclusive is currently seeking talented development and engineering professionals in the Research Triangle to support its growing presence. To learn more and apply for open positions, visit flyExclusive.com/careers. For more information about flyExclusive's range of private jet charter offerings and Jet Club program, visit www.flyexclusive.com. About flyExclusive flyExclusive is a premier owner/operator of private jet experiences that surpass expectations for quality, convenience and safety. From our world-class Jet Club to our unmatched private jet charter, clients who fly with us receive a curated private jet experience that anticipates their needs for comfort and style. Our leadership team uses decades of flying experience, industry knowledge in private jet experiences and expertise in fleet logistics and management to deliver a premium experience every time out of the gate. With services provided across North America, Caribbean, Central America, South America, Europe, Asia and beyond, our floating fleet of more than 70 aircraft are ready to take you wherever you dream of flying. To learn more, visit www.flyexclusive.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005631/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] GHGSat Announces Research Project to Demonstrate Satellite-Based Measurement of Methane Emissions From Offshore Sources

MONTREAL, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- GHGSat today announced a new research project to assess the feasibility of its unique high-resolution, space-based methane monitoring technology to measure emissions from offshore oil and gas platforms. Chevron, Shell, and TotalEnergies are supporting the 12-month research project, which is expected to achieve a world-first in demonstrating high-resolution satellite-based monitoring of anthropogenic methane (CH4) emissions at sea. Nearly 30% of global oil and gas production takes place offshore. With a vantage point ~500km above Earth, and high revisit rates, satellites could hold the key to verifying emissions from rigs, easily and cost effectively. To find out, GHGSat is testing a technique developed by NASA, amongst others, and proven in fields such as ocean height and ice-thickness measurement. GHGSat has been pioneering the use of high-resolution satellites to measure CH4 emissions since 2016. The company's patented infrared sensor is able to identify the unique "signature" created by methane as it absorbs sunlight bouncing back off the surface of Earth. As water absorbs sunlight when viewed directly from above, GHGSat will take measurements at more acute angles, positioning the spacecraft's sensor so it focuses on the point where the sun's light reflects most strongly off the sea  the "glint spot." As the satellite is traveling at approximately 7.5km per second, this requires precise choreography but means that 100 times more light can be sent to the gas-detecting instrument  known as an interferometer  thereby enabling precise measurements to be made.



Following the successful demonstration of the capability, named "Glint Mode," each of the industrial participants will have six of their offshore facilities observed at locations around the world such as the North Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. The initial feasibility assessment will begin later this year, with satellite readings being checked against measurements taken on-board the platforms by hand-held devices and drones. Stephane Germain, CEO of GHGSat, said, "This is a GHGSat research project but one driven by customer demand. Offshore producers are looking for ways to confirm their reported emissions. With this new research, we hope to show that space can provide the data they need, in a timely, reliable, and cost-effective way.

"Measuring offshore emissions properly is important: We need to improve the accuracy of the global methane stock take, replacing estimates with precise data. As methane is 30 times more potent than C02 as a greenhouse gas, over 100 years, reducing CH4 emissions is one of the most effective near-term climate change actions." For further information, please contact Mieka Kamphuis at mkamphui@ghgsat.com. About GHGSat GHGSat is a leader in high-resolution greenhouse gas monitoring from space, providing actionable emission data to businesses, governments, and regulators worldwide. With proprietary remote-sensing capabilities and patented technology, GHGSat can monitor individual facilities, offering greater data accuracy and facilitating timely strategic decision-making insights. www.ghgsat.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ghgsat-announces-research-project-to-demonstrate-satellite-based-measurement-of-methane-emissions-from-offshore-sources-301326878.html SOURCE GHGSat

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] Harris Williams Advises Tachyon Communication Services on its Sale to NextEdge, a Bow River Capital Portfolio Company

Harris Williams, a global investment bank specializing in M&A advisory services, announces it advised SBS Services Holdings, LLC (doing business as Tachyon Communication Services; Tachyon), a portfolio company of MSouth Equity Partners (MSouth), on its merger with NEN Holdings, LLC (doing business as NextEdge Networks and Modus; NextEdge), a portfolio company of Bow River Capital (Bow River). Tachyon is a leading provider of wireless and wireline infrastructure services across the telecommunications field services industry going to market through four affiliates, NIS, Source (News - Alert) Broadband, Summitt Cellular and Towersource. The transaction was led by Drew Spitzer, Matt White, Greg Waller, Thomas Saunders, and Kel Wilburn of the Harris Williams Energy, Power & Infrastructure (EPI) Group. "We continue to see increased interest in the telecommunications sector. Investors are looking for innovative ways to capitalize on the buildout of 5G technology, and Tachyon's market leadership and ability to successfully scale emerging telecommunications technologies created a unique opportunity for NextEdge and Bow River to tap into the ongoing buildout and add meaningful scale to their existing footprint," said Matt White, a managing director at Harris Williams. "The sale of Tachyon adds to the robust omentum we are seeing in the telecom services sector and further complements our strong resume of advising market leaders in the space," added Drew Spitzer, a managing director at Harris Williams. "We look forward to watching the combined growth of Tachyon and NextEdge as these two great businesses continue to deploy leading telecom services capabilities for both regional and national customers across the network infrastructure lifecycle."



"Chris Amato, CEO of Tachyon, and his team have assembled an impressive platform, and we are excited about the potential that a combination between these two market leaders will bring to the evolving telecom market," added Greg Waller, a director at Harris Williams. "It was a pleasure working with the teams at Tachyon and MSouth on this transaction, as well as with the teams at NextEdge and Bow River." Tachyon is based in Norcross, Georgia and provides design, construction, optimization and maintenance services for owners and operators of fiber and wireless network infrastructure. The company's principal market includes the Southeastern United States, with targeted customer programs in surrounding regions. Tachyon serves as a prime contractor to several blue-chip customers and is well-positioned to address the increased need for communications infrastructure, driven by rapidly expanding wired and mobile broadband data consumption. The combination of both businesses creates a coast-to-coast turnkey telecommunications service provider of unique scale and capability.

MSouth is a private equity investment firm that provides equity capital and expertise to support management teams in acquisitions and recapitalizations of lower-middle market companies typically valued between $25 million and $200 million. Based in Atlanta, with an office in Nashville, Tennessee, MSouth invests primarily in the South with a consistent focus on management buyouts of business services, specialty distribution, niche manufacturing, healthcare services and telecommunications/media companies. With over $2.2 billion under management across four funds, MSouth is a successor to Cravey, Green & Wahlen, Inc., which was founded in 1984. NextEdge is a leading 5G infrastructure services company that focuses on identifying, designing, engineering, constructing, installing and maintaining 5G small cell networks. Modus has deployed thousands of wireless telecommunications facilities in the most challenging municipalities in the Western United States and has emerged as an industry leader in designing, building, retrofitting and modifying these networks not only to the satisfaction of its customers but also the communities in which it works. Founded in 2003, Bow River is a private alternative asset management company based in Denver focused on investing in the lower-middle market in three asset classes, including private equity, real estate and software growth equity. The Bow River private equity team focuses on partnering with infrastructure services, business services, and healthcare services businesses in the lower-middle market. Harris Williams, an investment bank specializing in M&A advisory services, advocates for sellers and buyers of companies worldwide through critical milestones and provides thoughtful advice during the lives of their businesses. By collaborating as one firm across Industry Groups and geographies, the firm helps its clients achieve outcomes that support their objectives and strategically create value. Harris Williams is committed to execution excellence and to building enduring, valued relationships that are based on mutual trust. Harris Williams is a subsidiary of the PNC (News - Alert) Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). The Harris Williams EPI Group has significant experience advising market leading providers of technology, services, and products across a broad range of sectors. These sectors include energy management; infrastructure services; utility services; testing, inspection, and certification services; environmental services; engineering and construction; power products and technology; and energy technology. For more information on the Group's experience, please visit the EPI Group's section of the Harris Williams website. Harris Williams LLC is a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. Harris Williams & Co. Ltd is a private limited company incorporated under English law with its registered office at 8th Floor, 20 Farringdon Street, London EC4A 4AB, UK, registered with the Registrar of Companies for England and Wales (registration number 07078852). Harris Williams & Co. Ltd is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Harris Williams & Co. Corporate Finance Advisors GmbH is registered in the commercial register of the local court of Frankfurt am Main, Germany, under HRB 107540. The registered address is Bockenheimer Landstrasse 33-35, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (email address: hwgermany@harriswilliams.com). Geschaftsfuhrer/Directors: Jeffery H. Perkins, Paul Poggi. (VAT No. DE321666994). Harris Williams is a trade name under which Harris Williams LLC, Harris Williams & Co. Ltd and Harris Williams & Co. Corporate Finance Advisors GmbH conduct business. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005536/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] Levy Architects Announces Creative Civilization As Its New Marketing Communications Agency

SAN ANTONIO, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- LEVY Architects, recognized as one of the region's leading architecture and design firms, has teamed with full-service marketing firm Creative Civilization  An Aguilar/Girard Agency. Creative Civilization with offices in San Antonio and Austin, will develop and implement an integrated marketing campaign, including brand evolution, content creation, digital, public relations, advertising, and event marketing. "We have already begun to enjoy the value of Creative Civilization's strategic leadership and innovative ideas, which perfectly fits our vision and timing of our expansive growth," said Stephen V. Levy, President and Founder of LEVY Architects. "Creative Civilization offers the sophistication of a big agency, with the personalized attention of its leadership and talented team," added Levy. Creative Civilization's early work can be seen in its brand evolution expression through the LEVY monthly electronic newsletter, "Texas Contemporary Monthly," among other touchpoints. "We are excited to work with LEVY at a time when the company is accelerating its presence and recognition as a premier design and architecture firm in Texas and beyond," said Gisela Girard, co-funder, and President of Creative Civilization. "LEVY produces inspiring work, which in turn inspires our marketing, creative, public relations, and social media teams to communicate and share the LEVY Architects experience," added Girard.



Since 1999, Creative Civilization has led many high-profile marketing campaigns for a wide range of clients including the City of Austin, City of San Antonio, Quest Diagnostics, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, San Antonio Spurs, San Antonio Economic Development Foundation, Housing Authority of the City of Austin, San Antonio Housing Authority, Braination, among many others. About LEVY

LEVY is a premier architecture firm that provides integrated products and services including interiors, purchasing, and branding. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, LEVY creates an experience of design through a collaborative and personalized process to engage clients in every level of the process, building both strong foundational relationships and creative solutions. With a balance of innovation and sound principles, this unique experience is known as "Texas Contemporary." Learn more at LEVY Architects. Follow LEVY on Facebook, LinkedIn at @LEVYarchitects, and Instagram at @LEVYdesignstudio.

About Creative Civilization

Creative Civilization, headquartered in San Antonio, Texas with an office in Austin, is a nationally recognized advertising agency representing leading brands. The agency's mantra, Inspiration Is All Around Us, fuels creative solutions across all agency disciplines. Founded in 1999 by marketing leaders Al Aguilar and Gisela Girard, Creative Civilization offers a wide range of services, strategic planning, account management, creative, media planning and buying, public relations, media relations, social media, promotions, event marketing and grassroots initiatives. For more information visit Creative Civilization. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/levy-architects-announces-creative-civilization-as-its-new-marketing-communications-agency-301327332.html SOURCE Creative Civilization

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] LU Hong Kong launches Hong Kong's first open robo-advisory platform, AI-backed "Lucy" offers professional wealth management services to its clients

HONG KONG, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- LU International (Hong Kong) Limited ("LU Hong Kong"), a subsidiary of Lufax Holding Limited ("Lufax"; NYSE: LU), introduces Hong Kong's first open robo-advisory platform, offering tailor-made asset allocation solutions through its professional AI investment consultant "Lucy". LU Hong Kong is also proud to enter into an agreement with BNY Mellon Investment Management ("BNY Mellon"), one of the world's leading investment managers with US$2.2 trillion in assets under management and a leading provider of Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) services. Under the agreement, BNY Mellon will provide investment advice to LU Hong Kong based on the risk profiles and investment restrictions defined by LU Hong Kong. BNY Mellon does not consider circumstances of individual investors in offering investment advice to LU Hong Kong. It will be the first Asia Pacific ex-Japan collaboration for both LU Hong Kong and BNY Mellon Investment Management. Empowered by Lufax's advanced technology, LU Hong Kong's AI-backed Lucy offers professional wealth management services and asset allocation solutions with a low investment threshold. Advisory fees will also be waived for a limited period to allow users to experience the new fintech service with the specially-designed user interface. LU Hong Kong's professional AI investment consultant Lucy will offer portfolio options taking into consideration the investor's financial profile including their income, financial objectives, risk appetites and investment objectives. By using LU Hong Kong's open robo-advisory platform, retail customers will invest in a model portfolio that may include BNY Mellon Investment Management funds and other leading asset managers across equities and fixed income in both developed and emerging markets. LU Hong Kong's open robo-advisory platform will aim to help retail investors resolve common challenges such as: The need to eliminate the impact of emotional bias by offering a systematic and quantitative tool that ensures retail investors stick to a risk management strategy that meets their risk preference and investment targets. The need to reduce time associated with face-to-face know-your-customer processes, especially for tech-savvy investors. High management fees associated with sophisticated and complex investment strategies. The announcement comes at an opportune time given the rising interest in robo-advisory services. According to a report by Statista, the total number of users of robo-advisory services in Hong Kong is expected to increase by 28% to 215,500 in 2021 and reach 368,800 by 2025. Total assets under management associated with investments made with the help of robo-advisors, on the other hand, is expected to more than triple to US$6.4 billion by 2025 from an initial figure of US$1.74 billion in 2021. In particular, the upcoming launch of the "Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect" scheme is expected to bring substantial business opportunities for financial institutions in Hong Kong due to the riing number of customers from Mainland China keen to embrace financial technology and financial services offered in Hong Kong.



According to a Statista report, total assets under management associated with robo-advisors in the United States is currently as high as US$937 billion; China ranked second with AUM reaching US$91 billion. Looking forward, LU Hong Kong plans to use its strong financial technology capabilities to increase access to robo-advisory services following the official launch of "Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect". Mr. Cai Hua, CEO of LU Hong Kong said, "We are delighted to cooperate with BNY Mellon Investment Management, a highly experienced asset manager, as we seek to introduce the first open robo-advisory platform in Hong Kong. The launch of LU Hong Kong's robo-advisory service is the result of our drive to provide a suitable risk management and investment analysis tool for retail investors that is more robust than individual efforts. We always seek to offer new solutions to help retail investors build resilient investment portfolios in alignment with their personal risk and investment preferences amidst a highly volatile investment market. AI-backed solutions can enable retail investors to choose an appropriate strategy that will be executed by sophisticated algorithms offering peace of mind."

Mr. Doni Shamsuddin, Head of Asia-Pacific (ex-Japan) at BNY Mellon Investment Management said, "Since the launch of our OCIO business in Asia Pacific last year, we continue to see strong demand from intermediaries for our capabilities. We are looking forward to working more closely with digital banks, fintech startups, as well as wealth managers and family offices looking for an outsourced investment solution." About LU Hong Kong Lu International (Hong Kong) Limited ("LU Hong Kong"), is a subsidiary of Lufax Holding. LU Hong Kong is incorporated in Hong Kong and is an SFC-licensed corporation licensed to carry out the regulated activities of dealing in securities, advising on securities and asset management (CE: BIN669). The LU Hong Kong mobile application is an online wealth management platform launched on 8 August 2020 in Hong Kong to offer around-the-clock wealth management services. Official website: http://www.lu-hk.com About BNY Mellon Investment Management BNY Mellon Investment Management is one of the largest asset managers in the world, with $2.2 trillion in assets under management as of March 31, 2021. Through an investor-first approach, the firm brings to clients the best of both worlds: specialist expertise from eight investment firms offering solutions across every major asset class, backed by the strength, stability, and global presence of BNY Mellon, one of the world's most trusted investment partners. Additional information on BNY Mellon Investment Management is available on bnymellonim.com. BNY Mellon Investment Management is a division of BNY Mellon, which has $41.7 trillion in assets under custody and/or administration as of March 31, 2021. BNY Mellon can act as a single point of contact for clients looking to create, trade, hold, manage, service, distribute or restructure investments. BNY Mellon is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE: BK). Disclaimer: Investment involves risks. The prices of investment products may rise or fall, sometimes fluctuate sharply, and may even become worthless. The past performance of the relevant assets does not reflect future performance. Before making any investment decisions, investors should read the relevant offering documents and risk disclosure statements in detail or obtain independent professional advice and carefully consider all relevant risk factors. The content of this material is for informational purpose only and does not constitute any investment advice, recommendation, offer, solicitation, advertisement, inducement or invitation. Lu International (Hong Kong) Limited is a licensed corporation under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (CE: BIN669) licensed for Type 1 (dealing in securities), Type 4 (advising on securities) and Type 9 (asset management) regulated activities. This promotional material has not been reviewed by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. These views are current as of the date of this communication and are subject to rapid change as economic and market conditions dictate. Though these views may be informed by information from publicly available sources that we believe to be accurate, we can make no representation as to the accuracy of such sources nor the completeness of such information. Information is subject to change, and past performance is no indication of future performance. To the extent permitted by applicable laws, rules, codes and guidelines, BNY Mellon Investment Management Hong Kong Limited accepts no liability for loss arising from use of or reliance on this material.? BNY Mellon Investment Management Hong Kong Limited (CE no.: AQI762) is licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission to conduct Type 1 (dealing in securities), Type 2 (dealing in futures contracts), Type 4 (advising on securities) and Type 9 (asset management) regulated activities. BNY Mellon Investment Management Hong Kong Limited and any other BNY Mellon entity (ies) mentioned are ultimately owned by The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation. BNY Mellon is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation and its subsidiaries. This document is jointly issued by Lu International (Hong Kong) Limited and BNY Mellon Investment Management Hong Kong Limited. SOURCE LU International (Hong Kong) Limited & BNY Mellon Investment Management

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] Macquarie Asset Management and Ontario Teachers' Sign Agreement to Acquire Stake in Puget Holdings

Macquarie Asset Management ("MAM") and Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board ("Ontario Teachers'") today announced the signing of an agreement to jointly acquire a 31.6 per cent stake in Puget Holdings ("Puget") from Canada Pension Plan Investment Board ("CPP Investments"). Puget's primary operating subsidiary, Puget Sound Energy (PSE), is the oldest and largest electric and natural gas utility in the State of Washington, serving approximately 1.2 million electric customers and 900,000 natural gas customers in the Puget Sound region. MAM and Ontario Teachers' will each hold a 15.8 per cent stake in Puget after the close of the acquisition. The investment in Puget comes amid a requirement for electric utilities in Washington to eliminate coal-fired power by 2025 and supply 100% carbon free electricity by 2045. The state's decarbonization policies align with commitments made by MAM and Ontario Teachers' to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by portfolio companies. "We are very excited to once again partner with Puget and its strong management team," said David Fass, Head of Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets, Americas. "We have always believed Puget to be an outstanding company with an industry-leading commitment to safety, reliability and sustainability. Particularly after the passage of landmark environmental legislation like the Clean Energy (News - Alert) Transformation Act, we are thrilled to be reinvesting in the company at this critical time." "We are pleased to become shareholders in Puget and expand our portfolio of core infrastructure assets in the United States," said Dale Burgess, Senior Managing Director of Infrastructure & Natural Resources at Ontario Teachers'. "Puget will play a key roe in decarbonizing Washington State's power generation and assisting local industries and consumers to lower their carbon footprints, which is aligned with our own net zero ambition and focus on helping our portfolio companies transition to and thrive in a low-carbon economy."



Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. About Macquarie Asset Management

Macquarie Asset Management provides specialist investment solutions to clients across a range of capabilities including infrastructure & renewables, real estate, agriculture, transportation finance, private credit, equities, fixed income, and multi-asset solutions. As of March 31, 2021, the MAM business had $US427.3 billion of assets under management. MAM has over 1,900 staff operating across 22 markets. MAM, through its affiliates, has been managing assets for institutional and retail investors since 1980 in Australia and in the United States, retail investors recognize the Delaware Funds by Macquarie family of funds as one of the longest-standing mutual fund families, with more than 80 years in existence. About Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board The Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board (Ontario Teachers') is the administrator of Canada's largest single-profession pension plan, with C$221.2 billion in net assets (all figures at December 31, 2020). It holds a diverse global portfolio of assets, approximately 80% of which is managed in-house, and has earned an annual total-fund net return of 9.6% since the plan's founding in 1990. Ontario Teachers' is an independent organization headquartered in Toronto. Its Asia-Pacific regional offices are in Hong Kong and Singapore, and its Europe, Middle East & Africa region office is in London. The defined-benefit plan, which is fully funded, invests and administers the pensions of the province of Ontario's 331,000 active and retired teachers. For more information, visit otpp.com and follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) @OtppInfo. None of the entities referred to in this press release is an authorized deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Commonwealth of Australia). The obligations of these entities do not represent deposits or other liabilities of Macquarie Bank Limited ABN 46 008 583 542 (MBL). MBL does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of that entity. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005789/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021]

Multipoint Group Offers Faster Vulnerability Remediation Through Integration of Tenable and BigFix

KEFAR SABA, Israel, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Multipoint Group , a Cyber Strong solutions distributor, announced a significant upgrade to it's Vulnerability Management offering through the integration between Tenable .sc for vulnerability management on-premises and HCL BigFix 's Insights for Vulnerability Remediation application. The integration enables IT teams to swiftly identify and correlate vulnerabilities, prioritize them based on risk and act quickly to reduce remediation times.



The integration addresses the challenge of inefficient and siloed manual proceses that are managed across Security and IT Operations teams which can leave high-risk vulnerabilities unpatched for too long.







Multipoint clients can now benefit from the sales and support delivered through Multipoint Group for the two integrated products.

Marcelo Printac, VP Business Development , Multipoint Group: "Today the overall correlation process to fix vulnerabilities can take many hours due to manual and ineffective methods of vulnerability research and then communicating results to various teams within the company."

"Efficient vulnerability management and remediation became a top priority for organizations across all of Multipoint Group's EMEA geography. With the integration between HCL BigFix and Tenable, IT teams can close faster on security gaps and hold the adversaries back as they try to exploit them," added Printac.

For More Information Visit: https://multipoint.eu.com/bigfix/

About Multipoint

Multipoint Group is a leading distributor of IT security and Internet technology solutions, providing channel partners in the EMEA area with reliable, supported solutions from world-leading hardware and software vendors. Multipoint has offices in Israel, UAE, Romania, Greece & Cyprus, and Serbia. The company was founded by Ricardo Resnik in 2009.

For more information, visit: www.multipoint-group.com

Contact: Ricardo Resnik Multipoint Group Hacharoshet 2, PO Box 2440 Kefar Saba 4464002 74-702-7017 http://multipoint-group.com ricardo@multipoint-group.com
[July 07, 2021] Neurolief Announces Exclusive Licensing Agreement with NeuroFront for Development and Commercialization of Relivion in Greater China and South Korea

Neurolief, an Israel-based company pioneering neuromodulation for the treatment of chronic neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, and NeuroFront, a clinical stage biotech company focusing on innovative neuroscience therapies, jointly announced an exclusive licensing agreement for NeuroFront to develop and commercialize Relivion, non-invasive medical devices for the treatment of migraine and depression, in Greater China (mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) and South Korea. "With 90 million people suffering from migraine and nearly 50 million suffering from depression in Greater China and South Korea, we believe this collaboration with NeuroFront is critical to our mission of helping patients globally," stated Neurolief Chairman Chris Richardson (News - Alert) . "We are confident that the NeuroFront team's compelling expertise will accelerate the development and commercialization of Relivion in key Asian markets." Relivion is a non-invasive brain neuromodulation device that is placed around the head and delivers stimulation to the occipital and trigeminal nerves. This creates a cumulative effect by releasing neurotransmitters in the brainstem and modulating brain networks associated with control of pain and mood. The device is designed to be used at home, and to share treatment data with each patient's physician, in addition to uploading the data to the cloud database through a dedicated app. It is also designed to self-learn and analyze the treatments using AI technology in order to optimize the treatments for patients according to their symptoms. "Because of our commitment to developing the most innovative and effective neuroscience therapies to improve the lives of patients in Asia, NeuroFront is very excited to partner with Neurolief to bring Relivion to the many patients in Greater China and South Korea suffering from migraine and depression," commented June Yan, co-founder and CEO of NeuroFront. Relivion has received both FDA clearance and CE mark for the treatment of migraine. The FDA marketing clearance is based on the results of a multi-center, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. Forty-six percent (46%) of the patients in the active group reached complete pain freedom compared to only 11.8% of patients in the control group. Seventy five percent (75%) of patients in the active group reached complete freedom of "Most Bothersome Symptom" (MBS, which is defined as either phonophobia, photophobia, or nausea) within 2 hours following treatment, compared to 46.7% in the control group. Complete freedom of migraine symptoms (freedom from pain as well as freedom from MBS) at 2 hours after treatment was significantly higher in the active group than in the control group (47.2% vs. 11.1%). Pain relief was also significantly higher in the active group than in the control group at 2 hours after treatment (60% vs. 37%). No serious adverse events were reported. Patients started using either the Reliion or a "placebo" device with lower treatment intensity, at the onset of their migraine episode for up to one hour. Patients were able to treat several migraine episodes during the course of the trial. The study, RIME, was conducted at leading medical centers in the US and Israel and evaluated the safety and efficacy of the device with 131 patients who met the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) criteria of migraine with or without aura.



Relivion has also been granted Breakthrough Device designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for major depression disorder. Neurolief will begin a multi-center pivotal trial of Relivion in depression called the MOOD trial, starting in the fall of 2021. "We are grateful to have Neurolief's trust and partnership as we, at Pivotal, are deeply committed to identifying and bringing meaningly innovative treatments, such as Relivion, to underserved patients in China and beyond," added Dianna Qian, partner of Pivotal BioVentures China and chairman of NeuroFront.

About Neurolief

Dedicated to bringing relief to patients suffering from chronic neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, Neurolief is creating a digital therapeutics platform of wearable clinically proven neuromodulation solutions. This technology, which is made to be worn like a headset, is intended to offer safe, highly effective treatment options that work with current pharmaceutical therapies or may provide an alternative to these therapies. It is designed to concurrently neuromodulate major neural pathways in the head, thereby affecting brain regions that are involved in the control and modulation of pain and mood. Neurolief's technology is currently being utilized for patients with migraine and being studied for patients with major depression. The company plans to pursue investigation of additional indications in the future, such as Insomnia, ADHD and additional chronic pain and neuropsychiatric disorders. The company is based in Israel, with US operations in Tampa, FL and is made up of highly experienced professionals with a proven track record in neurosciences, neuromodulation technology and the neurotech devices industry. For more information, please visit www.neurolief.com. About NeuroFront

NeuroFront is a China-based clinical stage neuroscience biotech company with a focus on developing and commercializing innovative neuroscience therapies to address unmet needs and improve patient's lives in Asia. NeuroFront was established by top-tier life sciences investors and is led by an elite team of neuroscience industry veterans with substantial and compelling expertise in China and globally in both R&D and the commercialization of CNS products. For more information, please visit www.neurofrontrx.com. About Migraine

Migraine is a common, disabling, and recurring complex neurological disorder with a genetic component, affecting adults throughout their life. It is characterized by episodic headaches that throb, intensify, and cause or co-occur with nausea, vomiting, and abnormal sensory sensitivities. As one of the most common neurologic diseases, it is estimated that in 2020, there were 90 million1 patients in China. About Depression

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by a depressed mood and several additional symptoms for at least 2 weeks, including decreased interest, feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or hopelessness, fatigue, disturbances in sleep, suicidal thoughts, etc., causing significant impairment in daily life. Based on the China Mental Health Survey (2012-2015)2, it is estimated that China has a prevalent depression patient base of 48 million. References

1) Yu, S. et al. (2012). The prevalence and burden of primary headaches in China: a population-based door-to-door survey. Headache, 52(4):582-91. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4610.2011.02061.x.

2) Huang, Y. et al. (2019). Prevalence of mental disorders in China: a cross-sectional epidemiological study. Lancet Psychiatry, (3):211-224. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30511-X. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005180/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] Nium to Acquire Wirecard Forex India Private Limited

SINGAPORE, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Nium, a leading global payments platform, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Wirecard Forex India Pte. Ltd  a foreign currency exchange, pre-paid card, and remittance service provider in India. Wirecard Forex is licensed by the Reserve Bank of India as an Authorized Category II Money Exchange Dealer (AD II) and the acquisition includes Wirecard's AD II licence. With this license, Nium can directly engage in a variety of payment services activities across the subcontinent, including currency conversion, money transfer, and pre-paid card issuance. Nium holds the broadest licensing portfolio of any independent payments fintech. It issues approximately 30 million physical and virtual cards today and is licensed in 11 jurisdictions, including direct card issuing capabilities in 24 countries and in 40 currencies. "We're seeing an accelerated move to digital payments as companies modernize their infrastructure to capitalize on the post-COVID economic recovery," said Prajit Nanu, Nium's co-founder and CEO. "More companies are turning to our global payments stack to embed financial services quickly. This acquisition broadens our licensing portfolio, extends the suite of digital payments services we can offer in India, and provides us with a physical footprint to provide more support in metro areas." Nium acquires Wirecard Forex at a time when India's prepaid card market is expected to boom at CAGR of 40.5% between 2021  2026[1]. Driving this growth is an expected increase in adoption by businesses looking for fast and easy payment processing, payment flexibility, and elimination of delays related to reimbursements. And, as consumer spending returns post-COVID, gift cards, meal cards, travel cards, and payday cards will become increasingly popular with businesses and consumers. "Nium continues to expand its global operations through strategic acquisitions," added Pratik Gandhi, Nium's Chief Operating Officer. "Wirecard Forex has extensive reach throughout India and will enable us to deliver next-generation payment services across all major metropolitan cities." Wirecard Forex has 23 branch locations in India, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Pune, and Bengaluru. Post-acquisition, all of its 190 employees will all join Nium. This acquisition, Nium's second in just over a month after its acquisition of Ixaris, is expected to close in the third quarter of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by the local banking control authority. Financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.







[1] https://www.ciol.com/prepaid-cards-india-growth-trends-future/

About Nium Nium is a global B2B payments platform that enables companies around the world to unlock new revenue opportunities and improve cash flow economics. Nium is a leader in its geographical and payment service breadth, owning licenses in the world's largest and fastest-growing economies. Our modular platform allows banks, payment providers, travel companies, and other businesses to collect and disburse funds in local currencies to over 100 countries, plus issue physical and virtual cards globally. Our proprietary set of APIs embeds financial services and can bring to life multiple B2B and B2C use cases in a matter of weeks. Nium is part of CB Insights Fintech 250, which highlights the most promising Fintech companies globally. Today, Nium serves over 130 million customers and enables platforms to provide access to financial services to over 3 billion people across the world. For more information, visit: http://www.Nium.com.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] Preliminary Results: Deutsche Post DHL Group Raises Guidance After Record Quarterly Earnings and Once Again Announces Corona Bonus for Employees

Deutsche Post DHL Group (Symbol: DPW), the world's leading logistics company, has today released preliminary results for the second quarter of 2021. Simultaneously, the outlook for the current financial year and for 2023 has been raised. Furthermore, an one-time corona bonus1 for approximately 550,000 employees worldwide has been decided. Preliminary operating profit (EBIT) for the second quarter has improved to record level with around EUR 2,075 million (Q2 2020: EUR 912 million) and has more than doubled compared to previous year. Against the backdrop of the excellent business performance, the Group has raised its EBIT outlook for 2021 to more than EUR 7.0 billion (so far: more than EUR 6.7 billion). The mid-term EBIT outlook for 2023 is now expected to be more than EUR 7.4 billion (so far: more than EUR 7.0 billion). This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005615/en/ "The second quarter proved once again that global trade volume continues to recover and the e-commerce boom is sustainable - and we benefit strongly from both. All divisions continue to operate at full speed worldwide and achieve double-digit EBIT growth rates. We want to thank our employees who do fantastic work around the world and deserve another corona bonus", said Frank Appel, CEO of Deutsche Post DHL Group. Group grants once again one-time corona bonus of around EUR 200 million As an appreciation for their tireless efforts during the pandemic the Group has decided to grant again a corona bonus of EUR 3002 to employees worldwide. This one-time payment is aimed at approximately 550,000 colleagues in all divisions and countries. Excluded are Executives. The corresponding expenses of around EUR 200 million will be booked in the third quarter 2021 and are already included in the updated earnings outlook for 2021. All divisions achieved a significant jump in earnings All divisions significantly exceededthe previous year's results. Network capacity utilization was constantly high in the second quarter 2021. B2C shipment volumes remained ahead of last year in all networks, while the recovery in the B2B businesses continued to gain momentum. At the same time the tight capacity situation both in Ocean and Air Freight markets remained unchanged.



Express: EBIT in the Express division reached around EUR 1,170 million in the second quarter 2021 compared to EUR 565 million in the previous year's quarter. Global Forwarding, Freight: EBIT in Global Forwarding, Freight stood at around EUR 315 million in the second quarter 2021, also clearly ahead of previous year's result of EUR 190 million.

Supply Chain: EBIT at Supply Chain came in at around EUR 195 million in the second quarter 2021. It was at EUR 33 million in Q2 2020 in the initial stage of the pandemic. eCommerce Solutions: eCommerce Solutions recorded EBIT of around EUR 115 million in the second quarter 2021, significantly above last year's Q2 result which stood at EUR 1 million. Post & Parcel Germany: EBIT in Post & Parcel Germany in the second quarter 2021 was around EUR 315 million (Q2 2020: EUR 264 million). The positive business development is underpinned by a continued strong development of cash flow. Free cash flow in the second quarter 2021 amounted to more than EUR 800 million (Q2 2020: EUR 605 million). For the first half of 2021 free cash flow now stands at more than EUR 2.0 billion (H1 2020: EUR 196 million). Earnings outlook raised in expectation of unchanged high shipment volumes and improved efficiency In light of the ongoing earnings momentum the Group EBIT for 2021 is now expected to be more than EUR 7.0 billion (so far: more than EUR 6.7 billion). This includes additional expenses of around EUR 200 million for the one-time corona bonus. For the full year 2021, the Group now forecasts a free cash flow of more than EUR 3.2 billion (so far: more than EUR 3.0 billion). Gross capex in 2021 is expected to reach around EUR 3.9 billion (so far: around EUR 3.8 billion). The full year 2021 Group tax rate will now reach 28 percent, the upper end of the previously guided range of 26-28 percent. Mid-term guidance for Group EBIT 2023 is now expected to be more than EUR 7.4 billion (previously: more than EUR 7.0 billion). The aggregated 2021-2023 guidance for free cash flow was left unchanged at around EUR 9.0 billion. The cumulative outlook for gross capex was also confirmed at around EUR 11.0 billion for the period 2021 to 2023. The comprehensive disclosure for Q2/H1 2021 will be published as planned on August 5, 2021. - End - Deutsche Post DHL Group Deutsche Post DHL Group is the world's leading logistics company. The Group connects people and markets and is an enabler of global trade. It aspires to be the first choice for customers, employees and investors worldwide. The Group contributes to the world through responsible business practice, corporate citizenship and environmental activities. By the year 2050, Deutsche Post DHL Group aims to achieve zero emissions logistics. Deutsche Post DHL Group is home to two strong brands: Deutsche Post is Europe's leading postal service. DHL offers a comprehensive range of international express, freight transport, and supply chain management services as well as e-commerce logistics solutions. Deutsche Post DHL Group employs approximately 570,000 people in over 220 countries and territories worldwide. The Group generated revenues of more than 66 billion Euros in 2020. THE logistics company for the world. 1 EUR 300 per full-time employee

2 EUR 300 per full-time employee View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005615/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] Q4 Inc. Recognized by Great Place to Work Canada for Several Areas of Distinction

Q4 Inc. (Q4), a leading capital markets communications platform provider, announced today that the company has been designated as a Top 50 Best Workplaces in Canada, as well as a Top 50 Best Workplaces for Women and Top 50 Best Workplaces for Inclusion, after a thorough and independent analysis conducted by Great Place to Work Canada. This is the third consecutive year Q4 has been recognized in these categories. Organizations on these lists must be Great Place to Work-Certified in the past year, with over 70% of the employee base submitting positive feedback about corporate culture and employee experience. Additionally, recognized organizations must be headquartered in Canada, and at least 90% of employees must agree that people are treated fairly, regardless of personal characteristics (such as gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation). "Q4 is dedicated to fostering a workplace which is strongly connected, and is diverse, equitable and inclusive," said Darrell Heaps, Chief Executive Officer. "We take great pride in our cultur which is rooted in shared values, including mutual respect for all, and centered around learning from, and supporting each other to achieve our goals. During a year in which staying strongly connected across our organization was challenged by moving to a remote work environment, this recognition of our culture and positive employee experience is particularly meaningful."



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, GPTW 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 www.greatplacetowork.ca

About Q4 Inc. Q4 Inc. (Q4), is a leading capital markets communications platform provider that is transforming the way publicly traded companies, investors, and investment banks make decisions to efficiently discover, communicate, and engage with each other. The Q4 end-to-end technology platform facilitates interactions across the capital markets through its IR website products, virtual events solutions, capital markets customer relationship management solution, and shareholder and market analytics tools. The firm is a trusted partner to approximately 2,400 public companies including approximately 50% of the S&P 500 constituent companies. Q4 is based in Toronto, with offices in New York and London. To learn more, visit: www.q4inc.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005625/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] Quantcast Furthers Commitment to Privacy; Names New Chief Privacy Officer

Quantcast, a global advertising technology company, today announced the addition of Min-Jae Lee, JD, as its Chief Privacy Officer reporting to Ileana Falticeni, Quantcast (News - Alert) General Counsel. Lee joins Quantcast from The Trade Desk and will be responsible for driving Quantcast's privacy-first approach and helping brands and publishers manage consumer consent. At The Trade Desk, Lee served as lead privacy counsel and oversaw the company's global privacy program. During her time at the company, she navigated and addressed the challenges of GDPR, CCPA and the industry's major privacy developments. Prior to The Trade Desk, Lee spent time at technology and media companies including Spotify (News - Alert) and Adobe. She received her law degree, with a focus on intellectual property, technology, and civil liberties, from Stanford University, and is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP), both in the US and in Europe. As a participant in the Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) and the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), Lee is also involved with evaluating proposed policies for the industry. "Consumer trust is at the core of our business, and adding a privacy veteran with Min-Jae's level of expertise to our team reflects our focus and commitment," said Konrad Feldman, CEO, Quantcast. "Min-Jae shares our values of championing the free and open internet with a privacy-first approach and her global perspective will help us continue to lead the market and help our clients to confidently meet the requirements of existing and emerging privacy standards around the world." Quantcast is committed to leading the industry's transition to a privacy-first approach, including adoption of the latest privacy standards developed by IAB Europe. Quantcast Choice, the company's leading consent management platform (CMP), supports consumer privacy preferences under GDPR, ePrivacy Directive and CCPA and is used by over 25,000 organizations across 25 countries. In her role at Quantcast, Lee will help customers and the industry effectively and efficiently meet the new demands of privacy regulations around the world.



"Growing up in Morocco, Greece, Korea, England, and the US, I've developed a unique, global perspective on privacy. Privacy is a socially-driven reflection of society, and we're in a very interesting time in the evolution of digital advertising, where decisions around privacy are paramount," said Min-Jae Lee, chief privacy officer at Quantcast. "I chose to join Quantcast because it is leading the market in privacy-driven products through innovative technology, and is a leading force in helping the industry adapt to future changes. I look forward to applying my knowledge to help drive Quantcast's privacy-first approach to a smooth transition for its customers in the era of advertising without third-party cookies." For more information on Quantcast's commitment to privacy visit: https://www.quantcast.com/privacy/.

Quantcast is actively hiring in many roles across the globe. Visit quantcast.com/careers for more information. About Quantcast: Quantcast is an advertising technology company and the creator of an innovative intelligent audience platform that empowers brands, agencies and publishers to know and grow their audiences online. The Quantcast Platform, powered by Ara, a patented AI and machine learning engine, delivers automated insights, marketing performance, and results at scale to drive business growth. Our solutions are leveling the playing field for our customers when it comes to effectively reaching audiences online and helping them power a thriving free and open internet for everyone. Headquartered in San Francisco, Quantcast has been serving customers around the world since 2006. Learn more at www.quantcast.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005142/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] Research Rebuttal Paper Uncovers Misuse of Holocaust Datasets

URBANA, Ill., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Professor Melkior Ornik, of the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a mathematician, a history buff, and a strong believer in integrity when it comes to using hard science in public discussions. So, when a story popped up in his news feed about a pair of researchers who developed a statistical method to analyze datasets and used it to purportedly refute the number of Holocaust victims from a concentration camp in Croatia, it naturally caught his attention. Ornik proceeded to study the research in-depth and used the method to re-analyze the same data from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Then he wrote a rebuttal paper debunking the researchers' findings. Ornik's rebuttal is published in the same journal as the original article. He said the editor asked him to include a list of answers to some of the potential questions other scientists may have when they read his paper. A few weeks later, the journal placed a note on the original article stating that they do not endorse or share the authors' views, and recommended reading Ornik's paper. "As scientists, as engineers, I think it's our duty to correct flawed and faulty science," Ornik said. "There is so much effort to get the public and policymakers to believe in the science, that when a math expert says they have proof, it brings credence to the argument. But when their claims are demonstrably not true, it's not good for science and it's not good for society. That's why it's especially important for scientists to challenge false findings when we discover them." According to Ornik, some individuals promote the view that concentration camps either didn't exist or weren't used to kill people, or that the currently widely accepted numbers of victims have been substantially inflated. Most historians do not take the claims seriously in light of vast available data and evidence. "For the authors of the original paper to claim that they have found mathematical proof that the list of victims of that camp was fabricated has obvious historical implications," Ornik said. "I think, to some extent, the damage has already been done, but I felt the need to go on record with the assumptions, inaccuracies, and misuse of the raw museum data I found in the original research." The paper Ornik responded to presents a novel method to identify anomalies across a set of histograms. Ornik said he does not dispute the merits of the method presented in the original paper, just its application to the Jasenovac concentration camp. Ornik became suspicious of the paper's conclusions because the researchers implied in one case that a smaller list naturally has smaller outlier score, but they compared scores across victim list sizes to claim that the one related to Jasenovac, one of the biggest ones, was problematic.



"I started looking to see if there was some sort of a bias for the size and whether they were actually more likely to assign the flag of being problematic to a larger list or not. And it turns out, despite the authors' claims, they were," Ornik said. "The bigger lists are more likely to be computed to be problematic than the smaller lists when their method is applied to the data." Ornik, who commonly uses similar statistical analysis in aerospace applications, explained another reason that their statistical argument doesn't work.

"When you look at data, a collection of anything, and you want to figure out an outliersomething that's differentyou need to assume that all of the pieces of data come from the same source, the same distribution. Take a list of victims by birth year. It would yield a graph of the ages of each person. Say 10% are older than 70 years old. Now, that distribution wouldn't be true for a list of deported children, for example, because that list, by definition, is structurally different. It is also different from a list of everyone who has an identity card. Identity cards are issued only to people who are not children. Yet, the lists that these researchers worked with came from a multitude of sources and include lists of children, lists of people getting married, lists of prisoners of warthings that by definition cannot have come from the same distribution." Another major error in the original paper, Ornik said, is that some duplicate lists were treated as two separate lists. This meant that approximately 67% of their entire database was actually sub-lists of the larger list. "The 7,000-plus lists published online by the Holocaust Museum are not curated," Ornik said. "For instance, there are two lists that contain exactly the same data; one is in Cyrillic and the other one uses the Latin alphabet. But they treated them as two separate lists. There are other lists that contain the same name, but there is no way of knowing if they are the same person or two different people born on the same day with identical names. They could have removed the very egregious errors in which a list is clearly duplicated, but the rest you would need access to the original historic data." Both the original paper and Ornik's paper, "Comment on 'TVOR: Finding Discrete Total Variation Outliers Among Histograms," are published in IEEE Access. DOI for Ornik's research is 10.1109/ACCESS.2021.3082900. About The Grainger College of Engineering

The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is one of the world's top-ranked engineering institutions, and a globally recognized leader in engineering education, research, and public engagement. With a diverse, tight-knit community of faculty, students, and alumni, Grainger Engineering sets the standard for excellence in engineering, driving innovation in the economy and bringing revolutionary ideas to the world. Through powerful research and discovery, our faculty, staff, students and alumni are changing our world and making advances once only dreamed about, including the MRI, LED, ILIAC, Mosaic, YouTube, flexible electronics, electric machinery, miniature batteries, imaging the black hole, and flight on Mars. The world's brightest minds from The Grainger College of Engineering tackle today's toughest challenges. And they are building a better, cooler, safer tomorrow. Visit https://grainger.illinois.edu for more information. Media Contact:

Bill Bell

The Grainger College of Engineering

Phone: 217-265-5102

Email: jwbell@illinois.edu Related Images professor-melkior-ornik.jpg

Professor Melkior Ornik

Professor Melkior Ornik of the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana credit-united-states-holocaust-memo.jpg

Credit: United States Holocaust Memo

One of over 7,000 lists of names from concentration camps in the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. This one is a handwritten list of Serbian and Croatian women who were deported to the Jasenovac concentration camp. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/research-rebuttal-paper-uncovers-misuse-of-holocaust-datasets-301325990.html SOURCE University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - Grainger College of Engineering

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] Southeast Asia Digital Transition Driving Growth Even in Face of Pandemic Slowdown

Xendit, the fastest growing digital payments infrastructure for Southeast Asia, today announced it is experiencing a surge in digital transactions, providing evidence that the region's emphasis on building out a more digital infrastructure is rapidly gaining traction. "In the first few months of 2021 we've experienced a 146% increase in total payment value across Indonesia and the Philippines. This is a testament to how we're addressing the reliability, regulatory and accessibility challenges to enable businesses to thrive in the new digital economy," said Tessa Wijaya, Xendit COO and Co-Founder. "We've also found that e-Wallets transactions contributed to 16% of the number of transactions that Xendit processed in 2021." "The region's commitment to modernizing its economic, mobile and broadband infrastructure is starting to pay dividends as we can see in the strong growth we are recording across our network despite the lingering economic impact of this pandemic," said Moses Lo, Xendit CEO and Co-Founder. "By building this digital payments infrastructure we're helping businesses in our own backyard find their way back to prosperity as COVID business impact begins to decline." The IMF expects Indonesia, Malaysia the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam to see economic growth of 4.9% in 2021, down from its previous projection of 5.2%. The Asia Development Bank reported earlier this year that the region should still see growth rates above 5% in 2022.



From processing payments, running, disbursing payroll and loans, and detecting fraud, Xendit supports businesses with everything they need in the process of digital transformation. Xendit taps into what customers want, adapting to their needs while maintaining the product's purpose. About Xendit

Xendit is a financial technology company that provides payment solutions and simplifies the payment process for businesses in Indonesia, the Philippines and Southeast Asia, from SMBs and e-commerce startups to large enterprises. Xendit enables businesses to accept payments, disburse payroll, run marketplaces and more, that is easy to integrate with and supported by 24/7 customer service. Amidst the fragmented payment landscape in Southeast Asia, Xendit enables businesses to accept payments from direct debit, virtual accounts, credit and debit cards, eWallets, retail outlets, and online installments. Building the region's digital payments infrastructure, Xendit is shaping the next generation of scalable businesses across Southeast Asia. Xendit is propelling the region's digital transformation by addressing access, reliability, and regulatory needs enabling more businesses to scale and thrive. As the first-ever Indonesian startup to graduate from YCombinator and backed by global investors and other venture capital firms in the region, Xendit powers some of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing brands including Traveloka, Transferwise, Wish, and Grab. To learn more, visit xendit.co. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005578/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] Verizon Connect enabled Diamond Landscapes to recover $500,000 in stolen trucks

ATLANTA, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kentucky-based Diamond Landscapes recovered $500,000 worth of brand new trucks and trailers by tracking the equipments location through the Verizon Connect Reveal fleet management software platform. The Diamond Landscapes team passed along the vehicles location information from Reveal to law enforcement and the vehicles were recovered without further incident or downtime for Diamond or its customers.

The money saved was only one part of the equation. The most important thing we saved was time, said Chris Trower, owner of Diamond Landscapes. Insurance would have protected us from the cost of the vehicles, but if we had to wait for an adjuster to come out, we would have been out of business almost immediately. Our business is essential for our customers, who would have had no choice but to find another landscaping provider. Deploying Verizon Connect Reveal in our fleet was essential in avoiding a disaster for our company. Diamond Landscapes has provided commercial landscaping maintenance to central Kentucky for the past 21 years. As the company expanded its fleet to over 60 vehicles, owner Chris Trower realized the need to implement a fleet maagement solution and began using Verizon Connect Reveal to better track assets and driver behavior.



The capabilities and uses of Verizon Connects comprehensive fleet management technology are vast. It not only helps the functionality and efficiency of day-to-day operations, but it can also be an essential player in the event of catastrophes like this. When it comes to the potential of fleet management technology the return on investment is truly priceless, said Kevin Aries, Verizon Connects global product success lead. Verizon Connect is guiding a connected world on the go by automating, improving and revolutionizing the way people, vehicles and things move through the world. Our full suite of industry-defining solutions and services puts innovation, automation and connected data to work for customers and helps them be safer, more efficient and more productive. With more than 3,000 dedicated employees in 15 countries, we deliver leading mobile technology platforms and solutions. For more on Verizon Connect, visit www.verizonconnect.com .

VERIZONS ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at verizon.com/news. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/. Media contact:

Krys Grondorf

krys.grondorf@verizon.com

562-370-0331





[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] Zeta Surgical Enters into Exclusive License Agreement with Leading Boston-based Hospital, Partners with Singapore's National Neuroscience Institute

BOSTON, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Zeta Surgical, a Y Combinator-backed surgical robotics company, announced today that it has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Brigham and Women's Hospital. The company also revealed plans to perform their first clinical study as part of a research partnership with Singapore's National Neuroscience Institute. The exclusive licensing deal with Brigham and Women's Hospital  a Harvard Medical School teaching hospital  includes intellectual property for mixed reality and robotics in neurosurgery. "Our team has been working to bring the surgical precision available exclusively in elite operating rooms, to all patients  irrespective of where they are in the hospital, or what hospital they are in the world. We are excited to be a part of this mission," said William Gormley, MD, MPH, MBA, Director of Neurosurgical Critical Care at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, and inventor of the licensed technology. The research partnership with Singapore's Nationl Neuroscience Institute and Singapore General Hospital  which ranks among the world's top 10 hospitals according to Newsweek  is focused on evaluating the Zeta platform for the management of acute hydrocephalus. This condition requires approximately one million operations annually, according to the WHO. The collaboration builds on the prior success in pre-clinical research between Zeta Surgical, National Neuroscience Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital.



"Zeta's mission provides a high-quality and lower-cost solution for both inpatient settings, like trauma centers, and outpatient facilities like ambulatory surgical centers. In that way, Zeta is aligned with the trends to reduce cost in healthcare and enable the migration of surgical procedures to outpatient settings," said Trevor Fetter, former CEO of Tenet Healthcare and Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School. "Their technology has the potential to transform neurosurgical care and to provide new treatment options for countless patients." About Zeta Surgical

Zeta Surgical is a digital surgery company focused on improving the accuracy, safety, and accessibility of image guided procedures. Its navigation and robotics platform, Zeta, leverages cutting-edge computer vision and artificial intelligence to enable image guidance directly at the point-of-care, creating new possibilities in fields such as emergency care and interventional medicine. Zeta Surgical was founded by Harvard graduates and faculty and is backed by leading investors including Y Combinator and Plug and Play. To learn more, visit: https://www.zetasurgical.com. Contact:

Jose Amich

jose.amich@zetasurgical.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zeta-surgical-enters-into-exclusive-license-agreement-with-leading-boston-based-hospital-partners-with-singapores-national-neuroscience-institute-301326559.html SOURCE Zeta Surgical

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 06, 2021] China Renaissance Selects Broadridge to Expand Post-trade Processing via Stock Connect

NEW YORK, July 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- To facilitate the clearing and settlement of both Shenzhen- and Shanghai-listed equities, China Renaissance has expanded its post-trade processing relationship with Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR), a global Fintech leader, via Stock Connect. The successful expansion announced today builds on the solutions China Renaissance have offered clients in equity trading via Stock Connect, with Broadridge's post-trade solution implemented in March 2020. This expansion is in addition to the Hong Kong-listed equities processing Broadridge successfully has provided to China Renaissance since 2016. As part of the growing relationship, both firms are jointly planning for upcoming market and regulatory changes, such as Hong Kong Exchange's (HKEX) Synapse program and FINI (Fast Interface for New Issuance) proposal, which aims to replace the existing "T+5" process with "T+1" for newly listed shares on HKEX. "We have been impressed by the resilience of Broadridge's systems and, as a technology partner, Broadridge understands and supports multiple markets, including north and southbound trading across asset classes," said Andy Maynard, Managing Director, Global Head of Equities, China Renaissance. "We value our long-term relationship with Broadridge. Their experience with next-generation technologies for clearing and settlement will be beneficial for us to leverage as HKEX's Stock Connect evolves, and the relationship allows us to be ahead of the curve for our clients." China Renaissance provides one-stop financial services across mainland China, Hong Kong and the United States, serving new economy entrepreneurs and investors globally. To realize its growth ambitions, China Renaissance selected Broadridge for its robust solutions that provide global scale and allow for multi-asset capabilities. As a progresive, innovative brokerage firm, China Renaissance is well advanced in its preparations for ongoing market changes in order to provide their clients with best-in-class services and access to global markets.



"China Renaissance has been able to bring more efficiency to its operations and enable its growth ambitions by leveraging Broadridge's local expertise and global scale, as seen in the successful implementation of our post-trade processing solution for Stock Connect markets," said Danny Green, General Manager, International Post-Trade at Broadridge. "Broadridge's world-class technologies and experience in Asia have led us to become the technology provider of choice for many firms in the region. Our established platform allows clients to scale services with ease as they grow and continue to innovate through the adoption of The ABCDs of Innovation - AI, blockchain, the Cloud and digital, that continue to evolve into market practices." About China Renaissance

China Renaissance (CR) is a leading financial institution that combines private placement advisory, M&A advisory, direct investment, equity underwriting, sales, trading and brokerage, research, structured products, asset management, wealth management and other financial services. Providing one-stop financial services across mainland China, Hong Kong and the United States, CR operates a competitive and unique international network that connects China's capital markets with the rest of the world, serving new economy entrepreneurs and investors globally. About Broadridge Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE: BR), a global Fintech leader with over $4.5 billion in revenues, provides the critical infrastructure that powers investing, corporate governance and communications to enable better financial lives. We deliver technology-driven solutions to banks, broker-dealers, asset and wealth managers and public companies. Broadridge's infrastructure serves as a global communications hub enabling corporate governance by linking thousands of public companies and mutual funds to tens of millions of individual and institutional investors around the world. In addition, Broadridge's technology and operations platforms underpin the daily trading of on average more than U.S. $10 trillion of equities, fixed income and other securities globally. A certified Great Place to Work, Broadridge is a part of the S&P 500 Index, employing over 12,000 associates in 21 countries. For more information about us and what we can do for you, please visit www.broadridge.com. Investors: W. Edings Thibault

Investor Relations

+ 1 516-472-5129

Edings.thibault@broadridge.com Media: Gregg Rosenberg

Corporate Communications

+1 212-918-6966

Gregg.rosenberg@broadridge.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/china-renaissance-selects-broadridge-to-expand-post-trade-processing-via-stock-connect-301325334.html SOURCE Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 06, 2021] Volopay announces partnership with global real estate technology giant WeWork; launches free reimbursement feature.

SINGAPORE, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Singapore based Fintech startup Volopay announced a partnership with WeWork to offer an integrated business spend management solution in Singapore and Australia. The partnership demonstrates Volopay's continued progress in the fintech space with its sophisticated financial control platform for modern businesses. It enforces the vision to unify, by combining all business payments, approvals, accounting automation, and expense reimbursements together into one single stack and offering this solution to WeWork's members. This partnership will offer WeWork's members, from startups to larger tech enterprises, to streamline their expense and payable management processes that align with their business needs. Further, it will add significant value propositions to its members relating to substantial savings, digitalization, and automation of their financial processes. As per Rohit Bhageria, Founding Member of Volopay: "We are thrilled to join hands with WeWork. With this partnership, Volopay ca extend its reach to WeWork's members and help them save time and money. Its members can close their books 5x faster and enjoy industry best cashback programs on top of the excellent payable management solution."



Further, the news comes on the heels of Volopay's launch of a free reimbursement module that consolidates employee expenses in an exhaustive spend management platform for all startups and enterprises.





Many companies still fail to stay on top of employee out-of-pocket reimbursements and struggle with tracking expenses, settling claims, and processing reports. Volopay's expense reimbursement feature improves the efficiency of expense claim processing while providing seamless automation with accounting and HR software, thus making the employee reimbursement process a breeze, and it's completely free. As the ideal solution for the most common problem faced by employees all over, Volopay's employee reimbursements module ensures real-time updates with complete visibility. While employees enjoy a highly organized workflow of expense reporting and instant reimbursement directly to the bank account, company admin teams appreciate a methodical and meticulous approach to managing business expenses. About WeWork WeWork is a global leader in commercial real estate. Founded in 2010 with a vision to provide flexible shared workspaces and dynamic working environments to its members. Since then, WeWork has expanded to more than 800 locations and 118 cities. WeWork delivers technology-driven flexible solutions from freelancers to satellite sales teams, solo entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 companies. About Volopay Volopay is a company on a mission to build a financial control center for modern businesses. It combines business accounts, corporate cards, bill payments, expense reimbursements, credit, cashback, and accounting automation into a single platform. Since launching in Singapore, the startup has been on a strong growth trajectory, growing at 70 percent month on month. They are now active in Singapore and Australia, and are soon expanding into Indonesia, the Philippines, and the MENA region. SOURCE Volopay

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 06, 2021] JC Data Solutions and TerraData.ai Announce Closing of Combination

AUSTIN, Texas, July 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- JC Data Solutions, Inc. (OTC: JCDS) and TerraData.ai today announced that Terradata.ai has closed its acquisition of JCDS via an all cash merger. At the effective time of the merger, each share of JCDS common stock was converted into the right to receive $0.0012 in cash. As a result of the completion of the merger, shares of JCDS will no longer be listed on the OTC markets and JCDS is a private, wholly owned subsidiary of TerraData.ai. About JC Data Solutions JC Data solutions has been a leader in the funds and document distribution industry. Their premier service, Payment Manager, has saved Oil & Gas companies thousands and thousands of dollars - all while improving and streamlining their funds distribution process. About TerraData.ai Mineral Answers, Inc. (DBA TerraData.ai) is a technology company focused on aggregating real property information to provide models, insights and highly configurable visualizations, specializing in real property, oil and gas and alternative energy information. Forward-Lookig Statements



This press release may contain forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are those that address activities, events or developments that we intend, expect, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future. Forward-looking statements are those that use terms such as "may," "will," "expect," "believe," "intend," "should," "could," "anticipate," "estimate," "forecast," "project," "plan," "predict," "potential," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements contained in this and other written and oral reports are based on management's assumptions and assessments in light of past experience and trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other relevant factors. The Company's forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results, developments and business decisions may differ materially from those envisaged by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Company related to the Merger Agreement; the inability to complete the transaction due to the failure to obtain the required vote or the failure to satisfy other conditions to completion of the transaction, including the receipt of all regulatory approvals related to the transaction; the disruption of management's attention from the Company's ongoing business operations due to the transaction; the effect of the announcement of the transaction on the Company's relationships with its customers, operating results and business generally; the effects of local and national economic, credit and capital market conditions. Factors or events that could cause the Company's actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of them. The statements made herein are made as of the date of this disclosure and the Company undertakes no obligation to update them, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jc-data-solutions-and-terradataai-announce-closing-of-combination-301326480.html SOURCE Mineral Answers, Inc.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 06, 2021] Lazada partners with Panasonic and Thai police in largest seizure of fake products in Southeast Asia

BANGKOK, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Thai police have successfully dismantled a Panasonic counterfeiting ring and recovered over 82,000 fake batteries bearing Panasonic's trademark. The seizure is the largest to date for the brand in Southeast Asia, with the batteries intended for sales on various eCommerce platforms. The raid, which took place at a warehouse outside Bangkok in May, was the result of several months of close collaboration between Panasonic's brand team and Lazada's intellectual property rights protection team, who facilitated information sharing and provided evidence to the relevant Thai authorities. As batteries are often classified as consumables, they are regularly overlooked as products that can be counterfeited, despite the risk that fake batteries are highly hazardous and can cause serious damage to a variety of household appliances. Mr. Julawut Kanaruk, Deputy Director of Panasonic Management (Thailand) Co., Ltd, said: "Panasonic has a zero-tolerance policy toward counterfeit products, as they undermine the Panasonic brand by betraying customers' trust. We aim to eliminate counterfet sellers who target unsuspecting consumers. Panasonic appreciates working with eCommerce platforms like Lazada that share common goals such as ensuring consumer protection."



Alan Chan, Lazada Group Chief Risk Officer, said: "Lazada prides itself on being a trusted and safe platform for consumers and sellers alike. Our platform governance team work tirelessly to uphold these high standards, collaborating with rights owners like Panasonic and law enforcement agencies." While Lazada can help provide leads via the digital trail that these criminals leave behind, only law enforcement and government agencies can put the criminals behind bars and permanently halt the counterfeit trade. In order to make real and tangible progress, the root cause must be addressed, and that means locating, arresting and taking actions against the counterfeiters who manufacture and trade in these goods in the physical world.

In this instance, Panasonic's team discovered a seller whose products turned out to be counterfeits when the brand conducted a test purchase. To support Panasonic's investigation, Lazada provided them with information on the seller's digital footprint, which assisted in pinpointing the suspect's whereabouts, leading to the eventual seizure of the batteries. The successful raid follows a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the protection of intellectual property rights on the Internet, led by Thailand's Department of Intellectual Property, Department of Business Development and Department of International Trade Promotion, which was signed by Lazada and various rights holders' representatives in January 2021. Over the past 18 months, Lazada has worked closely with rights owners and authorities in Thailand that resulted in more than USD1.5 million worth of counterfeit goods being seized. About Lazada Group Founded in 2012, Lazada Group is the leading eCommerce platform in Southeast Asia. We are accelerating progress in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam through commerce and technology. With the largest logistics and payments networks in the region, Lazada is a part of our consumers' daily lives in the region and we aim to serve 300 million shoppers by 2030. Since 2016, Lazada is the Southeast Asia flagship platform of the Alibaba Group powered by its world-class technology infrastructure. Contact Information: For more information, please contact:

The Lazada team at Klareco Communications

List-Lazada@KlarecoComms.com SOURCE Lazada Group

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 06, 2021] Tukatech and Sowtex Create World's First Digital Platform for Design & Development

3D garments, Fabrics, Trims, and Prints Now Available for Instant Viewing LOS ANGELES, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tukatech and Sowtex, two technology disruptors in the textile and apparel industry, will launch a collaboration to offer a 3D visualizer and design lab resource solution that will dramatically trim the designing and sampling process timelines. This is the world's first digital platform where everyone in the supply chain collaborates with real data. The announcement comes amid Covid-19 complications and restrictions bearing down on textile, fashion and garment supply chains. Set for an all-Asia online launch at 7 pm IST on July 8, the one-of-a-kind technology solution will "Reduce sampling turnaround time from weeks to hours," according to Sowtex founder Sonil Jain. He says the process allows the use to design, develop, approve, show, sell and then make the product. "The Sowtex Design Lab -- comprising life-like digital swatches of 10,000+ global textile manufacturers -- will combine Tukatech's 3D Visualizer to enable designers, garment manufacturers, fashion brands, fabrics and trim manufacturers, and stockists to make design and sampling processes quick and easy," Mr. Jain adds. "We are grateful to partner on disruptive technologists and innovative solutions with Sowtex for companies in the Asian region," says Ram Sareen, the founder of Los Angeles-based Tukatech, a company spanning six continents and 42 countries. Mr. Sareen, a long-time fashion waste crusader, also pointed out that the Sowtex-Tukatech alliance will lessen the enormus amounts of wastage during the sampling process. "Since the industry's average adoption rate is around 15%, a large number of physical samples end up in the landfill," he explains.



Sowtex's material catalog provides textile suppliers access to thousands of online trims and fabrics and a wide array of pantone colors at their fingertips, which will enhance and accelerate the design development process. These high-quality images represent physical materials, so that after approval designers can order the same and achieve the exact same look in real life production.

Users can utilize Tukatech's library of ready-made 3D garments, or find the model they want to design for, then shop styles made to fit that model. TUKA3D Designer Edition users visualize fabrics and trims in 2D/3D garments before making a physical sample. Moreover, its true-to-life technology will enable easy design development, fit and growth, thereby reducing wastage during the sampling process. When ready to go to production, users can purchase the 2D CAD pattern for the style for only $5. The pivot from physical to online sampling is set to change the rules of engagement in the textile industry. Early adopters of this technology would be able to sidestep manufacturing resources and infrastructure as design development, shipment risks, sampling and iterations between the buyer and the seller can all be done online. About Sowtex - Based in Gurgaon, Sowtex is among Asia's fastest-growing B2B marketplace. Awarded the Startup of the Year in 2020 by Silicon India, the tech aggregator platform has 10,000+ verified buyers and sellers and offers smart tools and IOT solutions for discovery of designs, ready stock, lead generation, among others. About Tukatech - Tukatech was founded in 1995 with the objective to have pattern makers create patterns digitally on the computer. Tukatech is an influential fashion technology company known worldwide for innovative solutions and superior technical support. They are the industry's leading provider of fashion design software (2D CAD), virtual product development (3D virtual sampling and fit with real-time motion simulation), cloud collaboration, the most advanced marker making system, and cutting room machinery for garment manufacturing. For more information: Visit: https://tukatech.com | Email: tukateam@tukatech.com | Call: +1 323-726-3836 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1394620/Tukatech_Logo.jpg

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 06, 2021] DIDI CLASS ACTION NOTICE: Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP Files Securities Fraud Lawsuit Against DiDi Global 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 Espinal v. DiDi Global Inc., et al., (Case No. 21-cv-05807) on behalf of persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired DiDi Global Inc. ("DiDi" or the "Company") (NYSE: DIDI): (a) American Depositary Shares ("ADSs" or "shares") pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus (collectively, the "Registration Statement") issued in connection with the Company's June 2021 initial public offering ("IPO" or the "Offering"); and/or (b) securities between June 30, 2021 and July 2, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Plaintiff pursues claims against the Defendants under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") and 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 DiDi 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/didi-global-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 to learn more about your rights. DiDi purports to be the world's largest mobility technology platform. The Company claims to be the "go-to brand in China for shared mobility," offering a range of services including ride hailing, taxi hailing, chauffeur, and hitch. On or aboutJune 30, 2021, DiDi sold about 316.8 million ADSs in its IPO for $14 per share, raising nearly $4.5 billion in new capital.



On July 2, 2021, the Cyberspace Administration of China ("CAC") stated that it had launched an investigation into DiDi to protect national security and the public interest. It also reported that it had asked DiDi to stop new user registrations during the course of the investigation. On this news, the Company's share price fell $0.87, or approximately 5.3%, to close at $15.53 per share on July 2, 2021, on unusually heavy trading volume.

Then, on Sunday, July 4, 2021, DiDi reported that the CAC ordered smartphone app stores to stop offering the "DiDi Chuxing" app because it "collect[ed] personal information in violation of relevant PRC laws and regulations." Though users who previously downloaded the app could continue to use it, DiDi stated that "the app takedown may have an adverse impact on its revenue in China." On July 5, 2021, The Wall Street Journal reported that the CAC had asked the Company as early as three months prior to the IPO to postpone the offering because of national security concerns and to "conduct a thorough self-examination of its network security." On this news, the Company's stock price fell $3.04 per share, or 19.6%, to close at $12.49 per share on July 6, 2021, on unusually heavy trading volume. By the commencement of this action, the Company's stock was trading as low as $12.06 per share, a nearly 14% decline from the $14 per share IPO price. The Registration Statement was materially false and misleading and omitted to state material adverse facts. Throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors: (1) that DiDi's apps did not comply with applicable laws and regulations governing privacy protection and the collection of personal information; (2) that, as a result, the Company was reasonably likely to incur scrutiny from the Cyberspace Administration of China; (3) that the CAC had already warned DiDi to delay its IPO to conduct a self-examination of its network security; (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, DiDi's apps were reasonably likely to be taken down from app stores in China, which would have an adverse effect on its financial results and operations; and (5) 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 DiDi ADSs pursuant and/or traceable to the IPO and/or 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/20210706005857/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] TomTom Virtual Horizon Makes Driving Safer for Everyone

TomTom Virtual Horizon provides a seamless connection between digital maps and ADAS functionality, allowing drivers and vehicles to anticipate the road ahead





It is designed for automated and non-automated vehicles, with and without embedded navigation

The software is pre-integrated with the highly accurate and trusted TomTom ADAS Map

TomTom is the only company to offer automakers a one-stop-shop for a complete, easy-to-integrate, map-based ADAS function that answers the EUs new Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) requirements AMSTERDAM, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TomTom (TOM2), the location technology specialist, today launched TomTom Virtual Horizon  the only map-based all-in-one advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) software from a single company that helps passenger and commercial vehicles anticipate the road ahead. This software for automakers provides a seamless connection between digital maps and ADAS functionality, allowing vehicles to see beyond the range of their sensors, for a smoother and safer drive. The new TomTom Virtual Horizon is designed to democratize ADAS by supporting vehicles without embedded navigation, as well as the most technologically advanced automated vehicles. The software translates highly attributed map data into actionable information for drivers and vehicles alike. For example, if there is a sharp bend in the road or a change in the speed limit ahead, TomTom Virtual Horizon will warn drivers in non-automated vehicles to prepare to take action, while the software in automated vehicles will enable more informed and intelligent decision making ithout the involvement of the driver.



While TomTom continues to join forces with automakers to develop next-generation technologies like self-driving cars, we are most proud when we bring to market affordable advanced technologies that will make driving safer and easier for everyone, not just the select few, said Antoine Saucier, Managing Director, TomTom Automotive. TomTom Virtual Horizon will bring actionable information about the road ahead, way beyond the vision of drivers and vehicle sensors, that will improve road safety around the world. TomTom Virtual Horizon offers automakers an all-in-one solution that includes precise positioning, intelligent route prediction, and a horizon provider compliant with industry standard protocols. The new software is built on TomToms trusted ADAS map that powers millions of automated vehicles around the world. The solution supports all the TomTom ADAS Maps road attributes including speed limits, traffic signs, gradient, curvature, lane information and traffic lights. TomTom Virtual Horizon and the TomTom ADAS Map combine for the only all-in-one advanced driver assistance systems offering. Use cases for the solution include predictive powertrain control to minimize emissions as well as improved battery management for hybrid and electric vehicles.

TomTom Virtual Horizon is delivered via automakers preferred data format for easy implementation, and the software leverages existing connectivity where available or works fully offline, minimizing onboard hardware costs. The new software will make it easy for automakers to comply with upcoming Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) regulations, including the legislation adopted by the European Commission for the EU that comes into effect as of July 2022. TomTom Virtual Horizon is now in production with multiple global brands. About TomTom: At TomTom were mapmakers, providing location technology for drivers, carmakers, enterprises and developers. Our highly accurate maps, navigation software, real-time traffic information and APIs enable smart mobility on a global scale, making the roads safer, the drive easier and the air cleaner. Headquartered in Amsterdam with offices in 30 countries, TomToms technologies are trusted by hundreds of millions of drivers, businesses and governments worldwide. www.tomtom.com For further Information: Media:

tomtom.pr@tomtom.com Investor Relations:

ir@tomtom.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3c7c09bb-fcf9-43cb-9c91-b3e028f76213

The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.



[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] Wyretrade Announces The Listing Of Its Token On Probit Exchange On 7th July, 2021

PHOENIX, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The advancement in technology has opened up various opportunities for investors and retail traders to earn passive income and better diversify their investment portfolios. Retail investors can now sit at the comfort of their homes and trade stocks, digital assets, and ETFs from their mobile phones.

In a bid to enable more retail investors to have full access to the financial market on the go, the team at Wyretrade is pleased to announce the introduction of its mobile app and the listing of its token on Probit exchange. The token with the symbol "PEPE" will launch on Probit exchange on July 7th 2021. Wyretrade app allows retail investors to trade stocks, cryptos, ETFs, and other financial instruments. Wyretrade unique aspects Wyretrade is a unique trading App that combines both stocks, ETFs, prediction and cryptos trading in one mobile platform. With the wyretrade trading app, you can instantly convert your spare crypto into your favorite stocks & ETFs. It also allows you to top-up your trading account with a debit card or PayPal account. Wyretrade mission Just like robinhood and etoro, Wyretrade's mission is to democratize finance for all. We believe that everyone should have access to the financial markets, so we've built Wyretrade from the ground up to make investing friendly, accessible and understandable for both newcomers and experts. PEPE Token PEPE is the native token of the wyretrade platform. It serves a variety of key utilities: Pay trading fees, get trading fees discounts, get withdrawals fees discount, membership for activating and trading on margin account, used for prediction, staking and reward. Key Features Trading stocks and ETFs using Crypto funds. Buy, Sell, Trade and Hold 20+ top cryptocurrencies using over 40+ local currencies A global o-limit prediction platform. Bet on the hottest stocks & crypto markets. Margin trade stocks & ETFs (2x) Supports major Crypto coins







Trade Stocks And ETFs With as little as $5, you can trade the financial market to make profits on the Wyretrade app. Wyretrade has over 2000 stocks, ETFs, and other financial instruments like cryptos. You can buy, hold, and sell your assets to make profits.

Mobile Trading App The Wyretrade mobile trading platform is an exciting and innovative trading platform that allows traders to use Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDC and more to trade Stocks & TFs. Users on the platform can also buy, sell, trade and hold over 20+ Cryptocurrencies predict on the hottest stocks and Cryptos. User-friendly Prediction Marketplace Wyretrade has a user-friendly prediction marketplace. While on the market, you can predict on any crypto or stocks to make passive income. The app also presents an opportunity for you to diversify your investment portfolio in real-time. Low Fees Wyretrade charges one of the lowest fees in the industry. Compared to other trading apps, the fees charged by Wyretrade will put more money in your wallet. Additionally, Wyretrade supports margin trading. You can borrow trading capital to boost your profit potentials. Instant Withdrawal Receive your earnings instantly as soon as you submit your withdrawal request. While on the app, you can also pay your friends and merchants in real-time. About Wyretrade Wyretrade is a blockchain-powered mobile app that lets you trade a wide range of financial instruments, including digital assets, stocks, and ETFs on the go. Wyretrade is also a P2P no limit prediction platform where investors or traders can create a marketplace for anything. The mission of Wyretrade is simple - to simplify the process of trading financial instruments for small retail investors in the emerging market. The founding team of Wyretrade consists of leading experts in marketing, finance, operation, technology, and compliance. With offices in the US and the UK, Wyretrade is poised to deliver value for money for traders and investors across the world. Whether you want to cryptocurrencies, ETFs, or stocks, you can complete traders even while on transit as long as you have the Wyretrade app installed on your smartphone. Social links Telegram: https://t.me/wyretrade

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wyretrade-105994018302814

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wyretrade

Instagram: http://instagram.com/wyretrade/ Media contact Company: Wyretrade

Contact Name: Brian Zifac

Address: 3016 W Solano Dr North, Phoenix AZ USA 85017

E-mail: support@wyretrade.com

Website: https://peppercoin.org/

Website: https://wyretrade.com





[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] Panorays Introduces Unique Features to Significantly Shorten the Vendor Sales Cycle

NEW YORK, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Panorays, a rapidly growing provider of third-party security risk management, today introduced Panorays for Vendors, which focuses on reducing the vendor sales cycle by empowering Panorays vendor community to take a proactive role in their customers cyber due diligence.

Unlike other solution providers, Panorays combines automated, dynamic security questionnaires with external attack surface assessments, providing vendors with a single place to view and manage all of their customers security vetting activities. Using powerful new tools, vendors get full visibility and control over their risk profiles, and can save time on security questionnaires from customers and significantly accelerate their sales process. Panorays for Vendors includes a Security Passport, which enables vendors to build and share a security overview with a self-assessment questionnaire and certifications with potential customers. The Security Passport has been found to suffice as evidence of acceptable vendor security more than 80% of the time, which results in significantly reducing the sales cycle. It also helps vendors eliminate the tedious task of answering repetitive security questionnaires and receive quick approval from customers. In addition, a Security Profile provides vendors with full visibility into their cyber posture and specific cyber gap, identified in Panorays external attack surface assessment. With full control over their Security Profile, vendors can dispute irrelevant assets to avoid privacy and legal consequences and mitigate cyber gaps to improve their rating. Vendors can also benchmark security posture to an industry range and track their cyber posture rating over time.



Panorays also provides vendors with: A prioritized list of mitigation steps with full information about specific cyber gaps and ways to resolve them Autocomplete questionnaire capability, suggesting answers to security questionnaires based on previous responses A centralized management dashboard to manage the status of submitted questionnaires and track remediation requests Easy and intuitive in-platform collaboration with customers Continuous monitoring of their own attack surface

The Security Passport feature allows us to quickly, consistently and securely provide our security documentation to our current or prospective customers, said Thomas Clark, Senior Information Security Manager at Mixpanel. We have been able to save time and free up resources by replacing an overly complex process with one that is simple not just for us, but also for our customers.

Panorays is the only solution that gives customers and their suppliers everything they need to collaborate, reduce risk and do business together, said Matan Or-El, Co-Founder and CEO of Panorays. With these new capabilities for vendors, we continue to transform third-party security risk management to build trust and accelerate business between companies all over the world. About Panorays Panorays is a rapidly growing provider of third-party security risk management software, offered as a SaaS-based platform. The company serves enterprise and mid-market customers primarily in North America, the UK and the EU, and has been adopted by leading banking, insurance, financial services and healthcare organizations, among others. Headquartered in New York and Israel, with offices around the world, Panorays is funded by numerous international investors, including Aleph VC, Oak HC/FT, Imperva Co-Founder Amichai Shulman and former CEO of Palo Alto Networks Lane Bess. Visit us at www.panorays.com . Media Contact:

Tila Pacheco

Eskenzi PR

panorays@eskenizpr.com





[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] MYND Life Sciences Provides Corporate Update

VANCOUVER, BC, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - MYND Life Sciences Inc. (CSE: MYND) ("MYND") is a drug research and development company focused on novel psychedelic drug development, diagnostic approaches, pharmaceuticals and vaccines, is pleased to provide a corporate update on its operations and progress on its strategic initiatives to the end of Q2 2021. "A key difference between MYND and other psychedelic companies is that we are creating intellectual property by reducing to practice the bio-active forms of psychedelics to particular medical conditions. Applying psychedelic analogs to other medical conditions not currently being targeted for psychedelic analog therapies. Creating unique biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring MDD, and responses to treatment of MDD. Finally, MYND is applying novel vaccine and immunotherapeutic approaches to disease of the central nervous system. In this way, we plan to differentiate ourselves with a focus on building long-term value for our shareholders." continued CEO Dr. Lyle Oberg. Dr. Wilfred Jefferies, Chief Science Officer of MYND Life Sciences stated that "MYND's investigational medical pipeline shows great promise, and we intend to use a three-pronged approach in the business: Objectively diagnose patients with depression and monitor improvement, Develop a solution to alleviate and reverse depression, and Create vaccines for diseases of the central nervous system." MYND is pursing the development of a multifaceted suite of Central Nervous System (CNS) disorder treatment protocols and assessment tools that include: Diagnostic biomarkers

Treatment of medical conditions with specific psilocybin and other psychedelic analogs

Vaccines and immunotherapeutics "We accept that Psychedelics and Psilocybin benefit psychiatric illnesses such as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and other diseases. It is our goal and responsibility to move beyond this research and translate the findings and related technologies into mainstream medical practice," said MYND CEO, Dr. Lyle Oberg. "Over the past 10 years, our Scientific Team has made great strides in identifying and examining the pathways involved in MDD and it is now time to use this knowledge to help the 300,00,000 + people suffering with psychiatric disease."



Intellectual Property

MYND has expanded its Intellectual Property holdings with four separate patent applications, including: A diagnostic biomarker with the potential to diagnose and monitor MDD and other diseases.

Modulation of key pathways in the treatment of MDD utilizing Psilocybin analogs.

Methods for regressing or delaying Alzheimer's disease and related forms of dementia.

Modulation of the key pathways in the in the treatment of inflammatory diseases utilizing Psilocybin analogs. Strategic Partnerships:

University of British Columbia



The Company announced the signing of a Collaborative Research Agreement (the "Agreement") with the University of British Columbia ("UBC") on February 2, 2021 focussing on Major Depressive Disorder, often referred to as depression. Results are to be expected as early as Q3-Q4 of 2021.



SISCAPA Assay Technologies



The Company's agreement with SISCAPA Assay Technologies, announced June 1, 2021 will help enable MYND's goal of more precisely diagnosing and monitoring the treatment regime for patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and other diseases. Stable Isotope Standards and Capture by Anti-Peptide Antibodies (SISCAPA) is a patented sample preparation methods platform for diagnostics that improves the performance of mass spectrometry (MS) for measurement of pre-selected protein targets. It is a method that will assist our research team with our proprietary panel of biomarkers aimed at diagnosing and monitoring Major Depressive Disorder. MYND aims to commercialize this panel by Q1 of 2022.



Eyam Vaccines



MYND entered into a Letter of Intent with Eyam Vaccines, Vancouver British Columbia to pursue the development of vaccines and immunotherapeutics that have the ability to prevent neurological disorders. Clinical Trial Updates: On May 15, 2021, MYND made the key hire of Iryna Saranchova, MD, PhD as its Chief Clinical Officer whose role is to lead the implementation of the clinical trials from design through to evaluation. MYND has begun planning for clinical trials to start in Q1 of 2022, which includes several areas: Addressing therapeutic impact of psilocybin and Psilocybin Analogs on depression and "Brain Fog" in patients with proven Covid 19. A trial to correlate the MYND Biomarker panel with the diagnosis and monitoring of MDD. Preparing and submission of a joint application with Monash University researchers, located in Melbourne Australia , for an Adaptive Trial utilizing Psilocybin in the treatment of depression, sponsored by the Government of Australia . This trial has a submission deadline of July 15, 2021 . For more information and to subscribe to the Company's mailing list, please visit https://myndsciences.com/contact/ ABOUT MYND LIFE SCIENCES MYND Life Sciences is a medicinal biotech company focused on neuro-pharmaceutical drug development. The Company is advancing medicinal substances through rigorous science and clinical trials. CONTACT INFORMATION

Dr. Lyle Oberg, CEO

Email: ir@myndsciences.com

Web: www.myndsciences.com Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of MYND to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mynd-life-sciences-provides-corporate-update-301326652.html SOURCE Mynd Life Sciences Inc.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc. Upgrades to Next-Generation RingCentral MVP with RingCentral Video to Power Business Communications for its Customers and Workforce

RingCentral, Inc. (NYSE:RNG), a leading provider of global enterprise cloud communications, video meetings, collaboration and contact center solutions, today announced that C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (C&S), an industry leader in supply chain solutions and wholesale grocery supply in the United States, is upgrading to the next generation of RingCentral MVP that includes RingCentral Video. RingCentral (News - Alert) Video is a replacement for the earlier generation RingCentral Meetings, and leverages next-generation technologies to enable a fast, unified, open and trusted video meetings experience. C&S powers thousands of employees with RingCentral's cloud communications solutions across nearly every state in the U.S. "RingCentral MVP seamlessly enabled C&S to continue our business operations throughout the pandemic. Our employees were able to effectively communicate with each other and our customers to ensure that we helped feed our communities during this challenging time," said Philippe Bourdon, VP of infrastructure, C&S. "We are very pleased with te RingCentral platform, especially with its ability to use any device, in any mode, from anywhere. Now with the MVP upgrade, which includes RingCentral Video, we're able to give our employees a more integrated approach to team messaging, video meetings and cloud phone system experience in a single application."



With Message Video Phone (News - Alert) (MVP) capabilities, including business voice, SMS and fax, tightly integrated, RingCentral MVP enables businesses to communicate and work effectively across every mode of communication without losing context. Adds Bourdon: "We are looking forward to leveraging the RingCentral MVP upgrade with the new RingCentral Video feature. The ability to easily switch a live video meeting between devices with a single click is a game changer for our fast-paced workforce. Having these types of technologies can help take our business to the next level."

For more information about RingCentral MVP, please visit https://www.ringcentral.com/office/how-it-works.html. About RingCentral RingCentral, Inc. (NYSE: RNG) is a leading provider of business cloud communications and contact center solutions based on its powerful Message Video Phone??(MVP) global platform. More flexible and cost effective than legacy on-premises PBX (News - Alert) and video conferencing systems that it replaces, RingCentral empowers modern mobile and distributed workforces to communicate, collaborate, and connect via any mode, any device, and any location. RingCentral offers three key products in its portfolio including RingCentral MVP, a Unified Communications (News - Alert) as a Service (UCaaS) platform including team messaging, video meetings, and cloud phone system; RingCentral Video, ?the company's video meetings solution with team messaging that enables Smart Video Meetings; and RingCentral cloud Contact Center solutions. RingCentral's open platform integrates with leading third-party business applications and enables customers to easily customize business workflows. RingCentral is headquartered in Belmont, California, and has offices around the world.  2021 RingCentral, Inc. All rights reserved. RingCentral, Message Video Phone, MVP, RingCentral MVP, RingCentral Video, RingCentral Contact Center, Smart Video Meetings, and the RingCentral logo are trademarks of RingCentral, Inc. About C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc. C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc. is an industry leader in supply chain solutions and wholesale grocery supply in the United States. Founded in 1918 as a supplier to independent grocery stores, C&S now services customers of all sizes, supplying more than 7,700 independent supermarkets, chain stores, military bases and institutions with over 137,000 different products. We are an engaged corporate citizen, supporting causes that positively impact our communities. To learn more, please visit www.cswg.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005122/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] Grain Management Acquires Conexao, Announces LatAm Presence

Grain Management, LLC ("Grain" or the "Firm"), a leading private investment firm exclusively focused on broadband technology and the global communications sector, announced today that it has acquired Conexao Group ("Conexao"), one of the largest high speed internet service providers in the northeast and southeast regions of Brazil. Conexao is one of the fastest growing Brazilian providers of high-speed internet, servicing more than 450,000 subscribers and over 20,000 corporate subscribers. The company also owns the entirety of its approximately 8,400 fiber route mile network, making it a strong platform for growth. As the center of many telecommunication expansion opportunities in Latin America, Brazil is prime for investment in what is currently a highly fragmented market. The strong uptick in broadband demand coupled with compelling macroeconomic and exchange factors also supports inbound activity from seasoned investors looking to partner with strong businesses. "The opportunity set for both strategic and organic growth through the acquisition of Conexao is solid," said David Grain, founder and CEO of Grain. "Telecommunications growth in Brazil is robust and aligns with the macro trends around which our Firm invests. The capital and experise that Grain brings to this landscape presents a compelling investment case for our team and our investors."



Ricardo Rodriguez, Principal on the Grain investment team, stated, "Conexao has a track record of excellence, an exceptional management team, and a talented employee base, all of which marries well with Grain's data-driven operational approach. The present scarcity of fiber-to-the-home in Brazil makes Conexao an ideal platform for expansion in a strong, growing regional market." "In terms of values, industry focus, track record, and cultural fit, Grain meets all of our needs for an impactful partner," said Conexao CEO Gilbert Minionis. "The expertise at Grain has the potential to create a significant boost to our business as we continue to grow."

BTG Pactual S.A. served as financial advisor to Grain in connection with this transaction. Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados and Alston & Bird served as legal counsel. About Grain Management Grain Management, LLC is a leading private investment firm that focuses on broadband infrastructure and technology companies that connect the world to the information economy. Founded in 2007, Grain invests exclusively in the telecommunications sector, employing a rigorous, data-based process buoyed by deep industry expertise to identify investment opportunities in key areas of telecommunications infrastructure, including fiber networks, wireless spectrum, and cell towers. For more information visit www.graingp.com. About Conexao Group Conexao Group provides broadband services using primarily fiber to the home technology to over 450,000 homes and 20,000 business customers throughout six states in Brazil in the Northeast (Rio Grande do Norte, Paraiba, Ceara and Bahia) and Southeast (Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais). Conexao Group operates multiple brands including, CABO, Multiplay, Conexao, Outcenter, and StarWeb among others. Conexao Group is proud of its superior customer experience and decades worth of cutting edge technology in providing broadband connectivity, subscription TV, telephone services and IT Corporate Services. Its owned infrastructure spans over 13,500 kilometers (approximately 8,400 fiber route miles) of fiber optic and high-tier HFC networks, reaching over 1.4 million customers. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005331/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
KBRA Assigns Preliminary Ratings to PKHL Commercial Mortgage Trust 2021-MF

Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA) announces the preliminary assignment of ratings to 10 classes of PKHL Commercial Mortgage Trust 2021-MF, a CMBS singe-borrower securitization.

The collateral for the transaction is a $225.0 million non-recourse, first lien mortgage loan. The floating rate loan has an initial two-year term with three one-year extension options and requires monthly interest-only payments based on one-month LIBOR. The loan is secured by the borrower's fee simple interest in two adjacent, recently constructed Class-A multifamily buildings with a total of 538 units that are located in the Jamaica neighborhood of New York City's borough of Queens. As of June 2021, the collateral was 79.6% leased, as one of the buildings is still in its initial lease up.

KBRA's analysis of the transaction included a detailed evaluation of the properties' cash flows using our U.S. CMBS Property Evaluation Methodology and the application of our U.S. CMBS Single Borrower & Large Loan Rating Methodology. In addition, KBRA also relied on its Global Structured Finance Counterparty Methodology for assessing counterparty risk in this transaction and its ESG Global Rating Methodology, to the extent deemed applicable.

The results of our analysis yielded a stabilized KBRA net cash flow (KNCF) of $13.4 million, which is 17.4% below the issuer's stabilized NCF, and a stabilized KBRA value of approximately $178.4 million, which is 45.5% lower than the appraiser's stabilized value for the subject (assuming 15-year tax abatements are in place for both buildings). The resulting in-trust KBRA Loan to Value (KLTV) is 126.1%. In our analysis of the transaction, we also reviewed and considered third party engineering, environmental, and appraisal reports; the results of our site inspecion; and legal documentation review.







Click here to view the report. To access ratings and relevant documents, click here.

Related Publications

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/20210707005550/en/
[July 07, 2021] Tyler Technologies and Legal Aid BC Expand Partnership to Provide Full Service Online Dispute Resolution

Tyler Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: TYL) announced today that Legal Aid BC (formerly the Legal Services Society) has expanded its partnership with Tyler through Tyler's Modria online dispute resolution (ODR) solution. Legal Aid BC had previously deployed part of the Modria solution as part of its MyLawBC site. MyLawBC is a legal self-help site that uses guided pathways to lead users to resources and online dispute resolution services for separating couples. In July 2019, the MyLawBC Family Resolution Centre went live on the complete Modria solution to provide British Columbians a free and effective way to resolve some family law matters instead of having to go through the traditional court system. The Family Resolution Centre is now expanding to cover child support issues, providing full support to separated parents through the Modria solution. Separated parents now have access to a self-help platform as they navigate child support and custody agreements, as well as up to five hours of free online mediation for parenting issues and for child support (a total of 10 hours for parents needing to address both) to help them resolve the issues important to their family without having to go to court. "By adding child support services, we're covering the full range of parentingissues parents need to navigate when separating," said Sherry MacLennan, vice president, Public Legal Information and Applications, Legal Aid BC. "This addition expands legal aid services and helps ensure all British Columbians have equal access to justice. The solution will save people time, stress, and money by helping them avoid going to court, while obtaining fair and timely solutions to their legal problems."



Modria leads users step-by-step through an online process to resolve disputes as quickly as possible. Through this online platform, parents in British Columbia experiencing separation can easily create their own custody and child support agreements online that meet their specific needs and also have access to mediation to help with issues they may not be able to resolve on their own. "We're proud to partner with Legal Aid BC to expand access to justice in British Columbia," said Jamie Gillespie, general manager of Tyler's Modria solution. "Through the pandemic, we've seen the need increase in people wanting to use online tools to help with services including the legal process. This solution gives people the option to easily navigate this process online while avoiding costly legal fees."

Modria has successfully handled more than a million cases in the United States and around the world. About Tyler Technologies (News - Alert) , Inc. Tyler Technologies (NYSE: TYL) provides integrated software and technology services to the public sector. Tyler's end-to-end solutions empower local, state, and federal government entities to operate more efficiently and connect more transparently with their constituents and with each other. By connecting data and processes across disparate systems, Tyler's solutions are transforming how clients gain actionable insights that solve problems in their communities. Tyler has more than 27,000 successful installations across more than 11,000 sites, with clients in all 50 states, Canada, the Caribbean, Australia, and other international locations. Tyler has been named to Government Technology's GovTech 100 list five times and has been recognized three times on Forbes' "Most Innovative Growth Companies" list. More information about Tyler Technologies, an S&P 500 company headquartered in Plano, Texas, can be found at tylertech.com. About Legal Aid BC Legal Aid BC (LABC) provides legal aid in British Columbia. Created by the Legal Services Society Act in 1979, LABC is a non-profit organization whose priority is to serve the interests of low income people who have legal problems. LABC is funded primarily by the provincial government and receives grants from the Law Foundation and Notary Foundation. Legal representation services are available for financially eligible people facing some types of family law matters, and child protection, refugee, or criminal law problems. Public legal education and information is integral to our services. It includes legal information and community referrals. We provide online information through our LABC website, Family Law in BC website, Aboriginal Legal Aid in BC website, and MyLawBC website. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005171/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] Todos Medical Appoints Ilanit Halperin, CPA as Corporate Controller



 CEO to present at The Emerging Growth Conference on July 7th, 2021 at 11:30am ET NEW YORK, NY, and Tel Aviv, ISRAEL, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire -- Todos Medical, Ltd. (OTCQB: TOMDF), a comprehensive medical diagnostics and related solutions company, today announced that it has appointed Ilanit Halperin, CPA as its Corporate Controller. Ms. Halperin, the principal of Halperin Ilanit, CPA, has over 25 years of financial reporting, accounting and auditing experience. We are very pleased to bring Ms. Halperin on Board to help strengthen the Companys financial controls as we embark on the next stage of growth for Todos, said Daniel Hirsch, Chief Financial Officer at Todos. Ilanit has made substantial progress in putting in place the financial infrastructure needed to successfully engage with the investment community going forward. Prior to forming Halperin Ilanit CPA in 2018, Ms. Halperin was a partner of Fahn Kanne Grant Thornton Israel, the sixth largest CPA firm in Israel and the Israeli member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd. From 2011 until 2017, she was head of the firms High-Tech and Life Sciences Department. During her tenure at Fahn Kanne Grant Thornton Israel, Ms. Ilanit was the audit engagement partner of several companies listed in the United States. Im very pleased to be able to help Todos in the next stage of growth for the Company, said Mr. Ilanit Halperin, newly appointed Corporate Controller at Todos. This is a very exciting time as management continues to build the Company and prepare it for a listing on a US national stock exchange. My role will be to ensure that we stay in compliance with the various financial reporting requirements so that the management teams focus can be on growing the business. Emerging Growth Conference Presentation on July 7, 2021 at 11:30am ET Todos Medical invites individual and institutional investors, as well as advisors and analysts, to attend its real-time, interactive presentation at the Emerging Growth Conference. To register for the presentation please go to: https://goto.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1477114&tp_key=6d2d562bcc&sti=tomdf For information relatd to Todos Medicals COVID-19 testing capabilities, please visit www.todoscovid19.com .



For COVID-19 testing inquiries, please email sales@todosmedical.com. About Todos Medical Ltd.

Founded in Rehovot, Israel with offices in New York City, Todos Medical Ltd. (OTCQB: TOMDF) engineers life-saving diagnostic solutions for the early detection of a variety of cancers. The Company's state-of-the-art and patented Todos Biochemical Infrared Analyses (TBIA) is a proprietary cancer-screening technology using peripheral blood analysis that deploys deep examination into cancer's influence on the immune system, looking for biochemical changes in blood mononuclear cells and plasma. Todos' two internally-developed cancer-screening tests, TMB-1 and TMB-2, have received a CE mark in Europe. Todos recently acquired U.S.-based medical diagnostics company Provista Diagnostics, Inc. to gain rights to its Alpharetta, Georgia-based CLIA/CAP certified lab currently performing PCR COVID testing and Provista's proprietary commercial-stage Videssa breast cancer blood test. Todos is also developing blood tests for the early detection of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. The Lymphocyte Proliferation Test (LymPro Test) is a diagnostic blood test that determines the ability of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and monocytes to withstand an exogenous mitogenic stimulation that induces them to enter the cell cycle. It is believed that certain diseases, most notably Alzheimer's disease, are the result of compromised cellular machinery that leads to aberrant cell cycle re-entry by neurons, which then leads to apoptosis. LymPro is unique in the use of peripheral blood lymphocytes as a surrogate for neuronal cell function, suggesting a common relationship between PBLs and neurons in the brain. Todos has entered into distribution agreements with companies to distribute certain novel coronavirus (COVID-19) test kits. The agreements cover multiple international suppliers of PCR testing kits and related materials and supplies, as well as antibody testing kits from multiple manufacturers after completing validation of said testing kits and supplies in its partner CLIA/CAP certified laboratory in the United States. Additionally, Todos has entered into a joint venture with NLC Pharma to pursue the development of diagnostic tests targeting the 3CL protease, as well as 3CL protease inhibitors that target a fundamental reproductive mechanism of coronaviruses. For more information, please visit https://www.todosmedical.com/ . Forward-looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. For example, forward-looking statements are used when discussing our expected clinical development programs and clinical trials. These forward-looking statements are based only on current expectations of management, and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, including the risks and uncertainties related to the progress, timing, cost, and results of clinical trials and product development programs; difficulties or delays in obtaining regulatory approval or patent protection for product candidates; competition from other biotechnology companies; and our ability to obtain additional funding required to conduct our research, development and commercialization activities. In addition, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements: changes in technology and market requirements; delays or obstacles in launching our clinical trials; changes in legislation; inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications; lack of validation of our technology as we progress further and lack of acceptance of our methods by the scientific community; inability to retain or attract key employees whose knowledge is essential to the development of our products; unforeseen scientific difficulties that may develop with our process; greater cost of final product than anticipated; loss of market share and pressure on pricing resulting from competition; and laboratory results that do not translate to equally good results in real settings, all of which could cause the actual results or performance to differ materially from those contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by law, Todos Medical does not undertake any obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting Todos Medical, please refer to its reports filed from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Todos Corporate and Investor Contact: Richard Galterio Todos Medical 732-642-7770 rich.g@todosmedical.com



[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] Stone Douglass Joins Digipath's Board of Directors

Brings Decades of Experience to Digipaths Leadership Team LAS VEGAS, NV, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire -- Digipath, Inc. (OTCQB: DIGP) (the Company), a service-oriented independent analytical testing laboratory company focused on the cannabis and hemp markets, announced today that noted business leader Stone Douglass has joined its Board of Directors as Vice Chairman. Douglass owns Ducks Nest Investments, Inc., a private investment company. We are delighted to add this highly-respected business leader to our Board of Directors, said Bruce Raben, Digipaths Chairman. Stone brings decades of executive-level experience in both public and private companies in a wide array of industries. His functional expertise in corporate strategy, operations and finance will enhance our ability to successfully navigate the waters of growth and expansion for Digipath. For the past 35 years Mr. Douglass has served in a number of top-level management positions and has helped reorganize over 30 companies in industries as diverse as Piper Aircraft, RedEnvelope and Spy Optic. Mr. Douglass currently serves as CEO and Director of GeoSolar Technologies, Inc., CEO and Chairman of Empire Global Gaming, Inc., CEO and Chairman of The Birch Factory, Inc. and CFO and Director of P5 Systems, Inc., a technology platform servicing the legal cannabis value chain. Stone Douglass, Vice Chairman of Digipth, said, I believe Digipath is well positioned within the burgeoning cannabis testing sector. Driven by massive growth in the cannabis industry as more states move toward legalization, the demand for certified analytical testing labs has never been stronger. With Digipath now finding its stride after the past year of COVID, it is poised for growth as it implements its recently-announced multi-state operator strategy.



About Digipath, Inc. (OTCQB: DIGP) Digipath, Inc., supports the cannabis industrys best practices for reliable testing, data acquisition, formulations, and new canna-tech to the cannabis industry.

Digipath Labs provides pharmaceutical-grade analysis and testing to the cannabis industry to ensure producers, consumers and patients know exactly what is in the cannabis they ingest and to help maximize the quality of its clients products through analysis, research, development, and standardization. Information about Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that include information relating to future events. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which that performance or those results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time they are made and/or management's good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in, or suggested by, the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause these differences include, but are not limited to: the Company's need for additional funding, the demand for the Company's products, governmental regulation of the cannabis industry, the Company's ability to maintain customer and strategic business relationships, the impact of competitive products and pricing, growth in targeted markets, the adequacy of the Company's liquidity and financial strength to support its growth, and other risks that may be detailed from time-to-time in the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. For a more detailed description of the risk factors and uncertainties affecting Digipath, please refer to the Company's recent Securities and Exchange Commission filings, which are available at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Contact: Digipath, Inc. 702-527-2060



[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] SAS best in class in health care payment integrity, says Aite Group

CARY, N.C., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SAS, the leader in massively parallel analytics and artificial intelligence (AI), is lauded as the best-in-class vendor in Aite Matrix: Payment Integrity in Healthcare. SAS' stability, brand recognition, and product features and functionality collectively bested those of its competitors in Aite Group's inaugural assessment of eight leading payment integrity solution purveyors. SAS excels in features and functionality, enhanced by an intuitive user interface... Whether by inadvertent error or malicious fraud, payment integrity issues bleed an astounding $800 billion annually from the US health care system by some estimates. SAS analytics detect and prevent health care fraud, waste and abuse at every stage of the claims process, helping stop improper payments before claims are paid. "Health care payers are on a quest to make informed decisions as they strive to optimize their claims processing and payment operations. Payment integrity tools play an important role in these optimization initiatives," said Inci Kaya, Senior Analyst of Aite Group's Health Insurance practice. "SAS excels in features and functionality, enhance by an intuitive user interface, ease of implementation and integration, and its customization support."



As accelerating digitization fuels the industry's shift from pay-and-chase to prevent-and-pay defenses, the strength and integration of an organization's analytics and AI capabilities become ever more critical. Combining rules, anomaly detection and predictive analytics, SAS Detection and Investigation for Health Care on SAS Viya helps commercial insurers, government payers, health plans and pharmacy benefits managers identify and investigate erroneous, incomplete, suspicious and inaccurate claims. According to Aite Group's analysis, SAS' legacy and strength in data analytics and aggregation come into play at a time when health plans can benefit from robust analytics capabilities to uncover irregular claim submissions. Building on its core competence, SAS analyzes health care claims data using a package of over 1,400 scenarios that trigger alerts, accompanied with a risk value. Aite Group notes SAS' core strengths include:

Cutting-edge and flexible tools.

Experience in fraud, waste and abuse (FWA) and health analytics.

Competitive pricing and comprehensive solution.

Visual social network analysis capabilities that identify recipients with multiple providers. The report extols the software's capabilities, highlighting that, "The solution includes components for detection, alert management and disposition, along with predefined investigation workflows, content management and advanced analytics. It also includes link analytics to detect and visualize hidden risky fraud rings, collusive networks and relationships among health care entities otherwise invisible to investigators." "Focusing beyond the claims department, more and more health care organizations are taking an enterprise approach to detecting and investigating FWA throughout the entire claims process," said Stu Bradley, Senior Vice President of Fraud and Security Intelligence at SAS. "SAS' end-to-end solution combines the four essential disciplines  data management, behavioral analytics, claim analytics and clinical targeting  in a single, complete, enterprise platform. This helps our customers make more informed payment decisions while positioning them to seize the advantages of cloud deployments and real-time processing," To learn how a platform approach can help payer organizations gain efficiencies while reducing FWA, download the payment integrity white paper Achieving Program Integrity for Health Care Cost Containment Operations. About SAS

SAS is the leader in analytics. Through innovative software and services, SAS empowers and inspires customers around the world to transform data into intelligence. SAS gives you THE POWER TO KNOW. SAS and all other SAS Institute Inc. product or service names are registered trademarks or trademarks of SAS Institute Inc. in the USA and other countries.  indicates USA registration. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies. Copyright  2021 SAS Institute Inc. All rights reserved. Editorial Contact:

Danielle Bates

danielle.bates@sas.com

919-531-1959

sas.com/news View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sas-best-in-class-in-health-care-payment-integrity-says-aite-group-301326984.html SOURCE SAS

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] DTEX Systems Appoints Denis Eversen to Chief Revenue Officer to Support Company's Accelerating Demand for Workforce Cyber Intelligence & Security Solutions

DTEX Systems, the Workforce Cyber Intelligence & Security CompanyTM, today announced the appointment of Denis Eversen to Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). In his role, Eversen will lead the organization's worldwide sales, channel and partnership functions to support the company's rapidly accelerating growth, as the shift to hybrid workplace models and priority on employee privacy have accelerated the need for Workforce Cyber Intelligence & Security solutions to prevent data loss, mitigate insider risk and protect remote workforces in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. "We are realizing incredible demand for our Workforce Cyber Intelligence & Security solution," said Bahman Mahbod, President and CEO of DTEX Systems. "Denis is a proven cybersecurity sales leader with experience building and driving high-energy sales teams that consistently deliver customers tremendous value and exceed expectations. Denis's leadership coupled with our continuing product innovation and burgeoning partner ecosystem has us poised for rapid global expansion and revenue growth." Denis Eversen has held senior sales and operational executive roles at several leading companies in the security, storage and networking space, including Fidelis Cybersecurity, Cyphort and Forcepoint, helping each organiation achieve record growth and revenue recognition. As SVP of Americas Sales with Fidelis Cybersecurity, Denis executed innovative sales and partnership strategies that delivered record adoption of Fidelis's threat detection and response product and services portfolio across the Americas while also driving expansion in Latin America and Canada.



Prior to joining Fidelis Cybersecurity in 2018, while in the role of Executive Vice President at Cyphort, Denis led Cyphort's worldwide sales efforts up to and through the company's acquisition by Juniper Networks (News - Alert) . During his tenure with Cyphort and Juniper, he led Juniper's global security sales team to recognize revenues of $400M in close partnership with the organization's extensive partner ecosystem. Before joining Cyphort, Denis was VP of the East at Forcepoint where he was instrumental in helping the organization recognize triple-digit product and services sales growth following the acquisition of Websense (News - Alert) . Earlier in his career, Denis held various sales leadership positions at a number of world class companies and startups, such as Brocade, McAfee, DeCru, Netapp, Check Point Software and Cisco (News - Alert) , with a track record of consistent overachievement and success alongside his sales teams. Denis holds his Bachelor of Science Degree from Saint Francis University of Pennsylvania.

"DTEX is poised for tremendous growth and market-leadership as the dynamics of cyber security transition and the need to understand the human element overtakes machine data as the most accurate and important source of operational security intelligence," said Eversen. "DTEX's value proposition of helping customers genuinely understand their workforce's intent, protect their data and make informed business decisions more rapidly is exactly what every enterprise and government organization is missing. I'm excited to be part of the DTEX team and am ready to hit the ground running by immediately engaging with our customers, partners and the market-at-large." To learn more about DTEX Systems, please visit www.dtexsystems.com About DTEX Systems DTEX Systems helps hundreds of organizations worldwide better understand their workforce, protect their data and make human-centric operational investments. Its Workforce Cyber Intelligence & Security platform delivers on the promise of UEBA, endpoint DLP, digital forensics, employee monitoring and insider threat management in one scalable, cloud-native platform. Through its patented and privacy-compliant meta-data collection and analytics engine, the DTEX platform surfaces abnormal behavioral "indicators of intent" to mitigate risk of data and IP loss and make smarter business decisions quickly. To learn more about DTEX Systems, please visit www.dtexsystems.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005619/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] Executives from Cadence, SK hynix Join Si2 Board of Directors

Silicon Integration Initiative, a leading research and development joint venture providing standard interoperability solutions for semiconductor design tools, announced today the election of its board of directors for 2021-2022. Joining the Si2 board for their first full terms are: Aparna Dey, Senior Product Marketing Group Director, Cadence Design Systems (News - Alert)

Do Chang-Ho, Vice President, Computer Aided Engineering Division, SK hynix Re-elected board members are: Richard Trihy, vice president, Design Enablement, GLOBALFOUNDRIES

Roger Carpenter, hardware engineer, Google (News - Alert)

Leon Stok, vice president, Electronic Design Automation Technologies, IBM

Rahul Goyal, vice president, Intel Corp., director, R&D Strategic Enablement

Pankaj Kukkal, vice president, EDA, Emulation and Post-Silicon Engineering, Qualcomm (News - Alert) Technologies

Jung Yun Choi, corporate vice president, Electronics Design Technology, Samsung Electronics

Juan C. Rey, vice president of engineering, Calibre, Siemens EDA

David DeMaria, corporate vice president, Strategic Initiatives and Market Intelligence, Synopsys (News - Alert)

Keith Green, distinguished member of the technical staff, Texas Instruments



News - Alert) , as an ex-officio board member. Lee will advise the board with regards to Si2's long-term strategy for design-in-the-cloud, as well as for artificial intelligence and machine learning-enabled design. The Si2 board represents leading semiconductor manufacturers and foundries, fabless companies, and EDA software providers. Si2's key programs include OpenAccess, a standard application programming interface and reference source code for the design database used by all major chip design software suppliers, and the Compact Model Coalition, which selects and supports industry-standard SPICE simulation models.

About Si2 Founded in 1988, Si2 provides standard interoperability solutions for semiconductor design tools. All Si2 activities are carried out under the auspices of the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993, the fundamental law that defines R&D joint ventures and offers them a large measure of protection against federal antitrust laws. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005038/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] Picsart Launches Brand Refresh, Empowers Visual Culture as it Surpasses 1 Billion Edits Per Month

Picsart, the world's largest creative platform, today unveiled a brand refresh, including a new logo, visual elements, and streamlined user interface. The refresh comes as the company surges past 1 billion edits each month and ranks among the top-grossing photography and video apps worldwide. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005336/en/ Picsart homepage, July 2021 (Graphic: Business Wire) "Picsart is inspiring visual culture on a massive scale -- from social media posts to album covers to digital advertising -- and the new brand is a reflection of this evolution," said Hovhannes Avoyan, founder and CEO of Picsart. "We're much more than the individual elements of Pictures and Art," said Avoyan of the small but symbolic change of removing the capital "A" in Picsart. "We're removing boundaries between imagination and creativity for hundreds of millions of people in nearly every country of the world." Led by Picsart's internal brand team, the company partnered with San Francisco-based branding firm New Company to develop the vision and creative direction for the refresh. Users will begin seeing the ew visual elements on the platform starting this week. To read more about the rebranding process and what you can expect to see in the coming weeks, visit the Picsart blog.



Picsart creators design and remix a range of visual assets, including marketing materials, posters, digital stickers, videos, and more. The company recently announced the additions of Craig Foster as CFO, and Magdalena Yesil as a new board member. About Picsart

Picsart is the world's #1 creative platform and a top 20 most downloaded app of 2020. Every month, the Picsart community creates, remixes and shares over a billion visual stories using the company's powerful and easy-to-use editing tools. Picsart has amassed one of the largest open-source content collections in the world, including free-to-edit photos, stickers, backgrounds, templates and more. Picsart is available in 30 languages for free and as a subscription on iOS, Android (News - Alert) and Windows devices. Picsart is backed by Sequoia Capital, DCM Ventures, Insight Partners, and Siguler Guff & Company. Download the app or visit picsart.com or picsart.com/brands/ for more information. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005336/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] UWM Holdings Corporation to Celebrate Mortgage Brokers at New York Stock Exchange

UWM Holdings Corporation (NYSE:UWMC), the publicly traded indirect parent of United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM), the #1 wholesale and purchase mortgage lender in the America, today announced it will bring 75 independent mortgage brokers to the New York Stock Exchange and ring the closing bell on July 21, 2021 in celebration of National Mortgage Brokers Day. "Mortgage brokers make a profound impact on borrowers across America every day," said Mat Ishbia chairman and CEO of UWMC. "The personal service, immense savings, exceptional speed and ease with which they close loans is astounding. Their ability to make dreams a reality for consumers is why we will dedicate time to celebrate them later this month at the New York Stock Exchange. Nearly 1,000 mortgage brokers across the country submitted stories sharing how they have had the opportunity to impact borrowers including: Philadelphia, PA mortgage broker who helped a 64-year-old woman fulfill her dream of owning her first home.

Fairfield, NJ mortgage broker who helped an active member of the military close on his family's new home while on a secret ops mission abroad by spaking with him at 2 AM her time.

Wilmington, NC mortgage broker who helped a family of 10 find a USDA mortgage that allowed them to move out of an RV into a house during the pandemic.

Los Angeles, CA (News - Alert) mortgage broker who helped an immigrant woman, whose birth country offered limited women's rights, establish a career and buy a home all on her own.



Join UWM Holdings Corporation and these 75 mortgage brokers on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 for an iconic celebration of the entire mortgage broker community by tuning in live at 4:00 PM ET to watch them ring the closing bell at NYSE by visiting https://www.nyse.com/bell.

About UWM Holdings Corporation and United Wholesale Mortgage Headquartered in Pontiac, Michigan, UWM Holdings Corporation is the publicly traded indirect parent of United Wholesale Mortgage ("UWM"). UWM is the #1 wholesale lender in the nation six years in a row, providing state-of-the-art technology and unrivaled client service. UWM underwrites and provides closing documentation for residential mortgage loans originated by independent mortgage brokers, correspondents, small banks and local credit unions. UWM focuses on providing highly efficient, accurate and expeditious lending support. UWM's exceptional teamwork and focus on technology result in the delivery of innovative mortgage solutions that drive the company's ongoing growth in market share and its leadership position as the foremost advocate for independent mortgage brokers. For more information, visit www.uwm.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005736/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] HCPLive Welcomes Three New Partners to Strategic Alliance Partnership Program

CRANBURY, N.J., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- HCPLive, a multimedia platform dedicated to providing physicians with up-to-date specialty- and disease-specific information to help them offer the best patient care, announces the addition of three partners to its Strategic Alliance Partnership (SAP) program. As part of a joint effort, HCPLive will work with partners to share exclusive information and improve patient outcomes. "We are very pleased to welcome three innovative partners to our esteemed SAP program," said Mike Hennessy Jr., president and CEO of MJH Life Sciences, parent company of HCPLive. "Each of these forward-thinking organizations bring a wealth of knowledge in its designated specialty. This synergy will allow us continue putting forth leading disease-specific resources to guide physicians in providing the best possible care to the patients they serve." The new partners are: Ctrl M Health is an innovative digital health company that specializes in revolutionizng care for individuals affected by headaches and migraines. Developed in collaboration with the Jefferson Headache Center, the company provides digital and mobile access to integrated health and wellness solutions for comprehensive health management.

is an innovative digital health company that specializes in revolutionizng care for individuals affected by headaches and migraines. Developed in collaboration with the Jefferson Headache Center, the company provides digital and mobile access to integrated health and wellness solutions for comprehensive health management. The Vitiligo Research Foundation is a nonprofit committed to curing vitiligo. Through fast-tracked medical research, funding, support, and education, it is constantly working toward achieving its goal of ending the suffering of the millions of people who are affected by vitiligo.

is a nonprofit committed to curing vitiligo. Through fast-tracked medical research, funding, support, and education, it is constantly working toward achieving its goal of ending the suffering of the millions of people who are affected by vitiligo. The International Pain Foundation (iPain) is an indispensable resource for everyone with chronic pain. Guided by a commitment to excellence, leadership, and patient empowerment, iPain provides comprehensive learning tools, awareness projects with worldwide impact, a social network for pain patients, and access to the care they need to mitigate pain.



HCPLive will work with the partners to share exclusive information and improve patient outcomes. For the full list of HCPLive SAP partners, click here.

About?HCPLive

HCPLive?is a comprehensive clinical news and information portal that provides physicians and other health care professionals with up-to-date specialty- and disease-specific resources to help them deliver better care to patients. Readers have access to breaking news, video interviews with physician experts, in-depth conference coverage, finance and practice management updates, insights and analysis from physician contributors and other resources.?HCPLive is a brand of?MJH Life Sciences, the largest privately held, independent, full-service medical media company in North America, dedicated to delivering trusted health care news across multiple channels. HCPLiveMedia Contact

Alyssa Scarpaci, 609-250-4365

ascarpaci@mjhlifesciences.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hcplive-welcomes-three-new-partners-to-strategic-alliance-partnership-program-301327198.html SOURCE HCPLive

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] TampaBay.Ventures Leads Investment Into Y Combinator Graduate Procoto

TAMPA, Fla., July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- TampaBay.Ventures has led an investment into St. Petersburg, Florida-based Procoto, a procurement and spend analysis platform for businesses. Procoto is a graduate of the famed Y Combinator startup accelerator program and the first Y Combinator graduate located in the Tampa Bay area. The investment represents the first investment from TampaBay.Ventures, a new venture capital firm dedicated to backing Tampa Bay's most promising startups. Procoto was founded by childhood friends Michael Otis and Ryan Muckel to address challenges within procurement management. With a stated mission to make modern sourcing management accessible to smaller companies at a fraction of the cost of today's enterprise solutions, Procoto seeks to become an essential tool to the 28.8 million small and medium-sized businesses in the United States. "The founding team behind Procoto characterizes all of the traits TampaBay.Ventures values in a founding team: varied experience solving complex problems, complementary backgrounds, a clear product vision and a deep understanding for their end-user," said TampaBay.Ventures General PartnerAndreas Calabrese. "The genesis of the concept for the company came from seeing the lack of support from enterprise procurement software as potential customers. We find these types of problem-solution product developments incredibly compelling as a firm."



"We are pleased to make our first investment into Procoto. As one of only four Y Combinator graduates located in Florida, and the first in Tampa Bay, Procoto exemplifies the increasing startup activities happening in the state," added TampaBay.Ventures General Partner Marcus Adolfsson Michael Otis, Cofounder and CEO of Procoto stated, "We're thrilled to partner with Tampa Bay Ventures in our seed round. Coming out of Y Combinator this spring, we were very fortunate to garner interest from funds out West. But when we relocated to the area, it was important to us that we become a true Tampa company, not just one that happens to be based in Tampa.

"From our very first conversations with Andreas and Marcus, we knew TampaBay.Ventures was the right fund to get us there. With the individual successes of the fund partners and their existing presence in the Tampa tech community, there's no one with whom we'd rather partner. We're excited to tackle the road ahead together and to contribute to the area's budding tech scene for years to come." TampaBay.Ventures was founded in 2021 with an initial $20 Million seed fund committed to investing in Tampa Bay-based technology companies. The firm intends to lead investments into between 15 and 20 companies over the course of the next five years. Accredited investors interested in participating in the fund can learn more about the fund thesis at https://tampabay.ventures Press Contact: pr@tampabay.ventures, (727) 238-5265 Related Images tampabay-ventures.jpg

TampaBay.Ventures

TampaBay.Ventures Logo View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tampabayventures-leads-investment-into-y-combinator-graduate-procoto-301327190.html SOURCE TampaBay.Ventures

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] Pop-up Bus Shelter in Downtown Denver Supports the Beer Community and On Tap Is Donating up to $1,500 Back

On Tap Credit Union, a leader in providing consumers in local Colorado communities with innovative financial solutions for more than 60 years, is asking for the community's support in giving back. When you join us in giving back to the brewing community through the Pink Boots Society, we'll send you a BOGO coupon (only valid for 21+) from our partners at Blue Moon Brewing in RiNo or Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery in downtown Denver so you can enjoy more of the Colorado crafted beverages that you love! In addition, On Tap will be matching up to $1,500 in donations. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005810/en/ Bus Shelter in downtown Denver off Blake and Market (past 22nd). (Photo: Business Wire) The Pink Boots Society was created to empower women beer professionals and advance their careers in the beer industry through education. They are the female movers and shakers in the beer industry. They get the beer brewed and fermented with the highest possible quality. They also own breweries, package the beer, design beers, serv beers, write about beer, and cover just about any aspect of beer. Their mission is to teach each other through independent seminar programs and to help women advance their beer careers through educational scholarships.



"Part of our mission at On Tap involves giving back to the communities in which we live and serve," said On Tap Credit Union President and CEO Tracie Wilcox. "What we love most about this partnership is that we are working with the community to give back to the brewery industry which aligns with our roots." If you are in town this summer, remember to swing by the pop-up shelter off Blake and Market (one block past 22nd), scan the QR code, and help give back to the beer community or donate online here. And then as a token of our appreciation, we hope you enjoy a beverage from one of our brewery partners Blue Moon RiNo or Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery.

Anyone interested in learning more about On Tap Credit Union can request a call back here, www.ontapcu.org/about-us/contact-us or visit our website. We look forward to an opportunity to craft a financial solution for you! About On Tap Credit Union Formerly Coors Credit Union, On Tap Credit Union is a full-service cooperative financial institution serving people living and working in Jefferson, Denver, Boulder, and Larimer counties. Founded in 1954, the credit union has $354 million in assets and 20,000 members who are also owners of the organization. The credit union provides personal consultation and financial products including vehicle, mortgage, and home equity loans, credit cards, insurance, savings and investment accounts, and financial guidance, as well as a full suite of business services including a variety of commercial lending products. For more information, please visit www.OnTapCU.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005810/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] Buchanan Technologies Joins Fortinet's Engage Partner Program

GRAPEVINE, Texas, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Buchanan Technologies, a leading IT managed services provider, today announced that it has joined Fortinets Engage Partner Program. As a global leader in broad, integrated, and automated cybersecurity solutions, Fortinets Engage Partner Program offers partners the flexibility to build solutions aligned with customer growth markets, differentiate themselves with an industry-leading security platform and training program, and deliver consumption models that drive successful business outcomes.

Joining Fortinet's partner program provides our clients with industry-leading cybersecurity solutions, said RJ Friedman, Chief Informaton Security Officer at Buchanan Technologies. By partnering Fortinet's superior cybersecurity tools with Buchanan's best-in-class delivery and support, we have the ability to provide organizations of all sizes with another layer of protection to keep critical business data and information secure from cyber threats.



The Fortinet Security Fabric platform enables Buchanan Technologies to create important and relevant value as customers embrace digital innovations for business agility, performance, and simplicity. The cybersecurity platform provides full protection across the entire digital infrastructure and delivers unparalleled visibility to every network segment, device, and appliance, whether virtual, in the cloud, or on-premises. The Fortinet Engage Partner Program maximizes this technology opportunity for partners by providing a valuable, flexible platform for partners to build their business and a highly-differentiated security practice for customer success. About Buchanan Technologies:

Established in 1988, Buchanan Technologies is an award-winning managed services provider offering innovative IT services and customized solutions to mid-tier and enterprise-level organizations across the United States, Canada and Europe. Buchanan offers flexible and customizable solutions to accommodate any IT need  whether its help desk support, IT field services or managed IT solutions  and believes every interaction matters with each customer to provide a seamless user experience. To learn how Buchanan can simplify your IT solution, visit www.buchanan.com .

Media Contact: LaRessa Cox, Vice President of Marketing lcox@buchanan.com 972-910-7544

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] INVESTOR ALERT: Law Offices of Howard G. Smith Announces the Filing of a Securities Class Action on Behalf of DiDi Global Inc. (DIDI) Investors

Law Offices of Howard G. Smith announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased DiDi Global Inc. ("DiDi" or the "Company") (NYSE: DIDI): (a) American Depositary Shares ("ADSs" or "shares") pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus (collectively, the "Registration Statement") issued in connection with the Company's June 2021 initial public offering ("IPO" or the "Offering"); and/or (b) securities between June 30, 2021 and July 2, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"). DiDi investors have until September 7, 2021 to file a lead plaintiff motion. Investors suffering losses on their DiDi 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. DiDi purports to be the world's largest mobility technology platform. The Company claims to be the "go-to brand in China for shared mobility," offering a range of services including ride hailing, taxi hailing, chauffeur, and hitch. On or about June 30, 2021, DiDi sold about 316.8 million ADSs in its IPO for $14 per share, raising nearly $4.5 billion in new capital. On July 2, 2021, the Cyberspace Administration of China ("CAC") stated that it had launched an investigation into DiDi to protect national security and the public interest. It also reported that it had asked DiDi to stop new user registrations during the cours of the investigation.



On this news, the Company's share price fell $0.87, or approximately 5.3%, to close at $15.53 per share on July 2, 2021, on unusually heavy trading volume. Then, on Sunday, July 4, 2021, DiDi reported that the CAC ordered smartphone app stores to stop offering the "DiDi Chuxing" app because it "collect[ed] personal information in violation of relevant PRC laws and regulations." Though users who previously downloaded the app could continue to use it, DiDi stated that "the app takedown may have an adverse impact on its revenue in China."

On July 5, 2021, The Wall Street Journal reported that the CAC had asked the Company as early as three months prior to the IPO to postpone the offering because of national security concerns and to "conduct a thorough self-examination of its network security." On this news, the Company's stock price fell $3.04 per share, or 19.6%, to close at $12.49 per share on July 6, 2021, on unusually heavy trading volume. By the commencement of this action, the Company's stock was trading as low as $12.06 per share, a nearly 14% decline from the $14 per share IPO price. The Registration Statement was materially false and misleading and omitted to state material adverse facts. Throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors: (1) that DiDi's apps did not comply with applicable laws and regulations governing privacy protection and the collection of personal information; (2) that, as a result, the Company was reasonably likely to incur scrutiny from the Cyberspace Administration of China; (3) that the CAC had already warned DiDi to delay its IPO to conduct a self-examination of its network security; (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, DiDi's apps were reasonably likely to be taken down from app stores in China, which would have an adverse effect on its financial results and operations; and (5) 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 DiDi 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/20210707005802/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] MTA Recognized for COVID-19 Response, Esports Tournament, Along With Global Awards for Marketing

PALMER, Alaska, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- MTA, Alaska's best choice for technology and communications products, has received a bevy of awards in recent weeks recognizing the co-op's leadership and accomplishments in areas including its COVID-19 response, its annual Gaming Tournament and various marketing and advertising campaigns. MTA was awarded six Telly Awards, which honor excellence in video and television globally, including three gold medals for local television ads. The full list of 2021 Telly Awards won by MTA is: Gold Winner: Local TV  Social Responsibility  "Together, we will be stronger and more connected than ever."

"Together, we will be stronger and more connected than ever." Gold Winner: Local TV General  Corporate Image  "Connect to whatever it is that drives you"

"Connect to whatever it is that drives you" Gold Winner: Local TV Craft  Cinematography  "Connect to whatever it is that drives you"

"Connect to whatever it is that drives you" Silver Winner: Local TV  Telecommunications/Internet Service  "Internet. The way it should be."

"Internet. The way it should be." Silver Winner: Promotional Video  Business to Consumer  "Internet. The way it should be."

"Internet. The way it should be." Bronze Winner: Non-Broadcast People's Choice  "MTA Completes AlCan ONE" Additionally, MTA earned recognition in five categories of Alaska Business magazine's 2021 Best of Alaska Business awards. MTA's annual Gaming Tournament was chosen by readers as the first place winner of "Best Virtual Event", while readers also chose MTA as the second-place winner for "Best Place to ork (250+ Employees)" and third-place winner for "Best Telcommunications Company" and "Best COVID-19 Response." Finally, MTA was named "Best Corporate Citizen" by the magazine's editors for the second year in a row.



MTA also was named a winner of the Customer Experience & Telco Sales Association's (CETS) 2021 Best in Class Awards, which recognize teams and companies that demonstrate innovation and excellence related to customer experience and telco sales. The "Call Center Award" went to MTA for its efforts early in 2020, when demand significantly increased while MTA shifted its sales and customer services operations to a remote environment. "After a year that presented not just MTA but all Alaskans with a wide range of unique challenges, it feels especially rewarding to be recognized for our efforts," Michael Burke, CEO of MTA, said. "This is a testament to the tremendous work that MTA's whole team did to respond to these crises in an urgent and forward-thinking way, and we thank the Telly Awards and Alaska Business magazine for shining a light on that work."

These latest awards come on the heels of MTA receiving the "Best in Class" Marketing Award earlier this spring for the launch of MTA Shield by The Broadband Multimedia Marketing Association (BMMA), an international organization dedicated to helping Telco internet service providers and their vendors advance the adoption and use of broadband services. MTA Shield, which puts members in charge of their WiFi and protects their devices, was launched through a partnership with global cybersecurity leader F-Secure. About MTA

Established in 1953 as a 100 percent locally-owned and operated Alaskan cooperative, MTA is Alaska's best choice for technology and communications products. As a key player in the economy of Southcentral Alaska, MTA provides residential and business technology solutions to empower member-owners and patrons to live a connected life. Today, MTA remains as one of the largest technology co-ops in the U.S. For more information, visit https://www.mtasolutions.com/ or connect with MTA on Facebook. Media Contacts

Fearey for MTA

MTA@feareygroup.com, (570) 575-3405 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mta-recognized-for-covid-19-response-esports-tournament-along-with-global-awards-for-marketing-301327197.html SOURCE MTA

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] Crown Castle Announces Second Quarter 2021 Earnings Conference Call Details

HOUSTON, July 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Crown Castle International Corp. (NYSE: CCI) ("Crown Castle") plans to release its second quarter 2021 results on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, after the market closes. In conjunction with the release, Crown Castle has scheduled a conference call for Thursday, July 22, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. eastern time. The conference call may be accessed by dialing 888-394-8218 and asking for the Crown Castle call (access code 1720768) at least 30 minutes prior to the start time. The conference call may also be accessed live over the Internet at http://investor.crowncastle.com. Any supplemental materials for the call will be posted on the Crown Castle website at http://investor.crowncastle.com.





A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available from 1:30 p.m. eastern time on Thursday, July 22, 2021, through 1:30 p.m. eastern time on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, and may be accessed by dialing 888-203-1112 and using access code 1720768. An audio archive will also be available on the companys website at http://investor.crowncastle.com shortly after the call and will be accessible for approximately 90 days.

ABOUT CROWN CASTLE

Crown Castle owns, operates and leases more than 40,000 cell towers and approximately 80,000 route miles of fiber supporting small cells and fiber solutions across every major US market. This nationwide portfolio of communications infrastructure connects cities and communities to essential data, technology and wireless service  bringing information, ideas and innovations to the people and businesses that need them. For more information on Crown Castle, please visit www.crowncastle.com.

CONTACTS Dan Schlanger, CFO

Ben Lowe, VP & Treasurer

Crown Castle International Corp.

713-570-3050



[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] Aaron's Announces Second Quarter 2021 Earnings Call and Webcast

ATLANTA, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Aaron's Company, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), a leading, technology-enabled, omnichannel provider of lease-to-own and purchase solutions, will host a conference call and webcast on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss its second quarter 2021 financial results scheduled for release before the market opens on that day. Chief Executive Officer, Douglas A. Lindsay, and Chief Financial Officer, C. Kelly Wall, will host the call.



The public is invited to listen to the call by dialing 1-833-979-2858 a few minutes before the scheduled start time and requesting to join the Aaron's call. For international participants the number is 1-236-714-2899. The call will also be accessible by visiting the company's investor relations website at investor.aarons.com. The webcast will be archived for playback at that same site.

About The Aaron's Company, Inc.

Headquartered in Atlanta, The Aaron's Company, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), is a leading, technology-enabled, omnichannel provider of lease-to-own and purchase solutions. Aaron's engages in direct-to-consumer sales and lease ownership of furniture, appliances, consumer electronics and accessories through its approximately 1,300 Company-operated and franchised stores in 47 states and Canada, as well as its e-commerce platform, Aarons.com. For more information, visit Aarons.com or investor.aarons.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aarons-announces-second-quarter-2021-earnings-call-and-webcast-301327205.html SOURCE The Aaron's Company, Inc.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] MSCI Schedules Earnings Call to Review Second Quarter 2021 Results

MSCI Inc. (NYSE: MSCI), a leading provider of critical decision support tools and services for the global investment community, announced today it will release its results for the second quarter 2021 on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. A copy of the earnings release, as well as an earnings presentation and a quarterly update, will be made available on MSCI's Investor Relations homepage. MSCI's senior management will review the second quarter 2021 results on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at 11:00 AM Eastern Time. To listen to the live event, visit the events and presentations section of MSCI's Investor Relations homepage, https://ir.msci.com/events-and-presentations, or dial 1-877-376-9931 conference ID 5498174 within the United States. International callers may dial 1-720-405-2251 conference ID: 5498174. The teleconference will also be webcast with an accompanying slide presentation which can be accessed through MSCI's Investor Relations website.



An archived replay of the webcast also will be available shortly after the live event on MSCI's Investor Relations website, https://ir.msci.com/events-and-presentations. About MSCI Inc.

MSCI is a leading provider of critical decision support tools and services for the global investment community. With over 50 years of expertise in research, data and technology, we power better investment decisions by enabling clients to understand and analyze key drivers of risk and return and confidently build more effective portfolios. We create industry-leading research-enhanced solutions that clients use to gain insight into and improve transparency across the investment process. To learn more, please visit www.msci.com. MSCI#IR View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005806/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] Boston Properties to Release Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results on July 27, 2021

Boston Properties, Inc. (NYSE: BXP), the largest publicly-traded developer, owner and manager of Class A office properties in the United States, announced that it will release financial results for the second quarter on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 after the close of trading. The Company will host a conference call and webcast on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. Eastern Time to discuss the financial results for the second quarter and provide a Company update. The conference call can be accessed by dialing (877) 796-3880 (Domestic) or (443) 961-9013 (International) and entering the passcode 3259478. There will also be a live audio, listen-only webcast of the call, which may be accessed in the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at http://investors.bxp.com onthe events and webcasts page.



Shortly after the call, a phone replay will be available by dialing (855) 859-2056 (Domestic) or (404) 537-3406 (International) and entering the passcode 3259478. A replay of the webcast will be also available in the Investor Relations section of the Company's website for up to six months following the call. ABOUT BOSTON PROPERTIES

Boston Properties (NYSE: BXP) is the largest publicly-traded developer and owner of Class A office properties in the United States, concentrated in five markets - Boston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Washington, DC. The Company is a fully integrated real estate company, organized as a real estate investment trust (REIT), that develops, manages, operates, acquires and owns a diverse portfolio of primarily Class A office space. Including properties owned by joint ventures, the Company's portfolio totals 51.6 million square feet and 196 properties, including nine properties under construction/redevelopment. For more information about Boston Properties, please visit our website at www.bxp.com or follow us on LinkedIn or Instagram View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005887/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] CINDE announces: Aeronautical Engineering Company Avionyx Expands its operation in Costa Rica

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, July 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Avionyx, a U.S. company with operations in Costa Rica since 2005, announced that they would hire more people in the coming months, in order to meet the growing demand for the development of aircraft software. This company maintains 100% of its engineering operations in Costa Rica and currently 70 people are responsible for creating and testing aeronautical software, which is subsequently used in rigorous certification processes. The company works for the world's foremost aviation brands. Andres Valenciano, the Foreign Trade Minister, stated, "Avionyx's decision to further its growth in Costa Rica honors us deeply. Our country continues to demonstrate consistently that we have the tools necessary to successfully insert ourselves into the knowledge economy, while taking advantage of our human talent. " In addition, he stressed, "With this growth, there are 50 more people who will now, and from Costa Rica, support highly specialized processes of high added-value in the aeronautical sector. We celebrate this good news and hope to continue as important allies in the company's growth, in an industry that seeks to make its mark as a pillar of development in research and technology." Larry Allgood, CEO of Avionyx, commented, "As a small company, we didn't want to travel halfway around the world to find a trusted source of engineeing talent. After more than 15 years of delivering on our promise to develop high-quality software engineering solutions, we have built a loyal customer base that has recommended us to other companies. As a result, our reputation has continued to grow, as has our payroll, and is expected to double in the medium term. We couldn't have done this without our Costa Rican talent."



Jorge Sequeira, Managing Director of CINDE, explained, "The aeronautical industry and its level of demand require highly specialized talent and teams that can develop disruptive technology, such as that used in eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft. For 16 years, Avionyx has relied on Costa Rican talent to create applications that manage commercial and private flight systems around the world. Proximity to the North American market allows the company to take advantage of this talent, to respond in a timely manner to manufacturer demands." The company confirms that Costa Rica is in a strategic location to serve U.S. clients, and further enhances its services via its exceptional human capital. Its objective is to continue growing alongside the world's largest aeronautical industries, as well as with new aeronautical technologies, such as eVTOL technology, that will change the way people fly in the coming years.

Those interested in applying for a position with the company may do so at: https://www.avionyx.com/careers. Avionyx is looking to fill vacancies with professionals from areas including electrical engineering, electronics, systems, computing, and aerospace. About Avionyx The Avionyx company operates with U.S. capital, but maintains 100% of its engineering operations in Costa Rica. It currently employs more than 70 people in its Costa Rican headquarters. Their headquarters are located within the America Free Trade Zone, Building D-18. The markets to which they provide their services are mostly U.S. companies that make embedded products in the aeronautical field. The company's activities focus on developing and testing the software for aeronautical systems for subsequent certification. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cinde-announces-aeronautical-engineering-company-avionyx-expands-its-operation-in-costa-rica-301327383.html SOURCE CINDE

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] Escalon and Early Growth to Hold India COVID Relief Fundraiser to Support AIF's COVID Relief Efforts

The American India Foundation (AIF) is excited to announce an upcoming online fundraiser to be held by Escalon, a leading essential business services (EBS) provider, and Early Growth, the leading provider of CFO, accounting, and tax services to venture-backed startups, on July 15th at 1:00 PM PT. The event will feature a panel to discuss the critical subject of how small- to medium-sized business can navigate a post-COVID-19 environment. The online event will feature celebrity panelist Daymond John, star of ABC's Shark Tank, and other leading business experts discussing this important topic, as well as a fundraiser to support causes focusing on helping young aspiring businesspeople and on addressing India's COVID crisis, which AIF has been front and center on by building oxygen plants across the nation, providing thousands of oxygen concentrators, ventilators, and other essential equipment during this challenging time in India. The online event is expected to draw over 1,000 attendees and the fundraiser hopes to raise $100,000. The panel will include: Anurag Pal, CEO of Escalon (panel lead)

Daymond John, CEO of FUBU and celebrity star of ABC's Shark Tank

Jordan French, Founder, CEO and Executive Editor of Grit Daily, the premiere startup news hub

the premiere startup news hub Rich Russey, Publisher of Inc. Magazine

Venky Ganesan, Partner at Menlo Ventures (News - Alert)



Along with AIF, the fundraiser will support Austin Hooper Foundation's important work to advance young adults' desire to become businesspeople

Nishant Pandey, CEO of AIF, stated, "We are thrilled to be part of Escalon's fundraiser as it not only serves as a fundraiser for AIF's work at this time, but it also provides a unique opportunity for businesses to learn from experts how the post-COVID-19 world might affect them. AIF is extremely grateful." To learn more about the fundraiser or to sign up to attend, please go to https://info.escalon.services/fundraiser. About Escalon Services Since 2006, Escalon has shepherded over 4,000 companies across many verticals and in 22 countries. Escalon has been named to Inc. Magazine's Inc. 5000 list three times over the past four years. The company provides a one-stop shop for the common back office needs that every business must do, including accounting, bookkeeping, insurance, benefits, and recruiting. Escalon makes sure these essential business services are running like clockwork. About the American India Foundation The American India Foundation is committed to catalyzing social and economic change in India and building a lasting bridge between the United States and India through high-impact interventions in education, livelihoods, public health, and leadership development, with a particular emphasis on empowering girls and women to achieve gender equity. Working closely with local communities, AIF partners with NGOs and government to develop and test innovative solutions and with governments to create and scale sustainable impact. Founded in 2001 at the initiative of President Bill Clinton following a request from Prime Minister Vajpayee, AIF has impacted the lives of 6.7 million of India's poor in 26 states. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005920/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] DIDI INVESTOR ALERT: Investors With Substantial Losses Have Opportunity to Lead the DiDi Global Inc. Class Action Lawsuit

Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers of DiDi Global Inc. (NYSE: DIDI) American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus (collectively, the "Registration Statement") issued in connection with DiDi's June 2021 initial public offering ("IPO") and/or DiDi securities between June 30, 2021 and July 2, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period") have until September 7, 2021 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the DiDi class action lawsuit. The DiDi Global Inc. class action lawsuit charges DiDi and other defendants with violations of the Securities Act of 1933 and/or Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The DiDi class action lawsuit was commenced on July 6, 2021 in the Southern District of New York and is captioned Espinal v. DiDi Global Inc. f/k/a Xiaoju Kuaizhi Inc., No. 21-cv-05807. A similar lawsuit, captioned Franklin v. DiDi Global Inc., No. 21-cv-05486, is pending in the Central District of California. If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the DiDi class action lawsuit, please provide your information by clicking here. You can also contact attorney J.C. Sanchez of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at jsanchez@rgrdlaw.com. Lead plaintiff motions for the DiDi class action lawsuit must be filed with the court no later than September 7, 2021. CASE ALLEGATIONS: DiDi claims to be the "go-to brand in China for shared mobility," offering a range of services including ride hailing,taxi hailing, chauffeur, and hitch. Through its IPO, DiDi sold approximately 316 million shares at a price of $14.00 per share, with four ADSs representing one Class A ordinary DiDi share.



The DiDi class action lawsuit alleges that, throughout the Class Period, defendants made false and misleading statements and failed to disclose that: (i) DiDi's apps did not comply with applicable laws and regulations governing privacy protection and the collection of personal information; (ii) as a result, DiDi was reasonably likely to incur scrutiny from the Cyberspace Administration of China; (iii) the Cyberspace Administration of China had already warned DiDi to delay its IPO to conduct a self-examination of its network security; (iv) as a result of the foregoing, DiDi's apps were reasonably likely to be taken down from app stores in China, which would have an adverse effect on its financial results and operations; and (v) as a result, defendants' positive statements about DiDi's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. On July 2, 2021, the Cyberspace Administration of China revealed that it had launched an investigation into DiDi to protect national security and the public interest. The Cyberspace Administration of China also reported that it had asked DiDi to stop new user registrations during the course of the investigation. On this news, DiDi's share price fell more than 5%.

Then, on Sunday, July 4, 2021, DiDi reported that the Cyberspace Administration of China ordered smartphone app stores to stop offering the "DiDi Chuxing" app because it "collect[ed] personal information in violation of relevant [People's Republic of China] laws and regulations." Though users who previously downloaded the app could continue to use it, DiDi stated that "the app takedown may have an adverse impact on its revenue in China." Finally, on July 5, 2021, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Cyberspace Administration of China had asked DiDi as early as three months prior to the IPO to postpone the offering because of national security concerns and to "conduct a thorough self-examination of its network security." On this news, DiDi's stock price fell almost 20%, further damaging investors. THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased DiDi ADSs pursuant and/or traceable to the Registration Statement issued in connection with DiDi's IPO and/or DiDi securities during the Class Period to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the DiDi class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the DiDi class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the DiDi class action lawsuit. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery of the DiDi action lawsuit is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER RUDMAN & DOWD LLP: With 200 lawyers in 9 offices nationwide, Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is the largest U.S. law firm representing investors in securities class actions. Robbins Geller attorneys have obtained many of the largest shareholder recoveries in history, including the largest securities class action recovery ever - $7.2 billion - in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. The 2020 ISS Securities Class Action Services Top 50 Report ranked Robbins Geller first for recovering $1.6 billion for investors last year, more than double the amount recovered by any other securities plaintiffs' firm. Please visit http://www.rgrdlaw.com for more information. Attorney advertising.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005937/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[July 07, 2021] Investigation Alert: Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP is Investigating Securities Fraud Claims on Behalf of Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd. (NYSE:YMM) Investors

The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP is currently investigating potential violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of shareholders of Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd. (NYSE: YMM) ("FTA"). FTA was formed in 2017 from a merger between freight services providers Guiyang Huochebang Technology Co Ltd and Beijing Yunmanman Technology Co Ltd. FTA's platform connects truckers with shipping customers to facilitate shipments of different sizes across China. On July 5, 2021, FTA issued a press release stating that "pursuant to an announcement issued by the Cybersecurity Review Office ("CRO") of the Cyberspace Administration of China on July 5, 2021, CRO has initiated a cybersecurity review of FTA's Yunmanman apps and Huochebang apps." The press release further stated that "[i]n order to facilitate the review and prevent the expansion of potential risks, these mobile apps are required to suspend new user registration in China during the review period." Following this news, FTA's American Depository Share price opened at $15.22 on July 6, 2021, $3.80 lower than the prior closing price of $19.02 on July 2, 2021. If you are an FTA investor and would like to learn more aboutour investigation, please contact Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP: James Maro, Esq. (484) 270-1453 or Adrienne Bell, Esq. (484) 270-1435; toll free at (844) 887-9500; via e-mail at info@ktmc.com; or please visit the following link to fill out our online form https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/full-truck-alliance-co-ltd-investigation?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=full_truck



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.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210707005933/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Nashville- In a letter to President Joe Biden, Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III, along with 20 other state attorneys general, voiced opposition to the unlawful regulatory guidance recently issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the U.S. Department of Education. The new guidelines attempt to force radical changes on nearly every employer and school across the nation. The letter provides: By unilaterally plunging ahead with these sweeping dictates, the administration harms the rule of law and undermines the legitimacy of these executive agencies.

In the letter, the attorneys general object to the federal agencies disregard for procedural safeguards and democratic accountability in their interpretation and application of Bostock v. Clayton County. Instead of involving states, localities, and stakeholders, the EEOC and Department of Education instead chose to disregard the rule of law and precluded public notice and participation in the regulatory process. Yet, as the attorneys general write, Americans are not passive recipients of the law, but rather active participants in the process of its creation and revision.

On June 15th, without approval from other commissioners or the public, the EEOC Chairwoman issued technical guidance dictating that employers cannot protect the privacy of their employees and their ability to utilize sex-specific bathrooms or locker rooms. The guidance relies on Bostock, even though the Supreme Courts narrow decision on employment discrimination explicitly refrains from addressing sex-segregated bathrooms, locker rooms, and dress codes.

Similarly, reaching well beyond Bostock, the Department of Education announced on June 16th that Title IX, a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or education program receiving federal money, also protects students from discrimination based on sexual identification and gender identity. No longer, according to the Department of Education, will schools be allowed to preserve the privacy of middle school and high school students by ensuring they can use sex-specific showers, locker rooms, and restrooms. This is a matter of concern for millions of students and parents who appreciate the availability of private facilities for bathing and changing at school, write the attorneys general.

The group also responds to the agencies claim that using biologically accurate pronouns could violate the law: With respect to pronouns, the EEOCs guidance comes across as an effort to leverage the authority of the federal government to chill protected speech disfavored by your administration.

Federal agencies do not have the authority to unilaterally change laws. That is the exclusive prerogative of Congress, said General Slatery. Actions like these exclude the voices, votes and participation of the people, and their representatives, which is neither right nor constitutional.

The letter was led by Tennessee Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III and signed by the attorneys general of: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and West Virginia.

To read the letter, click here: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/attorneygeneral/documents/pr/2021/pr21-23-letter.pdf

###

#21-23: AG Coalition Responds to Major Change in Federal Employment and Education Guidelines
London-based retirement technology platform expanding to U.S. market

Company will create nearly 130 jobs over next five years

NASHVILLE, Tenn.  Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and Smart USA Co. officials announced today that the London-based retirement technology company will locate its U.S. headquarters in Nashville.

Smart USA Co. is the U.S. division of Smart Pension Ltd., one of the worlds fastest growing retirement technology businesses. The company will create 128 new jobs and invest $2.2 million in its Davidson County operations over the next five years.

Founded in 2014, Smart has more than 70,000 retirement plans on its platform throughout the U.K., Ireland, Dubai and Australia. Smart USAs offices in Cummins Station will support its new venture into the U.S. retirement services industry.

Over the last five years, TNECD has supported 65 economic development projects in Davidson County, resulting in approximately 19,000 job commitments and $2.1 billion in capital investment.

QUOTES

Smart USA Co. joins a growing list of tech companies planting their roots in Nashville. Thank you to the Tennessee General Assembly for supporting this venture and promoting an environment where innovative companies can prosper.  Gov. Bill Lee

Nashville is home to dozens of global brands, and we welcome U.K.-based technology company Smart USA Co. to this rich business landscape. The creation of over 100 new family-wage jobs from a successful and fast-growing tech company furthers Tennessees reputation as a top state to do business.  TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe

Nashville has all the recipes to be a great place to work and live. We are excited to be among the trailblazers putting down roots here and to join the growing Nashville fintech community. We thank the Economic and Community Development team for a great experience and for welcoming us into this citys unique hub of ambitious and creative talent.  Jodan Ledford, CEO of Smart USA Co.

TVA and Nashville Electric Service congratulate Smart USA Co. on its decision to locate operations in Nashville. Helping to attract and retain quality jobs and investment in the Valley is fundamental to TVAs mission of service and we are proud to partner with the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to help further that mission and celebrate this announcement.  John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development

Technology jobs are the future of work in Middle Tennessee and landing an innovative company like Smart USA Co. validates all the work thats been done to cultivate this fast-growing industry.  Sen. Brenda Gilmore (D-Nashville)

Thrilled for the continued growth of high-quality companies calling Nashville and House District 51 home. We need more of these great employers and the jobs they provide.  Rep. Bill Beck (D-Nashville)

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Developments mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.

TNECD Media Contact

Molly Hair

Public Information Officer

(615) 878-0063

molly.hair@tn.gov

###


TDECs Office of Policy and Sustainable Practices is pleased to announce the launch of our Business Sustainability Mentoring Program. On August 1, 2021, TDEC will begin soliciting applications from businesses that meet certain criteria (visit our 2021 Solicitation page for more information on criteria) to participate in the first cohort of the mentoring program. The first cohort of participating businesses will take place from September 15, 2021 through March 2022.

The Tennessee Business Sustainability Mentoring Program will provide a platform through which eligible businesses will participate in a mutual exchange of best practices, training, industrial and regulatory knowledge (where applicable) in order to enhance the overall environmental sustainability goals of the mentee businesses. Both the mentoring and mentee businesses will receive significant and positive recognition through access to branding, promotion on social media, and networking. Additionally, both businesses will benefit from increased knowledge regarding operational sustainability, reduced environmental impacts, process efficiencies, cost savings, and more.
A legal debate in Kansas is actually getting quite interesting.

To wit and better than boring Kansas City mainstream news . . .

TKC EXCLUSIVE!!! TEAM KOBACH THROWS A BIT OF SALT TOWARD A NEW REPUBLICAN OPPONENT!!!



In what is a much better clap back than the State Senator's snark dutifully carried by the AP . . . Here's the money line from Kobach campaign spokesperson Casey Burns:



"If there is a less relevant legal background for the Attorney General's office than real estate law, I don't know what it is. Kansas doesn't need a homeowner association lawyer in the Attorney General's office, they need a fighter who will go to battle against the illegal and unconstitutional executive orders of the Biden Administration. Kris Kobach has the experience and qualifications to defend our Second Amendment rights and secure our elections with Voter ID at the polls."

Ouch.



Accordingly, the Kobach Camp is touting their endorsement of interest in both Missouri & Kansas . ..



Former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft Endorses Kris Kobach



July 6, 2021 (Wichita) -- Former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft today announced he endorses Kris Kobach for Kansas Attorney General.



Kris Kobach was one of my most qualified, competent and dedicated attorneys at the Justice Department when I served as U.S. Attorney General, Ashcroft said. His experience and skill as an attorney are among the best in the nation."



Kobach served in Attorney General Ashcrofts Justice Department, first as a White House Fellow and then as counsel to the Attorney General.



"Kris Kobach won victory for the U.S. Justice Department in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and he has defeated the ACLU numerous times," said Ashcroft. "He is a man of integrity who does not run away from the fight.



Ashcroft tasked Kobach with crafting a plan to prevent terrorists from exploiting gaps in the immigration system and in leading reforms to the nations immigration courts. He credits Kobach with bold initiatives that apprehended terrorists and kept Americans safe.



Attorney General John Ashcroft is one of my heroes, said Kobach. I learned so much from him. As U.S Attorney General, John Ashcroft relentlessly fought for the constitution and the rule of law. I will take the lessons I learned from him and put them to work for Kansans in the Attorney Generals office.

###########



Developing . . .
Special thanks to the classier denizens of our reader community who notice an important sign of Kansas City wedding scene progress.



Whilst we're mostly interested in "publishing" in order to peruse lingerie pix of hottie Irina, more serious locals are noticing progress in the old school cowtown print industry.



Accordingly . . . Most scumbag readers don't know it but the KC Independent is a longstanding local "society" magazine and wedding announcements in their pages are considered to be a status symbol amongst the lucky few residents who aren't living paycheck to paycheck.



Sadly, LGBT wedding announcements have been few and far between.

However . . .



In the latest issue of the KC Independent, some very ELEGANT lady wedding pix have made the cut and show us that even the local elite are intent on keeping up with the current cultural shift underway.

OR . . . The wedding industry is hurting so badly after the pandemic that NOBODY can afford to discriminate against couples with the cash to host an EPIC party for a marriage that, statistically speaking, isn't likely to succeed.

Take a peek . . .


Once again we notice quite a few "news outlets" syndicating partisan talking points and calling it journalism.



TKC isn't mad at their hustle but we feel sorry for so many newsies left out of the clique.



Here's the deal . . .

Since the newspaper is down on its luck, progressives have devised their own blogs in order to carry talking points to the suckers faithful.

Local "journalists" without jobs now have a place to file schlock at cut-rate prices. Sadly, not everybody gets benefits.

The public interest . . . Your liberal auntie gets something to read and share via social media in exchange for a 100+ buck per month donation.



And we get to realize that the journalism degree from a state school or a 3rd choice "lower" Ivy League institution is actually worthwhile in terms of making friends who might be willing to pay a few bucks in exchange for a 1000 word polemic.

However . . .

Back in the real world Prez Trump is taking apart RINOS . . .

Trump says his supporters 'cry over the Rigged Election' as he lashes out at 'RINOs' Former president Donald Trump has painted a dramatic picture of his recent rally audiences, depicting his supporters as weeping over his 2020 election defeat and enraged at his enemies within the Republican Party. "All they want is HOPE for their Great Country again," the former president wrote in a maudlin on Monday.

Nevertheless, online for the true believers, here's the local retort wherein political opponents pretend to give friendly advice . . .

Missouri Republicans should see Kansas as a political cautionary tale * Missouri Independent In 2012, I wrote a column seeking to explain the rightward shift in Missouri politics over the previous decade. The title was cribbed from the popular 2007 Thomas Frank book, What's The Matter With Kansas, which chronicled that state's evolution from a place famous for its prairie radicalism to one characterized by an ever-escalating culture war that initially helped solidify Republican dominance, but has ultimately opened the door for a Democratic return to the governor's mansion.

You decide . . .
It seems that the COVID pandemic erased Kansas City's memory of a property tax crisis that still threatens to force many people out of their homes.



And now, as Jackson County Executive Frank White gears up his reelection campaign, he's eager to take on Republican rivals in Jefferson City.



Today's noteworthy stand that has already divided the Legislature . . .



Jackson County wants to sign onto the joint lawsuit filed by St. Louis City and County that challenges a new Missouri rule restricting how local and state police can enforce federal gun laws.



As we speak, there are attorneys in our County Counselor's Office who are finalizing motions to request to be able to enter that lawsuit, said Caleb Clifford, chief of staff for County Executive Frank White Jr.



This comes the same day the County Legislature approved a resolution supporting the plan to join the lawsuit. That resolution was approved by a vote of 5-3 . . .



The county executive thought that it was important for us to show that this was supported not just by the executive himself, but it was also supported by the legislature, who was also voted in by the community, Clifford said.

Actually, the move didn't have total support.

Notice that local Democratic Party leader and Legislative Chair Dan Tarwater opposed the effort along with Republican Legislators Theresa Galvin and Jeannie Lauer.



Real talk . . .

The gun rights issue is mostly theoretical given that Missouri po-po is never going to fight the feds over guns. However, on paper the gesture has driven some progressives INSANE by reminding them that they live in the gun-lovin' Midwest.

Speaking of symbolism . . .

Let's not forget that Jackson County Exec Frank White wanted to tear down the Andrew Jackson Statue in front of the courthouse and he was SHUT DOWN by his Legislature and the voters.

Today Exec White earns a bit of a victory nonetheless by way of a permanent tag for clarification.

To be fair, TKC thinks this might be a good and practical idea if only to discourage vandals from COSTING TAXPAYERS THOUSANDS and ritually defacing the monument.

Symbolism might be important given that vandals aren't prosecuted for targeting the tribute to the former slaver and Native-American killer.



Check more explanation . . .



A plaque was added to provide context to the statue, and acknowledge that Jackson was a slave owner and also supported the Indian Removal Act that forced Native Americans from their homes so that white settlers could live on the land.



The plaque reads in part, This statue of Jackson reminds us we are on a path that, in the immortal words of Martin Luther King, Jr., bends towards justice. In turn, we must acknowledge past injustices to help us create a greater nation built upon humane policies to light our way and the way of humanity everywhere.

For the record, the only healing will come when this town finally renames the whole county after Bo Jackson and replaced the statue with an iconic tribute to the dude's historic two-sport greateness . . .

BO JACKSON COUNTY!!!

Remember that we stole this idea from a better writer and now claim it as our own.

Check more info on both topics as we dare former a former Council Dude to come out of retirement and start the toughest and potentially ugliest local Democratic Primary battle of all time . . .

Jackson County Looks To Join Lawsuit Challenging Missouri's New 2nd Amendment Law Jackson County wants to sign onto the joint lawsuit filed by St. Louis City and County that challenges a new Missouri rule restricting how local and state police can enforce federal gun laws. The law, called the Second Amendment Preservation Act, imposes a $50,000 fine on any state or local official who enforces a federal gun law that's not already a law in the Show-Me State.

Plaque added to statue in Kansas City to acknowledge Andrew Jackson owned slaves KANSAS CITY, Mo. - City workers added a plaque to the Andrew Jackson statue that stands outside the Jackson County Courthouse in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. The plaque was added to provide context to the statue, and acknowledge that Jackson was a slave owner and also supported the Indian Removal Act that forced Native Americans from their homes so that white settlers could live on the land.

Developing . . .


Tonight from the courthouse, there's a very real debate about crime fighting tactics and strategy that is, in fact, offers a worthwhile glimpse into how the system really works.

Here's the premise and the argument from the prosecutor offers a peek at an intense debate amongst law enforcement as the shooting & murder counts continue to spike . . .



"I lost track of the number of people who got hurt this weekend in this city because of violence," Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said.



She said Kansas City has reduced violence before through a collaboration known as KC NoVA. In 2014, 76 people were killed. This year, Monday's homicide was the 77th killing this year.

"We shouldn't be surprised when you pull out of collaborations that work. We shouldn't be surprised that violence goes up as a result," Baker said.

Read more . . .


Not so long ago hottie Nina Agdal sparked controversy across the nation with her topless turn for a burger chain.



In news that's far less glamorous, a local fast food crook that constantly targeted an urban core foodie outlet is back behind bars.



Take a peek . . .


There's a public health debate amongst media and locals about the fate of the pandemic. Some say it's over whilst others believe that a very real threat still exists because of variants and low vaccination rates in many communities.



Accordingly . . .



AMID THE RISE OF THE DELTA VARIANT, BEHIND THE SCENES, CITY HALL IS WORKING ON A NEW SET OF COVID PROTOCOLS!!!! EXPECT NATIONAL SUPPORT FOR THE VAXX RESTART AND MORE LIMITS ON PUBLIC GATHERINGS!!!



As always, we hope that people don't rush to judgement. Far more panicky KC area news outlets are pushing the "100 new infections a day" line but then ignore a total lack of local vaxx demand and hospital access running at standard rates even with new "guests" fighting the plague.

KCMO has already hinted that they would rather push the vaxx than crackdown on local restaurants again.

However, nationwide leaders don't have those same concerns.

And so . . .

Like it or not, the local COVID numbers are worsening and national leaders are "encouraging" their local counterparts to take action.

And so, as always, TKC advises our friends to enjoy Summer days while time permits.



Check the links that start with local and then move to the big picture . . .

COVID-19 delta variant puts Kansas City-area health officials on alert KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The COVID-19 delta variant is in the Kansas City metro, but it's not impacting local hospitals the same way it is in other parts of Missouri, according to local health department leaders.

Kansas City hospitals helping with overflow of COVID-19 cases from southern Missouri KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Missouri continues to be the hotspot in the country for new COVID-19 infections. Health experts say it's due to the Delta variant and low vaccination numbers in the state. Hospitals in the southern part of the state, particularly the Springfield area, are bursting at the seams because of a new surge of COVID patients.

Missouri mayor who required masks faces recall vote NIXA, Mo. - As the coronavirus surges in Missouri, a mayor who imposed a mask requirement and other public safety measures is facing a recall vote, even though the requirements have long since expired. Nixa voters will have the option to recall Mayor Brian Steele at a special election set for Nov.

Delta Is Now The Dominant Coronavirus Variant In The U.S. The highly contagious delta variant now accounts for more than 51% of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., according to new estimates released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The variant, also known as B.1.617.2, was first detected in India and is spreading quickly across the globe.

Almost half of US reported rising cases last week, attributed largely to delta variant surge. Latest COVID-19 updates COVID-19 cases were up in nearly half of U.S. states heading into the July 4 weekend, a USA TODAY Network analysis of Johns Hopkins University data shows. Alaska and Arkansas more than doubled cases in just the last week. South Carolina and Kansas are up more than 50%.

This Is What America's Next Big COVID Wave Will Look Like After blazing across much of the world, a more aggressive variant of the novel-coronavirus has finally reached the United States. And it's driving upticks in new cases. But not everywhere. Vaccines seem to work just fine against Delta. The new variant-"lineage" is the scientific term-is a reckoning, all right.

Biden admin launching 'door-to-door' push to vaccinate Americans, sparks major backlash The Biden administration is launching a new "door-to-door" effort to vaccinate Americans after falling short of its Fourth of July goal of having 70 percent of the adult population with at least one shot of the coronavirus vaccine.

Developing . . .
Local story that's worth a mention if only because we're surprised at the outpouring of sympathy and a great many people who are mourning the loss of a Kansas City metro animal caretaker.



Check the worthwhile glimpse at a growing community of pet care providers . . . Read more:

Kansas City metro animal-rescue groups mourn death of pet taxi driver SPRING HILL, Kan. - Animal-rescue organizations in the Kansas City metro are mourning the death of a man who ran a pet taxi service locally but traveled around the country to help rescue creatures of all kinds. In 2019, David Hosch started a pet taxi service dubbed Sunflower Animal Transport.
Bethesda Stokes, middle, was sworn in last month as the city's first Black female lieutenant in Trenton Police during a ceremony at City Hall.
Terre Haute, IN (47803)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 89F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Thunderstorms. Low 71F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Hello!

I am going to travel from Finland to the Dominican Republic on 11th of July and my trip includes a change of plane (transit flight) in Paris airport in France. In the French government website it is said that if you leave France for non-Eu area, you need to have either two doses of vaccine or certificate to leave Metropolitan France where there are listed only compelling reasons to travel such as residence in the destination country and tourism travel is not included on the list.

It is very confusing since I dont know if this policy applies to me too as I am only transiting through France from Schengen country to non-Eu country. Does anyone know if I could travel without the vaccines and this certificate as a transit passenger?
You can use a lateral flow test or a PCR test which you will take in Malta no earlier than three days before your flight home. You can either arrange this by taking an Antigen (lateral flow test) to Malta with you to which you must purchase from a private company. They will send it to your home and the normal method is to arrange a video call with them when they will monitor you taking the test and the result and then email the necessary certificate to you. You need the negative test to travel home. You can find companies suggested on the gov.uk website or even take a look at Jet2's website where they recommend some. Alternatively you can arrange to do a test in Malta. If you look on Visit Malta website there are lots of clinics suggested and a map to show where they are. This is the method I have chosen and it is costing 35 each. Of course you could choose a PCR test instead of the Antigen test which is more costly.

You also need to arrange a Day 2 PCR test ( it must be a PCR test )which you must take at the latest on the 2nd day after you return home (day of landing is Day 0) . This must be arrange before you travel home as the reference number needs to be noted on your U.K. passenger locator form. You can arrange it before you travel if you have time or organise it in Malta to be despatched to your home ready for your return or book a clinic. I have arranged mine with Randox and paid 43 each. I ordered the test last Friday and it was delivered to my home today, Tuesday. Some U.K. airports also do the tests which you can pre-book to take after landing in the U.K. but they tend to be expensive.

Hope this helps.
Re: Weather in Swat Valley for the next two weeks

1. Re: Weather in Swat Valley for the next two weeks

Greetings from Chitral,

Always keep a jersey or jacket with you when you go to mountains.

A light jacket would be enough for Kalam, when it's rainy.

Plz check the weather forecast before going there.
For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Tucson, AZ (85741)

Today

Intervals of clouds and sunshine. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 94F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Considerable clouds early. Some decrease in clouds late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 78F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.
While there is much debate on the actual unemployment figures in the country, Minister of Labour Stephen Mc Clashie says numbers from his Ministry indicate that less than four thousand people were placed on the breadline due to COVID-19 in the formal sector.
Militants of the Russian occupation forces fired small arms at a drone of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) near non-government-controlled Tavrycheske, Donetsk region.

This was said in the SMMs daily report dated July 6, 2021.

While positioned on the northern edge of Tavrycheske (non-government-controlled, 76km south of Donetsk) to conduct an announced mini-UAV flight, the Mission heard 52 shots of small-arms fire at an assessed distance of 700m southwest, assessed as aimed at the UAV, which was flying about 700m south-west of the SMMs position," the report says.

The SMM landed the UAV and left the area.

In addition, the Missions freedom of movement continued to be restricted, including at a checkpoint of the armed formations in Khreshchatytske (formerly Krasnoarmiiske) in southern Donetsk region. Its UAVs again experienced instances of GPS signal interference.

As Ukrinform reported, Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna Yevhenii Tsymbaliuk called on Russia to stop supplying electronic warfare systems to the temporarily occupied territories of eastern Ukraine.

ish
President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he expects that bilateral trade in goods and services between Ukraine and Lithuania will return to pre-pandemic levels.

He said this at a joint press conference in President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda in Vilnius, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Based on the results of the current year, we expect that the volumes of bilateral trade in goods and services will resume the positive dynamics and indicators of the pre-covid period. We have agreed that we will be able to sum up the results of the relevant work at the end of the year at the regular meeting of the Council of Presidents of Ukraine and the Republic of Lithuania, Zelensky said.

The President stressed that Ukraine and Lithuania are currently successfully implementing mutually beneficial cooperation in the framework of a strategic partnership, which, according to him, is multidimensional and dynamic, filled with certain projects and initiatives.

The Head of State also stressed that Lithuania is one of the most active lobbyists for maintaining EU sanctions against Russia and an active participant in the Crimean Platform initiative.

As reported by Ukrinform, on July 6-7, President Volodymyr Zelensky is on an official visit to the Republic of Lithuania, where he takes part in the Ukraine Reform Conference.

Ukraine Reform Conference was launched in 2017 in London as a format for uniting partners and friends of Ukraine. The forum participants discuss the situation in the country and assess the democratic transformations and reforms that have been taking place since 2014.

President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda paid an official visit to Ukraine on March 18-19, 2021, during which a regular meeting of the Council of Presidents of Ukraine and the Republic of Lithuania was held.

iy
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and Vice President of Switzerland Ignazio Cassis have discussed the holding of next Ukraine Reform Conference and the need to keep international pressure on Russia.

The meeting was held as part of the Ukrainian presidents official visit to Lithuania, Ukrinform reports with reference to the press service of the Head of State.

In particular, the interlocutors noted the importance of last years visit of the Swiss president to Ukraine, which was the first state visit in the history of bilateral relations.

Zelensky briefed the Swiss side on the process of reforms implemented in Ukraine and thanked Switzerland for its decision to co-organize the next Ukraine Reform Conference.

The parties also paid special attention to bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

"Switzerland is an important trade and economic partner of Ukraine in Europe and is one of the ten European countries in terms of trade turnover. We also appreciate that Switzerland is one of the largest investors in Ukraine's economy," Zelensky stressed.

The Ukrainian president called on the Swiss side to further attract large-scale investments and implement promising projects in various sectors of the economy.

Zelensky also thanked the Vice President of Switzerland for the firm support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He noted the importance of maintaining the sanctions regime and international pressure on Russia in order to make real progress in a peaceful settlement.

As reported by Ukrinform, on July 6-7, President Volodymyr Zelensky is on an official visit to the Republic of Lithuania, where he takes part in the Ukraine Reform Conference.

Ukraine Reform Conference was launched in 2017 in London as a format for uniting partners and friends of Ukraine. The forum participants discuss the situation in the country and assess the democratic transformations and reforms that have been taking place since 2014.

iy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Ukraine's support for "Belarusian friends" remains unchanged, and talked, in particular, about measures to support Belarusian IT specialists who have decided to move to Ukraine.

He said this at a joint press conference with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda in Vilnius on Wednesday, July 7, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"We always support our Belarusian friends. [...] Our ministry of digitalization deals with infrastructure. We invite key companies. Belarusian IT specialists contacted us, they came to us. [..] Our Minister [of Digital Transformation of Ukraine] Mykhailo Fedorov is personally engaged in this issue. He contacts companies," Zelensky said.

At the same time, he stressed that Ukraine, "first of all, wants everything to be fine in Belarus." "We are glad to see them [Belarusian IT specialists]. But we want them to develop their country. But if this is the case and people want to come [to Ukraine], we are open to everyone," Zelensky said.

Mass protests have been going on in Belarus since August 2020 against the rigging of the results of the presidential election in which Alexander Lukashenko was declared the winner. The regime has brutally cracked down on protesters by resorting to mass arrests. The legitimacy of the Lukashenko regime has not been recognized by the EU, the United States, Ukraine and most democracies around the world.

Back in October last year, Zelensky signed a decree on some measures to attract entrepreneurs, highly qualified professionals who are citizens of the Republic of Belarus. The document is designed to promote the development of Ukraine's investment potential and attract highly qualified IT professionals and innovators.

Zelensky is on a visit to Lithuania on July 6-7, where he is taking part in the Ukraine Reform Conference.

The Ukraine Reform Conference was launched in London in 2017 as a format for uniting the efforts of partners and friends of Ukraine. The participants in the forum discuss the situation in the country and assess democratic transformations and reforms that have been conducted since 2014. The conference was then convened in Copenhagen in 2018 and in Toronto in 2019.

op
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European Council President Charles Michel have discussed the priorities of bilateral cooperation in the context of preparations for the 23rd Ukraine-EU summit, according to the Telegram channel of the Ukrainian President's Office.

"During their meeting, the leaders discussed the priorities of bilateral cooperation in the context of preparations for the 23rd Ukraine-EU Summit to be held in Kyiv on October 12, 2021," the report said.

Zelensky thanked the Council of the European Union for approving the draft Common Aviation Area Agreement between Ukraine and the EU and expressed hope that the Agreement would be signed and applied in the near future.

Both parties paid special attention to the Associated Trio initiative launched by Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova.

Zelensky thanked Michel for his readiness to help realize the potential of cooperation between the EU and the countries that have concluded association agreements.

They also agreed on a schedule of further contacts this year.

The meeting between Zelensky and Michel took place as part of the Ukrainian president's working visit to Lithuania on July 6-7.

op
During the trilateral talks with President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda and President of the European Council Charles Michel, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has stressed the invariability of Ukraine's strategic course towards full membership in the European Union.

The meeting was held as part of the official visit of Zelensky to Lithuania, Ukrinform reports with reference to the Telegram channel of the President's Office.

The EU and the EU member states exchanged views on the importance of fixing Ukraine's European perspective and further supporting this ambitious goal. The President of Ukraine praised the fact that Lithuania became the first EU country to conclude a bilateral declaration with Ukraine," reads the report.

During the meeting, special attention was paid to discussing the security situation in the region, especially in the context of the buildup of Russian troops and weapons along the Ukrainian state border, as well as in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

Zelensky thanked Lithuania and the leadership of the European Union for their clear position on the inadmissibility of resuming the EU-Russia dialogue at the highest level in the context of Russia's continued aggression against Ukraine. The President informed his interlocutors about the preparations for the inaugural summit of the Crimean Platform, which is scheduled for August 23, 2021 in Kyiv. He noted the importance of this event to draw the attention of the international community to the occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.

As reported by Ukrinform, President Volodymyr Zelensky is on an official visit to the Republic of Lithuania on July 6-7.

iy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is holding a meeting with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda in Vilnius, the press service of the Ukrainian President's Office has reported.

According to the report, the meeting is taking place as part of the Ukrainian president's working visit to Lithuania.

"As part of his working visit to Lithuania, the head of the Ukrainian state, Volodymyr Zelensky, continues his meeting with President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda. The meeting is taking place in a narrow format at the Presidential Palace in Vilnius," the report reads.

It is planned that after the talks the presidents will take part in the introductory session of the Ukraine Reform Conference "A Strong Ukraine in a Strong European and Euro-Atlantic Family."

Zelensky and Nauseda are also expected to talk to media representatives.

Zelensky is on a visit to Lithuania on July 6-7. On July 6, during trilateral talks with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and European Council President Charles Michel,  stressed that Ukraine's strategic course towards full membership in the European Union remained unchanged.

The Ukraine Reform Conference was launched in London in 2017 as a format for uniting the efforts of partners and friends of Ukraine. The participants in the forum discuss the situation in the country and assess democratic transformations and reforms that have been conducted since 2014. The conference was then convened in Copenhagen in 2018 and in Toronto in 2019.

op
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE PA) has adopted a resolution condemning Russia's continued occupation of Crimea and certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions (CADLR) and calling on the Russian Federation to withdraw its troops from Ukrainian territory.

Mykyta Poturayev, head of the delegation of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to the OSCE PA, wrote about this on his Facebook page on July 6, Ukrinform reports.

"Despite the fierce resistance of the Russian delegation and delegations of countries that are under Russian influence, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly has just adopted an urgent resolution, initiated by Ukraine, and strongly condemns the continued occupation of Crimea and certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions (CADLR), and the war crimes of the Russian authorities, armed forces and mercenaries in the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories," he said.

The resolution also condemns Russia's attempts to block the Kerch Strait and the Sea of Azov, contrary to international law.

In addition, the document condemns the violation of human rights in the occupied Crimea and certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as the ongoing dangerous militarization of the occupied Crimea and the illegal Russian passportisation of Ukrainian citizens who are forced to stay in the occupied areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

"Having adopted a resolution on Ukraine, the OSCE PA has once again put forward a demand to Russia - as an initiator and party to the conflict with Ukraine, as an aggressor state and an occupying state - to immediately leave the occupied Ukrainian territories and stop daring and large-scale violations of international law," Poturayev stressed.

He noted the strong and unanimous support of the Ukrainian resolution by the delegations of all Western countries, as well as many other countries that consistently support Ukraine.

According to the head of the delegation, despite the outright blackmail of Russia, which threatened to withdraw from the OSCE PA in case of supporting the Ukrainian resolution, "the delegations of the countries supporting Ukraine, as well as the leadership of the Parliamentary Assembly, have shown firmness and unity."

Therefore, the OSCE PA supported the Ukrainian resolution, as well as the U.S. resolution, which condemns the growth of hatred and violence in the world and makes a separate focus on the events and situations in Belarus, as well as the Netherlands resolution, which is fully aimed at condemning the crimes of the regime of self-proclaimed President Lukashenko against its own citizens," he said.

He added that the Russian and Belarusian delegations had to leave the meeting of the OSCE PA.

As reported, the regular session of the OSCE PA was held in a remote format from June 30 to July 6.

ish
The Ukrainian Ministry for Foreign Affairs welcomes the adoption of an urgent resolution on Ukraine by the summer session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.

"The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine welcomes the adoption by the summer session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (PA) on July 6 of an urgent resolution On the destabilizing military build-up by the Russian Federation near Ukraine in the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol, Ukraine, the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. The resolution was initiated by the Permanent Delegation of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to the OSCE PA, reads a report posted on the Ukrainian MFAs website.

According to the ministry, the adoption of this resolution reaffirmed the unity of the international community in condemning Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

"This is an important contribution to international efforts to overcome the European security crisis caused by Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine. The document promotes the implementation of previous Assembly resolutions and notes that Russia's aggression against Ukraine seriously violates the fundamental principles of the OSCE," said Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, when commenting on the adoption of the document.

As Ukrinform reported, the regular session of the OSCE PA was held in a remote format between June 30 and July 6.

iy
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis and Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau have signed the roadmap for further cooperation and the declaration on European heritage and common values of the Lublin Triangle and approved a joint action plan to combat disinformation, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has reported.

According to the report, the foreign ministers held the third meeting of the Lublin Triangle in Vilnius on the sidelines of the 4th Ukraine Reform Conference.

"The ministers signed two new documents of the Lublin Triangle: the Roadmap for Further Cooperation and the Declaration on European Heritage and Common Values," the ministry said.

The foreign ministers also approved a joint action plan to combat disinformation.

The ministry said that the roadmap outlines the main areas of cooperation of the Lublin Triangle, including security, defense, energy, cyber threats, trade, culture and the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The document provides for the possibility of holding meetings of the Lublin Triangle at the level of heads of state and government. The parties will also cooperate within international organizations and in the development of cooperation with other partner countries.

The declaration on European heritage and common values recognizes the Constitution of Pylyp Orlyk as an integral part of the common cultural and legal heritage of Ukraine, Lithuania and Poland, which has largely shaped the European identity of Ukrainians, Lithuanians and Poles. The document also confirms Ukraine's European perspective, condemns Russian aggression, the temporary occupation of Ukrainian territories and Russia's destructive actions in the Black Sea. It also expresses support for the Crimean Platform and reaffirms the parties' intention to work closely together to ensure the de-occupation of the Crimean peninsula.

The detailed action plan to combat disinformation and propaganda provides for the preparation of regular reports and the development of a mechanism for a joint response to Russia's destabilization campaigns, exchange of experience and strengthening institutional capacity to counter hybrid threats.

"Today we signed and adopted important documents of the Lublin Triangle. They reflect our common European past, our common response to modern challenges and a common future for Ukraine in the EU and NATO, together with Poland and Lithuania. The Lublin Triangle is strengthening, being filled with practical mechanisms of interaction and gaining new importance. In fact, we offer an alternative to the 'Russian world' in our region," Kuleba said.

At the meeting of the Lublin Triangle, the Ukrainian, Lithuanian and Polish foreign ministers paid key attention to security challenges in the region: Russian aggression against Ukraine, the militarization of the Black Sea region, the situation in Belarus, and threats from the Nord Stream 2 project.

The ministers emphasized the importance of proactive deterrence policies to address common challenges in the region.

A separate topic of their conversation was Ukraine's further integration into NATO in accordance with the decisions of the 2008 Bucharest Summit and the 2021 Brussels Summit. Lithuania and Poland called for giving Ukraine a clear understanding of further steps towards membership in the North Atlantic Alliance.

Kuleba thanked his Lithuanian and Polish counterparts for their leadership in advancing Ukraine's NATO agenda.

The ministers exchanged views on the situation in Belarus and agreed that the Lublin Triangle would continue to support the Belarusian people in their just aspiration to live in a free democratic country where human rights are protected. Kuleba suggested involving Belarusian civil society in the activities of the Lublin Triangle.

The parties to the Lublin Triangle also discussed overcoming the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccinating the population. Ukraine, Lithuania and Poland agreed to intensify work with the European Union in order to adequately provide vaccines to the EU's neighboring countries through existing mechanisms.

Kuleba is on a working visit to Lithuania on July 6-9 as part of an official delegation led by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to participate in the 4th Ukraine Reform Conference.

op
President Volodymyr Zelensky assures that the COVID-19 pandemic is not a reason to postpone the process of reforms and changes in Ukraine.

He said this at the 4th Ukraine Reform Conference in Vilnius on Wednesday, July 7, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"This event was supposed to take place last year, but was postponed due to a pandemic. At the same time, the coronavirus is not a reason for us to postpone or put off reforms and positive transformations in Ukraine," Zelensky said.

The president thanked Lithuania for hosting the conference this year and stressed that "in recent years, our Lithuanian friends and partners have been and remain at the forefront of supporting change."

As reported, President Volodymyr Zelensky is on an official visit to the Republic of Lithuania on July 6-7. On July 6, during trilateral talks with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and European Council President Charles Michel, he stressed that Ukraine's strategic course towards full membership in the European Union remained unchanged.

The Ukraine Reform Conference was launched in London in 2017 as a format for uniting the efforts of partners and friends of Ukraine. The participants in the forum discuss the situation in the country and assess democratic transformations and reforms that have been conducted since 2014. The conference was then convened in Copenhagen in 2018 and in Toronto in 2019.

ish
Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod has said that progress in reforming Ukraine's judicial system is not fast enough and emphasized the importance of following the recommendations of the Venice Commission in the selection of judges.

Kofod stated this in his speech at the opening of the 4th Ukraine Reform Conference in Vilnius on Wednesday, July 7, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

Kofod said that Denmark would continue to firmly support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and expressed confidence that the international community would not allow Russia to push aside fundamental principles and prevent Ukraine from realizing its potential.

He paid attention to the transformation that has taken place in Ukraine compared to the situation at the time of the Ukraine Reform Conference held in Copenhagen three years ago. At the same time, Kofod said that the approaches needed to reform Ukraine must be politically balanced.

In this context, Kofod welcomed the fight against oligarchs, which is necessary primarily for the development of reforms. He also emphasized the importance of following the recommendations of the Venice Commission in the selection of members of the judiciary.

"As has already been said, judicial reform is the mother of all reforms. Much has been achieved since the Maidan, but progress in reforms is not really fast enough, and challenges remain, and we cannot afford to think about the past as there is a risk that the oligarchs will continue to hamper reforms. In particular, as we see, the situation with the election of one of the heads of anti-corruption bodies two weeks ago is a manifestation of these challenges," Kofod said.

He expressed hope that in the future, the leaders of Ukraine wound move in the direction that meets the expectations of Ukrainians in terms of transparency and integrity, adding that "realizing the work of anti-corruption bodies is extremely important in this context."

The two-day Ukraine Reform Conference started at the Presidential Palace in Vilnius (Lithuania) on Wednesday, July 7.

op
President Volodymyr Zelensky supports the expansion of the Normandy format or the creation of another platform for resolving the situation in eastern Ukraine with the involvement of powerful states.

However, the number of formats does not affect their quality, Russia must end the war, Zelensky said during a joint press conference with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda in Vilnius, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"If we see deceleration in the Normandy format, I say frankly about this, I think that there is a deceleration. Therefore, I want countries  strong countries, powerful geopolitical players  to join the format so that they can influence the Russian Federation, which means the end of the war in Ukraine. That is why I advocated the expansion of the Normandy format. It may be a different format so as not to break, let's say, agreements within the Normandy format, it may be another parallel format, but it seems to me that the quality does not change with the number of formats, Zelensky said.

The president stressed that if Russia "is forced by our joint efforts and partners or agrees thanks to our joint diplomatic work to end the war, it will do so, despite the number of added states and the number of formats."

At the same time, the head of state noted that he would like "the U.S. power to help Ukraine put an end to this tragedy in the center of Europe in the 21st century."

As reported, President Volodymyr Zelensky is on a visit to the Republic of Lithuania on July 6-7, where he takes part in Ukraine Reform Conference. The Conference was launched in London in 2017 as a format for uniting the efforts of partners and friends of Ukraine. The participants in the forum discuss the situation in the country and assess democratic transformations and reforms that have been conducted since 2014. The conference was then convened in Copenhagen in 2018 and in Toronto in 2019.

ish
Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto will visit eastern Ukraine in July at the invitation of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba.

He said this at the 4th Ukraine Reform Conference in Vilnius on Wednesday, July 7, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"As head of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, at the invitation of Minister Kuleba, I will visit eastern Ukraine this month in order to gain my own experience and be able to act fairly on behalf of the Council of Europe," Szijjarto said.

The minister recalled that Hungary supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. He stressed that Hungary will always support the improvement of Ukraine's interaction with the European Union.

As reported, President Volodymyr Zelensky is on a visit to the Republic of Lithuania on July 6-7, where he takes part in Ukraine Reform Conference. The Conference was launched in London in 2017 as a format for uniting the efforts of partners and friends of Ukraine. The participants in the forum discuss the situation in the country and assess democratic transformations and reforms that have been conducted since 2014. The conference was then convened in Copenhagen in 2018 and in Toronto in 2019.

ish
President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda will take part in events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Ukraine's independence in Kyiv.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said this during a joint press conference with his Lithuanian counterpart in Vilnius on July 7, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"Ukraine will soon celebrate the 30th anniversary of its independence, and I am very glad that Mr. President accepted my invitation and will personally be able to attend all the events that will take place in the capital of Ukraine - Kyiv," Zelensky said.

According to him, the Lithuanian president will join the summit of the Crimean Platform.

President Volodymyr Zelensky is on a visit to the Republic of Lithuania on July 6-7, where he takes part in Ukraine Reform Conference. The Conference was launched in London in 2017 as a format for uniting the efforts of partners and friends of Ukraine. The participants in the forum discuss the situation in the country and assess democratic transformations and reforms that have been conducted since 2014. The conference was then convened in Copenhagen in 2018 and in Toronto in 2019.

ish
Ensuring the independence of anti-corruption institutions and reforming the judicial system are a prerequisite for the implementation of almost all reforms in Ukraine.

Wendy Morton, Minister for European Neighbourhood and the Americas at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), said this during the 4th Ukraine Reform Conference in Vilnius on July 7, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"To implement reforms, Ukraine needs independent anti-corruption institutions and a reform of the judicial system. This is a prerequisite for almost all reforms that would contribute to strengthening Ukraine's resilience. This is crucial," she said.

According to Morton, Ukraine is now fighting on two fronts - "we all know the scale of the challenges that come both from Russia and from within the country, and these challenges are undermining the reform process."

The British minister criticized, in particular, the attempt to use the Constitutional Court of Ukraine to "reverse the progress made by anti-corruption institutions." At the same time, she stressed that recent steps towards the High Qualification Commission of Judges show that progress can be achieved "if Ukrainians from the government, opposition and civil society are committed to reforms together with international experts and work together."

She also emphasized the importance of continuing international solidarity with Ukraine and its support in implementing reforms in the country.

"Reforms remain the best long-term defense against Russian aggression, as well as the best way to attract investment and improve Ukraine's economic competitiveness," the minister said.

In addition, real reforms strengthening the rule of law will also "open up the Euro-Atlantic path that the Ukrainian people have chosen for themselves" and ensure Ukraine's progress towards a safer and more prosperous future.

Morton pledged Britain's unwavering support for both the reform process in Ukraine and the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

As reported, on Wednesday, July 7, the 4th Ukraine Reform Conference opened at the Presidential Palace in Vilnius (Lithuania), which will last for two days.

ish
The key to the success of reforms in Ukraine in various areas is the effective reform of the judiciary and de-oligarchization, according to State Secretary at the German Federal Foreign Office Miguel Berger.

He said this at the 4th Ukraine Reform Conference, which is taking place in Vilnius, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"Germany believes that the biggest driver of the reform process is to carry out judicial reform as soon as possible. Effective de-oligarchization, anti-corruption structure, establishing the rule of law - all these principles must be achieved in order for the population to gain trust and confidence in the judiciary. This, in turn, will lead to increased investment," Berger said.

He added that it is the oligarchs who stand in the way of introducing the rule of law in the state, while President Volodymyr Zelensky has made judicial reform a priority. The process, according to Berlin, is moving in the right direction with the support of the Verkhovna Rada.

Berger drew attention to the importance of the election of highly qualified judges of the Constitutional Court. In his opinion, international experts should be involved in the process "to ensure a proper quorum and independence, objectivity and honesty." The diplomat also expressed confidence that more than 2,000 highly qualified judges would be able to help transform Ukraine into a state governed by the rule of law.

"Germany is an ally of Ukraine in the reform process and supports it to a large extent," Berger said. He said that Germany would continue its efforts to achieve peace in eastern Ukraine and implement long-term reforms.

He also recalled that President Volodymyr Zelensky would visit Berlin on July 12.

The Ukraine Reform Conference was launched in London in 2017 as a format for uniting the efforts of partners and friends of Ukraine. The participants in the forum discuss the situation in the country and assess democratic transformations and reforms that have been conducted since 2014. The conference was then convened in Copenhagen in 2018 and in Toronto in 2019.

op
On July 7, the Government team will pay a working visit to Vilnius, the Republic of Lithuania, where a two-day Ukraine Reform Conference is taking place.

Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal said this during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on Wednesday, the Government portal reports.

"Holding the fourth Reform Conference is not only about assessing changes within the country, but also about determining steps to ensure their further implementation. This is a platform where we have to demonstrate what has been done and involve even more international partners," the PM said.

Shmyhal stressed that the Reform Conference is an extremely important event, which is proof of international solidarity with Ukraine and consistent support for the progressive advancement of our country.

As reported, on Wednesday, July 7, the 4th Ukraine Reform Conference opened at the Presidential Palace in Vilnius (Lithuania), which will last for two days. The Conference was launched in London in 2017 as a format for uniting the efforts of partners and friends of Ukraine. The participants in the forum discuss the situation in the country and assess democratic transformations and reforms that have been conducted since 2014. The conference was then convened in Copenhagen in 2018 and in Toronto in 2019.

ish
In January 2021, Sweden provided UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, USD 66.9 million in unearmarked funding. This type of funding allows UNHCR to quickly respond to new emergencies and allows the agency to fulfil its protection mandate, even in forgotten and protracted situations. The importance of this funding is shown clearly in Cameroon, as post-election violence in the neighboring Central African Republic (CAR) triggered further refugee flows and increased needs.

The protection needs of refugees and internally displaced people are enormous and urgent. UNHCR is committed to upholding its protection mandate, but funding shortages pose a significant challenge. Early unearmarked funding from countries like Sweden enables us to overcome these difficulties, and continue meeting the needs of refugees and host communities, even in rapidly changing situations, as seen in Cameroon, says the Representative of UNHCR in Sweden, Henrik M. Nordentoft.

UNHCR in Cameroon relies heavily on unearmarked funding, as earmarked contributions cannot cover all the needs. The African country hosts almost two million refugees and internally displaced people. Of this, 316,000 refugees were from the Central African Republic, making it the largest host country for CAR refugees. Since the December 2020 election violence and human rights violations, over 6,000 more Central Africans were forced to flee to Cameroon. Swedens contribution allowed UNHCR to respond rapidly to the influx: to register refugees, ensure access to territory, install tents, emergency shelters, latrines, and distribute kits containing blankets, cooking utensils and more. In order to reinforce efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the Lolo settlement also had a new piping installed, giving access to clean water.

Many newly arrived refugees had suffered brutal violence. Unearmarked funding allowed UNHCR to provide the survivors of gender-based violence, most of whom are women and girls, with psychosocial support, medical care, and dignity kits containing sanitary and hygiene items.

In addition, UNHCR has been able to trace the families of Central African children separated on their arduous and dangerous journey to seek refuge. They are provided with essential medical assistance and psychosocial support after witnessing trauma, physical harm, and loss, both at home, and on their journey.

Swedish unearmarked funding has proven itself essential to UNHCRs response in Cameroon. The agency can continue meeting the lifesaving needs of refugees and keep protecting refugees due to this predictable and early contribution.

Sweden as a donor

Sweden is one of UNHCRs top donors, and the biggest multi-year donor of unearmarked funding. Thus far in 2021, Sweden has provided UNHCR with USD 104.9 million, of which 64% is unearmarked.

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter
Syrian mother Samira visits a UNHCR community centre in Aleppo for legal help registering her child's birth.  UNHCR/Qusai Alazroni

GENEVA / NEW YORK  A joint report released today by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF), shows that in many countries women can face discrimination which obstructs or hinders their ability to register births, exposing their children to the risk of becoming stateless.

The latest analysis in the report Sex Discrimination in Birth Registration found that such barriers may exist in legislation or cultural norms which inform birth registration practices.

In some countries it is fathers or another male family member who are assigned the legal responsibility of registering a childs birth and mothers can only do so in exceptional circumstances. If the father does not register the birth, the child may go unregistered.

In some settings, doctors, midwives, or tribal chiefs who attend a childs birth are prioritized over the mother in the list of community members who have the right to register the birth.

In addition, there are countries where a mothers legal right to register her childs birth depends on her ability to prove that the child was born in wedlock, typically requiring a marriage certificate.

Critical to preventing childhood statelessness is the ability of both parents to register the births of their children. Preventing women from having equal rights to do so risks leaving a child without a crucial form of legal identity and proof of entitlement to a nationality, said Grainne OHara, UNHCRs Director of International Protection.

Today, one in four children under the age of 5 are not registered at birth, according to UNICEF data. And even when they are, they may not have proof of registration. An estimated 237 million children under 5 years old worldwide are currently without a birth certificate.

A birth certificate serves as evidence of a childs eligibility for nationality by proving the country in which they were born, and by documenting the identity of their parents.



It is critical that all children are registered at birth to ensure their health and wellbeing, said Cornelius Williams, UNICEF Associate Director of Child Protection. Without a birth certificate, a child is at greater risk of statelessness and exclusion from essential services including health care and education. Our analysis shows clearly that governments around the world should take urgent action so that discrimination does not prevent women from registering the births of their children on an equal basis as men.

UNHCR and UNICEFs joint analysis also showed that States as diverse as Guinea, South Sudan, Mozambique and Nepal have taken steps to reform civil registration laws, affording equal rights to women for birth registration.

The new report recommends steps that countries can take to remove discrimination from the process of birth registration, including legal reforms and awareness-raising among women, families and communities to support the rights of mothers and to increase understanding on the importance of birth registration. UNHCR and UNICEF jointly lead the Coalition on Every Childs Right to a Nationality, established to address statelessness among children as part of the #IBelong Campaign to End Statelessness.

Background:

The Convention of the Rights of the Child, the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history, includes birth registration among the fundamental rights of children. Similarly, the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women calls on States to grant women equal rights with men with respect to conferral of nationality on their children. However, childhood statelessness remains a global problem, which can lead to successive generations of families who are not recognized as citizens of any country.



For more information on this topic, please contact:
Register for a FREE account to keep reading!

Register now for a FREE account to keep reading. No cost and no credit card required!

Access up to 5 articles per month when you register, or get unlimited access to all of our content online starting at $1.99 now!

Already registered? Click the log in link below
In April 2020, overall patient volume at private dental practices nationwide plummeted to 7% of the pre-pandemic baseline, said Marko Vujicic, who oversees American Dental Association's policy research activities. As of this month, volume is back up to 88%, Vujicic said. (Dreamstime/TNS)
Some scientists are now taking a different approach to human pet allergies. Rather than trying to change allergic humans or their environment, they're trying to change cats. Purina began the competition in the early days of the pandemic with a cat food a Pro Plan LiveClear a that it says can reduce the protein that most allergic people react to by 47% after three weeks. (Dreamstime/TNS)
Monica Fox, of Flossmoor, whose COVID-19 vaccine is not as effective because of her Immunosuppressants for the donated kidney she received in 2016, in her backyard June 23, 2021. (Abel Uribe/Chicago Tribune/TNS)
Are all Nashua Democrats as knee-jerk reactionary as state Rep. Debra Stevens? It would be careless to assume so. Having never met the lady and knowing little about her, it would also be wrong for us to assume that Rep. Stevens smears others with as broad a brush as she used on some Nashua p
Funeral services for Eugene Edward "Gene" Webster, 84, will be conducted Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at 11 a.m. in the Williams Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Larry Glover officiating. Interment will follow in the Sparta City Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Williams Funeral H
Union Springs, AL (36089)

Today

Some sunshine with a thunderstorm or two possible this afternoon. High 89F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Low 72F. Winds light and variable.


(Photo : Pexels)

In December 2020, it was reported that cyberattacks against universities and public school systems were on the rise following the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Online scammers have long targeted educational institutions because they harbor a significant amount of sensitive data, including intellectual property, financial accounts, and student academic records.

One of the most common forms of cyberattacks plaguing education providers are phishing scams. A phishing attack occurs when a scammer masquerades as a trusted entity and dupes a user into opening a malicious email, link, instant message, or text message that contains a virus. This virus can then freeze the user's computer and/or access private data.

As the number of attacks continues to rise, it is more important than ever that university staff take the necessary measures to protect students and faculty from these security breaches. Here are three ways universities can safeguard their most valued members and their data from phishing scams.

1. Provide Realistic Training

All university staff should be thoroughly informed of what phishing scams are, how to spot and avoid them, and how to report them. The most effective way to ensure that all employees are equally informed is to provide comprehensive training across the institution.

It is also vital that this training be realistic. For example, if you plan to send out test phishing emails to see if employees are properly aware of the risks, make sure you format this email similar to an actual phishing email. You may format it as a special coupon offer or an important message regarding the user's credit card history. It needs to be something that is believable and that an actual scammer may use. This will help prepare your employees for the real thing if they are ever targeted.

2. Create and Publish Online Resources

While it's important for staff to be aware of phishing scams and how to avoid them, it's also essential that students are up to date on this knowledge as well. With that in mind, create free online resources (such as newsletters or blog posts) detailing this information and post it to the university website. Make sure it is easily accessible for all students, so they can conveniently inform themselves of the risks, warning signs, and proper protocols.

3. Implement a Blocking System

Many universities across the globe do not have an automatic blocking system for fraudulent emails. For instance, in Australia, only 10% of universities automatically block this type of dangerous email activity.

If your university has the IT capacity and the budget for a system of this nature, consider springing for it. Doing so would take a great deal of the legwork out of scam management and protection. Not to mention, it could be an extremely effective and long-term way of protecting your students' and faculties' important data.

Want more information on phishing scams and how to avoid them? Click here to learn more.

Dodging cybersecurity threats is often a tall order. However, if you follow the steps listed here, the process can be made much easier. By making a conscious effort to avoid phishing schemes, you'll provide your students and faculty with the much-deserved peace of mind that their data is in the right hands.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

BEIJING, July 7 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Jul, 2021 ) :Chinese authorities on Wednesday warned of mounting risks of natural disasters in July as the country's major river basins enter flood season.

This month, floods may occur in some of the country's major rivers, including the Yangtze, Yellow, Huaihe and Heilongjiang rivers, as well as their tributaries and neighboring water bodies, according to the China National Commission for Disaster Reduction and the Ministry of Emergency Management.

Severe convective weather such as strong winds, hail and tornados is also expected to hit vast parts of China this month.

High precipitation in hilly areas is raising the odds of geological disasters, warned the authorities, urging some regions in south and southwest China to brace for such events.
(@FahadShabbir)

Strasbourg, France, July 7 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Jul, 2021 ) :European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday warned Hungary to reverse course on its controversial LGBTQ law, as pressure mounts on Brussels to cut EU funding to Budapest.

Viktor Orban, Hungary's strongman premier, is facing a mounting chorus of protest over the law, due to go into effect on Thursday, which he insists is a measure to protect children.

Now, Brussels is considering legal action against the EU member state, and is considering linking the disbursement of post-Covid recovery funds to its repeal.

"It is a disgrace this legislation... It is something that flies in the face of the values of the European Union," von der Leyen, who heads the EU executive, told the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

"If Hungary does not rectify the situation, the commission will use its powers available as the guardian of the treaties," she added.

Hungary has for years defied the EU with authoritarian-style laws that critics say hamper free speech as well as threaten the independence of the country's judiciary.

The European Commission has launched several legal procedures to push back against Budapest, but these have gone nowhere after Poland and Hungary blocked the process, which requires unanimity among the 27 member states to continue.

At issue now is a law, titled the "Anti-Paedophilia Act", that was originally billed as toughening punishments for child abuse.

But its final draft contains amendments that critics say conflates paedophilia with homosexuality and generally stigmatises support for the LGBTQ community.

"Europe will never allow parts of our society to be stigmatised, be it because of whom they love, because of their age, their ethnicity, their political opinions, or their religious beliefs," von der Leyen said.

Any legal action launched by von der Leyen would be backed by a majority of member states. Last month EU leaders, led by the Netherlands, upbraided Orban at a summit.

EU Council chief Charles Michel, who hosted the summit, told MEPs that such a heated discussion was "not a common practice" for EU summits.

"Our conversation was necessary, difficult, and at times emotional," he said, proving that LGBTQ rights "are not a marginal issue".

The commission is understood to be planning an infringement proceeding, which amounts to a lawsuit over failure to implement EU law that can lead to fines inflicted by the bloc's top court.

But MEPs have urged urged for the commission to use its new powers to hold back recovery cash when their spending of European funds defies EU values.

These powers over the purse strings were part of a great compromise landed by EU leaders last year when agreeing the bloc's 750 billion recovery fund, and were fiercely resisted by Orban.
PortauPrince, July 7 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Jul, 2021 ) :Haiti President Jovenel Moise was assassinated and his wife wounded early Wednesday in an attack at their home, the interim prime minister announced, an act that risks further destabilizing the Caribbean nation beset by gang violence and political volatility.

Claude Joseph said he was now in-charge of the country and urged the public to remain calm, while insisting the police and army would ensure the population's safety.

The capital Port-au-prince as quiet on Wednesday morning with no extra security forces on patrol, witnesses reported.

"The president was assassinated at his home by foreigners who spoke English and Spanish," Joseph said of the assault that took place around 1:00 am (0500 GMT) and left the president's wife Martine hospitalized.

Moise had ruled Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, by decree, after legislative elections due in 2018 were delayed in the wake of disputes,including on when his own term ends.

In addition to the political crisis, kidnappings for ransom have surged in recent months, reflecting the growing influence of armed gangs in the Caribbean nation.

Haiti also faces chronic poverty and recurrent natural disasters.

The president faced steep opposition from swathes of the population that deemed his mandate illegitimate, and he churned through a series of seven prime ministers in four years.

Most recently, Joseph was supposed to be replaced this week after only three months in the post.

As well as presidential, legislative and local elections, Haiti was due to have a constitutional referendum in September after it was twice postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Ismailia, Egypt, July 7 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Jul, 2021 ) :Megaship the MV Ever Given, which had blocked the Suez Canal for six days in March, weighed anchor Wednesday after Egyptian authorities and the Japanese owner agreed a compensation deal.

The 200,000-tonne container vessel was stuck in the waterway during a sandstorm on March 23, causing major disruption to world shipping and the loss of millionsin revenue for Egypt.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Addis Ababa, July 7 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Jul, 2021 ) :Medical charity Doctors Without Borders said Wednesday it is halting work in some parts of Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray region after the "brutal murder" of three of its staff last month.

"MSF announces the suspension of its activities in Abi Adi, Adigrat and Axum, in central and eastern Tigray. MSF teams in other areas of Tigray will continue cautiously to provide assistance to people in urgent need," the group, known by its French acronym MSF, said in a statement.

It also called for an "immediate investigation" into the killings.

At least 12 aid workers have been killed in Tigray since fighting broke out last November between the Ethiopian military and forces loyal to the region's former ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).

MSF announced on June 25 that one Spanish and two Ethiopian employees had been killed, although details of the attack including who was responsible remain unknown.

MSF named the Spanish victim as 35-year-old aid coordinator Maria Hernandez from Madrid.

She started working with MSF in 2015 in the Central African Republic and had since worked in Yemen, Mexico and Nigeria.

The other victims were Yohannes Halefom Reda, a 31-year-old coordination assistant who had joined MSF in February, and Tedros Gebremariam Gebremichael, also 31, who had been a driver for the charity since May.

The issue of humanitarian access has taken on fresh urgency since pro-TPLF fighters -- now rebranded as the Tigray Defence Forces (TDF) -- retook control of the regional capital Mekele last week.

Abiy's government declared a unilateral ceasefire the same day, but world leaders have warned of a possible "siege" of the region, with bridges into Tigray destroyed and access restricted.

Ethiopia has said the claims that it wants to starve the Tigrayan population are "beyond the pale".

The United Nations has also warned that roughly 350,000 people are on the brink of famine, while the United States has put the figure as high as 900,000.
CAPE TOWN, Jul 7 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Jul, 2021 ) :Seven taxi operators were killed on Wednesday morning in separate incidents in Cape Town, the legislative capital of South Africa, local authorities said.

The incidents were caused by a conflict between two "rival" taxi associations, Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (Codeta), Western Cape Province's Department of Transport and Public Works said in a statement, adding that they bring the total number of taxi-related murders in the province to 71 since the start of the year.

The transport and community safety departments are attending an emergency meeting with the South African Police Service and other enforcement and intelligence authorities to agree on an integrated government approach to restore calm and to bring the perpetrators of the violence to book, it said.

Western Cape Provincial Minister of Transport and Public Works Daylin Mitchell said he has called the leadership of South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), CATA and Codeta to an urgent meeting to discuss interventions to stem the growing tide of violence between associations affiliated CATA and Codeta, with a specific focus on violence related to the fight for control over routes.

The provincial police on Wednesday also reported multiple shooting incidents of taxi-related violence in the city, where four were killed and five were injured.

Taxi violence has been a long-standing problem in the Western Cape. CATA president Victor Wiwi was shot dead in April in Cape Town, raising concerns about violence escalation in Cape Town and Western Cape's taxi industry.
(@FahadShabbir)

Herat, Afghanistan, July 7 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Jul, 2021 ) :The Taliban launched a major assault on a provincial capital in Afghanistan on Wednesday, the first since the US military began its final drawdown of troops from the country, as insurgents press on with a blistering offensive.

Fierce fighting erupted in the western city of Qala-i-Naw, the capital of Badghis, with the militants seizing police headquarters and offices of the country's spy agency.

As news of the morning assault spread, social media was flooded with videos of clashes -- with some showing armed Taliban fighters on motorbikes entering the city as onlookers cheered.

Afghanistan's Defence Minister Bismillah Mohammadi said government forces were in a "very sensitive military situation", adding that "the war is raging" with the Taliban.

The onslaught came hours after Washington announced US forces had completed more than 90 percent of their withdrawal from Afghanistan, and as the Kabul government held talks with Taliban representatives in neighbouring Iran.

The militants have waged a dizzying campaign across Afghanistan since US and NATO forces announced the final withdrawal from the country in early May, seizing dozens of districts and stirring fears that the government is in crisis.

"The enemy has entered the city, all the districts have fallen," Badghis governor Hessamuddin Shams told reporters in a text message.

He attempted to calm the residents later in another video message, appearing with a rifle -- with gunfire rattling in the distance.

"I assure you that we will, all of us, together defend the city," he said.

Provincial council chief Abdul Aziz Bek said some security officials had surrendered to the Taliban, while council member Zia Gul Habibi said the insurgents had entered the city's police headquarters and the local office of the country's spy agency.
(@FahadShabbir)

Hong Kong, July 7 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Jul, 2021 ) :A 15-year-old boy was among three Hong Kong teenagers charged with terror offences on Wednesday over an alleged bomb plot, in a case that exposed the deep political fissures coursing through the finance hub.

Hong Kong police arrested nine people on Monday in an operation that they said dismantled an attempt to place bombs across the city.

The group allegedly tried to make TATP, a high-powered explosive, from a hostel room although police say the plot was dismantled before it could fully develop.

On Wednesday police charged three alleged cell members aged 19, 17 and 15.

The 15-year-old is the youngest person charged yet under a sweeping national security law that Beijing imposed on Hong Kong one year ago.

The trio were denied bail and remanded in custody pending further investigations.

At a court hearing on Wednesday, the lawyer of the 15-year-old said her client had given three hours of video testimony to police without a lawyer present.

"He was told by the officers that he wouldn't need a lawyer when his mother was there," the lawyer said.

The lawyer also said her client was forced to unlock his mobile phone by officers who pulled his hair and verbally threatened him.

Six of the nine people arrested on Monday were secondary students, with the other three a driver, a member of university staff, and a secondary school worker.

The remaining six were granted police bail.

Semi-autonomous Hong Kong is a deeply polarised city after huge and often violent democracy protests convulsed the city for months in 2019.

China has responded with an authoritarian crackdown, taking a more direct role in how the city is run and stamping out dissent.

The national security law has radically changed the city's political and legal landscape.

More than 120 people have been arrested under the law with those convicted facing up to life in prison.

It has successfully curbed protests, but many residents in the city of 7.5 million still seethe under Beijing's rule.
JUBA, Jul 7 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Jul, 2021 ) :The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said Tuesday that it is short of funds required to assist 4.5 million children amid a worsening humanitarian situation in South Sudan.

A new report released by UNICEF in Juba, ahead of the 10th independence anniversary of South Sudan says that hopes of a better life for these children have been dashed by intermittent violence and conflict, recurring floods, droughts and other extreme weather events fuelled by climate change and a deepening economic crisis.

The report says that these conditions have led to extremely high food insecurity, and one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. And the 2018 revitalized peace agreement which has been partially implemented has failed to bring about any remedy to the challenges facing the country's children and young people.

"The hope and optimism that children and families in South Sudan felt at the birth of their country in 2011 have slowly turned to desperation and hopelessness," said UNICEF executive director Henrietta Fore.

Fore said that the childhood of many 10-year-old children in South Sudan has been beset by violence, crises and rights abuses. UNICEF has so far only received one-third of the 180-million-U.S. Dollar appeal it requires to assist the most vulnerable children in 2021.

It notes that the humanitarian crisis could worsen in the upcoming lean season amid aid cuts by donors for South Sudan. An estimated 8.3 million people in South Sudan need humanitarian support, a much higher number than the levels seen during the 2013-2018 civil war, which ranged from 6.1 million to 7.5 million people.

South Sudan has one of the highest child mortality rates globally with one in 10 children not expected to reach their fifth birthday.

This year's integrated food security phase classification assessment estimates 1.4 million children suffer from acute malnutrition, adding that more than 300,000 children are expected to suffer from the worst form of malnutrition and are at risk of dying if treatment is not provided.

UNICEF South Sudan Deputy Representative Andrea Suley noted that humanitarian organizations are responsible for almost all service delivery in South Sudan.

"Without an end to the pervasive violence and insecurity threatening families and hampering humanitarian access, and without adequate funding, health and nutrition center will be closed, wells will not be fixed and the sound of the generators keeping the vaccine fridges cool will soon fade away," said Suley.
(@FahadShabbir)

ISLAMABAD, Jul 7 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Jul, 2021 ) :Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday expressing sorrow over the death of legendary actor Dilip Kumar said his generosity in raising big funds for launch of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital was unforgettable.

"Saddened to learn of Dilip Kumar's passing. I can never forget his generosity in giving his time to help raise funds for SKMCH when project launched," the prime minister wrote in a tweet.

The prime minister recalled the personal efforts of Dilip Kumar who visited Pakistan and London to generate first 10 percent chunk of the fund-raising for the cancer hospital, the first of its kind in the country.

"This was the most difficult time to raise first 10% of the funds and his appearance in Pakistan and London helped raise huge amounts," he said.

The prime minister also paid tribute to the veteran actor and said that for his generation, he was the greatest of all.

"For my generation Dilip Kumar was the greatest and most versatile actor," he said.

Dilip Kumar passed away at the age of 98 and was among the most celebrated actor of his times.
VIENTIANE (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 07th July, 2021) Laos is deeply grateful to Russia for its help in combating the spread of coronavirus infection (COVID-19), Laotian Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith said Wednesday in Vientiane at a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

"All countries of the world, including Laos, have faced the outbreak of COVID-19. In this context, I want to express my deep gratitude of the Lao people and the government of Laos for the continued support from Russia: for the provision of medical equipment and medicines, including vaccines against coronavirus infection, necessary for us to contain the COVID-19 pandemic in our country," Kommasith said.
(@FahadShabbir)

Myanmar's military has carried out crimes against humanity since seizing power in February, a top UN rights expert said Wednesday, urging the international community to do more to halt the abuses

Geneva, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Jul, 2021 ) :Myanmar's military has carried out crimes against humanity since seizing power in February, a top UN rights expert said Wednesday, urging the international community to do more to halt the abuses.

Speaking before the UN Human Rights Council, special rapporteur on the rights situation in Myanmar, Thomas Andrews, decried the "widespread, systematic attacks against the people" since the coup five months ago.

Myanmar has experienced mass protests and a brutal military response since the February 1 coup which ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

"The junta's military forces have murdered approximately 900 people, forcibly displaced hundreds of thousands, tortured many, including torturing people in custody to death, disappeared untold numbers; and arbitrarily detained nearly 6,000." Some of the acts, he said, "amount to crimes against humanity", lamenting the fact that more had not been done to rein in the violations.

"The international community is failing the people of Myanmar," he said.

Andrews said the military had cut off food, water and medicine to those displaced by its attacks on villages.

It had "taken family members hostage when its forces are unable to find those with outstanding arrest warrants," recently arresting a four-year-old child, he added.

But the international community so far had failed to take the actions needed to bring the violations to a halt, he said.

The people of Myanmar, he warned, "desperately need the support of the international community before it is too late".

- 'Cut off their income' - "Some in Myanmar have lost hope that help from the international community will be forthcoming and have instead sought to defend themselves through the formation of defence forces and acts of sabotage," he added.

"This trend could escalate quickly and the junta's pattern of the use of grossly disproportionate force in response will likely lead to an even greater loss of life." Andrews repeated a call for the creation of an international Emergency Coalition for the People of Myanmar, which could impose sanctions and "significantly reduce the revenue that the junta needs to continue its reign of terror.

"Cut off their income, and you cut off their capacity to continue their relentless attack on the people of Myanmar," he said.

The international community should also ban arms sales to the Myanmar military, and launch investigations into the violations committed, he said.

And there needed to be a dramatic hike in humanitarian aid to the people through "non-junta channels": countries should work together to "deny any claims of legitimacy that the junta may try to assert", he added.

"There is no guarantee that this approach will succeed," he acknowledged, but "there is overwhelming evidence that the current path leads to even greater impunity, a humanitarian disaster, and a failed state.
VIENTIANE (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 07th July, 2021) Russia is ready to supply vaccines and medical equipment to North Korea to combat coronavirus, if Pyongyang reports such a need, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.

"We do not record any cases that would speak of an outbreak of coronavirus infection inside the DPRK.

More than once, in contacts through our embassy with representatives of the DPRK leadership, we spoke about our readiness to provide assistance, if necessary. This certainly covers vaccines, medical equipment, if there is a need for them," Lavrov said after talks with his Laotian counterpart Saleumxay Kommasith.
The Russian Foreign Ministry told the Estonian Embassy Counselor that attempts to present the situation with the detention of the consul in St. Petersburg in a false light were inadmissible, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 07th July, 2021) The Russian Foreign Ministry told the Estonian Embassy Counselor that attempts to present the situation with the detention of the consul in St. Petersburg in a false light were inadmissible, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

Estonian Consul Mart Latte was detained on July 6 red-handed while receiving classified materials from a Russian citizen.

"In connection with the comment of the Estonian Foreign Ministry that the detention of M. Latte was 'illegal and provocative' and the charges against him were 'unfounded,' we pointed to the inadmissibility of such attempts to portray the situation in a false light," she said in a statement.

The Russian Foreign Ministry stressed that it considered the position of official Tallinn "extremely cynical."

"We consider the position of official Tallinn to be extremely cynical, since there is irrefutable evidence of the illegal activities of this Estonian 'diplomat,' who, as you know, was detained red-handed when receiving classified materials from a Russian citizen," Zakharova said.
(@FahadShabbir)

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 07th July, 2021) Saudi Deputy Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman said on Wednesday that he had "extensive talks" with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin and other senior military officials during his visit to Washington.

On Tuesday, bin Salman met with other senior US officials, including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki earlier told reporters that the sides would discuss various matters including, possibly, the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

"During my visit to the United States I held extensive talks at the Pentagon with @SecDef, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley, and @DOD_Policy [Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl]," bin Salman tweeted.

The officials discussed "the longstanding and historic partnership" between Saudi Arabia and the US, their military and defense cooperation, as well as the nations' mutual efforts to preserve regional stability.

Bin Salman arrived in Washington on Tuesday, becoming the highest-ranking Saudi envoy to visit the US since President Joe Biden assumed office in January.
Sweden on Tuesday summoned Belarus' ambassador to Stockholm, after the Eastern European country last week asked for Swedish aid to be cut, a government official said

Stockholm, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Jul, 2021 ) :Sweden on Tuesday summoned Belarus' ambassador to Stockholm, after the Eastern European country last week asked for Swedish aid to be cut, a government official said.

State Secretary of International Development Cooperation Janine Alm Ericson told AFP that they had originally not been given any "direct reasons" when Belarus' foreign ministry requested that the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) should stop foreign aid efforts in the country.

However, Ericson said they regretted the Belarusian decision as "relations have deteriorated given the sanctions recently adopted by the EU." After summoning and speaking to the Belarusian ambassador, Ericson said they had been informed the move was also due to Sweden putting projects involving Belarusian state actors on hold in August last year.

"But since they are choosing to do so right now when relations have deteriorated, we believe them to be related," Ericson said.

The European Union, United States, Britain and Canada sanctioned Belarus after a Ryanair passenger flight between European capitals was forced to land in late May in Minsk, where authorities detained opposition activist Roman Protasevich and his girlfriend who were on board.

They were the latest in a series of penalties against President Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus for nearly three decades and clamped down on the opposition after mass protests erupted following disputed presidential elections last year.

In late June, Belarus suspended its participation in the Eastern Partnership, an initiative to boost ties between the EU and its ex-Soviet neighbours, over the sanctions.

According to Ericson, Swedish aid to Belarus amounted to around 100 million Swedish kronor ($11.6 million, 9.9 million Euros) per year for a variety of projects, such as environmental programmes and human rights initiatives.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on all Haitians to preserve the constitutional order following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise and urged for the perpetrators of this crime to be brought to justice, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement on Wednesday

UNITED NATIONS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 07th July, 2021) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on all Haitians to preserve the constitutional order following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise and urged for the perpetrators of this crime to be brought to justice, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement on Wednesday.

"The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms the assassination of President Jovenel Moise of the Republic of Haiti. The perpetrators of this crime must be brought to justice," Dujarric said. "The Secretary-General calls on all Haitians to preserve the constitutional order, remain united in the face of this abhorrent act and reject all violence."

After Moise's assassination at his private residence by a group of unnamed gunmen overnight, Haiti declared a state of emergency.
WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 06th July, 2021) The United States will provide Guatemala and Vietnam a total of 3.5 million doses of coronavirus vaccines this week, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said on Tuesday.

"This week, both Guatemala and Vietnam will be receiving COVID-19 vaccine doses from the Biden-Harris administration. Guatemala will receive 1.5 million doses of Moderna, and Vietnam will receive 2 million doses of Moderna," Psaki said.

The shipments are part of an ongoing effort by the Biden administration to deliver 80 million vaccine doses to countries around the world.

Psaki said the vaccines are allocated on the basis of availability and the fact that the is a higher percentage of Moderna vaccines in the United States.

However, Psaki acknowledged there are logistical challenges that concern legal and regulatory barriers as well as distribution and transportation, but noted that the countries are getting better at preparing to obtain and admnister the vaccines.
The 2021 USA Cycling Professional Road National Championships came to Knoxville on Father's Day weekend. This is the fourth year for Knoxville to host the U.S. Pro Road and Individual Time Trial Championships and the third year to host the U.S. Pro Criterium Championships.
Sr Gloria Cecilia Narvaez, a Colombian religious sister from the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Mary Immaculate, kidnapped in Mali in 2017 is still in captivity.

Agenzia Fides - Bamako

Time passes, relentlessly and with cruelty: 4 years and 5 months ago, Sister Gloria Cecilia Narvaez, a Colombian religious sister from the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Mary Immaculate, fell into the hands of jihadists in Mali.

Group to Support Islam and Muslims

The shadowy Group to Support Islam and Muslims (GSIM) in the Sahel, affiliated with Al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of Sr Gloria on the 1 July 2017. They posted a video on the internet showing Sr Gloria being held captive in the desert of northern Mali. They are the same kidnappers who held hostage Father Gigi Maccalli, released after two years of imprisonment in 2020.

"In the video, absurd accusations were made against Sister Gloria and all missionaries working in Mali and in the Muslim Sahel," Father Marco Prada, a priest of the Society for African Missions (SMA) told Agenzia Fides.

Sr Gloria Cecilia Narvaez was accused, by the Jihadists, of converting Muslims.

Sister Gloria needs medical care

Colombian authorities have highlighted Sister Gloria's poor health.

"She is alive, but her health is not good. She has leg and kidney problems", said General Fernando Murillo, commander of the Colombian police, investigating the kidnapping.

Fr. Prada further explained that the French hostage Sophie Petronin, released by her captives, confirmed the seriousness of Sr Gloria's health condition.

Colombian authorities searching for Sr Gloria

A few weeks ago, some Colombian newspapers claimed that the Colombian government had withdrawn a group of investigators, belonging to the special forces of the Colombian army and the secret services, sent to Mali a year and half ago, in a search and rescue operation for Sr Gloria.

Together with their Malian counterparts, the Colombian team was in Mali trying to establish contact with the kidnappers to facilitate the religious sister's release.

The government has not provided any explanation for the alleged withdrawal.

(Agenzia Fides)
A burnt truck on the side of the road amid protests in Manzini, Eswatini (AFP or licensors)

The Inter-Regional Association of Bishops of Southern African (IMBISA) urges peace, dialogue and reconciliation in the wake of the eruption of violent protests in Eswatini in recent days.

By Fr. Benedict Mayaki, SJ

Several bishops have expressed concern and are calling for calm in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), where pro-democracy protests have broken out in recent days, with dozens reportedly killed and massive damage done to property in conflicts between demonstrators and security forces.

Unrest first began in the last absolute monarchy in Africa in May when students took to the streets to call for accountability for the death of a 25-year-old student, allegedly at the hands of police. The tragic incident sparked protests that have escalated into calls for an end to the rule of King Mswati III.

In a statement on Monday, the Inter-Regional Association of Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA), comprising bishops from Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Sao Tome & Principe, South Africa and Zimbabwe, appealed for restraint and a spirit of meaningful dialogue among all sectors of the Kingdom.

Destructive protests

As Bishops, we condemn the extrajudicial killings, indiscriminate arrests, abductions and torture that have since been reported. In the same breath we unequivocally condemn the destruction of both public and private property, noted the statement signed President of IMBISA, Bishop Lucio Muandala of Xai-Xai, Mozambique.

The destruction of property, the Bishops added, works against the common good as it is required for the integral development of the country.

Pope Francis calls for peace

Suggesting concrete steps towards peace, IMBISA reiterated Pope Francis appeal on Sunday in which he called on the people in the Kingdom of Eswatini to work for peace and the common good.

At the conclusion of the Angelus prayer on 4 July, Pope Francis prayed for Eswatini, highlighting the sad news of violence being reported. He called on the authorities and those who are expressing their aspirations for the future of the country to work for the common good for dialogue, reconciliation and the creation of peace from the different viewpoints.

The Bishops also called for the cessation of all forms of violence by both security forces and all those who have been involved in the looting and destruction of both public and private property.

Appeal to government, international community

Amid reports of an Internet shutdown in the country, the Bishops urged the government of the land-locked country to guarantee the provision of the means of communication.

Human beings are so made that they cannot live, develop and find fulfillment except in the sincere gift of self to others, the Bishops pointed out. Therefore, humans cannot fully know themselves apart from an encounter with other persons because I communicate effectively with myself only insofar as I communicate with others.

IMBISA went on to encourage the intervention of the international community, especially the Regional Block of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) so that lives may be spared.

True statecraft is manifest when, in difficult times, we uphold high principles and think of the long-term common good, the Bishops said.

Do not give up hope

We call upon all the faithful in our IMBISA Region to pray that peace may be restored in the Kingdom of Eswatini as well as remembering in prayer those who have died and the injured as a result of the violence, IMBISA said.

Even as the protests drag on, the Bishops went on to encourage all to continue observing the recommended Covid-19 protocols so that life may be promoted and protected.

They further called upon all citizens not to give up on hope despite the unfortunate events that have happened in the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Hope is bold, the bishops added. it can look beyond personal convenience, the petty securities and compensations which limit our horizon, and it can open us up to grand ideals that make life more beautiful and worthwhile.

Invitation to prayer

Separately, the Bishop Jose Luis Ponce de Leon of Eswatinis lone diocese of Manzini has called on the faithful to pray for the gift of wisdom and the gift of courage to break the cycle of violence and follow Gods will of the fullness of life for everyone.

In a statement, the Bishop further declared Rosary prayer sessions in the diocese, every day at 6: 00 pm, from 5  11 July, during which the faithful will implore Our Ladys intercession for an end to the violence in the country.

As part of the prayer initiative, Bishop Ponce de Leon also invited Priests to celebrate Masses and pray for reconciliation in the country.
A funeral Mass was celebrated Tuesday afternoon in Mumbai bidding farewell to Fr. Stan Swamy, the 84-year-old jailed Indian Jesuit priest who died in a hospital the previous day.

By Robin Gomes

The requiem Mass for Fr. Stan was streamed live from St. Peter's Church, Bandra, with only 20 people in attendance in keeping with Covid-19 protocols. However, thousands across the nation, including many abroad watched it online.

Fr. Stan, who championed the cause of indigenous and marginalized people in eastern Indias Jharkhand state, died in Mumbais Holy Family Hospital, Monday, July 5. He was being treated there for Covid-19, which he contracted behind bars in Taloja Central Jail, near Mumbai.

The ailing 84-year-old priest, affected by Parkinsons disease and hearing impairment, was arrested on October 8 from Bagaicha, a Jesuit social action centre on the outskirts of Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, on charges for alleged links with Maoist insurgents who were said to have been behind the violence in Bhima Koregaon village in Maharashtra state in January 2018. He was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) that is tasked with fighting terrorism and sedition under the controversial Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The following day, he was lodged in Taloja Central Jail.

Father Swamy has denied all charges against him saying Bhima Koregaon is a place that I have never been to in all my life. He became Indias oldest prisoner charged with terrorism to die in custody, bail denied.

Tuesdays requiem Mass for Fr. Stan, that was streamed live, was presided over by Bombay Jesuit provincial, Fr. Arun De Souza. Joining him at the altar were Fr. Joe Xavier, who had helped in arranging the legal issues after the arrest of Fr. Stan, and Fr. Frazer Mascarenhas, whom the Bombay High Court had appointed as Fr. Stans attendant in hospital. Fr. Jerry Cutinha, provincial of Jamshedpur Jesuit Province, to which Fr. Stan belonged, and Fr. Stany D Souza, president of the Jesuit Conference of South Asia, were unable to be present at the funeral Mass, but were linked virtually and delivered their messages via video links.

Heeding the cries of the poor

Fr. Arun evoked the image of Christ welcoming Fr. Stan saying, Just like me, you have listened to the cries of the poor, the oppressed, the marginalized, what the Bible calls the anawim. And like me, you would have to pay the price and be crucified by the power that be. The reading was from Johns Gospel where Jesus, after being scourged, was handed over by Pilate to be crucified, a parallel in the life of Fr. Stan. However, Fr. Arun said, Fr. Stans work is not in vain, as the power of love will continue to work in our world today. The world will be a better place for what Fr. Stan has done.

Mission of justice and reconciliation

In his message, Fr. Jerry Cutinha said that Fr. Stan walked the path of the Good Shepherd, being with the poor and trying to give them the fullness of life, with dignity and honour. But the 84-year old Jesuit was audacious and stood up against those who were against the poor and the voiceless, whether Church, political or corporate powers.

Fr. Stan was a Jesuit for 64 years and a priest for 51 years. He was branded as an urban naxalite, a member of a violent militant insurgent group that began as a movement fighting for the rights of landless farmers, labourers and the land rights of indigenous communities. On the contrary, Fr. Jerry said Fr. Stan was a true son of Ignatius of Loyola, giving without counting the cost, giving without heeding the wounds, toiling without seeking rest, and labouring without seeking a reward. May the martyrdom of Fr. Stan inspire and challenge us and the entire nation to recommit ourselves to take forward the legacy of Fr. Stan in the mission of justice and reconciliation, Fr. Jerry urged.

The Good Shepherd

Speaking at the Mass via a video link, Fr. Stany D Souza, president of the Jesuit Conference of South Asia, saw in Fr. Stan a true follower of the Good Shepherd, who knows each sheep by name and their pains, sorrows and aspirations. Fr. Stan stood in front, protecting his sheep against robbers and thieves. He provided them green pastures and running waters, and in this, he had a special preference for the weakest and the marginalized. He completely identified himself with the poor and the marginalized and bore the smell of the sheep as Pope Francis would say.

Because of his staunch support for the basic human rights of the Adivasis [indigenous] and Dalits [downtrodden], Fr. Stany said, he was charged with crimes he never dreamt of.

Fr. Stany said they have lost a courageous, committed and compassionate elder brother who worked selflessly for the mission of reconciliation and justice of the Jesuits. He said, "Fr. Stan cannot die." "He will rise in the lives of the poor, in the struggle for justice and peace, and he will raise a generation of people with conscience and commitment to take up his work."

At the funeral Mass, Frs. Joe and Frazer also shared their personal experiences with Fr. Stan, remembering him as a courageous priest.
Indian Jesuit priest Fr. Stan Swamy, who campaigned for indigenous rights, died on July 5 under detention in a hospital in Mumbai, while being treated for Covid-19.

By Vatican News staff reporter

The Catholic bishops of Asia have expressed their sorrow at the death of jailed Indian Jesuit priest Father Stan Swamy, hailing him as the latest saint of modern Indias poor.

Heart-wrenching tragedy

His last month in custody on a hospital bed till the last moments is the most heart-wrenching tragedy of an innocent man persecuted for doing good, said Myanmar Cardinal Charles Bo of Yangon, president of the Federation of Asian Bishops Conference (FABC), in a statement.

The ailing 84-year-old human rights activist who suffered from Parkinsons disease and other age-related conditions, including hearing impairment, died on Monday in Holy Family Hospital in Mumbai, bail denied.

He was arrested on October 8 from Bagaicha, a Jesuit social action centre on the outskirts of Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, on charges for alleged links with Maoist insurgents who were said to have been behind the violence in Bhima Koregaon village in Maharashtra state in January 2018. He was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) that is tasked with fighting terrorism and sedition under the controversial Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The following day, he was lodged in Taloja Central Jail.

In the nearly 9 months of detention, his repeated pleas for bail were rejected. Yet, charges against him have never been proven. He championed the rights of indigenous and marginalized people of Jharkhand through legal means, not violence. Fr. Stan has denied all charges in the Bhima Koregaon case saying it is a place that I have never been to in all my life.

Following a deterioration of his health condition, the Bombay High Court ordered he be shifted to Holy Family Hospital on May 28. He tested positive for Covid-19. The staff of the hospital, run by the Ursuline Sisters of Mary Immaculate, ensured every care to make the last month of Fr. Stan's life comfortable.

Latest saint of modern Indias poor

In his tribute, Cardinal Bo wrote, The custodial hospitalization restrained his movements, but in his death, his legacy is set free now, inspiring thousands in every part of India and the globe. His mission will continue and will never succumb to evil.

The Asian Catholic bishops president pointed out that Fr. Stan followed the nonviolent path of Mahatma Gandhi, who was also arrested and incarcerated under sedition laws by British officials. With his great love for those in the margins, Fr. Stan is the latest saint of modern Indias poor. He said the Jesuit priest redefined his priesthood, extending his altar to the streets and hills of those obnoxious corners of injustice, breaking the bread of good news of human dignity and justice especially among the indigenous (tribals, Adivasi) people.

In his death, the cardinal said, the Jesuit rights activist has shone a damning light on the injustice that is becoming a norm in the world: Tribals and indigenous people are expendable to corporate interests and their political enablers, he said, noting the trend is also elsewhere in Asia. The Asian bishops president concluded expressing the commitment of the Asian Church to Fr. Stans dream of a new world of justice and peace.

Fr. Stans ashes to Ranchi

The Jesuits of India and South Asia bade Fr. Stan goodbye at a funeral Mass in St. Peters Church, Bandra, in Mumbai, an event streamed live on YouTube due to the Covid-19 protocols.

Fr. Joe Xavier, who saw to the legal matters of Fr. Stan, announced at the end of the Mass that in keeping with prison, court and Covid norms, Fr. Stans body would be cremated. His ashes would be sent to Jamshedpur Jesuit Province, to which he belonged, and to Ranchi, where he served the poor.

UN dismayed

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) has also expressed worry over the circumstances of the death of Fr. Stan. In a statement on Tuesday, spokesperson Liz Throssell said, High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet and the UN's independent experts have repeatedly raised the cases of Father Stan and 15 other human rights defenders associated with the same events with the Government of India over the past three years and urged their release from pre-trial detention. The UN rights chief has also raised concerns over the use of the UAPA in relation to human rights defenders, a law Father Stan was challenging before Indian courts days before he died.

The UN rights office pointed out that in light of the continued, severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is even more urgent that States, including India, release every person detained without a sufficient legal basis, including those detained simply for expressing critical or dissenting views.

Soon after Fr. Stan's arrest last year, Bachelets office expressed concern over vaguely defined laws that are increasingly being used to stifle these voices. Bachelet urged the Indian government to release people charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act for simply exercising basic human rights that India is obligated to protect.
There is quite a good number of women ambassadors to the Holy See these days. During the coronavirus lockdown in 2020, the female diplomats stationed in Rome established an informal network, regularly inviting experts to participate in online talks and events. Three of the ambassadors finish their mandate in Rome this summer, but the network continues to thrive.

By Gudrun Sailer

It all started with a Whatsapp group. During the strict lockdown imposed by the Italian government to curb the Covid-19 pandemic in Spring 2020, British Ambassador to the Holy See, Sally Axworthy, and her Canadian colleague, Isabelle Savard, felt the need to informally exchange ideas with other, some 20, women ambassadors credited to the Holy See.

They soon came up with the idea to invite experts to participate in online debates and discussions competent guests to background focussing on a range of issues relevant to the Church. Amongst the chosen topics, the ambassadors were interested in the Holy See's response to Covid-19, the role of lay people in the Church and the responsibilities and perspectives of women in the Vatican.

No political aims

The network of women ambassadors is explicitly informal, it has no statutes, no enrolment lists and no political orientation. Making political agreements is not one of its aims. But the female diplomats find the exchange with their peers enriching. "A lot of things come about because you see that they are good, and they develop further," is how one ambassador put it. It was an open group, she said, for an open form of exchange of ideas. Those who had time joined the Zoom meetings and discussions with the experts on the various topics. The diplomats themselves suggested possible speakers to the events - often choosing female experts for the panels. Thus, it happened that at a farewell reception for some of the female ambassadors in Rome a few days ago, only three of the thirty or so diplomats present were men: a remarkable reversal of the gender relations that usually occur at Holy See receptions!

A short history of women ambassadors in the Vatican

Yet women have long been represented in the diplomatic corps that comes and goes at the Vatican. The first female ambassador to the Holy See was an African woman, as the protocol department of the Secretariat of State confirmed to Vatican News: On 23 January 1975, the Holy See accredited Mrs Bernadette Olowo from Uganda as ambassador. Subsequently, first a few, then more and more countries sent female diplomats to the Vatican, with African women representing a constant presence.

In 1980, according to the Papal Yearbook, only Zambia had a female ambassador accredited to the Holy See; in 1990, there were five (Costa Rica, Ghana, Jamaica, New Zealand and Uganda); in the Jubilee Year 2000, the number of women ambassadors in the Vatican rose to eight (Philippines, Lesotho, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, USA, South Africa, Ukraine). In 2010, there were sixteen (Bosnia-Herzegovina, Burundi, Philippines, Gambia, Georgia, Jordan, India, Iceland, Netherlands, Pakistan, Panama, Poland, Suriname, Sweden, Tunisia, Ukraine). Finally, in 2021, twentysix women ambassadors were accredited to the Holy See; sixteen of them resident, and two more female diplomats were appointed delegates of international institutions. According to the Secretariat of State, a total of one hundred and thirtyfive ambassadors are currantly accredited to the Holy See.

The changing faces of the corps

European states have caught up in terms of sending female ambassadors to the Holy See: Austria, France, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia and also the European Union currently have female diplomats representing them position at the Holy See.

With Chiara Porro, Australia has already sent its second female resident ambassador to the Vatican and it is not an isolated case; the same applies for the Philippines with Grace R. Princesa, and Argentina, Pope Francis' home country, sent a woman ambassador for the first time during the current pontificate: Maria Fernanda Silva has represented her nation\ at the Holy See since 2020. Like her counterparts, the US ambassador, Callista Gingrich, also belonged to the network until she was recalled at the beginning of 2021.

Three of the female diplomats stationed in Rome will be leaving their current posts this summer: Isabelle Savard from Canada, Sally Axworthy from the United Kingdom and Maria Elvira Velasquez Rivas-Plata from Peru. However, the informal network of ambassadors will continue to work and to thrive, and - if the post-pandemic circumstances post allow - it will be further strengthened in the Autumn with person-to person meetings and events rather than virtual ones.
Rights groups in Zimbabwe are expressing concern about vulnerable groups after authorities imposed a new, strict lockdown to curb a spike in coronavirus infections.

The restrictions come as Zimbabwe's number of confirmed infections has more than doubled in the past week.

Monica Mutsvangwa, Zimbabwes information minister, told reporters late Tuesday that a recent spike in COVID-19 cases has forced authorities to impose tighter restrictions.

Officials had already imposed a nighttime curfew last week.

Exemption mechanisms which were used during the first lockdown in 2020 will be reactivated with immediate effect. This will reinforce the current efforts of containing the spread of COVID-19. Stiffer penalties will be imposed for violations of COVID-19 restrictions, including the withdrawal of business operating licences. As you might be aware, the entire country is now under Level 4 lockdown, said Mutsvangwa.

Samuel Wadzai is head of the Zimbabwe Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation. He says his group opposes the reintroduction of exemption letters that only allow essential workers, such as police and government employees, to reach their jobs.

We just hope that it is going to be instituted in a transparent manner. In the past we have seen these exemption letters being used to block the operations of informal traders. It is our hope that there will be clear communication of where the informal economy will get the letters, and there will be enough measures that one gets these letters in a manner that does not promote corruption, he said.

Mutsvangwa said the government is also intensifying its vaccination program as part of an effort to contain the pandemic.

Residents of Zvimba in rural Zimbabwe have their temperatures taken before seeking treatment at the local hospital, June, 25, 2021.

About 810,000 Zimbabweans out of a population of 14 million have received their first shot, and about 575,000 have received their second inoculation since the program started in February.

Dewa Mavhinga is the head of Human Rights Watch in southern Africa. He said the government should concentrate on vaccinating the adult population and essential workers instead of tightening lockdown regulations.

This is to get to the wrong end of the stick because this will not in a big way address the real challenges. The government is focused on a heavy-handed response that is not suited for the Zimbabwean context. Particularly when you look the vast majority of Zimbabweans who live in poverty, who depend on the informal sector for their livelihoods, who have nowhere to get the exemption letters to travel. We also know that the government of Zimbabwe is also not supporting these people in terms of intervention packages, said Mavhinga.

Last year the government said it was giving about $10 to each family affected by lockdown regulations.

On Wednesday, most vendors did not take heed of the governments call to stay at home unless they have exemption letters.

One of them is Lucia Mtetwa, who sells second hand clothes.

I only see corruption increasing because of these letters because everyone wants to go somewhere  with an exemption letter or not. This only gives police an advantage. They will start demanding bribes as they were doing during the last time during the lockdown, said Mtetwa.

Zimbabwe has 56,014 confirmed coronavirus infections and 1,939 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University, which tracks the global outbreak. The numbers have more than doubled in the last few weeks.
James Jensen, age 91, of Alexandria, died on Monday, July 12, 2021. Visitation will be held from 12:00 - 1:00 PM on Friday, July 16, 2021, at Grand Arbor Community Room with a Memorial Service at 1:00 PM at Grand Arbor. Burial will be at Kinkead Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Ande
From the moment a Founding Father first asked for a vote, politicians have been saying dumb stuff. From George Washington to George Bush (both of them!) right on to present-day pundits like Donald Trump, Sarah Palin, and Hillary Clinton, political leaders can always be counted on to say funny, exasperating, and nonsensical things, often unintentionally. In Sh*t Politicians Say, Jesse Ventura shares the most entertaining and disturbing thoughts from his political brethren.
If you havn't done it yet,to get one of the fastest volcano news online:

Karymsky, the most active volcano of Kamchatka's eastern volcanic zone, is a symmetrical stratovolcano constructed within a 5-km-wide caldera that formed during the early Holocene. The caldera cuts the south side of the Pleistocene Dvor volcano and is located outside the north margin of the large mid-Pleistocene Polovinka caldera, which contains the smaller Akademia Nauk and Odnoboky calderas. Most seismicity preceding Karymsky eruptions originated beneath Akademia Nauk caldera, which is located immediately south of Karymsky volcano. The caldera enclosing Karymsky volcano formed about 7600-7700 radiocarbon years ago; construction of the Karymsky stratovolcano began about 2000 years later. The latest eruptive period began about 500 years ago, following a 2300-year quiescence. Much of the cone is mantled by lava flows less than 200 years old. Historical eruptions have been vulcanian or vulcanian-strombolian with moderate explosive activity and occasional lava flows from the summit crater.

Impressions from our Tour to Kamchakta during Sep 2018: northern group of volcanoes, Karymsky, and the southern plateau with Mutnovsky and Gorely.

We sometimes invite you to "test" new itineraries or destinations with us. Such trips are a reduced cost and require a higher degree of flexibility, but often offer a great deal of adventure.

During our numerous expeditions to Erta Ale and Dallol , we have documented the active lava lake and its surroundings and changes over the years.

The Azores are famous for their very pleasant climate, breathtaking green and unspoiled landscapes and nature. Guided by a photographer and volcanologist, discover five islands: Sao Miguel, Faial, Terceira, Pico and Flores - each with its distinct character.

Support us - Help us upgrade our services!

Weather reports

Tsunami alerts

Design upgrades

Faster responsiveness

Earthquake archive from 1900 onwards

Additional seismic data sources

Improved content in English

Download and Upgrade the Volcanoes & Earthquakes app to get one of the fastest seismic and volcano alerts online:

Android | IOS to get one of the fastest seismic and volcano alerts online:

We truly love working to bring you the latest volcano and earthquake data from around the world. Maintaining our website and our free apps does require, however, considerable time and resources.We need financing to increase hard- and software capacity as well as support our editor team. We're aiming to achieve uninterrupted service wherever an earthquake or volcano eruption unfolds, and your donations can make it happen! Every donation will be highly appreciated. If you find the information useful and would like to support our team in integrating further features, write great content, and in upgrading our soft- and hardware, please PayPal or Online credit card payment )., these features have been added recently:
On 2 July 2021, the Kremlin released its new National Security Strategy (downloadable below), which hadnt been revised in 6 years.

Therein, the Kremlin takes into account all types of threats, primarily coming from the United States and its allies.For each one it defines the response to be provided.

For the first time, the National Security Strategy includes attacks against Russian traditional values of a spiritual, moral, cultural and historical nature perpetrated by states, NGOs and terrorist groups. It emphasizes that such attacks "create an informational and psychological impact on individual, collective and public consciousness by disseminating social and moral attitudes that contradict the traditions, convictions and beliefs of the peoples of the Russian Federation."
At the USA-Russia summit in Geneva (aka Yalta II) held on 6June 6, 2021, the two heads of state, Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin, are said to have laid the foundations for a peace agreement in Ukraine.

It would be a question of either recognizing the peculiarities of the Russian-speaking regions of Ukraine or their independence from Ukraine. With this in mind, the representatives of the two self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Luhansk are expected to take part in meetings based on the Normandy format, that is, not only with representatives from Ukraine, but also from Germany, France and Russia.

Let us recall that the Minsk Protocol (2014) and the Minsk Agreement II (2015) have never been applied by Ukraine.

Minsk II had already been negotiated according to the format being currently proposed (photo). The Peoples Republics of Donestk and Luhansk have officially requested a meeting along the same lines.
Crowded factories in Asia's manufacturing hubs seemed curiously immune to coronavirus as it spread through most of the world last year.

By the end of 2020, Thailand and Vietnam had reported fewer than 200 deaths between them, and Cambodia and Laos didn't report any at all.

But that changed this spring as many parts of Asia battled stubborn Covid-19 outbreaks that have infiltrated factories and other businesses critical to the global supply chain, threatening to disrupt the already strained flow of international trade.

The surge in cases has forced manufacturing plants throughout the region  from Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia to China and Taiwan  to halt production while thousands of their workers get tested and quarantined.

The spread of Covid in countries that had been praised for their early success in containing the virus has exposed the gaps in their vaccination rollouts, affecting vulnerable migrant workers who work long hours in close quarters to support families back home.

Mass outbreaks in major businesses are putting pressure on the workforce and straining supply, just as demand is increasing around the world.

The Covid clusters that have cropped up in Asia's manufacturing and transport industries differ sharply from what is happening in wealthy Western economies. The United States and Europe are celebrating a gradual return to daily life, with many triumphantly declaring the pandemic is "over," even as health officials warn of the infectious Delta variant posing a possible new risk.

Most US adults already have at least one dose of a vaccine  and tens of thousands of shots are even going to waste.

Wealthy nations have banded together to provide more resources and vaccines for poorer countries battling the renewed surge. But health experts warn these efforts are not enough to vaccinate the majority of the world's population  the only way to truly end the pandemic.

"Around the world, many countries are now facing a surge in cases and they are facing it without vaccines," said World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus last month, at a G7 media briefing in the United Kingdom. "We are in the race of our lives, but it is not a fair race."

Migrant workers hit hard

For nearly all of 2020, Thailand's coronavirus cases rarely surpassed a dozen a day. Though the country experienced a mild wave this January and February, by March it had largely been contained and fell back to double digits.

Then cases began climbing in April, exploding into a massive second wave that far eclipsed the first with thousands of cases a day.

One 30-year-old migrant worker who contracted the virus in Thailand told CNN Business he was put into a makeshift government quarantine facility alongside children and the elderly. More than 100 workers at his factory in the country's Samut Prakan province were infected during the latest wave, he said.

The man  who is from Myanmar and requested anonymity for fear of losing his job  said the facility didn't have enough food, water and medical supplies. All the while, he and other workers have fretted about their families and livelihoods, since they can't work or earn money in quarantine.

He is one of thousands in Thailand who have been hit by factory outbreaks, where Covid has swept across industries from seafood and electronics to clothing.

Workers are at risk because they stand very close to each other  just under two feet apart  on assembly lines, said Suthasinee Kaewleklai, a project manager at the Migrant Workers Rights Network in Thailand.

"There are no real measures to contain the spread of the disease," she said, adding that some factories have "exploited" the situation by unfairly terminating employees or closing workplaces without offering compensation. She added that some workers asked their employers to arrange Covid tests but that didn't happen.

Infections are rampant: A factory for computer parts maker Cal-Comp Electronics recorded more than 2,100 positive cases by the end of May among workers, more than half of whom were migrants, according to public broadcaster Thai PBS.

By the end of May, Bangkok had recorded 34 separate clusters including an ice factory and a cargo warehouse. As of Monday, the health ministry said it was monitoring 111 clusters across the country, including an air conditioner factory and garment factories.

The workers in Thailand  many of whom are migrants  were for months given little protection, say activists and non-profit organizations. Thailand's vaccine rollout began in February, but for months it was only available to health care workers, government ministers and other limited groups.

Many of the Asian countries swept up in the outbreaks "haven't necessarily really gone out on the marketplace and secured adequate pre-purchased vaccines," said Stephen Morrison, senior vice president of the Center for Strategic and International Studies and director of its Global Health Policy Center.

And some of them  including Thailand and Malaysia  aren't eligible to receive vaccines at a low or subsidized rate from the worldwide vaccine initiative COVAX.

That lack of vaccine supply, combined with a devastating second wave of coronavirus in India, left the region "shaken really badly," Morrison said.

Thailand scrambled in recent months to procure more vaccines. But it wasn't until June, as the severity of the factory clusters became clear, that the Thai government gave manufacturing workers priority in a mass rollout that included vaccination venues at industrial locations, according to the government's official news site.

The country's prime minister and national Covid committee apologized June 15 for delays in supply and distribution. But the virus was already out of control: A day later, the committee disclosed that it had identified seven new clusters, including one at a candy manufacturing company and another at a factory that makes equipment for water supply systems.

Economic blow

The outbreaks in Asia may spell trouble for the global flow of trade, particularly if companies and governments can't thread the needle of controlling outbreaks while also keeping factories humming.

As the world emerges from the worst of the pandemic, demand for everything from cars to electrical appliances has soared. That's already put pressure on supply chains, as companies have been caught off guard by the rebound and forced to contend with shortages of labor and critical components.

Taiwan, for instance, has seen infections spread across its all-important semiconductor manufacturing sector, with more than 200 staff infected at one leading supplier. On June 7, the government launched a special vaccination program to inoculate tech workers and "protect Taiwan's supplies in the global industrial chain." It struggled for months to secure vaccines, though the United States donated 2.5 million doses in late June.

Semiconductor shortages predate the latest outbreaks, part of an ongoing global supply crunch caused by the pandemic, extreme weather and the surge in demand. A disruptive Covid outbreak in major chip factories could exacerbate the issue.

Factory activity in some countries has already taken a dive as the Covid surge takes its toll. Manufacturing output in Malaysia and Vietnam contracted sharply in June. A survey of factory activity in Taiwan dropped from 62 in May to 57.6 in June  still above the 50-point level indicating growth from the previous month, but a sharp slowdown all the same. Thailand's reading recovered a bit, though activity is still in contraction.

Southeast Asia has been "enormously successful in competing in the global economy, finding that niche, and producing high-value goods in global supply chains," said Morrison. "So if the second wave hits and disrupts their manufacturing sectors, it knocks them back economically and has knock-on effects on the supply chain."

Malaysia's manufacturing sector, for example, has seen more than 95,000 confirmed cases to date  the highest number of cases in any workplace environment, said government news agency Bernama, citing health officials.

The outbreak forced the country back under a nationwide lockdown May 12. But large parts of the manufacturing sector were deemed essential, and employees kept working despite the rising danger, Reuters reported. The government reduced workforce capacity during the lockdown, but the defense minister said last month "there are employers who force their workers to [go to] work, more than the 60% allowed."

Still, industry leaders complained that the restrictions were too stringent.

"The extended lockdown period will certainly cripple the entire manufacturing sector and their contribution to global supply chains," said Tan Sri Dato' Soh Thian Lai, president of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, in a statement last month. "With companies in the US and EU starting to operate at full force, it is imperative that Malaysia, as a key manufacturing hub, has to support these markets as part of their global supply chains."

Even as they kept working, Malaysian workers were largely unable to access vaccines. The country's vaccination rollout officially began in February, but throughout the spring, state leaders complained that a promised supply of vaccines wasn't arriving, or not in high enough amounts to cover workers, according to local media.

In June, the country's Ministry of International Trade and Industry launched a vaccination program for the manufacturing sector, acknowledging that the industry was "critical in supporting the supply chain of essential products and services."

'The global failure'

Because wealthy and powerful countries  including some in Asia, like Singapore  have cornered the vaccine market during the initial rollout, poorer countries with scarcer resources are left with fewer options.

"The inequity, the disparity between the wealthy and the low and middle income countries have been outrageous and striking," Morrison said.

More than half of all high and upper-middle income countries have administered enough doses to fully vaccinate at least 20% of their populations, according to Tedros, the WHO director general. Only three out of 79 low and lower-middle income countries, as designated by the World Bank, have reached the same level of vaccination.

Morrison said the supply issue will likely ease by the end of the year as demand eases and a surplus of vaccines builds up.

But that doesn't mean the problem is solved, and it still leaves the question of how to protect vulnerable workers in poorer countries in the short term.

"We have a very, very short window of time to get our most vulnerable protected, and we haven't done it," said Dr. Michael Ryan, the head of WHO's emergency program, during a recent press conference.

As long as countries are struggling to vaccinate their populations, outbreaks may also continue cropping up and disrupting the global economy.

"Continued vaccine scarcity and the related threat of dangerous new viral variants are the top risks to the rebound in global economic activity and trade," said Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the World Trade Organization, in April. "Nobody will be safe until everyone is safe."

Taiwan, Vietnam and Thailand have enough public health care infrastructure and fiscal capacity to avoid being "permanently vulnerable to devastating consequences," said Morrison. But they still need to distribute vaccines quickly, and convince their population to get the shot. A recovery will be even harder and take longer for poorer countries, including the Philippines and Cambodia, he said.

Richer countries have promised greater cooperation and aid in the past month, most notably at the G7 summit, where member nations pledged more than one billion vaccine doses for the rest of the world, either directly or through funding to COVAX.

But it's still far from enough, Tedros said after the summit. To end the pandemic, the WHO is aiming to vaccinate at least 70% of the world's population by next year, when the G7 nations meet again. That means 11 billion doses. But only about 3 billion vaccine doses have been administered so far, mostly in high-income countries.

"Vaccines donated next year will be far too late for those who are dying today, or being infected today, or at risk today," Tedros said. "The global failure to share the vaccines equitably is fueling a two-track pandemic that's now taking its toll on some of the world's poorest and most vulnerable people."

-- Eric Cheung contributed to this report.

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
Keziah Ridgeway says she's the only teacher she knows in Philadelphia who teaches critical race theory in public high school -- and she teaches it in her anthropology class, as one framework among many to understand human cultures. But she also teaches African American history, and that's what she thinks the frenzy over critical race theory (CRT) is really about.

"Critical race theory is a lens, right? It's not being taught in schools," Ridgeway says. It's a theory for understanding the interaction of race and the law, and is mostly taught in graduate school, not elementary school. But conservatives are using the phrase to mean any instruction about the role of race in America, past or present.

The explicit message is that such instruction puts White people in danger of being blamed for their ancestors' crimes. Its undercurrent is that it could bring attention to the ways that White people today continue to benefit from racism.

"Can (CRT) influence the way that some teachers teach? Yeah," Ridgeway says. "But that's a good thing, right? Because race and racism are literally the building blocks of this country. So how can you not talk about it?"

In the wake of protests over the murder of George Floyd, Republican politicians have been hyping "critical race theory" as a threat to the impressionable minds of America's children. In more than a dozen states, legislators have proposed bills to ban CRT. In May, Oklahoma teachers were banned from teaching that "an individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist or oppressive." On September 1, a Texas law goes into effect that bans teaching that "slavery and racism are anything other than deviations from, betrayals of, or failures to live up to, the authentic founding principles of the United States."

Ridgeway teaches at an inner-city school where a majority of students are people of color. She says the strongest reaction she gets from kids who take her class is that they feel like they've been lied to by a feel-good version of American history.

"I love primary sources, which is what I use a lot in my classroom. Because if a parent comes and says, 'Why are you teaching my kid that Christopher Columbus was a murderer?' I'll just be like, I technically didn't teach them anything. They read his diary."

Ominous warnings about the danger of CRT have been circulating from 4chan to Fox News for a year. In the last few months, it has started turning people out. Across the country, school board meetings have gotten heated as parents have protested CRT. Last week, CNN toured the mid-Atlantic to survey the CRT discourse, interviewing Ridgeway in Philadelphia, watching a suburban school board meeting, talking to an anti-CRT activist in Pennsylvania, and watching a local Republican panel at a diner near Baltimore.

'A conflation of issues'

This CNN crew dropped by a school board meeting in Phoenixville, in the suburbs of Philadelphia, to see if someone might show up to talk about CRT. Two did.

"We do not want our children to be taught that they are oppressed or they are oppressors by virtue of their color," a White woman said as she addressed the school board, her kids at her side. "These are my babies. Not yours. If you are embarrassed or ashamed of your skin color, that's your issue. Not mine or my children." Half a dozen people clapped.

She went on to address the subject of history. "Saying America is wholly racist, and White supremacy are the biggest threats to America, is like saying Big Foot is the biggest threat. It's a lie. 600,000 people died in the Civil War to end racism and slavery. Don't rewrite factual history or indoctrinate. Just present the facts, not storytelling." (She later declined to comment, saying, "I don't like your show.")

A White man in a suit said, "We did not want our children to be taught that America is systemically racist." (Once the meeting moved on to less nationally relevant matters, CNN waited outside to ask him about his comments. He stood in the window and took a picture of the crew, but when the meeting ended, he left through another exit.)

These comments did not go without pushback. "What I'm hearing in these comments is really disturbing on a lot of levels," school board member Christopher Caltagirone said. "I heard a comment that we ended racism with the Civil War." He sounded astonished. "I'm sick and tired of seeing people try to run roughshod over the education system."

After the meeting, some teachers and school board members lingered. A couple of teachers said they'd heard the CRT backlash was big in a nearby suburb, Downingtown. Phoenixville had gotten a few comments over the last several weeks, Caltagirone told CNN, but "I wouldn't say it's a majority, and I wouldn't say we've been inundated." He said he'd never seen CRT in the curriculum. "I have no clue what triggered it locally. But I think it's part of the larger movement that we're seeing nationally."

"I think it's a knee-jerk reaction to what's gone on in society over the last year," Caltagirone said. "It's a conflation of issues" -- history, critical race theory, equity, diversity and inclusion -- "it's all being put together. And I don't think that's fair."

The idea that CRT is being used to teach young White children to hate themselves for being White has circulated in conservative media. In April, Idaho lawmakers debated a bill later signed by the governor that stated critical race theory would "exacerbate and inflame divisions" and banned public schools from teaching that individual people "are inherently responsible for actions committed in the past by other members of the same sex, race, ethnicity, religion, color, or national origin."

During this debate, Idaho state Rep. Heather Scott relayed the claims of a substitute teacher, who said students had been instructed to read the book To Kill a Mockingbird. Scott recounted, "She said the message was clear: White people are bad, Black people are innocent victims. And the students were encouraged to believe there was an endless era of Black victimization." (To Kill a Mockingbird was published in 1960, has long been considered a literary classic, and its protagonists are a White lawyer and his precocious daughter.)

Ridgeway seemed somewhat amused but mostly exasperated by these claims. Is she teaching children to hate America? "No, I'm teaching children to question America. And that's what makes a good patriot." Is she teaching White kids to hate themselves for being White? "No." Is she teaching Black kids that there's nothing they can do to improve their situation? "Absolutely not." Because racism exists and they can never fight it, so they should give up? "Absolutely not. I'm creating little free thinkers and resistors and future politicians and lawyers and teachers and change-makers."

Ridgeway said she thought Pennsylvania's governor would veto any anti-CRT bill the state legislature might pass. (When asked for comment, a spokeswoman for Gov. Tom Wolf said, "These proposals are harmful political props meant solely to stir up outrage," but did not say whether Wolf would veto.) But even if one such bill became law in her state, she would not change the way she teaches. "I could lose my job. Is that gonna stop me from teaching the truth? Absolutely not."

But, Ridgeway said, "I'm concerned about teachers who live in states where they have a Republican governor who is hell-bent on putting these things into law. They could be fined. They could lose their job. They could be suspended. And I think that is so problematic. Can you imagine in Germany, them banning teaching about the Holocaust?"

Parents fight 'indoctrination' at school

With just two days left in the 2020 school year, Elana Fishbein says she received an email from her kids' school near Philadelphia saying they would be given lessons about the role of race in American society. She said she reviewed the materials and determined they were racist.

While there are some bigots, Fishbein allowed, "American society is not racist." She continued, "Taking a wide brush and painting this country as systemic racist, as, you know, structurally racist -- it's insane."

She was particularly upset by the book, A Kids Book About Racism, by Jelani Memory, published in 2019. In the book, Memory says he has a Black dad and a White mom, which makes him mixed -- "or African American, biracial, Black, or a person of color." This offended Fishbein. "There's no mention of the fact that his mother was White," she said. "The White option doesn't exist there. He can be Black, but he cannot be White."

The legacy of America's "one-drop rule" has meant a biracial person with a Black ancestor is usually considered Black. Fishbein did not find this persuasive. She said, "But the fact that somebody defines you, doesn't make you what they define you. The fact that somebody calls me a racist, doesn't make me a racist."

Fishbein says she then wrote a letter to the school board and posted it on the school's Facebook page, where she was "literally lynched." CNN suggested perhaps she was just figuratively lynched. "Of course, of course," she said, "very harshly, obviously, calling me racist and bigot and demanding that my post would be removed." She said the post was deleted, and removed from other local school-related Facebook pages, too. "That's when I started really being concerned."

Fishbein put her kids in private school. But her interest in the public school curriculum continued.

In August, Fishbein created an advocacy group called No Left Turn in Education. Despite the name, she said, "Our goal is to get any kind of indoctrination, any kind of politicization, from our schools. It's not about right and left. It's about right and wrong." An appearance on Tucker Carlson's Fox News show had generated a wave of interest, she said, though she would not say how many people had joined or how much money she'd raised.

Though her kids are out of public school now, Fishbein said she didn't want her money, as a taxpayer, "to go to indoctrinate kids that then are going to hate my kids because of the color of their skin, and attack them because of the color of their skin, and blame them that whatever achievement they have, it's because of the color of the skin."

Asked if she was afraid her children would be attacked by Black children, Fishbein said, "No, I didn't say by Black children." When asked who exactly she feared would attack her children, Fishbein said, "What happened in the summer, it twisted the minds of all kids, all kids. My kids can be attacked by antifa kids or BLM kids that are not Black. They're White like my kids. But they're believing -- they were indoctrinated. And they internalize this philosophy."

Asked if her children had been beaten up by "antifa kids," Fishbein said, "It's going to happen if we are not going to stop it. But we are going to stop it."

When did race stop mattering?

Near Baltimore, the Howard County Young Republicans rented out half a diner for a panel discussing two topics: schools being shut down amid Covid-19, and critical race theory. It was standing room only, with more than 100 people. The speakers were people of color, and the audience was mostly White. It erupted in applause as the speakers denounced CRT.

Maria Vismale, who is Black, said Black people "absolutely" have more opportunities than White people now, citing college scholarships for people of color and corporate diversity initiatives. She said of the corporate world, "If I can compete, if I am able to do the job, then they're going to choose me over a White woman, and definitely a White male, because they're looking for these people to diversify."

A recurring theme among conservatives CNN spoke to was their perception that the concept of systemic racism implies individual Black people don't have a shot at becoming rich and successful. "Telling people they can't compete based off skin color does nothing but keep them down," Vismale said. "Rather than tell them they can accomplish anything, like my parents did. Like I'm sure Barack Obama's parents did, like I'm sure so many of the entrepreneurs (did)."

The real problem, Vismale said, was the education system. Vismale's long conversation with CNN at times went in circles about whether an education system that was disadvantageous for poor Black kids counted as systemic racism.

"In Baltimore City, students can't read and write," she said. "And to say the issue is because of their skin color is absolutely ridiculous. It's not because of their skin color. It's because they don't have the resources." But why didn't they have the resources? "It's because they have been born into poverty." But why do they have to go to poor-performing schools? Vismale said it was because school administrators were overpaid, and teachers were underpaid.

The inner-city schools weren't working, so even if a Black kid is valedictorian, she said, "Realistically, can you compete with your counterparts who clearly have had better circumstances and schools, better input from parents, better local government, politicians, administrators that are not, basically, ... being corrupt? ... Yes, he can do anything. Yes, it will be more difficult for him to do it. But it's not because, 'OK, this man is a Black man.' It's because of the circumstance in which the school system was constructed."

Schools are funded with property taxes, which means schools in poor neighborhoods have less funding, and on top of that, redlining had restricted where Black people could live -- did that not all add up to systemic racism? Vismale said no.

The diner event drew all kinds, from college kids to senior citizens. There was a contingent of College Republicans from Towson University. One of them, Craig Lewis, admitted he was "not that knowledgeable" about critical race theory. "But it sounds as if -- obviously, this is more of an educated assumption -- that it is, obviously, teaching people, kids about race and racial issues in America's past is very important. I was taught about slavery, Jim Crow, the whole of the history of the United States. But to paint the country as an inherently racist country from its founding, I think is dangerous. And false."

When Lewis was reminded that the Constitution's Three-fifths Compromise says slaves shall be counted as 60% of a person, he said, "Of course, and that was applied at an earlier time. That's not the case now, obviously." Asked to square the inclusion of explicitly unequal treatment in the founding documents of America with his claim that America was founded on the principle of equality, Lewis said, "Well yeah. ... It wasn't perfectly written in the Constitution. But the founding of the United States is so that all people under God are created equal."

After watching Lewis's interview, his buddy, Sam Jones, the president of Towson College Republicans, wanted a go. "Critical race theory is the idea that's taught to our nation's youth that the way that you're born contributes to the amount of success that you can achieve in this country," Jones said. "Basically, it states that White people are born with everything. And if you're not White, you're born with nothing. And you have a strategic disadvantage in making money and gaining success here."

Jones said he had not read any critical race theory books. He could not name any critical race theory scholars. He could not name any critical race theory concepts. Even so, "I think I've summarized critical race theory as a whole pretty well."

"My point is, it doesn't matter what race you are, it matters how hard you work," Jones said. "I think it has much more to do with the choices you make and the place you live, the people that you surround yourself with, than the color of your skin when you're born."

Did race ever matter in American history? Jones said yes. Race mattered a lot during slavery. Jim Crow, too. When did race stop mattering? "I mean, I'm not gonna be able to tell you an exact date of when it stopped mattering," Jones said.

But could he give a date range? "I mean, it doesn't not matter. It definitely matters because there's an implicit bias in all of us. But my point is that the success, the economic, the personal success that you're going to make in this life has nothing to do with the color of your skin." Could he give a decade when that became true? "Probably the 90s."

But what specifically? "Living your life." So in the 90s, Black people were living their lives? "Cut that one off," Jones said and walked off-camera and out of the interview.

"Our kids are smart, they know what's happening," Ridgeway said. "We do them a disservice by continuing to pretend like critical race theory is the issue. When it's really you just don't want kids to learn the truth. Because not only do they become critical thinkers, but they also become voters."

The people who have something to fear, she said, were the politicians. "As this generation gets older, a lot of the people who are making these laws will be voted out of office."

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
Julie Moore recalls harrowing experiences from the pandemic inside the Philadelphia nursing home where she works.

As the virus spread throughout the facility last year, emergency responders came and went regularly, taking yet another resident running low on oxygen to the hospital. Staff members were infected and some died, leaving a facility already running low on employees struggling to keep up with residents' needs.

"It was so few of us in the building that we were just literally running from floor to floor seeing who needed help," Moore, who works as a certified nursing assistant, said. "It was an absolute nightmare."

Covid-19 ravaged nursing homes across the United States -- killing more than 132,000 residents and more than 1,900 staff members as of June 13, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) -- and it also highlighted the dire consequences that staff shortages in those long-term care facilities can have.

But experts say this has been a decades-old problem.

"Seventy-five percent of the nursing homes had inadequate staffing before the pandemic started," said Charlene Harrington, a professor emerita at the University of California, San Francisco. "It's not surprising that they weren't able to cope with it."

Recruiting new staff wasn't easy before: The pay is low and the work is demanding. In May 2020, the median annual wage for nursing assistants -- most of whom work full-time -- in nursing care facilities was $30,120, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

"It's a very hard job and no one wants to come to do that job specifically for the amount that we're paid now," said Chaunte Jones, a certified nursing assistant in Michigan.

And the pandemic didn't make things easier. A June 2021 survey from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) found 94% of nursing home providers had a shortage of staff members in the last month -- and more than half lost key members of their staff during the pandemic due to workers quitting.

"What you're telling nursing home assistants, nursing home staff, is that they need to work for probably the same amount of pay -- or maybe a small raise, who knows -- and they need to put their lives and their family's lives at risk by going into a nursing home where Covid-19 could creep in at any time," said Michael Barnett, an assistant professor of health policy and management at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Now, nursing home staff across the country are demanding change and better pay and providers are calling on the government for more funding to tackle the staffing crisis.

Patients suffer from the shortages

The long-standing shortage in these positions and high turnover rates left staff members across long-term care facilities scrambling for years to tend to every resident, and they're often unable to finish their tasks each day, Harrington said.

Federal regulations require that facilities have "sufficient nursing staff" with the necessary skill sets to keep residents safe and maintain their well-being.

Facilities that receive Medicaid and Medicare payments are required to provide 24-hour licensed nursing services, have a registered nurse for at least eight consecutive hours every day and have a registered nurse designated to serve as director of nursing on a full-time basis.

"Nursing homes are perpetually understaffed and the reason for that is because there are no federal minimum staff-to-patient ratio standards," said Richard Mollot, executive director of the non-profit Long Term Care Community Coalition.

A 2001 study by CMS, responsible for regulating nursing homes, found staff should spend at least 4.1 hours per resident daily. But there are no federal requirements for daily nursing hours per resident.

And states' minimum standards are "generally well below the levels recommended by researchers and experts to consistently meet the needs of each resident," according to a 2020 report co-authored by Harrington.

The report found that missed care -- often a symptom of staff shortages -- was associated with patients' "adverse events including pressure ulcers, medication errors, new infections and IVs running dry or leaking." It also found facilities with higher nurse staffing levels tended to have reduced emergency room use and rehospitalizations.

"We've documented for over 20 years the terrible care in some of these nursing homes," Harrington said. "And staffing is the fundamental service."

A CMS spokesperson said the agency collects staffing data from nursing homes and uses a star rating system -- available to the public -- to help incentivize higher staffing. If a facility's data shows inadequate staffing, the facility will have a reduction in its rating and will also be subject to unannounced surveys from state officials, the spokesperson said. A nursing home found to have insufficient staff can also face money penalties and be cut off from Medicare payments, the spokesperson said.

But the problem isn't just getting more staff in the door -- it's keeping them. Moore says that even when her Philadelphia facility recruits new staff members, the low wages and heavy workload mean they often don't stick around too long.

"I walk around the facility now and I barely know the people that are working in there because it's like a revolving door now," she said.

Nationally, registered nurses in nursing homes had an average turnover rate of more than 140% in 2017 and 2018, according to a March 2021 report published in the journal Health Affairs. Certified nursing assistants had a rate of more than 129%, the report found. Some facilities had annual total nursing staff turnover rates of more than 300%.

"One thing is clear," Barnett, from Harvard, said. "Nursing homes were not helped by the extremely volatile and tenuous nature of nursing home staffing that we went into the pandemic with, and things got worse."

What's driving the shortages

Experts say several factors are driving the shortages and high turnover numbers, and principal among them is low wages.

"It's historically been a sector that has not been valued," said Dr. Robyn Stone, the senior vice president for research at LeadingAge, an association of non-profit providers of aging services. "And I think that that creates a lot of challenges for both thinking about adequate compensation, the attractiveness of the sectors for people to work in. And so, it all sort of has fed on itself."

The ongoing staff shortages are "emblematic of the systemic neglect of the nursing home system," said Barnett.

"The most important aspect of that neglect is how little nursing home workers make, especially certified nursing assistants," Barnett said. "They are the ones who are predominantly immigrants, people of color. It's a huge workforce and they're really -- they're critical for nursing home care because they're the people who are turning people, cleaning them, helping them get up, helping feeding them, those kinds of tasks."

"If we continue working with what we're working with now, it's going to be a continuing shortage and it's going to get worse," Jones, who said she gets paid minimum wage to work in her Michigan facility, said.

But nursing homes point to their own sources of funding as a big reason behind their workers' pay -- in particular, Medicaid reimbursements.

While some Americans do pay for nursing homes on their own, most of the facilities' income comes from Medicaid and Medicare. Medicaid reimbursements, determined by each state, pay for long-stay residents, who make up the majority of the nursing home population, while Medicare reimburses facilities -- at generally higher rates -- for short-stay patients who are usually there for rehabilitation services.

"Everyone knows that Medicaid underpays," said David Gifford, chief medical officer for the American Health Care Association (AHCA), which represents assisted living and long-term care facilities. "Salaries are about 70% of our revenue overall and so we just can't offer competitive salaries compared to hospitals and other settings."

And with many surgeries canceled this year because of the pandemic, nursing homes across the United States saw resident numbers drop, while costs -- including new ones, associated with Covid-19 protocols and protective equipment -- climbed.

"Our occupancy levels are down 15% and those are typically your short-term rehab Medicare patients, and that would traditionally help offset the losses you had in Medicaid, and that's just not happening right now," said Kristen Knapp, a spokesperson for the Florida Health Care Association, which represents some homes that had to freeze admissions because of staff shortages.

Some experts point out that without strong federal minimum staffing standards, for-profit homes -- which make up roughly 70% of the industry -- are incentivized to operate with less staff to cut back on their costs and boost profits. A 2016 report co-authored by Harrington said the "profit incentive has been shown to be directly related to low staffing," adding that for-profit facilities operate with less staff and more quality deficiencies than their non-profit counterparts.

"For-profit companies are not likely to increase staffing on their own unless they are required to by government," Harrington said.

Gifford said for-profit facilities tend to have lower staffing levels but take care of a slightly higher number of Medicaid patients -- which he said makes a difference "between being able to afford higher staffing levels and not."

"We're all for hiring more staff. I hear every day from our members that they would like to hire more staff, but they don't have the reimbursement from Medicaid," he said.

A historically undervalued -- but vital -- job

The AHCA/NCAL has been pushing for more funding for nursing homes -- particularly better Medicaid reimbursements -- from Congress and state governments. The group is also calling for Congress to help offer better incentives for staff members in the industry, including loan forgiveness and tax incentives.

And in March, President Joe Biden called on Congress to allocate $400 billion to expand access to affordable home- and community-based care.

"These investments will help hundreds of thousands of Americans finally obtain the long-term services and support they need, while creating new jobs and offering caregiving workers a long-overdue raise, stronger benefits, and an opportunity to organize or join a union and collectively bargain," a White House statement said.

In Philadelphia, Moore was among hundreds of nursing home workers who protested last month across Pennsylvania for stronger staffing requirements and higher wages. And nearly 1,000 nursing home staff members across the state voted this month to go on strikes that a local worker's union says come in response to a crisis of "unsafe staffing."

"Nursing is not just about changing somebody or giving somebody some medication," Moore said. "It's also about companionship when you're working in these facilities. And we don't have the time to do it."

But while staff say they've long felt undervalued and overlooked, experts say their jobs are critical -- and will remain so in the coming decades, when America's older population is projected to nearly double.

"One thing we learned from the pandemic is that when you don't make nursing homes a priority, bad things happen," Gifford, with the AHCA, said. "We take care of very old people who are very sick and very old people who got infections did not do well with Covid. And it was made worse because we didn't have enough staff, we didn't have enough PPE, we didn't have testing, we were not a priority."

"We've been saying we need more staffing and we've been trying to get more staffing. We need help."

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
State prosecutors are asking the judge in Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakelys upcoming criminal trial to keep him from using an everyone is doing it and the State is picking on me defense.

They dont want Blakely possibly naming other public officials engaged in similar activities he is charged in.

Blakely faces 11 ethics and theft charges and could lose his post and spend decades in jail if convicted.

In a motion filed Tuesday, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall and Assistant Attorney General Jasper Roberts Jr. ask the court to exclude any evidence or argument about other state employees, public officers, or public officials having engaged in conduct or acts similar to the actions they allege against Blakely but have not been prosecuted.

Prosecutors explaining, they submitted this last-minute motion because they only learned Blakely intends to offer evidence of other public employees engaging in acts similar during his trial.

They argue that information has no relevance in the case against Blakely and would muddy the waters.

A judge has not yet ruled on this motion.

Jury selection begins Monday when 500 people summoned to appear for jury duty in this case show up to begin interviews with the defense and prosecutors.

Opening statements are expected to begin July 19.

Read the motion below:
Health officials are concerned there will be a Covid-19 resurgence this fall here in Alabama as about 60% of the population remains unvaccinated.

Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, with the University of Alabama at Birmingham, says we are starting to see a shift in the negative direction when it comes to the coronavirus. She says it isn't a major spike like we saw last summer, but it is concerning considering they aren't doing nearly as much testing as they were this time last year.

Marrazzo says much like in the past, we are starting to see hospitalizations increase as the number of cases go up.

The trend is particularly concerning because if the trend continues, it means the number of deaths due to Covid will also soon increase.

She said they don't want to be alarmists, but with only about a third of the population fully vaccinated in Alabama it is concerning to see this trend take place again.

"We're not seeing the trends that we're talking about in some other states and that is almost certainly due to the protective effect at the herd level at the population level that vaccination has affected. so really remarkable successful campaign that unfortunately has not been replicated in every state especially in the most vulnerable states like alabama which is really what we need to focus on," Marrazzo said.

The president of the Alabama Hospital Association, Don Williamson, said we're seeing about 100 more people hospitalized than we were in June.

When comparing those numbers to the last six months, he said we are still doing much better, but the major reasons we are seeing this increase is due to low vaccination rates among the population and the emergence of the latest Delta Variant strain.

Williamson said getting more people vaccinated is the best way to prevent these numbers from rising.

"There's another chart that I saw this morning that shows a linear correlation between hospitalizations in the state by vaccination. the higher the vaccination rate, the lower the risk of vaccinations. the lower the vaccination rate, the higher the risk of hospitalizations," Williamson said.

Health officials are also concerned with the Delta Variant becoming the more dominant strain.

Marrazzo says the Delta Variant is very contagious which is particularly frightening because people who are infected with the variant can infect other people with only limited contact.

Marrazzo said do say there is somewhat of good news when it comes to the variant, but particulaly for those who are vaccinated.

"In some suggestion in laboratory experiments that that variant may be evolving some of that resistance to the vaccines, but for in general really robust data to say for at least right now if you're vaccinated you should largely be protected against the Delta Variant," she said.

Marrazzo says the way to keep hospital numbers down and the best way to keep things back to mostly normal is to get vaccinated.
A Tennessee man faces a murder indictment in Limestone County.

A grand jury indicted Samuel Hoback for a fatal shooting in Elmont last year.

The murder indictment is for the shooting death of Melanie Payne.

She was supposed to testify in a bond revocation hearing against Hoback in Giles County, Tennessee. (Read more HERE)

Hoback remains in the Limestone County jail on more than a quarter of a million dollars bond.
The decision to sentence Christopher Henderson to death or life in prison is in the hands of a Madison County judge.

Henderson was convicted of killing five people including his pregnant wife. On Tuesday, the same jury voted 11 to 1 to recommend the death sentence.

But even if Henderson was sentenced to death on Tuesday, it would take years before he would actually put him to death.

"Once one has been put to death, it cannot be undone," local criminal defense attorney Matthew Balch said.

Balch says it's likely Henderson will spend 14 years on death row before he is executed. That's the average time frame for a death row inmate in Alabama.

Still, the victim's family says Monday was a good day.

"Our lost family members in heaven are receiving justice today," Keith Smallwood said.

But, that justice won't be served just yet.

"It is the highest punishment, therefore, the highest of review should be undertaken before it is imposed," Balch said.

Still, prosecutors on the case say it's what Henderson deserves.

"The death penalty is just not enough considering what they did," Tim Gann said.

Even Henderson's attorneys knew what was coming.

"None of us are shocked by this," Bruce Gardner said.

If the judge decides to sentence Henderson to death, the case will go to the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals and the Alabama Supreme Court. The case could even go for federal review before the US Supreme Court.

The family says the recent trial has brought back a lot of feelings.

"There's been a lot of emotion these past three weeks, much less these past six years have certainly been emotional for us, you know it's been a long ride," Smallwood said.

Still, they say they'll continue to move forward.

"We know they're looking down on us and very proud of us for being able to move on land not stop, they would not want us to stop so this is for them," Kelly Smallwood Sokolowki said.

A sentencing hearing for Henderson is scheduled for October 14. That's when the judge will officially sentence him to death or overturn the jury's recommendation and sentence him to life in prison without parole.
A North Alabama native is remembering his friend and roommate who died in the condo collapse in Surfside, Florida.

"It was tough. It was really hard to believe, almost impossible to believe at first," said Stephen Phraner, friend of Andreas Giannitsopoulos who died in the Surfside building collapse.

Stephen Phraner is an Athens native.

His friend and roommate in college Andreas Giannitsopoulos died in that condo collapse in Surfside, Florida.

Rescue crews were able to recover his body.

"When they found his body, it definitely hit home because of course you never want to like count him as gone until absolute certainty," said Phraner.

Phraner says the two talked about faith, life and fitness.

"Andreas was one of the most sincere and thoughtful friends that I had, especially this past year at school. He has an old soul, very tenderhearted," said Phraner.

And Andreas had an appreciation for all life.

"Interesting hobby of his, he had a pop-up greenhouse in his room. He took care of, he had dozens of these different plants ... he was always there for you and was always willing to listen to you and just be there for you," said Phraner.

Phraner says he now wants to live for his friend Andreas, taken too soon.

"His passing, while it's tough ... It really sets a fire under me to make the absolute most of each and every day, because truly when you think about it every day is a gift. We're not promised another day," he said.

Click here for a link to a GoFundMe for the Giannitsopoulos family.
Decatur, IL (62521)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High near 85F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms. Low near 70F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
'Magic night' celebrations in towns and cities across Italy after victory against Spain.

There were widespread scenes of euphoria on the streets of Rome and other Italian cities last night after the Azzurri beat Spain in a penalty shoot-out to head into the Euro 2020 final this weekend.

The victory came following a nail-biting finish to the match in London's Wembley Stadium, after the teams ended extra time 1-1, with the winning penalty taken in grand style by Jorginho.

Celebrating in Palermo. Photo Palazzotto / La Repubblica.

Rome and other cities and towns across Italy erupted in a cacophony of cheers, car horns and fireworks, as delirious flag-waving fans took to the streets to celebrate the win.

Italian fans celebrate outside Wembley last night.

The Euro 2020 final, between Italy and the winner of the England-Denmark clash tonight, will be played in Wembley at 20.00 (local time) on Sunday 11 July. Cover photo Il Messaggero.
Chinese companies insist they have minimized the risks associated with the VIE structure, although no Chinese regulatory body has officially approved one. The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission has called for China to eliminate internet restrictions, open its markets and spell out the legal status of VIEs. China has said that those restrictions safeguard its economy, but it has largely ignored the companies operating as VIEs  until recently. In introducing new anti-monopoly rules in February  part of a broader effort underway to curb the power of increasingly pervasive Big Tech companies  the government referenced the need for official approval for mergers and acquisitions involving VIEs. Three months later regulators were said to be planning to ask companies using VIE structures to also seek permission for going public overseas. A week after Didis IPO, the State Council, Chinas cabinet, said rules for overseas listings will be revised and China will step up its regulatory oversight of companies trading in offshore markets, sending Didis and other Chinese tech company shares plummeting. Regulators in Beijing were soon said to be planning rule changes that would close the loophole. All this is playing out as U.S. exchanges become more hostile to Chinese companies, which may face delisting if they refuse to hand over financial information to American regulators, and Beijing encourages them to list back home.
Egypt has accused Ethiopia of refusing to agree to release a permanent, minimum volume of water from the dam in the event of severe drought. Its foreign minister, Sameh Shoukry, has warned that while Egypt and Sudan are committed to talks and a peaceful settlement, all options are on the table when it comes to reaching that goal. During Omar al-Bashirs rule, Sudan accepted Ethiopias assurances that the dam would help control flooding and that Sudan would benefit from the power generated. Since al-Bashir was toppled in 2019, Sudan has aligned itself with Egypt, saying the Nile is joint property and an agreement must be reached before the dam can be filled.
Pratas is closer to Hong Kong than Taiwan and hundreds of miles from the nearest American base in Japan. Taking it could give China a new launching ground for future military operations without provoking a full-scale conflict with the U.S. Despite the saber-rattling, China has many reasons to avoid a war, not least being that it could kill tens of thousands, devastate the economies on both sides and potentially lead to a nuclear confrontation. But other forces may prod China toward action: Xis desire to cement his legacy by gaining lost territory, falling public support in Taiwan for any union with China and the rise of pro-independence forces, and the U.S.s increasingly hostile relationship with China. The U.S. has renewed calls for China to open a hot line to help keep any military misunderstandings from escalating, so far with little success.
Moise said the 1987 constitution gave the legislative branch too much power and was one of the root causes of Haitis political instability. (Since a popular uprising ended the 15-year rule of Jean-Claude Baby Doc Duvalier in 1986, the nation has churned through 20 presidential administrations.) The new constitution would eliminate the position of prime minister and create the office of the vice president. It would also collapse the Senate and Chamber of Deputies into a single, unicameral body. The new constitution would also give Haitis vast diaspora more political rights. Crucially, the new constitution sets presidential term limits at two five-year terms. Under the current document, presidents can only serve non-consecutive terms. Despite opposition fears, Moise had said he would not use the constitutional overhaul as justification to seek re-election.
The Good, the Bart, and the Loki (Disney Plus) After Loki, the god of mischief and the brother of Thor in the Marvel universe, is banished from Asgard, he joins forces with Bart Simpson to fight against enemies in Springfield.
Desulme, the president of the National Haitian American Elected Officials Network, which has about 80 members in the United States, said his sister-in-law was kidnapped during a visit to Haiti three weeks ago. Gunmen on motorcycles forced her into her car and kidnapped her and her driver. They asked for $2 million, he said, and police helped rescue her. It really has gotten bad, he said.
The CIA concluded that bin Salman ordered the assassination, contradicting the Saudi governments claims that he was not involved in the killing. A team of 15 Saudi agents flew to Istanbul on government aircraft and killed Khashoggi, a longtime resident of the United States, inside the Saudi Consulate, where he had gone to pick up documents that he needed for his planned marriage.
(Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images)

The German chancellors exit has been a long time coming, but its still not clear where U.S.-German relations will go next. The country she leads in 2021 is more skeptical of U.S. power than it was when she began came to power in 2005.
I recommend contacting properties and vendors and asking your questions directly, says Marci-Beth Maple, a marketing manager for Zicasso, a site that matches travelers with travel advisers. With so many variables in play and differences from state to state and country to country, go to the right source to get clear answers. One of the biggest mistakes I see is travelers comparing notes online, because individual circumstances are unique, and so are the right solutions for each traveler.
I think there are more of the folks who may need just a little more incentive to go out and do it, and were hoping that this opportunity of a college scholarship and us getting out talking about the importance of it will help encourage more young people to do so, he said.
I have been a journalist for nearly 20 years and have learned to advocate for myself and others. But early in my career, when I went from one newspaper job to another, I was told that my salary would remain the same. I knew that felt wrong and that other people would have pushed for an increase or a signing bonus. I also knew that I was expected to feel grateful for the opportunity. So, I accepted the job, packed up my life and moved to a new city, feeling grateful for the opportunity and chastising myself for not asking for even a tiny, ego-preserving salary bump.
In other cases, officials acknowledged lapses and mistakes. The man convicted of murdering nine people inside a Charleston, S.C., church was able to buy his gun because of a what the FBI described as a breakdown in the background check system. The FBI said in 2018 it failed to act on a tip about the alleged gunman who killed 17 people inside a Parkland, Fla., high school before that attack, while local law enforcement officials had also received calls and warnings about him beforehand.
That would help not only the victims in Bosnia-Herzegovina but also the victims in Kosovo not to be forgotten, he said. Such a resolution and the memorial day of the genocide in Srebrenica are a lesson for future generations and a reconciliation effort for nations.
But the city had adopted ranked-choice voting in a mayors race for the first time, which allowed voters to list up to five candidates in order of preference. Because no one received more than 50 percent of first-choice votes, the last-place candidate was eliminated and that persons votes were redistributed to whomever those voters ranked second. The process repeated until there was a winner.
The person that shot Ashli Babbitt  boom, right through the head, Trump said. Just, boom. There was no reason for that. And why isnt that person being opened up, and why isnt that being studied? Theyve already written it off. They said that case is closed. If that were the opposite, that case would be going on for years and years, and it would not be pretty.
The work of undoing harm, of repairing harm, is the more extensive work, and were committed to doing that work and think we can do it better if we do it together, Blackmon said. So, in that way, Join the Movement becomes a safe space  a clearing, if you will  and a repository for all of the things that are happening in hopes that we will learn from one another and move forward.
The spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition Col. Wayne Marotto said that Al-Assad Air Base in western Iraq was attacked early in the afternoon by 14 rockets that landed on the base and its perimeter, prompting the activation of defensive measures. Marotto later tweeted: 100 % accountability at Ain Al-Assad Air Base after rocket attack. Two personnel sustained minor injuries. The damage was still to be assessed, he added without elaborating.
Shukry has been in New York for several days meeting with all council members to make his case that the resolution is a call for the U.N.s most powerful body to act under its mandate to ensure international peace and security. He said he also has argued that the council taking up the issue would not set a precedent for future discussions of water issues.
Under the circumstances, its a concession that makes a lot of the sense for the U.S. to offer, said Jacques Semmelman, a New York lawyer who specializes in extradition cases. Otherwise, they are at risk of losing any ability to try Assange. Its an interesting and rather creative move by the U.S. government.
Jan. 1, 1804  Following a lengthy slave revolt and war of independence, the former French colony officially becomes Haiti  the worlds first Black-led republic and the second independent republic in the Americas after the U.S.
As it did twice last year, when its veto brought the number of crossings down to two, then one, Russia has argued that insisting that aid come across the border from Turkey is a violation of Syrian sovereignty and little more than assistance to terrorists interspersed among the millions of displaced Syrians in Idlib. Instead, it wants all international aid to travel through the Assad government.
Todays Headlines

The most important news stories of the day, curated by Post editors and delivered every morning.

By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
Ray P. Krodel, 79, passed away while at the Daviess Community Hospital, July 13, 2021. He was born in Washington, Oct. 6, 1941, to Gertrude and Radius Krodel. On May 26, 1961, Ray married the love of his life, Marilyn Sue Krodel. They were blessed with a large family, and were happily marrie
Trusted local news has never been more important, but providing the information you need, information that can change sometimes minute-by-minute, requires a partnership with you, our readers. Please consider making a contribution today to support this vital resource that you and countless others depend on.
By Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam. This opinion is part of a series from Governors of the states that comprise the Appalachian Regional Commission footprint, as well as the ARC Federal Co-Chair. The Appalachian Regional Commission (www.arc.gov ) is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARCs mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the Region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.
Sleeping at the same camp as Mr Jones is 25-year-old Ian Hannington, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and receives NDIS support. He has been to hospital six times in the past 18 months. A recent study by UWAs School of Population and Global Health found it cost about $43,000 per year to treat a homeless persons mental health, with individual patients racking up more than 100 hospital days in the course of two years. According to a survey of WA mental health inpatients taken in 2019, of the 656 patients occupying a bed, 27.1 per cent were unable to be discharged because of a lack of suitable community-based accommodation and/or mental health support services. Ian Hannington has been homeless for 18 months. He lost his home after a relatives death. Credit:Marta Pascual Juanola However, researchers found the number of inpatient days for homeless people who had been housed in stable accommodation reduced from a total of 3167 days a year down to just under 70 days, saving the public health system more than $4 million in costs.

UWA researcher Shannen Vallesi, who participated in the study, said mental health issues were only the tip of the iceberg since most homeless people had more than one underlying condition such as diabetes, heart disease, and substance abuse, which were often unmanaged. A separate study at Royal Perth Hospital calculated it cost about $16.6 million a year to treat homeless people at the facility for conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, drug use, and hepatitis. Weve seen multiple times people that have diabetes given insulin that needs to be in the fridge and things like that, Ms Vallesi said. Its all well and good to send someone off with some medication but if theyre being robbed on the street or they dont have access to things like fridge theyre not going to be taking their medications, which will further deteriorate their health. Retired nurse Juliette Millar, who volunteers most of her time to help people living in the streets, said untreated diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy, asthma, and cardiac conditions were rife, while some homeless people lived with unhealed wounds, kidney and gall stones, and melanoma.

Many females experience chronic vaginal infections and suffer pelvic inflammatory disease as a result [of constant urogenital infections], she said. Theres a complete absence of gynaecological preventative care, same for prostate checks for men, most of whom have guaranteed enlarged prostates from chronic dehydration. She said life in the elements lowered a persons immunity, caused dehydration, and led to skin issues, which could result in serious health conditions such as kidney failure and infections. Ms Vallesi said providing a house was the first step in reducing the number of hospitalisations and freeing up much-needed medical beds but the states ongoing housing crisis hindered the social services sectors ability to move people on. Homelessness in Perth has also soared since last November, with 1041 people identifying as being chronically homeless in May. About half of those are considered rough sleepers.

Loading In the first two months after the end of the rental moratorium, landlords lodged hundreds of termination notices in court and 200 people found themselves on the street adding pressure to the struggling sector. Being able to [house homeless people], linking them in with the appropriate support, getting them to be compliant with medication and understanding why they need to take medications can have a really big impact, both on the wellbeing of the individual, but also on the health system to be able to help other people as well, Ms Vallesi said. A state government spokesman said the McGowan government had committed $80.5 million towards community bed-based solutions including a youth long-term housing and support program, a 20-bed rehabilitation centre, a 20-bed community care unit, and a service supporting young people experiencing homelessness, mental health issues, and drug and alcohol abuse. It also announced this week it would establish a homeless lodge for up to 100 people at the old Perth City YHA building near McIver train station operated by Wungening Aboriginal Corporation and Noongar Mia Mia.
Singapore: For days, as Indonesias hospitals have buckled, oxygen has run low and COVID-19 infections and deaths have soared to record levels, the Indonesian Presidents point man on the crisis engulfing Australias near neighbour has insisted there is no need to panic.

Everything is under control, said senior minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Joko Widodos most trusted lieutenant on Monday, the day after 33 patients died in a hospital in Yogyakarta while its oxygen supply was depleted.

Grave diggers conduct a burial at a public cemetery for suspected COVID-19 victims in Semarang, Central Java. Credit:Getty Images

The message has been maintained as space in intensive care units has been exhausted, emergency tents have been erected and as hundreds have died at home.

As the outbreak accelerates in the worlds fourth most populous country, however, there is an acceptance now that help from outside may be needed.
Ramen House posted on Facebook Tuesday that it's taking the week off to thank its employees by taking them to Vegas. (Photo courtesy of Ramen House Louisville)
The Harrison County Sheriff's Department is asking for help finding Clifton Michael Martin. His family filed a missing person report on June 25, but his vehicle was found abandoned three days earlier.


Thank you for Reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
What an amazing year for World's Best! This competition has never been as competitive as it was for 2021! The community known competition saw more than 13,000 nominations in round 1 which made up more than 2,300 businesses, people, and places across our community.

CHECK OUT THE WINNERS
Sandusky, OH (44870)

Today

Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High near 85F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Low around 70F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Today

Partly sunny, very warm, and humid; a mainly dry day. Just the slight chance of a stray pop-up t-storm,

Tonight

Partly cloudy and sticky.

Tomorrow

Partly sunny, hot, and humid with a spotty shower or t-storm in the afternoon but much of the day is dry.
The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV.
Quincy, IL (62301)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 79F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms. Low 69F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Senior Public Sector Specialist, Washington, United States

Organization: The World Bank

Country: United States

City: Washington, United States

Office: World Bank in Washington, United States

Closing date: Friday, 23 July 2021

Senior Public Sector Specialist

Job #: req12535

Organization: World Bank

Sector: Governance

Grade: GG

Term Duration: 4 years 0 months

Recruitment Type: International Recruitment

Location: Washington, DC,United States

Required Language(s): English

Preferred Language(s): French and/or Portuguese

Closing Date: 7/23/2021 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. For more information, visit

www.worldbank.org.

Eastern and Southern Africa (E AFR) Region:

We need the best and brightest talent focused on our region in order to harness the potential and innovation happening across the continent. Home to about 700 million of Africas people, Eastern and Southern Africa is a geographically, culturally and economically diverse region of 26 countries stretching from the Red Sea in the North to the Cape of Good Hope in the South.

The subregion harbors some of Africas protracted conflicts, rendering many of its countries fragile, while significant gaps in education, health, and skills development continues to keep people from reaching their full potential. This creates a huge development challenge, impacts heavily on the lives and livelihoods of people, and hinders regional integration and trade! But it also creates an opportunity to work closely with country leaders, civil society, development partners, and young people to chart a brighter course for the future.

Are you ready to make an impact? We are looking for dedicated professionals to join our innovative and diverse team to improve peoples lives and help countries build back better after COVID!

Eastern and Southern Africa (E AFR) Region:

https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/afr/eastern-and-southern-africa

Equitable Growth, Finance and Institutions Practice Group:

Equitable Growth, Finance and Institutions (EFI) Practice Group (PG) support economic policies and legal, regulatory and institutional reforms to enable equitable and sustainable growth and to reduce poverty.

The Governance Global Practice:

More than half of the global population expresses distrust in government institutions. The Governance GP helps developing countries build capable, efficient, open, inclusive and accountable institutions that can support economic growth, reduce poverty, deliver needed services and earn the confidence of citizens. Our work encompasses public financial management, public procurement, civil service reform, open government, anti-corruption, and using technology to improve quality and access to government services. For more information: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/governance Practice Management Unit Context

You will be under the supervision of the GOV Practice Manager for the EAEG2 Unit (Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, South Africa).

This is one of two unit wide roles that involves leading governance investment operations and Advisory Services & Analytics work across countries covered by EAEG2 while providing strategic operational support and policy guidance to the PM and GP staff in connection with the preparation and implementation of all operational products.

Duties and Accountabilities:

Intellectual leadership on a range of issues including the GRID agenda, fiscal decentralization, domestic resource mobilization, illicit final flows, efficiency and effectiveness in government spending, and the demand for good governance.

Leading the delivery of, or directly supporting operational teams to deliver, governance projects and ASA tasks.

Leading, or contributing to, multi-sector lending and ASA tasks with other GPs or regional teams.

Monitoring the ASA program and reviewing documents and deliverables at all stages through initiation to completion.

Supporting GP staff to systematically address governance constraints in strategic documents such as Systematic Country Diagnostics, Country Partnership Frameworks, Performance and Learning Reviews and Country Engagement Memorandum.

Supporting teams in the identification and development of innovative operational approaches.

Working closely with the Governance Global Practice to ensure EAEG2 is both a robust contributor to, and benefits strongly from, the global knowledge sharing agenda.

Selection Criteria

Tags advisory services anti corruption civil service reform covid decentralization economic growth extreme poverty financial assistance financial flows financial management knowledge sharing oral communication parental leave portuguese procurement public administration public finance public sector red sea regional integration resource mobilization skills development south africa southern africa sustainable growth

Masters degree in relevant field (such as public finance, public administration, economics, accounting, public policy) and a minimum of eight years of relevant work experience.

In-depth understanding of Bank operational policies and procedures, especially for IPFs but across the range of operational products and instruments. Capacity to apply them effectively in the preparation and implementation of Bank operations.

Seasoned task team leader with operational experience across a range of Bank operational products, and at different stages of the project cycle, for both IBRD/IDA products and across MICs, LICS, and FCVs.

Recognized as a global leader in one or more of the following areas of expertise - fiscal decentralization, domestic resource mobilization, illicit financial flows, demand for good governance.

Proven ability to interact effectively with clients, including the ability to assist clients at all levels in their analysis, policy formulation, and implementation of governance reforms, with a focus on results.

Strong team player, willing to collaborate closely with colleagues and across boundaries; ability to operate effectively in a decentralized, matrix environment.

Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills; ability to listen carefully and provide sound advice in a constructive manner; ability and readiness to stand firm on difficult and sensitive issues; ability to convey ideas and positions clearly and tactfully to staff and managers at all levels.

Demonstrated ability to prioritize and adapt, and flexibility in responding to unexpected needs and demands.

French and/or Portuguese skills would be an asset.

For information about WBG Core Competencies, please visit:

https://bit.ly/2kbIA7O.

Staff appointments include, but are not limited to, medical benefits, including dental and vision, Staff Retirement Plan, financial assistance program, life & disability insurance, comprehensive leave policy (minimum 26 days/annum) and parental leave policy (50-100 days).

Poverty has no borders, neither does excellence. We succeed because of our differences and we continuously search for qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds from around the globe.

Link to the organizations job offer: https://unjobs.org/vacancies/1625592506963




Have any questions? Please give us a call at 701-572-2165
Today

Sunshine and a few afternoon clouds. High 91F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Low 71F. Winds light and variable.

Tomorrow

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 91F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.
BEEBE, Ark. (AP)  The Rev. Al Sharpton and attorneys for George Floyd's family on Tuesday mourned a white Arkansas teenager fatally shot by a sheriff's deputy, as they urged support across racial lines for efforts to reform police practices.

Sharpton eulogized 17-year-old Hunter Brittain, who was shot and killed by a white Lonoke County sheriff's deputy, Sgt. Michael Davis, during a traffic stop June 23 near Cabot, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) northeast of Little Rock.

The killing in the predominantly white community has drawn the attention of national civil rights activists such as Sharpton, who said concerns about police tactics aren't just limited to the Black community.

The issue of policing is not about Black and white," Sharpton told a packed auditorium at Beebe High School, where Brittain was a rising senior. It's about right and wrong."

Many attending the memorial wore jeans and shirts that read Justice for Hunter," in a ceremony that included Floyd family attorneys Ben Crump and Devon Jacob. Both are representing Brittain's family.

Floyd died in May last year when a white Minneapolis police officer used his knee to pin the handcuffed Black man's neck to the ground. His death sparked nationwide protests over policing and racial inequality.

Crump and Jacob invoked other people killed by police, including Breonna Taylor, a Kentucky woman who was fatally shot during a botched police raid. Crump led the crowd in chanting, Hunter Brittain's life matters."

Because he is not here, we all have to unite together and make sure people all over America know that we will get justice for Hunter Brittain," Crump said.

Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley last week fired Davis for not turning on his body camera until after he had shot Brittain. Staley said the only footage police have is from the aftermath. Arkansas State Police are investigating Brittain's death. Davis is white.

Authorities have released few details about the shooting. Brittain's family has said the teenager was unarmed and was holding a jug of antifreeze when he was shot. Brittain's family and friends have held protests nightly outside the Lonoke County sheriff's office and have complained about the lack of information released.

Family members have said Brittain had been working on his truck's transmission and had been test driving it when he was pulled over.

Staley on Monday said he welcomed those who want to peacefully protest, but that out-of-state activists could risk inflaming an already difficult situation."

The people of this county are good, decent people and they, like me, want to see accountability and transparency in this situation," Staley wrote on the office's Facebook page.

The memorial included calls to pass federal legislation in Floyd's name to overhaul police practices.

Hopefully, Hunter and his untimely death will finish what Hunter's brother  George Floyd  and his death started," Jacob said.

Jesse Brittain, Hunter's uncle, received a standing ovation when he called for an end to qualified immunity for police officers, a legal doctrine that frequently shields them from civil lawsuits for things they do in the course of their job.

Your life had meaning, you're loved and your family will not stop advocating until we have justice for you, Hunter," he said. And also justice for all of our other brothers and sisters dying at the hands of law enforcement hired to protect and serve us around this country."

As mourners filed into the high school auditorium Tuesday morning, photos and video of Brittain were displayed on a large screen above his casket, which was decorated with blue and white ribbons, the Chevrolet symbol and Forever Chevy 17. Family members said Brittain dreamed of becoming a NASCAR driver after graduation.

Hunter did nothing wrong, just like we felt George Floyd did nothing wrong," Sharpton told reporters before the memorial. But if we segregate how we react, then we're wrong."

It was unclear what impact Sharpton's and the attorneys' calls for action would have in Lonoke County, a rural county of 73,000 people that is 90% white.

Even before the memorial service, Brittain's friends and family were calling for change at the state level with petitions urging the Legislature to require officers to wear body cameras that would be turned on as soon as their shift begins.

I never thought anything like this would happen until it hit so close to home," said Scott Hendrickson, whose son was close friends with Brittain and who is . Once it happened to my son's best friend, I said it could happen to my son so it was too close to home to not do anything about it."

Dozens of people gathered outside the sheriff's office after the memorial service for a rally with Brittain's family, attorneys and the NAACP

Melissia McMahan, who is the Brittain family's mail carrier and knew the teen since he was a toddler, said she had thought about the need for police reform before Brittain's death but hadn't thought it was something her own community would face.

I never expected anything like what happened, especially not just a country boy working on his truck and taking it for a test drive," she said.
DHARMSALA, India (AP)  The Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama celebrated his 86th birthday on Tuesday, thanking his supporters and expressing his appreciation to India, where he has lived since he fled his homeland in 1959.

I want to express my deep appreciation of all my friends who have really shown me love, respect and trust, the Dalai Lama said in a video message.

He reiterated his mission to serve humanity and urged supporters to be compassionate.

Since I became a refugee and now settled in India, I have taken full advantage of India's freedom and religious harmony, he said.

He added that he had great respect for India's secular values such as honesty, karuna (compassion), and ahimsa (non-violence).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the Dalai Lama well on his birthday on Twitter and said he also spoke to him by phone.

This is the first time Modi has publicly confirmed speaking with the Dalai Lama since becoming prime minister in 2014. The acknowledgment appears significant amid deteriorating ties between India and China, which doesnt recognize the Tibetan government-in-exile and accuses the Dalai Lama of seeking to separate Tibet from China.

A military conflict last year between India and China along their disputed high-altitude border dramatically altered the already fraught relationship between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

The Dalai Lama has made the hillside town of Dharmsala his headquarters since fleeing Tibet after a failed uprising against Chinese rule. India considers Tibet to be part of China, though it hosts Tibetan exiles.

The Dalai Lama denies being a separatist and says he merely advocates substantial autonomy and protection of Tibet's native Buddhist culture.

On Tuesday, a small celebration attended mostly by government officials was held at the Central Tibetan Administration. The Dalai Lama's video message was played on a screen and followed by a cultural performance by the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts.

Usually, the spiritual leader's birthday is a fairly elaborate affair in the town, open to members of the public who flock to the Tsuglakhang Temple where performances are held. Sometimes, the Dalai Lama also made an appearance.

This year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the celebrations were muted and behind closed doors. But a banner marking his birthday hung in the town square and Tibetan monks distributed sweets and juice to passersby outside the closed temple.

Many people really show they love me. And many people actually love my smile, the Dalai Lama said with a smile at the start of the video. In spite of my old age, my face is quite handsome, he said with a laugh.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Top Biden administration officials on Tuesday hosted a brother to Saudi Arabia's powerful crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, in the highest-level such visit known since the U.S. made public intelligence findings linking the crown prince to the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The Biden administration did not publicly disclose the visit by Prince Khalid bin Salman, Saudi Arabia's deputy defense minister, in advance. President Joe Biden had pledged to make a pariah of the kingdom's crown prince during his presidential campaign over Khashoggi's killing and other abuses, but his administration has instead emphasized U.S. strategic interests with Saudi Arabia.

The high-level sessions with Prince Khalid, a younger brother and confidant to Saudi Arabias powerful crown prince, revived complaints that the administration was giving the Saudis a pass in the Khashoggi killing, given that country's strategic importance as a Middle East power and top oil producer.

US still has their back, no matter how awfully they terrorize their citizens," Sarah Leah Whitson, who leads the Arab rights group Democracy for the Arab World Now, tweeted Tuesday in a criticism of Biden administration policy.

Biden has pledged a foreign policy that follows human rights and American values. But after the February release of the U.S. findings on Mohammed bin Salmans role in Khashoggis death, Biden told ABC News there was no precedent for the U.S. punishing the acting head of a country with which it has a partnership.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told Prince Khalid in one of Tuesday's meetings about the need to improve human rights in the kingdom, according to a U.S. readout of their talk.

But the two also discussed strategic matters where Saudi Arabia's cooperation is important for Biden administration aims, such as the global economic recovery, where the kingdom is leading a push to step up OPEC pumping and calm rising oil prices. The U.S. also is trying to reassure Saudi Arabia on security matters as the Biden administration seeks to reenter a nuclear deal with Iran, among other issues.

Khalid bin Salman met at the Pentagon with officials including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, one official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss a meeting that the Pentagon did not detail publicly. Prince Khalid will meet with State Department officials Wednesday.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki indicated in a briefing with press that officials might raise the killing of Khashoggi.

Khashoggi, a columnist for The Washington Post who had written critically of Mohammed bin Salman, was killed by Saudi officials in October 2018 at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Khashoggi, who was based in the Washington, D.C., area, had gone to the consulate to get documentation for his upcoming wedding.

The Biden administration in February released a declassified intelligence report concluding that Mohammed bin Salman, son of the aging King Salman, had authorized the team of Saudi security and intelligence officials that killed Khashoggi.

Prince Khalid was the kingdoms ambassador in Washington at the time of Khashoggi's killing. He was recalled soon after amid bipartisan U.S. outrage over the death of the widely known journalist. When Khashoggi vanished after going to the Saudi consulate in Turkey, Khalid bin Salman insisted for days that accusations of official Saudi involvement in his disappearance were groundless.

The Washington Post reported that it was Prince Khalid who told Khashoggi to go to the consulate in Turkey to pick up his wedding papers and said it would be safe to do so.

The princes official travel to Washington comes as the kingdoms rulers still keep numerous members of the royal family and advocates for more rights in detention or under travel bans that sometimes apply to their relatives as well.

Prince KBS can travel although he is working for the Crown Prince, directly involved in the murder of Khashoggi, tweeted Lina al Hathloul on Tuesday. She is the sister of Loujain al Hathloul, whom Mohammed bin Salman imprisoned for more than two years following her high-profile campaign for the kingdom to allow women to drive.

The Saudi government had no immediate public comment on Tuesdays visit. State Department spokespeople did not respond to a question Tuesday about why they had not announced the Saudi officials visit in advance.

They also did not answer whether the Biden administration had concluded Khalid bin Salman played no role in the Saudi organization behind Khashoggis killing, or had decided that U.S. interests required Biden officials to meet with senior Saudi royals despite the administrations public condemnation of the killing.

A State Department spokesperson, speaking on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, said the administration has made clear that it found Khashoggis killing unacceptable.

___

AP reporters Aya Batrawy in Dubai and Zeke Miller in Washington contributed to this report. Knickmeyer reported from Oklahoma City.
President Joe Biden speaks about the COVID-19 vaccination program during an event in the South Court Auditorium on the White House campus, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Washington.
Folklorama, Winnipegs festival of multiculturalism thats happened every year but one since 1970, is back.

Folklorama, Winnipegs festival of multiculturalism thats happened every year but one since 1970, is back.

Cancelled last year due to the pandemic, it returns from Aug. 6 to Aug. 8 as a free livestreamed extravaganza bringing its international pavilions under one roof at the Burton Cummings Theatre.

Its an event executive director Teresa Cotroneo hopes will make up for lost time.

Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press Files Dancers perform at the Ukrainian pavilion of Folklorama.

"After having to cancel the 51st festival in 2020, the Folklorama family has created a unique, one-of-a-kind fusion event for 2021," Cotroneo said during an online launch event Tuesday morning, which began with an opening prayer by elder Barb Nepinak.

"Travel around the world without packing your bags," Cotroneo said; no passport required, the media release announced.

The Friday night festivities will showcase Asia and Africa. On Saturday night, the Americas will get a chance to shine. And to close the event, Europe will be highlighted on Sunday. Registration information and the full schedule of performances is available at folklorama.ca, with every minute livestreamed on YouTube, where the videos will remain for a few weeks after the event wraps up.

When Folklorama was cancelled last April as the COVID-19 pandemic worsened worldwide, a virtual program such as this one never materialized. When stakeholders met in the fall, it was clear that there was a desire to come up with a safe alternative in 2021, said Stan Hall, the president of the board of directors.

SASHA SEFTER / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Performers take the stage at the Africa Pavilion during a Folklorama event held at the Holy Cross Gym in Saint Boniface in 2019.

Hall said the online event is a way to "keep the spirit of Folklorama alive."

Cotroneo said that will be done through more than just performance: the online event will feature a virtual ethnocultural marketplace, an online 50/50 raffle, and yes, a COVID-friendly way to eat food representing every continent and culture: for the first time, the festival will have an ethnocultural food week, partnering with local restaurants and organizations to share recipes representing a global appetite. Interested parties can contact Folklorama to participate.

Also on the call were adult ambassadors Calvin Loi and Jan-Michael Reyes, representing the Chinese and Pearl of the Orient Philippine pavilions respectively, and the youth ambassadors Vivian Shen (Chinese Pavilion) and Donovan Martin (Caribbean Pavilion.) Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries president and CEO Manny Atwal delivered remarks on behalf of his organization, the events main sponsor.

While those on the call were excited to announce this years event, there was also a sombre moment of silence for Folklorama fans and volunteers who were impacted by the pandemic, and later, a hint at what was in the works for 2022.

Hall said planning was underway for a traditional, in-person event to be held next year from July 31 through Aug. 13.

ben.waldman@freepress.mb.ca
OTTAWA - Health Canada's latest weekly report on vaccinations shows at least 1.3 million Canadians opted for a mixed-dose finish to their COVID-19 vaccination schedule in June.

Vials of both Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines sit empty on the counter at the Junction Chemist Pharmacy, in Toronto, Friday, June 18, 2021. Health Canada reports that at least 1.3 million Canadians opted for a mixed-dose finish to their COVID-19 vaccination schedule in June. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

OTTAWA - Health Canada's latest weekly report on vaccinations shows at least 1.3 million Canadians opted for a mixed-dose finish to their COVID-19 vaccination schedule in June.

The report, published Monday, shows of 6.5 million people who got their second shot between May 31 and June 26, one in five got a different vaccine than their first.

Some provinces began mixing the two mRNA vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna as early as April, depending on what supplies were on hand. The practice became more common in the third week of June, when a delayed shipment from Pfizer pushed many provinces to turn to Moderna only for a few days.

Mixing the two types of vaccines  an mRNA with the viral vector vaccine from Oxford-AstraZeneca  only started in early June. That was after the National Advisory Committee on Immunization said people who got AstraZeneca for their first dose could safely get an mRNA vaccine as their second.

NACI went further on June 17, when it said getting an mRNA vaccine after AstraZeneca was the preferred option. The committee cited the rare but serious risk of blood clots potentially linked to getting the AstraZeneca vaccine and evidence that mixing vaccine types produces a stronger immune response.

Health Canada, which has reported weekly on how many people get each type of vaccine Canada has authorized, added a "combination" category for people whose doses weren't the same, on June 5.

An analysis of that data by The Canadian Press shows at least 627,000 people got AstraZeneca first and then opted for either Pfizer or Moderna.

It appears that during the week when the Pfizer shipment was delayed, nearly 300,000 people who got Pfizer for their first dose were fully vaccinated with a different vaccine. The data does not specify which one.

Dr. Zain Chagla, an infectious diseases doctor at St. Joseph's Healthcare in Hamilton, said many people seemed to take to heart the encouragement to get whatever vaccine they're being offered.

"I think people followed the evidence, they took the NACI suggestions, and it's good," he said. "That means there's more fully vaccinated people out there."

As of June 26, only 189,907 people are listed as being fully vaccinated with two doses of AstraZeneca. That data may be incomplete because Quebec is not providing Health Canada with a breakdown by first and second doses, and is only reporting data on people with at least one dose.

Dr. Christos Karatzios, a pediatric infectious diseases doctor at Montreal Children's Hospital, said if one thing is clear during COVID-19, it is that the vaccines are working and people are vulnerable until they get both doses of any two vaccines.

"Mixing and matching, who cares," he said. "Just get two vaccines into people."

He said it is more important than ever to get both doses as well, because the delta variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 is proving to be a little less affected by only one dose.

Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario's chief medical officer of health, said Tuesday that between May 15 and June 12, only 1.2 per cent of more than 29,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in his province were found in people with two doses of vaccine.

Conversely 83.2 per cent of cases were in people with not even one dose, and 15.6 per cent were in people with only a single dose.

Nationally, Canada has partially vaccinated at least 78 per cent of people over the age of 12, and fully vaccinated more than 42 per cent. Kids under 12 aren't yet eligible to get a vaccine.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 6, 2021.
MONTREAL - Quebec's government is removing capacity restrictions in retail stores across the province and reducing the two-metre physical distancing health order to one metre.

A man wears a face mask as he leaves a COVID-19 vaccination site in Montreal, Sunday, July 4, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

MONTREAL - Quebec's government is removing capacity restrictions in retail stores across the province and reducing the two-metre physical distancing health order to one metre.

The new rules start Monday and are a result of sustained, low daily COVID-19 infections and rising vaccination rates, the Health Department said in a statement Wednesday.

Health officials reported 103 new COVID-19 infections Wednesday and one more death attributed to the novel coronavirus. Officials haven't reported more than 100 new daily cases in the province since June 29, when there were 126.

Beginning Monday, Quebecers from separate households will be required to keep a one-metre distance from one another indoors and outdoors instead of two metres. Retail stores, meanwhile, will no longer face COVID-19-related capacity restrictions but will need to ensure clients can maintain a one-metre distance from one another.

The mask mandate in all public indoor and outdoor areas remains in place, the Health Department said, adding that the province's workplace safety board will introduce new rules for offices next week.

Montreal had the highest number of new cases reported Wednesday with 35, and its northern suburb Laval was next with 23 new infections. COVID-19-related hospitalizations rose by one, to 103, and 25 people were in intensive care, a drop of two.

The province said 104,751 doses of COVID-19 vaccine were administered on Tuesday and 39.9 per cent of Quebecers over the age of 12 are considered fully vaccinated. Health Minister Christian Dube tweeted that the government's goal is to have all Quebecers over 12 vaccinated by the end of August to avoid a new rise in cases in the fall.

Later on Wednesday, Dube tweeted that 95 per cent of people in the province who tested positive for COVID-19 between June 27 and July 3 were not fully vaccinated. He said the percentage was the same for patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during that period.

"All Quebecers have equitable access to vaccination," Dube said. "Faced with variants, we must give ourselves the means to avoid (hospitalizations) and another confinement."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 7, 2021.
NEW DELHI (AP)  In a massive Cabinet revamp, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi dropped 12 senior Cabinet ministers on Wednesday and inducted a younger team aimed at refurbishing his governments image after widespread criticism of its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

FILE - In this Nov. 11 2020, file photo, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves after a function at the Bharatiya Janata Party headquarters following a state election in New Delhi, India. Twelve Indian government ministers resigned Wednesday, hours ahead of an expected reshuffle of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cabinet aimed at refurbishing its image after widespread criticism of its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup, File)

NEW DELHI (AP)  In a massive Cabinet revamp, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi dropped 12 senior Cabinet ministers on Wednesday and inducted a younger team aimed at refurbishing his governments image after widespread criticism of its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan, whose response to the epidemic came under close examination, Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Law and Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar were among those who resigned hours ahead of the reshuffle.

Prasad was involved in a bitter row with Twitter over Indias new internet regulations, which digital activists say could curtail online speech and privacy. He has been replaced by Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Mansukh Mandaviya replaces Dr. Vardhan as the new Health Minister, says a statement by the president's office. He is from Modis home state of Gujarat

Fifteen Cabinet ministers and 28 junior ministers were sworn in by President Kovind at a ceremony in the presidential palace on Wednesday. Eight junior ministers were elevated to Cabinet rank.

Modi retained Home Minister Amit Shah, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

Other key portfolios were given to Jyotiraditya Scindia (Civil Aviation), Kiren Rijiju (Law and Justice), Hardeep Singh Puri (Petroleum and Natural Gas), Bhupender Yadav (Environment), Anurag Singh Thakur (Information and Broadcasting) and Dharmendra Pradhan (Education).

It is the first Cabinet reshuffle since Modi was returned to power for a second term in 2019.

The government is facing increasing criticism for its handling of the pandemic.

Vardhan, who was in charge of the Health Ministry as well as the Science and Technology Ministry, led the response to the pandemic.

"In one clean sweep, you have senior ministers being removed. The government has admitted by these changes that it has failed miserably in handling the pandemic as it should have, said Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay, a well-known journalist and political analyst.

More than half of Indias reported 400,000 coronavirus deaths  the third most of any country  have occurred over the past two months as the delta variant of the virus tore through the nation and overwhelmed its already strained health system.

New cases are on the decline after exceeding 400,000 a day in May, but authorities are preparing for another possible wave and are trying to ramp up vaccinations.

The reshuffle also came after the defeat of Modis Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party in April elections in key West Bengal state, a test of its handling of the pandemic.

Modi will face another major test of his popularity in legislative elections in Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Manipur, Punjab and Uttarakhand states in February and March next year, which may prove to be a bellwether for his partys fate in 2024 national elections.
NEW YORK (AP)  Alina Clark is about as tired of her pandemic wardrobe as her comfort clothes are stretched and torn.

This photo shows Cameron Howe at home in Lynchburg, Va., on June 28, 2021, with her collection of leggings purchased during the pandemic. She hopes to continue wearing leggings as business attire as she transitions back to work, while others are purging their casual pandemic wardrobes. (Cameron Howe via AP)

NEW YORK (AP)  Alina Clark is about as tired of her pandemic wardrobe as her comfort clothes are stretched and torn.

I have four sets of jeans, seven shirts and five sweaters that I wear every week, said Clark, co-founder of a software development company in Los Angeles. They're everything I've worn in the last two years. Me and my wardrobe are suffering from COVID fatigue."

A wardrobe purge is on for some as vaccinations have taken hold, restrictions have lifted, and offices reopen or finalize plans to do so. The primary beneficiaries: resale sites online and brick-and-mortar donation spots, continuing a trend that's been building for the last several years.

At the resale site Poshmark, orders are up for handbags and work-worthy dresses when compared to last year. The same goes for blazers, suit jackets and heels.

Projections show the trend growing stronger. The secondhand clothing business is expected to more than double, from $36 billion to $77 billion in 2025, according to a recent report commissioned by the secondhand marketplace ThredUP and the research firm GlobalData.

The growth is driven by an influx of new sellers putting high-quality clothing into the market, said James Reinhart, co-founder and CEO of ThredUP. He estimates that 9 billion clothing items that are hardly worn are sitting in shoppers closets.

Even before COVID, buying and selling secondhand clothing was popular, but the pandemic made the appetite for thrift even more appealing.

The post-pandemic shopper is more environmentally conscious and is showing a greater appetite for clothes that have good resale value, rather than disposable fast fashion, Reinhart said. People who haven't been able to wear most of the items in their closets for a year are more aware of waste and want to put their clothes back in circulation.

Theres a new mindset around clothing consumption, Reinhart said. Its not this buy, wear, throw out. There is this consciousness that happened during the pandemic where people were much more sensitive to this notion of waste.

Maia DiDomenico's mother introduced her to ThredUp during the pandemic. A recent college graduate who began a new job working with kids on the autism spectrum, the 23-year-old in Cranford, New Jersey, purged some Athleta sportswear on the site and received $557.60 in Athleta gift cards in exchange.

It cleans your closet out quickly, and you have the chance to donate unwanted clothes, she said.

For months, the 29-year-old Clark has had the urge to declutter her overflowing wardrobe, and she began piling up clothes for donation several weeks ago. But she'll be purchasing new clothes.

She's looking for some glitz and glamour as her Zoom life soon ends and physical get-togethers have begun.

Consumers are purging more than their worn-out pandemic wear.

At the luxury resale site TheRealReal, with more than 22 million members, the total value of pre-owned goods sold this year through May was about $239 million, up by 53 percent from the same period in 2019, according to a company report.

Some are taking the opportunity to reinvent their personal style, said Jessica Richards, a trend forecaster and fashion director for the Accessories Council, a nonprofit trade group.

We saw a lot of consumers abandon their mindless shopping habits and instead focus on investment dressing. Less of being sick of their pandemic wardrobes but more wondering why they might own as much or what is the breadth of their closet, she said. Its now about streamlining and zeroing in on what their desired personal style image should be.

Not everybody is looking to abandon their COVID style, however.

In Lynchburg, Virginia, 33-year-old Cameron Howe is ready to burn just about everything she has worn during the pandemic  except her impressive legging collection  as she transitions from a school career.

I bought 15 to 20 plus pairs of leggings, she said. In a few weeks, I'll start a new career as a project manager for a local nonprofit. I plan on wearing leggings to work. Thankfully, both my past and new employer are legging-friendly. I dont really want to wear real pants again. I developed an absolute love of leggings during the pandemic.

Among those benefiting from the pandemic reawakening in clothes are dry cleaners.

Tom Ryan, vice president of franchising for CD One Price Cleaners, with 34 locations in the Chicago area, said they've been seeing an upward turn in dry-cleaning customers after a plunge of 80 percent during the pandemic.

In March, we started making progress again given the vaccine distribution, he said. As more people go back to work, we're finally starting to see more people bringing their in-office clothes back for professional cleaning. Still, we expect post-pandemic attire and fashion trends to be different going forward with more people in the office less often.

Ryan expects business casual to be more the new normal  swapping out button-up shirts for more polo-style wear.

While piles of pandemic clothes are going to churches, donation boxes, and online thrift and resale sites, some people are keeping them in the family.

Samantina Zeon, like many, has gained weight during the pandemic. She has plenty of great clothes she can no longer fit into, so she plans to send the stylish ones to a cousin in Haiti in a 77-gallon blue barrel.

It's something many people that have families in different countries do. I have done it before to send food, said the 31-year-old Zeon, in Queens, New York. She plans on reselling them in her neighborhood for extra cash.

Associated Press retail writer Anne D'Innocenzio in New York contributed to this report.
DETROIT (AP)  Amtrak plans to spend $7.3 billion to replace 83 passenger trains, some nearly a half-century old, though much of the funding must still be approved by Congress.

This image provided by Siemens shows a rendering of one of the new Amtrak trains to be built in the U.S. by Siemens Mobility. Amtrak announced plans, Wednesday, July 7, 2021, to spend $7.3 billion to replace 83 passenger trains, some of which are nearly a half-century old. (Siemens via AP)

DETROIT (AP)  Amtrak plans to spend $7.3 billion to replace 83 passenger trains, some nearly a half-century old, though much of the funding must still be approved by Congress.

Amtrak said Wednesday that under the contract with German manufacturer Siemens AG, some of the trains will be hybrids, able to operate on diesel fuel and electricity where wires are available. The new trains will replace Amfleet, Metroliner and state-owned equipment starting in 2024.

The new engines and passenger cars will be built at a U.S. factory in Sacramento, California.

The new trains will have more comfortable seating, better ventilation systems, individual power outlets and USB ports, onboard WiFi, and panoramic windows. Amtrak CEO William Flynn says they'll pollute far less than the older trains when operating in diesel mode.

The trains will go to lines in New York, New England, California, the Northwest, Virginia and elsewhere. The railroad has an option to buy 130 additional trains from Siemens.

Siemens says the first delivery will be in 2024 to the Cascades line in the northwest, with the rest continuing through 2030. Manufacturing will start in 2023. The trains will have an engine and roughly six to eight cars.

The contract will include equipment and a long-term parts supply and service agreement, the statement says.

In an interview, Flynn said the trains will be capable of traveling up to 125 mph (201 kilometers per hour), and they will be able to shift from electric mode to diesel without current delays due to switching engines. Trains often are limited to 90 mph (145 kilometers per hour) by track conditions, he said.

Amtrak says money will come from about $200 million already approved by Congress, as well as future funding that has to be approved. We expect that we will have annual funding for our portion of the train sets," he said. "If there should be a moment in time when that money isnt specifically available, we have the ability to finance the units as well, Flynn said. That money would be repaid by states with trains, and passenger fares, he said.

Amtrak's board has approved up to $4.9 billion for equipment, parts and service and $2 billion to modify its facilities. Initially Amtrak will buy 73 trains and a 20-year parts and service agreement for about $3.4 billion.

Amtrak ridership hit a record 32.4 million passengers in 2019 before the coronavirus pandemic hit, Flynn said. Passenger volume is about 62% of what it was before the pandemic, he said.

Prior to the pandemic Amtrak operated around 310 trains per day, but now it's about 201. Flynn expects the schedule to be fully restored by September or October.

In 2016, Amtrak contracted with French train maker Alstom to build 28 high-speed trains for the Acela Express service in the Northeast Corridor.

The infrastructure bill proposed by the administration of President Joe Biden has $66 billion for freight and passenger rail. Biden regularly rode Amtrak between Washington and his home in Wilmington, Delaware, during his 36 years as a senator and has proposed a big increase in federal money for the rail service.

Supporters say that increased use of public transit and rail would reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
CANBERRA, Australia (AP)  Australia will always put its national interests ahead of economic interests in its troubled relationship with China, a senior Australian lawmaker said Wednesday after a White House official predicted Sino-Australian tensions will persist.

Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg speaks to the media during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Wednesday, July 7, 2021. Frydenberg says Australia will keep its national interests ahead of economic interests in its troubled relationship with China after a White House official predicted long-term Sino-Australian tensions. (Lukas Coch/AAP Image via AP)

CANBERRA, Australia (AP)  Australia will always put its national interests ahead of economic interests in its troubled relationship with China, a senior Australian lawmaker said Wednesday after a White House official predicted Sino-Australian tensions will persist.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, deputy leader of Australias ruling conservative Liberal Party, said China remained a very important economic partner despite bilateral disputes that have disrupted tens of billions of dollars in trade in Australian commodities including coal, wine, beef, barley, wood and lobsters.

We will not put economic interests first, Frydenberg told reporters.

We will put the broader national interest first and that means standing up with a very clear and consistent sense of where our national interest is and that is what we have done, he added.

Frydenberg spoke after White House Coordinator for the Indo-Pacific Kurt Campbell said there was a harshness in Chinas approach to Australia that appears unyielding.

I would have thought we were basically settling in for the long-haul in terms of tensions between China and Australia, Campbell told an Asia Society webinar late Tuesday.

A clash over vaccine diplomacy this week was the latest rift in bilateral relations, which plummeted last year when Australia called for an independent investigation into the origins of and responses to COVID-19.

Australia on Tuesday denied Chinese government and state-media allegations that it was interfering in the rollout of Chinese vaccines in Papua New Guinea.

While an increasingly assertive Chinas relations have soured with several countries, Australia has been singled out for special treatment through a ban on government minister-to-minister contacts.

Campbell said China appeared to have attempted to cut Australia out of the herd and to try to see if they can effect Australia to completely change how it both sees itself and sees the world.

The United States . . . have tried to make clear that were not going to leave Australia on the field. Thats just not going to happen, Campbell said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin dismissed Campbells characterization of Chinese policy toward Australia and denied Beijing was interfering in other countries' internal affairs.

China welcomes all constructive suggestions and well-intentioned criticisms, but will never accept any condescending, preaching or lecturing and will resolutely follow its own path, Wang said.

Frydenberg said Australia was definitely living with a different China than weve seen in years prior.

He said Australia had protected its national interests by barring Chinese communication giant Huawei from involvement in the nations 5G networks, outlawing covert foreign interference in domestic politics and canceling deals struck by an Australian state government under Beijings Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.

Frydenberg has also personally blocked Chinese investment applications in Australia on national interest grounds.

Ive increasingly seen foreign investment applications that have been pursued not necessarily for commercial objectives but for strategic objectives and, as you know, Ive said no to applications that in the past may have been approved, Frydenberg said.

Wang accused Frydenberg of hyping the China threat theory and making irresponsible remarks for his own political interests.
NEW YORK (AP)  Last year, companies around the U.S. scrambled to figure out how to shut down their offices and set up their employees for remote work as the COVID-19 virus suddenly bore down on the world.

FILE - In this June 16, 2021 file photo, people walk through steam from a street grating during the morning commute in New York. Companies around the U.S. are scrambling to figure out how to bring employees back to the office after more than a year of them working remotely. Most are proceeding cautiously, trying to navigate declining COVID-19 infections against a potential backlash by workers who are not ready to return. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

NEW YORK (AP)  Last year, companies around the U.S. scrambled to figure out how to shut down their offices and set up their employees for remote work as the COVID-19 virus suddenly bore down on the world.

Now, in a mirror image, they are scrambling to figure out how to bring many of those employees back.

Most companies are proceeding cautiously, trying to navigate declining COVID-19 infections against a potential backlash by workers who are not ready to return.

Tensions have spilled into the public at a few companies where some staff have organized petitions or even walkouts to protest being recalled to the office. Many workers in high demand fields, such as tech or customer service, have options amid a rise in job postings promising remote work  an alluring prospect for people who moved during the pandemic to be closer to family or in search of more affordable cities.

A lot of people have relocated and dont want to come back,  said Chris Riccobono, the founder of Untuckit LLC, a casual mens clothing company. Theres a lot of crazy stuff that is a big day-to-day pain point."

Riccobono said he cant wait to get his 100 corporate staffers back to the office in Manhattan's Soho neighborhood because he believes that productivity and morale are higher that way. Starting in September, the company will require those employees to report to the office Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays on the hope that the flexibility of a hybrid schedule will keep everyone happy.

FILE - In this June 15, 2021 file photo, a sign warning of COVID-19 dangers remains in place outside the entryway of a state office building in Jefferson City, Mo. Companies around the U.S. are scrambling to figure out how to bring employees back to the office after more than a year of them working remotely. Most are proceeding cautiously, trying to navigate declining COVID-19 infections against a potential backlash by workers who are not ready to return. (AP Photo/David A. Lieb)

Many others are similarly introducing a gradual return. Companies like Amazon and automakers Ford and General Motors have promised to adopt a hybrid approach permanently for their office staff, responding to internal and public surveys showing an overwhelming preference for work-from-home options.

But implementing a hybrid workplace can be a headache, from identifying which roles are most conducive to remote work to deciding which days of the week employees need to be in the office. There are client meetings to consider. And some business leaders argue newer employees need more face-time as they begin their careers or start new at at company.

Thursday is the new Monday," according to Salesforce, a San Francisco-based technology firm, which found that Thursday was the most popular day for employees to report to the office when the company reopened its Sydney offices back in August.

Riccobono, on the other hand, insists employees show up on Mondays to get organized and set the tone for the week. Like many employers, however, he acknowledges he is still figuring things out as he navigates uncharted territory.

We will revisit in January,  he said. We will see how it works.

Across the country, office buildings in the top 10 U.S. cities had an average occupancy rate of about 32% in late June, according to estimates from Kastle Systems a security company that monitors access-card wipes at some 2,600 buildings. In Manhattan, just 12% of office employees had returned as of late May, according to the latest survey by the Partnership for New York City, a non-profit organization of major business leaders and employers.

Romina Rugova, an executive at fashion brand Mansur Gavriel, enjoyed the tranquility as she sat on a riverside bench in lower Manhattan after a rare day back at the office for a meet-and-greet with the companys newly hired head of e-commerce.

Romina Rugova is photographed on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 in New York. A mother of two, Rugova had mixed feelings about returning to the office. Seeing colleagues in person after so long was invigorating, and she did not always enjoy blurring her family and professional life. (AP Photo/Alexandra Olson)

A mother of two, Rugova had mixed feelings about returning to the office. Seeing colleagues in person after so long was invigorating, and she did not always enjoy blurring her family and professional life.

The challenge is you have to be three people at the same time. You have to be a professional, you have to be a cook, you have to be a cleaner, you have to be a mom, Rugova said. Being in the office after a while was so nice and refreshing. Its completely different experience, you dont realize it.

But she doesnt want to completely give up the three hours of extra time she saves without the commute. Many of her colleagues feel the same way, so Mansur Gavriel will likely implement a flexible policy when most of its 40 employees return to the office after Labor Day.

We are still figuring it out, Rugova said.

While most employers will accelerate their return-to-office plans over the summer, nearly 40% of office employees will still be working remotely in September, according to the Partnership for New York City's survey.

The trend has raised concerns about an unequal economic recovery, given that working remotely is an option available to a privileged few. Only about 15% of workers teleworked because of the pandemic in June, according the U.S. Department of Labor's monthly jobs report. Most work jobs at restaurants, schools, hospitals, factories and other places that require them to show up in person.

Some of large investment banks, which are top employers and office space tenants in New York City, are leading the push to bring employees back, taking a hardline approach in comparison with tech giants that have rolled out generous remote work policies.

If you can go a restaurant in New York City, you can come into the office, Gorman said, though he acknowledged that there should be flexibility for parents still struggling with childcare logistics that fell apart during the pandemic.

Gorman also made clear that he was not open to the work from anywhere mentality that some companies have adopted, saying employees who want to earn New York City salaries should work in the city. The CEOs of JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs have made similar comments, sparking furious debate about whether they would push employees out the door.

It remains to be seen how deeply remote work policies will influence recruitment and retention. But professionals looking for flexibility are finding they have options.

Brecia Young, a data analytics scientist and mother of a 1-year-old child, had choices when she was looking to switch jobs from a small Chicago firm. She accepted an offer from Seattle-based real estate company Zillow in part because the company allowed her to work from home and stay in Chicago, where she and her husband have relatives to help with child care.

Moving to the West Coast was on the table but it would have been a real hardship, said Young, adding that her husband also would have had to look for a new job. I love the time savings just in terms of the commute. It's like 90 minutes of saved time that I can repurpose.

____

Associated Press writer Anne D'Innocenzio contributed to this story from New York.

____

This story was first published on July 7, 2021. It was updated on July 8, 2021 to correct the title of Chris Riccobono. He is the founder of Untuckit LLC, not the CEO.
UNITED NATIONS (AP)  Egypts foreign minister said Wednesday he will urge the U.N. Security Council to require Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia to negotiate a binding agreement within six months on the contentious issue of water availability from the dam that the Ethiopians are building on the main tributary of the Nile River.

FILE - In this June 21, 2020, file photo, Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shukry speaks during an interview with The Associated Press at his office in Cairo, Egypt. Shukry said Wednesday, July 7, 2021, he will urge the U.N. Security Council to require Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia to negotiate a binding agreement within six months on the contentious issue of water availability from the dam that the Ethiopians are building on the main tributary of the Nile River. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty, File)

UNITED NATIONS (AP)  Egypts foreign minister said Wednesday he will urge the U.N. Security Council to require Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia to negotiate a binding agreement within six months on the contentious issue of water availability from the dam that the Ethiopians are building on the main tributary of the Nile River.

Sameh Shukry said in an interview with The Associated Press that 10 years of negotiations over the hydroelectric dam on the Blue Nile have failed to ensure that water will continue to flow downstream in sufficient amounts to Sudan and to Egypt, where 100 million people are dependent on the river as their sole source of water.

Shukry said Egypt and Sudan called for a Security Council meeting in light of the existential threat to the people of both countries from the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. He also cited Ethiopias decision to start a second filling of the dam's reservoir, which he said violates a 2015 agreement.

The Security Council is scheduled to meet Thursday and will hear from Shukry, Sudans foreign minister and Ethiopias water minister as well as its 15 member nations. It will be briefed by U.N. special envoy for the Horn of Africa Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, U.N. environment chief Inger Andersen and a diplomat from Congo, which holds the African Union presidency.

Tunisia, the Arab representative on the council, has circulated a draft resolution that requests Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia to resume negotiations at the invitation of the African Union chairman and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to finalize a legally binding agreement by next January on filling and operating the dam. It says the deal must ensure Ethiopias ability to generate hydropower ... while preventing the inflicting of significant harm on the water security of downstream states.

In addition, the draft resolution would urge Ethiopia to refrain from continuing to unilaterally fill" the dam's reservoir and call on Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia to refrain from making any statements, or taking any action that may jeopardize the negotiation process.

We certainly do support it and believe its a balanced resolution," Shukry said.

He said it empowers the central role of the African Union chairman to conduct negotiations in an enhanced format" to find ways to resolve "the issues that have obstructed reaching a conclusion to these negotiations.

The dam is 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 Ethiopias state media. Ethiopia says the $5 billion dam is essential for making sure the vast majority of its people don't lack electricity.

Shukry has been in New York for several days meeting with all council members to make his case that the resolution is a call for the U.N.s most powerful body to act under its mandate to ensure international peace and security. He said he also has argued that the council taking up the issue would not set a precedent for future discussions of water issues.

On the contrary, the main element of the resolution is very apparent -- that it is encouraging the states to continue to resolve a conflict through peaceful means, through negotiations, he said.

Asked if he foresaw any opposition among the 15 council members to the resolution, Shukry said Egypt believes many of them recognize the importance of addressing the issue. So we believe that in principle, and on the responsibility of the council, there should be no opposition, he said.

He said his message on Thursday will be that negotiations have to have a conclusion,

The resolution offers the best way to ensure that Ethiopia can take advantage of the dam to promote its development while avoiding any significant harm on either Sudan or Egypt, he said.

Stressing that Egypt is 95% desert, and that 60% of Egyptians depend on agriculture for their livelihoods, Shukry said there must be legally binding rules governing the filling of the reservoir and guaranteeing as an insurance that during drought, or an extended drought, Ethiopia would fill the dam in a responsible manner in conformity with the international guidelines and rules that govern this issue.

Shukry said his message to Ethiopia is that agreements have been reached elsewhere in Africa, including Senegal and Niger, as well as in Europe on the Danube River and in Asia on sharing water on rivers that cross borders.

If this cant be achieved, he said, millions of people in Sudan and Egypt will live without security with devastating effects on their livelihoods.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi warned Ethiopia earlier this year that his government would not tolerate any moves that would reduce Egypts share of water from the Nile. He said that all options are open should Egypts share be touched, urging Addis Ababa to cooperate with Cairo and Khartoum to avert any conflict.

Asked if military action was a possibility, Shukry said Egypt will continue to seek a peaceful resolution of the dispute.

So far, unfortunately, our Ethiopian brethren have not demonstrated the necessary flexibility or moderation that can lead to an agreement, Shukry said.

The Egyptian government, he said, "will take whatever measure is necessary to protect the people of Egypt and their water rights.
PARIS (AP)  A French court on Wednesday convicted 11 of 13 people charged with harassing and threatening a teenager who harshly criticized Islam in online posts and ended up changing schools and receiving police protection to preserve her safety.

FILE - In this June 21, 2021 file photo, the teen who has been identified publicly only by her first name, Mila, leaves the courtroom in Paris. A French court on Wednesday convicted 11 of 13 people pin a landmark cyberbullying case for their harassment and threats against the teenager who savaged Islam in online posts. The court handed down suspended prison sentences of four to six months and fines. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus,File)

PARIS (AP)  A French court on Wednesday convicted 11 of 13 people charged with harassing and threatening a teenager who harshly criticized Islam in online posts and ended up changing schools and receiving police protection to preserve her safety.

The verdict was the first of its kind since France created a new Paris court in January to prosecute online crimes, including harassment and discrimination.

The court sentenced the defendants to suspended prison terms of four to six months and fined them about $1,770 each.

The teen at the center of the landmark cyberbullying case, who has been identified publicly only by her first name, Mila, testified last month that she felt as if she had been condemned to death.

Speaking after the verdict, she said all victims should join the fight against online abuse and that harassers should be denied access to social media networks.

I was expecting worse and, honestly, we won and will win again because what I want is that, united, we will never give up. We will continue to fight, Mila said.

FILE - In this June 21, 2021 file photo, the teen who has been identified publicly only by her first name, Mila, leaves the courtroom in Paris. The landmark cyberbullying trial in Paris, involving thousands of threats against a teenager who savaged Islam in online posts, is blazing a trail in efforts to punish and prevent online abuse. It's also raising uncomfortable questions about France's freedom of expression, and freedom to commit blasphemy. But most of all, it's been a trial about the power of the online word, and prosecutors hope it serves as a wake-up call to those who treat it lightly. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus,File)

Mila, who describes herself as atheist, was 16 when she started posting videos on Instagram and later TikTok harshly criticizing Islam and the Quran. Now 18, she testified that I dont like any religion, not just Islam.

What I want is that those (who harass) be considered a plague and ought to be forbidden access to social networks(,)...those who cyberbully, who threaten with death, who deprive one of their freedom and who incite one to suicide, she said. "And I never want the victims to be blamed again.

Her lawyer, Richard Malka, said Mila has received some 100,000 threatening messages, including death threats, rape threats, misogynist messages and hateful messages about her sexual orientation.

Mila left one high school, then another. She is now monitored daily by the police for her safety.

Social networks are the street. When you pass someone in the street, you dont insult them, threaten them, make fun of them, the presiding judge, Michel Humbert, said. What you dont do in the street, dont do on social media.

The trial raised uncomfortable questions about freedom of expression, freedom to criticize a religion and respect for Frances millions of Muslims. But the court case was focused on cyberbullying.

The 13 defendants from around France came from various backgrounds and religions and were but a handful of all the people who went after Mila with online comments. The others could not be tracked down.

Juan Branco, the lawyer for one of the defendants, denounced the premise of the trial.

Symbolic trials in which one tries to use one person to send a message to the rest of society are very dangerous," Branco said. He said his client, identified only as Jordan L., is not a fanatic, is someone who respects beliefs, (but) who doesnt like this climate where one part of the French population is systemically under attack.

He said his client was "revolting against that without participating in anything bigger and without even sending a direct message to Mila in particular.

Online harassment, threats and hate speech have been on the increase since the creation in 2018 of a law criminalizing such acts. Police counted 2,128 such offenses in 2019 and 2,848 last year, according to French Citizenship Minister Marlene Schiappa.

The entire country must condemn the aggressors and cease to blame the victims, Schiappa said in a statement after Wednesday's verdict.

One of the 13 on trial was acquitted because his post - Blow it up - was directed at Milas Twitter account, not at the young woman. The court dropped the case against another defendant for faulty procedures.

Amid growing French efforts to prosecute and prevent online abuse, another French court ordered Twitter on Tuesday to share details within two months about its procedures to stop users from inciting violence or racial hatred or committing other offenses.

The ruling arose from a civil lawsuit brought by groups that fight racism and anti-LGBT discrimination. The groups argued that Twitter was not doing enough to moderate and remove content that violates French hate speech or other laws. The social network's lawyer in the case, Karim Beylouni, said Wednesday that the company is deciding whether to appeal.

Meanwhile, Paris prosecutors are investigating racist posts targeting soccer player Kylian Mbappe after a failed kick eliminated France, which won the World Cup in 2018, from the European soccer championship last week.

Vaux-Montagny reported from Lyon. Jeffrey Schaeffer in Paris contributed.
MONTREAL - Goodfood Market Corp. reported a net loss of $2 million despite revenue rising to a record $107.8 million in its third quarter, a 24 per cent increase compared with a year ago at the start of the pandemic.

The Goodfood Market Corp. logo is shown in a handout. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO

MONTREAL - Goodfood Market Corp. reported a net loss of $2 million despite revenue rising to a record $107.8 million in its third quarter, a 24 per cent increase compared with a year ago at the start of the pandemic.

Goodfood CEO Jonathan Ferrari said the results were strong given the same quarter in 2020 had been positively impacted by pandemic demand.

"Our impressive third quarter results reflected the benefits of our leading and differentiated ready-to-cook offering, growing grocery selection and same-day fulfilment capabilities in key markets," he said in a statement Wednesday.

Those improvements drove larger basket sizes and higher order frequency from increasingly loyal customers, Ferrari said.

But the online grocery company's positive growth continued to be impacted by investments in people, processes and technology, he said.

The Montreal-based online grocery and meal kit company said its loss amounted to three cents per diluted share for the quarter ended May 31.

The result compared with a profit of nearly $2.8 million or five cents per diluted share on $86.6 million in revenue in its third quarter last year.

Goodfood announced last month the lease of its first tech-enabled fulfilment centre in Ottawa with automation capable of delivering 4,000 products on a same-day basis.

"I am pleased with the progress we continue to make as evidenced by the expansion to 970 grocery products, the launch of the new Goodfood mobile application, and the recent announcement of our first local fulfilment centre in Ottawa, which will allow us to offer same-day delivery in a third major Canadian market," Ferrari said.

Meanwhile, the company said a decrease in incentives and credits used to encourage consumers to try Goodfood's meal kits contributed to higher revenue.

Goodfood also said its automated fulfilment centres and improvements to its "last-mile delivery capabilities" helped lower shipping and other production costs.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 7, 2021.

Companies in this story: (TSX:FOOD)
CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. (AP)  President Joe Biden pitched his proposed investments in families and education at an Illinois community college on Wednesday, telling residents of the swing district that what's good for families is also good for the economy.

President Joe Biden speaks about the COVID-19 vaccination program during an event in the South Court Auditorium on the White House campus, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. (AP)  President Joe Biden pitched his proposed investments in families and education at an Illinois community college on Wednesday, telling residents of the swing district that what's good for families is also good for the economy.

The president set out for the Chicago suburbs to bolster support for both his bipartisan infrastructure deal and a broader package that he expects will be passed with only Democratic votes. His message is one designed to resonate with suburban parents, college graduates and the working poor  a coalition that was key to Biden's election win last year.

Theres a lot of work ahead of us to finish the job, but were going to get it done," Biden said in a 30-minute speech that he self-deprecatingly suggested was boring but important. Were going to reimagine what our economy and our future could be.

Before the speech, Biden toured a metals lab at the McHenry County College. His message was that any investments in manufacturing, roads and bridges should be paired with funding for child care, health care and education.

The president listed details of the bipartisan infrastructure deal, but the agreement constitutes only part of the $4 trillion in spending Biden has proposed in a broader plan to reinvigorate the economy and boost the middle class. Republicans have warned that the tax increases on corporations and the wealthy needed to fund Biden's ambitions will hurt the economy.

President Joe Biden arrives on Air Force One at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Wednesday, July 7, 2021. Biden is visiting Illinois to amplify his "Build Back Better" agenda. (AP Photo/Shafkat Anowar)

Among Biden's proposals are two years of free community college, universal prekindergarten and paid family and medical leave. He also seeks to extend the expansion in the child tax credit and the health care premium subsidies from the COVID-19 aid bill.

Democrats plan to include much of this in a bill they hope to pass through a legislative maneuver that would require just a simple majority vote, skirting the 60-vote hurdle in an evenly divided Senate. Biden has said he would prefer that the two bills move through Congress together, and Democrats are hoping to make progress this month on both.

The Biden administration promoted its agenda on multiple fronts Wednesday.

Supporters of former President Donald Trump are seen as the motorcade for President Joe Biden passes by Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

First lady Jill Biden visited an elementary school in Washington to discuss how the trillions of dollars the president wants Congress to spend on families would pay for more affordable child care, preschool for all 3- and 4-year-olds, larger salaries for teachers and modern school buildings with safe drinking water, along with more teachers of color and more nurses and counselors to help students with their emotional and other needs.

You and your students will continue to be one of our top priorities, not just in one legislative bill, but in everything we do, she said during a speech to a virtual meeting of the American Federation of Teachers union.

President Biden was greeted by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot when he landed in Illinois and was met at the community college by Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker; Illinois' two Democratic senators, Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth; and Democratic Rep. Lauren Underwood, who represents the district.

Biden won Illinois 14th Congressional District by about 2 percentage points in 2020, and Underwood won reelection by less than that. Hers is one of the top-targeted seats in the nation and is emblematic of the kind of district Democrats will need to hold onto in the 2022 midterms if they hope to maintain control of the House.

Associated Press writer Darlene Superville contributed to this report from Washington.
KAMPALA, Uganda (AP)  Holding out for nearly $9,000 in unpaid medical bills, one hospital in Uganda allegedly refused to hand over the dead body of a patient who had received oxygen therapy for several days.

A man with a cough but who had not been tested for the coronavirus uses COVIDEX, a locally-made herbal medicine approved by the government for use as a supportive treatment for viral infections, in Kampala, Uganda Tuesday, July 6, 2021. Some hospitals with COVID-19 wards are charging prohibitive sums for most Ugandans and many are now self-medicating within their homes, experimenting with everything from traditional medicine to a newly approved herbal remedy selling briskly as COVIDEX. (AP Photo/Nicholas Bamulanzeki)

KAMPALA, Uganda (AP)  Holding out for nearly $9,000 in unpaid medical bills, one hospital in Uganda allegedly refused to hand over the dead body of a patient who had received oxygen therapy for several days.

Tofa Tamale said he tried to reason with hospital managers, hoping for an arrangement that would preserve his mother's dignity. After a lawsuit was threatened, the body was released to the family but with no post-mortem report.

The hospital didn't give us a single piece of documentation," said Tamale, who believes his mother had COVID-19 before she suffered a stroke.

The case, one of two publicly known as this East African country sees a surge in COVID-19 infections, has shocked many in a socially conservative society where bereavement customs are strictly observed.

You cant say youre holding onto a dead body in order for you to get your fee. Thats repugnant, said Joseph Luzige, an attorney who represented Tamale.

The case also highlights the sense of chaos in COVID-19 care as Ugandans grapple with the high cost of treatment. Some hospitals are accused of demanding cash deposits upfront before admission. Others are said to demand security items such as title deeds in lieu of cash, drawing the attention of an anti-corruption investigator who says her office has received over 200 complaints.

Uganda has confirmed a total of 84,554 COVID-19 cases, including 1,995 deaths as of Wednesday. Authorities are reporting dozens of deaths a day.

As in many other African countries, the actual number of infections and deaths are believed to be much higher because testing is not widely available. And now the speed and scale of Africas third wave is like nothing weve seen before," the World Health Organizations Africa director, Matshidiso Moeti, said last week.

The highly infectious delta variant is fueling Africa's new surge in cases, a worrying situation on a continent where just over 1% of the continent's 1.3 billion people are fully vaccinated.

In Uganda, where less than 1% of the country's 44 million people have received even one shot of the AstraZeneca vaccine, hundreds of new cases daily are overwhelming public health centers and creating more business for private facilities, which traditionally accept cash.

Some hospitals with COVID-19 wards have charged nearly $1,500 in daily treatment fees, a prohibitive sum for most Ugandans. Many are now self-medicating within their homes, experimenting with everything from traditional medicine to new herbal remedies.

There are many Ugandans who are dying in their homes simply because they fear to face high-deposit hospital fees, Col. Edith Nakalema, leader of an anti-corruption unit under the presidency, said in a series of Twitter posts. If you have not yet suffered this personally remember that you might suffer it soon.

Grace Kiwanuka, executive director of an association of private health groups, said hospitals are caught between a rock and a hard place as they balance their obligations to patients and business concerns in an unprecedented pandemic. The market is dictating certain prices we have to pay, she said, citing complicated COVID-19 cases of patients with kidney failure who stay in intensive care units for several days.

Some die, leaving hefty bills that hospital directors have to account for, she said: I feel for these people. I really do. But the fact is, this is medicine.

The fear of detaining patients  dead or alive  over medical bills is a source of frustration, said Sarah Mirembe, who recently accused a hospital director of not honoring his word to waive certain fees.

Although her grandmother recovered from COVID-19, Mirembe said, the experience left her upset after the family had to sanitize the filthy room she was given. After threatening to take her grandmother elsewhere, she was able to negotiate the daily rate down to $170 from $714.

The total bill was $4,000, she said.

What if I didn't have this money?" she asked.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP)  The largest party in Malaysias ruling alliance said Thursday that it will withdraw support for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin immediately and urged him to make way for a new leader.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP)  The largest party in Malaysias ruling alliance said Thursday that it will withdraw support for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin immediately and urged him to make way for a new leader.

The announcement is a political bombshell that could potentially trigger the collapse of the government if he refuses to quit and spark a general election.

In this Wednesday, May 11, 2020, photo, Malaysia's Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, right, and Defense Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob attend a press conference in the Prime Minister's office in Putrajaya, Malaysia. Muhyiddin has appointed Ismail as his deputy, in a calculated bid to dissuade the party from withdrawing support for his leadership. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Muhyiddin took power in March 2020 after initiating the downfall of the former reformist government that won the 2018 elections. His Bersatu party joined with the United Malays National Organization, or UMNO, which was ousted in the 2018 polls, and others to form a new government, but his alliance has a razor-thin majority in Parliament.

UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Muhyiddins government has failed to curb the coronavirus pandemic. Instead, he said its inconsistent policies and half-baked lockdown measures have deepened the economic hardship.

Zahid urged Muhyiddin to resign and make way for a temporary leader to take over until the pandemic eases and a general election can be held safely.

This is important to allow a government that is truly stable and has the mandate of the majority of the people to be formed, he said in a statement after a meeting of UMNOs top decision-making body.

There was no immediate reaction from Muhyiddin or his party.

UMNOs decision came just hours after Muhyiddin named an UMNO lawmaker as his deputy, in what was seen as a calculated bid to persuade the party to stay on. Tensions have been brewing for months in the ruling alliance, with UMNO unhappy at playing second fiddle to Bersatu.

The prime ministers office named Defense Minister Ismail Sabri as the deputy premier and said he also would retain his security post. Muhyiddin had broken with tradition by not appointing a deputy premier to his Cabinet last year but named four senior ministers instead, two of which are from his own party and Ismail from UMNO.

Muhyiddins office said Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein would take over Ismails post as one of the four senior ministers, while retaining his diplomatic portfolio. It had voiced hope that the promotions would unite the ruling parties and boost the governments strength.

Analysts said Muhyiddin has split UMNO by appointing second-tier leaders to his Cabinet and reinforced it with the new appointments. Both those two UMNO lawmakers are in a camp opposed to UMNO leader Zahid.

But the move failed to stem the strong opposition in UMNO to Muhyiddin and his party.

UMNO earlier this year said the party will not work with Muhyiddins alliance in the next general election. Its attempt to seek early elections has been stymied by a worsening coronavirus crisis, with the country plunged in a second national lockdown since June 1.

Zahid noted that the countrys deaths from the pandemic had doubled to 5,768 since the lockdown began. Total confirmed coronavirus infections in Malaysia now stand near 800,000, with daily infections breaching 7,000 in the past two days.

He said Muhyiddin abused a coronavirus emergency that was declared in January for his political gain. The emergency suspended Parliament, which means support for Muhyiddins leadership cannot be tested.

Muhyiddin agreed to let Parliament resume July 26, ahead of the Aug. 1 expiration of the emergency, after growing pressure, including from the nations king.

Zahid didnt propose anyone as the interim prime minister but said UMNO will not support opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, who has been lobbying for support. It is unclear how the political situation will pan out as no coalition now has a clear majority.

As long as Bersatu is in charge, UMNO will not be all right, said Oh Ei Sun, senior fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs.
NEW YORK (AP)  For Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, the inspirations for art and philanthropy are inextricably linked.

NEW YORK (AP)  For Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, the inspirations for art and philanthropy are inextricably linked.

On Wednesday, Miranda is announcing a series of donations to organizations that serve immigrants, whose experiences are central to the new film version of his hit Broadway musical In the Heights.

For me," Miranda told The Associated Press, "philanthropy and artistic inspiration kind of come from the same place."

He is forever drawn to what he calls the things that dont leave you alone. Immigration, he said, is both a passion and a foundational element of his work.

In the Heights," he noted, centers on immigrants from the Caribbean and Latin America living in New York City. And Hamilton, he said, is sort of the proto-immigrant story.

I think I am in awe of people who can make an impossible leap to leave everything they know behind and start a new life here, he said. "And I think its one of the great things about our country.

In honor of the Fourth of July, the Miranda Family Fund awarded a total of $225,000 in grants to immigrant rights groups and policy reform advocates throughout the country. The recipients are Arizonas Pima County Justice for All, Californias Coalition for Human Rights Los Angeles, Colorado Immigration Rights Coalition, Michigans Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services, Texas Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, Utah Refugee Connection, Asian Americans Advancing Justice in Washington, and both Alianza for Progress and Orlando Center for Justice in Florida.

Luis Miranda Jr., Lin-Manuels father and co-founder of the MirRam Group, a political consulting firm that has worked on campaigns for Democratic Sens. Hillary Clinton, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, said all the recipients were recommended by friends of the family in the field of immigration.

It was important to the Mirandas to make the grants unrestricted, so the money would go to whatever the organization believes is important, Luis said. Its going to make a difference.

They know what they need, Lin-Manuel added.

Though the Miranda Family Fund has been active for years in donations to the arts community, especially arts education, the donations announced Wednesday mark an expansion in its giving for immigration, which previously included working with the Hispanic Federation to establish the Immigrants: We Get the Job Done Coalition.

The fight for immigrants' rights became a much larger part of the film version of In the Heights than it was in the musical that opened on Broadway in 2008. Lin-Manuel said the idea to make the character of Sonny a DREAMer, an undocumented immigrant who has Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, came from Quiara Alegria Hudes, who wrote the screenplay.

Immigration was on the front page in a totally different way in the past few years, Lin-Manuel said. So in updating it, it sort of only made sense to make that a part of the conversation because that is part of the conversation here uptown in our communities. And so whats so brilliant about Quiaras choice to make Sonny struggle with his undocumented status is that hes the most New Yorkian character. Hes the one who said, If I had $96,000, I would fix my neighborhood. 

Luis added that they had that character in mind in choosing the organizations to help.

Its to make sure that we continue to help those organizations that are helping people like Sonny  refugees, immigrants, people who are coming and are trying to figure out how to make it here, he said.

Lin-Manuel said that highlighting the story of an undocumented immigrant was important to him.

I think thats one of the things art can do that headlines cant always do, he said. Now, you feel like, you know someone whos going through this. You know Sonny, and it just it goes into your bloodstream in a different way.

He said the donations are another way of demonstrating support.

Were at our best when were celebrating our promise, Lin-Manuel said. So many people come here from all over the world because of this promise that we export  and that we so often fall short of. If you work hard, there is a possibility of a better life. We want to help the organizations that help to make that possible for folks who make that journey.

Lin-Manuel said it's vital to showcase both the successes and the struggles of being an immigrant.

The trick is not to look at it through rose-colored glasses, but through really clear eyeglasses, he said. Its always something that we can be working on, always something we can do better.

He holds his own work to that idea as well. The release of the movie version of In the Heights created controversy because there were no dark-skinned, Afro-Latino characters in the film's lead roles. Lin-Manuel issued an apology and promised "to do better in my future projects."

Every time you make a frame, you hear from the folks who say, Hey, Im not in the frame, he said. I take that learning with me to the next project. But I also know, because I live here, how proud this neighborhood is of this movie. Afro-Latinos and Latinos of every shade and how seen they feel and I can understand what I can do better next time. Im holding space for all of it. I think thats the only way to grow as an artist. Hamilton got criticism. Everything I do gets criticism. And I can take it and I can grow from it.

You have to understand I started writing In the Heights because I didnt feel seen, he continued. So I am also hoping that someone is going to see In the Heights and say, That wasnt my story and write their own. I would be thrilled by that.

One thing that is not on Lin-Manuel's mind, though, is returning to Hamilton, which is set to reopen on Broadway on Sept. 14. Theorists were noticing Lin-Manuel's longish hair recently and wondered whether he was planning a return to the Tony award-winning smash.

He's not. And he cut off his hair to prove it, which Luis happily tweeted out.

I have three more movies coming out this year, right? said Lin-Manuel, referring to the animated Vivo out this summer, Disneys Encanto this fall and his directorial debut Tick, Tick... Boom. I dont have the bandwidth to jump back in the show.

The Associated Press receives support from the Lilly Endowment for coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
BOSTON (AP)  A founder of a now-defunct Massachusetts pharmaceutical facility responsible for a deadly meningitis outbreak will spend 14 and a half years behind bars, a federal judge ruled Wednesday, lengthening his initial punishment of nine years that was tossed out by an appeals court.

FILE - In this June 26, 2017, file photo, Barry Cadden, president of the New England Compounding Center, followed by members of his legal team, arrives at the federal courthouse for his sentencing in Boston. Cadden, founder of a now-defunct Massachusetts pharmaceutical facility responsible for a deadly meningitis outbreak, will spend 14 and a half years behind bars, a federal judge ruled Wednesday, July 7, 2021, lengthening his initial punishment of nine years that was tossed out by an appeals court. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia, File)

BOSTON (AP)  A founder of a now-defunct Massachusetts pharmaceutical facility responsible for a deadly meningitis outbreak will spend 14 and a half years behind bars, a federal judge ruled Wednesday, lengthening his initial punishment of nine years that was tossed out by an appeals court.

Barry Cadden, who was president and co-owner of the now-closed New England Compounding Center, showed little emotion as he was sentenced for a second time after being convicted of fraud and other crimes in the 2012 outbreak that killed 100 people and sickened hundreds of others.

The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals vacated Cadden's sentence last year and ordered the judge to re-examine whether certain enhancements in sentencing guidelines that call for stiffer punishments should apply.

The outbreak was traced to mold-tainted steroid injections produced by the company in Framingham, located about 20 miles (32 kilometers) west of Boston. The scandal threw a spotlight on compounding pharmacies, which differ from ordinary drugstores in that they custom mix medications and supply them directly to hospitals and doctors.

Prosecutors say the facility cut corners to boost profits, neglected to properly disinfect its rooms, shipped drugs before receiving test results and ignored warning signs that its production methods were unsafe. Prosecutors had urged U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns to resentence Cadden to more than 17 years in prison.

Mr. Cadden ran an operation full of fraud and opportunism that was so risky to patients and he profited well off of it, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Strachan, chief of the health care fraud unit in Massachusetts' federal prosecutors office. He knew the dangers he was creating for patients in this country every time he got behind the wheel at NECC."

Strachan read aloud a letter written from the mother of a woman who continues to suffer serious health problems and is confined to bed 75% of the time as a result of receiving the mold-tainted injection. Laura Brinton's mother implored the judge to impose a longer punishment, detailing the agony that her daughter and others have endured.

My beautiful, educated, gracious, successful daughter has asked me many times why we didn't let her die, Brinton's mother wrote in the letter. "I have told her we all hoped that living would bring with it restored health. How wrong we were."

After lengthy trials in Boston's federal court, Cadden and pharmacist Glenn Chin, who oversaw the facility's so-called clean rooms, were both acquitted of second-degree murder under under the federal racketeering law but were found guilty of fraud, racketeering and other crimes.

They were both subsequently charged with second-degree murder in Michigan state court, where the cases are still pending.

Cadden's lawyers had tried to push the blame onto Chin and argue Cadden had every reason to believe the drugs were sterile. Chin pointed the finger back at Cadden, arguing that the co-owner was the one calling the shots.

Cadden tearfully apologized to the victims during his first sentencing hearing in 2017, saying I am sorry for the whole range of suffering that resulted from my companys drugs.

Cadden's attorney acknowledged that the victims have endured great suffering and great harm," but noted that Cadden was acquitted of the most serious charges against him. Defense attorney Bruce Singal said Cadden's original nine-year sentence was more than fair for a fraud conviction.

From a legal standpoint, I do not believe that it is appropriate that this court's sentence reflect the deaths and serious injuries that resulted because they have no relationship to the offenses of conviction, he said.

The appeals court also ordered a new sentence for Chin, who got eight years behind bars in 2018. Chin is expected to be resentenced on Thursday.
NEW YORK (AP)  Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones used major philanthropic donors to build her future as a tenured professor at Howard University, just as other major donors sought to stymie the Pulitzer Prize-winning Black investigative reporter at the University of North Carolina.

FILE - In this July 6, 2021, file photo, an electronic signboard welcomes people to the Howard University campus in Washington. Backed by $20 million in donations, Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones announced Tuesday that she will establish the Center for Journalism and Democracy at Howard to increase diversity in journalism. Hannah-Jones used major philanthropic donors to build her future as a tenured professor, just as other major donors sought to stymie the Pulitzer Prize-winning Black investigative reporter at the University of North Carolina. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

NEW YORK (AP)  Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones used major philanthropic donors to build her future as a tenured professor at Howard University, just as other major donors sought to stymie the Pulitzer Prize-winning Black investigative reporter at the University of North Carolina.

Backed by $20 million in donations, Hannah-Jones announced Tuesday the establishment of the Center for Journalism and Democracy at Howard to increase diversity in journalism. She also said that political interference from Arkansas newspaper publisher Walter Hussman, who pledged $25 million to UNC's journalism school and whose name adorns its building, resulted in questions about her receiving tenure, which she was belatedly offered last week following an outcry from students and faculty members.

How could I believe Id be able to exert academic freedom with the schools largest donor so willing to disparage me publicly and attempt to pull the strings behind the scenes? Hannah-Jones wrote in a statement. Why would I want to teach at a university whose top leadership chose to remain silent, to refuse transparency, to fail to publicly advocate that I be treated like every other Knight Chair before me?

Hussman said Tuesday that he still has concerns about The 1619 Project but that he respects Hannah-Jones.

The donations announced Tuesday  $5 million each from the MacArthur, Knight and Ford foundations and an anonymous donor  will also bring award-winning author Ta-Nehisi Coates to Howard, a historically Black school in the nation's capital and his alma mater, as the Sterling Brown Chair in the Department of English.

Its a large gift for journalism, and one that points to a growing philanthropic effort to diversify news organizations and strengthen journalistic standards.

It is important in a democracy like America, that journalism reflects America, said Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation. The community of people who are producing news and information needs to look like America, if journalism is to be credible. ... And its not just Black journalists. Its the diverse array of journalists. Its journalists who have a disability, and journalists who live in small towns and rural America.

FILE - In this Nov. 21, 2019, file photo, Author Ta-Nehisi Coates speaks during the Celebration of the Life of Toni Morrison, at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York. Backed by $20 million in donations, Hannah-Jones announced Tuesday, July 6, 2021, that she will establish the Center for Journalism and Democracy at Howard, which will also bring award-winning author Ta-Nehisi Coates to Howard. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)

In the past five years, the Ford Foundation has given more than $77 million to various media diversification initiatives in the U.S., including to minority journalism groups and research projects centered on newsroom diversity, Walker said.

What happened at UNC is deeply regrettable, he said.

At Howard, Hannah-Jones has accepted something that is more meaningful and more valuable to her. That allows her to have both her dignity and values affirmed, Walker said.

The new center will attempt to tackle the lack of racial diversity in many newsrooms and senior management. A 2018 report from the Pew Research Center found that 77% of newsroom employees were white, compared to 65% for U.S. workers overall. And according to a 2019 survey of 428 news organizations from the News Leaders Association, only 18.8% of newsroom managers were from racial minorities.

It is clear that within journalism, as in other fields, there are too few people of color in positions of leadership, said John Palfrey, the president of the MacArthur Foundation. And one of the things philanthropy can do is, support institutions, like Howard University, that are correcting that imbalance.

So when Hannah-Jones approached the foundations with a vision of what the funding could do at Howard, they were happy to pitch in.

Before pledging its $5 million donation to support Howards center, the MacArthur Foundation already intended to support the next phase of Hannah-Jones 1619 Project  a New York Times Magazine endeavor focusing on America's history of slavery. In addition to winning a Pulitzer Prize for her work on the project, Hannah-Jones was a recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship, also known as the genius grant.

The best way to fund Hannah-Jones ongoing work was to join with the Ford Foundation and Knight Foundation, and to make a larger grant than we anticipated to the new Howard center, Palfrey said. This was certainly an unplanned grant. But it struck us as an unusually wonderful opportunity to support Black journalism.

The $5 million grant from the Knight Foundation, the third funder, will include a $500,000 investment to launch a symposium that aims to strengthen the teaching of journalism across various historically Black colleges and universities, according to a statement from the foundation, which has an endowed chair of journalism at Florida A&M University, which is also a historically Black college.

The newly announced gifts add to the estimated $1 billion in philanthropic funding that has been given to journalism-related initiatives in the U.S. during the past five years, according to preliminary data from the philanthropy research organization Candid. One large gift of $20 million is rare for the industry, but its not unheard of.

The Knight First Amendment Institute, which defends the freedoms of speech and the press, was established in 2016 at Columbia University with a $30 million gift from the Knight Foundation.

With Hannah-Jones departure, there are two vacant Knight Chairs at UNC-Chapel Hill. The Knight Foundation does not plan to cut ties with the school, despite the controversy surrounding her extended tenure fight, which was marked by allegations of racism and a conservative backlash to her work.

The Knight Chair at UNC-Chapel Hill is endowed in perpetuity, the director of the foundations journalism program, Karen Rundlet, said in an emailed statement. Our goal is to fund endowed chairs to enable universities to hire people, who in their judgment, are distinguished in the field of journalism and bring newsroom experience to the classroom. UNC Chapel Hill has been a leader in journalism education. We will continue to support UNCs efforts to independently hire Knight Chairs.

Craig Newmark, the founder of Craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies, which donated $20 million to the City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism in 2018, called on major donors of all sorts to support the program at Howard and similar programs across the country to strengthen journalism.

He said it is a national security issue that so much disinformation is being spread in the country and that clear journalism from diverse sources is a way to defend the country.

Whats being done at Howard is a big deal, Newmark said. We need to work together more. This is protecting the country, protecting the democracy. It should be all hands on deck.

The Associated Press receives support from the Lilly Endowment for coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits. The AP is solely responsible for all content. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of APs philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.
BANGKOK (AP)  Two German men arrested in Thailand are expected to be extradited to Germany on suspicion of being part of a European drug trafficking gang, immigration police said Wednesday.

BANGKOK (AP)  Two German men arrested in Thailand are expected to be extradited to Germany on suspicion of being part of a European drug trafficking gang, immigration police said Wednesday.

Police Maj. Gen. Phanthana Nutchanart identified the two suspects as 42-year-old Alex Kartun, a dual German-Russian national, and 38-year-old Alexander Wolfien, a German citizen.

He said the two were arrested Tuesday in southern Thailand at the request of German authorities for allegedly producing and distributing an illicit drug made from chemical and herbal substances. German Embassy officials said the gang distributed the drug in several European countries and some users reportedly died, Phanthana said.

The two suspects were unavailable for comment and it was not known if they had legal representation.

About 20 people suspected of involvement in production and sale of the drug were arrested in Germany, but the two detained Tuesday escaped to Thailand several years ago, Phanthana said. The two men face 14 charges in Germany related to trafficking the drug and two related to producing it, he said.

Kartun, who was accused of being the leader of the gang, was arrested at a luxury villa on Phangan island with a Russian companion, 42-year-old Victor Thubnikov, whom Thai police arrested for alleged possession of marijuana.

Police arrested Wolfien on the resort island of Phuket where he had more than 1 million baht ($31,000 ) in cash, several luxury watches and ownership titles for land in Phuket and Phangan worth more than 10 million baht ($310,000).

Phanthana said police will investigate the source of the two mens funds. The suspects can challenge their extradition in court, though if they are found to be staying illegally in Thailand they may be subject to deportation without an extradition hearing.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand  Fijis medical system is showing signs of strain as a coronavirus outbreak grows. The Pacific island nation reported a record 791 new daily cases and three deaths.

An elderly Sri Lankan holds his arm after receiving a dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination site in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, July 7, 2021. Sri Lankan health authorities on Wednesday began rolling out doses of the Pfizer vaccine for those who have received only the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.Health officials were compelled to use Pfizer as the second dose due to a shortage of AstraZeneca vaccines.(AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

WELLINGTON, New Zealand  Fijis medical system is showing signs of strain as a coronavirus outbreak grows. The Pacific island nation reported a record 791 new daily cases and three deaths.

The Ministry of Health says that due to the increase in cases, it will no longer test people for the virus in their homes in and around the capital. The ministry has also suspended all pregnancy services in and around Suva until July 26, saying people experiencing pregnancy emergencies or labor should go directly to Colonial War Memorial Hospital.

Fiji has reported 59 deaths from COVID-19 since the outbreak of the delta variant began in April. Home to 940,000 people, Fiji had reported just two COVID-19 deaths before that.

__

MORE ON THE PANDEMIC:

Dr Tajamul Hussain Khan, chief medical officer, right, watches as a healthcare worker from his team administers a dose of Covishield vaccine to Saja Begum outside her hut during a vaccination drive in Tosamaidan, southwest of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir on June 21, 2021. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)

 Britain hits 30,000 daily virus cases, 1st time since January

 Indonesia faces virus surge, shortages of oxygen

 WHO warns Coronavirus rising in eastern Mediterranean region

Medical workers transport a patient suspected of having coronavirus on a stretcher at a hospital in Kommunarka, outside Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, July 7, 2021. Russian authorities on Tuesday allowed vaccinated Russians and those who have recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months not to get tested for the virus upon arrival from abroad. Those who are not vaccinated and haven't had coronavirus recently will be required to take a test within three days of arrival and self-isolate until receiving the results. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin)

 New York City honors essential workers at parade up Canyon of Heroes

 Follow more of APs pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine

HERES WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING:

Patients wait for treatment inside an ambulance amid a surge in COVID-19 cases at the Dr. Sardjito General Hospital in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, July 7, 2021. The fourth most populous country is facing a devastating second wave of coronavirus as hospitals grapple with soaring cases amid widespread shortages of oxygen and patients were increasingly dying in isolation at home. (AP Photo/Slamet Riyadi)

SEOUL, South Korea  South Korea has reported its biggest daily jump in coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic as long lines snake around testing stations in the capital, where the virus has accelerated following months of complacency.

The 1,275 new cases announced Thursday marked the second straight day above 1,200 and exceeded the previous one-day record of 1,240 set Christmas Day.

More than 1,000 of the infections were in the greater Seoul area, which is home to half the countrys 51 million people.

A patient lies on a cot inside an emergency tent set up to accommodate a surge in COVID-19 infection cases, at Dr. Sardjito General Hospital in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, July 7, 2021. Indonesia is facing a devastating second wave of coronavirus as hospitals grapple with soaring cases amid widespread shortages of oxygen and patients were increasingly dying in isolation at home. (AP Photo/Slamet Riyadi)

The viral surge is a worrisome development in a country where 70% of the people are still waiting for their first vaccine shot.

The country has struggled to maintain public vigilance with warmer temperatures and months of fatigue luring larger crowds to restaurants, bars and parks.

PORTLAND, Maine  Health officials in Maine say more than half the eligible population is now fully vaccinated against the coronavirus in every county in the state.

A woman weeps as she visits the grave of a relative at the Rorotan Cemetery which is reserved for those who died of COVID-19, in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, July 7, 2021. Across the country, the coronavirus pandemic is again spreading rapidly with bursting beyond capacity and oxygen supplies are running out, leaving people do what they can to cope with caring for sick friends and relatives at home. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)

Maine has one of the highest vaccination rates in the U.S. More than two-thirds of people age 12 and older are fully vaccinated.

Data from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services show that the states highest vaccination rate is in Cumberland County, which is the states most populated as home to Portland. The rate there is about 80%.

The county with the lowest rate of eligible people fully vaccinated is Somerset, a mostly rural area where the rate is about 53%. Thats still a higher number than many states.

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga speaks to media in front of the Olympics mascots at the prime minister's office in Tokyo, Thursday, July 1, 2021. Suga was still uncertain whether fans can be allowed at the Tokyo Olympics because of growing concern about rising COVID-19 cases on Thursday only three weeks before the games.(Kyodo News via AP)

SACRAMENTO, Calif.  At least nine people who work at the California state Capitol have contracted the coronavirus, triggering a return of the mask mandate for lawmakers and staff.

Masks have been required in public spaces inside the Capitol throughout the pandemic. But fully vaccinated lawmakers and staff had been allowed to remove their masks in their offices.

Four of the new cases at the Capitol are people who were fully vaccinated.

FILE - In this May 17, 2021 file photo, a medical worker receives the Sinopharm coronavirus vaccine at the Iran Mall shopping center in Tehran, Iran. Iran announced on Sunday, July 4, 2021, that it was reimposing coronavirus restrictions on major cities as the spread of the highly contagious delta variant spurs fears of another devastating surge in the nation. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi, File)

State data shows such cases are rare. The state has confirmed just 8,699 coronavirus infections among the more than 20 million people vaccinated in the state.

SALT LAKE CITY -- Hospital leaders in Utah are renewing their pleas for people to get vaccinated as the state experiences another surge in COVID-19 cases from the faster-spreading delta variant.

State health officials told reporters Wednesday that the delta variant  first identified in India  has begun to surge in Utah over the past month and now represents about 80% of cases in the state.

A man wears a mask as he walks in Sydney, Wednesday, July 7, 2021. Sydney's two-week lockdown has been extended for another week due to the vulnerability of an Australia population largely unvaccinated against COVID-19, officials said. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

The surge is largely occurring in unvaccinated people who are being infected and hospitalized at six times the rate of vaccinated people.

According to data from Johns Hopkins University, Utah now ranks fourth in the nation for new cases per capita.

Utah has averaged about 386 confirmed cases per day over the last week, nearly double the case rate the state was experiencing at its lowest point in early June.

A man with a cough but who had not been tested for the coronavirus uses COVIDEX, a locally-made herbal medicine approved by the government for use as a supportive treatment for viral infections, in Kampala, Uganda Tuesday, July 6, 2021. Some hospitals with COVID-19 wards are charging prohibitive sums for most Ugandans and many are now self-medicating within their homes, experimenting with everything from traditional medicine to a newly approved herbal remedy selling briskly as COVIDEX. (AP Photo/Nicholas Bamulanzeki)

RENO, Nev.  The COVID-19 positivity rate in Nevada has more than doubled over the last month to 7.9%, and health officials say the average number of new daily cases statewide has climbed to its highest level since February.

Meanwhile, Nevada reported its second death from the delta variant, a man in his 50s in Washoe County with an underlying health condition who had not been vaccinated. The delta variant was first identified in India.

Nevadas 14-day rolling average for new cases had dropped to 132 the first week of June, with the positivity rate bottoming out at 3.3% on June 9.

FILE - In this Monday, May 31, 2021 file photo, a woman receives a coronavirus vaccination at the Kololo airstrip in Kampala, Uganda. Some hospitals with COVID-19 wards are charging prohibitive sums for most Ugandans and many are now self-medicating within their homes, experimenting with everything from traditional medicine to a newly approved herbal remedy selling briskly as COVIDEX. (AP Photo/Nicholas Bamulanzeki, File)

But the 377 new cases on average reported July 4 was the highest since 375 in February. Thats also the last time the states positivity rate was this high, reaching 8.3% on Feb. 23.

Nevadas positivity rate peaked at 21.2% on Jan. 12, a month after the average number of new cases reached a record-high of 2,740 on Dec. 12, 2020.

BERLIN  Germanys disease control center says the delta variant of the coronavirus has become dominant in the country and continues to quickly spread.

People line up to refill their oxygen tanks at a filling station in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, July 7, 2021. Indonesia is facing a devastating second wave of coronavirus outbreak as hospitals grapple with soaring COVID-19 cases amid widespread shortages of oxygen. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)

The Robert Koch Institute says according to their latest analysis, 59% of new infections were caused by delta by the end of last month. The center says in its weekly report Wednesday, the Delta variant had nearly doubled within one week.

Some 33.2 million people, or 39.9%, are fully vaccinated in Germany. More than 47.5 million people, or 57.1%, have received their first shot.

LONDON  The U.K. has recorded more than 30,000 daily coronavirus infections for the first time since January, just as the British government prepares to lift all remaining lockdown restrictions in England.

Grand marshal Sandra Lindsay, a health care worker who was the first person in the country to get a COVID-19 vaccine shot, waves to spectators as she leads marchers through the Financial District during a parade honoring essential workers for their efforts in getting New York City through the COVID-19 pandemic, Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in New York. The parade kicked off at Battery Park and travel up Broadway in lower Manhattan, the iconic stretch known as the Canyon of Heroes, which has hosted parades honoring world leaders, celebrities and winning sports teams. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Government figures showed another 32,548 confirmed cases on Wednesday, the highest level since Jan. 23.

For much of the spring, infections were below the 5,000 mark. But the arrival of the more contagious delta variant, first identified in India, has likely caused cases to spike.

Despite the increase, the British government says it is still aiming to lift all remaining lockdown restrictions in England on July 19, a move that many scientists say is dangerous.

Brooklyn Borough President and a Democratic mayoral candidate Eric Adams greets NYPD officers as participants gather for a march through the financial district during a parade honoring essential workers for their efforts in getting New York City through the COVID-19 pandemic, Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in New York. The parade kicked off at Battery Park and travel up Broadway in lower Manhattan, the iconic stretch known as the Canyon of Heroes, which has hosted parades honoring world leaders, celebrities and winning sports teams. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Health Secretary Sajid Javid says cases could hit a daily high of 100,000 this summer, a level of infection not reached during previous waves of the virus.

Prime Minister Boris Johnsons government is hoping the rapid rollout of vaccines has created a wall of immunity. That, it says, will limit the number of hospitalizations and deaths.

MADRID  A surge in coronavirus infections among the young has pushed Spain into the high-risk zone of more than 250 accumulated cases per 100,000 inhabitants over 14 days.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio waves to spectators from a float as they pass up Broadway during a parade honoring essential workers for their efforts in getting New York City through the COVID-19 pandemic, Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in New York. The parade kicked off at Battery Park and travel up Broadway in lower Manhattan, the iconic stretch known as the Canyon of Heroes, which has hosted parades honoring world leaders, celebrities and winning sports teams. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Spains health ministry says the 252 cases on Wednesday is up from the 106 cases last week. The age group 20-29 is registering more than 800 cases per 100,000 people over 14 days.

Several regional health authorities are responding by re-instating restrictions, especially on night life.

Health Minister Carolina Darias says the swift turn in cases has yet to produce a significant increase of pressure on hospitals since most of the young are asymptomatic.

A spectator protests for benefits and pay parity for emergency medical workers along a route through the financial district during a parade honoring essential workers for their efforts in getting New York City through the COVID-19 pandemic, Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in New York. The parade kicked off at Battery Park and travel up Broadway in lower Manhattan, the iconic stretch known as the Canyon of Heroes, which has hosted parades honoring world leaders, celebrities and winning sports teams. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

But she says central authorities have put a national stockpile of tests and army contact tracers at the disposal of the regions to supplement their efforts to find asymptomatic cases.

GENEVA  The emergencies chief for the World Health Organization is calling on governments to exercise extreme caution in fully lifting restrictions aimed to curtail the spread of COVID-19, warning that transmission will increase as countries open up.

Dr. Michael Ryan, asked during a WHO news conference to respond to Britains decision this week to ease restrictions despite rising case counts, says every country right now is lifting restrictions in one way or the other in hopes of striking a balance between a return toward normality and the need to control the virus as vaccinations increase.

A participant and her son march up Broadway during a parade honoring essential workers for their efforts in getting New York City through the COVID-19 pandemic, Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in New York. The parade kicked off at Battery Park and travel up Broadway in lower Manhattan, the iconic stretch known as the Canyon of Heroes, which has hosted parades honoring world leaders, celebrities and winning sports teams. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Transmission will increase when you open up, says Ryan, because not everyone is vaccinated and uncertainty remains about how much vaccination curbs transmission.

Maria Van Kerkhove, WHOs technical lead on COVID-19, says several factors were driving transmission of COVID-19: The behavior of the coronavirus and its variants; social mixing; reduced social measures; and unequal and uneven distribution of coronavirus vaccines.

The virus is showing us right now that its thriving, she says. This is not theoretical.

People who have just been vaccinated with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine exercise in an observation lounge during a vaccination drive for people ages 30 to 39 in Mexico City, Wednesday, July 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

Globally, theres been nearly 4 million confirmed deaths from the coronavirus.

ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan  The authorities in Turkmenistan, a secretive Central Asian nation that hasnt officially reported any coronavirus infections, have made COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for all adults.

Turkmenistans Health Ministry announced Wednesday that everyone older than 18, with some exceptions, must be vaccinated against the virus.

A group of singers know as "Los Auroros" sing a song while wearing mask protection to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, on a day the San Fermin festival was to take place but was canceled for another year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in Pamplona, northern Spain, Wednesday, July 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos)

Turkmenistan has approved several coronavirus vaccines, including the Russian-made Sputnik V shot and CoronaVac from China. The immunization campaign in the ex-Soviet nation of 5.9 million kicked off in March, with elderly people from high risk groups being the first in line to get the shots in state clinics.

Turkmenistans authoritarian president, who claims that his country has been free of coronavirus, last month called for heightened measures against the virus. President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov ordered Turkmens returning to the country undergo a 21-day quarantine and strengthened controls at borders. The country also has a mask mandate in place.

A World Health Organization delegation visited Turkmenistan last year and recommended the country take stronger actions but didnt directly comment on the credibility of the absence of reported cases.

A health worker administers a jab of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine during a vaccination drive for people ages 30 to 39 in Mexico City, Wednesday, July 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

CHICAGO  Chicago school officials are offering student COVID-19 vaccinations with school-based sites and events.

The nations third-largest school district plans to offer five days a week of in-person instruction in the fall and says the goal is to vaccinate as many students as possible. But the shots arent required.

Starting next week, the district will offer vaccines at three school sites for students and their families. The district is also working with hospitals for vaccination events in areas with low vaccination rates and offering shots at back-to-school events.

People queue in line to wait for the coronavirus testing at a coronavirus testing site in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, July 7, 2021. South Korea is seeing a steep rise in coronavirus infections unseen since the worst of its outbreak last winter as it slips into another surge while most of its people are still unvaccinated. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Public health officials say more than 50,000 children under 18 have already been vaccinated in Chicago.

JAKARTA, Indonesia  Indonesia is facing a coronavirus surge as hospitals grapple with soaring cases amid widespread shortages of oxygen.

The country registered 1,040 confirmed deaths on Wednesday, the deadliest day since the start of the pandemic.

Hospitals are already beyond capacity and oxygen supplies are running out, leaving individuals to cope with caring for sick friends and relatives at home.

This is our critical period during the next two weeks, says Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, the government minister in charge of Indonesias pandemic response.

In the capital, daily burials have increased 10-fold since May, said Ngabila Salama, head of surveillance and immunization at the Jakarta Health Office. Of the 369 COVID-19 deaths in Jakarta reported Saturday, 45 people died at home, she said.

Overall, Indonesia, the worlds fourth-most populous country, has reported nearly 2.4 million infections and almost 63,000 confirmed deaths. Both numbers are considered undercounts because of low testing and tracing measures.

NEW YORK  The people who helped get New York City through the coronavirus pandemic will be honored with a parade up the Canyon of Heroes.

City officials say the event Wednesday will honor a range of people, including workers in health care, transportation, education and infrastructure. The parade is kicking off at Battery Park and traveling up Broadway in lower Manhattan, the iconic stretch known as the Canyon of Heroes.

Here are some of the folks who made history in New York Citys toughest hour, Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

Previous parades have honored world leaders, celebrities and winning sports teams. The last parade before the pandemic honored the U.S. womens soccer team after their 2019 World Cup win.

Want more sports? Get news and notes from the local amateur sports scene in your inbox. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement.

City officials say the parades grand marshal will be Sandra Lindsay, a health care worker who was the first person in the country to get a COVID vaccine shot.

PARIS -- French government spokesperson Gabriel Attal says the coronavirus is gaining ground again in France because of the delta variant.

He says cases increased by 20% from last week and warned against the risk of a rapid new peak in infections.

The upward trend is especially strong amid people between ages 20 to 29, and in the Paris region, southeastern France and Brittany.

The more infectious delta variant is estimated to represent more than 40% of new infections, twice last weeks proportion, Attal says. Confirmed infections remain relatively low nationwide, at about 2,300 per day, compared to more than 35,000 during the March-April peak.

Attal strongly encouraged the French to get vaccinated. More than 34 million people, or 51% of the population, have received at least one shot of vaccine.
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP)  The families of Venezuelan school children living in poverty this week began receiving food rations from a United Nations agency.

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP)  The families of Venezuelan school children living in poverty this week began receiving food rations from a United Nations agency.

The parents or guardians of children under the age of 6 in the northwest Venezuelan state of Falcon received a monthly ration for each child of 13.2 pounds (6 kilograms) of rice, 8.8 pounds (4 kilograms) of lentils, a pound (450 grams) of iodized salt and 33.8 ounces (1 liter) of vegetable oil.

The packages distributed by the World Food Program are part of an agreement with the Venezuelan government meant to feed about 185,000 children this year.

The agency will provide school meals, invest in school cafeterias and train staff in food safety standards under the agreement signed in April with President Nicolas Maduro. It is providing food rations initially because schools are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

We are reaching these vulnerable children at a critical stage of their lives when their brains and bodies need nutritious food to develop to their full potential, Susana Rico, agency representative in Venezuela, said in a statement Wednesday, a day after the first food distribution at a school in the town of Coro.

The agency aims to provide 42,000 packages in the first month.

The organization plans to gradually expand programs to reach 1.5 million children by the end of the 2022-2023 school year.
OHKAY OWINGEH PUEBLO, N.M. (AP)  The U.S. Department of Agriculture will issue up to $307 million in grants and low-interest loans in an effort to modernize rural water infrastructure, officials announced Wednesday.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack speaks with wastewater manager Nelson Edmonds on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in Ohkay Owingeh, N.M. Vilsack announced that the Pueblo will receive a $610,000 loan and a $1.6 million grant in state money to expand the wastewater treatment plant where Edmonds works. (AP Photo/Cedar Attanasio)

OHKAY OWINGEH PUEBLO, N.M. (AP)  The U.S. Department of Agriculture will issue up to $307 million in grants and low-interest loans in an effort to modernize rural water infrastructure, officials announced Wednesday.

The programs are aimed at towns with less than 10,000 people in 34 states and the territory of Puerto Rico.

Officials made the announcement at a wastewater treatment center in the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, north of Santa Fe, where employees have worked to keep the aging plant running for its thousands of residents along the Rio Grande.

Every community needs safe, reliable and modern water and wastewater systems, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement ahead of a tour at the plant run by the Indigenous tribe in New Mexico.

The announcement is part of a multistate push by President Joe Biden and his administration to gain more support for a $973 billion infrastructure package that includes more than a half-trillion dollars in new spending.

Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez, center left, and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, center, visit a wastewater treatment plant on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico. (AP Photo/Cedar Attanasio)

The Pueblo will receive a $610,000 loan and a $1.6 million grant to improve its wastewater treatment plant, part of a $4 million investment in the state. Federal officials say it will allow the tribe to start extending service to over 1,000 residents who are disconnected by treating 33% more water each day.

State and local grants will be needed to finish the wastewater treatment centers expansion, Vilsack said.

At the center of the small plant, a decades-old metal trough measuring about 100 feet (30 meter) sat rusted over, the metal now a dark orange. Workers at the plant said the equipment, which mixes sewage with air to induce bacterial breakdown of the waste, was about a year away from rusting through.

Were operating, but just barely, wastewater treatment plant manager Nelson Edmonds told Vilsack on the tour along with Democratic Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, who serves a majority Hispanic and Native American district.

The consequences of decades of disinvestment in physical infrastructure have fallen most heavily on communities of color. This is why USDA is investing in water infrastructure in rural and Tribal communities that need it most to help them build back better, stronger and more equitably than ever before, Vilsack said.

Among some minority communities, Vilsack has been the target of criticism for how he handled discrimination complaints during his tenure as agriculture secretary in the Obama administration.

African American farmers were angered by his appointment by Biden because of an unaddressed flurry of civil rights complaints. But in March, Vilsack announced a program that would forgive the debts of ranchers of color.

A coalition of Hispanic and Native American cattle ranchers in New Mexico complained in 2015 that they were being discriminated against through arbitrary revocations of grazing permits, concerns validated by a report from the agencys Office of Compliance, Policy, Training and Cultural Transformation.

One of them still blames the agency for the death of his cows a decade ago.

I had to liquidate 250 animals overnight, said Dave Sanchez, 61, of Chama, north of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo.

He said that during the Obama administration Vilsack turned down many requests to meet and address the concerns of a large group of cattle ranchers in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado.

Were really disappointed in Vilsack for what he did in the Obama administration. I dont know why hes coming to New Mexico. He didnt want to meet with Hispanic ranchers. He shunned us, Sanchez said Tuesday after learning of the visit.

The USDA takes complaints of discrimination seriously and seeks to ensure all programs are administered equitably, agency spokeswoman Kate Waters said in a statement Wednesday.

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.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  South Korea on Wednesday reported 1,212 new cases, a steep rise in coronavirus infections unseen since the winter outbreak as it slips into another surge while most of its people are still unvaccinated.

An exhausted worker in a booth rests during COVID-19 testing at a coronavirus testing site in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, July 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  South Korea on Wednesday reported 1,212 new cases, a steep rise in coronavirus infections unseen since the winter outbreak as it slips into another surge while most of its people are still unvaccinated.

Health experts say the government sent the wrong message by pushing for a premature easing of social distancing.

Packed restaurants, bars and stores and huge beer-drinking crowds at parks alongside Seouls Han River in recent weeks have illustrated how the country has let its guard down despite a slow vaccine rollout.

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said officials will consider tougher distancing rules if transmissions continue to grow over the next two or three days. President Moon Jae-in in a separate meeting instructed officials to swiftly deploy police officers, troops and civil servants to help with contact tracing.

This is an emergency situation where we need to invest all our abilities to respond to COVID-19, Kim said, while pleading for public vigilance.

A poster hoping to overcome the COVID-19 crisis is displayed at a train station in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, July 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

The government had planned to raise the cap on private gatherings from four to six people, extend indoor dining at restaurants by two hours until midnight and allow vaccinated people to go without masks starting this month. But officials in Seoul and nearby areas held off the new rules as infections rose.

More than 1,000 of the new cases came from the greater capital area, home to half of the countrys 51 million people, including a record 577 in Seoul. Infections were also reported in other major cities and regions, fueling concerns the virus could spread further during the summer holidays.

While infections among people in their 60s and older have slowed following vaccinations, transmissions are accelerating across other age groups, including those in their 20s and 30s who are more likely to go out socializing, said Lee Ki-Il, deputy minister of health care policy at South Koreas Health Ministry.

Visitors wearing face masks take rest in the sweltering heat at a park in Goyang, South Korea, Tuesday, July 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

The number of virus patients is increasing very fast in metropolitan areas where there is a high concentration of bars and other entertainment venues young people often go to, he said.

Lee also expressed concern over the spread of the more contagious delta variant of the virus. He advised tests for young adults who recently visited Seouls major entertainment districts, including Gangnam and Hongdae, regardless of whether they are exhibiting symptoms. He urged companies to have more employees work from home.

The government plans to add at least 25 more testing stations in Seoul and tighten the enforcement of restrictions at restaurants and other businesses, which from Thursday will face 10-day closures if they fail to implement distancing and other measures.

Batches of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines sent by Israel arrive at the Incheon International Airport in Incheon, South Korea, Wednesday, July 7, 2021. South Korea on Wednesday received 700,000 Pfizer shots from Israel in exchange for a future shipment of vaccines to Israel from September to November, when officials hope South Korea's shortage will have eased. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

When asked whether the government worsened the outbreak by signaling an easing of social distancing rules, Son Young-rae, another Health Ministry official, said it's hard to ignore the pandemic fatigue and the struggles of small businesses and the self-employed who rely on a battered service sector economy.

We need to keep trying to find a balance between anti-virus measures and efforts to restore normalcy as the COVID-19 crisis prolongs, Son said. We have maintained that people should remain vigilant throughout this process  but considering the current surge in infections, theres regret that we should have communicated that message more effectively.

The countrys caseload is now at 162,753, after adding around 5,800 cases this month alone. The death toll is at 2,033.

A medical worker in a booth takes a nasal sample from a man at a coronavirus testing site in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, July 6, 2021. The sign at left reads: "How to collect COVID-19 samples." (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Only 30% of its population have received first doses as of Wednesday. Just around 10% have got both jabs.

Those vaccinated include hospital and essential workers, people in long-term care settings, troops and adults in their 60s or older, but inconsistent supplies have left the vast majority of younger adults still waiting.

South Korea on Wednesday received 700,000 Pfizer shots from Israel in exchange for a future shipment of vaccines to Israel from September to November, when officials hope South Koreas shortage will have eased.

Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency Director Jung Eun-kyeong said the doses will go to Seoul and nearby Gyeonggi province where the virus is spreading fastest. She expressed hope the shots will help speed up vaccinations of nursery, day care workers and kindergarten and elementary schoolteachers, which authorities plan to start this month.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  A fiery explosion erupted on a container ship anchored in Dubai at one of the worlds largest ports late Wednesday, authorities said, sending tremors across the commercial hub of the United Arab Emirates.

FILE - In this Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 file photo, container ships dock at the Dubai Port in the Jebel Ali Free Zone about 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Authorities in Dubai say a container ship anchored at its huge port caught fire, causing an explosion that sent tremors across the commercial hub of the United Arab Emirates. The Twitter post from Dubais state-run media office said the fire was reported on the ship late Wednesday, July 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili, File)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  A fiery explosion erupted on a container ship anchored in Dubai at one of the worlds largest ports late Wednesday, authorities said, sending tremors across the commercial hub of the United Arab Emirates.

The blaze sent up giant orange flames on a vessel at the crucial Jebel Ali Port, the busiest in the Middle East that sits on the eastern side of the Arabian Peninsula.

The combustion unleashed a shock wave through the skyscraper-studded city of Dubai, causing walls and windows to shake in neighborhoods as far as 25 kilometers (15 miles) away from the port. Panicked residents filmed from their high-rises as a fiery ball illuminated the night sky. The blast was powerful enough to be seen from space by satellite.

There were no immediate reports of casualties at the port, which is also the busiest port of call for American warships outside the U.S.

FILE - In this Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009, file photo, cranes off load containers at the Jebel Ali port terminal 2 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. A container ship anchored in Dubai at one of the worlds largest ports caught fire late Wednesday, July 7, 2021, causing an explosion that sent tremors across the commercial hub of the United Arab Emirates, authorities said. The Twitter post from Dubai's state-run media office said the fire occurred on a ship at the huge Jebel Ali Port, which sits in the Persian Gulf on the eastern side of the Arabian Peninsula. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili, File)

Some 2 1/2 hours after the blast, Dubais civil defense teams said they had brought the fire under control and started the cooling process. Authorities posted footage on social media of firefighters dousing giant shipping containers. The glow of the blaze remained visible in the background as civil defense crews worked to contain the fire.

The extent of damage caused to the sprawling port and surrounding cargo was not immediately clear. Footage shared on social media of the aftermath showed charred containers, ashes and littered debris.

The sheer force and visibility of the explosion suggested the presence of a highly combustible substance. A Dubai authorities told the Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya TV that the crew had evacuated in time and that the fire appeared to have started in one of the containers holding flammable material, without elaborating.

Seeking to downplay the explosion, Mona al-Marri, director general of Dubai Media Office, told Al-Arabiya the incident could happen anywhere in the world and that authorities were investigating the cause.

The Jebel Ali Port at the northern end of Dubai is the largest man-made deep-water harbor in the world and serves cargo from the Indian subcontinent, Africa and Asia. The port is not only a critical global cargo hub, but a lifeline for Dubai and surrounding emirates, serving as the point of entry for essential imports.

Dubai authorities did not identify the stricken ship beyond saying it was a small vessel with a capacity of 130 containers.

Ship tracker MarineTraffic showed a fleet of small support vessels surrounding a docked container ship called the Ocean Trader flagged in Comoros. Footage from the scene rebroadcast by the UAEs state-run WAM news agency showed firefighters hosing down a vessel bearing paint and logo that corresponds to the Ocean Trader, operated by the Dubai-based Inzu Ship Charter.

The Ocean Trader docked at Jebel Ali Port at midday Wednesday. Ship tracking data showed the vessel had been sailing up and down the coast of the UAE since April. The United Nations ship database identified the vessels owners as Sash Shipping corporation. Sash and Inzu Ship Charter did not immediately respond to request for comment.

Operated by the Dubai-based DP World, Jebel Ali Port boasts a handling capacity of over 22 million containers and sprawling terminals that can berth some of the worlds largest ships. Port officials said they were taking all necessary measures to ensure that the normal movement of vessels continues without any disruption."

State-owned DP World describes Jebel Ali Port as a gateway hub and a vital link in the global trade network that connects eastern and western markets. The company did not immediately respond to request for comment on the blast.

Associated Press writer Jon Gambrell in Hamilton, Ohio, contributed to this report.
OTTAWA - When Mary Simon uttered her first words as Canada's next governor general in her native language of Inuktitut, a collective thrill was felt among many Inuit and other Indigenous people across Canada, recognizing it as a moment to be long remembered.

Mary Simon speaks during an announcement at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que., on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. Simon, an Inuk leader and former Canadian diplomat, has been named as Canada's next governor general  the first Indigenous person to serve in the role. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

OTTAWA - When Mary Simon uttered her first words as Canada's next governor general in her native language of Inuktitut, a collective thrill was felt among many Inuit and other Indigenous people across Canada, recognizing it as a moment to be long remembered.

"It made me very proud," said Sen. Yvonne Boyer, a Metis lawyer and former nurse.

"It was very touching and it was something that I knew the ancestors were holding her hands as she was doing that."

Pita Aatami, president of the Makivik Corp., which Simon led in the 1970s, echoed that feeling of excitement in hearing the traditional Inuit language being spoken and represented at the announcement of the Queen's new representative in Canada Tuesday.

"I am sure that Inuit will be celebrating across Nunavik, Nunatsiavut, Nunavut, the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Alaska, Greenland and Chukotka today," Aatami said.

"Having an Indigenous person as the Crowns representative in Canada sends a strong message to the nation, and to the international community. This comes at an important time in our history as we collectively work towards reconciliation.

Simon's appointment comes at a time when Indigenous and non-Indigenous people across Canada are coming to terms with many of the atrocities perpetrated against First Nations, Inuit and Metis people throughout several centuries of history.

When colonial explorers initially claimed the lands of the place now called Canada as "terra nullius," or vacant lands, European officials used the papal "doctrine of discovery" to displace and control the lives of Indigenous Peoples already living here, based on the notion they had racial and religious superiority.

The creation of church-run, government-funded residential schools, which aimed to assimilate Indigenous children after removing them from their families and communities, caused more pain, suffering and loss of identity, language and culture to Indigenous Peoples. Many children were physically, sexually and emotionally abused. Many did not return home.

Recent discoveries by ground-penetrating radar of what are believed to be the remains of hundreds of children, in unmarked graves, who attended these institutions, have ignited a strong desire across Canada to see justice served and more done to seek reconciliation.

Natan Obed, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, says he hopes Simon will be able to show care to those feeling fresh loss and pain spark a new relationship between Indigenous nations and the Crown.

"Whether its the wildfires in British Columbia, or whether its the loss of life through racism and violence. There are things that have happened in 2021 that I would hope that a governor general could weigh in on and be empathic to those who are experiencing hardships and pain," Obed said.

He noted, however, that Simon will not only be representing Inuit in the North, but all Canadians in her new viceregal role.

Outgoing Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde echoed this sentiment.

"She has stellar accomplishments, not just because she is Inuk. She has the experience and the skills," Bellegarde said Tuesday, pointing to her past work serving as Canada's ambassador to Denmark and the Canadian ambassador for circumpolar affairs.

"She will be the Crown's representative in Canada and she will do it with great dignity and tremendous grace. All Canadians should be proud that this step has been taken and she's going to do a job for all Canadians."

While applauding Simon's appointment as an "excellent choice" and one that has made the Indigenous women they represent proud, the Native Women's Association of Canada also noted Simon is "being asked to serve the senior role in what is still a colonial system of governance."

"To achieve true reconciliation, the federal government must re-examine its appointments of ministers to lead departments that have a profound effect on Indigenous lives  the departments of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Indigenous Services," NWAC said in a statement Tuesday.

It is time that these two ministries are led by Indigenous people, the association added.

"It is time for the government to get out of the way and to allow Indigenous people to manage their own affairs."

Neither Bellegarde nor Boyer believe Simon's Indigenous roots put her at odds with her new role as representative of the Crown.

Treaties that guide the partnerships between Canada and First Nations were made with the Crown, and because of that, the relationship between First Nations and the Crown is "sacred," Bellegarde said.

"Because of that sanctity of agreement, that sanctity of contract, there's a sacred covenant that can't be broken. So having an Indigenous person as a (representative) of the Crown, there's no question, there's no challenge or anything."

Boyer believes Simon in this role can be a "bridge" toward reconciliation.

"I know people are hurting right now. Indigenous people and non-Indigenous people are hurting really badly about what's been going on and I think that having her in that role will be a guiding light for us and it will help us continue to build bridges together and not apart."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 6, 2021.
Sometimes, to brighten up a person's day, all they need is a little bit of green.

Sometimes, to brighten up a person's day, all they need is a little bit of green.

For health-care workers in Winnipeg, the past year has been a difficult one, but Neta Bourlas is doing what she can to let them know how appreciated they are by patients like herself.

To express her gratitude, Bourlas, a former art teacher in the city, has created and delivered 100 succulent plant bowl arrangements to Health Sciences Centre and Victoria General Hospital.

"The green is reminiscent of life," she said, "so it's important to have greenery by us."

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Artist Neta Bourlas putting together some of the vignettes she has been making with succulents for hospitals in Winnipeg.

Returning to Winnipeg from San Diego, where she lives part of the year, Bourlas began delivering succulents as a way to calm the stress and anxiety health-care workers feel, after witnessing it firsthand while receiving treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.

She saw workers in the COVID-19 units were feeling that burnout even more, and made the decision to deliver as many succulent arrangements to as many hospitals as possible.

In San Diego, Bourlas realized after speaking with a nurse that succulents in hospitals could help to "bring such calm in a situation that is so dire."

"They bring a sense of calm and normalcy in the world," she continued, and from there, Bourlas knew she wanted to keep providing them when she came back to Winnipeg.

Beginning with 10 a week in San Diego to three different hospitals, she delivered a total of 150 bowls. In Winnipeg, so far, she has delivered 60 to HSC and 40 to Victoria, and plans to give more throughout the rest of the summer.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The succulents require little care, which makes them a perfect pick-me-up in hospitals.

In California, the plants are common and require little care, which makes them a perfect pick-me-up in hospitals.

In Winnipeg, however, succulents are more expensive, but Bourlas has been able to keep up her deliveries through help from local greenhouses. (One in Carmen continues to support the initiative by donating soil, succulents and succulent bowls.)

What keeps Bourlas motivated to continue is seeing the impact the arrangements have had on the doctors and nurses she delivers to.

"It's beautiful, because it's important to be validated," she said. "It's important to know that people are thankful for that, and I know so many people that are thankful for what the hospital workers are doing, they just don't know how to show it."

Victoria chief nursing officer Ray Sanchez expressed gratitude for Bourlas's gifts on behalf of himself and hospital staff.

"The succulent bowls are really a one-of-a-kind gift, and everyone who has received one so far has been very excited and touched by the kindness of the gesture," he said.

"Our team here at Victoria hospital has been working tremendously hard throughout this pandemic, and we are all grateful for her support."

gillian.brown@freepress.mb.ca
A retired Manitoba RCMP officer has been convicted of sexually assaulting a nine-year-old girl during a camping weekend in 2014.

A retired Manitoba RCMP officer has been convicted of sexually assaulting a nine-year-old girl during a camping weekend in 2014.

Robert Dowd was first convicted of assaulting the girl following a trial in 2017. That conviction was overturned and a new trial was ordered, after the Manitoba Court of Appeal ruled last year the original sentencing judge erred in assessing Dowds credibility.

In a decision delivered Tuesday, provincial court Judge Keith Eyrikson said he had "serious concerns" about Dowds credibility at trial: "Enough that I cannot rely on his evidence where it differs from that of (the victim)."

Dowd was accused of assaulting the victim when he was off-duty during a bonfire party in the Interlake. Prosecutors alleged Dowd was alone with the girl "stargazing" when he put his hands under her clothes and fondled her for approximately three minutes.

Dowd denied the allegation, testifying at trial the only time he was alone with the girl was when he took her to his motorhome to use the bathroom.

Eyrikson said he had "significant difficulty" with Dowds testimony on this point.

Dowd told court he showed the girl how to use the toilet and waited outside for her for 10 minutes before he "lost track of her" and left.

Court heard testimony Dowd and the girl arrived back at the bonfire at the same time.

"It was clear from his evidence he was making sure this nine-year-old girl was safe and supervised while he was with her, then when (she) finishes in the bathroom, he simply abrogates this responsibility and leaves her on her own," Eyrikson said.

"This, on a cold dark night, by all accounts, leaving her in an RV she has never been in before. This is a former RCMP officer and grandfather. It defies common sense and logic that he does nothing further to make sure she got back safely to the campfire."

The girl disclosed the assault to her father hours later, provided two statements to police and testified at the trial.

Eyrikson said he did not draw a "negative inference," from evidence the girl showed no signs of distress upon returning to the bonfire.

In a statement to police, the girl said the sexual touching "made me feel bad, in weird ways." She also expressed puzzlement why anyone would want to touch her in that way, a comment that further bolstered her credibility, Eyrikson said.

"I found her evidence believable, trustworthy and truthful," the judge said. "Her evidence is strong and makes sense in the context it was given."

Dowd, who appeared for the decision by telephone, lashed out after hearing the guilty verdict, saying: "Now I gotta appeal again, thank you very much."

Dowd remains free on bail. He will be sentenced at a later date.

dean.pritchard@freepress.mb.ca
A grassroots Metis group is trying to get Wolseley residents to have their neighbourhood renamed, arguing Indigenous leaders aren't pushing hard enough to change which figures get celebrated on the streets of Winnipeg.

A grassroots Metis group is trying to get Wolseley residents to have their neighbourhood renamed, arguing Indigenous leaders aren't pushing hard enough to change which figures get celebrated on the streets of Winnipeg.

On June 30, Red River Echoes members stuck 300 posters around the neighbourhood, calling for the name of Gen. Garnet Wolseley be dropped from local streets and institutions. Wolseley played a role in the violent 1870 overthrow of Louis Riel's provisional government at the Red River Colony.

LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES CANADA Garnet Joseph Wolseley.

"Its a continuous struggle to be able to reconcile with the fact that you're living in a neighbourhood that has been named after someone who attempted to eradicate your kin," said Chantale Garand, who is part of the group.

The posters say Wolseley "personally incited racism, violence, murder and displacement" and oversaw troops who raped and killed Indigenous people. It notes he was part of British colonial invasions in which atrocities took place, on numerous continents.

"Place names show the values out city and community hold," reads the poster, which asks people to write to local representatives and have place names changed.

The signs appear around the Winnipeg neighbourhood, with some attached to hydro poles that often house advertisements and political messages  but also glued to phone-cable boxes and metal lamp posts.

One is stuck on a City of Winnipeg sign, indicating the hours cars are restricted on Sundays, which is no longer legible.

"There a number of toes that they've stepped on here," said local resident Bob Collings, who said it's impossible to peel the poster off.

"Defacing a street sign is against the law, as good as their cause may or may not be," said Collings, who reported to 311, asking city crews to remove the stickers or replace the sign.

"It costs us  the taxpayers  money, and it creates a safety issue in the interim."

Garand said it is nothing compared to the horrors of colonization

"We stand by where our posters ended up," Garand said.

"If youre more worried about a street sign than the continued naming of Wolseley, what history are you privileged enough to forget?"

Indigenous leaders in Manitoba have generally steered away from supporting the toppling monuments or renaming of streets. Organizations such as the Manitoba Metis Federation have said it's better to affix explanatory plaques or boost education, rather than rename things.

Garand said Red River Echoes was specifically formed by dozens of Metis who want a more aggressive response to Indigenous issues.

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca
Manitoba marked two milestones in its fight against COVID-19 Tuesday, offering hope restrictions could be further loosened ahead of schedule as people anticipate returning to pre-pandemic life.

Manitoba marked two milestones in its fight against COVID-19 Tuesday, offering hope restrictions could be further loosened ahead of schedule as people anticipate returning to pre-pandemic life.

Half of Manitoba's population has been fully vaccinated against the virus one month ahead of schedule, and the province recorded its lowest daily case count since March. Just 36 new cases were announced Tuesday: 24 in the Winnipeg health region, five in Interlake-Eastern, three in Southern Health and two each in Northern Health and Prairie Mountain. The last time daily cases were that low was March 1, when 35 cases were recorded.

Manitoba officially hit the major vaccine milestone at the end of Monday  four weeks ahead of schedule  after 16,012 doses of vaccine were administered across the province, including 2,075 first shots.

As of Tuesday, 75.1 per cent of eligible Manitobans had received at least one dose and 51.5 per cent were fully vaccinated. Manitoba also led the provinces in per capita vaccine administration as of Tuesday, according to COVID-19 Tracker Canada.

The province's phase-in reopening plan set benchmarks  75 per cent for first dose and 50 per cent for both doses  as incentives to reopen businesses to 50 per cent capacity as of Aug. 2, the start of the Terry Fox Day long weekend.

Delta variant on rise More than 100 new cases of the Delta novel coronavirus variant have been detected in all regions of the province since last week. click to read more More than 100 new cases of the Delta novel coronavirus variant have been detected in all regions of the province since last week. There were roughly 274 cases of B.1.617.2 Delta in Manitoba on July 3. As of Tuesday, there were 380 cases; about one-third of which were in the Southern Health region. The variant is expected to become dominant in many areas around the world; it is about 50 per cent more contagious than the B.1.1.7 (Alpha), which originated in the U.K. and is currently the dominant strain. The province has promised updated COVID-19 projections that take into account the Delta variant. On June 4, public health officials confirmed work was underway provincially and nationally to develop screening tests that can detect the Delta variant faster than genomic sequencing, which typically takes a week or more for each positive COVID-19 test result. More than half of Manitoba's COVID-19 variant-of-concern cases remain unspecified, meaning they involve a variant, but tests haven't determined which one. As of Tuesday, "unspecified" variants accounted for 51.7 per cent of all variant-of-concern cases in the province.  Katie May Close

Premier Brian Pallister has said the province will reopen more quickly if vaccination targets are reached sooner, which suggests Manitobans won't have to wait until August to see restrictions ease. Public-health officials have said they'll wait at least two weeks, COVID-19's incubation period, before easing restrictions. The first phase of the reopening began on June 26.

Although it was widely anticipated the province would hit its target early this week, provincial public health officials were not available Tuesday to comment on when Manitobans may see restrictions eased further.

Health Minister Heather Stefanson, who has returned to cabinet after taking a medical leave on May 21, was not available to be interviewed. Instead, the minister's office issued a statement to the Free Press: "The plans that will allow for the continuing reopening of the province are still being evaluated, but Minister Stefanson is pleased that Manitobans have stepped up to get vaccinated."

It's too early to ease restrictions, said a Winnipeg medical microbiologist. Dr. Philippe Lagace-Wiens said he'd like to see the province wait at least four weeks  two incubation periods  before reopening. The target vaccination benchmarks should be higher  about 80 per cent of the population with two doses  he suggested, to account for the more contagious Delta variant, for which one dose offers less protection.

"As much as people would be very thankful and appreciative of opening up sooner, I think it's a dangerous proposition for a couple of reasons," he said. First, he said vaccination rates in certain areas of the province are still too low, particularly in the Southern health region, to guard against Delta outbreaks. Second, Manitoba has yet to see the effects of the Delta B.1617 variant on hospitalization rates, as well as the possibility of increased transmission among children under 12 who aren't eligible to be vaccinated.

"We need to see what happens as vaccine rates go up, but we probably need to achieve 80 per cent of people immunized to start to see significant protection at the community level," Lagace-Wiens said.

On Tuesday, a spokesperson for chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin declined to comment on achieving the vaccination target.

Instead, the spokesperson pointed to comments Roussin made on Monday in which he looked ahead to what he called a "post-pandemic Manitoba."

"We still want to get those vaccines out to those that have been unable to get vaccinated for whatever reason, but yeah, are ahead of schedule, so I think things are looking quite hopeful for Manitoba summer," he said.

The number of COVID patients who need to be hospitalized continues to decline, but the health system is still under strain.

As of Tuesday morning, there were 114 people in intensive care in Manitoba, including 36 COVID-19 patients. Pre-pandemic, Manitoba had 72 ICU beds. Another six COVID-19 patients were still receiving critical care in Ontario as of Tuesday. They were among a total of 155 Manitobans hospitalized with the virus Tuesday.

Shared Health said 11 of the 42 COVID-19 patients in intensive care were under the age of 40.

No COVID-19 patients have been transported out of province since June 9.

A man in his 70s from Southern Health was the sole COVID-19 death announced Tuesday.

katie.may@freepress.mb.ca

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca

Danielle Da Silva

Reporter Danielle Da Silva is a general assignment reporter. Read full biography
A select few of the Manitoba premiers staffers, elected officials and employees from the education department make up a board tasked with overseeing the logistics of the Pallister governments public school system overhaul.

A select few of the Manitoba premiers staffers, elected officials and employees from the education department make up a board tasked with overseeing the logistics of the Pallister governments public school system overhaul.

The official Opposition released a list of members on what the province calls its "education transformation management board" Tuesday, during a news conference held to accuse the government of politicizing education and implementing Bill 64 before it passes.

The Manitoba NDP obtained the names through a freedom of information request for the education ministers calendar, which includes details about a recurring weekly meeting of the "TMB."

David McLaughlin (clerk of the executive council), Jonathan Scarth (premiers principal secretary), and Paul Beauregard (then-secretary to the Treasury Board) were among those invited to a TMB meeting Feb. 2.

"This is an internal working group to manage the transformation around K to 12 education. We used the same format, the same positions, when we did health transformation," Education Minister Cliff Cullen said Tuesday.

"Anytime we do a transformation of this nature, we do need all the key players within government fully appreciating what were trying to accomplish. So to have the clerk, to have the premiers principal secretary and to have the secretary for Treasury Board makes complete sense."

The NDP education critic, however, cited the list of 13 names  including what he calls "hand-picked Tory appointments"  as a sign of what is to come under the Education Modernization Act.

"In order to plan well, you need to ensure that you have a diversity of voices. You cant have singular politically appointed voices making these decisions," said Nello Altomare (Transcona).

The second reading of the controversial legislation, which aims to replace elected school boards with a centralized board made up of government appointees and parent council members, has been postponed until fall.

While the province claims the reforms will empower parents and redirect up to $40 million to classrooms, critic concerns include the possibility an appointed board to be politicized by any government of the day.

On Tuesday, Altomare accused the province of "plowing ahead" with politically driven reforms through the TMB, regardless of public input, noting hundreds of presenters have signed up to speak at the committee stage, during which amendments are proposed.

"Theres a general frustration that the government is choosing to move forward without hearing from teachers and a general frustration that the bill doesnt really seek to reform education in a way that impacts all teachers and students and faculties positively," said a teacher-librarian from Winnipeg who spoke at the NDP news conference, and only identified herself as Stacey.

Cullen insisted the province has been listening to feedback about Bill 64 through a variety of forums, including through his teacher listening tour, which consisted of 30 school visits.

The parent engagement task force, chaired by MLA Scott Johnson, also a member of the TMB, has run a series of town halls and virtual meetings in recent weeks.

The province can create as many committees as it likes, said Altomare, but ultimately, appointees will make decisions under Bill 64.

maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @macintoshmaggie
Against the backdrop of the historical Upper Fort Garry site in downtown Winnipeg, the Trudeau government announced it has formed a new relationship with the Manitoba Metis Federation, making it the official voice of the Metis people in Manitoba.

Against the backdrop of the historical Upper Fort Garry site in downtown Winnipeg, the Trudeau government announced it has formed a new relationship with the Manitoba Metis Federation, making it the official voice of the Metis people in Manitoba.

Snapshot of the agreement Click to Expand MMF and Canada Sign Historic Self-Government Recognition Agreement (manitobametis.com)

The almost two-hour ceremony on Tuesday, replete with a fiddle player, prayers, speeches and gifts, was called a historic step in recognizing the Metis nations right to self-government. Critics said it's a sure sign an election is around the corner with the Trudeau government using a longtime ally, federation president David Chartrand, in its quest to solidify its position ahead of a fall vote.

"Very clearly, we are the government of the Metis people," Chartrand said after the outdoor signing of what he called a "modern-day treaty" with Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett, who participated virtually from Toronto.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Manitoba Metis Federation president David Chartrand gives a thumbs-up after signing the agreement, which gives the MMF formal recognition to lead the Manitoba Metis and represent them.

"The agreement is historical and represents a critical step along the Manitoba Metis Federation's path towards self-government," Bennett said. It helps to address issues raised in a landmark Supreme Court decision in 2013, which recognized Ottawa's duty to fulfil its promise to provide land to Metis people as outlined in the Manitoba Act, which brought the province into Confederation in 1870.

"Our government is committed to building a new type of relationship with Metis by advancing reconciliation, providing opportunities for respecting your traditions, language and culture," the minister told the crowd of close to 100 attendees, who were masked and physically distanced.

"Very clearly, we are the government of the Metis people."  MMF President David Chartrand

"Canada has a long way to go toward bringing an end to colonial violence still being felt today," she said, acknowledging the hundreds of unmarked graves discovered at residential school sites in recent weeks. "Through this agreement, Canada recognizes the Manitoba Metis Federation as the government of the Manitoba Metis, as well as its jurisdiction over its own affairs, including citizenship, leadership selection and government operations," she said.

Following the ceremony, Chartrand explained what it means for Manitoba Metis.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Chartrand speaks at the signing ceremony that was held at Upper Fort Garry Heritage Provincial Park in Winnipeg on Tuesday.

"This actually sets the foundation now of the future, where our government will be treated like provincial governments," Chartrand said. "We will no longer be treated like a corporation or an organization," he said. "We will have our own fiscal transfers, we're working on taxation issues right now with Canada." He expects to have a treaty with Canada signed this fall, saying it's 95 per cent complete.

"It will be the next evolution step to a much bigger transition of governance control," Chartrand said.

"This actually sets the foundation now of the future, where our government will be treated like provincial governments."  MMF President David Chartrand

Not everyone celebrated the agreement. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs complained the Liberal government is playing favourites  and politics.

"As the original treaty partners to the Crown, First Nations have yet to be given the right to self-governance on matters such as citizenship, elections, and the unencumbered operations of their own governments," Grand Chief Arlen Dumas said.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Chartrand (centre) and Minister of Northern Affairs Dan Vandal hold arms up in victory at the signing ceremony as Clement Chartier (left), Leah LaPlante, and Will Goodon look on.

"With the signing of this agreement, Canada has now clearly signalled it prioritizes the Metis over First Nations as the Liberal party seeks a majority with another federal election looming nearer," Dumas said in a press release.

Chartrand was flanked by his federation cabinet ministers; Clement Chartier, president of the Metis National Council; and Winnipeg Liberal MPs, including Dan Vandal, the northern affairs minister, who is Metis; Jim Carr, Kevin Lamoureux and Terry Duguid.

Chartrand told the crowd that Metis in this province have been fighting for self-determination for 151 years and won't give up, even if there's a change in government.

"I hope every party listening out there, Conservative, NDP, Green, you name 'em... If you're going to challenge this agreement, challenge it now before the election," Chartrand said. "I better not hear a government coming against us later saying they don't recognize this agreement."

If the Tories, for instance, defeat the Liberal government, University of Manitoba political studies adjunct professor Christopher Adams doesn't think it would scuttle Tuesday's agreement with the Manitoba Metis.

"Agreements can be signed and they can be destroyed," Adams said. However, neither the federal Conservative party nor its leader, Erin O'Toole, have shown anti-Metis bias, he said. Chartrand, Adams noted, has been "very supportive" of the Trudeau Liberals since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau referred to the Manitoba Metis as a "nation" before he took office.

"David Chartrand is very vocal in affirming his appreciation of what the Trudeau government has been doing for Metis people," said Adams. Tuesday's agreement also solidifies the Manitoba Metis Federation's jurisdiction, so that other organizations claiming to represent Canada's Metis can't say they represent Manitoba's Metis. "There can't be other entities that would undercut that," said Adams, who called Tuesday's agreement "significant."

"The Manitoba Metis Federation is on track to be recognized as a third order of government," he said. "It's a good day for David Chartrand and it's a good day for the Manitoba Metis Federation."

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca
HEAT, drought and now, smoke.

Manitobas season of extremes forced Environment Canada to issue an air-quality advisory for much of the southern part of the province Tuesday as dozens of forest fires produced choking smoke delivered by unhelpful wind conditions.

"Its very, very unhealthy," said David Phillips, senior climatologist for Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Historic heat and continued drought here and elsewhere have set the stage for dangerous fire conditions across the country that leave Manitobans at the mercy of wind, he said.

"(Smoke) could come from Alberta, Saskatchewan, or even your own province of Manitoba," he said, noting smoke from California last year made it as far as western Europe. However, the nearer a fire is, the more likely it is to get trapped in local air streams that circulate lower to the ground.

Phillips said Manitoba broke 55 daytime heat records over the span of the recent heat wave. Temperatures soared, hitting 38 C in Lynn Lake, he said. Previously, he said, Winnipeg has averaged 13 days above 30 C; there have been 14 already.

Records were smashed not only in Manitoba, but across the country. Phillips counted a total of 670, each one part of the same "heat dome" system that at one point reached from the West Coast to northwestern Ontario and into the Territories.

Thirty-two wildfires are currently burning in Manitoba. There have been 140 already this year, only nine shy of last years total.

Wildfires east of Berens River and west of Red Lake, Ont., have been billowing smoke into airstreams moving into south-central and southeastern Manitoba.

On Monday, Ontario reported 14 new fires in its northwestern region, mostly around Red Lake. That number, combined with 19 burning in this province northeast of Winnipeg, led to Environment Canadas air-quality advisory.

Rainfall has been nearly non-existent in southern Manitoba, said Phillips.

"In the past six weeks, youve had a grand total of maybe a millimetre or 1.5 millimetres of rain," he said.

Phillips expects the air quality advisory to be short-lived, as winds are expected to shift to the south today. But he said he expects hot, dry weather will continue throughout the summer.

The heavy smoke brings health risks, particularly for certain groups, said Dr. Peter Benoit, a public-health physician.

Small children are susceptible to smoke inhalation "because they take more breaths per minute than adults, so they potentially breathe more smoke," he said.

Pregnant women, elderly people, anyone doing strenuous activity outdoors and those with underlying heart and lung conditions are also at risk, he said.

"Common things people might experience would be sore throat, watery eyes, runny nose, potentially headaches," he said.

Smoke contains particles that act as irritants, causing inflammation, he said, noting masks worn for protection against COVID-19  especially the non-medical variety  are likely ineffective at blocking the particulates.

Benoit said people should err on the side of caution when dealing with smoke. At the first sign of respiratory trouble, he advised people to consider reducing their activity and keeping a close eye on their conditions. People with chronic conditions, such as severe asthma, should consider waiting out an air-quality advisory altogether, he said.

The air-quality health index listed Winnipeg at "moderate risk" until Tuesday night. Environment Canada said the general population doesnt need to modify their outdoor activities unless experiencing symptoms such as coughing and sore throat. At-risk populations should consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor plans.

cody.sellar@freepress.mb.ca
Seventy-five per cent of students at Glenwood School indicated they do not access a public library in a survey about grades 3-8 reading habits their teacher-librarian undertook in early 2020.

Seventy-five per cent of students at Glenwood School indicated they do not access a public library in a survey about grades 3-8 reading habits their teacher-librarian undertook in early 2020.

Transportation challenges, time management, and concerns about fines are among the reasons Karen Burkett said students do not visit their local library often, if ever.

The COVID-19 pandemic has only complicated opportunities to scan shelves, as public libraries have opened and closed amid ever-changing health restrictions in Winnipeg.

"Glenwood School library is really the heart of our community. Thats the place where the grand majority of our students borrow books from," said Burkett, an itinerant teacher-librarian at the K-8 school in North St. Vital.

Glenwood is one of three elementary buildings in Manitoba that have been awarded tens of thousands of dollars each to bolster bookshelves amid the pandemic, thanks to the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation.

Glenwood and John M. King schools in Winnipeg and Otetiskewin Kiskinwamahtowekamik School in Nelson House are all recipients of the foundations literacy fund grants for $30,000, $40,000, and $80,000, respectively.

According to a release published Tuesday, the foundation has provided 2020-21 grants to elementary schools with limited library budgets across the country to ensure students have access to books in schools and at home so they "(can) still fall in love with reading" during the pandemic, and after the fact.

Glenwoods small population and in turn, small library budget, has long limited what is available for students to read, said Burkett, adding the school has already purchased many diverse new books with the grant money and advice from students who searched Indigos online catalog this year.

The school also used some cash from the grant earlier this year to host a virtual visit from Indigenous novelist David Alexander Robertson, the Winnipeg-based bestselling author of When We Were Alone and Black Water: Family, Legacy, and Blood Memory.

maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @macintoshmaggie
After being announced as Canadas 30th governor general, Mary Simon did something no one in her position had done before: she introduced herself in an Indigenous language.

After being announced as Canadas 30th governor general, Mary Simon did something no one in her position had done before: she introduced herself in an Indigenous language.

The Inuk leader used her Inuktitut name, Ningiukadluk, and spoke about her family, the land, the water, and how she was going to bring all of her experiences to the job.

"I can confidently say that my appointment is a historic and inspirational moment for Canada and an important step forward on the long path towards reconciliation," she added Tuesday, in English.

It was a remarkable moment in what has been a remarkable two months, following the discoveries of more than 1,500 unmarked graves at former residential schools, a "sea of orange" on Canada Day, and a national Indigenous-led rebuke of the Catholic Church.

For the first time in history, an Indigenous woman will represent the Crown in Canada.

CP Mary Simon used her Inuktitut name, Ningiukadluk, to introduce herself and spoke about her family, the land, the water, and how she was going to bring all of her experiences to the job. (Sean Kilpatrick / The Canadian Press)

Simon is immensely qualified. She has worked in media, helped negotiate huge agreements (such as the James Bay Cree hydroelectric project), and voted in twice as president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (the national Inuit political organization).

She grew up on the land; an Inuk from Kuujjuaq, a coastal community in northeastern Quebec. (She has some local ties, too. While her maternal routes are Inuit, her father was a non-Indigenous fur trader from Manitoba, employed by the Hudson Bay Company.)

Her appointment came with a few criticisms, though.

She doesnt speak French  having been denied being taught the language in her day school experience, Simon said. She promised to learn it.

She is, however, bilingual (Inuktitut is an official language in Nunavut) and expecting Indigenous peoples to learn two colonial languages while not using their ancestral one is incredibly racist.

A more tangible criticism is whether Simon can handle such a tricky position, in a country that has denied, marginalized and refused to define Indigenous and treaty rights but now has a government promising to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (Bill C-15).

CP Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mary Simon arrive at the announcement at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que., on Tuesday. (Sean Kilpatrick / The Canadian Press)

Simons track record suggests diplomacy is her strong point. She has handled difficult negotiations in the drive to ratify Canadas Constitution in 1982, in the 1990s (Charlottetown Accord), and during her time as head of the former Inuit Circumpolar Conference.

Her most influential part of her resume, however, is probably her deep Liberal ties. In the government of Jean Chretien, she was appointed Canadas arctic ambassador and, later, international ambassador to Denmark.

In politics, relationships mean a lot, and Simon brings a wealth of Liberal connections to the role  and has changed the office already.

To get some perspective: imagine if an Indigenous woman had a powerful role on the side of the Crown when treaties were negotiated or when Canada was implementing racist laws (Indian Act) or when residential schools were operating.

I can tell you, with 100 per cent certainty, things would have turned out differently.

One person in a position normally reserved for ceremonial purposes wont create deep, everlasting change  or frankly do much to reverse Canadas ongoing genocide of Indigenous communities  but it is a hopeful step.

CP Sophie Gregoire Trudeau (from left), Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Mary Simon and her husband Whit Fraser speak together after it was announced that Simon would become Canada's new Governor General. (Sean Kilpatrick / The Canadian Press)

Simons appointment is also a concrete sign of a fall election.

No sitting government should enter a campaign without a governor general, who must perform critical tasks such as adjudicating on constitutional conflicts, dissolving Parliament, and calling an election. The largest piece of Canadas imminent race to the polls is in place.

After announcing Simon as the next governor general, the Trudeau Liberals made two huge announcements: recognizing the self-government of the Manitoba Metis Federation and giving jurisdiction over child welfare to Cowessess First Nation (Sask.) where, just weeks earlier, 751 potential unmarked graves were found at the site of a residential school.

If there was any question the federal Liberals are going to put their record on Indigenous issues on the line this upcoming campaign, Tuesdays trifecta of announcements secured it.

Soon, another remarkable moment is going to happen: an Indigenous person is going to be asked to dissolve Parliament.

Again: an Indigenous woman is soon going to end Canadas government.

Let that sink in, and you can see how remarkable Tuesday was.

niigaan.sinclair@freepress.mb.ca
Winnipeggers have waited as long as six hours for an ambulance staffed by burned-out paramedics during the COVID-19 pandemic, the service's frustrated outgoing chief says.

Winnipeggers have waited as long as six hours for an ambulance staffed by burned-out paramedics during the COVID-19 pandemic, the service's frustrated outgoing chief says.

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Chief John Lane painted an alarming picture of the department's operations in his final report to the city's protection community services and parks committee this week.

"It really underscores the fact that we have had no net new ambulance resources in Winnipeg since 2011 even pre-pandemic, we were getting to the point where our ambulance utilization rates were well above anything that would be considered even busy by industry standards," Lane told the Free Press Tuesday. "We were at the extreme end."

And then COVID arrived, taking matters from bad to worse by stretching resources and further stressing staff dealing with desperately ill elderly patients in at personal-care homes when cases spiked late last year.

Paramedics have been logging heavy overtime since the pandemic began, leading to staffing concerns and burnout, said Lane, who is retiring at the end of the year.

"People are working an awful lot.... So it becomes increasingly more difficult to staff on overtime, because people are just tired," he said.

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES "It really underscores the fact that we have had no net new ambulance resources in Winnipeg since 2011 even pre-pandemic, we were getting to the point where our ambulance utilization rates were well above anything that would be considered even busy by industry standards," Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Chief John Lane told the Free Press Tuesday.

Last October, the WFPS called on the province to provide 10 new ambulances and an additional 120 crew members to staff the units. Lane said at the time he was at "the begging stage."

The city and the province are now into a fifth year without a contract to fund the service after the previous agreement expired in 2016. Winnipeg operates ambulances in the city on the province's behalf. But the contract between the two levels of government expired in 2016. It was extended in 2017, and the city offered a draft proposal to the Progressive Conservative government in 2019.

Last year, the province paid the city $31.4 million to run ambulance services.

"This is the state of public health in this province, and theres downstream costs to Winnipeg and Winnipeggers," protection, community services and parks committee chair Coun. Sherri Rollins said.

"Im very proud Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service innovated in this really difficult time, but the system is really overburdened, taxed, stressed, and its really about time some adjustments are made on Broadway."

In a statement Tuesday, Shared Health said response times to calls that involve urgent or life-threatening care continue to be answered within minutes.

"Shared Health is committed to ensuring ongoing access to emergency medical services for Winnipeg residents," a spokesman said. "That is why we invested $44.68 million in the WFPS in 2020, which represented an incremental funding increase of nine per cent in only two years  well above the rate of inflation."

BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES The EPIC 9 pilot goal is to keep some ambulances and paramedics free for the most urgent matters by directing less-serious cases to travel to hospital with family members.

Lane provided the committee with an update to the EPIC 9 pilot, a phone-triage program that uses paramedics to assess patients after they call 911. The goal is to keep some ambulances and paramedics free for the most urgent matters by directing less-serious cases to travel to hospital with family members, for example.

Rollins voiced support for the triage program and said the WFPS had "innovated to deal" with the grim situation it's currently in.

"This would be one of the things other jurisdictions did in addition to hiring more paramedics, hiring more nurses, getting ready that shouldve been considered that wasnt," she said.

Rollins said the increased wait times reported by Lane "directly point to the need for increased ambulances."

Lane said as he gets closer to retirement after seven years as chief, he is proud of the work done by the WFPS in its strategic planning for the future, but said the lack of a contract with the province remained "frustrating."

"It takes a real toll on our staff," he said.

malak.abas@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: malakabas_
According to the sheriffs office, the deputy started driving east on County T, going around a curve and into the town of Fairfield when he saw the vehicle that had left the scene of the traffic stop in the ditch sitting on its roof near the woods.

The deputy found Slama, partially pinned under the vehicle, already dead. Another passenger, who Breezer said was Ryen Swiatly, 24, of Portage, was found by the deputy feet away from the crashed vehicle. He was reportedly severely injured and taken to UW Hospital in Madison via MedFlight.

The driver, an unidentified man who Breezer said Slama didnt know well, left the scene of the crash. According to a press release from Sauk County Sheriff Chip Meister, the man was arrested about 7 hours later when someone called police after the driver showed up at their home around 9:30 a.m. asking for help.

My feelings are, Was my daughters life worth less than a ticket to you? Breezer said she would ask the driver. I want to know what you were thinking.

Breezer said she hopes the driver lives with the weight of his actions.
Breathing life into bone

An international Wits-led team of scientists used high-powered X-rays to show how an extinct South African dinosaur, Heterodontosaurus tucki, breathed.

The study is published in elife. In 2016, scientists from the Evolutionary Studies Institute (ESI) at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, travelled to the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France, to scan the complete skeleton of a small, 200-million-year-old plant-eating dinosaur. The dinosaur specimen is the most complete fossil ever discovered of a species known as Heterodontosaurus tucki. The fossil was found in 2009 in the Eastern Cape of South Africa by study co-author, Dr Billy de Klerk of the Albany Museum, Makhanda, South Africa. A farmer friend of mine called my attention to the specimen, says de Klerk, and when I saw it, I immediately knew we had something special on our hands.

The team of scientists used scans and new algorithms to virtually reconstruct the skeleton of Heterodontosaurus in unprecedented detail, and thus show how this extinct dinosaur breathed. This specimen represents a turning point in understanding how dinosaurs evolved, explains Viktor Radermacher, lead author and former Wits Masters student at the ESI (now at the University of Minnesota, USA).

Mammals, birds, and reptiles all move air through their lungs in different ways. For example, mammals use a diaphragm, lizards use rib movements, and birds rely on rocking their breastbone. However, it has been a mystery to scientists how the herbivorous dinosaurs known as Ornithischians moved air through the lungs, since they have a very different anatomy to other dinosaurs. This study found that Heterodontosaurus was using its oddly shaped ribs connected to its sternum to breathe, but that it also showed the first steps towards a muscle attached to the hips that would inflate the lung  similar to how crocodiles breathe.

Heterodontosaurus is one of the oldest and first-evolving Ornithischians, the group that includes favourites like Triceratops, Stegosaurus, and duckbilled dinosaurs. "We've long known that the skeletons of ornithischian dinosaurs were radically different from those of other dinosaurs," explains Dr Richard Butler, from the School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK. "This amazing new fossil helps us understand why ornithischians were so distinctive and successful", he adds.

This study is the result of a long-standing collaboration between palaeontologists based in South Africa and at the ESRF, where non-invasive techniques have been developed specifically for palaeontological studies. You could only do this study with a synchrotron, says Vincent Fernandez, co-author and scientist at the Natural History Museum in London, UK. The characteristics of the ESRFs X-rays, combined with its high energy beamline configuration, made scanning this complete turkey-sized dinosaur possible.

Studies like this highlight how South Africas fossil record once again helps us understand evolutionary origins said senior author Professor Jonah Choiniere from the ESI.

This is a perfect example of how diversity in the life around us shows that there isnt a single solution. There are many ways to achieve the same breath.

Support

Authors Viktor Radermacher, Kimberley Chapelle, and Jonah Choiniere were supported by grants from the NRF-African Origins Platform, Centre of Excellence in Palaeosciences, and the Palaeontological Scientific Trust. South African participation in the ESRF, the European synchrotron, is supported by the NRF and DSI.
After months of progress in the fight against Covid-19, cases are rising again as the highly contagious Delta variant spreads across the US.

States with below-average vaccination rates have almost triple the rate of new Covid-19 cases compared to states with above-average vaccination rates, according to new data from Johns Hopkins University.

As of Sunday, states with lower rates of vaccination reported an average of 6 new cases per 100,000 residents every day over the past week, according to Johns Hopkins.

States with higher vaccination rates reported an average of 2.2 new cases per 100,000 residents each day over the past week.

Arkansas, where less than 35% of residents were fully vaccinated Sunday, averaged 16 new cases per 100,000 residents every day over the past week, according to Johns Hopkins. That's about five times the nationwide rate of new cases.

And Arkansas is one of 10 states where the rate of new cases jumped more than 25% over the past week compared to the previous week. Of those 10 states, all but one -- Delaware -- had below-average vaccination rates.

On the flip side, Vermont leads the country in vaccination rates, with 66% of its residents fully vaccinated.

Vermont also has the lowest rate of new Covid-19 cases -- less than 1 per 100,000 residents each day over the past week, according to Johns Hopkins. That's a decrease of nearly 16% from the previous week.

The gap in progress between highly vaccinated states and those lagging in vaccinations keeps growing.

Parts of the South, Southwest and Midwest are starting to see surges, said Dr. Jonathan Reiner, professor of medicine and surgery at George Washington University.

Florida is getting hit particularly hard, with about 17% of all new cases in the US being reported out of the Sunshine State, he said.

"People will continue to die until we vaccinate everybody," Reiner said.

And for young people who don't think they need to get vaccinated, Reiner said his hospital has seen plenty of young adults suffering from Covid-19 or complications of long Covid months after infection.

"What I would say to young people is that Covid-19 doesn't have to kill you to wreck your life," he said.

Why unvaccinated people might want to get vaccinated soon

All 50 states and Washington, DC, have reported cases of the highly contagious Delta variant.

"We learned this virus, a variant of Covid, is highly transmissible -- the most transmissible we've seen to date," US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy said last week.

"This is, again, a serious threat and we are seeing it spread among unvaccinated people."

The virus carries a cluster of mutations, including one known as L452R, that helps it infect human cells more easily.

The director-general of the World Health Organization has also said "Delta is the most transmissible of the variants identified so far."

The current vaccines protect well against all the variants so far, but that could change at any moment. That's why doctors and public health officials want more people to get vaccinated.

"The more we allow the virus to spread, the more opportunity the virus has to change," the World Health Organization advised last month.

Renewed debate on masks as the Delta variant spreads

In areas with high Covid-19 transmission and low vaccination rates, even vaccinated people may want to wear masks, said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious diseases.

"When I'm in that area where there's a considerable degree of viral circulation, I might want to go the extra mile to be cautious enough to make sure that I get the extra added level of protection -- even though the vaccines themselves are highly effective," Fauci told NBC on Sunday.

But Reiner said vaccines provide strong enough protection that those who are inoculated shouldn't need to wear masks, except for those with extenuating circumstances like compromised immune systems.

Vaccination is "the ticket to get your life back," he said.

"Currently, approximately 1,000 counties in the United States have vaccination coverage of less than 30%. These communities, primarily in the Southeast and Midwest, are our most vulnerable," CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Thursday. "As the Delta variant continues to spread across the country, we expect to see increased transmissions in these communities, unless we can vaccinate more people now."

Former US Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb said masks may become normalized for some people looking to protect themselves against respiratory pathogens -- be they coronavirus or the flu.

"I think people are going to use them on a voluntary basis," Gottlieb told CBS's "Face the Nation" Sunday. "I think going to work with the sniffles is going to be frowned upon. I think businesses are going to have access to routine testing."

What happens next winter is up to us this summer

Zients said the federal government will be increasing efforts this summer to get more people vaccinated so they can return to normal life safely.

"The most trusted messenger is the local doctor, the local health care provider, so increasingly we have vaccines in doctor's offices, at health care clinics, so that people can get their questions answered and roll up their sleeve and get a shot," Zients said.

If not enough people get vaccinated, health experts say, progress could be erased and Covid-19 could resurge in the winter.

Vaccine expert Dr. Paul Offit estimated in May that 80% of the population will need to become immunized through vaccines or prior infections to avoid a winter surge.

Offit is director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and a member of the US Food and Drug Administration's vaccine advisory committee.

That 80% population immunity could be achieved through a combination of both vaccination and immunity from natural infection, he said.

"The proof will be in the pudding next winter," Offit told CNN's Jake Tapper. "If we don't get there to 80%, then I think you'll see another surge of this virus next winter."

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
Local and state leaders are responding to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's Tuesday declaration of a disaster emergency on gun violence in the state of New York.

Cuomo says gun violence is a public health crisis, and the declaration allows the state to use more of its resources to address the problem.

The governor announced a seven-pronged strategy to combat the increase in gun crime, which includes targeting hot spots in the state, getting illegal guns off of the streets and engaging at-risk youth.

Here are comments from state lawmakers:

Rep. Claudia Tenney, R-22

Governor Cuomos latest state of emergency is a total farce. Its yet another politically motivated stunt designed to increase his own executive powers at the expense of our Constitutional rights.

Governor Cuomo is right about one thing: crime is on the rise. From Utica to Binghamton, violence is soaring and the New Yorkers I represent are deeply concerned. But the root of the problem isnt with law-abiding gun owners or reputable manufacturers like Remington Arms, a staple of the Mohawk Valley for more than 200 years. The problem is with Albanys radical politicians who are targeting hardworking New Yorkers and inexplicably tipping the scales of justice in favor of criminals. Bail reform, among other so-called criminal justice reforms, is putting more violent offenders on the streets while the defund the police agenda is causing irreparable harm to our communities.

If Governor Cuomo was serious about restoring order and addressing rising crime, he would be taking meaningful actions to reverse these policies. Instead, hes engaging in more political theater and putting our communities at greater risk.

Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, D-119

Yesterday, the Governor issued an executive order declaring gun violence in New York State a disaster emergency, freeing up state resources and funds to better protect residents from this scourge. The Governor also proposed expanding summer employment programs to reach at-risk youth and improving statewide gun violence data research.

"While I support all efforts to end gun violence this epidemic will only be resolved if those that are closest to the problem in our community provide input for achievable solutions. Recently, I met with board members of the Oneida County Sheriff's Law Enforcement Foundation to discuss their "Bridge Program, which looks to engage all members of our community with law enforcement through positive educational and community outreach. This working board knows that we all need to work together to have success and I commend them and all that they are working towards to curtail this devastating epidemic.

I have always supported the gun ownership rights guaranteed to us by the Second Amendment. However, I cannot ignore the fact that lives are continuously and tragically cut short by gun-related violence. Over this past weekend, three Utica residents were shot and two perished. One of the victims was a 14-year-old who was shot by a 15-year-old. We cant allow horrific incidents like these to continue to occur regularly and must act immediately to reach out to our youth through every mode possible to decrease their likelihood of involvement in violence. By investing in community outreach programs and offering summer job opportunities to at-risk youth, we can work to curtail gun-related incidents."

Sen. Rob Ortt, R-62

"Days after finally relinquishing his emergency powers, the Governor has declared another emergency. The crisis in cities across our state today directly correlates with the passage of the disastrous bail and other criminal justice reforms, an out-of-control Parole Board that has released countless murderers and other dangerous criminals, and calls by democrats to defund our police.

These heinous acts of violence and the victims affected deserve real solutions -- not political grandstanding."

Nick Langworthy, chairman of New York GOP

We have a state of emergency in New York--its called one-party Democrat rule. What did Cuomo think would happen when he let all the dangerous criminals back onto the streets? We have a public safety crisis that has been created by Democrats who handcuff and villainize police, while coddling violent career criminals by eliminating bail, loosening parole and allowing them free rein in our communities. The only way we are going to get this scourge of violence under control is to throw out the Democrats who created this nightmare in the first place--starting with Andrew Cuomo.

Gerard Kassar, New York State Conservative Party chairman

Theres a Disaster Emergency in New York  and not the one Andrew Cuomo is fabricating to create a political distraction from

the ongoing crime wave.

The real disaster is the liberal, pie-in-the-sky criminal justice reforms that Mr. Cuomo and his Democrat colleagues have forced on New Yorkers over the past three years. The resulting crime surge is as unconscionable as it was predictable.

What did Mr. Cuomo think would happen when cash bail, broken window policing, and stop-and-frisk were all abruptly ended? What did he think when police budgets were slashed? Did he think criminals would go on vacation?

Mr. Cuomos solution, once again, is to threaten the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding New Yorkers rather than address the actual issue of criminal behavior.

We know how to crack down on crime  two Republican New York City mayors proved it  but Mr. Cuomo seems more concerned about appearing woke than he is about crime victims. How terribly progressive. How terribly sad.
NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. -- The New Hartford Central School District Board of Education announced the appointment of Dr. Cosimo Tangorra, Jr., Ed.D. as the Districts new superintendent of schools during their meeting on July 6.

Dr. Tangorra is currently the superintendent of schools for the Niskayuna Central School District. He will tentatively begin duties as superintendent for the New Hartford Central School District on Oct. 6, 2021, having been selected by the Board of Education to replace Robert Nole, who left the position in April 2021.

Tangora calls New Hartford "a very special place", adding that he is "humbled by the trust the Board of Education has displayed in allowing (him) to build upon the tradition of engaging, student-focused education that (the) district is known for".

Prior to joining the Niskayuna Central School District in 2015, Dr. Tangorra served as Deputy Commissioner for P-12 Education for the New York State Education Department. Dr. Tangorra was previously employed as the superintendent of schools for the Central Valley Central School District, Ilion Central School District, Trumansburg Central School District and Oppenheim-Ephratah Central School District. Prior to that, he was a building principal in the Oppenheim-Ephratah Central School District, administrator and special education teacher in the Little Falls City School District, and a special education teacher at the Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES.

Dr. Tangorra earned an Associate of Arts degree in Social Science from Herkimer County Community College, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Siena College and a masters degree in special education from The College of St. Rose. He went on to receive his Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from SUNY Cortland and earned his doctorate in educational leadership from The Sage Colleges.

The New Hartford CSD Board of Education will host a Meet and Greet event with Dr. Tangorra on Tuesday, July 20 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the New Hartford High School.

The school community is invited to visit the high school and get to know Dr. Tangorra in an informal setting.
BARNEVELD, N.Y.  The teen who was injured after crashing his Yamaha WaveRunner on the Saint Lawrence River has been released from the hospital.

According to 15-year-old Trevor Dziedzics mother, he is recovering at home after suffering minor injuries in the crash.

Three other teens were also involved in the collision, which happened on July 3 near Potters Beach.

Dziedzic was airlifted to a Syracuse hospital and two of the other teens were taken to the hospital to be treated for minor injuries. The fourth teen involved was not injured.
VERONA, N.Y.  A new buffet will debut at Turning Stone Resort Casino later this year where Seasons Harvest used to be.

The new 7 Kitchens restaurant will feature various types of cuisine from across the world as well as some classic American favorites.

The seven specialty areas of 7 Kitchens will include:

Culinary Tour of Italy: Featuring regional favorites and Italian classics, including charcuterie, fresh seasonal vegetables, cheeses, pastas and homemade wood-fired pizzas.

Seafood: Seafood options will change regularly based on availability of sustainable fish sourced from regional fisheries in Boston and Canada. Fish fry will be served as well.

Flavors of Asia: Offering Chinese-American classics, such as General Tso chicken and egg rolls, and selections from Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia and Hong Kong. This section will also feature a Dim Sum station with freshly-steamed Cantonese style dumplings, buns, rice noodles and more.

The Carvery: A meat station featuring roast beef, turkey, brisket, pork and more, served with sweet potatoes, buttery green beans and fluffy mashed potatoes. The types of meats available will change daily.

The Grill & American Classics: Evolving selections will include choices like chicken pot pie, meatloaf, fried chicken, American casseroles, burgers, Hofmanns hot dogs, Philly Cheesesteaks and more.

Taco Bar: A taco station with various fixings from different regions of Mexico.

The Bakery: Freshly baked breads and rolls, as well as pies, pastries, cakes and other sweet treats. There will also be an ice cream and gelato counter.

The restaurant will have a more contemporary design and hold more than 375 customers, making it the casinos largest restaurant.

7 Kitchens is scheduled to open in December.
UTICA, N.Y. -- Utica Police are asking for your help in a shooting investigation.

At approximately 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Utica Police units were dispatched to St. Elizabeth's Hospital regarding a male walk-in gunshot victim.

Hospital staff advised the officers that the male was shot once in the shoulder area and the injuries did not appear life threatening.

The man was not cooperative with the investigation, refusing to provide even basic details about the incident. He also told the officers that he was dropped off at the hospital, when in fact it was learned via hospital camera footage that he drove himself there.

No calls of shots were fired were received during this time frame, so the location of the shooting remains unknown.

Utica Police are asking that if anyone has information regarding the incident to please contact the Utica Police Department Major Crimes Unit at 315 223 3556, or you can submit a 100% anonymous tip online through Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers here or by calling 1-866-730-8477 (TIPS), or by using the P3 Tips mobile app.
HERKIMER, N.Y.  The fate of the former H.M. Quackenbush building in Herkimer is in limbo as the Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency and the Village of Herkimer discuss how to move forward with the transfer of the property.

The IDA offered to sell the building, located on Prospect Street, to the village for a $40 transfer fee. However, the village and the Herkimer 9, a group looking to revitalize the village, want to go inside and inspect the building first.

We're looking for access to get into the site so we can assess it for taxpayers. I cant do due diligence without getting in there. structural and environmental assessment said village Mayor Mark Netti. If it's an insurance thing to be able to go in there, we can sign a waiver -- whatever we got to do to do this.

During an IDA meeting Wednesday, officials said the villages request to examine the structure will be reviewed.

Executive director of the IDA, John Piseck, says the attorneys may have to discuss how best to move forward.
UK holidaymakers have been given a much-needed boost as new destinations were added to the nation's "green list."

The move on Thursday came as travel regulations, along with the risk-based "traffic light" system, continue to cause widespread confusion among those eager to take a vacation since the ban on foreign holidays was lifted last month.

Here's everything you need to know about the UK travel rules, including the latest additions to the green list and upcoming changes regarding amber-designated places.

Can UK residents now travel abroad for a holiday?

Residents of England, Scotland and Wales have been allowed to go on vacation since May 17, when the restrictions that made it illegal to travel abroad for nonessential reasons ended.

The rules were relaxed for residents of Northern Ireland on May 24.

However, the UK government officials has continually warned travelers that the experience will be very different because of ongoing concerns around Covid-19.

"I want to stress that this is going to be, whatever happens, a difficult year for travel," UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson told reporters on June 21.

"There will be hassle, there will be delays, because the priority has got to be to keep the country safe and stop the virus coming back in."

On July 5, UK prime minister Boris Johnson announced that the current rules around social distancing are to be lifted on July 19, while wearing face masks will become voluntary in all settings.

What are the green list countries?

The UK's traffic light system for designating safe travel destinations lists countries or territories it classifies as safest as "green" -- meaning anyone traveling there will not have to quarantine on return.

What follows is the full green list:

Anguilla

Antigua

Australia

Balearic Islands (off Spain's Mediterranean coast)

Barbados

Barbuda

Bermuda

British Antarctic Territory

British Indian Ocean Territory

British Virgin Islands

Brunei

Cayman Islands

Dominica

Falkland Islands

Faroe Islands

Gibraltar

Grenada

Iceland

Israel

Madeira (autonomous Atlantic island group belonging to Portugal)

Malta

Montserrat

New Zealand

Pitcairn Islands

Singapore

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

Turks and Caicos Islands



Portugal was originally on the green list, but it moved to amber on June 8.

It's worth noting that entry to Australia, Brunei, the Faroe Islands, New Zealand and Singapore is heavily restricted, so a destination's appearance on the list doesn't automatically mean that UK travelers can go there.

Which countries can I visit if I live in England?

English travelers are permitted to the "green" destinations without having to quarantine on their return, provided they take a predeparture test, as well as a PCR test on or before day two of their arrival back in the UK.

That said, some countries currently listed as green, such as New Zealand and Australia, remain closed to international travelers.

While travelers are also allowed to visit countries designated "amber" or "red," the restrictions are much stricter, making them far less attractive options.

Those who choose to visit places on the "amber" list, which include Portugal, France, Greece, Spain and Italy, and are not fully vaccinated will have to quarantine for 10 days when they return, take a predeparture test and also get a PCR test on day two and eight of their isolation.

However, "amber" destinations qualify for a test-to-release scheme, which means holidaymakers can take a PCR test after five days' quarantine. If they receive a negative result, they will be permitted to go out into the community.

UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has confirmed that, from July 19, UK residents arriving from amber list countries "who are fully vaccinated through the UK vaccine rollout" won't have to quarantine.

But residents will still be required to take a Covid-19 test before they return home and a second test on day two.

While children under the age of 18 will no longer have to self-isolate, they'll also be required to take tests, according to Shapps.

The move comes as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic reveal plans to trial fast track lanes for fully vaccinated travelers arriving at Heathrow Airport on selected flights.

Four routes will be covered in the scheme, which will allow passengers on flights from Athens, Los Angeles, Montego Bay and New York to Heathrow upload their vaccination status before boarding the aircraft.

Travelers from England who choose to visit "red" list destinations are required to check in to one of the UK's quarantine hotels, at a cost of 1,750 (around $2,445) per adult when they return. They must also follow the same testing regulations as those arriving from "amber" destinations.

Which countries can I visit if I live in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

The separate "green lists" released by Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been identical to England's so far.

However, the destinations included may change according to each countries' needs.

How is the UK deciding which countries go on its lists?

The UK government has said the decision-making is based on factors including a country's Covid-19 transmission risk, its variant of concern transmission risk and its genomic surveillance capability.

The UK's Joint Biosecurity Centre has undertaken risk assessments for each destination, using data including total number of vaccination doses administered per 100 people. You can read more about the data used here, and about the methodology here.

Should I book a summer holiday in a country on the amber list?

The amber list contains some of the UK's most-loved tourist destinations, such as Portugal, Italy, Greece, Spain and France.

The government guidance is that UK residents should not be booking holidays to "amber list" countries, or planning any nonessential travel, but it is no longer illegal to do so. The amber list is subject to change, which means countries may move to green or red at any time.

Can I go on holiday in the UK?

Travelers from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are allowed to go anywhere within those countries and overnight stays are permitted at hotels, B&Bs and hostels, though rules around group numbers vary in each destination.

Those who plan to visit any of the Scottish islands are advised to take two lateral flow tests before their trip.

Will I have to quarantine when I come home?

Quarantine rules depend on whether the country you're traveling to/from is on the "green," "red" or "amber list."

If you are arriving into the country from a "red" list country, you will have to quarantine in a designated hotel upon arrival for 10 days at your own expense. Bookings must be made through this online portal. The charge for a single adult is 1,750.

There are designated quarantine hotels in England and Scotland. If your final destination is in Wales or Northern Ireland, you will need to book a hotel in England or Scotland.

If you are arriving from an "amber" list country, you will have to quarantine at home for 10 days. The other people in your household do not need to quarantine with you, unless they were also on your trip, or they have Covid symptoms, or they test positive.

If you are arriving from a "green list" destination, quarantine is not a requirement. The quarantine requirements work in tandem with testing. It's compulsory to take a Covid test on or before day two of your quarantine, and on or after day eight.

If you are arriving in England from an "amber" country, it's possible to end your quarantine early via the Test to Release system. This involves paying for a private test, if it's negative, you can end your quarantine period. It's not possible to do this until you've been in England for at least five days.

If you're arriving from a "red" or "amber" destination, your passenger locator form must contain details of your quarantine destination.

You can get public transport to your place where you intend to quarantine, but the official guidance is to only do so "if you have no other option." For the full rules, see here.

During your quarantine, you will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace.

When will the rules change?

The UK government has said the "red", "amber" and "green" list will be "continuously monitored" and updated every three weeks, so it's worth keeping tabs on a destination before you depart. There's no guarantee that a "green" country will stay that way.

As for the system more generally -- the guidance says travel restrictions will be formally reviewed on June 28, no later than July 31 and October 1, 2021.

Will I need to be vaccinated to travel?

Some countries, such as Iceland, are now open to international travelers who can present proof of vaccination. In the absence of this, sometimes a recent negative Covid-19 test, or proof of recovery from Covid-19 will also suffice.

The rules frequently change from country to country, and it is advisable to check destination-specific requirements before booking travel and closer to departure.

Will I need a Covid test to travel?

Yes. Travelers heading to approved destinations will need to take a predeparture test, as well as a PCR test on or before day two of their arrival back in the UK.

A test may be needed by the country you're traveling to. Most destinations that are open to arrivals now require a recent negative PCR test before visitors can enter.

Portugal, currently on the "amber" list, will now accept lateral flow tests for those arriving from the UK, along with EU and Schengen countries.

When can UK citizens fly to the United States?

The US is currently on the UK's "amber" list. As explained above, the UK does not advise nonessential travel to "amber" countries. Plus, UK residents have been banned from entering the United States since March 2020 and this ban is still in place.

When the initial "green list" destinations were announced, the World Travel & Tourism Council expressed disappointment that the US was not included and accused the UK government of being "too cautious."

Airlines have also been clamoring for the reintroduction of the transatlantic travel corridor, one of the world's busiest air routes during pre-pandemic times.

It's unknown when the United States might make it onto the "green list," but it'll likely coincide with a lifting of US restrictions on UK travelers.

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
Here is a look at the life of Aung San Suu Kyi, Burmese activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Personal

Birth date: June 19, 1945

Birth place: Rangoon (Yangon), Burma (Myanmar)

Birth name: Aung San Suu Kyi

Father: Aung San, commander of the Burma Independence Army. Helped negotiate Burma's independence from Britain. Assassinated on July 19, 1947.

Mother: Ma Khin Kyi, diplomat and later an ambassador to India.

Marriage: Michael Aris (January 1, 1972-March 27, 1999, his death)

Children: Kim (Burmese name: Htein Lin) and Alexander (Burmese name: Myint San Aung)

Education: St. Hughes College, Oxford University, B.A. in philosophy, politics and economics, 1967

Religion: Buddhist

Other Facts

Referred to as Daw Aung San Suu Kyi; "Daw" is an honorific title.

Grew up in Myanmar and India but moved to England in the 1960s.

Timeline

1964 - Moves to England to study at Oxford University.

1969-1971 - Works at the United Nations in New York as assistant secretary for the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions.

1985-1986 - Is a visiting scholar at the Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, Japan.

1987 - Is a fellow at the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies in Simla, India.

April 1988 - Returns to Myanmar when her mother suffers a severe stroke.

August 26, 1988 - In her first public address, outside the Shwedagon Pagoda, calls for a multiparty democratic government.

September 24, 1988 - Co-founds the National League for Democracy (NLD), a party dedicated to nonviolence and civil disobedience, and is appointed general secretary.

July 20, 1989 - Is placed under house arrest for charges of trying to divide the military, charges she denies.

May 27, 1990 - Her party, the NLD, wins more than 80% of the legislative seats, but the State Law and Order Restoration Council does not recognize the election results.

July 10, 1991 - Wins the Sakharov human rights prize from the European Parliament.

October 14, 1991 - Wins the Nobel Peace Prize "for her non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights."

July 10, 1995 - Is released from house arrest, but her political activity is restricted.

September 23, 2000 - Is again placed under house arrest.

December 6, 2000 - US President Bill Clinton awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Suu Kyi in absentia.

May 6, 2002 - Is released from house arrest.

May 30, 2003 - While traveling in Myanmar, her motorcade is attacked by a pro-government mob and she is held by the military. Later, she is placed under house arrest.

November 29, 2004 - Learns her house arrest has been extended for another year.

May 2006 - House arrest is extended for another year.

June 9, 2006 - US Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs Sean McCormack tells reporters that Suu Kyi has been hospitalized for an undisclosed ailment.

May 25, 2007 - The government extends her house arrest for another year.

May 6, 2008 - US President George W. Bush signs legislation awarding a Congressional Gold Medal to Suu Kyi.

May 27, 2008 - The government extends her house arrest for another year.

May 14, 2009 - Suu Kyi is arrested and charged with violating the terms of her house arrest. This is in response to an incident earlier in the month, when American John Yettaw swam uninvited to Suu Kyi's lakeside house. If convicted she faces up to five years in prison.

May 18, 2009 - Suu Kyi's trial on charges of government subversion begins.

August 11, 2009 - Suu Kyi is found guilty of violating the terms of her house arrest and sentenced to 18 more months of home confinement.

May 7, 2010 - The NLD refuses to register for the election, thereby disqualifying itself as a political party, and officially dissolves.

November 13, 2010 - Suu Kyi is released from house arrest. She has spent 15 of the last 21 years under house arrest.

November 15, 2010 - Speaking to reporters at the headquarters of the NLD, Suu Kyi pledges to keep working toward restoring democracy and improving human rights in Myanmar.

January 28, 2011 - Suu Kyi's recorded message, in which she stresses the need for Myanmar to reestablish ties with the rest of the world, is played at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland.

November 18, 2011 - Nyan Win, the spokesman for Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy, says that Suu Kyi will participate in the next elections. The NLD announced earlier in the day that it planned to re-register as a political party and participate in all future parliamentary elections.

December 13, 2011 - The NLD is granted permission to register for future elections in Myanmar.

January 18, 2012 - Suu Kyi registers to run for a parliamentary seat.

April 1, 2012 - Wins a seat in parliament in Myanmar's first multiparty elections since 1990.

May 2, 2012 - Along with 33 other newly elected members of her party, Suu Kyi takes the oath of office for parliament, resolving an impasse over the oath's wording that had been preventing her from taking her seat in the legislature.

May 29, 2012 - Makes history by stepping on foreign soil for the first time in more than two decades when she arrives in Bangkok, Thailand.

June 1, 2012 - Suu Kyi speaks at the World Economic Forum on East Asia.

June 16, 2012 - Delivers her acceptance speech for her 1991 Nobel Peace Prize, in Oslo, Norway.

June 21, 2012 - Addresses both houses of the British parliament.

September 19, 2012 - Suu Kyi accepts the Congressional Gold Medal in Washington, DC. She later meets with US President Barack Obama.

November 19, 2012 - Meets with Obama at the lakeside villa where she spent years under house arrest. Obama praises Suu Kyi for her courage and determination during his visit to Myanmar, the first visit by a sitting US president.

March 10, 2013 - Wins reelection as opposition leader.

October 22, 2013 - Suu Kyi accepts the 1990 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in Strasbourg, France, originally awarded to her in 1991.

June 10, 2015 - During her first visit to China, meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

November 13, 2015 - Myanmar's election commission announces that Suu Kyi's NLD party has won a historic majority in the nation's first freely held parliamentary elections. Suu Kyi is not able to become president because of a constitutional amendment that prohibits anyone with foreign relatives from becoming the nation's leader.

April 5, 2016 - Suu Kyi is named state counselor, a role created especially for her. The post allows her to be in contact with ministries, departments, organizations, associations and individuals, and makes her accountable to parliament, according to Myanmar's state media. While Suu Kyi is barred from holding the office of president, the new position is widely expected to allow her to rule by proxy.

September 14, 2016 - Suu Kyi meets with Obama at the White House for the first time since becoming the de facto leader of her country. As Suu Kyi arrives, Obama issues a statement saying he will reinstate Myanmar to the Generalized System of Preferences, which will help Myanmar with economic development, exportation of goods and job creation.

April 5, 2017 - Speaking to the BBC, Suu Kyi denies that ethnic cleansing has taken place against Myanmar's Rohingya Muslim ethnic minority, amid reports of human rights abuses in Rakhine.

March 7, 2018 - The US Holocaust Museum announces it is rescinding the Elie Wiesel Award granted to Suu Kyi in 2012 because of her failure to intervene in the humanitarian crisis occurring in Myanmar's Rakhine State.

November 13, 2018 - Amnesty International announces their decision to revoke the Ambassador of Conscience Award from Suu Kyi, which she received from them in 2009. Suu Kyi has had a string of awards and accolades revoked amid the Rohingya crisis.

December 2019 - Suu Kyi leads a legal team to the International Court of Justice in the Netherlands after the nation of Gambia filed a lawsuit in the world court alleging that Myanmar committed "genocidal acts" that "were intended to destroy the [country's persecuted] Rohingya as a group" through mass murder, rape and destruction of communities.

January 23, 2020 - The UN's top court orders Myanmar to prevent acts of genocide against the Rohingya and to stop destroying evidence.

November 13, 2020 - Suu Kyi's NLD wins enough parliamentary seats to form the next government, according to official results of a general election.

February 1, 2021 - Myanmar's military seizes power in a coup and declares a state of emergency after detaining Suu Kyi and other senior government leaders in early morning raids.

March 1, 2021 - Suu Kyi appears in court via video conference where she is charged with two more counts. One under Myanmar's colonial-era penal code prohibiting publishing information that may "cause fear or alarm," and another under a telecommunications law stipulating licenses for equipment, her lawyer said according to Reuters. This brings the total charges against her to four. In February, she was charged in relation to a national disaster law and a count under the country's import and export act.

April 12, 2021 - Suu Kyi's attorney tells CNN that Suu Kyi is facing a sixth charge under the country's National Disaster Management Law. Earlier in the month Suu Kyi was charged with violating the official secrets act.

April 16, 2021 - Opponents of the military junta announce the creation of an interim national unity government, and name Suu Kyi as the de facto leader.

May 24, 2021 - Suu Kyi attends a court hearing, her first appearance in person since the military seized power on February 1.

June 14, 2021 - Suu Kyi's trial begins. The trial addresses three charges, including that Suu Kyi, violated a communications law by allegedly importing and using a number of walkie-talkie radios, and violated coronavirus restrictions during election campaigning last year.

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI)  The Purdue University Board of Trustees on Wednesday approved a letter of intent to transfer operations of WBAA to an Indianapolis public broadcaster.

Purdue has operated and housed the public radio station and NPR affiliate since receiving a broadcast license in 1922.

Under the new agreement, the license will be transferred to Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Media, which operates WFYI public radio and TV stations in central Indiana.

Several longtime listeners attended the trustees meeting with "Save WBAA" signs.

"I wouldn't want to see the program dealing with the interviews with the mayors removed," says Joseph Krause, of West Lafayette. "We like the connections with the BBC and NPR and of course the classical music, I like the choices with the stations."

Purdue argues listeners won't notice a change after the transfer, which becomes effective Oct. 1.

"We expect that the listener experience is going to be if not exact so consistent with what the listener experience is before October 1, right?" says R. Ethan Braden, senior vice president of marketing and communications at Purdue. "Will they lose their NPR? No. Will they still have classical music? Yes."

It's unclear if the station will still be housed in the Elliott Hall of Music.

"WBAA has been the center, really, of our local voice in our musical community ... we'll see what happens," says Sara Wollan, of West Lafayette. "They are eager to tell us nothing's going to change."

Braden says some WBAA employees will continue to work with the new broadcaster while others will be laid off and given priority status for positions elsewhere at the university.

"Will you cover local news and local events with local personalities? Yes," he says. "Will you have a local presence? Yes. So anticipating very valid concerns has been the thing that we've expended a lot of time and effort over the last few weeks and months on this deal."

Financial details of the transfer have not been released.
Cyril Ramaphosa, president of the African National Congress and South African president, addresses the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit on July 6, 2021. The CPC and World Political Parties Summit was held via video link on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Cai Yang]

BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua)  Political party leaders across the world attending the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit via video link on Tuesday hailed the CPC's people-centered philosophy as an important global inspiration, saying they are ready to enhance exchanges and cooperation with the CPC.

During his keynote speech at the summit, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese president, called on political parties worldwide to shoulder their historic responsibility for the pursuit of the people's wellbeing and progress of mankind.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, also president of South Africa's governing party African National Congress, congratulates the CPC on the realization of the first centenary goal.

He said the historic achievement of eradicating absolute poverty in the largest developing economy on the planet was made because the CPC has placed the needs and the interests of the people at the center of its work, adding that the CPC is "a true, reliable and valued friend."

Nursultan Nazarbayev, chairman of the Nur Otan Party and first president of Kazakhstan, said that the COVID-19 pandemic has once again proven that only by maintaining partnerships and supporting each other can countries efficiently respond to global challenges.

He also said that as a friendly neighbor of China, Kazakhstan will always actively participate in the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and cooperation within the framework of the BRI.

Dmitry Medvedev, chairman of the United Russia party and deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, said over the past century, the CPC was able to successfully embark on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, which paves the way for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Medvedev said that bilateral relations are constantly developing as the two countries are implementing large-scale projects both bilaterally and within the framework of inter-state relations.

Argentine President Alberto Fernandez, also president of the country's Justicialist Party, said that Xi's speech is "visionary and insightful."

The speech can help political parties to reflect upon what kind of responsibility they should take, he said, calling on parties to strengthen cooperation and promote economic and social development in a bid to bring benefits to all the people.

Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, said the CPC has led the Chinese people to achieve major historic achievements over the past century.

He expressed the belief that under Xi's leadership, China will continue to make new achievements and become a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful.

He also said political parties in various countries should work with governments to actively address global challenges so as to bring happier lives to the human race.

Miguel Diaz-Canel, first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and Cuban president, said the CPC has explored a development path suitable for China's national conditions and led the country in making great achievements.

Noting that China has effectively handled the COVID-19 pandemic and eliminated absolute poverty, he said the key is following the people-centered development philosophy.

President and First Secretary of Zimbabwe's ZANU-PF party Emmerson Mnangagwa, also Zimbabwean president, noted that the summit provided a platform for political parties to learn from each other in realizing prosperity, national rejuvenation, people's happiness as well as the welfare of mankind.

The ZANU-PF party has benefited a lot from the successful experience of the CPC, said Mnangagwa, adding that he believes that under the leadership of the CPC, China will realize the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation.

Chairman of the Fatah party and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said the China-proposed BRI is conducive to deepening international economic cooperation and establishing development partnerships between countries, adding that the initiative also demonstrates that China is at the forefront in providing wisdom for safeguarding the common interests of people all over the world.

Aleksandar Vucic, president of the Progressive Party of Serbia and Serbian president, said that the great creativity the CPC showed in the process of building the country has brought inspiration and hope to all countries in the world.

As the whole world is facing unprecedented challenges, said Vucic, mutual respect, mutual help, reaching consensus through consultation and close cooperation have become more urgent than ever.

Imran Khan, chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and prime minister of Pakistan, said that the CPC has proved that political parties can only enjoy popular support if they can serve the people wholeheartedly.

Upholding the people-centered philosophy, the CPC has led China to eliminate extreme poverty, one of the greatest achievements in the human history, he said, adding that China's announcement of making the COVID-19 vaccines a global public good demonstrates compassion and fairness of the Chinese leader.

George Papandreou, president of the Socialist International, said the CPC sticks to the development philosophy that puts people first, and has successfully eliminated absolute poverty, built a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and at the same time made great contributions to the UN Millennium Development Goals.

Papandreou called on all parties to reduce the gap between developed and developing countries through cooperation and jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind.

Jose Luis Centella, president of the Communist Party of Spain, said the BRI was born to meet the needs of the times, which has not only become an important international cooperation platform, but also provided a great opportunity for the world economy to recover from the pandemic.

At present, political parties worldwide do share the responsibility to actively participate in building a community with a shared future for mankind, and jointly solve pressing problems facing the world, Centella said.

Those who also delivered speeches at the summit included: Rodrigo Duterte, chairman of the Philippines' PDP-Laban party and Philippine president; Samdech Techo Hun Sen, president of the Cambodian People's Party and Cambodian prime minister; Filipe Nyusi, leader of the Mozambique Liberation Front Party and also Mozambican president; Hage Geingob, leader of the South West Africa People's Organization and president of Namibia; Denis Sassou Nguesso, chairman of the Congolese Labour Party and president of the Republic of the Congo; Mahinda Rajapaksa, leader of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party and prime minister of Sri Lanka; Evo Morales, chairperson of Bolivia's Movement Towards Socialism party and former Bolivian president; Saadeddine El Othmani, general secretary of the Justice and Development Party and Moroccan prime minister; Salva Kiir, chairman of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement and president of South Sudan.

Hage Geingob, leader of the South West Africa People's Organization and president of Namibia, addresses the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit on July 6, 2021. The CPC and World Political Parties Summit was held via video link on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai] Nursultan Nazarbayev, chairman of the Nur Otan Party and Kazakhstan's first president, addresses the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit on July 6, 2021. The CPC and World Political Parties Summit was held via video link on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Cai Yang] Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, addresses the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit on July 6, 2021. The CPC and World Political Parties Summit was held via video link on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai] Alberto Fernandez, president of the Justicialist Party and Argentine president, addresses the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit on July 6, 2021. The CPC and World Political Parties Summit was held via video link on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Cai Yang] Dmitry Medvedev, chairman of the United Russia party and deputy chairman of Russian Security Council, addresses the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit on July 6, 2021. The CPC and World Political Parties Summit was held via video link on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Cai Yang] Samdech Techo Hun Sen, president of the Cambodian People's Party and Cambodian prime minister, addresses the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit on July 6, 2021. The CPC and World Political Parties Summit was held via video link on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai] Miguel Diaz-Canel, first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and Cuban president, addresses the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit on July 6, 2021. The CPC and World Political Parties Summit was held via video link on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai] Rodrigo Duterte, chairman of the PDP-Laban party and Philippine president, addresses the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit on July 6, 2021. The CPC and World Political Parties Summit was held via video link on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai] Aleksandar Vucic, president of Serbian Progressive Party and Serbian president, addresses the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit on July 6, 2021. The CPC and World Political Parties Summit was held via video link on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Cai Yang] Imran Khan, chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party and Pakistani prime minister, addresses the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit on July 6, 2021. The CPC and World Political Parties Summit was held via video link on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai] Filipe Nyusi, leader of the Mozambique Liberation Front Party and Mozambican president, addresses the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit on July 6, 2021. The CPC and World Political Parties Summit was held via video link on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai] Mahmoud Abbas, chairman of the Fatah party and Palestinian president, addresses the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit on July 6, 2021. The CPC and World Political Parties Summit was held via video link on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Cai Yang] Emmerson Mnangagwa, chairman and first secretary of the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front and Zimbabwean president, addresses the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit on July 6, 2021. The CPC and World Political Parties Summit was held via video link on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Cai Yang] Evo Morales, chairperson of Bolivia's Movement Towards Socialism party and former Bolivian president, addresses the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit on July 6, 2021. The CPC and World Political Parties Summit was held via video link on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Cai Yang] Denis Sassou Nguesso, chairman of Congolese Labour Party and president of the Republic of the Congo, addresses the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit on July 6, 2021. The CPC and World Political Parties Summit was held via video link on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai] Salva Kiir, chairman of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement and president of South Sudan, addresses the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit on July 6, 2021. The CPC and World Political Parties Summit was held via video link on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Cai Yang] Mahinda Rajapaksa, leader of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party and prime minister of Sri Lanka, addresses the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit on July 6, 2021. The CPC and World Political Parties Summit was held via video link on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai] George Papandreou, president of the Socialist International, addresses the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit on July 6, 2021. The CPC and World Political Parties Summit was held via video link on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai] Jose Luis Centella, president of the Communist Party of Spain, addresses the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit on July 6, 2021. The CPC and World Political Parties Summit was held via video link on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai] Saadeddine El Othmani, general secretary of the Justice and Development Party and Moroccan prime minister, addresses the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit on July 6, 2021. The CPC and World Political Parties Summit was held via video link on Tuesday. [Xinhua/Cai Yang]

(Source: Xinhua)
Woodward, OK (73801)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms this morning, then partly cloudy during the afternoon hours. High 88F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 67F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.
The Rust Belt is a region comprising parts of the northeast and midwest of the continental United States. This region was once the heartland of American industry and the focal point of U.S. manufacturing. Every type of heavy industry, ranging from steel to automobile manufacturing was hosted in the region. But by the mid-to-late 20th century, the region fell into decline. Factories were shuttered, many jobs were lost, and people left the region in search of better work opportunities. Soon, the region became characterized by abandoned plants and factories, along with decaying infrastructure.

Map showing the rust belt region in the US.

In 1984, Democratic presidential candidate Walter Mondale called this declining region the rust bowl, though he was misquoted by the media, who thought that he said rust belt. Ever since, the term Rust Belt has been used to refer to the once-prosperous industrial heartland of the U.S.

History Of The Rust Belt

In the 19th and early-to-mid-20th century, what is now known as the Rust Belt was defined by other nicknames, including Factory Belt, Steel Belt, or Manufacturing Belt. All these nicknames denoted the regions importance for the U.S. manufacturing sector. The region became Americas industrial center, owing in large part to its natural resources, especially iron ore and coal. There was also a plentiful supply of labor in the region, as people immigrated from Europe and the U.S. South in search of jobs. In addition, the area that is now referred to as the Rust Belt had a very good transportation network in the form of waterways. For example, Chicagos proximity to the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan enabled a steady flow of both goods and people. The Illinois and Michigan Canal, which links Lake Michigan with the Mississippi River, helped make the Windy City the transportation center of Illinois by the 20th century.

The last of the old time rust belt steel mills that is still in operation today in Cleveland, Ohio.

Chicago was just one of the major U.S. cities that became part of Americas Factory, and later, part of the Rust Belt. Other important cities in what was once the focal point of American industry include Baltimore, Maryland; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Buffalo, New York; Cleveland, Ohio; and Detroit, Michigan. Chicago became a great railroad hub. In fact, it became one of the largest railroad centers in the country, and served as a base for the manufacture of freight and passenger railroad cars. Baltimore became a mecca for the production of metal and ship-building. Later on, General Motors built a plant in the city, as did Bethlehem Steel. Pittsburgh was known as a center for steel manufacturing, dating all the way back to the U.S. Civil War. Buffalo became the largest grain port in the world. Cleveland became the home of the Standard Oil Company in the 1860s, and was also a notable transportation hub. Detroit emerged as the center of the American automobile industry, and became the home of the so-called Big 3 automakers: Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler.

A former steel plant in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, now converted into a resort.

The rapid expansion of Americas Factory, sometimes called the American economic miracle was encouraged by certain events, most notably the American Civil War and World War II. Both of these wars contributed to a sharp rise in demand for weapons and steel. The manufacturing boom in what became the Rust Belt lasted into the mid-20th century. By the 1960s, however, things began to change. The equipment and plants that various manufacturers were using to make their products were aging and becoming obsolete. The cost of labor and materials was also rising. As a result, manufacturers began looking for cheaper labor and materials overseas. Thus, the jobs that were once filled by many Americans began to disappear.

Moreover, in the mid-20th century, American manufacturing firms faced little competition from abroad. Hence, they had little incentive to innovate. By the 1980s, however, these firms faced fierce competition at both the domestic and international levels. To save costs, local manufacturers sought to drive down wages. The good, high-paying jobs that Americas Factory once provided began to disappear, leading to a mass exodus of people from the region, as they were forced to look for work elsewhere. Since the 1970s, the region now known as the Rust Belt has been characterized by abandoned factories and urban decay.

The Rust Belt Today

Row homes in the Rust Belt of USA.

The exodus of high-paying, blue-collar jobs in Americas Rust Belt has led to a high incidence of poverty. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, poverty rates in the U.S. states that are considered part of the Rust Belt range from 12.1% in Illinois, to 17.8% in West Virginia as of 2018. The major cities of the Rust Belt are still significant manufacturing hubs, but not to the extent that they once were. High-paying, secure jobs have made way for job insecurity, owing to deregulation and downsizing. Today, the Rust Belt is often a key battleground in U.S. elections, with candidates hoping to woo voters by promising to enable the region to return to economic prosperity.
Email Sign Up For Our Free Weekly Newsletter

According to JLL, Asia Pacific hotel investment remained flat in the first half of 2021 with $3.7 billion in sales, a decline of 3.7% year-on-year. In total, 61 hotel investment deals were transacted in the first half of the year across nine countries and representing over 10,000 rooms.

Hotel transaction volumes in the first half of 2021 stand approximately 18% below the same period in 2019, which was the peak of the investment market in Asia Pacific. However, the completion of several major transactions continues to demonstrate the resilience of the sector and growing confidence of investors in the hospitality market despite the current challenging operating environment and travel restrictions.

"Confidence in the Asia Pacific hospitality sector's recovery remains high and investor sentiment continues to view the industry through a longer-term lens. Volumes have held up well within the backdrop of government lockdowns and travel curbs, with the hotel sector's resilience remaining an evergreen theme throughout the pandemic," says Mike Batchelor, CEO, Asia Pacific, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group.

Investment in the Asia region totaled $3.53 billion, accounting for approximately 94% of the overall volume. China, Japan and South Korea represented the three most active markets in the Asia Pacific, collectively accounting for 86% of sales.

China led regional deal volume at $1.3 billion of transactions, up 54% year-on-year, with conversions of serviced apartments for strata sale and sale of older hotels for conversion to alternative use a key theme. Traditionally the region's most active market, Japan had a slower start to the year with volumes down 47% to USD 1.1 billion however major sales by Japanese corporates that are underway or planned for the second half of the year will boost transaction volumes.

Activity in Australia also rebounded strongly in the first half of 2021 driven by the closing of AccorInvest Portfolio for circa $134 million, advised by JLL. Overall volume of $215 million in deals closed represented a 312% year-on-year increase in investments with scalable and core opportunities continuing to attract strong investor interest and in turn holding up pricing.

Additionally, a two-tier market is at play across the region and, other than a handful of gateway markets where buyer demand is holding up pricing, due to the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on global travel and hospitality, investors continue to adjust their risk expectations across most markets and are largely targeting opportunistic value-add plays, according to JLL.

"In our interactions, it is clear there remains a gap in pricing across most of the key markets. However, for the most part, the region's hotel owners are not under any stress owing to relatively low gearing, strong lender relationships and, depending on jurisdiction, broader government support," says Nihat Ercan, Senior Managing Director, Head of Investment Sales, Asia Pacific, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group.

Longer-term confidence in the sector remains high as buyers remain on the hunt for opportunities across the region. Record amounts of capital are being raised for investment into the real estate sector. with an assortment of buyers from private equity players to high net worth investors and corporates are vying for positions on sales. According to JLL analysis, Australia and Japan top the list for offshore capital, while domestic investor demand is driving activity in China and South Korea. Additionally, leisure markets are seeing a resurgence of investor interest on the back of expectations for expedited recovery in view of the pent-up leisure demand.

While investors remain wary of some of the shorter-term challenges facing the Asia Pacific hotel industry, highlighted by delays in vaccine rollouts and the impact of new strains and outbreaks, JLL's full year outlook points to increased investment activity in the second half.

"We anticipate a sharper business cycle rebound, which will drive hotel investment momentum across the Asia Pacific region. The strong finish to the second half of the year will likely be driven by a pipeline of major sales that have exchanged and which are due for completion in Australia, Thailand, Japan and China. With this backdrop, our full year forecast for the region remains in line with our forecast of $7 billion at the start of 2021, representing an approximately 20% increase in year-on-year transaction volume," says Ercan.

Sign Up Free | The WPJ Weekly Newsletter Relevant real estate news.

Actionable market intelligence.

Right to your inbox every week. Go Thank you for your interest!

You will now be receiving our Weekly Real Estate Newsletter.
Hundreds died in the West's heat wave last week; another one is gearing up
Police concerned for the welfare of mother and daughter from North Wales

Police have launched an appeal for helping tracing a mother and daughter from North Wales they have concerns over.

Police say Cherelle Smith 30, is believed to be in company with her mother Debbie Hurley, 51.

Cherelle is described as being 5 ft 4 in tall and of a stocky build.

Its thought they may have travelled to the North West and Midlands.

North Wales Police say: Officers are concerned for the welfare of Cherelle Smith and Debbie Hurley who are currently missing from the North Wales Police area.

They are presumed to be travelling in company and requests for observations are requested for the pair.

It may be that they are staying in hotels and may have travelled to the North West and Midlands areas.

Any sightings to be reported to North Wales Police on 0300 330 0101. Itrace reference 39120.
Wrexhams MP thanks local NHS staff and volunteers on the first NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers Day

NHS staff and volunteers have been thanked by Wrexhams MP on the first NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers Day.

On Monday as part of the nationwide campaign, local MP Sarah Atherton met and thanked staff at the Wrexham Maelor for the important work they do in their roles and for their continued excellence during the pandemic.

This years NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers Day  the first ever  was held on the anniversary of the creation of the NHS and sought to give the nation a chance to thank and show support for NHS and frontline healthcare staff for the work they do day-in and day-out.

The day was marked by a series of events across the UK and the raising of money for two excellent causes  NHS Charities Together, which supports 250 hospitals and their charitable trusts, and the National Care Association which represents 1.6 million paid and unpaid care workers across the UK.

As part of the days celebrations, the Maelor Voluntary Service (MVS)  a charity that supports patients, visitors, and staff of the Wrexham Maelor Hospital  organised a Big Tea Party event on the Maelor site. During the event, to which Ms Atherton was invited and attended, the MVS provided free tea and coffee to all the NHS staff on site, giving the team from the MVS a chance to thank and support the NHS staff and volunteers.

Commenting on the day, Jenny Griffiths, chair of the MVS said: I was pleased that the Maelor Voluntary Service were able to host this event today to celebrate those at the Maelor that have gone above and beyond during the past year to support our community. It has been a difficult year for us all but the staff and volunteers here, and indeed across Wrexham, have been incredible.

I am also grateful to our MP, Sarah Atherton, for attending the event today to support the staff, volunteers and the MVS. Sarah has been very supportive of the MVS over the past year and she even returned to the frontline herself last year, so it was very fitting for her to come along to our special event.

Speaking on the day, local MP Sarah Atherton said: The new NHS, Social Care, and Frontline Workers Day is a time to celebrate and say thank you to those that play an incredibly important role in our society. This importance has, as we all know, been even greater over the past year because of the pandemic!

As part of the celebrations, I was grateful to be invited to visit the Wrexham Maelor, where I trained as a nurse in the 1990s and returned last year, and the Maelor Voluntary Service to say a personal thank you to NHS workers and frontline staff.

From my own experience at the Maelor, I know how hard the staff have work (and have continued to work over the past year), so I was pleased to be able to personally show my support and gratitude.

I also took the moment yesterday to pay tribute to every NHS, social care, and frontline worker across Wrexham and beyond  every frontline workers hard work during what an incredibly tough year has been remarkable.

However, as well as using the day for celebration, it was also right to take a moment to remember the men and women from the NHS, social care and other key services who have lost their lives in the service of others. So yesterday I also took a moment to think, thank and remember them too.
NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) - The assassination of the Haitian President Jovenel Moise continues to send shockwaves across the entire world including in Middle Tennessee.

Looking at a video of what they believe happened just hours ago, Joseph Guerrier and Jean Leveque are in a state of disbelief.

My wife woke me up at 4 in the morning. She was like, I cannon believe this, and I was like What is it? She said the Haitian president had been assassinated, and in his private residence, Joseph Guerrier with Tennessee Haitian Voice said.

Leveque, the pastor at Redemption Missionary Baptist Church in La Vergne, was awakened by his mother-in-law.

The president, Jovenel Moise, got shot. I said, What! Leveque said.

For many Americans with ties to Haiti, whats going on now in the Caribbean nation hurts them personally.

Official: Haiti President Jovenel Moise assassinated at home Haitian President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in an attack on his private residence, the countrys interim prime minister said in a statement Wednesday.

Moise had been president since 2017, but disagreements about how long he should serve have been an area of contention. Still, who is actually behind his assassination and the shooting of his wife remains a mystery.

For some reason, some people like him, some people dont. But still, he doesnt deserve that, Leveque said.

Both men want Americans to do is to have a better understanding of whats happening in Haiti.

They said theyre tired of the negative stigma people have in the western world about their country  a country they adore so much.

Since Haiti gained its independence in 1804, it has struggled with political power and foreign interference, something both men said has created a ripple effect.

Thats whats been going on all over Haiti, all over Central and South America. Thats been going on all over Africa, Guerrier said. Thats the reason I tell people to do your research to know exactly what foreign intervention is and whos behind this thing.

As the investigation into President Moises death continues, both men can only hope peace comes sooner rather than later.

They always think Haiti is the poorest country. Thats not true. And it has a culture. We love each other, Leveque said.

Haiti needs to live in peace, and the people need to live in peace, Guerrier said.

President Joe Biden is calling the assassination very worrisome and said the United States offers its condolences to the people of Haiti.
You may have noticed some hazy sunshine across middle Tennessee over the last few days and a red tint to our sunrises and sunsets as well. 4WARN Meteorologist Stefano DiPietro is here to explain what's causing the changes in our daytime sky.
As the United Auto Workers moves to shut down the four-week-long strike by 3,000 Volvo Trucks workers in Dublin, Virginia and enforce a sellout contract, support for the strike continues to flow in from across the country. The WSWS recently received statements from two Bay Area former autoworkers, who expressed their solidarity with the strike and supported the expansion of their struggle.

Brian, a former veteran autoworker, provided a statement in support of the 3,000 striking workers, I was an automotive worker for 20 years before moving out of the Detroit area. I want to send a message of support and solidarity to the Volvo workers facing a challenging strike. Were all watching you and we all support you. You may not realize it, but youre standing up for each other, for your hometown, and for all of us right now. Dont give up!

I watched the steady decline of my hometown for three decades. We got eaten up as profits for the auto industry bosses. They told us that if we paid for more of our health insurance, theyd keep the plants open. They told us if we gave them tax breaks, theyd keep the plants open. They told us if we slowed down our raise schedule, theyd keep the plants open. But they closed the plants anyway. They closed the Jobs Bank. They closed the training centers. They laid off thousands of engineers too. None of it was true.

Left: Volvo workers on strike in Dublin, Virginia (UAW 2069 photo); Right: a worker in Detroit, Michigan (WSWS Photo)

When asked about the strategy for the successful way forward for the striking workers, Brian concluded, Weve got to work together, across plants, across companies, and someday across industries. Thats the way were going to win. When we all agree that were not going to take any less!

A victimized whistleblower from Teslas Fremont, California electric vehicle factory also spoke out. Im an ex-Tesla employee. I tried to fight and I lost. You guys are trying to change what everyone else is trying to change. These guys arent asking for the world. Good luck guys, I really hope you get it.

He responded enthusiastically upon hearing that Volvo workers had formed a rank-and-file committee in opposition to the UAW. Describing his experiences with the UAW, who have been trying to unionize Tesla facilities for years, he explained, Whenever I was talking with the UAW at Tesla, I would get Ahh, thats really unfortunate, were trying to work on that. Its a little like a catchers mitt for any sort of complaint, which they then throw in the garbage.

Were just watching a resurgence of the labor movement that happened in the 1930s, which we really need. Ever since the 1930s, everyone whos been in power has been trying to increase their bottom line. It seems that the corporate elite have just been fleecing the lower class and its gotten to the point where the lower class have to fight to be able to live with the bare minimum. Really, were just fighting for the bare minimum.

The World Socialist Web Site calls upon autoworkers to build networks of solidarity committees to support the strike and break through the UAW-imposed information blackout. If you agree with this perspective, contact us today to begin building a committee at your workplace.
In early June, the water pump in the only functioning well in the rural town of Teviston, California broke down, leaving the community of nearly 1,000 residents without running water for the last several weeks. The lack of running water is particularly problematic as the temperature in Californias Central Valley routinely exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit for much of June and will likely continue in the same condition for the rest of the summer.

Teviston is an unincorporated community located in Tulare County. The communitys initial residents were black migrants from the Cotton Belt and Dust Bowl states in the 1930s. Today, the population is primarily composed of Latino farmworkers.

The historical background of Californias water crisis

Frank Galaviz, one of the Teviston Community Service Districts directors, told ABC 30 it is believed that the well went down so low that sand started agitating down below, got into the pump and made it malfunction.

Teviston has now suffered from three well failures, including Junes broken pump. The last failure was in November of 2017, when the communitys well collapsed. As with many rural communities in Californias Central Valley, there was no working back-up well in Teviston back in 2017 and this is still the case nearly four years later.

Due to the wells failure, the Teviston Community Service District is working with several organizations to help supply residents with water. Cases of bottled water and five-gallon jugs are being provided to residents while tanker trucks are hauling water from neighboring Porterville, which is just over twenty miles away, to fill Tevistons two water storage tanks.

Teviston residents are relying on these limited supplies of bottled water for basic necessities, including hydration, cooking, bathing, and even flushing toilets. According to Galaviz, residents are resorting to visiting family or friends in neighboring towns to be able to shower or wash clothes. Galaviz added that with the water that is being supplied, its just barely enough, and in some cases, not enough. Some families are larger than others.

Shelly Soriano, a Teviston resident, expressed frustration to the Fresno Local Voice Times, stating you feel sick all the time, it is awful. You cant cool down, you cant take a proper shower, nothing. She added that her family is receiving five gallons of water every two weeks and it simply is not enough. According to her, the amount of water she is receiving comes out to, if you have a family of four, about a pitcher of water per person per day.

On top of the struggle of having enough water for her family, she needs to fill several large tanks of water three times a day to ensure that her livestock can survive. She also stated that she is concerned that many residents cannot escape the heat of the Central Valley since much of the community relies on evaporative coolers, colloquially known as swamp coolers, to cool their homes, but these depend on water to function properly.

According to Galaviz, it may take several weeks to get the wells pump repaired since they are waiting on the proper parts required to be able to fix it. Galaviz is also concerned that the well may dry up due to the current drought California is experiencing.

A temporary pump has been installed in the well, which is providing some residents with enough water pressure to be able to flush their toilets. Martin Correa, Tevistons Water Board Director, told ABC 30 it is not enough pressure from what we are usually used to getting, but our focus is to get water to the community and residents.

A new, modern well is in the process of being built in Teviston, but Galaviz estimates that it will not be completed until sometime in 2022 or 2023. During a conference, he advised that Teviston needs the State Water Board to expedite our funding for the well.

Back in 2017 when Tevistons well collapsed, the community received some state funding for emergency response and they partnered with Pixley, a nearby town, for water. Galaviz suggested that one possible solution for Tevistons water access problem is to incorporate the community with Pixley to access their water system.

Senate Bill 403, currently working its way through Californias Legislature, would pave the way for the State Water Board to be able to consolidate communities that are at risk of losing consistent access to clean water, with the purpose of helping especially disadvantaged communities, like Teviston, that rely on at-risk wells.

With Californias current drought, there is a significant risk that thousands of wells across the Central Valley will dry up. In turn, this will disproportionately affect the working class Latino residents of the Valley as they typically rely on wells as their primary source of water. When California last experienced a drought, low-income Latinos were the most affected, especially in these rural farmworker communities.

In addition to the concerns regarding Californias drought and the possibility of wells drying up, many wells across the state have also been affected by water contamination. In the Kern County community of Lamont, which is home to approximately 20,000 people, mostly Latino farmworkers, there are seven wells. The Lamont Public Utility Districts general manager, Scott Taylor, reported that five of them are suffering contamination from 123-trichloropropane (TCP), which is a carcinogen, and one is nonfunctional.

According to the State Water Resources Control Board, $130 million will be set aside annually through 2030 via the Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience (SAFER) program to address funding gaps and provide solutions to water systems, especially those serving disadvantaged communities.

Darrin Polhemus, deputy director of the Boards Division of Drinking Water, explained, state partner agencies, like the State Water Resources Control Board, stand ready to assist local agencies and counties as they address these emergencies while also working towards long-term solutions for communities like Teviston through its existing assistance programs.

Polhemus added, Local agencies and counties need to prepare now for how they will handle any future emergency response to an immediate drinking water crisis and what resources they will use to meet immediate needs while state resources can be brought online to support.

However, according to Galaviz and Taylor, they have both encountered severe bureaucratic delays when working with the State Water Board. Taylor told Cal Matters, the truth is that not only is the water not flowing, but neither is the funding. Especially for small agencies like mine, like the others, no funding is no water.

Back in May, California Governor Gavin Newsom proposed setting aside $5.1 billion for drought preparedness, infrastructure, and response, with $1.3 billion of that being specifically earmarked for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, particularly for smaller and lower-income communities. Utterly insufficient to meet the need, much of this money will be funneled to private companies as a capitalist response to address the water crisis in California.

As the World Socialist Web Site stated nearly six years ago, The refusal to seriously address this issue by capitalist governments, largely beholden to giant energy conglomerates, poses great dangers to the planet and mankinds survival. In the years since, the situation has not improved and actually has gotten even worse.

In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) warned, 1 in 3 people globally do not have access to safe drinking water. They added, 2.2 billion people around the world do not have safely managed drinking water services, 4.2 billion people do not have safely managed sanitation services, and 3 billion lack basic handwashing facilities.

According to additional statistics published by the WHO in 2019, at least 2 billion people use a drinking water source contaminated with feces, such contaminated water can transmit diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and polio, and it is estimated that contaminated drinking water causes more than 485,000 diarrheal deaths per year. It was estimated that by 2025, half of the worlds population will be living in water-stressed areas.

Water pollution is not a phenomenon that only affects underdeveloped countries, as the Flint water crisis has proven, and the lack of accessibility to clean water is affecting both developed and underdeveloped countries alike. The dearth of water access globally is being further exacerbated by climate change. Capitalism has shown that it is both incapable and unwilling to address such global problems.

Around the world, national and local governments have paid nothing but lip service to addressing the global water and climate change crises, while international institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank have done nothing but facilitate the transfer of money to corporations that are looking to add to their bottom line while making false promises to alleviate these crises.

In 2015, the Socialist Equality Party asserted that in opposition to the IMF, World Bank and every capitalist institution, the party alone asserts that access to clean and free water is a basic social right. This perspective has been fully vindicated by events. In order to achieve this, the stranglehold of capitalism needs to be broken and an international socialist program must be implemented. This will allow for a truly international response that will ensure that the entire world is granted permanent access to clean drinking water and that global climate change is properly addressed and mitigated.
The highly infectious Delta variant is spreading rapidly across Europe, threatening Germany with a fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Despite this, the ruling elite is hell-bent on intensifying its murderous profits before lives policy. This was made clear in the North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) state parliament last Friday by NRW minister president and Christian Democratic candidate for German chancellor, Armin Laschet.

In an angry speech, he declared that there would be no more lockdown measures in Germany, even if infection rates sharply increased. Its obvious that the figures will increase in the autumn, he said. But the question is how do we deal with that? We will not follow (the approach of) closing everything again. We will do everything necessary to live with the virus.

With this statement, the potential incoming chancellor lined up squarely behind the right-wing extremist Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has been demanding the abandonment of all public health measures to contain the pandemic.

He would hardly ever, in fact, never agree with the AfD, Laschet declared, but then added, Today, they made a correct statement. Whenever someone comes along and says Scientists say, one is well advised to call into question what this person is up to

Because, he continued, in science there are always minority or individual opinions.

What Laschet dismisses as individual opinions are the warnings of renowned virologists and health organisations of a disastrous fourth wave. The spread of the virusas it did last autumnwill lead to an explosive increase in infections and deaths if the necessary measures are not taken. The situation in Europe is already dire, and it is only a matter of time before infection rates begin rising rapidly in Germany.

At the end of last week, the World Health Organisations European director, Dr Hans Henri Kluge, warned of the dangerous situation in Europe. By August, he said, the Delta variant will be dominant in the WHOs European region, but our region wont be fully vaccinated by then, and the European region will be largely free of restrictions by August, so that citizens will travel more often and meet in larger groups.

The three preconditions for a new wave with increased hospitalisations and deaths are thereby fulfilled: new variants, inadequate vaccination rates, and increased social contacts.

He added that after 10 weeks of declining infections throughout Europe, infections rose by 10 percent over the previous week.

The situation is starkest in Britain. On Sunday, the seven-day rolling average of infections stood at 24,429, compared to 14,623 one week earlier and less than 4,000 one month ago. According to figures from the British Medical Association, hospitalisations due to COVID-19 in Britain rose by 55 percent last week.

The spread of the Delta variant in Britain is a warning of the threat faced by the European Union, which has a lower vaccination rate than Britain. According to the European Centres for Disease Control (ECDC), only 40.1 percent of the population aged over 18 has received the two doses necessary for full protection against infection. In the greater European area, which includes Russia and other non-EU states, only a quarter of all adults are fully vaccinated, according to the WHO.

Nonetheless, the European governments are ending all remaining restrictions. Despite the explosive rise in infections, Britain plans on 19 July to end all social distancing measures and even the requirement to wear masks. Spain and France, where cases are also on the rise, are pursuing similar plans. All of them are employing rhetoric similar to that of Laschet. British Health Minister Sajid Javid declared at the weekend that the British population must learn to live with the virus.

The British medical journal BMJ has described this deliberate and antiscientific policy of mass infection as social murder. It posed the legitimate question: When politicians wilfully neglect scientific advice, international and historical experience, and their own alarming statistics and modelling, because to act goes against their political strategy, is that lawful?

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the criminal policies of the ruling class have caused the deaths of over 4 million people worldwide. In Europe, there have officially been more than 1.1 million coronavirus deaths, including over 152,000 in Britain, 127,000 in Italy, 111,000 in France and 91,000 in Germany. These horrendous death tolls, which can be compared only to wartime, are apparently not enough for the ruling elite.

Following Laschets provocative comments, representatives of the Social Democrats, the Left Party and the Greens, which are in the opposition in NRW, postured as outraged. Laschet had broken an absolute taboo and made himself a chief spokesman for the AfD, stated Social Democratic Party (SPD) state party and parliamentary group leader Thomas Kutschaty.

That is playing into the hands of the AfD; it is bad for our democracy, Mr. Laschet, the SPD politician continued. The AfD largely denies the danger of COVID-19 and is the parliamentary arm of the Lateral Thinkers and coronavirus deniers.

This is utter hypocrisy. In reality, all of the establishment parties are pursuing Laschets coronavirus course, which is shared by the AfD. Last year, for example, representatives of all parties in the federal parliament backed the right-wing extremist anti-coronavirus protests, which, in contrast to the vast majority of the population, demanded an end to all social distancing and other restrictions.

The SPD candidate for chancellor and current finance minister, Olaf Scholz, already at the end of April called for an end to all COVID-19 restrictions. He was fed up with the pandemic and its restrictions, he told the Bild am Sonntag newspaper. One must as a government  decide on clear and courageous steps to open up for the summer, and develop a plan for a return to normal life, but one that wont be overturned after a few days, he added.

In every state where the Left Party and Greens are represented in government, they are pursuing the same policy. In Baden-Wurttemberg, the state government led by Green Minister President Winfried Kretschmann is pushing ahead with reopening measures in alliance with Laschets Christian Democrats. And in Thuringia, the Left Party Minister President Bodo Ramelow, a man who praised the Swedish model and its policy of herd immunity last autumn, is in power.

With its murderous policy of mass infection, the ruling class intends to squeeze the vast sums out of the working class that were handed over to the big banks, corporations and super-rich as part of the so-called coronavirus emergency bailouts.

This comes together with the geostrategic and economic interests of German imperialism. Significantly, both debates held between the three candidates for chancellorLaschet, Scholz and the Greens Annalena Baerbockhave revolved exclusively around questions of foreign and security policy. Germanys return to an aggressive imperialist and great-power policy must be accompanied domestically by a policy of dictatorship and repression, which rejects any humane policies.

Within the context of this dangerous development, which is being followed with concern by the vast majority of the population, the election campaign of the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality PartySGP) assumes tremendous significance. The SGP is the only party opposing the policies of social spending cuts, military rearmament, the strengthening of the domestic repressive state apparatus, and social murder in relation to the pandemic. It is mobilising the growing resistance of the working class on the basis of a socialist and internationalist programme.
Shortly after midnight on Monday, nearly 600 workers at Frito-Lay, a subsidiary of food and beverage giant PepsiCo, walked out at the companys plant in Topeka, Kansas, the state capital. Workers struck after voting down a contract proposal for the fourth time this year, a deal backed by the Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers & Grain Millers (BCTGM) union.

Workers at Frito-Lay are fighting to put an end to years of stagnating, poverty-level wages, along with brutal mandatory overtime schedules, problems which are faced by ever-broader sections of the working class.

Frito-Lay workers protesting earlier this year (Source: Kansas AFL-CIO)

The walkout at Frito-Lay, the first at the Topeka plant since at least the early 1970s, is part of a growing wave of opposition to joint company-union demands for concessions. At Volvo Trucks in Virginia, some 2,900 workers are set to vote this Friday on the third United Auto Workers-backed deal this year. Workers twice voted down union-endorsed agreements by approximately 90 percent, with workers forming the Volvo Workers Rank-and-File Committee to fight against the UAWs betrayal of their struggle.

The World Socialist Web Site recently corresponded over Facebook with Kayla, who worked at the Frito-Lay Topeka plant for several years until last month, and who provided an extensive account of the issues workers confront there. The comments have been edited for clarity.

The WSWS encourages other Frito-Lay workers to contact us to share their stories and discuss how to organize to win their demands.

* * *

I started out as a picker in GES [Geographic Enterprise System, a Frito-Lay production system] as a temporary employee, making $13.25 per hour. In that particular department, it wasnt unusual to work six days a week, 12 hour shifts a day during the summer. But it also wasnt uncommon to be forced out early during the winter, resulting in less than 40-hour weeks.

In January of 2016 a new contract resulted in full-time wages dropping from $20 an hour to $15 an hour. I obtained a full-time position at $15 an hour, while others were grandfathered in at $20 an hour. Due to making less than that amount, I switched to a new department and started making $19.91 an hour. Due to a high turnover rate, Frito-Lay decided to increase their full-time wage to $18 an hour. It is now 2021, and they have lost $2 an hour in the last six years, from 2015 to 2021.

Now, I was quite fortunate with the staffing in the department that I transferred to. The forced overtime was minimal compared to some of the troubled areas, like forklift drivers, warehouse workers, picker loaders, and currently still GES.

Whenever a new contract is negotiated, there typically is a minor wage increase, but those wage increases do not occur throughout the plant. Some departments have not received a wage increase in a decade. The more common areas of wage increases are packaging machine operators, specialist positions, and maintenance mechanics.

Theres a lot of different true stories floating around about events that occurred at Frito-Lay Topeka. Some I had seen through my own eyes, such as working during dense, smoky conditions. In processing, oil can burn or even catch on fire, causing clouds of smoke. No sprinklers go off, theres no evacuation procedure, no fire department being contacted. There are videos circulating of this happening. To my knowledge, it occurred three times within a year.

COVID-19 brought a whole new stress level to everyone. Everyone is struggling with COVID-19. Everyone locally in each community.

COVID-19 numbers grew rapidly. The number one Frito-Lay plant is located in Texas. During a brief time frame, that plant shut down. All other Frito-Lay plants in the United States overproduced to help compensate for the loss of our number one plant.

Frito-Lay Topeka never shut down for COVID-19 cases. We would have 40 employees out per shift out of a shift of 120. We did have a temporary hazard pay of $20 per day. This lasted about a month. If I remember correctly, it developed after the government lockdown. Frito-Lay did tighten up the policy, requiring two COVID-19 tests to be conducted five days apart. Both had to come back negative before coming back to work. This was a requirement even when tests were limited in health care offices. Nurses had a hard time giving out one test, let alone two.

It speak volumes about Frito-Lay that even though our plant is ranked number two in production, we received zero bonuses this year. This is the first year that Ive encountered no bonus. This was due to not obtaining our numbers. Yet, salary employees receive recognition, Were awesome management. That was a slap to the face for the hourly employees.

Our last, best, final offer, before striking, would have resulted in a 2 percent increase for two years. Thats similar to $0.36 raise a year, maybe $0.46, depending on your department. They also offered a maximum of 60 hours of forced overtime per week. Thats similar to working five days a week, 12-hour shifts. The other addition to the offer was no more forced suicides. A suicide is being forced to stay over four hours from your scheduled shift, and being forced four hours in early the next day. That results in only an eight-hour break between shifts.

When you learn to navigate the system, its not that bad of [an attendance] policy. However, if there is severe weather, such as a tornado warning, that does not qualify as an excused absence. An excused absence would have to have a state-issued road closure, usually due to ice. You would have to present proof if Frito-Lay wasnt already aware of the road closure.

They post overtime lists two hours before the end of your scheduled shift to inform you if you have to remain an extra four hours later. If you are forced to stay over, your name will be highlighted with an F next to it. If you volunteered for overtime, you will have a V next to you name.

A two-hour notice is a bummer. It doesnt allow much notice for planning for babysitters. For a few months, I had set up a room at my home for babysitters to stay the night for days I was forced to work until 3 a.m. I worked second shift for over three years. On numerous occasions, employees will have to cancel plans last minute with friends and family members, or not make plans at all. My daughter is a toddler, she doesnt understand it when Im not with her.

Our managers follow a different schedule system than hourly employees. They are not forced an extra four hours per day, along with weekends. Some managers dedicate their time and stay when they deem it as needed. It still doesnt pan out to be an equivalent value of hours that the employees are FORCED to work. Our money is handled by our CEO, Steven Williams. Mr. Williams may not have been CEO this entire time. But he makes the money now. He is our handler.

Theres many other issues that have occurred at Frito-Lay. During my time there, I was a more fortunate employee. Some employees went months without a day off due to forced overtime. Sure, you can call in and give yourself a day off, but thats when that point system kicks. You have to have good attendance built up to be able to take a day off without a major penalty.

I quit before the strike was approved. I found a job thats never heard of forced overtime, and suicide doesnt even have a place in their dictionary. I participated in the contract votes until I was no longer on the union employee list. I am no longer listed in the system at Frito-Lay, but still participated in pickets.

Quitting Frito-Lay was easier for me than it would be for others. When you invest in a job for a few years versus 20 years, starting over is different.

Frito-Lay employees are struggling. They cant make ends meet on a normal 40-hour week. Overtime is obviously available, but at what cost...? Time. Time can never be gained back, just spent. Our time is valuable and I personally never felt that management or corporate saw that in me.

When your loyal and dependent employees are suffering, from a billion-dollar company, it really brings out some rage. Lack of money isnt only affecting individuals cost of life, it also affects our families, our neighbors, and our community.
India has deployed 50,000 more troops to its disputed Himalayan border with China, action it claims is in response to a Chinese military buildup.

Last year the rival nuclear-armed powers came the closest to all-out war since they fought a month-long border war in 1962. This included a bloody pitched battle on a mountain ridge in the Galwan Valley on the night of June 15, 2020, in which 20 Indian and 4 Chinese soldiers died, and an Indian military operation in late August that saw thousands of Indian troops seize a series of mountain ridges near Pangong Tso lake, which forms part of the current de facto border between India and China. Indian officials subsequently admitted that this highly provocative action, reportedly facilitated by US satellite intelligence, could easily have resulted in a violent clash with Chinese troops spiralling into war.

Tanks on the banks of Pangong Tso lake region, in Ladakh along the India-China border on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021. (Indian Army via AP)

With its most recent troop deployments, India now has at least 200,000 and, according to some reports, as many as 250,000 troops arrayed along its northern border. According to a report published by Bloomberg last week, the additional troops have been deployed to at least five bases along the full breadth of Indias more than 3,000-kilometre (2,000 mile) border with China. 20,000 of them have been deployed to Leh in Indian-held Ladakh. Along with the adjacent Chinese-held Aksai Chin, eastern Ladakh has been the focal point of the current flare-up in the Sino-Indian border dispute.

India is also in the midst of a crash infrastructure building campaign in its border regions, developing new fortifications, airstrips, and road and rail links to swiftly move troops and supplies. Late last summer, when it took possession of the first of the 35 Rafale fighter jets it has purchased from France, the Indian Air Force made a point of immediately deploying them over Indian-held Ladakh. India has also established a new 18 fighter-jet squadron aimed against China based in Ambala in the north Indian state of Haryana and intends to soon establish a similar squadron at its Hasimara air base in West Bengal to police the eastern section of its border with China.

Citing people familiar with the matter, the Bloomberg report said the Indian military has positioned itself to assume a much more aggressive stance. Whereas previously, the report explained, Indias military presence was aimed at blocking Chinese moves, the redeployment will allow Indian commanders more options to attack and seize territory in China if necessary, in a strategy known as offensive defense. The report added that Indian forces are now more mobile. This is due to recently acquired US-made helicopters, which can ferry soldiers and artillery including the British-made M777 howitzer from Himalayan valley to valley.

Indias officer corps and its government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his far-right Bharatiya Janata Party, have repeatedly boasted that India is ready to confront China. Last week, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pledged India would give a befitting reply if provoked. With the worlds fourth largest military budget, ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons, India certainly possesses weapons of mass destruction, meaning that any Sino-Indian conflict, even if it erupts due to miscalculation and is initially confined to their respective border regions, threatens to rapidly spiral into an unparalleled catastrophe for the people of Asia and the world.

But while the two countries have roughly the same size population, Chinas economy is more than four times bigger and in most technological domains China eclipses India. The deplorable state of Indian infrastructure has been highlighted by the catastrophic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that, according to the official gross undercount, has sickened more than 30 million people and killed more than 400,000. Although India does have significant vaccine-manufacturing capacity, to date just 5 percent of Indias population has been fully vaccinated.

New Delhis aggressive stance in the current border conflict with China is directly bound up with the support and encouragement it is receiving from Washington.

As per an agreement between Beijing and New Delhi, Indian Army and Chinese Peoples Liberation Army officers held disengagement talks in the fall and early winter, and the two sides pulled back forward deployed troops near Pangong Tso lake. However, these talks stalled shortly after Joe Biden was sworn in as US president.

On taking office, Biden lost no time in making clear that under his Democratic administration Washington will intensify its economic, diplomatic, and military-strategic offensive against China, and that India and the Indian Ocean are central to US strategy to thwart Chinas rise, if necessary, through war. In March, Biden convened the first-ever heads of government meeting of the Quad, a strategic dialogue quasi-military alliance, led by the US and including India and its most important Asia-Pacific treaty allies, Japan and Australia. Soon after, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin became the first high-level Biden administration official to visit New Delhi. In a gesture meant to underline the importance India attaches to expanding military-strategic cooperation with Washington, Austin was accorded an audience with Modi.

Since last July, impromptu military exercises between the Indian navy and US aircraft task forces passing near to India have become virtually routine, in what is an unmistakable message to China, whose economy is highly dependent on Mideast oil and Indian Ocean-borne exports to Europe, Africa and much of Asia. The most recent such exercise was on June 23-24, when the USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, which is based in Japan, passed by India en route to the North Arabian Sea, where it is supporting the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. According to an Indian Navy press release, the exercise was aimed at honing the two militaries war-fighting skills and enhancing their interoperability as an integrated force, and involved practicing antisubmarine warfare.

Washington has played an intrusive role in the current Indo-China border dispute almost from its outset in May of last year. In a marked contrast with the 2017 Doklam standoff, when Indian and Chinese troops confronted each other on a Himalayan plateau claimed by both China and Bhutan, the US made no pretence to neutrality, quickly labelling China the aggressor. Moreover, it has further upped the ante by linking the Indo-China border dispute to its accusations of illegal Chinese actions in the South China Sea. Opposing Chinese expansionism in the South China Sea is one of the principal pretexts the US has advanced for its massive buildup of military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific and for its provocative freedom of navigation exercises off Chinas shores.

With strong support from Indias venal capitalist elite, the Modi-led BJP government has followed the path blazed by its Congress Party-led predecessors and integrated India ever more completely into the US offensive against China, on the gamble that by allying with a crisis-ridden American imperialism it can advance New Delhis great-power ambitions. Toward this end, during its first six years in power, it threw open Indias ports and airbases for use by US military forces for rest and resupply, signed other agreements that the Pentagon insists are necessary for joint military operations, and adopted Washingtons provocative stance on the South China Sea.

But over the past 14 months, roiled by the pandemic and an unprecedented contraction of Indias already troubled economy, the Modi government has taken all of this to a new level. The border dispute with China has been invoked to justify a massive expansion of Indias bilateral, trilateral and quadrilateral ties with the US, and its closest regional allies, Japan and Australia. India has also intensified its collaboration with the US in countering Chinese influence across South Asia and the Indian Ocean region, including by dropping its opposition to Washington signing a defence cooperation with the Maldives, an Indian Ocean archipelago New Delhi hitherto sought to keep firmly under its thumb.

In a further indication of the extent to which India has been incorporated into the US strategic offensive against China, intelligence officials from India and Japan joined a meeting of the US-led Five Eyes global spying operation last fall focused on countering China.

For offering the Indian people up as satraps for US imperialism, the Modi government and Indian bourgeoisie hope to receive their reward in the form of greater international prominence, as in the recent invitation to Modi to attend last months G-7 summit in England, assistance in making India a rival production-chain hub to China, and major investments by US arms manufacturers.

Like Washington and other governments and ruling elites, Indias are also whipping up animosity against China as a means of deflecting anger over their disastrous mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent weeks, the Indian media has given prominence to the Wuhan lab conspiracy theory of the origins of COVID-19 first promoted by the fascist Trump and recently revived by the Biden administration.

Beijings official response to Indias aggressive new border deployments has been relatively muted. Its official representatives have insisted that the situation remains stable and repeated calls for the two countries to resolve the current dispute through talks. The words and deeds of the two countries should be aiming at cooling the situation and promoting mutual trust, not the reverse, said Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin. However, the Beijing regime, which represents the oligarchy created by the Stalinist Communist Partys restoration of capitalism, has no solution to the US-led imperialist offensive. It oscillates between whipping up Chinese national chauvinism and pursuing its own military buildup and desperately trying to appease Washington through concessions.

Over the past two decades, the reactionary strategic conflict between India and Pakistan, for decades one of Beijings closest allies, and the Sino-Indian border dispute have become inextricably enmeshed with the ever-deepening US-Chinese geostrategic rivalry, enormously adding to the explosive character of all three. To prevent decrepit capitalism from plunging humanity into a global conflagration, the international working class must be politically mobilized to disarm the rival nationally based bourgeois cliques through socialist revolution.
The United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), which nominally represents more than 30,000 teachers in the countrys second largest school district, has approved a side letter tentative agreement (TA) with the district for the summer session and upcoming school year. Under the terms of the agreement, the districts 1,000 schools, serving over 600,000 students, opened on June 23 for daily in-person instruction with only three-foot distancing between desks.

Without any discussion, the school board approved the agreement only one day before schools reopened. A dangerous precedent has been set by the UTLA which will be followed by districts throughout the West Coast.

Students in class (Photo: pixy.org)

The reckless school reopening agreement has been finalized as Los Angeles County, like many other parts of the US, experiences another surge of COVID-19 cases as the Delta variant has begun to take hold. In fact, the county reported 506 new infections last Thursday, its largest daily increase in coronavirus cases since mid-April. Furthermore, children under 12 years oldthe majority of students returning to classroomsare not yet eligible for the vaccine and remain unprotected from the virus.

Meanwhile, the number of Delta variant cases sequenced in county labs has doubled, reaching a total of 245 last week, or roughly 44 percent of all cases sequenced, according to LA County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer. Given that 4 million residents in LA County are not yet vaccinated, the risk of increased spread is very real, Ferrer said.

While the union is boasting that 94 percent of teachers approved the TA, the reality is that only 12,193 out of over 30,000 classroom teachers, counselors, nurses, psychologists, social workers and librarians in district and charter schools actually voted; 18,000 abstained from the vote.

With the approval of this agreement, schools across Los Angeles will have critical COVID safety protocols in place when we welcome students back to the joys of full-time in-person learning, said UTLA President Cecily Myart-Cruz.

Superintendent Austin Beutner, who retired immediately after the agreement was reached, insisted that the district implemented the highest set of safety standards of any school district in the nation to protect against COVID-19 as campuses welcomed back students this spring, pointing to upgraded air filtration systems, sanitation efforts and supplies of protective equipment.

Among the provisions of the agreement with UTLA is a requirement for COVID-19 testing at least every two weeks, maintaining a public dashboard to report all positive cases, mandatory symptom-screening of all students, staff and visitors entering a school site, along with continued physical distancing requirements and mandatory wearing of masks. The deal also calls for regular cleaning and replacement as needed of classroom air filters.

For parents who opt to keep their kids learning safely from home, the deal calls for elementary students to have three hours of daily live online instruction in addition to assigned independent work. Secondary school students will have three 75-minute periods per day with at least 40 minutes of live instruction per period, as well as assigned independent work.

The agreement also calls for all school sites to have a COVID-19 Compliance Task Force. The task forces, similar to those set up after the 2019 Los Angeles teachers strike, are essentially window dressing with no real enforcement capabilities.

Teachers who returned to classrooms in April noted that six-foot and even three-foot distancing guidelines were impossible to meet, with promised supplies of PPE, soap and hand sanitizer ranging from inadequate to nonexistent.

Not only does the UTLA/LAUSD reopening plan not enjoy the confidence of schoolteachers, but parents also are highly reluctant to send their children back into unsafe classrooms with students under the age of 12 completely unvaccinated. At the close of the 2020-2021 school year, only 30 percent of elementary students and 7 percent of LAUSD high school students had returned back to classrooms.

Those students who did return often received zoom in a room style instruction, underscoring the fact that the school reopening plan has nothing to do with improving educational outcomes and everything to do with getting parents back into unsafe workplaces to produce corporate profits.

In presenting the latest TA to teachers, the UTLA once again regurgitated many of the same lies from its initial campaign to open schools in April, in line with the nationwide policy of the Biden administration. As with the first TA agreed to in March, the UTLA claimed that it provided for all of the necessary conditions for a safe return to school by stating that they will provide enforceable safety conditions and protocols at every school, including PPE, physical distancing, improved ventilation, and daily cleaning.

In response, Ric, a fifth grade teacher in LAUSD who recently retired, stated, Back in April after the first TA was passed, the air conditioning and fan unit in my classroom were not working. I informed the principal and told her if they werent working, I would refuse to teach inside of a classroom and would opt to teach outside on the grass. I had to complain loudly for three days before it got fixed. Our site rep didnt like that I told him that my AC and fan units werent working. I told him he should go to all the classrooms and note what had to be fixed. He quit soon after that. Seems pretty worthless. Many teachers non-functioning ACs did get fixed due to my loud complaints.

Responding to the three-foot social distancing measure, Ric stated, Three-feet separation instead of six feet allows them to pack the classroom as usual.

Ric commented, On this latest TA, that vote was engineered by the UTLA. The teachers had no choice. Again, when they say regular cleaning, what does that mean? The same rules were used after the first TA, and regular meant maybe once a week, in reality. Thats not clean.

Not only is it not clean, but it stands in stark contrast to Section V, Part C of the new TA, which states, Cleaning and Daily DisinfectingThe District shall ensure all classrooms, restrooms, and workspaces are cleaned regularly and all high touch surfaces are disinfected daily. Unit members shall not be expected to provide these services.

The WSWS interviewed another teacher, Sarah, who teaches high school English at LAUSD. She said, These are my issues with the results of the UTLA vote. First of all, we dont know that schools are safe. The number of students that returned in-person at the end of the year was nothing. I had one student in my room, and teachers that had students had between one to three maximum. That is not at all comparable to 35 in a room.

Sarah continued, For parents that want to opt out of in-person learning, their child will have to enroll in City of Angels for online school in the fall. I worked at City of Angels for one year, and I can tell you the quality of instruction is not at all the same. It has also not been explained what the rules for choosing the online option are.

In regard to social distancing, Sarah said, Three feet of social distancing is not possible in many classrooms that I have worked in over the years and definitely not possible in the school I am in now. The school I work in has roving teachers because there arent even classrooms.

As for ventilation, she said, I have worked in multiple schools, including the one I am in now, that have no windows. Many CDC articles about classrooms specifically mention the importance of keeping windows and doors open.

LAUSD says ventilation systems have been upgraded, but I am not sure what this means. At my school, when I complained about how small my room was, they wheeled in a little ventilation unit, a box on wheels. How do people know if this box is enough to clean the air in a room?

The voting on the TA began on June 15, four days after the last day of school in a year of unprecedented changes and trauma due to the pandemic. Normally, teachers are working to complete report cards, cleaning out their classrooms for the summer, attending end-of-the-year events like graduations and other assemblies.

June 15 was also the day that Los Angeles County fully reopened along with the rest of California. According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH), the county saw 210 new cases of COVID-19, and the test positivity rate was around 0.5 percent. In the two weeks since, those numbers have doubled.

At the same time, the LACDPH has warned that because of the increasing circulation of variants of concern, such as the Delta variant, there is a heightened risk of infection for those who are not vaccinated. On June 30, less than 50 percent of the countys current metro population of 12,459,000 had been vaccinated.

Teachers, parents, students and support staff are rightly angry at the UTLA betrayals, and fearful of the dangers of the pandemic with the return to full-time schooling. We urge all those opposed to the reckless reopening of schools who wish to fight back to join and help build the Los Angeles Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee today.
A Day of Action was called across the UK on Saturday July 3 to mark the 73rd anniversary of the National Health Service and protest for patient safety, pay justice and an end to privatisation.

The demonstrations, organised by a collection of NHS campaign groups including Keep Our NHS Public and Health Campaigns Together, were joined by strikingly low numbers of people. In many major cities, fewer than 100 turned up, and attendance barely exceeded 200 even at the largest demonstrations.

Such an event cannot pass without political conclusions being drawn. The following Monday was given over to a series of nauseating events using the NHS to boost the myth of national unity, summed up by the Queens awarding the NHS the George Cross for its workers courage, compassion and dedication. That same evening, Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave the go ahead for the homicidal lifting of all public health measures on July 19, amid a terrible surge of the Delta variant and after a year in which NHS workers have borne the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yesterday, the Conservative government announced its new misnamed Health and Care Bill, streamlining the privatisation of the NHS.

Amid this official hypocrisy and plans for death and destruction, Saturdays Day of Action was the sole event organised with the declared aim of defending health care and health workers. Yet at most a few thousand people across the country turned out. The causes of this fiasco hold important lessons.

Despite enormous popular sentiment for a fightback, no real campaign was waged by the events organisers to mobilise the working class. Keep Our NHS Public, Health Campaigns Together, NHS Workers Say NO and NHS Staff Voices, backed by pseudo-left groups like the Socialist Workers Party (SWP) and the Socialist Party (SP), are wholly oriented to the Labour Party and the trade union bureaucracy, neither of which lifted a finger to build the protests.

The small protest in King's Lynn (WSWS Media)

According to the SWP, who are in a position to know, All the main [union] leaders shrugged off invitations to join the demonstrations. They add that leaders of the UKs largest union, Unison, went further and opposed the marches.

This is made more remarkable given that a few weeks ago the pseudo-left, including the SWP, were lauding a left takeover of Unisons National Executive Committee. The SWP wrote, The left has swept to control the national executive committee (NEC) of Unison for the first time since the union was created in 1993 There were 37 candidates elected who were part of the Time For Real Change slate Socialist Worker supported this slate. In addition, four members of the Socialist Party won.

The SP commented, This is now the opportunity to show what a left leadership can do. It was indeed.

Instead of taking part in an opposition protest, Unisons head of health, Sara Gorton, attended a government-organised memorial service for health workerskilled in the pandemic by its policieswhere she asked that lessons be learned so that mistakes can never be repeated.

Unison, along with the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), is a partner organisation of the Together coalition, which includes such allies as HSBC and NatWest banks and the Sun newspaper. The Coalition organised a Thank You Day for the NHS on Sunday July 4, encouraging people to Join in an hours exercise, Take part in the UKs Power Hour litter pick, hold a street party or picnic, Play or sing-a-long in a UK wide performance, raise a glass or a mug and Share a BBQ with your neighbours and friends.

Both Unison and the Unite union used the actual date of the NHS anniversary, July 5, as an occasion to ask the Tory government for a pay rise as a birthday present.

This left a few regional officials to fulfil the thankless task of flying the flag for their unions at Saturdays protests. The SP quotes newly elected member of Unisons NEC Naomi Byron speaking at a protest in London but is forced to clarify that she did so in a personal capacity.

The conclusion drawn by the SWP from this debacle is that the protests could have been many times bigger had health unions given them national backing and that it is therefore vital that health workers continue to show the union leaders the level of anger that exists. And that they keep pushing them for action.

This begs two large questions.

First, why did the unions not give their national backing? The answer is that the corporatist labour police forces and management partners which still bear the name unions are fundamentally indifferent to the fate of the working class. Staffed by well-paid bureaucrats, either unelected or elected on tiny turnouts, these organisations did not want to cut across their bankrupt policy of holding Johnson and his fellow criminals to their poisoned declarations of love for the NHS. Their overarching fear is of any genuine opposition movement developing among workers. This would not only cut across their own lucrative relations with NHS and corporate management and the state apparatus. It would of necessity have to turn its fire on the unions themselves, whose sellouts have created the pay and privatisation crisis in the health service.

Which leads to the second question: Given the unions filthy record of betrayals, what would have been the result even if they had backed the call for action? In 2018, the Trades Union Congress national demonstration in London attracted at most 25,000 people. The previous year mobilised just 10,000. After a year in which every union has been complicit in exposing workers to the governments herd immunity policy of social murder, how many people would still be convinced by yet another empty pledge to fight for the NHS?

The same goes for the Labour Party, which also refused to back the protests. Former party leader Jeremy Corbyn, touted by the SWP and SP as the messiah for left Labourism, was also forced to address Saturdays protests in a personal capacity as he is still suspended from the Parliamentary Labour Party on bogus antisemitism charges. He spoke to a demonstration of around 150 people in Kings Lynn, a mark of his own discrediting as an oppositional figure among workers and youth.

Jeremy Corbyn speaking at the protest in King's Lynn (WSWS Media)

In the previous period, the rightward lurch of the trade unions and the Labour Party could be partially concealed behind left talkers promising to take their organisation in a more radical direction. This political cover operation has been the main political function of the pseudo-left. But the unions are now so thoroughly alienated from and openly hostile to the working class that they are unwilling to throw their cheerleaders a bone.

The old left facade is falling to pieces. The pseudo-left organisations, who piggy-backed on the unions to punch above their own political weight, have been sent sprawling. A feature of the NHS protests were the piles of political placards with no one to hold them upa repeat of scenes at the previous weekends equally pitifully attended Peoples Assembly national demonstration in London, at which Corbyn was again a key speaker.

The small protest in Sheffield (WSWS Media)

The working class is beginning to draw its own conclusions from the impotence and outright treachery of the trade unions and the escalating rightward lurch of the Labour Party. But this point blank raises the need to build a genuine movement dedicated to waging the class struggle and fighting for socialism.

The ruling class has already taken its cue from Saturdays debacle. Writing in the Telegraph, Charles Moore declared yesterday, The NHS hasnt earned the George Cross. A significant proportion of the suffering during Covid was caused by the fact the NHS was not fit for purpose. Railing against the gigantic bureaucracy of our single most expensive taxpayer-funded national entity and looking abroad to different models used by other advanced nations, he concludes, The Covid experience makes the case for NHS reform, not for collective sainthood.

This is a declaration of war on the NHS by its most determined enemies, who know they will encounter no serious opposition from Labour or the trade unions.

Workers must respond in kind.

The Socialist Equality Party has advanced the call for the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees. The IWA-RFC was launched in April by the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) on the basis that, confronted with the pandemic and its socio-economic fallout, For the working class to fight back, a path must be created to coordinate its struggles in different factories, industries and countries in opposition to the ruling class and the corporatist unions.

This would require new forms of independent, democratic and militant rank-and-file organizations of workers in factories, schools and workplaces on an international scale, led by a socialist leadership in the working class.

In the UK, this perspective is upheld by the NHS FightBack campaign, established by the Socialist Equality Party. NHS Fightback produced a statement for Saturdays Day of Action which insisted, The defence of the NHS cannot be left in the hands of the trade unions and their cheerleaders in the pseudo-left groups. The unions avowed aim to find common ground with the employers and government is a strategy for workers defeat.

The working class must act independently in defence of its own interests. For this, new organisations of struggle are required rank-and-file workplace committees, led by the most trusted workers and independent from the trade unions.

Health workers who agree with the need for such a struggle should contact NHS FightBack today.
The New Zealand Labour Party governments Pike River Recovery Agency (PRRA) is aiming to install the first of two seals in the underground coal mine this week, having already removed technical equipment. Work on the temporary seal 170 metres inside the drift, or entry tunnel, was to have started last week, but was delayed by bad weather.

Just over two years ago, on May 21, 2019, workers employed by the PRRA re-entered the mine to determine the causes of the November 2010 explosions which killed 29 workers. Labour and its allies, the Greens and NZ First Party, had promised in the 2017 election to conduct the underground investigation and to try to recover bodies from the mine.

The entrance to the Pike River coal mine is seen in Greymouth, New Zealand, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010 [Credit: AP Photo/Pool]

By pulling the plug on the re-entry, Prime Minister Jacinda Arderns government is continuing a cover-up, begun by the previous National Party government, aimed at protecting those at the helm of Pike River Coal who turned the mine into a death trap. To this day, no one has been held accountable for the companys extremely unsafe design. It failed to construct a proper emergency exit, and grossly inadequate ventilation allowed methane gas to reach explosive levels on dozens of occasions leading up to the disaster.

Having explored the 2.26 kilometre drift, Labour has refused to go into the mine workings, with Minister for Pike River Re-entry Andrew Little saying that the investigation has become too expensive. The government is refusing to go beyond two piles of coal to examine Pike Rivers underground fan, which is thought to have sparked the first explosion. Independent mining experts working on behalf of the families say getting to the site would cost less than $8 million.

In an email to the Pike River families on July 5, PRRA chief executive Dave Gawn said a plastic mesh barrier had been installed in the last week 190 metres inside the drift. Two refuge chambers have been removed, as well as gas monitoring equipment, real-time geotech monitoring gear and the quick fill change over station The plan is now to construct the 170m barrier this week. After this is done, a permanent concrete seal will be installed 30 metres inside the drift. The PRRA has not said exactly when this will happen.

The cryogenic unit for the nitrogen plant is due to be removed from site next week, Gawn continued, followed by other specialist equipment in the coming weeks including 2 loaders, 2 specialised mining vehicles and attachments and refuge chambers.

All this is proceeding despite legal action being taken by representatives of the majority of the families challenging the governments decision to seal and abandon the crime scene and leave bodies and crucial evidence locked in the mine forever. The PRRAs actions expose the utter fraud of its claim to be working in partnership with the Pike River families.

Gawn stated that Bernie Monk, whose son Michael died in the mine, is bringing the case in his personal capacity but says he has the support of members of twenty-four of the families of the twenty-nine men who died. Bernie does not identify whether there is consensus about his case within individual families.

In fact, when the application for a judicial review was lodged with the High Court in Wellington on June 4, the Pike River Families Group (PRFG) committee said in a press statement that the action had the support of 22 of the 29 families.

Carol Rose, whose son Stuart died in the mine, told the World Socialist Web Site that the PRRA had stripped out months of work. Summing up the families decade-long fight to investigate the mine, she said: Weve been screwed by successive governments, but this government is by far the most arrogant.

Cloe Nieper, whose husband Kane was killed in the disaster, said the PRFG had received strong support for its campaign, including over 6,000 people backing a petition to the government to stop sealing the mine. Ive read some of the comments and theyre pretty amazing. I think people are very supportive and a lot of people still want to know what we want to know, they want answers and they want us to have justice.

She said people were gobsmacked by the information that has come to light, including the families release of a photo of a body underground. The photo is one of several taken in the months after the disaster by cameras lowered through boreholes in the mine, which debunk the lies of the previous National Party government that everything in the mine was destroyed by fire and there would be no remains to recover.

Nieper said the money required to excavate to the fan site was pennies compared to what theyve spent on other things, like the America's Cup [yacht race], for instance, and the governments recently announced plan for a $685 million cycle bridge over the Auckland harbour. They could easily go through that roof-fall, she said. Why are they all of a sudden pulling the pin, when theyve got so close?

She criticised the PRRA for not waiting while the families legal action is underway. The government wants to close it very quickly. Somethings not right, somethings definitely being covered up again.

Malcolm Campbell, whose son Malcolm died in the disaster, wrote on Facebook on June 28: We just want the government to postpone the sealing of the mine till all avenues are looked at. If they dont listen, and seal the mine, we will never get closure.

He pointed out that Minister Andrew Little was the head of the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU) when the mine exploded, and that along with mine managers, and especially health and safety management, they said the mine was safe. In fact, the union had sent men into an unsafe, highly dangerous workplace.

After the first explosion, Little told the media, falsely, that the union had not been aware of any problems with the mine. In fact, it knew about the lack of an emergency exit and workers concerns about unsafe conditions. But the EPMU chose to remain silent and made no attempt to organise an industrial campaign in defence of its members.

The EPMUs successor, the E tu union, has closed ranks with the government to support the shutdown of the investigation, essentially continuing its role as a defender of company management.

The PRRA, backed by the corporate media, is seeking to foster illusions that the police investigation will still be able to examine evidence underground, following the sealing of the mine, with cameras lowered down boreholes. If boreholes are sufficient to gather forensic evidence for prosecutions, this raises the question: why didnt police do this ten years ago? In fact, the 2012 royal commission of inquiry and the police themselves have previously stated that the exact cause of the disaster cannot be determined without a manned re-entry.

The Greymouth Star reported last Saturday that only one of six planned boreholes will look at the fan site. Electrical engineer Richard Healey, who has carried out extensive research on the Pike River disaster, working with some of the families, told the WSWS that the majority of the boreholes were unlikely to reveal significant new information about the causes of the explosions.

He added that anything at the fan site will be distorted, covered in debris, and that it would take close examination of the machinery to find anything meaningful. Healey compared it to the investigation of a plane crash: Everyone can see the big chunks of metal lying on the ground, but you have to microscopically examine those bits of metal to tell what forces were involved, and not just take photos.

Healey also pointed out that there was no plan to use a camera to investigate the cause of the rupture of a compressed air line seconds before the first explosion. The examination of this site beyond the roof-fall could provide valuable information about the disaster.

A statement published by the World Socialist Web Site late last month called on working people, in New Zealand and internationally, to support the families demand that the government reverse its decision to seal the mine. The underground investigation must continue in order to uncover the full truth about what caused the explosions, and to hold those responsible to account.
As the number of migrants imprisoned in US detention centers grows, immigration officials are reporting a major surge in COVID-19 infections among detainees. Very few detainees are vaccinated against the virus, and public health experts worry that the crowded detention facilities could fuel outbreaks not only among those detained, but also in the general population.

As of June 23, there were 765 active COVID-19 cases among migrants in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody.

According to ICE, the number of migrants being held in detention centers has nearly doubled in recent months. In April, the agency reported some 14,000 migrants in detention. Last week the agency reported that more than 26,000 people were being detained.

Within that same period, more than 7,500 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in US immigration facilities, accounting for more than 40 percent of all cases reported in ICE facilities since the pandemic began, according to a New York Times analysis of federal data.

ICE previously confirmed over 10,000 cases of COVID-19 among detainees in its detention facilities across the US as of March of this year. It also confirmed eight deaths.

The virus also impacted over 27,000 Border Patrol employees, who either became infected or were unable to work due to illness or quarantining, including 24 who died.

The increase in apprehensions, detentions and infections takes place amid the Biden administrations escalating campaign against immigrants. Vice President Kamala Harris visited Guatemala and Mexico last month. In addition to telling migrants, Do not come, she urged the authorities to shore up their security forces to violently suppress the flow of Central American migrants seeking to escape societies ravaged by more than a century of US imperialist exploitation and oppression.

In April, the Biden administration summarily deported 111,714 of the more than 178,000 migrants detained by US Border Patrol. The administration is continuing to invoke Title 42, a Trump-era Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public health order ostensibly aimed at controlling the pandemic by closing the southern border, as justification for its violation of international and US laws on the right to asylum.

The tens of thousands of migrants trapped in immigration jails face inhumane conditions, with immigrants, including children, subjected to overcrowding, extreme cold and inedible food. As of May, according to ICEs latest available data, only about 20 percent of detainees passing through the centers had received at least one dose of a vaccine while in custody. Such conditions guarantee a rapid spread of the disease.

Nearly one in three inmates of federal and state prisons and jails are currently testing positive for the virus.

In May, the American Civil Liberties Union, which has filed dozens of lawsuits against ICE during the pandemic, called the lack of a vaccine strategy for the detained migrants a failure in a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and acting ICE Director Tae Johnson.

Three medical experts contracted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and represented by the Government Accountability Project examined protocols in place to control the spread of COVID-19 in detention centers and found that the Biden administration is not doing enough to vaccinate immigrants in detention.

In a letter to Congress, these experts wrote: The Biden administration has made great strides in controlling the pandemic in many areas of the country, largely by concentrating on vaccine distribution to the general public. Immigrant detention settings, however, continue to be a significant source of spread for COVID and disproportionate harm to detainees, workers and the public, yet DHS has still not implemented a comprehensive plan to address the spread of COVID in immigration detention facilities.

ICE previously described its vaccination procedures in a document titled Covid-19 Pandemic Response Requirements. The agency directed detention facilities to contact their states vaccine distribution authorities, such as state or county departments of health, to obtain vaccines.

Some of the worst outbreaks at ICE facilities, including one at the Adams County Correctional Center in Natchez, Mississippi, have occurred in states where vaccination rates are far below the national average.

At the onset of the pandemic, ICE developed a series of requirements to help protect detainees and staff from the virus, such as new protocols for intake processing, screening and testing, and social distancing. ICE officials claim all detainees are required to receive COVID-19 testing within 12 hours of arrival and are quarantined for two weeks. However, many officials have reported difficulties in complying with the protocols due to infrastructure limitations, among other problems.

Dr. Carlos Franco-Paredes, an associate professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, who has inspected immigration detention centers during the pandemic, told the Times that several factors were to blame for the surge, including transfers of detainees between facilities, insufficient testing and lax COVID-19 safety measures.

Franco-Paredes said that during a recent inspection of a detention center in Colorado he saw many staff members who were not wearing face coverings properly, adding, There is minimal to no accountability regarding their protocols.

Health officials point out that even when immigration officers follow testing and processing protocols, the fact that detainees are transported en masse to the facilities by bus opens them up to exposure before their initial COVID-19 test upon arrival.

Sharon Dolovich, a law professor and director of the Covid Behind Bars Data Project at the University of California, Los Angeles, told the Times that detained migrants would remain vulnerable to infection until vaccination was made a higher priority at the facilities.

You have people coming in and out of the facility, into communities where incomplete vaccination allows these variants to flourish, and then you bring them inside the facilities, and that variant will spread, Dolovich said. What youre describing is the combination of insufficient vaccination plus the evolution of the virus, and that is really scary.
An indefinite strike launched on Monday by around 25,000 health workers across Sri Lanka was shut down by the trade unions the next day, without any of their demands being met. The strikers were from more than 15 supplementary medicine and paramedical services, including lab technicians, public health inspectors, midwives, pharmacists, radiographers and therapists.

The Joint Council for Professions of Supplementary Medicine (JCPSM) and the Para Medical Service Front called the strike over 14 demands. These included professional and risk allowances, staff grade positions with a legitimate promotion system and the easing of workloads. The strike was called off after Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi made a hollow promise to submit a cabinet paper on the unions demands next Monday.

The strike defied the draconian essential services law imposed by President Gotabhaya Rajapakse against almost all state sector employees. Under this law, any public sector worker involved in industrial action, including strikes, faces imprisonment of two to five years, and/or a fine of 2,000 to 5,000 rupees, along with the loss of professional or vocational registration.

Amid the worsening COVID-19 pandemic, frontline health workers confront increased workloads and risks to themselves and their family members. Moreover, a host of issues related to pay and conditions from the pre-pandemic period have been greatly exacerbated. As a result, the unions were forced to call the strike in a bid to deflect mounting anger.

JCPSM chairperson Ravi Kumudesh emphasised at a press conference Monday that the unions had tried to resolve longstanding grievances for years without resorting to industrial action. He said the unions had launched the strike unwillingly and pleaded with the government to at least put a plaster to our wound. If that happened, he declared, workers would report back to work at once, signalling the willingness of the unions to betray the struggle.

As a leader of the Health Employees Trade Union Collective (HETUC), Kumudesh also stitched up a sell-out deal with the government on June 15, covering around 100,000 employees. It set aside all their demands in exchange for a miserable 7,500 rupees ($US38) special allowance payment.

The deal sabotaged the campaign of nationally-coordinated protests by around 50,000 health workers who stopped work on June 11 and held widespread demonstrations. Workers also held a strike on June 4. The demands included a special allowance equal to 78 percent of the basic salary, as well as the provision of personal protective equipment and other COVID-19 safety measures.

Kumudesh and the other union leaders sought to isolate the latest strike from other sections of health workers who have also taken industrial action. On July 1-2, around 30,000 public health nurses, comprising more over 90 percent of the workforce, launched a sick-note campaign on a list of demands, including a 10,000-rupee disturbance, availability and transport allowance, an increased uniform allowance and a five-day working week.

The three unions that organised the strikethe Public Services United Nurses Union (PSUNU), Government Nursing Officers Association (GNOA) and the All Ceylon Nurses Union (ACNU)sought to shut it down as quickly as possible.

PSUNU leader Muruththettuwe Ananda, a close supporter of the government, met with President Rajapakse on July 2. After the meeting, the president issued a media statement saying that five out of seven demands would be granted, while the others would be considered in next years budget. The announcement was quickly exposed as bogus, as no cabinet decision to endorse it has materialised.

The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) covering doctors, which is a close ally of the current government, immediately seized on the announcement to foster divisions among health workers. The GMOA warned the government that granting the demands of nurses will lead to agitation among not only the health sector, but in all categories of government services, and thus impact on the smooth functions of the government service.

Nurses have expressed their disgust toward the trade unions on social media. A nurse from Gampola hospital told the WSWS: Even though the strike was stopped, nothing has been obtained. Only some promises, just like the end of every struggle.

The supplementary medicine and paramedical services workers who participated in the latest strike are also hostile to the unions actions.

A striking ECG technician from Polonnaruwa hospital told the WSWS : The trade unions are working with the government to burden workers with unbearable workloads. We cant win demands by fighting in isolation. Workers will have to get together and fight.

A public health inspector from Kurunegala said: Its disgusting that the role of the trade unions is setting sections of the workers against each other. This situation is used by the government to provoke public hatred against us for the governments mishandling of COVID-19.

The corporate media outlets have repeatedly denounced the struggles of health workers. An editorial in the Island on July 6 declared that this certainly is not the time to strike. It added: [I]t is wrong for the health workers, or other state employees for that matter, to resort to trade union action during the current health crisis.

Successive governments, assisted by the trade unions, have a track record of setting one category of health workers against another to prevent a united struggle around their common burning issues.

The Health Workers Action Committee, formed at the political initiative of the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) intervened in the latest health workers strike, issuing a statement on July 5, entitled Defeat the grade-based divisive conspiracies of the trade union bureaucracy! Organise a united struggle of health and other workers!

It declared: We must take the fight to defend our rights into our own hands. This is possible only through the formation of action committees formed through our democratic vote, independent of the trade unions that line up with the government and health authorities. As the Health Workers Action Committee, we will assist you in building action committees in every hospital and health centre.

Our struggle should not be confined to the field of health. The trade unions are working to suppress the struggles. We must obtain support from the national and international working class, as well as other oppressed layers including farmers and students.

The developing situation, with the exacerbation of the economic crisis by the raging coronavirus pandemic, has paved the way for us to unite with the growing struggles of the workers around the world against the attacks of capitalist governments.

Struggles have erupted in the health sectors of India, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the US. In Massachusetts, the strike of 700 nurses in the Saint Vincent hospital has reached its fourth month.

We must fight to unite these struggles on an international socialist perspective. It is crucial to support the call made by the International Committee of the Fourth International, the world party of the socialist revolution, to build an International Workers Alliance that integrates the action committees that we build.
This past Saturday, Massachusetts state police officers arrested 11 people following a more than nine-hour standoff on Interstate 95 outside the town of Wakefield, just north of Boston.

According to police accounts, the standoff ensued after members of the right-wing sovereign citizens group Rise of the Moors refused to identify themselves or provide registration information for the weapons they were openly carrying, which included semi-automatic rifles and pistols.

At Malden District Court, Aaron Johnson is arraigned on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Medford, Massachusetts, after the hours long I-95 highway standoff on July 3.(Suzanne Kreiter/The Boston Globe via AP)

The incident began around 1:30 a.m. when a Massachusetts state trooper allegedly stopped to provide assistance to two vehicles in the northbound emergency breakdown lane of I-95. According to an account relayed to the Washington Post by the Wakefield Police Department, police called for back-up after members of the group refused to identify themselves or provide registration documents for their weapons, claiming they did not recognize state laws and then fled into the nearby woods.

After members of the predominately African American group fled from the police, emergency services issued a Reverse 911 to residents of Wakefield, Stoneham and Reading, warning them via text messages to shelter in place. Police also shut down multiple lanes of the interstate, which by early Saturday morning was starting to fill with July 4th holiday travelers.

During the extended standoff, police deployed armored vehicles and SWAT teams to trap the group. By 11:00 a.m. all members of the group had surrendered and state police claimed to have recovered three AR-15 rifles, two pistols, a bolt-action rifle, a shotgun and a short-barrel rifle.

Despite the extraordinary and potentially violent nature of the event, involving a protracted armed standoff and orders for thousands of local residents to remain in their homes, the national news media, which gave the incident extensive coverage Saturday morning, largely dropped it soon after.

In a bizarre video posted on the groups YouTube channel during the standoff, the leader of Rise of the Moors, a former US Marine, Jamhal Tavon Sanders Latimer, 29, of Providence, Rhode Island, described his location as North America, Morocco and claimed to be peaceful. Throughout the encounter, Latimer had an AR-15 slung over his shoulder and wore body armor with a patch featuring a revolver that read: If you can read this you are within range.

In a separate recording, Latimer claimed the group was simply passing through and wanted to avoid the public by refueling on the side of the road with gas cans instead of at a gas station. Latimer claimed that his men, all of whom were wearing combat fatigues, were traveling to Maine to train on private land.

According to the Middlesex District Attorneys Office, the arrested individuals have been charged with multiple gun-related offenses that could carry prison sentences of up to 10 years. The charges include unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, use of body armor in commission of a crime, possession of a high capacity magazine, improper storage of firearms in a vehicle, and conspiracy to commit a crime. Additionally, three members of the group, including a 17-year male juvenile, have been charged with furnishing a false name to police.

In addition to the leader of the group, Latimer, most of the other arrested members have been identified, including: Robert Rodriguez, 21, Wilfredo Hernandez, 23, Alban El Curraugh, 27 and Lamar Dow, 34, all from the Bronx, New York.

Other members of the group who have been charged include Aaron Lamont Johnson, 29, of Detroit, Michigan; Quinn Cumberlander, 40, of Pawtucket, Rhode Island; and Conrad Pierre, 29, of Baldwin, New York. Two John Does and the 17-year-old juvenile have yet to be identified but are still facing charges. The 17-year-old has been released to parental custody while the remainder of the arrested men are being held following a contentious hearing on Tuesday at the Cambridge District Court.

Tuesdays court hearing, which was conducted in person and via Zoom, was frequently interrupted by supporters of the Rise of the Moors, one of whom decried the hearing as an example of high treason, according to Bob Ward of Boston 25 News.

Nearly all of the defendants chose to represent themselves. The first to appear before the judge was Cumberlander, whom prosecutors allege was one of the first members to exit the vehicle with a weapon. Cumberlander refused to accept a court-appointed attorney and told the judge he was a foreign national and part of a well-regulated militia.

One member of the group, who appeared before the court as John Doe #1, also claimed to be a national and accused the judge of breaking a treaty between your county and mine.

In 2016, Mark Pitcavage of the Anti-Defamation Leagues Center on Extremism wrote that Moorish sovereign groups believe in the notion that African Americans had special rights because of a 1780s treaty with Morocco, as well as the belief African Americans were descended from African Moorsand often as well the belief African Americans were also a people indigenous to the Americas.

According to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC): The Moorish sovereign citizen movement is a collection of independent organizations and lone individuals that emerged in the early 1990s as an offshoot of the anti-government sovereign citizens movement, which believes that individual citizens hold sovereignty over, and are independent of, the authority of federal and state governments.

Rise of the Moors was listed as one of 25 active anti-government sovereign citizen groups by the SPLC in 2020. Like most Moorish sovereign citizen groups, Rise of the Moors, traces its lineage to the 1913 founding of the Moorish Science Temple of America by Noble Drew Ali, otherwise known as Timothy Drew.

The size of the membership of Rise of the Moors is not known. However, a March 26, 2021 video uploaded by YouTube user Shawn Dinero and titled Moorish Constitutional Convention, which featured the hashtag Rise of the Moors, showed a meeting with fewer than 30 people in attendance.

In a recent interview with Boston 25 News, Margaret Huang, president & CEO of the SPLC said the group claims to have no obligation to have licenses or to comply with orders. She continued, So I imagine that the standoff was a result of the completely different perspective on this situation that those two parties encountered.

Huang noted that Rise of the Moors does not have a history of violent activity, but they do have a strong predilection for carrying and for training their supporters in the use of guns and other weaponry.

Another YouTube video uploaded by Dinero titled Rise of the Moors is a rap song that features guns and the same red flag with a green star that members of the group displayed on the interstate during their standoff with police. The video expresses the groups reactionary perspective, with such illuminating lyrics as study Moorish science, no need for college, and, Its time to lock and load, leave you with holes the size of dinner plates.

Rejecting science, the Enlightenment and socialism, the groups social media accounts feature memes spouting a mix of Islamic religious phrases based on bogus ancestral claims to North America and get rich quick schemes.

On its stillas of this writingoperating website, Rise of the Moors seeks to profit by appealing to backward conceptions. It offers for purchase writs such as a Decleration (sic) of Vaccination Refusal, which for $5.00 provides a Declaration of Moorish divine, ecclesiastical and religious right to refuse any and all vaccinations.
Workers at the Gorillas delivery service held a number of strikes last week at several of the companys warehouses in Berlin. They have drawn up a list of demands and indicated that they may continue their job action, which has been provoked by extremely poor working conditions and the confrontational attitude of the companys management.

On 28 June, several dozen riders, as the workers are known, gathered in front of the company location in Berlins Schonhauser Allee. They published a list of 19 demands, including equal pay for equal work, payment for overtime, better equipment, ventilation systems in all warehouses and bikes more suited to transport deliveries.

Solidarity with Santiago

A key demand of the riders is the immediate payment of outstanding wages. By the end of the month, several workers were short on their wages, according to the strikers. The reason given by management was that they had lost income due to being ill, but this is a clear violation of the principle of paid sick leave. In some cases, the riders were only paid for the delivery time, as opposed to their actual working hours, which includes wait times and over which they have no influence. The workers rightly characterize this as wage theft. Workers have given management two weeks to respond to the demands.

Company founder and CEO Kagan Sumer showed up during the protest and attempted to appease the angry workers, but without success. Sumer was greeted with placards reading, Get off your bike and pay us! A spokesperson for the strikers called for an end to oppression at the company. Sumer announced that he wanted to visit a total of 40 company sites across Germany starting on 28 June, in order to do a three-hour shift with his employees and answer their questions. A bike ride in Berlin, which Sumer sought to use to calm the situation down, was cancelled, however, according to media reports.

On 30 June, just two days after one set of the protests, workers at the company branch in the Berlin district of Pankow went on strike. Having been forced to work for four hours in torrential rain with insufficient rain gear, they stopped work at 13.00. As a result, local management had to temporarily halt operations. The strike was suspended in the evening only after a representative promised that the riders would be provided with adequate clothing by the end of the week.

On the same day, about two dozen riders struck in front of the warehouse in Muskauer Strae in Kreuzberg. They also demanded, among other things, waterproof gear.

The jackets and trousers currently provided by the company are completely inadequate, and company spokesperson Tobias Honig had to admit that what it provides does not fully protect against getting wet. At the same time, he launched a broadside against the workforce. We cannot tolerate the fact that this circumstance has been used as the reason for a spontaneous strike without any legal basis and to call for further strikes in other warehouses, he told the Berlin newspaper Tagesspiegel.

One rider told the local TV channel rbb24 that while rain jackets and rain trousers are available herethey are very dirty. We dont want to wear them, but we have to, he added. The clothing is also not available in all necessary sizes.

The dangers involved in working without adequate gear were highlighted on July 1 when a rider from Pankow suffered an accident after an ill-fitting rain jacket snagged in her bike. Her injuries were so severe she had to be treated in hospital.

The conflict at the start-up, which attained a company value of one billion dollars in record time and is aiming for a total valuation of six billion dollars, has been simmering for some time and is now assuming ever sharper forms.

Last winter the company failed to provide its riders with warm jackets. Now the companys warehouses lack any air conditioning, endangering those forced to work during the past several weeks when summer temperatures soared. Riders have long complained about back pain due to their heavy bags and problems arising from defective bicycles. In addition, their hours have recently been extended. They are expected to work shifts between 7 a.m. and midnight.

About three weeks ago, the dismissal of one colleague during his probationary period brought the situation at the company to a head. After one rider named Santiago was let go, about a hundred workers assembled in protest. In solidarity, they blocked two company warehouses in Berlin and demanded his reinstatement. The protest was also directed against Gorillas hire and fire policy, which uses long probationary periods to dismiss employees when it is convenient. In Santiagos case, Gorillas justified his dismissal by citing misconduct and alleged unexcused absences.

Now, based on news reports, the company is bracing itself for a possible major strike. According to social media, employees from other areas are to be used as riders if necessary, serving as strikebreakers.

The anger among workers is enormous and there have been calls made to extend the strike wave. Solidarity statements from other workers and the setting up of a solidarity fund on social media are expressions of this anger.

The strikes enjoy considerable public support, with increasing numbers of Gorilla customers declaring that they would no longer use the delivery service if conditions for the workers were not improved.

As the situation intensifies and the strikes widen, workers face urgent political questions. In order for their protests to be successful, Gorilla workers must reject the demand for the involvement of trade unions, which is being raised by several pseudo-left groups around the strike. The call for a works council dominated by the leadership of the NGG (Food, Beverages and Catering Union) is a political trap for workers.

As the World Socialist Web Site explained in an earlier article, the formation of a works council will do nothing to abolish the slave-labour conditions at Gorillas. Instead, it would cement and merely make official such exploitation. The WSWS calls upon Gorillas workers to form their own action committee to contact other logistic and transport workers and expand their industrial action.
UK Education Secretary Gavin Williamson confirmed Tuesday that all remaining safety restrictions in schools will be lifted in England in September, even as the new deadly, more transmissible Delta variant spreads exponentially.

The measures are part of the Conservative governments lifting of all mandatory Covid health protections to reopen the economy fully on July 19. This necessitates all children attending school so parents can be at work.

Teacher Miriam Mizzi talks to socially distanced year seven pupils during their first day at Kingsdale Foundation School in London, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020. From July 19, all Covid safety regulations in England will be scrapped. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Among the restrictions ending is the policy of sending bubbles of schoolchildren home to self-isolate if one child in the bubble comes into contact with a Covid case. Children will only have to self-isolate if they personally test positive. The policy of setting up bubbles in schools was always a token measure and could never have halted the spread of Covid, but ending it will escalate the spread of the virus and make schools more unsafe for children, education staff, other school workers and parents.

At the beginning of the autumn term, secondary school children will have two lateral flow testswhich are not accurateand then twice-weekly tests at home until the end of September.

The UK now has more daily Covid cases than the whole of the European Union combined, recording case numbers similar to the high point of the virus in December/January. Health Secretary Sajid Javid said on Tuesday that daily cases could reach 100,000 by August.

Department for Education (DfE) figures recorded 640,000 (8.5 percent) pupil absences on July 2 associated with Covid, the highest since schools reopened in March. This was a leap from 375,000 the previous week. Public Health England (PHE) figures revealed 151 new school outbreaks in school week ending June 20, compared to 96 the previous week. In the week ending June 27, 15,000 children tested positive for Covid and 24,000 were absent with suspected Covid.

While children are less likely to become ill than adults, a proportion end up hospitalised while others develop debilitating Long Covid symptoms.

The advocacy and support group Long Covid Kids provided the following alarming statistics for England, compiled from Office for National Statistics and Public Health England data.

Hospital admissions rose 28 percent to 6,129, week ending June 21.

Children's covid hospital admissions are rising faster than in wave 2 of the pandemic last autumn.

8 percent of all Covid hospital admissions are children.

One in every 100 child Covid cases result in hospitalisation.

Infections are rising fastest in 5-14 year olds.

Outbreaks in school nearly match those in December.

9,000 children have Long Covid extending beyond 12 months.

One quarter of those hospitalised experience Long Covid symptoms for an average eight and a half months.

There have been 59 paediatric deaths due to Covid.

The full consequences of Long Covid, including evidence of brain damage potentially impairing cognitive development, are unknown. Allowing the new variant to run rife as the government is doing, without any opposition from the Labour Party or the trade unions, means these figures could rise hugely.

Dr. Zubaida Haque of Independent SAGE (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies) said July 2, I don't think we can do anything but conclude that this government is seriously carrying out its herd immunity policy through natural infection, through school children.

Professor James Naismith, Director of the Rosalind Franklin Institute, said Prime Minister Boris Johnson is effectively conducting a mass experiment on young people as he lifts coronavirus restrictions.

To justify its homicidal mission, the government and supporters assert that schools are overzealous in sending children home to isolate. They cite the damage disruptions in educationwhich are in fact due to them allowing the virus to spreadis doing to childrens mental health and lost learning, including among the disadvantaged.

The Conservative supporting Telegraph launched a Campaign for Children to stop sending bubbles home, backed by former Education Secretaries, Tory Kenneth Baker and Labours Lord David Blunkett, the Archbishop of York, head of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Peter Wanless, Javed Khan, the chief executive of Barnado's, and Childrens Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza.

This hogwash is not gaining traction with educators and parents. On the twitter page of SafeEdForAlla group of parents sharing a strong concern about the lack of Covid19 safety in schoolssomeone tweeted that pupils are not sent home lightly from schools. Headlines in newspapers should reflect the truth and read, pupils sent home to safeguard them from highly contagious chronic disease. Another commented in support, Schools not sent home because of overzealous isolation policy, theyre closing because infection is exploding.

Many tweets complain about lifting mask wearing, and the lack of funding for Co2 monitors and adequate ventilation systems.

Feigned handwringing over disadvantaged children and the need to catch up on missed education is belied by ongoing education cuts and the redistribution of wealth to the richest in society. According to the National Audit Office, education funding is being shifted from schools in the more disadvantaged areas to those in less disadvantaged areas.

Despite scientists recommending the roll-out of vaccines to children over 12 to halt further spread of the virus, the government remains reticent about vaccinating. The UKs medical regulator MHRA approved the use of Pfizer in 12-15 year olds, but the government is awaiting further data. The US, Israel and France have begun inoculating this age group.

The fascistic herd immunity policy that has cost over 150,000 lives is epitomised by comments by Nervtag (subcommittee of SAGE) member Sir Robert Dingwall.

Dingwall is also a member of the governments Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. He declared children are better protected by natural immunity generated through infection than asking them to take a possible risk of a vaccine. Without a shred of evidence, welcoming the lifting of safety measures in schools he said, A last wave of mild infections in unvaccinated younger people may well be what we are now seeing.

Dingwall urged the government to stop spreading panic by disclosing daily Covid cases. Medicine cannot deliver immortality. Were all going to die one day, he added.

Labour insists, in the words of leader Sir Keir Starmer, that children should be in school, No ifs, no buts, no equivocation. Shadow Education Secretary Kate Green urged the government to publish data before the end of term on pilot schemes in 200 schools to compare sending bubbles home to daily testing.

School are only open and contributing to the surge in cases because the education unions sabotaged large-scale opposition by parents and educators. National Association of Head Teachers leader Paul Whiteman, ASCLs Geoff Barton and the National Education Unions Kevin Courtney and Mary Bousted wrote a joint letter to Williamson asking for clarity as schools still have little idea how prepare for next term.

On Tuesday, Courtney said, It seems clear that the government policies are based on a new form of herd immunity strategy. They are hoping that the increase in vaccination rates and the increase in infection rates across the summer will eventually get cases to fall simply because there is no one left to infect. Bousted said in a press release regarding the lifting of restrictions in education, This is neglectful and reckless decision-making, when schools and colleges quite obviously need the backing of Government to ensure their workplace remains safe.

Yet again, as the pandemic significantly worsens, there is no talk by the pro-capitalist unions about calling their members out on strikeonly appeals to the government on how they should work with the unions as the proven means to keep education settings open.

The Socialist Equality Party calls on educators and parents to join the Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee to fight for a rational response to the pandemic based on science, including the closure of all educational settings and non-essential workplaces until the virus is suppressed.

This requires a global response, including the lifting of patents, the vaccination of all age groups, and the strictest public health measures to suppress the virus and prevent the emergence of new variants.

To attend the next online public forum of the Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee on Saturday, July 10 at 2 p.m. BST, register here.
INDIANAPOLIS, IND. (WTHI) - A final decision on Indiana's unemployment benefits could be announced in the next few days.

On Tuesday, the office of the Indiana Attorney General filed a motion asking the court to certify the case for immediate appeal. This comes after Governor Eric Holcomb decided to stop unemployment benefits last month, a move that was overruled by a Marion County judge.

We asked News 10 viewers on our Facebook page what they thought about the upcoming ruling. Many Wabash Valley residents say they are against the decision to continue the benefits.

"We are making it too easy for people to be dependent on the government," Karen Franklin, a News 10 viewer, said.

Local experts say there is one big reason people may not be eager to get back to work. That is, the job market can't compete with the enhanced benefits.

"There are many good jobs out there, but people are unwilling to take them because they get paid almost as much or more to be on unemployment," Dr. Robert Guell, an economics professor at Indiana State University, said.

This is going hand in hand with the worker shortage problem the Wabash Valley and many other places are seeing in today's society.

"Businesses are screaming for employees," Guell said.

On the other hand, there are two main reasons other Hoosiers are advocating for the benefits to continue. The initial lawsuit says Indiana Law requires the state to offer all federal benefits to community members. By leaving the program early, this may hurt thousands of unemployed Hoosiers. The other important factor concerns working parents.

"We are not yet at full capacity in childcare," Guell said. "People are not at full capacity in their ability to go to work because they have no place to have their kids be watched."

No matter the outcome of the decision, the federal benefits will be ending for the entire nation soon. The final day to receive the extra benefits will be labor day.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Police have confirmed the identity of the Terre Haute police officer killed in a Wednesday afternoon shooting.

Officials say Detective Greg Ferency was killed outside of the FBI office in Terre Haute.

FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan: " FBI Task Force Officer Greg Ferency was ambushed and fatally shot at the FBI Indianapolis Resident Agency in Terre Haute. TFO Ferency was a 30-year veteran of the Terre Haute Police Department and had been a federal task force officer since 2010. We want to extend our deepest sympathy to TFO Ferencys family, friends and fellow officers. An FBI agent shot and wounded the suspect who is currently in custody receiving medical attention at a local hospital. The FBI takes all shooting incidents involving our agents or task force members seriously. In accordance with FBI policy, the shooting incident is under investigation by the FBIs Inspection Division. The review process is thorough and objective and is conducted as expeditiously as possible under the circumstances.

Detective Ferency was assigned to the FBI Taskforce on behalf of the Terre Haute Police Department. He was a 30 year veteran on the department.

The shooting happened around Wednesday afternoon.

Federal officials say an FBI agent shot the suspect.

The still-unidentified suspect is in custody and receiving medical treatment at Regional Hospital.

In a statement earlier, police said Ferency was taken to the hospital, where he died.

Detective Greg Ferency, a 30 year Veteran with the Terre Haute Police Department was killed in the line of duty today. Please see our Facebook for more information. Please keep the Ferency family in your prayers.  Sgt. Ryan Adamson (@THPDPIO) July 7, 2021

Terre Haute Regional Hospital

A short time after police contacted News 10 about the search for the suspect's truck, we started hearing reports on the police scanner the man was at Terre Haute Regional Hospital.

Vigo County Sheriff John Plasse told News 10 the suspect was inside the hospital in surgery. That man's condition was not immediately clear.

News 10's Heather Good was at Regional Hospital as police started searching the suspect's truck, using police K9s. The truck had several broken windows.

Here is the latest from Terre Haute Regional Hospital after an officer was killed in the line of duty. @WTHITV pic.twitter.com/vto7jhUBpb  Heather Good (@HeatherGoodWTHI) July 7, 2021

Several police agencies were there as part of the lot was turned into a crime scene.

Vigo County Sheriff John Plasse gave News 10 the following statement:

We appreciate the continued tremendous support all law enforcement receives locally from our community. Please keep us and our families in your thoughts and prayers as we deal with this senseless tragedy. Knowing we are not alone in our grief really means a lot.

What happens next?

Indiana State Police told News 10 a press conference would take place at 6:30. Around 6:45 we were told the FBI and Indiana State Police will hold a meeting, and the press conference would not happen.

Police told us the FBI would handle the investigation.

A Wednesday night procession took Ferency from Union Hospital in Terre Haute, down 8th Avenue to 13th Street. From there the procession went by the Terre Haute Police Department on Wabash Avenue, to 7th Street, and ended at Terre Haute Regional Hospital.

Still no officer name and the suspects ID is still unknown. Ive heard a suspect name off the record from a source but Ill wait to disclose any information on this until it comes from police.  Jon Swaner (@jonswaner) July 7, 2021

Showing Support

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb released the following statement:

"The tragic events that unfolded today are senseless. Our heart breaks for Detective Greg Ferency's family, loved ones and those who served with him every day protecting the residents of the Wabash Valley. Janet and I are thinking of the Terre Haute Police Department, the community and Detective Ferency's family as I know they will be steadfast in honoring his life, service and dedication to the residents of Vigo County.

Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch released the following statement:

"I want to send my heartfelt prayers to Terre Haute and Hoosier law enforcement across Indiana, after learning of the violent and careless assault on Terre Haute Police Detective Greg Ferency. Attacks on the brave men and women who answer the call to be our heroes and protect our citizens and state will not be tolerated. Detective Ferency was an honorable servant, who kept drugs off our streets and partnered with federal authorities to defend Hoosiers and his community. I am keeping Ferency's family and those who worked side by side with him during his 30 years of service in my thoughts as we come together to honor his commitment to making Indiana a safer place."

A Terre Haute Police Officer was shot and killed this afternoon. My thoughts and prayers are with the Terre Haute Police Department and the officers family. The suspect is in custody. pic.twitter.com/eWszTAxDCm  Sgt. Todd Ringle (@ISPEvansville) July 7, 2021

The thoughts and prayers of the @IndStatePolice are with the fallen Terre Haute Police Officer's family, the Terre Haute Police Department, friends and community as they mourn the loss of their one of their own. pic.twitter.com/2Ddsyvh05t  Capt. Ron Galaviz (@ISPChiefPIO) July 7, 2021

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Terre Haute Police Department, its officers, family members, and community as they mourn the loss of one of its officers. #NeverForgotten pic.twitter.com/YZAFGVh8Zp  IMPD (@IMPDnews) July 7, 2021

PRAYERS from INDY for our Sisters and Brothers of Terre Haute (IN) Police Dept who had an Officer shot and killed today | Our Lodge has offered our assistance via our Indiana FOP Critical Incident Team #Tragic #ThinBlueLine pic.twitter.com/Khv2ONEsuA  Rick Snyder (@RickFOP86) July 7, 2021
Operationalization of the LDC Services Waiver

The Council chair, Ambassador Angel Villalobos Rodriguez of Mexico, reported on the 2-3 June webinar organized by the Council on Least developed country services export performance and facilitating implementation of preferences notified under the LDC Services Waiver. WTO Director-General, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Chad's Minister of Trade Ali Djadda Kampard and Uganda's Commissioner for External Trade Emmanuel Mutahunga gave welcome remarks at the webinar.

The chair said he believed the webinar offered plenty of food for thought. A number of members welcomed the event and said they found the discussions constructive, with some calling for further efforts to ensure more effective operationalization of the waiver. Several members noted the sharp drop in LDC services exports during the COVID-19 pandemic due to their dependence on the travel and tourism sector, while others cited the need for improved data on LDC trade in services.

The LDC Services Waiver allows governments that so wish to grant more favourable treatment for LDC services than what is given to all other members. Adopted at the 2011 Ministerial Conference, the waiver exempts members from their obligation to grant services and service suppliers from all WTO members the same access to their markets, also known as the Most-Favoured Nation obligation.

The purpose of the waiver is to enhance the participation of the world's poorest countries in world services trade. A total of 36 WTO members are classified as LDCs. To date, 51 members have granted preferences in favour of LDCs.

E-commerce Work Programme

Members continued their information-sharing exercise related to electronic commerce, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chad, on behalf of the LDC Group, noted some services-specific challenges for LDCs in the utilization of e-commerce, particularly related to online payment services.

The Republic of Korea and China reported on the sharp increase in online retail sales during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A couple of members reiterated the need for strengthening the work programme in order to fully understand the implications of e-commerce on matters such as competition, transfer of technology, data storage, and the impact of automation on traditional jobs and low-income workers.

A few members also reiterated their well-known and divergent positions regarding the WTO's e-commerce moratorium. At previous Ministerial Conferences, members have agreed not to impose customs duties on electronic transmissions. The current extension of the moratorium runs until the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) scheduled for late 2021.

Services trade concerns

Members raised five specific trade concerns previously addressed at the Council for Trade in Services. Japan and the United States reiterated concerns about cybersecurity measures of both China and Viet Nam; China sought further clarifications about Australia's 5G measures and raised concerns regarding services trade measures of India. The US repeated its concerns and sought clarifications about Russia's software pre-installation mandate.

In regard to a previous concern, China noted the revoking of relevant executive orders by the United States on prohibited transactions with Tik Tok WeChat, and other Chinese applications, which China said was a positive step in the right direction.

The United States raised a new concern regarding requirements for the localization of customer services in Saudi Arabia. The US said the decision, due to enter into force on 31 July, will impose significant difficulties and costs for many companies with major investments in Saudi Arabia and hinder the ability of these companies to serve their customers in the Kingdom. The European Union echoed the US concerns. Saudi Arabia responded that the decision fully conforms with the Kingdom's WTO commitments and will not change existing market access regulations and requirements.

Negotiations on domestic regulation for services

Five delegations expressed concerns, at a meeting of the Working Party on Domestic Regulation on 30 June, with the talks on domestic regulation for services taking place between a group of 63 WTO members, otherwise known as the Joint initiative on Services Domestic Regulation. The working party is one of the Council for Trade in Services' subsidiary bodies.

The concerned members mentioned a risk of undermining the consensus-based nature of the multilateral trading system and amending or diluting existing rules of the WTO General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). Disregarding existing multilateral mandates could have negative consequences on other negotiations like agriculture or development, including by pushing them into the background, they said. As difficult as these negotiations may be, they remain critical for the multilateral trading system. This leaves members with only two options: either remaining outside the domestic regulation talks or discussing issues inconsistent with their levels of economic development and priorities.

While each member has the right to add additional commitments to its schedule (pursuant to GATS Article XVIII), it cannot dilute or amend any GATS provisions and these new commitments should not concern matters that fall under Part II of the GATS entitled General Obligations and Disciplines.

Re-emphasizing the open and transparent nature of the talks, the chair of the joint initiative, Mr Jaime Coghi of Costa Rica, reiterated that the group remains available to engage with any interested member. An outcome on services domestic regulation will benefit services suppliers from all members  developed and developing countries alike  and will facilitate trade with markets of members currently covering over 70 per cent of world services trade, he said. In line with the objectives of the disciplines developed under the initiative, many developing countries are already engaged in domestic regulatory reforms to cut red tape in services regulations, recognizing the economic benefits that this would bring to their own services markets.

Some participants in the initiative explained that they have launched the process to reach an outcome in services domestic regulation, recognizing that progress at the multilateral level was not feasible because of the opposition of some members. They reiterated that the multilateral mandate from GATS Article VI:4 remains intact and that the disciplines under discussion in the initiative will improve participating members' existing commitments under the GATS, creating new rights for all members.

The chair of the working party, Ms Veronica Bogarin Closs of Paraguay, noted that previous failures to finalize work in the WTO have led to doubts as to what the Working Party on Domestic Regulation would be able to achieve. She encouraged delegations that see scope for developing disciplines in the working party at this stage to engage with other members and identify areas where multilateral disciplines might be viable.

Implementation of commitments under the GATS

Members examined the implementation of GATS commitments at a meeting of the Committee on Specific Commitments on 29 June. This exercise started in 2020 based on a proposal from the United States. The proposal seeks to review members' conditional commitments, under which the entry into force, implementation or updates of specific commitments is conditional upon national legislative actions or policy reviews. Members are undertaking the review on a voluntary basis, with a view to improving the transparency and legal certainty of their specific commitments. The Committee on Specific Commitments is a subsidiary body of the Council for Trade in Services.

Role of maritime transport in post-pandemic recovery

Maritime transport accounts for over 80 per cent of world trade in volume. It has played a critical role in keeping trade flows open and supply chains intact during the COVID-19 pandemic. A swift and equitable post-crisis recovery will need to consider policies that facilitate maritime transport and allow economies to reap the full benefits of maritime trade growth. This was the focus of a webinar co-organized by the WTO's Trade in Services and Investment Division and the International Chamber of Shipping on 29 June as part of the Simply Services series . Under discussion was a recent quantitative study entitled Protectionism in Maritime Economies

Experts from national maritime authorities, international organizations, as well as from the shipping industry and the trade community shed light on the evolution of the maritime transport sector before, during and after the pandemic. They also stressed how maritime transport can support economic recovery and pointed to the role of the world trading system in facilitating maritime transport and strengthening supply chains.
JACKSON, Miss. (WTVA) - The state is trying to increase the amount of vaccinated Mississippians.

To do that, the Mississippi State Department of Health has been placing temporary, pop-up clinics in small towns across the state, such as Okolona.

As of July 7, only 35% of people in Chickasaw County have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and only 32 percent are fully vaccinated.

The statewide vaccination rate is lower than that at only 31 percent.

State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs expressed his concern about the low rates based on what he saw in a recent 30-day stretch.

Ninety-three percent of our deaths are in unvaccinated, he said. It is the unvaccinated people who are dying, the unvaccinated who are going to the hospital, the unvaccinated people who are getting diagnosed.

The MSDH has pop-up clinics this week in Corinth, Okolona, Woodland, Fulton and Louisville.

WTVA reporter Chelsea Brown spoke with several members of the public about taking the vaccine. Watch the interviews in the video above.

Open this link to view the latest vaccination metrics (select Vaccinations beneath COVID-19 Data Reports).

Corinth

Thursday, July 8

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Farmington Town Hall, 4135 County Road 200

Friday and Saturday, July 9-10

9 a.m. to noon

Corinth High School gym, 310 North Harper Rd.

Okolona

Thursday, July 8

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Okolona Auditorium, 213 West Main St.

Saturday, July 10

9 a.m. to noon

Okolona Auditorium, 213 West Maiin St.

Woodland

Friday, July 9

9 a.m. to noon

Woodland Town Hall, 134 Logan St.

Fulton

Thursday, July 8

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Itawamba County Development Center, 107 West Wiygul St.

Friday and Saturday, July 9-10

9 a.m. to noon

Itawamba County Development Center, 107 West Wiygul St.

Louisville

Thursday, July 8

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Winston Medical Center, 17550 East Main St.

Friday and Saturday, July 9-10

9 a.m. to noon

Winston Medical Center, 17550 East Main St.

The MSDH routinely updates its list of pop-up clinics on its website. Open this link to view the list.
MOBILE, Ala. (AP)  A man has been charged with murder in a killing that went unsolved for more than a decade in Mobile.

Police say 26-year-old Labaron Tyrell Lockhart is charged in the death of 62-year-old William Willett.

Willett was found suffering from a gunshot wound along a street near downtown on May 2, 2011, and died later at a hospital.

Police say investigators believed he was shot during a robbery, and the gunman drove off in Willets car.

Authorities didnt say what led them to arrest Lockhart, who was 16 at the time of the shooting.

Court records werent immediately available to show whether he had a lawyer.
WEST POINT, Miss. (WTVA) - West Point police issued an arrest warrant for Mylik Simmons in connection with the non-fatal shooting of one other male.

On Sunday, June 20, 2021, at approximately 6:37 p.m. CT, West Point police officers responded to a shots fired call at Timberlane Apartments. They learned that one black male had already been shot and was being taken to the North Mississippi Medical Center in West Point. He was later released after being treated for a gunshot wound.

Now, police have issued an arrest warrant for 17-year-old Mylik Simmons for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the shooting. Simmons is being charged as an adult and is considered to be armed and dangerous.

If anyone is assisting Simmons with evading his arrest, they can and will be charged with accessory after the fact, which is a felony.

If you have more information about this incident or any others, please call the West Point Police Department at (662) 494-1244 or the Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers at 1-800-530-7151. You can also download the P3 Tips app to anonymously submit any tips on any incident.
Bill Bissett is the president and CEO of the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce, which represents more than 550 employers that operate in Cabell and Wayne counties.
Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. If you have a subscription, please Log In .

Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. If you believe you've gotten this message in error, please Log In.
Jeff Robbins, a former assistant U.S. attorney and delegate to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, was chief counsel for the minority of the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. An attorney specializing in the First Amendment, he is a longtime columnist for the Boston Herald, writing on politics, national security, human rights and the Mideast.
Senior staff writer Kailee Kroll can be reached at (304)626-1439, by email at kkroll@theet.com or on Twitter at @kaileekroll.
First Defender Walker: 'Mr. Tanios is not guilty, having no knowledge of an assault, no intent to commit an assault and no agreement to harm anyone'
MORGANTOWN  It was bound to happen, just not as soon as it did. Those are the thoughts of Monongalia County Commissioner Tom Bloom on the ann
Staff writer Kailee Kroll can be reached at (304)626-1439, by email at kkroll@theet.com or on Twitter at @kaileekroll.
A Massachusetts State Police K-9 team searches for explosives outside District Court in Malden, Mass., Tuesday before the men arrested during an armed standoff on Interstate 95 in Massachusetts last weekend were to appear for arraignment.

MEDFORD, Mass.  Members of an armed group arrested on Route 95 during their attempted transit from Rhode Island to Maine early Saturday appeared for arraignment in a Massachusetts court Tuesday, drawing media from all over and presenting a raft of complications to a district court judge trying to get through her calendar.

Some of the first defendants to appear refused to answer some of Malden District Court Judge Emily A. Karstetter's questions as the in-person proceedings in her chambers were crashed and disrupted by people linked to the proceedings via Zoom.

Some defendants asserted their right to legal names that are different from the names provided by prosecutors. Some told Karstetter they wanted to either represent themselves or be represented by their own "legal counsel" of people not recognized by the court. But they insisted they were not waiving any of their rights.

The men are accused of weapons violations in connection with a lengthy standoff with Massachusetts State Police on Route 95 on Saturday. A man whom authorities identified as Jamal Tavon Sanders Latimer drew some in the courtroom to their feet when he appeared.

11 arrested in Massachusetts standoff: Here's what we know about the group and Moorish sovereign movement

Some of those people wore the attire of the Moors.

A woman wore a royal blue sash with the group's name, Rise of the Moors, inscribed on one side and "Secretary" written on the other. Another woman appeared to be close to a man identified in news recent media reports as Steven Latimer.

The defendant identified as Latimer says his real name is Jamal Talib Abdulleh Bey. Prosecutors say he did most of the talking with the police on Saturday. He told Karstetter he is a retired U.S. Marine, that he has weapons expertise and that he knows how to train others in weapons use.

The group had traveled overnight to avoid traffic, he said, and kept its ammunition separate from its weapons.

Story continues

He also asserted, referring to a 2016 legal case, that his group has the right under "the peaceful journey's doctrine "to travel as a 'well-regulated militia.'"

"That apparently did not happen," he said.

He argued that the peaceful outcome to the standoff, with no injuries, is evidence that he should be free to go without detention.

Unlike two other defendants, Latimer was not wearing camouflage fatigues when he entered the chambers, which have a semi-enclosed area for defendants.

"We're not extremists," he said. "We don't go against the Constitution."

The judge pressed him on whether he was being coerced to face prosecution without a lawyer. He replied, "Yes."

She was the one coercing him, he said before he was removed from the courtroom. "I don't need a dangerousness hearing either," he yelled before the door shut. "I should be released today."

He walked back that remark later, and Karstetter granted a three-day continuance to Assistant District Attorney Graham Van Epps, who sought more time to present documents, video and other information.

Latimer's appearances were punctuated by bursts of commentary piped into the chambers via speakers linked to a Zoom audience. "High treason, high treason, high treason," one person said. Earlier, during a recess, the phrase "Free the Moors," was heard in the chambers.

Karstetter repeatedly had Zoom audience members cut off and muted.

As the members resisted many aspects of the judicial process, Karstetter was able to make slow progress with some degree of compliance from the defendants. By mid-afternoon, on more than two occasions, Van Epps made his arguments for probable cause.

He recounted the story of Massachusetts State Police Trooper Ryan Casey, who noticed a large van in the breakdown lane of Route 95 in Wakefield. On his approach to the van, Casey engaged Latimer in an exchange recorded by his body-worn camera, according to prosecutors.

A court record filed by prosecutors says that Latimer refused to put down his weapon, stating, "We can't do that."

"I'm going to stay armed for my safety just as you are going to stay armed for yours."

On Tuesday, Latimer asserted that the weapons seizure is another reason to release him without any worry about violence.

An affidavit filed in court lists the guns, ammunition and equipment seized at the scene including two loaded rifles a Ruger 556 with a 28-round magazine and a loaded Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun, and a loaded pistol.

Van Epps described "AR-15-style" guns among the seizures. The list notes both a PA-15 rifle and a DPMS Panther Arms A15 among the five rifles confiscated.

Also seized were more than 1,200 rounds of ammunition of different calibers, more than 130 loaded magazines and more than 120 12-gauge shotgun shells, according to the affidavit. The seizures, it says, included 10 ballistic vests, camouflage uniforms, helmets and a pair of night-vision goggles.

Follow Mark Reynolds on Twitter: @mrkrynlds.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Rise of Moors: Massachusetts freeway standoff suspects appear in court
By Daphne Psaledakis and Humeyra Pamuk

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Tuesday, stressing the need for all parties to commit to an immediate and indefinite ceasefire in the northern Tigray region, the State Department said.

The conflict in Tigray has killed thousands of people, displaced more than 2 million and pushed hundreds of thousands to the brink of famine, with international pressure building on both sides to end hostilities.

The Ethiopian government declared a unilateral ceasefire last week after its troops pulled out of the Tigray capital of Mekelle in what it called a strategic withdrawal. The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) dismissed that truce as a joke and said it had driven the government out of the city.

"That unilateral announcement needs to be followed up with concrete changes on the ground to end the conflict, to stop the atrocities and importantly to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance," State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters at a regular news briefing.

Blinken also called for Abiy to commit to steps outlined by the UN Security Council last week, including the withdrawal of both Eritrean and Amhara forces from Tigray and the establishment of a process to hold those responsible for human rights abuses and atrocities accountable, Price said in a statement.

Abiy's government has been battling the TPLF since early November, when it accused the then-governing party of Tigray of attacking military bases across the region. The TPLF has denied the charges.

The commander of rebel forces in Tigray on Tuesday called for a negotiated ceasefire with the Ethiopian government and a political solution to the conflict, saying the government could not win the war.

(Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis, Humeyra Pamuk, Simon Lewis and Tim Ahmann; Editing by Nick Macfie and Sonya Hepinstall)
By Lisa Barrington and Alexander Cornwell

DUBAI (Reuters) -A fire aboard a ship in Dubai's Jebel Ali Port was extinguished on Thursday after it had been sparked overnight by an explosion in a container, the Dubai government's media office said.

The blaze in the Middle East's largest transshipment hub was caused by a container holding flammable material, Dubai Media Office (DMO) Director General Mona Al Marri told Al Arabiya television, describing it as a "normal accident".

DMO said there were no casualties and officials told Al Arabiya the crew had been evacuated.

Police in Dubai, a regional business hub and one of seven emirates making up the United Arab Emirates, said the blast might have been caused by "friction or high temperatures" during hot summer weather, Al Arabiya reported.

UAE Energy and Infrastructure Minister Suhail al-Mazrouei said all logistical operations at Jebel Ali Port had resumed. "Our priority now is to ensure that the accident will not impact the marine environment," he said in a ministry statement.

The ministry named the ship as Ocean Trader. The Dubai authorities earlier said it had capacity to carry 130 containers. Reuters could not immediately contact the ship's owners.

Overnight, DMO had posted footage of water being pumped to douse flames. Witnesses in residential areas as far away as 22 km (14 miles) from Jebel Ali had heard the explosion.

The DMO said the vessel had been preparing to dock at a berth "away from the port's main shipping line".

State-run DP World, the owner of Jebel Ali Port which handled 13.5 million containers in 2020, had no immediate comment when contacted by Reuters.

(Reporting by Dubai Newsroom and Nayera Abdallah and Ahmed Tolba in Cairo; Writing by Ghaida Ghantous and Raya Jalabi; Editing by David Gregorio and Edmund Blair)
BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany will give all its remaining doses of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine to less developed countries in August, the government decided on Wednesday.

The cabinet decided that at least 500,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine would be given to the COVAX consortium, which aims to ensure poor countries get access to vaccines. Almost all vaccination has taken place in rich countries so far.

Around 80% of the donated vaccines will be given via COVAX, with another 20% given directly to countries in the Western Balkans and members of the EU's Eastern Partnership - Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine - and Namibia, where Germany once ran a brutal colonial regime.

Critics have accused wealthy countries of doing too little to ensure poor countries are protected against a devastating pandemic.

Most Germans prefer the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine due to concerns over the side effects and efficacy of AstraZeneca.

This week, Health Minister Jens Spahn announced that those people who had already received a single dose of AstraZeneca would receive an mRNA vaccine like those of BioNTech/Pfizer or Moderna for their second dose.

The AstraZeneca vaccine does not feature in Germany's purchasing plans for next year.

Until now, China has taken the lead on donating vaccines to the Western Balkan countries - Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia - prompting criticisms that the European Union was letting a strategic rival stage a diplomatic coup in its own backyard.

(Reporting by Andreas Rinke, writing by Thomas Escritt; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
In July 2020, former national security advisor Michael Flynn posted a video of himself and his family reciting a phrase associated with the QAnon conspiracy theory (Michael Flynn)

In a video posted to social media last year, former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn and his family recited a well-known QAnon slogan , Where we go one, we go all. Now, in a $75 million defamation lawsuit against CNN, the Flynns say the phrase isnt from QAnon at all.

The Flynns [sic] repetition of the phrase where we go one we go all at the July 4, 2020 barbecue did not signify any kind of support for QAnon, lawyers for the family said in a court filing this month. It was not an oath of allegiance to QAnon, or any kind of oath at all. It was a simple, family, July 4 statement of support for each other.

Jack and Leslie Flynn, the brother and sister-in-law of the former national security adviser, brought forward the lawsuit in March. They say CNN defamed them by airing two seconds of their video with a chyron calling them QANON FOLLOWERS.

This action involves a knowingly false and dangerous attribution, the Flynns lawyers wrote. In order to impugn the reputations of the Flynns, CNN falsely linked them to a violent domestic extremist group, QAnon, whose adherents were among the most prominent members of the mob who stormed the United States Capitol in Washington, DC.

CNN has denied the charges and moved to dismiss the lawsuit in May, but the Flynns pushed back.

Accusing the Flynns of being QANON FOLLOWERS, even for a few seconds, is no different than accusing them of being Nazi sympathizers, familys lawyers wrote on 6 July. It is common knowledge that Nazis, white supremacists, and adherents of QAnon are violent extremists. That is the connection that CNN intended and did make in the minds of viewers.

QAnon is a baseless conspiracy theory that has gained popularity in right-wing corners of the internet. Propagated by a person or persons codenamed Q, it falsely posits that Satan-worshipping sex criminals are secretly running Washington, and that Donald Trump and his allies are fighting a shadow war against them.

Story continues

Equating QAnon followers with Nazis may seem odd coming from the family of Michael Flynn, who has appeared to embrace the movement. Mr Flynn has sold QAnon-themed T-shirts, spoken at a QAnon conference in Texas, and co-founded a website called Digital Soldiers , a phrase taken from Qs posts.

In 2020, the Flynn family video seemed to many like just another example of that embrace. In the Fourth of July post, Mr Flynn and five of his family members, including Jack and Leslie, recite the oath to the United States Constitution typically taken by members of Congress. The family then tops it off with the phrases God bless America and Where we go one, we go all.

The oath part of the video may seem innocent enough, but in fact, the wording of it exactly matched the text of a pledge posted by Q a few weeks earlier, followed by the acronym WWG1WGA  an abbreviation for Where we go one, we go all. In the post, Q demanded that followers take the oath.

The idea that the two oaths were unrelated struck some as disingenuous.

Im not a lawyer, but its bizarre to see anyone argue that the Digital Soldier Oath doesnt signify support for QAnon or isnt an oath, Travis View, who hosts a podcast about QAnon, wrote on Twitter .

The Independent has reached out to Jack and Leslie Flynns lawyers for comment, but has not heard back yet.

Read More

What a cult looks like: Trump conspiracists terrifying whiteboard of connections captured in Mike Flynn photo

US should have coup like Myanmar, former Trump advisor Michael Flynn tells QAnon conference in Texas

Lincoln Project lambasts Michael Flynn with new advert

Michael Flynn and his QAnon followers now pose a genuine national security threat, extremism experts say

Retired four-star general says Michael Flynn has mental health problem after saying US should have a military coup
MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines will allow a 42-day interval between doses of Russia's Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, the head of its Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said on Wednesday, though still below the 90-day interval recommended by the vaccine manufacturer.

FDA Chief Rolando Enrique Domingo told Reuters the Gamaleya Institute's request to widen the time interval between two vaccine doses to 90 days from 21 would have to be "re-evaluated" as the Russian vaccine maker submitted more data to support it.

"Our vaccine experts recommended a maximum dose interval of 42 days. No problem in delaying the second dose, but if we give it within 42 days we have reason to believe that the results are going to be very good," Domingo told a separate briefing.

In making the request, Gamaleya "submitted studies showing immunogenicity beyond the 21-day interval," Domingo said.

The Southeast Asian country is due to receive 170,000 doses of Sputnik V on Wednesday, taking initial supplies to 235,000 shots of the vaccine.

The Philippines has so far granted emergency use authorisation (EUA) to eight COVID-19 vaccine brands, with Pfizer/Biotech shots the only one allowed so far to be given to children as young as 12.

Domingo said China's Sinovac Biotech requested on Tuesday the FDA have its EUA amended to include children aged three to 17.

The Philippines has so far given 9.05 million people a first dose of a vaccine and 2.92 million a second dose, still a long way from its goal of fully immunising 70 million of its 110 million people this year.

The number of daily coronavirus infections in the Philippines, which is battling one of the worst outbreaks in Asia, totalled 1.44 million as of July 6, while the number of deaths has reached more than 25,000.

(Reporting by Karen Lema)
DUBAI (Reuters) - Qatar will provide the Lebanese armed forces with 70 tonnes of food a month, the Qatari state news agency QNA reported, as Lebanon seeks assistance amid its worst economic and political crisis since a 1975-1990 civil war.

Lebanon's army chief Joseph Aoun had appealed to world powers at meeting in France last month for assistance for soldiers, whose wages have plunged in value as the Lebanese pound has crashed and inflation has soared.

Qatar's donation was announced on Tuesday during a visit to Beirut by Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani. QNA did not give details about the food aid offered.

Sheikh Mohammed urged Lebanese parties to form a new government "to achieve stability", QNA said. Lebanese politicians have spent months wrangling without agreeing on a new government that is needed to unlock international aid.

Lebanon's cabinet resigned after a massive Beirut port blast in August last year and has been acting in a caretaker capacity since then, while the economic crisis in the heavily-indebted Arab country has deepened. The Lebanese pound has lost 90% of its value against the dollar since the crisis erupted in 2019.

Lebanon has long looked to the Gulf for financial aid in the past, but Sunni Muslim Gulf Arab nations such as Saudi Arabia have become increasingly reluctant to help because of the rising influence of Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shi'ite group back by Iran.

Western and other international donors have demanded a new government and major reforms before providing assistance.

(Reporting by Aziz El Yaakoubi; Editing by Edmund Blair)
A hacker group associated with the Russian government breached the computer systems of the Republican National Committee last week in a massive ransomware attack, Bloomberg first reported.

The big picture: The attack follows a separate Russia-based criminal group unleashing an attack that compromised the computer systems of at least 1,000 businesses. No connection has been established between the attacks.

Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free.

What they're saying: It is unclear what, if any, information the Cozy Bear hackers found. Danielle Alvarez, the GOP communications director, released a statement saying that while it was informed by Microsoft that their systems may had been exposed, "no RNC data was accessed."

Alvarez added that it "will continued to work with Microsoft, as well as federal law enforcement officials on this matter."

An RNC spokesperson told Bloomberg it is investigating the situation and has already informed the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security.

"Over the weekend, we were informed that Synnex, a third party provider, had been breached," RNC chief of staff Richard Walters said in a statement. "We immediately blocked all access from Synnex accounts to our cloud environment."

"Our team worked with Microsoft to conduct a review of our systems and after a thorough investigation, no RNC data was accessed. We will continue to work with Microsoft, as well as federal law enforcement officials on the matter.

The RNC said it was aware of "few instances where outside actors have attempted to gain access, through Synnex, to customer applications within the Microsoft cloud environment," per Bloomberg.

Zoom out: Cozy Bear, also known as APT 29, has been tied to the Russian foreign intelligence service and accused of breaching the Democratic National Committee in 2016 as well as carrying out a supply-chain cyberattack involving SolarWinds Corp., which infiltrated nine U.S. government agencies.

Story continues

United States and United Kingdom intelligence agencies said in a report Thursday that Russian military hackers over the last three years have tried to access the computer networks of "hundreds of government and private sector targets worldwide" and warned that those "efforts are almost certainly still ongoing."

Go deeper: U.S., U.K. intel: Russian military hacking attempts "certainly still ongoing"

Editor's note: This story's headline has been updated to clarify that hackers breached a Republican National Committee contractor.

More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free
Kristi Noem has continued her fight against the Biden adminstration for their disallowing a firework display at Mount Rushmore (AP)

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noems attempt to score political points backfired on her when she inadvertently gave a nod to a former Democratic president.

The South Dakota governor posted a side-by-side image on Twitter to make a point about how Joe Biden being in the White House had ruined their Independence Day festivities. In Ms Noems state, Mr Trump allowed a firework display to happen at Mount Rushmore for the first time in 11 years.

The image on the top was Mount Rushmore lit up by a firework display with the caption Trumps America. This was juxtaposed with her family standing glumly with sparklers with the caption Bidens America.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

However, Twitter users quickly discovered that the fireworks picture was from 2015, a time when President Barack Obama was in office. She had also used the photo without crediting the owner.

Heres a fun fact about that Trumps America fireworks photo: Its actually a composite image, made of many photos combined, because no one moment of the fireworks was actually impressive enough on its own. Also Gov Noem cropped the photo to remove the photographers credit, wrote Kendall Youens.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

The photographer was identified as Matt Halvorson by journalist David Hobby.

@matt_halvorson FYI, and regardless of (registered/not) copyright status of a photo, stripping a credit from a photo before infringing it is an add-on $10,000 liability under the DMCA. This is a slam-dunk for any copyright lawyer.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

And this. (It was taken during the Obama administration.) wrote Nathaniel Parkinson.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

This image is one of my few composite photos. I actually did this composite a few years ago, Mr Halvorson wrote on a post dated 5 July 2015.

However, despite the image being fake, Mr Trump did allow for the first firework display at Mount Rushmore to take place since 2009. Previously, they have been not allowed over concerns about fires and a beetle infestation.

Ms Noems post was a part of a long campaign against the Biden administration and their support of not having firework displays at the site. In April, she tried to sue the federal government over the fireworks ban at the historic site..

Story continues

This is part of the radical lefts agenda. They dont want to celebrate America or our freedoms, theyre pushing Critical Race Theory, theyre pushing the 1619 Project and this is just another one of those battles to erase our true, honest and patriotic history in this country, she said on Fox News in May.

In March, the National Parks said for health and safety reasons, as well as cultural sensitivities, fireworks are not allowed.

Herbert Frost, regional director said, Potential risks to the park itself and to the health and safety of employees and visitors associated with the fireworks demonstration continue to be a concern and are still being evaluated as a result of the 2020 event. He continued, In addition, the parks many tribal partners expressly oppose fireworks at the Memorial.

Read More

JD Vance disowns old anti-Trump tweets as he runs for Ohio Senate seat: I regret being wrong about the guy

Iran accuses Israel of June attack on civilian nuclear site

Trump says his supporters cry over the Rigged Election as he lashes out at RINOs
Joe Grondalski and Shannon Ruff were walking along the beach on Hilton Head Island Tuesday when they came across what looked like a small head in the sand.

Ruff told The Island Packet that when she bent down to get a closer look, the creepy looking creature retreated into its hole. Later it popped back up, repeatedly opening, and closing its mouth.

The couple say they saw another a dozen of the mysterious little creatures over the course of their walk.

"Stumped" as to what they could be, Grondalski posted a photo to a local Facebook group and contacted the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.

Shrimp Eel Hilton Head Island

Shannon Marie Ruff

While their neighbors couldn't identify the bizarre animals, DNR told Grondalski that he and Ruff had stumbled upon several shrimp eels. The members of the snake/worm eel family are noninvasive and are harmless to humans.

"We've been living here maybe five years, but we've been coming to Hilton Head since the early '80s, and we've never seen anything like this," Grondalski told The Island Packet.

Erin Weeks, the spokesperson for DNR's Marine Resources Division who responded to Grondalski, told Southern Living that the couple's shrimp eel sighting was especially rare.

Shrimp Eel Hilton Head Island

Shannon Marie Ruff

"Our biologists spend hundreds of days on the water each year, but this was a first for several who saw the photo, as shrimp eels are understudied and rarely caught in our fishing surveys," Weeks explained. "They're native to South Carolina, but we don't know much about their habitat preferences or behavior."

WATCH: Public Helps Identify "Mysterious Mass" That Washed Ashore on the Outer Banks

Shrimp eels, which can grow up to three feet long, burrow in the sand where they feed on small crustaceans and other invertebrates.

Speaking with The Island Packet, Grondalski said neither him nor Ruff were frightened of them.

"We're both animal lovers," he said, "and the ocean holds all kinds of strange creatures. It was more like, 'Oh my God, what is that?'"
Photo Illustration by The Daily Beast

In 1978, an American neo-Nazi published The Turner Diaries, an infamous race-war novel that went on to inspire so many far-right and violent extremists in the subsequent decades. So it wasnt a huge shock when anti-democratic rioters showed up at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, casually recommending that people read the atrociously racist book.

Please dont go buy this book. The money can still go back to white power groups, if you do, Kathleen Belew, a University of Chicago assistant professor of history, tells hosts Will Sommer and Asawin Suebsaeng on this weeks episode of the Fever Dreams podcast. Its the book thats very important to Timothy McVeigh before the Oklahoma City bombing. And its come back up around January 6th. We have footage of Proud Boys instructing journalists to go read The Turner Diaries.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

Belew, an author and professor who Sommer dubs one of the sharpest minds out there on white supremacists and political violence in the United States, sees other parallels between the fascist novel and the horrible day in January. She points out that the noose and makeshift gallows erected outside the Capitol during the pro-Trump riot is a possible reference to The Turner Diaries, which has this thing called The Day of the Rope. And, Belew adds, notably in The Turner Diaries, there is an attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Belew also discusses the similarities between the white-power and far-right movements of 1990s America, and the white supremacist elements today that try to draw influence and numbers from the horrors and conditions of the past half-decade.

Elsewhere on the episode, Suebsaeng and Sommer discuss the rights latest alternative to Twitter, the mellifluous Gettr (no snickering at the name, please), which is causing a lot of controversyeven in Trumpist circlesbecause of its connection to an exiled Chinese billionaire named Guo Wengui.

You might remember Guo as the guy on whose yacht Steve Bannon was arrested. Hes a flashy fellow, with a real penchant for Lego sculptures, furs, and rap, who once tried to launch a fashion line modeled by Rudy Giulianis assistant. And even as longtime Trump adviser Jason Miller, Gettrs CEO, downplayed Guos involvement in the app to our co-hosts, Guo has been boasting on his own website that Gettr is the culmination of all his hopes and dreams. But since Guo has had some beef with other Trumpworld figures like Roger Stone, yeah, theres drama.

Story continues

Also, looks like Trump is not joining Gettr yet despite Jason Millers best pleasand some (puritanical) users are annoyed because Gettr keeps serving them up Sonic the Hedgehog crush porn. However, Gettr will match your number of real Twitter followers with imaginary ones on Gettr, so maybe it has a future among clout-chasers after all.

The Daily Beasts Kelly Weill also joins this episode to talk about the ongoing implosion of the Oath Keepers. Spare a tear for these tough-guy rioters, who just cannot stop snitching on each other to the Feds. A few of them accepted plea deals last week, which is causing all the others to freak out, and even though leader Stewart Rhodes has not yet been charged by prosecutors, his alleged money mismanagementbuying himself steaks and lingerie on the Oath Keepers dimehas led to more than a few disgruntled followers. Maybe one of them will turn states evidence, although a former Oath Keeper tells Kelly that he thinks his erstwhile brethren are all lemmings who will follow Stewart Rhodes to the end.

And finally, dont miss Suebsaeng and Sommers thoughtful discussion of the Purge franchise (plug: The rare movie that we talk about on the podcast that you should actually see), along with an update on audit-mania. Spoiler: The right wants to audit even red states now, which, as Suebsaeng points out, gets to the further masturbatory element of it. So if Sidney Powell has any say in it, it looks like Sonic is going to Texas next.

Listen, and subscribe, to Fever Dreams on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now!

Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more.
Jul. 7The Portland school board approved a plan Tuesday for spending an extra $6.2 million in state funding on tax relief, the cost of custodians currently being paid for with federal relief dollars and to create a debt service reserve fund.

The plan, which passed on a 7-0 vote, is expected to go to the City Council on July 19 and could result in a zero percent tax increase in the combined city and school budget if approved.

"We are so fortunate to be in this place because the governor has finally honored the state's obligation to meet the 55 percent requirement (for state funding) and tonight we're able to take this step to put Portland public schools on better financial footing in the future," school board Chair Emily Figdor said.

The additional funding adds to $17.8 million in general purpose aid from the state in Portland's $125.2 million school budget. It follows approval from the Maine Legislature and Gov. Janet Mills last week on a new $8.77 billion biennial budget that will fund K-12 education statewide at 55 percent for the first time since voters approved the measure in a ballot question in 2004.

The plan approved by the board specifically includes spending $1.49 million on tax relief, which would result in a zero percent tax increase this year in the combined city and school budget; $1.3 million to cover the cost of custodial staff currently being paid for with federal coronavirus relief dollars but that will eventually have to be moved back into the operating budget; and $3.41 million to create a debt service relief fund.

The debt service fund would be used to offset increases in the baseline budget in future years driven by debt service for the voter-approved $64 million Buildings For Our Future bond to renovate Lyseth, Longfellow, Presumpscot and Reiche elementary schools.

Portland residents voted overwhelmingly on June 8 to pass a $125.2 million school budget for 2021-22 that includes a 5.5 percent increase in the school portion of the tax rate. Taken in combination with a 4 percent decrease in the city side of the tax rate, residents were facing a tax increase of just under 1 percent, or about $54 on a $300,000 home, in the budget approved last month. The plan put forth Tuesday would result in a zero percent tax increase, which could be welcome news for homeowners who are also facing potential changes in their tax bills due to a citywide property revaluation.

Story continues

"It's perfect timing," board member Sarah Thompson said. "(The revaluations) arrived in the mail today. Some of us are having a little bit of a heart attack and others hopefully will be getting some relief. But I think it's perfect timing for our community."

The board also discussed but did not take action on bids for renovations on Presumpscot Elementary School, the last of the four elementary renovation projects under the Buildings For Our Future bond to be put out to bid. Last month the board voted to accept a bid for renovations on Reiche at $4.8 million under budget. The winning Presumpscot bid, meanwhile, is about $4.5 million over the construction budget of $10.2 million.

Mark Lee, principal and chief executive officer for Harriman Associates, the project architect, said the reason the Presumpscot bids came in so much over is due to new construction being a large component of the project. In particular, Lee said plumbing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning costs came in high.

The board and District Advisory Building Committee are considering several options for proceeding that include moving money from elsewhere in the four-school project to cover the construction costs at Presumpscot, making reductions to the scope of the work and rebidding the project at a later date. Several board members expressed reservations about making cuts.

"I feel like all of those items are absolute necessities for this project," board member Aura Russell-Bedder said in response to a list of reductions for consideration. "I can't see how this project would be an equal project in any way if we were to remove those. The thought of redesigning the plan, I'm really uncomfortable with that idea."

Lee said it's also possible savings could be achieved through discussions with the contractor about the construction costs.

"We don't know what might come out of that conversation and there may be some other options that aren't on the table," Lee said.
South Africas second Test match against Georgia in Johannesburg on Friday has been cancelled because of Covid-19 infections in both camps.

SA Rugby announced the decision following a review by the Medical Advisory Group (MAG), which confirmed that the risk of further infection made it impossible for the game to take place.

South Africas playing and management group returned 12 positive coronavirus tests, while Georgia returned four.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

The British and Irish Lions first of three Tests against South Africa is scheduled for July 24, while Saturdays Lions clash with the Bulls in Pretoria was postponed because of a coronavirus outbreak in the South African provinces team.

Furthermore, on Wednesday, a member of the Lions management tested positive for coronavirus in South Africa.

The Lions said that the individual and four close contacts, including two players and two members of staff, are being isolated and assessed at the team hotel.

The positive result came following a lateral flow test as part of the Lions tour screening programme.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

The tourists match against Cell C Sharks is still set to go ahead on Wednesday evening provided all members of the touring party return negative PCR tests in the afternoon.

SA Rugby chief executive Jurie Roux said of the Springboks situation: In the context of the loss of life and economic damage that Covid and this third wave are wreaking, the cancellation of a rugby match is pretty trivial.

But it is still a major disappointment for the many stakeholders who have invested so much time, energy and resources into making these matches happen.

I especially feel for the fans and players, and for our visitors from Georgia who travelled here at relatively short notice to take on the series, which has now been cut short.

We continue to plan for the Springboks re-emergence from isolation and the completion of the Test series, but in the short-term we wish a speedy recovery for those who have been infected.

Story continues

SA Rugby added that the enlarged Springboks squads travel plans are now being reviewed to comply with Covid-19 protocols.

South Africa were 40-9 winners against Georgia in the first Test (Steve Haag/PA)

South Africas A team play the Lions in Cape Town next Wednesday.

The Lions schedule, cast into further doubt by Wednesdays development, already faces revision with two options under consideration  fixing a new date for the Bulls game or finding alternative opposition to fill the gap created on Saturday.

It became impossible for the match to proceed after the Pretoria-based franchise saw four players and one member of management test positive. Once close contacts were factored in, it became apparent they would be unable to field a team.
Michael Borgers

The Russian-speaking gang that set off a chain reaction of ransomware attacks around the globe last Friday might be in a little over its head, experts tell The Daily Beast.

The hackers, known as the REVil ransomware gang, went after Kaseya, a firm which sells software to other companies. By infiltrating Kaseyas customersmany of which are IT providersthe hackers have also been able to hit those companies clients with malicious software that locks them out of their machines unless they pay a ransom. The victims number in the hundreds, if not thousands, according to John Hammond, a senior security researcher at Huntress Labs, which is working with Kaseya to investigate the incident.

But the sprawl of the hack seems to be tripping up the hackers themselves. The initial ransom demands the hackers made of approximately $50,000 per victim didnt appear to be working. By Sunday, the hackers announced they would accept a lump sum of $70 million from all the victims in order to get the businesses back up and runningthe largest extortion demand thats ever been made publicly. Hours later, though, when cybersecurity consultant Jack Cable reached out to the gang, the hackers changed their tune again, suggesting that a $50 million payment would sufficeand Cable hadnt even asked for a price drop, he told The Daily Beast.

It could just be thattheyre in over their head there, said Cable, a consultant at cybersecurity consulting firm Krebs Stamos Group. It seems like this didnt go exactly as planned.

Russian Military Hackers Are Pummeling Top Targets in U.S and Europe

Charles Carmakal, who is investigating the ransomware attack, told The Daily Beast the hackers are likely starting to feel a bit frantic as the days wane on.

Theyre frustrated right now. They probably, from their perspective, thought, holy shit, this is such an amazing, well-executed operation, we hit some numberhundreds, maybe a thousand-plus organizationswe should be making a serious payday. And I dont think theyre seeing the payday, said Carmakal, senior vice president and chief technology officer at FireEyes Mandiant. I think theyre super frustrated and I think theyre making mistakes in the process.

Story continues

Ransomware incidents have been on the rise in recent months, and the Russian-speaking hacking group behind the latest ransomware spree is the same one that the FBI said ground the meat supplier JBS to a halt earlier this year in another, separate incident. Americans trying to fuel up in May felt the impacts of another ransomware attack while they waited in long lines as a major supplier of fuel on the Eastern seaboard, Colonial Pipeline, worked to recover from another Russian ransomware incident.

In the fallout, President Joe Biden warned Russian President Vladimir Putin last month during a summit that critical infrastructure should be off limits to cybercriminals in Russia. Its unclear if this conversation has had any impact on the hackers operations.

REVil, for its part, is tripping up. Even if victims had tried to pay in recent days, the newly-infected would have run into some roadblocks. On Monday, they would have been greeted with an error screen and blocked from paying. Something wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Whether that was intentional or a mistake, for hackers trying to swindle hundreds or thousands of companies, it sure is an odd move, says Cable, who also works at the Pentagons Defense Digital Service.

There has been some indications that this attack has been sloppily carried out, Cable said.

Allan Liska, an intelligence analyst at cybersecurity firm Recorded Future, says he suspects the hacking group, which operates with a number of affiliate hackers, is likely overwhelmed by the pure scope and scale of the Kaseya ransomware incidentby Kaseyas estimates, between 800 and 1500 companies have been compromised.

It overwhelmed REVils already-slow pipeline even further, making it that much more difficult for them to operate, Liska told The Daily Beast. And it got them a lot of unwanted attention from a lot of different governments.

The Biden administration is talking with high level Russian officials about the consequences of allowing cybercriminals to continue to operate from within Russias borders, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki noted during a press briefing Tuesday.

We have undertaken expert level talks that are continuing, Psaki said of the hack against Kaseya. If the Russian government cannot or will not take action against criminal actors residing Russia we will take action, or reserve the right to take action, on our own.

Psaki did not clarify what retaliatory actions the U.S. government might take, although Biden has previously said he would not rule out a cyberattack against the criminal hackers behind the Colonial Pipeline ransomware incident.

The White House has plans to host talks with Russian officials specifically focused on ransomware next week, according to Psaki. President Joe Biden told reporters Tuesday he would have more to say about the incident in the coming days.

For now, companies compromised in the Russian hackers latest rampage are still in a holding pattern waiting to come back online. A decryption key, which would help victims get up and running again, has not been tested yet as of Tuesday afternoon, Mandiant told The Daily Beast.

But in the coming days, the victim list may growwhile Kaseya suspects just 1,500 customers are languishing, that number may be conservative because it says nothing about Kaseyas customers customers, Carmakal says. Especially as smaller businesses come back online after the July 4 holiday weekend, more companies may uncover that their systems are locked upand some may even opt to pay, Carmakal warned. Carmakal added that he is not aware of any businesses that have chosen to pay, as of Tuesday afternoon.

Hackers Steal Info of 90,000 Users on Jason Millers Gettr Social Network

But the work wont end there. The chairman of the Dutch Institute for Vulnerability Disclosure (DIVD), a volunteer security group which found the vulnerability that allowed the Russian hackers in, told The Daily Beast he has concerns about whether the Russian hackers were monitoring his teams communications with Kaseya. The volunteer group had found the vulnerability just before the hackers exploited it and were working with Kaseya to fix the issue behind the scenes so as to not draw hackers attention to it in a standard industry practice known as a coordinated vulnerability disclosure.

I think at some time they decided, lets kick it off now because security researchers are about to get this thing fixedI dont know. But thats a theoryI have, Victor Gevers, the chairman of DIVD told The Daily Beast, clarifying that he doesnt know what happened for sure. You dont do this in just a day. This requires proper testing and research. The [question] thenis how long were they insidedid they see us coming?

Carmakal confirmed Mandiant doesnt know the answer to these questions yet, but said his team wants to investigate the theory that the Russians were monitoring company communications beforehand.

Hacking Gang Threatens to Leak Billionaires Spicy Secrets

Although the hackers may be scrambling around for payment now, they still beat DIVD to the punch, and companies ought to take stock of their ransomware plans as more and more incidents take down companies operations for days, Gevers noted.

When we were on call that Friday night until late, and actually early in the morning, it became clear that we did lose the race just by a few meters in the end, Gevers said. So that stinks a little bit because we like to prevent this. We dont like to see organizations get hurt. In that way it felt like a failure.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here

Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now!

Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more.
Tamaz Sozashvili, an organizer of Tbilisi Pride

MOSCOWBeka Gabadadze, an LGBTQ activist for Queer Association Temida, was at his office on Monday afternoon in the center of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, when he heard loud voices and screams of what sounded like a huge crowd storming the building outside.

The next thing he knew, somebody was climbing onto the balcony, so he quickly took the queer-themed materials off the walls and hid in the bathroom, where he was quietly crying, horrified and shocked.

Dozens of the attackers were crashing and smashing furniture at the next-door office belonging to Pride Tbilisiin alarming images later widely shared on social media.

LGBT, Terrified for Their Lives in Russia, and Desperate for Asylum

What happened next would break many hearts in Georgia, a small but proudly democratic country in the South Caucasus. Activists and journalists describe it simply as a war. Groups of nationalist thugs tore LGBTQ flags into pieces, and chased and violently beat up LGBTQ activists and reporters all over the capital of Tbilisi for two days, on Monday and Tuesday.

The first Pride in the history of Georgia and the entire Caucasus was supposed to be a celebration of dignity for the local activists, a manifestation of visibility. The march was due to take place on Monday afternoon on Rustaveli avenue, the central street in Tbilisi.

Tbilisi Pride tweeted, We would like to state that the #PrideMarch will not take place today. The authorities did not ensure the security of the community and our supporters. We can not go to the streets full of violent people backed by the authorities and patriarchate and put peoples lives at risk!

Giorgi Tabagari, director of Tbilisi Pride, tweeted: I dont have words. This is not a democratic country. this is not Europe! Tabagari added the Georgian government failed us. they failed Georgian democracy!

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

The thugs were organized and financed by Levan Vasadze, the leader of a hate movement, Gabadadze said.

On Tuesday evening the clashes continued when hundreds of people came out in solidarity with LGBTQ people and the beaten reporters.

Story continues

Its hell here. There is a crowd of about one thousand beautiful, peaceful people on one side and some badly smelling of alcohol wildly violent men, photographer Dmitry Gomberg told The Daily Beast from the scene on Tuesday evening. I dont see Vasadze, but there are a couple of Orthodox priests with the attackers. Once again the nationalists attacked the peaceful activists and threw stones at the demonstrators. One television cameraman was beaten, they threw stones, bottles, and eggs at us, Griffin told The Daily Beast on Wednesday.

The violence aimed at them did not stop LGBTQ people and their allies from showing their pride. On Tuesday, Tbilisi Pride tweeted photographs of a large crowd of pro-LGBTQ equality supporters gathering in front of the Georgian Parliament.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

Tabagari later tweeted a video of LGBTQ supporters singing the Georgian national anthem, writing, This anthem, flag, and country itself belong to us too! and we are not gonna give up on any of it! #TbilisiPride21 is now over and [I] cant express how happy I am now. We made it!

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

Maria Sjodin, deputy executive director of international LGBTQ advocacy group OutRight International, told The Daily Beast, Any attacks on basic human rightsfreedom of assembly, freedom of expressionare serious. Pride events are a litmus test for democracies. Whenever a government wont allow a Pride event or, in a case like this, where they wont protect the activists and basically say to groups, You shouldnt be doing this, we cant protect youthat is a very serious concern. We absolutely see this kind of violence and campaigns and anti-LGBTQ voices in Georgia and in other countries. At the same time, of course, the movement and the strength of the LGBTQ movement there, the fact they are organizing, is a positive sign. The government of Georgia must step in and protect the LGBTQI activists.

Sjodin also hoped international governments would step in, and tell the Georgian government to investigate the attacks. Its important governments hold each other accountable.

Sjodin said that what had happened in Tiblisi was the latest example of a Pride event being attacked in a place where nationalist populism was resurgent. Prides may be commercialized celebrations in countries like America, but in places like Georgia they are still protests aimed at raising awareness of the need for human rights and equal treatment, Sjodin said.

Tbilisis mayor Kakha Kaladze supported the victims of the attacks. However, the Georgian authorities were criticized for not doing enough to protect Pride organizers and supporters.

I received a text from the mayor after they beat me. It said, It was catastrophe today; police told us to stay away from the pride, they did not protect us, since there was no order to arrest the attackers, Griffin told The Daily Beast. The President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, also supported the LGBT victims and journalists.

Paris-born President Zourabichvili, Georgias first woman president, has criticized sexism, death threats, and violence from the first days of her presidency. What happened is not the Georgia I know Its not the Georgia based on its core values of tolerance, Zourabichvili said Tuesday.

But it Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili is the most powerful figure in Georgia, and he blamed LGBTQ activists rather than the nationalist thugs for organizing a demonstration in a public place, which potentially could cause a civil confrontation.

CNN reported that the Georgian Interior Ministry had now launched an investigation into the attacks on Tbilisi Pride and another LGBTQ organization, and another investigation into the violence against media and the illegal interference in their professional activities.

A 51-year-old businessman with strong ties in Russia, Vasadze is known in Georgia as a radical religious fanatic and a conservative nationalist. Vasadze has recently declared he was emerging as a new political leader of a new conservative political party, somebody pushing Georgia to turn into Moscows ally, a religious country.

Vasadze has been organizing peoples units to fight against LGBTQ communities since 2019, bringing his supporters together for congresses of real men. Authorities banned his illegal organizations, but Vasadze continued to call for violence against LGBTQ people. If the police go against us, well have to resist, he said.

Vasadzes supporters from his movement, Georgian March, are also targeting the countrys most respected independent reporters. His real men are also attacking peaceful demonstrators and journalists for wearing bright clothes, or for having a tattoo or piercing on their skin.

Georgian radicals brought knives with them, and cut the TV crews wires, so there would be no live coverage of their attacks. A group of radicals violently beat up Dato Koridze, a Radio Free Europe journalist, when he was filming a documentary about an LGBTQ activist. They insulted me for my pierced ears and when I said I was working for Radio Liberty, they began to beat me much harder, mostly on my head, Koridze said.

Guga Griffin, a correspondent of Formula, a Georgian television channel, and an LGBTQ supporter, was wearing a red shirt when he arrived to cover the pride march on Monday.

He had a microphone in hand when 4 or 5 men rushed to him. The attackers were yelling he was supporting LGBTQ people, and not them, the right sideas they put it. These fascist homophobes declare: Homosexuals should never live, exist in Georgia, that the Church should be the main power, Griffin told The Daily Beast in an interview on Tuesday.

Many European countries condemned the violence, their embassies issuing a collective statement, reading, Violence is simply unacceptable and cannot be excused. Those who incite or threaten violence or commit violent acts are interfering with the efforts of Georgias law enforcement professionals to uphold a safe and secure environment. They should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. We call on all Georgias leaders and law enforcement to act swiftly to protect those exercising their constitutional rights to freedom of expression and assembly, to protect journalists exercising freedom of the press, and to publicly condemn violence.

Compared to its neighbor states and regions in South and North Caucasus, Georgians have genuine respect for democracy and for their fundamental human rights. Both Georgian civil society and authorities made small steps towards tolerance and calling citizens to have respect for each other. The Georgian parliament adopted an anti-discrimination law in 2014. The legislation banned all forms of violence and discrimination against sexual minorities.

Moscow is watching the violent development in Georgia. One of the key propagandist television shows, Evening with Vladimir Solovyev, devoted time on Tuesday to LGBTQ issues on Tuesday. The presenter, Solovyev, mocked gay people and blamed the U.S. State Department: The Wests enforcing of liberal dictatorship resulted with State Department pushing Georgia to punish opponents of the dispersed march.

Tbilisi also witnessed police attacks on peaceful demonstrators back in 2007, when the government used police forces to disperse an opposition rally. Police used water cannons, gas, and rubber bullets, and more than 350 demonstrators reported injuries. Police also attacked several journalists and destroyed their equipment. Mikheil Saakashvili, the then President of Georgia, resigned after the violent clashes on the streets, only to be re-elected in the following year.

This time it is the Prime Minister, Irakli Garibashvili, who has to resign, after failing to protect the peaceful demonstration, Koridze said.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now!

Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more.
+3

+3

+3

Sam Johnson Age: 28 Occupation: Financial examiner with state Department of Financial Institutions Education: Master's of business administration with a finance specialization from Washington State University Community service: Central Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce board, New Leaders Yakima County board, advisory board of Skookum Kids foster care placement charity Previous elected office: None

Matt Brown Age: 32 Occupation: Operations pastor at Yakima Foursquare Church; owner of Foresight Productions, video production company Education: Some Yakima Valley College classes Community service: Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center video program advisory board, creator of the Facebook group Accurate COVID-19 Reporting in the Yakima Valley, volunteer at Yakima Foursquare Church, Yakima County Republican Party state committeeman Previous elected office: None

Lisa Wallace Age: 46 Occupation: Co-owner of Peak Performance Sports and Spine, co-owner of Lisa Wallace Consulting Education: Bachelor's degree in psychology from Washington State University Community service: Founding member of Voices For Children, foster child advocacy group; Junior League of Yakima past president; Camp Fire children's organization board; vice chair Yakima Planning Commission Previous elected office: None

Garth McKinney Age: 27 Occupation: President of Maher Property Management Education: West Valley High School Community service: Previous elected office: Republican Precinct Committee Officer, Yakima Also of note: He has drawn criticism in the past for his role as first lieutenant commander of the Pacific Northwest Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, a position in which he regularly defended the controversial Jefferson Davis Park outside of Ridgefield.
White attendance

Yakima Council member Jason White has attended 35% of the Yakima City Council's scheduled meetings this year.

The council has had 26 meetings, including six special meetings to discuss the new city manager hiring process and next year's budget.

White has attended nine.

He was present for the council's meetings from the start of the new year through a Feb. 18 meeting, then missed a string of five meetings through April 7. He protested the stay home order outside City Hall on April 21, and attended a meeting where he was censured by the rest of the council for violating the council's code of ethics.

He returned to meetings at the start of May, around the time when the council considered expanding the number of permitted car cruises, but left a June 16 meeting halfway through after the council nixed the idea.

White has not attended a scheduled council meeting since that June 16 meeting. Council meeting minutes report his absences on March 3 and April 7 were excused.

He has continued to collect his $1,075 monthly stipend from the city. The city's charter doesn't tie that stipend to attending council meetings or other work.

White has received $4,300 for the months of July, August, September and October when he hasnt attended meetings.

Besides an election, city spokesman Randy Beehler said the only ways to remove an elected official per the city's charter are through a court order or a recall.

"The bottom line is that public officials are held accountable by their constituents," Beehler said. "The constituents decide."

Whites term runs through Dec. 31, 2021.
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP)  Wyoming's first female federal district judge plans to semi-retire in 2022, opening the way for Democratic President Joe Biden to nominate a judge in the deeply Republican state.

Going on senior status will give U.S. District Judge Nancy Freudenthal in Cheyenne more control over the number and type of cases she oversees.

She plans to spend more of her free time with her husband, former Gov. Dave Freudenthal, and grandchildren, Freudenthal told the Casper Star-Tribune.

She hasnt decided yet how she will use her time as judge but might stop taking new criminal cases to provide freedom from speedy trial requirements, Freudenthal said.

Freudenthal had no experience with criminal cases before becoming a federal district judge in 2010. She has found those cases the most rewarding because they can be life-changing for convicts, Freudenthal said.

"Yes, their lives going forward will still be very challenging, but they have the opportunity to rebuild that life, take advantage of resources, hopefully live a life of sobriety," she said.

Freudenthal, 67, holds undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Wyoming. She was an attorney in the offices of Govs. Ed Herschler and Mike Sullivan from 1980 to 1989.

She served on state tax panels before joining the Davis & Cannon law firm, where she remained until becoming a federal judge.

Dave Freudenthal, a Democrat, submitted his wifes name and those of two others for the job in 2009, telling The Associated Press he thought long and hard about whether she should be penalized for having married me.

President Barack Obama nominated Freudenthal, and the U.S. Senate confirmed her 96-1.
John Batchelor has been writing about eating and drinking since 1981. Over a thousand of his articles have been published. He is also author of two travel/cookbooks: Chefs of the Coast: Restaurants and Recipes from the North Carolina Coast, and Chefs of the Mountains: Restaurants and Recipes from Western North Carolina. Contact him at john.e.batchelor@gmail.com or see his blog, johnbatchelordiningandtravel.blogspot.com.
Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Associated Press declared Eric Adams the winner of the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City Tuesday after nearly all absentee ballots were counted, leaving no path for his closest competitors to catch him.

The Brooklyn Borough president led Kathryn Garcia by a little more than 8,400 votes, or about 1 percentage point, after election officials finished tallying the results under the city's ranked choice voting system. Election officials were still scrutinizing a few thousand absentee ballots to determine if they are valid. But there weren't enough to alter the outcome.

Under the system, voters ranked up to five candidates for mayor in order of preference. Candidates with too few votes to win were eliminated and ballots cast for them redistributed to the surviving contenders, based on the voter preference, until only two candidates were left.

Adams was the first choice among 31% of voters, followed by Maya Wiley at just over 21% and Garcia at just under 20%.

As candidates with fewer votes were eliminated and their votes redistributed, Adams never relinquished his lead. Garcia jumped ahead of Wiley by more than 12,000 votes when Yang, who came in fourth, was eliminated. Garcia picked up the largest share of Yang's supporters.
Hour after hour, they gave us our favorite staples from many decades and we diligently followed along, singing the words at the tops of our lungs. Then it was time to get completely blown away, as they closed out the night with a three-song encore of Runaway, Wanted Dead or Alive and Livin on a Prayer.

Uh oh, Jon said to the crowd, or maybe specifically to me, screaming with the others in the dark, its 1984 again!

And it was. Oh, it was 1984 and uh oh, I was 16. My sister-in-law and I danced and sang, screamed and shouted. Again, the roof of the Qwest Center nearly blew off.

After Jon and company said good-bye to us, we ran out into the dark, where the pouring rain couldnt wash away our renewed youth. We newly-turned 16-year-olds continued to sing and yell about what we just witnessed. Our joints were spry, our skin was taut. There were no more wrinkles or aches or pains, as we all thought wed just bathed in the waters of the fountain of youth.
As America emerges from the Fourth of July weekend, theres another important reminder this month of why we should cherish our freedom and liberty. July marks the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). CCP officials have already been holding celebrations to paint a positive image of their work on the world stage. While the CCP pushes propaganda on the anniversary of its founding, its important that Americans understand how the communist regime operates.

To this end, I signed a proclamation designating July as Victims of Communism Remembrance Month. Over the years, communism has led to the deaths of nearly 100 million people worldwide. The proclamation ceremony included Nebraskans who came from families and countries ruled by communist regimes. At the event, former State Senator Lydia Brasch shared her familys story of fleeing the communist regime in Ukraine. Before they fled, her family would pray in the closet with a secret Bible and a candle. She shared how her uncle was shot and killed by the regime after they found a short wave radio in his home in Kiev. They had no freedom of speech or freedom of religion.
New Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday launched the Mukhyamantri COVID-19 Pariwar Aarthik Sahayata Yojna, a social security scheme for COVID-19 affected families to provide financial assistance to the families of the earning members who lost their lives since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Delhi. Under this scheme, an ex-gratia payment of Rs 50,000 for each death to the family of the deceased and Rs 2,500 monthly to those families who have lost breadwinners.

The Chief Minister said, we are all aware of how since the last 1.5 years not just India but the entire humanity is enduring this pandemic, our country has seen 2 waves, the first wave last year and the second in April; The entire country may have seen 2 waves, but as for Delhi, this was the 4th wave. Last year in June we saw the first wave, in September, the second wave, in November, the third wave and now the fourth wave. This fourth wave was very severe, it was very widespread, almost every family was affected by it, second, it was very lethal; we lost a lot of lives because of this fourth wave, a lot of children became orphans, a lot of families lost their breadwinners. Theres no one to look after them now.



As a responsible and sensitive government, it is our duty to stand with these grieving families and provide them all assistance we can. After a lot of discussions with our officers and the people of Delhi, upon this issue, we are launching the Mukhyamantri COVID-19 Pariwar Aarthik Sahayata Yojna, the CM added while launching the scheme.

Under this scheme, in the case of the death of any patient who was COVID-19 positive, either in an institutional setting or at home, an amount of Rs 50,000 would be given as ex-gratia to the family of the deceased.

No questions would be asked. If the person died because of Corona, the family will receive Rs 50,000, CM Kejriwal said, adding Additionally, Rs 2,500 would be given monthly to those families who have lost their breadwinners because of COVID-19. To all those children who were orphaned because of COVID-19, Rs 2500 would be given monthly till they become 25 years old.

Explaining the application process, CM Kejriwal said, we have tried to cover all kinds of sections of the society and parameters. Today we are launching the portal where these applications will have to be made. There are two options, first: these families can register on the portal themselves, or second: a Delhi government representative will visit the homes of those families who have lost a member because of COVID-19. As a responsible and sensitive government, we will not wait for people to apply, we will approach them on our own as well.

The representatives are not going to these homes to scrutinise the documents of these grieving families. Our duty is to assist them and make it possible for them to receive this help. If any documents are missing it is the responsibility of the representatives and the government to make available any such documents without pressuring the grieving families. If anyone has lost a family member to COVID-19, compensation has to be paid to their grieving family, the CM said

Talking to the representatives who will be collecting applications, Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal asked them to be empathetic and understanding of the grief of these families. Please dont put the families under stress because of any missing papers. They are already going through a lot; it is our duty to help them in such tough times. We have to make sure that these families receive their dues swiftly as they are relying on it and there is no one to look after them right now. Reassure the families, be empathetic, tell them we have been personally sent by the CM, he said.

I am very happy that we have made this scheme a reality in such a short time, a lot of families are suffering because of the pandemic. We have to make our best efforts to help them in this situation. The 2 crore people of Delhi are our family, in case anyone is having any difficulties, it is our duty to help them, Kejriwal further said.

Chief Minister Kejriwal launched the scheme in presence of Shri Rajendra Pal Gautam, Minister of Social Welfare & the Secretary and the Special Secretary cum Director of the Department of Social Welfare, Government of NCT of Delhi.

Social Welfare Minister Rajendra Pal Gautam on the launch of 'Mukhyamantri COVID-19 Pariwar Aarthik Sahayata Yojana', said, As you all are aware, in the last one and half years Covid Pandemic has affected us all. The outbreak has gripped the entire country. Millions of people lost their lives not only in India, but all over the world. Many people lost their families and loved ones. We lost many of our family members and loved ones, despite all the efforts by the Government. We certainly cannot reduce the pain caused, but the Delhi government firmly stands with its people in such difficult times. We are with the families who have lost their parents, one of their parents, or their children.

Minister Rajendra Pal Gautam further said that The Delhi government has decided to support and stand with its people in grief. Towards this, today under the leadership of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Delhi government is launching 'Mukhyamantri COVID-19 Pariwar Aarthik Sahayata Yojana'. Under the Scheme, every child who has lost both their parents and even if any one of the parents died from Covid-19 will be given Rs 2500/ month till 25 years. Further, the Delhi government will provide Rs 50,000 to families who have lost someone. Additionally, the government will also give Rs 2,500/ month to families that have lost breadwinners.

How to apply:

- If the applicant is not registered on e-District Portal of Government of NCT Delhi, the applicant shall register as a New User on the portal in the Citizen's Corner using Aadhaar and mobile number. URL of the portal is www.edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in

- Thereafter, the applicant shall log in from Registered Users Login using the registration ID and password sent to the registered mobile number.

- Applicant shall read the Eligibility Criteria and Guidelines thoroughly under Mukhyamantri COVID-19 Pariwar Aarthik Sahayata Yojna given in the section How to apply- Eligibility Criteria and Guidelines

- Eligible person shall select the component of the scheme for which he/she wants to apply for by clicking on the link provided:

-Component (A) Monthly financial assistance to the family of the deceased and/or Component (B) One time Ex-gratia payment of Rs. 50,000/- to the family of deceased.

- Applicant shall follow the instructions mentioned therein and fill up the Application form.

- Applicant shall complete the application form in all respects and the information provided shall be accurate

- Applicant shall upload a copy of the supporting documents as mentioned in the application form.

- Applicant shall submit the application by clicking on the submit button.

- In case an applicant is eligible and wants to apply for another component of the scheme, then the applicant shall click on the link of another component accordingly and repeat the above steps.

- Once the application is submitted successfully, a government representative from the office of the SDM shall visit the home of the applicant within a weeks time from the date of submission of application, for verification of the information given by the applicant and further assist in collecting the additional information & documents required (if any) for processing the application.

Meanwhile, assistance for filling up applications and uploading of documents shall be given by SDM office and a team of surveyors (as nominated by the SDMs), who shall visit the homes of the applicants.

Live TV
New Delhi: With fuel prices boiling across the country, petrol rates have now breached the Rs 100 mark in Delhi today (July 7). With the latest revisions in prices, petrol is now selling at Rs 100.21 per litre in Delhi. Meanwhile, diesel is currently retailing at Rs 89.53 per litre in the national capital. Besides Delhi, petrol prices have also crossed the Rs 100 mark in Kolkata, where the fuel is retailing at Rs 100.19 per litre. In West Bengals capital city, diesel prices were increased to Rs 92.44 per litre on July 7.

Meanwhile, petrol and diesel were selling at record prices in Mumbai on July 7 at Rs 106.27 and Rs 97.08 per litre, respectively. Also, petrol was selling at Rs 101.1 in Chennai while diesel was retailing at Rs 94.08 per litre in Chennai.

With the latest price hike, petrol has crossed the Rs 100-a-litre mark in Delhi, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Jammu and Kashmir, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Bihar, Punjab, Sikkim and Ladakh.

Petrol and diesel prices have been on the rise since May 4 when oil selling companies decide to revise the rates on a daily basis depending on the international prices of crude oil. Also Read: Uttarakhand Cabinet: CM Pushkar Singh Dhami keeps Home and Finance, check full list of ministers here

The rising fuel price in the international markets is seen as the major reason behind the price hike. Coupled with high taxes, petrol and diesel prices are now shooting up to record highs almost every day. So far in 2021, petrol prices have jumped by roughly around 15%. Also Read: 7th Pay Commission: Centre to restore dearness allowance benefits? Crucial meeting today
New Delhi: The late legendary actor Dilip Kumar breathed his last on July 7, 2021, leaving behind his grieving family, fans and friends. Lets take you down memory lane and revisit the time when Dilip Saab was not a part of the showbiz world and earned his bread and butter by selling sandwiches in Pune.

According to a report in Indian Express, Dilip had set up a stall in Pune in 1940 and used to sell sandwiches.

While talking to Shailesh Gujar of Pune Vrut Darshan, during a Pride of Pune program a few years back, Dilip Kumar refreshed his memories and shared his connection with the Pune city. He also said that veteran actor Raj Kapoor was among the few who frequently visited the place.

This city gave me my first earning of Rs 100. After I had differences with my father, I had put up a stall to sell sandwiches outside the Army canteen at Pune Camp in 1940, he once said.

The actor also shared how he saved money to come back to the city of his happiness, I earned from the sandwiches I sold and saved up Rs 5,000. Using that money, I then returned to Mumbai. But I will never forget the Rs 100 I had earned initially  which was my first savings and came from this city. That gave me a lot of happiness.

For the unversed, the legendary Bollywood icon and Kohinoor of Indian cinema, Dilip Kumar breathed his last on July 7, 2021, at PD Hinduja hospital in Mumbai.

Dilip Kumar was accorded full state honours and his last rites saw an ocean of fans and well-wishers paying respects on his final journey.

The 98-year-old actor was battling prolonged age-related health issues and all through his life, he had wife Saira Banu by his side.

Several celebs including Shah Rukh Khan, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, Shabana Azmi, Madhur Bhandarkar and others were spotted at his residence, to pay last respects to the legend.

In a career spanning almost 5 decades, Dilip Kumar worked in 65 movies, reportedly.

In 1998, the Government of Pakistan honoured him with its highest civilian award the Nishan-e-Imtiaz.
New Delhi: External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar will make a stopover in Iran later today (July 7) and hold a meeting with Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif. The key focus during the meeting will be on Afghanistan as the Taliban continues to make rapid advancements.

He is expected to reach the country at around 3 pm IST. EAM will make a stopover in Iran's capital Tehran while going to Moscow. He is going to Russia for the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC). EAM had made a similar stopover in Iran in September of 2020 while on his Moscow visit.

Both countries have been working on Chabahar port project which has been the key pillar of connectivity, especially to Afghanistan. Earlier this year, India supplied cranes for the post. India is involved with the development of phase-I of the Shahid Beheshti port in Chabahar. In December 2018, an Indian company, India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) took over the port operations, and as of December 2020, the port has handled 1.75 million tonnes of bulk cargo and more than 13000 TEUs of container cargo.

India used the port to send 75,000 MT of wheat to Afghanistan in 2020 as part of the humanitarian aid amidst the covid pandemic. India also supplied 20,000 liters of the pesticide Malathion 96% ULV to Iran via Chabahar port in 2020 to help Iran curb the menace of desert locusts.

Live TV
Chennai: Nazar Dianov, a 4-yr old Russian boy is now able to walk and play after having undergone a successful bilateral lung transplant at a hospital in Chennai. Owing to a birth defect (of unknown cause) called fibrosing alveolitis, he had to be put on a ventilator, barely two months after he was born in his home country. Following this, the six-month old baby had also undergone a tracheostomy (inserting a tube into the windpipe to aid breathing via oxygen supply and ventilator support) and later brought to Chennai for further treatment.

According to doctors at MGM Healthcare, the young patient was on ventilator for three years in Chennai, until a suitable lung donor (cadaver) was found. It was a 2-year old brain-dead donor from Surat, in the Western Indian state of Gujarat that offered the Russian a new lease of life. The major challenge and delay in this case is associated with the requirement of a small lung that would be suitable for the baby patient. Being on a ventilator for such a long period also makes the patients condition even more complicated, as patients on ventilators can develop infections in under a week.

It was in mid-December 2020, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, that a team of 20-doctors successfully performed the transplant procedure under the leadership of Dr. K.R. Balakrishnan, Director Heart and Lung Transplant Program. Despite the patient having being under ventilator support for three years, doctors said, that the new pair of lungs are responding well in the patient. According to the hospital, the boy is presently off the ventilator and on minimal oxygen support and they how he will be able to live a normal life in the coming times.

Responding to Zee Medias queries about what caused this condition in the infant, doctors said that it was a rare, mutated birth defect. In Russia, they dont have pediatric organ donation by Law, hence their doctors referred the family to us in India. However, there is very less awareness about pediatric lung transplant, even in India, as it is not done very commonly. "We have hardly seen any such cases come to us, they added when asked about such cases in India and the choice of an Indian hospital.

Highlighting the importance of organ donation in saving lives, the doctors urged the masses to understand and acknowledge that we dont need our organs after we are gone. They estimated that 90% of the liver and kidney transplants are from live donors, whereas heart and lungs are very rare as they are cadaver dependent, thus causing a long, sometimes endless wait.

Live TV
Kolkata: BJP leader Rajib Banerjee on Wednesday (July 7) requested party colleague and Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, to be on the side of the people affected by the rising prices of petroleum products instead of targeting Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee who has got the people's mandate to rule the state.

Rajib Banerjee and Adhikari, who were ministers in the TMC government, quit the party and joined the BJP ahead of the recently held assembly election. Adhikari won the poll but Banerjee contested it unsuccessfully. "I will urge the opposition leader: Do not direct your attack towards the chief minister who has got the mandate of the people to rule the state. The people of Bengal have given 213 seats to her party.

"Instead of mounting unfair attack on her, try to ensure that people are not affected further by the rise in the prices of petrol, diesel and LPG," Banerjee said. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said that Banerjee's statement is correct.

"What Rajib said is right. Suvendu Adhikari is unfairly targeting our leader who has been mandated by the people of the state to rule. And the BJP has not uttered a single word about the prices of petrol and diesel hitting the roof," Ghosh said. Ghosh, however, said he has no idea about the future political move of Banerjee.

Banerjee had earlier met Ghosh and senior TMC leader Partha Chatterjee at their residences fuelling speculation that he would return to his old party. However, a section of TMC workers and leaders termed him "a traitor" and said they were against his comeback. Banerjee's request to Adhikari came in a day when BJP MP Saumitra Khan resigned as the youth wing chief of the state party unit and attacked Adhikari claiming that he tries to take credit for all the saffron camp achievements.

Khan, who left the TMC and joined the BJP in 2019, however, withdrew his resignation after senior party leaders intervened. Reacting to the developments, BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said that one should keep in mind that the saffron party is not a launching pad to reach power.

"The BJP is the party for making lots of sacrifices, for being on the side of those having borne the brunt of TMC attacks. Some of the new entrants may not have realised that," Ghosh told reporters. He said that Banerjee was a minister for many years but he did not protest against the hike in electricity tariff.

Live TV
New Delhi: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government is preparing for the oath ceremony in which as many as 43 new ministers will be sworn in, the Congress party has called the move to expand the cabinet a distraction.

The party said that the move was being taken in view of polls and that is why many of the ministerial candidates belong to the backward castes.

Several Dalits, backward caste members are being made ministers. They are doing it from the point of polls. This is being done to distract people, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge was quoted as saying by ANI.

Kharge asserted that the expansion was not meant for the welfare of the communities.

They are not doing this for the welfare of communities but because of their compulsion, he said.

Meanwhile, the list of new cabinet ministers is out. Ahead of the oath ceremony, several ministers including Harsh Vardhan, Ramesh Pokhriyal among others have resigned.

Live TV
New Delhi: Rajeev Chandrasekhar, currently a third-time Member of Parliament from BJP in the Rajya Sabha and the national spokesperson of the saffron party, took oath as the Narendra Modi-led NDA government expanded the Council of Ministers on Wednesday.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar is a Rajya Sabha MP for Karnataka, serving his third term as MP. Before he joined BJP in 2018, he was an Independent MP representing Karnataka in the Upper House from 2006 to 2018. He has served on various Parliamentary Standing Committees and enjoyed a long career as a successful Entrepreneur across multiple industries.

He has a MTech in Computer Science from Illinois Institute of Technology, along with Advanced Management Program from Harvard University.

Rajeev Chandrashekar, a Rajya Sabha MP from Karnataka, found berth in the first rejig of the second term of the Modi government. He has also served as NDA vice-chairman in Kerala during the 2016 Assembly elections and media and communication in-charge in the 2018 Karnataka Assembly elections.

Chandrasekhar, a third term Rajya Sabha MP, has been vocal on governance reforms, institution building, internet freedom, national security, the welfare of the Armed Forces personnel and infrastructure development in Bengaluru and Karnataka.

He is a vocal advocate in the Parliament on governance, information technology and economics.

Live TV
New Delhi: All eyes are on today's (July 7) big Cabinet reshuffle and ahead of the meeting that is likely to take place at 6pm, several leaders have arrived at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence to meet him. Many of them are likely to be inducted as ministers. Those meeting Modi include BJP's Narayan Rane, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Ajay Bhatt, Bhupender Yadav, Shobha Karandlaje, Pritam Munde and Meenakshi Lekhi, LJP's Pashupati Paras and Apna Dal's Anupriya Patel, sources said.

BJP president JP Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah are also expected to be there.

Some state ministers, including Parshottam Rupala and Anurag Thakur, may be elevated, the sources said. This will be the first reshuffle in his Council of Ministers by Modi since he assumed charge for a second term in May 2019. The prime minister is expected to bring in young faces and give representation to various social groups and regions in the reshuffle.

The reshuffle is tipped to be a reboot of the government with an eye on political and administrative challenges and keeping in the mind the several elections ahead. A record number of SC, ST & OBC picks as well as representation for women, Muslims and the Jat community  reflects Prime Minister Modi governments mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Vishwas.

(With PTI inputs)

Live TV
New Delhi: Ramping up testing and vaccination, healthcare infrastructure planning and effective clinical management are among the measures to be focussed upon in nine states reporting a surge in COVID-19 cases, the Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

In a letter to the states - Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Kerala, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Odisha, Tripura and Sikkim - the ministry has highlighted the areas of concern.

Stressing that there is a need to strengthen the collective efforts to curb the spread of the virus, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said ramping up testing and vaccination, healthcare infrastructure planning, following COVID-appropriate behaviour and effective clinical management are among the measures to be taken by these states.

In Arunachal Pradesh, he said it is a point of concern that the state has a weekly positivity rate of 16.2 per cent (Jun 28-July 4), which is continuously increasing for four weeks.

"Nineteen of the 25 districts are reporting a positivity rate of more than 10 per cent, which is a cause of concern. The state has shown almost a 12-per cent increase in the number of cases reported in the last four weeks. Twelve districts are showing an increase in the number of new cases over the past four weeks," Bhushan said.

Changlang, East Siang, Lohit, Papum Pare, Tawang and Upper Subansiri districts reported more than 100 new cases each in the week ending July 4. Namsai district has shown an increase in the number of deaths (four deaths in the week ending July 4 compared to one in the week ending June 13).

For Assam, he said although the state has shown a decline in the number of new cases, four of its 33 districts have shown an increase in the figure for the last four weeks and 29 districts have reported over 100 new cases in the week ending July 4.

Jorhat (22 deaths from June 28-July 4 compared to 16 from June 7-13) and Sivasagar (15 deaths from June 28-July 4 compared to seven from June 7-13) districts showed a rise in the number of deaths in the last four weeks.

"Charaideo and Golaghat have reported a positivity rate of more than 10 per cent, which is emphasised to be analysed by the state," Bhushan said. In Manipur, he said two of the 16 districts (Bishnupur Kangpokpi) are showing a rise in the number of fresh cases for four weeks.

"Bishnupur has shown an increase in the number of deaths in the last four weeks (June 7-July 4). Imphal East and Imphal West had 17 and 28 deaths respectively in the week (June 28-July 4). Imphal East, Imphal West and Thoubal districts had more than 100 new cases in the week ending July 4 with a weekly positivity rate of more than 10 per cent," the official said.

He said although Kerala has shown a decline in the number of new cases, two of its 14 districts have shown an increase in the figure for four weeks. All districts have reported more than 200 daily cases in the week ending July 4, he added.

Kollam and Wayanad districts have shown an increase in the number of weekly deaths in the said period (June 7-July 4). "Thrissur and Malappuram have reported more than 70 deaths in a week (June 28-July 4). Thiruvananthapuram has shown a declining trend in deaths, however, reported 111 (in the week ending July 4)," Bhushan said.

Kannur, Kasaragod, Kollam, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad and Thrissur had over 100 new cases in the previous week with a weekly positivity rate of more than 10 per cent, the ministry said.

It said Meghalaya is still reporting a weekly positivity rate of 14.05 per cent (June 28-July 4) and eight of its 11 districts are reporting a positivity rate of over 10 per cent.

"The districts of East Garo Hills, East Khasi Hills, North Garo Hills, Ri Bhoi, West Garo Hills, West Jaintia Hills and West Khasi Hills reported more than 100 new cases in the week ending July 4, with East Khasi Hills reporting 1,176 cases," the Ministry said.

Ri Bhoi showed a staggering 141-per cent rise in the number of fresh cases over the last four weeks and four districts -- East Garo Hills (28 per cent), South Garo Hills (20 per cent), Ri Bhoi (33 per cent) and West Garo Hills (11 per cent) -- had a positivity rate of over 10 per cent in the week ending July 4.

East Garo and South Garo have shown an increase in the positivity rate compared to the previous week. Six districts reported more than 100 cases each with a positivity rate of above 10 per cent last week, the ministry said.

Nagaland has reported a positivity rate of more than 10 per cent in the weeks ending June 13, June 20 and June 27, with a decline seen in the week ending July 4 (6.44 per cent). Four of its 11 districts reporting a positivity rate of over 10 per cent.

Kohima reported more than 100 cases in the week ending July 4 with a positivity rate of over five per cent for the last four weeks. Peren has shown a staggering increase in the number of new cases (36 cases from June 28-July 4 compared to three from June 7-13).

Kiphire has shown a five-per cent increase in the positivity rate in the last four weeks and six districts have shown a rise in the positivity rate in the week ending July 4.

Three Odisha districts reported a weekly positivity rate of over 10 per cent from June 28 to July 4. Though the state positivity rate is consistently decreasing (5.36 per cent for the week ending July 4), Nuapada district has shown a significant increase in it in the last week.

Live TV
New Delhi: Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has thanked the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the birthday wishes. In a video message in which he thanked everyone who wished him, he said, "Many of my friends expressed happy birthday. Here I want to take this opportunity to express to those people, my thanks."

Adding, "I want to thank my longtime supporters and friends, and then many others, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and many ministers and also chief ministers and a number of my Indian friends."

Dalai Lama who had to leave Tibet after the Chinese occupation in the 1950s said, "They sincerely expressed their congratulations on my birthday. So I very much appreciate this friendly expression."

On Tuesday, in a departure from the past, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama on his 86th birthday. In a tweet from his handle, he said, "Spoke on phone to His Holiness the @DalaiLama to convey greetings on his 86th birthday" and "We wish him a long and healthy life."

Spoke on phone to His Holiness the @DalaiLama to convey greetings on his 86th birthday. We wish him a long and healthy life.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2021

While in the past Indian PM Modi has been congratulating Dalai Lama on his birthday, but never an announcement has been made, largely due to Chinese sensitivities. The announcement is seen as a message to Beijing even as China continues with provocative behavior at the Line of actual control in Ladakh.

Other political leaders in India have also wished Dalai Lama on his birthday. These are Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal, from the Indian Cabinet-- Road transport minister Nitin Gadkari, Aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

Live TV
New Delhi: Bengal BJP youth wing's president Saumitra Khan tendered his resignation from his post on Wednesday (July 7). According to reports, the BJP Bengal unit leader was apparently upset over being denied a berth in the Union council of ministers. According to BJP sources, Saumitra Khan was sitting expecting a call from Delhi till 1:00 pm today.

As per sources, he was all but prepared to leave for the national capital after receiving a call from the high command in connection with the Cabinet rejig. Apart from this, he was also planning to visit Mukul Roy's residence to pay his condolences on the demise of the latter's wife.

After he was assured that he would not be receiving any phone calls from Delhi, he shared a post on Facebook announcing his resignation from the post of state president of BJP Yuva Morcha.

After submitting his resignation, he released a statement stating, "I was in BJP and I will be in BJP." He also hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his leader. Khan, after the Assembly election, was in the headlines for demanding a separate Junglemahal state carved out of West Bengal.

Khan, the Bishnupur MP, tasted victory from the Bishnupur area in the Assembly election, which was conducted earlier this year. He bagged six out of seven seats in the area for the BJP. He was expected to be inducted into Modi's ministry as BJP chief JP Nadda called him a few days back and Khan then said he had a 'very successful and wonderful' meeting with the party's national president.

Live TV
New Delhi: It was the biggest cabinet expansion in Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government and it came with a lot of surprises. The day saw as many as 43 new ministers take oath at Rashtrapati Bhawan. It was quite an overhaul as several new faces entered the elite group. At the same time, some of the biggest names had to take a back seat. Overall, it could be seen that the selection of ministers and the distribution of portfolio was done in a carefully calculated manner, ensuring all classes and communities got adequate representation in the new cabinet and in this regard, the OBC community really stood out.

Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary on Wednesday (July 7) discussed the highlights of PM Modis mega cabinet reshuffle and explained the idea behind the choice of ministers.

In the latest cabinet expansion, 36 new ministers have joined in, 7 old ministers have been promoted and 12 ministers have resigned. Four of the top ministers of the country have resigned. These include Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar and Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank.

Highlights of the Cabinet expansion:

A total of 15 leaders took oath as cabinet ministers and 28 leaders took oath as ministers of state.

The biggest highlight of the cabinet reshuffle was the inclusion of a whopping 27 ministers belonging to the OBC community. It is the highest number, a record, in terms of the number of OBC ministers in the union government.

In a way, it can be said that it is the first OBC government of the country. Notably, Prime Minister Modi himself comes from the OBC community.

After the expansion of the cabinet, now the Dalit community has a record 12 ministers in the government and all these leaders come from eight different states of the country.

The number of ministers from Scheduled Tribes has now increased to 8 in the new cabinet, which is the highest number in any government so far.

The number of women in the Union Cabinet has also increased to 11.

After the cabinet expansion, it is also being said that it is a government of the youth. While the average age of Council of Ministers used to be 61 years before the expansion, it is now just 58 years.

The number of educated ministers in the government is the highest so far. There are now 13 lawyers, 6 doctors, 5 Engineers, 7 civil servants, 7 PHd-holders, 3 MBAs and 68 graduates in the cabinet. That is, 88 percent of the ministers in PM Modi's new team are graduates.

Live TV
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday (July 6, 2021) arrested Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Eknath Khadse's son-in-law Girish Chaudhary in a money laundering case.

Chaudhary was held after being questioned by the law enforcement agency on Tuesday.

The money laundering case is linked to the alleged irregularities in the 2016 Pune land deal. In 2017, Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau had registered a case against Eknath Khadse, his wife Mandakini, Girish Chaudhary and the landowner Abbas Aqani.

It was alleged that he misused his official powers to facilitate the purchase of government land of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) by his family in the Bhosari area of Pune.

Subsequently, the ED had also registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) against Khadse and his family. The NCP leader was also questioned by ED in January this year.

Khadse, 68, had left the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2020 to join the NCP of former Maharashtra chief minister Sharad Pawar. He had resigned from the then Devendra Fadnavis-led Maharashtra cabinet in 2016 after facing allegations regarding the same land deal.

He, however, denied any wrongdoing, saying that the Maharashtra ACB, as well as the Income Tax department, had given him a clean chit in the matter.

(With PTI inputs)

Live TV
Chennai: As many as 614 farmers spread across 32 districts in Tamil Nadu planted about 2.1 lakh saplings through Isha Foundation's Cauvery Calling movement to mark the nationally celebrated annual Van Mahotsav or Forest Festival that is observed during the first week of July.

Field workers of the Cauvery Calling movement, which is run by Isha Outreach, studied soil and water quality of agricultural lands. They also recommended economically viable species that would help increase the income of farmers, such as - Teak, Red Sandalwood, Sandalwood, Mahogany, Malabar Kino, Mountain Neem and other valuable timber trees.

Cauvery Calling volunteers had also facilitated the planting of millions of saplings on the remembrance days and birth anniversaries of agricultural scientists Nammazhvar, Nell Jayaraman and Maram Thangasamy, all of whom have mentored various environmental projects in Isha.

Vana Mahotsavam is celebrated to create environmental awareness across the country and to encourage a culture of nurturing local ecology among people.

On Wednesday, the Foundation also held a webinar for nearly 3200 farmers, where a panel of experts discussed various agroforestry models that the farmers could implement.

On Tuesday, Isha Foundation donated 300 BiPAP non-invasive ventilators and 18 lakh KN95 face masks to DMK Youth Wing Secretary and MLA Udhayanidhi Stalin in Chennai, in support of the state governments efforts to combat the pandemic.

Live TV
The 'Khela Hobe' (Game On) slogan caught the fancy of the Bengal voters as they rallied behind Didi - Mamata Banerjee - to give her party Trinamool Congress (TMC) a massive victory in the West Bengal Assembly polls, against the BJP. As Uttar Pradesh gets ready for 2022 Assembly polls, the Samajwadi Party (SP) is trying to follow in TMC's footsteps in more ways than one. While the party will be hoping to recreate a similar victory (as TMC's) over BJP, for starters, they have swiftly adopted the catchy slogan of Bengal CM -- SP workers have painted its Bhojpuri version - 'Khela Hoi' - on the walls of several cities across the state few days ago.

And now, the poster war seems to have hotted up. After the Samajwadi Party put up hoardings and posters with the tagline "2022 mein khela hoi" in Kanpur and Varanasi, the ruling BJP has reacted with posters that proclaim "2022 mein khela na hoi". The BJP posters have been put up by a local leader Bachchi Yadav and prominently carry the photograph of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The Samajwadi posters had been put up by a local party leader Abdul Samad. "Goonda, mafia, bhu-mafia, bhrashtachari are desh drohi ka khela khatam hoi," the BJP poster further says.

This is probably the first time that the SP and BJP are indulging in a direct poster war and that too, through its workers.

Bachchi Yadav, the BJP leader, said, "There will be no game because we will not allow it. 'Games' are engineered by those who do not have a clean slate and want to grab power to shield their corruption. The BJP is banking on its work and development so there is no room for any game."

(With IANS inputs)

Live TV
Washington: Expressing shock at the horrific assassination of Haiti President Jovenel Mose, US President Joe Biden on Wednesday offered his condolences to the people of the Caribbean nation. The United States offers condolences to the people of Haiti, Biden said in a statement minutes before leaving for Illinois from the White House.

"We are shocked and saddened to hear of the horrific assassination of President Jovenel Mo?se and the attack on First Lady Martine Mo?se of Haiti," he said.

"We condemn this heinous act, and I am sending my sincere wishes for First Lady Mose's recovery. We stand ready to assist as we continue to work for a safe and secure Haiti," Biden said.

Haiti's interim prime minister Claude Joseph condemned the president's assassination as a ?hateful, inhumane and barbaric act and said that the police and military were in control of the country's security.

"The country's security situation is under the control of the National Police of Haiti and the Armed Forces of Haiti. Democracy and the republic will win," Joseph said in a statement.

Live TV
Prime Minister Narendra Modis brand new Cabinet has a new set of ministers. Narayan Tatu Rane is from Maharashtra and the former Chief Minister of the state. A Rajya Sabha MP, Tatu Rane is now a part of the Modi Cabinet. He has earlier been a six-term MLA and one-time MLC in Maharashtra. Apart from being Maharashtra CM, he was also a Cabinet minister handling important portfolios like Industries, Revenue, Ports & Animal Husbandry. Rane has been serving the public in elected offices across different capacities for over 35 years. From 1971 to 1984, he has also served in the Income Tax department.

In his long political career, Rane has also been associated with the Shiv Sena and the Indian National Congress.

Live TV
New Delhi: After the progress of Southwest Monsoon came to a halt in north India, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted its revival from Thursday (July 8). The weather department forecast on Tuesday said, "The moist easterly winds in lower level from Bay of Bengal are likely to establish gradually over parts of eastern India from July 8. It is likely to spread into northwest India covering Punjab and north Haryana by July 10.

Further, the IMD said that intensity of rainfall over the west coast is likely to increase from July 9. "Due to the strengthening of the Southwest Monsoon over the Arabian Sea, enhanced rainfall activity is very likely along the west coast from July 9. Widespread rainfall with isolated heavy to very heavy falls is very likely over Konkan and Goa, coastal Karnataka, Kerala, Mahe from July 9 onwards," the MeT was quoted as saying by PTI.

Bringing a respite from the scorching temperatures, the southwest monsoon is likely to advance over remaining parts of West Uttar Pradesh, some more parts of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi around July 10. Scattered to widespread rainfall is very likely over northwest India from July 9 and isolated heavy rainfall also very likely over Uttarakhand from July 8. Rainfall is very likely over Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh from July 9 and over east Rajasthan from July 10 onwards, the agency said.

Moreover, scattered to widespread rainfall with isolated heavy falls can be expected over central India (Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh) and isolated very heavy rainfall likely over Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh on July 8.

The southwest monsoon revival can also lead to decreased rainfall intensity over northeast India (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura) from July 9, the weather agency added.

North India has been reeling under hot weather conditions including in Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan. On Tuesday, Karauli in Rajasthan recorded at 43.9 degrees Celsius.

(With agency inputs)

Live TV
New Delhi: As the Delimitation Commission interacted with members of seven registered political parties of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday (July 6), the Mehbooba Mufti-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stayed away from the meeting. The commission, comprising Justice (Retd) Ranjana Prakash Desai, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sushil Chandra, and Deputy Election Commissioner Chandra Bhushan, is on a four-day visit to the Union Territory tasked with the aim to carve out new constituencies.

On Tuesday, in a letter to the Delimitation Commission chairperson Justice Desai, PDP General Secretary Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura shunned the meeting and said that his party will stay away from this exercise as they believe it may further hurt the interests of our people."

"Our party has decided to stay away from this process and not be part of some exercise, the outcome which is widely believed to be pre-planned and which may further hurt the interests of our people," ANI cited PDPs letter as saying.

Attacking the Centre, Hanjura wrote that the government has "continued with its daily dictates to the people of J-K including the recent amendments and orders including those making every person a suspect (Government employees antecedents verification order) and deepening the divide between two regions of J-K (the order related to Darbar move)."

Mufti was among the J&K leaders to attend the all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital on June 24. PDP said that despite suggesting confidence-building measures, the party is disappointed to see that "nothing has moved and no effort has been made to bring ease into the lives of people.

"In the meeting, we emphasised the need to reach out to the people of J-K and suggested specific confidence-building measures that could lead to breaking the ice in the process of addressing the massive trust deficit between New Delhi and J-K," and added that PDP was disappointed to see that "nothing has moved and no effort has been made to bring ease into the lives of people, giving credence to those, who had in the first instance, called the meeting a mere photo opportunity."

Further, PDP questioned the autonomy of the Commission and said, "Delimitation Commission lacks constitutional and legal mandate in the first place and its very existence and objectives have left every ordinary resident of J-K with many questions. There are apprehensions that the delimitation exercise is part of the overall process of political disempowerment of the people of J-K that the Government of India has embarked on."

"There are apprehensions that the process is aimed at realising the political vision of a particular political party in J-K wherein, like other things, the views and wishes of the people of J-K would be considered the least. It is a widespread belief that contours and outcome of the exercise are pre-planned. The very intent is under question," the letter added.

Meanwhile, as per ANI sources, the members of each political party handed over a separate memorandum to the commission on Tuesday. The Commission is in Jammu and Kashmir till July 9 to interact with union territory administrative officials, political parties and public representatives.

(With agency inputs)

Live TV
Kolkata: In yet another attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over rising fuel prices, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Wednesday that he should hold 'petrol and vaccine ki baat' instead of 'Mann ki baat'.

The firebrand West Bengal leader came down heavily on the Modi government for "making a mess of the country's economy".

Referring to the proposed Union Cabinet reshuffle, the Trinamool Congress supremo said during a press meet that the removal of Babul Supriyo from the Council of Ministers shows that "they (BJP government) have also lost it even before the arrival of their end" in 2024.

Noting that none of the letters she wrote to the PM evoked any response, CM Mamata Banerjee said despite appeals for Jagdeep Dhankhar's removal as governor, nothing was done about it.

"The entire economy is in the doldrums. Fuel prices are increasing every day and the Union government is sitting idle. Our prime minister is only busy with his Mann ki Baat. He should instead hold petrol ki baat, diesel ki baat and vaccine ki baat," she insisted.

Asked about the possibility of BJP MP John Barla's induction in the Union Ministry, weeks after he demanded a separate Union Territory for North Bengal, Banerjee said it will reflect the "divisive mindset" of the saffron party.

"I won't comment on ministry reshuffle. Will reshuffle end the woes of the people?" she questioned.

Live TV
New Delhi: The Sikh community in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir have welcomed the Hindus and Sikhs from the neighbouring Islamic nations to settle with them in the valley post the enactment of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the repeal of Article 370.

They made their aspirations heard louder when they recently proposed Home Minister Amit Shah to let the Hindus and Sikhs from the neighbouring countries live with them.

We Kashmiri Sikhs welcome CAA and revocation of article 370 and we will be happy if Sikhs and Hindu community members coming to India from any part of the world can stay with us, said Perwender Singh, spokesperson of Kashmir-based All Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (ASGMC) during a recent meeting with the home minister.

Not stopping at just welcoming the minorities from abroad to settle in the valley, the Sikh body also assured them to extend any kind of help so they could be financially independent and set up their own businesses etc.

We will ensure they are provided everything they need including starting of their livelihood, he said.

Singh was part of a 13-member delegation of Sikhs from the valley that met Amit Shah on July 4 in Delhi.

Notably, on August 5, 2019, the President of India had promulgated the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019 which abrogated the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir under the provisions of Article 370.

The enactment of CAA which is now being hailed by the Sikhs of the valley had earlier sparked some protests. The CAA provides Indian citizenship to the Hindus, Sikhs, Christians and other minorities who face religious persecution in the neighboring Islamic nations of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

The spokesperson of ASGMC informed media that the Sikh delegation had also sought to declare the Sikhs of Kashmir valley as a minority community having its own Board and a Chairman from the community.

We are only 1.5 lakh left with 60 thousand registered voters from Sikh community which is spread across six districts and 135 villages and the community manages 135 historical gurdwaras, said Perwender Singh.

To bring the desired changes, the Sikh delegation has also suggested the Home Minister to appoint someone belonging to their community as the advisor to the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Jammu and Kashmir.

Appointment of a Sikh advisor to LG will accelerate the present system and the Sikhs causes will come to the knowledge of LG, he opined.

The Sikhs of the valley have also desired to rename Awantipora Airport as Baba Guru Nanak Dev Airport. The airport is in close proximity to Gurdwara Mattan Sahib where Sikhs first master Guru Nanak Dev had stayed.

Live TV
The Covid-19 pandemic has created a global shortage of medical oxygen, with many people scrambling to find oxygen for their loved ones. Affordable and sustainable access to oxygen has been a growing challenge in our country too, where COVID-19 has put huge pressure on health systems. Hospitals in many states had run out of oxygen, resulting in unnecessary loss of lives.

As India battled a severe second wave of the Corona pandemic, a Surat-based philanthropist and Research Scholar Gopal Giri Goswami donated an oxygen generator plant at his native town of Bageshwar district, Uttarakhand towards Covid-19 relief efforts. Gopal hails from Bamradi village in Bageshwar district. Recognising the importance of sustainable oxygen supply at his hometown, he took the onus upon himself to provide an oxygen generator plant there. Gopal came to know about the scarcity of the oxygen cylinders at the District Hospital, Bageshwar and the dire situation of people staying there. He found out that the situation was so worse that those affected with COVID-19 were unable to arrange for oxygen cylinders due to their financial limitations. To address these problems, Mr Gopal took matters in his own hands. He collected all the necessary information about the process and made all the arrangements from Surat itself. With a noble aim to help the people in his native town, Mr Gopal Giri has sent the oxygen plant from Surat to be sent to Bageshwar.

On June 12, Saturday, Mr Gopal Giri dispatched an Oxygen Generation Plant (OGP) worth Rs 38 lakh from Surat, Gujarat to Bageshwar via Delhi. And he managed everything at his own expense. With the proper guidance and strong support of the officials of the Health Department, the Oxygen Generation Plant reached safely to its destination. In a short span of time, the oxygen plant was installed at his native village, and started soon to provide oxygen to hospital treating covid patients and those in need. The Oxygen Plant was put to immediate use and was used in providing emergency oxygen to people getting treated in hospital in Uttrakhand.

When we spoke to Mr Gopal about this initiative, here is what he shared with us, "During the second wave, the situation in my native town got worse. At that time, my top priority was to quickly acquire oxygen concentrators and ship them to my village and save as many lives as possible. We are also providing support to hospitals to extend their capacity to treat more coronavirus-infected patients." Over the past year, Mr Gopal has been working tirelessly and dedicatedly to provide necessities and his services to help the people whose lives have been affected by coronavirus. Apart from the provision of Oxygen Plant, he also made it a point to send the numerous villagers and migrants stuck at different places back to their homes safe and sound.

"It is our moral obligation to help India in every way that we can during this time of need. I will continue to provide support as long as it takes to bring the situation to normal, added Mr. Gopal.

(This is a brand desk content)
Kashmir: The Jammu and Kashmir police neutralized Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Mehrazuddin Halwai alias Ubaid in an encounter with security forces on Wednesday (July 7). As per the police, Ubaid, one of the oldest commanders of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen for North, was killed at Pazipora area of Kralgund in Handwara, north Kashmir.

Informing about the incident, Kashmir zone police tweeted "One of the oldest & top commander of HM militant outfit Mehrazuddin Halwai @ Ubaid got neutralised in Handwara encounter. He was involved in several militancy crimes. A big success: IGP Kashmir.

The operation was launched by a joint team of Police, Army's 32 RR and 92 BN of CRPF in Kralgund area of Handwara after inputs of the presence of terrorists in the area.

The area is still under cordon and search is going on.

Live TV
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government on Wednesday got a makeover with the induction of 43 new members in the Council of Ministers at a simple ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

The major shake-up of the Union Council of Ministers represents the lives, hopes and aspirations of 130 crore Indians.

Ashwini Vaishnaw, a Rajya Sabha MP for Odisha, was among those who were administered the oath of office and secrecy by President Ram Nath Kovind. Before entering the world of politics, Ashwini Vaishnaw was an IAS officer with huge administrative experience.

The former civil servant of the 1994 batch handled important responsibilities over 15 years and is particularly known for his contribution to the PPP framework in infrastructure.

Interestingly, Vaishnav also served as the private secretary to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The former IAS officer had joined the BJP in 2019 and has been a Rajya Sabha MP representing Odisha in the Upper House.

In the new Council of Ministers, there are four former Chief Ministers, 18 former state ministers, 39 former MLAs and 23 MPs who have been elected for three or more terms.

This demonstrates the wealth of experience in the new Cabinet as the government has been criticised for lack of bench strength and not having enough heft in administrative experience.

The new Council of Ministers boasts of an eclectic mix of distinguished qualifications, including 13 lawyers, six doctors, five engineers, seven former civil servants, and 46 ministers with experience in Central government.

This is also a young-looking Cabinet with an average age of 58, with 14 ministers below the age of 50 years.

In terms of gender, 11 women will be part of the Council of Ministers, including two with Cabinet rank.

There are five ministers from the minorities - 1 Muslim, 1 Sikh, 2 Buddhists and 1 Christian. In addition, there is a strong OBC representation with 27 OBC ministers, including five with Cabinet rank, eight ST ministers including three with Cabinet rank, and 12 SC ministers with two with Cabinet rank.

The induction of the new faces was preceded by the resignations of as many as 11 ministers.

Live TV
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government on Wednesday got a makeover with the induction of 43 new members in the Council of Ministers at a simple ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

The major shake-up of the Union Council of Ministers represents the lives, hopes and aspirations of 130 crore Indians.

Janata Dal-United leader Ramchandra Prasad Singh was among those who were administered the oath of office and secrecy by President Ram Nath Kovind.

Singh is currently a Rajya Sabha MP for Bihar serving his second term as MP. He is a retired IAS officer of the 1984 batch, having served over 25 years across various capacities and domains.

In the new Council of Ministers, there are four former Chief Ministers, 18 former state ministers, 39 former MLAs and 23 MPs who have been elected for three or more terms.

This demonstrates the wealth of experience in the new Cabinet as the government has been criticised for lack of bench strength and not having enough heft in administrative experience.

The new Council of Ministers boasts of an eclectic mix of distinguished qualifications, including 13 lawyers, six doctors, five engineers, seven former civil servants, and 46 ministers with experience in Central government.

This is also a young-looking Cabinet with an average age of 58, with 14 ministers below the age of 50 years. In terms of gender, 11 women will be part of the Council of Ministers, including two with Cabinet rank.

There are five ministers from the minorities - 1 Muslim, 1 Sikh, 2 Buddhists and 1 Christian. In addition, there is a strong OBC representation with 27 OBC ministers, including five with Cabinet rank, eight ST ministers including three with Cabinet rank, and 12 SC ministers with two with Cabinet rank.

The induction of the new faces was preceded by the resignations of as many as 11 ministers.

Live TV
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government on Wednesday got a makeover with the induction of 43 new members in the Council of Ministers at a simple ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

The major shake-up of the Union Council of Ministers represents the lives, hopes and aspirations of 130 crore Indians.

LJP leader Pashupati Kumar Paras was among those who were administered the oath of office and secrecy by President Ram Nath Kovind. Paras is the Lok Sabha MP for Hajipur in Bihar.

A younger brother of late LJP founder Ram Vilas Paswan, Paras has been a 7-time MLA and 1-time MLC in Bihar, making him one of Indias senior-most State legislators.

He has also served as Minister in the Bihar Government. Paras has served for over 45 years in public life and carries huge administrative experience.

The 68-year-old LJP leader holds a BED from Bhagalpur University.

In the new Council of Ministers, there are four former Chief Ministers, 18 former state ministers, 39 former MLAs and 23 MPs who have been elected for three or more terms.

This demonstrates the wealth of experience in the new Cabinet as the government has been criticised for lack of bench strength and not having enough heft in administrative experience.

The new Council of Ministers boasts of an eclectic mix of distinguished qualifications, including 13 lawyers, six doctors, five engineers, seven former civil servants, and 46 ministers with experience in Central government.

This is also a young-looking Cabinet with an average age of 58, with 14 ministers below the age of 50 years.

In terms of gender, 11 women will be part of the Council of Ministers, including two with Cabinet rank.

There are five ministers from the minorities - 1 Muslim, 1 Sikh, 2 Buddhists and 1 Christian. In addition, there is a strong OBC representation with 27 OBC ministers, including five with Cabinet rank, eight ST ministers including three with Cabinet rank, and 12 SC ministers with two with Cabinet rank.

The induction of the new faces was preceded by the resignations of as many as 11 ministers.

Live TV
NEW DELHI: Bureaucrat-turned politician Raj Kumar Singh, who steered the Narendra Modi government's power sector reforms agenda that made India surplus in electricity, was on Wednesday elevated as a Cabinet Minister from Minister of State rank.

Singh was administered oath as Union Cabinet Minister by President of India Ram Nath Kovind this evening. During his tenure, he managed the power grid and bring reforms in the distribution sector which has been debt-laden for years.

Power demand in the country touched an all-time high of 197.06 GW on Tuesday. Besides, Singh also worked in the area of clean energy to boost capacity addition of renewables like solar and wind.

During his tenure, the solar power tariff dropped to an all-time low of Rs 1.99 per unit. Similarly, wind energy tariff has also come down to below Rs 3 per unit in auctions for projects in India during his tenure as New and Renewable Energy Minster.

Singh, who has been elected twice to Lok Sabha in 2014 and 2019 from Arrah in Bihar, had become Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power as well and New and Renewable Energy in September 2017. He held the two ministries till May 2019.

After his re-election to 17th Lok Sabha in May 2019, he retained the two portfolios. Besides he also got the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship as Minister of State.

Before becoming a minister, bureaucrat turned politician Singh was a member of many Parliamentary committees. Singh had started off his career as an Indian Police Services (IPS) officer in 1974 and became Indian Administrative (IAS) officers in 1975.

He was District Magistrate, East Champaran from 1981 to 1983 and also District Magistrate, Patna from 1983 to 1985. He also served as Director and Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence between 1991 to 1996.

He was also Home Secretary, Government of Bihar, from 1997 to 1999. He became Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, (2000 to 2005).

He was Principal Secretary, Road Construction Department, Government of Bihar from 2006 to 2009. He was also Union Secretary Defence Production from 2009 to 2011. He also held the post of Union Home Secretary from 2011 to June 2013.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government on Wednesday got a makeover with the induction of 43 new members in the Council of Ministers at a simple ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

The major shake-up of the Union Council of Ministers represents the lives, hopes and aspirations of 130 crore Indians.

Live TV
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) team, set up on the orders of the Calcutta High Court to probe post-poll violence cases in West Bengal, has once again landed in Bengal. The group reached the Kolkata airport early this morning (July 7) and according to sources, three teams would be visiting various towns and districts of the state, including capital Kolkata as well as Howrah, South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas and Bankura. The team arrived in an Air Flight.

There have been several such visits over the past few weeks. Atif Rasheed, vice-chairman of National Commission for Minorities & member of team by NHRC to look into post-poll violence also took to Twitter on July 6 and urged victms to meet him at Malda New Circuit House with their written complaints.

WB post-poll violence victims or those who migrated from their native places can meet me tomorrow at Malda New Circuit House with their written complaints: Atif Rasheed, vice-chairman of National Commission for Minorities & member of team by NHRC to look into post-poll violence  ANI (@ANI) July 6, 2021

On June 21, the Calcutta High Courts five-judge bench headed by acting chief justice Rajesh Bindal dismissed a petition by the state government seeking recall of the June 18 order that asked the NHRC to probe allegations of human rights violation during alleged violence after the recent assembly polls.

The NHRC constituted a seven-member panel headed by commissions member Rajiv Jain to probe incidents of violence that took place after the assembly polls. As per the orders of the High Court, the NHRC Committee will examine all cases of post-poll violence in West Bengal, complaints about which have already been received in the NHRC or which may be received.

Certain sporadic instances of post poll violence had reportedly broken out in the state after the Assembly election results were annouced on May 2. The BJP has accused TMC cadres of carrying out atrocities while the ruling party has blamed BJP workers of mischief. On June 29, an NHRC team was reportedly attacked in West Bengal's Jadavpur when it was investigating alleged incidents of post-poll violence, news agency ANI reported.
New Delhi: Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Tuesday (July 6, 2021) met Sonia Gandhi amid the Punjab Congress crisis and said that he is ready for whatever decision the Congress chief takes.

"I had come to meet the Congress president. We discussed internal matters of the party and the development issue of Punjab. Whatever decision she takes as far as Punjab is concerned, we are ready for it," Singh said.

The Punjab CM also added that they are totally geared up for the assembly elections in 2022. However, he refused to comment on the role of Navjot Singh Sidhu in the upcoming polls.

"I don't want to comment on Sidhu, I have come here to strengthen the party," he said.

Had a fruitful discussion with senior Congress colleagues from urban areas of Punjab. We have taken their feedback to strengthen the party at the grassroots level. pic.twitter.com/HfSmKKpqEI  Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) July 1, 2021

This is to be noted that the central leadership had constituted a panel that held talks with Amarinder Singh and MLAs including Navjot Singh Sidhu, who has been articulating his differences with the chief minister.

The central leadership is also reportedly seeking to bring about changes in the state unit by keeping the Chief Minister in the loop while also looking at a balance in terms of caste and community.

(With agency inputs)

Live TV
New Delhi: An artist from UP's Amroha, Zohaib Khan, designed a charcoal portrait to pay tribute to the late legendary actor and Dadasaheb Phalke Awardee Dilip Kumar.

Zohaib used his artistic skills to create a mesmerising charcoal portrait to pay homage to the Tragedy King of Bollywood.

The beautiful design carved using charcoal is what made the entire canvas such a unique tribute, and the strokes used in the portrait highlighted the intricate details perfectly.

The same artist had also earlier created a charcoal portrait for Sushama Swaraj as a tribute and had also made several such portraits of political leaders in the past.

Coming back to Dilip Kumar's demise, the iconic actor breathed his last on Wednesday morning at Mumbai's PD Hinduja Hospital. The 98-year-old actor passed away due to various age-related ailments.

Several politicians and Bollywood celebrities paid their heartfelt condolences on the demise of the legendary actor.

Dilip Kumar is referred to as an institution in himself and he was known to play diverse roles. His filmography shows the range the veteran actor had and this is the main reason why actors across generations look up to him as a role model.

Speaking of Dilip Kumar's contribution to Indian cinema, his career had spanned over six decades.

He acted in over 65 films in his career and is known for his iconic roles in movies like 'Devdas '(1955), 'Naya Daur' (1957), 'Mughal-e-Azam' (1960), 'Ganga Jamuna' (1961), 'Kranti' (1981), and 'Karma' (1986).

His last film was 'Qila', which was released in 1998. He is now survived by his wife and veteran actor Saira Banu.
New Delhi: Veteran actor Dharmendra took to social media on Wednesday to mourn the demise of Bollywood legend Dilip Kumar, who passed away early in the day at the age of 98.

Dharmendra wrote in an Instagram post: "Extremely sad to lose my most affectionate brother in the industry. Jannat naseeb ho, Hamare Dalip Sahab ko (May he rest in heaven)."

Earlier in the day, the 85-year-old actor visited Dilip Kumar's residence to pay his last respect to the deceased and offer condolences to his family.

Dharmendra was seen folding his hands in a namaste to the paparazzi clicking his pictures as he left.

Dharmendra has shared the screen with Dilip Kumar in the Bengali film "Paari" and its Hindi remake "Anokha Milan".

Earlier in the day, Dharmendra's wife, veteran actress Hema Malini took to social media to remember Dilip Kumar.

"Veteran actor, exemplary role model for all heroes,my respected co star in Kranti, Dilip Kumar ji, is no more. I recall a couple of visits to his house & the pleasant meetings I had with him & Saira ji. My heart goes out to Saira ji, his life partner of many years, for this loss," Hema Malini had tweeted.
New Delhi: As the world woke up to the shocking news of the death of the Kohinoor of Indian Cinema Dilip Kumar, tributes pour in from all the corners of the world. Remembering the great actor, the Israeli government on Wednesday expressed their sadness over the death of veteran actor Dilip Saab, and offered their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends.

Taking to their micro-blogging site, the Israeli government through their official 'Israel in India' Twitter page tweeted, We are deeply saddened to hear about the demise of the legendary Indian actor Dilip Kumar Ji. He was famous & admired in Israel as well. We offer our heartfelt condolences & prayers to his family & friends.

      |..

We are deeply saddened to hear about the demise of the legendary Indian actor Dilip Kumar Ji. He was famous & admired in Israel as well. We offer our heartfelt condolences & prayers to his family & friends.       |  Israel in India (@IsraelinIndia) July 7, 2021

Veteran actor Dilip Kumar passed away aged 98 on Wednesday (July 7, 2021) morning. Known as the 'Tragedy King' of Bollywood, Kumar reportedly breathed his last at 7:30 AM on Wednesday, following which several politicians and film fraternity condoled the death of the 'Mughal-e-Azam' actor.

Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu got married in 1966 when the actor was 44 and Saira Banu was 22. The veteran actor was battling health issues for quite some time now and all through this, he had his wife Saira by his side.

Dilip Kumar's career spanned over six decades and was known for his iconic roles in movies like 'Devdas '(1955), 'Naya Daur' (1957), 'Mughal-e-Azam' (1960), 'Ganga Jamuna' (1961), 'Kranti' (1981), and 'Karma' (1986).
New Delhi: Bollywood power-couple Shahid Kapoor and wife Mira Rajput are celebrating their sixth wedding anniversary today, i.e on July 07 (Wednesday).

Sharing her happiness on Instagram, Mira shared a beautiful picture of herself along with her hubby Shahid and wrote, I love you more than words suffice. Happy 6, my love my life..

In the picture, the duo can be seen hugging each other and the couple is all smiles while posing for the camera.

Shahid and Mira got married on July 7, 2015. They are now doting the parents of two kids- and Zain.

The lovebirds are often seen sharing pictures of each other on the internet. Mira and Shahids cute banter is quite famous on social media and their fans cant get enough of it.

On the work front, Shahid has completed shooting for his upcoming project Jersey alongside his father Pankaj Kapur. The film also stars Pankaj Tripathi, and Mrunal Thakur in lead roles.
New Delhi: Indian cinema's one of the most-loved and iconic star Dilip Kumar died on July 7, 2021, at PD Hinduja hospital. The phenomenal star ruled the hearts of his fans across generations.

While the entire nation is mourning the death of the legendary actor, one of the throwback videos of Dilip Kumar with superstar Shah Rukh Khan has gone viral. In the old video, Dilip Kumar can be seen arriving on the stage at Zee Cine Awards 2001 along with his wife Saira Banu and SRK rolls the red carpet himself for their arrival.

The video is getting a lot of attention from the netizens and everyone is appreciating SRK for his kind gesture.

Well, that was the aura and legacy of the late legendary actor Dilip Kumar.

For the unversed, SRK shared a great bond of affection and love with Dilip Saab and his family. He was treated like a family by the power couple. Earlier today, as soon as Shah Rukh heard about the sad demise, he at once arrived at Dilip Kumar's residence to pay his last respects and condolences to Saira Banu.

Earlier when Dilip Kumar was not keeping well some years back, SRK had paid a visit to his house to check on him.

The 98-year-old actor was battling health issues for quite some time now and all through this he had wife Saira Banu and close friends by his side.

Bollywood celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh and several other celebs took to their social media handle to pay their last respects to the late legendary actor.

Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu got married in 1966 when the actor was 44 and Saira Banu was 22.

In a career spanning almost 5 decades, Dilip Kumar worked in 65 movies, reportedly.

May his soul rest in peace!
New Delhi: More than 1.2 crore central employees and pensioners of the central government must be patiently waiting for an important meeting today (June 7) that might decide the rollout of the increased dearness allowance (DA) and dearness relief (DR). The Union Cabinet meeting members are also likely to take a decision regarding the arrears for the two months of July and August. If both the decision goes in the favour of central government employees and pensioners, then they will be able to enjoy increased salaries and pensions starting September 2021.

Union Cabinet to take the final decision

A Union Cabinet meeting is expected to be held under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (July 7). Many are expecting that the Central government might take the final decision regarding the DA hike and arrears in the meeting, according to media reports.

Prior to this, government officials of various departments had met on June 26 to finalise the matter. Officials of the Finance Ministry and DoPT (Department of Personnel and Training), and Cabinet Secretary had participated in the meeting that reportedly decided that dearness allowance and dearness relief will be restored from September 2021. The decision is likely to get final approval from the union cabinet on July 7. Also Read: Action against Stan Swamy strictly as per law: Ministry of External Affairs

DA will increase to 31%

According to Shiv Gopal Mishra, secretary of the National Council of JCM (JCM), employees of the central employees currently get a 17 per cent dearness allowance of their basic salary. But with the latest hike, the DA is likely to increase 31% from the current 17%, ad there are four pending increments that will take place at once. Also Read: Delhi Unlock: Markets, malls reopen, Delhi Metro services resume, CM Arvind Kejriwal urges caution
Dehradun: The Uttarakhand government on Wednesday said that strict action will be taken against the private labs accused of conducting fake COVID-19 tests during the Kumbh Mela that was held in the state between April 1 and 30.

Action will be taken on the basis of the report of the Haridwar District Magistrate, the Uttarakhand Health Secretary was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Action will be taken on the basis of the report of the Haridwar District Magistrate, says Uttarakhand Health Secretary on Kumbh fake test scam  ANI (@ANI) July 7, 2021

Meanwhile, the officer who was appointed as the Mela Officer Health in Kumbh, said in his reply to the Health Directorate that the decision to select the lab to conduct Rapid Antigen Test during Haridwar Maha Kumbh was taken on the instructions of the Health Secretary.

It may be recalled that the Uttarakhand government had recently ordered the Haridwar district administration to file an FIR against some private labs accused of conducting fake COVID-19 tests during the Kumbh Mela.

The preliminary investigation conducted by the Uttarakhand Health Department has found out that at least one lakh coronavirus test results issued by private labs during the Kumbh Mela may have been fake.

According to media reports, more than 4,00,000 OVID-19 tests conducted during Kumbh were allegedly fake. A private firm, Max Corporate Service, Nalwa Laboratories Private Limited of Hisar, and Delhi-based Dr Lalchandani Lab have been reportedly accused of issuing fake negative test reports.

A complaint had been lodged on behalf of Haridwar chief medical officer Shambhu Kumar Jha against these private labs under the Epidemic Diseases and the Disaster Management Acts besides Sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code.

The matter came to light after a man complained to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) that he received a message on his mobile phone about his test report coming negative at the Kumbh even though he had not given a sample for it.

(With Agency Inputs)

Live TV
KOLKATA: In a major development, the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for ''putting the judiciary in a bad light.''

Calcutta High Court's single-judge bench led by Justice Kausik Chanda passed the order while recusing himself from hearing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees election petition challenging BJP leader Suvendu Adhikaris win from the Nandigram Constituency in the recently held state assembly polls.

The amount will be used for lawyers' families who have been affected by COVID-19, the high court bench said.

Calcutta High Court imposes a fine of Rs 5 lakhs on West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee for putting the judiciary in a bad light. The amount will be used for lawyers families who have been affected by COVID19  ANI (@ANI) July 7, 2021

Justice Kausik Chanda was hearing Banerjees petition seeking his recusal from hearing her plea challenging BJP leader Suvendu Adhikaris win from the Nandigram Constituency in the recently held state assembly polls.

It may be noted that Suvendu Adhikari had won the election against Mamata Banerjee by nearly 1956 votes.

Filing an application, the Chief Minister had earlier objected to Justice Chanda hearing her petition citing "likelihood of bias "due to the associations he had with the BJP during his days as a lawyer.''

Expressing his strong displeasure over the issue, the judge said, "The unfortunate part is that the letter written to the acting Chief Justice was leaked with highly confidential contents maligning me."

"I am unable to convince myself that there is a conflict of interest. The applicant has taken too somber a view of the integrity of a Judge. However, I am going to recuse myself from hearing the case,'' Justice Kausik Chanda said. "A deliberate or conscious attempt was made to affect my judgement,'' he added.

The judge decided to recuse himself from the case so that "trouble-mongers" don't get an opportunity to keep the controversy alive. "It will be contrary to the interests of justice if such unwarranted problem continues along with trial," Justice Chanda said while stepping away from the case.

The matter will now be referred to Acting Chief Justice Rajesh Bindal for assigning it to a different bench.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had earlier also written a letter to the Acting Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court Rajesh Bindal urging him to reassign her election petition to another judge (other than Justice Kausik Chanda) to avoid prejudice against herself.

Live TV
NEW YORK: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres denounced the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise on Wednesday while the UN Security Council expressed deep shock, sorrow and sympathy over Moise`s death.

"The perpetrators of this crime must be brought to justice," Guterres` spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement. "The United Nations will continue to stand with the Government and the people of Haiti."

Speaking for the Security Council, French UN Ambassador Nicolas de Riviere, president for July, expressed the body`s deep shock, sorrow and sympathy.

Diplomats said the 15-member council was likely to meet in the coming days to be briefed on the assassination.

"We all knew it was sensitive and difficult on the ground in Haiti, in view of the political situation and the security situation. This puts that in even graver danger than before," Ireland`s UN Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason told reporters.

"I would expect that there will be a meeting in the coming days," she said, describing it as "a dark hour" for the people of Haiti and important that the council expresses support. Ireland is currently a Security Council member.

Haitian Prime Minister Claude Joseph urged the Security Council to meet as soon as possible and called on the "international community to launch an investigation into the assassination."

The Security Council last week said in a statement it was deeply concerned by the "political, security, and humanitarian conditions in Haiti and stressed the primary responsibility of the government of Haiti to address the situation."

A UN political mission is in Haiti to work with the government to strengthen political stability and good governance, human rights protection and justice reform and to help with the holding of free and fair elections.

UN peacekeepers were deployed to Haiti in 2004 after a rebellion led to the ouster and exile of then-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. It was the only UN peacekeeping mission in the Americas until it was closed in 2019.
Beijing: China appears to be preparing to ramp up its involvement in Afghanistan amid US troops withdrawal -- with Beijing eyeing the war-torn nation for investment and influence opportunities. According to The New York Post, in recent weeks, Beijing has been vocal in slamming the United States for pushing forward with its troop withdrawal, citing the deteriorating situation on the ground.

Still, it had not made any public commitments regarding a response. US President Joe Biden has set a deadline of September 11 for the final pullout of the few remaining troops from Afghanistan. Citing the media reports, the Newspaper outlet reported that the Kabul authorities have become much more deeply engaged with Chinese leaders as the two work toward a deal to invest in Afghanistan`s infrastructure through China`s international "Belt and Road Initiative."

As per the outlet, the trillion-dollar program has funded multiple projects -- generally focusing on hard infrastructures like airports, roads, and seaports -- throughout Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It has been used by the Chinese Communist Party to grow its influence by providing infrastructure loans to poorer countries in return for control over local resources. The media report stated that the deal would extend the USD 62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the Beijing-led initiative.

"There is a discussion on a Peshawar-Kabul motorway between the authorities in Kabul and Beijing," New York Post quoted the sources. "Linking Kabul with Peshawar by road means Afghanistan`s formal joining of CPEC," it said.The outlet further reported that last month, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian confirmed that China and Afghanistan were having discussions on a CPEC extension, though he declined to discuss the matter in detail.

Live TV
New Delhi: Alleging that his arrest in Dominica for illegal entry was "dictated" by representatives of the Indian government, absconding diamantaire Mehul Choksi has filed a case in the high court of Roseau, seeking to quash the proceedings against him, local media there reported.

The case was filed against the immigration minister of the Caribbean nation, its police chief and the investigating officer of the case.

Choksi had gone missing from Antigua and Barbuda, where he had been living since 2018 after his escape from India. He was arrested on May 23 in neighbouring Dominica for illegal entry. He was declared a prohibited immigrant by the Ministry of Immigration in Dominica.

The 62-year-old diamantaire wanted in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore scam in the Punjab National Bank has approached the high court in Dominica, alleging that the decision of Lincoln Corbette, Acting Chief of Police in Roseau, and investigating officer Sergeant Alleyne to charge him for illegal entry was "not a product of their independent judgement".

"...They allowed themselves to be dictated by third parties, representatives of the Indian government...," Choksi alleged.

Seeking to quash the proceedings against him, Choksi pleaded before the high court that the decision to charge him for illegal entry was violative of law and accordingly, null and void, Caribbean media outlet Nature Isle News reported.

Choksi said he is a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda, where he has challenged a move to extradite him.

He claimed that he was kidnapped from Antigua and Barbuda and forcibly brought to Dominica by Indian men.

Choksi claimed that he had narrated his ordeal to the Dominican police but they did not launch an investigation into his allegations.

"The arrest and prosecution of the applicant is an abuse of the process of the court because the police who charged the applicant participated in and/or colluded with the applicant's kidnappers in and/or condoned the forced entry of the applicant into Dominica," he said.

His lawyers on Tuesday told the magistrate court where his case of illegal entry is going on that they have filed the plea in the high court.

Choksi has sought a 'permanent order staying the criminal charge' brought against him for illegal entry.

He has also sought a court order stating that the minister of immigration and national security declaring him an illegal immigrant was a breach of the principles of natural justice, and is accordingly null and void, and of no effect, the website reported.
Karachi: Pakistan`s Sindh Irrigation Minister Sohail Anwar Khan Siyal on Tuesday (July 6) warned that the province is heading fast towards famine due to the water shortage.Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, the irrigation minister said Sindh province only has 10 days of water reserves and the Pakistan Meteorological Department had also expressed fears of severe consequences due to a drought in 10 districts, Geo News reported.

The minister said if there was no rainfall, water for agriculture and human needs would not be available and a severe shortage would affect the districts of Sindh, including Karachi. Siyal blamed the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) for the water shortage and asked Prime Minister Imran Khan-led PTI government in the Centre to refrain from "spreading hatred".

Responding to the Balochistan government`s warning of cutting Karachi`s water supply, he said when Sindh does not have water to fulfil its needs, how will it provide for others, Geo News reported."Sindh and Balochistan are being punished for the incompetence of the Centre," Siyal added.

Earlier, the Balochistan government had warned that it would cut off Karachi`s water supply from Hub Dam, as the provinces quarrelled over water shortage, Geo News reported. Balochistan government`s spokesperson Liaquat Shahwani, addressing a press conference in Islamabad, had blamed the Sindh government for releasing less water to his province.

"Sindh is supplying 42 per cent less water to Balochistan [...] the province is getting only 7,000 cusecs of water from Sindh," the spokesperson said."Chief Minister Sindh (Murad Ali Shah) had refused to provide Balochistan its due share of water," he claimed.

Earlier, this week, experts had also warned that famine-like situations may arise in Pakistan due to the scarcity of water across the country if the issue is not resolved timely.

Live TV
Washington: We all are well aware of the natural disasters that occur on the earth, especially Tsunami. Earthquakes and underwater volcanic eruptions displace enough ocean water to create a Tsunami. But earth is not the only place in the universe that is hit by the huge sky-high water waves of Tsunami.

Scientists at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) reveal that the supermassive black holes may also generate Tsunami-like structures in the universe. Black holes are the mysterious object of the universe. What happens inside them are the mystery itself and scientist assume that black holes may unveil new laws of physics. But some of the phenomena that occur on the earth driven by the known laws of physics can elicit some phenomenons occurring in outer space.

What governs phenomena here on Earth are the laws of physics that can explain things in outer space and even very far outside the black hole, said Daniel Proga, an astrophysicist at the University of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Astrophysicists at NASA have used computer simulations to show that deep in space, tsunami-like structures may form on much bigger scales, from gas escaping the gravitational pull of a supermassive black hole, stated the American space Agency NASA.

Waves, similar to those on the surface of the ocean may be formed at a distance where the spinning disc of a supermassive black hole loses its grip on the surrounding matter and the atmosphere has a relatively cool temperature. These waves can steepen into spiraling vortex structures that can reach a height of 10 light-years above the disk if interact with hot winds (which can be 10x hotter than the sun).

NASA explaining the image said "this illustration shows a supermassive black hole veiled in dust and strange features in nearby gas. High-energy X-rays from the disk surrounding the black hole interact with this gas and give rise to two unusual features: Tsunamis (light blue "waves" above disk) and a Karman vortex street (orange)."

Future missions and studies will unveil the mysteries of black holes and will provide stronger evidence backing the phenomenon.

Live TV
New York: US President Joe Biden has asked young Americans to "think twice" urging them to get vaccinated as the rise of the more transmissible Covid-19 Delta variant now accounts for 50 per cent of virus cases in many parts of the country. He said the United States is predicted to reach the mark of 160 million fully vaccinated Americans by the end of this week.

In a statement on Tuesday, the White House said, "By the end of this week, we`ll have reached the mark of 160 million fully vaccinated Americans. And that`s a goal I set in March that I`m thrilled we`re going to hit just a few days after July the Fourth. So, we will have 160 million fully vaccinated Americans -- up from roughly 3 million when we took office five months ago."

Earlier, the Biden administration has fallen short of the July 4 COVID vaccination goal to have 70 percent of Americans at least partially vaccinated. Just over 67 percent of American adults have had at least one Covid-19 vaccine and more than 157 million Americans are fully vaccinated as of Tuesday morning, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Reiterating his plea for Americans to get vaccinated, Biden said, "Millions of Americans are still unvaccinated and unprotected. And because of that, their communities are at risk. Their friends are at risk. The people they care about are at risk. This is an even bigger concern because of the Delta variant."

He further said, "Study after study after study has shown that, since early May, virtually every COVID-19 hospitalization and death in the United States has been among the unvaccinated," adding "Now we need to go to the community by community, neighborhood by neighborhood, and oftentimes, door to door -- literally knocking on doors -- to get help to the remaining people protected from the virus."

"My administration is doing everything it can to lead a whole-of-government response at the federal, state, and local levels to defeat the pandemic. But we need everyone to do their part. Millions of Americans have already done that. We have to keep it up though. We have to keep it up until we`re finished," Biden said, adding "The best thing you can do to protect yourself and your family and the people you care about the most is get vaccinated. The best thing a community can do to protect themselves is to increase vaccination rates."

"So, as we shift from these centralized mass  mass vaccination sites, where we were doing thousands of people a day, were going to put even more emphasis on getting vaccinated in your community, close to home, conveniently at a location youre already familiar with."

The US President's statement elaborated the steps being taken as:



First  first thing were going to do: This includes 42,000 local pharmacies where folks with questions can talk to the pharmacist they know and already have done  dealt with. These locations overwhelmingly allow you to walk in without an appointment, get the vaccination when youre picking up your prescription or just going in to get toothpaste or something else you need from a drug store.

Second, my team is going to place renewed emphasis on getting the vaccines to more and more family doctors and healthcare providers so more Americans can get this shot at their doctors office from the folks that they know and they trust the most.

Third thing were going to do: Were going to step up efforts to get vaccines to your family doctors and other doctors who serve younger people so that adolescents ages 12 to 18 can get vaccinated and  as they go for back-to-school check-ups or getting ready for their physicals they need for fall sports.

Fourth, were also intensifying our efforts to meet people where they are, outside of their neighborhoods  pharmacies and doctors offices. This includes continuing to work with employers to make vaccination shots available at work  on the worksite, if possible  or  and/or give their employees paid time off to get vaccinated at a nearby facility.

And fifth and finally, were sending out more mobile clinic  more mobile clinic units out there to help people at special events, summer festivals, sporting events, as well as places of worship, wherever we can find people gathered.

Live TV